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SCREEN
STAGE
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Publlihed WMkly at iH Wait 48th' 6tmt,'N«.« T6Tk,'N.VT» by '.Variety,, ina Annual anbKrlptlon, tli), B1d(I« eopM IS oenta.
Enterad aa aecond-elaaa matter Dscerabfr ^t,- ItOS, at tll6 Pogt Oftica at Naw Tork. N. T., undar fot-ol Uaroli I, liTt. '
. COrrBIOHTr BT.TABJgiyy, DtO,^ AIX BICHTfl BESKBTBD. • ,
VoL 133 No. n
NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1939
66 PAGES
Atldnsoa Walk, Lockridge Top N.
Drama Critics in Agency Importance
From ■ ticket broker stuadpolnt
th« three most Influential- New Yoric
legit critics are Brookr Atkinson, of
the Times; Richard- Watts. Jr» of the
Herald-Tribime, and Richard Lock-
ridge, of the Sun. It's pointed out
that other critics, Including those on
magazines, and the various column-
ists, commentators^ etc^ have a sec-
ondary effect, but that the above-
named three exert the most imme-
diate force.
According to William IiIcBrlde, of
the McBride agency, a favorable
review from Atkinson or Watts
brings an instantaneous flurry of
calls for tickets as soon as the office
op'ens in the morning. Approving no-
tice from Lockridge draws a similar
flood of orders during the late after-
noon and early, evening.
lIcBride explains that the com-
parative failure of the other review-
ers to be felt at the b.o. Isn't a re-
flection on their critical ability, but
simply results frotn the fact that
their papers haven't the 'class' cir-
culation of the Times, Trlb and Sim.
Or to put it another way, the ma-
jority of theatregoers who patron-
(Continued on page 54)
bdiar and Brisson's
International Theatres
For Paris and London
Paris, Feb. 28.
Paris will have an International
theatre. In name at least, if the
plans of Ernst Lothar, Viennese
writer, critic and theatre director,
pan out.
Director of the Joseph theatre In
Vienna, and a victim of the ansch-
luss, Lothar has setUed In Paris
with his wife, the actress, Adrienne
Gessner, and is presently sounding
out the town. His idea Is to present
to' Paris audiences where possible
the best international hits of the
year regardless of where they orig-
inate.
Brisson's Int'I Theatre
liOndon, Feb. 28.
Carl Brisson, Danish musical com-
-cdy stari- is planning-to' establish an
International theatre here.
His idea is tc present plays, to be
changed monthly, by world-famous
authors.
Legit Clacqnes?
First nlghters at the Broadway
premieres during the past month or
so strongly suspect that claques are
J>eins employed. It's been noticed
that some amount of cheering fol-
lows the final curtains and ob-
servers believe It's comhig from
plants.
The bravos have been emanating
chiefly from the rear rows.
'39 Hilarity
Axiom going around in the ex-
ecutive end of Broadway show
biz is to the effect:
'It used, to be a lot of fun to
make money; nowadays. It's a
lot of fun for a business man it
he breaks even.'
FEMMES DO N. Y.
FOR COLLEGE
CREDITS
Stevens College, of Columbia, Mo.,
will have 520 of its girl imdergrad-
uates in New York this weekend (4)
for a five-day round of the opera,
legit theatres and night clubs, \?lth
the tour coming under the head of
extra-curricular education. Barry
Kolloway, former NBC p.a. and now
doing a similar chore for the college,
was in last week making the w-
rangeihents.
This is the Institution where
Maude Adams has been giving a
course in dramatics and where
Sheila Barrett delivered a series of
lectures on the art of the diseuse.
MASQUERS FRAME AIR
SHOW, COLLIER AS M.C.
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Masquers, Coast counterpart of the
Lambs club, have of a sudden become
radio conscious and a committee is at
work to see if a plan for a show of
their own Is feasible and if there are
any loose sponsors lying around.
Checkup of talent revealed that there
is more than enough to go around.
If It comes to a head, Willie Collier
will m.c. Charles Vanda, brother
Masquer, is slated to produce.
Dave Thompson, committee head,
is anxious to get started and have a
series in shape for summer replace-
ment of one of ihe biggies. Success
of Screen Guild show for Gulf is said
to have awakened Masquers to the
vast possibilities of radio.
Fairbanks, TJnltd.
■ Salt Lake aty, Feb. 28.
The Fairbanks family, reputedly
listing among other w.Ic personages
the film stars, Douglas Sr. and Jr.,
Saturday (25) incorporated In Salt
Lake county.
Formal tag of the non-profit cor-
poration, formed for 09 years, is the
Fairbanks Family of the West
No. 1 Gayway Grosser la
Undraped Sideshow —
Snake Show and Ripley
Also OK B.O. — Expo
Grabs Almost 500,000
Payees First Week
PEELER WOOS N. Y.
San Franciscoi Feb. 28,
Frisco exposition attendance the-
first seven days, exclusive of pass^,
totaled 452,393; Approximately 40,-
000 kids attended the Fair on dime
day, Washington's Birthday (22).
Top draw on the Gayway (mid-
way) is Sally Rand's Nude Ranch,
which grossed $40,000 In eight days.
CUfl Wilson's Snake Show has played
to over 0% of fair's total attendance
at a dime a head. Robert Ripley's
Oddltoriimi with a $3,500 weekly nut
grabbed around $8,000. Infant In-
cubator concession took about $5,000.
'Cavalcade of Golden West,' expb-
financed specta'.-le, is a slow stai'ter,
i'ust about made its nut which is
1,400 a day.
N. T. DIeker
Sally Rand may go into the New
York World's Fair, having conferred
Monday (27) with Maurice Mermey,
director of concessions, and John
Krlfflsky, director of entertainment
She outlhied several ideas which will
be considered by the exposition's
amusement board in the next few
days.
' Miss Rand was taken on a tour of
inspection of exposition grounds. She
planed back to the Coast Monday
night ' She has her own D(n)ude
Ranch operating at the San Fran-
cisco fair, but this would not inter-
fere with her personal appearances
at the N.Y. expo.
Shortly before leaving for Frisco
Monday (27) night Miss Rand was
served with papers in a If- su-
preme court suit by Billy Rose
charging that her (D(n)ude Ranch at
tb S. F. expo is an infringement of
an idea owned by Rose, and put on
by him at the Fort Worth Texas
Centennial in 1936.
N. Y. Fair's Handling
Of the Press WiU
Be Host Elaborate
Details for handling the press at
the New York World's Fair have
been worked out by Perley Boone,
exposition's advertising - publicity
chief; Grover Whalen, president of
the fair, and a committee represent-
ing New York newspaper men. Writ-
ers and photographers covering the
fair will have a full floor in the re-
(Continued on page 55)
SlunvoodOJLV Early FUiig Of
'Abe' as Trafler fw Demooracy
Quick Poison
iicho Marx, reputedly al-
f'fo Columbia pictures, was
steered into' a Hollywood pre-
view party and, of all things, it
happened to be a Harry 'Cohn
special. No sooner was the ini-
tial title flashed when Groucho
turned to his companion and
observed:
'Drags, doesn't it?'
PRIIE FIGHT'S
TELECASTING
IRKSEXHIBS
London, Feb. 28.
British .exhibitors are jittery over
what the newspapers regard as a
highly successful televising of the
Eric Boon-Arthur Danahar flght
Thursday (23), shown for public
exhibition In three London picture
houses. Showmen regard this as a
breach of truist by the British Broad-
casting Corp., but BBC states it's
merely an experiment and not to be
regarded as a precedent
Understood Gaumont-Britlsh, using
the Baird system, paid $5,000 for the
television rights and $1,250 for the
newsreel rightq. Jack Davis re-
ported having paid $1,000 for visio
rights to his one house, using the
Scophony system.
Likelihood Gaumont will float a
stock issue on the Baird system.
New slant on permit given to G-B
to televize the Boon-Danahar flght
is that boxing promoters see In this
a possible way of raising bigger
(Ck>ntinued on page 2)
ROCKEFELLERS TO EASE
ALL AGENTS OUT OF R.C
The Rockefellers put the frown on
the talent agents occupying Radio
City, particularly the RKO Bldg.
It's now made plain by the K.C. rent-
ing agents that no more talent reps
will be rented space in any of the
development's structures. What's
more, those agents now occupying
office space will have to move when
present leases expire.
Reason for the present and future
ban on agents is, according to offi-
cials, that an undesirable element
(meaning actors and musicians) are
cluttering the buildings' corridors
and elevators. It's giving Radio City
a very cafeteria flavor, th6y say,
whereas the Rockefellers want to
keep R. C. in the uppercrust class.
Robert E. Sherwood has decided
to permit release of the fllm version
of his play, 'Abe Linc9ln In iUinois,'
next October. Reason Is that ha
believes the International situation
is too serious for. Lincoln's sen- ,
timents about democracy to be with-
held from the sci^een's vast world
audience. Decision Is seen likely to
cost the dramatist upwards of $100,-
()00 in royalties. . ■
Sale of the playts film rights to
Max Gordon Plays and' .Pictures^
Inc., for $275,000 is set as reported
here foUr weeks- ago. Only impor-
tant changes in the deal are the ear-
lier release date,'and"{he decision to
produce' the picture oti the Coast
instead of on Long Island. As stated
before, RKO will participate in th*
financing of the screen rights' pur-
chase and the production budget a*
well as distribute the picture. Be-
sides doing the adaptation, Sher-
wood will okay the choice of di-
rector.
Previous plan had been to withhold
release of- the fllm until the play
had exhausted ..its run on both
Broadway and the r^ad. Now flgured
on producing ttie picture this sum-
mer, using' Rayiootid Massey in tha
lead and a- number 'of the original
cast then resumlpg the run at tha
Plymouth N. Y. Instead of sending
out a rdad company, as first planned,
the idea is to send the present com-
pany on tour when New York busi-
ness slackens. Since release of tha
fllm In Chicago will be delayed
until April of next year, an extended
run of the play there is indicated.
Although It Is thought likely that
the original company would not ba
hit so much by- a screen version
(Continued on page 20)
Jitterbug Turnover
Creates a New Kind
Of Giveaway for Kids
House managers' trouble in cop?
ing with the jitterbug trade is get-
ting more acute lately. The Fox,
Philadelphia, with Artie Shaw's band
as the current attraction, is resort-
ing to a trick to stop kids from
staying for two and three shows.
It's giving away pennants with
Shaw's picture to youttgsters who
stay for only one show. ..
In' New York, complaints from pa-
trons forced to wait too long for seats
resulted in management pleading for
a break from the stage of the Strand,
last week, where Kay Kyser holds
forth.
Americanism Stuff
'American Way* candy bar is to be
put out by Charms,. Inc. Already
bought rights to the play title.
Hershey is putting small Ameri-
can fiags in all candy bars. After
collecting a hundred, buyer can ob-
tain a real sUk flag.
VARIETr
PICTURES
Wednesday, Marcli. I, I939
Baird Visio to Enter U. S. Dnring
N. Y Jain WiU InM Theatres
Baird Television, in which Gau
mont-British holds a controlling in
terest, announced it was making
plans to enter the television field in
the U. S. last week. Announcement
by Ian Javal, commercial director of
Baird, was tied in the revelation that
Gaumont-British equipped three
London theatres with television ap-
paratus and successfully showed 75
minutes of the British lightweight
flght (of Feb. 23) on theatre screens.
Javal said negotiations have been
■tarted to acquire a Broadway thea-
tre for showing Baird television dur-
ing the New York World's Fair.
Scale of prices not revealed, but it
was explained that programs shown
oa theatre screeh would be furnished
by the Baird transmitter and port-
able television outfit It was not ex-
plained how FCC approval was go-
ing to be obtained for this.
Great Britain Is ahead of all coun-
tries in television, according to Javal.
He said that there were about 2,000
gets in use in England at the present
time, with about 40% of these Baird
cets.
It was explained that the success
of the Baird large screen had decided
Isidore Ostrer, head of Gaumont-
British, to equip the full G-B circuit
o< about 400 theatres with television
as soon as possible. Javal said that
Baird Intended to manufacture tele-
vision equipment in this country,
and that first test equipment would
arrive in N. Y. in a few weeks.
. Baird theatre television screen is
12 by 15 feet in size. Although the
system uses a cathode-ray tube, it is
actually smaller than those on many
hmne sets, the giant image being ob-
tained through an eiriiorate system
of optical lens enlargements.
Par-DmnoBt's Visio
Trailers; Ldnnans'
(1,000,000 Bond Issue
Coincident with decision to ex-
ploit Paramount pictures through
spedally-produiicd television trail-
ers, it was reported yesterday
(Tues.) that Lehman Bros.,' down-
town banking house, had under con-
sideration a prospective bond issue
of $1,000,000 for the Allen Dumont
Television Co., of which Par is a
50% owner. Bonds, if and as issued,
would be cwvertible into stock un-
der certain conditions.
.Announcement yesterday afternoon
(Tues.) concerning special trailers
for televising that would, be in the
nature of merchandising Par prod-
uct came from Nell F. Agnew, sales
V. p. Two Par pictures now being
figured as starters are 'Union Pacific'
and 'Midnight'
Dumont ^has. a license covering an
experimental transmitter at Mont-
dahr, N. J., where it makes head-,
quarters. This transmitter as well
as other broadcasting outlets would
he used for the trailers.
Dumont receiving sets are now on
sale in some New York stores.
Hunt; Up to Bum
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Hollywood players are devel-
oping an inward sunburn over a
quip on the air by Jimmie Fid-
ler. Commenting on high-strung
actors, he wound up his evening
stint 'with, 'no actor could be
strung up high enough to suit
me.' •
Some of the boys and girls of
the film colony are demanding
that the Screen Actors Guild hop
on the radio chatterer.
Mae West's Unit, As
Yet Unformed, Set
For Flock o' Dates
Mae West comes into New York
late this week from the Coast to
confer with th« William Morris of-
fice on the framing of a stage unit
aroimd her. Unusual feature of this
is that several dates, calling for guar-
antees and percentages, have already
been contracted for despite the fact
that the show is istill only a thought
' Unit has been booked to open
March 17 at the Fox, Brooklyn. This
house, a straight .picture spot, is
booking the West unit as a special
attraction. From Brooklyn, Miss
West goes to the Paramount, New-
ark, and then plays the Paramount,
Atlanta, week of April 8.
Interstate circuit in Texas gets the
unit for three weeks, opening Hous-
ton April 17, with San Antonio and
Dallas following In that order. Defi-
nite bookings have also been set with
RKO f6r the^ Palace theatres in Chi-
cago and Cleveland, but the dates
are stiU .tentative.
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Mae West trained east Monday
(27) to open a personals' tour. James
Timony, her biz manager, accom-
panledJ
Roach's 2-Mo. Eclipse
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Hal Roach lot goes dark today (28)
for two months with wadiup of 'Cap-
tain Futy.'
Personnel stripped down to skele-
ton crew imtU 'Water Gypsies' gets
under way in May.
LEGAL IDTEBlIEIiT
Los Angeles, Feb. 28.
Myron Selznick's profit-sharing
production plans were officially
buried with the filing of a certifi-
cate dissolving Ernst Lubitsch Pro-
ductions, Inc. '
Company was organized last Au-
gust with LUbitsch, Selzhick, Vivian
Lubitsch and Nat Deverich named
as directors.
Telecasting
(Continued from page 1)
SAIUNtiS
April 26 (London to New York)
Charles Tucker (Normandie).
March 2 (London to New York)
Godfrey Tearle, Margaret Rawlins,
Anthony Ireland, Lauier Lister,
Marda Vanne, H; G. Stoker, Felix
Aylmer, Roger Maxwell, Desmond
Roberts, Leo Genn (President Hard-
ing).
Feb. 25 (New York to London)
Mr. and Mrs. Yehudl Menuhln, Har-
riet Cohen, Richard Collet, Mrs.
Moshe Menuhin (Queen Mary).
Feb. 25 (London to New York)
Boris Morros, Bnmo Walter, Vi
Bradley (Aqultania).
purses for future battles. Fee they
receive from the theatres for the
visio. rights would assure a healthy
sum over and beyond the actual
• gate.
Already angling with this bait is
J. E. Harding, general manager of
National Sporting CHub, who plans
by selling visio rights of the fight to
raise $175,000 with which to tempt
Joe Louis to this side.
There are only three visio screens,
but G-B is raring to go with bigger
installations as . soon as question of
further permits can be cleared up
with the British Broadcasting Corp,
Scophony, too, is readying to switch
into the Odcon in Leicester Square
as soon a it sees which way the \vind
is blowing.
SKEWABT-WINTEB TO WFJ)
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Donald Ogden Stewart and Lenore
Winter have filed notice in Ventura,
Cal.', of. intention to wed.'
She is widow of Lincoln Steffens.
NO FORCING OF
SHORTS INM
As a sop to the Government mo-
nopoly suit and exhib charges of
unfair selling practices, shorts will
be divorced from the sale of feature
pix by major distribs next season,
according to plans presently under
discussion. Short subjects, tuder the
projected scheme,, will be lifted en-
tirely out of the block-booking cate-
gory, each one being sold on its owa
One of the results of the new pol-
icy will be a slash in the number of
shorts produced. At Paramount, Lou
Diamond, chief of shorts production,
lias already received word from his
sales department that if it is neces-
sary to sell each film separately, the
number produced will have to be
cut down. Same, it is expected, will
apply at other companies.
Although not designed primarily
for that reason, new single-film sales
policy will give all concerned a
chance to study on a small ' scale
the workings of such a plan. There
are, of course, many more complica-
tions in the feature aspect of such a
policy than in shorts, but it is felt
nevertheless, that the experience will
be valuable if and when any of the
current anti-block booking bills
should eventually pass.
Reports that WB, and perhaps
other studios, would cut out shorts
production altogether after April 15
because of the monopoly suit, have
been denied. Warners regularly
ceases production during the sum-
mer. Shutdown this year, as usual,
will take place in May or June, when
production is completed on the pres-
ent schedule. Others companies will
go right ahead.
Particularly big this season are
band shorts made in the east With
terrif Interest all over the country
in swing, In all its forms, and the
organizations which provide it, these
shorts have been ■ in constant de-
mand. Par stuck to the usual 15 per
year it produces at Long Island,
while WB has upped by five its nor-
mal schedule of. 13.
Just completed at Far are shorts
featuring Hoagy Carmicbael and
Artie Shaw. Carmichael pic, in
which he batons Jack Teagarden's
crew through eight of his own com-
positions, will be released during the
summer. Shaw flick may be held
as the opener for the next sales sea-
son.
Diamond is currently ogUng
Charlie Barnet, now at the Fa-
mous Door, 52d street, N. Y., swing
spot,~for his next band film.
ARRIVALS
(At the Port of Weto York;
Katherine Brown, Sonja Henle,
Marc Connelly, Lee Shubert, John
Shubert, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Sha
bert, Gloria Swanson.
BBC CENSUS CHECKS
ON GROWTH OF VISIO
London, Feb. 20.
With a view to checking on the
growth of visio and building a ready
index to size of the field, the British
Broadcasting Corp. is starting a vol-
untary register of . home viewers,
planning additionally a census
among all receiver owners.
Campaign began last week with
an announcement put on the screens
during normal programs, when
viewers were invited to submit their
names and addresses to the BBC
Television Director. Also hidicated
that register will be made the means
of checking likes and dislikes.
Other News of Interest to Films
Franco seen favoring dictator countries Page 13
Lulse Rainer's London play ....Page 13
New Priestley play falters Page 13
Viennese like U. S. film origir^l.': page 13
Bob Goldstein bankrupt,. Page 25
Burns, and Allen east .Page- 25
Lasky's 'Gateway' renewed... Page 27
Skip worth package Page 27
Radio reviews: Al Jolson, Raymond Paige-Hildegarde, Johnny
Green, Fred Allen, Miliza Korjus, 'Good News,' Helen
Hayes, Hedda Hopper, Burns and Allen, Bob Crosby,
Henry Fonda ' .Page 28
Jack Haley may go off Pagfe 30
New acts: Tony Martin, Frank Albert.^on : ....Page 42
Legit review: 'Rebellion in Shadow' (Elissa Landi). ....;....:Page 50
" ■■ ■ ■ ' ' •■ ' ■ ■
Reason Enoi^ to Stay East
Murray Silverstbne, general manager of United Artists, was smitten
with a new finding on hli recent Coast vlsit^^tliat almost all of the
studio biihch seem aiudoui about the way their pictures open in only
tbrea spots, and then the Interest seems to wane. These high spots are
naturally first on Broadway; then, bow they're doing in Hollywood's
back-yard, meaning Los Angeles, and the third spot is the surprise-
how they fare on the Paris boulevards.
No explaining the Paris thing, says Silverstone. Why It's not Lon-
don, or, more logically, Chicago, the second largest key, finds no
answer.
This goes not only for UA's producers, but the colony in general,
'And that,' says Silvarstone, 'is the best answer why film executive
headquarters will never shift to the Coast, as some proponents have
hoped for, off and on. When the producers have that conception of
distribution values, that's the best reason why distribution had better
remain headquartered in New York, as is.'
U. S. Revenue Man Amplifies On
Deductable Items by Pirof essionals
Two GN Sales Heads
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Morris Safler and Sol Edwards
were upped to temporary jobs as
western and eastern sales managers
for Grand National.
Pair will work directly under
Proxy Earle W. Hammons until he
appoints a successor to Ed Alperson,
resigned distribution head.
Jim Tolly's Allergic;
To MMy, Wben Not
Aothorized; 50G Suit
Jim Tully on Thursday (Feb. 23)
filed a blD of particulars in the N. Y.
Federal Court listing the publica-
tions in which, he was stated to be
connected with William K. Howard's
indie production of 'Home Town'
(shice retitled 'Back Door to
Heaven'). Tully's bill asserts that
the publicity matter linking him
with the film was released by the
Odessco and Paramount's publicly
departments. He claims that more
publicity emerged from a p.a. oflice
at the instigation of Howard or
Odessco.
Tully claims that over 1,000 papers
throughout the country printed the
story. In conjunction with the filing
of the bill of particulars, Tully filed
a demand for a jury trial.
He is suing Howard, Odessco Pro-
ductions, Inc., and Paramount Pic-
tures, Inc., for $50,000 charging the
u^uthorized use of^Ws name in
connection with "Home Town,"
The Master's Touch
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Editing of 'Man of Conquest,' most
important picture produced by Re-
public, will be supervised personally
by Herbert Yates, chairman of the
board.
Yates is vacationing' in Arizona
and is due in Hollywood Friday (3)
when the shooting on '(inquest'
winds up.
L. A. to N. Y.
Edward Arnold.
Mary Astor.
Mel Berns.
Nate Blumberg.
Rodney Bush.
Regina (jannon.
Trem Carr.
Earl Carroll.
CJharles Correll.
Jack Chertok.
Ramos Cobian.
Lester Cowan.
Charles E. McCarthy,
Jack Lait
Laurence Olivier.
Flora Robson.
Ann Ronnell.
Roy Rowland.
James Timony.
Gene Towne.
. James UDman.
Mae West
N. Y. to L. A.
Emile Boreo.
Joseph I, Breen,
Doris Dudley.
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
Clifford Goldsmith.
E. W. Hammons.
Sonja Henie.
S. R. Kent.
Wayne Morris.
Maurice Rapf,
Budd Schulberg.
Milton Shubert
PhyUU Welch.
By H. Wayne Pierson
f General Deputv Collector o/
InttTMiX Revenue)
While on duty at the VAntETY of-
fice during the income tax filing sea-
son last year we listed the questions
asked most frequenUy. To obvlato
these questions this year . and to
allow the Taxpayer to assemble his ■
data before coming to the Vadiett
office for free a^stance, we are
arranging a list . of questions- and
answers that should help.
Q. What are my personal exemp-
tions?
A. If single .or separated from
wife, $l,0Od exemption (alimony or
separation allowance not consid-
ered). If children, $400 for each
child under 18, or if mentally or
physically luflt, may be over 18.
Must be chiei support of child, how-
ever. Others chiefly dependent;
whether related or not, even though
not living with taxpayer, may be
considered as a $400 deduction. U
married, living together, $2,500, plus
$400 for each dependent
Q. 'TJhat business expenses are
deductable?
A. Cost of accountant; autoihor.
bile, if used for business; attorneyi^
fee^ if connected with profession;
managers', booking agents', or
brokers' commissions; costumes, ' in-
cluding up-keep; depreciation on
musical Instruments or stage equip-
ment; dues for professional member-
ships and labor imions; entertain-
ment of newspaper representatives'
[not Including VABiEnr muggs]; ex-
penses of consultations with authors
and directors; taxi fares and general
expenses when playiiig benefits; ex-
pense of musical arrangements; in-
surance On practically all items ' but .
life insurance; all publicity expenses.
Including lobby displays, fan mail,
theatre tickets, flowers, etc.; sub-
scriptions for trade papers and mag-
azines; acrobats may charge off gym-
nasium expenses, if required, when
laying off; all studio costs and office
rental; salaries of secretary, substi-
tute performers, supplies (includ-
ing stationery, postage, sheet music,
phonograph records and printed
forms). The main items of travel-
ling expenses while away from home
are all deductable. They include
railroad fares, hotel, meals, transfer,
telegrams and telephone, tips, pass-
port fees and Pullman fares.
It is often the rule rather than the
exception that professional people
are asked to explain in detail their
deductions. It is well, therefore, to
keep a set of books so that all items
may be audited by the Tax Depart-
ment if you are called on to explain
any . of your deductions. A .small
cash book kept up daily ■will elimi-
nate a lot of trotdile and possibly an
extra assessment
The tex service in the New 'York
office of Vahiety, 154 West 46th
Street, will be in effect from now
until March 15, from 9 until 4:30
daily. The service is free, and all
forms are available.
WB's Talent Load
HoUywood, Feb. 28.
Latest checkup at Warners shows
65 players and 14 directors cur-
renUy working. Personnel list car-
ries 53 writers, chiefly on a week-
to-week basij, with only a few on
term contract.
Warners plans to feature a dozen
young players, headed by Wayne
Morris, John Wayne, Eddie Albert
and - Jane Bryan, in • "Two Weeks
Vacation.* William McGann ij
slated to direct the picture, based
on Kenyon Nicholson's play.
Wednesday, March 1. 1939
PICTURES
VARIETY t
FIX BIZ'S SELF-SHAKEUP
'Code Doesn't Crimp Any Producer/
Rebnttal to Wanger's Diatribe
Walter Wanger's denouncement of
the Hayes office production code as
antiquated and outmoded brought
prompt reply from other picture ex-
ecutives and^ unofllclally, from Hay-
slans themselves. Summary of opin-
ion was that there would be ho
change from the present production
code and that if Wan;ger. wanted to
make propaganda pictures he could
do it today under the code, just so
the films were not dirty
George J. Schaefer, head of RKO,
made it clear that any picture pro-
ducer has the right to make politic-
ally controversial pictures If he
chooses, but 'he should make- them
with his own money and show them
In his own theatres.' Schaefer Indi-
cated that such producer has no right
to use stockholders' coin for propa-
gandizing.
Hayslans quickly pointed out that
the production code does not bar
propaganda but that in such cases
the Hays office does not take re-
sponsibility for the picture. Hays
organization long has contended that
It is up to the individual producer
and. distributor to decide what type
of film he wants to make, the FCA
officials merely advising what may
happen to certain films In specific
territories when completed.
'If a producer has an axe to grind.
It is merely a question of whether
he can get the money necessary to
instill his ideas into a production,'
one Haysian said. 'Such pictures
•ometimes play to empty houses be-
cause after all the public Is Inter-
ested in being entertained — they
want no lectures or morals taught to
them by the screen. I think that is
fhe principal reason major com-
panies don't make outright propa-
ganda pictures; they don't like empty
theatres.'
DIeta««r SensltiviUes
As to the question of making
anti-dictator productions, Hayslans
pointed out that much of the foreign
market has to be considered. It Is
not Just a question of losing the
Italian and German market but los-
ing out in Roumania, Cliina, Japan,
most of Central and South America,
Mexico, Turkey, the Near East,
Poland and numerous other nations
where dictator forms of government
txlst
One foreign department executive
was dubious if anti-dictator films
would be tolerated even in the Brit-
(Continued on page 38)
New Condor Reorg Plan
Los Angeles, Feb. 28.
Hearing on reorganization plan
for Condor Pictures is set for April
3 before Federal Judge George Cos-
grove. Submitting the plan is a
committee composed of R. S.
Rodgers, Paul Atkinson, Simeon
Aller, Consolidated Film Industries
and Smith & AUer.
Company was organized in De-
cember, 1936, and went into 77B in
November, 1937;
PAR^S 500G PAYOFF
ON $1388^68 SUITS
Settlement of two suits aggregat-
ing $1,388,368 for $500,000 by Para-
mount Pictures, Inc., was revealed in
the N. Y. federal court yesterday
(Tuesday) when Federal Judge Al-
fred C. Coxe signed an order ap-
proving Special Master John. E,
Joyce's report and OKd the deal,
which was approved by the Para-
mount board of directors. ■
The first claim was for $786,255
by Prudence Co., through the City
Bank Fanners Trust Co., as trustee
of Prudence Bonds Corp.'s first mort-
gage collateral bonds, seventh series.
This claim was based on a lease
guaranteed by Paramount on Flor-
ida theatre property,' for ir^' y^^^^
from March 31, 1927, at an annual
rental of $200,000. Paramount sub-
leased the property to a subsidiary
which defaulted. This claim will be
paid off at $250,000 as of Jan. 1, 1935,
by Issuing $250,000 of 20-year 6%
Sinking Fund debentures.
The second claim is also by Pru-
dence Co., and is for $602,113. It
is based on a guarantee by Para-
mount of a lease on St. Petersburg,
Fla.; property as of Aug. 20, 1926,
for a period of 12 years at $150,000 a
year. This property also was leased
to a subsidiary which defaulted. It
wlU be settled by the issuing and
payment of 2,500 shares of first pre-
ferred stock of Par, having a par
value of $100.
SEE ANTI-TRUST
GOVT SUITS
VS. CHAINS
Washington, Feb. 28.
The trust-busting division of the
U. S. Attorney-General's office is
seething with reports of a series of
suits being mulled or readied
against several theatre chains, all on
alleged restraint charges, and all
stemming from the major anti-in-
dustry action currently pending in
New York Federal District Court
Thurman Arnold, in charge of this
work. Is reluctant to divulge much,
although hinting that evidence for
civil and criminal proceedings has
been in process of ' assemblage.
Some of his aides, however, hint
that the elements of U. S. purse-
strings to further these actions, and
manpower must l>e importantly con-
sidered. Asst' Attorney-General
Arnold makes light of this aspect
The Justice Dept avers that it has
plenty of 'ammunition,' but hasn't
made up its mind as yet what to do
with It
New York legalists, attached to
the Federal service, have hinted
that rather than be faced with sup-
plying elaborate bills of particulars
in the N.Y. suit— as has been or-
dered in the Chi B&K proceeding—
the Department may take this
means with a series of 10 to
20 separate suits in diverse parts
of the country, all more or less
stemming from the theatre restraint
idea.
NAT ROSS, GEO. STEVENS
SET INDIE BANKROLLS
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Two picture financing deals. In-
volving raising of $550,000 in Wall
Street were consummated this past
week by Attorney William B. Jafle.
One deal is for a Nat Ross film for
Columbia release, starring Walter
Connolly, to cost $200,000. Produc-
tion starts in two weeks on this one.
Remaining $350,000 is for William
Stevens, who has a tentative deal
with RKO to do three films In the
•Dr.... Ghrlstlani. series.- -.-Einal. -conr
tracts will be signed in New York
this week.
'Esther' Next Biggie
For DeMilie at Par
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Cecil B. DeMilie retimis to the
Bible for his next Paramount pro-
duction, based on the Book of
Esther, one of the most dramatic
stories of the Old Testament
'Esther,' with a budget of more
than $1,000,000, follows 'Union Pa-
cific' on DeMille's slate. His last
Biblical picture was 'King of Kings.'
ON B.O. LULL
Picture Industry Taking
Stock of ItMlf— Why the
Stotic Bozo£Fice 7 — Audi-
ence Tastes Shifting 7—
Story Appeal, 'Escapist'
ThemeSf Boy -Meets -Girl,
Etc
STIMULUS NEEDED
By SOKE WEAB
In an effort to check the reasons
for the static conditions of the pic-
ture box offices and possibly evolve
an Industry plan for ticket-purchas-
ing revival, major filmdom is taking
stock of audience tastes, shifting
trends in story appeal and investi-
gating what steps, if any, can l>e
taken to revive Interest in screen en-
tertainment The picture: business is
asking many questions on the sub-
ject Just how much entertainment
tastes have changed since 1929? What
constitutes an Ideal screen subject
today? What is needed to obtain ad-
ditional patrons? And what new
methods must be employed to meet
the current situation?
Weekly attendance at picture the-
atres in this country has remained
stationary for nearly three .years.
In the meantime, the nation's popu-
lation has grown from about 120,000,-
000 In 1930 to 130,000,000 In the pres-
ent year. Youngisters of nine years
ago are rated as adult patrons today,
obviously witii different tastes In en-
tertaiinment from their parents. .
Plctiire officials are asking if the
saturation point in audience attend-
ance has been reached. And if so,
what are the picture companies
going to do about it? There seems
little doubt but that both radio and
non-theatrical diversions have cut
into what should have been a normal
hike in patrons.
SatusUMi PoiniT
If the saturation point has been
hit picture executives are beginning
to realize they must adjust their pro-
duction sl^ts. Added factor is that
the returns from the foreign market
remain doubtful and cannot be re-
lied upon for any scientific percent-
age of revenue per picture, as was
possible to estimate heretofore. With
the industry built basically on the
theory of continued expansion, opin-
ion appears unanimous that new
methods or changes must be made to
appeal more to the public. After all,
the only excuse for $1,000,000 or
more costly productions has l>een
that the audience constantly is ex-
panding and revenue continuing on
the upgrade.
Criticism of the industry's prod-
uct now is regarded as having
brought about the Motion Pictures'
Greatest Year campaign, being in
part an answer to this new critical
attitude on the part of the public.
The film business has discovered that
this same public Is shopping about
for Its entertainment.
Entire problem is one which has
not been overlooked by the Hays or-
ganization. WiU Hays pointed out
nearly a year ago that experimental
polls indicated that there are about
-26,000(000-peopl&-over-12-years-of-age-
who attend the film theatre less than
Ave times annually and that there
are millions more who cannot be
considered as regular patrons of pic-
ture shows.
Fonr Thonghts
On the doUar-and-cehts basis, in-
dustry check indicates four possible
means of handling ' the situation.
One is the trimming of production
costs, more difficult now than ever
because of labor unions, etc. An-
other is the use of more freelance
artists and fewer term contracts for
expensive film players, directors,
writers, et al. A third suggested
means is that of turning out the bulk
of a year's program with low-budget
(Continued on page 47)
Despite Bitter Ming, Judge
Bondy Indicates MO Reorg ^
Odium, Schaefer, Depinet top Men
RCA and RKO
In addition to the $500,000 re-
ceived by Radio Corp. of Amer-
ica in 1938, through sale of its
RKO securities to Atlas Invest-
ing Corp., under the -option
which expired June 30, last bal-
ance of RCA's holdings in RKO
will be; converted this year lu-
der tesms of reorganization.
RCA is . to get 44,855 shares of
new RKO preferred stock; 316,-
820 shares of new common and
555,254 option warrants for the
remaining block of RKO securi-
ties it still holds.
FILM COS. WOO
WORTHY PK
MATERIAL
Screen material is getting hard to
find. Winter book catalogs contained
little 'that was considered worth-
while and as for the play market
those worthy of possibilities are
priced too high - or- are hemmed In
with too many restrictions.
Scenario editors consequently
have started an Intensive hunt and
are no longer sitting back waiting
for agents to come to ° tbeni with
literary gems on golden platters.
At 20th-Fox, the company has as-
signed Henry Le Cossett and Peggy
Purdell of the eastern story depart-
ment, under Franklyn Underwood,
to woo publishers, magazbie editors,
authors and agenti for an advance
gander at forthcoming stories. No
legitimate expense is stinted in these
deliberate and frank efforts to estab-
lish favorable contacts. Literary teas
and social functions are regularly
held several times a week.
' Companies like Paramount and
Metro consider the matter Important
enough for heads, of story depart-
ments to play the social game per-
sonally in an effort to ascertain what
the publishers intend to bring out on
spring and summer lists.
Story buys pick up in a big way
around convention time when com-
panies are In need of titles to com-
plete picture portfolios for their
sales forces.
RKO HOLDS McCAREY
AS PROD.-DIREaOR
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
RKO has amended Leo McCarey's
term deal to that of producer-direc-
tor. He stays < at the studio two
years, with options for two more. On
each two year term he is committed
to produce-direct two pictures, and
to produce three others.
Arrangement gives him salary and
percentage of profits on all pictures
he-handles;
McCarey recently completed "Love
Affair' and postpones his China trip
to start on his new contract Imme-
diately.
Cliff Reid started work yesterday
(Mon.) on a one-year renewal of his
producer contract at RKO. First
production under the new deal Is
'The Second Shot.'
Despite a bitter fight on the part
of the three main olqectors to th«
RKO plan of reorganization. Federal
Judge William Bondy oh Monday
(27) stated that after reading tha
submitted papers, he .planned to
overrule objections and' to- confirm
the .plan.
Throughout the day Joseph Cohen,
representing the Independent Stock-
holders Protective Committee, John
S. Stover, representing Ernest W.
Stlm of Milwaukee, Class 'A' stock-
holder, apd Nathan Rosenberg, rep-
resenting H. Cassel ,8c Co., broker-
age house, holders of $175,000 of de-
bentures, hammered away at tha
plan.
Cohen, who was the first speaker,
attacked the appointment of Ferdi-
nand Eberstadt to . tWe board of di-
rectors on the ground that Eber-
stadt's committee for the .protection
of stockholders ■ was financed by
RCA, and had done nothing during
the years the plan 'has been pending
In the court Cohen asked for other
representation and also stated that
his committee had been promised
representation by N. Peter Rathvon
if they withdrew their objections to
the plan.
Judge Bondy, after' listening to
argument pro' and cori on this mat-
ter, asked Interested parties to try
to get together on another selection
whlc'h might prove mutually agree-
able. If not Eberstadt will probably
be approved as the proponents, who
are for him, control over 40% of tho
stock.
-Stover then spoke, repeating hlg
objections outlined at almost every
previous hearing, and objected
strongly to Floyd Odium's proposed
position as chairman of the board.
This objection was later overruled
by -Judge Bondy, who Indicated ho
would approve all directors, with
the exception of Eberstadt
Cant Gnarantce Underwriting
Rosenberg then asked for a guar-
antee from Atlas (Odium) that It
would underwrite the new stock is-
sue for $1,500,000 at a specified date.
This was objected tj strongly by
(Continued on page 22)
Shearer Improved
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Norma Shearer is reported Im-
proved at the Cedars of Lebanon
hospital after running a high fever
that caused alarm.
' She was stricken last week with a
bad throat
Trad* Mark R«c(ater4d
FOONDBD BT SIHJS SILVERMAN
rnbllihed Wecklr bj TABIKTX, iBe.
Sid Silverman. Praaldent.
1S4 West 4ath Street New T6rk City
SUBSCRIPTION
Annnal tlO PorelcD Ill
Single Coplea 21, Canti
VoL 133
.MO
No. 12
INDEX
Bills 46-47
Chatter. 63
Concert 60
Dance Bands ; 38-39
Exploitation 8
15 Years Ago 40
Film Booking Chart. , . 16
Film Reviews. 15
Forum 55
JlduscReviews... .^»^.-,-.-.-.44-46
Inside— Legit 50
Inside — ^Music 37
Inside — Pictures ....... 18
Inside— Radio 30
International News....... 13
Joe Laurie 18
Legitimate ..48-51
Literati 52
Music 37-39
New Acts 42
Night Clubs 40-43
Obituary 54
Outdoors .i 55
Pictures 2-24
Radio 25iS6
Radio Reviews. 28
Radio — International 34
Unit Review 42
Vaudeville 40-43
VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesdajf March 1, 1939
(Warners Grab Otf Seven Oscars,
MG Five; Capra, Davis, Tracy Repeat
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
That old song, 'Oscar Is. Coming to
Our House,' was warbled more vol-
ubly by Warners this year than by
any other motion picture tribe.
Seven Oscars in the Warner glee club
outvoiced five in the Metro choir^
with Frank Capra and Walt Disney
singing duets in the offing.
It was a grand and glittering
chorus at the annual fiesta of the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences, but there were a couple of
two-timers and one three-timer lend-
ing zest to the general harmony.
Frank Capra was the three-timer,
the first in King Osear's reign. His
gold-plated statuette, awarded for the
directorship of 'You Can't Take It
With You,' is added to the twins he
had fathered in bygone years to dec-
orate his mantelpiece. The two-time
winners were l^tte Davis and Spen-
cer Tracy.
Miss Davis won' her Oscar in a part
that few stars would dare to ' play.
She made the world understand
'Jezebel,' a feat in psychology as well
as acting. Tracy played the difficult
role of a clergyman and made It not
«nly symbolic but human ('Boys*
Town'). ■
'Jezebel' got an extra kick by the
election of Fay Bainter as the best
supporting actress. Miss Bainter al-
most played a doubleheader, with an
honorable mention as the best player
In 'White Banners.' She and Walter
Brennan, who won the male support-
ing Oscar, took a bow and faded out
With a brief and modest thank you.'
Like good troupers, they realized
that the fat lines were reserved for
the stars.
Only Their Votes Were There
It was a great night for the extras
— the great American electorate who
dominated the campaign, although
they couldn't afford to attend the
Inauguration. They were at home
with their famlUes, spending the
lavish outflow of wages that flooded
the labor market during Academy
Week. It seems the studios were
overtaken with a sudden impulse for
mob scenes, requiring extras.
For three days Central Casting
w6s overwhelmed with demands for
atmosphere players. In that time
there were more than 6,000 urgent
Invitations to work, recalling the
simple days when political candi-
dates wept on the shoulders of the
workingmen along about the first
Tuesday after the first Monday in
November.
One outstanding exception to the
electioneering was RKO, which may
or may not have had an Influence on
the outcome. RKO was the only
major studio to wind up with a
blank.
Naturally the players held the
spotlight, but other important phases
. the fllin industry were given their
due Oscarization. Chief of them was
Hal B. WalUs, production exec at
Warners, who won the Irving Thal-
berg Memorial Award for his gen-
eral activity in turning out high-
grade pictures.
George Bernard Shaw, a recent
convert to the Hollywood cult, ac
cepted an Oscar by proxy of the
screen play and dialog for 'Pyg-
malion,' filmed in England, with
Meti-o getting credit on the rebound
as the American distributor.
Decision to Inkers
Walt Disney took two bows — one
for 'Snow White and the Seven
Dwarfs,' which .was officially rated
as 'significant.' Meaning that agi-
tated ink can draw more customers
than .a flock of live players. The
other bow was for 'Ferdinand the
Bull,' which has made beef on the
hoof popular.
Americanism was approved in a
special award to Harry M. Warner
....in...T.efi(^3ijtion of . h^^
production of pateiotlc shorts.
Paramount lilted in with a pleas-
ing note as producer of the best
cinema song of the year, the work of
Balph Rainger and Leo Robin. The
ditty is 'Thanks for the Memory,'
and that's how the gang felt when
the dinner ended.
Tracy's Own Award
Spencer Tracy had his statuette
inscritted "To Father Edward J.
Flanagan, whose great human quali-
ties, timely simplicity and inspiring
courage were strong enough to shine
through my humble efforts,' and
sent it on to Father Flanagan- at
Boystown, Neb.
It arrived there yesterday (Tues-
day).
Box Score by Stndios
Warner Bros.
Hal Wallis, Irving Thalberg
Memorial Award (Special
Award).
Bette Davis, actress.
Fay Bainter, supporting a'c-
• tress.
C^I Weyl, art direction.
Ralph Dawson, film editing.
Erich Wolfgang Korngold,
original music score.
'Declaration of Independence,'
two reeler.
Metro'
Spencer Tracy, actor.
Dore Schary and Eleanore
Griffin, original story.
Ci«orge Bernard Shaw, screen
play.
Joseph . Ruttenberg, cinema-
tography.
. "That Mothers Might Live,'
one reeler.
ColmnbU '
•You Can't Take It With You,'
best production.
Frank C^pra, feature direc-
tion.
2«tli-fax
Waiter Brennan, supporting
actor.
Alfred Newman, musical scor-
ing.
Paramoont
Ralph Rainger and Leo Robin,
song composition.
Goldwyn
T. T. Moulton, sound record-
ing.
Walt Dtency
•Ferdinand the Bull,' cartoon.
The Winners
WB March 13-14 Sales
Convention in New York
WiH Beat Other Majors
Warner Bros, annual sales conven-
tion will beat the gun this year, get-
ting under way ahead of the other
majors on March 13-14. Earliet in-
tention had been to set it some time
after the Grad Sears drive finishes,
April 15. Action of 20th-Fox in ad-
vancing date of its . convention to
April 1-2 may have caused change
In Warner plans.
Warner sales forces will meet in
New York at the Waldorf-Astoria.
Gradweil Ll Sears, general sales
manager, will keynote the opening
meeting by announcing production
of 48 features for '39-'40. Of these,
36 will be As and 12 Bs. It Is the
company's intention to release two
top-bracket pictures a month, start-
ing the new season in September, 24
in all in this category now being
planned.
A recent Innovation planned by
the company, designed to hasten
gradual elimination of dual feature
programs by production of the so-
called 'short feature,* is developing
into a significant part of the sales
lineup. There will be 12 of these
featurettes made with top directors,
talent, etc.
More Jobs Ulan Extras,
Studios Use Up 6,000
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
For the first time in months Cen
tral Casting was stymied by a labor
shortage, more jobs than extras.
More than 6,000 were put to work
in three days lost week while the
studios pleaded for more.
Chief demands came from Para-
mount, where 'Invitation to Happi-
■ness* •required— up- -to- - liSOO- atmos
phere players.
Film coin to extras in February
reached $253,000 for a hew three
year high. Supes called for 23,500
jobs during the short month. Boom
is expected to continue another 30
days.
Wortzd's Two Dozen
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Sol M. Wurtzel's quota for the
1939-40 program at 20th-Fox is 24
pictures, four less than previous
commitment
With two films In production,
Wurtzel has only one more on his
1938-39 slate.
Irving Thalberg Memorial Award
Hal B. Wallls for his cointribution
to the screen through Hobln Hood,'
•Dr. Glitterhouse,' 'Angels Wl* Dirty
Paces,' 'Boy Meets Girl,' 'Brother
Rat,' "Cowboy From Brooklyn,'
'Dawn PatroV "Four Daughters,*
'Four's a Crowd,' 'Garden of the
Moon,' 'Going Places,' 'Go\i Is
Where You Find It,' 'Cjolddiggers in
Paris,* 'Hard to Get,' 'Jezebel,'
'Racket Busters,* "The Sisters,* 'Slight
Case of Murder,' 'Valley of the
Giants' and 'White Banners.'
Prodaetlon
•You Can't Take It With You,' Co-
lumbia.
Pcrfermanees
Actor: Spencer Tracy, 'Boys Town,'
Metro.
Actress: Bette Davis, 'Jezebel,'
WB.
Supporting Actor: Walter Bren-
nan, 'Kentucky,' 20th-Fox.
Supporting Actress: Fay Bainter,
Jezebel,' WB. '
Direoilon
Frank (Tapra, "You Can't Take It
With You,' Columbia.
Original Story
Dore Schary and Eleanore Griffin,
'Boys Town,' Metro.
Screen Flay and Dialog
George Bernard Shaw, ' 'Pyg-
malion,' Metro. (Adaptation: W. P.
Lipscomb, Cecil I^ewis and Ian
Dalrymple.)
Art DlrecUen
Carl Weyl, 'Adventures of Robin
Hood,* WB.
Cinematography
Joseph Rutt^berg, 'Gr«at Waltz,*
Metro.
Sound ReeordlM
T. T. Moulton, 'Cowboy and the
Lady,* Samuel (Soldwyn.
Film Editing
Ralph Dawson, Hobin Hood,* WB.
Original Mnsle Score-
Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Itobin
Hood,* WB.
Scoring
Alfred Newtnan, 'Alexander's Rag-
time Band,* 20th-Fox.
B«s( Song
Ralph Rainger and Leo Robin,
■Thanks for the Memory,* from 'Big
Broadcast of 1938,* Paramount
Short Subjeots
One Reeler Tliat Mothers Might
Live,' Metro.
Two Reeler: 'Declaration of Inde-
pendence,' WB.
Cartoon: 'Ferdinand the Bull,' Dis-
ney.
SPECIAL AWABDS
Color Cinematogcophy
Oliver Marsh and Allan Davey,
'Sweethearts,* Metro.
Jovenile Player*
Deanna Durbin and Mickey:
Rooney, Universal and Metro, re-
spectively, for their significant con-
tributions in bringing to the screen
the spirit and personiflcation of
youth, and as juvenile players set-
ting a high standard of ability and
achievement*
Fatrlotle Service
Harry M. Ylatntx, Warners, 'in
recognition of his patriotic service in
the production of historical short
subjects presenting significant epi-
sodes in the early struggle of the
American i>eople for liberty.*
Screen Innovation
Walt Disney, for "Snow White and
the Seven Dwarfs,* recognized as a
significant screen innovation which
has charmed millions and pioneered
a great new entertainment field for
the motion picture cartoon.'
Special Effects
Gordon Jennings and his assist-
ants, Jan 'Domela,. Dev Jennings,
Irmin Roberts and Art Smith, 'Spawn
of the North,' Paramount >
Transparencies
Farlcot Edouairt, assisted by Loyal
Griggs, 'Spawn of the North,' Para-
mount
Special Sound Effects
Loren. Ryder,...assIsted...by....Harry.
Mills, Louis H. Mesenkop and Wal-
ter Oberst 'Spawn of the North,'
Paramount
Color Film Advancemeni.
J. Arthur Ball; Technicolor execu-
tive.
Mnsio Hall to Grand Opera -
The first appearance of JanPeerce,
Radio City Music Hall's tenor, in
grand opera in New York will take
place at the Academy of Music,
Brooklyn,, March 25, when he will
shig the Duke in Verdi's 'Rigolet-
to.'
In the same cast with Peerce will
be Robert Weede, Music Hall bari-
tone, and a member of the Metro-
politan Opera Co., in the Utle role.
Britidi Frrn s Damage Action Agahist
IICA, ERPI R^ded as Important
Stndio Contracts
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Alexander Hyde signed as orches-
tra manager at Metro.
Arnold Gillespie drew new ticket
as head of Metro's special effects de-
partment
Metro contracted Hariy Ruskin,
scripter.
Mary Taylor inked player pact at
Metro.
20th-Fox hoisted writer options on
Horace Jackson and Viola Brothers
Shore.
Cliff Edwards signed for six west^
erns at Grand National.
Ellen Drew handed new player
ticket by Paramount
Edith Head inked new deal as
Paramount*s chief fashion designer.
Court okayed Metro contracts with
Laraine Johnson and Mary Beth
Hughes, minors..
Martin SpeUman inked five-year
player pact at Monogram.
Fay Bainter §lgned with Charles
R. Rogers.
Samuel Goldwyn handed player
ticket to Margot Stevenson.
Republic renewed George Sher-
man's director pact
Court approved Irene Dare*s con-
tract with Sol Leaser.
Warners lifted Maris ^rixon*s
player option.
WUCOX-RKO SET UNIT
FOR ANGLO-U^ PROD.
Tentative plan of operation for the
new Imperadio Pictures was decided
on between Herbert Wilcox and RKO
officials before Wilcox sailed last
Saturday (25) for London. British
interests and RKO Radio Pictures,
Inc., each will nominate three direc-
tors while Dr. A. H. Giannlnl, the
seventh director and neutral mem-
ber of the board, will serve as chair-
man.
George J. Schaefer, head of RKO,
who huddled with Wilcox during his
thr^week stay in the U. S., is the
first nomination of the picture com-
pany while Wilcox is. the first nom-
ination for British interests, and will
serve as managing director.
Tentative plan is for Imperadio to
make three, or four expensive fea-
tures annually In England and pos-
sibly Hollywood. First is sure to be
made in Hollywood, with Anna
Neagle as star. Story will be picked
after Wilcox arrives in Great Britain.
Miss Neagle leaves London for Hol-
lywood in about two weeks.
Tale about Lord Kitchener will be
the Initial British film.
Busy Month Ahead At
RKO, Seven at Barrier
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
RKO put two pictures in work
today (Tuesday) and plans to start
five more before the end of March.
Two rolling today were 'The Second
Shot' and 'G-Dog.'
•The Girl From Mexico* rolls
March 1; -The Saint in London,*
March 15;. 'The Dove,' March 16; a
George O'Brien starrer March 23,
and '^Five Who Came Back.'
March 27.
Blumenthal Appeals
From Par Decision
Ben Blumenthal is filing an ap-
peal today (Wednesday) in N. Y
.5ypwme...c.oM..frm..J«KtJice..SamueI.
I. Rosenman's decision in favor of
Paramount which sued to enjoin
BJumenthal from proceeding with a
breach of contract suit against Par
in England.
If Blumenthal's appeal is denied
(hearing comes up in two weeks),
he will have to transfer his suit to
American courts, a costly procedure
or abandon the British acUon and'
commence a new suit in this country.
Santell Pilots Burns
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Al Santell directs the next ]Bob
Bums starrer at Paramount due
to start in about three weeks.
Piece Is still untitled.
Wilmington^ Feb. 28,
Hearings have just been' held here
before Judge John P. Nields in U. S,
District Court on patent suit of BriU
Ish Acoustic Films, Ltd., wholly
owned subald of Gaumont-British,
against RCA Manufacturing Co,
Inc., and Electrical Research Prod-
ucts, Inc. Some $10,000,000 to $20,-
000,000 damages are alleged by Brit-
ish Acoustic.
Suit Is based oh two patents for
Improved mechanism to feed film
through sound head on projectors.
Action assumed special importance
as attorneys figure a decision for the
plaintiffs would .mean a wide re-
alignment of the whole equipment
field.
Arnold Poulsen, an inventor of
0>penhagen, Denmark, and Jan
Cremieu-Javal of Iiondon, managing
director of Acoustic, here for the
trial.
Metro's Tiegfehl
Follies,' but Sh
Abo Staging Revne
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Metro will star Eddie Cantor and
Fanny Brice In 'Zlegteld Follies,'
budgeted at around $2,000,000. Mer-
vyn IteRoj will produce the filmu-
slcal, set to start grinding in August
so that Cantor will be able to go
east to fill a four-week date at the
New York World's Fair.
Bights to the titie were arranged
for about a year ago, Lee Shubert
and Blllle Burke making the . deal
with the studio.
Studio has only the screen rights
to <Ziegfeld Follies.' Another stag*
revue carrying the same label, pre-^
sented by Lee Shubert is due on
Broadway this spring. Harry Kauf-
man will be Interested, as he has
been since the Shuberts acquired the
stage rights to the Ziegfeld name;
Similarly George White's 'Scandal^
was filmed but he retained the stage
rights to that Utle. He too is east
to ready another legit 'Scandals.'
Administrator of the Ziegfeld es-
tate claimied an Interest in the 'Fol-
lies' title and a settlement was made
by the widow (Miss Burke) and the
Shuberts. Erlanger estate was also
interested in any revenue from the
name, because of a proprietory share
in revues produced by Ziegfeld, but
that angle was also cleared up.
Both Cantor and Miss Brice ap-
peared in several of the original
'Ziegfeld Follies' productions.
French Beniake
HoUywood. Feb. 28.
American rights to the French film
'40 LitUe Mothers,' has been bought
by Eddie Cantor from Dave Diamond,
and the comic will play the lead in
the U. S. remake. Picture ran at
the S6th St Cinema in New York
but further U. S. bookings have been
cancelled. With commitments at
RKO and Metro Cantor will likely
make picture at either studio.
Bahiban Back f riom Fla.,
May Head West Shortly
Barney Balaban, away for a month
In Florida with his family, returned
to New York Sunday (26) and, after
catdiing up at the home office, may
go out to the Coast to see Y. Frank
Freeman and discuss 1939-40 plans.
No convention details for^ the
coming"" year's' product have been -
laid as yet .and in all probability Far
will schedule its sales meet later this
year than last ,
Stanton L. Griffis, at the b.o. helm
while Balaban was away leaves for
Miami today (Wednesday).
Kor jus' L A. Concerts
Los Angelesrvileb. 28.
MUiza Korjua has signed for two
concerts with the Los Angeles Phil-
harmonic, March 3 and 4. Otto
Klemperer conducts. .
Miss Korjus, in Metro's 'Th: Great
Waltz,* is making her first appear-
ance with a symph lo the U. S,
t
Wednesday, March 1, 1959
PICTURES
VARmJY s
PIC CYCLE ON HORSEBACK
Arbitration Deal Holds Up Agents'
Licensing by GuOd; Await Assembly
Action on Shifting Cornish Power
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Franchisement of agenti by
Screen Actors GuUd Is being held
up until a deal can be set giving
the SAG auttiority to arbitrate dis-
put;es between actors and their rep-
resentatives.
' While Artists Managers Guild has
not agreed to the proposed clause
limiting contracts to one year, the
real hitch is on the State Labor
Code which vests power of arbitra-
tion in the State Labor Commission.
The actors have drafted an Assem-
bly amendment giving them the
right to conciliate disputes, but the
bill has not yet been called up for
passage.
In the meantime, Laurenc* W.
Beilenson, SAG counsel, has been
conferring with the State Labor
Commissioner In an effort to get his
approval. If this obstacle is re-
moved, the SAG will then be In a
position to push for Immediate ac-
tion on- its licensing program.
The actors are apt to insist on
the 12 months' clause, although tops
In the AMG have asked the maxi-
nium be lifted to five years. When
this was- turned down, agents
started a move to compromise on
tjro or three years. Smaller agents,
however, favor SAG minimum, be-
lieving they would have a better op-
portunity of capturing some of the
top talent after the plan becomes
effective. Situation will be discussed
this week at conferences between
Sag tops. Guild board of directors,
Kenneth Thomson, executive secre-
tary, and leaders In AMG.
' Executive committee of Pro-
ducers Association has turned over
negotiations with the Screen Direc-
tors Guild to a special sub-com-
Toittee jcomposed of Y. Frank Free-
man, chairman; Pandro Herman and
E. J. Mannix. Committee Is now
working out details of wage scales
and working conditions for as-
sistant directors and unit managers
Counter -proposal wlU be submitted
• to SDG negotiating committee this
•week. Committee also will consider
request of directors for more time
to prepare script and cut pictures.
' New Writer Complaint
National Labor Relations Board
has issued a new complaint charging
major film companies with unfair la-
bor practice in negotiations with the
Screen Writers Guild. Producers
have been given until March 1 to file
answers, and hearing has been set
for March 6.
Original complaint was withdrawn
to correct defects In service secured
on studio executives. Bernard L.
Alpert, special NLBB attorney han-
dling cases, said he would stipulate
with producers' attorneys that an-
swers filed in original case could
stand in present action.
'Following temporary bog-down In
negotiations with producers. Society
of Motion Picture Film Editors has
applied for American Federation of
Labor charter. Society has a paid-up
membership of more than 900. being
largest remaining independent craft
in film Industry.
'Decision to seek AFL charter was
reached when producers nixed re-
quest of Editors for 44-hour week,
with time and half lor overthne.
Companies had offered to ameind
present contract to call for straight
time after 64 hours.
'Jeff Kibfe "ias ffled a pelitTon w
NLRB demanding return of $3,-
000,000 to members of International
Alliance of Theatrical Stage Em-
ployees before he will withdraw his
action asking for an investigation of
the lATSE. He claims money was
collected Illegally by agents of the
lA international officers in dues and
assessments.
Wants Officers Removed
Kibre, head of Motion Picture
Technicians Committee, also de-
niands withdrawal of Harold V.
Smith, lA international representa-
tive, and all other officers who were
associated with the international. He
also wants assurance from the pro-
ducers that they wiU negotiate wage
Nylander's Jam
Hollywood, Feb. 28,
Dr. Towne Nylander .was sus-
pended as Southern California
Regional Director of the NLRB
for assertedly remarking, 'ni
tell you frankly that when we go
into a hearing the employer
hasn't got a chance.' He denied
saying it.
Aaron Warner, Denver district
director, assumes temporary
charge pending investigation into
charges.
Dr. Nylander has been promi-
nent in the sundry film Guild
parleys.
FILMS' BIGGEST
BANK NIGHT
ENDED MON.
Climax of Motion Pictures Great-
est Year campaign, which began last
fall, the announcement of winners
in the $250,000 Movie Quiz contest,
brought the biggest nation-wide
bank night in the history of the
film business. Prize winners were
announced from the stages of 7,200
cinemas in this country and Canada
on probably the worst night on an
exhibitors' calender, Monday,
It failed to stimulate ordhiary
Monday night business. Drive lead
ers expected capacity turnouts. The
three big chains, Lbew's, RKO and
Paramount reported little or no ap'
preciable Increase.
There were numerous complaints
from exhib circles that letters had
been sent in advance to winners
House ops said they felt this took the
edge off the contest and hurt biz.
Harry Cohn's Added
Cohnnbia Picts Stock
Washington, Feb. 28.
Belated report to the Securities &
Exchange Commission last week dis-
closed that stock dividends fattened
the Columbia Pictures holdings of
Harry Cohn, company president, dur-
ing September. Both indirect and
direct interests were swelled.
In his own name, Cohn picked up
41 shares of common, raising his
total to 1,723, and 1,719 vothig trust
certificates, giving him 70,522 at the
latest count.
Only other film company report in
the semi-monthly summary of in-
siders' standing showed Henry R.
Winthrop of New York, new Loew's
director, without any financial inter
est in the company.
scales and working conditions with
the Studio Local of the lATSE.
_..World..Events, Inc.,. has been, or
ganized here for the production of
short subjects. William Castle, vice-
president of the Studio Carpenters,
is president of the new firm, Fred
Lane, secretary-treasurer, and Harry
Marsh, v.p. First production is
planned for May 1, with a release
based on aviation.
Motion of SAG for non-suit in
$25,400 suit of Seymour L. Simons
was granted by Superior Judge Cle-
ment D. Nye. Simons claimed money
was due him in advertising fees that
would have accrued had not SAG
discontinued its Screen Guild Maga-
zine. Court held that Simons had
been fully paid and that his contract
with the SAG was now null and
void.
INTO AGTIONERS
'Jesse James,' 'U. P.* Cue
Studios to Yippee Cleanup
— Early West Fave Sub-
ject—They'll Take It
Away from Lo Again
DE LUXE GUNPLAY
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Out of Hollywood, from now until
the end of tiie present production
year in midsummer, will flow the
rootln', tootin', shootin'est, bowie
knife-^wielding bunch of ride-'em-
cowboy, major budget westerns the
picture biz has witnessed in a decade.
Some $15,000,000 worth of shooting,
scalping, train and stagecoach rol>-
bing, hypoed with gentle love, mad
brawls for the protection of honor
and 'curse you. Jack Dalton' villains
has been budgeted. Action personi-
fied in breechclouts, coonskin caps,
chaps or miner's boots, depending on
the picture, will predominate. From
the Alamo to the Canadian border
the boys with quick tempers and fast
draws will rule the screen. 'Thar's
gold In them thar reels,' and so far
Hollywood has found nothing to per-
manently supplant them.
It is the inevitable cycle that the
biz falls into when it takes a gander
at what the guy next door is doing.
It's a tossup whether Cecil B, De
Mille with his 'Union Pacific' at
Paramount, or Darryl Zanuck with
'Jesse James' at 20th-Fox revived
the cycle on the 1938-39 program. It
did not take long for other studios
to fall In line, however. 'Jesse' teed
off first and from present returns
at the b.o. the picture seems destined
to be one of the top grossers of the
year. 'Union Pacific' is not far be-
hind in cost and cast, though a long
way from being ready to release. It
has been rolling with from one to
three units shooting since last No-
vember and is now in' the home-
stretch. Both the Indian and Chi-
nese extras got a workout oh the
picture, with many a redskin biting
the dust as the Chinamen laid the
ties of the first transcontinental rail-
road.
On the Warpath
Par has three more big westerns to
go this spring and summer. First
will l>e 'Geronimo,' yam of the last
of the great Apache Indian chiefs.
The title of the picture will be
changed, but the boys with the scalp-
ing knives will be tiie main dish
just the same. 'Buffalo Bill' will be
made by Harry Sherman for Par
this spring, using locations in the
Jackson's Hole country, Wyo. It will
be his first Class A western produc-
tion of the year. Par execs admit
they are looking favorably at other
early western stories in order to
capitalize on the. surge of American-
ism sweeping the country. The third
definitely slated is 'Lives of a Texas
Ranger,' sequel to 'Texas Ranger'
made two years ago. Fred Mac
Murray and Lloyd Nolan' will play
the leads, film to go this summer.
RKO will put 'Virginia City' to
work in the next few weeks. The
title may be changed. It is a yarn
of the Comstock Lode in Nevada and
is one. of several such stories around
the studios. It is likely that Richard
Dlx will play the lead. Columbia is
hof gbihg 'to' b'e left beHind.' "'Ari-
zona,' tale of the Tombstone days, is
getting dressed up by Claude Binyon,
the scripter making his headquarters
in Tucson. The original is by Clar-
ence Buddington Kelland and Wes
ley Ruggles will produce. It will
be Ruggles' first effort for Col since
leaving the Par tepee.
Universal rolls 'Destry Rides Again'
when the snow is off the mountain
slopes, with James Slewart playing
the lead. 'Destry' is a remake of the
picture of that title. Republic, whose
stock in trade is westerns, went
overboard on 'Man of Conquest,' the
life of Sam Houston. It is from
'Wagon Wheels,' by Harold Shumate,
(Continued on page 20)
On die Heels of die Radio Showdown,
Exhibs Would Now Batde Night
Baseball's Increasing Competition
Mugg*s Luck
Minneapolis, Feb. 28.
Walt Raschicl^ Variety's St.
Paul mugg, won $10 prize In
Movie Quiz contest On his way
to the theatre last night (27)
via auto to play stooge to Sol
Fisher, manager, who announced
the huge haul, Raschlck isuffered
a flat tire and one smashed fender.
If .luck holds out, he flgures
he will just about break even
after everything is paid up.
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
WiU Wayne, who won $5,000
prize in Movie Quiz contest, is a
former L. A. newspaperman now
between jobs.
Miriam Lundy, short story
editor of the N. Y. Daily News
aiid wif« of Todd Wright
('Trader* on tha News), won
$500. •
Helen Bernard, stenog In
NBC's New York headquarters^
won one of the $1,000 prizes.
ESTIMATE U'S
1ST QUARTER
PROFIT 250G
Universal'! first quarterly report
for the company's fiscal year, which
began last fall, will be out In about
two weeks, according to latest es-
timate.
This first three-month report on
earnings is expected to show net
profit of approximately $250,000 for
the period ended Jan. 31, last. Earn-
ings are ciurently estimated at even
a higher rate per month than this,
with expectation that tha April
quarter will bring tha first six
months' total up to nearly $600,000.
Dividend of $1.75, taken from
operating surplus, was declared last
week by Keith-Albee-Orpheum on
7% preferred stock. Dlwy covers
the quarter ended June 30, 193S. It
is payable April 1 to stockhclders on
record March IS.
BOA'S $7,412,e7t Profit
Annual report of Radio Corp. of
America, sent to stockholders this
week, shows net profit of $7,412,072
for 1938, or approximately $1,600,000
less than in the preceding year. Com-
pany's loss In revenue Is shown by
the fact that gross income dipped
from $112,630,498 in 1937 to $99,-
968,110 in the past year.
RCA actually made a better show-
ing with Its gross Income than if did
in 1936 when the total gross
amounted to $101,186,310, yet the net
profit was only $6,155,930 or nearly
$1,300,000 less than In 1938.
Radio Corp. of America declared
two preferred dividends at the
regular meeting of directors Feb. 24.
Corporation declared the 87%e'regU'
lar quarterly on the first preferred
and $1.25 on the B preferred, both
covering the first quarter of 1939.
Both diwys afe'payaBle Apfin fo
stock on record March 8.
Chicago, Feb. 28.
Having tasted some victory in
their' battle to keep star talent off
the radio, exhibitor associations are
now girding for a tussle with night
baseball this coming season.
Circuits and indie theatres are
agreed that they must work to>
gether against a mutual bugaboo and
have gotten together in several in-
stances for the raising of a fund to
battle the forces of electric light
baseball.
Theatres are planning to get ball
fans into- the theatres by using tha
sides of their theatres on which to
erect electric playboards that wlU
give the games play-by-play, whlla
other houses will install these boards
in lobbies or foyers, These latter
houses then, will advertise that
patrons can see and hear the ball
games and yet stay for the regular
picture shows for the same price.
Theatres expect to plug this 'added
attraction' with plenty of ballyhoo
in an effort to get back some of tha
coin lost heretofore to night base-
ball games.
Particularly will the circuit houses
In the big league towns get to work
on this angle, since they feel that,
with the big leagues going into night
games as an important item this
year, the opposition will be stronger
than ever.
Can. Co.'s Profits
Montreal, Feb. 28,
United Amusement Corp., Ltd.,
operating 15 second-run film houses
here, shows net profit for year ended
Dec. 31, 1938, at $106,404, before in-
come tax, against $100,170 in 1937
Net working at $144,601 represents,
decline of $20,354 from previous
year.
£. A. Cousins, president, attributes
to taxes and licenses the heavy drain
on gross receipts and hopes that
some relief may be obtained from
briefs submitted to Tax Revision
Board of the province.
Par Now Also Plans
To Follow Headfines
For Screen Material
Paramount is reported setting up
a so -called spot news department,
similarly to that of Warner Bros.,
with plans to alter the production
policy for the making of pictures
based on current news or headlines,
Warners has followed the headlines
for many years now, and has foimd
the policy to be generally successfuL
Such a policy for Par would place it
in direct competition with WB oa
pictures covering thhigs that ara
happening In the news.
Up to now some other companies
have done this In a lesser way, hera
and there turning out a picture that
has been In the nature of having
t>een inspired by news or other cur-
rent events.
Bosworth Stricken In
St. Lonis on RKO Chore
St. Louis, Feb. 28.
Hobart Bosworth, vet screen star,
who came here last week to serve as
a judge in RKO's 'Gateway to Hoi-
lywood' contest to select 'John
Archer' and 'Alice Eden,' Is seriously
ill in the Deaconess hospital here,
suffering from Influenza and com-
plications. While his condition has
improved he is not entirely out of
danger.
Bosworth, who Is 72 years old,
was worn out by the strain of a
month's travel His wUe flew hera
i.rom Hollywood.
Kay Francis at RKO
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Kay Francis, former Warner star,
is set for the Carole Lombard pic-
ture, 'Memory of Love,' at RKO.
Production starts March 15 under
John Cromwell's direction.
FOB TflE CAUSE!
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Brian Donlevy is in a Yuma, Arlx,
hospital with a shoulder wound as
result of being stabbed by Ray ItliU
land while doing a scene on location
for 'Beau Geste.' Not serious.
VARJETT
PIGTII1IE8
Wcdnesdajt March 1, I939
Tnple-Censorship Tangle Gives
WB N. 1 Bookmg Headache On
Daughter/ "Blackwell' Devils Isle
A triple censorship tangle over the
past weekend created an ahnost baN
fling booking problem for Warner
Brds. and the Globe theatre, N. Y,
XOxup was one of the most unusual
•ituatlons ever to come up in the in'
dustry, involving the French Gov
cmment as well aa tiie N, Y. State
Censor Board.- -
The theatre had previously booked
and was scheduled to open with War-
ners' 'Devils Island' last Saturday
(25) afternoon. Before the morning
was over, and after approximately
#3,000 had been spent by the theatre
In advance advertising and exploita-
tion, marquee and lobby front, etc.
this picture was suddenly cancelled
by WB; a second picture, 'Black
well's Island,' was hastily booked in
and announced, only to be with-
drawn also when it was discovered
It hadn't been passed by the N. Y.
censors. Whereupon a third plctture,
'Darling Daughter,' finally was
screened, day-and-dating with the
WB Strand, a block away. Having
nothing else for the Globe, WB was
. forced to give the house this picture.
Daughter* became available finally
after the N. Y. censors le-reviewed
the revised edition, as detailed be-
low.
Last Friday (24) WiU Hays re-
ceived a protest from the French
ambassador in Washington against
the showing of Warners' 'Devil's
Island' film In the New York and
Washington, D. C, territories, de-
manding its immediate withdrawal
from exhibition. Picture had only
one date set for New York, the
Globe, but about 50 dates had been
booked out of the Washington ex-
change.
Picture ran afoul of the French
government three months ago. Pro-
test, advanced at that time was that
the harsh treatment of prisoners at
Devil's Island shown in tiie film was
objectionable to that government
Warners finally convinced - the
French embassy in Washington that
It had previously produced such pic-
tures as '20,000 Years in Sing Sing,'
'Alcatraz,' 'Fugitive From a Chain
Gang* and others which depict penal
conditions in America, and that whaV
happens in a French prison was
similar to what happens, in all
prisons.
French authorities then withdrew
their prot^ but an 11th hour about-
face, last week, brought a threat of
reprisals from France if Devil's Is-
land' was exhibited; that the Paris
government would ban Warner film
in France 'and its possessions, etc.
Whereupon Hays phoned Harry M.
Warner on the Coast last Friday,
who immediatdy ordered the pic-
ture shelved.
How 'Kackwell's Island' was made
available for the Globe showing
Without a censor seal on it is one of
those things. Picture was originally
slated first-run for the Strand, War-
ners' Broadway house, at a future
date. When 'Devil's Island' was
kayoed, something had to be done
quick. Warners figured 'Blackwell's
Island' would get a perfunctory once-
over and didn't count on any holdup
of the Globe opening. Picture was
therefore submitted to the Censor
Board on Saturday morning, as well
as to the theatre,
k Twenty minutes before 'Black-
■well's* was due to open there was
mam. no censor okay. Warners there-
Upon arranged to play 'Darling
Daughter' day-and-date at the Strand
and the Globe. 'Blackwell's Island'
was finally passed by the Censor
Board on Monday (27) and goes into
the Globe today (Wednesday).
Daughter' continues at the Strand
going into a second week on Satur-
day (4).
Joe'Breen Sat In
•Daughter^ was screened for the
Regents last Thursday (23) and
briefs and arg— aents presented alter
the showing. Irwin Esmond, who
took the original initiative in having
the Censor Board bar- the film
argued against permitting its ex-
hibition, while Stanlelgh P. Frled-
' man, of Warner Bros. legal depart-
ment, Albert S. Howson In charge of
censorship matters for the company,
and Joseph I. Breen, head of t!ie in-
dustry's production code adminislra-
' tlbn, represented the producers.
Warners submitted a revised, ver-
lion of the picture with further
minor changes made, after the pic
ture was originally screened for the
regular licensing permit Charles A.
Brind, Jr., of the Education Depart-
ment's law division, confirmed this
by stating the objectional 'week-end'
interlude had been altered and nade
less attractive to audiences.
Picture was immediately shot into
the Strand^ N. Y., on Saturday (25)
for Its first showing in N. Y. State,
and all newspapers plastered with a
3-column 164-llne announcement in
bold 120rpt. type. The Globe, on
Broadway, the same day also started
day-dating it with the Strand.
. New York Censor Board chopped
11 minutes from the Sacha Guitry
French film production, 'Champs
Elysee,' which opened at the Little
Carnegie, N. Y., Saturday (25). Pic-
ture is now running 89 minutes In-
stead of 100. One scene eliminated
was that of a man hung by the neck
and roasting over a fire. Other al-
legedly sexy scenes and some dialog
also thumbed, out
Daa^ter* Revised
Albany, N. Y., Feb. 28.
The action of the Board of Re-
gents in granting Warner Bros, a
license for a revised version of 'Yes,
My Darling Datighter' was not a re-
versal of Director Irwin Esmond of
the State Education Department's
motion picture division, department
officials say. Certain publicity to the
contrary notwithstanding, the film
had been toned down since Esmond
rejected it on the grounds a week-
end interlude between a young man
and a young woman was portrayed
'so attractively that It constitutes
an invitation for young couples .who
see the picture to do likewise— a
sort of trial marriage.' During the
week's postponement requested by
Warners, this , part was modified to
meet Esmond's main objections.
Emphasis was dilfted somewhat
from the character of the daughter
to that of the mother (more in line
with the original legit production).
Neither the Regents, nor their
predecessor on film appeals, Com-
missioner Frank P. Graves, have yet
overruled Esmond. His judgment
on the censorship of pictures is con-
sidered by Education Department
officials as ' dependable. Court rec-
ord, with no reversals to date,
naturally buttresses the opinion. Not
claimed, however, that he is in-
falUble.
Incidentally, Education Depart-
ment spokesmen pooh-pooh the story
that Jimmy Fldler's Hollywood
broadcast on the 'obnoxious' angle
of 'Yes, Darling Daughter,' made
several days before Esmond gave
his ruling, played any part in that
decision. Said they were In- igno-
rance of the air shot and of fact
Fidler had commented adversely on
the picture.
In re: Sally Band
The Board of Regents must decide
wiiether Sally Rand's 'peacock dance'
shall be eliminated btiCore a license
is granted to Grand National Pic-
tures' 'Sunset Murder Case,' origi-
nally submitted and okayed, with
the dance sequence excised, under
the title "Sunset Strip Case.' Irwin
Esmond approved a permit for
'Sunset Strip Case,' minus the diS'
puted dance Dec. 12. When the
film was advertised to play the Le-
land, a local Fabian house, on Dec,
24, the feather manipulation num-
ber was ballyhooed as part of the
feature.
'Whereupon churchmen are said to
have complained to District Attor
ney John T. Delaney. The Albany
County prosecutor relayed the beefs
to Esmond and brought police In
tervention. The film was yanked be-
fore the first showing and another
picture substituted by the Fabian
management Grand National Is
then said to have withdrawn the
film from exhibition, put a stop
order on the advertising and sur
rendered the license certificate.
After revision, the company again
submitted picture under the title,
'Sunset Miurder Case,' according to
papers at Education Department
Esmond claims that the mooted
dance sequence had been shifted
from Reel 2 to Reel 3, ordered it
scissored as 'indecent' under Section
1,082 of the Education Law. He
found The dance as portrayed -COU'
veycd the impression of nudity of
the woman's body or, at best an
inadequate covering of wide mesh
More on Censors
'Vagaries of censorship, par<
tlcularly in the foreign lands, are
detailed in this Issue on Page 13.
netting.' Charged the 'obvious pur
pose was exploitation of apparent
nudity.'
. GN in its appeal last w^k from
Esmond's ruling on cutting of dance
sequence, said the censor was 'in'
fluenced and prejudiced' by nation-
wide publicity Miss Rand received
on her standard fan dance. Miss
Rand has been panned by the Cath
olic press and clergymen, as well as
by ministers of other denominations.
The Porltan' (French) Nixed
Artiiur. Garfield Hays, counsel for
Lenauer International Films, is ex-
pected to carry to the Appellate
Division the matter of a license for
The Puritan' ('Le Puritan,' In the
aU-French version), thumbed down
by the Board of Regents after a sub-
committee of two reported that the
film showed 'solicitation oh the
street lewd dance halls, indecent
acts of prostitution and culminates
in a scene where The Puritan is ar-
rested for a murder in the private
bedroom of one of them.' Irwin Es-
mond, head of the motion picture
division, had nixed a permit for the
film on the grounds it was 'indecent
immoral, inhuman, sacrilegious, will
tend to corrupt morals and incite
to crime.' He described The Puritan
as a 'religious fanatic with a sadis-
tic mania.'
Pa. Censors CmmUbsT
PHtsburgh, Feb. 28.
Old Pennsylvania board of cen-
sors, with its term practically at an
end and due to be kicked . out al-
most any moment for new Gov.
James' appointees, has been letting
its hair down and making life a
pleasure and a joy forever for the
state exhibs. Board, usually known
for its strictness, not only .passed
WB's 'Yes, My Darling Daughter*
without a cut but also put through
Charles Boyer'a French flicker,
'Orage' ('Rage') w.ithout a single
elimination. Latter was scissored
plenty even In New York state.
James is expected to appoint bis
new film okayers within next couple
of weeks, when former Giov. Earle's
appointees, who are still serving,
will get the air.
Nix en 'Back Steeet,' Oldie
Harris theatres here last week ran
across cutious fact. when It tried to
book reissue of U's 'Back Street' Into
one of its downtown spots. Learned
that although flicker was generally
okayed everywhere , originally. Hays
office has since refused to give it a
production code seal. That's hap-
pened, howiever, to flock of films
turned out in olden days by major
studios, but they're playing around
because of fact that prints and rights
have been peddled to Indie distribu-
tors not associated with producers'
association.
DetroH OK*s Daagbtec*
Detroit Feb. 28.
Local film censors have given
"Yes, My Darling Daughter* (WB)
an official blessing, with only minor
deletions, and United Detroit theatre
officials are awaiting dates for local
showing. They may hold it till after
Easter to pick up the post-Lenten
trade.
Both Sergt Joseph Kollar, police
censor, and Commissioner Heinrich
A. Plckert who previewed flicker,
okayed the. mooted bedroom scene
and found only few ioinor objec-
tions. '
Long Beach's Problem
Long Beach, C^l., Feb. 28.
City council has postponed in-
definitely hearing on objections
raised by theatre Interests against
proposed revision of amusement cen-
sorship ordinance that has been in
effect here for past 20 years. Ob-
jections raised to revised measure,
as drafted by a Works Progress Ad-
ministration project that has been
modernizing all Long Beach ordi-
nances, is thiat hew Taw; if 'enacted,'
would give persons outside of mu-
nicipal family too much leeway in
bringing objections to pictures, plays
and other amusements.
Ordinance now names as city cen-
sor board the chiefs of police and
fire, the city manager, city prosecu-
tor and superintendent of social
welfare. Proposed new clauses would
add two citizens to the board, and
also force a- hearing on exhibition of
ainy film or play against which a
single citizen submitted a written
protest
Interests working for retention of
present ordinance and elimination of
objectionable clauses, would have a
France Nixed Devil s Island*
French government was dissatisfied with the completed version of 'Devil's
Island.* As a penalty, the government withdrew censorship certificates fot
Warner Bros, for two months. This is Intended to prevent any WB plctui«
entering France or its colonies. Foreign companies get these certifloatss
for a period of six months at a time, and it was not clear whether under
such circumstances It would work as a handicap to Warners.
One foreign official Intimated that it might keep four or five 'WB features
from enterhig France for distribution during that two-month period. U
such was the case. It would cut materially into distribution plans la that
country. Other Industry officials believed that the French ruling would
not interfere with orderly distribution since the company apparently has
sufficient numlwr of certificates on hand to care for current product
'Devil's Island' deals with the French penal colony and was regarded is
painting it in an unfavorable light by France.
All other dates on 'Devil's Island' are befaig suspended, with picture to
bb shelved due to the strong protest against it by the French. Although
'Devil's Island' went on release Jan. 7 and has played most parts of the
country, it hadn't previously been ogled by French officials. A member of
the French consulate saw it in Hollywood wheret^on tiie French ambas-
sador asked that it be withdrawn.
Picture was originally made by Warners when the French government
announced it was iiving up Devil's Island, as a penal colony. After WB had
produced it based on this determination by France, the government later
decided not to wash itself up with the notorious penal colony. When
that occurred, WB temporarily shelved the picture but later also recon-
sidered and stucE it back on the releasing schedule for Jan. 7. It had been
ready a month before. 'Devil's Island* Is a 'B' picture, turned out for 'WB
by Bryan Foy, with Boris Karlofl heading the cast 'Blackwell's Island,*
based on corruption unearthed a few years ago at Welfare Island, was pro-
duced by Foy, also. Its cast is headed by John Garfield and RosMaary
Lane. Release date on 'Blackwell's' is March 25 but there happened to be
prints in New York Siaturday (25) when efforts were made to rush it Into
the Globe.
France cost Warners high potential pripflts In French territory two years
ago when Xife of Zola' was kept out Since 'Devil's Island' has played a
large number of dates and didn't cost much to make^ reportedly having
been brought in at substantially less than $500,000, the loss that may be
ultimately, sustained on this one. If permanently shelved, could not amount .
to so miicii.
to KO N. Y. Censors on Way,
But Mich., Del and Iowa Want 'Em
N. Y. State Senator Elmer F.
Quinn will Introduce a bill in the
legislature this wedi: to repeal state
censorship of motion pictures. N. Y.
Censor Board banning of 1>arling
Dau^ter* and a threat to withhold
an cdiibition license also on War-
ner Bros.' 'Blackwell's Island' last
Saturday (25) is said to have mo-
tivated SenatOT Quinn's action.
Censors' (Ejections to scenes of
prison brutality in the 'Blackwell'
film almost resulted in a repetition
of the 'Darling Dau^ter' incident
Picture, finally got by when Warners
convincied the board that the pro-
duction was' authentic In every re-
spect and that everything depicted
can and does happen in such prisons.
The production, starring Jolin Ciar-
field, was supervised by former New
York .Deputy Commissioner of Cor-
rections David Marcus who had con-
siderable experience at Blackwell's
Island prison.
Del.'s Ccnaor Plan
Wilmington, Feb. 28.
Legislative r^rters expect a bill,
introduced in Dover to create a- Del-
aware State Board of Censors, will
hit the statute books during the cur-
rent session. Measure arises from
recent protests of clubwomen. Lions
Club at Claymont Del., and the
Delaware Better Films Council over
Tlie Green Lantern, a 200-seater at
Claymont which opened to Chester,
Pa., and Philadelphia auto trade
clause hiserted providing that any
picture carrying seal of National
Board of Review would be eligible
for showing in any local theatre.
Much of agitation to change pres-
ent censorship ordinance is due to
recent running of several sex films
in grind houses on The Pike, local
amusement zone, and to the booking
of the legit Tobacco Road,' at the
High School Auditorium a year ago.
Prov. Appeals an 'Mamlack'
Providence, Feb. 28.
Despite announcement by Provi-
dence Bureau of Police and Fire up-
holding Capt George W. - Cowan's
censorship of 'Professor Mamlock,'
William H. Edwards, of the Ed-
wards Si Angell law firm, has an-
nounced pUins challenging legality of
the police ban.
Edwards declared, 'we intend to
use all available legal remedies to
the end that this picture may be
shown publicly in Providence. Ap-
proval by the Hays office would
seem among other things to indicate
how unjustified any suppre-ssion or
censorship of this film would be and
ought to Induce the Bureau of Police
and Fire In the first instance to re-
consider its previous decision.'
'Mamlock' is a Russian-made anti-
Nazi film.
with 'Sbrljuana Madness,' Vbama,*
and others on 'the Hays disapproved
list Claymont is on tbe V»oxmyU
vania Una.
Delaware at present has no ««n»
sorship of any kind, traditionally
depending on the Pennsylvania
State Board of Censors. Plenty «t
opposition to the Idea of a Delaware
board, and It has been tried I9
previous sessions and defeated; but
there has always been a demand for
official o^ing and the opposition over
the Green liintem policy comes at *
strategic time for the eensor advo>
cates. Just at th« opening of «ta
current session.
XUeh. Also PlaniUiif
Lansing, Feb. 28.
Michigan solons soon will eooiider
measure setting up a censorship «f
all films.
Iowa's Censer Prepesal
Oes Moines, Feb, 28.
Iowa plx would go before a state
board of nine censors picked from
religious, women's and patriotic or-
ganizations before being shown If a
bill Introduced In the state senate
last week Is enacted. The biU was
introduced by Senator A. E. Augus-
tine (Dem.), Oslcaloosa. The pre-
amble stales that films are becoming
an important Influence on American
life, and criminologists have some-
times traced crime to ideas young-
sters have got from the films.
The nine persons to be appointed
by the governor to the state board
of censors would receive not more
than $4,500 a year and each would
have tlixee-year terms. They would
represent the Jewish, Protestant and
Catholic faiths, Federation of
Women's Clubs, Parent-Teacher As-
sociation, Daughters of the American
Revolution, American Legion, WtMTJ
and Association for Prevention of
Crime.
Lipstone Retunes Par
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Dropped from the Paramount stu-
dia music staft. in. jfiorgni»j?!9tion by
headman Lou Lipstone were Arthur
Franklin and Sam WineUnd, music
advisers, and Maurice Lawrence,
scorer,
Victor Young is back at the plant
as composer-conductor.
Timing Jackie's 17th
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Bootii Tarkhigton's 'Seventeen' li
slated by Paramount as a starrer for
Jackie Cooper, to be released on h>s
17th birthday next faU. Studio made
it as a silent ,
Film is second xmder Coopers
tb'ee-picture deal with studio. First
is 'What a Lif^.'
Wednesday* March 1, 1939
PICTURES
VARceTr
Majors Oppose Any 'GHisenf Ideas,
Heartened by N. D. Divorcement K.O.
Battle cry of major distributors
lind producers today has become, 'No
consent decree in any foriii.' No
pflicial statement, naturally, has
been made to that effect but it is the
general sentiment in the trade. .
Legal lights and industry chief-
tains have become convinced appar-
ently that a -consent decree is out of
the question. Previously, their at-
titude was understood to be slightly
Wavering, one group believing some
favorable consent decree stipulation
would solve the entire anti-trust suit,
situation. Even then, there were
nearly as many others who felt that
the major companies should see the
Government civil action through to
the finish. Now, this front has
shifted to one entirely against any
consent decree.
Part of this more solidified front
can be traced to what happened to
theatre divorcement in North Da-
kota as the whole law was wiped
off the books and swept out of the
U. S. Supreme Court Boosters for
fighting the Government suit to a
final decision also were heartened
by the neutral attitude taken by
Judge Charles Woodward in the
Chicago suit involving Barney Bala-
ban, Balaban & Katz, and seven
major distributors.. In this case the
judge upheld the defendants' de-
mand for a full bill of particulars,
quashed subi>oenas demanding the
appearance - of Individual defend-
ants, and nixed any motion to im-
pound documents and books of de-
fendants. They saw In this action
every indication that this particular
court was' going to see this suit tried
according to its idea of what con-
stituted good legal procedure, and
not according to the Government's
notions.
Attitude of numerous trade lead-
ers is. that too many vital matters
are tied up in the big Government
anti-trust suit to have it lightly
handled by means of a consent de-
cree, which might Incorporate the
V. S. Attorney-General's ideas, but
which -might be overruled subse-
quently by some court action. They
think that a court decision, and
■ nothing else, will do, because of im-
portant factors tied up in the 'case.
Another Divorcement BUI
Seattle, Feb. 28.
House Bill 300 has been intro-
duced in the state legislature at
' Olympia by Representative Gholson
(R.) of Yakima, calling for divorce-
ment of producing and diistrib com-
panies from operating theatres.
The bill prohibits operation of
motion picture theatres which are
'owned or controlled directly or in-
. directly' by any film producer or
distributor.
Donlap-Carr East For
Monogram Board Meet
Scott R. Dunlap, v.p. over produc-
tion, and Trem Carr, producer and
member of the board of Monogram,
arrived in the east Monday (27) to
attend the annual meeting of Mono
stockholders slated for today (Wed.).
W. Ray Johnston's statement of
operations to stockholders was re-
leased a week ago.
While east it is also expected that
discussions will be held concerning
the 1939-40 production plans, when
an increased program will be sched-
uled.
George W. Weeks, general sales
manager, who has been in Florida,
relumed to New York Monday (27).
Carrier Co.'s $2,000,000
Anti-Trust Suit vs. RCA
A suit for $2,000,000 on Sherman
anti-trust law allegation was brought
In the N. Y. Federal Court on Thurs-
day (23) against RCA by the Inter-
national Carrier Call & Television
Corp.
The plaintiff seeks damages on
two counts. Theft of patents dealing
with a 'new two-way intercommu-
nicating system for power circuits'
is charged. International Carrier
also claims that it is half owner of 1,-
600,000 shares of stock of the Amer-
ican Carrier Call Corp., which had
been formed to exploit and sell the
above mentioned patent. It is claimed
that, by restraint of trade on the
part of RCA, this corporation was
forced Into T7Bb
Big Lumber Man
. ' Sacramefnto, Feb. 2B.
Charlie McCarthy entered the
capitalistic class as a $75,000 cor-
poration through the filing of
papers by Edgar Bergen inter-
ests.
Object of the company is to
supervise all Charlie McCarthy
activities and by-products, such
as toys, novelties, pictures, radio
and stage exhibitions.
Trailer Co/s Suit
Termed Tempest In
A Teapot' l)y Court
Arguments In the suit of National
Screen against Trailer-Made, Inc.,
Isador Schwartz and Pathe Film
Corp., were heard last week' before
Judge Coxe in N. Y. federal court
Application for an injunction was
made to prevent Trailer-Made from
distributing certain trailers on the
ground that the' musical backgrounds
were an infringement of National
Screen music. Injunction against
Pathe Film is sought because it
makes prints in its lalMratories of
tlie trailers.
Louis J. Vorhaus, attorney for the
plaintiff, claimed that the musical
backgrounds made up an Important
part of the trailers. Trailer-Made
contended, through its attorney, Saul
Rogers, tliat the backgrounds . came
from a company which Trailer-Made
had bought
Louis Nizer, representing Pathe,
asked that no injunction be issued
against Pathe because, as a labora-
tory, it is a completely innocent
par^ in this dispute. Nizer also
moved to strike out that part of the
complaint which requested a dis-
covery of records of defendants.
Further argument of Nizer was
that National Screen had failed, to
comply with the copyright law be-
cause it did not file notice in Wash-
ington under Section I-E of the copy-
right law which referred to mechani-
cal reproductions. . Since there was
no notice or other designation on the
negatives, Nizer contended that the
failure to file this notice was fatal to
the plaintiff.
Judge Coxe referred to the plain-
tiff's complaint as a tempest in a tea-
pot, and reserved decision.
N. Y. OPS WAGE TUT
STILL UNADJUSTED
Wage scale adjustments -for Local
306 Motion Picture Operators (N. Y.)
are stalemated again. Up for settle-
ment last August an arbitration
board was to have ironed the matter
out last week but after the Inde-
pendent Theatre Owners Association
had chosen its arbitration delegates,
the union decided against submitting
to arbitration at this time.
Instead, the matter was left -to
labor committees of both union and
the association. At a meeting on
Feb. 20, 306 agreed to cut its orig-
inal demand of a 48% increase in
booth costs in half and took the
stand it couldn't go any lower than
24%.
Theatre owners' viewpoint was
that based on slumping business
conditions and poor box office re-
sults, there can be no consideration
of increasing costs at this time. They
want present booth expense, per the-
atre, to continue as is, for another
two-year period.
The matter will have to come to
arbitration . inasmuch as . some in-
crease is mandatory, as provided for
in the contract.- A compromise ad-
justment has yet to be worked out.
Saving in the Process
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Further reduction in location
costs is made possible by new de-
velopments In process work, re-
ported by the Research Council of
Academy of Motion Picture Arts
and Sciences.
Fifty process technicians, headed
by Farciot .Edouart, put in 2,000
working hours on the labor saving
developments.
THEATRE FIRES
$15,M« Loss In Pitt—Other Razed
Houses Bebnilt
Pittsburgh, Feb. 28.
Few months after new owner had
completely refurnished house, State
theatre in Liberty, near here, was
swept by flames last week during
coldest spell of season, and com-
pletely destroyed at an estimated
loss of $15,000. One fireman was
seriously injured when' a section of
the front brick wall collapsed.
Spot was purchased less than a
year ago by George Geinzer, who
spent several grand remodeling the
place. Cause of blaze was undeter-
mined,
$10,(HM Blaie
Oakland, Cal., Feb. 28.
A stubborn three-alarm fire swept
through the Granada theatre early
Saturday (25) morning. A pre-
liminary estimate placed the dam-
age to the interior of the theatre at
more than $10,000.
The fire started in the loge sec-
tion of the theatre balcony, apparent-
ly from a smoldering cigai^et
Heavy smoke and water damage
occurred. Hangings, seats and rugs
were burned. The projection room
with its store of inQammabie film
was untouched.
John Peters is the manager. The-
atre is part of the Golden State
chaia
Bebnlldinc Bated House
Atlantic C:ity, Feb. 28.
Rebuilding of the Palace, gutted by
a $10,000 blaze this week, has al-
ready been started and will be
rushed to completion so . that the
theatre may reopen for the Easter
holidays. Announcement to this ef-
fect was made by Samuel H. Tahnen-
baiun, owner, this week.-
The fire, which threatened the
downtown area until firemen finally
got it under control, was caused by a
defect in the wiring.
Few Houses For
Sale; New Theatre
Bldg. Continues
Theatres-, available for pur&hase
or leasing through brokers or direct
with owners, if of any value at all,
are difficult to find anywhere in the
United States. Those that are closed,
according to theatre realty men, are
out of operation for good reasons and
thus are not even being offered, ex-
cept rarely.
During the past two weeks, one of
the largest of the chains, which Is
usually offered theatres regularly,
has received not one single bid from
a broker or owner with a house to
unload. The brokers are in the habit
of first soliciting partners of chains,
depending on the territories, when
getting a theatre for sale or lease.
Real estate men in the picture in-
dustry declare there are lots of thea-
tres available, most of them closed,
some for as long as 10 years, but in
most such cases the houses are run
down and owners are seeking an
operator who would spend upwards
of $10,000 to put the property into
shape. Also, most of these theatres
are located in situations where film
supply ' would be dubious and the
competition dangerous.
During the past 10 years, since de-
pression, the majority of worthwhile
theatres in existence have t>een
gobbled up by local indies as well as
large chains. What's left now repre-
sents the dross. Those .who would
venture forth as exhibitors in large
situations or In small communities
are tho^e mostly who are building
new houses, very often in communi-
ties which have been built up of late
years, or to which population has
shifted.
New 1,000-Seater
Palnesville, O. Feb. 28.
Construction of Palnesville's new
1,000-seat picture theatre has been
started. . Built for A. G. Schwartz
and J. H. Shulman, of Cleveland,
who operate the Park and Utopia
theatres here and the Lyric at near-
by Falrport
Post-Mortems on N. D. Divorcement
Discloses Indies, More Than Par,
Favored Repeal; U. S. Atty s Angles
Lone State
Major distrib trying to count
up the number of anti-trust suits
filed in the Industry claimed he
knew of one state in U. S. with-
out a single anti-truster— Nevada.
But, of course, Reno has al-
ways had its divorcement
N. C. Exhib Banned On
Both 'Baby' Fihn And
Tobacco' Road' Play
Charlotte, N. C, Feb. 28.
Plans for showing the picture,
"Birth of ■ a Baby,' and the play,
'Tobacco Road,' in Greensboro, N. C,
struck an official snag. City otficlals
took a hand in stopping the cinema
production, meeting Sunday after-
noon and informing J. B. Webster,
operator of Criterion, that he would
be subject to arrest and revocation
of his license it he showed the sched-
uled and advertised film. A week
previous, an audience of between 50
and 75, representing medical, church,
business and school groups, attended
a preview of the legit show, and, ac-
cording to- Webster, gave a favorable
reaction.
Raleigh booking, agents announced
that "Tobacco' Road' would play
Greensboro's Senior High School
auditorium March 8-9. M. D. Teague,
business manager of the school, sub-
sequently stated that the tentative
rental was canceled and the deposit
posted had been returned to the
agent C. E. Newsom. He said the
date was cancelled due to a later de-
veloped conflict with school pro-
grams, however, admitting that the
'reputation of the play had bearing'
on its. cancellation.
Tobacco Road' is scheduled for
Raleigh's Memorial . auditorium
March 10-11, despite the fact the
mayor of that city had issued a ban
against it
City Manager C. W. Smedberg said
the theatre owner was requested to
abandon plans foi- showing 'Birth of
a Baby' in view of an . jreement
made by local theatre operators sev-
eral years ago on request of school
groups. The agreement is under-
stood to prohibit showing of films of
a medical character. Question of
obscenity or vulgarity did not enter
into the request to halt the show,
Smedberg said.
house for five years. Purchase price
put at $25,000. New owners plan to
spend several thousand dollars re-
modeling the theatre. Installing air
conditioning system and enlarging
marquee.
More in L. A.
Los Angeles, Feb. 28.
Ben Bronstein, currently operat-
ing the Carmen, Lux and Arlin the-
atres here, building another.
William Swanson, operating the
Ojal theatre at Ojai, reopens the
Beaux Arts in L. A. next month.
M. G. Sinift owner of the Doty,
has started a new house, the Del
Mar.
Okia, Expanding
Oklahoma City, Feb. 28.-
Oklahoma is set for some healthy
expansion during the current year
as a number of new houses are be-
ing put on the planning boards and
remodeling bids are being asked
from almost every section of the
state.
. It is expected that some new cap-
ital may also Cotiie Into state theatre
business as a result of the way in-
dustry has weathered bad times in
the area.
Akron Nabe Sold
Akron, O., Feb. 28.
Five Points, Akron nabe, 650 seats,
sold by R. C. Wahl and David Col-
lins, to Lorenzo Buzzelli whose son,
Arthur, will manage the house,
Wahl and Collins have operated the
Philly's New 1,200-Seater
Philadelphia, Feb. 28.
A new theatre will be built in the
I Mount Airy section at Sprague street
and Vernon road by a syndicate, in-
cluding Abe Sablosky, J. J. Cohen
and E.. Margolin. Seating capacity
1,200.
O'Neill, Neb's, New One
O'Neill, Neb., Feb. 28.
Plans for a new theatre here an-
nounced by Mrs. Georgia O. Rasley,
who operates the Royal.
Minneapolis, Feb. 28.
With the North Dakota legislature
scheduled to adjourn this week, all
hopes have been- abandoned for the
passage of a new theatre divorce-
ment law or a licensing bill designed
to prohibit further theatre construc-
tion in the state.
At the same time, plans were be-
ing pushed by Northwest Allied for
the introduction of a . theatre di-
vorcement measure in the Minne-
sota legislature and Gov. John Moses
of North Dakota Issued a statement
explaining and defending his action
in signing the repeal bill that took
the 1935 divorcement law off tha
statute books, permitting the Para-
mount Northwest circuit to continue
to own and operate its 15 theatres.
The Minnesota state legislature
has been in session for nearly two.
months, and no divorcement bill has
been introduced yet although
Northwest Allied Is committed to
efforts to obtain its enactment.
Moreover, Gov. H. B. Stassen has
Ignored the organization's request to
urge its passage.
Gov. Moses says that one of.tho
important factors influencing him to
sign the bill was the receipt of nu-
merous requests from North Dakota
independent exhibitors, urging such
action..
Incidentally, legislators who voted
for repeal declare that independent
theatre owner constituents had asked
them to do so. These independent
exhibitors insisted that conditions at
no time justified the law's passage.
They asserted that the Paramount
Northwest circuit's competition has
been fair .and decent at all times,
and that they would have more to
fear if the Paramount theatres fell'
into the hands of some of the inde-
pendent chain operators said to hav*
had designs on them.
In explaining why he delayed
signing the repeal bill until five min-
utes before It would have become a
law anyway, by reason of failure to
act Oh it within the prescribed three-
day limit following its receipt from
the legislature. Gov. Moses said he
wished to give federal operatives as
much time as possible to determine
if any illegal -tactics were involved
in Its passage, or if there was any
evidence that film producers had
conspired illegally to wipe the law .
off the statute books.* A
Gov. Admits D. C. Quli ^
Gov. Moses revealec that Thur-
man Arnold of the U. S. attorney
general's office had told him that the
government was interested in cir-
cumstances surrounding - the law's
repeal and was investigating. Whea
h-! heard nothing further from
Washington, however. Gov. Moses
said he signed the bill and notified
the U. S. Attorney General to that
effect U. S. Attorney General
Frank Murphy had asked the gover-
nor to give full consideration to the
effect repeal would have on pending
federal litigation..
U. S. asst district attorney Arnold
admitted to Gov. - Moses over the-
telephone from Washington, he says,
that the signing of the repeal bill
would be an 'inconvenience' rather
than an- injury to the feder 1 gov-
ernment's anti-trust suit against a
group of major distributor-pro-
ducers, aiming, among other things,
at separation of Aim production and
theatre ownership.
That he had carefully studied the
many ramifications of the repeal ac-
tion before signing the bill, was
Gov. Moses' assertion. 'I particular-
ly weighed the effect the bill would
have in North Dakota and the ques-
tion of whether it would be a good
thing for this state rather than for
another state, or upon litigation
pending in the U. S. supreme court,'
the governor said.
The governor pointed out that the
failure in the legislature's lower
House of a resolution asking him to
return the bill unsigned 'places ad-
ditional weight on the natural as-
sumption that the legislators wer*
cognizant of the measure's effect'
The speedy passage in both branches,
he felt, 'would indicate a clear-cut
decision and a determination that
the repeal bill, was highly desir-
(Contlnued on page 22)
« VARJETY
PICTURES
Wednesday, Mareh ], I939
HLM SHOWMANSHIP
By John C. Flinn
First class showmanship by the Warners' home office and the Strand
theatre (N.Y.) management launched "Yes, My Darling Daughter' on a
crest of boxoilice excitement Saturday (25). In the general mixup of
withdrawing 'Ofl the Record' from the Strand screen to make way for
'Daughter,' the Warner h.o., the flhn exchange and the operators of the
Globe theatre, engaged In early morning huddles, which resulted in a
complete switching also of the Globe's attractions, including the postpone-
ment of two new features, and the cutting short of the 10-week run of
The Vanishing Lady' (G-B).
By noon both the Strand and Globe were settled down to the routine of
SRO, with 'Darling Daughter' as the single-bill attraction in each house.
New York State Board of Regents passed favorably on the Warner ap'
peal from the censor hoard ruling of the previous week which banned
'Daughter' from showings witlua the state. Not only was there intense
Interest in. the trade as to the appeal outcome, but Warners had capital-
ized the situation with some hefty . publicity releases that had drawn at-
tention in the New York dailies. It remained for the showmen, however,
to top their victory with the best piece of newspaper display advertising
lhat has appeared in many months. Without mentioning the legal diffi-
culties and censorship tangles, and without crowing' over a victory before
the appeal board which carries much significance bieyond the immediate
issues of the one fliih, the advertising copy writer, under something of an
Inspiration, simply underscored the word YES (the censors had said, 'No'.),
and the 'Saturday dailies appeared with smash displays, stating, "'YES,
My Darling Daughter* Now— Strand."
Day and dating at the Globe was not accomplished without some con-
fusion, involving not only 'Lady Vanishes,' but two WB pix, 'Devil's
Island' arid 'Blackwell's Isldnd.' Saturday dailies carried announcement
that 'Devil's Island' was the new attraction at the Globe. A sub-line de-
scribed the prison isle as the 'dungeon of the damned.' Due to protest
against 'Devil's Island' by the French Embassy in Washington, Warner.;
withdrew the booking and the exchange so notified the Globe management
early in the day. They would send over, they said, another picture, 'Black-
well's Island.' Meanwhile, the boxoSice had opened and the operators
were. sending The Vanishing Lady' into its 11th week as a dual with the
latter film.
But the line of customers outside the Strand, scarcely a block away
from the Globe, had grown to proportions requiring some police super-
vision, and it was then suggested that the best way to handle the- involved
bookings at the Globe was to get another print of 'Daughter.' Within an
hour aU advertising had been changed on marquee and front of the house,
and the Globe and Strand were playing the same picture. ' There were
some refunds of admissions at the Globe from customers who insisted they
were entitled to see two features instead of one, having entered the house
In the earlier hours.
Two Broadway first runs playing day-and-date is a rarity. A conspic-
uous example was when Howard Hughes-some years ago rented the Gaiety
and the Cohan for simultaneous two-a-day showings of 'Hell's Angels.'
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING
DIPPED \n IN 193
Outdoor advertising, billboards
and the electric sign business took
10% drop in 1938 fMm total of net
billings the previous year. Revenue
in 1939 may be adversely affected
through passage of various bills in
N. Y. state and other legislatures.
F. T. Hopkins, president of the Na
tional Outdoor Advertising Bureau,
Inc., states that in view of all con'
ditions that outdo<>r advertising has
had to contend with,' results last year
were better than expected.
Frontier Is Revived
For Cagney Premiere
DEFDHTION OF SHOWHANSHIP
Accepting the definition of. showmanship as the art of converting enter-
tainment into cash' there is ample proof in the country-wide rental returns
on Tail Spin' (20th-Fox) to indicate that the ballyhoo which preceded the
general release of the film has been effective from a boxoffice angle.
Two chartered airplanes made cross-country trips, with numerous stops
at key cities, at which the young women passengers appeared at lunch-
eons and on theatre stages, making- a' special point to describe the values in
Tail Spin.' The rewards from such enterprise are said to be most gratify-
ing in terms of theatre attendance, far beyond the sections visited by the
planes.
There must be some meaning and moral in this. Perhaps the answer
Is that the public's interest is in direct proportion to the producer's sales-
manship enthusiasm. Many films possessing wider appeal as entertain-
ment than Tail Spin' have started their exhibition careers without buildup
. and have been disappointing grossers. Every film possesses some angles
of Showmanship, and the astute showman constantly strives for the tm-
usuial and different advertlshig approaches, finally discovering through
eliminations and trials what is the best formula. Too ' often the first
effort, when not immediately successful, is followed by discouragement
and apathy.
GOOD JOBS OH 'PTGHAUON'
Which brings up the altogether excellent exploitation job which has
been done on the New York and Los Angeles first runs on 'Pygmalion,' by
the Loew organization. It Is true there are sales points in the film. But
the gay and high spirited advertising copy has kept pace with the word of
mouth comment on the picture, which now is in Its 13th week at the
Astor .on Broadway, and its ninth stanza at the Four Star, on Wilshire
boulevard.
Of the three English-made films which last December were in competi-
tion on Broadway, only 'Pygmalion' remains as a continued first run. 'Lady
Vanishes' (Hitchcock-20th-Fox) has finished a highly profitable engagement
at the Globe, and Charles Laughton in IThe Beachcomber' (Par) is playing
Id neighborhood houses this week.
American audiences have shown a distinct liking for British films when
they possess quality direction, acting and story telling. The three men-
tioned by no means are the only good ones that have come over in the
past several years, but 'Pygmalion' Is one of the few which has had the
backing of big time showmanship and sustained exploitation.
Importance of handling is demonstrated in the disappointing single
week's business which '^^dy Vanishes' attracted at the Garrick (B&K) in
Chicago. Given a light advertising budget and a routine copy send-off,
the Hitchcock picture lasted a week at the Garrick, whereas the Broadway
run galloped along to 10 weeks. There still may be pay-dirt in 'The
Lady Vanishes' in Chicago, and the management of the World Playhouse,
which plays foreign language flhns chiefly, is giving the film a second
chance as a first run.
DETROIT CRITIC ON SHOWMAWSHTP
Film showmanship and theatre salesmanship are subjects of vital interest
in secUons other than the major markets of New York, Chicago and Ixk
Angeles. Comes a clipping from the Detroit Free Press containing a con-
tribution by Stanley Fields, who writes:
'After all, the most important critic of the movies today is the public
MHTthat if-rs-premy-show^se-ln-ltrjudBment.ijf-entcrtatflmem-^ is
proven by the rise and fall in theatre attendance as the quality of the
pictures fluctuates.
There are only two things necessary to get the public movie-conscious
today. The first, of course, is good pictures, and the second is the proper
presentation of them to the public.
'A good motion picture is one from whose presence no audience escapes
quite heart whole. It has that certain something that causes a throb in
your throat,, which vibrates on down and seems to teeter on your wish-
bone. It fills one with realistic illusion, it gives you the urge to stand up
and cheer. You are aware you are looking at one when your conflicting
nerve impulses become tangled, causing a short circuit in your skeleton.'
LOEW ECLIPSES PAR ON MARE TWAIN
With a barrage of trade paper and national magazine copy, 'Huckleberry
Finn' is poised for first runs. Through various channels the libew ex-
ploitation has created a distinct anticipation in the adaptation of the Mark
Twain novel. Considerable free space in the dailies was grabbed off by
Oklahoma City, Feb. 28.
An entire city park will be trans-
formed into a ^ontler camp of 1889
as a welcoming' gesture to Rosemary
Lane, Humphrey Bogart and Donald
Crisp, visiting Oklahoma City, March
3, for the world premiere of 'Okla-
homa Kid.'
Under the supervision of Park
Commissioner Donald Higglns, Wiley
Post Parki on the banks of the
Canadian River, is rapidly taking the
form of a pioneer encampment as it
might have been on the eve of Okla-
homa's land rush 'fifty years ago.
Buffalo are being shipped in from
the city's zoos.
This will be the scene for a bar-
becue attended by 150 socially and
politically prominent Oklahomans in
cowboy costume, in honor of Miss
Lane, Bogart and Crisp.
Following the - barbecue, the as-
semblage will parade to the theatre,
mounted on horseback. In the line
will be 25 different types of horse-
drawn vehicles, fifty members of Ok-
lahoma's exclusive Roundup Club,
the Amateur Cow Girl's Association,
debutante members of the Embassy
Club and many other organizations.
The C^ritertoii Theatre, scene of the
world premiere, has been trans-
formed into an Indian trading post.
Amateur Camera Shots
Draw Crowd of 40,000
Salt Lake City, Feb. 28.
Charley Pincus, manager of the
Centre, town's newest deluxer, re-
vealed that nearly 40,000 persons
viewed the second annual photo arts
show on exhibition in the theatre's
lobby. Exploitation earned ample
space In burg's leading newspapers,
since the Salt Lake Tribune and
Telegram cosponsored the tyro bulb
shooters' efforts.
Collection included 136 snapshots,
contributed by leading simon-pure
phbtogs from every section of the
United States.
Slept in Shiriey's Bed
Boston, Feb. 28.
When 'Little Princess' was booked
into the Keith Memorial suddenly,
the press department, directed by
Jack Granara, had four days to pro-
duce a campaign.
Film had its premiere Tuesday
night (21) at the theatre. As part
of the advance buildup, a special
preview was arranged for the Cath-
olic Home for Destitute Children in
this city. Three Daughters of Bos-
Mayor Tobln were hostesses at this
party.
A 'princess for a day* stuht was
promoted to break simultaneously
with the opening day. A local seven,
year-old girl was selected for the
honorr ahd at the theatre's expense
she v/as given a 24-hour spree which
Included staying overnight with her
Graphing the Press Blurbs
The Hays office iias prepared 10 charts showing the trend in pre.ss
comment regarding the film industry, the past year producing only
60.9% favorable comment as against 66.8% favorable in 1937, and 58.2%
in 1936. This unfavorable showing in 1938 was reported despite the
Greatest Picture Year campaign and expenditure of $1,000,000 by film
companies and exhibitors, most of it in newspapers. Trends were
charted from newspaper clippings received,
' Past year was outstanding In that there waa more editorial comment
on the film business than in the previous two years. Statement from
Hays office did not reveal exactly what the charts were supposed to
prove or what even the analysis of them was supposed to establish.
mother in the same suite occupied by
Shirley Temple at the Ritz Carlton
when the star visited Boston a few
months ago. The 'princess for a day'
was given a complete new outfit of
clothes, a press dinner, and a tea
party which her brothers and sisters
attended. She was 'guest of Shirley
Temple' at a showing of the film in
the theatre, and during her big day
was given the use of a limousine,
chauffeur and two uniformed guards,
RKO's Tmies Sq. Electric
Sip for Fair Ballyhoo
RKO pictures will be plugged on
the second largest illuminated sign
on Broadway starting April 30. It
will be timed to attract attention nf
the World's Fair crowds.
Construction has been started on
a 40 x 25 foot, 27,000 lamp moving
figure sign, which will be two stories
in height and cover the front of the
Palace Theatre Bldg. It is being
erected by the Wondersign Corp.
Sign will not only compete with
the Douglas Leigh animated illumi-
nated system right next to it, which
employs the photo-electric cell prin'
ciple, but is also said to exceed it
in novelty. The Wondersign is based
on a French patent, Luminograph
recently exhibited at the Paris fair;
employs use of colored as well as
white-lighted and rapid-moving fig'
ures; has a greater range of mobility
in use of figures and will bum only
small 14-volt lamps instead of 110-
volts resultinf in substantial ecbU'
omy of' operation. ''
RKO pictures will use two adver-
tising units nightly, with weekly
changes of copy, at an approximate
cost of $13 a night, or $4,500 a year,
exclusive of rental and erection cost.
basketball Toomey
Ob Theatre Stage
Hastings, Neb, Feb. 28.
A new wrinkle in stage shows will
be offered here by Orville Rennie,
manager of the Rivoli, when he pre-
sents a basketball tournament be-
tween showings of the first and sec
ond film features March 8-9-10.
Four teams, two from Hastings and.
two from nearby, villages, will com-
pete for a trophy. The stage will be
converted into a basketball court
One game each night Is scheduled.
Free Birthday Shows
Oklahoma City, Feb. 28.
The 10th birthddTy celebration of
Joseph Cooper, Jr., son of the Stand-
ard Theatres Corp. prexy, last Satur-
day (26) was the occasion of free
9 a.m. shows in all the local Standard
theatres for all boys and girls who
cared to attend.
Advertislog the Opposlsh
Baltimore, Feb. 28.
Unusual ad. used by Mac Wein-
berg, to sell G-B's, The Lady Van-
ishes,' at the Little theatre, played
up quotes from article by Gilbert
Kanour, crick of Evening iSun in
which he coupled film to The
Beachcomber/.fiurjrently at the Stan-
ley. Ad mentioned both films and
houses. Stanley is directly across
the street from Little.
ha^eTe^dSr^e^^^n^eir' screening^Perhaps this is the' firffySi
SnB(L)lIRBIANA
wp«'Ti?i^i?"»^ suburban railway staUon plaU6rm in Westchester county
were the following three-sheet boards:
Music Hall (NY).— 'Made fcfr Each Other'
Embassy (Port Chester).— The Dawn Patrol '
Roosevelt GriU (NY).— 'Dance with Guy Lombardo'
Bi?l^ash Si^J*'''*"*^*"*^'''' ^^"^ Wednesday Night
Shaw's Tygmalion' Gets
Bis Sendof f in St. L
St. Louis, Feb. 28.
Midwestern premiere of George
Bernard Shaw's 'Pygmalion' at
Loew's followed a sock exploitation
campaign that ranged from a re-
served seat attendance, first in the
history of the house, to a street bally
engineered by Manager 'Chick' Evens
and Jimmy Harris, p. a. One of the
highlights of the campaign was the
use, for the first time here, of a full-
page half-tone co-op ad in the Globe.
Democrat, the town's only a.m. rag,
that represented an expenditure of
$1,000 by the. co-opers. A swell
street broadcast tieup was. made with
station KXOK in which those of the
burg's upper bracket mob were in-
veigled to talk ovei the mike before
entering the theatre.
Representatives of the Better Films
Council, Board of Education, St
Louis and Washington universities
and the mayor were among the
guests. Mailing lists ol the Ameri-
can Theatre and Municipal Theatre
Assn. were the medium through
which 5,000 natives were acquaint-
ed with the opening; 10 prominent
hotels permitted the use of table
cards liberally sprinkled with
"Pygmalion' and theatre copy and
the street bally, used for three'
days before opening, consisted of half
a dozen sandwich men made up as
Shaw, with fiowing whiskers, top
hats and frock coats, meandering all
over the downtown district and at-
tracting gobs of attention. All of
this was in addition to the usual rou-
tine.
Loew's hangnrates
Stage Quiz in B'klyn
Jo Ranson, radio editor of the
Brooklyn Eagle, is conducting ■
series of weekly quiz programs on
the stage of the Loew's Boro Park
here. Stunt started Washington's
Birthday. If idea catches on Loew's
may bring Ranson into other Brook-
lyn houses on various nights.
Hanson's questions cover every
conceivable subject including politics;
sports, stagey screen, etc. Contestants
get (ash prizes and are drawn from
local organizations.
STORY BUYS
I^ollywood, Feb. 28.
Paramount purchased Ethel Hous-
ton's novel. The Honorable Uncle
Lancy.'
Ed Finney bought John Rathmell's
'Red Man' for Monograrik
Endre Bohem sold his original,
The World on Parade,' to Para-
mount
Grand National bought 'Include
Me Out' by Rolph Passer and Ly-
ford Mooje.
Universal acquired 'Jail Baby,' an
original by Hannah Lees.
Daniel Fudis sold his yarn. "The
Day the Bookies Wept' to RKO.
RKO purchased "Timber Stam-
])ede,' a western, by Bernard Mc-
Conville.
Universal bought James Ronald's
mag serial. They Can't Hang Me.'
Metto acquired William' Faulk-
ner's novel, "The Unvanquished.'
Columbia has purchased Tree of
Liberty,' current best seller ' by
Elizabeth Page.
TITLE CHANGES
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
"Unmarried' is release title for
Paramount's "Night Spot Hostess,'
originally 'Me and My Gal.'
, 'The Right Way' is latest tag on
Dr. Martin Comes Home,' at War-
ners.
Bal Roach changed It's Spring
Again' back to its original title, 'Ze-
nobla.'
•The Story of Alexander Graham
Bell' got call over 'Alexander Gra-
ham BeU' at 20th-Fox.
Wednesdaj, March 1, 1939
'Girl Downstairs' Bi^t 14G
In Chi, but tayk-Vaude Blah
PICTURE 6ROSI
VAUETr
m 'Stagecoach' Fast 17G
Chicago, Feb. 2S.
There's a better tone ia Uis loop
this week, particularly at the
straight flicker spots where new pic-
tures are evidencing an ability to
whirl the wicket following several
sessions of b.o. doldrums.
Especially bri^t are the State
Lake and the Roosevelt with 'Girl
Downstairs' plus vaude, and 'Stage-
coach,' respectively. The latter is uie
type of up-to-date western that al-
ways get money. Labeled as fin 'his-
torical document,' it is nevertheless
composed of all the basic elements of
the boss opry mellers that have been
the foundation of the picture busi-
ness, going back to The Great Train
Kobbery.'
The Chicago is having another
tough week of it on the Taylor
flicker. For some reason there has
been a sudden reaction away from
Robert Taylor on the part of the
femmes, and he has plummeted
down from his former hl0i b. o, po-
sition. The reaction is due, it seems,
not to the pretty-boy taft but to
Metro's ixew. decision to make him a
rough-and-tumble guy. On the stage
the Llttlefleld ballet is not adding a
nickel to the gate.
'Gunga Din' goes into lts\fourth
and final week at the Palace, and
has had a great run of it. 'Pygma-
lion' is a honey in its third week at
the Apollo,'
EstlBMtes tor This Week
ApalU (B&K) (1.200; 35.-55-65-75)
— •f^'gmalion' (M-G) (3d wk). Has
been a terrific winner in tills house
and will go to a nifty $9,000 cur-
rently, foUowlng walloping $10,500
take in second session last week.
Chloiwa (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)—
'Stand Up' (M-G) and stage show.
Llttlefleld ballet on stage and get-
ting plenty of billing, but no b.o.
draught. Combination is pretty much
of a blooper, and will gamer an-
other set ot headaches at $26,000. Last
week 'Beachcomber' (Par) and
vaude, was even poorer at the wicket
with $23,700.
Garrlok (B&K) (900; 3 5-45-55)-^
'Beachcomber' (Par). Was a busteroo
In the Chicago last week, and won't
do any better here at indicated $4,-
600, mild. Last week 'Idiot' (M-G),
fairish $5,900.
Oriental (Jones) (3,200: 25-40)—
'Spy Hunt' (Col) and 'Gambling
Ship' (RKO) and vaude. Combination
will get some coin this week at $14,-
aOO. Last week 'Pride Navy' (Rep)
and 'King Underworld' CWB), nifty
$16,100.
Palace (RKO) (2,500; 36-55-65-75)
—'Gunga' (RKO) and vaude (4th-
flnal wk). Has had a great stay, and
win get $16,000 for the wlndup, a
hangup take, after snagging hefty
$20,100 last week.
BMMevcIt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65-
75)— 'Stagecoach' (UA). Opened Sat-
urday (25) and looks for good coin
gallop, starting with $17,000 for the
initial stanza. Last week 'St Louis'
(Par), turned in one of lowest fig-
ures In history of house with brutal
$5,700 for single session.
Slate-Lske (B&K) (2,700; 25-40)—
'Girl Downstairs' (M-G) and vaude.
Good $14,000 for session. I^ast week
'Swing Sister' (U), good $13,400.
United Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700;
3S-SS-6S-7S) — 'Freedom' (M-G).
Opened Saturday (25) and is headed
for only $11,000, mild, from opening
indications. Last week "Honolulu'
(M-G), weepy $9,300.
WICK Fllffi' REVELS
IN SNOWY DEI^12G
Denver, Feb. 28.
Despite . worst snowstorm ot the
winter only one house, Denham,
appears to be in the doldrums. "Cafe
Society' there is drawing better than
ao-so $6,500.
'Huckleberry Finn,' dualed with
'Pacific Liner,' is drawing big $12,-
000 at the Orpheum.
Estimates tor This Week
. Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 25-40)—
'Each Other' (UA), after a week
at the Denver. Good $4,000.- .Last
week 'Tailspin' (20th), below aver-
age at $2,500.
.Broadway (Fox) (1,100: 25-40)—
•Honolulu' (M-G) and 'O'Connor'
(M-G), both after a week at the
Orpheum. Nice- $3,000. Last week
Gunga Din' (RKO). good $3,000.
.^Denham (Cockrill) (l-,750; 25-35-
40)— 'Cafe Society' (Par). Not draw-
ing much at $6,500. Last week (2d),
St. Louis BlUes' (Par), good $7^00.
Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-50)—
Stagecoach' (UA). Good $10,000.
Last week 'Each Other' (UA), good
$8,000.
Orpheum "(RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40)
— Huck Finn' (M-G) and 'Pacific
Liner' (RKO). Big $12,000. Last
week 'Honolulu' (M-G) and 'O'Con-
nor (M-G) strong $11,500.
Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)—
'Off Record' (WB) and •CHiarlle
Chan' (20th). Good $4,000. Last
week 'Son Frankenstein' (U) and
Torchy Blahe' (WB), fine $4,500.
Blalte (Fox) (678; 25-40)— 'Son
Frankenstein' (U), after week at
Paramount, and 'Homicide Bureau'
(Col). Getting okay $2,500. Last
week 'Jesse James' (20th), after a
week at each the Denver, Aladdid
and Paramount, and 'Crime Holiday*
(Col), strong $2,500.
lOMAN AGAIN,'
DUCHINlSi^
WWASH.
Washington, Feb. 28.
Three new shows this week, and
tops Is 'There's That Woman Again'
(Col) plus Eddie Duchhi's orch at
the Earle. 'Topper Takes a Trip'
(UA) and Phil Regan are running
second at the CapitoL
EstlBMtes. ter This Week
Capltel (Loew) (3,434; 25-35-40-66)
— Topper' (UA) and vaude. Phil
Regan and Benny MeroS helping
some, but not able to offset . Eddie
Duchin at opposition Capitol. Fair
$17,500. Last week 'St Louis Blues'
(Par) and Mitzi Green p.a;, fairish
$16 500.
Colombia (Loew) (1.234; 25-40)—
'Jesse James' (20th) (2d run). Back
on main stem after two stanzas at
Palace and looking to average $4,500.
Last week 'Honolulu' (M-G) (2d
run), good $5,200.
Earle (WB) (2.216; 25-35-40-66)—
'Woman Again' (Col) and Eddie Du-
chin's orch. Latter helping to lead
town with nice $18,500. Last week
'Let Us Live' (Col) thanked Gus
Van and minstrel show for most of
Ught $14,500.
Keith's (RKO) (1.830; 35-55)—
'Gunga Din' (RKO) (4th wk). Hold-
ing up to okay $5,500. Last we^
(3d), good $9,800.
Met (WB) (1,600; 25-40)— 'Beach-
comber' (Par) (2d run). Return
downtown after big stay at Earle
will see good $5,000. Last week 'King
Underworld' (WB), good $5,000.
Fabce (Loew) (2,424; 35-55)—
•Trade Winds' (UA). Only new pic
in straight flicker spot; okay $14,-
500. Last week (2d) 'Idiot' (M-G)
built to good $10,000.
Dorsey-'Nancy Drew'
B« Despite hdpk
Epideiiiics, Storm, Lent
Indianapolis, Feb. 28.
Tommy Dorsey's orch, plus 'Nancy
Drew, Reporter' at' the vaudfllm
Lyric, is pounding out a near-record
gross in the face of heavy snow-
storms, smallpox and flu epidemics,
and the beginning of Lent. Circle,
however, is faltering with Russ
Morgan's orch and Mitzi Green on
the stage, plus 'Pride of the Navy.'
The only real~' contender currehUy
is Loew's, which is doing sturdy biz
with 'Pygmalion' and 'My Son Is a
Criminal' dual. Tailspin' and 'Pardon
Our Nerve,' twin bill at the Indiana,
are doing only fair.
Scare headlines in the daili^ about
smallpox and flu epidemics brought
formal protests to the editors from
a committee representing all thea-
tres in the city.
Estimates for This Week
Apollo (Katz-Dolle) (1,100; 25-30-
40)— 'Honest Man' (U) dualled with
'Gambling Ship' (RKO). Moved over
from Circle for second week and
faring passably at $3,200. Last week's
revival of 'Waikiki Wedding-' (Par)
and 'Plainsman' (Par) was n.g. at
$1,900.
Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,600; 25-30-
40)— 'Pride Navy' (Rep) and Russ
Morgan's band on stage plus Mitzi
Green. This is the first of occasional
stage shows here. On wrong side of
ledger at $8,100 in view ot increased
nut Last week. 'Honest Man' (U)
and 'Gambling Ship' (RKO), nifty
$7,800.
Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3,100; 25-30-
40)_Tailspin' (20th) -and 'Pardon
Nerve' (20th). Former pic given
extra ad campaign, but results are
mild at $6,000. Last week (2d),
'Giinca Din' (RKO) faded to so-so
$3,800 after swell $10,200 in initial
session.
Loew's (Loew's) (2,400; 25-30-40)
-'Pygmalion' (M-G) and 'Son Is
1st Rods on Broadway
(Subject to Change)
Week ot March 2
Astor — 'Pygmalion' (M-G)
(13th wk).
Capitol — 'Huckleberry Finn*
(M-G).
Criterion— "Persons in Hiding'
(Par).
(Rewtetoed In VABiEtT, Jan. 25)
Globe — 'BlackweU's Island'
(WB) (1).
Mnsio Hall— 'Stagecoach' (UA).
Ponmonot — ' Cafe Society '
(Par) (2d wk).
BUIto— 'Secret Service of Air*
(WB) (1).
(Reviewed in Current Issue)
BiToU— 'You Gan't Ch?at an
Honest Man' (U) (3d wk).
Boxy— 'Wife, Husband and
Friend' (20th) (2d wk).
Strand — -Yes My Darling
Daughter* (WB) (2d wk).
week ef March 9
Astor — Tygmalion' (M-G)
(14th wk).
Capitol— 'Huckleberry Finn'
(M-G) (2d wk).
CrHerloa — 'Fast and Loose'
(M-G).
Globe — 'BlackweU's Island'
(WB) (2d wk).
Masie Hall— 'Stagecoach' (UA)
(2d wk).
Fsnunonnt — ' Cafe Society '
(Par) (3d wk).
Blalt*- 'Saint Strikes Back'
(RKO).
Bivell— 'Spirit of Culver' (U)
(8).
(Jlevteioed <n Current Issue)
Rexy- 'Little Princess' (20th)
am.
Slraad— 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB)
(10).
Criminal' (Col). Former pic given
special premiere with reserved seats
and an excellent exploitation canr-
EBlgn. Take very good at $8,500.
ast week, 'Honolulu' (M-G) and
'Girl Downstairs' (M-G), $8,200,
plenty okay.
Lyrle (Olson) (1,9(8); 3(M0)—
'Nancy Drew' (WB) and Tommy
Dorsey's band on stage. .Latter given
strong advance campaign and house
upped matinee prices to night scale.
iTirst time house has ever tilted its
prices and it's being done only for
Dbrsey and for Benny Goodman,
who comes in Friday (3). Smashing
take at $16,000. Last week, 'Wings
Navy' (WB) and Happy Felton band
on stage, poor $7,700. .
Epidemics Ease
Down m HGlw.;
'Pyg Nice 71/26
Milwaukee, Feb. 28.
'Gunga Din' and 'Monaistery' were
two surprise holdovers because of
startling upturn in biz latter half of
last stanza, probably due 'to grippe
and influenza epidemics' abatement
Riverside, vaudfllmer, is- still n.s.g.
with 'Hollywood Hi-Lites* unit this
frame and can't hope for much next
week either. Hopes to vamp until
(Seorge Givot and Jan Garber orch
come in March 17, followed by Fifi
Dorsey and a French revue, and
then Ted Lewis.
'Pygmalion' came in unexpectedly,
not allowing for much advance
bally, but crix were favorahle and'
Shaw opus is doing nicely at the
Palace. After some hesitation local
censor board unanimously okayed
•Yes, My Darling Daughter.'
Estimates tor This Week
LItUe (Indie) (L050; 35-50)—
'Monasteiy (Indie) (2d wk). Sudden
rise in biz got this a h.o. Will do
okay $3,700. Last week, nifty $4,000.
Palace (Fox Wisconsin) (2,400; 35-
50) — 'Pygmalion' (M-G). Favored by,
press and likely to hit satisfactory
$7,500. Last week 'Musketeers' (20th)
and 'In Freiich' (Par), $6,200, disap-
pointing.
Riverside. Undie) _(2.&0a;..25 J.0.-J5J
—'Gambling Ship' (RKO) and vaude.
Due for so-so $8,500. Last week
'Man-Hunt' (Rep) and 'Pride of
Navy' (Rep), vaude, $9,200, fairish.
Strand (Fox Wisconsin) (900; 35-
50)— 'Idiot' (M-G) and 'Smiling
Along' (20th). Paced for about $5,-
800, swell. Last week 'Huck Finn'
(M-G) and 'Girls White' (M-G), $6,-
000, good.
Warner (WB) (2,400; 35-50)—
'Gunga Din' (RKO) (2d wk) plus
March of Time. Another socko week
at $8,000. Last week terrific $0,400.
Wisconsin (Fox Wisconsin) (2,800;
35-50)— 'Tailspin' (20th) and .'Moto'
(20th). Dual has no marquee
strength, attracting only mild $9,300.
Last week 'Idiot' (M-G), $10,500, ex-
cellent
Broadway Up 'n' Down, Rams Hart;
'Society'-Hal Kemp-Tony Martin Top
With Big $53m m Hushand' 42G
An odd situation developed on
Broadway Saturday (25), when "Yes,
My Darling Daughter,' with benefit
of advertising In one spot but not
the other, opened day-and-date at the
Warner Strand and Harry Brandt's
Globe. Houses are located a block
from each other, one (Globe) scaled
at 25c to 55c, the Strand from 2Sc
to 99c. It Is one of the very rare
Instances where pictures have day
and-dated on first run Broadway en-
gagements. One case years ago was
simultaneous run of 'HeU's Angels'
at the old Criterion and the Gaiety,
but that was by design.
Difficulty over 'Devil's Island,'
etc., Is detailed elsewhere In a news
story.
'Daughter' was rushed into the
Strand Saturday (25) morning after
finally passing the censors, the house
quickly changing its front and rul-
ing large type ads into the dailies.
'OS the Record,' >vhich went eigbt
days with Kay Kyser, but fail^ to
bolster Kyser's draw,, had closed its
first week at less than $36,000, dis-
appointing in view of cost ot show,
and on extra (8th) day got an addi-
tional $2,500.
Kyser, with 'Daughter* on tiie-
final six days ending tomorrow night
(Thurs.), will be about the same as
the first week, the six days looking
about $31,000. The addiuonal day
for a full first week for Daughter'
will thus probably not top $35,000.
Because of the jam-up. Will 'Os-
borne and Sheila Barrett replace-
Kyser Friday (3), which will be the
seventh day for 'Daughter.' .Latter
holds over and may get a little lift
with the withdrawal of the picture
from the Globe last night (Tuea.)
after four days there at around $7,-
000, very good; Having received an
o.k. from Uie censors on 'BlackweU's
Island,' this picture opens at the
Globe today (Wed.).
Lent began Washington's birthday
(22) and rahi Sunday as well as yes-
terday (Tues.) was no help, but the
holiday business .(22) -was very
heavy everywhere. Music HaU came
within $13 of its best Washington's
birthday to date, while the Par, at
$13,000 on day, had its best business
for that holiday in six years. Other
houses correspondingly were over
expectations.
x:afe Society.' with a two-fisted
stage show In Hal Kemp eind Tony
Martin, at the $13,000 start Wednes-
day (22) and a preview last night
CTues.), finished the first seven days
at $53,000, excellent Kemp is draw-
ing the jazzhounds and Ilartln is
drawing a lot Of women. The auto-
graph leeches are around in heavier
numbers than usual. Show inaugu-
rates holdover today (Wed.).
Neither 'Wife, Husband and
Friend,' at the Roxy, nor 'Honolulu,*
at the Capitol, are creating any ex-
citement. Latter did not have bene-
fit of Washington's birthday, and wiU
grobably he under $42,000 on week,
ut holds over. Cap pushed' 'Hono-
lulu' In on the hohday, got a |ood
break on the opening,
Stays eight days to
and then
dipped badly. Stays eight d]
get back to regular Thursday open-
ing, and on that period wiU be lucky
to hit $20,000. 'Huckleberry Finn'
opens tomorrow (Thurs.).
Second week of 'Made for Each
Other,' at Music Hall, looks about
$68,000, considerable of a drop from
the first week's $102,000, but Initial
seven days included Washington's
birthday, which makes a big dlfler-
ence. 'Staijecoach' enters HaU to-
morrow (Thurs.).
Criterion is doing weU with 'Four
Girls in White,' also opened on the
holiday and maybe $9,000, best in
long time here. Second-run State is
taking a back seat with 'Beachcomb-
er,' and, on stage. Lucky MUllnder,
Frank Albertson and Estelle Taylor,
at $17,000. Rialto closed '12 Crowded
Hours' last night (Tues.) to $7,000.
o.k.. and today (Wed.) opens 'Secret
Service of the Air.'
Estimates tor This Week
Astor (1,012; 25-40-55-65)- "Pyg-
malion' (M-G) (12th week). (3ot a
lift last week (11th) with Washing-
ton's birthday to finish at $13,400,
and currently (12th lap) may gM up
to $11,000. Here Indef.
Capitol.. (4.520; 25-35-55-8Sr$1.25)^
'Honolulu' (M-G). In for eight days
ending toni(;ht (Wed.), but getting
nowhere, $20,000 tops. Final six days
on third week of .'Idiot's DeUght'
(M-G), $19,000. okay.
Criterion (1,662; 25-40-55)— "Four
Girls in White' (M-G). Given a pre-
view, with . 'Mutiny of Elsinore'
Wcdnsday (22) and with good start
may hit $9,000, very good. 'Mutiny'
(Prin). in ahead, got over $7,000, all
right
Globe (1.274: 25-40-55)— 'Black
well's Island' (WB). Opens here this
morning (Wed.) alter being held up
by censors. It succeeds the sudden
booking of 'Darling Daughter' (WB),
day-and-date with Strand; This one
on four days, ending last night
(Tues.), around $7,000 here, equiva-
lent to an average good week for
house. The final (6th) week of
'Lady Vanishes' (20th-GB) approxi-
mately $6,000.
Palace (1,700; 25-35-55)— 'Gunga
Din' (RKO). Opened here smgSs
yesterday morning (Tues.) 'Wings ot
Navy* (WB) (2d run), and 'Fisher-
man's Wharf (RKO) (1st run) on
six days, only S7.200. 'Jesse James*
(20th), solo, was a severe disappoint-
er, doinjg less than $8,000 on six days.
Paramennt (3,664; 25-35-55-85-99)
—'Cafe Society' (Par) and Hal Kemp
band, plus Tony Martin, Judy Starr
and others in person (2d week).
Away to smart start Washington's
birthday and -maintaining strong
pace, first seven days' business end-
ing last night (Tues.) talUed $53,000.
very , pungent The second week ot
'St Louis Blues' (Par) and Vincent
Lopez, plus John Boles, was $29,000.
no kicks.
Radio City Mnsic Hall (5,980; 40-
60-84-00-$l.e5) — 'Made for Each
Other* (UA) and stage show (2d-
flnd. week). Ploughed through to
$102,000 last week (its 1st), with
heavy play Washington's birthday
counting plenty, and on holdover
currently wlU be about $68,000.
suitable. 'Stage Coach' (UA) opens
tomorrow (Thurs.). Lent may be
expected to get felt a little more
here than at some of the other
houses which cater to the jitterbug
mob.
Blalto (750: 25-40-55) — 'Secret
Service of Air' (WB). Moves In here
this morning (Wed.) after a week
of '12 Crowded Hours' (RKO) which
got $7,000, fair enough. Six days ot
iRenegade Ranger' (RKO) a bit over
$5,000, not so forte.
BlvoU (2,092; 25-55-75-85-99)—
'Can't . Cheat Honest Man' (U) (2d
week), nie count looks like about
$12,000 on the holdover (2d week)
at hand, and remains four more days,
with 'Spirit of Culver* (U) opening
March 8. First seven days was
$21 000
Boxy (5,836: 25-40-55-75)— 'Wife,
Husband' (20th) and stage show.
Will have to stretch to hit $42,000,
just good enough to rate a holdover.
Last week, "Three Musketeers' (20th)
got $44,600, however, but didn't hold.
State (3,450; 35-55-75)— 'Beach-
comber'- (Par) (2d run) and stage
show including Lucky MUllnder,
Frank Albertson and EsteUe Taylor.
Apparently vaude bill Isn't strong
enough to make up for what picture
lacks after five weeks first-run at
the Rivoll, which - took plen^ ot
dough out of it: lucky if hitting
$17,000. very disappointing. Last
week 'Stand Up and Fight' (M-G)
and Rudy Vallee scored SS30.000.' nice.
Strand (2,767; 25-40-55-75-85-00)—
•Darling Daughter' (WB) (1st week)
and Kay Kyser (2d week). Rushed
in Saturday (25) after censor re^
versal and much publicity but
set nothing on fire.. Night business
tmder expectations, Kyser drawing
'em in day hours, and first week
for picture probably not over
$35,000. Kyser is held over six days
with 'Daughter* at same cost ($12,>
600). He and 'Off Uie Record' (WB)
on the first week less than $35,000,
with extra days Friday (24) tor .
'Record' and Kyser meaning an addl-»^
tional $2,900.
Treedom/ "Each Other*
Good 6G Each in Port
Portland, Ore., Feb. 28.
'Made for Each Other' at Parker's
Broadway, and 'Let Freedom Rln^
at United Artists are topping the
burg's grosses this week.
'Gunga Din' is stUl okay In third
week at Paramount, which seldom
holds a film longer than two weeks.
Estimates for This Week
Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 30-3&-
40)— 'Each Other' (UA) and 'Last
Warning'. (U). Connecting for good
$6,000. Last week (2d) Topper*
(UA) and 'Nancy Drew* (WB), okay
$4,200. First strong $6,300.
Mayfalr (Parker-Evergreen) (L-
500; 30-35-40)— 'Honest Man' (U).
Good $3,000. Lest week 'Huck Finn*
(M-G) and 'O'Connor' (M-G) good
$2,300 in second wk. First we«k at.
the tTA okay $5,000.
Orpheum (Hamrick - Evergreen)
(1,800; 30-35-40) — 'Beachcomber*
(Par) and 'Off Record' (WB). Good
$5,500. Last week 'Musketeers' (20th)
and 'Moto' (20th). average $4,300.
Paramount (Hamrlck-Evergreen)
(3,000; 30-35-40) — 'Gunga Din'
(RKO) and 'Lone Wolf (Col) (Sd
wk). Still okay at $4,000. Second
week $5,200. First week, great $8,000.
Bivoll (Indie) (1,100; 20-25)—
'Great Waltz' (M-G) and 'Vacation
Love' (M-G), Average $1,800. Last
week 'Stablemates' (M-G) and 'Boo-
loo' (Par), so-so $1,000.
United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 30-
35-40)— 'Freedom Ring' (M-G) and
'Dramatic School' (M-G). Great
$6,000. Last week 'Honest Man' (U>
and 'Fast Loose' (UA), nice $4,600.
i
10
VARIETY
PICTUBE GROSSES
Weddesdajt March 1, 1939
musketeers -Crazy Show Only Fair
$16,000 in Cleve.; Topper' Nice 14G
Cleveland, Feb. 28.
Following 'Folies Bergere,' a lolly
popper which gave Palace the ripest
harvest it's had since snow began
to fly, the BKO de luxer is tumbling
down to average figures with cur-
rent Crazy Show on stage and 'Three
Musketeers,' Much was expected of
Nat Holt's all-nut unit, but ragged
opening and weak flicker are hurt-
ing biz. Plenty doctoring is being
done on the revue for an RKO tour.
Exhibs are yippiiig about double-
crossing from Movie Quiz pre-re-
leased letters to winners.
Estimates for This Week
Alhambra (Printz) (1,200; 10-20-
35)— 'Woman Doctor' (Rep)- plus
'Smashing Spy Ring' (Col). Shift to
flrst-runners getting only fair four-
day play, $1,900. Last week. 'Pride
Navy^ (Rep) and 'Gang Bullets'
(Mono), three days, mild $1,100.
Allen (RKO) (3,000; 30-35-42-55)—
•King Underworld" (WB). Just or-
dinary $3,500, if that. Last week,
•Chan' (20th) in for poor $1,300 for
three days, with 'Arizona Wildcat'
<20th) on previous four taking un-
important $2,000.
Circle (Marmorstein) (1,900; 15-
35)— 'Crooked Mile' (Par). Going so
slowly it might be cut to half a stan-
za, $1,200. Last week, "Swing, Sister*
(U), okay $3,100.
- Hipp (Warner) (3,700; 30-35-42-55)
— "Gunga Din* (RKO) (2d wk).
Holding up steadily for excellent
$13,000. Initial week ran away with
$21,500, grand.
Palace (RKO) (3,200; 30-35-42-55)
—Three Musketeers' (20th) and
Crazy Show on stage. Unit pro-
duced here lacking punch and b.o.
names, but helpful enough to collect
satisfactory $16,000, weather permit-
ting. Last week, 'In French' (Par)
fot terrific hypo from staged Tolies
lergere' and pocketed trifle over
$24,000.
State (Loew's) (3,450; 30-35-42-55)
—Topper' (UA). Not hitting any
remarkable mark, but $14,000 okay.
Special preview of 'Stagecoach'
(UA) Thursday (2). 'Honolulu' (M-
G) on last chapter «oUldn"t shake It
up to more than a very light $11,000.
SUllman (Loew's) (1,972; 30-35-42-
65)— 'Pygmalion' (M-G) (3d wk).
Easily worth ,good $5,000 on third
episode after nabbing $8,00<h and
$18,500 in fi^st two we&s.
'EACH OTHER'
NICE $11500 IN
Broadway Grosses
Estimated Total Gross
ThU Week....; $288,2H
(Based on 12 theatres)
Total Gross Same Week
Last Tear $264,200
(Based on 12 theatres)
CDCY
Cincinnati. Feb. 28.
Cinema biz is at fair level cur-
rently, considering start of Lenten
Eeason, always a b.o. damper locally,
and slushy weather Saturday (25),
which dented week-end traffic.
'Made for Each Other,' at Albee, Is
this week's top tugger. Keith's is
doing swell trade on 'Fast and
liOose.' Other fresh release. Three
Muleteers,' is a miss-out for the
Palace.
Estimates for Thb Week
Albee (RKO) (3,300; 35-42)—
•Each Other' (UA). Nice $12,500.
Last week, 'Gunga Pin' (RKO), eX'
cellent $16,000.
Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 35-42)—
•Huckle Finn' (M-G) (2d run). Good
$5,500. Last week, 'Honolulu' (M-G)
^ <2d.run), fair $4,500.
m Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-25>—
■ •North Shanghail' (Col) and 'Head-
^ ley's '(BF), split with 'Pride of Navy:
. (Rep) and 'Fighting Thoroughbreds'
(Rep). Normal $2,100. Ditto last
week on 'Arizona Legion' (RKO
and Convict's Code' (Mono), split
with Uttle Pal' (Mono) and 'Moto'
<20th).
Grand (RKO) (1,200; 25-40)—
•Honolulu! - -(M-G) (3d -run). Fair
$2,200. Last week, 'Girls White' (M-
G) (2d run), slow $2,200.
Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 35-42)—
• "Fast and Loose' (M-G), eight days.
Swell $6,000. Last week, 'Wings
Navy' (WB) (2d run), six'days, poor
$2,800.
Lyrlo (RKO) (1,400; 35-42)—
.♦Gunga Din' (BKO) (2d run). Big
$5,500. Last week, 'Arizona Wildcat'
(20th), season's low at $2,000.
Palace (RKO). (2,600; 35-42)—
•Musketeers' (20th). Sorry $7,000.
Last week, *Huck Finn' (M-G), great
$14,500.
Sbnberi (RKO) (2,150; 35-42)—
•Pygmalion' (M-G) (3d wk). AU
right $4,500. Last week (2d), socko
$8,000.
Pitt B.O. Potent;
Topper'-Lopez
Paying $19,000
Pittsburgh, Feb. 28.
March is coming in like a lion,
with 'Gunga Din' iat the .Penn roar-
ing the loudest and heading for a
smacko gross, while 'You Can't Cheat
An Honest Man,' at Fulton, is jump-
ing that spot back into the big coin
again after a long drought
They're topping the town by wide
margin, although the combo -of Vin-
cent Lopez and Patricia Ellis on stage
is peppering Topper Takes a Trip'
at Stanley and enabling burg's lone
flesh spot to keep head above water.
''PygtaaUon' continues to hold up well
and in second week at Warner (third
downtown since class hit previously
played the Penn) will finish out run
strong. Spot geb another h. o. from
Penn Friday in 'Gunga Din.' At Al-
vin, "Let Us Live,' despite fine no-
tices, and 'Swing, Sister, Swing,' are
getting nowhere and will come out
two days ahead of schedule for 'Wife,
Husband and Friend.' 'Lady Van-
ishes,' at Senator, is taking big drop
after strong opening stanza.
Estimates for This Week
Alvln (Harris) (1.850; 25-35-50)—
'Let Live' (Col) and 'Swing, Sister'
(U), Cricks went overboard • for
liive* but subject matter is too grim
for general appeal and getting little
coin. Moves out tonight (28) after
only five days and will hardly snatch
$3,200. if that 'Wife, Husband and
Friend' (20th) opens tomorrow (1)
and management hopes to get nine
days in order to maintain rem^lar
Thursday getaway. Last week, 'Mus-
keteers' (20th).' major disappointment
at under $6,000. -
Fnlton (Shea-Hyde) (1,700; 25-40)
■'Honest Man' (U). Plenty of mar-
quee dynamite in Fields and Mc-
(Jarthy-Bergen names and they're
registering heavily, shooting Fulton
up higher than it's been for almost
a year now. Looks like around $8,-
000. and that means h. o., with pos-
sibly even a third week. Last week,
second of Tailspin' (20th), fair $3,000.
Pena (Loew's-UA) (3,300:25-35-50)
—'Gunga Din' (RKO). Can hardly
miss big $23,000 and chances are it'll
eyen go ahead of that. Flicker moves
to Warner Friday (3) for continua-
tion of downtown run. Last week,
'Wings Navy' (WB). way under ex-
pectations at $10,800.
Senator (HarrU) (1.800; 25-40)—
'Lady Vanishes' (GB) (2d wk).
There's little action oh the h. o. and
it comes out after six days for an-
other brace of reissues, 'Imitation of
Life* (U> and 'Lloyds of London'
(20th). Will be lucky to hang up
$1,800. Last week plenty okay at
$4,600. tops here so far this year.
Stanley (WB) (3,600; 25-40-60)—
Topper* (UA) and Vincent Loper
PaMcia EUls. Flicker minor con-
sideration, with Lopez still notent b.
o. figure and name value of Miss El-
lis helping a lot, too. At around
$19,000, they'll pay their way. Last
week, 'St Louis Blues' (Par) and
Tommy Dorsev; pulled up just short
«e>$22,000, good.
Warner (WB) (2.000; 25-35-50)—
'Pygmalion' (M-G) (2d wk). Class
flicker one of the genuine surorises
of the year. Will do neat $5,000 on
top of last session's great $9,000.
Plus the $24,000 it eot orevlously at
Penn, that means $38,000 total talce
for run, - -
(850; 32-37-42)— 'Jesse James' (20th)
^4th wk). Good $2,500. Last week,
same film, $3,200, big.
Collseom (Hamrick • Evergreen)
(1,900; 21-32)— 'Cowboy and Lady'
(UA) and 'Spring Madness' (M-G).
Getting okay $2,800. Last week
'Hardys' (M-G) jnd 'Dr. Kildare'
(M-G), $2,700, good.
Fifth Avenne (Hamrick-Ever
green) (2,349; 32-37-42)— 'Huck Finn'
(M-G) and 'Dramatic School' (M-
G). Expect big $8,500. Last week
•Tailspin" (20th) and 'Marry' (RKO),
$4,800, poor.
• Liberty. (J-vH) (1,800; 21-32-42)—
'Each Other' (UA) (4th wk). Taper-
ing off, but still good at $4,000. Last
week, same film, dandy $5,100.
Musio Box (Hamrick-Evergreen)
(850; 33-37-42)— This week dark. Last
week 'Honolulu' (M-G). and 'Moto'
(20th), four days, $1,900, n.g.
Orpheum (Hamrick - Evergreen)
(2,600; 32-37-42)r^'Wings Navy'
(WB) and 'King Underworld' (WB);
Anticipate good $7,800 in nine days.
Last week 'Devils Island' (WB) and
"Off Record" (WB), five days, $2,800,
slow.
Falomar (Sterling) (1,350; 16-2'r-'
37-42)— "Dark Sands' (Ind) and
'Forged Passport' (Rep), dual, plus
vaude. Looks to reach $4,000, aver-
age. Last week 'Flirting Rate' (M-
G) and 'Miss X' (Rep), dual, and
vaude, slow $3,500.
Paramount (Hamrick-Evergreen)
(3,039; 32-37-42)— 'Gunga Din' (RKO)
(2d wk) and 'Inside Story' (20th),
first week. Latter replaced Torchy
Blaine' (FN) as . second feature.
Paced for big $6,000. Last week plus
"Chinatown," stupendous $15,000, new
house record.
Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 21-3i2)
— 'Artists and Models' (Par) and
'Peck's Bad Boy' (RKO). Looking
for $2,200, good. Last week 'Youth
Fling' (U) and 'Stotm' (U); $2,000,
okay.
Lent No Dent To
'Honest Man' In
L'viHe,OK$l800
Rooney, $8,500, 'Wings,'
$7,800, Seattle's Toppers
Seattle, Feb. 28,
'Gunga Din' is hitting a nifty pace
in second week after . surpassmg all
estimates for initial stanza. Early
guesses fell short of the $15,000 the
opus garnered.
Biz looks okay for 'Wings of
Navy,' at Orpheum, and 'Huckle
berry Finn' at Fifth.
Music Box is still dark for renova
tlons, but due to open Friday (3)
with 'Pygmalion' (M-G).
Estimates for This Week
Bine Moose (Hamrick-Evergreen)
. Louisville, Feb. 28.
Nice brand of product all around
Is helping to distribute grosses pretty
evenly. Despite the Lenten season,
biz at all doymtown houses Is hold-
ing to a satisfactory level.
'Pygmalion,' at lioew's State, and
Can't Cheat Honeet Man.' at Rlalto,
both on dual bills, are running about
even StepHfen, although Ijoew's got
off to an early start Thursday (23)
with a reserved seat showing of the
Shaw opus.
'Beachcomber,' at Strand, dualled
with 'Disbarred,' is drawing the arty
trade, but 'Devil's Island,' at Mary
Anderson, la making only a nuld
showing.
Estimates for This Week
Brown (Loew's-Fourlh Avenue)
(1,500: 15-30-40)— 'Gunga Din" (RKO)
and Oxford Movement pic, •Youth"
Marches On.' Pointing to ordinary
takings after moveover from Rialto.
Getting some help from youth
groups and religious organizations on
short subject but indications are for
medium $2,000. Last week, 'Hono-
lulu' (M-G) and 'Homicide Bureau'
(Col), okay $2,300.
Kentucky (Switow) (900; 15-25)—
■Kentucky' (20th) and Thanks
Everything* (20th). Fairish $1,500.
Last week. Tough Guys" (U) and
'Artists Models' (Par), split with
'King Underworld' (U) and 'Exciting
Night' (U), aU right $1,600.
Loew's State (Loew) (3,100; 15-30-
40)— 'Pygmalion' (M-G) and 'Son
Criminar (Col). Shaw, opus well
liked here and off to fine start with
special show Thursday (23), all seats
reserved. On eight-day stanza will
grab oke $8,000. Last week, 'Each
Other' (UA) and 'O'Connor' (M-G),
satisfactory $6,800 in six days.
Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000;
15-30-40)— 'Devil's .Island' (WB).
Limited appeal for this one. Take
will be under par, probably $2,800.
Last week (2d), 'Wings Navy' (WB)
tallied $2,000, low.
Ohio (Settos) (900;' 15)— "King Al-
catraz' (Par) and 'Tropic Holiday'
(Par), split with 'Escape Night'
(Rep) and 'Barefoot Boy' (Mono).
Mild -$1:200.— Xalt - we€k, -^CFiihe
School' (WB) and 'Campus Confes-
sions' (Par), split with 'Bar— 20 Jus-
tice' (Par) and 'Happy Landing'
(20th), fair $1,400.
Rlalto (Foiirth Avenue) (3,000; 15-
30-40)— 'Honest Man' (U) and 'Gam-
bling Ship' (U). Combo of Charlie
McCarthy and W. C. Fields proving
potent here. Should tally oke $7,800.
Last week, 'Tailspin' (20th) and
'Pardon Nerve' (20th), fair $6,000.
Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400;
15-30-40)— 'Beachcomber' (Par) and
'Disbarred' (Par). Laughton pic re-
ceived nice notices and picking up
some class trade, but nature of pic
a little over heads of rank and file.
Windup .should be fair $3,000. Last
week. 'Man Votes' (RKO) and 'Pa^
ciflc Liner' (RKO); weak $2,000.
Shrine Circus, Sports, Snb-Zero
Temp. Slough Mpls.; Heart' Big 8^26
Key City Grosses
Estimated "iotal Gross
ThU Week |1,668,60«
(Based on 27. cities, 183 thea-
tres, chie/Iv ^rst runs, Includinff
M. y.)
Total Gross Same Week
Last Tear $l,862,Se«
iBased on 23 cities, 164 theatres)
Rooney, $7,800,
Forte in Omaha
Omaha, Feb. 28.
'Wings of the Navy,' dualed with
'King of the Underworld' at the Or-
pheum, is getting the big take here
this week. 'Huckleberry Finn' Is
also getting good' support from the
natives,- who were won over , by.
Mickey Rooney when he was on lo-
cation here for "Boys Town' last
summer.
"Gunga' Din,' still running solo. Is
slumping in. its second week after a
big first round at~-the Brandeis. -
Estimates for This Week . .
Avenue - Dundee - Military (Gold-
berg) (950-810-650; 10-25)— 'Dawn
Patrol' (WB) and 'Cowboy and Lady'
(UA), dual, split with 'Gangster's
Boy' (Mono), 'Service De Luxe" (U),
and 'Marry' (RKO), tripler. Good
$2,300. Last week 'Algiers' (UA)
and 'Hard Get' (FN), dual, split
with 'Great Waltz' (M-G), 'Woman
Again' (Col), dual, good $2,300.
Brandeis (Singer-RKO) (1,250; 10-
25-35-40)— 'Gunga Din' (RKO) (2d
wk). Fair $3,800. Last week smash
$7,500.
Omaha (Blank) (2,200; 10-25-40)—
■Huck Finn' (M-G) and 'O'Connor'
(M-G). Good $7,800. Last week
Each Other' (UA) and 'Submarine
Patrol (20th), superb $9,000.
Orpheum (Blank) (3,000; 10-25-40)
—'Wings Navy' (WB) and 'King Un-
derworld' (WB). Very good $9,600.
Last week 'Honolulu (M-G) and
Disbarred' (Par), socko $11,500.
Town (Goldberg) (1,250; 10-20-25)
■'Arizona Legion (RKO)' 'Gang-
ster's Boy' (Mono) and 'Star Re-
porter' (Mono), tripler, all first-runs,
split with 'Buckaroo' (Mono), 'Cow-
boy and Lady' (UA) and 'Hard Get'
(WB), tripler. Good $1,800. Last
week 'Prairie' (Rep), 'Man Hunt'
(Rep) and "Navy . Secrets' (Mono),
tripler, first-runs, split with 'King
Arena' (U), 'Algiers'^ (UA), and 'Al-
ways Trouble' (20th), tripler, good
$1,800.
No Selling in Mont'l;
'Gnnga' Good $8,000
Montreal, Feb. 28.
Lack of exploitation seems to be
at the root of low grosses in this
city for the past few months, a con-
dition that is not improved by Lent
Pictures that are making big money
elsewhere fall much below expecta-
tions here.
"Gunga Din,' at Palace, Is doing
well, but not likely to exceed $8,000.
Estimates for This Week
Palace (CH") (2,700; 25-45-55)—
"Gunga Din' (RKO). Best in town
and, will likely run couple weeks.
Pacing for possible $8,000. okay. Last
week, 'Idiot' (M-G), disappointing
$6,000.
Capliol (CT) (2.700; 25-45-55)— 'St
Louis' (Par) and 'Boy Trouble' (Par).
Weekend biz hampered by very
heavy skiing exodus. Not much
above $4,500, so-so. Last week, 'Tail-
spm' (20th) and 'Up River' (20th),
poor $4,000.
Loew's (CT) (2,800; 30-40-60)—
Tough Guys' (U) and Benny Davis'
Stardust Revue.' Won't see better
than $6,500, fair. Last week, Soth-
ern-Pryor in person and 'Secrets Ac-
lr.e5s'_l.wa), disappQlnting.$7,ooo
Princess (CT) (2,300; 25-34-50)—
"Son Frankenstein' (U) and 'Down
on Farm' (20th). Poor $3,000 is best
in sight. Last week, 'Man Votes'
(RKO) and 'Marry' (RKO), dlsap-
poinUng $3,50a
Orphenm (Ind) (1,100: 25-40-50)—
'Kmg Turf (UA) and 'Pride Navy'
(Rep). Shaping for nice $3,000 on
best ballyhoo in town. Last week,
repeat session of 'Each Other' (UA).
so-so $1,500.
(France-Film)
(600; 25-50)— 'Le Patriot' Looks like
clicking for nice $2,000. Last week's
repeat of 'Alerte' poor $1,000.
St Denis (France-Film) (2,300;
20;34)— 'Adrlenne Lecouvreur' and
*^'d Sud.' Should return okay
$6,000. Last week, 'Prince de Coeur'
and 'Rois du Sport,' very good $8,500.
Minneapolis, Feb. 28.
Recurrences of sub-zero tempera^
tures and Shrine circus and sports
events* opposition have been raising
havoc with local grosses. It takes
super-special pictures to chalk -up
really respectable figures. This
weelc with only an ordinary lineup '
of films for the most part loop
houses are havhig a hard tinje get-
ting by.
The single newcomer to attract -
any considerable attention is 'Young
in Heart' ai the State. There are
plentjr of raves for this one and hlz
is building, The sole h;o. 'Man to
Remember,' Is in its seventh week
at the World, and shows no sign of
slipping. .
An adverse factor has been the
prolonged cold wave, with the tem-
perature down 10 to 20 below zero
'most of Feb. It not only tends to
keep prospective patrons hugging
the firesides, but is a drain on purse-
strings, causing much money that
ordinarily might be expended at the
theatires to go for fuel.
Estimates for This Week
Aster (Far-Singer) (900; 15-25)—
'Ambuih' (Par) and 'Secrets Nurse'
(U), dual first-runs, split with 'Arl-
zona Legion' (RKO) and 'Torchy
Blane' (FN), also dual first-runs.
Looks like fair $1,500. Last week
'Tom Sawyer* (Par) and "Sunset
Trail' (Par), dual first-runs, $1,600,
fair.
Century (Par-Singer) (1.600; 25-
35-40)— 'St Louis' (Par). Newspaper
reviews none too favorable. Will be
lucky to get light $3,000 in six and
half days, 'Pygmalion' opening
Thursday night (2) with special pre-
miere. ' Last week 'Gunga Din*
(RKO), $5,500, pretty good after big
$12,000 in 10 days at Orpheum.
Gopher (Par-Singer) (998; 25)—
'Pacific Liner* (RKO). This picture
not quite up to the quality that has
been maintained here, and which, to-
gether with price policy, has mad*
hous€f so successful. Current takings
may slip to mild $2,500. Last week
'Persons Hiding* (Par), $3,000, pretty
good.
Orphenm (Par-Singer) (2,800; 25-
35-40)— 'Son Frankenstein' (U). Get-
ting some play from the kids and de-
votees of horror films but only $5,000,
mild, in prospect. Last week 'Mus-
keteers' (20th) and Major Bowes'
unit on stage, $12,000, good.
SUt« (Par-Singer) (2,300: 25-35-40)
—'Young Heart' (UA). Heaps of
praise from the critics and plen^ of
word-of-mouth boosting by cus-
tomers. Building nicely and should
wind up with good $8,500. Last
week 'Honolulu* (M-G), $5,000, light
Time (Berger) (290; 15-25)— 'I
Was Captive of Nazi Gejmany' (SR).
Splprge on newspaper advertising
and attractive house front failing to
help, only $800, poor. Last- week,
'Sunset Murder Case' (GN), $700.
mild.
Uptown (Par) (1.200; 25-35)—
•Kentucky* (20th). First neighbor-
hood showing. En route to pretty
good $2,500. Last week 'Dawn Pa-
trol' (WB), split with "Sweethearts'
(M-G), $2,800, good.
World (Stefles) (350; 25-35-40-55)
—'Man Remember' (RKO) (7th wk).
Continues its remarkable run. Lit-
tle variation In highly profitable
gross from week to week. Pointed
toward fine $2,200. Last week $2,400,
big.
ROONEY TOPS PROY.,
$17,000; 'GUNGA' SUPS
Providence, Feb. 28.
\Huckleberry Finn' is giving Loew's
State its biggest biz in months, with
two late shows thrown in to ac-
comodate heavy crowds.
'Gunga Din,' in third week at
Albee, is slowing down considerably.
WPRO's Housewives' Serenade Or-
chestra was on stage yesterday
(Monday) as an added attraction.
Estimates for This Week
Albee (RKO) (3,300; 25-35-50)—
.'Gunga Din' (3d week). Headed for
fair $3,500. WPRO's Housewives'
Serenade Orchestra on stage Mon-
day (27). Last week (2d), nice $6,500.
Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 25-35-
50)— 'Each Other' (UA) and 'Spy
Hunt' (Col) (2d run). Looks like
nice $6;000. Last week,-'Jesse-James' .
(20th) (2d run), neat $5,500.
Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 25-35-40)—
'Pardon Nerve' (20th) and vaude.
Paced for swell $7,500. Last week,
'Off-Record' (WB) and vaude, peppy
$7,600.
MaJesUo (Pay) (2,300: 25-35-50)—
'Musketeers' (20th) and 'Inside Story'
(20th). Creeping along to tepid
$5,500. Last week, Tailspin' (20th)
and 'Chan' (20th), fair $6,000.
Slate (Loew) (3,200; 25-35-50)—
'Huck Finn' (M-G) and 'Girls White'
(M-G). Socko $17,000 in sight Last
week, 'Each Other' (UA) and 'Spy
Hunt' (Col), nice $12,000.
Strand (Indie) (2,200; 25-35-50)—
'Persons Hiding' (Par) and 'Boy
Trouble* (Par). Weak $4,000. Last
week, 'Ambush* (Par) and 'Woman
Doctor' (Rep), so-so $5,000.
Wednesday, March 1» 1939
PICTURE GROSSES
VARIETY
11
Art Shaw^ailspm Wham $30,000
In Pli%; Adnush Slash Helping
Philadelphia, F«b. 28.
The new low-price policy that
went into effect Friday (24), plus a
lineup of good product, Is proving a
combo that's spelling socko b. o. in
central city WB houses here. AX-
though it's a little early tor ofacial
comparisons, house managers report
they were running at least 30%
ahead of the corresponding yreek last
year.
Leading the league In the goldien
shower is the Fox, with its new
. stage-Aim policy featuring Artie
Shaw's orch and Tailspln.' Consist-
ent day and night capacity crowds
will ring up smash $30,000. Only
Benny Goodman's $34,000 at the
Earle last year topped this figure for
a name band show.
Estimates for TUa Week
Aldlne (WB) (1,303; 32-42-57)—
'Stagecoach' (UA). New prices
bringing gang of kids to this de luxer
to view blood-and-thunder western,
which is notching socko $14,700.
•Each Other' (UA), in its second
sesh last week, brought weak $8,200
after terrific $15,600 for its opener.
Boyd (WB) (2,350; 32-42-57)—
•Pygmalion' (M-G) (2d wk). StiU
riding high for $14,400 after ringing
up $10,800 in initial week.
Earle (WB), (2,768; 28-32-42)—
'Jesse James' (20th) (3d run). An
eye-opener with nice $11,000 for the
first week for this house as a straight
filmer. Last ' week, Eddie Duchin's
orch plus "Man Votes,' so-so $19,100.
Fox (WB) (2,423; 32-42-57-68)—
•Tailspin' (20th) with Artie Shaw's
orch. Socko $30,000, despite weakie
film. Last week, 'Musketeers' (20th),
poor $12,200.
Karllon (WB) (1,008; 32-42-57)—
•Each Other' (UA) (2d run). Run-
ning ahead of fondest hopes with
pretty $6,100. 'Idiot' (M-G) also
rang the ball last week with $6,000.
Keith's (WB) (1,870; 32-42-57)—
•Wings Navy' (WB) (2d run). Sour
note with poor $4,100. Last week,
•Gunga' (RKO), good for $5,800.
Palace (WB) (1,000; 26-42)— 'Boy
Slaves' (RKO) plus a raft of shorts.
First week as a first-run house looks
like profitable $5,000. House, for-
merly third run, used to average
less than $3,000.
Stanley (WB) (2,918; 32-42-57)—
•Huck Finn' (M-G). Mickey Rooney
still corralling customers, and loote
like strong $15,300. Last, week, 'Hon.
olulu' (M-G), fair $13,000.
Stanton (WB) (1,467; 28-32-42)—
Tast Loose' (M-G), Also . on the
money band wagon with swell $6,-
600. Last week, 'Son Criminal'
(Col), fairish $4,100.
mCECOACH' RIDING
TOOK$W00INO.C.
Oklahoma City, Feb. 28.
..Stagecoach' is off to a very good
$5,500 at the State.
Last week bad weather sank all
but 'Gunga Din,' -which nearly
doubled the average gross at the
Midwest.
Estimates for This Week
Criterion (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40)
—Huck Finn' (M-G). So-so $4,300.
fast week, 'Idiot' (M-G), $4,800, be-
low average.
Liberty (Stan) (1,200: 20-30)—
fisherman's Wharf (RKO) and
Moto' (20th). No better than aver-
age $2,500. Last jveek, 'Devil's Is-
/IHl '''^^'> and 'Comet Broadway*
(FN) split with 'Pirates Sky' (U)
and Secrets Nurse* (U), so-so $2,400.
Midwest (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40)—
•Honest Man* (U). A bit over aver-
age at $5,000. Last week, 'Gunga
Dm (RKO), smashed $8,500 in eight
days.
(Stan) (750; 25-35-40)—
Idwt' (Jt-G). N.g. at Criterion and
on moveover here only low $1,400 in
f'eht Last week (2d), Tailspin*
(20th), $1,700, slightly under aver-
age.
Stale (Noble) (I.lOO; 25-35-40)—
Atagecoach* (UA). Good smash
$5,500. Last week (2d), 'Each Other*
(UA), okay $3,500.
Tower (Stan) (1,000; 25-35-40)—
Gunga Din' (RKO). Moveover from
Midwest getUng very good $3,500.
Last week .'SweetheartsV - (M-G)-,
noundered in three days to poor $600
and 'Has Nancy' (20th) no better in
lour days with $800.
'Gunga' Hot 5G, 'Coach*
Nice $3,000 in Lincoln
Lincoln, Feb. 28.
■ci "8* Din' is away out in front
btagecoach' is its biggest opposlsh.
Both pics were brought in with a
national ad barrage.
>ij town is on the so-so
side. Weather is the biggest biz
namperer of late. Temperatures
Mmpa£t ^° quickly, flu is
Esiininles for This Week
Colonia (mi - Noble - Monroe)
(750; 10-15)— 'Santa Fe Stampede'
(Rep) and 'Couldn't Say No' (WB),
split with Thundering West' (Col)
and 'Mr. Chump' (WB). Fairish $900.
Last week 'Frontiers* (Col) and
Torchy' (WB), split with 'Trigger
Pals' (GN) and 'Over WaU' (WB).
so-so $900.
„ lllwty (NTI-Noble) (1,000; 10-15-
25)— 'Mr. Wong' (Mono) and. 'I Am
Criminal' (Mono). House is slightly
off balance with this bill, which is
an actlorier. Light $1,400. Last week
'Boy Girl' (WB) and 'Girls Proba-
tion* (WB), good $2,000.
Lineoln. (LTC-Cooper) (1,600; 10-
White' (M-G) and
•O'Connor' (M-G), plus mentalist
AJano Dass on stage. Pretty good
$2,700. Last week %ade Me Crim-
inar (WB) and 'Doodle Kicks'
(RKO), $2,400, fair.
, S*»K* (LTC-Cooper) (1,900; 10-25-
40)— 'Gunga Din* (RKO). Can
hardly pull up short of $5,000, very
good. Last week 'Honolulu' (M-G).
oke $3,800.
.Varsity (N-H-Noble) (1,100; 10-25-
35)— 'Stagecoach' (UA). Slow start-
er, but nice $3,000 in prospect. Last
week (2d) 'Each Other' (UA), slim
$1,500.
TEMPLE TORRID
$30,000 IN HUB
Boston, Feb.- 28.
•Little Princess' is zooming to a
high take at the Memorial; 'Idiot's
Delight' earned a holdover and is
holding a fair pace at the Orpheum
and State. •Beachcomber' is okay
at the Met
Translux switched from straight
newsreel-and-shorts policy to single
feature and shorts last week (23).
'Peg of Old Drury' is the opening
feature.
Estimates for This Week
Boston (RKO) (3,200; 20-30-40)—
•Am Criminal' (Mono) and 'Headleys
Home* (Imp), dual, plus vaude, for
five days; and 'Frankenstein* (U)
and •Exciting Night* (U) (both 2d
run), double, for three days.. Aiming
at dandy $8,000. Last week (five
days) •Convicts* Code' (Mono) and
'Arizona Legion' (RKO), plus vaude,
very good $8,500.
Fenway (M&P) (1,332; 25-35-40-
55)— 'St Louis' (Par) and 'Persons
Hiding' (Par). Fair $6,000. Last
week, 'Jes.<!e James' (20th) and.'N.Y.
Sleeps' (20th) (both 2d run), good
$7 5(K).
Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,907; 25-
35-40-55)— 'Little Princess* (20th)
and 'Chan' (20th). Opened holiday
eve (21) and smashing forward to
around $30,000. Certain holdover.
Last week, third stanza for 'Gunga
Din* (RKO), very good $16,000.
Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 25-35-
40-55) — 'Beachcomber* (Par) and
'Boy Trouble* (Par). Got great press
and final tally will be around $18,-
000, adequate. Last week, 'Wings
Navy' (WB) and 'Ambush' (Par),
$18,000, good.
Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 25-35-40-
55)— 'Idiot', (M-G) and 'Son Crimi-
nal' (Col) (2d wk). Tapering off
to about $16,000 for second week.
First week, big $23,200.
Paramount (M&P) (1,797; 25-35-
40-55)— 'St Louis' (Par) and 'Per-
sons Hiding* (Par). Headed towards
$9,000, good. Last week, 'Jesse
James* (20th) and 'N. Y. Sleeps'
(20th), second run, $10,300, good.
Scftltoy (M&P) (2,538; 25-35-40-50)
—'Cowboy and Lady* (UA) and 'Dis-
barred' (WB) (both 2d run). Hitting
good - pace, around $7,000. Last wedi,
'Made Me Criminal' (WB) and Uli.
Moto' (20th) (both 3d run), dual,
good, $7,000.
State (Loew) (3,600: 25-35-40-55)—
'Idiot* (M-G) and 'Son Criminal'
(Col) (2d week). Around $U,000,
okay. Last week, big $16,500.
B'KLYN ACTIVE
'Ganga' Big $25.00*; Nabe Henscs
Gobig Arty
Brooklyn, Feb. 28.
There's a flock of events this week
in downtown deluxers as well as in
nabes tlffoughout City of Churches.
Monday night (27) saw theatregoers
getting results of movie quiz contest
from diflereht stages. RKO and
Loew publicity offices invaded judi-
cial chambers and got real judges to
come off benches to announce names
of winners.
Top this stanza is at RKO Albee,
where 'Gunga Din* is doing tremen-
dous biz. Next in line is Loew's
Metropolitan, with 'Topper Takes a
Trip* and 'Bum "Em Up O'Connor.'
Several nabes are dishing up arty
pics and using fair-sized display copy
m local gazettes. Flatbush theatre
is showing 'Ballerina' at pop prices
and getting good attendance, Irving
theatre, Ridgewood, is flashing Vi-
enna Choir Boys in 'Konzert in Tirol.'
Estimates for This Week
Albee (3,274; 25-35>50)— 'Gunga
Din; (RKO). Kipling opus plus Dis-
?2?„*J!.'*'^* house magnificent
$25,000. Last week, 'Jesse James'
(20th) (2d wk), nice $18,000.
Fox (4,089; 25-50)— 'Off Record'
(WB) and 'Frankenstein' (U). Opened
Monday (27) after 'Ambush' (Par)
and 'Fisherman's Wharf (RKO) were
figured for 10-day run; only the usual
week to $12,000. ^
^MX^X 25-35-50)— Topper'
(UA) and 'O'Connor' (M-G). Nitty
$17,500. pleasing all concerned. I^ast
week '^d Up' (M-G) and 'Pirates
Sky* (U), good $17,500.
PBramonat (4.126; 25-35-50)—
•Wings Navy' (WB) and 'Homicide
Bureau' (Col) (2d wk). Satisfactory
$15,000. Last week, fine $18,000.
Strand (2,870; 25-40)— 'Dr. Meade*
(Col) and 'Nancy Drew' (WB), plus
'Lone Ranger.* Will do quiet $5,500.
Last week, 'Torchy Blane' (WB) and
Ted Lewis* orch, good $14,000.
600DMAN-RITZ
BROS.33GIN
DETROIT
Detroit, Feb. 28.
Benny (xoodman*s band has 'em
swingin' up to the Fox wickets in
droves and, coupled with "Three Mus-
keteers,' may eclipse his former rec-
ord here. 'Wings of the Navy,'
ballyed strongly on a state-wide radio
hookup, is getting a nice play at the
Michigan, while 'Gunga Din,* held
for two neat sessions at the Fox,
moved over to the Adams for an-
other profitable stanza.
Flu scare. Lent and several auto
strikes are not helping to ease the
local scene.
Estimates for Tbis Week
Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40)—
•Gunga Din' (RKO) (2d run) and
'Marry' (RKO). Following two hefty
stanzas at Fox, Kipling opus figures
to bring home the bacon again, for
nice $8,500. Last week, okay $5,000
for 'Youth Fling' (20th) and 'LitUe
Tough Guys' (U).
Fox (Fox-Mich.) (5,000: 30-40-65)—
Three Musketeers' (20th) and Benny
Cioodman's band. Goodman pulling
the jitterbugs in droves and may top
his previous mark here; at any rate
a territ $33,000 coming up. Last
week, second, good $22,000 for 'Gunga
Din* (RKO) and vaude, following
swell $33,000 first stanza.
Hiehifan (United Detroit) (4,000;
30-40-65)— 'Wings Navy' (WB) and
'Nancy Drew' (WB). Flying film
backed up by heffy radio and news-
paper bally, including state-wide
broadcasts, and should be better than
disappointing $13,000. Last week,
fair $13,000 for 'Beachcomber' (UA)
and 'West Point' (UA).
Palms-State (United Detroit) (3,-
000; 30-40-50)— 'Beachcomber* (Par)
(2d run) and 'Convicts Code' (Mono).
Laughton opus moved here from
Michigan; paced for fair $5,500. Last
weelc, okay $5,900 for Tersons Hid-
ing* (Par) and 'Pride Navy' (Rep).
United ArUsU (United Detroit)
(2,000; 30-40-65)— 'Huckleberry Finn'
(M-G). Set for iibout $9,500. fair.
Last week, second, around $8,000 for
'Honolulu' (M-G) following okay
$11,000 first stanza.
Daughter Brings Home $24,000
In L A.; 'Bhies' Happy $19,000,
lade' N.G. I71/2G, Ian Votes' 12G
Los Angeles, Feb. 28.
There are several bright spots cur-
rently, with 'Yes, My Darling Daugh-
ter' and 'St . Louis Blues' leading tht
parade. Warners' controversial ^m
18 getting a satisfactory gross at the
Downtown and' Hollywood on first
week, while 'Blues,' with personal
appearance of Maxine' Sullivan^ is
giving the Paramount a profitable
stanza. 'Blues' holds over.
'Made for Each Other' is failing
to come up to expectations at State
and Chinese, same also for 'Great
Man "Votes* coupled with "Let Us
Live* at Pantages and RKO. Move-
over of 'Honolulu* is adding close to
another $12,000 to last we^'s take,
and Four Star, with 'Pygmalion,' has
nothing to worry about for at least
another month.
Estimates for This Week
Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,024;
30-40-55-75)— 'Each Other* (UA) and
'Pardon Nerve' (20th). Looks like
very ordinary $8,500. Last week,
'Honolulu* (M-G) and 'Girls White*
(M-G), fine $12,800.
DawnUwn (WB) (1,800; 30-40-55-
65)— 'Darling. Daughter* (WB) and
'Torchy Blane* (WB). Controversial
film .okay $11,500 in eight days and
BUFF. HEALTHY;
ROONEY FIT 14G
Buffalo, Feb. 28.
The b.o.'s are staging a strong
comeback this week, with plenty of
business showing at most of the
downtown theatres.
'Honest Man,' at the Lafayette, Is
taking good money and is good for a
holdover. Huckleberry Finn,' at
the Buffalo, is- also getting a neat
gross.
Estimate* for This Week
Bulbl* (Shea) (3,500; 30-35-55)—
•Huck Finn' (M-O). Nice going,
with figures probably reaching fine
$14,000. Last week, 'Each Other'
(UA), very satisfactory at nearly
$14,000.
Ceatary (Shea) (3,000; 25-35)—
'Jesse James' (20th) (2d run). Eight
days toT this should see excellent
$8,000. Last week, 'Persons Hiding*
(Par) and 'Marry* (RKO), poor
$4,000.
Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 30-50)
—'Wings Navy' (WB). Looks like
weakest in town; so-so $6,000. Last
week, 'Gunga Din' (RKO) (2d wk),
near $8,000, very nice.
Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 25-40)— 'Pyg-
malion' (M-G). Showing strong,
probably excellent $9,000,- Last
week, 'Girls White' (M-G) and 'Bull-
dog Dnunmond' (Par), fair $6,000.
Labyett* (Ind.) (3,300; 25-35)—
•Honest Man' (U) and •Exposed' (U).
Running on high for over - $12/100.
Last week, •Secrets Nurse' (U) and
'Long Shof (GN), poor $4,600. .
Frisco BaOeS Fed Fair s Inroad,
But Fidds-Bergen Good
San Francisco, Feb. 28.
After last week's upset, theatre
men agree that most anything can
happen here during the life of the
Golden Gate Expo. Everyone pre-
dicted that business would be way
off during the first few weeks of
the Fair, with most of the natives
spending most of their time and
dimes on TT^ure Island until the
novelty wore off. But just the oppo-
site happened. The natives stepped
to one side during the first few &a!js
of the fair to make way for the
folks from the rhubarb towns.
However; on " Washington's birth-
day, San IVanciscans took to the is-
land, and theatre biz dropped off ac-
cordingly. ' Although the Orpheum
theatre won't gross top money this
week, the house will show the best
increase in biz over previous bills,
with 'You Can't Cheat an Honest
Man.'
Estimates for This Week
Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-55-75)—
'Wings Navy' (WB) and 'Arizona
Wildcat' (20th). Pretty good. fare,,
but not sock at the b.o. Sailing
along to $16,000. Last week 'Huckle-
beriy Finn' (M-G) and 'Crooked
Mile* (Par), $14,500, not so bad con-
sidering preem of expo.
Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 35-55)
—'Man Votes* (RKO) and vaude,
plus March of Time. Won't get over
$10,000, mild. Last week (3d) 'Gunga
Din' (RKO) and vaude, wound up
hefty run with excellent $11,000.
Orpheam (F&M) (2,440; 35-55)—
'Honest Man' (U) and 'Son Is Crim-
inal' (Col). Teaming of Fields with
Bergen and McCarthy creating con-
siderable interest, which is reflected
in good $11,000 draw. Last week
'Let Live' (Col) and 'Dr. Meade'
(Col), poor $5,500.
rsramrant (F-WC) (2,740; 35-55-
75) — 'Beachcomber' (Par) and 'Boy
Trouble' (Par). Paramount opened
a day earlier than usual with this
.pair. — However^.-doesn*!. -anticipate,
more than fair $11,000. Last week
(2d) 'Honolulu' (M-G) and Mr.
Moto' (20th) okay $7,000 in six day&
Si Francis (F-WC) • (1,470; 35-55-
75)— 'Pygmalion* (M-G) (2d wk).
Word of mouth publicity a great
help and biz is fine at $8,000. Last
week good $9,800.
United Artists (Cohen) (1,200; 35-
55-65)— Topper' (UA) (2d wk).
Okay $8;000 in sight for second stint.
Last week, good $10,300.
Warfleld (F-WC) (2,680; 35-55-75)
—'Darling Daughter' (WB) and 'Par-
don Nerve' (20th). Publicity given
New York censorial objections to
'Daughter' has piqued curiosity of
local showgoers. Anticipate fair $12,-
000. Last week 'Made Me Criminal'
(WB) and 'O'Connor' (M-G), very
satisfactory $14,000.
holds. Last week, 'Wings Navy*
(WB), second week, fair $6,000.
Four Star (F-WC-UA) (900; 40-55)
—'Pygmalion' (M-G) (10th week).
No letup in sight, with ninth week
hitting $4,600 and setting new house
record for $50,000 take in that period.
This week will earner another $4,200.
HoUywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55- '
65)— 'Darling Daughter' (WB) and
'Torchy Blane' (WB). Profltabl*
$12,500 on eight days. Last week,
'Wings Navy' (WB), second stanza,
okay $5,500.
Orphenm (Bdwy.) (2,280; 25-30-35-
40)— 'Mr. Moto* (20fh) and 'Arizona
Legion' (RKO), dual, and vaude.
Switched back to double first runs
currently, with ainswer okay $7,200.
Pantages (Pan) (2.812: 30-40-55)—
•Great Man Votes* (RKO) and 'Let
Live' (Col). Couple of previews
rushed in so week will end with
around $6,000, fair. Last week;
•Gunga' (RKO), fourth week, good
$5,600.
Paramount (Par) (3,595; 30-40-55)
—'St Louis Blues' (Par). Hitting
very profitable $19,000 on first stanza,
aided by Maxine Sullivan (of cast)
on stage, and holds for second weelL
Last week, holdover of 'Beachcom-
ber' (Par), very profitable $12,000.
BKO (2.872; 30-40-55)— 'Great Man
Votes' (RKO) and 'Let Live' (Col).
Garnering fair $6,200 on singls
stanza. Last week (fourth), 'Gunga'
(RKO), sweet $7,100.
State (Loew-Fox) (2,414; 30-40-55-
75)— 'Each Other' (UA) and 'Par-
don Nerve* (20th). Not so forte with
$9,100. Last week, 'Honolul i' (M-G)
and 'Girls White* (M-G), very good
$17,000.
United Artists (F-WC) (2,100; 30-
40-55)— 'Honolulu' (M-G) and 'Girls
White' (M-G). Neat $3,900 on move-
over and holds. Last week, 'Stand
W (M-G) and 'Woman Doctor*
(Rep), not very profitable $3,100.
Wilahlre (F-WC) (2,296; 30-40-55-
65)— 'Honolulu' (M-G) and 'Girls
White* (M-G). Very excellent $6,400
on moveover and holds. Last week
(2d), 'Idiot' (M-G) and 'N. Y. SleepsT
(20th), very good $5,000.
lEimooo
HONEY INIC
Kansas City, Feb. 28.
Total take along theatre row is In
an ordinary vein, though several
bright spots are apparent Of the
new films, 'Honolulu,' at Midland,
and 'You Can't Cheat an Honest
Man,' day and dated In Uptown and
Esquire, are out in front 'Gunga
Din' stays on at the Orpheum for
a third week, best bit of celluloid in
this house in months. Fox Tower Is
bidding adieu to vaudeville after
nearly five years of continuous op-
eration. Policy announced for next
week is double features, but house
also has couple of name bands set
for early dates.
Estimates for This Week
Esqahre and Uptown (820 and 1,-
200; 10-25-40)— 'Honest Man' (U)..
Comedy 'combo of Fields. McCarthy
and Bergen the draw here. Good
$6,500. Last week Tailspin' (20th),
nine days, good $7,000.
Hidbnd' (Loew's) (3.573: 10-25-40)
—'Honolulu' (M-G) and 'Spy Rin^
(Col). Ciood $13,000. Last wedc
'Idiot' (M-G) and 'Dr. Meade' (Col),
$10,000, acceptable, but not up to ex-
pectations.
Newmaa (Paramount) (1,900; 10-29-
40)— 'Beachcomber' (Par). Wednes-
day <4>ening giving icouple of days
jump on other new bills. Early start
helping to $5,300. average. Last week
'Wings Navy' (WB), C7,300, nice.
Orpbewn (RKO) (1.500; 10-25-40)
—'Gunga Din' (RKO) (3d wk).
Presently looks for $5,000, good in
v tew^o f previous $7,000 and $10,000
Tmrer (Fox-Midwest) (2.050; 10-
25-40)— 'Musketeers' (20th) with
Jack-Fultoo- heading stage bill. Biz
light at $6,500, marking closing week
of vaude here. Last week 'News-
boys' Home' (U) and stage show,
poor $6,000.
♦Uve'-Stander, $11,000,
Rooney, 12G, OK in Balto
Baltimore, Feb. 28.
No gauge yet as to the possible
effect of Lent on local biz, with h.o.s
and shifting opening dates compli-
cating de luxe setup. 'HucUlcberry
Finn, at Loew's Century, and 'Wife^
Husband and Friend.' at the New,
holding solid pace after promising,
openings. Good exploitation behind
'Let Us Live,' coupled to vaude lay-
(Contlnued on page 47)
n
VARIETY
Wednesday, Marcb 1, I939
W. G. VAN SCHl^US, MANAGING 1>I.RECT0R 6F feADlO/GlTY
MUSIC HALL, where 300,000 people 8aw;])aTid O.^Selziiick*s great hit!
during its two week hold-over eogagementr**Will be among the best''
pictures of 1939", prophesied the Evening JPo8t.?!A sure-fire, hit!* said'
the Evening Sun.^
jr. YON HERBERG, LIBERTY THEATRE, SEATTLE. One of. the
.northwest's outstanding showmen whose inspired handling of a .fine
picture has hisured it a FOURTH WEEK HOLD-OVER.
E. V. DINERMAN, First Prize Exploitation Winner in Motion Pictures!
Greatest Year, who put his best showmanship' Into a superlative
campaign that sent "Miide For Each Other*' into, the top brackets at
the ALBEE, CINCINNATI.
SIDNEY MEYERS, eminent showman of the South whose astute
management of the world premiere at the LINCOLN THEATRE^
MIAMI BEACH, created a new season's" high and resulted , in. a
'move-over to the MIAMI and the STATE for a continuous first run.
EVERY SHOWMAN who knows it pays to put added
effort behind a picture that prospers^on word-of-mouth
commendation and sends every patron, out of the theatre
singmg its praises. (It paid in BRIDGEPORT, HARTF0RD«
JWN HAVEN and PROVIDENGE where **Made For Each
Other" is one of the few top ^ictureajjltecent years to earn
a H0LD-QV£R!)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
^ j^fivMH^ ^Jfofcvt Cn^Hnv^ jj ftwj i t j ^hy jto ^Nfttrifty
INTERNATIOlfAL NEWS
Cable Addrtsir TABIKIT, lANOOM
Tel«»hMW Tcapl* MU-SMS
VAGARIES OF CENSORSHIP
NEW PRIESTLEY
PUYFETERS
IN LONDON
London, Feb. 28.
Though Basil Dean has given J. B.
Priestley's 'Johnson Over Jordan' a
pretentious production, the morality
play appeared an unlikely entrant
in its debut at the Nev here last
Wednesday (22).
An excellent cast, headed by Ralph
Richardson and Edna Best, Is push-
ing the play to good business pres-
ently, but the libraries are skeptical
and as yet have made no deal.
Recently tried out at • Sunday
performance, Michael Egan's com-
edy, To LoVe and to Cherish,'
opened Tuesday night (31) at the
^ngsway and was well received.
'Asmodee,' translation from the
French of Francois Maurlac's domes-
tic comedy, was splendidly acted at
the Gate Thursday night (23) and
well received. However, It showed
itself to be too French in theme for
general English appeal.
GOUHN BOSSES NEW
PARIS BOOKING COMBO
Paris, Feb. 20.
The first lizeable film, radio,
musla hall and theatrical booking
combo In Paris gets Into swing
shortly under the direction of Rot-
tenburg and Mitty Goldin, opera-
tors of the ABC, variety, house here.
Hans XiOndon will bsmdle the film
bookings; Albert Tavd, former indie,
will join the association and Harry
Salzman, American, associated with
the Goldin office for .several years,
will take care of radio bookings.
Maurice Detaille, who has such
French stars as Marie Dubas and
Charles Trenet under, personal man-
agement, will work through flie or-
ganization. The entire^ will be
under Goldln's guidance.
Hungary Issues New
Restriction on Actors
Budapest, Feb. 18.
Further restriction of actors has
been announced by State Secretary
Zsindely, who declared that in the
futur* on^ graduates of the State
Stage Academy will be admitted as
members of the Stage and Film
Chamber, except in very exceptional
cases.
Since only members of the Cham-
ber ere allowed to show, this means
that none but Academy graduates
will get contracts in future. This,
of course, spells ruin to private stage
schools and individual tuition.
French Go H'wood
Paris, Feb. 20.
The French are planning an Acad-
emy of Motion Pictures to be
modeled on the similar group in
America. '
Aim of the organization would be
the same as its American forerunner,
naming the best native and foreign
production of the year, etc.
Hunter Aussie to L. A.
• Harry Hunter, Paramount's man-
aging director in Australia, is due
to arrive on the Coast from Sydney
about March 20."
He plans to go directly to his home
>n the state of Washington before
coming to New York for homeoffice
confabs.
OLD VIC CO. IN ITALY
Milan, Feb. 18.
Under the auspices of the British
Council, London, and the Public De-
•partajent for Popular Culture, Home,
the Old Vic Company of London is
touring Italy, playing in Milan,
Florence, Rome and Naples.
A tour of Egypt follows.
'Snow Wbhe' Gete Dutch
OK After Censor Wrangle
The Hague, Feb. 18.
After being reviewed by the cen-
sors four times, 'Snow White' has
been admitted for universal exhibi-
tion in Holland. First three verdicts
sanctioned it only for those above 14
years of age but the final one ap-
proved it after the picture took sev-
eral more cuts.
'Gangs of New York' (Rep),
'Angels With Dirty Faces' (WB) and
The Lady With the Blue Fox' (Ufa)
have been banned.
Reinterpretation
(tf British Quota
May Halt Revamp
Amendment of the British quota
law this month in London may be
avoided through discovery of new
interpretation on the way the statute
reads on high percentage features,
according to word received In New-
York by American film companies.
Re-interpretation of this part of
iguota act, expected from the Board
of Trade this month, may stall de-
mands for overhauling the law to
bolster dwindling production' in
Great Britain.
Last November the Board of Trade
ruled that foreign companies (main-
ly U. S. distributors) must fill out
their quota requirements with only
'50% . single-credit or low-cost pic-
tures. If this part of the quota is
interpreted to mean that American
companies may fulflU all their quota
requirements with double and triple
quota (hi^-budget) pictures. Brit-
ish picture people believe It will
naturally increase the num]>er of ex-
pensive pictures in production on
the British Isles. They also think
that it might leave the w£. open for
a quantity of low-cost features
strictly for English consumption and
limited distribution.
New Interpretation on quota with
its upping of the number of big
money-making pictures is taken to
mean that British producers would
secure enough additional revenue
return to re-establish their old pro-
duction routine, at least on a limited
scale.
Corrent London Plays
(With Dates When Opened)
'Me and My Girl,' Victoria Palace
—Dec. 16, '37.
'Room for Two,' Comedy — Sept. 6,
'38.
'Dear Octopus,' Queens— Sept 14,
•38.
'The Com Is Green,' Duchess —
Sept. 20, "SO.
men We Are Married,' St. Mar-
tin's—Oct 11, '38.
'Quiet Wedding,' Wyndham's— Oct
14, '38.
'Goodness, How Sad,' Vaudeville—
Oct. 18, '38.
'Geneva,' St. James— Nov. 22, '38.
'Under Your Haf Palace— Nov. 24,
•38.
'No. 6,' Aldwych— Dec. 21, '38.
'Queen of Hearts,' Lyceum — Dec.
24, '38.
They Walk Alone,' Shaftesbury—
Jan. 19, '39.
'Magyar Melody,' His Majesty's^
Jan. 20, '39.
'Design for Living,' Haymarket—
Jan. 25, '39.
Tony Draws a Horse,' Criterion-
Jan. 26, '39.
'C^aslight' Apollo— Jan. 31, '39.
'Worth a Million,' SaviUe— Feb. 2,
'39.
'French Without Tears," Piccadilly
-Feb. 5, '39.
'Little Ladyship,' Strand— Feb. 7,
'30.
'To Love and to Cherish,' Kings-
way— Feb. 21, '39.
•Johnson Over Jordan,' New— Feb.
22. '39.
FEENCH CINEMjIS UP
Paris, Feb. 20.
In France and the colonies during
1938 there were 81 new houses
opened compared to 45 in 1937 and
38 in 1936.
FOREIGN IDEAS
There'd Be Nothing Left in
Cellaloid If All Nations
Comliined Thdir Tabus
Uniformly — Sex O.K., but
Gangsters Not — Religibso,
Aesthetic, Humane (Ani-
mals) and Other Hurdles
ANYWAY, A HEADACHE
. Growing tendency of censorship
boards in America to become
more severe on feature pictures —
some film men suspect in order to
justify their political existence — re-
cently called attention to the di-
verse methods and differing rules
both In U. S. and in foreign field.
Estimated that if a compilation of
all the various censoring ^stems,
with bans and exaggerated notions
on morals, could be made into a
single code, it would leave the film
Industry deaf and dumb.
Idlosjmcrasles peculiar to each
censorship system often are In no
way related to other methods.. They
may vary from state to state; city
to city, and certainly are different
from country to country. There are
certain privileges of thought re-
tained exclusively by <;ach.
Europe and other foreign nations
difler on censorship from U. S., but
are harsh as a rule in accordance
with their own special ideas. Rea-
sons given for deletions, when they
are given,- often are as strange as
the cuts themselves.
Recent actions by censors ii' Amer-
ica indicate that the censor boards
possibly have been reading up «p
slashes made to American product
in the world market However, the
trade is hopeful that neither munic-
ipal nor state censoring will' attempt
to frame a code, complied from all
quirks of foreign censoring bodies,
and push It down the throats of
Ameritan producers.
Nudity, which seldom has been
frowned on in France, Is barred in
tlie U. S. Recently French produc-
ers have supplanted spicy situations
and dialog for franker nudity.
On the other hand, the French
minister of inferior has told the
censor board not to pass any more
U. S. gangster pictures.
The British Idea
Generally, Great Britain and the
colonies follow nearly the same
rules in censoring pictures, but pro-
ducers must be cautious to watch for
certain -special rules appying to such
territories as Canada and Australia.
For instance, England is touchy about
no cruelty to animals, being particu-
larly careful to see that horses are
not mistreated. But Canada is more
watchful of dialog and all violence,
and seldom squawks about animals.
England'.- censors have rigid restric-
tions on religious deference. They
recently eliminated a scene in which
a blessing was said in Latin. They
also scissored a scene in an operat-
ing room, except for a brief flash.
Australia and England are tou^
on morbid material, although the
latter goes for sex suggestion to
some extent Among the countries
harsh on anything they believe will '
be harmful to juveniles are Japan,
Australia, England and Canada.
Gunplay has been bannM to a large
extent by the Aussies, although not
fussed about until a machine-gun
holdup In Australia back in 1030
brought the change.
Canadian censors watch dialog
with care, eliminating .such words
and phrases as 'blasted,' 'sUnks,' 'by
gad,' 'Mein Gott' and 'danm.' They
also asked that the expression 'Jam
in the guts' be deleted, although' a
new British-made feature permitted
the word, 'guts,' repeatedly. Canada
also trimmed a wrestling scene from
a newsreel and a fight between girls
in a feature.
Japan not only slashes every i
scene in which there Is kissing, but I
Franco Gov't Seen Favoring Italy,
Germany on Distribution in Spain
Heartbreak House
Most recent peculiarity In
British censoring occurred with
'Boy Trouble,' forthcoming re-
lease, which will also be known
as 'Two Weeks with Pay' in
England. One of most powerful
scenes in the picture shows
Charles Ruggles reading a psalm
as an emergency prayer for the
recovery, of his son. British
censors, always circumspect on
religion, decided that the entire
sequence must come out because
the film is classified as a com-
edy.
Action taken despite Par's con-
tention that it was a vital scene,
and dramatically important "to
the picture. -
Becent Bans
Jamaica, B.W.I.— 'Dead End'
and 'Fury.'
Greece — 'Prisoner of Zenda,'
'Amateur Gentleman,' 'Dead
End.'
Singapore— 'Angels With Dirty
Faces.'
Ban lifted on 'BloAaie' by
: Bulgaria, and approved for dis-
tribution first of this year.
Australia made distributors
change 'bloody theme' to 'puppet
theme' in a recent film.
Viennese Squawk Oyer
Synchroidzed American
Films; Prefer Original
Vienna, Feb. 18.
Vienna filmgoers are complaining
about the synchronization Of foreign
Aim imports.
While formerly almost all foreign
films, mostly American, English and
French, were shown in their origi-
nal make, with German sub-titles,
there's now the tendency to syn-
chronize all.
One of the reasons claimed for the
good business of foreign pictures
was that the audience preferred to
see and hear the original make.
BoxoSices have dropped consider-
ably lately and cause Is laid to the
qoiQOs. It's 'unnatural' to bear
Clark Gable, Carole Lombard,
Loretta Young and others talk Ger-
man, the customers complain.
Plans to Reconstruct
Tel Aviv Into Resort
Tel Aviv, Feb. 15.
Transformation of the Tel Aviv
beach into a resort similar to those
in Nice and Cannes, is being sought
by the city's engineer, D. SchliTman,
who wants Tel Aviv to give him
^350,000 to begin the work. He says
lie'll get private capitalists to invest
a couple of million more.
He plans to ' erect hotels,, play-
grounds, swimming pools, boule-
vards and cafes in lavish style.
o' late has cut out dialog reference
to osculation. Japanese also elimi-
nated a scene where a policeman is
shown eating a banana. Egypt de-
leted a sequence showing an escape
from an orphanage because 'it sets
All violence, torture, threats of
a bad example for school girls.'
death and murder are eliminated in
Belgium, as are romantic scenes if
slightly suggestive. British Colum-
bia, like England, cuts scenes of
horses falling, considering that as
cruelty to animals. Latvia okayed a
glbrlfled western musical, but made
11 eliminations, including a scene
1; wLicb a poker game is played.
Holland is watchful of the relig-
ious angle, banning pictures alto-
gether when there are religious ob-
lections.
Probably (be most liberal are the
Latln-Americah countries. Almost
anything goes because, until recently,
they have not had time to think of
censorship.
Paris, Feb. 28.
Complete Franco victory In Spain,
now apparently a certainty as a re-
sult of developments during the past
few days, is expected here to bring
a slow but steady recovery of show
business in that country.
Even if unfavorable restrictions
are placed against U. S. pictures, the
situation nevertheless would be a
big improvement over present dis-
tribution In the war-ridden penin-
sula. It's held. American companies
have carried on for about two years
in Spain at a loss and without new
product entering the country for ap-
proximately 18 months.
With Barcelona in Franco's hands,
regular showing of pictures in that
metropolis and restoration of print
shipments Is counted on shortly.
However, Informed sources believe
U. S„ French and British product
may not get the break given Italian
and German pictures since the latter
two countries are held to be mainly
responsible for the Franco success.
However, others purportedly in
close contact wlUi Franco and his
policies forsee Impartial regulation
of all foreign picture product, at
least until the new regime is restored
to a normal operation.
Continual shelling of Madrid In
recent weeks resulted in many the-
atres being damaged. But despite
this, about 40 houses are reported
operating In the Madrid sector on a
hit and miss schedule even though
films are oldies.
Before the Franco drive against
Barcelona, it is estimated that 50-
6S% of cinemas In that city ran on
vaiying schedules of one to three
nights weekly. It depended on what
pictures were obtainable and if the
electric power was available since
much of It was conunandeered for
war industries. . The distribution was
in the hands of the Federation of
Anarchistic Iblrlque, which expelled
regular picture people, paid wages
to employees and pocketed the pro-
ceeds for war needs.
Distributors who attempted to
desert government (loyalist) terrl-
tory for Franco-controlled provinces
found themselves branded as Com-
munists and could 'not do business |
there whUe the FAI and other simi- 1
lar orgsnlzatlons took the business
out of their hands if they remained
In governmental Spain.
LUISE RAINER'S LONDON
PLAY NOW IN DOUBT
London, Feb. 26.
Theire are two conflicting versions
here on whether or not L se Rainer
will take the lead In 'Spears Against
Us,' in which she was reported sev-
eral weeks ago to have agreed to
star for Basil Dean.
One version state? that while cur-
rently in Paris, she's coming over to
look over the script. Another says
that she has already turned it down.
Rene Borgia's Spanish
Prodaction at Astoria
Several Spanish films are sched-
uled for production soon at the
Eastern Service Studios, Astoria,
L. I., ■ according to Rene Borgia,
Spanish writer-director, who will
both produce and direct one such
series.
Active on the Coast in production
of Spanish features, Borgia wound
up shooting last week in Mexico City
on an untitled Spanish flicker set
for RKO release.
NEW HEX CO.'S PS00R4U
Mexico City, Feb. 28.
Five features, all Spanish talkers,
this year is tlie program of Mex>
inema, newest domestic picture
maker.
Company is building its own
studios here.
14
VARIETY
Wednesday, March 1, I939
BESTS
Best Art Directton
Carl Weyh for
ADVENTURES OF
ROBIN HOOD
Best Filiii Editing
Ralph Dawson, for
ADVENTURES OF
ROBIN HOOD
Best Original Score
Erich Wolfgang Komgold, for
ADVENTURES OF
ROBIN HOOD
^ednesdaj, Marcb 1, 1939
FILM REVIEWS
VARiETr ' 15
12 CROWDED HOURS
rKO raleaM of Robert Blak production.
Mian Richard DIx: (wturei IaicIII* Bal),
Allan Lane, Donald MacBrlde. Directed by
liw Ijanders. Screenplay - br John Twiet
fiim alory by Garret Fort and Peter
^furic- editor. Harry Marker: camera,
KKiaa Muauraca. At RIalto, N. Y.,
wie" Feb. 22. '8». Running time: M
MiN9.
Kti^w Qreen Richard Dlx
Jiula sSndi™: l-ucme Ball
Dave Sanrtora • ,• AUen Lone
In" pector Keller. ..... . ... Donald MacBrlde
^>■9taln Cyrua W. Kendall
McBwSn- • aranvlllo Bate.
John Arledge
Tom Miller ....Bradley Pnge
4i,elina Dorothy Lee
Bpraulat Addlaon Rlchanta
?H?n. . .. . . .Murray Alper
iimmr John Qalaudet
BovUch. . Joaeph de Stephanie
In view of the current case of
Jimmy Hines In New York, this
action-thriller is a timely entry. One
of the better B's from Tlobert Sisk's
division on the RKO lot, the story
of policy and murder should give a
faiAy good account, of Itself m the
Bmaller singles and on the tag end
of duals in the larger houses.
Richard Dlx's name also helps,
while the exploitation angles are
numerous and obvious. It's a good
production, good direction and, in
the major part, a plausible story.
Per usual with Hollywood, the news-
paper office and newspapermen are
ridiculously exaggerated. The lat-
ter, plus some of the police work
assigned Donald MacBrlde, are this
picture's only major faults.
Film moves fast and breezes home
in 64 minutes. Story revolves
around Cyrus W. Kendall who, as
Costain, portrays a well-fed, mur-
derous policy king. When three of
his collectors try to scram with $80,-
000, he neatly murders them by
having a specially built truck crash
Into their cab. A city editor, how-
ever, is killed at the same time,
which puts Dix, star reporter, on
Costain's trail. He had meanwhile
become Involved with the under-
world through trying to save his
fiancee's kid brother, Allen Lane,
from the gang's clutches. Lucille
BaU is the love interest and is fairly
effective without having very much
to say or do.
Dix plays the reporter and does
the best possible to overcome the
ecript's handicaps. Picture's best
Serformance, however, Is that of
(acBrlde, who first went to Holly-
wood for RKO's 'Room Service' from
the stage play of the same name.
MacBride is a refreshingly new
screen detective, though that bit of
placing one criminal in the custody
of ' another Is a major absurdity.
Kendall's racketeer portrayal is
forte, and John Arledge does nicely
with the comedy role of a copy boy.
Rest of the cast Is unimportant to
the story or action, this including
the featured Allen liane.
Lew Landers' direction la com-
mendable for Its tempo, and the
photography hits a fair average.' -
Scho.
sonable action by all principals than
in the initial flhn.
Still retains much fantastic melo-
drama, but it seems fairly plausible
as handled by the present corps of
thespians. Doubtlessly the skfll of
the director also helped. If the for-
mula can be retained as well as
George Sanders in the lead, RKO
appears to have a neat package for
|roup of detective yams.
>anders, who has made his way
slowly but consistently on the Hol-
lywood screen since coming from
Sngland, blooms as a full-fledged
lead in this production. Character
of the lone-woU Sherlock appears
cut to order for him. Despite an
adroitly handled romance with the
femme gangster lead, he retains his
Identity as a diligent student of
crime at the blowofl. Miss Barrie,
as che beaut who starts her own
gang to avense the frame - on her
father, is excellent in the more mov-
ing passages as well as in the few
love episodei.
Jonathan Hale, the Detective Far-
nack of the first 'Saint' picture, again
keeps this role, making it appear
reasonable even In moments where
he Is overshadowed by the super-
human efforts of the crack sleuth.
Nell Hamilton, Barry Fitzgerald,
Russell Hopton,. Edward Gargan,
Gilbert Emery and Robert Strange
head the well-balanced support
Aside from Farrow's capital direc-
tion, the editing and the pungent
dialog stand out. Robert Sisk has
given It strong production for a yam
of this sort Wear.
The Saint Strikes Back
RKO relcaae of Robert Siek production.
P«ature> GeorKe Sanden and Wendy Bar-
rie. Directed By John Flarrow. Screenplay
by Jobn Twiat (ram novel by Lealle Chnr-
terla; editor. Jack Hlrely; mualcal direc-
tor, Roy Webb: camera. Frank Redmnn.
Revlawed In Projection Room, N. T., Feb.
2*. '89. Runnlns time: 67 MIN8.
Blmon Templar George Sandera
Valerie Tiavera Wendy Barrie
Henry Femack Jonathan Hale
Cullls Jerome Cowan
Allen Breck Nell Hamilton
' ZIppec Dyaon Barry Fltzserald
Webgter Robert Elliott
Harry Donnell Ruiaell Hopton
Pinky Budd Bdward Gargan
Commlaaloner Robert Strange
martin Baatman Gilbert Emery
Secretary Jamea Burke
The Saint' is back on the screen,
this time apparently to stay as part
of a series I>ased on the exploits of
Leslie Charteris' fictional character.
RKO's 'Saint In New York,' first in
group, made last May, has virtually
a different cast New the 'Saint'
character has been made a "super-
sleuth who aids the police or handles
enemies of society as he sees fit sin-
gle handed.
_ New adventures of this modem
Robin Hood, who Is depicted as a
smooth worker not adverse to some
lone pilfering from those with too
much money, are carried on by
George Sanders. Co-featured is
Wendy Barrie, who fits splendidly
Into the romantic seml-gangstress
role.
Deft scripting by John Twist and
equally agile directing by John Far-
row have made this ostensibly pro-
gram production a topflight 'B' fea-
ture. Given better known names for
.. ..the marquee and it- might well -have,
soared above this classiflcation. Even
as is the film will go down as the
type of whodunit, gangster meller
. that is popularly received. It duclcs
the gangster odlimi by treating
gangland methods as haphazard, or
showing them up through the me-
dium of the 'Saint's' clever activity
^also by having him on the side of
the law.
'Saint Strikes Back' shows him en-
terlne an Involved crime tangle In
San Francisco as a friend of a New
York detective and eventually prov
log to the misguided beauty— tem
^. porarily, gone lawless to avenge a
a frameup on her father — that crooks
in the police department brought
about her parent's downfall. There
Is less of the silly courage In dan-
gerous spots displayed by The
Saint' In this story, and more rea-
Nancy Drew — Rejporter
Warner Broa, producthn and releaee.
Featurea Bonlta Granville, John Lltel,
Frank Thomaa. Jr.. Mary l,ee. Directed
by William Clemena. Original acreenploy,
Kenneth Gamet; baaed on atorlea by Caro-
lyn Keene: camera.. Arthur. Edeaon; mualc,
H. Reemheld; dialog director. John Lan-
iran^ editor. Frank Deivar. At Strand,
Brooklyn, N. Y.. Feb. 24, 'St. dual. Run-
ning time: 65 MINS.
Nancy Drew Bonlta Granville
Caraon Drew John Lltel
Ted Nlckeraon Frank Thomaa, Jr.
Mary Mary Lee
Bonnie Lucaa Sheila Bramley
MIlea Lambert ..Larry Williams
Eula Denning Betty Amann
Boatwlck Thomaa Jackaon
Killer Parklna Dickie Jones
Sergeant Kntwhiatle Olln Howland-
Captaln Tweedy Frank Orth
Another of the series taken from
Carolyn Keene's stories, this one is
great stuff for the moppets, but
featherweight for adults. Booked on
that basis, it's a likely piece for the
multiples, although even then it will
need a hefty running mate.
Yarn is so implausible it's virtu-
ally a satire on newspaper pictures—
and on juvenile hero films, too, for
that matter. Bonlta Granville, con-
tinuing her Nancy Drew character-
ization, is a demon reporter to ob-
literate the memory . of Richard
Harding D^vis, as well as a sleuth to
send J. Edgar Hoover back to play-
ing cops and robbers with the neigh-
borhood urchins. Nothing like the
story could ever happen on land or
sea, but the kids will lap It up:
Script splutters with action and
hoked situations, and is sprinkled
with typical Hollywood gags. Young
Miss Granville, now quite grown up,
is the lawyer's daughter who wins a
newspaper's circulation-b u 1 1 d 1 n g
contest to try out as reporter. Scorn-
ing th? limits of probability, she
covers an inquest solves a murder,
captures the killers and saves the
unjustly accused beauty in distress.
AU strictly" comic-strip thriller stuff
and guaranteed to keep the juve ele-
ment hoppln;; 'or your money back
by return post
Miss Granville- Is a realistically en-
ergetic young heroine; Frank Thom-
as. Jr., is convincing as her not-too-
willing accomnlice; Mary Ijee and
Dickie Jones are properly obnoxious
as kid-sister and kld-brottier nui-
sances, while Larry Williams and
Sheila Bromley are acceptable men-
aces. Direction has that character-
tic Class B surface slickness.
Hobe.
I AM A CRIMINAL
Monogram rotense of E. B. Derr pro-
duction. Features John Carrall. Kay
LInaker, M.irlln Spellman. Craig Rey-
nolda. Directed by William Nigh. Based
on orlelnal Idea hy Harrison Jncoba: atory
and adaptation. John Krafft: editor. Rua-
aell flchoengorth: ramera. Paul Ivano. At
Central. N. Y.. dual, week Feb. 23. '89.
Running time: 74 MINS.
Brad McArlhur John Carroll
Linda f »>' J''""'?!''
Hint ReynoldB Craig Reynolda
Bobby Martin Spellman
George Lester Mathewa
Alice Martin Mary Kornmnn
MasBic
Collins Robert Flske
Miniatdre Reviews
'12 Crowded' Bonn' (RKO).
Nice B action-thriller about pol-
icy game; stars Richard Dix.
'The Saint Strikes Back'
(RKO). Second in 'Saint' who.
dunlt series, with George - San-
ders starred. Slick programmer, .
1 Am a Criminal' (Mono). Ac-
tion material of fair value, suit-
able for single bills in some situ-
ations. .
'Spirit of Calver* (U). Jackie
Cooper, and Freddie Bartholo-
mew in military' school. Mild
entertainment for duals and kids,
'Bum "£01 Up O'Connor'
Metro). Fast action drama of the
auto racetraclcs. Will fill better
half of duals for good b.o.
'Whispering Enemies' (Col).
Good 'B' on scandal racket. Jack
Holt and Dolores Costello in fair
dualer.
handles himself well in a dramatic
role.
-Although she doesn't have a heavy
assignment and fails to get into the
footage until the last reel, Mary
Komman is another who registers in
this film. Alumna of the Our Gang
comedy troupe, she is .a sweet,
wholesome type who should also
come along.
Derr's production is above aver-
age for the indie field ^nd William
Nigh's direction, backed by years of
turning 'em out. Is fully capable In
eVery respect The story and adap-
tation are also by a rather seasoned
hand, John KraSt
Yarn has fairly good pace and
maintains suspense to the end. It
effectively builds up the admiration
of the newsboy for the racketeer
wliich originally sought to use him
as a publicity stunt to help ward
off a coming trial for manslaughter
and, by degrees, convincingly 'devel-
ops the love of the tough £jys for
his little friend. ' Spellman is one
of the most natural kid actors to
come to notice and he should forge
ahead rapidly. He is a 10-year old.
Photographing well, the Icid also has
a good screen voice.
Kay LInaker, with an imp.ortant
part done well, plays the racketeer's
girl friend, out to take him. She
is thwarted in her scheme by the
kid Spellman. A press agent' in ca-'
hoots with Miss LInaker U played by
Cr.alg Reynolds. He's okay. .
. Title of the picture may be con-
ftised with Warner's 'They Made Me
a Criminal,' recently sent on release.
At least they shoiildn't be spotted
on the same bill where doubles is
the policy. Char,
'I Am a Criminal' is an action
Item of modern merit, which is im-
portant in that it brings forth a
very promising kid personality in
Martin Spellman. It is the lad's sec-
ond picture. He had a three-minute
part in 'Boys' Town,' but steps out
for a real test in this production,
turned out for Monogram by E. B.
Derr. Spellman looks a find all over
and should go on from 'Criminal' to
much better things.
'Criminal' also offers another fu-
ture box office possibility in John
Carroll. He has his first straight
dramatic role here, that of a gang-
ster whosfe heart Is softened by the
little boy, formerly selling papers,
who comes into his life. Carroll has
been doing singing roles up to now.
He Is a handsome, robust type who
SPIRIT OF CULVER
(WITH SONG)
Hollywood, Feb. 25. .
Universal release ot Burt Kelly 'produc-
tion. Co-4tars Jackie Cooper and Freddie
Bartholomew, Directed by Joseph Santley.
Sterejenplay by Natbanael West 'and Whit-
ney 3olton; atory by George Green, Tom
Buckingham and Clarence Marks; song,
Frank Skinner, Charles Henderson; cam-
era, Elwood'Bredell: editor, Frank Gross;
technical advisor, Brigadler-Gen. L. R.
GIgnllllat, Previewed at Pnntages. Feb.
24, 'SO. Running time, '.S» MINS. .
Tom Allen.; :.Jdckle Cooper
Bob Randolph Freddie ■Bartholomew
Captain Wilson Tim Bolt
'Doc'' Allen: Henry Hull
'Tubby'.....' I An4y Devlne
Carruthera. .'. .' Gene Reynolds
June Macy .' Kathtyn Kane
Perkins '. Jackie . Moran
Hank : Walter Tetley
Captain Wharton Pierre Watkln
Major White John Hamilton
Jackie Cooper and Freddie Bar-
tholomew march through . Culver
Military Academy as first year plebes
in a picture which is a good argu-
ment for advantages of military
school training for boys, but mild on
the entertainment side. With Cooper
and Bartholomew teamed for., first
time, pic will attract the juvenile
trade in the dualers.
Story develops along routine lines,
is sketchy In its unfolding, and halts
in -several spots to present routine
and tralhing of Culver cadets. Off
to a rather Promising start for pic-
ture of Its tvne, it sags in the middle
and winds ud with a corny and un-
impressive chase. Major faults could
be eliminated by trimming 20 min-
utes from running time and insertion
of better ending.
Homeless Jackie Cooper Is. award-
ed American Legion Post scholarship
to Culver. Rough, tough, and rebel-
lious at the discipline imposed, he is
gradually transformed. Roommate
Freddie Biartholomew" does much' to
smooth the way and pair become
pals. Coooer's father, Henry HuU,
reported killed in action during the
war and recipient of the Congres-
sional medal, suddenly turns up in
.shell-shocked condition. Treated at
the 'Veterans' Hospital, under as-
sumed name, he meets his son. Later
Jackie discovers his Identity, and
aft^r pair start for the west, the boy
is persuaded to return and finish
school wh"s Hull takes a new grip
on life.
Coooer and Bartholomew provide
fine contrast as the two roommates,
both making the most of material
provided.
Tim Holt gives a manly oerform-
ance as the senior class officer and
mentor to the plebes, while Hull and
Andy Devlne are okay in respective
roles. Kathrjrn 'Sugar* Kane Is the
only fern member of the cast; on for
one song and a brief sequence. Tune,
'You Are the Words to a Song' is
only fair.
Much of the picture was shot on
campus of Culver Academy. It's a
good trailer for the school.
Bum 'Em Up O'Connor
Metro release of Harry Rapf production.
Features Dennis O'KeeCe, Cecilia Parker,
Nat Pendleton. Harry Carey. Directed by
Edward Sedgwick. Adapted by Milton
Berlin and Byron Morgan from book by
Sir Malcolm Campbell; camera, Leatcr
White: editor, Ben Lewie. At Loew'a Met-
ropolitan, Brooklyn, dual, week o( Feb.
S3. '80. Running time: 76 MINS.
Jerry O'Connor Dennis O'Keefe
Jane Delano Cecilia Parker
Buddy Buttle Nat Pendleton
P. a. Delano Harry Cany
Ed Rberhart Addison Richards
.'Doc' Heath Charley Grepewin
Jose 'Rorks' Rivera i...;A1an Curtis
'Hank' Hogan Tom Neal
'Lefty* BImraona Tom Collins
Tim McEIvy ......Prank Orth
Jim Nixon Frank M. 'rbomaa
Mr. Jenkins :..;... SI Jenka
The Headleys at Home
standard Pictures release of B. W Rlcli>
ards production. Featurea Grant Mllchell,
Evelyn Venable, VInce Barnett, Bennr
Rubin. Directed by Chria Beute. Adapted
by Carrlngton Morth and Nlcboloa Belft
from original by North and William MIIA;
camera, Harry Forbea; editor, Holbrook
Todd. At Arena, N. T.. Feb. U, '80, duaU-;
Running time: m HINS.
Pamela Headley : Evelyn Venabia
Bmeat Headley Grant Mitchell
Bide Murphy Uobert Whltiiey
Louisa Headley.. Hetty Roadman
VInce Bergson VInce Barnett
Dr. McLevy Benny Rubin
Alicia Headley , Alicia Adama
Hyacinth .....Louise Beaver*
'.Smooth' Adair... Kenneth Harlan
Van Wyck Schuyler.' Edward Earl*
Rowland Perkins Jack Hatneld
Mn. Brawn Ethel Clark
In silent days it was the Wallace
Reid-Byron Morgan combination
which produced a cycle of auto
race pictures which projected both
to fame. Now it Is Morgan and Den-
nis O'Keefe who carry on the cycle.
'Bum 'Em Up O'Connor' Is the first
of a new series ot spott pictures
Metro Is producing, (jff to a good
start, series may hoist O'Keefe to
top rungs, as the first one is 95%
O'Keefe, in a tailor-made, stream-
lined part which fits him 'almost as
well as such parts suited -Reld. He
breezes through the film In. fast-
talking likeable style. It Is his best
part to date. Film Is an 'excellent
dualer. .v.'
'Morgan has constructed' another
fine racing plot based on a book by
Sir Malcolm CampbellT celebrated
speed king. It Is prime full of ac-
tion, whizzing wheels, crashes, spills,
thrills and chills.
Action begins on midget-cat race
tracks and jumps from mere tp the
big-tlro« speedways of Indianapolis
and Roosevelt Field, N. Y.-. Plot mo-
tivation Isn't exacUy new, v;lth a
builder of racing cars (Harry Carey)
out to break records, no 'matter how
many of. his drivers get kiUed in^
meet after meet Along comes a hay-
seed hick with a lAanla for speed
that nothing will deny. Kid driver
(O'Keefe) breaks into the -midget
racing .game; Is picked for the big
time by Carey, (md falls in love with
Carey's daughter (Cecelia Parker).
Doc Heath (Grapewln) Is the vil-
lain and the denouement is sklUfulIy
shielded until the final?. Although
a- trusted friend and co-worker of
Carey's, it tiums out that- he had
been deliberately lUnding Carer's
drivers by doping their drinks. His
motive is revenge for Carey having
once encouraged Heath's -son to enter
the racing game and ultimately
meeting his death on the tracks.
O'Keefe and . Pendleton, deter-
minted to break the Carey stable
.linx, fliially 'stumble on the solu-
tion and expose the Doc. Boy wins
the race and girL Finish.
' Cecelia Parker, teamed with
O'Keefe, Is a disappointment in this
one, suffering from pooF direction
and slight avoirdupois. She goes
through her paces withnntanimation
OF personal' charm. Carey, Grape-
win and Pendleton . offer fine .sup-
porting characterizations. Pendleton,
overplaying a dumb-cluck, comedy
role, wUl click- with the tens in the
mechanic role. Hls.emntlpnal scenes
in the climax are effective. '
Producer Rapf cast a trio of hand-
some' yoimg" actors' as daredevil
drivers. Alan Curtis, Tom Neal and
Tpm Collinff have enough on the ball
to warrant future attention. Picture
is expertly photographed. Racing
scenes and crashes are thiilllngly
gotten over, although there is an
abundance of it
Exhibitors have something here
for full exploitation campaigns, with
plenty of angles calctilated to drag
em- in.
SOVIET BORDER
(RUSSIAN MADE)
Anlklno release ot Lenflim praductlon.
Directed by A, G. Ivanov. Bcenarjo by
A. G, Ivanov, from narrative by Peter
Pavlenko. At Cameo, N. T., Feb. 18,
Running time: St UIMS.
Stepanlda B. TIapklna
Varvara B. Fedorava
Commandant... N. Krluctakov
Anton S. Kriloy
Erof el Vinogradov
Volkov E. Oarin
Numata i...J, Lnvrov
(In Russian, with English Titles)
.-- Fascist coimtries aren't the only
sabre-rattlers. -As proof, this pic-
ture presents the U.S.SJt doing the
same stuff. Supposedly a factual
explanation of the recent Manchu-
kuo-Sil>erlan border clashes between
the Soviets and Japs, It's simply a
violent harangue that clarifies noth-
ing.
' Even excellent direction and fine
acting can't redeem the corny story-
telling, frenzied tub-thumping and
hyper-length. As propaganda, 'So-
viet . Border' is Ineffective because
its obvious bias could persuade only
those who already sympathize. And
as commercial film entertainment it's
'just so much tiorscht.
Whaf s behind the Sovlet-Jap bor-
der snarling Is something that nasn't
yet been clarified from the maze of
(Continued on page M)
First and last of a series made for
the state-right marts, fashioned
along lines of small-town life where
nothmg over liappens. That Is, until -
the bank Is robbed and a case of*
mistaken Identities finally unmasks
the bandit as the cuest-of-honor at a
dinner party. WiU do as a filler for
duals in towns where audiences
aren't particular. Otherwise an un-
distinguished piece of work even for
an independent producer, handl-
capped by a small budget
Story ambles along peacefully with
Grant Mitchell, Robert Whitney and
Kenneth Harlan striving to inject
some reality into a tiresome, unin-
teresting comedy-drama. Yam deals
with sodaUy-ambitlous wife of
small-town banker and~^her hen-
1 )ecked husband. News of arrival in
he town of a big-shot banker from
N.Y. . spurs Louisa Headley (Betty
Roadman)' and she goads Mr. Head-
ley (Grant Mitchell) into spearing
the Imptirtant visitor for a dinner in
honor of the event Headley doesn't
even know him. '
Bide Murphy (Robert Whitney),
reporter for local sheet and sweet
on Miss Headley (Evelyn 'Venable),
;ets Mitchell out of his predicament
ly hiring an- actor to impersonat*
the big banker. .As it turns out the
spurious 'Van Wyck - Schuyler (Ken-
neth Harla'n), turns out to be the
bank robl)fer who holds up Head- -
ley's bank th'e day of the dinner,
Headley recognized him at the din-
ner by a scar on his liand and sends
for the gendarmes: ' The loot Is re-
covered and Mrs. Headley put in her
place by Mitchell,
' Comedy, iqles are carried by
Benny Riibin 'and Vince Barnett as
a .pair of quarrelsome local doctors^
constantly af odds. Barnett helps
the .story considerably but Rubin's
acce'ht and role is incongruous. He
worlcs hard, -but is badly miscast
Settings, photography and editing
are adequate. .alQiough bearing the
unmlstakabl'e '.-touch of an anemic
budget. -Priitclpally-, it's the subject
matter and adaptation from the orig-
inal play which makes it unsuitable.
Considerable Rootage is devoted to
a moppet (Alicia Adams) who dis-
plavs a falf camera, presence and
some abUlty...but. not miich. Louise
Beavers could have done mOre with
the part of the. colored slavey, but
was held down. All in all, this one
will do' If there is a shortage of
product .
i
WHrSPERIN6 ENEMIES
Columbia protfuctlon and raleaaa. Stan
Jack Holt: natures- Dolores Coatello, Ad-
dison RIchaMs. Pert Kelton. Directed by
Lewis p. XSolltns. Adapted by Gordon
RIgby and Tom Kllpatrlck from story by
John Rawlins and Harold Tarahls; camera,
James S.. Brawn, Jr.. editor. Dwigbt Cald-
well. At Central, .N, T., dual, week Feb.
2U, '88. Rpnnlng time: 62 MINB.
Stephen Brewater..i Jack Holt
Laura Crandall Dolores Coatello
Red .Barrett. Addison Richards
George Harley Joaeph Crehan ■
Frod Bowman Donald Brigga
Virginia Daniels Pert Kelton.
Warden Paul EvertOB
Unpretentious 'B' produced with
skimpy materials, as far as set dress-
ing and interiors go, but . long on
story entertainment value. Cast isn't
a large one and without names, save
for Holt who has. his following. It
should do in-between business.
Audience interest takes hold very
slowly due to expository nature of
the buildup dealing with commer-
cial rivalry of co&metlc firms. Once
the director gets past laying his
groundwork and' starting with open<^
ing scenes in which Miss Costello
appears, a battle of wits between
her and Holt whets the ajppetlte for
more.
Picture Is about whispering cam-
paigns and their 'insidious workings.
First one business firm is ruined
through spreading of scandal about
poisonous nature of fosn^etic prod-
uct Turn about is fair play and
after Brewster's (Holt) business had
been driven Into . receivership, he
employs the Same' method to' ruin
his destroyer. In turn. Miss Costel-
lo's biz is being ruined by Holt's
organized methods of spreading ru- '
mors about her products. Unaware .
of developments, only just having
returned from a vacation abroai^
st- ! gathers evidence against :r un-
known rival.
Holt's performance ne . :r varies,
no matter what role lie plays. By
certain standards he is acceptably
convincing and tough enough' to suit
the muggs. Pert Kelton, tisually as-
sociated with comedy parts, plays
straight in this one with good re-
sults. ' Miss Costello aU. but steals
the picture from Holt .
Several mob scenes and the prison
sequence, while not according to
Hoyle, serve to hlghll^t an other-
wise placid picice of film fare.
16
VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesday, March 1, 1939.,
FILM BOOKING CHART
'(For information o/ theatre and film exchange hookers, Variett presents a complete chart of feature releases of all the American distributing
companies for the current quarterly period. Date of reviews as given in Vabiety OTid the rtinniTtg time of prints, ore included.)
COPTOIGHT. 193», BT VAMETT. INC. AVL BIGHTS BESEKVEP '
WEEK
OF
EELBASE
12/23/38
TITLE
rKODUCEB
DISTBIB.
TTPB
TALENT
DIBECTOB
THEBE'S THAT WOMAN AGAIN
THE GIRL DOWNSTAIRS
WILD HOR SE CANT ON
TOH SAWTEB, DBTECTIVB
FIGHTING THOROUCiHBBEDS
SHINE ON, HARVEST HOON
RED RIVER RANGE
THANKS FOR EVERTTHINO
TRADE WINDS .
NEWSBOYS' HOME
THE DAWN PATROL
B. B. KahaiM C»l Bom-Dr
Harry Rapt M-G Drama
Robt Taosey Mono Western
E. T. Lowe Par Rom-Dr
Armand Schaefer Rep Rom-Dr
C. E. Ford Rep , Western
Wm. Berke . Rep Western
H. J. Brown ZOth Musical
Walter Wanger CA Rom-Dr
Ken Goldsmith 17 Drama
Robert Lord WB . Drama
M. D«n(U8-V. Braee
F. Gaal-Tone-W. Connelly
. Jack Randall
D. O'Conner-B. Ooek
B. Byrd-M. Carlisle
B. Bocers-M. Hart
J. Wayne-R. Corrlgan-M. Terhone
A. Menjon-J. OaUe '
F. Haroh-J. Bennett
3. f^Mper-W. Barrle
E. Flynn-B. Rathbone
Al Hall
Norman Taurog
Robert Hill
Louis King
Sidney Sallcow
Joe 'Kane
Geo. Sherman
'Wm. A. Seiter
Tay Garnett
Harold Young
Edm'd Gouldlng
WHEN
TIME ' REVIEWED
MIN8. Br VARIETT
10
1/U
86
12/28
01
1/19
UV
2/15
l/Io
65
■
55
l/ll
19
12/7
93
12/21
13
1/25
103
12/14
62
1/18
120
12/21
60
1/11
90
11/2
64
1/11
95
12/21
107
12/21
85
1/11
99
1/11
58
1/U
16
12/28
61
12/21
96
8/31
62
12/7
12/30/38 SMASHING THE SPT RIMO
' ' CLIMBING HIGH
SWEETHEARTS
TOUGH KID
ABTISTS and MODELS ABROAD
FEDERAL MAN-HUNT
KENTUCKY
DUKE OF WEST POINT
GOING PLACES
Irving Briskin ' Col .Meller
GB GB Comedy
Hunt Stroml>erg M-G Musical
Lindsley Parsons Mono Meller
A. Homblow, Jr. Par Musical
Armand Schaefer Rep
Gene Markey 20th Rom-Dr
Edw. Small UA Rom-Com
Barney Glazer WB Musical
F. Wray-R. Bellamy
J, Mathews-M. Bedrtave
J. MaoDonald-N. Eddy
F. Darro-J. Allen -
S. Benny-J. Bennett
R. Llvlntstan-J. Travis
L. Yoone-R' Greene
L. Hsyword-J. Fentolne
D. Powell-A. Lonlse
Christy Cabanne
Carol Heed
W. S. Van Dyke
H Bretherton
Mitchell Leiscn
Nick Grinde
Davjd Butler
Al Green
Ray Enright
1/8/39
STAND UP AND FIGHT
DISBARRED
PACIFIC LINER
WHILE NEW YORK SLEEPS
LADY VANISHES
LAST WARNING
DEVIL'S ISLAND
Mervyn LeRoy M-G Rom-Dr R. Taylor-F. Rlce-Beery W. S. VanDyke
Stuart Walker Par MeUer G. Patrlok-O. Kmeer Robert Florey
Robert Sisk RKO Drama V. McLaflen-C. Morrls-W. Barrle Lew Landers
Sol Wurtzel 20th Melodrama M. Whalen-J. Ropers H.B.Humberstone
GB 20th Mystery M. Lochwood-M. Redgrave Alfred Hitchcock
Irving Starr U Mystery P. F4»ter-F. Robinson Al Rogell
Bryan Foy WB Melodrama B. KarloS-N. Harriean Wm. Clemens
1/18/39
THE THUNDERING WEST Irving Briskin Col Western
BURN 'EM UP O'CONNOB Harry Rapf M-O Com-Rom
ZAZA Albert Lewin Par Rom-Com
MYSTERIOUS MISS Z Herman Schlom Rep Mystery
THE GREAT MAN VOTES Clifl Reid RKO Comedy
CHARLIE CHAN IN HONOLULV John Stone 20th Mystery
TOPPER TAKES A TRIP Hal Roach UA Comedy
SON OF FRANKENSTEIN Rowland V. Lee U Melodrama
THEY MADE HE A CRDHNAIi Ben Glazer WB Drama
C. Starrett-L Meredith
D. O'Keefe-C. Parker
C. Colbert-H. MarshaU
M. Whalen-M. Hart
X Barrymore-P. Balden
S. Toler-P. Brooks
C. Bennett-R. Y«nne-B. Bnrke
B. Karloff-B. LaeresI
J. Garaeld-C. Rains
Sam Nelson
Edw. Sedewick
Geo. Cukor
Gus Meins
Garson Kanln
HJS.Humberstone
Norm. Z.McLeod
Rowland V. Lee
Busby Berkeley
FRONTIERS OF '49
CONVICT'S CODE
AMBUSH
ARIZONA LEGION
SMILING ALONG
MOTO'S LAST WARNING
GAMBUNG SHIP .
OFF THE RECORD
Col Col Western B. ElUott-L. De Aleanlc
E. B. Derr Mono Melodrama B. Kent-A. Najrel-M. Ebnme
Wm. Wright Par Rom-Dr G. Swarthont-L. Nolan
Bert Gilroy RKO Western G. O'Rrlen-L. Johnson
Robert T. Kane 20th Mus-Com G. Fields-M. Maeoire
Sol Wurtzel 20th Mystery P. Lerre-R. Cortes
Irving Starr U Drama B. WUcox-H. Mack
Sam BiscboS WB Comedy P. O'Brien-J. Blendell
Sam Levering
Lambert Hillyer
Kurt Neumann
Dave Howard
Monty Banks
Norman Taurog
Aubrey H.Scotto
. Jcmes Flood
1/27/39
LONE WOLF'S DA UGHTE R
FOUR GIBLS IN WHI1X
IDIOT'S DELIGHT
QBIFTING WESTWARD
PABIS HONEYMOON
PRUDE OF THE NAVY
JESSE JAMES
KING OF THE UNDERWORLD
THEY MADE ME A CRnONAli
Jos. SSstrom Col
Nat Iievine ' M-G
Hunt Stromberg M-G
Robert Tansey Mono
Harlan Thompson Par
Herman Schlom
Nunnally Johnson 20i
Biyan Foy Wi»
Benjamin Glazer WB
Meller W. Willlam-I. Lnplno
Rom-Dr A. Marshall-F. Rice
Com-Dr Shearer-Gable
Western ' Jaek Randall
Rom-Com B. Crosby-F. Gaal
Rom-Dr J. Dnnn-R. Hudson
Drama T. Power-N. Xelly-Fonda
Drama H. BogartrK. Francis
Melodrama J. Garfleld-Deod End Kids
Peter Godfrey
S. Sylvan Simon
Clarence Brown
Robert HiU
Frank Tuttle
Charles Lamont
Henry King
Lew Seller
Busby Berkeley
6T-
83
62
70
65
80
94
92
3/1
1/4
1/25
1/U
12/28
1/4
1/18
1/25
54
63
61
68
85
11
62
10
2/2
2/22
2/15
12/14
1/25
1/25
2/22
12
100
41
83
65
105
69
92
1/25
1/25
2/15
12/21
2/1
1/11
1/11
1/25
2/3/39
' HONOLULU
SUNDOWN ON THE PRAIBIB
ST. LOUIS BLUES
FISBEBMAN'S WHARF
THE ARIZONA WILDCAT
PIBATES OF THE SKIES
TOBCHY IN CHINATOWN
Jack Cummings
Ed Finney
Jeff Lazarus
Sol Lesser
John Stone
Barney Sarecky
Bryan Foy
M-G
Mono
Par
RKO
20th
U
WB
Com-Rom
Western
Mus-Rom
Con^-Dr
Comedy
Action
Melodrama
E. Powell-R. Yonnitr
T. Bttter-D. Fay-C. King
L. Nolan-D. Lamenr
B'. Breen-L. CarrlU*
J. Withcrs-L. Carrlll*
K. Taylor-B. Hadson
O. Fanrell-B. MaoLane
Eddie Buzzell
Al Herman
Raoul Walsh
Bernard Vorhaus
Herb. I. Leeds
Joe McDonough
Wm. Beaudine
2/10/39
TEXAS STAMPEDE
NORTH OF SHANGHAI
HUCKLEBERRY FINN
NAVY SECRETS
PERSONS IN HIDINa
BOY SLAVES
WOMAN DOCTOB
HOME ON THE PRAIRIB
TAIL SPIN
MADE FOR EACH OTBEB
WINGS OF THE NAVT
Irving Briskin
W. MacDonald
J..Mancklewicz
Wm. Lackey
Edw. T. Ix>we
P.. J. WoUson
Sot C. Siegel
Hairy Grey
Harry J. Brown
D. O. Selznick
Lou Edelman
Col
Col
M-G
Mon*
Par
RKO
Bep
Bep
20th
UA
WB
Western
Drama
Com-Rom
Drama
MeUer
Drama - '
Drama
Western
Drama
Rom-Com
Drama
C. StarreU-L Meredith
B, Famess-J. Craig
M. Booney-W. Connolly
I. Wlthers-F. Wray-D. Robinson
L. Overman-J. C. Nalsh
A. Shirley- A. Daniel
F. Inescort-H. Wilooxon
G. Antry-S. Bnmette
A. Faye-C. Bennett-C. Farrell
C. ' Lombard- J.' Stewart
G. Bren(-0. de Havlland
Sam Nelson
D. R. Lederman
Richard Thorp*
H. Bretherton
Louis King
P. J. Wolf son
Sidney Salkow
Jack Townley
Roy Del Ruth
John Cromwell
Lloyd Bacon
85
85
11
68
2/1
2/8
2/8
11/9
12/28
51
88
62
69
10
65
83
90
88
2/19
1/25
1/18
2/19
2/1
2/1
1/18
2/17/39 FAST AND LOOSE
' ' LirCLE PAL
BOY TROUBLE
OUNGA DIN
THE THREE MUSKETEERS
KING OF THE TURF
TOU CANT CHEAT AN HONEST BEAN
NANCY DREW, REPORTER
F. Stepbanl M-G Com-Dr
Mono Mom Drama
Wm. Wright - Par Comedy
George Stevens RKO Drama
Raymond Griffith 20th - Mus-Com
Edw. Small UA Rom-Dr
^ tiester Cowan U Comedy
Bryan Foy WB Melodrama
R. Ilontgomery-B, Rnssell
H. Booney-B. Bellamy
C. B«celes-H. Boland
O. Gra|it-D. Fairbanks, Jr.
D, Ameehe-Bits Bros,-B. Barnes
A. Menjon-D. Coetelio
W. C. Fields-Edgar Bergen
B. GranvlUe-J. LItel
Ed Marin
Reginald Barker
Geo.Archainbaud
Geo. Stevens
Allan Dwan
A. E. Green
Geo. Marshall
Wm. Clemens
18
66
70
120
71
88
79
67
2/15
1/29
2/8
2/15
2/22
3/1
2/24/39
LET US LIVE Wm. Perlberg Co! Rom-Dr
LET FREEDOM BiNO Harry Rapt M-G Mus-Dr
STAR REPORTER E. B. Derr Mono Drama
ONE THIRD OF A NATION Harold Orlob Par Drama
SUNSET TRAIL Harry Sherman Par Western
FORGED PASSPORT . John H. Auer Rep- Meller
BEAUTY FOB THE ASKING B. P. Fineman RKO Rom-Com
PARDON OUB NERVE Sol Wurt2el 20th Com-MeL
SOCIETY SMUGGLER S Ken Goldsmith U Drama
YES, MY DARLING DAUGHTER Ben Glazer WB Comedy
H. Fonda-M. O'SolUvan
Nelson Eddy-V. Bmce
W. HaU-M. Hunt
S. Sidney-L. Erlekson
W. Boyd^3. Synters
P. K«Uy-J. Lang
. L. Ball-A. Lane
L. Bari-J. Gale-6. Williams
P. Fostcr-I. Hervey
P. Lane-J. Lynn
John Brahm
Jack Conway
H. Bretherton
Dudley Murphy
Les Selander
John H. Auer
Lew Landers
II.B.Huml>erstone
Joe May
Wm. Keighley
69
87
62
90
64
64
61
10
85
2/22
2/22
2/15
2/22
2/15
2/8
2/8
8/3/39
ROMANCE OF Th£ REDWOODS
PYGMALION •
BIYSTERY OF MR. WONG
CAFE SOCIETY.
I WAS A CONVICT
TW ELVE CROWDED HOURS
WIFE> HUSBAND AND FBIEND
STAGECOACH
BI5KY BUSINESS
8ECBET SERVICE OF THE AIR
Irving Briskin - Col Drama
G. Pascal M-G Comedy
Wm. T. Lackey Mono Mystery
Jeff Lazarus Par Rom-Dr
Herman Schlom Bep MeUer
Robt Sisk RKO Melodrama
Nunnally Johnson 20th Rom-Dr
Walter Wanger UA Rom-Dr
Bert KeUy U Melodrama
WB WB MeUer
C. Blckford- J. Parker
L. Howard-W. HiUer
B. Karloff-D. Tree
M. CarroU-F. MacMnrray
B. McLane-B. Roberta
R. Dix-L. Ball-J. Aldrldge
L. Yoong-W. Baxter
C. Trevor-J. Wayne
G. Morphy-D. Kent
B. Regan-J. LItel
King Vidor
A. . Asquith
Wm. Nigh
E. H. Griffith
Aublrey H. Scotto
IjOw Landers
Gregory Ratofl
John Ford
Arthur Lubin
Noel Smith
8/10/39
BLONDIE MEETS THE BOSS
ICE FOLLIES OF 19S9 -
SKY PIRATE
THE BEACHCOMBEB .
ROUGH RIDERS' ROUND-UP
SAINT SiniKES BACK
INSIDE STORY
PRISON WITHOUT BARS
SPIRIT OF CULVER
THE OKLAHOMA KID
Robt Sparks
Harry Rapt
P. Malvern
Erich Pommer
J. Kane
Robt Sisk
Sol Wurtzel
Alex..Kord£^. .
Bert Kelly
Sam Blschotr
Col
M-G
Mono
Par
. B«P
RKO
20th
UA. .
U
WB
3/17/39 LONE STAR PIONEER Col Col
SEBGEA1IT MAbDEN J. W. Rubin M-G
TRIGGER SMITH Robert Tansey Mono
Kmc OF CHINATOWN Par Par
„™,— PRINCESS Darryl Zanuck 20th
MYSTERY OF THE WHITE ROOM Irving Starr U
ADVENTURES OF JANE ARDEN Mark HeUhiger WB
8/24/38 W RISPE BING ENEMIES Col CoT
• WITHIN THE LAW L. Ostrow M-G
UNDERCOVER AGENT E. B. Derr Mono
' .. MIDNIGHT. Arthur Ho^fenblow Par
, JIY WIFE'S RELATIVES Sol Siege! ~ Rep
' MEXICALI ROSE H. Grey Ren
UNTITLED Bert GUroy RKO
EVERYBOD/-'S BABY Sol Wurtzel 20th
- tHREE sniART GIBLS GROW UP Joe Pasternak U -
BLACKWELL'S ISLAND Bryan Foy WB
Comedy P. SIngleton-A. Lake
Rom-Dr J. Crawferd-J. Stewart
Action J..'n«Bt-P. A. Yonng
Drama O. Langhton-E. Lanchrater
Western R. Rogers-M. Hart
Drama G. Sanders-N. Hamilton
Drama M. Whalen-J. Rogers
MeUer • - C. Lnobalre-E. Best
Rom-Dr J. Cooper-F. Bartholomew
MeUer J. Cagney-B. lane
Frank Strayer
R. Schunbzel
Geo. Waggner
Erich Pommer
J. Kane
John Farrow
"Ricardo Cortez
Zoltan iCorda •
Joe' Santley
Lloyd Bacon ,.
Western Bill EUIoU
Drama W. Beery-A. Cnrtls-T. Brown
Western . Jack Bandall
MeUer A. M. Wong-A. Tamlraff
Drama s. Templc-A. Devlne
Mystery B. Cabot-H. Mack
Meller R. To wne-W. Gsrgan
Drama J. Holt-D. Costello
Meller R. Hnssel-J. King-P. Kelly
MeUet S. Dean-R. Gleason
Comedy C. Colbert-D. Ameche
Comedy J. L. and R. Gleason
Western G, Antry-N. Beery
Western G. O'Brlen-L K^tlh
Comedy J. Pr6Bty-B. Gleason
Mus-Rom. n. Dnrbln^. WlmiDiger
Drama - <r. Gsrfleld'-Rt Lahe
' Jos. Levering
J. von Sternberg
Allen James
Nick Grinde
Walter Lang
Otis Garrett
■ Terry Morse
L. G. Collins
G, Machaly
How'dBretherton
' MitcheU Ijoisen
G. Meins
G. Sherman
David Howard
Al St Clalr
Henry Roster
. Wm. McGann
96
88
63
19
85
61
9/7
2/8
3/1
2/15
2/8
60
86
64
18-
89
6/30
3/1
10/5/38
3/1
56
93
58
2/22
62
3/1
Wednesday, March 1, 1939
VARIETY
17
7i
9
:
' i» die on your fe^t
. ^^..-^.^..^^w. ■.v-^.^w.w.-.-^^-.-r^v.v.
on uonr
to
I
the millions in this:
couiitry*«.lii packed
houses •••comes the
screen's greatest
drama • • • of how to
live Amerlciin!
national release
march 10th t
. . .Freddie Bartholomew in "Spirit of Culver'
The New ITnlveraal preiweato
JPACKIB PRBBIMB
COOPERBARTHOUHEIIir
"SPIRIT OF CULVER"
TIM BOLT-liENRY HIJU^ANIIY
DEVINE • «ENK RBYNOtDS
WALTER TBTLEY • WLAtmn^N
^^^^^
AMtoeiate'Pnd, BVRT KEUY
^^^^^^
18
VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesday* March 1, 1939
Aggie s Gray-Haired M Brother;
Mr. biew-It-iUL Drops h m ]dts
By Joe Laurie, Jr.
Coolacres, CaL, Feb. 28.
Dear Joe:
Well, it it ain't one thing It's a relative. Here me and Aggie have been
bragging for years about not havln' anybody banging on bur family tree,
when who should walk in on us but Aggie's long lost brother whom she
hasn't seen or heard from in over' 20 years. In fact she even forgot she
had a brother, and I never knew it 'til the other day. How the guy ever
found out where we were I don't know, but relatives have a way of find-
ing a table that has eats on it My old man used to say you neyer have
to send for relatives; all you gotta do is to rub a lamp and tbey appear.
Aggie's brother is two years yoiuger than Aggie which makes him her
kid brother, if you can call B guy with gray hair a kid. Of course Aggie
was surprised but glad to see hioL , You know heads that 'lay on the same
mother's bosom can't get so far apart that memory won't unite them. And
I was glad for Aggie's sake But I always flgger that home is just an Eden
large enough to hold Adam and Eve .and the family, and when a stranger
(and brothers -who haven't shown up for over 20 years are worse than
strangers), walks in to camp with you, a sort of cold chill comes in with
them. You may like 'em and all that, but you feel kinda bound down;
-you just can't feel loose.
This guy Abner, that's Aggie's brother's name, is a pretty nice guy In
his own way. Of course he has a lot of SO-year-oId habits that's hard tp
stamp out, and maybe we will get along for a week or two,, but I don't
think I would give him a contract without a cancellation clause in it.
For one thing,- he knows everything; traveled all over the world and
sometimes paid his fare, and has held down any kind of a job you can
mention. He is one of those guys that is always first at everyOiing, from a
meal to. an opening of a fair. l-have-tt-'to-Bay' Abner, I call him. You
know, 'I-have-it-to-say' I bought the first ticket when the subway opened,
'I-have-it-to-say' I was the first guy to walk across the Brooklyii Bridge,
'I-have-it-to-say' I was. the first guy. to. file his Social Security. The guy
gets me nuts. I cant top him at aJL
Junior kinda took-to him, but those kind of guys have a way of making
up with kids. They come in your house and make up With the kid or the
dog and it makes it so 'much harder to get rid of him. Abner wasn't in
the house an hour whoa he started telling me how I should run my the-
atre. Told me' how sll-then) decisions the Supreme Court is handing down
against the big picture people is gonna help me.- He is one of them hoibeo-
pathic lawyers who knows how to get around anything but not to it 'When
you get him in' a spot he starts talking about Europe. He knows me and
Aggie have never been there except by way of travelogs so we just got to
sit there and take it No, I don't think he is gonna last very long with us.
Easy to PIcMe
He said he was on his way to the opening of the Frisco Fair and just
dropped In on us, but I noticed he unpacked everything and stuck his
grips in the attic, which Is a bad sign, especially coming from a relative.
I will say one thing for the guy, he ain't a bit flnnidcy — he likes the same
tobacco I do and drinks anything without even. looking at the label. He is
also about my size which aint gbnnsi do my clothes any good. Of course
Aggie is in a spot and I won't hurt her for the world, so I'm gonna see
what happens in the next week or so before. I cancel him, -Meanwhile
I am treating him more like a friend than a relative.
I played 'The Citadel' for three days and it's a swell picture and did a
good business for me as soon as the natives heard about how good it was.
I don't know why they! put names like that on a picture. It may be good
English but a. lot of people don't know what a Citadel is and kinda held,
back from the boxofiice until they were sure.
Give'a nod to the gang for us and tell 'em spring will soon be here —
it's coming on a 50-mile-an-hour gale. Sez
• Yotur pal.
Lefty.
P. S. — ^Brandon 'Walsh sez, 'Hollywood is the toughest place in the world
to keep a marriage a secret; the news of the divorce is bound to leak out'
Pin STICKUPS
IN FRESH
WAVE
I
Pittsburgh, Feb. 28.
. Wave of theatre stickups continued
unabated here last week, despite in-
crease in police vigilance- as a result
of several new robberies just a week
before that Armed bandit stuck a
gim in face of Mary Regan, cashi^
at 'WB's Sheridan 'Square, in East
Liberty sector, but she soimded an
alarm, and Manager Lysle Harding
came running, which sent gunman
on his way. Undaunted, however,
he went immediately to HBrrls'-Lib-
erty, only a block away, and was
more ■ successful, Cashier Margaret
Clark handing Over contents of ca^
drawer, which amounted to around
$35.
Few days later robbers invaded
downtown sector at height of show
time, and the Alvin, Harris flrst-
runner, got it this time. Margaret
Scullin was in boxofflce at time and
gave... bandit $27 in paper .money
when he stuck a pistol over the
ledge of the ticket window. It was
the fourth theatre stlckup locally
within eight days.
Hauls have iiever been big since
bandits apparently haven't wised up
yet to fact that as soon as $50 comes
into the b.o. it's immediately taken
out and deposited in the safe in the
manager's office.
H-G Hack's Soript
Hollyv^ood, Feb. 28.
Thunder Afloat' is being readied
for Wallace Beety-at Metro.
J. Walter Ruben produces from a^i
original by Ralph Wheelwright, stu-
dio flack.
STANDARD, ODJL, CITY
BOOKINGS OUT OF N.Y.
Rather than handle some of the
booking for the Standard Theatres
group in Oklahoma City from New
York, and some from that south-
western city, all bu3ring will be con-
solidated in New York shortly. Bert
Turgeon, who is on the ground in
Oklahoma City setting some of the
bookings, will shift to New York in
a month or so to work with J. H.
Cooper and Joe Phillipson on the
buying.
All first-run booking has been
handled from the east right along by
Cooper and his Paramount home of-
fice representative, Phillipson. The
Standard houses are controlled by
Cooper, Paramount and Warner
Bros, under a three-way partnership.
THEATRES AND
EXCHANGE
DOINGS
W. M. Richardson, switching from
branch managership for Universal at
Charlotte, N. C, appointed to special
assignment under district manager
Harry D. Graham in Atlanta. Other
Promotions by U are moving of Paul
laron, acting branch manager in
Washington, to succeed , over the ex-
change at Charlotte, and shifting of
B. B. Kreisler, Boston salesman, to
Washington exchange in charge
there until Nate Sauber, iU, returns
to his post
Empire's Coast Deal
Los Angeles, Feb. 28.
Empire Pictures took over South-
ern California distribution of three
foreign pictures acquired by Carl
Laemmle. Films are 'Mayerling,'
'Ballerina' and 'Song of Freedom.'
Second-hand gimmicks, something
new in giveaways, is being tried out
by Fox-West Coast in its Criterion
tiieatre, Santa Monica. House is ad-
vertising a 'Jaloppy Nlghf with
ttiree reconditioned cars as prizes.
Albert Galston and Jay Sutton
broke -ground for their 760-seat Cen-
tre theatre in L. A. House and land
represent an investment of $90,000.
Clifford Eeid took over manage-
ment of Fox Gateway^ Glendale, suc-
ceeding M. A. Tauber.
Idnooln's Mgr. Shift
Lincoln, Feb. 28.
Ed 'Vaughan, formerly at the
Stuart has becoroie manager of the
new Nebraska, 1,300-seater, which
opens March 15. M. E. Lofgren
moves up from the Lincoln to the
Stuart, and Harold Hellerich goes
Into the Lincoln. All are J. H.
Cooper houses.
Foxwesco, now only operating one
house in McCook, Neb., will open a
second shortly.
Settle Theatre CommiBli
New Philadelphia. O., Feb. 28.
The $8,500 suit of MUton J. Harris,
Cleveland real estate broker, against
Edward S. Elgin of Dover, involving
the $85,000 sale of the State, Uhrichs-
ville, and the Lincoln, Dennison, has
been settled in common pleas court
here for $100. Hanrls had claimed
the $8,500 due as commission for his
part in the sale of the theatres by
Elgin.
AUTHORS' CREDITS
Metro and Par Pics' Billing Straight-
ened Out '
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Decisions' on two protested screen-
plays were reached by Screen Play-
wrights Monday (27). Charles Led-
erer drew the sole credit for Metro's
'Broadway Serenade' to exclusion of
Hans -Kraly- and Lew Liptoni
Script billing on 'Magnificent
Fraud* at Paramount was voted to
Gilbert Gabriel and Walter Ferris.
Claims of Stuart Anthony and
Charles Booth disallowed.
Tpking FlSer in Shorts
HoUy wood, Feb. 28.
Production of 26 aviation shorts is
planned by Wirld Events, Inc., new
flhn outfit heaJed by William Castle,
slated to start production May 1 on
$50,000 capital. — ' ^
Company is contracting players
for the entire' series, each short to
be. a complete- stoiy.
Pitt's Bealignment
Pittsburgh, Feb. 28.
Flock of Shea-Hyde managerial
changes in this territory brings 'Vin-
cent Choate here from Paramount,
Newport R. L, to manage Oipheum
in.McKees Rocks. He recently suc-
ceeded John J. Walsh, Jr., there
when latter was named to pilot local
Fulton. Choate rmlaces Duke
Prince, who goes to Miarietta, 0.| to
manage two S-H houses in that city.
F. L. Bowers moves from Marietta
to Bradford. Pa., with Jack W.
Hynes, of Bradford, switching to
Youn^^town, O., to take over Shea
houses there. Joe StiMrin, Youngs-
town manager, had resigned after 35
years to open his own spot in that
city.
Main Line exhibitors honoring
Austin Interante, 20th-Fox salesman
in that territory, and Saxil Gottlieb,
who left that section recently to take
over Pittsburgh city division for
MGM few weeks ago, at testimonial
dinner March 15 in Penn-Alto hotel,
Altoona, Pa.
Harold Radi, former assistant
manager of WB's Rowland in Wil-
Unsburg, Pa., has been named man-
ager of indie Beacon theatre in
Squirrel Hill district here.
long's Bad Spill
Mason, O., Feb. 28.
H. W. IjOng, manager Dream -Qie-
atre, is in tlie Blair hospital, Leb-
anon, O., suffering from a brain conr
cusslon and multiple body' injuries
sustained when Us auto skidded and
ttumed turtle several times when
nearing Lebanon. He will recover..
Ingde Stuff-Pictnres
When Harold Orlob paid $6,000 for the screen rights to the WPA play,
'One Third of a Nation' (Far release), it created a technicality over money.
Being part of a 'WPA 'Living Newspaper* play project, a separate corpora-
tion had to be formed, as Uncle Sam coiddn't accept the money. The cor-
poration, however,, disburses the flhn revenue for benefit of the WPA
Tbeatre Project, including a cut to Artfaor Arent, t&e dramatist who,
however, had been on Government payrdll while scripting the play. There's
also a 1% royalty on everything aliove $500,000 gross to the producer,
Orlob, who has a 65-35% deal witii Paramount latter on the short end.
Sylvia Sidney, the star, incidentally, gets 10% of Orlob's gross in addi-
tion to her reported $20,000 guarantee. Orlob authored the one tune in
the film; he's originally a musical comedy songsmith.
Full realignment of the screen advertising situation loomed as result
of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors plan for handing out
advertising seals on all sponsored films and designation of them as 'adver-
tising' on the commercial picture subject Advertising agencies which
have gone in extensively for sponsored pictures, majority of which are
institutional, with the ad bally disguised, were inclined to view the Hays
move in kindly spirit particularly if placing the seal on sponsored prod-
uct meant additional entry to affiliated circuit theatres. .
However, the Hays office denied that the award of an advertising seal
to a sponsored film meant any assurance of booking In a major circuit
house.
Unusual cooperation by Phil Spitalny, whose all-glrl orchestra shared
combo bill at Hippodrome, Baltimore, last week with 'Lone Wolfs Spy
Hunt* (Col), help«l up week's gross. 'Voluntarily sharing oh extra ad
space in dailies, maestro helped tail-end take to boost week's figure from
estimated $11,000, good in comparison with rest of downtown grosses, to a
resounding $13,700. Extra shows on Saturday and Stmday and cooperation
on all forms of tieups had all shoulders to the wheel with gratifying results.
Frank Altschul of Lazard Freres, the banking house, prominent in film
financing, now has serious competition within the family as a nitery figure
around New York t^wn. His daughter, Margaret, who is aboiit 20, recentiy
joined the N. Y. World-Telegram as society editor, which gives her fancy
entree into the class restaurants and joints, and she is now getting better
attention than Altschul, pere, who has been doing it the hard way, as a
liberal spender, for some years.
'Joe Schenck,' promising entry in the Woolford stables, which recently
got off to winning start at Hialeah, was named after the film man by
Herbert M. Woolf, Kansas City merchant and owner of the Woolford
Farms entries. Woolf and Schenck are old friends and when the producer
recently passed through K.C., Woolf picked out his most likely looking
foal and tagged him in Schenck's honor,
Milton C. Welsman and Kenneth Stelnrich, trustees appointed by former
Circuit Judge Martin T. Manton, to guide the affairs of the Fox Theatres
Corp. until that corporation can be dissolved, on Monday (27) filed their
acceptances in the U. S. Federal Court of N. Y. At the same time they filed
a joint $25,000 bond as required by the plan of dissolution.
Louis de Rochemont March of Time chief, is evening things with the
Coast Guard for their cooperation recently on a M. of T. sequence fea-
turing theh: work. He has taken in two of the guardsmen as apprentices
and is teaching them rudiments of action camera' technique so they can
make a record of the tmit's work for its own files.
Independent producers are anticipating an Increased interest in their
product in the 1939-40 season. 'While not planning any heavy increase in
producing schedules, indie execs claim that the reason the major com-
panies will not go in for as many 'B' productions next year is that they
have discovered such films cost them too much money.
Titie of '60 Glorious Years,' Herbert Wilcox's British made, very likely
will be changed to the 'Lady from Windsor.' RKO release, which had its
American preem at Radio City Music Hall last December, is being deferred
to coincide with the expected visit of the British rulers to North America
this spring or early summer.
Because of the condition of the financial marketa Columbia Pix this week
withdrew request for permission to put more stock on the counter. Appli-
cation was filed with the U. S. Securities & Exchange Commi&lon many
months ago.
New. York Herald Tribune will soon introduce a special film theatre
advertising section, listing films current in Greater New York at a classi-
fied rate. Idea is $10 monthly per theatre, houses listed alphabetically.
''Ten Commandments form the basis of 10 one-reel shorts to be produced
at Warners by Ck)rdon Hollingshead. First reel is "Thou Shalt Have No
Other Gods Before Me.'
Friedel Vice SUm Clark
Oklahoma City, ^eb. 28,
W. T. 'Slim' Clark has resigned as
bocAer at the 20th-Fox local ex-
change to form his own film distrib
outfit Clark has taken over prod-
uct formerly handled by Crescent
Exchange. Succeeded at the 20th-
Fox by George Friedel, Kansas City.
Switches in Ohio
Akron, O., Feb. 28.
Sale of the Five Points theatre,
nabe, by R. C. Wahl and David Col-
lins to Lorenzo BuzzeBl for approxi-
mately $25,000 has been consum-
mated here. Buzzelli's.son, Arthur,
will manage the house. . New owner
plans to spend several thousand
dollars in moderuizaUon, including
extension of the building 50 feet to
the rear, increasing seating to 050,
air conditioning and enlarging the
marquee.
Duke Prince, manager of the Or-
pheum in McKees Rocks, Pa., has
been named manager of the Strand
and Ohio theatres. Marietta, O. Vin-
cent Cheats,- from the Paramotmt in
Newport R. I., replaces Prince in
the Pennsy city.
L. W. Hutcheon, city manager for
the Shea operated theatres, . the
Union and Bexley, in New Philadel-
phia, is critically ill in a Pittsburgh
hospital, where he has been a patient
for several days.
(Seorge A. Delis, district manager
of the Inter-State Theatres, Inc., in
Ohio, is confined to his hotel room
following an operation. He is direct-
ing activities of a dozen district
theatres from his- bed. ■• -
J. Real Neth, operator of the J.
Real Neth Theatres Co., Columbus,
is in Mount Carmel hospital in that
city recovering from a broken right
leg suffered when he slipped and
fell recently on the icy pavement
of a downtown street
1,500-Seater for Cleveland
Cleveland, Feb. 28.
Community Theatre Circuit head-
ed by Max Lefkowich, has taken a
20-year lease from Falrmoimt Circle
Co. on land for a new theatre to be
completed before Jan. 1, 1940. House,
designed by George H. Burroughs,
.will have 1,500 seats and include
eight store units, totaling $350,000 in
cost It will be the nineteenth cog
m Lefkowicb's wheel.
Film Reviews
SOVIET BORDER
(Continued from page 15)
conflicting stories and Claims. But
the causes of the friction undoubted-
ly are complex and obscure. Also,
if a consensus of reports jnay be
credited, the brief hostUities were
hardly an overwhelming Soviet tri-
umph. On the contrary, the scrap ap-
Eears to have been fierce and, while
iconduslve, to have given the Japs
at least an even break.
But if 'Soviet Border' is to be be-
lieved, the whole affair was inspired
by. .dum^.. Japanese, and While. Rus:. .
sian intrigue, with the doughty So-
viet troops crushing the attempted
Invasion, subsequently paralyzing
the whole Jap force and destroying
its base of operations. If Hollywood
has been guilty of some pretty puer-
ile last-minute rides by the U. S.
cavalry, it has never dished out any-
thing quite as palpably shallow as
this. Apparency U. S. audiences will
still have to wait for an explanation
of what all the shooUn's fer.
Besides the direction apd acting,
the film boasts some beautiful scenic
shots of what is supposed tff be (and
Sosslbly is) rugged' Siberian terrain,
lut the photography, lishtine and
sound are faulty and the Enelish
titling is inept In sum, 'Soviet Bor-
der* is inferior to the Lenfilm stand-
ard, and it offers litUe for the U. S
market Hobe.
We dnesday, March 1, 1939 VARIETY W
A MONEY SHOW!
N. y. Herald Tribune
BIGGEST OPENING IN 6 YEARS AT
THE N. Y. PARAMOUNT THEATRE
BIGGEST OPENING IN HISTORY
OF SHERIDAN THEATRE, MIAMI
That's PARAMOUHT'S
19
VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesday, Mfurch 1, 1939
AnoAer N. Y. Admish Tax Idea, This
One a Sleeper; More Amus. BiHs
Serious tax threat to film, and legit
houses is seen hy Harry G. Kbsch,
attorney for Allied States Associa-
tion of New York, buried away. at
the back of the Moffat Slum Clear-
ance bill now before the State legis-
lature. I<evy, aimed -at helping to
pay for slum clearance and erection
of modem buildings, is Ic on all
tickets up to 60c, 2c from 51c-$l, 5c
to $2 and 10c in excess of $2. In ad-
dition, there is a franchise tax on
all outdoor ads of Ic per £(iuare
foot
The bill was introed on Jan. 17
by Assemblyman Moffat and Sena-
tor Coudert Tax element went
practicaUy unnoticed by tlieatre
men, although the measure itself
seems to have a liliely chance of
winning final approvaL
Tills and' several other bills af-
fecting the film industry will be the
subject of a bulletin, planned by
Kosch, Harry Brandt, prez of ITOA,
end Senator 3. Henry Walters, RKO
exec Other measures being
watched are:
1. Two-men-in-arbooth bill, which
would require double manpower at
the projectors in small houises now
using omy one operator.
2. Chain store tax bill, levying
fees of $50 to $100 each, on circuits
of three or more houses.
3. Air conditioning maintenance
bill, requiring that only properly
liceiosed enghieers can repair or
maintain air conditioning equip-
ment, so that regular 'house main-
tehance men cannot do the work.
^. Bill providing that licensed
fliemen and engineers in a building
cannot double. In other words, in-
stead of one man taking care of all
operations, two men. would be re-
quired.
5. The 2% sales tax bill, proposed
by "Republicans in place of Gov. Leh-
man's tax plan. Present draft defi-
nitely includes theatres in its pro-
5^1ons. It is believed impossible to
pass tUs along to patrons, except on
larger admissioijs.
association of lATSE already has
formed a legislative program to com-
bat the Bank Night bills. Main talk-
ing points will be tiiat merchants In
towns are helped by' Bank Night as
well as exhibs, and that patrons gets
their money's worth for pictures
even if tibiey don't win prizes.
Censor board biU would cost in-
dustry about $150,000 a year, since
nine-members would get $4,500 and
expenses a year each. Fees would
be assessed on lineal feet of film
examined and total would have to
equal double board's expense. Sur-
plus would go into state's general
school fund. ■
Pic Cycle
Col/s Noy Pk
Hollywood, Feb. SO.
Columbia Is to do a' high-budget
picture on the. life of A.'R Nobel,
the peace prize' donor. ■>
Peter Freuchen, who wrote 'Es-
kimo,' draws the writing assignment
on cable acceptance from Denmark.
Nick Indicted For
2d Time in SL Lonis'
lATSE-Exhib Mess
(Continued from page 5)
Add: Theatre Tax Tap
Youngstown, O., Feb. 28.
Representative William Glass of
Youngstown has Introduced a bilt in
the house which would authorize a
3c. tax on admissions from 15c. to $1,
with a similar impost on each addi-
tional $1. The measure is designed
to raise an estimated $4,000,000 for
relief purposes.
Oliio exhibitors now pay a 3% tax
based on the gross business.
SUght Switch
Santa Fe, N. M., Feb. 28.
A proposal outlawing theatre bank
ni^ts has been changed by the
house of representatives into a 10%
tax on theatre admissions for the
day. of a drawing. Amendment would
provide revenue for State Dept. of
Public Welfare, wheretrom -flows old
«ge i>enslons and direct relief.
Ia.'8 Crop of Bills
Des Moines, la., Feb. 28.
Strong opposition is forming here
against unfavorable legislation that
would strilce stiff body blows to the
picture industry in Iowa. Present
<anti-theatre' lineup of bills in the
Iowa legislature looks something
like this:
1. Creation of a nine^member
Iowa Board -of Censors is proposed
in a bill tossed Into' the hopper Mon-
day (20). Board would approve all
motion pictures, slides and stereoptt-
con views shown in the state.
2. A. biU to abolish Bank Night
and 'all other chance games with a
sweeping redefinition of the word
lottery' as used ita the Iowa laws.
Sponsors expect it to prove 'a com-
plete ban against every known type
of lottery scheme.'
3. A proposal to legalize Bank
Night and similar chance games by
sticking a 10c tax on all tickets sold
lor Bank . Night- purposes,- • -church
benefits, etc. Tough part is that ex-
bibs, not patrons, would pay the
dime tax, which is expected to raise
$3,000,000 a year for old age assist-
ance.
4. A .bH) to requhre two operators
.In every theatre' booth, in the state
In towns of 1,200 or more. This fig
.tires an almost impo^ble financial
^n'^'Tf for the small-town exhibs.
Censor board bill was she* ' ed in at
last minute, slnca Mondajr \. dead-
line for filing of hills. Other three
were Introduced •. during the last
week.
OppostsH is lilbeing marshalled by
exhibs and their organizations, union
and is the heaviest budgeted picture
in the history of the company. Final
cost wilT 'run to $800,000. The pic-
ture is slated for a preem in Houston,
Tex., this summier and roaddow
afterwards through the southwest
and in Washington, D. C. Herbert
Yates is watching the result^ closely
with an eye to others of like nature
in the- future.
Walter Wailger gave 'Stagecoach'
the works 'and indications are tiurt
he has a moneymaker. It is now
ready for release through United Art-
ists. Not only is the studio planning
to ride comfortably to the b.o. in the
vehicle, but it did more than stream-
lined transitortation ever did for
John Wayne— it carried him to the
forefront of western stars. He has.
struggled for years through a suc-
cession of quickie westerns and was
doing a role in the'Tlifee Mesqui-
teers series at Republic when Wan-
ger picked him. With the buildup
from 'Stagecoach,' bis own studk) is
planning better roles for him. .
United Artists is slated to dis-
tribute other westerns in the next
few months. Edward Small has the
Evelyn Wills yam, ' "Kit Carson,
Avenger,' being screenplayed now
by C. Gardner Sullivan, and slated
for $750,000 budget It is to go on
the present season's program. Ex-
teriors will be shot in New Mexico.
Even Samuel Goldwyn sees the box-
oSice gold that is gleaming in the
redskins, for he has -writers work-
ing on 'S^enth Cavalry,' tale of Sit-
tbig Bull and the battU of the LitUe
Big Horn.
Twentieth-Fox helped start the
ball rolling with 'Jesse James,' but
intends to keep it going as long as
an Indian or bandit is left alive.
"The Return of the Cisco Kid' is now
before cameras with Warner Baxter
playing the Kid, a role he created.
Exteriors have been shot in Ari-
zona. "Drums Aloikg the Mohawk'
may still be made this year though
Zanuck has postponed it several
times. It goes back to Indians in
Colonial days. Even Shirley Tem'
pie is being offered' on the altar of
he-mah action for she is being
starred in 'Suzannah of the Moun-
ties,' drama of the Northwest
Mounted Police. Not quite as rough,
maybe, but still in character,
Warners is not behig left behind
in the western film gold rush. Ready
are two with casts headed by the
studio's top draws; 'Dodge City* with
Errol Flynn and "The Oklahoma
Kid' with James Cagney. Both will
be in general release shortly. 'Dodge
City' is a 'tale of that boom town
when it was the terminus of the
Chisholm cattlo trail and the rail-
road. 'Oklahoma Kid' puts Cagney
in leather pants on a horse in the
Oklahoma land rush.
'Passage' Going Throngta
Metro is not quite so strong on
the native American stuff. 'North-
west Passage' is the opening of that
-segmeht-ot tliese4Jnited-States.-Part
of it IS finished, with shooting sus-
pended Ust fall when snow made it
impossible to -' continue. It roUs
again when the wild fiowers bloom.
'Let Freedom Ring' is a conflict be-
tween the great randies and the rail-
roads as they struggled westward.
It is to go this month. "A Lady
Comes to Burkfoumetf verges close
on the pattern, though it is more
modern, being the story of the last
frontier in the Southwest. Clark
Gable gets the lead.
'The Kid from T^as,' now shoot-
ing 'At M-G, softens up a little on
St Louis, Feb. 28.
John P. Nick, v.-p. of lATSE and
head of MPO, Local No. 143, was
again indicted last week by the
local grand jury on an extortion
charge growing out of coin col-
lected from exhibitors while wage
negotiations were pending in 1037.
Jointly charged with Nick is Clyde
A. Weston, business representative
of Local No. 143. Several weeks ago
Nick and Edward M. Brady, a State
Representative from St Louis, were
jointly indicted oh an extortion
charge tliat developed -from the al-
leged collection and payment of
$10,000 by exhibitors. while a -wage
contract with MPO was being
mulled over in 1936.
The trial of the suit brought by 19
members of MPO Local No. 143 to
oust Nick, Weston and George E.
Browne, prez of LATSE, from con-
trol of the local, and skedded to
start Hiursday (23) was continued
by Circuit Judge Ernest F. Oakley
when Paul Dillon, counsel for the
defendants, asked for time to appeal
to th^ state supreme court for a
writ of prohibition to prevent Judge
Oakley from hearing the case. This
move by Dillon was made after he
had unsuccessfully sought to strike
the plaintiff's petition from the files,
contending the plaintiffs did not have
the right to file the suit; that the
court lacked jurisdiction, and tliat
the plaintiffs had an adequate remedy
in tiieir own union. The defense
also contended that Bro-wne was not
in the jurisdiction of the court and
had never been served with notice
of the suit
Tkee Off the Shelf
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Warners is dusting off two mu-
sicals tliat have been on and off the
production sked several times, "The
Desert Song' and 'On Your Toes.'
Allan Jones and Dennis. Morgan
are being -tested for the top role In
llesert' Sig Herzig is revamping
the script for Toes.'
Errol Flynn gets two screen credits
in 'White Rajah,' an Oriental tale
from the Warners' shelves, spotted as
one of the most expensive features
of 1039-40. Story was written by
Fljmn three years ago. He also
draws the title role. Picture may
supersede 'Sea Hawk,* also slated as
a Flynn starrer on a high budget
Star in Her Eyes
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Louise Campljell gets the femme
lead opposite Blng Crosby in
Charles R. Rogers' Paramount pro-
duction, The Star Maker.'
Picture is slated to roU March 27.
BXO'i Fred Allen Idea
A full-length feature! built around
Fred Allen and his Town Hall To-
night radio .program is RKO's idea
for a film.
Idea would be to re-enact the full
hour's program, backgrounded by a
plot
hero, Dennis O'Keefe, being a sa^e-
brusher from way back.
Metro has ordered full speed ahead
on 'Sea of Grass.' Studio is scouting
cattle ranches for the filming of the
Conrad Richter tale of the American
grazing empire before fences came.
Kicking around the picture lots
are- several -otiier westerns that un-
doubtedly will get a call while the
trend is their way. Included are
several yarns about Reno and an-
other or two on the Comstock Lode
and silver mining in the halcyon
days. Par has considered them as
has RKO. Pair also likes a story of
the Fred Harvey eating houses,
based on Harvey's early efforts to
put food wherever the Santa Fe
tracks went
And so the waddles ride again, this
time not quickies for tlie houses in
the sticks and the kids' matinees
alone,, but with heavy dough on
tbe .artillerjf' and substitutes a polo | them and designed for the Broad-
mallet 'for the smoking Colt But it {ways of the world.
projectionists and stagehands. Iowa, is cowboy biz just the same, with the I Hi you, Silverl
(<>)ntinued, from page 1) ^
with the same players, Jt Is con-
ceded that the earlier release of the
picture wUl shorten the play's run.
On the basis of Sherwoods' straight
10% royalty setup, it's estimated
that curtailment will probably cost
him $100,000. . ^ .
Playwright's change of mind in re-
gard to the release date was brought
about by his recent South American
trip. While visiting the various
Latin-American countries, he was
deeply impressed by the widespread
uneasiniess over the growing world
tension and the increasingly violent
threats against the democracies by
the dictator nations. So, although he
and his fellow-members of the Play-
wri^ts' Co. have dedicated their or-
ganization to the stage and despite
the heavy loss invol /ed in the earlier
release date, he has decided Lincoln's,
message must not be withheld from
tile greatly increased circulation of
the screea
Although details of the deal were
not completed until early this week,
general terms have been tenta-
tively set for nearly a month, but
Gordon's -nit producing arrange-
ment with RKO was not ironed out
imtll nearly a week ago. Gordon
firm is understood to be raising some
of the necessary coin on its o-wn, a
large Coast banking house, being
nientidned^ as the source. Walter
Wanger, who alf o had been hot af ter^
the 'Abe' ri^ts, was unable to clinch
the deal and returned last week to
Hollywood.
'American Way' Also
Understood Gordon, likewise in as-
sociation with RKO, is also dicker-
ing for the rights to the George S.
Kaufman-Moss Hart patriotic spec-
tacle, *The American Way,' which he
co-produced with Sam H. Harris and
which is a standout grosser at the
Center, N.Y. Gordon Is said to have
an edge in the bidding so far, with
the tentative price reported in the
neighborhood «t $250,000 on a per
centage arrangement Warners is
also actively in the bidding and at
least one other studio is believed to
have made an offer. Thought likely
Fredric March, star of the play,
would repeat his part in the pic. RC'
lease date and production location
are also unsettled.
As result of favorable reaction to
feelers cast out in a few houses
on Washington's Birthday, the en-
tire nationwide Loew circuit will
open and close each day with the
strains of "The Star-Spangled Ban-
ner.' National Anthem audience par-
ticipation is encouraged by projec-
tion of the lyric on the screen.
Latin American Accord
Largely through the influence of
show business, there is a growing
unity between the U. S. and Latin
America, Sherwood observed on his
return last week. Particularly films,
but -to some extent the theatre and
radio have stimulated interest in
and friendship for this country.
Playwright added that South
Americans have an extraordinary
knowledge of the U. S. and sympathy
with our point of view. They are
keenly Interested In Hollywood and
Broadway, and enthusiastic about
American showmanship. Sherwood
is equally enthusiastic about Latin
America and hopes to visit there
again.
When his ship docked at Buenos
Aires the dramatist was greeted by
a swarm of reporters and was sub-
sequently interviewed by six papers
there. Fact that his visit occasioned
any notice at all amazed the play-
'Wright who explains that his ar'
rival in Chicago, St I,ouis or any
U. S. city never cause comment or
press attention and that local papers
in European cities are apparently
never aware of his presence. Situ-
ation indicates the remarkably ac-.
tive interest Latin American coun-
tries take in U. S. show business, he
believes.
Well Informed on U. S.
According to Sherwood, the ques-
tions of Buenos Aires newspaper-
men showed ttiey are remarkably
well informed on current develop
ments and thought in the U. S. Most
of the scribes asked about this sea-
son's plays on Broadway and several
of them were curious about 'Abe
Lincoln -in . Illinois,' and the Play-
wrights' Co.
One - reporter . wanted to know
about 'American Landscape,' ex-
plaining that- he is an intense ad-
mirer of Elmer Rice, its author. Ex-
tent of the scribe's knowledge was
immediately apparent from his next
statement, that he considers Rice's
'The Adding Machine,' - the .second
most significant experimental play in
the history of the American stage,
his first choice being Percy Mac-
Kaye's "The Scarecrow.' Fellow add-
ed that he had read all of Rice's
plays except 'Landscape.'
Films As an Advaaee Agent
Contrary to the; situation existing
In most larger U. S. cities, films
rather than legit are the highbrow
entertainment medium in Buenos
Aires. Stage productions are com-
paratively crude aind the most popu-
lar plays generally parallel In con-
tent and writing the type of -melo-
drama and problem dramas of about
the. 1010-15 period in New York.
On the other hand films are usual-'
ly recent Hollywood releases and
are patronized by the smarter set
Picture premieres are festive occa-
sions, drawing fashionable and
dressy audiences. However, an ex-
ceptioil to the above situation is the
Spanish-language production of
Clare Boothe's "The Women,' which
is the reigning hit of the season.
Although he received a number of
offers for the Spanish languiage rights
to 'Abe Lincoln in Illinois,' 'Idiot's
Delight* and others of his plays, it
was as the auttior of the picture ver-
sion of 'Tbe Pdtrlfled Forest' that
Sherwood was- greeted in ' Latin
America. Argentine has a number
of native dramatists, but not many
adaptations of U. S. plays have been
produced. British companies occa-
sionally -visit there to give reper-
tories of Shaw and' other standard
English dramatists, but no U. S.
company has made the trip.
Badio To*
Sherwood believes a first-class
troupe of Broadway players could
not only clean up a profit on such a
tour, but would be of tremendous
value in spreading knowledge of and
friendship for this country. And he
Is convinced that U. S. radio will
ultimately blanket the Latin-Amer-
ican airwaves, just as Hollywood has
dominated the screens.
lA'S COURT BATTLE
FOR STUDIO CONTROL
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
lATSE studio locals are jockeying
for control of those groups fighting
for autonomous control In the courts.
A tmporary .injunction was issued
Saturday (25) by superior. court re-
straining officers of Technicians
Local 37 from using the union's funds
for other than operating expenses.
March - 0 date has seen set by the
court to determine if the injunction
becomes permanent and pass on an
application for appointment of a re-
ceiver for Local 37.
Tippetts Denied Plea To
Dismiss U's 2706 Suit
An application to dismiss Universal
Fictiires' $270,000 suit against John
D. and Eugene T. TIppett was de-
nied yesterday (Tuesday) by N. Y.
Supreme Court . Justice Samuel I.
Rosenman. Defendants had sought
the dismissal on the ground of fail-
ure to state a cause of acti6n. They
are being sued for alleged excessive
profits in the sale of' raw fllin stock
toU.
It Is alleged that Carl Laemmle
was in on. the conspiracy to defraud
the company and split the profits
with the Tippetts. Laemmle, how-
ever, is not a defendant.
John D. Tippett has. a $600,000 ac-
tion pending against Universal for
breach of an agreement on raw film
stock purchases.
Par Raids 'Husbands'
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Talk of war caused Paramount to
substitute 'Aid Raid', .for 'Are Hus-
bands Necessary' on the production
sked, starting March 15, with Edward
H. Griffith directing.
Madeleine Carroll and Fred Mac-
Murray, originally cast for 'Hus-
bands,' were shifted to 'Raid.'
Betty Field's Par 'life'
Betty Field, femme lead in 'What,
a Life,' at the Biltmore, N. Y., will
leave in three or four weeks to make,
the flhn version foe Paramount Has
a one-picture deal with options, but
must be allowed six months off a
year to do legit. Pact stipulates that
she be permitted to return to Broad-
way by next Aug. 15.
•Life' wiU be her first film tiy.
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT!
—L» 4. Examiner
"FOR EVERYONE-MOTHERS,
FATHERS, GRANDFATHERS AND
III I fcKpU VI 9 1 -Dorothy Kil gallon
"ADULT AUDIENCE SCREAMED
WITH EXCITEMENT!"
-Boston Globe
"EQUAL APPEAL FOR ADULTS,
AND CHILDREN!" -M.p.Da/iy
22
VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesdajt March 1, I939
Pililly's Hap Realigned, Prices
Slashed; $1 Top Legit a Factor
I PhUadelphia. Feb. 28.
' All Philly midtown houses put
drastic admish slashes into effect last
Fiiday (24), coincident with a gen-
eral shakeup of policy. With the
exception of two very minor spots,
all of the theatres are operated by
Vamer Bros.
There were several reasons for the
Kale cuts and the policy shifts, pri-
mary one, of course, being poor biz.
It is hoped that the new setup will
stimulate b.o.'s. Too much typing of
the houses has been recently men-
tioned as cause of the desultory
grosses. Another reason for the price
backing, not so much from the com-
petition standpoint as the lesson it
has pointed, is the %l flat-price wtiicb
Is being successfully experimented
' With in Philly' legit houses.
Principal policy shift has been in
4Witching stage shows from the Stan-
l^-Warner-owned Earle to the War.
ner-Ieased Fox. Fox will get fairly
strong pix with the vaude — not the
case when flesh was at the Earle —
and is getting the highest admish in
town. Earle goes into second-runs of
demonstrated pulling power. Fox is
m 2,400-seater; Earle, 2,800-seater.
On the price situation, the Satur-
day and Sunday differential has been
wiped out. It's the same everyday
now. Fox, which with straight cellu-
loid, used to get 68c weekdays and
75c weekends, now is getting 68g all
along. That's the smallest slash, al-
though, of course, the flesh has been
added. Earle, when it had stage
shows,- used to do big before-t pjn.
biz with its 26c admish. Fox, how-
ever, is shieing away from that by
demanding bottom of 37c.
New top for the Aldine, Boyd,
Earle, Stanley, Stanton, Karlton and
Keith's is 57c Top at the Palace, on
new flrst-run, three-hour show pol-
icy (no duals) is 42c. Early in the
day prices for second-runs and lesser
Srst-runs varies. Initial-runs used
to get 68c weekdays and 75c week-
ends. Scicond-runs got 57c and 68c.
' Reason for the shift of flesh from
the Earle to the Fox is the fact that
lease on the latter house expires this
summer and Warners is very anxious
to retain it to keep its 100% grasp
on the major downtown situations.
House has done very badly since
Warners took it over from AI Boyd
management three years ago and
there was little attempt to pump it
out of its continual doldrums by the
type of films which were fed it. It is
owned by 20th-Fox.
¥big Drops for Five
h Two Montlis at CoL
Hollywood, Feb. 28,
Columbia announced starting dates
for five features within the next two
months, starting with "Good Girls Go
to Paris, Too," March 15.
'Our Wife" rolls March 27; *Mr.
Smith Goes to Washington,' April 1;
'Coast Guard,' April 15, and 'Prison
Farm,' May I.
Brothers Unier tlie Sim
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., and Basil
Rathbone share top spots in Univer-
sal's 'The Sun Never Sets,' a yarn
of Great Britain's diplomatic corps,,
due to roll March 13.
They do a brother act
FASHVILLE'S SOUSAT FIX
Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 28.
Nashville saw its first Sunday
moving pictures in history the past
weekend. The City Council has ap-
proved Sabbath Day cinemas by a
vote of 15 to 11. Gov, Prentice had
earlier in the week signed a bill
which allowed pix on Sunday in
municipalities by a mere majority of
the City Council.
Previously Chattanooga and Mem-
phis had circled the state law by
having special laws passed In the
Legislature. A four-fifths majority
in the Nashville City Council was
heretofore necessary for allowing
films in the capital city.
Divorcement
(Continued from page 7)
New York Theatres
THERE'S A BETTER SHOW AT THE
PARAMOUNTs^lS'i:^
HELD OVEK
•(2^P£ IN PEIIMH.
SOCIETY"
with
Fred MacMgnrny
B(ad«UM Cuwtl
HAL KEMP
•Bd ma
OBVHBSTBA
Jny HirUi
SS^'^MUSICHALL
"smcoAcr
Spectacular Stage Productions,
7tli A*. A SOIh St.
ROXY
fiBATS
25*
"Wife, Husband
and Friend'
— On the SU^e —
New Stage Show
nr. C OHABUB XDOAB
FIELDS-McCARTHY- BERGEN
"YOU CANT CHEAT
AN HONEST MAN"
DNITED Rllini I Broadway'
ABTI8IS niVULI attBtbSL
0Mr» OMa »^ AM.
MIONITE SHOWS
able for North Dakota, and that is
the legislature's duty to decide.'
Relative to discussion in the
House of charges of bribery money
being paid (mention having been
made of an alleged $25,000 'payolT)
in connection with the repeal bill's
passage. Gov. Moses declared that 10
days elapsed after the measure was
approved by the legislature 'and not
a single legislator came to me with
any evidence of ansrthing that would
indicate titat I should act to override
the legislature's action.
'On the other band,' the governor
averred, "representatives of indepen-
dent theatre owners had strongly
urged upon me the approval of the
repeal'
The law alrea^ had (wst North
Dakota at least $2,000 and might
have cost several thotisand dollars
more 'with no api>arcnt benefit to
the state,' the governor pointed out
There was no good reason to con-
tinue expenditures along this line in
defending Its validity, he felt
Ex-G*v. £safci^ Dealsb
From former Gov. William Lan-
ger, proponent of the original law,
has come an answer to a claim that
one of the reasons for the fight by
some of his Non-Partisan League
friends against the repeal was that
he'd lose $8,000 in attorney fees be-
cause the Paramoimt suit before the
U. S. supreme court would be auto-
matically terminated.
'Any person who says I am the re-
cipient of any fee depending upon
passage, defeat or veto of the repeal
bill is simply an lumitigated liar,'
declared Langer. 'Moreover, I was
unaware of being -in line to receive
$8,000 for attorney services in con-
nection with the suit before the U. S.
supreme court
'From a financial standpoint it was
entirely immaterial personally how
repeal fared. I originally was in-
terested in this legislation, passed
during my term as governor, be-
cause it fits into and dovetails with
President Roosevelt's drive on un-.
conscionable monopolies.*
President W. A. Steffes of North-
west Allied has maintained an abso-
lute silence since the repeal passed,
asserting 'any statements must come
from the Federal Bureau of Investi-
gation.' However, Bennie Berger, a
former Northwest Allied president
and former North Dakotan, who still
owns and operates several theatres
in that state and who played a prom-
inent part in the fight to get the di-
vorcement law through the 1935 leg-
islature, is saying plenty.
Berger was vacationing in Cali-
fornia during the repeal fight and
burned up the telephone and tele-
graph wires in a futile endeavor to
prevent the divorcement's death.
Now he says he's so disgusted and
discouraged as a result of the turn
of affairs that he wishes to retire
from the theatre business. He de-
clares his chain of 15 theatres is for
sale.
'I want to get out as an individual
theatre owner and go over to the
right side," says Berger. 'I haven't
any more confidence in anything.'
TODAY OMLX
I Chailea IiACGBTON
"THE BEACH-
COMBER"
In penon
Locky MUXIMDEB
and OmIi. ,
aiyto Thn^ay^
Varsant
8ULU1VAN
"Hie HHIM-
niO HOUB"
Ncb.'s Divorcementitls
Lincoln, Feb. 28.
Breakdown of the monopoly situ-
ation relative to producer ownership
of theatres in Nebraska as is being
tried in Senator Neubauer's divorce-
ment bill, may see an amendment
when it strikes the floor, which will
make the measure' a two-edged
sword.
Amendment, which is being talked
for by the indie groups, is to make
dual billing illegal.
Indies claim refusal to allow dual
billing would be the easiest and
quickest 'way "to break chain control
in the state, especially in the smaller
towns with one or two theatres,
which busily dual features with triple
splits per week to use the product
Non-circuit lads say at least half
the pictures now being used would
have to be thrown on open market.
If the dual billing nix were to be
tacked onto the divorcement bill—
a cinch to cradc the producer con-
trol even if two different organiza-
tions were setup as per the Par plan.
Senator Neubauer, after being told
of Foxwesco moves in his district,
has been giving it the fish-eye. Fox-
wesco went Into McCook, Neb., one
of his district's towns and has
opened. ■ second theatre, a move
Neubauer says was made to lessen
the heat, but still doesn't aet the
house in order in Nebraska.
His launching thj divorcement bill
In th* first place same when Fox-
wesco clamped shutter on all the
McCook houses save one, and then
upped their price. No date has been
set for the committee bearing on his
sales regulatory measure, and the
divorcement bill pertaining In both
cases to the film business.
RKO Reorg
(Continued from page 3)
Hamilton C. Rickaby, attorney for
Atlas on the grounds that no invest-
ment house will guarantee to under-
write an Issue, isix months in ad-
vance except at an exorbitant rate.
Besides Rickaby, those who spoke
in favor of the confirmation were
Carlos Israels, representing tuise-
cured creditors, Richard Hunt, rep-
resenting the debentures, and Law-
rence Bennett; representing Rocke-
feller Center.
It was also disclosed by O. C.
Doering, attorney for Irving Trust,
that Rockefeller Center, Inc., and
RKO have entered Into an agree-
ment, subject to confirmation of the
plan, the gist of which is that an
additional 15,000 shares of stock will
be taken from Rockefeller Center,
Inc., thus reducing its claim to 400,-
OOO shares, or approximately $4,000,-
000, in return for which RKO will
relin4uish any and all claims it
mi^t bring or have already brought
against Rockefeller Center.
The hearing was then concluded
with an open date set for the next
one, which will be March 13. There
is nothing to discuss on that day, but
should something arise that- needs
tt": court's attention, the date is set
Several of the New RKO
Board of 13 a Surprise
Pursuant to Chandler Act require-
ments, proponents of the RKO plan
of reorganization last Friday (24)
submitted a list tA officers and direc-
tors to Federal Judge 'William Bondy,
in N. Y. Federal court, prior to con-
firmation. Names supposedly carry
approval of a majority of stock-
holders. This is tantamount to elec-
tion, although no actual formal meet-
ing to take action on the matter will
be held until formation of a new
company.
Of the full board of 13 names, sev-
eral selections were a surprise to
the trade. Choice of Floyd B. Odium
and N. Peter Rathvon for Atlas;
Major Gen. James G. Harbord and
Luhsford F. Yandell for RCA, and
W. G. "Van Schmus for the Rocke-
feller interests was expected, but
Conde Nast, John E. Parsons, Ferd-
inand Eberstadt and Thomas P.
Durell were unlooked for.
Parsons, an attorney, is unofficially
said to be connected with the Rocke-
feller interests; Durell, of Whiter
Weld & Co., Wall street house, has
acted as financial counsel for 'Time,
Inc., and the Atlas group; Eberstadt
heading his own brokerage house is
representing common stockholder^
and Nast is probably on the board
to protect his own RKO holdings.
Opinion is divided on whether the
Atlas group will submit its imder-
writing proposition to the Court at
this time or withhold it imtll after
all appeals from approval and con-
firmation are determined. Many
hold the latter opinion will prevail.
Selection of Schaefer as new presi-
dent of the RKO Corp., Depinet as
v.-p. and William Mallard, as secre-
tary-treasurer carries the approval
of proponents and creditors. 'When
the new board of directors holds its
first meeting after the new company
charter is filed, formal approval wiU
occur at that time.
The Beard
Floyd B. Odium is proposed as
chairman of the board of RKO, with
George J. Schaefer as president Ned
E Depinet as v.p. and WiUiam Mal-
lard as secretary and treasurer, ac-
cording to the petition filed in the
N. Y. Federal Court Friday (24) by
Simpson, Thatcher & Bartlett, attor-
neys for Atlas Corp., proponents of
the plan of RKO reorganization.
These will be submitted to Judge
Bondy Monday (27). Other members
of the board would be Thomas P.
Durell, of White, Weld & Co., Ferdi-
nand Eberstadt,, investment bankers,
and chairman of the RKO Stock-
holders' Protective Committee; Fred-
erick L. Ehrman, of Lehman Bros.;
Lawrence Green, attorney associated
witL Maurice Goodman, former gen-
eral counsel of RKO; James G. Har-
bord, chairman of the board of RCA
and RCA Communications, Inc.;
PLENTY OF N.Y.
BINGO, QUIZ
Albany, Feb. 28.
More than half of the 40 N. Y.
State cities, questionnalred by the
Bureau of Mtuiicipal Information on
the subject of bingo end like games
replied, tlirough their police depart-
ments, that bingo is being operated
there. Usually under the sponsorship
of churches, veterans' groups or fra-
ternal organizations. Police chiefs
of 13 cities declared that bingo,
lotto, keno, etCi are not permitted in
their respective communities. 'Oc-
casionally,' 'not to our knowledge'
and 'not at this time* were the re-
plies from three. Eighteen cities
gave a "yes* answer on bingo. Sev-
eral offered more detailed answer:;,
naming sponsoring organizations,
limiting play to 'private clubs,' etc.
One replied affirmatively as to
bingo, but added, 'We do try -to elim-
inate any prize angle.'
Some Belief
Detroit Feb. 28.
Local film exhibs, plagued . by
Lent drop In automotive employ-
ment, strikes, et al., are getting some
rdlef through police raids on com-
mercial bingo games, etc.
On order from Police Supt. Fred
Frahm, police the past week raided
the 2,000-seat Moose Temple, where
big-time bingo at SOc a throw and
$100 prizes have been running wide
open for some time. Irate femme
patrons rioted, sending several per-
sons and a newspaper cameraman
to the hospital. Police warned other
bingo spots of similar treatment un.
lesi stuff is stopjsed.
RKO-Schine Invades
Syracuse, N. Y. Nabes
Syracuse, N. Y., Feb. 28.
With control of four of the five
major downtown houses already in
its hands, the RKO-Schine organiza-
tion has made its first incursion in
the Syracuse nabe field, taking over
the Palace, one of the largest in the
city, effective Bilarch 1.' Arrange-
ments for a 10-year lease were made
between Alfred Di Bella, owner and
manager of the Palace Theatre build-
ing, and Gus Lampe, managing di-
rector of RKO-Schine interests In
Syracuse. No policy for the 1,400-
seater has been announced but at
least $20,000 will be spent in renova-
tions and eventually it may be estab-
lished as a first-runner.
Di Bella said he expects to lake
over the Roxy in East Syracuse early
in March.
Ihiting Up Deanna
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
It's a Date' is the latest story lined
up for Deanna Durbin at Universal,
making a total of four.
Producer is Joe Pasternak, with
Ralph Block and Frederick Kohner
doing the screen play.
BeeiTB Divorcing
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
The Wallace Beerys have .sep-
arated after 15 years of married life.
Mrs. Beery announced she would get
a Reno divorce as soon as a property
settlement is made. ''
Carol Ann, adopted daughter, will
spend six months a year with each.
Conde Nast, publisher; John E. Par-
sons, attorney, with Winthrop, Stim-
son, Putnam & Roberts; N. Peter
Rathvon, preside.it of Rathvon & Co.,
Inc.; W. G. Van Schmus, managing
director of Radio City Music Hall,
and Lunsford P. Yandell, assistant
treasurer of RCA.
The application to the court states
that holders of a majority of the vot-
ing securii'is under the plan have
approved these men in their selec-
tion to the board and their official
positions on it
fledace "washroom
INTECTION''
Onliwon Towels and Tissue
Write A. P. W. Service, Alhsnf, N. Y.
m
\^ednesdaj, March 1, 1939
VARIETY
2S
TOP ONE DAY'S GROSS IN 6 YEARS
OVER $13,000 ON FEBRUARY 22nd
PARAMOUNT, NEW YORK CITY . . .
FIRST WEEK'S TOTAL OVER $53,000
1^
ROBERT WEITMAN—
Managing Director,
Paramount, N. Y., says:
"Tony Martin is big boxoffice
and his drawing during this Lenten
season is phenomenal. He has
stopped every show cold, and can
come back whenever he wants."
DAVID M. IDZAL,
Managing Director,
Fox, Detroit, says:
"Tony Martin gave us record-
breaking weeks at the theatre. In
Tony's third appearance here with-
in 6 months he gave us one of the
biggest weeks of the year, and the
enthusiasm of the audience was
greater than at his previous ap-
pearances."
TONY MARTIN
"... Gold Stare ... To Tony Mar-
tin for his rendition of songs which leaves
the Paramount audiences breathless."
Dorothy KUgallen,
New York Journal- American.
"... Tony MarUn's fans are packing
the Paramount."
Danton Walker,
N. Y. Dally New.i.
"... One of the most entertaining
voices heard on a New York stage la
many y*ars ..." „ „ _ .
— Leonard Lyons, N. Y. Post.
"... On the Paramount's stage, Tony
Martin Is the show stopper."
—Irene Thlrer, N. Y. Post
"... Tony Martin Is causing lines
outside of the Paramount Theatre these
days!"
Ted Lloyd,
"Or Scoops Daly of Radio Dally."
"Tony Martin, the cinema lad. Is stop-
ping the show with his swell singing . . .
the audience goes wild with applause."
— D. K„ N. Y. Sunday American.
"Tony Martin— sock show stopping
singer at the Paramount ... He steps
before a mike and gets so hot he stops
each show cold" ... .. ^ ,
— Hy Gardner, Brooklyn Dally Eagle.
"Tony Martin, making his first personal
appearance In New York, Is thrilling the
audience with his warbling of sentimental
ballads on the stage of the Paramount."
—Kate Cameron, N. Y. Dally News.
"CITATIONS — To Tony Martin whosa
grand voice has the Paramount patrons
cheering this week."
—Robert Coleman, N. Y. Dally Mirror.
Due to previous commitments, New York Paramount engagement for 2 weeks only
Management, NAT GOLDSTONE
★
LIMITED PERSONAL APPEARANCE TOUR
Dir. MUSIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA
VARIETY
Wedneedaj, March 1, 1939
5 BLUE RIBBONS
/or M-Q-M*s producuon
FREEDOM RING
FOR NELSON EDDY!
His performance as "The Wasp" is the most exciting on the screen today!
FOR THE ALL-STAR CAST!
Imagine these great personalities in one picture: NELSON EDDY, VIRGINIA
BRUCE, VICTOR McLAGLEN, LIONEL BARRYMORE, EDWARD
ARNOLD, Guy Kibbee, Charles Butterworth.
FOR THE GREAT STORY!
It is the most rousing patriotic musical romance that ever set your pulse
beating. The original story and screen play is by Ben Hecht. (He gave you
"Viva Villa!") Directed by JACK CONWAY. Harry Rapf, producer.
FOR THE MUSICAL THRILLS!
Crammed with soul-stirring fervor is its music. Never such a wealth of love
songs, of patriotic songs as Nelson Eddy pours from his singing heart !
FOR THE BIG PRODUCTION!
M'G'M has again given the screen a mighty entertainment. One after another
they come, the Big Attractions of the screen, winning the public anew for the
hits of the Friendly Company!
Wednesday, March It 1939
RADIO
VARIETY
25
CBS MULLS SUMMER RULE
Use Fred Men Prc^jram to Test
Midi^lit iw Commercial Broadcasts
NBC is .fllving th« Fred Allen-
Bristol Myers show a fre« ride on
WJZ, New York key for the blue
link, between midnight And 1 ajn.
Wednesdays to find out whether
there's an apprec:able audience tat
a variety program at thia time of the
night. Listening data collected on
this experiment will be used, if
favorable, to build a aalea case for
tba station involving tht periods
alter 11 p.m.
Allen stanza goei over WEAF,
N. Y., local red key, three hours
earlier the same evening. To get It
over WJZ, NBC merely plugs the
■tation in on the rebroadcast which
if going out to the Coast.
If the Alien test shows results
NBC will build one of its own va-
riety shows for airing between 11
end midnight and try to find a spon
■or for it
Quick Recovery
Ted Sampler, CBS art di-
rector, was rushed to a New
York hospital last week for an
emergency appendectomy. Com-
ing out of the- ether the first
thing he saw was a good-look-
ing nurse. He smiled:
'Not bad for a blind date.'
SAYS HE WAS
CALLED NAZI
SUES
Milwaukee, Feb. 28.
Charging that he was slandered,
Bert Weisflog, real estate man and
travel bureau operator, lought dam-
ages of $50,000 In a suit filed in the
circuit court Thursday (23) against
the Milwaukee Broadcasting Co.,
operator of WEMP, and station man'
ager, Charles Lanpbier.
Weisflog, who is prez of the Ger
man-American Citizens Alliance,
charged that in Nov. '38, he lost his
position as sales repres entat ive of
the 'German Hour' on WEMP be
cause of 'false and malicious' state'
ments made about him by Lanphler,
Lanphier, it was charged, made
public statements 'linking the plain'
tiS (Weisflog) to Nazism' an d In dl-
cated that Weisflog had used WEMP
for 'disseminating Nazism.' Weis-
flog, however, denied this saying he
was not a Nazi and never had used
WEMP for 'Nazi propaganda.'
MUZAK EXPANDS
Transcribed Musle Comes
Home Eleetrle Clrcnlts
Over
Muzak, wired entertainment ser-
vice, has an installation in the new
Niagara hotel, Niagara Falls, N. Y,
Transcribed music outfit is, contract-
ing to install units in other hostel-
ries on a leased basis, with Muzak
nabitenance men operating and
keeping tabs on the equipment Gives
patrons 16 hours a day of varied
music.
Installations require no feed lines,
being a central unit making use of
the recently perfected 'carrier cur-
rent' method of shooting the jive into
house power lines, room units pick-
ing It out via wall plugs.
Ask Atlas Reorg
Los- Angeles;- Feb. 28;
Creditors of Atlas Radio Corp.
have petitioned federal court for
reorganization of transcription out-
fit under bankruptcy laws.
Liabilities listed at $32,257.
Bick Todd Off Old Gold
Dick Todd, vocalist dropped off
th» Old Gold-Robert Benchley show
on CBS after last Sunday's (26)
broadcast Todd was on his second
13 weeks on the program and was
scheduled to remain at least untU
March 19 when the program shifts
to the Coast
Contractual difficulties forced
Todd's dropoff, singer wanting a new
pact and more dough to go out to
we Coast which was nixed.
Bob Goldstein Files
Joreplcf Fetitioii;
LialiilHies of $64,630
Robert Goldstein, former film and
radio agent, now a WMCA salesman,
filed a voluntary petition of bank'
ruptcy in tite N. Y. federal court
last week, listing liabilities of $64,.630
and assets of $62,500, latter compris
ing two insurance policies of $26,000
each (claimed exempt) and 35c in
the Irving Trust Co.
Among the creditors are Fifl Dor-
say, who has a $2,100 judgment;
Clifford Odets, who Is owed $3,430
for royalties due on the London
production of 'Goldm Boy,' which
Goldstein produced there last sum-
mer; Norman Miller, $3,{i00 commis-
sions due on the sale of a film script
in May of 1036; LUlian E. Terry,- 131
East 66th street. New York, who is
owed $20,500 on a loan; O'Bryne,
Linnett & Dunfee, London legit
producers, $11,000 on breach of a
contract In connection with 'Golden
Boy'; the Beckhardt Theater Ticket
Office, Inc., $26 for tickets pur-
chased; Motion Picture Club, $175
for dues.
Goldstein was long Identified with
Blackett, Sample & Hummert's ra-
dio shows until recently, when he
became a time salesman for WMCA.
He also sold talent for pictures.
Bums and Allen Dated
For N.Y. Expo Broadcast
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Burns and Allen have a May date
at New York fair for their Chester-
field program. Deal also Is In nego-
tiation for an origination at the
Frisco expo:
Comics (dieck out for tlie summer
In early July. Their resumption for
sponsor is indefinite.
Ike and Leon Levy, owners of
WCAU, Philadelphia, returned to
the station Monday (27) from a va-
cation in Palm Beach.
LUTING ITS
ON SKIPS
Several Alternative Policies
Under Consideration —
Volume and Importance
May Determine Privilege
of Fall Reservations for
Warm Weather Layoffs
NBC'S POLICY
Columbia's board of strategy may
decide this week just how far the
network wlU go this season In stem-
ming the usual exit of accounts for
the summer. Under discussion are
several proposed policies: One of
them is to refuse to reserve the old
time for any one. Another would
have the layoff periods predicated on
the .number of hours and stations
used by an advertiser throughout the
year. NBC's policy allows for no
time holding. They either stay on
for 52 weeks or .take a chance on
losing what they've got
William S. Paley called together a
group of ad agency men a couple
weeks ago and advised them that
CBS was considering, closing down
on summer time holding. He out-
lined certain variations of policy that
might be applied to the situation and
received suggestions from the time
buying coterie.
While Columbia was wide open on
the vacation thing last summer, NBC
made but one exception to the rule
against letting 'em get off the roost
That exception was Maxwell House
Coffee. Letter's contract with MGM
made the exit of 'Good News' for
nine weeks mandatory.
WOO LADY ESTHER
Cosmetio Network Collecta
Bates Sans Cemmlsh
FnU
Chicago, Feb. 28.
Agencies are pounding down the
office doors of Alfred Busiel in an
attempt to corral. the_Lady Esther
account since it mOVed out of Lord
& Thomas.
Menwhile the networks carrying
the cosmetic show are billing Lady
Esther direct and are pocketing that
extra 15% which would ordinarily
accrue to an agency.
ALLEN EEBB JOINS IBS
AUen Kerr has replaced Line Sl-
monds on the sales staff of Interna-
tional Radio Sales in New York.
Kerr comes from Free & Peters.
NBC Home Office Won't Sanction
Taknt Search in Musical God
Kay Thompson's Cards
Kay Thompson, currently In
the Ethyl show (CBS), carries
four union cards. Latest addi-
tion to her collection is the
ticket issued by the American
Federation of Radio Actors.
Her other memberships are In
the American Federation of Mu-
sicians, Screen Actors Guild and
Actors Equity Association. For
those holding membership in the
latter two organization's there's
a, fee discount allowed by AFRA.
Cmmit. Victor in Snit
Orer/CabaHero'; Slnlkret,
Dnnhani, Stabler Testify
Finding that Frank Crumit had In
no way used the words of 'Her Old
Spanish Shawl' in either .song or
speech. Federal Judge Samuel Man-
delbaum. In N.Y. on Monday (Feb.
27) dismissed a $50,000 action brought
by Adelina Francis Ryan against
Crumit and Batten, Barton, Dur-
stlne & Osborn.
The plaintiff had sought the dam-
ages on the grounds that the words
of her song were stolen by Crumit
for use in 'The Gay Caballero.'
Trial of action started on Feb. 24
with the plaintiff as her own main
witness. The defendants besides hav-
ing Crumit take the stand placed
Jack Shillcret Edward Dunham, pro-
duction executive at NBC; Kenneth
Webb, N. Y. U. protessor; William
Stuhler of A. and S. Lyons, on the
stand.
The judge, besides finding no
plagiarism found the. plaintiff guilty
of laches (undue delay in asserting
right).
Marian Jordan (Molly) Is
Due Back in Few Weeks
HoUywood, Feb. 28.
Marian Jordan (Molly) is expect-
ed to return to the Fibber McGee
program within the next few we^.
She's due In thia week to rest up
from her long Illness.
Neil Barrett Resins
Neil Barrett has resigned as v.p.
of the Texas Network. "^yXi becomes
effective March 15.
Barrett has been with the '-'N since
its organization by Elliott Roosevelt
AFRA Defines Treak Bookings ' Which
Have One-Time-Only Card Exemption
Status of 'freak' radio guesters has
been tentatively defined by AFRAt
but no hard and fast rules are being
applied. Individual cases are being
decided on circumstances and union
execs explain they are attempting to
be reasonable.
Under' the loose' regulations, spe-
cial guesters, such as celebrities and
leaders from other fields of endeavor
are not required to become AFRA
members in order to make a single
appearance before the mike. How-
ever, It is explained that such
'freaks' must have acquired their
reputations in fields other than the
amusement industry. Such guesters
will be permitted to make a single
appearance without joining the
union, but subsequent ■ dates will
necessitate talcing out membership.
Also explained that in general
those who have no public reputation
will not be permitted to broadcast
without joining AFRA and persons
celebrated In other amusement field
will also be held to the Guild shop
ruling, although some exceptions will
iM made when circumstances war-
rant. Audience participation shows,
quizzes, vox pops and forum pro-
grams will also be excepted and for
the present ai least, concessions will
be granted for such biz names on
audience . participation . shows, . pro-
vided such people merely appear itt
the role of non-professionals and do
not sing, recite, act or otherwise per-
form.
Adjustment of the rate for an-
nouncers on participating programs
was made by the American Federa-
tion of Radio Actors last week after
NBC, CBS and WOR, Newark, bad
complained that they would have to
drop this type of show if the union
scale were applied to the letter. Un-
der the revised plan an announcer
working in a participating stanza
will receive $75 for five innings a
week and $65 if it's a sixrday sched-
ule.
Introduction of the union scale has
already caused Uie elimination of
several plug-reading announcers on
local commercials emanating from
the major New York outlets. Case
in point is the Uncle Don series on
WOR. He will now have to do all
his own plug dishing and also forego
the explanatory services of the guy
who tells the kids that Uncle Don
and his autogiro have just landed
on the roof and that Uncle Don will
be with them In a moment It means
opening cold.
With the meetings between the
Radio Writers Guild and AFRA still
In progress on the Coast, the (3uild
has sent two of its council mem-
bers, Henry Flske Carlton and Mrs.
Ruth Adams Knight, to take part
Sessions took place all yesterday
(Tuesday) and were to continue last
Light, according to word received In
New York. Howevier, no indication
was available regarding the prog-
ress being made. Mrs. Emily Holt,
AFRA national executive secretary,
is just back from the Coast.
Issue involved is the jurisdiction
of radio writers on the Coast. Both
AFRA and RWG claim the repre-
sentation.
Schenectady, N. Y., Feb. 28.
Breslau Bros., furniture chain, will
have to drop its 'Talent Search' Idea
on WGY Saturday mornings after
the current conunitment between the
account and the station has expired.
The show runs counter to the pattern
which NBC, which manages the sta-
tion, wants to maintain for the daily
Musical Clock period which comes
before 9 a.m. While clients are per-
mitted to substitute live talent for
the Thesaurus library recordings
during this stretch, the home-office
policy makers feel that 'Talent
Search' does not fit in with the spirit
and theme of the Musical Clock.
Same account is using an Italian
comedy character, Gastouche (Ed
Flynn), during the other early half
hours it has under contract during
the week, but this Is okay with New
York whose opinion it is that the
m.c. Is consistent with the period's
policy. *Talent Search,' which Is
open to professionals as well as ama-
teursr was introduced about two
weeks ago. The hunt was to last six
weeks, at the end of which the win-
ner would be given a contract at lo-
cal standard rates for the like period.
BABBITT MAY
DROP PAanc
REBDCAST
Rather than add $450 to Its talent
pasrroll for the rl^t to record the
series from the NBC line, B. T. Bab-
bitt, Inc., Is considering dropping
the spot airings of 'David Harum'
from WOR, Newark; KNX,- Los An-
geles, and KPO, San Francisco. In
the case of WOR It's a repeat broad-
cast for this area, since WEAF|
N. Y., carries it earlier in the day as
part of a red hookup. As for the
Coast, Babbitt is merely interested
in bitting the L. A. and Frisco marr
kets and sees no economic sense in
paying full rebroadcast prices for
only two spots.
Account, through lU agency,
Blackett-Sample-Hummert, will de-
cide this week whether to cancel all
three spot arrangements. The show
is fed daily to WOR's recording
service and that station clears it in
the afternoon. Two other stencil-
lings of the same installment are
shipped out the same day to the
Coast stations under contract
PROCTER & GAMBLE'S 5TH
Adda 'Manhattan Mother' to Across-
ihe-Board Scripts
Procter St Gamble entrenched it-
self still further on Monday (27) as
the country's biggest user of net-
work time by inking in its fifth
across-the-board daytime script show
and its sixth web program current-
ly running. New member of the
P. 8c G. family will be 'Manhattan
Mother' for Chipso on a 10-station
CBS hook-up Ave days a week from
0.15 to 9.30 a.m. Unveils March 6.
Pedlar ti Ryan is the agency.
While P. & G. will "be using a total
of 6% network hours weekly on Co-
lumbia, Lever time adds up to 4^
hours. General Foods beats the lat-
ter for runner-up by 15 minutes a.
week.
'Manhattan Mother', originally pro-
duced on WBBM and WGN, Chicago,
for American Family Soap (also
P&G) will continue to be produced
in Chicago by the Kastor agency.
Web billings go through Pedlar &
Ryan.
Peg Maloney, WKRC, Cincinnati,
publicity director, motored through
southern Ohio and Indiana last
week, contacting radio editors of
dailies and editors of w-sckly news-
papers.
t6
VARIETT
RADIO
Wednesdaj* March 1, 1939
Associated Press Free Service To
B'dcasting Provokes Speculation:
Eventually May Go Conunercial?
Columbia will likely Install a set
of . Associated Press tickers this
week. Acceptance of AF's offer, of
tree service on a strictly sustaining
basis had been deferred by CBS un-
til it became certain of the meaning
In the third paragraph of a letted
Which Kent Cooper, AP general
manager, had addressed to the vari-
ous networks on' the subject of this
service. ' CBS wasn't certain whether
the paragraph concerned imposed
the obligation that no other siervlce
but that of AP could be used for
■ustaining purposes.'
' Cooper's letter gave assurance that
AP will not sell its service or at-
tempt to compete for commercial
- business with the other services now
catering to .radio. Cooper also stated
that the networks or stations accept-
ing tiie AP service would have to
assume all liability for its contents.
' Notwithstanding Cooper's, assur-
ance the impression prevalent In
- aome quarters of radio is that the
AP has gone in for a form of sam-
pling. These skeptics are of the
opinion that after AP printers have
been thoroughly sprinkled among
radio stations the AP's board of di-
rectors will be induced to enter into
(ome arrangement of news selling
for sponsored purposes. At the pres-
ent moment the AP board is moti-
vated by the belief that through the
free service idea radio's help can be
enlisted to bolster the sale of AP
pewspapers.
won, Newark, installed a set of
AP printers last week and the ques-
tion of Mutual accepting the serv-
ice Is now under discussion by this
network's officers.
'Lewis Fight Looks Good
Washington, Feb. 28.
Creation of special broadcasting
galleries in the Capitol— denting the
half -century press monopoly on Con-
gressional coverage— looked probable
this week following. Senate Rules
Committee airing of pros and cons
about admission of microphone gab-
bers to the press quarters. . Matter
probably wiU have to be voted by
both branches of the national legis-
lature, which will be under strong
pressure from rival media.
Led by Fulton Lewis, Jr., daily
•pleler for Mutual, the radio forces
argued that the horse-and-buggy
rules need modernization, complain-
ing against discrimination In favor
of publishers. Fight brewing for
several weeks since Iiewis first
Bought admission to the regular re-
porters' rooms, where he used to
• move as he pleased representing the
Hearst wire services. On the theory
the regulations mean entry can be
granted only to describers whose aC'
' counts go Into print, the Standing
' Committee of Correspondents — five
members representing press associa-
tions and metropolitan rags — re-
jected his application last month.
Whereupon Lewis appealed.
Jack Benny gets a sheepskin for
■omethlng or other on Lum and Ab-
ner's program March 3. .
Army's Radio Reserve
Washington, Feb. 28.
Importance of America's army
of licensed amateur radio opera-
tors was recognized last tveek by
the FCC in an announcement
calling attention to the assist-
ance which 'hams* can give to
the military and naval services.
More 'than 91,000 operators —
many of them affiliated with the
Naval Communications Reserve
and the Army Amateur Reserve
System— are standing by to
handle emergency communica-
tions In' -floods, . storms, ship-
wrecks and' other disasters, Com-
mish pointed out Practice drills
and Instruction from the Army
and Navy are helping the hams
to Improve their technique and
develop accuracy and speed.
WLWDEFEATED
IN IITH HOUR
PLEA
'.Vashington, Feb. 28.
U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals
refused to grant the plea of WLW,
Cincinnati, for a say of the Federal
Communications Commission's order
reducing the' station's power .from
500,000 to 50,000 watts, effective in
the morning (Wednesday). WLWs
dramatic eleventh-hour fight came to
an end 'with the coiurt's' turndown
ruling at 6:45 p.m. today (Tuesday).
Spurt of sudden acUvity around
the courthouse broke .-'at ' 4:30 pjnl,
a half hour after usual closing time,
when the appeals bench asked the
commission that it delay putting its
WLW order Into effect -for 24 hours.
Court was advised that the commish
didn't have a quorum available to
legalize such action. The- FCC was
then advised to get an attorney over
to the courthouse within a h : hour
as the judge intended. to determine
why the commission- shouldn't - be
temporarily stopped from enforcing
the order.
' In a counter petition which the
FCC filed with the court last Sat-
urday (24) it was stated that the
appeals ' court would, by acUng on
WtiWa plea, Intrude on the admin-
istration of something over which
It had no' jurisdiction.
Lottridge Joins WHO
Des Moines, Feb. 28.
J. Buryl Lottridge has been named
successor to Ross' Wallace In the
regional sales department of 'WHO,
•Des Moines. Lottridge was formerly
sales manager for Central States
Broadcafting Co. (Omaha, Council
Bluffs and Lincoln).
I
NOW IN EDITORIAL AND
ADVERnSING PREPARAHON
Yonng Meets Eventsmei
Special events and news repa et
NBC, CBS and Mutual get together
with John S. Young, director of ra-
dio at the New York World's Fair
today (Wed.) to discuss needs of the
trio and iron out other questions of
radio At the fair. Abe Schechter of
NBC, Paul 'White of CBS, and Mu-
tual's G. W. Johnstoiie meet with
Young.
Confab will, be in N. Y. rather
than at the fair grounds. . Schechter
got back Monday (27) from a hop
to Miami after looMng Into the Wal-
ter 'Wlnchell broadcasts from 'WIOD.
Rival TedmiqiKS iii Snrveying
Newly-InqMHrtaiit Fann Andieiice
Sdrs Adrertisii^ Controversy
TERRIBLE RESPONSIBILITY
vIbieit Used In Badla Claisca at
University of WashlngtoB
Strike Threats
End with Pay
msforlBEW
St Louis, Feb. 28.
Strike threats by approximately
SO members of DEW, Local No. 1,
employed as 'amplifyer and trans-
mitter technicians In Six local radio
stations and one In East St IjOuIs
were squelched' by national officers
in Washington, before wage add
hour contract 'which will cost the
stations approximately $40,000 more
per year, was signed last week.
Under the terms of the pact the
IBEW members will receive a flat
10% Increase in wages, a 40-hour
week, two weeks vacation with pay
and double time for overtime which
will amount to $3.30 per hour and
the highest rate in the United States.
The contract which is as of Feb.
15, will run untU Nov. 15, 1941, and
contains a clause which permits the
union to reopen the wage scale only
by giving 60 days notice prior to
any Nov. 15 during the life of the
agreement 'While' the old contract
expired Nov. 16 last It 'was extended
90 days by international officers on
the recommendation of Harry M.
Brady,, who succeeded the late Ar-
thur T. Schadlng as business repre-
sentative. Schading was guimed to
death by two unapprehended day-
ers as he 'was leaving the IBEW
headquarters last October.
A series of conferences on the.
new pact that began about Jan. 1 was
frequently punctured ,by the strike
threats, some, of which were to have
been called within an hour, and the
stati6n execs were given' bad cases
of jitters and kept the long distance
phone lines hot appealing to the in-
ternational officers in Washington
to halt the proposed walkouts. -
A six-hour huddle that resulted In
the signing of the pact was held In
the office, of George ; M. Burbach,
gen. mgr. of the St Loiiis Post-
Dispatchy owner of XSD. Others who
attended besides . Brady ~ and Bur-
bach were Al- S. Foster, WEW; L.
A. Benson, 'WIL; Robert . T. Convey,
KWK; Merle S. Jonas. KMOX,^^ and
John C, Roberts, Jr., KXQK (Star-
Times). William West of WTMV,
East St Louis, was .absent from, tlfe
finals, because of illness, but gave
his verbal oJc. to the pact which
he later inked.
KELSEY-HAYES-AUBREY
SHOW DUE FOR EXPO
San Francisco, Feb. 28,
New weelcly audience show,
'Jubilee Revue,' over KGO (NBC
blue) may shift origination to
Golden Gate International Exposi-
tion when the radio building Is com-
pleted. Forty-five minute show, now
being presented at the Community
Playhouse, is being produced by Ned
Tollinger. Cast includes Walter
Kelsey's . orchestra; Clancy H^es qs
emcee; warbler, Dorothy AUen; Will
Aubrey, Kenney GiUum; the Knick-
erbocker male quartet and a group
of actors in a playlet '
Linkletter Sponsored
San Francisco, Feb. 28.
With Art Linkletter in the role of
roaming reporter at the Golden
Gate International Exposition, a new
series of half-hour programs entitled
'World's Fair Party' Is being aired
Saturday nights at 6 pjn. PST over
KFRC and 11 other Mutual-Don Lee
outlets in California, under the ban-
ner of the Roma Wine Company
(table wines).
Linkletter directed pre-openlng
radio activities for the fair. His
resignation from expo staff' Is effec
Uve April 1. - .
SeatUe, Feb. 28.
Theodore B. Bell, Instructor of
radio drama at University of- Wash-
ington, is now using 'VxaiErr as sup-
plementary materia Says reactions
from the . students have sho'wn that
the' publication can do a part of his
Job a lot better and, equity impor-
tant a lot quicker, than he can.
In commenting on the usefulniess.
Bell added: 'Many of pur radio stu-
dents are majoring In 'NTabiety lingo.'
Kentaeky's Cenrse. . .
Louisville; Feb. 28. .
.University of Kentucky at Lexing-
ton is scheiduling a new radio course.
It will offer three ' credits, and Is
scheduled' for summer session at the
'imiyerslty, under direction of Elmer
G. .Siilzer.
Members of WHAS sta'.' will co-
operate^ with W. L. Coulson giving
outlines of broadcast structure;
Robert Kennett program produc-
tion; Dudley Musson, continuity;
Crrln Towner, radio equipment; as
well as special subjects handled by
Credo Harris, Neal Cline, Edwafd
Barrett and Joe Eaton.
DANISH H-UP
BY PRINCETON
A Danish research man will be
brought to' tiie United States In the
near future on Rockefeller funds to
Spend six ' months studying radio
checking techniques. with the Prince-
ton Foundation for Radio Research.
Dane will then return and apply
technlquies to cross-check foreign
radio listening under a government-
owned system.
A similar' arrangement may also
be worked out with Holland and
France at a later date.
hs, Oots, Ups at WXYZ
Detroit Feb. 28.
Two new assistant dramatic direc-
tors, Ted Robertson and Al Hodge,
top staiB changes at WXYZ here.
Both will aid Charles Livingstone,
dramatic chief. _
Robertson's s'ound Job handed to
Fred Flowerday, and I<arry Kelley,
announcer, moves up Hodge's post
Fielden Farrington, spieler, becomes
assistant to Carl Gensel, chief an-
nouncer and assistant studio manager
under Harold True, recently ap-
pointed to succeed Russell Neff who
resigned to take radio department
post with Knox-Reeves agency
(General Mills) in Minneapolis.
John Osgood Hart vocalist at sta-
tion for past five years, quits to go to
Chiciago. -New faces in studios in-
clude Bob Hite, of Decatur, Ind.,
spieler; Roy Rengert of. sound de-
partment; Albert Hayward, engineer-
ing, and George Kelly, mall. .New-
comers to dramatic staff are E. M.
Johnstone, Ida MuUer, Frank Rus-
sell and Bruce Miller, while 'Velva
Nally joins singing staff.
Bill Slocum, Jr., to D. C.
William J. Slocum, Jr., of Colum-
bia's special events publicity depart-
ment in New York, has been assigned
to publicity post in the CBS Wash-
ington bureau. His brother, John,
former night detail man in the New
York publicity division, goes to
public affairs department Hell also
do scripts for-Mel Allen, dally sports
gabber.
The Slpcums are sons of William,
Sr., contact man for General Mills'
on their sports airings.
KSCJ to NBC
C. J. Corklll signed last week with
BlU Hedges, of NBC, whereby KSCJ,
Sioux City, la., becomes an NBC af-
filiate. The station is owned by the
Sioux City Journal.
It goes NBC Sept Si.. .
Radio statistical circles hi New
York were in a statistical equivalent
to an uproar last week followihg
publication In Variett of news
ste m mi n g from rival surveys of the
farm audience made by NBC and
CBS. Beyond the controversial ele.
ments of the sltuaUon there loomed
dramaUc evidence' of the .importance
attached by the networks to the'
farm audience as. stich, in the 1939
solicitation of accounts. More im-'
portent In immediacy was the en<
tanglement of the Joint Committee'
of Radio Research Itself in the pres- >
ent situation, as reported last week.
NBC has been uaing the results of
a rural postcard survey made last
spring. CBS also has been utillz-
ing farm data gathered in a surveys
of its own -made about the same time.
What bllmaxed. the situation was the '
formal publication a fortnight ago of .
the CBS data. Under the title "Co-,
lumbla's RSJi. Audience' it was re-
vealed in a brochure to the trade at
large that CBS had re-plowed the
96 counties originally selected by the
Joint Conunittee job, co-financed by!
both webs, using the same field or- !
ganlzatlbn, Hooper-Holmes, but ask-'
ing competitive questions where the'
previous JCRR visits had put non-
competitives questions.
NBCs reaction was that CBS was
attempting to ride the prestige of the
Joint Conmilttee's much-publicized
activities. Criticism was expressed
that the 96 counties which were ap-
propriate to the Joint Committee's
purposes of throwing light on gen-
eral rural listening habits were in-
adequate as a basis for evaluating
specific agricultural audience divi-
sion of some 270 network stations.
Part of JCRB
Ken Dyke, NBC sales executive,
comimehted on the 'Vabiety story as
follows:
"NBC completely endorses the
. . Joint Committee Study. In fact
we participated very largely in
Its preparation. Since the Joint
Committee 'was not interested in
analyzing competitive station or
network listening habits and.
-preferences. It was not neces-
sary to choose the rural coun«
ties with regard to their geo*
graphical placement In relation-,
ship to the transmitters of net-
work stations. But when any-
body uses these same counties
for a competitive study it is a
very different matter. About
one-third of all the radio fam-
ilies in the United States— in-
cluding a large majority of the
rural listening families — are in
the rnral areas of remote re-
eeptlott. Therefore, there is some
question whether any rural
study which is so largely con-
fined to rural counties which are
near large towns or cities can
give an accurate picture of na-
tion-wide rural station or net-
work preferences.'
CBS, which calls the post card
method Inferior and the NBC sample
meager, defends Its own farm sur- ■
vey as better done via 11,000 field
calls in 96 counties against NBC's ;
post card sampling of 500 counties.
Vic Ratner sums up for the CBS ;
camp: *The results, of any survey are -
no better than the techniques used.' >
Blow Williiig to Renew
Ws My Namer Bat
Price flit QaDse Resisted
Although the -time on Mutual has
been renewed, effective March 17,
the: 'What's My Name?', program is
not set to continue under the Philip
Morris banner. Milton Blow, agency
on the account and Rockwell-
O'Keefe, agent for the quiz stanza,
are having a tough time getting to-
gether on the renewal price.
Series will by March 17 have com-
pleted a year's consecutive run on
Mutual and there's a clause in the
contract which provides for a salary
tilt on the second year.
Orphan Qpera^eddled
Chicago, Feb. 28.
Program based upon the life stories
of famous orphans is being readied
by Patricia Ann Manners.
Would bring to the microphone
famous personalities who were sans
parents.
Wednesday, Marbb 1, 1^39
RADIO
VARlETr
Some^ More to Worry About
IVashington, Feb. 28.
Recent U. S. Supreme Coun decision in a vital copyright case—
whether delayed filing nulllfles plagiarism charges— may hold much
grief for broadcasters. View taken by court majority is that no hurry
In flUng copies Is required In order to obtain protection against in-
fringement
Novel Interpretation of the statute was rendei-ed in the tiff between
Drew Pearson and Bob Allen, authors of the Washington Merry-Go-
Round, and' the editors of the defunct Washingtooian. Latter claimed
the former poached, with the Merry-Go-Rounders retorting that delay
In filing copies with the Copyright OSice negatived the asserted misuse.
Applied to broadcasters, this principle means that composers, can
taKe their own time about letting the library of Congress kiiow who '
wrote any specific lyric or concocted any particular tune. Consequently,
station managers conceivably could learn months later they bad tres-
passed. " .
In recent years about 30,000 pieces of original music have been reg-
istered with the Copyright Office— at $2 a copy— and users have been
able, via Washington sleuths, to find out whether they were infring-
ing. Following the reasoning of the court majority, future tune-
makers can take as much time as they please about notifying the
Library but still can demand reparations for Infringement
PEDAGOGSSEE
RCA FACSIMILE
Cleveland. Feb. 28.
WTAM baptized its new RCA fas-
■Imile equipment last week in a
demonstration for educators attend'
Ing the National Education Associa'
tion convention. .
School lessons and bulletins were
flashed by Charles 3. Young, re.
search engineer. Into four schools as
well as civic audltoriunL' where
prexys were meeting. Cleveland
school system's new diort-waver,
WBOE, was used to pipe tbem from
WTAM.
Langworth Stock Fills In
NAB. Non-Cop Ubrary;
200 More Hrs. Promised
Washington, Feb. 28.
Langworth (Langlois • Wenth'
worth), has taken over the obliga
tion to' provide NAB members with
a tEix-free supply of music. Con-
tract tentatively initialed last week
requires lessee to provide. iOO-plus
hours of waxed entertainment
Treaty stipulated that Langworth
will take over the NAB orders, that
call for 100 hours of recorded music
and in addition will record. In the
next two years an additional 200
hours. With 20 hours already plat
terized, tiangworth will adhere to
the $10 price scale mentioned in con
tracts by which the NAB sold Its
customers.
' The. remaining 80 hours will come
from the present L-W stock.
After all subscribers have re-
ceived their first 100 hours, L-W
will produce more platters, to be
sold at $10 per hour plus added costs
attributed to demands of the Amer-
ican Federation of Musicians, but
with a $15 top. Trade association
was assured the 200 hours will in'
dude 'a substantial percentage of
new, original dance music with
lyrics.' NAB will supervise the re-
cording via an advisory committee.
Griffin Shoewhite Dickers
For Return of Hal Kemp
Bermingham, CasUeman St Fierce,
Inc., agency on the GrlSin shoewhite
account Is still negotiating with NBC
for a half -hour in which to start Hal'
Kemp this April.
Griffin's Kemp program was on the
blue (WJZ) link last season and ran
on 24 stations from May to Novem-
ber.
'Gateway' Stays Open
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Jesse Lasky last week drew an-
other 13-week hitch for bis amateur
program, 'Gateway to Hollywood.'
Show Is produced by - Charles
Vanda, on leave from his berth as
program director for Columbia on
the Coast
Atlass to Coast
Chicago, Feb. 28.
In .connection, with . 'Gateway ■ to
Hollywood' renewal fot another 13-
week jaunt for Wrigley account Les
Atlass, Columbia v.p. here, planed
to and from the Coast over the
week-end for a quick o.o. of the
show.
Jesse Lasky was in town last week
for the monikering.
Proposed State Packaged
Goods Law Has Clanse
;er's Name
HEARINGS ENLIVENED; WEISS RAPS UNION
AND COPYRIGHT AS 'SEMI-PARASfnCAL'
Jolm Shepard, 3rd^ Defends Right to Cnuade for
'Good Government' — Not Doing It Now, but
Won't Promise to Refrain— More. Fiscal Details
Albany, N. Y. Feb. 28,
A stringent Uniform Food, Drug
and Cosmetic Act has been intro-
duced in the New York Legislature
by Senator William Bewley, Lock-
port and Assemblyman Herbert A.
Rapp, Genesee. Designed to prevent
adulteration, misbranding and false
advertisement in intrastate com'
merce.
Contains a provision that 'no
publisher, radio-broadcast licensee^
advertising agency, or agency or
medium for the dissemination of an
advertisement except the manufac-
turer, packer, distributor, or seller of
the article to which the advertise-
ment relates, shall be subject to the
penalties (imprisonment for not
more than 30 days, or a fine of not
more than $50, or both, with im-
prisonment up to 90 days and a fine
up to $500, it violation is committed
after a conviction), unless he has re-
fused on the request of the adminis-
trator to furnish the name and ad-
dress of the manufacturer, packer,
distributor, seller or advertising
agency in the United States, who
caused him to disseminate such false
advertisement' The term 'adver-
tisement'- is defined to mean 'all
representations, other than by label-
ing, for the purpose of inducing, or
which ar6 likely to induct, directly
or indirectly, the purchase of food,
drugs, devices or cosmetics."
NBC GOES LAH-DE-DAH
FOR FRISCO CROWDS
San Francisco, Feb. 28.
Evening attire Is being donned
after six o'clock by all artists, mu-
sicians and announcers at the KPO-
KGO studios here and special uni-
forms are being worn by members
of the mail and messenger, and
guest relations staffs for the benefit
of visitors to the Golden Gate In-
ternational Exposition who also take
a gander at the local NBC ouUets
while in town.
Mail and messenger clerks are
garbed in gray with silver trimming,
while the guest relations staff mem-
bers wear dark blue imiforms with
li^t blue cord and NBC insignia on
one shoulder.
Rathbone Circle Proxy
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Basil Rathbone has won a per-
manent berth as prexy of the Kel-
logg Circle. Gavel, however, may
fall into other hands it Ronald Col-
man and/or Cary Grant decide to
drop in occasionally for a guest
whirl. - — . .
Rose Bampton does a repeat on
the program March 5, as doeis
Marion Anderson the following
week. Lawrence Tibbett due back
on the show later.
Skipworth Package
Alison Skipworth is beug offered
to radio agencies with a script show
built somewhat along the lines of
the late Marie Dressler's 'Min and
Bill' characterization. Bob Goodhue
doing the offering.
Spot opposite Miss Skipworth was
waved at W. C. Fields but it was
turned down because of previous
commitments. Dudley Digges may
take Uie spot' < v ' " = * -
. Wshington, Feb. 28.
Yowls about the continuous shake-
downs by . 'temi-parasitical' organ!-,
zations wielding a club .over broad-
casters were aired to the FCC last
week as the chain-monopoly probe
got around to regional webs. First
details on sectional chains were ob-
tained from executives of the Don
Lee and Colonial-Yankee combos.
First Instance of wailing about the
operating costs due to unions and
copyrlght-owiiers occurred while
Lewis Allen Weiss, v.p. of Don Lee,
was in the witness chair. Some of
his sentiments later were echoed by
John Shepard, 3d, head of the New
England skeins.
In an indirect appeal for^govem-
ment aid and sympathy, Weiss pic-
tured the harrassed broadcasters as
perpetually engaged in a fight of
self-defense. The government tax
collector is on one side, while the
actors, technicians, musicians, and
copyright-holders batter from the
other. These 'semi-parasitical' out-
fits will be the death of small net-
works and independent stations if
somebody doesn't apply curbs, Weiss
intimated.
Radio 'Victimized,' Weiss
Declares; Rainy Day Fears
Higher operating costs due to the
demands of the unions and ASCAP
will lead to an inevitable jacking of
rates that may drive sponsors away
from microphones and to other
media. Radio is being 'victimized,'
with between 20% and 25% of the
take siphoned by these groups.
Under present Federal tax policies,
broadcasters cannot save up for
rainy days — a precaution which the
highly risky nature of the business
necessitate^and whenever they do
collect a litUe cash the 'parasites'
begin waving clubs again.
Using the FCC as a wailing wall
for the first bleat of this kind since
the probe opened, Weiss said the
'arbitraiy' demands of the American
Federation ot Musicians are a 'very
substantial drain' on the Don- Lee
outfit No relation to ability to pay.
lioad on small stations is propor-
tionately heavier than on big com-
petitors. In Don Lee's case, the pain
Is unusually sharp because the web
always has-been extremely generous
in hiring talent with the idea of ren-
dering highest quality program ser-
vice. Instead of the 6.49% of the
net which others are compelled to
pay, the tunesters snatch nearly 10%
of D. L.'s gross. Weiss coinplained
that no credit is allowed for pay-
ments for rehearsals, overtime, or
casual employees.
Result of the Federation attack,
the Californian declared, is that the
Don Lee crew must spend an addi-
tional $1,500,000 a year over a two-
year span for musical talent. Expen-
diture for KHJ, Los Angeles, last
year topped $100,000, he estimated.
Although not as indignant, Shep-
ard. also yelped about the unionj and
ASCAP but differed with Weiss as
to the results from the tunesters'
view-point Policy ot requiring sta-
tions to maintain staff orchestras
may help relieve unemployment, in
some smaller communities, though
it is of doubtful benefit to the union
members in big spots. He thought
there was some justice in the AFM
demands, although he remarked that
nobody took care of the buggy-whip
makers when the automobile came
along.
Getting picture of the Don Lee
structure, the Commish learned that
the web keeps no books, with the
costs being borne by the three com-
ponent stations, KHJ, tios Angeles;
KFRC, San Francisco; and KGB, San
Diego. Explained that KDB, Santa
Barbara, is owned directiy by the
Don. Lee estate, .so that Thomas S.
Lee, principal heir, actually controls
all four enterprises.
When CBS set up its own Pacific
Qoast organization and the McClat-
diy group went over to. NBC, the
Don Iiee combo was left in an awk-
ward spot which prompted the af-
filiation with Mutual, he explained.
Tou^ Job of rebuilding the regional
skein was related, with Weiss point-
ing out no high-powered outlets
were available so that reconstruc'-
tion necessarily was based on re-
gional and local OuUets. . He described
Don Lee . as a philanthropist who
smoothed the way'for networks wlQi
transcontinental ambitions.
Weiss Disagrees With
Mutual on Exclusivity
Defense of exclusivity In fietwork-
affiliate relations was bolstered by
Weiss. In disagreement with the atti-
tude of Mutual executives,' he justi-
fied placing restrictions In contracts
as a means of self-preservation.
Particularly' tor a group of mediuin
and low powered transmitters con-
fronting major league competition.
Other chains on the Coast 'sell
power,' while D. L. sell* service.
Although Mutual is wUling to
waive the clause which assures Don
Lee none of its features will go to
other outlets than Don Lee mem-
bers,- Weiss was not agreeable. In
view of the contribution toward
maintenance ot the transcontinental
lines— Don Lee pays five-eighths of
the cost of the Chicago-San Fran-
cisco link— and the competitive sit-
uation, he could not see why the
wires should be used to feed rival
transmitters.
If stations were permitted to pick
programs here and there indis-
criminately, they would lose their
identity and an enterprise such as
the Pacific combo would be injured,
Commish was Informed. Further-
more, exclusive pacts stimulate
competition and enterprise between
various chains.
$100,000 in the Cup On
Television Experiments
Telling about operations, Weiss
revealed Don Lee has sunk $100,000
in television experiments, in a typi-
cal week took only 10.6% of the
time ot affiliated ouUets— of which
five-sixths went for D. L. commer-
cials — pays the wire costs inside
California, and has a unique agree-,
ment with the -Pacific Broadcasting
Co., which services the Washington
and Oregon ouUets. Under this pact
Don Lee is to provide 18 hours of
commercial and sustaining programs
daily, with Pacific paying for tele-
phone lines beyond the California
border. It the business on these sta-
tions via the web exceeds the line
cost Don Lee gets a 15% cut Be-
sides its contribution to the Mutxial
cross-country circuit D. L.'s tele-
phone bill runs around $18,000
monthly.
The gross billings on Don Lee last,
year showed a $400,000 rise. In-
cluding Mutual accounts, the figure
went from $1,210,143 In 1937 to
$1,668,488 in 1938.
Special treatment for Don Lee,
Inc., automobile agency, was brought
to light, Companion concern buys
announcements on a 'floating or run-
Ot-station basis,' taking time not
otherwise sold but subject to sale
at any moment They- pay 50% of
the regular rate. Weiss considered
this time a 'by-product' The auto-
mobile firm pays in cash, not
through any credit arrangement.
Compensation to the web takes the
form of discounts for network of-
ficers and employees buying auto-
mobiles.
LitUe duplication by^the iJon-Lec
transmitters, according to the tech-
nical picture drawn by E. C. Page,
consulting engineer. California's
unduplicated population is 4,240,l00,
he estimated, of which 92.1% ot
people within the haU-millivolt area
hear only, one Don Lee station and
in the two millivolt area the single-
signal coverage hits 08.3%.
Snarled corporate relationships of
various Shepard enterprises . took
two days to unravel, through the
medium of dozens of charts and
tables. Commish members and at-
torneys had hard time comprehend-
ing reason for maintaining the two
hook-ups and getting the financial
picture straight
Dual .webs, which -because' of
peculiar operating methods make
only one actual network, occasioned
by sales problems and physical ar-
rangements, the Yankee-Colonial
proprietor explained. Due to vary-
ing desires of advertisers, plus the
affiliations with other networks of
some members of the old Yankee
combo. Necessary to have two Bos-
tan outlets because of MTNAC's III^
with NBC, which makes it impos-
sible to satis^ all requests tor cov-
erage in the baked bean center.
Yankee is owned 100% by Winter
Street'. Corp., a realty holding firm
completely controlled by John
Shepard, Jr., his dad, the chain
exec testified, while Colonial Is
owned 50-50 by his brother, Robert
F. Shepard, and himself. Since -ior-
m^Uon, Yankee's dividends hav«
totaled $136,600.
Rsproving attitude with which the
Commish has been viewing Shei>-
ard's political ventures was re-
flected in the proceedings, with
Commissioner Paul A. Walker dig-
ging persistently into policy matters.
Exec denied Yankee News Service
is opinionated, after explaining need
LOT a regional news-gathering serv-
ice which, he disclosed incidentally,
paid legmen $41,726 last year. Tossed
around . biecause the Shepard, sta-
tions have- been accused of taking
sides, Shepard defended conduct
which resulted in complaints that
never have been disposed ot by the
> CC.
Won't Promise to Reftain
From Radio Crusading
Claiming the right to crusade, the
Bostonian said he is not broadcast- '
Ing editorials oyer W.AAB currently
but would not promise to retrain
from resuming If conditions war-
rant His chief interest in campaign-
ms on his own behalf was - to pro-
mote good government. Denied he
plays favorites between rival offliie- -
seekers, but said he saw only -one
sids to arguments over right and
virtue in public affairs. He is a Re-
publican. Questioning ' disclosed
Shepard does not review scripts of
candidates but insists on ogling
speeches of state and municipal of-
ficers. He denied any violation of .
the anti-censorship provisions in
Ihe Communications Act
On operating questions, Shepard
tcsiiried the majority of affiliates
donate no free time to either Yan-
Iv-es or Colonial, admitted the webs
tal:e a 30% cut ot the revenue from
sponsors buying the combos, and
explained there are many varia-
tions in the relationships with the
different stations. Most of the af-
filiates pay for their lines— and in
these cases the webs get 30% of the
gross card rate— but a few -pay for
their own wires and in turn are,
paid more liberally for all commer
cials, notably WNLC, WLNH,
WRDO, WCOU, and WHAI. Certain
amounts ot gratis time available to
the webs over WLBZ, WSAR,
WNBH, WLNH, WSPR, WTHT, and
WATR.
Special breaks for WTIC, Hartford,
and WTAG, Worcester, two ot the
larger non-Sbepard-owned network
units. The Hartford plant gets 40%
of the revenue for Its facilities, with
the proportion rising to 50% 'be-
tween 7:30 and 8 p.m. The Worces-
ter outlet gets 40% on sales ot the
same hours. Shepard emphasized
that actually the bulk ot stations get
about 50% of the webs' actual take^
■since compensation to affiliates Is
based on the gross billing while the
webs, of course, receive only the
balance after deduction of commis-
sions and discounts.
The exclusivity question Is
handled in a one-way fashion by
Colonial and Yankee, the Commish
learned. Majority of contracts pre-
vent affiliates from joining other
webs but legally impose no resbic-
tions on either of the Shepard en-
terprises. In answer to question
whether Yankee or Colonial serves
rivals of affiliates in event time is
hot available on the regular 'outiets^
Shepard said 'we wouldn't do W
without consent of the affiliates in-
volved.
i
CBS on Frisco Exchai^
Sacramento, Feb. 28..
Class A and B stock issues fA
Columbia Brqadoasting System, Inc.,
were admitted ^o the list of the Saa
Francisco Stock Exchange \this week.
' The listing comprises 984,296
shares of class A stock, $2.50 par
value, and 948,674 .shares of class
B stock, $2.50 par value. The Issues
will have the ticker Symbols CBSA
and CBSB; trading will be ia nnitS-
of 100 shares.
28
VARIETY
RADIO REVIEWS
Wednesday* March I, 1939
BATHOND FAIOE-HILDEOAItDE
•89 Uen » Girl'
MBsle,. Sonea
S* Mlns.
V. S. BITBBBBu
. Wednesday, M p. m.
WABC-CBS, New TOrk
^Campbell-EtoaU)
Raymond Paige, from Los An-,
geles, where he has been Identified
y^ith various- radio programs. Is con-
ducting this manunoth orchestra of
S9 men from a CBS playhouse in
.New York. A musician who is also
a showman, Paige tackled a tough
assignment and on his first broad-
cast last Wednesday (22) emerged
brilliantly.
Paige made out a strong case for
volume. It has been customary to
regard the radio orchestra as re-
quiring never more than . 40 men.
Symphonies, of course, were con-
ceded to be exceptions. Paige now
shpws that effects, can be drawn out
of undertone-dominated arrdnge-
ments which will fntroduce fresh
SosslblUties to popular music ren-
ered in the grand manner. An or-
chestra need not have 99 men, but
If it does and they are under au-
tboritative. direction and manipu-
lated for massive harmonies, the en-
tertainment result can be music that
Vill stand out above the common-
place virtues of the monotonously
good, average radio en<;embles.
That's sun-clear.
. Perhaps the train effect, as the
regiment barged into a Dixie med-
ley, best illustrated what blends and
colorations can be extracted from
the interplay of choirs of four and
eight men per instrument This was
a stand-up-and-cheer novelty. Other
rich tone Innovations came In the
Gypsy Airs, where the 24 fiddles
caipe In like roses on the June
zephyrs. The half hour, jn fact,
was on wings.
HUdegarde (SeU) was the skirted
minority In the '99 Men and a Girl'
title. (A compromise when Univer-
sal wouldn't okay use of Its Durbin-
Stokowski '100 Men and a Girl' tlUe).
This was easily her finest radio op-
portunity. Both as a showcase for
tier talents and as a bright radiance
In ballyhoo possibilities, this booking
goes down as her dream-chance: .
She came through the first broad-
cast with a neat click and, in the
weeks to tome, ought, by all the
omens, to find herself on the esca-
lator. Although prominent for some
time In radio and in the class New
York, Paris and London niterles, im-
tll now she's been an In-and-outer.
Dan Seymour, an agreeable a-
nouncer, made the bowing of heads
In honor of the sponsor a well-man-
' nered reminder. hand.
TOH HOWABD, OEOBOE SHEL-
TON
With Bay Blooh's Qrcheetra
Oai;*, Voeab^ Hqale
30 Mtns.
V. S. TOBACCO '
Monday, 8:30 p. m.
WABC-CBS, New York
(KviZner)
This one is right from the crib—
com. 'I don't feel up to snuif re-
marks George. Sbelton, 'Which is
nothing to sneeze about,' comes back
from Tom Howard, ^juick-like. 'The
chiropractor kneads your back,' ex-
plahis Shelton. T need it more,'
puns the othei: half of the team.
They kick around that knead-need
routine like a- soccer tnatch and
come back again with a prolonged
discussion of 'ditto.* -It's unabashed,
low I.Q., ton of bricks comedy. 'Bears
the caption 'Model Minstrels,' but
the minstrel formula is. faint -
Show is heavily-cargoed with ^e
Old Apple Tre^' kind of hillbillylsh
music ' played ' with workmanlike
gusto by the Ray Bloch (consplca
ously unmentloned in credits) house
orchestra. It gallops along.'
This program, which replaces Pic
end Pat, has Its eye steadily on the
10c audience for pipe tobacco. It's
«mall time, small town,' backwoods
entertainment Biit lt,s clear, con-
sistent forceful, unmistakably In
true pitch, even though a low pitch.
Frank McMann Is the producer.
Land,
CABET WILSON
Talk
MAXWELL HOVSfi
WEAF-NBC, New York
° (Benton ft Boiole<)
Carey Wilson, writer and also a
commentator on Metro shorts,' guest-
ed last Thursday night (23) on the
'Ciood News* show from Hollywood.
Has an excellent radio voice, fine
diction and clear mike personality.
Both in style of writing anc' talk,
Wilson sounds not unlike Alexander
WooUcott though without the let-
ter's preciousness.
Spiel was a story of the unknown
man who first planted seed to raise
frain. As Wilson told It that dim
gure out of the past was the dis-
coverer of agriculture, by which man
developed tiie precarious existence
Of a nomad to the security of home
life and an established family. Both
scripting and delivery were concise
and vivid. Hobe.
JACK JACKSON
Ukke a Ohanoe.' wlita Etfle Atherton,
Hoffh E. Wright.
Comedy with mule.
86 BUns.
Tncsday, 8 p. m.
BBC, London.
Jack Jackson, one of radio's- top
band leaders here, made his debut as
ah actor, which was the only point
at which this Ught and slight stufl
rates ' mention. Jackson has done a
spot of spouting In his band shows,
which was what drove producer
Max Kester to cast him in. a full-
length role.
Not that his Job as a somewhat
hysterical young- physical culture
expert condemned to live in the
same house as ia girl he loathes (at
first) wasn't competently done, with-
in limits. But he made the charac-
ter at time so - bumptious and ex-
uberant that any sympathy dissolved
into thin air.
However, he's still a good band
leader, and his boys, with Bill WU-
llamson deputizing at the waggle
stick, put some' pep Into a thin story.
LYN HUBKAY
'Moods for Modems' with Genevieve
Bowe, Earl Bogers, Fenr Clnbmen
and Walter Gross
3» Mins.
' Snstatning
Satarday, 1:M pjn.
WABC, New York
Musical show, with chorus and
orchestra of 37 conducted by Lyn
Murray, is one of the International
Exchange programs which CBS is
trading with BBC in England. Show
Is thus pumped abroad as well as
into the domestic web, so an attempt
is made to present typically Ameri-
can works and folk tunes, which re-
sponse from abroad has Indicated
click well with foreign audiences.
Music Is of the light classic style,
with nice variety shown in intro-
ducliig an inoffensive comedy num-
ber each week. It's entirely class
from gabber Charles Stark's intro-
ductions to the manner of pi'tsenta-
Uon.
Orch, when caught, was slightly
heavy on the string side, but not
Objectionably so. Soprano Gene-
vieve Rowe, tenor Earl Rogers, the
Four Clubmen and the chorus were
all good. Aside from standard bal-
lad and folk stuff, standout was the
comic number by the Clubmen,
There's a Hole in the Old Oaken
Bucket' (and there wouldn't be if
ma hadda took better aim when
tossin' It at pa). Well done and
good contrast
CBS got in a good plug for Itself
with three portions of the Tjcnox
Avenue Suite,' written on its com-
mission last year by William Grant
StilL Two parts, uist .d of three,
would have been sufficient here.
Show, produced by George Zach-
ary, swell for its purpose.
Leslie Atlass sitting in for Donald
Thornburgh at KNX (Hollywood)
while latter east for NAB board meet
and huddles with William S. Faley.
Follow-Up Comment
•SHOLINa JACK*
Cerlal
16 Mlns.
VOOTSIE BOLLS '
M-W-F, 6:30 p. m.
WOB-MBS, New York.
(Milton Biow)
Tootsie Rolls (Sweets Co. of
America) Is trying out the radio
with an experimental. three-market
(New York, Chicago, Boston) hook-
up via Mutual. Its entertainment
' choice is a newspaper syndicate mel-
odrama, 'Smiling Jack,' which is as
full of action as an anthiU.
Episode caught concerned the ar-
rival of two airplanes on a° frozen
waste and the hi-]acklng of one
plane by a couple of nasty Neds
bearing the names of Dude and Top
Hat But In stealing the one good
ship, their Ignorance of how to get
off from an Ice' runway wrecks the
second gondola. That creates the
standard stock situation of .'Smiling
Jack'— the good guys and the bad
guyfi sharing a comnjon predicament
' — bu^ the worms always in charac-
ter
:' It's broad, hokey, obvious and con-
sistently Incredible. But Just the kind
of foolish exaggeration kids usually
Iflte. Rather well done as to clarity
Of dialog 'and movement Land.
Helen Hayes and Kate Smith en-
gaged in a. reminiscing spree on the
latter's CBS stanza for General Food
last Thursday night (23) after Miss
Hayes had completed her chore in a
dramatic sketch. The twosome re-
called tiieir amateur efforts- In Wash-
ington, when Miss Hayes had ambi-
tions to become! a singer and lAIss
Smith wanted to hoist the drama.
The chatter led up to a wisecrack
In which Miss Sniith made herself
the target She referred to their
past meetings as two ships passing
In the night 'me the ocean liner and
you (Miss Hayes) the canoe.' Pas-
sage woimd up with Miss Hayes try-
ing to shig and her contemporary
tackling Stokespeare. -
The sketch, itself, 'Molly Stevens,'
was one of ,those maudlm moi^sels.
A girl meets, a boy she knew in their
orphanage' dajr^ - She kids him Into
believing 'that things have been pros-
perous for her until hunger over-
comes her and she faints. After that
there's recognition -that they're made
for each- and talk of marriage. Spen-
cer Bentley gave a highly Ingratiat-
ing performance In the part of the
boy. ' Besides acting talent Bentley
has a voice that conveys lotd of per-
sonality.
Hedda. Hopper's "Brentwood' serial
on NBC.Blue Saturday nights at 8:30
adds up to a rather 'boring half hour.
Sixth episode (25) dealt with at-
tempts to gather material for a biog-
raphy of the life of Barbara La 'Vere,
the sale of which,, once it got Into
print would' keep Miss Hopper's
publishliig firm in the running. Char-
acterizations are convincingly done,
but the subject seems too weak and
esoteric to hold listeners on Satur-
day at 8:30.
Pre-program ucplanation clarifies
preceding events, but even so the
thread is sometimes hard to follo\7.
Miss Hopperls voice stands out above
the other okay members of the cast
Johnny Green's music held nice
change of pace and 1939 arranging
when heard on the Philip Morris
cigarette stanza Tuesday (21) on the
NBC red. Genevieve Rowe sang
helofuDy.
. This particular Max Marcin mur-
der quickie was not too good in that
the smell of the typewriter was un-
mistakable. Syntiietic .composition
left the listener expecting more than
the script delivered,' and there was
leakage in the logic Involved. Un-
pleasant too, that a wife, with not
very much justification, should spring
on a murder opportunity and carry
it through with unsympathetic cold-
ness.
Al Jolson's program '(Lifebuoy,
CBS, Tuesday) was hot a model of a
nifty radio revue when heard last
week (21) with Dolores Del Rio and
Margery Wilson as guest personali-
ties! To the contrary, it was a poorly
organized entertainment running on
the frowzy side as regards humor
and zip. It was neither broad enough
to be good slapstick, nor fast enough
to be deluxe amusement Cluttered
with puns and such sillylsms as nam-
i^g a perfume 'Stool Pigeon's La-
ment'
Heavy going was especially appar-
ent in the sequence with Miss Del
Rio, who was figuratively left strand-
ed in a balcony box, where the spot-
light picked her out and kept ner
standing doing nothing while Jolson,
Martha Raye and a stooge dropped
back into the small time.
Puns took the form of word play-
ing on Liberty and -Life (magazines),
on •'Valley Fudge' (Washington's
Birthday topical), and there was half
a dozen dragged-in-mentions of Ruby
(Keeler)- which Inevitably must
strike' many ears as aping Cantor's
questionable display of filial pride,
a', question in good taste that quite
literally divides the nation. -
Script is the obvious weakness. It
Is not drawing cl6an-'cut character-
izations. Martha Raye is made to
mouth such phrases as fmiitilate my
earmuSs with crep^ siuette.' Guest
stars are not Integrated with the
comedy. Indeed, the whole enter-
prise sounded as if it had been on a
toboggan lately, with -slackness noted
in all departments. - Parky'akarkas
was down to a couple' of minutes and
running ' on the battery. Margery
Wilson, charm expert was made to
seem less than charmlhg. Indeed,
her treatment was faintly Ringed with
belitUement
Entertaiimient score not snappy.
Easy Aces continue to amuse their
followers in behalf of Anacln on
NBC Red. Current neatly written
theme, in serial form, has the pair
separated, most of the' time but still
trying tb outwit each other. For
modernization, and a few laughs, the
game angle is covered by Mrs. Ace
being partner, unknown to Mr. Ace,
in a tea shop made profitable by
Bingo.
Etheir picture of the hulabaloo of
Bingo, its money counting aftermath,
and the idea of Mr. Ace trying to'
recall the shop's lease, granted at a
low figure, in order to lease it to a
prospective tenant at a lucrative fig
ure without letting on that -the white
elephant niece of real estate had
turned valuable, all congeal as enjoy-
able entertaljnment.
. BIng Crosby and his cohorts were
In fettle Thursday (23) on Kraft's
WEAF Music Hall. Hour turned up
Henry Fonda, Who first found him-
self between Bob Bums and Crosby
In a comical sequence .based on
Fonda's Missouri experiences while
making the film 'Jesse James.' Bit,
of course, dragged in Bums' Arkan-
sas locale, isecond place involved
Ellen Drew, featured in recent
Crosby films, and 'pictured Fonda as
a bashful hillbilly lover (accent and
all) seeking advice from Cupld-as-
sisting Miss Drew. Fonda also, toted
In his trumpet for a dual session
with Burns' bazooka. Sounded like
Tin Pan Alley in full offkey blast
and was good for more laughs.
'Good News' show from Hollywood
via NBC red last Thursday night
(23) was an - In-and-out edition in
the usual pattern. Guests included
Miliza Korjus and Carey Wilson,
with Gertrude Niesen joinhig the
troupe as regular singer. Latter of-
fered two solo$, then joined' Mere-
dith Willson and his orch In a dem-
(Continued on page 62)
DOC BOCKWELL'S BBAIN niVST
With Al Both orebestra, Joseph
Liiley elMlr, Fred Irving Lewis,
Eonloe Hyde, Ian Martin, Agnes
Meorhead, Elsie Hay Gerdon,
Sally Ward
Comedy, Mnsle
30 Mlns.
Snatalnlng
Tnesday, 9:30 p.m.
WJZ-NBC, New York
Doc Rockwell, a bright and origi-
nal comedy mentality, has Concocted
an engaging formula that has the
makings of a popular entertamment
subject to the if— big— that the ele-
ment- can be brought together bet-
ter. Imperative is the drastic Im-
provement of Rockwell's comedy as-
soclates— assistaAts would be the
wrong word — who must be clarified
as characterizations and strength-
ened as lines in the script The
comedy was on a sprained ankle
every time the professor or the club-
woman character spoke. The third
member of Rockwell's lunatic brain
trust, a businessman, did not emerge
from the typewriter smudge on the
sheets of paper in the hands of the
cast
This became a ca$e of the come-
dian sounding big timey and the
feeders sounding like fugitives from
OPEW, Podunk. In . fairness to
the performers Involved, it must be
recorded that the script damned
them in advance, although miscast-
in : can scarcely be disputed. Im-
pression was that competent radio
character actors had been tlirust
int9 comedy stooge -roles requiring
specialized talents. Painful contrast
of Rockwell himself with his strug-
gling, but sunk, support has to be
ended before this program can go
places.
Meanwhile, basically it's a good-
natured spoof on our deep thinkers,
a quiz show to culminate all quizzes,
a fancy-free blend of scientific pat-
ter and vaudeville nonsense. NBC
is producing the program as an ex-
periment to build up the blue net-
work, which needs more good pro-
grams. -The bu,dget is way beyond
sustaining averages and, most sig-
nificant of all, the stations are com-
mitted and NBC is committed to
hold time inviolable for 13 weeks.
Rockwell, of course, is doing it
the hard way. Gagging. about glands
and .Inferiority complexes Is suffi-
ciently bold. It's talk, and it stands
or falls as talk. ' That makes the
future of the' stooges vltaL Without
characterization and inter-play it's
just a Rockwell monolog, and 30
minutes is a long soliloquy from
chimes to chimes. The music of
Allen Roth's orchestra, was helpful
and nicely arranged. There was a
bit of pleasant choir singing, too.
Show had considerable zip despite
the uneven progress of the gab.
'Which fact bespeaks the sturdy
shoulders of Rockwell. But he can t
carry the whole load all the time,
or the brain trust will develop' brain
fag. Land,
ALLEN BOTH Orchestra
With Glenn Darwin, Karen Kemple
Moslo, Songs
30 Mina.
Snstalning
Sat, 3:30 pjn.
WJZ-NBC, New York
It's a more dignified Allen Roth
billing for this sprightly Saturday
afternoon half hour with Glenn. Dar-
win and Karen Kemple as vocalists.
The musical portion is in the same
suave orchestral manner which first
distinguished Al Roth's baton when
CBS brought his 'St Louis Blues'
show east on a national hookup,' He's
since veered over to- NBC as a staff
maestro, debuting* last week also
with Doc Rockwell's . variety pro-,
gram.
This 30 minutes comprises slick
orchestral wOrk by a full-bodied
combination, aided by Glenn Dar-
win, baritone, ^nd Karen Kemple,
soprano. Their vocal chores run to
the concert platform or - oi>eretta
school; Roth's dansapation Is chiefly
culled from the temporary pop's.
Combination of the two makes for a
nice weekend blend. Abel.
MILIZA KORJUS
Songs
MAXWELL HOUSE
Thnrsday, 9 p. m.
WEAF-NBC, New York
(Benton & Bowles)
Metro's Viennese import, who
made her U. S. picture debut In 'The
Great Waltz,' has a pleasant so-
prano voice,, but iteeds more ^ mike
experience to become a radio bet
Is apparently ill at- ease on the kUo-
cycles, on one occasion even cough-
ing nervously just before her selec-
tion began. She concentrates - oh
concert style of number, which also
limits her popular appeal.
On last Thursday's (23) stanza she
offered a Rimslcy-Korsakov selec-
tion. The Rose Has Charmed the
Nightingale,' for the opener and
wound up with 'The Gypsy and the
Bird,' latter being a coloratura se-
lection with fiute obbligato and
plenty of trill stuff. Her voice is
softer In the low registers and a trifle
hard on the high notes.
That her recording technique is
not wanting has already been favor-
ably evidenced on her Victor wax-
Ings of 'Great Waltz' excerpts, ' so
It^s seemingly- chiefly a radio mike
■ diortcomlng— at least judging from
this performance . Hobe.
LIFE AND LOVE OF DR. SUSAN
With Eleanor Phelps
Dnunatte Serlal
IS Mlns.
LUX FLAKES AND SOAF
Dally, 2:16 p. m.
WABC, New York.
(/. Walter Thompson)
Since the advent of The Life and
Loves of Dr. Susan' the writers of
several other daytime serials have
advanced the claim that 'Dr. Susan,'
In characters, theme or plot, has
much in common with their own
works. Writers concerned must be
short on memory as to the sources
of their material. If those respon-
sible for 'Dr. Susan' are guilty of
anything. It's in foUowlnjg Its recent
daytime predecessors in gleaning
from successful serials and building
a composite. set- of characters, theme,
and plot that, because of easy fa-
miliarity, assures quick Ingratiatlon
with the housewife.
Characters and theme of 'Dr. Su-
san' were given the mosaic treat-
ment within the J. Walter Thompson
agency, and the job of daily script
was farmed out to Edith Meiser, one
of radio's standby craftsmen In this
particular field. Everything about
tiie show hews closely to the estab-
lished formula for daytime serials.
Hardly any tried and cllcksome de-
vice, is passed up. Added to these
factors Is a high standard of acting
and production, with the combina-
tion Indicating a substantial and
faithful following.
Story has to do with a Dr. Susan
(^ndler, who, after losing her hus-
band-doctor- In South America, re-
turns with her twins to their father's
home town; The plot so far tells of
the stiff opposition she encounters
when she tries to crash local medi-
cal research and practice. Though'
Inclined to maintain a permanent
air of high tension, Eleanor Phelps
makes the central character gener-
ally absorbing. The supporting cast
Is of the upper grade.
Plug pursues- Lux's ' peculiar s^le
of rationalized sales appeal. 'What
does a woman want' most? Love;
romance. With romance goes charm;
and no charm counts without dainti-
ness, and for true daintiness there's
Lux and the daily beauty bath. A
crooner weaves in at this point with
a bit of dainty yodeling. Another
angle, of course, is that nine nut of
10, screen stars use Lux. Odec.
A. L. ALEXANDEB'S 'ABBITRA-
TION'
Andlenee Partlolpatlen
60 Mlns.— Loeal
Snstalning
9 p. m., Frt,
WHN, New York ^
A. L. Alexander, whose Good Will
Court caused so much controversy'
among legalltes that it was finally
forced off the air by the Bar Asso-
ciation three years ago, comes up
with a new Idea much along tha
same lines, but this time on WHN.
Good Will Court started on WMCA
before getting a brief networ': com-'
mercial.
'Arbitration* looks like a certain-
ty to attract a large listener-follow-
ing. It's probably the first program
dealln'g ; with - himan relations to
present both sides of a dispute; It's
arbiters on the first broadcast were
outstanding personalities, including
Dr. Frank Kingdon, president of tho
University of Newark; Kenneth Col-
lins, general manager of the N. Y.
TImies,-and Deputy Welfare Commis-
sioner Edward (^rsL
The onus of competition with tha.
profession of law is somewhat re-,
moved in 'Arbitration' via the expe-
dient of settling disputes on human'
aspects rather than giving legal ad-,
vice. Alexander also made it clear
that the program was working hand-
in glove with lawyers, '\^ho, he
claims, In many Instances prefer in-
formal settlement of controversies
rather than going to court The liti-
gants assertedly sign an agreement
to abide by the radio arbiters' deci-
sions before going before the mikes.
The program, however, has one.
major and dangerous fault by per-
mitting both sides to hold the mike
at the same time. . In two of the
four cases presented on the first
broadcast for Instance, tVe litigants
got into heated disputes and began
spewing some serious recriminations.
The danger of libel and criminal
slander that might involve the sta-
tion are too great to permit a situa-
tion of this Und. One way to side-
step this would be to permit only
one side to have the ihlke at a time,
plus time for rebuttals and re-ques-
tioning by the arbiters.
One of Alexander's chief, draw-,
backs on the Good Will Court his
propensity for sllnginig verbiage in
large doses and a tendency to pomp-
.ousness appeared' to be missing this .
first broadcast He naturally spent:
some time at the opening detailing
the program's purpose, but from
there on wisely remained in the
background, subordinating himself.
The intelligence of the arbiters
was a marked feature of the teeoff,
also the worthiness of the four cases
heard. All of them were heavily
driamatlc, but sounded legitimate
and holding clear-cut Issues. If the
'average Is maintained this program
looks like a click. It Isn't, for in-
stance, as tongue-in-cheek as John
J. Anthony's 'Good WiU . Hour*
(sponsored) on WMCA, and Its pro-
cedure Is as matter-of-fact as a Serv-
ice of this sort should be. Scho.
Wednesday, March 1, 1939
RADIO
VARIETY
29
DETROIT POSTPONES RADIO
Cheery Tone in New York
New business picture for spot broadcasting brightened appreciably
lest week with the campaigns under discussion? around the agencies in-
dicating a much stronger entry of seasonal lines this spring and sum-
mer then prevailed last year. One of the cheery notes was the surge
of activity from Sweetheart Soap. It's buying news broadcasts oh a
basis of three quarter-hours a week In all sections of the country.
Franklin Bruck is the agency.
Johnston Candy Co., of Chicago, is placing a campaign of 13 quarter-
hour musical transcriptions on 14 stations. NBC. has the recording job.
Spot Campaigns
(New, Renewed, Regional)
Frigldaire Blurbs Due
-Chicago, Feb. 28.
Lord & Thomas agency getting
more. visits from the spot reps than
the office has seen in many years due
to the scheduling of announcements
for Frigldaire.
Cooler using some 45 spots coast-
to-coast tied In with weather reports.
Sensation elKareta (LoriUcrd) may
take on. a crosscountry hookup for
• show other than the one, 'Don't
You Believe It,' that it has been
bankrolling over Mutual, Don Lee
and some 30 spot stations. In the
case of states where a lOci cigaret Is
not merchandisable the program's
local break-in annoimcements would
plug another IjOriUard brand.
Lennen & Mitchell is the agency.
Anto-Bad Supply Is sponsoring
'Champion Sparkers,' transcribed
popular mtisic series of 13 Sunday
evening 15-minute programs, WSAI,
Clncy.
Fitty-Hilrd Union Trnst Co., Cin-
cinnati, on WKRC for 26 weeks with
the 'Sun-up Jamboree' conducted by
Merwyn Love^ Mondays through
Saturdays, 7 to 7:30 a.m., has re-
newed for one year.
. Proeter A Gamble (Camay), started
Feb. 27 on WKHC with new tran-
scribed serial, 'Manhattan Mother,'
for 52 weelcs, Mondays through Fri-
days, 1 to 1:15 pjn. Through Pedlar
& Ryan, Inc.
Bodolph Worlltzer Co., through
Schwimmer & Scott agency, Chicago,
on WKHC March 1 for 13 weeks yi
thrice-weekly 15-minute transcribed
music programs.
Loose-WIIes Biscuit taking daily
news broadcasts on WTMJ, Milwau-
kee, beginning March 13. Placed by
Newell-Emett's New York office.
■ Transamerlean has arranged to
have the. new Dr. Caldwell's Syrup
of Pepsin series produced and re-
corded at WLW, Cincinnati.
Armstronc Cork Is renewing the
Heart of Julia Blake' series for an-
other 52 weeks, effective today
(Wednesday). The list takes in 18
stations.
This was the script show that
B.BJD. & O, put on a commercial
basis a year ago after testing it out
as a Eustainer on some 20 stations.
Haif-honr disc show has just been
placed with WCAE, Pittsburgh, by
Beatrice Creamery Co. through
Lord & Thomas. Airs once weekly,
On Friday evenings. ]
B. J. Beynolds Co. (George Wash-
ington tobacco) using 100-word an-
nouncements, daily for 13 weeks,
through WUUam Esty.
KJB Gets Wheaties
Seattle, Feb. 28.
KJR got the baseball plum Sat
(18) when Wheaties and Goodrich
Tire jointly signed to use this sta-
tion on all Pacific Coast league
games of Seattle Rainiers home
games and road.
Outlet is readying a merchandis-
ing campaign for these accounts
when the ball season opens.
. Borden HUk on KOMA, Oklahoma
• City, for "Breakfast News of ' The
• World' five days per week at 7:30
. a.m. Jimmy Todd handling.
WOB, Cleveland, New BIc
Vmtex Mfff. Co, two spots weekly.
through .Humphrey Prentke, Cleve-
land. .
Manhattan Soap ' Co., three spots
weekly, through FrankUn Bruck Co.,
New York.
Standard Vltainln Corp. (Candl-
cod), ;four spots weekly, through
Peck Agency, New York.
' Personal Flnanee Co., five spots
wee!::y, through Blackett, Sample &
Hummert, New York.
E. B. Mailer COb (chicory), three
spots weekly, through Charles A. Ma-
son & Assoc., Detroit.
Cleveland Trust Co^ ' seven spots
weekly (renewal), through Meldrum
tt Fewsmlth, Cleveland.
.Ironlied- Teast, one transcription
weekly, through ' Ruthraufl & Ryan.
Pfbffmaa Co. (noodles), six spot
programs weekly, through Hubbell
Ad. Agency, Cleveland.
Honey Tar Congh Syrap, five daily
spots, throxigh Foley Co., Chicago.
Semtan, three one-half hour tran-
sc:-iption, through Austin-Spector. .
Chicago Engineering Inst, ten 15-
minute transcription^ ' through
United Broadcasters.
Washington State Apples, ten spots
Hoiuewife Stuff Clicks
Chicago, Feb. 28.
Fit2patrick Bros, has renewed
Its two shows on WBBM here for
, another full year. First is "Meet
the Missus,' which are confabs
. with the gals in the clubrooms
of the city, and the other is 'Mis-
sus Goes to- Market,' which is
kibitzing with the gals in the
stores.
Evidently' It's', great stuff be-
cause it's sold a lot of Kitchen
Klenzer for the Fitzpatrlcks. '
weeldy for 26 weeks, through J.
Walter Thompson.
Tip-Top ' Beer, . six 15-minute pro-
grams weekly over WCLE,' through
Gordon 'Vlchek Agency, Cleveland.
Socony 'Vaenam, 26 15-minute
transcriptions over WHK, placed di-
rect
WEEI, Boston, New Bis
UUIIiles Engineering Initltnto
(correspondence course), Chicago.
15-min. live and transcribed pro-
grams, once weekly. Through First
United Broadcasters, Cliicago.
Albany Carpet Cleaning Co., Bos-
ton. Participations in E. B. Hideout
weather service. Through Dickie-
Raymond, Boston.
'H. S, Maoomber & Co., Boston
(tires), tie-in announcements with
U. S. Rubber Co. program. Direct
Edward S. Qnirk Co., Watertown,
Mass. (tires), tie-in announcements
with U. S. Hubtier program. Direct
. Ma£y-Morrla Desk . Company, Bos-
ton ' (furniture), participations in
Carolihe Cabot Sh()ppin^ Service.
Direct.
E. T. Slattery Co., Boston (wo-
men's apparel), participations in
(Caroline Cabot Shopping Service.
Through J. Clifford Heilly Co., Bos-
tori.
Snnshlne Cnrtaln Co., Boston (cur-
tains), announcements on Caroline
Cabot Shopping- Service. Through
Mina Lee Simon, Boston.
Walter M. Hateb, -Inc. (oriental
mi^rchandise), Boston. Announce-
ments on Caroline ' Cabot Shopping
Service. 'Direct
Gordon, Mfg. Co., Framingbam,
Mass. (apparel), announcements on
Caroline Cabot Shopping Service.
Through David Malkiel agency, Bos-
ton.
E
FOR PAPERS, MAGS
Bi|t Looks Like Broadcasting
Should Get Automotive
Nod in Autumn Unless
New Crop of Labor Strife
Breaks Out
DAILIES' EDGE
Detroit, Feb. 28.
Majority of auto companies cur-
rently are opening the purse strings
for the biggest spring advertising
splurge in many years, but meage?
amount figures to roll into radio cof-
fers, according to survey here. That
is, exclusive of coin already set by
Chrysler and Ford for the current
network shows.
Small portion of this spring's
heavy outlay, designed to stimulate
car sales when -lure of the rdad is
greatest, will trickle into spot an-
nouncements but vast majority will
go into newspaper and' magazine
copy. This will be due to several
factors:
First of all. It's too late in season
to think alMut network or local
shows, which require a buildup and
fairly ' extensive run to . warrant in-
itial outlay for talent etc. News-
papers particularly, magazines sec-
ondarily, are much easier to cancel
out .when things may not be going
so good. And auto makers are play-
ing a cautious game nowadays.
Metropolitan newspapers have
been doing a pretty nifty job in the
past year of selling auto-ad dis-
pensers on idea that sheets have In
past, and 'arcmudr better able in
future, to reciprocate with a little,
or lots, of free publicity and art
This angle, in addition to radio's
inflexibility, apparently has exerted
its effects.
.Labor' Angles
Third angle is that current In-
ternecine strife in United Auto Work-
ers, may eventually work up Into
lotta wildcat strikes when warfare
comes to head at two UAW conven-
tions in. Iklarch and employee fac-
tions start sitting down on - each
otner in plants. This latter- situation
could very easily kill gobs of
prospective sales for any number of
companies, so latter are laying ad-
vertising plans accordingly.
However, radio prospects' for next
fall look the brightest they have in
about two years, from, an automo-
tive standpoint, providing, of course,
nothing intervenes to halt the for-
ward march of auto sales started
last fall. With N. Y.'s National
Automobile Show in Grand Central
Palace moved up to Oct IS, three
weeks earlier than last year, and
with auto companies certain to bring
out 1940 models much earlier next
fall to catch the tail-end of both
world fairs, it's highly .probable that
several car makers will re-enter the
network show field again. Probable
among these will be General Mo-
tors and its' various divisions, es-
pecially Chevrolet, Pontiac and
Buick; also several of the inde-
pendents, including Studebaker and
Packard, as well as continuance of
the Ford and Chrysler programs,
although latter's type may be
changed, - -
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
I Station Ideas
♦ ♦♦4»«4««»« 4 ♦♦♦ ♦ ♦
'Selling America'
Shreveport La., Feb. 28.
'Selling America to Americans'
new series of two-a-week, fifteen
minute shows starting on KWKH
here, based on recent statement of
Boake Carter, 'Why do so many of
us in America try to sell the product
of democracy to American citizens
at large by continually howling hbout
the- defects of all the alien isms that
have the world in a state of super
Jitters?'
Program refreshes the memory on
historical events affecting American
civilization. Edward Murphey, of
KWKH-KTBS production staff, In
charge
'Advertiser s Pet Aversion May Del^t
Millions,' State Rndirauif & Ryan
Repeat Saleii Clinic
Akron, O., Feb. 28.
Sales Institute, which was set
up by the Ohio Broadcasters As-
sociation last year, will meet in
Columbus April 1,
Fred Bock, sales manager of
WADC. Canton, suggested the
Idea-exchange panel and Leon-
ard Relnsch, general manager of
'WHIO, Dayton, and the OBA's
prez, proposed that it get to-
gether annually.
Amos V Andy Shift To
CBS Rumored; Easy Aces
Growing as Opjiosition
A rumor with credentials that
Campbell iSoup Is contemplating
moving Amos 'n' Andy from NBC
to Columbia emanated over the past
weekend from the west coast CBS'
New York sales division stated yes-
terday (Tuesday) that as far as it
knew no such switch was in prqs-
pect
Angle going with the rumor is that
the account would like to get A & A
away from the. opposition of 'Easy
Aces.' Understood Ward Wheelock
agency some time ago discussed pos-
sibili^ of adding 'Easy Aces' to' the
payroll with the view of having the
latter act follow A & A on the same
hookup.
If the reported shift takies place It
will be the first time that Amos ' n'
Ahdy 'Will have been away from NBC
since the team went network over
nine years ago.
ADVERTISING AGENCY
SPQIDS OWN MONEY
Fort Worth, Feb. 28.
Rowland Broiles' Advertising
Agency of this city is using Sunday
quarter hours on KGKO for only
show of Its kind in this area. Pro-
gram Is known as 'Rowland Broiles
—The Ad Man.'
Wax music interspersed with spiels
about the agency and its facilities
for handling any type of ad cam-
paign.
Walt Lochman Baseballing
On KMBC for Gen. Mills
Kansas City, Feb. 28.
. Walt Lochman is new sportcaster
at KMBC. Replaces Jack Starr.
Announcer Is under contract to
Knox-Reeves agency of Minneapolis
which handles baseball for General
Mills. Previous two seasons base-
ball games have tieen aired over
KXBY (now KITE) but switch this
year Is to KMBC on the Missouri
side arid to KCKN on the Kansas
side.
WCCO's 500-Seat And
St Paul, Feb. 28.
Pure Oil Co.'s-new half-hour show
tonight (Tuesday) officially opens
the northwest's first auditorium
studio, a new wrinkle at WCCO.
Seats nearly 500. Former top capac-
ity of any WCCO studios was 75.
Demand of sponsors on several of
the station's larger shows made the
new auditorium necessary.
'Don Winslow* Ducking
Chicago, Feb. 28.
Kellogg Is dropping its "Don Win-
slow of the Navy' strip, off the NBC
blue web on March 31.
Show was placed through the Hays
MacFarland agenc; locally, Iiikely
that kid scrli^t will return to the
etner in the autumn.
Ruthraufl & Ryan has Incorporated
ita philosophy of merchandising
goods by radio In a pithily written
and enlightening booklet tagged
'HumanI Handle with Care.' The
work is marked by Its frank, realistic
approach to the subject
Booklet spoofs at advertisers who
insist on measuring the entertain-
ment value of a program. by their
personal likes and dislikes. 'Unlike
yourself (the advertiser),' states the
booklet, '95% of American adults
must think all day long of the time-
clock or the dishpan. They may not
have your anxieties, but they en-
dure monotony, which has even
greater effect upon desires when
work is over for the day. They want
release— escape into glamour, adven-
ture, gaiety, tears, laughter— into a
world ruled by emotions they enjoy,
however superficial and meretricious
those feelings may be— they are the
elements that grip the movie-goer
and tabloid reader who sits, at the
receiver.'
What may be the advertiser's pet
aversion, continues the booklet, may
be the 'delight of miiUohs of listeners
who bolt their very food not to miss
a single syllable of what seems to
them the acme .of melody and wit,*
Other excerpts on the same theme
foUow:
'Remember always that you (the
advertiser) are not the final judge —
riot if you're in business for a profit
You're only the fellow who is doing
his best to make an 'understanding
selection for the approval of a hun-
dred thousand— or a million — or ten
milliori— or more — ^people with a
dead level of taste and sophistication
which is bound to be below your
own.
'Make no mistake about it . The
worst adviser on earth— when It
comes to radio shows— is often your
most cultivated associate.
^adio knows no social 'register, no.
■right' or 'wrong' side of the rail-!
road tracks, no distinctions of wealth
nor position. It doesn't even stop to'
inquire, 'Can you read?' Neither do
foods, beverages, tobacco, soaps,
household articles, nor any of - the,
great mass-produced articles of
American ' commerce.'
Mntnal Prefers Station
Contact; OldalMm W(!A|<
Asked Contract Cfaiige
Mutual doesn't like the Idea of
shifting contractual obligations aa
far as the Oklahoma Network is con-
cemed.'_ Group t>ehlnd the latter re-
gional wants the O. N. made the
other party to the agreement, . but
Mutual prefers to have KTOR,
Oklahoma City, remain the lone re-
sponsible contractee.
Transfer is regarded as unneces-
sary by Mutual. It would rather
deal with the key station hi a re-
gional group and let that source
serve as the contact between the
regional and the national network.
Spadea, Rdter Merge
Joe Spadea, who goes off the Ed-
ward Petry staff today (Wednes-
day),- is forming a sales rep part-
nership with Virgil Reiter, former
Transamerlean exec, who now has
the Chicago representation of
WCAU, Philadelphia. Spadea will
establish an office in New York.
Reiter will be the Chicago wing.
Firm is tagged Reiter & Spadea.
MacMurray Joins NBC
Chicago,, Feb. 28.'
Ted MacMurray of the Columbia
production staff joins NBC here on
March 1 as director and production
man.
^ MacMurray will start on 'Vic and
Sade' but will be handed other -dra-
matic assignments within a few
weekr.
Jimmy Oercey on Fitch Band-
wagon over NBC Studay, March Stb.
80
VARIETY
RADIO
"WkAneaAaji March 1, I939
WHITE'S C0UNTER-PR0P0SAI5 CARRY
LONGER UCENSE, SLAFDOWN CHAIRMAN
Maine Senator's Radio Law Would Differ Substan-
tially from McNincb-Blessed Measure — 11-Man
Commish with 'Public' Communications Separate
Washington, Feb. 28.
An alternative piaq to the Mc-
Ninch bill for reorganizing FCC ad-
ministrative machinery is before
Congress this week. Second scheme
by which much of the criticism could
presumably be removed was offered
by Senator Wallace E. 'Vhlte, Jr.,
Republican, of Maine, who co-au-
thored the 1937 Radio Act and is re-
puted to be best-informed lawmaker
on broadcasting problems.
In marked difference to the recipe
written by Chairman Frank R. Mc-
Ninch and sponsored by Rep. Clar-
ence F. Lea of California and Sena-
tor Burton K. Wheeler of Montana,
the Democr'atic chairmen of the
House and Senate interstate com-
merce committees, -White suggests a
set-up which would reduce the dan-
ger of political dictation and .gov-
ernmental domination, without sac-
rificing protection of tlie public in-
terest via Federal supervision and
air-wave policing, i. Congressional
approval of his ideas, in the view of
communications industry observers,
would assure all branches of sym-
pathetic treatment at the hands of
individuals best acquainted with the
peculiarities of each.
Would Derive Chairman
Of Political Dominance
The chief feature of the bill is the
provision setting up tw . divisions of
Ave men each, one dealing with ^uh-
lic' and the other with 'private' com-
munications, and stripping the chair-
roan of the power to lay down policy
and dominate Interpretation of the
statute. Many other changes are
suggested, none dealing with such
policy questions as networks,' power,
ownership, or programs.
While refraining fro j policy re-
vision, the Maine solon would make
numerous clarifications in clauses
that now perplex licensees and
would standardize procedure in
many regards. His bill rewrites the
provisions dealing with political
equality, takes cognizance of the
-dilemma created by the no-censor-
ship features and the responsibility
for libel, and makes hearhigs man-
datory on applications for permits
to shift control and ownership.
Longer License Implicit
In White's Proposal
Longer licenses would be an au-
tomatic result of the White bill,
while he still would afford the com-
mish leeway in fixing terms. Mini-
mum franchise period would be one
year, instead of the present six-
month base, although experimental
ticlrets might bt of shorter dura-
tion and the commish could hand out
briefer certificates 'for other good
cause.'
Vital Changes in Legal
Mechanics Is Provided
ViU} changes are proposed in tl.e
legal mechanics,, notably those per-
taining to reheariiigs and court re-
view. The bill prohibits appeals
from either division to the whole
commission— which was often em-
ployed when the FCC was split Into
three branches— and makes a request
for rehearing operate as an auto-
matic stay of any order or decision.
Presently commish orders become
effective unless positively postponed
even if rehearing is sought. Longer
time is aUowed for both rehearings
and appeals— 30 days in place of 20
as now provided.
Important procedural point that
would be cleared up is whether
courts can review .commish decisions
on petition for permission to transfer
licenses or controlling stock, Bill
would make an appeal to the D. C.
court possible In matters of this
Ddture.
Rewriting of the present clauses on
the subject 0/ ' censoriship and po-
litical neutrality is one Important ob-
jective of the White bill Without
upsetting the obligation to allow rl-
. vals access to . microphones, the
Maine solon clarifies these features
by (1) limiting censorship power of
Ilcenseholders, but at the same time
(2) providing protection against libel
suits ,and (3) requiring disclosure of
sponsorship for t^lks on controverted
political or public questions. Station
executives could 'demand and receive
a complete and accurate copy' of
proposed scripts whenever apprehen-
sive that speakers may use slander-
ous or libelous language or other-
wise endanger the station: Deletions
would be automatic, subject to rules
which the commish would be direct-
ed to promulgate. No .station could
'censor, alter, or in anyway affect
or control the political or partisan
trend' 6f talks.
Except for 'public officers' any.
person -using a station for discussion
of public and. political issues must
previously make -a' written statement
of the name or names of the person
oc persons or organization upon
whose Instance or behalf such broad-
cast is to be made or conducted,'
while formal announcement of this
info must be made before and after
the microphone appearance. In the
case of 'public officers,' announce-
ment must. state his identity, office
and how he got his positioa
Unused free-competition feature of
the present- law would be deleted,
paving the way for broadcasters to
acquire their own wire lines.- White
seeks to knock out section saying
that no person engaged in broadcast-
ing shall acquire an interest in a
wire carrier where the effect would
be to lessen competition or create a
monopoly.
Briggs Hoffman, St. Louis,
On Texas Web's Board
St. Louis, Feb. 28.
Briggs A. Hoffman, local insurance
man, has. been appointed to the Board
of Directors of the Texas State Net-
work.
As Chairman of the Public Rela-
tions Committee of the Insurance
Board of St Louis Briggs originated
a radio program series 'Captains in
Peril' aired each Monday p.m. over
KSD.
More FCC Shmgles
Washington, Feb. 28.
Several more barristers admitted
to practice before the Federal Com-
munications Commission last week.
Newcomers were as follows: Alex-
ander M. Heron, Bynum K Hinton
and William L. Owen, Washington,
D. C; Beverly C. Briley, Nashville,
Tenn.; Louis F. Carroll, New York;
Henry J. Schintz, Ctiicago, and John
G. TuUoch, Ogdensburg, N.. Y.
N.A.B. Statement
Washington, Feb. 28.
' N. A. B. board took cognizance
.today (Tuesday) of the radio leg-
islation pending before Congress
with the issuance of a statement
Latter Indulged more in general-
ities than in direct criticisms or
suggestions, but it did indicate
that the N. A. B. board preferred
the measure of Senator Wallace
White -to the revised FCC setup
as provided for in Senator Bur-
ton K. Wheeler's bill.
Chairman Frank McNinch cp-
authored the latter work.
Jettabee Hopldiis, After
10 Years in Nebraska,
Waxiog Her Show in N.Y.
Omaha, Feb. 28.
Jettabee Ann Hopkins, author and
lead. of WOW serial. The Jangles,'
will start recording her program in
New York April 1 tor about 10 sta-
tions in behalf of the J. C. Penney
Ca She will assemble a new cast
and retitle the show.
Miss Hopkins' move to N. Y. came
after 10 years of radio work in
Nebraska. Series bad 26-week test
run here locally for Penney, with
the account gradually expanding it
to other stations via transcriptions.
Pedlar & Ryan has the business.
Haley May Go Off
Jack Haley's Wonder Bread pro-
gram's continuance after April Is
uncertain.
Benton & Bowles agency mean-
time is experimenting with a guest
star policy in an effort to hypo the
C.A3. rating.
Bye-Bye for Hal Wolf
Seattle, Feb. 28.
Hal WoU; for eight years chief
announcer for KOMO'-KJR and more
recently head of special events of
the two stations, was' given -big send-
off before the mike -on his permanent
departure .for NBC spot In San Fran-
cisco.
Special 15-minute program In his
honor by Dick Keplinger. his suc-
cessor.
Iirade Stuff-Radio
Myrtle . WUllams, head of the
transcription department of WHO,
Des Moines, Is a sure enough Nor-
wegian heiress — she just received
$3.76 from the estate of a Norwegian
ancestor — after all the counsel fees,
taxes, etc. had been deducted. She
bought a bracelet with the money—
on which she had engraved 'skoV
West Texas Syndicate Loses by 4-3
On Rehearing Bid; McNinch Dissents
Washington, Feb. 28.
Rehearing was denied last week
in the stormy west Texas case,
which for the better part of two
years has been a severe political
headache for the FCC because of the
interest taken by numerous Demo-
cratic potentates, including members
of Congress and influential New
Deal' executives. Commish reaffirmed
its finding that the Wichita Broad-
casting Co., originally launched by
the father of 'ex-Congressman Wil-
liam D. McFarlane, is best qualified
'of three contenders and that other
Outlets will not be adversely af-
fected.
. Reciting several of its original
findings last June, the FCC by a 4
to 3 split, rejected petitions of West
Texas Broadcasting Co., syndicate of
Wichita' Falls businessmen, and of
WTMJ, Milwaukee. Former crew
claimed the evidence did not justi^
many of the findings, while the Mil-
waukee Journal protested its appli-
cation for higher power might be
jeopardized by the grant because of
technical considerations.
Widespread Interest has been
aroused by the wrangling, chiefly
because the Commish originally
granted permission for Amon G.
Carter, potent publisher and poli-
tician, to move KGKO from Wichita
Falls to Fort Worth because the for-
mer town could not support a local
transmitter. Within a surprisingly
short time, however, the regulators
somersaulted and, in granting the
Wichita Broadcasting Co. plea, said
there is ample need and promise of
revenue to justify flUing tlie hole
left when KGKO was uprooted.
Politics filled the subsequent pro-
ceedings. Despite denials that he
was interested, McFarlane was re-
vealed to have urged the Commish
to favor the application filed by the
concern conceived by his dad and
later sold to the present owners.
Documents in FCC files showed that
the elder McFarlane stepped out of
the picture just prior to the hearing.^
Intervention of other members of
the Texas delegation In. Congress-'
w^'s solicited by rival parties.
Dissenters— who wanted to give
the losers another chance — were
Chahman Frank R. McNinch and
Commissioners Eugene O. Sykes and
Thad H. Brown.
Orson Welles is using a novel techniqu* In arranging and staging Friday
night radio programs In New York since he left town with the Theatre
Guild-Mercury's "Five Kings.' Outfit Is currently In Boston where it opened
Monday (27) but went to the Hub last week for final rehearsals, Wella
coming to tiie studio by plane on the day of the broadcast
Drama of the week is rehearsed In his absence and then recorded. When
reaching the studio, Welles listens to the record and then decides what part
he will play. Stated that the young actor-director does not select fat ports.
That has made quite a hit among the legiters In his supporting company.
'Kings' is slated to play out of to^vn for some weeks and similar preparation
of the programs will be followed.
Mercury Theatre group, headed by Welles and John Houseman, failed
with 'Danton's Death' early this season and sub-leased their theatre, the
former Comedy, on 41st street In making, the radio deal with Campbell
Soups, Welles is credited with assigning most of the air coin to Mercury,
to recoup the losses, group planning to' go on Its own again late this season
or next.
Robbins Music Corp. and Ferde Grofe, publisher and composer of the
'Grand Canyon Suite,' have been splitting $125 a week for the commercial
radio usage of the 'On the Trail' movement on the Philip Morris radio
program. Of this, the major NBC program fetches $100 weekly and $25 is
from the MBS dramatic sketchy which likewise uses that strain.
When Robbins demanded $25 weekly royalty from the Easy Aces for
Louis Alter's 'Manhattan Serenade' strain, long Identified with that script
show, the sponsors balked and substituted another theme. Similarly, CBS*
Sunday night sustainer, 'This Is New York,' utilizes themes from Grofe's
'Metropolis' and Alfred Newman's 'Street Scene' by special understanding
with conductor Leith Stevens that as soon as the diow is sold the music
must bring a specific fee,- being a grand' right; while the show Is sustaining
permission Is granted.
Rev. E.' Howard Cadle, 'personal' pastor of more than 300 churches
located in- the mountains and remote spots of 10 states, from Florida to
Ohio, will celebrate the fifth anniversary of his series of Sunday 12 to 12:30
p.m. sermons on WLW March 6.
Termed the 'radio minister' and claimed ' to have the world's largest
church congregation, the Rev. Cadle is a prosperous business man. His
interests include farming, fruit growing and real estate. He originaites hit
air talks in the Cadle tabernacle, Indianapolis, and has contributed receiv-
ing sets and furnishings for th^ churches whose people hear his messages
weekly. Last year, It Is said, the expense exceeded $100,000, most of which
he financed
Appearance of Ignace Paderewski on RCA's 'Magic Key' hour last Sun-
day (26) involves an unusual bookkeeping arrangement when It comes to
compensation, i Hie date was regarded In large measure as an exploita-
tion stunt for the master's concert tour of the United States so that the
payoff for the broadcast wUl be a percenage of the NBC Artists Service's
overall commission from the tour. The NBC Artists Service, which is
managing the tour and is part of the RCA group underwriting tiie Sunday
series, will likewise be charged with an appreciable share of the particular
program's hookup.
George Fischer, KHJ-Mutual commentator, kicK^d up quite a fuss when
he attempted to sneak a broadcast of Academy whmers in Los Angeles last
week. C^usht hot-handed In the light booth above Etiltmore Bowl, Fischer
got away. with about 10 minutes of the proceedings before he was nabbed
and plugged out Now Aciademy Is talking to lawyers to see if there are
any grounds' for legaraction. For years networks have tried to tie .up the
banquet without success. KNX attempted to pull a sneak last year but
gave It up as si bad' job after a brief flurry. Some tallc that next year
rights will be sold lor sponsorship with the coin turned over to Motion
Picture Relief Fund.
The New York home office of one of the major networks has a mystery
man. He's been there three years without any convincing, explanation of
why. Originally he was supposed to be doing a learned thesis on radio's
place In the status quo, but, after years of hanging around, as far as any-
body knows, none of his stuff was used by the network at the recent mo-
nopoly 'hearings! He sefems to know everybody, but nobody knows any-
thing about him. Apparently he's on the company payroll and he has ths
run of the ship. Curiosity is slowly devouring the staff. When queried
for personal info, the mystery man is as evasive, as a"banKer.
Ken Fickett, who is now doing production for William Esty St Co., has
yet to receive any trade recognition, excepting this Instance, for' his part
in the program, 'March of Minnesota,' which won B. B. D. & O. an ad-
vertising award a couple weeks ago. Fickett put the show on WCCO,
Minneapolis; and stayed on the spot with It for 30 weeks. 'When the series
folded his job did likewise. No nod of 'glad-we-did-lt' or similar pleasantry
has been extended his way by the agency which was designated as being
responsible for the 'b^t produced program of the year.'
Fowel Crosley's holdings in Crosley Corp. were pared by Christmas
gifts to undisclosed recipients, according to report published last week by
Securities & Exchange Corp. Wife Gwendolyn, who died Sunday (26) in
Sarasota, Fla., also played Santa Claus with some of her holdings. Head
of the Cincy concern gave away 063 shares of common in December, cut-
ting his poke to 150,406. Late Mrs. Crosley, who owned 10% of the cor-
poration, unwrapped 1,158 shares, hanging on to 128,374.
B. B. D. & O. no like the idea of Andre Kostelanetz's press agents send-
ing out releases about the guest artist setup of the Ethyl show (CBS).
Main point of the objection is the phrasing of these releases. They stats
that 'Andre Kostelanetz's guest artists will be . . .' Program also stars
Walter O'Keefe, and the agency not only thinks the self-spotlighting out
of order but it prefers to do its own announcing and thereby maintain
I>eace within the program's ranks.
Contract which WOR, Newark, signatured with the American Federa-
tion of Radio Actors contains the saine scale and conditions Which apply
to WABC, WJZ and WEAF, the CBS and NBC keys. In all cases the net-
work code psevails but with the imderstanding that if any modifications
are made for one all will benefit Only exceptions to the network struc-
ture as far OS prices are concerned Involve participating and flve-minuts
programs.
Lou Ruppel, new p.a. for CBS, was taken gently over the 'accuracy*
hurdle by his contemporary at NBC, Clay Morgan, on a claim to the
first remote from Albania. Morgan's letter to Ruppel cited that the NBC
Red network carried a broadcast of folk music direct from Tirana at
11:30 a.m, Nov. 27, 1937..
A nasty-minded >i!f?nkst6r made things unpleasant for WKRC, Cincin-
nati, staff members last week. -Worst stimt was shocking wife of Al Bland,
announcer, by telephone message that he had been killed in an auto acci-
dent and then ordering two hearses to the Bland residence.
February Issue of the Journal of AppUed Psychology, hlghbr6w period-
ical, Is entirely devoted to radio. .
Wednesday, March 1, 1939
VARIETY
tl
"I hdvttnt «»0n d movio in 3 yeors
. , . I've nevor mcI a Ixift seller
, . . I*ve never teen « ploy
. . * f ve never teen <t Idtge dty"
f «pkiMMi tiy th« iModcrii radio sIm ^mwI In Hi« conMit.
THE MAGIC OF MDIO
Mrs. JdMipli A* Pratxner of Mdyt
Hear* the ldte«l new$
Litten* fo dirdmo
Sdy«.^ "Wi^henl fddie my family dnd
Atfflo KStchdl « rfwwn h«r«, pr«twitin9 Mm. Pratwiar with « n«w IICA Victor
radio— IWft pric* in th« <ont«»t.
PRIZE WINNER in the contest—
"What radio means to me and my
family"— recently conducted over
NBC facilities by the program-
Alma KitcheWs Brief Case-Mrs.
Pratzner's letter echoed the state-
ments of nearly every entrant.
"Radio means heaven for my
child," wrote one woman of her blind
daughter. Another credited radio
with straightening out her wayward
son. An American, barricaded in the
loneliness of a foreign land, declared
radio was her "whole world." A lis-
tener living in the slums said radio
""keeps us from going mad."
NBC is proud to play a part in so
great a public service as radio. And
NBC is also proud that its Alma
Kitchell program— a 10-minute fea-
ture-attracts a listening audience
from Mays Landing to Nicaragua!
82
VARIETY
RADIO
AHY-GENl MURPHY HEEDS LEGAL RAPS
AT 'FCC HODGE-PODGE OF REGIMHON'
Pres. Roosevelt Behind Scrutiny — ^Devious Devices of
Commish and Refusal to Come Out in Open Sub-
ject of Disapproval— Radio Law Costs Go Up
Washington, Feb. 28.
Another rewriting of the FCC
rules of procedure— which now are
greatly at variance with customs in
all other government establishments
— was in prospect this week. At-
torney General Murphy, with com-
plete backing of President Roosevelt,
has embarked on a study of admin-
istrative, routine of all regulatory
boards as a result of mounting criti-
cism about dictatorial operations,
bias and expense.
Possibly bearing on the actual
make-up of the Commish and paving
the way for law changes more vital
than any now under consideration,
the Murphy probe will be conducted
by a six-man committee including
three Justice Department executives,
one Federal judge, and two outside
lawyers.
Natural con'^uenoe of complaints
re^tered repeatedly by the Ameri-
can Bar Association, whose Com-
mittee on Administrative Law —
headed by Louis G. Caldwell, leader
in the. radio legal fraternity and for-
mer Federal Radio Commission gen-
eral counsel — has been clamoring for
uniformity and restrictions for sev-
eral years. Most recent report of
similar District of Columbia Bar As-
sociation on tiie broad proposition
created heat, citing the FCC, which
is believed immediately responsible
for Murphy's action.
Hodge-Podge el Boles
While details are vague, the pur-
pose of the study is to simplify the
chores of the Justice Department,
which — in theory, at least — is
charged with responsibility for de-
fending actions of regulatory bodies
in the courts. Veritable hodge-podge
of rules and embarrassing differ-
ences in operating methods make
it difficult for the D. J. to prepare
cases, while lack of uniformity
causes comparable headache for the
courts. As It stands, arguments
which D. J. lawyers may make to
defend procedure of one administra-
tive body stibsequently may be used
by attacking attorneys In « case
Johnson's Crack
Hugh Johnson in his Scrlpt»9>
Howard syndicated column un-
der the heading 'Radio in Dan-
ger' last week, characterized th«
pending McNinch-Wheeler FCC
reorganization measure as:
'A bill to get rid of Commis-
sioners George Henry Payne and
T. A. M. Cravea'
against another Federal unit. There's
that much sloppiness.
Chief questions which Murphy's
advisory group will seek to answer
include (1) to whst extent the courts
should have power to review the
actions of the regulatory boards, (2)
possibility of adopting uniform pro-
cedure for all the quasi-ludicial out-
fits, (3) providing safeguards which
will minimize the merging of judge-
jury-prosecutor functions, and (4)
cooperation between enforcement
units.
Increases Costs
The study is almost certain to re-
sult in airing of lawyers' complaints
against the new FCC procedure
adopted last November as conse-
DERICK WULFF
...these things foo, we think
are part of the story of WLW
ITednesday, March 1, 1939
quence of the abolition of the exam-
ining department Possibility that
broadcasters will benefit, since the
present routine materially increases
costs of pressing applications besides
making the outcome more ccrjec-
tural. Among the principal squawks
of FCC practitioners are the failure
of Commish lawyers to come out
Into the open— they never file any
exceptions or take part in oral argu-
ments; they prepare the digests of
evidence for members supposed to
study the record; they guide and ad-
vise in the reaching of decistona
after having taken part in the or-
iginal evidence-taking maneuvers.
The present FCC system is notably
different from that of similar outfits
which perform work of the same
kind, especially the Interstate Com-
merce, Securities 8c Exchange, and
Federal Trade Commissions, where
there is a clear differentiation be-
tween the examiners and the law-
yers who present evidence at hear-
ings and investigations.
President Roosevelt stamped ap-
proval on Murphy's suggestion for
a review of this matter. Hoped the
survey will remave weaknesses and
point the way for material improve-
ments.
Committee consists of Assistant
Attorney General James W. Morris,
head of the D. J. tax division; As-
sistant Attorney General Carl Mc-
Farland, head of the D. J. lands
division; Golden W. Bell, Assistant
aollcitor General; Chief Justice D.
Lawrence Groner of the D. C. Court
of Appeals; Arthur T. Vanderbllt,
past president American Bar Asso-
ciation; and. Dean Acheson, former
Undersecretary of the Treasury,
WBIG Tower Blown
From 20-Stor7 Perch
Charlotte, N. C, Feb. 28.
Extraordinary speed by engineers
hai^tsdio station WBIG, Greensboro,
operating with unimpaired strength
within an hour's time after violent
wind squall crumpled the station's
160-foot steel tower atop 20-st6ry
building,
Tower crumpled, falling across the
top of the building with. Its top sec-
tion whipping down the north wall
and breaking several windows. A
cleric 'was cut by flying glass but not
seriously hurt.
Benchley Trek Delayed
Robert Benchley show on CBS
originally, skedded to ahifi to the
Coast following the airing of March
19, will hold in New York untU
March 26.
Broadcast there will be from stu-
dios on Warner Brothers' Sunset lot,
according to present plans.
PBEVIEWina THOSE UDS
Nancy Turner of WMCA, New
York, did a stunt Monday in connec-
tion with her women's program. Had
a jury of 12 men with Actor Eddie
Albert as foreman looking over the
spring hats for the ladies.
Episode took place at the Park
Lane hotel, N.Y,
KWKH's Leeal Baseball
Shreveport, La,, Feb. 28,
Station KWKH wlU air all Texas
League games of the Shreveport
baseball club during the forthcoming
season.
Jerry Bozeman will handle.
A January, 1939, listener
interest survey revealed
that WWJ led the other
three network stations in
Detroit by
Such leadership merits
the most carefm consid-
eration of advertisers in
the Detroit market.
mulj
Own«f and Operattd by
J Tht Detroit Ntw$
KtprMmttd NtKontHy. by
Gee. P. Helllngbery Co.
N«w Yo>l; Clikiga: Dtfroilt
Ktntu City: Stn Frtnchco: AthnU
Wednesday, MarcB 1, 1939
VARIETY
AND HIS
HAL KEMP ORCHESTRA
Beat All Opening Day Band Records
at the Paramount, New York (Feb.
22nd) with $13,000-0ff to a First
Week's Gross of $53,000 . . . .
Hal IfLemp (left) is congratulated by Robert Weitman, Managing Directoi;
of the New York Paramount, after establishing a new record
* Concluded a series of record-break-
ing engagements — Drake Hotel, Chi-
cago, broke all records. At the Palace
Theatre, Columbus, broke all dance
band records. At National Tobacco
Festival, South Boston, Virginia, played
to 10,000 people in one night!
Returning to the Air this Spring for a Second
Season with "TIME TO SHINE" for the GRIFFIN
MANUFACTURING COMPANY. Produced by
BERMINGHAM, CASTLEMAN & PIERCE, Inc.
HAL KEMP And His ORCHESTRA
Featuring JIDY STARR • BOB ALLEN • SAXIE DOWELL • JACK LeMAIRE • MICKEY BLOOM • EDDIE KUSBY
OPENING MARCH 29
EMPIRE ROOM
THE WALDORF-ASTORIA
NEW YORK
Paramounf, New York February 22, thru March 7
Shubert Theatre, Newaric - - - Week of March 8
Fox Theatre, Philadelphia Week of March 1 7
RECORDING
EXCLUSIVELY
FOR
RCA-VICTOR
Personal Management - - ALEX HOLDEN, RKO BIdg., Radio City, New York
Direction - - Music Corporation of America
S4
'VABIETY'S' U>NDON OCTICB
S St, Hsrtln'a Haea, Trmfalcnr Bqnar*
INTERNATIONAL RADIO
fhble AddfMi TABIETf, MNDOU
Telcphom TtnpU Bar BOIl-SMS
Three U. S.-Owned Oudets Broadcast
Under American Law in Shanghai;
Chinese City Has 40 Radio Stations
Shanghai, Feb. 3.
Offhand, about the worst place in
the world to own a commercial
radio station would seem to be
Shanghai, China. This great com'
mercial city, with a poimlatioh of
3,500,000, has nearly 40 radio stations
competing for an estimated 250,000
radio sets. It has, in fact, more
radio stations than any other city in
the world— and that includes Ha-
vana, Cuba, which has over 30.
When the Chinese were in control of
Shanghai, they ordered the stations
to gfve 20 minutes out of every hour
to the government for 'education'
and propaganda, plus the period
TO COVER
GREAT KilTAIN
TOU HC8T CSE
RADIO
NORMANDY
Fall Parilrolan of Air Time and
Talent from '
International Broadcasting
. Company, Ltd.
37, Portland Pla'ee, London, W.I.
Ezolulve European Ascnta:
CANADIAN BBOADOASTDia COBF.
from 8 to 9 p.m. for rebroadcast
of government programs from Nan-
king. Now the Japanese are more
or less in control, and the station
owners are still on the same old hot
seat from another direction.
However, Shanghai is a pretty
good place to own a station if the
control rests in American (or other
foreign) hands. Right now there
are three American-owned stations
in the city, plus one French-owned
outlet. This quartet doesn't have
to live up to the local government
radio regulations, The American
fraternity operates under- the laws
of the District of Columbia (but not
under FCC statute). What this
comes down to, is that the Amer-
ican-owned group does just about
what it pleases, so long as it doesn't
run afoul of decency considerations
or libel laws. One of 'the stations —
XMHC, owned jointly by the- Over-
seas Broadcasting Co. and the Post
Mercury Newspapers (U. S. firms) —
broadcasts uncolored news without
fear of any recriminations, for Amer-
ican law guarantees freedom of
speech and press.
Furthermore. t,he American out-
lets have snappier power than their
Chinese contemporaries. Some of
the latter operate on such small
wattage that they can't be heard
outside a 10-mile radius. While this
How to describe
a Champion in
77 words
nt CHJUiPIOR: KMOX,St.Loia9
LISTENEBS: Crossley, Inc. and Irwin & Irwin
coincidental studies prove that KM OX enjoys
more listeners than the five other St Lonif.
stations combined.
MTEBTISERS: EMOX carries 42.3% more local
and national spot business than the other two
network stations combined.
DEftLEBS: Typical conunent of typical retailer
(J. T Westfall^ Executive Secretary of Missouri
Retail Grocers' Association) : "KMOX has the
wholehearted ' and enthusiastic support and
cooperation of grocers both in St. Louis and
in the surrounding trading area."
KMOX - a 50,000 Watt Columbia Network
originating station . . . with the kind of local
service that makes "The Voice of St. Louis" an
exact description of the station!
50,000 WATTS
A CBS STATION
peep-squeak wattage today isn't as
big a drawback for the Chinese as
it used to be (isolation of Shanghai
makes coverage outside the city of
less value than before the war), the
Chmese still are a long way from
delivering satisfactory signals.
Translated into hard cold dollars,
all this means the following for
XMHC (cited here as an example
of an American-owned outlet):
Sevens-two clients, many of them
agents or outlets for American firms
seeking a Chinese market. Among
this list would be Ford, Buick, Ca-
dillac, Wrigley, KUm Milk, Carna-
tion MUk, Philco, Zenith, WesUng-
hous^ Frigidalre, Lifebuoy, Camay,
etc. XMHC has a base rate (eve-
ning half hour) of $250. That's
in Chinese bucks, which are worth
about ,17c U. S. money.
Emphasizes News
As just about everywhere else in
the world, music is the biggest pro-
gramming ingredient in Shanghai.
XMHC, however. Is somewhat dif-
ferent froin the other stations in
harping strongest on news because
of its newspaper ownership, and its
ability to broadcast uncensored
stuff. At that, music consumes more
hours, howevw. Programs gener-
ally are split because Chinese
dialects (Mandarin and Cantonese)
and foreign languages. Also plenty
of remotes from the niteries and
ballrooms. Not to forget; so far as
the U. S. stations are concerned, that
inevitable tSrogramming. feature:
puffing industry. XMHC right now
is running a series of 32 sketches
called 'Stories of American Indus-
try' (supplied by the U. S. Depart-
ment of Commerce).
Also heavily in use are recordings
and transcriptions, due to lack of
much local talent except in the
niteries.
Cofin Scrimgeoor Arrives
Mar. 21 from New Zealamt
Auckland. N. Z, Feb. 7.
Colin G. Scrimgeour. controller of
New Zealand's commercial broad-
casting system, will arrive in San
Francisco March 21 for a look-see at
American broadcasting methods and
programs. Scrimgeour has been the
operating' head. of the network since
its inception in 1937.
Government owns and operates
both the non-commercialj and the
commercial . networks. With the
entry of the latter Installation of sets
jumped to point wh^ they are now
to be found in 75% of the Domin-
ion's homes. Succ^ of the com-
mercial setup is largely credited t<»
the introduction Of such American
programs as "Easy AcesT and "The
House of Peter McGregor.' Iiast
checkup gave the commercial link
71.3% of the total listeners.
Owned and operated by Columbia Broadcasting System. Repr«-
■ented by Radio Sales: New York, Chicago, Detroit, St. fnonis, Gin*
cionaUt Milwankee, Charlotte, N. C Los Angeles, Swf Francisc*
OPEN HONOLULU OFFICE
Georg* B. Richardson and Sen
Carney Frisco Appefaited
Honolulu. Feb. 28.
Joint offices have been opened
here by Bowman, Hoist,- Macfarlane,
Richardson, Ltd., advertising agency
and Pan-Pacific Press. Fan-Faciflc
Press has been affiliated with B. H.
M. R. for two years and both are
affiliated with the Bowman, Deute,
Cummings, Inc., agency, whose head-
quarters are in San Francisco.
George B. Richardson, who was
formerly vice-prexy of the San
Francisco firm, is now secretary of
the Honolulu organization. In charge
of radio production is Kenneth B.
Carney, former NBC program direc-
tor in San Francisco.
QUEBEC INDIES PASS
AROUND SHOW IDEAS
Montreal, Feb. 28.
Pre-tested radio programs will be
offered to members of the recentiy
formed Association of Private Radio
Stations of the Province of Quebec
as, a means of improving program
service to communities. Members of
the APRS will report to the execu-
tive on all programs which click In
their respective communities so
that same shows can be used by all
member stations.
Latest development is in line with
a broad institutional exploitation
campaign launched by the associa-
tion for the purpose of making the
public conscious of community serv-
ices rendered by . privately owned
stations.
APRS is also reported .working
closely in cooperation with the Ca-
nadian Association of Broadcasters
toward a solution of problems whidi
are currently affecting mend>ers of
the national as well as the provincial
association. -
AlUiough the APRS of Quebec dif-
fers from the P-anpriian Associatimi
of Broadcasters in.that stations affil-
iated with the government networiE
are ineligible for membership, pro-,
vincial association execs report that
they are working with the national
l>ody of broadcasters I>ecause of
identity of interests.
MEXICAN STATIONS
PROD SENATE OKAY
Mexico City, Feb. 28.
Mexico will avoid plenty grief and
advance her radio biz at home and
abroad if ishe falls, in line pronto
with air covenants that were made
by North American countries at Ha-
vana and Elsewhere in the recent
past, the Association of Mexican
Radio Stations Operators told the
senate in urging that it reconsider
its recent action in passing up ratifi-
cation of these pacts.
The association argues that ratifi-
cation of these pacts is not only a
patriotic duty of Mexico, but it will
eliminate misunderstandings, with
regard to radio, with the U.S. and
other countries.
BBC Condescends To
Debate Own Perf eclioi
London, Feb. 20.
Going hotfoot for listener criticism
of another aspect of its programs,
BBC invited direct comment on
talk given Sunday (19) aimed at
ventilating standardized 'Wng^*''^
speech as practised by Its an-
nouncers. All staff speakers on
corporation's roster are required to
use set pronunciation of words with
alternative renderings, as indicated
in list drawn up by, special com-
mittee on spoken English, of which
Prof. A. Lloyd James is chairman
and George Bernard Shaw a mem-
ber.
In this broadcast, Prof. James will
debate in favor of standardized lan-
'guage with T. Thompson, an au-
thority on dialect and local speech,
who will argue the reverse - case.
Listeners are then .invited to cast
a vote by means of ballot form
printed in BBC's official lurogram
publication, 'Radio Times.'
BBC Gets a Hint
Of What Blurbing
Would Accomplish
London, Feb. 21.
Radio comicker Arthur Askey Iq
his 'Band Waggon' act has a gag
about an (maginary chemical prod-
uct called 'Askeytoff,' which he al-
leges is capable of cleaning - any-
thing. Idea is a crack at BBC's
bar against mentioning names of ad-
vertised goods on the air, so when he
dragged in this fake product in his
last broadcast he carefully explained,
'I mnstii't tell you what it is, because
that would be advertising.'
Promptly next morning, big Lon-
don drug store reported to BBC it
had received an order for a dozen
botUes of 'AskeytoR,' and could
Corp. tell them what it wast
It Speaks
Their
Language
CKAC
MONTREAL
• It takes three
radio theatres to
acxxjmmodote cdl.
the enthusiastic
Montrealers who
care to see
CKAC's live
shows each weeL
• This popularity
is easily ex-
plained:
1. Three-quarters
of Montreal
spedk French.
2. CKAC speaks
French.
Canada's
Busiest
Station
HUaHES, EX-BBC, ON WTHJ
Milwaukee, Feb. 28.
John William Hughes, former
member of the British Broadcasting
staff, is pinch-hittlng at WTMJ for
Nancy Grey, during her sojourn at
Sua Valley, Idaho.
Until recently Hughes was an am-
bulance driver and newscaster in
the Spanish war zones. On WTMJ
he is describing some of his adven-
tures and presenting the Britisher's
impressions of America.
International Chemical Co.'s new
bookings on Radio Normandy for
Limestone Phosphate and Lavona
inakes their total time from this sta-
tion two hours weekly. Their other
products thus advertised are Bis-
mag, Freezone, Anne French Cleans-
ing Cream, Pineate Honey Cough
Syrup. C. Mitchell Si Co. acted as
agents for the new contract with
IBC.
WELCOME, WELCOME LEWS!'
> ... says the audience ihor Ibtens to her
J SINGING BEE every Wednesday night
_J«I from 8:00 fo 8:30... Here's a show that
~7\/y' ho* everything: music, comedy, quizzes,
prizes. More than thot, it has the show-
manship of Welcome lewis. Some smart adver-
hser will want this program. Write W H N today.'
WHNl
DIAL 1010
Wednesday, March 1, 1939-
RADIO
VARIETY
35
CANADIAN PROBE
E
IT
Parliamentary Radio Com-
inittee Whitewashed Got-
emment Radio Network
Last Year — ^Whole Issue
Now Politically Embar-
rassing
ANGLES
Montreal, Feb. 28.
Parliament is all set to start in-
vestigating radio this week (27) but
the Hadio Committee this year has
Indicated that proceedings may ftir-
nlsh a decided contrast to the basty
whitewash of CBC policies which
■was jestingly referred to as an in-
vestigation last year. Private broad-
casters as well as other individuals
who have complaints to make about
the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.
will be given a hearing at Ottawa
during the next week or two, accord-
ing to C. D. Howe, Minister of
Transport.
Canadian radio is no longer a tech
nical or amusement problem. Basic
principles are now involved and con-
troversy has resolved into an attack
upon the Canadian Broadcasting
Corp. and the Liberty party by pow-
erful publishers, charging the Gov
emment with attempts to muzzle
free speech.
Policy of the CBC in hamstringing
private stations and refusing to sell
George McCiiUagh, publisher of the
Toronto Globe and Mail a CBC net-
work, has en^arrassed Prime Min-
ister Mackenzie King politically. And
unless CBC policies are modified, es-
pecially with regard to private sta-
tions in the province of Quebec,
some of Premier King's most influen-
tial friends will be even further
alienated.
With Federal elections due in the
near future it is conceivable that the
Government may consider modifica-
tion of the stranglehold which the
CBC has on private broadcasting.
In the province of Quebec the CBC
has incurred the displeasure of such
radio station-owning publishers as
Hon. p. B. du Tremblay. and Hon.
Jacob Nicol, staunch supporters of
the Liberal party, who are both
grieved and somewhat astonished
that an administration which they
helped into power should hamper
the free operation of their radio sta-
tions, when a former Conservative
administration was less restrictive of
their freedom. Tremblay controls
La Presse (250,000) and La Patrie
(75,000), two local dailies, and Sta-
tions CKAC and (JHLP. Nicol owns
several newspapers and radio sta-
tions throughout the province. ,
Domineering
Aside from the political implica-
tions in this province the domineer-
ing methods of the CBC have been
hotly resented in other parts of the
country, both by broadcasters and
publishers. And all attempts of
Transport Minister C. D. Howe to
disclaim Government responsibility
for a Government agency will
scarcely be credited.
It is significant that the hulabaloo
about American radio programs com-
ing over Canadian airwaves, out of
which viewers-with-alarm tried to
make a .national issue last year, has
been completely forgotten. In the
investigations starting in the House
of Commons &t Ottawa Tuesday (28)
prominence will most likely be
given to the refusal of the CBC to
permit use of the Government net-
work by McCullagh.
Publisher McCuUagh circumvented
the CBC ban by making transcrip-
tions of his speech for use on out-of-
town stations. The Radio Commis-
sion, if approving the CBC ruling,
may recommend legislation making
such evasion by transcription
methods illegal for the future.
L. W. Brockington, chairman of
the board of governors; Gladstone
Murray, general manager, and other
executives of the Canadian Broad-
casting Corp. are scheduled to meet
here around March 20. Understand-
ing is that independent broadcasters
from various parts of Canada will be
given a chance to air grievances
anent CBC restrictions which have
deprived privately owned stations of
major sources of revenue and pro-
grams.
Reports here indicate that the As-
sociation of Private Radio Stations
of the Province of Quebec may be
represented by counsel before the
CBC heads. Name of Aime (^oflrion,
K. C, one of the most prominent at-
torneys in Canada, with a rep as a
brilliant pleader before the Privy
Council in England, has been men-
tioned in this connection.
Among the most important issues
to be taken up by M GeofTrion, in-
volving French language stations in
this province primarily, will be the
matter of leasing telephone Unes to
privately owned stations for network
broadcasting purposes, it is under-
stood. Canadian Broadcasting Corp.
consistently refuses private stations
use of telephone lines for hookup
purposes when the CBC network in
this province was being overlooked
by sponsors in favor of the selected
stations with their far greater lis-
tener audience.
In refusing lines to the private
stations the government has virtual-
ly forced sponsors to take CBC net-
work here or stay oft network
broadcasts.
Radio Character So Popular in England
Newspaper and Fiction Adopt Him
I^ndon, Feb. 21.
Likely to go down to posterity
among the immortals of drama and
literature is BBC character, 'Mr.
Walker,' now rating as most popular
act in variety programs. Brainchild
of scripter Ernest Dudley, character
is a wandering junk merchant who
highspots weekly 'Band Wagon" pro-
grams by narrating real life conun-
drums he has run against, posing
them to listeners who are invited to
mail their solutions, which they do
in thousands each week.
'Mr. Walker' is played by Syd
Walker in a fruity Cockney voice,
rich in personality and picturesque
slang, and BBC variety department
is trying to devise how to retain the
character when 'Band Wagon', folds
for keeps in March. But meantime,
Star, London evening newspaper,
has signed author Dudley for weekly
series of further adventures, and
latter has also authored a first novel
written aroimd 'Mr. Walker.'
Zenith of fame is that character is
also being introduced into deathless
series of novelettes written around
famous Sexton Blake, Detective, idea
coming to Dudley after he had
scripted a radio serial on the adven-
tures of the fictional gumshoe hero.
Job wiU be done in collab with
Berkeley Gray.
BLACK HOSSE ALE RECASTS
Montreal, Feb. 28.
Frank Baker and Eleanor Bowers,
vocalists, are replacing Russ Titus
and Jean Mundy on 'Tonight at
Eight* (Black Horse Ale).
Baker has film experience.
Richard Mnrdoeh, BBC comicker,
successfully sued for divorce from
his appendix.
miTHOUWFOOTLIGHTS
• KLZ has the men, methods and machin-
ery that produce the kind of drama preferred
by advertisers ... the drama of cash regis-
ters tinging ... the drama of buyers buying..
The record of the dranutic pitch to which
KLZ facilities and performers are tuned is
written in KLZ's files for 1938.
A national food product sponsor writes:
"(5ur business has shown a steady increase in
Denver since we have been using KLZ." A
local packer says: "Our 1938 sales are 8%
over 1937. Since we ve spending 75% of
our appropriation on KLZ we shall give you
credit for 75% of this increase." A Denver
furniture dealer sends in his renewal contract
for the third consecutive year and comments :
"Our liiban and niral business has held up
remarkably well this year which we believe
is directly due to our KLZ advertbing."
KL2^ too, has a market that inspires such
nMrchaadising draoaa ... a market that com-
prises 78% of the entire population of Colo-
rado ... a listening audience that embraces
80% of this thickly populated "business side"
of the sute.
KLZ
mvet
CBS AFFILIATE — 560 KILOCYCLES
ArriLlATED IM MANAGEMENT WITH THE OKLAHOMA PUBlISHtNO COMFANT
AND WIY. OKIAHOMA C I T Y - B E P II E S E N T E D BY THE KAIZ AGENCY, INC.
METROPOLITAN STATION
COSMOPOLITAN AUDIENCE
36
VARIETY
RADIO
Wednesday, March 1, I939
Anzac Performmg
Rights Soc. m 3-Way
Tiff Over Licensing
Canberra, Feb. 8.
• The Australian Performing Rights
Association is engaged in a three-way
controversy with the commercial and
national broadcasting units and the
federal authorities over the framing
of a new licensing agreement. Post-
master General Cameron, who is also
controller of radio, has meanwhile
arranged to have the contract be-
tween the APRA and the Australian
Broadcasting Commission, which op-
erates the non-commercial stations,
extended until such time that all
three groups can get together for the
discussion of a solution.'
m lUT THt
RHAPSODY IN BLU
PAUL
WHITEMAN
and hit
ALL-AMERICAN BAND
Sma$hed AU Records at
Fori Wayne, ind.
Thouiand* packed the Para-
mount, Fort Wayne, Fab. 18th,
19th, 20th.. Management booked
band for aingla day repeat, Feb.
23rd. Results: ALL RECORDS
SMASHED.
BROADCtSTINO FOB
CHESTERFIELD
Wediwtdar*, <:3« to tm, EST
-Booked EzdwlTelr ■
ArtiaU Managementf Inc.
17 East 46th Street
NEW YORK, N. Y.
(»l«phoBa mTirar HOI Z-18M
F. C. C's WASHINGTON DOCKET
^ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦t»»««»f« «♦♦♦#♦»«»♦«♦♦♦♦««♦♦■»»<♦♦♦♦«»»*♦*♦»»»*»«♦♦»»♦♦♦♦♦*♦ ♦>»♦♦♦
MAJOR DECISIONS
JOHN BLAIR i-CO.
lOOO NIGHT
NBC
JOSEPH RINES
and Hia Orohestra
HARRY RICHMAN'S
ROAD TO MANDALAY
WU.UAH H0RKI8 AGEMCV
WnshlnEtnn, Feb. S8.
IlaumrliOMtdi: N'lx (or 'Wr'OP, IlOHtun, on Its eflorts to
awltcli from rcRlonal treoqciuy of 1120 ki'. to clear channel
(1130 kc.) now uacd b,v KSI,. .Salt I.alio Clt>'.
Boaton corporation la onncd by Arile Bulova, Netr fork,
watchmaker, who holds a, 000 out oC the COOO sharea or com-
mon stock. Harold A. Latount. (ormor chairman o( the old
Federal Radio Uommlsh. has l.ICO shares. 600 shares bolonic
to the estate o( Joseph KIrby and renialnlni; CO tickets are
held by Oeoree Cohen. Of 600 shares of preferred stock —
with par value of 1100 per share — Bulova has 416 -and La-
tount 84 shares. Applicant, In January, 1937, listed total
assets of )69,T87 and liabilities, exclusive of outstanding stock,
of 14,637.
Ben S. Fisher represented -applicant.
' Ohio; Petslateht efforts of a food terminal market to con-
struct a transmitter at Cleveland acaln upset by the Com-
mlsh, although only thrca - Commissioners ' voted to dony ap-
plicant's petition- for rohearlne. Chairman *JIcWlnch and
Commissioner Payne did not partlrlpato; Commissioners
Brown and Walker dissented, and Commissioners Craven,
Case and Sykes niotcd out the unfavorable decision.
Food Terminal Broadcasting Co. — owned by Ave stockhold-
ers of the Northern Ohio Food Terminal — already setting a
record as a repeater, priglnal roqueiit made In November,
1936, and denied In February, last year — after applicant had
taken exception to an unfavorable examiner's report and been
granted oral argument. Thrown down by the Commlsh,. It
filed a petition for rehearing or reargiimont In March, 1938.
On June 2, reargumcnt was heard by Commissioners Craven,
Sykes, Brown, Walker and Case, and In September Chairman
McNInch and Commissioners Payne, Sykes, Craven, Brown
and Case sat In on the second denial — Walker and Brown
dissenting.
Tills proceeding repeated when applicant asked for a cliance
to present additional testimony and pointed out 'certain errora
and Inaccuracies' In the Commlsh statement of facts. Case
was remanded this month lo the five Commlsh members who
heard It last June, following new plea to reopen hearings.
Alleged 'inaccuracies' In Commlsh statement were caused
'solely by Inadvertence' It was claimed, and applicant felled
to dig up any new evidence of a character which has not
already been placed In the record.
Squabble hinges, on whether the Northern Ohio Food Ter-
miner would not profit on the aide from operation of the
proposed transmitter. Outfit proposes to give detailed In-
formation to clients who rent market space on the quantity,
quality and prices of food stulTs on hand — with the intention
of causing consumers to 'purchase greater quantities of par-
ticular food items at the time when those Items are most
abundant and of best quality, thereby expanding the market
for particular foods at particular times and eliminating
market gluts'.
Commlsh nlxera held out for a 'broad, general public serv-
ice,' rather than a service predicated upon the needs of the
public food terminal and Its clients. Commissioners Walker
and Brown were of the opinion that the service proposed was
worthwhile.
Dissent, written by Walker, said In part: '...there appears
to ba ft place In Cleveland for another high-class local pro-
gram service. In addition, the applicant offers a needed and
vital service to producers of (arm products, to house-holders,
and to consumers of these products. This service is unsLvall-
able through any other practicable source. .. .The application
should be granted, because, In addition lo ottering a worth-
while program service along the lines of current conven-
tional requirements, the applicant will furnish a necessary
ln(ormation service, not otherwise practicably obtainable, to
the (armera About where and how to market produce, and
to the consumers on where and how to secure seeded food
products'.
Broadcast company had requested a daytime transmitter
with operation on 1600 kc. and power ot 100 watts. Repre-
sented by Arthur W. Spharfald and Philip Q. Loucks.
Texas: Bevy ot rehearing petitions, seeking reversal ot
Wichita Broadcasting Co.'s okay tor a new station at Wichita
Falls, denied by the Commlsh, though Chairman McNInch
and Commissioners Sykea and Brown diasented.
Other members o( the Commission tossed out complaints
of West Texas Broadcasting Co., another applicant tor the
same privilege; okayed change-ot-mtnd on the part ot Faith
Broadcasting Co., Inc., which asked to withdraw its applica-
tion tor a new station, and disposed ot outside squawks trou
stations objecting to Wichita Broadcasting granL
Attorneys for Wichita Broadcasting were Paul D. F. Spear-
man and George S. Smith. ,
MINOR DECISIONS
Alaska: KOBU, Ketchikan, present license extended tern-
porarlly, nendlng Commlsh determination, but not longer than
April 1.
KFQD, Anchorage, granted renewal ot license on tem-
porary basis, aubject to action on application tor renewal
and transfer ot control.
Ariuna: KUMA, Albert H.- Schermann, Tuma, license o«-
tsnded temporarily tor a period not longer than April 1.
Arkansas: KAKK, Little Rock, granted Increase In night
power from SOO walls to 1 kw.. using directional antenna sys-
tem tor night operation en S90 kp., 1 kw. days.
Elorldat WaUN, Bt Petersburg, present license extended
temporarily, to April 1 only; WAXO, Tallahasses, present re-
lay broadcast station license extended temporarily to April
1, pending action on renewal- application.
nilnnis: Mutual Broadcasting System, Inc, Chicago, granted
temporory extension of authority lo transmit program to
CKI.W, stations owned and operated by the Canadian Broad-
canting Corp., and stations, licensed by Ihe Canadian Min-
ister of Trsnsport, through the facilities ot the American
Telephone and Telegraph <'n., subject to Commlsh action on
Mutual's ponding application for extension ot said authority;
W0X13S, National Tlrbadcasting Co., Inc., Chicago, granted
license on en rxperimentnl ' ba.sls only, authorizing changes
In equipment, move of transmiller locally, and Increase In
power from CO to 100 watts.
Mnlne: WRDO, Augu.<it:i. denied petition to reopen hearing
In re application (or renewal o( license to operate on 1370 kc
with 100 watts.
.Massachusetts: WIOXWA and WIOXWD. Boston, Westing
house, granted power reduction, on experimental basis only,
trnm 500 to 60 watts.
.MIcNIgao: W8X1U. Evening News Association, Detroit,
relay broadcast license extended .oxperlmentAlly to April 1,
pending determination on application (or renewal of license
W8XUF, Sparks-Withington Co., Jackson, present (acsimile
broadcast station license extended temporarily to April 1
pending determination on renewal application.
MlR.<>aarl: W9XSP. Star-Times Publishing Co., St. I.ouls,
present (acsimile broadcast 'license extended temporarily to
April 1, pending action on renewal application.
New Slexico: KOB, Albuquerque, -Kranted extension ot
special temporary authority lo operate unlimited on 1180 kc
with 10 kw, using directional antenna after sunset at Fort-
land, Ore., to March 23.
Now York: NBC. New York, granted special temporary
authority to transmit network programs, to Havana, Cuba,
tor rebroadcast- on standard broadcast station CMX, operat-
ing on l:!60 kc with approximately 4 kw, for a period ot
30 days. In order to continue service to Havana listeners
heretofore provided by (:M(), which service has been sus-
pended because of interference; WjXH, Qeneral Electric Co.,
Schenectady, granted experlmehlal license for visual broad-
cast station on 42000-6COOO kc, visual transmitter 40 watts;
WBBK. Buftslo, granted extension of special experimental'
authorization to operate regular broadcast transmitter for
the experintental transmission ot facsimile signals trom
1 to 6 a.m.. using 1 kw, from March 1 to Sept. 1.
Ohio: W8XB, Cleveland, present (acsimile broadcaat ex-
perimental license extended temporarily to April 1, pending
determination on ronewsl plea.
Oregon: KEX, Portland, granted unlimited operation on
1180 kc with C kw to March 23.
rennsylvanln: W3XE0, WCAir Broadcasting Co., Philadel-
phia, granted modiflcatlon o( license to roduce power In ex-
perimental relay broadcast station (rem CO to 6 watts, experi-
mentally; WIOXWB, Philadelphia, and WlOXWP, Pitts-
burgh, Westlnghouse Electrical and Manufacturing Co.,
granted reduction In experimental relay station power from
$00 to CO watts, and 60 to 16 watts, respectively; WSXPF,
Farnsworth Television, Inc., ot Pennsylvania, Springfield,
present television broadcast license (experimental) extended
on temporary basis to April 1, pending determination on re-
newal application.
. Booth Dakota: WNAX, Tankton, present license extended
on. temporary basis only, pending action on renewal applica-
tion, but In no case longer than April 1.
Texas: KFDM, Beaumont, present license extended
temporarily pending receipt ot and determination ot renewal
plea, but tor no longer than April 1,
NEW APPUCATIONS
Calltonia: World Peace Foundation, Oakland, new Inter-
national broadcast station to be operated on 6040, eClO and
11890 kc, with C kw. Emission A-3; Mollln Investment Co.,
Palm Springs, new station to be operated days only on 120(1
kc with 100 watts.
Connmtlcut: WTIC, Hartford, Install directional antenna
tor night use.
Florida: Tom M. Bryan, Fort Lauderdale, new station to
be operated ou 1370 ko with 100 wstta nigbta, 260 watts
days.
New Jersey: Neptune Broadcantlhg Corp., Atlantic City,
new station to be operated on ICOO kc with 100 watts nights.
2C0 watta days. •
Now York: WBBN. Inc., Buffalo, new tacslmlle broadcast
station (experimental), using equipment of high trequency
broadcast station W8XU. on 31600, 86600, I860» and 41000
kc, with 100 watts, A-4 Emission.
Fennsyljanla:. WKBO, Harrlsburg, authority, to transfer
control ot corporation trom the Telegraph Press, Inc., to
J. H. Stelnman and John F. Stelnman.
SET FOR HEARING
Kansas: W9XAK, Kansas State College ot Agrlcalture and
Applied Science, Manhattan, renewal ot television experi-
mental license- designated (or hearing sines applicant ap-
pears to be using equipment 'behind the present state of the
art J granted temporary license subject to Cammlsh «ctton
on renewal application).
North Oarolina: WFTF, Raleigh, Install new eqalpment,
boost power from I to 10 kw, nslng directional antenna sys-
tem tor night operation.
Texast KRBC, Abilene, night power boost from 10» to 260
watts.
I
WasbiBgton Lobby
Washington, Feb. 2B.
Aspect ol the McNinch reforma-
tioa most irritating to industry ob-
servers Is the idea of having a com-
bination propagandist - researcher.
As outlined by the scheme's con-
cocter, the mouthpiece also would
keep the proposed regulatory' board
abreast of audience reaction to pro-
By JANE WEST
NOW RADIO'S MOST POPULAR
f
FAMILY BRINGS YOU MORE
AUGHTER JeARS and |-| E ART-THROBS
Prespnled by Ivory Soap ■ 99" .oo' t pure
grams and public's valuation on
services rendered b7 broadcasters.
This is deemed opening wedge to
one-man censorship.
Old hands at watching- how regu-
latory agencies operate predict such
an individual— in order to justify his
existence and keep on the payroll —
would gumshoe around, seeking
criticism of industry operations.
Enough trouble already, with the
FCC woodshedding stations which
carry programs ttiat don't suit the
tastes of single members of the
Commlsh or the staff, and the figure
hounds in the accounting department
calling for more and more data to
keep themselves entertained and
occupied.
poratiqn which reportedly Is destined
to get the license from NBC,
IICTFM TWICE DAILY
liWIEl^ MBC Red Netwe
INa.
NBC Red Network, 12:16 to 12:30 KM. EST
COAST TO COAST
Dir. COHPTON ADVERTISING AflRNTT
MGT. EO WOLF— RKO BLDG, NEW YORK CITY
r
Inquiry into the NBC acquisition
of WPTF, Durham, N. C, is being
agitated in the Senate, with insinu-
ations that Chairman McNinch is a
party to politics. Station originally
licensed to Durham Life Insurance.
Co., became the nominal property of
WPTF Radio Co. in 1933, a wholly-
owned subsld. Then asked addition-
al hours, although occupying a clear
channel allotted to KPO, San Fran-
cisco. The NBC outlet kicked, but
finally gained an option to buy the
Tarheel plant Nothing happened
until last October, when the oppor-
tunity viras seized and request for
transfer of control to the web
reached the FCC, with a $210,000
check in escrow' pending approval.
Reported the Life Insurance Co.
tried to talk NBC out of it, but po-
litical heat was applied. Another
angle regarded suspiciously is that
North Carolina politicians, former
allies of McNinch, set up a new cor-
Qaestion of letting radio legmen
into the CongressionsI press seats —
first break on the newspaper mo-
nopoly—is before 9 subcommittee of
the Senate Rules Committee. Pe-
tition of Fulton Lewis, Jr., spieler
for Mutual, complaining the present
eligibility test is a relic of horse-
and-buggy days, was turned over to
Senators Guy M. Gillette, Iowa
Democrat, and W. Warren Barbour,
New Jersey Republican, both of
whom are said to favor modernizing
the code.
Bill Card at N. Y. Expo
Bill Card, former assistant to
Philips Carlin at NBC in New York,
becomes assistant to John S. Young,
director of ' radio at the New York
World's Fair.
Appointment is '.effective March L
M Waggon' Unlikely
To Go Third Season BBC;
Conuc Problem Too Toogh
London, Feb. 21.
'Band Waggon,' easily most popu.
lar of light BBC shows, which has
done two- seasons, folds March 15
It is not likely to be renewed next
fall, as strain on permanent comick-
ers Arthur Askey. and Richard Mur-
doch is terriflc, calling for fresh ma-
terial week in and week out, with
undue repetition heavily frowned on
by BBC. Series is to be replaced for
six weeks by 'Fol de Rols* concert
party, already veterans of radio, and
John Watt is planning a magazint
feature on lines of 'In Town To-
night* or -The World Goes Round' to
follow.
Folding in May will be 'I.i Town
Tonight' itself, as also 'Monday Night
at 7.' Former program has beea
running six seasons, and ends with
a 200th performance which producer
Mike Meehan plan? to do on celebra-
tion lines.
ANDY
KIRK
And Bis
CLOUDS OF JOY
Featorlnr
MARY LOU WILLIAMS
Southland, Boston
Feb. 27, ttr Twe Weiki
Mirtssl Htmrk.
Ce»l-t(-Ceut
Teerttfty anS Friday
IO-.M-II A.M. EST
•
Managemeat
JOE GLASEIL Inc.
RKO BIdr, Badlo CItr. Mow Toih
MnoM nimimu ivB :
EDiMMPniar A ca:
ON IHE NBC RED NETWORh
Bait Bet
for Agancy
and Rscordini
Exacutivas
Taoo la
Krery Hoa.,
Tues., Wod.,
7 P.M. B9T
WIIN
AL SMATNE
Badlo's Ambassador ot Sons
"A inat •Isstr •! longt thit ' mk* ttij
linrttuto Usttw — Lodit Sebsl
Hct. WHN Artbt Bureaa
WBAL
means iiUineU
Our Washington Station Selection Is Easy— the
Audience Does It for Us— WRC
Wednesday* Murch 1, 1939
MUSIC
VARIETY
37
OBERSIWS NEW DISC FIRM
15 Best Sheet Music Sellers
(Week ending Teb. ts, 1939)
Umbrella Man .....Harms
Deep Purple Robbins
Penny Serenade ■. Shapiro
•You're a Sweet Little Headache . Paramount
♦I Have Eyes Paramount
Deep in a Dream ..Harms
I Cried for You MiUer
*Funny Old Hills , Paramount
God Bless America Berlin
Hurry Home '..Spier '
Little Sir Echo Bregman
I Promise You ABC
♦Jeepers Creepers Wltmark
You're the Only Star Shapiro
tMy Heart Belongs to Daddy .' Chappell
* Indicates filmusical song. t Indicates staoe production song.
The others are pops.
Inside Stuff-Music
Jack Robbins credits Doris Rhodes, CBS sustaining artistr^^nd inci-
dentally the wife ol a competitive music man, Jonie Taps, professional head
of Shapiro-Bernstein — with, making 'Deep Purple' the popular hit it now
seems destined to be. - This Peter de Rose piano solo comprises four themes
but Miss Rhodes sought' out the Robbins Music head with a copyright re-
quest privilege to extract the theme which is now known as 'Deep Purple'
(pop song) and use it on her CBS sustainer.
The song has sold 75,000 in 30 days, which is quite a pace in present-day
standards. As a piano solo, first published in 1934, the composition has sold
100,000 copies which, also, is unusual for an instrumental. -
' This extracting of one theme strain is nothing very new in the music
. business. Iiarry Clinton's 'My Reverie,' based on the Claude Debussy
' (French) work Is merely a rhythmic evolution of the first four bars; the
rest is Clinton's. That's sold 241,000 up to Feb. 16. Debussy's French
music publishers gets Ic. a copy royalty as a condition for not stymieing
ythe broadcast of the tune into Canada, as big radio commercials had at
' first encountered copyright technicalities when it was discovered that
Debussy is protected In Canada, although In the public domain so far as
the U. S. is concerned. Incidentally, the song is likewise restricted for
England, Australia, etc., where the copyright protection is still in force.
Miss Rhodes, after using what is the present main theme of 'Deep
Purple' as a lyric-less strain, received requests for the title of that song.
This prompted the Mitchell Parrish lyric, latter also having contributed
the words to Hoagy Carmichael's 'Star Dust,' to which 'Deep Purple' is
now likened.
Turner- Layton, songwriter and vaudevillian who has made England his
home for some time, is bringing- legal pressure to bear on the Broadway
Musk Corp. In connection with back royalties on 'After You're Gone,' a
tune he co-authored with the late Henry Creamer in 1916. Layton is hold-
ing Broadway accountable even though the song has been published by
jfoe Davis, Inc., since 1930.
Broadway assigned the copyright to Davis during that year for a re-
ported |2,50O. Deal provided that Davis pay the writer royalties.
Sophie Tucker credits 'After You're Gone' as marking the turning point
upward In her career.
The Metropolitan Opera Company of N.Y. for the first time since Its
annual 'Surprise Party* was instituted in 1933 will have none this year.'
The party is held at the Met the last Sunday of the season with all artists
partlcipatinig, presenting burlesques on opera and themselves. The occa-
sion has always been a complete sellout, gross receipts going to the Met's
reserve fund.-
Instead, this year the Metropolitan Opera Guild will hold a party in
one of the N. Y. hotels on Sunday, March 12, which will be attended by
the entire company, proceeds going to the same fund.
Song featured In the pic 'One-Third of a Nation' is called That's How
Dreams Should . End,*' although it is not announced in the billing. Harold
Orlob, producer of Par film, wrote both the tune and lyrics. Schirmer is
publi^ilng it.
Music Notes
Johnny Borke and Jimmy Monaco
turned in 'Hang Your Heart On a
Hickory Limb,' to be sung in Uni-
versal's 'East Side of Heaven.'
William Lava and Cy Feuer did
scoring on three Repiiblic pictures.
'My Wife's Relations,' 'Rough Rider
Patrol* and 'Mexlcall Rose.'
Eddie Cherkose and William Lava
cletfed 'I Wanna Sing' for the Re-
public fihn, 'Street of Missing Men.'
Georgle stoU and Roger Eden do-
ing the score fo? Metro's 'Balalaika.'
Frank Loesser and Frederick Hol-
lander deScd 'Strange Enchantment'
for Paramount's 'Man About Town.
Savitt Oou De<oca
Jan Savitt, currently In the Hotel
Lincoln Blue Room, has switched
from Bluebird to Decca with expi-
ration of his one year termer with
the former outfit
New pact, for two years, gives
him choice of tunes, royalties and
increasing fees as the contract con-
tinues. Did his first wax session on
Monday (27) lor Decca.
' Jack Mills has acquired the Amer-
ican rights to 'If Ever a Heart Is
in the Right Place' from Cinephonic
Music, Ltd., of London. Harry
Woods wrote it.
TIE-IN WITH COIN
RCA-Victor Recording Man-
ager Resigns to Lead New
Venture in Phonograph
Field— Stable Includes
Shaw, Dorsey, Clinton,
Kaye, Todd, Clark
TITLE UNDECIDED
Eli Oberstein has quit as recording
manager of RCA Victor to become
executive v.p. of a new phonograph
record setup financed by Chicago
and New York bankers. For the nu-
cleus of his artists' list Oberstein is
taking along with him Artie Shaw,
Tommy Dorsey, Larry Clinton, Sam'
my Kaye, Dick Todd and Buddy
Clark. No names have been agreed
for the company or labels. Enter-
prise will be incorporated at the out-
set as Discs, Inc.
Oberstein figures on turning out
records with three different price
levels.. The pop classifications will
retail for 3Sc and 75c, - while the
classical group will be from $1 up.
He doesn't intend to do any shipping
until April IS. The project has yet
to line lip a pressing plant and dis-
tributing outlets. Otierstein expects
to tie up on the latter problem with
one of the major radio set manufac-
turing companies, which alliance, he
points out, will give such company's
dealers a record line that will boost
their sales of combination machines'
and turntable attachments.
As far as studios are concerned,
the new enterprise will rent while
their own are being constructed.
Oberstein plans for the start to aug-
ment his present alignment of bands
with ia couple colored swing com-
binations.
Reputed to be among the venture's
backers is a syndicate which controls
150,000 coin-operated record ma-
chines. Trade regards this angle as
the new project's most valuable as-
set, as it will provide an assured
outlet of a minimum of 1,000,000 rec-
ords a month. ' Oberstein denies any
such affiliation exists.
Martin W. Littleton, Jr., is han-
dling the legal and financial details.
Slate of officers, including that of
president, will be decided on this
week. Likewise the engagement of
sales manager and other top execu-
tive personnel.
Leonard Joy, who was Olterstein's
assistant, has been named to replace
him in the post of recording man-
ager. Joy has been with the com-
pany for several years. Previously
he was a band leader, holding sev-
eral commercial network assign-
ments. '
Sears Roebuck Wants Music Pubs
To Pay for Sheet Music listings;
Trade Reaction Not Favorable
Kapp's Example
Ell Oberstein's exit from RCA
Victor with a group of its band
attractions is reminiscent of what
happened in 1934 when Jack
Kapp quit Brunswick to become
operating head of .the Decca
Record Co.
Kapp took away with him
what practically amounted to the
cream of the Brunswick . list
These switchovers included Bing
Crosby, the Boswell Sisters, the
Mills Bros., Casa Loma and C^uy
Lombardo.
ANTI-ASCAP
AMENDMENTS
PROPOSED
Seattle, Feb. 28.
With but 10 days left of the pres-
ent session of the Washington State
legislature. Senator A. K Edwards
has Introduced a bill which would
take the receiver angle out of the
anti-ASCAP statute currently in
force. Edwards' measure was by
Alfred Schweppe, member of the
law firm which is acting in an ad-
visory capacity for the National As-
sodation of Broadcasters in ASCAP's
court fight against the present law.
A bill repealing the latter altogether
is pending before the same state
senate.
The Edwards bill would permit
the copyright owners to do their
own collecting in the state, removes
the monopoly implications of the
present act, but makes it mandatory
for copyright owners to list detailed
information about each number with
the secretary of state. Also to pay a
fee for this filing and keep the num-
ber in publication as the secretary
of state sees fit' Infringement pro-
ceedings could not be brought unless
the copyright owner had compUed
with all the requirements of the new
act
OLDEST HAN IN BIZ?
Henry Hart celebrated 57 consecu-
tive years with M. Wltmark & Sons
last week. In years of employment
and age, 80 years, he rates as the
oldest active person in the music
publishing business.
Employees of the Warner Bros,
group, with Wltmark, helped him
celebrate the event with a party
Friday (24).
Move For Songwriters Guild; Would
Complicate ASCAP Relationship
Irving Caesar, president of the
Songwriters Protective Association,
stated last week .that he and^his as-
sociates in the organization may form
a Songwriters' Guild for affiliation
with the Authors' League of Amer-
ica or the American Federation of '
Labor if certain rights that they have
been seeking from the music pub-
lishers do not materialize. This
unionization angle has had the pubs
worried because of 4he problems and
complications it might develop in
the American Society of Composers.
Authors and Publishers where the
writers and publisher factions are on
a equal directorial basis.
Caesar said that the SPA would
move within the next 10 . days to
enter into negotiations with publish-
ers for a new standard contract The
publishers as represented in the
Music Publishers Protective Associa-
tion have been waiting for the past
three months for SPA to make a ges-
ture in this direction. Walter Doug-
las, chairman of the MPPA, has de-
ferred appointing a negotiating com-
mittee until the SPA had set a date
for a conference.
Caesar commented on the union
angle following a luncheon meeting
of a group of writers Friday (24).
They discussed the question of revis-
ing Article IX of the SPA's bylaws
which deals with the assignment of
rights to the association by the mem-
bership. This article had been at-
tacked in the courts as being invalid
because no provision is made for the
date of termination .of such assign-
ment, or for the resignation of a
member. Problem now facing the
organization is just how many years
should the term of membership l>e
made. Some members favor 25 years
while others hold that 10 years
should be sufficient
SIMON VAN LIER DUE
IN N. Y. FROM LONDON
Simon Van Lier, general manager
of Keith Prowse & Co., is due over
from London the latter part of this
week. It's his annual American
buzz-around.
Besides New York he will make
stays in Chicago and Toronto.
Sears, Roebuck & Co. wants the
publishers in the popular field to
underwrite a monthly" bulletin of
sheet music that the msillorder
house is considering putting out As
explained in a circular letter re-
ceived by such publishers, the bul- .
letin would be mailed to all custom-
ers upon request and also Included
with each order of music.
Letter further stated that the
mailorder house has no setup for the
compUing or printing of listings of
this sort and that the job ui»
not be done unless the pubs are
agreeable to paying for it Also that
standard tunes could . be included,
as well as special instrumental ar-
rangements, with the pubs charged
according to the titles listed.
Opinion in the trade on the Sears -
Roebuck project ranges from ready
assent to amused skepticism. Liat-
ter are leery about the current
value of the mailorder house as an
outlet for sheet music and also point
out that if the pubs start underwrit-
ing mailorder house bulletins they
soon find themselves paying the
printers' bills for • the jobbing
houses which make a practice of is-
suing monthly bulletins. The pubs
useato advertise in mailorder cata-
logs tmtil the federal authorities
stepped in and held that it fostered
unfair trade practices.
ASCAP Pedsion Failed
To Emerge Monday (27)
From Ui. Supreme Court
XT. S. supreme court failed last
Monday (27) to hand down a de-
cision In the cases involving the
American Society of Composers, Au-
thors and Publishers and Washing-
ton and Florida states. The findings
are expected to have an un-
precedented bearing on ASCAP's
operations since the questions before
the court deal not only with state
rights but with monopoly of copy-
rights.
One legalite who has been excep-
tionally active In copyright litigation
forecasts a three-way split in tho
decision.
SHIPPING BUREAU
MERITS LOOKED INTO
Committee appointed by Walter
G. Douglas, chairman of the Music
Publishers^ Protective Association,
will meet next week to consider the
advisability of establishing a central
shipping source to service syndicate
stores.
Members of the committee are
Saul Immerman,. of the Warner
Bros, group; Louis Bernstein, Jack
Bregman, Lester Santly and Abe
Olman.
Hot Gobs May End
Commodore Music Tieup
United Hot Clubs, which now has
around 25 branches and 5,000 . mem-
bers, may not continue' its present
arrangement with the Commodore
music shops In Manhattan, Latter
specialize in re-issues of swing
classics, or In specialty records of
its own origin. Club members have
enjoyed a discount
Question being considered now Is
whether the United Hot Clul>;3, as an
organization, will in the near future
make records under its own labels:
Esotcrlc releases press an average
of SCO discs, but demand items some-
times go to 2,000, or better.
38 VARIETY
MUSIC— DANCE BANDS
Wednesday, March 1, 1939
On the Upbeat
Gene Ksupa's swingsters open
March 4 at College Inn, Chicago.
Joe Frasetto's orch opens at Jack
Lynch's Walton roof, Philadelphia,
tomorrow night (Thursday), replac-
ing Jeno Donath.
Dance remotes beginning to air
from Chicago last week over Mutual
include Orrin Tucker from the Pal-
mer House, Bob Crosby from the
Blackhawk, Ina Ray Hutton from
the Rose Bowl cafe,. Dick Jurgens
from the Trianoa
Billy Tates, out of Pittsburgh,
opened at El Tivoli in Dallas, Tex.,
Tuesday (28) for indefinite stay after
rounding out two months at Chez
Ami in Buffalo.
Bemie Cnmmtns' option at Wil-
liam Peim hotel's Chatterbox, Pitts-
burgh, picked up for additional four
weeks and likely to stay until Urban
Roof opens in May.
Nelson Maples and his KQV, Pitts-
burgh, staff group booked into Web-
ster Ball hotel there for week-end
dancing, replacing Buzzy Kountz
band, with latter staying on as m.c.
Jimmy. Peyton crew just renewed
for third successive year at Plaza
cafe, Pittsburgh. New deal's for six
months.
Joe Bavell band moves into New
Penn, Pittsburgh, March 6, for foui-
weeks, with Mike Riley taking to
road afterj two-month stay.
Glenn HlUei- orchestra, which
opens a four-week stay at Meadow-
brook, Cedar Grove, N. J., March 5,
opens the season at the Glen Island
Casino, N, Y., about May 15.
Abe Lyman orchestra and Lyn
Murray's chorus record a series of
San Francisco Fair aimed tunes this
week for Decca. Doing 'Golden
Gate,' 'San Francisco,' 'California
Here I Come' and 'Home ia Pasa-
dena.'
Horace Heldt made 16 transcrip-
tions for Associated Music Publish-
ers which will be distributed to AMP
radio subscribers. Platters ar* first
Heidt has made, with more expected
to follow.
Gray Gordon makes a second set
of 12 transcriptions for NBC March
15. Band stays at the Hotel KdisOn,
N. Y., until April 4.
Nan Wynn, radio sustalner and
recording singer, indefinitely at the
Famous Door, N. Y.
BANDMEN'S CONVENTION
In Town of tZfitt Where Assn.
President Lives
Cedar Rapids, Feb. 28.
Bandmen from many places are
meeting in Fort Dodge, la., this
week for annual convention of
National Bandmasters' association.
Karl King is president of association.
A 60-piece band has been recruited
for a concert during the meeting.
Awarding of the convention to Ft.
Dodge, which has a population of 21,-
895, was tribute to King, who lives
there.
CONGRATULATIONS
TO
LEO ROBIN AND
RALPH RAINGER
FOR HAVING RECEIVED
THE ACADEMY AWARD
FOR THE BEST SONG OF 1938
Thanks for the Memory
•
Their Current Songs from
Poramount's *TABIS HONEYMOON"
Starring Biiig Crosby
Are Making History
"I HAVE EYES"
"YOU'RE A
SWEET UHLE HEADACHE"
"THE FUNNY OLD HILLS"
"JOOBALAF'
Paramount Music Corp., 1619 B'way, New York
Network Flags, 8 A.M. to 1 AJH.
Folloioind is a totalization of the combined plugs of current tunes on NBC iWEAP and WJZ), and CBS
(WABC) computed for the week from Monday through Sunday (Feb. 20-26). Total represents accumulated
performances on the two major networks from sa.m.tol a. m. In 'Soured column, * denotes film song, t legit
tunes, and pop' speaks for itself.
GRAND
TITLE. PUBUSHEB. SOURCE. TOTAL.
Deep Purple Bobbins Pop 61
Penny Serenade Shaoiro Pop 35
Gotta Get Some Shuteye Berlin Pop 34
Could Be ; Santly Pop -31
This Can't Be Love Chpppell tBoys from Syracuse 28-
You're a Sweet Little Headache Paramount 'Paris Honeymoon 28
I Get Along Without You Very Well Famous Pop 26
I Have Eyes Paramount *Paris Honeymoon 26
Umbrella Man Harms Pop 26
Heaven Can Wait Remick ......Pop 23
Jeepers Creepers Witmark ♦Going Places 24
We've Come a Long Way Together Feist Pop 24
This Is It Chappell tStars in Your Eyes 24
I Cried for You Miller Pop ; 23
Thanks for Everything... .....Bobbins ■ 'Thanks for Everything. ..23
Hurry Home Spier Pop , 23
Hold Tight.. Exclusive ....Pop 22
I Promise You ABC Pop 21
I Go for That „ Famous *St. Louis Blues \ > 21
Between a Kiss and a Sigh Santly Pop 21
Chop Sticks , Shapiro Pop ; 21
This Night Bregman 'Honolulu 20
We Speak of You Often Olman Pop ; 20
Bainbow Valley Morris Pop 20
Good for Nothing Witmark Pop 19
Room with a View Bregman Pop 19
I Long to Belong to You Red Star Pop ig
Masquerade Is Over Crawford Poo ig
Deep in a Dream Harms Pop ig
My Heart Belong^ to Daddy Chappell tLeave It to Me 17
Honolulu Bregman 'Honolulu 17
They Say Witmark Pop , ig.
We'll Never Know Berlin Pop , 15
Get Out of Town .Chappell tLeave It to Me 05
Let's Stop the Clock Remick
Blame It On My Last Affair Mills ....
Annabelle Feist
Begin the Beguine Harms...
It Took a Million Years Lincoln..,
Little Sir Echo..... Bregman.
Never Felt Better MUler.
.Pop
.Pop
, Pop
, Pop
•Pop
, Pop
.Poo
You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby. . .Remick 'Hard to Get.
Among Those Sailing.. ' Marks Pop
I Must See Annie Tonight jBregman Pop
15
14
14
14
14
14
13
13
13
F.D.R. Jones. ~ ........... .\\..].\ Chappell. ................ ..tSing Out the News! i i ! i ; i i i I .' 10
10
10
10
10
10
My Reverie Bobbins
Romance Runs in the Family Ager..
I Want My Share of Love Harms.
Singin' in the Saddle Powell
Lovely Debutante. ....Fox...
, Pop
. Pop
.Pod
, .Pop
. Pop
Band Bookings
Jimmy Dorsey one-nites March 18
at Philly's Penn A. C. Ballroom,
moves to the Flatbush theatre,
Brooklyn, April 7 and takes in two
weeks theatre dates starting April
28 with a one-weeker at the Circle,
Indianapolis.
Red Nichols to Netherland Plaza
Hotel, Cincinnati, March 14, four
weeks, for ROK.
Freddie Fish,er, Lookout House,
Covington, Ky., four weeks, March 8.
Jack Fulton . at the Orpheum,
Springfield, 111., March 10-11 thence
to Lincoln, Decatur, 111., on the 12th
via ROK.
Charlie Agilew, Michigan theatre,
Ann Arbor, Mich., March 19-20.
Frank Dailey, Paramount, Ft.
Wayne, March 14-16 for ROK.
Claude Hopkins, U. of West Vir-
ginia, Morganstown, W. Va, March 3.
Joseph Sudy, Nicollet Hotel, Minn.
April 8 indefinitely. Closes Cosmo-
politan Hotel, Denver, April 6.
Rita Rio, Freeport theatre. Free-
port, L. I„ today (1) to Friday.
Rudy Bundy, Henry Grady Hotel,
Atlanta, March 24 for six weeks.
Lou Breese, U. of Iowa, Iowa City,
Friday (3).
Earl Hines, one-nighters, St
Joseph, Mo., and Sioux City, Iowa,
March 11 and 12.
Larry Clinton leaves Meadow-
brook, Cedar Grove, N. J., March 4
for one-nighters carrying him
through east and south till April 21.
Claude Hopkins, Trianon Ballroom,
Fort Lauderdale, Fla., April 8. Har-
lem Square club, Miami, April 9.
Benny Carter, Yale U. Ball, New
Haven, March 17.
Canadian Set Sales Off
Washington, Feb. 28.
Radio set sales in Canada slumped
during 1938, according to reports
reaching the Commerce Department
from Ottawa. Dominion dealers
took only 211,470 units worth $17,-
119,850 in comparison with 232,343
sets worth $20,039,146 in 1937. In-
ventories were down over 8,500 at
the year-end.
Production schedule for the first
three months of 1939 is for 19,799
sets, including 1,450 automobile re-
ceivers and 4,150 battery sets
Rebuff Wanger
(Continued from page 3)
Ish market because It has been In-
dicated In the past that such a sub-
ject was regarded as too delicate to
be treated on the screen.
Industry heads also pointed to the
big money-makers at the box office
in recent months, and could put
their finger on no illm that even
hinted of being propagandistic.
In defending the present produc-
tion code, HaysTans~cBimed that it
required three or four years to pre-
pare so that a producer could tell
what he could do and could not do.
They said there Is little chance for
changing tho - wording of the code
as long as the public shows that It
wants it
'Every so often some producer,'
said one official 'makes out that the
PCA forbids realism. But if they
would take the trouble to read the
code, which, after all, is a published
document, they would realize that
it is possible to mak« realistic pro-
ductions under it. It Is simply a
question of gettinj Intelligent
enough writers to turn It out. But,
of course, such realistic films can't
be dirty.
'A producer could make a picture
attacking the newspaper business,
making it out as thoroughly bad.
This is possible under the code, but
the producer would have to take
fuU responsibility and stand on his
own feet because PCA officials
would advise against such a produc-
tion. However, if he makes a film
complying with the code and then
the producer is atUcked for permit-
ting profanity or filth, he would be
defended because the Hays office
knows that no such thing would get
Into a film under the production
code.'
Joseph I. Breen, production code
administration head on the Coast,
stopped ofl in New York on his way
back from a' trip to the West indies,
but did not talk business or the
code. JHe shoved oft for th( Coast
Saturday (25) afternoon.
amongthosesahing
YOU ASKED FOR rr^
(YOU COT IT)
NIGHTMUSTFAU
SntANGE
ONE SIDE OF ME
A BALLAD IS BORN
(Based on Claude Debussy's
"Ballade")
A 'NaturaP If There Ever
Was One
"Heavy, Heavy Hangs
Over My Heart"
AND
A Really *Differene Novelty
"Bennie, the Bumblebee,
Feels Bom''
Om Victor Bccord tOIBIS
VANGUARD SONGS
6411 Hollywood Blvd.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIF.
AND
1776 Broadway
NEW YORK, N. Y.
I OLD SONG SUGGESTIONS
JIMMY McHUCH'S
"DICA DIGA DO"
hhjls udsic, inc.
A Tisket A Tasket — My Reverie — Deep Purple — And Nt
THE MOON IS A SILVER DOLLAR
Lync hy MITCHELL PARISH
ROBBINS MUSIC CORPORATION
Music by SAMMY FAIN
7 9 9 SEVENTH AVENUE NEW YORK
^ednesdaj, March 1, 1939
DANCE BANDS
VARIETY
89
UNION SPANKING
Disc Reviews
(Orilv th« untutMl revi«io«d hence/orth. Including the uniuuallv bad.)
' Best recordings ot the new Harlem
Jive tune, 'Hold Tight,' into which
some of the cats and 'gators, Inci-
dentally, have sought to read dou-
ble-entendre meanings, are by the
Andrew! SIsten (Decca) and Fats
Waller (Victor), but Tcaimy Dor-
nr'a foxtrot version, on Victor 26163,
Is more ot a s>vingo. Coupled with
•Symphony in Riffs* (Benny Carter),
it's strictly for the jitterbug disciples.
Dorsey's solo trombone work, Pee-
Wee Irwin, Jebnity Mlnee and
•Skeeto' Harfnrt, latter Dorsey's
comedy vocalist and sax exponent,
scintillate individually.
Speaking of the Andrews, their
newest on Decca 2290 is a scat ver-
sion of 'Begin the Beguine' from the
Jll-fated 'Jubilee'; and for the re-
newed popularity of which Cole
Porter owes plenty to Artie Shaw.
Latter revived this, and now it's
virtually a brand new hit all over
•gain. 'Long. Time No See,' paired
with 'Beguine,' is in the three An-
drew Sisters' best swing-sing man-
ner.
Shaw's Victor album Nos. 10124-28
ot swingology is super- jive, culling
some of the best stage and fllmusical
excerpts, done in the 52d street man-
ner. Couplets are 'Carioca' with 'My
Bill'; 'Donkey Serenade' and 'My
Heart Stood Still'; 'Lover, Come Back
to Me' and 'Rosalie'; 'Ziegeuner'-
' 'Supper Time'; 'Man I Love'-'Villa,'
which is the cream of the crop of
works by Rodgers and Hart, Ijehar,
Coward, Romberg, Kern, Gershwin,
Friml, and Youmans.
The album idea Is a new form of
wax works showmanship. Decca's
Jack Kapp has been a strong advo-
cate of this, and he's done remark-
ably well. - The new Deanna Du-
bln sextet, with Charles Frevln's
orchestra supporting that Universal
star, includes 'Les Filles de Cadix'-
•My Own'; 'Someone to Care for
Me'-'U Bacio'; 'Raining Sunbeams'-
Traviata' excerpt And, of course,
all done in that brilliant young so-
prano's top vocal manner, plus some
' skillful baton assistance from Previn.
Capitalizing on the Cafe Society
vogue, Decca Album No. 37 comprises
10 waxings by Bnby Newman's crack
Rainbow Room orchestra, with Bay
Morton and Adelaide Moftelt split-
ting the vocals. They offer such
smart-spot dan:sapation faves as
•Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,' 'I Get
a Kick Out of You'; 'Night and Day'-
•Just One of Those Things'; 'Love
for Sale'-'By Myself; '111 See You
Again'.'Who'; 'Wild About Harry'-
'Darktown Strutters Ball.' But for
the last couplet, the other eight are
really the most consistent reprise re-
quest dance tunes and in Newman's
best 'society manner' with his or-
(Chestra, which means that the rhythm
and melody - are suavely blended,
and that cacapbony and swing are
left to others.
' Hugues Panassie, the French swing
savant, whose 'Le Jazz Hot' enjoys
some distinction in jive circles,
knows his American jazzique strictly
from the dislcs. While here on a visit
he worked with Men Mcxzrow's band
and supervised quite a few advanced
gutbucket waxmgs. 'Royal Gar-
den Blues'-'If You See Me Comin"
on Victor 10087 by the Meiwow-
Iiadnler Qtiintet is a sample, employ-
ing Tommy Ladnler, Fr^ps Foster,
Manzle Johnson and Teddy Bnnn,
The reed, horn and guitar work is
especially distinctive. The fuller
MUton 'Meai' Mezsrow orchestra, in
the first of the series, does a two-
part jam session called 'Comin' on
With the Come On.' It's on Victor
10085, the septet recording tliis in
their own New Orleans style. Mezz-
row's licorice stick and Ladnler and
Sidney de Paris on the horns stand
out against James P. Johnson's pian-
ology; Elmer James oii the bass;
Teddy Bonn, guitar; Zntty Slngle-
*on, drums.
Larry Clinton, who pioneered
swmging the operatics, gives atten-
tion to Gilbert and SulUvan with
two operetta excerpts from 'HMS
Pmafore' and 'The Mikado,' respec,
employing 'Sweet Little Buttfercup'
««1 Jl^^e Got a LitUe List' Since
uie WPA, et aL have been discussing
not Mikados for the stage, Clinton
has transplanted the idea onto the
wax. Ford Leary and Bea Wain
give a new lyrical tang to Clinton's
own arrangements that will un-
doubtedly surprise the D'Oyly
Carters, but won't shock them too
much. Victor 26161.
Eddie Sontti, the colored virtuoso
of the violin, shows his string artis-
try even amidst the swingo version
of the traditional Hungarian dance;
'Hejre Kati' and 'Marcheta,' both
scatted into medium fast rhythm
tempos. Smooth swingology. Victor
10138,
Ever since the 52d streeters dis-
covered that new Cafe Society hot-
spot in Greenwich Village, Meade
Lux Lewis, Peter Johnson and Al-
bert Ammens have come to renewed
attention. Vocalion (Brunswick)
grabbed 'em fast and Nos. 4606-7-8
feature their 'boogie-woogie' style
on the uprights. The trio performs
a two-part 'Boogie Woogie Prayer'
on the first; Johnston with Joe Tu-
ner vocalizing, contrasts a slow and
fast blues on No. 4607, titled' 'Goln'
Away Blues' and 'Roll 'Em Pete';
and the third disk has Ammons solo-
ing 'Shout for Joy' and Lewis ditto-
ing 'Bear Cat Crawl.'
Blelurd Hhnber's 'rhythmic pyra-
mid' style— Al Kavelin calls his . the
'cascading rhythms'— manifests much
novelty on Victor 26l64. It's another
in Hlmber's Parade ot the Bands.
This is Part 5-6 and the third edi-
tion takes up themes by Whiteman,
Duchin, Bob Crosby's Dixieland
style, Artie Shaw, Clinton and Count
Basie. It's a dandy novelty, with
announcements— not by Himber —
identifying who is who, just in case
you don't know your band styles or
theme songs.
Jackie Heller Disbands
But Will Try New Combo
Pittsburgh, Feb. 28.
Band which LitUe Jackie Heller
took from William Penn hotel here
to Benny the Bum's in Philadelphia
few weeks ago has been disbanded,
with 'diminutive maestro sailing few
days ago on South American cruise.
MCA, which is booking him, intends
to build a new style outfit around
Heller and expects to have it ready
for rehearsal upon his return from
voyage.
Heller organized original outfit in
Chicago last summer and played
spots, there and in New Orleans,
Memphis, here and Philly before giv-
ing it the air. Reason was that half-
pint singer figured he needed more
of a swing crew around him instead
of stable, sweet-played orch. '
NEW TRIAL ORDERED
BIf Apple EJeetion Case HIneea on
Extent ot Victim's Injury
Omaha, Feb. 28.
District Judge Charles Leslie Tues-
day ordered another airing in the
damage suit of Jack Mackay, Omaha,
against the Chermot ballroom.
Mackey recently was awarded $5,000
against the ballroom and Rudy
Mueller, Fred Christianson, special
officers, and AI Wolf, manager, for
being allegedly beaten after he was
put off the floor for shagging.
Mackay's claim of abdominal in-
jury following the assault was
bumped by defense attorney, who
produced affidavits before the judge
contending that he had Mackay's
written admission that he had tiie
injury previous to the alleged assault.
Judge ordered the verdict set aside
for another hearing.
Houck's Eastern Preem
Chick Webb's jive at the Cocoanut
Grove of the Park Central Hotel,
N. Y., for the past five weeks, will
be supplanted tonight (Wednesday)
by Curt Houck and his Catalina
Island Orchestra making their in-
itial eastern appearance.
Houck has had three seasons at
the Catalina Casino to his credit and
recently wound up a nine month
stay at the Hollywood Roosevelt
Hotel. Also exiting with Webb is
Ella Fitzgerald. Enrico and Novello
move in to fill out the show.
John Scott . Trotter, Shep Fields,
and Matty Malneck are slated for
Santa Anita ball at Biltmore Bowl
in Los Angeles lilarch 4. Trotter and
his Kraft Music Hall crew also set
for the Palm Springs Charity ball
March 18, \ ^
FIRMS ON SPOT
Local 802 Completes Investi-
gation — Avers Widespread
Under-Scaling and Chisel-
ing Practices — License
Revocation Up to Inter-
national
SHOW CAUSE
Executive board of the American
Federation of Musicians will be
asked this week to revoke the li-
censes of some 20 New York band
bookers as the result of an investi-
gation conducted by the New York
musicians union. If the internation-
al agrees to the request it will be
the first wholesale deanout of agents
since the AFM put the licensing de-
vice into effect three years ago.
Inquiry extended through Friday
and Saturday of last week with
Local 802's trial board examining
oyer 40 band leaders and some 20
agents. Probe is reported to have
disclosed a wide variety of chiseling
practices with all of them simmer-
ing down4e a case of the band's re-
ceiving underscale payments for
their engagements. Many instances
were found in wliich the agent col-
lected the scale fee, but advised the
leader that the spot or date had paid
less.
Show Cause
Before the international board
will move to act oh the local's com-
plaints it will serve notice on the
agents involved to show cause why
their AFM licenses should not be re-
voked. The union expects the disen-
franchised agents to .resort to the
courts for relief, but it is confident
that such procedure will not get the
group far since the license is issued
without charge and with the agent's
agreement to surrender it in the
event the AFM deems him guilty of.
violating its rules and regulations.
Local 802 is also ' investigating
what it describes as a growing prac-
tice among secondary name units of
using various subterfuge^ ' to get
around payment of the 10% tax on
traveling engagements. Another
current drive by this local effects
those bands that have neglected to
relay to the union's treasurer the $3
collected per man for remote broad-
casts. In the cases of some bands
the delinquencies amount to thou-
sands ot dollars. The union views
such holdingouts as a serious offense,
with the result that the leaders in-
volved are making frantic efforts to
borrow the money from their book-
ers and other sources.
Vincent Travers, Lucky
Millinder's iBIcniptcies
Vincent Travers (Vincenzo Tra-
vascio), musical director of the Para-
dise restaurant, N, Y., and 'Lucky'
(Lucius) Millinder, colored orches-
tra leader, current a . the State, N. Y.,
hied voluntary petitions of bank-
ruptcy in the N. Y. federal court in
the past week.
Travers lists no assets and liabili-
ties of $4,995; while Millinder has
$150 in exempt assets and $9,300 in
liabilities.
DEAN HUDSON TO ABCHEA
Chicago, Feb. 28.
Dean Hudson orchestra set for the
Archer ballroom circuit, starting
March 15.
Before starting the ballroom tour
will play two weeks of midwest
vaude dates. All placed through the
Gus Edwards agency here.
New Definition
Jack Osterman, since becoming
a 52d street boniface at his Little
.Club, has discovered a new
nocturnal hearts-and-flowers. It
goes like this:
'A minimum — for me — Jackie?'
Artie Shaw May Film
Warners' IWaldiig of A
Band' While on Coast
Artie Shaw orchestra will prob-
ably make a picture while on the
Coast with the Robert Benchley-Old
Gold pi'ogram which it rejoins in
Hollywood April 23. Shaw's crew
also goes into the Palomar Ballroom,
L. A., April 19. Ciggle program
does its last broadcast from New
York March 19. picking up on the
Coast following week.
Several film makers are reported
after Shaw,, among them Warner
Bros.j which wants him for a pic-
ture which would flickerize ' the
building of an orchestra, tentatively
labelled The Building ot a Band.'
It would use WB players. Show re-
cently completed a short for' Para-
mount
Plan was afoot to charter 'a plane
to fly Shaw's crew to the Coast
from Clevdand, " where it closes
April 13, in order to be on hand for
the airing of the 16th, but it was
dropped. Hell do that shot from
Chicago, inasmuch as he's ' been
picked up from the road past few
weeks.
BEN BERNIE AT ASM
ON TOURIST HUNCH
Ben Bernie goes into the Astor
.roof, N.Y., July 3 for indefinite stay.
Booking was set by Music Corp. of
America on basis of Bernie's click
some years ago at the Chicago fair,
with the idea he may repeat with
this year's tourists.
Vallee will precede Bernie at the
spot, opening May 20.
Originally it was Bernie and MCA's
idea to operate their own spot, hav-
ing their eye on the new taxpt^er
on the site of the George M. Cohan
theatre — Leblang's 43rd street and
Broadway corner, which will also
house Robert L. Ripley's Oddltorimn.
Bernie is slated to close at the
Hotel Pennsylvania March 15 but
may be extendec'. to April 6 when
Kay Kyser comes back. Tommy
Dorsey is set for the Pennsy roof
berth.
Paul Kapp Probahly
Joining RockweU-O'K
Paul Kapp is leaving Consolidated
Radio Artists March 15. He is now
negotiatinj a possible affiliation with
Rockwell-O'Keefe. Kapp came in
from Chicago a year and a half ago
to become manager of a radio talent
division of the band-booking office.
He is a brother of Dave and Jack
Kapp of Decca records.
Consolidated contemplates farming
out its radio placements through
commission-sharing deals with out-
side talent offices, a suggestion made
to Charles Green by Kapp himself.
Les Brown Plays Prom,
But Outside the Campus
itochesterVTeb. 28.
Feud l>etween Rochester Musicians
Union and University of Rochester
students which cancelled two prin-
cipal dances at the University last
year was compromised last week for
Junior Prom. Union permitted stu-
dents to hire r.ame band provided
they hold dr.nce off the campus, so
Les Brown's I^uke University or-
chestra played at the Oak Hill Coun-
try Club.
Trouble started more than year
ago when students declined to listen
to union's attempt to place union
musicians for small weekly parties
in frat houses. Union tbsn banned
all union musicians from campus af-
fairs.
MCA MAY CUT
TALENT LIST
Within the next couple ot months
Music Corporation of America ex-
pects to drop between 15 or 20 semi-
name crews from its orchestra list
Though unnamed, those to get set
adrift are crewu which MCA deenia
unable to compete with high-
bracketed .utfits.
One of the reason^lTor the slices
is MCA's intention to concentrate
more on the building of new talent
Several new outfits have been
formed in the past few months and
more are due to follow. Compara-
tively obscure crews rated to have
the stuff and already active, also
come under that heading and are
slated for hypoing.
Whiteman Heads SL L
Variety Cfaib Benefit
St Louis, Feb. 28.
Paul Whiteman and his entire
band and Joan Edwards and eight acts
of vau4^ have been booked for a
special benefit show at Fancbon &
Marco's 6,000 seater Fox for Satur-
day night, March 4. The perform-,
ance, whi;h will include a preview
of a newly released screen opus, is
sponsored by the local Variety Club
for the relief of German refugee
children.
Proceeds ot a dinner-dance the same
night at the Coronado Hotel will go'
to charities sponsored by the local
Variety Club.
Tom Doisey Won't B'cast
If Second Mike Omitted
Pittsburgh, Feb. 28.
WCAE had to make a quick sub-
stitution on its weekly Star Dust pro*
gram from Stanley theatre backstags
when Tommy Dorsey refused to go
-on because station hadn't provided
him with two mikes. Program Is a
station-theatre tie-up, with WB sup-
plying the talent for 15 minutes on
every opening day and WCAE giv-
ing tiie time and announcers.
Half hour before program was
scheduled to hit the air, Dorsey put
in a request for an extra microphone.
Everybody at station was tied up at
time, feeding a couple of shows to
Mutual web and nobody on engineer-
itag staff was available to take care of
Dorsey's demand.
Station hastily substituted flock of
recordings. First time since co-op
program was laimched by WCAE and
Stanley that it's failed to come
through.
DOUBLE FEATURES
Film-Style Conpllnea Tried By Turn,,
pike Casino
Lincoln, Feb. 28.
Terp trade gets a new shuffle here,
with competlsh advanced to the film
biz pattern. R. K Pauley's Turn-
pike Casino is starting Friday night
buildups by installing dual- features.
First was. Jack Crawford, sharing
billing with Lee Dixon's band Feb.
24. Next will be Rudy Bundy and
Dick Barrie March 10.
There'll be more of the same if it
clicks.
Ellington Sailing
Duke Ellington is slated to sail
March 24 for a European concert
tour. His contract with the Reuter
& Reuter agency calls for his open-
ing in Stockholm April 4, and guar-
antees him four weeks.
Irving Mills, the band's mailager,
plans to leave March 15. Ellis flg-
luies that he will be able to spot
more European dates for Ellingtoa
after the orchestra has completed ita
obligations to R & R.
40
VARIETY
VAUDE— MIGHT CLUBS
Wednesdajt March 1, I939
Colored Philly Pianologist Cause
Of Benny the Bum s Suit Vs. Bernie
- Request lor a preliminary lnjunc-[
tion to prevent DeLoyd McKay, '
eepia warbler and ivory-thumper
with Ben Bernie at the Hotel Penn-
sylvania, N. Y., from appearing
there further has been startled in New
York supreme court by Benny Fogel- j
man, operator of Benny the Bum's, |
Philly nitery. Fogelman said he ,
would file another suit later to re-
cover damages from Bernie for
'stealing' the gal.
Miss .'McKay has worked in Benny's
Philly spot for the past 20 months
and is under contract to Fogelman
for three years and four months
more. She was 'loaned' to Bernie
for the Hotel Pennsy appearance af-
ter the maestro admired her work
during a social visit to the Bum's
while playing at the Earle, I^illy, a
month ago.
Hearing on the temporary Injunc-
tion will l>e held today (Wednesday).
Demand for a permanent testrainer
will be made later.
Although Foifelman avers that the
feiiime's refusal to return to work
for him is the result of Bernie entic^
Ing her with an offer of more coin,
Maurice Speiser, Fogelman's at-
torney, admitted the band leader
was in the clear. He said it was en-
tirely a matter between the buxom
pianologist and Fogelman. ,
Philly nitery op loaned' Miss
McKay to Bernie at no cost to the
maestro or the Pennsylvania, par-
tially as a plug for his spot and par-
tially to build her . up into a more
valuable asset because he owns . a
portion of her Income. He guaran-
tees her $3,000 a year and splits 50-50
with her of> anything she makes
over $60 a week. He is demanding
$10,000 cash for the sale of her con-
tract it she doesn't return to him, or
$350 a week.
Fogelman first turned his wrath on
Bernie because he claimed be failed
to give Benny the Bum's a mention
In introing her. Bemiie dedUtres that
on only one night did tie get absent-
minded. Second beef by Benny was:
'Bemle's billing the girl as one of his
finds, after I spent nearly two years
and plenty of dough building her up.'
(Actually she was given favorable
reviews in Variety from London as
far back as 1924.)
Bernie said he was highly pleased
when, after admiring Miss McKay's
work, Benny said to him: Take her
with you, I'll pay her salary.'
Trouble started, Bernie declared, af-
ter she had been at the Pennsylvania
just two days and Fogelman de-
manded her return because his cock-
tail room business was falling oS
without her. Bernie kicked because
of all the advance. billing which he
had given her and which would put
hiin In an embarrassing spot with the
hotel if she left He said he was
willing to let her go, however, but
she had deposited her card with the
N. Y. I/fusicians Local, which de-
manded she get the regulation two
weeks' notice.
As- for Fogelman's charge that
Bernie offered her more coin to stay
with him, stick-swlsher declared
Benny refused to come through with
the femme's salary the first week and
so he felt obliged to make it good,
paying her the $125 which Benny
told him she was getting.
• 15 YEARS AGO<
(mm VhssBct)
With Washington's Birthday the
pivotal point, Broadway legit, in-
cluding $100,000 for the Met Opera,
chalked up a record $960,000 for the
week.
SaranacLake
By Happy Banway
Marya Blake, Will Rogers ozoner,
has entered a N. Y. hospital for ob-
servation, Jean Price is set to do the
same.-
Among new arrivals at the Rogers
are Paul Dean, Warner Bros. N. Y.
office; Kitty Horan. WB, Philadel-
phia, and Mrs. Marie Froom', N. Y.,
all imder observation.
' Art Guild class has been started at
the Rogers. Patients are leaping at
the chance to . learn typing, short-
hand, knitting, etc. '
Sid Davidson In from New York.
Teddy Bodwell has been appointed
to manage the Rogers library.
Frank Cronin, who used to manage
theatres In New England, here for
fishing and a checkup.
Chicago was clamping .down' on
'indecent' shows, provoked by 'Inno-
cent ^es' at the Apollo.
A. L. Erlanger proposed that the
Broadway managers engage a per-
cenUge of Equity members for their
shows. Echoes of the 1919^trike
were heard with Equity's retu^
Management of the Illinois, Chi-
cago, was adamant in nixing the the-
atre's showing of The Birth of a
Nation' because he claimed it was
Ku Klux Klan propaganda. He final-
ly capitulated;
Elsie Janis was at the Palace, Herb
Williams at the Riverside, Frances
Arms played the State and Crawford
and Broderick were at the Broad-
way, all New York vauders.
Elisabeth Bergner was signed to
play the title role in Bernard Shaw'ii
•St Joan' in Berlin. She was the
most popular German feminine star
of the day.
Williamson and Tait were expand-
ing their vaudeville activities in
Australia.
The Foklnes were smash at the
Met Opera House, N. Y., with their
American ballet.
"The Moon-Flower,' starring Elsie
Ferguson and featuring Sidney
Blaclaner, was given a Broadway
overhauling by the critics, while
Antony and Cleojpatra, with Jane
Cowl and Rollo Peters, was a click.
Radio and films were asking for
the free tise of copjrrighted music in
a bill introed In Congress.
After 30 years of acting, Godfrey
Tearle was turning manager In Lon-
don. His first production was The
Fairy Tale.'
A Salute to Yesterday
By BiU Halligan
We were looking over the Tbla Week's Bills' on another page for somt
of the old familiar names and wondering whatever becam* of the pala
we had in the days gone by. Once In a whU» we recognized a companion
of the long winter nights In a motion picture but before we can definitely
place the fellow he is. gone Into the, shadows. Bit players average one
line so you see there Isn't much time to peg them.
I was thinking about George Austin Moore and the first time 1 ever
saw him. It was at the Olympic theatre In Chicago and he was singing
•Under the Bamboo Tree* and doing It very weU Indeed. George, got hit
middle name from his home town, Austin, ITexas, and maybe he U running
a prosperous gas station or a pub down there now.
Then we recall Walter Brower, a great monologist in his day, and Stuart
Barnes, another single, formerly Barnes and Sisson. Then tljere was Hal
Davis, who worked with Inez McCauley, and that great Irishman, Andrew
Kelly, who used to own a shoe store In Cleveland before he aspired to
Frank Fogarty'a niche In the twb-a-day Hall of Fame. Wt haven't seen
little Al Lloyd, who worked with Chappitf Avellng, a knockout sidewalk
act if there ever was one, and Billy Gaston. Clever man that BiU GastonI
Then there was 'Skins' Miller, who only needed a break to become one
of America's top comics, and Henry Clive, the artist-magician, who waa
second to none. They have all passed out of the picture.
Remember Henry Sharrock^ the mind reader, and Mercedes, another
headliner, who mystified audiences all over the country. Where Is little
Benny Ryan, George White's former partner, hiding all his natural talent^
and where are Bee Palmer and Dainty Marie today? We miss John R.
Gordon and Al Fields and the DiUon Bros., McCue and CahiU, Trlxla
Friganza and Jock McICay and his bagpipes.
We liked to pal around with the quartets In the days gone by and cut
in with some barroom harmony after the show nights In the little bistroi
that were famous in the variety towns. The Bison City Four, That Quar*
tet the Empire City Four, and the Avons— how they used to brintf tha
houses down. ,
Then there were the Irish comics: Tom Nawn, Charlie Burkie, Lawler
and his daughters, and Johnny Carroll from Greenpoint We don't sea
any of their names in VABiBrY today. Hundreds of them got In their little
flivvers and headed for Hollywood and the cutting room Draculas. They
took a lot of atmosphere with them when they left If you don't think
so look around the grillrooms of the Lambs, the Friars and the Players;
they certainly put a crimp in the Great White Way. Once In a while wa
see them in some B picture but the spaces are too far apart Broadw&y
doesn't miss them because they took Broadway with them when they left
The street Is empty without the likes of Felix Adler, Violinsky, Juliua
l^nnen, Eddie Kane, LitUe Billy, Jack Kennedy, Donald Kerr, Pat West;
Lew Brice, Joe Bernard, John T. Murray, Sidney Jarvis, Walter Van
Brtut, Johnny Stanley and all the rest of the happy-go-lucky lads of tha
two-a-day. You just can't jump out of an art you have given your Ufa
to .and start selling Fuller brushes. Once an actor always an actor. It'a
In the blood. One day the casting directors on the West Coast will do
more to help the lads who really have something on the ball, men who
have spent their lives In the theatre, many of whom are stUl waiting for
the telephone to ring
Again -THANKS A MILLION"
For IJnanimous Acdaim
BENNY FIELDS
CUBRENTLY
CHEZ PAREE
"World's Finest Theatre Restaurant"
CHICAGO
DAILY NEWS-C. J. BULLIET TRIBUNK
Benny Fields, melancholy clown
of the big eyes and deep reao-
nant'volce, who would have ap-
pealed to Lautrec, the world's
suii.reme recorder of the cabaret
cannot be duplicated, in America,
riclds, who made the most sen-
sational "comeback" In contem-
porary entertainment on the
floor of tills same Chez Paree
three years ago, has been im-
provins amazingly ever since.
A great entertainer in a great show.
Fields has reached a point
where ha can be called "great."
Humor and pathos mi^ in every-
thing he does with throbbing ef-
fect
He will take the town.
Ted Weber, Chn PoblloUr IMraetor
HERALD A EXAMINER— CAB BARRETT
Benny Fields, minstrel man par excellence, for sheer entertain-,
ment outdoes his co-stars. His showmanship, style and rich bari-
tone set all within hearing to swaying in rhythmic response. Bis
delivery of "Umbrella Man" left nothing to be desired, and when
yoiir Minstrel Man sang that one about three unpronounceable
Israelites, It stayed aiinB.
TIMES— YANK TAYLOR
Altho vaudeville has passed Into oblivion, one name remains
twinkling In the bright lights.
That name is Benny Fields, a cafe star of the same magnitude
of hla old two-a-day routines.
A terrific entertainer.
DIRECTION
WM. MORBIS AGENCY
VARIETY
Benny Fields background In
the entertainment world has
given him the ability to play his
cards well and smartly; to know
what to slrig and how to put It
over.
Fields has a manner and style
that are professional and fin-
ished. Remarkable at the show
caught was Fields' ability to sell
a strictly patriotic number to a
cafe audience, and, to top that
get them all on their feet with
the "Star Spangled Banner."
This, in itselt is a departure In
show stuff in peace time, and the
manner in which Fields carried
it off Is a credit to hla aurehand-
ed sense of showmanship.
AMERICAN
—DOROTHY DEERE
In the syncopated phraseology
of your. Minstrel Man, Benny
Fields, tha Chez Parse goes the
"American Way" In lt« newest
spotlight session — and if you
think this Is any flag-waving
trick for applause, you don't
know your Benny Fields. Last
night he had proved himself so
voluptuous an offering the audi-
ence pounded Its palms red,
white and blue, long before the
stirring finale (to the first show)
was reached ....
Head man in a show of head-
liners, Benny Fields, Chicago's
own son of syncopation, is loaned
only to New York and other
points East and West so they
can see what we're tumin' out in
the Windy City .....
.... Unaccustomed as he la
to public rehearsing, Benny com-
plied with new songs as well as
the old favorites. "Sweet LltUe
Headache," "Walking Stick,
"Shaddrack," "Alexander's Kaff-
tlme Band" (the same Alexander
arrangement that brought Irving
Berlin to his feet) mode it n
Fields day for the customers.
^e^esdayt March 1, 1939
▼AUDE— NIGHT CLUBS
VARIETY
41
IngaUs S^s Davies Tie to Head MCA
Stage, Cafe Bookmgs; Other Changes
utiles Ingalls splits his agency
partnership with Jack . Davies and
moves into Music Corp. of America
(Wednesday) as head of that
outfit's stage and nitery talent de-
partments in New York, Chicago and
on the Coast Chief purpose for
bringing in Ingalls Is MCA's desire
to build its Ust of specialUes and
acts. The agency hasn't had any-
body in the past for the primary
purpose of bringing in new talent
Davies continues on his own,. with
Milton Berger as associate. IngaUs
brings Lillian Weiss to MCA with
him, as well as the boolting of the
Beverly Hills Country Club, New-
port, Ky.
With the addition of Ingalls, who
moves in on a one-year contract the
MCA talent departments undergo a
general realignment Herman Stein
will work under Ingalls in N. Y.,
handling foreign bookings in con-
Junction with the London office.
Harold Hackett has been appointed
en executive v.p. in charge of radio
activities of all offices, with Jimmy
Saphier, who recently closed his own
offices, handling the Hollywood end.
Bart McHugh will assist Hackett in
New York. James L. Stirton, for-
mer manager of Saphler's N. Y. of-
fice, has become head of NBC Ar-
tists Bureau in Chicago.
Lou Wasserman, formerly con-
nected with publicity and sales from
N. Y. offices, is now In Hollywood
to handle film negotiations and spe-
cial events. Hogan Hancock moves
up from tlie MCA Dallas office to
Chicago to operate the midwest fair
dept.
Formerly with Consolidated Ra-
dio Artists in Chicago, Dick Stephens
comes into the MCA Chicago branch
in complete charge of small 'cock-
tail' band units, bringing about 100
■uch outfits with him. Jack Dia-
mond Is in charge of the literati de-
partment in Hollywood, agenting
plays and other story material.
Blanche Wolfe, Diamond's assistant
in the office the latter closed to af-
filiate with MCA, joins MCA's story
department in N. Y. Walter John-
son remains in radio sales in Holly-
wood.
TMAT SETTING DEAL
WTTH BOWES' UNITS
"Theatrical Managers, Agents and
Treasurers' union Is entering a basic
agreement with the Major Bowes en-
terprises, calling for a material in-
crease in the pay of people ahead
-and back with, the amateur unit
■hows. Deal is expected to provide
berths for legit company managers
and advance men. Agreement calls
for latter to receive ^125 weekly,
with managers getting $100. Re-
ported previous pay for the jobs was
around $60.
There are four Bowes units on
tour and three more that are ex-
pected to t>e assembled.
Iridium Room to Be Open
In iSummer Due to Fair
Iridium Room in the Hotel St.
Regis, New York, will remain open
throughout the . summer, an innova-
tion due to the World's Fair. Vin-
cent Astor management figures
enough extra support around for a
class formal spot on the ground
floor In addition to the usual St
Regis Roof, which will operate as
heretofore.
Charles Baum Orchestra ■ con-
tinues in the Iridium Room. Ja.ck.
Lavm office may get the upstairs
booking, too, although matter is
strictly compeUUve. Baum's Iridium
tenure dates from October and is
now straightaway into 1940.
2 New Madison Cafes
Madison, Wis., Feb. 28.
Two nlteries open here this week.
Julius GiUer and Louis Wigonltz
{«t the Hd on the Flame having
booked Francis and Marjorie Slight-
ham indefinitely, while the Club of-
ws Nelson Balenger's orchestra
"JlghUy, except for Monday layoffs.
Jail Bouche in Havana
On Stranding Chaise
Havana, Feb. 26.
Albert Bouche, night club im-
presario, was jailed here last week
charged with tryfaig to strand his
troupe of 25,
After an engagement at Fausto
theatre, the court ordered confisca-
tion of his bank account
uc. dept. drive
onille(;al
VAODE
License Commissioner Paul Moss
of New York Friday night (24)
closed the Skouras' Granada theatre.
Corona, for two days after finding
that spot guilty of playing stage
shows without a theatrical license.
House last week played an Italian
opera, with the performers appear-
ing in costumes and singing, which
is contrary to the motion picture. li-
cense the spot holds.
Same house. Moss claims, had been
previously warned when staging jit-
terbug dance contests. Two-day
closing, the License Commissioner
explained, was in the nature of a
fine.'
Motion picture licenses only per-
mit speakers and- instrumentalists on
the stage, not dancers, singers and
performers In costume. Moss says
he Is Instituting a drive on nabe the-
atres now using stage shows of Some
sort without applying first for a the-
atrical permit
N. Y/S 21 REPORTED
DUDE RANCH-MINDED
Sacramento, Feb. 28.
Reported In Monterey that Jack
Kriendler of New York's 21 Club
and associates are negotiating for a
10-year lease on the luxurious 23,000
acre Rancho San Carlos in Carmel
Valley. Purpose of the would-be
lessees. It was said, is to convert it
into a super-dude ranch.
The estate, owned for many years
by George Gordon Moore, former
Pennsylvania coal baron, has large
Spanish style buildings, swinuning
pool, polo and aviation fields, and an
artificial lake.
Reported bidding price for the
lease is said to l>e $250,000.
Near-Capacity Advance
For Fay^s Yande Preem
Frank Fay reports a near-capacity
advance sale for the preem of his
straight- vaude venture at the 44tb
Street, New York, tomorrow - night
(Thursday). He has cut the top from
the originally planned $3.30 to $2.75,
including tax, after receiving letters
from people stating they couldn't af-
ford the higher figure.
Fay's show, which will Include
Eva LeGallienne and Elsie Janis, be-
sides himself, will play eight shows
weekly, seven nights and a Satur-
day matinee. There's no set limit
for the shows, the grosses to deter-
mine when a change of layout la
■necessary.-
At the $2.75 top Fay claims that
the house can gross $27,000 weekly
at capacity. He wouldn't divulge
the first show's nut Fay also claims
he owns the venture 100%. Previ-
ously it was reported that John W.
Bonney, lawyer, had a piece of the
show.
BUND INTEESUTTER'S P.A.Sf ..
Isidore Greenbaum's leap to the
speakers' platform at the. German-
American Bund meeting in New
York last-week- has-a flock of agents
after him for a p.a. tour.
He's willing, he states, but only If
they don't make a 'freak' of him.
Leon, Jr^ Joins Biz
Leon and Eddie's S2d street New
York, spot eoes on a scientific basis
In June.
Leon Enkeh's son at that time will
finish four years' study in Cornell's
school of hotel and restaurant man-
agement and hell be taken in by
his pop to show the oldsters how to
do things.
PA. CAFES TOLD
TO EXIT STRIPS
Philadelphia, Feb. 28.
The State Liquor Control Board
sent a warning this week to all night
club operators in the state to either
eliminate strip-tease dancers and
other 'obscene acts' or face closing.
Clyde Smith, head of the Board's
law enforcement pointed out that
night club operators could have
their amusement licenses forfeited
if they persist in violating the Board's
orders. A second infraction would
cause the Board to cancel their
liquor licenses and force .shuttering
without court action. .
The word went around Philadel-
phia spots Saturday night (25) that
agents were on the prowl . in the
city. Several midtown spots hastily
yanked strippers, while, others or-
dered the gals to don more clothes.
A few, however, kept the nudles.
Smith's ukase only applies to
spots where liquor is sold, and will
not affect burlesque theatres.
Kyser, Goodman, Shaw
May Tangle on Coast;
Bandmen's Pitt Dates
Los Angeles, Feb. 28.
Battle of name bands is in pros-
pect here. Deals are being nego-
tiated for Kay Kyser to open the
season at Catalina and Benny Ciood-
man to go into the Cocoaniit Gro.ve.
temporarily closed by a strike.
Artie Shaw is set to follow George
Olsen' at the Palomar next month.
Shep Fields has another week to
go at the Biltmore Bowl and then
heads for Texas and Oklahoma
dates. Tliere's some talk that the
BUtmore may close the room due to
poor biz.
Benny Talk Artie
Pittsburgh, Feb. 28.
Unwilling at first to take Benny
Goodman week March 10 because
that comes right on heels of Artie
Shaw's engagement Stanley, WB
deluxer, had to back down since that
was only date in Immediate future
Goodman had open. Result will bring
country's two leading swing outfits
here ia. a row, situation management
tried to avoid.
Shaw was asked to set back his en-
gagement few weeks but turned
proposition down. Understood he
was eager to get In ahead of Good--
man. It's a first tims for Shaw in a
theatre here, and Goodman's third
stretch at Stanley. Shaw broke in
his present outfit in Pittsburgh, play-
ing Willows, roadhouse, summer be-
fore last
JAMES BARTON SIGNED
FOR 30 WEEKS BY ROSE
James Barton has been signed for
30 weeks by Billy Rose to lead the
return of the Casa Manana, New
York, from vaude presentations to
girlie shows for N. Y. World's Fair
visitors. Current 'Streamlined Va-
rieties' will continue until about
March 27, when the revue headed
by Barton replaces, Latter is the
only name signed so far.
Revue will. be. staged by John
Murray Anderson, settings by Al-
bert Johnson and costumes by Raoul
Du Bois. It went into rehearsal
this week. Barton recently com-
pleted eight weeks at the Casa with
a Rose vaude presentation, doubling
from "Tobacco Road,' In which he
starred at the Forrest He exited
'Road' recently following repeated
wrangles with members of the cast
Wire Walker Injured
Detroit Feb. 28.
Failing in her back .somersault
Naio Nailto; (Chinese tight wire artist
fractured her arm last week at the
annual Shrine Circus in the state fair
coliseum.
Expected back on the Job shortly.
AFAWiHQiiizN.Y.LiceiiseDept
On Sanction of Vaude at Majestic
Roxy, N. Y., Yanks 2 Acts;
Bates and Barra Replace
Two acts that didn't fit the show
were pulled out of the Roxy, New
York, . opening day (24) this weefc
Youman Bros. (3)', fugitives from a
Bowes amateur unit and Miaco,
magiciazis, going out after the sec-
ond show.
Cappy Barra harmonica ensem-
ble (8) moved into the show Fri-
day night (24), while Pegleg Bates,
one-legged colored dancer, slipped in
the following day as replacements.
AFA SUSPENDS
HILDEGARDE
90 DAYS
The American-Federation of Actors
last week imposed a 90-day suspen-
sion .on HUdegarde, singer, from its
membership for failing to fulfill a
two-week booking at the Colony
Club, Chicago, which was to have
started Feb. 15. Hlldegarde claimed
she had an oral agreement with the
club, which, permitted her to cancel
the date in the event she got a radio,
twoking, but the AFA's trial board
stated that it could not take cog-
nizance of any agreement not con-
tained In the contract
HUdegarde last week (22) started
on the "99 Menr and a Ciirl' program
on the Columbia network, being the
only femme in the show featuring
Rajrmond Paige, maestro.
AFA's suspension of Hlldegarde
continues past the SO days in the
event she doesn't reach a settlement
with the Colony Club. If the sus-
pension continues a full year she can
then apply for reinstatement and, if
that's granted, shell have to pay a
fine of $100 to the AFA charity fund.
ROBITSCHEK CO. SUED
FOR AGENT'S COMMISH
Guy Martin, through Attorney I.
Robert Broder, last week filed suit In
Municipal court, New York, against
French American Productions, Inc.,
for $179 commissions claimed due
him.
Kurt Robitschek, head of French
Americiin Productions, Inc., last
week opened his 'Laughter Over
Broadway' straight vaude unit sit the
Maryland, Baltimore.
Martin was associated with French
American Productions In the agent-
ing of talent
Cafe Pianist Jailed For
Violation of Probation
Cleveland, Feb. 28.
Helen E. Le Breton, pianist was
yanked out of the Avalon Club and
jailed last -Week for violating proba-
tion rules placed upon her a year
ago.
Ivory-beater was first brought to
court for writing rubber checks in
her mother's name. Hearing she was
the daughter of Dr. J. O. Engleman,
former prexy of Kent State Univer-
sity, and that she had been influ-
enced by nitery fair-^weather friends,
the judge suspended sentence. She
was placed on probation with the
stipulation that she stay away from
niteries. . .
Nitery Op Sentenced
In Ga. on Two Counts
Columbus, Ga., Feb. 28.
O. L. Dowdy, owner of a road-
house here, last week was sentenced
on two counts' by Superior Court
Judge C. F. McLaughlin.
' Dowdy was found guilty of sell-
ing liquor without a license, for
which he was. given an alternative
sentence of six months in jail or a
$300 fine, and for operating a gam-
bling house, for which he w?s given
the alternative of six months or a
$200 fine.
"The American Federation of Ac-
tors is delving deeper into the fold
of the straight-vaude try at the Ma-
jestic, New York, several weeks, ago,
in wliich the performers did not i«-
ceive their full salaries. It wiU ask
for an explanation from the License
Department which issued a license
for the Majestic, despite the fact that
Kurt Robitschek, prominently con-
cerned in the venture, had not paid,
off a claim against him in connec-
tion with his previously announced
straight-va\ide show at the Palla^
dium (Cine Roma), N. ".
Claim against Robitschek involved
the booking of a 24-girl Chester
Hale line for the Pallalium. When
Robitschek failed to open the show
at that house Hale filed charges
with the License Department and a
settlement of $1,000 was agreed upon.
Later this .vas cut to $500, of which
only $100 was paid .by Robitschek.
Hale and his general manager, John
Hickey, brought this to the atten-
tion of the License Department when
the Majestic show was first an-
nounced, but a new licei sc was is-
sued regardless. Hale later oSeried
to turn back his own license, claim-
ing the department was not offering
the proper protection to licensees, i
What form the AFA's investiga-
tion into the matter wiU take has
not yet been determined by Ralph
Whitehead, executive secretary of
the actors' group. Fli^t he wants to
get the License Department's side of
the issue.
THE SHUBERT, BmYN,
TURNS TO VAODHJII
The Shubert theatre, Brooklyn,
road legiter, goes vaudflim March 10,
coupling five acts with minor pic-
tures three days -a week. Flesh goes
in Friday, Saturday . and Sunday,
films carrying it alone the other four.
Prices scaled 40-5Sc.
. Opening bill Is -an N. T. G. unit'
House will be booked by Al Rogers,
Tonkers Vaude
New Broadway theatre, Yonkers;
Walter Reade, Jr., house, starts •
weekend stage policy. March 10, us-
ing name bands. First orchestra set
Is George' Hall's for two days.
Mai Hallett's band goes in the fol-
lowing week.' Re^de vfHce in N. Y.
Is booking, the two-day st^d.
Fetdiit Nbied on Pay
A^ance,
Oot
After being refused his full salary
a day in advance, Steplni Fetchlt col-
ored comedian, walked out of the
Rivera, Brooklyn, Saturday (25).
Comic bad been headlining at the
vaudfilmer since Wednesday (22)
and was due to close Sunday (26).
When no full payoff was forSicom-
ing, Fetchlt wired the manager 'that
'doctor's orders prevented his- ap-
pearance.' He came In' during that
afternoon with a. no-pay-no-work
ultimatum, which the house's man-
ager again' refused. Latter Is said to
have been imder orders of Walter
Batchelor, comic's handler, not to
pay off 'till date was closed. No ex-
planation was offered for Batchelor's
request Al Rogers, booking the
house, says he. intends to start suit
against the comedian for breach of
contract.
Wilmington Roadhouse
Gutted by $50,000 Ftre
Wilmington, Del.. Feb. 28.
The Black Cat Casino, roadhouse
here, was gutted by fire Sunday
morning (26). Damage was estimated
at $50,000. Part of the spot was con-
verted into, a skating rink two weeks
ago.
Fire was discovered shortly ^ter
the last skaters left
Bocbester. N. T., Fire
Rochester, N. Y., Feb. 28.
Early morning fire in Terrace
Gardens, night club operated by
Mrs. Sophie Martin,, caused $2,000
damage and , closed place. In-
definitely. Three employes sleeping
in the basement smelled smoke and
found main floor in flames.
Firemen' blamed defective ' wiring
fpr the fire.
42
VARIETY
TAUPE— NIGHT CLUBS
Wednesdaj, March 1, I939
Night Club Reviews
COLOSIMO'S
(CHICAGO)
Chicago, Feb. 24. "
Harrv Rose, Pat Rooney, Janet
Jl^ade, Twllah & Miy, Betty Rohm,
Marion Vinoy, Tyler, Thome & Post,
Henri Gendron's orch,
Mike Potson has given his custom-
ers plenty of solid entertainment in
this show. With names such as Pat
Rooney and Harry Rose on the floor,
there is a guarantee of value and
an assurance ot ability.
Rooney, tor instance, is as staple
in vaude as Geo/'ge M. Cohan is
in legit, and the orchestra need
only start 'Rosie O'Grady' to bring
a round of applause that is a con-
vincer that people don't forget their
favorites. Rooney is as agile and
smooth as ever. He's doing three
routines, opening, curiously . but
wisely, with his oft -repeated
•O'Grady' number. Then into a
modem tap routine and winds up
with a strut. The act on any stage
as' lone as he comes in armed with
that 'O'Grady* melody is his ticket
of. admission to any aiudlence's warm
approval.
Same goes for Rose. With Sarah
and with 'Pagliacci,' Rose is as safe
as' a babe in mother's arms. That's
for his own turn, which he delivers
with sure-handed ability and with
surefire results. In addition. Rose
works hard as m.c,' keeping the
show moving and the audience re-
sponsive. Rose is to be commended
for his fine introductions, giving, all
acts a good and proper buildup In-
stead ot merely pulling the sour
bromide of asking the audien'ce to
'give 'em a hand.'
Also registering solidly' is- the
knockabout dance turn of Tyler,
Thome and Post. The two xpfoy and
Sirl -make a good abpearbnce'. in
evening dress 'and 'in'Cila" 'wallop
through with a drunk ahd then a
burlesque adagio number. All the
falls and business are worked out in
fine fashion and gamer a flock of
laughs.
Finally there is Betty Robin, ex-
stooge, out now a comedy dancer
with plenty on the ball. She has a
load of stage wisdom and her cur-
rent routine is a cinch for any
nitery or presentation house.
Teamed with a good straight she
would be capable of turning in a
powerful comedy vaude turn,
Janet Reade manages to get away
with a couple of pop tunes pass-
ably. She tries 'm Bill.' but
shouldn't because that only .makes
people think of Helen Morgan. Ma-
rion Vinay plays the violin, tossing
off some Russian dance routines at
the same time. ' Okay for her spot
Billed for the sex twist are Tul-
lah and Miy, who are ballyed as
Egyptian coochers. They cooch and
evidence considerable mobility of
hips and other portions of their an-
atomy. They have a couple of nifty
figures and their wiggles are sure-
fire for anybody not myopic. Gold.
STAGE ONE
(LO^ ANGELES)
Los Angeles, Feb. 24.
Shemp Howard. CtiUv Richards,
Henry Gatante, Billy Young, Four
Squires.
For those with a few on board and
easy to please, this drop-in spot on
the edge of Beverly Hills serves the
purpose. To the stone sober and dis-
criminating it's no go. Rowdy, rough,
carefree and come-what-may, there s
ho rhyme' or reason to the Stage hi-
■jlnks. . ' • .
Cully Richards performs the m. c.
duties and he rates a better break.
He has a warming personally and
knows how to drop off a gag. With
only a handful of payees in the
room (Sunday night) he was oit for
an egg-rolL He's a good bet for one
of the better grottoes and with some
fresh material should rock 'em in
their chairs. ■ , , .
Shemp Howard, one of the original
stooges, runs the joint with Jack Edel-
stein, onetime Long Island entrepre-
(Continued on page 47)
TheTHEATRE of the STARS
New Acts
TONT HABTIN
Songs
IS Mlns.
Paramonnt, N. T. ....
Tony Martin should easily match
on the stage the standing that he
has developed in radio and films.
Besides looks and the manner that
coimts, he's endowed with a voice
that's both sturdy and a seller. The
impression he's making at the Para-
mount is excellent for all age levels.
The choice of pop ditties couldn t
be better. , , .
About the only negative side to
the occasion was his tendency to
keep reminding his audience that
he's the fellow that's married to
Alice Faye. As a performer and
personality, Martin is certainly
strong enough in his own right
"The connubial references could be
minimized with more effective re-
sults all around. Odec.
FRANK ALBEBTSON (3)
ytitb. Jimmy Cross and Les Clark
Comedy. Songs, Dance
8 Mtns.; One. Two
State, New Tork
Frank Albertson, best known for
'Brother Rat' stage and screen, is on
a sabbatical from the Warner lot and
fills in nicely with a bright it Ugbt
routine of small talk and song-andr
dance hokum, tptter is chiefly con-
tribiited .by his aides^ Jimmy Cross
and Les Clark. They come on as in-
terrupters after the personable juve
has indulged in some Hollywood
chatter kidding the community,
more or less along familiar formula.
Albertson essays 'Jeepers' and
'Beautiful Baby" vocally, heckled by
the Interrupters, who also participate
in a lovemaking hoke sequence.
It's a frothy eight minutes in sum
total, getting by passingly and pas-
sively, but not altogether a stage-
wait Abel.
BOOKING AGENCY
GENERAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES
LOEW BLDG. ANNEX
16j9 :ip$T 46™ ST. NEW^ YORK
LU BIN
i^CNfRAl MANAGE* .
SIDNEY H. PiERMONT
BOOKtrtO Mi AN AO Et
DANNT GBATSON
Danslng
5 Mins.
Stanley. Pittsburgh
Danqy Grayson's a young hoofer
who\^hould go places. His tap stuS
is tops and he nas a lot of comedy
falls up his sleeve to keep the ball
rolling once his legit terping is es-
tablished. Good-looking, personable
youngster starts out with session of
loose-limbed legmania, th6n goes in
for the rhythm stuff sans music, and
makes the hardwood talk back to
him.
In later, stages his. unbalanced
stumbling across the stage, with the
Inevitable tall, is reminiscent of both
Will Mahoney and Ray Bolger, with
many of the best qualities of each.
He's a cinch for niteries. Cohen.
SUNSHINE SAMHT. and SLEEPT
' . WIttlAHS. -
Daoolng '
T Hlu^ Fan
'ApoUo, N. T. .
: Sunshine Sammy an4 Sleepy Wil-
liams have been around, in vaiiders
anjl niteries. but are not In the. New
Act flies, Sammy had a small, imit
some years ago,, organizing it shortly
aft^ir he grew out of the Our Gang
Comedy class.
Theiy're attired in tails and do
;80me :brisk aero- and - soft-shoe taps,
but; got little favorable response
firom this audience opening night
(Fri,). . B 6
Unii Review
Laughter Over Broadway
(MARYLAND, BALTO)
Baltfanore, Feb. 25.
PresenUd by Julian Fyhs; staged
by Kurt Robltschefc; with .Don &
Bud Gilbert, Ginger Dulo, Nat Na-
zatro, Jr., JMourice & Maryea, Kath-
leen Harris, Elaine Arden, Bennv
Ross & Maxine Stone, Ruth Londi,
Bucfc & Bubbles. The Royol WWrl-
uilnds (S). ^
Announced as a forerunner of an
attempt to bring back 'blft-time
vaudeville to the Maryland theatre
here, formerly rated one of coun-
try's outstanding two-a-day houses,
'Laughter Over Broadway is just
fair vaudeville, nicely handled by
Kurt Robitschek and making up in
quantity, at least what it lacte in
quality. Layout as constituted at
presenli needs sock and name value
to even approach the standards ot
what once constituted big-time
vaude. All the other extra currlcu-
lar trimmtogs are supplied; all seats
are reserved, two shows are pre-
sented daily .-except Sat and Sun.,
when three ' shows are presented,
and films are entirely eliminated.
Scale calls for 60c. mats and $1 top
nocturnal tap.
Opening with a special song writ-
ten by Abe Burrows, Frank Galen
and Robert Katscher, tiUed. 'Vaude-
ville Marches On', Ruth Landi
strikes a hopeful note, which Is
picked up by Don and Bud GUbert
nice working Aero duo in okay rou-
thie of bar work and hand balanc-
ing.
Nat Nazarro, Jr., m.c, introduces
Ginger Dulo, who fives out 'with
strenuous swing vocals of 'Short-
ning Bread,' 'I'm Sick of Swing' and
an .impression of Martha Raye,
Youngster has improved consider-
ably since last seen here, but needs
polishing and change of pace. Is
foUowed by Nazarro again in some
fairish gags and a session of acro-
batic hoofing that sends him off
solidly.
Smart ballroom stuff by Maurice
and Maryea, interlaced with some
bunchy toe-tapping by Kathleen
Harris, makes for nice change of
pace. Dance duo looks well and
sells smartly. Set good spot for
Elaine Arden, utilizing Greek dia-
lect to crossfire with Nazarro for
only a few laughs. Some of her ma-
terial is a bit blue for family trade.
Benny Ross and Maxine Stone, in'
standard routine ot well-timed
comedy, give matters a nice lilt
which holds with vocal contribu-
tions by Ruth Landi of 'Sing,' 'Get
Out of Town' and ■ 'MusIceQ
Travelog.* Latter offers opportunity
for foreign language interpolations.
Hampered some by mike trouble on
show caught singer nevertheless,
has considerable appeal and an en-
gaging personality.
Buck and Bubbles, in next-to-
closing, are okay with melange play-
ing of piano, vocals and comedy
hoofery. Royal Whirlwinds, excel-
lent skating trio, close strongly after
Interpolated blackout, which could
be eliminated to good advantage.
Reintroductlon of all acts, for ren-
dition of 'Star Spangled Banner* is
the finale.
Very able musical direction by
comlM, is a standout But tLaughtcs
UNION WRANGLE SHUTS
COCOANUr GROVE, LA
Los Angeles,. Feb. 28.
Union trouble closed the Ambas-
sador Hotel's Cocoanut Grove here
Saturday night (25).
Freddie Martin's orchestra walked
when waiters and culinary -vorkers
pulled strike.
The VeloK and Yolanda opening
was postponed.
Boreo to Frisco For
Fischer's Expo Show
Efflile Boreo, Just back In New
York from an Australian tour, is en
route pronto to the Coast He Joins
Cliff 3rd C. Fischer's 'Folies Bergeres*
revue at the Frisco Fair March 10.
Boreo went from Aussie to Lon-
don and Paris, where he signed with
Fischer to m.c. the show at the
Golden Gate exposition.
Marcella Hendricks, soprano, who
recently finished a series of pro-
grams on WOR-Mutual, has been
booked indefinitely Into the Dunes
Club, Pinehurst N. C.
Over Broadway' will not bring back
big-time vaudeville. The best bet
for the gentlemen behind this' ven-
ture is a salvaging of a portion of the
material at hand Into a briefer unit
terial at hand into a briefer unit '
aimed at the combo bookings still
available.
Idea of Robitschek and Fuhs Is to
tour this show as a straight-vaude
unit playing the key cities prin-
cipally. However, It needs much
more than it holds now to achieve
that purpose successfully.
Biz. n.s.g. Burm.
FOUR FRANKS
Dr«ned by
SIDNEY FISHER
76/77 Shaftesbury Avenue
PICCADILLy. LONDON, ENa
Best Coffee. in J^nglcmd
Qu Amy INN
Leicester Square
LONDON, WEST-END
-THUNKS-
Large Block— New en4 BKs^nvVmH
H&K Theatrical Trunks, »10J)0 up
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Alno Hartmann*. Oshkoah and othwa
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44
VARIETY
VARIETY HOUSE REVIEWS
Wednesdafv March .1, I939
PARAMOUNT, N. Y.
Hal Kemp orc?t, Tcmy Martin, Judy
Starr, Bob Allen, Troy & Lynn, Paul
Sydell, Jack LeMaire, Saxie Dotoetl,
Eddy Kusby; 'Cafe Society' (Pot),
reviewed in Variety Feb. 8, '39.
Everything on Paramount's eleva-
tor stage seems geared tor fast and
solid sending; It offers cracdc up-to-
the-minute jive entertainment, trots
out a few personalities that count on
the stage and the marquee, and
mal(es a well-balanced, intensive
vaudeville show. With Hal Kemp's
retinue and Tony Martin (New
Acts) alone, the bill on paper would
add up to good business, but the
house booker has rounded out things
for general appeal by slipping in a
snappy pair of eccentric steppers
and a pooch w,ith acrobatic sense. .
For Kemp it's a return date and,
as usual, he not only keeps the
youngsters in a mounting lather, but
regales the upper age levels with a
choice assortment of orchestral and
vocal diversion. When this kiUer-
diUer crew isn't putting on the in-
strumehtals it's taking 'em down the
line in a big way with crooning
and comedy song specialties. Bob
AUen wraps up June and moon in
a Harvard accent, while Jack Le-
Maire and Saxie Dowell keep the
customers laughing, the former with
his falsetto cat-priming and Dowell
with his equally screw-ball brand
of lyric punishment Judy Starr
ingenues and sings herself hito one
swell round of appreciation after
another. The numbers assigned her
fit the girl's personality patly and
her knack for selling 'em leaves
nothing wanting.
With Martin, the occasion rates as
a Broadway debut He's endowed
with all the necessary assets —
voice, looks and personality, and the
way they cottoned to him at tttls
spot sets him. up as a box office
sharpshooter as far as personal ap-
pearances are concerned. Martin had
but one difficulty with the juve mob
that faced him when caught They
preferred to listen to him sing
rather than gag abont being Alice
Faye's husbancl, and they pulled no
punchy in letting him Know It
After doing as many as five tunes,
Martin was forced back for an en-
core, and with this song out of the
way the screen and radio name
showed that he could also play an
instrument If s the clarinet Mar-
tin, nevertheless, is a good slDger.
The clever stepplng^tactics of Troy
and Lynn make themselves evident
at the fore end of the show. Follow-
ing a fast sample of the eccentric
school, they do a softshoe shuffle
that blends a fine quality of grace
and rhythm with pedal dexterity,
and then comes ttie real sock of the
act It's a takeoff of a coimle
youngsters going through the der-
vish gyrations and spine distortions
of a ballroom fad tagged the college
swing.. The exhibition garnered
plenty of lau^ and a wham send-
off . Paul Sydell Is the co-performer
of the acrobatic pooch. Their routine
«f hand, paw and headstands moves
along wlQi fine sho^ymanly toadies.
The laughs were many, and the exit
big.
During Don Baker's organ solo this
week the house has SQ^ie Lamo,
singing In the audience and carry-
ing his own mike- with l^im Man-
agement Is holding Lamo over a
second when he. wfil be put on the
stage. Odec,
and is a copyist of many single
women singing acts of.th6 past
Cardlnl entertains and amuses
with his card and cigaret manipula-
tions and often Irritates through the
spectators' InabUl^ to penetrate the
smoothness of his dexterity. He
holds his audience spellbound. Tokie
Horvath's Hungarian Gipsy Boys Or-
chestra of 20 effectively renders the
classics, particularly good for youths
of their lean years, A slightly older
boy, closely approaching adidthood,
wlio fiddles in the front row of the
stage band, actually directs the
others without obviously doing so.
The youthful fiddler, however, seems
more absorbed in his own playing
than in setting the tempo for the
others. They play classics princi'
pally, with just a smattering of pop'
ular airs.
Chevalier Bros., misfit comedy ac-
res, also recruited fi'om the Drury
Lane pantomime, suffer slightly on
their opening through being thie first
turn after intermission. Once the
audience gets , seated they finish ef-
fectively, however. Nelson Clifford
and Marie Marion have a soft spot
following the Chevaliers, .ajnd make
the most of it Their clever talk and
burlesque register the majority of
the show's laughs.
Closing turn is Clem Belling, with
his girls and canines. Besides him-
self, the girls and the do^s :.re
equally entertaining, though in dif-
erent ways. Jolo.
PALACE, COLUMBUS
Columbus, Ga., Feb. 28.
Bobbv Brein, "Wally Brown & An-
nette Ames, Al Bemie, Gene Shel-
don & Loretta Fischer, Richard
Adrian Trio, Seven Freddt/sons;
'Fishermen's Wharf (RKO).
Singing his songs into a sawed-oS
mike,. Bobby Breen is making bis
first appearance here on. a. stage and-
exhiblls - more stage presence than
many Hollywood veterans. The lad's
patter with Wally Brown, whom. c.'s,
is time wasted, but 'Umbrella Man'
ahd an applause-producing medley
of tunes from his film and radio as-
signments afford real entertainment
He's also appearing currently on the
screen in 'Fishermen's Wharf.'
Gene Sheldon, localite who re-
turned last week from a three-year
sojourn in Europe, is a panto comic
and scores. He works effectively
stooged by his wife, Loretta Fischer.
Al Bemie's impersonations are extra
good.
Other acts consist of the 'Seven
Freddysons, good acrobats, and the
Richard Adrian Trio, ballroom and
acrobatic dancers, who are not so
good. Annette Ames, tiny and cute,
has her inning when she sings and
dances ^ith Wally Brown. Inci-
dentally, a plant with instructions to.
Isugh with idiotic . abandon at
Brown's gags nullifies the m. c.'s im-
pression.
This show goes Friday (3) to the
RKO Palace, Chicago. Bliss.
APOLLO, N. Y.
COLISEUM, LONDON
London, Feb. 18.
Amazing Gridneffs (6), Three
Aberdonians, Ganjou Bros. (2),
Juonifo, Bettj; Driver, Cordini, ToJcie
Horvath's Hunjiarian Gypsy Orch
(20), £t0ht Rotfal Masters^ers, Fay
Compton, Chevalier Bros. (2), Nelson
Clifford and Marie Marion, Clem
Belling.
Ttiis is one of the best bills pre-
sented at the Coliseum since its re-
ce.nt return to vaudeville. While
generally good entertainment, there's
no individual sock turn calculated to
kn.ick 'era off the seats.
Fay Compion headlines, backed by
the Eight Royal Mastersingers, vo-
cal turn culled from the recent
Drury Lane p::ntomime. Miss Comp-
ton does two songs from the panto
and an additional one by Ivor No-
vello, while the male chorus sup-
ports her with some pleasing deep-
voiced harmonizing.
Another act from Drury Lane is
the Ganjou Bros, and Juanita. Trio
of men toss Juanita- about in an
adagio turn that's graceful and one
of the show's applause hits.
Show opjns with the Amazing
Gridneffs, four men and two women,
attired in Russian costumes, who- do
unusual ladder balancing. They're
followed by the Three ^Mierdonians,
two men acrobats and a girl aero
dancer. They have nice personalities
and some good stunts.
Betty Driver, who lias toured me
provinces in the part created by
Gracie Fields in 'Mr. Tower of liOn-
don,' has youth and a healthy at-
tractiveness, and while the program
admits her voice and dialect la un-
cannily similar to that of Miss
Fields, It says she's by no means a
mere imitator. She sings a blues
number, a mugging ditty a la Fields, Bradshaw,
Mary Bruce Boys & Girls (18),
Jocfc & Jill, George Williajns, Nina
Mae' McKintieu & Lawrence Criner,
A. Holmes, Tiny Brodshaw Orch
(13) with Buddy Bowser, Lee Ben-
nett, Sunshine Sammy & Sleeim
Williams;. 'Exposed' iWB).
The Apollo suffers a letdown this
week in nearly every department
Primarily the cause of the down-
beat is in the booking of a lesser
band. Tiny Bradshaw, inasmuch as
this Harlem house depends on name
colored bands for its draw.
For the marquee value the man-
agement is depending on Nina Mae
McKinney, but she's doing little to
warrant the billing. In a satire on
'Rain,' in which she assumes the
Sadie Thompson role supported by
Lawrence Criner as the. Rev. David-
son, Miss McKinney has drawn a
poor basis for her act. She's garbed
appropriately, as is Criner, but
there's no early indication that the
turn's a satire and the audience is
led to believe they're playing it
straight Late in the turn they hoke
it up, but it's too late. This audi-
ence showed little liking for it open
ing night (Fri).
Bradshaw is a windjammer as far
as energy is concerned, but that
doesn't compensate for the lack of
entertainment The maestro sings,
clowns, mugs, all at the expense oil
the acts and the band, which get
little chance to show. Buddy Bow-
ser is the band vocalist and works
Sleasantly, but Bradshaw's mugging
raws the sootUght and unfavor-
ably, too. Also appearing during
the loand's turn is Lee Bennett who
won an amateur contest at the Apollo
a couple of weeks ago. She's ob-
viously an amateur, but her singing
of 'Summertime' is pleasant
Opening act is Jack and JiU, goL_
dance team, who're only fair, fM-
lowed by George Williams, comic,
who's a frequent filler here. Wil-
liams' lyrics are slightly blue, his
gags and his dancing are poor. A.
Holmes, ventre, is standard, while
Sunshine - Sammy and Sleepy Wil-
liams (New Acts), complete the va-
riety.
House Is dispensing with Its stock
line this week and has brought in
the Mary Bruce Girls and Boys to
replace. They're doing three nuln-
bcors, exclusive of the finale, In
which all the acts return Introed by
STATE, N. Y.
Dolinoffs & Raya Sis. (2), Herman
Hyde vHth ThelitUi Lee, EsteXle Tay-
lor, Franfc Albertson & Co. (2),
Lucky MilHnder orch (14) featuring
4 Step Bros, and Sally Goodinfit; 'The
Beachcomber* (VA).
Two names with a Hollywood
flavor, Estelle Taylor and Frank Al-
bertson, plus Lucky Millinder's
bounce band for het rhythmic jive,
punctuate the current State frolic
handily. Fortified by two other
standard acts, one terp and the other
a very commercial low comedy turn,
the quintet of acts play like a book-
er's dream.
The Dolinoffs and Raya Sisters,
mixed quartet, open with an assort-
ment of accordion, Russe hock danc-
ing and a touch of manikin by-play.
But the piece-de-resistance of their
adagioesque terpsichore is the black-
out dancing. A couple of tungstened
question marks, on easels, further
eclipses the blaclc-velveted, unseen
partner who produces those odd lifts
and holds, Routines have been well
thought out and the prime objective
throughout is for novelty.
Herman Hyde, with a new femme
aide, Thelma Lee, a lissome blonde,
give the deuce groove a strong com-
edy lift with the comedy hoke and
business. Miss Lee is an expert foil
to Hyde's sometimes ribald, but ever-
effective business with the stream-
lined gal on the harp; the egg-laying
bass viol; the slush pump business,
etc. It's not elegant, but it is funny.
Estelle Taylor, also in the stream-
lined chassis department, sings her
way to a neat tally in the trey with
a well assorted medley of pops and
musical comedy excerpts. 'Still of
the Night' is a nifty orchestral job,
with a bolero background. Her red-
and-black sartorial front, contrasted
to what may be a new auburn hair-
do, takes care of the s.a. department
for the former Mrs. Jack Dempsey
and ex-film player. Her high-range
soprano pitches nicely and without,
undue straining for top vocal results,
Frank Albertson (New Acts) eases
his way in and out deftly if not very
socko, but sufficient unto the pur-
pose thereof. Then Lucky Millinder
and his solii senders, who are a bit
too cacaphonous but, in the main,
blend the jive with the melodic.
Millinder is a sepia stand-in for Ed-
ward G. Robinson in t>hysio'gnomy
and himself Is a sartorial study in
bro.wn. The sepia color scheme is
wisely carried through with the rest
of the personnel from the 14 band-
men unto Sal^ Gooding's getup, as
well as that of the Four Step Bros,
Latter are hoof in' foolis. Miss Good-
ing Is a highbrow Maewest In per-
sonal suggestion. She gives out with
a scat version of 'Old Man Mose' and
the newer 'Hold Tight'
To teke the onus off the swingo
mayhem of the classics, Millinder
wisely emphasizes that their version
of Rachmaninoff.'s 'Prelude in C-
Sharp Minor' has been jived with th6
idea of keeping the basic melody up-
permost and not distorted beyond
recognition. His combo comprises six
brass, four reeds and four rhythm.
Biz good opening night (Thurs.).
Abel.
RIVERA, B'KLYN
novelty of ogUnK * film r^rsonBlity
seeming!- ..oon wearhig away for
the payees. Comes on- to 'Lazy
Bones,' which is a natural: Over-
does it, though, to point where a
valet comes on stege and changes
his cotton field getup, .worn over
street clothes, to r Harler outfit
Tries a weaiy tap and a' running
Routine explained as from the film
'David Hartun,' then off. Valet takes
the bows, good for more giggles.
Bob Carney and his two d-ughters
try hard, but don't get much more
response than their predecessors. He
Sets off a few fast gags in Yiddish
lalect that are satisfactory, one
being too fast for thfi neighborhood.
His daughters' taps don't add any
lustre to the turn. Tt^ey vocal 'Hold
Tight' at the Opening fairly well.
They later Intro an elderly lady as
their grandmother and top mentor,
latter immediately going into a terp
routine. As she says, 'it's, pretty
good for an- old woman.' Four terp
off together. Carney does his drunk
bit somewhere during the turn,
overdoing it a bit, but clicking.
Five Elgins close with their
familiar hat transfers ahd Indian
club routine, and are easily the click
of the bill. Smoothness with which
they work and all-around smart ap-
pearance of the turn makes it stand
out far above the' rest of the bill.
SHUBERT, NEWARK
Newark, Feb. 28.
Ted Lewis' orch with .Snowball
WMtMer, Sftelton Brooks, (Sale Sex-
tet, Loretta & Lane, Radio Aces;
'Storm in a Teacup' (GB).-
Strongly on. the sentimental side,
Ted Lewis' orch is the attraction at
the Shubert this week and he Is draw-
ing a decidedly older audience than_
previous name bands. Celebrating'
his 30th year as a . baton wielder,
Lewis sings a sentimental ditty to his
pal, the clarinet, as a birthday cake
is presented to him. The true and
tried Lewis gestures, topped by the
battered hat, are followed through
for good, results in 'When My Baby
Smiles at Me' and other old tunes.
With him is his colored shadow.
Snowball Whittier, who does an ace
impersonation of the maestro in 'Me
and My Shadow,' followed by 'I
Wonder What My Shadow Thinks of
Me' with the aid of a white and a
colored girl in a shadow bit .
, Radio Aces, a trio of harmony and
swing-singers, are okay when they
were harmonizing, but become brash
and over-energetic in the loud num-
bers, particularly th^' operatic med-
ley, Dann^ White, a . panto dancer,
does a. familiar turn in n)isAt clothes,
and the Gale Sextet, evenly mixed,
do some of the fastest ballroom danc-
ing with acrobatic novelties that has
been seen here in a long while.
Shelton Brooks, composer of 'Soihie
of These Days,' ambles on for a talk-
fest with Snowball Whittier and then
wins the patrons with piano bits of
his hits. He could stey longer. Troy
and Lane, clever dancers, complete
this fast tempo layout Date,
HIPP, BALTO
Baltiinore. Feb. 26.
Collins & Peterson, Cass Daley,
Lionel Stander, Carlton Emmy &
Mad Wags, Roxyettes (16); 'Let Us
Live* (Col),
Grace Lee, Guy Martin Co, (5)
with De Lite & Van Twins, Al
Shayne, Stepin Fetchit, Bob Carney
(4), Five Elgins, Ted Eddies house
orch (9); 'Shanghai Madness^ (Rep).
Though the ' customers are ap-
parent^ satisfied and the lineup
looks okay on paper, this bill is one
of those things. Class of the layout
is the juggling closar, the Five El-
gins. in between the opening Guy
Mirtin turn and the Elgins it's a
series of dull thuds.
Ted Eddy's house orchestra opens
with a poor arrangement' of 'Hold
Tight,' following which the maestro
Introduces a localite, Grace Lee. She
vocals poorly and encores with an
equaUy limp 'Blue Heaven.'
Martin gets going with the Van
Sisters in a tap. Though obviously
handicapped by Eddy's background-
ing, the sisters do a nice job of uni-
son terping of standard routines.
Pair come back later for a fast tap
with ankles linked. Both tries are
nicely costumed, De Lite Twins
toss in a short' aero stint It's ordi-
nary and unbecomingly dtessed,
Martin, who does a tep that could-
be shortened for better effect, looks
good in teils and handles himself
smoothly. Entire company in on for
the fadeoff.
Al Shayne gives himself a buildup
from backstege via the mike before
openUig with his 'Marta' theme,
Shayne, who says he hails ' from
Brooklyn, never lets customers for-
get it— or his current WHN, N. Y_
sustehier. Since his voice Isn't what
it used to be, he's now concentrating
on selling himself via a delivery a la
Richman. Gives the entire bit an
aura of com. Uses topper and cane
and even tries a few terps. Selec-
tions could be better, best of he lot
being "They Say.' CaUed for en-
cores. Poor public address system
harms him.
Stepin Fetehit Is In tie trey. His
stuff gets monotonous af ^--p a -while.
Somewhat lengthy show has In It
considerable telent, but doesn't pW
as well as paper lineup would indi-
cate. Double m.c: stint throughout
by Collins and Peterson Is possible
drag, and three so-so routines to^ed
in by the Gae Foster Roxyettes are
not helping move matters either.
With cuts generously applied and
general speeding up all around, lay-
out may shape up better.
Collins and Peterson start from
the very outset with obvious and
hammer and tongs gagging, intro-
ducing, the Roj^ettes in. a boogey
woogey routine. A decided lift
comes next via Carlton Emmy and
his pups, a good act of its kind and
a decided bell-ringer here. Sets a
top flight pace, which is held in sock
fashion by C^s Daley lit following
niche. Comedy scat singer and mug-
ger wangs out 'Spreadin' Rhythm'
and a medley -of pops In clever'
fashion, coming back for 'Ants In
My Pants' and again with 'Old Man
Mose.' Equipped with a definite
.comedy style and a surefire knack
for scat singing, she ties matters up
tightly.
After more of Collins and Peter-
son, and the Roxeyettes In a one-
tWO-three-kick cakewalk routine,
Lionel Stender breezes on to faint
response. Tries hard with some fair
material, winding up_wlth an im-
Sression of Louis Wolheim in a
ramatic scene from an early CNeil
wagedy. Stander would do- much
" straight man in some
skillfully pointed dialog, or in a
sketch.
Going Into the bulk of their regu-
lar act - Collins ■ and Peterson take
hold here for the trumpet business,
Marty ColUns' hoofing and Peter-
son's strenuous feeding. Score nice-
ly and stay on to annou.ice closing
number by line, the good old 'Poet
and Peasant' on tbe hoof. It's girls'
best sUnt, but unfortunately comes
too late.
Biz just fair. Burm.
ROXY, N. Y.
Henny roungman, Pegleo Bate»
Florence & Alvarez, Cappu Barn!
harmonica band ($), Gae FmZ
Girls (24), Paul Ash's house b^M.
'Wife, Husband and Friend' (ZOthV
reviewed in Vawbiy, Feb. IS.
Standout at the Roxy when caught
at the last show Friday (24) was tiie
work of the- line. It presents
a pair of routines that are tops for
imaginative ahd attractive produc-
tion, aside from the usual precision
performance of the femmes. Both
girl numbers clicked with the house
far and away above anything els&
not altogether due to much last-mini
ute switching, pulling ahd subbing
when a couple of the turns orig-
inally booked failed to click In the
expected manner.
Miaco and Youman Bros. (3) were
the two acts pulled. For the final
two shows Friday, Ray Royce, comic
drunk, was in their stead. He in turn
was replaced by Pegleg Bates on
Saturday. The Cappy Barra har-
monica troupe (B) went in for the
final show Friday and remains for
the week. Florence and Alvarez, terp
duo, also underwent some changes in
routining after the first day. Henry
Youngman was forced by ali this to
fill in the breach with two turns,
both of which were far overboard
on' length, and his results weren't
good.
. Show's opener is a railroad station
scene with info clerks shouting dope
on ski trains, which serves to set the
idea when the Foster gals troop on
carrying bags. Following some &ain
effects by the band, femmes. create
similar sound effects of a locomotive
pulling out through clever heel and
toe work. As the clincher, lights all
drop, first femme unleashes a head-
light, last one a red light and the
'giJs In the middle turn their bags
around to reveal little windows. Ivs
very effective.
Second - routine by the line Is the
holdover bicycling, a frequently re-
peated sock. Gals are garbed as New
York's finest (but in ^torts). Best
bit is half of them balanced stand-
ing uprl^t on the rear mudguards
as the other gals peddle.
Youngman suffers principally from
material, customary with comics de-
pendent on gab. Entire session (re-
duced to one appearance after Fri-
day), from beginning to end, is old
stuff, the same .Yoimgman's been
using in p. a.'s for the past two years.
To those who haven't heard his gags
before,' there are undoubtedly many
that are funny, but the reaction here
was far from terrific.
Barra troupe, when caught, showed
okay despite their hurried entrance.
Apology at the start, nevertheless,
might well have been eliminated.
Lively lads, they toot harmonicas of
all sizes, sing and shoot some patter.
Florence and Alvarez presents two
routines. First is rather tame In its
lack of Snappy Ufts or turns, almost
a requisite in a tremendous spot like
the Roxy, where their flawless ball-
room, technique can be observed by
no more than a few rows. Second
number, a modem terp, is more in-
teresting.
Ray Royce, In his two perform-
ances, did only about three miniites
of acTO-drunk work. Got In a couple
of good twists and clicked mildly in
an early spot Pegleg Bates, who
replaced Royce, Is a standard one-
legged hoofer.
STATE, HARTFORD
Hartford, Feb. 25.
Sunny Rice, John Boles, Emmett
Old/Ield & Eddie Ware, Roger Pry-
or's orch with Arm Sofhem, Lane
Truesdale, Sam Kaplan's house orch;
'Prtde of NavyT (Rep).
Trio of film names, John Boles and
the Roger Pryor-Ann Sothern combo,
has the customers filing In this week.
Ptyor's unit is bolstered by the addi- ,
tion of two acts, putting the show m
the bell-ringing class. ,.
Boles' appeal to the f emmies can t
be questioned. The moment the
singer appears on the boards the ap-
plause gets underway and there is
no cessation until he has taken an
encore and several bows. He vocals
•See Your Face Before Me,' 'Rio Rita,
'One Alone' and 'Waiting at the Gate
for Katy,' latter in character. He
had to beg off. . . ,
Pryor is personable and amiable
and puts on a good mike front; chat- °
tln^nd gabbing aU the time, all ol
whFIs weU timed for the laughs.
ForTts opener,- the band plaXS, "
good swing arrangement of 'Whisuer
and His Dog.' Instrumental s9loists
get their Innings and band's imita-
tions of other orchestra styles_are
solid. They're tagged as suiy
Symphonies.' . .
Miss Sothern (Pryor's wife) does
nicely with three ballads in the clos-
ing spot, after some friendly patter
with hubby. Tunes are 'Deep in a
Dream,' 'Song in My Heart,' and "But
You're Sweu!' Unit's other chir^er,
Lane Truesdale, blonde looker, reg-
isters with 'You're Not thfe Kmd of b
Boy for a Girl Like Me.' .
BiU's opener Is Suitoiy Rice, whr
scores with speed tapping. Next spo
is taken by Emmett Oldfield an
Eddie Ware, who garqer laughs wit
hoke aero stuff and pantomime.
Biz good opening day (24). Eck.
Wednesdays, March 1, 1939
VARIETY HOUSE REVIEWS
VARIETY
4S
PALACE, CLEVE.
Cleveland, Feb. 25
Do»« Bene** girlt. Owe Chase
riidetjhe & Ashour. Rot/ Holbein
Wilre Bros. (3), Cin<ia.Gtenn, Willie,
West & McCinti/;-l'Three MvakeUerr
(20th). '
Nat Holt turned the KKO Palace
Into a three-ring circus ior his sec-
ond annual 'Crazy Show' unit, co-
Droduced here with Wlljlam Howard
and Dave Benes and slated for an
HKO tour after some polishing.
Kven lobby looks like a combina'
tlon funny-house and sideshow.
Gags to get customers into genial
Biood run from laughing-hyena post-
ers, Bronx-cheering devices, and
trick mirrors to ushers Jn Napoleon
letups handing out practical-Joke
nroerams. Frank Secrest also puts on
rube-Ughtning.quick-caricature act
In foyer, whUe Waxo goesTnto his
human-automaton stunt Dafifiness
reaches to orchestra pit, where three
bewlgged musicians give takeofls on
Ritz Bros, in current Three Mus-
keteers.' It all suggests ainother
"Hellzapoppln'.'
Show in main ring, however, isn't
iS crazy as Its title. As far as indi-
vidual acts are concerned, majority
■re good, standard comedy turns
that would hit it oft on an ordinary
blU. What's missing, though, is a
high-powered, breezy m.c. to weave
them together with more bounce abd
crisper timing. At the ragged open-
ing there was- a deflnite letdown
after each act Since then Benes
and Holt have cut a lot of dead
spots, added a flashier curtain and
given It more pickup.:
Heavy contingent of male comics
Is offset by nifty line 'of 16 steppers,
who open with 'disjointed number,'
using phosphorescent outfits in dark.
It's the old precision - routine, but
neat enough to give Chaz Chase a
hearty bow. Pantomimlst becomes
revue's top laugheroo as he tears oS
his always . reliable draggy-pants
dance, eating cigarets and every-
thing In sight Strip-tease also Is
an audience-stitcher, although not
fast enough.
Line's costumes help to provide
Elcturesque French cafe scene for
uclenne and Ashour. Team does a
Blap-bang version of Apache stuff
in reverse, - with husky femme bat-
ting her tlilnner partner around for
some robust slapstick. Rolf Holbein
has new novelty, at least new to the
shores of Lake £rie. Caricaturist
draws on a trick screen, which
transforms his figures into an an!
mated cartoon strip.- When he pulls
cigars and hot-dogs out of screen.
It's (in unexpected howL
Three Wiere Bros, had -tough time
getting warmed up on first day;
Their Jumping-jaok steps and hat-
fluggling nonsense- seems too light-
-weight in London hiimor for such
strong coihpetish .from other acts.
Clnda Glenn boosts the bill after a
rather dull Sally Bandish fan num-
ber by chorus. While hit a bit by
bad mike, red-headed mimic has a-
swell personality that sells several
fairish Impersonations of Dietrich,
primadonnas, etc. Acrobatic takeoff
of a piano-sitting ; singer -Is searing,
satire. Contortionistic stunts have
strongest sock when - she begins
mlggllngher long, supple arms.
Willie, west and McGlnty are next
- to closing with their familiar house-
smashing skit It's still spasmodic-
ally funny, but doesn't project the
spontaneous type of madness the
unit needs.
Good opening (Friday) crowd and
better Saturday (25) when acts got
closer to the right tempo. Pullen.
LYRIC, INDPLS.
JndianApoIis, Feb. 24.
Tommv Oorsey's orch, Edythe
Wright, Jack Leonard, Lowe, Hite &
Stanley, Afarv Jane Broxim; 'Wancy
Drew. Reporter' (WB).
Paced in 69 minutes of fast-mov--
Ing^ stage fare. Tommy .Dorsey orch
gives the swing fans plenty of fod-
er. Tunes are picked to please the
hep cats, with a liberal sprinkling of
nmiliar airs in the torrid style upon
which Dorsey has built his rep.
The brass section is a standout di-
vided Into four trombones, including
Dorsey, and three trumpets, with
five saxophones und a four-piece
riiythm. section comprising remain-
der of orch. Dorsey is on stage
throughout playing with the band
in all specialty numbers, and acting
as capable m.c.
Band opens with a swing version,
•f 'Old Black Joe,' going into a med-
ley of 'Two Sleepy People.' 'Room
with a View' and 'My Reverie,' then
lamming 'Beale Street Blue^ set-
ting the orch in 14 minutes of
straight music. Mary Jane Brown
joUows with a couple of fair rhythm
tap numbers. Skeets Herfurt gar-
ners some laughs with his comedy
wngingjbut should file away the an-
Sjent 'Why Worry' and 'Mr. Burn-
Mde ' la better on 'Kermit the Her-
mit and 'Dina Dong Daddy,' and
eiosing peckinit bit with sax player.
uorsey's sweet slush-pumping of
Song of India' clicks. Edythe IKrlght
loilows and scores singing, 'You
Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby'
and Itfulberry Bush,' latter with
Herfurt She could be used to ad-
vantage for another song. The orch
swings
Chant'
again on 'Hawaiian War
Lowe, Hite and Stanley keep up
show's pace with fast-moving com-
edy antics built on the contrast in
sizes, one member of trio being a
giant, one normal, and the other a
djvarf. Have some good dances in
military tempo.
Jack Leonard is given the heavy
end of the vocal department He
sings and sells well "Get Out of
Town,' 'Deeo in a Dream,' 'Change
Partners,' 'Old Polks' and 'Marie,'
Orch goes solidly Into the groove for
the finale. .
Show is nicely lighted and orch
goes through arrangements smoothly,
with accent on music instead oi'
visual showmanship. The upper and
lower floors were filled with standees
at evening show opening day (24).
■ Kiley.
PARAMOUNT, L. A.
STANLEY, PITT
Lps Angeles, Feb. 21.
Marine 'Sullivan, Nani Hart, Wei-
son's Marionettes, 'We Three,' Smith
Ballew, Fanchonettes; 'St. Louis
Blues' CPar).
Maxlne Sullivan, colored girl with
the Irish haine who turns classics
into swing, tbps the-stage show here
currently as an adjunct to the Para-
mount film, in which she is one of
the featured players. .It's her first
appearance at the house and she
mopped up. opening day (Tuesday).
Five tunes, ranging from lowdown
blues to Scotch classics, afford her
a chance to demonstrate why she
has been cleaning up in radio, es-
pecially her -rendition of 'Loch Lo-
mond,' which pahicked the house.
After doing 'Annie Laurie' in swing
time as a second encore gal had to
beg oft from an overly insistent aU'
dience
During the absence of Rube Wolf,
who heads a Fahchon & Marco unit
sailing soon for Hawaii, Smith Bal-
lew has been called- in as orch leader
and m.c. Maestro warbles a nimiber
at opening and announces the several
acts, but otherwise doesn't reveal
much. Natural nervousness, no
doubt
Nelson's Marionettes (male . and
female) Is a decided novelty turn,
expertly . worked and scoring, as
does Nanl Hart' Hawaiian femme,
who croons and dances a native num-
ber clad in -full evening gown, itself
a novelty.
Guy Buccolo has drawn two string
players from the orch and^ under
the title of 'We Three,' they grind out
a routine of swing stuff that's enter-
taining and funny.
House Fanchonettes play an Im-
portant part in current show. Their
initial appearance is to announce
themselves on the screen In the mu-
sical short 'Night In a Music Hall,'
which they view while seated along
the foots, their' backs to the audi-
ence. Gals go from picture into a
stage routinct depicting the wild
abandon of Mississippi darkies Fan-
chonettes close the sliow with a Blue
Serenade routine that shows cla.<!S and
careful preparation. Edwa.
CIRCLE, INDPLS.
Indianapolis, Feb. 24.
Russ Morgan's orch (17), Mitzi
Green, Shea & Raymond, Claire Mar-
tin, Carolyn Clark, Larry Collins;
Pride of Navy' (Rep).
Lacking In punch and faltering In
pace, Russ Morgan's band show is
generally mild as the teeoff of this
theatre's new policy of occasional
stag shows. Rimning 65 minutes, the
show could easily stand trimming.
All the soloists and featured per-
formers are handicapped by the
house's faulty p-a. systen), the only
exception being Shea & Raymond,
who depend on pantomime and ecr
centric comedy dancing. They do
seven fast minutes of comedy next-
to-closing and are the bright spot
,of . the proceedings. -
Too much sinjging Is one of the
sho.w's most glaring faults. After an
opening band medley of 'Wang Wang
Blues,' 'This Thing Called Love,' and
'Jeepers Creepers,' the first of the
several vocalists to appear is Carolyn
Clark, who warbles, 'I Go for That'
and 'Heart Finds Out-' Larry Collins,
next starts out to do a trombone
specialty and winds up singing a
medley. Following are more vocals
by Claire Martin and Merton Curtis,
doing Two Sleepy People' and
'Room with . View.' Russ Morgan
also joins .the songsters' parade by
contributing a vocal solo of 'Pocket-
ful of Dreams' in the next spot And
Mitzi Green, immediately following,
sings 'Alexander,' 'Old Feeling' and
'Lady Is a Tramp.' She works in
some Impersonations; but these also
are done to music with special intro-
ductory lyrics.
An Instrumental combination of
four violins and the band's rhythm
section come down front for 'Four
String Joe,' an attempt at a mild jam
session. A band medley follows and
then there's considerable more sing-
ing. After all' this. Shea and'Ray-
ijiond sock through. A straight band
number finales.
Morgan's music Is okay, but his
show needs routining. Biz was poor
at the second show Friday (24).
.. KUej/.
Pittsburgh, Feb. 25.
Vincent Lopez orch (15), Potricio
Ellis, Abbott & Costello, Danny
Grayson, Betty Button, Johnny Mor-
ris, Nick Pisani, Dicfc Wharton; 'Top
per Tofces a Trip" (UA).
It's a neat bundle of entertainment
that Vincent Lopez is peddling.
Showily paced and heavily named,
it has all the makings and, is a satis
fied customer is still the best adver
tisement this WB deluxer should get
plenty of plugging this week. They
come and go, band^en do, but. Lo-
pez stays put among the top-flighters,
and rightly so, for he's both show
man and musician.
The sleek maestro has kept pace
with changing times and styles, and
tbe metamorphosis to swing— Lopez
lal>el5 it . 'suave swing'— has taken
place with him easily and effectively.
He's retained a flock of his old trade-
marks, particularly the keyboard
wizardry winding up with the in-
evitable 'Nola,' and at the same time
caters to the modem . Idiom safely
and sanely. It's not the beating,
blaring type of music, but a melodic
coimterpart that soothes the ear and
tlneles the feet at the same time.
The old Lopez tradition is plenty
evident at the comers, and he's wise
in staying right on the fence, pre-
pared for the Dusb in- the other di-
rection when the time comes. For
the swingsters he's , also . carrying
weight particularly in that bundle of
human dynamite named Betty Hut-
ton. Vocal and physical energy of
the gal is dumbfounding and she's
bread and butter to the jitterbugs.
In addition, Lopez has a flock of first-
class soloists equipped to jam their
way to town, which they do on sev-
eral occasions. So he keeps the two
styles well balanced and pacifies both
extremes In music appreciation.
Show starts with Umbrella Man,'
then goes into slick arrangement of
'Swinging with the (Soons,' featuring
a socko clarinet quartet that leads
into Danny Grayson's (New Acts)
hoofliig session. Lad mops up easily
with his loose-jointed legmania and
sets things nicely for Patricia Ellis.
The cinema ingenue's developing into
an okay song stylist and knows how
to use both her voice ai\fl oody.
What's more, she packs Plenty of s. a.
iii that strapless evening gown, and
sails through four numbers. "You Ap-
peal to Me,' "My Heart Belongs to
Daddy.' "Cant C^et Started with You'
and 'Sing for Your Supper.'
Lopez follows with a hot clatter of
an original composition, "Napoleon
Bonaparte.' which gives drummer
Johnny Morris a . chance to go to
town, but could be. shortened to ad-
vantage, and then shoots right into a
medley of 'Deep purple.' featuring
Nick Pisani's educated fiddle, "You
Must Have Been a Beautiful Babv*
and Thanks for Everything.' with
Dick Wharton stepping down from
the stand to warble the latter.
Guitarist Is all right for sound, too.
Mob's ripe for laughs at this point
and they get them from Abbott and
Costello. Comedy stars of Kate
Smith's radio hour grind out 10 min-
utes of solid guffaws with their
bright fresh material and^ unlike the
usual radio teams,' boys know what
to do on a stage as well. Steady
click all the way and had to prettr-
Please to get away. Their exit sits
Lopez down at the piano for a ses-
sion of his. .crackeriack flngerwbrk
and his final flourish Is the cue for
Miss Hutton; She winds up the
show, where she belongs, because
following her would be too tough.
Blonde bombshell gives 'em "Where
Has My Little Dog Gone,' 'Old Man
Mose Ain't Dead.'.<Hold Tight' and
then, for an encore, I've Got a Guy,'
with Lou Costello coming on for the
last to stooge for laughs. Wow cur-
tain, with Lopez making a pleasant
thank-you speech at the close-in.
Cohen.
EARLE, WASH.
Washington, Feb. 26.
Top Hotters, Burton Pierce, Ray
fSc Trent, - Eddy Dxtchin's Orch uHth
Durelle Alexander, Johnny Mac-
Afee & Lew Sherwood; 'There's That
Woman Again' iCol).
House has dispensed with Its
regular line and pit orch, except for
the exit march, to build another
smooth band show around Eddie
Duchin. Only three extra acts are
used,, but each is a sock in itself,
while the band has at least three
specialties that can be classed as
acts.
Opens with Duchin's piano theme
and then band goes into "This Can't
Be Love' and 'What Have. You Got'
Orch follows In with complex ar-
rangement of "Bugle Call Rag' and
Duchin turns the mike over to Stan-
ley Worth for vocals on "Deep in
a Dream' and Two Sleepy Peo-
ple' to oke results.
The Top Hatters, mixed team,
youngsters In grey and white flan-
nel, go iijto.a.slcating routine that's
fast, smooth and nXns gamut of
standard spins. Punch is the gal
lighting a cigaret while spiming
by her feet so fast audience can't
follow her. Kids are young, attrac-
tive and polished.
Duchin brings on Durrelle Alex-
ander in short blue spangled dress
to warble 'Jeepers Creepers,' Um-
brella Man' and 'Ole Man Mose.' her
pantomime and sense of rhythm
combining to put her across. Her
'My Heart Belongs to Daddy socks,
especially second chorus done with
Burton Pierce, who mimics old man
for interpretive hoofing. Pierce fol-
lows into a ballet tap routine, mix-
ing styles of Fred Astalre and Paul
Draper with spectactjlar spins, leaps
and sharp taps. Encores witii dance
of little colored boy . finding wad
of bills and being chased by cops
which is just enough this side ol!
straight ballet to score heavily.
Trumpeter Lew Sherwood takes
side mike for vocal swing parody
on "Volga Boatman' and 'Dark
Eyes' which ultimately involves en-
tire band. Ray and Trent take over
next coming out in fast clog tap
with one pair of feet joined to the
the other by elastic ribbons. Amus-
ing slapstick business gets them un-
hitched and they go into acrobatic
stuff, little guy's rubber spine en-
abling wierd effects. Finidi of big
fellow standing on chair, leaning
over backward and lifting partner
from prone position to band-to-hand
stand IS strong. Band takes It again
for 'Beautiful Baby,' featuring two-
way choruses by Durelle Alexander
on one side of stage and band's vo-
cal trio on the other.
Big moment to the audience at
this show was Duchin's piano solos,
'My - Reverie' and 'Star Dusf are
done a la concerto. Band finales
with 'Stormy Weather,' delivered
with production effects. Craig.
TOWER, K. C.
Kansas City, Feb. 25.
Jack Fulton, Alphonse Berg, Jay &
Lou Seller, John .Croilus, Natalie'
Kahn, The Adorables, Judy Conrad's
house orch: 'Three Musketeers^
(20th),
Finish is written to tegular vaude
at the Tower with this week's bill.
Closes out four years and 10 months
of continuous 'fi^h, with double fea-
tures and occasional name units the
policy henceforth. C!urrent bUl, like
last week's. Is meritorious In many
respects and film is a distinct Im-
provement But biz lags, regardless.
Jack Fulton, radio tenor, holds
over from last week to again m.c.
Duo of songs midway and a vocal
on the opening production number
comprise his bit His selection of
strictly pop songs might have been
varied with a light classical number,
considering other pop singing on the
bill.
Cipenlng Is by the line (Adorables)
In a fashion routine as a setting for
Alphonse Berg, who brings on his
three models and drapes gowns oh
them, playing heavily on hii recent
Sicture appearlnces. Deuce goes to
ratalie Kahn, 12-year-old local gaL
Billed as . K.C.'s Judy Garland,
youngster shows . . only faint re-
sentblance to the film singer. Her
singing la commendable,- but her
stage planner Is undeveloped. I.
John Gallus follows, combining
clarinet playing and marionette
manipulating, evening stimt of bal-
ancing ball OA instrument while
layinjg gets act off on wrong- foot
larionette sextet operated by
Gallus with one hand while he fin-
gers clarinet with other, carries off
uie. turn In good style. Dolls can
be further developed to heighten
routine: - On an encore, Gallus plays
straight as a torrid tooter.
Fulton's bra'w of songs Is Inserted
here, followed by Jay and Lou Seller
in the closing spot Team opeiis
with an eccentric dance on rocking-
chair skls^ using them as basis for
comedy. Act rates as a distinct
novelty. Adorables finale -with a
short modem routine. Quin.
KEITH'S, BOSTON
Boston, Feb. 24.
Bert Walton, Three Barvards,
Jack Lenny A Statler Ttoins, Ran-
dall SisUrs (3), Variety Gambols
'7>, Eddie Rosenwald house band;
'Am Criminal' (Mono). 'Headleys at
Home' (Indie). .
Good variety here this week,
opening with a slightly dance fiash
'and closing with a peppy acro-
adagio group, (^medy department
is . handled by Bert 'Walton, next-
to-shut assisted by his pale singing
stooge. Though this act has visited
here many times. It still wows 'enk
Walton also mx. s weU.
Jack Lenny and Statler Twins un-
load laudable taps.' Girls' costum-
ing aids, they worlc well in two-'pre-
cision numbers with . Lenny and
once on their own. Lenny is easily
best of the trio, and his solo bit cli-
maxes the turn.
Three Harvards follow with com-
edy juggling. - They handle the clubs
smartly and offer a diversified, fast-
moving routine. Obviously no' sure-
fire comedians, they intelligently
handle that phase of their work
lightly.
Randall Sisters, formerly with Al
Pearce's radio sbow, swing "Rhythm
in Nursery Rhymes', 'Alexander'
and' -"Old Apple Tree.' Tunes are
well arranged and they have to en-
core. The encore, 'When Pa Courted
Ma,' with comic Interpolations, is-
their best number.
Variety Gambols (7) close the bill
with acrobatics and adagio stuff.
They're four boys and three girls.
(3ood, clean-cut act unfortunately,
unable to do their trampoline work
here because of an injury to one of
the boys. Fox.
FOX, PHILLY
Philadelphia. Feb. 24.
Artie Shaw's orch (14), Helen
Forrest, Tony Pastor; Craig & Rich-
ords, Robert Williams & "Red Dusf;
'Tailspin' (20th)..
The Fox theatre resumes as a
vaudfilmer this week with a sfnash
stage attraction backed by a much-
baHyhooed pic— a combo that packed
'em in opening day. Artie Shaw's
name is magic at the b. o., bringing
the kids in droves through the wick-
ets. Night biz, a sore spot at the
Earle, was also away above par on
Friday (24).
Shaw's gang comes here fresh from
the historic 'battle of swing' in New-
ark. They received a riotous wel-
come at the teeoff show, but the
crowd was much .better behaved
than the jittcrbu|: fandangoes at thia
Earle. They applauded and whistled
after each number, but there was lit-
tle of the stomping that used to mark
the Earle shows. . The swing cus-
tomers seem a little overawed by the
more sedate surroundings at the Fox.
Band opens on a moving stage
with Shaw's theme tune, "Nightmare,*'
the leader out in front piping the
high ones on his clarinet Crew then
swinjgs out with the choicest morsels
in the Shaw bill -ot fare, 'Carioca^'
'Shoot the Licker to Me, John Boy,'
'SofUy as a Moming Sunrise,' and
The Chant'
Tony Pastor and Helen Forrest
handle all the vo^l work and ca-
pably. Former does a snappy bit
with his lone number, "Indian Love
CalV Miss Forrest a willowy lass,'
had to swing three songs before they
let her get away—Deep Purple,' t
Cried for You,' and "Old Folks.' Tlie
last one Is particularly socko.
Shaw's crew finales with a hodge-
Sodge arrangement Including "Bel
llr,' "Joseph, Joseph,' a couple ot
Russian tunes and a -few Ylddldi
froellchs. If s an almost Identical bit
to the cinrtainer of Benny (Soodman,
who appeared at the Earle two weeks
ago.
There are only two outside acts
currently. Craig and Richards, a
young shag team who seem a bit
weak in routining, and Robert Wil-
liams and 'Red Dust' dlever animal
act Williams had trouble getting
the Shaw-hungiy crowd with him,
but once his pooch began acting up
he clicked.
Shaw handles the show well, giv-
ing virtually every musician a chanc*
to strut his stuff. Les Jenkins,
George Arus, Sid Weiss, Chuck Pet-
erson and drummer Buddy Rich get
across easily.
It's Shaw's first visit to Fhflly
since he scaled the diszy heights, his'
only previous appearances here be-
ing at college proms. Shal.
EMBASSY, N. Y.
(NEWSBEELS)
Editors at this newsreel houso
show neat skill and Ingenuity in
maintaining audience Interest in
news matter handed them by the'
newsreel companies this week. It
took considerable trimming to pack'
this maximum number of topics into
Its running time and make up for
dearth of Intriguing stories. News-
reels still focus attention on Franco's
victory In Barcelona and the sweep-
ing operations that pushed loyalist
forces over the French border, or
into a narrow strip near France.
Both Fox Movietone and Unlvers'al
tfve It adequate coverage, latter
andlng varied footage and most
gripping scenes.
For runner-up spot Embassy staff
has strung together a series of war'
preparations and similar Mars-llk«
stuff. News of Day supplies photo-
graphically thrilling shots of cavalry
maneuvers near Fort Bliss; plans for
building air defense are explained
by U. S. army general (U and N. of
D.). Universal also displays trim
pictures of a 42-pB8senger plane
that's supposed to- give U, S. air
supremacy. This reel also covers the
tank parade up Broadway, N; Y,
and loading of planes for France.
N. of D.' shows American plane fac- -~-
tories working overtime filling con-
tracts. U also shows Chinese New
Year celebration In N. Y., linking It
up with drive for funds in Sino-Jap
war.
Paramount has first actual news-
reel pictures of crowds and scenes in
Rome following the death of Pope '
Plus.
The only other Item that matters
much Is - the handling of the two
world's fairs. Universal shows the
opening of the San Francisco show,
while - Fox has Billy Rose and his
beauties in a ceremony at the New
York fair site. Same reel also does
a trim job showing how the electrical
Voder machine creates hum?.n speech,
at the Frisco exposition. Pathe ex-
plains how Chicago Is progressing on
its new subway. Roosevelt is shown
starting on his battleship cruise and
making a farewell speech (N. of D.).
. Jack Dempsey. an(b Jess Willard
are depicted clowning in Florida by ' '
Paramount reel backing this up with
library clips of the Toledo title bout '
that willard lost Same newsreel
preludes baseball training camp pic-
tures with past-season diamond
scenes and then comedy views of the .
school for umpires at Washington.
Par also remembers the anniversary
of woman suffrage. A polo fatall^
in a match In California is ca»Pht by
Fox. Wear.
46
VARIETY
Wednesday, March I, I939
NEXT WEEK (March 3)
THIS WEEK (Feb. 24)
Numerals in eonnectlon with bill* balow indieate opening day of
ahow, whetlior full or split week
NKTI' YOBK cm
State m
Milton Berle
Mary Jane Walah
Jo* MoirlsoD
Smart Set
Al Gordon Co
6 Janslaya
WASHDTOTON
Capitol <8)
Rhythm Rockata
Lathrop Broa & I>
Hariorle Gatiuw'rth
Trlxla
Prank Albertson
Ellaan O'Connor
Ken Wltmar
NBW YORK cm
PaniinouDt (1)
Hal Kamp Oro
Tony. Martin
Troy Sc Lynn
Paul Sydall Co
CHICAGO
rbfoxte (S>
Roger Pryor Ore
Ann Sotliern
J ft L Bailer
Jarkle Oreen
State (S>
Ultzia Oreen
Toy * Wins
Britt Wood
4 Pranks
HIBBIKO
Slat* <3^)
Major Bowes Co
OKA HA
Ofvlwam O)
Tan Oait>er Ore
ST. CLOUD
FanmouBt (1).
Major Bowes Co
TIRMINIA
Stat* (IM)
Major Bowea Co
SEW iroiiK com
Moale Hall (2)
Dean Murphy
Sara Ann McCabe
Ted Lester
Rockettes
Corps de Ballet
Brno Rapee fjymph
BOSTON
. Keith (£-S)
4 Novas
Smoothies
Herman Hyde Co
Don Rice
Saul Orauman
CHICAGO
Fala*e (S)
Blackstone
Bobby Brean
(it)
Chester Hale Ola
Bdna Jauls
Sid Marlon Co
CI.CTEI.Ain>
Falac* <3>
Sddle Duchln Ore
(24)
Chaz Chase
Luolenne & Ashour
Rolf Holbein
Wlere Bros
CInda Glenn
West & McGlnty
COUJHBIIS
PBlaoe <M)
Freddyaons '
AI Bemle
Richards Adrian Co
Gene Sheldon
Bobby Breen
Brown & Ames
8CHKNKCTADT
mctofs (Z-4)
Walter Powell Oro
8- Creys
Gas Van
Dick * Dot Rcmr
MEW TOBK CITY
Btmnd (3)
Will Osborne Ore
Milt Berth S
Bhella Barrett
Gloria Rich
(24)
Ka y K yser
PHrLADELPinA
raw (S)
Ted Weems Oro
(24)
Artie Shaw Ore
Will iam s & Dust
PITTSBCRGH
Stnaler <S>
Artie Shaw Ore
Williams & Dost
(24)
Vincent Lopes Oro
Patricia Ellis
Betty Hntton
Abbott * Coatello
WA8HIKCTON
Bade (3)
Beatrice Howell
Coquettes
Emerald Sla
Caaa Daley
Qae Foster Qla
(24)
Eddie Dachin Ore
VEW YORK CITY
Boxy (3)
Peir JitK Bates
Henny TounRman
Plorcnre & Alvarez
On* Foster Gla
Paul Ash Ore
ATLANTA
Boxy (4)
Don Franclsro
Barr £ E.ites
Ward & Van
Kay Unmlltnn
BALTIMORE
Hippodrome (3)
Vincent Lope:; Ore
Betty Hullon
Patricia Ellla
Danny Drayson
Stntr (2-4)
Mart Duo
Golden & DeRlta
Everett ft R Rev
(C-S)
R * V PIckert
CHICAGO
Oriental (3)
Jordan 3
Roy Rngscrs
Ted WoMman & 3
HiPkey Bros & A
Bob Kins
I BaniuclH & H
OD. ISLAND
Capitol (3-3)
' Folles D'Amonr
HABTFOBD
State (1-S)
Bill Robinson
LoulS' Armstronc Or
NEWARK
Paramonnt (3)
Mai Hallot Ore
Red Nichols Ore
HASTINGS
BItoU <4)
. Follea D' Amour
INOLINAPOUS
Lyrlo (3)
Benny Goodman Or
Walter Dare Wahl
Eunice Hcalev
(24)
Tommy Dorsey Ore
Lowe, RIto Sc S
Mary Jane Orown
LAFAYETTE
Blars (4)
Calllncr All Stars
-MEMPHIS
Orpheiun (3-0) .
Jim Luncefonl Ore
MILWAVKEE
Rlvemlde (24)
Red Donahue
Jack Leonard
2 St. Johns
Una Cooper
Cath WestOeM
Jane Turner
H'wood 12
NEWARK
Bbabert (8)
John Boles
Steven Evans
12 Aristocrats
Barry, Breen tc W
Bobby PIncus
' PATBB90N
HaiestIc (M-S)
3 Waltons
Chappelle ft Reyde
Trade 2
Brans ft Mayer
Ted Adair Rev
<3-e) -
(Three to flit)
Ra.v Wllbcrt
Stone ft Victor Rpv
PmLADELPHIA
Carmea (3)
Ben Tost Co
_ Fnrs (2)
Payne ft Foster
Paul KIrkland
Art Mathuea
Bob Carney Co
Pat Johnstone..
Lonergan Ola
PITBIAN
Bfoadw'r (4th onlyy
H'nr'e ft Adams Sis
Abbott & Arlene
4 Vespers
(One to All)'
PBOVIDENCR
Bays (3)
Lorraine Rogman
Loyls £ Van
Inga . Nelson
Flagg ft Arlan
Victoria Tr
Playlwase (1)
Bozo Snyder
Francis Renault
Roger Donnelly
4 Arleys .
STAMFORD
Palace (3-4)
Goodrich ft Nel--
R ft V Plekcrt
Carlton Emmy
Nick Luras '
Lew Pnrkcr Co
Ted Adair Rev
IBKBE HAITI-.
Iniliflna (2-3)
Calling All SUrs
Provindal
Week of Febnuty 27
ABERDEEN
TlvoU
Loll Park
Gladys Church .
Young ft Rellly
3 Aberdonlans
KDINBimCH
Boral
Bower ft RutherCrd
Velvey Attwood
Chris Ambrose
Peggy Carrington
Stevens ft Marka
Foster ft Clarke
Bettlna Rlrhman
Pearce ft Grnnden
LoDis Barber Co .
Olive Miles
Don Lewis
Bobe Phillips
GLASGOW
PaWUoB
Elmer Cleve
Jack Joyce Go
Prince Mercado Co
Jan Van Albort ft S
Marianl Co
Elroy
Rene Made Co
Peter Stnclare Co
UVBBPOOL
Shakespeare
Bill Campbell Co
Sybil Stanford Co
Harold Walden
Hylda Baker
Edna Ashby
Tracadero Beet.
Gaston Palmer
Ken Harvey
Stone ft Lee
Raymond Newell' .
Ehime
Adam ft Tree Ore
Cabaret Bils
NEW TOBK CUT
Anaaada's
Baddy Clarke Ore
Marie Spauldlng
Dick Chapman
Baner aallaat's
Frank Craven
Angela Velez
Carter ft Bowie
Tom Patrlcola
Joe Howard
Clyde Hager
Mangean Tr
Delia Llnd
Emma Francis
Lulu Bates
Willie Solar
Harry Armstrong
NOW
TOURING EUROPE
MARION DANIELS
VIA
MARK J. LEDDY
Nellie Paley
Terrace Boys
Bm BertoletU'e
Angelo'a Rh'mba Bd
Elaine Spencer
Chita.
Bni's Gay tva '
Jim Phillips
Florence Herbert
Billy Lorraine
John Panler
John Bllot
Spike Harrison
Rudy Madison
Bin .Qucntmnrer
Steven Isles
Bemte Oraner
Harry Donnelly
Arthur Behan
Harold Wlllard '
Dob COrtez
Charlea Touchette
Ozzle Nelson Oro*
Harriet Billiard
Jay Freeman Oro
Willie ft B Howard
Andrews Sis
Gene Austin
Oil Lamb
The Jnvelya
Debonalrs
Mario ft Floria
Gloria Gilbert
Bob Howard
Briek Chib-
Don Bruce Oro
Jack Laurie
Sylvia Joann
Frances Leslie
Betty Babette
Peggy Jansen
Dorothy Brown
Naomi Slmone
Frankie Bartell
Bay Janus
Pat Rogers
Chateau Moderae
Paul Bass Oro
Gabriel
Lynn Russell .
Marlon Farrar
George Rlson
Chez FIreboose
Chick Howard Orr
ChrlsUe Gillespie
Milt Hertb Trio
■ einb IS
Jack White
Pat Harrington
Jerry Kruger
Judy Rndle
Frankie Hyers
Leila Gaynea '
Beala Bt Boys
G Andrews Ore
Clab Gaavbe
Chas Macula On-
Pancblta Villa
Tarrant ft Dacltn '
Tereslta
La MarlU
Pedro Valll
Felicia Florea
Maria Del Carnipi,
3 Gauchoa
CsttoB Chib
Cab Calloway On
NIcholaa Broa
Berry Bros
W C Handy
Dandrldge Sis
Slater Tharpe
Mae Johnson
Tlmmle A Fredil.
June Richmond
.llgsaw Jackson
Vodery Choir } .
Diamond Borseslm.
Noble Slssls Orcr
Don McOrane Orr
Fritzl Schelt
Buddy Doyle
I Frank Ubuss
BUzabeth Murray .
Et (Alco
Ellseo Orenat Ore
Fantasia Novla-
Joylta ft Maravllla
Romero Gomez
Pamiita Domlnguez
Dorlta ft Valero
Bl Marocca
Ernie Hoist Ore
KamoBS Deer
Charley Barnet Oro
Nan Wynn
Hazel Scott
Creeawleli TlUaga
Don Ravel Ore
Dorothy James
Roslta Royce
Dolores Farrls *
Mata Monterla
June Havoc
t Musical Maniacs
Tommy Bruno
Benny Martini
Joe lAne
« Village Glam' GIs
HaTaaa-HairM
Nano Rodrigo Ore
Juanlfo San'bria Or
Ceaar ft Lydia
Corday ft Trlano
Roslta Ortega
Diana Del Rio
Bickaiy Hoaaa
Jo* Marsala Oro
Hotel Ambassador
Dick Qasparre Ore
Vincent Bragala Ore
Happy Powers
Marty Golden
Rosalean ft Seville
H'tel Bdmeat-Plasa
Joe Venutl Ore
Adrian RoIUnl t
Lucille Johnson
Hotel Blitmora
Horace Heldt Ore
Larry Cotton
Bob McCoy
Lysbeth Hughes
Art Carney
Red Ferrington
Henry Dick
Jenn Forney
Hotel Comi
Sammy Kayo Ore
Hotel Edisea
Gray Gordon Ore
Ruth Bradley
Hotel Bases Hoase
N Brandwynns Ore
Dale Sherman
Hotel Got. Ollalaa
Eddy MayeboH Ore
Betty Gala
Hotel LtarolB
Jan Savttt Ore
Tllo'a Swingtette
Hotel MeAlplB
J Messner Oro
Raclmo 3
Hotel New Torhe>
Jimmy Dorsey Ore
Lyda Sue
Bob Rlpa
Mark Plant
Duval
Helen Myera
Hotel Park Cenlrm
Curl Houck Ore
Enrico ft Novello
Hotel Park Lane
Freddie Starr Ore
Bob Lido
Al Harrla
Hotel PeansylvnnHi
Ben Bernle Ore
Dolores McKaye
Mary DooMy
IQulntonea
Hotel Pierre
! Harnlil Nagel Oro
Hotel Plaz»
' Jack Marabard Ore
: N l>'AmIco Ore
'; V & O Ilartmnn
Jane Pickens
Hotel RoooeTOl*
(auy Lombardo Ore
I Hotel Navo>--Pla«a
I (Irrry Morton Oro
' Ulldegarde
I Hotel St, MorKa
Basil Fomeea Oro
June' Forrest
Manya ft Zanetto
Hotel St. Beau
(IrMlBm Boom)
Charles Baum Oro
Som Jarvls-
Erie Heller
.Tana Nicholson
Don Marten Oro
Simpson Sla
Dorothy Lewis .
(MahieBoHo .BooM
Mathey Ore
Eya Ortega
Boris Belnstozky
Serge Abagoll
Hotol Tan
Rnoch Mght Oro
Pegxy ' felann
Oorce nines
Smith Howard
Light Brigade
Hotel Waldorf.
AatoHa
(Kmplre Bean)
Glen Oray Ore
Lurelta Lee
Maurice.
Hotel White
Iiou Lang Ore
Nancy Noland
Prank McFarland
MIml Francis .
Jlmssy Kelly's
Joe Capello Ore
Inga Borg
Gladys Faye
Prliiceas Aloma
Mary Lane
Tanya
I.ee Leslie
Curler & Schaub
Terry Shannon
Pee;;>- de la' Planto
Vflli»rle Vance.
Monlmartre Boys
Danny Hlgglns
Sid Mawklna
Vaugh Comfort
Gonz'lea ft Christine
John Rockwood
Gene Waltera
tana
Rddle Davis Ore
.ToKopli Smith Ore
Orazlella Parraga
Le (.'eq Roogo
Geo Stemey Oro
Anne Frnncine
Tlsdale 3
Lo Ulraso
Ray Carnavan Oro
Reed Lawton
Powers, R'berta & B
Le Bobas Blem
Herbert Jacoby
Alleen Cook
Marianne Oswald
Marie Eve
Mabel Mercer
LeoB * Eddie's
Lou Martin Oro
Rags Ragland
RunKell Trent
J Harold Murray.
3 Playboys
Ginger Manners
Maurice ft Betty
Ada Alvarez
Wally Wanger (
Andrew Sla
Balabanow 4
Haines, Beat ft B
Little Club
Roger Steels Ore
Frances Williams
Agnes Dwyer
Scat Powell
Jack Osterman
Meyer's Cellar
(HoboVeB)
Howard Ulolne
Rosaline Lewis
Martha Kovaca
Gypsy Lopez
Barbara Eyion
LydIa Ehrenberg
MldBlglit Baa
Buddy Wagner Ore
Clilqulta Vonezia
Geraldlne Roes
Mildred ft Maurice
Mary Johnson
Sylvia McKay
Has Paris
Charlie Murray Oro
Mary Cohan
Jimmy Rogers
BIoBto Cario
Ted Siraeler Oro
Bob Knight Oro
Lee Wiley
Dick Smart
. Onyx Clok
John Klrby Ore
Judy Cordova
Teddy Grace
Leo Watson
paradise
Vincent Travcrs Or
FlacO' Elegaats
Bill Farreli
Benn Kaut
Tommy Mills
Joe White
Wally Sholan
Leo Laaaro .Oro
Qoeen Mary
Joe Ellla Ore
Eileen Mercedes
Balabow: UrIU
McFarlands Ore
Judy Abbott
Marlynn ft^ HIcBaet
RalBbow Room
Ruby Newman Oro
John Hoyeradt
(lower ft Jeanne
Eddie Le Baroa Ore
Joan Corkier
Bsalaa KretcbBW
Mlaba Vzdanolt
Nastia Pollakova
Darla BIrae
Mamsla Sava
Hermino Michel
Claudia Capellova
Senia KaravaeS
Michel Michon
Serge Ignatenko
Volodia Kntov .
Genia Pobedlna
Show Bar
(Foicot Hills)
Sleepy Hall Oro
Carol Horton
Patricia O'Day
Marcia Hunt
Bill Hansen
Btork Clnb
Biehard Warren Or
Jose Lopez Ore
Eleanor French
TorsaUles
H Berxere Oro
Basohlto Ore
Deane Janis
O'Avalos Oancen
VUliuro. Bara
Teddy King Oro
Patay Ogden
Bryce Santry
Gwen Williams
ThBTSton Crane
DeMay, Moore ft M
Texas Jim Lewis
LOS ANGELES
Beverly WUshln
Bray Sla
Howard Gerrard
Harry Owens Oro
BDtmoro Bowl
Annabelle
Jerry Stewart
Sunny O'Dea
Hank the-Mulo
Hal Darwia
Frakson
Moray Amsterdam'
3 Blltmorettes
Shep Fields Ore
Cate Callento '
Diana Castillo
Julio Gervaute
r,eo Luz DasQuez
Eddie Agullar Ore
Cafe La Mazo
Park Ave. Boys
Mnxine Sullivan
Mutly Malneck Ore
crab Ball
Pharlcn. Lawrence
Brux Fletcher
Clnb VenalUea.
Jerry Lester
Diane Denleso
Theodores
Mas PIdlcr Ore
Coroaant Grove
9 Abbott Dancers
Rnt^Hell Swann
Freddie Martin Orr
. Earl CarroB
Paul Gerrlts
Arren ft Broderick.
A Robins
Harrison ft Fisher
Vivien Fay
Susan Miller
Beryl Wallact .
3 Sophisticated Gla
Dorothy Oerron
Reginald Craig
Den lee
Archie DIeyer Ore
Horeatlne OardeB
Maurice KosloS Co
Emit Baoso Ore
Prank SeboatlaB'B
CobnBola '
Bduardo Chenez
Roy Del Ore
Grace Ilayea Lodge
Grace llnyes
Llnd Hajea
Joo Frisco
chnrllo Fey
U & J Hatch Ore
nnuralinn Pandhie
Lorcttn Walker
Dnve Marshall
I'rlnrewi Luanna
Andy, lone Ore
Indigo Cafe
Sid lirowii
Jimmy Kllnrd
Jack Frost
Val Harris
It CafO
Diana Cayle
Anlwa Boys Oro
Jerry's wt»i«J-t«y
Geo Surprenant Jr
Neville FleesoB
Nonle Mitchell
Hal Chancellor Oro
Jimmy Kerr ft Boys
flttetbag HoBSs
Doodles Weaver
Bob (Killer) Dado
Hello Demons
Peggy Dale
La Conga
Don Jeri
Spike Featherstono
Tommy Wonder
Jerry Gallan
LaCnga Rh'mba Bd
Lake Shore Cafe
Terrls ft Masters
Bob Belnsco Ore
. Little Clab
Jane Jones'
Tiny Meredith
Paul Kendall
Walter Dyson.
Little Hnngary
Valeseo's Gypslos
Marcel La Haze
Leonard Keller Ore
Marcus Daly
Kay Gregory
Joey Lee Ore
Omar's Don«^
Kenny Gardner
Edith Davis
Lois Graham
Hal Brown
Ted Welle pre
Patomar
Bennett Sis
Leslie's
Den Donna ft Di -
Hudson Metzger •
Clyde. McCoy Or
Paris Id a
Dolly Hobson
Dosolnlo
Beth Love
Dorothy Beck
Thora Hathlasoi
Anita. Clark
Marguerite ft U
Ken Henryson
Chuck Henry Oi
Seven Seas
Danny Kawanni.
Ray Silver
Lillian Gibson
Al Mclntyre
Bddio Bush 4
Slapsy llusk- ■
Slapsy Mnxle
Jack .Waldron
Joe PlotUsi
Andy -Sorrclll
Virginia Mnthcwi
Moore ft . Lewis .
Tommy RelUy Or>
Bonterset Hoaso
Harry Rlngland
Art Tatnm
Jack Owens
Lynn Martin
Stage '1' Cafe
Cully Richards
Shemp Howard
4 Siiulres
Swanee laa
Gladys Benlley
Walter Johnson
Blraer
Arlett Jon
Jackie Cherry
Marjoria Raymond
Marjorio WaldOB
Dolores Oayle
Talia
Dorothy Brandon
Chuck Foster Oro
Victor HBgo
Charlie Boome
Sktnnay KUnla Oro
Carmine
CHICAGO
Ambassndor Hotel
(Pomp Room)
H McCreery Ore
BoU Ball
Ralph Cook
• Louise Shannon
Billy Storey
Mildred Parr
JImmIe Green Oro
BISBiarek Hotel
(WalBot Room)
Art' Kassei Ore
Marlon Holmes
Betty Grey
Frances Wills
Billy Learli
Darlene O'Day
Blaekkawk
Frederic ft Yvonn
Bob Crosby Ore
Terry ft Walker
Marlon Mann
Dorothy Claire
Gil Rodin
Don Pedro Qrc
Orrin ft Betty
BlackaloBo. Hotel
(Ballnese Rm)
Pllner ft Earl Ore
Mildred Fenlon
Bloo floose
Evelyn Waters
A I Lauo
Melody. King
Buck Hum
4 Hits a a Miss
Brovoort Hotel
(Crystal Room)
Florence Schubert .
Charles Baldwin
Grace Katrol
Norma Ballard
BroadBOBl
Herb Rudolph Oro
Wanda- Benson
Flo Polus
Elinor Johnson
JImmIe Reld
Sylvia Tucker
Jack Reld
Betty Jerome
Evelyn Harris
Lollta
Mert Lund Ore
Bdgowator Bcaok
Hotel
(Hsriao. Besa)
Mary Fran Sackley
Eugenia McOee
Ramos ft Nanette
Stuart Frazer
Jay Mills Oro.
Harriet Smith Ols
8SS CiBb
Eddie Varzos Ore
Luclo Garcia
Johnny Howard
Carlos ft Mercedes
Grace McCarthy
El Danpo
3 1,0080 Screws
Laurene No Vol
Hay Stiles
Shirley Handler
Ray Sllebera Oro
Sam Badls
Peggy Lester
Dot Keith GIs
niBioas Door
Bsthor WtritUngtoB
Bryan Wolf
Florette Sis
Danny Ross
June Thompson
Al ZImmey
Al Morley Ore
rraako'S CaslBO
Phil Barnard
NIcki ft V ColUns
Joan Glynn
Blllle Fane-
Connie* Rosa
Jean Moore
Casino Gla
Dirk Hnrdin
Buddy KIrblo
Rocke Ellsworth
Bob TInaley Orn
Oar Ms
Lew King
TIP, TAP and TOE
Ta4 Fnsir
Fr<d4y Janes Sanny Sress
Personal MaBBgenMint
EDDIE SMITH
22 West 48tk St., New Talk
Henry Simon
Adorables
(^arsran
Eddie Gormon
Rocke Romano
Toddy O'Orady
Don Morgan
Dot ft' Jerry
Edna Leonard
Carl Scboltz Ore
Chos Faroe.
Paul Haakon
Harris ft Sliora
Benny Fields
Hsien Morgan '
Gloria Day
Everetto' West
Rusa Morgan Ore
Don Orlando Oro
Evans Adorables
Club Al
Larry Ross
Ginger Wood
Kay Marcey
Dolores Dee
Beatrice Jones
Oliver . Harris Ore
Clab Alabaaa
Dorothy DeHogbtOD
Marrltta Ryan
Sadie Moore
Jack Irving
Mildred Jordan
Allen Cole
Bfflo Burton
Betale Adier
Dave Dnells Ore
Chalk Robinson Ore
Eddie Roth Ore
Club Espuna
Harry Hynda
Bob Durfree
Dick Uauss
Joe Hardy
Bee Jones
Buss Lindgren Ore
Colony Club
Peggy Feara
Jose Manzanares )»r
Lew FIdler Ore
Coloalnos
Tullah ft MIy
Pat Rooney
Janet Reade.
Tyler. Thorno * I'
Lulu Gould
Betty Robin
Marlon VInoy
Harry Rose
Pronaph GIs
Hollywood C
Rsnrr Gendron ' '• <
Clobt OelUa
Sam Robinson
Brown ft Brown
Henrlene Barker
Abbott Sayre
Flint Moore
Honey Brown
Chips Hill
Rhythm Willie
Wesley Long
Charles I som
Phrtallo Ols
Red ,Saunder» Or,
Congress Hotel
(Glass Hat Rm)
Johnny Banga On
(Peacock Bm>
Joe Vera
(PompellsB Bm)
Irnng MargralT
Drake Hotel
(Geld Coast BoiHwi
Wayne King Ore
June Lorraine
Poul Gordon
Robert Neller
Bob Rich
botch's
John BIIIoll
Carlos ft Dolores'
Mllllcent Do Witt
O'Orady 2
Helen Green
l< Chleagoaos
Sandy Debon
Bob 9anden Jr Oro
Gmad Tenpae
Jean Brady
Tondelaya ft Lopes
Dotty Solten.
Ted Smith
Leonard Reed Ols
F Henderson Oro
(OlBsa Hoasa Baal
Toaaty Pall Oro
Carl Bock
Maxine Kirk
Lorraine Voas
Harry's N T Cab'ral
Roscos Alls
Betty Lewis
Del Ohrel
Tommy Jones
Renee Villon °
Chas EngelB Oro
Art Buckley
Al Wagner
Blllle Myen
Lee Berling
Dorothy^ Johnson
HIcIiory laa
Kay Dare
Joan ft Eddie
Tom Garvey
S«-lngcopatora Ore
HI Hat
3 Llnd Bros
Roberta Rober s
Helen Carol
Ouanos
Allen Gale
Kretlow Ols
Sid Lang Ore
HIppodroBM
Paulette LaPlerre
Bobby Dan art
Janet ft Loretta
Blllle Banks
Jerry Glrard
Grover Wllklns
Ted Pearlman Olo
Joe Hahn Oro
iTaahoo
Helen Snmnera
if Iloe MunaoB
4 Hawallana
Earl Hoffman Ore
I/AWoB
Mary W Kllpatrick
Kuseblo Conclaldi
Don Quixote Oro
Ennio Bolognlnl Or
Hotel Lm (telle
(Mae Front Boooi)
VIbra
Stuff Smith Oro
Oladye Madden
Jonah Jones
Liberty Inn
Laurene Novelle
Millie Erdman
Dick Hugos
Colleen .
Koranova
Pam Adair
JImmIe O'Nell
Barl Wiley On-
I'lBMhOBSO
Bob Tank Oro
UcGraws
Al Copeland
Lillian Barbeaux
Eve Bvon
ateen Bright
i.ixio Dee
Avis Doyle
Phil Chlnnrd
Chuck Andrews
MeiaogMlns
Irv Doernfleld
Jerry Gerard
Ruth Dean
Val Brwin
suit ley Ray
Jules Novlt Oro
Holody Hin
Tiny Hill Ore
Allan DeWltt
Harold Qsboroo
UllMoBO
Ann Millstone
Flo Whitman
aa:e Lawrence
Betty Harris
Delia Bartell
Jack Roland- Ore
Nyra Lou
Muriel Joseph
Slssle Robblns
Genevieve Val
Sharone
Ulnnot Clob
Natasha .
Olga Anton
Lew Broek
Marge Oayln
Art Fisher Ore
HonlseB Hotel
. (Hostoa Oyster
Hoaao)
Uanfted Gottholt
Naiaeless Cafs
Julian Stockdnio
Sol Lopez Ore .
Ona Mayo
Carole Cleveland
Margie Strong
Evelyn Reed
Bd Leon
Napipo Oardeas
Lois Hallen
Geneyleve Jacyaa
Helen Coyle '
Vivian Hall
Jean ft Wharton
Frances Van
Juno West
Sally Sharratt
Roma ' Noble
Sol Stocco Oro
OM HoMelbers
Old Heidelberg Co
Octet '
Robert Kesster
Winn Stractae
Herr Louie ft W
Herble Ore
Paddock Clab
Dick Buckley
Patsy Thomas
Kay Carol
Jay Hills
Esthsr Madden
Lee Francis Oro
Keith Ols
Palmer House
(Empire Room)
Orrln Tucker Ore
Franklin Crawford
Joseph Coskey.
Paul LePaul
Jack Williams
Jose Castro
Beverly Allen
Maehle 2
Abbott Dancers
Phil Dooley Oro
Parody Clnb
Freddie Abbott
Marie Thomas
Sarah TIebold
Eddie Jaxon Oro
Boss. Bo;nl
Ina Ray Hntton Or
Joe ft J McKenna
Elaine Merritt
Oladya Palmer
Patsy O'Mara
Beyale nolica
Dolly Kay
Uddle White
Bartel-Hunt 4
Evelyn Farney
Jack Hllllard
Al Trurk Ore
Hark Fisher Ore
Jack Billiard
Frolics Ens
Nismaa Botal
(CoDSflO IBB)
4 Woodsons
Dorothy Dawn
4 Jitterbugs
Carl Marx
Prince Omar
Al Trace Oro
Dome
Shirley Lucko
Spinning Tope
Tbny Marks
Estelle Creasy
BUI Baird
Sunny Mack
Louis Tops
Jimmy Blade
Jerry Gllddon
Kay Nichols
Sllhouetle
Ann Clelm
Joey Conrad Oro
Bllror Clood
Jimmy Ames
4 Commodornbtes
Katzy ft Kay
Saxon Sis
Bob Barnes
Flo ft Arby
VI Gore
Sam IJarl
Rhythm tils
Hazel Zalus
Nord RlrhardsoB
Johnny McFail Ore
Silver rrellcs
Joan Dawn
Balalne Rabey
MIckeySharon
Stan Walden
Abbot Carroll
Fay Wallace
Art Freeman
ew Club
Billy Carr
Miirg Faber GIs
Joel ft Annette
DIetrlchs
Margery Lane
Inez Scott
Eunice Hill
Aloha
Jessie Rosella
Dagniar
Dolly sterling
Ruby Bennett
Patricia Perry
Collette
Carmen
Sol Lake Ore
Tripoli 3
Shy Boeket
Marjorle Whitney
Dictators
Matliewa ft Shaw
4 icings
Stovoas Hotel
(Coatlnenlal Room)
Rhylhm Bovs Ore
Rod DriRo ft F
Byton GIs
Sabway
Ginger DIx
I«ls Moran
Kay Marshall
Opal Adair
Roslcka Cardoz
Connie Rogers
Edith Rms
Billy Kent
Henry Ssx Ore
SbM-<|
Pinky Traccy
Jane IjoVonne'
MaNlles .
Helen Dove
Nell Clark
Verne Wilson Oro
SwIaglBBd
H Henderson Oro
Viola Jefferson
Tbompoon'o 18 Clab
Ray Reynolds
Joy Kalese
Cookie Seldel
Bralk Sll-
Helen DuWayne
Marah McC'urdy
Sammy Frisco Oro
Three Deaceo
Baby Dodds
Charles McBrlde
Llll Armstrong
Lonnle Johnnop
(Off Boat Boom)
WIngy Mannone
Anita O'Day
Lennle Balerdall
Jimmy McPartland
Tower laa
Mollle. Manner
Brnle Rich
Inez Gonan
Rhythm GIs
3 Hawallans
Frank Davis Oro
Town Clob
Kitty Ellla
Mae DeFele
Patsy Adair
Hal Barber
Marilyn Browa
Moo ft Joe
Maurice Walker
5 Bebutantes
BUl WrIghU Oro
Trooadoro
Gloria. Romano
Adolle St Clair
Terry Circle
Roy Rankin Oro
TUIa Boderao
Tony Cabot Oro '
niBona Ctardeas
Stan Carter
Olgl Rene
Doiores Lee
Diane Lai<e
Suzanne Kessler
Lucille JnlinsoB
Frankie Rullos Ore
Aaeboraga
Bill Honey Oro
Bonovao-atratfosd
<Hala DlBlBC Wm)
Merer Davis Ore
(Bazsandy Boom)
Frank Juele Oro
Powers ft 'Wiggins
Nleland Dancers
Bob Fnablla Hotel
(GardeB lenraco)
Bernlce Byen
Harry James
Jaek Palmer
Bonny tbo Bam'*
Victor Hugo Ore
2 Mystics
Lee Shelley Ore
L Randeraon OIh 6
Slate Bros
Paul ft Paulette
Muriel Thomas
Frances Carroll
Browning lane Inu
(Bellnawr, N.J.)
Harry White
Joy Davis
Mary Joyce
4 Top Ratten
Naomi Taylor
VInce Norman Oi
Cadlllao Tavern
Dolores Laklo
Tom O'Boyle
Lillian Stewart
Darlene Jones
Dean Edwards
Charlie Arthur
Eddie Thomas
Joyce Henry
Jack New Ion
Sunny Ray
R Reynolds Oi
Hendrlque ft A
Clob IB
Dick Thomas
Johnny Toung't '
Jerry Macy
Jimmy Lackore
Bartell Sis
Princess Helen
Eleanor Landy
Amy Organ
Cafe Moroney
Scarey Gavin
Amee Joyee
Ginger Linn
Lorraine Wiley
Peggy Gas
Joan ft Dolly
Louise Wright
LIbby.Neld
Isabell Daniels
Abby Cubler
Joe Famllant Oro
Clab Parakeet
Ginger Lynn
Louise Wright
Mae Burns
Steppe ft Carlos
Fran Caswell
l>awn
Jack Adcock Ore
Club 209 .
Pat Dougherty
Princess Zulleka
Mildred Boyer
Hal Cal Oro
El Chico
Senlorlla Nina
ICalse Carr
Ruth Tentpleton
Bubbles Shelby
Ann Rollins
Arlett Withers
Joyanne Shear
Margaret Marshal
Muriel Harrison
EI Chlco Oro
Joan Tasbman
Cynthia Hare
Billy Maple
Johnny Parrlsli
AIna Constant
Kay Tolond
Nina Oria
Carolyn Knlglit
Al Moore Ore
Pedro Blanco Or*
George Clifford
Bvergraea Oaslne
Beth Chains
Joe HlllkoDf Ore
1923 Club
Swing King Ore
Consuela Flowerton
Wednesday, March 1, 1939
VARIETY
47
Tommy Monrot
Polly
Barrlaon Bia
feppo' G'r.*' 1.
K»» McCullonith
p;iore« Merrill
Juno Davl«
illtil X>ane
Klorenco Holm»n
CIIS Conrad
Sirlon 4 Wblto
Harrison Sl»
Pops ft L« Roy
Tvonettoa W _
Bobtiy Morrow Or«
Androy ft Price
4 Baria
Hani* Tavera
Alabama Corlnne
Bobby Lyong
Greta iJiMarr
Setty Thonioa
aildebrand'a
Joe Smyttae
Charlie Neld
Dolores Merrill
Frances Russell
Franlile Milton -
Bella Belmont
Paul & Phylla
Dadlne
Lydla White
Blchard Bacb
Bobby Lee Ore
Adelphto .
(Cafe Hucoety).
Frank Caeene Or«
Ann Klncade
John Devant
aordon Smith
Bernhardt & O
Frank Rand*
3 Suns
Dob ADiellna Ore
Botel rniladclphia
Daniel Crawford
■Wayne Miller
Casper ft Bother
Bill Harris'
Bonnie Stewart
De MayoB
Tonlo Bradle .
Joe Frasetlo Ore
Jack Lyoch'a
Charles Smith
Herb Dubrow
Jeno Donath Ora
TiBoent Blue Ora
Barney Zeeroan
Mona Reed
Holland ft Hart
Dorothy Tanner
Jimmy Blake
Frazee Sis (2)
J Lynch 01s (16)
Ghezzls (2)
Charles Fredericks
Betty Keane
I^tlaacr Clab
' <Blaa Boom)
Bvelyn Lampshira
Ann Rush
VIrelnIa Howard
Barbara Bradley
Rhumba Oro
Jerl Foster
XttUa BM^akellaa
Jack Orlflln Ora
Johnny ft George
Roy Sedley
Gaye Dixon
Mickey ft Marlon
Jean Goodmer
Tvette
Opea Boor Cafe
Bob Ridley
Happy Thompson
Coster ft Rich
Roee Venutti
West ft West
Anita Blane
Ethel Maeder
' Viola KlalsS'Oro
Fairlah Cafa
-Sot Jackson
Flo Gross.
Marian Aiken
Vernon Guy
Johnny Holmes Or
Poiple Derby
Bobby Carr
Lew Messa
Walter Powell
Jean I^emarr
Jackie Small
Margie lleaUa
Joe Bums
Ray Allen Ore
Dotty Moore
Joe Piper
BendenalM
Blaine Jordan
B S Fully & Oomp
Raymondes
Jerry Taps
Thelma Nevlna
Pearl Williams
Bobby Hargravei
StMP'a Cafe
Franhle RIehnrds'o
DelmonlcoB
Saddle ft Lorraine
Bert Lemlah
Dot landy
Jack Hutchinson
Johnny Welsh
BUtot Lake laa
<Gleasant0D)
Il'ickay Famllant Or
Alice Lucey
Llsla Michel
Reynard ft Marcla
George Reed
iSky Top CInb.
T..eoB Wright Oro
Itay Moore
Mnrjorle Johnson
Luln Crawford
James Ryan
Taps ft Dave
Margaret Watson
tatklB'a Batbshellai
Prasno ft Fenton
Frank PontI
Beth Calvert
Reggie Dunn
Dancing Kennedys
Blllle Le«
Cleo Valentine
Barbara Brent
Julie. Ruthe
Ernie Kennedy
Margie. Drummond-
Irving Braslow pre
Frank Pontl
ttth Ccatary
VIvlenne Marshal
Janis Gayle Gls
Bob Shaefter
Marcla M'oore
Tommy Cullen Ore
Venice Grille
Patsy
Jack Rich
Teas Hale
Kay Ray
Edna Walton
Anthony Bennett
Viking Cafe
Henry Patrick
3 Debs'
Joe Kearns
Grace O'Hara
Jerry Delmar Ore
Ollle
Jack ft Jill
Village Ban
T..enny Kent
Rose Leo
Rdle Lang
Dot Dash
3 Jacks
I.ee t^imont
Bob Wallace
Bea Morton
Bthel Walker
Helen Dorsey
Taps & Dave
Donnle Lyons
Teddy Oliver Ore
Wagon Wheel
Joe O'Shea
Dottle Winters
Kay Allen
Al Wilson
Tommy Horn
George Dehor
Al Bastlan Ore
Joan Marie
Weber'a Hof Bras
(Camden)
Flagg ft Arnold
Jan La Toy
Use Hart
Rudy Bruder
Jules Flacco Ore
Pat Cranford
Helen Worthlngton
SIgnore Karmino
W Morris ft Bobby
Eddie Sheppard
J ft T Shellenh'mer
Internationals
Bldoradlans
Raoul & Helene
Xacht Clab
Kitty Helmling Ore
JImmIe Bailey
Madeleine St Denis
Dorothy Bollinger
Marlyn Maynes
Roberta Ramsey
Patricia Robinson
Rhada
SETBOIT
ABbasaador Clab
Mary J DuVerse
Jay Jason
VIckl Loren
Brucettes 4
Peggy Wagner
Charles Laxin Oro
Beek-Cadlllae Betel
(Beek Caslne)
Conny Kendls Ore
Ross MacLean
Blaine ft Barry
Paul Roslnl
_ (Meier Bar)
Peter Kent Ore
Cheae-TroBbley
Jimmy Gargano Or
Harry Jarkey
Johnny Weber
Bennett Dancers
CoBBodeie Clab
C Costello Oro
Lee De Baln
Oldtlmers 4
Poll-Mar Dancers
Clab FTeatenae
Larry Funk Oro
Buddy Hayes
Soph of Swing <S)
Jane Rubey
Son Fordo
Betel Matter
(Terrace Been)
Javier Cugat Ore
Carmen Castillo
Judy Lane .
Eddie Asherman
Castallno Rolon
Inpetlal Clab
Don Oarlnl
Geo Salla ft Jo-Jo
Bonnie Nicholas
Fin LIvltes
Margo Wade
Woody Mosher
Frank Rapp Oro
Neblelo Cafe
Leonard Seel Oro
Carl Thorsen
LeBrun ft Campbell
Mertbweed Ian
Ray CarllD Ore
Lovely Lanettes
Gus Howard
June Carmen
Martin ft Marvel
OasU
Evelyn Nesbit Thaw
I'apt Clark
Hanlon ft Clark
Ginger Sutton
Lillian LoMay Ore
Josephine Campbell
rUatatlen Clab
Joe Johnson
Earl ft Frances
Monette Moore
Dot ft Dash
Dusty Fletcher
Mae DIggs
Don Albert Oro
House Line (S)
rewataa
George GIvoC
Princesses 6 •
Lois Kny
Burke Sis
Sammy' DIbert Ore
Don Harris
Buddy Lester
Geo Shepherd
Geo Kavanagh Oro
UrLWATTKEE
_ Athletic riQb
Hal uunro Ore
Bert PhUllp'B
Pep Babler Oro
Bthel Seldel
^'fif fflm Uardni
Eddie South Ore
Louis Mason
Dloe Moon
g Davidson Oro
Virginia Rosen
Jay Jayson
OaJe Parker
Cardinal Club
Bud Vlonl Oro
Chatean Club
Stan Jarobsen Ore
Johnny Poat
Bobble Taps
Sandra Marlowe
Ted ft M Taft
Medllen Carroll
Cowan 2
' Clover CInb
Harry Weber Ore
Hulb Phillips
Eva Thornton
Marge Toung
Bleanor Gait
Jean Hurler
Flo Radke
Don Kranloh
Olab Forest
Virginia Grey
Berdlne Dickson
Helen Kaye
Vera Welsh
Glob Madrid
Jimmy Roths Oro
Dick Havllland
Patricia Page Gls
Marguerite Claudet
Lollta Roche
Pat ft Jerry
Jane Cllne
Clab Sahara
Geo Cerwln Oro
CInb TerrlB
Jack Teeter Oro
Bthel Warren
Phil Kestin
Kathleen Kaye
Claudia Ferris
Congo Clab
Bob Freeman
Mary Reed
Jeff Thomas
Leonard Gay Oro
Cemlee Ship
Ray Block Oro
Ben Boo Oro
Ralph Lewis
Bailey ft Lamarr
DeTlnes Baglea
Billy Beer Ore
Johnny Warren Ore
Mabel Drake
Dorothy Dale
Red Roberts Ore
Gloria Gale
Jimmy De Palina
Howard Gelger
Hotel Schroeder
(Empire Room)
Lawrence ■ Welk Or
Jerry Burke
Walter Bloom
Lois Best
Karl Batach's
Sepple Boch Ore
Helene Sturn
Walter MerhoS
lareen'a
Ray Meadows Ore
Last Booad Cp
Jimmy Raye Oro
Ken Keck
Undy'a
Rick ft Snyder
Victor
Lor Cabin
Carl Bergman Ore
Miami CInb
Helen Holmes
Halley Melons
Evelyn Lee
Miami S
Peggy Geary
Hazel Bailey
Gene Emerald
Harriet Cross
Johnny Davlp Ore
HUwankean .
Bobby Maynard
Oasis
Marty Gray Ore
Snooks Hartman
Old Heidelberg
Mary Beth
Cameo Gls
Eddie ZIpp Ore
Donna LuPae
Allen Dunn .
Sallle Karshall
Ginger ft Louise
Open Door
Tinney LIveng'd Or
Larry Powiell
Faokard Ballroom
Al Cavalier Ore .
Faradlae Oardena
Bill KIngsley Oro
Farls
Joe Gumin Oro
Len Herrick
rUntatlen Clab
Bert Bailey Ore
Mary Webb
Billy ft Betty
Max Coleman
Betty Taylor
Plantation e
Brown & Simpson .
BeadezToaa
Betty Mason
Helen Gregos
Carol Cleveland
Dotty Norman -
Katherlne Kaye
Alma Grant
Bob Matheson Ore
Reno
Rudy Sager Ore
Pat Marvin
Helen Allen -
Romona Brownwell
Barron Lunchausen
' Scaler's
Tony Bauer Ore
Marie Kecky
Jessie ft Viola
Dorothy Hamilton
Blng Burdick
Roma Costello
Schwarta
Bob Elierle Oro
Lee Leighton Oro
Six Point CInb
Casper Reda Oro
State Oardeaa
Florence Bell
Mildred Seeley
Ann Helene
Dale ft Dale
Even Allen
Irene Schrank
F>'ln Smith .
Knight ft Dae
. Sunset Clob
Eddie Apple
Tie Top Tap
Joey Feldatein- Oro
Ken Leslie
Natalie ft Howard
Tillllan Renee
Sally Joyce
Billy Hubert
Town and Ceoatry
Olab
Robertoa
Luclene
Virginia Davis
Madeline Gardiner
Betty Harger
Alleen Ronda
Edith Rae
Toy's
Case Landls Oro
2«th & North Club
Kay Crandell Oro
Trocadero
Mlron Stuart Oro
Tiny Gorman
Sally Danidnd
Ruth Phillips
Ford ft Barnes
Mary Dou Mann
Jane Rubey
Frank DoVoo
Shutta ft Kent
Dolly O'Dea
WIrtb's Fatnrlstle
Bill Schweitzer Oro
Jack'Fexer
Vallle Jay Oro
Maureen Roasr
nogan ft Mann
Wisconsin Boof
Steve Swedish Oro
M Merrymaker Oro
N!c Harper Oro
Tom Sheridan
Cappy Lewis
Joan Demarls
Arnold Dupre
honker Gardens
Skipper Leone Oro
CLEVELAM)
Alpine VUlace
Otto Thurn Ore
DeNove Sis
Zang ft Todd
Chlqulta Puppets
Margaret Aemmer
Herman Plrchner
Avalon
Hy Barron Oro
Ethel Mae Myers
Bert Gilbert
Carol Chapelle
Cedar Oardena
Duke Melvln Ore
Slim Thomas
Princess Wee-Wee
Prince Albert
Susay Brown
Chatean
Pete GeracI Oro
Al Schenck
Jean Lee
Ann Baron
Eight O'clock Clab
Bill Miller Oro
Sammy LIpman Co
Freddie's Cafe
Tony Emma Ore
Lee Early
Frank Reynolds
Enid
Miriam Kreplowllne
.<iiddle Barnes
Golden Glow
Paul SImonettI Ore
Phllomena Ranello
Genrmet Clab
Louis CIna Oro
Doralne ft Ellis
Frelda Steffens
Hation's CInb
Sherry Martin
Lenny Colyer
Bob Armstrong
Rose-Marie
Hanna GHII
Joanna Gordon
Kay Bush
Don ft Tx>u
Len Ensign
Hotel Cleveland
Manny Landers Ore
Walt Bergen Oro
Jules DeVorson
Jack! Webb
Hotel Fenway Ball
Wlllard Potts Oro
Bottle Allen
Hotel Sterling
Marty Lake Ore
Lucky ft Tracy
Hotel Holleadea
Sammy Watklns Or
Robinson 2
Owynne
Parker ft Porthole
Pritlkin ft MasoD
Botel Statler
Dick Stabile Oro
Evelyn Oakes
Glover ft LaMae
Jack * Eddle'B
Chick Williams
Henry Rubertlha
Bess Evans .
Dona Wamby
Harold Thomas
Lindsay's Sky-Club
Bonnie Lavonne
Marlon Bowen
Art Cutllt
Monaco's Cafe
Jacques Pollack Or
Marllynd Maynard
Honnds CInb
Orvelle Rand Oro
Hoathern Tavern
Paul Burton Oro
Don Kaye
Nick Uontomps
Ubangl CInb
Tommy Barnes ore
Jlcrtel Collins
Ethel Avery
Rose Morgan
Sonny Carr
FITTSBiniaE
Anchorage
Hughle .Morton Ore
Maynard Deane
Arlington Lodge
Joe Ravell Oro
Laverne KIdd
Jack Keller
BaKonadea
Don Palmer Ore
Kay Denton
> Bill Green's
Sterling Toting Oro
Bobby Ennis
Ull Dagenals
CInb Fetlla
Freddie Castle Oro
NIta Norman
Lowry ft Davis
Fanchone
Cork and BotUe
Jack Davis
Eddie Peyton's
Joey Hatch Ore
llarlem Caelno
Sherdlna Walker Ur
George GouM
Sparky George
llhythin Pals
Mercia Marquez
Willie Knight
Ilarlemettes (S)
Larry Steele
Ozzle Dial .
Hotel Benry
M Contreras Oro
Conchlta
Botel Beoaevelt
Buddy Russell I
Botel Bebenler
Howard Baum Ore
Buzz Aston
Jack Rogers
Hotel William Penn
(Chatterbox)
Bernie Cummins Or
Connie Barleau
Walter Cummins
(Continental Bar)
Larry Murphy 4
(GrIU)
Bavarians
Italian Oardena
Etzl Covato Ore
Bernie Perella
Chlckle ft Ross
Phyllis Merle
Dick Smith .
Betty Nylander
New Penn
Mike Riley Ore
Marlon Miller
Maurice .ft Faye
Betty Hurst '
Artie ' Dann
Sam De Bonis
Nixon Cafe
Al Kaveiin Oro
I'otti Morgan
Al Shelleday
Collette ft Barry
Angelo Dl Palma
Claire Ray Gls
Not Bens*
Al Sherman
Jack Lewie
Boogy-Woogy
Harry Nosokoll <
Chet Clark
Al Mercur
Jim Buchanan
Flasa Cafe
Jimmy Peyton Ora
Adele Curtis
Lenore Rika -
Moran Sis
Billy Cover
Blvlem
Joe Lee Oro
Show Boat
Jay Starr Oro
Millie Wayne
Freddy Billiard
Betty La Vonne
Wllma Douglas
Line (S)
Webster Ball -
Nelson Maples Oro
Buzzy Kountz
Will Ward
George Weber
Unkih Grill
Tony Lombardo
Art Tagello
Frank Nataie
Self Shake-up
(Continued from page 3)
pictures. A fourth way is the pro-
duction of fewer films. The exhibi-
tors' idea is that a fifth way would
be to 'turn out consistently strong
features with the. present sameness
eliminated.
Right now, many majors have in-
dicated that fewer pictiires and
trimmed budgets will be employed as
a solution.
Many exhibs claim that the major
need is to meet the shifting demand
in entertainment tastes. They, as
well as distributors and producers,
believe this can be done without any
Hays production code tampering.
While producers admit that some
new methods must be devised to re-
vive interest in .the screen, there are
any number of theories as to the
type of story. They must deci(le
whether 'escapist' entertainment .is
needed or not. 'Whether it might
not be a good idea to get more
timely stories, having to do with
cvuTent national, politico and inter-
national problems. It is up to them
to make a decision on whether the
'boy meets girl' angle has not been
done to exhaustion.
Another point they eventually
probably wiU have to rule on,
whether admitting it officially or
not, is whether screen scripters
should be allowed to 'write to please
themselves and others in Hollywood,
or to turn out yams which execu-
tives, having to meet the payrolls,
think best suited for the world
market
One crying need today, one top ex-
ecutive avers, is to get away from
time-honored plots and extravagant
backgrounds when they are not
backed up by strong stories, direc-
tion, casting and. acting. The tend-
ency of producers to go in cycles has
not proved emininently successful in
recent years. Success of one avia-
tion picture doesn't mean that copies,
made by other producers will prove
even partly successful. And besides,
the official contends. It sours po-
tential audiences forced to sit
through so many of the same sort of
stories. Same is true of musicals,
'family' stories, gangster films, and
the rest
BALTIMORE
Continued from Page 11)
out by p.a. of Lionel Stander, help-
ing some at combo Hipp.
Daytime action still, better than
nocturnal play downtown, with ex-
hibs blaming nabes. Subsequent
run boys, however, decrying squawk,
point to no extra bullish takings
for their efforts, either.
Estimates for This Week
Centory (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15-
2S.40)— 'Hucklebeny Finn' (M-G).
Holding strong, particularly on day-
time trade; pointing to okay $12,000.
Last week 'Honolulu' (M-G) dropped
off toward end of run, to fair $9,200.
Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,205;
15-25-35-40-55-66) — 'Let Us Live'
(Col) plus vaude headed by p.a. of
Lionel Stander. Making most of
good exploitation to $11,000. Last
week 'Spy Hunt' (Col), owing it all
to extra heavy selling power and
plugging of Phil Spitalny and all-
girl orcn, built strongly, to almost
$14;000, nifty.
Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406; 15-
25-35-40) — 'Dark RaDture' (U).
Opened Monday (27) after 12 days
of 'Can't Cheat HOnest Man' (U) to
best biz here In recent weeks; a good
total of $11,300.
New (Mechanic) (1,558; 15-25-35-
55)— 'Wife, Husband' (20th). Hold-
ing good pace to satisfying $7,000.
Last v/eek 'Musketeers' (20th) weak-
ened after fair getaway, $5,100 the
final count
Stanley (WB) (3,250; 15-25-35-40r
55)— 'Beachcomber' (Par) (2d wk).
Maintaining fair momentum to $6,000
after strong initial session to $10,400.
Night Club Reviews
STAGE ONE, L. A.
(Continued from page 42)
neur, Howard does a shirt-tearing
turn with Billy Young that's just as
funny as it ever was. It's the old gag of
meeting up with a pal and moping
about the clunk that made off with
his frau, then putting on the works
to show what he'll do with the boss
thief if he ever catches up with him.
Sheinp, of course, plays the sucker.
Four very unfunny fellows are the
Sciuires, who dish up the music via
piano, guitar, bull fiddle and trumpet
Behihd them is a stage full of props,
mostly hats, which they utilize for
laffs that don't come. They -should
be made to play and leave the horse-
play to those who know how. The
hat thing should be left for tired
businessmen at house parties. Henry
Galante is a run-of-the-mine bari-
tone. He ivories his own accompani-
ment at intenpish.
It looks like a losing struggle for
the Howard-Edelstein combo imless
they can get dancing. Bevhills
burghers recently petitioned it under.-
No matter how bad the music, or
how small the floor, the celebrants
must have their terping. It's the
shank to the evening's fun, or are
they going to change nature. '
To carry out the name, one cor-
.ner of the room is a rough imitation
of. a picture set. There's table space
for 300, but it's a waste of acreage.
Minimum, tariff is $1 a head and
plain drinks fetch 50c. Helm.
ROSE BOWL
(CHICAGO)
Chicago, Feb, 25:
Ina Ray Hutton's orch, Elaine
Merrick, Alice' Kavan, Joe & Jane
McKenna.
With the Ina Ray Hutton orches-
tra, the Rose Bowl inaugurates a
name policy and ups its budget
above the $2,000 figure. It figures
to do business.
Miss Hutton's crew is a novelty
In a spot like this, but must learn
to mute a bit as the present brass
setup is too forte in a small room
like this one. No need for all that
blasting, especially with the p.a.
system.
Orch 'works hard, as does Miss
Hutton, and they figure to gather
favor and patronage. Do a work-
manlike job of a short show and
then toss off some real danssapatlon.
Elaine Merrick is the singer with
the band and is in addition to Miss
Hutton's warbling. Miss Merrick is
on for a quickie and specializes in
swing tunes which she manages to
get over well enough.
Joe and Jane McKenna never ap-
peared to better advantage than they
do in this circumscribedf area. The
audience is right on top' of 'em and
the team's knockabout and pratt-
falls are very effective. The audi-
ence can almost feel the bumps this
team takes. As a result the boke
knockabout registers solidly.
For excellent dance work there is
Alice Kavan, who does a particu-
larly impressive job with her Span-
ish cape number. It has grace,
beauty and excellent handling. Miss
Kavan has a fine ap))e'arance on the
floor and her work is far above
nitery par. She opens with a snappy
tap routine that Is pointed and ef-
fective.
Gold.
VOGUE ROOM
(CLEVELAND)
Gwynne, Robinson Tioina, Rov
Parker & Porthole, Pritikin &
Mason, Sammy Watkins' orch.
The HoUenden Hotel's Vogue
Room is getting an edge on the reg-
ular niteries and is stealing a
measurable amount of their trade
with its new Saturday luncheon
shows. Dropping stereotyped ball-
room teams, Dick Marsh gives his
current opera . a double shot of
vitali^ in form of a ventriloquist
and magician.
Former is Ray Parker, on his
initiial safari here with a dummy
tagged Porthole. Patter is so acutely
bright and stooge's own gestures so
uncanny that audience overlooks
the obvious mechanical phases..
Gwynne fills the magic bill with
a set of illusions that are more am-
bitious and flashier than -the average
presto acts seen here. He pulls them
off slickly, building up the stock
rabbit' and chicken-disappearances
with two assistants and flossy cab-
inets. His silk work seems just con-
ventional until he does his original
specialty — conjuring a bowl of live
goldfish out of a scarf in the middle
of the small floor. i
Red-headed Robinson Twins whip
out speedy jitterburg steps. Girl is
cute and the two mix smart acro-
batics with a rube-costumed parody
on farmer's daughter that lends
variety to their performance. Priti-
kin and Mason are sandwiched in
for a dash of instrumental music,
doubling between sessions around
tables. Sammy -Watklns' dansapatlon
is ideal for the intimate room.
Pullen.
BLACKHAWK
(CHICAGO)
Chicago, Feb. 28.
Bob Crosby orch,- Marion Mann,
Dorothy Claire, Terry and Walker,
Orrin and Betty Lou Wellington.
From near and far come the
hordes of shag-artists to stomp
awhile to the swingeroo of Bob Cros-
by. For the Blackhawk is the home '
of the agile youngsters who never
get tired and who have iron-plated
ear-drums. For them, the Crosby
orchestra is meat and drink, pudding
and pie. They jam the rather small
floor, and pummel each other around
by the hour, apparently never weary-
ing of Crosby's red-hot rhythms.
Since they come primarily for the
hot licks of the Crosby outfit they
aren't too critical of the - so-called
floor show that is dished up to 'em.
It holds little in either quality or
quantity.
Terry and Walker are a man and .
woman comedy ballroom dance team
with little comedy or novelty. They
have a certain exhuberance. The
jitterbug team of Orrin and Betty
Lou Wellington, who shag around
for the show get-away, would have
trouble topping some of the kids in
the audience.
Two singers are in the show. Ma-
rlon Mann is with the orchestra.
She has a capable and strong pair
of pipes for the pop tunes, but could .
use some Improvement in wardrobe.
Dorothy Claire is a little singer who
shags around the microphone to put ■
.over her numbers.
It so happens that much of th« ;
view of . the floor . is obstructed by
large posts. Maybe it's for the best
Though it's rather silly for the
Blackhawk to put something like this
on, and then sit back smugly, con-
vinced that it Is giving the customers
a floorshow.
Crosby's orch Is the real reason
for the Blackhawk's draw at present.
Crosby has. <;ome along far in the
past year and there is every evidence
that he is continuing on the upswing.
He's to be commended for giving his
musicians opportunities tb share
plenty of the spotlight for solo work.
Cold.
CASINO, L. A.
Los Angeles, Feb. 23.
Cook & Key, Lea wynn, Les Dunn,
Fronfc Worth, Felicia, Lela Cross,
Mozelle, Russ Jtfartin, George Will-
iams orch (17), Line of Girls (6).
This favorite slumming spot of
Hollywooders is deep on the wrong
side of the tracks. (Operators prefer
to call what they strut across the
dance floor burlesque. If that's what
it is, then this generation wasn't
bom too late. Acts are - strictly
from hunger and right out of the
com field. ' Joint make no pretense
at anything but catering to the Main
street mob, and fusses up things for
the orchidaceous ladies who come
down to see how the other half gets
on.
Burley takeoff Is in the chorines
and comics. It's a poor imitation
of some of the shows of the old
wheels. Routines are of ancient
vintage and the funny fellows be-
long lust where they are. Soot is
a springboard to theatric oblivion,
Pealers and warblers are all over
the place and bad, too.
Spot right off the street can
rustle up accommodations for 350.
It's flanked on one side by a bar
easily a block long. Everything else
is In keeping with the locale, where
a bodyguard is a handy guy to have
around.
Just a piece down the street from
the burley houses, it's a sorry com-
mentary on this form of s)<ow biz,
which is having its own troubles
trying to keep alive. Helm.
Cafe Slot Machines
Ordered Out in Mich.
Detroit Feb. 28.
Tempest has been brewing over
reappearance of slot machines in
most of Macomb county cafes on the
supposition that 'everything is set
with the state liquor commission.'
Gov. Frank Fitzgerald, however,
who had maintained, a. handsofl
policy on gambling until last week,
ordered county sheriffs to confiscate
the machines.
Barley Union's Benefit
With New York contract-manager
difficulties out of the way, Brother
(Burlesque) Artists Association will
stage a benefit at the Manhattan
(Opera House) Center, New York,
April 2 to finance similar closed-
shop efforts on fie road.
Show will be a vaudeville pre.sen-
tation with no burlesque artists par-
ticipating. Will be cleared through
the Theatre Authority.
4t
VABIETT
LEGITIBIATE
Wednesday, March I, I939
Batde of Swing l&dos' on B way
Will Have WPA s $1 Top Vs. $3
Battle of colored, syncopated
'Mikados' impends on Broadway,
with tlie WPA's swing show opening
at the New Yorker tonight (1) and
the 'hot' presentation being dated for
three weeks hence, probaibly at the
4«th Street. Latter will be along
commercial lines and therefore . at
variance with the relief outiSfs ad'
mission setup.
It will .be the first time for a man'
agerial attraction to actually com'
pete with the Federal Theatre
Project in the matter . of identical
shows. Michael Todd, who is doing
the 'Hot Mikado,' straightened out
his requirements with Equity last
week, posting another salary bond.
He withdrew, the original guarantee
when proposing to Tevamp his show
for presentation purposes, then
changed his mind again, saying he
was too far involved «faiam'iQHy to
scrap the original plan. Straight
versions of GUl>ert and Sullivan
operettas have been done by WFA
for several seasons, but mostly away
from Broadway and did not affect
attendance of the D'Oyly Carle
group at the- Beck.
The two "Mikados* will exhibit a
wide ticket divergence, the WPA
-show having a top of $1.10, while
Todd's will be $3:30. Latter figures
that his production will be on a
higher plane than the reliefer's' and
also counts on weight of peifbnn-
ers, he having Bill Boblnson in the
cast, which will make it a name at-
traction. That the two 'Mikados' are
virtually the same is not denied.
LeaKBe Btay^ BBttte WFA .
Todd has applied for membeiship
In the League of Mew Yoik Theatres
and, if joining the managerial gro<q>,
is expected to obtain the support of
the League in the probable demand
for withdrawal of the WPA show,
. slated to play for at leaft four weeks.
The WPA people, too, appeared to
have changed their minds about the
relief 'Mikado,' which attracted at-
tention in Chicago. After announc-
ing ' that two local showmen had
secured the rights for N. T, they
shifted and decided to send the show
to. the metropolis under WFA
auspices.
A number of managers are out of
town, because of which a quonmi of
the. league's board is not obtainable,
but It's known those managers, .who
are away have been sent teliegrams
asking their opinion 'of protesthig
the showing of the relief attraction
in competition witti the commercial
show. Before re^onses were- re-
ceived Todd took down his League
admission .'fee money.
Although there is divergence In
the price of tickets for the two
Different Now
Havana, Feb. 28.
CliiTord Odets was feted last
week by the local Keporters
Club upon his return from a
motoring trip to the interior.
Carlos Montenegro, editor of the
Communist daily here, was host.
Ill 1935 Odets was promptly
deported after two hours ashore,
when he headed a commission to
investigate Machado's regime.
AltoD to Stage London
Dorchester Show b N.Y^
Sherek's 2 Phy Deak
Robert Alton has been signed by
Henry Sherek to stage the next show
at the Dorchester House, London.
Cast is being recruited and will .be
rehearsed ia New York, then taken
to London in about six weeks.
Sherek has also signed Jessica
Tandy and Jack Hawkins for the
leads in the London production of
the Clifford Odets drama, 'Rocket to
the Moon.' Miss Tandy is currently
in 'The White Steed,' at the Cort,
N. Y., while Hawkins is in .'Dear
Octopus,' at the Broadhurst, N. Y.
Both are English players. The Lon-
don rights to two other Broadway
shows are also being negotiated for
by Sherek, but nothing is definite
yet. English showman sailed back
to London last week (21)..
"Mikados,' matter of salaries may not
be as great, except for tite pr<n«.ijt^ii»
Because the- cast of the swing- ver-
sion comes from Chicago, Its people
will receive approziinately $43
weekly, of which amount $21 Is gov-
ernment subslstance pay. Under-
stood that a number of people- in
Todd's outfit will get the Equity
minimum of $40. AU those in the
latter company will be required to
join Equity or its chorus branch,
only a limited number currently
being members,
Sunday (26) papers carried ads on
the WPA show with, credit* to its
Chicago director, Harry Mhitum, for
conceiving and sUgiog: the 'Swing
Mikado.^
WmiAH CARin, WITH
SiRIBERTS,DIESAT49
With the passing Friday (24) at
Great Neck, L. L, of William Caryl,
4B, long connected with the Shuberts,
two of that outfit's people who were
assigned to the 46th Street, N. Y.,
have died during the season. Caryl
was company manager of 'Helzapop-
pin' and moved to the Winter Garden
with the revue. Previously, Arthur
Mester, house manager, died of a
stroke.
Caryl suffereu from a leg infection
and for months walked with difli-
culty. Understood that despite med-
ical care, poison entered the blood
stream. He managed Shubert houses
and attractions, but once became an'
ind^>endent showman, producing a
musical called "Top Hole.' It failed
to click and he dropped his savings.'
For the past two summers his name
was attached to contracts for out-
door revivals at Randall's Island, but
he represented J. J. Shubert In the
deal with Fortune Gallo. Caryl was
married to Clare Stratton, formerly
In musical comedy. Widow and two
children survive.
Corrent Road Shows
(Week of Feb. 27)
'Abie's Irish B«se,' Ford's ^Baltt-
more.
'Amphitryon.' <Se» Gall' (Lunt
Fontanne) — Temple, - Birmingham
(27-28); Auditorium, Jackson, Miss,
(1); Auditorium, New Orleans (2-4),
'AngeU Is 22' (PhiUp Merlvale)—
Royal Alexandra, Toronto.
•Candida' (Cornelia Otis Skinner)
—Hanna, Cleveland (28-1); Erianger.
Buffalo (2-4).
'Five Klncs' (Orson belles, Bur-
gess Meredith )--CoIoniaI, Boston.
'GAlden Boy* (Phillips Holmes^
Betty Furness)— Erianger, Philadel-
phia.
1 Married an Angel' (Dennis King,
Vera Zbrina)— Nixon, Pittsburgh
(28-4).
'Kiss the Boys Goodbye' (No. 2)—
Harris, Chicago.
■Kiss the Boys Goodbye' (No. 3)—
Ford's, Baltimore.
'FUladelphla Story' (Katharine
Hepburn)— Caiestnut, Philadelphia.
'Snsan and God'— Shubert,. Boston.
Three Cities' (Maurice Schwartz)
— Locust, Philadelphia.
Tobacco Rood' (John Barton)—
Teacher's College, Greenville, N. C.
(27-28): Auditorium, Columbus (1-2);
Armory, Charlotte, S. C. (3-4).
"What s Ufa'— Erianger, Chicago.
'Wbltesnks' (Ethel Barrym.ore) —
Plaza, El Paso (27); Rialto, Tucson.
(28); RivoU, Phoenix, Ariz, (1);
Savoy, San Diego (3-4)..
'Women'— Forrest, Philadelphia.
Two added closings Saturday (25)
were reported continuing over the
weekend, but necessary financial ar-
rangements could not be made. One,
'Dear Octopus' at the Morosco,
picked. up Friday and Saturday and
its sponsors huddled for some time
over the problem of sticking. Eng-'
lish play, however, did not draw real
coin during its seven weeks' engage-
ment and ended' in the red.
DEAR OCTOPUS
Opened Jan. 11, '39. OpinioM
were divided. Bratra (FMt) saM-
'It should- find in time a wide and
happy public. Wlnohell (Mirror)
called it 'eld lavender.' Variety
(Ibee), 'Commonplace— qnesttoB-
able.'
The other was 'Qff to Buffalo,'
withdrawn from the Barrymore after
seven performances^ Press lauded
individual performances, but re-
garded the play negligible, with little
coin dra'wn after the debut
'Good Hope' ftBvi?al
on
BRIGHT SANS COHAN
NO B.O^ SHOW F(»J)S
'I'd Rather Be Right' is definitely
off the boards, tentative plans for
extending the' tour being dropped
and the production ordered Into the
storehouse early this week. Although
the closing in Wilmington, Del., Sat-
iirday (25) 'was supposed to be ten-
tative, drop in the show's pace after
George M. Cohan left the cast was
too marked ahd hopes to relight
were abandoned.
'Right' grossed $13,000 in three
stands with Taylor Holmes playing
the lead, as against $41,000 for the
previous week which was Cohr.n'.-.
finale. Sam H. Harris, who produced
'Right,' decided the star was too
closely identified with the musical
to Indicate it had a chance to suc-
cessfully tour without him.
Proposed revival of "The Good
Hope' by Sam Rosen has apparently
been dropped for this season and i>os-
sibly for good.^ Hitch was the re-
fusal of the Dramatists Guild to okay
the suggested distribution of the pic-
ture rights.
Under the proposed setup, Rosen
would' have gotten 40% of the rights,
with Lillian Saunders, the author,
and Eva LeGallienne, who first pro-
duced the play at her Civic Reper-
tory theatre, N. Y., each giving up
20%.- However, in agreeing to re-
linquish her 20%, Miss LeGallienne
stipulated that the film ri^ts must
be sold within nine weeks of pro-
duction.
Since 'Hope' wa first done under
the old minimum basic agreement,
Mrs. Saunders and Miss Le Gallienne
each hold 50% . of the screen rights,
instead of a 60-40 setup as would
apply under, the present basic agree,
ment. Guild was figured ready to
okay a revised scale of royalty pay-
ments because Rosen's share from a
possible nim sal would be less than
normal, but it refused to permit the
author to give up more than the 50%
of the picture rights stipulated un-
der the basic agreement. Pointed
out that since Mrs. launders would
-have to give': half Her 50% to the
oWginal author (because 'Hope' was
aoB^d from a novel), she would
have i«tain?d only 5% if she were
to give 20% to the producer.
OFF TO BUFFALO
Opened Feb. 21. "SS. Majecity
•f critics hnrrahed- Joe Cock's
retom to Broadway, but not the
play. Anderson (Jonmal) said
It left Cook "a fumy feUow In
need of a g«od show.'
Coast FTP Flonnders Hopelessly;
Schnitzer Takes Temporary Charge
Kids Lose Oat
Lynchburg, W. Va., Feb. 28.
Because so many grownups have
been coming to see what was sup-
posed to have been strictly a juve
show, the Little Theatre here Is do-
ing the first holdover business In its
history. The piece Is. 'Jack and the
Beanstalk.'
Put on by the Junior- League as a
charity project, show is filled with
beauts who. attract predominantly
male audiences and make it dlfllcult
for kids to find seating room. It has
run two weeks already.
"Miss Swan Expects,'^ Cort, was
paired with "Buffalo' in getting a
weak press and was taken off after
playing eight times.
SBSS SWAN EXPECTS
Opened Feb. 20,. '39. Boview-
ers labelled Mr ansteady. Lock-
rldee (Sun), ^ a wh^e H is
pointless and pretty dlasy.' Watts
(Berald Trib), 'meohanlcal farce
poasessliif arinimnm of wit and
hnmor.' Variety (Ibee) aatd,
'deesnH held its pface. UMavor-
abte.'
'Jeremiah' will close at the Guild
this week, with a limited engage-
ment of five weeks. Ambition pres-
entation did not draw more than sub-
scribers' money.
jbbehdah
Opened Feb. 3, "SS. Critics
ffave this sbart ihtlft. Atkinson
(Times) oaUed iti 'Ponderoos and
hackneyed drama.' Whipple
(World-Tele), for aU its power
and strength It will be a voice
crying In the wilderness.'
Variety (Hobe), 'GuUd sUIl seeks
Its first hit of the season. Brief
stay.'
Coast May Get Town'
Hollywood, Feb. 28.
Jed Harris is here negotiating for
a production of 'Our Town' here and
in Trisco. Several local producers
are eager to do the Pulitzer prize
play.
No deal has been set yet for pic-
ture rights.
Brown Has |1 Stock
Idea, bnl Will Stage
Benefit to Raise Coin
a permanent stock' company, oper-
ating on a. subscription basis with' a
$1 top, is planned by Chamberlain
Brown, legit costing agent Idea
is to open late In April, about con-
currently with the start of the New
York World's Fair, using a small
Broadway house, possibly th6 Mer-
cury. Policy of guest stars, particu-
larly young Hollywood- players tem-
porarily in the east, is contemplated.
Benefit show to launch the ven-
ture is slated for Stmday night
(5) at the Vanderbilt, N. Y., and has
been okayed by the Theatre Author-
ity and Equity. Idea of the show Is
to raise coin and stir interest- Formal
approval of the stock project has not
yet been sought from Equity, but
that will be undertaken when a start-
ing production fund is raised.
Alkntown Gets 1st
Stock in 10 Years
AUentown, Pa., Feb. 28.
After_a lapse of 10 years, stock Is
again being tried at the Lyric here.
The Broadway Players, under the
direction of Edgar Mason, opened
last week (22), with 'Yes, My Darl-
ing Daughter,' playing four days.
This week the presentation Is Ter-
sonal Appearance,' also for four
days. This policy wUl probably be
followed.
Last stock company here was the
John B. Mack Co. It met with little
success.
Los Angeles, Feb 28
T. P. Schnitzer, of PhUadebhia.
has been named by Hallie FlanaMa
to take temporary charge of the
Southern California District's Fed-
eral Tbeatre Project He replaces
James Ullman, who bowed out three
weeks ago.
Rudderless since the recent resig-
nation of James R. Ullman as South-
em California director, who quit be.
cause his hands were hopelessly tied
by red tape and higher-ups In Wash-
ington, the Federal Theatre Project
here Is floundering like a ?'oIple33
ship at sea. Its ranks torn with
strife, constant bickerings and tur-
moH, the project has developed Into
a mess that may require many
months to straighten out
Ullman came out here, from New .
York last fall as successor to Chartei
Gerwing, and for a time whipped
the project Into a workable proposi-
tion, with personnel more at ea%
than at any time since its founding.
But Washington interference soon
gained the upper hand and the prqj.
ect once more became a hotbed of
political intrigue:
Primarily a producer, Ullman stood
the gaff just as long as 'he could
and then submitted his uncondition-
al surroider. It was originally to
have taken effect on Feb, 12, but at
the request of Mrs. Hallie Flanagan,
national director, he consented to
stick until today (Tuesday). Mrs.
Flanagan came west 10 days ago to
supervise the opening of the FTP
ventures at the San Francisco Fair,
and Ullman was summoned north
for conferences, during which a
number at attempts to name his suc-
cessor were made.
The fly In the ointment appears to
be that persons recommended for
the job by project execs were unsat-
isfactory to Mrs. Flanagan, and thoso
suggested by her were not favor-
able to Works Progress Administra-
tion execs and project officials here.
Equity Probe
Local project right now Is in midst
of a probe being made under aus-
pices of Actors Equity Association,
in an eSa!rt to determine if the in-
tent of the project that not more
than 5% of amateurs be Included at
any one time in personnel, has been
violated. Actors and others Identi-
fled with the project have been
made to sign questionnaires and to
be subject to verbal Inquisitions, by
which It Is hoped to clarify once
and for all whether non-pros hav*
been getting the call over deserving
professionals.
Ullman pulled out Sunday (26)
for New York.
Sidney Lumet Philip Loeb, Art
Smith, Claire Niesen, Harry Brats-
burg, James O'Rear, Wendell Phil-
lips, Loren Gage, 'My Heart's in the
Highlands.'
Josephine McKImi, Max Leavltt
Lois Jameson, Lois Austin, Judith
Anderson, Margaret Webster, Eve-
lyn Varden, Leonard Elliot Hugh
Rennie, Bram Nossen, Philip Cool-
idge, Kathryn Grill, Norman Stuart
Tom Ewell, EUla Guy, Philip Trnex,
Ruth Chorpenning, Virginia Camp-
bell, Guy Spaull, James Harker,
William Foran, Ronald Reiss, Will
Lee, Neal Beriy, 'Family Portrait'
(complete cast).
Glenn Anders, Lee Patrick, Walter
Gilbert, Donald Cook, Horace Sin-
clair, William David, Robert Burton,
Olga Hansen, Ann Drlscoll, 'Sky-
lark.'
William Roselle, Eva Condon,
Draja Dryden, 'West of Broadway.'
Fvtnre Plays
'Saturday Nlghf a new play by
Vicki Baum and Benjamin Glaser,
has been acquired by Lewis E. Gen-
sler, who plans an October opening.
Settings will be designed by Robert
Edmond Jones.
'Please, Mrs. Garibaldi,' comedy by
Mary McCarthy, Universal Pictures
scribe, Is skedded for an opening
March 16 at the Belmont according
to Hall Shelton, its producer. Re-
hearsals started tiiis week, with
Giuseppe Sterni and Ruth Amos cast
as leads.
'I Want a Lawyer,' a new play \>y^
Richard Maibaum and formerly held
by Harry H. Oshrin and Chester
Erskin under the title of 'Bright
Shingles,' Is now In the folio of
Robinson Smith, who contemplates
production early In April.
Equity's New Committee
Equity has appointed a new WFA
committee, following the complaints
from members In the relief outfit and
some of those let out that the origi-
nal committee was not getting
enough action from the New York
project heads. First committee
claimed, however, that it was obtain-
ing results and pointed to the num-
ber of reinstatements.
Reformed committee, 'wtilch In-
cludes one or two from those first as-
signed to the task, conferred with
George Kondolf, director on the
project In the metropolis, and is ex-
pected to report to the council this
week.
Merton Ho^e Seeks U.S.
Production of 4 Plays
Merton Hodge, English playwright
arrived in New York last week to
dicker for U. S. production of four
of his plays. They include two lion-
don successes, 'Story pf an African
Farm,' adapted from the Olive
Schreiner novel, and 'The Island,' be-
sides two new scripts which he de-
clines to reveal. Will' remain a
month or more, but must return to
London in time for the tryout of an-
other new play of his there this
summer.
Dramatist's The Wind and the
Rain' was produced on Broadway
five years ago.
Harvard U's Show
Boston, Feb. 28.
Hasty Pudding Club of Harvard U.
presents its 93d annual production,
'Fair Enough,' at the Clubhouse in
Cambridge March 27. Opening night
is for graduates exclusively.
. Troupe then comes to Copley here
March 28-29 for public performances.
Edward C. Lilley is directing.
Wednesday, March 1« 1939
USGimiATE
VARIETY
49
MAY RAISE ACTORS' PAY
New Specs' Quk^ Headadie
A crop of new ticket speculators appeared alone Broadway last week,
but none of the boxoSlce staffs' appeared to know their origin. Group
floured thM tickets for Washington's Birthday matinees would be a soft .
touch, but were evidently disillusioned.
The men offered th«ir tickets on the sidewalks adjacent to theatries
housing the more favor^ shows. Most of the locations were in th^
balcony and not in center sections, showing that they were obtained by
digging methods. .One of the would-be sellers frankly stated the
tickets were purchased -at the boxoffice. As treasurers did not Identify
. the men, intermediaries were probably used.
Understood that 'the„new specs attempted to dump tickets into cut
rates when they discovered that the holiday crowds were intent on
applying to the boxoffices direct lliey also sought to dispose of their
bundles to other agencies without success. Premium brokers found
the going tough, as the out-of-towners were seeking moderate priced
admissions.
Broadway S^widng^ hot &osses
And Haying Weeks Ahead of %^
Despite widespread complaints in
Broadway circles that current legit
business is way under normal, a sur-
vey of the figures Indicates that
grosses are actually running far
ahead of last year. Edge has been
evident all season, but has been par-
ticularly marked since the Christ-
mas-New Year holiday period and
has been even more noteworthy in
the last three weeks, when the
squawlcs about bad business have
been loudest
Difference was especially clear last
week, when the estimated total gross
for 32 shows reached $449,000, the
highest for any week in several sea-
sons, even including Christmas-New
Year holiday stanzas. Figure for the
corresponding period last season was
$353,000 on 27 shows. Total gross for
the last nine weeks, including the
Cliristmas-New Year canto, was
$3,387,000, as compared to $2,895,000
for the . corresponding nine weelcs
last season.
Total gross for the 38 weeks since
the season began last June comes to
$8,306,600, while for the similar
stretch of last season the flgilre was
$7,609,600. Not only in total grosses,
but in playing' weeks and number of
new productions, the present season
Is topping last Last nine weeks
this season have totalled 240 play-
ing weeks, compared with 231 for the
same period last season. Grand total
of playing weeks for this season to
date is 727, as against 655 for the cor-
responding time in '37-38. All fig-
ures are based on VARipnt's boxoffice
estimates. -
Mere Soccesses
■While the grosses and number of
playing weeks indicate the legit situ-
ation since the first of the year is
above last year, the percentage of
successful new shows is likewise on
the favorable side. There have been
21 entries, including such miscel-
laneous items as the D'Oyly Carte
Opera and the One-Act Repertory.
Of that number, present indications
•re that four are hits, five arie mod-
erate successes, four are in doubt and
eight have been failures. Even if all
the doubtful shows ultimately show
a loss, nine successes out of .21 tries
« well above the normal average.
In view of these figures, there is
some question of why complaints of
bad business have been so universal.
One showman expressed the opinion
uiat Broadway almost always thinks
business is disappointing. Possibly
bearing out that, theory, a casual
glance at the files reveals that the
»»ne cry was being heard at this
tiine last season, even though grosses
•t that time were running ahead of
the preceding weeks.
Bard Follows Ballet
Chicago, Feb. 28.
The Federal Theatre ballet opens
,° *ne Blackstone tomorrow
<. Wednesday). It's scheduled for a
three-week run and then will be re-
placed by a Shakespearean reper-
tonr session headed by Ian Keith.
The FTP'S Shakespearean presen-
tations will be 'Othello,' 'Hamlef
merchant of Venice' and Ulacbeth,"
starting the first week in April.
Barton Before Eqidty
Equity's council Is slated to hear
charges against James Barton next
Tuesday (28), it being alleged he
used lurid language to an actress in
Tobacco Road,' Forrest, N. Y., short-
ly before he withdrew from the run
drama. Matter was up for a hearing
at last week's session, biit a post-
ponement was granted in order that
the comedian could appear at a bene-
fit show in MlamL
Reported that Equity was asked to
set back the hearing date at the
request of Broadway showmen,
wintering at the resort It is the
same local charity affair sponsored
by managers for years. Late Joe
Leblang was formerly an active sup-
porter.
GROUP READIES
SABBATH LEGIT
Group Theatre is readying two
plays for special showing on Sunday
nights at tlie Belasco, N. Y., Irwin
Shaw's 'Quiet City,' now being in
rehearsal, while 'My Heart's in the
Highlands,' by William Saroyan,
starts next week. A boy actor will
be used in the latter cast as the
lead.
Group currently has 'The Gentle
People,' Belasco, and 'Rocket to the
Moon,' Windsor, regularly showing.
Starting Tuesday (7), a revival of
'Awake and Sing' will split the week
with 'Rocket'
Some of the players in 'People'
and 'Rocket' will appear in the Sun-
day night specials, in addition to
others. All are to receive rehearsal
pay of $20 weekly, plus two-eighths
of one week's salary for the extra
performances, Equity requirement
calling for an extra eighth for Sab-
bath appearances.
JORKLAND'S EX-WIFE
TO HYPO 'SOMEONE'
Although jack Kirkland, author-
manager of -'I Must Love Someone,'
Longacre, N.Y:, obtained generous
publicity for the show through spat-
ting with the critics, attendance has
not perked up, but he will attempt
to hypo tiie boxoffice by replacing
Martha Sleeper with Nancy Carroll,
his former wife and screen actress,
who joins the cast next week.
Show has been operating in the
red since opening. Kirkland, how-
ever, figures that if Tobacco Road'
could develop into a long stayer after
it was on the Verge of folding dur-
ing the first month or so, the same
thing might liappen to 'Someone.'
Kirkland dramatized 'Road' and is
interested in the managerial end.
Drama makes only a small profit in
New York, but has been cleaning up
on tour.
Council Has Proposal to
Boost Equity Members'
Minimuin Pay from Cur-
rent $40 — ^PoinU to Otker
Theatrical Unions Having
Higher Basic Wage Scale
CONTROVERSIAL
What may become a highly con-
troversial issue within Equity was
indicated by the introductioh in
council of a proposal to raise the
legit actors' minimum salary from
$40 to $75 weiekly. The motion was
accepted unanimously, but. a vote
deferred at this time. It was de-
cided thfit the entire council be sent
the full text of the resolution and
the reasons advanced for its accep-
tance.
Known that the move has already
aroused distinct differences of opin-
ion among the association's leaders.
Those opposed figure that the vol-
ume of production, already restrict-
ed in recent seasons, may' be fur-
ther diminished.' Proponents of the
idea declare that raising the mini-
mum would principally affect the
shoe-string type of prpducer, argu-
ment I>eing that the better managers
engage players who command bet-
ter pay.
In presenting the resolution, said
to have been introduced by J. K.
Blunicall, who was an independent
candidate to head Equity two years
ago and who is On the council, it
was put forth that other stage unions
had considerably higher wage scales.
Instances are the stage hands and
musicians' getting higher base pay
than actors. More recently, the
Theatrical Managers, Agents &
Treasurers Union established scales
of more than double and even triple
that in Equity.
Maaagcrc* Comeback
On the other hand, it is feared
that if a $75 minimum was estab-
lished, it might start a trend on the
part .of managers to set that level
as a maximum for players who now
(Continued on page 52)
Bettelhenn, Treasurer,
Left $122^6 Estate;
Richest B'way B.O. Man
The will of Spencer D. Bettelheim,
Broadway legit treasurer, who sui-
cided Nov. 5, 1937, imparts no trace
of the reasons for .the act His net
estate is placed at $122,226, most of
which goes to his widow and does
not include life insurance. The as-
sets are chiefly stocks and bonds,
substantiating his claim of having
t>een fortunate in investments. It's
clearly indicated that he was one of
the wealthiest boxoffice men on
Broadway.
Bettelheim, assistant and then
treasurer of the Music Box, also was
ce-Ieasee of the Lyceum theatre. He
shot himself in his office there,
leaving no messages. It appears that
he had threatened to do away with
himself during marital arguments.
Known, too, that he still suffered
effects of being gassed in the World
War. During several months, Bettel-
heim suffered financial reverses, in-
cluding payments to the government
on claims pertaining to money re-
ceived from agencies. Estimated that
he dropped around $60,000.
Edwin S. Bettelheim, his father^
who was a theatre trade piper edi-
tor, was bequeathed $5,000, but did
not live long after the son passed
away. Widow, Helen S., receives a
life interest in the residue, with Jane
and Beverly, daughters, to get the
remainders. A brother receives
$2,000; Dorothy B. Healy, sister, gets
$3,000, as does Gladys S. dii Treil;
Joseph S. Sheridan and wife get
$2,000 each.
Equity Mulls Ei^omies Foflowing
Loss of 12G Yearly hcome hm
SAG; May Sdl N. ¥. Headqtrs.
Lunts' Big Profit
The Lunts continue to clean up
in the South. Tonight (Wednes-
day) they play the Bailey high-
school auditorium, Jackson,
Miss., it being an unusual wild-
catted date and sold out a week
in advance,
' The hall cost $50, advertis-
ing $150 and $200 goes to Ar-
mand 0>ulett for handling the
tickets. It's a total of $400 in.
expenses as against an estimated
$3,600 gross.
Show for the evening is 'Idiof s
DeUghf
REFEREE GETS
ACME VS. CODE
DISPUTE
Acme Ticket Agency's case against
the League of New York Theatres
and Equity, on allegations that the
ticket code is in restraint of toade,
nearly came a cropper last Thursday
(23) in N. Y. supreme court before
Judge Samuel J. Hofstadter. Conten-
tions of the ticket people hardly im-
pressed the court who surprised
council for both sides by ordering
the case before a referee, Morris
(>>oper, Jr., of the law firm of
Riegleman 8c Nordlinger, being ap-
pointed.
Addressing Murray C; Spett of the
law firm of Weisman, Qiiinn, Allan
& Spett Judge Hoffstatter said: 1
will give you twoJ)ites of the cherry.
'When the findings of the referee are
submitted, I will decide whether to
hear the case, or accept such findings
as sufficient' Understood that both
sides were anxious to go to trial and
were disappointed at the court's
action.
Judge, however, stated that he did
not believe the action merited taking
up the court's time and the people's
money for what is indicated would
be a week-long trial. He frequently
stopped Spett to interpose comments,
or counter the contentions set forth
in the complainant's brief. It ap-
pears that both sides conceded the
facts set forth in briefs, so tliat as
only a few points of law were in-
volved, in the court's opinion. Fig-
ured that tlie hearings will take
about two weeks.
Agency seeks a writ of permanent
(Continued on page S3)
Newman Agcy. Loses
Appeal; Bloom, Guryan
To Each Serve 4 Mos.
Ways and jneans of further cutting .
down Equity's operatiiig outlay is
being considered by the association's
leaders. Council appears to have
become jittery when it was learned
that the association would terminate
tlie arrangement with the Screen
Actors Guild, which has been kick-
ing back the amount of Equity dues
on its higher-bracketed members.
It's understood that this coin from
SAG will not be payable after next
November. Equity's collection from
this source is said to average- about
$12i000 yearly.
Although it was indicated by the
annual report that Equity operated
on a profit even without the SAG
coin, a new committee on -efficiency
and economy has been appointed and
is carefully scrutinizing the organi-
zation's finances. The last .fiscal
year showed a net revenue amount-
ing to more than the amount re^-
mitted from Hollywood, but Equity-
ites aim to guard against the future.
Having relinquished future claims
from the picture end, and having
turned over radio to the American
Federation of Radio Artists, Equity's
jurisdiction has been greatly con-
stricted and must depend on legit
alone for sustenance. With the
amount of production on the down-
grade for several seasons, associa-
tion'jB officers aim to. arrive at a
budget where it can function without
eating into the surplus.
Reduction of salaries in headquar-
ters, which calls for most of the out-
lay, is not believed to be under con-
sideration at this time. Salaries were
reduced on at least two occasions
and are regarded as being at the
minimum. Last season there were
a number of economies effected, in-
(Continued on page 53)
The Circuit Court of Appeals on
Monday (27) upheld a decision of
the Federal Court in N. Y. and found
Leo Newman's "Theatre Ticket Office,
Inc., Philip Guryan and Samuel
Bloom guilty of violation of the U. S.
Code in failing to keep proper tax
records and pay taxes on theatre
ticket premiums.
Affirming of the decision means
that Guyran and Bloom, of the
agency, will be required to serve
-four months each in the federal pen.
In sentencing the men, the court
staggered the terms, so that the bus-
iness would not unduly suffer by
both being absent Suggested they
toss a coin to see which one would
serve first. Yesterday (Tuesday)
neithe^ was aware the appeal had
been denied.
' In addition to the sentences, each
y/as fined $2,000. and the agency was
fined $2,500.
Mbiiatnre Paris Opera
For Hartford, Cobh;
Kath H^bimn In oo It
Hartford, Feb. 28.
Group of local socialites, includ-
ing Katherine Hepburn, are mulling
a plan to transport the interior and
fixtures of the Haddam Opera House,
located at Haddam, Conn., to here
some time this spring or early sum-
iner for use as a legH house and sum-
mer strawhat Present plans call
for the erection of a shell for the
interior and fixings on the outskirts
of the city. Would also include a
wing for a theatre arts museum.
Unused since 1911, the opera house
Is an exact duplicate in miniature of
the Paris Opera House. Has a seat- '
ing capacity of 600. Miss Hepburn
at one time had planned to transport
the interior walls, lioxes, footlights,
front of stege, and proscenium to the
west coast but had found the cost
prohibitive.
Opera house is located on the sec-
ond floor of the Haddam -Town
Court Its existence has been prac-
tically unknown. Expected to bridge
the gap between the Avery Memorial
and BushneU Memorial here. For-
mer is too small for the production
of legitimate shows and latter to
large. Avery has a 300 seating ca-
pacity and Bushnell a 3,300.
Definite plans for the erection of
the shell and transporting of the
opera interior will be made this
week following a trip of inspection
by members of the group today
(Tuesday) to Haddam. Purchase
price of opera house is one of para-
mount subjects under consideration
^t present time.
Known to be Interested in the
venture besides Miss Hepburn are
Chick Austin, director of the Avery
Memorial; Paul W Cooley, Morgan
Brainard, James Soby and Thom
C^nroy, director of the Little Thea-
tre of Hartford. Tentative plans call
for Conroy to be director of the
project -and Austin director of the
museum.
VARIETr
LEGITIMATE
Wednesday, March 1, 1939
Plays Out of Town
FIVE KINGS
(PAST ONE)
Boston, Feb. 27.
Dmma In tivo parts by 'William .Shaka>
•IHure; preaeiiled by the ThKatre Guild In
■iiBCM'latlon with the Mercur>- Theatre; (ea-
tuien Oraon Welles, Bureees Meredith,
Rol>ert SpealEht, Edgar Barrier, Lora Bax-
ter. Mnrria Ankrum, John Emery, Law-
renoe Kletc4ier: started by Welles; munlc,
Aaron Copland; eettlnga, Janiea Morcum;
cnsiumes, Mlllln Davenport: at the Color
nial, Boston, Feb. 27, '39.
Chorua .'.^Robert Spralght
BollnRbroke , . . tisrria .Ankrum-
Prince Hal Burgeaa Meredith
Clarence Richard Baer
Glouce.'ler .Guy KlnKsley
Hotspur John Emery
Northumberland Eustace Wyatt
Worcester ., .Macitreffor Glbb
WestmnrelamI Jolin Adair
Warwick Lawrence Fletcher
Bxton William Bishop
Vernon John Straub
A liOrd .Wllllnm Mown*
Archbishop or Canterbury. , .Fdffar Barrier
Bishop of T.\y Georee Duthle
Lord Chief Justice Ersklne flantord
Sallsbur)- .Stephen Roberta
Bmcy John Wlllnnl
Falstarr Orson Welles
Bardolpii ...Qua SchllllnE
PolnS John Berry
Peto William Alland
Pafte Edfferton Paul
Cndshlll .Sanford Slesel
Wan Gerold Keen
Pistol Eustace Wyatt
Shallow EdKar Kent
Silence Fred Stewart
Rultcair... Stephen Roberts
Mouldy William Herx
Feeble John Wlllard
Shadow James Morcom
Davy Francis *Carp6nter
Court Fred Stewart
Bates John Wlllard
Williams Richard Wilson
Gower John Straub
Fluellen Edgar Kent
Servant to Hotepur Stanley Poss
King of France William Mowry
French Queen .Ellen Andrews
Hontjoy, Ambassador ot France
Gerold Kean
Lady Percy ...Lora Baxter
Mistress Quickly...,. Alice John
Mistress Doll Grace Coppin
Katharine Margaret Curtis
Alice Rosemary Carver
French Lady ' Ann Saka
Orson Welles has bitten off a big
hunk in his production of 'Five
Kings,' and he will have to do a lot
of chewing during the tryout here.
However, Shakespeare fans will en-
joy it Part one in three acts, 18
scenes, condenses ICing Henry IV
(parts one and two), and ICing.
Henry V,' and opens with the btirial
scene from lUng Richard H.'..
With aU this boiling down the
show ran an hour overtime tonight
(Monday). Mechanical troubles with
a slow, revolving stage and many
bungled cues on lighting were largely
responsible for this, slowing down
the pace ot the entire production.
First act will have to be cut con-
siderably before It reaches Broad-
way. Henry IVs death scene mid-
way in the second act would be more
Impressive, as the final scene of that
act
Welles plays Falstafl with gusto
and' predsion, coming, off easily with
top honors. Burgess Meredith is a
satisfactory Prince Hal and a better
Henry V. . Morris Anknun, John.
Emery and Robert Speaight also do
excellentlv along with Schilling,
Alice John and Margaret Curtis.
Outstanding scenes are in the tav.
em. recruiting of Falstaffs troops,
Henry IVs admonition to his son,
death of Henry IV, Hotspur's tirade
outside the palace, and Henry Vs
war speech in the third act The
all-wooden sets are unique. Fox,
THE DOCTORS
"Drama In three acts by Qalr* and
Paul sifton: preaented by th» Playahop ot
the Jolins Hopkins TlnlveFSlty: staged by
Paul HInricha; setting. Tom Powers, and
Gayls Arnold; at the Playahop, Baltimore.
Opal Kane Maiy Jane Stockham
Doc Bobbins Louis Streb
Dr. Wesley Longfellow Wingate, n...
_ • • • Aahley .Qgden
Dr. Lalla WIngete Leola^yeia
Sgt. Jim Brandon William Ob«rle
Sally Gorham PattI SIngewald
Dr. Glastonbury Harold Waxman
Grocery Clerk Charles Lipscomb
Reporter ...Elsie Kane
Dr. Armstrong... Sidney Paul
This play by Claire and Paul Sif-
ton lias some Broadway prospects.
Although timely in subject matter
and briefly effective in spots. The
"STARS IN YOUR EYES"
Hct.! LOV CLAXTON
Doctors' needs considerable ' paring
and adroit handling to take it out
of the amateur company it's keeping
here.
The story is about the husband
and wife M.D.'s who are trying to
get a start in a section bogged down
by unfair hospital restrictions and
trade practices. Dr. Wingate, the
husband (Ashley Ogden), is a bril-
liant and promising youiig surgeon.
But without a hospital in which to
operate, his talents are going to
waste. Dr. Laila Wingate, his wife
(Leola Myers), can snare an occa-
sional case or two. But hubby isn't
content to depend oh the sparse in-
come of his wife, aiid thoroughly
defeated by the closed imion tactics
of his competitors, flnds his only
way out In a colorless and pot-boil-
ing niche in the research labora-
tories of a medical center.
What is a struggling young physi-
cian to do, confronted by this crip-
pling . and demoralizing 'system'?.
Socialized medicine is ; answer,
and The Doctors' is a conversttional
dissertation on its virtues and com-
pensations. Through Opal Kane
(Mary Jane Stockham), a bacteriolo-
gist, forced by lack of employment
in her chosen profession to become
a domestic in the household of the
Wingates, the reward's to. be itieted
out to the oncoming generation of
healers by state controlled medicine
are expounded and elucidated. A
further debate on professional ethics
and practices is introduced via a sec-
ondary theme, of the doctor's sup-
posed traditional secrecy in matters
of social disease even when It af-
fects the future and well-being of
dear and beloved friends.
Dialog is bookish and unnatural.
As sketched at present Dr. Wiiigate
is unbelievable. Some faL-ish writing
hr.s gone into tiie development of
Sally Gorham, a friend of the fam-
ily, up against an age-old problem,
and Dr. Armstrong, a friendly col-
league of the Wingates. The rest
need plenty of polish.
Production, a bit halted generally,
is fair, with Patti SIngewald, Wil-
liam Oberle, ■ Leola Myers, Sidney
Paul and Miss Stockham performing
creditably. Bum.
Rebellion in Shadow
Maplewood. N. J., Feb. 27.
Drama In two acts (5 vcenea) by Mady
Francis; stars BUssa Liandl; staged by
Anton Bundsman; settings. Joseph R. To-
lano; at Maplewood theatre, week ot Feb.
27, -se.
Katharine Marshall. Ellsaa Land!
Vivian Walters Bugenia Rawls
Emma ......Bomlce Vert
Ernest Graves Wilton Graff
Felix Foulkea Sherllng diver
Nellaan..> -..Sherllng Oliver
Christine Bugenia Ba'Rls
Frances ........John -Baby
Allan Vincent Copeland
Honor...: .Fiances Held
lady Molloy Ann Tyrell
This Is the first new play to be
presented at the Maplewood theatre,
where for the last 40 weeks Broad-
way revivals have been presented.
Hebellion in Shadow/ programmed
as being authored by Mady Francis,
actually has been written by Elissa
Landi, who's also the star.
The story concerns an authoress
and her love for one ot her fictional
heroes. Katherlne Marshall (Miss
Landi) Is entertaining a party, Indud*
ing h6r sweetheart Ernest Graves
(Wilton Graff), an attorney; the
dashing Felix Foulkes (Sherllng OU-
ver) and 'Vivian Walter (Eugenia
Rawls), his. girl friend. She's writ-
ing a book, and Felix and 'Vivian be-
come fictional character to her. A
touch of the Frankenstein theme
creeps In when Katherine finds her'
helf obsessed with a sudden love for
Felix. This almost results in tragedy.
Miss Landi has hit on a novel Idea,
but has only scratched the surface.
Generally the play is lightweight It
rims only about an hour and a half,
during which there's some scintillat-
ing dialog. Miss Landi makes the
most of her novelist being on the
stage nearly all the time. Sherllng
Oliver and Eugenia Rawls are ex-
cellent But the play falls short of
Broadway requirements.
The two settings by Joseph R. To
lano are iii good taste. Dalz,
Where the Blue Begins
Pasadena, Feb. 25.
Community Playhouse production .of
Ctarlstuvher.Morley's novel; Ollmor Brown,
supervising director: Eva Fry, director;
Fred Huxley, tec<inlral director; Edward
Sheffleld, art director.
Cast: Herschel DauKherty, Eleanore Wll.
son, Llla Ecoles, Dick Turner. Richard
Barrett, Billy Bpp, Jackie Foyli, George
Baldwin, Frank Ferguson, Norman Men-
nes, Frederick Blanchard. Ian McDonald,
Iris Dornfeld, Bea Hassel, Theodore Field,
-Chalmers Paulson, Harry. Lewis. Ann Mel.
vln, Radiana Pnsmore, 'Edouard L'Eener-
ance, John Rogers, Laird Cregar, Robert
Stevcna, Al Woods, Edgar Kord, Michael
Ames.
the right places and some of them
still must be wondering what was
Gllmor Brown's big idea^
Just what Is the proper behavior
for auditors viewing, a stage full
of amateur actors acting like dogs
and ylpping at each other is not to
be foimd in any of the etiquette
books. The natural Impulse is to
laugh and that's what happened. To
carry out the deception, each actor
wears a wig to indicate the hound
he portrays. Characters are pro-
grammed as Mrs. Spaniel, Mr. Poo-
dle, Miss Airedale aind other such
piffle.
Somewhere among the growls and
barks must be a moral of some kind.
Those who have read the . book
groped through the five scenes and
reluctantly admitted the cast must
have barked when they should have
sniffed. Apparent it was; though,
that a Mr. Gissirig goes searching
for the bluest patch in life's sky. His
adventure takes him down theologi-
cal byways, into big business and out
oh the tossing briny only to find that
what he wanted was always within
his grasp. It is mostly sermon and
little entertainment
Cast gets nowhere. Only ones
making a fairish impression are
Herschel Daugherty and Eleanor
Wilson. Eva Fry, one-time Morley
associate and director of Grand
Street and Nantucket Island thea-
tres, was brought in to stage.
It's just too silly. Helm.
Play on B'way
OFF TO BUFFALO
Comedy In throe acta (Ave scenes) by
Max Llebrann and Allen Boretz; presented
by Albert Lewis; stars .Toe Cook; staged
by Melville Burke; settings, Donald Oen-
slager, at the Ethel Barrymore, N. T.,
Feb. 21, '30: ».30 top.
Harry Quill Hume Cronyn
Turn Luba Wesoly
Evelyn Quill Elizabeth Love
Pop Cillford Frank Camp
Barkas Matt Brlggs
Mannheim Richard Taber
Sprung.,....., Edmund Dorsay
McCtiesney....- O. Albert Smith
Johnny Melba... .'..Fred LIghtner
Gus I>elaney Joe COok-
Gabby O'Keefe Otto- Hulett
Maxle Kromnt. .....Nat Cantor
Fanny Famum ; Fay Courtney
Gill Henry Tobias
Bloom Harold Whalen
Blossom Peggy Chamberlain
Lottie Joan Engel
Pep« Brothers Martell Brothers
Flying Martels. .William and George Dewey
Phil Gordon James Kelso
Delivery Boy Burton Lewis
Johnson Dudley Clements
Laundry Man,.....'. ^ Albert West
Attention PLAYWRIGHTS:
Borr Osso, ■ playbroker tor thirty
years, willing cooperats with aspiring
writers by reading, analysing and
handling their plays It sulUble for
produetlon.
OfOce "ColD d« Tnnet," 14 W. 48tb
SlNct, K. T. 0. leLi BB. '9-m5
Some years ago Christopher Mor
ley's fantasy on humans acting like
animals kicked up quite a few sales.
Apparently if -it held anything for
the theatre it would have been
poimced on long before this. No on6
gave it a tumble and now Pasade-
nans have discovered they're bark-
ing up the wrong trees. First-night-
ers weren't so sure they laughed ht
This Max Llebman-Allen Boretz
opus had a long and rocky trip to
Broadway. But unlike 'Room Serv-
ice,' which Boretz wrote with John
Murray and which also had consid-
erable trouble en route, 'Off to Buf-
falo' Is a ddubtful bet Possibly
George Abbott's script-doctoring and
direction might have salvaged . this,
as it did in the case of 'Room Ser-
vice,' but as it Is, 'Buffalo' looks as
decrepit as the vaudeville it seelks to
glorl^. '
Play was talked about nearly two
years ago. At first it was called The
Flying Ginzburgs,' a title George S.
Kaufman and Moss Hart had been
muttering about for years. Script
made the rounds for some time and
(Continued on page. 54)
Gigli Blast at the Met,
U. S. Concert Biz Laid
To Unprofitable Tour
Reason offered In New York con-
cert circles for beniamino GIgli's
outburst last week against the Met
Opera Co. and U. S. concert biz on
his return to Rome from a U. S.
concert-opera-radio tour was that
the tenor had not profited from his
four-and-a-half months' stay In
America. Although he was paid
about $80,000 for 43 dates, the singer
paid the entire amount in back
debts, penalties, interest, expenses,
etc.
Opening his tour Oct. 2, the Ital-
ian tenor was paid a lump sum for
five performances with the Met
seven with the San Francisco opera,
three with the Chicago opera, tiiree
broadcasts and 25 concert dates. Be-
cause of the ambupt • money tied
up in advance, Columbia Concerts
Corp., which booked Gigli, insured
the tour with a London company. It
was the first time the agency had
done such a thing.
Officials of the age: -y state that
although the tour failed to show a
profit it managed to break about
even, without paying the Interest on
the investment On that basis, the
venture was a disappolntn.ent From
his $80,000 fee, Gigli settled for
around $25,000 an old Income tax
claim by the government around
$0,000 or a $13,500 judgment held
by a bank as receiver for an apart-
ment house on an unpaid lease, paid
the federal tax on the $80,000 in-
come, besides paying expenses for
his. brother-in-law and a valet who
travelled with him.
Inside Stuff-Legit
Philip Barry's The. Philadelphia Story,' trying out in Philadelphia this
week, contains several characters said to be based on actual persons. Ont
is a magazine publisher, identified by those in th» show as patterned on
Henry R. Luce, owner of Time, Fortune, etc. Character is discussed at
some length, but never appears on stage. Prominent woman Bhotog.
rapher, played by Shirley Booth, is being identified as Margaret B6urke«
White, of the Time staff. Reporter, played by Van Heflin, is said to be a
composite of several Time writers. The Philadelphia family of the play
has not been identified, but is said to include former friends ot Barry?
Locale is Radnor, fashionable subivb of Philly. Two sets, representing
the living room and porch of the home, are said to have been copied from
the clubhouse of the Radnor Hunt Club.
'Story,' which will be the Guild's fourth subscription offering of tha
season, was well regarded in New Haven, where it preemed Feb. 16. Tin
Guild is understood to own only a moderate share of the show, major por-
tion being owned by Barry and Katharine Hepburn, with director Robert
Sinclair also reported holding a small piece.
After its two weeks in Philadelphia play will probably be taken to Wash-
ington, Pittsburgh and Boston for Guild subscribers there and be brought
to New York early in April. This opening date won't give 'Story' much
time for a Broadway rim, but Miss Hepburn is reported ready to play
ihrough the hot weather if the show clicks.
Frank Fenton went into an important role in the play with; only threa
days' rehearsals.. Commuted between New York and New Haven rehearsals
and a stand in Boston, where, he was appearing in 'Susan and God.' Left
'Susan' following the Tuesday (14) performance and reported for drea
rehearsal In New Haven the following day.
Barry wrote 'Story' specifically for Miss Hepburn. He had two p\ayt
in mind and outlined the stories for the actress some months ago on tht
Coast She expressed a preference for this one, so the playwright went
ahead With it Although the piece was finished in outline a couple ot
months ago, the third act was not completed in final form until rehearsals
had started. Only minor changes are being made during the tryout tour.
Channing Pollock, who formerly devoted his tiine to writing hit dramas
and is now giving lectures, besides penning magazine articles and books;
has completed his latest volume, *The Adventures of a Happy Man,'. pub- .
lished by Thomas 'Y. Crowell. In a thumb-nail biography, it is revealed
that PoUock won his first short story prUe at the age of 14 and, while ■
very young man, was critic of the Washington Times. He entered show
business as press agent for Anna Held and says: 'Ziegfeld fired me for In-
competence but I got even by writing two Ziegfeld 'Follies'.' Of his varied
works there are included lyrics for 200 songs, best known of which is lly
Man.' He has lectured nearly 2,000 times, getting into stride on the platr
form circuits during the run of his The Fool.' The new book is a volume
of essays. About himself Pollock says: 'If I was born with a gold spoon
in my mouth, I. must have swallowed it My best lUck is that I never had
any luck I didn't make for myself.'
Though Maurice Schwartz Is listed as the co-producer, with Ignate Son,
of the Yiddish Bande, Polish players, the Yiddish producer-star is only in
on a percentage as the lessor of the house to Son. Troupe is in the United
States for three months, ot which four weeks are to be at Schwartz's
Yiddish Art theatre, N.- Y. Schwartz was mainly responsible for their im-
port ha'iring seen them last year In Paris, where they played simultane-
ously with bis touring 'Brothers Ashkenazi.'
Schwartz, incidentally, has a couple of irons in the fire for the World's
Fair, but it's pretty definite that 'Yoshe Kalb'^and 'Ashkenazi,' which had
been talked of as possible Fair revivals, won't be part of his plans.
Jerry Horwin, co-author with Katherlne Turney of 'My Dear Children,'
states that the real reason for Brock Pemberton relinquishing his righti
to the play — with John and Elaine Barrymore to be starred— 'was not
because of any question of script revisions, but a frank desire to get hit
'Kiss the Boys Goodbye' road companies rolling before 'Gone With tht
Wind' Is released. Pemberton's 'Kiss the Boys' Is a travesty on 'Wind,'
and after' he had the 'Children* script some 10 weeks the authors and tht
Barrymores decided to give it to Richard Aldrich; who is currently pro*
ducing it
The ticket scale for Married An AngeV which ended a long run at
the Shubert N. Y., Saturday (25), was curiously manipulated. For tht
final four weeks of the date the top was reduced from $4.40 to $3.30, but
the first four rows in the gallery were raised from $1.10 to $1.65. During
the show's entire run up to the lower floor scale revision, the lower latt
applied to the top shell -
An excellent advance sale was reported for 'Angel' In Pittsburgh, 'wheit
it opened Monday (27).
Although Katharine Cornell will have a 51% Interest in 'No Time for
Comedy,' the Play wrigfils Company whose S. N. Behrman wrote the play,
will control all business and managerial arrangements, although the star's
jiame will come first in the presentation credits. Margalo GiUmore has
been added to the cast.
•Comedy' starts rehearsals Thursday (2). It will play two weeks out <A
town and then will probably be spotted at the Barrymore, N.Y.
Bronson Dudley, son of the radio drama reviewer. Bide Dudley, who
made his stage debut in 'Set to Music,' Music Box, N. Y., is now assigned
to a dance specialty In the first part. Previously he appeared only at the
close of the revue. Added number by the young tap dancer is hoofed on a
platform. Lad Is garbed completely in black, with lights spotted on his
feet
Arthur Hammerstein, who has been In Palm Beach for some months. Is
afflicted with a mysterious ailment which doctors ha've not been able to
diagnose. Intermittently he runs a fever, but recovers after a session abed.
Lorimer Widow Seeks:
Concert Hall Rom OK
Philadelphia, Feb. 28.
Group headed by Mrs. George
Horace Lorimer, widow of the Satur-
day Evening Post, editor, and of-
ficial of the opera committee, here, is
readying a bill to present to the
Legislature to legalize the sale of
light wines and beer at the staid old
Academy of Music. Sixty-year old
bar in the basement of the Academy
hasn't been used since 1881 when
liquor sales in theatres were out-
lawed.
SImila'r attempt was made^ two
years ago by Reghiald Allen, man-
aging director of the Philadelphia
Orchestra, but It was nixed.
AFM on ST. L ORCH
DATE DESPITE PICKEIS
St. Louis, Feb. 28.
Although Brewer Field House at
the University of Missouri, Colum-
bia, Mo., was picketed by the Colum-
bia Central Labor Union, the St
Louis Symph presented Its annual
concert there for students last week.
Picketing was done despite a snow
storm and bitterly cold weather.
Prior to the concert union rei^
said th*- concert might be prohibited
because of the protest against non-
union service men at the state school.
However, George L. Smith, orchestra
manager, said the union tooters hao
been notified by the American Fea-
eratlon of Musicians, Local No.
they coiUd play. Contracts for tnt
concert were signed a y^^r ago.
UEGITIHATE GROSSES
VARIETY
SI
Hepburn s 'Story' Smash in Philly,
$21000; mnM)n'$9MW$lM^
Philadelphia, Tab. M.
rollowing on th« he«Is of unani-
mous prais* teom the crJx. Katha-
tlne Hepburn, starring in *xhe Phil-
adelphia Story,' registered a smash
cross here last week at the Chestnut
'Btteet Opera House in the fifth of six
American Theatre Society subscrip-
tion plays to hit Iter* this season.
The Women' Icept a brisk pace, al-
though obviously affected by opposi-
tion. Eighth week of Clare Boothe's
comedy at the Forrest, drew $9,400,
with this week annotmced as its get-
away, ^e Forrest will be dark next
week prior to the opening of the
three weeks' run of the D'Oyly Cart*
Co. The Savoyards , have a very big
mail order sale.
'Golden Boy' was all set to close
at the Erianger Saturday night (25)
after a week and a haU, when biz
Mddenly and unexpectedly spurted;
wa^ington's Birthday matinee and
night were .good, but the real up-
ward thrust came the last three per-
formances, and -management finally
decided late Friday (24) to hold the
show for another week (20 days in
all).
' This week's only newcomei^ is
Maurice Schwartz with his Yiddish
Art Theatre in Three Cities' at the
Locust Engagement is sk«dded for
single week only, with a $2 top, but
may be extended,' as has happened
b^ore in case of Schwartz visits;
One show is listed for next week,
the revival of Oscar Wilde's 'The
Importance of Being Earnest,' at the
Erlanger, with the same cast that
has been presenting it in Mew York.
On the 13th there's a conflict for
the crix, with 'Knickerbocker Holi-
day* starting its single -week's stey
at the Chestnut, and the D'Oyly
Carters beginning their three weeks'
run at the Forrest
The Shuberts ^re still announcing
Tlve Kings' for the 20th at the
Chestnut and Cornelia Otis Skin-
ner's 'Candida' for the 27th at the
Locust
Estimates for Last Week
'Philadelphia SImt/ Cheshiut (1st
week) (1,700; $2). Built steadily and
got over to smash $22,000, despite
reduced subscription rates.
The Women,' Forrest (Sth week)
(2,000; $1). Announced as positively
last week. Run has been profiteble
all the way for this inexpensive
cast $9,400.
'OoIdcB Boy,' Erlanger (2d week)
<1,BOO; $1). First full week started
poorly, but biz picked up at mid-
week; $7,000.
IM EBBS IN Pin,
$6,000 DESPITE RAVES
Pittsburgh, Feb. 28.
'What a Life' was disappointing
last week jtt the Nixon. Show got
raves from all critics, a couple of 'em
calling It the best comedy in years,
but even the mats, usually big in
Pittsburgh, were off. i
'I Married an Angel' opens to-
night (28), regular Monday perform-
ance being out on account of heavy
production. However, mtasical smash
plays an extra Thursday mat to make
up for It Quick booking brings 'An-
sela Is 22' in next week (6), with
\^andida' following. Week of March
20 is stiU .open and 'Knickerbocker
Holiday' comes in on the 27th.
Estimates for Last Week
"What a LUe,' Nixon; (2,100; $1.65).
Everything possible in this one's fa-
vor but no soap. Had a Broadway
Kp, got esctetic raves from the cricks
and price was the lowest legit's ever
had around here. Still they wouldn't
buy. Finished up at less than $6,000.
Balto Busy; 'Abie'
BuUds to Fair $5,700
Baltimore, Feb. 28.
Town's three legiters are lit this
week. This marks the first time in
nine years that they have been opien
simultaneously. "Kiss the Boys
Goodbye' is at Ford's; 'Abie's Irish
Rose' is in its second week at the
indie-booked Auditorium and Kurt
Robitschek's efiort at 'big time' vaude
revival, 'Laughter Over Broadway,'
is at the Maryland.
'Abie/ in at $1.50 top last week,
buUt steadily to hold over at a $1
top. Fair advance helped the third
company of 'Kiss Boys,' opening its
first stand of a proposed trip to the
Coast via the south. Not much in-
terest in vaude attempt which is
essajyJng $1 top at nights and 50c
matinees. Ford's underlining return
of The Women' for March 6 at $1
top.
Estimate for Last Week
'Abie's Irish Bose,' Auditorium (1st
wk.) (I 650; $1.50). Built steadily to
tair $5,700, profitable. Holding for
second week, top reduced to $f and
showing some continued interest
'Candida' B« $12,500
h Gacjf, Coimnbqs
Cincinnati, Feb. 28.
. The Cox, which did excellent biz
on 'Candida' the first half of last
week, will b* sans regular fare until
March 13, when "Kiss uie Hoys Good-
bye' comes in for a wieek; at a $228
top. House gets the 'Passion Play,'
with Josef Meier, on a rental basis
March 8-12, for five nighfe and four
matinees at $1.70 top. It's impres-
arioed by Ralph Zimnerman, a lo-
calite.
'Susan and God' Is slated for week
of March 19, and the Lunts in rep-
ertoire the week of April 10 to be fol-
lowed by Walter Huston in ICnicker-
bocker HoUday,' AprU 20^22, There's
a possibility of Katharine Cornell
closing the local season in a tryout
of the new S. N. Behrman comedy,
'No Time for Comedy,' which she's
producing with the Playwrights'
group.
Estiaiato fer Last Week
'Caadlda,' Cox (l.SSOi $2.75). Cor-
nelia Otis Skinner drew well in first
half of last week, aided by dandy
publicity and notices. Excellent
$6,800.
'CAXSIDAV $5,700, COL.
Columbus, O., Feb. 28.
After behig dark for three weeks,
the tiartman reopened Thursday
(23) for Bernard Shaw's 'Candida,'
starring Cornelia Otis Skinner. Play
was well received.'
Three-day stands at the Hartman
have hem set for 'Susan and God'
(March 13-15) and "Kiss the Boys
Goodbye' (March 20-22).
Estimates for Last Week
'Candida,' Hartman (1,634; $2.83
top). Three eves, one mat chalked
up one. of the biggest grasses of the.
season here, substantial $5,700.
HOAD'BIGIZG
INRCRETURN
Washington, Feb. 28.
Fourth local exhibition of 'Tobac-
co Road' last week beat third en-
gagement of the crew last May by
$3,000, both playing at same pop
scale. Curioiis angle was> surprising
sprinkling of stiff shirts, indicating
those of carriage trade who turned
up noses at it before were finally
worn down by 'six years on Broad-
way.'
House is dark this week, but gets
under way again Monday (6) with
pre-Broadway engagement of Kath-
arhie Hepburn in the Theatre GuUd's
'The Philadelphia Story.' Then if s
'Five Kings,' March 13; Cornelia OUs
Skinner in 'Candida,' March 20, and
D'Oyly Carte Opera Co., AprU 3.
Esthnato fer Last Week
Tobacco Xoad,' National (1,698;
$1.65 top). Fourth local engagement
drew close to big $12,000.
LUNTS DO BIG $12,600
IN 2 SOUTHERN STANDS
Atlanta, Feb. 28.
Alfced Lunt and Lynn Fontanne,
alternating 'Idiot's Delight' and
'Amphitryon 38' at three perform-
ances here Thursday (23) and Fri-
day (24), did an amazing $8,000.
All three shows were sellouts, Just
as they were in Chattanooga before
Uie Atlanta date, where gross hit
$4,600.
Company left here for dates in
Montgomery and Birmingham and
then into Jackson, Miss., where
show will be presented in a school
whose stage is too small for scenery.
Company's business manager was in-
formed before leaving Atlanta that
Jackson was already sold out
Simon Vice Manntz
Bernard Simon has succeeded
Theodore Mauntz as press agent for
the WPA Theatre Project attractions
in New York. He agented a number
of BroadWay attractions, including
those of Gilbert Miller for one sea-
son. Job calls for $3,000 annually.
P.a. is on the board of the Theatri-
cal Managers, Agents and Treasurers'
union.
Shows in Rehearsal
'No Time (or Comedy'— Kath«
arine Cornell-Playwrights.
- -My Dear ChUdren'— Richard
Aldrich and Richard Myers. .
'Close Qaarters'— Edward An-
derson, Ann Seranne,
'Hat Mikade'— Michael Todd.
'Please Mrs. Garibaldi'— Hall
EheltoD.
'Awake and SInt' . (revival) —
Group,
The Family ForttalV— Craw-
for, Tuttie, Skinner.
Tell My Story'— F r e e m a O
Theatre.
'Skylark'— John Goldea
'West ef Broadway'— Albert
Lewis.
'Bachelw (HrChi
4'/^G, Fdlds; lim
Boys' U|i, $13,000
Chicago, Feb. 28.
'Bachelor Born' quit towh Satur-
day (25) after two miserable weeks
at the Selwyn. House remains dark
until March 12 when 'Angela Is 22'
comes in.
On Sunday (26) 'What a Life' got
away at the Erlanger at $1.50 top.
Advance was meager.
'Kiss the Boys Goodbye' maintains
ite highly profitable pace. After 22
weeks here the swing 'Mikado'
scrammed out of the Great Northern,
being shunted east by the Federal
Theatre. 'Big Blow * will replace in
the house shortly. FTP ballet geta
away at the Blackstone tomorrow
(Wed.) for three weeks, to be fol-
lowed by a Shakespearean repertory
group ' headed by Ian Keith, who
clicked in the lead of The Copper-
head' for the FTP earlier this sea-
son.
'I Married an Angel' arrives at the
Grand Tuesday (7).
Estimates for Last Week
'Bachelor Born,' Selwyn (2d-final
wk) (1,000; $2.75). Tour ended with
show's folding Saturday (25); $4,600
for finale.
'Kiss the Boys Goodbye,' Harris
(Sth wk.) (1,000; $2.75). Coming
along well; again better than $13,000.
WPA
The Mikado,' Great Northern. Col-
ored swing version closed here Satur-
day (25) after 22- week capacity run.
Switehes to New York.
LITTLE LADYSHIP
London, Feb. 18.
Comedy by Ian Hay, (nun the Hungorlair
of Bgketfl and S(«lla; prucntxl by StepboB
Mitchell, In aiwoclutlon with H. Saltenbuts;
staged by Gardner Davles; at the Strand,
London.
HiKclnson Iris VaDdeienr
Eve Lim Palmer
Mtb. Jewup Benee Kelly
Mr. JexBup Aubrey Matber
Judy Blngley Joan White
Sir John Brent Cecil Parker
Mrs. Cynthia BIngley Norma Varden
Oravea Sam Iiyaons
Colonel BIngley Archibald Batty
After a few weelis of marriage a
young womaii, with the mental de-
velopment of a child, steals away to
school during the day in the hope
of receiving a certificate of scholarly
merit so she can surprise her hus-
band. It's presumed he regards her
as a moron. Offhand, one would re-
ject the plausibility of such a theme,
but in reality, this situation actually
occurred in England within the last
year. The idea is funny for a brief
spell, but peters out
D^ite some highly amusing dia-
log, a well-knit cast and production,
indications are that the play will
fail to draw. Situations are han-
dled well but they aren't sufflcientiy
self-sustaining.
Interest is centered in Uie central
character, played by Lilli Palmer,
Hungarian actress, who makes her
third attempt here in as many dif-
ferent types of roles. She does re-
markable characterization.
Outstanding comedy is contributed
by Joan White, in a role similar to
that which she enacted' in the liOn-
don production of 'Housemaster'
('Bachelor Born' in America). Among
the relative newcomers is David
Tree, grandson of Sir Herbert in the
role of a. youthful, ingenious tutor.
Jolo.
♦Wives' to Tour
Detroit Feb. 28.
Local Federal theatre project,
having rehearsed many months ite
most ambitious undertaking, The
Merry Wives of Windsor,' discovered
last week that national federal the-
atre officials won't appropriate
money for the renting of a theatre
because of the current economy pro-
gram.
Washington's Birthday Ups B'way;
W Leads, $44,000; Toxes' 16G.
Hdlz,' leave It,' 'Stars' Over M
While two new arrivals on Broad-
way fell by the wayside, business
was partly up to Wasliington's Birth-
day-week expectations. In some in-
stances takings Jumped more than
anticipated. Decline was evidenced
early this week and the dip will
douotiess continue until the Federal
Income tax deadline of March 15.
Biggest improvement was regis-
tered by front- running 'American
Way,' which eased past $44,000 in
eight performances. Figure topped
the previous week; wheii an extra
matinee was played, and may be the
high mark of the run, which is ex-
pected to extend well into the
World's Fair period. Actual increase
over the patriotic -drama's pace was
$5,000, aided by the heavy holiday
matinee.
The Littie Foxes' draw was fully
up to indications, with the first full
week close to $1B,000. That spots the
new drama' as rtmnerup to the
straight show leader, 'Abe Lincoln,'
which drew close to $23,000 in nine
performances.
'Hellzapoppin' again was the mu-
sical leader with over $30,000, but it
played two extra matinees, while
the others held to eight periorin-
ances, 'Leave It To Me' was slightiy
up, topping $32,000. 'Stars in Your
E^es* stood up with the leaders,
quoted at over $30,000, though it can
get considerably more in a bigger
ouse.
'Miss Swan Expects,' at the C^rt,
and 'Off ' To Buffalo,' Barrymore,
tailed to get press welcome, and both
were taken off S.-.turday (25) along
with 'Dear Octopus' at the Morosco.
'Jeremiah' stops at the Guild this
week.
Due next week: 'The Family Por-
trait' Morosco; . 'Close Quarters,'
Golden; 'Awake and Sing' (revival),
Windsor, and Tell My Story,' wholly
cooperative, Mercury. .
Estimates for Last Week
'Abe Lincoln In DUnols,' Plymoiith
(20th week) (D-1,036; $3.30). Nine
performances again and another
corking gross for the drama leader,
$23,000.
'Boys from Syra«iise,' Alvin (15th
week) (M-1,255; $4.40). Moved for-
ward and looks slated to run well
into World's Fair period; quoted
arotmd $25,000.
'Dear Ootopns,' Morosco. Closed
Saturday (25) after eight weeks; im-
port from London did not fare well;
pace was around $5,000; 'The Family
Portrait' next week.
'Gentle People,' Belasco (9th
week) (C-1,107; $3.30). Strong
matinees helping along with picture
names; business rated over $12,000.
•Hellsapoppin',' Winter Garden
(24th week) (R-1,671; $3.30)i Played
four matinees again; Friday after-
noon (24) did not sell out being
first performance here under capaci-
ty; however, gross up over $39,000,
uded by holiday scale boost
1 Host Love Someone,' Longacre
(4th week) (C-1,019; $3.30). Some
doubt about continuance; Nancy
Carroll joining cost; gross very low
to . date; $2,600.
'Jeremiah,' Guild (5th week)
(D-914; $3.30). Final week; as indi-
cated engagement limited to sub-
scription period; $8,500; little coin
other tiian from subscribers.
<Kiss the Boys Goodbye,' Miller
(23d week) (C-944; $3.30). Back on
eight-performance schedule; with
one extra matinee takings last week
quoted around $13,000.
'Knlokerbooker Holiday,' 46th St
(20tii week) (M.1.375; $3.30). Perked
up with final weeks announced; $17,-
000; one more week after this.
'Leave It to Me,' Imperial (17th
week) (M-1,468; $4.40). No extra
matinee; continuing as a contender
for top musical rating; bettered
$32,000. „ ,
'Miss Swan Expects,' Cort. Taken
off Saturday (25); drew weak press;
played eight performances.
■Mamba's Danchters,' Empire (9th
week) (D-1,099; $3.30). Improved
sli^Uy and figured to stick into the
sprbjg; $13,000.
■Mrs. O'Brien Entertains,' Lyceum
(4«i week) (C-1,006; $3.30). Irish
dialect comedy improving, but should
do better to stick; $4,500.
'OS to Baffalo,' Barrymore. Tal<en
off Saturday (25); Joe Cook highly
lauded, but play panned; seven per-
forman'"es.
'One tor tLe Money,' Booth (4th
week) (B-708; $3.30). Improved
$1,700, which sent gross over $10,000.
'Oscar Wilde,' Fulton (21st week)
(D-913; $3:30). Also up without
having extra Washington's Birthday
matinee; over $11,000.
'Socket to the Mooj,' Windsor
(15th week) (D-l>049; $3.30). Mod-
erate grosser from the start; $6,500,
with theatre parties a factor.
'Set to Music,' Music Bo» (7th
week) (R-1,000; $4.40). Getting very
good money, but it's cased off some-
what; $23,000 in nine times.
'Stars In Tonr Eyes,' Majestic (4th
week) (M-1,717; $4.40). Held to
eight performances, and. Ilk- most
of the others, inq)roved; over $30,000
claimed.
The Amerlean Way/ Center (Oth
week) (D-3,483; $3.30). Broadway's
leader considerably topped previous
week, which had an extra matinee;
over $44,000.
■The Little Foxes,' National (3d
week) (D.1,164; $3.30). Looks like
itil stay; early promise upheld and
first full week's takings were nearly
$16,000, making it runner-up among
straight plays.
'The Primrose Path,' Biltmore (Oth
week) (CD-991; $3.30). Eight times
did better than nine on Lnlcoln'a
Birthday week; gross apiiroached
$9,000 after a strong Saturday. .
The White Steed,' Broadhilrst (Oth
week) (D-1,107; $3.30). Also moVed
upward and should last well into the
spring; quoted around $12,000.
Tobuseo Bead,' Forrest (273d
week) (D-1,107; $1,66). Witii pace
holding to profitable level, long-tun
drama is likely to outlast most others
on the list; strong holiday and over
$6,000 claimed.
'What a Ufe,' Mansfield (46tix
week) (C- 1,050; $3.30). Some per-
formances were surprisingly well at-
tended; looks sure to exceed year's
mark; better last week at $5,000,
profltabte.
Bevlvals
D'Oyly Carte Opera Co., Beck
(9Ui week) (M-1,189; $3.30). An-
other week for hl^ily successful Gil-
bert and Sullivan troupe; averaging
better than $19,000.
'Henry IV,' St James (5th week)
(D-1,520; $3.30). Not getthig as
much as previous Shakespearean re-
vivals at this spot but satisfactory
at $17,000.
'Outward Bound,' Playhouse (11th
week) (D-e73; $3.30). Profitable
with comparatively small cast; re-
ported slated into the spring; $11,000
indicated,
'The Importance of Being Earnest,'
VanderbUt (Sth week) (C-900; '
$3.30). Final week; goes to road
under new management; modest
$4,000 estimated.
Added
Tins- and Needles.' Labor Stage
(66Hi week). Bettering even break;
up last week; over $6,000 to som*
profit
'Naughty Naught,' American Musia
Hall. Night spot meller getting by
with bar and dance adjuncts.
WPA
'Swing Mikado.' New Yorker;
opens tonight (1).
'Androcles and. (ha LIm,' Lafay-
ette, Harlem,
'PInocolilo/ Rltz.
'Awake and Sfaig,' Daly's (Yid-
dish).
mm ALONE IN HUB,
2D WEEK BIG 121000
Boston, Feb. 28.
•Susan and God,' running without '
compeUsh a second week, was helped
by we holiday (22) in registering a
better figure than for opening week.
Oppoaltion arose yesterday (Mon-
day), however, when Orson Welles
opened Us Shakespearean production
of 'Five Kings,' co-starring with Bur-
gess Meredith. This ia Part One of
an intended two-parts. Second half
will be produced later in the season
it this one clicks.
WPA has extended the four-week
run of 'Macbeth' to an extra two
weeks (ending March 11) because of
a heavy response from schools.
Gertrude Lawrence is now re-
hearsing 'Skylark,' which debute here
niarch 13, opposed by Katharine
Hepbimi in 'Philadelphia Story.'
EstlButo for Last We^
'Snsaa and God,' Shubert (2d
week) (1,590; $2.75). Boomed to big
$21,000. One of the best drama
grossers here this season. One more
week.
'Angela' Builds in Det^
Okay $10,000 for Week
Detiroit Feb. 28.
Off to slow start, 'Angela Is 22' fin-
ished at the Cass, here last week.
House dark currentiy, but relighto
Monday (6) with 'Candida.'
Estimate tor Last Week
'Angete Is 22,' Cass (1,500; $2.75
top). Backed by big bally Sinclair
Lewis and Fay Wray-authored opus
built strongly for satisfactory $10,000.
Ballet Big 9& in Port.
Portland, Ore., Feb. 28.
The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo
played three nights and two mate at
the Auditorium here last week.
Gross wrs big $9,000.
52 VARIETY
UTERATI
Wednesday, March 1, 1939
Seldes* Libel Suit
An application to dismiss' a bill of
complaint brought by Angelica Bala-
banoff bgaiiist George Seldes was de-
nied Seldes Saturday (25) In N.Y.
Federal Court by Judgei Alfred C.
' Coxe, who ordered' the plaintifl to
serve an amended bill of complaint
but refuse!^ to dismiss the original
' imtil the amended paper is filed.
The plaintifl seelcs $200,000 dam-
ages for alleged libel against Seldes,
claiming that he approached her for
articles for a book, 'Sawdust Caesar,'-
which he was writing. After having
given him the articles he changed
them so as to make her ridiculous,
she asserts. The articles were also
published in Ken, In May, 1938.
A similar suit against Ken was
settled and discontinued in N.'Y. Fed-
eral Court last week; Seldes pro-
tested the settlement of this action,
reportedly for $1,000. Federal Judge
William Bondy, however, overruled
the objections and discontinued the
action.
KepobUsh Freedman Novel
Seen as atoning for a couple of iis
recent novels regarded as reflecting
on the Jewish race, Simon &
Schuster has taken from Harper
rights to 'Mendel Marantz,' by the
late David Freedman, and is repub-
lishing the. novel.
'Marantz' was responsible for
Freedman's rise as a scribbler and
which, up to the time of his un-
timely death, resulted in his becom-
ing one of the highest-priced of con-
temporary writers. The novel, a
study of Jewish life, came to the
attention of Eddie Cantor, who was
80 impressed that he made Freed-
man one of his writers.
Rise of Freedi&an was phenomenal
from then on. Turned out a mis-
cellany of matter and become known
as a writing factory. Freedman
subsequently broke with Cantor and
had a suit pending against the co-
median at the time of his sudden
death.
His Day
A femme reporter asked Sin-
clair Lewis what he would do If
his better-half-heck'ler, Dorothy
Thompson, were ever elected
president on a woman's ticket,
Lewis replied: -
That would be swell, I might
get a crack fit writing 'My
Day'.'
Beverse in Book Beprlnts
Reverse In book reprints to be
undertaken by. Modern Age Books.
Generally books originally published
to sell for $2 or more subsequently
reappear In cheaper editions, some
of' them for as little as 39c. Reprint
plan of Modem Age Books, most of
which sell for 50c and 75c, is' to re-
Issue some of them at and $3.
Reprints will be Issued tmder a
new Imprln^ that of Utarllng Press.
It has been foimd by Modem Age
Books that some book buyers, and
especially libraries, want or need
more substantially bound books than
the paper ones gotten out by that
publishing house. Hence the Star-
ling Press cloth edition reprints, and
at cloth edition prices.
Judge's Financial Snag
Judge failed to publish a February
Issue t>ecause of reputed financial
trouble. Publisher is Harry L. New-
man. Whether it will suspend de-
pends on a pending deal between
him and Samuel Ungerleider, Henry
Caplln and others.
Newman is also publisher of the
new political weekly, Senator, Issued
in Washington and bankrolled by
former Govemor Earle of Pennsyl-
vania. While RepubUcan chieftains
at the Capital are applauding
Thomas E. Dewey, New York Dis-
trict Attomey, whose prosecution
led to the conviction of Jimmy Hines,
the Senator will carry a blast on him
In' this week's issue, due on the
stands Friday (3).
Editor Gronp'a Annnal Farley
Seventeenth annual convention of
the American Society of Newspaper
Editors will be held in Washington,
AprU 20-22, with Roy A. Roberts,
m. e. of the Kansas City Star, as
program chairman, and Grove Pat-
terson, editor of the Toledo Blade,
and David Lawrence, editor of the
United States News, aiding.
Feature of the conclave will be re-
vival of organization's annual formal
banquet. Affair Is set for the 21st
Otherwise, the customary shop talks
. and an. oS-the-record conference
with President Roosevelt
binding, called 'Zounds, the Hounds!'
In preparation is 'Biographies,' giv-
ing the lowdown on a varied group
of people. This will be a nickel
seller, for the chain stores.
Bonica also editing his new under
taking.
Loses Firht on Hitler Book
Federal Judge Alfred C. Coxe In
New York yesterday (Tues.) denied
an application by Houghton Mifllin
Co. for a temporary injunction
against Stackpole Sons, Inc., and the
Telegraph Press, to prevent them
from publishing an unexpurgated
edition of AdoU HiUer's 'Meln
Kampf.'
The plaintifl claimed to have en-
tered into an agreement with Franz
Eher Nachf of Munich, for the
rights to the book. They plan pub-
lication this month. They sought a
permanent, injunction, to prevent the
defendants from publishing a sim-
ilar book using the same title.
The defendants' book was sched-
uled for publication yesterday
(Tues.). They claim that the Hit-
ler opus is in the public domain
in the U.S. and that they have all
rights that the plaintiff may claim.
Maoy Adds to Chain -
Westchester County (N. Y.) dailies
published by J. Noel Macy will be
increased to eight on Saturday (4)
when the Macy organization begins
publication of the Evening Dispatch
in 'White Plains.' New paper will
compete with The Daily Reporter,
published by Lee Tuller and Walter
V. Hogan.
Benjamin H. Carroll to serve as
city editor of the new daily, and
TTiomas E. Duffy as advertising man-
ager. Staff will be recruited for the
most part from the other Macy pa-
pers.
lesMM for Hob Dally
Reorganization plan has been filed
by the Boston Transcript, whereby
the daily gets $200,000 in additional
capital. Follows financial reorgani-
zation which put in Lincoln O'Brien
as top man.
O'Brien stays under the new set-
up as exec editor, but Richard N.
Johnson, who heads the group put-
ting in the new funds, moves in as
prez and biz manager. Paper is to
get a new plant and new equipment
shortly.
Sontli Bend's New Sheet
South Bend, Ind., gets a second
daily this month. Arrangements
completed by A. Johnson, of the
Starke County (Ind.) Hamlet Guar-
dian, to start a competing paper to
the South Bend Tribune. Financing
and staff reported completed.
Johnson is not to be confuted with
the Tribune's city ed, R. P. Johnson.
"Gets Out Low-Prlced Books
Gotham Publishing Co, has been
formed by Joseph Bonica in N. Y,
tti get out various types of low-price'
books from 5 to 60c. Starter is an
Illustrated .book on dogs in spiral
Mayflower's Plans
When negotiations are concluded
with a literary name to serve as
editor,- Mayflower Publishers gets
started in N. Y. and will issue a
regular series of fine and limited
editions.
. Heading Mayflower Is Benjamin
Koodin. Limited editions will be
necessary because type and prices
of Mayflower books preclude mass
sales.
Okla. City News Folds
With its issue of Feb. 24, The
Oklahoma News, Scripps-Howard
evening ne'wspaper in Oklahoma
City, suspended publication, leaving
only the Daily Oklahoman and Okla-
homa City Times combo in ttte ' field.
Action came after 30 jfdars of pub-
lication.
Courier and came to N. Y. in 1889.
Served on the Sun, later going to the
old Recorder and in turn to the Her-
ald. Went to the Times in 1922, re-
maining there since. Sister survives.
Wife died a year ago,
Eugene S. Leggett, former Wash-
ington correspondent for the Detroit
Free Press, died in the Capital, Feb.
19 of pneumonia. He was Washingf
ton correspondent for the Press frpm
192S till his appointment as an exec-
utive officer of the National Emer-
gency Council in 1933. He was a
former president of the National
Press Club.
Eugene J. Toung, 64, cable editor
of the New York Times, and writer
of mag articles . on international af-
fairs, died Feb. 22 at his home in
N.Y., of a heart attack, Grandson
of Brigham Young, Mormon leader,
Yoiing served on the old N.Y. World
and N.Y. Herald besides the Times.
Born In Richfield, Utah, he began
newspaper work on the Salt Lake
City Herald. Was for a time Wash-
ington correspondent for the In-
dianapolis Herald and other dailies
before coming to N.Y. Widow, sis-
ter and four brothers survive.
Charles Bertcl Carson, 48, 'writer
of circus stories and for 18 years on
the staff of the Youngstown (O.)
'Vindicator, died Feb. . 19, in Vet-
erans' hospital, • Aspinwall, Pa. He
knew personally . most prominent
circus executives and spent his va-
cations visiting - circuses each sum-
mer.
. Thomas Fanntleroy, 50, chief edi-
torial writer for the Memphis Com-
mercial Appeal, died Sunday (26) in
Memphis of pernicious . anemia.
Fauntleroy was on the Appeal 28
years.
FolloW'Up Comment
CHATTER
LITEBATI OBITS THIS WEEK
WlllUm J. Egaa, 67, former sports
.writer, editor' and publisher, died last
week in St. Louis. One-time sports
editor of the old Chicago Inter-
Ocean, he served on a number of
dailies, throughout the country.
William F. Flanagan, 66, veteran
AP man, who retired on a pension
two years ago, died last week of
heart diseas6 at his home in N;-Y.
With the exception of a two-year
period on the old Kansas Ci^ World
and service in the Spanish-American
War, Flanagan served the AP for
45 years.
Dempster MacMnrphy, 42, Chicago
Daily News business manager, died
in Battle Creek, Mich., Feb. 21. He
had been ill for some time. Mac-
Murphy joined the News in 1932
after serving ac v. p. in. charge of
advertising and publicity for the In-
sull interests.
Robert W. Curtis, 72, day assistant
sports editor of the N. Y. Times and
veteran bascLall writer, died last
week at his home in New York after
a . week's illness. Began newspaper
work in New Haven on the Joiirnal-
Andre Maurois in New York.
Beverley Nichols retmiiing to
London.
Harold Bessling back from Miami
with a new novel.
D. D. Beauchamp sold his stoty,
'Fire At Nighf to Collier's.
George Fitzgerald reappointed edi-
tor of the New Mexico Magazine.
E. B. White gets in from Maine
this week for a few weeks* hang-
around.
'American Idyl,' P. Hugh Herbert's
novel, starts serially In the ^ay
Redbook.
Morris Ernst, theatrical attorney,
Is a pulp writer under various
pseudonyms.
Carl Van Doren wed on the Coast
Bride Is the former Mrs. Jean
Wright Gorman,
C. S. Forester, the British scrib-
bler, cocktailed in N. Y. by a num-
ber of literateurs.
John F. Chapman, foreign editor
of Business Week, off on one of his
periodic European trips.
William Sloane, who heads the
trade department of Holt the book
publisher, is doing a novel.
Barrett Kiesling sold British pub-
lishing rights to his book, 'Talking
Pictures,' to E. & F. Spon, London.
John W. Hiltman, chairman of the
board of Appleton-Century, and
Mrs. Hiltman to .the Coast by boat
C. Raymond Everitt Little Brown
editorial head, back from abroad
with U. S. publication rights to a
brace of British' novels.
Irwin Shaw to conduct a class In
short story -writing at the Writers'
School, N. Y., sponsored by the
League of American Writers.
Dick Spong, Harrisburg (Pa.)
mugg, now doing radio as well as
film column for Harrisburg Eve.
News. Former runs without byline,
however.
Nelson Antrim Crawford, ed of
Household Magazine, will talk on
mag writing and editing to the jour-
nalism class of Kansas State College
next month.
Felix M. Cornell, one-time seaman
and now prominent bookseller,
formed the Cornell Maritime Press,
N. Y., to also issue books on salt-
water subjects.
James Madison, who refers to
himself as 'Dean of the Gag Writers,'
also publishes The Collector's Guide,
for dealers and collectors of rare
editions, Americana and the like.
George Burford Lorimer, son of
the late George Horace Lorimer, the
Satevepost editor, honeymooning
aboard his yacht with his bride, the
former fidith Virginia Lenington.
Anna Jane Phillips and Harry Ko-
dinsky, both Pittsburgh Post-Ga-
zette reporters, who have collabed
on detective stories for the pulps,
have formed, a writing corporation.
J. B. Lipplncott the Philadelphia
book publisher, has joined with Hod-
der & Stoughton, Ltd., of London, in
looking for the best first novel, for
vhlch there's a prize of $2,500, travel
award with all expenses paid and
guarantee of $2,500 a year for four
years from date of book's publica-
Uon.
(Contliiued from page 28)
onstratlon of the Chestnut Tree,
which the maestro envisions as the
successor to the Lambeth Walk. Un-
less there's a lot more to the dance
than meets the ear, Willson is either
underestimating the age level of U.S.
dancers or is trying to spoof the
dear listeners.
As for Miss Niesen's two solos,
her own lyric to Raymond Scott's
Twilight in Turkey' couldn't turn
an orchestra novelty iiito vocal ma-
terial, while 'Get Out of Town' was
hardly the sultry tune to show her
to best advantage.
Fanny Brlce contributed two bits
of Baby Snooks comedy, -both good
for chuckles, and Robert Young and
Frank Morgan offered more of their
customary cross-ribbing. Studio au-
dience seemed on the verge of com-
plete hysteria at every hint of com-
edy, though it hardly rated that via
the air. Maxwell House commer-
cials, though unnecessarily long, at
least weren't driven iacross with a
sledgehammer,
'Swing Songs,' 4S-minute variety
show from London last Wednesday
afternoon (22) over Muttial, was far
far above the standard British pop
stuff. Ben Frankel's orchestra
showed smooth tone and stirring
rhythm. New composition, 'Rhap-
sody in Swing,' annotmced as having
its first performance, was particu-
larly impressive.
With composer Arthur Young
playing solo clarinet parts, the piece
had interesting contrasts of tempo
and, particularly in the slower por-
tions, definite . lift. Dorothy Carless
supplied vocal ballads and Dorothy
Ault (spelling by sound) the scat
stuff. Rhythm Brothers contributed
several vocal choruses.
John Charles Thnnas was guest
soloist and Eugene Ormandy batoned
the symph orchestra Sunday night
(26) on the Ford hour over WABC-
CBS. It was an Unusually, strong
edition of the series, not only for
Thomas' undeniably colorful radio
personality and vocal artistry, but
for general showmanly program ar-
rangement Selections were shrewdly
chosen for contrast and variety and
were well arranged as to mood and
climax.
Standouts were the baritone's
singing of pieces from 'Zaza,' 'Dam-
nation of Faust' and 'Old Folks at
Home.' OnAandy's conducting was
generally proficient but seemed to
lalter somewhat on the final move-
ment from Tschaikowsky's E minor
symphony. William J. Cameron did
his customary bag-punching 'inter-
lude' midway.
Bums and Allen, Melvyn Douglas
and Shirley Ross teamed Sunday
night (26) in a burlesque sketch from
T^e Shining Hour' on the Screen
Guild show (CBS) for Gulf. One of
those on-paper naturals and spotted
near the end of the program, it
nevertheless turned out to be below
the rest of the stanza for entertain-
ment wallop. Main fault seemed to
be that the humor was too forced.
Slight overemphasis of the yarn's
melodramatic romaactf situation
might have been funny, but the out-
right farce and Grade Allen's broad
playing overshot the mark. Other-
wise the program was strong.
Miss Ross soloed impressively with
'Deep Purple' and dueted with
George Murphy on an up-to-the-
minute 'You're the Top.' Rufe Davis
clicked with one number, while the
incidental comedy throughout was
lively.
Fred Allen went In for so much ad
libblng on last week's show that he
occasionally turned the session into
a bedlam. At one point the come-
dian, Portland Hoffa, Harry Von Zell
and Peter van Steeden must have
dropped their scripts or indulged in
a s<|uare dance, for they all were
obviously almost beyond reach of
the microphone.
Some of the fooling was laughable
stuff, but some of the mugging to the
studio audience drew blanks for the
home listeners. Last portion of the
show, a burlesque of an opera per-
formance, became so broad it was
virtually a shambles. But it was
overboard on length and grew tire-
some. Guest a virtuoso glass blower
named Karl Schumann, provided
chuckles and interest '
Horaoe Heldt presented a promis-
ing guest on the amateur spot of his
Wednesday night sustainer show last
Wednesday night (22). Tyro was
Constance Shelton, described as an
18-year-old graduate student of music
at a New York hlghschool. Girl has
a pleasantly melodic and flexible
coloratura soprano voice, which she
handles with skill for a beginner al-
though somewhat quavery at times
on trills.
Fritz Somebody (who never did get
his surnam,e across the airwaves),
a schoolmate, supplied a flute obli-
gate. . Nice touch for such a pro-
gram, with Heidt's suave emceeing.
Edwin C, Hill took the occasion of
Washmgton's birthday (22) to reach
across with some right jabs at the
leftists, using tha technique of sun.
posing how the Father of His Coun-
try would stand on the question it
he were alive today. "
Commentator stumbled badly in
his own spielage at One point an.
parently due to unfortunate cholca
of Ungle-tongue word combinations
If he writes his own stuff, he should
have learned about simple phrase,
ology for the kilocycles by this tim«.
If he doesn't do his own air script-
ing, he must havo changed ghosti
lately..
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
sUnza for a solid hoUr Wednesday
afternoons over CBS is a natural
target for the symph bugs. PJanted
in the middle of the week, it's an
oasis in a vast expanse of swing and
sweet music, gabfests, variety stwwa
and pap 'serials. Fablen Sevitzky's
batoning may t>e somewhat taiin*
compared to the Inspiring interpreta-
tions of Toscanlni Or Stokowski and
the orchestra may seem a bit slug-
gish alter -the NBC crew, but Bach;
Beethoven and Brahms are still
overpowering stuff.
'Swinging Strings,' platter presen-
tation of Louis Chico's outfit Wednes-
day afternoons over 'WMCA, New
York, is a welcome breather from
the waist-deep bilee of the surround-
ing dramatic serials. Outfit in which
fiddle, guitar, piano, harp and cc-
cordion are recognizable, play in-
fectiously rhythmic versions of pops,
oldies and classics, without leaning
too 'far for the jive. stuff.
There should.be enough daytlm*
listeners allergic to hoke dramatiza-
tions to attract attention.
Jack Beroh's tenoring (Sweetheart
Soap. Friday, 7:45, WEAF) Is aimed
strictly at the femmes to peddle a
scented bath wash. It'll probably do
as such, though he doesn't own a
standout voice. In some ranges, in
fact, it's rather shaky.
Berch sings the current romantle
pops calculated to please the distaff
side, but on this broadcast (17) in-
cluded 'Way Out West in Kansas,' a
definite misfit for both his audience
and voice.
Commercials are straight sales
talks, the one halfway in the show
being overlong.
Actor Pay Tilt
(Continued from page 49)
are contraeted for much higher
salaries. Equity formerly steered
clear of minimum wages. It being
once one of the few labor unions
sans a pay scale. The $40 thing was
started by the NRA legit code. 'When
the latter was abandoned. Equity
adopted the minimum-pay regula-
tion.
Movement proposes that In set-
ting the new minimum, managerf
would have the privilege of using
junior members at the $40 level, but
not more than two out of each 10
players In any one show. Equity
still maintains a junior membership
rating, but the current minimum i>
$40 weekly, that figure being set be-
cause it was felt that some show-
men would cast juniors in prefer-
ence to others \t the scale was kept
at $25, as orljginally. Juniors do not
qualify for senior rating until being
two years in the profession and hav*
had at least SO weeks of stage ap-
pearances, including rehearsals.
Chorines Boosted
Most recent 'minimum wage raise
on Equity's part was with the chorus
branch. Last summer the stock
rnusical scale was upped $5, but the
benefits were questionable. In out-
door musicals the number of chor-
isters was promptly reduced, so that
while those retained were paid more,
there were fewer people engaged.
The New York scale was also raised
for the chorines, minimum being $35
weekly. That was no deterrent In
musical production, as shown by th«
increased number of such shows on
the boards. However, the average
Broadway producer has paid that
much and higher for show girls
right along.
The increased minimum cannot
become effective until the expiration
of the basic agreement with the
League of New York Theatres, which
will expire at the end of the season.
It's possible that a compromise fig-
ure will be set though the matter
is sure to be opposed by those who
believe that show business is getting
no better faster.
Understood that the plan resulted
after a show recently opened out of
town, the salary guarantee, includ-
ing return transportation, being so
low that it aroused the ire of Equity-
ites. Indicated that every member
of the cast was engaged at the mini-
mum of $40.
Wednesday, March 1, 1939
CHATTER
VARIETY
5S
Broadway
L. Lawrence Weber recovered
from pneumonia.
Bonnie Ames left Saturday (18)
by MT lor Miami and Key West.
Fla.
Hufus LeMaire, east on bi2, heads
back to the Coast in another week
"'oeorge Lalt is in PolycUnlc bosr
gltal for observation of possible in-
>mal disorders.
The 10th annual ball of the Press
Photographers' Assn. slated for the
* wJlte?liiiIibull. assistant to WiU
Hays back in office after being
" bedded with grippe.
Ben Oakland, tuneclefter, in from
Hollywood with Tony Martin while
Sie latter personals at the Par.
Doug Fairbanks, Jr., «hoved off
to the Coast and RKO yesterday
(Tues.) for immediate assignment
Block and Sully's New York home
fUrni^Dgs on the auction block,
rreparatory to headquarterinjj west,
Edd Johnson, World-TeUy feature
writer, goes over to Collier's as as-
sistant managing editor to Charles
. Colebaugh.
P. K. Thomajan, who .was with-
Motion Piclwes Greatest Year cam-
paign, has joined^ the Bladistonj;
agency as copy chiel
Ed Wolfe was given a surprise din-
ner dance at the Belmont Plaza
Saturday (25) in celebration of his
10th year as radio agent.
jjois January planed in from the
Coast to start roiearsals on 'Streets
of Paris,' Shubert musical contem-
plated for the World's Fair.
> Independent Theatre Owners As-
sociation of N.Y. sixth annual ball
will be held at Hotel Astor March 16.
Eli Danzig band dated in. ..
The N. Y. Paramount has installed
a new -type Neon light in its inner
lobby. Probably will be used in the
majority of the Par theatres.
Bill Halligan thinks Jack Kirk-
land's saga of the Florodora sextet,
'I Must Love Someone,' should be re-
tlUed, "Tell Me Pretty Moron.' .
With almost everybody promoting
things for the hoped-for Worlds
Fair cleanup, -each promoter is out
auditioning or casting new backers.
Cresson E. Smith, southern-west-
ern sales manager for RKO, «n route
to Miami, will cover some exchange
points on the way back in two weeks
""^Arabian Nights club, nee the
Yumurl, flnaUy slated to open next
Thursday (9), with Joe ZeUi as a
host or front-man, but not flnanaally
Interested. . , ~, „
Joe E. Howard, vet of 60 years to
show biz and composer of 'I Wonder
Who's Kissing Her Now' observed
his 7Sth birthday as a niember of
Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe
show*
Frank Mathews (and Ada Ayres,
who is Mrs. Mathews) have a new
ham-and-eggery on West 52d. Benny
Coodman's brother, Harry, recently
Sreemed his Pick-a-Rib spot, also on
wing street „ . . . ,
Mary Martin, of "Leave It to Me,
and Winthrop RockefeUer won the
tlOO merdjandise prize at El Mo-
rocco Sunday night for Tiandson^st
couple.' Now they're aU kiddmg the
latter because, of all people, the
poor kid needs that 100 bticks in
free food and drinks.' .
Charles LeMaire, who will design
and produce the forthcoming Ring-
lin" Bros., Barnum & BaUey circus,
is in New York to confer with John
Ringling North, head man of the
show. Circus will open Apru 7 at
Madison Square Garden, N. Y, using
the billing 'The World Comes to the
World Fair.'
SL Lonis
By Sam X. Hurst
George Lloyd, chief of Symph
orch b. o., abed with influenza.
Maurice Marechal, cellist was
guest artist with St. Louis Symph
Friday (24) and Saturday (25).
Hobart Bosworth told of some of
his experiences under Kleig lights at
meeting of local Optimist club.
Jimmy Huddleston, treasurer, at
FicM's Ambassador, participated in
local Golden Gloves tournament
Fanchon & Marco will handle an-
ual police circus starting April 14.
'roceeds go to cops' benefit fund.
Brooklyn club, successor to Hyde
Park club, across Mississippi from
here, has added nightly floor shows.
Chester B. 'Tiny' Benler, program
director at KMOX, playing role of
Mayor in 'The Front Page' at Little
theatre.
Metro's 'Ice Follies of 1939' due
for a four-night engagement start-
ing March 8, at Arena. House scaled
from 75c. to $2.20.
Mardoni, magician; The Gearharts,
adagio team, and Frances Wills,
tapster, headliners at Club Conti-
nental, Hotel Jefferson.
Combo wrestling and boxing show
at Arena, sponsored by local Shriners
and under managem«it of Tom
Packs, attracted gate of $19,021.80.
Frances Buss, member of local
Little Theatre group, has joined 'An-
Sela Is Twenty-Two' company as un-
erstudy to Flora Campbell, who has
title role.
Johnny Perkins wDl m.c. Paul
Whiteman benefit show at Fox the-
atre March 4 and then hie to Cbl-
P]
cago to open engageipent at State-
Lake theatre. \
Samuel Goldenburg and compiany
of 18 appeared in Yiddish musical
play, 'AU in a Lifetime,' in opera
house' of Municipal auditorium, at-
tracting banner attendance:
'Mary' and 'On Your Toes' have
been added to sked for St Louis
Municipal Theatre association, spon-
sor of alfresco entertainment in For-
est Park. Seasoii opens June 2.
The Opera Club of St Louis, made
up of former members of the chorus
of the Municipal Theatre association,
held a reunion last week. Program
was in the informal spirit of a For-
est Park rehearsal.
Laszio Halasz, who will direct the
music of three grand operas- to be
presented under sponsorship of re-
cently organized St Louis Metropoli-
tan Grand Opera Assn,, in to^wn se-
lecting native chorus. .
Lauritz Melchior, Marjorie Law-
rence, Irene Jessner, Bertha Glatz,
Fred Destal and Dezzo Ernster have
been inked for principal roles In
'Die Walkure,' first of three operas
to be presented by St Louis Met-
TOlMlitan Grand Opera Association
in Municipal Auditoriumi April 17.
Paris
By Hue:* Speck
Ray Goetz in for. look.
Rina Ketty topping Bobino bUJ.
' Jane Mamac winter sporting at St
Moritz.
Serge Rachmaninoff in on the
Aquitania.
Mistinguett off for Belgian tour
with revue.
Arthur Kelley In for European
look around.
Naro Padlo featured at Monte
Cristo nitery.
Arlette Marcbal cocktailing for
Gloria Swanson.
Jean-Pierre Aumont top bill at
Club de Vedettes.
New troupe of Helena Greasley
Girls at the Cirque Medrano.
Tino Rossi signing for month Of
March with the Scala, Berlin.
Harry Lachmann scheduled to di-
rect 'Dardanelles' for P. Albert
Femahd Gravet up from Riviera
for opening of The Great Waltz.'
Will and Gladys Ahem headlin-
ing at Tabarin Variety Casino, Nice.
Jean-Jacques Doumergue, known
for his "personality nudes,' to Amer-
ica. —
Jean Renoir whipping script . of
"La Regie de Jeu' into shape for early
shooting.
Jacques Fevrier, in from Belgium,
planning Paris recital before Cen-
tral European tour. - -
Monique Bert to Marseilles to take
femme lead in 'Berlingot and Com-
pany' starring FernandeL.
Pierre Benoit and Jean George
Auriol adapting latter's 'I<a Dame
de I'Ouest which Marcel Herbier
will produce in the spring.
Willy Leardy, Jacques Verly and
Rene Bardy, operators of Chez Eve,
Montmartre's outstanding nude spec-
tacle, have acquired the old Chez les
Nudistes, which they have reopened
as the Paradise.
London
By Hal Cohen
Press drama editor Kap Monahan
out several days on account of -flu.
Harry Kalmine has Fred Waring
booked fbr Stanley early in April.
Betty Benz to New York after
flock of . hoofing dates in . local
niteries.
Monte Carlo Ballet Russe will give
three performances with Pitt Sympi
next week.
Charlie Danver and Dick Fortune
back from newspaper jimket to
Frisco fair.
Angelo di Palma, operatic tenor,
celebrated third anni at Nixon cafe,
this month.
Irene McKenna has gone to St
Louis where she will become Mrs.
Eddie Safranski.
Norma Shea cast for one of the
leads in Playhouse's next Moliere's
'Hypochondriac'
Former Pitt football great, Izzy
Weinstock, named night manager of
new Hotel Edison.
Al Marsico band reported headed
for Nixon cafe when Al Kavelin
winds up run. there.
Ailine Lester Hutcheon brought iii
from New Philadelphia, O, for
Mercy hospital stay.
Theron Bamberger here ahead of
'Angela. Is 22' and Francis Robinson
in pumping "Candida.' .
Stanley maestro got a swell plug
from Tommy Dorsey on latter's net-
workers from theatre.
Theatre manager Bob Lieber and
Frances Fierst will tell it to a
preacher in the spring.
Annual Pitt Cap and Gown show.
'At Your Service,' pencilled into
Nixon week of May 1.
Howard Kaye has quit Buffalo
newspaper job to take over publicity
for Pittsburgh Symphony.
John McGreevey taking family to
Sarasota when Johnny Harriff gets
back from southland next week.
Barney O'Reilly taking flying leS'
sons every Sunday from another
Bernie Cummins bandsman, Paul
Blakely.
Herman Middleman in from
Miami for few days but returns next
week to resume pianologuing at Bilt-
more hoteL
I/en Young and Anita Martell en-
gagement now cold.
Milton Douglas at Giro's Club for
four weeks, opening March 9. '
Associated British has bought
Mary Maguire's contract from 20th-
Fox.
Ross and Bennett signed for next
Adelphi vaudeville bill, opening
March 20.
Charlie Tucker over to America
first week In May for six weeks on
talent htmt
The Tim Whelans from Switzer-
land to Cannes for another three-
week vacation.
Teddy Carr off to the provinces for
fortnight to survey the United Ar-
tists exchanges. ' .
This year's Gaumont-British an-
nual Carnival Ball at Albert Hall
takes place March 10.
From the beginning of March Par-
amount will adopt a five-day week
for its executive staff.
Richard Crean, for years con-
ductor at the Palladium, is the
Adelphl's new maestro.
Max Thorpe, head of Columbia
Pictures sales here, in the south of
France recuperating from flu.
Cieorge Black and Tom Arnold will
be associated with Lupino Lane in
his next Victoria Palace musical.
Maurice Colleano and family held
over for a second week at the Hol-
borh Empire, a rarity these days.
Billy- Simpson 25 years boxoffice
manager at the Palladium, now in'
similar capacity at the Coliseum.
Emile Borep cancelling work in
England to sail for San Francisco
Fair. Works for Clifford C. Fischer.
Flora Robson returning from
Hollywood early in the spring to
appear in Zoe Akins' play, 'The Old
Maid.'
M-G British has bedded 'Ruined
City,' 'Busman's Honeymoon,' 'Na-
tional Velvef and 'Death on the
Table.'
. Tom Arnold may be backed by
Littlewoods, the Football Pools pro-
moters, ior his future theatrical ac-
tivities.
Hall Bros., owners of Quality Inn
restaurants, dickering with Poulsen
& Stocco to take over the Cafe
Anglais.
Due to lack of stories. Gene Shel-
don's contract with Associated Brit-
ish to make three pictures per year
is held up.
Alexander Korda expects to show
'Four Feathers' here next month,
almost simultaneously with its New
York presentation.
Terence de Mamey headlines at
the Palace, Bladcpool, for 10-week
season. He'll do Percy Robinson's
The Unseen Menace.'
David E. Rose, director of Para-
mount here, has selected Richard
Blaydon to supervise the company's
productions in this coimtry.
"Whither S{>ain?' Franco propa-.
ganda film; was wildly razzed at Its'
premiere at the Phoenix, with the
customers nearly wrecking the joint.
Paramount's fllmizatlon of 'French
Without Tears' will be made at
Sound City studios, with company
dickering with Michael Redgrave for
lead.
The Citadel' has been booked for
the entire John Maxwell circuit
Arthur Jarratt G-B booker, could
have had it but thumbed It down
as too grim andi-*- b.
Horace Collins \ .a framing a show
to open at the Suakespeare, Liver-
pool, intending to call it 'Hellzaoop-
pin,' when Harry Foster stopped* him
as agent for the copyright owners. '
The Flashing Stream' cast that
closed at the Lyric Saturday (25)
after seven months, sails from here
March 3 for its Canadian tryout,
prior to its New York production.
Entire London cast will be trans-
ferred.
Marquis de Casa de Maury, who
operates the Curzon Cinema, opens
the Paris, new Continental 500-
seater, March 15 with French hit,
'La Bete Human' ('Human Beast'),
starring Jean Gabin and Simon
Simone.
Cast of Mayflower's production of
'Jamaica Inn' includes Charles
Laughton, Leslie Banks, Emlyn Wil-
liams, Jeanne de Cacalis, Wylie Wat-
son, John Longden, Basil Radford,
Robert Newton, O: B. Clarence and
Bromley Davenport
Vi Bradley's song. Temporarily,'
has been bought by Irwin .Dash
Music Co. for publication here, and
will be featured by Frances Day in
George Black's new revue, 'Black
and Blue,' which opens at the Hippo-
drome next Wednesday (8).
ety club dinner. Adrienne Ames
honor guest
'Hy' Chapman,! Columbia branch
manager, nursing several badly
bruised ribs following skiing.
J. Reg. Wilson, Monogram home-
office executive, here from New
York on swing aroimd mid-west
branches.
Harry Hirsch en route home from
Tucson, Ariz, and California to re-
open Gayety (stock burlesque)
March 24.
Moe Levy, 20th-Fox district man-
ager, back from New York, where
he was appointed 1939-40 S. R. Kent
Drive leader.
World premiere of Ice Follies'
scheduled by M-G-M for Palace, Su-
perior, Wis, home of Bess Erhardt
one of stars.
, Lois Abi ams, daughter of Morrie,
M-G-M exploiteer, got in plug tor
'Honolulu' and 'Idiot's Delight' when
Sueried by WTCaj during street ra-
io broadcast
Acme V8. Code
(Continued from page 49)
injunction against the League and
Equity in applying the code, oh the
grounds that the two bodies are in
conspiracy to deprive the agency
from doing business. Bench ap-
peared to be dubious about that argu-
ment indicating it favored any plan
for the protectMn of the public, as
contended by the defendants to be
sufficient reason for the code.
When it was claimed that other
brokers had been coerced into -sign-
ing the code, the judge again de-
murred and remarked: "You cant
prove coercion in this court' Tlie
agency's attorney, in reply to the
bench's question as to how many
witnesses he has' supboenaed, re-
vealed that all-! those brokers who
signed the code had been served to
appear. It was at that point that
Judge Hofstatter ordered the case to
a referee. Stated that during the
latter's hearings he is to confer with
the court as to the procedure.
Proceedings appear to have been
costly to the Acme people, for, be-
sides the attorneys fees, a flock of
witnesses have been called. In ad-
dition to the 28 'accredited' brokers,
many boxoffice treasurers were also
served. This season agency was
nicked by the government on claims
pertaining to admissions taxes, con-
tention that the levy was a pyra-
mided tax not being upheld by the
Internal. Revenue Department
Pending the final settlement of the
action, there has been little activity
concerning the code regulations. This
subject and otlters, however,- will be
threshed out Friday (3) at a lunch-
eon session by committees of the
League and Equity, in the Astor
hotel, N. Y.
By Les Rees
Ted Karatz, of Ultraphone, back
from Florida.
Joe Numero, accessories man, off
for Florida vacation.
Local earment workers' union pre
senting 'Idiot's Delight'
L. R. Abbott Motiograph vice
president in from Chicago.
George Turner, M-G-M salesman,
spending fortnight in Florida.
Bill Cameron, of M-G-M, end the
wife sojourning in New Orleans.
Joe Jacobs, Columbia salesman, to
Omaha to assume . branch manager
post
Bill Elson, m.c„ at Twin City Varl-
Equity Economy
(Continued from page 49)
eluding operating expenses in Chi-
cago and oh the Coast
No Salaried Frei Now
What may be considered the
elimination of .one major expense
was doing away with a salaried
president, dating from the time when
Frank Gillmore withdrew to head
the Associated Actors and Artistes
of America. His salary was $12,500
annually. Burgess Meredith, who
was prez pro-tern, did not receive
pay, nor does Arthur ■ Byron, the
present head. It was proposed to
appoint a salaried executive direc-
tor, but no .such appointment has
been made. There was a material
saving made in the legal department
also.
Last year efficiency people sur-
veyed Equity and made a number of
recommendations in an 87-page re-
port, the suggestions being virtually
the same as that made in a two-page
report submitted by an Equity coni'
"mittee. The longer, detailed survey
is known as the- Lazarus report and
the new committee is again examin
ing it.
One of the recommendations being
mulled is the sale of the building
housing the offices on West 47th
.street , but the possibility of an up-
turn in realty has delayed final de-
cision. It's believed that space in a
modern structure would be less
costly than operating present ' quar-
ters, as well as make for efficiency.
Termination of the SAG arrange-
ment came after th^t union revealed
that it operated i|t,a deficit last year
and has made plans for retrench-
ment Screen organization will
greatly reduce its membership with
the idea of' increasing employment
It expects a lower income and will
reduce operating costs by nearly
50%.
HoSjTwood
Frank Whitbeck to Florida.
Pat O'Brien building r.sw home.
Sol Lesser celebrated a birthday.
Mickey Roohey back from Miamt
John Houston back from Broad-
way.
Louise Campbell back from Chi-
cago.
Fred Datig vacationing in Ari-
zona.
Betty Grable checked out of hos-
pital.
Bob Hope going to London next
stimmer.
Irene Dunne on vacation In
(Georgia.
Charles McCarthy in for studio
huddles.
Bill Powell taking sun treatments
in desert
Inez Courtney hospitalized for ap-
pendicitis.
(joraldine Spreckels recovering
from bums..
Bill Powell strong enough to take
daily strolls.
Jack. Brower crulched with
sprained foot
Maxie Rosenbloom's nitery yegged
for two grand.
Dick Fortune in from Pittsburgh
for interviews.
Jeanette MacDonald silenced by
infected throat
Norma Shearer to hospital with
throat infection.
Margaret Sullavan and infant
home from hospital.
Warner Gland's relatives dropped
contest over his will.
Lewis Stone tumed\ down legit
offer from Broadway. ^
Fied Acott.on four-week personal
appearance tour of Texas.
Charlie Goss moved from Hal
Roach -fllckery ' to Columbia.
Marie Seton in i^om Manchester,
Eng., to write about film people.
Joan Blondell to hospital with flu.
Herbert Yates sunning in Tucson.
Carroll Tornroth peddling talent
for NBC artist service in Hollywood.
Johnny WeissmuUer announced
his engagement to Beryl Scott non-
pro.
Bob Baker extended his personal
appearance tour to North and South
Carolina.
Meredith WiUson optioned for an-
other stretch as 'Good News' musi-
cal director.
John Hoffman here from Chicago
to look over Hollywood from sport
editor's angle.
Dinty Doyle, N. Y. radio ed, waa
a guest speaker at Authors Club
while in Hollywood.
Sandy Bantett Lux scrlpter, goes
off tlie deep end March 10. She's
Roberta Black, airline stewardess.
Sydney
By Erie G«rrtck
Larry Adler has been booked by
Hoyts for Adelaide and Brisbane.
Ernest C. Rolls is readying produc-
tion of "Casino Revue" for early pres-
entation in Melbourne for ANZT.
During the recent Victorian hect-
wave Hoyts dropped around $50,000
in one week. AU other chains took
a heavy sock.
Hoyts top films for Regent Syd-
ney, Includes- 'Cowboy and Lady*
(UA), 'Suez' (20th), 'Kentucky'
(20th) and 'Gunga Din' (RKO).
Movie Quiz introduced in '^''ictorla
by Charles Munro for Hoyts is prov-
ing a real b.o. winner. Scheme will
be worked in New South Wales in
March.
Norman B. Rydgc, boss of Greater
Union, following the resignation of
Arthur Gillespie to join Metro, has
appointed John Evans as chairman -
of the GUT management committee.
Allen Doone has been booked by
Hoyts to appear in a stage presenta-
tion at the Embassy, Sydney, in as-
sociation with 'Man to Remember'
(RKO). . Doone will, feature Irish
songs. If idea clicks he'll be spotted
around the chain.
Chicago
Sam Lutz home for a quick vi.sit
Sid Strotz the latest to tussle with
the flu.
Frank Burke in with the Paul
Whiteman orch.
Mort Singer off on his regular
jaunt to the Coast
Stage Friends Club elected Sophia
Schaefer Carlo, president
Eastern vaude bookers in . for •
squint at local acts and units.
Phil Fein to Toronto to direct' a
couple of civic opera productions.
Harry Grel>ea is the late.st agent
to be bitten by the Mexico-vacation
urge.
Sam Gerson to and back from the
east on Shubert confabs for local
shows.
.Tony Owens on a quick plane ride
to' Los Angeles and back over the
week-end.
Harry Mintum, FTP chief here, to
New York for the getaway of the
colored 'Mikado.'
Ballyhooers meeting each Thurs-
day for lunch in the Terrace Casino
at the Morrison hotel.
George Cruickshank made a short
stop-over on way back to Seattle
after ski meet promotions in the
east
54
VARIETY
Wednesdaj, March 1, 1939
OBITUARIES
. JOE BBANDT .
Joe B^dt, 60, film Industrr vet-
eran, died Feb. 22 at hU home in
Beverly Hills after • long illness.
He was organizer and first presi-
dent of the C3.C. Sales Corp.,
which later became Columbia Pic-
tures.
Native of Troy, N. Y., Brandt was
admitted to the New York bar in
1906 and entered pictures as private
secretary to Carl Laemmle two
years later. He aided in the forma-
tion of Universal and resigned as
general manager in 1919 to form
National Film Corp.
In 1920 Brandt joined with Harry
and Jacic Cohn in what Is now Co-
lumbia, selling out his Interests to
Harry in 1932. Since then he had
not been active in ' production
but did have a hind in some foreign
distribution of Italian pix. Leaves
his widow and a son, Jerry. Inter-
ment in New Yoric
DOBOTHEA SAINTE CLAIB
Dorothea Salnte Clair, 28, musical
comedy dancer featured in the
'Zlegfeld FolUes,' 'Whoopee,' "Rio
Rita' and other Broadway shows
prior to her retirement in 1933, died
in St Vincent's Hospital, New
Brighton, Staten Island, Thursday
(23). Her marriage name was Mrs.
Dorothea Salnte Clair Cardlllo Col-
lins.
Daughter of a vocal Instructor, she
was at one time an advertising model
OEOBGE GOLLVriTZEB
George Gollwitzer, 72, veteran
Pittsburgh musician, died last week
after a long illness. He came to this
country from Austria at 18 and got
a Job playing the French horn Im-
mediately in PitUburgh's old Grand
Opera house. Also played in pit for
legit attractions at both Alvin and
Nixon theatres and was a violaist for
the first Pittsburgh Symphony Or
chestra.
Gollwitzer helped to organize
Pittsburgh local of the Musicians'
Union. He leaves his wife and two
daughters.
CEDBIC WELLEB
Cedrle Weller, 37, actor and son of
S. MacLeaiy Weller, Walter Hamp-
den's personal manager, died Sun-
day (26) at his home in New York
City following a protracted illness.
Weller's first stage appearance was
with Hampden In 'Cyrano de Berg-
erac' A member of the company for
several years, he later assisted his
father in conducting Hampden's road
tours.
Hampden delivered an eulogy at
the funeral services yesterday (TueS'
day). Surviving are Weller's father
and three s'sters.
WILFBED T. VAN TOBX
Wilfred T. Van Yorx, 68, vocal in-
structor for Billie Burke, Dennis
King, Frank Mtmn and Alice Brady,
among others, died of a stroke
J* McCarthy
and recently operated a florist shop
at Oakwood, Staten Island. Her
parents, her husband, a son, a sis-
ter and two brothers survive.
JOHN J. CBOITT
John J. (Jack) Crotty, 62, legit
player, died in poverty Feb. 22 at the
Goodfellow House in Milwaukee.
Twenty-five years ago, one of Mil-
waukee's theatrical favorites, he
played stock at the Schubert, Juneau
and Crystal theatres. ■ Later hi held
supporting roles with Henry Miller in
•The Great -Divide'; with WUton
Lackaye in The Pit^ and Mrs. Fiske-
fat 'Caprice.'
Unless relatives are found, Crotty
will be burled in potter's field.
Thursday (23) In his home In Mi
Vernon, N.Y.
Van Yorx had appeared as a solo-
ist on five occasions with the Boston
Symphony orchestra' and for many
years sang Ip New York churches.
He had a studio in New York for the
last 25 years.
Widow and two sons survive.
BOBEBT GLECKLEB
Robert Gleckler, S2, whose per-
formance in 'Broadway' and other
New York stage . pl^ attracted
Hollywood attention and won hhn
considerd>Ie picture work during
the past 10 years, died Feb. 26 in
North Hollywood of uremic poison-
ing, ninesfl ncently forced bim to
withdraw from a part in 'Gom With
Wind.'
Gleckler leaves his widow, former
Adelaide Kendall, legit player, and
three children.
BICHABD COPLEY
Richard. Copley, 63, New York
concert manager, died of a heart
attack in Toronto Feb. 27. He was
in Toronto arranging bookings for
several concerts at the time of his
death.
Late Mme. Schumann-Helnk,
Mischa Elman and Josef Hoffman
all performed under his manage
ment at various times. Survived by
a daughter, with whom he lived in
Hackensack, N. J.
BENNY BEBMAN
Benny Berman, 41, recently Coast
professional manager for Bregman-
Vocco-Conn, and with many other
publishers in his 25 years In the
music business, died Feb. 24, of
pneumonia in Los Angeles. He was
a familiar figure in Hollywood and
enjoyed the friendship of most music
directory 'and radio singers.
He leaves a wife and daughter.
JAMES DAWSON
James (Jimmy) Dawson, 40, or-
chestra leader, died Feb. 21, in
Cleveland, after an Illness of a year
and a half. For the past 12
years Dawson headed his own danQ$
band, which played in ballrooms
and stmmier resorts In Ohio. Be-
fore that he was a vocalist with
Griff Morris' orchestra.
His widow and a son survive.
FBANZ' SCHBODT
Franz Schmidt, Austria's foremost
opera composer, died on Feb. 12,
Bom in Pressburg, near Vienna, in
1874, his most famous opera is
'Notre Dame,' which has been pro-
duced In almost all countries of Eli-
rope and in America.
Sclimidt began his career as 'cello
player in the state opera.
JAMES DAWSON
After an Illness of 18 months,
Jimmy Daws<m, 40, orchestra lead-
er, died at a nursing home in Cleve-
land, O., Feb. 21. Daw804 had one
of leading, society orchestras here
for the last decade, and was for-
merly a singer In Griff Morris" band.
Survived by widow and a son, 5.
ABNOLD .WOLFOBD
Arnold Wolford, 70, retired play
broker and early; New York j^age
player, died Feb. 26 in Antamohlca.
He appeared with vueh stars as Delia
Fox, Maurice Barrymore and Kryle
Bellew.
Widow and dau^ter survive.
IN MEMORY
OF
OUR DEA.R. FRIEND
JOSEPH BRANDT
COLUMBIA PICTURES CORPORATION
Charles Alberty, 80, retired amuse
ment park operator, died at his home
in Milwaukee, Feb. 4. He was man
ager of the former Blatz Park. Siir
vlved by a daughter.
JAMES L. DEMFSET
James L. Dempsey, former actor,
died Feb, 18 at his home in New
Richmond, 0„ after a brief Illness.
Dempsey and his wife Were for
many years in vaudeville and on
the legitimate stage. They retired
10 years ago,
Mrs. Dempsey survives.
WILLIAM L. CABYL
William L. Caryl, 49, for 10 years
an executive on the New York staff
of the Shuberts, died in Uttle Neck,
Queens, Friday (24).
Details in legit sectloa
Clara MoWilUaou, 16, daughter of
F. J. McWllliams, operator of two
nabes and chairman of the Inde-
pendent Theatres Protective Asso-
ciation of Wisconsin, died at her
home In Portage, Feb. 12. Survived
by parents, five sisters and three
brothers.
John (Chanky) Levin, 63, nitery
owner, died of a heart attack, Feb.
23, in Milwaukee. He was proprietor
of the swank Golden Pheasant dur-
ing prohibition, later obtained an in-
terest In the Ship, and since then
had been connected with several
other cafe enterprises.
Wife of Powel .Crosley, Jr, presl
dent of the Crosley Corp., operating
WLW and WSAI, Cincinnati, and
head of the Cincinnati baseball club
in the National League, died Feb, 26
at their winter estate in Sarasota,
Fla.
Mrs. Margaret Larisen, 24, wife of
Don Larsen, assistant manager of the
Davidson, legit theatre, died Feb. 19
in Mount Sinai hospital, Milwaukee,
after a long illness. Survived by
husband, mother, brother and sister,
Charles W. Sehafer, 69, treasurer
of the State Theatre Cd^ Youngs
town, O., died at his home in that
city Feb. 19, of a heart aUment His
widow and two sons survive.
Bev. Oaoar B. Lee, 56, retired
minister, father of Joseph W, Lee,
manager of KGFF (Shawnee, Okla.)
died in Shawnee last week. Lee Is
his only child.
Drama Critics
(Continued from page 1)
ize the agencies read those three
dailies.
Despite the huge circulation of the
Daily News, in which Burns Mantle
holds forth, only a slight propor-
tion of that sheet's readers are
agency clients. However, because of
its. practice of rating shows by the
star system, the News has a strong
indirect influence, since a four-star
or even a three-star billing is usual-
ly featured in the ads in the Times,
"Trib and Sun.
Also Help Box Offlees
Although the preponderant Influ-
ence of the three papers is particu-
larly noUble in the agency ticket
field, it also has a strong pull on
the regular box office trade. There-
fore, it is pohited out. Mantle doesn't
have as strong an effect on the di-
rect theatre trade as Atkinson, Watts
and Lockridge, even though the
News' circulation Is so much larger
than the Times, Trib and Sun.
Also, wliile John Mason Brown
and John Anderson, of the Post and
Journal- American, respectively, are
weU rated frOm a critical viewpoint,
they do not have much immediate
effect on the box office. And even
though he presumably has less read-
er following (because he has been
a critic for only a season and a half),
Sidney B. Whipple is figured to have
a slightly stronger hifluence because
of the World-Telegram's theatre cir-
culation.
Walter Winchell is an exception to
the usual rules because of his syn-
dicated column. His reviews hi the
Mirror are rated as havhig little
draw, but because he can keep plug-
ging a show In his column, he has
a tremendous secondary puU. Mc-
Bride believes that It makes little
difference what type of show is con-
sidered, but that the reviews have
a similar effect on all Unds. He feels
the present crop of serious dramas
and problems plays are not Ideal
from a box office standpoint, but
that Broadway currently could use
a strong htugh show. He also thhiks
that a good whodunit or romance
would go at this time.
Plays on jffVmyJ
OFF TO BUFFALO
(Continued from page 50)
finally was produced last fall hv
Vinton Freedley and • Albert Lewt
after some frantic casting difflciS
ties. It was tried out in Boston and
taken off for revision.- After mor*
casting headaches, it was retasmi
'Off to Buffalo' and tested In PhffiS
delphia, with Fre^ley finally
Ing out and Milton Berle reported
putting up the necessary addluoiS
cohi to open the show on- Broadwav
If Boretz ha* been trying to live the
stonr of 'Room Service' he could
hardly have gone through more.
There's nothing much to say about
'Buffalo' except that it brings ^o*
Cook back to the boards after an
absence of more than five years But
this is no 'Hold Your Horses,' 'RaSi
or Shine' or 'Fine and Dandy' and
the comedian is unable to ignite the
damp material. Hie comedy has a
frenzied look, as if the boys had sat
up many nights consuming coffee
and smoking cigarets as they tried
to cudgel laughs into the script. Tht
result is a labored piece that tries
desperately to please, but ends by
merely exhausting its audience.
As an excuse to present a few
vaudeville acts, the comedy tells a
story about a Casper Milquetoast-tsh
fan of the old two-a-day who lines
up a show of former Palace head-
liners for his lodge's annual enter-
tainment, only to have a flock of
hoofers, jugglers and acrobats turn
his home into a Times Square board-
ing house. Cook and his fellow-
combers of the Palace 'beach' put
on a second-act show for the lodge
entertainment committee. But even
as part of a legit play, vaude is still
vaude — and no one has yet succeeded
in reviving it .
Cook brings his bland Innocence
and enormously good humor to the
part of the Palace has-been, bring-
ing back many of his familiar gags
and telling one of his balmy stories
In the hectic second act But ha
comes off a bad second to .the Joe
Mlller-ish material. The part was
expanded .to Include the vaude stuff
when the comedian went into the
show, but it doesn't help.
In' the only really playable parts,
Hume Cronyn and Elizabeth Love
are sincere, direct, skilful and irre-
sistibly convincing as the distracts
two-a-day fan and his harried
spouse. Otto Hulett Is credible as
the disillusioned illusionist, but
most of the others overplay like the
vaudeville troupers they're supposed
to represent Melville Burke hai
directed the . production vehemently
and Donald Oenslager's settings have
the proper look of second-rate re-
spectability.
Frequent mentions of Varibft, as
well as Sam Zolotow, of the New
York Times, and Ward Morehouse^
of the New York Sun, brought laugh*
ter (and a few waggish hisses) from
first-nighters. Hobe.
(Closed Saturday (25) after *eve»
performances; printed /or the rec-
ord.)
MARRIAGES
Eleanore Whitney to Frederick
Backer, in New York, Feb. 23. She'a
the' dancer and film player; he's for-
mer assistant United States Attorney.
Jayne C!rawford to Wayne Gregg,
in Hollywood, Feb. 19. Bride is a
dancer; he's' a singer.
Sarah Edwards to A. W. Finney,
in Los Angeles, Feb. 24. He's asr
sistant purchasing agent at Warners.
Pat Murphy to James B. Cheek,
In Fort Worth, Feb. 21. Bride ii
secretary to Elliott Roosevelt presi-
dent of the Texas State Network.
Margaret Greene to ' John W.
Hughes, in Port Worth, Feb. 21.
He's drama director for the Texas
State Network.
BIRTHS
Mr. and Mrs. Allen E. Norman,
son, In Portchester, N. Y., Feb. ?8.
Father Is general manager of Faw-
cett- Publications.
Mr. and Mrs. Stormy Jones, ison.
In Milwaukee, Feb. 20. Father Is
drummer with Lee Roth's Riverside
theatre house orchestra, Milwaukee,
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Nesbitt son, in
Pittsburgh, Feb. 20. Father's with
the Monogram exchange there.
Mr. and Mrs. A. V. Bamford,
daughter, in Chicago, Feb. 18. Father
is with Aerogram transcription out-
flt Chicago.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shapiro, son.
In Brooklyn, Feb. 22. Father Is as-
sistant to Robert M. Weltman, jnan-
aging director of Paramount N. Y.
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Klrkland,
daughter. In New York, Feb. 28.
Father Is playwright and producer;
mother Is Haila Stoddard, legit slc-
tress.
^Tednesdaf, March 1, 1939
FORUM--OUTDOORS
VARIETY
WHAT THEY THINK
55
Flushing, N. Y.
editor, Variety:
WUl you Wndly tell me il there Is
a new racket among the chiseling
agents?
About four months ago my daugh-
ter 18, went to an agent (don't care
to mention bis name here) in the
Bond BuUdlng, New York, to apply
for work as an entertainer. 'She
aings and dances. Hie agent's secre-
tary Informed her they give audi-
tions at entertainments, and re-
Quesled ttat she call by phone next
day (Saturday) for directions to the
place. She was told to go to the
Hotel Pennsylvania that evening,
where a fraternal organization held
an aflah:. She sang and danced and
left at 2 a.m.— it was one of tiie
stormiest nights I ever saw.
On Monday she went there for her
report and the secretary told her the
<^port is very good for both sing-
ing and dancing," and added, "you
are now in with us and we will give
you work," requesting pictures as
soon as possible. This was promptly
attended to. She has been to the of-
fice several times, called iv on the
'phone, and each time is Informed by
the secretary Ve haven't anything.'
About two weeks ago my daughter
went to the office and was again
given the same story. I was. with
. her. My daughter remarked there
must be some chance showing up in
dl these four mrniths, and the an-
swer was that how it nms.' In all
this time, never once has she had an
interview with the agent himself.
Now, at entertainments they al-
ways have singers, dancers, etc., so I
gather they give auditions for which
the agent collects, and the per-
former gets nothing— and receives no
further work.
Name toitheld on request.
VTPA Vs. Mike Todd
New York.
' Editor, Vabiett:
A. situation has arisen in the Arts
Project of the WPA that, to my
mind, sho'.ild be brought into the
open and to the attention of the pub
lie. The 'Swing' Mikado was staged
by the Federal Arts Project in Chi'
cago and is now playing to capacity
houses. It 60 impressed a producer,
one Michael Todd, that he has de-
cided to stage it here as a private
. enterprise. His cast will comprise
man^ persons that would otherwise
be on the.rellef rolls here.
The Chicago WPA Company be-
came 80 Vexed at the idea of Mr.
Todd's purloining their brainchild,
they have decided to bring their
'Swing' Mikado he;« in opposition
to Todd's.
I doubt that there will be much
opposition. WPA will charge $1.10
.top— Mr. Todd, $3.^ to H40. Todd
will have to pay three or four times
as much for his musicians, stage-
hands, etc., to say nothing of choir,
dancing chorus and principals.
The point Td like to bring up here
Is what argument could the WPA
present as an excuse for opposing
a private enterprise? Conceding that
Mr. Todd did adopt their idea, isn't
he at least going to employ people
without help from the Government?
Suppose WPA wants to bring their
version here in order to cpnvlnce
skeptical folks as to the value of
the 'Arts Projects'. What further
evidence can one have than the
proof that the success of a WPA
venture hi Chicago encouraged a
man in New York to risk his money
and offer employment to 90 or more
PMpIe? The more successful Mr.
Todd's production is, the more credit
is due WPA.
I wish you would give this matter
some of your attention editorially,
u possible, because if we are to
stay off relief, private enterprise
will have to be encouraged— not dis-
couraged. Billy Butler.
Contractor for 'Swing' Mikado
Orchestra. (I Hope.)
(The WPA 'Hot Mikado' opens to-
^vht (1) on BroadtMiv at the New
Yorfcer theatre, toith the Chicago
production intact.— £d.)
That Nipponese Deal
Tokyo.
Editor, Vabiety:
The stories appearing in your
paper relating to the agreement en-
tered into by the Japanese Govern-
ment with the eight major Ameri-
can motion picture distributors do-
">e business in this country, are
somewhat distorted and do not give
an accurate account of the workings
M this agreement The contents of
Jhese articles would give the im-
pression that the Japanese Govern-
ment is not living up to its under-
takings, which is contrary to fact
We wish to state here. most .em-
phatically that for all practical pur-
poses the Japanese Government has
so far lived up to every promise
made to the American motion pic-
ture distributors .In Japan.
The accumulated funds as agreed
upon have been .remitted to the
United States; about half the num-
ber of pictures permitted under this
agreement have elready b^ im-
ported, dnd we have good reasons to
believe that the agreement will be
lived up to in its entirety.
May .we, .therefore, ask you to be
good enough . to give this letter
prominence in your columns.
AMERICAN MOTION PICTURE
ASSOCIATION OF JAPAN.
(Chairman: J. D. Hermann.)
Impression in the U. S. film indus-
try is that the Japanese government
has lived up to the full letter of its
agreement with major film com-
panies regarding shipping pictures'
into Japan and- placing funds in San
Francisco. In fact film officials ar-
riving in New York from Japan have
regarded the trade agreement dra'Wd
up was about as fair and impartial
as could be given under existing cir'
cumstances. No officials in New
York could be found who felt that
Japan was trying to get out of the
contract or even temper the agree-
ment
Vabiety in a recent Issue related
how all funds agreed on had been
paid into the Yokohama Specie Bank
in San Francisco, Previously it had
explained how films had entered
Japan,
RADIO CITY RUNNER^UP
ASAN.Y.FARMIIST
Radio City has been pegged as the
No. 2 attraction to the N. Y. World's
Fair for visiting tourists ly two lead-
ing travel agencies handling trip
tickets to the exposition. Bott
American Express and Cook's have
it on these trip tickets as the out-
standing attraction after the fair has
been taken in.
Visitors are offered the NBC radio
studio show and its television tour or
Rockefeller Cer.ter Observation
roofs. NBC is counting on getting
15% of the 50,000,003 expected at the
fair, or approximately 2|72O,O0O
visitors.
American Express has' tied up
some 10,000 hotel rooms in N; Y. for
its trip ticket or package tour ducats
for the fair. These include taxi fare
to hotels, charge for hotels, admis-
sion to fair and the Radio City tours.
Express company has bought largest
advance block of exposition tickets
of any firm. Both American and
Cook's all-expense (outside railroad
fares) ducats range from about $9
for 2-day (cheapest hotel) to $52 for
7-day visits, latter being at the ex-
pensive hotels.
Opening Week s fk GoMen Gate
Fair Forecasts Fmancial Success
Spanish Bctngce Film
San Diego, Calil
Editor, Variety:
I see by the Feb. 16 Issue
that a HoUjrwood studio la about to
make a refugee picture. Doesn't
say what kind, of refugees but that
still leaves 'em one year behind
Mexico.
They've turned out a picture down
there called Hefugees in Madrid.' I
saw it in a little Mexican bouse
here and was surprised to find it
had English subtitles. It Is a long
picture, too, but so interesting it
seems short Although the title is
'Madrid,' the - story would fit any
embassy anywhere at the opening
of any war. Film shows how all
types of people are thrown together
in a neutral zone, from spies to opera
singers, as they seek refuge from
conflict It's as good, as plenty of
U. S. productions Fve seen.
I don't know if Variety had any-
thing to do with it or not but some
time ago you published a letter of
mine in which I wondered why
someone didn't try a world-film pol-
icy in this town; now it's being done,
and we've had such films as 'Grand
Illusion,' 'The Cheat' 'Beethoven,'
etc. Karl Wyllis.
Seek Chatbam (Cartwrlght)
Flushhig, L. I., N. Y.
Editor, Vabiety:
Am trying to locate my father. The
last I heard from him he played In
the 'Girl from Paris,'
His name is James Hoyt Chatham,
sometimes known as Cartwright I
do not know if an actor at his age
would still be; in existence. He would
now be about 60.
Robert W. Chatham.
CARNIVALS NIXED IN
DETROIT, SALT LAKE
Detroit Feb. 28.
Outlawing all carnivals within city
limits, regardless of sponsorship,
common council last week acceded
to Councilman John C. Lodge's, long
fight against street shows.
Action was precipitateid by request
from local Veterans of Foreign Wars
post to- sponsor carnival with pro-
ceeds to go for welfare and relief
purposes. Surprise move was pro-
vided by Councilman Eugene Van
Antwerp, who's, also national com-
mander of V. F. W., when he argued
against the idea because 'the carnival
people are the only ones to benefit
isince the carnival ordinarily would
have to pay $50 for a city permit
and that's all it's offering the spon-
soring organization.'
Salt Lake City, Feb. 26.
Peelers and 'unwholesome side-
shows' were . principal reasons cited
by the Salt Lake City commission in
flatly tabooing carnivals here for re-
mainder of 1939.
ActlQn was . greeted with disap-
proval by severaj^',. organJ^^ioos.
Press at Fair
(Continued from page 1)
cently completed $200,000 Working
Press building. It is probably the
most elaborate setup ever arranged
for newsmen covering an exposition
or any show of this type.
More than 23 offices, rooms and
headquarters for different w6rking
newspapermen, besfales reception
rooms, a modern recreation hall,
showers and other facilities have
been established for the Fourth Es-
tate in this Working Press building,
which Is situated near the Adminis-
tration building entrance and the
Press-Promotion building.
Fair suggested cooperation of N.Y.
dailies and a committee of city ed-
itors, consisting of Edmund Bartnett
of the Sun, chairman; Charles Mc-
Lendon, Herald Tribune, and Walter
Lister of the Post conferred with
Whalen and Boone on their needs for
extensive fair coverage. After out-
lining requirements this committee
met with wire service representa-
tives, photograph indicates and the
N. Y. City News Association to map
further details.
Check showed that New York daily
papers each would assign three to
el^'t men regularly to cover the
fair. Newspapers were asked the
amoimt of space needed, rated ac-
cording to number of men working,
and this was allotted. Figured that
12,000 square feet of space would be
required, which Is space In new
structure.
The largest newsrooms are suited
for seven or eight men. Separate
rooms have been provided for all
New York dailies. Another press-
room, 400 square feet in size, has
been established for out-of-town cor-
respondents. Another Is set aside
for foreign.
Dark Booms, Etc.
In addition wire associations such
as UP, AP and International News
also have separate quarters. There
also is a room for Long Island news-
men and quarters for visiting pho-
tographers. Cameramen with daUy
N.Y. papers have been given space
with the publications they represent
a dark room connected to each.
The four picture syndicates, Wide-
World, Acme, International News
and Associated Press, each have sep-
arate offices, equipped with dark
rooms and facilities for developing
and printing photographs. Building
has been laid out so that wire-pho-
tography apparatus can be Installed
where wanted. AP has its wirephoto
and camera division immediately ad-
jacent to. the AP newsroom in a
combo office, dark rooms being in-
cluded in alignment Newsreel dark
rooms will be spotted on.the ground
floor of some centrally located build-
ing because of heavy equipment of
crews.
Cameramen will be able to rush
completed prints to New York via
Long Island railway's 10-minute ser-
vice or can be sent by motorcycle
carrier to North Beach airport for
more distant shipment by plane.
New York Journal has made ar-
rangements to fly negatives by .car-
rier pigeon from the roof of the
Working Press building.
Both Postal and Western Union
will have offices in this structure.
Building also has a large reception
hall at the top of the stairs with a
big office, for the fair's publicity rep-
resentative on duty each day. The
Press JgMmqtipn building will con-
San Francisco, Feb. 28,
Huge financial success is predicted
for the 1939 Golden Gate Interna
tlonal E:q>osition by officials who
are gleeful over the response of the
thousands who flocked to Treasure
Island, .^ite of the Fair, diiring the
opening week. Weather has been
perfect ■
Exposition Visitors so far have
spent just twice as much per person
as the optimistic experts estimated.
According to the office of H. C.
BortoS, chief of operations, visitors
are spending about $2.40 per person,-
which is twice the anticipated per
person expenditure. At the 1915
Fair, the expenditure was 67c per
person and. at Chicago's World's Fair
the per person expenditure was
$1.17.
The opening two days of the ex-
position topped Chicago's attendance
figures by 50,220 paid admissions.
About 250,000 camr to the Fair on
the first two days. Washington's
Birthday dreW jusV a few hundred
less than the opening day's take.
Attendance was set to break the
600,000 total over the weekend.
Expo execs are amazed at the
amount of real dough which is be-
ing taken at the turnstiles; 55% of
those admitted on opening day put
hard cash on the line in order to
get by the gate. A single ticket from
the $10 scrip book costs the owner
20c while one from a season book
runs little better than 7c. Based on
this breakdown It would have taken
300,000 ticket admissions to equal
the first day's actual cash income at
the boxoffice. It is this cash which
will enable the exposition to spend
some money for other attractions for
the Island.
It is generally believed that the
many stories run in the local papers
about the traffic jam expected on
the first two days on the Island were
the reason for maqy of the natives
staying away from the Fair for sev-
eral days. Traffic problems have
proven to be a myth.
The 'bring your lunch' warning
also cut down attendance consider-
ably. The five-day Fiesta celebra-
tion heralding the openhig of the
exposition, . instead of helping, hurt
attendance by localites during the
first two days. There were about
50 celebrations in honor of the open-
ing of the Fair, some of which ran
Into the small hours of the morning.
One of the first ills to be corrected
and one that has already been the
inspiration for a blast over KYA,
local Hearst radio station, is the ex-
orbitant prices that are being
charged In some of. the restaurants
tlnue as Boone's headquarters and
that of the press department
Editors and writers froin out-of-
town, covering the exposition, will
be given short-term passes, while
those at the fair only for one day
will receive ducats on presentation
of credentials in the rotunda of the
Administration building. This struc-
ture will be outside the fair grounds
proper when the show opens April
30.
Boone has assured the press that
no working newspaperman will be
turned away. Those going to the
fair by the BMT-IRT or Long- Island
railroad will land near the Admin-
istration building where credentials
may be readily presented: This Is
close also to the biggest parking
area of the fair. Those entering via
the Independent subway entrance
Will be conducted through the
grounds to the main Administration
building credential booth.
There will be three forms of pass-
es. One is. the season ducat, given
editors or publishers. These are non-
transferable, having photos attached
for identification. These also will be
given reporters and photographers;
assigned regularly to the Fair
grounds. Second class is six-day,
short-term pass for editors, scnbes
and cameramen from out of town.
These also have photos attached and
are non-transferable. Third form is
for one day, obtainable only at the
grounds in the Administration
building.
Grover Whalen, Head of the fair,
is sending letters to all editors and
publishers throughout the world,
thanking them personally for the
'fine press' they have given the ex-
position. He gives full credit to them
for helping put the fair over.
on the Island. Some of the eating
places undoubtedly took advantage
of the shortage of dining facilities
by upplng the prices, However,
Expo officials are looking into the
situation, which undoubtedly will be
corrected with the increase in dining
accommodations from the present
4,000 to 14,000. Plans for a 9,000
capacity dining room oh the Gayway
are already drawn. Food concession
men are said to have stalled a. bit in
erection of dihinc facilities not
wanting to carry too many on their
staffs during the lean months.
The Owl Drug Co., which is win-
ning plenty of good will by serving
meals at mainland prices, is think-
ing about doubling its space to ac-
commodate eaters.
The Happy Valley Ranch, a three-
acre barbecue emporium, opened
this weekend with facilities to hand
out hickory ■ barbecued sandwiches
to several thousand people at a' time.
Singer's MidKcis Folds
Biz was not so forte with the
Stamp Exhibit and the replica of
Mark Twain's' home so the gate has
been removed and these two con-
cessions ate being operated on a
contributing basis. Difficulties with-
in the organization and some finan-
cial trouble caused the sudden fold-
ing of Leo Singer's Midget 'Village
after two days of . operation. Al-
though this is said to be in line for
reopening, wise ones opine that this
show wUI remain shuttered. The
Monte Carlo mystery show also has
been a poor draw. Other attrac-
tions on the Gayway have done big
biz. A fresh batch of concessions Is
springing up in empty lots through-
out the fun zone.
New Sideshows
Newcomers on the midway Include
a 160-foot crane which will give a
view of the Fair from the air. The
crane has two long arms, at the end
of each of which is a wire globe
equipped with bei.ches. A replica
of an oldtime village in Scotland is
rapidly nearing completion on a loca-
tion near the cow palace. This Is
expected to be conipleted early this
week. Also new to the section is a
theatre designed to Illustrate the
technical side of the moving picture
industry. Newsreels and short sub-
jects will be sbown and all- the
machinery used in projection will be
exposed to view behind a huge sheet
of plate glass.
The largest horse' tat the world,
weighing 3,200 pounds, is now on ex-
hibitioa. He - measures' 40 hiches
around his collar and 10 feet 2 Inches
around his middle.
Greenwich Village, a $100,000 ven-
ture backed by Harry Seber and oc-
cupying 34,000 square feet will be
ready within the week.
'Cavalcade of the Golden West'
mammoth outdoor pageant financed
by the expo company with a cast of
more than 150, has been slow in
getting started but Is expected to
build. Scaled from 55c to $1.10,
'Cavalcade' is being presented three
times daily, running approximately
an hour and a quarter. Insuiffldent
advance ballyhoo contributed to
slow start, but the pageant is now
getting good word-of -mouth pub-
licity.
Ski juinp, which cost the expo
$25,000 to build, sc^ne of several
skiing exhibitions daily, drew heav-
ily on the crowds during the first,
two days and on Washington's Birth-
day, and wound up an eight-day run
last Sunday. Top admlsh for this
was $1.65. Too many pohits of vah'.
tage from which to see the exhibi-
tions cut into attendance conslder-
erably at the 9,000-capacity sports
stadium.
The fair's department of conces-
sions is negotiating' for a thrill jump
by parachute as a special attraction.
Thirty days, according to Major
Oscar Keatings, chief of the foreign
participation division, should see all
pavilions in the foreign section open.
Fair's Palestise Exhibit
Jerusalem, Feb. 15.
Thirty thousand dollars In World
Fair exhibits represent the total out-
lay of American Jews in the' Pales-
tine Pavilion of the New York expo.
A. Elhananl, chief architect of the
pavilion and director of the exhibits,
faccompaoied by his assistant D.
Buchbinder, are supervising the
erection of the show in N. Y.
RADIO
SCREEN
STAGE
Published Weekly at 1B4 West 4Mh Street, New YorK, N. Y.. bjr Variety, Inc. Annual eubeorlptlon, 110. Slnsle coplee. 2S centa.
Entered aa oecond-olass matter December it. 1906, at the Post OKIce at New York. N. Y., undir the act ot WArch ». ijVJ.
■ COPTBICHT, IBM, BY TARIETX, INC. • Al-t, ftlGHTB BESEByED,
Vol. 133 No. 13
NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1939
64 PAGES
Half of Pittsburgh's Cafes May Fold
Due to Inability to Pay for Lcenses
Plttsl>urgh, lAay 7.
Nltery biz here Is worst In years
and present indications are that cates
will be cut more than haU after May-
1. Applications for new booze li-
censes in this district, which must
be filed within next co\jple of weeks,
are more than 50% less than they
were at same time last year.
Lot of the niterles have been un-
able to raise the $640 necessary for
new licenses. There's an additional
$120 charge if a spot has music or
entertainment.
Operators of the smaller spots are
complaining, and there's been some
talk of organization to register pro-
tests before the state legislature.
They claiAi it's not fair to charge
them, the same as the bigger places.
Frisco Niterles Rap
Sacramento, March 7.
More than 95% of Sail Francisco's
bai^s, cocktail lounges, night clubs
aiid similar establishments face
eradication under provisions of a
proposed law now pending before
the legislature.
The bill, introduced by Senator
John Phillips, provides that 'no
retail liquor license for premises
located within 1,500 feet of a pub-
lic school, parochial school, chil-
dren's playground, public library,
church or hospital shall hereafter be
Issued, renewed or transferred.'
The measure is said to have been
Introduced at the request of the Cali-
fornia Congress of Parents and
Teachers.
Umbrella Man
Paris, Feb: 2S.
The latest dance here is the
' Chamberlaine.
It's being done with an um-
brella.
FILMS TO SPACE LEGIT
AS STRAWHAT B.O. AID
Films may be used at <certain
strawhat theatres this summer as a
substitute for regular legit shows to
hypo the boxoffice on normally slack
nights. Idea was tried successfully
last season at the Playhouse, Wood-
stock, N. Y., and the thought is to
extend it this summer to numsrous
stock outfits througiiout the east.
Venture is being pushed by How-
ard. Lesser, who for the last 12 years
operated various neighborhood pic-
ture houses in Brooklyn. He tested
the plan on Monday and Tuesday
nights at the Woodstock spot last
summer and rang up a higher take
(Continued on page 61)
Helping Daddy
Marilyn Harp, 15-year old daugh-
ter of Ernie Hare, is pinch-hitting
for her dad on the Sachs furniture
store program on WMCA, N. Y., Sun-
days at 3 p.m. She is a student at
. Flushing high school. Father is
seriously ill in hospital and was to
undergo operation yesterday ■ (Tues-
day).
In taking his place, Miss Hare
keeps Intact the 20-year old partner-
ship of Jones and Hare.
Sbce B'way Cinemas
Win Derive Benefit,
Trade to Bally Fair
Several major ' circuits last week
laid plans for giving ballyhoo break
to the New York World's Fair on
their theatre screens throughout the
country. This will be done by means
of special trailers and emphasis in
newsreels controlled - by the parent
producing - distributing companies.
Result was that more-motion picture
camera crews were active in shoot-
ing the fair, grounds and buildings
from every angle than at any time
since the exposition was launched.
Decision to give special publicity
on cinema screen was made after
film executives had cross-checked
(Continued on page 61 )
CURIOUS simus
NBC Red, Particularly,
Loaded with Old Accounts
That Stick to Entertain-
ment Patterns Oddly Con-
trasting with Other Nights
on Networks
CBS' NIGHT
Network commercials as a whole
may, from year to year, show a
steady improvement in highpowered
entertainment values, but Friday
night on the NBC red (WEAF) con-
tinues to live in a world by itself..
Were it not for -the inclusion this
season of Guy Lombardo, the red's
Friday evening schedule would rate
as a museum piece of broadcasting.
Critical listeners consider this night
pretty much of a stage-wait.
What goes on over the red between
8 and 10.30 p.m. of a Friday not only
is a sharp letdown from Thursday
night's parade of sock entertainment
but a curious study in sponsor con-
(Continued on page 62)
Boston s Sedate Beacon Hill Houses
Group Devoted to 'Significant' Plays
All in the Family
There's a repertoire company
of legiiisrs playiii^ the town hall
and church basement 'circuit of
northwestern PcAnsylvahia with
a cast of 15— Mir. and Mrs.
Henry F. Meyers and their 13
children, ranging in age from
12 to 29.
Family does everything itself,
from stage carpenter to ticket
taker.
WNYC to (me Toorists
Home Town News; Tienp
With Local Newspapers
WNYC, New York City-owned
transmitter, will serve home-town
news to New York World Fair visi-
tors this summer through tieups wtlh
out-of-town newspapers. It has al-
ready been arranged with one sheet
in various cities throughout the coun-
try to wire leading local items dally.
These will be condensed into a
daily news report, with each paper
given credit It's tentatively titled
'Your Home Town News,'
Non-Commercial BBC Embarrassed
By Runaway Theatre Television
London, Feb. 28.
The popularity and success of the
recent theatre television broadcast
of the Boon-Dar.ahar prize fight has
the British Broadcasting Corp. seri-
ously embarrassed. It looks like the-
atre television may do a runaway
and BBC may not be able to recap
ture its control. Shrewd private en-
trepreneurs are out-stepping the
BBC.
As present tendencies go, BBC ap-
pears to have b?en a jump behind
the other fellows all the time, and
the visio transmitter, of the non-
commercial government radio web
stands in immediate peril of becojn-
ing merely a vassal of commercial
interests.
In a matter of days, situation has
changed so violently that monopoly
powers exercised by BBC look to
have gone completely by the board;
as far as television is concerned,
sponsored radio is in, and the broad-
casting unit has got to set about a
complete readjustment of ideas. Big
business, with its control of a heavy
bankroll, jumped in and forced the
issue; any attempt by the Govern-
ment or- BBC to stem the tide may
now result in wet feet.
Here's just how the situation got
out of hand. BBC, backed by Gov-
ernment authority, until now held
fast to its charter right of radio
monopoly. Before vlsio, they had no
serious competition; but coming of
the latter raised new problems of
theatre transmission, forcing to an
issue the question of whether broad-
casts must be held sacred for home
use only, and not for commercial ex-
ploitation. Olticial attitude re-
mained firm, although visio manu-
facturers, notably the Ostrer-financed
Baird system, and Scophony, with
which Oscar Deutsch and his back-
ers are involved, proceeded with
research for projecting programs on ,
theatre screens; both have reached a i
high degree of technical perfection.
Many Huddles
Month after month of powwows
took place last year,, involving Os-
trers with BBC. Ihe Television Ad-
visory Committee (govei-nment ap-
pointed) and the Postmaster-Gen-
eral, who is the state's overlord of
radio. And they couldn't beat out
a formula. Thealr.- side were will-
ing to cooperate all along, helping
BBC with its production side, but
latter sheltered behind obvious copy-
right and reproduction snags that
were bound to arise. Gov't stood in
the background supporting this re-
sistance, fearing a powerful propa-
ganda medium might slip out of its
grasp.
Fight Started It
Then the Ostrers were really
smart. The Boon-Danahar fight had
been built up a:; one of the biggest
events in British boxing in years;
public interest was colossal, and
BBC was desperately keen to get
television rights because it came
Tight slap in the middle of their big
publicity campaign, and could be ex-
pected tb sell more sets than any
other possible program. Ostrers,
representing both Gaumont-British
theatres and Baird, offered Syd Hulls
and John Harding, promoting the
(Continued on page 2)
Boston, March 7.
Sedate Beacon Hill Is housing a
little theatre group devoted to the
production of 'significant,' timely
In an antiquated little theatre
called The Barn, the Ford Hall
Fonim Players are now presenting
a dramatic plea for socialized .medi-
cine by Paul Slfton, Assistant Wages
and Hours Administrator, and his
wife. 'The Doctors' begin the 10th
season for this group which has in-
cubated Jeffrey I^rnn and Phillpi
Boumeuf, among others.
WUh the sponsorship of the Forum,
which is > organized on the lines,
of New York's . Town Hall, the
Players were formed in. 1B29 under
the direction of Charles Flato. Lilian
Arnold, the present director, sue- '
ceeded him the following year and
has guided the policy from the usual
amateur predilection for classic re-
vivals to plays of 'peace, labor and
general contemporary t>roblems.'
Local authors are also encouraged
to submit originals.
Members all work during the day
and meet at night The director is a
librarian, the business manager a
lawyer. Players' eventual hope Is a
permanent community theatre, play-
ing professional repertory and filling
a 'long-felt need' for Boston legit
They believe that half-baked tryouts
dumped on Boston have spured the
public, but that a serious and sin-
cere group could win support.
Hanging Hurts
A $25,000 damage suit was filed
Friday (3) in the N.Y. supreme court
by Boris Demltroff, wrestler and ac-
tor, against Universal Pictures for
personal injuries suffered while ap-
pearing in a scene for Universal
Newsreel last year.
Plaintiff claims that he was sup-
posed to be hanged in the scene,
which was shot in N.Y. As a result
Demitroff claims he suffered a neck
infection.
Vlie Horn 0$ Oumh
34 GIRLS
andONEMAN
Phil Spitalny
and His
All Girl
Orchestra
VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesday, Marcb 8, 1939
Suit Charges Loew s Execs Hurt
OwnCo.byHelpnigOrgaiiize20th
Wilmington, Del., March 7.
A conspiracy to defraud Loew's
stockholders in the organization of
20th Century-Fox Pictures is
charged in a suit filed in Chancery
by Arnold Hermann, New York,
tioew's stockholder. Exorbitant
salaries and bonuses, and granting
relatives concessions and privileges,
at too high salaries, is charged in the
complaint, which also asserts Darryl
F. Zanuck was induced to resign
froih Warners and use. his influence
to persuade George Arliss to enter
employment of the new company. .
Defendants named are: Loew's,
Inc., David Bernstein, Isadore Frey,
Leopold Friedman, William A.
Phillips, J. Robert Rubin, Nicholas
M. Schenck. David Warfleld, David
Loew, Arthur Loew, Louis B. Mayer,
Darryl F. Zanuck, Joseph M.
Schenck,. William F; Goetz, J. E.
Searle, J. R. Hazel, George N.
Armsby and William A. Parker.
In the organization of 20th-Fox
plaintiff charges the defendants, es-
pecially Nicholas Schenck . and
Mayer, with inspiring loans and pro-
viding the capital funds for a com-
pany which has become the 'strong-
est competitor' of Loew's. Alter or>
ganlzation, bill charges, the defend-
ants, loaned actor^, artists, directors,
writers, and other talent from'
Loew's to 20th for grossly Inade-
quate compensation.'
Suit asks that the defendants be
enjoined from disposing of any 20th
Stock they hold; that their stock be
sequestered to compel appearance;
that the 2Qth ptock of the defendants
be Impressed with a trust in favor
of Loew's and be decreed Loew's
property; th^t the defendants ac-
count for alleged misappropriation of
money and for loan of Loew's stars
.and other talent to Selznick, Inc.
J
m COMMnTEE
TO STUDY VISIO
In order that the picture industry
may develop a policy of cooperation
with television, when the latter
passes from experimental to com-
mercial operation, the Hays organi-
zation has named a committee, with
3. Robert Rubin, chairman, to in-
vestigate and recommend..
Hays office also has engaged
Courtland Smith; formerly head of
Pathe News and one-time secretary
of the Motion Picture Producers &
Distributors Assn, to conduct a full
survey for the committee.
Smith also was editor of Fox
Movietone and is known in the trade
as an inventor entirely familiar with
the technical phases of television. He
will conduct his survey mainly from
New York.
The Hays office made a television
survey several years ago. The pres-
ent one consequently is to inform
the picture industry oH its current
status, it anything important has de-
veloped that should be laid before
film executives and any phase of
television that may effect the film
. business.
17 VISIO UCENSES
ISSUED IN AMERICA
Washington, March 7.
There are 17 television plants cur-
rently conducting experiments in vis-
ual transmission, according to most
recant FCC check. Revision of li-
cense lists showed six more transmit-
ters in course of construction, due to
take the air in the immediate future.
List was headed by General Elec-
tric; which recently has been
awarded four construction permits
for image plants at Bridgeport,
Schenectady and Albany. RCA had
tickets for three stations, NBC and
Philco for two each. Others cata-
loged were:
CBS, Don Lee, Allen B. DuMont
Laboratories, Farnsworth Television,
Inc., First National Television, Inc.,
General Television Corp., Kansas
State College of Agriculture, Purdue
Universl^, Radio Pictures, Inc., Uni-
versity of Iowa, and Zenith Radio
Corp.
Power assi^uneiits vary widely,
from 15 watts in the case of the
PhUco plant at Philadelphia, W3XP,
to the 30 kw outlet of RCA, W3XEP,
at Camden. Including construction-
permits in existence, nine of the ex-
perimenters are using 1 kw or more
juice.
LESLIE HOWARD PROD.
TO BE BACKED BY RKO
RKO's Net '38 Profits
Placed at |173,578
The consolidated net earnings of
RKO for the year ended Dec. 31,
1938, was $173,578, as against $1,821,-
165 the year previous, according to
O. C. Doering, attorney representing
Irving Trust, «^o disclosed the fig-
ures In an application for allowances
to Federal Judge William Bondy on
Monday (6).
The judge reserved decision on the
^plication of $85,000 for Irving
Trust and $95,000 for William J.
Donovan, attorney for Irving Trust,
who are seeking ad-interlm fees for
their services covering the period
of Oct, lS37-Oct, 1938.
SAILINGS
April 15 (Los Angeles to Tahiti),
Del Lord (Haraki).
March 11 (New York to London),
George Sanders, Morris Helprin
(Queen Mary).
March 4 (West Bidiea Cruise),
Mr. and Mrs. Abel Green, Mr. and
Mrs. Arthur "Buns' Baer, Arthur
Schwartz (Champiain).
March 4 (London to New York),
Charles P. Skouras, Alfred Hitch-
cock, Eric Boon, Sid Hulls, Sir Har-
old Wernbar (Queen Mary).
March 3 (London to New York),
Eddie ''Peabody, Dorothy Buccola
(President Harding).'
March 3 (Los Angeles to Hono
lulu), Brskine Caldwell (Lurllne).
March 3 (New York to Paris),
Claire Luce, Tchelitcheff, Henry
Hector Bolitho, George White, Rene
T.,e Roy, E. L. 'Curly' Lambeau,
Count and Countess von Tripp
(Noirmandie) .
March 2 (Los Angeles to Sydney),
Jan Rubint. (Mariposa).
London, March 7,
Phil Reisman, foreign manager for
RKO, has announced that his New
York office has approved a deal
whereby his company will finance a
Leslie Howard unit here on the same
basis as Imperadio Pictures. Impe-
radio, an English producing com'
pany, is reported here to have been
entirely financed by RKO, which
will distribute at cost, the producer
getting the first coin and the dis-
tributor participating after the pro-
duction cost Is out of the way. Im-
peradio will make several features
in Great Britain annually and one
or two in Hollywood.
Anne Neagle lis set to appear in the
Initial U. S. film, and sails shortly.
First feature in England will be
"Kitchener of Khartoum,' In color,
with many Hollywood stars tised.
Imperadio was form^tTfib'tlKat Her-
bert Wilcox could continue making
fihns for RKO release. Wilcox ar-
rived here with Reisman March 3.
wB's mm
'39 LOAN PLAN
Official confirmation of a bank
loan to swing its 1939 bond exchange
plan was made by Warner Bros, yes-
terday (Tuesday) in a letter to bond-
holders. Company has finished ar-
rangements for a bank credit agree-
ment covering a secured loan in
maximum amount of $6,00O,()00, ma-
turing in varying amounts every six
months storting April 1, 1940, and
ending April 1, 1944. How much the
loan will be depiends on how many
bonds have not been exchanged
when the 6% convertible deben-
tures come due next September.
Copy of the agreement has been
filed with the Securities & Exchange
Commission,
Statement to holders of bonds
showed that $19,266,000 principal
amount of debentures have been de-
posited under the plan of exchange,
annotmced last July, certificates of
deposit having been issued in that
amount It also stated that the com-
pany has purchased in the open mar-
ket $471,000 principal amount of
these certificates to be used for sink-
ing fund purposes for the proposed
new debentures, also bearing 6%.
Company also has purchased in the'
open market $3,102,000 principal
amount of debentures, of which $1,-
700,000 have been retired and the
remaining $1,402,000 held in the
treasury for retirement in due
course.
WB's statement was that after al-
lowing for these purchases, there re-
main outstanding $25,827,000 princi-
pal amount of certificates of deposit
and debentures. Same statement eS'
timates that second quarter earnings
for the three-month period ending
Feb. 25, this year, will be in excess
of the similar quarter last year,
when they totalled $1,139,018.
Keaton's Comeback
Hollywood,. March t.
Buster Keaton is trying a come-
back as a comic in a new deal with
Columbia.
Pact calls tor a pair of two-reelers,
with options for additional shorts.
Neagl(
ARRIVALS
(At the Port of New York)
Bruno Walter, Margaret Williams,
iStcU Anderson, Ogden Nash, God-
frey Tearle, Leo Genn, Roger Max-
well,. Eve Curie, Anthony Ireland,
Laurier Lister, Patricia Godfrey,
George Cross, Karl Schnabel, Mar-
iiaret Rawlings.
Chaplin and DA May
Examine French Tohis
An application by Charles Chap
lin, Chaplin Film Corp. and United
Artists to examine the president and
secretary of Films Sonores Tobis,
S. A., before trial was granted last
week by Federal Judge Alfred C
Coxe in New York.
Chaplin and UA are being sued
for ap injunction. and an accounting
on 'Modern Times,' which Tobis
claims plagiarizes 'A Nous La
Liberte,' . French film produced by
Films Sonores Tobis.
e in Title Role Of
TWarie Lbj'd' in London
London, March 7.
First Hollywood feature to be
made by Imperadio Pictures, RKO-
EngUsh production company, will be
story of Marie Lloyd, English music
hall entertainer. Anne Neagle is set
for the femme lead, with negotia-
, tions now on for Cary Grant to cOr
star. Film will be in color.
Miss Lloyd attracted attention in
-America as early as 1007. Her songs
won her acclaim at the Palace, N. Y.,
and. elsewhere in the U. S. She
.again appeared at the Palace' in No-
- vember, 1913, six years after her act
was originally reviewed by Variety.
A sister, Alice Lloyd, is still head-
lining In English show biz.
Other News of Interest to Films
Norman Rydge, C.V.T. chief, enroute to N. Y Page 23
Threaten French curbs on U. S. films .Page 23
ASCAP vs. Radio skirmishing Page 39
Amos 'n' Andy shift to CBS .Page 41
Loew's WHN suggests NBC form 'White' network Page 41
Radio income for February Page 41
Hazy status of AFR A- Writers Guild relations Page 42
Radio reviews: Joe Cook, Gloria Dickson, Bonita Granville. ..Page 48
Hepburn's 'Philadelphia Story' record gross Page 59
Visio Prize %ht Clicks
liOndon, Feb. 28.
Boon-Danahar fight, as seen on theatre television, was a thrill, and
has got the whole film industry Intensely worried with Its Indication
of a virile new form of entertainment that may change the whole
structure of the business. Show was seen on two systems, Balrd, at
Marble Arch Pavilion, and Tatler, Scophony. at Marble Arch Mon-
seigneur. In comparison, Balrd Is easily tops for size of picture, using
a screen 15 by 12 feet as against Scophony's « by 5 feet but latter
won by a clear k.o. where clarity and brilliance was concerned.
Quality of reproduction, though, didn't matter; what counted was
that the theatres were jammed to the roofs with rabid fight fans, who
sat the battle through, yelling their heads off, just as If they were at
the ringside.
Non-Commercial Television
(Continued from page 1)
prizefight a fee of some hundreds of
pounds for permission to reproduce
the contest on their screens.
Hulls andi Harding grabbed the
dough without hesitation, promptly
told BBC If it wanted vIsio righta
It would have to pocket Its pride and
let G-B use the. broadcast. So,
rather than lose a good program,
BBC fell for it though endeavoring
to cover Itself by issuing a .ttean-
ingless Press statement the conces-
sion was not to be regarded as a
precedent If It was not that they
gave no indication of what they
thought It. might be.
Exhibitor Complicated
Even at that there might have
been further delay in crystallizing
the situation, determining how and
when public reproduction of pro-
grams might be permitted. But ex-
hibitor Jack Davis, who, If be makes
a living out of his theatres, certainly
Hays' 17th Anni
Will Hays quietly observed his
17th year as head of the Motion Pic-
ture Producers tc Distributors Assa
Sunday (5).
Hays became the first president of
the MPPDA on March 5, 1922. His
present contract runs until March,
1941.
L. A. to N. Y.
Don Ameche.-
Robert Armbruster.
Rose Bamptoii.
Binnie Barnes.
Russell Bennett
Edgar Bergen.
Pandro Berman.
Arch Bowles.
Jack Brower.
Dorothy Brown.
Arthur Bryan.
W. E. Calloway.
Henry Fiske Carle.
Diana Carlson.
Howard Chandler.
Max Cohen.
Lester Cowan.
Donald Dickson.
Sam Eckman.
Steve Hannagan.
Moss Hart
Milt Howe.
Paul Kelly.
Ruth Adams Knight.
Cal Kuhl.
Dorothy Lamour.
Laudy Lawrence.
Abe Lastfogel.
Arthur Loew.
Dick Mack.
Clem McCarthy.
Laurence Olivier.
Sam Rinzler.
Flora Robson.
Wynn Rocamora.
James Roosevelt
Richard Rosson.
WUliam A. Scully.
J. J. Sullivan.
Joe Seider.
Jack Skirball.
Homer Tasker.
Olcott Vail.
Anthony 'Veiller.
Roy Webb.
George White.
Jock "Whitney.
N. Y. to L. A.
Neil F. Agnew.
Barney Balaban.
William A. Brady.
Trem Carr.
Bob Colwell.
Scott R. Dunlap.
Grace George.
Sonja Henie.
Sidney Howard.
Jack Kapp.- .
S. R. Kent
Bert Lahr.
Elliot Nugent
William F. Rodgers.
Louis Schurr.
doesn't command the resources be-
hind G-B, threw a chestnut in the
fire by demanding similar facilities
for a new translux type of cinema he
was just opening, and which he had
had fitted with a Scophony big
screen a'ppiaratus. And the BBC
turned him downl They said they
had no power to grant him permis-
sion, because they understood Hulls
and Harding had sold exclusive'
rights to Gaumont
Davis let oiit a yell, Immedtately
charged BBC with abetting a com-
mercial monopoly by allowing state-
owned services to' b« exploited by
G.-B., and threatened to carry the
matter to Parliament At ibe same
time he so pestered Syd Hulls that
eventually latter accepted a price so
that Davis could use the broadcast
too. Funny end of- the situation is,
both Davis and G.-B. get publicity
worth many times the- cost Syd
Hulls geta a nice rake-off, but BBC
gets not a sausagel
Moreover, in a. letter to Jack Davia
over signature of Ita television dir
rector, Gerald Cock, BBC had
opened the dopr wider by revealing
it was ready to consider further pub-
lic broadcasts on stated conditions.
These were that only remote broad-
casts, such as those of sporting
eventa, would be eligible, and that
permission of the promoters must
naturally first be got This offers the
theatres a wide range of valuable
screen material, such as Interna-
tional football games, athletic events,
the Derby, Oxford and Cambridge
boatrace, fights. Ice hockey contests
and so on.
So theatre television Is in. Both
Gaumont-Britlsh and Jack Davis are
ready to jump in with installations
at more theatres. G.-B. ready to put
Balrd units In 20 or 30 London cine-
mas, Dav4s playing ball with Sco-
phony, who could service 10 houses
for hhn in a short time. Scophony,
too, must eventually go into the
Odeon theatres, but at this time It
lags slightly behind Baird with its
big screen equipment and ita larg-
est practicable size is about 8 ft,
which is suitable for a small ca-
pacity news theatre, but useless for
the 2,000 seat Odeons. Company is
near ready with a 16 ft screen sys-
tem, but meanwhile Baird has the
more practicable job, which gives an
image up to 15 ft in dimension.
Until the bigger job is complete,
Deutsch and Scophony obviously
will willingly tag along with Jack
Davis, which means when future
events are televized threata of a
price war are already brewing. That
means G-B. vs. Odeon, and when
John Maxwell, brings his Associated
British chain into, the fray, ' possibly
by linking with another major radio
concern like E.M.I.-Marconi, who
have, dickered with big screen stuff,
there'U be fun and games for all.
Meantime, exhibitors are already
seeing the red light The fact all
three theatres relaying the . fight had
the S.R.O. boards well in evidence—
with a $5 top at that— pointa to a
big market for this form of enter-
tainment, and that means the whole
face of the industry might change
overnight. London exhibs, natural-
ly, have' got the jitters worst be-
cause the developmenta ' threaten
them directly at this time, and their
section of Cinematograph Exhibitors
Ass'n is already demanding the par-
ent, body set up and maintain a live
committee to wateh every step taken
by visio and protect them against
its onslaughta.
Newsreels, like\yise, are on some-
what of a spot, and their first re-
action was to boycott the event com-
pletely. But because that might look
like cutting off their nose to spite
their face, G.-B. decided to. combine
the righta for which they, had paid,
and put the show on their reel as
well, at the same time handing prjnts
over to Universal News, which is its
stable companion. Other reels were
offered footage, but failed to reach
agreement on terms.
Wednesday, Marcli 8, 1939
PICTURES
VARIETY
FEWER FILMS IN
20th's Studio Expansion Up at Coast
Huddles; Skouras Chiefs Go East
Hollywood, March 7.
Sidney Kent is resting at Joseph
Schenck's desert retreat prior to the
20th-Fox sales session later in the
week. Also here for the product
huddles are Herman Wobber and
Les Whelan, director ot foreign pub-
licity.
Parleys with Schenck, Darryl
Zanuck and William Goetz are ex-
' i>ected to last two weeks, with the
program formulated for the sales
meet in Chicago March 30. Studio
eiipansion will also be discussed dur-
ing Kent's stay.
Skdaras Chiefs East'
Arch Bowles, acting head of the
Fsx-West Coast circuit, leads that
BiU Bpi> division chiefs east to meet
Charles Skouras on his return from
two-month trip abroad.
joining Bowles eh route will be
Frank Ricketson, of Denver, Elmer
Bhoden, of Kansas City, and H. J.
Fitzgerald, of Milwauk' Si They will
report on circuit activities and mull
product buys for New season.
' -New York session may last two
weeks, after which Skouras and
Bowles return to the Coast
MORROS' DEAL
FOR FRENCH
PK SET
Boris Morros, former Paramount
producer, has closed a joint produc-
tion and distribution deal with Leon
Siritzky, French picture producer,
for the release of seven French pic-
tures In the U. S. Morros also ar-
ranged for acquisition of American
remake rights on two completed and
four uncompleted French produc-
tions.
Pictures involved in deal include
liC Roi S'Amuse' (The King Amuses
Himself), an Emil Natan production
which has just finished a 15-week
run in London; 'Quai de Brumes'
("Port of Shadows'), a Gregory
Rabinovitch production; 'Hotel du
Nord,' a Lucashevitsch production
with Annabella and Louis Jouvet.
These three, Morros considers the
outstanding pictures among the 34
films he screened in Paris and Lon-
don.
Morros is also dickering with
Metro for its rights to the James M.
Cain story, 'The Postman Always
Rings Twice.* Picture, was never
produced here, due to ban of the
Hays organization, but has been
made into a French film by Smadja.
If censorship angles can be cleared
up, Morros will import the film for
this country.
Two American companies, one a
producing and the other distributing,
are now being formed here' and a
.Marivaux theatre will be opened in
New York as an outlet for pictures
Morros is bringing; over. from France.
Morros will Open N. Y. headquar-
ters before returning to the Coast the
end of the month. Office will be in
charge of Samy Siritzky, who ar-
rives from Europe Thursday (9).
A Big, Wide Boo
Hollywood, ^rch 7.
'Spook House,' a ghost comedy, is
Joe E. Brown's first starrer under
his recently signed contract with
Columbia.'
Bryan Marlow is . adapting the
play from a story by Robert Flouroy.
Chllnp Suit Settled
Los Angeles, March 7.
Suit for $76,050 over the death of
Jiggs, chimpanzee, against Par-
amount, was settled out of court.
Jacqueline Gentry, owner of Jig'gs,
claimed her chimp died of pneu-
monia brought on by • work during
inclement weather at early morning
hours on Paramount locations.
Einf eld Stays East Until
WB CoDTentiofl Finale
Charles Einfeld, Warner Bros. v.p.
in charge of publicity-advertising, is
expected to remain In New York
until the end of the annual sales
convention, March 16-17.
He came east two weeks ago to
supervise the handling of 'Yes, My
Darling Daughter' wnen it came up
before the State Board of Regents.
BRISKIN'S COL
STOCK DEAL
NOW COLD
Washington, March 7.
Anticipated public sale of Colum-
bia Pictures stock promised by Sam
J. Briskin, v.-p. of Columbia, was
called off last week when the studio
withdrew a petition for Securities
& Exchange Commission approval of
registration statement covering an-
other 37,500 shares of no-par com-
mon and equal number of voting
trust certificates. After having be-
come automatically effective through
failure to file another in the series
of postponements, the statement was
taken back Wednesday (1). Orig-
inally docketed Oct. 26, 1938, with
the last stopper submitted Feb. 7.
Batch of paper inclHded 25,625
shares reserved for Briskin under an
option allowing him to buy at $13.56
and sell at the market level. Re-
maining 11,875 shares were to be !<;-
sued in the event the total outstand-
ing tickets were increased, since
Briskin's bargain agreement allowed
a further option if this state of af-
fairs developed.
Stock would not have been handed
over, in actuality, since v.t.c.'s were
to have been issued simultaneously.
CONS. FILM STRESSES
REPUBLIC'S BIZ GAINS
Healtliy pickup in the business of
Republic Pictures during the past
year, when James Grainger was
president and in charge of sales, was
stressed by Consolidated Film In-
dustries, Inc.. in its annual statement
for 193B, mailed to stockholders last
week. Gross income of Republic
rose nearly $1,100,000, while con-
tracts signed for the showing of Re-
public pictures increased 28V4%, or
$1,987,093.
Consolidated has a heavy invest-
ment in Republic. Report also
showed that Consolidated is oiit of
the record business as a result of the
sale for $690,100 of American Record
Co. holdings to Columbia Broadcast-
ing System.
New earnings of Consolidated
totalled $616,696,. after all charges,
as against net of $605,755 in 1937.
Earnings for past year were equal to
$1.54 per preferred share as com-
pared with $1.51 in the preceding
year. Company paid $1 per pre-
ferred share in dividends during
1938.
Consolidated earned surplus of
Consolidated Film as of Dec. 31,
1938, amounted to $3,584,199.
Inventor Sues UA Over
Patents on Fog Effects
Los Angeles, March 7.
Howard H. Batt has filed suit
against United Artists, charging in-
fringement of his patent for produc-
ing fog and smoke effects in pictures.
The Federal action demands a
permanent 'injunction and an ac-
counting to determine damages.
1ST TO
CUT SCHEDULES
Some of the Other Majors
May Follow — Unsettled
Foreign Situation, Thea-
tre Divorcement, Ten-
dency Toward More Im-
portation, Scare Factors in
Holding Down U. S. Pro-
duction
ENGLAND BECKONS
The likelihood is strong that the
nationally-organized producing-dis-
tributing companies will schedule
fewer features for the 1939-40 sea-
son than for this year due to un-
settled foreign situation, the con-
cern oyer chain divorcement, which
would upset the domestic market,
and the tendency toward importation
of more product from the other side.
Also, the American companies may
turn more importantly to the pro-
duction of their own pictures in
England.
During the past year, Metro and-
Paramount have joined Warner
Bros, and Twentieth-Fox in produc-
ing their own films on English soil.
Understood 20th will increase Us
schedule in England for 39-40, spend-
ing about $5,000,000 over there.
Monogram discussed a plan to pro-
duce a half dozen or so in London
during the coming - year, but has
tabled the thought for the time be-
ing. W. Ray Johnston, president, is
going across in the spring, at which
time the matter will be further dis-
cussed, he states.
For this season (1938-39), the 11
nationally setup producers, including
Grand National, scheduled a total of
577 pictures. GN scheduled 68, but
due to difficulties it is doubtful
whether this company will be able to
deliver and also very uncertain what
its 1939-40 plans may be.
10 Cos.' 509 Features
The other 10 companies, Cplumbia,
Metro, Monogram, Parainourit, RKO,
Republic, 20th-Fpx, United Artists,
Universal and Warner Bros, sched-
uled a total of 509 features for the
current season. Indications for 39-40
are that the total for these companies
will run somewhere under 500 and
possibly as low as 475. This decrease
in the total for the big 10 is likely
in spite of the fact that Monogram,
which finally came . out of the red
last fall, is increasing its list by 12
pictures.
In addition to Warner Bros., which
plans 48 for the coming season as
against 52 this year, and 48 for RKO
as against 54 this year, some of the
other majors may cut their schedules
due to conditions, which, for five of
them, include the danger of losing
their theatres. These companies are
Paramount, Twentieth, RKO, Metro
and Warner Bros. Paramount, with
around 1,700 theatres, depends very
importantly on its own houses and
may not feel inclined to maintain the
same large program of features as
in the past. This company, as well
as others, depends not only on its
own chain but on the theatres of the
others as film outlets.
Par this season (38-39) scheduled
59 pictures, while 20th-Fox is deliv-
ering' 55 and RKO 54. Republic in-
creased its program for the 38-39
semester to 59 and, as rigged, may
schedule a like number for the com-
ing season. Columbia went to 56
last year. This company, always late
in lining up its new program, may
be among those reducing.
VA's Possible Reduction
UA is also a question due to the
fuss Sam Goldwyn is having with
the company. Should he withdraw
following the suit which he filed for
that purpose last week, his walk
would mean the loss of around six
pictures which he schedules each
year.
The only official announcements
of 39-40 . programs so far made are
those of Monogram and WB, with
54 and 48, respectively. WB has a
(Continued on page 01)
Goldwyn s Suit Vs. UA Brings
Quick Reply from Silverstone;
Control of Co. Appears Issue
Bondholder's Suit Vs.
Par Now Definitely Cold
The Appellate Division of the New
York supreme court Friday (3)
unanimously affirmed a four-year-
old decision, by Supreme Court Jus-
tice Salvatore A. Cotillo, and dis-
rnissed a. suit' brought by Robert S.
Levy, holder of $5,000 of Paramount
bonds, against Paramount Publix
Corp., the Chase National Bank of
N. Y., CBS, William S. Paley, 24
officers and directors of .Paramount,
and eight N. Y. banks. \
Suit charged , misconduct and con-
nivance between the directors, the
banks and CBS and sought to re-
cover damages the bondholders al-
legedly suffered.
PAR-RKO TIEUP
OBJEQED TO
BYSTIRN
John S. Stover, as attorney for
Ernest W. Stirn of Milwaukee, RKO
Class. A stockholder, has filed addi-
tional objections to the confirmation
of the RKO plan pf reorganization
in the N. Y. federal cpurt. Stover
repeated his former , accusations that
the plan had not been approved by
two-thirds of the creditors, or a ma-
jority of the stockholders, and
charges that the plan makes no pro-
vision for a normal consumption,
after confirmation. Stover claims
that 30 days should be the time
allowed to elapse. Or, In lieu ~ of
this, it is suggested that Atlas Corp.
give security in the amount of
$1,500,000 towards its agreement to
secure an underwriter for the new
b-tnds.
He charges bad Tjith on the part
of Atlas in failing to include this
$1,500,000 in its deficit column in the
annual report of the corporation, and
hints that it means Atlas will never
go through with its promise of im-
derwriting, .
He objects to Floyd B. Odium, N.
Peter Rathvon, Conde Nast and
Frederick Ehrman on the board of
directors, because they represent the
Atlas-Lehman Bros, interests, who
have representation on the Para-
mount board. This, he claims, is in
violation of the U. S. monopoly suit
against the major companies pend-
ing in the N. Y. federal court now.
BOB GULHAM MAY GO
INTO PAR PROD. DEPT.
Bob Gillham, adverti.'^ing-publicity
chief of Paramount, at present Qn
the Coast, may go into production in
an executive capacity as yet not
worked out. He is said to have long
been interested in entering that
branch of Par activity. Post may
be assistant to Y. Frank Freeman.
While west, the home office de-
partment which Gillham has headed
for several years is in charge of
Alec Moss and Al Wilkic, former
over advertising-cxploitation-press
books, latter over all publicity mat-
ters. . .
An action for a declaratory .Judg-
ment, naming the • United Artists
Corporation as defendant, was com-
menced last week, March 1, by Sam- .
uel Goldwyn and Samuel Goldwso), •
Inc. Summons and complaint wer6
served on Edward C. Raftery, secre-
tary of the UA corporation, and
legal counsel also.
Coast producer's law suit came ° -
with startling swiftness on the heels
of rumors emanating from the Coast
ever since stockholders of the com- '
pany held their annual meeting in
January. These rumors, according °
to statements now made public, were
to the' effect that Goldwyn had ,
sought a greater control of United °'
Artists and was seeking absolute
domination of its affairs.
Serving of legal papers brought
an immediate response from UA
the following day ("). On behalf of
the defendant company and four of
its five owners, Mary Plckford,
Douglas Fairbanks, Charles Chaplin
and Alexander Korda, general man-
ager Murray Silverstone stated:
Sllverstone's Statement
'Mr. Golawyn has brought an ac-
tion against us, asking the Court to
cancel his present exclusive contract ' .
and to reinstate his previous non-ex-
clusive contract.
'Goldwyn . bases his clajm upon.'
three grounds: First, iia' -we have,
breached our contract with him by '
consenting to the formation by ' •
Kor4a.'and Fairbanks of separate
prod.ucing companiies \o facilitate
production of pictures by them for
release through us. Goldwyn claims
that this consent, given to two of our
stockholders, constitutes a breach of
his contract, since such consent was
given over his objection.
'The second ground is that under
Korda's contract with our company,
he must render his services exclu-
sively to us. Goldwyn claims that
Korda has become Interested la
other pictures in England, with our
acquiescense, and that this consti-
tutes a breach of Goldwyn's con-
tract.
'The third ground is the claim of
Goldwyn that UA permitted Korda
(Continued on page 4)
Warner to Sales Meet
Hollywood, March 7.
J. L. Warner and Hal Wallis will
attend Warners sales convention in
New York March 13-14.
W. E. Calloway and N. H. Brower,
Coast distrib heads/ also go along.
Trade Mark RcfflaMred
FOUNDED BY SIME SILVERMAN
PobllHlieil WmkiT Iit TARIKTX. Ioc.
Hia Sllvorinan, rresldant
nt Weat itlh Street, Now. Tork City
SUBSCRIPTION
Annual 110 Forelso Ill
Single Coplea 2C Centa
Vol. 133
120
No. 13
INDEX
Advance Production Chart, 29
Bills 55
Chatter 61
Concert 68
Dance Bands 49-50
Exploitation 8
15 Years' Ago. . . . . 52
Film Reviews 18
Forum 63'
House Reviews 26-27
Inside— Legit .56
Inside — Radio , . . ; 44
International News 23
Joe'Laurie 6
Legitimate 56-59
Literati 60
Music ..49-50
New Acts 52
Night Clubs .....51-54
Obituary 62
Outdoors 63
Pictures 2-38
:iadio 39-48
Radio Reviews _
Radio— International "47
Unit Review 52
Vaudeville 61-54
VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesaaj, March 8, 1939
lATSE Putting Pressure on Distribs
To Boycott Non-Union Theatres
In a move wliich is interpreted in
the trade as placing unprecedented
pressure on producer-distributors,
their studios and the theatres they
control, the International Alliance of
Theatrical Stage Employees is at-
tempting to get distributors to can-
cel all film service to certain non-
union exhibitors which the lATSE,
or its afliliated unions, are trying to
organize.
Pending conferences, first of which
was held yesterday (Tuesday) after-
noon, it is not known in film circles
just how far the lATSE may go in
its campaign to force the unioniza-
tion of theatre circuits, or individual
exhibs, which have refused to fall in
line. For some time certain indie
chains in the east, notably in the
Greater New York area, have stead-
fastly sUyed out of the lATSE.
Through Local 306, N. Y., Moying
Picture Machine'Operators, alTiliated
with the lATSE, efforts have been
made to oust a rival indie union.
Empire Operators, from A. H.
Schwartz Century and Springer-
Cocalis hou.ses. Various of these
theatres are still being picketed by
306.
Home ofTices of producer-distribu-
tors were reported to have been
thrown into somewhat of a panic
Monday (6) when telegrams came
in which sought their cooperation
toward unionization of houses and
circuits which have continually re-
sisted negotiations looking to em-
ployment of lATSE members. Meet-
ing to discuss the situation was held
yesterday afternoon (Tuesday), but
not known that any decisions were
reached.
Question which arises out of the
unique lATSE move is what the
lATSE or its aflilated unions, in-
cluding operators and stagehands,
as well as possibly lATSE men in
the studios, will be asked to do in
the event distributors should not re-
fuse film service to non-union the-
atres. The exhibitors, regardless of
•whether they recognize the lATSE
or not, have contracts with the dis-
tributors, but these theatres, how-
ever, are playing union-made film.
That angle may figure In the pres-
ent alarming situation.
COL/S PRE-CONVENSH
SALES POWWOW IN N.Y.
lindy's Late'
J3y BILL HALLIOAN
Abe Montague, Columbia Pictures
sales- head, called all his divisional
sales managers into home office con-
ference last Thursday ■ find Friday
.(2-3) for the purpose of discussing
selling problems of the '39-40 season
lineup. Plan in calling men in, be-
fore going into general convention,
followed the same proceedure set by
20th-Fox recently, yiocessitated by
unusual number of^ expensive 'A'
productions planned.'
Columbia this year will spend from
f-.J.OOO.OOO to So.OOO.OOO over and
above its ordinary budget require-
incnis. in the production of "A' pic-
tures. Pvcper sales handling of this
t\pe oi proSucl requires a. different
?.iies appr«ieh tlian that heretofore
ak\p!:ed lo a preponderant quantity
; f Bs.
C>>luiDbia's British contingent was
c&lkd together by Joe Friedman and
Ma:: lliorpe for a three-day con-
clave ia London starting Miurch '4.
PAR HITS PEAK;
STEAM UP 0N8
Hollywood, March:7.
Paramount hits its spring produc-
tion peak this month with eight new
pictures due to roll and three al-
ready in work.
Newcomers on the schedule are
*Mr. and Mrs. Bulldog Drummond,'
•Million Dollar Legs,' 'North of Sing-
apore,' 'Us Americans,' 'Air Raid,'
•What a Life,' 'The Ster Maker' and
•Happy Ending.'
Currently, in work are 'Great
Enemy,' 'Gracie Allen Murder Case'
find 'The Magnificent Fraud.'
Chapiin Pic Stali«d
Hollywood, March 7.
David O. Selznick's loan of Paul-
ette Goddard to Paramount for "The
Cat and the Canary' indicates
further delay in the start of the
Charles Chaplin picture, "The Dic-
tators.'
Announced to play opposite Chap-
lin in his comedy. Miss Goddard will
be kept busy on the Paramount lot
until late in April. 'Dictators' was
supposed to roll this month
PAR, 20Ta M-G
EXECS WEST
ON SALES
Neil F. Agnew, Par distribution
chief tais, heads west with Barney
Balaban to discuss product setup for
the 1939-40 season, probably shoving
off by the end of next week. Pending
huddles on the Coast with Y. Frank
Freeman, William Le Baron and
others, no sales convention plans
have been tentatively set up. Com-
pany held regionals last year.
S. R. Kent, who will be met on
Coast by Herman Wobber, now in
Miami, left Friday (3). A produc-
tion meeting at the 20th-Fox studio
is set for March. 16, t>reiiminary to
the Chicago sales convcntioii of the
company March 30.
On the same train west with Kent,
WiUiam F. Rodgers is going out also
for production conferences. He will
stop off at Chicago on the return
trip to conduct the Metro sales meet-
ing there March 10.
PAR'S UFE' CREATES
SWITCHES IN PLAY
U's Cfommersh Pix
Hollywood, March 7.
Universal is making commercial
films, with two three-reelers already
completed for the Denver & Rio
Grande R.R.. while another for Sea-
board Airline is slated to roll this
week.
tTnderstandjng is that films will be
shown only at business gatherings
and not used in regular theatre bills.
Production of the film version of
'What a Life' by Paramount is neces-
sitating various adjustments to two
Broadway legit , shows and to the
Kate Smith radio program. Clifford
Goldsmith, author of the play, went
to the Coast last week .to work on
the screen adaptation on a one-pic-
ture deal.
Betty Field, who created the part
of the schoolgirl heroine in the play
currently at thf Mansfield, N. Y., and
who subsequently withdrew to go
into George Abbotts' other produC'
tion, .'Primrose Path,' at the Bilt
more,'N. Y., leaves the latter play
this week to repeat her 'Life' role
in the Paramount film. She is being
replaced in Trimrose' by Mary
Mason. Vaughn Glazer likewise
leaves 'Life' this week to do his
high school principal charactei'lza-
tion in the picture, being replaced
by Fleming Ward, of the same cast.
Latter's sub has not been selected.
James Corner, originally in the
Goldsmith play but who since left
the cast, will also be in the film.
Swansdown radio program has re
newed its option on the 'Henry AU-
drich' series for another 13 weeks
beginning in April, picking up Ezra
Stone's ticket for the title part,
Betty Field's part will be written
out, at least during her stay on the
Coast
Cooper's 'Sew Contract
Hollywood, March 7.
. Samuel Goldwyn handed Gary
Cooper another term contract
Coopeir'i» next Goldwyn picture is
The Real Gloi^,' an outdoor yarn
about the conquest of the Phillp-
Bnrns' 3 R's
Hollywood, March 7,
Jack Yellen is scripting the. 'Amer-
ican School Teacher' as a Bob Burns
starrer at RKO.
Studio is also readying 'Salute to
Hate' for Cliff Reid production.
They sat around the table punch-
ing the bag and tirinking coffee. . .
Two Tin Pan Alley alimony-payers
and a kibitzer. It was 3:30 in the
morning, and a waiter stood off at a
disinncc and eyed them with evident
distaste. He wished they would go
homo. His feet hurt him.
'Bi-ing me another cup of Java,'
said one of the trio. 'I ought to be
home in bed,' ho concluded aimlessly.
'You're telling me,' thought the
waiter as he nvoved away.
•The . trouble with, the ASCAP.'
the kibitzer cut in, 'is that it is full
of polities.*
'Maybe you're right at that," said
one of the writers.
•I wrote three hot tunes last year,
and what did it get me?. Magnolia,
they ain't no dough in sheet music
any more, and the mechanicals pay
ollt in the dark.' He borrowed a
cigaret from the other writer. 'Last
year I gave away $2(j0 worth of
cigars to swing band leaders for
xinas. One of them tried to shove
one b.tck at me this afternoon.'
'Them muggs are riding the crest
of the wave,' said the other writer.
He was a tired-looking thin man
with a bass voice. When tie spoke,
you looked at him twice to be sure
where the sound was coming from.
The waiter put the coffee on the
table and added 10c for the check.
'Ten grand is a lot of cabbage for
a swing band, even, if they don't get
it. ..But I know a certain party who
saw the contract.'
The waiter looked at him without
interest 'Who gets that kind of
n^oney,' he inquired listlessly.
'That clarinet player from south
of the Smith & Weston line,' said
the songwriter, naming the ' swing
king,
That's a lot of dime tips, ain't it?'
kidded the kibitzer.
'I just got one from the lad you
are talking about,' said the waiter.
'He's sitting back there in a booth
with a gal. I think she sings with
his band, because I heard them talk-
ing about a number she wanted to
do. He said it was ' dated. ' What's
that mean?'
'It's old timey,' said the lad with
the bass voice. .
'Well, he promised to let her sing
it, anyway,' said the waiter. 'He
said he would hop it up.'
'What's the name of the song,' the
coffee drinker asked. The waiter
told him the name of a number that
had been famous from coast to coast
25 years ago.
'Gee, that was a smash hit,' said
the kibitzer.
The waiter moved silently away.
'I wish I had never written it,' he
thought, as he went into the kitchen.
Meet Bulldog's Missus
_ Hoilywood,.cM8rfih_3...
'Mr. and Mrs. Bulldog Drummond,'
currently at work at Paramount, is
the eighth and last of the series to
be made on the home lot.
Plan is to shift production to the
Par studios in England, with an all-
British cast working with co-opera-
tion of Scotland Yard.
Stndio Contracts
Goldtvyn^s Suit Vs. XJA
(Continued from page 3)
Hollywoodi March 7.
Twentieth-Fox signed James Ed-
ward Grant, writer.
RKO extended Leo McCarey's pro-
ducer-director deal for two years.
Robert Thoeren inked writer pact
at Metro.
Warners handed player contract to
Julie Stevens.
Universal, renewed William Lun-
dagan's player ticket.
Metro hoisted Sam Moore's scrlp-
ter option.
Warners handed Harold McCord
new pact' as head of studio editing
department
Eddie Moran inked Writer deal at
20th-Fox.
Metro renewed Noel Langiey's
scriptcr ticket.
.Max Stciner signed another com-
poser pact at Warners.
Warners hoisted Stanley Fields'
option.
David Niven handed nev/ contract
by Samuel Goldwyn.
RKO picked up Jane Woodworth's
player option.
20th-Fox renewed Darrell .Ware's
writer pact for one year.
Edward Small filed minor's con-
tract with Diana Lewis.
Universal asked court permission
to lift options on Harris Berger, Hally
Chester, Charles Duncan and David
Gorcey, minors.
to dispose of certain of' his pictures
in war-stricken Spain directly, in-
stead of lhrou.<;h our company,
■'There is.no foundation whatso-
ever in any of Goldwyn's coriten-
tions.
"At the last meeting of our stock-
holders, he demanded a voting trust
of which he or his designee would
be the sole trustee, thereby giving
him control of the company. The
other stockholders of the company
considered this demand ridiculous
and unanimously turned down Gold-
wyn's proposal.
'The stockholders thereupon . of- .
fere'd to cancel Goldwyn's contract
and to release him from all further
obligations thereunder, if he would
turn back to the company his stock
interest therein for which he had
made no monetary payment. This
proposal Goldwyn t irned down.
'In the opinion of the company
the suit has no merit wha'tsoever
and will be vigorously resisted. The
suit will not have the slightest effect
on the company , or its operations, or
on the impojrtant progi-am of pic-
tures which it is now releasing, and
^yill release In ' the coming 1939-40
s- .ison.
'The company will adhere to its
established, policy of keeping its
doors ;Wide open to all producers of
merit 'whose pictures will be given
the same effort and -opportunity as
given to its present producers. Such
pictures will be distributed on the
merit plan of distribution now in
effect'
Goldwyn's Side
. Goldwyn's dispute centers on the
following principal allegations, as
listed in his formal complaint served
on the company:
1. Opposes right of the com-
pany's stockholders and the board
of directors, who voted 4 to 1
against Goldwyn to authorize and
permit Alexander Korda and the
liondoh Film Productions, Ltd., to
become associated with others in
a new English corporation known
as Omnia Films, Ltd., now pur-
portedly engaged in distributing
pictures, in which Korda is said
to be interested in certain foreign
territories.
2. Opposes right of UA. to au-
thorize and permit Korda and Lon-
don Film Prods., Ltd.* to become
associated with others in an Eng-
lish corporation known as Hare-
field Prods., Ltd., now said to be
producing and distributing pictures
which have not and will not be
delivered to UA.
3. Opposes right of the UA Corp.
to enter into an agreement to dis-
tribute pictures to be made by
Douglas Fairbanks through a new
—corporation, Fairbanks Interna-
tional Pictures.
4. Opposes adoption and ratifi-
cation by the UA board of direc-
tors of the so-called Silverstone
plan of refunds to UA producers,
only insofar as 'outside' activities
of Fairbanks and Korda disqualify-
them from benefits of the plan.
5. Opposes rnodification of the-
'favored-nation' clause in contracts
of the UA partners, which would
permit special distribution terms
on pictures UA producers would
make, but not intended for distri-
bution in this country.
Says Contract Breached
By reason of these acts, Goldwyn
feels United Artists has breached his
contract and has permitted Fair-
banks and Korda to breach their
contracts with the company.
He asks the courts (New York
County) to establish his rights under
his original and modified contracts
with UA; seeks further relief,
whether declaratory, injunctive, co-
ercive or consequential; right to
terminate his agreement of 1936 (10-
year agreement to exclusively de-
liver pictures until Sept. 2, 1945); and
previous rights and privileges under
his 1925 and 1927 contracts be con-
tinued in full force and effect, except
as modified by the July,. 1936, agree-
ment on 1*ie production of pictures
only for UA.
Goldwyn spokesmen emphatically
deny that the producer is - out to
dominate the company. Instead, he
wants to eliminate an unfair and un-
balanced .partnership situation in
UA whereby some of the inactive
partners have failed to consistently
deliver product.
He Is also said to have shown no
desire for control of UA when he
suggested the formation, of a Voting
Trust setup of three trustees, having
offered to withdraw as a director
and trustee, in favor of leaving de-
ciding vote to' a third trustee, not of
his exclusive choosing.
He may be hitting - at the ac-
tion of Douglas Fairbanks in form-
ing the Fairbanks International Pic-
tures Co. recently, with reported
financing being- done by Sir' Adrfan
Baillie, British capitalist, unknown
Swiss copitalists and possibly John
Hay Whitney and David Sclznick.
Reports from the Coast are that
Goldwyn feels that Fairbanks, Pickr
ford and Chaplin have been too in-
active in the' productibii of pictures
for UA release- arid- Goldwyn is
therefore entitled to a greater meas-
ure of control of the corporation's
policies. Fairbanks is reported hav- -
ing coinmented on Goldwyn's actioh,
stating he was sorry to learn Gold-
wyn was suing to cancel his distri-
buVjon contract and thut the real
trouble seems to he that Goldwyn
'apparently wants to run the entire
business.'
As to Goldwyn's complaint again.st
Korda, the latter has often publicly
stated that he had not formed any
outside producing coiripanies (other
than London Films) and ..would not .
produce or distribute pictures for, or
through, any other medium than
UA, as prohibited by his contract as
a UA partner.
Partners' Stock Holdinga
The five UA partners each hold •
4,000 shares of cofnmoh. This is a
new stock issue, as differentiated
from the original blocks of preferred
and common issued when the corpo-
ration was formed. More stock was
distributed in 182St2G.
Goldwyn In 1926 held 1,000 shares
of preferred, for which he paid $100,- '
000. This preferred was later re- .
deemed and repaid by the company.
Goldwyn also had another block of
1,000 shares of common, awarded '
him for completion and delivery of
pictures his contract called for. - -
His represerilaives emphatically
deny that any offer wds made by the
corporation to Goldwyn at the Jan-
uary stockholders' meeting to turn
his present stock back to the com-
pany if he was dissatisfied With the
conduct of its affairs.
As to allegations that the stock he
holds did not cost him anything,
spokesmen say this is -incorrect. The
common stock unit, said to represent
a $2,600,000 value each, was ° not
tendered the partners as a bonus, but
rather as a just return on their in-
vestments and - contributions.
Goldwyn offices here are not fully
informed as to Goldwyn's intentions
to deliver balance of three pictures
for remainder of this season. They
doubt if Goldwyn has committed
himself one way or the other in this
regard, but feel certain that 'Wuth-
ering Heights' will be delivered. 'Oe-
cision on the other two will no doubt
be decided by outcome of Goldwyn's
suit. - — -,
As to the Harefield Prods., Ltd., it
is understood that this company was
formed to produce Columbia Pic-
tures British quota pictures at Den-
ham Studios by Korda's associate,
Irving Asher. Columbia executives
are in the dark as to who controls
Harefield.
Omnia Films, Ltd., is a continental
distributing company. According to
Goldwyn's complaint, London Film
Prods., Ltd., has a financial interest
in Omnia, contrary to Korda's con-
tract with UA, which does not permit
Korda to have any distributing or
producing interests outside of UA.
Silverstone Also ConciUatory
Close study of Silverstone's an-
swer to Goldwyn conveys the im-
pression that while it. is a vigorous
defense of the company's, procedure
to date, and of its rights, the intent
is in reality conciliatory and de-
signed to pacify internal conflict that
militates against its policy of keep-
ing doors wide open to all producers
of merit.
S.ilverstone's attempt to mollify
Goldwyn seems to have had the
other affect, however, according to .
informants in United Artist To the
contrary, Goldwyn is reported
'biirned up' at SUverstone's revela-
tions of what went on at the Janu-
ary stockholders' meetings.
All attempts to elicit a statement
from responsible Goldwyn' officials,
or from his counsel, as to how Gold-
wyn views UA's answer, have met
with failure. Matter is passed right
back to Goldwyn, as far as any dis- '
cussion of the suit- is concerned.
No official answer to Goldwyn's
suit has been filed by U.A. to date.
Routine board meeting was held
yesterday (Tuesday),
Silverstone, who is scheduled to
sail Friday (10) for England, will
very likely postpone his departure
indefinitely. /
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
PIGTURCd
VARIETY
DIREaORS' 3-YEAR DEALS
Goldwyn Shelves Air-Crash Yam
When Government AppUes Pressure
Hollywood, March 7.
Yielding purportedly to Govern-
ment pressure, Sam Goldwyn
dropped his plans to film 'Thirteen
Go Flying,' based on the recent crash
of the English amphibian, Cavalier,
on service to Bermuda.
It's claimed the picture would be
damaging to aviation progress in this
country.
BrouKht In J. Boosevelt
Washington, March 7.
Quiet application of Federal pres-
sure followed political and business
displeasure over Samuel Goldwyn's
plan to use the recent tragedy , in^
volvihg the British trans-Atlantic
clipper Cavalier as cinematic in-
spiration. Official n.g. on 'Thirteen
Go Flying* was commiinciated via
the Hays' organization.
• Disclaiming any knowledge
whether James Roosevelt, had been
enlisted, George S. Messersmith, as-
sistant secretary of State, Saturday
(4) conceded he wrote Hays that the
diplomatic wing of Government
thinks it would be indiscreet to con-
coct a film story based on the crash,
in which several pasisengers and
crew members lost their lives, while
plane was en route from New York
to Bermuda. Letter was a 'personal
and informal' suggestion that Gold-
wyn be asked to shelve his script
Reported that State Department also
'Whispered to James Roosevelt, deli-
cately suggesting that the President
would be upset if the flicker ever
reached the screen.
. Federal intervention — which of-
ficials deny can be construed as cen-
sorship—was prompted by Pan
American Airways, which is about to
debut in the U.S.— European trade
after bridging the Pacific. In Gov-
ernment quarters. Pan American is
regarded as an unofficial ambassador
of the U.S. and a good-will builder.
Anything which might undermine
public confidence in oversees flying
would not be relished by Govern-
ment agencies any more than by the
airline.
Hays Office Denies Pressure
The Hays' office in New York de-
nied that any censorship clamps haid
been exercised by the Motion Pic-
ture Producers & Distributors Assn.
at the behest of the state department,
or the British Government.
' Any protests from the British Gov-
ernment would be made to the pro-
duction code administration office in
Hollywood. As in other cases of this
sort when a foreign government
makes known its displeasure regard-
ing a story that might reflect on its
nationals, the Hays' office PCA ac-
cepts such protests and forwards
them to the company concerned.
Then It is left entirely Up to the
producer to decide whether or not he
wants to go ahead with the picture
la -question, risking loss of revenue
In the foreign field.
With the case -of 'Devil's Island'
(WB) when French consuls protested
both before and after the. picture was
completed, fresh in mind, the trade
was not surprised to learn of Gold-
wyn's decision to withdraw plans to
produce the flying boat yarn. War-
ner Bros, lost two months' supply of
film censorship certificates in France
as a result of producing and releas-
ing 'Devil's Island.' Rather than in-
cur further displeasure of the French
Government and loss of additional
playing time certificates • in France,
WB has withdrawn the picture from
world distribution. No print had
been shipped to foreign countries.
'Justice' Ahead cfW
Hollywood, March 7.
'Justice Ran Last,' latest entry on
ine Selznlck-International lot, is
picked by studio handicappers to
finish ahead of 'Gone With the Wind,'
which is having trouble rounding the
first tiurn.
'Last' is still in the paddock, beinR
.^ripted by Martin Berkeley and
□avid Lamsoa
RUSH ON ETON
M-G Sending Four Players to Eng-
land For School Pic
Hollywood, March 7.
Metro will send abroad this sum-
mer Mickey Rooney, Freddie Bar-
tholomew, Billie Burke and Virgin -i
Weidler for 'Yank at Eton.' John
Considine, Jr., produces, and Norman
Taurog is the likely choice for di-
rector.
Picture is slated to get underwaj'
in London in July.
PAR SETS DEAL
ON LAUGHTON
TRIO
Paramount has closed a deal with
Mayflower Pictures of London, head-
ed by Erich Pommer and Charles
Laughfon, for the distribution rights
throughout the world, excepting the
United Kingdom, of three pictures
in which Laughton stars, two of
them completed and a third yet to
be made. Contract with the Pom-
mer-Laughton company follows the
results Par has obtained with 'Beach-
comber,' which it took for the domes-
tic market sev'eral months ago. Es-
timated that this picture, starring
Laughton and Elsa Lianchester (Mrs.
Laughton), will do a 'gross rental of
around $1,000,000 in this country. .
New ParrMayflower deal calls for
the rights outside of England and
possessions of 'St. Martin's Lane,' in
which Laughton appears opposite
Vivien Leigh; 'Jamaica Inn,' which
lias Laughton and Maureen O'Hara,
pnd the next Mayflower production,
'The Admirable Crichton,' in which
Miss Lanchester will appear with
Laughton. Production on last-men-
tioned starts early this siunmer.
Associated British, John Maxwell's
company, has the rights to the May-
flower pictures throughout the
United Kingdom.
THE WOMEN' READIES
UNDER GEO. CUKOR
Hollywood, March 7.
George Cukor returned to the
Metro lot to direct Norma Shearer
in 'The Woman,' due to roll late this
month.
He recently withdrew as pilot of
'Gone With the Wind' at Selznick-
International. Shooting was resumed
on the latter after a week's halt, with
Victor Fleming replacing Cukor.
Brown's New M-G Deal;
Piloting 'Rains' at 20t]i
Hollywood, March 7.
Under his new deal with Metro,
Clarence Brown works as director
on two pictures and producer-di-
rector on a third.
Browii moved over to the 20th-
Fox lot yesterday (Monday) to pilot
'When the Rains Came' before
sterling his hew pact. It is only the
second time Brown has worked off
the Metro lot in 12 years.
Mrs. Gable Files Melter
Hollywood, March 7.
Having completed legal six-weeks
Nevada residence, the wife of Clark
Gable flled suit for divorce in Las
Vegas, Saturday (4).
Her complaint charges desertion.
E
FOR ILL AIDES
Pic Buy of Thila. Story' Kept Under
Cover; May Involve Hepbnrn-Hughes
■I
Pilots Will Have Say-So on
. Scripts, Casts and Oversee
Rough Cuts — ^Aim at Elim-
ination of' Associate Pror
ducers
PLAGIARISM OUT
80% GUILD SHOP
Hollywood, March 7.
A three-year' working agreement
between producers and Screen Di-
rectprs Guild will be inked this week.'
Pact calls for substantial increases
for assistent directors and unit man-
agers and gives directors more say
in preparation and editing of their
pictures. - -
Unit managers will get a minimum
wage scale' of $150 a week under a
separate contract to be signed with
the major film companies. Another
contract will be signed with SDG,
providing for a weekly minimum of
$137.50 for first-assistant directors.
First assistants under contract will
be paid a minimum of $125/ Second
assistant directors, who work on an
hourly basis, will be guaranteed a
weekly minimum of $61.20.
Hours did not figure in negotia-
tions between the two groups, which
reached an amicable settlement at 4
am. Friday (3) after an all-night
session. Directors and first assist-
ants are classified as professionals,
with no regulations as tb hours. Sec-
ond assistants, come under the new
44-hour wage law.
Directors will be permitted to. sit
in with writers in preparation of
scripts, will bo given a voice in se-
lection of casts and will be permitted
a reasonable time to cut pictures. In
firal analysis the directors probably
will be allowed to supervise first
rough cuts of pictures in order that
the front office can get a clear pic-
ture of what the director intended
to produce.
Gradual elimination of associate
producers is the aim of Screen Di-
rectors Guild, which technically will
continue to represent both the assist-
ants and unit managers. This was
indicated several weeks ago, when
the directors sterted signing con-
tracts as producer-director, being re-
sponsible only to the production de-
partment and top studio executives.
Draft Ready for .Ratification
When the agreement ^yas reached
vwk was turned over to Edwin . J.
Loeb, counsel for producers, and
Mabel Walker Willebrandt, attorney
for SDG, to draft an accepteble con-
tract Draft was practically com-
pleted over the weekend, and tenta-
tive membership meetings of the
Guild and Association of Motion Pic-
ture Producers have been scheduled
for this week to ratify the agree-
ments.
Y. Frank Freeman, Al Lichtman
and Pandro Berman handled negoti-
ations for' the producers. E. J.
Mannlx originally was on the com-
mittee, but because of illness asked
that Lichtman be substituted. The
SDG negotiating committee was com-
posed of Frank Capra, chairman;
W. S. Van Dylte, Howard Hawks,
Roland V. Leigh and Frank Lloyd.
Assistant directors were represented
by. Joseph McDonough, Hal Walker,
Horace Hough, Harvey Starkey and
Frank Shaw.
Contracts provide for .80% Guild
shops.
Tentetive agreements have also
been reached with the Society of
Motion Picture Film Editors, Screen
Set Designers and Script Clerks
Guild. Details of these pacts will be
ironed out this week at conferences
between the negotiating committees
and Pat Casey, producer-labor con-
tact. Editors Will be reclassified to
give film librarians a higher tating
and automatic pay increase.
Studio Utility Employes Local 724
has filed a demand with the produc-
ers for a pay hike to 82V4c. an hour.
Men now receive 75c. an hour, while
Class B grips of International AlU-
(Continued on page 34)
Suit vs. Metro on 'Penthoose' Dis-
missed In N. T.
Suit of Robert Brister and Harry
T. Bliven, ■ writers, against Metro-
Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Corp., and
Metro Distributing (Torp., was dis-
missed ' by Supreme Court Justice
Charles B. McLaughlin in N. Y., Mon-
day (6) on default .
Plaintiffs had sought an injunction,
damages and ah accounting of .profits
of the Metro picture, 'Penthouse,'
claiming it plagiarized the title of
their play.
WRITERS-PRODS.
ON VERGE OF
TRUCE
Hollywood, March 7.
At a hearing before the National
Labor Relations Board today (Tues-
day) on the complaint of the screen
writers against the producers, Homer
Mitchell, attorney representing the
producers, stated the producers were
ready to recognize the Screen Writers
Guild as the exclusive bargaining
agency for the writers and are will-
ing to sit down and attempt to work
out a pact with them.
Mitchell told the Board the pro-
ducers had appointed him, Mendel
Silberberg, (George Cohen and Alfred
Wright all attorneys, as a committee
to work out a plan for a basic pact
between SWG and the producers.
This committee, in turn, had appoint-
ed a subcommittee of producers to
work with it, comprising Darryl F.
Zanuck, Eddie Mannix and Hal Wal-
lis.
The producers' committee asked
the Board to adjourn hearings for
two weeks ' to permit them to sit
down and talk things over and that
if this recess was granted they wi?re
confident a satisfactory plan could be
worked out. Adjournment 'was finally
granted after a squabble with James
Batten, who is conducting the hear-
ings on behalf of the Labor Board,
and who saw no reason for stalling
things for another two weeks and
didn't want to grant any such ad-
journment He felt the whole 'thing
could be worked put in a couple of
days.
DREIFUSS MOVES PROD.
OF SHORTS TO N. Y.
Arthur "Dreifuss, Friday (3), com-
pleted plans for the transfer of his
Coast producing organization, Musi-
cal Shorts, to N. Y. The only mem-
ber of the Coast staff to be retained
is William C. Kent executive v.p.,
who, with Harry Engel, Lou Straus
and Elizabeth Meyer, will comprise
the N. Y. office.
Dreifuss' first picture in the east
will be shot week of March 20. Drei-
fuss will direct and Nathaniel Shil-
kret will score. It will be the third
of a series of 19 shorts for Colum-
bia release.
Film rights to Philip Barry's 'The
Philadelphia Story' have been sold .
to an undisclosed purchaser. It is
the first instance of a picture buy
being consummated during a play's
pre-Broadway tryout. Another
'unique ' angle is that the deal is said
to be on a percentage basis, appar-
ently with a guarantee and heavy .
advance payment involved.
Although the identity of the pur-
chaser is a closely guarded secret it
is believed the film is intended as a
vehicle for Katharine Hepburn, who
plays the lead in the' Theatre Guild
production currently at the National,
Washington. - She bought back her
contract from RKO some time ago
and is not now tied to any studio. It
is believed Howard Hughes may be
the buyer of 'Story,' with the Idea
of producing the picture on his own
and starring Miss Hepburn.
Neither Barry nor Miss Hepburn
could be reached for. comment, while
directors of the Theatre Guild and
officials of the Dramatists Guild re-
fused to confirm the sale. However,
existence of the deal became known
when representatives of a major
studio sought to make a bid on the
play, only to be told it had already
been sold.
Fact that the sale was consum-
mated before 'Story' reached Broad-
way is believed °to have occasioned
several unprecedented problems.
Producer's usual' 40% share of the
film purchase price is predicated on
a run of at least three' weeks in New
York, or 75 performances out of
town, and when the deal was about
to be signed, the ■ Guild made in-
quiries about its rights in the mat-
ter. Reported the directors were
told the organization would get its
regular 40% of the film sale, the
amount to be determined on a per-
centage of the picture's profit.
Percentage angle In pic buys of
plays is one that is likely to become
increasingly frequent, with the stu- •
dios trying to cut down on extrava- I
gant prices for legit properties. Un- '
der the percentage setup the pay-
ments can be spread over a longer
period and the bulk of the amount
dependent on the film's boxoffice
success. 'Abe Lincoln in Illinois,*
which was sold by Robert E, Sher-
wood last week to Max Gordon Plays
and Pictures, Inc., was also a per-
centage deal, but with the 'advance,
and guarantee the price is expected
to be about $275,000.
Milestone's 'Mice* Deal
Hollywood, March 7.
Percentage deal, first of its kind
to be negotiated, is in the works for
Lewis Milestone to produce and di-
rect the picture version of John
Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men' for
Hal Roach. If the contract goes
through, it will call for Milestone,
who holds an option on the. play,
to get a share of all income from
the film after fixed charges are paid.
Steinbeck is also in for a share.
'Mice,' which won the New York
Drama Critics' Circle prize last sea-
son, was adapted by. Steinbeck from
his own novel. ' It was produced by
Sam H. Harris and directed by
George S. Kaufman. Milestone ac-
quired the screen rights only a few
months .ago, as. the j play- was gen-
erally regarded as too outspoken for
film adaptation.
Jimmy Cagney Playing
Purvis in G-Man Pic
Hollywood, March 7.
Jimmy Cagney gets the role of
Melvin Purvis, G-man, in . Warners'
'John DlUiriger, Outlaw.* George
Raft will play the title role.
Picture rolls late this, month.
LeMaire Holding Over
In N. Y. for Talent Quest
Rufus LeMaire, head of RKO's
Coast talent division, who came into
New York recently after helping on
the 'Gateway to Hollywood' radio
program campaign for new talent,
plans remaining in the east about a
week longer.
He will be the chief talent execu-
tive in' charge tomorrow (Thursday),
when finals in the 'Gateway' drive
arc held for the New York area at
the Roosevelt hotel.
VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
Heedless of Cost to Industry,
Politicians in Nine More States
Ask Film Censoring This Year
Despite the enormous cost of 'mu-
nicipad and state censorship in the
U. which has mounted steadily
with uptrend in business since .1932
and increase in double features,
eight states seek censorship at some
type or other In current legislature
sessions. Proposal in Missouri al-
ready has been defeated.
There already are six states with
film censorship, with the cost sad-
dled on the film industry, while 14
states have 31 cities in which there
is some type of picture overseeing
and clipping. Kansas,. Maryland,
New York; Pennsylvania, Ohio and
Virginia presently censor all enter-
tainment pictures. Maryland, Ohio
and Virginia even censor newsreels.
It is not alone the cutting, but the
various moral formulas and stand-
ards governing the scissoring that
are taking a heavy toll in entertain-
ment value, the industry believes.
Actually this means a loss in box-
office dollars which the film business
has no way of reckoning.
Besides this monetary loss at the
^boxoifice window caused by hap-
hazard trimming, each distributor
has to foot a million-dollar bill an-
nually in censorship fees to the six
states alone. Added to this is the
municipal censorship assessment,
which ranges from a negligible
amount per reel to $6 for each origi-
nal negative of 2,000 feet and $2 for
each duplicate print of same length,
in Chicago. Los Angeles charges 25c
for every reel exhibited.
Following are the fees per 2,000-
foot reel:
State. Origi- Du-
nal. plicate.
Kansas $4 $4
Maryland 4 .2
New York ....... 6 4
Pennsylvania .... 4 4
Ohio 6 6
Virginia 4 2
State Standards
Standard under which New York
state operates, as fixed by law, are
that no motion picture will be li-
censed for exhibition' which may be
classified, 'or any part thereof,' as
obscene, indecent, immoral, inhu-
man, sacrilegious, or which is of
such a character that its exhibition
would tend to corrupt morals or in-
cite to crime. The state motion pic-
ture commission was originally cre-
ated by the legislature in 1021. It
operates under the education depart-
ment. Board of regents, which may
pass on a rejected film on appeal,
also is appointed by the regents on
the riecommehdation of the conuniS'
Bioner of education.
In Virginia the three censors are
appointed by the attorney-general,
all having equal power. If only two
members are censoring a film, the
superintendent of public instruction
may be called in to decide a dead
lock. Besides being morally okay
the picture? must not be inhuman,
Appeal may be taken to the district
court in the state. Same standards
' apply as to advertising on a<tfllrn.
Besides the usual moral rules,
Pennsylvania censors are told to
' disapprove any picture that is sacri'
legious. Films must be reviewed by
censors one w^^ before release
date. Kansas has adopted additional
standards which must be followed.
These call for eliminations where
any religious sect, or peculiar char-
acteristics of any race, i^re ridiculed,
Also, 'whenever possible,' barroom
scenes and social drinking.
Ohio's censorship law has been
' amended and changed so many
times that it is a maze of rules,
•Don'ts' and restrictions. Censorship
L body operates under the industrial
■ commission and, after operating eX'
■ j?enses . are deducted, remaining,
money goes to the director "of educa
tion to boost Ohio's historical spots
and natural resources. ' One require'
ment is that censors pass only films
which, in the judgment of the board,
are of a moral, educational nature,
or of amusing and harmless charac
ter,
Maryland has usual stipulations as
to indecent, immoral and sacri-
legious pictures.
In Birmingham, the chief of police
Is censor. Providence, R. I., has a
police lieutenant in charge of cen-
soring.
The state of Illinois Is cluttered
up with smaller cities and town;;
each' having varying scissoring
rul^s. President of the . village of
Wllmette and three trustees are sup-
posed to make films pure. Chicago
New 'Blackwell's' Angle
Albany, March 7.
State Education Department
officials claim that reports on the
'banning' of 'Blackwell's Island'
(WB) by the motion picture di-
vision were 100% wrong.
They claim the facts to be
'Blackwell's Island' was not
scheduled to be shown until
March 29, but Warner Bros,
made a last-minute decision to
screen it at the Globe, N. Y,, be-
ginning Feb. 25, after the French
embassy strenuously , protested
against the showing of 'Devil's
Island.' A print was vmexpect-
edly brought to th: MPD office
that same morning, when Direc-
tor Irwin Esmond happened to
be away. Femme inspectors on
duty refused to take any aciion
in Esmond's absence. Monday
(27) was set as the day for re-
viewing the picture; it was
okayed without reservation on
that day.
GN'S COIN HUNT
MOVES TO CHI
Hollywood, March 7.
Grand National's financial scram-
ble moves to Chicago this week,
when Earle W. Hammons, prexy,
and Jack Skirball, v.p., mingle with
prospective bankroUers.
Meanwhile, Hammons is working
out a deal with Don Lieberman,
Coronado Films, under which latter
company will produce a second se-
ies of sagebrushers for GN release.
Zorina on Toes for WB
Hollywood, March 7.
Zofina gels the top role in the
musical picture, 'On Your Toes,'
slated to roll at Warners in five
weeks. She closed last week in 'I
Married an Angel' on Broadway.
Jerry Wald and Richard Macaulay
are scripting.
LA. WILL BLOW
REVEHIE FOR
CENSORS
New Orleans, March 7.
Influx of so-called ofl-color enter-
tainment in a number of downtown
fllr.-. houses is .causing a stir among
organizations plugging better films,
with result that Governor Richard
Leche plans to call on the censor
board, which has been inactive for
years, to get busy.
Censorship body was created by
the late Senator Huey P. Long, but
has done little for past three years.
Group consists of Mrs. Marguerite
Clark Williams, former star of silent
film; Ellis C. Irwin, brother of Lou
Irwin, agent, and John D. Klorer,
local writer.
After closing down on the show-
ing of two sex pictures Saturday
(4) at the Regent theatre and con-
fiscating a lobby display of bill-
boards of nude women, police ar-
rested two men connected with the
theatre and booked them on charges
of violating law regarding display
and exhibition of indecent pictures.
Jailed were Edward Sonney, 31,
operator of the theatre, and Earl
Condon, assistant manager.
'a. Exhibs Get Breathing
Spell as Censor Purge
Continues; 16 More Out
Philadelphia, March 7.
Sixteen more employees of the
Pennsylvania Board of Censors were
dropped this week as the Republican
organization continued its purge of
holdover Democrats. Among the
purgees were 10 inspectors and Miss
Florence McCreesh, assistant censor
and daughter of State Senator John
McCreesh.
Enforcement in the past week has
been lax in the state due to the
skeleton force. The Harrisburg of-
fice was shuttered entirely Satur-
day (4).
A new board wias expected to be
named soon by Governor Artliur H,
James, but meanwhile exhibs are
having a breathing spell, as the pic
ganderers are giving their okay to
virtually every film that comes
along.
Omaha Bans Daughter'
On Screen, but Stage
Phy Gets Green Light
Omaha, March 7.
'Yes, My Darling Daughter' was
given an even, break in censorship
troubles here when the city welfare
board banned the film version and
then reversed its action by approving
the stage version which opened yes-
terday (Monday) at the. (Community
Playhouse. . Later the film was
okayed in expurgated from, though
the date of its booking is now in-
definite.
Film was banned from the Bran-
deis two days before its scheduled
unveiling and the stage approval
came two days ahead of the curtain.
Welfare board committee members
stated the stage play, with a minor
elimination, would be permitted to
go on because only season ticket
holders are admitted and minors
wouldn't see it.
On the heels of the original ban
het'e came approval of the film by
three Harlah, la., ministers and mem-
bers of the council 'without excep-
tion,' 'Daughter' opened there Sun-
day (5) for a three-day run after
R. E. Brown, Harlan exhibitor,
asked the ministers and council
members to see the film. City coun-
cil members previously had inti-
mated that they intended to prevent
the film from being shown.
of peace or riots, or purport to rep-
resent a hanging or burnirig of :
human being:
Council Bluffs, Iowa, has a board
of 15 to go over pictures. Only two
cities in Missouri, St. Joseph and
Kansas City, are listed as having
censors, while St. Louis, largest
community in state, has none. The
mayor of Oklahoma City is the ac
credited censor.
Heaping It On
Censorship bills have been introduced in nine states this winter
while 44 state legislatures are in session. A film censor measure in
Missouri has already been defeated.
In Delaware a bill has been introduced which would empower the
judges of juvenile courts to pass on pictures to lie shown to persons
under 18 years of age. A straight censorship measure is up in Iowa.
Maryland, which already censors all films, will rule on a new meas-
ure which would have the state approve films for children under 16
years of age, and also those for showing to adults only. Michigan has a
straight censorship bill. '
South Carolina would regulate immoral and indecent shows, with
Iriterprctatioh of the law, if the bill is passed, expected to take in pic-
tures. Ohio has a bill that would abolish censorship. Another measure
in that state would amend the present censorship law by curbing the
power to reject because of political content of pictures. Both Oklahoma
and West Virginia have proposals to establish censorship boards.
An Oscar Award Should Go to Exhibs
Of Those Tired Indie Pix/Sez Lefty
By Joe Laurie, Jr.
Coolacres, Cal., March 7.
Dear Joe:
Well, I see .where the picture people have awarded the ;gold Oscars to
the .producers, actors, directors, writers and technicians who have made
the most outstanding contributions to the motion pictures during 1938. I
think it would be a good idea for them to give one of them Oscars to the
exhibitor who found the most places to hide from his customers after
running the pictures all year that didn't get the awards. They should
also give a wooden Oscar, painted red, to the . folks that made the worst
pictures of the year; they can come to my theatre to sec them free of
charge, because I have to pay for them anyway.
I guess by the. time 'Gone With the Wind' is released things will get
good again all over the world. They sure are having plenty of trouble
making it; it looks like the Authors League is rewriting it. If I ever get
a chance to play it I am going to give out the book instead of dishes that
week.
Well, Lent is here and it starts the time of year when the theatres hand
out slack-season passes. I found out another angle' that may be hurting
the picture business. Nearly all the picture houses have beautiful girls
in the boxoffice and a lot of guys just stand outside and look at thenv
instead of going inside to see Hedy ' LaMarr and Marlcne Deitrich. I
think I'm going to put Aggie back in my boxoflice because when the cus<
tomers look at her it makes 'em want to go in -and see Merle Oberon.
WB Makes a Dunce Out of a Giiy
Those patriotic ^horts of Warner Bros, are really swell and . causing a
lot of favorable comment, besides making guys read their history books
again. It's great for a guy like me that wasn't much on history in school,
in fact I wasn't much on school and when I see these shorts about the
history of our country I feel like putting on a dunce cap. There's lots
of things it shows that I never knew before. But I will say one thing for
Aggie's brother, Abner— he knows.' the names of everybody that signed
the Declaration of Independence, the dates of all the big battles; he can
name all the States in four and a half minutes. That's the kind of a guy
he is. And when he pulls all that know-it-all stuff' on. me, Aggie Iboks at
him so proudly that it makes me sick. Isn't it funny, even when a guy is
a bum and he pulls something that you didn't have the time, or the In-
clination to learn, his family looks up to him like he was a college pro-
fessor or somethin' and they start feeling sorry for him not getting the
breaks, etc., and make excuses for him being a bum. Well, Aggie never
had any education and to her a guy that can name the Presidents is bigger
than a guy that can do a buck routine.
'What gets me mad at Abner is that he has a way of making you feel
like a perfect stranger in your own home. He takes a walk before break-
fast — from his bedroom to the dining room. His favorite perfume Is liver
and bacon. And what makes things worse is- he is a bathroom hound;
he grabs the morning paper and disappears. He walks around town grin-
ning at everybody; in fact he is grinning so much that the enamel on his
front teeth havp become weatherbeaten. But as I told you before. Junior
likes him because he plays with him for hours, and he whittles little boats
for him outta peach stones. He claims he was a sailor once. In fact you
can't talk about anything that he wasn't or any place he weren't To hear
him tell it he has been everywhere, and as far as I am concerned he should
have stayed there.
Harry Conn, the radio writer, stopped oft here long enough to tell me
about a certain guy who took a test in Hollywood and when the studio saw
it it was his photograph finish. Harry has a new radio idea he told me
about that he is going to spring soon, and boy it's a pip.
Give our best to the boys on the Main Stem, and as Bugs Baer once
said, 'I hope they're busier than a bird dog in a pigeon pie.' Sez
Your Pal,
L.c/ti/.
Scissorlne Hurts Mont'l B.O.
Montreal, March ;7.
Declining grosses at local picture,
houses are attributed in part to se-
vere scissoring of product by the
Board of Censors of the Province
of Quebec. Reports are that 11
films are currently tied up by the
censors here, while eliminations
have virtually ruined a considerable
number of films this season,
'Idiot's Delight' (M-G) was
slashed here and film stayed only
one week. That's - unusual for a
Shearer film in her home town.
Censors were reported rejecting
product from practically every ma-
jor exchange last week, though
probably reconsidering on these
^ „ _ _ "films where requested eliminations
bars pictures', which 'tend to breach are made.
'Danshter' Hit by Pnlpit
Wilmington, Del., March 7.
The much-buffetted 'Yes, My Darl
ing Daughter' (WB), took- another
wallop from the pulpit Sunday (5)
from Rt. Rev. Monsignor John J.
Dougherty, of the Wilmington di
ocese, in his sermon, at St. Peter's
Cathedral. Monsignor Dougherty
pointed out that the film was con-
demned by the New York Board of
Censors and the National. Legion, of
Decency.
'Therefore,' he said, 'Catholics who
took the pledge to uphold the Le-
gion of Decency's stand toward ob-
jectionable pictures are ' violating
that pledge if they attend it.'
More Tnne to Fight
Boston, March 7,
Latest twist to the peculiarities of
Massachusetts censorship is the de-
cision «.on Russian-made 'Professor
Mamlock' (Nazi persecution expose).
'Mamlock' is okay for weekday
showings, but thumbs down for Sun^
days. Would tend, to 'incite to riot'
on the Sabbath, according to the
state censors. City censor okayed it
for any day.
Irving Starr Seeks New
Crune Clubber Setup
Hollywood, March 7.
Irving Starr is negotiating a new
deal for production and release of
his Crime Club series at the com-
pletion of .Ijis current ..cp.ntract with
Universal; Pact is not likely to be
renewed, owiiig to disagreement on
production policy.
Starr has made eight Crime Club-
bers for Universal and owes two
more, 'Metropolitan- Police' and 'They
Can't Hang Me'.
U's Underwood Athletes
Hollywood, March 7.
Unlyersal's writing staff went up
to '36 with the signing of Paul Jerico,
the: highest mark in a year.
All but three, are on one-picture
deals. Three regulars are Bruce
Manning, Felix Jackson and Charles
Grayson.
N. Y. EXHIBS' DRIVE
TO ABOLISH CENSORS
Another push for elimination of
censorship in New York state has
400 theatre owners in the metropoli-
tan N. Y. district, at a meeting last-
week, demanding abolition of the
N..Y. Slate Soard of (Sensors. Con-
census is that for the minor work
performed by the board in recent
years, since the industry started
cleaning up films through its- own.
Production Code Administration, the
financial tax burden imposed on the
distributor, the exhibitor and the
public is not warranted.
N. Y. State censors in 1938 made
approximately 752 deletions in prints
which cost $350,000 in fees.
BACETASD DBAMA
Hollywood, March 7.
Ben Plvar's first production under
his seven-picture deal with Univer-
sal is 'In Old California,' slated to
roll early next month.
Richard Arlen and Andy Devine
head the cast
Wcdncsdayt March 8, l$i39
PICTURE GROSSES
VARIETY
Lent Not Hurting Gii Grosses;
'Hucfc Fum' $17,000, Ritzes Fair
$(,500, marf-Blacbtone 17G
Chicago, March 7.
Despite Lent there Is a good strong
undertone to general loop picture
businc^ at present, with the former
chost of the Lenten season being
pretty much forgotten these days.
. Particularly is this noticeable in the
okay business being turned in by the
strictly famUy houses such as the
Oriental and State-Lake. Both
houses got off well, and both indicate
a bright take for the current session.
After four smashing sessions of
•Gunga Din' the Palace arrives with
another good jross week. Though
Bobby Breen was forced to withdraw
from bill due to illness, Tom Gor-
man is capitalizing on other attrac-
tions this week and will garner a
neat take for the stanza.
'Stagecoach' continues at a fast clip
in the Roosevelt. On Saturday (4)
'Huckleberry Finn' got away neatly
In the United Artists and figures for
real coin.
Estimates for llhls Week
Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-65-75)
—'Pygmalion' (M-G) (4th wk). Has
been a wonder,, and will -pound
through to smash $7,500 this week
after snagging nifty $8,900 last
round.
Chlcaee (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)—
'Society (Par) and' stage show with
Roger Pryor orch and Ann Sothern,
off to $26,000. Last week, 'Stand Up'
(M-G) and stage show wilted at
$25,300.
Garrlok (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75)
—'Musketeers' (20th). Will manage
to snare a fairish $6,500, though
word-ot-mouth is n.g. Last week,.
'Beachcomber' (Par) meek $4,800 on
loop holdover session.
. Oriental (Jones) (32-40)— 'Woman
Again' (Col) and 'Next Time Marry'
(RKO) plus vaude. Boosting to okay
$14,00(>. House is waking up out of
doldrums of past few weeks and in-
dicates considerable perk in activity.
Looking for all b.o. exploitation an-
cles and biz novelties. Last week,
'Spy Hunt' ■ (Col) and 'Gambling
Ship' (U) fair $14,400.
Palace (RKO) (2.500; 35-55-65-75)
—'Wharf (RKO) and vaude. Black-
stone on stage and accounting for the
real portion of the business here this
week, probably $17,000. Last week,
'Gunga Din' (RKO) closed four-ses-
sion stay to walloping $17,400.
Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65-
75)— 'Stagecoach' (UA) (2d wk).
Going through to splendid $12,000
after excellent $17,300 last week.
State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 25-40)—
*New York Sleeps' (20th) and vaude.
Fine $14,000 gait. Last week, 'Girl
Downstairs' (M-G) $14,200.
United Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700;
S5-55-65-75) — 'Huck Finn' (M-G).
Started on Saturday (4) with indica-
tions for good $17,000. Last week,
'Freedom' (M-G) so-so $10,100.
TIGHr-TASr
TOP HUB. 22G
Boston. March 7.
Most interesting development this
week is that an opposition house Is
playing M-G product and out-
erosslng the two Loew stands.
'Stand Up* and 'Fast and Loose,' two
M-G films rejected by Loew's here
because of a backlog of pix on the
sheU to run, are tallying well at the
Metropolitan. 'Topper' arid 'Four
GUIs in White' at the Orph and
State are' tepid.
'Little Princess' held over for sec-
ond stanza at the Memorial, grossing
okay. 'Tail Spin' on dual bill at the.
Par and Fenway, alsp all right. . '
'Goand Illusion' now in ninth week
at the Fine Arts.
Estimates for This Week
Boston (RKO) (3,200; 20-30-40)—
'Smashing Spy Ring' (Col) and 'Sil-
ver Sage' (Par), dual, plus vaude,
four days; and 'Thanks Everything'
(20th) and 'Torchy M».n' (WB)
(both 2d run), three days. Headed
for okay $8,000. Last week. 'Am
Criminal' (Mono) and 'Hcadley's'
(Imp) plus .vaude, five days; and
'Frankenstein' (U) and 'Exciting
Night' (U) (both 2d run), dual,
three days, $8,000.
Fenway (M&P) (1,332; 25-35-40-
55)— 'Tail Spin' (20th) and 'Flirting
Pate' (M-G). Good $7,000 pace. Last
week, 'St. Louis' (Par) and 'Persons
Hiding' (Par), $6,000.
_ Kellh Memorial (RKO) (2,907; 25-
35-40-55)— 'Little Princess' (20th)
(2d wk) and 'Saint Strikes Back'
(RKO) (1st wk). On six days good
$13,000 sighted. Last week, 'Little
Princess' (20th) and 'Chan' (20th),
smash $27,500.
Metropolitan (M&P) (4.367; 25-
35-40-55)— 'Stand Up' (M-Gl and
Fast and Loose' (M-G), Very good
$22,000, Last week. 'Beachcomber'
(Par) and 'Boy Trouble' (Par)
swerved badly, $12,500. -
' Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; '25-35-40-
55)— 'Topper' (M-G) and 'Four
Girls' (M-G). Medium $13,000. Last
week, 'Idiot' (M-G) and 'Son Crimi-
nal' (Col) (2d wk), ii.s.g., $11,500.
Paramoant (M&P) (1,797; 25-35-
40-55)— 'Tall Spin' (20th) and 'Flirt-
ing Fate' (M-G): Okay $9,000 gait.
Last week, 'St. Louis' (Par) and
'Persons Hiding' (Par), pallid $7,400.
Scollay (M&P) (2,538; 25-35-40-
«0)^' Jesse James' (20th) (3d run)
and 'Woman Doctor' (Rep) (1st
run). Okay $6,000 pace. Last week,
'Cowboy and Lady' (UA) and 'Dis-
barred' (WB) (both 2d run), $6,200.
State (Loew) (3,600; 25-3S-40-55)
—'Topper' (M-G) and 'Four Girls'
(M-G). Okay $10,000 on way. Last
week, 'Idiot' (M-G) and 'Son Crimi-
nal' (Col) (2d wk), $8,000.
'PARIS* -SHAW
COMBO n%
Pin
Pittsburgh, March 7.
. So far Lent hasn't struck- and may
not until Holy Week, same as last
year, when expected drop during 40-
day stretch didn't materialize until
the wind-up. In fact, biz seems to
be running a bit above average, with
ace b. 0. attractions levelling oft the
pace nicely.
Stanley way ahead of the pack
currently, with Artie Shaw and
'Paris Honeymoon' headed for a
slick $24,500. Not altogether a panic,
but far above recent takes at this
spot and best since Kay Kyser's
record-breaking session several
months ago. Big news blasts over
censor trouble on 'Yes, My DarUng
Daughter,' although It passed in this
state without a cut, isn't helping film
much at Penn, and will do only so-so
week.
'Wife, Husband and Friend' put-
ting Alvin back into, black, with
'Gunga Din' at Warner after big
stanza at Penn, still showing plenty
of stuff.
EsUinates for This Week
AlvIn (Harris) (1,850; 25-35-50)—
'Wife, Husband' (20th). Shoved In
two days ahead of time when 'Let
Live' (Col) didn't click. Taking $7,-
000 on the eight days. 'Spirit of Cul-
ver* (U) opens tomorrow (8). Last
week 'Let Live' (Col) and 'Swing
Sister' (U) in the dumps, and yanked
after Ave days to miserable $3,200.
Fulton (Shea-Hyde) (1,750; 25-40)
—'Honest Man' (U) (2d wk). Con-
tinues to display strong draught m
h.o. Clipping $5,000. Holds for
half of third session, with 'Little
Princess* (20th) getting under way
Saturday (11). Opening stanza
brought better than $6,000.
Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300: 25-35-
50)— 'Darling Daughter' (WB). Al-
tliough press saw to it that cus-
tomers knew this was the film New
York censors originally banned, pub-
lic seems moderately cold to all the
fuss. Not pulling as expected on
strength of wide ballyhoo, and will ,
wind up at $12,500. just aboutr aver-
age. Last week 'Gunga Din' (RKO)
all right at S20,0d0.
Senator (Harris) (1.750: 25-40)—
'Imitation of Life' (U) and 'Lloyds
of London' (20th) (reissues). Taking
it plenty on the chin, and out after
four days to under $1,000. House
brought in 'Woman Doctor' (Rep)
and 'Mystery Plane' (Mono) prior
to opening Friday (10) with revival
of 'Can't Take It' (Col) as result
of Academy awai-d. Last week, sec-
ond of 'Lady Vanishes' (20th) off at
$1,900 in six days.
Stanley (WB) (3.600: 25-40-60)—
'Paris Honeymoon' (Par) and Artie
Shaw. Ropes up. for Shaw every
afternoon, Isut night trade off be-
tween 6 and 8 p. i., which will
keep take down to around $24,500.
That's still head and shoulders
above anything house had had re-
cently and a joy all around. Will
be spot's best gross since Kay Kyser.
Last week 'Topper' (UA) and Vin-
cent Lopez around $18,500. good.
Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-35-50)—
'Gunga Din' (RKO). Pencilled in
here after easily meeting h.o. figure
at Penn and looks Mke there are
plenty of downtown customers left
for this one. Knockini; off pretty
close to a grand daily an will have
no trouble at all touching $6,500.
Last week, third of 'Pygmalion' (M-
G). finished strong at $6,000, giving
Aim around $38,000 on downtown
run, first week of which was played
at Penn.
First Runs on Broadway
(Subject to Change)
Week ot March 9 .
Astor — 'Pygmalion' (M-G)
(14th wk).
Capitol — 'Let Freedom Ring'
(M-G).
' (Reviewed In Vawcty, Feb. 22)
Criterion — 'Fast .and Loose'
(M-G) (8)..
(Reviewed in Vamcty, Feb. 2)
Globe — 'Blackwell's Island'
(WB) (2d wk).
Music Hall— 'Stagecoach' (UA)
(2d wk).
Paramount — 'Never Say' Die'
(Par) (8). . ,
. (Ret>lewcd in Current issue)
Klalto — 'Saint Strikes Back'
(RKO) (8).
(Reviewed in VARUTr, Mar. 1)
. Rlvoll- 'Spirit of Culver' (U)
(Reviewed in VAniEir, Mar. 1)
Boxy—Little Princess' (20th)
(10).
(Reviewed in Variety, Feb. 22)
Strand— 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB)
(10).
Week of March 16
Astor — 'Pygmalion' (M-G)'
(15th wk).
. Capitol— 'Ice FoUies of 1039'
(M-(3).
' (Reviewed in Current Issue)
Globe — ' Blackwell's Island '
(WB) (3d wk).
. Mnslc Hall — 'Love Affair'
(RKO).
Paramoant — 'Never Say Die'
(Par) (2d wk).
Rlvoll- 'Spirit of Culver' (U)
(2d wk).
Boxy- 'LitUe Princess' (20th)
(2d wk).
Strand— 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB)
(2d wk).
'Stagecoach' $85,000, 'BiackweOs
Both Good, but Other Bway
Spots Need Afibis; 'Huck' Poor 18G
'Cafe Dual $6,1
In Rsuny L'ville;
Daughter' $5,500
Louisville, March 7^
Usual Lenten slowup felt Jnis
week, although not enough to<^ing
out the crying towels. Heavy rain-
fall Saturday (4) hurt mat and night
.business, keeping quite a portion of
patrons at home.
. 'Darling Daughter' at the Mary
Anderson came m for must attention
by cricks, but 'Cafe ' Society' on a
dual at the Rialto is heading for the
best gross, edging by . a small margin
'Topper' at Loew's State. Elsewhere
the trade is on the slow side.
Estimates for This Week
Brown (Loew's-Fourth Avenue)
(1,500; 15-30-40)— 'Honest Man' (U)
and 'Gambling Ship' (U). Headed
for ordinary takings after profitable
session at Rialto. Sighting $1,900,
mild. Last week, 'Gunga Din* (RK(D)
and Oxford Movement pic, 'Youth
Marches On,' medium $2,000.
Kentucky (Switow) (900: 15-25)—
'Dawn Patrol' (WB) and 'Up River'
(20th). Average potency indicated
by this pair at $1,500. Last week,
'Kentucky' (20th) and 'Thanks
Everything' (20th), on seven day
stanza apcounted for $1,900, all right.
Loew's SUte (Loew) (3,100: 15-30-
40)— Topper Takes Trip* (UA) and
'Dr. Meade' (Col). Aiming toward
$5,500. fair; Lest week, 'Pygmalion'
(M-G) and 'Son Criminal' (Col),
under expectations on eight days at
$7,000.
Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000: 15-
30-40)— 'Darling Daughter' (WB).
Received most attention in hcw.s-
papcr reviews, and pacing for ample
$5,500 and possible h.o. Last week,
IDevil's Island' (WB) $2,800, under
par,
.Ohio (Settos) (900: 15)— 'Arkansas
Traveler' (Par) and 'Mysterious
Rider' (Par), split with 'Professor
Beware' (Par) and .'Gold Diggers in
Paris' (WB). Feeling the Lenten
slowup, and creeping along to tepid
$1,100. Last week, 'King Alcatraz'
(Par) and 'Tropic Holiday' (Par),
split with 'Escape Night' (Rep) and
'Barefoot Boy' (Mono) mild $1,200.
Blalto (Fourth Avenue) (3.000; 15-
30-40)— 'Cafe Society' (Par) and
•Persons in Hiding' (Par). While not
in smash category, will be good
enough to out-distance others this
stanza at $6,000. fair enough, Last
week, 'Honest Man' (U) and 'Gam-
bling Ship' (U) easily led the town
at $8,000, and rated, moveover to
Brown for seven-day continuation.
Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1.400: 15-
30-40)— 'Moto's Last Warning' (20th)
and 'Three- Musketeers' (20th).
Should wind up with fair enough
$3,500. Last week 'Beachcomber'
(Par) and 'Disbarred' (Par), fair at
$3,300.
I 'Stagecoach,' which is covering con-
i siderable ground at the Music Hall,
and 'Blackwell's Island,' at Harry
Brandt's grind Globe, are Broad-
way's biggest business-getters this
week. Neither weather,, including
Saturday's rain, and the Lenten pe-
riod, are killing either off. Those
things are alibis for' some of the
other houses, possibly proving that
nothin:: stops the pictures the pub-
lic wants.
There are no alibis for the kind of
business the Capitol, Criterion and
Rialto are doing. They simply
haven't got anything of importance
to offer.
The high-class western current at
the Hall will get $85,000 or dose.
Notices and word-of-mouth may get-
it a comparatively strong second
week. 'Blackwell's Island,' into the
Globe Wednesday (1) after much
hulabaloo in the papers over censor
trouble, is packing the house to its
utmost. The gross will be somcv/here
arotind $16,000, best this house has
done since Brandt took it over about
five years ago.
The Rialto got 'Secret Service of
the Air' from WB. It ended its week
last night (Tues.) with around $5,800.
blammg the lack of names foir not
doing .better. Same situation is also
true of 'Persons in Hiding,' rated
worthy of more than $6,500 at the
Criterion, but again hwe there are
no names for draught.
Cap's 'Huckleberry Finn.' however,
has the name of Mickey Rooncy and
isn't getting anywhere. This ap-
parently is. a case where the public
smelled out a poor picture and is
passing it up no matter who's in it.
'Huck' was produced before by Para-
mount in 1031 and was also a fiop
then. It will be lucky to end at $18.-
000 on finishing its lone C&p week
tonight (Wed.). Theatre moves in
'Let Freedom Ring' tomorrow
(Thurs.).
Strand is in its second (final) week
of 'Yes, My Darling DaJUghter.' Pic-
tures goes six days, being reolaced
Friday (10) by 'Oklahoma Kid.' On
the six days of the holdover, 'Daugh-
ter' will be about $23,000. satisfac-
tory. Will Osborne, who came into
the Strand Friday (3) to run coupled
with 'Daughter' on its holdover, is
remaining over with 'Oklahoma Kid.'
The changini» of bands in the
middle of film bookings was neces-
sitated because of two-week com-
mitments on both Kay Kyser and
Win Osborne. 'Daughter' was rushed
in on Kyser's second week in order
to cash in on the publicity attending
the Warner victory over the censors.
State is doing rather well with
•Shining Hour' and a vaude bill
headed by Milton Berle, indications
pointing to $23,000, or better. Final,
second week of 'Cafe Society,' Hal
Kemp and Tony Martin at the Par
ending last night (Tues.). at $39,000,
was good enough for a third stanza,
but house was committed to bring in
Chick Webb, Ella Fitzgerald and
'Never Say Die* today (Wed.).
Otherwise it would have held at this
kind of coin during Lent.
Roxy's second week of 'Wife, Hus-
band and Friend' is comparatively
slow at $34,000, but, with $42,500
garnered the first week, the com-
bined total represents a fair profit.
Rivoli brlnps in 'Spirit of Culver*
today (Wed.)lhe Criterion 'Fast and
Loo.se' and the Rialto. 'Saint Strikes
Back.' The holdovers amon.-; current
shows will be 'Stagecoach,' 'Black-
well's' and 'Pygmalion'.
Estimates for This Week
Astor (1.012; 25-40-55^65) — 'Pyg-
malion' (M-G) (13th week). Remains
very firm, this week probably SIO.-
[.■iOO or better. Last week (12th),
312 000.
Capitol (4;520: 25-.r5-3.'5-85-S1.25)—
I'Huckleberry Finn', f M-G). Mickey
jRoonpy gels but one week at $18.-
jOOO. or Ics.s. very disappointing.
I 'Honolulu' (M-G) wns in for cif.ht
■ r'.nys oyer Woshington's birthday.
: but only S20.000 on that run. 'Let
Freedom Ring' (M-G) opens- tomor-
row (Thurs.).
Criterion (1.602: 25-40-55)— *Pcr-
.<!ons in Hiding (Par). Well-regarded
'B' unfior hopes. $6,500 tops. Last
week. 'Four Girls in White' (M-G).
$9,000. good. :
Globe (1.274; 25-40-55) — 'Black-
well's Island' (WB). Going great
guns for Approximately $16,000. best
house has done under' policy,' and
holds over. In ahead. 'Yes. ' RIy
Daiflin'! Daughter (WB), di.y-and-
date)with the Strand, got $7,200 in
foun^days. very good.
Palace (1.700; 25-35-55) — 'Gunga
Din* (RKO) (2d run). Is boin"?
held two c::tra day.s for a total of
nine; on that period orobably $10,000.
'Wings ot Navy' (WB) (2d run) and
'Fisherman's Wharf (RKO) (1st
run), in ahead for six days, only
$7,200.
Paramount (3,664: 25-35-55-85-99)
—'Never Say Die' fPar) and Chick
Webb orchestra, plus -Ella Fitzger-
ald, onen today (Wod.). Second
;week for 'Cafe Society,' with Hal
I Kemp and Tony Martin in person.
$39,000, following Initial seven days
of $51,000, fine profit A third week
would have been played but for the
Webb-Fitzgerald bookings, which
couldn't be changed. .
Radio City Music Hall (5,980: 40-
60-84-90-$1.65) — 'Stagecoach' (UA)
and sta;?e show. Spectacle of the
west doing well here. $85,000 or near,
and .holds i>ver. Last week, second
of 'Made for Each Other' tUA),
$65,000, good enough.
Rialto (750: 25-40-55) — 'Saint
Strikes Back' (RKO). Arrives here
today (Wed.) after a mildish week
of $5,800 for 'Secret Service of the
Air! (WB). Prior to that house
played '12 Crowded Hours' (RKO).
getting $7,000.
Blvoll (2.092: 25-55-75-05-99)—
'Spirit of Culver' (U); Opens today
CWed.). succeeding "You Can't Cheat
an Honest Man' (U) after 18 days.
Concluding . four days was S5.0:}0,
following a second full week of $11.-
000;
Boxy (5,836: 25-40-55-75) — 'Wife,
Husband and Friend (20th) and sta.-je
shpw (2d-final week). A rather
slow-goer, possibly $34,000 this week
(2d) after a first seven days of $42,-
500. Fnir profit on the two weeKs.
'Little Princess i20th) moves in Fri-
day (10).
Slate (3,450: 35-55-75) — 'Shining
Hour' (M-G) (2d run) and vaude
topped by Milton Berle. Consider-
able improvement here this week;
.^23.000. or over, good. Lnst week,
'Beachcomber' (Par) (2d run) and
Luckv Millinder, Frank Albnrtson
and Estelle Taylor, $17,000. n.g.
Strand (2,707; 25-40-55-75-35-99)—
'Yes. My Darling Daughter' (WB)
(2d-flnal week) and Will Osborne,
plus Sheila Barrett (l.st week), pic-
ture remains six days on its hold-
over, in that period with a new stage
show, looking in vicinity of $23,000,
not big but o.k. The first week of
'Daughter.' with Kay Kyser going six
da.ys with it, . $35,000, under hopes
but satisfactory. Osborne and Miss
Barrett . hold a second week with
'Oklahoma Kid' starting Friday (10).
'HUCK' $22,
m BIG 21G,
DC. OK
Washington, March 7.
Town,, which has been getting
average of two or three new pics a
week for months due to hold-overs
and repeat policies, had chance to
shop between five newcomers this
week. Two, however, are definitely
n.s.h. One was vanked yesterday (6)
and other may be tomorrow.
Tops is 'Huckleberry Finn' with
Frank Albertson p.a. at Capitol, and
kids packing mats. Second is 'Pyg-
malion,' which bowed Wed. night at
Palace with reserved seat premiere.
Only other moneymaker Is 'Yes My
Darling Daughter,' doing nicely at
Earle. 'Ambush' wallowed three days
at Met and gave way yesterday (6)
to return of 'You Can't Take It Witti
You' prompted by Academy Award
ballyhoo. 'Spirit of Culver' at
Keith's is hanging on bravely, but
may come out tomorrow (Wednes-
day).
Estimates for This Week
Capitol (Loew) (3.434; 25-.15-40-60)
— 'Hi?ck Finn' (M-G) . and vaude.
Frank Albertson p.a. heloing tav.;?.rd
.swell $22,000. La.st week, 'Topper'
(UA) and Phil Regan on stage weak
$15,300.
Columbia (Loew) (1.234; 25-40)—
'Idiot' (M-G) (2d run). Back on
ma iristem- after two big wc-.ks at
Palace with okay $4,000. Last week
'Jesjsc James' (20th) (2d run) good
$5,000.
Earle (WB') (2.216: 25-35-'!i0-e6)—
'Darling Dr.ughler' (WB) and vp.i'de.
Nice $18,000. Last week, 'Woman
Again' (Col) and Eddie Duchin orch
big $l9,fl00.
Keith's (RKO) (1.830: 35-55)—
'Spirit of Culver' (U). Can't buck
'Huck Finn.' Poor $4,500 if it lasLs.
Last week 'Gunija Din' (RKO) (4tb
wk) $5,000, all right.
Met (WB) (l.COO; 25-40)— 'Can't
Take It' (Col) (revival). Shoved in
(6) to capitalize on Academy Award
and set for good $2,500, four days.
'Ambush' (Par) opened Friday (3) '
and lasted three days for llopno
$1,300. Last week, 'Beachcomber*
(Par) (2d run) took big $5,000.
Palace (Loew) (2,424; 35-55)—
'Pygmalion' (M-G). Bowed Wednes-
day night with sellout reserved seat
premiere which collected- $1,200. at
re:!ular prices. Holding on beauti-
fully- for big $21,000 for eight days
and premiere. Last week, 'Tradei
Winds' ■(UA)-for week minus two
performances satisfactory SA 1 .finn
VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesday, Mareh 8, 1939
FILM SHOWMANSHIP
'UNION PACinC GETS
BIG OMAHA BALLY
Omaha, March 7.
World premiere of Cecil B. De-
Mille's 'Union Pacific,' co-starring
Barbara Stanwyck and Joel McCrea,
which takes place simultaneously in
three flrst-run theatres in Omaha,
April 28, will be ushered in by a
$50,000 advertising campaign spon-
sored, by Paramount, a. similar ex-,
pcnditiire by the Union Pacific r.r.
and advertising co-operation from 10
leading commercial companies.
In addition to the advertising cam-
paign of both Paramount and Union
Pacific, fuU-page ads exploiting the
picture will appear in national maga-
zines by 'the following commercial
companies co-operating in the cam-
.paign: Hamilton Watch Co., Pennzoil,
International Silverware, Western
Union, American Express .Co., Conti-
nental Baking Co., Wonder Bread,
the Tea Bureau, controlling national
tea disti-ibution and .. the Aluminum
Company of America; .
Union Pacific is extending Para-
mount full cooperation in. conjunc-
tion with the film's premiere by run-
ning special advertising in all U.P.
timetabies, displaying special cards
In all railroad terminals, placing
special cards on t^e tables in diners
and special stickers on all courtesy
newspapers, magazines and the direct
mail literature issued by the U.P.
Convention of . the Union Pacific
Oldtimers has been timed to coincide
with the world premiere, while the
city of Omaha will participate to the
extent of erecting oldtime western
false fronts along the main streets
and encouraging citizens to dress In
oldtime western costumes. Holly-
wood will be represented at the pre-
miere by DeMille, Barbara Stan-
wyck, Joe McCrea, Akim Tamirofl,
Lynne Overman, Evelyn Keyes and
others of the cast
Record Crowd Attends
'Cafe Society' Premiere
Miami, March 7.
Premiere of Paramount's 'Cafe So-
ciety,' co-starring Madeleine Carroll,
Fred MacMiirray and Shirley Ross,
was shown %t the Sheridan theati'e
with an exploitation campaign that
created' unusual interest and ac-
counted for a record crowd in' at-
tendance. The campaign got under
way days in advance of the opening,
with George Hoover, manager of
Sheridan, getting exceptional story
and art breaks in the . Herald and
Daily News.
Advance campaign Included spot
announcements broadcast four times
daily over stations WIOD, . WQAM
and. WKAT. Special trailers and one
sheets, heralding the Sheridan's pre-
miere, were used on the screen and
in the lobbies of 13 other Florida
Theatres, Inc., houses. More than
300 window cards were used locally
and all trolleys carried .special cards
announcing the film's premiere. Spe-
cial kites were flown over the night
club section.
Tieups were arranged with the
leading nite clubs on a contest idea,
which offered tickets to the premiere
to the winners. Clubs which partici-
pnted in the stunt, included the 5
o'clock club. El Chico, Dempsey.
'Vanderbilt, Roney Plaza, Club Con'
tinentalc, 'The Drur\ Riptide and the
Little Club.
An airplane, carrying a huge ban-
ner announcing the ' premiere, was
U!:ed three times daily covering both
tlie Hialeah racetrack and Miami
Eeach.
WESTERNS' NATURAL B. 0.
A good western picture never miiscs at the boxo/fice.
From the earliest film days of the one and two-reelers,
the western has held its place against all other types
of popular stories. There have been times when the
majors have left the field to the independent producers.
But they return. Then the western, produced on the
grand scale, is revived and invariably, v.-Jien well done,
is handsomely rewarded. There is an affinity be-
tween the camera and the great open spaces that
strikes a common chord of entertainment in all kinds
and all ages of theatre-goers. The western picture is
the Ameracan picture.'
There's showmanship in 'Stagecoach' (Wangcr-UA),.
current at the Radio City Music Hall, Pushing through
the foyer crowds one is struck by the wide range of
its appeal. Old people and. children find similar values
in the film. It is the same audience which followed Ihu
hectic career of Jesse James.
'Stagecoach' has the feel of the west, the glaiit. vistas,
the dust and the wind, and it is peopled with characters
.(he audience understands and .sympathizes with. There
are Indians on the war-path, U. S. cavalry to the res-
cue, and a shooting duel that is exciting and convinc-
ing. 'Stagecoach' is all western — one of the be.'st.
.Showmanship too often is regarded as something
which a film acquires unto itself some time after it has
left the studio and starts its- career through the maze
of first and subsequent-runs in the circuits and inde-
pendent houses. It is nearer the truth to state that
showmanship is, or isn't, an ingredient of a picture at
the moment when the decision first is reached to film
a story. ^ Lacking the element of a sound common
denominator of audie'nce interest, a picture cannot ac-
quire simply by advertising, heavy money expenditure,
or artificial device, the quality of popular appeal if that
quality is not in the' texture of the film.
Either a picture has 'heart' or it hasn't. Bereft of
basic emotion, it is cold and unresponsive to exploita-
tion. When possessed of .the attribute of general ap-
peal, its commercial and artistic career knows no ,
bounds.. The flame already burns; smart handling and
enthusiastic advertising are the fuel which make the
conflagration.
AUDIENCES GROWING UP
Film producers are pondering the causes for the
static condition of picture theatre boxoflices, and are
seeking the reasons why the number of ticket buyers
is not increasing annually at the rate which attendance
graphs recorded the upward surge of the past two
decades.
Have entertainment tastes changed so radically in so
short a time, or, have films reached something ap-
proaching, a saturation pointT
Those who are interested in finding a partial, if not
final, answer to the attendance problem will do well
to contemplate an article by Stuart Chase in the At-
lantic Monthly, and republished in condensed form in
the current issue of The Readers' Digest, it is titled,
'Population Going Down,' and the opening paragraph
reads: —
"There are more than a million empty deslcs in our
elementary schools this year. The 1930 enrollment was
21,300,000; it was 20,000,000 in 1938. If present trends
continiie, by 1960 there will be 10,000,000 empty desks
in schools and colleges.* But the army of people over
65 will be 8,000,000 greater than it was in 1930.'
The population is growing, and the consensus of ex-
pert opinion expects a peak by 1960 of 140-150,000,000.
Present census is about 130,000,000. The curve, how-
ever, shows that the trend is towards an alarming
lessening of youth, in ratio to the total, and an even
greater increase of oldsters, men and women past 65
years. . Further, the writer states:—
'Finally, we come to migration rates. From 1900 to
1913 net migration into America averaged close to
1,000,000 persons a year, mostly young persons. We
By John C. Flinn
now show a net movement put of the country of 50,000
per.s-ons a year.' .
All of which may not aftect patroiiage at the Elite
theatre next week, but films, as well as other indus-
tries which have thrivecl in an expanding population,
may be compelled soon to face readjustment This
much is certain, a.ssuming the facts to be correct, that
the changing tastes in entertainment, demanding more
mature themes, are likely to be felt sooner in motion
pictures than in most other types of merchandizing.
Perhaps the pressure already is on. Such trends do
not take place rapidly, but show business, which Is
clc-sc to the masses, always is in constant change and
flux. Comparison of types of themes in the successful
legitimate attractions of this season with the romantic
plots of the Winchell Smith-Augustus Thomas-David
Belssco era reveals a distinct departure from the re-
cent past
Films of today are aimed primarily for a youthful
audience. Ilonce the careful mothering and story
coddling which finds expression iri self-imposed pro-
duction codes and political cehsorsnip in eight States.
In a. national survey of exhibitin|( conditions last
summer, theatre men frequently bemoaned the loss of
young people as regular attendants. They longed for
a return to the good old days, when youngsters flocked
to bbxo0ices in groups of four to 10.
It would seem that the job ahead is not to attempt to
reclaim the diminishing youth, but to capture and hold
a more adult type of theatre-goer. • If this is true, there
is a great and brilliant future for fllm$. They will
begin to grow up, escape from the boy meets girl for-
mula, and deal wit^ mature characters and themes.
In 1960, Shirley' Temple will be 30 years old and
probably at the height of hei: boxofTice draw in a series
of films dealing with problems of old age pensions.
' Twenty years also may see the end of government ariti-
.trust suits and the adoption, at. long last, of a code of
trade practices affecting distributors and exhibitors.
DIGGING POR GOLD
Charlie Chaplin used to tell. a. story about an ex-
hibitor who told him he had 'made Chaplin' - in his
home town because he had played the comedian's films
as fast as they were released. Which is like the pres-
ent-day showman who congratulates himself when he
does t)usiness with 'Gunga Din,' 'Snow White,' 'Boys'
Town,' 'Angels with Dirty Faces' and 'Alexander's Bag-
time Band.'
Tests of good showmanship . might better be gauged
by the amount of business a theatre can dig up for
itself on the good 'B' product, which possesses enter-
tainment angles without benefit of star billing, or heavy
pre-release advertising campaigns by distributors.
Millions of boxofCice dollars are lost in the course of
a year by an industry that is too much concerned with
the pushovers made to order for theatres, and too little
enthused over many good films which require advertis-
ing push and bustle to get their values before the pub-
lic. Let 'the prizes for enterprise and alertness go to
theatres which do smash business on 'Alcatraz,' "Twelve
Crowded Hours,' The Girl Downstairs,' 'Ambush,'
'Spirit of Culver,' 'Crime School,'. 'Persons in Hiding'
and 'A Man to Remember.'
Of course, the reason why many good films are
passed, up is because, the major producers themselves
concentrate on their biggest and best, and many a de-
serving, but small-budget film, is shot out to the ex-
changes without so much as a letter of introduction to
its own salesmen and branch managers.
Enthusiasm is accumulative and must spring from a
sense of eager excitement It is too much to expect an
exhibitor to discover the hidden values in product
How frequently one hears a theatre man say, 'If I had
only known how good that film was, I would have
gotten behind it and boosted hell out of it The people
who saw it said it was great, but I had only half a
house.'
There's gold in many films that is never discovered.
It takes showmanship to dig it tiut
Coal fiHine Galatea Has
A Fiing at Seattle Hi-Life
Seattle, March 7.
With re-dolled Music Box (Ham-
rick-Evergrecn) reopened, the ad-
vertising department headed by 'Vic
Gauntlett went to the races for
7ygmalion,' selecting from the coal
camp of Black Diamond the 'Queen'
of the week. Daughter of a coal
miner got the call. She was en-
throned for the week prior to the
opening and was hostess at the Mu-
sic Box on opening night
Occupying an apartment - in the
' swanky Ol^plc hotel, given a swell
wardrobe, feted and jeweled, she
was queen for a week and then went
back to the coal mln^. Plenty of
stories and art broke in the news-
papers.
'ALEXANDER BELL' FILM
PLAYERS TO FRISCO FAIR
San Francisco, - March 7,
A special train from Hollywood
will bring the cast of 20th-Fox's 'The
Story of Alexander Graham Bell'
here for the world premiere show-
ing of the picture on Treasure Is-
land, site of the Golden Gate Ex-
position, March 29.
Darryl Zanuck. has invited Holly-
wood newspapermen and women to
accompany the cast on the trip here.
Making the trip will be Don Amcche,
Loretta 'Voung, Henry Fonda, Spring
Byington, Sally Blane, PoUy Ann
'Voung and Georgiana 'Voung.
The day at the Fair has
designated as 20th-Fox Day..
been
Films and Broadcast
Combination Attraction
Charlotte, N. C., March 7.
New combination theatre and ra-
dio feature was inaugurated at the
State theatre here. It's the Kiddie
Klub, organized as a program for the
youngsters during Saturday morning
shopping and marketing hours.
Theatre opens at 9:45 a.m. and the
show starts at 10 o'clock. Following
a half hour of pictures there is a
haU hour broadcast, with Fred Bear-
den, manager of the theatre, as m.c.
First 150 youngsters to attend each
Saturday receive special gifts.
Li?e Stunts Boost
Tyg' and 'Stagecoach'
Atlanta, March 7.
Loew's Grand is stepping out
with exploitation of films that's pay-
ing dividends. Eddie - Pentecost
manager, got behind 'Pygmalion,'
effecting a tieup with lovelorn col-
umn writer of Hearst's Georgian and
Sunday American. 'Newspapers dug
up a 'Galatea,' for whom theatre
bought finery from Rich's, leading
department istore, which in turn,
plugged pic in daily display space.
Pentecost got Emory frat boys to
'sponsor' Galatea and she was es-
corted to various spots where she-
would be in public eye. Daily stories
preceded opening of pic, a special
showing with all seats reserved with
state and city dignitaries present;
name of mystery girl being an-
nounced and femme introduced from
stage.
. 'Stagecoach' also was given spe-
cial bally, theatre importing 11 full-
blooded Indians from Cherokee
Reservation in N. C. Failure to get
a legit stagecoach tailed to deter
management who dug up an old-
time tallyho. Indians were introed
from stage at special opening per-
formance, proceedings being aired
by WGST. Theatre also tied in with
Atlanta Constitution with an old
clipping contest climaxed by dinner
for 71 persons who owned clippings
from Constitution printed many
years ago. Old-timers were special
guests at first showing of pic.
N. Y. STORE PLUGS
DARLING DAUGHTER'
For Warners' dual engagement of
'Yes, My Darling Daughter" at the
Strand- and Globe theatres. New
York, the company arranged a tieup
With Saks Fifth Avenue, where the
latter used a flve-column ad in the
Sunday Herald-'Tribunie carrying
copy plugging the picture. In ad
dition flve windows were used in
publicizing the picture.
The newspaper ad used the title of
the picture as a streamer, with the-
atre and play-date credit in the
bcdy matter. The windows also in-
clude theatre and play-date credit
during the picture's engagement on
Broadway.
DiggmgUp Those Old
Honeymoon Snapshots
Charlotte, N. C, March 7.
The Carolina got on the front page
of the Charlotte News, afternoon
daily, with another tie-in story be-
tween the house and the newspaper,
this time searching for old hon'fey
moon pictures.
The' invitation to send in old
honeymoon ' pictures was given in
connection with the appearance at
the Carolina of 'Made for Each
Other.' There Was a prize of $10
for the oldest honeymoon picture
submitted.
K. C. MAYOR PROCLAIMS
TM FROM MO; HOLIDAY
Kansas City, March 7,
World premiere shoyring of Ttif
from Missouri' is set for the New-
man, local Par outlet, beginning
March . 16. Film , centers around the
American Royal stock show annually
staged here and makes use of some
local spots.
Gladys George, of the cast and
Ted Reed, director, come on from
Hollywood along with Jack Mofiitt,
scripter, who returns to his former
post of film critic on the Star fol-
lowing the sendofi for the film.
Mayor Bryce Smith is proclaiming
premiere day as 'I'm From Missouri'
day and film is getting heavy local
endorsements from Chamber of
Commerce, American Royal, Muehle-
bach hotel and town in general. Pic-
ture is already being plugged on
American Royal radio stock reports
daily and is to be boosted by co-op
newspaper ads, - a quarter twenty-
four sheet coverage, all stockmen's-
publications and. by radio dramatiza-
tions via WHB. Station KCMO is
set to broadcast the premiere itself.
Join the Navy and See ^
WorJd from Airships
Scripps-Howard newspaper chain,
is getting behind WB play-dates on
'Wings of the Navy,' Warner^ tied in
with the Scripps-Howard Aeronau-
tical Scholarship competition, which. -
the newspaper chain inaugurated
weeks ago in conjunction with the'
government's plan to train, civilian
aviators. In 16 key cities where the
contest is being run, the local news-
paper cooperated with the local ex-
hibitor on his showing of 'Wings of
the Navy.'
Local entrants in the newspapers'
scholarship contest were invited to
witness a. morning showing of the
feature. Newspapers played up the
tie-up with photographs in both
news and feature sections.
Cities where this tieup has been
successfully effected, are: Birming-
ham, San Diego, Sah Francisco, Den-
ver, Washington, Evansville, Coving-
ton, Albuquerque, Cincinnati, Cleve-
land, Oklahoma City, Pittsburgh,
Memphis, El PasO, Fort Worth and
Houston.
Store's Co-op Spreads
Hypo Trincess' in St L
St Louis, March 7.
Shirley Temple's first technicolor
screen opus was the provocation for
Fanchon & Marco's exploitation de-
partment and Famous-Barr Dry
Goods Co., one of tlie town's depart-
ment stor'cs, to utilize' the store's op-
tical division ior a co-op tieup.
In three ads that totalled 900 lines,
at no cost to the theatre, the line
read, 'You'll enjoy Shirley Temple in
The Little Princess' at the Fox 7'he-
atre, especially if you don't suffer
e.f.' The explanation of the abbre- '
viatlon (eye fatigue) was printed
beneath the line.
Theatre copped pictorial breaks
in all local dailies on the strength of
the technicolor treatment of the pix
and also upped its national co-op
ads to 800 lines, the ' greatest ever
budgeted here for any Temple film.
Twenty windows in various spots in
town Were grabbed for Temple dolls
and other displays.
Boy Scouts and Elks
United in Time Plugs
New Orleans, March 7.
Gar Moore, Orpheum theatre
blurbist, tied 'up the showing of the
March of Time, which contrasted
Boy Scouting in America with
youth activities in nations under dic-
tators, with the annual financial
drive of the New Orleans Area
Council, Boy Scouts of America, and
garnered considerable space in the
local dailies;.
Moore also tied in the film with
the Americanization Week campaign
of the New Orleans Lodge of Elks,
netting additional plugs. Besides
news space, Moore planted pictures
of Boy Scouts attending the theatre,
distributing circulars and other art.
yfeinosdaj, March 8, 1939
PICTURE GROSSES
VARIETY
Daughter -Weems Terrific $31,1
PMIy; Eddy UG, We
Philadelphia, March 7.
The second week of Warner's new
low-piice policy finds the downtown
iheatres playing to packed houses.
Grosses are away above last year's
figures for this date.
As usual the Fox is leading the
nack at the b. o. with sensational
biz for 'Daughter' an^ Ted Weems
orcli Combo looks like a teriffic
S31000 for the week— even topping
the' smash $30,000 hung up last week
by Artie Shaw arid 'Tailspin.' Press
blurbs anent temporary New York
ban of 'Daughter' undoubtedly the
come-on that's bringing thism in.
Other films ringing the dinner bell
are 'Freedom Ring' at the Stanley,
and 'Wife, Husband' at the Boyd.
Estimates for This Week
Aldine (WB) (1,303; 32-42-57)—
•Stagecoach' (UA) (2d wk). Unable
to hold the pace of its opening week.
Dismal $8-,000 for second sesh; First
one, $U,000.
Boyd (WB) (2,350: 32-42-57)—
•Wife, Husband' (20th). Hitting a
pretty $16,000, but will not be held
over. Last week 'Pygmalion' (M-G)
was socko $15,000 after a glorious
$19,800 for. its opener, 'Little Prin-
cess' (2t)th) in Friday.
Earle (WB) (2,758; 26-32-42)—
'Idiot' (M-G) (3d run). House con-
tinues making money as a straight
fllmer, hanging up a nice $10,000 de-
spite the fapt that .'Idiot' has had
four weeks downtown previously.
Last week 'Jesse James' (20th),
$10,000.
Fox (WB) (2,423; 32-42-57-68)—
•Daughter' (WB) with Ted Weems
brch. Advance ballyhoo on pic taboo
is jamming the house to its gills.
Sockeroo $31,000. L^st week Tail
Spin' (20th) plus Artie Shaw band,
$30,000.
Karlton (WB) (1.006; 32-42-57)—
Tail Spin' (20th) (2d run). Better-
than-par $4,800. Last week 'Each
Other' (UA) sweet $6,500.
■ Keith's (WB) (1,870; 32-42-57)—
•Musketeers' (20th) (2d run). Even
price slash didn't help this one. Pal-
lid $3,800 in offing. Last week 'Wings
Navy' (WB) poor $4,000.
Palace (WB) (1,000; 26-42)— 'Four
Girls' (M-G) plus five short sub-
jects. Doing a nice $6,000 in second
sesh as a flrst-run house. Opener
brought $5,000 for 'Boy Slaves'
(RKO).
Stanley (WB) (2,918; 32-42-57)—
•Freedom Ring' (M-G). Plenty nice
$17,000. Last week 'Huck Finn' (M-
G) hit par for $15,000.
SUnton (WB)- (1,457; 26-32-42)—
"Let Live' (Col). Strong $6,000 on
ti>e way. Last week 'Fast and Loose"
(M-G) also cliclced heavily fpr $6,500.
UUGHTON 8G.
BUFF. BUUISH
Buffalo, March 7.
Takings are continuing above nor-
mal for the current stanza and al-
though there are no peaks in evi-
dence the general level remains high
due to. heavy offerings. Two English-
made productions are the compara-
tive standouts among the film fodder.
Daughter' at the Buffalo is not espe-
cially exciting despite the censorship
baUyhoo. 'Beachcomber' at the Lakes
and 'Pygmalion' in its second stance
at the Hipp are both high.
Estimates for This Week
, Buffalo (Shea) (3.500; 30-35-55)—
Darling Daughter' (WB). Just fair
and hardly living up to excitement.
Looks for $12,000. Last week, 'Huck
Finn' (M-G), so-so $11,800.
„<:entnry (Shea) (3,000; 25-35)—
TCing Underworld' (WB) and 'O'Con-
nor' (M-G). Fine $9,000. Last week,
•Jesse James' (20th) (2d run), $8,-
000, nice second runtakings.
Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 30-50)
--Beachcomber' (Par). Very nice
business. Shooting for $8,000. Last
week, 'Wings Navy' (WB), fairish
$6,000.
Hjpp (Shea) (2,100; 25-40)— 'Pyg-
malion' (M-G) (2d wk). Holding to
strong business after great first week.
Nice at $8,500. Last week, swell
$13,000.
Lafayette (Ind.) (3,300; 25-35)—
Honest Man' (U) (2d wk) and 'Stand
Accused' (Rep). Average $6,000. Last
week 'Honest Man' (U) and 'Ex-
posed^ (U), $12,000. very nice. .
Dix Hurt, Slows Pic
Hollywood, March 7.
Shooting on Republic's 'Man of
i-onquest' was halted for a week due
Jo an injury to Richard Dix's riijht
hand.
Two small bones were fractured
oy a blow from a tomahawk in an
Indian battle.
Key City Grosses
Estimated Total Gross
This Week $1,567,700
' (Based on 26 cities, 177 fhea-
. tres, chiefly first runs, tncludlng
N.Y.)
Total Gross Same Week
Last Tear ...$1,524,800
(Based on 22 cities, 158 theatres)
"Daughter-Fields
Dual Heads For
Milwaukee. March 7. .
Town's freak weather of summer
one day, snow the next, has exhibs
tearing hair here. Indies, however,
take it calmly.
•Gunga Din' was held oyer until
Tuesday (26) while waiting for cen-
sor okay on 'Darling Daughter,'
which runs through Thursday (9)
at the Warner. Bally insures excel-
lent b.o. pickings.
Second big grosser Is 'Cafe So-
ciety' at the Palace. Pic looks good
for a h.o. at the Strand. "Pygmalion'
did nice biz at Palace last stanza
and goes into second flnal session at
the Strand on a dual with 'Moto.'
Disappointment of no p.a. from Nel-
son Eddy lets the Wisconsin grab
any loose cash with 'Freedom Ring.'
Estimates tor This Week
LlUle (Indie) (1,050; 35-50)— 'Peg
of Old Drury' (GB). Getting only
mild $3,300. Last week, 'Monastery'
(Indie) (2d wk), $3,800, okay.
Palace (Fox Wisconsin) (2,400; 35-
50)— 'Cafe Society' (Par) and 'Tom
Sawyer" (Par). Looks set for hefty
$8,500. Last week, 'Pygmalion'
(M-G), $7,600, satisfactory.
Riverside (Indie) (2,800; 25-30-35)
— 'Homicide Bureau' (Col) and
vaude. Doing better this stanza,
with fair $9,000. Last week, 'Gam-
bling Ship' '(U) and vaude $8,500,
so-so.
Slraiid (Fox Wisconsin) (900; 35-
50)— 'Pygmalion' (M-G) and 'Moto*
(20th). Sighting good $6,000. Last
week, 'Idiot' (M-G) and 'Smiling
Along' (20th). $6,300, swell.
Warner (WB) (2.400; 35-50)—
'Darling Daughter' (WB) and 'Hon-
est Man' (U). Will stay 10 days.
Socko fare has over $9,500 in stove.
Last week, 'Gunga Din' (RKO) (2d
wk), acceptable $7,200.
Wisconsin (Fox Wisconsin) (2,800;
35-50)— 'Freedom Ring' (M-G) and
'Flirting Fate' (M-G). Garnering
profitable $9,000. Last week, 'Tail-
spin' (20th) and 'Moto' (20th), nice
$9,200.
WE, HUBBY' IIG,
DENVER PLENTY OK
Denver, March 7..
. Weather here conducive to theatre
going, and all first runs are gleaning
above-average b. o.
Three films get a moveover to
other houses as result of okay biz —
'Stagecoach,' 'Wife, Husband' and
'Fast and. Loose.'
Estimates for This Week
Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 25-40)—
'Stagecoach' (UA), after a week at
the Denver, Behaving beautifully
with $4,500, big, and shifting to the
Rialto. Last week 'E.ch Other'
(UA), $4,000, nice.
Broadway (Fox) (1,100; 25-40)—
'Huck Finn' (M-G) and 'Pacific
Liner' (RKO), both after a week
at the Orpheum. Doing neat $3,500.
Last week 'Honolulu' (M-G) and.
'O'Connor" (M-G), after a week at
the Orpheum, good $3,000.
Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 25-35-
40)— 'Third of Nation' (Par). Con-
troversial angles, worked on to pro-
duce ia good $6,100. Last week 'Cafe
Society' (Par), nice $6,500.
Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-50)—
'Wife, Husband' (20th) with stage
band. Getting fine $11,000 here, and
moving to Aladdin for mor«. Last
week ^Stagecoach' (UA) very good
$12,000.
Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40)
—'Fast and Loose' (M-G) and 'Four
Girls' (M-G). Hitting $10,000. Mov-
ing to Broadway. Last week 'Huck
Finn' (M-G) and 'Pacific Liner'
(RKO), big $12,000.
Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)—
'Musketeers' (20th) and 'New York
Sleeps' (20th). No complaint with
$4,000. Last week 'Oft Record' (WB)
and 'Charlie Chan' (20th), nice
$4,000.
B'KLYN STRONG
'Gunga'
H,0. $20,000 ^ 'Lady'
Great $18,500
Dual
Brooklyn, March 7.
Spotlight currently, centers on
RKO Albee holding 'Gunga Din' sec-
ond week to first-rate results, and
Loew's Metropolitan with 'Lady
Vanishes' and 'Four Girls in White.'
Paramount safiifactory with 'St.
Louis Blues' and. 'One Third of a
Nation.'
Estimates for This Week
Albee (3,274j 25-35-50) — 'Gunga
Din' (RKO) (2d wk). Drawing nifty
$20,000 after swell $25,000 last week.
Fox (4,089; 25-50) — 'Off Record'
(WB) and 'Frankenstein' (U) .(2d
wk). Neat $17,000. Last week, same
»"o. preceded in part by 'Ambush'
(Par) and 'Wharf (RKO), $12,000.
. Met (3,618; 25-35-50)— 'Lady Van-
ishes' (20th) and 'Four Girls' (M-G).
Plenty rave notices for pair. Great
$18,500 in store. Last week, 'Top-
per' (UA) and 'O'Connor' (M-G),
nice $17,500.
Pmmonnt (4,126; 25-35-50) — 'St
Louis Blues' (Par) and 'Third of Na-
tion' (Par); Okay $17,000. Last
week, 'Wings Navy" (WB) and
Homicide Bureau' (Col) (2d wk),
satisfactory $15,000.
Strand (2,870; 25-35-40) — 'Tough
Kid' (Mono) and 'North of Shanghai'
(Col). Mild fare will bring in quiet
$6,500. Last week, 'Dr. Meade' (Col)
and 'Nancy Drew' (WB), peaceful
$5,500.
'Beanty'-Vande 15€;
'Each Other' $11,000,
Daughter' lOG, Balto
Baltimore, March "7.
No noticeable Lenten dent into
current de luxe doings here with
good product the probable answer.
Stage portion of Hipp.'s combo bill,
featuring strong lineup of Vincent
Lopez, Abbott Se Costello and Patri-
cia Ellis, running 'Beauty for the
Asking,' into town's top money.
'Made for Each Other' at Loew's
Century, holding a pleasingly steady
pace,, closely followed by 'Yes, My
Darling Daughter' at Warner's Stan-
ley. Latter got a censorial trim-
ming, but no obvious effect on b. o.,
with a second week indicated on
strength of pace being set.
Estimates for This Week
' Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15-
25-40)— 'Each Other' (UA). Off to
a pleasing $11,000. Last week 'Huck
Finn' (M-G) kept them coming, par-
ticularly in daytime, to strong $11,-
800.
Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,205;
15-25-35-40-55-66)— 'Beauty for Ask-
ing' (RKO) with Vincent Lopez,
Abbott and Costello and Patricia
Ellis. Leads town with $15,000. Last
week 'Let Us Live' (Col), plus
vaude headed by Lionel Stander,
failed to click at $10,400.
Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406; 15-
25-35-40)— 'Spirit of Culver' (U).
Opened today (Tues.). Last week
'Dark . Rapture' (U) nice $7,900 for
eight days.
New (Mechanic) (1,558 lD-25-35-
55)— 'Wife, Husband' (20th) (2d wk).
Holding steady pace to satisfactory
$5,000 after okay opener to $7,300.
Stanley (WB) (3,250; 15-25-35-40-
55)— 'Darling Daughter' (WB). Not
hurt by censorial trim and heading
into bullish $10,000. Last week, sec-
ond of 'Beachcomber' (Par), added
fah-ish $5,200 to good opening take
of $10,400.
'Princess $23,700, Fields-Bergen
USM for Top 1. A. Coin; Duke
Wobbly at llGrOrph's Pair. $7,000
Broadway Grosses
Estimated Total Gross
This Week.. $275,800
(Based on 12 theatres)
Total Gross Same Week
Last Tear. . $273,100
(Based on 12 tlieatres) '
Me'-Jan Garber
SweQ M On
Flesh Yen, (hnaha
' Omaha, March 7.
Jan Garber and his. orchestra arc
headlining the Orpheum stage show
here to a smash $16,000 -for the
week's biggest take. Flesh starved
natives are responding in droves.
Lee Bennet, vocalist with the band,
and George Givot, botb former
Omahans, are a boost and the whole
bill is getting big play. 'Duke of
West Point' on the screen.
'Trade Winds' dualed with The
Girl Downstairs' at the Omaha and
'Blondie Meets the Boss' split with
'Let Us Live' at the Brandeis are
suffering somewhat from the com-
petish. Trade Winds' is pulling a
nice $7,000, however, and 'Blondie'
with hometowner Henry Fonda in
'Let Us Live' a good $5,000.
Estimates for This Week
Avenue - Dundee - Military (Gold-
berg) (950-810-650; 10-25)— 'Artists
and Models' (Par) and 'Going Places"
(WB), dual, split with 'Say French'
(Par), 'Storm' (U), and 'King Alca-
traz" (Par), tripler. Fair, $2,000. Last
week, 'Dawn Patrol' (WB), and
'Cowboy and Lady' (UA), dual, split
with 'Gangster's Boy' (Mon), 'Serv-
ice DeLuxe' (U), and 'Marry' (RKO),
tripler, good $2,300.
Brandeis (Singer-RKO) (1,250; 10-
25-35-40)— 'Blondie' (Col) and 'Let
Live' (Col). Good $5,000. Last week,
•Gunga Din' (RKO) (2d wk) $3,800,
fair.
Omaha (Blank) (2,200; 10-25-40)—
'Trade Winds' (UA) and 'Girl Down-
stairs' (M-G). Good, $7,000. Last
week, 'Huck Finn' (M-G) and
'O'Connor' (M-G) $7,800, good.
Orpheum (Blank) (3,000; 35-55)—
•Duke West Point' (UA), and Jan
Garber orchestra with stage show.
Smash, $18,000. Last week, 'Wings
Navy' (WB), and 'King Underworld'
(WB), very good, $9,600.
Town (Goldberg) (1,250; 10-20-25)
—'Sunset Trail' (Par), 'Dawn Patrol'
(WB), and 'Convict's Code' (Mon).
tripler, split with 'Prairie Justice*
(U), 'Artists and Models' (Par), and
'(^ing Places' (WB), tripler. Good
$1,800. Last week, 'Arizona Legion'
(RKO). 'Gangster's Boy' (Mono), and
'Star Reporter' (Mono), tribler, all
I first runs, split with 'Buckaroo'
(Mono), 'Cowboy and Lady' (UA),
land 'Hard to Get' (WB), tripler,
I good $1,800.
'Stagecoach' Hauls Hefty 17G, Cleve.;
'Great Man'-Duchin Mild, 'Wings OK
Cleveland, March 7.
Lent not such a jinx this year, at
least not to 'Stagecoach,' which is
carrying a heavy chest full of gold
into the State at a gallop. It's showr
ing far more speed than next door
Palace, where 'Great Man Votes' and
Eddy Ducbin's crew on the stage iare
faring rather mildly.
'Wings of Navy' held down to com-
paratively low altitude at Hipp.
After two swell stanzas there,
'Gun^a Din's' move-over to Alleii for
h.o. is justifying it with one of
sweetest grosses it's had this month.
Estimates for This Week
Alhambra (Printz) (1,200; 10-20-
35)— 'Homicide Bureau' (Col) and
'Gambling Ship' (U); Pleasant $2,200
for four days. Last week 'Woman
Doctor' (Rep) and 'Smashing Spy
Ring' (Col) on ditto run, $2,000,
okay. ■ .
Allen (RKO) (3,000: 30-35-42-55)- educators'
'Gunga Din' (RKO). Excellent $6,000 i average,
nv> "(tVtift fv>nM TXinn fi\T> 4kii*i4 \ttoa\r ' C^lllm
Kildare' (M-G). Fair' half -week.
$1,600. Last week, 'Crooked Mile'
(Par) for four days, $1,200, very
tepid.
Hipp (Warner) (3,700; 30-35-42-55)
—'Wings Navy' (WB). Not strong,
but doing well enough at $10,000
with help of favorable notices. ' Last
week 'Gunga Din' (RKO) proved to
be sockiest h.o. of ttie season, $12,000.
Palace (RKO) (3,200; 30-35-42-55)
^'Great Man' (RKO) with Eddy
Duchin's band. Earning excellent
notices, but trade is off. Doesn't
size up better than $14,000. X,asf
week, 'Say French' (Par) plus 'Crazy
Unit' vaude, nice $16,000.
State (Loew's (3,450; 30-35-42-55)
—'Stagecoach' (UA). No trouble at
all in copping $17,000, fine, as result
of shrewd ballyhoo and special pre-
view which took $1,200. Last week,
Topper' (UA) skidded in spite of
convention to
Los Angeles, March 7. .
Several better than average grosses
in store this week, with 'Can't Cheat
Honest Man' and 'Little Princess,'
leading parade. Temple opus run-
ning around 100% better at Loew's
State-Chinese than .previous picture,
'Just Around .' Corner';- about 50%
ahead of 'Little Miss Broadway,' and
25% over her 'Rebecca' and 'Winnie
Winkle.'
'Can't. Cheat Honest Man' heading
for neat $25,000 on initial stanza at
Hillstreet and Pantages, and will
stick two weeks or longer.
Holdovers, 'Pygmalion' and 'St.
Louis Blues." showing strength, with
former good for at least another
month,
Estimates for This Week
Chinese (Graumari-F-WC) (2.024;
30-40-55-75)— 'Little Princess" (20th)
and 'Girl Downstairs" (M-G). Con-
siderable improvement over previous
week, and very good Shirley Temple
biz, with'$10,!)00 in sight. Last week,
'Each Other' (UA) and 'Pardon
Nerve' (20th), nsh. $8,700.
Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-40-55-
65)— 'Duke West Point' (UA) and
'Nancy Drew' (WB). Weak $6,000.
Last week, 'Darling Daughter' ' (WB)'
and Torchy Blane' (WB) eight days,
okay $10,500.
Four Star (F-WC-UA) (900: 40-55)
—'Pygmalion' (M-C^) (11th wk). An-
other- $3,400 on top of 10th 'week's
healthy $4,100.
Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55-
65)— 'Duke of West Point" (UA) and
'Nancy Drew" (WB). First U.A. pic
for this house in several months is
getting weak $5,000. Last week,
'Darling Daughter' (WB) and 'Torchy
Blane' (WB) eight days, good $12,000.
Orpheum (Bdwy.) (2,280; 25-30-35-
40)— 'Smiling Aloni;' .(20lh) and
'Gambling Ship' (U) plus vaude.
Ordinary $7,000. Last week, 'Moto*
(20th) and 'Arizona Legion' (RKO),
$7,000.
Pantaees (Pan) (2,812; 30-40-55)—
'Honest Man" (U) and 'Dr. Meade*
(Col). Fields-Bergen opus looks set
for neat $12,000, insuring holdover.
Last weelt, 'Great Man Votes' (RKO)
and 'Let Live' (Col), fair $6,000.
Paramount (Par) ' (3,595; 30-40-55)
-^'St. Louis Blues' (Par) and stage
show (2d wk). Holdover week likely,
with strong $11,000, after first week's
bi" S18,000.
EKO (2,872; 30-40-55)— 'Honest
Man" (U) and 'Dr. Meade' (Col).
Runnine somewhat ahead of its day-
dater (Pantaces) and should reach .
big $13,000. Last' week, 'Man- Votes*
(RKO) and 'Let Live' (Col). .$6,500.
State (L<}ew-Fox) (2,414; 30-40-55-
75)— 'Little Princess' (20th) and .'Girl
Downstairs' (M-G) dual. Headed for
neat $13,400. which is 100% better
than last Shirley Temole opus at
house. Last week, 'Each Other'
(UA) and 'Pardon Nerve' (20th),
not hot at $9,300.
United Artists (F-WC) (2,100: 30-
40-55)— 'Each Other' (UA) and 'Par-
don Nerve' (20th). Continued weak-
ness on moveover at' $2,800. Last
week 'Honolulu' (M-G) and 'Four
Girls'— (M-G). okay $3,800.
Wllshlre (F-WC) (2,296; 30-40-55-
65)— 'Each Other" (UA) and 'Pardon
Nerve' (20th). Okay $4,600. on con-
tinued first run. Last week 'Hono-
lulu' (M-G) and 'Four Girls' (M-G),
very good $6,200.
'Heart'-Dass $3,000,
Best in Fair Lincoln
Lincoln, March 7.
With Alano Talca Dass on stage,
Lincoln with 'Young in Heart*' is do-
ing excellently awa^ from .dual Tea-
tures for the first time in months.
Stuart's 'Let Freedom Ring' is
away under, hopes. 'Stagccoaclv did
okay the first week and is fair on
I the h.o. at' the. Varsity.
I Opening of the Nebraska has been
I set back again. House probably
won't open until last week in March.
I Estimates for This Week
Colonial (NTI-Noble-Monroe (750;
on shift from Hipp for third week. Stillman (Loew's) (1,972: 30-35-42- 1 $4,900,
T.ast week 'Kine Underworld' (WB) 55)— 'Fast and Loose' (M-G). Shade I Van
10-15)— "When Born! (WB) and 'Har-
vest MoOn' (Rep) split with '.Run-
down Prairie' (Mono) and 'Accid-nts
Will Happen' (WB). Avsra-c, C*00.
Last week, 'Santa Fe Stampsde'
(Rep) and 'Couldn't Say No' (VB)
split with Thundering West* (Col)
and 'Mr. Chump' (WB) fair S900.
Liberty (NTI-Noble) (1,000; 10-15-
25)— 'Girls School' (Col) and 'North
of Shanghai' (Col). House has
slimmed off badly lately, and this
won't boost much at. $1,100, sc-so.
Last week.. 'I Am Criminal' (Mono)
and 'Mr. Worn;' (Mono) light Sl,300.
Lincoln (LTC-Cooper) (1.600; 10-
20-25)— 'Young- Heprf (UA) and
Alano Dass on siiage. Very "lod
$3,000. Last wcik 'Girls W'^te*
(M-G) and 'O'Connor" (M-G) fair
$2,600.
Stuart (LTC-Cooper) (l.lOO: 10-25-
40— 'Freedom Rinu" (M-G). Only
$12,000. 1 $3,000, 'very d'srippoipting. Last
' weak. 'Gunga Din' (RICO) sw«ll
Last week, 'King Underworld' (WB)
$2,500, n.g.
Circle (Marmorsteih) (1,900; 15-
35)— 'Nancy Drew' (WB) and 'Dr.
55)— 'Fast and Loose' (M-G). Shade I VarBlty (NTI-Noble) (1.100: in.'?5-
above ordinary at $4,000. Last week,
'Pygmalion' (M-G) (3d wk) very
satisfactory $5,000.
35)— 'Staitecoach' (UA) (2d wk).
Fair $2,700. First week, very gi/oi
$3,300.
10
VARIETY
PICTURE GROSSES
Wednesday, Miirch 8, 1939
'Pyg' $10,000, Mpk; 'Each Other 5G;
'Man Remember in 8th Rosy Week
Minneapolis, March 7.
Going great b.o. guns, 'Pygmalion'
is stealing the spotlight and monop-
olizing most of the public attehtion
here currently. Off to a whirlwind
start, it looks set lor a good run
at the Century. Tremendously «f-
lecttve exploitation and advertising
campaign helped.
Otherwise, honorable mention goes
again to 'Man to Remember/ still
traveling at a profitable pace in its
eighth week at the sure-seater
World, with no end to the run in
sight yet This one's sensational box-
office performance is the talk of the
industry here.
'Made for Each Other' is hitting
under hopes for the State, and the
Orpheum's Tail Spin' is the same,
the takings leaving much to be de-
sired.
Redemption of Twin City Variety
club refugees' relief fund tickets cut
severely into grosses last week; The
Orpheum ushers in a fortnight of
stage shows Friday (10) with Jan
Garber, who will be followed by Lou
Breese. 'Ice . Follies of 1939' .opens
a nine-day run at- the Arena March
17 and Lunt-Fontanne come into the
Lyceum for four nights, starting
March 22.
Estimates for The Week
Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25)—
'Chan in Honolulu' (20th) and 'Pi-
rates Skies' (U). Headed for pretty
good $1,800. Last week, 'Ambush'
(Par) and 'Secrets Nurse' (U), split
with 'Arizona Legion' (RKO) and
Torchy Blane' (WB), $1,400, mild.
Centnry (Par-Singer) (1,600; 25-
35-40)— 'Pygmalion' (M-G). Sold to
a fare-thee-well by fine advance
campaign in a town made to order
for this sort of 'class' fare. Critics'
raves and customers' word-of-mouth
boosting bound to keep take at high
level. Opened with 'first nighter pre-
view* (two shows) Thursday night.
Should continue for at least three
weeks, with two a cinch. Big $10,000
indicated. Last week, 'SL Louis
Blues' (Par), $2,500, bad.
Gopher (Par-Singer) (998; 25)—
'Great Man Votes' (RKO). Mixed
opinions regarding picture and out
alter $800 - on four days. 'Blondie
Meets Boss' (Col) opens today
(Tiies.). .Last week, "Pacific Liner'
(RKO). $2,4nn. fair.
Orpheum Par-Singer) (2,800; 25-
35-40)— Tail Soin' (20th). Pointing
.to mild $5,000. Last week, 'Son
Frankenstein' (U), $5,000, light.
State (Par-Singer) (2.300; 25-35-
40) — 'Each Other* (UA). CJood
notices from crix. Film's title and
favorable word-of-mouth may build
picture beyond light $5,000 indicated.
Last week, 'Young Heart' (UA),
$8,200, good, but would have gone
close to $10,000. except for refugee
benefit tickets taken in in lieu of
ccsh.
Time (Berger) (290; 25)— 'Assas-
Bln of Youth' (Indie). After a brief
whirl at double features for a dime,
house has this first-run sex picture.
What'U come next is mystery. Pic-
ture opened Tues'day (7). Lost week,
*I Was Captive of Nazi Germany'
(SR). $500, noor.
Uptown (Par) (1.200; 25-35)—
'Stand Up' (M-G). First neighbor-
hood showine. Fair $2,300 indicated.
Last week, 'Kentucky' .(20th), $2,400,
fair.
World (Steffes) (350: 25-35-40-55)
—'Man Remember' (RKO) (8th
week). Goes on like Tennyson's
brook. Little variation In week to
week take $1,400 clip being highly
profitable. Last week, cash receipts
considerably oft because of large
number of refueee relief tickets
taken in at box-office, but $1,600 still
plenty good.
'C^tinga' H.O. $10,000,
Rest of Montreal N.G;
Davis 'S.ardust' review not io good,
$5,500.
Princess (CT) (2,300- 25-34-50)—
'Stand Up' (M-G) and 'Girl Down-
stairs' (NI-G). At $2,500, poor: Last
weelc, 'Son Frankenstein' (U) and
'Down on Farm' (20th) $3,000. ditto.
Orpbenm (Ind) (1,100; 25-40-50)—
'King Turf (UA) and 'Pride Navy'
(Rep) (2d wk). Disappointing re-
ception' with $1,200 best in sight
La^t week below . expectations at
$2,500.
Oliiema de Paris (France-Film).
(600; 25-50)— 'Le Patriote' (2d wk).
Pacing for eqUal of first week's
$2,000.
St. Denis (France-Film) (2,300; 20-
34) — 'Princesse Tarakhanova' and
-Champion de France.' House pack-
ing them in at all times and' shaping
for excellent $6,500. Last week,
'Adrienne Lecouvreur* and 'Piste du
Sud,' very nice $6,800.
'BEACHCOMBER'
FINE $11,
CINCY
Frisco Expo Okay
San Francisco, March 7.
Treasure Island had a bang-up
w.eek-end attendance. Around
126,000 persons went through the
wicker. This was 10,000 better
than previous week-end.
'Camel Caravan Revue' Is
playing at the big California
Auditorium at pop prices of 25c
to 75c. Eddie Cantor is emcee.
Up to March 5, some 752,000
.^jaid to attend the expo. Plenty
of tourists from out of State, but
expo is resigned to March-April
letdown in crowds.
Montreal, March 7..
'Gunga Din' in a second stanza at
Palace currently is shaping for
socko $10,000 after best gross since
'Snow White' here, with $12,500 last
week. This is oiily Ijright spot in
town among Enqlish houses. Loew's
closes out vaude week after next
Other houses spotty to poor.
Estimates for This Week
Palace (GT) (2,700; 25-45-55)—
♦Gunga Din' (RKO) (2d wk)
Shapmg for smash S' 0.000 on repeat
and liable to be held for third ses-
sion, after very fine $12,500 last
week.
Capitol (CT) (2,700; 25-45-55)—
♦Made Criminal' (WB) and 'Comet
firoadway' (WB). Another poor
week at $4,000, Last week, 'St Louis
Blues' (Par) and 'Boy Trouble'
(Par), poor $3,500.
Loew's (CT) (2,800; 30-40-60)—
'Hard to Get' (WB) .-.nd Rachel Car-
ley. ' Set for barely fair $6,000. Last
week; Tough Guys' (T^ and Benny
Cincinnati. March 7.
'Beachcomber' at the Shubert and
'Little Princess' at the Albee are
head-and-head for front money cur-
rently. Temple pic's night biz is
disappointing, 'Duke of West Point'
is fetching fairly good returns for
Keith's. Tail Spin' at the Palace
and 'Persons in Hiding.' at the Lyric,
n.s.g.
RKO's smallie Family, which re-
cently adopted duals on a split-week
run, has upped the scale from 15-25
to 20-30 cents. Change has resulted
in a slight gross tilt
Week-end trade suffered from a
hard rain Saturday (4) night and
advance Of spring warmth Sunday
(5).
Estimates for This Week
Albee (RKO) (3,300; 35-42)— 'Lit-
tle Princess' (20th). Juve trade okay
only in afternoons. Very light biz
after 7 p.m. Disappointing $11,000.
Last week, 'Each Other' (UA) very
good $13,500.
Capitol (RKO) (2,000: 35-42)—
'Each Other' (UA) (2d run). Good
.^5.000.. Ditto last week with 'Huck
Finn' (M-G) (2d run).
Family (RKO) (1,000; 20-30)—
'Pirates Skies' (U) and 'I Am
Criminal' (Mono), split with 'Boy
Slaves' (RKO ) and "Home on Prairie'
(Rep). Okay $2,300. Last week,
'North Shanghai' (Col) and 'Head-
ley's' (BF), split with 'Pride of Navy'
(Rep) and 'Fighting Thoroughbreds*
(Rep), normal $2,100.
Grand (RKO) (1,200; 25-40)—
'Gunga Din' (RKO) (3d run). Fair
$2,500. Ditto last week on 'Hono-
lulu' (M-G) (3d run).
Keith's (Libson) (1.500; 35-42)—
•Duke West Point* (UA). Fairly
good $5,000. Last week, 'Fast and
Loose' (M-G), eight days, swell
$6,000.
Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 35-42)— 'Per-
sons in Hiding' (Par). Bad $2,500.
Last week, 'Gunga Din* (RKO) (2d
run), very good $5,000.
Palace (RKO) (2.600; 35-42)— 'Tail
Spin' (20th). Poor S7,500. Last
week 'Musketeers' (20th), six days,
sad $6,000.
Shubert (RKO) (2,150; . 32-42)—
'Beachcomber' (Par). Excellent
$11,000 and will hold. Last week,
'Pygmalion' (;M-G) (3d wk) $4,500.
all right
'Beachcomber* $7,500,
Tyg' $5,500, Seattle
Seattle. March 7,
Music Hall starts new policy this
week, being billed as a 'four-star'
theatre.' House has been dorte over
by Hamrick-Evergreen from front
to screen, and looks class for smaU-
sCater. 'Pygmalion' opener is set
for an extended run of five or six
weeks.' Big campaign an aid.
'Beachcomber' has nice sailing at
the Fifth to the tund of $7,500. 'Stage-
coach' getting plenty of exploitation
for Paramount theatre- showing, gar-
nerin ; $7,300.
Estimates for This Week
Bine Moose (Hamrick-Evergreen)
(850; 32-37-42)— 'Gunga' (-K0) (3d
wk) on moveover from Paramount
Good $2,800. Last week fourth for
'Jesse James' (20th), $2,500.
Collsenm (Hamrick - Evergreen)
(1,900: 21-32)— 'Sweethearts' <M-G)
and 'Thanks Memory' (Par). Slow
going with $2,400. Last'week 'Cow-
boy and Lady' (UA) and 'Spring
M'«dness' (M-G) okay $2,600.
IFIfth Avenue) (Hamrick-Ever-
green) (2,349; 32-37-42) — 'Beach-
ccmber* (Par) and 'Boy Trouble'
(Par). Plenty of ballyhoo, and re-
sults are nifty with big $7,500 in
store. Last week 'Huck Finn' (M-G)
(Continued on page 38)
Goodman Orch Sends
'Service' to $17,000
Despite Indpls. Fla
. Indianapolis, March 7.
Epidemic of flu keeping many of
town's citizens indoors. Unofficial
estimates by city health officials of
those off work because of illness . is
30,000. , Adding a like number to
stay home and. dish out the pills, it
figures that more than a fifth of the
population is incapacitated.
Benny Goodman is mightily, pep-
ping the box offices here this week
by piling up a' smashing gross at
the vaudfllm Lyric with 'Secret
Service of the Air.' The house's total
for the week will more than double
the biz at any of the other first-run
spots. Runner-up honors will be-
long to 'Topper Takes a Trip' aiid
'Dramatic School' at Loew's, while
the Circle will finish comfortably
with 'Wife, Husband, and Friend'
dualled, with 'Inside Story.'
Estimates for This Week
Apollo (KatzrDolle) (1,100; 25^30-
40)— 'Happened One Night' (Col)
and 'Mr. Deeds' (Col) (revivals).
Not doing much at $2,000.. Last
week, moveover session also n-s.-h:'
on 'Honest Man' (U) and 'Gambling
Ship' (U), $3,000.
Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2.600; 25-30-
40)— 'Wife, Husband' (20th) and 'In-
side Story' (20th). Getting along
nicely with $6,500 in eight days. Last
week 'Pride of Navy (Rep) plus
Russ Morgan orch and Mitzi Green,
$7,100 for six days, in the red.
IndUna (Katz-Dolle) (3,100; 25-30-
40)— 'Cafe Society' (Par) and 'Boy
Trouble' (Par). Heavy ads with na-
tional budget assistance from pro-
ducer, but pace is very mild at $4,-
500. Last week 'Tailspin' (20th) and
'Pardon Nerve' (20th), fair $5,500.
Loew's (Loew's) (2,400; 25-30-40)
—'Topper' (UA) and 'Dramatic
School' (M-G). Former given
lengthy outdoor poster teaser cam-
paign. Results good at $7,500. Last
week 'Pygmalion' (M-G) and 'My
Son Criminal' (Col) good $8,000.
Lyric (Olson) (1,900; 30-40)—
'Secret Service' (WB) and Benny
Goodman band. First appearance
here of Goodman and he's playing
to near-capacity. With the aid of a
slightly tilted matinee price scale,
he broke Heidt's all-time Saturday
record. He'll miss Heidt's all-time
seven-day record, although he's
heading for the runner-up spot with
$17,000 indicated. Last week 'Nancy
Drew' (WB) and Tommy Dorsey
band did excellent $14,500, - though
hampered by heavy snows, epi-
demics, etc.
Frisco Coasting Along on H.O.s;
Treedom' $11000/SL Frisco' NG
'OKLA. KID' BIG 8iG
IN OKLA. CrrY PREEM
'Stagecoach' $14,500,
Laoghton Strong 8G,
Rest of Pro?. Off
Providence,- March 7.
'Stagecoach' at State and 'Beach-
comber' at Strand are only bright
prospects in what looks like an
average week for other stands. In-
clement weather and Lent combo
holding grosses down slightly.
Estimates for This Week
Albee (RKO) (2,000; 25-35-50)—
'Honest Man' (U) and 'Secrets
Nurse' (U). Good $6,500. Last week
'Gunga' (3d wk) held for fairish
$3,500.
Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 25-35
50)— 'Huck Finn' (M-G) and 'Foui
Girls' (M-G) (2d run). Stepping
along to nice $6,500. Last week 'Each
Other' (UA) and 'Soy Hunt' (Col)
(2d run), oeppy $5,800.
Fay's (Indie) (2.000; 25-35-40)—
•Gambling Ship' (U) and vaude.
Slow at $6,000. Last week, "Pardon
Nerve' (20th) and vaude, nice $7,000.
^Majestic (Fay) (3.200; 25-35-50)—
'Wings Navy' (WB) and 'Nancv
Drew' (WB). N.s.h. $5,500. Last
week. 'Musketeers' (20th) and 'Inside
Story' (20th) drooped at $5,000.
State (Loew) (3,200; 25-35-50)—
•Stagecoach' (UA) and 'Pride Navy'
(Ren). BriBht $14..500 coming up.
Last week. 'Huck Finn' (M-G) and
'Four. Girls' (M-G), swell $17,000.
Strand (Indie) 'Beachcomber
(Par) and 'Misf X' (Rpd). El?ht-
dav run T3romi::r!.-< hefty $8,000. Last
veek. 'Pcson.s Hiding' (Par) and
"3ov Trouble' (Par) weak $4,000, six
days.
Oklahoma City, March 7.
'Oklahoma Kid' world preemed to
ve:-y nice $8,500. Other spots look
good but none exceptional.
Estimates for This Week
Criterion (Stan) (1.500; 25-35-40)
— 'OhJahoma . Kid' (WB).. Preemed
with one of biggest promotional
campaigns in local history and tying
in with Oklahoma Golden Jubilee
Celebration, this one is set for $8,500
which, while not a record, is a very
good gross. Last week, 'Huck Finn'
(M-G) so-so $4,750.
Liberty (Stan) (1,200; 20-3Q)—
'O'Connor' (M-G) and 'Disbarred'
(Par). SDlit with 'Marry' (RKO) and
'Society Smugglers' (U). Good $2,800.
Last weeki 'Fisherman's Wharf
(RKO) and 'Moto' (20th) split with
'Ambush' (Par) and 'Gambling Ship'
(U) poor $2,250. First pair , jerked
day early.
Midwest (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40)—
.'Paris Honeymoon' (Par). Looking
for fair $4,000. Last week, 'Honest
Man' (U) bit over average at $4,800.
Plaza (Stan) (750; 25-35-40)— 'Huck
Finn' (M-G). Moveover film is get-
ting average $1,900. Last week,
'Idiot' (M-G) mediocre $1,300.
State (Noble) (1.100; 25-35-40)—
'Staeecoach' (UA) (2d wk.). Good fOr
$3,700, above average. L'ast week
very nice $5,250.
Tower (Stan) (1.000: 25-35-40)—
'Musketeers'- (20th). So-so $2,200.
Last week, 'Gunga Din' (RKO) -nice
$3,000 on moveover sesh.
Detroit's Jittery
Over UAW Feud;
'Stagecoach' 12G
Detroit, March 7.
Fear of sporadic strikes, resulting
from the United Auto Workers
Union irtternal strife, is blamed in
part -for v;ide open spaces in local
theatres. Another woe, the threat-
ened influenza . epidemic, has passed.
For the past several months, as
UAW members split, in half behind
Homer Martin and John L. Lewis,
town's thousands of auto workers
have been holding onto e\'ery i^enny
of their wages in the belief that
they'd be needed badly later on as
factionalism grew more serious and
strikes resulted over jurisdictional
disputes among UAW factions.
However, return of pleasant
weather is helping to counteract sev-
eral holdovers and general tone here
is good enough, despite Lenten sea-
son, etc. 'Gunga Din,' following two
smart 'sessions at the Fox, continues
for a second stanza on the secbnd
run at the Adams.
Estimates for This Week
Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40)—
'Gunga Din' (RKO) (2d wk) (2d
run) plus 'Peck's Bad Boy' (RKO)
and 'Ferdinand' (RKO). Kipling
opus, after two neat sessions at the
Fox, is getting jts second stanza on
second run here for okay $4,500.
Last session swell $9,500.
Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40-
65)— 'Honest Man" (U) plus stage
show. Headed for good $22,000 on
strength of Fields-McCarthy 'feud.'
Last week smash $33,500 for 'Mus-
keteers' (20th) and Benny Good-
man band.
Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000;
30-40-65)— 'Cafe Society' (Par) and
'Boy Trouble' (Par). Set for $12,500,
fair. Last week 'Wings Navy' (WB)
and 'Nancy Drew' (WB), former get-
ting a big buildup on statewide radio
hookup, disappointing $13)500.
Palms-SUte (United Detroit) (3,-
000; 30-40-50)— 'Wings Navy' (WB)
(2d run) plus 'Prison Without Bars'
(UA). Former moved here after
week at Michigan. Fair $5,500 gait
Last week 'Beachcomber' (Par) (2d
run) ^d 'Convicts' Code' (Mono),
$5,300.
United Artists (United Detroit)
(2.000; 30-40-85)— 'Stagecoach' (UA).
Good $12,000 sighted. Last week
'Huck Finn' (M-G), only fair $9,300.
Pat DeCicco Sued For
$10,000 Legal Services
Los Angeles, March 7.
Pat DeCicco, agent is being sued
for $10,000 by Sophie Milne, assignee
of J. Thomas Russell, attorney.
Action charges DeCicco refuses to
pay Russell for legal services for
the last two years.
Sari Francisco, March 7.
With the exception of the Fox and
the (jiolden Gate, all of the other
houses on Market Street have hold-
overs this week. 'Let Freedom Ring '
playing at the Fox, is headed for a
fairly good gross. Crix have given
Eddy the nod in their comments on
his work in 'Freedom.'
Biz at the Gate is way off agaia
this week, in spite of the fact tliiit
ISaint .in San Francisco' has a local
setting, and competish from other
theatres is negligible because of
holdovers for second and third
weeks.
Estimates for This Week
Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-55-75)—
'Freedom Ring' (M-G) and 'Four
Girls' (M-G). Will get substantial
$17,000. Last weelt, 'Wings Navy'
(WB) and 'Arizona Wildcat' (20th)
good $16,000.
Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850: .3S-55)
—'Saint San Francisco' (RKO) and
vaude. This house seems to be hit a
bit harder by the Fair than some of
the. others. Picture is getting fair
enough word-of-mouth, but the
$11,000 take is poor. Last week,
'Great Man' (RKO) and vaude dis-
appointing $10,000.
Orpheum (F&M) (2.440; 35-55)—
•Honest Man' (U) and 'My Son
Criminal*. (Col) (2d wk). Can't com-
plain about $7,500 take. Last week;
excellent $12,000.
Paramount (F-WC) (2.740; 35-55-
75)— 'Wings Navy' (WB) and 'Ari-
zona Wildcat' (20th) (2d wk). Biz
not so forte at $8,000. Last week,
'Beachcomber' (Par) and 'Boy Trou-
ble' (Par) got $13,000 which wasn't
bad considering competish from Fair.
St. Francis .(F-WC) (1,470; 35-55-
75)— 'Pygmalion' (M-G) (3d wk).
Third stint healthy at $6,000. Last
week, fine $8,000.
United ArUsts (Cohen) (1,200; 35-
55-65)— 'Topper' (UA) (3d wk).
Should have run longer, but b.o. off
on account of Fair. Fading to tune
of $6,000. Last week, $8,000.
Warfleld (F-WC) (2,680: 35-55-75)
—'Darling Daughter' (WB) and
'Pardon Nerve' (20th) (2d wk). Final
week only fairish at $7,000. Last
week, so-so $12,000.
'EACH OTHER'
$10,000 IN K.C.
Kansas City, March 7.
Bills currently limited to straight
films with windup of vaude at the
Fox Tower. House goes double fea-
ture for' time being, but will show-
occasional band units and vaude
names.
Grosses in stronger bracket in
keeping with grade of attractions, all
houses being above average..' 'Made
for Each Other' at Midland, numeri-
cal leader, but 'Darling Daughter,'
at Orpheum, comparative leader.
Gross is up at the Tower over
former vaudfilm days with 'Wife,
Husband and Friend' and 'Gambling
Ship.' Uptown day and dating same
film on new set-up, and Esquire,
third Fox first run outlet, holding
over Fields-McCarthy film.
Weather over week-end highly fa-
vorable to theatre-going.
Estimates for This Week.
Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 10-
25-40)— 'Honest Man' (U). Held over
tor second week to fair $3,500 after
nice $4,000 first session.
Midland (Loew's) (3.573; 10-25-40)
—'Made for Each Other' (UA) and
'North of Shanghai' (Col). Returns
substantial at $10,0()0. Last Week.
'Honolulu' (M-G) and 'Spy Ring*
(Col), $12,000. pleasing.
Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10-
25-40)— 'Cafe Society' (Par). Solo
f^howlng gets the house back to
Thursday openings. Started with
alacrity and looks like $6,500, okay-
Last week, 'Beachcomber' (Par)
stayed eight days to $6,000.
Orpheum (RKO) (1.500: 10-25-40)
—'Darling Daughter' (WB). Off with
a rousing start and heavily sunnort-
ed by younger generation. Little or
no controversy over censorship here.
Pet for $7,200 and h o. La.<!t week.
•Gunga Din' (RKO) closed three-
week run at $4,500, good, considering.
Tow'er (Fox Midwest) (2,050; 10-
25-40)— •Wife. Husband' (20th) and
'Gambling Ship' (U). Double bill
supolants former vaudfllm policy,
and looks to better house averape
with nice «7.000. Last week, 'Mu-sket-
eers* (20th) and vaude. headed by
Jack Fulton, light S6.500.
Untown (Fox Midwest) (1 200; 10-
25-40 >— 'Wife, Husband' (20th). dav
and dating with Tower at S3.7nn.
good. Last week. 'Honest Man' <U).
day and date with Esquire, $4,000.
Vcdi^csdny, March 8, 1939
VARIETY
11
You doni need the
ted States
Supreme Court
LOOK A T THl
WARNERS' PERFORM
1 ..
FOUR DAUGHTERS
THE OKLAHOMA KID
THE SISTERS
THEYmade ME A CRIMINAL
BROTHER RAT
BLACKWELIS ISLAND i
' ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES
NAUGHTY BUT NICE
DEVILS ISLAND
VALLEY OF THE GIANTS
DAWN PATROL
NERO FOR A DAY
1
^(redncsday, Marcb 8, 1939
VARIETY
IS
Answer!
RECORD OF
mCE FOR 1938-39!
DODGE CITY
DARK VICTORY
WINGS OF IHE NAVY
FAMILY REUNION
Y0Ucani.%withM11IIDER
KID FROM KOKOMO
CONFESSIONS OF A NAZI SPY
YES.MY DARLING DAUGHTER
JUAREZ
HELIS KITCHEN
EACH DAWN 1 DIE
THE ROARING ROAD
14
VARIETY
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
SO YOU KNOW WHAT TO EXP
WARNERS ARE MAKING
BRACKE
Two Outstaniling Attr
Wednesday, Mareh 8, 1939
VARIETY
If
I
T WHEN YOU KNOW THAT
FOR 1939-1940
PICTURES
;tions Every Month ! !
i
Pi
i
^ VARIETY Wednesday, March 8, 1939
DECISION:
"Warner Bros,
are so far
ahead it's
hard to tell
who's second r
-Wednesday, March 8, 1939
PICTURES
VARIETY 17
TRADE CONFABS VAMPING
Ga. Senate Gets Diyorcement Bill;
Kansas OK s One, but Neb. Says W
Atlaiita, March 7.
A divorcement and anti-monopoly
measure, which would put the pic-
ture Industry under supervision of
the State Public Service Commis-
sion, was introduced in the state
senate Thursday (2) by Senator
Arthur J. Nix, of Gainesville, Under
bill's terms, all operators of theatres
would have to apply to the commis-
sion for a permit and pay annual
license fee of $10 for each house
operated.
Commission Is given the power to
cone the state and regulate distribu-
tion of films, and theatres must be
operated strictly In adherence to
rules and ' regulations promulgated
by commission. Bill states that 'such
regulations shall be designed to pre-
vent and prohibit monopolistic and
unfair trade practices in the motion
picture industry within the state.'
Unfair and monopolistic practices
■re defined as follows:
Contracting for more pictures
than are reasonably required for
the operation of the exhibitor's
business for the period of one
year.
An unnecessary and too frequent'
change of pictures that affects a
complaining exhibitor.
An agreement by which a dis-
tributor retrains from licensing its
products to another exhibitor.
Depriving an exhibitor from a
sufficient number of pictures to
operate his theatre, without just
cause.
Ownership or control of 51% of
the stock in a theatre by a dis-
tributor or producer.
Showing preference for, or dis-
crimination against, any .other
theatre in the same zone.
The commission is given power
to regulate the clearance of pic-
tures and to fix the maximum time
end area f6r the clearance.
Rebates or refunds by pro-
ducers or distributors to exhibitors
are strictly forbidden.
The' commission is given author-
ity to investigate and regulate
groiip buying and price fixing, and
no distributor or producer shall
be allowed to dictate the price of
admission to be charged by an
' exhibitor as part of the contract
for releasing the picture.
The Public Service Commission
Is given authority to hear com-
plaints and conduct hearings, and
there is a right of appeal to the
Superior court of the county in
which the parties reside.
Violation of the act is made a
misdemeanor and there is also a
provision that an aggrieved ex-
hibitor has the right to recover
from an offending producer, dis-
tributor or exhibitor three times
the actual ^damage he has incurred,
in addition to costs of suit and at-
torney fees.
Kansas House Passes Bill
Topelta, March 7.
Repeal, of the North Dakota di-
vorcement bill bore no influence
with legislators in Kansas, where a
similar measure had been introduced
prior to abrogation of the. N. D.
statute. During the past week the
House of Representatives iri Kansas
passed its divorcement bill by a
large majority.. The vote was 79
to 13.
Kansas' was the first state to in-
troduce divorcement Icsislation this
year, being followed sliprtly after-
ward by Nebraska and Arkansas.
Going through the House by a vole
Of better than 6 to 1 in favor of
passage, tlie Kansas bill- now goes to
the senate of that state. The vote
may be closer lliere.
Nebraska Bills Killed
Lincoln, March 7.
After much talk about setting the
Nebraska house in order regarding
producer-distributor ownership of
theatres, Senator E. M. Neubauer,
introducer of the theatre divorce-
ment and sales regulation bills, did
not even show up to defend them
374 Bills
Check this week revealed that
there are 374 bills affecting the
motion picture industry, directly
or indiriectly, still pending be-
fore 42 State legislatures, still In
session.' Included in the list, of
course, are sales tax measures
and chain store bills, because
industry attorneys' realize that
amendments can be inserted
making them applicable to the
film business.
State ' legislative bodies In
Wyoming, and North Dakota al-
ready ' have adjourned, leaving
only 42 States still In session.
Florida' legislators do not con^
vene untU April, and three legis-
latures are not meeting this .
year. This rounds out tiie full
total of 45 legislative bodies in
session this year.
U S. HIGH COURT
ASKED TO K.O.
APPEAL
Washington, March 7.
Dismissal of the appeal Involving
validity of the rescinded North Da-
kota divorcement law was requested
of the U. S. Supreme Court Monday
(6), coincident with receipt of a pre-
liminary report from Justice Depart-
ment agents on the circumstances
surrounding the erasure of the dras-
tic statute and hints that the Fed-
eral Government's anti-trust case in
New York may be bolstered by evi-
dence from the current probe.
Initial report from the agents look-
ing into the mechanics of the repeal
arrived about the time the Court was
asked to hand back the papers.
Sleuths have not wound up their
field work, which is intended to see
whether there was any conspiracy
behind the legislative developments,
or any other incidents which might
tend to prove the Government's alle-
gations in the N.'V. petition for per-
manent injunction prohibiting com-
mon ownership of theatres and stu-
dios.
when they went before committee.
They were unanimously killed.
Neubauer came to the legislature
grinding an axe witii Foxwesco in
McCook, Neb., where they had been
running only one house with raised
prices after closing up the rest of
the town. With an eye on that town,
lie broached two bills, one to make
it .'a violation of law tor producers
to become consumers in Nebraska,
and the other placing censorship,
sales regulations, and supervision of
film dealings under the state rail-
way commission, charging exchanges
$1,000 each for licenses to operate
each year, plus $1 for each reel of
distributed film,
Meantime. Foxwesco opened an-
other house in McCook. Lawmakers
also were given life of the session
ducats lo the Lincoln Theatres Corp.-
Par houses, to the Nebraska Theatres,
Inc., houses, and to Bob Livingston's
Capitol.
Senator Dick Johnson's anti-en-
durance show bill being patted on
the back by the film biz as an elim-
ination measure for skate, bike, or
walkathons, has been shoved from
the select file to final reading. Three
radio Iwlls seem to be stymied and
heading for the dead file. One of
them would make insurance com-
pany ownership of a brcadcasting
station (aimed at WOW, Omaha, the
Woodmen ot the World station)
illegal. One wants to give city coun-
cils power to pass ordinances regu-
lating interference factors. And the
third seeks a ban on special events
broadcasters at the polls on election
nights.
END ALTOGETIR
Allied Stopped Authority of
Its Negotiating Commit-
tee When Finished Draft
Wasn't Forthcoming by
March — Film Leaders
Had Been Hopeful of
Agreement Before Con-
gress' Last Days, but That
Looks Unlikely Now
CANCELLATION BACK
Film industry is becoming con-
vinced that there ii considerable
stalling going on In the 1Va(ie Prac-
tice huddles. Several leaders, who
have been anxious to see the new
trade practice alignment placed in
effect before the present congress
reaches final days of its present ses-
sion, unofficially, admit that the con-
ferences seem to be marking time
and awaiting some event that would
wipe the conference off the slates
temporarily.
Enactment of a Neely measure, a
motion picture commission, decisions
In the federal anil- trust suit against
the major companies and several
other . drastic politico developments
are foreseen now as possibilities- that
might push the .trade practice con-
fabs into history.
Although again this week it is
declared the revised trade practices-
pact would be ready any time now
for submission to the 10 exhibitor
organizations which sat in on con-
ferences with the distributors, the
failure to have the finished draft in
the hands of Allied by Wednesday
(1) resulted in Allied ending the au-
thority of its negotiating committee.
Under a resolution which the Al-
lied ' board of directors passed in
January, it set March 1 as the dead-
line for authority of its trade prac-
tice negotiating committee. Allied,
which was not satisfied with the fliet
(Continued on page 38)
Duals at 10c. 'Snow White Twin
15c and Indies Squawb U^t
IHpls.; Allied to Push Divorcement
Thick-Skinned ?
There's been so much discus-
sion in the trade over censor-
ship that one Industry leader
posed the question on 'how look-
ing -at so much off-colored
screen material affected the
morals of censors?'
"Censors,' he said, 'after 10 or
12 years on the job, should be,
the. mosV immoral p^ons in ;fhe'
-state after viewing iall these al-
legedly' offensive dips in pic-
tures.' /
TRUST LAWS
IN NEED OF
REVAMPING
Washington, March 7. .
Federal Trade Commission's anti-
monopoly position was seml-official-
ly made known to Congress In' a
statement by W&lis 'J. Ballhiger, di-
rector' of 'the monopoly survey for
the FTC. Ballinger appeared as a
witness in an PIC hearing last,
week (1). Ballinger's 'prologue'
statement was that the present anti-
trust laws, as generally donstrued by
the courts, has proved -ineffective in
preventing the steady growth of mo-
nopolistic practises in American in-
dustry.'
He recommended suitable changes
in the law which would lead to ef-
fective encouragement and protec-
tion to free initiative in business.
The FTC is unalterably opposed to
any general legislation permitting or-
ganized control of prices and pro-
duction, according -to Ballinger, as
well as I) return to the old NBA,
Community Business Men Lend Moral
Support to Exhibitor's WB Fight
Concerned over the fight Harry
Fried, independent exhibitor operat-
ing in Ardmore and Bryn Mawr, Pa.,
is putting up against Warner Bros,
and other film distributors, against
whom he has filed a restraint of
trade suit; business men of Bryn
Mawr have appealed to the U. S. De-
partment of Justice to come to
Fried's assistance. At a meeting of
the Bryn Mawr Business Assn. dur-
ing the past week, a resolution call-
ing for relief for Fried was drawn
up and forwarded to the Dept. ot
Justice as well as to U. S. Senators
and the major producing-distributing
companies.
Tlie backing of local businessmen
in Fried's attempt to prove that a
conspiracy in restraint of trade exists
against him is one of the most unique
moves ever taken in connection with
an industry matter of thl.<! nature.
Resolution adopted by the Bryn
Mawr merchants declared a commit-
tee appointed to investigate the
charges had found indications 'that
discrimination is being practiced,' It
also took the view that the result
was detrimental to the community
because it affected Bryn Mawr's cul-
tural advantages.
Fried operates the Seville in Bryn
Mawr. He also has the Suburban
and Anthony Wayne in Ardmore, of
which Bryn Mawr is a suburb. War-
ner Bros, have the Ardmore in Ard-
more and is chat-ged, together with
major distribs, of withholding film
from the Fried theatres until the WB
Ardmore had either used or rejected
them.
. The Bryn Mawr resolution for-
warded to Washington and to dis-
tributors, takes the position that
'chain theatres retain all options,
privileges and prerogatives in the
conduct of the business by control-
ling the dates of exhibition of respec-
tive films, and it appears to the com-
mittee that no remedy, other than
an action at law, is available to cor-
rect this seeming discrimination
against the citizens and best interest
of Bryn Mawr.'
The first round of Fried's court
fight' against WB and distributors
was won by the indie exhib when a
motion for a bill of particulars by
the defendants was denied.
Frankie Thomas* Pact
Up for Court Sanction
Hollywood, March 7.
Warners new contract with
Frankie Thomas. 17. comes lip for
approval Thursday (0) in Superior
court.
New ticket ranges from $400 to
$1,250 weekly over a seven-year
period.
Ritter's P.A.8 End
Tex Hitter is due back in Holly-
wood by the end of this week after
a personal appearance tour, final
date of which is Prescott, Ariz,
Western star goes into 'RoUin'
Westward' for Monogram on his re-
turn to the studio.
Minneapolis, March 7.
Actual and threatened disturbing
trade developments, calculated to
upset the local industry's applecart,
have filrhdom here in a ferment
-On the heels of the appearance ot
duals at 10c admlsh in the loop,
'Snow White* hit the downtown sec-
tion as one end of a Ite.twln-blll.
A prominunt-.independent circuit op*
erator alleges, o^ie of his theatres has
been shut -off from product No-vr
Northwest' Allied, Independent ex-
hibitors', organization, intimates that
It will t9lce a stahd4lgalnst further
participation In tfdde' practice con- '
ferences as a resulV of the North.
'■Dakota theatre divorcement law re-
peat
Bennie Berger, independent circuit
-operator, has been doing most of the
monkey-wrench tossing. In retalia-
tion for alleged failure of major
distributors to supply product for his
sure-sea ter loop 'Time theatre, con-
sidered a first-run situation, he low-
ered his admission there from 25c
tu 10c and . Inaugurated double' fea-
tures at that mhiimum scale;-
Berger charges that some of the
major distributors and several com-
peting exhibitors have. 'conspired' to
deprive the -Time of 'product He
says there is an agreement ojn the
part of several ot the' major ex-
changes to give the 16c Pantages
first call on. loop subsequent-runs
^following the ParamojulUt circuit He
asserts he dem'anded these'' subse-
quent runs for his 25c theatre prior
to Pantages, or day-and-date with
that house, at the same ISc scale, but.
to no avail. He sfiys the exchanges
insist that he follow Pantages and
the Seventh Street also a ISc subse-
quent-run downtown house, and
charge the same admission.
The present 10c duals are only an
experiment,$he says, and outstand-
ing single features will be used as
they're available.
, ' Stormy Petrel
Belrger has; been a storm center
among his fellow ii^dependents for
some time. 'He has i^en under their
fii.> because he insisted on buying ■
Metro films for the Paradise, local
neighborhood theatre owned by him
and President W. ' A. Steffes of
i Northwest Allied, and showing them
' at lower matinee admission prices
ahead - of other independents. Be-
cause of this situation a number ot
prominent Twin City independents
are threatening to cut loose from
Northwest Allied ..nd form their
own rival organization, and it is
indicated there'll be a showdown on
their score when the body holds its
annual convention here June 12.
'Snow White' went into the Crys-
tal, lower loop "lOc subsequent-run
double-feature grin' house, as one-
h.ilf of a twin bill', Tiiough the house
raised its admission to ISc for this
atfr^ction, a number of the indies
are squawking. They claim RKO
insisted that the Disney classic
wouldn't be shown in the territory
on any double feature program, or
at less than 20c admi.ssion. They're
also sore becaiise approximately only
two weeks have clcpsed since they
showed the p;cture at 25c admis-
sion.
The exhibitors now complaining
were hold-outs last year against the
RKO 40% dcmcnd tor 'Snow White."
RKO at the time declared emphati-
cally that it never would sell the
picture for loss, but by holding off
for more than a year, the Twin City
indie neighborhood Hbuses were able
to buy if for 30%.
Although President Steffe,s, ot
Northwest Allied, Is mum, other or-
ganization leaders here are voicing
their resentment over the North
Dakota theatre divorcement law re-
peal. They charge that the- distrib-
utors s.lippcd the repeal through and
they say they want to discontinue
present 'peace' negotiations at trade
practice conferences, in which the
(Continued on page 31)
18
VARIETY
FILM REVIEWS
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
ICE FOLLIES OF 1939
Hollywood, March 7.
lletro nienee of Harry Rapt production.
Stun Joan Crawford; features Jiimea btew-
art, Low Ayrea, Lowla Htona, International
Ice Folllca with liesa Elirhanlt, Koy and
Eddie Shlpgtad, Oacar Johnaon. Directed
by Relnhold Schunzel. Scivenpluy by I<eon-
ard Prasklna, Florence Rjrcrson, Udgnr
Allan WooK, from story by Leonard Pms-
klns. Spcolul musical score and flnnic,
Rog>r I'Mcns. SknIlnR choregraiiliy,
Frances Claudet, Vul Itaset. Camera. Jo-
seph Ruttenberg; editor, \V. Donn Hnycs;
technicolor photogruphy, Oliver Mnnih;
vocnl and orchestral nrrnnKcments, Leo Ar-
naud, Ueorge Xnssman, I'revlcwed nt TCesl-
nood Vllloge, March 2,
81 MIKS.
'30. Running time,
Mary McKay Joan Crawford
Lnny Hall James Stewart
£ddle Burgess Lew. Ayrcs
Douglas Tolllvcr, Jr Lewis Stone
Kitty ,Shecm;in Bess Khrliardt
Mort Hodges ..Lionel Sinndor
Burney Charles D. Drown
ture of comedy and dramatic ele-
ments is workmanlike throughout.
Entire production was given most
elaborate mounting. Both olack-and-
white and Technicolor photography
hit high marks in their respective
fields.
Metro successfully accomplishes
the difficult task of welding two
rather extended appearances of the
International Ice Follies troupe into
this production — withal keeping both
story and ice show in separate
grooves where one does not detract
from the other. Film is an attractive
package of entertainment, displaying
smart showmanship in both execu-
tion and overall production. It car-
ries factors which assure healthy
grosses for all bookings.
Joan Crawford has a clear-cut role
better suited to her talents than has
been provided in several years past
' She takes full advantage of oppor-
tunities to be sincere and glamorous.
If recent pictures have dropped her
rating with the paying public, this
one will swing Miss Crawford right
back to her former position.
But, as the tiUe suggests, it's the
Ice show and spectacle that count
It's expertly assembled to maintain
speedy tempo in presentation —
cnockful of specialties in the first
section, .and decidedly eye-appealing
in theTechnicoIored Cinderella spec-
tacle for finale. The ice show num-
' bers are new and novel material for
screen presentation. Not exactly a
flimuslral, but yet an elaborate show
on tee.
The International Ice Follies toured
the country the past year, but no-
where could .the- show be staged with
all of' the color, speed, effectiveness,
scenic investitures and facilities .as.
Srovlded by Metro in this produc-
on. First half of the Ice show
presents specialty acts and ensembles
expertly Interwoven into a high-
geared siequence running about IZ
minutes. It includes specialties, by
Bess £hrhardt Roy Shlpstad, Eddie
Shipstad,. Oscar Johnson, Harris Legg
and La Verne Busher; in addition to
three appearances by boys and girls
of the skating ensemble in peasant,
Scotch and Indian routines. There's
fine spacing .of the comedy, solo
numbers and ensembles.
Materially assisting in highlight-
ing the effectiveness of the first part
of the Ice show is the camera and
technical aid provided. The reflec-
tions in the fee as the performers
glide through their numbers will
quickly catch audience attention.
Camera movement and angles add
much to impress the individual and
ensemble routines, while the rink se-
quences have been tinted and toned
in laboratory printing to eliminate
any glare from the ice surface.
Second appearance of the Ice Fol
lies nms about 17 minutes in the
Cinderella fantasy finale. It's a
beautiful color production sequence
that combines the land of make-
believe with reality. It's a fitting
climax.
Story is only a framework on
which to build the Ice sequences.
Rather light it would have had
trouble unfolding on its own tor
seven reels.. Joan Crawford marries
James Stewart and when he finds
tough sledding in securing skating
engagements, former conveniently
nabs a film stock contract Miss
Crawford gains to stardom in her
first picture and Stewart goes east
to generate interest and backing in
his Ice Follies idea. The venture
dick!!, byt when Miss Crawford hits
New York for a pei-sonal appearance
she has little time for her husband.
After Miss Crawford asserts deter-
raJnation to, give up her film work
for Stewart the conflicting careers
are brought together nicely by studio
head, Lewis Stone, who hires Stew-
art as b film producer,
Stewart gives a believable per-
formance as the husband-skater and
^ carries heftiest role in the picture.
B Lew Ayres and Stone are okay and
1 nicely grooved as Stewart's skating
W partner and nroducer; respectively.
Despite all of the advance pub-
licity generated on the oredicted ap-
pearance of Joan Crawford on
skates, player keeps off the blades
throughout the nicture. In Cinderella
\ finale, she is only one without skates,
but situation is kidded several times
during the film stanza for some
healthy comedy dialog.
Three songs recorded by Miss
Crawford for the picture have hit
the cutting room floor — with excep-
tion of a very short chorus retained
in the Cinderella spectacle. Star is
given fiulher glamor via a Hedy
LaMarr hair-do. Many femme fol-
lowers of Miss Crawford may take
exCGDtlon to ber . falling back on
another's specialty makeup, in view
of the fact that similar hairdress
. was retehtly worn by Joan Ben-
nett In 'Trade Winds'.
Direction of the story section of
the Dieture was capably handled by
Relnhold Schunzel. His intermix-
NEVER SAY DIE
(WITH SONG)
Los Angeles, March 7.
Paramount release of Pnul .Tones pro<luc.
tlon. Stars Martha Hayo and Bob Hope,
features Andy Usvlne. Alan Mowbr.iy, Gale
.vondergoard. Directed by Elliott Nugent.
Screenplay by Don Harlman. Frank nuilor
and l*reHton Sturges; br.sed on play by
William H. Post. Camera. Leo Tover; dim
editor, James Smith; special photographic
crtccta by Farclot £:louart. Previewed at
Paramount March 1, '30. Running time:
SO .MINH.
^flckey Hawkins Martha Rnyc
John Kldloy..' Bob Hopo
Henry Munch /....Andy Dcvinc
Prince Smirnov Alan Mowbray
.Tono Oolo Sondergaordf
Poppa Ingleborc Slg Rumann
Jeepcin Ernest Cossnrt
Jnxpcr Hawkins Paul Harvey
Momma Inglebure Frances Arms
Krctsijy Ivan Simpson
Dr. .''chmldt Monte Voollcy
Kretsky'a Dodyguard Poy Vnn Dolsen
Itio' Mayor ■ .Christian Uub
Miniature J(eviews
<Ic« Follies of 1939' (Metro).
Joan Crawford starrer has au-
dience appeal and cinch for
healthy grosses,
'Never Say Die' (Par), Martha
Raye and Bob Hope in mild pro-
grammer; .leeds strong support
for top dual spots. '
■The Lady and the Mob' (Col).
Ner.t, entertaining farce, with
new twist to racket-buster
theme; rates exploitation.
'RIackwell's Island' (WB). Ex"
citing prison meller with John
Garfleid. An exploitation nat-
ural. '»
• 'Secret Service of Air' (WB).
Better than average action mel-
ler, good enough to single-bill in
so.me houses.
'The Flying Irishman' (RKO).
Dramatic biography of Wrong
Way Douglas Corrigan, too late
for pop interest. For lower duals
and kids.
The comedy talents of Martha
Raye and Bob Hope have been side-
tracked to a great extent in "Never
Say Die.' Picture has a few funny
passages, but on the whole is just a
mild farce. It's only a fair pro-
grammer and will need plenty of
support as top attraction in the keys.
For subsequents and nabes, it will
get moderate biz.
William H. Posfs play, made as a
silent in 1924 by Douglas MacLean,
provides basis for some -fine farcical
and entertaining comedy, but both
the writers and director failed to
take advantage of opporttmitles.
Story, details adventures of a
young multi-millionaire hypochon-
driac. Bop Hope, who is given a
month to live when a chemist
switches his analysis with that of a
dog. Escaping marriage with, ad-
venturess Gale Sondergaard, Hope
meets Martha Raye, whose Texas oil
tycoon father insists she marry a
prince, Alan Mowbray, instead of ' her
hometown 'bus-driver sweetheart,
Andy Devine. Hope marries Miss
Raye in order to leave her his for-
time for later marriage to Devine.
Latter arrives to accompany pair on
honeymoon. When- chemist finally
advisies Hope o£ his mistake, couple
discover themselves deeply in love.
Picture lufolds at a slow pace,
with script losing many opportuni-
ties for laughs in dialog. Comedy
situations are few, many of them old
routines which secure only a mild
response. Top comedy sequences is
early morning duel between Hope
and Mowbray. Tongue-twisting in-
structions to both on which of -the
two pistols is loaded, and .duelists'
attempts to remember is a funny
piece of business.
Both Martha Raye and Hope play
too straight and draniatlc. Same
condition applies to Andy Devine,
who has little opportuni^ to dis-
play his wares. Gale Sondergaard
IS fine and Ernest Cossart is . capable
as Hope's valet .and trouble-shooter.
Balance of supporting cast is okay.
Miss Raye smgs a tuneful number
by Ralph Rainger and Leo Robin,
'The Tra La La and the Oom Pah
Pah,' which may get considerable ra-
dio plugging because of its nbvelty.
The Lady and the Mob
Hollywood, March 7.
Columbia release of Fred Kohlmer pro-
duction. Features Fay Balntar, Ida Lu-
pine. Directed by Ben Stololt. Screenplay
by Richard Malbaum and Qertrude Purcel),
from story by George Bradstiaw nnd Price
Day; camera. Jnhn Stumar; editor. Otto
Meyer. Prcvleweri at Hollywood Pon-
tases. March 3, '30. Running time: 65
MlNo*
P.V'S.J^""*'''' Fay Balnter
Llla Thome Ida Luplno
Fred Leonard Lee Bowman
Zambroglo. Henry Armetta
Frankle O'Fallun Warren Hymer
Hnrry the Lui: Harold Huber
District Atlurniy Forbes Murray
nilnky Mack Joseph Sawyer
Kralns lA>gnn Tom Dugan
ncrt the Beetle Joseph Colts
I»lg Time Tim Jim Toncy
ITie Canary Tommy Macii
Mayor Jones Brandon Tynan
Qeorge Watson George Meeker
Offering a novel switch to the ac-
cepted formula for racketeer pic-
tures, 'The Lady and the Mob' is an
enjoyable and amusing piece that
will catch the fancy of audiences
generally. It's a strong programmer,
with opportunities for extensive ex-
ploitation, and word-of-mouth will
assist materially after it gets roil-
ing. With Fay Bainter the only sell-
ing name, this picture nevertheless
will get some attention as a topper
in the key duals, but should hold its
own solo very nicely in the subse-
quents and lesser operations.
Novel twist to a familiar yarn Is
provided by reversing regulation
racket-buster procedure. Fay Bain-
ter, rich, staid arid aristocratic old
lady, goes after a gang engaged in
a cleaners' racket When the payoff
boys brush her aside, she acquires a
mob of her own to rout the gang-
sters. The adventure carries' her
through a series of dizzy situations
imtil.she accomplishes her purpose.
Miss Bainter provides 'an excep-
tionally fine characterization in role
of the old lady, who is gradually
transformed from a mid-Victorian
granddame to a vigorous and' ag-
gressive crusader. Ida Lupino and
Lee Bowman are okay as love inter-
est, while Henry Armetta presents
his standard Italian characterization.
Miss Bainter's mob is a broad-
sketched conglomeration of thugs,
providing much of the comedy -ele-
ments in both dialog and situations.
Soprano-voiced Tommy Mack, for
instance, is a nice bit of casting.
After establishing the old-fash-
ioned procedure of Miss Bainter, pic-
ture swings into high gear to pick
up speed as it rolls along. It's neat
dovetailing of a tight script and.
competent direction. Laughs are nu-
merous and nicely spaced.
Inserted in the script is a timely
plea for Americanism delivered by
Miss Bainter, deftly introduced to
compare freedom of America with
dictators of other countries.
Entertainment factors of the pic-
ture rise far above the moderate
budget provided for its making.
BLACKWELL'S ISLAND
'Warner Bros, release of First National
Production. Stan Jnles Oarflcid; featota
Stanley Fields, Rosemary Lane, Dick Pur-
caU. Victor Jory. Directed by 'William
McOann. Adapted by Crane '\vllbur from
original by Wilbur and Lee Katz; camera,
Sid HIcox: musical director, Leo F. Forb-
steln; editor, Doug Oould. At Globe, M. Y.,
waek .March 1, ^80. Running Ume: 71
HIKS.
Tim Haydon John Garfield
Sunny Walsh. , Rosemary Lane
Teny Walsh Dick PureeU
Thomas UcNalr ; Victor Jory
Bull Bransom Stanley Fields
Stove Cardigan Morgan Conway
Warden Stuart Granger,... Granville Bates
Brower Anthony Averlll
Pearl Hurray Peggy Shannon
Benny Chariey Foy
Xlike Garth ..Norman Willis
Rawden Jo« CUnnlBghain
chant for practical macabre jokes,
to dominate the proceedings more
effectively than Garfleid.
Romantic interest is slighted and
only sketchily worked out Rose-
mary Lane has the part of the mur-
dered copper's daughter and has
little chance to show anything, Vic-
tor Jory as the Commissioner, Gran-
ville Bates as the warden, Dick Pur-
cell as the cop, and Charles Poy, a
punk mobster, do all that could be
expected of them.
As to Garfield, his wc "c, though
effective, is getting to look typed
and could benefit by the producers
mixing up his roles. His style is
emotionally too intense and re-
pressed.
Film can be exploited to the hilt
as all the possibilities are there.
Boxoffice will depend on the way It
is. handled.
Secret Service of the Air
Warner Bros, ncoductlon anJ release..
Features Ronald Hengan, John IJtel, Ha
Ithodcs, James Stephensoti and Bddio Foy,
Jr. Directed by Noel Smith, Based on
ninterlnl comnlled liy W. H. Moran; story
imd ndnptatlon. Raymond Shrock: editor,
Doug Giiuld: photography, Ted McCord,
AK Rlalto, N. T.. week ttarch 1, '30.
■tunning lime. SI MINH.
Lt. 'Brass' Bancroft Ronald Reagan
.Snxbv John LItel
Pamela Schuyler Ha Rhodes
Jim Cameron James Stephenson
Gabby Watters .liddle Foy, Jr.
Zelma Warren Rosella Town*.
Dick Wayne Larry Williams
Joe LeRoy John Rldgely
Hafcr. Anthony Averlll
Hamrick Bernard Nedsll
Uoc Frank M. .Thomas
One of the better prison mellers
in the Warners' penaf cycle, spiced
and garnished this time with factual
recording of almost- unbelievable
condltioDS ' in a penal institution.
Picture has three elements suffi-
ciently outstanding to establish 'box-
office power. Tliese are enough to
outweigh script and production de-
ficiencies which might have made
the picture much stronger.
Pulling power comes from stand-
out work of John Garfleid and Stan-
ley Fields, a strongly exploited title
and a portrayal of incredible events
taken from real life.
Story, in pert is satirical, but
otherwise a true conception of cor-
rupt politicians and scandalous con-
duct oy penal authorities. It is a
flagrantly bitter portrait which Di
rector McGann and Crane Wilbur
have etched of the way sinister
forces can take over a prison, tiim
it into a private club for gangsters,
and transform the warden into a
lackey for its star -boarder, a mtir-
derer and ex-con.
Yarn closely follows the news-
paper expose of . conditions found
on Blackwells Island by the N. Y.
Commissioner of Corrections in 1934.
Then it was discovered that the
prison was imder virtual command
of a ruthless criminal who ran it to
enrich his own pockets by exacting
tribute from its inmates. Of the
1,700 prisoners on the 'Island' only
those who were able to. pay for it
were decently fed or housed, while
the kingpin and his henchmen lived
sumptuously and even ran an organ-
ized gambling joint.
With this as the kernel of the plot
it is further embroidered with the
familiar formula of a newspaper-
man's efforts to unmask a gang prey-
ing on waterfront shipping. A cop-
per and barge-owner are brutally
murdered by Bull Branson (Fields)
and his mob. Scribe's headline sto-
ries Anally send Branson's mob to
Blackwells for a 'stretch,'
To prove Branson ordered the
killings, scribe (Garfleid) gets him-
self committed to the Island, and
When he has enough evidence tips
off reform-ticket Corrections Com-
missioner, A two-flsted raid ensues
which puts an end to rampant vice
conditions in the prison and Bran-
son's mob is Anally put away for
good.
As the star, Garfleid handles the
part in earnest and capable fashion,
but he Is much stronger than, the
role assigned him. Moreover, script
writers permit Stanley Fields, as the
uncouth strongarmer, with a pen-
Exhibitors will find 'Secret Serv-
ice of the Ai'* a satisfactory booking
for secontJary theatres where play-
ing alone, and siiltable for better
double bills as the No. 2 feature.
Since the latter are always bought
flat this one may be worth a bit
more than the run-o'-the-mill melo-
drama. There are no marquee
names, but the picture, a well-made
B, is based on a better than average
story of its kind and arouses con-
siderable interest through the ex-
citing action, fighting, flying, etc. It
doesn't lag at any point.
Casting and direction by Noel
Smith are capable. Some of the
fight scenes, as well as air sequences,
have been expertly piloted. Smith
may go on to bigger things. Ted
McCord's fine photography is right
behind him in this Instance. Shots
in the air are exceedingly well done.
Story is based on material which
was supplied by W. H. Moran, ex-
chief of the. U. S. Secret Service,
who no doubt furnished a case his-
tory of one of the successful ex-
ploits the Government men. Ray-
mond Shrock's adaptation, crammed
with plot Is always smootii.
Ronald Reagan impresses as the
XS-man. He handles his fists for
ftillest results in a couple scrap
scenes, one aboard a plane. The
love interest is held down severely.
The attractive Ila Rhodes is the
No. 1 girl, and Rosella Towne, plane
hostess, sub-romance. John Lltel
plays a Government man who fol-
lows through as Reagan's superior,
giving a seasoned performance.
Leasers are mostly smugglers, ex-
cepting for Eddie Foy, Jr., who is
in there pitching rather strongly for
laughs. Char.
Blondie Meets the Boss
Lincoln, March 4.
Columbia production nnd release. Fea-
tures Penny Singleton, Arthur Lake. Larry
Sims. Directed by Frank R. Strayer;
screenplay. Richard Floumoy, from story
by Kay Van Riper nnd Flournoy; camera,
Henry Freullch: editor. Gene Havllck. Re-
viewed In Projection Room. Lincoln. Ne-
braska. Running time: 76 MIN8.
Blondie Penny Singleton
Dagwood Arthur Lake
nnby Dumpling Larry .Sims
Dithers Jonathan Halo
Alvin Danny Hummert
Dottle Dorotry Moore
Don Don Bedoe
F. R Linda Winters
.Shaw Sunlcy Brown
Had JOel Dean
Dick Richard FIsko
Singer Inez Courtney
Chic Young's comic strip charac-
ters, Blondie, Dagwood, and Baby
Dumpling, go another step in Colum-
bia's 'Blondie' series. It's amusing
only in spots, and will find itself
mostly relegated to duals and the
nabes.
Scripter Richard Flournoy takes
Dagwpod (Arthur Lake) over the
jumps in this effort letting his frau
take his job and allowing' him to
go on a fishing trip which finds him
framed into a compromising posi.
tion. Principal faults are the recur
ring gags from the previous 'Blon
die.' Dagwood's ever present triple-
decker sandwich gets a play, and the
dash for the morning car also gets a
dual call, once before he loses his
job and then again for Blondie when
she takes over for him.
Film has a bit of this and that
—business deals, amorous shenani-
gans, a jitterbug contest— all woven
into one vehicle. Lake and Penny
Singleton are in the same step as
m the series' opener. Larry Sims,
moppet, is cute, but his delivery is
dull even for a kid, same going for
Danny Hummert (Alvin). Best bit
IS the interpretation of Blondie's
jealous mind by a clip of a newsreel
bombardment
(Jbviously a low cost film, but may
fli.d a ready audience in the family
theatres. Bam.
The Flying Irishman
Hollywood, March 1.
RKO release of Pnndro Berman produc-
tion, .Stars Douglas Corrigan. Directed
by Leigti Jnaon. Screenplay by Rrneat
Pagano and Ualton Trumbo. Commcnutnr,
Knox Manning; asst. director, Kdward'
Kllly; camera, J, Roy Hunt; special ef-
fects by Vemon L. Walker; editor, Arthur
K. Roberts. Previewed at Pantages, Feb.
L>H, 'SU. Running time: TO MIKS.
Doug Douglas Corrlgnn
Btttch Paul Kelly
.loc Allien Robert Annstning
Clyde (nine yenr^J Ucn* ReynoMs
Thompson Donald Mi'JIrlde
Henry Eddie Oullinn
Mr, Corrigan ,,jJ. M. Kerrigan
Mrs, Corrigan Dorothy Pctoi-son
Henry (seven years) Scotty llrckelt
Sally Joyce Compton
MaybeUe,. Dorolhy Appleby
Personnel MKnager Minor Watson
Mrs. Thompson Cora Wltherspoon
.Smedley Spencer Charters
Edith. . . : Peggy Ryan
Rather late for RKO to take ad-
vantage of the brief popularity and
public adulation Douglas Corrigan
enjoyed last year for his wrong-way
flight across the Atlantic. Picture
must be tabbed as a novelty attrac-
tion, gathering light coin in a few
spots where interest in Corrigan can
be revived by exploitation, but gen-
erally slipping into the lower duals
where the kids will give it a healthy
response.
The Flying Irishman' Interests
mainly as a biography of the young
flyer, sketched from age of nine un-
til tour of various cities in his crate
after landing in Ireland. Corrigan's
early struggle and experiences' to
obtain a plane of his own «re remi-
niscent of the fictional heroes of
Horatio Alger. Sympathy for the
youngster's experiences and ultimate
suct^ss is spread on ratiier thick-
he continually works against over-
whelming odds while helping to sup-
port a. mother, brother and sister.
Corrigan's attempt to re-create his
early experiences before the camera
is decidedly amateurish. He's self-
conscious to an extreme, delivering
dialog in a nasal monotone. Script
confines his dialog to a minimum,
which helps somewhat
Story opens with welcoming com-
mittee at San Antonio air field.
Radio announcer, awaiting arrival of
Corrigan, cuts back with narrative
to early life of the flyer. As a kid
of nine, parents separate, the mother
struggling to bring up two sons and
a daughter. Family moves to Los
Angeles, where Corrigan works to
help support the faralqr until death
of the mother, when he takes over,
stu(^ing flying with, meagre funds
left aftei* putting brother through
college. Acquiring an antiquated
plane, he barnstorms the country,
finally taking off from San Diego on
non-stop to New York and following
with the hop to Ireland
Corrigan had much to say about .
the' script, and sidetracked many
story angles the studio wanted to
use in the picture. It Is interesting,
however, at this late date and ap-
parently with Corrigan's approval,
that tiie entire trip across the At-
lantic was planned by the flyer well
in advance of his takeoff from the
Coast, and he treats the 'wrong-
way' billing rather lightly in the
picture.
After getting past early years of
Corrigan's life, picture moves at a
fast tempo. Obstacles are continu-
ally placed in the way of the flyer
towards his goal of being a transport
flyer, and his determination to over-
come financial obstacles is dominant
throughout
Capable supporting cast, including
Paul Kelly, Robert Armstrong, Don-
ald McBride, Eddie Qulllan, J. M.
Kerrigan and Dorothy Peterson,
further Impresses that Corrigan is a
neophyte in too-fast thespic com-
pany.
I WAS A CONVICT
Republic release of Herman Sdilom pro-
duction. Features Barton MacLane, Bev-
erly Roberts and Clarence Kolb. Directed
by Aubrey Scotto. .Screen play by Bon
Mnrkson nnd Robert D. Andrews from
original by AndnMvs; editor. Murray Kel-
deen; musical dlreclor, Cy Fauer; camem,
Edward Snyder. Reviewed In Projection
Room, X. Y,, March 'J, '39, ' Running time:
VI .niNS.
Ace King Barton MncLnne
Judy Beverly Iloberls-
J. B. Harrison Clarence Kolb
Mrs. Harrison Janet Bcecher
Missouri Smith Horace MacMahon
Rocks. Ren Weldfin
Jackson Leon Amea
Aunt .Sarnh t t'lsra Bemllck
District Attorney Russell Illrks
Matty John Harmon
£:vans Chester Cliite
So full of action, finger-biting epi-
sodes and climaxes that ' it suffers
from an over-abundance thereof,
this meller Is slated for the sustainer
portion Of the multiples. Plot line
is slim and there is so much hung
on it it's bound to sag. Obstacles
and climaxes come' in such quanti-
ties they give the audience an un-
pleasant case' of jitters.
A many-times-told yarn, it's im-
plausible from the start and gets
more so as it moves along. Never-
tlielcss, it should be said for author
Robert D. Andrews it's the type of
stuff Rep chaws up for its accounts,
so he was justified. Also in the
pic's fkvor Is the direction. It's
sprightly, and, as stated, fast-moving
when the quantity of action doesn't
get in its way.
Tale is of a millionaire manufac-
turer (Clarence Kolb) who, upon
being released from jail on an in-'
come tax charge, takes a couple of
(Continued on page 29)
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
VARIETY
19
I
1
' 1
f 1
1
J
i
They're
. . . and they're all
from PARAMOUNT!
20
VARIETY
Wednesday, ]\Iarch 8, 1939
1
ITS ^
"CAFE SOCIETY"
It*!! new . . . it's news . . . it's the
screen's first story of the glam-
orous *'400" of the night clubs.
With a big-name cast headed
by MADELEINE CARROLL,
FRED MacMURRAY'^nd
SHIRLEY ROSS. Directed
by Edward H. Griffith.
'*THE BEACHCOMBER"
CHARLES LAUGHTON'S
triumphant comedy of romance
in the South Seas — now blaz-
ing a box-office trail from coast
to coast. A Mayflower picture
with Elsa Lanchester, produced
and directed by Erich Pommer.
"MIBNIGHT"
CLAUDETTE COLBERT
and DON AMECHE head
the prize cast of the season in
*'Midnight", the prize roman-
tic comedy of the year. With
JOHN BARRYMORE,
Francis Lederer, Mary Astor,
Elaine Barrie. Directed by
Mitchell Leisen.
"SUDDEN MONEY"
Hilarious story of sweepstakes
winners, sure to get big money.
With a hand-picked comedy
cast, built for laughs, including
Charlie Ruggles, Marjorie
Rambeau, Charles Grapewin,
William Frawley. Directed ^y
Nick Grinde.
"KING of CHINATOWN"
AKIM TAMIROFF, whose
roles have made screen history,
delivers his best performance
as Frank Baturin, strong man
of a city of sin. With Anna
May Wong, J. Carrol Naish.
Directed by Nick Grinde.
Wednesday. March 8, 1939
VARIETY
21
"I'M FROM MISSOURI"
• . . Starring the one and only
BOB BURNS . . . and topping
" "The Arkansas Traveler" in every
department. With GLADYS
GEORGE, Gene Loclchart and
Samson, the only mule ever to spend
a night in a Turkish bath. Directed
by Theodore Reed.
"NEVER SAY DIE*'
The laughs come fast and furious
when MARTHA RAYE and
BOB HOPE go on a funny-honey-
moon...withANDYDEVINEaIong
as (haperon, and Alan Mowbray as
jealous lover. Gale Sondergaard and
Ernest G>ssart round out a perfect
cast. Directed by Elliott Nugent.
"BACK DOOR TO HEAVEN
The first of the much-heralded,
long-awaited Bernard Steele eastern
presentations.. . . already winning
the plaudits of the critics. "Hit as
box-office melodrama. A triumph!"
says Hollywood Reporter. With
Wallace Ford, Stuart Erwin, Patricia
Ellis, Aline McMahou. Produced
and directed by William K. Howard.
» CECIL B. BeMILLE'S
"UNION PACIFIC"
The BIG picture you've been waiting
for with a cast of thousands, headed
by BARBARA STANWYCK and
JOEL McCREA-.and an exploita-
tion and advertising campaign that
will blanket every town in America.
Paramount, gives you Cecil B.
DeMiUe's "UNION PACIFIC"!
urn
VARIETY Wednesday, March 8, 1939
JJ
'THE LADY'S FITOM
KENTUCKY"
...GEORGE RAFT and
ELLEN DREW, beautU
ful star of "Sing You
Sinners" and "If I Were
King" in a heart-pound-^
ing, pulse-racing story of
the turf . . . with Hugh
Herbert and ZaSu Pitts
in support. It's one for
the money . . . sure to
lead the field. Directed
by Alexander Hall.
"UNMARRIED"
> . . Paramount showman-
ship stars BUCK JONES,
most popular of cowboy
stars, in his first dramatic
role. A hard-hitting
action drama of down-to-
earth folks, with HELEN
fwELVETREES and
DONALD O'CONNOR,
kid star of "Sing You
Sinners." Directed by
Kurt Neumann. '
"HOTEL IMPERIAL"
. . . Glamorous, excitmg
ISA MIRANDA, in her,
first American screen role
. . . co-starred with RAY
MILLAND in a powerful
drama of strange adven-
^ture and strange people^
behind the gates of Hotel
Imperial. With Reginald
Owen, Gene Lockhart
!and J. Carrol Naish. Dir-.
ected by Robert Florey.,
"STOLEN LIFE"
Elisabeth BERGNER;
the magniHcent . . . the
incomparable . . . the first
dramatic actress of our;
time — in her greatest tri-
umph ... a picture for
every woman in America,
and the men they bring
with them to your theatre!
A Paramount release,
produced and directed by
Paul Czinner.
STOLEN
LIFE
IT PAYS TO PIM ft
PARftMOttHT PICTURE!
•VAIWETirS' LONnON OFFICE
9 St. HHrtlD's Plum, Trnfalicar Hqoara
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Cable Addrms: TARIETT. TX)NnON
Trlrplioiie Trmpls Bnr S04I-!KMS
23
D.S. FACES FRENCH CURBS
Increased Anglo Production Seen
Hvough Reduced British Quota
London, March 7.
The. Films, Council, set up by Great
Britain's quota law, met last week
with the result that the proposed
((f.ota increase this year may be
obnndoned. Producers, distributors
and exhibitors are being asked to
consider a reduced quota designed
to encourage increased British pro-
duction.
Idea also has been advanced that
the minimum labor cost requirement
of $37,500 per film be eliminated,
v.'ith such quickies to qualify for
quota credits. There also is a pos-
sibility that the exhibitors' quota in
England will be reduced.
British exhibitors are credited with
complaining that there are not
enough American loy/-rental features
being shipped into Great Britain for
their needs or even their quota re-
quirements. While this tendency to
reduce the usual year's program al-
lotment for Great Britain is natural,
U. S. companies' claim the number
hsr not been materially decreased,
if at all, in many cases.
Exhibitors here, especially the
smaller houses, are complainiiif;
about lack of product. In order to
stvengtlien their campaign for quota
relief they have enlisted the support
of labcrites. With the labor party
involved, the big demand today is
for more production in Great Brit-
ain, with no qualification ns to its
ccst or class — just so there is lots
o£ it.
Even now both U. S, picture people
and British leaders admit that the
new British quota law, which be'
came effective in April, 1938, is dif-
licult to understand and still is not
clear on several vital points. An
example is the current Question
raised over hhw foreign (U.S.) dis-
tributors may! secure quota picture
credits. Legal experts and veterans
in the business profess that they are
not sure whether all quota credits
can be obtained by means of double
and triple-quota pictures (high
bi-.dget films) or only half can be
secured this way.
American officials have been told
to go ahead and line up their quota
productions in Great Britain on the
assumption tliat the present Board
of Trade ruling, which stipulates
that only half of quota credits can
be obtained by means of double or
triple credit pictures, will not be
ch&nged. But the attitude of U. S.
companies is that it is too vital a
matter with which to take any
chance. Spokesmen for these com-
panies claim they can't tie up money
on $1,000,000 productions or on any
number of features if the law stands
to be reinterpreted so that they
would stand to lose considerable.
For instance, U. S. producers don't
wfint to start too many hiph-budgol
features if the rules in the quota
arc to be altered to allow a lot uC
quickie productions. At the same
time they do not like to produce too
many low-cost Alms if they can lake
a chance on one bis feature which
might return a profit in the world
market.
. Full gist of present arguments over
the British quota (new higher quota
percentages go into eflcct next
month) simply is that the Quota Act
is not working out with the glowi:ig
results anticipated by the trade.
U. S. MAJOR COS. STILL
FIRM ON ITALY DISTRIB
Italy stiiris getting no major com-
pany pictures for distribution, de-
spite many attempts made by Italian
reps to interest them in recent
weeks.
Reported at industry headquarters
(Hays office) in New York that a
number of official and semi-official
spokesmen are striving to heal the
breach and get U. S. films back into
Italy.
The companies pulled out Dec. 31
rather than accede to the Italian gov-
srnnrent's monopoly of foreign dis-
tribution.
'Grand Illusion' Cracks
*Mayerlmg' Mark in N, Y.
'Grand Illusion' begins its 26th
week at the Fllmarte, New York,
today (Wednesday) establishing a
new record for a French, picture at
this house and topping the 25-week
mark established by 'Mayerling.'
'Illusion' ' closes March 14.
'Crossroads,' Tri National picture,
and then 'Bizarre Bizarre,' a French
comedy handled by Lenauer Inter-
national, follow 'Illusion,' in that
order into the Filmarte.
Capeks Play Gets
Good Reception
In London Bow
London, March 7.
Karel Capek's 'The Mother,' his
last play before his death last year,
was generally well-received in its
West End debut here Thursday
night (2). Adapted by Paul Selver,
the play came to the Garrick after i
suburban tryout.
Though there were some rave
notices, the play's theme, a morbid
treatise on maternal sacrifce, is not
the usually accepted idea of enter-
tainment.
'The Mother' is said to have been
written at a time when Capek sus-
pected -the possibility of a German
attack on Czechoslovakia. Although
the locale of the play is an imaginary
country, indications are that it was
his own, for Capek was a Czech.
Adaptor Selver is of the Czech lega-
tion here.
Heading the cast are Eliot Malce-
ham. Anthony Hawtrey and Ray-
mond Lovell. Miles Malleson pro-
duced.
'The Jealous God' opened Wednes-
day night (1) at the Lyric, but first-
nighters generally slated it for a
short stay. It's a serious dis.sertation
on a bromide subject, ineffectually
designed as drama.
Current London
(.With Dates When Opened)
Plays
'Me and My Girl,' Victoria Palace
—Dec. IC, "37.
'Room for Two,' Comedy— Sept. 6.
'38.
'Dear Octopus,' Queens — Sept. 14.
'38.
'The Corn Is Green,' Duchess —
Sept. 20. '30.
'When We Are Married," St. Mar-
tin'.s— Oct. 11, '33..
'Quiet Wedding.' Wyndham's — Oct.
14. '38.
'Goodness. How Sad.' Vaudeville—
Oct. 18, '38.
'Geneva.' St. James— Nov. 22, '38.
'Under Your Hat," Palace— Nov. 24,
'38.
'No. 6.' Aldwych— Dec. 21, '38.
'Qucsn of Hearts,' Lyceum — Dec.
24. '38.
'They Walk Alone,' Shaftesbury—
Jan. 19. '39.
'Magyar Melody,' His Majesty's—
Jan. 20. '39.
'Design for Living.' Haymarket—
Jan. 25, '39.
'Tony Draws a Horse,' Criterion-
Jan. 20, '39.
'Gaslight,' Apollo— Jan. 31, '39.
'Worth a Million,' Saville— Feb. 2,
'39.
'Nora,' Duke of York's — Feb. 3,
'39.
'French Without Tears,' Piccadilly
—Feb. 5,. '39.
'Little Ladyship,' Strand— Feb. 7.
■39.
'To Love and lo Cherish.' Kings-
wav— Feb. 21-. '39.
'Johnson Over Jordan,' New— Feb.
22. '39.
'Jealous Gods,' Lyric — March 1,
'39. '
The Mother,' Garrick — March 2,
'39.
SEE NEW L
ESCAPING PACT
Franco - American Trade
Treaty Would Not Be Vio-
lated as Bill Is Slated to
Get Around Provisions —
Receipts to Be Controlled,
Dubbing to Be Taxed and
Programs Would Be Lim-
ited
SUBMITTED SOON
Paris, Feb. 28.
That ., long awaited 'Statute ■• du
Cinema,' as the French call. the law
that will be the future 10 command-
ments for the industry in this coun-
try, is just about ready to be sub-
mitted to the Chamber for ratifica-
tion. According to all reports, it's
going to sting the Yanlcs badly.
Exact measures new law will em-
body are being scrupulously guarded
but general lines point towards new
difficulties for foreign concerns ex-
ploiting films in this country. Al-
though the Americans still have the
Franco-American trade treaty to fall
back on to assure them no worse
treatment than those enjoyed by
French and other foreign films, new
bill is expected to get around those
stipulations.
"Three measures expected to be in-
cluded in the new bill which will
affect the Yanks is a control of re-
ceipts, tax on dubbing of films and
the limitation of program length. A
central control olfice to collect all
returns throughout the country has
long been talked, particularly dur-
ing the first Popular Front govern-
ment under Leon Blum. The idea
then was to take a small percentage
of all receipts to subsidize the French
industry. Even if that percentage is
not included in the new bill it means
the Americans will still have to deal
through a state-controlled central
office in conducting their business.
A tax on the dubbing of films
would hit the Yanks hardest. Since
it has been necessary for all FrenCh-
dubbed films to be dubbed in France
the American have built their own
dubbing business here.
The limitation of program length
is the shot to cut out double fea-
tures. Yanks also get booted there,
especially in the nabes and the
provinces, where double feature pro-
grams hit highest billing, with the
second feature in many cases being
American. A limitation would force
operators to run shorts or docu-
mentary films and cut out the second
feature entirely. There was once
talk of making documentary films a
must for all programs, which would
also cut out the second feature, but
this idea seems to have been dropped
for the meterage limitation.
Finishing touches ' are now being
put on the bill and Minister of Edu-
cation Jean Zay is expected lo table
it for discussion by the Chamber
shortly.
French Producers See American
Market Waning for Their Pictures
French Demands
Foreign film distribs in the
U.S. are concerned over insist-
ence of numerous French pro-
ducers' demands for $45,000 to
$50,000 for their features. They
point to the fact that original
distribs of . 'Mayerling,' top
French grosser to date, only paid
around $17,000,
Distribs in New York believe
that $2,000 to $5,000 is plenty for
French features, v;hich, they say,'
was all that was asked a couple
of years ago.
Norman Rydge,
G.U.T. Ckirman,
To N. Y. Confab
Sydney, March 7.
.Norman Rydge, .chairman of
Greater Union Theatres, has joined
four other Australian picture men
sailing on the Monterey tor the
U. S. Party is due to reach the
U. S. March 20.
Rydge is making his first business
visit to America. His purpose is
to clinch product deals.
On the same boat is Harry Hun-
ter, Paramount manager for Aus-
tralia; N. Bernard Freeman, Metro
general manager in the same ter-
ritory; Clay Hake, 20th-Fox repre-
sentative in Aussie distribution, and
Dan Carroll, manager of the Prince
Edward theatre. Par showcase here.
Carroll is also managing director for
the Birch-Carroll circuit, Queens-
land, so his visit to New York is
believed to have some significance.
It is generally known in trade cir-
cles that Norman Rydge's visit to the
U. S. is prompted by the so-called in-
tolerable production situation for his
circuit in Australia. Greater Union
is only getting first call on product
from Universal, Republic and Mono-
gram, and occasionally from Par-
amount. His circuit also, gets some
Metro features, but seldom first
choice, because M-G has six theatres
of its own in Australia and is near-
ing completion on a seventh in Ade-
laide. Other major companies have
pacts ■ to supply product to Hoyts'
circuit.
Present problem in New South
Wales, biggest theatre state in Aus-
tralia, is traced to the bitter fight
waged by GUT against Hoyts for al-
leged unfair domination of Austra-
lian business by the latter and 20th-
Fox. which has a workin."! a<!reemcnt
with Hoyts. It's believed Rydge in-
tends seeing Sidney R. Kent, head of
20th, to reach a solution.
'Aladdin' Panto Clicks
In Cape Town for ACT
Cape Town, Feb. 16.
African Consolidated Theatres'
panto, 'Aladdin,' clicked in its open-
ing at the Alhambra here. Heading
the bill were the Volonoll Twins; ex-
cellent dancers.
Arthur Lucun and Kitty McShane,
clever comedy act. went over big,
too. Chorus, scenery and production
a winner also. Philip D. Lovard
produced.
BUCHANAN TO FILM
AIR PROGRAM FOR UA
French producers, it's been learned
in New York, are beginning to ques-
tion the American market as a real
source of income. Their recent sell-
ing excursions to the U. S. have
convinced them that there's no big
Yankee coin available presently for
French language pics.
It is pretty much of a letdown be-
cause they have been given many
promises and little action. Promises
that have come from both ir-
responsible, among other distrib-
utors in this country, included book-
ings in. Broadway houses for their
ace product, American production in
France and first-run outlets in the
U. S. for French-made films. Some
promises were tentative deals out-
lined by these distribs on visits to.
France, while others reached France
trade papers from optimistic but in-
experienced distributors.
A particular point in question was
the assursnce nubli.<;hcd In Paris a
year a.To that 'Grand Illusion' would
be booked into a big N. Y. house.
It is now current at the small Fil-
marte on West 58th street, one of
two first-run foreign language
houses left in N. Y. The Cinema,
49th street, is the other.
Also, the French trade press
claimed that Columbia Pictures
would produce eight features in
France.. Columbia ofTicials in N. Y.
denied this completely. False hones
also were raised by stories that
eight theatres in N. Y. were strictly
foreign-picture flr.it-run and avail-
able to any good French film.
Of the houses named, the Little
Carnegie uses both En.glish and
French films, goes first-run .or sub-
sequent and is not averse to taking
American pictures when available.
The Waldorf, also listed, now is
playing largely second run and what
product is available. The Belmont,
another of the list of eight, is shut-
tered, and the Squire, another listed,
has been closed for about two
months.
The French industry also was told
that the Normandie, described as' a
'Broadway theatre,' was to be re-
served exclusively for French prod-
uct. It is subsequently now, play-,
ing mostly American . films after
using a French film to premiere.
A new American arrival has
promised he will open a theatre in
the U. S. if he can obtain 26 French
features for showing there. Also,
there's talk that 'Marseilles,' not yet
released in the U. S., will go into
the Broadway. On both of these,
French industry ofliclals are highly
skeptical because of what has hap-
pened in the past.
TAPERNOUX'S FRENCH
CO. RLES REORG PLAN
Giro's Reopening
London, March 7.
Reopening of Ciro's Club under a
new name was indicated here last
week by Jack Harris, operator, of
the nitery.
Ciro's folded recently when the
manager, who had been dismissed,
secured a $10,000 judgment against
the spot
London, March 7.
. Jack Buchanan has signed to pro-
duce 'Band Wagon,' radio program
here, for United Arti.its. Picture will
be directed • by Thornton Freeland
and will be made at the Hammer-
smith studios, recently acquired by-
Buchanan.
Cast will consist entirely of radio
names Production is to cost
$125,000.
Mex Gov't Sensitive
Mexico City. March 7.
Theatres throughout Mexico have
received government orders to drop
revues and acts based on political
themes and' for comics to refrain
from using politics in gags.
Political situation is pretty tense.
Government (iRiircs that it is no ve-
hicle for levity.
The French Motion Picture Corp.,
through its president. John S. Taper-
noux, has filed a proposed plan of
reorganization in the N. Y. federal
court. Plan calls for the payment
in full of U. S. and N. Y. state tax
claims, the amounts of which are
indeterminate, plus other items.
Payment of 15% in cash to credi-
tors in full satisfaction of all claims
will be made 10 days after confirm-
ation of the plan. Lastly, the plan
states that the cpmpany will not re-
ject any executory contracts. Tapar-
noux will borrow $5,000 to put the
plan through.
African Cons. Head To
England for Bookings
Cape Town, Feb. 16.
A. E. Harmcl, general manager of
African Consolidated Theatres, has
sailed for England to sign names for
So. Africa. First booking will be a
copy of the 'Ice Spectacle,' now
showing in London,
Special ice stage;, engineers and
refrigerating plant in duplicate will
be imported. Only theatres available
here for this class of show are the
Alhambra, Cape Town, and the Em-
pire, Johannesburg.,
24
#AGAIN THE BIG NEWS FROM THE
Wednesdaj* March 8, 1939
VARIETY
25
CITIES IS WRITTEN BY UNITED ARTISTS
26
VARIETY
VARIETY HOUSE REVIEWS
Wedneeday^ March 8, 1939
Frank Fay Vaudeville
(44th STREET, N. Y.)
George Honne/ord & Fomili/ (5). - .
Glen Pope, Avis Anrdexvs, Smith & seats the customers, then the Ches-
kissers. Lack pro finish in poise,
also make-up.
■ Show's second half didn't get un-
derway opening night till 10:30. Flo
Mayo's punchy trapeze stunting re-
Dolei TTie' Merry-Macs (4). Eva
LeGallienne with Richard Waring,
Flo Mayo, Elsie Janis with Nolan
Cravat, Johmiv Barnes,' Frank Fay
with Ahel Baer, Pedro & Luis, Rose
Kessne, Corinne Doyle, Fred Hille-
brand, Nino Verelo, Horru Hines,
Cliester Hale Dancers (16) with
Helen Lcilclie; presented by Foy;
opcnino March 2. '39; top.
Frank Fay picks up where this
season's first straight-vaudeville at-
jtemp left off, but he doesn't pick
up enough. Kurt Robitschek's for-
mula at the Majestic, New York,
which folded in the red after three
weeks, was wrong in not having
names; Fay has the naimes, but one
doesn't fit and the first-half plays
like an anesthetic.
Eva LeGallicnne's Romeo and Ju-
liet" balcony scene tNew Acts) , clos-
ing the first half, slows a slow show
down to a standstill, but yet the
to a
presentation's 'chief fault is psycho- , . u« • » « i
logically Fay himself. He's the pro- an act wherein he travels a
ducer, thie booker, the stager and
ter Hale line and then Elsie Janis,
wht> literally tore a sympathetic au-
dience apart. She's on long, but wel-
come, practically her entire routine
being devoted to a song about pres-
ent times being better than former
years and entailing numerous) ex-
pertly done satirical imitations.
John and Ethel Barrymore, Cohan,
Helen Hayes, Bea Lillie, Sarah Bern-
hardt, Fannie Bricj and Will Rogers
are included, and her cartwheels in-
sure a smash click. Nolan Cravat is
her piano accohip.
Show's third standout, including
Smith and Dale, immediately follows
Miss Janis in the . personage of
Johnny Barnes -(New Acts). He
rates. as one of the top hoofers in the
business.
Fay, with Abel Baer at the piano,
closes. For the finale whirl. Fay has
a stripper on the stage and six
stooses planted in the audience, in-
cludmg Fred Hillebrand, as a heck-
ler, and Harry Hines, once a stand-
ard vaude single on his own. Plus
Pedro and Luis, one of whom does
tight-
MUSIC HALL, N. Y.
rope backwards iip to the balcony
I
m.c; th,e burdens tell both on himself
and the audience. The latter isn't
givon the chance at any time to for-
get Fay's multiple importance and
Fay is too busy protecting his invest-
ment to be the flippant Fay this show
requires and misses.
Estimates place the show's first
week's salary tiut at around $12,000.
Plus this, Fay was plenty in the bag
grlor to opening, for advertising, re-
earsals and other production ex-
penditures. That there was no stint-
ing is evidenced by the nicely
draped stage, there, being several
tasteful eyes, side-pieces and drops.
Chances of its getting back the in-
vestment look slim.
Opening night (3). the show ran
an hour too long. Cutting should be
simple. Spotting is poor, but that's
something also easily fixed. But the
Fay dilemma is quite acute. How to
make him forget his investment is
probably impossible but he can
readily get booking and staging ad-
vice, and he needs both. As for Miss
LeGallienne's sketch, only an inter-
mission, which follows her, could
make a stage less inanimate.
One of Fay's innovations is the
complete absence of microphones.
He got his answer quickly opening
night from the balconyites, who
kept calling for hiin to talk up, but
instead Fay' asked the lower floor
customers if they wouldn't prefer to
see actors moving around unhamp-
ered by the p.a. system. They could
hear and naturally applauded In the
affirmative, but the shelf seats will
gather a lot of dust if Fay persists
in' playing only to the top-price
pews. „ . -
The circusy George Harmeford
. Family (5) tee off with their stand-
ard equestrienne turn, but, except
for the nostalgia it arouses, is hardly
ft hurricane getaway before an adult
audience, Irs corny; the comedy of
Hanneford's tramp character may be
okay in a sawdust setting, but in a
Broadway theatre he might be bet-
ter off doing his forte tricks straight,
as, for instance, the other two men
and good-looking girl. Mrs. Hanne-
lord wields the whip.
Here Fay puts in his first appear-
ance. It's a sfieech about himself
and his connections with the show.
It's overlong, and only a first-night
audience could have received it as
kindly as (his one did. Then follows
Glen Pope, magician, with more talk.
He gabs about the stunts he has
performed before European royalty
and then* in order to demonstrate his
pipe trick, walks down into the audi-
ence and leaves the stage entirely
empty. It gives the customers a
chance to study the blue traveler,
but doesn't help the entertainment
pace. His subsequent cigaret and
thimble sleicht-of-hand is good, as is
the encore clothes-snatching bit with
a femme assist. Pope is young and
personable, but that audience stroll
is a stage wait. Some comedy cross-
fire with Fay at the bows is also a
luU.
Avis Andrews is a nice colored
sineer, but her selection of songs,
•with the exception of 'Begin the Be-
guine,' could be better. She ap-
§ eared hand'>aor!r-i bv a cold at the
rst show. Then Fay brings on four
girls from the Chester Hale line for
a debutante comedy routine, that
misses fire, chief.y because the girls
can't talk. It's an appropriate cue,
however, for the first of the line's
two routines in the show. This one
is a neat top hat-tails prance on toes.
In the second half they click with a
fan routine do..e in black, svelte eve-
nine gowns. Helen Leitche is the
soloist, and excellent
Show's first real comedy comes
with Smith and Dale's familiar 'Dr,
Kronkheit' bit, their trademark for.
years and a never-failing howl. That
the audience was starved for comedy
may have been a factor -in S. & D.
tieing up the show the way they did,
biit the laugh response they achieved
■ "Was legitimately deserved. They
give the show a definite lift, but the
subsequent harmony singing of the
Merry-Macs, a feature of Fred
Allen's radio program, drops it right
■back into the trou.fh. Three Mc-
Vichael brothers and Helen Carroll
dispense a nice sSaning interlude and
don't seem .to miss the mike for tone,
but they are as stationary as if an
amplifier was staring into their
and then does a death-slide down.
Rose Kessner, Corinne Doyle and
Nino 'Verela. this closing act is a
laugh riot that comes too late. A
good part of the audience had al-
ready walked by the time Fay
trotted out ' in liis .tails, which fur-
ther indicates how much cutting the
show can take.
In addition to the stooges in the
finale portion, Fay has two audience
stooge bits in the -first half of the
show. They are reminiscent of those
in Olsen and Johnson's 'Hellzapop-
pin,' but not copies -'^ . plenty funny
on their own. One is a photographic
bit; in the other, a blonde becomes
emotionally aroused when 'Waring,
in flowery language, describes Fay s'
love for her.
Final impression of the show is
that it may look better if the first
half becomes the last half, and the
latter took a trimming. That b.o.
tap of $2.75 top also looks too high
nowadays for a vaudeville show, es-
pecially since legit managers now
want to cut straight dramas down to
S2.20 because of wanip" grosses. "The
Palace theatre's top was $2i0, which
is something Fay might also remem-
ber.
Also, those stooges in the audi-
ence applaud and 'bravo' too loudly
and long. Claques were passe
long ago. Scho.
APOLLO, N. Y.
Sandy Bums, George Williams,
George Wiltshire, Delores Brown,
Jean Starr, Vivian Harris, Modene
Jones, Al Cooper Band, Chuck &
Chuckles, Buddy Saunders, Pegleg
Bates; 'Gambling Ship' (U).
This is another off week for the
ApoUo. Since it's the colored name
bands that primarily draw 'em to
this Harlem house, the management
has fallen short in picking a local
crew, Al Cooper's Savoy Ballroom-
ers, to head the show.
Cooper's is the type of orchestra
that's okay for sto'mpin' at the Savoy
but as a stage unit it hasn't the
qualifying earmarks. While the ag
iregation is a possible draw for the
Harlemites, there's the white audi-
ence to be considered. The house
draws a host of them, particularly
Saturday nights, when upwards of
75% are whites. To this crowd the
Cooper name means little.
Manner of presentation is wanting
this week, too. ' An m.c. seems to
be the prime need since the turns
are on and off without much pac-
ing. Then again there's the matter
of those grips: they can easily be
seen by the audience as they ply
their duties back of the band stand
despite attempts to conceal them-
selves.
The house line is back after being
off for one week. Modene Jones,
girl contortionist, works hard but
lacks, the pro touch. She's seem-
ingly just a filler, which is poor
booking, as . is . Buddy Saunders,
white mandollnist-singer, who's ob-
viously in a strange setting and
doesn't hurdle the disadvantage. He's
the only white act on the card.
Chuck and Chuckles, the gaudily
costumed tapsters, are smash, while
little Jean Starr dances, and sings
pleasantly.
Cooper's band Is nine pieces on
the stage, but when it plays for the
first half of the bill, in the pit. It
includes - three more men, as re
ouired by the m'usicians' union.
Cooper occupies an unobtrusive spot
as one of the saxers on the stand
Rudy Williams, unbilled saxer, gar-
ners the gravy with his hot solo
licks.
For a headliner there's Pegleg
Bates, the one-legged dancer, who
is surprisingly agile despite the
handicap. But the patter buildup to
his dancing could best be eliminated,
Delores- Brown, singer, opens
slowly with her torchers but only
when she swings out does she click.
In opening sketches. George Wilt-
shire. Sandy Burns, George' Williams
and Vivian Harris borrow some stuff
from burley, none too good, particu
larly because of the indigo, and also
because the material Is old.
'A Wedding Rhyme,' produced by
Russell Markerl; M. H. Sjmph- di-
rected by Erno Ropee,- Glee Club
Bollef, Rockettes, Sara Ann McCabe,
Dean Murphy & Ted Lester; 'Stage-
coach' i.UA), reviewed in Variety,
Feb. 8, '39.
With cowboys 'n* Indians gallop-
ing across the screen this sesh, the
Music Hall, by way of contrast, turns
to lavender and old lace for its stage
show. Tagged 'A Wedding Rhyme,'
the production is better suited to
June balm than roughriders.
Aside from the standard stage at-
tractions, ballet, glee club and Rock-
ettes, two acts have been inserted
into the production. They are Dean
Murphy, mimic, and Ted Lester, who
pulls all sorts of musical instruments
from his opera cape. and plays them.
As usual at Radio City., the whole
affair cries for a touch of comedy
and the single standout is the sole
routine by the Rockettes.
Opener is Sara Ann McCabe, seat-
ed in a boiidoir-like setting in a side
niche, singing 'Something Old, Some-
thing New, Something Borrowed,
Something Blue'. She's a looker, has
a nice voice and a good tune to sell.
She introes the chorus in a scene
tabbed 'Something Old'. Group is
colorfully dressed in the manner of
a past era and placed in an old-
fashioned parlor. Open with 'AH
Through the Night' and then, curi-
ously enough, go into a version of
'Heigh-ho' from 'Snow 'White.' Tunes
have some native portions that are
similar, but the audience' can hardly
be expected to appreciate that, and
it's out of character..
Miss McCabe's boudoir is relighted
while she sings 'Something New*.
The ballet follows in a striking set-
ting, but instead of going into the
modern routine expected, they do a
Javanese-like number to Oriental
music.
It's Miss McCabe again to keynote
'Something Borrowed'. The. tag s not
bad here, because the borrower is
Dean Murphy in imitations of film
personalities. Murphy's an oke
mimic and is aided considerably by
the stills of the person he's working
on shot on the backdrop, but he
does all the standard carbons, and
they are beginning to wear badly.
'Something Blue' brings Miss Mc-
Cabe out of her cubby hole onto
midstage. She's backed by the Glee
Club, made up of 20 males in morn-
ing clothes, in a reprise. Then they
step back, the ballet comes out, and
with them Ted Lester. Lester, who
recently completed a tour with Ben-
ny bavis' 'Stardust Revue,' has a
smart turn. Garbed in tophat and
evening clothes, he brings forth
Addle, clarinet, saxophone, harmon-
ica and a flock of other instruments,
doing a short bit on each.
The Rockettes follow in one of
their swell precision turns. It easily
scores the most audible click in the
proceedings. Entire company ap-
pears for the reprise finale.
•The house 'was fairly well-filled
opening night:
beinc recognizable. It's great for the
cats, but puzzling to the majority of
the auditors. Hampton is spark plug
of both trio and quartet, giving tlie
beat and working hard on anlmatM
improvising at both drums and vi-
braphone. . _ , .
Biz good at third show Friday,
with standees in lobby. Kiley.
EMBASSY, N. Y.
(NEWSREELS)
Outstanding subject of this week's
bill is the new Pope. While the
actual election and the current hap-
penings in Vatican City could not
be brought to New York in time for
current showing, the newsreels have
achieved a remarkably inclusive and
cogent coverage via the libraries.
Fox has . trotted out a variety of
scenes of the Vatican and Rome dur-
ing different ceremonies. Then a
last-minute flash clip was added
Thursday night (2), a few hours
after the election of Cardinal Pa-
celli. Shows the new Pontiff during
his visit to the U. S. plus participa-
tion in various rites in Rome. Much
more alive than most such library
revivals.
Fox contributes a vivid clip of air
raids in China, ishowing planes tak-
ing off, then flying over and drop-
ping their bombs. This series is
highlighted by shots taken from the
bombers themselves as they drop
the missiles. Explosions below are
dramatically caught
Pathe clip deals with the Hines con-
viction, showing the defendant leavv
ing court after the verdict, but not
affording much Of a look at him, and
then a brief spiel by De.wey.
Landing of the Clipper at Balti-
more (Fox) after a trip from the
Coast gives a fair idea of the ship's
size, but would be much more ef-
fective if a closeup were included to
highlight the contrast between the
giant ship and an ordinary plane.
Paramount supplies a clip of
scenes frorh the WPA 'Swing Mi-
kado,' of timely interest. Same out-
fit also offers a bit on the birthday
of the tiny Italian prince, easily
topping, the artificiality of most roy-
alty scenes.
Other better-than-average clips
include an auto race on ice (Uni-
versal), wreckage after a North
Carolina tornado ' (Fox), smashed
street car in Roxbury, Mass. (U);
Glenn -Cunningham winning a 1,500-
metre run (U), and Paramount and
Pathe clips of the amateurs punch-
ing each other in the Golden Gloves
Ijoiits to increase newspaper circu-
lation.
- Most of the balance is the usual
assortment of novelties and staged
subjects. Hobe.
STATE, N. Y.
LYRIC, INDPLS.
Indianapolis, March 4.
' Benny Goodman orch, Eunice
Healy, Wolter Dore Wohl, Martha
Ttlton, Lionel Hampton, Ziggy El
man; 'Secret Service of the Air'
(WB).
It's strictly a session for the cats
with Benny Goodman providing 59
minutes of solid sending on the stage.
With the band divided into four
trumpet four sax, two trombone and
four-piece rhythm sections, accent is
on rhythm from the start, and gates
have audience swinging along with
them all the way. During many of
the tunes, band sticks to melody for
chorus or so, then takes off into un-
recognizable jam, getting back to
melody once more for the finish,
Those tunes which may be recog-
nized from start to finish are liked
best by the Ickeys in this town, but
the jamming also seems to have its
followers, with many of the jitter-
bugs going out of this world during
penprmance.
Only two extra acts are present on
stage, Eunice Healy doing a nifty
tap routine in eye-filling costume
shortly after opening, and Walter
Dare Wahl, apjpearing in a two-man
team of familiar aero comedy mix-
ups. The rest of the time is given
over to music, band opening with
'Hold Tight,' followed b.v Ziggy El-
man, given the spot for some of the
hottest trumpet playing heard in
these parts on 'And the Angels Sing.'
Elman is a standout . on the brass
throughout Band hits a high spot
on 'One. O'clock Jump,' followed by
JMartha Tilton who sings 'Deep Pur-
ple,' 'Cuckoo in the Clock,' and
"Hurry Home,' effectively. Goodman
takes off for a solo flight on 'Sing
Sing Sing,' bringing cheers from the
more rabid swing fans..
Lionel Hampton comes on to take
over the skins, joining Jess Stacey at
the mothbox, and Ooodman for some
hot trio work o'- 'World Is Waiting
for Sunrise,' following with 'Body
and Soul.' Hampton then transfers
to vibraphone, while drummer re-
turns to make it a quartet' jamming
out a strictly swii-t- tune. Encore
with -Tlat Foot Floohte,' ■with 'Don'
Be That Way' for. begoff. -
Quartet work is strictly swlngaroo
with only few bars of tunes played
STATE-LAKE, CHI
Chicago, March 4.
Toy & Wing, Ed Ricfcert, Britt
Wood, Peplto, Mitzi Green, Novak &
Fay, Audrey Corley's Batoneers . (6) ,
Al Kvale orch; 'New York Sleeps'
(20fh).
House gives its customers plenty
of bargain for their money, both in
volume and in entertainment Head-
lining the current bill is Mitzi Green,
a grown-up performer who some-
what unwisely is endeavoring to for-
get the stuff that ma'de her a click
when she was a youngster. She is
splendid performer basically,
which she proves with her comedy
material and her clever impersona-
tions of Fannie Brice, etc. But she
does, not 'fit in with any straight
warbling of such numbers as 'Get
Out of Town'. Miss Green has a
natural gift for comedy, and that
should be the foundation of her
routines.
Toy and Wing, Chinese dance team,
open cleanly and to the point. Make
a fine appearance and clip through
with a highly pleasing ballroom and
hoofing routine. - Can play almost
anywhere to guaranteed results. Ed
Rickert brings back the shadowgraph
to the variety stage, but his hand-
shadow stuff is only so-so. Slow
and skimpily routined. Act needs
polish and considerable revamping.
Through the years Britt Wood re-
tains a great stage personality and
a solid sense of showmanship. His
talk is rather dated and could be
brightened up considerably for pres^
ent-day usage; but the .harmonica
playing is still surefire, as is Wood's
shrewd handling of the audience.
Had to encore and speech away.
Also registering solidly is Pepito,
the clown. Gives *em a smattering
of everything . from acrobatics to
juggling and vocalizing, mixed in
with regulation clown comedy. Good
variety stuff.
Another click provided by Novak
and Fay with their burlesque hand-
to-hand work. Had the audience
rolling and also had to -plead away.
For the finale, six young Batoneers
give a bit of sight flash, but mean
nothing in entertainment on their
baton-twirlers. Too much repetition
and no sense of routine. It isn't an
act but merely a little novelty stunt
that , doesn't quite come off.
Kvale continues as m.c, and man-
ages to keep the audience well in
hand, though he is beginning to
stretch out. his announcements.
Business flne at the supper show
Friday (3). Gold.
Milton Bcrle, Mary Jone Walsh.
Five Jansleys, Joe Morrison, The
Smart Set; 'The Shininig Hour*
fM-G;. •
Plenty of laugKs this week in the
Loew top spot, Milton Berle being
on hand again, and Friday night it
seemed like he had his gang with
him. Big house in tor the final stage
show.
There are comparatively few peo-
ple' on the bill, for there is much of
Berle during the 65 minutes. Per-
haps the comic is workinjg more in-
tensely ti-ying to forget, that five G's
he dumped into 'Off to Buffalo,' a le-
git show that stopped fast Anyhow
he is recouping on the coin by this
engagement - alone, and he made no
mention of the flopperoo.
Berle is using a trailer as m.c. for
his emceeing. He goes into a lyric
that might be called 'Roosevelt La
Guardia and Me.' Part of the mel-
ody is from 'Franklin D. Roosevelt
Jones,' the standout number from
Max Gordon's revue, 'Sing' Out the
News,' the fall tenant at the Music
Box.
There is more from 'News', for on
hand is Mary Jane Walsh '(New
Acts) one of two warblers in the
current Berle assemblage. Comic an-
nounced Miss Walsh would sing the
'Jones' number, which he claimed
she introduced in the legiter. That
is incorrect 'Jones'. Jiavlng been a
colored ensemble affair that high-
lighted the show. .
■The Five Jan.sleys risley turn is
made into one of the best laugh in-
terludes of the Berle gang. The
pedal acrobats have been going in
for comedy for some time on night
club floors and that element is as
important as their feats, if not more
so. Berle in playing stooge and
clowning with the comparatively tiny
toD-mounters, had the house bub-
bling in good humor.
Before Berle went into his get-
away stuff he brought on Joe Mor-
rison, young baritone, who clicked
strongly. Lad started with 'Begin'
and followed with 'Deep in a Dream,'
flnlshing with his standard "The Last
Roundup.' For an encore Morrison
gives 'l Have Eyes,' the comic clown-
ing throughout this time mostly
leading the orchestra in the pit.
Berle did not introduce the fir.<4
act apparently forgetting the bill-
ing. Turn is the Srnart Set a double
quartette of dancers, They start with
an acrobatic waltz and finale with
adagio. Routine is cut because of
the show's running time. (which also '
is the reason for dropping Al Gor-
don and his Rocketeers, dog act
Gordon goes in tomorrow CThiirs-
day) due to accident to act of Har-
ris Twins and Loretta.)
Berle leaves 'em laughing with a
parodied medley and no mention
of Hollywood. Ibce.
KEITH'S, BOSTON
Boston, Morch 2.
The Smoothies (3), Hcnnon Hyde
and Thelnia Lee, Don Rice, Four
Novas, Saul Grauman Company (5),
Eddig Rosentvald house orc/i; 'Spy
Ring' (Col) and 'Silver on SagcT
(Par).
One of the best stage shows here
this season brings in a quota of good
comedy, hoofing, and action. Fea-
tured act Is the Smoothies, talented .
swing trio that socks with swell ar-
rangements af such pops as 'Um-
brella Man,' 'Cowhand,' 'F.D.R.
Jones' and 'Hold Tight.' 'Jones' is
a' good encore, but 'Tight' sounded
lilte their best offering, when caught
Two boys and a gal sell their stuff
solidly.
Herman Hyde, an old fave around
here, is currently working with
Thelma Lee, who replaces Sally
Burrill (his wife and regular part-
ner), very capably. In addition to
some of the familiar dizzy musical
instruments displayed here on previr
ous occasions, Hyde brings in a very
seedy harp, with loose strings, a
stuffed squirrel, and a mess of stuff
hidden in the butt end of the thing.
Another new fillip to the Hyde act
is a gag of raising his partner's skirt -
by a hidden string, and^ another one
on his own pants.
. Saul Grauman's 'musical Staira-
tone' provides a good flash finish for
this show. After some preliminary
tapping by the four girls (and a sen-
sational aero specialty by triple-
jointed Betty Jane Walters), Grau-
man and his partners tap up and
down a musical staircase, punctu-
ating the orchestral .background
with single notes and chords from
an electrical bell-ringing device atop
the stairs. - Good novelty.
Four Novas, differing from other
teeter board acts in that it has three
women and one man. open the bill
with some gasp-getting dives and
somersaults, One of the women acts
as groundman, and added interest is
found In the fact that one of the
top girls is quite tall.
Don Rice, in his single turn, un-
corks some oft-heard gags, and good
impersonations of Roosevelt _ and
Mussolini; but as an m.c. he misses.
Criticizing a morning audience for
being cold, during most of h'S in-
troductions, became tiresome. Fox.
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
VARIETY HOUSE REVIEWS
VARIETY
27
STRAND, N. Y.
Will Osborne orch (17), Li/jin
Davis, Dick Rogers, Milt Herth Trio,
Gloria Rich, Sheila Barret;, 'Yes, My
Darling Danghier' (WB).
Combination of Osborne and the
rest of this bill is one of ttie best
the Strand has offered since bring-
ing on the stage policy. Hoiise'i
booker has lined up a tight, swiftly
paced hour that almost never lets
up in entertainment qualities. Cojn-
bincd with the much discussed
'Darling Daughter,' it should acquit
itstlt plentifully.
Osborne aggi'cgation hasn't exact-
ly been overlooked in the band
sweepstakes; but heretofore quite a
bit of the prestige it enjoyed was.
based on the leader's vocal ability.
Here it's reversed, with the stick-
swisher condning him.xclf to two
Humoresque,' but get down to busi-
ness on 'Getting Sentimental Over
You' and 'Serenade.' Had to beg
off. .
iriame scarf dance by Roxyettes,
HIPP, BALTO
Ba(ti7nore, March 4.
. ^ ^ , Vincent Lopci orcJi (14), Abbott
featuring Joan Wells, line captain, os Costello, Pntricia Ellis. Betty Hut-
Berdi Shaw, Norma Duss and Aileen
Jordan, clicked, with variegated
lighting rating an extra mention.
Done to 'Night and Day* and effec-
tive.
toil, Danny Graysori, Nick Plsani,
Dick Wharton, Johnny Morris;
'Beawtv /or tfie Asking' (RKO).
One of best stage lineups here In
weelts, Vincent Lopez Is back asain
, with a supporting combb of 14, plus
such interpolated specialties as Ab-
bott and Costello, Patricia . Ellis,
Betty 1-Iutton and Danny Grayson,
nings the bell in lusty style with
. . . , ■ «... ! h.b. response equally satisfactory.
iJ^^L^? ^}Z'^>Jf?^ii1^ ^^0"''^^ ' Vet bandsman has taken on a bit of
a brighter stage. pTesen9e and
Kay Hamilton, swing singer, also
scores. Femme, peppery and per-
sonable,' sings 'Jeepisrs Creepers,' '01
Man River,^ and 'Hold Tight* and
returns to encore with 'Old Man
Mose.'
rack* 'Jeepers C.jepers,' with Arm-
strong vocalizing and trumpeting,
"Sksleton in the Closet' and 'Ti'jer
Itcg.' In the latter number the
band's instrumentalists are ..spoiisd.
■ Eefc.
Barr and Virginia Estes in a song
and dance turn. Man works in one
to do his stilT legged comic dance,
and IS joined by femme, attired in
nashy green silk flowing dress for
more dancing.. She taps and then
joins partner in a comedy tanso, into
quick tonsil tries, one talk-sin;; I which is worked a deal of funny
styled, and allowing the; band to busine.ss. Over solidly, '
prove itself among the best of the
outfits which lend themselves well
to stngc presentations.
Screwball informality, led by the
deadpan humot' and comical herd'
rldlni; over . the . antics of the band
by Osborne, coupled with an excel-
lent femme vocalist and punchy pi-
anist Dick Rogers, pyramid giggle
upon giggle. Band lacks little in-
strumentally, but not much can be
said about that phase as it gets little
opportunity for legit sending. How.
ever, in one or two of the early
. numbers, the drums overshadow rest
of crew. Osborne features a 'slide
trombone' technique that's different
but not sufficiently so to label it a
very distinctive style: Uses minia
ture trombones built like trumpets
occasionally to further the 'glisten.*
Lynn Davis handles the vocals
end is across in two numbers which
earn her a response seldom accorded
band .vocalists. Does the current
'My Heart Belongs to Daddy' and
'Devil and Deep Blue Sea.' She's
an asset to the crew not only from
' the tune delivery angle, but also
from appearance.
Osborne waits until late to spring
Dick Rogers on ah unsuspecting
house. He bangs a second piano.
Whether he's in for his pianology or
comedy isn't apparent, but he sells
his whacky bits in a manner that
stops the show. Starts off slowly
with a vocal of 'Hold Tight' and has
customers In a prolonged laugh state
before capping with 'Dinah,' deliv-
ered in various accents. His exub-
erance helps plenty. '
Milt Herth Trio . clicks big and is
a standout contribution. Herth and
his electric organ come up out of
the pit while the drum and piano
come out of the wings, all situated
to the left of the stage. Not as ad
vantagcous as center, but necessary
here. Herth's a master . of the in.
strument, his intentionally spotlight,
ed work on the pedal keys being
instantly appreciated. Dick Rtdgely
on the drums and. Frank Froeba at
piano stand out in breaks, and com-
bined three are a plenty rhythmic
combo.
Sheila Barrett also goes big once
she gets past her 'Goody Goody*
number. Latter is tepid, and could
be forgotten without much efforts
Impression of a southern belle in a
Florida nitery acquiring a slow jag,
dropping down the scale froiii mar-
tini to corn likker- is funny, but that
Is in turn topped by an alternated
Impression of W. C. Fields and Fan-
nie Brice doing imaginary scenes as
Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara
respectively. Gels her off to a salvo.
Osborne fades the hour with his
at times too vindictive imitations of
other bands. One is Shep Fields
(not jiamed) and his 'Cripply
Rhythm.* Too shat-p. Guy Lombardo
and Clyde McCoy bits arc well done.
Bit is reminiscent of Milt Britton
style of skullduggery without break-
age, crew members arguing and
slapping each other.
changed his previous tradcmarked
style of sweet stuff, to a lilting, nicer
ly controlled swing. (Justomers here
seemed to like it better>
Handling announcements as well
as the baton, Lopez takes his crew
through a bright . opening . number
! nnd follows with an original, 'Sv/ing.
Finale is Frankie number by ' mg With the Goon."!.' in which Johh-
Rojjyettcs. a rliylhm tap bv girls in j ny Morris, peppery drummer, hits
morning attire and
formal male
nicely done.
Biz at opsner Sunday was off, no
doubt, to spring weather outdoors
and Lent, since this show stacks up
well alongside of others that have
packed 'em into this house.
. . . Luce.
STANLEY, PITT
PittsbwToh, March 3.
Artie Sl\aw orch (15), Robert Wtl-
liduis Sc Red Dust, Craig & Ricliards,
Helen Forrest, Tony Pastor; 'Paris
Honci/iiioon' (Par).
ROXY, ATLANTA
Atlanta, March 5.
Cae Foster house line (16), Fox
Harris, Don Francisco, Ward & Van,
Ray Hamilton, Barr & Estes, Mike
Segal's house band (11) ; 'A Man to
Remember" ^^RKO).
There's plenty of talent In this
show, standard acts being worked
into three exceptionally well done
rotitines by.Roxyeltes for a show
that moves swiftly through its 50
minutes, including overture of love
songs by house band, featuring sing-
ing of 'Without a Song,' by masked
usher, Fox Harris. ■ •
Roxyettes get things going with
a lunchbox number done to 'Where
Do You Worka, John.' Fcmmes are
garbed in flashy overalls and there's
scaffolding on stage, girls doing a lot
of hammering and sawing during
routine. Stage is all set for Dan
Francisco's tight- wire act and girls
pose as he stumbles' down stairs to
do his turn. Wire-walker does eight
minutes, never leaving wire, to line
results.
Tony Ward, harpist, and Angelo
Van, violinist, follow with their
comedy and music. They clown
through 'A Tisket, A-Taskef ' and
Artie Shaw's the Cinderella man
in the band biz so far as Pittsburgh
is concerned. Summer before last,
he launched his present band here
at Willows, one of the town's rank-
ing warm-weather spots. Got over
just so-so, dance mob complaining
arrangements were too brassy. To-
day they're swooning in the aisles
at the same type of music, proving
what a rep will do.
True, there's been some improve-
ment since the Willows episode in
the outfit, but now, just as then, chief
feature is Shaw himself with that
blazing clarinet. That's something
Shaw's always had, only he's capital-
izing on if more. ' Too much, it
seems, occasionally. He*s doing
those sizzling hallelujahs and molten
hosannahs practically every number
throughout the hour session. Better
showmanship would be to give 'em
less and make 'em 'want more.
It should be. a b.o. panic ait the
Stanley this week. First time in al-
most a year the management thought
it necessary to stick in five shows
opening day. This foi^esight was
vindicated when the ropes were up
for noon opener. House stuck in a
neat screen assist,, too, in 'Paris
Honeymoon',. (Par); figuring Bing
Crosby would hold up the night biz
when jitterbugs go mto temporary
retirement. Opening afternoon the
swing salaamers were going through
the eenie-meenie-mlnie-mo of ecstasy,
rocking the balcony and yelling so
wildly Shaw*s announcements as
m.c. fell on deaf ears. Didn*t faze
him in the least, however, and he
kept the show goin^ at a dizzy clip
just the same, shooting directly, from
one number to another aiid cutting
right into the middle of the palm-
pounding. Good thing, too, for had
he hesitated a moment, Shaw would
have been lost and layout would
have consumed at least time and a
half.
Shaw's crew Is one of the hardest-
working around. Boys don*t let up
for a moment, no doubt taking their
cue from Shaw, wh'o*s a trojan for
lip-work.
Vocals are handled by Helen For-
rest and saxist, Tony Pastor, latter
socko with his yeah-man version of
'Indian I,ove Call.' " It's one of
Shaw's best recordings and crowd
apparently knew it, for the first bars
had the day-time payees in a dither.
Miss Forrest only fair on the bipes.
but Shaw helps her over with his
clarinet interpolations during gars
three - numbers, 'Deep Purple," 'I
Cried for You" and 'Old Folks.'
Layout also carries twp acts. First
is Craig and Richards, couple of
hoofers with more energy than tal-
ent. First routine's ' supposed to be
a fast tap, but clicks against the
hardwood are drowned out by the
brass. Shag encore just average.
Other turn is Robert Williams, with
the dog. Red Dust. Over big: Wil-
liams seems to be working a little
too hard on his own. however, for
laughs these days, and might relax
just a bit.
For finale, Shaw .and the drummer
team up for a two-man jam session
with an international medley, ring-
ing the bell all the way on an eight-
minute marathon. Arrangements are
scored smartly witlj an eye to Shaw's
own clarinet wizardry, with that
socko 'Begin* still leading the field
by a wide margin.
Stanley*s turning 'em ovei fast;
giving "em only Shaw, the pic, an
abbreviated newsreel and the trailer
on Benny Goodman, who follows his
swing rival. Applause for the Good-
man announcement heavy, proving
swing clan is obviously legion.
Cohen.
rome heated licks. Pace holds v/ith
Donny Grayson, youthful hooter,
v/ho handle.- his dogs Icgitimhtely
and works for good comedy e.lect.
Lad. has a pleasing way and sells his
eccentric tappery to the hilt.
Nice spot for Patricia. Ellis, mak-
ing , a p.a. after a stretch in pictures.
Hr.ndlcs series of vocals in nice
style and utilizes her looks to ad-
vantage.
Another original by band, 'Napo-
leon Bonaparte," employs all solo
chairs and gets into the groove.
Wisely selected change of pace of-
fers a nlea.iiantly blended medley of
'Deep Purple," with Nick Pisani han-
dling a nice fiddle;. 'Beautiful Baby'
and "Thanks For jEverything' with
Dick Wharton butting down the gui-
tar for a pleasing vocal.
Abbott and Costello, standards
here, whip out a bagful of laughs
with their well-timed routine of
gags, to tie matters up with a beg
off speech. Comics have taken on
considerable stature since their first
appearance here some years back,
which attracted radio attention and
subsequent step-up to important
recognition, . Would make hard spot
t/> follow, ordinarily, but Lopez
wisely takes hold with bis session at
the ivories, solid throughout.
Betty Hutton, blond swingeroo of
the band, follows with hectic rendi-
tion of 'Old Man Mose' and 'Hold
Tight," giving the jitterbugs present
a Roman holiday and herself a stren-
uous workout.
Biz on show caught (Saturday)
very big. Burm.
STATE, HARTFORD
Hartford, March 5.
Bill Robinson. Louis Armstrong
orch, Midge Williams, Sunny Woods,
'Spoons' Broum, Tim & Freddie, Sam
Kaplan house band; 'Sky Pirate"
(Mono).
Put two and two together and you
get four. Put Bill Robinson and the
Louis Armstrong unit on the same
bill and you get a bell ringer. That"s
why the customers have been filing
in at the State this week. Show
opened Wednesday (1) with the
largest number of payees in attend-
ance at that house in recent years
for an opening day. Continued
strong throughout the week ending
tonight (Sunday) with a gross of
$12,150 for the five days which is a
runner up to the house record set
by Kay Kyser last month. The di-
vertissement is solid and 'well paced.
Tee-off is the Armstrong unit (14)
swinging out in several of their best
recordings.. Stick swisher makes his
appearance after the band has prac-
tically completed one number. -
Armstrong doesn't depend entire-
ly on the auditory responses to his
torrid truinpeting to make the pa-
trons believe that he is still master
of that instrument He goes in for
the visual also, notably with a white
backdrop showing a huge trumpet
over which is a crown.
First specialty is 'Spoons' Brown,
who does nicely with .a pair of
spoons with which he simulates tap-
dancing effects. Midge Williams,
Armstrongs', songster, spotted next.
Sells herself with 'What Have You
Got That Ciets Me," 'Heart Belongs to
Daddy* and' 'I Cried for You.'
Tim and Freddie, attired in. yellow
and green suits and wearing red
shoes, whack out solidly with, com-
edy tap dancing. Duo starts out with
patter and ends up with challenge
work. Next is Sonny Woods, band's
Qt^ier chirper, registers with 'Get
Out of Town,* and a medley of 'My
Own* and 'You're My Everything.'
Robinson in the next to closing
spot has everything under control
with his gags and terping. Former
have been heard before, but s(ill reg-
ister.
He opens with a soft shoe number
ar 1. then follows with his usual rou-
tine. Demonstrates that he is still
ai agile as ever, despite bis advanc-
ing years. On Tuesday and Friday
shows he was forced to delete stren-
uous parts of his routine because he
had hurt his recently operated on
knee after an attempted attack on
him Wednesday (story elsewhere).
Band Is in the groove with 'Shad-
RIVERA, B'KLYN
Leaciit & Lockwood: Kirk & Law-
rence, .Jean Arnold. Evelyn Wilson,
Dave Schooler & Swinghearts (16):
'Female Fugitive' (Mo?io),
Vaudeville in the raw and along
lines of a bygone day, though in
somef respects a little smalltime;
makes up an hour's show here this
week, with Dave Schooler and his
girl band, billed as Swinghearts,
featured. The house, a good -sized
nabe, was formerly a link in the eld
Keith vaude chain.- It is now attempt-
ing to keep the citizens in its im-
incdbte midst from going elsewhere
by IcEoping to a 40c top. At this
price, even if the shows cannot com-
naro with those at the. dov.'.ntown
Procdway stands, the policy has a
chance.
Coming In with his band this
week, Schooler replaces the regular
house orchestra. He has 16 girls in
his outfit, but the drop that's be-
hind them looks like a spectre from
the past. It is a sky and moon drop,
the cheapness of which detracts
from the otherwise okay appearance.
Schooler's girls may have to go a
way yet to become seasoned— some
of the orchestrating leaves much to
be desired— but they look well on
the stage.
Musical aggregation opens in a
rather clumsily-played niimber, fol-
lowed by Jean Arnold (New Acts),
who is announced as coming from
the air. She does two songs at this
point returning for another later
on.
Another band number, well , lit in
which the girls sing with Schooler,
precedes the Kirk and Lawrence act.
This turn, together -with Leavitt and
Lockwood, Schooler himself and
Evelyn Wilson, all impart a tang of
the vaude fiavor of - another day. . It
is a welcome tang. Doug Leavitt
and Ruth Lockwood, assisted by
Bert Raybum, in particular, are
very much the oldtime vaude'ville.
Miss Wilson, doing a singing and
gagging stew, is also a pleasing re-
Oet from the more modern type of
entertainment She has long been a
very engaging drunk turn. The
Kirk-Lawrence combination, with
prop horses, deverly producing the
effect of being on horseback, is a
novelty that becomes somewhat
dimmed through the poor material
employed, the horn-tooting, etc.
Schooler plays Second Hungarian
Rhapsody at the piano about mid-
way, but what his girl musicians do
to the classic, in coming, in for por-
tions, is a pity. Enchanted forest
number by the band is its best wh'le
another along novelty lines, that gets
good results is the arrangement un-
der which seven different pop num-
bers are blended. Char,
FOLIE 39, PARIS
Paris, Feb. 26.
Permane Cousins, Sandro. Carre^
ras, Hc-iirlette Dslannoy, Henri Luap,
GlTIS.
i
i
AUDITORIUM, FRISCO
(GOLDEN GATE EXPOSmON)
San Froncisco, March 3,
Eddie Cantor's 'Camel Caravan
Rewte," ;Ann Miller, Burt Porfcs, Bert
Gordon, Kay St. Germain, Sidney
Fields, Edj^ar Fairchild and Adam
CarrollT Fanchon and Marco Girls,
Walt Roesner's California Audito-
rium orchestro.
First of the name attractions to
play on Treasure Island at the Fair
here, Eddie Cantor is filling a week"s
engagement in this 3,200-seat audi-
torium, the only fully equipped the-
atre on the grounds. The comedian
brings with him the cast of his radio
program, plus several additions, do-
ing four shows a day, with five on
Saturday and Sunday. Each per-
formance runs about 75 minutes.
With the house scaled at 25, SO and
75 cents, box office take on the open-
ing day (Friday ) was around $3,000,
less than anticipated. However, the
show clicked solidly with the audU
ence and is expected to build dur-
ing the rest of the week"s run.
Opening by Roesner*s musicians
consists of a medley of tunes from
Cantor shows, followed by a well-
executed can-can dance by a line of
16 good-looking -.girls in pink and
black costumes.
Cantor dishes out his usual type
of comic chatter, although some of
his gags about Rudy Vallee, whom
he describes as one of hisibest friends,
seem in poor taste. He includes a
couple of his inevitable Hitler jokes,
sings several ditties, does a turn in
a Shirley Temple ■ costume-r-blond
curls and all — which he revives from'
a previous stage act, and winds
up with a burst of patriotic fervor
such as Cantor audiences have come
to expect He's heckled by Sidney
Fields as 'Mr. Guffey,* a dead-paii
cynic who evokes generous laughs,
and tops the show's comedy with a
rib-tickling dialogue with Bert Gor-
don, the 'Mad Ru.ssian," whose dialect
is familiar to Cantor radio audi-
ences.
Burt Parks displays a good com-
edy sense in hie banter with Can-
tor, and a pleasant voice and ex-
cellent singing style in a solo num-
ber and a duet with Kay St. Ger-
main. Miss St Germains featured
tune is 'Jeepers Creepers,^ which she
puts over in topnotch fashion. Her
(Continued on page 62)
'A spectacle only, Foli: 39 will last
on.iy L'.; Ji.ns as the novelty laiJts un-
j I'.j-; simo rssl talent is shoved in
.a sr.ve tn o.'n.nir.-y show. Low flat
price of 23 cents for afterhoons and
35 cents for evenings can be - de-
ncndcd on alone to save this spot.
l=or the 450 seating capacity won't
i/.x'.wi tlie r.ullsy unlc.s-j continually
packed. This possibility is ruled
ouE by the S3-30 offering.
Credit must be given Alexandre
Gay, operator of spot however, for
\ys .itlempt in ihc face .of tha talent
available. Bringing a continuous
shcv/ to the boulevards is com-
mendable. Paris cau'd stsnd a show
of this typo if talented and geared
covoo'iy.
Po iv.;;iie Cousins, Continental act,
is fi-itured in two spots. Mediocre
clownin.'- with r.ome balancing that
dc.i.H not bilPRcc, dIus some old gags.
S.-'.Pdro Cavrcras is a local songster
wha has a fair voice but can't sell',
it to tlic atidience. Henrletto Delon-
noy, blonde v/arbler, is on the same
nl:>ne, although .<;ho does better than
Cnr.'cras. Hr.s better voice in com-
oaris.in and accordingly, gleans
better.
Bright spot is provided by the
newcomer Henri Luap, who will go
places if correctly handled. Of typi-
cal Fr?nch music hall vintage, ne
writes his own stuff, which includes
some fair ga<Ts and catchy songs.
Imitations of French radio broad-
casts c-iod. Two song oiTerlngs also
register.
LadmUa Dorin goes through two
dances, one balloon, the other the
old. slow jazz type with long gloves
and accoutrements. Barely fair.
Line of six girls fills some spots'
mcely with one liner showing talent .
in acrobatic abilities.
Smallness of stage, prevents any-
thing really pretentious. Dances by
J. Dalguilla, sets by Bulssbn and
Savignon. costumes designed by
-Tenny Carre and Freddy WIttop.
Five-piece-' pit band batoned by
Andre Dartigues, Hiipo.
EARLE, WASH.
, , „ . , Washington, Morch 5.
Janw Wtlllc:.-;.- Coquettes orch.
Emerald Sisters, Beatrice HbweU.
Vema Dette, Cass DaUy; Ves, Mv
Darling Daughter' (WB).
Fact that this week's spectacle Ja
exclusively a girl show has no ef-
fect upon revue being swift and
varied. Actually, with female acr»i
bats, mimics, songbirds, hoofers and
horn-tooters, the menu Is even more
diversified than usual.
Four of- line trip out before cur-
tains to warble introduction about
'saying it with girls* and. Janls Wil-
liams, in striking black satin gowi
waves stick and self while bam
tears off 'Razor Blade,' joined b:,
pit orch as girls come downstage for
slow tap-and-clap routine, finuhlng
strong with solo and duo special-
ties to -Hold Tight,'
.Miss Williams introduces the
Emerald Sisters, one in green pa-
jamas and one in green blouse and
skirt who go into continuous acro-
batic slapstick and knockabout
Highlights are slow-motion somer-
sault over back of chair atop table
and novel arm-lock bends.
Miss Williams then brings on
Beatrice Howell who wastes time on
introduction about candid camera
craze but finally gets Into aeries of
swell imitations oi Freddie Bartholo-
mew, Edna May Oliver, Sylvia
Sidney and Barbara Stanwyck, only
stock choice being Garbo, poorest of
the .lot. Burlesque of Hepburn
makes sock encore.
Miss Williams warbles 'I Wave My
Stick," giving bond best chance to
show .off, and including its on^
production number (with phos-
phorescent gloves). Line on again
with half in top hats and tails, and
half in shoulderless gowns for smash
Brecision tap to 'Martha.* Verna
ette, whom critics discovered to be
da-ughter of George Crouch, local
WB zone official, follows to wrap
pleasing soprano around 'Italian
Street Song' with top-hatted half of
line remaining grouped in back <:£
her; Encores with This Can't Be
Love," line interpreting the lyrics '
and escorting her off after fine re-
ception. Miss Williams turns spot to
drummer and quits stage as band
tears Off 'Snake Charmer' in whicta
lady skin-bcater . wallops everything .
within, reach throughout fuU num-
ber and rates three bows,
Cass Daley follows to obliterate
everything that has gone before with
hilarious murdering of 'Spresi'ding
Rhythm Around,' 'I Can't Dance*
and swell song title parody relating
her experiences with a gentleman's
wife in a cocktail lounge. Facial
expressions, dizzy struts and rassles
with the mike and the curtains stop
show cold, Thank you speech, evi-
dently straight from the heart, Is let
down.
Band rips Into 'Bugle Call Rag*
and Verna Dette takes side mike to
do few lines of 'Let a Smile Be Your
Umbrella" as line appears in cd-
lophane umbrellas, rain capes and
barely-legal black truhk-an'd-bras-,
sler bathing suits for brief routine
under real rain drops.
Biz good, Cratg.
i
I
If
lift
n
2S
VA RIETY Wednesday, March 8, 1939
HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW VERDICT- A
THRILLING "GREAT ZIEGFELD" ON ICE!
/
FOR YOU -MARCH 10!
1,
starring
with
JAMES STEW
ond ''THE INTERNATIONAL ICE
with Bess Ehrhardt • Roy Shipstod • Eddie Sh|
Leonard Proslcins, Florence Ryerson and Edgar a|
Directed by Reinhold Schunzel
T LEW AYRES
I LEWIS STONE
FOLLIES" IN TECHNICOLOR
lad and Oscar Johnson • Screen Play by
'oolf • A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
Produced by Harry Rapf
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
PICTURES
VARIETY
29
Film Reviews
I WAS A CONVICT
(Continued from Page 18)
his prison-made pals in as execs of
his flrm. Bairton MacLane, one of
the pals, goes through , a love adair
that never quite jells to create any
large-scale romantic interest, with
Kolb's daughter, Beverly Roberts.
Never Intending to go straight,
virtue, however, triumphs and Mac-
Lane gets the gal and the family
fortune.
' Latter' Is competent, but doesn't
quite have enough of the pash'boy
in his makeup to sufficiently l>uild
that needed love, interest Miss Rob-
erts, on - her end, works hard, but
gels nowhere without the right kind
of help. Kolb looks the part he
plays and gives a good, well-re-
strained portrayal. While some of
the supporting cast is standout for
its' bad work, real shiner in the
whole troupe is Horace MacMahon
as one of the pals given a job. With
his mug good for a laugh, from the
start, he exhibs quality in both
comedy and. the heavier business for
which he is sometimes called.
With prison pics in vogue now,
title should not be confused with
Mono's 'I Am a Criminal! and other
'convict' flicks recently released.
NORTH OF SHANGHAI
' r'olumbin prbilucdnn nnt) relohsf. Fen-
<ureH Jnm»a CrnlR. Botly J-'urni-KK. Dlrwlfd
hy D. Ubpa Lotlormiin. .Story nnil ari'ccn-
.l>lny by Maurice KapC nnil 1Lhi*o1«I Iluch-
nmn: cninorn, Pran« Planer; etIUor, Al
Clark. At Stranti, Rrooklyn. dual, week o(
March S, Ml). Running time: 5V MINK.
.leil Howard.... > ...Jamiu Orali;
Helen Warner.'. Belly Fumcss
Jimmy Dlley Keyc Luke
)ln(t I,alrd... MurKan Conway
chandler Joseph nnnnlng
Howley..... nuiia«ll Hicks
Sue. .DuinUiy OuDlvcc
aihiK .Honorable Wu
Advance Production Chart
Hollytuood, f eb. 28.
Studios ore cuTTentZ« hitting 9 record stride /or this time of the year,
with 49 pictures facing the cameras, as of Feb. 24.
Plants howe jiassei the half-way mark in delivering product for 1938-39
A fair-to-middlin' story is evolved
from the current Sino-Jap fracas.
Pictures Betty Furness as an ace re-
porter in a - somewhat trite news-
paper angle, while James Craig is. a
newsreel cameraman covering the
front It's for the duals.
Tale is held back a bit by the un-
easiness of Craig, a comparative
newcomer. He's an in-and-outer in
this, at times being very convincing,
and others going , to tlie opposite ex-
treme. Miss Furness proves capable,
as does Keye Luke in a straight role
at odds with his past comedy parts
in the Charlie Chan series.
Direction consumes plenty footage
getting to the point— the. discovery
and uncovering of a gang of spies
working hand in hand with the head
of 'the shanghai of Ace .of Miss Fur-
ness' paper. Forced lo grab a vaca-
tion following threats aimed at her
fqr breaking an important scandal,
she and Craig, meet on a boat headed
for China. Story slips here in in-
ferring that Craig is headed for the
war zone, yet it isn't- till- the. boat
hears it's destination that news of
. hostilities comes. . Unaware of her
newspaper affiliation, he wants to
ship her home, but she accepts an
assignment to cover the fracas.
They combine with Luke, also a
cameraman; and secret police to
crack the spy ring. In the proceed-
ings, Luke is killed.
Film includes many excellent
newsreel shots of air raids, hand-to-
hand fighting and other aspects of
the actual fracas now going on in
the Far East But the- yarn holds
too many implausible angles. The
entire basis of the story is at odds
with the- respective trades of the two
leads.
Camera work is good.
THUNDERING WEST
Columlila Plcturea pruduclltm and releaKC.
.Slnm Charles SInrrett. DIrecteil by .Sam
Nelxon: ' lici-eenplny. Itennell 11.. Cohen:
camera. T<uclen rinllard; 'editor. William
Ijyon; mualc and lyrlca. Itoh Nol.in. At
the Colonial; Lincoln, dual, Running time:
no MINS.
Dale Cliarlea Stnrretl
Helen IrlM Meredith
Tiicwin Hank liell.
Wolf , Dick Curtis
Bill) Itbl) Nolan
DarkfH'ii ;.llol)crl Kljtke
JuiIkc Kdward T,e Snlnt
Kendall Hal Tallarcrro
aonn o( the IMnncera
Snatching an outlaw from his band
of renegades and making him sheriff
to tut-n oh his former mates frames
the background for this latest
Charles Starrett horsey ■ harum-
scarums. It's a good one.
Sons of the Pioneer bang out some
rustic music, all authored by Bob
tiolan, whose 'Tumbling Tumble-
weed' tune still themes the series.
Starrett's performance is okay as a
slightly bewildered gun-toter who
finds himself protecting . the gold
from the boys he used to split with.
Film does not make him an Adonis,
most of the footage showing a three-
day growth shadowing his face.
Fenvme side is 'well taken care of
by Iris Meredith, who his been' the
love interest in all the Starrett
sagers. The camera finally does right
by her. Dick Curtis is the neighbor-
hood renegade; Hank Bell is Star-
rett's sourdough sidekick; Edward
Le Saint the kindly, judge, and Hal
Taliaferro the Wells Fargo rep. All
.ire up to par. Bom.
Columbia
Features
Westerns
Serials
Total . .
16
4
17
9
1
3
0
1
15
4
2
21
80 27 4 8 21
Pictures now in the cutting rooms or awaiting previews are:
'SOMANCE OP THE REDWOODS,' produced .by Wallace McDonald for
the Irvmg Bnskin unit; directed by Charles. Vidor; no writing credits re-
leased; photographed by AUen Siegler. Cast; Charles Biclcford, Jean
Parker, Earl Dunn, Lloyd Hughes, Ed Laughton, John 'Tyrrell Ann Shoe-
maker, Al Bridge, Gordon Oliver,
'NORTH OF THE YUKON,' formerly titled 'MOUNTED POLICE NO 1,'
produced by Harry Decker for the Irving Briskin unit; directed by Sam
Nelson; original screen play by Bennett Cohen; photographed by George
Meehan. ■ Cast;. Charles SUrret, Linda Winters, Bob Nolan, Sons of the
Pioneers, Robert Fiske, Vernon Steele, Eddie Cobb, Ditk Botiller, Tom
London, Lane Chandler, James Millican, Hal TaUaferro, Ed Brady, Harry
Cordmg.
'FIRST OFFENDERS,' formerly titled 'FIRST OFFENDER,' produced by
Lou Appleton for Irving Briskin unit; directed by Frank McDonald; no
writing credits released; photogiaphed by Lucien Ballard. Cast: Walter
Abel, Beverly Roberts, replacing Rita Hayworth, Johnny Downs, Iris
Meredith, Robert Sterling, John Tyrrell.
'MY SON IS. A CRIMINAL,' formerly titled 'RACKETEERS,' produced
by Wallace MacDonald; directed by C. C. Colemain, Jr.; no writing credits
released; photographed by AUefi Siegler. Cast: Alan Baxter, Jacqueline
Wells, Joseph King, Gordon Oliver, Willard Robertson, John Tyrell, Ed
Fetherston, Dick Curtis, Harry Strang, Joseph Caits, Eddie Laughton,
George Taylor, Stanley Brown, Frank Mills, Joe Harmon, James Millican,
Frank O'Connor, Ed Cobb, Kernan Crips, Robert Walker, E. L. Dale, Art
Dupuis, Al Ferguson, Ky Robinson, Sam Ash, Al Herman, Forbes Murray,
Edward Hearn. .
•THE LADY AND THE MOB.' formerly tiUed <MRS; LEONARD MIS-
BEHAVES,' formerly Utled 'OLD MRS. LEONARD AND HER MACHINE
GUNS,' produced by Fred Kohlmar; directed by Ben Stoloft'; Screen play
by Richard Maibaum and .Gertrude Purcell; original by George Brad-
shaw and Price Day; photographed by John Stumar: Cast: Fay Bainter,
Ida Lupino, I^ee Bowman, Warren Hymer, Joe Caits, Tommy Mack, Jim
Toney, Joe Sawyer, Tommy Dugan, Forbes Murray, Henry Armetta, Olaf
Hytten, Harold Huber.
'OUTSIDE THESE WALLS,' produced by Ralph Cohn for the Irving Bris-
kin unit; directed by Ray McCarey; no writing credits released; photo-
graphed by Lucien Ballard. Cast; Dolores Costello, Michael Whalen, Vir-
Sinia Weidler, Don Beddoe, Charles Halton, Selmer Jackson, Dick Curtis,
ohn Tyrell, Pierre Watkin, Robert Emmett Keane, Tommy Bupp, Joe
Devlin, Stymie Bearcji, Jimmie Campbell, Joe Cunningham, William Searby,
Walter Merrill, Allen Matthews, Eddie Laughton.
■THE LAW COMES TO TEXAS,' formerly titled 'FIRST RANGER,' pro-
duced by Larry Darmour; directed by Joseph Levering; original screen
play by Nate Getzert; photographed by James S. Brown, Jr. Cast: Bill
Elliott, Veda Ann.Borg, Bud Osbourne, Charles Whittaker, Leon Beaumon,
Paul Everton, Charles King.
'PRAIRIE NIGHTS,' produced by Harry L. Decker for the Irving Bris-
kin unit; directed by C. C. Coleman, Jr.; no writing credits released;
photographed by Allen Seigler. Cast: Charles Starrett Iris Meredith, Dick
Curtis, Bob Nolan, Sons of the Pioneers, Hank Bell, Edv/ard Le Saint.
Colnmbia Fix Now in .Production
.'PLANE NO. 4,' produced and directed by Howard Hawks; no writing
credits released; photographed by- Joseph Walker. Cast: Jean Arthur, Cary
Grant Richard Barthelmess, Rita Hayworth, Thomas Mitchell, Sig Rii-
man, Donald Barry, Noah Beery, Jr., Anthony Quinn. Allyn ; Joslyn, Vic-
tor Kilian, Milissa Sierra, Pat West John Carroll, Charles Moore, Sam
Tong, Frank Puglia, Inez Palange, Pedro Regas, Manuel Maciste, Lucio
Villegas. Budd Pine. Francisco Moran. Victor Travers, Wilson Behge, Jack
Lowe, Tex Higginson, Vernon Dent Pat Flaherty, replacing Frank Mar-
lowe, Enricas Acosta^ Raoul Lechuga, Dick Bottiler, Harry Bailey, Amora
Navarro. Te.ssie Murray.
'BLIND ALLEY,' produced by Fred Kohlmar; directed by Charles Vidor;
from play by James Warwick; photographed by Lucien Ballard. Cast:
Chester Morris, Rose Stradner, Ann Dvorak, Joan Perry, Ralph Bellamy,
Marc Lawrence, Melvyn Cooper, Scotly Beckett, Ann Doran, John Aldrich,
Bilbum Stone, Marie Blake.
'MISSING DAUGHTERS,' produced by Jack Fier for the Irving Briskin
unit; directed by C. C. Coleman, Jr.; original, screen play by Michael Sim-
mons and George Bricker; photographed by Henry Freulich. Cast: Richard
Arlen. Rochelle Hudson, Isabel Jewell, Marian Marsh, Don Beddoe, Richard
Wessel, Edward Raquello, Eddie Kane, Wade Botiller, John Tyrrell.
'MANDRAKE, THE MAGICIAN' (serial), produced by Jack Fier for the
Irving Briskin unit; directed by Sam Nelson and Norman Dem'ig; no
writing credits released; photographed by Benjamin Kline. Cast: Warren
Hull, Doris Weston, Al Kikume, Kenneth McDonald, Eddie Laughton, Eddie
Earl, John Tyrrell, Don Beddoe, Forbes Murray, George Chesebro.
Grand National
Total
Number Number
. of Fix Com-
promised pleled
68 12
Now
Shoot-
ini;
1
Now Balance lo
in Be Placed Stories in
Cutting Before Prepara-
Rooms Cameras tlon
I 54 54
Pictures now in cutting rooms or awaiting previews are:
'SINGING COWGIRL,' formerly titled 'LADY BUCKAROO,'-Coronado
production; produced by Donald K. Lieberman; directed by Samuel Diege;
original screen play by Arthur Hoerl: photographed by Mack Stengler.
Cast; Dorothy Page, David O'Brien, Vince Barhett, Ed Piel, Dix Davjs,
Stanley Price, Warner Richmond, Dorothy Short. Paul Barrett Lloyd In-
graham, Ethan Allen, Edward Gordon. Merrill McCprmick.
GN Pix Now In Production
•EVERYTHING HAPPENS TO ANN,' produced by Jack Skirball; directed
by Al Christie; screen play by Fred Jackson, original by Dalton Trumbo;
photographed by Charles Van Enger. Cast: Heather Angel. John King.
Constance Collier, Robert Elliott Walter Catlett Wilbur Mack, Tom Dugan.
lEmma Dunn.
Metro
release, needing only 202 pictures to ciniplete a promised total of 589, J.«J
present 66 are in the cutting rooms and 272 have either been preirieued 7^'
released. i>r
- • f
William Ludwig: photographed by Leslie White. Cast: Lewis Stoitj^i
Micke^f Rooney, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden, Sara Haden, Ann Rutherford,'
Virginia Grey, Mathilda and Charles Smith. ^
•SERGEANT MADDEN,' produced by J. Walter Ruben; directed by Jdsf
von Sternberg; based on a story by William A. UUman, Jr.; photograph^;'!
by John Seitz. Cast: Wallace Beery, Alan Curtis, Tom Brown, LarraiiQj.:
Johnson, Marion Martin.
'I TAKE THIS WOMAN,' formerly titled. 'NEW YORK CINDERELLAi"::
produced by La-wrence Wcingarten; directed by Frank Borzage; origini^.r
story by Charles MacArthur; photographed ' by Charles Lawton. - Ca^-..
Spencer Tracy, Hedy LaMarr, Walter Pidgeon, Thurston Hall, Carlos Va|i^:
dez, Leonard Penn; Ina Claire, Marjorie Main, Louis Calhevn, Lana Turne;.',
Mona Barrte, Willie Best Dwight Frye, Jack Carssn, Frank Puglia, 'Adr|'i:
enne Ames. J'{
Metro Pix Now in Production \,'
•THE WIZARD OF OZ' (Technicolor), produced by Mervyn LeRoS f
directed by Victor' Fleming; bassd on story by Franit L. Bnum; photS:;^
graphed by Harold Rosson; for Technicoloi:. Allan Dazey. Cast: Fraoj^
Morgan Judy Garland, Ray B(il;>.?r. Bcrl Lrhr. .lack Haley, CharleFii
Grapewin, BiUie Burke, Margaret Hamilton. Pat Walsh. ^^i
•TARZAN IN EXILE,' produced by Sam Zimbalist; directed by Richai^S
Thorpe; based on characters created by Edgar Rice Burroughs; photrfft
graphed by Leonard Smith. Cast: Johnny Wcissmuller, Maureen OSulla|
van, Henry Stephenson, Kenneth Hunter, Henry Wilcoxon, Frieda Inescorj^
Uriah Banks, John Sheffield.
•GONE WITH THE WIND' (Technicolor), produced by David O. SeVU
nick; directed by Victor Fleming, replacing George Cukor; screen play bm
Sidney Howard and Oliver H. P. Garret from nov'sl by Margaret MitchelJ]|i
photographed by Lee Garmes. Cast: Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Lesligfj
Howard, Olivia de Haviland, Barbara O'Neil; Laura Hope Crews, Har
McDaniel, Oscar Polk. Butterfly McQueen, Everett Brown.
•CALLING DR. KILDARE,' produced by Lou Ostrow; directed by HarolB
S. Bucquet; based on the Max Brand stories; photographed by Les Whltrf|
Cast: liCw Ayres, Lionel Barrymore, Lynne Carver, Nat Pendleton, Samur»
S. Hinds, Emma Dunn, Marie Blake. Lana Turner, Laralne Johnson. CUntoi;
Rosemond, Bobs Watson, Alma Kruger, Rinie Riano, Walter Kingsforc^i
Donald Barry. , Sm
•PENTHOUSE,' produced by John W. Considine, Jr.; directed by Edwl;;;'
L. Marin; no writing credits released; photographed by George Eolsejji.-
Cast: Virginia Bruce, Walter Pidgeon, Leo Garrlllo, Lee Bowman. FranceL;
Mercer, Edward Brophy. Tom Kennedy, Herbert Mundin, Paul GuilfoyW^^
Prank M. Thomas, Ian Wolfe, Clarence Kolb, Ann Morrlss, Eduardo CiarS-
•nelli. „ 5t
'LUCKY NIGHT,' produced by Louis D. Lighten; directed by NormM.
Taiirog; screen play by Vincent Lawrence and Grover Jones; primal b;!;;
Oliver Claxton; photographed by Ray June. Cast: Myrna Loy,~R}berB<
Taylor, Douglas Fowley, Berhadene Hayes, Bernard Nedell, Gladys Blaketj
Charles Lane, Henry O'Neill. „ , „ , * j v„ ell
'THE KID FROM TEXAS,' produced by Edgar Selwyn; directed by E
Sylva.i Simon; no writing credits released; photographed by Sid Wagnei
Cast: Dennis O'Keefe, Florence Rice, Jessie Ralph, Anthony Allen, Budd;
Ebsen, Rita Johnson, TuUy Marshall, J. M. Kerrigan
Cast- Dennis O'Keefe, Florence Rice, Jessie Ralph, Anthony Allen, Budd; \
Ebsen, Rita Johnson, TuUy Marshall, J. M. Kerrigan. w,„„ '
•MAIDEN VOYAGE,' produced by Edgar Selwyn; directed by WilUan ;
Thiele; original story by Godfried Reinhardt and Virginia FauUqiei i
photographed by Clyde de Vinna. Cast: Robert Young, Anna^tV^®,- ^g^lw )
Connolly. Billie Burke, Samuel S. Hinds. Reguiald Owen. Virg nla Fldd
Arthur Treacher, Charles Judells, Felix Bressart, Mary Beth Hughes, Al '
bert Morin, Roy Atwell, Renie Riano. . j v„ n,,,*^,
•WITHIN THE LAW,' produced by Loe Ostrow; directed by <3ustai
Macl aty- from play by Bayard VeUlw; photographed by George Lawton
Cast: Ruth Hu«ey. John King. William Gargan Paul Kcl-'- Tom Nea
Rite Johnson, Samuel S. Hinds, Paul Cavanagh, Lynne Carver, Jame:
^ "re's A WONDe'r^Il- WORLD,' produced by Louis D Li^^^^^^^^
bv W S Van Dyke; no writing credits released; photographed by OUve)
Marsh Cast Claudette Colbert: James Stewart Nat Pendleton, Edgar Ken.
nedv Guv Kibbee Frances Drake, Ernest Truex. , , x «
'100 TO ONF SHO'T/ produced by Edward Chodorov; directed by Le.sU.
FeitSn! no writing credUs released; photo.?raDhed by Jo^^h Rutten^g
cr<!t- Melvyn Douglas, Louise Piatt. H. B; Warner. Jean Fenwick, HaOM-
will Hobbsf Marjofus Main, Inez Courtney. Tom Collins, Gene Lockhart
Florence George.
Monogram
Features
Westerns
Number Number
ot Pix Com-
promised pleled
26 11
16 7
~ 18
Now
Shoot-
ing
2
0
Now Balance to
in Be Placed Stories It
Cutting Before Prepara«
Rooms Cameras tlon
2 10 10
3 7 7
17
17
Features . . . .
Selznick-Int'l
Number Number
o( Fix Com-
promised pleted
SO 24
1 0
Now Balance lo
Now in Replaced Stories In
Shootr Culling Before Prepara-
Ing Rooms Cameras lion
10 5 11 11
10 0 0
~ 11
Tout «
Pictures in the cutting room: „ , , ji„»t-,j
"THE MYSTERY OF MR. WONG,' produced by W. T. Lackey; directed
'TMGG^Sft SMrrH/ produced by Robert Tansey; directed by AIM
Ja^^es- original screen play by Robert Emmett; photographed by Berl
iXnllniS CaTjacS R';n4ll. Joyce Br/apt Frank YaconeU-j^Den^^
Moore Bobby Clark, Warner Richmond, Dave OBrien, FranK La Kue
Horace cSr^nter. Milt Kibbee, Mary Thompwn, Denver Dixon, Forre^
Taylor, Earl Douglas, Chick Hannon, James Sheridan, Archie Ricks, But!
°'ItaR REPORTER.' produced by E. B. Derr; associate. Frank Melfo^^^
directed by Howard Bretherton; original screen play by John T. Neviu^
photographed by Arthur Martijelli. ^Cast: Warren Hull. WallU
Marsha Hunt, Virginia Howell. Clay Clement Morgan Wallace, Paul Fix
Joe Crehan, Eddie Kane. . „ ,
Monogram Fix Now In Production
'STREETS OF NEW YORK,' produced; by W. T. Lackey; directed bj
Willia^ Nigh, replacing Jack Mintz; original screen play by Robert An.
; drews!^ photographed by Harry Neumann. Cast: Jsckie Cooper. Marth
! Spcnman Marjorie Reynolds, Sidney Miller, Buddy Pepper. Bobby Stone
David Dwand. Robert Tucker. William Tucker. Kent R°«c«.„George Glevfr
' land, Robert Emmett Keane, Robert Emmett O'Connor, George Irving, Did
'^"uNi-ERCOV^R AGENT^^ produced by E. B. Derr; associate producer
Frank Mel£on5- directed by Howard Bretherton; screen play by Miltoa
Sn; original by Martin Mooney; photo.graphed by Arthur Martmem
Cast: Rus.«ll Gleason, Shirley Deano. J. M Kerrigan Maude Eburne
Oscar O'Shea. Selmar Jackson, Ralle Harolde, Ray Bennett, Ralph Sanford
Eddy Waller, Dick Elliot, Lester Dorr. .
Xotal 51 24 11 5 11
Pictures now in the cutting rooms or awaiting previews are;
ICE FOLLIES OF 1039,' produced by Harry Rapf; directed by Rcinhold
Schunzfel; no writing credits released; photographed by Oliver Marsh. Cast:
Joan Crawford, James Stewart Lew Ayres, Ice Follies troupe, Jo Ann
Sayres, Lionel Slander. ^ , j.
'BROADWAY SERENADE,' produced and directed by Robert Leonard,
MP writing credits released; photographed by Oliver Marsh. Cast: Jcaneltc
MacDonald, Lew Ayres, Ian hunter, Frank Morgan. Virginia Grey. Rite
.:ohnson, William Gargan. Katherine Alexander. Franklin Pangborn, Esther
Dale. Esther Howard. Al Shean. Maurice Moscovitz, Wally Vernon.
'THE HARDYS RIDE HIGH,' produced by Lou Ostrow; directed by
John B. Seitz; screen play by Agnes Christine Johnston, Kay von Riper ana
Paramount
studio
Harry Sherman.
.Number Number
ot Fix Com-
promised pleled
. 51 27
8 7
Now
Shoot-
ing.
8
0
Now Balance to
In Be Placed Stories h
Cutting Before Prcpara-
Rooms Cameras, tlon
11 5 5
1 0 0
Total S9 34 8 12 5 5 •
• Pictures now in cutting rooms or awaiting previcvw are:
•NFVER SAY DIE.' produced by Paul Jones; directed by Elliott NugenI
scrwn pfay by DoS'Hartman, pJank Butler and Preston Sturges; base
on a play by William H. Post; photographed by Leo Tover. Cast; Marft
on a piajr f (Continued pn page 31)
VARIETY
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
'I;;- .
1;^
I
MOVE OVER, YOU HARDYS' AND JONESES',
AND MAKE ROOM FORTHE 'BUMSTEADST
Blondie Meets the Boss
(Columbia)
Comedy
Move over, you "Hardys" and "Joneses," and
make room for the "Bumsteads," because
"Blondie," "Dag^yood," "Baby Dumpling" and
"Daisy" have moved in. Minute for minute and
inch for inch this second film fashioned in the
format of Chic Young's comic cartoon matches
any family series on the market laugh for laugh.
It is like none of the others, nor like any other
domestic comedy of ready memory, and stands
in clear command of its own appeal channel.
Drawing upon its cartoon derivation for the
privilege to do things with camera and incident
commonly denied directors employing livingy
actors, Frank R. Strayer contrives stunningly/^*'
amusing effects. He uses slow motion, invisible^"^ "
wires and camera tricks in running sequence
with humorous dialogue and comic situation.
He Wends slapstick and parlor comedy with
complete nonchalance. Tht' end result is a
houseful of happily and unabashedly laughing
customers asking no more credibility than is
asked of a cartoon, an extraordinary and ex-
hilarating state of audience receptivity.
Arthur Lake, long an exhibitor favorite, has
found his spot as the husband of this lively
young family, and Penny Singleton seems to
have been born for the wifely assignment. But
it is tiny Larry Sims as "Baby Dumpling" who
steals this episode in the family annals and, by
his unbelievably natural delivery of lines that
would stymie a child of twice his years, holds
the frankly cartoonish plot together. The dog's
deportment is pure cartoon, comedy and im-
mensely effective.
Richard Fournoy's screen play, from a story
by Kay van Ripper and himself, opens with
^'Dagwood" quitting his job and "Blondie" going
to see the boss about getting it back for him.
The boss gives it to her instead. A pair of
jitterbug champions, a scheme to buy a piece of
property, a fishing trip in the course of which
"Dagwood" finds himself embarrassingly justa-
posed to a pretty and approachable night club
dancer, are among the factors complicating the
married life of the "Bumsteads" before "Dag-
wood" gets his job back. The routine defies
thumbnail chronicle.
Previewed at Pontages theatre in Holly-
wood where it kept the entire audience smiling,
chuckling and guffawing in unbroken sequence
from start to finish. — ^W; R. W.
Mofion Picture Heroic
TOP FEATURE this
laugh show...and agree with
the M. P. Herald! Ballyhoo
the Bumsteads... the screen's
No. 1 family! Give 'em every-
thing you've got...and watch
box-office grosses zoom!
This one's bigger and better
than the first ''Blondie" . . .
and that's saying plenty!
BASED UPON THE COMIC
STRIP CREATED BY
PENNY
CHIC YOUNG
SINGLETON • LAKE
as Blondie as Dagwood
LARRY SIMMS
as Baby Dumpling
SKINNAY ENNIS AND HIS BAND
Screen play by Richard Flournoy
DIRECTED BY FRANK R. STRAYER
A COLUMBIA PICTURE
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
Advance Production Chart
(Continued from page 29)
■^NO OF emNATOWN,' executive oroducer Harnw h..^i»„.
producer, Stuart Walker; directed by\^fck G?hldef sc^^^^^^
Hayward and Irving Reis; based on a story by Herbert abermnn'^T.Wn^
graphed by Leo Tover. Cast: Anna May Wong yUiim Tfm^^^^
Walsh. Anthony Quinn, Roscoe Karns. Ber3ne HoyeJ PhU°p^
rcy Toler. Ray Mayer Alex Pollard, Sam Ash, CharierTVoXldee Archie
Twitchell George Anderson, Marie Burton, Sheila Darcyi Wolg ChSnc
Richard Dennmg, Judy King. Dolores Casey. Dorothy Dayton Paula ife
Cardo, Harnette Haddon, Helaine Moler North Gale Gwen Kinvin
Charles B. Wood. George MagriU. Lily Kin^Sl Clly%n?Guy vtZ
•BULLDOG DBUMMOND'S SECRET POLICE.' . G. M. O production
by Garnett Weston; based on 'Temple Tower.' by H. C. (Sapper) McNe le
photographed by Merritt Gerstad. Cast: John How^ird Heather An "el
H B Warner Elizabeth Patterson. Reginald DSnny^E E. Clive' Le^Car:
wll Forrested, Harvey, ^David Clyde, Clyde Cook Gerald Rogers; Neil
Fitzgerald, Elspeth Dudgeon, Dutch Hendrian, Dick Rush, .Wyndham
Standing.
PICTURES
Sfntoward."'*' Kelso, Helen MacKeUar, Edgar Dearlng;
hvW.ilS^S''"'*'^'"' PRAUO,' produced by Harlan Thompson; directed
^}°^fT'- no writing credits released; photographeS by WIlllMn
Rnw; ^^^'t^^ Tamiroff, Lloyd Nolan. Patricia Mor?son° Sfeffi Dum
v»?»^i.^'''^'''''' Re»<:>>«. Donald GaUaher, Mary Roland ErSIt
Jfer^'ii.]^?te »uyji;!L''l»?J?'«y. Edward McW^de, Julius T^aT
production; directed. by Paul
Chief ThundeVdoSdr PrertonF rste^. gh^ ain'^n"^^^
RKO-Radio
Reelect Mono Slate; '
Johnston and Dnnlap f
Reject Salary TK
«r!5^i?'^°n ^Zl^l DESERT,' produced by Harry Sherman; associate
producer, J. D. Trop; directed by Leslie Selander; screen play by Norman
Houston; additional dialog by Harrison Jacobs from original story by Zane
Grey; photographed by. Russell Harlan, Cast: Donlld Woods, Robert
Barrat, Evelyn Venable, C. Henry Gordon, Sidney Toler. RusseU Hayden,
Paul Guilfoyle, Paul Fix. Willard Robertson, Reginald Barlow, J. 'Skins'
Miller.
'HOTEL IMPEEIAL,' directed by Robert Florey; screen play by Gilbert
Gabriel and Robert Thoeren; based on a play by Lajos Biro; photographed
by William Mellor. Cast: Isa Miranda, Ray Milland, Reginald Owen, Gene
Lockhart, J. Carrol Naish, Curt Bois. Michel Werboff, Henry Victor. Spen-
cer Charters, Bodll Rosing, Betty Compson. (Wolfgang Zilzer. Egon Brecher.
Bert Roach. Augustino Borgato. Paul EvCrtbn. George Magrill, Lee Shum-
way, Davison Clark, Harry Tenbrook. Paul Kruger. Don Cossack Chorus,
Robert Middlemass, Ernst Verebes, Albert Dekker. William Bakewell, Nor-
man Phillips, Robert Frazer, Sheila Darcy, Norah Gale, Paula de Cardo.
Judith King, Russell Hicks, George MacQuarrie^ Arthur Cernitz, General
Savitsky, Joseph Marievsky, Andre Marsaudon, F. Schumann-Heink, Bull
Anderson, Marek Windheiiji, Gustav Von Seyltertitz, Harry Holman.
'GRAND JUBT SECRETS,' produced by Sam Engel; directed by James
Hogan; screen play by Irving Reis and Robert Yost; based on a story by
Irving Reis and Maxwell Shane; photographed by Harry Fischbeck. Cast:
John Howard, William Frawley, Gail Patrick, Jane Darwell, Porter Hall,
Harvey Stephens, John Hartley, Morgan Conway, Elisha Cook, Jr.. Jack
Norton, Richard Denning, Gordon Jones, Charles Jackson, Kitty Kelly, Tom
Kennedy.
HflDNIOHT/ produced by Arthur Hornblow; directed by Mitchell
Lelsen; screen play by Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder; based on story
by Edwin Justus Mayer and Franz Schuiz; photographed by Charles Lang.
Cast- Claudette Colbert, Don Ameche, Francis Lederer, John Barrymore,
Mary Astor, Elaine Barry, Hedda Hopper, Lionel Pape, Eugene Borden,
Paul Bryor, Ferdinand Munier, Leonard Sues, Elspeth Dudgeon, Helen St
Rayer, Eddy Conrad, William Eddritt, Billy Daniels.
Wi FROM MISS01IBI,' produced by Paul Jones: directed by Theodore
Reed; no writing credits released; photographed by Merritt Gerstad. Cast:
Bob Bums, Gladys George, Judltti Barrett, William Henry, E. E, Clive,
Doris Lloyd, Patricia Morison, Gene Lockhart, Lawrence Grossmith, Ernest
Cossart, Dennie Moore, Tom Dugan, Ethel Griflies, James Burke, Spencer
Charters, Raymond Hatton, Eddie Waller, Charles Halton, Richard Den-
ning, Clarence Wilson, Morgan Banks, Harry Tenbrook, Frank Hammond,
Martin Faust, Russ Powell, Harry Meyer, Lee Shumway, Carl Harbaugh,
C. L. Sherwood, Phillip Morris, George P. Huntiey, PhiUip Warren, Billy
Cook, Winifred Harris. Kenneth Hunter.
'FEDERAL OFFENSE,' produced by Edward T, Lowe; directed by Louis
King; screen play by Horace McCoy and William R, Lipman from J. Ed-
gar Hoover's 'Persons in Hiding'; photographed -by William Mellor. Cast:
Lloyd Nolan. J. Carrol Naish. Shirley Logan, Heather Angel, Broderlck
Crawford. Robert Wilcox, Richard Carle. SUnley Price, John Eldredge,
George Meeker, Raymond Hatton, Philip Warren, Paul Fix, Richard Den-
ning, Abner Biberman, Roy Gordon, Clem Bevans. Clarence Wilson, Monte
" Blue, Grace Hayle, George Irving, Fern Emmett, Ottola Nesmith, Ivan
Miller, Galan Gait John Maurice Sullivan.
'THE LADY'S FROM KENTUCKY,' produced by Jefl Lazarus; directed
bv Al Hall; no writing credits released; photographed by Theodor Spark-
uhl. Cast: George Raft, Ellen Drew, Hugh Herbert ZaSu Pitts, Louise
Beaverrf, Harry /ftrler, Stanley Andrew, Carol Holloway, Hooper Atchley,
Virginia Sale, Ley Payton, Cordell Tate, Jimmy Brlscow, Eugene Jackson,
Fern Emmett
'UNMARRIED,' formerly' tiUed 'NIGHT SPOT HOSTESS,' formerly
titled 'ME AND MT GAL,' associate producer, Mel Shauer; directed by
Kurt Neumann; screen play by Lillle Hayward and Brian Marlow;. based on
story by Grover Jones and William Slavens McNutt; photographed by
Harry Fischbeck. Cast: Buck Jones, Helen Twelvetrees, Donald O Connor,
Dorothy Howe, John Hartley, Larry Crabbe, Robert Armstrong, Ed Paw-
ley, Sidney Blackmer, Philip Warren, Louise Carter, Kathryn Bates, Sarah
Edwards, Gordon Hart
'SUDDEN HONEY,' formerly tlUed 'SWEEPSTAKES MILLIONAIBE,'
formerly titled 'SUDDEN MONEY,' associate producer, William Thomas;
directed by Nick Grinde; screenplay by Lewis Foster; based on a play by
Milton Lazarus; photographed by Henry Sharp. Cast: Charley Ruggles,
Marjorle Rambeau, Charley Grapewin, Broderlck Crawford, Billy Lee,
Evelyn Keyes, Philip Warren, William Frawley. Mary 'Punkhis' Parker,
John Gallaudet Stanley Price, Robert Brister. Dick Elliott Richard Den-
ning, Charles Halton, Ethel Wales, Larry Blake, Emory Parnell.
Paramoont Plx Now In ProdacUon
■UNION PACIFIC,' produced and directed by CecU B. DeMille; asso-
ciate producer, William H, Pine; location director, Arthur Rosson; screen
play by Walter DeLeon, C. Gardner Sullivan and Jesse Lasky, Jr., based on
an adaptation by Jack Cunningham of a story by Ernest Haycox; photo-
graphed by Victor Milner and Dewey Wrigley. Cast: Barbara Stanwyck,
Joel McCrea, Robert Preston, Akim Tamiroff. Brian Donlevy, Lynne Over-
man, William Haade, Regis Toomey, J, M. Kerrigan, Harry Woods, Fuzzy
Knight Hugh McDonald, Mala, Noble Johnson. Anthony Quinn, Joseph
Sawyer, Harold Goodwin, Sheila Darcy.- May Beatty, Nora Cecil, Julia
Faye, Ruth Warren, Evelyn Keyes, Mike Driscoll.
'BEAU GESTE,' produced ahd directed by William A Welhnan; screen
play by Robert Carson; from story by P. C. Wren; photographed by Theodor
Sparkuhl. Cast: Gary Cooper, Ray Milland, Robert Preston, Susan Hay-
ward, J. Carrol Naish, Broderick Crawford, Brian Donlevy, Donald Mac-
Bride, James Stephenson.
■MAN ABOUT TOWN,' produced by Arthur Hornblow; directed by
Mark Sandrich; original screen play by Morrie Ryskind; photographed by
Ted Tetzlaft. Cast: Jack Benny. Dorothy Lamour. Edward Arnold, Binnie
Barnes. Phil Harris, Eddie Anderson, Monty WooUey, Leonai-d Mudie, Her-
bert Evans, Clifford Severn, Cyril Thornton, Kay Linaker.
•INVITATION TO HAPPINESS,' produced and directed by Wesley
Ruggles; screen play by Claude Binyon, based on story by Mark Jerome;
photographed by Leo Tover. Cast: Irene Dunne, Fred MacMurray, Charlie
Ruggles, Donald O'Connor, William Collier, Sr.. Burr Carruth, Charles Ran-
dolph, Allen Wood, Don Latorre, Bob Evans, Mack Gray, Billy NeweU.
'SOME LIKE IT HOT,' associate producer, William C. ThoJnas; directed
by George Archainbaud; no writing credits released; photographed by Karl
Struss. Cast: Bob Hope, Shirley Ross, Gene Krupa, his drums and his.
orchestra, Una Merkel, Ruft Davis, ■ Bernard Nedell, Wayne 'Tiny' Whitt
Harry Harris, Frank Sully, Clarence H. Wilson, Dudley Dickerson.
'GRACIE ALLEN MURDER CASE,' produced by George Arthur; directed
by Alfred E. Green; screen play by Nat Perrin; based on novel by S. S.
Van Dine; photographed by Chavles Lang. Cast: Gracie Allen, Warren
William, Kent Taylor; Ellen Taylor, Ellen Drew, Jerome Cowan, Judith
Barrett, Donald MacBride, H. B. Warner, Horace MacMahon, William
Lemarest, Al Shaw and Sammy Lee, Lillian Yarbo, Walter Soderling.- Lee
Moore, Harry T^ler, James Flavin, Tiny Newlan, Willie Fung, Don Brodie, ■
Stuaio
Sol Lesser
Herbert Wilcox.
Total '.
Number Number
of.Pix Corn-
Pro jniccd
5»
3
1
pleied
22
3
1
' Now
Shoot-
in?
1
0
»
Now Balance to
in Be Placed Stories in
Cnttin^ Before Prepara-
Rooms Cameras tlnn
6 21 21
0 .0 0
0 « 0
54
26
6
21
21
Pictures now in the cutting rooms or awaiting previews are
"THE FLYING IRISHMAN,' produced by Pandro S. Berman; directed
by Leigh Jason; screen play by Ernest Pagano and Dalton Trumbo; photo-
graphed by J. Roy Hunt. Cast: Douglas Corrigan,. Paul Kelly. Robert
Ai-mstrong, Donald McBride. Dorothy Appleby, Eddie Quillan, Joyce
Compton, Peggy Ryan. Dorothy Peterson.
THE CASTLES,' produced by George Haight; directed by Henry Potter;
no writing credits released; photographed by Robert De Grasse. Cast:
Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Walter Brennan, Lew Fields. Edna May
Oliver, Jack Carson, Esther Muir, Janet Beecher, Donald MacBride. Sonny
Lamont Frances Mercer, Etienne Girardot.
: THEY MADE HER A SPY,' produced by Robert Sisk; directed by Jack
Hively; screen play by Jo Pagano; original story by George Bricker and
Lionel Houser; photographed by Nick Musuraca. Cast: Sally Eilers. Allan
Lane, Fritz Lieber, Peggy Shannon. Alex Craig, Leona Roberts, Jonathan
Hale, Theodore von Eltz, Spencer Charters.
^ 'ALMOST A GENTLEMAN,' formerly titled -PICARDY MAX,' produced
by Cliff Reid; directed by Less Goodwins; ' original - and screen play by
Harold Shumate; photographed by J. Roy Hunt. Cast: James ElUson, Helen
Wood, Robert Kent June Clay worth, Robert Warwick, Leonard Penn, John
Wray, Brandon Tynan. Joe Bernard.
•TROUBLE IN SUNDOWN,' formerly titled 'A KNIGHT IN A GHOST
TOWN,' produced by Bert Gilroy; directed by David Howard; no writing
credits released; photographed by Harry Wild. Cast: George O'Brien,
Rosalind Keith, ChiU Wills, Ward Bond, Monty Montegue, Ray Whitley,
Otto Yamanski.
'FIXER DUGAN,' formerly titled 'WHATtS A FIXER FOR,' produced by
Cliff Reid; directed by Lew Landers; screen play by Paul Yawltz and Bert
Granet; photographed by Roy Hunt. Cast: Lee Tracy, Peggy Shannon,
Virginia Weidler, Bradley Page. Edward Gargan. William Edmunds^ Rite
La Roy. Jack Arnold, Edythe Elliott Irene Franklin, John Dilson, Murray
Alper, Netta Packer.
RKO-Radlo Pictures Now in ProdacUon
'SORORITY HOUSE,' produced by Robert Sisk; directed by John Farrow;
screen play by Dalton Trumbo from play by Mary Coyle Chase;
photographed by Nick Musuraca. Cast: Anne Shirley. James Ellison, Helen
Wood, Margaret Armstrong, Barbara Read, Doris Jordon, Adele Pearce,
June Storey, Elizabeth Risdon, Sherrie Overton, Chill WUls, Phyllis
Fraser.
Now Balance to
Number Number Now in Be Placed Stories In
of Piz Com- Shoot- Cottinf Before Prepara-
Promised pleted Inf Booms Cameras tlon
Total 59 26 3 4 26 26
Pictures in the cutting rooms or awaiting previews:
■HOME ON THE PBAIBIE,' formerly titled 'BIDIN' THE RANGE,' pro-
duced by Harry .Grey; directed by Jack Townley; screen .play by Charles
Arthur Powell ahd Paul Franklin from original, by Paul Franklm; photo-
traphed by Reggie Lannin'g. Cast: Gene Autry, Smiley Burnettie, June
torey, George Cleveland, Jack Mulhall, Walter Miller, Gordon Hart, Ethan
Laidlaw, Jack Ingram, Earl Hodglns, Hal Price.
'ROUGH BIDEB ROUNDUP,' formerly titled HOUGH BIDER PATROL,'
produced and directed by Joe Kane; no writing credits released; photo-
graphed by Jack Marte. Cast; Roy Rogers, Mary Hart Raymond Hatton,
Eddie Acuff, Guy Usher. Jack Rockwell, George Meeker, Dorothy Sebas-
tian, William Pawley. George Chesboro, Glenn Strange, Jack KUrk, Hank
Bell, Jim Corey, George Letz, George Plues, Fred Bums, Howard Hickey,
Bud Osborne.
'MEXICALI ROSE,' produced by Harry Grey; directed by George Sher-
man; original screen play by Gerald Geraghty; photographed by William
Noble, Cast: Gene Autry, Smiley Bum'ette. Noah Beery, Luana Walters,
William Royle, Leroy Mason, Roy Barcroft, Burr Carruth, Henry Otho.
'HEROES OF THE DESEBT,' produced by WlUiam Berke; directed by
George Sherman; no writing credits released; photographed by Jack Marte.
Cast: John Wayne, Ray Corrigan, Max Terhuine, Ruth Rogers, Doreen Mc-
Kay, George Douglas, Walter Wills, Sammy McKim, Tom Tyler, Kermit
Maynard.
Bepoblle Piz Now in Prodactlon
'MAN OF CONQUESTS,' formerly titled 'WAGONS WESTWARD,' pro-
duced by Sol C. Siegel; directed by George Nicbolls, Jr.; screen play by
Wells Root; E. E. Paramore, Jr., and Jan Fortune; ori^nal story idea by
Harold Shumate; photographed by Joseph August Cast: Richard Dix,
Gail Patrick, Joan Fonteine, Edward Ellis, George Hayes, C. Henry Gordon,
Max Terhune, Victor Jory, Robert Barrat Robert Armstrong, Ralph Mor-
;an, Janet Beecher, Jason Robards, Kane Chandler, Ferris Taylor, Charles
itevens.
'STREET OF MISSING MEN,' produced by Armand Schaefer; directed
by Sidney Salkow; screen play by Leonard Lee and Frank Dolan; original
by Eleanore Griffin and- William Rankin; photographed by Ernest Miller.
Cast: Charles Bickford, Harry Carey, Tommy Ryan,.Guinn Williams, Mabel
Todd, Nana Bryant John Gallaudet.
FRONTIER EXPRESS,' produced and directed by Joseph Kane; no writing
credits released; photographed by. William Nobles. Cast: Roy Rogers. Mary
Hart Raymond Hatton, Monte Blue, Noble Johnson, William Royle, Donald
Dillaway, Edward Keane.
Stockholders of Monogram ' Picr''
tures Corp. ■at'tH8Tr'?itif(fi.anriial
sion last week reelected all the pres4'' ;
ent board of durectors. Two addi-|-'j
tions to the board are Leon From-ry'
kcss, treasurer, and Norton Vi'
Ritchey, foreign sales manager. Wi;
Ray Johnston reelected president^;'
Edward A, Golden, v.p. in charge or',
sales; Scott R. Dunlap, v.p. in chargeti.
of production; Fromkess, treasurer/'
and M.. S. V/hlte, secretary. In addi^K
tion, directors . elected George -Wa'"
Weeks a v.p. of sales. ' kif
Most important proposal for stock^i
holders to vote on was increase Inl'^'
present compensation to Johnston!:^
and Dunlap of $200 a. week. In a';;^
surprise move, and before stockhold-|l';'
or.'- were permitted to vote the mat^),!
tC'i-, Johnston on behalf of- himself
and Dunlap stated they had .given|'|j
proposition of accepting increaswijj
deep consideration and. their cdnclu-f||
sion was- that the company needs|l
their support at this time ahd untU[|T
it is on a stronger financial basis,||'
hence it would be wiser for them top|l
decline the offer. Proposal waa"iiji
therefore witlidrawn. m\
Johnston! receives an annual sal-|Mi
arj- of $25,000 and Dunlap $l5,600.RjJ
Their contracts with the companyii'j/
rue until March. 1942. |-l
Of the 360,586 shares Monogram;'}'
stock outstending, 234,000 sharesS; j.'
were represented at the meeting,!;; i'
chiefly in the hands of a proxy com-i'^'j'
mittee headed by Trem Carr in placer (
of Sol A. Rosenblatt They votedC ji
a totel of 211,119 shares. \m
Other action voted by the stock-tf^'
holders was change in company's
calendar business year to a fiscal
year basis, stertlng July 1, and ehd
ing on June 30, and increase in tiiQ
directorial board from seven to nine.
In view of the change to new fiscal
year. Monogram's 1939 calendar bual'
ness year will end on June 30; thus
sfctting the next annual stockholders'
meeting for S^tember, 1939, instead
of March, 1940.
Those attending stockholders' meet-
ing in addition to Johnston, Dunlajf,
Carr, Golden, Fromkess, White and
Ritchey were O. Heniy Briggs, presl
dent of Pathe Flhn Corp., the largest
holder of Monogram stock; William
B. Jaffe and Herman Rosenblatt,
Monogram counsel; David Garrison
Berger and representatives of Wall
Street brokerage houses.
1
20tli Centory-Fox
Totel
Number Number
of Fix Com-
promised pleted
55 31
Now Balance to
Now o in Be Placed Stories in
Shoot- Cutting Before Prepara-
ing Rooms Cameras tlon
.6 7 II 11
Pictures in the cutting rooms or awaiting previews are:
'GIRL FROM BBOOKLYN,' formerly titled 'BY THE DAWN'S EABLY
LIGHT' (for 1938-39 season), produced by Edward Kaufman; directed by
Gregory Ratoff; original by Gene Markey; photographed by Karl Freund.
Cast: Warner Baxter, Alice Faye, Charleis Winninger, Keye Luke, Arthur
Treacher, Willie Fung. Doris Lloyd. Leonid Snegoff,
'ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL,' associate producer, Kenneth Macgowan;
directed by Irving Cummings; screen play, Lamar Trotti; original story by
Ray Harris; photographed by Leon Shamroy. Cast: Lorette Young, Don
Ameche. Henry Fonda, Charles Coburn, Gene Lockhart. Sally Blane, Spring
Byington, Polly Ann Young, Georgiana Young, Bobs Watson. Harry Daven-
port Elizabeth Patterson, Charles Trowbridge, Jonathan Hale, Lillian West
Ottola Nesmith.
•THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES,' associate producer. Gene Mar-
key; directed by Sidney Lanfleld; screen play by Ernest Pascal; photo-
graphed by Peverell Mavley, Cast; Richard Greene, Basil Rathbonc, Wendy
Barrle, Nigel Bruce, Lionel Atwill. John Carradine, Ralph Forbes. Beryl
Mercer, Barlow Borland, Morton Lowry, E. E. Clive, Eily Malyon, Rita
Page.
•DANGER ISLAND,' formerly titled TERROR ISLAND,' formerly titled
'MR. MOTO IN PORTO RICO,' produced by Sol Wurtzel; directed by Her-
(Contlnued on page 34)
Duals at 10c
(Continued i- -n page 17)
parent Allied Si? . j is participating.
They ' promise to make themselves
heard plenty at the forthcoming con-
vention.
T» Press DIroreement
Washington, March 7.
Theatre divorcement legislation
will be the principal topic at the an-
nual convention of Allied States Ex-
hibitors Assn. in Minneapolis next
June. This was revealed By the- call
for the session issued by Proxy H. A.
Cole, Texas, fiery advocate of meas-
ures to compel major distributors -to
divest themselves of theatre hold-
ings.
The defeat suffered hi North Da-
kdte, lyhere the legislature recently
repealed a theatre divorce law be-
fore it had become operative, will
not deter Allied members. Cole
pointed out Campaign will be
launched to force N. D. lawmakers to
reinstate statute at next coss.'on. -
Plans will also be developed at tl. ■
.convention to intensify Allied's drive
to persuade Congress' to enact legis-
lation abolishing compulsory block
booking and blind buying. .
t
•j r i
Rag Waver for Bams
1
Hollywood, March 7. |<
Bob Burns' next starrer at Para- ij^'i
mount is a patriotic yarn. 'Us Amer-
icans,' written by Jrvin S. Cobb for
Will Rogers as 'So This is America'
and acquired recently from 20th-Fox.
Shooting starts late this montb
with Al Santell directing under pro-
duction guidance of George Arthur^
Bainter Attends 'College^]
Hollywood, March 7.
Warners is readying 'What Price I
College?' campus yarn, with Fayl
Bainter in the featured spot.
Irving Fincman, professor at Ben-
nington College, Vt., is doing the]
screenplay.
132
VARIETY
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
20th's biggest
In the next twelve weeks 20tb
Centmy'Fox wiU release aU of
the great pictures on this page I
totv' Piodueedin,
CHABtES COBOBN • 6BN^ ^^^e.
Diteded by imng
« ttos
I
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
VARIETY
33
ARE STILL TO COME!
'designed to be (o » i — -rrr _
"'■•t "Ale«„de ""'h^"**? » 1939
Jil
iJOSE or
By Gregory Hatolf
laon
'onald
/ "'^e
^ V fen- K
FOX
Danyl F. Zanuck
Jn CharQe ol Production
34 VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
Advance Production Chart
photographed by Elwood Brendell. Cast: Barton MacLroe, Tom Brown,
Eve Arden, Ed Sullivan, Frank Jenks, Clyde Dllson, Oscar Polk.
(Continued from page 31)
bert Leeds; no writing credits released; photographed by Ludan Androit.
Cast: Peter Lorre, Amanda Duff, Jean Hersholt, Leon Ames, Robert
Lowery, Warren Hymer, Richard Lane, Paul Harvey, Charles D. Brown.
^^JJiBB&^4MH-T IN HOLLTvrOOD,' associate producer, John Stone;
— -TnfScted by Nul St; Clair; no writing credits released; photographed by
Edward Snyder. Cast: Jed Prouty, George Ernest, June Carlson, Spring
Byington, Florence Roberts, Kenneth Howell, June Gale, Billy Mahan,
Marvin Stephens, Matt McHugh, William Tracey.
20th-Fox Fix Now In Production
'ROSE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE,' associate producer, Nunnally
Johnson; directed by Roy Del Ruth; no writing credits i-eleased; photo-
graphed by Karl Freund. Cast: Tyrone Power, Alice Faye, Al Jolson,
Marie Wilson, Douglas Fowley, Hobart Cavanaugh, Moroni Olsen, E. E.
Clive, William Frawley.
'STANLEY AND LIVINGSTONE,' produced by Kenneth Macgowan;
directed by Henry King; no writing credits released: photographed by
George Barnes. Cast: Spencer Tracy, Richard Greene, Nancy Kelly,
Walter Brennan, Charles Coburn, Henry Hull, Sir. Cedrlc Hardwicke,
Henry Travers, Hasson Said.
THE GORILLA,'; produced by Harry Joe Brown; directed by Allan
Dwan; no writing credits 'released; photographed by Edward Cronjager.
Cast: Ritz Brothers, Bela Lugosi, Anita Louise, Lionel Atwill, Edward Nor.
ris, Patsy Kelly, Wally Vernon, Joseph Calleia.
'SUSANNAH OF THE MOUNTIES,' produced by Kenneth Macgowan;
directed by Walter Lang; no writing credits; photographed by Arthur
Miller. Cast: Shirley Temple, Randolph Scott. Margaret Lockwood, Mar-
tin Goodrider, Moroni Olsen, J. Farrell MacDonald, Maurice Moscovich,
Victor Jory, Lester Matthews, Herbert Evans, Leyland Hodgson, Jack
Luden, Charles Irwin.
'CHARLIE CHAN IN BENO,' produced by John Stone; directed by Nor-
man Foster; no writing credits released; photographed by Virgil Miller.
Cast: Sidney Toler,^ Sen Young, Phyllis Brooks, Ricardo flortez, Kane Rich-
mondv Slim Summerville, Pauline Moore, Robert Lowery, Kay Linaker,
Louise Henry, Iris Wong.
'NEWS IS MADE AT NIGHT,' produced by Edward Kaubnan; directed
by Alfred Werker; original screen play by John Larkln; photographed by
Ernest Palmer. Cast: Preston Foster, Lynn Bari, George Barbier Eddie
Collins, Russell Gleason, Paul Harvey, Minor Watson, Charles Halton.
TOLICE SCHOOL,' produced by John Stone; directed by James Tinling:
no writing credit] released; photographed by Luclen Andrlot Cast: Jane
Withers, Arleen Whelan, Richard Bond, Douglas Fowley, Robert Shaw,
Robert Kellard, George Ernest. Minor Watson, Ted Plerson, Warren Hymer.
• 'THE RETURN OF THE CISCO KID,' produced by Kenneth Macgowan;
directed 'br Herbert I. Leeds; no writing credits released; photographed by
Charles CHarke. Cast: Warner Baxter, Lynn Bari, Hetary Hull, Cesar
Romero, Kane Richmond, C, Henry Gordon, Harold Huber.
Warners
Directors ' Deals
New Balance to .
In BePlaoed Stories In
Cnttlne Before Prepara-
Rooms Cameras Uon
13 8 8
United Artists
Now BalaiKeto
Nomber Number New In .Be Placed Stories In
of Fix Com- Sheet- Cnttlng Before Prepara-
' Promised pleted lag Rooms Chimeras tien
Samael GeldwyB. . . 4 1 1 9 2 2
SelzBlck 2 2 • • • •
Walter Waiver 8 2 0 . • 8 6
ChapUn 1 • • • 1 1
Boaeh.... 8 2 114 4
London Films 6 2 • • '3 3-
Edward Small 8 2 • 8 3 4(
Total 33 11 2 1 ' 19 21
Pictures In thei Qitting room or awaiting previews are:
TTS SPRING AGAIN/ produced for Hal Roach by A. Edward Suther-
land; based on story, 'Zenobla's Infidelity,' by H. C. Runner; photographed
by Karl Struss, Cast: Oliver Hardy, Harry Langdon, Alice Brady, BUlle
■Burke, Jean Parker, June Lang, James Ellison, Stepin Fetchit, Hattle
McDanlel. 3, farrell MacDonald.
United Artists PIx Now In PredncUen
•WUTHERINO HEIGHTS,' produced by Samuel Goldwyn; directed by
William Wyler; from novel by Emily Bronte; photographed by Greg
Toland. Cast: Merle Oberon, Laurence Olivier, Hugh Williams, Flora
Robson, Geraldlne Fitzgerald, Leo G. Carroll, David Niven, Donald Crisp,
Cecil Humphries, Romalne CaUender.
' 'CAPTAIN FURT,' produced and directed by Hal Koach; so writing
credits released; photographed by Noroert Brodine. Cast: Brian Aheame,
Victor McLaglen, June Lane, Paul Lukas, George Zucco, John Carradine,
-John Warburton, Claud Alllster, Will Stanton, Gibbons Gowland, Charles
Mlddleton, Virginia Field, Lumsden Hare, Margaret Roach, Eddie Brian,
Nichols Sussanin, Lieonard WiUey.
New Balanse to
Nnmber Number New In Be Placed Storle* la
of Fix Com- Sheet- CntUng Before Prepara-
Promlaed pleted Ing . Rooms Cameras Uon
Features 48 24 4 3 9 9
Westerns 12 12 8 f 8 8
SerUls 4 3 8 1 8 8
Total 58 39 ' 4 4 9 9
Pictures In the cutting rooms or awaiting previews:
'BUCK ROGERS' (serial), produced by Barney Sarecky; co-directed by
Ford Beebe and Saul Goodkind; screen play by Norman Hall and Bay
Trampe from cartoon strip by Dick Calkins and Phil Nolan; photographed
' by Jerry Ash. Cast: I^rry Crabbe, Constance Moore, Reed Howes,
Wheeler Oakman, Jackie Moran, Carleton Young, Henry Brandon, Philson
Ahn.
B 'BISKT BUSINESS,' produced by Burt Kelly; directed by Arthur Lubin;
original story by William Anthony McGuire; screenplay by Charles Gray-
son; photographed by Stanley Cortez. Cast: George Murphy, Dorothea
~ Kent, El Brendel, Grant Richards, Jess Lee Brooks.
•MYSTERY OF THE WHITE ROOM,' formerly titled 'MURDER IN
SURGERY,' Crime Club production; produced by Irving Starr; directed by
Otis Garrett; vriginal story by James G. Edwards, M. D,; screen play by
Alex Gottlieb; photographed by John Boyle. Cast: Bruce Cabot, Helen
Mack, Joan Woodbury, Mable Todd, Constance Worth, Tom Dugan, Rowland
Drew, Addison Richards, Tommy Jacksoa
'SOCIETY SMUGGLfeRS,' formerly titled 'KEY WOMAN,' produced by
Ken Goldsmith; directed by Joe May; screen play by Arthur Herman;
photographed by John Boyle. Cast: Preston Foster Irene Her.vey, Waller
Wolff King, Fred Keating, Regis Toomey, Frances Robinson, Raymond
Parker, Clay Clement, Milburn Stone. Robert Darrell, Harry Hayden, Eddie
Acuff, Mme. Christine Tourneure, , Frank Reicher, Doris Rankin, Gerald
Mohr, Michael Mark.
Universal Pix' Now in Production
'THREE SMART GIRLS GROW UP,' produced by Joe Pasternak: dl
M re'cted by Henry Koster; original screen play by Bruce Manning and Felix
Jackson; photographed by Joseph Valentine. Cast: Deanna Durbin, Nan
Grey, Helen Parnsh, Charles Winninger. William Lundigan, Ernest Cos-
siart, Robert Cummings, Nella Walker, Robert Darell, Buddy Pepper, Bobbe
Trefts, Jean Stewart, Roy Largay, Jack George, Graham Price, Leonard
Sues, Grace Goodall. Dorothy Tennant.
'EASTSIDE OF HEAVEN,' no producer credit; directed by David Butler;
screen play by William Conselman; original by David Butler and Herb
Polesie; photographed by George Robinson. Cast: Bing Crosby, Joan Blon-
dell, Mischa Auer, Jerome Cowan, Jane Goude, Sandy Henville, Herb
Ashley, Joe King, Lelah Tyler.
'THE FAMILY NEXT DOOR,' produced by Max Golden; directed by
Joseph Stanley; ori.i^inal screen play by Mortimer Offner; photographed by
Milton Krasner. Cast: Hugh Hubert, Ruth Donnelly, Joy Hodges, Eddie
Quillan, Juanita Quigley, Bennie Bartlett, Tom Beck.
'BIG TOWN CZAR,' produced by Ken Goldsmith; directed by Arthur
Lubin; screen play by Edmund L. Hartmann; original by Ed Sullivan;
Number Number Now
of Fix Com- Sheet-
Promised pleted inp
Total 52 24 7
Pictures in the cutting rooms or awaiting previews are:
'BLACKWELL'S ISLAND,' produced by Bryan Foy; directed by William
McGann: original screen play by Crane Wilbur and Dave Marcus;jhoto.
graphed by Sid Hickox. Cast: John Garfield, Rosemary Lane^ ™?ji?S?
Conway, Peggy Shannon, Dick Purcell. Lottie WiUiam^ Stanley Fields,
Charley Foy, Norman Willis, Granville Bates, Raymond Barley, Jimmy
O'Gatty. Wade Boteler. William Davidson. Walter Young. . ^
•TOKCHY RUNS FOR MAYOR,' produced by Bryan Foy; directed by
Ray McCarey; original screen play by Earl Snell; photographed by Warren
Lynch. Cast: Glonda Farrell. Barton MacLane, Tom Kennedy, Joe Cun-
ningham, Frank Shannon, George Guhl, John Miljan, Joseph Downing,
Charles Richman, Irving Bacon.
'CODE OF THE SECRET SERVICE,' formerly titled 'SMASHING THE
MONEY RING,' produced by Bryan Foy; directed by Noel Smith; screen
play by Lee Katz and Dean Franklin: photographed by Ted McCord. Cast:
Ronald Reagan, Rosella Towne, Eddie Foy, Jr., Moroni Olsen, John Gai-
laudet, John Lite!, June Gittelson, Steffi Duna.
'DODGE CITY' (in Technicolor), produced by Robert Lord; directed by
Michael Curtiz; or:(j:nal screen play by Robert Buckner; photographed by
Sol Polito; Technicolor photography by Ray Rennahan. (:ast: ^rol Flynn,
Olivia de Haviiland. Ann Sheridan, Bruce Cabot, Frank McHugh, Alan
Hale, Victor Jory. Henry Travers, John Litel, Henry O NeiU, Gwinn Wil-
liams, Gloria Holden, Douglas Fowley, William Lundigan Bob Watson,
Paul Guilfoyle, Elizabeth Risdon, Charles Halton, Cora Wltherspoon, Olin
Howland, Russell Simpson. Thurston Hall, Robert Homans, Spencer Char-
ters, Nat Carr, Cliff Clark, Joseph Crehan, Bud Osborne, Cnester Clute,
'^•SWEEPSTAKES WINNER,' produced by Milton Shubert for the Bryan
Foy unit; directed by William McGann; no writing credits released; photo-
graphed by Arthur Edeson. Cast: Marie Wilson, Johnny Davis, Allen Jen-
kins, Jerry Colonna, Frankie Burke, Charles Foy, Maxie Rosenbloom..
'ON TbSal,' produced by Milton Shubert for the Bryan Foy unit; di-
rected by Terry Morse; no writing credits released; photographed by Lou
O'Osnnell. C^t: Margaret Lindsly, John Utel. Janet Chapman. Edward
Norris, James Stephenson, Larry WUliams, Henry O'Neill, Gordon Hart,
^^NAUGHXT,''butWe,' formerly Utled 'THE PROFESSOR STEPS OUT,'
formerly titled •ALWAYS LEAVE THEM LAUGHING,' produced by Sam
Bischoff^ directed by Ray Enrlght; screen play by Jerry Waid Md Rldiwd
Macaulfey; photographed by Arthur Todd. Cast: Dick Powel^^ale Page,
Ann Sheridan, ZaSu Pitts. MaxleHosenbloom, Allen Jenkins, Jerry Colonna,
Halliwell Hobbes, Granville Bates, Ronald Reagan, Helen Broderick.
'DARK VICTORY,' produced by David Lewis; directed by Edmund
Goulding; screen play by Casey Robinson from Play J>y, ^^'^^Sf^ ^^^^1
Jr., and Bertram Bloch; photographed by Ernest Haller. (^: Betto
Davis, George Brent, Geraldlne Fitzgerald. Humphrey Bogart;^ Ronald
Reagan, Henry Travers. Dorothy Peterson, Charles Richman. LotUe Wil-
liams. Virginia Brlssac, Frank Reicher. Pierre Watkins.
•OKLAHOMA KID,' produced by Sam Bischofl; directed by LWyd
Bacon; screen play by Robert Buckner, Jerome Odium and Warren Duff;
from original by Edward Paramore; photographed by James Wone Howe.
Cast: James Cagney, Rosemary Lane, Humphrey Bogart; Donald Crl^
Granville Bates, Charles Mlddleton, Hugh Sothem. Edward Pawley, Ward
^HE KID FROM KOKOMO/ formerly titled 'BROADWAY CAVALIER,'
froduced by Sam Bischoff: directed by Lew SeUer; screen play by Michael
essier from original by Dalton Trumbo. Cast: Pat O'Brien, Joan Blon-
dell, Wayne Morris, Jane Wyman, Maxle Rosenbloom, Max Robson, Stanley
Fields, Morgan Conway, Sidney Toler, Ed Brophy, Olin Howland, Jack
Roper, Qem Bevans. . „ „, ^ ^ . x,. -
'HERO FOR A DAY,' produced by Gordon HoUIngshead for the Bryan
Foy unit; directed by Crane Wilbur; no writing credits released; photo-
graphed by Arthur Todd. Cast: Charles Grapewln, Jane Bryan, Henry
O'NeUlj Elisabeth Risdon, Dickie Jones, John Russell, Fred Lozere, James
•THE 'roaring road/ produced by Max Slegel; directed by Lloyd
Bacon; no writing credits released; photographed by Sid Hickox. Cast:
Pat O'Brien, John Payne, Gall Page, Ann Sheridan, Frank McHugh, Ronald
Reagan, Granville Bates, Regis Toomey. . ■,• ,
•JUAREZ,' produced' by Henry Blanke; directed by William Dleterie:
screen play by John Houston, Aeneas McKenzle, Wolfgang Relnant and
Aben Ffakel; from story by Mrs,:Perdila Hardhig; photographed by "Tony
Gaudie. Cast: Paul MunL Bette Davlis, Brian Ahem. Claude Bains, John
Garfield. Donald CrispTOilbert Roland, Joseph Calleia. Montagu Love,
Harry tkavenport, Henry O'Neill, Gale Sondergaard, WUUam Wilkinson,
Pedro De Cordoba, John Miljan, Hugh Sothem, Robert Warwick, Georgia
Calne.
Warner PIx Now In Prednetlen
'HELL'S KITCHEN,'^ produced by Mark Bellinger for the Bryan Foy
unit; directed by E. A. Dupont: no writing credits released; photographed
by Charles Kosher. Cast: Dead find Kids, Margaret Llnds^, Stanley Fields,
Ronald Reagan, Grant Mitchea Frank E. Burke, Charlie Foy, Rred Lozere.
•EACH DAWN I DIE,' produced by David Lewis; directed by William
Keighley; original by Jerome Odium; photographed by Arthur Edeson.
Cast: James Cagney, George Raft, Jane Bryan, George Bancroft, Wlllard
Robertson, Maxie Rosenbloom, Victor Jory, John Wray, Stanley Ridges,
Louis Jean Heydt, Ed Pawley, Joseph Downing, Alan Baxter, Aldrleh Bow-
ker, Fred Tozere, Charles Trowbridge.
'NANCY DREW, TROUBLE SHOOTER,' produced by Bryan Foy;
directed by William Clemens; from original by Caroline Keene; photo-
graphed by Lou O'Connell. Cast: Bonita Granville, Frankte Thomas, John
Lltel, Charlotte Wynters, Aldrleh Bowker, Edgar Edwards, Erville Al-
derson.'
'FAMILY REUNION,' formerly tlUed 'AMERICAN FAMILY,* produced
by Henry Blanke; directed by Michael Curtiz: no writing credits released;
photographed by James Wong Howe. Cast: John Garfield, Priscllla Iiane,
Gale Page, Jeffrey Lynn, Fay Bainter, Claude Rains, May Robson, Lola
Lane. Rosemary Lane, Dick Foran, Frank McHugh.
•CONFESSIONS OF A NAZI SPY,' produced by Robert Lord; directed
by Anatole Litvak; no writing credits released; photographed by Sol Polito.
Cast: Edward G. Robinson, Francis Lederer, Paul Lukas, Dorothy Tree,
Joe Sawyer, George Sanders, James Stephenson, Lya Lys, Grace Stafford.
•GANTRY, THE GREAT,' produced by Bryan Foy; directed by William
McGann; no writing credits released; photographed by Ted McCord. Cast:
Edith Fellows. Jimmy McCallion, Granville Bates, DeWoIt Hopper, Frankie
Burke. Fred Tozere.
'WATER FRONT,' produced by Bryan Foy; directed by Terry Morse; no
writing credits released; photographed by James Van Trees, (jast: Dennis
Morgan, Gloria Dickson, Marie Wilson. Sheila Bromley, Ward Bond, Arthur
Gardner, George Lloyd, Aldrich Bowker.
TITLE CHANGES
Hollywood, March 7.
'The Real Glory' is latest title, for
Samuel Goldwyn's 'The Last Fron-
tier.'
'Mystery Plane' is final tag for 'Sky
Pirate' at Monogram.
'North of Singapore* was substi-
tuted for 'Island of Lost Men' at
Paramount.
Lind Touring Mono
Recently appointed assistant to
George W. Weeks, v.p. over sales for
Monogram, Lloyd L, Lind left Satur-
day (4) on a tour of midwestern
branches of the company.
Going directly to Kansas City, he
will also stop off at the Omaha, De's
Moines. Chicago and Cleveland of-
fices. He will be away 10 days.
STORY BUYS
Hollywood, March 7.
Warners ..purchased 'The Lady
With Red Hair, story of Mrs: Leslie
Carter.
RKO bought "The American School
Teacher,' by George Bricker and
.William Dover.
Sam Fuller sold his 'Bowery Boy'
to Republic.
'Salute to Hate,' by Faith Thomas,
bought by RKO,
Paramount bought Frank O'Con-
nor's story, 'Tempted,' and changed
title to 'Madame Mystery.'
Homer King Gordon sold his 'Two
Gun Troubadour' to C. C. Burr for
an Atlas production.
Harry Sherman purchased 'Gun
Chores,' by Jack Jungmeyer, Sr.
Arcadia bought George Bruce's
yarn, 'Born to Hang.'
(Continued from page 6)
ance of Theatrical Stage Employes
are paid 82^c. an hour for doing the
same work. SUE has been extend-
ing Its jurisdiction on major lots and
this action may result in a tiff with
Technicians Local 37 of lATSE,
which has divided into rank and file
factions since return ' of autonomy
and withdrawal of lA from Studio
Basic Agreement.
Producers have refused the request
of the Jeff KIbre faction to put
checkers on lots, stating work can
be handled - by Lew Blix. business
representative of the organization.
Both SUE and Krbic have petitions
before the National Labor Relations
Board for an investigation of lATSE,
but Kibre is said to be preparing to
withdraw his action.
20th Co. Union Charged
Complaint charging 20th-Fox with
unfair labor practice for allegedly
forming a company union of main-
tenance employes has been filed with
the NLRB by the Building Service
Employes International Union. Lee
Dumas, BSE representative, claims
the union was organized by Earl
Westopher. 20th-Fox executive.
Following a cross check of film
readers, NLRB has certified Screen
Readers Guild as the bargaining rep-
resentative for all screen readers at
Columbia, Metro, Paramount, RKO-
Radio, 20th-F6x, Universal and War>
ners. Readers were represented by
Attorney George Bodle,
Columbia has inked a contract with.
Society of Motion Picture Film Edi-
tors giving filhi librarians minimum
of $1.10 an hour. Librarians former-
ly received from 62 Vic. to 67 Vic. an
hour.
Aaron Warner has assumed duties
of regional director for the NLRB.
Warner, head of the Denver office,
will remain here until the board
completes its investigation of charges
against Dr. Towne Nylander, re-
gional director, who was suspended
last week. .Suspension followed a
speech by director In which he was
quoted as stating the employer
never has a chance when we go into
a hearing.' Dr. Nylander claims he
was mis-quoted.
A meeting of Artists Managers
Guild, scheduled for today (Tues.),
was called off pending further nego-
tiations with Screen Actors Guild on
licensing, plan for film and radio
agents. Franchise plan Is held up
while SAG asks the Assembly to
amend State Labor Code to give
SAG the right to arbitrate disputes
between agents and their clients.
This arbitration is now handled by
State Labor Commissioner.
Favor 5-D»y Week
Several major studios have com-
pleted arrangements to switch to •
five-day week If the proposal is
okayed at the Basic Agreement Con«
ference scheduled this month. Aud-
iting department at 20th-Fox said an
accounting setup had been' establish-
ed that would enable the company to
make a switch on few hours notice.
Plan has already been approved by
mo^ of the labor crafts and majority
of producers are in' favor of it
Complaint charging that J. Buck-
ley Russell, dress extra, has been
blacklisted by Central Casting Corjf*.
for six months because of tUs affilia-
tion with Cinema Players, Inc., has
been filed with the NLRB. Cinema
Players now has a petition pending
before the NLRB to be certified as
bargaining' representative for extras,
liatter must now be members of the
£>creen Actors Guild in order to work
in the industry.
Musicians Locar47 has authorized
appointment of a committee to select
a site for new headquarters and to
dispose of present property. Com-
mittee will report back at general
meeting of organization late this
month. '
Mrs. Poucher's Escape
Mrs... R. J._Poucher, wife of. v.p.
and executive committee member of
Consolidated Films, escaped death
last week near her home in Plain-
field, N. J., when . the ' auto she was
driving was struck by a fire truck.
Her car was turned turtle and
pushed for 50 feet, yet Mrs. Poucher
escaped with hardly a scratch.
Poucher was fire chief of Plainfleld
at one time.
DISNEY'S OinCE SFBEAD
Hollywood, March 7.
Walt Disney moved his newspaper
comic strip and book promotion de-
partments to leased offices on Vine
street, owing to crowded conditions
at the main plai-.t.
The new Disney studio in Burbank
is expected to be ready for
c'upancy in December.
inK ,
Wednesday, . March 8, 1939
VARIETY
35
-Here Comes \bur Baby
Full of zip . . . pep . . . dash and doing ! . . . the
National Screen Trailer running in ad-
vance of your show!
Seen . . . heard . . . entertaining . . . carrying
conviction to seat buyers while they're in
the mood. The only advertising combining
sight . . . sound . . . voice and the printed
word! Action on your screen. Samples of
what the picture is about.
And how low in cost! How complete in
coverage! How unique in appeal! How
real a ticket- seller !
Big merchants,.,national advertisers would
grab your screen in a minute. You've got
it! Use it to the best advantage with
^ National Screen Trailers
.86
VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesdaj, March 8, I939
Chase National Continues Selling Of
20-Fox; SEC Also Lists Mono Buys
Washington, March 7.
Heavy buying In motion picture
stocks during January was revealed
today (Tuesday) in the blTicial sum-
mary of the Securities & Exchange
Commi sion.
Largest acquisitions were made by
Trem Carr and $cott R. Dunlap, ot
Hollywood, who each purchased
16,629 shares ot Monogram Pictures
Corp. common on Jan. 6 and fol-
lowed it four days later with pur-
chases of 6,194 shares— bringing their
ti^tal holdings to 22,823 shares. Sol
A. Rosenblatt, former NRA motion
picture administrator, dumped 11,228
shares of the same — all but 1,000
shares of his holdings. All Mono-
gram deals were carried out under
option privileges.
Percival K. Furber, of New York,
listed purchase of 300 shares of Trans
Lux common, bringing his holdings
to 1,500 shares. Two other .overdue
acquisitions were revealed under the
name of Leslie E. Thompson, who re-
ceived 1,000 shares in July, 1937, and
the same amount a year latei:.
Thompson, all of whose nest-eggs
were listed as iompensation, gathered
up 500 additional tickets in January,
bringing his total to 3,500 shares at
that time.
Chase National Bank, which has
sold several blocs of picture stocks
recently, dropped 1,000 shares of
20th Century-Fox common, retaining
221,158 shares common and 671,916
$1.50 cumulative preferred. Another
aim deal involved purchase of 2,000
shares of Warner Bros, common
stock by Jack L. ' Warner, to give him
90,060 shares common, 14,884 shares
of $3.85 cumulative preferred and
1,183,000 optioiial 6% convertible
debentures. , -
CALLS QUIZ IDEA HIS
Edward Pfelfer Sues Donabae ft
Coe Agency
Blue-Blood Infusion
Hollywood, March 7,
Old world aristocracy crashed
the 10% biz with the addition of
Baroness Else von Koczian to
the Paul Kohner- agency here as
associate.
The baroness recently arrived
from Europe, where she had
been a scout for Universal.
Edward J. Pfeifer filed a N. Y. fed-
eral court suit, yesterday (7) against
Donahue & Coe advertising agency,
and Edward J. Churchill, its head,
for $100:000, claiming the plagiarism
of an idea of his which was later
developed into the 'Movie Quiz' by.
the" defendants.
Plaintiff claims the idea was sub-
mitted but rejected.
ASK MO. SUPREME C'T
TO UPHOLD NICK OUSTER
CONS. SEEKING PROXIES
TO RE-ELEa DIRECTORS
Proxies are being sought by Con-
solidated Film Industries, Inc., do-
ing majority of the printing for
major producers, for the election of
four directors at the annual meet-
ing of the company scheduled for
March 23. Four directors seeking
re-election are Herbert J. Yates,
Jr., president of the company; Ed-
ward C. Dearstyne, Josepb L. Aller
and Richard W. Altschiiler.
In a proxy statement sent stock-
holders, the Stock controlled as of
Feb. 10 by the four directors seek-
ing re-election for a term of three
years each is listed. Ownership Is
headed by Yates, with 7,782 pre-
ferred and 202 common shares.
Dearstyne, as of that date, had 900
preferred and 1,770 commoh, while
Aller controlled 500 preferred and
2.117 common: Altschuler had no
preferred and only four shares of
the common stock.
While the proxy solicitation by
the company declares the annual
meeting is to also transact such
otiier business as may properly come
beCorc it. J. E! McMahon, secretary
ot Consolidated, states that the man-
agement does not intend to present
any other business . and does not
know of any other business .which
may come before the meeting.
Would Limit Trailers
St. Louis, March 7.
The Missouri state supreme court
last week heard arguments and sug-
gestions filed in behalf ot 'Circuit
Judge Ernest F. Oakley in opposition
to the writ of {Srohibltion asked by
John P. Nick, v.p. of lATSE and
head of MPO Local 143, and Clyde
A. Weston, business representative of
the locaj, to prevent their being
ousted from control of the local.
It is declared . in the sugge$tions
that ousting of Nick and Weston
from 'wrongfully dominating Local
No. 143' is desired by those who have
a legal interest in the property in-
volved, and the matter is not one
subject to a writ of prohibition, but
rightfully belonging to the Circuit
Court. .'To be perfectly frank,' the
argument says in part, 'the issue
raised is whether racketeering shall
be continued in a trade union and
^Yhether or not free-born American
fflitizens are to have saddled upon
.their shoulders a' reign of terror
which does violence to every tenet
of the doctrines upon which democ-
racies are founded.'
A few days previous, the Central
Trades & Labor Union adopted a
motion to regard the internal dif-
ficulties of Local 143 as a 'closed in-
cident.' The motion was passed fol-
lowing the reading of correspond-
ence between the Central Trades
body and William Green,, president
of the AFL. Central Trades had re-
quested Greei> to obtain permission
from GQorge Browne, international
prez of lATSE, to allow the execu-
tive committee to take charge of the
reorganization of Local 143. Green
replied that Browne refused the re-
quest with the explanation that the
theatrical union preferred to handle
its own internal difTiculties.
Nick is reported to have returned
to Florida after furnishing a $5,000
bond to answer the second charge of
extortion, which was retui-ned in an
indictment by the local grand jury
against him and Weston.
Masters' Mother Dies
In Fla. Auto Accident
Haskell M. Masters, Canadian sales
manager for United Artists, was sud-
denly summoned to Miami Thursday
(2) when word was. received that his
mother was killed -in an auto acci-
dent outside her hotel on Wednes-
day (1).
Masters brought the body back to
Montreal.
285G Anti-Trust
Suit "Aimed at 8
Cos. by Dixie Ops
Atlanta, March 7.
A suit for $285,000 damages was
filed Thursday (2) in U.' S. district
court ■ by John W. Peck, Sr., and
Mrs. Gertrude W. Peck, charging
eight major picture companies with
violation ot the Clayton Anti-Trust
Act in distribution ot films.
Pecks claim that, as owners and
lessees of two theatres in Sylacauga,'
Ala., and one in Dublin, Ga., they
were forced to liquidate at a loss
because defendants contracted with
a rival operator to supply feature
pictures. Petition states that Roy
Martin, chain operator, biillt opposi-
tion houses in two towns named and
soon afterwards defendant com-
panies 'did conspire and ' agree
among themselves and with said
Martin not to sell, lease or license
to plaintilTs any first-class feature
film.'
Companies named are Paramount
Pictures Distributing Co., Inc., RKO
Pathe Distributing Corp., M-G-M
Distributing Corp., Vitarraph, Inc.,
Fox Films Corp., United Artists,
Universal Film Exchanges and Co-
lumbia Pictures Corp. A. C. Brom-
berg, described as a distributor for
some of the film companies, was
also listed as a defendant.
Pecks claimed they lost $45,000 in
Sylacauga and $50,000 in Dublin.
They seek triple damages and at-
torneys' fees.'
Wilmington, Del., March 7.
Bill rolling around In the hopper
of the Delaware Senate would limit
trailers and all other advertising
footage to three minutes a perform-
ance, unless advertised conspicuous-
ly on billboards and in newspaper
ads. Would also make it unlawful
'for any theatre to cut into, Insert
or display any advertisements, pre-
view or trailer in any newsreel,' and
the newsreel would have to be en-
tirely of "news events.'
Fines of $50 for the first offense
and $100 for second are provided.
Half of the fine would go to the in-
formant leading to conviction.
Errol Flynn's 'Juan'
Hollywood, March 7.
Eirrol Flynn Jilays the great lovci
lu "The Adventures of Don Juan,
scheduled at Warners for early
summer.
Michael Curtiz directs from screen
play by Roland Leigh.
Music May Soothe 'Em
Jersey City, which has gained
notoriety as a labor and political
battle ground, is going arty. Jer-
sey City. Philharmonic Symphony
Orchestra has been formed and will
give a series of four concerts at
Snyder highschool this spring, J.
Randolph Jones conducting.
' Mayor Frank Hague is understood
to be one of the backers.
Mrs. Piazza's Parents' 50th .
Albany, March 7.
Ben Piazza, v.-p. ot Major Pictures
Corp., was here over the weekend
with his wife and daughter, Rita, to
attend the 50th wedding anniversary
of Mrs, Piazza's parents, Mr. and
Mrs., Garry Cappellano.
Piazza's wife appeared with the
old Bert Lytell-Evelyn Vaughn stock
company at Harmanus Bleeckcr
Hall here, and was playing 'Tiger
Rose' in New Orleans when Piazza
married her in 1920.
v. S. Diggers Done
Los Angeles, March 7.
Uncle Sam's probers wound up
two years of digging into local film
exchanges iit quest of possible viola-
tions of the anti-trust laws.
Albert Law and Harold Collins,
special assistant to the U. S. attorney
general, are drafting Iheir' final re-
port, to be transmitted to Thurman
W. Arnold, assistant U. S. attorney
general, in charge of anti-trust vio-
lations.
Al Rosen Must Pay Off
Orlando for Symphonies
Los Angeles, March 7.
Superior court ordered Al Rosen
to pay Guido Orlando half the
profits he made on a deal whereby
Paramount released six Symphonic
featurettes.
Pact called for an even split of
commissions for release' of the pic
tures, valued at $60,000.
Hecht-MacArthur Oppose
Exam, in Connie's Suit
Attorneys for Ben Hecht and
Charles MacArthur last week filed
motion in New York supreme court
opposing thie demand of Constance
Bennett for examination of, the
writers before trial in the suit she
started a year and a half. ago.
Charles Lederer, film writer and rep
for Hecht and MacArthur, is also
named as a defendant.
Actress is seeking to recover $62,-
500 for alleged breach of contract.
Writers were guaranteed $50,000 to
write an original story for her, .and
a $2,500 deposit paid to Lederer.
No story was delivered. Miss Ben-
nett claims she passed up $60,000
worth of picture oflers while waiting
for her story to turn up.
Howard Relnhelmcr, representing
Hecht-MacArthur, claim her suit is
without foundation, In that the con-
tract was actually consummated be-
twee.i the plaintiff arid A. C. Blumen-
thal, and furthermore, is Illegal and
In violation ot other commitments
by the defendants. The $2,500 de-
posit had also been o^cred for re-
turn to Miss Bennett, but not ac-
cepted. Schwartz Sc Frohllch repre-
sent the actress.
NASHVILLE'S BIG B.O.
SUNDAYS; NOW OK
Nashville, March 7.
The residents of this seat of south-
ern Methodism and the Baptist
church have left little doubt that
they favor Sunday films. For the
first time in the history of the city
picture theatres- are open for regu-
lar performances and the residents
are responding by jamming down-
town houses to capacity— and nabes
also report strong business.
Sunday operations in. Nashville
may liad to legalization of Sunday
films in several other mid-Tennessee
cities including Murfreesboro, Frank-
lin, Springfield' and Clarlcsville.
'The showing ot the first Sunday
pix here forced the city police de-
partment to augrnent its traffic de-
tail as autos jammed the downtown
area and caused congestion. The fire
dcpartm'ent also kept special patrols
on duty at the theatres. .
Sunday films became legal last
week. ' Theatre' managers feared
church leaders might attempt to
combat the ordinknce through the
courts but it is not believed that this
win now be attempted.
The city has had Sunday baseball
for the past several years.
Par $$4,096,000
'38 Net Profits;
20di,LoewDivvys
Winding up the year in strong
fashion, with the . fourth quarter
earnings running to $2,200,000, Para-
mount for the first quarter this year
(1939) is comparatively powerful
and is expected to substantially top
the initial same three months (Janu-
ary-March) of 1938. It is anticipated
that the earnings will run somewhere
between $1,000,000 and $1,500,000 the
first quarter ending :April 1, giving
the company a highly encouraging
start for '39.
Par's earnings for all of '38 is esti-
mated by the company, prior to of-
ficial announcement of - the figures by
the -board- of directors, at $4,096,000.
The final quarter of the year thus
more than doubled the prior three
quarters, this being due in part to
year-end declaration of dividends by
theatre subsidiaries which are owned
wholly or partly by the parent com-
pany. Earnings of the theatres to
Par as a stockholder amounted to
$1,215,000. Profits to parent company
do not include $34O,0Ao representing
net capital and non-recurring in-
come, plus $87,000 profit on purchase
of debentures of Par Pictures, Inc.
Also not included is $445,000, repre-
senting dividends received by Par
and its consolidated subsids from
non-consolidated subsidiary com-
panies in excess of Par's direct and
indirect net Interest as a stockliSlder
in combined earnings for the last
quarter, such excess repi;^nting a
partial distribution of share of earn-
ings of prior 1938 quarters.
20th and Loew
Directors ot 20th-Fox declared a
cash dividend of Sdc per share on
the common and 37V4c on preferred
at the meeting last Thursday (2),
covering first quarter ot the year.
Both payments will be made March
31 to stock ofi record March 15.
Loew's also made- 50c declaration
on common, payable March. 31 to
stock on record March 14. Loew
dividend maintains. $2 annual rate.
Jones Loses Tax Appeal
On WR Golf Reels' Com
Atlanta, March 7.
^ Fifth U. S, circuit court of appeals
■^in New Orleans Friday (3) laid
Bobby Jones; former amateur golf
champ, a perfect stymie when they
turned down his appeal to recover
$51,815.17 In income taxes and inter-
est paid on. incomes derived from
a series of golfing shorts for Warner'
Bros. In 1031 and 1933.
Jones claimed he did not receive
incomes involved, having sold his
services to his father for $1,000 an-
nually. Government contended that
golfer's income was diverted,
through his parent. Into trust funds
for Bobby's three minor children.
MOSS LOSES 1ST
TRY TO BAN
N.Y. BINGO
Eitorts of N. Y. License Commis-
sioner Paul Moss to secure a con-
viction in Special Sessions court
against the Jewel theatre on a charge
ot running a lottery have failed.
General Sessions Judge Morris Koe-
nlg yesterday (Tuesday) removed
the case to General from Special
Sessions, on motion ot Harry Q.
Kosch, attorney for the theatre.
Judge Koenig also granted de-
fendants a trial by jury, on the
grounds that valuable property
rights and exceptional circumstances
of public interest ai;e involved, and
because the ultimate decision would
have a far-reaching elTect.
The matter now goes ' before a
grand jury and indictments will have
to be found against the theatre and
Its owner, the Belle Theatres, Inc,
before case can be brought before a
jury.
Commissioner Moss had pinned his
hopes on a conviction in Special Ses-
sions, intending it to . be a test case
on which he could revoke the 11.
censes of all theatres and non-the-
atrical organizations in Greater New
York now playing bingo and other
prize games.
Wisconsin Bank Nleht Test
La Crosse, Wis., March 7.
Circuit Judge Robert S. Cowie,
acting as a private citizen, filed a
complaint in circuit court Saturday
(4) to test . the legality of bank
nights. Complaint names the La
Crosse Theatres Co.. which operates
five houses here, and the Wclworth
Theatres Co., which has two.
Complaint claims that the theatres
were wilfully violating the constitu-
tion and statutes of Wisconsin, It
charges that large sums of money
'have been gambled, hazarded and
lost by thousands of persons, In-
cluding minors.'
Judge CowIe stirred a tempest last
November when he told the county
board here that open gambling had
given La Crosse the reputation ot
being 'one of the most wide open
cities in the stfitc.' Two months
earlier the Wclworth Theatres to.
had been acquitted of charges ot
operating a lottery In the form of
bank night. A similar complaint
against the La Cro.sse Theatres Co,
was also di.smissed at that time.
Mich, Scions Plan Ban
Detroit, March 7.
The Michigan legislature is con-
sidering a bill which would declare
bingo, kcno and similar games a le-
gal entertainment, if sponsored by
churches, veteran and fraternal or-
ganizations for their own purposes.
A similar measure passed the legis-
lature last year, but was vetoed by
Gov. Frank Murphy.
Bill declares that the rafiling of
merchandise under tliese circum-
stances 'shall not be construed as
conducting a lottery, or as gambling,
and shall not be in violation of stale
laws.'
The bill was apparently prompted
by a police raid recently on the huge
bingo nights held by Moose lodge
here.
2 RKO Films in a Row
Into R. C. Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall has set two
RKO pictures iii a row to follow
'Stagecoach,' which goes Into a sec-
ond week tomorrow (Thursday).
They are 'Love Affair.' opening
March 16, and 'The Castles'.
'Dark Victoi-y' on which the Hall
has been dickering with Warners is
declared to be in doubt. 'King of
the Turf (UA), ready for weeks
now. Is also doubtful.
Par 2 Up on Scribes
Hollywood, March 7.
Seven writers finished their chores
and. checked off the Paramount lot
as five more checked in.
(Joing out were Ed Beloin, William
Morrow, Charles Martin, Garneti
Weston, Robertson White and Don-
ald Ogden Stewart. Taken on were
F. Scott Fitzgerald, Waller Fecris.
Franz Schulz, Wllkie Mahoney 'Bna
Marion Spitzer.
.Wednesdayt March 8, 1939
I
VARIETY
«7
WIDE ACCLAIM
FOR ALL THREE
SETTING new standards of quality and per-
formance, Eastman^s latest negative films have
met with instant approval. Each makes its
special contribution • . . fast, fine-grained
Flus-X, for general studio work . . . high-speed
Super-XX, for all difficult exposures . . . Ultra-
fine-grained Background-Xf for backgrounds
and all-round exterior work. All three offer
the high reliability and photographic quality
typical of Eastman sensitized materials.
Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N. Y.
(J. E. Brulatour, Inc., Distributors, Fort Lee,
Chicago, Hollywood).
EASTMAN Plus-X. . .
Super^XX. . . Baekground^X
38
VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
Pitt's No. 1 Stkkup Man Nabbed,
But Unarmed; Mgr. Admits Thefts
Pittsburgh, March 7.
Pittsburgh's greatest wave of the-
atre box-oltice robberies came to an
end here Thursday night (2) when
police nabbed 25-year-old George
Plies as he attempted to hold up the
Art Cinema, foreign film site. Youth,
who said he graduated from Dart-
mouth, where he studied journalism,
admitted pulling sirnilar jobs at Al-
vin. Regent . Scjuare, Liberty and
Sheridan Square, all fllm houses,
within past 10 days.
Alertness of Catherine Smith, cash-
ier at Art Cinema, resulted in Plies'
*>«vrest. When he approached her
booth, his hand inside a coat p3ikcf
simulating a pistol, .and commanded
her to 'hand it over,' Miss Sm-.lh
flashed a light signal to Dorothy
Welsh, ticket- taker in the lobby, and
she in turn signaled a patrolman on
duty inside. Bandit submitted to
arrest immediately and it was then
discovered he was unarmed. He in-
sisted he didn't carry a gun on the
other hold-ups, eitlier.
For past week, city , authorities
have had at least one plainclothes-
man stationed at every theatre in
town as a result of the recent deluge
of robberies. It was the third time
in the last year that the Art Cinema
had been held up.
Plies claimed he had nothing to do
with the robbery last week of Beuna
Vista Amus. Co. On that job, two
gunmen forced their way into the
office and forced a girl employee to
open tlie safe,' which they relieved
of $250.
Mgr. Admits Thefts
Buffalo, March 7.
Edward Gwarek, 21, manager of
New dakdale, southside nabe, ad-
mitted faking a burglary at the
house in order to cover thefts of
candy, cash and silverware. Gwarek
Is also charged with having split a
$60 bank nite prize.
..<*< Detectives revealed that the lucky
ticket was fastened in a crack in the
keg from which the stubs were
pulled. The prize was divided be-
tween. Gwarek and a friendy
Gwarek pleaded guilty to the
charges.
$1,000 Akron Fire
Akron, March T.
Stanley Fitz. operator, was over-
come by fumes and $1,000 damage
was done to the National theatre,
downtown small ie, when Are broke
out in the projection room.
Only 75 persons were in the house
at time, and most of . them remai:.id
to watch firemen put out the ulaze.
2ms Ymmi Exhibs
Prefer Day of Rest
To Sunday Pix Okay
Bennington, Vt., March 7.
An odd angle of the Sunday film
question, up for a vote' at town meet-
ings throughout Vermont today
(Tuesday), is that independent ex-
hibitors in some of the small towns
are said to have shov/n no particular
desire to obtain an okay. Their in-
difference, if not hostility, is predi-
cated on the belief that they will
gi-oss no more in seven days than in
six. Several small town theatre
owners are reported to have taken
the attitude that they prefer Sunday
as a day of rest.
In the larger spots, theatre own-
ers have helped to mobilize local
sentiment for a favorable vote. This
is true, too, in certain outer towns.
In anticipation of approval by the
voters, a number of theatres have
tentatively lined up prodyct for
screening Sunday (12).
Lantz Sues Caravel
Los Angeles, March 7.
Walter Lantz Productions has flle'd
suit for $2,490 against Caravel Films,
Inc., as balance due on commercial
cartoon made in 1936.
Lantz claims Caravel paid only
$23,100 on total price of $25,590.
New York Theatres
THERE'S A BETTER SHOW AT THE
"THE SHINING
HOUR"
tnVCOV BEBLE
In Feraon
'"TOPPER
TAKES A
TRIP"
Boland Toong
CoDDtance
Bennett
IKUtv Carlisle j
.. — Otliem —
PARAMOUNTs?uTh'b
Mnrtlin Bob
BATE HOPE
SAY DIE"
CHICK
WEBB
Ana Bnnil
Elln Fltzeerold
"^"''^ MUSIC HALL
CITT
UELD OVER
"STAGECOACH"
Spectacular Stage Productions
Till At. a DOtli St.
ROXY
ALIi OCo TO
SEATS I'M.
"THE UTTLE
PRINCESS"
— On tlio StOBO —
New SteEo Show
"THE SPIRIT
OF CULVER"
UNITED Dl\/ni I Brondn-nv
ABTI8TS niVULI at40llifit.
Doon Opts 9:30 A.M. MIDNITE SHOWS
Old 'Year' Back
Hollywood, March 7.'
'First Year' is being readied
for filming at 20th-Fox for the
third time, this time under Sol
Wurtzel's supervision.
Picture was made as a silent
by Fox Films in 1926 and as a
talker with Janet Gaynor and
Charles FarrcU co-starred in
1932.
2 NEW WICHITA
HOUSES; MORE
BUILDING
Wichita, Kan., March 7.
Wichita is to have two new thea-
tres, one now under construction and
the other scheduled to start Immedi-
ntely and ready for occupancy by
June 15. T. H. Slothower will be
the lessor and operator of the 700-
scat Sandra, whose estimated cost
is $35,000. Slothower now operates
the Southern and State theatres
here.
Tlie 600-seat theater now under
construction will be operated by
Harold Gibbson and L. L. Gotlschick
of Joplin, Mo. Thoy operated the
Electric, Joplin, Mo., until its sale to
Fox-Midwest.
Two for Wilmington
Wilmington, Del., March 7.
Seaford, Del., south of here, where
the DuPont Company has started
construction on an $3,000,000 nylon
yarn plant, has been getting along
all right on; one theatre until an-
nouncement of the plant. Now two
more will be built.
T. E. Ayres, owner of the Palace,
has announce^ he .will build a new
house on the site of a stone quarry.
Schine Circuit will' build across the
street.
$30e Loot
Milwaukee, March 7.
Burglars broke into the Classic
theatre safe in suburban Watertown
early Thursday (2) and escaped with
an estimated $300.
Entry apparently was gained
through a skylight.
Trade Confabs
(Continued from page 17)
draft of the distributors and sub-
mitted' one of its own, with subse-
quent meetings held, states that 'no
further proposals were received in
time to permit Allied's Negotiating
Committer to make a final report be-
fore March 1, as required by the
resolution of the Board of Directors.'
With the committee having no fur-
ther report to make, the board will
not be. convened, Allied officially de-
clares.
The indie exhibitor organization
states that as a result of authority
expiring March 1, the distiibutdrs
are free, however, to submit any
further proposals to the general
counsel of Allied, for forwarding by
mail to the directors for such ac-
tion as they may see fit to take.
Prolonged Wai(7
Those in the industry who are
aWaiting termination of the confer-
ences to see conciliation placed in
operation, appear to be in for a pro-
longed wait. Cancellation, long a
bugaboo of some in the business,
was again brought out in the light
for analysis by several trade, experts
during- the past week.
The old argument was revived that
cancellation is going to cost the com-
panies a lot of money. It was
pointed out that exhibitors have
broken down this thesis and have
convinced veterans in the trade that
■cancellation mtghnoncfiivably in-
crease revenue rather than cut into
a distributors' take.
Based on the theory that there are
16,000 regular run picture theatres
in this country, averaging four' fea-
tures weekly, advocates of the out-
lined cancellation point out that
there always are 64,000 playdates,
whether the cancellation is 10% or
50%.
Cancellation averages 10%, but it
runs up to 20%. In actual practice,
j 10% of the cheaper pictures would
I be supplanted by more expensive
] product. It Is strictly up to the ex-
jhibitor to decide whether he wants
I to hold a picture over, cancel out
some product or leave the setup as
I Is.
Theatres and Exchanges
Everett Leaves Republic
Refusing a transfer to New York,
H. H. Everett, district manager for
Republic in the southeast, headquar-
tering at Charlotte, has resigned
from the company. Rep wanted to
bring him into the home office. Be-
cause of future plans, npw not an-
nounced, he wants to remain in Char-
lotte.
Clair Hilgers, special representa-
tive in the south tor Rep the past six
months, succeeds Everett. He will
riiake his headquarters in Atlanta
instead of Charlotte.
'.Schlnc'a Switches
Syracuse, March 7. -
Another wholesale string of
changes in upstate New York Schinc
chain personnel has been c(Tect<!d
as a result of promotion of Harold
Raivcs. manager of RKO-Schinc Par-
amount theatre here, to the post of
district booker, for Schine theatres
in BulTalo and Rochester.
Eric Wright, manager of Glove,
Glovci'sville, has been named, man-
ager of the Paramount, succeeding
Raives. James McAllister, formerly
of Ogdensburg, has been named
manager of Palace, Eastwood, which
became a Schine house last week.
Moore Moves to Pitt
Pittsburgh, March 7.
B. P. (Dinty) Moore, former head
of WB's N. Y. metropolitan houses
and more recently in charge of WB-
pooled Standard Theatre.s in Okla-
homa City, has just been named
Main Line district manager for cir-
cuit here under zone chief Harry
Kalmine. Takes over new duties
immediately, covering towns of
Johnstown, Tyrone, State College,
Wilkinsbiirg and Ambridge. Spots
had previously been in charge of
C. J, Latta, but he's being .relieved
to enable him to concentrate on in-
side office duties as first assistant to
Kalmine,
Joe Castorelli, former local exhib
who has been operating Plaza in
Youngstown, O., for nearly a year,
has just acquired another spot in
that territory. It's the Canfleld,
Canfleld, O., which has been closed
for several months. He'll reopen it
this week.
George Tyson, publicity director
for Harris Amusement Co., leaves
around middle of May for Atlantic
City on a four-month leave of ab-
sence 'to direct annual Showmen's
Jubilee (beauty pageant) for third
successive year. He'll be replaced
during his absence again by Ken
NoeL
Sid Rose Elevated
Omaha, March 7.
Sid R. Rose, of Chicago, has been
named manager of the Warner Bros,
office here. He succeeds Earle Per-
kins, who moves to Minneapolis.
Three Houses Reopen
Fairfield, Neb., March 7.
F. W. Anderson has reopened the
Joyo here after being, closed for a
year. It is Fairfield's only picture
house.
Walnut, la , March 7.
c^°y^^L Werky has unshuttered the
Strand here. It had been dark for
more than a year.
Sacramento, March 7.
Empire, fourth show house in
Chico, Cal., and the second new one
since the first of the year, opened
last week. It was built by N. C
Steele, Colusa theatre man, and is
managed by James P. Myers.
McCoy Quits Saenger
New Orleans, March 7.
Howard McCoy, for 12 years an
"^'^^ ^- . ^- Richard's
Saenger Co., has resigned in favor
01 roughing it in New Mexico.
He has bought a half interest in a
ranch.
Dark 10 Tears, Reopening
„ , Rochester, March 7.
T ^\''^.?3.'''ce is being renovated by
Jacob Weiscnborn for reopening in
about six weeks. House, renamed
the Sun, has been' boarded up for
10 years.
Hllsei's Republic Post
r.1 • •• Atlanta, March 7.
-Clair ^. Hilgers has been. appoint-
soutljern sales manager for Republic
■Pictures.
ct=^L ^'■It,^?^^.<=''^''S« °* 11 Dixie
states, with headquarters in Atlanta.
Shea Mgr. Moves
Marietta, O., March 7.
Forniyr L. Bowers, manager of
fliitll ?'^'S ^1? ^"■^"'^ ^lere, trans-
ferred to Bradford, Pa., to manage
Sheas and Grand there. He suc-
ceeds Jack W. Hyncs, recently shifted
to Youngstown to manage the Para-
mount.
Warner Bros. Changes
Grad Sears, sales head of Warner
Bros, has moved two fllm salesmen
up into exchange manager posts.
Sid Rose, Chicagft salesman, is tak-
ing over the WB office in Omaha,
replacing Earl Perkins, who is shift-
ing to the Minneapolis branch- and
William Shartin, Minneapolis ofHcc
is taking over managership ol Seauie
exchange. Latter replaces Al Qv.
toby, resigned.
Splits Movie Quiz Coin
S. E. Schwahn, manager of (he
Granada, Lawrence,, Kan., who won
first prize for towns of 15,000 and
under in Motion Picture's Greatest
Year campaigfi contest, split the $500
award with his assistant, Emory
Scott, who compiled the entry for-
warded.
Younjistown, O., March 7
Joe Castorelli, operaling tbo Plaza
has acquired the Can.'ield, at nearby
CanncUI, dark for several months.
Castorelli plans ,to reopen house im-
mediately. ■
. Baltimore, March 7. ,
William Aldcvson in as m;inat!er of
newly built Centre, 1,000-scat subse-
quent run house.
Scbanzc. old established nabe. taken
over by Rome chain, now used suc-
cessfully for policy of weekly Yid-
dish Alms.
Frank Boucher, manager Ic.ivlng
Linden, recently built by Milton
Schwaber for second run nabe films.
No successor announced.
St., Louis, March 7.
The Hollywood, downtown, shut-
tered.
Frank Bizzi has reopened Colonial,
Manchester. Mo., padlocked recently
after Leo Landau filed bankruptcy''
petition.
Frisina Circuit awarded contract
for 000-seater, the Bond, Greenville,
111.; $30,000 earmarked for structure.
Also operates the Lyric, Greenville.
Beulah I. DuNune rebuilding the
Hardacre. Tipton, la., recently dam-
aged' by fire.
Clarence E. Cook, Maryville. Mo.,
remodeling his 800-seater in Mary-
ville.
New 750-seatcr being erected i
Carmi, 111., for Frank Barnes.
■y. P. Moody, Mountain (3rove, Mo.,
rebuilding his Cameo, recently dam-
aged by fire. Another 20,000 will be
spent in rebuilding theatre damaged
by fire in Excelsior, Mo. J. M. Sum-
mers and William A. Craver the
owners.
Finney Theatre Corp. (Fanchon &
Marco) purchased a corner lot in
Negro section to erect 1,500-scater
next summer.
Fox-Midwest Corp. mulling 'idea
of unpadlocking the Star, 700-seater,
Benton, 111., dark several years.
Pitner & Barnes, who operate the
Strand, 450 seats, Fairfield, 111., con-
template building another house in
same town.
VeiUer Resting in N. Y.
Anthony 'Veiller, having completed
a writing contract at RKO, is in
New York for four or -five weeks'
vacation.
On his return to the Coast he will
become assistant to William Le-
Baron, Paramount production head.
SEATTLE
(Continued from page 10)
and 'Dramatic School' (M-G), fine
$8,300, but no moveover, with H-E
having but one house to move t»
(BM) due to new policy at MB.
Liberty (J-vH) (1,800; 21-32-42)-t
'Let Live' (Col) and 'Spy Hunt"
(Col). Headed for smart $4,700.
Last week 'Each Other' (UA) t4th
wk), good $3,200.
Music Box (Hamrick-Evergreen)
(850; 32-37-42)— 'Pygmalion' (M-G).
With remodeled house and great ad-
vance billing, plus exploitation, this
solo looks set for a run. This week's
take is in the great cla.<» with $3,500.
Last week house was dark.
Orphcum (Hamrick Evergreen)
(2,600; 32-37-42)— 'Musketeers' (20th)
and :Chan in Honolulu' (20th). Fair
$4,000. Last week 'Wings Navy'
(WB) and 'King Underworld" (WB),
big $7,200 nine days.
Palomar (Sterling) (1,350: 10-27-
37-42)— 'Woman Doctor' (Rep) and
'Tom Sawyer' (Par) plus vaude,
Fair at $3,800. Last week 'Dark
Sands' (Ind) and 'Forged Pa-ssporl
(Rep) plus vaude, good $4,300.
Paramount (Hamrick-Evergreen)
(3.039; ,32-37-42)^'Stagocoach'. (U)
and 'Bulldog Drummond! (Par). Big
$7,300, but more had been expected.
Last ..-eek 'Gunga' (RKO) and 'In-
side Story' (20th) (2d wk) solid at
$6,200.
Roosevcll (Sterling) (800; 21-32)—
'Angels' (WB) and 'That Woman
Again' (Col). Good enough $2,200.
List week 'Artists Models' (Par) and
'Pecks Bad Boy' (RKO), $2,100.
iiiiwonCabirietToiletTissue
' economy' WASHROOM SERVICE
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
RADIO
VARIETY
39
ASCAP SKIRISHING STARTS
N.O. GALLS A
TACTICS HUDDLE
Copjrright committee of the Na-
,-.jtlDnal Association of Broadcasters
will meet March. 30 at the Ambas-
sador hotel, N. Y., to consider a
completely new approach to the so-
lution of the problems involving the
American Sociiety of Composers, Au-
thors and Publishers. The program
which will be submitted by Neville
Miller, NAB prez, and others pre-
supposes a thorough housecleaning
of all past concepts on how the ques-
tion should be handled. The com-
mittee would first try to get a well-
rounded picture of all facets of the
problem before entering into any
discussions with ASCAP on a hew
contract
It is MiUer's belief that the Ume
has come for the NAB to talce iU'
. ventory of the whole copyright sit
uation. Before undertaking to build
a new case he wants the past re-
viewed. According to his plans, the
committee would in a series of ses-
sions, malce a preliminary study cov'
ering such topics' as (1) the nature
of ASCAP's inner setup and opera-
tions, (2) history, of the broadcasters'
negotiations with ASCAP, (3) legal
remedies against ASCAP, if any, (4)
possible means of working out a new
licensing basis with ASCAP, and (5)
counter-moves against ASCAP, legis-
lative and litigatory.
The NAB huddlers will also at
tempt to determine which of these
counter-attacks hove been proved,
or give any promise of getting any
where. Among proposed solutions
slated for review are (1) the per
piece licensing plan, (2) state legis-
lative action against ASCAP, (3)
make the network assume the major
copyright burden, and (4) force the
dissolution of ASCAP.
GO AFTER A THREE-YEAR LICENSE!
ARCH McDonald will
SPIEL DODGERS IN N.Y.
Arch McDonald, who for years
has been calling 'em on WJSV,
Washington, will do the play-by-
play announcing of the Yankee and
Giants games over WABC, N. Y.
Schedule of pre-season games for
both WABC and WOR, Newark,
which will carry the Brooklyn Dodg-
'ers games, is now under discussion
Red Barber, formerly of WLW,
Cincinnati, has the calling assign'
ment on WOR. Sponsorship on all
three series will rotate among Gen-
eral Mills, Socohy-Vacuum and Proc-
ter & Gamble. WHN will duplicate
the Dodge broadcasts.
KID SHOW AT 8 P.M.
Darl-Rlcb Drops Afternoon Quarters
For Evening Halt-Hoar
Bowey's, Inc., distributor of the
Dari-Rich chocolate drink, is on the
verge of changing the time routine
of its 'Terry and the Pirates' series.
It will remain on the NBC blue
(WJZ) link, but instead of using
three late afternoon quarter-hours a
Week the account will' make it a
weekly half-hour, starting at 8 p.nv.
It will be the first time that a
network kid show has been cleared
at this hour. The period is still a
half-hour later than the released pe-
riod for 'The Lone Ranger' (7;30 p.m.
EST).
Man of Varied Talents
Salt Lake City, March 7.
Chester Dowse, who resigned as a
secret operative of the Utah liquor
control commission to become a
liquor manufacturers' agent, has now
become master of ceremonies on
half-hour sponsored by the Electrical
League of Utah over KDYL.
Stint will be aired from the KDYL
Radio Playhouse, which seats 450.
Besides Dowse, support includes
Fielding K. Smith, comedian; Bob
Reese, tenor; Janyce Don, blues war-
bler, and station house orchestra
batoned by By Woodbury,
Chairman McNinch blew his top last week in
Washington, He did himself little good; he
did Commissioner Craven little harm. What
he did accomplish was to make it pretty clear
to any who doubted it before, that radio regu-
lation is up to its eyebrows in politics. A con-
gressional investigation now seems inevitable.
That, too, will probably be a merry partisan
romp, with the 1940 tactics of the revitalized
Republican party obviously hoping to make
the most of it. Meanwhile, the radio industry
is the whipping boy, the patsy, the he-done-it
fall guy.
What can radio do to protect itself from poli-
tics? Nobody seems to know. Or, if they
have any ideas, nobody seems to have the guts
to talk about them openly, or boldly move to
ajpply them. Radio goes pussy-footing along,
more conscious of the politicians than the pub-
lic. (The public is radio's friend; a thought
worth remembering.) Radio won't talk back
to the politicians, -won't come out and throw
down the gauntlet. Radio keeps on fbrever
and a day in its cat-like watching of the Wash-
ington mouse-hole, out of which some day,
somehow, magically, without date or design,
it expects to grab a sensible set of basic condi-
tions, a three-year license aiid other needed
changes.
broadcaster bereft of social consciousness, or
community responsibility, and certain to take
a chance if the odds of getting away with it are
promising.
Which is part of the paradox of radio— an
industry that pleases, delights and constantly
impacts the public; that shows by its every-
day operation how successfully it understands
and how wisely, in the main, it interprets what
the public wants or will accept. Men and or-
ganizations sufficiently smart, sure-footed and
understanding to broadcast 75,000 programs-
more or less— every year and have only an ex-
tremely rare squawk, are held unworthy of a
vote of confidence based on demonstrable
merit.
Mandatory three-year broadcasting permits
were proposed in Congress last week as a
means of preventing governmental intimida-
tion of station owners. Bill revising the pres-
ent statute was sponsored by Rep. Clarence J.
McCleod, Michigan Republican, and was sent
to the House Interstate Commerce Committee
for study. The radio industry might Study it,
too.
It is true that various steps in the right di-
rection have been taken. But toothpicks
have been used where beams were needed.
Always the politicians have been boot-licked.
Radio execs can't seem to shake off their
paralyzing fear of extinction at the caprice of
a few men in Washington. They grumble and
complain and feel badly treated, but still they
do it the politicians' way — backstairs, jockey-
ing, lobbying but seldom openly articulating, or
boldly proclaiming the radio industry's impres-
sive case — :a case beyond successful frontal
attack. It's a nice idea to paste explanatory^
stickers on the back of eyery new radio set
sold, liut these messages are not loud enough
to rcgistci- on ears attuned only to the mighty
organ-blasts of modern propaganda.
Survival of the radio industry, as now con-
stituted, may depend upon getting tiie indu.s-
try out of politics. One obvious step in tliat
direction is the three-year license under which
the present premium on political connections
would be lessened. Through a three-year li-
cense, businessmen who operate honestly could
feel like respectable persons, instead of poten-
tial criminals forever on probation.
Different from other similar suggestions put
forward in past years, McCleod's measure
would .specifically ban review of the political
conduct of industry members. After stipulat-
ing that the minimum term must be three
years instead of six months, the Detroiter pro-
posed a restriction to the effect that in passing
on renewal pleas 'the Commission shall not
take into consideration any political views ex-
pounded over the station of the applicant or
any political views held or expressed by the
applicant.'
Like a lot of other people and organizations
in the advertising business, radio:, has been re-
miss in self-advertising. Seldom has radio got-
ten together to do anything beyond passing
resolutions about the much-desired three-year
license. That the three-year license could be
dramatized, that public support could be mar-
shalled and a back-log of sympathy built up,
has been ignored in the long record of licm-
and-haw, which seems to be the fatal bliglit of
broadcasting, wherein (because of competi-
tion) collaboration has been singularly, difficult
and frequently impossible.
Supercilious critics of broadcasting will, of
course, have little .synii)athy for the long li-
cense plea. They premise their thinking on
the idea that broadcasters were cither remark-
ably lucky, or definitely conniving, or they
would not have a license to broadcast in the
first place. Being eithdr the wWte-haired
child of luck, or the gum-shoe kid of skulldug-
gery, the broadcaster — under this reasoning —
should be kept always on the uncertain seat
without respite at any time. They hold the
What docs radio stand to lo.se by standing
up? What may be the net result and the net
inipres.sion of continuing to take everything
in a semi-prostrate posture? These are funda-
mentals of defensive trade tactics. They need
consideration. And they need publicity.
The three-year license is one industry cause
upon which all, presumably, may agree. Then
why not get the winds and the brass together
an(l attempt, for once, to strike up the band ?
Maybe there's a different plot. If so, it's
slow in developing and hard to follow. And
punk drama.
P&G'S ANNUAL CHECK
Seed Giveaway on 'Ma Perkins' from
March 9-17.
Proctei- & Gamble starts its annual
check on station coverage and popu-
larity March 9 v/ith a seed giveaway
on Oxydol's 'Ma Perkins' serial, over
the NBC Red (WBAF) link. The of-
fer will extend through the 17lh.
This time P & G has selected an
afternoon -hookup. The analy.ses
made of the returns are retained by
the account for its own information
and guidance.
Luckenbill's Operation
Tom Luckenbill, radio exec on the.
Lux account in the J. Walter Thomp-
son agency, is recovering from an
operation of his knee which had been
performed the week before, last at
Doctors' hospital, N. Y.
He will be back on the job next
week.
GULF GUILD SHOW
FOLDS ON JUNE 4
Gulf Oil winds up its connection
with the Screen Writers Guild show,
on. CBS Sunday nights, June 47 and
substitutes a cheaper show for the
summer. The question of renewing
the Guild stanza has yet to come up.
Original contract was for 17 weeks
Frank Smith Quits Gruen
Frank Smith has re.signed as ad-
vertising manager of Gruen watch.
Th( two came to an amicable part-
ing of the ways. Smith is expected
to return to radio.
Smith joined the watch manufac-
turer about two years ago, .coming
from WLW, Cincinnati! where he had
been sales manager.
VAUDEVILLIAN UPPED
Jules Ilerbeveaux, New NBC Pro-
emm Exec, Is from Show Fix
Cliicago, March 7.
Jules Herbeveaux becomes man-
ager of the program department for
the NBC central division here, re-
placing Clarence Menser who left or-
ganization to take over local office
for. Gardner agency. Herbeveaux
dates back into vaudeville produc-
tion having produced many units
nnd acts for the l:ey circuits. He
joined radio cu^ . , however, and
was for many y musical director
tor KYW when it was located in Chi.
Wynn Wright, who rated as as-
sistant production head, elevates to
production manager's job while
Bucky Harris gets billing as the as-
sistant production manager in the
new setup. .
E
HARTFORD CASE
John G. Paine, general manager of
the American Society of Composers,
Authors and Publishers last week
scored what he termed the program
of harrassment being pursued by the
National Association of Broadcasters
in state legislatures as likely to pro-
duce a serious boomerang, for the
broadcasters themselves. He inti-
mated that since the NAB has
showed how state legislators can be
'used as cat's paws' in business dif-
ferences there was always the pos-
sibility that groups hostile to broad-
casting might become interested in
resorting to the same means.
Paine's comment, followed his at-
tendance in Hartford, Conn., of a
hearing on an anti-ASCAP bill
which had been introduced in that '
state's le.ijislature by Rep. Roy En-
guist, of Branford. The hearing was •
marked by the circumstance that no
one appeared in favor of the meas-
ure. It was even opposed by the
secretary of state, Mrs. Sarah Craw-
ford, who contended that the statute
would impose a burden oh her office
without added compensation. She
argued that the bill sought to have,
the state duplicate what , the copy- '
right office in Washington is doing
and that it would work an unneces-
sary hardship on new and young au-
thors and composers.
Mrs. Crawford attacked the project
as being both economically and le-
gally unsound. She stated that it was
badly drawn, since it imposed a dis-
cretionary power on her office, wliSch
Is purely concerned with adminis-
trative matters. If her office was
to become a registry of copyrights
the bill ought to instruct it to that
effect and not leave it to that office
to decide whether a number should
or should not be registered.
Paine, in his post-hearing com^^
ment, said that the bill had all the
earmarks of the work, that Andrew
Bennett, a former assistant U, S. at-
torney-general, has been doing in
the NAB's behalf around the coun-
try. It was Bennett who conducted
trial of the Government's monopoly
suit against ASCAP in 1935. The
case blew up before the defendant
could get around to presenting its
side of the story.
North Dakota Passes Bill
Bismarck, N. D., March 7.
Even though Attorney General
Alvin C. Strutz has submitted a
written opinion declaring the legis-
lation unconstitutional, 'an invasion
of the sphere of national authority'
and 'absolutely void,' the North Da-
kota governor is expected to sign
the anti-ASCAP bill passed by both
houses of the legislature last week.
The attorney general charged tliat
the act in question 'attempted to
limit the privileges granted by Fed-
eral copyright legislation to authors,
composers and producers.'
Passage of the bill in the House
was preceded by a bitter passage of
words between Rep. L. L. Twichell
and Rep. A. R. Bergesen. Twichell
charged Bergesen with lobbying on
the floor against the measure and
held that the latter could be barred
from the. legislature. Bergesen re-
torted that he worked for ASCAP
six years ago but since then he has
represented no one interested in
such legislation. ASCAP was
charged from the floor with 'fleecing
the nation of millions' and Bergesen
answered that the 'real force back
of the bill are the theatres and radio
stations which are contributing to
the Society.'
Hal Glbney, NBC announcer,
moved to Hollywood from Frisco.
Texaco Drops Ruggles -
For Rotating Comics
Hollywood, March 7.
Texaco Star Theatre Is replacing
Charles Rugples wi'.h a- rotation of
film and radio comlfs. Ken Murray
holdi; for remainder of . current series.
Two Conrad Bcrcovici gypsy yarns,
'Tmka' and 'Happiness,' have been
bought ... for futgre dramatization.
Likely that the p'etr'ol show will stay
Oil thro!i''h the siunmer.
40
VARIETt
RADIO
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
INDUSTRY UPSET BY POSSIBLE MEANING
OF FCCS LATEST FLANK MANEUVERS
Dubious Comfort Found in Slight Changes in Pro
cedure — Gradual Building Up of Censorship Ma-
chinery Feared
Washington, March 7.
i Panicky broadcast industry repre-
sentatives are still. arguing this weeic
over the underlying significance of
the FCC vote approving a majority
report of the Committee on Informal
Complaint Procedure which ' en-
dorlbd, with only minor changes, the
current method of spanking station
operators whose conduct offends a
niajority of the regulators. With the
FCC's motives still obscure, substan-
tial element voiced alarm Uiat the
government agency is determined to
exercise round-about censorship,
with non-conformists subject to the
death penalty.
Apprehension was . caused last
week when the Commish, by a 5 to
1 split, .adopted a memorandum sub-
mitted by Commissioners Eugene O.
Sykes and George Henry Payne setr
ting forth 14 types of programs
which might be the basis of punitive
action because licensees fail, in the
Commission's judgment, to observe
their public interest obligation.
While numerous observers hoped the
Commish had good intentions, alarm
was ' heigiitened by a sensational
move of Chairman Frank R. Mc-
Niuch, who subjected the only dis-
senter, Commissioner T. A. M.
Craven, to a vindictive attack via
press statement accusing him of 'a
grandstand play of devotion to free
speech and opposition to censor-
Ship.' ,
After discovering that an official
FCC press statement gave an incor-
rect picture, members of the legal
fr^^rnity were seriously concerned
over the ' possibility the Commish
had promulgated the equivalent of
program standards, not only without
listening to views of the industry but
in complete - disregard of statutory
limitations on its authority and of
court decisions. Uneasiness was due
chiefly to the vagueness of that part
of Sykes-Payne report discussing the
types of programs which may be
held 'contrary to public interest.'
Almost coincident with a warning
from NAB directors about censor-
ship dangers, the Commish made
public the two reports of its Com-
plaints Committee, revealing a deep-
seated difference of opinion on the
question of how far the regulators
may go in applying the eligibility
test for license-holders. jDisclosure
of the conflicting views followed by
nearly 24 hours an announcement
that henceforth issuance of tempo-
rary tickets ' for stations under . in-
vestigation will be abandoned and
that revocation proceedings will be
used to punish flagrant violators of
the basic law or FCC regulations in
the. future.
The alarm came chiefly from the
way in which the ; majority of the
Complaints Committee classified the
squawks and the indication that
Sykes and Payne feel stations should
be woodshedded for airing any of
14 types of programs. (See adjoin-
ing box.>
While' there was room lor doubt
and debate, many watchers feared
the enumeration of these items
means the Commish will call on the
carpet proprietors of stations which
air such' material. It was noted that
the majority report failed to define
some of the terms— leaving broad-
casters in a worse quandary than
ever before — such as 'children's pro-
grams,' 'liquor and cigaret advertis-
ing,' 'too much advertising,' and 'too
many recorded programs.'
One wing of the radio-legal fra-
ternity found dubious comfort in the
fact that the majority did not state
positively that violation of any of
these canons should afford ground
for punishment But even the most
optimistic watchers agreed it is im-
possible to ascertain exactly what
was in mind when these possible
offenses were listed.
Heedle^ Publicity For
Accused Stations Avoided
By adopting the majority report,
the Commish agreed that some re-
forms are advisable in the campaign
to improve the industry's conduct.
Besides scrapping temporary licenses,
the Commish decided to hush up
preliminary inquiries — which have
caused serious injury to many op-
erators in .the past .and to avoid
making unreasonable demands for
information from statipn manage-
ments. On the whole, however,
there is no majof difference between
the practice of the past few months
and the -course recommended- and
adopted for the future.
The majority noted that, out of
approximately 50. complaints weekly,
about 90% deserve little or no con-
sideration. Handling of the remain-
ing 10% — those 'which on their face
appear to warrant some investiga-
tion' — was the principal subject of
the memorandum, and the sole issue
between the Sykes-Payne duo and
Craven. Majority recommended the
Law Department make such inquiry
'as may appear warranted' of the
serious-looking criticism, finally
recommending whether a' license-
renewal plea should be carded for
hearing or revocation steps should
be taken.
The wave of fear was due to the
rejection of Craven's eight page mi-
nority report, which emphasized the
necessity of observing^jestraints im-
posed by the Constitution as well as
by the 1934 Act, and McNinch's de-
nunciation of the latter. While he
trailed with the majority as far . as
they went, the former Chief Engi-
neer advocated a much different pro-
cedure in keeping the industry up to
scratch, recommending abandonment
of both past and present methods of
punishing misconduct.
Custom . of slating renewal pleas
I
NOW IN EDITORIAL AND
ADVERTISING PREPARAHON
for hearing because of listener com-
plaints was roundly rapped by the
lone dissenter, who echoed industry
protests about the regulators' being
both prosecutor and judge. He re-
marked that often 'there is no real
intention, of inflicting the extreme
punishment,' even if the complaint
turns out to be well-based, and that
licensees have been 'subjected to
severe punishment by the publicity
and whispering campaigns carried
on by rivals.' In such cases, 'the
public, station employees, adverlis-
ers, and competitors are naturally
led to believe that the station's li-
cense is in real jeopardy,' ex-naval
officer observed.
Principles advocated by Craven,
conforming closely tci the ideas of
legal advisors and many industry
heads, are:
1. Turn over to the Justice .De-
partment for analysis and possible
court action all charges of conduct
contrary to criminal provisions of
the Act or in disregard of Commish
regulations.
2. Refer to appropriate other
agencies (Federal Trade Commission,
Food and Drug Administration, Post
Office Department, etc.) complaints
about programs which may violate
laws other than the Communications
Act. .
3. Make a distinction between
single or infrequent transgressions
and 'serious and repeated offenses.'
4. Resort to either renewal hear-
ings or revocation proceedings, only
after investigation produces 'a prima
facie 'case based upon such substan-
tial evidence, secured over a period
of time, as will indicate the actual
program service of the station and
consequently, the capability, of its
licensee to operate the station in the
public interest'
Bringing the issue to a head. Cra-
ven stressed the desirability of avoid-
ing any. policies which have the. ef-
fect of 'announcing or applying any
standard likely to encourage or force
licensees to exercise private censor-
ship' or which would compel, di-
rectly or indirectly, carrying of 'pro-
grams which the Commission thinks
best for the public' He advised that
while the Commish may discipline
station owners it is imperative to
guard against any course which
'would tend to destroy ,the very life-
blood of broadcasting in this coun-
try and vitiate the ' value of this
great, modern medium of mass com-
munication.'-
'Minor or isolated offenses ^ould
not be made the basis of exbeme
forms, of discipline,' Craven asserted.
'Part of the price that is necessarily
paid for the great liberty of freedom
of expression is that it will occasion-
ally be abused, but trivial or scat-
tered offenses do not justify sur-
rendering this freedom.'
In the case of conduct which may
look like disregard for public inter-
est, or may be in violation of spe-
cific acts or rules, Craven suggested
this procedure:
1. A report from the Law Depart-
ment as to the nature and serious-
ness of tiie offense; the Commission's
jurisdiction, and the sort o( action
indicated.
2. Careful weighing of the facts
before deciding to (1) file the memo
with the station's record; (?) make
formal investigation; (3) reference
to the Justice Department; (4) ref-
erence to appropriate other agency;
(5) letter informing licensee of find-
ings; (6) revocation proceedings; or
0) renewal hearing.'
Chicle Talent Qnest May
Tom to Actors Past 40;
Wrigley, Atlass Pender
Hollywood, March 7.
Decision is. expected to be reached
this- week at conferences between H.
Leslie Atlass and P. K Wrigley in
Chicago for a change of quarry on
tht Gateway to Hollywood program.
It's pretty d.eflnite that the hunt for
youngsters will not be continued on
the second quarter and that the ob-
jects of the search will be character
actors from -40 to 55 years old or
singers of all ages.~
Although Rachelle Germano of
Frisco was eliminated on last week's
semi-finals, she drew a stock contract
from RKO,
14 Types of Program Toison
Wasliiiigton, March 7.
FCC has hinted (sec story in adjacent coUitnu) the kifid
of (jrograiu that will almost certainly evoke displeasure
and involve possible discipline or deletion for ofTciiding sta-
tions. Broadcasters are warned against;
1. Fortune telling in any form.
2. Astrology or other (ake sciences.
3. .Solicitation of funds.
4. False, fraudulent or misleading advertising.
5. Defamatory statements.
6. Failure to allow equal opportimit}' to di.scuss all
sides of controversial issues.
7. Programs bordering upon tiie obscene.
8. Programs olTending religious or racial groups.
9. Taking sides (as broadcnsters) on political, religious
or racial matters.
10. ClifF-hanger kid shows.
1 1 . Booze glorification.
12. Interrupting concerts or music to insert advertising
announcements.
13. Too; much advertising in general.
14. Too many phonograph records.
WLW to Seek Recovery of 500 Kw.;
Puts Through \% Token Reduction'
Altoona Times-Tribune
Resumes Radio Column
Latest example, of a newspaper
abolishing its radio column as an
experiment and reinstating it be-
cause of reader sentiment, is the
Altoona TimeS-Tribune. Few weeks
ago the sheet cut out the daily stuff
written by Paul LeRoy Lamade,
radio ed, to see what would happen.
Logs were left undisturbed.
Move occasioned some disfavor
with readers, so Lamade's gossip and
chatter is being put back in starting
tomorrow (Thursday).
'Jack Armstrong' Show
To Knox-Reeves Along
With Wheaties Account
Chicago, March 7.
'Jack Armstrong' serial which Is
currently sponsored by Wheaties
through the Blackett-Sample-Hum-
mert agency here will go with the
General Mills account when Wheat-
ies shifts completely to the Knox-
Reeve^ agency on June 1.
In view of the K-R acquisition of
booking job on this program, B-S-H
here is now casting about for a new
kid show to uise for the General
Mills Korn-Kix product which stays
in the B-S-H fold.
Currently B-S-H has 'The Happy
Gilmans' pluggino, this new break-
fast food, but the agency feels that
the product, which is primarily a
kid item, would do better with a
show that appeals to youngsters as
well as adults. 'Gilmans' is a family
show aimed primarily at the matrons.
ONE RADIO BILL OFF,
OTHER STHl PENDS
Boston, March 7.
Introducers of a petition for a bill
creating . a state radio commission
with powers to license and regulate
all Massachusetts stations were
granted leave last week to -withdraw
the paper. Under the measure a
commission of three -persons would
have been appointed by the governor
and failure to obtain a license would
mean a fine of $5,000 or a year in
prison or both.
Still pending before the same legis-
lature is a bill bearing on the ques-
tion of broadcast libel, defamation,
profanity and obscenity. This bill
would make it mandatory for the
station to supply state authorities in
advance with the transcription of a
political or public affairs broadcast
Stations would be required to shut
off a broadcast if the speaker devi-
ated from the transcril>ed version.
Alfalfa on B'way
Hollywood, March 7.
With the race season nearing the
finish, Lum and Abner are consider-
ing a two-week broadcasting stand
in New York.
Rustics haye had several nags
running at Santa Anita.
Cincinnati, March 7.
WLW will continue its fight to re-
gain SOO,000-watt power. So states
James D. Shouse, general manager
of the Crosley Corporation's broad-
casting division, to Variety.
Last week the U. S. Circuit Court
of Appeals in Washington refused to
grant the station's plea for a stay of
the FCC order, by which the - signal
was reduced to 50,000 watts March 1.
'That action,' says Shouse, 'has not
discouraged us. We feel that there
is a fair chance for WLW to have its
super power restored within a' month
or so. The matter has ended with
the Federal Coinmunications Com-
mission and is now purely a legal
case. There is no ill feeling between
tlie FCC and our organization. Our
next step, which will probably ba
taken within two weeks, is to prie-
sent arguments in tite U. S. Circuit
Court of Appeals in Washington sup-
porting WLW's cause for restoration-
ot super power. Our counsel will
take time to properly prepare such
arguments.' °
Shouse indicated - that the case
would be' taken to higher courts If
need be.
When WLW's power reduction was
mr.dc effective, last w«ek, Shouse
issued tlie following statement con-
cerning the station's commercial'
rates:
'WLW at 50 kw will make a gen-
eral rate reduction of 10% to all
current running accounts. This is
pufely a token reduction, inasmuch
a;; it establishes the base WLW rate
lower than the $1,152 per evening
hour rate in effect since Sept 1. 1930,
also at 50 kws, since which time the
average clear channel station rate
increase has been about 70%. Bear-
ing in mind our night time half mil-
livolt line still includes Southern
Canada and all of continental United
States, north, cast and south, and is
eft'ected on the west only by retrac-
tion from Billings, Mont., to James-
town, N. D., WLW thus established
as more than ever the greatest buy in
radio.''
Speaking about the effect the pow-
er cut will have on the WLW staff,
Shouse stated: 'Whatever personnel
changes will be made will be minor
ones. There will be no drastic rer
ductions.'
Shouse stated Monday not a singlo
account had been dropped becau.se
of power cut and that there were uo
indications of cancellations.
WNAXJankton,S.DalL99
Min. /Box Social' Charges
25c in City Anditorinni
Yankton, S. D., March 7.
Saturday night barn dance will be
instituted by WNAX here, according
to plans set by sales' chief Haydn
Evans. Will get started on April IS
and will be known as the 'Box So-
cial' in order to get away from the
much-used 'barn dance' moniker.
Will play to regular audiences and
has made deal for use of the big
Civic auditorium, with admission to
be set at 25c. per. Will air 30 min-
utes ot the 90-minute show.
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
RADIO
VARIETY
41
Chain Income from Time Sales
NBC
1939 1938 1937 1936
January $4,033,900 $3,793,516 $3,541,999 $2,681,815
February 3,748,695 3,498,053 3,295,782 2,714,300
ToUl ....$7,782,595 $7,291,569 $6,837,781 $5,396,115
GBS
1939 1938 1937 1936
January $2,674,057 $2,879,945 $2,378,620 $1,901,023
February 2,541.542 2,680,335 2,264,317 1,909,146
ToUl ; '•• $5,215,599 $5,560,280 $4,642,937 $3,810,169
MUTUAL
1939 1938 1937
January $315,078 $269,894 $213,748
February 276,605 253,250 231,286
Total ; $591,683 $523,144 $445,034
NBC s February Tally, $3,748,695;
Columbia Net Grossed $2,541,542
NBC red (WEAP) link ran as
much as 10% ahead oi Columbia in
the gross billings of the respective
networks last month. Otherwise the
comparative income' setups fop NBC
and CBS were very much liktj they
have been ^ince April, 1938. NBC as
a whole was up 7.2% as compared to
February of last year, Columbia was
5.2% off and Mutual showed a gain
ot 9.2%.
Gross billings of NBC in February
were $3,748,695, with the red ac-
counting for $2,823,497 and the blue
<WJZ) network, $925,198. Same
month brought $2,541,542 for Co-
lumbia,
NBC grossed $3,498,053 in Feb-
ruary, 1938. It got $3,295,782 for the
previous February and $2,714,300 in
'36. CBS' tally for February, '38, was
$2,680,335, $2,264,317 in '37, and the
previous February, $1,909,146.
Colwell West as Doc
On Kellogg Program,
Which Gets 13-Wk. Stay
While visiting Battle Creek last
week John U. Reber, radio head of
J. Walter Thompson, obtained an
okay from Kellogg for a 13-week ex-
tension of the account's Sunday night
program on NBC; Indications that
the program, is slated for a radical
change in theme and routining were
drawn from the circumstance Uiat
Bob Colwell, once chief radio script-
1st, was rushed out to Hollywood
Thursday (2) by the agency. Tiffany
Thayer, who has been doctoring
'Howie Wing* (Kellogg) for the
agency, will co-wrile the 'Circle'
script.
Colwell has devoted his time al-
most exclusively to ad copy writing
and supervising for Thompson dur-
ing the past two years. George
Faulkner, original scriptist on the
'Circle,' goes back to the Rudy Val-
lee show.
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS'
MET OPERA BALLY
Cleveland, March 7.
As a trailer-ballyhoo for Metro-
politan's twelfth opera season here,'
March 27-April 1, Sherwin-Williams
Paint Co. is tossing a free pre-opera
concert March 20 in the 10,200-
capacity civic auditorium.
Six of Met's new singers, winners
or semi-flnalists in the S-W 'Metro-
politan AudiUqns of Air,' will be
soloists in the program setting a new
precedent for giveaways. Vocalists
to consist of Maxine Stellman, Mar-
garet Carlisle, John Carter, Nicholas
Massue, Leonard Warren and Robert
Nicholson, giving high-lights of
scheduled productions.
Box office where 10,200 ducats
were given away was literally
swamped by a mob of music fan-
atics who stopped traffic on the
'treet Line started at daybteak and
got so long that extra cops were
called out to keep it in order.
March ot Time waltzes into its
ninth radio year. Roy Larsen started
>t on March 6. 1931.
MARS, RALSTON PERK UP
BLUE AND CHICAGO
. Chicago, March 7.
Latest advertiser to be added to
the roster of NBC Blue web users is
the Mars Candy Co., which will stiart
a weekly 30-minute spread over a
14-station hookup starting on April 1.
Mars is using a quiz type program
with audience participation. Will be
called 'Prof. I. Q.' and will utilize
standard information questions of
general interest. Time: 9:30 p.m.,
CST. Grant agency here set the
deal.
Ralston's 'Inside Story,' which was
tested on the Coast on Columbia
starts on March 14 over a coast-to-
coast Blue web through the Gard-
ner agency.. This show, as the Mars
program, will originate in Chicago.
On the fire for additional Blue web
usage are a flour and a candy com-
pany, with the contracts reported
near signature.
In nearly all instances the shows
will be Chicago origination, mark-
ing a spurt in Chicago production.
Duchin, Kyser Broadcast
Butt Shows from Cleve.
Cleveland, March 7.
Eddie Duchin is piping his Pall-
Mail show through WTAM for two
weeks while his band is playing
dance dates in Cleveland territory.
Morton Downey flew in Monday (6)
for first broadcast and is coming
back next Monday (13) for final
one, allowing Duchin to play for.
Western Reserve prom here March
24 as well as a split-week in Akron's
RKO theatre.
Kay Kyser is airing his Lucky
Strike show over WTAM, too, dur-
ing his vaude appearance at RKO
Palace in Cleveland week of March
10. Kyser turned down station's
ofler to use its biggest studio, and
will stage his broadcast March 15 in
Carter Hotel's Rainbow Room, which
has capacity of 1,200.
HILLBILLY STUFF BIG
Consolidated Drug Products 14 Hours
Weekly on WHAS
WHN, DUE FOR 50 KW. UNDER HAVANA
PACT, SUGGESTS WHITE NETWORK TO NBC
Louisville, March 7.
Hillbilly talent is finding plenty
of employment on WHAS lately,
with Consolidated Drug Products
boosting its total hours on the sta-
tion to 14^ weekly. First stanza is
on for a solid hour, 7 to 8 a.m., titled
'Early Morning Jamboree.' After-
riooii session is labelled 'Home Folks
Jamboree' which hits the aU: from
3 to 4 p.m., Mondays through Satur-
days.
Asher and Little Jimmie, assisted
by Jim's little brother, Buddie, hill-
billy singing and guitar, are filling
two 15-minute spots dally, Mondays
through Fridays, on behalf of
Peruna. Giveaways are a bible,
calendar-thermometer, and photos of
the Sizemore family.
In addition to the Consolidated
Drug airings, the station carries a
lengthy hillbilly show each Satur-
day night, Kentucky Play Party, on
which the station's array of nasal
vocalists- and guitar pluckers strut
their stuff.
PAUL SUUIVAN GOING
TO WHAS, LOUISVniE
. Cincinnati, March 7.
Paul Sullivan, newscaster, who
signed last week to join WHAS,
Louisville, May 1, after expiration
of his present contract with the
Crosley Corp., has been taken off his
twice-nightly spots on WLW and put
on standby announcements on small-
ie WSAL Peter Grant, chief of the
WLW-WSAI staff of announcers and
who has been doing newscasts for
long, replaced Sullivan on WLW'«-
11 p. m. stanza.
Highest-salaried spieler for all
time on the Crosley stations, Sulli-
van takes rank as radio's probable
best-paid standby announcer by rea-
son of the demotion, which does not
lessen his contracted weekly compen-
sation.
Sullivan was signatured for the
Louisville station by Bob Kennett,
program director, who formerly was
program director of WLW. On
WHAS Sullivan will do' a newscaist
at 10 p. m. CiST, nightly except Sun-
day, which is the same EST time as
he has been heard on WLW. He
will be sponsored by the Brown &
Williamson Tobacco Co. According
to Kennett, Sullivan will spread to
a CBS net broadcast after several
months on WHAS.
Unlikely That NBC Could Entertain Proposal Under
Existing Conditions — Columbia Has Always Side-
stepped Secondary Coverage
Quick Twist
Informed of a fractional drop
in his C-A.B. rating, Goodnrian
Ace quipped:
'People seem to be giving up
good things during Lent'
NEW YORK FUND
DEMANDS 3-HR.
CUFFO
New York stations, particularly
those releasing network programs,
are disturbed by the suggestion of
p.a.'s handling. the Greater New York
Fund that the 6 to . 9 p.m. stretch
Sunday, April 16, be set aside ex-
clusively for the opening broadcast
of the charity campaign. The broad-
casters are in sympathy with the
fund's idea of getting a peak audi-
ence but they think that listeners
might . not be so syinpathetic about
being deprived of the week's top
ratings shows.
Last year the fund sequestered but
90 minutes for the same purpose. It
was a Thursday evening, with the
event starting at 9 p.m. and going
over practically all New York sta-
tions.
Wurlitzer Retail Stores
To Schwimmer & Scott
Chicago, March 7.
Schwimmer & Scott agency here
has signatured as ad agency for all
Wurlitzer retail store copy and
billing on a one-year agreement.
S. & S. has spotted Wurlitzer re-
tail stores on the ether in some 12
cities across the nation and expects
to add several more key cities to
the list. .
Rockwell-O'Keefe now repping
Irene Beasley.
SYKES READY
TO QUIT FCC
Washington, March 7.
First break in the FCC ranks
under fire from Congress and. out-
side was indicated this week with
forecasts that Judge . Eugene O.
Sykes, veteran of more than 10 years'
Federal service, is quitting at the
end of the month to resume law
practice. No verification, but all in-
dications were the Mississippian,
who served as chairman of the pres-
ent agency at the outset, will hang
out his shingle and upset the bal-
ance of power.
Departure of one of the. 'four
musketeers' — Chairman Frank R.
McNinch, Thad H. Brown, and Paul
A. Walker are the others — who have
dominated decisions and operations
during the recent unpleasantness was
reported due to disgust occasioned
by the internal feuding and the con-
tinued condemnation of the agency.
Reports caused, universal surprise,
although intimates have reported in
recent weeks that Sykes was reach-
ing the end of his patience and de-
sired to step down into the relative
quiet of the legal profession. He was
said to have shown signs of doubt
about the course the FCC has been
following, although normally he has
trailed along dutifully behind Mc-
Ninch- in every important contro-
versy.
Outwardly Placid
Widely known among members of
the industry, Sykes has appeared
outwardly placid during the shout-
ing and shooting of the past three
years.. In private discussions about
the uproar, he has calmly remarked,
'I've seen them come — and I've seen
them go' during his service with the
old Federal Radio Commission, to
which he was an original appointee,
and with its successor. He and Com-
missioner Brown are the only two of
the FRC quintet who were carried
over by President Roosevelt when
the FCC was set up in the summer
of 1934.
Published reports of his decision
to quit the Government drew no
comment from the veteran this week.
He answered inquiries with a genial
'nothing to say,' although some indi-
viduals closely associated with him
understood he was seriously consid-
ering presenting his resignation.
From Commish sources camie reports
he will reach a conclusion in the
next 10 days.
Tri-City Network of Facsimile (Radio
Newsprint) Begins Tryouts March 12
WHN, New York, is trying to sell
NBC on . the idea of organizing a
third link, to be known as the White
Network, with the Loew station
serving as the local key. WHN has
the right under the Havana Treaty
to boost its power -to 50,000 watts.
It would, under the circumstan(;es,
assume the status of a class B fre-
qnency, using a diirectional antenna
of north and south . persuasion and
setting up a shield against radia-.
tions toward the west.
Under the suggested plan ttje
White would become a secondary
network, absorbing a majority of
the Blue's atfiliations outside the
basic area and in the supplementary
groups. The Blue Network itself
would be developed into a sort of
magazine coverage proposition, lim-
ited to around IS major markets. As
for the Red Network, it would have
its station lineup augmented to the
point where in aggregate number
and power it would rate as the
country's biggest network.
Belief around the trade is that,
even if NBC were interested in the
idea, it woudn't think of entering
such undertaking at this time,
chiefly since the Federal Communi-
cations Commission has yet to hand
down its findings on the recent
monopoly investigation.
In past years attempts have been,
made by officials 'within Columbia's
organization to sell William S. Paley
on a junior network project, but the
CBS prez at no time has shown an ,
inclination to pursue it beyond the ''
on-paper stage. Sam Pickard, the
former v.p. in charge of CBS sta-
tion relations, was the last to sub-
mit a elaborate presentation on the
junior network, proposal.
Amos 'n' Andy to CBS On
Airril 3;tBS Summer
Policy Still Not Set
Amos 'n' Andy move over to a
CBS hookup April 3. Switch was
motivated by Campbell Soup's wish
to garner a su);stantial discount by
having all its business on the books
of one network. Columbia itself con-
trols the Orson Welles show which
Campbell underwrites of . a Friday
night ov.er that link.
A & A will have comi^leted 10
years on NBC this .Aug. 19. CBS
hasn't decided whether it will allow
the Welles show and Amos 'n' Andy
to go off for vacations during the
coming summer.
Understood that Edwin C. H'll,
also now on NBC, washes up lor
Campbell in April.
$270,000 IN DIMES
CLEARED BY RADIO
By JOE KOlIiING - -
Cincinnati, March 7.
Now comes- a facsimile network! '
Plans for the setup, were being de-
cided upon today (Tuesday) at a
meeting here of Mutual Broadcast-
ing System engineers from New York
and Chicago and engineers of the
Crosley Corp., Cincy.
Co-op arrangement calls for use
of the Mutual network's lines be-
tween WbR, New York; WGN, Chi-
cago, and WLW here to transmit an
hour of copy each on designated
nights, after regular sign-off time.
First such joint broadcast will be
made March 12. Persons with fac-
simile sets in the proximitjCbf the
three cities will thus be enabled to
get nine feet of copy from three
different points. Duplications will
be avoided by the second and third
stations checking on earlier copy.-
How many times a week the'three-
way transmissions will be inade is
to t>e decided after the experiment
has been tried for a short while.
An expensive item of facsimile
transmission is the setting of type
and art work in the original copy.
Co-op plan will be mutually advan-
tageous by cutting such expense for
the stations involved, allowing them
a two-thirds savings jon a three-hour
hookup. Further economy will re-
sult from use of the Mutual sys
tem's intra facilities.
. Washington, March 7.
Radio's pulling power for charity
was established beyond doubt by the
results of this year's infantile
paralysis appeal. Check showed
last week that stations handled a
flood of $270,000 of donations in Ihe
form of ten-cent pieces during i'\e
'March of Dimes.' More than th:-:e
times as big as the collections in
1937.
Praise for . the aid of microphone
spielers was voiced by George E.
Allen, one of the heads of the Birth-
day Ball group. Figures tell the
story .'better than words or congratu-
lations,' Allen remarked.
Rnppert Beer Folds .
Ruppert beer folds its twice week-
ly musical program on WEAP, N. Y.,
with the March 17 broadcast and will
use Stan Lomax, sports commenta-
tor, on WOR, Newark, starting April
1. It will be three quarter-hours
a week. Run on WEAF will have
been 26 weeks.
. Same agency, ' Lennen & Mitchell,
has the Tidewater Oil account which
Lomax spiels for three other day& ot
the week.
42
VARIETY
RADIO
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
AFRA Adjustments, If Any, W91 Be
Made After Ample Data Is on Hand;
Pacific Rates One-Third Less
Reformed?
Tiffany Thayer, who authored
such flaming passion novel? as
'Seven Men,' 'Seven Women' -and
'The Old Goat,' has been doc-
toring the 'Howie Wing' scripts
at J. Waller Thompson.
Before dippins into kiddie tare
Thayer did radio commercial
writing for the same agency.
Babbitt Decides to Absorb $450 Cost
AFRA Rebroadcast Scale Imposes
Reports of wholesale cast reduc
tions, rebroadcast cancellations and
program discontinuances due to. the
application of the American Federa'
tion of Radio Artists code are scout
ed by offlcials of the union and not
borne out by independent observa-
tion. Leaders indicate they will re-
fuse to be stampeded by such stories,
but will -wait for conditions to be-
come thoroughly settled before con-
sidermg any adjustment. Even then,
ifSs explained, the problem will be
studied carefully before any action
is taken.
It was expected that an immediate
result of the code's enforcement
would be the dropping of certain
programs and cutting down on
others. Numerous reasons are of-
fered for such tactics. For example,
it is conceded that some sponsors
would become panicky at the pros-
pect of increased costs due to the
new code . and would cancel their
shows or drastically reduce talent.
In a few cases it was anticipated
that sponsor or agency irritation at
the AFRA victory might result in
some cancellations. Also, it was
thought likely that some, agencies
might deliberately cut down as much
as possible to create the impression
that the code is injurious to the in-
dustry. It is to allow any or all these
factors to become properly adjusted
that AFRA-'.is refusing to be hurried
into making concessions. Meantime,
the union may possibly undertake a
survey of the situation from all an
gles, as the basis for any future ac
tion on the question.
Dollars Vs. %
As for specific reports of programs
cancelling rebroadcasts tO; the Coast
because of the increased fees, AFRA
execs refuse to take them seriously.
While the upped costs sound pro-
hibitive if put in terms of percent-
ages, the union claims the actual
dollars and cents increase is negli
gible compared to prices for network
time and the potential market to be
reached. For instance, it is explained
that the rebroadcast fee for a IS
minute show is $10, compared to $15
for the regular broadcast, or an ad-
ditional cost of 65%. But the total
boost for a 20-character dramatic
show woiild amount to only $200.
Compared to the cost for lime and
the potential listening public on the
Coast, the union regards that increase
as trifling.
Certain members of the AFRA na^-
tional board admit privately, how-
ever, that some specific scales in the
code may be too high. They , refer
particularly to the fee for large
groups of singers. • For example, the
Thank You,
VARIETY!
WSM is proud of this confirmation of her tradi-
tional policy of service to her far flung audience.
WSM asks only an opportunity to demonstrate how
this service tradition can, and does, react to the
advantage of WSM advertisers.
scale for singers in choirs is $14, with
an additional $4 an hour rehearsal
fee.
Coast Production Break
San Francisco, March 7.
New commercial scale for radio
artists, appearing' on regional net-
works in the U western states was
discussed here last week in confabs
between Emily Holt, executive sec-
retary of the American Federation
of Radio Artists, secretary Vie' Con-
nors and other execs of the local
AFRA chapter, and I. B. KornWum,
executive secretary of the Los An-
geles chapter. Scale agreed upon is
said to be approximately one-third
less than that set for . coast-to-coast
commercial shows. All differences
between the local and Los Angeles
AFRA units were ironed out before
Mrs. Holt left for New York, where
the rates will be submitted to a
standing committee organized by ad-
vertising agencies to meet with
AFRA to settle all such demands.
Although no figures were divulged,
local AFRA execs claim the Coast
will get the break from sponsors
under the proposed new set-up, be-
cause the western scale will be so
far below eastern rates that it will
be to the sponsors' ad vantage, to try
out on the Coast any shows being
considered for national consumption.
The Coast scale, it is said, will be
such that it will enable sponsors to
cover more territory for less money.
Mutual Takes Basketball
Nationals from Denver
As usual. Mutual will air the Na-
tional AAU championship basketball
tournament from Denver Municipal
auditorium, originating from station
KFEL, Denver. Broadcasts will take
place March 17-18.
Shows will be taken by network
stations on a local participating ar-
rangement. Bill Welch and Joe
Myers will handle the pass-by-pass
description.
Sheboygan Makes Power
Boost a Civic Event
Sheboygan, Wis., March 7.
WHBL celebrated its boost of
power from 250 to 1,000 watts last
week with a banquet to 150 business
and social leaders in the community.
Walter J. Kohler,. former governor,
turned the switch.
Ed Cunnifl is the manager. Sta-
tion is owned and operated by the
Sheboygan Press.
Libel Alleged Vs. KGLO
Mason City, la., March 7.
KGLO is defendant in $10,000 libel
suit filed in district coUrt here by
Helen Schultz Brewer, once Iowa's
'Bus Queen,' . now retired. She
charges KGLO broadcast a -news
story which said she had been ad-
judged insane. She olso charges she
•had enjoyed and had good reputa-
tion in the community' before the
broadcast complained of.
Brewer suit asks $5,000 actual
damages and another flye G's ex-
emplary damages 'because of the
malice in the publication thereof,'
her petition alleging the story 'was
known by the defendant to be false
and untrue at the time the same was
published and broadcast'
Cosby Joins KXOK
St. Louis, March 7.
Clarence G. Cosby, who left KWK
on Feb. 1 after having been asso-
ciated with the station for nine years
as gen, mgr., has joined KXOK, in
charge of national sales.
KXOK, owned and operated by
the St. Louis Star-Times Publishing
Co., publisher of the Star-Times, a
p.m. rag, is the newest station here,
having been in operation less than
12 months.
B. T. Babbitt & Co. has withdrawn
th^ cancellation order 'on the trans-
cription broadcasts of 'David Harum'
over WOR, Newar-k: KNX. Los
Angeles, and KPO, San Francisco.
The cancellation had been put iii
when it was realized that the con-
tract with the American Federation
of Radio Actors would involve an
addition of $450 to the serial's pay-
roll. Babbitt has decided to absorb
the extra talent : charges.
WOR records the program from
the same line that feeds the show to
WEAF, N. Y., and the red link, and
rebroadcasts the installnient later in
the day. Other supplemental broad-
casts of similar arrangement which
WOR now carries are 'Myrt 'n'
Marge,' 'Hilltop House' and 'The
Goldbergs.'
ETHEL HAWES-BEN LEVIN
END 12-YR.PARTNERSHIP
Haziness Marks AFRA-Writers Guild
Dicker; On Again-Off Again Stuff
Question of jurisdiction over radio
authors, at issue for the last few
months between the American Fed-
eration of Radio Artists and the Ra-
dio Writers Guild, grew much more
involved this week. Reports from
the Coast that the matter had been
settled and a subsequent story , that
the AFRA*^ national board had ap-
proved the action were both denied.
With the original statements being
reiterated, the whole question is
enveloped in a thick fog of conflict-
ing claims and hush-huch tactics.
According to word from the Coast,
a meeting of a joint AFRA-RWG
committee last Tuesday night (31)
passed a resolution, subject to ap-
proval by the AFRA national board,
awarding national jurisdiction over
all radio scripters to the Radio
Writers Guild. Although the word-
ing of the agreement was vague and
open to misconstruction, it appeared
to call for an altered setup of the
Guild on a national scale, with the
council increased to 30 members, of
whom the Los Angeles, Chicago and
New York areas would each name
10.
Thoueht It All Set
Arrangement for the transfer to
the Guild within 60 days of all
scripters now in AFRA was also set,
with actual details left to a joint
steering committee to be selected
l-ater. Resolution stated in- fairly-
clear terms that AFRA conceded the
jurisdiction to the Guild. Henry
Fiske Carlton and Mrs.. Ruth
Adams Knight, who had been sent
from New York by the Guild to sit
in on the huddles, planed back east
later in the week, apparently in the
belief that the whole issue had been
settled and that an outright break
between the two organizations had
been averted.
AFRA national board considered
the matter at its regular meeting
Thursday night (2) and was reported
to havfe approved the action of the
Coast group and also to have passed
a supplementary resolution pledging
'coopefttion' with the Guild. When
word of the action of the two meet-
ings was revealed, however, it was
emphatically denied by AFRA rep-
resentatives both in New York and
Los Angeles. At both sources it was
stated that no decision regarding
jurisdiction had been reached, but
that the matter had merely been
'discussed.' Guild officials expressed
themselves as mystified. Wonder
was expressed by individual AFRA
members at the union's denial of
the reports, while the reason for
secrecy in the matter was also ques-
tioned.
Cleveland, March 7.
Partnership of Ethel Hawcs and
Ben Levin, who collabcd in home
economics programs over WGAR
and defunct WJAY for 12 years,
blew up last week. Dissension
rumored to be caused by conflicting
policy opinions for their proposed
Merchandise Mart, Inc., which has
been postponing its proem Jjr the
last six months.
Her new partner may be Charles
L. Burns, one-time owner of WJAY,
who will take Levin's place as di-
rector of the mart. Venture is a
new wrinkle in displaying and pro-
moting products of national manu-
facturers, using a radio set-up for
lectures, demonstrations, etc.
Burns has been trying to crash
into radio business since he sold
WJAY to newspaper corporation,
which renamed it WCLE. He and
several food-terminal magnates re-
cently applied to FCC for permit to
open a fifth station in Cleveland, but
were turned down on grounds that
to.;n had enough stations.
No,w.lels see ., . . Z we rece.ived an Amerjcani7.alion
award . . won q Vanely Showmanship plaque . . and
last week were presented wiih ihe "Award o( Repewal."
for anolher year by Proctor d Gamble. Ol coors*. we
receive Advertising "Awards oi Renewal-, quite often.
. Il.'s onJy, natural, lor they are based on our "Sales
AwoTci';- which Sponsors get every day" When Ihey
exploil "The Italo-American Way! '
NEW YORK
1000 WATTS
THE INTERNATIONAL
aROADCASTINC CORP
JJ jjSl
NEW YORK
5000 WATTS
r
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
RADIO
VARIETY 43
KXOK Got Its License on Phoney
Promises, KSD Claims in FCC Rap
St. Louis, March 7.
Feud between the St. Louis Post-
Dispatch and St. Louis Star-Times,
rival p.m. rags, and operators of
KSD and KXOX, respectively, burst
forth anew last week when KSD
filed a 43-page petition for general
and special relief with FCC after
KXOK had applied for 5,000 days,
1,000 nights on 630. Brief filed
virtually implies, thirough. excerpts
of testimony from past . hearings at
FCC, that Star-Times misrepresented
and mislead commish v/bcn station
was granted 1,000 watts on 1250.
Citing early history KSD's petition
implies that Star-Times which also
owns KFRU, Columbia, Mo., traf-
flc'.ted in licenses.
This action of KSD brings up an
old feud between both rags and the
Lutherans who operate KFUO and
take some of KSD's time cream. In
presenting Star-Times case for 1250,
one J. 'Bill' Williams, testified that
38% of the time would be used for
local, ciyic, labor, charitable, religious
and. educational programs. After six
months of operation KSD calls this
in error. Also in tlie document:
Star-Times stated that news broad-
casts would be unsponsorcd and for
the benefit of the community. Peti-
tion alleges .that.' hews airings, are
sold to breweries and clothiers.
Statement that Dr. Henry J. Gcrlingi
superintendent of the St. Louis
Board of Education, promised to
broadcast regular sked over KXOK
also is challenged. St. Louis Public
School programs are aired regularly
over the St. Louis University .station,
WKW.
■ All other stations in St. Louis,
WIL. WEW, KFUO, KMOX and
KWK have been advised of KSD's
petition of action and the St. Louis
radio pot is really going to boil, with
WEW searching for full time; KFUO
wanting a divorce from KSD; WIL
injured because of law suits result-
ing from its efforts to protect their
right to increased power and time,
and hints of trafficking in wave-
lengths.
Nature of relief requested by KSD
recommends to the commish that it
is entitled to 630 and suggests swap
between KXOK- and KSD whereby
KXOK would share time with
KFUO instead of KSD. Both KFUO
and. KSD have been trying- to be
divorced for more than five years.
In January KSD withdrew its appeal
filed in the United States District
CouKt of Appeals in Washington,
D. C, after the FCC had denied its
application for full time.
J. Frank Burke of KFVD
Gets California Position
Sacramento, March 7.
J. Frank Burke, president of radio
station KFVD, Los Angeles, and
former Santa Ana publisher and
primary . campaign manager for
Governor Culbert L. Olson, was
named ' a member of the State
Board of Control this week.
At the same time Burke's daugh-
ter, Mrs. Mary Burke King, for-
mer newspaper womap, was ap-
pointed a member of the board of
trustees of the California Institution
for Women.
HOLLYWOOD CROWDED
Program Influx Taxes Chain "Studio
Facilities
Helen Hayes is set for Edgar
Bergen's first Chase & Sanborn show
in N. Y; March 12, while the troupe
is vacationing east.
Hollywood, March 7.
Heavy influx of programs from
the east has network heads worried
about studio accommodations. With
Professor Quiz, Bob Trout, Ben Ber-
nie and Robert Benchley either here
or heading this way in the next six _
weeks, CBS is looking around for \
Regional Webs Reveal Operations
As FCC Hearings Continue
Washington, March 7.
Operations and practices of radio's
new remote spots or doubling up in ji'i brother networks— the regional
their rental theatres. ' groups— highlighted by disclosure
Oa'Jf^el^nnrTrUKith^^V,^^^
uiuautaoia auu nuuy vaiiee week's by FCC chain-monopoly probe
March 16. letter's stand is indefi- 1 .. ... ,, „, . „
nite as^he has a picture to do at
Shepard Hires Aide
Boston, March . 7.
Robert T. Bartley, former director
of the telegraph division in the Fed-
.e'ral Communications Commission,
has been hired by John Shepard, 3rd,
head of the Yankee Network, to be
his executive secretary.
Bartley takes over March 27.
paraded across the witness stand,
Informal business methods of
Pacific Broadcasting Co., loose asso-
ciation of 14 Oregon and Washington
transmitters linked to provide outlets
for Don Lee and Mutual webs in the
Northwest, were related by Carl E.
Haymond, owner of KMO, "Tacoma,
and KIT, Yakima, and president of
the organization. Plants were pre-
viously unable to get network af-
filiations because of high line costs.
With Pacific underwriting, the
monthly cost of phone lines connect-
ing the various stations with Don Ijee
— Mutual at San Francisco, runs at
least $9,400 monthly, with 1938 out-
lay totaling $131,324.
The stations give seven tree night
hours weekly instead of paying for
wires, Haymond explained. ' From
sale of the gratis time, the company
had gross revenues in last fiscal year
of $125,825 and expenses of $124,320,
leaving profit of $1,504. Haymqnd
puzzled the Commish by remarking
that while no salaries were paid of-
ficers each of three directors got
dividends of a. little over $3,000. The
$9,000 item was included in the ex- .
pcnses, he explained.
$100 Investment
Virginia Broadcasting System, ac-
cording to the S. C. Ondarcho, mana-
(Continued on page 60)
TRANSAMERICAN INTO
NEW STUDIOS APRIL 1
Transamerican Broadcasting &
Television Corp'. is moving April 1
to new. quartei-s. It has taken the
three upper stories of the old Aeolian
building in upper Fifth avenue. Two
floors will be devoted to executive
and general oft'ices while the top
floor will be used for tlie production
department and studios.
Technical setup will be so ar-
ranged as to allow for the feeding of
Transamerican-produced shows di-
rect to the networks. Two Trans-
merk serials that are slated to orig-
inate immediately from the new stu-
dios are 'Life Can Be Beautiful' and
This Day Is Ours,' both of which are
backed by Procter & Gamble over
CBS. WMCA, N. Y.'s studios are
now being leased for this purpose.
DUDLEY MUDGE AT B-S-H
Chicago, March 7.
Dudley Mudge has joined the
Blackett-Sample-Hummert agency
here as account exec. Not yet as-
signed to specific client, however.
Mudg^ w.as -formerly with the J.
Waiter Thompson outfit.
ns f|
Mwiotui RiraESoinnvES :
EDWARD PETM' A €0i ''
ON THE NBC RED NETWORK
ITH INCREASING MOMENTUM
with each passing month ... a new star has been in the making at
WLW. Tills new star is Peter Grant ... the best liked, most de-
pended upon news commentator in aU WLW land. His increasing
popularity first became evident in mail count studies. Round the
clock coincidental surveys made at regular intervals during the past
year showed his daytime shows for, such' advertisers as Hoosier
Kitchen Cabinets, Olson Rugs, Best Foods, and Bond Gasoline were
ptand-outs in an already dominant WLW schedule. Boscul Coflfee
found Peter Grant's Sunday Evening Newspaper of the Air growing
so fast in popularity that they placed it on NBC. Then just last week
Peter Grant's three time a week Front Page Parade went commer-
cial for Richman Bros. Clothing Co. on a Mutual Network. These
things all gave added impetus to the widespread feeling that Peter
Grant was becoming The Nation's Station's top news commentator..
In putting Peter Grant in WIjW's top news spot at 11:00 P. M«
daily, WLW news shows will more than ever be the top news shows
of the nation.
WLW
The Nation's Station
National RepresenUtives: Transamerican— New York, Oiicago, Hollywood
44 VARIETY
RADIO
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
Inside Stuff-Radio
After etght years the stockholders' suit which arose from the purchase
by CBS of some $5,000,000 worth of Its own stock from Paramount Pictures
Corp. has been completely buried. The Appellate Division of the N. Y.
supreme court last week affirmed a lower court order dismissing the action
brought against the network and Paramount in 1931 by Robert S. Levy, a
Paramount stockholder, who objected to the transaction.
The case remained unpress'ed by Levy until the early part of 1935 when
CBS asked for dismissal of the suit and summary judgment against Levy.
Some time after these mc^ions had be^ granted Levy entered an appeal
against the dismissal. LfCter lilcewise remained dormant and again CBS
forced a showdown.
Mutual and WOR, its New York key, laid claim to a 30-second beat over
the CBS and NBC outlets on the announcement of the election of the new
Pope, Pius XII, Thursday (2). Mutual had been hooked up to the Vatican
station, HVJ, when a Vatican spokesman announced that the choice had
been made and the name would be revealed in a half hour. Because of
this same connection Mutual was able to get in with the actual choice
before Columbia, Latter was hampered by the fact that it had to depend
on a relay from a shortwave pickup at Forest Hills, L. I. Mutual also
garnered newsprint attention when the Associated Press credited it in a
bulletin as the first source of the Papal selection.
Baseball will be the champ free time grabber this summer due to the
celebration of the game's 100th anniversary. In addition to a series of
six programs from WSAI, Cincinnati, which many stations are carrying,
there will be an open day in the big league schedules during June, at
which time the Steve Hannagan publicity offices will ask broadcasters to
pick up on the cuff the doings in Cooperstown, N. Y., where baseball'
originated. Bob Hawk's People's Rally program on Mutual is currently
devoting three sessions to propound the question of what face should go
on the U. S. Government's baseball commemorative stamp issue.
Misanthropic Note
On March 13, Lynn Farnol, Jo Milward and Mrs. Jo Milward will appear
before John McGuirk of N. Y. City to give their depositions in a $250,000
-suit brought by Cyril Charles Maison against CBS, Inc., and Pickford-
Lasky Productions, Inc., in California.
The suit claims the plagiarism of plaintiffs' script dealing with pirates
In a broadcast over CBS on June 2, 1936, in which Errol Flynn appeared
as a pirate. Farnol and the two Milwards wrote the script for the broad-
cast, the defendants claim.
Atmosphere is plenty tense on a Coast comedy show, what with the two
leading zanys at each others throats and threatening to start punching at
any time. There's a taut feeling among other members of the cast when,
the warring airmen work together at the mike. Blowup came recently
when everybody's option was taken up except one of the belligerents. Those
on the program won't be at all surprised if the going-offer starts swinging
at his adversary before he takes leaves of the show.
Home offices of the American Tobacco Co. firmly denied Monday (6) the
rumor that the combine was practically set on switching its Lucky Strike
business from Lord & Thomas to Young & Rubicam. Statement from the
ATC was that there was absolutely no foundation for the report
Y & R has for some time been handling the combine's Half and Half
tobacco and Pall Mall cig advertising.
^SS ree/pes from six I VUfJIfT
5mmi£fe$pats?HfAef€?\ \ofm/se/
Seattle, March 7.
A surprise was thrown in the
laps of the local industry when
a recent survey was made for a
sponsor.
During the checkup one of the
larger sections of the city showed
that 68% of the dialers listened
to political blah and only 12%
tuned in when people with
something to say had the air.
DEPT. STORES
GET CORDIAL
INBALTO
* And, of course, you
can buy WMT in com-
bination with W.NAX
and KSO or KRNT at
an exceptionaliy low
rate.
Between January 10 and 21, six 5-
minute spots promoting a recipe
contest (for a women's publication,
mind you) produced 4,455 replies
from WMT listeners.
That is food response — ^where it
counts.
WMTs 600 kilocycle frequency puts
a stronfi; sifpial into more than 69,
000 square miles of the richest part
of the midwest.
Cedar Rapids and Waterloo are only
part of the picture. WMT's daytime,
primary area population is 3,151,'
776—747,569 radio homes. Retail
business is greater than $800;00€il'
000.
You can buy a quarter hour on WMT
for as little as 3 cents per thousand
radio families.
To produce sales at minimum cost in
most of Iowa, Western Illinois,
Southern Minnesota, Southwestern
Wisconsin — it's WMT, of course.
Cedar Rapids. Waterloo • NOKOoeyelet
NB{ BiiM-linS * sera Watts LSL • lOM Watts Mght
»*pffnU4 by THE KATZ AGENCY
Baltimore, March 7.
After a period of inaction the local
department stores are again begin-
ning to nod cordially in the direction
of Baltimore stations. The retailers
are asking for suggestions for air
merchandising angles or themselves
ideas for tieups that will lead to time
buys.
Instance of resurging interest is
the bid that the Hub Store made to
WBAL for the installation of the lat-
ter's newsroom stunt in one of the
Hub's street show windows, after
the thing had clicked in another de-
partment store window (Hutzler's).
WFBR has just this week been asked
by one of the swankier stores to
work out something on a series of
style broadcasts, WCBM is becoming
intrenched in the buildup campaign
of the basement section in still an-
other .emporium.
PRIORTTY CLAM PAID
ON WOMATION, PLS/
Priority claim made by Peggy
Decker, now a freelance continuity
writer in New York, on the pro-
gram, 'Information Please,'- has been
settled by NBC through a cash pay-
ment of $1,500. Miss Decker had
created a pro-am alonjg similar
lines on WRNL, Richmond, four
months before NBC started to broad-
cast its own version. Her stanza
likewise offered 'to pay a prize for
any question that she and her asso-
ciated experts couldn't answer.
Miss Decker brought the matter to
NBC's attention last fall. Later she
retained Julian T. Abeles as counsel
to press the matter. NBC at no
time denied the claim, and after a
couple of months of inquiry and dis-
cussion with all concerned the net-
work submitted a settlement offer.
Pitt. Has Its Own
Pittsburgh, March 7.
Program closely patterned after
NBC's 'Information Please" has just
been sold, to Peters Packing Co.,
makers of No-Link sausages, by
Alan Trench, who'll produce, for
WWSW, Pittsburgh. It's labeled
'The Authorities Answer' and will
hit the air once weekly for half-
hour over 13-week stretch.
Show will be Fadimaned by for-
mer Mayor William McNair and is to
employ a regulair sUff of three ex-
perts, with a guester in some par-
ticular field on each broadcast
Sponsor, in addition to paying $1 for
each question used and $5 for those
the wise guys can't answer, will also
donate $50 each week to charity.
Guester has the privilege of being
the recipient of the half a century
note.
Ralph Allum, formerly with
Blackett-Sample-Hummert, is ac-
count exec engineering J. C. Penney
company radio invasion of 16 mar-
kets through Pedlar & Ryan agency.
Jettabee Ann Hopldns scripts im-
ported with their writer, from WOW,
Omaha, will probably bear revised
title of 'Jerry's Adopted Daughter*
instead of "The Jangles as on WOW.
69.MI Syw WkfiflH ilCIEST MUT of tte MIIWEST
DEFAMATION PROtECTION
IMIssoarl Bill Would Exempt Stations
For Speakers 'CracKs
St. Loiiis, March 7.
A bill to relieve Missouri radio
stations from liability for defama-
tory statements made as part of
broadcasts by candidates for political
offices and by office holders was in-
troduced last week in the State
Legislature by Senator Phil M. Don-
nelly of Lebanon. The bill is in-
tended to protect the stations from
libelous statements made by speak-
ers who depart from manuscripits
which have been submitted and
passed on by the station operators.
While there have been no libel
or damage suits, growing out of such
cases, Missouri stations feel they are
entitled to this protection.
Spot Campaigns
(Neto, Renewed or Pending)
A. & F. Coin Coming Up
Washington, March 7.
Broadcasters will get a share of the huge sum— reported to be in the
neighborhood of $1,000,000— which the A&P chain stores will spend in
advertising as part of the fight against anti-chain legislation threatened
in Congress. Prospect of being cut in on the melon was made known to
NAB execs last week as understanding was reached over the attempted
time chiseling of Carl Byoir, prominent propagandist, running the A&P
campaign.
First use of radio stations occurred in Pennsylvania last week, but broad-
casters in other localities will lie given business as the crusade gains speed,
NAB was told. No details yet as to amount of time, location of the micro-
phone campaign, or the prospective revenue.
Trade circles have been hearing for several weeks that Byoir will have
a huge war chest for the good-will missionary work he is attempting with
the idea of heading oft restrictive bill proposed by Rep. Wright Palman
of Texas. Previously the propagandist indicated he. would confine ex-
penditures to visual media, with the bulk destined to go to newspapers.
Animosity developed when, following these hints, Byoir organization
propositioned stations about carrying his Parade of Business feature as a
sustainer.
Copy for the controversial program was examined last week at a con- '
ference of NAB staffers and Byoir representatives. While no bindiiig
agreement was reached, promise was given to consider the specific criti-
cisms from the broadcasters' viewpoint and think about revisions to re-
move the objections.
Trade reports have Byoir getting between $25,000 and $50,000 monthly-
believed close to $40,000 — from A&P for advisory services and super-
vision of the campaign, . Publicity man is working closely \yith Paris &
Peart agency, which handles grocery advertising, as- well as with other
important store chains.
4
Boynton Hay ward, of Batten, Bar-
ton, Durstine & Osborn, on road to
look over station program availabili-
ties and audition talent.
PtelRer Brewing will again bank-
roll Harry Heilmanns 'Baseball Ex-
tra' program over WXYZ, Detroit.
NBC Spot Sales, New York, has
recently signed up nine new ac-
counts on WEAF and WJZ, accord-
ing to Maurice M. Boyd, local sales
manager. . To wit:
Modern Food Process Co.
Revelon Nail Enamel Co.
Reid's Ice Cream (Borden Co.).
Charles B. Knox Gelatine Co.
Breakstone Bros., Inc.
W. L, Douglas Shoe Co.
Scott Paper Co.
Gruen Watch Co.
Morris Plan Industrial Bank
N. Y.
of
Con-
An-
WEEI, Boston, New Biz
Scott Furriers, Inc, Boston,
tinental Advertising Agency,
nouncements.
Rastcratt Publishers (valentines)i
Badger & Browning, Inc.
Albany Carpet Cleaning Co. (car-
pet cleaning). Dickie - Raymond
Agency.
Wing cigarettes sponsoring John B.
Hughes after April 1 in new quar-
ter-hour newscasts over KSFO, San
Francisco CBS outlet. Tom Wallace
of the Russell-Seeds agency and
Larry Allen,, manager of Consoli-
dated Radio Artists, who represented
Hughes, handled the deal.
General Brewing Corp. (Lucky
Lager Beer), through McCann Erick-
son. Inc., San Francisco, announce-
ments.
Antrol Laboratories, Inc., of Los
Angeles (Snarol), through J. Walter
Thompson, San' Francisco, is partici-
pating in Elma Latta Hackett's
'Friendly Homemaker? program
three days weekly for 12 weeks over
KSFO, San Francisco. Also using
spot announcements on KPO.
National Fanding Corp. (loans),
through Smith & Bull, Los Angeles,
announcements.
MeRoskcy Alrflex Mattress Co.,
through Emil Brisachet &. Staff, Jias
renewed through April 20 its weekly
quarter-hour 'Sleep Serenade' pro-
gram with reader Archie Prcsby,
tenor George Nickson and organist
Leslie Harvey over KPO, San Fran-
cisco.
Stayner Corp. of Berkeley (Cal.)
(Minra water), through Ervvin Wasey
& Co. with KSFO, San Francisco,
for a weekly 'Spelling Bee' starting
March 7.
Gruen Watch has entered the mar.
ket for time signals. Its initial buy
involves the daytime schedule of
WEAF, New York Key for NBC's red
network.
. With the entry of .Gruen there are
watch manufacturers using time sig-
nals ' in the local field. Others are
Bulova, Benrus, Westfield and Lon-
gine.
KXOK, St. Louis, New Biz
Monroe Cleaning Co., Si. I/>uis,
30 min., remote weekly (Voice of the
People).
Baldwin Piano Co., St. Louis (mu-
sical instruments). 15 min., studio
program weekly.
Associated Retailers, St. Louis, re-
mote. Joe Batt Agency, St. Louis,
Burns Lee, coast publicity chief
for Benton & Bowles, altar bound in
June.
■
■^eincadaj, March 8, 1939
RADIO
VARIETY
45
McNinch Blows His Top
Astonished Newspapermen Colony Buzzes with
Speculation Following Attack on Craven
Washington, March 7,
policy disagreements within the
fCC led to an unprecedented demon-
stration oftitterness last week when
Chairman Frank R. McNinch pub-
licly blasted Commissioner T. A. M.
Craven and simultaneously yelped
about misrepresentation pf commish
actions in the press. The sensational
Bight ol one member of a federal
agency openly damning a colleague —
In a manner which startled veteran
newspaper and political observers-
followed a split , on the question of
handling complaints (see separpte
story) after months of study by a
three-man cotnmittee whitih failed to
agree on a single report. Incident
was the outstanding evidence o? the
extent of bitterness extending over a
period of several months.
Playing of Craven-^second instance
In three weeks where McNinch open
ly displayed animosity toward a col
league— ^had a profound repercussion
in political and industry quarters.
General consensus was that the out-
burst wiped out all chances Congress
wiir approve McNinch's plan for re-
organizing the commish, makes a
sweeping Congressional inquiry more
likely than ever, and may cause
President Roosevelt to take drastic
steps to end bickering.'. In many
circles it was felt that instead of
putting' Craven in a hole,. McNinch
provided ammunition for his own
critics who have charged the sole
purpose of the reorganization drive
is to purge members who differ with
him and to have radio ruled by a set
of rubber stamps.
The blast was provoked by 'ar-
ticles published in a limited number
of newspapers, especially one cred-
ited to the Chicago Tribune Press
Service,' Wednesday (1), describing
the effect of the commission's vote
approving plan of Commissioners
Eugene. O. Sykcs and George Henry
Payne for handling complaints. Mc-
Ninch charged the yarns were in-
spired by 'gratuitous, alarmist state-
ments' by Craven, whom he accused
of attacking 'the intelligence, the in-
tegrity and the motives of the other
six conjmissioners' for the sake of
making 'a grandstand play of devo-
tion to free speech and opposition to
censorship.'
.After defending the ■ commish ac-
tion and upholding the Sykes-Payne
report, the irate chairman laid into
Craven with extraordinary sarcasm.
Dissenter was charged with going
"miles further than was asked or ex-
pected'_ of the .complaint committee,
.with his minority report on- punish-
inent procedure characterized as 'a
stOinp spe,ech and flag waving.'
" Recalls 'Horizon' Case
In disregard of published facts
McNinch angrily claimed Craven had
B*n 'a party to . . . the only two
ewes which- have even been conspic-
UQusly attacked' as typical of cen-
•oyship. Referred to the Mae West
and •'Beyond the Horizon' rebukes.
While' Craven declined to comment
publicly on this indictment, friends
pojntcjd out he reluctantly went along
«4 the spanking which followed the
flWst skit and strongly protested the
mcivo:to punish WTCN, Minneapolis,
fo^alring the Eugene O'Neill drama,
j^ry in Variety Oct. 5, 1938, said
™pHatiQ protest against grundyism
was filed by Comdr. T. A. M. Craven
v/ho insisted the official minutes con-
tein his . outspoken opinions on the
latest, twist of the, crack-down cam-
paign,' while daily press reported he
voted against paddling the Minneap-
olis licensee and the New York Daily
(Continued on page 60)
FAN MAjl^lNCREASE
Sharp Reaction as WTAG Driginaline
Some Local Shows
Worcester, March 1.
.WTAG is going in for local pro-
grams in a big way since Edward E.
Hill, managing director, took over
the reins in December.' At least a
dozen programs with Worcester
talent have been aired and during
the first six weeks of the year the
fan mail was more than 50% of that
during all of 1938.
Chief increase in mail has been
due to new 'Talent Discovery Pro-
gram,' arrailged and m.c.'d by
Chester Gaylord, chief announcer,
Saturday nights at Plymouth theatre.
Plymouth standing 'em in aisles
since program was introduced. Mail
votes one week hit the 3,000 mark.
Everything Happens —
N. C. Wavelen^ Scramble
Charlotte, N. C„ March 7.
North Carolina is in the midst of
a scramble for new wavelengths.
One move which is being bitterly
fought by newspaper interests ' con-
cerns the building of a station be-
tween Concord and Kannapolis by an
outside syndicate and a few local
businessmen.
Other seekers are Aubrey G.
McCabe and Trim W. Adylett, trad-
ing as the Albemarle Broadcasting
Co., who have picked out Elizabeth
City as the site and 100 watts nights
and 250 days on 1,370 k.c. as their
preferences on the spectrum.
BIFFS FROM BUFF
By Bod Reed
Buffalo, March 7.
'Don'i call It showmanship' sez
Variety of stunts in dubious taste.
How about showroanslips?
Edward ' G. (Bir Town) Robinson
is a managing editor who seems to
manage everything but editing.
Benny Goodman doubtless refers
to his chief menace as Artie Pshaw.
Noel Coward doesnt like Ameri-
can broadcasting, but he can be
broad-minded about American dol-
lars.
'Umbrella Man' is enabling Harms
to put something aside for a rainy
day.
Dr. Rockwell is expected to cure
the Blue network of low sales pres-
sure and fallen options.
Minneapolis, March 7.
During Keystone Fence show
on WCCO last Saturday evening
(4) a young woman visitor
stepped out from the studio audi-
ence of about 80 persons and
started disrobing. As the or-
chestra went into a hot mazurka
she got down to her undies and
by the time the baiid had finished
the number she was being her-
self.
The Bob o' Links, harmony
group, were startled by the sight
to the extent that they stopped
in the middle of a number.
Phone calls soon lit up the sta-
tion switchboard . asking how
come the Links' abrupt halt.
Meanwhile, a studio attache
dug up a spare overcoat and cov-
ered the girl. She apologized
profusely, explaining that hot
music gets her that way, but the
cops were called and she was re-
' moved to General hospital. She
is still being held for observation.
FCC SUPPED
AS'CAPRiaOOS'
Washington, March 7.
Denial of application of Hannibal
(Mo.) Courier-Post for a new local
outlet was arbitrary and capricious,
the District of Columbia Court of
Appeals ruled Monday (6), virtually
directing the FCC to issue a con-
struction permit for a low-power
transmitter using 1310 kc.
Latest reverse, for the FCC was
based on acceptance of the claim that
the- record emphatically shows the
need for local service in the Mis-
souri town and the commish was en-
tirely unjustified in holding a con-
trary opinion on the crucial issue in
an antiquated case; Matter has been
hanging fire for several years.
The decision, read by Associate
Justice Fred M. Vinson, reviewed
the proceedings, noting the examiner
originally recommended favorable
action ^ith power limited to 100
watts. Cominish rejected the recom-
mendation, holding that Hannibal
enjoys sufficient service from three
stations.
Adantic City s Chief Virtue For
Convention: Near to Washington
JACK HALEY OFF
Joe E. Brown May Be Shifted Into
Huskies Time Slot
Hollywood, March 7.
Continental Bread folds the Jack
Haley show on CBS with the April
7 broadcast. Same -agency's (Ben-
ton & Bowles) is dropping Joe Pen-
ner from Huskies (General Food)!
Post Toasties' Joe E. Brown (Sat.)
show may be moved into Penner's
Thursday spot.
Nnnns Acqoire WCMI
Aiihland, Ky., March 7.
Gilmore N. Nunn and J. Lindsay
Nunn have bought a controlling . in-
terest in WCMI from B. F. Forgey
and J. T. Norrls. The new owners
have taken over the station's opera-
tion and installed Robert MacKenzie
as manager. Joe Matthews is pro-
gram manager.
The Nunns formerly owned and
operated WLAP, Louisville.
Tick' Before Grand Jury
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., March 7.
Andrew P. Malone, the 'Pick' of
the radio team of 'Pick arid Pat'
(recently with U.S. Tobacco) against
whom State Police Corporal John
H. Curran preferred a charge of
possessing firearms without a per-
mit on Feb. 8, testified before the
Dutchess County Grand Jury last
Thursday.
Charge made after the entertain-
er's automobile trip from. New York
City to Fort Edward, N. Y., was in-
terrupted at Rhlnebeck at the re-
quest of William McMahon, an erh-
ployee on a Fort Edward farm
owned by Malonc. Curran quoted
McMahon as saying Malone was
carrying a gun.
HOYT MALLINSON ILL
Chicago, March 7.
Hoyt Mallinson is taking a leave
of absence, from the local Paul Ray-
mer office.
He's been ill ' and must rest for at
least a year before he can return to
work. Was at St. Luke's hospital
for several weeks, but Is now at
home.
Lawrence Hynn Takes a Powder;
John Shepard Out in Clear
Washington, March 7.
Lost nerve of the chief witness led
the FCC Monday (6) to drop the
proposed investigation of WNAC ind
WAAB. Boston, and the conduct of
John Shepard, 3rd. Renewal tick-
eU;. on the spike since last summer,
were issued by unanimous vote de-
spite continued refusal of the com-
mish lawyers to present a written
recommendation.
The sudden denouement in the
backstage drama came after Law-
rence Flynn, former Shepard em-
ployee and sole complainant, had
withdrawn his squawk which caused
the FCC several months ago to de-
cree, upon advice of the attorney.s, a
hearing to see if the Bay State out-
lets violated public interest in the
hot Boston mayoralty fight last year,
in crasading against dog racing and
in the 1938 Congressional election..
With friends of the . Yankee-
Colonial operator denying vehement-
ly there was any pay-olTi Flynn last
week asked the commish attorneys
to return his exhibits and affidavits.
When this was refused he wrote the
regulators that he was walking out
on his complaint. Without hope of
a principal witness the commish had
no alternative but to issue the reg-
ular six-month papers.
Washington, March 7.
Site of the 1939 NAB convention—
originally destined for San Fran-
cisco—was fixed last week when the
directorate decided to congregate at
Atlantic City in July. Headquarters
will be moved to the Ambassador
Hotel, where the industry can keep
an, eye on Congress, if the law-
makers are still in session, and be
prepared to jump if necessary to re-
sist a hurry-up attempt to write
radio control legislation. Dates are
July 10 through 13.
Making arrangements, the direc-
torate slated program standards for
thorough discussion and President
Neville Miller named the commit-
ee- which will draw up a code for
consideration of the entire business.
Group will review a mass of data
that has been collected by staff em-
Work or Play?
Choice of Atlantic City for the
annual convention of the Na-
tional Association of Broadcast- .
ers has inspired some trade com-
ment that it's a .strange environ-
ment for the 'first serious-minded
convention' of N.A,.B. Atlantic
City is strictly a playground,
and proud of it.
The preliminary organization
of 17 district pow-wows to pre-
date the invasion of the bathing
beauty capital is expected to
neutralize this criticism.
ASCAP— that old,debbil again
—will be the leading issue due to
the new contracts coming up for
signature in 1940.
ployees and industry leaders,
charged with the duty of boiling
down a mountain of suggestions and
scanning the principles now used tiy
networks and individual stations.
The other outstanding item on. the
convention agenda— aside from leg-
islation, which may or may not be
a worry at that date— is copyright
With contracts expiring next year
and no sign of any change in the
antiquated law which the trade has
sought rep'totcdly to have modern-
ized. Miller also named the com-
mittee which will go over this sub-
ject and lay plans for discussion at
the beach.
New York Committees
The committees, due to begin
head -scratching in New York two
weeks hence, are:
Program Standards— Edgar L. Bill,
WMBD, Peoria; E. B. Cranoy, KGIR,
Butte; Walter J. Damm, WTMJ, Mil-
waukee; Earl J. Glade, KSL, Salt
Lake City; Herbert Hollister, KANS,
Wichita; Edward Klauber, CBS;
Lenox R. Lohr, NBC; Paul W. Mo-
rency, WTIC, Hartford; Samuel R.
flosenbaum, WFIL, Philadelphia;
Theodore C. Streibert, MBS; Karl O.
Wylcr, KTSM, El Paso.
Copyright— Edwin V/. Craig, WSM,
r*a.shville; Walter J. Damm, WMTJ,
Milwaukee; John Elmer, WCBM,
Baltimore; Mark Ethridgc, WHAS,
Louisville; Gregory Gentling, KROC,
Rochester, Minn.: Edward Kl.iuber,
CBS; Lenox R. Lohr. NBC; Theo-
dore C. Streibert, MBS: Clair Mc-
CuUough, WGAL, Lancaster; John
Shepard. Ill, WNAC,' Boslon; and
Harold Whcclahan, WSMB, New Or-
leans.
(ADVEKTISB.MENT)
(AnVKRTI.SK.WKNT)
UHUE DON
WHAT'S THIS A800T
ONCLE OON HOLDING
THE BI66£$T 6 O'CLOCK
AUDIENCE IM NEW
YORK ON W O K ?
,^U&TTHAl! ANPWOB
TEU$^\E •OON PUUED
or THE STATION'S
TOTAL A^AIL rOH 1998
OF COURSE A
GUY CAN HAVE
THE 81 66 EST
AUDIENCE - GUT
MAYBE HE DOEtNT
SELL STUFF?
PONT KID YOURiELF.
ASK won TOR
PROOF. BETTER VET
ASK BORDEN.MALTEX,
GENERAL FOODS.
MAVBE UNCLE
OON IS WHAT
I NEED TO PUT
OVERTHIS NEW
KID FOOD.
YOU CANT CO WRONG.WOH
AND DON CAN SELL ANV-
THINO TO KIDS, WQR AND D0>1
MAKE ONE OF THE SWELLE^T
SELLIN6 TEAMS IN -RADIO.
46 VARIETY
RADIO
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
Beer Programs Doomed in Quebec-
Biggest User of Canadian Talent;
Debate Asking Public to Protest
London Calling
Sir Alfred Bntt, Herman Flnck,
Maud Allan, Herbert Oliver, Doris
Vane, Lewis Sidney and Ben Davles
are among oldtimers . roped in ior
broadcast story of Palace theatre,
Feb. 28. Drama critic S. R. Little-
wood, who did the script, will emcee.
CMQ, Havana, Loses NBC Tie on U.S.
Station Squawks; Pa^e Denied Cuba
Montreal, March 7.
Beer and wine pro-ams will be
banned in the Province of Quebec
after March 31 according to an an-
nouncement in the House of Com-
mons last week and advertising
agency meni broadcaster^, news com-
mentators, representatives of the
AFRA and the Musicians Federation
of Montreal (local 406 of the A. F. of
M.) were scheduled to meet early
this week (6) to discuss the latest
radio headache.
L. W, Brockington, chairman of
the- Board of Governors of the CBC,
stated before the Radio Broadcast-
ing Committee last week that permis-
sion for beer and wine radio com-
mercials in this province would prob-
ably be withdraXyn the end of this
month. "Until now liquor broadcast-
ing has been permitted in Canada
unless prohibited by provincial leg-
islation. Advertising . of hard liquor
has never been permitted over the
air.
The ban on beer sponsors will af-
fect the most popular radio programs
in the province. Christopher Ellis,
outstanding news commentator local-
ly, and Frank Starr, spots commen-
tator, are on the Molson Newscast in
English, over station CFCF. Albert
Duquesne and Bill Brosseau handle
similar assignment for Molson's Ale
in- French over station CKAC.
Gratien Gelinas, French-language
comic known as 'Fridolin,' who ap-
pears on a Black Horse Ale program,
is something of an idol among
French-Canadians who take their na-
tive entertainers seriously on the Eu-
ropean-style.
Elmer Ferguson, of the Montreal
Herald, appears for Labatt's in
Sports Digest in English;. Les Amour
de Petit Joe, for Labatt's in French;
Tonight at Eight,' variety show in
English for Black Horse, will also
be affected by the proposed CBC
regulation.
News commentators have discussed
telling their lister.ers of proposed
plan of the CBC 'to cut these pro-
grams oft the air with object of rous-
ing public protest against threaten-
Ing legislation.
In Old Kentucky
Revival of 'Top Hat' in radio ver-
' sion being slipped in by BBC Feb. I
• 24 in place of 'Moiite Carlo,' called j
oft on account of copyright snag$. I
Two stations that are in sym-
pathy with the Compton agency
campaign to get a 2% discount
. for prompt payments are WPAD* .
Paducah, and WCMI, Ashland,
Ky. '
In a letter of congratulation to
the two stations Murray Carpen-
ter, Compton time buyer, wrote
'it is certainly encouraging^ to
And that you have seen the jus-
tice of our request,' and added:
"This seems to be a banner, week
for. Kentucky/
I Constance Impey, one of Carroll
Levis's 'discoveries,' gets her first
I professional radio engagement as a
singer March . 8, on a program with j
BBC orchestra.
All-colored cabaret from Old Flor-
ida club, with Adelaide Hall top-
ping the ball, booked for 30-min.
stint on BBC visio program March
6; team includes Marko Hlubi, Es-
ther- and Louise, Eddie Lewis, and
Felix Sowande's choir and orches-
tra.
WHITE ASKS
RADIO 'REVIEf
Adelaide Hall is with Billy Bissett
Rinso program for 13 weeks on Ra-
dios Luxembourg and Normandy and
iilso guest star witl Joe Loss' band
for the BBC.
eUTTHE
RHAPSODY IN BLU
Tops in Texas !
PAUL
WHITEMAN
and his
ALL-AMERICAN BAND
BROADCASTING FOB
CHESTERFIELD
Iran Fcrt Worth, T«<u. Auillttrluii
Mvch eih— 7:30 P.M., C.S.T.
-PIRATING -
Southwest Exposition
and Rodeo
Fort Wortli, Touo
Morek loth to 19th, Ineluilve
BOOKED KXCI.t-SI\'ELY BT
Artists Management, Inc.
17 East 45th St. New York
SlUrrDT Hill 2-1888
Washington, March 7.
Comprehensive review of regula-
tory policies and operations of the
FCC, along with study of the eco-
nomic status of the broadcasting In-
dustry and inquiry into possible
censorship and coercion, was sought
in the Senate Monday (6). Latest
proposal, more sweeping and dimed
at ' revision of basic ' statute, is the
work of Senator Wallace E. White,
Jr., of Maine; ranking Republican
on the Interstate Commerce Com-
mittee.
Insisting that a broad investigation
must precede any attempt to lay
down more specific policies ;for the
regulators. White proposed to have
either the Interstate Commerce Com-
mittee or one of its subcommittees
conduct the fact-flnding expedition..
Not a special witch-hunting body
anxious to throw mud and approach
the question froin partisan angle.
Whether the proposal will have the
endorsement of Chairman Burton K.
Wheeler of. Montana— who intro-
duced the Administration plan to
prune the FCC to three members —
was uncertain. Wheeler declined to
comment on the bill of paHiculars in
the White resolution and did not in-
dicate his stand at present on huch
an idea. In the last Congress, how-
ever, he cooperated with White in
trying to bring alMut passage of such
a measure.
Joseph Lewis, former BBC staff
conductor, has formed his own or-
chestra of 21 pieces led by violinist
Melsa. Did a broadcast of light Vien-
nese' music recently.
Machonbchle Bros, have taken a
second series of '15-minute concerts
on Radio Normandy for Pan Van
Pickles. W. S. Crawford, Ltd., placed
contract with IBC.
June Clyde gets the Jean Arthur
role in BBC version of 'Mr. Deeds,'
playing opposite Godfrey Tearle in
the Gary Cooper tart.
IMonte Carlo,' with Jack Buchanan
in his original role from the Par fllm
cancelled on account of copyright
snags. Par helping to straighten it
Alan Keith replacing Dick Bentley
as cothpere in Storlc Radio Parade,
weekly Stork Margarine feature on
Ra^io Normandy.
Sybil Vane made debut for the
BBC on the Ivor Novello program.
According to Jack Hylton's com-
pilation, the BBC dance band broad-
casts for 1938 are as follows: Sydney
Lipton, 39; Hylton, 38; Jack Jackson,
36; Jack Harris, 37; Ambrose, 23;
Henry Hall, 22; Jack Payne, 12.
Carl Brisson broadcasting hour's
musical program , over BBC web, sup-
ported by Gerda and Ulric Newman
in close harmony, and Otto Langton
wagging the stick. All compatriots.
Meltonian Shoe Dressings are
having a try at broadcasting for the
first time. They will take quarter
hours commencing Feb. 14 on a Nor-
mandy program with Joe Loss and
his band. Booked through Iiondon
Press Exchange.
Ivor Novello the subjectr'of a BBC
biographical program, Mary Ellis
Ralph Hubbell Replaces
Baker at WGR-WKBW
Buffalo, March 7.
Ralph Hubbell has moved over
from WBNY to replace Roger Baker
at WGR-WKBW. Baker has gone to
WLW-WSAI in Cincinnati. Hubbell
is currently doing the Kendall (Gas)
sports review each evening on WGR,
thus carrying on what is claimed to
be the nation's oldest continuous
radio sports column— it was started
nine years ago by Bake-, and Ken-
dall has been sponsor ever since,
Hubbell will handle baseball as-
signment this summer with General
Mills (for Wheaties) and Kleinhans
(men's clothes) probably dividing
the bankrolling.
************************
Station Ideas
♦ *-*****•*■ *-**** * **
Couple From WCKT
Cincinnati, March 7.
Melody Quiz, new sustaining series
on WCKY, offers five $1 lirizes to
tune detective winners. Started
Monday (6) and is aired five times
weekly at 10:45 a.m. Non-vocal
platters are used.
Last week the L. B. Wilson station
inaugurated anniversary salutes to
Cincy . firms.' Two-minute plugs are
injected in a musical, program by
the Landt trio, instrumental, from
the station's staff, on Fridays at 6:30
p.m. Initial salute was to the Powell
& Clement gun shop on its 110th an-
niversary.
Spielers a la Wax
Cincinnati, March 7.
As a time-saver for time buyers
using announcers on WKRC, Bill
Schudt, manager, made a record of
two-minute talks by all of his
blabbers. Each miker explains his
or her regular duties and specialties,
blurbs one or two commercials. ■
Also chats about the station's pro-
grams, popularity, publicity, promo-
tion and showmanship.
Naylor Rogers looking over his
Coast realty holdings on leave from
his Chicago post.
Al Jolson will loll around In
Florida for a couple of months when
he washes up his picture work.
and Dorothy Dickson assisting, with
recorded voices of other West End
topliners also in the build-up.
Oil magnate Lord Cadman is new
chairman of government Television
Advisory Committee, which bosses
BBC acUvity in this field.
Shortwavers Meet Arranged By KA.B.;
Celler Seeks U. S. Sender In Panama
Washington, March 7.
Conclave of all D-X'ers will be
called by National Association of
Broadcasters for a thorough discus-
sion.of international broadcasting, in-
dustry spokesmen decided last week.
At a directors' meeting it was
agreed that Neville Miller, associa-
tion proxy, should summon short-
DON'T MISS
by
Adelaide Marston
Dedicated to women of America;
The story of a woman who must
choose between love and the career
of raising other women's children.
WABC-CBS-10:30.10:45 E^.T.
WOH— 4:30-4:45 PJ^ E.S.T.
Monday through Friday
Direction BENTON & BOWLES, Inc.
Management ED WOLF, RKO BUILDING, New York
wavers to a chowder-party, with the
idea that long range rebroadcasting
by. ■ privately-owned transmitters be
upheld. Organization sees 'little sense'
in reported Government ambitions to
short-wave programs to South Amer-
ica via its own transmitter.
Renewed efforts of Congressmen—
notably Rep. Emmanuel Celler (D.)
N. Y., and Senator Dennis Chavez
(D.) N. Mex.— to agitate in the House
and Senate for Government-owned
transmitters to fight back against
German and Italian stations now
pumping propaganda into South
America, will be fought by the N. A.
B., it was indicated. Broadcasters'
association last year put up some
powerful arguments before House
and Senate committees as lo why the
Government should not enter the
N.A.-S.A, broadcast field.
Stiff opposition was encountered in
both Houses of Congress last session
when the subject of Government
ownership was broached. Best talk-
ing points were the steps already
taken by the industry to interest
South American listeners; greater
experience in the game; more com-
petent staffs, better facilities, con-
tacts^ etc. Latin Americans prefer
swing bands to sermons, according
to representatives of the networks
and spokesmen for N. A. B., and
pipe-lining of North American prc^-
aganda would be much less accept-
able than Charley McCarthy.
House hearihgs were a complete
flopperoo, with Senate hearings-
presided over by Senator Bone (D.)
Wash.— given over to extensive testi-
mony by Industry witnesses. With
the exception of a brace of educa-
tors, who advocated lengthy lectures
and improvements of 'culture', be-
tween the two countries, the Govern-
ment presented no opposition to the
gab-fests.
Celler has dropped a new Govern-
ment-broadcast bill in the hopper,
calling for _a station in Panama,
rather than in Washington, D. C.
Chavez bill has not yet been rein-
troduced, but last year's legislation
demanded a California ouOet.
Shining Wavelengths
Toronto, March 7.
With two new S0,000-watt trans-
mitters in the Canadian Broadcast-
ing Corp. chain about to go on the
air, shift in frequencies has CBY,
Toronto, changed from 960 kilocy-
cles to 1420; with CBM, Montreal,
taking over the former clear chain.
CBM in turn has given its 105O fre-
quency to CBA, Sackville, S.,
which will serve the Maritim*.
Clear chain for CBK,
Sask., covering the Prairie Prt
has not yet been t"ocated.
Havana, March 7.
Local rebroadcasts of NBC pro-
grams have been shifted to CMx:
following the complaint of WMC
Memphis, and WTAR, Norfolk, to'
th<? Federal Communications Com-
munications Commission that CMQ
interferes with their signals. It is
reported that CMQ wiU' recover its
NBC affllation as soon as it settles
on a frequency that won't stir up
protest from U. S. stations.
FCC has denied permission to CBS
for the rebroadcasting of U. S. Rub-
ber's '99 Men and a Girl' program in
Cuba through CMCK (970 k.c).
Jim Patt to WKRC
Cincinnati, March 7.
James M. Patt, CBS midwest di-
rector of special events, was today
(Tuesday) named director of special
events and public affairs of WKRC
by William D. Schudt, Jr., the sU-
tion's general manager. ■ Move be-
comes effective this Monday (13). .
Before joining CBS Patt was with
KMBC, Kansas City.
Karol's CIncy Spiel
Cincinnati; March 7.
John J. Karol, CBS director of re-
search, is scheduled to address the
Cincinnati Marketing Association on
'Radio Surveys' Wednesday (8) night
in the Hotel Gibson. Will be intror
duced by BiU Schudt, manager of
WKRC, who mailed 800 invites to
advertisers in the Cincy area.
During the afternoon Karol will
do a 15-minute program on the local
CBS station.
ANDY
KIRK
And nu
CLOUDS OF JOY
Featuring
MARY LOU WiLLIAIVIS
Southland, Boston
F*b. 27, tor Two Wooln
Mulool Network
Cuit-to-Coott
Thurldfty and . Frldiy
10:30-11 A.M. EST
•
Hanaccment
JOE GLASER, Inc.
RKO Bldr. Badlo City. New Terit
TO COVER
GREAT BRITAIN
TOU UrST I'SE
RADIO
NORMANDY
Foil rardcDlan of Air Time and
Talent from
International Broadcasting
Company, Ltd.
37, Portland Place, London, W.I.
Booked
Solid Until
October, 1939
JOSEPH RINES
and His Orchestra
WTLUAM BIORRIS ACENOX
WBAL
tneanS Auiineii
in.'Bedtimcte.
•VABIETX'S' lANDON OSTIOB
• St. Mattln'a HaM. Trafalnr S«aar«
INTERNATIONAL RADIO
Cabl« Addnsst VABLBTT LONDON
Telephone Temvto Bar oau-SMI
47
'INDIES TOO PROSPEROUS'
Performing Ri^ts Irk Aussie Stations
Can't Get Together with Copyright Owners and Urge
Government to Slap Down Antipodes ASCAP
■f-
Canberra, Feb. 10.
'Unless a current dispute between
the Australian Ferformine Rights
Association and the national and
commercial air units is settled quick-
ly, Postmaster-General Cameron,
under whose direction the radio
field Is controlled, has threatened
Federal action. Air managements
are urging the P.G. to bring down
legislation forcing copyright holders
to register all numbers upon which
a copyright is claimed. They further
urge that a tribunal be set up to
settle disputes between copyright
holders and users, and also to re-
strict current fees.
The secretary of the Federated
Commercials stated that a two years'
agreement had been concluded with
APRA, and that under the agree-
ment the commercials had paid out
an average of $120,000 yearly In fees.
This simi represented around 8 cents
for each number aired — excepting
Gilbert and SuUivan and other such
type of musical compositions. Said
that APRA claimed copyright own-
ership on about 3,000,000 items.
Secretary mentioned that to pre-
sent certain arrangements of the
national anthem the various air units
were forced to pay a certain fee,
and that whilst nobody actually
knew who had composed 'Drink to
Me Only with Thine Eyes,' never-
theless a fee had to be paid to APRA
every time such a number was aired.
All of the above shows remark-
able similarity to the radlo-ASCAP
history in America.
Lohr Talks to So. Amerit
San Francisco, March -7.
Radio as a builder of goodwill be'
tween .nations was the theme of an
address by Major Xienox R. Lohr,
prexy of NBC, during the formal
dedication of the General Electric
Company's short wave station,
W6XBE, at the Golden Gate Interna
tlonal Exposition last week (2).
He was one of a group of notables
Including South and Central Ameri
can consuls who participated in a
program short-waved from the fair
to the Latin-American countries to
which W6XBE will transmit regular
broadcasts.
PRAIRIE TOWNS PEEVED
Allege CBC Won't Give Its Talent a
Tamble
Regina, Sask., March 7.
Saskatchewan and Alberta radio
artists are being forced to leave
home and settle in Vancouver or
Winnipeg before they can get onto
CBC. This is gist of a petition being
circulated by Saskatoon, Edmonton,
Calgary, Regina and like boards of
trade preparatory to forwarding it
to special House of Commons com-
mittee Investigating radio at Ottawa.
Claim prairie cities cannot get
artists on network as all time taken
with eastern shows or programs
from two centers mentioned.
IRISH BOMBS SCARE
BROADCASTING HOUSE
London, Feb. 28.
Jitters surviving from recent Irish
bomb outrages in this city have got-
ten into Broadcasting House, and
daily precautions are being adopted
by the staff. Principal of these is
inspection of all bags checked in at
the cloakrooms, following explosions
on luggage racks of two subway sta'
tions. Restriction on free entry into
the building has been tightened up,
and no outside person can now get
beyond the high entrance vestibule
unless accompanied by a uniformed
attendant
Steel shutters fitted to all ground
level windows round - Broadcasting
House, and huge copper gates arm'
oring the entrance, are daily cere-
monially clamped down to ensure
they are in working order, and
members of the BBC personnel take
part in routine drill so as to be ready
for an emergency.
'S
BROGKINGIQIi
Government Radio's Head
Man Blasts Commercial
Stations in Parliamentary
Hearings
POLITICS
story of the Palace theatre goes
on BBC with author-critic S. R. Lit-
tlewood's script and Gordon McCon-
nel — Gwen Lewis production. Per-
formers who have been associated
with the theatre will be in the pro-
gram, including Lewis Sidney and
Ben Davies.
A MAN OF
LETTERS
WE
man ha£>
joined the Weed parade . . .
and a man of letters is he!
Experience proves that he,
like the other progressive
Selling Letters in the markets
we represent, produces
Results That Count!
HUD coinpfloy
H. G. WeUs Criticized Australian Radio;
Hes Termed 'Quarrelsome Old Gent'
NEW YORK • CHICAGO • DETROIT • SAN FRANCISCO
Montreal, March 7.
Fierce blast at privately owned
radio stations and a threat to call for
Parliamentary legislation which will
curb profits of independent broad-
casters was voiced by L. W. Brock-
ington, chairman of the Board of the
CBC, before the Parliamentary Ra-
dio Committee last week at Ottawa,
with result that private broadcasters
fear complete obliteration if policies
advocated by the CBC should be-
come effective.
Brockington's attack on 'profiteer-
ing' broadcasters is interpreted by
political observers here as an at-
tempt to forestall criticism of the
CBC policies from witnesses sched-
uled to appear before the Parliamen-
tary Committee. Informed sources
interpret Brockington's move as an-
other attempt to club broadcasters
into passive acquiescence with fur-
ther encroachments of the Canadian
Broadcasting Corp. in the field of
private enterprise.
Charging that representatives of
private stations which are making a
tremendous return on invested capi-
tal would come I>efore the Radio
Committee to attack the CBC for
the purpose of increasing their
profits, Brockington said he would
suggest to the committee that legis-
lation be passed to limit rather than
increase profits of franchise-holders.
Brockington's Position
Broadcasting circles are complete-
ly mystified by Brockington's asser-
tion that the CBC is not a part ol
the Government of Canada or the I
Civil Service. Brockington has as-
sumed the position that once having
been appointed by Parliament the
Board of Governors of the CBC is
not subject to control from any
legislative or other power in the
country. Brockington's claim that
the CBC does not spend taxpayer's
money is also paradoxical since a
license fee of $2.50 from every owner
of a radio receiving set in Canada
is levied by the Government and
used by the CBC. If Brockington's
statement that the CBC acts only in
the role of trustee for license-payers
is to be taken seriously then taxa-
tion of this kind may be construed
as unconstitutional since it provides
no equivalent representation in the
affairs of the CBC by tax-payers.
Brockingtons reference to the Aird
Commission report of 1928, which
led to the establishment of a Gov-
ernment radio commission, is re-
garded here as something akin to
an authority as obsolete as the Ver-
sailles Treaty. There was practically
no broadcasting industry in Canada
in 1928. Stations were ill-equipped
and poorly managed. The infant
radio industry was summarily tried
and condemned by the Aird Com-
mission at that time.
Reports here indicate that mem-
bers of the Radio Committee have
private mental reservations as to Ihe
validity of Brockington's arguments.
And the attempt to justify the cre-
ation of a gigantic radio structure,
paralleling the acquisition of the
unprofitable Canadian National Rail-
ways properties, is viewed on Par
liament Hill as an attempt on the
part of the CBC bureaucrats to per
petuate their regime.
Reports here arc to the effect that
I the Government actually welcomes
! the radio probe as a means of di-
I verting attention from more vital
legislative i.^sues and it is believed
that the radio problem will be kept
(Continued on page 48)
Sydney; Feb. 10,
During his stay here H. G. Wells
had plenty to say to reporters con-
cerning radio censorship and the
like. At a dinner given in his honor
by the Fellowship of Australian
Writers prior to his departure for
London, Wells made a further attack
on the local censorship p)sitlon.
In reply R. B. Orchard, one of the
moguls of the Australian Broadcast-
ing Commission, for whom Wells did
some airings, stated in the press that
Wells was a 'quarrelsome old gentle-
man'.
Orchard stated that the Britisher
had lieen given every assistance dur-
ing his stay; his scripts had not been
censored, although they had beeii
scrutinized. The remarks . made by
Wells were characteristic of the bad
taste he displayed since he came to
Australia. Orchard further said that
he strongly resented people coming
to this country on a brief visit, ac-
cepting hospitality, and then abusing
it. Orchard concluded by stating
that the idea of allowing people to
say over the air whatever was in
their thoughts was inconceivable.
Wells got himself In rather bad
soon after his arrival with top gov-
ernmental officials by taking a heavy
smack at Hitler and Mussolini. The
Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) issued
a statement wherein he took Wells
to task for making such utterances,
Set Tax Cot Likely
Toronto, March 7.
Reduction of the ' anaidian annua!
license fee from $2.50 to $2, plus a
lifting of the burden from the owner
of more than one set, is unJer the
consideration of the Federal govern-
ment and, as a sop to consistent
squawkers, is expected to go Into
effect when the present license
tenure expires In .the fall.
New proposal is to reduce the fee
on additional sets to $1.
\„^^^sai a radio program. On March 17th I will com-
plete one full year on WOR-WLW-WGN (Fridays, 8 P.M.,
EST) for Philip Morris Cigarettes . ' . what's my name!
I have achieved a Crossley rating of 8.0 on three stations,
against the Cities Service Concert, Warden Lawes and
Campana's First Nighter what's my name!
I was fourth among all audience participation shows in the
World'Telegram radio editors' poll, and the only non>net>
work show to achieve a rating . . WHATSMYNAME?
I have reached and maintained a mail average of 12,000
letters a week on these three stations, although only the prize*
winners among these letters have been acknowledged by my
sponsor . WHAT'S MY NAME?
I am moderate in cost. For program talent, I require only
a competent master and mistress of ceremonies and an
orchestra WRAPS MY NAME?
what's my name?
WHAT'S MY NAME!
"What's My Namer' becomes avail*
able for other sponsorship, after
Friday, March 17th. May we suggest
that you listeti to one of the last two
broadcasts, Friday, March 10th, or
Friday, March 17th, at 8 P.M. on
WOR or WLW, 7 P.M. on WGN, to
refresh your memory on this remark*
ably effective program and gs^ige
its worth for one of YOUR clients?
"WhaJ'j My Nome?" is fully copyrighted
by Edward A. Byron and Joe A, Cross,
its .originators, writers, and producers.
g0 GENERAL AMUSEMENT CORPORATION
NEW YORK . CHICAGO • DALLAS • HOLLYWOOD . LONDON
Radio Station Representatives
48
VARIETY
RADIO REVIEWS
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
I
'MANHATTAN MOTHER'
With Margaret Hlllias, Lonise Fltoh,
Dan Snttor, Ken GrUAn
Serial
IS Mins. ,
CHirSO (P. tt G.)
Dally, 9:15 a. m.
WABC-CBS, New Tork
' . fPedlar & Ryan)
•Oh, oh, oh,' trembles Patricia
tocke (Margaret Hilllas), 'I am so
utterly defenseless against your Kiss.
This is at 9:15 in the morning lor the
benefit oiChlpso, a soap In flake form
that Is dandy for your underthmgs.
Her husband, big gushing incred-
ible Tony (Dan Sutter), has lust
been whispering reckless things Into
her ear. An ear which she continu-
ously emphasizes is 38 years old— an
ear that hears life going by her,
and she's not the old driving she-
executive she used to was.
•Did I Temember to teU you,
drools the exhibitionistic husband
(Memo to Patricia— watch out for
that guy-he's too glib!) 'that your
little fingers are beyond compare?
Don't forget its 9:19 In the morning
and the orange juice has scarcely
had a chance to regurgitete.
The program has been led on liKe
a child by the hand with this gem
right off the masthead of Sloppy
Stories— 'Cities are made of steel and
stones— but human hearts are of dif-
ferent stuff.' We give you Manhat-
tan Mother.' , ^ j _
Then the characters introduce
themselves. First the lead: 'I'm Pa-
tricia, and I'm the mother of an
adorable daughter now with a hus-
band of her own. Tm poetically,
divinely, soaplly happy with a prince
of a guy— all-man and as pure as
Ivory. But why am I so restless, so
Itchy to do things? God knows and
so does Procter & Gamble. You U
have to wait for future episodes to
tell you why I am so happily un-
happy or, if you prefer, all wet
with dry shampoo.' ,
Flub-dubby, lovable, leavable
Tony introduces himself. He says:
•I got to go to Montreal on business.'
And so it goes. Nothing happens;
but in a great big tremulous way.
Nobody acts like real people; which
is known as 'escape.' Retreat Into
the soap-bubbles. ^Mabhattan Moth-
er', is forever on the verge of tears.
She can't stand up to the appalling
thought that she's 38. Irene Klcb
Is more sporting about it, but Pa-
tricia Is the essence of self-pity dis-
guised as something else; which is
grobably why it will be a soap-box
ox office success. , , ^
The whole-thing Is supposed to be,
no doubt, 'good' slop and Veil done'
flapdoodle. Nobody has anv lUu-
sions. It is just frankly and. mag-
nificently tawdry. Lond.
'EVENING IN PAXIS*
With Charles Blobard, Naney
Crttwne, Frederlek Streatley,
Pierre ZepelU orchestra, Valalda
Light Mnslo
IS Mlna.
BOVBJOIS PEBFCHE
Sunday, 6:1S pjn.
Badlo Normandy (Franoe)
Transmitter went sour on this one
half way through and a bad patch
of fading and interference from sta-
tions on nearby wavelengths didn't
help either. Difficult, therefore,
wholly to assess program's entertain-
ment content, . though it does show
snags under which commercial radio
for U.K. listeners must operate as
long as promoters are forced to
broadcast from Continent.
Sponsored on behalf of perfumes
and po,wders for which program was
named, show was recorded in Paris
and had two commentators picturing
hiRhliehts of the French capital,
with Pierre Zepelli's orch added to
play familiar airs associated with the
spots described. With them was col-
ored Valaida. who deputized for
Josephine Baker, singing the num-
bers the latter made famous. Inter-
est angle was to interview at the
mike an Enftlish Paris taxi driver.
. Latter class is known to Americanr.
and Englishmen as most daredevi!
and seemingly recldess drivers in the
world, and interviewee had some
amusing anples on this. -
Plug was left till tail end of show
tieing up lingering memories evokec'
by songs witli lingering values of the
product.
GEOBGE FOBMBT
With Beryl
Sonera, Laaghs
15 Mins.
FEEN-A-MINT
Sunday, 6 p.m,
Poste Parislen (France)
Show is built lor vnst ready-made
British audience of Formby, whose
dialect comedy has put him on top
as No. 1 film star in U.K. He does
dumb cluck stuff, swapping gats
with his wife, Beryl, and additionally
.sines a line of songs suitable to his
act and risque enough to make 'em
generally popular. Always finishes
up with a UKe solo, and is nimble
performer on this instrument. For a
15-min, stand it's bright arid easy to
follow, and one of Sunday's key pro-
grams from British audience angle.
Plug was ladled out in the middle,
being a -snappy but serious spiel
at>out the product. Put over earn-
estly by the announcer it sounded
almoiit funny, especially as he had
to extol merits of a laxative.
Poste Parislen shows are handled
by Anglo Continental Publicity, in
association with IBC's Radio Nor-
mancly.
Tong^e-SIip Day
Any casual listener around the
network kilocycles la^t Sunday
(5) might have remarked at the
extraordinary number and va-
riety of dialog fluffs, missed cues
and similar tongue slips on
many shows. Those on which
such errors were noted included:
'Magic Key,' over NBC blue.
'Book Theatre,' over Mutual
Philharmoriic Symphony an-
nouncements, <|ver CBS.
'Tale of Today,' over NBC red.
Jack Benny, over NBC red.
C;hase & Sanborn, over NBC
red.
'So This Is New York,' oyer
CBS.
Kellogg Circle, over NBC red.
FOLLOW-UP COMMENT
•HEADLINES OF THE PAST'
15 Mins.— Looal
JOHNSTON FUBNITDBE CO.
Thursdays, 4:45
WBT, Charlotte, N. C.
What happened SO ye s ago each
week is revealed in a new WBT
show sponsored by Johnston Furni-
ture Co. of Charlotte. Program is
introduced with a combination of
weird sound effects produced by a
kettle-drum and Chinese gong com-
bination. Then the commentator
reads 'news' bulletins with the
ominous staccato of the familiar
radio news reporter: A cow. on the
rails halted the progress of a train
today, and Bismarck announces his
plans for a Mlttel Eurona empire,
while late election returns indicate
the defeat of Benjamin Harrison for
re-election to the Presidency.
Program ha$ already attracted
considerable attention. The com-
mentator is manager of the spon-
sor's Charlotte store, who makes his
bow before the microphone in this
series. His voice is clear 9nd com-
pelling, and his diction entirely de-
void of the Southern inflection to
which so many local voices are ad-
dicted. Script for the show is pre-
pared by Dorothea Conne, a WBT
stafl writer.
A unique idea^ ably presented.
Hard.
THESE OUGHT TO BE A LAW
DramaUe Sketch
Sustaining
3* Mins.
Thursday, 9:3« pjn.
WOB-MBS, New Tork
Conceived by the radio division of
the Federal Theatre, this halt-hour
sesh,' the sixth of a series, makes an
ambitious attempt to dress up ex-
ceptional court decisions into thumb'
nail dramatizations. Written by
Barry Williams and directed- by Al
Garry, the loose ends are spliced to-
gether by an anonymous barrister
known as -"Lawyer Q,' who explains
the quirks of each case aided by
announcer Henry Morgan,
While the 'Good WiU Court' found
the disfavor of the Bar Association,
little fault can be found by the most
exacting with this chapter, as
sketches are based only upon actual
court records and audience partici-
pation is not solicited. Illustration
delineating a libel suit brought by
the Ingenue Sisters (nee Cherry Sis-
ters) against an Iowa critic and his
paper packed the most punch. Sis-
ters were insulted b> a review of
their corny turn. Judge dismissed
suit, holding 'any performance may
be freely criticized if the commenU
are true.' Thereby setting an inval-
uable precedent' for other review-
ers ever since. References to archaic
blue laws are overworked and for
the most part could be deleted for
more timely material. Listener ap
peal seems to be necessarily confined
to students of Blackstone and the
head of the house. Dry subject it
tackles lays down an immediate bar-
rier for the femmes.
Program switches to the 8 p. m
slot Saturdays on the next broad-
cast.
BICHAKD GOOLDEN
With Susan Taylor
Adventure
8 Mins.
Monday, 7:40 p.m.
BBC, London .
New stunt has been added to 'Mon
day Night at 7' series, replacing ro
hiantic item Dulled last week. An
gle is simple mystery-adventure
■stuff, and in'ention to build round
diffident 'little man' personality of
Gooldcii, who had. a big radio fol
lowing in an earlier series. He
plays as proorletor of a Chelsea art
shop, and first episode shows him
neatly outwitting crooks who try to
milk him on a fake robber" rrc'-f*
Subject was well built 'for inter-
est, and had hero neatly turning the
tables with a ga? when he blows
snuff in the crook's face. Idea has
been developed by Harry Pepper,
who produces 'Monday.' and Erne.'st
Dudley's script was cinematic and
fast-moving.
Goolden is good at this stuff,
though forgot at times he was sup-
nosed to have a cold in the head.
Susan Taylor nlays his assistant with
spirit, supooft parts being done
anonymously. Series looks like
heading for big popularity.
Joe Cook stepped into the final
eight minutes of the Rudy Vallee
program last week for one of his
monologs. He ran along m pleas-
antly lunatic tempo and got funnier
as he went It was, however, A case
of doing It the hard way for radio,
the, material requiring phi-like at-
tentive listening and conveying only
occasional mental pictures, the es-
peranto language of radio. What
emerges from these periodic air ap-
pearances of Cook is a conviction
that he has a lot to give radio, if the
winning combination of writers and
production brains can be mustered.
It was an uneven hour prior to
Cook's appearance. Most staple en-
tertaininent merchandise put out
was Vallee's own warbling. Richard
Haydn's discourse on etiquette, with
grotesque pronunciations and exag-
gerated satire, was giggle-worthy
before it got a bit dried out
Ethel Waters and her assistants did
a bit from her legit play, 'Mamba's
Daughter,' which probably increased
the circulation of the Kate Smith
program on CBS. Novelties must be
rai-e indeed to qualify a meandering
episode into so-what dramatics such
as this.
There was a bit of nice chirping
from Pauline Walsh, and Paloma
(see radio reviews) added a Latin
touch.
Diiiy Dean served last .Friday
night (3) as the forerunner of the
guest celeb policy which the Won-
der Bread show (CBS) has adopted
In the hope of perking up listener
interest
Dean's entry worked out all to
the program's ' good. Not only was
the Cub hurler equipped with the
cream of the evening's material, but
he showed evidences of having been
thoroughly and patiently coached.
He fumbled but once, and that didn't
amount to anything. The gags hand-
ed him were timely and crisply
funny. Balance of the show's com-
edy fare ranged from the doldrtmis
to the sprightly familiar.
Joan Bennett is slated to exchange
em with Jack Haley this Friday
(10).
Wayne King,, remoting from tiie
Drake hotel, uticago, Sunday night
(5) over CBS, offered a muoi more
varied style of seliactions than when
he aired for Lady Esther. Opened
and closed with his characteristic
waltzes, but otherwise played differ-
ent rhythms of fox trots, rhumbas,
etc.
String and reed sections of the
band present an agreeably smooth
tone, in contrast to the blaring of
swing outfits, and it's particularly
pleasant listeniiig late at night
However, King could profitably use
a better vocalist than himself.
Jimmy Dorsey guested Sunday
night (3) on the Fitch show over
NBC r^d, leading his orchestra, toot-
ing several saxophone bits and an-
swering questions by Henry M.
Neeley. It was a reasonably enter-
taining edition of the series, but
hardly calculated to bounce the lisr
tener out of his armchair. Dorsey's
billing of 'world's gre'atest saxo-
phone player' was plugged ad
nauseum and his 'Interviews' with
Neeley, besides being obviously read,
were on the tepid side. It seems
Jimmy's celebrated split with Tommy
was not the occasion for a feud or
bitterness, but merely resulted from
the inevitable conflict of two such
temperamental geniuses in a single
organization. Brothers have always
been the best of pals.
Dorsey's music was the show. It
was skilful and stirring. Fitch's four
commercials, two of them long, were
overboard for a 30-mlnute show.
•Milkman's Matinee,' Stan Shaw's
2-7 a.m. doily recorded dance music
stanza over WNEW, N. Y., has the
dubious distinction of using much
the longest signature-theme of 'any
program on the air. Every broad-
cast opens with the playing of a
complete recording of 'Our Very
Good Friend, the Milkman,' then fol-
lows that with an entire recording
of a sDCcial 'Milkman's Matinee'
song. Two numbers probably run
six or seven minutes without a pre-
liminary aimouncemei^t or break.
About the only thing that can be
said for wasting so much time on
playing the same old numbers (and
not exactly sensational numljers at
that) is that over a five-hour stretch
Shaw may fltiire he has plenty of
.time to waste.
Lanny Boss does a concert shot
with the New Haven Symphony or-
chestra March 27.
'The Hot Mikado,' WPA produced
show now. on Broadway, got itself
a , plug on the 'Designed for Enter-^
tainment' stanza over WOR, Newark,
Sunday night (5). The samples
were skimpy, but they afforded a
pretty good idea of what the all-
colorad troupe in the Federal thea-
tre production were c' ling. The two
bits interoolated in the pre gram had
the cast first doing Gilbert and Sul-
livan straight and then giving It the
jive treatment
Harry Minturn, who produced the
operetta's swing version, got him-
self into the picture via a brief but
not snappy interview. Benay Venuta,
the program's regular emcee, asked
the questions.
Forget It, Sez BBC
London, Feb. 28.
BBC announcers, when read-
ing news bulletins or other
items, are instructed to scrap
their script and fall back on
their own Idiom if the words as
printed don't fall easily off
their tongues. Rule is one of
several aimed at preventing staff
speakers being classed as . Just
talking machines.
Prof. A. Lloyd James, who
supervises training of BBC
speakers, revealed this point in
recent radio debate.
MABEL COBB
'Book Theatre' with Jerry Lawrence,
John Peek, Joseph' Cunningham,
WUIIam Bca4)h, Herbert Goldman,
Milton Moss, Edward Dawson,
Maynard Doerfllnger
IS Mins.
Sustaining
Sunday, Z p.m.
WOB-Mutnal, New Tork
Although this dramatized book re-
view stanza has. a novel idea, it's
limited in scope. Is of negligible
value either as radio entertainment
or as a guide to reading and it is
uncertainly scripted. Seems a weak
entry, particularly spotted in this
early Sunday afternoon slot
According to Mabel Cobb's blurb,
th^ program *is designed to propel
the slow and cautious to rush out
and buy the new volume.' Disre-
garding- the question ol whether the
aim of book rcfvlewa should be
aulte that simple^ It seems unlikely
lat this show will have the desired
result anyway. Session took nearly
all the IS minutes to dramatize pain-
fully trite bits of Spanish-American
War ' history and left only about
three sentences of actual opinion and
comment about Gregory Mason's
book, 'Remember the Maine.'
There . are a number of funda-
mental weaknesses in the whole idea
of dramatized book reviews. It
places undue stress on .books that
lend themselves to radio adaptation,
for one thing. Also the Important
thing.about most books Is the style
and quality of the writing- and
adaptation can naturally give no
hint of that Apparently .the prob-
lem simply ''comes down to this: does
the listener want book reviews or
drama? By striving to combine the
two, 'Book Theatre' achieves neither.
It seems pertinent to wonder
whether any single person can keep
abreast of current literature and
still find time to prepare a success-
ful weekly radio show.. Miss Cobb
is said to read the books herself, do
her own scripting, select the casts
and produce the program. On that
basis she n)ay be admired for her
energy, if hot praised for her show-
manship. For if. 'Remeniber the
Maine' is as shallow, transparent and
hackneyed a volume of buncombe as
'Book Theatre' made it sound. Miss
Cobb's literary taste is as faulty as
her scripting.
Considering the limits of his mate-
rial Roger Bauer made the most of
the directing stint Jerry Lawrence
was announcer and the others listed
in the credits were members of the
cast Hobe.
DICK HAB'HGAN
Organist
16 MInsv— Local
Sustaining
WOKO, Albany
Former Troy theatre consolist,
broadcasting on an early afternoon
sustainer, is tops among the' organ-
ists playing studio Instruments here-
abouts. In finesse of technique and
in wideness of repertoire, he leaves
the others b*ehind, particularly in
field of popular music. Trojan is
only organist heard on local radio
who can really swing it, the draw-
back being that small Hapimond
electric sounds pumpy when ragged
too. much. On some broadcasts
Hartigan is inclined to emphasize
fast tempoed numbers, rather than
the slower, quieter, dreamier selec-
tions best suited to most organs and
certainly to WOKO's. Ks can do
the latter in tip-top style — themer,
'Diane,' woven through the quarter
hours, alone- proves this. Hartigan
Is at home with the classics, too.
When first caught he included a
Sunday afternoon period leaning to
heavier stuff. Jaco.
PALOMA
Singer
STANDARD BRANDS
Thursda'y, 8 p.m.
WEAF-NBC, New Tork
(J. Wolter Thompson)
Answering only to a single name,
this girl, possessor of a warm voice
and a Portuguese song repertory, is
from Brazil. She's a fugitive, or
sue the press agent, from the
duenna-ridden social world of Rio.
Paloma comes over the radio most
engagingly. Has fiexible timbre and
torches a rhumba tune, or its equiva-
lent, \vlth more than ordinary dis-
tinction.
In the persiflage with the m.c.
there was some name-punning, he
calling her 'Pal' and adding that she
should call him 'Rude.' Chit-chat
meant almost nothing, but at the
same time it showed that the girl
Isn't solely melodic. .
A nice net impression; Land.'
LET'S GO HOLLTWOOD
With Gloria Dlokson, Bonlta Gran-*
■ vlUe, Frankle Thomas, Bryan Foy
Owen Crump, Starlight Sere-
naders, Leon Leonardl's orch.
30 Mins. — Regional
FORD DEALEBS
Friday, 8 p.m.
KHJ, Los Angeles
This one enters -the studio ex-
ploitation vs, theatre exhibition up-
roar as a prospective. Mutual net-
work — Warner Bros, co-op. Just
now it Is limited to 28 Coast trans-
mitters and a regional sponsor, the
Ford dealers of California, and must
obtain a string of local sponsors as
a prerequisite to spread east to Bal-
timore and a couple of other towns
where tie-in ouspices have already
been tentatively arranged. Program
will need this preliminary sales sup-
port as a first step.:
Sandwiched iii between musical .
interludes and airy banter by Emcee
Owen Crump was a sequence from
a WB picture, 'Nancy Drew, Re-
porter,' which brought on Bonita
Granville and Frankle Thomas in a
re-enactment of their film lOltSs. As
an air trailer. Its undoubted Intent,
it didn't strike home. At one junc-
ture in the dramatics the music
broke. Into the dlaloi; and the acting
otherwise was perfunctory.
Tunes played by Leonardl and
vocaled by Starlight Serenaders are
mostly from the Warner music cata-
log. Crump does his usual good job
of running the works and had' Gloria
Dickson on for a crossfire of persi-
flage and the bestowal of a medal
for something or other.
Each week Warners will book
'minor studio personalities on the
program to hop up interest in sec-
ondary pictures. Formula is stand-
ard for this type of show with no
attempt at freshening up the process.
Inspired production might lift it out
of the ruck. The dialer pays a stiff
price for the listening, having to put
up with a double dose of plugging.
If it isn't Ford, it's a Warners piel
ture. Helm,
•HT EBBOB'
With Curtis NieholsoD
Quia
SuslUnlag
Saturday, 9 pja.
WEVD, N.T.
Another in the series of q, and a.
programs and too clearly a copy of
others to get anywhere. Poor speak-
ing voice of Nicholson contrioutes
largely to the bad impression. Voice
is at times unintelligible and pro-
nunciation slipshod. Questions them-
selves are not clearly presented for
listeners to follow and, if they were
so inclined, beat the quizzed to the
punch.
Follows the lead of another big.
show of its type iti allowing studio
audience to answer queries when
participants, who aren't allowed
much time, miss out On show
caught one question was promptly-
answered with 'darned if I can re-
member.' Method of scoring correct
answers Is also rather vague. Cor-
rect return is awarded one basket
Yet at the halfway mark after many
more 'baskets' had been scored the
score was four to three. Tight game.
Brockington
(Continued from page 47)
in the forefront of political affairs
for some time to come.
It is understood that one of the
members of the Radio Committee
may emerge as a national figure if
his plans to query the efficacy of the
CBC setup are permitted to go
through. And even docile members
of the Liberal Party are finding It
difficult to swallow the CBC affront
to the power vested in Parliament
Liberal Party members who are di-
rectly involved in the broadcasting
controversy find it difficult to recon-
cile the policies of the CBC with
the promise of Prime Minister Mac-
kenzie King in a radio address prior
to his election in 1035 in which he
stated that 'I am opposed to the cre-
ation of any further monopolies.'
In regard to the censorship of the
George McCuUagh broadcast Brock-
ington admitted that the Board of
Governors had disagreed on barring
the McCullagh broadcast from a pri-
vate network of stations, although
unanimous in their decision to kdep
McCuUagh off the CBC net. The
witness stated that there was noth-
ing In the CBC regulations which
bans the broadcasting of personal
opipions on private networks, but
added that there was no policy
'unequivocably forcing the CBC to
permit such broadcasts.
Brockington threw orchids to
George McCullagh's 'engaging' per-
sonality and professed himself in
favor of 'free speech,' providing the
CBC censored the material first
Brockington is scheduled for ex-
an^ination by members of the Radio
Committee early this week.
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
MUSIC— DANCE BANDS
VARIETY
49
15 Best Sheet Music SeDers
(Week ending March 4, 1939)
Deep Purple Robbing
Penny Serenade Shapiro
Umbrella Man , .....Harms
♦Funny Old Hills Paramount
I Cried for You Miller
Little Sir Echo , , Bregman •
*I Have Eyes Paramount
•You're a Sweet Little Headache Paramount
I Promise You ABC
God Bless America Berlin
I Get Along Without You Very "Well Famous
Hurry Home Spier
Deep in a Dream Harms
You're the Only Star ...Shapiro
tMy Heart Belongs to Daddy Chappell
* Indicates filmusical song. t Indicates stage production' song.
The others are pops.
OVER-COUNTER
SHEET SALES
SNAPPY
Sales situation in the sheet music
business last weelc disclosed some-
thing that hasn't happened in at least
six years. Each of the three' top
' numbers rated as smash counter hits,
Their aggregate sales for the weelc
was 101,000 copies.
'Deep Purple' (Bobbins) had a
turnover of 49,000 copies; 'Penny
Serenade' (Shapiro-cefn jtein) ac-
counted for 29,000 copies, while
' 'Umbrella Man' (Harms), in its sixth
week as a major seller, figured for
23,000 copies. 'Purple' did 16,800 this
Monday (6) and by press time yes
terday. (Tuesday) had gone over
20,000 for the day.
"Umbrella Man' has already sold
325,000 copies and looks set to go
60,000 more. 'Purple' and 'Serenade'
•re expected by the trade to show
similar, if not better results. A 300,'
OOO-seller has been the rare 'excep'
tlon in the business for some years.
Shaw Stays with Victor,
$2,000 Each for 25
Artie Shaw has signatured a con-
tract which will keep him under
RCA Victor's wing for another two
years effective next Wednesday (15).
Agreement, agented for him by
Rockwell General Amusement Corp.,
guarai\tees him 25 records a year at
$1,000 a side ($2,000 a record) against
loyalties. ■ It's a $100,000 deal.
Eli 01>ersteln, who quit Victor to
organize a new disc company, offered
Shaw a guarantee of $50,000 for one
yeatv
Decca Stock Moves
Washington, March 7.
Buying and selling of Decca
Records, Inc., stock among officers
and directors of , the corporation re-
corded Tuesday (7) by the Securi-
ties and Exchange Commission. Big-
gest deal constituted purchase of
9,105 shares common by Alfred
IJecker of Chicago, who held 3,205
shares at the end of last January.
Decker also purchased 43 shares of
7% cumulative preferred stock on
the same- day (Jan. 4), winding up
with that number.
E. P. Stevens, Jr., New York of-
ficer and directoir, dropped 750 shares
of common under gift classification
—nature of ownership not reported.
I^ft a large stockholder, however,
with 12,821 tickets available.
Ten shares of the 7% cumulative
papers were picked up by the Decker
"Tiust, SEC records revealed, in addi-
tion to 2,650 shares common already
held.
ASCAP's Atlanta Branch
American Society of Composers,
Authors and Publishers has estab-
lished its own office in Atlanta, with
1. T. Cohen as district manager.
Area was formerly represented by
a local lawyer, William Amaud.
Borb Morros wrote title song for
Walter Wanger's 'Winter Carnival.'
College Bands Missing At
Hockey; Part of AFMDeal
St Louis, March 7.
The ice hockey games between
four college teams in the Arena last
'week were- played without the usual
college bands being in action. Con-
tract between Musicians Union and
Arena prohibit rah-rah tooters per-
forming unless at least 20 union
tooters are hired. '
Sam Meyers, .prez of AFM, Local
No. 2, put this through last fall, at
the time the building was taken oft
of the unfair list of the Central
Trades and Labor Union.
NIG. FINED
m BY
Niles T. Granlund has been fined
$5,040 by the trial board of the New
York musicians union for paying
underscale wages to Jack Melvin and
his band while the latter were em-
ployed at NTG's nitery, the Mid-
night Sun. Members of ihe combina-
tion had previously been penalized.
While NTG's case was pending the
union banned the employment of
Local 602 members in the spot un-
less the band were paid off in ad-
vance every night
Al and. Lee Reiser, pianists, have
been engaged by Ijibecty Records
to record Arthur Schwartz-hit tunes
from 'Leave It to Me,' current legit
musical.
Sam Coslow mked a one-picture
pact with Metro to clefl three songs
for Virginia Bruce, whoU warble 'em
In 'Penthouse,' skedded for produc-
tion soon.
Tony Martin's Albom
Tony Martin, who closea a two-
week booking at the Paramount
New York, yesterday (Tuesday),
opens Friday (10) at the Paramount,
Newark, with the State, Hartford, to
follow.
Singer set a deal last week with
Jack Kapp to make Decca records.
They'll be chiefly pops, but he'll also
do an album of California classics
for the Frisco expo trade.
Filing Delay
Issue Looms
In Copyright
New York music publishers have
been advised that as a result of the
U. S. supreme court's decision on the
Washingtonian vs. Drew Pearson
case Col. E. L. Bove, registrar of
copyright has had a bill' introduced
in Congress which would set a limit
on the time that a manuscript would
have to be deposited following pub-
lication. Col. Bove's. measure would
make it within 30 days for domestic
compositions and 60 days for num-
bers #bblished abroad. Violation of
such prescribed periods would auto-
matically place the number in the
public domain.
Decision in the Washingtonian case
has had' a disturbing effect on some
of the major . music publishers in
New York, while the finding has
proved of beheflt to other pubs. This
issue is Expected to prove of con-
siderable importance in the fight be-
tween the Joe Morris Music Co. and
Shapiro, Bernstein Sc Co. over the re-
newal rights to 'My Melancholy
Baby.'
In the Washingtonian Publishing
Co. matter the authors, Drew Pear-
son and Robert Allen, had failed to
fllie their copies of the articles until
long after they had been published.
The highest court held that such fail-
ure to deposit did not invalidate the
writers' copyright and that they
might sue for infringement so long
as the proper deposit had t>een made
before filing the infringement action.
Melrose Firm Files
Albany, N. Y., March 17.
Melrose Music Corp. has l^een
chartered to conduct a business in
sheet music, music scores, books,
etc., with office in New Yorlc. Capi-
tal stock is 100 shares, no par value.
Nat Debin, Jerome Lewin and
Muriel Sieger, 1619 Broadway,
N. Y. C, are directors.
Wm, R. Berlcson is filing attorney.
AI.M. at 802 s Request Cancels
Band Booking Licenses of 22
Spikes Cleveland Rumor
Of Consolidated Folding
Cleveland, March 7.
Consolidated Radio Artists is not
closing Its Cleveland office, declared
Don Haynes, manager, in refuting
rumors floating around here' about
curtailment Reports were probably
inspired by dropping of Norm Ken-
dall, according to Haynes. Kendall
had charge of club department
Which was thrown tout because it
couldn't buck local curbstone book-
ers and bandmasters who have a
virtual monopoly on talent-penciling
for niteries.
Only other change was letting out
of one typist Morrey Davidson cori-
tlnulng to handle Southern part of
Cleveland territory for Consolidated,
with Haynes covering Northern sec-
tion and Phil Brown ' heading one'
niters department
Ira Arnstein b Court
To Prove Music Indostry
Conspires Against ffim
Suit of Ira B. Arnstein on two
causes of action, first of which is an
accounting of profits, damages, esti-
mated by the plaintifiV at over $2,-
000,000, and a decree forcing the
American Society of Authors and
Composers to admit him to memlier-
ship, and the second charging con-
spiracy on the part of ASCAP, The
Miisic Publishers Protective Asso-
ciation, The Song Writers Protective
Association, NBC and CBS got under
way in the N.Y. federal court before
Judge Edward A. Conger on Mon-
day (6).
Other defendants named in the ac-
tion include Warner Brothers Pic-
tures, Inc., M Witmark & Sons, the
Bgtfadway Music Corp., E. B. Marks
Music Co., Mills Music Co., Harms,
Inc., Sam. Fox Publishing Co., Na-
thaniel Shilkret Emery Deutsch,
Gene Buck,' John G. Paine, E. C.
Mills, Harry Fox, Edwin H. Morris,
A. M. Wattenberg, Louis Bernstein
and Paul Jonas.
The plaintiff, who claims the
plagiarism of some 50 odd songs
composed by him, spent the first day
of the trial reciting his grievances.
An indication ... to which way the
wind was blowing was shown by the
judge's remark toward the con-
clusion of the morning session. He
turned to the 30 odd attorneys in the
room and stated, 'I am sorry to de-
prive you men of a week's work.'
Network Plugs, 8 AJW. to 1 AJH.
FottoiDing is a totalization of the combined plugs ot current tunes on NBC (WEAF and WJZ), and CBS
(WABC) computed for the week from Monday through Sunday (Feb. 21-March 6). Total represents accumulated
performances on the Uoo major networks from i a, m. to 1a.m. In 'Source" column, * denotes film song, t legit
tunes, and popf speaks for itself.
GRAND
TITLE. PCBLISHEB. SOURCE. TOTAL.
Gotta Get Some Shuteye Berlin Pop 54
Penny Serenade Shaoiro Pop 37<
Could Be Santly Pop '36
You're a Sweet Little Headache Paramount. *Pa;'is Honeymoon 36
Deep Purple Robbins Pop 34
Heaven Can Wait Remicfc Pop 34
This Is It. Chappell tStars in Your Eyes 32
This Night Bregman ♦Honolulu 31
I Have Eyes. Paramount *Paris Honeymoon °. ... 28
ICriedforYou Miller Poo , 26
I Promise You , ABC Pop . , 26
Get Along Without You Very Well Famous Pop 25
Jeepers Creepers Witmark •Goinc Places 24
This Can't Be Love Chappell tBoys from Syracuse
Umbrella Man Harms Pop .'. .
Chop Sticks Shapiro Pop
We've Come a Long Way Together Feist Pop ..'; —
Masquerade Is Over. ... Crawford Pop
My . Heart Belongs to Daddy Chaopell „tLeave It to Me
Between a Kiss and a Sigh Santly Pop
Hold Tight.- ..Exclusive Pop
Rainbow Valley.. Morris.. Pop
I Long to Belong to You Red Star. ; Pop
I Go for That Famous ................... *St. Louis Bluej
Good for Nothing Witmark '. Pop
Begin the Beguine ; . . Harms Pop
23
23
22
21
21
21
• 20
19
19
19
H7
17
17
Honolulu • Bregman .'•Honolulu' '.■ 16
Little Sir Echo.
We Speak of You Often
Blame It On My Last Affair.
It's All Yours........
They Say
Never Felt Better.
. Bregman Pop
. Olman .' Pop
.Mills Pop
.Chappell tStars in Your Eyes..
. Witmark Pon
Miller Pod
Romance Runs in the Family Ager Pop
Hurry Home Spier Pop
Deep in a Dream ... Harms . — Pop ,
Get Out of Town Chappell tLeave It to Me » 12
Annabelle , Feist Pop
Cuckoo in the Clock Berlin Pop
Moon Is a Silver Dollar Robbins , - Pop
Among Those Sailing Marks 'i Pop
Room with a View Bregman Pop
Let's StOD the Clock Remick Pop
I Want My Share of Love Harms Pop
Undecided Leeds .. .^ .Pop
Trial board of the New York mu-
sicians union will by the end of the
current week act on a second batch
of band bookers, who are charged
with engaging in underscaling prac-
tices or violating various union rules
and regulations. Next move will be
to ask the American Federation of
Musicians to cancel the. licenses of
the guilty agents.
Following the recommendation of
the same trial board, the interna-
tional .union last weelc advised 22
band agents the privilege- of book-
ing ' AFM members has been with-
drawn from them.' The agents com-
prising this initial batch are as fol-
lows:
Charles Rapp.
Al Rock.
Carlton Hubb.
Al Rogers.
Louis Riccardi (National Radio it
Entertainment Bureau).
Sid Hall.
Resort Entertainment Bureau.
United Entertainment Bureau.
Nevco Entertainment Bureau,
Acme Booking Agency..
Percy Oakes.
Nick Elliott
Mike Hammer.
Parker & Ross.
Sylvan Amusement-
Bill Robbins.
Columbia Entertainment Bureau.
Eddie Luntz.
Ted- Crane.
Tom O'Connell.
Frieda Solomota.
It's All So New to Me Feist.
Ice Follies 10
JACK BOBBINS'
25YRS.INBIZ
Jack^ Robbins, head of the Metro-
Robblns publishing group,' celebrates
his 25th year in the music business
March 25. The occasion will receive
attention on tbe air from band lead-
ers on national hookups who will
play medleys of Robbins hits. Th-sre
will also be tributes from name v,o-
calists and screen personalities.
Among the composers that Rob-
bins has either backed or introduced
are Ferde Grofe, Rube Bloom,
Thomas Grisselle, Lou Alter, Rudy
Wiedoeft Blx Belderbecke and
Frank SignorellL
MILLS EXaUSIVES
CINEPHONIC MUSIC
For the first time since 1925 Mills
Music, Inc., has entered into an ex-
clusive representation contract with
a London publisher. Reg Connolly,
of Clnephonlc Music, Ltd., closed the
deal by cable last week.
Agreement is for two years, with
options, and gives Clnephonlc first
call on all Mills publications. Mills^
po'Ucy for the past 13 years was to
place Its tune abroad with the high-
est bidder.
SOME PROGRESS MADE
Encouraging First Steps In 'Cleanlor
Up Bribe Evil
^Professional Music Men, Inc., and
popular publishers got a step closer
to an Rntl-bribery pact last week
when it was agreed to hold a series
of discussions 'for the purpose of
drafting the terms of this pact. In-
itial sessl'on of committees from the
two camps will be held at the Music
Publishers Protective Association of-
fices this Friday (10).
Group of pubs who met with a
delegation <rom the PMMI last week
declared itself as impressed by the
sincerity of the contracteers to clean
up the industry and that the pub-
lishers should be willing to co-op-
erate so long, as the PMMI does not
seek to impose a closed shop or take
on the aspect of a union. The
PMMI's pact proposes that a con-
tacteer caught violating the taboo
rules a' second time be subject not
only to. dismissal from his Job but to
absolute shut out from further em-
ployment in the industry.
Victor Young doing the musical
score for Republic's ^'Man of Cono
quest'
50 VARIETY
MUSIC— DANCE BAUDS
Wednesday^ March 8, I939
Ballreom Owners Called Together
Trade Problems Include Price War with Name-
Playing Theatre*
Philadelphia, March 7.
Dance hall operators from the East
and Middle West will meet here in
a two-day conclave next month to
lay plans for combatting the inroads
made into their business by theatres
with name bands.
The meeting has been called by El
Brendel, Jr., president of the Na-
tional Ballroom Owners and Opera-
tors Association. The org has been
inactive for the past year but Bren-
del told Variety he hopes to re-
organize the group into an active
and militant outfit.
Chief topic on the agenda is ways
and means of getting belter break in
price of name crews for ballroom
ops now forced to meet competition
by theatres who can afford to pay
top rates.
Another practice the ops seek to
OLD SONG SUGGESTIONS
JIMMY McHUGH'S
"I'M IN THE MOOD
FOR LOVE"
MILLS MUSIC, INC.
break up, according to Brendel, is
that of being forced to book weak
names in order to get a Goodman,
Kaye, Dorsey, etc. Tlie bookers, in
this way, are able to palm off
weakies and the operator has to take
them whether they make money for
him or not, Brendel declared.
Among the speakers expected at
the parley are Tom Archer, head of
the Iowa Ballroom Association. A
system of State associations is exr
pected to be set up . to cope with
local conditions and to get' legisla-
tion favorable to the industry.
Among the operators invited to
the meeting are: Mrs. C. D. Roseby,
West Side Park, Berwick, Pa.; Ray
Harlenstine, Sunnybrook, Pottstown,
Pa.; Mrs. S. Tasie, Valencia Ball-
room, York, Pa.; Bud Mealy, Mealy 's
Auditorium, Allentown, Pa.; the
Baumgart Sisters. Sunset Park, Wil-
liamsport. Pa.; R. M. Spangler, RoU-
• in^ Green Park, Selinsgrove, Pa.;
John Wright, Masonic Temple Ball-
room, Hazleton, Pa.; A. Tracy,
Orondo Ballroom, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.;
Joseph Barry, Bridgeport, Conn.;
Fred Luther, Collesium Ballroom,
Greensburg, Pa.; Dave Hudkins,
Buckeye Lake, Ohio; Vincent Weber,
Spanish Ballroom, Dover, Ohio;
Louis Grlner, Trianon, Toledo; Blue
Piatt, Summit Beach Ballroom,
Akron;' Harry Altman, Glen Park
Casino, WilliamsviUe, N. Y.; Walter
Reade, Casino, Asbury Park, N. J.;
J. B. SoUenberger, Hershey Ball-
room, Hershey, Pa.; Phillip CosteUo,
Rockey Glen Park, Pa.; and Will
Wittig, Playmore Ballroom, Kansas
City.
Press Agent Stunt Costs
Union Scale; Shaggers
'Break Ground' at Eipo
It cost the backers of the projected
Savoy Ballroom, at the World Fair,
New York, one-night stand rates to
have the. Chick Webb and Erskine
Hawkins orchestras on hand at the
ground breaking ceremonies for the
building past Saturday (4). Musi-
cians local decreed stunt or no the
boys had to be paid.
Gag brought several hundred
dancers from Harlem to the Fair
gi-ounds in chartered busses. Idea
was to have the shagsters break
ground with specially made shoes on
the thought that if they can ruin
dance floors they ought to be able
to kick up a few yards of dust,
Blue Barron Coin Rise
Attested in Home County
Cleveland, March 7.
Return of Blue Barron's band to
its hometown last Wednesday (1)
for educators' national convention
pinned a red feather in hat of short
maestro who jumped from $350 jobs
here into $3,500 class. Played to
house of 4,000, a new high for Stat-
ler ballroom, before leaving for a
rapid three-week tour of middle-
west
From a one-niter at Paramount
theatre in Anderson, Ind., Cleve-
lander is jumping to Chase Hotel In
St. Louis Friday for ten days. After
that he is barnstorming through
Alabama and .Tennessee to Iioew's
house in Atlanta, Ga., for a week
opening March 24. Barron goes back
April 4 to New York Edison Hotel,
which he left Oct 6 after a nine
montiti ruTL He is staying there to
middle of June and Is set for Vir-
ginia Beach, Va., June 23.
Benny Goodman follows current
Stanley, Pitts., date with Earle,
Wash, March 17, and Hlpp^ Balto,
March 24.
Hal Kemp, Fox, Phila., March 24.
Kay Kyser, Fox, Detroit March 17.
Clyde Lucas, Beverly Hills Coun-
try Club, Newport, Ky., opening
March 17.
Larry Clinton, Savoy Ballroom,
N. Y., Sunday (12).
Dick Barrie. Beverly-Wllshire
hotel, Beverly Hills, CaL, indefinite,
opening March 21.
Eddy Duchin, Palmer House, Chi.,
opening April 7. Plays Orpheum,
Minn., week March 24.
Artie Shaw played University of
Pittsburgh Interfraternity Ball at
William Penn hotel, Pittsburgh, Fri-
day (3), doubling into there from
engagement at WB Stanley. First
time theatre has ever permitted that.
Matty Malneck orchestra signed
for night club sequences in 'East Side
of Heaven' at Universal.
On the Upbeat
' Tommy Carlyn band into Show
Boat Pittsburgh, Thursday (2) for
indefinite stay, replacing Jay Starr
outfit latter pulling out after three
weeks.
Johnny Davis organized a band for
theatre and dance jobs between pic-
tures.
State-Palace Ballroom (N. Y.),
which opens Friday (10) after sev-
eral delays, will have f^ree bands
on tap first two days. Jimmy Dorsey
orchestra will guest augment Lucky
Millinder and Hazel Scott crews Fri-
day and Saturday (10-11).
Emerson Gill orchestra closed at
the Van Cleve hotel, Dayton, last
week and picks up three weeks of
one-nighters.
Sonny Kendis orchestra ends its
road tour in Detroit today (6) and
returns to the Stork Club, N. Y.,
Friday (10).
George Hall Introduces a new
tune tagged 'Beethoven Wrote It
But It's Swing,' when it goes into
Loew's State, N. Y„ March 16, Tune
written by Herbert Roussel, music
critic of Houston, Texas, Post
Al Donahne orchestra returns to
the Rainbow Room, N. Y., May 10.
Plays Coronation Ball at Sarasota,
Fla., Friday (10), then goes one-
nighting.
Jess Staccy, Benny Goodman or-
chestra pianist cut three platters
for Commodore under recent pact
with Robbins Mtisic. Tunes were
'Ramblin',' 'Complainin',' and 'Ain't
Qoin' Nowhere.'
Doa Danham orchestra at the Top-
per Ballroom, Cincinnati, adds
'Sparkling Rhythms' to the list of
style tags.
Gen* Krupa orchestra guest-re-
places the Tommy Dorsey crew on
Panther Room, Chicago,
To NBC; Krupa Lead-Off
Chicago, March 7.
NBC here takes on the Hotel Sher-
man when that spot returns to the
ether on Saturday (11). First band
in the new Panther Room (formerly
part of the College Inn) of the Sher-
man will be the Gene Krupa gang.
Also switching over to NBC is the
Edgewater Beach hotel which has
been on the Columbia web for sev-
eral months.
the Raleigh-Kool show for one shot
March 20, Krupa had to get per.
mission to leave the College Inn"
Chicago, where -he opens March ii
for the broadcast and rcbroadcast!
Standby outfit will fill his spot dur-
ing the airings.
Howard Sc Lester Lanin Orchestia
Managtment, Inc., has been char-
tered at Albany to conduct a busi-
ness in organizing and handling or-
chestras, with office in Manhattan,-
Joseph E. Low filing attorney.
■ Marohelll is currently conducting
Shea's Buffalo pit orchestra.
Ono of the ntoit
popular and moit pinyoil
looBt en the air today I
BLAME IT ON
MY LAST AFFAIR
MORTON eOULD'S
PAVANNE
A Beautiful and Appoaling Sent
REFUGEE
A lenD with the Yankee Doodle iplrll
I'm Livin' and \'m Lovin'
(In Thnt G«od Old Amfrlcaa
Way)
Tnm the CoHeii Cliik P*r*4«
(WerU'i Fair Edition)
By Ted Kohler and nuke Bloea
WHAT GOES UP
MUST COME DOWN
(And Baky. Ya«'«e Been Flylii'
Tea High)
DON'T WONNY 'DOUT ME
Wotch for Further Titlej
The Irretistihle Hit
mVY, HEAVY HANGS
OYER MY HEART'
AND
A *'Di0erent» Novelty
'mm, THE BUMBLE-
BEE, FEELS BUM'
Ob Bluebird BMord B1»M
VANfiUARD SONGS
6411 Hollywood Blvd.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIF.
AND
1776 Broadway
NEW YORK, N. Y.
JUST BORN and T O M O R R O
LITTLE
? SONG HIT
N I U S
ABC MUSIC CORP.
By WALTER SAMUELS, LEONARD WHITCUP and TEDDY POWELL
FRANK HENNIGS, PROF. MGR.
799 7TH AVE., NEW YORK
i\ I ^ T r: < T > i: i l / .n (, // / r i \ i o \ i i h
DEEP PUR P I. E
n<,r<l< Ir. MITCHELL I'MU-H \lu<i'- PETLH DL K<i-I
H ( ' B H 1 N > .M r S I C (.: 0 F{ P 0 R A T K) > . 7 9 9 > i; \ E .\ T H A N K NIK . n F. V \ u U K
^ AN OUTSTANDING SONG EVENT
: LITTLE SKIPPER *,
Words and Music by NICK KENNY and CHARLES KENNY ^
•k- ■ ^
LEO FEIST. INC, • 1629 BROADWAY, NEW YORK • HARRY LINK, Gen Prof, Mgr,
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
▼AUDE— MIGHT CLUBS
VARIETY
SI
Phifly Booker, Act Groups End Feud
Plan Joint War on Unlicensed Agents
+-
Philadelphia, March 7.
The Entertainment Managers As-
sociation, boolter group, and the
'United ' Entertainers Association
(American Federation of Actors),
long at loggerheads here, have joined
in an effort to oust chiseling book-
ers and 'foreign,' unlicensed agents
from the state.
.A cabaret division of the EMA has
been set up under Roy Cross to sta-
' bilize wages and working condition^
of night club acts. The division is
also drafting a measure to be pre-
sented at the current session of the
legislature to strengthen the present
agent licensing act. '
'Florence Bernard, president of the
EMA, is one of the leading oppo-
nents of unlicensed, out-of-town
agents^ who operate here without
paying the $110 fee required of li-
censed bookers.
. The new minimum scale set down
by a joint UEA-EMA board follows:
. $10 a night for chartered clubs; $18
for three consecutive days at caba-
rets and $21 for three non-consecU-
tive days. Agents who violate this
scale will be liable for the forfeiture
of a $50 bond . deposited with the
board.
Tom Kelly, Local UEA business
agent, has announced he would start
a drive within the next two weeks
to get all agents, licensed with the
AFA in conjunction with a similar
nation-wide campaign of the actors'
union. Most of the local bookers
are showing a disposition to co-op-
crate.
Under the licensing plan agents
agree to book only AFA mbrobers
' and at no less than A^A minimums.
BEN V. HARRIS KIUED
IN UPSTATE N. Y. CRASH
A motor crash near Seneca Falls,
New York, while coming east from
Chicago, caused the death Sunday (5)
of Ben V. Harris, 35, of the Harris
Twin's and Loretta vaude act. Trio
had only., recently returned . from
Australia and were en route to play
their, flrst date in this country in
four years, at the State, N. Y., open-
Inc being scheduled for tomorrow
(Thurs.).
Harris' twin, Bert, was only slight-
ly injured in the accident, but his
vife, who is X.oretta, is in serious
condition, reports today from the
Auburn (N.Y.) City hospital indicat-
ing that she's paralyzed. Bert Harris
was. driving the car when it crashed
Into a truck. His brother leaves a
widow.
Al Gordon, who was pulled out of
the current State show opening day
last week (2) because the show was
tec long, and tentatively set back
for a week some time in April, has
been, substituted for the Harris
Twins and Loretta in. next week's
show.
Carroll Changes Acts
Instead of New Revue
Hollywood, March 7.
Earl Carroll will bring new acts
intermittently into his theatre-res-
taurant instead of building an entire
new revue as was flrst contemplated.
Original idea was to give each new
show, a three-month run. and then
ship It east intact on an arrangement
with New York niteries.
New acts are being brought in to
leplace Harrison' and Fisher, dance
team, and the Three Sophisticates.
Ballroom iao of Ygor and Tanya go
in next week.
Bojangles Wins
Hartford, March 7.
Arrested after they had allegedly
• attempted to knife Bill Robinson and
his valet, Harold Carter, at the State
Wednesday (1), two local colored
men received light sentences in po-
lice court Saturday morning <4).
Both were charged with breach of
peace. Robert LaBelle was fined $10
and costs and given. 20 days in the
city jail, execution suspended, and
George Morse was fined $10.
The men were arrested after they
had crashed backstage at the State
where the terper was p.a.'ing, and
refused to leave on orders of Oscar'
'Sticks' Matarese, doorman. Robin-
son and his valet subdued thenii'
VAUDE GETS BREAK
Seven Acts Signed for Sequence In
ZOth-Fox's 'Square'
Hollywood, March 7.
Vaude gets a break in 'Rose of
'Washington Square' at 20th-Fox with
the signing of seven acts for a the-
atre sequence.
Acts are Biltniorettes, Igor and
Tarlya, Sophisticates, Stanley and
White, Maxwell Turk, Lurline Uller
and Marvin Jensen.
AFA SIGNS TWO
MORE PITT
CAFES
Pittsburgh, Mistfch 7.
AFL's American Federation of Ac-
tors continued last week to tie up
town's niteries, signing closed shop
contracts covering entertainers at
the Plaza Cafe and Italian Gardens.
Drive began recently when a local
entertainers union announced it had
becoine .affiliated with the CIO, first
time this outfit has ever recognized a
performer organization.
George La Ray, international rep
for AFA, said he expected to con-
summate deals with several, other
niteries within next few days.
First to sign up was Nixon Cafe,
and it's generally believed contract
here was the signal for others to fall
in line. Late signers had previously
told LaRay that once Nixon fell into
line, they would follow. That spot,
operated by Tony Conforti, is town's
No. 1 talent-user in the night club
field.
HiMegarde Suspension
In Pact Violation Lifted
Hildegarde's 90-day suspension by
the American Federation oit Actors
for failure to live up to a contract
with the Colony club, Chicago, was
lifted even before it was scheduled
to begin, following an appeal to the
AFA council by Martin J. Desmoni,
her lawyer.
Council set the suspension aside
pending arbitration.
Terper Wins Court Bout
On Title to $7,000 Estate
Rochester, N. Y., March 7.
Bobby Newall, night club tap
dancer, won a new name and title
to a $7,000 estate in court actions,
all in the same week.
County. Court Judge H. Douglass
Van Duser issued an order permit-
ting her to use her professional tag
for all purposes instead of her real
one, Mrs. Elizabeth Ludolph Worden.
Also, the niece of a friend of Miss
Newall's accepted a $100 settlement
of an action to break the will which
left $7,000 fo the dancer and cut off
the niece with $1.
Swing WsM Readied
In Ciiicago f or YaodeviDe
Chicago, March 7.
An all-colored 60-minute swing
'Mikado' for picture houses is being
readied here by Harry Rogers.
Cast of 75 has been recruited from
vaude and legit and indications are
the show .will open in a Loop house
March 24 or April 7. James Staun-
ton is staging.
VAODEraVAL'
FOLDS IN BALTO
Baltimore, March 7.
Ijaughter Over Broadway,' with
which Kurt Robitschek and Julian
Fuhs sought to bring back 'big time'
vaude to the Maryland here, folded
after one week. .
Withdrawal of policy from the
Maryland leaves that house again
open for indie bookings in legit.
Montreal, March 7.
Vaudeville: may be discontinued at
Loew's here within two weeks.
Consolidated Theatre execs are
mulling plans to adopt straight pic-
ture grind policy at Loew's, using
double features, after a losing season.
Bad Biz, Union Row
Force Shattering Of
Niteries on Coast
Los Angeles, March 7.
Three of the town!s front line
niteries have drawn the blinds.
Trocadero, after several changes in
management, gave up the ghost and
reopening awaits a new bankroUer.
Ambassadors Cocoanut Grove ran
into union trouble and it's reported
the hotel is in the fight to a show-
down.
Biltmore hotel's Bowl goes dark
tomorrow (Wed.) due to tough sled-
ding. When musicians union re-
fused to adjust the scale for a bond
to follow ,Shep Fields into the Bowl
and Bob Keith's group into the
Rendezvous, the hotel folded.
MRS. 0. M. SAMUELS
HOLDING N. Y. SHOW
F&MHnlaUnit
Los Angeles, March 7.
Fanchon ° & ' Marco unit of 40,
.headed by Rube Wolf, opens an
eight-week tour of Hawaiian Islands
Friday (10) .at Kings theatre, Hono-
lulu.
Troupe comprises orchestra, line
of girls, Ole Olsen (not of Olsen and
Johnson), Ruth Faber a\ 1 Lester
the Great Trip is a honeys. .oon for
four of the musicians.
Nofvell's Tour
Los Angeles, March 7.
Bert Levey has booked Norvell,
astrologer, for a country-wide tour.
Opening in. Oakland, Cal., this,
week, Norvell- covers the northwest
before heading tostward.
Mrs. O. M. (Helene) Samuels of
New Orleans will hold a 'one-man''
show of her paintings at the Argent
gallery, 42 West 57th street. New
York, on April 11. A tea will follow.
She's wife of Monte Samuels, well
known in show biz and for 25 years
Variety f.l. (for love) representative
in the Louisiana metropolis.'
PITMAN TURNS LAWYER
Edaard 'Werner Admitted to Prac-
tice — Played Theatres, Radio
Detroit, March 7.
Eduard 'Werner, for many years
batoner of th^ Michigan theatre pit
orchestra here and recently director
of symph band at WXYZ, is enter-
ing his third profession, law. Join-
ing the local firm of Belanger,
'Wood, Jacquemain & Werner.
In his youth a member of Hun-
gary's arniy, 'Werner took up the
violin and went to New York as a
teacher. After a tour of the U. S.,
he settled down in Detroit to lead
one of the country's . first film the-
atre orchestras at the old Liberty
here in 1914. Subsequently he di-
rected bands at the Madison,. Adams,
Capitol, Stale and Michigan- theatres,
here, moving into radio last sum-
mer when the Michigan dropped
vaudeville. .While batoning at the
Michigan he studied law and was
admitted to state bar last June,
Lombardo's 3-Week Date
At Strand, New York City
Guy Lombardo orchestra goes into
the Strand, N. Y., for three weeks
AprU 7. Lombardo will draw $10,000
which will cover the cost of the band
end supporting show. .
Makes another Music Corporation
of America crew to switch from the
Paramount to .the Strand.
Norvo Preems New Band Poficy
At the Hatbusli, Bldyn Jarch 17
SIGNS DEB SINGER
Embassy, Phllly, Already Doing
Good Biz with Bine Book Terper .
PhiladelphU, March 7.
The. Embassy club, ringing up
good business in . the past three
weeks by featuring .a debbie hoofer,
Cynthia Wai^, yesterday (Mon.)
signed Eleanor L. Piper, also, of the
Blue Mook, as- a chirper. She debuts
Thursday (9).
Miss Piper has been singing on. a
WCAU cufio program for the past
couple of months.
4A^S INQUIRY OF
AFA OPENS
INN.Y.
Probe of the Four A's into the
operation of the American Federa-
tion of Actors got underw.ay yester-
day (Tuesday), when lawyer's and
accountants started studying the
AFA books in N. Y. The investiga-
tion was requested by Ralph White-
head, executive secretary of the
AFA, following published charges
that he dominated the vaudeville-
nitery actors' union.
Four A's committee appointed to
investigate the AFA includes Flor-
ence Marston, chairman of the prob-
ing group and eastern rep of the
Screen Actors Guild; Frank Gill-
more, prez of the Four A's; Paul
Turner o£ the Four A's; Paul
DuUzell, of Equity; George Heller, of
the American Federation of Radio
Artists; Henry Jaffe, of. AFRA, and
Benjamin D. Reis', an accountant
Charges against Whitehead were
originally contained in a letter, to
the Four A's by Harry Calkins, or-
ganizer for the AFA who had been
dismissed for allegedly abusing, his
power. Later, at a Four A's meet-
ing, Whitehead demanded a full in-
vestigation to clear his administra-
tion.
Helbach Reinstated
As Onp Chb Director
.Ousted several months ago. as a
director of the Onyx Club,' New
York, Joe Helbach, 'reputedly one of
the 'Club's originators, "was ordered
reinstated last week by, Judge Aaron
G. Levy of supreme court, N. Y.
Reason for Helbach's ousting was
hot made known. He's the owner of
the Onyx title and was planning to
open another spot under that name
if his reinstatement. suit was unsuc-
cessful.
Enright, Pitt, Returns
To Weekly Am Shows
Pittsburgh, March 7.
The Enright, WB's big-seater In
East. Liberty, near here, is returning
t3 its Friday night amateur shows in
an effort to bolster biz there on that
day. Management has hired Brian
McDonald and Jerry Mayhall to
stage the shindig.- Both have been
doing a sponsored tyro program over
WJAS here every Sunday for last
four years.
There'll be eight acts on the bill
every week to be picked earlier by
audition. Cash prizes of $10, $5 and
$2 will be awarded to the winners,
to be judged by audience applause.
Probable, too, that the best of them
will also get a spot on the McDonald-
Mayhall radio show.
Eva Puck Divorced
Santa Monica, CaL, March 7.
' Eva Puck, former vaude and mu-
sical comedy player (Puck and
White), was granted a divorce here
March 1 from Robert Groves.
She was granted alimony of $120
a month.
New band policy for the Brandt
Circuit Flatbush theatre, Brooklyn,
starts March 17, Red Norvo band, .
with Mildred Bailey, Cross and
Dunn, Lorraine and Rognan and the
Varsity Co-Eds are set for the band-
film policy opener. House will have
5Sc. top week days ' and 75Ci week-
ends.
Benny Merbfl orchestra and the
Andrew Sisters are booked for the
week of March 25, and Jimmy Dorsey .
is dated for the week of April 7. -
Larry Clinton goes in later in April
House will also have a standby or-
chestra.
The Flatbush, a B, F. Keith ace
vaudeville house until 1928,- when
RKO built the Kenmore across the.
street will be completely renovated. -
There will be four complete shows
daily, -with five Saturday and Sun-
day, Arthur Fischer and Milton
Roemer are booking.
. The Brandts are trying to work
out a' deal with the musicians union -
on the standby orchestra which .
would permit the crew to be used
outside the theatre. Plan is to farm
the orchestra out to schools, depart- .
ment stores, factories, commercial
establishments, etc., whenever it is .
idle.
Circuit would continue paying sal- .
aries and would . furnish the. enter-
tainment gratis. In return for giv-
ing services of the band, theatre fig-,
ures Xt build good- will for its new '
policy. So far the union has nixed
tht. idea.
Pitt's Temporary Vande
Pittsburgh, March 7.
The Senator, Harris outfit's No. 2
downtown house, will go flesh again
temporarily March 17 when it brings
the Blackstone magic unit in for a .
week. It. will be only the second
time since house opened last Novem-
ber that it's had a stage show. In-
augural bill had John Boles.
Both Harris first-runners go in for
flesh occasionally on a spot basis.
Alvin's last show was Jane. Withers
oh New Year's week, but nothing's
been on the boards since. Execs say '
if Blackstone clicks at the Senator, :
units may be booked there oftener.
Town's only permanent flesh spot is
the WB SUnley.
Band Shows for Madison .
Madison, 'WJs,, March 7.
The Capitol here inaugurates band
shows Fridays and Saturdays in con-
junction with films, beginning Friday
(10).
Manager Edward'Benjil has booked
Dean Hudson and Charlie Agnew's
orchestras for first two weeks.
16 FRISCO CAFES GET
LIQUOR SUSPENSIONS
Sacramento, March 7.
Sixteen f .xi Francisco and - sur-
rounding niteries had their liquor
licenses suspended by the California
State Board of Equalization action
here last week. Suspensions are for
five days, starting Monday (13), on
charges of violating the 2 a.m. clos-
ing law.
Affected were the (Sub TlvoH,
Royal Hawaiian, the Thirty-Niner,
Ruby Stone Cafe, Embassy Club, Mu-
sic Box, the 245 Mason Street 92
Sixth Street, Sloppy Joe's, The
Breakers, Club . Moderne, Highway
Inn, Dick's Tower, Out of Town Club,
Brisbane and Fred Wood's Cloma.
In all, the board suspended 34 state
licenses, revoked 15, Issued 18 new
permits and. denied .75 applications.
Indiana Sets Curfew
Indianapolis, March 7.
Bin passed by Indiana legislature
"arid 'slgna'tured by the ' gbverribr
Thursday (2) cuts, an hour from
previous legal closing time for night
clubs, setting the deadline for sale ot
liquor at midnight Monday, through
Friday, and I a.m. Saturday nights.
No sales are permitted on Sunday.
Rose Books Debonairs
For 30 Weeks at Casa
Debonairs, dancing sextet now in
the last ot Billy Rose's vaude pre-
septations at the Casa Manana, New
York, will be held over for new
show set to open March 27. They're,
set for 30 weeks, along with -James
Barton, who was set last week. -
Bill Miller booked.
S2
VARIETY
YAUDE—NIGHT CLUBS
.Wednesday, March 8, 1939
Padula, PhiUy Cafe, Sued for Orch
Pay; Seek to Setde Arcadia GOG Debts
Philadelphia, March 7. '
Double trouble hit Art Padula, op-
erator ot the Arcadia-International
here, this week. First, a suit was
filed against him by Oscar Moldauer,
counsel for the musicians union, for
$1,500 back pay, alleged to be owed
to Bill Honey's orchestra,' which
wound up at the Anchorage, owned
by Pa,dula, last week.
Padula said he refused to pay
Honey because the union insisted
on holding him personally respon-
sible for salary owed Clem Williams'
crew, which was holding forth at
the Arcadia-International at the
time' it closed. Padula claimed the
two cafes were under separate cor-
porations. Anchorage is now run-
ning with Frank Quinn's orchestra,
a non-union band.
Padula's second wallop came on
the same day when a constable sale
was held at the Arcadia to satisfy
$60,000 worth of debts. About $1,100
■was realized at the sale of fixtm-es,
silverware, etc. The Cooks, Bar-
tenders and Waiters Union joint
board alone has a claim of nearly
$2,000 against the place.
Padula has admitted it 'looked, al-
most hopeless' that he would ever
reopen the Arcadia. He declared-
that the creditors were satisfied to
allow him to run the place again
but he was stymied by the demand
of the landlord for an annual rental
of $50,000.
°It has been reported that at least
a half dozen persons have been ne-
gotiating for the spot. Among them
are said to be Phil Barr,' operator of
the 500 Club, Atlantic City, and
Johnny D'Augustino, head of the
Renault Wine Co., and partner wiith
Frank Palumbo of the Renault 'Tav-
ern, Atlantic City.
Fields H.O. in Chi
Chicago, Marcli 7.
Benny Fields and other acts at the
Chez Paree hold over for an addi-
tional four weeks.
Russ Morgan orchestra opened at
the spot last week for four weekfr^
with options.. Replaces Lou Breese
orchestra, which had been there for
more than a year.
WISCONSIN AUTHORITIES
WAR ON CAFE GAMBLING
Milwaukee, March 7,
With the new drive on ' "mechan-
ized gambling,' Ozaukee county joins
the cleanup parade on Wisconsin
niteries. Waukesha county has had
an anti-vice grand jury functioning
for a' year.
Racine recently clamped down on
its downtown gambling rendezvous
and obtained several convictions. A
two-day raid in La Cros-ie on alleged
vice resorts and gambling establish-
ments was followed Thursday night
(?,) by warnings from authorities
that there will be no letup in efforts
to eliminate such places.
The drive, resulting in the book-
ing of 12 alleged violators, was
started last week by Chief of Police
Herman Rick.
BKO, Boston, Starts Pro Auditions to
Aid Vauders' Wanine Bookings
Mario to Double On
2 N. Y. Nitery Dates
Don Mario, who's producing 'Bag-
dad on Broadway,' which opens Joe
Zelli's Arabian Nights, New York,
tomorrow night (Thurs.), ■ will
double from the nearby Firenze.
Mario has written the book and the
music for the show.
Arabian Nights opener will in-
clude Roberta Jonay, who goes to
London and Paris tor subsequent
dates.
WALl,.\C'K
JANICK
DILRONE and STARR
Present Tlielr
Dance Creation, 'White Flame'
In tlie
Universal Picture
"PHARMACY FROUCS"
Thanks to MAX RICHARD
For Kaoklngii Address
MXX RICHAHD, 1674 B'way, M.T.C.
Clrole 7-4014
SALVATION
■ Boston, March 7.
Professional Auditions every Fri-
day evening at the RKO Boston was
inaugurated last week by C. W.
Koerner, New England division man-
ager.
Purpose is to aid vaudevilUans suf-
fering from waning bookings, by
awarding a week's^ engagement to
the winner of each audition group.
Philadelphia, March 7,
The Entertainment Managers AS'
sociation, org of bookers, will hold
its second audition of acts at the
Hotel Walton on Sunday, March 19
A meeting of the group will iollbw,
Howard Wheeler, national EMA
president, will speak.
• 15 YEARS AGOt
(From Vabiety;
The Methodist Church was going
into picture production. Shorts were
being made for distribution through
the Church's various parishes.
The Ku Klux Klan \vas held re-
sponsible for the moderate attend-
ance of- a Canton, O., vauder owned
by one Sam Bernstein,
• Eflie Cherry, of the former Cherry
Sister team, of vaudeville, back in
the news. She was running for
mayor of Cedar Rapids, la.
Bands, picture arid musical com-
edy turns were invading vaudeville,
causing a weekly layoff of 1,000
vaude acts.
Richard Bennett was continuing
to rebuke audiences. He did it while
playing in 'The Dancers' at the Adel-
phi, Philadelphia.
Radio was increasingly becoming
a competitive dangier to show biz.
Count Salm, who leaped into the
headlines by his marriage to the oil
heiress, Millicent Rogers, was being
given star billing in revivals of films
in which he had bit parts.
Elsie Janis, Nance O'Neil, Lillian
Leitzel, Florenz Ames and Ray
Dooley were headlining at the Pal-
ace.
Jack Dempsey was asking $7,000
weekly upon being offered Keith
time.
Mrs. Jack Norworth, his third,
was granted a divorce from the co-
median. Nora Bayes and Louise
Dresser were his first' two.
Maurice Chevalier headed the bill
at the opening of Paris' new music
hall, the Empire.
NEW ACTS
EVA LEGALLIENNE
With Blohard Warlnr
'Romeo and Jollet'
15 MIns.; Full (special).
44th Street, N. Y. -
Eva LeGallienne's choice of the
balcony scene from 'Romeo and
Juliet' is not an altogether happy
one for Frank Fay's straight vaude-.
ville venture. It's a show slower-
upper; an interlude so quiet that
hardly any type of act can pick up
the pace. It s out ol place on any
variety show. Intermission follows
it here.
For her Romeo, Miss LeGallienne
is employing Richard Waring. He
doesn't add much to Shakespeare's
verbiage, but later,' in a comedy act
with Fay, acquits himself creditably.
Once before, at the Palace in 1928,
Miss Le Gallienne ' put a vaude au-
dience to sleep.
Set is nice, but dark. Robert Mil-
Ion staged. Sctto.
JOHNNY BARNES
Dancing:
6 Mihs.
44th Street,. N. Y.
Johnny Barnes looks like the best
dancing bet to come along iii years.
His infectious personality plus stand-
out hoofing ability rate him plenty
of attention from musical producers.
In style and mannerisms he's an ofay
Bill Robinson, the comparison being
so close that Barnes may be an in-
tentional takebff on the colored
dancer;
Barnes originally came out of
Washington and jumped into a Dave
Apollon unit. He hasn't been on his
own long, and it won't be much
longer before prominence catches
up with him.
Seemingly, lie has an endless array
of routines. Almost all of them arc
the- nerve-tap, strut type employed
by Robinson, and were a solid click
when caught in Frank Fay's straighl-
vaude show opening night (3).
Scho.
UNIT REVIEW
VODVIL VARIETIES
(CAPITOL, ATLANTA)
Atlanta, March 5.
DeBarries' Birds (2) , Crj/.-Jtal Cook,
Straub & Lee; Jimmy Fitzgerald,
Griff & Hi. Nolle Tote & Co. (2),
Enrico Leide's 'Capitbliaiw (7), Al
Mendenfiall's unit bond (4).
K. C. Vaude Reprieve;
Armstrong, Tucker Set
" Kansas City, March 7.
Though the Fox Tower is current-
ly on a double feature film policy,
following nearly five years of vaud-
films, it won't Ignore stage ' shows
altogether. Name bands are being
dated, with Jjouis Armstrong end
Orrin Tucker already set. .
Armstrong opens March 24 and
Tucker comes in early in April.
TheTHEATRE of the STARS
BOOKING AGENCY
GENERAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES
LOEW BLDG. ANNEX
160 WEST ST. NEW YORK
J . H . L U B I N
GENERAL MANAGER.
SIDNEY H. PiERNIONT
BOOKING MANAGER
This one debuted Sunday (5) un-
der severe handicap when entire
backstage lighting system, including
p.a. system, went haywire and per-
formers were forced to work in spot.
Acts got over well, however, in spite
of fact that . lightln'g was sorely
missed.
Show opens strong with DeBarries,
hubby and wife, putting troupe of 15
cockatoos through their paces. Act
is well mounted and flashy and birds
well trained.
Crystal Cook, personable songster,
is in second spot and offers a song
followed by a radium dance to 'Diga-
doo' for good . results. Her voice,
however, lacks power without aid of
mike.. ^ ■
Jean Straub and Barbara Lee, man
and wife banjo team, follow. Femme
swings classics to man's accompani-
ment and they finish effectively with
Von Suppe's 'Poet and Peasant' over
ture.
Jimmy Fitzgerald, ' ventriloquist,
managed to get over without aid of
p.a. system, but he had to work hard
to do it He uses a big dummy for
main part of his act, and encores
with a tiny one that fits over his
hand.
Grift and Hi CHayes Griffith and
Cylde Smith) tied up show with
their comedy act. Hi works in black-
face and has good coon song voice,
and Griff plays piano accompani-
ments. Former sings 'Hula Lu' and
parody on 'Blue Heaven,' encoring
with a musical letter. Had to beg
off.
Nolle Tate, assisted by his wife, are
in closing spot with their dog act.
Man does some aero stuff to help
things along, and pups are smart and
have a full.t>ag of tricks.
"All told there are 14 in company,
counting band and not counting
poultry and canines in first and last
act. Show's clocked in" 56 mins.,
.about 11 minutes longer than usual
stage bill here.
Biz at this viewing hear capacity
Luce.
Nitery Notes
Earl RlgginB has sold out his In-
terest in the Brass Rail, Salt Lake
City, to Paul Stephens, band leader
currently spotted there.
MILLIE WAYNE
Coniedy Singing
12 Mins.
Show Boat, Pittsburgh
'Whacky' is Millie Wayne's nick-
name in billing and it'fits h6r like a
glove. There isn't an ounce of dig-
nity in the gal, but she's a fire-
cracker comedienne who, with a
little polish and some snappier ma-
terial, should wander far. Right
now her slot is the nitery belt, and
the more intimate the .spot the bet-
ter, but eventually musical comedy
may find a place for her.
She serves as m.c. here, kids the
performers and the audience and
makes both of them like it She's
quicic on the trigger, too, and can
make a heckler wisl\ he hadn't
opened his mouth. Registers best of
all, however, in her own specialty,
which is a screwball vocal session
accompanied by a baby piano.
Gal. ad-libs all through her tunes,
literally strangles the tnike and in-
tersperses tlie straight lyrics with a
running attack of patter: Some of
it's a little off color. Her burlesqued
imitation of Helen Morgan is a howl,
with Miss Wayne showing a natural
rowdy comedy talent all the way.
Cohen.
Joe Pertzborn's Top Hat, Madison
Wis., celebrated Its third anni.
JEAN ARNOLD
Singing
5 Mins.
Rivera, B'klyn.
Backed assertedly by some radio
experience, Jean Arnold has yet to
develop consider^ably before making
any impression on a stage. Lacking
a voice of importance, she also is
short on the selling. She makes a
nice appearance, however.
She is doing three songs. 'Two
Sleepy People,' opener, is n.g. on
delivery. Another represents more
noise over the p.a. system than voice.
•Trees' is the finale. Char.
MARY JANE WALSH
'Songs
.12 Mins.; One •
State, N. Y.
- Mary Jane .Walsh Is one of the
liveliest musical comedy soubrettes
in some time. She was in radio and
sang abroad with bands before at-
tracting attention last season in 'I'd
Rather Be Right' This season she
was on Broadway again, appearing
with the legit revue 'Sing Out the
News.'
Appearing in Milton Berle's 'show
here, the attractive songstress is a
swift cHck, despite the fact it is her
debut in vaude. and regardless ot.
song^' that could be more effective.
Comic helps at the start: clowning ■
with Miss Walsh and giving her the
laugh' lines.
First number is 'Beautiful Baby,*
then 'Get Out of Town.' 'F.D.R. =
Jones' is her topper, the number be- •
ing from 'News,' but. not handled byi
her in that show. It was a colored
ensemble's contribution to the re- '
vuc.
Miss Walsh will doubtless work
out a better routine. She is a per- '
sonality and handles songs ex-
cellently. Ibee.
ALANO taKa dass
Mentelist
15 Mins.; One
Lincoln, Lincoln
Glass-baller Alano Taka Da.ss has
a pan that's geared to intrigue the
women and a line that traps 'em,
but he takes a long time going into -
his routine, with the usual patter
about being no different tlian the
audience except that he's psychic.
He's liberal with gags, about
every fourth insertion a standard
that's phoney, but peps the crowd.
Usually they're ncar-dirties. Dass
works with the house lights full up
and asks that the questioner raise a -
hand when name is called, which
clears him. of any accomplices.
Bam.
Saranac Lake
By Happy Benway .
Seymour Munn here ogling "sites "
foV a cafe. Motored in from Detroit
Kenneth Farmer of Chicago eyeing
his brother Clifford, who is Rogers-
ing to a comeback!
After her successful operation, Lil-
lian Mansfield shifted her address
from here to N. Y.. where she's still
improving. Isabelle Rook also on
the mend, having left the Will
Rogers for home.
Harry 'Pop' Barrett now 80, for-
merly ot the Juggling Barretts,' has ;
been having trouble with his eyes.
Ruth Hatch, Betty Huntington, Sal -
Ragone, Doris Gascoigne, Bobby
Kcarns, Joe Drobowski and William ■*
Headley reported to be feeling aces .
now that they've left here.
(Write to those who are 111.)
ARTHUR
ON THE AIR WITH
RUBIMOFF
AND HIS ORCHE STflA
BpoiiMrcd by Ten Thousand
LIGGETT-REXALL
DRUG STORES
Oait'to. Coast
Columbia Broadcosllnfl Systom
Nalloiial Broadeutlng Systom
M arcli-Aiirll- May
Dir. COLUMBIA ARTISTS, Inc.
FLORENCE and ALVAREZ
Just Returned from 16 Successful Weeks in South America
Now Playing Roxy, Ne-w York
HELD OVER SECOND WEEK
Thanks to
MILES INGALIS JACK DAVIES -
To the Remaimng Few— Who Have Any Donhts???
BOB HOWARD
"THE FAMOUS GLIDER MAN"
IS DOUBLDia IN THE WORLD'S NO. 1 NITE CLUP
BIIX7 HOSE'S CASA MANANA
At>PE.\1tIN<l IN THE STAGE BlIOW
AT,SO BNTERTAIN'IMi IN TlIE Ml':ZZANIM<;
And .Still Following BliiR Crosby Kverj- Tliurvdn}-, I1-11;1S P.M., WV.-W
Excluaiva Management, EDWARD RIUEY, 1560 Broadway, N. Y, C
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
VARIETY
53
DANCE DIRECTION
CONSOLIDATED RADIO ARTISTS. INC.
f ERSCNAL REMIESENTATIVE
GALE. INC.
THEATRE DIRECTION
WM. MORRIS AGENCY
54
tARIETT
VAUDE— NIGHT CLUBS
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
Night Club Reviews
RAINBOW ROOM, N. Y.
Rubv Newman oTch, Cower & ■
Jeanne, John Hoysradt, Eddie Le- i
Baron orch.
It was S.S. Normandie reunion at
the Rainbow Room for the preem of
this show last Wednesday (1), ac-
counted for by Ruby Newman, who
had performed with his band on the
Normandie's cruise to Rio. The boat
got in that morning and after 24
days thrown together with one an-
other, apparently many of the pas-
sengers were still on speaking terms,
so they repaii^ed to the Rockefeller
nitory to bon-voyage Newman's
band into his Rainbow Room return.
' Newman has a smooth dance
combo and has been here several
times. John Hoysradt is a third-
termer here. He's the clever mimic
who John Roy, managing director of
the R.R., first discovered at Chez
Firehouse, N. Y. His fijst entry here
was his best; last time n.s.g., and the
same holds for this. Hoysradt has a
bright, smart but too much the same
type of repertoire — everything in
the sports idiom. He's in fashion-
able sports blazer and kindred togs
for his satires on chiseling golfers,
English tennisters, flshmermen. ski-
ers who do their tutoring at Saks 5th
Ave. snowslide, etc. His best is the
Malibu .finale, with a Hollywood
satirical angle.
He's one of a group of clever young
Yalemen, such as Ben Cutler, erst-
while maestro here, and others in
the theatre, who came out of the
same 1927-28 class and found their
way into the R.R, Roy, former peda-
fog, who thus met Nelson Rocke-
feller and went into the Center's
realty division, tutored some, which
accounts for the tie.
Ro]r has booked only one other act
this time, Gower and Jeanne, youth-
ful terp team. Eddie LeBaron, with
his personality style of maesttoing
the tango-rhumba band, holds over.
liCBaron, incidentally, is also prez
of a Spanish film production com-
pany bearing his name.
Gower and Jeanne won a Veloz
end Yolanda dance contest some
years ago at .the Cocoanut Grove,
Los Angeles, and thus migrated into
show biz. They're a nice personality
pair, with a refreshing front and an
'unique style of ballrobmology that
almost borders on the adagio in one
or two sequences. Their 'Chop-
sticks' finale is a neat conceit and
withal they're a class psii for a room
of this calibre. Abel.
terbugs, which naturally limits it
these days. Style is predominantly
sweet, instrumental sctui) being
topped by four saxes. Brass carries
three trumpets- with one occasionally
switching to trombone or violin,
same applying to a clarinet among
the reeds. Rhythm section numbers
four, including a changeable bass
man on horn and fldtue. Leader
himself is a standout fiddle slappcr.
He shows his v/ares, onf and on, and
does a duet with the crew bass man.
Houck also brings a novelty stunt
that's tops in ingenuity.. Each mem-
ber of the crew is provided with
a hand electric switch connected to
variously tuned bells. On the end
ot tlie . switches arc small electric
bulbs whicli liglit wlien switch Is
pressed. Rhytnm section bases
While bells rin" out 'Glow Worm' on
darkened bandstand, (lashing bulbs
simulating fireflies. Enthusiastically
received when caught, and de-
served:
Frank Ray vocals with the crew
and does handily. Nice voice and
clear delivery, but he presses too
much physically. Gives impression
he's trying to force himself into
mike along with tunes. Not nec-
essary fis voice is sufficient. Tune
selection could be better. Though
his 'When Day Is Done' is okay. 'Go
to My Head' is rather dated.
Billy Vine m.c.'s and entertains
on his own without much response.
Varies a mess of screwball • takeoffs
with tunes, and caps the biz with
an n.s.g. burlesque of Helen Mor-
gan. Margie Greene works twice
m semi -aero style, and is an accept-
able filler. Fii-st half could be better
costumed, comparison with second
shot h3rpoing latter impression.
Enrico and Novello lend the floor
part of the show the real class
it lacks to that point. Smooth,
rhythmic and graceful routines. Do
three numbers, getting away with a
smooth tango, faster bit with Ori-
ental musical background, and a
rhumba encore.
FEFE'S MONTE CARLO
(NEW YORK)
Lee Wiley, Dick Smort, ' Ted
Straeter and Bob KnigUt orchestras;
6 models {.Peggy HeaXey, Elaine Bos-
Graham, Anita Colby,
Don't Kid WPA
American Federation of Actors
members who, while appearing
before paid audiences, 'Indulge
in jokes belitting the WPA will
be subject to fine or suspension
or both,' the union's council
ruled Monday night (C).
Resolution explained that
such quips are not only •humili-
ating to members and others on
WPA, but are degrading and in-
jurious to the wholes acting pro-
fession.'
Rosanne JWurroi;) ;
tvpe interior, designed by Dorothy
Draper. What was the old Merry-
Go-Round bar when Nick Bates ran
the spot, has been made into n gala
bar and lounpe: and the main in-
terior itself, has been likewise lavish-
ly tricked up.
Felix Ferry is no novice in show
biz. He's been producing cafe revues
in London and on the Riviera, hence
the Monte Carlo tag of this spot.
Here he's principallv the host, stand-
ing at the door, greeting the cus-
tomers, and seemingly knowing all.
Like the Stork, if unknown, unman-
ageable or unimpressive on person-
ality. Ferry exercises a strict closed-
sesame on the paying guests. Couvert
is $1 and $2, and everybody gets
it. which differs from the Stork or
Morocco's elasticity, denending on
whether you're a wine-buyer or a
regular. ' If not the latter, it's just
as apt to be from $2 (Stork) to $3
(Morocco), as ' an unsubtle cue to
stay home- or take the rap the hard
Way. This hark-back to the. speak-
easy era, when only the initiate were
welcomed, is another curious mani-
festation of the cafe society racket.
Anyway, as a new hitery venture.
Ferry has a very good chance to
click. Abel.
nine men now, so this rhythmic ef-
fects are a trifle thin.
Crack show surrounding Kavelin
currently. Usual Nixon quantity has
been reduced on account of addi-
tional overhead for music, but qual-
ity's there. Collette & Barry are
among the better ballroom terpers,
and a sock here with their class rou-
tines. Graceful pair, they do four
numbers and for an encore satirize
the shag in socko fashion. .
Alcen & Evans (two men) hiave
a slow-motion control turn that on
surface of things looks out of place
in a spot where the customers gen-
erally have several under their belt,
but Just opposite is true at Nixon.
Ringsiders eat up ' their acrobatic
'poetry of motion' and boys actually
have a tough time getting away.
Most of it is done on an elevated
table and tricks include some
whoppers.
.Claire Ray girls have been here
before, but they've brushed up both
their routines and costumes, dnd
with a lot of eye-appeal in addition,
have an easy time of it. Angelo Di
Palma, operatic tenOr, a fixture at
Nixon, now in his fourth year, giv-
ing crowd the old stand-bys and still
hearing them cry for. more. Never
gets off with less than four num-
bers. ■
Kavelin's also using his two vocal-
ists, Al Shelleday and Patti Morgan,
in the revue, gal particularly click-
ing with her 'Old Man Mose.' At-
tractive songstress puts a lot of stuff
into her delivery and has improved
considerably since last time here
with .Kavelin at the New Penn last
December. Colten.
COCOANUT GROVE
(PARK CENTRAL HOTEL, N. T.)
Enrico & Novello, Billy Vines,
Margie Greene, Franfc Ray, Curt
JfoucI!; orchestra (12).
Grove went back to normal last
week with the . Curt Houck orchestra
and an abbreviated floor show,
dominated by Enrico and Novello,
replacing Chick Webb's band and
Harlemese entertainment. This is
the first sEot in the East for Houck's
crew which spent three seasons on
Catalina Island and past nine months
or s(r at the Holljrwood ' Roosevelt
hotel.
While not of the caliber which
would enable it to shoot up Into the
class of higher bracketed crews,
Houck's 12 -piece (Including himself)
outfit spells solid dansapatlon. It's
versatile from both instrumental and
novelty angles, looks good on the
stand, and gets the customers up to
dance. When caught, most of
Houck's sets drew almost the entire
room onto the floor.
Band is obviously not aimed at jit
MAX FIELDS
Dreuod
SIDNEY FISHER
76/77 Shaftesbury Avenue
PICCADILLY. LONDON, ENQ.
Best Coffee in England
QUALITY INN
Leioester Square
LONDON, WEST-END
sett, Anne
Evelyn Kelly,
Felix Ferry.
The Fefe part ' of Fefe's Monte
Carlo stands for Felix Ferry's nick-
name. He's the new bonlface on the
site of the old House of Morgan
(lastly Dave Apollon's ill-fated Casa-
nova), and Ferry looks to. have a
winner. Which, at last, would make
this heretofore luckless spot mean
boxofflce for somebody. .
The Monte Carlo bids fair to be-
come one of New York's glamor
spots, a rather superlative conclusion
considering, the high ratio of noc-
turnal fatalities. However, it's a
happy combination of circumstances
and already is making itself felt, to
no small degree, on spots like El
Morocco. Fefe's is the nearest op-
position to John Perona's zebra-
decored boite.
The setup is this: Ferry and Gene,
of the Colony restaurant, are part-*
ners. tiilbert Kahn, son of the late
Otto, owns the property and is said
to have some money in it also, as
has Gilbert Miller, the legit im-
presario. Louis Shurr, the agent,
handles most of the talent and, being
a close pal of Ferry's, he, too, is said
to have a piece of it.
What makes the room is its lavish
pretext to the ultimate in nocturnal
chi-chl. Yet, it's not overboard on
the gingerbread, save for some of
that overhead lighting, which can
readily be corrected.
A series of tableaux by a sextet
of the town's topflight lookers — so-
cialite. Powers' models and/or the-
atrical showgirls— punctuate the pro-
ceedings. Nothing is halted. Ted
Straeter and Bob Knight head the
dansapatlon.. Straeter is Kate Smith's
arranger - conductor, and equally
«uave for a class spot such as this.
They continue with their terp tunes
while the curtains part, disclosing
the sundry tableaux.
Lee Wiley, who has a bit of a cafC'
society following, gets a solo spot
for her repertoire of torchers. She's
always been an expert saleswoman
thereof.. Dick Smart, from Hawaii,
said to be a sugar plantation tycoon
— or thus connected — also warbles.
But the main thing is the room it-
self, a sumntuous, Hollywoodian
GEORGE MORRIS r ORCHESTRA
starting Second Year at
THE WHIRLING TOP
3 East 52nd Street, New York
The Smart New York Supper Club
Thanks to Irene and Cora Stephens
GEORGE MOERIS ORCHESTRA
George - Eddie - Phil • Jack • Tiny
Harry's N. Y. Cabaret
(CHICAGO)
Chicago, March 2.
Jtoscoe Ails, Betty LeuHs, Renee
Villon. Tommy Jones, Renee Hart-
man, Del Ohrel; Charlie Engel's orch.
This place used' to be pretty much
of a ball-of-flre, especially during
the two years following the Chi Fair.
But it has fallen upon sadder days,
due to competition from nite spots
in the near northslde and its general
/allure, to keep up with the parade.
It must get into action immediately
if it expects to recapture its former
lure.
Best item in the current show Is
Roscoe Alls, who used to be some-
thing of a local fav in musical com-
edy. Alls is working hard to keep
things moving in this 350-seater. He
retains plen^ of his abili^ to put
over a song and dance. His gagging
is fast and well-timed, though a bit
dated. One of his best Iteiris ip his
radio burlesque anU it would, be bet-
ter with better musical support
Charlie Engel's orch has been here
tor a long time, but has grown care-
less. They make a clambake out of
the show. Engel should pep up his
crew, since in its present lethargic
state it is responsible in some meas-
ure for the air of- discouragement
that hangs over the place.
Working with Ails is Betty Lewis,
who manages to get away as a foil
for. some of the comedy and then
takes a solo spot for some tap rou-
tines punctuated with some good
running pirouettes.
Renee Villon is one of those strip,
pers who blossomed out during the
solurge of nudies after the Chi Fair.
She indicates a certain dancing abil-
ity and has worked out some good
ideas for a dance, which includes a
number of high kicks. Other dis-
rober i? Renee Hartman, who wastes
olenty of time with some hand gyra-
tions before unbuttoning.
For the vocalizing there is Tommjt
Jones, who exhibits a passable bart
tonei Del Ohrel is a pretty contor-
tionist who works a couple of tough
maneuvers creditably.
Piye-girl line frames the show at
opening and closing with a couole of
standard routine.<:. Gold.
NIXON CAFE, PITT
A, ,. P'ttsburgh, Morch 5.
Al Korelm orch (9), Al Shelle-
doj/. Potti Morgon, Alcen & Evans,
Collette & Borry, Angelo Di Patnw,
Claire Ray Girls (C).
In an effort to bolster supper biz
(dinner's always been big here),
Tony Conforti has gone out and
grabbed a name band in the Al
Kavelin crew. , Local outfits have
been employed here almost exclU'
sivelv over last few years, and Con-
fortl's smart move is paying him
dividends. Late biz < picking up
briskly and chiefly on word-of
mouth for Kavelin, together with
his KDKA broadcasts from this spot.
Kavelin looks pretty promising in
the sweet-style field. His 'Cascading
I Chords' are catching on rapidly, both
ion air and records, and the violin-
1 playing batoner is developing his
I outfit into one of real character,
I Those mutcd-darinet effects sound-
I ing like steel guitar are being talked
• about plenty, and Kavelin needs only
a couple of more pieces to give him
'some additional volume. Only has
TOWN HOUSE, L. A.
Los Angele.<!, March 4.
Playboys (4), Betty Borden.
There's a snooty snort to this inn
on Wilshire boulevard, companion
hostelry to the Drake and Blackstone
in Chi. Night spot is tagged the
Zebra Room, but with gold stripes,
and .everything in the layout to
match, including the doorman.
There's the air of cafe society aoout
the place, with the high perfume of
orchids and tony conversation of
upper-crusters.
Orchestras, mostly four-piec^rs,
come and go, but Betty Borden is
pretty much of a fixture with her
soft warbling and warm charm.
She's perfect for this type of clien-
tele and always . good for a click
when she comes on. When not
melodlcally disposed she cuts a few
capers with the Playboys. It's fun,
but not funny.
Some day someone will come forth
with an explanation why these inti-
mate crews must be cut-ups. Most
of them are very ordinary comics
and wouldn't rate more than a titter
on a stage. It's a tossup which is
worse, the unfunny fellows or their
material. Jig tunes of Playboys
(George Cox, Bob Strum, Nick Nick-
elson, Sandy Sanders) are okay.
Hoof-coaxers pour out from two
guitars, piano and bull (slap) fiddle.
Arena is small and music is suffi-
cient to the restrietlons.
CoUegiates get the chill here.
Most of them being under legal
pouring age, joint can't crack the
nut by squirting cokes. Worst
nights for revenue are when the
rah-rahs pile in, a Friday night
ceremonial hereabouts. Class of the
room, with no minimum or couvert,
attracts the collegians. As one chap
put it, 'last night we had 300 more
than the night before and the take
was $200 less.' Helm.
BELVEDERE, BALTO
(CHARLES ROOM)
Baltimore, March 4.
Eddy Rogers ond orch. (9), Irene
Janis, Arthur Murray Dancers,
Need for a swank spot locally is
being supplied by the Belvedere
hotel with the opening of its former
over-sized dining room, as the
Charles Room. Formal dining is now
confined to the more intimate aiid
smaller John Eager Howard room,
located just oft the main lobby. Move
is .a good one all around, and hook-
ing in of Eddy Roger's orch also is
in the right direction. Minimum of
.$1 during week nights and added lift
of 50c. for Saturday nights is at-
tracting a popular play, though In.
cation in class hotel is keeping awnv
the riff-raff. •*
Rogers fronts a personable combo
utilizing suave style of arrangements
built for four sax, two trumpets and
three rhythm. Rogers handles an-
nouncements of titles and a leeit
fiddle throughput, also noodling nice-
ly on piano. He should build a fol-
lowing here.
Band stres.ses versatile sax section
which doubles on flutes and fiddles
and utilizes a bass clarinet for ef-
fective intonation. Brass Is mostly
muted, with swingeroo interpolations
tossed in quite often but skilltuUy
held in check to accommodate inti-
mate room's acoustics. Rogers es-
says a transient vocal on occasion.
Irene Janis, band's femme warbler
handles chorus arrangements ade-
quately, getting some backing up by
ensemble in fairish glee club style.
Looks good and fits into surround-
ings nicely. Murray Dancers par-
ticipate only on ' Tuesday nichts
awarding bottles of champagne to
successful dance contestants selected
from among customers. Idea is catch-
ing on and may be extended through-
out rest of week. Bitrni. '
EL DUMPO
(CHICAGO)
CI • T IT .. Chicago, March 3.
Shirley. Handler, Ray Styles. Moe
Lee, Ned Santrey & Harry Frazer,
Laurene NcVell, Peggy Lester, El
Du7iVplings, Ray Steiber's orch.
Freak and clever advertising has
built this ordinary out-of-the-way
nitery into a gathering place for vis-
iting firemen artd local stags. Once
inside, however, the show and the
nitery don't have the same wallop
that the ads have. The man who'
writes the advertising should put on
the shows.
Spot advertises 'bum shows, raw
liquor, tough steaks, insolent waiters
and outrageous prices.'
Best item in the current lineup
Is Shirley Handler, who exhibits a
torchy pair of tonsils and a wealth
of personality. Despite weak musical
support she scores handily with
smart arrangements and a splendid
swing style.
Moe Lee, Ned Santrey and Harry
Frazer have been with owner Ted
Stacey since the days of the old Nut-
house and they bring to this spot
their fund of general screwball biz
and clowning. They often go off the
deep end into the blue, but in night
spot of this caliber it passes.
For the strip appeal there is Lau-
rene NeVell, who goes in for plen^
of waltzing around the floor wiA
modernistic arm and hand motions
before she sheds some wardrobe,
Peggy Lester does a little walte
routine and then alternates with
some hoofing, M. c. is Ray Styles.
He tries everything from gags to
hoofing and sleight-of-hand^ but
wears out his welcome with hli
long Introductions. The El Dum-
plings are a chorus line of four and
occasionally six girls. They open
and close, Ray Steiber's orch. plays
for both the show and dancing, but
does neither with any distinction.
Cold.
MCA CHANGES DO NOT
AFFECT THEATRE UNIT
Various changes In the agency
setup of the Music Corp. ot Amer-
ica last week, following the entry of
Miles Ingalls as head of stage and
nitery talent department, did not af-
fect the theatre booking branch.
Phil Bloom is head of thcatr*
bookings, with Johnny Dugan as as-
soclate.
AL ZIMMEY
Pinch- Hitting
606 CLUB, CHICAGO
Batting Average .350
Thanks to Sammy Clark
UniE SAMMY
Featured in BOYS TOWN P.A. Tour
PINCH-HITTlNG
PALACE. CHICAGO
THIS WEEK
HOPE
EDDIE
MINOR and ROOT
HOTEL BRITISH COLONIAL
NASSAU. B. W. I.
UBLD OVER TWO MORK WBKKS
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
VARIETY
55
Variety Bills
NEXT WEEK (March 10)
THIS WEEK (March 3)
Numerals In connection with bill* below Indicate opening day of
■how, whether full or eplit week
XBW YORK CITY
State (8)
HarrlH
Bolt Holbein
Kitty CnrllBle
Bom * Stone
Walter Powell Ore
WASHINGTON
Capitol <10)
John Bolea -
Iterman Hy'de
Monroe & A -Sli
Norma Gallo
PanuDonnt
KBW XOHK CITY
Parnmonnt (8)
Ohlclc' WeM) Ore
Ella Fltzeerald
Soiithernnlres
ni'FFATX)
Baffnlo (10)
ltd Lew la Oro
nncAflo
rhIcQien (10)
Harriet Hortor Co
Lowe IIKe & S
BthnI Rliutta
Billy Beyes
Rtntn Uike (10)
Hal I-fBoy
SlINNRArOI.IS
Orplieam (10)
Jan Garber Ore
VtAV YORK CITY
Mule Hall (0)
Dean Murphy
Sara Ann McCab^
Tert Leiiter
Bodtettea
Corpa lie Ballet
Erne Baroo Syinpli
BOSTON
Keith (6-12)
Warnore
'WooKord Co
Joe Beseer
Bobblna Broa & M
Qua Van
CHICAGO
Tnlnrv (10)
Cheater Hale.Gls
nilbert Broa
Carroll & Howe
Doris BhotTea
Dud Hnrrla Co
• (3)
Blackatono
Saniniv Annlebnum
CI-EVE1ANI>
Piilnee (10)
Kay Kyacr Ore
(8)
Eddip nurhln Ore
cotisini's
Vroctor'a (10)
Blackatono _
SClIENECTAnY
Prortor'M (6-11)
Benny Meroll Ore
3 Aberdonlana
Mahoney Broa
KDINBlKtiH
Royal
Hope & Lang
Chlng Wu Co
Ktanley King
Dob ' Dyer •
Arnele & Bobette
Loll. Park
Herechel Henlere
DeReker & Kortz
UT/AHOOW
Pavilion
Bower A RutherCrd
Foster Sc Clarke
Pearce & Qrundcn
Viggy Carrlngton
Bettlna Blchmaa
Stevens & Marka
UVERPOOI.
Sliakespeara
Dick Montague
Nntana
Eddie Fields
Dolores Krlatlna. .
Cora Craven
Pletro Diego
'fv'Ino Monti
3 Stores .'
Flack & Liucas
Week of March 6
Astoria
Ed Morollp
UoinlnloD
Florence Desmond
Hoy Foy
3 '\Vliiter Sis
CAMDBN.TOHN
. Ciauihont
Ai'naut Bros
Hill Yatea
Alamar Oarnien
OIaAPIIAM
Donovan «r Hayes
Geiirjre 'Dolton
Anilri^leva-Co
Bobby Hoivoll Ore
EAST HAM
Omnailu
tvor Vlntor Co
3 Shamvas
Drury & Bamond
' Premier
Jewell & Wnrrlss
3 Manloy Broa
Beatrice ft Leon
HAMMERSMITH
<>aumont
6 Cleveres
Norman Long
BIlllnRs ft chaae'
ISLINGTON
niue Ilnll
Ray Vaughan
Hlntonl Bros
LRWISHAM
' Ganmont
Band Waggon
SHEPH'RDS Bl'SH
FnTlllon
Norman Long
6 Cleveres
Billings & Chase
STRATFORD
BrORiltvny
Jowcll ft Warrlas
3 Mnnley Bros
Beatrice ft I<eon
TOOTINO
Granada
Donovan ft Hayes
George Bolton
Andreleva Co
Bobby Howell Oro
M'OOMVICII
Gmnada .
Mon. Night at T
KEW Y^RK CITY
■ Stmnd (10)
Will Orbnrne Oro
Milt Herlh 3
Sheila Durrett
Gloria BIch
PUIT.AUET.PUIA
Fox (10)
Vincent Lopez Ore
Patricia Bllla
Betty Hutliin
Abbott Cbatello
(3)
Tcil Weema Ore
piTTSiirRGn
Stimlcy (10)
Benny Cnndnmn Or
(3)
Artie Shaw Ore
Wllllnms ft Dust
Lloyd ft Willis
KEADINO
Astor (10-11)
Red Nichols Ore
WASHINGTON
KiiTle (10)
Ted Allen
James Barton
Oae Foster QIa
Del BIOS
Carole Manners
(3)
Beatrice Howell
Coiiuettps
Jania Williams
Emerald Sla
Caps Daley
Gne Fostxr Gla
YORK
Striind (10-11)
T/Cwls & Van
IlcatrlCe ft Howell
Lenvlit ft TiOCkwood
3 Walkmirs
KEW YORK CITY
Roxy (10)
Helen Bevnolils Co
Fcrclval the Bull
Slapletona
Johnny Woods
Jaync Dover
ATLANTA
Roxy (II)
Dorn Bros ft M
Joe Arena
Bio ft BKa
Strntiil 2
BALTIMORR
Hlppmlrome (10)
Bob Blpa
Mnrjorle Galnsw'rili
Bob Hall
Wlere Bros
1- ArlHioiTPts
Stnto (U-11)
Fellto ft Tani.i '
Power Bros ft S
Dance Capers
L ft Oliver Sis
N ft McKay Bov
(One to flit)
CHICAGO
Oriental (lO-IS)
Fenwick ft Cook
Shirley Lloyd
Harry Kahno
flefalrtlne ft J
Bob Carnev Co
INIMANAPOLIS
I-yrlc (10)
Nick Lucas
Vic Hyde '
3 Samuels ft II
HIckey Bl'o.i ft A
PIcchlanI Tr
Catherine Wealfleld
(3)
Benny (Goodman Or
I.AN<-ASTRR •
Colonial (11)
Flagg ft Arlen
Wolt ft O-Donncll
nallo ft Maley
Norman ft McKRev
^lEMPIIIS .
Orplienm (0-12)
Gordon the (ireat -
MIIAVArKEK
Riverside (3)
Lester Cole
Helen McFarland
K ft It Paige
C Dc.lis
Keith 12
NEWARK
SInihert (10)
Hal Kemp Ore
PATKRSON
Miijeatic (7-0)
Brcnl. DeWnId ft M
r.uby ft Harris
rSceves Pis & M
Abbott ft Bnbey
(10-13)
Harlem Scandals
rillLADKI.rillA
CNinnan (10)
Ben Vost Co
Fiiy'B (0)
Cliez7ta
Moroihy ^'faye
Art Maihurs
Kvana ft XIaver
Fram-ls ft Wally
Oonhlln ft Fatten
1$ I/onergan GIs
PITJIAN
B'wuy (11 only)
Basso ft Duval .
Don Bice
(Two 10 nil)
PROVIBF-NCE
•Fay's (10)
J Peveraii3( Co
("arr ft BoUo
3 Freshmen
P KIrkland Co
Waldoa
PlnylioDiie (8)
3 stooges .
Dot ft Fern Day '
Little ft ContI
■ Al Rome Co
Evelyn Wilson.
Allen Walker
STAMFORO
Putace (10-11)
TrfiulH ft . Oliver Sis
Barry. Breen & W
Steve Evans
f*otHlos Bros
Herm'n Tlmberg Co
3 Elglna
NEXT WEEK
BOB CARNEY'S
FAMILY
Ploys
ORIENTAL, CHICAGO
Personal Nnnngenicnt
EDDIE SMITH, 22 W. 4Sth St.
Cabaret Bifls
NEW YORK CITY
London
Week of March 6
ADERItREN
Tlvoll
Jack Anthony
Jean Adrleime
IS Lorrttii (Us
Erie Palmer
Jay Mnrelle
Uond Howell
V * J Desmond
Desmond Rex ft L
Dub Marry
SI John Sis
VI'MtKE
Pnlace
Annna Winn
Harold Walden
Arnblnn NIglits
Arthur Havel Ore
Itohcrtn Jonny
ttypsy Roniaje
Albenlce
AH Jlnroun
tjucciia King
Lew DolgoK
Armnndo'l
Buddy Clarke Oro
Miirlo ' Spauldlng
Dick Chapman
Harney Uallnnt'a
Prank Craven
Angela Veicz
Carter ft BnnU
Nellie Foley
Terrace Boys
Kill Rertotottl'i
Angelo's Rh'mba Bd
loiulno Spencer
Dori'lhy Jcffera
Frank McFnrlane
Chita
Hill's Gay tra
Jim Phillips
riorence Herbert
Hilly Lorraine
John ranter
.lolin Klliit
spike Harrison
Uudy Mudlpoil
Rill Quentmeyer
Sd'Vi-n Isles
Iternle Grsuer
Harry Donnelly
Arthur Hchan
Harold Wlllard
Don Conez
Charles Touchette
Casa Manona
O'/zle Nelson Oro
Harriet Hllllard
Jay Freeman Ore
Willie & B Howaid
Andrews Sis
Gene Austin
tfll Lamb
The Jovelys
Dehonairs
Mario & Florla
itloria tlllbrrt
I)ob Howard
Urivk Olob
Don Bruce Ore
Jack Laurie
Sylvia Joann
l-''raaces 'I^eslle
Belly Babe^te
PcpKy Janscn
Doruiliy Brown
N'aomi SImone
Frnnkle Barlcll
Ray Janus-
I'at llogere ■
Chnlena Moderns
Paul Bass Oro
Gabriel
Lynn Russell
Marlon Farrar
George lllxon
Chez I'lreliouac
i'hl'*k Howard Ore
rlirlstic (illlesple
Milt Herlh Trio
Club 18
Jack White
I'at Harrington
Jerry Kruger
Judy Rudic
FrankI* llyers
I LelU Gariiea
Beale St Boys
O Andrews Oro
Club Oaarho
Chaa Macula Oro
Vanchlta Vllirt
Tarrant ft Daclta
Trlnl Plaza
Tereslta
La Marlta
Pedro Vain
Felicia 'Flores
Maria Del Carmen
3 Cauchos
Diamond Horseshoe
Noble SIsale Ore
Don McGrane Oro
Fritzl Scheie
Buddy Doyle
M argot Hrander
.Frank TJbuse
Tom Patrlcola
Joe Howard
Clyde Haeer
Mnngcan Tr
Delia LInd
Emma Francis
Lulu Bates
Willie Solar
Harry Armstrong
Elizabeth Murray
El Ctiico
Ellseo Grenet Oro
Fantasia Novla
Joylia ft Maruvllla
Romero Gomez
Patiuita Domlnguez
Dorlta & Valero
El Morocco
Ernie Hoist ore
Famous Door
Charley Darnet Ore
Nan Wynn
Hazel Scott
tireennrlrh Village
Casino
Don Ravel Ore
Dorothy James
Roslta Royce
Dolores Farrls
Mala Monteria
-June Havoc
3 .Musical Maniacs
Tommy Bruno
Benny Martini
Joe Lane
S Village Glam' GIs
llavana-.Madrld
Nano Rodrlgo Ore
Juunlto San'hria Or
Itnslta Ortega
aik: 3
Hilda Gomez
Dp Llmas .
Diana Del Rio
' Hickory House
Joe Marsala Ore
Hotel Ambmisailoi
Dick Gasparro Ore
Vincent Bragnio Ore
Happy Towers
.Marty Golden
Rosaleon ft Sovllle
irtel Brimont-Plaza
Ernie Hoist Ore
3 Smoothies
Jane Clalr
liclmonl nalladpi> «
Adrian Rolllnl 3
Holrl Hlltmure
Horace Ileldt Oro
Larry Cotton
Bob McCoy
Lysbeth Hugbei
Art Carney
Red Ferrlngton
Henry Dick
Jean Farhey
Hotel Commodore
Sammy Kaye Oro
Hotel Edison
Gray Gordon Oro
Ruth Bradley
Hotel Esses Hoow
N Brandwynne Ore
Dale Sherman
Hotel Got. CIIbIod
Eddy Mayeboff Ore
Betty Gale
Hotel Unroln
Jan Savltt Ore
Tito's Swlngtetts
Hotel HcAlpla .
J Uessner Oro
Raclmo 3
Hotel New Yorker
Henry Busse Ore -
Don Dickson
VI Mele
Frazee Sis
Flocla Ve'stdft
Hotel Park Cnilrel
Curt Houck Ore
Enrico ft Novello
Billy Vine
Margie Greene
Hotel Park Laee
Freddie Starr Oro
Dob . Lido
Al Harris
Hotel Pennsylvaiila
Deii Bernle Oro .
Dolorea McKoye
Mary Dooley
Qulntones
Hotel Pierre
Harold Nagel Ore
Hotel Plez*
Jack Marsliard Ore
N D'AmIco Ore
P ft O'Hartman
Jane Plckenr'
Hotel RooBCTelt
Oily Tjombardo Ore
Hotel HnToy-Plaza
Gerry Morton Oro
Hlldcgarde
Hotel St. .Uorlts
Basil Fomeeo Ore
Juno Forrest
>Ianya & Zanette
Hotel St. Regis
(Irldlom Room)
Charles Baum Ore
Sam Jarvis
Erie Belter
^ane Nicholson
Don Marton Ore
Simpson sis
Dorothy Lewis
(Maisonette Busse)
Mo they Oro
Mill Monti
Boris Belastozky
Serge AbagoIT
Hotel Ten
Bnecb Light Oro
Peggy Monn
George Hlnes
Smith Howard'
Light Brigade
Hotel Waldorf-
Astorin
(Empire Room)
Glen Gray Oro
Loretta Lee'
Maurice
Hotel White
Lou Lang Ore
DoirO'Dell
Charlie Macy
MIml Francis
Jimmy Kelly's
Joe Capello Oro
Inga Borg
tlla'dys Faye
Princess Aloma ■
^lary Lane
Tanya
Ja'o Leslie
Carter ft Schauta
Terry Shannon
I'csgy de In Planle
Valerie Vance
Muntmartre Boys
Danny Higglns
Sid Hawkins
Vaugli Comfort
Gonz'ics & Christine
John Rockwood
Gene Walters
I.Arae
Eddie Daivls Oro
Joseph Smith Oro
Grazlella Par'raga
l.« Coq Rouge
Geo Sternoy Ore
Anne Francino
Tisdale 3
l« Mirage
Ray Carnavara Ore
Beed Lawton
Powers, H'bertsft R
Le Roban Bleo
Herbert Jacoby
Alleen Cook
Marianne Oswald
Marie Eve
Mabel Mercer
LeoD A Ediile'a
Lou Martin uro
Eddie Davis
Iris Adrian
Mickey ft M Ford
Beryl Cooper
Joan Grey
Billy Burns
James Keogan
Wally Wanger 6
Uttle Club
Roger Steele .Ore
Frances Wllllaras
Agnes Dwyer
Scat Powell
Jack Osterinan
Meyer's Cellar
(HnboKen)
Howard Blaine
Rosaline Lewis
Martha Kovacs.
Gypsy Lopez
Barbara Eyton
Lydia Ehrenbcrg
Midnight Sua
Buddy Wagner Ore
Chlqulta Venezia
Geraldlne Rues
Mildred & Maurice
Mary Johnson
Sylvia McKay
Mod Parle
Charlie Murray Ore
Mary Cohan
Jimmy Rogers
MoDte Curio
Ted Straeter Oro
Bob Knight Ore
Lee Wiley
Dick Smart
Elaine Bassett
Peggy Healey
Anne Graham
Anita Colby
Evelyn Kelly
Itosanne iUirray
Onyx. Club
John KIrby Ore
Judy .Cordova
Teddy Grace
Leo Watson
Piaradlse
Vincent Travars Or
Patsy, ft Bobby
Place Elegante
Bill Farrell
Bean Kauf
Tommy Mills
Joe White
Wally Shulan
Leo Lazaro Oro
<)aeen Mary
Joe Ellis Ore
Klliy Wright
. Ilalnbon Grill
McFarlands Oro
Judy Abbott
Marlynn & Michael
Roifabaw Room
Ruby Newman Ore
John Hoysradt
Gower ft Jeanne
Eddie Le Baron Ore
Joan earlier.
Russian Kretehma
Misha Uzdanoir
N'astia Pollakova
Darld Blrse
Marusia Sava
Herinlne Michel
Claudia Cappllova
Scnia KaravaeIC
Michel MIchon
berge Ignatenko
Vnlndia Katov
Genia Pobedlna
- Show Bar
(Forest Ullls)
Sleepy Hall Ore
Carol Horton
Bill Hansen
Peggy Marlowe
Lucille Rich
Jules Cassard
Stork Club
Richard Warreji Or
Joso Lopez Ore
Eleapor French
Versailles
M Bergere Oro
Panchlto Ore
IVane JanIa
D'Avalns Dancers
Village Haro
Teddy King Ore
Palsy Ogden
I'axton
Kenneth ft Denlse
Polly Jenkins Co
Ciippy Harm Co
■Gwen Williams
LOS ANGELES
Beverly Wllshire
Bray Sis
Howard Gerrard
Harry Owens Ore
Cafe Callente
Diana Castillo
Julio Gcrvanle
I.fO Luz Dasquez
Eddie Agullar Oro
Cafe La .Uaze
Park Ave. Boys
.Martha Mears
Malty Malneck Ore
Club Ball
George Yount
Uruz Fletcher
Club Versnllles
Jerry Lester
Gloria King
Theodores
Chlcco Ore;
Earl Carroll
Paul Gcrrlts
Arren ft Broderick
A Itoblna
Harrison ft Fisher
Vivien Fay
Susan Miller
Beryl Wallace
3 Sophisticated GIs
IXiritthy Gerron
Itpglhald Craig
Denlse
Archie Bleyer Ore
Ed Duranl Ore
Florentine Garden
Maurice Koslolt Co
Emll Basso Ore
Frank .Sebastian's
Cubuoola
Eduardo Chenez
Jno Harris Ore
Grace Hayes I^idge
Jackie Coglcn
Grace Hayes
LInd Hayes.
Jno Frisco
Charlln Foy
Luu Sallue Oro
Hawaiian Paradise
Loretta Walker
Princess Lunnna
Joe Sullivan Ore
Indigo Cafe'
Sid Brown
Jimmy Ellard
Jack Frost
Val Harris
. It Cafe
Don Rudolf Ore
Jerry's .Wnadalay
Marguerilo Padula
Geo Surprenant- Jr
Neville Fleeson
N'unip Mitchell
Hal Chancellor Ore
Jimmy Kerr ft Boys
Jitterbug House
Doodles Weaver ■
Hob (Killer) Dade
.Mello Demons
Peggy DolO'
l.a Conga
Don Jorl
Spike Feaiherslohe
Hvolyn Steele
Ji'rry Gsllan
LaC'nga Ilb'mba Bd
' Little Club
Jane Jones
Paul Kend.ill
Walter Dyson
Little llungiiry
Valcsc.o's Gy])SleB
Mnrcel's
Leonard Keller Ore
.llorcus Duly
Kay Gregory
Joey Lee Ore
Omar's Home
Kenny Gardner
Edith Davis
Hal Brown
Ted Wells Oro
Pnlomur
Loyce Grnliain
Bennett Sis
F ft .Tean Hubert
Leo Lambert
Hudson Metzger GIs
Clyde McCoy Oro
Paris lOB
Dolly Uobson
Dominic
Beth Love
Dorothy Beck
Thorn Mathlaaon
Anita Clark
Marguerite ft M
Ken Uenryaon
Chuck Henry Ore
Seven Seas
Danny Kawanna
Kay Silver
Lillian Gibson
Al Mclntyre
Eddie Bush 4
Slapsy .Masle'i
Slapsy Maxle
Jack Waldron
Joe PIntksl
Andy Sorrelll
Virginia Mathews
Moore & Lewis
Tommy Rellly Oro
Somerset IIoum |
Cockran ft Boss
Harry Itlngland
Art Tatuin
Jack Owens
Pat Kay
Stage 'I' Cafe
Billy Toung
Henry GalantI
shemp Howard
t Squires
fiwanee inn
(Sladys Bentley
Topsy's
Elmer
Arlelt Jon
Taras & Masters .
Tisurell Gains
Jack Stary
Uascas
Dorothy Brandon
Chuck Foster Oro
vrctor Hogo '
Charlie Bourne
Sklnnay Ennia Oro
Carmine
CHICAGO
Ambassador Hotel
(Pomp Room) -
H ilcCreery Oro
Ball BaU
Ralpii Cook
Louise Shannon
Billy Storey
Mildred Parr
Jlmmie Green Oro .
Bismarck Hotel
(Walnut Boon)
Marlon Holmes
Betty Grey
Charlie Schanka Or
Adele, Trent ft S
Patsy Marr
Billy Leach
Darlene O'Day
Blachhawk
Frederic ft Yvonn '
Bob Crosby Ore
Terry ft Walker
Marlon' Mann
Dorothy Claire
Gil Bodln
Don Pedro Oro
Orrln & Betty
Blackstone Hotel
(Ballnese Rm)
Pllner & Earl Ore
Mildred Fenlon
Uloe Gooee
Evelyn Waters
Al Lane
Melody King
Buck Hunt
4 Hits & a MISS
Breroort Hotel
(Crystal Boom)
Wayne King Ore
Terry' ft Walker'
Jean %Ionn
Bernlce Parks
Robert Neller
Dutrb'e
John Elliott '
Carlos & Dolores
Betty Jerome
Evelyn Harris
Lnllta
Mori Lund Oro
Edgewater Heacb
Hotel
(Marine Room)
Mary Fran flackley
Eugenia McGee
Ramos ft NAhette
Stuart" Frazer
Jay Mllia Ore
Harriet Smith Ols
88S CInb
Eddie Varzos Ors
Luelo Garcia
Johnny Howard
'Carlos 'ft Mercedes
Grace McCarthy
El Dompo
3 Loose Screws
Laurene. No Vel
Ray Stiles
Shirley Handler
Ray Stiebers Ore
Sam Badls
Peggy Lester
Whorley GIs
iflamons Door
Esther Wblltlngton
NELSON NOVELEHES
Opening at
DORCHESTER HOUSE
LONDON
MAllCH 13(h
Via: MARK J. LEDDY
Florence' Schutwrt
Charles Baldwin
Grace Kalrol
Norma Ballard
Broadmoot
Herb Rudolph Oro
Wanda Benson
Flo Polus
Elinor Johnson
Jlmmie Held
Sylvia Tucker
Henry Simon
Adorables
Cararaa
Eddie Gorman
Rocke Romano
Toddy O'Grady
Don Morgan
Dot ft Jerry
Edna Leonard
Carl .Scholtz Ore
Chez Parse
Paul Haakon
Harris ft Shore
Benny Fields
Helen Morgan
Gloria Day
Everctte West
Buss ..Morgan Ore
Don Orlando Ore
Evans Adorables
Club Al
Larry Ross
Ginger Wuud
Margie Marshal
Felicia Dacca
Oliver Harris Oro
Club Alabam.
Dorothy DeHoghton
Ann Sulcr
Sadie Moore
Jack Irving
Allen X'ole
Ems Burton
Bernle Adler
Dave Unells Oro
Chslk Robinson Ore
Gddl* Rolh Orb
Club Eiipana
Harry Hynda
Mob Durfree
Dick Hauss
Joe Hardy
Bee Jones
Buss LIndgren Ore
Colony Club
Peggy Fears
Jose Mnn'zanares Or
Lew FIdler Ore
. Coloslmoe
Tullah ft MIy
Pat Rooney
Janet Reads
Tyler, Thorni ft P
Lulu Gould
Betty Robin
Marlon VInsy
Harry Hose
-Pronaph GIs
Holiywiind (
HsnrI Gendron Ore
Club Uellsa
Sam Robinson
Henrlene Barker
Crawford Price
Saundra
Ktki > Wllfon
Rhythm Willie
Charles Isom
Parlelln Rls
Red Saunders Oro
Congress Hotel
(Gins* Hat Rm)
Johnny Banga Ore
(Peacock Bm)
Joe Vera
(Puropellan Rm)
Irving Miirgruft
Drake Hotel
(Gold Coast Koopi)
Bryan Wolf
Florette Sis
Danny 'Boss
June Thompson
At ZImmey
Al Morley Ore
Fnnke's Casino
Roberta
Foster ft Adams
Jerry Walker-
Ann Saber
Georgia La Beau
Silly Martin
Casino GIs
Dick Hardin
Buddy KIrbIs
Rocke Ellsworth
Beta TInsley Oro -
Grand Tenace
Jean Brady .
Tondelaya ft Lopez
Dotty Sniters
Ted Smith .
/.eonard R'eed GIs
F Hcndorson Oro
Oraemere Hotel
(Class Hoase Rin)
Toasty Pall Oro
Carl Bock
Maxlno KIrk
Lorraine Vuss
llarry's N Y Cab'ret
Boscee Alls
Hetty Lewis
Del Ohrcl
Tommy Jones
Renee Villon
Kitty Roth
Rankin Ols
Chas Engels Ore
Art Buckley
Al Wagner
Hlllle Myers
T,ee Berling
Dorothy Johnson
Hickory loa
Kay Dare
Joan ft Eddie
Tom Garvey
Gondoliers Ore
HI Hat
T.OU Holz
Joan Travers
Betty Atkinson
Kretlow GIs
Sid Lang Ore
Hippodrome
Paulelto LaPierre
Bobby Dunarl
Janet 'ft Lorella
Dime Danks
Jerry GIrard
Grover Wllklns
Ted Penrlman Ols
Joe ' Hs-bn Ore '
ivanhoe
Helen Suinners
. Ilr4 Murison
4 Hawallans
Earl Hoffmon Ore
L'Alglnn
Mary W K'llpatrick
Kusablo Conclaldl .
Spyros .Stamos
Don Quixote Ore
Bnnio Bolognlnl Or
Hotel La HMlle
(Blue Front Room)
VI bra
Stun Smith Oro
Gladys Madden
Jonah Jones
Liberty Inn
Laurone Novelle
Millie Erdman
Dick Hugos
Colleen
Karannva
Pam Adair
Jlmmie 0'N''II
Earl Wiley Urc
Umehoase
Dob Tuiik Ore
Llltle CInb
Earl Rlckhrd
Florence Meyers
Ann Hagedon
Harry Linden
.Mo(>ra«re
Al Copeland
Lillian Barbeaux
Eve E.von
o-een Ilrlgbt
i.ixlo. Dee.
Avis Doyle
Phil Chlnard
Chuck Andrews
MCljiucIillna
Trv..Doernneld
Jerry Gerard
Ruth Dean
Val Brwln
S'li) ley Hay
Jule's .'Cnvit Ore
Melody 3IIU
Tiny Hill Ore
Allan DeWltt
Harold Osborne
Millstone
Ann Millstone
Flo Whitman.
Ga:o Ij&wrence
Betty Morris
Delia Bartell
Jack Roland Ore
Nyra "Lou
Muriel Joseph
SIssle Bobbins
Genevieve Val
Sharone
Minuet Club
Natasha
Olga Anton
George Moore
Irene Burke
Margo Gavin
Art' Fisher Ore
.Morrison- Hotel
(Hoeton Oyster
House)
Manfred Gotl belt
Nameless Cafe
Julian Stockdal)
Sol Lopez Ore
Ona Mayo
Carole Cleveland
Margie strong
Evelyn Reed
Bd Lioon
Nappo Gardens
Lois Hallen
Genevieve. Jacyna
Helen Coyle
Vivian Hall .
Jean ft Wharton
Frances Van
June West
Sally Sharratt
Roma Noble
Sol Stocco Ore
Old Heidelberg
Old Heidelberg Co
Octet
Robert Kessler
Winn Stracho
Herr Louie A W
Herble Oro
Paddock Club
Dick Buckley
Patsy Thomas
Kay Carol
Jay HlllB
Esther Madden
Lee Francis Oro
Keith Ols.
Palmer House
(Empire Room)
Orrln Tucker Oro
Franklin Crawford.
Joseph Coshey
Billy Raves
Jack Williams
Jose Castro
Beverly -Allen
Abbott Dancers
Ptall Dooley Oro
Parody CInb
Freddie Abbott
Marie. Thomas
Sarah Tiebold
Eddie Jaxon Oro
Playhouse
Pat McOowan
Helen Hart
Rita .Marie
Virginia May
Betty Mae
Barry Hodges Ore
Rose BonI
Ina Ray Hutton Or
Joe ft J McKenna
Elaine Merrllt
Gladys Palmer
Patsy O'Mara
Royale Frollea
Dolly Kay
liSddle White
Dl Gatanos
Bvelyn Farncy
Jack Hllllard
Al-Trurk Oro
Mark Fisher Oro
-lack Hllllard
Frolics Ens
Sherman Hotel
(College Inn)
Gene Krupa Ore
4 Woodsons
Dorothy Dawn
Carl Marx
Prince Omar
Dome
Shirley Luche
Spinning Tops
Tony Marks
Bstelle i>easy
Bill Baird
Sunny Mack
Louis Tops
Jimmy Blade
Jerry Glldden
Kay Nichols
Rllliouctle
Ann Clelm
Joey Conrad Oro
Silver CInnll
Jimmy Ames
Oommadorubles
Katzy ft Kay
Babe Barnes
Alice Tanner
LiCla Murray
I.eah Andra
VI Gore
Hazel iSalus
Nord Richardson
Johnny Mi-Kail Ore
Sllrer Protlce
Ealalne Rabey
Claire Pellow
Bernle Fink.
Roberto ft .MInto -
Fay Wallace
Art* Freeman
60« CInb
Al ZImmey
Sunny Carter
Connie Fasesaw
Dolores Levan '
Marg Fsber Ols
Joel ft Annette
Dletrlchs
Inez Scott
Eunice Hill
Aloha
Jessie Rosella
Dagmar ■ '
Dolly Sterling
Ruby Bennett
Patricia Perry
Colletts
Carmen
Sol Lake Ora
Tripoli S
Sky Rochet
Marjorle Whitney ■
Dictators
Mathews A Shaw
4 Kings
Steveiu Hotel
(Continental Boon)
Rhythm Boys Ore
Rod Drigo & F
By ton GIs
Sobway
Ginger DIx
Lois Moron
Kay Marshall
Opal Adair
Boztcka Cardoz
Connie Rogers .
Edilh Ross
Billy Webb
Billy Kent
Henry Sax Oro
8nsl-4)
Pinky Tracey
Jane LaVonne
Ida Nlles
Helen Dove
Nell Clark
.Verns Wilson Oro
Thompson's 18 Clab
Ray Reynolds 4.
Joy Kalesa
Cookie Seldel
Dolores ft DeVego
June Scott
Jessie Garwood
Helen DuWayne
Marsh McCurdy
Sammy Frisco Ore
Tliree. Deacea
Baby Dodds
Charles McBrlde
LllI Armstrong
Lonnle Johnson
(Off Beat Boom)
Wingy Mannona
Anita O'Day
Jay McShann 3
T-.ennle Bst?rdall '
Jimmy McPartland
'. Tower inn
Molllo Manner
Sam Haas
Tnez Oonan
Rhythm Ols
3' Hawallans^
Frank Davis Oro
Town Club
Chet Boswell
.Mae Dl Fill
6 Chlcagoans
Frankle Quatrel Ora
Hal Barber
Troeailera
Gloria Romano
Adelle St Ololr
Terry Circle
Roy Rankin Oro
VllUi . Hoderne
Tony Cabot Oro
Wlaona Oardene
GIgl Rene
Virginia Woodall
Lee Harmon
Pat Allen
Huzell Gregg
Sally Reynolds
Heinle Cramer
Prank Snyder Oro
Lucille Johnson
PTTTT. A mtT.Pin A ,
Aoehorage
Frank Quinn Ore
Hellerue-ntratrei^
(Main Dining B'n)
Merer Davit Ora -
(Borgnndy Been)
Prank Juele Ore
Powers' ft Wiggins
NIeland Dancers
Ben, Franklin Hotel
(Garden Terrace)
Dave Mathews
Bernlce Byers
Harry James
Jack Palmer
Benny the Barn's
Victor Hugo Oro
Hollywood Debs- (8)
I,ee Shelley Ore
Ben Perry
Muriel I'arker
Henntto ft. Dolores
Muriel Thomas
Browning l.4ine Inn
(Hellmuwr, S.J.)
Lenny Uufn
Joy Davis
Mary Joyce
4 Top Halters
Naomi Taylor
VInce Norman Ore
Cadlllao Tarern
Dolores Laklo
Tom O'Hiiylc.
Lillian Stewart
Darlene Jones
Dean Edwnrda
Charlie Arthur
Eddie 'Thomas
Joyce Henry
(Continued
Jack Newlon
Sunny Ray
H Reynolds Oro
Hendrlque ft A
CInb IS
Dick Thomas
Johnny Young Ore
Jerry Macy
Jimmy Lnckore
Betty Mallon
Princess Helen
Amy Organ
Joan Cortez
Cafe MoroBey
Hcarey Gavin
Al Cubler
Ginger Linn
Lorraine Wiley
Peggy Gas
Tony Eddlng
Louise Wright
LIbby Neld
Isabell Daniels
Doris Fields
Joe Fainllant Oro (
■ Clob Parakeet
Ginger Lynn
Louise Wright
Mae Burns
St>!ppe ft Carlos
Fran Caswell
Dawn
Gerlls Taylor Ore
Club 200
Sam Borland
Pat Dougherty
Princess Zullelia
Mildred Boyer
Hal Cal Oro
El Chlee
Kay Loverly
on page 62)-
S6
VjStlETY
LEGITIMATE
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
Broadway Slates Fresh Summer
Musicals, Topping Depresh Period
For the first time sinr.e the depres-
'$ion's start, there will be a numbev
of musicals on Broadway this sum-
mer. Three are definitely arranged
for, but that number may be doubled.
Previously, the major revues were
generally aimed for summer trade,
but the decline of- that type of at-
traction had reached the vanishing
point. For the past several seasons,
one musical per summer has had the
field to itself;
Expectation of patronage drawn to
the New York's World's Fair figures
in the Increased production for the
ccrttiing heated period. Another fac-
tor is the increased musical produc-
tion during the 'current ' .season.
George White's 'Scandals,' formerly
one of the major summer musicals,
will have a new edition, due late in
May. During that ' month Low
Brown plans to present 'Yokel Boy
' Makes Good,' a title which he has
been toying with for years' and
which may be changed. The
Shuberts skedded 'Streets of Paris'
for the summer and among others
may be one presented by Louis
Gensler.
In addition, some of the current
musicals are expected to span the
summer, leading candidate being
'Hellzappopin,' at the Wintei* Garden,
which is figured to run ^yell into next
season. 'Leave It To Me,' Imperial,
is another outstander that's rated
sure to be around with 'Stars In
Your Eyes, Majestic',- and 'Boys from
Syracuse,' Alvin, about completing
the summer possibilities.
The American Way,' spectacle
drama at the Center, is drawing so
strongly that it is counted on as a
long stayer. Among the straight
shows, survivors beyond the season
^re also fully expected. 'Abe Lin-
coln in Illinois,' Plymouth, would
lead such a group. Other possibili-
ties will probably be added during
thftspring, so that Broadway's sum-
mer show fare should be the strong-
est in a decade. 'Tobacco Road,' too,
is one of the holdover possibilities.
In addition fllm-vaude and cafe
shows should provide plenty of
diversion for visitors who take
Broadway as well the Fair.
Move to Dismiss Agent
Suit Vs. Betty Bruce
In the action against Betty Bruce,
musical player, instituted by Harry
Goldberg, agent, Phillips Sc Nizer,
law firm representing Miss Bruce,
last week moved for dismissal of tlie
complaint. Goldbei-g is suing tor
commissions.
Motion was- made in New York
municipal court on grounds that
Goldberg is not licensed as an agent
and that Miss Bruce was legally an
infant at the time the contract was
made, hence not liable. Court still
had motion under consideration
yesterday (Tuesday) .
in
Harris Seeks Fire
;es from Rail
Co. for XauT Unit
Damage
(mo BUYING
INTO ROAD
GROUP
Efforts will be made, by the Sam
H. Harris office to collect damages
from the Texas & Pacific Railroad
for fire losses sustained last fall by the
touring company of 'You Can't Take
It With You' in Dalla... Indicated,
however, that if and when a settle-
ment is made, there will be. a down-
ward revision of player claims.
Show had closed its tour and com-
•pany's 30-odd trunks were loaded
in a baggage car which caught fire
sometime after the car was sealed
and ready to rolL
ftailway sought to disclaim re-
sponsibility on technical grounds
pertaining to the typs of tickets used
and so the claims v. are turned over
to Equity. Latter then requested
the mann;Ter to seek an adjustment,
and last week the cast confsrred
with Morris Jacobs, of the Harris
office, who will seek payment from
the line. Railway people are said
to have placed the blame for the
bl:;ze on csrelcKsns.is of -om actor.
A realignment of the managerial
setup of the Legitimate Theatre
Corp., which will tour four attrac-
tions in one-nighters from coast to
coast next season, is in process, with
Fortune Gallo understood to -have
become the associate of Arthur M.
Oberfelder, Denver showman, who
formed tlie organization. Gallo,
slated to be executive director, is
arranging to buy out two Chicago
advertising men who backed the en-
terprise, one of whom, however, . is
slated to remain with the outfit which
will have headquarters in New York.
Understood that 'Golden Boy,' one
of the shows to be toured, was con-
tracted for at an excessive royalty
with -the Group Theatre. Reported,
however, that the latter has agreed
to a new deal, in light of the change
in the management
Reported that the road represen-
tatives have already, contracted a
fiock of 'dates, especially in the west
Proposition, calls for each spot
booked to guarantee $5,000 fur the
shows during the season, permitting
a profit for each stand. Figured that
each show ' will show a gross 'of
around $7,500 weekly.
Those recently engaged to con-
tract the show on the road are Ben
Atwell, Charles Emerson Cook,
Helen Hoei-le, Jack McNevin, Thoda
Crocrof t and William McCurdy, lat-
ter pair operating on the Coast
Current Road Shows
(Week of Haroh 6)
'Angela h 22' (Philip Mcrivale)—
Nixon, PitUburgh.
'Candida' (Cornelia Otis Skinner)
^Cass, Detroit.
'Five Kings' (Orson Welle.*!, Bur-
gess Meredith)— Colonial, Boston.
'I Married an Anfcl' (Dennis King,
Vera Zorina)— Opera House, Chi-
cago.
Importance of ' Bdn; Earnest'
(Clifton Webb, Estelle Winwood,
Hope WilliamsJ- 'Erlaiiger. Philadel-
phia.
•Kiss the Boys Goodbye' (No. 2)—
Harris, Chicogo.
■Kiss the Boys Goodbye' (No. 3)—
Pliayhousc, Wilmington (C-7); Jeffer-
son, Charlottesville, 'Va. (8); Lyric,
Richmond (9-U). . .
Lunt-Fontunne Repertory— Ryman
Auditorium. Nashville (6r7); Audi-
torium, Memphis (8); Hishschool,
Little Rock (9); Convention Hall,
Tulsa (10-11).
'Phlladelpbta Story' (Katharine
Hopburh) — National, Washington.
'Sussn and God' (Jessie Royce
Landis)— Erlanger, Buffalo (C-8);
: Shea's, Bradford, . Pa. (9); Shea's,
' Jamestown, N. Y. (10); Shea's, Erie,
Pa. (11).
'Tobacco Boad'— Playhouse, States-
ville, N. C. (6-7); Highschool,
Greensboro, N. C. (8-9); Municipal
Auditorium, Raleigh, N. C. (10-U).
'West of Broadway' (Ruth Chat-
terton)— Wilbur, Boston.
'What a Life*— Erlanger, Chicago!
'Whitco.nks' (Ethel Barrymore)—
Biltmore, Los Angeles.
'Women' — Ford's, Baltimore.
'Yes, My Darling Daughter' —
Werba's. Brooklyn'.'''
Inside Stiitf-Legit
Series of 100 old plays by representative U. S. authors at bygone days is
to be published by the Princeton University Press, under the title ol
'America's Lost Plays.' Will be in 20 Volumes and priced at $75 a set« First
volume L<! to be published about Jan, 1, 1940,' and subsequent volumes will
be issued once a month, if possible. Amoni; Uie, authors represented are
Roy all Tyler, William Dunlap, Jojm Howard Payne, Robert Montgomery
Bird, Richard Penn Smith, (3eorge Henry Boker, Dion Boucicault Augustln
Daly, Steele MacKaye, Bronson Howard, Bartley Campbell, Henry C. De-
MiUe, James A, Heme, David Belasco, Charles Hoyt, Lester Wallack, Frank
Murdock, Julia Ward Howe, George Hazleton, and others.
All of the plays were either believed lost or were practically Inaccessible
to the public. Barrett H. Clark, ejcecutive director of the Dramatists Play
Service, heads the general editorial board.
There is a three-way managerial combo for 'The Family Portrait' which
opens at the Morosco, N.Y.i tonight (8), Cheryl Crawford, Day Tuttle arid
Richard Skinner, latter two being mostly concerned in summer stock here-
tofore. 'Venture, however, is technically owned by the Fanport Corp.
A number of person; were approached to take pieces of the production
and among those said to have invested is Dorothy Francis, former prima
donna in Broadway musical shows.
Miss Francis, who hails from Boston, was prima with the Chicago Opera
Co. at the age of 20. She appeared for Henry W. Savage in his 1921
revival of 'The Merry Widow' at th6' former Knickerbocker, N.Y., in the
second femmc part. When the. show went to the roadj.Miss Francis was
elevated and' sang the 'Widow.' About five years ago she appeared in a
straight show, 'No More Bachelors,' ti-ied out at East Hampton, L. I.
Pitt OK's Non-ATS Plays
At Subscription Prices
Pittsburgh, March 7.
Although they're not playing the
Nixon under American 'Theatre So-
ciety auspices, 'Angela Is 22,' cur-
rent, and Cornelia Otis Skinner's
'Candida,' which comes in next week,
are being offered to regular pew-
holders at subscription prices. Both
shows are selling at $2.75 top at win-
dow, but subscribers can get them
at $2.20, same as they pay for Amer-
ican Theatre Society - sponsored
plays. .
Savings on lower-priced tickets are
scaled down accordingly. Only- stip-
ulation is that subscribers must turn
in their orders the day before :Win-
dow sale opens.
ATS still has two shoves to de-
liver in . the six-play series. 'Five
Kings' March 27 will be first of them,
with Katharine Hepburn's 'Philadel-
phia Story' likely" as the other al-
though no date has been set yet for
latter.
NIXON, Prrr, MAY JOIN
$1 TOP STOCK ciRcurr
Pittsburgh, March 7.
The Nixon, town's only legit spot,
may becorne one of the stands this
summer In a $l-t6p revolving stock
circuit Management is now trying
to work out deals with muslcfans
and stagehands unions, awaiting (fut-
come of negotiations before making
any definite announcement
It would be first summer venture
for the Nixon since 1928 when Ann
Harding and Harry Bannister, then
her husband, operated a repertory
company here. Nixon got all hyped
up about the idea following 'Tobacco
Huston Musical Out
Dispute between Courtney Burr and Albert Bein over the latter's play,
'Heavenly Express,' has been wound up. Burr's option has expired and
not been renewed, so the script is again being circulated among Broadway
managers.. Bein is on the Coast
Disagreement between the author and -producer arose over the signing
of Robert Steiiier to stage the show. Bein declared' Stetner was unsatis-
factory to him, while Burr claimed that the author had okayed the direc-
torial choice. Dispute was slated for arbitration, but was dropped without
reaching a hearing* ' ■
Sensational business of "The Philadelphia Story,' with Katharine Hep-
burn, in Philly's old Chestnut Street, rates it the most successful incoming
Broadway play of early spring. In comparative grosses 'Story' equals or
tops the business drawn in the same house by 'Good News' some years ago,
put it's claimed that Eva Le Gallienne drew $29,000 there in nine times
with 'Alice in Wonderland.' The Hepburn comedy topped that mark last
week; if an extra benefit matinee takings were added to the gross.
Ticket top for 'Story' is $3.42. There's a 4% city tax in addition to the
regular 10% admissions levy. Dollar tickets are actually priced at $1.14.
Miss Hepburn has amazed others in the company by ability to spot can-
did camera enthusiasts in the audience. She spied three during the three-
day stand in New Haven and a flock more during the two weeks in Phila-
delphia. In each case ushers are sent to take away the cameras until after
the performance.
' In recognition of her 10 years of service as a press agents' guide, Ger-
trude Bromberg, of the Chicago Shubert office, last week was feted at the
Pump Room of the Ambassador hotel there and given a bracelet contain-
ing individual charms and inscriptions from Joe Flynn. Charlie Wash-
bum, Tom Weatherly, Barclay McCarty, Fred Jordan, Elmer Kenyon and
Theron Bamberger. As other advance men visit the burg, they will add
to the trinket Joe Flynn was the instigator of the plot
William Fields, general press agent for the Playwrights Co., has gone .
but in advance of 'No Time for Comedy,' which will star Katharine Cornell.
Francis Robinson, who has been agenting Cornelia Otis Skinner's 'Candida,'
returned to' sit in for Fields for several weeks. Phil Stevenson, his
assistant has gone in advance of 'Knickerbocker Holiday,' with Harry
Forwdod, who was also p.a. for 'Candida,' continuing as such.
Mark Smith, who plays Tienhoven in 'Knickerbocker Holiday' at the
46th Street N. Y., will leave the cast when the show goes on the road.
Actor, who is president of the New York local of the American Federa-
tion of Radio Artists, has a regular spot on the 'Pebbles Takes Charge*
program over WJZ daily and does other freelancing.
It W9S presumed that one trunk I R^ad'^' recent $17^350' groK Vere^
contained smolderins clothing when ' —
loaded.
1 scale on. its fifth visit.
, Pitrsburgh would be one town in
Equity contracta stioulate thijt the , an eisht-city venture, playing old
manager is respsnsib'e for such i hiU with guest star names. Serson
losiies under certain circumstances,
but limits the amount of claims to
wardrobe and accsrwries used in
■performances. 'Can't' people .filed
claims varying from $300 to more
than $800 each. The list of articles
lost however, includes extraneous
apparel. One actor alle,';es his trunk
ccnfained four bathrobes, claims far
which are hardly expected to be
allowed.
;.1atcd to get imder way middle of
May.
New Showcase
Gateway theatre, tryout venture
i for low-cost professional production
of asv plays, will be opened March
14 in Cincinnati under the direction
of Stephen Fox, - former l^glt and
film astor. First production will be
'Sin-; Before Breakfast' by Peter
It will
'Knickerbocker Holiday,' starring
Walter Huston, goes to the road
from the Barrymore, New York,
where the musical folds Satur-
day (11) after a stay of 21 weeks.
Musical started at a pace of $19,000
and later went to $22,000 or better.
Recent averr..-o was around $17,000.
Show claimed to have earned an
operating profit nearly throughout
the engagement
KNICKERBOCKER HOLIDAY
Critical opinion was sharply
divided on this Maxwell Ander-
son-Kurt Weill' musicals Lock-
rldgc (San) called it 'something
no theatregoer should dream of
missing.' Brown (Post) wrote,
'It oomcs to DO more thiui a good
idea gsne wronr.' Winohell
(Mirror) said. It c=prs33cd this
»-?9e(otor.' Variety (Ibee) prc-
aictefl, 'II will do maSerately
wcU.
Anolhar musical attraction ter-
minates on Broadway this week, the
P'Oyly Carte opera troupe exiting
from the Martin Beck after nine and
one-half weeks of . generally excel-
lent biz.
OLD OPRT HOUSE BDBNS
Sac City," la., March 7. , .
The old Sac City ooera house, ' Levnns and Warren Murray,
bu!|t in 1083, was destroyed by fire ; P'^v three nights. I
lact week. Many famous playei- i Theatre, which is sponsored by the
and opera companies played the old j C-nilnniti Conservatory of Music, is
theatre. I expected to produce only scrints I
'RoadV N. C. Hearing
Charlotte, N. C, March 7.
Judge Luther Hamilton has va-
cated a tcn-porary order enjoining
the city of Raliigh from Interfer.ng
with the showing of tiie play "To-
bacco Ror.d,' and set a hearing on
Ihc case hstove ju'S?,c W. C. Harris
:n rialai'.'h Friday (10).
The new order requires city offl-
Sac City has less tjian 3,000 popu- submitted by recognized -New York- cials to a;.pecr baiorc Juc:.je Harrl.s
laiion but theatre goers came from I play agents or recommended, by to show cause why they should not
'Tniles aroiud to a'.tchd the shows. I Broadway managers ■ ! bs rcolraincd.
Erin O'Brien Moore, who was severely Injured when her dress caught
fire in a New York restaurant, and who has been in Doctors' hospital for
more than six weeks, is now permitted to sit up several hours daily.
Actress suffered third degree burns on the legs and left arm, but her face
has entirely healed. She'll be in the hospital for some time.
Sherwood's Next Play
To Be Romantic Comedy
Robert E. Sherwood's next play
will probably be a romantic comedy
somewhat along the lines of his
'Reunion in Vienna.' but with de-
mocracy as a counter theme.
Despite, numerous urgings, Sher-
wood has no intention of writing a
foUowup to 'Abe.' However, the
dramatist has expressed interest in
the idea of a play based on the later
career of Robert E. Lee. A Broad-
way actor is reported to. have col-
Isc'icd considerable data for Sher-
wood about the Confederate' general
who, after the surrender at. Ap-
pomattox, devoted the balance of his
life to working for the reunion of the
north and south.
Sinclair Lewis Will Quit
As 'Angela' Commentator
• Pittsburgh, March 7.
Sinclair Lewis will quit 'Angela Is
22,' play .- he co-authored with Fay
Wray, at close of Nixon engagement
here Saturday night (11). For last
few weeks, he's been billed as 'com-
mentator,' appearing at end of show
for short curtain speech.
Originally, Liewis had the lead In
'Angela' but was replaced recently
by Philip Merivale, who's still in the
role. Play goes from .here to Chi-
cago and may head for New York.
Engagements
Ella Logan, 'George White'^ Scan-
dsls.'
Stanley Ridges, 'No Time for Com-
edy.' .
Lloyd Gough, Philip Reed, 'My
Dear Children.'
Bernard Hughes, Dorothy Emery,
Laura Bowman, Gwen Emerson,
Christine Arden, Odette Le Roy,
'Please. Mrs. Garibaldi.'
William Hansen, Tanaquil Ls
C'.ercq, Ann Wiseman, Philip Loeb,
Sidney Lumet Ar, Smith, Harry
Bratsburg, Claire Niesen, Wendel
Phillips, James O'Rear, Loren Gage;
'My Heart's In the Highlands.'
Future Plays
.'To the End of Time,' new; play by
Myron C. Fagan, is a recent acquisi-
tion of Ted Hammerstein, who's
angling for George Bancroft to play
an important role.
'Ladies and Gentlemen,' an adapta-
tion from- Ladislaus Bus-Kekete's
comedy drama, by Ben Hecht and
Charles MacArthur, has been desig-
nated as Helen Hayes' next. Gilbert
Miller will produce and a Jiily try-
out in San Francisco is planned prior
to Its Broadway unveiling next sea-
son.
'Hall to the Chief!.' provisional tag
for a comedy by Frank Norris, of
Time mag's editorial staff, and Finis
Farr, radio and magazine scribe, has;
been bought by George Jessel, wh"
plans production late next month i''
association with Albert Lewis.
^edncsdaj* March 8, 1939
LEGITIMATE
VARIETY
57
ACTORS HIT 'ABE' CLOSING
Acme Vs. Equity-League
Hearings on allegations of the Acme Ticket Agency, New York, which
charges the League of New York Theatres and Equity with restraint of
trade and conspiracy in operation of the ticket code, started before Referee
Morris Cooper, Jr., in N. Y. Monday (6). William McBride, of McBride's
Agency; Joey Keith, treasurer of Leblang's, and Harry Kaufman of Tyson
& Go., were called as experts. Latter is expected to appear later in the
week since business has kept him out of town.
Asked how many tickets were sold by agencies for prices higher than
the code maximum, Keith estimated 5%, but declared brokers do not dis-
pose of tickets but really furnish service to patrons who do not choose to
stand in boxofllce lines or to those who insist on choice of locations and
are willing to pay for the convenience. McBride estimated the amount of
tickets sold at excess prices varies from 2 %% to 10%, according to con-
ditions. ,
' Both are on the league's accredited list arid, both supported the Acme
contention that they had no alternative but to sign the code. It was a
matter of 'sign or else,' intimating that unless they complied their supply of
tickets would be shut oft. Also stated that if non-signers secured tickets
from managers who did not' belong to the league, Equity would call out
the actors. McBride admitted on cross-examination that he contributed to
the cost of the litigation but as. an individual.
. . Walter Friedman of the Acme office testified that although the agency
did not sign the code It was getting tickets with the aid of 'diggers,' de-
scribed as people who live by their wits.. He was unable to say how the
'diggers' worked. Friedman said his agency had secured as high as $25
for two tickets valued at $8.80, nor, he said, is it unusual to sell $4.40 tickets
for $8.80. or $9.90 to 'discriminating members of the aristocracy;' Among
that class are members of the Racquet and Tennis club, he said. On advice
of his attorney, Murray C. Stett, he mentioned no other clubs as 'that would
be revealing trade secrets.'
Acme contentions appear to have a slight edge the first day . of the
proceedings, although previously the strength of its case was questioned.
Brokers felt that the code is not making theatre going easier because
of restrictions. Testimony was introduced to show that last season's 'buys'
supported several shows, notably 'Between the Devil' and 'All That Glit-
ters.' Claimed that if the agencies had not bought for 'Devil,' It would
have closed in two weeks. It stayed 12 during which the brokers 'took
a beating, yet kept actors at work.' That was not disputed by Paul Turner,
nor Milton Weinberger, attorneys for Equity and the league.
Tuesday (7) Willie Deutsch of the Independent agencies denied being
forced to sign. He said the public saved money under the code and the
average premium previously was $1.25 per ticket
Strict Ejif orcement of Ticket Code
Questioned by Leaders of Equity;
League Supports 'Effectiveness'
Broadway's ticket code was under
discussion' Friday (3) when show-
men of the League of New York
Theatres were questioned by a score
of Equity Council members. Equity-
Ites said they do not believe the
League has been enforcing the regu-
lations militantly.
. Equity's Interest In the code Is
based on the theory that ticket regu-
lation, by supposedly curtailing gyp-
ping, tends to make theatre-going
easier, therefore making better at-
tendance possible and consequently
longer engagements for players.
It's indicated that the code was 80%
effective up to and including De-
cember, but that it has been stead-
ily losing effectiveness. League
leaders deny this and declare the
code is functioning much better than
some doubters believe.
One of the latter regards ticket
control as 'a noble experiment' and
Compares the code to prohibition in
that It Is virtually Impossible to ef-
fect uniform compliance. An Equity-
ite did some snooping on his own
and turned up a violation, placing
the 'evidence' before the League.
Council bunch wanted to know why
there had been no action which
■would call for discipline and a pos-
sible fine. Answer was that because
ot the Acme Agency case in New
York, It was deemed advisable to
await the outcome of that proceed-
ing, which started Monday (6). Mor-
ris Cooper, Jr., as referee, is hear-
ing evidence at the Bar Association
buUding on West 44th street.
'Kickback Strike*
It was reported, too, that the ac-
. credited agencies have started a
•kickback strike' in not paying the
^ague the 3%c levy per ticket.
Brokers 'explain' they are not re-
fusing to pay but are a little back-
ward in kicking In for one reason
or another, principally the lack of
ready cash. Understood, however,
that the agency people are waiting
for the Acme matter to be decided
on, and in the event its contentions
of restraint of trade and conspiracy
are upheld, the code would pass out.
Friday's , meeting, with James F.
neilly, League executive secretary,
(Continued on page 58)
Coborn Sets LeontoTich
To Star at Mohawk Fete
Hollywood, March 7.
Charles Coburn, currently here In
pictures, signed Eugenie Leontovich
to star In 'Charlotte Corday,' a new
play to be -produced at the Mohawk
Drama Festival, Union College,
Schenectady, N. Y., this summer.
Drama is authored by Helen
Jerome, who dramatized 'Pride and
Prejudice' and 'Jane Eyre.'
League Won't Act On
FTP 'Swing Mikado'
Vs. Conun'l likado'
Responses to queries sent mem-
bers of the League of New York
Theatres indicate that managers are
still opposed to the government en-
tering Into competition with com-
mercial shows.. However, they ques-
tion formal protest at this time.
The matter was brought up over
the WPA bringing its colored 'Swing
Mikado* from Chicago to Broadway
(New Yorker) after Michael Todd
arranged to present a- similar
presentation, due at the Broadhurst
March 20.
Action on the part of the League
is doubtful because Todd, who
aimed to join, withdrew his applica-
tion. Theatrical Managers, Agents
and Treasurers union, however, op-
posed the Federal show, which
opened last Wednesday (1). A pro-
test, was sent the President, com-
plaining of the 'uncompromising at-
titude towards the commercial ven-
ture.'
Prof. Mary Morris
Pittsburgh, March 7.
Mary Morris, legit player, has
been named to the faculty of the
Carnegie Tech drama school here.
She gets the spot vacated several
months ago by the death of Ches-
ter Wallace, who was on the Tech
staff for almost 20 years.
FOLD FQII FILMING
Question 'Patriotic Gesture'
of Playwrights Co., Whose
Purpose Would Be to 'Dis-
seminate Lincoln's Mes-
sage'— Equity to Act
ASSN. SEEKS NEW RULE
An unforeseen reaction has arisen
to the move of the Playwrights Pro-
ducing Co., which proposes to Inter-
rupt Broadway's front-running
drama, 'Al>e Lincoln In Illinois,' at
the Plymouth, for the summer. In
order that the play might be filmed.
The players oppose the Idea and ap-
pear to question the altruism of the
authors' group, whose purpose in
fljming the play . Is ostensibly a pa-
triotic gesture, a move to dissemi-
nate Lincoln's message throughout
the country.
Understood that the matter was
forcefully placed before Equity's
council for preventive action, at
least so far as the future is. con-
cerned. Contention is that despite
the purpose of the Playwrights' plan,
the ' actor yrlU be made to suffer di-
minished employment. That will
apply to stagehands and other the-
atre employes. Their respective
unions may join Equity In protest-
ing.
Contrary to the claim of the Play-
wrights that by curtailing the play-
ing possibilities of the stage drama
they win sacrifice money to be
gained thereby, players point to the
reputed fihn rights coin of $275,000
in support of their theory that the
author-manager group isn't agreeing
to an early film release date without
recompense.
Equity Backs Players
Equity claims that its people are
entitled to the full fruit of their ef-
forts'. After waiting for years to
appear in -a success It's felt that they
should be engaged for the life of
the play, estimated as good for at
least a year's run on Broadway, and
then for at least an equal period on
tour, besides presentation In other
countries, particularly England,
where Lincoln's memory is revered.
Fact that the lead, Raymond
Massey, and some of the original cast
will be engaged In making the film,
does not alter the objections. Equity
proposes to. adopt a new rule tor the
purpose of preventing closing a stage
show for picturlzation purposes. How
it would .be made effective is not
determined but with the close co-
operation between the association
and the Screen Actors' Guild, that
is not expected to be a big problem.
Other Interraptions
No criticism is made against clos-
ing hits for vacation periods and then
resuming. Formerly such procedure
was believed to be detrimental to
the length of engagements, but that
ha.s been proven fallacious by the
irterrupted runs of 'The Barretts of
Wimpole Street' and, more recently,
'Victoria Regina' and 'Idiot's De-
(Continued on page 58)
HARRY KAUFMAN SEEKS
MEX REVUE FOR FAIR
Harry Kaufman, Broadway agency
man who's also associated with Lee
Shubert musical show.*;, planed to
Mexico Monday (6) to sign a native
revue for the New York World's
Fair, There are 150 people in the
musical.
Show is said to be subsidized by
the Mexican Government.
'2-a-Day* for Frisco
' Los Angeles. March 7.
- Two-a-Day, 'Federal Theatre Proj-
ect's biggest, local moneymaker,
winds up here April 1 and moves to
San Francisco a week later.
Folding date at the . Hollywood
Playhouse will complete, the vaude
cavalcade's 22d week. '
Mixed Interpretation of Contract
With Mgrs. Prompts TMAT to Seek
Oianges on Road Co. Heads, PAs
Coincidence
Illness of Wendell Phillips last
week necessitated his under-
study, David Clarke, going on
in the part of William Herndon
in 'Abe Lincoln in Illinois,' at
the Plymouth, New York. By
coincidence, Clarke's parents
were in N.Y. that night to see
the show, having purchased
their tickets eight weeks In ad-
vance, but they didn't know of
the change until their son came
on stage.
Raymond Massey, star of the
show, held Clarke on stage with
him for one curtain call after
the performance.
GROUP THEAM
COTS TOP FOR
2 SHOWS
Accompanying the revival of
'Awake and Sing,' which will alter-
nate with 'Rocket to : the Moon' at
the Windsor, New York, the Group
Theatre has dropped the ticket top
from $3.30 to $2.20. It is the first re-
action since recent indications that a
downward revision of admission
prices would be considered by
showmen.
Group's action is individual and
not regarded as starting a trend, the
issue not having been formally
placed before the managerial League
of New York .'Theatres. During the
spring the latter may seek confer-
ences with stage unions with the
idea of discerning the possibility of
lowering operating expense. Be-
lieved that such data would be
necessary before a concerted re-
establishment of 'the $2 theatre'
could eventuate. Equity will be a
vital factor in this move, particularly
in light of a proposal to raise the
minimum salary from $40 to $75
weekly.
Reduction for the two Group
shows is hardly what it seems, as
the organization has used many the-
atre parties to promote attendance
and such group ticket sales were sold
at reduced prices. Cut-rates have
also been used. No mention has
been made of cutting the scale for
the . Group's 'Gentle People,' v/hich
continues at $3.30 top at the Belasco.
SHUBERTS SIGN SABLON
FOR 'STREETS OF PARIS'
Jean Sablon has been signed by
the Shuberls for their 'Streets of
Paris,' musical mentioned for pres-
entation during the New York
World's Fair. Deal was set by the
William Morris office.
French singer-actor returned to
his homeland last week for a vaca-
tion, but is expected back in a cou-
ple of weeks to start rehearsals.
'Passing Show,' a new edition of
the revue series of some seasons ago,
is also planned by the Shuberts for
Broadway during the Fair. It is
aimed to follow 'Streets/ Harry
Kaufman will handle both produc-
tions.
Irene Rich to Legit
Los Angeles, March 7.
Irene Rich is returning to the stage
in a new comedy by Jacques Deval.
Piece, still untitled, is in rehearsal
for an opening in San Diego early
next month, with Luther Greene
producing.
Theatrical Managers, Agents and
Treasurers union has served notice
on the League of New York 'Tieatres
that certain changes would be sought
in the basic agreemeni with the manT,,.
agers. Indicated that such changeis
principally would concern road c.im-
pany managers and advance men.
The present pact appears In need of
ironing out
When the agreement was sealed It
was believed to be for a one-year
period, with either side having the
right to give 60 days' notice. Under-
stood now that such notice will only
apply to possible changes and that
the basic working arrangement, or
one similar to It will extend In-
definitely.
Union reports that It has around
900 paid-up members and that 80% ,
are working. As yet no deal has
teen made with the N. Y. World's
Fair people but the union claims jur-
isdiction over all types of ticketr
sellers there. The San Francisco Fair
is using alKiut 45 TMAT people resi-
dent in that city and from Los An-
geles and Seattle. There were around
200 positions available but the union
did have the requisite number of
unemployed members on the C<jast.,^
OrgaDiziiiff Conse'rt Field
TMAT is organizing the concert
field in. which it's claimed the front
of the house people arc underpaid.
Number of auditoriums have not
signed with the union but when con-
cert attractions are booked into legit
houses, TMAT insists on their man-
agers abiding by the TMAT scale.
Otherwise the ticket-sellers are or-
dered out
Organization of the picture houses
in N. Y. pends. Low salaries in that
field are slated to be boosted, too.
There are to be different classifica-
tions of film theatres, however, with -
different pay scales applying. If the
managers and assistants of one of the
major chains are drawn into mem-
bership, it Is figured that the others
will follow. Negotiations for rec-
ognition by the ball parks will again
be started. Announced that the Cin-
cinnati club has signed and ticket-
sellers' pay will be increased from $5
to $7 per day, which is considerable
better than the scale at the New
York ball park.<!.
Oot-of-Town Hoasei 'Unfair'
A monthly bulletin is now being
issued by TMAT. Current edition
(Continued on page 60)
Denny MnHs Pay Claim
Vs. Lewis on Oral Pact
Reginald Denny has contacted
Equity, seeking information as to his
right to file a salary claim against
Albert Lewis, who sought his serv-
ices for 'West of Broadway.' Latter
brings Ruth Chatterton back to the
stage.
From Hollywood Denny declares
he has correspondence and tele-
grams from the. showman concern-
ing the engagement, aiid although
salary was agreed on no cnntract
was signed. Because of that Equity
appears dubious that Denny could
collect but the, matter may go into
arbitration.
It appears that during the nego-.,..
tiations Miss Chatterton advised
Lewis she preferred a supporting
player better known on Broadway
than Denny. Walter Abel was conr
sequently engaged as chief support,
along with James Bell'.
'Broadway' opened in. Boston Mon-
day (6) and is due at the Martin
Beck. N.Y., the week of March 20.
Gcucton Back After Illness
William Gaxton was unable to ap-
pear in 'Leave It To Me,' Imperial,
New York, at Friday (3) and Satur-
day (4) performances, due to laryn-
gitis. He was replaced by Chet Bree
but rejoined the cast Monday (6>.
Bree has been understudying Gax-
ton for several seasons. ■
S8
VANETT
LEGITIMATE-GONCERT
Wednesday, March 8, I939
Concert Instrumentalists Not Exempt
All Must Have A.F.M. Cards Despite Guild Mem-
bership, Exec Board Rules
American Federation ot Musicians
has turned down the plea of the
American Guild ot Musical Artists
that concert instrumentalists belong-
ing to the latter o'Sanization be
made exempt from having to- jcin
the AFM. Letter's executive board
is reported to have taken the position
that to grant AGMA's request would,
be a case of one union surrendering
its established jurisdiction to an-
other.
Under the AFM board's ruling all
concert stars who play instruments
will have to hold a card in a federa-
tion local regardless of membership
in AGMA.. Same applies to such
name artists' accompanists, with the
latter barred from appearing with
their principals unless they lilcewise
have an AFM card.
Ban on Negress
Stirs Symphony
Men to Protest
Philadelphia, March 7.
Members of the Philadelphia Or-
chestra last week announced they
would urge the national office of the
American Federation of Musicians
to forbid any of its members to play
In a hall that barred Negro musi-
cians as a retaliatory move against
the D.A.R.'s ban of Marian Anderson
''in the org's Constitution Hall in
Washington.
The action was revealed by A. A.
Tomei, who plays a French Horn in
the symph outfit, and is a former
president of Local 77. Tomei; said
the orchestra played at Constitution
Hall last Tuesday night on a 'Jim
Crow' contract which specifically
provided for only white artists.
The orchestra passed a resolution
condemning the D.A.R. during a re-
hearsal last week.
'The action of the D.A.R. is dis-
graceful,' Tomei' said, 'It was in a
way a violation of Constitutional
rights of free speech, and assemblage.
Race prejudice has no place in this
country.'
George Beimel, flrst violinist, arid
chairman of the Philadelphia Or-
chestra Men's Committee, said the
discrimination against Miss Ander-
son was a violation of American
principles. He pointed out that the
Negro singer had appeared with the
orchestra here on several occasions.
Thomas F. Gamble, assistant to
AFM President Joseph N. Weber,
said that any action would have to
be taken at the union convention In
Kansas City In June.
'There's trouble enough getting
Jobs now,' he remarked, 'without
passing such a ruling.'
Ticket Code
(Continued from page 57)
presiding, resulted in the adoption of
a proposal by Herman Shumlin to
form a joint managers-actors
(Equi^) committee to' further . sur-
vey the ticket situation. At one time
during the session, whlch^ was fol-
lowed by a luncheon : where more
discussion arose, Lee Shubert de-
clared himself. It had been charged
that two shows in houses he oper-
ates did not retain the right percent-
age of tickets for direct sale at the
boxoffices. He said he was trying
to operate under the code regula-
tions and, if that was not satisfac-
tory, the code would be out as far
as he is concerned. '
Sa^eest London System
Among the proposals v;as the use
of the London library system. Show-
men were . skeptical of that plan,
however. En.^lish plah calls for the
use of requisitions, patrons exchang-
ing slips at the boxofAces. Variation
of the. system has been in use on
Broadway for some time and applies
to tickets for the few shows in high
demand.
Those who also addressed the
ineetlng included Milton Weinber-
ger, League's counsel; Brock Pember-
ton, who was largely credited with
drawing up the code;. Max Gordon,
Sam Grisman and Paul Turner, of
Equity's legal staff. Most of the
League's board are in Florida, and
several were represented by their
general managers.
Other matters which Equity be-
lieves would be helpful to theatre-
going were due for consideration, but
the meeting was confined to ticket
talk almost exclusively. Support of
the . so-called Spellman bill, to be
passed on by the New York City
Council, was endorsed. _ The meas-
ure aims to make it .a misdemeanor
for anyone to sell tickets to any
place of admission for more than 7Sc
over the established or boxofflce
price. Difference of opinion over the
legality of such an ordinance was
expressed, also, over the feasibtility
of a central ticket office. -
plays and agreeing long In advance
to. release dates that subsequently
proved to be too early. 'You Can't
Take It With You' and Three Men
On a Horse' were examples. On the
other hand, there ha^-e been three
instances this season of touring' suc-
cesses being taken off the boards
\ when the stars declined to continue.
! As for the implication that Sher-
wood or the playwrights' Co. some
how stand to profit by the early re-
lease of the film version of .'Abe,'
that is flatly contradicted. Author's
share of the approximately $275,000
purchase price will come to about
$165,000, while the producing com-
pany will get the other $110,000,
Even without figuring the commis-
sions, etc, it is evident that Sher-
wood's straight. 10% royalties fi'om
the play would more than earn
back the amount of the picture sale.
And in any case, it is pointed out,
the matter of release date was not
a vital factor in the film buy, so the
author would still have been able
to get his coin from that source even
after tKe legit run had been extended
to its limit,
The problem is but one of several
important matters reported consid-
eied by the council Tuesday (7).
Among the other matters calendared
for disposal were the charges a.Qainst
James Barton for his backstage con-
duct while the star of 'Tobacco Road'
(Forrest,. N,' Y.) arid, the report 6f
the delegation' which met with the
manage.rs to discuss more stringent
administration of the ticket code.
Council s decision in regard to. Bar-
ton will be given Friday (10).
Plays Out of Town
iWEST OF maKD-WM .^^■ii,^,^^
Boston, March 6. Gates, Walter Herrlck and Linscott
20% ASK REFUNDS
Faderewskl Re-Schednled Concert
Holds 80% of Cleveland Sales
Cleveland, March 7,
Paderewski's concert at civic Music
Hall, skedded for last Sunday. (S),
was canceled when the pianist ar-
rived here the day before suffering
from a painful inflammation in his
left hand.
Mrs. Emll Brudno, handling the
local concert, was hit hard by post-
portement since every seat — 3,128 of
•em-^was sold In advance. Less than
20% asked for refunds when pianist's
rnanager, L. J. Fitzgerald, announced
that his return appearance would be
shifted tentatively to May 28.
"STARS IN YOUR EYES"
Ust.: LOO CI.AYTON .
Actors and *Abe'
(Continued from page 57)
light.' As. for the latter the Lunts
have been on tow with the latter
show in repertory and, despite the
showing of the picture version, has
tared excellently. Equity figures that
an exception and not the rule, al-
though the New York run of 'You
Can't Take It With You' continued
for months after the film version
was released.
Mossey's Baincheck '
There is a possibility that the show
will be kept on the boards, with
Ma.ssey taking a raincheck to go to
Hollywood to repeat the lead part,
v/hile a substitute takes over the role
ii^ N. Y. during his absence. But
that would depend to .some extent
on how well business holds up
through the spring and early sum^
mer. Also since RKO holds an op
tion to use any of the players in the
original company, the matter' of
wholesale replacements might neces'
sitate interrupting the Broadway
run.
Equity's contention that Sherwood
or the ■ Playwrights' Co. is under
sortie sort of moral obligation to hpid
6ft release of the picture and there'
by keep 'Abe' running is ridiculed
by some Broadway showmen. No
author or producer is under any
compulsion, moral or otherwise, to
keep a legit show on the boards,
whether because of a film deal or
for any other reason, it is argued
Actors Scored
If Equity aims to police the. ethics
of show business, a prominent show
man suggests, the organization
might do well to begin with its own
ranks, since actors, more than au-
thors or producers, have been in
clined to cause the closing of stage
productions by walking out of the
casts for personal reasons. Even in
the case of film buys, it is. claimed,
there have been few instances of
playwrights consenting to early pic-
ture release which might shorten
the .run of their plays.
Virttially all such cases have re-
suited from authors' underestimat-
ing the staying power of the legit
Play on B'way
CLOSE QUARTERS
llplnarnnm In throe acts l>y GItbprt Len-
nox; presfnioil by Ann Seronno nni KU-
mund L. AnUerson; nOii|>te<l from Ihe orlK-
Innl ■Atlciitat.' by W. O. Somin: Blogeil by
T.eo BulRAkov; nl tbo Golden, N. Y., ilnrch
U, Mil: S-1.30 top.
Cast: Elena Allramova nnil Leo Cbalzei.
In London 'Close Quarters was re-
garded as exciting rnelodrama. It
failed to so Impress, at the debut here
and is doubtful of more than a mild
engagement
Two-person plays may be regarded
as ideal in a managerial sense, and
have been tried a number of times.
A. H. Woods made such presentations
twice and did rather well with 'Jeal-
ousy.' But others, like 'The First
Fifty Years* and 'Under Orders,'
ended on the red side. One-person
entertainments "have attained a cer-
tain amount 6f success, tbo, by Ruth
Draper and Cornelia Otis Skinner,
both having developed specialized
audiences over a period of seasons
and for limited engagements. '
'Close Quarters' does not impress
as good play wrightinjg, for the adap-
tation from a Continental atmosphere
into English is not convincing. Run-
ning time. of the show is less than
one hour and 30 minutes, including
intermissions, yet the first two acts
are repetitious to a degree. Only the
limited third act seems effective
enough.
Liesa and Gustav Bergman are
man and wife, both with flighty
temperaments and both swearing
great love for each other. He is of
the workingman's party. At the be-
ginning he's seen returning from a
meeting during which he had called
for a strike. Better times are prom-
ised; he obtains a new job and they
move to better quarters.
But a pall pci-vades the place.
Zander, a nolitical opponent, is mur-
dered in the park outside his home,
shot with a Manser pistol, the same
type of gun owned by Gustav, who
hated the man. As he had passed
the victim's house' on the way home,
Gustav believes he will be suspected.
There is .talk of him leaving the
country.
Liesa acts strangely, desiring to go
at once. She builds up various argu-
ments to prove that Gustav did not
commit the crime, which he stead-
fastly denies. Liesa finally confes.<;es
that, she killed Zander in retribution
because he was cruel and violated
her. A man's glove is found near
the scene of the murder and Gustav
fears it is his. Expecting the police
at any moment, the couple exit and
two pistol shots indicate their de-
mise. A voice at the door tells of a
woman .who Jind-4afc«B-the glove in-
error and it is shoved through the
letter slot. Curtain.
Besides the telephone, some of the
off.'tage events are conveyed by radio
and recordings and other effects, but
the play impressed as too drab for
popular consumption. Novelty, such
as it is. does not counterbalance the
play's defects.
Elena Miramova and Leo Chalzel
enact the drama. Miss Miramova,
though educated here, still has a Rus-
sian dialect. The sincerity of her
playing is not disputed, but she
stumbled over her lines several times
opening night. Chalzel is more con-
vincing as the husband though nei-
ther is a sympathetic part. He scored
this season in 'Here Comes the
Clowns.' which unfortunately did not
make the grade. ibee,
Comocly In three nrls- (six arenes) by
MarKUorlie noberts; yrogentrd by Albert
I.pwis; stars Uuth Cliatlerlon; fealurea
Wnltor Abel: directed by Aurlol T^ei set-
tlngii, Niit Karaon; at tho Wilbur, • B«a-
iiKt, Jfarch i!, '30; ti.lS top.
Theodora Varner Ituth Chaltcrton
Ceilric Trent.... Walter Abel
Anatole Seward Jamea Moll
Oypsy Trent Eva Condon
Martin Langham William Hosclle
nnlph Law Will Ocor
Mnry law Jeanne Danle
Amber ,,, Mary W'llsey
Huito Vowler .llort Oardner
Andrew Elliot Alfro>l Kappeler
Clict...; Edmund Ulover
Irv....i... John Monk
Harry , .John Hewitt
Jo:in Mnrahnll. Bvo DIokson
Vivian CroK< Drnja IJryden
Dwight Jamea % An Boas
'West of Broadway' has the ingre-
dients of a tasty dish, but because
of a slow first act and a slushy third
it doesn't jell. Prospects of a short
run for this one.
Ruth Chatterton has a swell role
and delivers it excellently. She's
particularly adept in the second act,
which would provide the author a
perfect foundation for a rewrite.
The play deals, with two legit stars
(Miss Chatterton and Walter Abel),
who have been living together hap-
pily during-their lO successful years
on the stage. The plays opens with
them bidding farewell to their pub-
lic after their final scene in '(jamillc.'-
They retire to Abel's Iowa home-
steald, with Anatole Seward (James
Bell), an author and admirer of the
actress, tagging along to take the
attic room.
• The rustic life agrees with them
until a farmer's daughter (Jeanne
Dante) attracts the roving eye of
Abel. His common-law wife goes to
work with feminine shrewdness and
inveigles Abel into swerving from
the rustic gal to herself and mar-
riage. He starts divorce proceedings
immediately after the ceremony, but
she blocks this by threatening to
co-star in a comeback with another
actor.
There are plenty of surefire sit-
uations ' relatmg to show business
and farm life, the laugh lines come
thick and fast in the second act and
the story of two egotistical co-stars
sparring through these situations
offer, much promise. '
Abel plays his somewhat hammy
actor with persuasion, and Miss
Chatterton romps through her part
w/lth a light touch that contrasts
happily with the long-suffering
women she has portrayed on the
screen.
. Evan Condon, as a v.'itty mother-
in-law to Miss Chatterton; Will Geer,
as the twangy justice of the peace;
Miss Dante and Mary Wilsey, as the
servant girl, all register.
Direction and sets are commend-
able. Fox.
HERE WE GO AGAIN
New Haven, March 4. '
novuo In two nets, 23 scenes, by William
Slucky and Doiiglasg Allen. Jr.; direction
and lyrlca. Uurton G. Dhovelove; music,
PeiTy Larrerty; settlnffs. Dean tioodelle:
presented by Yale Drnmnllc Assoclutlim at
Lnlverslty theatre. Sow Haven, Feb. 2S.
March 2 and 4, '30.
Tyler. Shevelove's direction main-
tains a speedy pace and the entire
production has a professional touctu
Bone.
Starting with a program note to
the effect that it had no intention of
becoming another Hasty Pudding
Club, Yale's drama association broke
precedent by staging its first original
intiniate revue. Studes did an un-
usually good job.
Exccllerit settings form a flashy
background for skits, ballets, traves-
ties and a generally satiric expose
of coUege life. Show deals with the
life of an undergrad from the time
he leaves home for campus life until
he graduates. Interludes include a
period of rushing Society's No. 1
glamour deb (a burlesque on Brendit
Frazier); a college boy escort bureau
and amusing sidelights on how an
undergrad meets problems of study,
sports and sex.
Musically, the show is satisfactory.
Team of Burton Shevelove and
Perry LaCferty have written a fairly
appeaUng score, with a trio of tunes,
'Where Can She Be?' 'I Wouldn't
Give That for Love' and 'It's All
Oyer Now,' having commercial pos-
sibilities. Lyrics, too, are bright.
Terps are well handled, with Ira
Richards soloing in tap; J. Stephen
Hinrichs and Nelson Schwab echoini
t he Ha rtmans in baltolDm stuff anu
a sizable group putting on a couple
of effective ballets.
Laughs predominate throughout
and- it makes no difference to these
lads on whose toes they step. Sally
Clark (Henry Dodge) comes in for
a hefty slam in a takeofl on her
night club warbling, other notables
get the works, and the studes even
take plenty of pokes at themselves.
Revues ace bellylaugh is a Radio
City Music Hall trailer conceived
and produced by Robert Dalzell and
Spencer Berger. .It's a riot from
beginning to end and compares
favorably with similar material In
big-time productions.
PhiUp -W. Peck does a capable job
as the stude who passes through the
portals of learning, his principal
support being Frederic Borsodi, Nor-
man Paul, Thomas Goodyear, Rob-
THE NUREMBERG EGG
Drama by Walter Harlan, translated from
tho original by \Vlnirred Kalzln; presented
by the HedB»row Theatre; ataged by Rnu
Sohulmnn; aelthii;, .Stanley Paukslolla and
Michael Stuart; costumes, Stephanie Klein.
Arrlmlntu Oulley; at tho Hedgerow. Medliu
Pa.,' March 2, .'3U. .
Hedgerow's 132d production In its
ambitious repertory schedule is not
new, having first been presented in
Europe (German) in 1913 and re-
vived there on several occasions
since. This, however, is a new
adaptation and translation.
'The Nuremberg Egg' is an ideal
play for a small, artistic group like
this. Its commercial chances are
meagre but it is by no means ex-
cessively "arty. In fact, its first night
reception was one of more than ordi-
nary enthusiasm.
The story, laid in Europe (Nurem-
berg) of the 16th century, concerns
Peter Henlein, a master locksmith,
who at the urgent request of a mar-
iner sets out to invent a clock that
will not be affected by ship motion
or salt water. Working on the the-
ory of the mainstring, and eliminat-
ing pendulum and weights, he ac-
complishes his task, and the finished
product is called the 'Nuremberg
egg.' Peter's greedy father-in-law ■
would, like to capitalize on tlie iii-
vchtion, but the far-seeing lock-
smith prefers to give mankind as a
whole the benefit and the secret
formulae of the invention arc sent
to all master artisans throughout the
land.
Peter, however, does not live to
see its widespread adoption. Early
in the play we learn that he has
cancer and that he knows it A
friend — one of the best doctors in
the vicinity — is convinced that it
caught in its earlier stages the can-
cer could be cured by an operation.
Peter has faith in his medical friend
but knows that there is always the
chance that a slipping knife or
scalpel would end nis experiments
on his *egg' before they were suc-
cessfully completed. So he prefers
to flght-thc pain of the dread cl'.<:ease
while he is completing his work.
The contrasting characters of the
generous-hearted Peter and the .
mercenary father-in-law; the devo-
tion -to Peter of his sister and wife,
especially the former, and the mar-
iner's salty geniality all provide ex-
cellent character contrasts.
Instead of Jasper Deeter doing his
own direction. Rose Schulman han-
dles It and does an excellent job.
Deeter, however, has a part in the
proceedings, playing the role of the
noted if somewhat chesty medico.
George Eseling has the leading role
of Henlein and takes care of it
staunchly, Miriam Phillips is prop-
erly sympathetic as the sister and
Gilbert Herman is always in the
picture as the father-in-law. Harry
Sheppard, one of the veterans of the
company, gives his customary fine
performance, ,thls time as the mar-
iner. Carol March has the part of
the wife. Wotcrs.
WPA Play
SWING MIKADO
OiwretlA In two ucla by William Gil-
bert and Arthur R'Jillvan; pruducllmi <■«.«•
reived anil slagod by llnrry .MInturn:
dani'oa, .'<nnmiy Dyer, assisted 1>y H'lacI ■
Davis: vocal Ulrocllon, Vlnla Illll; swing
armngemenls. (IciHry .Wai-den; coniluiifr,
I'Mward . WurlKobnoh; sotllnffH. cllvo
Ulckalmugh; costumes. .Tnlni Pritt; llKbl'
Inir. .Oscar Jlyiin; swing oifhe.it r.a I Inn,
t'liarlos Levy; prfxlui^tlnn .aupervlNUin.
I3eori(o JackKiin. Kmll Xclgllck, Shirgni-ct
Itand: presented liy Clili';!!;© Vedenl Tliea-
Iro Project at .N'ew Yorker theatre, N. i..
Mnnh I, '3n; $1.10 top.
.Vniiicl-l'oo Mniirlie f'onper
I'Ish-Tush l.i-ivla Whilo
Ko-Ko Herman GrciMio
I'noli-nah. .William Kniiiklln
Vum-Yum. . . . ... , (■lad.< s Jtini'-ree
I'lUI-Slng. . . . ; rrankle FnmlTO
I'eep-Bo Mabel t:arler
Katlsha Mabel Walker
Mikado Edward KrncHon
Da'ncera, singers, noble's, guanls, etc.:
Asa llarnes. Jaok Wright. James Harris,
Martin I.ognn. I'niil Urmlney. Percy Grace,
i_„ Airrcd Mean, John llean. .I-imcs Sinlili.
'nf Woody Wilson, Alico Hldillx, n-airlce
nd-t-l.an«yr-li!ddle-M«e- Nwi ooi t; eHvlillno-4;i nrk , .
Lulubelle Mushy. Alice lironks, I'Inra.
fltrlcklnnd. Dololse Alexander, I^llllan
Falls, Marlon UnHiks, Wllma IJowcn. .\»h-
ton Gorham, George Jlaleman. James
Arnold. William farr. William llurns,
Joseph Clark, iiamuel Clark. Jnhn Hughes,
Hcott Manning. Ilaymond Lowe. Ileulah
Nance. Klvlro Johnson. Heltle Heeil, Lil-
lian KallB, Hoso Long, Tllllo Johnson,
Vivian Parker. Clara Uruwn. cleorgla <'ar-
penlor. Helen Howard, IsiilHil Vuirell. Jiar-
garcl Cross, lloberea Junes, Vivian Morri-
son, Mercedes Taliaferro, -Mile Crawford,
Albert Slandley. Harry Jones. Hmniet
RIehanlson, Ernest Woodson. Irwin Itlili-
ardson, Lloyd I'abell, Jiurlln Lucas, I'niH
Williams, Shelby Mchids, Wllbird Orogg.
Albert Glenn, Charles Johnson. Urnest
Huberts. Ham- .Mitchell, Iloberl Monl-
goraery, Theodore Ward.
After five months of smash biL-:!-
ness at the Great Northern, Chlcogo,
the WPA has brought this, 'Swing
Mikado' to Broadway to ignite a
(Continued on page 59)
ig^ednesday, March 8, 1939
UGITIMATE GROSSES
VARIETY
59
flepbum-'Story' Does &6at 27G
lnPh01yfWomenFmaIeBig$9i
Philadelphia, March 7.
Philactelphla Is resting this weelt
a£ter the fourth sock legit smash of
the season, which ended its second
week at the Chestnut Street Opera
House Sat. (4) with a great gross
of $27,000. Theatre GuUd's produc-
tion of Philip Barry's 'Philadelphia
Story,' with Katharine Hepburn, in
second week of its tryout here, also
jp2ayed an extra, lifiatinee for Bryn
Mawr college, of which. Miss Hep-
burn is an alumna. Show is on
American Theatre Society subscrip-
tion, and consequently that held
down the gross.
The Women,' in its ninth and
final week at the Forrest, did
smoothly, although adversely affect-
ed by the bad weather at the end. ,
. Maurice Schwartz's occupancy of
the Locust with 'Three Cities' could
easily have been prolonged beyond
the single week, but other bookings
lor the house forced .removal.
; 'Golden Boy,' held over at the last
minute for a second f ill week (two
and a half altogether) at the Er-
langer, didn't reach expectations, but
reported satisfactory at $5,500..
This week's only opening .is also
a' the Erlanger, show being the re-
vival of Oscar Wilde's 'The .Impor-
tance of Being Earnest' with same
cast that played in New York. . First
mentioned for one week only, offer-
ing may stay it biz permits.
Monday (3) the D'Oyly Carle Co.
starts its three-week stay at the
Forrest in Gilbert and Sullivan rep-
ertoire, and 'Knickerbocker Holiday'
begins its single week's stay at the
Chestnut. On March 20 'Five Kings'
(1st haU) comes to the latte. house
. and on the 27th Cornelia Otis Skin-
ner's 'Candida' revival is due at the
Locust
Estimates for Last Week
■ The Philadelphia Story,' Chestnut
(2d week) (1,600; $2.50). Zoomed over
$30,000, record for the house. Show
claimed over $54,500 in two weeks
here. Exclusive of the extra per-
formance, show did $27,000 . on the
■wetk.
The Women,' Forre.st (9th week)
(2,000; $1 ). Could very easily have
stayed. Last week steady and po-
tent at $9,000.
Three Cities,' Locust (1,400; $2).
Moved along to a nice gain, finishing
with slightly over $8,400.
'Golden Boy,' Erlanger (3d week)
(1,800; $1). Completed two and a
half w.eel<s.. Spurt at end of Arst
full week was not borne out in last
six days, but $5,500 rated okay.
Ticket Agency Aide To
Begin Pen Term Mon.
For Evasion of Taxes
Sam Bloom, treasurer of tlie Leo
Newman ticket agency is due to be-
gin a four-month. stay in the Federal
House of Detention, N. Y. before
Monday (13), for ticket law viola-,
tions. Bloom and Phil Guy ran, who
is the active manager of the agency,
were supposed to toss a coin to see
who would take the rap first, each
having received similar sentences,
though the court ruled that they be
'staggered' so that botli would not be
absent from the business at the same
time.
Appeal from the convictions,
which also carried heavy fines, have
been denied and the defendants were
advised that the U. S. Supreme Court
would not assent to considering the
case.
Along Broadway and in legal cir-
cles the punishment is regarded as
unduly severe, being based on ques-
tioned regulations in tlie admissions
tax law. The agency was found
guilty of irregularity in accounting
for and paying the tax on tickets
^SOldAt.a- pr^nuum. — An. ofIei_af..S£jc..
tlement and. partial payment on ac-
court. was accepted by the tax col-
lector. Heretofore, such acceptance
resulted in dropping any mis-
demeanor proceedings. Ordinarily
tax matters are pursued along civil
suit lines.
A comparative situation arose dur-.
Ing the Tuttle investigation of the
ticket field. The Alexander agency
heads faced imprisonment, but the
prosecutor agreed that if they would
sign a stipulation not to carry the
case to the supreme' court, sentence
would be suspended. In that matter,
the Government's collection of 50%
of excess premiums was in dispute
. and the regulation, now partip.Uy out
of the statutes, has never reached the
highest court
'Abie' Skids to $2,800;
'Kiss Boys' $7,900, Balto
Baltimore, March 7.
■The Women,' at Ford's this week
at a $1 top, did only fair last week
here. Third company of 'Kiss Boys
Good-bye,' making its first stop on
a trip to the Coast via the south,'
needed playing and suffered some
from lukewarm critical reaction.
. 'Abie's Irish Rose,' essaying a sec-
ond stanza at the Auditorium, with
first week's scale of $1.50 cut to
$1, fell badly and gave most of the
profit garnered durmg initial stanza.
Attempt at revival of 'big time'
vaude, with 'Julian Fuhs and Kurt
Robitschek's 'Laughter Over Broad-
way,' didn't catch on at all at the
Maryland in spite of generous sup-
port from local dailies.
Estimates for Last Week
'Abie's Irish Rose,' Auditorium
(2d week) (1,550; $1). Hit a bare
$2,800.
'Kiss Boys. Good-bye,' Ford's
(1,900; $2). Opening of third conv-
pany here suffered some from mild
reception by local - crix because of
unpracticed handling, but did steady
$7,900.
'Laughter Over Broadway,' Mary-
land (1,690; $1). Attempt at vaude
revival by Julian Fuhs and Kurt
Robitsch^k didn't have the b.o. ap-
peal necessary to put it over, col-
lecting a bare $3,400 for 19 perform-
ances in eight , days, then folding.
Chicago Steady;
W OK $7,1
'Kiss Boys 13G
Chicago, March 7.
Though it's Lent, next week will
see the Loop's four major theatres
operating.
Indications are that "What a Life'
will catch on at the Erlanger. Came
in to fine notices and reaction.
Starting slowly, show reached ca-
pacity biz in midweek and wound up
selling out for two final perform-
ances of the initial week. 'Kiss Boys
Goodbye' is galloping along splen-
didly at the Harris.
Grand relights tonight (Tues.)
with 'I Married an Angel," which in-
dicates great chances on some neat
advance selling. Heading for Chi
also is 'Angela is 22,' due at the Sel-
wyn next week.
Estimates for Last Week
'Kiss Boys Goodbye,' Harris (9th
week) (1,000; $2.75). Upped sorie-
what on fresh convention coin to
strong $13,000.
'What a Life,' Erlanger (2d week)
(1,400; $1.65). Built steadily through
the week to snatch solid $7,000 for
the initial stanza.
WPA
Federal Ballet, Blackstone.
SYMPHONYOSCHESTRA
THROWS CUSTARD PIES
Rochester, March 7.
Rochester Civic. Orchestra inter-
rupted classical scries Sunday nights
at the Eastman theatre with 'night
of. fun' in which players went ber-
serk musically and the audience
loved it
'Wow' number was 'Worried
Drummers' in. whicli every instru-
ment known to percussion section is
used and two drummers dash madly
about the stage playing one instru-
ment after another.
Conductor Paul While led a cU:-
cus number with clowning brasses,
elephant horns, meowing strings and
clog-dancing drumsticks. Then he
impersonated Hadyn in 'Farewell
Symphony' in which players one by
one blow, out candles and depart,
leavlng-only a violinist
'Irish Washerwoman,' 'Turkey in
the Straw,' 'Harmonica Player' and
'Carnival of Animals' all played
with plenty of hijinks and hey-
diddliing. Show proved that even
conservative Rochester will go for a
bit of zip in its musical coffee.
Melton, Dickson Set For
'Bartered Bride' in St. L.
James Melton and Muriel Diclcson
have been signed by the St Louis
opera for a week's engagement in
.'The Bartered Bride' during the
-summer season. Performance will be
, in English.
Same cast is mentioned for the
I Chicago opera next season.
Shows in Rehearsal
The Happiest Days' — Courtney
Burr.
'No Time for Comedy'— Katharine
Cornell— Playwrights.
•My Dear Cblldreq'^Aldrich and
Myers.
'Quiet City' and 'My Heart's In the
HIghlands'-T-Group.
'Hot Mikado'- Michael Todd.
' Please Mrs. . Garibaldi > — Hall
Shelton.
'Skylark'->Tohn Golden.
Tell My Story'— Freeman Theatre.
'SUSAN' BIG 21fi.
QUITS BOSTON;
WS'lliG
Boston, March'7.
'Susan and God' finished its third
and final stanza of a very success-
ful run here Saturday (4). Orson
Welles' production of 'Five Kings'
received rather spotty press on its
opening here' Feb. 27, but- got good
box office support from the. Theatre
Guild subscription list Much time
has been chopped since opening,
which ran to a 12:20 curtaiii.
Road company of 'Susan' moved
out last weekend to ope:, in Buffalo
Monday (6), with Jessie Royce
Landis in the lead. Latter replaces
Gertrude Lawrence, who opens here
in 'Skylark,' a new play, March 13.
'West of Broadway,' starring Ruth
Chatterton, bowed last night (Mon-
day). Katharine Hepburn comes in
as star of 'Philadelphia Story' Mon-
day (13).
'Pinoccliio,' WPA, is slated Tor
March 11 opening.
Estimates for Last Week
'Susan and God,' Shubert (3d wk)
(1,590; $2.75). Although word-of-
mouth on this show has been de-
cidedly divergent the business has
been consistently good for • three
weeks. Final frame dandy, $21,000.
'Five Kings,' Colonial (1st wk)
(1,643; $2.75). First-nighters gener-
ally disappointed by long, ragged
production, but comments improved
during week as show shaped up into
more hopeful stature. First week,
good $16,000. One more week to go.
SWING MIKADO
(Continued from page 58)
squabble with commercial showmen.
Meanwhile, Michael Todd is ready-
ing another production along similar
lines, but one which will operate
commercially at much higher top.
This relief show should clean up,
appearing to have the stuff for a
wide audience appeal.
Idea of a jazzed-up version of the
Gilbert and Sullivan classic, credited
to Harry Minturn, of the Chicago
Federal Theatre, calls for a Negro
cast and interpolated hot sessions of
certain, choruses. Most of the score
remains as is, and the lyrics are
virtually intact, but the settings and
costumes are switched to make the
locale a South .Sea isle instead of
Japan. After the incongruousness
of the first few rhoments has .'worh
off, the show lapses into humdrum,
except for the swing portions, but
then it blazes into spectacular en-
tertainment
One of the main faults appears to
be that the Negro players are un-
able to cope with Gilbert's scintil-
lating lyrics. Far from appreciating
the subtleties of the words, they
don't enunciate them to the lively
tempo of Sullivan's score. Compared
to the D'Oyly Carte troupe a few
blocks away at the Martin Beck, it's
distinctly disappointing. But wlien
the diisky players reach the torrid
parts of their score a riot breaks out
on the stage and there's bedlam in
the audience. The frenzied taps,
shuffle, strut lindv hops, hi-de-ho.<!
and za-zu-zas would have given G.
and S. the heeby-jcebies, but while
ludicrous, they're also irresistibly
entertaining.
Cast • is .spotty, with Maurice
Cooper di.splaying an admirable
tenor as Nanki-Poo, Herman Greene
-expanding the comedy of Ko-Ko-
with broad Harlemesque geniality
and Mabel Walker being an unusual-
ly effective Katisha. (Costumes are
stunning and the staging is invent-
ive. Standout is the uproarious
series of reprises of 'The Flowers
That Bloom in the Spring.'
In withstanding this assault so
magnificently, the Gilbert and Sulli-
van opera has surely dispelled any
doubt of its right to inclusion among
the 'classics. Hobc.
'Candida' $4,500, Buff
Buffalo, March 7.
Cornelia Otis Skinner's 'Candida,'
, at a $2.75 top, grossed $4,500 for
I four shows here last week.
B way Musicals Taper Off, Heliz'
Leading, $33,i0; Ufay Building,
$41,008; Toxes' on Rise, $17,1
Broadway's musicals declined . in
attendance last week, most of them
dropping between $2,000 and $3,000
from the levels of Washiiigton's
Birthday week. The drop was an-
ticipated and business will probably
go off farther, until -next Wednesday
(15), the Federal income tax dead-
line: Straight shows liid not seem to
be as much affected and several
more than held the pace.
Musical group had 'Hellzapoppin'
in the lead with $33;000, followed by
■Leave It to Me,' $30,000; 'Stars in
Your E^es,' ardund $28,000; 'Boys
fromi Syracuse,' $22,000, and 'Set to
Music,' $19,000.
'The American Way' continues to
dominate the list While the gross
was under the holiday level, it bet-
tered the previous normal week gait
with $41,000 and started the current
week with the best Monday night
since opening. 'Tlie Little Foxes'
climbed to $17,000, establishine it
fustber as runner-up to 'Abe Lin-
coln,' which eased off.
As the winter period fades' the
openings are slowing down. There
are two new plays coming in, plus a
revival, this week, and two each for
the succeeding three weelcs. . The
spring, however, should perk up for
there are several highly rated shows
due on the boards and early summer
should see several new musicals.
'Knickerbocker Holiday' exits from
the 46th for the road after this week
and the D'Oyly Carte conclude at
the Beck. Due in next week is
'Please , Mrs. Garibaldi,' reclaiming
the little Belmont from pictures, and
'Tell My Story,' postponed from this
week.
Vaudeville at the 44th Street
started last mid-week,, listed like a
legiter, playing nightly and one
matinee (Saturday). Distinct dif-
ference of opinion was aroused.
WPA's colored 'Swing Mikado'
opened at the New Yorker, getting a
fair press.
Estimates for Last Week
'Abe Lincoln in Illinois,' Plymouth
(21st week) ■(D-1,036; $3.30). Still
the dramatic leader and mopper-
upper for the Playwrights; some-
what under normal, anticipated for
most attractions at this time; $19,000.
'Boy's From Syracose,' Alvin (16th
week) (M-1,255; $4.40). Around
$22,0Q0; eased .off but figured among
the favored World's Fair draws.
'Close Quarters,' Golden (1st week)
(D-789; $3.30). Presented by Edmund
L. Anderson and Ann Seranne;
written by Gilbert Lennox; opened
Monday (6).
'Gentle . People,' Belasco (10th
week) (C-1,107; $3.30). Best of
Group Theatre's presentations this
'.sea.<!nn; averaging better than $12,000
weekly.
'Hellzapoppin,' Winter Garden
(25th week) (R-1,071; $3.30). Broad-
way's cleanup attraction; playing
nine times weekly; rated better than
$33,000.
'I Must Love Someone,' Longacre
(5th week) (C-1,019; $3.30). Nancy
Carroll into cast may help but busi-
ness to date lowest on Broadway;
und6r $2,500.
'Kiss the Boy's Goodbye,' Miller
(24th week) (C-944; $3.30). Making
goodly profit though it eased off
from .strong pace of earlier months;
$12,000.
■Knickerbocker Holiday,' 46th St
(21st week) fC-944; $3.30). Final
week: announcement of tour upped
attendance; $17,000.
■Leave It to Me,' Imperial (18th
week) (M-1,408; $4.40). Standing up
strongly and looks like a cinch to go
into the summer; not much off last
week, when claimed takings were
around $30,000.
'Mamba's Daughters,' Empire (10th
week) (D-1,099; $3.30). About tops
the moderate successes; colored-cast
drama getting class patronage;
quoted over £12,000.
■ 'Mrs. O'Brien' Entertains,' Lyceum
(5th week) (C-1,006; $3130). Using
some two for ones; liked by audl-
: ences and while business is under
I expectations, bettered $5,000 for first
, time.
'One for the Money,' Booth '5th
< week) (R-708; $3.30). More than
I held its own and expectations are
I lor intimate revue to make the
I grade; topped $10,000.
'Oscar Wilde,' Fulton C22d week)
(D-913: $3.30). Business dippted
somewhat but still turned profit with
estimated $10,000.
! 'Rocket to the Moon'; 'Awaike and
Sing.' Windsor (16th week) (D-1,049:
i $3.30). Latter show revived and
r plays first half of week; both are
. Group Theatre shows; former arnund
i $6,000.
' 'Set to Music,' Music Box (8th
week) fR-1,000; $4.40). Has been
ensinc off with pace now around
1 319,000: expensive to operate but
' some profit at the pace,
'Stars In Your Eyes,' Majestic (5th
week) <M-1,717; $4.40). Earlier part
of week not so good but last-half
attendance excellent; eased off, too,
but okay $28,000, and figured to last
into summer. '
'The American Way,' Center (7th
week) (D-3,483; $3.30). With a $5,000
midweek matinee, Broadway leader
held up excellently; $41,000.
The Family Portrait,' Morosco (1st
week) (Dr961; $3.30). Presented by
Cheryl Crawford, Day. Tuttle and
Richard Skinner; written by Lenore
Coffee Cowen and William Joyce
Cowen; opens tonight (Tuesday):
The Little Foxes,' National (4th
week) (D-1,164; $3.30). .Getting
stronger and definitely rated among
drama successes; further . improved ' .
in face of seasonal decline; quoted at
$17,000.
The Primrose Path,' Biltmore
(10th week) (CD-991; $3.30). Slight-
ly off at $7,500, but profitable; will
move to make way for "The Flashing
Stream,' English drama due soon.
The White Steed,' Broadhurst (9th
weiek) (D-1,107; $330) Also well-
rated, around $11,000; may move
back to the Cort to make way for
the 'Hot Mikado/ due March 20.
'Tobacco Bead,' FoiTest (274th
week) (D-1,107; $1.65). 'Draw seems
inexhaustible among visitors; low '
grosser, makes some coin right
along; $5,000.
•What a Life.' Mansfield (47th
week) (C-1,050; $3.30). Another
moderate ' grosser, but profitable;
using two-for-ones and other cut
rates; $4,500.
Revivals
D'Oyly Carte Opera Co., Beck
(loth week) (M-1,I89; $3.30). Final
week for English Gilbert and Sulli-
van troupe, which has averaged over
$19,000 weekly.
'Henry IV,' St James (6th week)
(D-1,520; $3.30). Falstaffian drama
doing well, though under capacity,
with upper floors getting best sup-
port; $15,000.
'Outward Bound,' Playhouse (12'th
week) (D-873; $3.30). Eased off, but
quite satisfactory at nearly $9,000;
ticket sale extends beyond Easter.
Added
'Tell' My Story,' Mercury (1st
week) (D-682; $2.75). Presented by ,,.
Freeman Theatre, cooperative group;
written by Richard Rohman; opens
tomorrow (Thurs.).
'Pins and Needles,' Labor . Stage
(67th week). New numbers in lone'
run unionists revue helping; had
been around $4,000, buC expected to
jump.
'Naoghly Naneht,' American Music
Hall. Old-type meller in beer and
booze emporium.
Frank Fay Vaudeville, 44th. Street
'Fay, Elsie Janis, Eva Le Gallienne,
smith and Dale head bill; nightly at
$2.75 top; matinee Saturday.
WPA
'Swinr Mikado,' New Yorker
(Gallo); drew fairly good press.
'Androolcs and the Lion,' Lafay-
ette, Harlem.
'Pinocchio,' Ritz.
'Awake and Sine,' Daly's (Yid-
dish).
'ANGE' SMASH
1,500 IN Pin
Pittsburgh, March 7.
Opening. road tour here last week
after a year on Broadway, 'I Married
An Angel' at the Nixon rolled up
sock $28,500, top legit figure here
this season, - . .,
Getaway night off a' bit but after
that Broadway smash rolled into
high, winding up with standees. 'An-
gel' went directly to Chicago, where
it opens tonight (Tues.).
Estimate for Last Week
'I Married An Angel,' Nixon (2,-
100; $3.30). Drew rave notices and
packed 'em Jn following short-of -ca-
pacity opener. There were three
mats because show didn't get under
way until Tuesday night with differ-
ence between $2 mat scale and $3
at night easily costing at l^ast an-
other $1,000.
Schwartz's Tour Makes
Way for Pofish Players
While Maurice Schwartz's Yiddi.sh
Art theatre. New York, is being oc-
cupied for the next three weeks by
the Yiddish Bande, Polish players,
the manager will tour with his reper-
tory group In key cities.
Schwartz opened in Philadelphia
at the Locust St with 'Three Cities,'
which had been running in N. Y.
since last fall, and is current for a
week at the Majestic, Boston (6),
with the .<!amc play.
Other dates are scheduled, though
not inked yet, with the tour expected
to last about, six weeks, following
which Schwartz quits for the ssss'^n.
60 VARIETY
UTERATI
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
N. T. Times' Fair Sapplenent
The New York Times Issued an
Impressive World's Fair supplement,
iti color, Included in Sunday's (5)
regular edition. : 'It contained 76
pases of special articles by. ^. G.
Wells, whose 'World of Tomorrow'
IcO the section; Dr. Nicholas Murray
Butler, Henry Ford, David Sarnoff,
Frances Perkins, James Thurlow
Adams, William Allen White, Robert
Moses, Harry Emerson Fodsick,
Brooks Atkinson and a flock of other
personalities in the arts and indu.s-
trics. Supplement included consid-
erable advertiising. The daily has
also scheduled two other supple-
ments to be published April 30, in-
cluding a complete guide to the fair
and the metropolis:
The Times has announced that the
Issue was in excess of 1,000,000 cop-
ies and that orders for 400,000 more
could not be filled because it was
mechanically impossible to fill so
large a demand.
New Long; Island Paper
The Nassau Daily Journal, Long
Island Daily, began publication last
week. It's being published out of
Hempstead by Harold Forbes, for-
mer publisher of the Flushing (It I.)
North Shore Journal, who sold out
last year to S. I. Newhouse. New-
house has since merged the Journal
with the Long Island Star, which he
also acquired last year. He's also
the controller of the Long Island
Press, Jamaica.
The Journal, a six-day daily, has
a circulation arrangement with the
Press and the Star-Journal, in Long
Island City. Copies of the Press will
be circulated with the new daily in
south and north Nassau county, and
in the North Shore area copies of
the Star-Journal will be inserted in
the new sheet.
Only other daily in Nassau Is the
Nassau Star-Review, the result some
time ago ol a merger of the Nassau
Star, of Lynbrook, and the Nassau
Review, of Rockville Center.
Stemming Adversity
Seeing an opportunity to turn an
adverse notice to profit, Bennett
Cerf, the Random House head, hold-
ing a readers' contest in connection
with Clifton Fadiman's review of
William Harlan Hale's novel, 'Han-
nibal Hooker; His Death and Adven-
tures,' in the New Yorker.
In his review Fadiman said: 'I am
convinced that Mr. Hale has not one
talent but a score of turbulent tal-
ents. I'd like to read anything he
might write after he has - settled
down, and I'd also be honestly glad
to hear from those who know ex-
actly what 'Hannibal Hooker' is
about.'-
For the 10 best letters in 300 words
or less explaining 'Hannibal .Hooker'
to Fadiman, Cerf will give a copy of
any book from Random's list priced
up to $5. Closing date is March 24.
New Book on Films
Pitman Publishing Co. is publish-
ing a new book annual devoted to
films, and fashioned after Bums
Mantle's 'Best Plays.' Volume, edited
by Frank Vreeland, former play and
picture crick, and now .film flack,
will carry the general title of 'Fore-
most Films,' with the first of the
series to be called 'Foremost Films
of 1938.'
Volume will cover best of the do-
mestic and foreign productions ex-
hibited here, and will also carry a
survey of events and trends, on the
international film situation. '
Foreign ^ub-Unioh Agree
Book and Magazine Guild, publish-
ing industry affiliate of the United
Office and Professional Workers of
America, has signed a union contract
with the Foreign Policy Association,
which publishes books and pamphlets
on foreign affairs.
Pact covers all regular employes
and four temporary employes of the
publishing house, provides for salary
increases, establishment of seniority
rights, ^1-a-week minimum wage
and. office committee for adjustment
of personnel questions. .
N. T. Woman Hay Be Revived
Persistent report, although uncon-
firmed, is that the mag. The New
York Woman< is to be revived.
Periodical, which had a pretentious,
if fairly brief, existence, had legal
trouble for an aftermath, with those
interested in the revival reputedly
endeavoring to clear all angles be-
fore resuming.
Origihally back of the Mag were
a number of advertising execs, but
these disclaim any connection with
those allegedly working for the
mag's resumption.
Smytb-SmKh Combine
Book-publishing plans of Hilton
Smyth ° have undergone a change.
Mag publisher, who intended adding
books to his output under imprint
of Living Age Books, has Instead
formed a partnership with Harrison
Smith, . Because of similarity of
names of the two, new firm will be
known by their fii:st names as Harri-
son-Hilton Books.
Publishing house, which has Smith
as prez; Smyth as treasurer, and
Ruth Norden, sec, will be quartered
with the Smyth mags in N. Y,
New Sunday Supplement
New Sunday newspaper supple-
ment. Vision, being prepared by the
Publication Corp. Forty dailies in
all parts of the country have already
been signed to carry the supplement,
to start probably early In the
summer. .
Vision will be tabloid in roto-
gravure, and will be at least 50%
pictures. . Charles A. Kinsolving is
editor. Head of the corp. is Daniel
A. Moran, Jr.
Wlnohell's $100,00* Libel Salt
A suit for $100,000 damages was
filed in the N. Y. federal court last
week against Walter Wincheil and
the Daily Mirror, Inc.,' by Maude
Peabody, wife of. Eddie Peabody,
vaudevlUian, for libel. Mrs. Pea-
body objects to an item in the Dec.
5, 1938 issue of the Mirror anent their
marital relations. She is asking $S0,-
000 . damages and- $50,000 for
maliciousness.
.Ungerlelder Denies Judge Deal'
Denial has been made by Samuel
Ungerlelder, through his attorney,
1. M. Tobias, that Ungerlelder is in
the market for Judge, monthly
humor mag. Judge has been r<>-
ported for sale and a deal was said
to have been talked between Harry
Newman, the publisher, Ungerlelder,
Henry Caplan and others.
NEW PEBIOpicALS
Toar Health, companion mag to
Your Life and Your Personality, to
be published soon by Wilfred J.
Funk in association with Douglas L.
Lurton. Will be digest-size, like the
others, but will use only original,
material. Lurton editing, as he does
the other two.
Fantastic Adventnres, one of two
new mags being readied by' Ziff-
Davis Publishing Co., Chicago, to
appear March 21, dated May. Sci-
ence fiction pulp, being edited by B.
G. Davis, with Raymond A. Palmer
as m. e.
Tour and Travel Digest to preem
next month. V. Lucille Gett Is pub-
lisher and editor. Not a digest, de-
spite title, and will carry original
pieces on tour and travel. Bi-
monthly as a starter.
Win, monthly . digest, has been
brought out for the first time. It
will be devoted entirely to contests,
with the mag handing out $5,000 a
month to winners.
Foto-Cratt, mag for' photogs,
preems March 25 9s newest link in
chain of periodicals gotten out by
Hugo Gernsback. He's also editing,
with Joseph H. Kraus as m.e. Pub-
lication monthly.
LITEBATI OBITS THIS WEEK
Charles B. Molesphlnl, 66, former
real estate editor of the N, Y. Amer-
ican and of the N. Y. Evening Post,
died last week of a heart attack
while attending a dinner of the Eve-
ning Post Alumni Association' in N.
Y. Molesphini was treasurer of the
organization. Son and daughter sur-
vive.
Edward Flicker, 69, publisher of
the Bridgeport (Conn.) Post, Tele-
gram and Sunday Post, died March
1. He was general manager of the'
Cincinnati Inquirer for 30 years be-
fore going to Bridgeport Survived
by his widow, son, two daughters
and a brother.
Selden C. Smltb, 65, Coast man-
ager of Gim> & Co., publishers, died
Feb. 26 in Berkeley, CaU following
a long Illness. Survived by his
widow, two daughters and two sons.
Henry Rising, 70, for 45 years edi-
tor, of the Spokane (Wash.) Chroni-
cle, died Sunday. Born in Iowa, he
joined the staff of the Chronicle in
1893 and a year later became editor.
Was made vlce-prez of the publish-
ing company few years later, and in
1923 became head of the firm.
Berlah Brown, 82, and regarded as
dean of Pacific Northwest news-
papermen, died Friday in Seattle
after a long illness. Death followed
by a few days that of a brother,
James H. Brown, also a newspaper-
man. Third brother, Ashmun
Brown, a Washington, D. C, news-
paper columnist. In his 60 years as
a newspaperman Beriah Brown was
associate editor of the Se5tUg_Post-
Intelligencer, and owned a number
of papers In the state of Washington.
Thomas A. O'Hagan, 84, prose
writer and poet and former news-
paperman, died Thursday at his
home in Toronto. Began newspaper
work on the Duluth (Minn.) Daily
Tribune, and edited the old Chicago
New World from 1902 to 1913.
Authored a dozen books, including a
study of Shakespeare.
James B. Clendenin, 41, editor of
the Huntington (W. Va.) Herald-Dis-
patch, died Saturday of pneumonia.
Native of St Louis, Clendenin served
on newspapers in that city, Washing-
ton and Beaver Falls, Pa., before
coming to Huntington in 1922.
CHATTER
Anthony Thorne going to England.
iJorothy Canfleld Fisher to Miami.
Ralph Bates gets back from Mexi-
co soon. .
Park Press formed by Joseph
Woldorff.
Harry Scherman and Bennett Cerf
to Nassau.
Dashiell Hammett has completed a
new novel. No title as yet.
Egon Steinberg now repping for-
eifni T>ublishers and authors.
Rafael Sabatihi back to England,
and at work on a new novel.
Robert Brosterman workmg out
a new Anglo- Jewish publishing idea.
Gregory Vance off on a world toui",
during whfch he plans to do a novel.
Joseph F. Dinneen, of the Boston
Globe, rushing a biog of the new
Pope for McBride.
James M. Kahn, the N. Y. Sun
sports scrivener, has a piece In the
current Baseball Stories. . .
Your Personality, which was
launched , as a quarterly' in January,
goes monthly with the next^issue.
On -his way .back to the Coast
Lloyd C. Douglas stopped In Chicago
to sign for a lecture tour .next season.
W. H. Auden and Christopher
Isherwood here, latter for publica-
tion of his novel, 'Goodbye to Ber-
lin.'
Muriel Lee Elsasser, ad exec, has
formed Larwood Publishers in N.Y.
to get out books on specialized sub-
jects.
Walter Wincheil sent out 531
copies of John L Spivak's .new book,
'Secret Armies,' and at his own ex-
pense!
Dalton Trumbo's third published
novel, 'Johnny Got His Gun,' has
been bought by Lippincott He's an
RKO scenario writer. .
Elizabeth Marion, whose first novel,
'The Day Will Come,' appears soon,
is but 22, and did the book while
holding down a WPA job.
Frank Gilman Fowler, who does
those Satevepost short stories under
the name of Borden Chase, has filed
a petition in bankruptcy.
Richard F. Dempewolff, of the
editorial staff of the Fawcctt mags,
will wed Rita Fitzpatrick, who is on
the Newsweek editorial staff.
Helen Wayne Rauh, Pittsburgh
radio and little theatre actress,
signed by Sun-'Ielegraph, Hearst
sheet, to do a weekly column on
charm.
Title of the forthcoming whodunit
by Margaret Armstrong, 'Red Flash,'
changed to 'Murder in Stained
Glass.' Booksellers thought it was a
dog' story.
Alumnae of Randolph-Macon
Woman's College, of which Pearl S-
Buck is a grad, will give the Nobel
Prize Winner in literature a feed
today (Wed.).
Dick Fortune named assistant to
Kaspar Monahan, Pittsburgh Press
dramatic editor, with Bill White as-
signed to make up page in future.
Fortune formerly on rewrite.
Little, Brown issues next, week
book on the theatre, 'The Changing
World in Plays and Theatre,' by
Anita Block, formerly foreign play
reader for the Theatre Guild,
Regional Networks Testify
TMAT Contract
(Continued from page 57)
lists seven out-of-town theatres as
being on the tmfair list: Mosque,
Empire and Shubert Newark; Globe,
Atlantic City; Hudson, Union City,
N, J.; Shubert' and Trocadero, Phila-
delphia, and also Halley's ticket
office in that city. Managers listed
as unfair: Fred Ayer, Jack Under,
Izzy Hirst and J. Krimsky.
Next general meeting will be held
Thursday (9) when two by-laws
adopted by the board will be sub-
mitted for approval. One prohibits
any member, such as a general man-
ager or company manager, from
negotiating a basic contract with any
union on behalf of an employer, nor
may any member sit on a labor
board or committee of any associa-
tion of employers,
' This regulation will rule out sev-
eral members who have been acting
on the managerial labor committee.
The other by-law rules out members
signaturing applications of persons
working in the same organization or
for the same employer. Also,, no
member of the 'membership commit-
tee shall sign any applications.
(Continued from page 43)
ger of 'WBTM, Danville, has no con-
trac's, no regular wires, no compul-
sion to take any programs, and sim-
ply divvies receipts among the five
member stations. For a "while the
outlets were linked, but this was
given up except for special oc-
casions. Each station put up $100 at
the outset three years ago.
Empire State Network is virtually
out of business and was used only
during the recent State political
campaign, Harold E. Smith, one of
four incorporators, relatedi Promo-
ters each bought 25 shares at $20. In
order to have a New York City out-
let, WHN was tied in with the up-
state local plants, getting 20% com-
mission on any sales. The members
sold their time to the web at 30% of
the card rate and donated two free
hours each weekly.
The Texas Quality Network fol-
lows the same pattern as the Virginia
outfit, although it maintains regu-
lar lines. According to Martin Cam-
obeli, general manager of 'WFAA,
Dallas, it is a cooperative sales outfit
rather than aii' operating chain and
presently has only one regular sus-
taining program.
Also unincorporated, Inter-Clty
has a more detailed tyjpe of organiza-
tion,- William Weisman, v.p. of
WMCA, the key outlet sUted. Line
costs are shared proportionately by
most of the members of the group,
although- WPRO, Providence, and
WOL, Washington— being' connected
with national combos— are relieved
of the burden when they are used
for distribution of commercials.
With WMCA serving primarily as the
business-getter, "TniSEX., Boston, pays
the bulk of the cost to New England;
WIP pays for line between ' New
York and Philadelphia; WCBM, Bal-
timore pays for the link of Philly,
and the others kick in toward the
expense assumed by these units.
In practice. 'WIMCA gets a commis-
sion oh all timie sales, made at the
customary card rates, on the .af-
filiated outlets and in return allows
the others to take any of its sus-
tainers. The commission varies in
some cases being as much as 65%,
but the profit is only 10 or 15% be-
cause WMCA pays salesmen, agen-
cies, etc., out of its cut.
Members of the group, with excep-
tion of WPRO and WOL, are obli-
gated to clear unsold time whenever
WMCA asks for it for a commercial
program, although as general policy
the others are permitted to turn
down Inter-City sponsored programs
whenever any important local events
interfere. The stations swap sustain-
ers, with any other at liberty to ob-
tain a sponsor without sharing the
receipts.
Trendle on Stand
Most Important installment of the
week came from George W. Trendle,
president of King-Trendle Broadcast-
ing Corp. of Detroit which owns
WXYZ and leases WASH-WOOD at
Grand Rapids and runs the Michigan
Radio Network of nine stations.
More formally organized than most
State chains, though operations are
limited.
Network has free time on member
stations, and in turn pays the wire
costs. Time sold only in a block on
the transmitters out in the State,
with WXYZ at liberty to run on its
own, although technically obligated
to provide sustaining service. Unique
agreements with the other outlets
exertpt the Detroit station from the
requirements of feeding sustalners
during the 6 p.m.-midnight span If it
is carrying local commercials. In
practice, Jrendle emphasized, the
key station does serve the affiliates
even if it is not operating with them.
Until last year King-Trendle never
was able to peddle all of the free
time on all stations, but in 1938 two
of the affiliates got a return when
the free time was used up. 'WBCM,
Bay City, received $6,033, and WIBM,
Flint, $2,895. Network revenues
were $203,557. Some departures from
the contract, such as the arrange-
ments for airing Detroit ball games,
with each affiliate getting part of
$18,000 under a distinct deal.
Telling of WXYZ's own Opera-
tions, Trendle related that he and his
partner sunk $300,000 of their own
money in the enterprise after leav-
ing CBS seven years back, and have
been fully repaid, primarily because
of the success of 'Ranger' and 'Green
Hornet' programs. Last year King-
Trendle spent $71,810 on talent out
of their own revenues. Trendle esti-
mated whole talent bill hit $200,000.
Programs Explained
Arrangements for airing the
'Ranger' and 'Hornet' programs over
other networks puzzled the probers
for a while, but eventually, with the
aid of H. Allen Campbell, general
manager, the details were unraveled!
Under deal with NBC the progrS'
is taken off the line In Chicago when
it is fed to the West Coast and both
NBC and King-Trendle peddle the
discs to other subscribers. With NBC
selling stipulated secondary markets.
Kihg-Trcndle gets 50% of the rev-
enue received from this source, it
pays no royalty to NBC on the sales
of recordinijs made ilself to stations:
In the. major markets, buying the
platters at a fixed rate. Agreement
that neither King-Trendle nor NBC
will compete with the other in ped-
dling the platlersi
Relations with Mutual likewise- are
rather unusual. With some WXYZ '
programs being fed . to MBS, the
originating station gets 'a 'talent fee'
for either sustalners or commercials
which the youngest national chain
takes.
The' Michigan web has little dupliv
cation, Lynn C. Smeby, engineer,
testified. Day audience within the
% millivolt contour is 3,574,856 of
whom 9% can pick signals; night au<
dience, without material duplication,
is 2,558,792.
McCIatchy End
Operations of the California Radiai^
System produced a slight profit last''
year after a major loss before Hearst .
Radio gave up its part in the ven<
ture, G. C. Hamilton, ' general rhan«
ager of the McCIatchy radio enter-
prises, related. ' . Lost in 1937 was'
around- $56,000; last year the group
operated In the black to the extent
of an $8,000 profit.
Relating that the net worth of the
McCIatchy newspapers, parent cor-
poration which controls the radio
properties, was shown by books at
$4.500,000i Hamilton conceded the
actual value is in the vicinity of $8,-°
000,000 to $9,000,000. None of the
stations are compelled by McCIatchy
to take any commercial programs,
he declared. ' The affiliates pay vari-
ous wire costs and pay flat fees for
being members of the combo. They
are paid actual card rMes for sale of
their time.
Running out of witnesses, the Com-
mish adjourned the hearings a day
early last week, and expects to finish
the network phase of the inquiry in.
short order this week. Miscellaneous .
groups, educators, etc., come on next
as the proceeding goes into its fifth
month, with the end still problem-
atical.
McNinch Blast
(Contined from Page 45)
News editorially pxaised him for his
stand.)
With Industi-y observers siding-
overwhelmingly with Craven, vet-
eran newspaper reporters were un-
able to recall a comparable outburst
of temper. Considerable 'amazement ',
was expressed at the way in which
the McNinch statement was dis-
tributed to virtually every newspa-.
per office, particularly since the FCC
almost never sends handouts around
by messenger. Press corps members
could not think of a case where, dur-
ing a family feud, government fa-
cilities — paper, mimeograph and em-
ployers — were used to make the pub-
lic aware of personal differences.
Belief that the flare-up will have
a distinct effect in Congress was
based largely on the. fact that Mc--
NInch earlier took to the microphone
to roast Commissioner George Henry
Payne, with whom he has had many
differences. Less than a month ago
the chairman castigated Payne for
assertedly feeding material, to Stan-
ley High for latter's Satevepost piece,
although High and Payne both have
denied emphatically there was any
contact Although often they are on
opposite sides of the fence, Payne
and Craven frequently have dis-
agreed with McNinch. They fought
his proposal to remove civil service
protection from all attorneys, the
suinmary discharge of Hampson
Gary, general counsel, and the later .
firings of David G. Arnold, chief ex-
aminer; Melvin H. Dalberg, depuW
chief examiner, and G. Franklm
Wisner, press chief.
As a result of the two recent Mc-
Ninch rages, speculation was lively
about the President's reaction, espe-
cially if Congress drops the reorgani-
sation idea, which seems likely. Talk
was heard that the explosions prove
McNinch will not tolerate any ques-
tioning of his policies or actions, a
point used by Congressional oppo-
nents of the scheme to prune tne
agency to three members.
Wednesday, March 8, 1939
CHATTER
VARIETY 61
V. G, Van Schmus back from Ber-
Herman Shumlin vacationing in
flie. south. . .
Binnie Barnes in town for vacash
and to see plays.
Bob Goldstein now associated with
1,8 Hill's Tavern.
Alec Moss, a crackerjaclc at chess,
kte pow taking up bridge.
Jlonroe Greenthal one of the
town's wiz's at contract bridge.
. A deep tan came back with Harry
Bubin from, his Caribbean cruise.
Leon.Netter, Par theatre exec.,
sailed yesterday (Tues.) on a cruise.
. Channing Pollock forced to. cancel
"Several lectures because of throat
Infection.
B. W. Greve, director of purchases!
for the N. Y. Fair, going out to ogle
the S. F. expo.
Sarah Burton, of .'Set to Music,"
at U>e Music- Box, has becoine an
American citizen.
Tom Kane, of Century Play, va-
cationing in Florida.. Helen Hunt, is
.doubling for him.
Sohja Henie left Saturday (4) for
the Coast to go into 'When Winter-
Comes' for 20lh-Fox.
Ben Bhimenthal is keeping name
«if his big-rtime appeal lawyer in his
Paramount suit a big secret. .
Billy Rojse has wired Dorothy La-
mQur an offer to appear in his Aqua-
cade show at the World's Fair.
Harry Royster returned to New
York Monday (6) from a Miami
business trip for Paramount
James Roosevelt, Goldwyn v.p., has
arrived in N. Y. to play an important
part in battling Goldwyn's UA suit.
Jane Froman guesting at the Press
Correspondents' dinner for President
Roosevelt in Washington Saturday
(11).
Bert Lahr, who was in lor a week,
and Mack Miller, press agent, trek
bBCk to the Coast today (Wednes-
day).
Margaret Becker, of the George-
Abbott office^ going to San Fran-
cisco witH her mother in couple of
week,"!.
Milton Lazarus and Clara Alexan-
der Weiss admitted to membership
of Theatrical Agents and Treasurers
-union.
■Budd Rogers, American general
manager for Mayflower Pictures,
London, arrives March 14' from
London.
Al Wilkie left for Florida last week
to contact Max Fleischer, who's pro-
ducing a feature cartoon in color for
Par release.
Bowling team from 'The Boys from
Syracuse' has token three straight
drubbings from outfits representing
rival musicals.
Henry Senber, advance man for
Tive Kings,' has been moving from
town -to town so fast his own of Ace
cant locate him.
Eddie McEvoy going in for gym
workouts and rubdowns, getting in
shape for the charge against the ex-
hibitors this coming sales season,
. Aaron Rosenthal, who is associated
with Boris Morros'^ new picture ac-
tivities, is a brother of Ann Rosen-,
thai, «x-Grand National attorney.
Philip Barry leaves today (Wed-
nesday) from Washington, where his
The Philadelphia Story' is playing,
to spend several weeks in Miami.
Several 'What a Life' players last
week suggested that since all buy
their smokes at a tobacco store near
the theatre, they might as well grab
a share of the profits by buying a
piece of the shop.
Ralph Clark, WB manager in Aus-
tralia, plans to remain in N. Y. for
the annual domestic sales convention
at the Waldorf-Astoria, March 13-14.
Originally he had contemplated sail-
ing for Sydney early this month.
RKO dance this year at Hotel
-Astor, March 20. will have Larry
Clinton music Columbia's annual
banquet-dance at the Waldorf, Feb.
25; WB shindig at same place Satur-
day (11), with Artie Shaws band.
Pittsburgh
By Hal . Cohen
Maxine Allen in the ho.spital get-
ting over pneumonia.
•Bob Leiber and Frances Fierst
■will wed next month.
..Jack Ostfeld in hospital convales-
cing from a nervous crackup.
Film director William K. Howard
In town, for a few days last week,
Billy Strayhorne has joined Duke
Ellington's orchestra as a pianist.
Bob Gill directing Racine's 'Iphi-
genla' at the Carnegie Tech drama
school.
. .£tzi Covato changing name' of IlaN
Ian Gardens to Tropical Gardens
shortly.
Barney Ro.'w will godfather the
Bernie Cummins' heii; or heiress this
summec.
Playhouse will wind up ."season
late next month with musical, 'Meet
My Sister.'
Betty La'Vonne has an offer to ap-
pear in an Earl Carroll show at the
Frisco fair.
'Valerie Parks went down with
flu. and her hurley unit left town
without her,
Carnegie Tech drama- graduate.
Ml Herz, in cast of Orson Welles'
Tlve Kings.'
Pitt Military Ball committee dick-
ering with Kay Kyser outfit for
March date.
Pittsburgh Symph has outfitted
$1,5Q0 dressing room for Fritz Reiner
at the Mosque. .
'Vincent Lopez gifted his. songbird,
Betty HuttOR, with an. amethyst ring
oh her birthday.
Tommy Ddrsey's going-away gift
to the Stanley house band was a
ping-pone table.
Andy Picards (he's Al Kavelln's
drummer) celebrating their Uth
wedding anniversary.
Republic exchange manager, Jim
Alexander, to Florida for couple of
weeks with his family.
' Lynn Chalmers has gone back to
Chicago with closing of Billy Sher-
man's band at Bill Green's.
. Art Cinema plans to revive 'Moon-
light Sonata' when - Paderewskl
comes here for concert in May.
. Fred Burleigh . reunionlng with
'Angela Is' 22' cast, most of which he
directed last summer at Cohasset.
Minneapolis
By Lcs Rees
. Peck Gommersall, Universal dis-
trict manager, in town.
ties Savage, Columbia homeoffice
auditor, here for month.
Heat on again and most of night
clubs are closing at 1 a.m.'
Warren Brianton, National Screen
North Dakota -salesman, laid up with
flu.
-Max Mazur, new Columbia city
.salesman from Chicago, back oh job
after flu.
Chief Barker W. A. Steffes, of
Twin City 'Variety .club, vacationing
in Chicago.
J. H. Jacobs, salesman in Columbia
exchange, succeeds .1. M. Weiner as
branch manager.
Moe -Levy, 20th-Fox district man-
ager here, chosen next Sidney R.
Kent drive leader.
Rud Lohrehz, Warner district man-
ager, and the wife shook off flu and
returned to Chicago.
Ray O'Brien and Paul S. Allison,
ItKO homeoffice . rep and. ad sales
supervisor, respectively, visitors.
Don Buckley, Redwood Falls,
Minn., exhibitor, stopped over en-
route home from Florida vacation.
Fred Holzapfcl back at his Broadr
way. theatre, . neighborhood house,
following recuperation ' from ap-
pendectomy.
Bill Shartln, Warner city salesman,
promoted to Seattle branch manager
and will be succeeded here by Max
Mazur of Chicago.
Phil Dunas, Columbia district
manager, recovered from his. recent
operation and paid his first local
visit in several months.
Miami Beach
By -Arthur Thomson
Irene Bordonl opened at the Dninri.
Meyer Davis in on a biz-vacash
trip. .
James Barton taking a Palm Beach
vacash.
Joe E. Lewis still at the Conti-
nentale.
Carol Bruce into the Dempsey
Vanderbllt- show.
Tattee Martin, warbler, into the
Five O'clock club.
Abe Lyman held over another
three weeks at the Royal Palm.
Harry Stevens held over for fourth
consecutive week at the Olympia.
Dorothy Williams, Hannah Demp-
sey's sister, won the rhumba contest
at La Conga.
Ed Sullivan and Louis Sobol joined
the Fourth Estatcrs vacationing at
the Rohey Plaza.
Lovey Warren will do the Princess
voice in forthcoming Fleischer fea-
ture. "Gulliver's Travel.*'.
Adelaide MofTett did a one-nlghter
at the Brook club, before leaving for
the Chez Paree, Chicago.
Lillian Carmen, pop singer at the
Conlinentale, opens at tlie Walton
Roof. Philadelphia. March 23.
Ralph Rblan. RKO exec, a.ssisted
by Bryant "Washburn, conducted re-
gional tests here for "Gateway to
Hollywood' radio .show.
Robert Yacopi of the Yacopi
troupe, now at the . Royal Palm, was
injured in a fall while working. Ex-
pected back in the act soon.
Chicago
Sid Strotz to the Coast this week.
Burton' Holmes back and again do-
ing fine biz.
Tony .Lada working on a new
musical comedy.
Nelson Eddy concert sold' out at
the Opera House.
Lou Ruppel in and gut on quick
confab with local CBS execs.
Haydn Evans of WNAX making
quick agency tour in Chi and N. Y.
Emlle Boreo In town for a few
doys to break his jump to the Coast.
Ros Metzger to L. A. for o.o. of
new Tommy Rlggs origination set-up.
Maj. Lenox tohr stopped off for
biz confabs on trip through to SF
Fair.
Ada Katz booking for the Audi-
torium for a flock of conventions and
meetings.
Charlie Washburn around town
waiting for the Alfred Lunt-Lynn
Fontanne troupe to catch up.
London
• 'Dawn Patrol' at Warners is pres-
ently, the biggest film hit in the West
End.
Joe Grossman, studio manager for
Associated British at Elstree, down
with flu.
The Buster Shavers reported ex-
pecting an addition to the family in
the summer.
Jack Davis has opened his 'World's
First Television News Theatre' at
Marble Arch.
Gordon Harker out of cast of
'Number Six' at Aldwych due to
throat operation.
Mrs. Jack. Harris, wife, of the
maestro-owner of Giro's club, is now
.the hitery -s booker. ,
Vi Bradley- returns here in May or
October to work for Martlnus Poul-
sen at the Cafe.de Paris:
Brian 'Wallace, son of Edgar Wal-
lace, obtained divorce from his nov-
elist wife. Margaret Lane.
Marie Burke -giving up her apart-
ment and joining her husband In
Australia, v/hei-e she is settling down
permanently.
After breaking records at Metro's
Empire, "The Citadel,' transferred to
Metro's sinallie. The Rltz, is again
breaking records for this house.
Jack (Giro's) Harris has signed
with NBC for 13 weekly broadcasts,
which are to be relayed on a nation-
al hookup, in May. June and July.
Eddie Oliver, former pianist-
arranger . for Ben Bernie, has his
own band, which opens an- eight-
week season at I« Touquet from
June 20.
Ross and Bennett are replacing
Barr and Estes in Tom Arnold's
South African tour of 'Switzerland.'
Company sails for Africa tomorrow
(Thur).
A. J. Balaban taking his family to
live in Switzerland.. Had intended
to stay here as iresident, but was told
he would have to pay Income-tax on
the amount he spent here.
The final quarter of last year
shows an Increase of membership in
the Performing Right Society from
1,674 to 1,703.. This includes a num-
ber of Continental refugees now re-
siding in England.
George Hale girls held over at the
Cafe de Paris and Cafe Anglais for
further five weeks. Poulsen Is bring-
ing over a new troupe of 12 sex ap-
pealers. They open March 20. Earl
Leslie (MCA, London) did the fixing,
which is for 10 weeks.
Contrary to rumors. Will Hay has
not been set for any picture work
when his contract With Gainsbor-
ough Films expires next month.
He's holding out for a three-picture
Seal for $200,000 ■ and has turned
down offer from Jeffrey Bernerd to
do one for $75,000.
Congratulatory cables received by
George Foster' on his golden wed-
ding Include - those from Sophie
Tucker, Eddie Cantor, Jeanette Mc-
Donald, Ben- Bernie, Rudy 'Vallee,
Jimniy- Durante. Paul Whlteman,
Harry Rlchnian, Vincent Lopez. Lupc
Velez, Cab Calloway, Morton
Downey, Boswell Sisters, Ethel Bar-
ry more and Ernest Truex. William
Morris cabled case of champagne.
back to N. Y. after month at Royal
Worth hotel.
Southland Inn opened under manr
agement of James R. Knipe, of Sun
Valley, Idaho.
Four Freshmen quit the Pelican
March 31. Everglades and Pelican
shutter end of first week in April.
Feiver Films
(Continued from page. 3)
SL Louis
By Sam X. Harst
Ray Curran, office manager for
UA here, father of a son, yet un-
Carl Lorch orchestra has moved
to the Claridee hotel, Memphis, from
Hotel Jefferson here.
St. Louis Symph has garnered
$90,000 in drive for $151,000 mainte-
nance fund for next season.
Harriett Foote Parker, of Fergu-
son, Mo., formerly active in Little
Theatre productions here has copped
a contract with Warner Bros.
Julian Beisman, 16, son of Man-
ager Paul Beisman of American the-
atre, bowed as a thesplan at the John'
Burroughs School when he played In
"Seven Sisters.'
Oscar Strauss' 'Waltz Dream' is the
12th niece' penciled for 1939 Munici-
pal Theatre Assn. season in Forest
Park. Season opens June 12 with Ifl
performances of "Ro.sc Marie' and I
closes week of Aug. 21 with 'Victoria -
and Her Hussar.' ■
Charle$ Kullman. Robert Weede.
Lucv Monroe and Nicholas Massue
of the Met Opero have been inked
for roles in spring series of grand
operas to be presented by St. Louis
Metropolitan Grand Opera As.sn. in
Municipal Auditorium next month.
two-day sales session in New York
starling Monday (13), to be followed
by regional meets. None of the sales-
men are coming in for the WB N. Y.
meet, only the branch and - district
rhanager.s.
Metro Is. holding its sales conven-
tion in Chicago March 17 and may
not cut its program, which is 51
pictures this year, and 20th is hold-
ing its meet in Chicago March 30.
This is the third date change made
by 20th. Company sources say that
the lineup for 39-40 is not ready for
:announcement.
Although WB, 2Qlh and Metro are
holding their sales meetings as early
as last -year, majority of the com-
panies are in no rush to start sell-
ing after tha way buying lagged last
summer.- Mono Is planning Its na-
tlpnal sales convention in New Or-
leans in Mayi when some others rhay
be held. Columbia will hold Its con-
vention late, as will RKO, latter
planning on June in New York.
Various others, possibly including
Republic, Col, Parariiount, U and
UA may also choose N. Y., if able
to get hotel accommodations satis-
factorily, so that their ne'ople may
get a chance to see the World's Fair.
X<ast year the majority of the con-
ventions were held In Hollywood.
In various industry quarters the
tendency Is to shy away from Holly-
wood as a convention spot. Bringing
the salesmen oiit there resulted in
certain difficulties.
May Follow '38, Plan
HollywQod, March 7.
Universal's 1939-40 program will
be announced at sectional sales
meetings to be held next month.
Places and dates will be set upon re-
turn to New York from Hollywood
of W. A. Scully, general sales man-
ager.
P/obability is that the plan
adopted last year will be followed,
with gatherings in New York, Chi-
cago and San Francisco.
Pix Fair Bally
(Continued from page 1)
possibilities and the amount of added
coin that will be spent in New York
City during the first year of the
Manhattan fair. With 50,000,000 to
60,000,000 gate estimated conserva-
tively, approximately $1,000,000,000
extra coin will be spent by fair visi-
tors, summary of surveys revealed.
With at least 12% of this expected to
go for amu.sements, in and about
New York City, picture theatres are
alert to the possibilities at their box-
office if visitors are informed in ad-
vance of what to see, besides the fair.
Just now the plug is strictly for
the exposition, with special stress on
dlfl'crcnt circuit houses to come later.
Several film productions arc
planned with the New York Fair as
a background. Actual schedules arc
set on two .shorts. One is- in
color, . shooting to begin March 20.
The other is by Piccadilly Produc-
tions, of London, with the British
angle of the exposition emphasized.
This producing unit sails from Lon-
don March 10.
Pahn Beach
Raloh Pulilror oamc through.
Nan Blackstone is at the 52d St.
this week.
Joseph Hcrge.-Jheimcr's scribbling
on the beach.
Endor and F^jrrcl coming into the
52d Street for one week.
The David Lawrences and Herbert
Bayard Swopes are here.
John Perona found a lot of his
EI Morocco customers here.
Constance and Natalie Talmadge
had reunion with sister Norma.
Nina Wilcox Putnam writing about
Palm Beach from Del Ray Beach.
Errol Flynn arrived here, "joining
Llll Damita, who has been here a
week.
WlUard Kceler ensemble headed
Strawhat Films
((Continued from page 1 )
than the regular stage fare nor-
Tfi-Wy registered. He has a five-.vear
le.isc on the same stand and is dlck-
erin.? for cxhlbitioii rights a couple
of nights weekly at a Carmcl, N. Y.,
location.
Lcsser's theory, borne out by his
experiment last .summer, is that class
pictures, particularly arties and cer-
tain foreign productions that have
v/on critical esteem, . will do profit-
able business at strawhat theatres.
Hi.< plan is to charge a 40c. admis-
sion and use single bills.
Summer spots that can accommo-
date the film idea are somewhat lim-
ited, since it requires a" better-
equipped theatre than many resorts
possess. Lesser has compiled a list
of likely strawhats and Is currently
contacting them. His deal calls for
either a percentage arrangement or
flat rental.
Hollywood
Al Jolson laid up with flu.
Alice Faye laid up with flu.
Steve Hannagan here on biz.-
Jack Powell in from London.
Junies McCowan seriously ill.
Joan Valerie in. from. Manhattan,
Lou Irwin beck from Broadway.
Adrienne Ames in from Broadway.
Vivian Crosby home from hosnital.
J. F. O'Donnell in from N. Y. on
biz.
Harry Kalcheim hunting radio tal-
ent.
. Wally Vernon bedded by back in-
jury.
Lupe Velez in. to resume picture
work.
Fi-anz. Waxman vacationing in the
desert.' . .
Br.van Foy around again after flu
attack.
Perc Westmore bedcied by nheu-
monia.
Mickey Rooney home from~ Florida
vacash.
Joseph Breen back from New York
biz trip.
Bcv H:n-nett Opened his own pub-
licity office.
Bruce Manning on New Orleans
fi-shintt trip.
Inez Courtney recovering from ap-
pcnt'actomy.
Edward Ludwig back from* Mexi-
can vacation.
Norma Shearer on the mend after
throat infection.
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.,- • In from
European vacash. • .
Walter Wanger back from- Alma
Mater Dartm6uth.
Lance' Sicveking in from England
to gander studios.
. Betty Jaynes and- Douglas McPhall
bark ^'I'om honevmoon:
Kathleen McLaughlin gendering
studios for N. Y. Times.
Jean Chatburn to Reno for di-
vorce from Frank Orsatti.
Guy Gunderson guest at party cel-
brating 25 years on film row.
W. H. (Bud) Lollier addressed film
(^ass at University of Southern Cali-
fornia.
Paris
By Hnfo Speck
Franz Lehar In.
Charles Ti-enet on tour.
-Erna Sack In for recital.
Ben Mlgglns In from American
visit.
Jacques Terrane in from winter
sports.
Adolf Zukor in from London with
John Hicks.
Victor Francen victim of automo-
bile accident
ABC has dropped revues for
straight vaude.
Boris Morros. former Par music
head, in for look around.
Tino Rcssi in from -Egypt and off
on Central European tour.
Jean-Pierre Aumont back to stage
'n 'L'Amant de Paille' at the Michel.
Jean . Renoir commencing 'La
Recle de Jeu,' starrlne Nora Gregor.
Max Ophuls winding up 'Sans
Lendemain,' starring Edwige Feuil-
lere.
Albert Tavel has joined Rotten-
burg and Goldin joint booking of-
flce.s.
Ga.ston Modot signing with Pierre
Renoir for feature part in 'La Rcguc
de Jeu.'
Abel Gance to make 'Chri.stopher
Columbus,' v.'ith exteriors to be shot
in Spain.
Henri Alibert and Marscillair-e
troupe off to Bru.<isel.<i for Alhambra
appearance.
Pills and Tnbet looping at the
European: Lucicnne Boyer topping
at ihe Bobino.
'The Great Waltz' (M-G) fot
opera .premiere, with President Lc-
brun as patron.
P.nrk Lane latest nitery to oncn in
opera district Willie Lewis's or-
chcytrn at the snot
Pierre Douard winding . up n(;w
olav. '.Service Commando,* which
he'll produce shortly.
Andre Ca.vattc, author of 'Entrcs
des Artistes,' working on five new
scpnarios at same time.
Simone Simon carrying three, rolea
in 'Calvacade .d'Amour.' which Ray-
mond Bernard is making.
Ircnp Hilda doubling from the
Folie.s-Bergere into the Park Lane,
nev/ Opera district nitery.
Tom Mix with touring circus
.scheduled to ooen at the Cirque
d'Hiver end of this month.
Yvonne Prinlemp.s ill with fiu,
.shuttering 'Three . Waltze.s' at .the
MIchodiere for several days;
A. B. Marcus and show' now in
Bombay due in Europe around
June I for English opening.
Ji'Iien Diivivicr. signed MIcheJe
Morgan and Piorrc Fresn,n.v' as lends
for his next "La Charrcttc Fantome.'
Lui.se Raincr reading mm.s. on
Cecil RibHris' 'Lcs Eoces Contrc
Nous,' with London appearance pos- '
.sible.
-Jo Baker .slated for comeback as
next star at Casino de Paris, pres-
ent plans calling for early April
opening. . '
Alfred Rode In from Huncpry,
where exteriors were inarle for his
'Danube Bleu,' which will be re-
lea.sed soon.
Group of French mayors, headed
by Lc Pi-ovost de Lanau. president
of Paris Municipal Council, have ac-
cepted LaGuardla's Invite to Visit
World's Fair in May.
62
VARIETY
Wednesday-, March 8, 1939
OBITUARIES
HEBBEBT MIJNDIN
Herbert Mundin, 44, former Lon-
don stage player and in recent years
in pictures, died Sunday (5) of a
fractured skull received in an auto
accident in Van Nuys, Calif. Tlirown
from a friend's car, he died shortly
after in a hospital.
For more than 10 years a leading
character actor In films, Mundin was
a farmboy born in Lancashire, Eng-
land, who emerged from, a- wireless
operator's post on a World War mine
sweeper to join an itinerant group
of music hall players. His work at-
tracted the attention of Andre Char-
lot, who signed him for 'Chariot's
Revue.' He came to New York in
1924 in that musical and returned
to England for subsequent versions.
A tour of Australia in 1928 in 'The
Desert Song,' followed by appear-
ances in - several London shows
marked the end of his stage career
and he migrated- to Hollywood in
1931.
'He leaves his widow, iTie former
Ann Shaw,., actress, and . a daughter.
His first marriage to Hilda Hoyes
culminated in divorce.
EMMA JUCH WELLMAN
Mrs. Emma Juch Weliman, 78, who
as Emma Juch was a noted concert
and opera singer' in the U. S. and
England during the 1880's and '90s,
died March , a of a cerebreal hemor-
rhage at her .New York home. She
was taken ill the previous day at a
film theatre.
Engaged by. Col. Henry Mapleson
for a season of Italian opera in Lon-
don when she was 18 years old, she
made her debut as Filina in 'Mignoii'.
Her first American appearance was
in 1881 at the old Academy of Mu-
sic, N. Y. She retired 45 years ago
when she married Francis. L. Well-
man, New York attorney. 'They were
divorced in 1911.
ELLIOT P. SCHENCK
.Elliot P: Schenck, 60, composer,
conductor and once chorus director
at the ' Metropolitan Opera House,
died Siuiday (5) while walking near
his home in midtown New York.
Originally a law student at Colum-
bia University, he abandoned a legal
career to study music in Dresden and
Berlin. Upon his return to the U. S.
he conducted many musical festivals
and summer concerts sponsored by
the New York Symph. He also con-
ducted his own- ag^egations and his
compositions were played by leading
orchestras. He retired in 1934.
Survived by his widow.
ALBEBT E. MOOBE
Albert -E. - (Al) -Moore, midget
clown with the Ringling Bros, circus,
died' Monday (6) in a Philadelphia
hospital of a spinal ailment,
Moore was widely known to thou-
sands of circus fans as the midget,
dressed in baby clothes, who jpmped.
screaming from a prop burning
building. He -had been connected
with Ringling for the past 10 years.
Survived by his mother, three
brothers ahd a sister, all of normal
size.
HABY DUNCAN
Mary Duncan, 40, formerly a sing-
er in vaudeville, died in New Or-
leans March 3 . of heart trouble. - A
maid found her body in. the kitchea
ette of her apartment.
Mrs. Duncan played the Orpheum
circuit for years as part of the act
of Duncan and. Moody. She is. sur-
vived by her widower and a daugh-
ter. Arietta, a . film player in HoUy
wood.
ABBAHAM STIEFEL
Abraham Stietel, 70, pioneer PhUa
delphia theatre operator, died March
3 after a long illness, at his home in
West Philadelphia, Pa. Stiefel came
here from Russia as a boy and at
one time had a chab of theatres. In
recent years he leased them to War
ner Bros.
He's survived by his widow, three
sens and two daughters.
WALTEB BOLES
Walter Roles, 58, advance agent,
died in Chicago of heart failure on
Feb. 28. Roles had been In legit for
many years, working from Chicago
headquarters for various producing
firms, including Roland & Clifford,
George Gatts and LeCompte &
Fletcher,
Widow survives.
BEN V. HABBIS
Ben V, Harris, 35, vaude dancer of
the Harris Twins and Loretta act,
was killed near Seneca Falls, N. Y„
March 5 in an automo'oile accident.
Details in the- vaudeville section.
Mrs. Addle Sparks, 54, . wife of
Charles Sparks, former Downie Bros.,
circus owner, died in Macon, Ga.,
March 2, of a heart ailment and com-
plications. For years she had been
in charge of designing the costumes
used in her husband's circus, which
passed into new hands recently when
Sparks retired.
Widow, 80, of William Coolidge
Wetherell, former member of the
theatrical program publishing com-
pany of Nirdlinger & WetheriU,
Philadelphia, died March 2 in a Bryn
Mawr, Pa., hospital of heart disedse.
Thomas Levitt, 68, one of Western
Ontario's (Can.) best known, old-
time orchestra leaders and violinist,
died in a London, Ont., hospital,
March 3, after a few days' illness.
Survived by widow, two sons and
two daughters.
Ralph Mark Smith, 54, motion pic-
ture projectionist and former trouper,
died Feb- 26 iii Butler, Pa., of a heart
attack. He was stricken while op-
erating a picture machine and col-
lapsed ' when he stepped from the '
booth, .
trucks all around the mike, a la
Martha Raye,
Then the Weems combo swings
out with 'SomelMdy Stole My Gal,''
'Man from the South' and 'Piccolo
Pete*. During the last number Red
Ingle does a comic turn with- a
midget piccolo, starting off a string
of stunts which had the customers
roaring here. Other Ingle rib-
ticklers include a Charlie McCarthy
stunt, with dummy doing the vocal
on ' Old Apple Tree'; an imitation
of Ted Lewis, sans top-hat; tying
up with Elmo Tanner for 'The
Wreck of the 97,'. besides tripping
and fiopping all over the stage.
Perry Como docs a- neat bit of
warbling with 'All Ashore,' "Two
Sleepy People', 'Pocketful of Dreams'
and encoring with 'I Cried for You'
and 'Beautiful Baby'. .
Other vocalist is Elmo Tanner,
who scores best, however, with his
whistling specialty 'Star Dust'.
' Finale Is exceptionally .clever, a
novelty bit, 'Martins and the Coys'
played by the combo behind a screen
on which is flashed a film showing
the history of the feudin' moun-
taineer families- Tanner and Ingle
do the vocals with band supplying
the bang-bang sound effects.
Outside acts are Beverly Bemis,
a clever tap-dancer, and the Peggy
Taylor Trio, ace adagio act. The
trio, two guys and a gal, start out
with a hi.^hbrow bit of ballroom
terping and wind up mauling each
other, tearing up their swanky eve-
ning clothes, all. perfectly, dead pan
and beautifully timed for an- unex-
pected climax.
Biz good. Shal.
Bills Next Week
(Continued from page 55)
Alfred S. Krellbiercr. 36, New York
attorney, brother of Sherman S.
Krellberg,' film distrib and exhib,
died March 5 after an illness of sev-^
eral months. Father, mother and
two sisters also survive.
Charles J. Benner, 82, former mu-
sician with opera and musical shows,
died Jan. 31 In Miamisburg, O.
Widow, five sons, two of them in
show business and two daughters,
survive.
Hia. Eleanor A, Shoup, mother of
Hlller Innes, assistant manager of
Paramount'-s N. Y. production de-
partment, died March 0. She was
the widow' of -Capt. Aubrey K.
Shoup, U. S. Navy.
Gllmore lutrowltz,' 26, musician,
died Feb. 18 In a Chippewa Falls,
Wis., hospital. Survived by his
mother, three sisters and two broth-
ers.
Panl Hoffman, 25, son of M. H.
Hoffman, associate producer at Re-
public, died of pneumonia March 2
in Hollywood.
Mrs, Eveljni. Offleld, mother of
Jack Oakie, died Feb, 28 in Holly-
wood,
Frled» Bin;, mother of Herman
Bing, actor, died March 1 in Holly-
wood.
Mother of Danny Danker, Coast
radio Head of J. Walter Thompson,
died in Boston, March 5.
House Reviews
AUDITORIUM, FRISCO
(Continued from page 27)
singing of 'Umbrella Man,' with
Parks well received. Fairchild and
Carroll, a capital piano team, score
solidly with their versions of 'Don-
key Serenade' and 'Dizzy Fingers.'
One of the show's high spots is the
tap dancing of talented Ann Miller,
a local girl, who looks even more
comely in person than she does on
the screen.
Fanchon and Marco girls, brought
up from Hollywood, present a Strauss
waltz numlser, usinn pairs of black
chiffon ' fans effectively* and in a
snappy routine to the tune of 'Holi-
day.' Milt,
FOX, PHILLY
Philadelphte, Morch 3.
Ted WeeTns' orch^ Perry Como,
Elmo Tonncr, Red Ingle, Patsy
Parker, Beverly Bemis, Peggy Tay-
lor Trio; 'Yes, My Darling Douoh-
ter (WB).
Penn alumnus Ted Weems makes
his neriodic visit to the old home
town this week, and puts on a well-
balanced show for 60 minutes with
masterful timing. Comedy and
clowning break up the musical num-
bers in a manner that is lacking
among the younger baton-waiving
set
Show starts with a bang with
Patsy Parker, torchy blonde, giving
out with 'Dixieland Band*- and 'No-
body's Sweetheart', Gal ipugs and
Stage-Wait
(Continued from page 1)
tentment- The advertisers that fill
this Friday schedule have been there
from eight to 12 years. Each of these
a-k.'s has clung to the same type of
program throughout. And with but
one exception (Lombardo), the tal-
ent costs are in the lower, if not the
lowest, brackets. .
All four accounts, namely. Cities
Service, Phillips Milk of Magnesia,
Borax and Lady Esther, went on the
NBC books long before radio had
proved Itself as a potent sal6s me-
dium. Cities Service has been in
the same spot since 1927. Phillips,
with its Waltz Time, dates back to
1931; Borax and ite 'Death VaUey
Days' to 1930, and Lady Esther to
1930. Until this season Wayne King
had been the cosmetic's single white-
haired boy. All have been the net-
work's steady customers, regardless
of winter or summer, .and even
though NBC regrets the Shangri-La
that this group has created for it-
self, there'^ nothing it can do about
it The group, incidentally, can even
boast of a character comparable to
the High Lama in James Hilton's
'Lost. Horizon.' He's the 'Old Pros-
pectoi^ in 'Death Valley Days.'
The" picture on the blue (WJZ)
network the same night isn't any
brighter. The commercial combina-
tions available from that source are
Warden Lawes, 'Plantation Party'
(Brown-^WUliamson) and The March
of Time.'
. CBS's Night
This twofold situation makes It
pretty much Columbia's night. The
latter's Friday ' evening schedule
starts off at 7.30 EST with Jack
Haley, and following are "The First
Nighter,' another hardy perennial.
Burns and Allen, the Campbell Play-
house (Orson Welles) and .'Grand
Central Station.' B. & A. and the
Campbell Soup show rate within the
first 10 on the CAB report while
The First Nighter' falls within the
initial 25. All the others on both
CBS and NBC figure merely In the
also-ran classification.
MARRIAGES
Winifred' Knudtsoh, to Eugene
Thackery, In Geneseo, Kas., Feb. 24.
Bride is . secretary to Gregory La
Cava, film director; he's a scenarist
Margaret Wilkins to Bill Morrow,
in Hollywood, Feb. 28. He's a gag
writer for Jack Benny.
Margaret Foley to Abe Weiner in
Boston, Feb. 19. He's a UA exchange
manager in Pittsburgh.
Faye Parker to George Youngling,
in Pittsburgh, March 6. Both are
with Maurice Spitalny's KDKA,
Pittsburgh, band.
Lenore Winter to Donald Ogden
Stewart in Ventura, Cel., March 4.
Bride is widow of Lincoln Steffens;
he's a screen writer.
Doris McCurdy to Johnny Eckert
in Yuma, March 4. He's a film stunt
man.
Hedy Lamarr to Gene Markey In
Mexicali) Mexico, March 4. Bride is
film player; he's an associate pro-
ducer at 20th-Fox.
Lynn .Bari to Walter Kane, in
Beverly Hills, March 5. Bride Is a
screen player; he's a talent agent
Kelae Corr
nulli Teuipleton
Jiubbleii Shelby
Uarlan HoblniroD'
Arlett' Withers
Joyonne' Shear
Margaret Miiraball
Ivan Taahinan
El Chico Oro
Bill Hnye
Cynthia IFar*
Billy Maple
Johnny Parrlah
Alna Constant •
Kny Totli
Nina Oria
Nyra Nash
Al Moore Oro
Poilrft Blanco. (>r«
Qeorce Clifford
EnrcTMB Caalae-
Betii Cballla
Jo* MlllkoDf Ora
1523 Clob
SwlnfT klnir Oro
.Conauela. FlowerloD
Tommy . Monroe
]3otty McUce -
PoDper . Caret
T.lttle Annie
Kay McCullouKb
Dolores Merrill
June Davia
iHtzi Lane
Florence llolman
Fninkle Falombo'c
Cliff Conrad
Marlon & White
Harrison Sis
Papa & LeRoy
Yvonettea (6)
Bobby Morrow Oro
3 Lunatlx
. Harrlii Tavern
Alabama Corlniie
Ijobby Lyons
Oreta LaMarr
Betty Thoinaa
HUdebrmml'i
,Tackle Small '
Cbarlle Nelil
Mario & Marl*
Franoea Ruaaell
Frankle Milton
Bella Belmont
Beryl 'Vt'niker
Lydia White
Richard Bach
Bobby Le* Oro
Rat«l Adelphla
(Cafe Harenny)
Frank Oagen Ore
Ann KIncade
Pancho & Dolorea
Don Annellna Ore
Hotel Philadelphia
Harry Taylor Oro
Joe Farino
Phil Fletcher
Britell 2'
Helen Doyle
Artie Brooka & M
Tonio Bradley
Jack LyDCh'i
Charles Smith
Vincent RIsto Or*
Barney Zeeman
Mona Reed -
Holland ft Hart
Dorothy Tanner
Jimmy Blake
Frazee Sla (2)
J Lynch Gla (16)
Ghezzla (2)
Charlea Fredericks
Betty Keane
Joe Frazetto Oro
Latimer Olob
(Blue Boom)
Bvelyn Lampshlr*
Ann Rush
Virginia Hoivnrd
Barbara Bradley
Rh'unr.ba Oro
Jerl Foster
UttI* Bathakcllcf
Jack Qrlffln Ore
Jimmy & E Kip
Roy Sedley
Qaye Dixon
Mickey & Clarion
.Sharon Harvey
Yvotte
Open Door Cot*
Nanette
Bob Ridley
Happy Tliompson
Mickey Walker
Rose' VenuttI
bord & Janice
Hawaiian Ore
Ethel Mneder
Viola Klaiss Oro
rarrlsh Cat*
Dot Jnckaon -
Shorty Scott
Marian Aiken
Vernon Guy
Johnny Holmoa Or
Fniple Derbr
Bobby Carr
Sir Cecil Alexander
Ulnger Dunn
Jean Lemarr
Marffle Mealle
Moore & Burns
Joe Burns
Itay Allen Oro
Dotty Moore
Jimmy McVey
BendeiTuiw
Helen Shaw
B S Pully & Gump
Raymondes
Itoss Irwin
Thelma Nevlna^
Pearl 'M'llllams
Bobby Hargraves
HUmp'* Cat*
Frankle RIcharde'n
Paatlne & Marlyn
Saddle & Lorraine
Bert Leml'ah Oro
Dot Landy
Jack Hutchliiaon
Johnny Welsh
3 Debs .
Hhlrley Herman'
surer l.ake Inn
(ClemetftoB)
Mickey Famllant 0>
Alice Lucey.
'Fredez dc Lorenza
Reynard & Marcia
Georiro Reed
Sky Top CiDb '
Cliff Bookman
lieon 'Wriiiht Oro
~MiirJorle Johnson
Blanche Suunders
Strut & Struggles
Tape & Dave
Margaret Wataon
iMInola
Intkla'* Batliakaller
Prasno & Fonton
Frank PontI
Beth Calvert
Almce Joy
Dancing Kennedys
Eileen Fay
Cleo Valentine
Barbara Drent
Bonnie' Stewart
Ernie Kennedy
I.oslie Sla
Irving Braaloir Ore
20tb C*nlnr7
Bob & E 'Wayn*
Lee Leslie
Bob Shneffer'
Tommy . Cullen Oro
Venice Grill*
Jack Rich
Caslmlera Ola
Fay Ray
Marie Scliaeffer
Joey Hayes Ore
Viking Cafe
Blllle Caltehan
Henry Patrick
Wynn Fisher
Joe Kcnrns
Grace O'Hnra
Jerry Delroar Ore
Ollle
Jack Hallahan
Cleo Valentine
Tillage Bars
Lenny Kent
Bstollo Sloan
Edle Lang .
Johnny Hudglna-
2 Jacks
Bobby Evans
Teddy Oliver Or*
Wagon Wheel
Joe O'Shea
NIkl Nikolai
Peto Hayes
Al. Wilson .
Tommy Horn
George Deber
Al Baatlan Oro
Weber'a Hof Brao
(Camden)
Foram Sis & Tom
Senorlta Nina
Use Hart
Rudy Bruder
Jules Fiacco Oro.
Jerry Marcelle
Helen Worthington
Aoroway Duo
Signer Karmlno
Eddie Sheppard
J & T Sliellonh'mer
Internationals
Bldorndlans
Raoul & Helens
Yacht Olab
Kilty Helmling Ore
Jimmle Bailey
Madeleine St Denis
Mildred King
John Reno
Roberta Ramaey
Patricia Roblnaon -
Gibson & Co
Edna Thompson
UILWAnEEE
Athletic CiDb
Hal Munro Ore
Bert PhUllp'a
Pep Babler Ore
Bthel Seldel
Blatx Palm' Oardea
Eddie .South Oro
Louis Mason
Bine Hoon
D Davidson Oro
Virginia Rosen
Jay Jayaon
Gale Parker
Cardinal Club
Bud VIonI Oro
Chnteon Clnb -
Stan Jacobsen Oro
Johnny Poat
Jimmy & Nora Bell
Jack Herbert
June Carson
Dorothy Mfiye
Clorer Club
Harry Welior Ore
lluth Phillips
Eva Thornton
Margo Young
Kloanor (lall
.lean Hurley '
Flo Rndke
Don Krnnlch
Club Forest
Virginia Orey
Bcrdlne Dickson
Helen Kaye
Vera Welsh ■
Clnb ftladrld .
Jimmy Rotas Ore
Roland ft Franclnn
Turty Stevens
Lou Reynolds
Rebecca Page
Patricia Page Gla
Marguerite Claudet
Lollta Roche
Clnb Sahara
Gee Cerwin Oro
Clnb Terrl*
■Gordon Oenschoro
Mona Henderson
Bthel Warren
Phil Kestin
Kathleen Kay*
Claudia Ferris
' Congo Clnb
Bob Freeman
Mary Reed
JelT. Thomas
Leonard' Gay Oro
Comles Ship .
Ben Boo Ore
Kaiph Lewis
Onlley ft Lamarr
. Devlnes Eagles
nilly Baer Ore
Hob Garrity Ore
Mabel Drake-
Dorothy Dale
Red Roberta Oro
Gloria Gale
Jimmy Do Palma
Howard Gelger
lintel Srliroeder
(Kmplre noom)
Lawrence Welk Or
Jerry Burke
Walter Bloom
Lola Beat
Knrl Rntach'a
Sopple Boch Ore
Holone Sturn
'Walter llerhoff
Ijamen'a
Ray Meadowa Oro
Last Round Dp
Jimmy Roy* Oro
Ken Keck
Undy'i
Rick ft Snyder
Victor
Log Cabin
Carl Bergman Ore
lUlamf Clab'
Helen Holmea
Ilalley Malone
Evelyn Lee
Miami S
Peggy Geary
Hazel ' Bitlley
Gene Emerald'
Harriet Cross
Johnny Davla Ore
MUwankeaa
Bobby Maynard
Oaal*
Marty Gray Oro
Snooks Hartman
Old Ileldelbers
Mary Beth
(^ameo Ols
Eddie ZIpp Ore
Donna LuPae
Allen Dunft
Sallie Marshall'
Ginger ft Louis* .
Open Door
TInney LIveng'd Or
Larry ' Powell
Packard nallroom '
Al Cavalier Ore
Pnnidia* tiHrdcn*
Bill KIngnley Oro
Paris
Joe Gumin Oro
Leri Herrick
Plantation Clab
Bert Bailey Oro
Mary Webb
Plantation 6
Brown & Lyons
Myrtle Thomas
Uunky Brown
RendexToiu
Betty Mason
Helen Oregna
Carol Cleveland
Dotty Norman
Katharine Kay*
Alma Grant
Dob Mathoson Oro
Reno
Rudy Sager Orb
Pat Marvin
Helen Allen
Romona Brownwell
Barron Luncliauaen
S«aler'8
Tony Bauer Oro
Marie Kecky
Jessie ft Viola
Dorothy HamlHoa
HIng Burdick
Roma Ooatello '
Scbwarta
Dob Bhorle Ore.
Lee Leighton Oro -
Six Point Clab .
Caaper Reda Oro -
Slat* (iardea*
Earl Rlgg Ore
Florence Dell '
Mildred Soeley
Ann Helene . i
Dale ft Dale
Even Allen
Irene Schrank
Kin Smith
Knight ft Dae .
Sunset Club
Eddie Apple
Tie Top Tap
Joey Feldstein Or*,',
Natalie ft Howard *
Marlon Parker
Kleanor Leonard
Al Gale
Bert Gilbert
Tmrn and Conntn
Clnb ' .
Robertos
Luclene
Virginia Davis
Madeline Gardiner ,■
Betty Harger .
Aileen Ronda ">
Edith Rae
Toy's i
Case I..andla Oro
Zeth « North 01^1
Kay Orandell Ore
Trocailero
Miron Stuart Or*
Jane Rubey : - ^
Shutta. ft Keat ^'
Dolly O'Dea i
Bert Snyder
Woodard Sis '
Wlrth'* Fntnrlstlo :
Bill Schweitzer Oc« ^
Jack Fexer
Vallle Jay' Oro ' J
Maureen Rosey '
Regan ft Mann . ;
Wisconsin Root <
Steve Swedish Ore .
M Merrymaker Ora'
NIe Harper Ore
Tom' Sheridan
Cappy licwla
Joan Demarls
Arnold Dupr*
7^unkrr Gardeaa
Skipper Leone Oro
CLEVELAND
Alpine Village
Otto Thurn Oro
Robey Fam
Margaret Aemmer
Herman Pirchner
Avalon
Hy Barron Oro
Bthel Mne Myers
Bert Gilbert
Carol Chapelle
Cedar Oardens
Duke Melvin Oro
Slim Thomna
PrincesB Wee-Wee
Prince Albert
Susay Brown
Chnteaa
Pete OeracI Oro
Al Schenck
Jean Lee
Ann Baron .
Eight O'clock Clab
Bill Miller Oro
Sammy Llpman Co
Freddie's Cafe
Toiiy Emma Ore
Lee Early
Frank Reynolda
.Tnaie
Miriam Kretlowllne
Eddie Bnrnea
Oolden Gloir
Paul SImonetll Ore
T«B8 Peggy
Margie Weat
Zaza
Gonrmet Clnb
Louis CIna Oro
Fr^lda Steffens
Ilnttoii's Clnb
Sherry Martin
Lonny Colycr '
Bob Armatrong
Rose-Marie
llnnnn Grill
Joanna Gordon
Kay Bush ^
Don ft J.OU'
Lcn Ensign
Hotel Cleveland 'i.
Manny Landers Ora *
Walt' Bergen Ore <
Hotel Fennay. HaB-v
Wlllard Potia Oro •
Battle Allen '
Hotel Sterllnr ,
Marty Lake Oro*
Paul ft Uueta >,
Hotel llolleadaa '
Sammy Watklna Or
Robinson 2
Paul Nolan
Parker ft Porthole
Pritikin ft Mason '
Hotel SloUer- ^
Dick Stabile Ore
Evelyn ' Oakes
Glover ft LaMa*
Jack ft Eddie**
Chick Williams
Henry Rubertlna
IJeas Evans
Dona Wamby
Harold Thomas
Lindsay's Sky-Clnk
Bonnie Lavonn*..
Marlon Bowen
Art Cutllt
Monaco's Cafe
Jacques Pollack Or.
Marllynd MaynaM >
Mounda. Clab '
Orvelle Hand Oro
Sfulliern Taven
Paul Burton Ore '
Don Kaye 'T
Nick Bontempa i
Cbnngl Clab
Tommy Bnrnea Ord '
Mertel Colllna :-
Ethel Avery f
Rose Morgan
Sonny Carr
Downie Circus Sold
To Georgia Showmen ^
Macon, Ga., March 7.
Sale of Downie Brothers' Circtis
by Charles Sparks was consummated
here last week. It was purchased by .
William -M. Moore 8c Co., a Georgia
outfit Moore, of Denison, Tex., has .
been in the circiis biz for more than •'
20 years. ■ Associated with him In'the '
deal are H. A, becker and T. Leo '
Moore, of Electra, Tex., and Paul M. '
Cpnaway, Macon attorney and news- *.
paperman.
Sparks said he would retire from "
show biz with the purchase of the
circus by Moore. Tent show was
fo'ced to curtail its tour and return
to winter quarters last summer
after a siege of bad weather with .
resulting punk biz.
BIRTHS
Mr. and Mrs. True Boardman,
daughter, in Los Angeles, Feb. 28.
Mother is former Thelma Hubbard,
radio player; he's radio scripter of '
Silver Theatre.
Mr. and "Mrs. Arthur Sileman,
daughter, in Hollywood, March_ 1.
Father is unit manager at Republic
Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Stallings,
son, In Bel-Air, Cal., March 6-
Father la author and playwright
^eineeAeij, March 8, 1939
FORUM-^OUTDOORS
VARIETY 69
WHAT THEY THENK
Frisco Fair Ov«rhaiik Staff; Some
Concessions Suffering Poor B.O.
— ■ — ■ — ■ -f _ ..
mtor, VABEExy:
There are a number of Inaccura-
ies In Kobe's review of 'Off to Buf-
bIo' which I am sure you will want
0. correct— If only for the record.
'6s to Buffalo' never made the
ounds. Vinton Freedley was the
Irst manager to read the completed
aanuscrlpt and bought It several
lays later. As to his casual refer-
•nce to script doctoring on 'Room
tervlce* which George Abbott Is
upposed to have done— this ia en-
iiely untrue. Mr. Abbott didn't
vrite one line of 'Room Service' [co-
iuthored by Mr. Boretz.— Ed.] nor
lid he make any suggestions as to
iny other changes— and I am sure
ilr. Abbott will be glad to tell you
;o if you ask him.
I have ho quarrel with your review
>f 'Off to Buffalo,' although many
istute showmen— among them Eddie
Oowling and George M. Cohan—
lidn't agree with you or the other
reviewers at all ... nor your own
Boston man, if you will look up his
review,
I would like to say, however, in
ny own defense, that what started
)ut to be a sentimental tale of a man
K'ho had a hero who brought him
nothing. but grief was torn, mangled,
listorted, crippled, ripped, raped,
polluted and finally, deposited in the
ish-can; I was not in sympathy with
ivhat was being done from the first
jay of rehearsal and it was only my
regard for the people who were de-
pending on the production for much
needed jobs that kept me from' as-
lertlng my rights as a playwright and
celling the whole thing off. My sym-
pathy goes to Joe Coolc, a grand
person and an excellent performer,
R^ho.was hornswoggled into appear-
ing in a pilay that was never made
tor him, and the resulting mess that
ippeared at the Barrymore theatre
showed it I was in Cuba when he
r/as engaged and the row I raised
when I got back caused Mr. Albert
Lewis to threaten to have me barred
ti'om the theatre — ^thereupon T
barred myself for 10 days. But
enough of this. I am sure no one
Is very much interested. But one
more thing — about those Joe Miller-
Ish lines, I do not have a file nor
have I ever consciously used a line
which even faintly smelled of moth-
balls, . After a while the play de-
veloped into a free-for-alL You can
Imagine the rest
Allen Boretz,
Re: Barna Mantle
Warrensburg, N, Y.
Editor, Vadiety:
Why is it that Variety Is' con-
stantly going out of its way to be-
little Burns Mantle, of the Daily
News?
' In this ' week's issue, for one of
Innumerable instances, a long story
on the respective merits of the New
York drama critics as a boxoflice
influence would have playgoers be-
lieve that Mantle's influence on the
boxoffice Is far less than that of the
critics of the Times, Herald Tribune
and Sun, 'even though the News'
circulation is so much stronger than
that of the other three papers?'
This, of course, is sheer nonsense.
In this village alone this writer
knows of 13 theatre-lovers who
swear by Mr, Mantle, and even
make trips to New York to see plays
recommended by him. And most of
these read the Herald Tribune and
Times for other purposes.
This is true of legitimate theatre-
goers throughout the United States,
where Mantle, through his daily
critiques, his universally read. Ten
Best Plays,' his .syndicated letters
and his lecture tours, is justly rec-
ognized not only as. the dean of
Hrama critics, but is equally dis-
tinguished by an amazingly happy
facility for guaging 90% of the plays
he reviews very correttly. . .cor-
rectly, wlUle never losing his sense
of fairness, of wit, of tolerance, and
the element of self-effacement so
sadly lacking by many other critics.
Also, in this week's Vamety,' in
a list of four plays closing in New
York, every first-line critic in New
York was quoted— Atkinson, Brown,
winchell, Anderson, Lockridge,
Watts, Whipple and Variety (which
was quoted four times). All except
Mantle. His name was not even
mentioned, and yet he was correct
>n his appraisal of every one of
these plays.
Time and time again Mantle has
been relegated to a spot near last
place, or in last place, in Variety's
boxscore standings o£ drama critics.
This, on the face of it, is ridicu-
lously unfair, since Mantle very
often gives to a play which he criti-
zes adversely an extra half -star or
star in deference to the production-
values, the cast, direction and other
factors considered by a critic who-
knows his business. This should be
recognized by Variety, in the future,
especially since Mantle is the only
New York legitimate critic employ*
Ing the star system. If the allow-
ances above noted were made. Man-
tle's averages in Vamett would be
elevated to a point more in keeping
with his ability. Either do this, or
discontinue ludglng by stars^
Mantle, of course, has no knowl-
edge that this letter is being written
and would prefer that it should not
be. Tills 'writer merely feels that
Vaubty would be better liked in
this respect by stricter attention to
fairness to a man who has done
more for the living theatre than any
critic now alive.
And, Incidentally, Mantle furthet
distinguished himself "way back in
1929 by refusing to agree with the
crepe-hangers that the legitimate
theatre .was 'on its way out' with
about five more years to live,' and
similar defeatism, . ,a belief shared
by most drama critics. Mantle,' with
his customary sagacity, merely
stated in his wise and tolerant way
that in the theatre there would al-
ways be a 'human urge for human
contact.' He even predicted cor-
rectly the very year that the the-
atre would begin to come back, not
only in New York but on the road
as well, proving once more that he
is uncannily correct most of the
Ume.' Af. S. Fife.
(Story referred to was the. rating
by a ticket agency broker 0/ the
importance of the Weu> York drama
critics' reviews to agency sales, and
not the b.o. generally. Also, the
quotes in the going out-boxei are
chosen at random for their perti-
nence to the shout's success or /all-
ure, toith Vabibit a\vMy» quoted be-
cause of its de/lnite b.o. ratings of
plavs. So far as Mantle's star-sys'
tern is concerned in relation to the
annual boxscore, his star system, is
THE guidance for the alleged mathe-
matician's figures. There is no
foundation to the thought that Va-
RiEiY Intenttonallv, or otherwise,
seeks to belittle Mantle— Ed.)
BENNIES 8R0S. HGHT
FOR MICH. FAIR DEAL
Detroit March 7.
Kennies Bros.' carnival, whose
lack of a \mlon contract almost
caused' a strike of performers at the
1938 state fair here, was granted a
temporary court order here last week
restraining the new Michigan state
fair board from canceling Its con-
tract with Hennies for the '39 fair.
Federal Judge Edward J. Moinet In-
structed the board to show cause
this week why it should not be re-
strained from entering into a con-'
tract with Beckman ■& Gerety Co,
to provide the carnival at next fall's
fair.
The order is an outgrowth of a
complaint filed by Orville W. Hen-
nies, catnival prez, who charged that
pr, Linwood W, Snow, newly ap-
pointed state fair manager, had can-
celed his contract without authori-
zation of rest of board members.
Backyard Sideshow With
Lions in Between Dates
A Laurelton, L. I., residential
neighborhood is going strong for the
backyard trained lion act of Ernest
Engerer, Jr., a high school student
who is carrying on while his dad
'recovers in the hospital from a bad
clawing. Three lions are stabled by
the Engerer family while awaiting
professional engagements, which
have been infrequent lately.
Engerers have exhibited- their cats
to the neighbors, charging adults 25c
and children 15c. Besides keeping
the act in shape for that expected
theatrical date, the backyard show
helps keep the family in groceries
and the animals in beefsteak.
Giavatt Scouts Talent
Atlantic City, March 7,
Frank P. Gravatt, president of the
Steel Pier Amus. Co., sailed for a
five-week European tour last week
during which he will scout for Euro-
pean act.s for the coming summer's
outdoor Steel Pier Circus.
51G Suit Vs. Ringing
Hollywood, March 7.
A damage suit for $51,000' by
America Olvera, trapeze' performer,-
against the Ringllng Bros. Circus,
went to trial here yesterday (Mon-
day).
She charges that negligence by the
circus caused her to suffer serious in-
juries In a fall last year in Anthony,
Kansas.
A. C. Would Shutter
Its $15,000,000 CouT.
Hal IVbite Elephant'
Atlantic City, March 7.
The resort this week was urged to
close down its $15,000,000 white ele.
phant, otherwise known as the Con-
vention HaU and Auditorium, to
save the', taxpayers' money. With the
Hall almost $60^000 In the red for
the year's operation. Walter R, Dar-
by, State Mimldpal Finance Com-
missioner, stated it would be to the
benefit of the taxpayers to drop what
has been a disastrous season of ice
hockey. The Hall which has never
made money and which is allowed
through a city budget appropriation
a $30,000 deficit has' long been a
thorn in the side jof the legitimate
amusement interests in Atlantic City.
They would Welcome this shutdown.
The ice hockey season started last
November has steadily gone from
bad to worse with the Sea Gulls, the
local hockey representatives, not
able to get started or pile up any
kind of a following. Other events
in the Hall have likewise fiopped.
Several taxpaying groups have
also urged the close of the big Hall,
originally built to bourse conventions
but which has been the scene of all
khids of amusement promotions. In-
cluding, a week of opera that never
got started and a summer run of the
film, 'Ecstasy.'
CARNEY^oklNGS
$50,000 DAMAGE^
Atlanta, March 7.
Mrs. Oscar H. Williamson, Jr.,
widow of the late superintendent of
Atlanta's 6,000-seat Municipal aud,
last week filed suit for $50,000 dam-
ages in connection with death of her
hiisband, who was . fatally Injured
last October in an accident on a rid-
ing device on midway of Southeast-
ern Fair.
Suit makes Rubin & Cherry, Inc.,
operators of 'Heydey' ride on mid-
way, defendants, alleging negligence
to provide safety devices, reckless
speed and faUuie to warn William-
son of its danger. Action was filed
by Hewlett & Dennis, attorneys.
Williamson was injured Oct 9,
closing date of fair, and died two
days later. He was 32, and as super-
intendent of the auditorium, his sal-
ary was $250 per month, according
to petition.
. Rubin & Cherry carney formerly
wintered here at Southeastern Fair
grounds, but this year holed up in
Mobile, Ala.
Injuries Hit Three
In DeL Shrine Circus
Detroit, March 7.
Injuries sent three Shrine Circus
performers to hospitals here last
week, as the annual event termi-
nated its two-week stand at the state
fair coliseum.
Grace Orton, who with her hus-
band, Vernon, was taking part in a
double trapeze ict with the Rooneys
and Cook Sisters, fell 40 feet frac-
tured both wrists and suffered inter-
nal injuries. She is recovering in
Highland Park General hospital.
Margaret Strickler sustained frac-
tures of the foot when her horse
slipped and fell on her. Merven
Cramer, keeper employed by Clyde
Beatty, was clawed by a tiger when
he tried to repair , a cage door.
Ringling's Tax Appeal
Washington, March 7.
Ringling Bros.-Barnum Bailey
Combined Shows, Inc., is seeking -to
have Board of Tax Appeals rede-
termine tax deficiencies totaling
$117,435.
Tax bites, assessed for period from
Doc. 1. 1932, to Nov. 30, 1936, com-
prise income and excess profits, taxes
and penalties.
'DOC IN DUTCH
Medicine Show Trooper Charged
With Attempted Mnrder of Wife
St Louis, March 7,
'Dr.' James Moore, 53, medicine
show trouper, is being held without
bond in Rockport, Mo., pending trial
of alleged assault to kill his young
wife who did a song and dance act
with the show. Moore denies the
charge and is expected to go to trial
within the next week.
Mrs. Moore was woimded seriously
when the troupe was at Langdon,
Mo., on Jan. 8. She was shot in the
head and taken to a hospital in Ham-
ilton, la,, but released after two
weeks' treatment
RAND DE^ PEPS
UPN.Y.FAIR
INTEREST
Chief Interest in the New York
World's Fair during the past week
centered about the possibility that
Sally Rand would either appear in
person, or have a show at the ex-
position. With the need for a name
attraction apparent to officials of the
fah:, setting of a deal is expected in
the next 10 days.
Miss Rand is reputed to have told
the fair officials that she is pas^the
day of showing at 25c per head; Uil-
derstood, too, that her coDiract 'with
-the San' Francisco fair m»kes it vir-
tumbr lmpossiM5~ll)s her\to absent
herseltentjFeify from theJZoast show.
Amusement area at the N. Y, ex-
position still has no official tag, be-
ing, known variously as the 'amuse-
ment area,' 'amusement zone' and
midway. Althou^ actual progress
indicates only 30% to 35% of all
amusement area is in shape, or close'
to being ready to operate, building
is expected to foe accelerated from
now until the opening April 30.
Los Angeles, March 7.
Two damage suits totaling $150,747
were filed against Sally Rand by
C, Ray Stanford and Hazel Drain,
with whom the dancer had a row
over candid cameraing in a local the-
atre last July. Miss Rand is cur-
rently operating the Nude Ranch at
the Frisco fair,
Stanford seeks $75,697 and Miss
Drain $75,050,
$50,000 SUIT OVER
N.Y. FAIR'S AD m'
A $50,000 damage suit has been
filed in the N. Y. supreme court
(Tuesday) by . Nathan L. Kevess
against the N. Y. World's Fair 1939,
Inc. Plaintiff claims that on June
9, 1937, he communicated an idea of
his to John Krimsky, director of en-
tertainment and events of the fair.
The idea was to have fioats of vari-
ous designs of different Industries
underwritten by those industries,
and sent to dilTerent parts of the
country , as advertising for the fair.
He was promised compensation if
his idea was adopted.
He now claims that The Motor-
cade,' or .'Fair on Wheels,' was
adopted from his idea. He also
seeks to examine Grover A. Whalen,
John Krimsky, and Joseph Cohen,
director of the department of pro-
motion, before trial.
Asks Roch. Carnival Ban
Rochester, N. Y., March 7.
Carnivals would be T>arred from
residential areas of Rochester, and
sideshows and games of chance
would be entirely banned, under an
ordinance introduced in city coun-
cil and expected to pass. License
fee will be raised from $50 to $250.
Action follows avalanche of pro-
tests on noise and nuisance laid to
carnivals in northeast section last
year.
San Francisco, March 7.
Overhauling of the Golden Gate
International Exposition staff, now
that the fair is open and settling
down to normal operation, started
last week with the dismissal of over
SO employees, including several
execs. Hit by the shake-up was
Concessions Director Frederick W.
Weddleton .and several members of
Ms staff, Weddleton and top expo
execs ha've differed over the opera-
tion of the Gay way for some time
and all parties concerned have been
plenty outspoken.
Several other key execs, some of
them pretty close to the top, are ex-
pected to be out shortly.
Until the summer months come
aloiig, when attendance is expected
to pick up with the Increase In tour-
ist trade, the expo will get along
without 46 guides, let out last week
at a monthly saving of $5,750. Ex-
cess cashiers, etc., have also been
given leaves of absence.
Proxy Lenox R. Lohr of NBC, and
former general manager of the Chi-
cago Century of Progress, gave the
fair the 0.0. during his two days' stay
here last week In connection with
the inflection of NBC stations KPO
and KGO and the dedication of
W6XBE, the general Electric short
wave station at Treasure Island.
On the special entertainment com-
mittee of the N. Y. World's Fair,
Lohr stressed the importance of the
midway to any exposition, stating
that one outstanding village can do
more for a fair than any other single
thhig. He said that entertainment at
a fair doesn't mean entertainment
people can find at home. It means
seeing sights they've never seen be-
fore.
Concession BIc Poor
Some concessions on the Gayway
are lagging badly and a couple are
rumored as ready to fold. Tom
Wolfe, owner of Holy Land, is plan-
ning to build another concession on
the Gayway, Kindel & Graham
have put in a bid for Lee Singer's
Midget Village, which is still closed.
The Baby Incubator show is still In-
complete.
BuUdii^ in the foreign section re-
cenUy opened Include the Chile
Pavilion and the French and Czechlo-
'vaklan exhibits. Formal opening of
other foreign buildings follow: Italy,
March' 12; Brazil, March 17, and
Argentina,' March 21.
Total attendance of Fair up until
Friday (3) was 655,916, Gold
weather and some rain set in last
week and held attendance down con-
sideraibly. During the opening 10-
day period concessions took (n
$424,000 ' and toll Collectors another
$171,000.
Some of the night clubs on the
mainland had their licenses sus-
pended for five days for violating the
2:00 a.m. closing law. Clubs have
been anxious to pick up some extra
coin from visitors here for Fair.
License suspensions were ordered by
the State Board of Equalization. -
Improved services on the Island
since its opening Include complete re-
organization of the expo-owned
restaurants and appointment of John
Meany as head of eight large island
eating establishments, also the iron-
ing out of transportation difficulties
to the Island from the East Bay.
BYRD'S SHIP ON BLOCK
IN BANKRUPTCY COURT
Cleveland, March 7.
Admiral Byrd's museum - ship,
which battled its way from the
North to the South Poles, sailed in-
to Federal bankruptcy court here
last week for a dry-docking on the
auction block. One of the principal
exhibits at the Great Lakes Exposi-
tion, the City of New York Barque
has been laying idle and decaying
at a lakefront pier since the Expo
closed nearly two years ago. Auc-
tion was in answer to a $1,175 wage
claim of Capt Ralph Von Suboff,
her commander and custodian for
seven years, and to Cleveland's $350
dockage claim.
Only . two bids were offered, one
by Von Suboff, and the highest $800,
by Lawrence G. ' Jontzen,- v. p. of
Jontzen Printing Co. Latter is own-
er of the convict ship, Success, who
plans to take the Byrd vessel to
New York's fair. Although a mini-
mum of $2,000 had been .ordered to
cover all claims, Jontzcn's claim was
tentatively accepted subject to ac-
ceptance of Federal court.
64
VARIETY
Wednesday, March C, I939
mORE COIIGGE PRoms
IHHH HHV OIHER
MS Bf cn sramPED
WITH RPPBO^W «I
THESE tOUe«*'
ALABAMA POlYTECHWC
CARNEGIE TECH
GEORGIA TECH
GEORGETOWN UNlVaSJTr
MISSISSIPPI STATE COUEGE
NOTRE DAME
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
RUTGERS
STATE COUEGE. S. D.
STATE COUEGE. PA.
ST. JOHNS ACADEMY.
Syracuse
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
UNIVERSITY OF INDIANA
UNIVERSITY OF lOV/A
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
University of Minnesota
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
university OF
north CAROLINA
UNIVERSITY OF
PENNSYLVANIA
UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
VILIANOVA
V.P.I. GERMAN CLUB
V\RGINIA MILITARY
INSTITUTE
YALE
and many othersi
\
Styles for bonds in the U. S. ore set in the colleges. Joe Jitterbug* Harvard '42,
writes double columns for Variety on the bands the boys and belles fancy, and
is harder to please than the mugg who regularly writes the raps. But the bands that he
and his fellow students of syncopation LIKE and BOOST and BUY ore the BIG BANDS
OF TODAY AND TOMORROWI
Mill OSBOnnE PIBVS mOBE tflllEGE PBBBIS THBB BHV OTHIH BBBDI
Will Osborne — at top dough; come up to the «jffice and we'll show you the contracts— is TOPS with the prom>
trottersi NO OTHER BAND has a prom list like his! Why? It's Osborne's terrific new bond — his sensational new
"SLIDE MUSIC* style that all the other bands are slipping into their arrangements right up to the limits set
by his patent on iti
VDU DIDH'T GO TO COllECE BBD OOB'T THIBH VOU EUEB Ullll?
YOU can catch Will Osborne and his band at the NEW YORK STRAND NOW (weeks March 3rd-10th-1 7th
— definitely booked for three weeks before opening; not "held over"l). He packs 'em in those theatres, too. He set
a new high record at the Paramount in Newark, the week of January 27th. VARIETY said: " . . . one of the
fastest and best balanced stage shows seen here in a long time. Holds excellent music in the form of Will
Osborne's orch . . . Paramount has the edge on the Shubert currently, if only for the trek of the jitterbugs to
this house. They are here in droves, stamping, swaying and clapping to Osborne's slide music*." BILLBOARD
said: "... took the town by storm . . . turned in a neat $18,000 dt the Paramount. This is by far the best biz
turned in by the Adams house since the resumption of the stage, and screen policy."
vou'RE nn niumnus? vou uiobh for nn rduertisirg rgercv?
Will Osborne just played two shots on the Show of the Week on WOR-MBS, the only band that has played a
repeat date on this program (his THIRD date is coming up on April 2nd). Don't YOU think it would be smart to
grab the guy for a commercial?
DECCA RECORDS • NBC TRANSCR/PT/ONS • >Hmm BROS. PICTURES * MUZAK TRANSCRIPTIONS
*REC. U. S. PAT. OFF. No. 3fiS9.m
■iSJi
en
RADIO
SCREEN
PUBLIC UmAK\]
180681)
ASTOn, LENOX- AND
• TJLDjai FOUNDATIONB
B • 1039 I
PRICE
Publlshsd Weekly at ICl West 4Ct4 Street, New York, N. T., by Variety, Inc. Annual aubscrlptlon, tlO. -Slnsle copies 26 centa
Entered aa second-class matter December 22, Itoe, at the Poat Ofrice at New Tork. .N. Y., onder the act ot Uarch I, 117*.
COPTBIORT, 1839, DT TABIETT. INC. ALT. BIGHTS BEBEBTED.
Vol. 134 No. 1
NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, MARCfi 15, 1939
66 PAGES
iirtie Shaw Is the Mr. Cinderena Of
Bomice Bands; in the Red 3 Mos. Ago
Br BEN BODEC
Artie Shaw, the newest thing !n
tMUnce bands, who last week signa-
tured a contract with RCA Victor
which guarantees him an Income
from phonograph records of $100,000
for thi next two years, can lay claim
to- skyrocketing from behind the
eight-ball Into the realm of big
money within a period of three
months. When Shaw took up his
(tand at the Lincoln hotel, N. Y.,
last December he was In the red for
$11,000. Today, besides the disc coin.
hi'a good for a minimum of $6,500
a week In theatres, $2,250 In radio
(Old Gold) and a $1,100 guarantee
on one-nighters.
It was only last fall that the Music
Corp, of America let Shaw go be-
cause it became convinced that the
bandman's future was dubious. He
esked for his release and It was
given him with dispatch. Now
Shaw Is considered by booking of-
fices as one of the four top gold
mines In the business. For revenue
possibilities he rates in a class with
Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman
tnd liny Clinton.
Shaw got bis original opportimity
ts a batonlst from Rockwell-O'Keefe
in 1037, when that office placed him
(Continued on page 47)
Sneak Money
Chicago, March 14.
First Instance of a conscience
payment to a picture house oc-
curred at the Uptown, Balaban tc
Katz nabe spot, last'week when
a kid came In and handed man-
ager Ben Bloomfleld an envelope
containing $5. He said it was
part payment for the many times
he had sneaked Into the house
through the back door.
Youngster had been to confes-
sion and was told to make re-
tribution.
EDntt Rooseveh Ttot
Withdrawing at Present'
From Hearst Radio Org
Ft Worth, March 14.
Even though he has rempved the
representation of h,is Texas State
Network from International Radio
Sales, Elliott Roosevelt stated Mon-
day (13) In answer to an inquiry
by Variety that he was 'not plan-
ning on withdrawing at the present
time' as president of Hearst Radio,
Inc. It had been reported that the
break between the TSN and IRS
would soon be followed by Roose-
velt's resignation from the Hearst
organization. IRS Is the station rep-
resenting division of Hearst Radio,
Inc.
Frank Fenton, who was formerly
with IRS, wiU do the New York rep-
resenUng of the Texas State Net-
work.
Roosevelt has had little to do with
the operations of Hearst Radio dur-
">8 the past eight months. It was
nimored last month that the Hearst
heirarchy would not re-elect him
president at a forthcoming board
meeting of Hearst Radio, but this
forecast did not materialize.
Cronin's First Play
London, March 14.
Dr. A. J. Cronln, author of 'The
Citadel,' whose filming won the
.Academy Award, has written his
«^st play, as yet untitled.
It has been purchased by Henry
Sherek for West End production In
the Immediate futuve.
FRENCH SHOWS
GET GOOFY
REQUESTS
Montreal, March 14.
Toughest of all radio program
problems here Is admittedly the pro-
duction ot French-language comedy
shews. With but one exception a
radio character known as Frldolin,
v.'ho was developed and routined oy
Yves Bourassa at CKAC, few of the
French-language comics have t>een
able to stay on top for more than a
brief span.
Radio gagging In French doesn't
exist, comedy usually consisting of
a play on words. With these diffi-
culties in view sponsors are constant-
ly throwing program producers into
a panic with naive requests for
comedy teams 'like Bums and Allen
in French' or a 'French Fred Allen.'
Another account asked why they
couldn't get a French-language com-
mentator a la Kaltenbom. And one
agency offered to pay 'as high as
$35 weekly for a French-language
Lowell Thomas.' Payoff was a call
from a local producer asking for a
four-minute script 'like Jack Benny's
—but funnier." For $10.
EXHIBS, GET READY
FOR SOME CONFUSION
Hollywood. March 14.
Two Stanleys beating the bush for
two Livingstones Is a possibility this
summer when 20th-Fox releases '.'s
high-budget production, 'Stanley hkI
Livingstone." James A. FItzpatrlcK.
who makes Traveltalks for Metro,
closed a deal with Harry Thomas,
indie distributor, to release a picture
of the same title in this country.
Fitzpatrlck shot the film In Africa
ifi 1937 and released it in England
last year. Execs at 20th-Fox said
they were not taking any steps to
prevent the Fitzpatrlck release.
TOO MUCH HOKE
GIVEN AS 'NEWS'
Film Biz Names Press Agent
to Overcome Unfaymrable
Publicity Hollywood and
Industry Have Been Get-
ting — Fault Lies in Own
Backyard
COPIOUS TRIVIA
Holljrwood as a place and the film
Industry as a business Is to have a
press agent He's Kyle D. Palmer,
former Washington correspondent of
the Iios Angeles Times, who served
with Joe Breen, the Industry's cen-
sor, for three years. His new official
and Imposing title Is chairman of the
Committee for Public Relations and
the Department of Public Informa-
tion of the Motion Picture Producers
and Distributors Assn. The latter is
mora familiarly known as the Will
Hays office.
Behind the appointment Is a grow-
ing realization In the trade that
Hollywood and Its chief activity have
been getting a bad press. That part
of the bad press has been due to, or
at least possible only with, the ac-
tive collaboration of Holljrwood's
(Continued on page 20)
Theatres Moll Son. Nk[lit AUi
Cut to F^t Radio's Name Sbdws
Glorifying the Kid
It's a big season for moppet
songs In Tin Pan Alley. There
are fiitir 'cdrrent releases which
Include the word little' In the
title and make the male young-
ster of the species the object, of
their sentimental regard.
These tunes art IJlttle Sir
Echo' (Bregman), TJttle Lad'
(Lincoln), <LltUe Skipper* (Feist)
and 'LltUe Genius' (ABC Music).
'Echo' and 'Genius' are revivals.
PHULY ALSO WOULD
LIKE SOME EXPO GRAVY
Philadelphia, March 14.
Concerted drive to attract N. Y.
World Fair visitors to Phllly, either
on their way to or from the fair,
will be made by railroac*-, bus com-
panies, hotels and businessmen.
War chest for a huge advertising
campaign is now being raised here.
Principal method of detourlng
vhitors Into Phllly will '-3 by bill-
boards along roads leading into New
York. Attractively illustrated litera-
ture will also be passed out where-
ever possible to point out that not
replicas, but the real McCoy Inde-
pendence Hall, Liberty Bell, etc.,
can be seen just 90 miles froir Man-
hattan.
Railroads and hotels are planning
tours from New York at special
rates.
Hasn't Seen Picture In
2 Yrs., but Wins Contest
Mason City, la., March 14.
AlthougTi she has been invalided
for the past two years and hasn't
eyed a picture in all that time. Nan
Frandson, of Britt, la., won the sec-
ond annual '10 best pictures of the
year' contest sponsored by the
Globe-Gazette here.
Irony of the competition Is that
first prize consists of a season pass
to a film house (Cecil) here, and the
winner is unable to make use of it
JITTERBUGS
IN CLAQUE
RACKET
New twist In deque promotion has
developed from the swing band pol-
icy which has become intrenched In
two Broadway houses, the Para*
mount and the Strand. Personal
managers ot jive aggregations slated
to play either theatre are being ap-
proached with a proposition to de-
liver 1,000 jitterbugs on opening day
for $1 a head.
The claque promoter explains that
25c out of each buck will be spent
for admission before 1 a.m. and that
he has a surefire method for Identi-
fying his recruited mob. Also that
his jitterbugs, mostly highschool kids,
will receive advance Instruction on
how •to'TSt^up during the band's
performance.
BRITISH RADIO INCOME
$19,000,000 IN 1938
London, ^arch 7.
BBC finances for 1038\how new
high in Income, actual grdss being
i trifle beyond $19,000,000, of which
90% derived from radio licenses.
Payoffs aggregated $17,764,000, and
balance sheet shows Corp's full as-
sets registered at -around $25,600,000.
Half of total outgoings were spent
on programs, breakdown being as
follows: Performers and speakers,
$3,593,390; permanent orchestras,
$1,091,550: performing rights, copy-
rights, news royalties, $1,946,370; tel-
ephone hook-ups, $355,540; staff, $2,-
135,115; miscellaneous, $338,440. The
grand total— $9,460,405— Is more than
$812,000 up on the previous period.
Breakdown of licenses shows that
of money subscribed by the public,
BBC gets only roughly 75%. Post
Office deducts for administration, and
the national treasury takes a rake-off
aside from Income tax, which ab-
sorbs part By this means more than
$3,000,000 goes back to the state.
— )^
Minneapolis, March 14.
Twin City independent exhibitors
are considering more flexible admlB-
slon scales. It has been proposed
that, instead of charging . 'the same
admission for all pictures, the seals
be determined by the attractions' im>
portahce or merits.
Other preposals are for 'family,
nights,' at vrhlcb all members of thf
family would be admitted for a spe-
cial low price. They are also itiidl«
ing a boost in Sunday aftemooil\
scale and a reduction at night to^
fight the strong radio opposition.
Twin City indies have been com-
plaining for nearly two years that
the Sunday night name radio pro«
grams have been raising havoc wltii
their attendance. Formerly Sunday
was the theatretf best day of ths
week. Now it is one of the worst,
the exhibitors claim, with Thursday,
also a tops for radio, badly off, too.
The slough of theatre b.o,s Sunday
nights by radio has become a na«
tlonal problem. It is one of ths
chief reasons for exhibitor squawks
to the major companies, whose stars
broadcast that night
Stripper Doubles hto
Own Laundry to Help
Native CIdna $55 Worth
Philadelphia, March 14.
Amy Fong, burley peeler, opened
a laundry last week in the basement
of the Shubert theatre^ where . ah*
was playing, to aid her native China.
Femme, after her stint on the stage
each day, laimdered the shirts of
stagehands and musicians at $1 per.
She made $55.
Miss Fong said she bad thought of
asking the audience for laundry, too,
but feared that the prof esslonal laun-
dries might get sore and picket tht
house.
MEXICO SETS PLANS
FOR 1ST WORLD'S FAm
Mexico City, March 14.
Mexico's first World Fair is now a
certainty. Chairman is ex-President
Fascual Ortiz Rubio.
The fair is to open some time in
May, 1940, and run for seven months.
Buildings are to be erected soon on
a large site in Chapultepec Park;
city's biggest public playground.
Women Go Stag
Philadelphia, March 14.
A burley show for women only
was staged here last week by El
Brendel, Jr., son of the film comic, in
the auditorium which he manages.
More than 2,000 femmes attended
the performance, which was a char-
ity benefit and complete from th*
very blue jokes of the comics to a
couple of strippers.
VAJRIETY
PICTORCS
Wednesday, March 15, 1939
Ostror Non-Literal Prophecy: lifell
Bring Ovo' Omdl^ (for Vi»))
Brinss About BBC Bmshoff
London, March 7.
Isidore Ostrer doesn't stand in to
good 'wUh BBC at this immediate
time, due to alleged statements of his
that he was planning to bring over
Joe Louis, Bing ' Crosby and other
major U.S. attiaictions &>r visio. pro-
grams here, Ostrer was lined up
with the radio people pretty nicely,
and arrajigements for the theatre
television of the Boon-Danahar fight
by the Baird process showed agree-
ment liad been substantially reached
on the rediflusion angle.
But, flushed with success of the
shov^ag, Ostr«r ^dlce out to news-
papermen on his ^eas for the future
of visio as a theatre attraction; in
citing names of Uv>linerB he was only
voicing thoughts in his mind and not
the concrete actuali^ the printed re-
ports of his words conveyed. None
the less for that, when they saw the
clippings, BBC got dead sore, and
cracked baolc in a high-faiutin' of-
ficial statement Said they:
'We find it difficult to beUeve that
Mr. Ostrer or anyone else can have
made any statement that he was
bringing over artists from the U.S.
to- televise from Alexandra Palace to
bis theatres. As far as the BBC is
concerned there is no truth in such
a statement, and the corporation is
not in any way interested in any
ludi negotiations.'
Obviously Ostrer could not com-
mit himself to any so definite a pro-
gram unless he had tallced the
thing right out witti the BBC and,
more importantly, the Television Ad-
visory Committee, which has the ac-
tual sayso on visio policy. But at
this time Lord Cadman, new chair
man, is out of England for liealth
reasons and other vital members are
also scattered . around Europe for
business purposes, and no meeting Is
liliely over a matter of weeks.
But imtil tliat time the mtsunder
standing over Ostrer's intentions
when he opei^ up. to the reporters
Is Ukely to persist
75G PLAGIARISH SUIT
VS. HAROLD LLOYD
lenry Retngson Joins
Myron Selznick Agcy.
Hollywood, March 14.
Beniy Benitfon, one time l^nlver-
sal studio executive and later a
Paramount and Metro producer,
Joins the Myron Selznick agency
today (Tuesday) •• general mana-
ger.
He'« new to percentary, but l<mg
in pic biz. Takes over berth vacated
year, ago by the departure of Al
Kaufman.
Harold Lloyd, in New York last
week, conferred with his attorney,
Louis Nizer, on the damage suit
birought against him by Rapp & Bre-
Uno. Latter firm is seeking $75,000
damages for allege<j| plagiarism of
Professor Beware,' title of a Uoyd
picture. Rapp & Bretano claim the
scenario used "portions of a yam they
own.
Judge Coxe .of federal court has
granted the motion of Attorney
Nizer to direct plaintiits to specify
what parts were taken from their
story material. Lloyd returned to
the Coast the first of this week.
TELEVISION
PRODUCnON
TRICKS
New French Law
WodU Cut American
DisfaMon 50-752
Paris, March 14.
Distribution business of American
companies in France will suffer an
estimated loss of 50-75% if the new
cinema bill, approved by the cabinet,
Is made a law. It was introduced
today (Tues.) in the Chamber of
Deputies, wluph has the final vote.
Bill, whi^ 'yirould limit programs,
seeks elimination of double bills and
a heavy dubbing tax.' Elimination
of duals is expected to hit American
distributors, particularly because
most second films here are American,
Bill is so designed as to evade vie
lating the Franco-American trade
treaty, it's held, '
Picture officials in New York
claim that discriminatory taxation
and regulation in France will not be
enforceable as long as the present
trade treaty between U, S. and
France remains in effect If France
wishes to discard this treaty, six
months' notice must l>e given the
American government
HOWARD'S 3-WAY DEAL
FOR 2 RKO LONDON PK
London, Jfarch 7.
Visio has its camera problems on
scale unknown in film studios is
what BBC production have learned
by hard, experioiee at Alexandra
Palace. Worst of them is that there
can be no re-takes if lighting or
composition are not okay. Make-up
gives even bigger headaches.
Special chart is t>repared for make-
up experts each day on camera sen-
sitivity, due to the fact the degree
given by seven studio emitrons is
not constant, but varies daily. But
it is now stabilized that sun-tan
make-up gives, excellent resiilts, as
compared with' blue and yellow used
in early visio days. Hairless cra-
niums firie dusted with dark powder
to avoid light reflection; musicians'
instruments are- unpolished,' as
otherwise they would cause hilation,
As concerns costumes, emitrons
dislike black' but like pastel shades
and non-absorbent inateriaL Even-
ing dress creates difficulties, solved
by using yellow shirts, collars and
ties.
JA ConveBlio&s
In i^; Execs
Trek to Coast
United Artists will hold two re-
gional sales conventions this year.
Dates and locations hav» not been
fully determined, but likelihood Js
they will take place in Chicago and
New York in April,
Hegira of company executives to
the Coast started Friday (10), First
to leave was James Booievelt, GoI3-
wyn v.p, followed by Murray Silver-
stone and Charles Schwartz, , UA
counsel, eh Saturday <il). Lynn
Farnol leaves today (Wednesday).
Silverstone will discuss with pro-
ducers final lineup of pictures the
company will announce for the '39-
'40 season, while Schwartz, it la ru-
mored, will go into a huddle with
Goldwyn on latter's suit against the
company;
U.A.'s flfth-of-a-oentury celebra-
tion gets underway on April 17. The
'39-'40 convention dates will proba-
bly be around that time.
L. A. to N. Y.
Hal Bock,
Kurt Burbank.
Arthur Dreifuss,
Rudolph FrimL
Judy Garland.
Sheridan Gibney.
Nat Goldstone.
Minna Gombell.
E, B, Hatrick.
Otto Kruger.
Bert Lahr,
M. C. Levee.
Laurence Olivier.
Martin Quigley.
Tom Revere,
William Scully.
Jock Whitney,
Hollywood, March 14.
Leslie Howard closed a deal with
RKO to star, co-direct and co-pro<
duoe two pictures In England this
year in associaUon with Walter Fut-
ter.
Opener is Hie Man Who Lost
Himself,' from a story by DeVere
Stackpole,
N. Y. to L. A.
Leonore Coffee.
William J. Cowen,
Charles Einfeld,
Lynn Farnol.
Lois January.
Harry Kerr.
Hugh O'Connell.
James Koosevelt
Charles Schwartz.
Murray SUverstone.
Gordon Thompson.
Jack L, Warner,
Par s Plan to Tdevise Traders
Nuffified by ^ Hours
mtST MOnON PICTURE
HMHtDCER WW 92
Philadelphia. March 14.
Ca^ar W. Briggs, producer of the
world's first motion picture, cele-
brated his eZd birthday here Friday
(10). BriegB invented animated
screen pictures, forerunner of the
present motion pictures, and
launched the early 'magic lantern'
industry.
First picture to be produced was
Xincoln's Assassination.' It' had a
year's-long run in niclcelodeons all
over the country in the middle '70s,
Action was simulated by flashing a
scene on the screen and then slipping
a piece of gla^ back and forth in the
lantern in front of the slide.
Briggs also invented the first ani-
mated cartoon, grandpappy of the
Disneys, It was a sailor's hornpipe,
in which six figures painted on a
mica disc gave the appearance of
motion when the operator twirled
the disc Briggs also made 'Ten
Nights in a Barroom,' Taddy the
Pig' and Uncle Bastus.'
FRENCHPROD.
SETSO.S.
PLANS
DIE' DIES AT N,Y. PAR;
NEW PIC, WEBB HOLDS
Following poor notices and an ap-
parent lack of draught, 'Never Say
Die' (Par) with Martha Raye and
Bob Hope is being replaced today
(Wednesday) at the Paramount,
N,' Y., by 'King of Chinatown' (Par),
release of which has been obtained
from the Criterion, Loew-Moss B
first-run, >
Ctiange Is in midstream of the two-
week booking of Chick Webb's or-
chestra and Ella Fitzgerald, who are
credited with drawing most of the
$32,500 recorded the first week with
'Never Say Die.' lliis represents a
small profit, and the N, Y. Par figures
a change in picture is wiser than re-
taining 'Die.'
Southemaires, Lindy Hoppers and
the Zephyrs, colored acts with the
Webb - Fitzgerald t>ooking, which
opened Wednesday (6); are being re-
placed today (Wed.) by Jigsaw Jack-
son and team of Chuck and Chuckles.
Bob Weitman and booker Harry Kal-
cheim are reroutining the whole
show, putting in new numbers.
This h the fii-st time the Par has
changed pictures in the middle of
stage bookings. Warners' Strand
did it a couple weeks ago, when it
dumped 'Off the Record' after one
week with Kay Kyser, shoving in
'Yes, My Darling Daughter,' and
then again Friday (10) threw this
out after one week (picture's sec-
ond) holding Will Osborne's band
and bringing in 'Oklahoma Kid.'
BUUe Burke Hurt, Radio
Informs Her Daughter
Philadelphia, March 14.
Patricia Ziegfeld, daughter of the
late Florenz Ziegfeld, and BUlie
Burke, flew to Hollywood Friday
(10) after learning that her mother
had fractured her ankle ttiere.
Slie first heard of the accident via
a radio newscast.
'Lincoln' Starts at 20th
Hollywood, March 14.
•Young Mr, Lincoln' rolled yes-
terday (Monday) at 20th-Fox, with
Henry Fonda in the name role and
Morjorie Weaver as his wife. .
John Ford is directing.
Oikr News of hterest to Fibs
Head of Aussie Distributors Association to step down Page 14
Improved market In India for U, S. films Page 14
Still mull changes in British quota .,Page 14
Clubwomen warn radio on kid shows Page 27
CBS' Bencbley show to NBC Page 20
George Jessel snares two sponsors Page 29
' II . ! ".; \ ' . ' ■ 1) < , . ' ! — li ' ■ ■ j ' li ' , ■' ' . 'I I '■ II I I ' I —
First of French producers plan-
ning to make modestly budgeted
English language features in U. 8.
aimoimced a definite setup this week.
He is Robert Aisner, president of
Heraut Films Corp., recently formed
company financed by French coin,
and will start work on 'Bricks With-
out Straw,' Citarles Q. Norrls novel,
in about six weeks at the Sastem
Service studios,
Aisner, who has produced about SO
features in the last 12 years in
France, is a veteran in the French
cinematic industry. His pictures
made here will be budgeted at
$200,000 to (300,000, using French
technique in producing.
For Norris' best seller Irwin Shaw,
author of 'The Gentle People,' will
do the screenplay, and Marion Ger-
Ing, under contract to Paramount,
appears set to direct Sylvia Sidney
is the only player mentioned thus
far for a starring role, A distribution
deal Is reported on with Paramount
Because of the hours obtained for
experimental television broadcasting
by Du Mont in i^Ch Paramount
controls 60%, the use of Hib medium
for special trailers on Par pictures,
as planned and anoimced two weeks
ago by Nell F, Agnew, would mean
putting them on tlie air between
midnight and 8 a.m. Those are the
hours granted to Du Mont during
the past week.
The Allen Du Mont Laboratories,
Inc., headquartered at Passaic, N, J.,
Kceived permission at the same time
to erect New Jersey's first television
transmitting station. The license is
for experimental purposea
The Du Mont station is to be
known as W2XVT, Visual and aural
power of the Du Mont station will
be 50 watts and broadoasting will
be on frequencies of 42,000 to 56,000
kiIocycIe&
Paramount obtained its 50% inter-
est in Du Mont last summer at a re-
ported- $200,000 and decided first use
of the transmitter would be for the
purpose of televising fecial trailers,
longer than those Used for theatres
and designed as entertainment types.
With the time of midnight to 8 am.
granted for broadcasting, the value
of such trailers would be v.'rtually
nullified, with result such plans may
be dropped.
Pending the beginning of experi-
mental broadcasting, new financing
for Du Mont is beinj discussed, and
it is understood a meeting will be
shortly called to consider steps which
reportedly call for $1,000,000 in new
securities through Lehman Bros,,
whose Jolm D, Hertz is a director of
Paramount
The Du Mont stock. In over-the-
counter trading, rose from less than
$10 a share to mere than $30 follow-
hig the 60% interest taken in it by
Paramount New financing Is ex-
pected to include conversion privi-
leges.
Report on Television
May Be Feature Of
Animal MPPDA Meeting
'Various departments of the Hays
oflice are whipping their divisional
statements together for presentation
at the annual meeting in New York
of the Motion Picture Producers
Distributors Assil, set for March 27,
It is possible that a summary of
the television situation as it relates
to the film business, will be ready
for presentation, Cburtland Smith,
who is making a summary of de-
velopments in the last few years and
preparing a report, has been engaged
in his activities now for about two
weeks.
Two hdicled for Pic
Cepyriglit Violations
C^bicago, March 14.
Grand jury here last week returned
indictment against R. R. Gregg ai^
Barney Gold on charges of conspira-
cy to violate the copyright laws by
reproducing the picttire, "The Cat's
Canary.'
The complaint was made by the
Van Beuren film company. In addi
tlon to the conspiracy charge, Gregg
was specifically named (or vtolation
of copyright laws.
YOUNG FAIRBANKS GIVEN
TOPPQl IN PAR'S W&*
Hollywood, March 14.
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., gets the
star spot in Paramount's 'Ruler of
the Seas,' slated to start April li
with Frank Lloyd directing.
Actor is also committed to Uni-
versal's 'The Sun Never Sete' and
Paramount's 'Knights of the Round
Table,'
SAILINGS
March 21 (N. Y. to London) Sam
Sax (Queen Mary).
March 18 (New York to San Fran-
cisco), Margaret Becker (City of
Norfolk),
March 18 (New York to London),
Otto Kruger, Terence Ratigan (He
de France).
March IB (London to New York),
Arthur W. Kelly (Queen Mary).
March 15 (New York to Jamaica)
Hume Cronyn (Jamaica),
March 11 (New York to London),
Flora Robson, Arthur Carron Cox,
W, Somerset Maugham (Queen
Mary).
March 11 (New 'York to Paris),
Ludwig Laurence, Denise Berley,
Madeleine CieolTrey, Andre Barsacq,
Maurice Meric, Herbert Alsen,
Carola Kittel, Irving Mills, Rachel
Carlay, Vicki Baiim (Paris).
March 11 (West Indies Cruise),
J. Fred Coots, June Walker, Norma
Terris, Duke McHale, Phillip Huston,
Helen Ford, Jesse Kaye, Lillian
Shade, Beniamino Riccio (De
Grasse),
March ir (New York to Argen-
tina), G, H Dairy mple (S, S. Argen-
tina).
March 10 (New York to London),
Hugh Hunt (Manhattan).
March 8 (London to New York),
Irving Tishman, Buddy Rogers (He
de France).
March 8 (London to New York),
Senator Murphy (lie de France).
ARRIVALS
(At the Port of Neto York)
Gloria Swanson, Amy Johnson,
J. J. Shubert VSmt. I>vers-Zeisler,
Paul Schifl, Barend Broekman,
Claire Alcee (Mrs. Andrews White),
Miine. Yarmila de Daubek Novotna,
Charles P. Skouras, T. K. Stevenson,
Milton Krims, Irving Tishman,
Buddy Rogers, Senatoc Mvxfitjt - .'•
Wednesdajf March 15» 1939
PIGXURBS^
VARIETY
WB Moving Sam Sax to England As
Prod. Head; Bidyn Studio to Qose
Sam Sax, head of Wama» Bros,
ghorts production in the east, 'is being
ghUted to the company's studios at
O^ddinston, Kngland. and sails from
Ifew York March 21 to head produc-
tion there.
. No successor to Sax has been se-
lected, nor is It definite whether
there will be another Vltaphone pro-
duction head chosen. Vltaphone
shorts production is being shitted to
the Burbanlc, Cal., studio around
April 15. No new short production
will be started in the eastern studio.
' According to Sax, certain depart-
ments in the studio may be dropped
br closed, for the time being. Di-
rectors, cutters, editors, etc., have
schedules to complete and will be
occupied at the studio until next
July. The Vltaphone laboratory
will remain open for feature print-
ing.
Jerome Jackson, in charge of
Warner British production, has re-
signed from the Warner organiza-
tion, according to London cables.
Jackson Qolta
London, March 14.
- Jerome Jackson, who succeeded
Irving Asher as production head of
Warner. Bros, studios here, has re-
signed.
No successor has been named, but
there is a probability that Warners
will import an American as top
British producer.
Indies Stan Suit Vs.
B&K; Want to Keep
Their Books Private
Chicago, March 14.
Further stalling on the indie ex-
hibitors' suit against Balaban & Katz
is evidenced by the' decision to post-
pone hearings imtil April 18. On
that date the Federal courts will
rule on the question of whether the
indie exhibitors must reveal the
facts of their financial standings and
open their books.
The indies- have petitioned the
courts to restrain the attorneys for
the. defense from insisting on look-
ing into the books of the theatres,
claiming that such questions were de-
signed merely to embarrass and
harass the plaintiffs. The defense at-
torneys, however, insist such in-
formation is necessary in order to
judge correctly in just what manner
the exhibitors are being damaged by
the alleged acts of the defendants.
Goetz Coming Over
With Print
Ben Goetz, head of Metro British
production, is sailing for the U. S.
March 25 accompanied by his family.
Gpetz is bringing over the print on
Metro's Uitest English picture, James
Hilton's 'Goodbye Mr. Chips.'
. Robert Donat is starred and Greer
Garson, Irish actress, has the fem-
inine lead.
Kord Back at Rep.
Hollywood, March 14,
Charles Ford, who resigned about
two months ago as producer of west-
erns and serials at Republic,, is back
on the lot in his old capacity.
. Besides producing, he may be
given additional responsibilities.
NEEDS NEW DIALECT
Hollywood, March 14,
•StricUy British' is the first of Par-
amount's starring vehicles for Patrl
cia Morison, stage actress recruited
from Broadway because of her
Gaelic background.
Picture is based on Phyllis Bot-
tome's novel, 'Danger Ahead,' an
EngUiih whodunit
WIRES OUTSIDE LIBEL
A Conrt Bales Company Not B«-
spoBslble for Slorrlnc Messaces
Los Angeles, March 14,
Nan Blair's $100,000 libel suit
against Western Union was dismissed
by Superior Judge Jesse Stephens,
on the grounds that transmission of
telegrams does not constitute pub-
lication and therefor* outside the
libel laws.
The literary agent sued over an
unsigned message transmitted from
New York by WU.
COHAN-METRO
DEAL GOES
COLD
After, months of negotiations,
which at one time reached the stage
where a form of agreement was
drafted, the proposed George M.
Cohan musical cavalcade for Metro
has been definitely shelved. It is
said that every major point . in the
contract, except one, had been quick-
ly and amicably reached, but on the
one point of 'final story approval'
Cohan stipulated that he be tiie
judge.
The story material proposed for
the film was based on Cohan's career
since before the turn of the centuiy.
Some footage necessarily would be
devoted to the Four Cohans. On the
question of what the film would
contain of a biographical nature with
respect to his mother and father,
Cohan declared only he could make
the decisions.
Studio, however, held out for final
approval on all matters in connection
with production, with the result that
the deal, went cold. All talks be-
tween Cohan and Metro have been
discontinued.
BALABAN SKEDS CHI
0.0. ON WAY WEST
Barney Balaban, who is going west
with Neil F. Agnew on '39-40 prod-
uct conferences the first week in
April, is planning to stop off in Chi-
cago on the way out to look in on
Balaban & Katz operations. Stanton
L. GriiTis, at present in Florida, may
go along.
Rush of business matters at the
Paramount h. o. prevents Balaban
and Agnew from going out earlier,
as expected.
In all probability, sales plans for
'39-'40 and convention date will be set
after conferences at the studio with
Y. Frank Freeman and others.
Pending Coast conferences and
consideration of what Paramount
has on Its lists for 1939-40 produc-
tion, the number of pictures the
company will offer for the coming
season, plus convention plans, re-
main undecided. Agnew indicates
that the convention will probably l>e
held in May.
Stoloff Doaling for U
Hollywood, March 14.
Ben Stoloff moves over from Co-
lumbia to Universal this week as
producer-director to await an assign-
ment. His last chore at Columbia
was direction of the 'The Lady and
the Mob.'
Addition of Stoloff ups the pro-
ducer-director set-up on the U lot to
four. Other dualists are John Stahl,
Rowland V. Lee and Richard Wal-
lace.
1.
.y.
AUTHOIilZE CALL
Resolutidn to Strike Aimed
to Prevent Producer-Dis-
tributors From Servicing
. Non-IATSE Houses With
Film — Negotiation Over-
tures Likely Before Any
Walkout
NATL THREAT?
Following a surprise move of the
International Alliance of Theatrical
Stage Employees, which has as its
objective the elimination of film ser-
vice by distributors to theatres in
the Greater New York area that do
not employ lA or affiliated union
members, the distributors were faced
yesterday (Tuesday) with the pros-
pect of a strike action which may
have disturbing ramifications.
Bombshell came in the form of a
vote of the membership of Local
306, Moving Picture Machine Oper-
ators of New York, Monday (13) at
midnight, authorizing a strike call,
nature not indicated, against the pro-
ducer-distributors. The form any
strike may take is a question, and
it also is a matter of theory whether
this first move by one of the lA's
largest locals will be restricted to
New York, or mark the initiation of
a campaign of national significance.
13M Vote
The 306 membership numbers
2,200. ' Of this total. 1,800 attended
the Monday midnight meeting to
vote on a resolution placed before
them for a strike call against 'film
exchanges, studios, distributors and
projection rooms.' The vote was
unanimous in favor of the brief reso-
lution. There being nothing in the
resolution to indicate- when a strike
would become effective, its calling
is up to the executive board of 306,
with final approval of the lA also
required.
Thus, the authority of the mem-
bership having been obtained to call
a strike, the presumption is that ne-
gotiation will be immediately sought
with the distributors in avoidance
of calling out men wherever cov-
ered by the resolution.
The 306 membership vote on a
strike call, followed by exactly one
week the action of the lA in placing
it up to the distributors to stop
servicing film to theatres in the
metropolitan New York district that
do not employ members of the lA,
or its affiliated locals, mainly 306.
The threat implied many theoretical
forms of action, if such service
wasn't cut off by the exchanges, with
the result that during the past week
numerous meetings were held with
union officials, including over the
weekend.
Meelln? Bnrrledly Called
With the matter remaining status
quo, the meeting of the 306 mem-
bership was hurriedly called. Mem-
bers got notice of the meeting, held
at the old Manhattan opera house,
early Monday morning (13).
There are betvareen 75 and 100
theatres in the N. Y. area serviced
by the exchanges at this point which
do not use members of locals in the
lA. Majority comprise the A. H.
Schwartz Century circuit and the
Springer Ic Cocalis chain, which em-
ploy operators belonging to the
Empire SUte union, a N. Y.-SUte
chartered or so-called rump union.
Local 306 'has sought for some years
to oust Empire, or to affect a merger
with it, to no avail. From time to
time the Schwartz and Springer-
Cocalis theatres, as well as scattered
indies, have been subjected to pick-
eting. Schwartz houses are still be-
ing picketed.
Distributors have film contractual
obligations with these houses and,
through' the developments of the past
week, are placed in the awkward
position of facing union trouble if
living up to these contracts.
If the situation should reach the
poinL^ere the strike call of the' 306
me^Sership is Invoked, the union
might pull its men out of film ex-
(Continued on page 43)
MPTOA Lauds Zanuck, Nick Schenck
For Restricting Players from Air;
Raps Radio Critics of Fix and Biz
RADIO MAN TO PAR
Bit Dark What Use Will Be Blade
of W. F. Boberts
Paramount Pictures last week
signed Wilfred F. Roberts, asst. com'
mercial program manager to Bertha
Brainard of NBC, to a six-month
contract for picture work. He is due
on the Coast April .17 with Par so
far keeping him in the dark as to
where Uiey will use him.
Roberts gets a six-month leave of
absence from NBC.
HEPBURN BUYS
SCREEN RIGHTS
TO PLAY
Boston, March 14.
Katharine Hepburn herself is the
purchaser of the picture rights to
■The Philadelphia Story,' those close
to the actress have revealed. Film
star Is currently playing the lead in
the Philip Barry , comedy, wliich.the
Theatre Guild is trying out at the
Colonial here before taking it to
Broadway.
Deal is said to be the first Instance
of a player buying the screen rights
to a legit show, as well as the first
time a play has been bought on a
percentage deal before production.
Understood Miss Hepburn figures on
transferlng the rights to a major stu-
dio, with the stipulation that she re-
peat her present role in the film.
If that plan falls through she may
produce the picture herself or in
association with Howard Hughes,
working out a releasing deal with a
major distributor.
Actress and Barry are said to own
a large share of the legit produc-
tion, with the Guild holding the
major interest. Also understood that
Miss Hepburn has a run-of-the-play
contract with a clause providing for
her to stay in the cast through the
1939-40 season, provided the show
runs that long.
Dr. Frenke Polk Sten
Pic from GN; Seeks
New Major Release
Hollywood, March 14.
Dr. Eugene Frenke, husband of
Anna Sten and producer of her
starrer, 'Exile Express,' cancelled his
releasing contract with Grand Na-
tional and is dickering for a major
outlet.
Break was the result of GN's fail-
ure to pay Frenke $25,000) Another
reason was the recent discharge of
GN's sales forces. Pact provided
company would keep its sales staff
up to fixed manpower.
Einfeld Back West
In the east for a month, Charlie
Einfeld is returning to the Coast <
Friday (17). Jack L. Warner, ar-
riving in New York more recently
to attend the Warner sales conven-
tion Monday (13) and yesterday
(Tuesday), may leave the same time
or stay on a week or so.
Grad Sears y/iW probably visit the
Coast shortly on his usual spring
look-see and conferences.
RKO Seals Stevens
Hollywood, March 14.
RKO sealed George. Stevens to a
new producer-director pact.
His last picture was 'Gunga Din.'
Praise for Darryl F. Zanuck and
Nicholas M Schenck for starting to
restrict their stars and talent from
radio is. voiced in the bulletin -IssuM
by the Motion Picture Theatre Own-
ers of America, which went out over
the signature of Ed L. Kuykendall,
president of the association. Com-
mendation for 20th-Fox and Metro
executives was given for trying to
solve this difficult problem.'
The MPTOA asked supervision of
picture players on radio late in 1036,
and more than a year ago it called
attention of film producers to the
alleged destructive b.o. effects result-
ing from screen talent on the air. " ,
MPTOA statement hit particularly^
the prevalence of radio commenta-
tors 'who try to build up a listening
audience for their own advertise-
ment by panning new pictures and
smearing screen personalities.' State-
ment adds:
'It is one thing for the press to
appraise and review a motion pic-
ture in its editorial columns, b\it
quite another matter fo;- the hired
agent of a commercial advertiser on
a- sponsored radio program to urge
the public not to buy a certain pieca
of commercial entertainment be-
cause in his personal opinlon .it is no
good.'
Regarding the whole radio-picture
situation, the MPTOA bulletin said:
'It's about time that the stars wak«
up to the fact that the easy money
they get tm the side out of radio
appearances comes out of .their own
hide many .times by undermining
their value and shortening their
careers on the screen and stage.'
FRANK ROSS AT ROACH
TO ALIGN 6 FOR UA
Hollywood, March 14,
Frank Ross, production as-
sistant for two years, was upped to
vice-prez of Hal Roach studio to suc-
ceed Miltcn Bren, who recently
moved to Metro.
As v.p., Ross will aid Roach in ar-
ranging six-picture program for
United ArUsts release.
Trads Mnrk RpglaMred
FOU.NDED nV 8IME HI I.VBItM AN
PDhllalinl Wacltir bf TARIKTT. far.
Sid !>llvsrinan, PreaUlent
164 Wont 40tb Street, New. York Ctlf
■BUB.SCniPTION
Annual ItO Foreign Ill
filnole Copies 2C Centii
Vol. 134
No. 1
INDEX
Bills 46-47
Chatter 53
Concert i.... 42
Dance Bands 39-42
15 Years Ago 47
Film Booking Chart 20
Film Reviews. 16-18
Film Showmanship 8
Forum , 55
House Reviews 45,48
Inside— Legit 50
Inside— PictiTes 22
Inside — Music 41
Inside — Orchestras ........ 43
Znsit'.e — Radio 28
International News 14
Joe Laurie 4
Legitimate ..49-51
Literati 52
Music 39-4"
.7ew Acts 48
Night Clubs 43-':4
Obituary 54
Outdoors 55
Pictures 2-26
Radio ....;27-23
Radio Reviews 38
Radlo^International 35
Vaudeville 43-44
4 VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesday* March 15, 1939 '
Lefty and Fandy to Take In World's
Fair. If Abner Doeai't Lose Roll
By Joe Laurie, Jr.
Coolacres, Cal., March 14.
. Dear Jo«:
Well, Me, Junior, Aggie and her know-lt-all brother Abner are all set
to start for the New York World's Fair next week. We were going to go
to the Frisco Fair, but Abner talked us out of it He claims he knows
Grover Whaleu personally and that he owes him plenty of favors and that
we will be taken care of when we get there. I don't know if he's, telling
the truth or not, but he's one of those guys that can lie and you Icnow
he's lying and yet you kinda believe him. He's got the same kind of gift
as a film salesman has. Anyway the gypsy in me and Aggie is getting the
best of Us and we're kinda rarin' to go. I guess it's the old trouper blood
in us that gets a.flowin' round springtime. I was down to the depot the
other day to pick up my 'can of grief when one of the fast trains uent
by, and its whistle sounded like an overture to me, and when I got a
peek at the dining car with the waiters all in white standing 'round, and
the conductors with their gold braid and the folks sitting on the obser-
vation platform, it all kinda put a big. lump of hankerin' to travel in my
throat Although we ain't going by train, I think the trip by car will be
better because I'll have a chance to stop off at a lot of towns on o'ur way
and get to talking to my fellow exhibitors and see ho\y they run things
and maybe get a few good tips on how to make the red in my books look
a little paler.
Abner's Tip Backfires
And talking about tips, Abner got a hot tip on the Santa Anita Handicap.
He said he knew the jockey and the owner and it was in the bag. Well
if it was it Avasn't in our bag.' I told Aggie I just bet a deuce, biit I really
lost a double sawbuck, of which Abner is supposed to owe me half— -that
is one thing I can rely on him doing, that is owing me. He is one of those
guys that waits for the bank to close when he wants to cash a check. Any-
way, I found out what Santa Anita means in English, 'You can't take it
with you.' Monday was the last day of the meeting and Aggie sez it's the
last chance bookkeepers and cashiers have to make their books balance.
I played Shirley Temple in 'The UtUe Princess' last week and boy did
she pack the house. She is still the' queen of the mortgage lifters; she
makes 'em come in and cry and when the exhibitor reads the statements
he laughs, so everybody is satisfied. The only trouble with playing a
Temple picture is that after it leaves your house looks like the grandstand
of a baseball field in winter. Aggie was telling me that when' she visited
a friend of ours at the local hospital she saw a poster hanging up in the
Maternity Ward saying 'Moving pictures are your best entertainment'
The guy that put it there sure had a sense of htrnior. 'Who do you think
won the $50 prize on the Movie Quiz in our town? Yop, you gues.scd it
the banker. Aggie was sure disappointed as she was all set for the ijrand
prize, now she will have to be reset
Aggie's broQier has a great idea for a new thing in hot dog rolls. He is
going to put a groove around It so the mustard don't run out over your
clothes. He has declared me in for 50% of it which means I'll have to
put up all the dough. He certainly has a lot of ideas, but no free ones.
I got it all set for Vie to run the tiieatre while I'm gone on a percentage
of the profits. He is a young feller and believes there are profits in the
picture business. If there is It must be In the X-ray end of the picture
business.
That's about all for now. Looking forward to seeing you in New York
soon. I see by the papers that Frank Fay is now trying to bring vaude-
ville back. I think the only guys to bring vaudeville back are the pawn-
brokers, because they've got everything the vaudevillians used to have,
sez
Your Pal,
Le]tv.
P. S.— Pat O'Brien sez:
'One place there la a lot of Idle talk la In an unemployment agency.'
lA Coast Local Gains bjnnction
Vs. Browne and All Natl Otficers
Hollywood, March 14,
Federal Judge William P. James
last night (Monday) granted an In-
junction on behalf of Jeff Kybre, for
himself and in a representative ca-
pacity in behalf of the membership
of Hollywood and Culver City Local
37 of the International Alliance ot
Theatrical Stage Employees, against
George. E. Browne, Harold B. Smith,
C P. Cregan, the lATSE and all Its
officers, including Browne, president;
John P. Nick, Richard F. Walsh, Har-
land Holmden, James J. Brennan and
Roger M. Kennedy, aU vice-presi-
dents; Louis Krause, general secre-
tary-treasurer; John Gattelee, Frank
Strickland, John Duval and 20 John
.Does.
It restrains them temporarily and
orders them to show cause why they
should not be enjoined and restrained
from taking possession of any pa-
pers, records, flies, funds, premises
or personal property in possession of
- Local 37.
Injunction also enjoins the de-
fendants from destroying, transfer-
ring, concealing or tampering in any
nianner whatsoever with the books,
records, accounts or property of the
local. In addition it enjoins them
from molesting, intlmida*.ing, inter'
lerlng with the plaintiff or any mem
bers or officers of Local 37, and from
endeavoring or attempting, under
claim of authority, to take oyer the
affairs of the membership of the local
and interfere with transactions of its
business.
The order likewise enjoins and
restrains . the lATSE, during pend
ence of the action, from attempting
to hold any hearings other than in
a court of competent jurisdiction,
concerning the rights, ' duties, privl
le^es, authority and power of duly
elected officers of Local 37, who are
John W. Carpenter, president; Wal'
ter H. Grady, vice-chairman of the
board of governors; Guy H. Cooper,
recording secretary, and Ed Helm,
financial secretary and treasurer.
Defendants are also restrained from
taking any action or proceedings,
other than in a court of. competent
jurisdiction, which. will tend .to Im-
pair, impede or interfere with the
rights and privileges of the member-
ship of Local 37 from performing
their work. Complaint on which the
injunction is granted states that the
controversy in the action involves in
excess of $5,000 and concerns the
constitutional and fundamental rights
of citizens ot California, circumvent-
ing proceedings pending before the
NLRB, and that the suit it not a
collusive one to confer on the court
jurisdiction in the case over which
it would not otherwise have cog-
nizance.
Amended FetlUon
Amended petition to charges filed
lasl November against the lATSE
were being prepared today (Tues.)
for the presentation to the NLRB
by Attorney A. Brigham Rose for
Jefif Kibre of Technicians local. Al-
legation is that a fake emergency is
being created in affairs of union
which is to be used as a basis for
International union to resume dicta-
torship control. Also charged peti-
tions are being circulated in studios
by gang bosses to discredit officials
of lA and asking international to
tal:e charge ot local. -
A conspiracy is alleged under way
to destroy autonomy given studio
locals by lA and reinstate 2% as-
sessment. Board of governors of
laOcal 37 suspended Lew Blix, busi-
nix agent; Harold Roddan, Thomas
Moore, members, but were rein-
stated by international.
'BABY' OKAY
WB Geta Nod on Former 'Lite
BectDS*
Hollywood, March 14.
Warners got the green light from
the Hays office on 'Give Me a Baby.'
Film, previously made by the stu-
dio under the title 'Life Begins,' was
barred in England and Australia.
Hayaites imposed certain restrictions.
mNOUT AS
DlSTRlB HEAD
IN AUSSIE
Sydney, March 14.
Sir Victor Wilson, head ot the Mo-
tion Picture Distributors Association
in Australia, quits in June after 13
years of service.
No explanation was given as to
why he was stepping down.
Studio Contracts
Hollywood, March 14.
W. P. Lipscomb inked new icrlpt-
Ing deal at Universal.
Warners lifted Robert Buckner's
writer option.
Charles R. Rogers banded moppet
contracts to Joyce Arleen Novotny,
seven; Jacqueline Zoria Ossko, nine,
and Maude Tyler Sperl, five.
Metro hoisted Virginia Weldler's
player ticket
John Langan inked new dialog di-
rector contract at Warners.
Frederick Jackson inked to one-
year writing pact by Edward Small.
20th-Fox lifted Doris . Bowdon's
player option.
Metro renewed Greer Garson's
acting contract
Sam Messenheimer's composer op-
tion picked up by Metro.
Warners handed new designer
pact to Paul Shoup.
Metro hoisted Betty Jaynes' play-
er option.
Columbia picked up Rita Hay-
worth's option.
John Payne inked new actor pact
with Warners. .
Winston Miller signed as scrlpter
at Selznick-International.
Metro renewed Lynn Carver's
player contract
Kay Griffith's player option picked
up by.20th-Fox.
Universal signed Sandra Henville,
11 months old.
Warners renewed Terry Morse's
director ticket
Richard Wallace pacted as pro-
ducer-director at Universal.
No explanation was officially
forthcoming In New York as to why
Sir Victor Wilson was leaving as
head of the Australian Motion Pic-
ture Distributors Assn. However,
recent laws enacted in New South
Wales, aimed at distributors for the
benefit of exhibitors, - admittedly
have not pleased American company
homeoffices and it's believed that a
more vigorous executive was thought
necessary for the post.
Stokowsld to Score
Disney Pic in Pfailtf,
Reticent About Garbo
Philadelphia, March 14.
Leopold Stokowski arrived in
Philly from Hollywood last week to
conduct the Philly Orch in a series
of concerts and to use it for scoring
the Walt Disney cartoon, "The Sor-
cerer's Apprentice.' Maestro said he
expected Disney here this week.
Basement of the Academy of Mu-
sic, where the orch plays, has been
converted into a huge sound studio.
Equipment insured at $150,000, and
shipped from the Coast has been in-
stalled.
Stokowski said he would appear in
another picture. He refused to name
the film, or with whom he'll play.
Podiumist also revealed that he
will lead a symph orch . in Greta
Garbo's hometown — Stockholm,
Sweden— in May. Last May he was
a guest at Miss Garbo's home there.
Asked if Garbo would be there for
his symph concerts this year, he
dropped his voice to a whisper isind
said, 'I never discuss personal things.'
Jason Set as Lasky
Xareer' Pilot at RKO
Hollywood, March 14.
Leigh Jason gets the directing job
on RKO's 'Career,' film version of
the Jesse L Losky air show, 'Gate-
way to Hollywood.'
Finals next Sunday (19) will de-
cide winning youngsters lo be fea-
tured with Anne Shirley. .
Metro's Backlot Parge
FLEISCHER HAS
'(MIVER'SET
TOGO
Having laid out the picture. Includ-
ing drawings and a musical score,
latter prepared by Leo Robin and
Ralph Rainger, Max Fleischer will
begin shooting his full-length car-
toon, 'Gulliver's Travels,* the end of
April or early in May. He has Im-
ported 75 animators from Hollwood
and estimates that shooting will be
completed in October, . so that the
picture may be scheduled for the
Christmas release.
Fleischer is turning the picture out
at his new Miami studio, one of the
most modern in existence and in-
cluding features for sound control as
well as mechanical inventions of
Fleischer's. Cartoon producer is go-
ing to be able to furnish stills im-
mediately through a new printing
process for the purpose, with result
Par will have these available on the
cartoon, . as with regular features,
prior to completion of the finished
picture.
Fleischer is making 'Gulliver* In
color and will also einbody In the
production the third-dimensional
process which he invented and on
which he holds the patents. He is
already going through a mass of ma-
terial in search of something that
will shape up for another cartoon
feature next year.
'Gulliver' will probably be sold
separately by Par rather than under
the regular contract, with delivery
during the 1939-40 season.
Eve Curie to Advise
M-G on Pic of Motlier
Hollywood, March 14.
Eve Curie is due at Metro next
month to discuss the filming of the
biog of her mother, who discovered
radium.
Greta Ciarbo is set for the name
role.
Charity's Pic Committee
Film committee on this year's (1939)
Catholic Charities drive, headed by
John J. O'Connor, g.m. of RKO' The-
atres, includes Harry D. Buckley,
Pat Casey, H.' M. Doherty, E. C.
Grainger, J. R. Grainger, Austin C.
Keough, E. L. McEvoy, C. E. Mc-
Carthy, Joseph McConville, C. B.
McDonald, John Murphy, William J.
Neary, Dennis F. O'Brien, Charles
L. O'Reilly, P. A. Powers, William T.
Powers, William F. Rodger.s, George
J. Shaefer, William' Scully, W. G.
Van Schnius arid others.
Frank C. Walker; of the committee,
Is ^acting as treasurer. '
Hollywood, March 14.
Metro Is shaking loose about 2,000
backlot workmen as a iresult of the
completion of the 1938-39 production
schedule.
Employment was at a peak four
weeks ago with 12 pictures in pro-
duction. .Only three pictures -are
working this week.
Bader with MCA
Hollywood, March 14.
Dave Bader joined Music Corp. of
America here yesterday (Monday) as
assistant to Dave Diamond, story
head.
He takes with him story properties
and author representation of his own
recently disbanded firm.
Rejuvenating 'Zorro'
Hollywood, March 14.
'Mark of Zorro' is coming back as
a re-make, this time at 20th-Fox,
which bought the rights from Doug--
las Fairbanks several years ago.
The preliminary script is com-
plete.
Clark Gable Divorced
Las Vegas, Nov., March 14.
Maria Gable was granted a di-
vorce from Clark Gable here on the
grounds of dcfcrtion. They were
married in 1931 and parted in 1938.
Property settlement h reported at
$286,000.
MAYER-BURSTYN GET
DARRIEUX'S 1CATIA'
Arthur Mayer and Joseph Bur-
styn, distributors of the French film
'Ballerina,' have also acquired U. S.
rights to 'Katia,* starring Danielle
Darrieux and produced by E. A.
Algazy.
Distributors are negotiating for a
Broadway run at the Astor.
Connie Would Draw
DiFrasso Into Suit
New York supreme court justice
Timothy A. Leary on Friday (10)
reserved decision on an application
by Constance Bennett to 'take the
depositions of Countess Dorothy Di
Frasso in Los Angeles. Miss Ben-
nett who seeks $62,500, claims that
Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur,
the defendants, had conversed with
the Countess and told her that they
had a contract with Miss Bennett to
do a script for her, but that they
were not going through with it
Actress claims to have made the
agreement with the defendants In
December, 1935, and paid them $2,-
500 as a retainer. She was to pay
$47,500 more for the completed
script The writers failed to pro-
vide the script and she is suing for
the $2,500, plus $60,000 for loss of
time.
Santley's 4th at U
Hollywood, March 14,
Joseph Santley is slated to pilot
'Flying Cadets,' Jackie Cooper-Fred-
die Bartholomew starrer, his fourth
successive directorial job at Uni-
versal
Shooting starts' as soon as Santley
returns from a Mexican hunting
trip. *
RKOREORGDUE
FOR OK IN TWO
WEEKS
Federal Judge William Bondy
stated Monday (13) at an RKO hear-
ing in New York that he will ap-
prove confirmation of the reorgan-
ization plan as soon as he pcsses on
the board of directors. Bondy has
taken under advisement the selec-
tion of Raymond Bill, publisher, as
a member of the board of directors,
replacing Ferdinand Eberstadt.
April 11 was set as the date for
the next hearing in case anything
Important which requires the court's
attention should arise, but allformial
matters relative to the plan have
been disposed of. Bondy's formal
order of confirmation should be
forthcoming within a fortnight
Still No V
Hollywood, March 14.
Barbara Stanwyck has signed for
the top femme role of Lorna Moon
in 'Golden Boy,' slated to go into
work April 15 at Columbia with
Rouben Mamoulian directing.
Selection of thespian for the name
role will be made later.
Morris Vice Flynit - ..
Hollywood, March 14.
Wayne Morris takes the star role
originally intended for Errol Flynn
in the Jack London story, 'Burning
Daylight' Flynn has four other pic-
tures lined up.
'Daylight' will be made In Techni-
color.
Wednesday, March 15, 1939
PICTURES
VARIETY
8
AGENTS PAQ CUT 'N' DRIED
IfB Sales Ino^ase f& Xi^lfjo Since
Jan. 1 Ksclosed at Convention;
Co. Plans 48 Hx at Cost of 52
Salfes Increase of 17.45% in revenue
■Ince Jan. 1, 1939, over the same pe-
riod in '38 was disclosed by Cradwell
L Sears, general sales manager, pre-
siding at the opening of the Warner
Bros.' '39-40 convention in New York
Monday (13). Sears forecast a con-
tinual improvement in business of
the company. Jack L. Warner- out-
lined the lineup of next season's
product and promised sales forces
the present quality of company's
prtduct would be maintained with
the new schedule of 48 features.
Sobert W.' Perkins, company's gen-
eral counsel, discussed the attitude of
distributors toward industry legisla-
tion and trade practice agreements
now being worked out. Other ad-
dresses were made by Sam Schnei-
der, Joseph Bernhard, Mort Blumen-
stock, Carl Leserman,' Sam E. Morris
and Major Albert Warner.
Norman Moray discussed short
siiblect sales and Charles Einfeld
talked on advertising and exploita-
tion possibilities.
Jack L. Warner announced the
company would spend ' as much
money, if not more, on the 48 pic-
tures for next season as it did on the
62 features of the current season. As
to the 12 B films on the new pro-
gram, Jack Warner stated, 'We don't
like to make B pictures. They are a
phase of the double-feature -evil,
vhlch is gradually being solved. We
tivn out B's to accommodate certain
theatre' situations where the dual
system is so deeply rooted it cannot
be done away with immediately. The
system is definitely on the way out,
however, and our general production
structure Is being planned toward
jOiat end.'
The production head also stressed
the intention of the company to make
films that meet demands of a grown-
up motion picture public for power-
ful inspirational stories,
48 Featares
At the Monday (13) session of the
convention, Jack L. Warner outlined
the lineup of '39-40 product to the
company's sales force. Program calls
for release of 48 features, 36 of
which are classified as A productions
end 12 as B's.
Three pictures will star Bette
Davis; three with James Cagney;
three with Edward G. Robinson;
three with Errol Flynn; three with
Jules Garfield and one with Paul
Muni. Other important pictures
which Warner Bros, will contribute
this coming year will be biographical
productions based on the lives of Dr.
Ehrlich, genius of medicine; John
Paul Jones; Martin NiemoeUer;
Knute Rockne, a remake of "Dis-
raeU' and the life of Beethoven.
Muni will star in the latter.
■ Warners program of shorts will
consist of 18 two-reelers and 68
^gle reels. Vitaphone will lean
heavily on use of Technicolor, more
than one-half of the shorts to be
made in color. Lineup will include
at least 12 short features in Techni-
.color and running from 2,000 to 4,000
feet in length.
These shorter features will get
top-notch writers, directors and
players and will run into B bracket
budgets.
What Bad Weather?
Hollywood, March 14.
Old Joe Weather takes another
beating from Prof. Science in a
portable sound stage, devised by
Henry . MacRae, Universal pro-
ducer. Knockdown structure Is
used on location when raiii, snow
or high winds halt outdoor cam-
era work.
MacRaie used his Invention to
save four otherwise wasted days
on location at Kernville for 'Ore-
gon Trail/
METRO INVITING
EXHIBITORS TO
CONVENTION
William F. Rodgers, Metro general
sales manager, has invited represen-
tatives of important exhibitor organ-
izations to attend company's conven-
tion in Chicago, which gets imder-
way at the Palmer House there Sun-
day (19).
Invitations have been accepted by
Col. H. A. Cole, president of Allied
States Exhibitors Ass'n; Ed. L. Kuy-
ken'dall, president of MPTOA, and
Harry Brandt, president of ITOA, of
N.Y. Latter will also represent Al-
lied Independent Theatre Owners of
Iowa and Nebraska^ Intermountain
Theatres Ass'n of Utah, Rocky
Mountain Theatre Owners and Man-
agers Ass'n, and the Moving Picture
Theatre Owners of Virginia, at the
convention.
Exhibitor representation at the
sales gathering is said to have been
the desire of Metro and Rodgers to
invite discussion and gather .reac-
tions of exhibitor leaders on the in-
dustry's conciliation program and
proposed new trade practice agree-
ment
W. K. Howard Revises
His 'Back Door' Film
, Following revisions suggested by
Paramount, 'Back Door to Heaven,'
Which William K. Howard turned out
at Astoria, L. I., this winter, was
previewed Thursday night (9) in
Stamford, Conn. A showing in a
theatre in New York is not possible
gs yet dae to the fact the censors
haven't seen 'Back Door.'
'" Next step Is arrangement with Par
for the distribution of the picture, if
Wtlsfactory, and the scheduling of a
release date sometime this spring.
•Pm*s agreement for release is predi-
cated on seeing the finished print and
approving It
CENTURY OF BASEBALL
GLORIFIED BY WARNERS
Hollywood, March 14.
First 100 years of baseball is to be
commemorated by Warners in a fea^
ture built around the pioneers of the
game. Outstanding character in the
film will be Connie Mack, oldest big
league manager.
Byran Foy, who has been confer-
ring with Ford Ffick, president of
the National League, has the produc-
tion job, with Raymond Schrock
scripting. Location scenes will be
made at Cooperstown, N. Y., home of
the baseball museum.
Out West with Marxes
Holly woo J, March 14.
Marx Bros, will don satirical boots
and spurs in 'Go West,' a burlesque
or Hollywood boss operas, written
by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby.
Picture stai';s as soon as they
finish 'A Day at the Circus,' skedded
tor cameras April 17.
Hitchcock to Yale
Alfred Hitchcock, director of "The
Lady Vanishes,' who arrived from
Europe "last week; -probably - will -go
to Yale to deliver a. lecture on pic-
ture production before leaving for
the Coast.
Hitchcock just finished work a
short time ago on Charles I,aughton's
new starrer, 'Jamaica Inn,* in Eng-
land. He may do a picture for Selz-
nick-International while in the U. S.
IIEADy TO ADOPT
Fl
Contract Limitation May Be
Stretched to Three or Five
Years — AH Other Bugs
Out — Director Deal Set
SCRIBS' PARLEY
Hollywood, March 14.
Senate action is scheduled this
week on adoption of an amendment
to the State Labor Code necessary
for completion of the franchise pact
between the Screen Actors Guild
and film and radio agents. Proposed
amendment will give SAG authority
to arbitrate disputes between actors
and their representatives.
Favorable action is assured, since
the measure has approval of SAG,
Artists Managers Guild and tops in
State Labor Department. With adop-
tion of this amendment a mass meet-
ing of AMG will be called to seal
deal with actors. At present, the
state laws require that all diSer-
ences between private employment
agencies and their clients be concili-
ated by the state labor commissioner.
Contract will call for few changes
In original 19-point program of ac-
tors. Only major change will be in
clause limiting contracts between
agents and their clients to one year.
Compromise is certain on this, with
limit being hiked to three or five
years. Small agents favored 12
months maximum in hopes of grab-
bing oS some top flight players, but
big agencies contended limitation
would not protect thousands of dol-
lars they invested in developing an
actor into the star bracket They
also insisted that a chaotic situation
would result with contracts of play-
ers expiring every 12 months and
agents fighting for new business.
The deal will be rushed to com-
pletion when code amendment is
adopted and M. C. .Levee, AMG
prexy, returns from New York in
two weeks. Big agencies claim that
without their support many of the
smaller firms would have been un-
able to pass necessary qualifications
to. secure SAG licenses to remain in
business. The AMG insisted that
licenses be issued initially to all
agents doing business when the
SAG-AMG pact becomes effective.
Amendment
Proposed amendment to State
Labor Code rpads as follows:
'Notwithstanding section 1657 of
the Labor Code and section 1280 of
the Code of Civil Procedure, where-
ever a contract between an employ-
ment agency and one dealing with
an employment agency provides that
any dispute under the contract, or as '
to its existence, validity, continu-
ance or termination shall be de-
cided by any fair means of arbitra-
tion, and if such provision is in-
serted in the contract pursuant to
any regulation of such contracts by
a bona-flde labor union, or pursuant
to a contract between such bona fide
labor union and an employment
agency, then and in that event the
arbitration provision shall be valid,
and any such dispute shall be settled
by such arbitration pursuant to the
(Continued on page 25)
COOGAN AND MOTHER
TO SPLIT $250,000
Hollywood, March 14.'
Jackie Coogan and his mother
.have agreed to split equally the
$250,000 in property, all that's left
of the approximately $5,000,000 the
former child star earned yeai-s ago.
-Although -final papers haven't- been
signed, it's expected that the formal
agreement will be reached this week,
ending the long court fight between
Coogan and his mother, Mrs. Lillian
Bernstein. .
Coogan will receive about $125,000,
most of which is in non-income real
estate and rights to his old films.
WB, 20th, Par. RKO Making '39-40
Film Deals Retroactive to Trade
Practice Agreement If and When
Terra Firmless
Holljrwood, March 14.
Another acre is being lopped
off the Republic lot by flood con-
trol workers straightening out
kinks in the Los Angeles River.
Four acres were lost in the
big flood of 1938.
U MAY BOOST
SKED TO 43
FEATURES
Universal may boost the number
of features on its 1939-40 program
by three or fotir,' according to latest
indications. W. A. Scully, general
sales manager, came in from the
Coast last week following produc-
tion huddles at the studio, and . esti-
mated that there might be 43 fea-
tures on next season's lineup. This
would mean three additional fea-
tures, represented by the three-pic-
ture contract given Harry Edington.
Entire total may not include west-
erns and reissues.
Edington probably will go Into
work on 'Atlantic Cable,' first in his
group, by next month. U probably
will turn out 81 short features, the
same as the present season.
Annual sales meeting probably
will not be set until after eastern
confabs with prexy Nate Blumberg.
Regional conventions of the national
sales, staff likely will be held be-
ginning early next month.
Present array of product. It was
pointed out by U officials, is the
strongest to come from the studio in
years. 'Spirit of Culver' (Jackie
Cooper -Freddie Bartholomew),
Three Smart Girls Grow Up'
(Deanna Durbin), and 'East Side ol
Heaven' (Bing Crosby-Joan Blon-
dell), go to distributors within a
month's time, last named being re-
leased April 7.
Company also has another 'Little
Tough Guys' feature and a Douglas
Fairbanks, Jr., picture coming along
before the end of May.
200G LIBEL SUIT
AIMED AT VARIEH
A libel suit asking $200,000 dam-
ages was filed against Variety in
New York federal court Thursday
(9) by Standard Pictures Produc-
tions, Inc., and Standard Pictures
Distributing Co.
Action is based on a review of 'The
Headleys at Home,' a Standard pro-
duction.
Defense Uses Newsreels
To Win lOOG Libel Suit
St. Louis, March 14.
With the public barred, a Jury in
United States district court in Joplin,
Mo.i attended the Missouri theatre
here and watched 12 newsreels made
of Robert Wadlow, eight feet, eight
inches tall, who last - week lost a
$100,000 libel suit filed against Dr.
Charles D. Humber, for stories the
physician wrote and which were
published in the American Medical
Journal. The reels were used by the
defense fo support its .contention
that the 20-year-old Wadlow was a
'freak of nature.'
During the trial Wadlow's father
said he was muUIni' an offer from
the New York WorlU's Fair for his
son to appear ther«. He was with
the Ringling Bros, circus for six
weeks in 1937.
Pending full accord on a trade
practice pact, a re-drafted form Qf.
which Is expected from film attor-
neys shortly, aU distributors will In
all probability go out to sell the new
(1939-40) product with the under-
standing that when and it an agree-
ment is reached on proposals under
consideration, they will be retroac-
tive on contracts written.
Warner Bros., first of the com-
panies to hold Its convention, with
sessions in New York, Monday (13),
and yesterday (Tues.), Is committed
to this policy and other distributors
already are doing the same. These
include Twentieth-Fox, which holds
its convention in Chicago March 30;
RKO, not holding its convention un-
til June, and Paramount, ' which
probably will have its sales huddle
in May.
Grad L. Sears, general sales man-
ager of Warners, which has consoli-
dated its score charges in rentals,
eliminating the. charge on percentage
pictures, . instructed at the conven-
tion that the selling be on the same
basis as last year, but that terms of
any trade practice . agreement
reached be made retr oact ive under
sales made. With all WB distribu-
tion heads, division managers, dis-
trict managers and exchange heads
present, Sears urged that dealings
with exhibitors be on as fair a basis
as possible, and that shorts be sold
strictly on their own.
Other DIstrlbs FoUow Suit
While other companies . such as
20th, Paramount and RKO will in- .
itiate their big contract-taking drives
later, following conventions, these
majors, on such deals as are being
closed in advance, are assuring ac-
counts the retroactive feature' will
hold true; that if there Is a trade
practice pact calling for sliding can-
cellation privileges of 10 to 20% and
other concessions, these are to gov-
ern under the contract Immediately
on adoption of the pact
Presumption In some Industry
quarters Is that Since the negotia-
tions on the trade practice agree-
ment are collective, there may be an
early Industry announcement con-
cerning the retroactive, understand-
ings as film for 1039-40 Is being sold.
One of the clauses of the tentative
trade practice draft Is that the agree-
ment will become effective with the
1939-40 product
Prior to lUtimate adoption of ma-
chinery for the self-regulation of
trade practices, the same selling as
last year, .with certain exceptions
such as agreement not to force
shorts, elimination of score charges,
etc., will continue. However, every
exhibitor buying now will know that
the contract he signs is subject to
the provisions of any trade practice
concordat reached, even if it is
months from now.
Newly-phrased draft similar to
(he first has been In the hand; of
distributor attorneys for several
weeks now and it's likely that there
may be some meetings with Abram—
F. Myers, general counsel of Allied
States Assn., shortly In an effort to
get Allied accord on the new word-
ing and changes made.
Because of the fact that the author-
ity of the Allied negotiating commit-
tee expired March 1, the procedure
now will be the forwarding of pro-
posals by Myers, following confer-
ences with distributor representa-
tives, to his Allied board of directors
for their consideration.
The fact that AUied's negotiating-
committee ceased to function does not
mean. Col. H. A. Cole, president,
states, that there is no need for fur-
ther conversations at this time. The
Allied president declares that his or-
ganization stands ready at any time
to negotiate with those in authority
regarding fair trade practices and
that it is incorrect to assume Myers
would not visit N. Y. to confer with
attorneys regarding the shoping of a
final draft
VARtETY
Mcxnitss
Wednesday/ March 15, 1939
4 Henses Costing 500G Going Up
h St L; Active BniUing NatHy
St. Louis, March 14.
Although this town Is notorious^
overseated four de luxe nabes. to
cost more than $500,000, are being
constructed or being readied tor
erection and large sums are being
expended in redecorating, renovat-
Ing other nabes. The largest of the
taew booses, a 2,500-seater, Is being
built bs a syndicate h^ded by Sam
iSchucart, prez of the Schucart
Bealty Co. near Clayton and Big
Bend roads, just outside of the city
limits. This will be a $250,000 proj-
ect- The recently formed Riverview
Theatre Corp., headed by Nat Kop-
lar, general contractor, is contem-
plating a 2,000-seater In the northern
part of the city at a cost of $90,000.
The St Louis Amus. Co. (Fan-
ehon '& Marco Interests, here) is
readying a 2,500-seater on the site of
the present Florissant Cinema Gar-
den;, an outdoor theatre, in the
northwestern part of the city. The
cost of this house is expected to . run
between $150,000 and $200,000.
Thomas James, owner of the Strand
and Douglas, catering to Negro
trade, is planning another $100,000
bouse in a Negro district in the cen-
ter of town. This house will be a
l.OOO-sea'ter.
Film row hears that St Louis
Amus. plans other new houses while
much is Iieing spent in redecorating
and remodeling its Union aind
Pageant west end nabes that have
been shuttered for many months.
' 'The. Amusement Co. has made im'
provements in most of its 31 houses
that form the chain In the city and
St Louis County.
New Oblo Honse
Shelby, O., March 14.
Kemper Theatres, Inc., will build
■ new theatre in nearby Crestline
The site already has been acquired
Building and equipment will repre-
sent an outlay of more than $30,000,
with seating accommodations for 550.
CenstonVs New One
Canton, O., March 14
A $00,000 theatre wiU be erected
this summer at North Canton, one
of the largest towns in Ohio at pres<
ent without a movie theatre for
lease to the Inter-State Theatres,
Inc., headed by A. G. Constant of
Steubenville, O., operators of the
Palace here and houses in many
other Ohio cities.
New Mobile House '
MobUe, Ala., March 14.
Alex Gournaris, owner of three
theatres, this week secured a permit
for construction of a theatre on Ful-
ton road. Construction is to start
.Immediately and, when completed,
will represent a cost of around
$35,000.
Gournaris is operator of the Roose-
velt, Oakdale; Arlington, Arlington,
and Rex, Frichard.
Griffith's Twe
Oklahoma City, March 14.
Griffith Amuse. Co.'s new Campus
theatre in Stillwater is rapidly near-
ing completion. It will be a 500-
seat house in modem type architec-
ture. Griffith at present operates
the Aggie and Mecca theatres in
Stillwater.
A new 700-seat theatre In Lubbock
is being planned by Griffith as soon
as certain zoning problems there
have been cleared up.
New l,SM.Seator
Shcker Heights, O., March 14.
Max Lefkowlch, head of Com-
munity Circuit in Cleveland, will
erect a new theatre here.
According to present plans, house
will have 1,500 seats and will cost
approx'mately $350,000, to be com-
pleted late this year or early in 1040.
House Lessee Asks 150G
Chicago, March 14. .
Suit for $150,000 damages has been
filed by Frank Ford, operator of the
.Stadium theatre, Evanston, against
Leo Solomon and the Lemar Corp.,
lessors of the property.
In the suit, filed through the
Jacobson, Merrick, Nelrman & SU-
bert law firm, Solomon is charged
with having used unfair and untruth-
ful tactics in getting Ford to take
over the house. Ford rented the
house in 1038 on a 15-year lease, pay-
ing $20,000 down and rental of
$15,000 for the first three years and
$18,000 annually thereafter.
4Sc Nicht's B.O.
Minneapolis, March 14.
What Is believed to be the
lowest gross in the industry's
history , was chalked up at the
Pine theatre. Pine Island. Minn.,
near here, during a blizzard and
30 below zero weather when the
house's entire takings for the
ni^t wiere' 4Sc, representing one
adult 35c and one children's 10c
admission.
Don Anderson, the theatre's
owner, would have called off the
show except for the fact that the
patron had driven 35 miles
tiurou^ the storm with his young
son just to see the picture, 'Duke
of West Point*
Indies Fipre
To Cash In On
Western Vogue
Indie producers with definite com-
mitments on western features and
dependence on' them for hefty rev
enue are butwardly expnssing their
pleasure over the way glorified west-
ems of major companies are regis-
tering at the boxoffice. Revival of
historical' American screen dishes,
such as 'Stagecoach,' Union Pacific,'
'OUahoma Kid,* 'Jesse James,' etc^
is focusing attention oh western out-
door fare more than ever before in
several seasons.
Use of John Wayne in 'Stagecoach'
is prompting at least two indepen-
dents. Republic and Monogram, to go
to town with this player. Mono
gram Is dusting ofl a series of eight
westerns In which John Wayne
starred for the old Mono production
outfit They are set for the 1930-40
program, and' doubtlessly will be
rushed out as soon as prints are
available.. Republi.c has 'Wayne tied
up for a series of ll2^(iuiter&
TnDtier'itcad^
L Hollywood, March 14.
"The Real Glory,' nee The Last
Frontier,' is slated to roll AprU 10,
m^lfk^Ilg two pictures shooting at the
same time on Samuel Goldwyn's
United Artists schedule.
The other Is the Jascha Heifetz
starrer. The Restless Age,' which
resumes production this week.
Parl%uisExfra
Revene Fiom
Cartoon S»iorts
A new department is being organ-
ized by Paramount under Lou Dia-
mond, who heads shorts and music,
for the commercial licensing of prod-
ucts based on cartoon characters de-
veloped by Max Fleischer, producer
of "Betty doop,' 'Popeye,' and Color
Classics shorts. Fleischer now is also
making his first feature-length in
color.
The department will be headed for
Diamond by Harry L. Rbyster, long
a Paramount theatre department
executive, who returned last week
from Miami after conferring with
Fleischer on plans for the new diyi-
slon of activity. Formerly a district
manager for P^, during the past two
years Royster has been in charge of
commercial film in the company's
theatres. Latter has now been de-
veloped to the point where it will
all in future clear directly through
Par's own partners in the field.
The licensing of commercials on
cartoon . characters, developed to a,
fine point by Kay Kamen for Walt
Disney, with revenue on this by-
product alone running into very
high figures, will for Par include
various characters from 'GuUiver'S'
Travels,' plus 'Betty Boop.' The Pop-
eye commercial licensing rights are
retained by King Feattires Syndicate
under the deal made when Fleischer
obtained the character for cartoon
shorts.
COrS PROFITS OFF
$416,000^1N 6 HOS.
Columbia Pictures this week re-
ported that its net profit for the slx-
miobth period ending Dec 31 last,
declined about $416,000, compared
with the similar six months of the
preceding year. Total net for the
first half of Columbia's fiscal year
was $34,596, as against $451,061 in
the six months ended Dec. 25, 1937.
Gross income for the company on
tlie six months amounted to $10,-
379,858, with the earned surplus, as
of Dec. 31 last, totalling $3,884,320.
Columbia's baliance sheet showed
current assets of $12,656,898 and cur-
rent liabilities of $1,610,131. Work-
ing capital was placed at about $11,-
000,000.
HfyV New Lens Crew
Hollywood, March 14.
Ernest HaUer and his assistant,
Arthur Arling, replaced Lee Garmes
and his assistant, Roy Clark, behind
the camera on 'Gone With the Wind'
at Selznick-International.
Switch was due to problems in
handling new speed Technicolor fihn.
Haller is said to be more familiar
with color, having made the first
extensive tests of the present proc-
ess. Ray Renahan remains on the
picture as Technicolor cameraman.
Dnkoff to Coast
Perma Processing Corp., which
deals in waterproofing and moth-
processihg of studio wardrobes, has
appointed Ed Dukoil director of pub-
lic relations. Perma was formed re-
cently in New York.
DukofI leaves for the Coast within
10 days to try to sell studios. Stunt
has a tieup with the Hanover Fire
Insurance Co.
REPFALLSDITO
'A' PK PARADE
Hollywood, March 14.
Soft pedal on low-priced pictures
and $1,000,000 added to the produc-
tion cost of high-budget films is the
plan announced by Herbert J. Yates,
chairman of- the board at Republic.
After eyeing rough cut of "Man of
Conquest,' Republic's most costly pic-
ture, Yates decided to abandon the
Showmen's Group of low-bracket
'films and concentrate on A produc-
tions. •
Program for 1930-40 Is cut from 59
to 54 films. It Includes four Anni-
versary Specials, at $750,000 each; six
De Luxe Jubilee Specials; 16 Jubilee
productions, eight Gene Autry west-
erns, eight Roy Rogers, eight Mes-
quiteers aiid four serials..
Steplieiis' Doc' Trio
Hollywood, March 14,
William Stephens moved Into the
General Service studio to produce
three 'Dr. Christian' features for
BKO release. First is slated to roll
early in June.
Jean Hersholt, star of the radio
series similarly titled, gets the top
role in the films.
Hearinir on FVench Fix
Reorg Plan March 30
Hearing on the proposed plan of
reorganization of the French Motion
Picture Corp. was set for March 30
by Federal Judge Waiiam Bondy in
New York Thursday (9).
The plan was proposed by . the
company's president, John S. Taper-
nou, and proposes to pay creditors
15% in full settlement of claims.
WE Votes Dividend
Western Electric directors yester-
day (Tuesday) voted a 25c cash divi-
dend on its common stock,
It is payable .>ri:rch 31 to stock on
record Mar 'li
Hie Siltinlf Contest
Bt BiU Hallicu
A band I never heard of was opening that night and Fitz wanted to ic«
how good they were. Fltz was an agent, so we went over to GH 3bag'B
Rendezvous to pass judgment It was during prohibition and I took .a
quart of 'Vat 250 along as a. precautionary measure. .We tat aroimd for
an hour or co punching the bag and sucking-on the Scotch and than tha
band oame out .and started to play. It was George Olsen'a aggregatloa
and they 'were 'fine. Fitz liked them.
I went into the washroom and met Ring Lardner coming out 'Hello.*
he said. 'Hcsllo,' 1 said. Tm with -Percy Haughton, the coach at Harvard
but he's going home; How's about my joining you?' 'If you like Scotcll
you're welcome,' I said, and he went out,
Olsen's band played -some more and then Lardner came over and I in.
troduced him to Fltz. We had a drink. "This Is mighty fine Scotch,' Ring
said. 'W^ I have plenty of it' I told him. 'If you like I'll give you a
bottle.' After -a while everybody, went home and Olsen came over and '
sat at our table. His piano player came over, too, and then he got up and
when he came back he was pushing one of those baby pianos over to the
table. He played an hour for us and then we ran out of Scotch. 'Come
on over to the Friars,' I said, 'and I will get some more.' It -was thre«
o'clock and when we got to the Friars grill room it was empty. I went
upstairs and got two quarts and woke up Walter Donaldson. I showed him
the booze .and he got up. 'Come on downstairs, I want you to meet a
feUow,' I said.
We went back in the comer where the piano was and Donaldson started
to play some new songs. I<ardner was right at home. Pretty soon Benny
Ryan came in and we asked him to have a drink. Then Harry Rosenthal
sauntered In from a late session at Lindy's. Donaldson got up from the
piano and Harry sat down. He played for three hours. He can play all'
night but he 'wanted to talk to Lardner. Lardner was drinking right along
with me, but I was doing all the talking, Lardner hadn't said a word all
night Benny Ryan thought he would rib him a little to get him to open
up. 'So you're the great Lardner, eh?,' said Ryan. 'Why I have as much
brains as you ha've. Yeah! Just as much brains as you have.' 'Why dont
you take advantage of it' Lardner said, and Ryan poured out a big drink
but didn't say anything.
It was six a.m. and Fitz went home to bed. I went upstairs and got
two more quarts of Scotch, I<ardner was playing the piano when I came
back and Rosenthal was sitting on the bench .alongside of him. 'I got an
idea for a show,' he told Rosenthal. He did have one,' too. It vfas 'June
Moon' and Rosenthal played the big comedy part in it It was his first
attempt, but he was a knockout It was getting late, around eight o'clock
in -the morning by now, so we ordered some breakfast 'How much of tills
stuff have you got?,' Lardner asked me. 'More than you can drink,' I said,
and I went up and came down with five bottles.
Around 10 o'clock the regulars started to come in for their breakfast
and they wouldn't have known anything was going on if it wasn't for thf
piano playing and Ring's dinner jacket At lunch there was a big crowd
in because it was the opening day of the baseball season and they were
all going up to the Polo Grounds to see the Giants. We were still ttiere
when they came back for dinner. Lardner had lapsed into silence and
hadn't spoken a word for five hours. I went upstairs and broke open
another case. This was good whiskey. A bookmaker had made me a
present of three cases and a lot of fellows were offering me $20 a bottle for
it but I would have paid more than that if I didn't have any.
Around eight o'clock that night Fitz came back after a good day's sleep
and Lardner said 'Hello.' By this time everybody was telling everybody
else how long we had been there and it looked like a sitting contest Rosen*
thai, Ryan and myself were getting a little weary. At 10 o'clock Ryan
threw up the sponge, but Rosey was still wide awake. ' He had on his
kidding clothes. 'I hear Harry Fender stole your gal,' he said. 'Whlc&
one?,' I countered. 'You know which one,' he said, *I saw them cantering
through the park this morning. He bought her a saddle horse.' I went
outside and Peter the cabman was standing by the door. 'Listen Pete,* I
said, 'do you know where there is a feed store around here?' "Do yon
mean a restaurant?' "No, I don't meant a restaurant' He looked at ma
as if I was crazy; He had heard about the gang at the- table. 'Listen,
Pete,* I said, 'here's $15; go find a feed store; I 'want two bales of hay.
Put it in your cab and bring it back to the club, and listen, Pete, don't
come back till you get it if you have to go to Belmont Park.'
I went back and had another drink. Rosenthal was asleep with his head
on the table. 1 thought you had retired,' said Lardner. 1 don't Intend
to retire till Fm 60,' I said, and we had another drink. -It was two o'clock
In the morning when Pete came back, but he had the hay olcay. He couldn't
get it in his cab so he put it on top and had it tied with a rope. Two of
the bellboys helped him put the bales in Harry Fender's room. There
wasn't much space up there. The bed and the baby grand that Fender
owned took up a lot of room.
'Put one bale on the tied and the other on the piano,' I said. While wt
we're putting the hay on top of the piano Lardner walkeid in. 'What's going
on here,' he said. 'I'm making a friend of mine a present' I told him. I
left a note on Fender's pillow. Ring looked at it and smiled. I had writ-
ten: 'I have been feeding that blonde for three years, so I thought I might
as well take care of the horse, too.' I signed Arthur Brown's name. Brownie
was in the show with her and Fender thought he was opposition. Fender
had nothing on me. I thought so, too. We went downstairs and finished
the last bottle and Lardner said: 'Do you' mind if I go home, Bill?' It was
four o'clock In the morning when we put him in a cab. I went over to
the Bristol and got a room under the name of Johnson.
'When I woke up it was Sunday.
Pathe Stockholders
To Share in Snhsid
Pathe Film Corp. directors last
week took the first steps in con-
sumating the recapitalization plan,
voted by common stoclcholders last
month, when they decided to g'ive
common shareholders participation
in the new laboratory setup. Direcr
tors voted to distribute 50% of the
outstanding capital stock of Pathe
Laljoratories, Inc., the wholly-owned
operating company (subsidiary), on
a basis of one share of Pathe Labora-
tories stock for each 100 Pathe com-
mon shares held.
The distribution will be made
March 29.
'iBnemy's' Troubles
Hollywood, March 14.
'Enemy Agenf a mystery yarn,
rolled yesterday (Monday) at
Warners after a three-day delay over
writing troubles.
Terry Morse took the directing
job, replacing William Clemens, who
disagreed with Bryan Foy over the
script •
U SHOWS $157,990
NET IN 1ST QUARTER
Universal held close to the strong
record established in the final quar-
ter of last year by reporting a net
profit of $157,990 for the first 13
weeks in its new fiscal 12-month
period. It covers the quarter ending
Jan. 28 last and compares with the
net loss of $388,797 shown in the
similar 13-week period of last year.
Universal had a net profit of $161,-
929 in the final quarter of its fiscal
year ended last Oct 28.
Cpmpany earnings presently are
reported to be at the rate of more
than $200,000 per quarter.
2 More Higgins Family
Yarns Readied at Rep.
Hollywood, March 14.
Republic is rushing preparations
on two more Higgins Family films
featuring James, Lucile and Russell
Gleason,
Gerard Smith is doing one screen
play, and Jack Townley and Taylor
Caven the other.
Wednesday, March 15, 1939
PICTURES
VARIETY
FILM POUT LOOKS ENDING
Censordlip Bill on Tap in Jersey;
Six Pix Got Lepn s Frown in "38
Trentoa, March t4.
. A renewed move to create a cen-
sor board for New Jersey, empow-
ered to ban any exhibition It ruled
Improper,* Is back again lor legisla-
tive consideration. Assemblyman
•John M. Kerner, Union County Re-
-publican, has introduced a bill
which would provide lor appoint-
ment ol a three-member board of
censors, each of whom would re-
ceive annual salaries ol $4,500.
Kerner offered a simiWr bill last
year, but it was killed in committee.
Only Six Condemned
In a list of pictures reviewed and
classified for the year running from
•November, 1937, to November, 1938,
the Legion of Decency found only
six pictures to condemn and '32 that
were objectionable in part
The six on which the Legion
turned thumbs down completely In-
cluded 'Assasin of Youth,' 'Club de
Femmes' (French), 'It's AH in the
Mind,' 'Life of Nina Petrovna'
(French), 'Marriage Forbidden' and
'Bac'e Suicide.'
Of the list louhd objectionable in
part, Warner Bros, and 20th-Fox are
tied with five each, while U and Par
had three each in this classification.
3 Tax Bills Die
Atlanta, March 14.
Amusement business has three-
fold reason for joy as Georgia .
general assembly approaches ad-
journrnent Saturday (18).
Solons (1) did not pass bill
levying luxury taxes, including
20% tap on theatre ducats; (2)
refused to okay straight 3% sales
tax, which would also have put
bite on admissions, and (3) let
die legislation calling lor straight
10% tax on amusements.
FALSE TEETH
NOTDEDUOIBLE
SAYS «. S.
Va. City Wins Appeal
Vs. State on Banning
Of 'Birth of a Baby'
Lynchburg, Va., March 14.
The state Supreme Court yester-
day (Monday) granted the city an
appeal In the 'Birth ol a Baby'
. .censorship case, regarded as of state-
wide importance. The question in-
volved is whether an individual city
has the right to ban a film after it
has been okayed by the state board.
In ruling that the film could be
thown here, the local judge invited
an appeal. He said the state held a
monopoly on censorship.
City contends that Its recently
•mended charter gives It specific
right to control films and dramas.
The appeal Is expected to be heard
In a lew weeks.
NEW ALBANY BILLS
TO AMEND CIVIL RIGHI^
Albany, March 14.
.Two bills amending the civil rights
law in relation to equal rights in
public and amusement places have
been introduced in the Legislature.
One is by Assemblyman William T.
Andtews, Harlem Negro lawyer-
Democrat, and the other, more
drastic, by Senator Walter J. Ma-
honey, Buffalo Republican.
The Mahoney measure, put in 'by
request,' provides lor suspension or
revocation of a license i£ equal fa-
cilities to all are not extended. Such
equally Is made a condition lor the
holding ol a license.
The Andrews bill extends the pres-
ent law on equal rights in places ol
public accommodation and amuse-
ment to 'public halls and public ele-
vators' to 'retail store- ana estab-
lishments' and to 'beauty parlors.'
INikado' to Follow
?yg' at N. Y. Astor
The Mikado,' film version ol the
Gilbert-Sullivan opera made in
England, is set to iollow 'Pygmalion'
into the Astor theatre, N.Y., with the
current pop scale prevailing lor the
universal release. 'Pygmalion,' how-
ever, will probably hold till Easter.
'Mikado,' with Kenny Baker, will
.be sold as a special by U several
weeks alter the Astor theatre en-
gagement starts.
Washington, March 14.
Board ol Tax Appeals this week
continued its educational campaign
among film actors, to tell them what
can be listed in their income taxes
as a proper business deduction and
what, alas, cannot
Three thousand dollar lalse teeth
—the property ol Ned Sparks, dead-
pan comedian — are definitely non-
deductible, Board ruled Monday
(13). Likewise $2,500 which Lee
Tracy asked to have chopped Irom
his taxable income because it main-
tained his lamily home In Trucks-
ville, Pa., where Tracy's mother and
niece are living.
'It would be difficult to imagine
anything more persqpal than a set
ol lalse teeth,' the Board contended
smugly, . alter listening to Spark's
plea that the costly chompers were
business rather than personal ex-
penses. Internal Rievenue experts
refused to listen to comedian's pleas
that the teeth In question were part
ol a $3,500 expenditure lor two sets
ol phoney molars-^nd were used
solely to correct a slight hiss which
appears in his screen voice. Other
set (apparently costing $500) de-
scribed as 'perlectly good lor chew-
ing,' but not lor business use.
No direct relationship lound by
tax sleuths between Tracy's $2,600
board-and-room bill and 'petitioner's
l)usine$s as a professional actor.' Did
allow him to deduct $161 listed as
tips to studio employees, camera-
men, etc.
Albany Gets 'Nother
Projectionist Measure
Albany, March 14.
Another and drastic projectionist
bill, introduced by Assemblyman
Robert J. Crews, Brooklyn Republi-
can, and affecting only New York
City, not only establishes a licensing
system lor operators and minimum
training requirements lor appren-
tices, but makes It a misdemeanor
to employ, or permit to operate, an
unlicensed man in any theatre or
place ol public admission where mo
tion pictures are exhibited, with or
without charge lor admittance.
Measure also asks employment ol
not less than two licensed operators
where there is more than one pro-
jecting machine on the premises,
The Crews-Phelps projectionist bill
does not carry such a. provision, al
though Its effect would generally be
to require two men In the booth.
Plan Gumshoe Series
Hollywood, March 14
Further adventures ol Sherlock
Holmes are plotted at 20th-Fox lol
lowing an official peek at The
Hound of the Baskervllles.'
Basil (Sherlock) Rathbone and
Bruce (Watson) Nigel are being con-
sidered lor the series of Conan Doyle
yarns.
PERGENTAGE DEAL
OPENING THE lY
Several Major Film Studios
Thought Ready to Resume
Frank Financing of Stage
Plays After Two- Year Boy-
cott
RECENT BUYS
With several major studios -on the
verge ol resuming legit production
and others having lound. a way ol
getting around the problem, Holly-
wood's two-year-old boycott ol
Broadway appears about to be dis-
carded. However, a stand-pat lac-
tion led by oiie ol the largest com-
panies is understood trying to hold
the others to their so-called 'secret
agreement'
' Several factors have tended to
create the present situation. Most
important is probably the number of
film buys of legit plays on a per-
centage basis, particularly the pre-
producUon purchase of 'The Phila-
delphia Story.' Apparently the pic-
ture executives are also beginning
to figure on the fact that a company
backing a Broadway show is entitled
to the first bid lor the screen rights.
Still another Item is the success ol
RKO, through Max Gordon, in ob-
taining the rights to 'Abe Lincoln in
Illinois' and getting an apparent edge
in the bidding lor 'The American
Way.'
With signs thus pointing to an
imminent return ol Hollywood coin
to legit producing under the terms
of the Dramatists Guild's Minimum
Basic Agreement, the so-called
'Wharton plan,' which has been un-
der consideration for nearly a year,
is nbw overshadowed. Sidney Flei-
scher, Guild negotiator for film sales;
Jake Wllk, of Warners, and J. Rob-
ert Rubin, of Metro, have been dis-
cussing the proposal, which would
set the price of film buys in advance,
with the actual amount to be de-
termined by the gross for the Broad-
way run. However, several hitches
have arisen, chief of which is said to
be whether such deals would comr
mlt the studio to a buy or merely
give an option.
Sategnards in Pact
Safeguards against the forced clos-
ing of productions to hold down the
amount ol film coin paid have been
inserted in the tentative agreement
Should the manager desire to con-
tinue an engagement while the film
end demurs, he could keep the show
going. In such instances the weekly
film rights payments would cease
and another deal could be made lat-
ter covering the picture company's
claims.
Possibility ol taking scripts out ol
the open market is believed to be
another strong incentive lor the pic-
ture end to patch up differences with
the Guild. New plan supplements
the present basic agreement, which
calls lor competitive bidding (or the
rights, so that It could operate lor
all productions other than those
film-backed.
Although Robert E. Sherwood,
Guild president, has stated that ne-
gotiations regarding the 'Wharton
plan' would proceed regardless, he
said that he had received informa-
tion that the studios might abandon
their boycott ol Broadway. Other
sources indicate that two and prob-
ably three film companies have de-
cided to resume legit producing as
soon as possible — this season, it they
can find suitable scripts. Warners
is said to be eager to back Sidney
Kingsley's 'The Outward Room/ with
the idea of a lall production.
Percentage Deals
Prevailing motive in this growing
determination to get back into Broad-
way financing is apparently the new
and widespread trend toward per-
centage film deals. Three such deals
have been consummated within the
last lew weeks, while several others
are reported in the works. Pur-
chase ol 'The Philadelphia Story,' In
(Continued on page 25)
Sidetracking of Divorcement
Measure in Kansas Committee
Rated Blow to Indies' Cause
Death Too Fast
Lincoln, March 14.
Quick kill on the theatre di-
vorcement and sales regulation
bills In Nebraska almost turned
into a boomerang on the film
lobby, since some ol the sen-
ators said it looked 'too good.'
Senator £. M. Neubauer, inti-o-
ducer ol both measures, didn't
even sh6w at the kill, but stayed
completely away alter having
gone on record saying there was
going to be a complete house-
cleaning in Nebraska dlstrlbu--
tion.
N.D. OKAYS NIX
ON DIVORCE
APPEAL
Washington, March 14.
Dismissal ol the Paramount ap-
peal Irom the decision upholding the
state's repealed theatre divorcement
law is agreeable to North Dakota
authorities. The U. S. Supreme Court
was urged yesterday (Monday) to
emphasize that no judgment was ex-
pressed as to the validity ol the
statute.
In opposition to Paramount's sug-
gestion that the matter be remanded
with Instructions to reverse Its prior
stand the attorney general said the
whole tiff 'can be lorgotten since the
act has bee^EepeaIedr.but-any»exf
pression ol sentiment as advocated
by the majors would be a weapon
in attempts to (1) prevent other
states Irom passing comparble meas-
ures, (2) bring about repeal ol acts
elsewhere, and (3) fight the govern-
ment's anti-trust suit In New Yor'k.
LOBBY TRYING TO STOP
NEW PA. AMUSE. TAX
Philadelphia, March 14.
Film Interests got a powerlul
lobbying campaign underway this
week In an endeavor to pickle a bill
introduced in the state House ol Rep-
resentatives last week, levying an
amusement tax to raise lunds lor un-
employment reliel. Industry was
caught unawares when the bill was
placed in the hopper, but hurriedly
-mar.<:halcd lorces to see that it
doesn't come out ol committee.
The bill, introduced by Repre-
sentative Edwin Winner, Republican,
places a one-cent tax' on each 25c.
of admish to film houses, legit thea-
tres, and athletic events. Similar
measure In lorce here was killed by
the Earle administration last year.
If passed, the bill will create a
double tax situation in Philly, lor
City Council here took over the im-
post when the state let it die and
now levies a municipal tax at the
same rate.
InjoDs' Appetites OK
Boise, Idaho, March 14.
Keith-Farley, hotel man, was
awarded $10,266 by a lederal court
jut-y. in his suit against -Frank- Mes^
senger, Metro director, and Locw's,
Inc. Farley contended he led 400
Indians at McCall last summer dur-
ing location scenes ol 'Northwest
Passage' (M-G). Defendants claimed
they had paid lor the lood and Far-
ley was merely a supervisor.
Appeal to San Francisco district
court Is planned.
Regarded 'as the most important
setback to theatre divorcement out-
side of the North Dakota repeal, Is
the action ol the Kansas legislature
in relerring its chain separation
statute to. the committee on the ju-
diciary, rather than bringing it up
immediately lor a vote belore the
senate.
House had passed the measure by
a large vote two weeks ago. In view
ol the lact that the legislature at
Topeka adjourns in. two weeks, it is
lelt there may be no. action on. a
vote. Among other things, the ju-
diciary committee ordinarily passes
on the constitutionality ol bills in-
troduced.
Wash. Divorcement Killed
Seattle, March 14. ^
This state's theatre divorcement
bill didn't go very lar. It died In
the house committee and didn't get
on the calendar.
The committee held a hearing at
which B. F. Shearer, Le Roy John-
son, L. O. Lukan and Al Rosenberg,
ol the Evergreen Theatres, gave .tes-
timony.
The bill was definite in divorcing
producer-distributor operation or
connection 'directly .or indirectly*
with any theatre. In this state,
Warner Bros, own "three theatres,
while 20th-Fox, through Chase Na-
tional Bank and the former West
Coast-Fox Theatres, control about 26
top houses.
Minn. Drops Divorcenient
Minneapolis, March 14.
Repeal ol the North Dakota theatre
divorcement law has caused North-
west Allied to abandon its plans to
seek passage ol such a measure by
tha^MinnesotB .state legislature now
In session, according to announce-
ment by W. A. Stefles, its president
If the ^U. S. supreme court had
heard the appeal in the North Da-
kota suit to test divorcement's con-
stitutionality, which would have oc-
curred except lor repeal, a divorce-
ment bill would perhaps have been
put through the present Minnesota
legislature. A majority ol the mem-
bers were pledged in Its lavor,
Steffes insists.
' Now, however, It has been decided
that nothing is to be gained lor the
present Irom pushing a fight to have
the law enacted, according to Steffes.
He points out that probably at least
three years would elapse belore. the
law's provisions would become el-
lective, inasmuch as the Paramount
Northwest circuit would be given a
year, or more, to divest itsell ol its
85 Minnesota theatres and then the
legislation would be attacked in the
lederal courts again, the same ns in
North Dakota, consuming, perhaps,
two additional years, with Para-
mount continuing to possess and
operate the showhouses.
Steffes, who believefs theatre di-
vorcement is the industry's most
needed relorm lor independent ex-
hibitors' salvation, also points out
that it is one ol the Government's
objectives in the anti-trust suit
against (he distributors. He', also Is
hopeful that divorcement will be en-
acted in Kansas. Thus, he points
out. it probably will be only a mat-
ter ol time belore the U.S. supreme
court finally will pass on such legis-
lation's validity.
The North Dakota state legislature
adjourned without any effort to pass
another theatre divorcement law to
replace the one that was repealed. A
proposed additional tax on theatre
admissions also lell by the -wayside.
The -legislat«re,--however; passed a
bill requiring ASCAP to register all
ol its music played In North Dakota
and to pay the state a three percent
tax on Its revenue therelrom.
April 19 is the date set for the
adjournment of the Minnesota state
legislature. Present Indications are
that no legislation will be passed af-
fecting theatres.'
VARIETY
PIGTiniES
Wednesdajt March 15, 1939
FILM SHOWMANSHIP
Previews at Frisco Fair
And Wask WiU Ring
Up 'Alex. Graham BeU'
Advertising campaign for 'The
Story of Alexander Graham Bell,'
first of the Cosmopolltah productions
to be released by 20th-Fox, will reach
23,039,849 newspaper readers through
out the United States and Canada.
In '20 Hearst newspapers extensive
extra advertising' will be carried on
the picture and special co-operative
advertising is being scheduled for
178 newspapers In 82 key cities
throughout the country. Advertising
In fan magazines will run in advance
of the newspaper campaign. .
Opening blast in ^he extensive ex-
ploitation campaign for the picture
came from Boston last Friday (10),
when Don Ameche, who plays the
lead, talked over the telephone. to
newspaper reporters in New York,
Chicago, Washington, Albany, Syra'
cuse, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Baltimore,
Detroit, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, Los
Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland and
Seattle at the same time.
Ameche went from New York to
Boston for the event and spoke on
a special telephone hook-up from 5
Exeteir Place, the spot where, sixty
three years ago, BeU spoke his fa'
mous words, 'Mr. Watson, come here!
I want you.'
Another exploitation stunt for The
Story of Alexander Graham Bell,'
is the twin preview scheduled for
March 29, well in advance of the
'national release date of the picture,
April 14. Previews will be held at
the Golden Gate Expo in San Fran
Cisco and in Constitution Hall in
Washington, D. C. Harry Brand, stU'
dio publicity director at 20th-Fox,
bas arranged for a special train to
carry newspaper men and stars from
Hollywood to San Francisco for the
event. Heading the group of stars
who will journey to San Francisco
for the preview will be Don Ameche,
Loretta Young, Henry Fonda, Sally
Blane, Polly Ann Young and Georgi'
ana Young, all members of the cast
of the picture.
Holding of the second part of the
twin preview in Washington has a
particular significance in that Wash-
ington is the home of Mrs. Gilbert
Grosvenpr, datighter of Alexander
Graham BeU, and the showing will
be sponsored by the Gr<»venor fam-
ily, in Constitution Hall. The event
will emphasize strongly the historical
phase of the picture.
HOBBY DISPLAYS MAKE
GOOD LOBBY DISPLAYS
Rochester, March 14.
Lester Pollock, managing Loew's
Bochester, is using a new twist on
lobby exhibits. Advertises for hobby
displays and then picks one that ties
in wiQi coming feature.
For "Stagecoach' (UA) he has
striking lobby exhibit including
varions types of stagecoaches in
miniature and other forms of tranS'
portatlon down through streamlined
trains. For Xet Liberty Ring' he
has lined up an extensive display of
bells. Collections, .often including
rare and valuable items, are shown
in locked glass eases. .
Mob Newspaper Office
In Mystery Man Ston
Syracuse, March 14.
Successful resurrection . of one of
the oldest gags in the field of pro-
motion by Frank Murphy, Loew's
manager, is the current topic on the
Syracuse rialto. Murphy enlisted the
cooperation of a Syracuse paper in
a hunt for The Wasp,' one of the
characters' in 'tiet Freedom Ring'
(M-G). The old gag proved em-
barrassingly successful.
Film'-struck hunters, anxious to
get the six $5 rewards offered by
Murphy, beselged the mystery man
in such numbers down the main
stem that on two occasions police
were needed to straighten out the
traffic jam. Pay-off came when
whole mob of searchers chased The
Wasp' right into the office of the
managing editor of the cooperating
paper, where they laid siege for two
hours.
By John C Flinn
It is only a coincidence, and perhaps shouldn't be
mentioned, but more old-fashioned showmanship has
manifested itself in film distributing circles since the
ending of the $230,000 quiz contest several weeks ago
than during any similar period this season.
The boys who have films to sell seem to have awak-
ened en masse, as it were, to the necessities of bally-
hoo on the grand scale, letting prestige and good-will
follow in the wake of some good pictures, well ex-
ploited. In the last analysis the industry's standing
with the public rests on its current boxoflice offerings.
Most citizens homeward bound after an evening in a
theatre are likely to appraise all films by the satis-
factory entertainment they have just seen— and vice
versa.
Each of the major coropanles that has something
coming which is out of the ordinary is planning its
own greater picture season. The results in term of
enhanced boxoffice are likely to be in proportion to
the amount of enthusiasm generated and passed along
to the nation's exhibitors. These showmen, once con-
vhiced of a film's drawing possibilities, will do the rest
of the Job with the public. But they must be sliown.
All of which Is suggested by the barrage of an-
nouncements from homeroSice publicity departments
of the imusual plan% in operation to make the remain-
ing weeks of the spring season both notable and profit-
able. There's competition in the air, also, between tl»e
various exploitation divisions, and tbe first-run show-
ings of -some of the films will be conducted along lines
that may be .described only as 'bigger and better.'
STUDIOS ACTITE
Not the least constructive phase of this enlarged
activity are the tieins which have been, effected be-
tween the flollywood studios and their respective sales
organizations. 'Too -frequently the whole burden of
these ballys has been passed along to the home office
publicity departments with a minimum of help from
the Coast The newer method is to bring in the pro-
duction foroes and take complete, advantage of the
publicity dynamite' inherent in screen personalities
when displayed in group form. It isn't a new formula,
but it hasn't been used of late years since . Warners
toured a special train of celebrities in connection with
the musical, "Forty-Second Street.'
Now the special train stunt is being revived again,
both for Warners' 'Dodge City' premiere in the Kan-
sas town' on April 1, and for Par amount's 'Union
Pacific,' produced by Cecil B. DeMille, which will get
up steam at a big celebration in Omaha on April 28.
Anyone who ever has participated in or been
around the edges of one of these transcontinental tours
of film stars and notables knows the unfailing magic
of the distant train whistle, the station platform bustle
and the local brass band harmony to stir the expectant
multitude. Airplanes have their own peculiar ad-
vantages as exploitation aids, but nothing in 75 years
has displaced the hissing of locomotive steam as a
signal for prolonged and excited cheering, whether the
newcomers are political candidates, Haverley!s Min-
strels, or Hollywood personages. Brightly colored cir-
cus cars on a railroad siding are worth their weight ia
24 sheets.
The Dodge City and Omaha roundups are samples
of what is coming soon. Warners also have big ex-
ploitation plans for 'Dark 'Victory' and 'Juarez,' and
Paramount will press down on 'Beau Geste.'
In an adjacent column some space is given to the
campaign which is planned for 'Alexander Graham
Bell'. (20th), and there will be emphasis also on 'Rose
of Washington Square' and 'Stanley and Livingstone,'
from the same studio. It can be stated in the record
to the credit of the 20th-Fox organization that no other
company so far this season has excelled the campaign
for 'Alexander's Ragtime Band.'
The same may be said for the manner In which
Metro Initiated and has carried through with its
handling of 'Pygmalion,' a job of intensive city by city
exploitation which Is carrying the film into top brackets
both at the boxofCices and. in rentals. Same department
now is concentrating on 'Ice Follies' and preparing for
'Broadway Serenade' and 'Wizard of Oz.'
Latest Astaire-Rogers film. The CastTes,' is getting
the attention of the RKO exploiteers. One of the first
signs of activity in this directioQ is a spread story in
the conservative N. Y, Times (13) to the effect that
the New York Society of Dancing Teachers is resolved
to revive the dances created by Vernon and Irene Castle
in pre-war days. 'Love Affair' (RKO) is being pushed
by a co-operative newspaper advertising campaign
with first-run houses.
Two other films on the list for unusual handling are
<Wuthering Heights' (Ctoldwyn-UA), which will need
plenty of pounding to get over that title, and Three
Smart Girls Grow Up' (U), which won't.
WATSOK, HT HOBSE
Whatever queer shapes the femme Easter hats will
assume (and they'll be plenty queer), film biz is bring-
ing the lO-gallon chapeaux into popularity. The list
of big-time westerns keeps growing week after week.
Starting with 'Jesse James' (20th), the cycle contains
The Oklahoma Kid' (WB), 'Union Pacific' (Par),
'SUgecoach' (Wanger-UA), 'Dodge City' (WB) and
'Man of Conquest' (Rep).
BeMELLE'S TITLE SWITCHES
Comes from London .the announcement that a new
version of Sir James M. Barrle'S 'The Admirable
Crichton' win be produced, starring Charles Laughton
and Elsa Iianchester. Which brings to mind that the'
first filming of the play in the silent days was Cecil
a DeMille's 'Male and Female.'
DeMille's showmanship took , spectacular turns in
casting and story interpolation^. 'Male and'Femble'
was first of several films he directed with Gloria Swan-
son and Thomas Meighan as co-stars. Never one to
stick to conventional, lines, DeMille was first of the
early picture makers to use an insert, or cut-back, in
the middle of a modem story. Thus, in 'Male and
Female,' the two stars suddenly were transported to
Babylon, where the prince and Christian slave fable
is spotted.
By what strange processes the title The Admirable
Crichton' became 'Male and Female' would astound
present day psychologists. Ever a .believer in the
showmanship values of a good title, .DeMille con-
stantly was on the lookout for good names for films.
He liked phrases which carried an association of Ideas.
He always felt that 'Adam's Rib' was a great title, but
his picture of. that name was not one of his successes.
Fact is, he uncovered 'Male and Female' as a potential
title the same evening he foimd 'Adam's Rib,' when
he was reading the Book of Gen«is. So Tlie Ad-
mirable Crichton' became 'Male and Female* (unques-
tionably to its greater boxoffice profit) by the simple
method of tossing away the. original Barrie title and
giving it another. It was no more subtle than that
nr OTHER WOBSS, MORE TOOH
Stanley Fisher, of Detroit has a graphic manner of
describing the new season's films as he interprets the
announcements from the Hollywood studios. He
writes, "The theatre-going public has become bored
and is no longer interested In getting imfiammation
of the eyelids looking at the old. bulldog-with-rubber-
teeth type of yams. The new stories that are now
being prepared to go before the cameras are . to have
more bounce and muscle, they are to mirror the re-
flection of modern life with its many problems, and
by feeling the pulse of things as they are today to
have more of a foolproof .system of anticipating the
desires of the public in entertainment'
STAY MARRIED 50 YRS.
AND WIN THEATRE PASS
Reading, Pa., March 14.
George Peters, manager of Loew's
Colonial, invited couples married 50
years or more to be his guests at the
showing of 'Made for Each Other'
(UA), and gave a dinner to five of
the couples at a hotel.
More than 30 couples responded to
the offer of free tickets. Peters' end
was much free publicity, stories of
conditions facing couples about to
marry 50 years ago and now, and
other human interest material. Tie-
up with Reading Times ygave him
numerous well-placed news stories.
iStagecoach in 9-Honr
^ Dash from Hub to Pro?.
Providence, March 14.
Loew's State not onl^ had 'Stage-
coach' flickering across its screen
this v/.eek, but brought the real thing
here from Boston to mark the show's
opening Friday (3). More than 800
persons, made aware of the fact by
press notices, waited at Loew's State
for the coach's arrival.
The coach started from Boston at
10 a.m. arid arrived at the theatre
at 6:45 p.m. where it was met by
Mayor John F. Collins, who was
given a letter from Mayor Tobin, of
Boston. Proceedings were aired in
a 15-minute spot over 'WPRO.'
$200 in Prizes for Best
'Jane Arden' Displays
Exhibitors will have an opportu-
nity to cash in on $200 being given
away by the Ward Baking Co., in
conjunction with the nationskl release
of Warner Bros. "The Adventures of
Jane Arden,' featuring RoseUa
Towne.
The baking company is sponsoring
a display contest for theatres east
of the Mississippi awarding cash
prizes for the best displays tying in
the company's 'Jane Arden' radio
program and the picture. The prizes
will be divided into four awards of
fifty dollars each, and theatre man-
agers will be required to use the
Ward's display material, which is
being distributed gratis to them.
In conjunction with the tleup, the
Ward 'Jane Arden' radio program
will herald the release of the film
with spot announcements daily over
the NBC Blue network.
AUTHOR TELLS HOW
SeatUe, March 14.
For 'Stagecoach,' shown at Para-
mount Hamrick-Evergreen imported
Ernest Haycox, the author from Hol-
lywood. Haycox broadcast, break-
ing in on a Good News schedule, tell-
ing how he ciime to write the story,
giving some inside on authoring and
its tribulation!.'.
He also spi'lu ; a Chamber of
Commerce lUl^^'^>(>n. getting okay
newspaper brc.ilc<; for 'Stagecoach.'
BIG CO^ CAMPAIGN
mm um m
St Louis, March 14.
Because 'Made for Each Other' is
a type picture that suggests commer-
cial tieups, manager Chick Evans,
p.a. Jimmy Harris and Berriie Evans,
UA exploiteer, mapped out a co-
operation campaign to attract cus-
tomers to Loew's. The first tieup
they made was with the A & P gro-
cery store chain and through it dis-
tributed 80,000 circulars to homes
in the West End district the coSt of
distribution being on a SO-SO basis
and, the printing expense being borne
by the grocery company. The next
move was the distribution of 10,000
special heralds attached to each of
which was a safety pin and copy
suggesting, 'Pin this to your calen-
dar so you won't miss seeing 'Made
for Each Other' at Loew's.'
Among several nice corop ads, the
best was with the Pevely Dairy Co.
for a half -page in all three daily
newspapers, in which a half-tone
photo of Carole Lombard shared
equal space with the dairy company's
health building copy. Another nice
tieup was with the distributors of
Kellogg Corn Flakes, 50 .trucks here
and in East St Louis carylng copy.
Theatre paid for three days' use of
giant Greyhound bus that meandered
all over the burg with 24's plastered
on each side. Five hundred special
window cards also were planted in
strategic ^ots.
Dodge City Preparing
GhmoroHS Reception
For WB Fdm Premiere
Dodge City, March 14.
This town, which once thrilled to
the exploits at Wild BiU Hickok and
Bat Masterson, is getting ready for
an invasion of film celebrities on
April 1 in connection with the
world's premiere of 'Dodge City,' a
new Warner film which has been
booked for simultaneous exhibition
in the three theatres on Main street
Festivities for visitors are befaig
planned for two days. A crowd of
10,000 is expected from the sur-
rounding country. -
Heretofore, the closest that local
inhabitants have been to Holly-
wood's glamour is during the mo-
ments when tbe film greats and
near-'greats have stepped off the
Santa Fe -trains and switched their
watches from mountain to central
time. No less than 50 stars, execu-
tives and newspaper writers are ex-
pected to . attend tha flUn premiere.
The Chamber of Commerce is spread-
ing the news and, when proof is de-
manded, a telegrajn from Charles
Einfeld, advertising chief of the film
company, is shown as sure evidence
that the party is on.
'Fwo special trains will carry
guests to Dodge City, one leaving
Hollywood the morning of March
31, the other departing fro..i Chl-
c. go with the New York and eastern
contingent aboard.
Among the. visitors will be Jack
Warner. Hal Wallis, Grad Sears,
Charles Einfeld, Mort Blumenstock,
Bob TCtpUnger and Mitchell Rawson,
from the executive staff of the com-
pany. Players who will be here in-
clude Erroll Flynn, Olivia de Havll-
land, PrlscUla Lane, Marlene Diet-
rich, Aim Sheridan, Bruce Cabot
Anita Louise, Margaret Lindsay,
'Victor Jory, George Brent James
Cagney, Jane Wyman, Rosemary
Lanei Gale Paige, Glenda Farrell,
Leo Carrillo, (^rge Bancroft Claire
Windsor, Dorothy MacKaill, Rich-
ard Dix and Hugh Herbert. Others
are expected.
Whole town will be given over to
the premiere celAration, and invi-
tations have been extr.nded to state
officials and a few national figures
Residents are planning to wear f ron«
tier costumes, and stores and dwell-
ings will be decorated in keeping
with the atmosphere of pioneer days.
PAST AND PRESENT UP.
nUfliS AT N. Y. FAIR
Coincident with national release of
Cecil B. deMille's 'Union Pacific'
set by Paramount for April 28, the
company is getting behind a 'Union
Pacific' day at the N. Y. World's Fair
early in May. Arangements are be-
ing set on that now.
The U. P. railroad is bringing east
from Omaha for exploitation on the
way and exhibition at the fair a
train which will include the latest
streamlined cars, plus a train of cars
of the vintage of 50 years ago. The
two types of equipment will be
hooked into one and make numerous
stops on the way east as well as on
the return west to Chicago. Train
leaves Chicago April 30, and will
take a -different route on the return
than taken east
Modernize Land Rush
Gag for Cagney's lid'
Oklahoma City, March 14.
In both this community and nearby
Tulsa, Irving Rubeine and Allan
Glenn of Warner Bros.' publicity
staff, with Jimmy Birge of Standard
here, and J. C. Hunter of Talbot the-
atres in Tulsa, worked up good pro-
motion stunts on joint world pre-
mieres of The Oklahoma Kid' (WB).
Locally Birge and Rubeine lined
up everything from parades and ro-
deos to a governor's reception for
Humphrey Bogart and Rosemary
Lane, co-featured in the fibn. Head-
lined was a barbecue party with
western rodeo acts, display of equip-
ment gathered from all over the state
for a parade which followed, to
which oldtime guests were invited
by a cowboy on horseback deliver-
ing a proclamation which declared a
modern land rush.
Wednesday, March 15, 1939
PICTURE GROSSES
VARIETY 9
Honest Man'-Rhodes Fine $22,000,
Danghter'-Vaade Lower Case 27G,
Ciu Otherwke Fair; Scarce
Chicago, March 14.
Week got aWay satisfactorily, but
fiaturdflv brought a discouraging
downpour that killed off plent/ of
aetlon for the downtowners. After a
little trouble with the censor board
that was finally straightened out
•Yes. My Darling Daughter" is headed
for what appears no better than
127 000 at the Chicago, where things
bayen't been too perky during the
past few weeks. . , ^
■ Dif Acuity of most of the downtown
houses'here has been the inablUty to
eet pictures to hold up. They start
out with a good pace, but then pister
out after a few days. Houses like
the XTnited Artists and Roosevelt
vsei to four and six weeks with
their pictures, but now one or two.
sessions are the rule, with the one-
weekers more in evidence than the
fortnight kind. That is why 'Pyg-
malion,' now in its fifth week in the
Apollo, is the talk of the Chicago
trade, and 'Gunga Din' a marvel for
turning in a four-weeker at the Pal-
ace.
After a nice .first week, indications
are that 'Huck Finn' will call it a
run after the current session. 'Stage-
coach,' which started out fine in the
Boosevelt, bowed after the second
week.
Estimates for Thls^eek
Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-75)—
•Pygmalion' (M-G) (5th wk.). Has
been a' great box-office item in Chi-
cago, and is heading for excellent
S6,000 iafter smash $7,200 last week.
Chicago (B&K) (4.000; 35-55-75)—
'Darling Daughter' (WB) and stage
show. After national publicity on
censor difficulties, film looks for a
take that will be disappointing at
$27,000. Last week, 'C;afe Society'
(Par) failed to excite much trade
at $25,300.
Garriok (B&K) (900; 35-55-65)—
jCafe Society' (Par). Moved here
from the Chicago, but not causing
muQh s.tir at $4,000. Last week, 'Mus-
keteers' (20th), okay $6,500.
Oriental (Jones) (3,200; 25-40) —
"Love from Stranger' (RKO) and 'I
Am Convict' (WB),-plui vaude. Pair
$13,500. Last week, 'Woman Again'
(061) and 'Next Time Marry' (RKO),
okay $14,900.
PaUce (HKO) (2.500; 35-55-75)—
•Honest Man* (U) and vaude, with
Doris Rhodes. House again comes
through with a good box-office mark
io very satisfying $22,000. Holds
Over. Last week, "Wharf (RKO)
and vaude, good enough $16,500.
Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65-
75)— 'Wings Navy' (WB). Came in on
Saturday (11), preceded by big ad
space in the Hearst sheets. Fair pace
despite rain, and looks for $13,000 on
the session. Last week, 'Stagecoach'
(UA) finished good two-weeker with
$11,000, okay.
^ State-Lake (B&K). (2,700; 25-40)—
•Offl Record' (WB) and vaude. Will
manage $13,500, all right Last week,
•New York Sleeps' (20th). $13,700.
United Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700;
35-55-65-75)— 'Huck Finn' (M-G) (2d
wk.). Slipping to $11,000 after cUck
$16,200 during the initial stanza
'Kach Other' (UA) next.
UUGHTON AT
NIFTY IN MILWAUKEE
Milwaukee, March 14.
Top grosser this stanza is the
■Beachcomber' at the Palace, which
is making up for several weeks of
below average biz at that house. If
■ summery weather lasts out the week,
all downtowners are In line for a
general upturn in biz.
,_Yes, My Darling Daughter,' after
10 days at the Warner, shifted to the
Strand for a final week and is doing
favorably, while the Wisconsin is
J>.sg. with 'Wife, Husband, Friend*.
Critics judged It too arty and cus-
tomers are staying away.
.Estimates for This Week
.J-'Wle (Indie) (1,050; 35-50)— 'Scar-
i«t„Punpernel' (UA). Sighting poor
$3,000. Last week, 'Old Drury' (GB),
n)Ud $3,300.
B^?*"?"* (Fox-Wisconsin) (2,400; 35-
50)r-;'Beachcomber' (Par) and 'Boy
Trouble' (Par). British film is grab-
fc'JS returns and will hit nifty
ffl.200. Last week, 'Cafe Society'
»:f£2 ^1"* Tom Sawyer' (Par),
$8,500, okay.
Uverslde (Indie) (2,80P: 25-30-35)
—Pirates Skies' (U) and Happy Fel-
lons orch on stage. Combo insures
good $10,500. Last week, 'Homicide
Bureau' (Col) and vaude, $9,000, fair,
Strand (Fox-Wisconsin) (900; 35-
M) — 'Darling Daughter' (WB) and
King Underworld" (WB). Getting
fxceUent $6,300. Last week. 'Pygma-
7S5L<M-G) and -Moto's Warning'
(20th). good $6,000.
Warner (WB) (2.400; 35-50) —
Stagecoach' (UA) and 'Nancy Drew'
(WB), Much bally and newspaper
ink Is helping this . dual to hefty
♦8,800. Last week, 'Darling Daughter'
(WB) and 'Honest Man' (U), finished
10 d|>ys to big $10,400.
Wueonsin (Fox-Wisconsui) (2,800;
35-50)— 'Wife, Husband' (20th) and
'Ambush' (Par). Only so-so $8,700.
Last week. 'Freedom Ring* (M-G)
and Tlirting Fate' (M-G), profitable
$9,000.
'DAUGHTER' U
SETS PAGE,
DETROIT
Detroit, March 14.
Bally stemming from N, . Y. cen-
sorship of 'Yes, My Darling Daugh-
ter,' and Detroit's subsequent okay-
ing of it is giving film a boost
for its initial showing here at the
Michigan. Will lead town without
much trouble, coupled with 'Let Us
Live,' despite return of slippery
weather.
Estimates for This Week
Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40)—
'Charlie Chan' (20th) and "Arizona
Wildcat' (20th). Good $5,300. Last
week 'Gunga Diii* (RKO) (2d wk)
(2d run), coupled with 'Peck's Bad
Boy' (RKO), okay $4,400 foUowing
great $9,800 first stanza, after two
big sessions at Fox. ,
Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40-
65)— 'Wife, Husband' (20th) plus
stage show. Poor $12,000. Last
week 'Honest Man' (U) and vaude,
good $23,000.
Michigan (United Detroit) (4.000;
30-40-65)— 'Darling Daughter' (WB)
and 'Let Us Live' (Col). Censorship
bally hypoing to okay $15,000. Last
week 'Cafe Society' (Par) and 'Boy
Trouble' (Par ). fair $12,500.
Palms - State (United Detroit)
(3.000; 30-40-50)— 'Stegecoach' (UA)
(2d run) and 'Torchy Blane China-
town' (WB). Former film moved
here from United Artists. Good
$9,000. Last week 'Wings Navy'
(WB) (2d run) and 'Prison Without
Bars' (UA), fair $5,500.
United Artists (United Detroit)
(2.000; 30-40-65) — 'Freedom Ring*
(M-G). Bad at $8,000. Last we&
'Stagecoach' (UA), $10,000.
'Danghter'-Vaode 9iG,
'Each Olher'-lel liye'
$8,000, Indpls. Steady
Indianapolis. March 14,
Grosses are steady without being
exceptionally strong In any particu-
lar instance. 'Made for Each Other'
and 'Let Us Live' on a dual at Loew's
is registering a tidy profit, while
'Little Princess' and 'Everybody's
Baby' are proving similarly satisfac-
tory as a twin bill at the Indiana.
Aided by talk of New York's cen^
sorship tangles. 'Yes. My Darling
Daughter' is pulling along a vaude
program at the Lyric to an okay
take. 'Spirit of (Culver.' exploited
along local lines due to location
scenes in the film, is faring mildly at
the Circle on a double bill with 'So-
ciety Smugglers.'
Estimates for This Week
Apollo (Katz-DoIIe) (1.100; 25-30-
40)— 'Wharf (RKO) and '12 Hours'
(RKO). One of the lowest first run
.grosses this house has had at $1,200.
Last week 'Happened One Night'
(Col) and 'Mr. Deeds' (Col) (re-
vivals), lightweight $2,200.
Circle (Katz-DoUe) (2,600; 25-30
40)— 'Culver' (U) and 'Society Smug-
glers' (U). Former pic given special
premiere locally with visiting dele-
gations from Culver military acad-
emy near here as guests. Results
tepid at $5,000. Last week. 'Wife.
Husband' (20th) and 'Inside Story'
(20th). fairly good $6,100. eight days.
Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3.100: 25-30-
40)— 'LitUe Princess' (20th) and
'Everybody's Baby' (20th). At $6,700.
okay. Last week, 'Cafe Society'
(Par) and 'Boy Trouble' (Par), mild
$4,500.
Loew's (Loew's) (2.400; 25-30-40)—
'Each Other' (UA) and 'Let Live'
(Col). Clicking neatly at $8,000.
Last week. Tooner' (UA) and 'Dra-
matic School' (M-G). good $7,100.
Lyric (Olson) (1,900; 25-30-40)—
'Darling Daughter' (WB) and vaude
with Nick Lucas. Pic given hulk of
credit for a good $9,500. due to news-
paper stories of New York's censor-
shin. Last week. 'Secret Service'
(WB) and Benny (joodman band.
$15,700. exceUent.
^■"^ ,fe*'c!5S^y Rain, Snow Swamp B way B.O.s;
Week of Hareh 16
Astor — 'Pygmalion' (M-G)
(15th wk).
Capita— Ice FoUies of 1939*
(M-G). ■
(Revletoed in VAioEir, March 8)
Criterion — "Fast and Loose*
(M-G) (2d wk):
Glebe — 'Blackwell's Island'
(WB) (3d wk).
Mnsie Hall — 'Love Affair*
(RKO).
(Reviewed In Current Issue)
Paramonnt — 'King of China-
town* (Par) (15).
BlvoU — "Three Smart Girls
Grow Up" (U) (17).
Boxy— 'Little Princess' (20th)
(2d wk).
* Strand— 'Oklahoma Kid" (WB)
(2d wk).
Week of March 23 .
Astor — 'Pygmalion' (M-G)
(16th wk).
Capitol — 'Ice Follies of 1939'
(M-G) (2d wk).
Globe — 'Blackwell's Island'
(WB) (4th wk).
Music Hall — "The Castles'
(RKO) (23).
Paramonnt — 'I'm from l^is-
aouri' (Par) (22).
Blslto — . 'Risky Business' '
(U) (22).
BIvoU — "Three Smart. Girls
Grow Up" (U) (2d wk).
Boxy— Hound of BaskerviUes"
(20).
Strand— "You Can"t Get Away
with Murder. (WB) (24).
TEMPLE $7,500,
mVER' NG,
Pin
Pittsburgh, March 14.
Several pix are handing in husky
grosses, Shirley Temple swinging
back into b. o. high again hi "Little
Princess" at Fulton and getaway pres-
ages run that should carry house
right into Easter Week and "East Side
of Heaven.'
At Stanley, Benny Goodman is giv-
ing 'Fast and Loose' neat hitch but
against bad week-end weather break
will have to' hustle to pass Artie
Shaw's figure of previous session.
'Honolulu' swinging the Penn well
into the black and should finish
house well above danger mark. Major
disappointment is 'Spirit of Culver'
at Alvin with Cooper-Bartholomew
starrer doing way below average.
Estimates for This Week
AlvIn (Harris) (1.850; 25-35-50)-^
'Culver' (U). Management and ex-
change worked out a good enough
campaign, tying in with military or-
ganizations and school alumni, but
nobody's bujnng. Will be lucky to
get $4,800 and that's in the doghouse.
Last veek. 'Wife. Husband' (20th),
pretty good $7,000 in eight days.
FBlton (Shea-Hyde) (1,750; 25-40)
—'Little Princess' (20th). Kid trade
jamming the mats, and also getting
strong night attention. Headed for
around $7,500. plenty good here and
indicates run that should easily ex-
tend to three weeks. Last week.
'Honest Man" (U) got three days in
third week and drew $2,500 for ab-
breviated session, giving film better
than $15,000 in 17 days. big.
Penn (Loew's-UA) (3.300; 25-35-50)
—'Honolulu' (M-G). Should have no
trouble hitting $14,000. and that's
satisfactory, and more, here at pres-
ent. Last week. 'Darlinc Daughter'
(WB) only so-so at $11,800.
Senator (Harris) (1.800; 25-40)—
'Can't Take It' (Col) (reissue) and
"Ferdinand' (RKO). House has been
strapped for product lately and push-
ing out as many reissues as possible.
Present combo has an .edge followint!
Academy awards, and may connect
for $2,000. fair. Last week, 'Imita-
tion of Life' (U) and 'Lloyds of Lon-
don' (20th) yanked after three days,
with 'Woman Doctor' (Ren) .and
'Mystery Plane' (Mono) eetting tho
other four. Under $1,500 for both
sets on the .seven da.ys.
Stanley (WB) (3.600: 25-40-60)—
'Fast and Loose' (M-G) and Benny
Goodman band. Same story with
swing outfits here. Bie aftermon
biz, and then just fair at night Mat
trade, however, still big enough to
account for $21,000. Last week.
'Paris Honfivmoon' (Par) and Artie
Shaw. $23,800.
Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-40)— 'Four
Girls' (M-G) and 'Persons Hidinn'
(Par). At $3,800. n.s.g. Last week.
"Gunga Din' (RKO). on h. o. from
Penn, good $6,000.
Cagney-Osbome Nic&36G, Temple
OK 45G, but 'Freedom' Sad lSG
Rain, and snow over the weekend
did the Broadway theatres no good,
but hadn't the weather been what it
was, it's doubtful just how much
good most of the attractions would
-be doing at the boxoffice anyway.
Allowing, for the normal drop when
snow files or rain falls, the dip this
week is still too severe generally.
•Oklahoma Kid.' brought into the
Strand Friday (10) when Will Os-
borne anid Sheila Barrett started on
their holdover, is bucking things
rather sturdily at $36,000, or a bit
over, while 'Little Princess,' at the
Roxy, is doing enough at $45,000 to
warrant a holdover. Irving Ijcsser,
who operates the Roxy. is encour-
aged by the fact that the Temple
picture is getting night business. A
stronger stage show with the Cagney
picture at the Strand would no doubt
have helped there. Holdover of Os-
bprne and Miss Barrett leaves most
of the burden of draw on Cagney,
good in view of the circumstances.
'Oklahoma Kid' will hold a second
week, the Osbome-BarreU show re
maining a third.
Paramount is changing pictures
today in the middle of the Chick
Webb-Ella Fitzgerald sUge show, in
for two weeks. House threw out
Never Say Die' last night Tuesday,
and today substitutes 'King of China-
town.' A gross of $32,500 with 'Die'
is credited largely to Webb and Miss
Fitzgerald. "This is a little profit
With the nut down oij the second
week of the stage show, plus the
new picture, there is a chance the
house may pick up momentum on
the holdover of Webb and Miss Fitz-
gerald. New acts of Chuck and
Chuckles and Jigsaw Jackson are
(Wednesday y*** the pit show today
'Stagecoach'.' which got $83,000 last
week, Its first wiU be about $64,000
on the holdover, a small profit and
house opens 'Love Affair* tomorrow
(Thursday).
Away down in receipts are the
Capitol and Rivoli. Former with
Let Freedom Ring' doesn't look as
much as $18,000. while the Rivoli.
with 'Spirit of Culver.' in spite of a
food ad campaign put on by John
bright, is under $10,000 on the week.
Culver is being retained two days
more, however, in order thqt Friday
.iP "^^^ openhig day for
'Three Smart Girls Grow Tip."
Brighter spots are the Globe, on
second week of "Blackwell"s Island,'
and the Criterion with "Fast and
Loose.' "Blackwell's' soared to $19,-
500 last week (1st) and is holding
up stoutly for a possible $12,000." It
goes a third. 'Fast and Loose' Is
staying a second week at the Cri-
terion on the strength of $10,000 the
first seven days.
, Rialto's 'Saint Strikes Back' ended
its week last night (Tuesday) at
$7,000, oke. and is being replaced to-
day (Wednesday) by two re-issues.
'SUr at Midnight' and 'Lost Patrol.*
The second-run State is in sad
shape at what appears $13,500 tops
with 'Topper Takes Trip' and Kitty
Carlisle. This represents conslder-
aole red for the house.
Estimates for This Week
Astor (1.012; 25-40-55-65) — 'Pyg-
malion' (M-G) (14th wk). Still good,
possibly $10,000 this week. The prior
sUnza (13th). $11,000.
Capitol (4,520; 25-35-55-85-$1.25) —
'Let Freedom Ring' (M-G). No ac-
tion from this one, indications point-
ing to no more than $18,000. 'I,ast
week. 'Huckleberry Finn' (M-G),
also a severe disappointer, under
$17,000.
Criterion (1,662; 25-40-55) — 'Fast
and Loose' (M-G). Doing over aver-
age here at likely $10,000 and is
holding over. Last week, 'Persons in
Hiding' (Par). $6,500, not so good.
Globe (1,274; 25-40-55) — "Black-
well's Island' (WB) (2d wk). Re-
mains solid at probable $12,000 this
week and stays third. Last week,
the house packed 'em to the rafters
to come out with $19,500. new high
under grind policy In effect here
around five years. Warner Bros,
may be encouraged, to supply Harry
Brandt with better product after see-
ing what this picture is doing here.
Palace (1.700; 25-35-55) — 'You
Can't Cheat Honest Man' (U) (2d
run) and 'Grand Illusion' (World)
(2d run), doubled. Open here today
(Wed.). Tail Spin' (20th) (2d run)
and 'Everybody's Baby' (20th) (1st
run), on six days, $6,800, mild.
'Gunga Din' (RKO) (2d run) on nine
days g6t'$10,500.
Paramount (3.664; 25-35-55-85-09)
—'King of Chinatown' (Par). Opens
here today (Wed.), while Chick
Webb and Ella Fitzgeralc!. with new
acts added to the pit show, begin a
second (final) week. 'Never Say
Die' (Par) and first seven dayis of
Webb and Miss Fitzgerald, ending
last night (Tues.). $32,500. a small
profit. Picture was changed in order
to protect the holdover of the stage
show, The second week of 'Cafe So-
ciety' and Hal Kemp-Tony Martin
combination was $35,000, good.
Badto Olty Mosle HaU (5.980; 40-
60-84-99-i$1.65) — 'Stagecoach' (UA)
and stage show (2d-final wk). Gets
by at $64,000 on the holdover, after
pulling out $83,000 the first week,
good for Lent and in view of fact
this isn't a woman's, picture. 'Love
Affair' (RKO) opens tomorrow
(Thurs.).
Blalto (750; ■ 25-40-55) — 'Saint
Strikes Back' (RKO). Reissues of
'Star at Midnight' (RKO) and 'Lost
Patrol' (RKO) today (Wed:) replaces
this one after getting $7,000 on week
ending last night (Tuies.). In ahead,
'Secret Service of Air* (WB), got
$5,800, not so forte.
Bivoll (2,092; 25-55-75-85-99) —
"Spirit of Culver' (U). Finished ift
first week last nifht (Tues.) at under
$10,000, very disappointing, but is
being carried two additional iays,
with 'Three Smart Girls Grow u.i'
(U) due Friday (17). Final four
days on third week of 'Can't Cheat
Honest Man' (U) was $5,000. mUd.
Roxy (5,836; 25-40-55-75 ) — 'Little
Princess' (20th) and stage show. Set''
ting nothing on fire, but doing all
right at $45,000 and wUl be held a
second week. The holdover of "Wife,
Husband and Friend' (20th) slipped
to $28,800. at which house just
skinned through.
State (3,450; 35-55-75) — "Topper
Takes Trip' (UA) (2d run) and
vaudeville topped by Kitty Carlisle.
House is reaching for the aspirin this
week, with the gross looking only
about $13,500. red. Biz this nooth
very rare here. Last week. 'Shining
Hour' (M-G) (2d run) and MUton .
Berle. $23,000, good.
Strand (2.767; 2S-40-5S-75-85-99)—
'Oklahoma Kid' (WB) (1st wk) and
Will Osborne, plus Sheila Barrett
and others (2d wk). Cagney credited
with , vast majority of the business,
good at $36,000 or better, but it'd be
more with better support from the
stage. Picture holds as does Os-
borne and Miss Barrett Last week,
first for this stage bill and second
for "Yes, My Darling Daughtei*
.(WB), on six days, $22,500, good.
'Hues' Dnal
Daughter' Sl^t
$5,500, Omaha Off
Omaha, March 14.
Grosses feeling the affects of damp
and sloppy weather with flu' and
colds eating into receipts.
Even "Yes, My Darling Daughter,'
backed by a week of front page
splurges as a result of censorship
difficulties, is hitting below expec-
tations at the Brandeis with a $5,500.
The film is single featured which
might explain the drop somewhat
although all big blows at house have
been singled in recent months.
'St. Louis Blues' dualed with
'Devil's Island' is setting the pace at
the city's biggest house, the Or-
pheum, with $8,500. "Let Freedom
Ring' IS clanging a good $7^500 at
the Omaha with "Four Girls in
White' as the second.
' Estimates for This Week
Avenae - Dundee - Military (Gold-
berg) (950-810-650; 10-25)— "Sweet-
hearts' (M-G) and 'Heart of North'
(WB), dual, split with 'Dramatic
School' (M-G) and 'Pacific Liner"
(RKO). Fine $2,500. Last week,
"Artists and Models' (Par) and 'Go-
ing Places' (WB). dual, split with
'Say French* (Par), 'Storm' (U). and
'King Alcatraz' (Par), tripler, $2,000,
fair.
Brandeis (Singer-RKO) (1.250; 10-
25-35-40)— 'Darling Daughter' (WB>.
Okay $5,500 but not uo to expecta-
tions. Last week. 'Blondie' (Col) and
'Let Live' (Col), $5,000.
Omaha (Blank) (2,200; 10-25-40)— .
'Freedom Ring' (M-G) and 'Four
Girls' (M-G). Pleasing $7,500. Last
week. Trade Winds' (UA) and 'Girl
Downstairs' (M-G) $7,000, nice.
Orpheam (Blank) (3.000; 10-25-40)
—'St Louis Blues' (Par) and 'Devil's
Island' (WB). Good $8,500. Last
week. 'Duke West Point' (UA) and
Jan Garber. smash $18,000.
Town (Goldberg) (1,250; 10-20-25)
—'Lone Star Pioneers' (Col), 'Sharp,
shooters' (20th). and 'Stand Accused'
(Rep).' tripler, all first runs, split
with "Sundown Prairie' (Mon),
'Heart North" (WB). and 'Say
French' (Par), tripler. Fair $1,600.
Last week, 'Sunset Trail' (Par), first
run, 'Dawn Patrol' (WB), and 'Con-
vict's Code' (Mon), first run,- tripler,
split with 'Prairie Justice' (U). first
run, 'Artists and Models' (Par), and
'Going Places' (WB). tripler, $1,800.
good.
10 VARIETY
PICTURE GROSSES
ITednesdayt March 15, 1939
Daughter -Kyser. $40,000. Record
Oeve. Draw Despite Conventioiis
' Cleveland, March 14.
Not . only is the national bowling
convention pulling theatregoers into
Lakeside Hall, but Arena Is hurting
more with its 'Silver Skates Carni-
val,' a charity stunt sponsored by
the Press, which lured another 10,-
000 last Friday. For a third head-
ache. Gene and Glenn, local radio
faves, are giiest-starring in annual
Food Show, tiatter event is cutting
into lemme trad^ drastically, catch-
ing 12,000 on opening and promising
a new record.
Even against all this competlsh
Kay Kyser and 'Yes,. My Darling
Daughter' are steaming to a red-hot
$40,000. Combo drained every other
house of its cream over the week-
end and is on its way toward nearly
doubling the gross of rival houses.
'Cafe Society' in State next door
is getting overflow from Palace, but
woivt have anythi:ig more than
its nose above the water. 'Beach-
comber' is in the same boat at Hipp
and, despite raves, will have trouble
In keeping up with State. .
Estimates for This Week
Alhambri (Printz) (1,200; 10-20-
35)— 'Risky Business' (U) and 'Prof.
Mamlock' (Indie). Anti-Nazi film is
getting phenomenal reaction .from
polyglot nabe to $4>000, swell. tAst
week, 'Homicide Bureau' (Col) and
'Gambling Ship' (U) satisfactory,
$1,700.
Allen (RKO) (3,000; 30-35-42-55)—
'Spirit of Culyer' (U). OriginaUy
set for Palace, but shifted here with
short build-up. Good $4,000 indi-
cated. Last week, 'Gunga Din'
(RKO), nice $3,000 on third session.
Hipp (Warner) (3,700; 30-35-42-55)
— 'Beachcomber' (Par). Getting the
class play as result of week's best
jDotices, but not hefty enough for
more than ^$12,000. Last week,
•Wings Navy' (WB), $8,000. bad.
Palace (RKO) (3,200; 30-35-42-55)
—•Darling Daughter' (WB) plus Kay
Kyser's band. It's Kyser's first vaude
appearance here, and with six-per-
day. he's shooting past Benny Good-
man's record and the Mae West
mark. Terrific $40,000 sighted. Last
week, 'Great Man' (RKO) and Eddy
Duchin's band, smart $18,000.
State (Loew's) (3,450; 30-35-42-55)
~-'Caie Society' (Par). Ordinary
$12,000. Last week. 'Stagecoach'
(UA), $16,000, fine.
SttllDiaii (Loew's) (1,072; 30-35-42-
55)— 'Stagecoach' (UA) on shift-over
from the State. Doing better here,
comparatively, with- $7,500. Last
week, 'Fast and -Loose' (Par), pleas-
ant $5,000.
Tyg* {ISMTempie
8iG, but BaltiiDore's
B.O. Weak at Nigbt
Baltimore, March 14.
Smart handling of Tygmalion' at
Loew's Century, sending that house
into commanding lead after reserved
seat opening Wednesday (8) night
Rest of deUixers going along un-
eventfully with "Little Princess,' at
the New, holding a strong daytime
pace.
Keith's rushed In 'Blackwells-
Island' yesterday (Monday) after six
days of tepid takings for 'Spirit of
Culver.' AU downtowners still cry-
ing the night time blues.
Estimates for This Week
Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15-
25-40)— 'PygmaUon' (M-G). Special
openmg and . adroit exploitation
riling up towii*s leading gross of
15,000, best here In moons. Last
week, 'Each, Othei:' (UA) $10,800,
flne.
Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,260;
15-26-35-40-55-66) — 'Blondie' (Col)
£1js vaude. Just fair at $11,000:
ast week, 'Beauty for Asking*
(RKO) behind strong vaude lineup
headed by Vincent Lopez, Patricia
ElUs and Abbott and Costello,
breezed In with satisfying $14,400.
Keith's (Schanberger) (2,460; 15-
25-36-40)— 'Blackwells Island' (WB).
Opened yesterday (Monday) after
BIX days of mild reaction to 'Spirit
of Culver' (U) at $3,300.
New (Mechanic) (1,558; 15-25-35-
B5)— 'Little Princess' (20th). Main-
taining healthy daytime momentum
toward $8,500. Last week, second of
'Wife. Husband' (20th), added fair
$4,900 to okay opening, $7,400.
Stanley (\*B) (3,280; 15-25-35-40-
55)— 'Darling Daughter' (WB) (2d
Y'^L 1" steady fashion
to $6,500 after strong Initial take of
$9,800.
Broadway Grosses
Estimated Total Gross
This Week $264,8M
(Based on 12 theatres)
Total Gross Same Week
Last Tear $28«,2«*
(Based on 12 theatres)
TEMPLE $12,500
IN2K.CSP0TS
SEOCEEB HULL
Hollywood, March 14.
'Miracles for Sale' is the first of a
series of mystery shockers to be di-
rected by Tod Browning at Metro,
featuring Henry Hull.
Shooting starts Monday (20), with
, Joe Cohn producing.
Kansas City, March 14.
Rash of double bills has broken
out this week, although tendency
has been away from such policy.
Newman and Esquire, both habitual-
ly using single films, currently show-
ing duals and with only mild re-
sults.
Orpheum with a holdover of "Dar-
ling Daughter' and Uptown with
new Temple release are the only
single houses among first runs. Mid-
land and Tower are set up on
doubles as regular policy.
. 'Little Princess' at Uptown and at
Tower giving good account of itself
as is 'Huck Finn' at Midland.
Vogue, foreign film outlet, moved
In 'Tales of Vienna Woods' Friday
to replace 'Grand Illusion,' which
was expected to hold out for several^
weelis, but wound up with less than
three-week run. New film here and
flock of double bills makes nine new
pieces of product along theatre row,
tops in numbers during p$st several
years.
Rain Friday and Saturday broke
into week-end takes.
Estimates for This Week
Esqaire (Fox Midwest) (820; 10-
25-40) — 'Down in Arkai^w' (Rep)
and 'Inside Story' (20th). First dual
since house was made deluxe outlet
last fall. Biz mediocre at $3,000.
Last week 'Honest Man' (U) (2d wk)
fair, $3,300,
Midland (Loew's) (3,573; 10-25-40)
—'Huck Finn' (M-G) and 'Whisper-
ing Enemies' (Col). Pulling very
well at $11,500. Last week 'Each
Other* (UA) and 'North of Shang-
hai' (Col) $10,000, good enough,
though not buxom.
Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10-
25-40)— 'Devil's Island' (WB) and
'Oil Record' (WB). First double bill
here in several months. Mild $5,500.
Last week, 'Cafe Society' (Par) In
a likable groove at $6,500.
Orphenm (RKO) (1,500; 10-25-40)
-'Darling Daughter' (WB) (2d wk).
Good $4,500 following opening week's
$7,500.
Tower (Fox' Midwest) (2,050; 10-
25-40)— 'Little Prhicess' (20th) and
'Fighting Thoroughbreds' (Rep).
Good $8,500. Last week 'Wife, Hus-
band' (20th) and' 'Gambling Ship'
(U) nice $7,000.
Uptown (Fox Midwest) (1,200; 10-
25-40) — 'Little Princess' (20th).
Strong $i000. Last week 'Wife,
Husband' (20th) $3,600, okay.
'BENGAL'-VAUDE {7,000
IN DROWSY MONMAL
Montreal, March 14.
Houses sufferhig from Lent, , with
local hockey scramble biting deep
into cash amusement funds.
Estimates for This Week
. PaUce (Crr) (2.700; 25-45-55)—
•Gunga Dm' (RKO) (3d wk). StUl
clicking for okay $6,000 after socko
$8,500 second stanza.
Capitol (CT) (2,700; 25-45-55)—
'Honolulu' (M-G) and 'Dr. Meade'
,(Col). So-so $4,000. Last week,
'Made Crimhiar (WB) and 'Comet
Broadway' (WB), mediocre $4,500.
Loew's (Crr) (2,800; 30-40-60)—
•Storm Bengal' (Rep) and Dave Ap-
oUon revue. Last week of vaude,
with promise of calibre of pix and
admish unchanged. House will likely
close for summer. Currently click-
hig for good $7,000. Last week,
'Hard to (Set' (WB) and Rachel Car-
ley, n.s.h., $6,000.
Princess (CT) (2,300; 25-34-50)—
'Wings Navy' (WB) and 'Torchy in
Chinatown' (WB). At $2,600, poor.
Last week, 'Stand Up' (M-G) and
'Girl Downstairs* (M-G), so-so,
$2,500,
Orphenm (Ind) (1,100; 25-40-50)—
•Stagecoach' (UA). Shaping for
good $3,500. Last week, 'King Turf
(UA) and 'Pride Navy' (Rep)
yanked Thursday . (9) after less than
$1,000, bad.
..Cinema de Paris (France-Film)
(600; 25-50)— "Le Patriote' (3d wk).
Looks set for good $1,500 after very
nice $2,00r second session.
St Denis (France-Fihn) (2,300:20-
34)— 'Prisons Femmes' and 'Gar-
gousse.' Lent not denting this house
any and should gross $6,500, very
good. Last week, Tbrakhanova* and
'Champion de France,' $6,00a
'HuckMG, a)aughter*
$4,300 Lead Lincolit
Lincoln, March 14.
'Huck Finn' and 'Darling Daughter*
got away strong for a nip and tuck
b.o. scramble, while rest of the town
is doing moderate to average.
Opening date on the Nebraska
(formerly Orpheum) has been defi-
nitely set for the 29th. This house
will take the Stuart's 'A' and single
feature policy, causing shift of Lin-
coln's . duals to the Stuart and the
Lincoln becoming a dual-splitter.
Estimates for This Week
ColonUt (NTI-Noble-Monroe) (750;
10-15)— 'Ride Cowgirl' (GN) and
'Penrod' (WB), split with 'Home On
Range' (Rep) and Titans of Deep'
(GN). Fair $800. Last week, 'When
Born' (WB) and 'Harvest Moon'
(Rep), split with 'Sundown Prairie*
(Mono) and 'Accidents Happen'
(WB), $800, so-so.
Liberty (NTI-Noble) (1,000; 10-15-
25)— 'Blondie' (Col) and 'Homicide
Bureau' (Col). Better than average
$1,500. Last week, 'Girls' School*
(Col) and 'Nprth of Shanghai' (Col),
slim $1,100.
Lincoln (LTC-Cooper) (1,600; 10-
25-35)— 'Tail Spin' (20th)." Standing
alone after long strings of duals. Not
bad $2,000. Last week, 'Young Heart'
(UA) with Alano Dass on stage, good
$2 900
Stoirt (LTC-Cooper) (1,900; 10-25-
40)— 'Huck Finn' (M-G). Very nice
$4,300. Last week,' 'Freedom Ring'
(M-G), $2,900, very bad.
Varsity (N-H-Noble) (1,100; 10-25-
35) — 'Darling Daughter* (WB).
Heading for $4,300. very fancy. Last
week, second for 'Stagecoach' (UA),
$2,600, okay.
'HONEST MAN'
SOLO m.
D.C.
Washington. March 14.
BaUny weather had boys plenty
worried about early spring sending
'em scurrying onto the highways,
but suddeii return of cold and ' rain
dumped the weekend biz right back
in their laps.
'You Can't Cheat an Honest Man,'
which bowed iix Thursday night (9),
Is giving Keith's twice its average
gross and is taking proportionate
edge oft other major spots, leaving
'em okay, but far from big. Resxilt
is that Fields-McCarthy pic, playing
a straight pic spot; 'Oklahoma Kid,'
playing with James Barton p.a., and
'Fast and Loose/ with Jolm Boles
p.a., are all battling about even ta
gross.
Estimates for This Week
Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 25-35-40-
66)— 'Fast and Iioose' (M-G) and
vaude headed by John Boles. Combo
aiming at fair $16,000. Last week,
'Huck Finn' (M-G) and Frank Al-
bertson p.a., nice $20,000.
Colombia (Loew) (1,234; 25-40)—
'Trade Winds' (UA) (2d run). Re-
peat' after okay weel: at Palace hit-
ting average $4,500. Last week,
'Idiotf (M-G) (2d run), after two big
weeks at Palace, okay $4,000.
. EMle.iI7B) (2,216; 25-35-40-66)—
'Oklahoma Kid' (WB) and vaude
headed by James Barton. Should
see good enough $15,000. Last week,
^Darling Daughter' (WB), good $17,-
Kelth's (RKO) (1,830; 35-55)—
'Honest Man' (U). Bowed Thursday
night (9) and long build-up of
Fields-McCarthy feud, plus hefty
bally, shoving it toward beautiful
$16,000. Last , week, 'Spirit of Cul-
ver' (U) wallowed with weak $5,000.
Met (WB) (1,600; 25-40)— 'Can't
Take It' (Col) (revival). Brought
back after Acadeiny Award bally.
Opened cold Monday (7) and built
to nice $5,500. 'Darling Daughter'
(WB) (2d run) bowed today.
Palace (Loew) (2,242; 35-55>—
•Pygmalion' (M-G) (2d wk). Getting
nice $11,000, Last week sweU $21.-
000.
Temple, 'Culver/ Tollies' All Hoppo
K. C/s Ist-Rnn Sitoash
Becomes Quite Complex
Kansas City, March 14.
With the change of policy in the
Fox Tower, the first-run situation
here Is developing several new an-
gles. Tower' is playing bigger films
double feature, while first Tower fea-
ture is playing day-and-date in the
Uptown solo. This is in contrast to
former set up, which had top re-
leases day-and-date In Esquire and
Uptown. / i.
Esquire continues thus far as a
first-run, but Is expected to become
a moveover spot for the holdover
films from the Tower and Uptown.
Esquire seats 820 to the Tower's 2,050
and Uptown's 1,200.
Key City Grosses
Estimated Total Gross
This Week $1,556,8'H
(Based on 26 cities, 178 thea-
tres, chiefly first runs, tncludinff
w.y.)
Total Gross Same Week
Last Tear..., .$1336,(M
(Based on 23 cities, 160 thefitres)
rYG'DUAL34G.
2 HUB HOUSES
Boston, March 14.
'Pygmalion,' on double bill with
•Let Us Live' is the high scorer this
week, jamming the Loew houses.
'Honest Man,' dualled with 'Beau^
for Asking is also hefty.
Otherwise the grosses are medium
and snowstorms over the weekenc.
generally slowed down the pace.
Joe Dinneen, local newspaperman,
wrote basic story, for 'Let Us Live,'
and this is getting some exploitation.
Esttmotes for This Week
BMton (RKO) (3,200; 20-30-40)—
'NaVy Secrets' (Mono) and 'Homicide
Bureau' (Col), dual, plus vaude, for
four days; and 'Kentucky' (20th) and
'Up River" (20th) (3d run), double,
for three 'days. Satisfactory $8,000.
Last week, 'Smashing Spy Ring'
(Col) and 'Silver Sage' (Par), dou-
ble, plus vaude, four days; and
•Thanks Everything' (20th) and
•Torchy Man' (WB), dual, three days,
$8,000.
Fenway (M&P) (1,332: 25-35-40-
55)— 'Wife, Husband' (20th) and
'King Underworld' (WB). Tepid
$5,000. Last week, 'TaU Spin* (20th)
and 'FUrting Fate' (M-G), $6,500.
Keith MemorUI (RKO) (2.907; 25-
35-40-55)— 'Honest Man' (U) and
'Beauty for Asking* (RKO). Getting
good response at $17,000. Last week,
'LitUe Princess' (20th) (2d wk) and
'Saint Strikes Back' (RKO), good
$13,000 on six days.
'Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 25-35-
40-55)— tafe Society' (Par) and
'Pacific Liner' (RKO). Heading to-
ward slushy $11,500. Last week,
'Stand Up* (M-G) and 'Fast and
Loose* (M-G). very good $23,500.
Orpheom (Loew) (2,900; 25-35-40-
55)— 'Pygmalion* (M-G) and 'Let
Live* (Col). Very big $19,000 on the
way. Last week. Topper' (UA) and
'Four Girls* (M-G). limp $12,500.
Faramoant (M&P) (1,797; 25-35-
40-55)— 'Wife, Husband* (20th) and
'King Underworld' (WB). Soft at
$7,500. Last week; TaU Spin' (20th)
and 'Flirting' Fat? (M-G). $8,500.
ScoIUy (M&P) (2,538; 25-35-40-50)
—'Wings Navy' (WB) and 'St. Louis
Blues' (Par) (both 2d run). Fair
$5,000. Last week, 'Jesse James'
(20th) (3d run) and 'Woman Doctor*
(Rep) (1st run), $6,000.
Stete (Loew) (3,600; 25-35-40-55)—
'Pygmalion* (M-G) and 'Let Live*
(Col). Very good $15,000. Last
week. Topper* (UA) and 'Four Girls'
(M-G), n.s.h. $9,000.
REFS 5-WEEK STYMIE
FROM LACK OF YARNS
Hollywood, March 14,
Shortage of stories caused a five-
week production slow-down at Re-
public, with only one serial and two
westerns on the shooting schedule.
A payless holiday and reorganiza-
tion of the producer setup were or-
dered by Herbert Yates, board chair,
man, after a huddle with James
Grainger, sales chief, and Moe J. Sie-
gal, production head.
Closing of Mimiesota
Improving Mpls. B. 0.
Mihneapolis,.March 14.
Paramount Northwest circuits
downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul
theatres have been on a profitable
basis, since the abandonment of the
4,200-seat Minnesota here, it Is
learned. Heavy losses from the
Minnesota operation wiped out what-
ever profits accrued from the other,
loop houses. Moreover, since the
Minnesota was unloaded and has
been kept dark, trade has improved
at the other situations.
More than six weeks have elapsed
since the Paramount circuit moved
out of the Minnesota and its owners
still are without any tenant pros-
pects. Several inquiries are said to
have been made regarding the possi-
bility of obtaining subsequent-run
product for the house, with the idea
of operating it as a 25c grind spot
Philadelphia, March 14.
Snow and sleet over the week end
plus a general apathy here tell the
b.o. story for this sesh, with the
Fox, under a new policy of stage
shows and strong film fare, providing
the one sensational exception.
Otherwise it's a sad tale of disap-
pointment right down the line.
Screening at the Fox is 'Oklahoma
Kid' and on the stage are Vincent
Lopez and his band, Betty Hut^
and Patricia Ellis. They're set lor
a terrific $29,000. That it's the pic-
ture as much as the new stage pol-
icy that's pulling 'em in, however,
was proved on Sunday when, with
the film aTone, house topped all
others in town. Pennsy blue laws
prohibit Sabbath flesh.
Not exactly disappointing, but
plenty bad, is the measly $10,000
'Little Princess' is clicking off at the
Boyd. 'Ice Follies' with $14,000 at
the Stanley is just about making the
grade. It was set for two weelcs,
but unless it perks up considerably,
it will have to be pulled before then.
'Spirit of Culver' at the Stanton with
$3,800 is dying.
Estimates for This Week -
Aldlne (WB) (1,303; 32-42-57)—
'King of Turf (UA). Strictly an
also-run at very slow $7,500. Last
week 'Stagecoach' (UA) (2d wk.)
slipped badly from initial $14,000 to
weak $7,500.
Boyd (WB) (2,350; 32-42-57)—
'LitUe Princess' (20th). Sad $10,000.
Unfortunate, also, in booking pic into
the sophisticated Boyd instead of the
Fox. Last week 'Wife, Husband'
(20th), very miediocre $13,000. 'Love
Affahr' (RKO) tomorrow (Wednes-
day).
Earle (.WB) (2,758: 26-32-42) —
'Each Other' (UA) (3d run). Satis-
factory $9,000, for this giant house
on this run. Last week 'Idiot' (M-G)
(3d run), okay $10,000.
Fox (WB) (2,423; 32-37-42-57-68)—
•Oaklahoma Kid' (WB), with Vincent-
Lopez, Betty Hutton and Patricia
Ellis 01) the stage. New policy of
quality pix plus flesh giving this
house sensational $29,000, although
pic itself, without the stage show,
topped everything else in town
on Sunday. Last week 'Darling
Daughter' (WB) and Ted Weems
orch, $20,500. 'Honest Man' (U) and
Hal Kemp in on Friday.
Karlton (WB) (1,066; 32-42-57)—
•Wife, Husband' (20th) (2d run).
Showing unusual strength for this
house at $4,500, probably result of
new low-price policy. Last week
'Tail Spin^ (20th) (2d run), weak
$3 800 ■
kelih's (WB) (1,870: 32-42-57)—
•Darling Daughter' (WB) (2d run).
Strong biz at $5,000. Last week
'Musketeers' (20th) (2d run) well
below par at $3,000.
Palace (WB) (1,000; 26-42)— 'Saint
Strikes Back' (RKO). Very nice
$5,600. Last week 'Four Girls'
(M-G) likewise good at $5,800.
'Third of Nation' (Par) due Friday.
Stanley (WB) (2,016; 32-42-57)—
'Ice Follies' (M-G). Deflnite disap-
pointment, and at $14,000 won't hold
for the two weeks originally allotted
it unless there's a sudden pickup.
Last week Tjet Freedom Ring;'
(M-G), sad, sad $9,000. Three Smart
Girls' (U) skedded next
Stanton (WB) (1,457; 26-32-42)—
'Culver' (U). Another one that's
failing to respond to nice exploita-
tion and Is sagging badly at $3,800.
Last week 'LeVLive' (Col) sUght^
below par at $4,300. 'BlackwelTs-.
Island' (WB) Saturday.
'IDIOr 18V^, B'KLYN
TaU Spln>-'Baby> Okay $15,»M—
'Service' Dnal $14,5M
Brooklyn, March 14.
Excellent biz at Loew's Metropoli-
tan with 'Idlofs Delight' on the
screen. Fabian Parainount opens to-
day with 'Yes, My Darling Daugh-
ter.' RKO Albee okay with 'Tail
Spin' and 'Everybody's Baby.' Fabian
Fox wiU do nice biz with 'Secret
Service of Air' «nd 'Woman Doctor.'
Fox opens Friday with new show
with Mae West in person.
Estimates for This Week
Albee (3,274; 25-36-50)— 'Tail Spin'
(20th) and 'Everybody's Baby' (20th).
Attractive $15,000. Last week 'Gunga
Din' (RKO) (2d wk), nifty $20,000.
.Fox (4.089; 25-35^50)— 'Secret Ser-
vice' (WB) and 'Woman Doctor'
(Rep). Good $14,500. Last week 'Off
Record' (WB) and • 'Frankenstein'
(U) (2d wk), flne $17,000.
Met (3,618; 25-35-50)— 'Idiot' (M-
G), Looks for splendid $18,500. Last
week 'Lady Vanishes' (20th) and
'Four. Girls' (M-G), shining $18,500.
Paramonnt (4,126; 25-35-50)— 'Dar-
Itog Daughter' (WB), opens today
(14). Last week 'St Louis Blues'
(Par) and Third of NaUon' (Par)
(2d wk), $14,500 for six days.
Strand (2,870; 25-35-40)— 'Whil-
perlng Enemies' (Col) and 'I Am
Criminal' (Mono). Quiet $5,000. Last
week Tough Kid' (Mono) and 'North
of Shanirhni' (nnl\ on.cn tfiUlO
Wednesdaj, Waxch 15, 1939
PICTURE GROSSES
VARIETY 11
Xrhninal'-Garber Corkmg $15M
Mpk; Tollies' ea'Bloiidiem
Minneapolis, March 14.
There's a rift in the clouds here
th^ w«fc Total loop taldngs wUl
S least attain more normal propor-
fioif than tor sraie time past tfore
fivorable weather as weU as a etrong
itae-up ol attractions are the b.o.
JJS^sters Opposlsh from the Bnild-
M^^ow at ?he Auditorium is less
severe than it was from the Shrlners
Indoor circus and the Star cookmg
"'fer and his revue, at the.Or-
oheum, is the first stage show here
Fn swSe weelcs and followers of live
entertainment are welconung it roy-
I"ly It has strong box-office aid in
Thby Made Me a Criminal;.
Fine impression made by 'Pyg-
rtalion- is Wding it in good stead
In ts second prpfiUble week at the
CenUiry. Another holdover, "Man to
Remember.' is concluding a pro^er^
Sus nine-weeks' run at the worfd.
•Ice Follies of 1B39,' on the screen.
Is beating the rink presentation of
the same spectacle into town by a
week and undoubtedly is benefiting
bv the advance advertisme and ex-
ploitation campaign staged for the
*"*'^Estlmates for This Week
Asler (Par-Singer) (900: 15-25)—
'Spy Hunt' (Col) and 'SmiUng Along'
(20th), dual first runs, split with Boy
Slaves' (RKO) and 'Pardon ^Nerve'
(20th), also dual first runs. Moving
toward satisfactory $1,700. Last^week,
^Chan in Honolulu' (20th) and 'Pirate
Slcies' (U), $1,800, good.
Century (Par-Smger) (1,600; 26-
35.40)-'Pygmalion' (M-G) (2d wk).
Still traveling a fast clip after its
speedy initial canto. Okay $5,000
indicated. First week, six and a half
days, $8,900: fine.
Gopher (Par-Singer) (998; 25) —
•Blondie* (Col). Enruute to big $4;()00.
Last week, 'Great Man' (RKO), out
after four bad days. $900.
Orphenm (Par-Singer) (2,800^35-
40-55)— 'Made Me Criminal' (WB)
and Jan Garber orchestra. ^Both
stage entertainment and film highly
praised. Nice $15,000 in prospect.
Lost week. 'Tall Spin' (20th>, $4,500,-
^'^State (Par-Singer) (2,300; 25-35-
40)— 'Ice FoUies' (M-G), Skating
show, an annual visitor here, and due
next week, includes in its personnel
mostly Minneapolitans and NorUi-
west ice stars, so that's helpine film
to climb toward pretty good $6,000.
Last week, 'Each Other' (UA), $5,500,
very disaPDOinting. , , _
Time (Berger). (290; 15-25)— 'As-
sassin Youth' (Indie). Marihuana
film, sensationally exploited, with esr
pecially flashy theatre front, attract-
ing attention. Should reach good
$2,000. Had subsequent-run double
features at a dime last week.
Uptown (Par) (1,200: 25-35)--
Idiof (M-G). First neighborhood
' showing. Good $2,800 gait Last week,
'Stand Up' (M-G), $2,400, okay.
World (Stefles) (1.200: 25-35-40-55)
•Man Remember* (RKO) (9th week).
Will wind up sensational, run with
$1,200. good. Last week, $1,400.
Honest Man*-*Wluirf
Pace Seattle, $6,500
Seattle, March 14.
'Stagecoach' won out- over 'Beach-
comber' for the moveover to the
Blue Mouse. Hamrick-Evergreen
has but one spot for the grossers
getting extended runs, now that the
' Miisic Box has gone highhat One
effect will be that good ones that
don't quite merit holdover or move-
over will have more juice when they
get second runs at H-E's Coliseum.
'Honest Man' coupled with "Fish-
erman's Wharf lead at the b.o. this
week with $6,500.
'Pygmalion's' going for all that
had been expected thus far at the
Music Box, and looks set for a run.
Otherwise, Lent is felt all around.
Estimates for This Week
Blue Moose (Hamrick-Evergreen)
(850; -32,37-42) — 'Stegecoach' (UA)
aod 'Bulldog Drummond' (Par) (2d
wk) moved over from Paramoimt
Able to stand the shift and getUng
good $2,900! Last week, 'Gunga
Din* (RKO) (3d wk) $2,700, big,
Coilseom (Hamrick - Evergreen)
(1,900; 21-32) — 'Kentucky*. (20th)
and 'Goes My Heart' (UA). So-so
$2j{|0. Last week. 'Sweethearts*
(M-G) and 'Thanks Memory' (Par),
$2,300, n,g.
Fifth Avenue ' (Hamrick - Ever-
green) (2,349; 32-37-42)— "Freedom
Ring' (M-G) and 'Four Girls' (M-G).
Managing to get a fair $6,000. Last
week, 'Beachcomber' (Par) and "Boy
Trouble' (Par). $7,200, good.
'Liberty (J-vH) (1.800; 21-32-42)—
Blondie' (Col) and 'North of Shang-
han' (Col). Moderate $3,500. Last
week, 'Let Live' (Col) and 'Spy
Hunt' (Col), $3,800. mUd.
Muste Box (Hamrick-Evergreen)
(850; 32-37-42)— 'PygmaUon' (M-G)
(2d wk). Big $4,500 after immense
*5,200 last week. •
^Omhenm (Hamrick - Evergreen)
(2.800: 32-37-42)— 'JHohest Man' (U)
and 'Wharf (RKO). The $6,500
gross here is big enough to lead the
town. Last week. Three Mus-
keteers' (20th) and 'Chan In Hono-
lulu' (20th), $4,100, moderate.
FaloDur (Sterling) (1,350; 16-27-
37-42)— "Man Remember' (RKO) and
Thoroughbreds' (Col), plus vaude.
Slow $3,600. Last wedt, "Woman
Doctor* (Rep) and Tom Sawyer'
(Par), plus vaude, $4,500, good.
IPanuBonnt (Hamrick-Evergreen)
(3,039; 32-37-42) — "Cafe .Society'
(Par) and 'Persons Hiding' (Par).
Good $5,600. Last week, 'Stagecoach'
(UA) and "Bulldog Drimunond'
(Par), $7,700, big.
Boosevelt (Sterling) (800: 21-32)—
'Dawn Patrol' (WB) and 'Heart of
North* (WB). Okay $2,100. Last
week, "Arigels* (WB) and 'Woman
Again* (Col) $2,500, fine.
TasfP/zClife'
6G, as Opposi^
Nips L'viOe B.O.
Louisville, March 14.
Current week is presenting a
brighter picture than last, when none
of the downtown houses grossed over
the $6,000 mark. Kentuckiana Day,
Thursday (9), boosted bi= to some
extent but on the whole the stanza
is still somewhat wobbly. 'Fast and
Loose' on a dual at Loew.'s State
and 'Wife, Husband and Friend,*
twin at the Rialto are making the
best showing.
Film houses got competlsh Sat-
urday (11) when Tommy Dorsey's
band attracted 8,000 people to the
State Fair Coliseum for the Presi-
dent's Ball. Tobacco Road,' in for
six days at the long, dark National,
will also cop some of the biz ordi-
narily going to the film houses.
Estimates for This Week
Brown (Loew's-Fourth Ave.) (1,-
500; 15-30-40)— 'Pygmalion' (M-G)
and "Son Criminal' (Col). Continued
strong on moveover at $2,400. Last
week 'Honest Man' (U) and 'Gam-
bling Ship' (U), mUd $1,900.
Kentaoky (Switow) (900; 15-25)—
"OH Record' (WB) and 'Paris Honey-
moon' (Par). Ample $1,900. Last
week 'Dawn Patrol' (WB) and 'Up
River' (20th), split with 'Secrets of
Nurse' (N) and 'Peck's Boy' (RKO),
light $1,500.
Loew's State (Loew's) (3,100; 15-
30-40)— 'Fast and Loose' (M-G) and
'Four Girls' (M-G). Resoonding in
fair manner to various exploitation
stunts, and while not in the smash
class, will get fair returns to $6,500.
Last week 'Topper' (UA) and 'Dr.
Meade' (Col), no better than $5,500,
mild.
Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000;
15-30-40)— 'Darling Daughter* (WB)
(2d wk), H.o. stanza still showing
a profit, with wind-up figure around
the $3,500 mark, okay. Last week,
same film tallied okay $5,500. No
hints of censorship and the like here,
which might have helped to build
it bigger.
Ohio (Settos) (900; 15)— 'Texans'
(Par) and 'Lady Fights Back' (U).
split with 'Chan at Monte Carlo'
(20th) and 'White Banners' (WB).
Set for so-so $1,200. Last week
'Arkansas 'Traveler' (Par) and 'Mys-
terious Rider' (Par), split with 'Pro-
fessor Beware' (Par) and 'Gold Dig-
gers in Paris' (WB), light $1,100.
BUIto (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 15-
30-40)— 'Wife, Husband' (20th) and
'Inside Story' (20lh). Sighting fair
$6,000, Last week 'Cafe Society*
(Par) and 'Persons in Hiding' (Par),
medium $5,800.
Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 15-
30-40)- 'Third of Nation' (Par) and
'Boy Trouble' (Par). Traffic at b.o.
is slow to under average $3,200. Last
week 'Moto's Last Warning' (20th)
and Three Musketeers' (20th), fair
enough $3,500.
TYC NICE $5,500 IN
0KLA.CITY;mU'6G
Oklahoma City, March 14.
'Pygmalion' off to good start after
well-planned ballyhoo at Midwest
with good $5,500 in sight 'Honolulu'
at Criterion and 'Let Us Live* at
State set for average grosses.
Estimates tor This Week
Criterion (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40)
'Honolulu' (M-G). -Headed toward
slightly better than average $6,000.-
Last week preem on 'Oklahoma Kid'
(WB) $7,500. very good, b t a bit
under expectations.
Liberty (Stan) (1^00; 20-30)— 'Ari-
zona Legion' (RKO) and 'Great Man'
(RKO). Better than average, $2,900.
Last week 'O'Connor* (M-G) and
•Disbarred' (Par), split with 'Marry'
(RKO) and "Society Smugglers* (U),
cozy $2,700.
Midwest (Stan) (1,900; 25-39-40)—
"Pygmalion* (M-G). Nice $5,500 In
sight Last week "Paris Honeymoon*
(Par), so-so $4,200.
Pisxa (Stan) (750; 25-35-40)—
"Honest Man* (U) on moveover for
second week. Average $1,900. Last
week, "Buck Finn' (M-G), bit under
at $1,700 for its moveover sesh.
State (Noble) (1,100; 25-35-40)—
"Let Us Live' (Col). So-so $2,700.
Last week, second on 'Stagecoach*
(UA), slightly under average at
$3,000.
Tower (Stan) (1,000; 25-35-40)—
'Oklahoma Kid* (WB). Moveover
from Criterion getting good $2,700.
Last week 'Musketeer? (20th) $2,100.
m-LEfflS
$20,000, BUFF.
Buffalo, March 14.
Ted Lewis is pepping up returns
at the Buffalo currently, and gets
major credit for one of the best
weeks so far this year. Pic is 'Wife.
Husband and Friend.' 'Stagecoach'
is strong at the Lakes, and business
elsewhere is well above average.
Estimates tor This Week
BoSalo (Shea) (3.500; 30-35-55)—
"Wife, Husband' (20th) and Ted
Lewis. Lewis strongly aiding this
one toward swell $20,000. Ijast week
'Darling Daughter' (WB), okay
$12,000.
Century (Shea) (3,000; 25-35)— 'St
Louis Blues' (Par) and 'Boy Trou-
ble' (Par). Takings are above nor-
mal with nice $7,500 indicated. Last
week 'King Underworld' (WB) and
'O'Connor' (M-G), $7,500.
Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 30-50)
—'Stagecoach* (UA). Looks good at
$10,000. Last week 'Beachcomber'
(Par) shot up to fine $9,500.
Hipp (Shea) (2.100; 25-40)— 'Three
Musketeers* (20th). Okay $7,000.
Last week 'I^gmalion' (M-G) (2d
wk), $7 000.
Latay'ettei' (Ind) (3.300; 25-35)—
"Let Live' (Col) and "Flight to Fame'
(Col). Strong $8,500 sighted. Last
week 'Honest Man' (U) and 'Stand
Accused' (Rep), $6,000, average.
Tyg' Strong $11,000,
iagle, Hawk' $8,400
On Reissue, Denver
Denver, March 14.
Aided by nice weather, most of
the first-runs have nothing to com-
plain about 'Pygmalion.' paired
with "Boy Slaves,*^ is giving a swell
account of itself by tallying $11,000,
getting standees each eve. -
Remarkable In the $8,400 being
garnered by 'Eagle and the Hawk,*
a reissue. Standees here. too.
Estimates tor nUs Week
Aladdin (Fox) (1.400; 25-40)—
'Wife. Husband* (20th), after a week
at the Denver. Fair $3,000, Last
week, 'Stagecoach* (UA), after a
week at the Denver, $4,500, nice.
Broadway (Fox) (1,100; 25-40)—
'Fast and Loose' (M-G) and 'Four
Girls' (M-G). after a week at the
Orpheum. Okay at $2,000. Last week,
'Huck Fhm' (M-G) and 'Pacific Liner*
(RKO), after a week at the Orpheum,
good $3,500.
Denbam (CockriU) (1,750; 26-35-
40)-r-'Eagle and Hawk' (Par) (re-
issue). Sensational $8,400 for this
one', hauled out of the files of six
years ago. Standees m"uch of the
time. But unable to hold. Last
week. Third of Nation' (Par), $6,-
100, better than expected.
Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-50)—
'Stageeoadi' $23J0, Topper' $23,000
(hdy L A. Bright Spots; 'Society'
Weak 13G, Total Grosses Oir 25%
"Wings Navy* (WB). Fair $8,000.
Last week, 'Wife, Husband* (20th),
good $11,000.
Orphenm (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40)
— Pygmalion' (M-G) and 'Boy
Slaves' (RKO). Hefty $11,000, with
plenty of standees eveiy night . Last
weeki 'Fast and Loose' (M-G) and
•Four Girls* (M-G), Strong $10,000.
Faramonnt (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)—
'Made Me Criminal* (WB) and 'Nancy
Drew* (WB). Very good $4,000. Last
week, "Three Musketeers' (20th) and
'New York Sleeps' (20th). nice $4,000.
Rialto (Fox) (878; 25-40)— 'Stage-
coach' (UA), after a week at each
the Denver and Aladdin, and 'Moto's
Warning* (20th). Paced at $3,000,
okay. Last week this house reverted
to a subsequent for seven days.
Rainy Cincy B.O.
Sttggy; 'Society'
Leads at $10j
Cincinnati, March 14.
B.o. appeal and week-end biz
dampened by rain Saturday (11) and
Sunday (l2).
Of the new product 'Cafe- Society*
is the ace tugger, yet its pull is small
potatoes for the big Albee. "Let Free-
dom Ring* likewise is fetching muted
returns for the Palace. "St. Louis
Blues* is indigo for Keith's, and the
Lyric is in bad with "Boy Trouble.*
Among the holdovers, "Beach-
comber* at the Shubert is shedding
the only ray of light
Estimates tor This Week
Albee (RKO) (3,300; 35-42)— "Cafe
Society* (Par). Fair $10,000. Last
week, "Little Princess' (20th), just
fair $11,000.
Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 35-42)—
'Little Princess' (20th) (2d run).
Light $3,500. Last week, 'Each
Other* (UA) (2d run), good $5,000.
FamUy (RKO) (1.000; 20-30)—
'Homicide Bureau* (Col) and 'Long
Shot* (GN), split with "White
Woman* (Ind) and "Miss X' (Rep).
Average $2,200. Same last week for
'Pirates Skies*- (U) and 'Am Crim-
inal' (Mono), split with 'Boy Slaves'
(RKO) and 'Home on Prairie' (Rep).
Grand (RKO) (1,200; 25-40)— 'Each
Other' (UA) (3d run). Fair $2,500.
Last week, 'Gimga Din' (RKO) (3d
run), fairly good $2,800.
KelUi*s (Libson) (1.500: 35-42)— "St
Louis Blues* (Par). - So-so $4,500.
Last week, 'Duke West Poiht' (UA),
pleasing $5,000.
Lyrle (RKO) (1,400; 35-42)— 'Boy
Trouble' (Par). Brutal $2,200. Ditto
last week on "Persons in Hiding'
(Par).
■Palace (RKO) (2,600; 35-42)—
Freedom Ring* (M-G). MUd $8,500.
Last week 'Tail Spin* (20th), poor
$7,000.
Shubert (RKO) (2.150; 39-42)—
'Beachcomber' (Par) (2d wk). Okay
$5,000, after nice $9,500 on the first
stanza.
'Wife, Husband* $16,500, Corrigan
laa 'Each Other $11,000, Frisco OK
San Francisco, March 14.
Best biz at the local downtown
houses since the Golden Gate Expo
had its preem a little less than a
month ago is the rule this week.
Strongest contender for top b.o.
take is 'Wife. Husband and Friend'
which is paired with 'Persons in
Hiding' at the Fox. 'Made for Each
Other' is a close runner up at the
■ Jnited Artists.
Estimates tor This Week
Fox (F-WC) (5.000; 35-55-75)—
'Wife. Husband' (20th) and 'Persons
Hiding' (Par). SUong $16,500, Last
week, 'Freedom Ring' (M-G) and
'Four Girls' (M-G) had a sinking
spell when rain hit down after one
of the longest February droughts on
record, ending the week to tune of
$13,000.
Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 35-55)
—'Flying Irishman* (RKO) and
vaudeviue Without exception, every
critic in town gave this pic a good
notice. Biz on the upswing at
$13,000. Last week,. 'Saint San Fran-
cisco' (RKO) and vaudeville, fair
$11,500.
Orphenm (F&M) (2,440; a5-55)—
"Honest Man* (U) and 'Son Criminal'
(Col) .(3d wk). Iiack of product, and
ability of 'Honest Man' to still bring
them in responsible for decision to
hold this pair for a third stint which
looks set for $6,500. Last week, good
$8,500.
Paramount (F-WC) (2,740: 35-55-
75)— 'Freedom Ring' (M-G) and
'Four Giris' (M-G) (2d wk). Move-
over from Fox looks okay at $6,300.
Last week. 'Wings Navy' (WB) and
'Arizona WildcaF (20th) (2d wk),
$6,500, okay considering the weather.
St FrancU (F-WC) (1,470; 35-55-
75)— 'Pygmalion' (M-G) (4th wk).
One of the sweetest money makers
in town, this picture has been able
te buck the Fair and the weather.
Fourth session headed for $6,000
which-is just about as healthy as last
week.
United Artists (Cohen) (1.200; 35-
55-65)— 'Each Other' (UA). Healthy
$11,000. Last week, Topper' (UA)
(3d wk), $5,700, aU right
Warfleld (F-WC) (2,680; 35-55-75)
—'Ice FolUes' (M-G) and "Secret
Service' (WB). Biz a bit better than
usual, with a $13,500 gait Last week,
'Darling Daughter" (WB) (2d wk)
and 'Pardon Nerve' (20th) $8,000,
okay.
Los Angeles, March 14.
Spotty biz, with 'Stagecoach' and
Topper Takes Trip* town leaders.
Holdover of 'Can't Cheat Honest
Man' at Pantages-RKO keeping firm,
with moveover of 'Little Princess'
okay; 'Cafe Society' did nose dive
at -Paramount. 'Pygmalion' takinig
first serious drop at Four Star.
Town's combined take off about 25%.
Estimates tor This Week
Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,024:
30-40-55-75)— 'Stagecoach' (UA) aiid
'Inside Story' (20th). Hitting neat
pace for $10,300, despite one night
downpour which cut in heavily. liast
week, 'Little Princess' (20th) and
'Girl Downstairs' (M-G); good $10.-
800.
Downtown (WB) (1.800; 30-40-55-
65)— 'Topper' (UA) and 'Secret Serv-
ice' (WB). One of town's few bright
spots, and profitable $11,000 in sight
Last week, 'Duke West Point' (UA)
and 'Nancy Drew' (WB), washout at
$6,200.
Four Star (F-WC-UA) (900; 40-55)
— 'Pygmalion' (M-G) (12th wk.).
First heavy drop last week, biz going
to slim $2,900. with $2,500 in sight
on current stanza.
Hollywood (WB) (2.756; 30-40-55-
65)— 'Topper* (UA) and 'Secret Serv-
ice' (WB). Neat $12,000. Last week,
'Duke West Point' (UA) and 'Nancy
Drew* (WB), floppo $5,500.
Orphenm (Bdwy.) (2,280; 25-30-35-
40)— 'Disbarred' (Par) and 'flirting
Fate' (M-G) plus vaude. Nothing to
crow over at $6,500. Last week, 'Smil-
ing Along' (20th) and 'Gambling
Ship' (U), $7,000.
Fantages (Pah) (2,812; 30-40-55)—
'Honest Man' (U) (2d wk.) and
'Wharf (RKO). Holdover with new
supporting feature looks good for
$6,200, after corking $12,000 first
week. 'Love Affair' (RKO) follows.
Paramount (Par) (3,595; 30-40-55)
— 'Cafe Society' (Par) and stage
show. Despite bad biz, is holding for
two extra days to weak $13,000. Last
week, 'St Louis Blues' (Par) (2d
wk.) excellent $10,500.
BKO (2,872; 30-40-55) — 'Honest
Man' (U) (2d wk.) and 'Wharf
(RKO). Holding to about.50% of ini-
tial week at $6,800. Opening stanza,
$13,200, big.
Stete (Loew-Fox) (2,414; 30-40-55-
75)-T-'Stagecoach' (UA) and 'Inside
Story* (20th). Heaw and effective
campaign pushing Wanger opus to
proflteble $13,500. Last week, 'LitUe
Princess' (20th) and 'Girl Down-
stelrs' (M-G), $13,200, about what
was expected.
United ArtlsU (F-WC) (2,100; 30-
40-55)— 'Little Princess' (20th) and
'Girl Downstairs' (M-G). Moveover
n.s.h., but satisfactory $3,500. Last
week, 'Each Other* (UA) and 'Par-
don.Nerve' (20th). just fair $2,700.
Wllshire (F-WC) (2.290; 30-40-55-
65)— 'Little Princess* (20th) and 'Girl
Downstairs' (M-G). Adding $5,100 to
first-run take on moveover. Last
week, 'Each Other' (UA) and 'Par-
don Nerve' (20th), okay $4,700.
Crawford Dual Big
$12,500, 'Okla. Kid'
9G; ProY. Improving
Providence. March 14.
Better than average pic fare help-
ing stands nicely despite Lenten sea-
son and inclement weather.
'Ice Follies' dual at State. "OkU-
hbma Kid' at Majestic and 'Cafe So-
ciety' at Strand riding crest.
Estimates for This Week
Albee (RKO) (2,000; 25-35-60) —
'Honest Man' (U) and 'Secrets Nuise*
(U) (2d wk.). Paced at so-so $3,500.
Last week, pleasing $0,800.
Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 25-35-
50) — 'Stagecoach' (UA) and 'Pride
Navy' (Rep) (2d run). Nice $5,800.
Last week, 'Huck Finn' (M-G) and
'Four Girls' (M-G) (2d rUn), whoop-
ing $7,200.
Fay's (Indie) (2,000: 25-35-40) —
"Alexander's Band' (20th) (revival)
and vaude. Nice $5,000 sighted. Last
week, 'Gambling Ship' (U) and
vaude, good $6,000
Majestic (Fay) (3.200; 25-35-50)—
'Oklahoma Kid' (WB) and 'Secret
Service' (WB). Stepping along to
poppy $9,000. Last week, 'Wings
Navy' (WB) and 'Nancy Drew' (WB),
$5,000, slow.
State (Loew) (3,200: 25-35-50) —
'Ice Follies' (M-G) and 'North China'
(Col). Breezing along to swell $12,-
500. Last week, 'Stagecoach' (UA)
and 'Pride Navy' (Rep), hefty $14,-
500.
Strand (Indie) (2,200; 25-35-50)—
•Cafe Society' (Par) and 'My Son*
(Col). Peppy $8,d00 sighted. Last
week, 'Beachcomber' (Par) and 'Miss
X' (Rep), swell $8,500.
18068H
Deanna
URBIN
Nan
xvith
Helen
SMART GIRLS
with
Robert
Charles
^^^^^
**«WW*l*V*W^ AAA. .
WedncsA^, Mareb IS, 193^
VARIETY
It
GROW
Pre-release
MARCH 24
Regular Release
APRIL 7
Produced by JOE PASTERNAK
A HENRY KOSTER production
Original screenplay by Bruce Manning and Felix Jackson
Directed by Henry Koster
u
•VABIBTXV lANDON OFFICB
• St. Ilutla'a Flaw, Tnfalaw BqoM
INTERMATIONAL MEWS
CMto AMmmi TABIBTr. MMDOH
TUaphrae XtBpla Bur BMt-SOM
Reprement That Anglo Exhibitors
Mast Show 12|^% Home Productions
Brings Qaim They Can't Fdl Quotas
with the Films Council, set up to
regulate and ' operate the British
^ota law, refusing demands that the
picture quota jpercentages (against
foreign companies, principally U.S.)
be Increased, American homeotfice
officials are - watching the new
struggle with keen Interest
The quota on foreign distributors
automatically Increases on April 1
from 15% to 20% the number of
films they must either buy or make
4n England. Howiever, the laborites
in England are seeking even higher
percentages In hopes of increasing
. production. One group wants to
eliminate the $37,500 minimum labor
cost per single-credit film. This
naturally would vastly increase pro-
duction in Great Britain because it
would make possible a return of
quickie films. The new quota law,
which became effective, . last April,
eliminated' quickie production by es-
tablishing at $97,500 minimum labor
clause or vlrtuaUy. setting up a total
minimum of $75,000 per quota
.'feature* . t
Frodnetlon Down
Figures from London show that
production In England has dwindled
under the new British QuotA law.
Under the old Quota law, there were
225 features made in 1937. ^ 1^38
there were 220 features made (four
months under old. law and eight un-
der the new, rush for quickies early
In 103B presyihably swelllhg .the to-
tal). There were' 90 -features either
finished or contemplated for 103d. .
One recent development in Eng-
land. Is that exhibitors claim .they
haven't,-'«nough ..British features to
.fill their. quotas! Ane'idilb In Eng-
.land must Show 12{&%' British-made
films' If he is using foreign pictures.
' There' is- no 'stipuIation.:that''he'must
show foreign films 4ioWever. In con
trast," American distributors in Great
Britain must, make or buy a per
oentage' of British films in order to
distribute in England.
Exhibitor group is said to haye eiv-
listed the- support of the labor- party
in order' to get changes in the. Quota
law.' It- the quota is' changed, it now
appears 'that the only -way it can be
done is by lowering the minimimi re
quirements 'at least half, or make it
around $1.S',0D0 for labor costsi' Even
then this additional production
probably would have to' be financed
by. Uj^,: capital in. other, ways.
Brlttsh'produ'cers are. iexperlenelng
extreme difficulty in getting backing.
Consequently, the bulk of production
in England. now is be^g financed by
American cdln.. .
Sallsfled wKh Qnola
Conservatives in England are hi'
dined to express satisfaction over
the present Quota law- because It has
Improved the quality of British pro-
duction and has 'resulted in features
.that, have made money outside of
Enelend and enhancect^the' prestige
of British-pictures- In. ^ world mar-
ket 'When good pictures such -as
•Pygmalion,' TTfie Beachcomber,'
•Lady Vahjshes,' and "Yank at Ox
ford' result from the current. Quota
Act American officials can see no
reason for - reviving the argument
that the American market is closed
to English films. They insist that if
a picture has merit it will -- be -re-
ceived a's favorably as In Britain
British pictures now are getting into
some of the best first-runs In the
U.S;, it's held. '
If the .minimum Is knocked down
for British quota pictures, it's Indi-
cated that American companies
would change' thfelr tactics in turn-
ing out costly films in Great Britain.
'Whether they would make In Eng-
land or buy from British producers
minor films for spotting on programs
in the U.S. as 'B' pictures remains
in doubt . « -
Canadian Bill Would
Coordinate Govt Depts.
Montreal, March 14.
Co-ordination of the film activities
of all Canadian government depart-
ments under one board is provided
for in a bill sponsored by Trade
Minister Euler and discussed In pre-
liminary resolution stage In the
House of Commons last week.
Bill would set up national film
board of eight composed of two
Cabinet members) three civil ser-
vants and three others, none of
whom would be salaried. Executive
officer would be the only paid offi-
cial, with Minister of Trade and
Commerce the chairman.
New Mex Film Tax
Mexico City, March 14.
Picture men have been jolted by
a spe<^ Income impost Nick is
6% and must be paid by everybody
who -makes money out of the ex
ploltation of pictures.
American distributors have takra
BO ofiFlclal action as they are await
lo£ < decision o£ the Ministry of Fin-
ance oh 'the request for appeal of
thiir law. i^ade by the Mexican ^c-
ture PrMUc^ Assn.
INDIA MARKET
FOR U. S. PIX
GROWING
Calcutta, March 14.
Although India is the biggest pro-
ducer of motion pictures in the world
next to U. S., as far as quantity is
concerned (Japan outranks both),
220 of the 359 features distributed
here In 1038 were American pro-
ductions, or about 62% .of the totaL
Indian-mfide films represented 22%
of the total, and the British 16%.
Significant part about this fine
showing for U. S. distributors is that
it reveals India as a splendid mar-
ket Figures for 193jB show an .in-
crease of 44 pictures over 1037, when
176 American features were dis-
tributed. The 1936 total was 167.
- Opening of the deluxe Metro the-
atre operation here is proving to
be a help to India house operators.
It was the sole house in Calcutta
area to do normal biz recently. Wave
of resentment against building the
Metro cinema by an American com-
pany was stirred up by native ex-
hibitors,, who realized that an up-to-
date . house would probably force
them to renovate their interiors.
India societies were firm in voicing
their resentment- but it 'was con-
structed regardless.' . Payoff is that
the native India ' theatres- npw are
making more money than ever be-
fore and the forced remodeling is
held accountable.
This so-called theatre Invasion,
plus revelation of the progress made
by U. S. distributors in this country,
has produced increased agitation by
the Indian Motion Picture Congress
against the American film industry.
Body now is asking a film institute
modeled along lines similar to the
British Film Institute.
Laorence Saik Baclq
Eckmaii Holds Orer
Ludwig liaudy' Laurence, Metro
Continental r^resentatlve with
headquarters in Paris, sailed for
France Saturday (11) after four
'Weeks of conferences In New 'York
and Hollywood. Sales policies and
picture conditions abroad were dis-
cussed with Arthur M. Loew and
other studio executives.
Sam Eckman, manager in Great
Britain who is also here conferring
With Metro officials. Is not returning
to bis post until after the company's
convention In Chicago, starting
March 19.
Picture Biz Holds
Up WeD in Spain
Despite Warfare
Film theatre patronage in war-
torn Spain during the last few
months has kept up amazingly, ac-
cording to reports received in New
York by Metro, Paramount and
Warners. This situation prevails
even though many films are so old
and have been revived so frequently
that they are foggy from usage.
With the peace-time government
expected soon, the continued popu-
larity of American product Is de-
scribed as encouraging for U. S. com-
panies. However, tliis big business
has meant nothing to American com-
panies so far, because the money
cannot be withdrawn from the coun-
try.
The coin also is of doubtful value,
and even with the restoration of
peace it's extremely questionable if
it will ever approach its original face
value on the exchange.
U. S. SUBMITTED 403
PK TO AUSSIE IN '38
Sydney, March 14.
American distributors submitted
403 features to the Australian market
in 1938. The Commonwealth Film
Censors report shows that a total of
467 features were submitted dtiring
tiie year. Cuts were made in ap-
proximately 46 pictures, compared
with almost double that number in
1937.
Censor body found a downward
trend' in objectibnal material, at-
tributing decrease chiefly to an Im-
provement in American films. The
percentage of elimination of English
films doubled that of the American
product
McConville to Mex 'City
J. A. McConville, Columbia's for-
eign manager, left Friday (10) for
Mexico City to confab with Mexico's
manager, S. Kusiel, and- Charles
Roberts, homeoffice supervisor for
Latin-America.
McConville will visit Havana,
Porto Rico and Jamaica before re-
turning to New York next month.
Queensland South Aussie FoDow
NJS.W. Trend to Restrict Distribs
Sydney, Feb. 25.
Queensland and South Australian
exhibs are now yelling for distrib
legislation similar to that operating
la New South Wales. The Motion
Picture Distrib. Assn., in order -to
prevent such restrictions in other
states, had almost agreed not to op-
pose the 12%% right of rejection, a
standard form of contract and ban
on reissues here, but complete agree-
ment could not be reached within its
ranks, and so the proposals were
dropped.
One prominent N. S. W. exhlb
stated that had the MPDA recently
agreed to a 10% right of rejection
for all exhibs,' the current trouble
would not have c(opi>ed up. The
short-sighted policy adopted by the
MPDA had definitely tumed exhibs
towards the government for assist-
ance, he said.'
The Motion Picture Exhib Assn.
has become tremendously powerful
6( late, and it's understood that a
working agreement has been made
with the New Zealand Assn. cover-
ing future plans against' any pos-
sible inroads that might be attempted
by the MPDA. The appointment of
a films commission in N. S. W., plus
the possibility of national legislation
hookup, together with a New Zea-
land Board of Control, shows just
how tough things have become late-
ly for the MPDA.
There are many in the Industry
here who agree that the MPDA
misses an opportunity to stop gov-
ernment interference in the picture
field because of the failure of its
members to pull together.
For(^ Market I%ed in 193S,
U. S. Commorce D^t ReiKHts;
Biz Looms a$ Stable fw 1939
Running Riot' to Tour;
Henson Set for S. Africa
London, March, 7.
Hunning Riot' which just fin-
ished a run at -the Gaiety, will tour
the sticks for 12 weeks, with Leslie
Henson, the star, then taking a trip
to South Africa to play a repertory
season of musicals, with support to
be lined up locally. Latter tour is
expected to last another 12 weeks.
On his return, Firth Shepherd, who
presents Henson, Is expected to have
a farce ready for him.
Meanwhile, Shepherd does not in-
tend to abandon the Henson sup-
porting troupe, comprising Louise
Browne, Richard Heame, Fred Em-
ney and Roy Royston; These will
stay intact dplng another musical,
-with Stanley Lui;)ino replacing Hen-
son.
SEE FALURE OF
MONOPOLY IN
JAPAN
Despite, alarmhig reports that have
cropped up during the past year, lat-
est information received in New
York from Tokyo indicates that the
plan to adopt a government film
monopoly in Japan will fall through.
Government monopoly proposed,
which would' be patterned after the
one .set up In Manchukuo, Is not re-
ceiving the support anticipated.
Proposal goes before the Diet which
meets this spring,
' Japanese picture' industry officials
are dissatisfied over the way the gov-
ernment monopoly in Manchukuo
has washed out Efforts have been
made to get U.S. distribs to handle
product for that territory, according
to the monopoly terms. .The distribs,
however, have turned it down, one
of the main reasons for the failure
of the monopoly.
Kelly Coming Back
Arthur Kelly, United Artists for-
eign manager now in Europe, is ex-
pected back In the U. S. March 23.
He has been absent on business in
Europe and South' Africa since the
first of the year.
Kelly is going over the situation in
Central Europe and England at the
present time preparatory to sailing
in a few days.
Cnrrent London Pkys
(With Dates When Opened)
•Me and My Girl,' Victoria Palace
—Dec. 18, '37.
^Room for Two,' Comedy — Sept. 6,'
•Dear Octopus,' Queens— Sept 14,
'38.
•The Corn Is Green,' Duchess —
Sept 20, '38.
'When We Are Married,' St Mar-
tin's— Oct 11, '38.
•Quiet Wedding,' Wyndham's— Oct
14, '38.
'Goodness, How Sad,' 'Vaudeville—
Oct. 18, '38.
•Geneva.' St. James— Nov. 22, '38.
^^•Uhder Your Haf Palace-^Nov. 24,
•No. 6,' Aldwych— Dec. 21, '38.
They Walk Alone,' Shaftesbury—
Jan. 19, '39.
•Magyar Melody,' His Majesty's—
Jan. 20, '89.
'Design for Llvhig,' Haymarket—
Jan. 25, '39.
•Tony Draws a Horse,' Criterion-
Jan. 26, '39.
•GasHght.' Apollo— Jan. -31, '39.
•French Without Tears,' Piccadilly
—Feb. 6, '39.
^^•Llttie Ladyship,' Lyric— Feb. 7,
•To Love and to Cherish,' Kings-
way— Feb. 21, '39.
'The Mother,' Garrick— March 2,
39
^^ilobert's Wife,' Savoy— March 6,
•We at the Crossroads,' Globe-
March 7, '39.
„'Black and Blue,' Hippodrome-
March 8, '39.
Washington, March 14.
American films' preeminence in
the foreiga exhibition field was off
about 5% in 1938 as a consequence
of the' rising tide of . nationalism
around the world, 'plus heightening
barriers in hitemational trade. Re-
strictions mean - that U.S. product
now is used only 65% of the time
abroad, according to Nathan D.
Golden, chief of the Commerce De-
partment's motion picture division.
Study of export trade reports
shows that while American reels
continue, to enjoy widespread popu-
larity throughout the world, upset«
ting factors — such as the Hitler grab
of Czechoslovakia and Austria — re-
sulted in a 6.1% slump i'n footage
shipments of all types. Only increase
was in exports of positive silents,
which mounted 85.2% in volume.
Obstacles
In discussing the whole . foreign
picture. Golden commented:
The obstacles, which have been of
diverse sorts, have more or less de-
moralized the local amusement busi-
ness. Transfers of territories have
involved drastic changes in the cir-
cumstances governing the motion
picture trade. The intangible psy-
chological factors of uncertainty and
apprehension have had an appre-
ciable effect In many cases, the
spirit of nationalism has b^en height-
ened to the disadvantage of a prod-
uct such as American films, whose
appeal is ordinarily designed to
transcend geographical boundaries.
•During the past year the ardent
fanning of that spirit of nationalism
has meant in numerous countries, an
ever-increasing fervor and energy in
the attempt to build up the strug-
gling local film Industries — indus-
tries which, despite their obvioua
(Continued on page 64)
LONDONOKAYS
BUCK MUSICAL
London, March 14.
George Black's intimate musical,
•Black and Revue,' clicked in its de-
but at the Hippodrome here Wednes-
day (8) night It's a low-comedy
musical in several respects, pat-
terned after Palladium •Crazy'
shows, and stars Frances- Day and
'Vic Oliver. Bob Bromley, Max Wall
and Cass, Owen and Topsy are fea-
tured.
•We at the Crossroads,' following a
week's tryout In Brighton, opened at
the Globe Tuesday night (7) but
showed Itself to be unlikely. It's
sincerely written by Keith Winter,
who describes the play as a 'revolt
against indifference.' H. M. Ten-
nent Ltd., produced.
Cooperative arrangement for con-
tinuing •Jealous God' has proved im-
successfuL The play closed Satur-
day (11) at the Lyric after 10 days^
being succeeded by •LIttie Ladyship,'
transferred from the Strand. Tony
Draws a Horse,' currently at the Cri-
terion, is switching to the Strand.
'Worth a Million' closed at the
Saville Saturday after five weeks. It
will be replaced March 21 by 'John-
son Over Jordan,' which is reopen-
ing. To Love and to Cherish,'
scheduled to close' Saturday (11),
stays on for one week because the
cast volunteered to forego salaries.
Laclunan's Dardanelles'
Paris, March 14.
RAC (Realization Arts Chiematog-
raphie), French producer, has signed
Harry Lachman to direct 'Darda-
nelles.' Pictiue will be made at the
Pathe Studios.
Negotiations are on for signing
Stan Laurel for a comedy role.
Delay Cafe Opening
Iiondon, March. 14.
Despite Clore & Esdaile's an-
nouncement that they're opening the
London Casino April 8, it is under-
stood that an official receiver is in-
tervening. It's claimed that $80,000
la due Clifford C Fischer. •
Wednesdaj. Much 15, 1939
VARIETY
15
APRIL 8 ;
FLYNN!
n HAVIUAND!
AND IjOVO'sl
TECHNICOlOft!
mRlFIC ! ! I
WARNERS!
16 VARIETY
FILM REVIEWS
Wednesday; Marcli 15, 1939
LOVE AFFAIR
(WITH SONGS)
Hollywood, March 9.
HKO releaiw of MoCaw proOactlon.
Stnra Uena Dunne and Cbarles Boyer. Dl-
Kcied by Leo UcCarer- Screenplay by
Delmar Daves and Donald Oitden Stewart;
from story by MIldrcA Cram and l«o Mc-
Carey. Sonso: 'WlshlnB,' by B. O. De-
Sylvo; 'SUiB My Heart." by Harold Arlon
and °i'cd Koehler: camera, Rudolph Mate;
editors,' Edward Dmytryk and Qeorce
HIveley. Previewed at Pontaces, Mandi
0, '30. Sunnlns time: B7 MINS.
Tpprv , Irene 'Dunne
Michel Charlea Boycr
Orandraotber Maria Ouspensteoya
Kcnnrth Uradley L«e Bowman
Lola Clarke: .Aatrld Allwyn
Maurice Cobert Maurica Moscovlch
liCo McCarey's initial production
for RKO as a producer-director of-
fers an entirely new approach - to
what has become accepted picture
technique. Basically, it's the regula-
tion formula of boy-meets-girl. First
half is best described as romantic
comedy, while second 'portion
switches to drama with comedy. Mc-
Carey attacks his subject with slow
and deliberate tempo, allowing main
story theme to progress in a straight
line, while adding many sidelight in-
cidents of drama and comedy along
the way. If s b.o. chances look good.
Attractive selling title, combined
with marquee dressing of Irene
Dunne and Charles Boyer to attract
initially, indicates profitable grosses.
If audiences accept the leisurely
tempo maintatined throughout, pic-
ture has. chance for some holdovers
in the keys.
MLss Dunne Is excellent in a role
that requires both comedy and dra-
matic, ability. Boyer gives a par-
ticularly effective presentation of the
mode^ Cassahova. His casual and
sophisticated love-making will- easily
catch attention of the femmes.
The stars carry the major portion
of the footage, with supporting cast
appearing briefly. Maria Ouspen-
skaya provides a warmly sympa-
thetic portrayal as Boyer's grand-
mother iu Madeira. Although pro-
grammed support is limited to four
players, several uncredited bits are
sparkling ad4itions and rate atten-
tion. 'Ferike Boros has one excel-
lent 'scene as a boarding house
keeper, and little Scotty Beckett
stands out with a brief episode
aboard ship. Frank McGlynn, Sr.,
as superintendent oi 'the orphanage,
and ^|«e Bowman, as Miss Dunne's
admirer, are both okay, while Astrid
Allwyn and Maurice Moscovlch are
on briefly.
Aboard boat sailing from Naples to
New York, Boyer stairts a flirtation
with Miss Dunne. He is engaged to
heiress Astrid' AUwyn, and she to
Lee Bowman. ' Real romance blos-
soms after pair visits Boyei's grand-
mother during stopover at Madeira.
They separate on docking with pact
to meet six months later atop the
Empire State building.
Miss Dunne slips to Philadelphia
to sing in a- night club, while Boyer
applies himself to painting. While
on her way to keep tryst on appoint-
ed day. Miss Diume is injured in a
traffic accident Faced with Ufe of a
cripple, girl refuses to contact Boyer
to explaia On convalescense, she
secures job teaching singing to chil-
dren 'Jn an orphanage, whue Boyer
goes on to success as a painter. He
finally discovers Miss Dunne for re-
union,
McCarey's direction rates atten-
tion not pn^y for general excellence,
but for his innovation of departing
from accepted practice in presenting
his siibjeci Rather daring Is his de-
velopment of interest through com-
edy passages, and then complete de-
tour for a sidelight that u either
serious, or hufnorous.
Two songs have been inserted.
Miss Dunne presents one, 'Sing My
Heart,' by Harold Arlen and Ted
Koehler, In night club setting,
'Wishing.' by B. G. DeSylva, is first
simg by kid trio with uke. accompan-
iment, and later by orphanage cho-
rus. Tune is catchy.
Production is of grade A quality
all the way and the photography by
Rudolph Mate maintains a high
standard.
ney's name and draw, rather than
story or production, neither of which
is commendable.
All the unbelievable hoke of a
small-time western are included in
this film. To cap this, Cagney, the
star and in the title role, plays a
western Robin Hood without varia-
tion of his Hell's Kitchen manner
and it's incongruous in the chaps-
ar.d-spurs. setting. A weak saeen-
play and dialog, plus slow-pcced di-
rection, don't help matters, and the
film falls into the class of just an-
other hoss opry.
Failure ot the writers to main-
tain the story's historical points,
switching instead to blood-and-thun-
der gun fights and boom-town vice,
is a major fault- Film starts with
the land rush m 1893 on the Chero-
kee Strip in Oklahoma, one of the
most dramatic features of RKO's
'Cimarron,' and the founding of the
city of Tulsa. But once past the
early footage the story falls into an
exposition of law vs. hoodlumism; n
series of scrapes between Cagney
and organized banditry, the unmask-
ing of Cagney as the blacksheep son
of Tulsa's . banker and brother of
Tulsa's sheriff;. Cagney's revenge on
the hoodlums after they hang, his
faUier end shoot his brother. Not
even the love interest is maintained
in its early tempo, the romance ba-
tween Cagney and Jane Hardwick,
originally his brother's sweetheart
given something of a brushoff . Rose-
mary Lane as Miss Hardwick is
pretty, but not a convincing actress,
iSome of the picture's bits are com-
pletely unbelievable. For instance,
that portion . where Cagney single-
handedly cows a couple of hundred
tough gentry in Humphrey Bogart's
gambling casino. About 50 men are
standing behind him when he draws
his guns, but they all mefekly raise
their liands and nobody takes ad-
vantage of the target his back pre-
sents, and despite the fact that there's
a price on his head, Ca|ney comes
and goes as he wishes; invades the
jail to speak to his father, talks to
the judge, kills simdry badmen, but
nobody can arrest him. For the
final clinch he gets a complete par-
don from Oklahoma's governor. The
picture's title could just as well have
been 'The Miracle Man.'
With the exception of Humphrey
Bogart who plays his standard bad-
man, nobody else in the film stands
out in performance. Donald Crisp,
as the ludge, Harvey Stephens and
Hugh Sothern, as Cagney's brother
and father, respectively, and Ed-
ward Pawley, as a badman, are
greatly limited by the script Others
are unimportant to the story, but
also similarly handicapped.
Lloyd Bacon's direction is slow in
this instance, but if s probable the
screenplay also handicapped the pac-
ing. Photography is only average.
SchK
Mimatore Reiiews
<Love Affair' (RKO). Irene
Dunne and Charles Boyer In ro-
mantic comedy drama; satisfac-
tory b.o.
The Oklahoma KU' (WB).
James Cagney starred in medio-
cre western.
•Dark Victory* (WB). Bette
Davis starred in tear-jerker; good
b.o., especially with femme trade.
'Zenobia' (UA). Oliver Hardy
and Harry Langdon teamed in
moderate comedy," for dualer
support' and kids.
'Midnight' (Par). Fair com-
edy, but Colbert Ameche, John
Barrymore names '-insure good
biz.
THE OKLAHOMA KID
'n'.':rner Bioa. production and release.
Starj James Carney. Fcnturei Humphrey
BoRxi't. Rosamnry Jjmt, Donald Crisp. Di-
recPC I b;* LiDi'd l>acon; screenplay by War-
ren Dure, Robert Buchner and Edward IS.
Panimoro; story by Sdnard B. Paiamor<
and W.illy Klein; camera, James 'Wonii
Howe; editor. Owen Marks. At Stxand,
. N. Y.. week Manh 10. '89. , Running time:
Tho Oklaboma Kid James Ctiney
•Whip McCord. Humphrey Bcgnrt
Jane Hardwick Rosemary Lano
Judce Hardwick Donald Crisp
Nod lOncald. Harvey Stepbcns
John Kincald Hugh Sotbem
Alec Martin Cbarles Mlddleton
Doolln..... .Edward Pawley
Woi; llandley Ward Bond
Curley........ Lew Harvey
Inillnn Jack I'ns?o ..Trevor Bardette
?'ngn John Ulljan
Judge Morgan Arthur Aylesworth
Hotel aerk Irving Bairon
Keely..: joe Devlin
Sberlir..(. ^^^^ Wade Botelcr
The Oklahoma Kid* Is another In
the majbr companies' current vogue
for westerns. It follows on the heels
of 'Jesse James* (20th) and 'Stage-
coach' (UA), and, though the cycle
continues with 'Dodge City' and
'Union Pacific' soon to be released,
the <Kid' lets It down. It's b. o. po-
tency will depend on James Cag-
DARK VICTORY
(WITH SONG)
Hollywood, March 7.
Warner release of David Lewis produo-
tlon. HInrs Bette Davis. Features George
Broot, Humphrey Bogart. Oeraldlne. Fltz-
gerald. Directed by Edmund Gouldlng.
crecnplny by Casey Robinson: from play
by George Emerson Brewer. Jr., and Ber-
tram Blorb. Music and' lyrics by Elslo
Janis and Edmund Goolding; camera,
Ernie Hnller; editor, William Holmes,
■'reviewed at Warnera Hollywood, March
T, '30. Running Ume: lOS HLNS.
Judith Trnheme Bette Davis
Dr. Frederick Steele George Brent
Michael O'Leaty Humphrey Bogart
Ann King Oetaldlne Fitzgerald
Alec Ronald Reagan
Dr. P:inons Henry Tnvers
Carrie Cora WItherapoon
Hiss Wulnwrlght Dorothy Peterson
Mcrthn Virginia nrls.iac
Colonel Mnntle ..Charles RIchman
Dr. Curler Herbert Rawllnnon
Dr. ni'liK'oll Leonard Mudle
Miss Dodd Fay Helm
liUcy Lottie Williams
Intense drama, with undercurrent
of tragedy ever present 'Dark 'Vic-
U>ty' is a nicely produced offering.
It presents Bette Davis in a power-
ful and impressive role, which will
be mentioned in nominations for top
performances of the year. With
Miss Davis as top marquee attractor,
and both George Brent and Humph-
rey Bogart for underlines, this film
will turn in a good accnunt of itself
at the boxofflces, although not rating
socko proportions.
In play form several years ago,
Tallulah Bankhead was not able to
overcome the morbid dramatics of
the piece and 'Dark Victoiy' had a
brief Broadway run. FUm rights
were originally purchased by David
Selznick, but he shelved production
plans some weeks before picture was
due to hit the production stages.
Warners subsequently acquired the
property.
Latitude allowed by expanded film
script over play provides oppor-
tunity for general lightening of the
morbid and highly tragic undertone
of the original. But Uiere still re-
mains the big question of just how
picture audiences will accept the
heavily theatric plight of a girl
doomed by an incurable disease.
Subject is a cinch to bring out the
femme trade that delights In long
and lusty weeps. Ifs an exposiUon
of feminine fortitude, courage and
dc rmlnatlon that is always relished
by the woimen. At the same time,
picture hits close to the borderline
of psychological and clinical re-
search, which may prove too strong
a dramatic concoction for - general
audiences.' Patrons with friends or
relatives suffering ■ from hopeless
maladies will not care for the vivid
reminder striking so close.
Story unfolds the tragic . circum-
stances of Bette Davis, gay heiress,
afflicted with a malignant brain
tumor which will snuff out her life
in 10 months. A delicate operation
by specialist George Brent is tempo-
rarily successful, but when the girl
finaiUy accidentally discovers ner
true condition, she embarks on a
wild whirl of barties. In love with
Brent Miss Davis - quickly checks
herself and marries the medic for a
brief ' happiness on his 'Vermont
farm. 'When death finally comes, she
faces it with courage.
M.<ss Davis highlights the picture
throughout with a sincere and real-
istic performance. It's her first
chance in several pictures to wear
latest fashion creations, and she's
clothed in some fine ensembles.
Brent is excellent as the surgeon,
carrying tiirough with restraint in
both professional and romantic epi-
sodes.
Important is the uncovering of
Geraldine Fitzgerald as a new screen
potentiality. Actress, in her .first
film effort shows exceptional possi-
bilities for the future, turning in a
fine performance as Miss Davis' con-
fidential secretary. Seems rather vm-
necessary to toss away the ability of
Humphrey Bogart in the -role of the
Irish stable man. Part is rather un-
important in overall development of
the main story, and could easily be
eliminated without loss of ansrttiing
but some of the overlength footage.
Bogart himself Is satisfactory, but
the role is extraneous. Balance of
supporting cast is okay.
Direction by Edmund Goulding
stresses the highly emotional dra-
matics in rather extended footage.
Picture is studded with several in-
tense sequences that are tear-jerkers
of ultra calibre. But the frequency
with which attention is focussed on
tragic plight of the girl could have
been controlled for better effect
Twenty minutes might be trimmed
without being missecL
Script is nicely set up in both sit-
uations and dialog, with exception of
extended buildup of the Humphrey
Bogart role. There's smart detour-
ing ot actual ope'rating room scenes.
Death of Miss Davis has been han-
dled deftly, without hysterics, but
anti-dimacuc steeplechase race, con-
suming about five minutes, is un-
necessary. After the preview, the
studio stated this sequence would be
eliminated from release prints.
Picture has been given advantage
of top production facilities in all oe'
partments. Camera work by Ernie
Haller hits a high standard.
away without achieving much audi-
ence Interest '.
As the doctor in a Misslsslral
town ot the 10% Hardy is called
on to treat Zenobia; elephant be-
lon^ng to a carnival pitchman,
Langdon. Pachyderm gratefully fol-
lows Hardy around, through build-
ings and into a reception for his
daughter. Matter windb up In court,
with Langdon suing Hardy for
alienation of the beast's affections.
Alice Brady, town dictator, backs
Lmngdon to prevent ma-.iage ot
Hardy's daughter to her son. But
suit blows up, and Zenobia content-
edly returns to Langdon for deliv-
ery of a baby elephant
Hardy demonstrates he can easily
handle straight comedy witl.out re-
sort to . familiar slapstick, but is
handicapped by material provided.
Langdon bias but a few moments to
work with Hardy, so an estimate on
their work' as a team miist wait for
future pictures.
Billie Burke and Alice Brady
share starring honors with the two
comedians. Miss Burke again i>or-
trays her flighty matron character
wiUiout variation. Romance is pro-
vided by James Ellison and Jean
Parker, while Stepin Fetchit
squeezes in several laughs with his
lazy dialog. Colored youngster,
Phillip Hurlic, will be best remem-
bered of support Kid's recitation of
the Declaration of Independence
catches attention.
MIDNIGHT
Hollywood,. March 8.
Paramount release of Arthur Ilornblow,
Jr., production. Stars Claudetto Colbert
and Den Ameche: features John narry-
more, Francis Zjedcrer. Mnry Aster. Blaine
Rnrrle. Directed by Mitchell Leisen,
.'frrcenplny by Charlon Brackrtt and Billy
Wilder ; b.ised' on story by . Edwin Justus
Mfiyer and Franz .Schulz. Camera. Charles
Lanp. Jr.; film editor, Donne llurrison;
Rsalstant director, Hal Walker, I'revlewed
at Wrstwood Vlllsn March 8, "M. Run-
Mog time: M iOHB.
Eva Peabody Claudetto Colbert
Tlbor Czcmy: Don Ameche
Georgea Flammarlon John Barrymore
Jncqnes Plcotn ...Francis Lederer
Helene Flammarlon ..Mary Aster
.SImone .Elaine Barrle
Steptianle Heddu Hopper
Mnrcel Rex O'Mollpy
The . Judge Monty 'W'anlley
IjObon Annand Kallz
ZENOBIA
Hollywood, March 11.
ITnlted Artists relcnse of Hal Roach pro*
ductlon. Stnra Oliver Hardy, Harry Lang-
don, Blllle Burke, Alice Brady. Directed
by Gordon Douglas. Produced by A. Ed-
ward Sutherland. Screenplay by Corey
Ford; story by Walter De Ia«on and Arnold
BclRard. Camera, Karl .Slruss; editor,
Bert Jordan. Previewed nt Alexander,
Cilendnle, March 11. 'SO. Running time:
71 MIXS.
Dr. TIbbItt Oliver Hardy
Profe.<u!or McCrackle Harry Langdon
.Mrs. TIbbItt Blllle Burke
Mra. Carter Alice Brady
Jeir Carter.. Jaipes Ellison
Mary TIbbItt... Jean Parker
Virginia June I,ani;
Attorney Culpepper... Olln Howland
Judge.. J J. Farrell MacDonald
5!ero. Stepin Fetchit
Dehlla Hattle McDnnlels
Sieko Phillip Hurllc
Mr. Dover Ilobart Cavonaagh
SberllT Clem Bevans
Farmer lestor Conklln
llutrhcr. . .'. Tommy Mack
Court Clerk Robert Dudley
The Hull Johnson Choir
After these many years, Hal Roach
introduces 011v«r Hardy in straight
comedy. Teamed with Harry Lang-
don— drafted to replace Stan Laurel
—Hardy gives out with a minimum
of slapstick antics and knockabout
stunts. A few of Hardy's double-
takes remain, but the rest is a
straight portrayal. 'Zenobia' is mild
entertainment and will provide sup-
port in the key duals. In the subse-
quents it will aim for kid patronage
and followers of Hardy.
Slender story provided does not
warrant the amotmt of footage.
Script is a series of Incidents tied
together in not too compact form.
There are several spontaneous mo-
ments, but oh the. whole, comeify is
strained. , Things just seem to drift
There's plenty of box office
strength in the powerhouse cast as-
sembled by Paramount for 'Mid-
night' With Claudette Colbert and
Don Ameche sharing starring spots,
the underlining John Tarrymore,
Francis Iiederer and I 'My Astor
names also cannot be overlooked in
the marquee dressing to attract the
customers.
Picture on strengtti of its draw
names alone can do satisfactory busi-
ness. Despite lavish production and
substantial outlay, story itself does
not measure up to other ingredients
which went into the making. How-
ever, principals turn in individual
performances far superior to the ma-
terial provided. Result Is a rather
amusing and light comedy tl.it will
turn in a good account of itself at
the b. 0.
Story Is light, but with a good
share of humorous moments, many
of them of the screwball variety.
Ifs a slender thread, however, on
which to tie series ot incidents in
adventures of a stranded showgirl
in Paris. After a flirtation with
Ameche, Claudette Colbert crashes
a musicale and poses as a countess.
This leads to job for John Barry-
more, in which she is to attract the
amorous attentions of Francis Led-
erer away from Barryihore's wife,
Mary Astor. For her assignment
Miss Colbert is provided with elab-
orate wardrobe and a hotel suite.
Group moves to Barrymore's
chateau at Versailles Itor a week-
end, where Miss Colbert makes fast
progress. Before succeeding, girl
runs into succession of situations
that continually have her on the
brink of exposure. To complicate
matters Ameche conveniently arrives
to be introduced as her husband.
Finish is obvious— husband and wife
are reunited; while Miss Colbert and
Ameche seek the license bureau.
Interest in the extended footage
Is maintained by zesUul perform-
ances by the principals who do much
to overcome some rather mild ma-
terial. Miss Colbert presents a splen-
did characterlzaUon of the showgirl
opportunist who keeps just ahead
of trouble with her quick wits. John
Barrymore is excellent as the crafty
hu^and who succeeds in detouring
I^derer from his wife. Ameche is
okay as the taxi driver and romance
for Miss Colbert, while Francis Led-
erer is aptly cast as the love-pirate.
Mary Astor handles role of the wife
H«<lda Hopper and Rex
O'Malley do well in less prominent
roots. Eddy Conrad provides a
highly amusing sequence with a
piano playing routine.
DlrecUon by Mitchell Leisen Is
generaUy satisfactory., although pic-
ture is slow in getting under way
and has several spots that could be
Ughtened to matatein better tempo.
Editing shows shetehiness in several
instances. c:amera work by Charles
Lang, Jr., Is good throughout '
Production shows heavy expendi-
ture in all departments. Sets are
large and elaborate and gowns w»m
by Miss Colbert and other fenune
members of the cast will cateh the
attention of women patrons.
Shine On» Harvest Moon
Rapubllo production and release. Stata
Roy Rogen: features Mary Hart, Lula
Belle and Gcotty. DIraoted by Jo* Kane;
screaBploy, Jack Nattafoid; camera, Wil-
liam Nobles; editor. Laatar Orlabeck. At
Colonial. Uncoln; duaL Running time,
55 WNS.
Roy Roy Rogen
Clalra Mary Hart
jAilu Bella and Scotty Themselves
Jackson..,..., Rtnnlev Andrewa
Brower ...William KHrniiin
Shnldin..., '• li'rank Jamiiet
Chef. ChpRter nnnnal^
Ben Matty Roubert
Bhng Pat Henhing
JIni Jack Rockwell
Clay Joe Whitehead
Poorest of Roy Rogers' four starrers
to date is 'Shine On, Harvest Moon.*
Title is a misnomer, and means noQi-
ing except an excuse to work the
tune on the opening. It will have
light going at the b.o.
Breakdown of a . one-time range
partnership, William' Farnum and
Stenley .Mdrews, sets the stage for
events In the story. Farnum wants
to live it straight while Andrews is
of the opinion a crooked l<ne may
not be the shortest' distance between
two points, but it' may afford the
easiest living. Farnum's ranch sits
at one end of the importent pass, and
Andrews comes back to make a deal
to allow his rustled cattle to cross
the land. Farnum demurs, and then
the trouble starts, eventually incrim-
inating Farnum on his past associa-
tion with Andrews.
Over this . framework moves the
performance of the four top players.
Roy Rogers is the son of Farnum's
late partner in -honest ranching, antl
Mary Hart is Farnum's daughter.
Lulu Belle and Scotty, imported
from the National Barn Dance' pro-
gram on 'WLS, Chicago, are among
the hired help. They miss by a mile
filling the comedy hole usually as-
signed to Smiley Burnette.
Ro.irers has less to do personally
than in any one of his previous films.
Weight of performance rests with
Stanley Andrews, who, with un-
washed and unshaven face, looks the
outlaw he's drawn to be. He doesn't
necessarily overplay It, either. Bam.
My Son Is a Criminal
Columbia orodurllnn and rclcniie. Fea-
tures. Alan Baxter, Jacquelino Wells, Gor-
don Oliver, Wlllard Rolwrtxon. Directed
by C. C. Coleman, Jr. Screenplay, Arthur
T. Hnrman: camera, Allen G. iilegler; edi-
tor. Gone Havllrk. At the Central. N. T.,
work March 12, '30, Running time: 60
MIN.S.
Tim Ualloran, Jr Alan Baxter
Myrna Kihgaley Jacqueline Wells
Allen Coltrin Gordon Oliver
Tim Halloran, St Wlllard Robertson
Jerry Klogsley Joseph King
Walt Ftaser Eddie Uughton
4ersey John Tyrrell
'nils cops and robbers yam will
have trouble getting by, exrj^pt on
the lower rung of duels. Cast playa
well and direction is brisk enough,
but the main fault lies in the stereo-
tyned story. Dialog is off the beaten
path, while camera is standard.
Alan Baxter plays the son of •
retired police chief, who had long
fondled the thought of his son fol-
lowing In his footsteps. However,
the lad chooses a life of crime in-
stead. The drama comes in when the
father, called from retirement shoots
down his son In frustrating a rob-
bery.
Jacqueline Wells Is the romantic
Interest and Gordon Oliver does well
as a young police lab technician
whose tmearthing of clues ultimately
pins down Baxter. WiUard Robert-
son stands out as the police chief.
CRISIS
Arthur Mayer rcleaiia of Herbert Kllna
production. Directed by Herbert Kline.
Commentary by Vincent .<<lieeun; commen-
tary narrated by Leit Erickson; musical
score by ir, W. Susskind and Jarorlav
Harvan ; camera, Alexander Hackenscbmled.
At Nth Street Playhouse, N. T.. etarlina
March 11, '30. Running time: M HINS.
This iperhaps could be classed as «
documentary film, yet in presenting
the first-hand story of the crisis in
affairs of Czechoslovakia it is pat-
ently anti-Nazi. It is programmed as
an eye-witness exposure of The
Nazi Way.' ' The 55th Street Play-
house uses the comment of Walter
Wanger, made last Feb. 23, in which
he pleaded for films to countieract
totallterlan ideologies and contended
that this was not propaganda.
•Crisis* is largely a sprightly trav-
elog of the small repuhlic before it
was swept aside by Germany. Even
an excellent score, fine music and
deft narration by Leif Erickson of
Vincent Sheean's pungent commen-
tery fail to overcome the routine na-
ture of the screen shots. Picture Is
overboard on running time by 29
ininutes. It may prove nice box
office in certain arty and foreign lan-
guage theatres of big metropolitan
centers because of the new crisis to
the politico affairs of Czechoslova-
kia, but for outright screen enter-
tainment ft has extremely limited
appeal.
Chief production fault Is that pho-
tographed scenes fail to live up to
the dramatic narration. Aside from
domestic scenes, factory and todus-
irlal closeups and two prolonged
funeral processions, the military
?oy«"nents, scenes of leaders on
both sides and the now celebrated
Munich confab are all fairly fa-
miliar to devotees of newsreels.
Erlckson's narration explains how
wildcat miners were terrorized by
storm troopers and makes other lefr^'
(Continued on page 18) d
Wednesday, Marcb IS, 1939
VARIETY
17
CUUDEITE COIBERT
DON AMECHE ^ *
JOHI UUIRYMIRE \
FRUCIS UDEREI
NUYASTOR *
^Ae off Ut tie BRI6HTEST, fiAYEST, 6IANIEST
eOMEDY THE SCREER HAS SEER IN YEARS!
MIDNIGHT
18
VARIETY
FILM REVIEWS
Wednesday, March IS, 1939
CRISIS
(Continued from page 16)
erence to Nazi tenrorism, but noOjr
• Ine on the screen, substanticlas
remarks. As is often the case with
fllms of this type; tte commentary
Is much better than the screen epi-
sodes. An example of bits permitted
to slay in are prolonged views of
two Czech comedians and closeups
of puppet show actors.
H. yf. SuGskind based the score on
some of his own songs and ttKwe of
Jaroslay Harvan, co-scorer, and nai
Uonal hymns of different European
nations. It is brilliant at times and
deftly played. Alexander Hack^-
schmied^ photography is a^high-
hgbt Wear.
WATER RUSTLERS
(WITH SONGS)
Onind NatlODBl rel«>w «( Don Ueibei^
mu proAuctl'aii. F>atai«a DoroUiy Mee,
Savid O'Brien, Vlim Banctt. Dlreetcdby
Bminuel DIcse. ScrMontey, ArUior HoeH;
camen. Max Stongter: "aitor, G«w V.
Thaj-w, Jr.; oonea, M Shermnn. Walter
Kent. SUlUm Drake, At •*«■>»;, \a
dual, Hatch «, '39. BunnlDE time: 06
MRiS.
Shirley THaitlo .■ .Dorothy Page
— - - .David O'
for a large insurance company, and
never takes anything seriously, even
murder. He's ably partnered wiOi
Edward Everett Horton as his
brother in the farcical by-play.
Others in the cast whose names
mean something in America ar« Otto,
Kruger and Jack La Rue. . ^ „.
The story and its method of telling
have in It innumerable surefire farci-
cal ingredients, is played by a care-
fully selected cast and is compe-
tentW produced. It merits serious
consideration for the' U. S. '
Story opens with a banquet given
in honor of John Forrest (Buchan-
an), who's retiring from his post as
chief investigator for the Stamford
Assurance Co. He intends to devote
himself to the writing of detective
novels. When he learns that his
former firm's safe has been robbed
of more than $1,000,000 in jewels be-
longing to a foreign prince, he re-
turns to the scent There are in-
numerable ingenious ways in which
he outwits the criminals, and some
of them are screamingly funny.
Jolo.
t>'BTl»
Bob Lawson.
Mike .-. » ">«
Tim Martin Bthan Allen
Jntcens... Leonard Trainer
ShSSt MefTllI McCormlck
Robert ireytan. - Stanley JWoe
Wiley....' Wnmer RKbmond
Jodse , Lloyd Insrabam
'Water Rustlers' is a western
cbeapie whose only redeeming lea-
ture is Dorothy Page, who's being
billed as the 'Singing C:owglr?.' Di-
lecttqn and diak^ are poor, while
the camera fails to take advantage
of the tmtdoor shots at its disppeaL
For the lower rung of the duals, at
b^
Hiss Page, who's done radio sing-
ing, may get by with further film
sdMoling, bvi% ri^t now there's not
enough stqiport bdiind her to ^ow
oil whatever talent she may pos-
sess. She sings pleasantly, tboiigh
none of the tunes are topflight
Supporting Hiss Page axe . David
O'Bilen. as tiie love interest, and
Vlhce Bamett, for the comedy re-
lief, both of whom do as well as may
be expected.
Miss Page plays a ' randi-owner
through tfae force of circumstances.
Her father is killed by unscrupulous
land-snatchers. so she takes over.
O'Brien plays ner foreman, and is in.
the final clinch after sloughing the
thugs.
Sundovm an the Pnoie
(WITH S^miOS)
nanogram release ot Edward Finney
rroductlon. Stan Tex lUtter. Directed by
AI Herman: nareenplay, WllUam Kolte and
EdBiond Kelao; camera. B^rt Longenecker;
editor, n«d Bain. At Colonial, T.lnfiOln,
dual. Runnbig time: BS HUMS.
Tw , ....Tnt Bitter
Ananias Horace Morphy
Rntti Dorothy Ety
Hendrleke Karl Hackett
Donan CharlCB King
Hank... Hank Wordeo
aack > .FMiik RUle
aim ....Wally West
Blacklo «• Rnle Adama
Grnham Frank LaRne
John Bdward Plel, Sr.
^id ' Musical Toroodoes, featuring Juaolta
Street
LET'S BE FAMOUS
(BRITISH-MADE)
London, March 4.
Asaoelated British Kllm Distributors' re-
lease of Asaoelntcd Tulklng Picture iirdduu-
tlon. Stara Jimmy O'Dca, Betty Driver.
Soonle Hale. Directed by Walter Forde.
ScRcnplay, Robert Macdoucnll, Alinn Mnc-
klnnonj camera, Ronnid Neamo,. Gordon
DIoea. . At the Phoonix, liondon. Running
time: 8S MINS.
Jimmy Houlihan ....Jimmy O'Dea
Betty PInbrlsht. .-. .Uetty Driver
Finch..... ".i ..Sonnle Hale
Johnnie Blnl;e .'.....Patrick Barr
Albert Plnbrljitit.... .;Mllton Rosmer
PoUy PInbrght ....Lena Brown
WatzoD .BusI Radford
MIND OF MR. REEDER
(BBinSH-MADE)
. London, March 4.
Grand NaUonal prodoeUoB and r^M.
3tan Win Fyffo: «eatmya .I?y.J^«>«5:
Directed by Jack Raymond. Adapted from
story by Kdgar Wallace, by Rrlan Bdgar
Wallace. Mnrjorle aaSney, Mlrhael Ho*n>n;
rnmora, Oonrge -Stretton. At the Cnm-
brldge, London. Banning
J. G. .HeeJcr
Miss Olllette..
Weirord George CorMn
Blik Welford •".'•?5!" ^H^H
Ted Bradior .'..John mnvick
lira Ga^r. l-eolle Wareing
Inspector Gaylor ...Romllly UinBO
BradyTT. . riT. George Hoyos
Barmaid. IX-W Astell
Jeffrey Bernerd inaugurated his
new Grand National distributing or-
ganization hare with a trade show-
ing of 'The Mind , of Mr. Reeder,'
stSrrlng Will Fyffe. The central
character is apparently a benevO'
leiit old man, but is actoally an ace
detective, • - _ ^. ■
Fyffe's Is a sort of Father Brown
role, and might have been based on
the G. K. Chesterton stories. The
film Is strongly Unked In plot with
'Q Planes,' which stars Ralph Blch
ardson, also as a detective, in a diar.
acterlzation similar to Fyfle;s. As
was neatly done by a capable group
of thespians. .
Because the film makes little pre-,
tense ol being anything «f ceptP«3P-
aganda for China in ite stnigee
against Japan, this producUon should
pro^e aomethinf of a boxofflce test
for those advocaung outrl^t ptopa-
gaiida on screens. Wear.
Dukretion — Ehrensache
(<Diser««loii— 'Word- of HMMir*)
(GEBMAN'-HAIME)
Ofa release of dne-Alllaois nndiiotlon.
Featnces Hell FlnkenzeTler, nana Holt,
Ralph^rthur Roberts, Ida Wueet. Flta
nenkhofC, Thco Llngen. Directed by
Jnhannes Meyer. ■ Adapted by H. W'
Becker ond a. v, Gro'chmld from novel by
von llannes I'eter Stolp; camera, Osknr
.Schnlrch: elltor. U. Sonnenbeel'. At Gar-
den, X. y.. week March 10.. ':10. Running
time: at MIN8. _ ^ „
Mary Hopkins.... Hell Finlieniellor
Xante C«ola • • ;;'*SVfVl«»i
Ullon . i , : ■•■ • H*n Benliholf
Mr. Hopkins.... Balph Arthur Roberts
Lord Ilaatoii .Theo Ungen
Peter Parker p«n» Holt
Onkel JeiiT P*"! BeDChelB
Dcr Herr aut BesteUong BnOoK PIntte
nnit Detective. ..Ham Hermann SehnoCups
Second DetecUve i Kurat Selfert
Servant : ...Frits Odemnr
Boxer ■. Olaf Bach
Seiceant Ernst Legal
Tex Bitter westerns liave a habit
of being crudely tiirown togethn,
and among the crudest of the acUon
collections to date is 'Sundown.' It
will have to t^e diances on week-
end spottlngs, having no b.o. for
longer stands.
Tiuee original musical number
ai^ sandwiched in the running, best
being 'Sundown on tlK F^wrie,'
penned by Al Von Tilzer and Harry
MacPherson. 'Dust on My Saddle,'
from Dwight Butcher, has a swing .to
it but not the appeal of 'Sundown.',
'(jachis Pete,' by Lew Porter and
Johnny Laoge, is poor. The Bitter
Tornadoes, with Juanita Street,
musical foursome, are on only for
the flick of an eyelash, while the re-
mainder of the warbling is all for
Hitter.
Border anugglers, with Hitter a
chasing ranger, form the liasis ot the
story. Hitter tries to put a crimp in-
their activiUes, gets jammed up him-
self, meets the girl, who with her
father is also jammed, and then
wL-^fles out with colors flying. Hor-
ace Murphy stooges as Hitter's part-
ner*, a silly part, while Dorothy Fry
is the girl, of whom little is seen.
Kerl Hackett end CViarles King
spearhead the .smugglers and turn
in the best work.
Production is Icng on skimp, short
on entertainment Barn.
This is a new theme for' British
studios, but as old as radio itself in
Hollywood — the frantic race of rival
commercial houses to sign up top-
litiers for their broadcasting. Hence,
it's only likely to appeal inildly here.
Young Irishman postmaster-jack-
of-all-trades in his native village
leaves with banners flying bound for
London and a chance to sing over
the radio. That is what he thinks—
in reality he has been chosen by a
wandering BBC scout to take part
among fellow hicks in a spelling bee.
When he discovers the truth he in-
terrupts the. program and the press
splash a story of his wrecking the
proceedings.
Finch, an advertising agent, visits
Liverpool to sign up for his concern
the winner of a crooning competi-
tion, but on losing her to his rival,
is fired provisionally — he must pro-
duce another headliner. He pounces
on the little Irishman, 'figuring the
'riot in the studio' publicity wul get
him over, but on hearing him sing,
the ^l.et fires his agent again. Final-
ly, in despair, the aspiring son of
Erin and his disgruntled agent take
'Over' the mike and give a burlesque
of ^rtlng event commentaries, after
hawng drowned their sorrows in the
canteen. The unrehearsed, desperate
act of defiance is hailed as brilliant
comedy by the sponsors, and the two
are promptly signed as comics..
Betty Driver, almost a copy of
a younger Gracie ' Fields, displays a
bold and easy personality as the
young Lancashire girl who, despite
a prudish father, escax>es from choir
practice to win tiie competition.
Sonnle Hale and Jimmy ODea han-
dle the roles ' ot Finch and the am-
bitious singer excellently.
On the whole a worthy offering,
Clem.
Reeder. his job is to track down <
gan» of counterfeiters.
The picture is well produced, al-
though a trifle too episodic, but the
cast direction and photography, plus
the reputation of the star, should
gain Tsrofitable bookings.
Fyffe has been stripped of his in-
imitable, delightful Scottish dialect,
and only once does he momentarily
slip back into it This reduces his
normally lush stage personality to a
considerable degree, but he comes
through despite this handicap.
There's a competent supporting
cast and plentiful comedy. Jolo.
I MET A MURDERER
(BRITISH-MADE)
London, March 4.
Grand National releaao ot Gamma Film
Pro<luctlon. Stara James JJason, Pamela
Kelllno. Directed by Roy Kelllno. Screen-
play, Pamela KdUno, Jnmes Mamn, Roy
Kelllno; comora, Reginald Nonls. At
Cambrldfie, London. Running time:
79 SUNS. . „
Mark James Mason
Jo .Pamela Kelllno
Mork's Wife Sylvia .Coleridge
Ri'olher-ln-law William Devlin
A Horseman Peter Coke
V Hiker Esma Cannon
Cart Driver James Harcourt
Q PLANES
(BRI-n^H-HADE)
London, March 4,
Colnmbla release ot Irving Asher pro-
duction. Stars Valerie Hobson, Ralph
Richardson, Laurenro Olivier. Directed by
Tim Whelan. .Srenorlo. Ian DalD-mple
from story by Brock Williams, .Tack Whlt-
tlnghani. Arthur WImperIn; camera. Itarry
StradUng. At the Cambridge, London.
Running time: 82 MINS.
Tony McVane Laurence OUvler
Kay Hammond Valerie Hobson
Major Hammon'l Ralph Richardson
Jenkins George Cunon
Barrett George Merritt
Blenklnsop Gus McNaughton
Mackenzie J3avid Tree
Daphne , Sandra Storme
Baron.. ...Gnnlon McLeod
Peters...: John" Longdon
Effective arguments in favor of
encouraging British production have
been some of the recent attempts
by youthful but experienced produc-
ers. The latest is Gamma Films, Ltd.,
which produced 'I Met a Murderer.'
With an inexpensive cast and pro-
duction Roy Kellhio has turned out
an interesting melodrama that should
have universal appeal to a moderate
•^®R"^*' . ^ 1,.
An interesting departure from the
conventional, the -majority of the
cast, and a large proportion of minor
characters have no. lines, but their
pantomime is, nevertheless, effective.
.The leading' character Is a young
farmer, married vt a disgruntled,
virago, who drives him to such a
frenzy that he kills her. He runs
away and while in hiding meets an
authoress who's touring the coun-
try in a motor-drawn caravan. Al-
though she suspects his identity
without his being aware of it, con-
tinues to give him a lift Her origi-
nal object is to get firi,t-hand reac<
tions ot a murderer, but eventually
they fall .in love He's cornered
eventually but drowns in attempting
to escape.
Picture Is fllmM without interiors,
is artistically produced and the sit-
uations, as enacted, are ample to
carry the story without speedh.
James Mason is effective as the
hunted man. (Mrs.) Pamela Kellino
is the novelist, iand handles her role
competently, bicidental miisic seems
a trifle blatant Jolo.
German-speaking audiences will
like this picture, but these not fa-
miliar with the language will find it
tiresome -and lengthy, with a super-
abundance of dialog. Story is a com-
edy of mistaken Identities.
Production is up to standard in
settings, scoring and general direc-
tion. A hard-working cast with chief
roles in tlie hands of a Hell Finkel-
zeller. and Hans Holt scores heavily
with fine performances. Director had
some difficulties in maUng the story,
in an ' Englidi locale, believable;
German conception of an English
nobleman, especially, is over-empha-
sized.
A wealthy industrialist betroths
his daughter to a nobleman without
her consent. Kicking over the traces
in rebellioii^ she plots to entangle
herself in a compromising situation^
hoping scandal will make the mar-
riage fall through. An inventor un-
intentionally gets involved in the
situation and is induced to elope
with the daughter.
The nobleman falls into the
clutches of the gendarmes as a sus-
pected criminal, while father pur-
sues the eloping couple. Comedy
situations in hotel suites, an uncle's
residence and a trailer are highlights
in the story.
Morgen Gaat Het Beter
CTomorrow It WIU Be Better')
(DDTCH-BIADB)
The Hague, March 4.
'FUaMX dtleiM ot'.NMcIandU production.
Bton Lllr Bouwmeenter. Directed by
Frledrloh 'Zalnlk. Saeenplay. Annemarle
Sellnko, band en ber own book. Camera,
Otto HsUa> and Frlta Meyer; editor. Jnn
Teualsm. At the City theatre, Ibe Hague,
xraOc ot VWimaiy 24. '39, Running time:
•1 KDia.
winy VerfaHlit lily Bonwrneeatsr
Herdo- Fanl Stccnbergen
Hana tbto. Frenkel
Frlta VeAolst... .....'. Nice Oc Jong
jobnn Plet Koliler
Do Rtind ' Louis GIrnherg
Publicity Man..,. ...,Bo.) de Lanae
Teacher .....Fie Kohler
After 'Pygmalion' and 'Daddy Long
Legs' this third Neerlandia produc-
tion again has a good chance to
score at the box office, thanks to the
Dutch drawing power of Lily
B^uwmeester. -
Ifs liie ttory ot a student who,
after her father's deatli, looks for
work and gets a job as secretary to
tije ' program-manager of a broad-
casting corporaUon. One nl^t, when
the anmnncer suddenly faints, she
closes the broadcasting with a good-
night Eoeech which makes a deep
Impression all over the country. She
becomes a famous radio nersonality
and, after having been disappointed
by a shallow-pated youn<r man, she
weds her. ex-boss. The adaptation
has many weak spots, but Miss
Bouwme^ter sustains Interest in the
film witii her excellent playing. Pcul
Steenbergen. as the program man-
ager, alstf 'is excellent while Bob de
Lange, as the aubUci^ man, is good
support In a small part l%eo Fren-
kel disappoints as Hans, the super-
ficial lover. .
Friedrich Zelnlk's
handicapped by too
Picture's only value
home market
direction is
much script
lies in the
DER GRUENE KAISER
(The Green EmDeror*)
Vienna, March 2.
Dfa release ot Karl Schaltz product lun.
Directed by Pant Uundort, .Story, Onza
▼on CsUCra. trota the book ot aame title
by Hans Medio: mnalc. Hans Bbert. At
the Apollo, Vienna. Running tliiie. BO
MINP. .
Miller Myllus Gustav Dlcssl
Jan Karsten Reno DfliKi'n
Joana.', Caroln .Ilnehn
Bvo Latour Kllen inng
Nora - Hllile llllilrhrniult
Hoyson I'aul Wcalcruioyer
THE SUN SHINES
< Hnaga rlaB-Madc)
(WITH SOMOS)
Budapest March 1.
Muveaa release of Pegaaus pradoctlon.
Screenplay. Tjijaa Zllahy. Directed by
Laszio Kalmar. Music, Zoltan Kodnly, Bela
Bndre. At the Forum, Budapest. Running
time, M MlltS.
Michael Samson Janos Olasz
Sarlka Alice Nogy
Schoolmaster Kalmao Rozsahegyl
Margit ,.Manya Klea
Ponge Juhasz. Gero Maly
Postmistress Julloka Ldketl
Grandmother ....Lily Berky
Jollska Lenke Bgyed
Railway Clerk........ Sander Potliea
Parson Joseph Kurtby
The Gang'ft All Here
(BBmSH-BtADG)
: London, March 4.
Assoclate.1 BriUHb Production and releaae.
.Starn Jack llu^iianon; features Kdwaid
Everett Hor*.on. Otto Kroger. Directed by
Thornton Frcelhnd. Screenrloj'. Ralph
f?)>onr<; camcn\, Claude FMcne-Greene. At
Caml:rldge, Lon'don, Running Ume: 7S
MIXS.
John Foireet Jack Bochanan
Alice Forrest Googlo Withers
TreadtTCll ^ .-ard Scemt Horton
Founce Syd Walker
Mike Cbedvick Otto Kruger
Albeml *...*.. ...Jack Ln Rue
BerettI David Bonis
Prince Homouska Walter BUIa
Charles CnitnrlRht .....Charles Canon
Harper Leslie Peirlns
Spider Ferris Ronald Shiner
In the present vehicle Jack
Buchanan hais a role somewhat simi-
lar to the one he had in 'Smash and
Grab,' but in this one he's more at
ease. He plays a private det^ctiv^
Irving Asher's first production
here for Columbia. He took it to
Hollywood; where they sneaked a
preview for Harry Cohn, and then
returned it here for the trade show-
ing.
There have been so many aircraft
films of recent years that the edge
has been taken off anything of the
sort today. This one, however, is
good enough and should qualify for
gopular honors here, and as a possi-
le second feature in the U. S.
'Q Planes', is exceedingly virile
spy stuff, v^erein an ostensible sal-
■nge vessel shoots down planes with
a powerful ray that incapacitates the
aircraft's engines. .Film has an. ex-
ceptionally able cast the principals
being Ralph Richardson, Laurence
Olivier and Valerie Hob^n,
Olivier and Miss Hobson have rel-
atively small parts and are thus dis-
qualifled from scoring. Hie film is
essentially a Richardson v^cle, in
that he's cast as an eccentric Scot-
land Yard detective whose theories
on the disappearance of several
planes during experimental trials,
while pooh-poohed by everybody,
torn tait to be correct He contrib-
uted some excellent comedy relict
Photography is competent, dialog
crisp, but the direction falters at the
start due to a too-speedy pace.
Jolo.
THE 400 MILLION
Garrison Films releaae ot Jdrls Ivens and
John Femo producUon. Commentary by
Predrlc March; irrltteo by Dudley Nich-
ols;, musical score by -Hanna Elsler; ed-
itor. Helen Van Dongen; actors' voices
heard In film, Morris Carnovsky, Alfred
Ryder, Robert Lewis, Adelaide nedn and
Sidney Lumet. At the Cameo, N. T., start-
ing March T, '30. Running time, 60 MIN9.
T^is picture was made to cash In
on the enthusiasm, for China's cause
in its struggle against Japan. It
measures up okay in. comparison to
similar documents made by Soviet
producers and others,-, but for gen-
eral consumption, even iif arty
houses, it contains the minimum of
entertainment It got careful scor-
ing and dubbing of voices, and con-
tains Fredric March's clear-dictioned
commentary.
Picture doubtlessly will attract
numerous Chinese and sj^mpathizers,
as it is doing' at - this theatre. But
the compUation of newsreel, travelog
and educational scenes become tire-
some after the first few reels. Much
ot it has been presented in the news
reels a lot more graphically in recent
months, -
Original music and its reproduc-
Uoa is excellent March's descrip-
tion helps considerably in maintain-
ing interest — in fact, the narration
often is more Intriguing than the
scenes on the screen. Dudley Nich-
ols' scripting of the commentary is
first-rate, altiiough obviously always
favoring the Chinese.
Entire producUon appears to have
been shot as a silent with sound
effects and voices dubbed In. Latter
Another case of a good play being
turned into a weak picture. With
the leading highbrow dramatist,
Lajos Zilahy, not only adapting his
own play, but also active" in produc-
ing, directing and casting, there was
considerable beating of tomtoms
that here was the first genuine and
artistic Hungarian picture. Ifs noth
ing of the sort and not a whit better
than average. Fault lies, as with
nearly all stage hits, in that it fol
lows the stage version too closely
and doesnt m^e any use of the
plus possibilities of the picture. Re
suit is it's dull and lacks ten^M.
Point ot the story 'will hardly be
appreciated in western democracies,
where it wouldn't be considered
sensational if a 'lady'— like the par
son's daushter — married a peasant
farmer. He meets her when she's
dressed as a peasant for a part in an
^amateur theatrical, and musters up
enough courage to niake love to her.
When he learns his mistake he
thinks she has been joking with him,
feels hurt and nearly marries a rich
farmer's daughter instead. But as
usual. It turns out okay.
Zilahy, determined to have every'
thing genuine and smelling of the
soil, chose an amateur of peasant
stock for his leading man instead of
a professional actor. Janos Olasz,
an employe of the municipal gas
works, whom Zilahy discovered
playing the part in amateur theatri-
cals, performed creditably, but noth-
ing more. Alice Nagy lacks temper
ament and initiative.. In spite
heavy advertising, reception was in'
different in first-run theatres.
Jacobi
(In German)
The mysterious death of the Bel-
gian banker, I,aewenstein, was
partially adopted as the plot for an
excellent tiiriller, Loewenstein, it
will be recalled, disappeared from
an airplane crossing the English
channel.
In 'Green ' Emperor' Miller
Mylius leads a double life. Dis-
appearing purposely from the plane
results in his pilot and rival for
the affections of Joana, being sen-
tenced to three years for man-
slau^ter. Years afterwards, Kar-
sten, the pilot meets Mylius, who,
_ ,_ , , —
Nincsenek Veletlenek
('Aocldents Don't Happen')
(HUNGARIAN-MADE)
Budapest, March 2.
Hunnia release of Hunnla-Mester produc'
(Ion. Directed by T.aszIo KaJmar. Adapted
from Endre Solt'a comedy: acreenplay,
lalvan BekeHy; oamera. Istvan BIben, At
Forum, Budapmt. Running time, U MCQB,
Klarl Ida Toiay
Slnko, her husband Joseph Jnhaax
Pani Fataky., Latoo fizUaaay
Zlta lanka Bzonbathelyl
Akoa Laszio Pa1oc9
GIsella. . . J Uargit Aivad
Mr. PaUky Bela. Mlhalytty
Hunnia has translated the out-
standing stage hit of last season to
(Continued oh page' 2d)
has married Joana,
He's tried again
and
and
of
riieantime,
kills him.
acquitted.
While most Ufa thrillers were
formerly tiresome, 'Emperor' holds
considerable interest though it lags
shortly before the end.
Gustav Dlessl, as Mylius; Bene
Deltgen, as Karsten, and Carola
Hbdin, as Joana, are excellent
Hans Eberfs music is good and
direction of Karl Schiiltz is above
average for Austrian fllms.
SZEGENY GAZDAGOK
(Tlie Poor Btch')
(BDNGABIAN-HADE)
Budapest, March 2.
Hnonia producUon and release. Adaiited
ttom Maurice Jokal's novel by Istvaii Ksz-
terbaa.' Directed by Jeno Osepreghy. Cam-
era, btvan SIben. At Atrium, Budapest.
Running time, 76 MJKB.
Fatla Negro. 1 Theodore Vrny
Henrletlc I.d«uasa ^ta Sxeleczky
Bsllard Vamhldy .'.Tjiszio S'/llnssy
Mrs. L'angal Margit Lukars
Margarl, secretary Gero Moly
Janes Lapussa ..,Sandor Pelhea
Chaperone PIroska YiiKUiry
Lajvyer Slpos Rcla MllinlylTy
Amca ,.. llai'la KcrcszlcMy
Marlon... ....Margit .\rpad
Another example of a brilliant sub-
ject badly handled because the play-
wright adhered too slavishly to the
original novel. This, as are all the
works of the great story-teller, Jokal,
is considered a classic in Hungary.
'Vbis early 19th century story of
the villain, Fatia Negra— based re-
motely on fact— has in it all the ele-
ments of full-blooded melodrama,
but in this version contrives to be
so complicated as to. be almost dull.
He was a wealthy and gallant aris-
tocrat by day and a black-masked,
highwayman and lover by night. The
love of his wife for another finally
prompted Negra to shoot himself, as
the story goes.
There are numberless intrigues,
love affairs, duels, fights, pursuits,
suicide attempts and what-not, in a
Sequence of too-short flashes that al-
low littie scope either for proper
acting or direction.
Hvadar Uray at least has the looks
that give complete illusion in the
double part of baron and highway-
man. Zita Szeleczky is improving,
but neither she nor any of the oth-
ers gives an outstanding perform-
ance. Jacob! .
Wednesdaj, March IS, 1939
VARIETY
19
There are five youngsters visible in the photograph
showing the line waiting to get in to see "The Little
Princess" at the Roxy, N. Y. Can you find them?
THE ROXY HOLDOVER, AS
ELSEWHERE,* IS BASED
ON ADULT APPEALS
^Already held over in Boston^ Richmond^
Cincinnati! Smash business reported in
Son Antonio, Houston, Toronto, Miami,
Pittsljurgh! Despite nationwide" flu" epidemic!
THE KEYSTONI
OF YOUR FUTURE
2»
VARIETY
Wedneedaj, Muech 15, 1939
hies Vs. Wa
ftomsiii1%%
Philadelphia, March 14.
A clearance fight Is brewing here
again. This time its being brought
on by the recent slash In prices at
the downtown Warner Bros, theatres.
Indications are that a showdown- is
near between indies, Warners, and
the major exchanges.
First indication of trouble was the
anneuncement that former Con-
gressman Benjamin F. Colder had
joined Wamos legal staff. Colder
was counsel lor the indie groups in
their disputes against the majors
and bad licked them on several oc-
casions. His most notable victor?
was in the double feature squabble,
in which he was upheld by the U. S.
Supreme Courts Colder admitted
that his duties would include
straightening out . tangles between
independents and Warner Bros. Sec-
ond straw in the wind was the hur-
ried visit here by Henderson M.
Richey, RKO e^ec, who huddled
with exblb leaders, Including Sid
Samuelson, buslneiss manager for the
local Allied unit, and Lewen Pizor,
UMPTO prexy. All declined to
comment on what had transpirecL
Third move is the meeting today
(Tuesday) between Col. Harry A.
Cole, national Allied head, with
Samuelson and the clearance com-
mittee of the local imit.
Indie leaders said they would
await the recommendation of the
fair trades practice parley before
taking any positive steps. All agree
that a revamping of the clearance
setup would have to be made within
the near future.
NICK LOSES ATTEMPT
TO MJCK Cim SUIT
St Louis, March 14.
Hopes of John P. Nick, v,p. of the
lATSE, apd Clyde A. Weston to es-
cape defending the civil suit recently
brought by 19 members of MFO
Local 143, who seek their ouster troni
control of the organization, were
blasted last week when the state su-
preme court denied an application
for a writ of prohibition filed against
circuit court judge Ernest F. Oakley
from trying the case.
The application for the writ, among
other things, claimed that the cir-
cuit court had no power or juris-
diction to manage the affairs of a
labor union, and that the court could
not issue an effective injunction in
thL<: case, as the international off!
cers of the union, who placed Nick
in charge, could appoint successors.
The ouster suit also was directed
against George E. Browne, interna-
tional president of lATSE, but ser-
vice was not obtained on him. Coun-
sel for Nick and Weston said that
because of that fact he could not be
enjoined in the suit Nick, who is
jointly charged with Weston in an
extortion indictment and with state
senator Edward M. Brady in another,
is reported to be in Florida' where
he is receiving medical treatment
Following receipt of the supreme
court's action ' Judge . Oakley tenta-
tively set March 27 as the date on
wliich he will begin testimony in
the ouster suit
FILM BOOKING CHART
(For in/omatbm of theatre and jUm «xcfian«e boofcer*. VABntr presents a complete chart of feature release* of
all the American distyibuting oonvantes for the current qiutrterly period. Date of
reviews -as given in VABierr and the running time of primta are toclttded.)
COPYRIGHT, 1»W, BT VABIBTX, INC. AIX BIGHTS RESEaVBD
BeT. In Tar.— B«Tlewed la Vnlctr B. T. Uln.— Boaalag Tine la SUoatM
OF
MLEASB
1/6/39
1/13/89
1/20/39
1/87/89
B«v.
la
Var.
1/11
l/Il
12/28
I3/.Z1
8/31
12/7
3/8
3/1
1/4
1/2S
i/ir
12/28
1/4
1/18
1/25
2/2
2/22
2/15
12/14
1/25
1/25
2/22
1/25
1/25
1/25
2/15
12/21
2/1
1/U
1/11
1/25
2/3/39
2/10/39
2/17/89
2/24/39
3/3/39
2 Oommersli Distribs
On Verge of Merge
Present developments point to
completion within 30 days of a mer-
ger of the two largest national dis-
tributors of commercial film. Screen
Braadcast Co., headed by Al ' Fair,
and. National 'Screen Advertisers, of
which M E. ^tterholm is head A
' pooling at the two companies, with
accounts throughout the United
States;, has been in the works for
some time now. .
An indication of the strides made
by commercial film in theatres is
gained from the fact that three years
ago local and national advertising
ran as low as 50c to $1.50 per 1,000
in theatre attendance, while today
the range is from $1 to as high as
$16 per tliousand.
3/10/30
3/17/39
3/24/39
3/31/39
2/1
3/15
2/8
2/8
11/9
12/28
8/8
2/15
1/25
1/18
2/15
a/1
2/1
1/18
2/15
1/25
2/8
2/15
2/22
3/1
2/22
2/22
2/15
2/22
2/15
2/8
2/8
8/7
2/8
S/8
3/1
2/15
a/8
3/8
3/8
8/8
»/30
3/1
10/5/38
3/1
3/15
2/22
3/1
3/15
3/8
11/30
11/22
3/8
3/8
ICTLB
STAND Ur AND FIOBT
DISBABBED
PACIFIC LDIEK
WmUE NBW -XOBK SUEP8
LADT VANISHES
LAST WASNimX
DEVn.'S ISLAND
THB TBCMBBICING WEST
BVBK nSU UP O'CONNO*
ZAZA
MTSVEBHMJS BOSS X
THE 4jlBEAT MAN TOTES
CHAN IN HONOLULU
TOPPEB TAKES A TIP
SON OF FRANKENSTEIN
MADK tKE A CBIHINAL
FBONTIEBS OF '49 '
OONVICrS CODE
AUBUSH
ABIZONA LEOION
SMILING ALONG
MOTO'S LAST WABMINa
GAMBUNG SHIP
OFF rm BECOBD
LONE WOLPS SP T HUN T
FOUB GBUjS IN WHITE
roior s deught
dbifumg westwabd
pabis honexmoon
pbidb of the navt.
JESSE lAHES
KING OF UNDEBWOBLD
MADE ME A CRIMINAL
HONOLULU
SUNDOWN ONTSAIBIE
ST. LOUIS BLUBS
FISHERMAN'S WHAAF
THE ARIZONA WILDCAT
PIRATES OF THE SKIES
TORCRT IN CHINATOWN
TEXAS STAMPEDE
NORTH OF SHANGHAI
HUCKLEBERRT FINN
NAVT SECRETS
PERSONS IN BIDING
BOY SLAVES
WOMAN BOCTOB
HOBIE ON THE PRADUE .
TAIL SPIN
BIADE FOR EACH OTHER
WINGS OF THE NATT
FAST AND LOOSE
LITTLE PAL
ROT TROUBLE
GUNGA DIN
THE THREE MUSKETEERS
KING OF THE TURF
CANT CHEAT HONEST MAN
NANCT DREW, REPORTER
Co.-
TTPE
M-O
Par
RKO
2«lll
Z»tb
V
WB
Cel
M-G
Par
Sep
RKO
ZMh
UA
U
WB
Col
Man*
to
RKO
tMh
2«th
V
ws
Col
H-G
M-G
Mono
Pw
Bey
ZOtk
WB
WB
M-G
SMM
Par
RKO
Mth
U
WB
Col
Col
M-G
Mono
Par
RKO
Rep
Rep
2Mh
UA
WB
LET US LIVE
LET FREEDOM RING
STAR «EPORTEB
ONE THIRD OF NATION
SUNSET TRAIL
FORGED PASSPORT
BEAUTY FOB ASKING •
' PARDON OUR NERVE
SOCIETY SMUGGLERS
YES, DARLING DAUGHTER
ROMANCE OF REDWOODS
PYGMALION
MYSTERY OF MB. WONG
CAFE SOCIETY
I WAS A CONVICT
TWELVE CROWDED HOURS
WIFE, HUSBAND, FRIEND
STAGECOACH
RISKY BUSINESS
SECRET SERVICE AIR
. RLONDIE MEETS BOSS
- ICE FOLLIES OF 1939
MYSTERY PLANE
THE BEACHCOMBER
ROUGH RIDERS ROUND-UP
-SAINT STRIKES BACK
INSIDE STORY
PRISON WITHOUT BARS
SPIRIT OF CULVER
THE OKLAHOMA KID
LONE STAR PIONEER
SERGEANT MADDEN
TRIGGER SMITH
KING OF CHINATOWN
UTTLE PRINCESS
MYSTERY WHITE ROOM
AD-V. OF JANE ABDEN
M-G
Mono
Par
RKO
20th
UA
U
WB
C«l
M-G
Man*
Par
Par
Bep
BKO
20th
U
WB
Col
M-G
Mono
Par
Bep
RKO
2*th
UA
U
WB
Col
M-G
Mono
Par
Rep
BKO
2ath
UA
u
WB
Col
M-G
Mono
Par
20th
U
WB
WHISPERING ENEMIES
WITHIN THE LAW
UNDERCOVER AGENT
MIDNIGHT
MY WIFE'S RELATIVES
TROUBLE rar SUNDOVIN
EVERYBODY'S BABY
THREE SMART GIRLS
BLACKWELL'S ISLAND
4/7/39
3/8
3/15
8/18
LADY AND THE MOB
KM FROM TEXAS
STREETS OF N. Y. /
' SUDDEN MONEY
SILVER ON SAGE
ALMOST A GENTLEMAN
MEXICALI BOSE
HOUND OF BASKERVILLES
FAMILY NEXT DOOR
ON TBIAL
BROADWAY SERENADE
BOY'S REFORMATORY
FM FROM MISSOURI
THE FLYING IRISHMAN
LOVE AFFAIR
MB. MOTO IN DANGER IS'D
EAST SIDE OF HEAVEN
DARK VICTORY
Cel
M-G
Mono
Par
Rep
RKO
2«tb
U
WB
C«l
M-G
Mmio
Par
Par
RKO
Bep
Mtti
U
WB
M-G
Mono
Rar
RKO
RKO
i-lx
V ■
WB
Bom-Dr
Uriodrama
Drama
Melodrama
Mystery
S&jstery
Melodrama
Western
Com-Rom
Rom-Com
Mystery
Comedy
Mystery
Comedy
Melodrama
Drama
Western
Melodrama
Bom-Dr
Western
Mus-Com
Ij^stery
Drama
Comedy
Melodrama
Rom-Dr
Com-Dt
Western
Rom-Com
Rom-Dr
Drama
Drama
Melodrama
Com-Rom
Western
Mus-Rom
Com-Dr
Comedy
Action
Melodrama
Western
Drama
Com-Rom
Drama
Melodrama
Drama
Drama
Western
Drama
Rom-Com
Drama
Com-Dr
Drama
Comedy
Drama
Mus-Com
Rom-Dr
Comedy
Melodrama
Rom-Dr
Mus-Dr
Drama
Drama
Western
Melodrama
Rom-Com
Com-Met
Drama
Comedy
Drama
Comedy
Mystery
Rom-Dr
Melodrama
Melodrama
Rom-Dr
Rom-Dr
Melodrama
Melodrama
Comedy
Rom-Dr
Action
Dr&ma
Action
Drama
Drama
Melodrama
Rom-Dr
Melodrama
Western
Drama
Western
Melodrama
Drama
Mystery .
Melodrama
Drama
Melodrama
Melodrama
Comedy
Comedy
Western
Comedy
Mus-Roni.
Drama
TALENT
B. Xaylar-F. Biee^Bcety.
G. Fatrlek-O. Braser
. McLoclen-C. Marrls-W. Barrle
BL Wholcn-J. Bog era
M. LMkwoodrM. Bedgiavo
P. Faater-F. BeklBMB
r-N. HuTigan
C. Starrett-L HereOHli
D. O'Kecte-C. Parlnr
C. Colbert-H. Mardwil
M. Whalen-M. Har*.
J. Ba njiu o te^ . W a Mmi
S, Taler-P. Braaka
C. Bennrtt-B Toong-B. Borke
B. Barb*-*. Logml
- J. GaificM-C. BalM
B. EIHott-L. De Alcaals
B. Kent^A. Nac«i-I(. Ebwne
G. SwarthoaUL. N^aa
G. OVrlea-L. lohasaa
G. FleMs-H. Magairo
P. Larre-'B. Certea
B. WUeax-H. UiMk
P. O'Briea^.
W. WUIlaoi-L Laplea
A. MarduU-F. Blee
Shearer-GaUe
jsek RaadaU
B. Cr«sby-F. Gaal
J. Oaaa-B. Hodsoa
T. Pawer-N. KcUy-Fanda '
H. Bogart-K. Fraacis
J. Garfield-Dead End Kids
E. Powell-B. Yonag
T. Bitter-D. Fay-C. Klag
L. Nalaa-D. Lamoar
B. Breen-L. Carrlllo
J. Withers-L. Carrlllo
K. Taylor-R. Hadsoa
G. Earrell-B. MaeLaae
C. Starrctt-L Meredith
B. Farncss-J. Craig
M. Raoney-W. Coanolly
. WIthers-F. Wray-D. Robinson
L. Overman-J. C. Nalsh
A. ShIrley-A. Daniel
F. Inescort-H. WUeoxea
G. Antry-S. Baraette
A. Faye-C. Beaaett-C. FarreU
. C. Lombard-J. Stewart
G. Breat-O. de HavUaad
T.
Mln.
8«
«T
U
fS
IV
ss
18
N
as
94
83
«1
Si
•s
71
88
79
«9
72
199
47
83
99
198
99
92
53
85
71
99
S8
57
59
88
92
69
70
65
83
90
88
B. . loatgamery-B. BasscD
. M. Booaey-R. Bellaiay
C. Bnggles-M. Bolaad
C. Grant-D. Fairbanks, Jr.
Ameche-Rlts BraB.-B. Barnes
A. Menjon-D. CoatcIIo
W. C. Fields-Edgar Bergea
B. Granvllle-J. Litel
H. Foada-BL O'SalUvaa
Nelson Eddy-V. Brace
W. HnU-M. Haat
S. SIdney-L., Erieksaa
W. Boyd-C. Syatera
P. Kelly-J. Lang
L. Ball-A. Lane
L. Barl-J. Gale-G. WUIIaaia
P. Fostcr-I. Hervey
P. Lanc-J. Lynn
C. Biokford-J. Parker
I« Howard-W. HUler
B. KarloH-D. Tree
M. Carroll-F. MaoMnrray
B. HcLaae-B. Boberts
B. DIx-L. Ball-J. Aldrldge
L. Yonag-W. Baxter
C. Trevor-J, Wayae
G. Mnrpl^-D. Keat
B. Regan-J. Litel
P. S'ngleton-A. Lake
. J. Crawford-J. Stewart
J. Trent-P. A. Young
C. T.l£u^'Cltnn-E. Lanchester
R. Rtogers-M. Hart-R. Hatton
G. Sanaers-N. Hamilton
M. Whalcn-J. Rogers
C. Luchalre-E. Best
J. Coopcr-F. Bartholomew
J. Cagney-R. Lane
Comedy
Western
Melodrama
Comedy
Western
Drama
Rom-MeL
Mystery
Comedy
Melodrama
Mus-Rom.
Drama
Comedy
Rom-Dr.
Rom-Dr.
Melodrama
Mus-Rom.
Drama
Bill Elliott
W. Beery-A. Cnrtis-T. Brown
Jack Bandall
A. M. Wai:g-A. Tamirotf
S. Tcmole-A. Devine
B. Cab3t-H'. Mack
R. Townc-W. Gargan
J. Hott-D. CesteUo
B. Hnssel-J. King-P. Kelly
S. Dean-R. Gleason
C. Colbert-D. Ameehe
J. L. end R. Gteuon
G. O'Srlea-L Keith
J. Proaty-B. Gleason
D. Da'-b!--C. WInnlngcr
J. Garfleld-B. Laae
F. Balnter-L Lupino
D. O'Keefe-F. Bice
Jackie Cooper
■C. Boggles-H. Bambeaa
W. Boyd-B. Rogers
J. ElUson-H. Wood
G. Aatry-S. Bamelte
R. Green-W. Barrte
H. Ik«rbert-J. Hodges
M. Uadsay-J. Litel
J. Mac3anald-L. Ayrcs
Frankle Darro
Bob Boms-G. George
D. €orrigan-A. Appleby
I. Dunne-C. Boyer
P. Lorro-J. Hersholt
B. Crosby-J. Blondell
B. Davis-G. Brent
78
66
79
120
71
88
79
97
99
87
62
99
94
94
97
:70
95
.96
69
88
62
63
79
95
66
61
75
81
60
86
64
89
80
56
93
38
f,1
65
92
63
61
71
C9
66
73
87
105
Heeey Pheoey
(Continued from page 1)'
own press afents Is a circumstance
not . overlooked. Palmer's big job
won't be' with the outside world, but
wMb the haUts ioslde the trade.
Just iAiat tactics or tedlnlques
£almer wlU adopt ia not known.
Meantime, there ia more talk heard
in the east that the -film business
doesn't so much need 'better* fan
publicity, as it needs leas, tegar^ss
of the quality. It is the sheer' mass
production of fan ballyhoo which in-
evitably tempta press age&ts, fan
magazines and columnists to keep up
with the ou^nit no matter how.
Manufactured news, phoney an-
nouncements, fake illnesses, cut-
fingers^ front-paged like a crushed
vertebrae, only to be exposed, in-
finitely multiplied so-what trivia is,
all of it ostensibly in ' response to
'demand.' Tbe basic idea is that the
fans moronic dumbness cannot be
exaggerated. The wisdom of this
'sucker' approach is beginning to be
doubted.
■Less intimate detail and more
glamorous mystery' is what some
easterners think would be a smart
shift for Hollywood. Hollywood,
which has. gotten accustomed to a
goldfish bowl existence and been
sold hard on the need and value of-
press agent idiocies, may not be able
to digest this thought - It stems from
the notion that the old-school the-
ories about 'preserving the illusion'
had a lot of sound showmanship in
them.
Up Ut Hollywood Itself
Unless and until Hollywood and
the Dim business are prepared to
curtail the flood-like outpouring of
hour-by-hour reports of the private,
family, social, and sexual lives of all
its members, the question of pub-
licity 'quality' gets lost in the stag-
gering 'quantity' of make-believe
news about make-believe people.
That's the suspicioh that spreads.
Publicity, threatens more and more
to be a monster of Hollywood's own
creation. Everybody worships pub-
licity. Publicity can do very little
wrong. It can lie, misrepresent, de-
grade, render absurd, expose itself
as quackery. It's okay— if they
spell the name right.
Major fllm S'candals now seldom
occur. Hollywood is too scared to
take those kind of chances. But in
lieu of major scandals, there are
thousands of little daily squibs about
the boys and girls. Squibs that press
agents tip off. Mean stories that the
boys and girls, hypnotized by the
love of publicity, even tell on them-
selves. Always' the net result is to
multiply, endlessly pile up, snido
impressions of Hollywood and its
people. Petty quarrels are magni-
fied into the dimensions of an inter-
national cause celebre under the
vaunted fan publicity system. The
eccentricities, the extravagance, the
childishness of certein individuals
become the accepted 'typical' of the
industry.
Palmer has quite a job ahead of
him.
Nincsenek Veletlenek
(Continued from Page 18)
the screen, with Ida Turay, the mas-
cot of the stage production, in her
orJjinal part
The little bride, rushing about in
her wedding attire in the middle of
the night trying to prove to her hus-
band that she is innocent has lost
some of her quaint charm in the
process of transit. But the raw ma-
terial is really first-rate.
Klari celebrates her wedding with
her priggish husband in their hotel
suite. Among the wedding piresents
is a valuable ring with a letter
thanking her 'for unforgettable
hours.' Husband is sure that Klari,
humble, little nursery governess,
who, he figures, ought to thank her
stars for the good luck of being mar-
ried to him, has a lurid past Klari
yamly argues that it is a mistake,
the rmg can't have been meant for
• L Husband casts her off; she goes,
m her bridal gown, to- find the un-
known sender of the ring to prove
her innocence.
After many amusing adventures
she finds Paul, who had sent the ring
as a parting gift to his erstwhile girl
fnend, who lived in the suite next
door, being bidden by his father to
break with her and marry an heiress.
Klari causes the most impossible
complications and ultimateb^ finds in
Paul a much more attractive hus-
band.
Laszlo Szilassy, who has also kept
his stage part is rather wooden and
'constrained. Not a first-rate produc-
tion but fairly good entertamment
Jacobi.
Wednesday, Marcli 15, 1939
VARIETY
21
^^^^
SHOWIVIEN
Here's your campaign
) approach to that
I sniartlv titled ^o^^^)^.^!
romance
ZENOBIA
iWho IS she'? Why, the
girl who inspired Ha
Roach's hilarious hit
released thru
UNITED ARTISTS
J
r
The,' ^^^OtfaiQ^f
22
VARIETY
PICrUBES
Wednesday, March 15, 1939
Iowa BiO WonM Levy Sc Tax
On Each Bank Nite Admisaon;
Wise. Measure to Outlaw Games
Des Moines, March 14.
A bill which would legalize bank
nights in Iowa, and then levy a tax
of five cents on each bank night
ticket sold, received approval of the
ways and means committee of the
Iowa house. The bill will probably
get a dusting from the house sift-
ing committee next week.
Bill's original provision for a 10c.
tax per' ticket was whittled down be-
fore the committee recommended
passage of the measure.
Bank nights in Iowa now have
legal status on the grounds that per-
sons are eligible . to win awards
without purchasing a ticket and at-
tending the performance. / Judd's
bill prohibits all free bank night
registrations.
Judd's bill would prohibit theatre
operators from passing on the tax to
the movie patrons by requiring that
regular prices be diai'ged at bank
night performances. He said he be-
lieved the bill would yield at least
$1,000,000 a year, the revenue to be
used fbr the old age pension fund.
Another bill, which would have
outlawed bank nights and other sim-
ilar games, was virtually killed when
the house police regulations commit-
tee issued an 'unfavorable' report.
Wise Baak Nlcht BfU
Milwaukee, March 14.
Senator Paulson, La Crosse, Wis.
Progressive, Thursday (2) introduced
a tau to the state legislature out-
lawing baidc nights and similar b.o,
boosters. Bill fixes a minimum pen-
alty of six months in jail, or a fine of
$500,. or boO.
Meastire makes it illegal to offer
any money, che^ merchandise or
artlcl* of value, where the prize is
drawn by lot or chance as an iU'
ducement tor attracting . people to
theatres, etc. The attorney general's
office ruled recently that the state
lottery law is confusing as to its ef'
feet upon bank night, and pointed
oirt ttjrt juries in several cases liave
refused to convict defendants under
the lottery law.
Paulson also sponsors a bill provid-
ing tiiat buildings used for gambling
or lotteries may. be closed one year
under ttie nuisance statute.
ODtlaw Job Night
. Lincoln, March 14.
'Job Night,* off-spring of bank
ni^it, for which a grave was dug
by the supreme courtts lottery de-
cision over a year ago,- was also
■called a lottery in a ruling this week
1^ Attorney-General Walter John
son.
Johnson, in his ruling, said it was
« thinly veiled, attempt to get around
the bank ni^t lottery decision, but
was essentially the same Icind of lot
teiy.'
U Raises Salesmen
In keeping with its policy of
promoting from witiiin the ranks,
Universal 'lias elevated several
memljers of the sales staff and
shifted others. R. O. Wilson,
salesman in Portland territory
for four years, goes into the
managerial spot vacated by G. C.
Craddock. Craddock, manager of
the Portland exctiange, became
manager of the Indianapolis ex-
change.
Floyd Brown, formerly Indian-
apolis exchange manager, has
resigned.
W. M. Richardson, formerly
manager at Charlotte, N. C, has
been shifted to New Orleans
where he will be the new branch
manager. Richardson has been
on special assignment to Harry
D. Graham, district manager out
of AtlaAta
Cedar Rapids, March 1^
Union projectionists and stage-
hands here and in 17 other Iowa
towns are marshalling support to de-
feat a bill introduced in the Iowa
State legislature to abolish bank
nites. George Hartnett of Des
Moines, secretary of the State asso-
ciation of lATSE, said that 22 ^nlons,
totaling 3iOO members, were working
with theatre managers to keep bank
nite as is.
It is estimated that 200 Iowa thea-
tres run bank nites every week.
Del Police Crack Down
On Commercial Bingo
Under 'Charity' Auspices
Detroit, March 14.
Prodded by civic organizations,
Detroit police appa^ntly . are mak-
ing an earnest effort to' drive out
commercial bingo, keno and other
games which have been heavily
denting, theatre and nitery box
offices.
Police last week c acked down on
two femmes \klio'v.- been running
charity bingo throughout city tor
the past several months. They were
told to either halt the contests, or
bo taken to court Police said the
women ran games in various halls in
names of charitable iiistitutlons, but
that amount reaching the institu-
tions often, ran as low as $3.
Meanwhile, state police, under
orders from Gov. Frank Fitzgerald,
are continuing their war on gam-
bling spots throughout Michigan, and
tr similar drive is expected on De-
troit niterles, which have been har-
lK>ring slot machines, etc., of late,
to help meet the rent in the face
of brutal nocturnal biz here.
UNIONISTS IN nCHT
TO RETAIN BANKO
Fke Fatal
ToProjectiomst;
Student Injured
Syracuse, March 14.
Flames that swept throu^ the
projection booth in the Strand,
Phoenix, last week claimed the life
of'Hollls Haskell, 22, projectionist,
seriously burned a highschool stu-
dent, and endangered the lives of
som;^ 50 patrons.
Haskell died a short time later in
a Phoenix sanitarium. Joseph Gard.
ner, 17, friend of Haskell, who was
in the booth at the time, escaped
death by jumping from a window
to the lobby floor. 10 feet below. He
suffered severe bums about the head
and face.
While the patrons left the theatre
In an orderly fashion, Edson Wilcox,
18, fought his way into the blazing
booth to drag the unconscious opera-
tor from the flames. He and others
lowered Haskell down a ladder to
the lobby floor. Firemen made short
work of the blaze, confining it to
the projection room.
Mentana Hits Games
Missoula, Mont, March 14.
The first attempt to stop games
in Montana theatres was made last
wedc wlien prosecuting attorney
Edwocd- Dussault filed a complaint
In district court asldng Fox -Missoula
Theatre Corp. be restrained from
conductiBg bank nights.
John Taylor, manager of
Witana and (^Rialto theatres,
aaiBCd in the action, along
«wners of the buildings.
the
was
with
No-Payoff Snit
St Louis, March 14.
Claiming there was no - pay-off
after he hit a $390 bank nite jack-
ptft in 1036, at the Majestic, down-
town deluxer in East St Louis,
Clifton Reeves, a railroad man, last
week filed suit for the coin, plus in-
terest in the city court .
Reeves, according to the petition,
admits he got a check for $350, but
claims the theatre manager, Milton
D. Lewis, refused to countersign the
dieck, preventing htm from collect-
ing.
STORY BUYS
Hollywood, March 14.
Metro purchased 'Music Is My
Faith,' Marya Mannes' biography of
ber father, David Mannes.
Warners bought 'The Right Way,'
by Dore Schary.
George Broadhurst sold The Crim-
son Alibi' to Warners.
RKO bought 'Anne of Windy
Gables,' novel by Ii. M. Montgomery,
with an option on other 'Anne' tales.
Akron Mgr. Arrested
For Giveaway Stunt
Akron, March 14.
Akron neighborhood theatres* rush
to climb on some sort of a giveaway
bandwagon, along with double fea-
tures, bumped sqtiarely into the law
when Harry Brown, Jr., manager of
the Highland, was arrested for oper-
ating a game of chance. Brown*s
hearing is scheduled for Thursday
(16). He's under bond of $500.
Brown*s arrest followed his laimch-
ing of Hefund Nights.' Brown de-
nies he violated any lottery laws,
holding that he was merely present-
ing patrons *with gifts in apprecia-
tion of their patronage.'
EOFALONG IR LATIN
Hollywood, March 14.
Hop'alohg Cassidy goes romantical-
ly Latin-American in the forthcom-
ing 'Double Dyed Deceiver,' with
Tito Guizar singing baritone in sup-
port of Bill Boyd.
Shooting starts this week on loca-
tion.
TITLE CHANGES
Hollywood, 'arch 14.
'The Puaring Crowd' is the release
title for 'The Roaring Road' at War-
ners.
'Sudden Money' is final tag for
'Sweepstakes Millionaire' at Para-
mount
Columbia switched from 'Plane
No. 4' to 'Only Angels Have Wings.'
. 'Oklahoma Trail' is new handle for
'Prairie Ni^ts' at Columbia.
'Heroes of the Desert* tiecame
'Night Riders' at Republic.
'Cupid Goes to Press' hits release
sheet as 'When Winter Comes* 'at
20th-FQX.
$25,M« V.C. Fire
Kansas City, March 14.
The Isis theatre, Fox-Midwest 'A*
nabe, was gutted by fire -early last
Thursday (9). Fire broke out in the
theatre lobby about midnight spread
tlirough the. air conditioning vents to
a hollow ceiling and broke out anew
on the stage.
Following third alarm, 10 fire
companies fought the flames more
thaii eight hours. Loss is estimated
at over $25,000, exclusive of damajge
to the flve-story Wlrthman building
which houses the theatre.
Fire Destroys N. T. Star
The New Star Casino, old New
York theatrical and sporting land-
mark in Harlem, was destroyed by
Are yesterday (Tuesday). Front part
of the building, originally erected
as an armory in 1889, was occupied
by the Star theatre, which played
burlesque for a time.
In recent years building was occu-
pied by the Harlem Sporting. Club,
and latterly used as a roUer-skating
rink.
Inside Stolf-Pktiires
Showing of Paramount in the final quarter of 1038, after only lukewarm
earnings in previous three-quartiers, resulted from deliberate planning for
brilliant fourth-quarter profit showing, according to opinion in Wall Street
Financial observers who have been following tha progress of Par during!
the past year were aware that considerable picture costs were written off
in the earlier quarters, indicating that, the company hoped to have clear
sailing to pile up earnings in the last three-month period.
Even so, the net profit in excess of $2,000,000 tor a single quarter was
mudi greater than many had looked for.
Rick Ricketson, Charles Skouras, Dick Dickson, Al Gould, Bill Lyris,
Tom Berta, Wllford Williams, all associates of Fox theatres in the west and
tar west, along with Gregory Duffy of Metropolitan Engravers and C. Watt
Brandon, owner of .the Kemmerer CWyo.) Gazette, are the . dramatis
personae of a book tagged "On the Big Game Trail,' which tells the story
of a big game hunt In the Red Desert and Jackson Hole last season.
Writtea by Brandon, it is a profusely lUustrated and descriptive book
telling the various incidents and adventures that took place during the
hunt
Deal constmmiated recently with Underwood & Underwood covers all
picture work at the tivtr York World's Fait-, as well as still photography.
Sole exception is that U. & U. will not have say-so on regular newsreel
coverage, the newsreels being protected to this extent However, the con-
tract means that any picture company intending to make a short or feature
using the N. Y. Expo for a background must receive permission from
U. & V. This probably will keep several firms, intending to make features
With the fair as a backgrouund, from carrying out plans especially if charged
anything by the fair picture contractual firm.
Owners of the 4,200-seat Minnesota theatre, Minneapolis, recently relin-
quished by the Paramount Northwest circuit still have made no progress
toward obtaining a tenant In ttie meanwhile they are getting no revenue
from the property, but must dish out ground rental, taxes and Insurance
aggregating more tiian $80,000 annually. Some wagers are being made in
local sbow circles that the ^,000,000 showbouse never will be reopened,
that the owners will be forced to hand it over to the ground owners to
save ground rent and taxes and that eventi]^lly it will be torn down for a
parking lot
Paramount is swarming with foreign offers for the loan of Isa Miranda
since the release of 'Hotel Imperial* in Europe. Latest Is from L'Herbier,-
French producer, who wants the Italian actress for 'Dame De L'Ouest' to
be made in Paris this spring. When La Miranda was lifted from the 'Taza'
cast Paramount would have turned a willing ear to offers from France,
or anywhere. Now the studio is rushing work on her next picture, 'Madame
Mystery.*
The Georgia senate last week unanimously adopted a resolution urging
Metro not to produce its proposed pic memorializing Dr. William Morton,
Boston dentist as discoverer of anaesthesia because it would be inaccurate
in fact and a hoax upon the public.
Resolution pointed out that Dr. Crawford W. Liong, Georgia medico, first
used ether as an anaesthetic in an operation at Jefferson, 6^, on March
30, 1842, and that this fact is inscribed on his statue In Washington.
Paramount Film Distributing Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary incor-
porated under the laws of Delaware, was formed last week by Paramount'
Pictures, Inc. Paramount Pictures Distributing Company, Inc., the parent
company's wholly-owned New Jersey subsidiary, was merged Into the
new corporation, new company carrying on the distribution business of
the old. Entire change was made to simplify the corporate structure and
readjust it for easier handling on tax matters.
A. K . Blank, Des Moines Paramount circuit partner operator there, has
been approached with the proposal to build a television setup and to go
Into the field on an experimental basis immediately so as to b« on the
scene when picture-radio comes in commercially. '
Blank, however, indicates that he is not too hot on the general Idea at
this time, failing to see how his organization will get off the nut on an
investment that will run up to $250,000.
Zmm GROUP RAPS
BINGO AS CRIME HYPO
Rochester, March 14.
Prosecution of Bingo game opera-
tors in Rochester looms following
blast by Federation of Churches.
Police chief Henry T. Copenhagen
said he had received no complahits
against the games, but would confer
with safety commissioner Thomas C.
Woods and the district attorney on
procedure.
The federation charges that Bingo
is one of several forms al gambling
that have become a menace to the
community, encouraging dishonesty
and leading to crime.
' Bingo now is operated in. connec-
tion with several Catholic churches,
clubs, practically all nabe theatres
and four downtown houses.
BOB THEATBE OPS
Spartanburg, S. C, March 14.
J. C. Holland, operating Lorman,
Tucapau, S. C, theatres, was robbed
of $200 receipts from both houses
when he and his wife returned home
at midnight after closing shows. The
theatres are about 10 miles apart.
Two armed bandits hid in their
home and tjound -Mrs. Holland hand
and foot when she entered carrying
portion of receipts. They waited un'
til Her husband came in and gave
him the same treatment
Lifting a load from studio flackeries. Academy of Motion Picture Arts
and Sciences has taken on the job of answering iall letters addressed to
prodttction companies for information about picture-making methods,
These inquiries, coming from aU manner of educational institutions from
universities to grade schools, have reached huge proportions In the la^
few years and clogged clerical business at the studios.
Studio execs plan a heavy cut in preview passes, not only to whittle
down expenses, but to get a more accurate public reaction to new pic-
tures. Average preview Annie Oakley list is close to 1,000, more than
half of which are paid for by the studio at b.o. rates. Preview audiences
uiider the current system consist largely of claques from studios and
agencies. Result is a biased instead of a popular reaction,
One actor without Hollywood ambitions Is Martin Goodnight Blackfoot
Indian moppet who had a feature role in Shirley Temple's 'Susannah of
the Mounties' at 20th-Fox. Although he made a fine impression on Darryl
Zanuck, the young redskin prefers the reservation to the studio. As soon
as the retakes are washed up. Goodnight goes back to Montana with Father
Cullen, head of the Indian Mission scfaooL
Cecil B. DeMille's 'Union Pacific' will not be released outside of the
United States under that tiOe. MHiile okay for domestic distribution. Para-
mount realizes the titie is more or less meaningless abroad as to the part
played by the railroad line in the development of the West Film probably
will have several different tags in the foreign market
Absence of 'leg art' stills of Norma Shearer to go with her co-starrlng
role in 'Idiot's Delijght,' has prompted some city desks in the east to grab
shots direcUy from the theatre screen. Claimed to have secured clear-cut
photos by using candid camera and high speed paper, latter making extra
llghtmg unnecessary.
Hollywood influence caused British newspapers to change the old title,
Peggy and Partner,' under which Chic Young's comic strip, Blondie, had
been runnmg for years. With Columbia's picture, 'Blondie,* doing big busi-
ness in London', the Daily Sketch adopted the American tag for the strip,
and other English papers are following suit
Cost of living was upped 10c. per meal at Uie Cafe de Paris on tiie 20th-
Fox lot by 'William Koenig, production manager, in his drive to lift the
eatery out of Oie red. Modernistic tables are being introduced to do away
With white tablecloths and laundry bUls. Company's loss lant year was
the heaviest since the cafe opened.
» direct and hidden taxes Included in Uie price of Uie average
^f-^^-^V'^y^^ according to Dr. Winnie M. Sanger. Oklahoma City,
of Oie National Consumers Commission. She said, 'More tiian 16% of Uie
price of the average admission ticket is due to the imposition of 41 federal
and 20 local and state taxes.'
With its March issue, March of Time begins Its flfUi year, Oiis release
Demg its SOth.
Wednesday, March 15, 1939
PICTURES
VARIETY 23
Pic Cos. Win Right to Info from Gov t
On Chief Phases of Anti-Trust Suit
Tha U. S. Government will bave
to furnish particulars on the most
Important phases of its anti-trust suit
aeainst all the major producers, dis-
trlbutors and aflUiated theatre cir-
cuit operators; Federal Judge WU-
liam Bondy, ia bis decision -handed
down last week (8), granted the de-
fendants' demands in respect to 51
specific requests for information, out
of a total of 159.
Broad general allegations of whole-
gale violations by defendants will hot
have to be particularized by the
government attorneys. Where spe-
cific violations, acts of monopoly,
conspiracy or coercion are alleged,
the defendants are entitled, however,
to Have full information.
Among specific points the defend-
ants want particulars on are whether
It is claimed defendants integrated
production and exhibition facilities
by contract or agreement and, if so,
identification of each such attempt
to monopolize; whether claim of
monopoly in flrst-nm metropolitan
theatres rests solely on defendants'
holdings of theatres and location of
theatres so controlled; whether de-^
fendants entered into any contract
to exclude product of other pro-
ducers from their flrst-run theatres;
did defendants act by agreement in
not going into competitive areas
in acquiring theatre circuits, or in
division or territories; specific ih-
stances of coercion or distress
methods employed against indie ex-
hibitoi-s to compel them to sell their
houses, and particular transactions
complained of,
Identification of specific areas in
which defendants are alleged to have
had an independent monopoly of the
market; nature- of such monopoly and
how long it existed; have defendants
monopolized production and distribu-
tion of all features, or only of
features of the better grade and
quality; were there any agreements
between defendants to loan most val-
uable stars and featured players un-
der contract; specific and individual
trade practices claimed by govern-
ment to be harsh, onerous, unfair
and ' which might have restrained
trade.
Have such practices been imposed
oh indies only in situations where ex-
hibitors are in competition with an
affiliated theatre; name benefits or
advantages obtained by defendants
through agreements which put them
In control of production, distribution
and exhibition and which defendants
received them.
Classes UA As Prodncer
Judge Bondy granted application
of Columbia Pictures for particulars
in 46 separate claims, but refused
United Artists a stay of the Gov-
ernment's request to examine the
company's officers. He refused to
strike out UA's claims that they are
not producers, but only distributors
and stated that this issue is still in
doubt. If it turns out, during the
trial, that UA is right, Bondy stated
UA will not be prejudiced by its in-
clusion as a producer at this time.
In Bondy.'s decision, the Govern-
ment was granted permission to fur-
nish any particulars it doesn't now
have, whenever it obtains the neces-
sary information, but in no event
shaU further particulars be furnished
later than 30 days before trial. De-
fendants must file their answer to the
Government suit within 2Q days of
the furnishing of the first bill of par-
ticulars by the Government.
Department of Justice spokesmen
are now of the opinion that ihforma-.
tion sought by defendants will be
compiled and. furnished within a
month and even sooner. They said
Judge Bondy's decision was a middle
•of the road course,
Paul Williams, government trial
counsel, expects to file particulars
within the next fortnight. The Gov-
ernment expects defense counsel to
ask tor a further delay after partic-
ulars are filed, to give them sufficient
time for study of specific allegations,
but will oppose a longer stay than
20 days.
Ask UA Examination
An order was submitted to federal
judge William Bondy in N. Y. yes-
terday (Tuesday) by the Depart-
m.nt of Justice for the examination
of Harry J. Muller, treasurer of
United Artists, and Edward C. Raf-
tery, secretary. Examination sought
will take place befo- > W. G. Briggs,
notary in the U, S. Federal Court
building on March 21, if Bondy
Srants the request.
- This Is in connection with Judge
Bank Wins Appeal
Of 400G aaim Vs. Fox
The Trust Co. of Georgia, trustee
under a Fox Theatres indenture of
1938, was granted the right to appeal
to the circuit court of appeals by
Federal Judge William Bondy in
New York Friday (10) from a de-
cision of Circuit Judge Martin T.
Manton last January, who okayed
the plan of dissolution of Fox Thea-
tres.
The trust company has a $400,000
rent claim against Fox ' Theatres,
which is treated as a general claim
under the plan. It wants priori^.
HAMMONS EAST
TO SET GN IN
ORDER
E. W. Hammons, president of
Grand National, will be in New
York by the end of the week to. con-
fer with J. H. Skirball, y.p. They
will confer on plans for putting the
GN house in better order.
Wtiile financing of GN production
on a par with the number of pic-
tures announced by the company
represents part of the difficulties, the
tnain problem is said to be getting
administration and production bet-
ter organized.
GN, taken over by Hammons and
associates late last siunmer on its re-
organization in 77B, ' scheduled a
program of 66 pictures this season.
A total of 11 have, been made to date
and a 12th is set to start on Skir-
ball's return to the Coast, probably
Monday (20). This will be 'Main
Street' Miracle,' for which Margo
has already been signed.
Creditors of GN are reported wait-
ing to see what develops following
Hammons' trip east. His excursion
may mean additional immediate
financing.
ROCH. TO GET TASTE
OF 'GOOD OLD DAYS'
Rochester, March 14.
Nostalgia for the 'good old days'
of the Eastman theatre leads the
Rochester Civic Music Association
to recreate a 1929 show for two per-
formances (17.-18). Event will cele-
brate 10th anniversary of the asso-"
elation, which has grown to nearly
6,000 members.
Civic orchestra will play the- over-
ture and accompany the film, just as
in the silent days. Feature will be
The Last Command,' with Emil
Jannings. Oldie shorts and 1929
newsreel will be used. Stage show
with Inez Quinn and Harold Single-
ton, singers, and Thelma Biracree,
Marion Tefft; Ruby Bohrer and
Norina Barrett, dancers, of the old
Eastman Theatre Co., also aims to
bring back memories. Alice Couch,
73, retired wardrol>e mistress, will
be backstage.
The two evening performances
will be free and limited to Civic As-
sociation membership.
Grainger Sets Four
Regional Rep. Meets
Hollywood, March 14.
James Grainger, sales chief of Re-
public, following discussions with
prexy Herbert Yates, announced
four regional sales conventions for
company as follows: Houston, April
7-8; Chicago, 11-12; New York, 18-
19, and Frisco, 27-28.
Grainger leaves tonight (Tuesday)
for New York, making several stops
en route.
Bondy's order allowing the examina-
tion of officers and officials of UA
in order that the Goviernment may
determine the status of the com-
pany as a producer.
BIG PUSH AT MONO;
FIVE FILMS TO ROLL
Hollywood, March 14.
Five productions roll for Mono-
gram In the next two weeks, begin-
ning tomorrow (Wednesday) with
•The Wolf Call,' co-starring John
Carroll and Movita.
'Boys' Reformatory* and 'Prison
Born' start Monday (20), 'BulleU and
Blizzards' goes (23), and a Jack Ran-
dall western (31).
New Indie Spot
To Get Product
Despite Opposish
Minneapolis, March 14.
Local film exchanges have been
notified by their legal departments
that they must sell product to the
newly constructed Grant, Eveleth,
Minn, built by Sam Edelstein in
opposition to the two houses al-
ready being operated there by Wil-
liam Krause.
Exchange managers here took the
stand that the Edelstein invasion of
Eveleth' was unwarranted because,
they felt, two theatres there were
sufficient for the needs of a^ town
of that size.
Edelstein asked for first-run prod-
uct or, in lieu of that, second-runs.
The exchange heads argued that sec-
ond-runs would injure Krause. Edel-
stein then employed legal talent to
assist him in getting his 'rights,'
After some correspondence with the
h. o.'s, instructions were forthcoming
from the legal departments.
PAR^OOPER
MERGER SET
A permanent partnership between
Paramount and the J. H. Cooper In-
terests on a SO-SO basis to cover the
Nebraska string, which Cooper oper-
ates for Par, may be closed shortly.
Negotiations are being carried on in
the east, where Cooper makes his
headquarters.
A lifetime partnership between
Cooper and Par, as being worked out,
does not include the Standard Thea-
tres Oklahoma group,' in which War-
ner %ros. is interested with Par and
Cooper,
U SPLiniNG SALES
CONFAB THREE WAYS
Universal is planning three re-
gional sales confabs this ye^r instead
of one big national convention, . They
probably will be held next month
in Chicago, San Francisco and in
some eastern city. Plans were dis-
closed tliis week by W, A. Scully,
U's general sales manager, just back
from product conferences on the
Coast
Of the 40 pictures which Univer-
sal will produce for 1939-46 (three
will be made for U by Harry Ed-
ington), Scully said that 17 will be
definitely budgeted as A films. Be-
sides the 40, Universal will have
seven Johnny Mack Brown westerns
and seven outdoor melodramas fea-
turing Richard Arlen and Andy De-
vine.
Frisco Appears Set
For MPTOA Convention
Motion Picture Theatre Owners of
America probably will hold its con-
vention this year in San Francisco.
Meeting is set for September or Oc-
tober, and will enable the visiting
exhibitor delegates lo attend the
Golden Gate exposition.
Session last year was held in Ok-
lahoma City. Talk of holding the
convention in New York was dis-
carded because of probability that
hotel rates would be high and ac-
commodations difficult to secure.
WB Paints Bright Fmancial Future:
May Resume Pfd. Stock Dividends
Variety Chb's Conclave
Now Set for April 28
Detroit, March 14,
Conflict with previously skedded
distributor-exhibitor district meets
has necessitated ' moving national
pow-wow of Variety Clubs back one
week to April. Official headquar-
ter: will be in Book-Cadillac hotel
here.
Annual formal stag dinner will be
held April 22. Frank J. Downey is
banquet chairman, while heading
convention arrangements is John E.
Flynn.
WINTER SALES
MEETS GET
COASTOK
Los Angeles, March 14.
Spurred by the decision of a num-
ber of major distributing organiza-
tions to hold sales conventions con-
siderably earlier this year than has
been the custom in the past, dis-
tributor representatives on the
Coast are suggesting advisability of
holding midwinter sales conferences
and advancing the annual selling
season from summer to winter
months.
Warners, with a sales powwow
just completed this week in New
York, earliest oh record, is setting
pace for the majors this year. 20th
Fox will hold its national sales con^
vention March 30 in Chicago, and
other majors are seriously consider-
ing moving customary May or June
powwows ahead.
Film companies years ago emU'
lated legit theatres by launching
new seasons in early fall. Sales con'
ventions were held during summer
months and new selling seasons put
under way during June or July. In
many parts of country, filmeries are
frequently forced to close down dur-
ing summer dog days, and all spots,
regardless of improved air-condi-
tioned theatres, are more or less hit
during hot weather period.
Distributor reps here advocate the
idea of the film season being put on
a calendar year basis, rather than
the time-worn fiscal year plan. This,
they point out, would bring film sell
ing time to winter months, when ex-
hibitors are in better frame of mind
to discuss next season deals, due to
general uptrend in business cus
tomary during that period, and with
market usually surfeited with high
grade product
GREENMAN BACK WITH
F&MASDISTRICTMGR.
St. Louis, March 14.
• Harry Greenman, who left the
Fanchon & Marco interests here sev-
eral years ago to branch out as an
indie operator, has returned to the
fold and has. been made a district
manager of the St. I<ouis Amusement
Co:, which operates a chain of nabes
in this city and In adjacent St. Louis
County under F.&M. direction.
Three of the houses that the Green-
man Theatres, Inc., headed by
Greenman, had been operating here
been acquired by F,&M. A fourth
has been resold to the former owner,
A. D. Magarian, an East St. Louis
merchant. ■
F.&M. is reported dickering for the
acquisition of the Lexington, a North
St. Louis nabe, which was operated
by Greenman in conjunction with
W. J. Colonna.
The financial prospects of Warner
Bros, look very bright to the com-
pany's chief executives. In talks to
thi* sales forces assembled at the
company's convention in New York
this week an optimistic picture of
improvement along these lines was
drawn for delegates. It was pointed
out that not only will there be an
impressive lineup of pictures made
this year, but present indications
point to a . profitable second and
third-quarter financial report
With the company's major finan-
cial headache solved for the time
being, via conversion of the bond
issue and with prospects for a good
liquid cash position, there is some'
reason to anticipate that WB may
resume dividend payments on its
preferred stock at the end of this
fiscal year in August.
There are 3,701,000 shares of com-
mon outstanding and the last divi-
dend paid on comnnon was $1 in
June, 1930. There are only 100,000
preferred shares outstanding, with
most of this issue reported doSely
held by. the Warner brothers them-
selves. The last preferred dividend
paid by the company was a 96V4C.
quarterly on March 1, 1932. Arrears
on preferred to date total $26.95 per
share, and by the end of the fiscal
year will be around $29 a share.
$3,eM,000 In Arrears
Close observers t>elieve there Is
little likelihood the company would
pay off almost $3,000,000 in accumu-
lated back dividends and incline
rather to the viewpoint that pre-
ferred dividends are likely to be re-
sumed instead.
Security given by Warners for the
$6,000,000 in loans from two N. Y.
banks and one in Illinois involve
pledging all the capital stock and
all of the owned indebtedness of .
Warner sub.<:idiary companies, such
as Stanley Co. of America, First Na-
tional Tlieatres Corp., and the North-
eastern Theatres, Inc. '
Additional security, to be pledged
when the indebtedness under the
barking credit cont-act reaches $3,-
000,000, calls for WB executing and
delivering a mortgage on its Coast
studios. At the option of the banks
.tliis mortgage may be increased to
the total amount borrowed.
'Snow Wbite' on Dnd
At 15c 'A Mistake/
After Exhibs Sqoawk
Minneapolis, March 14.
Exhibition of 'Snow White' as one
end of a double feature program at
the 15c Crystal theatre in the lower
loop here was without authorization
and without the knowledge of L. &
Goldhammer, RKO branch manager,
the latter asserts. Goldliaromcr has
assured angry neighborhood exhibi-
tors that 'it won't happen again,'
The Crystal theatre contract dldnt
call for any double featuring of
'Snow White,' but Irving GiUman, its
proprietor, explains 'it was all mis-
take.' The policy of the grind sub-
sequent-run house is double features,
he explains, and he thought 'Gold-
hammer knew his intentions,' GUI-
man leiarned differently, however,
when the furious RKO branch man-
ager called him on the carpet
Relative to the reduction in per-
centage terms from 40 to 30% after
Goldhammer had announced that
under no circumstances would the
picture be sold for less in the- Twin
Cities, the RKO branch' manager
says that the 33% for the hold-out
Minneapolis . and St Paul inde-
pendent neighborhood exhibitors ap-
plied only when the receipts failed
to reach a specified figure. In - a
number of instances under the 30%
contract, RKO has received up to
60% for its share of the split ac-
cording to Goldhammer.
MONO'S TEACHES
Hollywood, March 14.
Monogram pactcd Fanchon Royer
as advisor on a scries of six kid pic-
tures featuring Jackie Moran and
Marcia Mae Jones.
First of group .goes into produc-
tion In two weeks.
$250,000 Suit Vs.
lime Begins in N: Y.
Trial of Lou Goldberg's $250,000
plagiarism action assinst T'm?, Inc.,
started in the New York supreme
court Monday (13) before Justice
Ferdinand. Pecora.
Goldberg claims that In January
1933, he submitted the idea to Time
of adapting its radio programs to
motion pictures. It. is alleged that
Roy E, J<arsen, v.p. of Time, rejected
the idea at the time, but later
adopted it
t4 VARIETY Wednesday, March 15, 1939
"A great piece of enter-
tainment and a box office smash."
. . . Hollywood Variety
'Put this one down right
now among the contendeis for
the Academy Awards for 1939.
. . . Associated Press
"k really memorable
scieen ex|ierience." ...FUm Dauy
- edged
heavy
dividends at the box office."
. . . Ikd Kaim, in Box Office
OPENING THIS WEEK
RADIO CITY MUSIC
HALL AND OTHER KEY
RUNS THROUGHOUT
THECOUNTRY.
Wednesday, March 15, 1939
PICTURES
VARIETY
IS
Agents Pact Cut ^n^ Dried
(Continued from page 9)
orovisions ot the arbitration sections
of the Code of Civil Procedure and
with the same force and effect, and
such arbitration shaU talte the place
of the hearing provided under the
Labor Code and shall take the place
of the jurisdiction of the courts to
hear and determine the controversy.'
Meet On Dotted Line
A three-year contract is being
Inked this week between the Screen
Directors Giiild and major film com-
panies. Definite agreement on all
phases of the pact was reached at a
conference between two groups in
offices of Joseph M. Schenck at 20th-
Foxv
Under contract, directors are
given right to sit in during prepara-
tion of scripts, will have an acknowl^
edged voice in selection of casts, and
will be given a 'reasonable time' to
edit pictures. Directors will have
right of supervision over first rough
cut, instead of dally changes being
made In rushes by the producer.
Minimum salary of unit managers,
who will have a separate contract
from that of directors and assistants,
is fixed at $150 week. First assistant
directors, who free-lance, will be
paid a minimum of $137.50 per week,
and those under contract will get a
minimum of $125. Second assistant
directors, who work on an hourly
basis, will be guaranteed a mlnimimi
of $61.20 per week.
Negotiations between producers
and Screen Writers Guild will con-
tinue this week, the SWG having
waived the Producer-Screen Play-
wrights, Inc., contract as an Issue.
The SWG said it would stand on the
recognition of producers as exclusive
bargaining representative for all
scriveners and their promise that
the SP pact will be terminated when
and it a contract is inked with the
Guilders.
Negotiations for the producers are
being handled by Attorneys Homer
Mitchell, Alfred Wright, Mendel Sil-
berberg and George Cohen, aided by
a producer sub-committee composed
of Darryl F. Zanuck, Hal B. Wallis
and E. J. Mannlx, The writers are
represented by their counsel, Leon-
ard S. Janofsky, Charles Braokett,
SWG prexy,' Philip Dunne and Don-
ald Ogden Stewart
Playwrights Stand Pat
John Lee .Mahin, president of SP,
has annoimced that his organization
will not make any move to cancel its
working agreement with the com-
£Bnies. He said the pact was a bind-
ig piece of paper and that the Play-
wrights intend to stand on it. Con-
tract Is subject to cancellation upon
■Ix months notice by either group.
Hearing before National Labor Re-
lations Board on the SWG complaint
charging producers with unfair labor
practice has been recessed until
March 23, subject to reconvening
vpon 48 hours notice from either side
that an Impasse has been reached in
negotiations. SWG leaders were sur-
prised when Homer Mitchell, repre-
senting producer attorneys, arose as
hearing opened and stated:
'Keeping in mind that w« do not
concede that the National Labor Re-
lations Act compels us to bargain
■ collectively, we do here and now of-
fer to bargain collectively with the
Screen Writers Guild as the ex-
clusive bargaining representative for
screen writer employees. If that is
not sufficient, we offer to recognize
the Screen Writers Guild as the ex-
clusive bargaining agent of that
union and we ask .the Screen Writers
Guild to sit down and bargain col-
lectively with \i3 in an attempt to
reach an agreement. We stand ready
. to commence bargaining here and
now.
This offer is not offered as a dila-
tory move, but in the sincere belief
that we can sit down together and
Work out an agreement. The con-
tract between the producers and the
Screen Play wrights, Inc.^ Is ^»ot and
never has been a barrier to an agree-
ment with the Screen Writers Guild.'
Following acceptance of the offer,
the execuiive board of SWG Issued
the following statement:
We are very glad in the interest
of peace, and harmony in the indus-
try to grant a short recess. We hope,
however, that we shall not once
again be disappointed as to the pro-
ducers' desire to grant us in reality
the exclusive bargaining rights to
which we are entitled under the pro-
visions of the Wagner Act. As any-
one knows, this reality can only- be
achieved by termination of the pres-
ent so-called contract between the
producers arid the Screen Play-
wrights, Inc.'
Extras' Stains DIspnted
Attaches of the NLRB have stated
that the question of whether an ex-
tra is an employee must be deter-
mined before any action can be
taken on the application of Cinema
Players, Inc., for certification as
bargaining representative for all
extras. It was pointed out that ex-
tras are only casuals an^ are not
listed on the payroll of any film com-
pany. They receive calls frmi Cen-
tral Casting Corp. and are paid in
cash dally on a voucher Issued by
Central Casting.
Tops in. the Screen Actors Guild
are huddling yrith engineers of the
telephone company In an effort to
work out some plan that will relieve
telephone congestion at Central dur-
ing the rush hours. Many extras are
now forced to dial for 30 minutes
before they can reach Central to de-
termine whether they have been
called to work the next day.
Two court suits to test the right
of labor crafts to expell, or suspend,
members have been filed in superior
court here. Irene Lacey, of Makeup
Artists, questions right of the organ-
ization to expell her, while E. H.
Bookasta, an extra, is questioning his
suspension by the SAG.
Fight for control of 12,000 film
workers in the International Alliance
of Theatrical Stage Employees was
renewed with filing by James Shaw
of an amended application for ap-
pointment- of a receiver for Studio
Technicians Local 37. Shew Is also
seeking to unseat present officers,
whom he claims were elected llle'
gaily, and asks for a restraining or
der to stop expenditure of organiza-
tion's funds. His first application
was dismissed on a technicality, but
he was allowed 10 days In which to
amend it.
In the meantime, action has been
instituted against Local 37 by Glen
Goodman for back rent which has
accumulated since the local was
granted autonomy by the lATSE in-
ternational. '
Scramble for Control
With various groups fighting . to
control studio locals, situation is be-
coming more confused almost daily,
Petitions are now being circulated in
the studios asking the lATSE inter
national to recall autonomy and
handle bargaining negotiations for
the members. George E. Browne, in-
ternational president of the lATSE,
is expected here to make a personal
investigation of the situation.
Meeting of the executive board of
Studio Utility Employees Local 724
has been called for "Thursday night
(16) to fix a deadline on the demand
that producers hike pay of laborers
to 82 V& cents an hour. Demand for
the increase was submitted to Pat
Casey last week by L. C. Helm, busi-
ness representative of SUE.
Film labor crafts have started a
campaign for reinstatement of Dr.
Towne Ny lander as regional director
here for the NLRB. Dr. Nylander
was suspended following report he
had stated in a speech that whenever
the NLRB prepared a case 'the em
ployer hasn't got a chance.' Central
Labor Council has adopted a resolu-
tion opposing his suspension, while
Studio Carpenters and other crafts
have wired the NLRB in Washing-
ton urging that Dr. Nylander be re-
stored to duty.
Musicians Local 47 Club has re-
elected Henry J. Alberti, C. L. Bag-
ley, Harry Baldwin, George H.
Can^bell, J. W. Gillette and Lindsay
E. Simons as directors. Jack B. Ten-
ney was named to replace John J.
Sewell.
BERNHARD CALLS WB
ZONE MGRS. TO HUDDLE
Back from' a short vacation follow-
ing a recent illness, during which he
was laid up at a N. Y. ' sanitarium,
Joseph Bemhard, Warner, theatre
head, called in all his zona managers
for huddles Monday (13) and yester-
day (Tuesday) at the home office.
Other execs sat in at the latter, nota-
bly those of the theatre department
The zone managers in to diiscuss
current operating problems and
plans include James Coston, Chicago;
Nat Wolf, Cleveland; I 3, Hoffman,
New Haven; Don Jacocks, Newark;
Moe Silver, Albany; Ted Schlanger,
Philadelphia; Harry Kalmine, Pitts-
burgh; John Payette, Washington,
and Herb Copelan, Atlantic City.
New Coast Theatres
Los Angeles, March 14.
Harry Mllstein and Albert Mellin-
koS opened their new 800-seat Gar-
dena.
Roy Hunt's new film house, being
built in partnership with Fox West
Coast in Riverside, will be named
the LaAnza.
California theatre in Glendale
damaged $15,000 by fire. Chief loss
was backstage to sound e^uipffient
Jules Laurent replaced Gene Koh-
ler as managA of Strand, Pasadena.
Kohler on leave" of absence, due to
Illness,
REPUBLIC BUYS
SENNEHSTUDIO
Hollywood, March 14.
Ownership of the old Mack Sen-
nett studios, now occupied by Repub-
lic Pictures, passes to Republic in a
deal negotiated by Herbert J. Yates,
in a deal closed this week.
' Studio was leased by Mascot Pic-
tures about three years ago. When
Republic absorbed Mascot from Nat
Levine, it took over the Mascot lease,
which had another year or so to go,
Lessor of the studio is Guaranty
Liquidating Corp. of L. A.
Jay Wren, manager of Reade's
Community, Morristown, N. J., has
been named assistant to Walter
Reade, Jr., and assuitoes that post
Friday (17). He will be stationed in
the Reade circuit's N. Y. home
office. His duties will be mostly in
the nature of publicity.
John McNulty, formerly manager
of Reade's Savoy, in Asbury Park,
N. J., takes over Wren's old spot in
Morristown.
it's New K. C. Ezehaince
Kansas City, March 14.
Construction of a two-story build-
ing to be occupied by Universal ex-
change will begin in next 30 days.
Site is on 18th street between Cen-
tral and Wyandotte, ami'dst film row.
Building is being erected by Dr.
Nathan Zoglih on basis of a 10-year
lease to U.
H'lvood 'B'tvay
(Continued from page 7>
particular; is believed to have stirred
the studios to action. Deal is not
only- on a percentage of the picture
profits (a type of contract Hollywood
has previously nixed), but was ne
gotiated before the play's premiere
out of town. Fact that the buyer is
Katharine Hepburn also raises the.
possibility of similar actor or actor-
author deals in the future, which
might bring about an entirely new
setup in the legit-film situation.
Other percentage deals already set
involve 'Abe . Lincoln in Illinois' and
'Of Mice and Men.'
Undoubtedly a potent factor in the
present picture is the new Gordon-
HKO tieup. Through his Max Gor-
don Plays and Pictures, the legit
showman will head a imit production
outfit for the studio, with' the latter
advancing coin for legit buys, film
production costs and subsequently
releasing the completed pictures.
Gordon bought 'Abe' under that ar-
rangement and has a deal in the
works for 'American Way.' In the
latter case it virtually amounts to
RKO backing Broadway legit pro-
duction, as Gordon is co-producer of
the Kaufman-Hart spectacle.
Film Execs on Own
Since any other studio could get
around the 'secret agreement' by set-
ting up similar unit production deals
with Broadway showmen, it is evi-
dent that the studio boycott of the
Guild's Minimum Basic Agreement is
now little more than a gesture. That
is particularly so In view of the
known fact -that even while the film
companies themselves have refused
to participate in Broadway financing,
a number of their executives have
invested, ostensibly, on a personal
basis.
Studio opposition to the Minimum
Basic Agreement was obviously
based on financial reasons, so it is
evident that Hollywood will quickly
resume legit production any time it
seems profitable. As far as Warners
is concerned, that company has ap-
parently just about decided to re-
enter the Broadway field, chiefly
from a desire to produce the Kings-
ley play. Pointed out, however, that
Warners profited from its legit activ-
ities under the old MBA, whereas
some of the other- studios, notably
Metro, incurred substantial losses.
If and when Hollywood does re-
sume legit financing under the MBA,
the 'Philadelphia Story' deal has
pointed the way for film buys to be
set before production; with the actual
price set on a percentage of the pic-
ture's gross. .That is not the same
method as would be used under the
•Wharton plan,' which calls for the
price to be based on the gross from
Broadway run.
House Mgr. Moves Up as Reade s
Ass't; Theatres, Exchanges Active
Fex-Mldwest Beopens House
Kansas City, March 14.
Fox-Midwest is reopening the Il-
linois, Jacksonville. 111., this week,
following a complete renovation and
modernization of the former opera
house. Ralph Bartlett is the man-
ager. •
Illinois is a 1,200-seater. Fox also
operates the Majestic in Jackson-
ville. ,
Lincoln Doings
Lincoln, March 14.
F. W. Anderson has reopened the
Joyo here. Theatre has been dark
a year.
Joe Jacobs, Minneapolis, Is doing
this territory as Col's new exchange
manager in Omaha. He replaced iz
Wainer.
M. Biemond, manager of the Ord,
Ord, Neb., is in the hospital with a
broken collar bone after an auto
wreck.
Plans for building a new theatre
are underway in O'Neill, Neb., by
Sumner Downey. It will be operated
by Mrs. CJeorgia O. Rasley, who op-
erates the Royal here on a lease ar-
rangement
. -Pa. Honse Sold
Pittsburgh, March 14.
Roscoe theatre, Roscoe, Pa., near
here, has been sold by Andy Batti-
son to Sam Paletta, of New Kensing-
ton. Battison, however, Isn't with-
drawing from biz entirdy. He will
continue wih his brother, an Export,
Pa., exhib.
Mike Karolcik, owner of Perry,
nearby Perryopolis; Psl, soys, he'll
be a candidate at next piolUng day for
re-election as a Fayette county com-
missioner.
Harry Seed, head of WB exchange
here, was named zone chairman for
annual Will Rogers memo-ial drive.
Coast Activities
Los Angeles.
George Smith is remodeling a mar-
ket building to be opened shortly
as Regal theatre. Smith also op-
erates the Jade.
Spyros Cardos and Harry Marx
traded managerial jobs, Cardos shift-
ing to Grauman's (Chinese, and Marx
to Loew's State.
Fox Uptown theatre reopened Fri-
day (10) after reconditioning at a
cost of $11,000.
Gene Kohler, formerly at the
Strand theatre, Pasadena, named
treasurer of Grauman's Chinese, re-
placing Lon Mengston, resigned.
Vpsal, Phlliy, Changes Hands
Philadelphia, March 14.
Upsal theatre here has changed
ownership to I. Edward Kapner and
Sidney A. Kapner, both ops of other
houses in this territory. It will be
extensively altered and redecorated.
Unique theatre, which, recently
changed hands, reopened Saturday
night (11) after undergoing renova-
tions and modernization of equip-
ment It is npw owned by I. Yaffe.
Joe Jacobs, of Minneapolis, has
assumed managership of the Colum-
bia distribution offices here. He suc-
ceeds I. M. Weiner.
32 INDIE SPOTS
INBUYINGPOOL
Columbus, March 14.
A product-buying pool has been
started hers with th« fonnatlMi of
the Theatr* Service, Ific.,'' a non-
profit Ohio corporation. Nina ex-
hibitors, operating 32 houses in four
Ohio cltl^ form the pooL Tem-
porary offices have been opened In
the Grand theatre building here.
Virgil' A. Jackson la president F.
W. Rowlands v.p., and Max Stearn
secretary-treasurer.
New York Theatres
THERE'S A BETTER SHOW AT THE
JAMES CAGNEY ,
"The OKLAHOMA KID**
A Warner Bros. Picture
ON THE STAQB
WILL OSBORNE and Oreh.
STRAND — 25c
Braadmr ""d Street
PARAMOUNTbSS^
•V.
"King of
Chinatown"
Adm H>r Wons
Akim Tamlroir
la Penni'
cmcK
WEBB
And Baad
KUa ntzgerald
?i*xr MUSIC HALL
lOVE AFFAIR"
Spectacular Stag* Produotiona
7lh AT.A SMta St.
ROXY
AIjI oee TO
SEATS 1
LPM.
HELD OVKU
"THELiniE
PRINCESS"
— On the Stas* —
Nelr Btaie Sbaw
"3 SMART GIRLS
GROW UP"
AKIIBT8 niVULI at4MhSL
Deen Otm *Dt AJI.
■ IDNITE SHOWS
MXLSON
EDDY
|fn"LET FREEDOM RING" I
Comlair Tharndar
"iCB FOLLIES OF 1039"
Stwilsc JOAM CBAWFOBD
• •••Ob. ....
i.at«H«l«iM|
k taU^.iMMMmBafiiMdStMw's
TGMAIiION
ISth Bis Week! AaMKI-MHIt
Thmilajr
[
TODAY
SHKABBB
^ Clark OABUS
"Topper Takes in "Idiot's
a Trip'T Delight" |
KITTT CABIJSLB
In Pemon
. Geo. HAI.I.
Uk Ortb li P<mJ
Onliwon Cabinet Toilet Tissue
ECONOMY WASHROOM SERVICE
VARIETY
Wednesday, March 15, 1939
HE'S LOOKING FOR A
BIGGER WORD THAN
COLOSSAL!
♦ . . to describe the amazing hit record of M-G^M thus far in 1939 and
the Big Ones to follow immediately* And. the year has barely begun!
SWEETHEARTS
JEANETTE MacDONALD, NELSON EDDY
STAND UP AND FIGHT
WALLACE BEERY, ROBERT TAYLOR
Rorence Rice, Helen Broderick, Charles Bickford
IblOrS DELIGHT
NORMA SHEARER, CLARK GABLE
Edward Arnold, Charles Cobum, Joseph Schildkraud
FOUR GIRLS IN WHITE
Florence Rice, Una Merkel, Ann Rutherford
Mary Howard, Alan Marshal
HONOLULU
ELEANOR POWELL, ROBERT YOUNG
GEORGE BURNS and GRACIE ALLEN
THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN
MICKEY ROONEY, Walter Connolly, WUliam Frawley;
Rex Ingram, Lynne Carver, Jo Ann Sayers
FAST AND LOOSE
ROBERT MONTGOMERY, ROSALIND RUSSELL
LET FREEDOM RING
NELSON EDDY, Virginia Bruce, Victor McLaglen;
Lionel Barrymore, Edward Arnold
THE ICE FOLLIES OF 1939
JOAN CRAWFORD
James Stewart, Lew Ayres, Lewis Stone
PYGMALION
LESLIE HOWARD
Wendy HUler
SERGEANT MADDEN
WALLACE BEERY
Tom Brown, Alan Curtis, Laraine Day
BROADWAY SERENADE
JEANETTE MacDONALD
Lew Ayres, Ian Hunter, Frank Morgan
CALLING DR. KILDARE
LEW AYRES, LIONEL BARRYMORE
Lynne Carver, Nat Pendleton
LUCKY NIGHT
kOBERT TAYLOR, MYRNA LOY
MAIDEN VOYAGE
ROBERT YOUNG
Ahnabelia, Billie Burke, Reginald Owen
THE HARDYS RIDE HIGH
jLewis Stone, Mickey Rooney
Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden
THE FRIENDLY COMPANY
Wednesday, March IS, 1939
RADIO
VARIETT , 27
FfllENDLY TIP ON
JUVENILE STUFF
Tendency of Kid Programs
Gets Bad Agaiii — Secret
Meetings with Admen in
New York
McNINCH ANGLE
Advertising agency dnd sponsor
representatives were made aware
last week of a new chapter of the
perennial kid show protest. - AU of
the details of what happened and
why are stiU not clear. But infor-
mation from advertising sources in-
dicates that the demand for 'doing
something about* radio's children's
hour was seriously up again.
Behind the superficial meaning of
the events of last' week was a re-
ported political tactic to corral the
clubwomen behind the pending Mc-
Ninch reorganization of the Federal
Communication Commission. Mc-
WNYC as Laboratory
Morris Novik, manager of
WNYC, offered New York City's
municipal^ Operated station as
an experimental laboratory for
kid programs to the standing
radio committee which was set
up last week by four prominent
women's groups. Novik made
but one proviso in his proffer,
and that is, this ' committee as-
sume the supervision of the juv«
series.
■WNYC would provide an hour
a day throughout the week for
this experiment.
Ninch was due to address a group at
luncheon in New York last Friday.
It was to be very hush-hush and
behind closed doors. Leaders of
clubwomen opinion were to be pres-
ent. What McNinch intended to say
is not known. He didn't say it. The
luncheon was cancelled on account
of his asserted illness.
On the previous Tuesday, again
In New York,, reps of four women's
groups gathered at lunche<Hi with
advertising men. The women's clubs
had lebmed from the networks that
the sponsor was the ultimate au-
thor!^. This had been emphasized
as recently as Jan. 12 at an NBC
luncheon. Hence the meeting to
present their protests to the admen.
Because of the secrecy exaggerated
reports quickly spread.
Did Industry a Favor
Mrs. Harold V. Milligan, chairman
of the radio committee of the Gen-
eral Federation of Women's Club,
yesterday (Tuesday) admitted what
the admen reported. She lifted the
lid from one of those incidenta
which started out as an effort to do
the broadcasting industry a good
turn but developed into a hub-bub
with all sorta of mysterious im-
plications. Mrs. MiiHgnn now re-
grets the pledge of hush-hush that
she had imposed upon those present
at the occasion from which the im-
plications stemmed and hopes that
her explanation will dissipate the
various motives attributed to her
deed.
Groups involved were the General
Federation of Women's Clubs, the
United Parents Association, the
American Legion Auxiliary and the
National Society of New Engtand
Women,
. In getting in her luncheon before
the scheduled McNinch talk, states
Mrs.. Milligan, she had acted stricOy
out of a spirit of fairness and with
the utmost of honorable intentions.
She had been reading numerous
articles in. women's magazines at-
tacking radio programs and ques-
tion the wisdom of continuing the
American system of private opera-
tion of broadcasting. Mrs. Milligan
had also been concerned by the
strong current of propaganda in
favor of Government operated radio
KID TROUBLE IN AGAIN
Clubwomen are reported on the Warpath
again. This time it's apparently serious. There
has been a drift back to goosepimples and a
tendency to substitute adult comics for kid
shows and at the children's hour. Cliff-hangers
are still just numerous enough to remain a red
flag' to the mothers who take motherhood se-
riously and they o£Fer fuel to feed the well-
known American habit of translating senti-
ment into legislation.
Last week there was a very important meet-
ing in New York (see adjoining story), which
gains added ' significance since it was under-
cover. Every effort was made to keep knowl-
edge of it secret. .It was apparently designed
to prevent Frank McNinch from stampeding
the clubwomen in favor of his idea of radio
reform, as designed to fit an arch of which Mc-
Ninch is keystone.
. Whatever the full story or the full degree of
danger that exists at this time, the fact that
the radio industry is again on the hot spot be-
cause of kid programs ought to drive home
one thought — how can the networks continue
to take this risk? The children's hour, niore
than any other type of program, is radio's re-
liable trouble-maker. It's no secret, it's no new
discovery. Repeated flareups in the past at-
test the nature of the problem and the need
to take a long-view perspective and arrive at
a permanent and satisfactory solution.
advertising agencies with kid programs. The
slugger type of merchandising than is rhinoc-
eros-thick to the social and family .° aspects.
He's out to sell goods. The networks are al-
lowing these agencies to jeopardize their ^yhole
social case — rem.arkably good in every other
respect.
Advertising agencies are so accustomed to
doing pretty much as they please that they
seldom even get the point. They grudgingly
accept the s%ht rules they are asked to follow
and systematically try to beat them, get around
them, or create -new equivalents to old evils.
The agencies kick the networks around, nbt
vice versa. Admen violate half the canons of
professional priority, ask, expect and get privi-
leges nobody else would dream of demanding.
They are, all things considered, impossible
nursemaids for the kiddies. They'll lead 'cni
astray every time. Let the networks try to
alibi the next time they get caught out on a
lin.'. on a kid program !
It looks like the networks cannot trust the
The Children's hour is an adult problem. It
should be taken over and controlled by the net-
works, including the writing, directing and
general order of events,. To expect aggressive
sales-worshipping admen to be subtle or sym-
pathetic is naive. Meantime the networks
must know that the clubwomen, the church-
men and the whole crowd of critical-minded
folks have memories like elephants, patience
and connections.
SECRET SURVEY
OF AIR DISCS
Speculation has been ' aroused
among broadcasters as to the actual
underwriter of the recording method
siuvey that the Reuben H. Donnelly
Corp., publisher of classified phone
directories, is conducting. The letter
which comes attached to a question^
naire states that the poll Is being
taken for an agency.
Donnelly Corp's letter explains
that the queries are being addressed
to leading radio stations with a view
to finding out whether they prefer
the transcription service of the
World Broadcasting System to that
of RCA Victor, or vice versa.
Broadcasters areJisked to check in
the questionnaire such questions as
to whether they have equipment for
vertical or lateral transcriptions, or
both; which quality they prefer for
broadcasting (1) speech, (2) music,
and which does a better job of ship-
ping.
that has begun to take affect upon
clubwomen and she thought that
something ought to be done to give
these women more than one side of
the picture.
It was then that she arranged for
last Tuesday's luncheon to whifih she
invited as speakers representatives
of the networks and ad agencies. It
was her idea to have everybody at
the gathering to take down his or
her hair and blow off steam as to
what's wrong with kid programs and
what ought to be done about jit.
Among the speakers were Frank
Mason, NBC v.-p. and Arthur Pryor,
Jr., v.-p. in charge of radio lor
B.BJ}. St O. At the close of ttie
chinfest the attendees were asked
not to repeat what had been said to
anyone on the outside.
Mrs. Milligan added yesterday that
she still felt that the radio Industry
was not as keenly aware as it should
be of the deep feeling among women
against the trend in kid programs
and how broadly they have begun
to lean toward the acceptance of
Government operated radio. She
herself, Mrs. Milligan said, is for
private operation and in favor of
giving the broadcasting industry
every opportunity to- express ito own
points of view on the subject of kid
programs and to try to rectify the
things criticized about them.
SYKES SHINGLE OUT
Commissioner Beslgns to Join Paul
Spearman Firm
Washington,. March 14.
Resignation of Judge Eugene O.
Sykes, service , medalist of the FCC,
becomes effective April 1. Desire to
leave the regulatory madhouse was
expressed to President Roosevelt —
and promptly accepted — last week,
as forecast
Plans to join the local law firm —
specializing in FCC practices — of
Spearman, Stephens and Robertson,
which is intimately related to the
airwave constabulary. (Spearman
useid to be assistant general counsel,
Robertson his assistant, and Stephens
the. Mississippi senator who helped
all of the others to get their jobs.)
Prior indications wer* that the
FCC would comprise Commissioners
Frank R. McNinch, Thad U. Brown
and Sykes if Congress ever enacts
the brain-trusted reorganization bill.
Zd Browa-Winiamson Show
Brown tt Williamson Tobacco is
putting another show on NBC; It
wUl be the 10:30 to 11 p.m. stretch
on the red (WEAF) link Tuesday
nights.
Program will originate from
WLW, Cincinnati.
ARCHOBOLER'S
PLAYGROUND
Series of imaginative dramatic
sustaining -shows, ' tabbed 'Arch
Oboler'g Plays,' begins airing March
25 over NBC red, with the author
having complete charge of produc-
tion. Aimed for an adult audience,
the show will sot ba horror stuff,
but fantastic yams with a psycho-
logical slant. Contract Is for- 13
weeks and calls for 30-minute stan-
zas at 10 pjn., Saturdays.
Each edition will be a separate
story without connecting ttieme with
Qie others. Opening shot will be
tabbed "The TTgUest Man in the
World.' Oboler will have freedom
from censorship, with the under-
standing that he must merely ob-
serve the rules of good taste. Un-
derstood he plans to get away from
the habitual radio performers as far
as possible.
Novachord will be used for the
bridging,
Radio Scripters Outside AFRA
Los Angeles Board of AFRA Urges Ratification of
Jurisdictional Peace Pact
WEBS ASK %
ON AFRA SCALE
Officials of NBC . and Columbia
opened Monday (13) a series of talks
with the American Federation of Ra-
dio Actors over the question of al-
lowing a commission on actor and
singer bookings which pay no more
than the minimum scale, Hie net-
works feel that they should be per*
mitted to collect their 10% since they
perfom a legitimate service. Re-
quest pertains strictly to commercial
programs.
Union contends that the basic scale
is too low to allow any such deduc-
tions. Webs point out that since a
small portion of actors and singers
have entry to ad agencies, they re-
quire an agent and that It's better
for the union to follow Equity's
practice of allowing commissions on
scale fees than to subject the mem-
bers to chiseling and kickback prac-
tices.
NBC and CBS havent in recent
years deducted commissions for sus-
taining' programs involving dramatic
players.
AFRA 109% with NBC
San Francisco, March 14.
Signing of KPO-KGO annoimoers
by American . Federation of Radio
Artists here last week gives AFRA
100% representation in all the NBC
owned and operated stations
thrbughout'the country, according to
John B. Hughes, president of the
local chapter of AFRA. He explains
that a special wage scale for an-
nouncers handling regional network
shows covering the eleven western
states is now being worked out by
AFRA in New York.
Up until now. no local announcer
on the NBC staff would have been
able to work on a' transcontinental
commercial originating here. Fact
that local network commercials have
not gone beyond regional networks
for sdme time avoided any show-
down with AFRA on this point With
the exception of two mikeraen at
KSFO, all of the other local network
stations are employing AFRA. an-
nouncers exclusively.
AFRA Is gradually working for, a ■
closed shop here. Negotiations are
now under way with Don Lee in Los
Angeles which will cover KFRC
here. If this goes through, and It is
likely that it will, inasmuch as the
stations are practically 100% manned
by AFRA members now,, stations
will be able to engage new ai'tista
and if they click and are kept on the
staff they will then be required to
join AFRA.
A SON IS BORN
And It's Not Rontine Vltol Statistlea
— Not in Washington]
Washington, March 14.
Jesse Willard, manager of WJSV,
has achieved an eight-pound replica
of himself. This appearance of male
progeny in the profsssicnal circles
of Washington, which are notorious
— ^and terribly self-conscious — about
producing only daughters, has made
Willard the man of the hour.
Hollywood, March 14.
Local board of the American
Federation of Radio Artists has ap-
proved the jurisdictional agreement
recently reached by the Joint com-
mittee of AFRA and Radio Writers'
Guild reps. Action was taken last
week, the board at the same time
asking the AFRA national body to
renew its previous okay of the joint
committee's work.
Actual details of the agreement
will be worked out by the joint com-
mittee, with the deal calling for the
transfer to RWG within 60 days of
all writers at present affiliated with
AFRA. Also stipulated that the or-
ganizational setup of RWG is to be
altered on a national basis, with Los
Angeles and Chicago given equal
representation on the board. National
jurisdiction over radio scripters goes
to RWG.
Was Denied
Action by the Los Angeles local' in
approving the joint committee's
agreement merely verifies previous
stories in Variety and denied by
AFRA officials in New York and on
the *Co£^st. Figured that aside from
avoiding a jurisdictional fight in-
volving the Authors League of
America and the Associated Actors
and Artistes of America, the move Is
mostly of a technical nature. Radio
Writers' Guild, through Its affiliation
-with the Screen Writers Guild, al-
ready had an overwhelming major-
ity of the leading scripters on the
(Toast, just as It has In New Yorl;
and Chicago through its tie with the
Dramatlsta Guild and Authors Guild.
Accompanying the above birth
notice (not in this paper's depart-
mental style) is the fcllov^ing memo
from Washington, which is a cry
from bleeding hearta that cannot be
ignored even by a Vaiubty mugg.
Reads the memo:
Dear Editor:
Really, this is a hell of a sensi-
tive spot in our circle, and more
importance is attached to bearing a
son than - to getting the' Vabiety
plaque, or 'the Pulitzer prize. I'm
counting on you to understand the
small Washington birth-rate and to
realize what an undertaking it is
to have a son in this nest of female
children. Suffice it to say that this
is the only boy -child that I have
observed among bur colleagues in
10 years. Please , give the poor lit-
tle creature the break — which all of
them would like to have — and have
him immortalized in Variety.
Louis Tappe, continuity editor at
WINS. New York, has joined Weill
Si Wilkins, N. Y.
til
VARJETY
RADIO
Wednesday, March IS,' 1939
'ASCAP f iD Come, If Inviteil
Bat Skeptical of NAB. Huddle;
Nuisance Suits Seen as Defi
4-
American Society of Composers,
Authors and Publishers received
vord last week that Oklahoma has
been added to the list of states in
which bills aimed directly at it have
been introduced during the current
legislative session. The measure Is
similar to those that have, been In-
troduced In such states as Florida,
Nebraska, Connecticut and Montana
and seeks to compel copyright own-
ers to file a list of their compositions
with the state secretary, bar two or
more such owners from jointly li-
censing their w&res and to impose a
tax on all performance collections
made in the state.
ASCAP officials declared last week
that they doubted whether anything
constructive would come out of the
meeting of the copyright committee
of the National Association of Broad-
casters which is scheduled to open at
the Ambassador March 20. Instead
of working toward a solution of the
differences between ASCAP and the
Industry, it was expected that the
four days would be devoted to dis-
cussing the advantages and disad-
vantages of various methods of de-
ctroying the Society.
The ASCAP officials will, if In-
vited, send one of their spokesmen
to address the broadcasters, even
though the Impression within
ASCAP Is that the broadcasters
would be loath to deprive themselves
of their 'perennial whipping boy' and
the target of their, annual emotional
«pree.'
Ed Wolf, NBC Director,
Quits to Free Lance
Ed Wolf, director and producer at
NBC, New York, for the last six
years, has resigned effective March
24. He will freelance.
Wolf, who directed the "Pepper
Young" show for nearly six years
(part of time when serial was known
as 'Red Davis'), will probably con-
tinue directorial work on this pro-
gram. He directed "Road to Life'
and 'Personal Column of the Air*
while with NBC, both Chipso-spon-
sored shows.
GENE AND GLENN BACK
WITH SPANG BAKERS
HALEY, PENNER, PONDS
FINISH OUT STRING
Hollywood, March 14.
niree Coast shows got their notice
last week. Jack Haley for Con-
tinental Baking, Joe Penner, Huskies,
and the Pond's serial. Those We
I^ove,' finish out their string April
7, at the latest No replacements un-
til next fall.
Penner winds up March 30, Thurs-
day time spot on Columbia will be
taken over by Post Toastles' Joe
E. Brown, now airing on Saturday.
Haley, Penner and Brown are in the
Benton & Bowles lineup. Ponds 'is
a J. Walter Thompson account
Donliili's "Name Three'
Dunhm will inaugurate a weekly
SO-minute aulz show over Mutual
beghmlng April 10, through the
Blow agency.
Title will be "Name Three.' Dave
Terry's orchestra will background.
FRABE FEBBIN ELEVATED
Chicago, March 14.
Frank Ferrln has been elevated to
the title of V. p. In charge of radio
for the Henri Hurst & McDonald
agency here. -
Ferrin has been with agency for
several years as program director.
Cleveland, March 14.
Gene and Glen, who became local
air faves under monickers of 'Jake
and Lena' about eight years ago, are
re-signed by their original sponsor,
Spang Baking Co., beginning March
20 over WTAM again. Pair, both
native Clevelanders, are how guest-
starring for annual Cleveland Food
Show at civic auditorium. Deal was
fixed and announced on event's first
day, which pulled 16,000 attendance.
Contracts would have been set
earlier by Hal Gallagher of WTAM
but for a certain understanding with
Walter W. Knight manager of food
show. Knight thought ady full-
length advance broadcasts would
hurt show and asked Gallagher to
hold up their initial airing until ex-
hibition was over.
Gene Carroll and Glen Rowell,
who were started here by John
Royal, will move here from Chicago,
where they have been airing over
NBC red network.
Downey's Dad Hiui*
Father of Morton Downey, now on
the Pall Mall radio show' with
Eddy Duchin, is still unconscious as
a ruult of an automobile crash
near WaUingford, Conn., three weeks
ago. He suffered a brain concussloa
He is fire chief of Wallingford
and, though 70 years old, was driv-
ing his car homeward when It left
the road and smashed In' -> a tree.
OEOSQE HAYNAXS'S BE£TH
George Maynard, former musical
director of NBC's "Musical America'
program, was made director in NBC
production Dept last week.
Originally virith NBC till 1932 as
a script writer, Maynard left that
spot to go to Paris to study music,
subsequently returning to become
'America's' director.
Jack St^p to WSM
Jack Stapp has' quit as assistant
production manager for CBS in New
York to become program manager
of WSM, Nashville.
Latter is his home town.
NOW IN EDITORIAL AND
ADVERTISING PREPARATION
Meet Edgar Bergen
Even thtfugh he rates as
radio's No. X comedy act Edgar
Bergen found out last week that
'he's pretty much of an unknown
personal!^ to New York news- <
, paper photographers. Incident
occurred on the arrival of the
Chase & Sanborn show's cast
last Thiirsday (9) at the Grand
. Central station.
Bergen, because of indisposi-
tion from a cold, was late in
getting off the train' for a group
picture. As he stepped before
-tile battery of cameras, a pho*
tographer, pointing at Bergen,
yelled: 'Get that guy out of
there.'
Demand for ducats to Chase
& Sanborn program last Sunday
(12) when 'Charles McCarthy,'
Edgar Bergen, Dorothy Lamour,
et al, came to New York for
broadcast topped all previous
demand for studio tickets for a
single air show, according to
NBC officials. More than 14,000
demandb by telephone, letter
and telegraph were received for
studio that seats less than 1,500.
Fact that there was no.sre-
broadcast further complicated
the matter.
Although the entire cast
moved In from the Coaist for two
Sundays of broadcasting, big
yen was to see the dummy,
"Charlie McCarthy,' on his in-
itial appearance.
HOCKEY, BASKETBALL
FLOP ON N. Y. RADIO
Results of experiments with the
airing of basketball games by New
York stations indicate that the sport
will go the way of pro ice hockey
as far as weekly play-by-play calling
of major college games from Madi-
son Square Garden, N. Y., go. NBC,
WMCA and WOR all have taken
shots at airing the games from the
Garden without any appreciable re-
sponse. NBC recently dropped Tues-
day night hockey airings after sev-
eral attempts, coming in on last pe-
riods at 10:45. Bill Stem did the
spiels.
Latest of* the trio to take a stab
at basket calling was WOR which
recorded last -Wednesday's ' (8) an-
nual New York U.-City College game
and later air6d it from midnight to
1 a.m. Station intended to continue
airing the games from discs if the
response was healthy enough, but has
since dropiwd the idea due to negligi-
ble returns.' Mutual will, however,
carry the national AAU tournament
from Denver March 17-18, feeding it
to those of its affiliates that want the
games.
WMCA, WNEW AltenuUves
WMCA, New York, wUl set up a
two-hour recorded musical show in-
terspersed with various personalities
to combat the pull of baseball air-
ings on most of the larger N. Y. sta-
tions this rummer. Station did not
carry b aseba ll last year either, WHN
and WNEW only local outlets carry-
ing it then. CBS, NBC, WOR, and
WHN have scheduled diamond pick-
ups this season, latter airing Brook,
lyn games with WOR afternoons.
WNEW, N. Y, which last year
broadcasted season's card of Newark
of the Inti League, is undecided
about repeating with Newark this
summer. Says games have been
offered but station is loath to give
up a sponsored two-hour musical
show In the afternoon, same apply-
ing to night-time which would have
to be available for Newark which
plays at least half its games undar
the arcs. Jersey City, also of -the
Intl League which last year aired
over WHN, appears to be left out
in the cold as far as a New York
outlet is concerned.
hside Stuff-Radio
Cincy Execs on the Hoof
Cincinnati, March 14.
Execs of local stations are on the
jump.
Jim Shouse, general manager of
Crosley's WLW and WSAI, was due
back today (Tuesday) from a brief
visit to New York. Bob Dunville,
sales manager of the two stations, is
in New York this week and slated for
Chicago next week Dewey Long,
WSAI manager, is dividing time this
week between Washington and N. Y.
CecU Carmlchael, WLW-WSAI pub-
licity director, will spend next week
Iri New York.
Bill Schudt director of WKRC,
lefi Friday (10) for a week's stay In
New York to confer with CBS of-
ficials and, time buyers.
Diverting cross-up directed more than usual interest toward a recent
new^per ad on Tender Leaf Tea, which account Is bandied by the J.
Walter Thompson agency. The ad is of the testimonial -school and has
one of the characters in 'One Man's Family,' Claudia Barbour Lacey, stat-
ing that she 'can't imagine Nicky (her husband) and me -failing to icome
to a perfect understanding over a cup of Tender ticaf Tea.' The same day
that the ad came out the broadcast of "One Man's Family' (NBC) dealt
with this same character's split-up with her husband. Obviously it was «
case of the serial's scrlptist working In San Francisco, not knowing what
had been cooked up by the copywriter, located 3,000 mQes away in New
York.
Broadway legit names are i^btained cuffo for "Peoples Rally,' Sunday
afternoon audience participation show over Mutual. Among the stage
players .who have recently appeared are Ole Olson CHellz-a-Poppin'),
Ezra Stone ('What a Life'), Nancy Hamilton and Keenan 'Wynh ('One for
the Money'), Wynn- Murray ('The Boys from Syracuse') and Janice Dre-
mann CI Married an Angel').
Idea is .that the guesters don't perform, but merely answer "Qulxle.
Doodle' questions on the quiz part of the show. Figured the names hypo
the program and giye the legit shows an ether plug.
Johannes Steel, International news commentator on WMCA, N. Y., is
supplementing his broadcasts with a weekly news letter. The Insider,'
which he sells on an annual basis for $10 per. Profiessor Charles Hodges of
New York University, collaborates on the letter. The twosome apparently
guessed a little wrong in their initial issue. The letter stated that the
'selection of a liberal or anti-Fascist Pope is highly remote. The best <bat
can be anticipated is a deadlock which can be. broken with the greatest
facility by the election of an unpolitical Pope.' The new Pope, Pius XII,
was elected on the third ballot
Jimmy Scrlbner, who conducts a one-man program over WOR, N.Y.,
for Daggett & Ramsdell (sustaining to Mutual), will have a $25,000 bar-
becue stand on the boulevard , to . the N.Y.. World's Fair. It is now under
construction. Will operate on the drive-in Callforhla principle, serve
southern barbecue meats and the roof will be a stage on which a free
roadside show, including Scrlbner, will operate. Chefs and staff of Miami's
Pigtail Inn will .be. on the job. Place will bear the name Chicazola, .the
name of the Imaginary 'town in Scribner's radio seriaL
Columbia Broadcasting stock took a two-point rise when the story broke
that Amos 'n' Andy would switch over to that network from NBC. Deal is
said to add around $2,000,000 to the chain's annual earnings. Lum and
Abner trip east is said to be for the purpose of trying to convince their
sponsor (Postum) that a move back to NBC would be beneficial all around.
If held to their present time spot on Columbia the rural comics will follow
directly after A & A three times a week. They would prefer to take ^ver
the double A's time on NBC and give them battle for dialer preference.
A volume of mail that reached 133,379 pieces during the last six months
of 1938 is the record established by KFUO, "The Gospel 'Voice of St Louis,*
operated by the Concordia Seminary and the only local religious station.
Dr. Walter A. Maier, who airs the program, has become the confidante
of thousands of i>ersons all over the U. S. and Canada. "The Lutheran
Hour,* as the program, is known, began six years ago over two stations.
It is now on a special net of 66 stations of the Mutual Broadcasting System.
Saturday night Swing Session, a CBS weekend feature since June of 1930,
drops off after next week's (18) broadcast Session has had bands of Lelth
Stevens, Mark Wamow and other CBS house crews. Walter CSross is cur-
rent Cut is to offsiet cash CBS is tossing into its 'This Is New York' Sunday
night show opposite NBC's Chase & Sanborn hour. Nut on "New York' Is
said to nin around $3,000 weekly, big stuff for a sustainer.
Roy Collins, Negro porter at WOR, N. Y., for several years and a song-
'writer In his spare time, had to send two of his compositions to another sta-
tion to get them on the air. As a result the tunes are being played on th*
"Lucky Break' program from 'WLW, but ethering out of WOR in the
New 'York area. Series offers songs by tyro composers and tells how each
got his "lucky break*.
Unknown to most of the' members present 'recordings were taken of
the proceedings at the Nazi Bund rally at Madison Square Garden, Ne'vr
York, several weeks ago and shipped to (Germany. Platters were made by
a local outfit and were said to be so fine, due to accurate placing of mikes^
that wax picked up every happening, even the outburst of Dorothy Thomp-
son, for which she -was ejected from the building.
Court Merges Five Suits
Vs. RCA; AT&T and West
' New York supreme court justice
Aaron J. Levy last week granted an
application to consolidate five sepa-
rate stockholder suits brought
against Radio Corp. of America,
General Electric Co, Westinghouse,
American Telephone & Telegraph
and 30 individual oiSicers and direc-
tors of the defendants. The judge
appointed Abraham L. Pomerantz as
general counsel and Max D. Steuer
as • special trial counsel for the
stockholders.
He denied an application to ex-
amine the defendants, but gave the
stockholders permission to renew
their application after an answer Is
filed.
The suit charges waste, misman-
agement transfer of a large block of
RCA stock to General Electric and
Westinghouse, and the loss of over
$7,000,000 in underwriting an $11,-
600,000 RKO bond indenture. An
accounting, dan^ages and a receiver
for RCA is asked.
suaHT postfoheuent
Philadelphia, March 14.
WCAU on April 3 wlU finally air
Amt)s and Andy— just 11% years late.
Stan Lee Broza, program director,
had the boys skedded to air at the
end of 1927. They were known then
as "Sam 'n' Henry.'
But before the show- got started,
they got another job and a short time
later went to the NBC web. Now,
when the show switehes over to Co-
lumbia, WCAU will finally get them.
WBNY, BUFFALO, SIGNS
WITH PANE UNION
American Communications Asso-
ciation, CIO affiliate, reiwrted Mon-
day (13) that it had signatured
WBNY, Buffalo, to a closed shop con-
tract Makes the town 80% organ-
ized. Only station holding out Is
WBEN.
Contract with 'WBNY calls for 40-
hour five-day week, time and a half
overtime, no crossing of picket lines;
minimum staff of five men, four-
week sick leave with full pay, regu-
lar vacation -with pay, salary in-
crease effective July 1 and men to
make up weekly operating schedule.
Fitch Show Adds 22
Chicago, March 14.
Fitch Bandwagon show at 6:30 p.m.
CST over the red NBC web adds 22
stations to the list on March 26.
Stations added are primarily
through the south with a couple out-
lets joined to the north midwest link.
Doo Iicvy Gets a Plaque
PhUadelphia, March 14.
Dr. Leon Levy, prez of WCAU, Is
confined to his home with the grippe
and will be imable to receive a
plaque tonight from the president
of City Council lA appreciation of
the station's contribution of time re-
centiy In allowln-, a speaker to pre-
sent Council's side of the budget
crisis,
Doc's brother, Ike, v.p. of the out-
let Is expected to accept the plaque
In Doc's stead.
Wednesday, March 15^. 1939
RADIO
VARtETY
19
Those Stalliiig Ad Agencies
Slow-moving. . traditional methods which characterize one of the
major, advertising -agencies almost resulted last week In the loss to It
of a goodly piece of radio business. Program had been offered it sev-
eral weeks ago but because of the cumbersome routine that everything
bas to go tbirough.the presentation hadn't yet got around to the execu-
tive on the account for which the program had been suggested.
Meanwhile the same program was submitted to a small agency, which
had been gunning for the above account The small agency jumped
Into action and sold the accoimt on the idea of buying the show. When
word of this got to the major agency there was a sudden burst of ac-
tivity. A check revealed that this same presentation had been in the
major agency's flies all the time. Immediate reaction was a phone call
to the program source demanding what the organization meant offer-
ing a program to a small agency while It was being considered by the
major agency.
CBS Curtseys Lennen & Mitchell To
Use on NBC tbe CBS BencUey Show
Columbia has waived the obliga-
tion it held on Robert Benchley's air
services so that the humorist is free
to work on NBC for Old Gold when
the cig account moves its half -hour
show to the blue (WJZ) link May
23. Old Gold has the spot following
'Information Please' Tuesday nights.
Martin GOsch, producer of the Old
Gold stanza, who is under contract to
CBS, has likewise been flagged
through. ^ T. 1.1
CBS had a paper from Benchley
vhlch bound him from working on
another network for a year. It was
Columbia that sold Benchley to
liorillard through Lennen & Mitch-
■ elL ' When' the -program blows from
CBS it will have completed a 26-
week run. •
Benchley is slated to go ofl the
show for an eight-week vacation
either July 4 or 11. Under the new
contract which Ij. & T. has just sig-
natured with Artie Shaw the ac-
count has the right to keep the band
In the Tuesday night spot for either
Old Gold or some other Lorlllard
product
Benchley and his cast will broad-
cast March 26 from the stage of the
Capitol theatre, Hartford, where
Shaw will be playing a week's en-
gagement Whdle the humorist will
' from the foUoWing week on work
from Hollywood, Shaw will cut into
the April 2 and 0 programs from
other points.
CLIENTS GET
EXTRACUSHION
ATWLW-WSAl
Cincinnati, March 14.
By a 'reciprocal trade agreement'
put Into effect this week, the Crosley
Corpi and Its employees have placed
products advertised on WLW and
WSAI on their "preferred* lists.
Printed copies of sponsors, their pro-
grams and products have been fur-
nished the flrm's purchasing agents
and employees in both the electrical
appliance manufacturing and broad-
casting division. More than 3,500
persons are on the' Crosley payroll.
Advertisers on WSAI are now re-
ceiving additional blurbs for their
programs and products on cards in
all street cars and busses operating
In Greater Cincy, via. trailers in 16
neighborhood cinemas, an electric
flash sign on a building at Sixth and
Vine streets, in the downtown dis-
trict and on a neon sign in the Dixie
Teiminal, Cincy terminus for street
cars and trolley cOaches servicing
Covington, Newport and suburbs in
northern Kentucky, across the Ohio
river.
Dewel Long, WSAI manager, esti-
mates that the promotional ads come
to the attention of more than 500,000
persons, dally.
Harry Kerr to L A.
Harry Kerr, head radio p.a. for J.
Walter Thompsoni.in the east has
been transferred to.Hbllywood to han-
dle a special account assignment His
local spot wiU b« filled by Wlck-
IWe Crider. ^
Other Thompson travelers to the
Coast this week are Lynn McManus
and Gordon Thompson, writer and
producer, respecUvely, of the Rudy
VaUee ahow.
Washington, March' 14.
Certain top - hatters in AdmlniS'
tration circles are still scowling over
refusal of FCC majority to reopen
the tangled Wichita Falls case. Re-
sentment directed at one Commish
member who had been expected to
go along but on the test he failed to
vote as wished. Explanation
whispered around political circles is
that pressure applied through the
medium of two Senators caused the
key Individual to balk at the idea
of vacating last summer's decision
favoring the Wichita Broadcasting
Co. Industry observers in the know
wonder whether In the event of an
sippeal the political wire-pulling will
be brought to public view.
Demand of Rep. Richard B.
Wigglesworth for time on Mutual to
answer FCC Chairman McNinch has
added to the uneasiness of network
execs. In the' past chains have
automatically genuflexed when ever
a Commish member asked for per
mission to approach the microphone.
No censorship ever attempted, for
fear of giving offense that might re-
sult in a lost -vote on some future
application. But with the Congress'
man setting a precedent and nobody
knowing who will be boss from one
week to the -next the industry is
mightily embarrassed about being
friendly with everybody while at the
same time keeping out of the range of
fire. Understanding is that in the fu-
ture the chainswill hint they want to
see scripts, even of FCC members
and solons, when there is a chance
the speakers may expound views
about radio.
One beneficial result of all the
FCC questionnaires will be decrease
in legal costs for present licensees
who endeavor subsequently to sell
their transmitters. Having such a
pile of statistical data, including
financial reports and evidence as to
corporate identities, in the files, the
Commish has informally agreed that
transfer applications will be set
down for hearing henceforth only
when examination of the papers
shows a possibility some valuable
additional info may be brought out
by public inquiry. For the past
couple of years, it's been the exact
opposite. In view of criticism about
what happened in the early days,
Commish as general practice has
made a record on virtually every
proposed sale.
Friends of Commissioner Craven
are puzzled to explain why Chair-
man McNinch complained the ex-
chief engineer's minority report on
complaint procedure went further
than the committee was supposed to
go. Especially since Craven some
months- ago embodied his thoughts
in a memo wWch was shown to Mc-
Ninch, who pushed it back with the
suggestion the proposition might
properly be studied by the complaint
procedure committee.
Drive of indie web outlets for
definite agreement establishing
limitations on sponsor freedom has
beeii temporarily sidetracked. Be-
cause the NAB is touching on the
subject in its attempt to write pro-
gram standards and new code of
ethics, IRNA group last week put
on the shelf the comments of the
chain affiliates regarding the pro-
posed declaration of policy.
COLGATE CANCELS WAXINGS FOR 50,000
WAimS; ADDS 22 CBS STATIONS
STILL ASKING
'What's My NameT* Beplaeed by
'Where Are They?'
Philip Morris is replacing its
"What's My Name?' show over Mu-
tual with another audience . quiz
series, 'Where Are They?' beginning
March 24. Charles Cantor and Nydia
Westman will be featured with Budd
Hulick holding over from the pre-
vious series to m.c.
Idea will be to have Cantor and
Miss Westman describe their sur-
roundings in some well-known spot
(Metropolitan Museum, for instance)
and then call up members of the
audience to giiess where they're sup-
posed to be. There will be a cash
prize angle. Johnny Green's or-
chestra will do the bridging, while
Charles O'Connor will annoimce.
Show will air from the Mutual play-
house, N. Y. Blow is the agency.
NBC has had a 'Name the Place'
show since Feb. 12 on the blue Sun-
days at 3:30. Arthur Perry and
Allen Wilson control it
Ernie Hare, Air Pioneer
Entertainer, Dies at 55;
Set Sondry Radio Tirsts*
Ernie Hare, 55, the baritone part-
ner of the team of (BUly) Jones and
Hare, died of bronchial pneumonia
in the Queens General Hospital, N.'V.,
March 9. 1939. The duo rated as the
first singing and patter act to achieve
national radio fame. Before going
into broadcasting in 1021 the team
appeared in many Broadway shows,
including 10 Winter Garden produc-
tions, and were top sellers in the
phonograph record field.
Jones and Hare claimed that they
were the first entertaining combine'
tion to get on the air payroll of an
advertiser and also the first to in'
corporate the sponsor into their mike
billing.' The connection was the Hap'
piness Candy Stores of New York
and the tag. was the 'Happiness
Boys.' The act was contracted to
run on WEAF, now the NBC red's
New York ^^y. 'or five weeks but
remained for five and a half years.
Later they tied up with Interwoven
Hosiery and bUIed themselves as the
Interwoven Pair,
In 1933 NBC gave them a couple
of weekly spots on the blue (WJZ)
link to try out something that the
boys had described as original for
broadcasting. Three years later CBS
put them on to lead a community
sing program. Recently the team
started a Sunday matinee stanza on
WMCA, N. Y. When Hare became
m three weeks prior to his death his
16-year-oId daughter, Marilyn, went
in to pinch hit for him without any
previous experience.
Besides his daughter. Hare Is sur-
vived by his widow, his mother and
a sister. Burial was in Norfolk, 'Va.,
where he was bom.
Mike Carlo of Legit Joins
Leighton & Nelson Agcy.
Schenectady, N. Y., March 14.
Lelghton & Nelson, Schenectady,
Ii9S added to its staff Michael Fusco
of Binghamton, .who played on the
legit Stage under the name of
Michael Carlo and . who recently fin-
ished a 13-week series for the agency
at WHN on a program sponsored by
the Musebeck Shoe Company, Dan-
ville, 111. (Health Spot Shoes).
Fusco is a classmate there of Ed
Flynn, also with Lelghton & Nelson.
Same Cost Approximately — Transcriptions Three
Weeks Behind — People Picked Up High-Powered
Stations, Complained 'We Heard This Before'
That's Different
IiOS Angeles, March 14.
Pet hate of fnorning dailies.
Times and Examiner, is radio.
Both sheets are now staging cir-
culation drives.
Prizes are radio sets.
LOHR 'ZEROS'
RADIO-PIX
HGHT
WRBL Joins CBS
Columbus, Ga., March 14.
WRBL is latest recruit to Colunv-
bia chain, joining net tomorrow
(Wednesday). Station owned by J.
W. Woodruff, Sr., of here, who also
owns WATL, Atlanta, and WGPC,
Albany, Ga., is managed by J. W.
Woodruff, Jr.
Bill Dougherty is program director.
Tonne Vice GrUtin at KHl
Los Angeles, March 14,
Wayne Griffin resigned as con-
thiuity editor at KHJ to johi local
staff of Batten, Barton, Durstihe &
Osborn as producer-writer.
Dave Young comes up from San
Diego's KGB to fill the «pot
By JACK BELLMAN
Hollywood, March 14,
'Who's fighting?' Lenox Lohr
wanted to kno'w when tile press lads
ganged up on him for a bulletin
from the radio-pictures front Film
studios surely can't be running
around with a' chip on their shoul
der because if . they've been hurt
they wouldn't know who to blame.
That's about how NBC's major
domo has It sized up, but immiS'
takably tongue-in-cheek. Tve talked
to Will Hays and . visited socially
with some of the film executives,'
the chain chieftain let the pencil-
poised news ferrets know, 'and
everything's himky dory. Tills talk
of radio fighting with pictures, why
that's zero.' (The major does his
denying with the word 'zero').
. 'What's tiie use of fighting?' chal-
lenged the maj. 'Aren't we aU get-
ting along swdl and doing a grand
job for each other. Even were the
picture studios to pull their stars
off the air, we'd still get along al
right No, I wouldn't call it a death
blow. Hollywood is fixed as a pro-
duction center, come what may.
other Answers
. Other expressions . from the ma-
jors were that flag-wiaving along the
kilocycles is great stuff and a pub-
lic service; television is still a couple
of years away, and that he has no
intention of stepping down as NBC
proxy to assume leadership of RCA's
visio setup. Transfer of division
chiefs is also zero, and Don Oilman
stays put as chief spark of the west-
em circuit • —
Let film exhibitors rant and rail,
NBC has no intention of breaking
up its Sunday run of shows. More
harm would come if the big pro-
grams were scattered through the
week, he believes.
New code of ethics formulated by
NBC Is how being prepared for
agencies, sponsors and others, IiOhr
said, but admitted it hasn't changed
much in 12 years. Just a few
changes here and there and some-
thing for the boys to go by. The
major rested up in Arizona before
returning to New York.
AIR'S OLDEST?
Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Is dropping
practically all transcription cam-:
paigns in April after a run of 65
weeks. Stations affected by 'the can-
cellation order are WLW, Cincinnati,
WTAM, Cleveland, WSB, Atlanta,
WTIC, Hartford, and WGY, Schen-
ectady. In place of the latter 50,000-
watters the account will use 22 ad-
ditional stations on Columbia, with
the cost being approximately the
same.
It's a radical change In policy for
the soap company which found that
the waxed version of a serial sketch
can't run effectively three weeks be-
hind the live broadcast overlapping
coverage causing listeners to say 'I
heard this. The two shows Involved
are 'Myrt *n' Marge' and 'Hill Top
House.' Procter & Gamble and
Lever Bros, had at one time or ah-,
other tried the spacing thing and en-
countered the- same discouraging re-
sults. These two soap combines then
made it a policy of having the tran-
scribed versions cleared day and date
with the live broadcasts.
The two serials are also aired via
disc from WHO, Des Moines, an d
WOR, Newark Elimination of WHO
is stUl under discussion, while In the
case of WOR the circumstances are
different The WOR broadcast Is a
duplicate of that cleared by WABC,
CBS N. Y. key, earlier the same day.
Benton & Bowles is the agency oa
the account
Gambllox's Mnslcal Clock Ticks Off
14th Annl on WOB
Claimed to. be the oldest program
on the air, John Gambling's musical
clock show over WOR, N. Y.,
Wednesday (8) marked its 14th an-
niversary of continuous etherlng.
Six-a-week has been sponsored about
75% of the time and is currently
baijcroUed three days a week by
Childs' restaurants and the other
three days by General Mills.
Offering setting-up exercises, chat-
ter, trivia and musical selections by
a four-piece outfit the session runs
43 minutes from 7:15 a.in.
Texaco Ponders Heat
Texaco wont decide until May
whether it will stay on the air for
the summer or fade when Its pres-
ent obligations expire. Time- com-
mitment with CBS expires June 28.
About the only year the account
has held on through the summer
was in 1937 when It had Eddie Can-
tor.
GEORGE JESSEL
GRABS TWO
SPONSORS
George Jessel, after looking for ■
sponsor for three years; has suddenly
acquired two of them. He will be
heard over a regional loop out of
WJZ, New York, starting today
(Wednesday) for Reld's ice cream.
With him on the summer program
will be Dick Himber's orchestra,
Mary Small and Ernest ChappeU.
It's a Ben Rocke production running
a half hour, and Jessel will write the
material In collab with Sam Carlton,
who will also stooge.
Second Jessel program Is for VI-
talls. Starting March 21, he will be
the show's m.c. Both accounts are
Pedlar & Ryan's.'
LIBEL PROUCnON
BUI INTRODUCED
Albany, March 14.
Legislation extending to broadcast-
ing the same privilege and protection
against slander and libel suits now
accorded newspapers on a fair and
true report of any judicial, legisla-
tive or other public and official pro-
ceeding, has been Introduced by Sen-
ator Frederick R. Coudert Jr., and
Assemblyman Abbot Low Moffat^
both Manhattan Republicans.
Moffat chairman of the Assembly
ways iand means committee, is one
of the most influential lawmakers in
Albany. Coudiert, a flrst-year man. Is
related to and associated with Cou-
dert Bros., New York-Paris law Arm.
The bill adds a new section to the
civil practice act
MONTANA LIBEL LAW
Exempts Stations from Llbc! by
Political Speaker*
Helena, Mont., March 14.
Governor Roy E. Ayers has signed
a bill which relieves radio broadcast-
ing stations of liability for libel in
connection with broadcasts of mate*
rial over which they have no right
of censorship.
Ed Craney, of KGIR, Butte, helped
push It through.
so VARIETY
RADIO
Wednesday, March IS, 1939
Spot Campaigns
17% «f Stodebsker Goes to BadI*
Detroit
Radio wUl pocket about $250,000, or 17% ol the $1^000 to be went by
Studebaker iu April, May and June to ballyhoo company's new Champion
car, entered in the 'Big Three' (Ford, Chevrolet and Plymouth) price
"'i-emainder of kitty vrtll be divided around $600,000 to newspapers.
$300,000 to magazines and about $50,000 for direct maU pieces and dealer-
maUed stuff. Roche, Williams &• Cunnyngham agency, Chicago, handlmg
the first disbursement, which'U probably be augmented considerably if and
when new model goes over. .
Eiher bally wiU cor.sUt mainly of spiels by LqweU Thomas and Tea
Hi'sing, bached up by Richard Himbev's band, and wlU blanket nation
wish all 50,000-watters and others used frequently. Appearance of Him-
bor's orcb oh recordings is taken as an indication that, should Studebaker
relum to networks next fall-^d it probably will if early reception of
Its new model is any criterion— company may again use Himber as foun-
dation for show as it did some years back on the 'Richard Himber and his
Studebaker Champions' 'program.
Telephone Company's Experiment
. PbUadelphia.
Long Lines department of the American Telephone & Telegraph Co. is
cooperating in an -experiment with the Michigan Bell Telephone Compaiy
to promote long distance phone calls through a show originating on WXYZ.
Detroii and being pumped to the Michigan Radio Network. It began an
initial IS- week trial period yesterday (Tuesday). N. W. Ayer is the agency
on the account, i xw » »
Agency indicated that considerably more similar business In other states
will probably be forthcoming if the show comes up to A. T. & T.'s expec-
tations. The IS-min. program Tuesdays, Tliursdays and Saturdays is tabbed
'Here's Your Party,' Commercials will plug night phone rates which go
into effect 15 minutes after the show leaves the air at 6:45 pjn. Music will
be by an 18-piece orch and a dramatic group will give an original flve-
minute-short short story each night They'll use, whenever possible, the use
of a long distance phone to win the gal, close the crucial business deal or
reunite the home.
Opening commercials* will be carried by the network and be general in
tone. Closings wUl be made locally from each station, giving a typical
night rate from the city of origin to some othei: familiar point
W. L. Deneias Shoe Co. wiU start a 'Man in the Street' show on WJZ
on March 27. Program will be a 'question bee' participated in by passers-
by in front of various Douglas retail stores. It will air from 5:45 to 6 p.m.
Mondays through Fridays. Merchandise prizes will be given to participants
as well as to those who send in' questions.
Similar show has been aired by Douglas on WEEI, Boston, since last
laa Others are being prepared for Philly, Detroit and Chicago. N. W.
Ayer is the agency, -♦ ■
Fight Price Mention
Hartford, March 14.
Bill Introduced by the Con-
necticut Retail Package Stores
Association in the General. As-
sembly would make it unlawful
for any radio station to adver-
tise the price of alcoholic
' liquors or make' reference to the
price, of alcoholic liquors.
Hearing on bill set for
Wednesday (22).
St Lonla— Lady walked into KWK and presented a ticket for the 'Frank
and Ernest' program which has been discontinued for five years.
New Tork City— Ptinning commercial over WOR, N. Sunday: 'Buy
American wines made by the Italian Swiss colony on the banks of the
Russian river, California.'
Lewis Edwin Ryan, Inc.. Washington,
C lOO announcements of .65 words
each, six a week.
George A. Bormel Co., meat pack-
of Austin, Minn., has signed for
three 15 mm. spots weeWy on a 21
station CBS hookup starting April
No talent siet for time yet
B3.D.&0., Minn, office cleared.
Dr. I. Q,' new half-hour starting
on the NBC Blue network Monday,
April 10, goes by spec .1 lines from
Chicago to WTMJ, : 'Iwaukee, the
If ".ter basic Red.
Sponsor is Mars, Inc. Grant Ad-
vertising, Chijdgo, is the agency.
After nearly six years under Mar-
shall Field sponsorship the morning
■Musical Clock' on WBBM, Chicago,
shifts to Sears-Roebuck on March 20.
Deal set ' through Va.e McJiinkln
agency here.
Hartford-Comiectleiit Tnut Co. is
sponsoring a 'Voices of Yesterday*
program over WDRC Tliursday
nights. Program uses recorded voices
of famous persons of the past
KDKA, PITTSB1IBGH, NEW BIZ
Kroger Grocery & Baking Co.,
daily announcements for 13 weeks,
throu^ Ralph H. Jones.
Walker Remedy Co, morning disc
dhots six times weddy- for four
weeks, tbrough Weston Bamett
Industrial Trainlog Corp, quarter-
hour show once weekly for 13 weeks,
throu^ James- R. Lunke.
Blv*l Doy Paddni Co, weekly
participation in Musical Clock for 52
weeks; tfaroti^ Charles Silver Co.
Clearfield Taxidermy Co, Shopping
Circle representation once weekly
for 13 weeks, direct
New England • Coafeetionery, six
•nnouncMfients by transcription
weeldy for 13 weeks, through Lavin
Co.
Beanty Prodacis Corp,. Shopping
Circle Participation twice weeki^ for
52 weeks, Uirough Walker-Downing.
John Morrell Co, Shopping Circle
and Home Forum announcements
four times weekly for 26 wedis,
through Henri Hurst & McDonald.
Climax Cleaner, disc announce-
. m=nts three times weekly for eight
wseks, through Roger Williams.
DaPont de Nemovrs (Cel-o-Glass),
disc announcements twice weekly 13
times, through BBDO.
Thompson-Koch agency, six 100-
word announcements we^y.
■ Duke Power Co, renewed through
J. CaT'Son Brantley, IS-minute pro-
grams weekly.
Maytag (washing machines),
through McCann-Erickson, six 50-
word announcements weekly, 48
times.
WWJ, DETBOrr, NEW BIZ
Taystee Bread Co, Inc.. 'Ty Ty-
sen's Baseball Preview' (disc), five
m'nutes six times weekly, 26 weeks;
p'-ced through Campbell-Mithun,
In-., Minneepolis.
ArmsiroBg Cork Co, The Heart of
Julia Blake' (disc), 15 minutes three
times weekly for one year, renewal;
placed through B3.D.&0.
ntehman Brothers Co, The Rich-
men Reporter* with Bob Stanton's
news oddities, five minutes five times
weekly. 13 Weeks, new: placed
through McCann-Erickson, Inc.
Poban Plant Food Co, 'Friendly
Gardener,' chats on city gardening
plugging plant food; 15 nilnutes
weekly, new; placed through Simons-
Michelson Co.
Melville Shoe Corp. (for Thorn
McAn shoes), newscasts 'with Austin
Grant 15 minutes six times weekly
for 62 weeks, new; through Neft-Ro-
gow. Inc.
Washington State Apple Commls-
Elon, 'Health Column of the Air'
(disc) plugging apples, five minutes
three times weekly, seven weeks,
new; placed through J. Walter
Thompson Co.
WBT, CHABLOTTE, N. C, NEW BIZ
Southern Bearings & Parts Com'
pany (Norge Refrigerators) renewed
half-hour weekly, throu^ Lee An-
derson Adv. Co^
Nash-Kelvlnator, through Geyer-
Cornell & Newell (Nash Motors), six
ohe-mlnute HCs weddy, 80 times.
Bgyer-Semeson Co, through
WHO. DES MOINES, NEW BIZ
Natrene Ullb, Kansas City, Kans,
through Simmonds & Simmonds, Inc,
Chicago, I60-word blurbs, three
week.
Simmons Hardware Co. (Keen
Kutter), St Louis, Anfenger agency,
St Louis, beginning March 14 for
26 announcements of one minute
each, three a week.
Climax Cleaner Hfg. Co, Cleve-
land, Ohio, Roger Williams Co.,
Cleveland, beginning March 14 for
26 periods of five minutes each, three
week. Handy Andy's Household
Hints.*
Carter Prodaots Co, New York
City, through Spot Broadcasting Co.
sbc periods per week t f.
lironlied Teost Co, Atlanta. Ruth-
raufl & Ryan, 26 periods of SO min-
utes each.
HnlUns Seed Co, Corwitb, Iowa,
direct Beginning March 15 for 26
announcements of 100 words each/
Northwestern Bell Telephone Co,
Des Moines, throqgh Coolidge Adver-
tising Co, Des Moines, 52 periods of
one minute each, for a week, stag-
gered schedule.
Earl Ferris Nnrsery, Hampton,
Iowa. Lessing agency, Des Moines,
one period of 15 minutes each 'week,
portion Iowa Bam Dance Frolic.
Olson Bog Co, Presba, Fellers
Presba,' Chicago, 42 periods of 15
minutes each, six a week. 'Hilltop
Harmpnizers.'
Zoller Brew Co, Davenport Iowa,
through R. A. Roritz Co., Davenport,
beginning March 4 for 26 periods of
one hour each. Live talent The
Tavern in the Town.'
John Iiitcas ft Co, Philadelphia,
Omohaw-^immy Morgan, WAAW cowboy songs, got burning hot here
right in the midst of bis airing. His guitar, rubbing against corduroy
pants, set fire to a packet of matches in his pocket and Morgan sizzled. .
Tip afire,* he shouted and no fooling.
Seattle— KIRO.'s new juve stanza, 'Father Goose Comes to' Town,' written
and produced by Dorothy . Mason, drew letter from a child listener. 'Young-
ster wrote: 'We know that in the winter and q>ring you are. Father and
Mother Goose, but near Christmas you are' Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.*
Seattle — Claiming her ' husband was so Jealous that he threatened to
throw the radio out of the house because she listened to Boake Carter,
whom he thought was a local man, Mrs. Armenia Van Mechelen, mother
of four children, has sought a divorce in the Si^rior court
Utilities Blvrb Campaign .
San Francisco. '
Ten-day radio campaign on behalf
of CP. (certified performance) gas
ranges starts tomorrow (15) over 25
northern and central California sta-
tions under the sponsorship of the
Gas Appliance Society of California.
During the caiiHpai gn, w hich is being
handled by the Jean~5cott Frlckel-
ton agency, San Francisco, a total of
600 spot announcements will be used,
in addition to five-minute participa-
tions on home economics programs
over 12 stations. Newspaper ads,
dealer cards and contests and picture
slides are also being usied.
Similar campaign will be launched
April 10, continuing .through May 6,
by the Frickelton agency for the
Electric Appliance Society of Cali-
fornia. Spot announcements will be
placed on approximately 20 stations
to plug electric refrigerators.
through Campbell-Ewald; 45 for
Hexol, Inc.; 30 tor Washington State
Apples, also 30 transcribed an-
nouncements for Antrol Lal>orato-
ries. Inc. (Snarol), both through J.
Walter Thompson, Saa Francisco.
Colonial Dames cosmetics, through
Glasser agency, Los Angeles, partici-
pating in Elma Latta Hackett's.
■Friendly Homemaker* morning pro-'
grams over KSFO. San Francisco, for
13 weeks. Ditto Scott Towels,
through J. Walter Thompson*s New
York office.
Longlnea Wateh, through Arthur
Rosenberg agency, New York, is
spotting six announcements weekly
for one year on KSFO, San Fran-
cisco.
California Spray Chemical Co. SA
Richmond, Cal. (plant spray),
through Long agency, is using an-
nouncements.
Axton-Fisher Tobacco Co. (20
Grand cigarettes'), through McCann-
Erickson, New York, on KFRC, San
Francisco, with tlirice-weekly broad-
casts of 'Fu Manchu.' quarter-hour
platters. Through Aug. 4.
Owl Drag Co., through MacWilklns
& Cole. Seattle, weekly announce-
ments.
Spot annonnoemeats recently
placed on KFRC, 'San Francisco, in-
clude 40 for Oxo, Ltd. (beef cubes)
through Platt-Forbes. New York; 90
for Sail Francisco Chevrolet Dealers
ClnolniiaU— 'Nation's school of the air* series broadcast by WLW has
been given a part in the Kentucky State Reformatory's daily educational
curriculum.' .. .
Woroester, Maw— Lew Rogers, WTAG announcer, did- an unexpected
overtime stint during the broadcast of the l>ope;s coronation. Set to go at
midnight with the control man left in charge, Rbgers decided to stick
around to see what it sounded like.- 'Station*8' standbys had been recorded
so he figured he' had no worry.
However, 'when first 'records standby hit the air, he changed his mind
in a hiury.' Record turntable had been speeded up and his voice went out
as a cross between that of a gUshlng girl, and Donald .Duck. He stuck
around and did the standbys in person. '
One listener even phoned in to say that 'she thought it 'was a disgrace
to have drunken women announcers broadcasting.'
Phlladelpbla^KYW aired the heartbeats of a boy who four months ago
was stabt>ed and had his heart sewed'up. Half -hour show was Staged for'
the community fund drive.
Leon Livingston agency, San Fran-
cisco, now handling national adver-
tising for Nestle's Milk Products;
previously, only on Coast
Two Atlaona outlets. KVOA in
Tucson and KTAR in Phoenix, will
rdease the Wesson Oil and Snow-
drift Company's Monday night
drama, 'Hawthorne Hoi ■ :,' aired
over an NBC-Red network on the
Coast, starting March 27. Program
originates in the KPO studios,
^isco, and is authored by Ted Max-
well. FitzCierald iagency of New
Orleans handles the account
five times weekly ' for 62 weeks.
Placed by Benton & Bowles. WCAE.
Blchntan Bros. Co.^ quarter-hour
dramatized news broadcast with
Peter Grant three times weekly for
13 weeks. Placed by McCann-Erick-
son. WCAE.
Plttsbnrgh Brewing Co. (Iron City
Beer) renewed Karl Krug's Talk of
Town quarter-hour on WJAS.
UnlMi Oil on the Coast, after audi-
tioning a dozen or niore programs;
has decided to spend their appropria-
tion, for the time being, in outdoor
advertising.
Gaston Orlgnon, WISN Milwaukee
station manager, has set contract for
baseball season '30 and '40 with
Wadhams Division of Socony-
Vacuum Oil and General IblilU, the
same Joint sponsorship for the past
two years. 'Wadhams has bankrolled
baseball broadcasUng since 1029.
Frank Casey, advertising director
of Wadhams, and Harry Scott of
Scott-Telander Advertising Agency,
negotiated the deal for Wadhams,
while Henry Bellows, of General
Mills, and James Kelly and Ken
Torgenson of Knox-Reeves Adver-
tising, Inc, represented General
Mills.
Farm implement companies are
going air-minded throughout Sas-
katchewan. Radio stations report
biggest bookings in history. Rural
type shows particularly wanted with
lots of barnyard music. Fact com-
panies spending heavy advertising
dough for first time in nine years
indicates belief Canadian biz Is pick-
ing up at last
Pittsburgh New Biz
Ironlzed Teast Co, half -hour disc
show once weekly for 52 weeks,
through Ruthraufl & Ryan. WCAE.
Dr. W. B. Caldwell, Ine, one-miur
ute disc announcements twice daily.
N.A.B. Bureau Will Attempt to End
Tongue - Tied Local Radio Salesmen
Washington, March 14.
New Bureau of - Advertising, which
has been authorized by the Board
of the National Association of Broad-
casters, will fundamentally be an
attempt to -set up in radio a central
fact-finding ' and fact -marshaling
salesman's offset to the newspaper
and billboard arsenals. This offshoot
to N. A. B. has been partly inspired
by the sales managers* group of
Craig Ijawren^. It reflects a deep-
seated con'viction that the average
radio local salesman is -poorly
equipped to go up against the care-
fully-documented grenadiers of com-
petitive media. N. A. B. wants to
make available to its station mem-
bers material of the kind the net-
works assemble for their own use
and from the network vie'wpofait
Local stations are particularly
handicapped in cracking department
stores which, in the main, give black
and white newsprint their loving
cash devotion. One specific project
of the N. A. B. Bureau of Adver-
tising will be to tacMe this problem,
to assemble the knoftn facts and to
provide ready-made answers to the
points usually raised. Hie aim is
to abolish the tongue-tied salesman,
Banks, utilities and other adver-
tisers that duck radio will also be
surveyed on a broad perspective for
application to definite cases.
N. A. B.'s innovation will be co-
captained at the start by Paul F.
Peter and Ed Kirby.
KFBC, Columbia, Mo, New. Bis
Intentate Nurseries, Hamburg, la.
(Nursery plants), 15 min. studio pro-
gram 'dai^.
Drpg Trade Produets,' Chicago
(Peruna-Kolor-Bak), 30 mhi. studio
proj^rain. 5 weekly. Benson & Dall
agency. Chicago.
American Popcorn Co, Sioux City
(Jollytime Popcbm), 5 min. studid
program S weekly. Coolidge Adv.
agency, Des Moines.
AroUas Nurseries, Sedalla, Moi,
(Nursery stock), 100 spot announce-
ments. Direct
WUherson Nurseries, Columbia,
Mo, (nursery plants). 10 min. studio
program daily. Direct
WUIard Co, Chicago (Willard*s
Tablets). 0 min. transcribed pro-
grams 3 weekly. First United
Broadcasters, C!hlcago.
Mlohlgan Bell Telephone Co. Is
starting a series of IS minute shows
over WXYZ, Detroit tagged 'Here's
Your Party.* Will be heard Tues-
day, Thursday and Saturday at 6:30
p. m. ' Will use band, tagged Bell
orchestra, and drama portion will be
enacted by 'Bell Players.*
Placed through N. W. Ayer & Son.
NaUonal Grange Mutual LUblUty
ft ¥lkt Insurance Co, headquartered
at Keene, N. H., is plugging its auto-
mobile liability policies for Grange
(farmer) members, on WGY, Schen-
ectady. Contract will run 13 weeks,
with five spots weekly.
Delsley Joins WWJ, Detroit
Detroit, March 14.
Rofcert Delsley, whose "Story of
Tycho Brahe'. copped first prize in
the Wayne U. .broadcasting guild's
script writing contest (graduate
divis ion), has joined writing staff at
WWJ here.
Idea behind contest, directed by
Garnet Garrison, was not to encour-
age educational scripts as such but
to encourage experimentation in
writing scripts with definite show-
manship appeal.
KOFF, Shawnee, Okla.
Liebman Frozen Foods Co., three
spots daily during Lent
H. ft S. Implement Co., 30 minutes
weekly with Rev. E. E, GiUentlne
conducting devotional service.
CUrke-KeUer. Seed Co, spot an-
nouncements dally.
Wednes day. March 15, 1939 RADIO VARIETY 81
PORT ABIB A SUMMER AH)
• ' — — ' — '■ ~ ' '■ ' — ' — ~ ~ ■♦■
CBS SETS IIS
lATUS' CODE
Columbia's hew policy on summer
vacations for its advertisers was
received with mixed opinions In-
agency circles last week. Some
agencies considered the plan fair
from all viewpoints, while others
held that it would work a hardship
«n accounts that are tightly budgeted
end require a recess from radio so
ttiat they can take their profits while
the plug momentum is still there. It
Is generally believed that NBC will
t>e forced to adopt a similar policy
tot its two networkSi since the new
policy puts CBS in the position of
Offering a more favorable proposi-
tion. NBC states that it is consider-
Irg a readjustment of its summer
policy and may announce such
change soon.
The Columbia vacation play is
likewise regarded as giving the
breaks mainly to the big advertiser
and making things that much tougher
for the little fellow. The big multi-
ple program buyer has little to worry
about His aggregate time assures
him anyway of the 25% discount and
by the proper manipulation of his
network programs he can apply his
layoff privileges to the show that
will, effect the biggest saving.
A case in point could be Campbell
Soup, By keeping Amos 'n' Andy
on ail summer this account would
pile up enough 'credits to withdraw
its Friday night stanza, now the
Campbell Playhouse, for a full 13
weeks.
One comment on the plan indi-
cated that CBS has jiot been ex-
plicit in requiring that if a client
contracts to return in the fall with
• hookup of say 91 stations it must
•bide by this number of stations for
more than 13 weeks. Under the
'hlatais' plan CBS will retain a spot
for a customer during the summer
according to 'the size of the network
with which the advertiser returns to
the air.'
Network wiU hold time .for a
period of from four to eight weeks,
with the length of the vacation de-
termined by the numlter of stations
used in each program period. The
time involved is the 7 to 11 p.m.
stretch and the vacation period will
be charted as follows:
Network. Hiatus.
40 to 45 stations 4 weeks
46 to 56 stations 5 weeks
66 to 70 stations 6 weeks
71 to 90 stations. 7 weeks
91 to more stations 8 weeks
Time will not be held for net-
works of less than 40 stations.
New DIseonnt Strnotore
With the new vacation plan CBS
has introduced a new discount struc-
ture, effective April 1 for those ac-
counts not signed before that date
or that go off for the coming sum-
mer. Under the new discount struc-
ture, an addiUonal 12% is allowed
for 52 weeks of consecutive broad-
casting. NBC is expected to revise
Its own discount setup to meet this
allowance, since that web now grants
only 10% extra to year-round ac-
counts.
CBS' old discount structure start-
ed with 6 to 10 stations per week
at a discount of 2^% and ended at
15%, From AprU 1 it will have to
oe a minimum of 10 to 15 stations
per week to earn that deduction,
R«st of the structure a^ to networks
and discounts Is as foUows:
Fifteen or more, but less than 25
station hours per week, 5%.
Twenty-five or more, but less than
45 station hours per week, 7%%.
Forty-five or linore, but less than
70 station hours per week, 10%.
!>eventy or more station hours per
week, 12%%.
Advertisers using 8.750 or more
nation hours or $1,500,1)00 gross bill-
""88 per year will earn the maxi-
mum discount of 25% if they stey on
wough the summer. If they take a
vacation they will have to be con-
'nt with 20%.
Seek Snmmer Shows
Hollywood, March 14.
Summer show shopping has begun
earnest by Young & Rubicam
How's Your Hiatus?
Word lilatus,' which CBS pre-
fers to 'vacation,' is a pet of Paul
Kesten. It caused plenty of dic-
tionary-consulting last week .
among the CBS sales staff,
Webster: 'a break, as in a man-
uscript; a gap, a chasm."
WRYA'S WHOOME-DO
USHING IN 50 KW.
Richmond, March 14.
Official dedication of WRVA into
60;000-watts class is set for Friday
(17th) with seven-hour inaugural
show. In addition to array of talent
and talks by Governor and Mayor,
program goes to Washington and to
practically every historic site within
the Old. Dominion for pick-ups. Cov-
ering plenty of territory, as no pick-
up more than three minutes,
CBS salutes link member with
half-hour show and all other stations
in Virginia are takliig at least five-
minute bows that evening. News-
papers, too, in salute, with consider-
able black and white material slated
tor appearance dedication day.
Reason for friendly press attitude
is that WRVA has always kept a cor-
dial, cooperative spirit in dealings
with both dairies and weeklies, work-
ing out occasional air-for-space
swaps. Station has been taking some
space in newspapers throughout state
to plug Increased wattage angle, and
is taking full pages in both Rich-
mond dailies Friday, Program
starting at 8 p.m. with all commer-
cials cancelled, of course.
WCAU Skips Nite Games;
WTP Feeds Special Loop
Philadelphia, March 14.
WCAU and WIP will carry all
baseball here this season. Both sta--
tions will carry all games of both
the American and National league
teams. Sponsors on WCAU will b«
Wheaties and Socony on alternate
days, while Atlantic Refining will do
all the b.r.lng itself on WIP. Last
season WCAU aired only the Phillies,
which is out In the cold this year,
and WIP carried the Athletics.
. With 14 of the 154 games skedded
to be played at night, WCAU will
probably have to skip , these due to
network commitments. WIP, with
considerable manipulation, plans to
carry them all.
Bill Dyer wil lagain be at the mike
for WCAU and Byrum Saam for WIP.
Latter station will also feed a nine-
station network especially set up by
Atlantic for the baseball broadcasts.
Stations are WPG, Atlantic City;
WEEU, Reading; WSAN, AUentown;
WILM, Wilmington; WGAL, Lancas-
ter; WORK, York; WEST, Easton;
KBO, Harrisburg, and WASL, Hazle-
ton.
WCKY 50Kw. Delayed
Cincinnati, March 14.
Power boost of WCKY from 10,000
to 50,000 watts, which was intended
to be put Into effect March 17, will
be delayed for a couple of. months,
allowing for complete, installation of
improved transmission equipment
L. B. Wilson; president of the sta-
tion, is expected to return next week
from his winter retreat near Miami.
TOTING GETS ACQUAINTED
Special events reps of. the indie
stations of New York met yesterday
(Tuesday) with John D. Young, di-
rector of radio at the N. Y. World's
Fair. Subject was the final ironing
out of indie pickups during the expo,
which opens April 30.
Young met with reps of NBC, CBS
and WOR-Mutual two weeks ago.
ilaffers, Joe Steuffer, Clare Olmstead
and Franklin Delano. At least three
of the firm's Coast shows, Screen
Guild-Gulf, Jack Benny and Silver
Theatre, will have mid-year replace-
ments. Also in the east Fred Allen
and Kate Smith will take their hot
V eather respite.
Idea, programs are largely in de-
mand as budgets will be trimmed for
the summer quarter, the chief reason
for remaining on the air being to
hold their time.
B. C. THOMASON LOSES
Mast Answer Charoh Suit tor Ac-
eonntlnff on KOCT
Oklahoma City, March 14.
. A' motion presented by B. C.
"Thomason, former operator of KFXR
here, to quash tile suit of the Ex-
change Avenue Eiaptlst church was
overruled in district court here. He
was given five days in which to enter
a pleading, or 10 days in which to file
an answer,
The church has asked for an order
to force Thomason to produce books
of the station from Oct 3, 1935, to
May 20, 1938. The church doesn't
think it got its 10% of the net in-
come.
Station, following its purchase
from church by the Plaza Court
Broadcasting Co., was completely re-
modeled and call letters changed to
KOCY.
FCC STILL HAS
NOFUNDSFOR
1940
Washington, March 14.
Continuing animosity In Congress
toward the FCC demonstrated by the
cold reception given commish leg-
men seeking immediate action on a
deficiency appropriation for 1940. At
the moment the regulators have no
idea whether they wiU have any cash
la the till after June 30, or how
much they may receive In the event
the flint-hearted purseholders even-
tually loosen up.
As things stand no provision has
been made for financing the airwave
cops after the present fiscal period
closes less than four months hence.
The House Appropriations Commit-
tee, noting the agitation for an over-
hauling, almost unanimously voted to
strike out the item in the President's
bvdget The Independent Offices Ap-
propriation bill came out — and went
through the House as presented, so
far as the FCC is concerned— minus
any provision for the commish. In
turn the Senate committee failed to
remedy this defect since imdcr par-
liamentary restrictions all appropri-
ations must 'originate' in the lower
body. The measure Is still before
Congress, since conferees have been
urable to straighten out all conflicts,
but there now is no chance to insert
funds for the FCC.
The significance of this unprece-
dented action is not so much that
the sum approved by the Budget
Bureau was withheld but the failure
of a single member to present an
amendment on the House floor —
which would have been possible — '
giving the commish cash for 1940.
Remarkable evidence of the short-
age of friends, even among the ad-
ministration errand boys.
Alarmed over signs that the reor-
ganization bills are liable to wind up
in a pigeonhole, emissaries from the
FCC last week made-sub -rosa -ap-
peals to chiefs of the House commit-
tee for prompt action on a separate
money measure. The answer was
stunning. .The commish was told to
'go and get your remedial legislation
first'
In view of the developments, the
commish may receive another grill-
ing even if no general investigation
is ordered. To get money now it yi'M
be necessary for Chairman Frank
R. McNinch, departmental heads, and
possibly: other members of the body,
to appear before another sub-com-
mittee. One even more hardboiled
than that which put McNinch over
the jumps in January. The defi-
ciency subcommittee is made up of
veteran lawmakers, the heads of all
the various departmental subcommit-
tees,- and includes some of the most
experienced, relentless cross-ques-
tioners, whereas the group which
heard the commish before was made
up pretty largely of newcomers lack-
ing in background.
Maxwell Uaee, once connected
with UP service, WGY, Schenectady,
and WGAR, Cleveland, joined the
NBC news and special events section
last week.
In Ad Biz, but Pals
Sales staff in the various John
Blair offices make a practice of
pointing up the personal touch
In their relationships by ex-
changing photographs of them-
selves every six months. The
pictures of the boys in each
branch are mounted collectively
in a frame and a copy is sent
to each office.
Blair also circulates a picture
of himself at like intervals.
FAN LOYAL TO ALL
THE BLURB BUYERS
Height of loyalty to all of the
sponsors pn a multi-sponsored par-
ticipation program is revealed In a
fan letter to Nancy Craig of WJZ,
N.Y. It reads:
1 have been followlhg your broad-
casts over WJZ, 0:15-9:30 a.m., since
it started last September and am glad
to see you have the advertising in it
I have followed your suggestions for
uses of Dany'a Hand tiotion for my
face and hands. We also switched
to Knox Gelatine for dessert several
times a week. My grandchildren like
to find It In the refrigerator when
they come' home from school. We
may start using the Breakstone
whipped butter in case our two cows
go dry at the :.driie time this sum-
mer when the grass gets short
Now about the Lactol Nail Oil bath
— people would think I was in second
childhood If I went to a beauty shop
for a treatment
Marries, Then Off to See
How Qmey Reds Look
Cincinnati, March 14.
Harry Hartmain, ' baseball
noUncer on WC70 since 1928, was
married here Sunday (12) to Tillie
Skurrow, non-pro of Baltimore, be-
fore leaving for Tampa, Fla., to dou-
ble honeymooning' with coverage of
the Cincy Reds' training activities:
Clair Weidenaar, lately with
WKRC on special events, joined
WC3>0 Monday (13) as an an-
nouncer.
SELLS 'MARY SOTHERN'
Tnnsamerlean Disposes of Serial to
Pedlar ft Byan
Transamerican Broadcasting St
Television Corp, yesterday (Tues.)
closed with Pedlar & Ryan for the
use of the "Life of Mary Sothern'
serial under the banner, of Bristol-
Myers. It will plug Ipana toothpaste.
Show goes transcription for 13 or
more weeks, eventually shifting to a
network hooicup. Stations starting
the series April 3 on a five-time
weekly basis are WCCO, Minneap-
olis; WHO, Des Moines; WOW, Oma-
ha; KMBC, Kansas City; KOA, Den-
ver, and WLS, Chicago, Don Becker
will write and produce,
WKRC Ymn-Yiiiiis Sked
Cincinnati, March' 14,
Starting April 3 the Colgate-Palm-
olive 'Hilltop House' and Myrt and
Marge programs will be carried by
WKRC, giving the sponsor 45 min-
utes of straight-running time on the
local CBS station. Including the cur-
rent 15-minute 'Stepmother' . series.
Programs will be heard Monday
through Friday from 10:15 a.m.,
EST, feeding through the CBS net
At present the 'Hilltop House' and
Myrt and Marge programs, waxed,
are carried on 'WLW.
Amos 'n' Andy, for Campbell's
soups, also will \x heard on WKRC
beginning April 3, when the series
switches from NBC to CBS. That
series has been outletted her^ for
long through WLW.
BENA7 VENUTA'S AGENT
Currently m.c.'ing her own half-
■hour stanza on WOR, New York,
Sunday nights, Benay Venuta was
signed to a one-year managerial con-
tract last week by Rockwell General
Amusement It's effective immedi-
ately.
Singer-actress was tied to a verbal
contract With Ralph Wonders, now
pn the Coast for Rockwell, before
officially joining the agency.
MIIHO-SEPT.
AlfDIENCE EYED
Under the impetus provided last
week by 'a new summer discount and
layoff policy formulated by the Co-
lumbia Broadcasting System (and
with such further steps as NBC may
take in order not to be at a com-
petitive disadvantage),, the whole
subject of hot weather broadcasting
comes up again. This time the ques- .
tion has sharper outlines.
During the past season there has
been introduced the portable dry-cell
radio receiver with greatly improved
reception. These are selling by th« .
tens 6t thousands all over the coun-
try and, added to the 6,000,000 radios
now installed in automobiles, ■ gives
the radio industry a swell answer to
the' charge that people can't or don't
listen in summer. Radios will be
blaring on every beach and picnic
grounds to prove otherwise.
The networks have devoted a lot
of attention in the last several years
to summer radio. Originally the
story was fragmentary and the im-
pressions and inclinations of adver-
tisers tmited to make the summer a
problem. Under the Edgar Kobak
sales regime at NBC, the non-stop
clause was put through as a first
effort to prevent the advertiser in-
terrupting his own advertising.
Surveys made la 1937 and again la
1938 Indicated that the daytime radio
audience diminished remarkably
little in suinmer. It is not figured to '
be more than 1.0-15% under vhe Sep-
tember-May period. Baseball broad-
casts on the hot afternoons swell the
Playtime audience notably, bringing
to the radio receivers many ears
not attentive in winter. The night-
time summer audience loss has, how-
ever, ranged up to 40%.
Automobile and portable sets are
not clearly reflected in the listening
habit surveys, but it is expected that
both NBC and CBS will send down
divers this year. Armed with data
on actual listening habits as against
ownership statistics, the radio in-
dustry will be better able to build
up Its summer story. Only 2% of
the population Is on vacation at any
one time, it is estimated.
Daniel Starch in 1937 found that
the July tally of set-owners showed.
74.4 tuned in 'some time during the
day' as against 82.5 'some time dur-
ing the day' dialing in January, the
peak of the year's listening. (These
samples are based on 10,000 inter-
views per quarter.)
Two points are made in behalf of
Columbia's newly adopted rules: Viz
(a) that the general tendency is to
favor the supplementaries; (b) that
if the advertiser will automatically
elect to regard the total yearly dis-
count (25%) In relation to the sum-
mer 13-week span, the cost of the
heat spell, even in ratio to a smaller
audience (and a presumably cheaper
entertainment), evens off. Argument
nets to this: The advertiser . can
keep the habit chain of time, dial
position and advertising story and
regard the matter as a good deal if
his regular discount, plus the sum-
mer ' bonus discount, Is taken to-
gether.
Baritone Succeeds Actor
As Cereal Serial Spieler
San Francisco, March 14.
Commercial announcer on the
Sperry Flour dramatic serial, 'Dr.
Kate,' will be Armand G<rard, bari-
tone, starting this week. Girard will
plug Sperry's breakfast cereal.
Wheat Hearts, in the morning
broadcasts over the C-ast NBC-Red
web from the local studios.
He replaces Leo Cleary, NBC
actor and comedian, wh> resigned
to try radio In Hollywood.
New Crown CeU Show Set
Crown Cola starts Its new show
oh Columbia March 31. Cast will
consist of Robert L. Ripley, B. A.
Rolfe and th^ Men About Town.
It's the Friday 10:30 to 11 p.m
spot
S3
VARIETT
WeAneaAajy March 15, 1939
Background Buzz
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦»»»♦♦>♦♦#«♦
I Station Ideas
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦I
SOUTH
Th9 Tobacco Tags,' iormerly witH
WSM, NashviUe, Tenn., and WPTP,
Kaleigh, are personal appearing In
North Carolina scliools.
Future Farmers of ' America or-
ganization is regularly on the air
from WSTP, Salisbury, N. C, with
local farm boys doing their stuff.
Steve Fuld.'.CBS station relations
man, visited with Lincoln Dellar,
manager of WBT, Charlotte, N. C,
Ifist wcgIc
Lee kirby, WBT, Charlotte, N. C,
sportscaster, bade after hospitaliza-
tion with a stomach ailment.
David Banks, formerly with
KARK, Little R6ck, announcing for
KLRA, LitUe Rocic
Dick Crane, KLRA announcer, on
staff of KGKO, Fort Worth.
Bob Calen and Art Acers, guitar
duo on WBAP, Fort Worth, doing
series advertising Soutliwestem Ex-
position and Fat Stock Show.
Nan, Hazel and Dot Williamson
new on WBAP, Fort Worth. 'Jam
Pantry' show. Red Woodwards orch
new on show also.
Bill Arms, Fritz Kuler and Len
Finger of KTAT, Fort Wortti, aired
the Southwestern Exposition and Fat
Stock Show for the 'Texas State Net-
work.
Frank Payne, baritone, added to
staff of the Texas State Network.
Paul McQuire, Australian lecturer
and writer, given a special program
by WWL, New Qrleans, upon his
visit
Alice Roberts and Louise Taylor
added to staff of W WL, New Orleans.
Louie Buck, WAGA, Atlanta an-
nouncer, who specialized in sports,
has joined spieling staff of WSM,
Nashville.
MIDWEST
Hundreds of songs are submitted
weekly to Josef Chemlavsli^ for
consideration in bis 'My Lucky
Break' series on WLW. Cincy, and
Mutual. He and his assistants select
the best 25 of the week for final
choice by a special board of judges.
Latter includes music and radio edi-
tors from the local dailies, a record
distributor, a sheet music counter
gal, and two trade press scribes, one
of 'em the Cincy Vabjett mugg.
' Jean Abbey, fashion commentator,
has begun a new series over KSD,
SL Louis.
J. Roy Stockton, who was pinch
hitter during vacation of Ttahk
Eschen, program director, KSD, St
Louis, has departed to report train-
ing camp activities of Cardinals for
Post-Dispatch, owner of station.
Robert Finch, ga'bber under tag of
Bob Lyle, KXOK, St Louis, father
of a boy.
Kossow, musical director,
KXOK, St Louis, and staff violinist
with St Louis Symph Orch, back
from second tour of season^
Bob Sampson has been upper to
national sales manager of KWK, St'
Louis.
Jack Grogan, announcer at WHB,
Kansas City, and Germaine Wiljin.
vocalist at the Rathskeller, won out
in the district eliminations for the
Gateway to Hollywood' broadcast-
ing contest
ttt™^ ^J}^' City stations, KMBG,
KITE, KCMO. WHB and KCKN
tied-up for simultaneous broadcast
m behalf of the Boy Scouts' local
campaign for funds. Chick Allison,
KMBC p.a., handled In cooperation
with Scout organization.
Station WHB's 'Vine Street Va-
rieties,' local visual show, chalked
up its best attendance to date (1,450
on a paid gate) in homecoming cele-
bration for Count Basie, orch leader,
who started it all in Kansas Ci^.
Grady Cantre ll, ev angelist philoso-
pher, back at KWK, St Louis, after
a year's absence when he was at
KNX, L. A.
Lee Chesley, radio editor, KWK,
St Louis, in a local hospital for ap-
pendectomy.
John Harvey, formerly asst ac-
count exec, for General Mills, has
joined KMOX, St Louis, as salesman.
George W. McElhinney, Jr., is
latest addition to sales staff at
KXOK, St Louis, and Allen Clark,
warbler,, newest addition to talent
staff.
Jones Scovem, recently with the
Los Angeles Times, has Joined KSD,
St Louis. , .
J. Howard Ackley last week
ticked off his 11th anniversary as
announcer for WOWO-WGL, Fort
Wayne.
EAST
Auernin Bodycombe has just been
named staff pldnist at KDKA, Pitts-
burgh, by Mataager Sherman D.
Gregory. ■
Streptococci has laid several of
KDKA, Pittsburgh, personnel low for
se\reral days, among them Ed
Schaughency, Janet Ross, Derby
Sproul, Billy Sherman- and Alberta
Brennan.
Derby Sproul's "Under Western
Skies' dramatic script resumes this
week on regular weekly basis on
KDKA, Pittsburgh.
Ellis Barrett former announcer at
WABY. Albany, is now on the staff
of W2XAF and W2XAD, General
Electric Company's short wavers in
Schenectady.
Gene Zacher, pianist, added to
WHAM, Rochester, staff as musical
arranger. This is new job created
to relieve Charles Siverson, musical
director of station.
Charles Lee, Boston booh re-
viewer, begins guest author series
with Ben Ames Williams over WEEI.
WORL, Boston, has Miriam Miller,
accompanied by Frankie Ward and
Doris Terrell, thrice weekly.
Jack Berry replaces George
Crowell as announcer for 'WORL
M-1 Reporter' and 'Normandie Time"
this weeii, and also 'as station's pro-
duction managei;. Crowell mean-
while joins WTAG, Worcester. Jane
Woodhouse also at WTAG.
Bea Wain guests on the CBS
Swing Session March 11.
Morton Downey does a guester
with the Girl Scouts on their speclial
anni program on CBS March IS.
Russell Russell, formerly of WGN
and KMOX, is replacing Bromley
House at 'WTAM, Cleveland. House
recently resigned to join wife's ad
agency. Russell, who co<'produced
Kay Kyser shows in Chicago, will
handle special announcements.
WiUiam McNair, former mayor,
bowe d . out of 'Authorities Answer,'
WWSW, Pittsburgh, copy of 'Infor-
mation Please,' at last minute, and
Walter Sickles^ station's program di-
rector, named to Fadiman the show.
Bob McKee and Norman Twigger.
of WCAE, Pittsburgh, 'previewing'
their new sponsored news broadcasts
In window of downtown department
store (Gimbels).
Marjorle Spriggs, p. a. for WORL,
Boston, has taken over the 'Woman
of 'Tomorrow' program, under name
of Jean Allen.
Jack Zaiman, Hartford, United ' Swearing In ClUiena
Press correspondent, is being aired Philadelphia, March 11
five nights weekly over WDRC in a Taking advantage of the current
sportscast Americanism wave, WFIL is plan-
, hing a "Citizenship Day.' Aside from
1 flock of patriotic music, speakers
I and flag-waving, major piece-de-re-
sistance will be airing of ceremonies
when new citizens are sworn in at
WEST
From announcer to construction
business is the jump of James A.
Peterson, former mikester of KVI,
Tacoma, who bade friends farewell
for trip to middle west, where he
will be located. Peterson's best
known radio sttmt was his voyage
last year from Tacoma to Gloucester,
Mass., aboard a Tacoma built fish-
ing clipper, from which short wave
broad^sts were made at intervals
during the long cruise via the Pana^
ma Canal.
James Saphier on the job in Holly-
wood handling radio talent for Mu-
sic Corp.
Don Lee's KHJ tied up Hollywood
Bowl for exclusive broadcast over
Mutual of sunrise Easter services.
Fibber McGee's air crew hitched
for another 13 weeks by Johnson
wax works.
DeVere Zimmerman one of few
femmes in Hollywood producing an
airshow. Her entry is' Sanforized
Nancy Dixon shopping program.
Burns Lee, Coast pubhcist for Ben-
ton & Bowles, called east to work on
firm's legislative matters for spon-
sors. Al 'WhHlock succeeds.
Don Wilson entering 17th year in
radio. Started with quartet in
Denver.
Columbia's program chief. Bill
Lewis,, ready log Coast trip.
Donald Thornburgh and Charles
Vanda washed im their Chicago biz
and back at KNX (Hollywood).
Because he's a good golfer, l>oth
Columbia and NBC scrapping over
Jimmie Fidler's golf entry. He airs
his picture gossip on both chains.
Sam Hayes newscasting on KFWB
(Hollywood). Keeps his commen-
tary spot on KNX.
Fanny Brice, Bob Hope, Martha
Raye and Matty Malneck's orchestra
on Screen Guild-Gulf program
March 19.
Betty Jane Rhodes getting a strong
build with her own program on KHJ
(Los Angles).
Jack Fitzpatrlck. KLZ, Denver,
newsman and sportscaster, leaves
this week for San Francisco to re-
port March 25, at the General
Mills-Goodrich Baseball Announcers'
school.
the Federal court
Lines will be strung into the court-
room and each new American will
be given an opportunity to tell -wliat
his citizenship means to him.
GallcnkaiBpiiig Out
San Francisco, March 14.
With' his sponsor's name, 'Gallen-
kamp,' in large letters on the back
of his coat. Bill Baldwin is airing
th.-ee 'roving reporter' broadcasts
weekly from the fair grounds on
Treasure . Island over KSFO. A
huge sign calling attention to the
broadcast the station's call letters
anr' the sponsor, Gallenkamp Stores
Company (shoe distributors), is
placed by the mike. Expo visitors
who are quizzed by Baldwin during
the program are given a bottle of
shoe dressing.
Three pairs of Gallenkamp shoes
are awarded weekly to listeners sub-
mitting usable jingles for tiie show,
with the best jingle each month re-
ceiving an additional prize of $10.
Account is handled by Long agency,
Phoney Best Bets
PhUadelphia, March 14.
Philly Daily News carries no hi^-
light box on its radio page, so 'WFIL
has created one. It uses ad space
acquired in a swap deal to run a box
simulating those in other papers of
best bets on the air. Box is often
spotted right under the radio log,
making it appear to be the mccoy.
Bes t bets, of course, are all on
WFIL.
Th9 fact that, the personnel of Radio
station WOW Is oompetent is important
to you. Each man and woman fills
his or her Job efficiently. Some are
.new, some are veterans, but they all
work together with splendid team
work.
Actually, personal efficiency in-
sures a better advertising "buy."
Contact us or our representative,
John Blair & Company, for complete
details.
John J. Gill in, Jr.
.dee
i SIAT
Cincy Baseball Warms Up
CinchmatI, March 14.
This season, for the first time,
WSAI Is airing play-4>y-play ac-
counts, via telegraphic description,
of all of the Cincy Reds' training ex-
hibition games, 34 of which are
scheduled. Dick Bray is doing the
miking. S ome o f the broadcasts are
relayed by WHIO, Dayton, O.
Roger Baker, formerly of Buffalo,
and successor to Red Barber, made
hia local bow last week, doubling
with Nixson J)ehton in an evening
quarter-hour sports resume on 'WLW.
He left Saturday (U) for the Reds'
camp in 'Tampa, Fla., where he will
make- five-minute transcriptions to
t>e used on Denton's 'WLW spot and
also on Bray's WSAI sports review
for (Goodrich.
When the National League season
starts. Baker and Bray wiU announce
the Reds' games. This year Bray
will do the casting for three innings.
Under Barber he miked only one
inning.
Westlimd Heads Ass'n
San Francisco, March 14,
Manager Art Westlund of KRE,
Berkeley, is the new chairman of the
Northern C^alifomia Broadcasters'
Association, succeeding manager S.
H. Patterson,- of KSAN, San Fran-
cisco, who held the office for the
past year.
Philip G. Lasky, general manager
of KSFO, San Francisco, succeeds L.
D. West of KGMB, Honolulu, as
secretary.
Bee Strawway Be-Choied
Cincinnati, March 14.
Bee strawway, WLW merchandis-
ing director, has assumed added post
of promotions director with transfer
of Wilfred Guenther from the pro-
motions department to the station's
television and facsimile division, of
which Jerry Branch is assistant man-
ager. Before joining the Crosley org
Miss Strawway did merchandising
chores for the Kroger grocery chain.
Paul Jones, annoimcer, formerly
with WCMI, Ashland, Ky., has joined
the WLW-WSAI staff;
Gesture t« Churches .
Philadelphia, March 14.
KYW, NBC-operated ouUet here,
as a gesture of good-will put lines
into three cathedrals Sunday morn-
ing -so that coronation of tlie Pope
could be heard by congregations
without interference. Lines went in-
to Sts. Peter and Paul's, St John's
and St Patrick's. Two of the
churches were able to feed the
broadcast right Into their own p.a.
systems, while the third was loaned
amplifying apparatus by the station.
Coronation was aired from 12:45
ajn. to 7:30 «.iii.
Beqneatb KFVO $2,000
St Louis, March 14.
KPUO, operated by the Lutheran
Evangelican Synod of Missouri, Ohio
and other states, and supported
principally by contributions of its
listeners, was bequeathed $2,000 by
Louis H. Waltke, retired soap manu-
facturer, who died several weeks
ago. During 1938 KFUO received
approximately $40,000 from appeals
made during Its Sunday p.m. Luth-
eran Hour program, the contribu-
tions ranging from pennies to large
amounts. Hour is broadcast over a
Mutual net hookup.
Dorothy Boblason, account execu-
tive in the commercial department
of WTAG, Worcester, recuperating
from operation.
'REVENGE' IS
SEEN IN SUDS
CRACK-DOWN
Montreal, March 14.
With perforbiers on at>out 30 radio
programs facing unemployment if
the CBC ruling prohibiting beer-
sponsored programs becomes effec-
tive after March 31, broadcasting cir-
cles here recall that the current beer
problem dates back to the time when
La Presse, which controls station
CKAC, refused to accept CBC' adver-
tising copy anent CBF, the 50,000-
watt government transmitter.
Hon. P. R. du Tremblay refused to
permit use of liis daily to build up
an opposition radio station. Reports
immediately after the La Presse ac-
tion were to the effect that the CBC
would retaliate by t>anning beer prb-
grams in this province.
Dr. A. Frigon, assistant general
manager of the CBC, when queried-
at that time, stated that the beer
question had not been brought to his
attention and tliat the Board of Gov-
ernors of the CBC would take no
action iinless complaints ' should de«
velop from other sources. Shortly
after Dr. Figon's denial of rumors
that the CBC was contemplating ac- '
tion against beer-sponsored programs
the British United Press carried an
apparently authentic story that the
corporation planned to prohibit beer
programs in this province. Embar-
rassingly soon after the run-in with
du Tremblay, the BUP report was
also denied by the government
Official statement on the CBC pol-
icy with regard to beer commercials
is scheduled to be heard before the
Parliamentary Radio Committee to-
day (14),
Meanwhile, frantic efforts are be-
ing made by representatives of the
AFRA and the Musicians' union, to
stall the CBC ruling and save the
jobs of radio performers. Local Eng-
lish radio performers have already
been severely affected since the ma-
jority of CBC programs in English
now emanate from Toronto.
Should beer programs be eliminat-
ed the picture would . darken still
further as it is generally conceded
that most of the programs currently
sponsored by breweries -would not
find new sponsorship.
JOHN BLAIR WCO«
DAY
lOOO NIGHT
wow, Omaha, has Thayne Royce,
tenor, newly on musical staff. WiU
sing with Freddy Ebner's orchestra.
m WHN md MUimiY Resnhs!
Thefe leading advertisers do: Maxwell Houte (Good
News of 1939) • Old Gold [Robert Bench/ey) • Lucky
SWke (Kay Ko/ser) • Generaf Milts, Procter «.
Gamble, Secony-Vocuum {Major league Boseba/f)
nui>nintGO.Hc
igTednesdayf March 15, 1939
RADIO
VARIETY
SS
BBC Tekvision Exec, Gerald Cock
Thinks Out Loud on Vido's Future
London, March 7.
Possibility of a five-year plan for
expanding television on a nation-
wide network throughout the United
• Kingdom was hinted at by BBC tele-
vision director Gerald Cock in some
orognostlcations on the road this
Lrvlce may take and hurdles it has
to jump. As told to Vawetv. Cock'st
Blan, which so far Uves in his own
brain and has no official blessing,
would have UJC. covered with series
ct relay stations, all transmitting qne
central program, so as to avoid
duplication of staffs, plant or pro-
grams.
Does not envisage same continuity
et television broadcasting as with
radio, because greater concentration
needed when watching the home re-
ceiver imposes a strain such as the
radio listener never suffers. Pro-
grams, therefore, may remain re-
stricted to several hours daily, per-
taps little more than at present, but
range of material and flexibility must
be considerably wider.
Vislo gives the public something in
•actuality' broadcasts they can't get
any other way, he holds, immediate
close personal contact In their own
homes with events happening at the
came moment in real life at some re-
mote spot and in different surround-
ings. BBC must accordingly develop
It's Television
London, March 7.
In self-defense against rubber-
neck visitors who invariably
pose him the question, 'What is
television?', BBC's vislo chief,
Gerald Cock, had Sir Stephen
Tallents draw him up an official
'explanation,'* framed it and hung
It in hi$ Alexandra Palace office.
It runs:
•Kxcited by impulses born on
a carrier wave which vibrates
45,000,000 times a second, a spot
of light one-tliirtysecond of an
inch in diameter, traveling at
the rate of 6,000 miles an hour,
and varying in its illumination
up to 4,000,000 times a second,
traces 25 times a second in al-
ternate lines a page of 405 lines
on a sensitized end of a cathode
ray tube. Vision and sound sig-
nals are synchronized to within
» quarter-millionth part of a
second...'
It's a k.o. every time!
■peed and flexibility in handling
•uch programs; a 'flying squad' unit,
with non-cumbersome equipment,
ready to dash off at any moment to
cover unexpected happenings. Is
what Cock Indicates.
Programs picked up this way
would take precedence over pre-set
broadcasts; the air would be cleared
tor it because its topicality would
give Immense appeal.
Slim Baakrell
Lamenting bankroll limitations,
vlsjo director sighed for a corps of
special writers for the service — an
extremely expensive luxury for the
future, he declared. Also insisted
one program that would have to
come shortly would be a dally Chil-
dren's Hour.
Denied the vislo service would
ever be married to radio as general
practice. Both forms of broadcast-
ing have their own appeal and their
own limitations. Some material is
suitable for sound transmission
alone, some has visual appeal. Rarity
la that which is suitable for both
mediums — such as the big Saturday
variety bills. .
Expressed satisfaction with stage
now reached by the department in
handling daily programs for a rapid-
ly growing 'audience.' 'We feel we
have broken the back of the main
puzzle,* he claimed. 'For a year and
a half we had to make bricks with-
out straw; only in the last six months
has real progress been possible.'
WEAF Marred in Jersey
Atlantic City, March 14.
Mass protest is being urged on lis-
teners here against a new Latin
American outlet which is making the
signal of WEAF uninteligible. Con-
flicting station, using the same wave-
length as the New York outlet, is be-
lieved to be located in either Mexico
or Cuba.
Group of listeners is planning a
. petition to the FCC asking it to take
what action it can to dear up the
situash>
NBC Execs Visit Frisco
San Francisco, March 14.
After spending twj weeks here in
confabs with Manager Lloyd E.
Yoder and department heads of KPO
and KGO, Alfred H. Morton, NBC
vice-prexy in charge of managed
and operated stations, left Saturday
(11) for Denver in a continuation
of his nationwide tour . of NBC-
handled outlets.
NBC prexy Lenox R. Lohr, who
divided his time between the two
NBC stations here and the exposi-
tion; Roy Witmer, vice-prexy in
charge of sales,, and "Walter G. Pres-
ton, Jr., assistant to vice-prexy John
Royal, who d rects the company's
program activities, were othei' recent
visitors.
Clarence Pettit Follows
Al Nelson to NBC, N. Y.
Pittsburgh, March 14,
■ Clarence Pettit, for last two years
head of KDKA's public relations de-
partment, has just been named as-
sistant manager of guest relations
for NBC. He leaves for New York
in two weeks to take up his new du-
ties, which will consist in main of
contact work with out-of-towners
during expected eastern influx to
Radio City among World's Fair
crowds.
Pettit came here from Denver In
1937 with Al Nelson, manager of
KDKA at that time and now sales
chief for NBC's Blue web. There
will be no replacement for him on
staff of local station, publicity chief
Kay Barr assuming most of Pet-
tit's old duties.
John J. Anthony Associates, Inc.,
has been chartered to conduct a
printing-publishing business in Man-
hattan. Directors are: John J.
Anthony, Etille Anthony and Eva
Kessler, N. Y. C.
FCC Monopoly Hearings Still in Sesh;
° Will Examine Hideaway Landlords
Washington, March 14.
Possible violations of the law or
regulations by broadcasters who shift
actual control over operation of their
stations through leases, management
contracts, and other arrangements
will be ventilated in the coming
fortnight when the FCC chain-
monopoly inquiry turns to a new
field. Several, important transac-
tions, some of which have been un-
der examination for months, will be
x-rayed in at attempt to find out the
real tiwners of properties in the
hands of holding companies.
The inquiry into leases and con-
tracts is docketed to open Tuesday
(21) with the study of ultimate
ownership and multiple ownership
following the next . week. Then
discs. In both of these fields, sum-
monses have been issued for li-
censees whose responses to question-
naires allegedly indicated an attempt
to conceal true facts and whose con-
duct is the subject of disagreement
from a legal viewpoint.
The Westinghouse-NBC relations,
which have been assailed in Congress
and were probed by the Commish
law department a year ago, will be
scrutinized next week along with the
question of ownership and control
of several smaller stations through-
out the nation. Proposed lease of
KSFO, San Francisco, by CBS, which
is now pending in court, also will be
exhumed.
PanI Jones, recently with WCMI,
Ashland, Ky., last week was added
to the WLW-WSAI announcers' staff.
•^ITH INCREASING MOMENTUM
y/'ilh each passing month ... a new star has been in thejn|iw|g at
WLW. This new star is Peter Grant . . .^^l^jAm^He-
all WLW ^^I^^Jnng
In mail count Indies. Round the
at regular intervalj
is^^K sToosier
Kitchen Cabi
^^d-a
^^mt in ^^uH^Bliil^^ placed it on NBC. Thej
^^mfft^^ three time a week.
cial for Ridm^n ^j^^^hin^^^^^H^ ]^Birmrhese
thl^Fall K^^dc^Mm^s Mni^BftBpread feeling that Peter
S^^Ml^^asBii^^|mi?Nation^s Station^s top news commentator,
^i^pitting Peter Grant in WLWs top news spot at 11:00 P. M.
daily, WLW news shows will more than ever be the top news shows
of the nation.
WLW
The Nation's Station
National Representatives: Transainerican — New York, Chicago, Hollywood
RADIO
Wednesday, March 15, 1939
PRESDENT'S SON SAYS BLUNTLY WHAT
RADIO MEN DARE NOT; RAPS CONDmONS
._ _ ' D * r*- ' makes no difference whether he
Bankers Shy Off Radio So Long as roiiticians ^^^^^^^ ^ g^, or 20% return on his
V price Holds Life and Death, Elliott Roosevelt
Points Out in Frank Discussion
Washington, March 14,
Elliott Roosevelt gave the FCC last
week a detailed explanation oi
what's wrong with broadcasting and
governmental regulation. Winding
up the regional network phase 01
the chain-monopoly probe, Presi-
dent's son:
1. Termed the Communications
Act antiquabid, puzzling and unsatis-
factory. "
2. Complained about excessive
government meddling in the radio
business.
3. Urged adoption of a different
concept of broadcasting's obligations,
privileges and functions.
In a day-and-a-half spell on the
witness stand, head, of Hearst Radio
and the Texas State Network dif-
fered sharply with the social ' and
economic philosophy of Chairman
Frank R. McNlnch and gave voice
to the industry mutterings which
previous witnesses have been re-
luctant to express for fear of re
taliation. After stethoscoping both
the FCC and the Industry, Dr. Roose-
velt prescribed a far-flung revision
of regulatory legislation and of Com-
mish policies.
The President's son gave the FCC
numerous concrete recommendB'
tions, covering, a wide field ranging
from transcriptions to licensing.
Outstanding suggestion was that
broadcasters be treated the same as
various forms of transportation,
which would give the badly-needed
stability while still requiring licen'
sees to serve the public interest.
In place of the six-month licenses,
Roosevelt advocated issuance of cer-
tiflcates of convenience and necessity
FIRST
IN DETDOlt
Owned and Opmud by
TV Detroit Nnn
'Tftrlit^ St9um»miilt Awri, 19)$
Ba$/c JUi Uttmtk StaUau
Rtprtwnltd Nttleiully by
Gee. P. Helllngbery Ce.
N«w Ywli: Clitugei Dtlrolli
K*iiMi CItyt S«a Fruicbce: AiUirt*
such as are given to airlines and
trucking firms— running for an In-
definite period and revocable for any
failure to toe the mark. Under pres-
ent conditions, operators are con-
stantly on the chair-edge, yet the
Commish in actuality cranks out re-
newal papers on a routine basis in
the normal case. Use of a franchise
without time limits would merely be
a recognition of facts and put an end
to upsetting hocus-pocus.
Argument was based on economic
grounds. Bankers, not understand-
ing the exact situation in the indus-
try, think radio is a bad risk be-
cause the government can ruin an
investment at the end of any six-
month period.
The radio business today is prob-
ably ■ the only business of its kind
in the United States which is not
able to obtain financing from banks,'
he told the four-man investigating
committee. 'There is a very definite
reason why this business cannot ob-
tain that financing and therefore the
only people whq^have gone into the
radio business liave been people who
were willing to gamble rather large
sums of money on a very short-lived
expectancy of their business . . . The
radio industry has apparently not as
yet felt the stifling effect of lack of
adequate financing, largely because
of the stability and dependability of
the ifersonalities who have associated
themselves with our business.' . ,
The stringent control exercised by
the FCC over transmitter sales is a
barrier to development of the busi-
ness, - Roosevelt ecomplained. "Un
due restrictions* imposed by the
regulators cause so much uncertainty
about the possibility of liquidating
investments that good business men
fear to tie up their funds.
Calls Bare Bones Theory
Particularly Obnoxioiis
■ The bare-bones policy advocated
by the FCC chairman was particu-
larly obnoxious to the President's
soa As l<Hig as the buyer has am-
ple resources to' operate the plant,
it's none of the government's concern
whether the price exceeds the physi-
cal value of the property. He was
sour about the 'loose talk about
trafficking in licenses and huge
profits from sale of licenses,* com-
plaining because there is insufficient
appreciation of the difference be-
tween trafficking and legitimate sale.
Trafficking he defined as a transac-
tion in which a person with no in-
tent of building or operating a sta-
tion obtains a construction permit or
buys an existing transmitter and
peddles the papers for a handsome
profit. Legitimate sale occurs when
an individual in good faith builds or
buys and then operates .but is forced
later to sell,
. Principle of 'let the buyer beware*
should be. followed in handling sta'
tion sales, Roosevelt contended. Only
concern of the government is the
purchaser's aTiillty to keep going. It
investment as long as he provides
service.
The public will take care of pur-
chasers who pay so much for a trans-
mitter that they have to jack up
rates, he argued. Advertisers will
turn to other media if the station
doesn't produce and 11 the standard,
of service declines. • Proprietors who
try to charge more than the traffic
will bear, on account of their indis-
cretion in paying an excessive sum,
will be punished by the law of di-
minishing returns. The price tag
cannot be fixed by reference to the
worth of the physical equipment and
property since personalities are such
an integral part of a broadcasting
venture and cannot be measured by
a rigid yardstick.
Industry is forced to project its
earnings well beyond the six-month
license period, TSN head, explained.
Because the investments required
are so substantial they cannot be re-
covered in the brief time covered
by a single license.
'Service, Not Sale Price,
All That Should Count'
570 KC NBC
RED ■ B - U
WSYR
Farmers in central New York? You
betcher boots, Jim — real dirt farmers
with plenty of money to spend. More
than 325,840* of them listen to WSYR.
Syracuse.
*From • recent farm study In the Syraousa, market. A
copy is waiting for you. Wr!t«;W8YR, Syracuse.
*If the buyer can continue to i-en-
der a high grade service and can
improve upon that service, I cannot
see what difference it makes whether
the station sells for a dime or a mil-
lion dollars as long as you continue
to regulate the buyer just as you
(now) do the seller and make sure
that the type of operations is in the
best interest of the public . . . I don't
know of a single industry of com-
parable size which is required to ap-
ply each six months for the right to
continue in business, he declared.
'If we were allowed to be honest
and place a direct valuation on the
license which we have — which, alter
all, is the goodwill and the type of
operation which we build up in our.
community — and the banks can be
made to see the investment pos-
sibility in radio, that will go a long
way toward making 'radio a very
much better industry for the people
of the United States.'
The price paid for KNX, Los An
geles ($1,250,000) and the amount
offered to 'WOAI, San Antonio
($800,000) were entirely soimd, in
Roosevelt's estimation, and did not
indicate any Intent to 'traffic* in fa'
cillties. Plants which have a chance
to earn as much as these stations are
worth hundreds of thousands. Pra
dent operators will not pay tremen-
dous amounts, he noted, without
some prospect of getting their in-
vestment back or unless they are ex'
tremely philanthropic and have i
burning yen to serve the public.
As the Commish raised its eye
brows af these opinions, the Presi-
dents son noted that railroads, air-
lines and trucking companies— which
use public resources— get much more
sympathetic treatment than broad-
casters. They can obtain certificates
of convenience which allow them a
reasonable lease on life. - Govern-
ment is not prevented from making
them deliver satisfactory service. No
vested right is granted as long as
the issuing authority can yank back
the privilege in cases of abuse.
The Commish ought to ask Con-
gress for a change in the law so that
such revocable tickets could be
handed out to qualified applicants,
Roosevelt asserted. Three-year per-
mits won't be a complete remedy,
since they still place an arbitrary
limit on the existence of the sta-
tions and are subject to the same ob-
jections as have been registered
against six-month ducats.
Large Profits Permit
Facsimile Experiments
In discussing the financial angle,
he noted that no smallies are playing
with facsimile or television becau.se
of lack of cash. Only development
is being carried on by NBC, CBS, or
a station with considerable wattage
and 'tremendous profits.'
Possibility the industry would pay
a fee gladly if allowed to have title
to various frequencies was suggested
to the Commish. Saying he saw no
reason why a well-behaved opera-
tor should not get preferential treat
ment, he declared the broadcasters
are not attempting to steal anything
from the government or the public,
If they are worthy at all, licensees
deseirve some safeguard in the way
of recognition of their right to use a
certain facility. This thought didn't
go down with McNlnch, who doubted
that members of the industry are as
public-spirited as the President's son
thinks. Chairman asked why, if
broadcasters are patriotic and phil-
anthropic, the rush and scramble lor
operating papers.
McNinch Not Pleased
By Roosevelt Ideas
Startled by these theories, Mc-
Ninch fired repeated .questions that
reflected his dislike for a change in
the existing -attitude toward broad-
casters. If history shows the FCC
has denied renewal pleas only in
rare instances,' he cannot understand
why the industry should be alarmed.
Bankers and outsiders do not under-
stand, Roosevelt retorted, pointing
out again that the law gives little as-
surance that substantial outlays will
not be jeopardized.
'If the regulatory right of the
United States Government is not di-
minished, what logical reason can be
advanced for holding the radio in-
dustry under such a short lease of
life?' the First Family's enterprising
member queried.
Veritable censorship, through fear of
punishment and contusion over what
is expected, was another , of Roose-
velt's complaints. Broadcasters are
entitled to a clearer idea of what
constitutes 'operation in the public
interest,' some reconciliation between
the free-speech ideal and the theor.y
they must not offend listeners, an
escape from the dilemma presented
by the political neutrality clause of
the Federal statute and the libel
laws.
Urges Regulation of Web
Control Over Affiliates
Public interest is injured, not pro-
moted, when networks are able to
tie up affiliates via strict contracts,
Roosevelt said. Operators are sup-
posed to serve their immediate vi-
cinity with the sort of programs the
audience prefers, but if their facili-
ties are .dominated by chains they
cannot perform to the maximum ad-
vantage. Commish ought to regulate
tile type of contracts. He insisted he
believes national combos are desir-
able if they are regulated appropri-
ately.
Present, policy on transcriptions is
evidence of a condescending attitude,
he testified. Disc programs often rep-
resent as big an outlay and as high-
quality production as networks' live
talent shows. Idea they' should be
identified a& recorded is a relic of
the old days when platters were
scratchy and the embalmed music or
speech could not be reproduced with
fidelity. With the improvement in
recording technique many waxed
programs now are of materially
higher quality than programs piped
long distances by wire. He did not
like the idea of permitting the na-
tional chains to control the disc bus!
ness, fearing tighter control over the
business of big advertisers.
The United States ought to put
heat on Mexico to ratify the North
American agreement. President's son
said. State Department" people are
'slightly too polite' in their relations
with the Mexicans, who are definite-
ly lowering public taste by permit-
ting super-power transmitters to
spray programs over the border. If
argmnents are not effective the
United States ought to think about
applying economic sanctions to
Mexico.
The succession of FCC question-
naires is a grave concern to the in-
dustry, the commish was told. While
uriform accounting systems might
be helpful, the orders for detailed
reports are unjustifiable. Since last
September, when the prodding for
statistics started, KFJZ, his Fort
Worth outlet, has spent $8,000 just
to satisfy the FCC curiosity. Blanks
keep two people busy.
Explaining the operations of his
chain, the President's son said he was
motivated in linking the 23 outlets
by the fact that stations without net-
work connections cannot attract the
audience. Lacking cash they were
unable to put on the sort of pro-
grams which build a following and
instead had to rely almost entirely
on wax.
The TSN has edged out of the red
since the turn of the year, commish
learned. From Sept IS to Jan. 31,
losses were $105,000 on time sales of
$77,912, but now the enterprise is
making 'small profit' and the outlook
is that the first full year will show
only a $50,000 deficit. Indicating a.
profit of around $55,000 in eight
months.
Cash with which the Frontier
Broadcasting Co.— composed of some
of his web associates — is seeking to
buy two of the Hearst Radio outlets,
WACO at Waco, and KNOW at Aus-
tin, was put up by TSN, Roosevelt
said. , Thus one company - of which
he is president is financing the pur-
chase of plants owned by another
corporation which he nominally
heads. Commish learned that Roose-
velt and..his wife, partner in his en-
terprises,' loaned the chain $50,000
for purchase of land and building
for corporate activities.
Operations require TSN to feed 17
hours of talent daily to the affiliates,
which are permitted to obtain local
.si'ionsorship for sustaining features
if they are able.
With the regional phase over, the
commish probers this week listen to
critics of the industry, the law, and
the regulators, along with special
pleaders, before ogling the transcrip-
tion field. Witnesses include Nor-
man Baker, who intends to renew
his yowls about alleged discrimina-
tion when his Muscatine, la., plant, .
KTNT, was thrown off the air be-
cause of medical programs. Labor
groups are scheduled to presei^t com-
plaints about unfair treatment, as
are educators.
Would Abolish Set Tax
Montreal, March 14.
' Proposal has been submitted to
Parliament by Paul Martin for the
complete abolition of the Canadian
annual radio license fee of $2.50 on
the grounds that the license charge
is prejudicing the interests of the
Canadian Broadcasting Corp. Radio
Committee now in session has been
asked to rule on this problem befora'
March 25. as the radio license collec-
tion begins in the spring.
Indications are that proposal will
be given scant consideration sine*
the government derives about $2,700,-
000 from this ,tax annually from ap-
proximately 1,200,000 owners of re-
ceiving sets. Possibility that tax
may be reduced to $2, which would
cut receipts by $600,000 annually.
lumiui trnKsnwinis :
EowNw pmor a ca^
ON THE NBC RED NETWORH
GOO-LEHER PULL
IN SPOT OPPOSITE
MR. JACK BENNY!
Yet-over 600 letters received
fho nexf day. One example of
WNEWj tremendous pevtrer.
THERE IS A REAiSONt
By all indepmident surveys*
WNEW ranks first in num-
ber of listeners of qny Now
York non- network station.
*on request
I ■ I ■
SEBV INQ NEW YOKK AND NIW JEKStY 24 HOURS A DAY
SOOO WATTS IV DAV-tOOO WATTS IT ■iGIT-l2S0 RILieVClCt
SYRACUSE
NEW
YORK
•VAMETT'S* LONDON OFFICE
t St. BiBiila'i FUm, XrafUsar Sqnn
mTERMATIONAL RADIO
Cable AddNUi TABIETX LONDOS
Tclepboue T«inpl« Bar SOtl-MMS
35
ABC Ignores Possible Beef of Radio
Set Licensees, Books Acts for Vaude
Sydney, Feb. 19.
Australian. Broadcasting Commis*
ilon Is booking its talent with pic-
ture theatres. First such deal was a
two-weeks' tour for Jim Davidson's
orchestra with the Greater Union
Theatres. This was followed by the
placement of Albert Fisher's Octet
in the various CarroUs houses during
the run of Faramount's 'If I Were
King.'
The ABC has heretofore been un-
certain about booking its talent into
pop priced spots because of the pos-
sible kickback from radio set licensee
payees. Fans, it was figured, might
want to know why they should have
to pay an admission fee, plus the
license money, to see the talent in
person. Also why the ABC should
be permitted to collect this additional
revenue and to what use the money
was being put
PARH MOUTHPIECE
IGNORES THE RULES
Mexico City, March 7.
Radio station XEFO here, voice of
the Party of the Mexican Bevolutioh,
dominator of the Mexican govern-
ment, which was recently fined $200
for broadcasting liauor publicity, Is
In trouble again. The ministry -of
communications and public works,
ruler of air affairs in Mexico, has
complained to President Lazaro Car
denas that the station:
(1) Refuses to obey its orders
against broadcasting forbidden ma-
terial, including obscene music. (2)
Pay the wage of a ministry inspec-
tor, as the law requires. (3) To pro-
vide the required monthly question-
naire covering its income and ex-
penses, as RMist all commercial sta-
tions in Mexico.
SPY STUFF SILLY
Hexle* Calls Bnmon Basel
German Baren Deported
Mexico City, March 7.
Registered radio stations in Mexico
are not being used by foreign secret
service operatives, and these spies
have no clandestine air facilities in
this country, declares a government
report, made In connection with
stories to the effect that tlie nine
men, headed by Baron Hans Hein-
rich Von HoUfletirer (who was de-
ported), used radio in a local ceme-
tery for advising Berlin of Mexican
military and naval secrets.
So complete is its control of radio
that it is impossible for short wave
o any other clandestine stations to
operate in Mexico, asserts the min-
istry of communications and public
works, which has charge of air af-
fairs in this land..
Nostroms Force
Self-Censorsh^
In Australia
Nelson Maples Divorced
Pittsburgh, March 14.
Nelson Maples, director of KQV
•tafl orchestra and week-end dance
band nrtaestro at Webster Hall
hotel, and his wife, former Ellen
Mason, one-time nitery hat-check
gal, were split by divorce route here
last week.
PAUL GATES PBOMOTED
San Francisco, March 14. -
Promotion of Paul Gates to post of
supervisor of announcers and night
programs at KPO and KGO (NBC)
has been made. '
Gates' assistant will be Grant Pol-
lock, who was upped following the
transfer of Hal Gibney to the an-
nouncing staff at NBC's Hollywood
■tudios. Hal Wolf, formerly of
KOMO and KJR in SeatUe, and WU-
Ilam Wood, Jr., previously with KLS
In Oakland, are recent additions to
the spielers.
Sydney, Feb. 19,
Commercial stations have agreed
to establish a system of self-censor'
ship, with Frank Marden, general
manager of the Commonwealth Net-
work, as chairman of the committee
that will watch over programs and
advertising material. It's the first
voluntary setup of its kind in Antipo-
des -broadcasting^
Non-govemment-operated stations
decided to act after the postmaster-
general had remarked that the whole
commercial radio field was in need
of a shaking up. Chief target of his
comment was patent -medicines. It
was likewise hinted that if these
broadcasters didn't do somehouse-
cleaning from within drastic legisla-
tion might follow.
New committee will have authority
over about 90 stations. .
NOLA lUZFOBO AT EXPO
Nola Luxford, New Zealand ac-
tress, who has done considerable In-
ternational broadcasting from the
Antipodes, has been named New
Zealand's special officer on public
relations counsel at the N. Y. World's
Fair,
She will have charge of special
events broadcasts to N. Z., including
the visit of the British King and
Queen.
LONDON CALLING
Beanlah's Motor MagMlne booked
a series of twice weekly weekday
afternoon quarter hours on Radio
Normandy. First experiment on the
air.
American hillbilly team, Ed and
Don, who liave been broadcasting
from Radio Normandy, set with
Steele's Advertising Service for C.
E. Fulford, Ltd. (Zam-Buk). Will
broadcast direct from Normandy
studios at Caudebec-en-Cauz, France.
I. H. Hare It Partners, Ltd., on
Normandy for client, Spinks (Clean-
ers), Ltd, First, time Spinks on
radio.
Backlcy narcreavea given new
ticket as BBC film crix covering
spring quarter.
J. G. L. Francb appointed assist-
ant chief accountant at Broadcasting
House, London.
'Edge ef the World, Michael
Powell's semi-document:. -7, will fill
whole afternoon visio session April 1.
All-French star aret being pro-
duced in Paris by Archie Campbell
fc • BBC March 20 in tribute to
French President's U.K. visit
OenoM Toothpaste, which has
been sponsoring the only American
pattern quiz program on Radio Nor-
mandy under the title . of "Teaser
Time,' is dropping out of this sta-
tion March 28 to extend their week-
day Luxembourg time. The object
being to obtain a run of 15-minute
programs every day of the week at
10 in the morning for various prod-
ucts belonging to the sponsor Gen-
atosan, Ltd.
This firm is at present on the air
twice weekly from Luxembourg for
S.'.natogen and Genasprin. The for-
mer program being of a semi-edu-
cative nature, and the latter a non-
serial script show. The new Genozo
program is likely to be In the popu-
lar music category, and will be ban-
died by Mather & Crowther.
AEROPLANE TRAGEDY
John Siadler, CBC OfOclal, KUIed la
Qnebee Crash
Montreal, March 14.
John C. Stadler, Jr., 32, executive
assistant to Dr. A. Frigon, assistant
general manager of the Canadian
Broadcasting Corp. was instantly
killed when the plane In which he
was flying crashed in the Lake St
John district last week. Stadler and
two companions were on a week-end
pleasure jaunt in the gold-mining
district of northern Quebec Bodies
and plane wreckage were discovered
by two commercial pHots.
Stadler was manager of stations
CBF and CBM, the two Government
transmitters here, prior to his ap-
pointment as Dr. Frigon's assistant
Radio Wage Scale in Australia
Fixed by Law; Minimums Are
$16 to $24 Weekly; Rehearsal Pay
BLIGHTED ROMANCE
Mexican Tenor, 82, Shoots Self in
Badio Studio
Mexico City, March 7-
Jose Luis Lama Rojas, 22-year-old
tenor, with a considerable air. fol-
lowing, shot himself to death In the
studios of XEB, Mexico City, a few
minutes before his scheduled broad-
cast
The suicide was attributed to a ro-
mance that went wrong.
ANNOUNCING
that
Mr. C. G. COSBY
(formtrly gentnl vuiuger uf KWK)
has joined the
staff of radio sutipn
KXOK
owned and operated by the
ST. LOUIS STAR-TIMES
as
Director of National Sales
PREMIUMS NEW
STUFF TO
ENGLAND
Sydney, Feb. 19.
Commonwealth Arbitration Court
has fixed an award (1. e., wage scale)
covering artists and others employed
by the Australian Broadcasting Com-
mission. Award, which met with the
approval of the Actors' Equity of
Australia . and the ABC, governs
choristers, actors, and actresses. Min-
imum rates for males and femmes
commencing a radio career have
been fixed at $16 per week, and those
with experience will cop $24. Rates
for choristers, males and femmes, set
at $20 per week.
Adult players in kiddie sessions
will receive $1.25 for each perform-
ance and kids $2.50. The minimum
fee to be paid any artist for an air
engagement is set at $8.50.
Actors and actresses engaged casu-
ally in connection with plays will re-
ceive $8.50, which includes the per-
formance and two rehearsals. Addi-
tional rehearsals to be paid for at the
rate pt $2.50.
London, March 7.
The premium offer, a well-estab-
lished Eiales-forcing strategy in
America radio, is just beginning to
make Itself felt in the British com-
mercial radio field, as is witnessed
by the recent decision of Syming-
tons, makers of packet soups, jellies
and other groceries, to' go all out for
this line on the . radio. For four
weeks in succession boQi from Lux-
embourg and Normandy on Sunday
and weekday programs beginning
Feb. 26, Symingtons are killing their
normal commercial to offer 12 pack-
ets of branded garden S2eds sun>lied
by Unwins, well-known British
growers, in return for a box top and
10c. The retail value of these seeds
is In the region of 50e. If this offer
brings results comparable In any
way to those achieved in America
Ben Cossman, B. A. Burns
Join Stevenson & Seott
Montreal, March 14.
Ben Cossman, program producer,
and B. A.' Burns, account exec, have
switched from Associated Broadcast-
ing to the Stevenson & Scott Agency.
Cossman-Bums are placing series
of French-language transcriptions
for Ottewa Paints over stations
CKAC end CHLP, starting March 23,
with Quebec and Hull station time
also being arranged fOr the same
sponsor. Also buying dally q>ots for
Holt, Renfew & Co. over stations
CFCF and CKAC, starting March 27.
It Is probable Ssrmlngtons will con-
tinue the policy with other premi-
ums.
The
MILT HERTH
TRIO
SAYS THANKS TOt
Walter WInchall for:
"N«w Yorchlda to the Milt H«rtb siflns-thrt* ...»
bay-oo-te«-(ull blending."
Niek Kenny, N. T. DAILY MIRROR, for:
"One of the hotteat InatrumenUI trioe In mnelo today
can b« heard over WBAF «a«h momlDS . . , offering a
brand of awing maalc that mailt nerve as a dyDumlc
'eye-opener' tor rollllona"
Ban Groas, N. T. DAILT NEWS, for:
"Tb« trio headed by Milt Hertb. the awing organJnl.
gave out with grand abandon , . . this tbreeeome .can
bold lla own against any on the air."
Can* Knight, N. T. JOURNAL-AMERICAN, for:
"An unuBoal entertainment trio that coazea unuanal
, mualc from organ; drama and piano, and leaves the
cuatomem begging for more."
Abal Graan, VARIETY, for:
"Milt Herth Trio nan go onto a«y rostrum and clli'h
as big In picture houaea as at the Chez FIrebouM."
Sol Zatt, BILLBOARD, for:
"Work on original arrangements and are decidedly a
novelty entertainment Item for theatres and night clubs"
Currently TRIPLING Between . . .
THE NEW YORK STRAND
CHEZ FIREHOUSE
NBC RED AND BLUE NETWORKS
(Seven Ttmea Weekly as "Omar (he Swlngnwker")
OUR SINCERE THANKS to Harry Mayer, Harry Gourfaln, ZeO
Epstein, Will Osborne and Irving Wlndlsch at the Strand;
Andrew D. Weinberger for hln swell advice and guidance; John
and Jerrold Krlmsky and MCA for the Chez Flrehouse; Austin
Croom Johnson and air of NBC; Charlie Green and CRA for a
new association; Irving Lehrcr for puhllclty, advice and many
things, big and little.
P.R.— We're malting Deceit R<«rda, NRC trahwriptlona and Wamet ahorta
Addrcns All Conimunlcatlon.<) to
ANDREW D. WEINBERGER, 67 West 44th St., New York City
36 VARIETY
RADIO
Wedneadaj, March 15, 1939 I
Normandy, Poste Parisien
Share Varions Commerciai
Waxes Made in London-^
F. C. C's WASHINGTON DOCKET
London, March 7.
Two of the commercials operating
from European stations for U.K.
listeners operate a system for pool-
ing programs. Radio Normandy is
operated by the International Broad-
casting Co., and Poste Parisien is
controlled by Anglo Continental'
Publicity, but both use identical
material with the exception there is
more from the \BC transmitter than
comes out from Paris.
All sponsored programs this side
are pre-recorded owing to impos-
sibility of getting artists out to the
Continent to do programs there, so
it is easy, to make two copies of re-
quired programs and ship one to
Normandy and the other to Paris.
Curious result - is that keen listen-
ers, after hearing a favorite pro-
gram on one wavelength, can al-
most immediately switch to' the
other to hear it over.
Difference between two sta-tions
Is that IRC transmitter at Fecamp
puts in many more hours daily on
coAimercial broadcasts than ACP
unit in Paris. Normandy averages
10 hours daily in the week and 13%
hours Sundays, against -3 hours and
>5 hours, resp>ectively, from Poste
Parisien. This means latter station
only takes key programs, but in its
favor is that reception in London
has. edge on Normandy. Latter is
strongest in south of England.
Spanisli Stars in N. Y.
Amanda Ledesma and Alberta
Vila,. Spanish film and radio stars,
arrived in the U. S. from Argentina
Monday <6).
Couple enroute to the Coast to ap'
pear in Spanish films ~f or Cobian
Productions, to be released by 2(Hh-
Fox.
B. Watters, formerly of Emil Bri-
sacher & Staff, is in charge of the re-
cently opened San . Francisco office
of David, Inc., agency of Minnesota.
Trade Mark
of
Enterlmnmenl
Satiafaclion
PAUL
WHITEMAN
and his
ALL-AMERICAN BAND
Now Appearing
With Sensational
Success At the
SOUTHWEST EXPOSITION
and RODEO
Tort Worth, Tozai
BROADCASTING FOB
CHESTERFIELD
from Fort Wortb, Teus«
Manlelpal Andltorlam
Hwch IStU— 7:8d P.M., C.S.T.
BOOKED KXCLTJSrVELT BT.
Artists Management, Inc.
17 East 4Sth St. New York
■Drrar BlU t-1888
MAJOR DECISIONS
\Vi(j<hInBlon, Mnrch H.
ConnerHcut: Oporatlon of WNLC, N>«' London, on' a fuM-
Omo bnnls reoelvod flnul CommJsli okay over plaints of
WVVRI,, Wooilsildo, N. v.. and W.ME.V. lloston. Favornble
examlner'8 report. Isuucil lani April, wan contonlrd by tlie
outHlile Hinllons nnd rrhasli of the inntler licid In October.
Substaiillal need exists In Now T.oiulon for the propowert
service. C'ommlsli found. No nntlafnctory niRhttlmo service la
received In the area; the applicant station tg'ciuallfled In all
rex|>ectfi to Increane iin operation 'and no 'aiitatantlnl In-
creaxe' In objectlonal Interference with e-^IiitlnK transmlttera
would rcHult. New London station would be limited nlRliis
l>.v WWRL to within Its approximate 3.l> millivolt per meter
contour, however.
Now ODeratlnR on luOO ke with 100 watts, the station Is
a<1c<tuately equipped to broadcuiit ii:;^hts with the uan\e
amount of power It Is now. unlnft In the. daytime. No ex-
penditures would be necessary. Comhilsh found, with the
exception of additional personnel.' Hales will remnin un-
ch.'^nped, save for national charges .which will be boosted
2i'i after 6 p.m. Thames Broadcnstlne Corp., licensee of
W'NT.r. lios been losing: money and, -by operatlne as proposed,
expects additional monthly revenues averaginff 11,464.
Ilor.ice L. Lohnes, E. D. .Tohnaton, and F, Vi'. Alkertson
ap:>e.ired on behalf of applicant.
(leoririn: Grcwlns pains uf AVKRU, Grlfrin, atlHed with a
denial of Its plea' to move to Mucon and extend operation
from days to full-time. Macon Is admirably served by
Commlsh pointed out. whereas the proposed move
of WKBU would deprive Orlffin of Its only local primary
broadcast service. Also considerable question a6' to flnnnclal
support which the station' could pick up In Mncon, since no
dcAnite contracts have been secured from prospective ad-
vertlserp; certain mercliant.s have stated that they are satis-
fled with the advertlslns rates of WMAZ and do not cars
to support the proposed service, and no announcement has
been made of the rates which '\VKBU would eharee. except
Hint they will be 'sIlKhlly lower' than those of WMAZ.
Transmitter, which requested a chanRe of frequency from
lEOO to 1310 kc and operation with 100 watts nights and 200
watts days, was represented, by. Horace b Lohnes, E. D.
Johnston and F. W. Albertson.-
»w Jersey: Green light for the Press-Union Putllshlnj
Co.. on Its plea to construct a new station at Atlantic City.
Outfit, which publishes the leading newspapers in Atlantic
City, will spend 122,000' for a transmitter and Intends to use
75?V live talent programs In day and night operation. Re-
quested 1200 kc with 100 watts nights, 2(0 watts days.
^Vhlle the proposed transmitter will be limited to lis ap-
proximate 3.2 millivolt per meter contour by 'WEST, Eaaton,
Pa., Commlsh decided that 'no objectionable Interference wilt
result to any existing broadcast station, nor will the pro-
posed station receive objectionable Interference If this ap-
plication Is granted.*
Applicants were presented by Ben 9. Fisher, Charles V.
Wayland and John Kendall.
Kew ITork: Trials and tribulations of WARD and WLTH,-
Brooklyn transmitters which have been battling tor existence
over a period of years, prolonged last week by Commlsh
denial of their Joint motion to strike the proposed findings
of fact submitted against them by WBBC. Broklyn tangle
stood this way, on March 6:
Commlsh, currently pondering the 'WBBC proposed find-
ings, gave WARD-WLTH 16 days In which to file an answer
to the same; ordered that WBBC be allowed 20 days la
wlilcli to file a reply to the WARD-WLTH answer.
>'orth Carolina:. Reiteration of Its disapproval -was given'
last week by the Commlsh on proposed nighttime operation
of WAIR, 'Wlnston-Salem. Turned down early In January,
on an application which would have given the station night
power of 260 watts, to augment Its present assignment of
260 watts days, on liSO kc, C. Q. Hill, George D. Walker and
Susan II. Walker, licensees of the transmitter, petitioned for
a rehearing. Second Commlsh rebuff was given 'In order
to more clearly state the grounds relied upon by the Com-
mission In denying the application.' Decision — representing
another of the hew-fangled Ideaj which have been recently
adopted — was tagged 'Supplemental Statement of Facts,
Grounds for Decision; and Order.'
Serious Interference to applicant transmitter and to 'WNBW,
New York, and 'WHBI, .Newark, was cited as principal rea-
son why 'WAIR should not be permitted to operate nights.
WInston-Salom would be stymied to within Its approximate
6.6 millivolt per meter nighttime contour and would not bo
able to serve oil of the 'corporate limits of the city' (which
Is from S\i to < miles wide) under the proposed change,
Com.mlsh said. 'WNBW apd 'WHBI would be kept to their
respective 2.4 millivolt per meter contours at night, and
WDSCI. New Orleans, would be limited to Its 1.3 millivolt
per meter contour.
Commissioner Brown did not partlclpat* In final turn-
down.
Texas! In another supplement to a previous decision,
Commlsh reiterated Its opinion that the application of W. C.
Irvln, Amarlllo, should bo turned down. Grant to Amarlllo
Broadcasting Corp., - of the same town, which received an
okay laet fall on Its request for the assignment of 1600 ko
with 100 watts, was re-upheld — mostly on grounds that tho
stockholders were better qualified, by reason of their lonff
residence and business afrillatlons In Amarlllo, to suprevlso
the type of local program which would be of benefit to
listeners In the area. W. C. Irvln, loser In tho tug-p'-war,
was found to have funds 'only slightly In excess of tho
amount required' to construct and operate the proposed sta-
tion, while Amarlllo Corp. could give reasonable assurance
of Its ability to carry on for the first tew months without
commercial support.
Issue of power— with Irvln requesting 260 watts days, 100
watts nights, on 1500 kc, and the Amarlllo Broadcasting out-
fit asking same frequency with 100 watts day and night
was an Issue In tho decision. Commlsh agreed, however,
that:' 'It has not been shown In this case that public Inter-
est, convenience and necessity will be better served by au-
thorizing IrvlD's propossd station merely because It will
operate with power In excess of that requested' by the
Amarlllo Broadcasting Corporation, In view of the fact that
the Amarlllo Broadcasting Corporation Is In other respects
better qualified.'
MINOR DECISIONS
Florida: 'WJAX, City of jacksonvllte, Jacksonville, granted
renewal of license for the period ending Sept. 1.
Illinois: W9XTA. Schonert Radio Service, Harrlsburg,
granted renewal of high frequency broadcast elation license
on a temporary basis only, and designated application tor
==^^=^=-« ■
renewal of llronse for hearing, because itppllcant hoa not
subniit.ted any tangible measurements pursuant to Rule lOSl',
nn<l has not Indicated he. will carry forward any research or
e\':-crlnicnlnl progrnm that will contribute a reasonable
aiDttuiii oC Information to the art.
loH'u: KOCA, Chnrles 'Walter Greentey, Decorah, granted
llrenHO to use KWLC's (Decorah) transmitter In order to
IrnnHinit programs upon tlie express condition that the grant
sliali not be construed as a finding upon the application of
Mason city Globe Gazette, Co., licensee of KQLO for eon-
strui'tlon permit, nor upon the request of KGCA for renewal
of license, nor upon, any of the Issues Involved therein, nor
that the Cnnuniflh has found that the operation of the sta-
tion Is or will be In tho public Interest ' beyond tho express
'term.** hereof.
.Maryland: WIXEY, the Baltimore Radio Show, Inc., Balti-
more, granted renewal of high frequency experimental broad-
cast station license for one year, from April 1, on experimental
basis only and subject to chango or cancellation by the
Cnnimish without advance notice; W3XE9, Monumental Radio
Co., Baltimore, same as above.
ViiHsucliuseltH: WNAC-WAAB, ITankee Network, Inc.,
Boston. Commlsh reconsidered action In setting for hearing
npiilications for renewal of licenses and granted sanie; WBEI,
Columbia Broadcasting System. Inc., Boston, donled special
tcnii>orary authority to operate with 6 kw nights, for a
period of 30 days, using directional antenna In order to. over-
come Interference from Cuban -station CMCT.
Mississippi: WFOR. Forrest Broadcasting Co., Inc.,
granted day power boost' from 100 to 260 watts.
Missouri: U'9XKR, Midland Broadcasting Co., KansAs City,
granteil renetval of high frequency broadcast station license
on temporary basis only, and designated application for hear-
ing because applicants have not furnished . sufficient research
or experimental record.
New Jersey: WAWZ, Pillar of Fire, Zarepath, granted use
of present directional antenna system tor daytime operation
also.
New York: Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., New York,
granted extension of existing authority expiring March 16, to
iransrhlt programs to Canadian stations CFRB and CKAC,
and to stations of the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., by means
of wire facilities furnished by A. T. & T. ; National Broad-,
casting Co., Inc., New York, granted extension of existing
authority expiring March 16, to deliver recorded programs
to Canadian stations under control of the Canadian Broad-
castinir Corp.; WBEI4, inc.. Buffalo, granted license tor new
facsimile statli^n, provided applicant request withdrawal of
special experimental authorization of tacalmllo transmission
over applicant's regular broadcast station; frequencies 31600,
30000, :SC00 and 41000 ke on an experimental basis only, con-
ditionally; 100 watts power; Columbia Broadcasting System,
Inc., New York, granted authority to transmit programs to a
foreign station, CMCK, Havana, from CBS In New York, and
other points throughout the U. S. where licensee maintains
studios; W2XJI, Bamberger Broadcasting Service, Inc., New
York, 'W8XH and WBBN, Inc.. Bulfalo, granted renewal of
high frequency broadcast experimental license to April 1, 1940,
on experimental basis only and subject to change or cancella-
tion by Commlsh at any time; 'W3XL-W3XAL, NBC, New
York, granted special temporary authority to transmit pro-
grama consisting of Spanish News to be rebroadcast by
Cuban Stations CMX and COCX, for a period not to exceed
30 days; WGXL, RCA Communications, Inc., New York,
granted extension of authority to operate special experimental
station on 31380 kc to June 7, subject to same conditions as
In the present authorization; WCXJ-'WQV-WL.L, RCA Com-
munications, Inc., Rocky Point, N. T.. granted extension of
special temporary authority to communicate, using Its regu-
larly assigned frequency with the Albanian radio station ZAA.
tor contact control purposes In connection with reception of
addressed program material, to April 14, subject to condition
thot no Interference Is caused to regular point to point serv-
ice for which the station Is licensed, and may be cancelled
by the Commlsh.
Tennessee: WSM, Nashville, granted extension of special
experimental authority to operate as a facsimile broadcast
station from 12 midnight to 6 a.m., CST, to Aug 1
Washington: KBJT-KBJU. Northern Radio Co., Seattle,
granted operation of KBJT-KBJU (Selawlk, Alaska) on 2474
and 8092.2 kc. In addition to 24S« kc now authorized; also
granted license for now station KIH, frequencies 2406, 2474.
8092.5 kc with 50 watts, .
Wisconsin: WLBL, Board of Regents, University of WIs-
SP-ISr"; S'o™ns Point, granted renewal of license to Sspt. 1;
n 9XJL. Head of the Lakes Broadcasting Co:, Superior,
granted renewal of high frequency broadcast station license
until April 1, 1940. on an experimental basis only, subject to
chango or cuncellatlon at any time.
NEW APPUCATIONS
10*'t^"2'6o'watti'"'' *'""'"<f*'*'^ n'eh' PO"'' 'roni
Calltomlat Don Lee Broadcasting System, Ban Francisco,
new television station to be operated on 4200-56000 kc with
1 KW, AS and A4, emission; also special emission.
Conneetknt: -WBLI. City Broadcasting Corp., New Haven,
change In frequency from 900 to 980 kc, change In hours of
operation from days to unlimited, using 260 watts nights,
600 watts daya. move transmitter. Install directional antenna
lor all-tlmo use.
• Georgta: WHDW, Augusta, boost night power from 100 to
Zoo watts.
HassachDMttB: North Shore Broadcasting Co., Salem, new
" »Vi°S * operated on 1200 ko with 100 watts.
M cfilgan: KIng-Trendle Broadcasting Corp., Detroit, ex-'
tension of authority to transmit programs from WXYZ to
stations of the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.
fc,^5!!""r'/ '*^".°' Kansas City, new high frequency relay
broadcast (experimental) station on 26100 kc with 100 watts.
New Joreey: W8XAD, RCA Manufacturing Co., Inc
Camden, modification of llcanss to change treouancpa to
Vr\'^S^liir^'- nu.ncl«;"NeptuiJ
Broadcasting Corp.. Atlantic City, now station to be operated
on 1500 ko with 100 watts nights, 250 watts days, "r™""
WHShlngton: KPIO. Spokane, Install new transmitter and
antenno. change frequency from 1120 to 950 kc. Increase
power from 100 watts to 1 kw, change hours of operation
from days to unlimited. ■ woonun
^^.IHt'^'^''}"'''- ,'WCHS, Charleston, make changes In trans-
mltt ns equipment and boost power from 1 to 6 kw
.Wisconsin: The (Milwaukee) Journal Co., Milwaukee, per-
mit for reinstatement of high frequency broadcast expVrl-
1. f, .^V9XAZ on frequencies 81600, 86600. 38600
and 41000 Kc with 600 watts, A-3 emission; WEAl" Central
Broadcasting Co., Eau Claire, Increase day power from 1 to
ail
THE ON BILLS
JANE WES"
NOW RADIO S MOST POPULAR
FAMILY BRINGS YOU MORE
AUGHTER JeARS -^vd [-| EART-THROBS
Prese.n led by Ivory Soap 99" .:: : Oo'i?
T
IJCnM TWICE DAILY
U^IEI^ NBC Red Network, 12M6 to 12:30 P.M. EST
lU CBS • WABC— 2:1Sto 2:30 P.M. EST
• • COAST TO COAST
Dir. COUPTON ADVERTISI.Sa AGKNCT
MQT. ED WOLF— RKO BLOC. NEW YORK CITY
r
PRESBYTERIAN EDITOR
RAPS SUNDAY BLURBS
Toronto, March 14.
Registering a vigorous protest
against advertising in Sunday broad-
cdsts, and particularly rapping com-
mercial plugs incorporated in religi-
ous "programs. Rev. Dr. W. M.
Rochester, editor of the 'Presbyte-
rian Record,' has challenged the Ca-
nadian Broadciasting Corp. to wipe
out 'this hypocrisy that discredits all
concerned.' Confining his attack t()
this country's ether activities only,
he also charges that Sunday radio
' advertising, emanating from Cana-
dian stations, is illegal and in con-
travention to the Federal govern-
ment's Lord's Day Act
In an editorial In the current Issue
of the official pubUcation of the Pres-
byterian Church In Canada, Dr.
Rochester centres Wt attack on com-
mercial announcements Interpolated
in sponsored Canadian religious pro-
grams. . 'We wonder that business
men. do -not see how objectionable
this is; as likely to injure their trade
as to help it/ he writes.
CJRM, Regina, Squawks
Saskatoon, Sask., March 14.
Not waiting for April 1, when
shifts are due, CFQC, lOOw. here,
has already jumped to new 600-kc.
wavelength from old 840-ko. CJRM,
Regina, due to go _pper brackets
from 540 kc. is protesting to Ottawa
and seeking better treatment.
Its wavelength to be taken by
CBK, new 50,000-watter being buUt
at Watrous for Canadian Broadcast-
Ir.g Corp.
Haberlln (Bad) Morlarty Is the
new publicity director and account
exec Vlth Harry Elliott Advertising,
San Francisco. Formerly with Camp.
beU-JE,wald., .
Conunimists Should Be
Accorded Air Chance,
^ Brockmgton Belieyes^
Montreal, March 14.
Communist Party, as well as other
political parties, will be granted per-
mission to use the Canadian Broad-
casting Corp. network free of charge
prior to elections, If the suggestion
of L. W. Brockington, chairman of
the Board of the CBC, is carried into
effect. "Testifying before the Radio
Committee at Ottawa last week
Brockington stated that Communists
had the same rights as other com-
parable political groups and that
Hyde Park, IjOhdon,.was one of the
finest institutions in the world.
When a member of the. Radio Com-
mittee mentioned the Padlock Law in
the Province of Quebec, which Is
specifically aimed at . suppressing
Communist propaganda of any kind,
Brockington reiterated his belief in
granting equal privileges to all po-
litical parties.
Reports are to the effect that
Brockington asked the Radio Com-
mittee for a ruling on the problem
of political and quasi-political broad-
casting so that the CBC could have
definite guidance' in passing on ap-
plications from various organizations
for use of -the network.
Committee members were asked to
disregard political considerations and
party affiliations In order to arrive
at a satisfactory solution of the prob^
lem.
In response to questioning on the
refusal of the CBC to grant George
McCullagh, Toronto Publisher, use
of the national network, Brockington
said that rulings were clearly against
the broadcasting of personal opinion
over the CBC and affiliated stations.
Rlon Bercovlcl Is with the New
York office of Tom Flzdale, Inc.
New York World-TelcBTom
By Maxvne Cook
. . . and the result has them at the
Paramount billed as The Zephyrs.
More natural rhythm and swing
never came out of any Instruments.
In their spare time they have'worlced
up a slow motion dice game that Is
one of thf best vaudeville routines
I've scon In months. An ordinary
piece of wrapping paper gave them
a shuffling dance, and the result
comes up to any entertainment ex-
pectations. ^
Sunday Mirror By Edith Werner
The dancing stars In this all-seplan
show are the Two Zephyrs, who. re-
ceived our "rave" wlien they ap-
peared at the state not so long. ago.
They offer again the dice game In
slow motion and have added a new
shuffle routine. Inspired - by a piece
of wrapping paper. Ton don't want
to miss this!
TWO ZEPHYRS
NOW AVAILABLE
HanagnneBt
JOE OLASEB, Inc.
BKO BIdg;; Badle 0U7, N«w Totk
TO COVEB
GREAT BRITAIN
YOU HnST USE
RADIO
NORMANDY
Foil Partlcnlan of Air Time aad
Talent fram
International BroadoaBting
Company, ltd.
37, Portland Place, London, W.1.
Booked
Solid Until
October, 1939
JOSEPH RINES
and Hia Orchestra
WII.UAM U0RBI8 AOENCX
WBAL
in.'Bcdtunctc
Wednesday, Marcb 15, 1939
BAillO
VARIETY
Sbr-lnies fi^fies to KSD Blast
'Piire Falsehood*, H«UF Truths and Misleading De-
ductions' Charged Against Rival
St. Louis, March 14.
■Pure falsehoods, half truths and
misleadinc dcductiotts' were among
Ow terms used In th« reply filed last
week with the FCC by the St Louis
Star-Times Publishing Co., operator
of KXOK, against the petiUon lor
general and special relief filed by
the Pulitzer Publishing Co., pub-
lisher of the Post-Dispatch, a rival
p.m. rag, operator of KSD.. The re-
newal of the long standing feud be-
tween the two organizations started
when KXOK filed an application
with the FCC for changing its fre-
quency to 5,000 day and 1,000 night
on 630. Then KSD, in a counter-
petition, recommended to the FCC
that it be permitted to swap time
with KXOK whereby the latter
would share its time with KFUO, a
religious station, operated by the
Evangelical Lutheran Synod, instead
of KSD. For more than five yiears
KFUO and KSD have been trying
to be divorced from the .air channel
wedlock and although KSD, in Janu-
ary, withdrew its appeal from the
United States Court of Appeals in
Washington against the FCC's denial
of a full time application, KFUO's
appeal is still pending.
KXOK's answer charges that 'if
KSD measures up to the high stand-
ard it attempts to support in the
petition (which we specifically deny)
and if Station KXOK is failing in
. serving the public as the petition
represents (which we also specific-
ally deny), petitioner ought to be
willing to assume the burden of
proving that an application to
modify its application, which it has
not even filed, should be granted in-
stead of attempting to resort to the
expedient of asking that the other
station licensee be required to 'show
cause' why petitioner should not be
given a different license or assign-
ment This should convince any
fair-minded person that the petition
is not filed in good faith but intends
to harass KXOK and to delay the
Comission in acting on the applica-
tion now pending before the Com-
mission in connection with Stations
KXOK, KFRU and KGBF.'
In another part of its reply KXOK
■tates: 'In view of the fact that Sec-
tion 303 (f) of the Commissions Act
of 1934 was never intended to be
used after the fashion attempted by
the Pulitzer Publishing Co. in its so-
called petition for relief; in view of
the fact that said statutory provision
was intended to be limited to use by
the Commission in matters which H
initiated, .and in view of the other
reasons given in support of this Mo-
tion and Reply, it is not believed that
the Star-Times Publishing' Co. or
KFRU, Inc., are called upon to or
should be expected to make any an-
swer whatsoever to the allegations
contained and set olit in said so-
called petition, inasmuch as the peti-
tion is improper and out of order for
the reasons hereinbefore set out. The
Star-Times Publishing Co. and
KFRU, Inc., are, however, perfectly
willing to provide the Commission
any and all information on data that
it may desire with respect to the
operation of said Station KXOK or
Station KFRU, and such information
and data when so provided will defi-
nitely show that both' Stations
KXOK and KFRU have been and are
providing a high standard of pro-
gram service to the listening public
Which fully measures up to their re-
spective responsibilities and' meet
with all the requirements of law or
requirements of the Commission's
rules and regulations.' \
The KXOK reply cited an asser-
tion by the Pulitzer Publishing Co.
that the installation of part of the
physical equipment of KXOK was
made by Fred Grimwood and not by
James C. McNary and produces an
affidavit from McNary, a partner in
the firm of McNary .and Chambers,
radio engineers, Washington, D. C,
that the firm did the work, was paid
in excess of $4,000 and that payment
in full was made on Dec. 2, 1938.
KXOK, operating full time on 1,250
kc, applied for 630 kc. on Jan. 17,
and on the same day KFRU, Colum-
bia, Mo., a sister station, applied for
a change from 630 kc. to 1,370 kc,
while KGBF, Evansville, Ind., asked
for a change from 630 kc. to 1,250 kc.
at present used by KSD. Thi<; was
the bomb that renewed the war.
Shrevepori Aarments Music
Shreveport La., March 14.
KWKH and KTBS have enlarged
their staff with a 10-piece orches-
tra, bringing the musical staff to 26.
twenty-eight
Includes James Stcie, baritone;
Joan O'Neal, pianist and vocalist;
Bob Mahoney, guitarist and the
Sunshine Boys, hillbilly sextet
Diploukacy Fails
PhiUdelphIa, March 14.
Philadelphia Club of Advertis-
ing Women, at its banquet last
week, failed to create all the
spirit of brotherly love it ex-
pected between the two stations
here on which it somet imes airs
shows, KYW and WFIL.
Aiming to be impartial, the ad
women booked the KYW house
band for the banquet and tlien
gave WFIL tiie privilege of air-
ing the music. Somehow, no on e
was satisfied, particularly WFIL.
Michigan College Buys
A Mess of Manusci^ts
Michigan State College set up the
nucleus of a proposed extensive
rddio script library last week with
the buying of 3,000 show scripts
from Joe Koehler of Radio Events,
N. Y. Greater part of the writings
bought were ones already aired and
were taken with the thought that
better training in acting, production,
etc., could be assured with the use
of established material.
College owns and operates WKAR,
East Lansing, Mich. Buying of the
scripts, however, doesn't obviate the
paying of royalties if the scripts are
used on the statioa
WNLC on Full Sked
New London, March 14..
WNLC, Connecticut's youngest ex-
haler, started full time operation yes-
terday (13) as Colonial-Mutual af-
filiate. FCC okay came last week,
and Edwin J. and Gerald Morey,
brother execs of Thames Broadcast-
ing Corp., decided to get going im-
mediately.
Station will day-and-night as 100-
watter.
WTAG ADDS 6IBL SPIELEB
Worcester, March 14.
WTAG added two announcers last
weiek, to bring the station's total to
six. Jane Woodhouse, only femme
announcer on staff, made her debut
yesterday (13) by introducing new
local show called The Radio Jour-
nal.' She comes from WORL, Bos-
ton.
Male addition is George Crowell,
formerly of WMAS, Springfield.
Peter Bradley Piomoted
Chicago, Ma'rch 14,
Peter Bradley has been promoted
to the post of chief announcer for
the (3ene Dyer, stations, WSBC and
WGES.
Will also handle announcing du-
ties for the 5,000-watt WCBD.
IN MAKE-BELIEVE
* WKY ulitt |>f»tc So ibe muiMt io whidi k
ima OUahoou's bigot .ndio audience wiih
the real McCoy in ou]tfr.bclicve . . . la ks abilitjr
10 build up one of die £nea louiid effects KtHipi
ouui Jc ihc nawock cenon,
WKY went to Hollywood for advice on its
sound effects when the new studios were opened
IB 1936. likewise k drew oa the eapcrience of
the network cxpetis. Keeping up with copsbnt.
ly tocnasing demands for sound tolisa in
studio praduciioni is a job that 'WKY's own
.taff bas done most admirably.
But to WKY, its sound effects facilHics are
' .joply Symbolic of the faculty this siab'oa lus
. always possessed for delivering the teal McCoy
in serving the public interest, convenience and
necessity of a million and a half people.
tisteoen in Oklahoou seldom twirl dieir dials
any more. Hiey are satisfied to stick to 900
kilocydes and enjoy WKYs star-suidded pro-
giams eighteen houn a day. Advenisers have
conclusive proof of this when a WKY-pioduced
show brings 60,000 refiesis for song sheets in
a single month.
WKY
i
McCdagh s Organization Gets Obay
WiA Four Minor Qualifications
OWMlOMIDOPEUnDtTIBEOIUBOmruniSKIMeCO. « n<E DAILY OILAHOHAH AMD HMCS
niErAIHEa.STCCIMAM « HSnerOE ODBESS SISVICC «. STAnON (VOEL COtOBAOO SFBMCS
MDio STAnoN ni Dcwvn (Ami«m mthmhih) « BEPiuaatrDsyTHEnnACEKcr.iNC.
Mather & Crowdier Set
Artfanr Askey and Rem
London, March 6.
Arthur Askey, who rates as tops
among Britain's radio comics, is set
to do a half-hour program series
from Radio Luxembourg Sunday
matinee for Symingtons, maker of
table delicacies, starting May 21.
Askey has just closed a two-year run
in the BBC Band Wagon.
Symingtons' stanza will Include Al
Bowlly, baritone; Marjorie Stcdeford,
the Southernaires and an orchestra
batoned by Harry Karr. All these,
including Askey's stooge, Richard
Murdoch, were with him on the Band
Wagon. Karr hails from Vancouver .
and his band is about 50% Canadian
in personnel.
Firm of Mather & Crowther will
produce the show.
WAAW Path Clear
Omaha, March 14.
Reports here indicate that there
will be no objections filed with the
FCC on the transfer of license of
WAAW from the Omaha Grain Ex-
change to the World Publishing Co.,
publishers of the Omaha World-
Herald. Transfer was approved in
late February.
Officials of WOW and KOIL, other
Omaha stations, indicate they will
say nothing.
Montreal, March 14.
liCadership League organization
launched by publisher George Mc-
CuUagh after he was refused use of
either the natidnal or a private net-
work for a series of jiersonal broad-
casts, has been granted permission by
the CBC to broadcast over a network
of 17 private stations Wednesday
night (15). The CBC ban on Mc-
Cullagh brought the Toronto pub-
lisher national prominence for a
series of innocuous speeches. Mc-
CuIIagh affair also served to rouse
criticism of apparently inconsistent
policy of the CBC in granting use
of the network to certain speakers
while refusing similar privileges to
others.
The McCullagh Leadership League
now has a branch in Montreal. The
broadcast permit granted by the CBC
is subject to the following conditions:
(a) That the society accepts re-
sponsibility for the broadcast, in-
demnifying the CBC against the pos-
sible consequences of libel or slan-
der.
(b) That each broadcast is pref-
aced and concluded by an appro-
priate announcement making clear
the nature and auspices of the
broadcast and Indicating that equiva-
lent faculties are available to oppos--
ing views on the same basis.
(c) That there is no interference
with normal CBC programmed ar-
rangements.
(d) That the broadcast is of the
wording and spirit of our regulations
and not in violation, of the law.
ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL-
wcco
OUT of a clear Northwestern sky, the other day, «
juicy plum fell into pur lap. We split it with a
delighted agency and client It all came about when the
agency wanted to find out which of the two big Minneap-
olis-St Paul stations was dominant, The agency ordered
a coincidental telephone survey Monday night, January
9th, when both stations broadcast "news" at the same
time: 10:15 to 10:30 p.m. They found:
■ 41% OF ALL RADIOS WERE IN USE
■ WCCO LED ITS NEAREST COMPETITOR
by 4.7 to 1 in Minneapolis (home of WCCO) , by 2 to 1 in
St. Paul (where the competing station is located). The
population of Minneapolfs ia 496,000 ; St. Paul is 286,000.
HERFS THE WAY THEY STACKED UP:
WCCO
(newB)
Sution B
(newt)
Station C
(orehettra)
MINNEAPOLIS
mo
15%
3% •
St PAUL
47%
23%
3%
Weigked AadkBM Aveng*
(OB bub •§ act owBCnhlpi
IhtcoMUlsnsIOOX)
76%
21%
3%
Name of agency and details, including other studies made
in Northwestern towns and rural communities with prac-
tically the same percentage of sets tuned in and where the
percentage listening to WCCO was even greater, will be
sent on request.
WCCO
50,000 WATTS • CBS • MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL
88
VARIETY
RADIO REVIEWS
Wednesdayt March 15, I939
BOBEBT MOBLET
with John Bookmasler
The Swan Sons'
12 Mins.
STANDARD BRANDS
Thars, 8 pjn.
tVBAF, New York
(J. Walter Thompson)
The Morley voice and thespic abil-
ity are as impressive on the air as
on stege and screen. Star of the cur-
rent 'Oscar Wilde' on Broadway lent
the Rudy Vallee program C9) a dis-
tinguished note, as well as probably
increasing his own stature with the
public at large. „^ , ,
Morley's vehicle was Chekov's
The Swan Song,' a play about an
a.k. actor who, having fallen asleep
In the theatre, awakens terrified by
the abject blackness of the place.
He recalls and. bemoans the past and
his life as a clown.
Though given able support by John
Buckmaster, also from England.
Morlex carried the entire load and
at times was almost delivering a
soliloquy. In less capable hands it
would have been a dangerous vehicle
indeed for an ear audience, but he
held it up by sheer mastery of dra-
matics. His voice portrays clearly,
whereas most actors couldn t get this
over unleiss their mugging and ges-
tures were included. Scho.
ARTHUR ASKEX
Patter Comedian
9 Mins.
Satarday, 8:5t p. m.
BBC, London .
Generally rated the foremost
radio comics in the U. K., Askey
came into Saturday night variety
bUl for the first time. Playing lat-
terly almost exclusively in Wednes-
day 'Band Wagon' series, funster
was dropped into . 'Music Hall' as
deputy for Will Fyfle, ill, and his
inclusion was a last-minute surprise
for the listeners.
Askey dofish't do anything star-
tUngly new— couple of goofy songs,
lot of patter, a little piquancy and
a dash of sheer nerve— but his tech-
nique gives such convincing spon-
taneity to well rehearsed, material,
and his act is always served with
such unrestrained zest that he has
the customers battling for him all
the way.
Contract with BBC- expires next
month, then Askey tours for Jack
li^lton and will be filming for
Gainsborough. It's a cinch, too, that
he's heading tor the money in the
commercial programs when free of
his present BBC radio tie.
<THE SBOLE PARADE'
With Bansom Sherman, Paal Paige,
LllUan Cornell, Vagabonds (4)
Variety. '
86 Mins.
SCNBBITE (Swift)
Thnrsday, 4 pjn.
WJZ-NBC. New York
(Stacfc-Goble)
Ransom Sherman is a radio peren-
nial out of Chicago, from where this
variety show plugging the Sunbrite
cleanser also emanates. Sherman is
m.c. and chief comic, the former
chore okay and the latter only fair
because of material rather than, de-
livery.
Sherman's comedy in the second
broadcast (9) .under this sponsor was
almost sbricUy for the edification of
the studio audience. For the blind
Ustenera it was chiefly so much talk.
His exercising bit, for instance, car-
ried absolutely no humor through
the loud speaker and was overlong
to boot A pitchman bit, suggesting
Clyde Hager, and the finale beating-
the-fare train biz, were a little bet-
ter, but still far short of what radio
humor should convey.
Program includes two okay vocal-
ists, baritone Paul Pai^ and Lillian
Cornell, plus a forte Negro quartet;
The Vagabonds. They space Sher.
man's comedy and the four commer-
cials. Latter include a box-top give-
away, but a Ijetter offer to the house-:
wives would be better entertainment.
Rival Mentioned
WOR, N. Y., last Friday . (10)
during the Budge-Perry tennis
matches was obliged to switch
over to another program in the
midst of the games. After re-
gretting the necessity WOR did
the unusual. Spieler announced:
'Listeners may follow the bal-
ance Of the match over WJZ.'
IVOR NOVELLO LOOKS BACK
With Mary Ellis, Dorothy DIokson,
Madame Clara Novello-Davles,
Peter Scott, Anne Zlegler, Gordon
LIUIe and Frank Bird.
Biographical
60 Mins.
Friday, 8:15 p. m.
BBC, London.
Program was a plug for Novello's
new Drury Lane show. The Dancing
Years,' as well as a trailer for his
radio version of 'Glamorous Nights,
in which he and Mary EUis repeat
their stage parts. It made a good
hour's light entertainment.
They handle this reminiscent ma-
terial pretty good at Broadcasting
House, and so there was excellent
build-up to the story of a youthful
singer from Wales who became by
turns film star, matinee idol and
playwright. Emcee Freddie Grise-
wood, most pop of all BBC staff an-
nouncers, gently kidded Novello
along, incidents in his career being
pointed by songs .or excerpts from
nis shows, brief dramatizations of
various highspots, recordings of Jack
Buchanan and Edna Best from his
plays, and high style warbling from
Mary Ellis in a foretaste of the new
show.
Howard Thomas wrote a smooth
show, and the singing of staff artistes
Anne Ziegler and Gordon Little was
bold and effective. Dorothy Dick-
son had a minor triumph recalling
a scene from 'Henry V,' when she
played Katherine to Novello's Henry
at Drury Lane last fall.
FOOTNOTES ON FAMOUS FEET
15 Mlns.-Looal
L SABLE SHOE CO.
Sundays, 4 pjn.
KDKA, Flttebnrgh
Dramatizing high-lights In the
lives of people who depend on their
feet for a living is a neat bit of shoe-
salesmanship. . Sponsor's also smart
in peddling the Information that
medical advice is a good thing for
ailing tootsies, group of medicos hav-
ing previously okayed the ethics of
this idea.
Bankroller Isn't so smart, however,
in consuming so much time during
the brief quarter-hour for commer-
cials. In addition to leiigthy open-
ing and closing announcements,
there's also a five-minute sketch mid-
way that points out humorously the
disadvantages of bad-fitting shoes,
and still another shorter one near-the
finish on the same order. Although
not direct plugs, the suggestion is
there and no matter, how much sugar
they're still commercials.
Otherwise, it's an effective little
program. On opener, George Mur-
phy and Eleanor Powell were the
subjects. .First incident went into
Murphy's foot accident in a coal mine
during his boyhood and then
switched to his initial film break,
with Powell episode starting on
beach at Atlantic. City when Gus Ed-
wards saw her first and winding up
night of her Broadway debut.' Latter
was done as a tearjerker, bringing in
death of her dancing teacher, and
well done.
Episodes are compactly and briskly
written, and acted heads-up. Musi-
cal backgrounds furnished by Bemie
Armstrong at the organ, with Billy
Hinds handling the spiels. Scripte
are by Bill Beal. and all right.
Would be still better if he could get
more incidental stuff ii)to them, and
only way that would be possible in
15 minutes would be for sponsor to
let up a bit on the safes talks,
They're packing it too heavily.
Cohen.
♦ ♦♦♦t»»» M » ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦t««»»»»»»»»»«»»»»»»»
'JAMAICA INN'
With D. A. Clarfce-Smlth, Eileen
Ersklne, Carleton Hobbs, Phyllis
Smale, Hedley Goodall.
Melodrama
60 Mins.
Monday, 9 p. m.
BBC, London
Full-blooded meller from the pen
of Daphne du Maurier is currently
being filmed at Elstree with Charles
Laughton oh- the top line, so if-noth-
ine else tiiis broadcast may stimulate
sales of 'Uiat one when it gets to the
theatre customers. Yarn is vigor
ous and full-blooded, though con
densation to an hour necessarily
means much of the most vivid action
has been ruthlessly lopped off: nor
can radio produce anything like the
stirring spectacle the subject offers.
Material is smuggling, wrecking
and black-hearted villainy o°n the
rugged Cornwall coast about 100
■years back, and there's a lonely inn
on a deserted moor to make a suf-
jficlently spooky setting. Atmosphere
and 'tension were well approximated
In the radio version, but narrative
tended to peter out rather than
build to the desired climax. Roman-
tic end was also badly mutilated.
Clarke-Srolth revelled in the major
role as the dyed-in-the-wool bad-
man, rum-runner and murderer, and
carried most of the piece, though
Eileen Ersklne was workmanlike and
likeable as the <rirl— a thoroughly
conventional character. Peter Stuc-.
ley . Sjcrlnted .and Michael Goodwin
produced.
SOMERSET MAUGHAM
With Rudy Vallee
Talk
5 Mins.
STANDARD BRANDS
Thnrsday, 8 p.m.
WEAF, New York
(J. Walter Thompson)
Guest session of the noted English
novelist boiled down to five minutes
of philosophic crossfire with Rudy
Vallee, emerging from a question put
to Maugham about embryonic writ-
ers. The air actually dripped with
deep thinking, Vallee matching ob-
servation for observation until It be-
came difficult to differentiate be-
tween the literati and the obligato.
Maugham has a sophisticated
'name' and a nice speaking voice but
his first radio appearance was only
fair at best. He took five minutes
to expound a theory which one short
statement. The ability to apply one's
seat to a chair,' clarifies so much
quicker aboiit writing. Scho.
FOLLOW-UP COMMENT
Deems Taylor on Critics
»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦«»»♦» ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ MM ♦♦♦♦♦<
Deems Taylor, speaking on the
N. Y. Philharmonic program over
CBS recently, defined the nature of
criticism as it applies to musical
and literary fields. Taylor's remarks
may well apply to all criticism.
Radio reviewing, being new and
rarely exercised, sets its own 'stand-
ards' as it goes aloikg. Said Taylor:
To be a music critic on a maga-
zine or a newspaper, the answer is,
get a job on a magazine or a news-
paper; any paper, any job. .
'A music critic must have an ex-
tensive technical background. He
must not only know his medium
but must also know what should be.
This is a field of which the average
would-be critic thinks never at aU.'
. Getting to the meat of his subject,
Taylor pointed out that 'the primary
and Indispensable qualification of a
good critic of any of the arts is the
possession of a critical mind...:Wil'
liam James once divided human be-
ings into two categories: the tender
minded and the tough-minded. The
tender-minded is the person whose
mind is dominated by his emotions,
the person who. believes something
because he wants it to be true; the
blind partisan, the person who em-
braces an artistic or political faith
and is, by that act, automatically
rendered iric'apable of seeing any
flaws in it The tough-minded per-
.son, on the. other hand, is the one
whose mind insists ' on' functioning
without regard to the wishes of its
unfortunate possessor, the person
who, upon being confronted with an
irrefutable fact is able to admit that
fact, even though it runs contrary
to his secret hopes and convictions.
*There is another qualification of
a real critic. A good critic has a
sense of proportion; which means,
first that he doesn't take himself
too seriously; he's willing to admit
that his own opinions are not nec-
essarily the last word. It means, sec-
ond, that he is merciful. He tempers
his verdict according to the preten-
sions of the composer o>r the per-
former. He doesn't blame a waltz
for not being a symphony, and he
doesn't abuse a street fiddler for
not being Mischa Elman.'
' 'Criticism' is not synonymous with
fault-finding. A good critic is on
the i'.lert, not only for faults, but
for merits. He must be capable, not
only of disapproval, but of enthusi-
asm. He must be capable,' not only
of saying that something is worth-
less, but that it is wonderful, if it
is. X^at sounds so self-evident that
it's hardly worth saying. Neverthe-
less, it's .one of the hardest parts of
a critic's job.
'In my own brief experience of
five years at music criticism, I found
that one of the easiest things to do
was to dissect a bad performance
or a bad piece of music. Because
that requires little more than an ex-
ercise of one's analytical faculties.
The difficult thing was to explain a
great piece of music or a great per-
formance. When you have to do
that you have to communicate an
emotion from yourself to a reader,
And right here is where you must
be not only an appraiser but a
writer.'
'And there Is the last, and by no
means the least of the .qualifications
of an ideal music critic. He must be
able to write. He must be able to
recreate emotions through the power
of words. He must be an enthusiast
about music who can contrive to
make his subject always interesting,
regardless of what his topic of the
moment may happen to be. If he is
bored at a concert he roust be able
to make even his boredom inter^t-
ing. Otherwise he will not be read;
and. a critic without readers is like
a player without an audience.
'He must know how to structure a
criticism, arranging his details so
that the general impression of what
he writes is the one he wanted to
convey.'
Taylor makes an important point
in reminding critics that it is often
much better to over-concentrate
criticism on the good points of the.
subject matter than the bad. 'It is
fatally easy, in criticism, to devote
so much space to minor flaws that
there is no room left for the major
merits.'
'A critical handicap is thie neces-
sity of listening to or reading a vast
quantity of material. The one luxury
that is forever denied to a critic is
that of being able to hear music.
He must listen with his mind, every
second of every minute that he
spends at a performance if he is to
do his job well. He can't just doze
or let his mind wander until some-
thing interesting commands his at
tention. He must listen attentively
to the bad as well as to the good.'
Jack Norworth cued his hobby,
coUectIng the world's smallest ob:
jects, into the singing of his 'Shine
On, Harvest Moon,' on Hobby Lobby.
A tiny book, presented to the one-
time musical comedy and vaudeville
star, has printed within 'Harvest
Moon' and Norworth's other classic,
'Take Me Out to the Ball Game.'
Norworth sings 'Harvest Moon' with
more pianissimo than the radio
warblers, principally women, do it
today. Noticeable because Hobby
Lobby shot was the second, on which
he had given the number such treat-
ment-first was several months ago,
on 'We, the People,' when marking
the 25th anniversary of its introduc-
tion by Nora Bayes, in Ziegfeld Fol-
lies. Norworth's Hobby Lobby ap-
searance was too' brief — handled
himself well enough to rate a longer
spot and one without the quick cut-
off given him.
Ed Boden, literary aggnt and
Charles B. Driscoll given a buildup
as columnist successor to O. O. Mc-
Intyre, also miked. DriscoU's hobby,
searching for hidden .treasure, was
aired sometime ago on Cal Tinney's
'If I had a Chance.' Boden yarned
about fad of collecting extraordinary
but true coincidence-stories.
Jimmy Jemall has been airing his
street . interviews for several years
and for as many different sponsors.
Currently (WOR, 7:15, Thurs.) doing
his bit from the lobby of the Para-
mount theatre, N. Y., where he puts
on guest stars as well as persons
from the street. Program (9) which
brought in Glen Gray, bandleader.
Dr. Frank MoniAagn, Yale prof and
director of research at the N. Y.
World Fair, and Bob Lee, a profes-
sional entertainer from the Wivel
Restaurant, N. Y., was a nicely va-
ried 15 mins. but the wealth of pro-
fessional talent defeated the purpose
of the program to some extent — that
of garnerhig the opinion of the man
in the street. Question Jemall offer-
ed was what the status of the United
States should be in the event .of war
in Europe. ...
Put on several bystanders but not
enough to get any sort of cross-sec-
tion of ideas. Followe4 it with more
of a show for the Intended sidewalk
interviewees by introducing Dr.
Monohagn who gave a commercial
spiel for the. Fair, Glen - Gray who
told the inside story of his co-op or-
chestra, revealing its trust fund
should be close to $500,000 after al-
most 10 years; and Bob Lee. Latter
reversed the program's English by
accepting questions from the audi-
ence, rhyming them perfectly and not
forgetting a plug for No-Rub. He
did, however, start off by rhyming
an answer to Jemail's war referen-
dum question.
'Cavaleade of Amerloa' show for
DuPont Monday night (13) over
CBS, offered dramatized excerpts
from the life of Marie Dressier. It
was an enthralling halt hour, with
steady pace, effecUve contrasts and
moments of. choking emotion. , Too*
the beloved comedienne from the
age of 14, at a rehearsal for a shoe-
string show In Harrisburg, Pq..
throuA the ups and downs of her
career of stardom and privation on
Broadway and in Hollywood. Wound
up witii the actress winning the
Academy Award for her perform-
ance in 'Min and Bill,' but failed to
include the role that really brought
her to her greatest success, that of
the rum-soaked old water-front hag
in 'Anna Christie.'
In the 'ugly duckling' leading role,
Agnes Moorehead, turned in a su-
perb performance, steadily changing
from a diffident, youthful-voiced
tyro to the celebrated and assured,
but huge-hearted old woman. And
her voice sounded quite like Miss
Dressler's. Helen Lewis turned t'..e
brief part of Jforma Shearer into a
stunnmg bit while Elizabeth Rus-
sell, Ed Jerome and Ray Collins also
were effective. Ted Jewett's narra-
tion was acceptable and Homer
Fickett's direction was eloquent. It
was a thoroughly adult show", but
one with wide appeaL
Radio's campaign of selling itself
fo.the public was undertaken effec-
tively last Sunday by R' .\'s 'Magic
Key' program over NBC blue. With-
out overplugging, but with undenl-^
able persuasiveness. Milton Cross
delivered the first shot with a sim-
ple statement of radio's value as en-
tertainment and as a public servant
Quoting David Sarnoff, he argued
that . commercial broadcasting, with
its sponsored programs, makes pos-
sible the freedom of the air by bring-
ing free to every listener the best
shows that industrial concerns can
offer.
Alexander Woollcott, guesting on
the stanza, offered the second plug,
a tribute to radio as a means of rela-
tives and loved ones, in distant
places, achieving a communion of
thought by listening to the same pro
gram.
Malcolm Dewees, one-time Pacific
Coast manager of Kelly, Nason &
Roosevelt joined the staff of Fletcher
Udall & Associates, San Francisco.
Ditto Don Dawson, formerly with
Botsford, Constantine Sc Gardner.
TO THE PUBLIC DANGER'
With BasU Radford, Hcrmlone Ba4.
deiey, Nprmaa Clarldge, Jofaa
Deverell, WUIIam Devlin
Play
56 Mins.
Snnday, 9:40 p. m.
BBC, London
Patrick Hamilton, himself former
victim of a nearifatal car smash,
made this a searing Indictment of
the road cad, &nd simultaneously
produced a gripping radio drama in
which the writing, atmosphere and
suspense built to a. grim climax and
a searching moral for those hogs at
the wheel who flagrantly abuse
their rights on the highway, A seri-
ous contribution to the mike, it
would adapt excellently for the
American webs to fit into the pro-
gram spots where they go " for
straight drama. '
Norman Claridge and Hermlone
Baddeley, a couple of small town
hicks, in a roadside tavern get into
company with BasU Radford and
John Deverell, a couple of drunks
whose flash car Is parked outside.
After severely punishing John Bar-
leycorn, the whole party go out for
a joyrlde, Radford at the wheel
being a reckless speed demon. In
a country lane they hit a man on a
bicycle, but Radford refuses to stop,
although Clacidge demands they go
back; the girl takes Radford's side.
Clarldge almost frantically pleads
for them to do the honest thing, but
only after a piece of desperate trick-
ery does he get out of the auto and
dash into the night to telephone the
police. Radford, with the girl and
Deverell, who has passed out giies
gaily on, until later, thinking the car
is being followed, he crowds on
reckless speed and scares the girl,
who, attempting to. get at the con-
trols, forces Radford to swerve, the
car goes head-on at a tree, and all
three are killed.
In an epilog, the coronoi:, who has
been holding an inquest on all three,
points the moral, and discloses the
ironic fact that the car had not hit
a man, but only a bicycle parked at
the side of the road with a siack bal-
anced on the saddle.
Basil Radford was powerful as the
caddish driver, and Hermlone Bad-
deley vivid as the cheap little fac-
tory worker; Norman .Claridge, as
her boy friend, was, however, even
better, and he in fact had the force
of the author's lines to carry. Wil-
liam Devlin spoke in smooth, digni-
fied tones as the coroner.
Val Gielgud made a brilliant job
of the production, his atmosphere,
first in the inn and later in the car
dashing at breakneck ' speed along
narrow country roads, being real.
He got a depth of sincerity out of all
his cast, and handled the lines and
situations in masterly style. - But tha
play was Patrick Hamilton's, who
caught his characters and put them
under a pitiless magnifying glass.
Story moved inexorably on to its
onl:^ ending, with the car stacked
against a tree, the grim silence
broken only by. the car's radio on
which a piwio is tinkling out a Bee-
thoven' sonata.
'YOUR HEALTH*
EdDoational
30 Mins.
Snstalnlng
Wednesday, 2 p. Ui.
WEA:f-NBC, New York
Your Health Is an American Medi-
cal Assoclatlon-NBC Chicago pro>
gram aimed primarily for school-
room reception. It is educational, a
fact which neither the format dia-
log, nor production do too much to
sugar coat Program is a combina-
tion, not always smooth and com-
pact — of narration, dramatization,
summation (the latter by Dr. W. W.
Bauer). Many of the health mes-
sages would hold closer attention,
via loudspeaker, if confined to lesser
time. This would mean fewer epi-
sodes and less direct Instruction,
but. the streamlined version would
be better radio. Showmanship Is
and can be a factor of increasing
importance in educational broadcast-
ing. Fact "Your Health' has pro-
duced results does not mean im-
provement is unnecessary.
Would be interesting to. note what
big time, commercial-standard script-
ing and production could do with a
program of tUS kind. Jaco.
DALE BAXTER
It's Up to Yon'
Qniz
30 Mins.
Sustaining
Saturday, 3 pjn.
WJZ-NBC, New York
Novel widening of the quiz for-
mula. Provides an opportunity for
contestants to exercise histrionic
ability as well as memory. Should,
when settled down, prove pleasant
afternoon listening. There ave
points that will bear fixing such as
who tabs point scores and how
they're arrived at in a section such
as the opening bit wherein con-
testants were asked to recite, 'Mary
Had a Little Lamb,' as their favorite
star personality would do it Lis-
teners would no doubt like to know
how the points are scored, inasmuch
as it's based (on this airing anyhow;
on various methods of doing the
same thing, thereby eliminating com-
(Gontinued on page 47)
-Wednesday, Mych 15« 1939
MUSIC— DANCE BANDS
VARIETY
89
"SOUL MORTGAGES' RAPPED
London Sees BBC 10:45 German Talks
As Hurtful to Radio Song Sales
London, March 7.
Music publishers are hollering In
fite wilderness that the British
Broadcasting Corp. is putting the final
nail In their coffin by switching oft
band music sessions at 10:45 p.m. to
broadcast government propaganda in
tiie German language. Interruption
is supposedly for five to ten minutes,
but sometimes lasts nearer 20 mln-
nies, and exhaustive chedcing has
proved that listeners don't return to
the music program after this ear
bombardment
The other headache — special or-
thestration fees to band leaders-
may be lessened soon. Music piib-
Ushers have noticed that Chappells
vere getting big breaks on the ether,
but that was due to this publishing
eompany having promised the BBC
tarly last year they would definitely
Ignore the 'special orchestration'
tamp if the BBC saw they were not
discriminated against. Now all the
other publishers have asked support
from the BBC, which has been prom-
ised them. So everything looks
hotsy-totsy for the publishers tiU
they begin to cheat on each other.
Shipping Bnreao May
Be Warner Sobsid;
Latter Set 250 Stores
Indications are that the Music
Vublishei-s Protective Association
Will solve its problem of finding a
central shipping bureau for syndi-
cate stores by assigning this funC'
tlon to Music Sales' Corp., a Warner
Bros, subsidiary. Latter would also
■ervice the American News Co.,
which is experimenting with station^
try and drug stores as outlets for
aheet music.
Music Sales Corp. last week ob-
tained the music counter privileges
tai 250 J. J. Newberry (chain) stores.
It is understood that MSC >yill make
available a specially devised music
display rack to the stores handled by
the American News Co.
BARRY WOOD SEMI-SET
WITH DANCE COMBO
Barry Wood, CBS sustaining bari'
lone, has formed a 13-piece band
of his own to back him on his
Brunswick recordings and play oc
casional one-night dates around New
York. Singer eventually hopes to
bund a radio variety hour, which is
one of the reasons for the set crew.
He had been cutting for Brunswick
with pickup outfits. Wood formerly
played sax with Vincent Lopez, Abe
LymaUi Buddy Rogers, and others,
• CBS re-signed him to another
year's options as a singer last Fri
day (10).
SEEKS INJUNCTION
Wonid Stop Vogd From Re-Issolng
'Old Mill Stream'
Forster Music Publisher, Inc., on
Monday (13) filed a federal court suit
against Jerry Vogel Music Co., Inc,
and Earl K. Smith, seeking an in
Junction to restrain them from pub
lishing the song, 'Down By the Old
Mill Stream.'
The plaintifl claims to have se-
cured the rights to the song from
. the late TeU Taylor in 1831. They
assert that the defendant, Earl Smith,
claims to be co-author with Taylor
of the words and music and that he
has sold the renewal rights to the
Vogel Music Co., which is about to
publish it They seek a decree es
tabllshing their ownership and an
injunction to prevent the defendants
from publishing it
Zian Arthur will replace the Ted
Eddy crew as house band at the
Hlvera, Brooklyn vaudfilm ^ot,
Ctew comes in in two weeks, foUow-
li>8 MUt Britton band, which opens
a (late there Friday <17).
Paris Is Lovely, Too
Philadelphia, March 14.
Bick Beichner and Clay Boland
recently completed 'How I'd Like
to Be With You in Bermuda.'
Last Saturday (11) they left
for Bermuda— guests of the
Island on' an all-expense toiir ar-
ranged by Jack Carson of N. W.
Ayer agency, who handles the
publicity account
Renewal Damages Sooglit
After 27 Years 00 1911
Hit, HSy Melancholy Baby'
Application for a bill of i>articu-
lars from Maybelle Watson Bergman
was granted the Joe Morris Music
Co. and Ernie Burnett by Judge Vin
cent L. Leibell in the N.Y. federal
court last week. Move was in con-
nection with Mrs. Bergman's claim
to the renewal rights to 'My Melan
choly Baby.'
Mrs. Bergman is suing for $10,000
damages on the grounj that die co-
authored the song 'Melancholy' with
Burnett in 1911 and that the latter
sold the publishing rights to Morris
without her consent She filed her
action after she had made a deal
with Shapiro, Bernstein & Co. for
her end of- the tune's renewal rights.
Her name has not appeared on the
title sheet of 'My Melancholy Baby'
for the past 25 years. The 'Melan
choly' lyrics which became popular
were those written later by the late
George A. Norton. Norton assigned
his rights in perpetuity to the late
Theron C. Bennett, publisher, for a
cash consideration and when Morris
acquired the song from Bennett 10
years later the former made a simi
lar deal with Burnett In later years
Burnett reinforced the pact by mak-
ing a special assignment of the re-
newal rights.
Morris claims that Mrs. Bergman,
formerly Burnett's wife, had noth-
ing to do with the manuscript as
published and questions her lawful
right to seek damages after a pas-
sage of 27 years.
IBOI
NOT
Joseph N. Weber Reiterates
and Amplifies A.F.M. At-
titude on Splitting Up
Earnings of Orchestras on
Basis of Corporate Control
WANTS 'EM 'FREE'
Joseph N. Weber, American Fed-
eration of Musicians prez, last week
reminded the membership in a cir-
cular letter that they must not allow
employers to participate in future
earnings or commissions. Warning is
directed at those bands who in re-
turn- for subsidies from hotel or ball-
room operators have agreed to cut
the latter in on their net earnings
over a period of a year or more,
AFM also objects to name band lead-
er's subsidizing other bands under
similar arrangements.
Weber takes the position that any
financial arrangement between a'
band leader and his financial source
should be strictly on a loan basis
and that even personal reps must
abide by this method. The AFM
head doesn't care how the payofE is
made so long as it is not based on a
percentage of the band leader's fu-
ture earnings. The federation is also
discouraging the incorporation of
newly organized bands.
Music Notes
Yip Harbnrg and Harold Arlen
cleffed two songs for Metro's 'Babes
in Arms,' 'God's Country' and 'tiet's
Take a Walk Around.'
Universal bought 'The End of the
Road,' by Vivian Ellis, to be sung
by Deanna Durbin in 'After School
Days.'
Simon Van Lier, general manager
of 'Keith Prowse ii Co.'s music in-
terests, will visit Toronto this week
iand make a trip to Chicago before
returning to New. York. Figures on
getting back to London in two weeks.
Blills Mosic, Inc., has acquired the
American rights to 'There's a Moon
in the Mountain' and 'My LitUe Rose'
from Cinephonic Music, Ltd., Lon-
don publishers.
Stool to Chi
Chicago, March 14.
Joie Stool, of Harms Music Corp.,
heretofore stationed on the Coast,
has returned here to head the Harms
local organization.
Transfer from Coast was made for
family reasons.
Bob Crosby's 'Concert'
Chicago, March 14.
Bob Crosby orchestra will do a
publicity stunt concert at Orchestra
Hall here within the next few weeks.
First time for Orchestra Hall to
house swing.
Robt. Katsdser
1st Refugee To
MakeASCAP
Dr. Robert Katscher makes the first
refugee from Nazi Germany or Aus-
tria to be elected • member of the
American Society of Composers,
Authors and Publishers. Dr.
Katscher, who composed the score
of 'Wonder Bar* and such numbers
as 'When Day Is Done' and "You'll
Never Know,' established himself in
this country eight months ago. He
meanwhile obtained a release of
membership in the Austrian per-
forming society, AKM, which was
liquidated by the Nazis when they
took over Austria.
Through his counsel, Sol A. Rosen-
blatt, Dr. Katscher a couple months
ago sequestered about $1,800 which
the AKM had in a New York bank.
The lien was treated as a part pay-
ment on royalties due him from the
Austrian society.
Rumor Persists, CBS Denies Intention
To Buy Music Biz; NBC Retired in 1932
Waltz Due Back?
Jack Mills, head of Mills Mu-
sic, Inc., believes that the waltz
is due for another major come-
back. He's going through his
catalog digging up compositions
of that classification which might
be revived into hit propositions.
Mills bases his expectations on
three signposts:. (1) the goodly
percentage of waltzes now in-
cluded- in broadcast band pro-
grams, <2) the rise of waltzes
among sheet music as attested by
'Umbrella Man' 'Little Sir Echo'
' and 'I Promise' You' and (3) re-
ports from hotel orchestra lead-
ers about Uie large number of
requests'" they have been receiv-
ing of late from patrons.
Committee Seated To
Joi^e Essays on Why
Copyright Law Is OK
Committee of patent and copyright
authorities has been selected to judge
the best of the 40 prize-winning es-
says submitted in the first annual
Nathan Burkan Memorial Competi-
tion which had been set up by the
American Society of Composers, Au-
thors and Publishers. These awards
are made to the student in each law
school graduating class, who, accord-
ing to the dean, has written the out-
standing paper on copyright law, the
necessity for it and the wise public
policy of enacting such legislature.
Members of the finalist committee
are Edward G. Sargoy, chairman of
the copyright committee of the
American Bar Association, Stephen
P. Ladas, author on copyright law,
Edward S. Rogers, lecturer on copy-
right at Michigan University, Dr.
Louis Charles Smith, of the Wash-
ington copyright office, and Dean
Emeritus John H. Wigmore of North-
western University School of Law.
'BARBERSHOP CHORD'
IN PUBLISHER TDT
Rumor persists that the Columbia
Broadcasting Sjrstem's next - acquisi-
tion will be the music publishing
business. The report has it that CBS
is giving serlotis thought to round-
ing out its broadcasting, concert,
transcription, and phonograph record
holdings by acquiring a few imports
ant music catalogs. Such acquisition
would make CBS eligible to mem-
bership in the American Society of
Composers, Authors and Publishers,
and if the catalogs are important
enough, acceptable to representation
on ASCAP's board of directors. CBS
officials have repeatedly denied that
the orgamzation harbors any cov-
etous Intentions in the direction of
the music business but the musjc in-
dustry continues' to believe other-
wise.
The report has aroused much spec-
ulation in the publishing trade as to
what after effects 'the entry of Co-
lumbia could have. One of the two
top users of music would be placed
in odd comptitlve position, with the
network able to give its own catalogs
first choice when it comes to pro-
graming or recording. Another point
of speculaion is what would be NBCs
reaction to such a situation; whether
the latter network would again re-
turn to the publidiing business from
which it retired seven years ago on its
own (Radio Music Go.) or by subtle
but 'effective procedure see to it tliat
the competitior's musical works
didn't get themselves too solidly rep-
resented on NBC programs.
William S. Paley was faced with
an opportunity to get into the music
publishing business in 1936 alter
Warner Bros, had pulled out of
ASCAP. Harry M. Warner offered
to sell all his catalogs outright to
CBS or bring in the network on a 50-
SO partnership basis. The two camps
never got to talking details.
Ira Amstein Wffi Be
ThroDgh with Jod^e
h Another Week
Three music publishing firms are
feuding over the copyright renewal
rights to 'Play That Barbershop
Chord,' with the result that the li-
censing bureau of the Music Pub-
lishers' Protective Association is put-
ting all mechanical fees derived from
the tune in escrow until the issue has
been adjudicated. Trio, each claim-
ing a piece of the composition, are
E. B. Marks, Shapiro, Beirnstein &
Co. and the Manus Music Co.
The composition still has a high
standard value and is frequently
used for synchronization purposes.
PuUishers Auditing Books of Disc
Companies to Stop Discrepancies
Mechanical rights division of the
Music Publishers Protective Asso-
ciation has arranged to make an audit
of the books of all phonograph com-
panies every other quarter. A firm
of' accountants has already been re-
tained for the job. -
Recent audits have disclosed seri-
ous discrepancies between company
records and actual royalty payments
in one of the phonograph disc films.
Instead of demanding refunds, most
of the pubs involved elected to make
special song-usage deals with the
; company. It has been agreed by the
• pubs that from now on the MPFA
will be free to collect on these dis-
crepancies,
Urge Andiem's Use
Philadelphia, March 14.
Philly Musicians' Local last Thurs-
day passed a resolution asking the
A. F. of M. to recommend that in
the future all Musical Sessions open
and close with the 'Star Spangled
Banner.' Resolution, suggested by A.
Rex Rlccardi, secretary, was sent to
the international exec board.
Re^lution was passed the previ-
ous week recommending that the
A. F. of M. not allow musicians to
work in the Daughters of American
Revolution hall in Washington, D. C,
because of the group's refusal to
allow Marian Anderson; Negro con-
tralto, to sing there.
Ira A. Amstein has advLsed Fed-
eral Judge Edward A. Conr!er that
he will wind up his side of the c-n-
spiracy and infringement case against
manifold publishers, persons and or-
ganizations in the music Industry
this week. Amstein estimates his
damages at $2,000,000 and wants a
decree forcing the American Society
of Composers, Authors and Publish-
ers to admit him to membership.
The court continues to give Arn-
stein wide latitude in the presenta-
tion of his case. At one point - of
the trial last week he accused the
battery of defendants' lawyers of
bribing a' couple of violin players
that he had retained for demonstra-
tion purposes before the bar to slay
away. Judge Congei: a.sked AnTstcin
to point out the miscreant lawyers
but Amstein refused to be pinned
down. Amstein called Sismund
Spaeth, who is appearing as an ex-
pert for the defense, a 'shoemaker*
and ordered him to leave the court-
room.
So far Amstein has presented 10
published songs which he clnims
were lifted from manuscripts of his.
The judge is reserving decision on
all applications to dismiss for failure
to conform with the rules of court
procedure, copyright laws, etc.
MERCHANDIZING MAN
JOINS AMERICAN CO.
Ralph P. Linder, former grocery
and hardware trade paper man, has
been made sales promotion and ad-
vertising manager of the American
Record Co. It's his first connection
with the amusement field.
He comes from the trade division
of the Butterick Co., having been
managing editor of Good Hardware
and managing editor and promotion-
manager of The Progressive' Grocer.
40
VARIETY
BIU8IC— OANCiB BANDS
Wednesdaf, March 15, 1939
BANDS and ORCHES'raAS
Week of March 17
P«rman«nt addrMs of bandi and orchestra* ara publl«h*d_ with*
out eharga. Whil* every effort ii made to insure aceuraey in this
department cooperation in notifying errors will reduce mistakes to
a minimum.
Key to abbreviations: B — ballroom, C— cafe, CC— country club,
H— Hotel, N—Night Clubr R— restaurant, T— Theatre.
Booking Agencies: ARA, Associated Radio Artists, 1680 B'way,
N. Y. C; CRA, Consolidated Radio Artists, 12S0 Sixth Avs., N.Y.C.;
FB, Frederick Bros., 1270 Sixth Ave, N. Y. C; MCA, Musio Corp.
of America, 745 Fifth Ave, N. Y. C; R-O'K, Reokwell-O'Keefe,
1270 Sixth Ave, N. Y. C.
. Network Plugs, 8. AJILto 1 AJW.
Fottowtng is a totolizaUon of the combined plugs of current tuna on NBC (WE AT and WJZ), and CBS
(WABC) computed for the week from Monday through Sunday (March e-12). Total represents accumulated
performances on the two major networks from sa.m.tola,m. In 'Source column, * denotes film song, t legit
tunes, and pop' speaks for itself.
GBAND
TITLE. PCBLISHEB. SOURCE. TOTAL.
' AaronKn. Irvlni. c/o WHS, NTC.-
' Agnew, Charlie, Mlcblsan T., Ann Arbor,
Hlcb.
Albsrto. Don. El Chico N., NTC.
Alport, Mickey. Bradford U.. Boston.
Ambaasodora, Royale, Congreaa H.. CliL
Andrews. Gordon. Club IB N.: NTC.
Armstrong. Louli, Proctor's T., Schenec-
tady, N. Y.
Aah, PauL Roiy T.. NTC.
' Amhelm. Ous, R-O'K. Hollywood.
. B»lley. Bert. PUntatlon Club. Milwaukee.
Bamet. Charley. Famous Door, NYC.
Baraett, Jimmy, o/o PB. .
Banlo. Bill, Bluckhawk H., Davenport, la.
Basle, Count, c/o MCA. _
Bauer, Tony. Scaler's N., Milwaukee.
.Baum, Charles. St. Regis H., NVC.
Becker, Howard. Rainbow B., Denver.
Bergerc. Moximlllan. VersalUes N.. NIC.
Blltmore Boys, Carteton H., Wash.. D. C.
' Blake, Lou, Atlanta-Blltmore H., At-
lantn, Ga.
Blanco, Pedro, Embassy C. Phllacjelpbla.
Bleyer; Archie, Barl Carroll's R., H'wood.
Bolognlnl. Knnio, L'Alglon R., Cbl.
Bragale. Vincent, Ambassador H., NTC.
Brandwynne. Nat. Elssex Hoasa H.. NTC.
' Brieode. Ace, Merry Garden B., Chi.
.Buck, Verne, OrlonUl T., Cbl. ^ , • .
' Burkarth, Johnny, Plantation Club, Indi-
anapolis. ™ , «
Burton. Paul, Southern Tavern. Cleveland.
Busse, Henry, H. New Yorker, NTC.
Calloway. Cab, Apollo T.. . NTC.
Camden, Eddie, Southern Mansions, K. C.
Candullo, Jo<>, Veraalllea Club, Holly-
wood, Fla.
Carter. Benny, B-O'K, NTC.
Cerwin, George, Club Sahara, Milwaukee.
' Chernlavsky, Joset. WLW, Cincinnati,
Clark, Buddy, Armando's R., NTC-
CUnlon, Larry, c/o R-O'K.
Collins. Bemla, Ansley H., Atlanta, Ga.
Cornwall. Joe. Newhonse EL, Salt Lake
City.
' Courtney, Del. New Kenmore H., A)bany,
Cromwell, Chauncey, Faxton H., Lincoln,
Meb.
Crosby, Bob, Blackhawk R., Chi.
Cummins, Bemie, \Vm. Penn U., Pitts.
DarlaSe, Gilbert. . Chateau-Frontenao H.,
Quebec.
' Davis. Eddie, Larue R., NTC.
D'Andrea. Josepli. Pepper Pot N.. NTC.
Davis, Johnny, Miami CInb. Milwaukee,
De Lange, Eddie. - c/o William -Morris.
Denn>-. .lack, c/o Wm. Morris.
Donahue. Al, Stanley T., Pittsburgh.
Sooley, Phil, Palmer H., Chl|
Dorsey, Jimmy, State T„ Hartford.
DuchiD, Eddy, Lyric T.. Indianapolis, -
Duke, Jnles, Tntwiler H., Birmingham.
E
Ellis. Joe, queen Mary R., NTC.
Ennls. Sklnnay, Victor Hugo's R.,
H' wood.
Ernie. Val; Whitehall N., Palm Beach,
Fla.
F
Fentberstone, Spike, La Conga C, Holly'
Irood.
Feldsteln. Joey, Tie Top Tap N., Mil-
waukee.
Folton. Happy. Riverside T.. Milwaukee.
' Fraietto, Joe, Jack Lvnch's Walton Roof,
Fhllndelphla.
FIdler, Lou, Colony Club, ChL
Fields, Shep, c/o MCA.
Fisher, Freddie, Ijookout House, Coving-
Ion, Ky.
Fisher, Mark, Royals Frolics C, Chicago.
Fomeen. Basil, St. Morltz H., NYC.
Foster, Chuck, Xopsy's N., Souttigate^
Calif.
Frederic Marvin, Atlanta-Blltmore H.,
Atlanta.
Frederics, Jan, Boulevard Tavern. Elm-
hurst, N.T.
Funk, Lart7, Frontenao Club, Detroit.
The ItreaisHble HU
mVY, HEAVY HANGS
OYER MY HEARt
AND
A **Different'' NoveUy
wm, THE BUMBLE-
BEE, FEELS BUM'
On Bluebird B«cord Bie48
VANGUARD SONGS
6411 Hollywood Blvd.
hollVwood, calif.
AND
1776 Broadway
NEW YORK, N. Y.
We've Come a Long Way Together.
Deep Purple
Gotta Get Some Shuteye
Could Be .,.
Umbrella Man
Heaven Can Wait
This Is It
This Night
Good for Nothing..
Penny Serenade.
..Feist ..Pop
..Bobbins .Pop
..Berlin Pop
. .Snntly Pop
. . Harms Pop
. .Remick Pop
. .Chappell '. tStars In Your Eyes.
, , Bregman 'Honolulu
. .Witmark Pop
.Shaniro ........Pop
64°
42
39
'37-
35
34
Gaeen, Frank, Adelphia H., Pblla.
Oaaperre. Dick. Ambassador II.. .STC,
Gay, Leonard, Congo Olub, Milwaukee,
Gendron, ilenri, Culoslmo'i N., Chicago.
Gill, Emerson, c/o CRA,
Qlllcn, Frank. Northwood Inn, Detroit.
Gillette, Jack, c/o CRA.
Golden, Nell, Stuyvasant H^ Buffalo.
Golly. Cecil, Blltmore H., Dayton.
Goodman. Benny. Barle T.. AVnsh.
Gordon, Gray, Edison H., NTC.
Grant, Bob, Book-Cadlllac H., Det.
Gray, Ulen, Woldort-Astorla H.. NTC.
Gray, Marty, Oasis N., Milwaukee.
Gray, Ted, Oatlneau CC. Ottawa, Ont.
Grenet, RIlseo. Bl Ghlco. NTC.
GumIn, Joe, Chateau Club, Milwaukee.
Haas. Alexander, 254 W. T5th St.. NTC.
Hall, Geo, State T... NTC.
Hall, Sleepy, Show Bar, Forest Hills,
NYC.
Hamilton, Bob, Malestlo B., Long Beach,
Calif.
Hardy. Bob, Flamingo N., Boston.
Harlng. Bob. c/o R-O'K.
Harper, Nlc, Wisconsin Root B., Mil-
waukee.
Harris, Phil. Wllshira Bowl, Los Angeles.
Hart, Llttl« Joe, Club Greyhound, Jelter-
Bonvllie, Ind.
Hawkins, Bnklne, Savoy B.. NTC.
Henderson, Fletcher, Grand Terrace, ChL
Henry, Chuck, Paris Inn, I^A.
Kelilt, Horace, BUtmoie H.. NTC
Herbeck, Ray, Aragon B., Cleve.
Hill, Tiny, Melody Mill B., Chi. .
HImber. Rlctiard. H. Essex Bouse. NTC.
Hohengarten, Carl. CBS, CbL
Hoist. Emle, El Morocco N.. NTC.
Hopkins. Lea, Chatean-Laorler B., Ot-
tawa, Ont.
Houck,' Curt, Park Central H.. NTC.
Hudson, Dean, c/o Gns Edwards, First
Nafl Bank Bldg., Chi.
Button, Ina Bay, Rose Bowl, CtU.
Jacobs, Howard, Wm. Moirla Agency.
NTC.
Jacobson, Stan, CInb Madrid, Milwaukee.
Jalins, Al. Provldence-Blltmoro H.. Piov.
James, Harry. H. Pennsylvania, NYC.
Jay, Tallle, Wlrth's Futuristic B., Mil-
waukee.
Jur^ns. Dick, Aragon B., Chicago.
Kaln, Paul, Wardman Park H., Wash..
D.C.
Kavelln. Al, Nixon C, Pitts.
Kaye. Sammy. Commodore H., NTC.
Kemp. Hal. Fox T., Philadelphia.
Kendls, Sonny, Stork Club, NTC.
Krnney, Mart, Vancouver H., Vancouver,
B. C.
Kent. Larry, Rainbow Rendezvous, Salt
Lake City.
Kent, Peter, Book-CadllUo H., Detroit.
Kerr. Jimmy, Jerry's Mandalay N., Hol-
lywood.
King. Llla. Esquire Club, Miami.
King, Teddy, c/o ROK.
King. Wayne, Drake H., Cbl. .
King's Jesters, Clarldgo H., Memphis,
Kinney. Roy, Lexington H., NTC.
Kirk, Andy, Southland Club, Boston.
Kogen, Harry, NBC, Chi.
Krupa, Gene, Sherman H., ChL
Kuhn. Dick. Astor U., NTC.
Kvale, Al, State-Lake T., Chi.
L
Lally, Howard, Five o'Clock Club. Miami.
Lang. Sid. Hl-Hat Club, Chicago.
Le wron, Eddie, Ralntww Room N., NTC.
Light. Enoch. Taft H., NTC.
LIvengood, Tlnney, Open Door N., Mil-
waukee.
Lombardo, Guy, Roosevelt H., NTC.
Lopez, Vincent. Palace T.. Cleveland.
Lucas. Clyde, Beverly Hills, CC, New-
port, Ky.
Lyman. Abe, Royal Palmi Club, Palm
Beach. Fla.
Malneck, Matty, Cafe LaMaze, H'wood.
Manzsnares, Jose. Colony Club. Chicago.
Maples, Nelson, Webster Hall, H., Pitts.
. Mario. Don, Flrenze R.. NTC.
Marsala. Joe, Hickory House N., NTC.
Marshard, Jack. H. Plaza, NTC.
MartelL Paul. Arcadia B.. NTC.
Martin, Freddie, Trianon B., Cbl.
Martin. Lou. Leon & Eddie's N„ NTC.
Masters, Frankle, Roosevelt H., New Or-
leans.
' Matheson, Bob. Rendevous C, Milwaukee.
Mayebolt, Eddie, Governor Clinton H.,
NTC.
McCreery, H., Ambassabor H., ChL
McCoy, Clyde, c-o Gus Edwards, First
Nnfl Bank Bldg., Chi.
McDonald. Billy. Hofbreu, Ban Diego.
McPartlInd, Jack, S Deuces C, ChL '
Mellen, EarL Madura's Danceland, Whlt-
|nir. Ind.
Meroff, Benny, Proctor's T., Schenectady,
N.T.
Miller, Glen, Meadowbrook Club, Cedar
Grove, N.J.
. Mills,. Jay, Edgewater Beach H.. Chi.
Mllllnder. Lucky, State Palace B., NTC.
Mllllngton. Basso, Blfck Cat N.. NTC.
Mints, Herbls, Oriental Gardens B., Cbl.
Hojica, Looh, El Patio B., San Fran-
cisco.
Molina, Carlos, Sir Francis Drake R.,
San Francisco.
Morgan, Russ, Chez Paree, ChL
Morton, Gerry, H. Savoy-Plaza, NTC.
Munro, Hal, AthleUo CInb, Milwaukee.
Murrey, Charles, Mon Paris N., NTC. ,
N
Nagel. Harold,. Pierre H., NTC,
Newman, Ruby, Rainbow Room, NTC.
32
29
27
26
2&.
23
23
22
20
20
19
HoId'Tight Exclusive Pop ..;
I Have Eyes Paramotmt. 'Paris Honeymoon
I Cried for You Miller Pop
Get Along Without You Very Well .Famous Pop
Masquerade Is Over. ■. Crawford Pop
Begin the Beguine '. Harms Pop
Honolulu ; ..,Brecman 'Honolulu
I Promise You ABC ; , Pop
I Go for That... Famous 'St Louis Blues <18
I Long to Belong to You Red Star Pop is
We Speak of You Often. Olman. .Pop 17
You're a Sweet Little Headache .Paramoimt 'Paris Honeymoon. , ; 17
Jcepers Creepers Witmark 'Going Places Ift^
KoTsnce Runs in the Family Ager .' Pop 15 '
Blame It On My Last Affair Mills Pop 14
Chob Sticks...; Shapiro Pop , 14
Funny Old Hills Paramount. 'Paris Honeymoon 14
13
•12
12
12
12
12
12
12
•11
U
11
11
How Strange Feist 'Idiot's DeUght 10
Little Sir Echo Bregman ...Pop
Between a Kiss and a Sigh Santly Pop —..'
Cuckoo in the Clock Berlin Pop
Hurry Home Sbier Pop
It's Never Too Late Berlin Pop
Moon Is a Silver Dollar Bobbins Pop
My Heart Belongs to Daddy Chappell ; tLeave It to Me.
Rainbow Valley....; ^ Morris .Pop
Get Out of Town Chappell tlieave It to Me.
I Want My Share of Love .Harms P6p
Never Felt Better .Miller .Pop
Patty Cake Sam Fox J'op
Nichols. Red, Netherland-Plaza H., CIncy.
Knble. Leigbton. Rltz-Cnrlton H.. Boston.
Noel. Henry, BS-II 28th St.. Lone Island
City, N.T.
O'Hara, Ray, Greenwich Village Casino,
NYC.
Olman. Val, c/o. R-O'K.
Olm^n. Gen.. Palomar B.. L. A.
Osborne, Will, Strand T.. NTC.
Owens, Hairy, Beverly- Wllshire H., Los
Angeles.
Palmer, Bkeeter, Seneca H„ Rochester,
N.T.
Paul. Eddie. Columbia B.. Cleve., O.
Pendarvls, PauL Palace H.. San Fran-
cisco.
Petti. Emile, Savoy-Plaza H.. NTC.
Pevton. Jimmy, Plaza R.. Pittsburgh.
Pllner tc Earl, Blackatone H.. Cbl.
Prima, Louis, Jitterbug House, Los An-
geles.
Fryor, Roger, Chicago T., Cbl.
Ramona, Muehlbach H., Kansas CItr.
Rapp. Barney, Gibson H.. CInn.
Ravazza, CarL Rainbow Rendezvous, San
Fronclsco.
Ravel,. Don, Greenwich Vlllaga Casino,
NTC.
Redman, Geo., Omar's Dome C. L.A.
. Relchman, Joe, Mark Hopkins H., San
Frnncleco.
Renard, Jacques, Cocoanut Grove N.,
Boston.
Relsman, Leo, ISO W. STth St., NTC
Rhythm Boys, Stevens H., ChL
Richards, 'Jimmy, Greystone B., Det.
Rico, Don. Seville R., Boston.
Robblns. Billy, Coronado H., Worcester,
Mass.'
Roberts^ Red, Devlnes . Eagles B., Mil-
waukee.
Rodrlgo, NaAo, Havana-Madrid N., NTC
Rogers, Eddie, Syracuse H.. N. T.
-Roland, Don; Marcus' Daly, Beverly Hills,
Calif.
Rolllnl. Adrian, Belmont-Plnza H.. NTC.
Roth, Lee, Riverside T., Milwaukee.
S
Sabln. Paul. Chez Fare'. Omaha.
Sanabria, Juanlto. Havana-Madrid, NTC,
Sandera. Joe. Trianon B., Chicago.
Savltt. Jan, Lincoln H., NYC
Shanks, Charles, Bismarck H., ChL
Shaw. Artie. Fox T.. Phlla.
Sherman, Billy, Bill Green's Casino,
Pit Is. •
Shelley, Lee, Benny-the-Bum's, Phlla.
Shields, Roy, NBC, Cbl.
SlsBlOi Nobis, Paramount H.. NTC.
Smith, Stun, La Salle H., Cbl.
South. Eddie, Btatz's Gardens. Milwaukee.
Spltalny, Phil, Pr.rk Central H., NYC.
Squires. Four, Stage One. H'wood.
Starr. Freddy, Park Lane H., NTC
Stabile, Dick, Statler H., Cleve.
StoelTler, Wally c/o FB.
Straeter, Ted, Monte Carlo. NTC.
Straight, Charles, White City B., ChL
Strong, Benny, Brown H,. Louisville.
Stuart, MIron, Trocadero N., Milwaukee.
Sudy, Joseph. Cosmopolitan U., Denver,
Swanson, Billy, c/o CRA.
Teeter, Jack, Club Terrls, Milwaukee.
Thai, Plerson, Milwaukee A.C, Mllw. '
Thela. Henry, c/o R-O'K.
' Thompson, Lang, Brown-Palace H., Den-
ver.
Trace, Al, Sherman H., CbL
Tracy. Jack, Broadmoor CC, Dancer.
Trnvera, T«d; Henry Grady H., Atlanta.
Travera, Vincent, Paradise R.. NYC.
Tucker. Otrln. Palmer House H.. Chicago,
Turk, AL Royale Frolics N., ChL
Van Gelder, Leon, Melody Club, Union
City, N. J.
Vaizos, Eddie, 88S Club, ChL
VenutI, Joe, Belmont-Plnza H.. NTC.
Vlonl, Bud, Cardinal Club, Milwaukee.
W
Wagner, Buddy, Midnight Sun, NTC.
Waples. Bud, Marquette H., St. Louis.
On the Upbeat
Kay Kyser booked for one-nighter
at University of Pittsburgh Military
ball March 24 at William Penn hotel.
BemIe C^ommliis closes two-month
engagement at William Penn hotel
Chatterbox April 1, pulling out for
series of one-nighters in territory.
Fred Warinc slated for week at
Stanley theatre, Pittsburgh, April 14.
Niok Harper, Milwaukee maestro,
currently at Wisconsin Roof, with
MCA.
Joaquin Garay opened two-week
engagement at Victor Hugo, Beverly
HUls, CaL
Victor Hugo crew doses at Benny
the Bum's, Philly, tomorrow (Thurs-
day) night' and opens following eve-
ning at the Little Rathskeller, half-
a-block away, Heplaces Jack Grif-
fin's orch at latter spot.
Ben BemIe Inked to play at shin-
dig of the Philly News Photograph-
ers Association in the Benjamin
Franklin hotel April 21.
Ted Travers opened Friday (10) in
Atlanta for two weeks at Henry
Grady Hotel's Spanish Boom, fol-
lowing engagement at Meadow
Brook, Long Island. He'll be followed
by Rudy Bundy, who opens March
24. Bands that play this spot are
aired on WATL.
Idle Hoar CInb, Atlanta, has Ray
Rice.
Aee Brigode's contract at Merry
Webb, Chick, Paramount T., NTC.
Webber, Harry, Clover Club, Milwaukee.
Weber, Henry, WON, ChL
Weber, Marek, NBC, ChL
Webster, Ralph, Tantllla Gardens, Rich-
mond, Va.
Weeks, Ranny. Club Maytalr. Boston.
Welk, Lawnnca, Schroeder H., Milwau-
kee
'Whtteman, Paul, Bouthwestem Bxpo,
Ft. Worth. . Tex.
Williams, Grlir, Victor Hugo's R., I,.A.
Winston. Jack, Athena Athletic Club,
Oakland, Calif.
WInton, Barry, Rnlnbow Grin, NTC.
Wlttlch, Dories, YaV R., Chi.
Woods, Howard, Village Bam, NTC.
Tates, Billy, Bl Tlvoll Supper Club, Dal-
las,
Young, Sterling, Bill Green's Casino,
Pitts.
ZIpp, Bddle, Old Heldelbers N., Mil-
waukee.
Zwerllnr. Ruby, Stato T., NTC.
Garden ballroom, Chicago, has been
extended to May 18.
Woody Herman orchestra Is tenta-
tively set to go into the Famous
Door, N. Y, March 21 for thre«
weeks with a three-week option.
New Teddy Wilson orchestra is set
to preem at the Door April . 24.' It's
currently In rehearsal. BoOi -crews
will have NBC wires.
Harry James closes at the Benja-
min Franklin Hotel, Phlla., March 18
to replace Ben Bemie the 16th in th«
Pennsylvania Hotel, N. Y., until Kay
Kyser in turn replaces It April 8.
Tommy Dorsey Is set for the Penn's
roof, opening in May and staying
until Sept 17.
Bed Norvo returns to the Benja-
^nin Franklin Hotel, Phila., April •
for two weeks with options.
Artie Shaw's first biography, writ-
ten by Jerry Mason, will be part of
the March 24 issue of Radio Mirror.
Barry WInton, who opens at the
Rainbow Grill tonight (15), is paced
by a rarity. Winton plays a bass
viol.
Dalbar, Inc., has been chartered to
organize and manage orchestras and
bands, with office in New York,
Directors are: Attorney Louis P.
Randell, Harold L. Gamer, Rudolflns
Schreiber. Capital stock is 100
shares, no par value.
Frank Salto Bankropt
Frank Salto, known as Frank Sol-
leclto, musician, filed a voluntary pe-
tition of bankruptcy in the N. Y.
federal court Friday (10), listing lia-
billUes of $2,496 and assets of $975.
He's member of Will Osborne's
orchestra.
OLD SONG SUGGESTIONS
JIMMY McHUCH'S
"LOST IN A FOG"
Robbina Music Corp.
A Tisket A Tasket — My Reverie — Deep Purple — And Now'
THE MOON IS A SILVER DOLLAR
: c. M PAR M^^. c by SAMM^ rA!N
.^GB.MNfb MUSIC CORP p, RATION 799 SEVENTH AVENUE ■ NEW YORK
f
Wednesday^ Marct IS,' 1939 '
MUSIC— DAKGE BANDS
VARIETy
41
15 Best Sheet Music Sellers
(Week endinff March 11, 1939)
Deep Purple Robbins
Penny Serenade • . Shapiro
Ifmbrella Man Harms
Little Sir Echo Bregman
I Get Along Without You Very Well. Famous
I Promise You ABC
•You're a Sweet Little Headache Paramount
•I Have Eyes Paramount
God Bless America Berlin
I Cried for Yoiw-... ...Miller
Hold Tight . . . . .T Sxclusive
Masquerade Is Over : . . . .IJrawford
Could Be Santly
You're the Only Star Shapiro
•Funny Old Hills ; Paramount
• iTidicotes filmxisical song. t Indicates stage prodttctton sonii.
The others are pops.
hside Stuff-Music
1^0 Feist, Inc., was ordered on Thursday (2) to submit agreements cover-
ing the rights to the scores of 'Rio Rita' and 'Kid Boots' for examination
before trial in connection with a suit brought by Edgar F. Bitner and
the Estate of Leo Feist against MOM Pictures Corp., for $88,500, by Su-
preme Court Justice Ferdinand Pecora.
Plaintiffs claim that amount is due as the last payment for the sale by
them of 1,450 shares of Leo Feist to Metro in October, 1935, these shares
representing controL
The defendant is counter-claiming for $128,000 on the grounds that cer-
tain rights supposedly Invested in the estate were not actually owned by
Feist, although they had been informed that they were.
Synchronization and dramatization rights to 'The Rose of Washington
Square' has been obtained by 20th Century-Fox from Shapiro, Bernstein &
Co. at a reported price of $5,000. It's a high figure for this sort of deal.
The song, written by Ballard MacDonald and James F. Hanley, was pub-
lished in 1020. ' Al Jolson and Alice Faye are slated to star in the film
version.
'Park Avenue' Fantasy,' instrumental by Matt Malneck and Frank Sig-
Dorelli, will have its 'middle strain' extracted and developed into a pop
long by Jack Robbins. A new title will also be used. This comes on the
heels of the success met with T3eep Purple,' when one of Its four major
strains was developed Into a pop hit.
Only three tunes In the past week's list of 15 best sellers come from
pictures and all three are in the score of Paramount's 'Paris Honeymoon.'
Of the trio, "You're a Sweet Little Headache' and 'I Have Eyes' fall within
the first 10. Tunny Old Hills' Is the remaining one of the threesome.
PHILLY LOCAL
MEMBERSCHIDE
MCA,CRA
Philadelphia, March 14.
Blast against Music Corporation of
America and Consolidated Radio Art-
ists Is being prepared by tiie Philly
.Musicians' local for presentation at
fte national convention of the Amer-
ican Federation of Musicians In
June. Complaint Is that MCA and
CRA, particularly the former, have
purchased a monopoly on network
time for remote, band airings that Is
discriminatory agiiinst local orchs.
Long felt to be hurting the tooters'
chances of placing local bands, the
Issue came to a head here a few
weeks ago with the expiration of
Jeno Donath's termer at the Hotel
Walton Roof. Operator Jack Lynch,
on urging from Uie tiotel, sought to
replace Donath with an MCA crew.
Inasmuch as it ia impossible to hit
the webs with a local outfit. Hotels
feel that three or four network plugs
■ week are Invaluable in building
room trade. Inasmuch as . Lynch
only rents the roof and has nothing
%> do with the hotel, pressure from
*e AFM got him to replace Donath
with another local crew, Joe Fraset
te's. Latter has a 25-week ticket.
Charge to Advertising
Union claims that MCA and Con
■olidated spend about $50,000 a year
between them to- buy up all avail-
able time for remotes, amounting to
20 half-hour periods a week. This
"Mkes it impossible for a band to
break In without their sanction. Rex
Reggie Childs UBtied
After complaining that he was not
properly provided with work, Reggie
Childs asked for and received a re-
lease from his contract with Con-
solidated Radio Artists last week.
Bandleader was given several days
to think it over, then was released
Saturday (11).
Two other batoneers are also seek-
ing releases from CRA, both sound-
ing out the band booking outfit on
the matter with no indication of
what will happen. They were Mike
Riley of 'Music Goes Round' note,
and Rudolph Friml, Jr.
Bob Saunders and Aide
. Leaving Consolidated
Bob Saunders, who headed the
shuttered Consolidated Radio Artists
Dallas office, is out of the CRA or-
ganization entirely after confabs last
week with Charles Green, CRA head
in New York, Cress Coiurtney, as-
sistant to Saunders, also is out
Dallas territory will be serviced
by a road rep out of the CRA Chi-
cago office. Latter is headed by
Stan Zucker.
NBC Financial Expert
Assigned to Examine
Consolidated Policies
NBC has placed one of its financial
experts in the offices of Consolidated
Radio Artists, Inc. He is Charles
Wall, who has been attached' to the
NBC treasurer's staff.
Mark Wood, NBC v.p., explained
Monday (13) that Wall has been as-
signed to work with Consolidated in
straightening out financial matters.
Relationship between Consolidated
and NBC dates from 1936 when the
American Federation of Musicians
ruled that no employer of musicians
could be also engaged in the band
booking or management business.
Consolidated assumed NBC's band
management contracts and the net-
work advanced. a loan to help Con-
solidated get started.
Musicians Union Vs. World s Fair
A Running War with Many Battles
New York Local 802 of the Ameri-
can Federation of Musicians and of-
ficials of the N. Y. World Fair are
repeatedly coming to grips over pro-
jected items at the fair involving mu-
sic. Latest concerns the cavalcade
of America which will be on view in-
side the Fair's Perisphere. Idea is
to provide appropriate musical back-
ground for each scene depicting the
progress of the United States which
the Perisphere houses. Music would
be on a sound on film track. Union
nixed the idea saying live musicians
would have to be used. Union and
Fair are still at loggerheads over the
matter.
Several weeks ago a western ex-
hibitor wanted to bring in a home-
town band made up of employees of
the company, and which took part in
local company shows. Exhibitor
claimed the band fitted into the ex-
hibit in such a way that if it wasri't
used, none could be used at all.
Union nixed that also.
St. Louis, March 14.
Because of complaint made by Lo-
cal No. 2, AFM, the McKinley High
School band, skedded to lead Boy
Scout parade as part of the 'Ameri-
canization Week' observed by the
Elks was nixed last week. The 55
high school pupils who had re-
hearsed for two weeks had been as-
signed to head the parade from the
Elks' club to the Congress theatre,
where patriotic films were shown.
The night before the parade, C. A.
Humfeld, music instructor at the
high school, and a member of Local
No, 2, was told to call the amateurs
off.
As school had been dismissed,
Humfeld hired bicycle couriers to
notify the tooters their services
wouldn't be needed. The day was
not lost -however as the 1,000 scouts
marched to the music of a drum and
bugle corps of the Walter Haltfeld
Post No. 25, American Legion. Lo-
cal No. 2, at a special meeting, had
also vetoed plans of the Elks to util-
ize the firemen's band in a patriotic
parade and to have the Ellcs band
from Washington, Mo., play at a din-
ner dance. Instead, a imion group
of tooters was employed.
Al Marsleo, with Bob Carter doing
vocals, opens jndef stay at Nixon
Cafe, Pittsburgh,. March 25, succeed-
ing Al Kavelin, who goes into Hotel
Commodore Perry, "Toledo, O., for
two weeks. Placed by Joe Hiller.'
Ernie Fio-Bito and his semi-sym-
phonic crew now airing the 'Studies
in Contrast' program on WOR-Mu-
tual, signed by Rockwell General
Amusement last week.
Riccardi, secretary of the local, said
that Jules Stein, MCA prez, admitted
this last year.
Riccardi declared that, getting
these plugs, it is apparent that it is
advantageous to a hotel to hire a
traveling band rather than local one.
For one thing, he said, the expense
is charged up against advertising, as
the band indirectly serves to fill
rooms.
Network plea that local bands
aren't good enough for national air-
ing, Riccardi said, is so much
boloney, because as soon as the band
signs with MCA or CRA it suddenly
improves in quality sufficiently to hit
the webs. He declared that he is
working out e deal with MCA as the
result of his squawks and that the
Hotel Walton crew may get network
time on an amicable arrangement.
Resolution compelling action on
the entire situation will be Introed
at the convention, Riccardi stated,
jointly by the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati
and. Philly locals.
i»i Hit Cor^r . . .
A l>«m«r(>il !kAn> ftwm «i> New Vnivenal riMiire,
By JOai^NT B^IKI^E JIMMY MONACO
EAST SIDE OF H
Exquiaite Imt BaUiid
"""""""'Z7^^M,
^^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^^^^^^
iMictcsMr to **l>OCKETFbL OF OREAMy*
YOUR HEART
ON A HICKORY LIMB
■JOY-SELEC^H
wmm.
€B£CAGO
Grand Opera HooM B«iMiH|K
HOtL3rW<lOD
1509 lVorA\la«
AN OUTSTANDING SONG EVENT ^
* LITTLE SKIPPER :
* LEO FEiST INC • 16 2 9 BROADWAY NEW YORK • HARRY LINK, Gen Prof, M g r *
42 VAsmrr
CONCERTS-DANCE BANDS
Wedncisdaj; BIwch 15, 1939
Sondiw^ Tbree-Sheeted Uke a Grcns
For Met Opera 'Cdtiire Carnival'
-♦ •
of tiie sam* trial board.
Revocation requests were based on
the same charges aimed at the first
batch-^olatlon of union rules and
regulations. It must be noted, how-
ever, that the 16 named were not out
at this writing, but formal requests
for such action by the AFM had
been made by 602. Those listed
are:
Hal Gorman.
Times Square Artists Bureau.
Evans and Lee.
Billy Perch.
Fred Walker.
Harry A. Shea.
Triangle Entertainment Service.
Jean Henry.
Lou Sliarp.
Al Dell.
Dan Harrington.
Brown and Llssman.
Continental Amusement Co,
George Arken.
. Bill Bobbins.
Al Romano.
Inside Staff-Qrchestras
Bud Freeman, sax man formerly with Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman
and other top flight crews, wilMead a six-piece mixed combo made up of
some of the best men in the band biz into Kelly's Stables, small 61st New
York nltery; March 26. There's a slight indecision current concerning the
mixed angle but It's expected to be Ironed out by opening time. Mixed
bands are rare but Benny Goodman got away with his colored trio playing
with his crew at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, N. Y., last faa
Freeman will have beside himself Arthur Schutt, now with NBC, at
the piano, and Marty Stulmaker on bass. Said to be a final try of Kelly's
to make a go of It
Curious situation exists in an eastern key .city where tke radio editor of
one of the dailies :has a brother who Is a band leader.- Latter has an up^
and-coming outfit but gets little work because of -his kin's job. Seems
nitery owners are reluctant to book in the band, claiming his brother on
the newspaper wouldn't give them any publlcl^ because It would look
too much like favoritism. As It Is, cafe operators say, their bands get
plenty of free-space from the radio ed and they're not wllUng to t^e
a chance on losing It Writing brother has been known to pass up the
f&mlly's maestro intentionally when latter landed a spot for those reasons,
and in meantime the musical guy in the clan's taking it on the chin.
While being interviewed last' Thursday (9) night by Jimmy Jeikiail on
the latter's program on WOR, bandleader Glen Gray of the Casa Loma
orchestra revealed the workings of his co-operative crew. Explained that
the band had set up a trust fund for profits of the outfit after ekpenses
tbat approximated a haU million dollars.
Band has been in existence since 1929 with few changes In complement
It celebrated Its ninth anni on WOR, N.Y.'s 'Show of the Week' program
Sunday (12).
New York World-Telegram Guild party at the OuUd clubrooms In New
York Friday (10) night was musically serviced by t quintet made up of
cats who would ordinarily cost plen^ for such a date. . Included Sidney
Catletti drummer with Louis Armstrong's band; Arthur Schutt NBC hot
pianist; Henry Hed' Allen, tnmipet; Eddie Condon, and Bud Freeman.
Quintet cost the World-Tele bunch $60 for the night
lishaiii Jones to GtA
Playing college dates and one-
nighters for the past several months
with no set booking affiliation, Isham
Jones has tied his new band to a
five-year contract with Consolidated
Radio Artists. It's effective May 1,
although CRA has done most of the
booking of Jones' aforementioned
stands.
Jones formerly worked with Music
Corporation of America before giv-
ing up bis original crew now under
the' baton of Woody Herman. Lat-
ter books through Rockwell General
Amusement Corp.
Goes for Press Stont;
Goodman Gets a Toga
Dallas, March 14.
Metropolitan Opera Co. of New
York has been engaged for four
performances, April 10-12. Approx-
imately $100,000 has beien pledged
by local business men as guarantee
for the visit It wlU be ballyhooed
throughout the Southwest like a
circus.
A ' special organization was creat-
ed, headed by Arthur L. .Kramer,
department store head, and Tracy-
Iiocke-Dawson (agency) was hand-
ed job of exploitation. All mediums
are being used In the buildup, which
aims at a frank 'culture carnival' for
the ' three days, with customers
coming in from all parts of South-
west to mix culture""with business^
the purchase of new spring clothing.
'■ The agency says Its schedule of
display ads will be placed in 45 pub-
licaUons, including papers in
Shreveport Oklahoma City and
Tulsa. At least 60,000 folders wlU
be printed to be used as stuflers for
'firms doing a regional mail business.
In addition 55 locations will be used
for 24-sheets.
A circus campaign la mapped for
the opera, but the custom of free
ducats wUl positive^ not be fol-
lowed In- contacts with the editors.
SAUMAGGI HIPP
SHOW HALTED
BYAGMA
Alfred Salmaggi, whose Hippo-
drome Opera Co. has been intermit-
tently snarled with the American
Guild of Musical Artists for the last
two years, had another scuffle with
the union last weekend. 'When the
dust had cleared away the manager
had paid off a portion of his out-
standing debt to the Guild and was
planning to continue his pop-priced
operas at the Hippodrome, N. Y.
Dispute came to a head Sunday
night (12) when Ted Carr, AGMA
rep, refused to permit a perform-
ance of 'Carmen' to go on until Sal-
maggi gave assurance that the artist
fees for that evening and a portion
of the back debt would be paid. After
a fiery curtain speech to the audi-
ence by the manager, a compromise
was reached and the performance
went on about an hour late. Despite
threats that the opera- performances
would be discontinued In the future.
It was stated yesterday (Tuesday)
that tills Saturday and Sunday
. nights' (16-19) performances would
be'givea
According to AGMA officials, Sal-
maggi owed $617 In fees for back
performances, including $200 from
operas at Randall's Island, N. Y., last
summer, $327 from a performance at
the Hipp last month and $90 from
the preceding night's (Saturday)
'Madame Butterfly.' Agreement un-
der which the union Is permitting
the company to operate calls for
hmi to' pay each week's perform-
ances, plus $70 a week on the over-
due amount- Sum came to $540 Sun-
day night With Salmaggi agreeing to
pay $300 and 'whatever else I can
afford,' and the imion finally agree-
Inf.' to accept $425 to let the per-
formance go on.
Salmaggi told the audience that the
union was demanding its pay in ad-
vance, but that the 'musicians and
stagehands are willing to work the
show and accept pay after the per-
formance.' According to Carr the
latter groups were paid in full In
advance. AGMA states that it will
continue to play along with Sal-
maggi, collecting $70 a week on the
back debt In addition to the current
week's fees. Union's aim Is to avoid
closing the company and thereby
throwing the artists Involved out of
work.
COMMITS SUICIDE
Reading, Pa., March 14.
Samuel Martorano, leader of the
Reading Royal Italian band, com-
mitted suicide by jumping from- a
third-story window at his ' home.
Aberration blamed on overwork on
musical scores and -compositions he
was writing. He was 31.
Leaves a widow tmd one child.
ATLANTA CONCERTS SET
Name Llne-np to Pby 6,0M-Se»t
Anditorlnm
Atlanta^ March 14.
All-Star Concert Series, of which
Marvin McDonald Is manager, has
set its schedule for' next season. Bari-
tone John Charles Thomas will open
in October, to be followed by fiddler
Fritz Kreisler in November.
Basso Enzo Flnza and Brazilian
Soprano Bidu Sayo will appear in
joint concert In December and
Klrsten Flagstad will sing In Janu-
ary, with Ballet Russe due in Feb-
ruary.
Vladlmar Horowitz, pianist will
play in March, and Philadelphia
Symphony Ork, Eugene Ormandie
conducting, will close series in Aprlt
Grace Moore recital plosed. 1938-39
series, but McDonald has three other
musicians on tap for spring season-
Nelson Eddy, March 29; Marlon An-
derson,' Negro contralto, April 25,
and Jan Ignace Paderewski, . April
26, in event famed Polish pianist gets
over hand infection and can Qarry
out his tour.
All-Star Series Is sponsored jointly
by Atlanta Philharmonic Society and
Atlanta Music Club, who split profits.
Performances are at Atlanta's 6,000-
seat CVcj Aude and SRO sign Is out
at every show. Season ducats range
from $5 for Students to $12 and are
always gobbled up long before date
for first concert and 1939-40 series is
certain to prove no exception, al-
though attractions booked do not
stack up In - piopular appeal with
those brought here In previous years.
LEO FISCHER TO
Ofl: MET PACT
PENDS
Leo Fischer, executive-secretary
of the American Guild of Musical
Artists, went to Chicago this week
to negotiate with officials of the civic
opera there for a contra'ct for
singers, chorus and ballet He Is
due back In New York late In the
week.
AGMA expects to begin negotia-
tions with the Met opera in about ■
week for renewal of Its present con.
tract' Most vital phase of the Met
situation, the much - publicized
•Clause 12' In the management's art-
ist contracts, has never been set-
tled. Apparently consideration of It
has been delayed by AGMA's deal-
ings with the concert managements.
Contracts with the latter are still
being discussed.
BaUet Grossed 12G's
Portland, Ore.
Editor, VARiErT:
We are not entering a complaint
but only wish to correct a report ap-
pearing in the last issue, of Variety
wherein you stated that the Ballet
Russe grossed In Portland a big
$9,000, under February 28 date line,
whereas It was a big $12,000.-
ELLISON-WHITE BUREAU,
By. Frank E. Andrews.
BUTS HEADS BABDMASTEBS
Ft Dodge, la., March 14.
Peter Buys, of Hagerstown, Md,
was named president of the Ameri-
can Bandmasters association at an-
nual convention here last week. He
succeeds Karl King of Ft Dodge.
Capt R. B. Hayward, of Toronto,
Can., -was elected vice-president and
Glenn Balnum, of I^ranston, IlL,
bandmaster at Nor^thwestem uni-
versity was named secretary-treas-
urer. Elected on board of directors
were J. J. Richards, Sterling, QL;
■Victor Gravel, Tulsa, Okla.; A. R.
McAllister, JoUet 111.; Dr. C. S. Put-
nam, Fargo, N. D., and Capt Howard
Brouson, Mt Morris, HI.
A es-plece band, formed by at-
tendants at the convention, played a
concert at closing session.
Nice Kid
. Lawyer, who Is the personal
rep for several name band
leaders, created a curious sltua*
tlon last week for a booking
agent when the latter found that
the' lawyer was soliciting the
same spot but for another band
In his client list It . was a case
of two bands out of the same
lawyer's office' being pitted
against each Other.
• Following the Incident the
agent remarked that the time
1^'t far off when a name
leader will retain a personal
rep to watch bis No. 1 personal
MORE NAMES GO
TO AFM FOR
ACnON
New 'York Local 802 of the Amer-
ican Federation of Musicians yester-
'day (Tuesday) requested the parent
body to revoke the licenses of 16
more band brokers. These are in
addition to the 22 suspended last
week following the recommendation
Atlanta CRA Bookings
Atlanta, March 14.
CRA band activities in this neck
of the woods:
Blue Barron booked In at Loew's
Grand theatre for week beginning
March 24 following one-night dance
dates at Alabama U, Tuscaloosa,
Birmingham and NashviUe. N. Y.
office routing Barron back into Edi-
son's Green Room' for indefinite stay.
Atlanta and N. Y. offices complet-
ing routing for Joe Haymes, who
played Military Ball at Georgia U.,
Athens, back Into Gotham via Chat-
tanooga and Nashville, with stop at
Bristol, Va., for Sullins College dance
date.
Ted Travers, now at Lookout
House, Cincinnati, will open Friday
(10) tor two . weeks at Henry Grady
Hotel Spanish Room, replacing Dan-
ny Demetry, who leaves for date at
Kensas City's Southern Mansions:
Rudy Btmdy is skedded to follow
Travers.
Harry Candullo. renewed by At-
lanta Biltmore for Indefinite stay.
Johnny Hamp booked to play for
Emory U. spring dances March 24-25.
Richard Himber's crew set In for
Vanderbilt U., Nashville, spring fes-
Uvitles March 17-18.
Add: Social Significance
Philadelphia, March 14.
Symph concert to aid refugee
musicians will be given in the Acad,
emy of Music here oh April 12 im-
der the sponsorship of the Placement
Committee for German and Austrian
Refugee Musicians and the Musi-
cians' Committee to Aid Spanish
Democracy. Saul Caston, associate
conductor of the PhlUy Orch, will
lead an aggregation of 100 men at
the benefit concert -
Backers Include Serge Kousse-
vltzky, Etrem Zlmbalist Samuel
Cmotzinoff, Olin Downes, John Br-
sklne, Albert Spauldlng and Ira A.
Hirschmanii.
While playing a week's . theatre
date at the Lyric, Indianapolis, last
week, Benny Goodman's orchestra
doubled into the final session of the
Indiana State Legislature. Stunt was
a p.a. gag and labelled with a tag
something like a "jam session with-
in a jam session,' based on it being
the closing session of the bill okay-
ers, who were jamming bills
through. Crew did several numbers
with representatives crowded Into
the senate chamber to listen. It was
done after Goodman's Camel broad-
cast. He' was made an honorary
state Senator.
Goodman has an autobiography
ready to hit the stands April 5 pub-
lished by Stackpole Sons. It's called
'Kingdom of Swing' and was col-
labed on by Irving Kolodin of the
New York Sun.
WOMAN STANDS ON
STOKOWSKI'S PODIUM
Philadelphia, March 14.
All precedents were broken here
last Friday (10) when for the first
time in the history of the Philly
Orch It was conducted by a woman.
Initiator was Mile. Nadla JuUette
Boulanger, French teacher and com-
poser, whose most prominent pupil
was the late George Ciershwln.
Mile. Boulanger dispensed with a
baton to lead the 110-piece symph,
Leopold Stokowski's home team,
through the entire second half of Its
regular weekly program.
PadeiewsM Cancels More *
Cleveland, March 14.
Paderewski spent a week here In
his private car at railroad terminal
taking treatments for an taiflamed
left wrist which forced him to cancel
a March 5 recital in local civic au-
ditorium. Polish pianist's medico
advised him to keep arm quiet as
long 'as possible — 'If he wanted to
play any more this season.' His man-
ager, L. J. Pltjgerald, concurred by
cancelling dates In Cincinnati and
Columbus, O. That makes four con-
certs he has had to shelve because of
Illness .sincfe -he started tour.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
OKINTEX.FOR
NAME BANDS
El Paso, March 14.
Brought here as the first name
band presentation of the newly
formed El Paso Dance Assa, Shep
Fields, In on a guarantee of 50% of
receipts, drew 2,500 to Liberty Hall
Satwday night (11). Gross was
$4,500.
Idea of the association, only one
like It In the U. S., Is to seU 1,000
memberships at $2.50 each. Mem-
bers are entitled to attend 10 name
band, dances a year for $1.20 per
couple, thus affecting not only a big
saving for members, but providing
the association with a reserve fund.
Non-members are charged $4 per
couple.
Fields opens an engagement at the
Roosevelt hotel. New Orleans, March
24.
Band Bookings
Charlie Bamet follows Jan Savltt
into the Lincoln hoiel, N. Y., about
April 15. Bamet goes into Para-
mount N. Y^ March 22.
Erskine Hawkins, Loew's State;
N. Y., March 30; nine days of one-
nighters, Howard, Wash., April 14;
Royal, Balto., April 21, and Apollo,
N Y., AprU 26.
Chick Webb, Springfield, Mass.,
week March 23; Howard, Wash,
March 31; Shubert Newark, April
7; Apollo, N. Y., AprU 14, ani South-
land Ballroom, Boston, for four
weeks, opening April 24.
Blue Barron orchestra, Trianon
BaUroom, Croweburg, Kans., March
20; Pickwick Club, Birmingham,
March 22; Nashville, March 23.
Baraey Rapp, U; of Michigan,
March 24.
Isham Jones, Raleigh, April 19;
Staten Island, N. Y., AprU 29, both
one-nighters.
Earl Hines, Evansvllle, Indiana
Ballroom, March 20.
Jack Teagarden, Roseland Ball-
room, N. Y, March 24 for four
weeks.
Al Donahue, Stanley theatre, Pitts,
Friday (17); Fox, Phila., March 24;
Akron and Youngstown, O., April 4.
Artie Shaw, March 28, Blue Bar-
ron, April 2 and Casa Loma, Aprfl
9 (Easter Sunday), set for Rltz ball-
room, Bridgeport
Maiy Kavis Inrns Leader
PhUadelphia, March 14.
Ina Ray Hutton all-femme crew
loses Mary Navls, trumpet-blower.
She'll front an outfit made up of
seven men. They'll work In Louis
Prima style.
Open at Benny the Bum's here
Thursday (16).
tTednesday, March 15, 1939
^E— MIGHT CLUBS
VARIETY
43
Pa. Roadhouses Seek Legislation
To Check Music, Dancing^Curfew
Pittsburgh, Marcli 14.
Action of Pennsylvania State
Uquor Board last week in shutting
off loadhouse music and dancing at
midnight on Saturday has operators
rushing madly to township officials
jn an effort to have them legislate
amusement enforcement
Shutdown on out-of-way spots was
originally expected to re-«cho down-
town, but vithln-the-clty places kept
running until 2 a. m. because Liquor
Board has no jurisdiction over en-
tertainment hours inside the burg.
That's because nlterles, in addition to
paying $640 for booze license and
$120 for dancing permit, also pay $1
a day to the city for local amuse-
ment concession.
That takes everything, except the
regulation of hours tor peddling
spirits, out of Liquor Board's hands.
On other hand, at out-of-way places
where there's no local governing
. agency for this control, booze board
has complete Jurisdiction and regu-
lates hours of amusement to coincide
with those for liquor sales. Operators
are said to be willing to pay the
extra $365 yearly to get in those two
extra hours on Saturday night
Sunday dancing locally, however.
Is believed to be something of past
now, with liquor control agency's re-
cent clamp-down. That's still an an-
deiit Pennsylvania. Blue Ijaw, and
while some roadhouses have openly
violated it in the past with no reper-
cussions, recent complaints of citi-
zens against the New Penn that the
spot was a public nuisance and was
kept open Sundays, is figured to have
ended that New Penn has been
closed Simdays since, but some of
the others haven't
Last week, however, other places,
too, kept dark, and it's generally felt
theyH stay that way for a while.
More care tlian usual is being exer-
cised by nitery owners at moment
since liquor licensing time for an-
other year has come around again.
POUGY CHANGES SET
FOR K. C. JU6ILESTA
Kansas City, March 14.
Jubflesta, town's annual entertain-
ment and celebration, will be staged
' In June this year instead of in Sep-
tember, as usual. It will be for five
days Instead of the customary nine
days.
Program will be presented entirely
in the main arena of the 11,000-seat
auditorium. Past year's shows have
been given simultaneously in the
' Little Theatre, Exhibition Hall and
Music Hall as well as the arena.
Principal reason for switch In dates
. Is to avoid conflict with American
Koyal live stock show staged in
October.
While 1938 show was considered
t success from point of attendance,
gross fell short of cost Show is un-
derwrltten by local merchants.
Worcester House Quits
Yaude for Film Policy
Worcester, March 14.
Vaude is out again at the Ply
mouth here after a fairly successful
jeason. House played vaude first
- three days of the week.
House reverts to second run duals.
City is currently without fiesh
•how of any sort
2 PhiUy Suburban Cafes
Accept Closed Shop
Philadelphia, March 14.
Two short-lived strikes over the
weekend wound up in a pair of
closed-shop cabaret contracts for the
American Federation of Actors local
. here and the placement of two union
-bands. Walkouts were staged at
Jack's Grill and Al's Grill, both in
• Upper Darby, PhUadrtphla' suburb.
APA co-operated with the mu-
^iHaasf local, as the spots were using
. noa-union bands.
. , A<!ts were pulled out of both nlter-
|« on Friday (10) and both unions
Pjoteted. They paraded only one
at Jack's and two at Al's
*«ore the operators capitulated.
Prepares for Fair
Following the exit of the current
Curt Houck orchestra and show
headed by Enrico and Nbvello, the
Cocoanut Grove of the Park Central
hotel, New York, will shutter for an
enlarging and reftirblshing for the
World's Fair.
Spot will then resume Its name
band policy, started with Chick Webb
recently, and girlie shows.
UKADO'IMT
AT7GF0RE^K
Chicago, March 14.
The Mixaffo,' In swing, has been
booked by Balaban & Katz .for the
Chicago week of March 31, at a price
reported at $7,000 plus a percentage.
It's first time that B&K ever booked
any show with only • rehearsal
showing.
Show is being produced by Harry
Rogers and contains 85' people, plus
the Sanford Lewis Singers and is the
largest show ever to be produced for
a tour out of Chicago. It will break
in week of March 24 through B&K's
dowhstate circuit
Jinuny Duffy Dead
In N. Y4 Formerly
Of Duffy-Sweeney
James (Jimmy) Diifly, about 50, of
the former standard vaude team of
Duffy and Sweeney, was found dead
on the pavement in 47th street New
York, Friday (10), a victim of acute
alcoholism. The team had been a
favored No. 4 act at the Palace in
vaude's heyday. They split about 10
years ago, Sweeney last being re-
ported on the Coast
Duffy was first noted as a No. 3
act Duffy, Sawtelle and Duffy, con-
sisting of father, mother and son, but
it was when he teamed with Fred
Sweeney that he clicked. However,
with Mercedes Lorenz, he was also
among vaudeville's select
There are many stories about
Duffy and Sweeney because of their
propensities to over-Imbibe, They
split a number of times but always
It wasn't generally known that
Duffy was a prolific writer of stage
material. The royalties from that
source was held to be partly respon-
sible for his boozing. He wrote for
Earl 'Carroll's 'Vanities' and many
vaude acts.
One of the funniest stories about
the pair concerned an appearance in
New Orleans, when they walked out
after Duffy promised that his part-
ner would beat up the cold audi-
ence with a basebaU bat At one
time when the 'rap' was on, he ob-
tained a kid stooge and haunted the
late E. F.. Albee for days. Finally,
getting the ear of the manager, he
pointed to the lad and asked: 'Are
you going to let him starve?' In
that way he secured a route for the
duo, then sent the kid home.
On stage the team called each
other 'Mr. Duffy and Mr. Sweeney.'
It is believed among pros that that
Inspired the Gallagher and Shean
routine. Duffy and Sweeney, too, at
one time ' appeared in Ziegfeld's
'Follies.'
B-K to Show Big Prods.
In Chi, Replacing Variety
Chicago, March 14.
Big production shows for the
Stste-Lake will be inaugurated early
next month, according to plans set
b.v Balabaa Jte -^Kafe— L eon MiUer,
former producer with A. B. Marcus,
has been brought in to handle the
production.
Shows will go In for scenery, cos-
tumes and plenty of girls. It marks
a decision on the part of B.&K to
introduce big production ideas and
novelty at both the State-Lake and
Chicago after a run of straight
DIANA WARD
Now in My Second Month In
Alexandria. Contracts extended In
Greece till end of April.
March 16 appearing at Command
Performance before the' King and
Queen of Egypt— A Bare Honor.
Back In Alexandria in May to
open the Summer Casino, making
the fourth month.
Direction:
COCONUT GROVE, LONDON
Daylight Romps
In After - Dark
Spots Encouraged
Chicago, March 14.
Matinee performances in nite clubs
are exciting interest of dlne-dance
entrepreneurs. Two best examples
here are the Blackhawk cafe with
Saturday and Sunday afternoon ses-
sions and the Drake hotel just In-
stalling similar policy since Wayne
King orchestra came in.
Other night clubs may adopt idea.
With the cafes finding a new well of
coin in . the Saturday and Sunday
afternoon shots, the nitery operators
are now considering seriously the
possibility of slapping in some mati-
nees during the week-days, running
from noon to 2 to snatch the young
luncheon mob for a quick hour or
two, and the 5-to-7 period to snare
'em for a 'cocktail dance.'
In all, the Indications point to a
desire on the part of the nitery
operators to make their business
more than strictly an after-dark
hangout but to stretch the clock of
the operating time in such a manner
as to increase their gross potential
by at least 50%.
Strike Threat
(Continued from page 3)
changes which have projection
rooms, or out of laboratories, where
employed.
The procedure, in such an event
could, be that tliese exchanges and
laboratories or studios, home offices,
etc., would be declared unfair and
the lA would issue a road-call. This
road-call, in turn, would have the
effect of removing, from, the saine
places of employment (exchanges,
studios, labs, etc.) all other help of
locals in the lA. Since all exchange
workers are now organized under the
lA, this would remove all handlers,
inspectors, winders, shippers, etc.
Others affected could be lab workers,
studio technicians, stagehands,
cameramen, etc., where employed by
distributors, or, for Instance, in labs
which handle printing or other work
of distributors.
Whether or not operators might
also be called out of theatres oper-
ated by distributors is something that
must iremain theory at the present
Also, there could be the refusal of
exchange workers to handle any film
that would be going out to non-union
theatres, or those classed as unfair
by the lA.
Back to Burley
YDungstownr<)T"March-14r—
The Grand, formerly the Princess,
after two weeks of musical tab, has
returned to burlesque. House oper-
ates evenings only week days and
grinds all day Sunday.
Prices have been reduced to 16c
for the balcony and 25c for orches-
tra. Bills are changed weekly.
Umted Del Oiaiii Tests Nabe Vaude;
RKO, Hnslmig, in Try for Expo CoiD
Stages for Brandts
(Hark Robinson, stage director at
the Roxy, New York, for seven
years and former art director at the
Radio City Music Hall, wiU direct
new name bandfilm policy at the
Brandts' Flatbush, Brooklyn. Gets
under way Friday (17) .
Red Norvo-Mildred. Bailey are
heading the opening show. 'Edge of
the World,' Britlsh-niade, wlU be the
PREP NEW CASA
REVDEPOUCY
Due to necessary alterations to the
stage and bandstand, Billy Rose is
closing his Casa Manana on Broadr
way after the last show Satiirday
night (18) until April 6, when a
revue-type of presentation replaces
the current vaudeville policy.
Rose originally planned to hold
most of the current show, headlin-
ing WlUle and Eugene Howard until
April 6, but found that would stymie
the alterations. The stage will have
to be changed to hold the new show's
massive scenery, while the band-
stand will be spotted at one side, as
it was when the theatre-cabaret was
operated as the French Casino.
A couple of acts in the current
show walked out last week, after
finishing two-week- bookings, rather
than take a salary cut They were
the Andrews Sisters (3), who were
not replaced, and "Mario and Floria,
for whom Gomez and Winona sub-
stituted. Gene Austin and Candy
and Coco's option was not lifted, so
they went out also.
The Casa Manana, like most of the
nlterles in ttie depressed pre-N.' Y.
Fair period, lias been suffering at
thj b. o. Grosses the past few weeks
have been off considerably, the thea-
tre-cabaret reputedly operating In
the red. On the othet' hand, Rose's
popular-priced Diamond Horse^oe,
in the Paramowit hotel,' is about the
only, spot in N. Y. maintaining a
high b.o. average.
DOYLE SETUP WOULD
GLOBE-TOUR U. S. ACTS
Sydney, Feb. 25.
Famous ' Artists and Production
Agency, undeY the direction of
Stuart F. Doyle, and headed by Joe
Llpman, are set to import top acts
from the U. S.- on a. route covering
Australia, Honolulu, South Africa,
Mediterranean ports and England.
Understood that Doyl'es agency
will spot players here for Hoyts,
Snider-Dean, Greater Union and
Musgrove, mostly in connection
with stage presentations in the ace
picture theatres. First major book-
ing is Jan Rubinl, who's due to open
for Hoyts at the Regent Sydney,
this Easter. Doyle recently opened
an office in Melbourne to cover ac-
tivities in that spot It's Doyle's in-
tention to provide acts with a com-
plete circle of the globe.
Pitt Colored Nitery
Switches to Bands
Pittsburgh, March 14.
Town's single colored nitery, the
Harlem Casino, sv/itches from big
floor productions to sepia name
bands shortly. Acts as a result will
be reduced from an even dozen to
three or foiir, with orchestra sup-
plying most of floor entertainment
First slated to come in are McKin-
ney's Cotton Pickers, opening a two-
week stay March 24.
Orchestras will come in at fort-
night Intervals with Fletcher Hen-
derson, Earl Hines, Ersklne Haw-
kins and possibly Chick Webh slated
to follow, which will carry Casino
into the late spring, when it usually
-f (rids- -for-the- -warm months;
Gloria Rich was Inadvertently
omitted from the review of the New
York Strand last week. Dancer Is
V getaway cog in the show.'. Opens
with a nice vocal and finishes with
a well-executed tap done on her .toes
in ballet style. Costuming Is good.
Detroit March 14.
United Detroit Theatres (Par) Is
testing out vaude again, with pros-
pects it might spread to several
houses of the chain. Initial venture
Is set for the Annex, 1,800-seat nabe.
Abe Schiller, who's handling UD
vaude bookings, has set a five-act
show for single night at the nabe as
a test One performance skedded
between the regular double feature
program at regular top of . 30c.
If successftd at the Annex, figured
a split-week policy will be worked
out with the UD Ramona nabe.
Should that prove coin-getter, UD
will put Broadway-Capitol, down-
town second and third-run dualer,
on a full-week flesh basis.
Schiller reports banquet bookings
currently ^t the highest peak in
many moons, with many auto com-
panies requesting flesh for dealer
gatherings,' etc.
The Wilson, long Idle legiter here,
plans two-a-day vaude, with acts
booked by the William Morris office.
No date for the opening, has been
set
RKO's Flushing, Queens, figuring
to cash In on the probable crowds
drawn to that borough by the
World's Fair, is Instituting a two-
day vaude policy starting March 22.
The Wednesday-Thursday bookings
may be ampUfled latter to a splits
week policy.
The Flushing once was RKO's
major vaude spot In Queens.
House in the beginnhig will play
low-budget ^ows ctitrently in vogue
at the circuit's Madison, Brooklyn, on
Fridays'only., Probable now that the
layouts will play the Flushing and
Madison as a three-day route.
L A. NITERY REOPENS
PENDING UNION DEAL
Los Angeles, March 14.
The Blltmore ISowl, with Larry
Kent's orchestra, is making another
trj', for two weeks, pending further
negotiations with the musicians
union.
Indpls. CInb Reopens
Indianapolis, March 14.
Plantation Club, near here, has
been reopened after being closed
more than a year ago on gambling
charges.
Johnny Burkartb orchestra Is cur-
rently playing, . with Barbara Parks,
Manno and Stafford, Sinclair Twins
and C. Ray . Smith in support
Stockhobn Yauder Set
For Summer S^on
Stockholm, March 2.
A. B. Svenisk Filmindustri opened
the China Music Hall, variety house
here, for the summer season
yesterday (1).
On the bill are Joe Jackson,
the tramp cyclist; Five Rafnistas
Bros., Luislta Leers, Frank Eders,
Ruth Hazen, George Andre Martin,
RoUy Rolls, 3 Dancing DoUs, WIU
and Gladys Ahem, Elisabeth and
Belladaml and Rollo with Earle and
CarroU.
Jailed in Fraud
St Louts, March 14.
Madeline N. Smith, 32, nitery en-
tertainer, known as Princess Neloma
Sioux, was jugged here last week
after Assistant Circuit Attorney Jo-
seph M. Walsh issued a warrant
charging she obtained $1,000 on false
pretenses from Mrs. Rose (Soldensoa
in an oil lease deal.
In Issuing the warrant Walsh
charges that Miss Smith sold Mrs.
Goldensph an interest in oil prop-
erty she claimed she held on prop-
erty near Clinton, HI. Reported that
Miss Smith's option for a lease on
the property had expired.
SO. ;APBIGAN BATES
Cape Town, Feb. 23.
African Consolidated Theatres hat
booked the following acts for a Sa
African tour:
Duncan Sisters, Albert Sandler
Trio, Cookie Bowers, Fteddle Bam-
berger, Wilson Keppel and Betty*
and Hatton and Manners.
44
VARIETY
VAUDS-MIGHT CLUBS
Wednesday* March 15« 1939^
Night Club Reviews
VICTOR HUGO
(BEVEELT HILLS)
Beverly Hills, March 11.
Chm WUta, Lois WaUner, Three
Rockets. Dub Taylor, Fritz & Jean
Huber, Cliff tfazarro, Joaquin Garav,
Carmine, Skirmay Eitnia orch. (13).
One of the smartest, rooms in town,
this John Steinberg enterprise has
things pretty much its own way here
in Beverly HlUa, whicb nestles within
the limits, of U A. With a little ap-
plied diowmauship,. Steinberg has
. converted a class eatery into a
glamour spot withoat sacrificing any
of its rep. Patronage heavy from the
local mob, which takes in the creme
de la creme of the picture colony,
AUSnttLUand
NEW zmm
ARTISTS DESIRIKS A PI,BA3ANT
TRIP TO the ADtlDodes end tta»
Sonth Seaff should eomiminrcate with
the RECOGNIZED B'-O O K I N O
AOBKCT FOR AUSTRAliASIA.
AuntrallAn conditions provide for 2
shows only dally And no Sunday
work. Send lowest salaries, all par-
tlealant dates and. photos to
FAMOUS ARTISTS AND
PRODUCTION AGENCY
Stuart F. Doyle, •«'°~-g'-g INrccta*
Stat» Theatre Itidtdinc: Sydner
New Torfc Representative—
M. U WILLSON
Walker * Betean. t» Bnadwaj,
New Toik
and Stmday nights are sellouts when
other nitery operators are askhig for
crying towels.
By the simple expedient of bring-
ing in talent on the Sabbath eve to
pecfofm in showcase fashion, Stein-
berg has a draw attraction that
doesn't weigh on the bankroll. Per-
formers jump at the chance to show
tlieir wares, fully cognizant that they
are being watched by producers,
directors, front offlce execs and tal-
ent scouts. They work for a pittance,
but charge it off to personal audition.
Steinberg knows the night crowd
and what they like. He's ^ent a
good part of 30 years in the biz and
IS oedited in bis managemant of the-
Trocadero with the long success that
spot enjuyed. At Victor Huso he lias,
as a partner Waller. Guzzardi, long a
New York hotel man
Emeee chores on the night cau^t
were handled by Chill Wills, mm
actor with, a hHlbilly twang. He
mi^t have worked up a good turn
wiih Dub Taylor, of like propensities,
but let the latter shift for himself
with some corny storsr.telling, a few
whacks at a xylophone' and the
mouthing of a harp. Three Rockets
are duslo^ tappers whose best efforts
were drowned out by Sklnnay Ennis'
brass section. Fritz and Jean Hufoer
(brother and sister) scored with
their rowdy drunk act. No longer
a novelty is Clitt Nazarro's douiue-
talk. Like an old vaude act it never
chainges. Best of the warblers is
Lois Wallner, a high note specialist.
Joaquin . Garay does a good job - of
sellbie his numbers, ' particularly
■Ferdmand tiie Bull.' He might have
effected his native Mex babllaments
with good results, but maybe he's
not' loolcing for a picture job.
Skihnay Ennls pours out the- jig
tunes with a nice pace change: It
was at this spot ttat he got bis start
as a bandman on a break-away from
Hal Kemp. His ladlo lep (Pepso-
dent) hdps tbe draw, and the
f emmes cotton to Ills baiytoning. Gal
AU in Stride
Philadelphia. Uardi 14.
It's just one job after another
for Glen Dale. ' who recently
wound up as choir director for
Almee Semple HacPherson.
Last Thursdar (^> ^ opened
OS mx. at Benny the Bum's,
nitery here.
THEATRE of rhe STARS
with the tag of Cartnioe alteraates
on the vo^l'. Ennis has the room
all to himself on other nights, Sun-
day being the only show tnne.
Couvert at all times is one buck,
with the dinner going for 12. Stndes
get special tale on- Friday nights
wfaaa they poor In en masse. Only
grotto in town where everything else
Is incitten t al, to the food, ^wt gets
a terrific hmch and* buiMjucI play,
and most of the picture and radio
mob use the catenng sernce; Room-
holds 400 and is restful in spite of
its ornate appointments. Helm,
CHASE CLUB
(HOTEL CHASE, ST. LOVIS)
St. Louis, March 10.
Consoto & Melba, 3 Tt'oiaRS,.Buddv
Moreno, Monte Kelly, Griff WtJ
liams' orch (9).
BOaKINa AGENCY
GEMKRAL iXECUTIVK OFFICES
LOEW BtDG. ANNEX
MO WEST 4t™ ST. NEW YORK
J. H. LU B I N
•iNIIAl MANA»EK
SIDNEY H. PIERMONT
ROOKINO MANAOER
With . Lent in tuU stride In this
predominently Catholic town, niteries
are doing their best to kieep biz on
an even keei. Operalors jae not. go-
ing 'overboard in botAlng talent, but
are' resorting to the printed word to
keep the customers coming. Popu-
larity of ballroom dance teams with
operator^ even though some cus-
tomers' dissent, goes on unabated,
and it's a rare- week when one of
the three class ^ts doesn't have
such a combo. .
At this spot Consolo if Melba are
eqionents of ban room terpsichorean
routines, and except in one instance
their work is no better or worse than
predecessors seen during current sea
son. The exception is an American
version of the rhuml>a done at a
dizzy pace.
Limited by the small worldng
space, the 3 Trojans, a tumbling act,
show excellent timing by not somer-
saulting into the laps of the ring-
side diners. Buddy Moreno, a guitar-
ist with the band, doubles nicely as
singer, lieing particularly apt with
'Could Be.' Monte Kelly, trumpeter,
also does some tenoring. Griff Wil-
liams; who m.c.'s the snow with the
fewest adjectives possible, has a sock
turn on the ivories when the tooters
pour forth 'Deep Purple.' Sohii.
MARINE ROOM
(Edgewater Beach Hote^ Chi.)
CTiicoffo, Morch 10.
RoTnos & ilTonette, JIfarv Saekley.
Harriet Smith Girls, Herbert Foote,
Stuart Fraaer, Billy Scott, Eugenia
McGee, Jay Mills orch.
For a big, class nitery In a big,
class hotel this 1,400-seat room hard-
ly gives its patrons the tyi>e of stuff
that's needed. Fortunately Mills and
his aggregation work so hard and so
effectively that they manage to make
up a great deal for the 'ineffectual
floor ^ow.
Latter consists of • fair ballroom
team, Ramos and Nanette, who
waltz, tango and rfaumba. Appear-
ance is excellent, but ttt» routines
could be brightened up consider-
ably. House line is pretty good,
coming through with some solid
numbers, especially the dosing strut
routine. Mary Sacldey is an eyeful,
and a warbler with a satis^ing pair
of tonsils used on novelty tunes
which sh» puts over nicely.
But for toe nlvation ol the- entire
affair ther* is only the valiant work
of the Jay Mills boys. They give
out with real entertainment in spite
of . sad handicaps. Room itself
needs iflenly of zearrangement and
redecoration. Staging is woefully
vrealt and drab.
That Mills is able to top most of
these -disadvantages is distinctly to
his credit Mills bims^ has plenty
of personality and showmanship. In
addition, he has assembled ian or-
chestra that Is a novdty with its
modulated instrumentation, stresjring.
strings and reeds rather than brass.
Stand-out item is the occasional use
of seven violins. Including tme-
played by .Ifills himself.
Orchestra shapes- itself into a glee
club fnmi time to time. It is good
stuff, with Mills doing the- choral
directing neatly. Ih the solo depart-
ment; Eiigenia McGee is a^- class
singer, with great p^ies in a low
register. From the band, Stuart
Fraser hits 'em with a tenor, while
Billy Scott comes tfarou^ fli. a bari-
tone. Both suitable.
Herbert Foote plays tlie organ
pleasantly- at -intermission time^
Gold.
CAFE SOCIETY, N. Y.
Meade Lvx Lewis, Pete Johnson,
Albert Amman, Jack Gilford, Joe
Tunter, fiiIHe Holtidav, Frank New-
ton't orch.
Designed as a satire on the up-
town silver moon set, this Villaige
Bpoi is attracting^ plenty of attention
on another score. It has managed
to gather under one roof, three top
exponents of boogie-woogie, Meade-
Luz Lewis, Albert Ammon and Pete
Johnson.. Like the' two warblers,
Joe- Turner and BilUe Hollidav, and
Ftank Newton's band (8), they're
all colored. Only' ofay portion of
the show is Jack Gilford, m.c.
Although the fame of the- trio of
b.-w. pianologists is centered mainly
in those lovers of hot jazz (not to be
confused with jitterbugs) who have
been listening to their discs for
years, current Interest in this type
of music and waxings is picking up
apace and attracting trade. Even to
those whose Icnowledge of boogie-
woogie is as vague as thermody-
namics or astrophysics, beat of the
J llanos when the whole trio get go-
ng together is irresistible. Their
unusual playing is not only inter-
esting, but good entertainment
Gilford is over-gabby in his In-
troes; although he might forget some
of his other ^iel in favor of a short
explanation to the iiatrons of exactly
what it Is they are about to hear ami
what to listen for. Inhlaown tiSr
his material diows considerably mnr.
thotight and Imagtaatioh than ih2
average m.c; but doesn't get him far
Personable In a way, his forte is hS
mimiciy, mostiv in pantomime
For toe warbling of the two vocal-
Ists, the mike is set aside, jo.
Turner's pipes are strictly of the
low-down school With its peculiar
Rasing and lack of tune, this type
shouting takes considerable
cultivation of taste to be really an.
preciated. Samef is true, althoush
not so markedly, of BUlie HoUid»^
femme. Sho does 'Summertime' and
'JTeepers, Creepers' hi the more pop.
ularvein;
The hrory-thumpers wind up the
show, each soloing at the start. Then
in- duets, and finally two on one
piano and the other on a second, all -
together. Instruments bare their
frcnts off, revealing hammers and
^ings, Johnson gets more tune into
his worlc, while- Ammtm stands out
for his line. teehnl<|tie and effortless
(Continued on page 47)
FORSYTHE. S€AMON and
FAttRELL
SimO FISHER
75/77 Shaftabury Avenue
PICCADILLY. LONDON, ENG.
Aire naMos
. - . .-. TMtto, Canada,
fab, Inislit abrat Ove te«t JSH
Iii^M, bat- baud of U .New Korfc
Oltr aboa* Wis, eoaOaettog-. maOr-
TlO* traape -Jbn. KMk * CaMaaar."
coaunaalcat* ai •■«» wHJh Jato W.
Rawland. Bairiitcr-at-L«w, S3« Bin
Stmt. Tavaota, CW aa ia . .
Beat Coffee in En^aiid
QUALITY INN
Leioestar Square
LONDON, WE8T-END
AL ZIMMEY
Pinch- Hittina
606 CLUB, CHrCACO
Batting Average .350
Thanks to Sammy Clark
Tm a MON ABOOT TOWN!
Just ask for me at your
favorite bar-r-r . . . and
I'll gie ye a real treat!
If*s sensible to stick with
BORN1820,,.
stiU going strong
BED LABEL,
BLACK lABBL,
UrortoM.
tH»U.ttrttf.
Johnnie Walker
BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY
CANADA DRY GINGER ALE, INC. NEW YORK. N. \.; SOLE DISTRIBUTOR
. Booked and Now Playing Tlu'ough
JACK DAVIES OFFICE
MILTON BERGER, Associate
Following Acts
lOHNNT WOODS 1
PANSY THE HOB^^ BOXY, NEW YOBS
THE STAFLETONS j
COUNT BERNIVICI UNIT - - - . SHEA'S TOBONTO
EDNICE HEALEY - - - ^ANLEY. PITTSBDBGH
CABBOLL ond HOWE PALACE. CHICAGO
OXFOBD BOYS - LOEW'S, MONTBEAL
VIC HYDE LYBIC. INDIANAPOLIS
CATHEBDIE WESTF1ELD LYBIC, OfDIANAPOUS
GUS VAN KEITH. BOSTON
BOBBINS BBOS. and MARGE - KEITH. BOSTON
BOB BROMLEY HIPPODB(»IE. LONDON
STILL AT
Suite 2212, RKO BnildiiiK, Radio Gty, New York
Phone Circle 6—7590^7591
Ygor and Tanya
European Dancers
Avpetaing at
Earl Carroll's
Hollywood Theatre
Under Contract to 20th Century-Fox
HOPE
EDDIE
MINOR and ROOT
HOLLYWOOD BEACH HOTEL. FLA.
FOR TWO WEEKS
f
Wednesday, March 15, 1939
▼ARBBTY HOUSE REVIEWS
VARIETY
45
STATE, N. Y.
Al Gordon's Dogs, Rolf Holbein,
KMU CarUsle, Ross & Stone, Walter
omBeU's OTCh, Ruby Zwerhng's house
o?X;'Toppei- Takes a Trip* (VA).
Vaudeville with the vim omitted
pcevalls this week at this Loew's
house. Wallop Is never delivered.
Banmr Ross with Maxlne Stone and
Walter Powell's orchestra (New
\"ts) are the comedy standbys. The
timet turn has been around for a
W time, Is amusing in an ambling,
punchless, Ingratiatmg sWe, but
not an act to rescue a Dill that can't
exercise much potency in its own
rleht Powell is an unripe fruit off
Miat ti«e of hokum carefully
brought to bright blossom over a
period of years by Frank and Milt
Jrltton, of whom Powell is an
■lumnus.
The three-sheets mention only
Kitty CarUsle (New Acts) as the
jieadllner. She discharges her part of
the entertainment with the solid
eommand of an artist who uses a
nice voice to telling advantage.
Following Maestro Zwerling's ap-
pearance in the trench, the program
Sets started slowly with Al Gor-
on's dogs. Slowly, because it's all
comedy stalling the first half of the
turn, which is entertainment ex-
tracted from the situation of noth-
ing happening. Gordon's showman-
. Sip is clever and disarining, and,
barring some repetltiousness be-
yond the . point of amusement, his
act Is in safe, broad ' terms of pop
diversion. Act comes up to a lively
■team-kettle tempo for the finale,
•lid got the best ' laughs on the bill
In that f&st 120 seconds before the
bends.
There's a stage wait before the
Rolf Holbein act. This stage wait
Is partly a result of Benny Ross
being in a state of emergency need
' for new material However great
bis poise — and It Is great— he sim-
ply cannot get any results for him-
self or a vaude bill by ldl7 standing
on 'a comer, so to speak, waiting
for somebody to come along to In-
spire a wisecrack.
Of course, this stall Is probably
primarily to set up the gadget^
used by Rolf Holbein. Even so, a
comic around as long as Ross and
called upon as often to fill in or
m.c ought to be over the plate
tight off. '
Rolf Holbein's novelty has been
■een too frequently to require ex-
tended notice. Suffice that it
pleased. Lond.
EARLE, WASH.
Washington, March 12.
Ted Allen, Gene Sheldon, Carole
Manners, Del Riot, James Barton,
Roxyettes, house line; 'The Okla-
homa Kid' (WB).
Six acts hit a new high In novelty
menu this week to give the house a
Bsooth, varied and spectacular re-
vue. Altogether either Gene Sheldon
or .James Barton could have been
Used as emcee, spot is sticking to its
popular stunt of using sets of two,
three and four line gals for multiple
Introductions and background' atmos-
phere.
Line opens In gliigham dresses for
»well hillbilly number, mixing born
dance, rube taps and touches of can-
can. Gals fall back on fuU sta«e
for Ted Allen, champ horseshoe
tosser, in satin cowboy garb with
similarly costumed stooge. Allen
Tuns gamut of barnyard golf stunts.
Including pitching ringers with
blanket between himself and pin.
wind-up has stooge lying on back
noming two paper hoops through
Which Allen flings ringers.
Trio of gals introduce Cfene Shel-
aron, who wanders out before trav-
S pantomime, including
jat sticking on curtain. Spies banjo
on chair and goes into pop medley,
fcaturmg quiet, slow rhythms build-
??| *® spectacular finale. Gal in eve-
eLSj^ on on l»ow and drags
S.)™«°u:'?,';V'" more dope panto-
mime, highlighted by nut sfunb syn-
Wironized with drummer and rlot-
Sifa*"^j°' P.*^*"? l>ajr from gal's
nead and sewing fingers together.
Carole Manners warbles 'Penny
Serenade' and 'Gianina Mia' in
ffSong, clear soprano to good results.
Mia Manners next takes side mike
i?„f o 'Deep Purole* during effective
with gals on two tiers
JI^J« °1 ostrich fan formations
under changing lights, contrasts get-
«ng repeated applause. Del Rios then
^ove out, two men In tuxedos and
fni "* ™, evening-gown pajamas,
sophisticated acrobatics. Trio
sjnr^ around . conventional hand-
stands, et al. to achieve swell balance
and leverage poses, effect heightened
KL""?,*?** "81 works In middle of
rfi^l'^'Sh stuff. Finish has gal
standing on shoulders with man do-
ing handstand on her hipbones: Well
received.
James Barton barces out to go Into
?ow rhyttim warbling of 'Alexan-
ders Ragtime Band.' Follows with
enactment of 'Mike Donovan,* who
has an imaginary fight with a mad
?,°8 and gets successively pie-eved,
"t, stiff and numb in /tour of bar-
rooms, one of longest sustained im-
personaUons attempted in local
vaude and one which holds audience
throughout Finishes with slow
rhythm tap and swell soft-shoe struts.
Travelers open on full stage with
gals in short blue and white ^gham
dresses who climb atop eight-foot
ladders for informal teeter number
in which one gal who reiieatedly falls
off has house in stitches. All tt^ple
off for finale to good comedy close.
Biz okay. Craig,
PALACE, CLEVE.
Cleveland.' March 11.
Kay Kyser orch, SuUi/ Mason, Vir-
ffinia Stmnis, Horry flobbitt, Ishkobib-
ble; •Yes, My Darling Daughter*
(WB). * ^
There's, no doubt that b6th Kay
Kyser .and the Palace will wind up
with a boom week, striking the
richest pay-dirt of the season for this
RKO de luxer. Backed by 'Yes, My
Darling Daughter,' a natural because
of censor publicity, it's a bonanza
draw.
Besides stampeding the young
swingsters, Kay brings out a gang of
comparative old-timers who remem-
ber back to the 1920's when Charlie
Tend boosted him into, big-time at
the old Bamboo Gardens on his local
bow.
Slump threatened opening por-
tion of Kyser's show on this
viewing when for nearly five min-
utes the bandmaster couldn't get any
volunteers foe 'Musical Class' quiz.
Afternoon crowd of youngsters was
too awed or naive about such stunts
tmtU Kyser turned on' a high-pres-
sure stream of nutty gags, mugging
and everything but nip-ups. That
bowled 'em over, but I^ser has
found out since that all matinee
audiences in these pastures are as
bad as Missouri mules in breaking
down. Has to do a lot of quip-re-
vamping to get the patrons sold, but
once they're sold, they stay hot for
the rest of show.
Majority of quiz contestants
picked by drawn ticket-stub num-
bers proved to be either screwballs
or dumbbells about musical matters.
Made it tougher on Kyser, but re-
sulted in unexpected laughs when
he had to cut up monkeyshines to
give them a hint Mix-up by judges
was neatly covered by emcee going
into mad jitterbug with a $3 win-
ner. Although there weren't any
stooges among contestants, one de-
liberately planted for some straight
horse-play would tide over the
slower spots.
This radio-patterned portion, de-
spite its kidding and spontaneity, is
too much of a contrast to musical
section in pace. Band gets off with
a high-geared version of 'F. D. R.
Jones' and has a sock even in its
standard numbers. Kyser originally
emphasized clowning with alligators,
but wisely cut It dovm later, not
wanting to satiate the customers.
'Virginia Simms is easily the neat-
er eyeful with warmest set of
trained' vocal chords that house has
had decorating a band this semester.
High-lighting 'St Louis Blues' and
'Deep Purple' smartly, she also turns
'Umbrella Man' into a clicker with
Harry Babbitt's top-notch help.
Ishkabibble and SuUy Mason add a
couple of able comedy numbers, but
for chuckles they aren't up to
Kyser's brand of mugging. Pullen.
PALACE, CHICAGO
Ch.ica0o, March 11.
Doris Rhodes; Bud Harris & Co.;
Gilbert Bros.; Carroll & Howe;
Chester Hale Girls; "You Can't Cheat
An Honest Man' (V).
Current show consists of four
vaude acts and a line of girls for a
nice entertainment blend, Doris
Rhodes carries the singing end and
strongly. She has appearance, a pair
of pipes, delivery, showmanship and
a song called 'Deep Piirple,' which
impressed the audience at this view-
ing.
The Chester Hale girls are be-
ginning to go with the lease here.
They are on three times with three
fairish routines, but they are 24
strong and 24 girls make a fiash.
Gilbert Brothers are standard and
clean-cut with their bar acrobatics.
They make a nifty appearance and
work with neat precision, giving
them a head start with any audi-
ence. Are suitable for any vaude
sta^e and can fit in on many a
nitery floor.
Pace and material are an imme-
diate necessity for Carroll and Howe.
Miss Carroll really has something to
offer with her fine sense of comedy,
but she must keep moving forward
at this time. Should cut out. the
kibitzing with the orchestra and tend
to the job at hand. The team :has
come along in good fashion with
their crossfire and dancing during
the past three years or so, but now
they need a brush-up for that added
lift
Bud Harris and company are now
four people and they turn in a fast
colored comedy act which garners
plenty of laughs. 'It's a general mix-
ture of gags, songs and dances, but
it all adds up to variety entertain-
ment
Business was okay at the last show
Friday (10). Gold.
ADELPHI, LONDON
London, March 4.
Max Miller, Florence Desmond,
Maurice Colleono Co. (5), Cyril
Fletcher, Stanley, Eddie & Mae. Ross
& Bennett, Boy Foy, Batie & Foster,
Morian Polo Co. (3), Adelphi Ballet,
Tex Shamva Co. (3).
Current show is ' practically
straight vaudeville, and as such it
has more than a fighting chance.
Opening is The Powder Piifl,' just
an opening flash, in which the Sher-
man Fisher gals use white muffs for
shadow boxmg. Ross and Bennett,
who follow, are worthy of a better
spot. Gladys Bennett is cutely zany,
with a laugh that's infectious, while
Joe Ross is a perfect foil. Following
them is Boy Foy, who goes through
the whole_juggling gamut atop a
unicycle. The juggling alone would
do nim credit on terra firma. Very
good response.
Florence Desmond In a series of
mimicry is still the best in her line
here. Best are her Bergner, Hep-
burn, Courtneldge and Matthiews. In
the last, which is her encore, she
does a 'bum-up' with the o'l^chestra
for playing too fast f6r her dance.
Most outfronters' thought this was
tactless. (Orchestra is led by Dick
Crean. former Palladium maestro,
considered one of the best in his
line.)
Pola, Trixle and Jean open with
waltz, then Trixle goes into a con-
tortion routine, fair, with Pola fol-
lowing with steps to the 'Chauve-
Souris' 'Wooden Soldier.' Act is a
holdover from last week. Likewise
holding over are Batle and Foster,
colored duo, who gab a la Joe Miller.
Their turn is redeemed by some
good steps, especially by Batie.
Stanley, Eddie and Mae, latter
from the now defunct Kafka, Stan-
ley and Mae act a former American
standard trapeze turn, use a good
part of the former routine, but arc
nowhere as showmanly. Definitely
belong to an opening spot.
CyiH Fletcher, also here last week,
is somewhat of a radio name. His
pseudo Oxford accent was liked by
a goodly portion of the house at this
catching, out many looked askance.
Maurice Colleano Co. (4) has been
around here for a few seasons. Of-
fering is a flash, comprising fast
stepping, acrobatics and contortions
of the best Maurice is the head
man, supplying most of the comedy,
which Is very effective. A laugh hit
comedy balloon dance by Maurice,
in femme attire, and George.
Max Miller, in for a fortnight Is a
natural in the next-to-closlng niche,
Has that intimacy and aggressive-
ness which the English love. Always
on the blue side, but is so disarming
it gets him away In most spots. Tex
Shamva Co., man and two women,
close with some lariat throwing and
rope spinning that's ancient Rege,
ORPHEUM, MPLS.
Minneapolis, March 11.
Jan Garter orch. (13) , VicM ilUen,
Fritz HeObron, Frederic & Yvonne,
Lee Bennett, George Gtvot, Three
Ryans; "They Made Me a Cnminar
(WB).
This show, built around the Garber
orchestra, lacks the flash and show-
manship that give lustre and an at-
mosphere of pretentiousness to simi-
lar presentations of other name
bands. Perhaps that's why it appears
to evoke only a comparatively mild
response, although irs pleasing en-
tertainment As Garber himself ex-
plains, it's very Informal. Even the
orchestra arrangements and rendi-
tions seem to eschew showiness, and
Garber, in his capacity as nvc and
conductor, refrains from all didoes.
Aggregation, although heavy on
brasses, confines itself almost entirely
to the sweeter, quieter rhjrthm, play-
ing the familiar old standbys in a
rather conventional fashion. When
it does go In for the swing stuff, how-
ever, the jitterbugs find the proceed-
ings much to their liking.
Swing arrangement of 'Martha' is
a good starter for the orchestra, fol-
lowing which Vicki Allen, a looker,
makes the first of two appearances,
with difficult and novel tap routines
ably executed. Later in the show
she clicks with aero dancing featured
by high back and front kicking and
one-leg somersaults.
Fritz Heilbron steps out of the or-
chestra for an okay vocal during the
Garber version of 'Jeepers Creepers,'
Fredric and 'Vvonne, youthful and
attractive, dancers, combine a bit of
adagio work and whirls and twists
with their ballroom gliding. Return-
ing near the end of the show, this
boy and girl team i;ive the hencats
plenty to look at with some red-hot
swinging, climaxed trucking and like
terns.
A comedy pianist has the orches-
tra's assistance in musical tomfoolery
that works out well enough. Then
Lee Bennet robust baritone from the
band, warbles 'Sav It Isn't So' and
Down in New Orleans' in ace style.
Orchestra's 'smooth rendition of a
medley of pop numbers paves the
way for George Givot who discourse.<;
amusingly in scrambled dialect anent
the 'international siiuatlon.' Patter Is
irood for a succession of chubkles.
.Some of his stories skirt the edge of
Indigo, but they're not too offensive.
Finishes with a sont; and dance -bit
for an encore and stops the show.
Garber solos Three o'CHock in the
Morning' on the violin, preceding the
Three Ryans, knockabout acrobatic
comedians, whose burlesque adagio
and slapstick provide plenty of belly
laughs. Their oldish and bluishly
tinged gags, however, are no asset to
the act which undoubtedly would
create a better Impression if it were
restricted to the comedy spills, falls
and rough physical stuff.
For finale the band swings 'Sweet
Sue,' but it's too tame for a finish
and leaves the customers cold.
Biz good at the late Friday mati-
nee performance. ' Rees,
EMBASSY, N. Y.
(NEWSBEELS)
It's practically all run-of-the-mill
stuff, this week's collection of news
dips. Were it not for a glimpse - of
the Japs taking Hainan (Metro), with
lots of smoke in the background, one
might, gather the impression that all
is well with the world, on both the
foreign and domestic fronts. Any-
way, it looks as though the camera-
men are enjoying a respite from ex-
citement
The newsreel parade leads off with
Paramount's version of the opening
formalities of the CIO-AFL parley,
with words of reassurance from
spokesmen of either camp and the
Secretary of Labor, Francis Perkins.
The Hainan bit . comes soon afterr.
ward, and then Fox takes over for a
review of the Mediterranean situa-
tion. First it's General Franco ex-
changing salutes with his fleet and
troops, and then the British King
launching a ship. The projection of
Franco's pan inspires the only dis-
play of audience reaction during the
runoff.
Patriotic themes score from two
quarters: Fox's report of Congress'
celebration of Its 150th anniversary
with excerpts from the speeches oi!
President Roosevelt and Chief Justice
Hughes, and Pathe's view of Massa-
chusetts's Governor SaltenstaU put-
ting the flnishlng touches to that
state's ratiflcaUon of the BiU of
Rights. It seems that Massachusetts
had just discovered the oversight
The disaster department is repre-
sented by a shot of the Halifax flre
In which 35 perished (Par), a freight
train wreck In S. Wales^ N. Y., and
Unlversal's clip of a disabled British
submarine beingpounded by waves
off the Isle of Wight On the silly
side there's Lew Lehr (Fox) making
dialect commentary for an exposition
of chemically treated water on which
even a duck can't float and the con-
troversy between Maine and Phila-
delphia chefs on how claim chowder
should be . made (Par). Likewise
there's the Inevitable parade of bath-
lilg suit cutles and Miss Florida 103B
(Fox).
Baseball fans are reminded that
spring is on the way through pick
ups from the training camps,, with
Pathe; Fox and Metro the contribu-
tors. Other interesting spot bits are
Fox's coverage of the Widener han-
dicap (Hialeah) and the $100,000
Santa Anita race, plus Pathe's high-
lights of the la'test (Solden Gloves
slappery (Madison Square Gardeii)
Odec
ROXY, N. Y.
Helen Reynolds SIcatinff Girls (8),
PoTisy the Horse (3), Jayne Dover,
The Stapletons (2), Johnny Woods,
Goe Foster Girls (24), Paul Ash's
house orch.; 'The Little Princess*
(20th). revietoed in Variety Feb. 22.
The Roxy couples a fast-moving,
49-minute stage snow with the tech-
nicolor 'Little Princess.' There are
no names, Shirley Temple in the pic
ture figuring as plenty potent at the
b. o., but there's entertainment for
the customers once they're seated.
One unusual feature of the flesh
gortion is the comedy derived In a
ouse of this size. First Pansy the
Horse, standard for years, wows 'em:
later Johnny Woods gets a good
measure of laughs with a series of
imitations nicely tied together In a
narration to take the curse off an
overdone routine. . Woods, incident-
ally, was one of the first imitators of
the radio well-knowns when In part-
nership with one Jordan years ago.
He's also a . quick repeat for this
house, having played the Roxy only
several weeks ago.
The Stapletons, nice-looking mixed
rhythm dancing team, on the order
of Fred Astalre-Ginger Rogers, also
stand out with two routines. They're
just arrived from the Coast In the
opening slot the Helen Reynolds
Skating Girls (8), cued by the Gae
Foster line, also on rollers, Insure an
annlause teeoff with standout tricks
and whirling.
Foster girls have two routines, one.
In picture hats and flossy gowns, is
very slow and overlong at the half-
way mark. The second (finale) is
highlighted by excellent costuming
In kilts and good rhythm tapping, but
doesn't sustain the swing tempo set
by Jayne Dover, the show's vocalist
She's preceded by two male bag-
pipers and gives out with a heated
^Old McPherson Is Rehearsin' to
Swing,' making way for the line.
Letter's dancing' and precision are
both very good, but the Intricate
hoofing slows 'em up, whereas a
faster tempo would mean a smash
curtain.
Biz at last show openlhg night
(Friday) was fair. Scho.
PARAMOUNT, N. Y.
Chicfc Webb orch, LtTidy Hoppers
(6), Soufhemaires (4), Two Zephyrs,
Ello Fitzflerold; . 'Never Say Die*
(Par), reviewed in Variety, itiorch 8.
Chi<^ Webb's band, despite Its
high ranking as a name outfit bas
primarily a jitterbug appeal not best
suited to stage presentation, particu-
larly with vaude acts. Also Webb
himself lacks the lively personality
of, say, an Ellington or a Calloway.
Despite his skill as a drummer, that's
bound to limit his popularity. Fur-
thermore, partnered with such a
weak picture as 'Never Say Die,' it
adds up to a pretty tepid bill. Only
partially filled house for the last
show Friday night (10) is the answer.
Webb's orchestra is an excellent
example of the difficulty of taking
a strong outfit out of its proper sur-
roundings. Via the air or for a ball-
room terping session the band is
fiery stuff, calculated to send jitter-
bugs into a frenzy. But where the
visual element is present as in the-
atre appearances, Webb is' at a dis-
advantage. The aggregation makes
only the tiniest gesture toward work-
ing In comedy business and other bits
of showmanship. Webb turns Iri a
couple of torrid moments on the
skins, but the rest of the time the
boys just blast out rhythm.
There's a batoner placed in front
of the band to supply stlck-wavlng
window dressing. Fellow otherwise
acts as m.c., a stint at which he
has much to learn. Music Itself la
good of its kind. It's aU blarey hot
stuff, stressing the six-man brass sec-
tion, with few variations In style or
tempo.
^ Featured vocalist with the band Is
Ella Fitzgerald, heffy torcher with
a rousing style of seUing a number.
She has plenty of voice', sure rhythm
sense, knows now to build up a tune
and can get the most out of a mike.
Also has a forceful personality, but
shows a tendehcv to overdo the cute
mannerisms. Also lingers too long;
making not-so forte impression when
she cats up away from the mike for
a final hot stanza with the band.
Offers four numbers on her own, of
which 'F.D.R. Jones' would have
been better if she'd stuck to the reg.
ular tune. Even then it would be
inferior to the original, a brilliantly
staged production number in 'Sing
Out the News.'
Two Zephyrs,' young male comedy
pantomlmics and dancers, scored a
solid click at the show caught hold-
ing attention for just over 12 min-
utes with an original and highly ef-
fective turn. Open with a so-so bit
of slam-bang stuff on a washboard
and tin washtub, then go into the
meat of the act a slowrmotlon' panto-
mime sketch 'of a couple of .dusky
crap shooters winding up In a slug-
fest and a razor and pistol -battle.
Finale with an ultra slow hoofing
routme. Including a clever bit on a
large sheet of wrapping paper. Act
would go equally well in niteries and
Is a natural for spotting In a lerit
revue.
Southemalres, male quartet are
a typical radio combo trying to make
fihe grade in stage presentation.
Their vocalizing Is fair enough, but
thiey need much morie business to
hold the eye to click In visual turns.
When caught they offered four num-
bers, which was just one too many.
Opened with "My Blue Heaven,' fol-
lowed with a novelty orangement of
'Boys of the Old Brigade' and then
veered Into spiritual stuff, which
was their best They feature a tenor
with a falsetto style. Other act on
the bill Is a flock of six LIndy Hop- ..
pers, doing the usual hljlnks, except
that the group works m a definite
routine.
Show went on about 13 minutes
ahead of schedule, but followed fbi
stated running time of OA minutes.
Hobe.
APOLLO, N. Y.
Cab Calloway orch (15), June
Richmond, Moone Armstrong, Berry
Bros. (3), Johnny LaRue, Sandy
Bums, George Wiltshire: 'Harlem
Rides the Range" Undie).
Calloway is In home port this
week. Brakes are off, and the net
result ranks among the best the
Apollo has offered. Not from the
angle of performers, . but from per-,
formances. Act is essentially the
same as on Calloway's other lecent
theatre dates, but here it lets go and
uncoils into an informal and eor
thuslastlcally received 85 minuted,
House production wisely keeps the
line and comedians under semi-
wraps, handing almost the entire
running-time to Calloway. Band is
onstage behind a drop for a line try
which opens, and the subsequent
lone comedy turn by Larue. Burns
and Wiltshire. Latter Is laid in a
funeral parlor and is based on the
colored aversion to anything con-
nected with graveyards. In short
its an embalming scene with Burns
and Larue as scary helpers to under-
taker. WUtshIre, As entertainment
i'-s than dubious, though it maA-
a:-i.i r,3-:s laughs, and could easily
be eliminated from the house list of
skits.
Calloway gets a kingly Intro from
the line when he blossoms to a full
stage. He's heralded by trumpeting
pages, with the line supplementing
that with vocal superlatives. Callo-
(Continued oa page 48)
46
VARIETY
Wednesdayt March 15, 1939
Vari ety B ills
NEXT WEEK (M«ch 17)
THIS WEEK (March 10)
Numeral* In eennaetion with bills below indioaU opanino day of
•how, whether full Or split week
Loew
VKW TOBK cm
Slate (leT
Oeorce Hall pre
Solly Dawn
Tomack &' R Broi
llildle PeatMHiy
Florence Hln- Law
WASHIKOTOM
CapKoI (M)
Rhythm Ropket
S Jaoaleya
John Baton Co
Clem McCarthy
Lew Parker
ParanHHmt
NFW TOBK ,CITI
VanmooBt (18)
Chick Webb Ore
Ella FitKcerald
I'back & Cburklea
JlKsaw Jackson
CHICAGO
Ohlca«e <n)
Harriet Hootor
Hal Ellvera
Frank Oaby
Oalll SiB ^
State lake (11)
Ben Blue Co
Senator Murphy
MO
NEW TOBK cm
Huale Hall (16)
Viola Phllo
Dale Verner
Tjida Anchutlna
'n'llllam Dollar
Nicholas Sake
Ivan Trleaault
Marie Orlmatdl
Lnulw Fomaca
Robert Ijarldlum
Oeorge Meyer
Allan Stanley
Corpi de Ballet
Rockettea
Brno Ranee Symph
BOSTON
Keith <ie-lB)
( Rlglna
Pee I^g Bate*
Rone & Stone
Florence & Alyarei
Henny Youngman
CHICAGO
Palace (IT)
Cheater Hale Gla
Gilbert Broa
Carroll ft Howe
Dorle Rhodes
Bud Harris Co
. CLETEI^'D
Palace (17)
▼Incent Lopez Ore
Abbott ft Costello
Patricia 'Ellis
Betty Button
Danny Drayaon
ao)
Kay Kayaer Ore
OOIiVBfBCS
Pioctor'a (10)
Blackstone
SCHENBCTADT
Proctor's (10-18)
L ArmatronK Ore
Waner
NEW TOBK CITY
Strand (17)
Will Osborne Ore
Milt Herth S
Sheila Barrett
BROOKLYN
Fox (17) .
Mae West Co
Pmi.ADELPHIA
Fox (17).
Hal Kemp Ore
(10)
Vincent Jjoxytz Ore
Patricia Bills
Betty Button
Abbott ft Costello
PITTBBDBGH
' Stanley (17)
Al Dohnliue Ore
Ethel Shutta
Ghezzls
Harry. Savoy Co
(10)
Ben Goodman Ore
WASHINGTON
Earie (17)
Ben Goodman Ore
(10)
Ted Allen
James Barton
Gae Foster Gla
Del RlOB
Gene Sheldon Co
Carol Manners
WIUONGTON
AUlne (M-»)
Barl Taylor Rev
. YORK
Strand (17-18)
Buma Morl'rltyftD
Neiss Tr
(Two to 811)
hdependeflt
NEW YOBK CITY
R6«y (16)
Helen Reynolds Co
Perclval the Bull
Btaplelons
Johnny Woods
Jayne Dover
ATLANTA
Boxr (16-20
Charlie blasters
Ocne Austin
nilm Tlinblln
Del Rlog
BAI.TniOBE
Slate (16-18)
Louis ft Oliver Sla
Don Rice
Norman ft M'cIC Rev
(10-2!)
Fields ft Depke
A & M Havel
Royal Rev
Hippodrome (17)
DoUiiofTs ft R Sis
Kd Rfl^cker
Paul Sydell ft S
Evans ft Mayer
(One to fill)
HARTFORD
State (17-21)
Jne VenutI Ore
Tnny Martin
Ann, Dupree ft L
O ft B Mason
INltlANAPOLIS
Lyrjo (17)
Eddie Ducliln Ore
' (10)
Nick Tiuraa
Vic Hyde
3 Samuels ft H
Plcrlilanl Tr
HIckey Bros ft A
Catherine Westneld
MILWAUKEE
Blverslde (10)
Happy Felton Ore
Ken Nealy .
Lorraine Barra
Billy Gallbreth
Mnrty Snerd
Louise Dunn
Hank Brown
1 Marlon Pnrker
NEWARK
Shnbcrt (17)
St Clnlre ft-Y
Tip,. Tap ft T
Burton ft Kayo
Faith Bacon
Phil Renan
Earl lAVere ft W
. Gae Foster Gls
Paianeont (17)
Jimmy Dorsey Ore
Edna Janis
Flylner Whirlos
Tryon Sis
Bert Walton Co
PATBBSON
Halestle (17-20)
t Cadets
Grace Doro
Fred CralK Jr
KIrby ft Duval
John Maxello Co
(lt-16) .
Raaso ft Duval
Power' Bros ft S
Phil Gordon Co
Trent ft Walker
Dance Capers
PHn^DKLFRIA
Caminn (17)
Troy ft Lynn '
Harry Stockwell
Paul KIrkland
4 Vespers
roTH (16)
Jack. Sills ft C
HInda Wassan
F ft P Trade
Texas ft. Walker
Loneriran Gls
PITMAN .
B'war (18 only) .
Fields ft Depke
Luby ft Harrle
A ft M Hkvel
Royal Rev
PROVinENCE
Bay's (17)
LlKhtner ft Roselln
3 Harvards
Jans ft Vinton Rev
Ted Lester.
Madame Melba
riarhooae (18)
Lorraine ft FJsher
Jackie Del Rio
Benton Sis
Joe Freede'. Co
John BlUot
Tatara
London
Week of Maroli 13
Trocadrro Beet
Hutch
Ullly Bennett
Kalssa Itobba
Eddie Gray
Adam & Troo Oro
Dominion
Hatch
Latasha ft L'wrence
Arnaut Bros
CLAPHAM
Oranada
Band Wafcon
EAST HAM
Granada
Harry. Hemsley
Tiller Gls
Mario Lorenzl
Jack Warman
OBBENWICH
Granada
Harry Hemsley
Tiller Gls
Mario Lorenzl
Jack Warman
4 Aces
inT.iNnmN
Bloe HaU
Ralph Sylvester
« Wallabies
Douglas Francis
Gus Elton
Donna Sis
IiEWISHAM
.Ganmoat
Terry Co
Badmlngton Co
Lee Donn
TOOTINCI
. Granada
HIntonI Bros
Johnson Clark
Exquisite 8
Week of Harbh 13
ABERDEEN
TlToll
Jack Anthony
Stanley KInc
Jean Adrlenne
St John Sis
Loretta Gls
Eric Palmer
Jay Morelle
Bond Rowell
DouKlas. Kex ft L
Bob Merry
Peg & Jerry
DUNDEE
Palace
Bert Denver
Edna Thompson
Harry NIblock
David Dale
Maryn Lee
Van Dock
Arlene Bobetle.
EDINBrROK
Boyal
Harry Gordon
Clayton Sis
3 Aberdonlans
Alex Lennox
SteKan Gls
GLASGOW
PavUloa .
Bob Dyer
Hope ft LaOK
Doreen
Luxor Gall-Gair
Gladys Church
Gautler Co
Mahoney Bros
LIVERPOOL
Sbakeeprsre
Frankau ft H
Marcus
Pat KIrkwood
Syd Dooley
De-Rekar ft Kortz
ON OPENING SHOW
FLATBUSH. BROOKLYN
WEEK MARCH 17th
LORRAINE and ROGNAN
Via: MARK J. LEDDY
Cabaret Bis
HEW TOBX dlT
Arabian NIcbts
Arthur Ravel Oro
Roberta Jonay
Gypsy Romaje
Albenlce
All Haroun
Queenle Kins
Lew Dolcolt
Axmaado'i
Buddy Clarke Ore
Marie Bpauldlnr
Dick Chapman
Barney Uallaat's
Frank Craven
Angela Velez
Carter & Bowie
Nellie Paley
Terrace Boys'
BUI Bertelotll's
Aneelo's Bh'mba Bd
Elaine Spencer
Dorothy JeRera
Frank McFarlane
Chita '
Bin's Gar vrs
Jim Phillips
Florence Herbert
Billy Lorraine
John Panter
John Eliot
Spike Harrison -
Rudy Madison
Bill Quentmeyer
Steven Isles
Bernle Grauer
Harry Donnelly
Arthur Bohan
Harold Wlllard
Don Cortez
Charles Touchette
Caaa Maaana
Ozzle Nelson Oro
Harriet Hllllard
Jay Freeman Ore
Willie ft E Howard
Andrews Sis
Bob Howard
Gil Lamb
The Juvelys
Debonairs
Mario ft Floria
Gloria Gilbert
Bob Howard
Chalean Modeme
Paul Bass Ore
Gabriel
Lynn Russell
Marlon l<''ari-ar
George Rlxoa
' Chez Flreboose
Chick Howard Ore
Christie Gillespie -
HUt Herth Trio
Clob. IB
Jack White
Pat Harrington
Jerry Kruger
Judy Rudle
Frankle Myers
Leila Oaynes
Seals St Boys
G Andrews Ore
Clnb Gaaeho
Chas Macula Ore
Pancblta Villa
Tarrant ft Daiclta
Trlnl Plaza
Tereslta
La Marlta
Pedro Vain
Felicia Plores
Maria Del Carmen
3 Gaucboa
Dlatgond Uoreaeboo
Noble SIssle Oro
Don McGrane Oro
Frltzl ScheS
Baddy Doyle
Margot Brander
Frank Llbuse
Tpm Patrlcola
Joe Howard
Clyde Hager
Mangean Tr
Delia LInd
Bmma Francis
Lulu Bates
Wllllei Solar
Harry Armstrong
BUzabeth Murray
El Chlce
Ellseo Grenet Ore
Fantasia Novia
Joylta ft Maravllla
Romero Gomez
Paqulta Domlnguez
Dorlta ft Valero
Hamons Door
Charley Barnet Ore
Frances Faye
Qreeawlcfa VUfaice
Casino
Don Ravel Ore
Dorothy James
Roslta Royre
Dolores Farria
Mata Monteria
June Havoc
3 Musical Maniacs
Tommy Bruno
Benny Martini
Joe ILAne
e Village Glaro- Gls
Havana-Madrid
Nano Rodrlgo Oro
Juanlto San'bria Or
Rsslta Ortega
ABC 8 '
Hilda Gomez
De Llmas
Diana Del Rio
Blckoiy Hoosr .
Jos Marsala Oro
Hotel Ambassadoi
Dick Gaaparro Ore
Vincent. Bragnle Ore
Happy Powers
Marty Golden
Rosalean ft Bovllle
H'iel Bebaonl-riaia
Ernie Hoist Ore
3 Smoothies
Jane Clalr '
Belmont Ballndee n
Adrian Rolllnl 3
Hotel BUimere
Horace Heldt Ore
Larry Cotton
Bob McCoy
Lysbeth Hughes
Art Carney
Red Ferrlngton
Henry Dick
Jean Famey
Hotel Coaamodore
Sammy. Kayo . Ore
Hotel Edison
Gray Gordon Oro
Ruth Bradley
Hotel Essex iUuae
N Brandwynno Ore
Dale Sherman
Hotel Gov. CUniun
Eddy Mayehofr Ore
Betty Gale
Hotel Uneola
Jan Savitt Ore
Tito's Swingtette
Hotel HcAlplB
J Uessner Y>re
Raclmo 8,
Hotel Now torhat
Henry Busse Ore
Don Dickson
VI Mele
Frazee Sis
Floria Vestoft
Hotel FaA Ceotral
Curt Houek Oro
Enrico ft Novella
Ullly Vine
Margie Greene
Hotel Pork Kane
Freddie Starr Oro
Bob Lido
Al Harris
Hotel Pennsylvania
Ben Bernle Ore
Dolores McKays
Mary Dooley
Qulntonee-
Hotel Pierre
Harold Nagel Ore
Hotel Plaza
Jack Marshard Oro
N D'Amlfio Oro
P ft G Hartman
Jane Pickens
Hotel Boosevett
Guy Lombardo Oro
Hotel Bavoy-PIaza
Gerry Morton Oro
HUdegarde
Hotel St. Horita
Basil Foraeen Ore
June Forrest
Mnnya ft Zanette
Hotel St. Bcgla
(Irldlam Boon)
Charles Baom Oro
Sam Jarvls
Brie Relter
Jane Nicholson
Don Marlon Oro
Simpson Sis
Dorothy Lewis
(Maisonette Bnsse)
Nicholas Mathey Or
lasha Nazarenko
Charles Narl
Vnsalllo Apostolldes
Oedda Petry
Michel Greben
MIU Monti
Hotel Taft
Enoch Light Oro
Peggy Mann
George HInes
Smith Howard
Light Brigade
Hotel Waldorf-
Astoria
(Empire Boon)
Glen Gray Ore
Loretta Lee
Maurice
Hotel White
Lou Lang Ore
Dell O'Dell
Charlie Macy
MIrol Francis
jrimmy Kelly's
Joe Capello Ore
Inga Berg
Gladys Faye
Princess Aloma
Mary Lane
Tanya
Lee Leslie
Carter & Bchanb
Terry Shannon
Peggy de la Plan to
Valerie Vance
Montmartre Boys
Danny HIgglns
Sid Hawkins
Vaugh Comfort
Gonz'Iea ft Christine
John Rockwood
Gene Walters
lame
Bddie Davis Ore
Joseph Smith Ore
Grazlella Farrago
La Coq Bongs
O»o Sterney Ore
Anne Franelne
TIsdale 3
Le HIrace
Mario ft Merln Ore
Gay Adams
Lucille Johnson
Liana Marlow
Jerry Williams
Randolph Cox
Flora Newman
Le Bobon Blea
Herbert Jaceby '
Alleen Cook
Marianne Oswald
Marie Eve
Mabel Mercer
Leon * EddVa
Lou Martin Ore
Bddla Davis
Iris Adrian
Mickey ft M Ford
Beryl Cteoper
Joan Grey
Billy Burns
James Keogan
Sunny ft R Duval
Ann Bronte
Wnlly Wanger •
Uttle (:iuh
Roger Steele Oro
Frances Williams'
Agnes Dwyer
Scat Powell
Jack Osterman
Heyer'a Cellar
(Hoboken)
Howard Blaine
Rosaline Lewis
Martha Kovacs
Gypsy Lopez
Barbara Eyton
Lydia Bhrenberg
UMnlgU San '
Buddy Wagner Ore
Chlqulta Venezia
Geraldlne Ross
Mildred ft Maurice
Mary Johnson
Sylvia McKay
Men Parle
Charlie Murray Ore
Mary Cohan
Jimmy Rogers
Sionto Carlo
Ted Straeter Oro
Bob Knight Ore
Lee Wiley
Dick Smart
Blaine Baaaett
Peggy Healcy
Anne Graham
Anita Colby
Evelyn Kelly
Rosanne Murray
Onyx Club
John Klrby Ore.'
Judy Cordova
Teddy Grace
Leo Watson
Paradise
Vincent Travera Or
Patsy ft Bobby
<)aeeB Mary
Joe Ellis Ore
Kitty Wright
Walter Walters
Rainbow GrUI
Barry Wlnton Ore
Marlynn ft Michael
UlUan Gibson
Al Uclntyre
Eddie Bush i
Blapsy Maxto**
Slapsy Maxls
Jack Waldron
Joe Plotkel
Andy Sorrelll
Virginia Mathewa '
Moore ft Ijewls
Tommy Rellly Oro
Somerset Honae .
Harry RIngland
Art Tatum
Jack Owens
I . Stage 1' Cafe
I Wally Vernon
Billy Toung
Henry Oalantl
Sherap Howard
1 Squires
Simnee imm
Eddie Beal
Gladys Bentley
Topsy's
Elmer
Arlett Jon
Taras ft Mastera
Nichols ft Lucas
The Mercer Broa
Dorothy Brandon
Chuck Foster Ore
Victor Hngo
Joaquin Garay
Sklnnay Ennls Oro
Carmine
CHICAGO
Ruby Newman Oro
John Hoysradt
Gower ft Jeanne
Eddie Le Baron Oro
Joan Cartler
Bngslan Kretchma
Tasha.' 'NIkagosov
Nastia Poliakova
Darla BIrse
Marusla Sava
Hermlne Michel
Claudia Capellova
Senia KaravaeS -
Michel MIchon
Serge Ignatenke
Volodia Katov
(3«nla Pobedlna
Show Bar
(Foreet HUIs)
Sleepy Hall Ore
Carol Horton
Bill Hansen
Peggy Marlowe
Lucille Rich
Jules Cassard
Stork Clnb
Sonny Kendls Ore-
Jose Lopez Ore
Eleanor French
Teiaallles
M Bergere Oro
Paaehlto Oro
Marjorle Galnsw'rth
D'Avalos Dancers
VtUago Bam
Howard Woods Ore
Paxton
Polly Jenkins Co
Gwen Williams
Noll ft Nolan
Lou Valero
Whirling Top
Geo Morris Oro
Irene Stanley
Ann Gale
Ruth LeClaIre
Russell Drackea
lOS ANGELES
Beverly WUsblie
Bray Sis
Howard Gerrard
Harry Owena Ore
Cafe CoUente '
Pancho
Diana Castillo
Julio Gervante
Iieo Luz Daequez
Eddie Agnllar Ore
Cafe La Haxe
Park Ave. Boys
Martha Mears
Matty Malneck Ore
Chab Ball
George Tount
Bruz Fletcher
Club Versailles
Jerry Lester
(ilorin King
Theodores
Chlcco Oro
Earl Carron
Paul Gerrlts
Arren ft Brod«rlck
A Robins
Igor ft Tanya
Vlvjen Fay
Susan Miller
Oeryr Wallace
3 Sophisticated Gls
Dorothy Oerron
Reginald Craig
Archie Bleyer Ore
Ed Durant Ore
Florentine Garden
Maurice KoslofC Co
Emil Basso Oro
Frank Sebastian's
Cobanola
Eduardo Chen'ez
Joe Barrls Ore
Grace Hayes Lodge
Jackie Coglen
Grace Hayes
Llnd Hayes
Joe Frisco
Charlie Foy
Iau Sallee Ore
Hawaiian Paraillae
Loretta .Walker
Princess Luanna
Joe Sullivan Ore
Indigo Cafe
Sid Brown
Jimmy Ellard
Jack Frost
Val Harris
It Cafe
Cabaneros
Don Rudolf Ore
Jerry's Maadalay
Marguerite Padula
Geo Surprenant Jr
Neville Fieeaon
Nonle Mitchell
Hal Chancellor Ore
Jlnuny Kerr ft Boys
I* Conga
Don Jerl
Spike Featherstone
Evelyn Steele
Jerry Galian
LaC'hga Rh'mba Bd
Little Clab
Jane Jones
Paul Kendall
Walter Dyson
LMtle Rnngaiy
Valeseo's Gypsies
Marcel's
Leonard Keller Ore
Marcos Daly
Kay Gregory
Joey Lee Ore
Omar's Dome
Lillian Gibson
Charles Elarla
Hal Brown
Ted Wells Ore
Palomar
Imogens Coca
Tanner Sis
Gloria. Monroe
Kirk Allen
Massey ft Miller
Jerry Mumson
Jimmy Brierly
George Olsen
Paris Inn
Dominic
Blane ft Elaine
Ginger Weldon
Katherlne Skldmiire
Lillian Gilbert
Eric Massey
Henry Monett
Marguerite ft M
Ken Henr}-son
Chuck Henry Oro '
Seven Seas
Danny Kawanna
Kay Sliver
Ambassador Hotel
(Pomp Boom)
H McCreery Oro
Boll Ball
Ralph Cook
Lytell 2
I'ntay Mac
Salty Osmon
Roy Dietrich
Jimmie Green Ore
BIsntarck Hotel
' (Walnnt Room)
Bob Belmont
Nanno Van Houton
I'lazzo
Betty Grey
Charlie Schanks Or
Adele, Trent ft B
Darlene O'Day
BInehhawk
Frederic ft Vvonn
Bob Crosby Ore
Terry ft Walker
Marlon Mann
Doi'othy Claire
Mary Jane Brown
OH Rodin
Don Pedro Ore
Orrln & Betty
Blackstone . Hotel -
(Ballaese Bm>
Pllner ft Earl Ore
Bine Oseae
Evelyn Waters
Al Lane
Melody King
Buck Hunt
4 Hits ft a Misa
Breroort Hotel
(Crjratal Boom)
Florence Schubert
Dnteb'a
John Blllott
Carlos ft Dolorea
Betty Jerome
Evelyn Harris
Lollta
Mort J<and Ore
Bdgewater Beaek
Hotel
(Blarlne Room)
Mary Fran Sackley
Eugenia McOee
Ramos ft Nanette
Stuart Frazer
Jay Mills Oro
Harriet Smith Gla
685 nob
Eddie Varzos Ore
Lucie Garcia
Johnny Howard
Carlos & Mercedes'
Grace McCarthy
El Dnmpo
3 Loose Screws
Laurene Ne Vel
Ray Stiles
Shirley Handler
Ray Stlebers Ore
Sam Badls
Peggy Lester
Whorley Gls
Elaaaoaa Door
Bather Whittlngton
Bryan Wolf
Florette Sis
Danny Ross
June Thompson
Al Morley Oro
Vranfce's Ca s la a
Will Martin
PAUL KIRKLAND and
COMPANY
Manh le— Fay's, Prsvldeate
MiRli 17— Csfwu. PfelMelslila
Martk 24— Reiy, New Vert
Mnli 31— Rny. Nnr Vwk
Mws Is fellsw
PISMd ky EDOIE 8IJITH _^
22 Wsit 4MI 81. Nsw Vat City
ChBTlss Baldwin
Gracs Katrol
Nqrma Ballard
BroaWnont
Herb Rudolph Oro.
Margie Marshall
Georgle La Reau
Elinor Johnson
JImmIe Reld
Sylvia Tucker
Henry' Simon
Adorables
. cararaa
Eddie Gorman
Rocks Romano
Toddy' O'Orady
Don Morgan
Dot ft Jerry
Edna Leonard
Carl Scholtz Ore
Cbes Paiisa
Paul Haakon
Itarrla ft Shore
Benny Fields
Helen Morgan
Gloria Pay
Bverette West
Rubs Morgan Ore
Don Orlando Ore
Evans Adorablas
Clnb Al
Larry Ross
Suzanne
Wanda Benson
Dixie Lee
Oliver Harris Ore
Clnb Alaban
Dorothy DeHoghton
Ann Suter
Sadie Moore
Jack Irving
Allen Cole '
Effle Burton
Bernle Adler
Dorothy Dale
Dave Unella Oro
Chalk Robinson Ore
Bdrtle Roth Ore
Club Espana
Harry Hynda
Rob Durfree
Dick Hauss
Joe Hardy
Bee Jones
Russ LIndgren Ore
Colony Clab .
Peggy Fears
Jose Manzanarea (ir
Lew Fuller Ore
Coloalnee
Tullah ft Miy
I'nt Rooney
Janet Reade
Lulu Gould
Bctly Robin
Marlon VInny
Harry Rose
Pronaiph Uls
Hollywood <
Henri Gendron Orr
Clob Dellsa
Sam Robinson
Henrlene Barker
Crawford Price
Kaundra
Chippie Hill
Urown ft Brown
Bthele Wilson
Rhythm Wlirie
Charles Tsom
Partello Gls
Rsd Saunders Orr
Congzmw Hotel
(Glass Hat Bm) '
Johnny Banga Ore
(Penrock Rm)
Joe Vera
, (Pompelinn Bn)
Irving Margraff
Drake Hotel
(Gold Coast Boom)
Wayne King Ore
Rob Rich
Hibbert, B ft LaR
Jean Mona
Bernlce Parks .
Jeanne Moore
Casino Gls <
Dick Hardin
Baddy Klrble
Rooke Bllaworth
Bob Tlnsley Oro
Grand TemCs
Jean Brady
Tondelaya ft Lopea
Dotty Bolters
Louise McCarroll
Ted Smith
Leonard Reed Gla
F Henderson Ore
araeuen Hatel
(Glass Hooso Bai)
Toaaty Fall Ore
Carl Bock
Maxine Kirk
Lernioe Voss
Hairy's N Y CabVat
Ken Ijeslle
Cecil Von Dell
Jerry Healy
Tommy Jonea
Renee Villon
Kitty Roth
Rankin Gls
Chas Engels Ore
Art Buckley
Al Wagner
Blllle Myera
-lioe Berling .
Dorothy Johnaua
Hickory imm
Kay Dare
Joan ft Eddie
Tom Garvey
Gondoliers Oro
HI Hat
Lou Holz
Jean Trovers
Betty Atkinson
Kretlow Gla
Sid Lang Ore
Hlppodreme
Paulette LaPlerre
Bobby .Sunart
Janet ft Loretta
Blllle Banks
Jerry Glrard
Grovar Wilklns
Ted Penrlmah Gls .
Joe Hahn Ore
Ivanboe
Helen Samners
^llce Mnnson
4 Hawalians
Kay Beccher Ore
I/AlglDB
Mary W Kllpatrloh
Euseblo Conclaldl
Spyros Stamos
Don Quixote Oro
Bnnio Bolegnlnl Or
Hotel La Salle
(Bloe Front Boob)
VIbra
Stuff Smith Ore-
Gladys Madden
Jonah Jones
Liberty Ino
Laurene Novella
Millie Brdman
Dick Hugos
Colleen
Ka'ranova
Pam Adair
Jimmie O'Nell
Barl Wiley Ore
Umehense
Bob Tank Oro
Uttle Clob
Barl Rlckard
Florence Meyers
Ann Hagedod
Harry Linden
. UcGrawa'
Al Copeland
Lillian Barbeauz
Eve Even
3!een Brt/(ht
Kixle Dee
Avis Doyls
Phil Chlnnrd
Chuck Andrews ,
McLaoghllaa
rrv Soernfleld
Jerry Gerard
Ruth Dean
Vol Brwin
Shirley Ray
Jules Neva Ore
Helody UUI
Tiny Hill Ore
Allan DeWItt
Harold Osborne
HUlstone
Ann Millstone
Flo Whitman
Ua:e Lawren'«
Betty Mnrrlri
Delia Bartell
Jack Roland Ore
Nyra Lou
Muriel Joseph
SIssle Robblns
Genevieve Vol
Sharone
Hlaaet Clab
Natasha
Olga Anton
George Moore
Irene Burke
Margo Gavin.
Art Fisher Ore
Morrison Hotel
(Boston Uyster
Uoose)
Manfred Gotttaelt
Nameless Cafe
Julian Sleckd.-Uo
Vito Ore
Ona Mayo
Carole Cleveland
Margie Strong
Evelyn Reed
Bd Leon
Nappe Gardens
Lois Hallen
Genevieve Jacyna
Helen Coyle
Dave Malcolm
Mary Mac
Jane La Vonne
Kay Moore
Honey Lee
Jean ft Wharton
Sally Sharratt
Sol Stocco Oro
Old Heldelbers
Old Heidelberg Co
Octet
Robert KeRHler
Winn Stracho
Herr Louie ft W
Herble Ore
Paddock aub
Patoy Thomas
Kay Carol '
Jay Hills
Esther Madden
Lee FrnnclH Oro
Keith Ole
Palmer Ronse
(Empire Boon)
Orria Tucker Ore
Franklin Crawford
Joseph Coskey
Billy Rayos
Jack Williams
Ijorraine Sis
Jose (^stro
Beverly Allen
Abbott Dancers
Phil Dooley Ore
Parody Clab
Freddie Abbott
Marls Thomas
Sarah Tlebold
Eddie Jaxon Ore
PlayhoBSe
Pat McGowaa
Helen Hart
Rita Marie
Virginia May
Betty Mae
Barry Hodges Ore
Beso Bowl
Ina Ray Hntton Or
Elaine Merrllt
Burke Sis -
Vera Fern
. Boyale Frolica
Solly Kay
Bddle White
Dl Gatenos
Bvslyn Farney
Jack Hllllard
Al Trurk Ore
Mark Fisher Oro
Jack Hllllard
Frolics Ens
Sherman Betel
(College Inn)
Gene Krupa Oro
.Irene Daye
Celtic rate
Bud Glens Ore
Dome
Spinning Tops'
James Hamilton
Dancing Buckleys
8 Jitterbugs
Bud Bartell
Empire Boys 8
Jimmy Blade
Jerry Glidden
Kay Nichols
Sllbonelle
Larry Forbes
Marion Boyd
Lou Redell
Jonn Baylor
Joey Conrad Ore
Silver ClODd
Bert Nolen
Leonard 2
Healy ft Mae
Alice Tanner
Lela Murray
Leah Andra
VI Gore
Hazel Zaius
Nerd Richardson
Johnny McPall Ore
Silver Frolics
Balalne Rabey
Claire Pellow
Bernle Pink
Roberto ft MInto
Fay Wallace
Art Freeman
666 Clob
Al ZImmey
Bunny Carter
Connie Faseaaw
Bteffl Lee
Dolores Del Rae
Marg Faber Gls.
Joel ft ApneUe
DIetricbs
Inez Scott
Aloha
Jessie Rosalia
Dagmar
Dolly Sterling
Ruby Bennett
Patricia Perry
Collette
Carmen
Sol Lake Ore
Tripoli 8
Bkf Rockel
Marjorie Whitney
Dictators-
Mathews ft Shaw
4 Kings
Stevens Hotel
(CobUbobIbI Boom)
Rhythm Boys Ore
Rod Drigo ft F
Byton Gls
Stratosphere Clo1>
Princes Red Rock
Frank Barber
Sabwar
Ginger DIx
Opal Adair
Connie Rogers
Bdlth Marlowe
Dolores Mac
Jane Dare
Clara ft DIanns
Billy Webb
Billy Kent
Henry Sax Ore
SasMt
Bernle Green
Jean Stone
Fairy Cunningham
Babe Carney
Sam Barl
Verne Wilson Ore
ThoapaaB'e 16 Clab
Ray Reynolds
Joy Kalese
Cookie Seldel
Dolores ft DeVego
June Scott
Jessie Garwood
Helen DuWayne
Marsh McCurdy
Sammy Frisco Ore
Three Deaeee
Baby Dedds .
diaries McBride
Llll Armstrong
Lonnle Johnson
(Off Beat Boom)
Anita O'Day
Jay MeShann 3
Lennle BatcrdAll
Jimmy McPartland
Tower laa
Mollle Manner
Sam Haes
Inez Gonan
Rhythm Gls
3 Hawalians
Frank Davis Ore
Towa Clab
Cbet Boswell
Mae Dl Flit
Barbara Bow
Val BrWin
Moe ft Joe
Bleaner Daniels
Maurie Walker
£ Chlragoans
Frankle Quatrel Ore
Hal Barber
Trocadere
Gloria Romano
Adelle St Clalr
Tarry Circle'
Roy Rankin Ore
Villa Hederne
Tony (Ubot Ore
Wlaoaa Oardeaa
GIgl Rena
Virginia Woodall
Lee Harmon
Pat Allen
Margie Dale
Nonnle Morrison
Rita Sl'one
Sally Reynolds
Heinle Oi'amer ,
Frank Snyder Ore
Lucille Johnson
PTTTT.AHOT.iniT*
Aaebsrage
Frank Quinn Oro
BeUorue-Stratford
(Main IHab« Wmy
Meyer Davis Ore
(Bargaady Boom)
Frank Joels Oro
Powers ft WiRRlns
Nlelsnd Dancers
Ben Franklin, Hotel
(Garden Terrace)
Bernlce Byers
Harry James Ore
Jack Palmer
Benny tba Baa's
.Victor Hugo Ore
Hollywood Debs (3)
Glen Dale
Wllma Douglas
Renatto & Dolores
Muriel Thomas
Brownlog Lone Inn
(Bellmairr, K. J.) •
Lenny Ross
Joy Davie
Mary Joyce
4 Top Hatters
Vlnce Norman Ore
Cadlllae Tnvera
Dolores Lakio
Lillian .Stewart
Darlene Jones
Dean Edwards
Charlie Arthur
Bddle Thomas
Joyce Henry
Jack Newlon
Sunny Ray
H .Reynolds Ore
Hendrloue ft A
Clnb IB
Dick Thomas
Johnny Toung Orr
Jimmy Lackore
Bee Larry
Helen Wilson
Princess Helen
Amy Organ
cafe Uoioaey
Scarey Gavin
Al Cubler
Ginger -Linn
Lorraine Wiley
Tony Edding
Louise Wright
Libby Neld .
Isabell ' Daniels
Doris Fields
Joe Famllant Ore
Club Paiakeet
Ginger Lynn
liOuTse Wright
Steppe ft Carlos
Fran Caswell
Dawn
Gertie Taylor Ore
Clob M»
Sam Borland
Princess Zulleka
Mildred Boyer
Hal Cal Ore
El Cbico
KOy Laverly
Sherry Lee
Virginia Howard
Barbara Bradley
Toby Lee
Glenda Hope
Sonny Marceline
Ruth Templeton
BiAbles Shelby
Arlett Withers
Joj'anne Shear
Ivan Tashmau Ore
Billy Maple
■lolinio' Parrlsh
nieanore Piper
Barbara MacDonald
Hdlth Boark '
-IBTednesday, March 15, 1939
VARIETY
47
tula Mallna
Dolorea O'NelU
Al Moor* Oro
rtin BiMoo on
Oeorf* CllSord
mi 016b
rwIdK KIde Oro
c7nSS«l» PlowertOD
Tommy Monro*
Betty McGee
PepDtr G»ret
Kiy McCullouRh
Dolorei Morrill
June DavlB
Mltzl Lano
Florence Holin*B
Jack Curtis
NIIA Taylor
Paul APaiilett*
Baymonds
Tvonettes (•) _
Bobby Morrow Or«
Hanla TaTCtm
Alabama Corinn*
Bobby Lyon*
Greta LaMarr
Betty Tbomaa
Hlldebraad'f
Jackie Small
Cbarlle Neld
Yvette
Sorls Elliott
Norman I>ewlB
France* Bussell
Frankle Milton
Blchard Bach
Bobby L— On
Betel Adelphls
<C*fe HarsoMy)
Frank Oagen Oro
Ann Klocade
Fancho ft Dolores
Bod Aagellna Ore
Jack LfBA'a
Charles Smltbi-
▼Inoent Rlsie Or*
Barney Zeemaa
Mona Reed
Bell* Baker
Raul & Eva Reyes
Iiuclenne tt Aahour
Herb Dubrow
Dorothy Tanner
Jimmy Blake
J Lynch Ols (It)
Charles Fredericks
Joe Frazetto Oro
iMttmu CiDb
<Bla« Boom)
Evelyn I^mpsblra
Ann Rush
Barbara Bradley
Rhumba Oro
Jerl Foster
UttU BatluhM*
lack GrlfflD Or*
Roy Sedley
Cay* Dixon
Helen t T Nys Jr
Johnny it Oeorge
Joyce Breazelle
Sharon Harvey
Opea Door Cafe
S Fepperettes
Lealle Sis
Bob Ridley
Mickey Walker
Rose VenuttI
Havrallan Oro
Ethel Maeder
Viola Klaiss Ore
Fanlsh Cat* .
Ctaorty Scott
Marlaii Aiken
Vernon Ouy
Johnny Holmes Or
Paiple Derby
Bobby Carr
Ginger Dunn
Jean Lemarr
Margie Mealle
Moore & Burns
Joe Biima
Bay Allen Oro
Dotty MoorO'
Jimmy McVey
BeDdeaveaa
Helen Shaw
B S Fully * Gump
Joanne & R Rezer
Cook & Brown
Ross Irwin
Pearl Williams
Bob Hargraves Oro
Htamp't Cafa
Frankle Rlchard^a
Pastlne & Harlyn
Bert Lemleh Oro
Dot Laudy
Jack Hutchinson
Johnny Welsh
3 Debs
Shirley Herman
BUver Lake laa
<CleBeDtoB>
Mickey Famllant 0>
Alice Lucey
Fredez & Lorenza
Peggy Eames
Mary Monahan
George Reed
Sky Top Clab
Ollft Bookman
Leon Wright Ore
Harjorle Johnson
Blanche Saunders
Taps A Dave
Margaret Watson
MInola
)atklB'* BathskelUi
Frank Fohtl
Reynard & Marcia
Ann Carroll
David & D Cooper
Olllo
Irving Braslotr Ore
XMh Ceatniy
Bob & E Wayne,
r^e Leslie
Tommy Cullen Ore
Venlca Grille
Jack Rich
Oaslmlera Gls
Pay Ray
Joey Hayes Oro
Tlklng Cafe
Blllle Callahan
Joe Kearns
Grace O'Hara
Jerry Delmar Ore
Ollle
Jack Hallahsn
Cleo Valentine
VlUage Ban
Tjenny Kent
Edie Lang
Wntson Sis
Bobby Evans
Teddy Oliver On
WagoB Wheel
Joe O'Shea
NIkl Nikolai
Pete Hayes
Al Wilson
George Deber
Al Bastlan Ore
Weber's Bet Bras
<CaBid«a)
Use Hart
Rudy Bruder
Jules Flaeco Ore
Jerry Marcelle
Helen WorthlngtoD
)Iart Duo
BIIL Harris .
Amodoa & Janet
Sill Golden
Signer Rarmino
J * T Shellenh'mer
Internationals
Eldoradlans
Tacht Ctab
Kitty Helmling Oro
JImmIe Bailey
Babe LaTour .
Boberta Ramsey
Patricia Robinson
nibaon A Co
Edna Thompson
■caa
Pat Marvin
Helen Allen
Romona Brownwell
Rose Vine
Alma Williams
VIndIck Sis
Harvey Lee Oro
Scaler's
Tony Bauer Or«
Marts Kecky
Jessie tc Viola
Dorothy Hamilton
Blng Burdick
Roma Coatello
Schmrta
Bob Eherle Oro
Lee Leigbton Ore
SU Point Clab
Casper Reda Ore
State Vardeaa
Earl Rigg Oro
Florence Bell
Mildred Seeley
Ann Helens
Dale & Dale
Evon Allen
Irene Schrank
Flo Smith
Knight a Dae
Bnnset Clab
Eddie Apple
Tl« Top Tap
Joey Feldstein Ore
Natalie & Hotrard .
Eleanor Leonard
Al Gale
Bert Gilbert
ULWAUKEE
Athletle Ctab
Hal Munro Oro
Bert rblllip'a
Pep Babler Oro
Ethel Seldel
Blatt Palm Oardea
Eddie South Oro
Louis Mason
Btae HaoB
D Davidson Ore
Virginia Rosen
Jay Jayaon
Gale Parker
Cardinal Ctab
Bud Vlonl Oro
Chatcaa Clab
Stan Jacobaen Ore
Johnny Peat
Jimmy & Nora Bell
Jack Herbert
June Carson
Dorothy Mays
Helen MacForland
Bdlth Rae
Fatsy Marr
Ctever dab
Harry Weber Ore
Ruth Phillips
Bva Thornton
Marge Toung
Eleanor Gall .
Jean Hurler
Flo Radke
Don Kranlch
Ctab Forest
Virginia Grey
Berdlne Dickson
Helen Kaye
Vera Welsh
Ctab Madrid
Jlmniy Rotas Ore
Roland A Franclne
Tudy Stevens
Lou Reynolds
Rebecoa Page
Patricia Page Ols
Marguerite Claudel
Lollu Roche
ZIta & AnniB
Ernie Rich
Sandra Miller
Clab Sahara
Geo Cerwln Ore
Clab Terria
Gordon Genachon-
Mona Henderson
Ethel Warren
Phil Kestin
Kathleen Kaye
Claudia Ferris .
Knight & Dae
Congo Clab
Bob Freeman
Mary Reed
JefC Thomas
Leonard Gay Oi<
Comles Ship
Bill Davidson On
Ben Bob Oro
Ralph Lenis
Bailey Si Laman
Devlnei Eagles
Billy Baer Oro
Dob Garrltr Oio
Mabel Drake
Dorothy Dale
Red Roberts Oro
Gloria Gals
Jimmy Do Palma
Howard Gelger
Hotel Sehroeder
(Empire Boom)
Lawrence Welk Or
.r<»rry Burke
niter Bloom
l.ola Beat
Kart Batach'a
Sepple Boch Oro
Helene Sturn
Walter Merhpff
I«n«n'a
Ray Meadows Ore
Last Ronnd Up
Jimmy Raya Oro
Ken Keck
Undy'B
Rick & Snyder
Victor
Phyllis Nowak
Log Cabin
Carl Bergman Ore
KlamI Clnb
Helen Holmes
Halley Malone
Evelyn Lee
Miami E
Peggy Geary
Hazel Bailey
Gene Emerald
Harriet Cross
Johnny Davis Orr
MUwaakeaa
Bobby Maynard
Oasia
Marly Gray Ore
Enooks Hartman
CM Heidelberg
Mary keth
OameB Gls
Eddie Zlpp Ore
Donna LuPae
Allen Dunn
Sallle Marshall
Ginger & Louise
Open Door .
TInney Llveng'd tir
Larry Powell
'Paekard Ballretom
A I Cavalier Oro
. Faradlso tiardea*
Bill KIngsley Ore
Paris
Joe Oumin Oro
Len Ilerrick
Plantation Club
Bert Bailey Ore
Mary Webb •
Plantation $
Brown & Lyons
Myrtle Thomas
Hunky Brown
RendezToaa
Betty Maaon
Helen Gregos
Carol Cleveland
Dotty Norman
Katherlne Kaye
Alma Grant
' Bob Matheson Ore
TOwB and Coaatsy
Clab
RobertoB
Luclene '
Virginia Davis
Madeline Gardiner
Betty Harger
Alleen Ronda
Zastro ft Wells
Bert Snyder
Toy's
Case Landls Ore
«<th * North Clofe
Kay Crandell Oro
Trocadero
MIron Stuart Oro
Jane Rubey
Shutta ft Kent
Dolly O'Dea
Woodard Sis
Bobble Stuart
Wlrth's Fatorlstlo
Bill Schweitzer Ore
Jack Fcxer
Vallle Jay Ore
Maureen Ros'ay
Rogan ft Mann
WIsconslB Hoot .
Steve Swedish Oro
M Merrymaker Ore
N!o Harper Oro
Tom Sheridan
Cappy Lewis
Joan Demarls
Arnold Dupre
Znnker Gardens
Skipper Leone Oro
CLEVELABD
Alptae VUlage
Otto Thurn Oro
Blondell 2
Franchon ft F
Margaret Aemmer
Herman PIrcbner
Avalea
Hy Barron Oro
Bert Gilbert
Carol Chapelle
Airway Clab
Troy Singer Oro
Judy Black
Codar Oardeaa
Duke Melvin Oro
Slim Thomas
Princess Wee-Wes
Prince Albert
Susay Brown
Chafeaa
Pete Geracl Oro
Al Schenck
Jean Lee
Ann Baron
Eight O'clock Ctab
Bill Miller Oro
Sammy. Llpman Co
ncddlo's Cats
Tony Emma Oro
Zang ft Todd
Frank Reynolds
Josle
Miriam Kretlowllne
Bddle Barnes
Golden Glow
Paul Slmonettl Ore
Texas Peggy
Margie West
Zaza '
Gonrmet Clab
Louis CIna Ore
Frelda Steftens
Hatton's Clab
Sherry Martin
Lenny Colyer
Bob Armstrong
Roae-Marle
Haann Orlll
Joanna Gordon
Kay Bush
Don ft Lou
Len' Ensign ..
Hotel Clevrtaad
Manny Landers Ore
Walt Bergen Oro
Hotel Fenway Ball
Wlllard Potts Ore
Bettle Allen
Hotel Sterling
Marty Lake Oro
Uayle Gaylord'
Hotel Hollendea
Sammy Watklns Or
Roblnaon 2-
Paul Nolan
Pritlkin ft Mason
Hotel Statler
Dick Stabile Ore
Evelyn Oakes
Glover ft LaMae
Jack A Eddie's
Chick Williams
Henry Rubertlna
Bess Evans
Dona Wamby
Harold Thomas
Lladsay's Sky-Ctab
Bonnie Lavonne
Marlon Bowen
Art Cutllt
Monaco's Cato
Jacques Pollack Or
Marllynd Maynard
Hounds Clnb
Orvelle Hand Oro
Bonthem Tavern
Paul' Burton Oro
Don Kaye
Nick Bontemps
Cbaagl Clnb
Tommy Barnes Ore
Hertel Collins
Ethel Avery
Rose Morgan
Sonny Carr
FITTSBUBflH
. Ancharag*. .
Hughle Morton Ore
Maynard Deane
Arllngten Lodge
Art Norkus Oro
Baleonades
Don Palmer Oro
Kay Denton
Clark Roberts
Bob Stewart
Bill Gieea'a
Sterling Toung Ore
Bobby Ennis
Oil Dagenals
Ctab Petit*
Freddie Castle Ore
Betty Smiley
NIta Raymond
Lillian Chapman
Cork aad BottI*
Jack Davis
Eddie Feytoa's
Joey Hatch Oro
Harlem Caelno
Sherdlna Walker Or
George Gould
Sparky George
Ernie ft Ozle
Mercia Marques
Willie Knight
Harlemettea (I)
Larry Steele
Ozzle Dial
Hotel Henry
M Contreras Oro
Conch tta
Hotel. B«o*ev*M.
Buddy Russell 3
Hotel Schenley
Howard Baum Ore
Buzz Aaton
Jack Rogers
Hotel William Poaa
(Chattcrbsa)
Bernle Cummins Or
Connie Barleau
Walter Cummins
(Contlaental Bar)
Larry Murphy 4 .
(GrlU)
Bavarians
Btzl Covato Ore
Bernle PerelU
De Bold 2
Johnny Morris
Dick Smith
Betty Mylander
Mew Peu
Joe Ravell Oro
Laveme KIdd
Jack' Keller
MUoa Cat*
Al Kavelln Oro
PattI Morgan
Al Shelleday
Alene ft Evans
(^>llette ft Barry
Angelo Dl Palma
Claire Ray Gls
Mat Hoos*
Al Sherman
Jack Lewis
Boogy-Woogy
Harry Nosokoff
Chet Clark
Al Mercur
Jim. Buchanan
Plasa Cat*
Jimmy Peyton Ore
Adele Curtis
Lenore Rika
Moran Sis
Billy Cover
Le Rol
Blvlera
Jo* Lee Oro
Show Boat
Tommy Carlyn Ore
Millie Wayne
PeeWee Walker
Al Richards
Pappy lahrael
Wllma Douglas
Line (C)
Webster Hall
Nelson MapleS' Orr
Buzzy Kountz
will Ward
George Weber
I'alon drill
Tony. Lombard*!
Art Tagello
Frank Natale
Mage ft Carr
Nertbw**d laa
Frank allien Oro
John Hale
Marian Kay
Aimand ft Diana
OaaU
P Markofl Dancers
Alton ft LaRue
Harry Banlell
Great Legery
Barbara Dehaden
Lillian LaMay Ore
Josephine Campbell
Palm Beach
Amoa Jacobs .
LeRoy ft Sharp
Eddie Cappa
Don Pablo Ore
PUaUtlea Ctab
Monette Moore
Pete Nugent
Moke ft Poke
DAHoree Alexander
Billy Ekatein
SaOJal
Don Albert Oro
HouB* Lin* (i)
rowataa
Al Samuela 3
Alfred Latell
Violet Love
Sammy DIbert Oro
Baka
Don Harris
Buddy Leater
Alleen Marlowe
(inrnett RIa
Rita DeVere
Geo Kavanagh Ore
DETROIT
Ambassador Ctab
Jny Jason
Mildred Rock
Texas Rockets
Geo Alfono Oro
Book-Cadlltae H*t*l
.(B*ek Caslae)
Bob Grant Ore
Elaine ft Barry
Paul Roalnl
lM*t*r Bar)
Peter Kent Ore
Cbeae-Trembley
jimmy Gargano .Oi
Harry Jarkey
Curtla.1 ft Clare
June Wren
Lea Phllmere
Barrett ft Smith
Cammodor* Clab
O Coalello Oro
Le* D* Bain •■' -
Oldtlmera t
Rita ft Rubens
Garland ft Franiey
Clab FroBtfni:<'
Larry Funk Ore
Buddy Hayea
Natalie Wynn
Motter ft Davlgr
Helen ft Holmes
Ginger Sutton
Hotel Btatler
(Tenrac* Bwin.i
Xavler Cugat (■
Carmen Caatlllo
Judy Lane
Bddle Aaherman
Caatalino Rolon
Imperial Clab
Don Oarlnl
(ieo Sella ft Jo '■
Bonnie NIehola*
Fin LIvltes .
Margo Wade
Woody Moaher
Frank Rapp Orr
Neblolo Cafe
Leonard 6**l Or"
George Hale
Polo
.15 YEARS AGO<
(FrornVMorcY)
Publicity attendant to the strike
talk of Equity against the managers
was having an unfavorable effect on
the boxofflces.
John Philip Sousa's band termi-
nated a 33-week tour covering over
12,000 miles, and showed a profit of
$120,000.
London censors nixed the title of
the Elinor Glyn picture, Three
Weeks.' They suggested it be
changed instead to 'Almost a
Month.'
Failure of the Wagnerian Opera
Co. in America stirred Berlin. Inti-
mated that German-Americans were
tired of supporting German organi-
zations in America for patriotism's
sake.
House managers in New York
were being accused of hiring acts on
their bills to outside organizations
under the guise of good fellowship,
but really collecting for their ser-
vices. •
Music men estimated that radio
would pay them at the rate of $1,-
000,000 annually in royalties to re-
imburse them . for losses sustained
through the inroads the ether had
made on the music biz.
Marcus Loew was reported linked
in a picture deal with William Ban'
dolph Hearst, which would take ef-
fect upon completion of Hearst's
first year with Goldwyn.
June Caprice was contemplating
a film comeback. She had retired
following her marriage and mother-
hood.
Independent exhibs around N. Y.
were trying, to break up the Loew
practice of 'protecting' its entire cir-
cuit on the playing of first-runs.
Night Club Reviews
CAFE SOCIETY, N. Y.
(Continued from page 44)
touch. Lewis, probably best-known
of the trio because of his recordings,
appears comparatively mild to the
uninitiated.
Whole show is wisely held down to
a'bout 45 minutes, although one or
another of the keyboard-beaters fills
in the band lulls. Band, incidentally;
is surprisingly sweet for the sur-
roundings and good for both dancing
and listening.'
Spot, seating about 200 when full-
up, Has been open since late Decem-
ber, It was formerly the Four Trees
Inn and later the Oliver Twist
Ned Wayburn's 'Honeymoon
Cruise,' Bae Samuels and Fritzi
Ridgeway headlined the Palace. Ole
Olsen and Chick Johnson clicked at
the Fifth Ave., N. Y.
Mr. Cinderella
(Continued from page 1)
in the Lexington hotel, N. Y. Things
after that didn't pan out so well for
him. His outfit then included strings.
He couldn't make a go of it, and
changed his style to conform with
demand for hot outfits. It was Charlie
Shribman, of the Boston ballroom
operating firm, that next took a
chance on Shaw, Shribman built a
band around him and spotted him
into his State ballroom in' Boston last
spring, from where Shaw started to
be heard from as a coming name.
Shaw's stipend from Shribman was
$65 a week, and that was only eight
months ago. Soon afterwards Shaw's
Blue Bird records started to click.
It was his cutting of 'Begin the Be-
guine' that helped build him to his
present position. Then came the
contract from Old Gold and the date
at the Lincoln. It's been easy and
rich sailing from then on. Rock-
well General .Amusement 0>rp., suc-
cessor to Rockwell-O'Keefe,' mean-
while became Shaw's booking agent
.Artie Shaw orchestra is currently
being mentioned for a .major New
York hotel spot next fall, either the
Hotel New Yorker or the Pennsyl-
vania, both of which are now imder
consideration. Tentative arrange-
ment has the crew opening at the
Penn Oct 8.
Penn is part of the Statler chain,
which previously used only Music
'Corporation of America bands, but
which is now a widie-open proposi-
tion, as in turn is the New Yorker,
formerly a closed Rockwell General
Amusement spot but now open to
MCA bands also. Rockwell handles
Shaw.
TOWN CLUB
(CHICAGO)
Chicago, March 9.
Franlcie Qiuirtel orcli. Hoi Barber,
Mae deFiZi, Val £ru>in, Barbara
Bows, Chet Gilbert, Dorothw Carlson
Girls.
Luxuriously appointed nitery lo-
cated out in Cicero, a tv;o-buck taxi
jump from the. loop. Spot has sev-
.eiral individual problems that must
be solved to guarantee a sufficient
patronage. - Cicero is still a gag in
many vaudeville acts, and the out-
of-the-way location makes it neces-
sary to appeal to nabe people and
the nearby wealthier suburbanites.
In itself, this spot has much to of-
fer. For surroundings there are few
cafes that can top it.. Appointments
are in excellent' taste and the gen-
eral atmosphere is entirely in its fa-
vor. Lighting, acoustics and stage
set-up are all excellent and entirely
suitable for the seating capacity of
some 350. Bar operates in conjunc-
tion with the cafe, and around the
bar are slot machines which are not
in evidence in the city of Chicago
proper.
Best entertainment item here is
the Frankie Quartel orchestra, a
fine musical aggregation which is of
invaluable assistance to the show
generally. Group manages to do
more than Its share in the entertain-
ment They do a great background
Job for singer Mae d'^Fili, putting
her over without depending too
much on her tonsils. They make an
exotic dancer out of Val Erwin and
her Hawaiian number, and give her
plenty cIbm on her waltz number.
Hal Barber is m. c. but lacks a
sense of pace. He's primarily a
story teller, with the yarns, more
often than not unnecessarily over
the blue line. Barbara Bows rates
mention for her novel monolog in-
troduction to her stripperoo routine.
Chet Boswell is a pop vocalizer and
on the show caught whammed home
with his solid tenor pipes.
Dorothy Carlson's line turns in
three good numbers on the show.
They are pretty gals and their num-
bers are' better than the average
seen around Uiese niteries. Gold..
TERRACE ROOM
(STATLEB, CLEVELAND)
CleueUiTid. March 10.
Wolter La Mae & Alice Glover,
Evelyn Oaket, Johnny Drake, Dick
5tabtle's orch.
Bothersome question of how to en-
liven Statler Hotel's Terrace Room,
without going over slim entertain-
ment budget Is being answered by
team of Glover and LaMae. This
pair has been brought back to gal-
vanize that deadly spell between
dinner and supper shows. They are
doing it so emphatically that half of
the early diners are staying through
to the neyj: session. Between them
and Dick Stabile's orchestra^ in re-
cently, the room Is becoming more
of a profitable, warmer and intimate
hang-out, and losing its rep as a
snooty pink elephant
Four appearances are made nightly
by Walter LaMae and Alice Glover,
but there's enough variety in their
work to keep the late-stayers. When
they slip into clowning for lau5h.s,
it's well-mannered, frothy and not
burlesqued to the point where pa-
trons will feel ridiculed.
. Latest gag the two are using Li a
recording machine with a portable
mike, used for vox pop pick-ups
around the tables. LaMae corries it
around, gagging - diners into com-
mitting themselves oh goofy ques-
tions like, 'Who would you rather be
married to — Mac West or Garbo —
and why?' Twelve-inch record is
used, allowing plenty of coverage for
inane replies, hemming, and wise-
cracks by radio-minded diners.
Loudest laUghs start when record is
played back, with LaMae pointing
out speakers as their stuttering
voices come through amplifier. Wax
impressions are handed to ones get-
ting heaviest hand, with name of ho-
tel and team minted on label.
Dick Stablle''s outfit is building up
.heavily with young crowd, although
spot looks at two-bit coUesiates
coldly. Unit has more swing than
any of previous band.<!. and makes
'em more dance-minded than any of
the soft orchestras. Stabile's per-
sonality effervescent Gracie Barrie,
his wife and vaude singer, did a ses-
sion at his opening that helped. Eve-
lyn Oakes Is a nice, conventional vo-
calizer, while Johnny Drake, tenor,
collects stronger with his solos.
Pullen.
Radio Reviews
(Continued from page 3B)
parisons. One did it with infantile ,
expression, another as Donald Duck,
and guest Cal Tinney, as a hillbilly.
That applies also to the final skit
which asked contestants to show how
they would talk themselves out of a
traffic ticket Some of the excuses
offered here, after being nabbed by
the studio sound man's cop for
speeding, were funny. Gist of one
was she wasn't ground speeding, she
was just 'flying too low.' All were
fairly well acted, but variously rated.
Bit In between was clear arid well
handled. It concerned the efforts of
a dumb detective to recover a stolen
necklace. Thln^ was dramatized for
contestants, who were then asked to
cull their memories for fac'iS of the
case. Cal Tinney provided the
show's laughs as a guest contestant
Show also rates memories by offer-
ing seven words at the outset which
are supposed to be reeled off in simi-
lar sequence at the close. Offers
listeners $2 per word sent in and
used.
•MB. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN'
With Godfrey Tearle, Jnne Clyde,
Leslie Bradley, Frank Cram, Ed-
ward Stnsvt, HlohscI Moore, Peter
Madden.
Comedy
88 Mins.
Sanday, 6:28 pjn.
BBC, London
An awkward spot for a key broad-
cast here Is 5:20 p.m. of a Sunday
afternoon, with Sol only recently
having called it a day, children
ready for their cots, teacups to wash,
and bonnets to put on for evensong
at church. Yet that Is how BBC
timed . 'Mr. Deeds,' one of most
keenly waited radio shows in
months. That means thousands of
listeners missed a grand show, and
certainly BBC will have to do it
over, and at some more convenient
time.
That was the one and only blemish
to a successful effort of the BBC
Drama Dent Peter Creswell neatly
compressed the Riskfn script so that
the several eliminations went un-
noticed, and it marchly evenly, with
Godfrey Tearle taking, and making
the Gary Cooper role. American
small town hick came over mag-
nificently. June Clyde was a little
less certain whether to be herself or
Jean Arthur, but emoted with effect
in the scene where she .reads DeedsT
shy love poem.
Several critics claimed Leslie
Bradley's rendering of hard-boiled
press agent Comey Cobb as the
standout and he made a ^well job
of it though hardly so as to over-
shadow the stars. Helen Henschel
and Gwen Day Burroughs most cer-
tainly scored as the plxlelated sis-
ters, and every other part was right
on key except where local players at
moments overplayed their American
accents. It Just happens that way
sometiines.
'MELLOW TIME'
With Eight SmoothiM, Mary Aleotl,
Dan Donaldson, John Jacobs and .
Ken Norton'a oreh
38 Mliiii.
GBIESEDIECK BB08. BBEWINO
CO.
Monday, .8:38 P*III«
KMOX, St. Lonig
(B. B. D. & O.)
Several good tricks have been in-
corporated into this new 30-mui.
program, but Mary Alcott to whom a
large share of the warbling stint had
been assigned, Just didn't click, and
the Injection of a . spot of drama
while she was piping her Intcrp of
'Old Folks' was corny and produced
a letrdown In the program that was
foing at nice speed up to this point
Tempo was later regained, but val-
uable time had been lost. Starting
off (before a live audience) Norton's
tooters did 'You're an Old Smoothie'
o.k. and the octet scored with a
chorus. The Eight Smoothies and
the orch were back for additional
numbers, one with Miss Alcott, and
harmonized o.k.
One of the briefest quiz contests
on the air, limited to five mins., give
contestants from the audience but
20 seconds to answer questions, and
Henry Klein, who produces shows
for sponsor, certainly dug deep in
the encyclopedia for the questions.
Cash prizes of $10, $5 and $3 are th«
bait that lure the undaunted to the
mike at each show. New stunt in
locally produced shows is use of
echo voice, but this Is limited to the
commercial plugs of which there are
.sufficient to satisfy the most exact>
Ing bankroUer. John Jacobs m.c.d
the program and Dan Donaldson
handled the commercials, both sat-
isfactorily. Sa7tu.
4S VARIETY
VARIETy HOUSE REVIEWS
Wednesday, Marcli 15, 1939
APOLLO, N. Y.
(Contined from Page 45)
.way's outfit, which has been together
for a number of years and iQcludes
several outstanding men, is a solid
aggregation, its output based on ex-
cellent arrangements. In contrast to
the leader's style of exiting ' to an-
other vocal world, and his show-
manly gyrations while conducting,
the crew stays on solid groimd as a
rule where melody is concerned:
Several salient setups of pop tunes
used here rate a nod. One is the
oldie, 'Sylvia,' - vocals. which are
handled in okay style" by Benny
Payne, pianist Second draws an un-
usual response from the' audience,
due more to .Calloway's vocal inter-
polation, btit ifeveRheless is a great
job in itself. Tune is the current.
My Heart Beldngs to Daddy,' done
for the first half under wraps in
symph style, breaking into a swingy
version. for Calloway's pipe bit Cus-
tomers held up the show for an en-
core from the leader and got it
Crew bounces right back at 'em
with an inspiring writing of 'Bate-
mecue,' spotlighting Cosy Coles on
the drums, also good for an encore,
and on top of that comes Juqe Rich-
mond. ']$and's hefty vocalist ' is a
show stopper by herselt She ad-
heres closely to tunes she's been do-
ing elsewhei'e, but as mentioned be-
fore, the Apollo is home, and both
she and Calloway let their hair down
for informal comedy, terps, etc., that
go far toward making the bit iiocko.
Starts seriously on 'One Alone,' a
tipoH that itH wind up hot and it
does. Next is "Where Has My Little
Cog Gone?' Best though, is her
combining with Calloway and pian-
ist, Payne, for a try at 'Hold Tight'
Maxie Armstrong,- tapster (New
Acts) is up front in a well planned
routine. He's in the groove with the
rest of the combo in two tries, both
being well Uked. Berry Bros. (3)
come along just before the fade with
their forte, a fast, body twirl ending
in a double knee drop. It's now ac-
complished by all three. Act takes
on a knockabout aspect at times
when the younger is intentionally
bumped off his feet Three get in
clever cane tossing routines to sup-
plement soft shoe terps. Turn is so
fast at times that it impresses as ?
hodge-podge of leaps, spins and
splits. It's appreciated.
Fade, is the usual anti-climax,
bringing on the line; which is at-
tractively costumed in its limited
tries, hooked to 'Cl(opsticks.' How-
ever, finales will have to do until
some other way is found for re-in-
troduciog the cast.
STANLEY, PITT
Pittsburgh, March 10.
Bennu Coodnuin's orch (14), Mor-
via Tilton, Lionel Hampton, Boss
wyse, Jr., & June Mann, Eunice
Healev; 'Fast and Loose' (M-C).
ard comedy team mops up easUy with
some brisk chatter and flock of
strenuous dancing gags, and even
had the bandsmen on the stand howl-
ing. That's not professional, but it's
still good audience stuff and heart-
ily contagious. Other turn is Eu-
nice Ilealey, sex-appealing young-
ster whose clever tapping skips the
usual and looks almost classic in
style. Still showy enough, however,
to register big. . " .
Finish, of course, remains Good-
man's ace in the hole. Brings on
Lionel Hampton on the drums and,
with Jess Stacey also sending the
ivories, trio thumps across a brace
of numbers, leading off with 'World's
Waiting for the Sunrise' that cues
the jitterbug outburst It's the quar-
tetting, Hampton r.ioving down to
viBraphone and regular skin-beater
slipping back onto stand, that piits
the match to the explosive. From
there on in it's chaos and Goodman
dees nothing to restrain it.
Dave Broudy's pit orch peddles an
ear-flUing overture between feature
and Par newsreel, with a 'Merrie
Melodie' cartoon rounding oiit bill.
Biz absolute capacity at opening
show, with the ropes up at break.
Cohen.
ROXY, ATLANTA
RIVERA, B'KLYN
Pretenders to the throne notwith-
standing, Benny Goodman is still
swing's head man, insofar as this
burg is concerned anyway. Mob all
but tore the house down this after-
noon (Friday). Management had
flock of extra ushers stationed at
strategic points just In case, but
they were helpless when the cats
meowed loose,
Explosion came. during the quartet
jam session that- consumes band unit's
last quarter^our. In practically
every section of the place kids went
berserk, shagging up and . down the
aisles to the encouragement of prac-
tically everybody in the packed
house. It was an asylum for 10 min-
utes and no holds barred. First
time that's ever happened in the
w-B deluxer, and; once underway,
there was no stopping it
Psychologists or pathologists may
have an explanation other than that
o( wild hysteria, but whatever pro-
duces it Goodman has oodles of the
stuff. Those hot rhythms start in-
nocently enough, but they grow into
the relenUess savagery of a tom-tom
chorus. Ifs a screwy era and Good-
man seems to be its pied piper.
Since Goodman's last swing around
the circuit he's also rela:ted consid-
erably. Not so ill at ease these days
and has a self-assurance and en-
gaging manner, that were lacking
previously. He projects easUy across
the foots now and lends a pleasant
uiformallty to the slam-bang hour.
Show's a soUd cUck aU the way,
buildmg briskly from a moderately
sock ""'^ start into a blistering
Early highlights Include Ziggy El-
man's trumpet bums with 'And the
Angels Sing'; (Goodman's hot way
with 'One o'Clock Jump' and the
maestro's clarineting with drum ac-
companiment Martha Tilton on the
vocal end is of the modem idiom
JSll'^ni ^^?P.T^^«'' 'Cuckoo
S^^ J^^P^^ Creepers'
and *<3otta Get Some Shuteye,' last
■Iter an Insistent session of palm-
pounding, all count plenty. Those
Goodman pbligatos, eilectively spot-
ted, don't hurt her any either.
Unit's • carrying two acts, Ross
Wyse, Jr., and June Mann having
replaced Walter Dare Wahl In show
beginning with Pittsburgh. Stand-
Don Redman orch (15), Laurel
WaCkins, Evelyn Keyes, Nicodemus,
George Dewey Washington, Sun-
shine Sammy and Sleepy Williams;
'Port of Missing Girls' (Mono;.
Rivera's giving its nabe trade a
better than average show this week
with Don Redman and Co. Spot sel-
dom has presentations of this type,
and in view .of the response could
conceivably have more. Customers
make no t>ones about enjoying, it,
enthusiasm being most noticeable
from the younger patrons. R> dman's
crew replaces Ted Eddy's house band
for the week.
Redman wastes little time in get-
ting the physical portion of the offer-
ing on the boards. Gets going with
his nicely styled jumo crew, then
brings on Evelyn Keyes, tapstress,
who clicks with well executed rou-
tines. Footwork is clever and taps
clear. Band comes in for several
numbers before brineing on its
vocalist, Laurel Watkins. She fol-
lows a sock alto sax solo by Red-
man of 'You Go to My Head,' with
a swingy vocal of the same. Next
is a like arrangement of 'My Own,'
which registers in stout fashion.
Finishes with an oldie, 'Just for
You,' in hot style, interpolated by
bit of boogie w.oogie terps.
Nicodemus' familiar turn follows.
His chatter is foiled by the' leader
to good results, then eases into his
'Po'k Chop' vocai; followed by the
usual terp'bits. Comedian's multi-
syllabled fade speech gets him off
on a solid note. George Dewey
Washinigton is in the next slot fol-
lowing a number by the band, but
has a tough time for the first few
minutes. Dubious tune selection Is
responsible for early so-so impres-
sion. Does 'It's a Lonely Trail,'
n.s.g., 'Sing, Chillun, Sing,' more up
his alley, and finishes with the Wash-
ington topper, 'Chloe,' with dramatic
interpolations. Gets faim a strong
send-off.
Sunshine Sammy and Sleepy Wil-
liams break in with a 'Posin' vocal,
then' mix up Harlemese tezps with
aero and soft shoe routines to good
advantage. Here, as well as through-
out, the Redman crew shows up well
in the background. Between-act hot
serves are in the groove, one, a novel
arrangement of 'Auld Lang Syne,'
spotlighting fine brass instrumenta-
tion.
With Redman on stage, the house
inaugurated a 'jitterbug night,' in-
vlthig pew holders up to dance for
a half hour after the show. Drew
only three couples or so, but one
pair consisted of two male hop-
pers. They put on an impromptu
act which couldn't have been staged
—it was too natural. Going it alone,
one gave an imitation of burley
queen Margie Hart doing her stuff.
Went too far into the blue occasion-
ally, but the customers enjoyed his
antics almost as much as ttie show.
Saranac Lake
By Happy Benway
It took Chris Hagedom two months
to kayo Kid Pneumonia. He's now
downtowning.
'Ford Raymond, who left the WUl
Rogers for California, is now in
Phoenix and doing well, too.
Dolph Singer here for his annual
checkup.
Katherine Keenan, .approved, can
resume her job.
Anne Comerford into the hospital,
where Dr. Woodruff will operate
on her.
Elvira Fuller, Carleen Knight
Dorrls Andrews, Hazel Coleman,
Tom Butler and Raymond Williams,
all Rogersites, on the mend.
Alice Carman celebrating her
fifth year as a fTneumothorax pa-
tient She's doing well.
(Write to those who are Ul.)
' Atlanta, March II.
Joe Arena, Kio & Rita, Dom Bros.
& Mary (3) , Stroud Twins, Gae Fos-
ter House Line (16), Mike Segal's
House Bond (11); 'The Affairs of
Annobel' (RK O).
Neatly welded into 53 minutes of
entertainment including plenty, of
good novelty, this show's a pleaser
straight through from the overture
to Roxyettes' flaShy l>each numtter
finale. Clarence and Claude Stroud
grab top honors from among four
acts, but rest of performers draw
their share of response from the cus-
tomers.
Following an opening flash by the
house line, gal's . leader, Joan. Wells,
brings on Clarence Stroud for in-
troduction and act as emcee. Stroud,
in turn, introduces each of Roxy-
ettes individually, something that
hasn't been done during nine weeks
these personable femmes have been
working this spot
Line marches off to make way
for Joe Arena, tumbling acrobat,
who uses a lazy-looking bulldog,
equipped with license plate and tail
light in his act Arena uncorks a
tipsy business plus comedy falls, get-
ting laughs after each by producing
from his pockets glasses full of
liquid which he quaffs. Final mysti-
fication comes when he brings forth
a huge pitcher half full of beverage.
Closes strong with fast tumbling
turn with tMoch.
Johnny Rio and Ruth Rita are
spotted next in a novelty musical
act Man plays harmonica and
fenune toots the clarinet in hot ren-
dition of 'St Louis Blues.' She then
imitates pipe organ with licorice
Stick in 'Roses of Picardy* while
partner accompanies with violin
tones produced through rubber tube.
They go hillbilly on 'Golden Stairs,'
man plucking guitar and playing
harmonica and gal using sax, plus
part-time vocalizing. They finish
getting melody out of pair of bass
drums with heavy cords stemming
from heads of instruments. Over at
this viewing. •
Dorn Brothers and sister, Mary,
a trio alike as three peas in a pod,
follow another house line number
with a harmony singing turn that
stops the show. One of boys plays
like accompaniments. Kids sing 1
Do Impersonations,' working in okay
takeoffs on Tizzie Lisch, Stepin
Fetchit, Wayne King's band, chant
of tobacco auctioneer. Uncle Ezra, et
oL Then warble 'Blue Heaven,' 'I
Like Mountain Music' and 'How You
Gonna Keiep 'Em Down on the
Farm.' Did 'Darling Nellie Gray'
for first encore and for a second,
'Old Apple Tree.' Had to beg off.
Stroud'Twins follow, Claude com-
ing onstage from audience. Boys
chatter wins nice amount of laughs.
Pair take liberties in front of stage
mike they naturally wouldn't take
on the air, working in plenty of ad
lib stuff to good results. They finish
hoofing to "Bye-bye Blues' to won-
derment of local customers, who ap-
parently do not know that twins are
vaude performers from way back.
They, too, had trouble getting away.
Finale is colorful beach number
by Roxyettes, providing good finish
to show.
Biz at last of four shows on open
ing day Saturday (11) was full up,
with plenty of standees. Luce.
LYRIC, INDPLS.
Indianapolis,' March 10.
Nick Lucas, Vic Hyde, Hickey
Bros. & Alice, Three Somuets &
Harriet Hayes, Catherine West/leld
Picchtoni Troupe (7); 'Yes. My Darl-
ing Daughter (WB).
Playing a percentage pic, house
has turned to six acts to stay within
nut sandwiching the 69 minute
TOude turn between band bookings.
Pic is given lion's share of billing,
but- acts are all topnotch, hooking
up stage end welL Open with Pic-
duani Troupe, seven men who do 12
minutes of teeter board work and
tumbling, giving the muscle enthusi
asts something to look at.
Vic Hyde, spotted next to closing
for his one-man band turn, also acts
as emcee. Makes no attemot to build
up the part merely telling what
turn IS next Catherine Westfield
has a good novelty with a puppet
routine, in which she dances figures
about two feet tall, pulling the
strmgs to emulate 'Alice Blue (3own,'
Caesar Romero. Joe E. Brown and
Donald Duck, last named a fast bit
on skates, good for laughs and sure-
fire.
Hickey Brothers and Alice is a
typical old-time vaude act with one
comic heavy on clown facial make-
up, the other in tan grease paint
All the old business is in use, in-
cluding tapping on head with tray,
slapping with wet towel, crack on
arm with barrel stave, descent into
cellar for beer, and other Ume-
proven laugh-getters. . Alice is tall
redhead, who sings a couple of songs
as butt of comic's jokes. It's ancient,
but still manages to evoke some
chuckles.
Nick Lucas at show caught sang
'Jeejlers Creepers,' 'Penny Serenade,'
"This Can't Be Love' and medley of
tunes suggested by audience, clos-
ing with fecial parody on 'Side By
Side.' Voice, as always, very much
okay, as is twanging a guitar. Nice'
ly received.
Vic Hyde combines comedy patter
with his one man band tum. Does
imitation of Busse, Lyman, Kemp,
Dorsey, Waller and Armstrong, play-
ing respective instruments of band
leaders, while accompanying him.
self on piano and drums. Then
plays two trumpets at the same time,
adding another to make it three.
Does a tap dance while playing two
trumpets, and finishes with four
trumpets and baton twirling in band
master fashion. Gags concern his
home town of Niles, Michigan, and
his family. They would get more
laughs if Hyde would wear an out-
fit m keeping with his country boy
delivery, instead of morning coat,
striped pants and wing collar.
Three Samuels and Harriet Hayes
finish with 13 minutes of polished
dancing and comedy. Act is socko
from start to finish, youths being
clean looking and outfits eye-filling.
Two boys and girl open with tap
routine, followed by Harriet Hayes
who does high kick number. The
boys then do a military tap, joined
later by the girl. All four come on
for a comedy military drill, turning
into a f6ursome tap finish.
House' band works on stage
throughout with members looking
nifty in new blue coats. Biz good
at third show Friday. Kiley.
STATE, HARTFORD
Hartford, March 11.
Connie Boswell, Jackie Smith,
Stanley Twins, Terry Howard & Jack
Talley, Jimmy Dorsey orch. Bob Eb-
erly, Ray McKinlev, Helen O'Con-
nell, Sam Kaplan house orch; Vfom-
an Doctor" (Rep).
State is still sticking staunchly to
its name band policy despite a re-
cent two-day excursion into' straight
vaude which brought excellent re-
action and comment This week
Jimmy Dorsey and Connie BosweU
are bracing the marquee.
Despite all efforts to keep the bill
within a 75-minute running time,
it is still going overboard each show..
One caught Friday night (10) lagged.
IS minutes due to favorable response
to the vocal department which sells
itself to the hilt All thtee chirpers.
Bob Eberly, Helen O'ConneU, and
Miss Boswell were forced to beg off
at that showing.
Only low spot of the bill is the
lack of showmanship of Jimmy Dor-
sey, so far as his own stage presence
is concerned. The vet bandsman has
a dull stage appearance and' does
poorly as m.c. Maestro fronts his
band all the time, doubling between
the sax and clarinet. Billed as
'world's greatest saxophonist,' he de-
votes as much time to the clarinet as
he does to the sax. Does a neat job.
on both.
Show is mainly jive, but has
enough sweet in it to please the
antis as well. Band opens with a
swingy number which set the pace
for Jackie Smith, youthful hoofer.
Lad does well with fast rhythm taps.
Stanley Twins, two |als, get over
with a shadow acrobatic dance. One
of the girls is dressed from head to
foot in a tight-fitting black suit
Dance would be better accentuated if
a drop were used for effect
Helen O'ConneU, band's newest
addition to its chirping staff, is next
Gal, statuesque and a looker, was
formerly with Larry Funk. . First
stage appearance. Joined Dorsey
about three weeks ago. Registers
with 'Why Not Take All of Me,' 'Ro-
mance Runs in the Family,' 'I Cried
for You.' Encores with 'Hurry
Home.'
Terry Howard and Jack Talley,
boy-gal comedy team, spotted next
Click with cross-fire patter in which
the girl, appropriately attired, takes
the role of a girl of kindergarten
age. Bob Eberly, unit's other vocal-
ist a baritone, sells hi iself with
'Masquerade Is Over,' 'Deep Purple,'
'Deep in a Dream,' and 'Room with
a View.'
Miss Boswell is well liked, and
exudes fine personality. Sings six
numbers before she begs off, list in-
cluding 'Jeepers Creepers,' 'Deep in
a Dream,' 'Lullaby in Rhythm,'
Dinah, 'Martha,' which she claimed
to have introed, and 'Heart Belongs
to Daddy.'
Band is in the groove with 'Flight
of the Bumble Bee' with Dorsey at
the sax, 'Hold Tight' and a novelty
number. Taint What You Do, it's the
Way That You Do It' Ray McKin-
ley, trappist, Is swell in a drum solo
of 'Dusk in Upper Sandusky.'
Intermittent cold and snowy
weather has kept attendance low.
Ecfc.
Nitery Notes
Don Roland's orchestra succeeded
Joey Lee at Marcus Daly's, Beverly
Hills.
KEITH'S, BOSTON
Kay Parsons now at the Cafe Con-
tinental, N Y. UntU recently she
was at the Casa Manana.
Earl Carroll's Hollywood theatre-
restaurant in 10 weeks has hit
$325,000 according to CarroU.
Boston. March 9.
Gils Van, Joe Besser ond Le«
Royce, Wooljord's Pets^ Robbint
Bros. & Marge,. Four Warners, Ro-
berta Hines, Eddie Ro'senwald house
orehr 'Homicide Bureau' (Col) and
'Navy Secrete (Mono).
This bill reaches its zenith when
Gus Van steps out X3 vocal a list of
songs that look, on paper, something
like a publisher's catalog. 'Walkine
Stick,' 'Lady Make Believe,' 'Is Ths*
Religion?' a Yiddish number, an
Italian ditty about Joe DiMaggio, a
'Cavalcade of Broadway,' Tiger
Rag< and a medley of songs from his
earlier stage career. Van handles
his routine with a masterful, show-
manly touch, selling the numbers
in rapid succession and winning a
flock of bows and encores.
Van gives his pianist, Harry dl
Costa, a boost in a special song, in-
troducin'g him as composer of Tiger •
Joe Besser, in the trey, wakes 'em
up with his comedy* but ishows lit-
tle or no new material since his last
date here. Lee Royce, his straight
man, vocals 'Ol' Man River' nicely.
Rbbbins Bros. & Marge provide a
breezy finish tp the bill, with sen-
sational flips by the two- boys in the
finale; and a swell aero numt>er by
Marge, who has plenty on the ball in
the way of personality. The two
Robbins also click in a smart pre-
cision aero turn.
Four Warners, in the deuce, do
little to pep up the show. A boy
fiddles and hoofs, simultaneously,
and the girl vocals. Then they call
out 'mother and dad' who pull off an
eccentric dance number.
Woolford's Pets, opening the bilL
register fairly welL The pups are
all dachshunds, which is a novelty.
Two dogs on a slack wire, and a
teeter-l>oard trick in which one pup
tosses rubber frainkfurters into the
teeth of another, are among the best
tricks. Although the canines do not
perform all their tricks smoothly,
man and woman handle them pa-
tiently and convey the right impres-
sion across the footlights.
_ Roberta Hines, winner of an audi-
tion contest here last week, is an ex-
tra. Local gal xylophones a couple
of tunes and does some tapping along
with them. Has okay stage pres-
ence, and shows she's a better musi-
cian than a dancer. fox
New Acts
WALTER POWELL ORCH. (12)
WHh Bobble Trotter
16 MIns.; Fall
State, N. Y.
Powell, a hoke trombonist Is
from the Frank and Mat Britton
breakaway band, but has had his
own_ orchestra and a two-act dn
previous occasions. Present aggre-
gation is supplemented by a giii
smger, Bobbie Trotter, and Is only
parUy dedicated to unabashed
seltzer water and hoseplay. '
Act gets some laughs, but not
enough. It is more often silly than
funny, frequently awkward and
honky-tonk in its devices. It messes
up the stage, but does not make full
use of nor adequately alibi the
slapstick method. And because of
inferior showmanship and staging,
manifest from start to finish, it does
not register a genuine click.
Pointltes bits and a general tame-
neffi to the proceedings, which end
with buckets of water doused over
?u "couple of the musicians, causes
the act to lack the sparkle and spon-
taneity that could justify the dop-
piness and sheer practical-joke ap-
proach. It inevitably seems syn-
thetic, smart-alecky, self-conscious
fP all — unprofessional
in craftsmanship.
r,„^i? Sirl singer jitterbugs a hot
number with some zing. Land.
KITTY CABLISLE
Songs
12 HiBs.; One
State, N. T.
From films and stage musicals
(but not mentioning the fbct to the
audience), Kitty Carlisle projects
some half-dozen songs, all pops or
semi-classics of the type known as
familiar music' She uses a micro-
phone, which anchors her centre-
stage. She makes an attractive ap- '
pearance and easily conveys to her
audience the fact that she knows
what she's doing.
A voice of pleasant timbre and
considerable volume, she is an able
star-vocalist They Uke her at the
State. ^ Land.
MAXIE ABMSTBONG
Oanoing
8 Mlns.; Full
Apollo, N. T.
Maxie Armstrong is a smooth-
working young tapst*r who's evir
dently been around. He does two
well-routined and executed taps here
with the Cab Calloway orchestra and
clicks with both. Opener is a rhyth-
mic bit capped by a faster encore.
Costuming is in the groove of col-
ored dancers. It's white tails with
purple lapels and similar vest adorn-
ments.
Wedncfldaj, March 15, 1939
LEGITIMATE
VARIETY 49
Managers Have Sunday Yen
The I.easue of New York Theatres has asked Equity to give Broad-
way legits the same Sunday privilege accorded to productions under
its jurisdiction at the N. Y. World's Fair, The managers point out .
guch shows at the fair will have the right to play Sundays without the
double pay impost that stymied Broadway when Sabbath performances
were legalized in N. Y. .
Showmen also want the right to give Sunday shows without being
required to pay two-eighths of one week's salary. If nine performances
are played one extra eighth would apply, but should a week-day show
be cancelled, salaries would be the same as contracted lor.
Equity CcHuid Seeks Acfo^
I&e Preposal; Sunday Hatter Up
Agam as Fair Getis Sabbath Right
At a special Council session held
by Equity last week in New York,
minimum salaries for the New
York's World's Fair were discussed.
However, no agreement was reached.
After a tentative schedule was pre-
■ented, calling for salaries to be
■bofve the legit mioimums, the mat-
ter went iiack to committee;
Indicated that there's a growing
tendency in the Council to get action
on the recent proposal to boost the
minimum of seniors from |40 to $75
weekly. The issue has not met
the favor of Equity leaders, who
have cautioned against so radical a
Jump on the grounds tliat it would
discourage production and because
it's out of line with the proposals to
rearrange budgets so that lower
prices for tickets would be feasible.
Trial S««fht at Fair
One suggestion was to try out the
Increased minimums .at the Fair.
That brought opposition. It was
pointed out that the players chose
the wrong time to experiment with
pay scales, since the Fair won't be
part of the regular season and thus
a study of the experiment couldn't
be made as propitiously as if it were
made during the regular season.
Scale as proposed for the Fair's
'Railroads on Parade* calls for a $30
weehl/ minimum tor principAls, but
thiere'fl no limit on how. much play-
ers may obtain. Chorus would re-
ceive $45 and extras $25. Railroad
■how will run about one hour and 10
minutes, four times daily and 20
times weekly. Around 250 are sched-
uled to be used in the spec. Similar
(Continued on page S2)
BANK RECEIVES LYCEIM,
N. FROM LESSEES
Lease on the Lyceum, New York,
which has been operating with legit
chows independently for the past
three and a half years, has 1>een
turned back to the Bowery Savings
Bank, N. Y., which acecpted cancel-
lation because the tenants proved the
operation was Iteavily in the red. Un-
derstood the bank will operate the
theatre, whose rental was claimed
to be too high.
The late Spencer Bettleheim and
Otto Diehl were the lessees, using a
corporate name. James F. Reilly,
who formerly represented tlie Belas-
co-Frohman interests and the bank
on the property, is expected to be
similarly concerned. No change in
the front of the house is' antici-
pated. Allen Schnebbe, manager, and
Hugh MacGauIey, treasurer, have
contracts for a year.
HiistOD Play on Tour,
N. Y. Fair Date Seen
Walter Huston's 'Knickerbocker
Holiday,' which closed its New York
run Saturday (11), opened Monday
(13) in Philadelphia and will play
Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, De-
troit, Columbus, Cincinnati and Chi-
cago (three weeks) in that order.
"The play may be brought back to
N. Y. for the World's Fair, depend-
ing on business indications. Other-
. wise, show may go to San Francisco
for the Fair there.
The only important change in the
cast will be that of Hannah Lee
Cbilds replacing Carol Deis tor the
tour.
Follows DaiTs Steps
Vinton Freedley, Jr., Is co-lyricist
of this year's Hasty Pudding Club
production, Tair Enou^,' at Har-
vard. Freedley's colleague on the
lyric-wrlting is Savid Lanhon.
Ed Lilley and BiUy Holbrook have
been imported from New York to
stage.
GUILD. EQUITY IN
EXPERMENTAL
TiiEATREDEAL
The Dramatists Guild is co-oper-
ating with Equity regarding a pos-
sible experimental theatre in New
York. Committee consists of Rob-
ert B. Sherwood, chairman; Cieorge
Sklar .and Russell Crouse. Squid's
committee includes Winifred Leni-
han, chairman; Antoinette Perry,
Margaret Webster, Hugh Rennie,
Mary Morris, Worthington Minec-
and Edward Fielding.
Cooperation between the two
groups resulted from an Equity
suggestion to the Guild that the lat-
ter sit in for conferences on the tab-
ject.
Guild hasr always tended to hold
aloof from official participation in
conferences of the various Broadway
groups when the managerial end is
represented. Case- in point is the
American Theatre Council, How-
ever, the experimental theatre proj-
ect involves a subject in which the
Guild is interested. Conferences are
limited to actor .and .author repre-
sentatives.
GAITES, ALEXANDER
SUSPENDED BY GUILD
Joseph M. Gaites, Different, Inc.,
Alice Alexander and A. Alexander,
Inc., all producing managements sig-
natory to the Dramatists Guild's
minimum basic agreement, have
been. declared in bad standing with
that organization. Guild members
have been notified not to deal with
any of the managements .until they
have been reinstated to good stand-
ing.
Gaites, through Different, Inc.,
produced 'I Am Different,' in which
Tallulah Bankhead appeared on the
Coast last fall. Play folded after a
short run there. Miss- Alexander,
through A. Alexander, Inc., pre-
sented the musical, 'Right This Way,'
at the 46th Street, N. Y., last spring.
It also had a brief stay.
Four City Rotary Stock
Starting at Easter Indef.
O. E. Wee and Frank McCoy have
completed deals for their rotary
stock circuit due to open Easter.
Four stands have lieen secured for
indefinite dates that are expected to
span the summer. Houses named
are National, Washington; IJI^on,
Pittsburgh; Cass, Detroit, and
Plymouth, Boston.
Admission scale will be $1.10 top.
First show slated Is 'You Can't Take
It With You.'
JAMES BARTON IS
CHIDED FOR CUSSIN'
James Barton has beeti found
guilty by Equity of using 'vile and
abusive language' backstage at the
Forrest, New York, at various times
during his appearance there as the
lead in 'Tobacco Road,' from which
he withdrew, several weeks ago.
Eddie Garr has since replaced him.
Indicated that the Council, which
heard the charges early last week
and. made the' decision Friday (10),
had a collective tongue in its cheek,
for mild discipline .was ordered. Bar-
ton, it's reported, will only be
reprimanded.
The Barton matter was the result
of an attempt by most of the 'Road'
players to make the actor conduct
himself in a 'gentlemanly' manner
baclcstage. However, some council-
lors familiar with Barton, particu-
larly his former seasons in burlesque,
were skeptical of favorable results.
Barton admitted he uttered the
phrases substantially as complained
about but said he could not under-
stand how anyone concerned with
such a luridly-dialoged drama as
'Tobacco Road' should take offense
at his remarks^ There were around
25 witnesses, most of them support-
ing the complaint of Ann Dere and
Cynthiai Arden, who filed the charges
against Barton. Since the list of
witnesses exceeded the number in
the play, it was explained that there
were also character witnesses.
Miss Dere and Miss Arden are
still appeacing in 'Road.' Former
was dismissed early in the winter
at the insistence of Barton, She
then tlureatened to sue him, but later
dropped plans for the suit when she
returned to the cast Council ruled
that no malice was shown and as
one member put it, tlie actor was
'just being himself.' .That would ex-
plain the decision to mete out light
punishment.
Warlmg Hayers
To Be Taxed For
TMAT Upkeep
At a general meeting of the The-
atrical Managers, Agents and Treas-
urers union Thursday (9) it was de-
cided that an assessment of 1% of
each working member's wage Is
necessary to maintain the organiza-
tion. Tliis would be turned over to
an emergency fund to balance the
budget
The pending negotiations between
the League of New York Theatres
and TMAT are expected to provoke
a protest from the managers because
of .a by-law which the union recently
adopted. This rule stipulates that no
member of TMAT may act on a com-
mittee or represent the manager in
a dispute or adjustment of differ-
ences with a union.
Claimed by the league that such a
regulation is in direct violation of
the understanding made between the
managers and the union when the
basic agreement was in negotiatioa
It was pointed out that several gen-
eral managers who are piembers of
TMAT have acted for the League on
the labor boai-d. When the agree-
ment was being discussed, the Ijeague
questioned the inclusion of company
and house managers who frequently
act for the producer and operator
in union matters. TMAT at that time
declared there would be no difficulty
over such situations and showmen
were mollified by the plan to excuse
such. members from union rules until
the differences were adjusted. League
now contends .that the by-law re-
verses any such possibility.
When TMAT was regenerated and
many nejv members joined, there
was considerable talk of assessments
to help those without jobs, according
to a plan similar to that of the stage-
hands union.
It's reported, however, that a big
majority in the union is employed,
and that there are more jobs than
usual in sight for the coming sum-
mer. Length of time the assessment
would continue was not made cer-
tain.
Hearings on Met Code Concluded;
Ruling on Acme Vs. Eqiuty-League
Later as 4 Brokers Are Queried
Stanley Young Play
Tried Out in Cleve.
"Nights 'Between the Rivers,' Stan-
ley Young's dramatization of a novel
by R, L. Duff us, is being tried out
this week by. the theatre department
of Western Reserve University,
Cleveland. PUo^ preemed last night.
(Tuesday) and runs through Sunday
night (19).
Young, author of last season's
'Robin Landing,' is one of the John
Golden playwrighting fellowship
holders.
PUY. UMARY
AGENTS PLAN
POUONG
stirred by the arrest of Eric S.
Pinker of the Pinker & Morrison
agency, on a grand larceny charge,
leading New York play and literary
agents are considering the formation
of a restricted, self-policing associa'
tion t6 deal with tiie ethical con
slderations of the business. Although
various ideas along similar lines
have been suggested in recent years,
drastic action is now expected
shortly.
Pinker, one of the better-known
New York agents, was arrested Mon'
day (13) in New York on complaint
cf E. Phillips Oppenheim, He was
charged with having misappropri-
ated $10,000, less his 10% cemmis-
sion, which he- had received for the
author from the Crowell Publishing
Co.
Co. According to the district attor
ney's office, additional charges
against Pinker raised his shortages
to $45,000 or $50,000. After a pre-
liminary heating he was held with-
out bail for a formal hearing Fri-
day (17).
Several of the leading drama and
literary agents have been agitating
for some time for a method of regu-
lating the field. Incorporated So-
ciety of Authors' Representatives
was formed several years ago in
N. Y. to deal with the situation, but
some of the foremost agencies de-
clined to join. It's now thought like-
ly that the organization will dras-
tically revive its regulatory setup,
possibly with the cooperation of the
holdout offices. Outfit has formerly
been composed entirely of drama
agents, but will probably now take
in literary, reps as weU.
It's expected that the Authors'
League may take a hand in the sit-
uation, forcing the ISAR to adopt a
stringent self-policing code. Matter
of agency regulation has long been
a puzzle to the League. It is for-
bidden by law from blacklisting
agents, but would be empowered to
license them under its own restric-
tions. Organization has always re-
fused to take the latter step, how-
ever, since it could not enforce any
standards as to efficiency, but only
as to ethics and honesty. It was
generally felt that to issue licenses
to all ethical agents, the League
would also have . to sanction the
holiest but inefficient ones and
would thereby seem to recomn^end
the latter to its memliers.
Reorganization of the ISAR along
more .stringent re'gulatory lines, it's
held, might solve the League's dif-
ficulties, since it could then merely
recommend that all authors deal with
member agents. It would be ex-
plained that such recommendation
concerned only the ethics of (he
agency, hot its capability.
Lois January Signed
For Lew Brown Play
Lois January, film and stage
player, was signed for the female
lead in Lew Brown's "Yokel Boy
Makes Good' in New York on Mon-
day (13). The play goes into re-
hearsal in May. Others signed so
far are Jack Pearl, Judy Canova and
Frankie Albcrtson.
Miss January flew back to the
Coast Monday night (13).
Hearing in New York of the Acme
Ticket Agency, which seeks to en-
join the League of New York The-
atres and Equity from enforcing the
ticket code limiting, premiums to 75c.
over the iMxoffice price, was com-
pleted before Morris (hooper, Jr.,
referee, Thursday (9). However, the
result of the proceedings will not be
decided for at least three weeks.
Referee gave counsel for both sides
two weeks to file briefs. Indications
are it wUl an additional week before
he reports the finding to Judge Sam-
uel H. Hofstadter, by whom he was
appointed to conduct the hearing. .
Though ticket men had figured .
that pending disposition of the case
there would be a tendency on the
part of the League to let down in
enforcement, four brokers were
summoned yesterday (Tues.) by the
League to answer questions concern-
ing allegations that they breached
the code.
League-Equity's end of the litiga-
tion cost will be defrayed by the
League, as st^iulated when the code
desl was made with Equity. The
coin win come from ttie enforcement
fund, which Is made up of levies paid
by the agencies (S^te. per ticket). It
was admitted that some brokers are
paying the League and sMne are not
No action has been taken against
the latter as yet Indicated that
the League is awaiting the outcome
of the Acme case before acting.
Acme and the League will split the
referee'« fee, said to be $1,000.
riaccs Sbme for Off BIc
Brock Pemberton, who led the
movement that resulted in the code,
blamed Broadway's offish business
on the approadh of the income tax
deadline and the . "New Deal reces-
sion' and not on the code, which
has' been blamed in several circles
for the lull. He differed with Frank
Glllmore, former Equity head, who
also figured in drafting the code.
Gillmore said he thought the agen-
cies shoidd I>e eliminated because,
by overcharging, the brokers tended
to lessen attendance and shorten en-
gagements. He also averred that
'Abie's Irish Rose' and other long
stayers were never aided by ticket
'buys,' whereupon he was advised
that 'Abie' had an eight-week buy
before it ever opened.
Pemberton stated that brokers had
a definite and necessary function,
being salesmen from producers, with
service facilities which managers
have not matched. While opposed
to buys because he felt that losses
so sustained were md^e up by
brokers overcharging for successes, .
the showman conceded that some
agencies might not operate out of the
red with a 75c. maximum premium.
Pemberton also said that a thea-
tregoer who wants good locations on
the last day or at a late hour also
causes increased prices. Suggested
that the manager hold back a cer-
tain number of tickets for the last-
day sale and for which sizable pre-
(Continued on page 54)
Advisors Selected For
Dartmoidi Drama Fete
Advisory committee for the annual
summer drama festival to be' held at
Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.'^K,
has been named by the Dramatists
Guild. Events, which are planned
for the $1,000,000 theatre workshop
and playhouse to be erected on the
campus, will probably begin during
the summer of 1940. Funds for the
project are now being raised by a
committee of alumni. Guild will
direct the festival. Plant will be
used for the college's drama course
during the regular scholastic year.
Aim is ultimately to make the festi-
val a sort of dramatic Bayreuth of
the U. S.
Those on the advisory committee. ->
include Maurice Evans, Ina. Claire,
Alfred Lunt, Lynn Fontanne, Law-
rence Langner, Donald Oenslager,
Guthrie McClintic, Katliarine Cor-
nell, Brock Pemberton, Helen Hayes,
Brooks Atkinson, Harold Clurman,
Sam H. Harris, Jane Cowl, Raymond
Massey, .Bums Mantle, Theresa Hel-
burn, John Ckilden, Rotiert Edmond
Jones, Arthur Hopkins, Max Gordon,
Arthur Byron, Orson Welles, .John
Mason Brown, Jo . Mielziner, Lee
Simonson, George M, Cohan and
Walter Huston.
50 VARIETY
LEGITIMATE
Wednesdaf, March 15, 1939
Revision of Play Contracts Awaited
Before Reorg of Rotating Circuit MgL
Reorganization of tlie managerial
end of the Legitimate Theatre Corp.,
formed by Arthur M. Oberfelder, of
Denver, and two Chicagoans, is vir-
tually set but awaib expected re-
vision of contracts for the rights of
tliree of the four plays slated to be
sent out. Attorneys are working on
the adjustment, whose principal
problem is to lower the terms, said
to have originally called for royal-
ties of 20%. New outfit contends it
could not operate with such an im-
post.
Fortune Gallo, who is to be execu-
tive director, has agreed to take over
certain financial details, including
the engaging of agents who would
be members of the Theatrical Man-
agers, Agents and Treasurers union.
It appears that although half a dozen
were taken on, only two were sent
into the field. Understood it has been
agreed to settle claims of the others
by payment to TMAT of $1,000, the
coin to bn distributed equally to each
of the four members who received
no work.
Another matter which the union is
seeking to adjust concerns Ben At-
well, one of those retained by the
Oberfelder group. When the Chi-
cago end of the corp. was shy of
funds, Atwell put up $1,500, but
when a change in the management
was decided on, he demanded return
of the money. Reports are that par-
(Continued on page 54)
SHAKEimL
FTP; NESS SET
Los Angeles, Uarch 14.
Federal Theatre Project . Is to be
reorganized insofar as severance of
administrative and technical duties
are concerned. Following temporary
appointment of Ole Ness, regional di-
rector, as acting Southern California
director, announce^ment of a new
organization charter was made - by
Herbert C. Legg, Works Progress
Administrator, and Mrs. HaUie Flan-
agan, national FTP head.
Under new setup administrafive
functions of the theatre project will
be taken over by WPA, with tech-
nical phases to be handled under
supervsiion of Ness and other local
project execs. . Willis Lusher has
been named technical co-ordinator
under Linton Smith, state FTP di-
rector. Permanent successor to
James R. U llman as Southern Cali-
fornia .JTP director Is expected to
tie announced within 30 days.
Mrs. Flanagan revealed that the
XiOS Angeles project, as presently
constituted, comprises 11% amateurs,
but she held a brief for this repre-
sentation on the ground that prom-
ising amateur talent should not be
overlooked.
Equity Makes Exception
In Afien Actor Ruling
Exception In Its alien actor rule
was granted by Equity yesterday
(Tuesday) to permit Robert Flemyng,
London juvenile, to appear in 'No
Time for Comedy,' S. N. Behrman
play which the Playwrights' Co. and
Katharine Cornell are readying.
Okay was granted at the request of
Robert E. Sherwood, of Playwrights',
and Miss Cornell.
Flemyng was seen In 'Spring
Meeting,' which, recently closed at
the Little, N. Y. Similar request by
another management for an excep-
tion in Fleihyng's case was refused
by 'Council two weeks ago.
"STARS IN YOUR EYES"
Mgt.l LOD CLAXTOM
$1 Top for 'Women' Set
For First Trial in Pitt
Pittsburgh, March 14.
DpUar-top legit experiment, which
was launched in Philadelphia couple
of months ago, will be tried here
next week for the first time with
'The Women.' Show previously
played here this season at $2 top and
year ago at $2.75.
All seats will be resierved with
both downstairs and balcony going
for $1, plus 10c tax, and the gal-
lery seals for 50c. Results may de-
termine whether or not Nixon be-
comes a unit this summer in eight-
city, touring stock circuit, which will
sell established stage hits with guest
stars at the same scale.
Play on B'way
FAMILY PORTRAIT
Drama In three acU by Lenore ColTee
and William .Toyca Cowen; preaefited by
Clieryl Crawfopl In association with Day
Tuttle and Richard Skinner: atan Judith
Andeinon; staged by Margaret Webster:
settlnca and costumes. Harry Homer: at
the Morosco, N. T., Uarch 8, '39; {3.30
top. .
Mar7.... Judith Anderson
Dantel Ronald Relsa
Joseph Norman Stuart
K Shepherd ...Max Leavitt
N'aomI Vltslnia Campbell
Jiida James Harker
Mary Cleoplias Evelyn Varden
Reba..... Lois Austin
Simon Tom Ewell
Jaraos Philip Coolldge
Mordecal Wllllatn Fnrari
Sellma Kathr>'n Orlll
Kben - Philip Truex
Mathlas Hugh Rennle
A Disciple Leonard Elliott
Hepzlba ; Eula Guy
Applus Hadrian Ouy Spaufl
Anna Ruth Chorpennlng
Rabbi Samuel. Bram tCoasen
Mendel..'. Wilt Lee
Woman of Jerusalem Lois Jameson
Child Eugene Schlel
Mary ot Magdala Margaret Webster
Nathan.. Ronald Hammond
Daniel Philip Truex
Esther Josephine McKIm
Leban ot Damascus Guy Spaull
A play of ' biblical characters,
though not in the phraseology of the
world's greatest document, 'Fami^
Portrait' doesn't impress as being
dramati.c . enough, though it may
arouse general discussion.
It is the story ot Jesus of Naka-
reth, as- gleaned from his family.
He does not appear, nor is there any
reference to his birth, and- no claim
by Mary that he was more than an
average man. His father is men-
tioned as a carpenter, a trade also
followed by his brothers, who decry
his wanderings and his appearances
in the synagogue, for 'a prophet is
not without honor, but (except) In
his own cpimtry, and among hu own
kin and in his own house,' so Jesus
said (St Mark).
Through the play parade names
familiar to the Bible, but outstand-
ing is Mary, wondering about her
son who has gone amidst the people
in the big cities and the hinterlands.
The scene in the Jerusalem house
is the most recognizable; it's that of
•The Last Supper.' In the distance
there are sounds of Pilate's trum-
(Contlnued on page 54)
New Masses' Satirical
Revue Opens in N. Y.
Club, but Eyes B'way
Inspired by the success of "Pins
and Needles.' New Masses mag has
produced 'Sunday Night Varieties,'
a group of satirical musical sketches,
■and is negotiating for a Broadway
house . as a show window. In re-
hearsal four weeks, the revue
preemed Sunday (12) at the Key-
note club, a small hall on West 52d
street, N. Y.
Performers, of whom all but two
are strictly ams, never functioned as
a body prior to being assembled by
director Nat Lichtman. Exceptions
are Danny Kaye, formerly with Abe
Lyman's orch, who does most of the
impersonations, and Claire ' Ver-
monte, diseuse frequently spotted in
niteries.
John Latouche and Bernece Ka-
zounoff, who've contributed music
and lyrics for several numbers, also
shared in scripting the book for 'Pins
and Needles.' Among their current
efforts are 'I Don't Want to Be Scar-
lett— 1 Want to Be Red,' and
'Blase,' a takeoff on cafe society.
An audience of about 200 witnessed
the show's debut. A repeat per-
formance is scheduled for next Sun-
day night (19) at $1 top.
Yiddish Troupe Takes
Over Philly Theatre
Philadelphia, March 14.
Yiddish legit will take over the
Walnut Street when the Federal
Theatre Project leaves the theatre
March 25. House will be operated
by Joseph E. Becker, agent for the
owners, with a repertory group from
Kew York produced by Edwin A.
Relkin.
FTP may return to the house in
May with Moliere's 'Would-be Gien-
Ueman' and/or a mixed (colored and
white) dance group doing 'Spirituals
to Swing.' 'Spirochete,' dramatizing
conquest of syphilis, is currently in
the house; Biz punk.
R. L HAGUE 59,
SUCCUMBS
IN N Y.
The patron saint of the Lambs
club, Robert L. Hague,. 59, died in
New York March 8 following a hieart
attack. He had been ill for some
time with diabetes. Funeral services
were conducted Saturday (11) at the
Little Church Around the. Comer,
N. Y., which was thronged with
mourners.
His benefactions were many and
always done without publicity, and
he was recognized as one of the most
generous hosts on Broadway. After
a varied career he madfe his mark
iii San Francisco marine circles. He
served later on the shipping board
during the World War, then joined
the Standard Oil Co. of New Jer-
sey, becoming v.p. and manager of
the largest fleet of tankers in the
world.
Hague had admittedly saved the
Lambs from insolvency. He is said
to have contributed from $25,000 to
$50,000 innually to the club. He
was once its treasurer, and when he
wished to withdraw from that post
a petition was signed by virtually
every member asking that he re-
main for another term, which he did.
His parties before and after the
club's annual Gambols at the Wal-
dorf-Astoria, N. Y., were well
known, It's been estimated that such
parties cost Hague around $10,000
each.
One of his best friends was Gene
Buck, president of the American So-
ciety of Composers, Authors and
Publishers. A prominent clubman.
Buck gathered the cream of after-
dinner talent for an affair In honor
ot Hague, several years ago at the
Lambs. At that time Buck alluded
to Hague as 'the stage-struck sailor'
who married four times. Hague cor-
rected him )>y saying 'five,' but no
one seems to have learned the iden-
tity of that mate.
His widow, Mary Lewis, who went
from the 'Follies' to the Metropoli-
tan Opera Co., attended the fimeral
They had been separated. Also pres-
ent was Edith Bpbe, a modiste, to
whom he had been previously wed.
Latter was robbed of $100,000 in
jewels one night after the couple
had returned from an affair.
Hague is also known to have been
a silent backer ot lejgit shows. Many
times he aided indigent members of
the Lambs. William Gaxton, who
headed the club for several years,
was his favorite actor, and they were
inseparable friends. Not infrequently,
and blways aroimd the holidays,
there were notices on the call board
at the club to the effect , that all
members were invited to dine at his
expense.
Last rites were attended by nota-
bles in and out ot show business.
His mother, 88, who is bVnd, planed
in from Arizona to be present.
Engagements
Mary Mason, "The Primrose Path;'
Whitford Kane, 'Hamlet' (road
company).
Alberta Perkins, Robert Fleming,
'No Time for Comedy'.
Bill Robinson, Robert Parrish, Ed-
die Green, Gwendolyn Reyde, Mau-
rice JSllls, Rose Brown, J. A. Lillard,
"The Hot Mikado.'
Tala BireU, Philip Reed, Arnold
Korfl, Lloyd Ckiugh, Otto Hulett,
Dorothy McGuir«!, Lois Hall, Stiano
Bragglotti, George Reynolds, Roland
Hogue, 'My Dear Children.'
Inside Stnff-L^
The late Robert L; Hague, Standard Gil Co. of New Jersey official, who
died last week in New York, was one of the most active members of th«
Lambs in addition to being a lay member of Equity. He had no participa-
tion in Equity affairs other than paying dues. Equity's lay membership
has been considerably reduced, but belonging are A. O. (Bert) Brown,
former Shepherd of the Lambs, and Dudley Field Malone, the attorney.
William Gaxton, also a former Lambs Shepherd, was perhaps Hague's
closest Intimate. The magnate had a habit of sending the actor a $20 gold
piece. on the opening night of all shows in which Gaxton appeared. When
gold was ruled out as currency, Hague secured the double eagles from
coin stores, paying nearly double the original value for them.
There are two versions of what happened, if anything, to Dick Maney in
a cafe recently. . He was at a table with Warden Lawes, of. Sing Sing, and
it was reported the latter socked the press agent. Another report is that
Maney leaned bn the table with his chin clipped in his hand, the elbow
slipped off the edge and his kisser struck the table.
Maney says it must have been another fellow. At least, he doesn't re-
member the .incident
Block sales ot tickets for The American Way,' at the Center, N. Y., ara
generally available but under certain stipulations. Theatre parties ot not
less than 200 call for a concession, such block sales being limited to tickets
priced at $3.30, which is the top. If that many tickets are arranged for, a
reduction of .25% is made. Biggest call for tickets applies to intermediata
prices, and the advance for such extends well into May.
'Knickerbocker. Holiday,' which closed Saturday (11) at the 46th Street,
N. Y., grossed approximately $360,500 for its 165 performances, not includ-
ing two benefits, at that house and the Ethel Barrymore, N. Y. Maxwell
Anderson-Kurt Weill musical copped an additional $37,000 for 25 per-
formances during its tryout in Hartford, Boston and Washington. Show is
in Philadelphia this week tor the first, stop on a second tour;
Brock Pemberton, who stated at the ticket hearing last week that tha
New Deal might, among other things, explain a recession in Broadway
legit, has been a friend ot Alt T. Landon, the Republican presidential can-
didate in 1936, since boyhood.
Showman acted on a committee during the Kansan's campaign.-
Hope Williams, who played Miss Prism in the recent j-evlval of "The
Importance ot Being Earnest,' and is now touring with the company, runs
a dude ranch in Cody, Wyo. This is her first stage appearance in four
years. She has operated the ranch for .10 years, coming east each winter,
however.
Yiddisb Play
The World Trembles
Musical revue In two parts. SI acenes,
prolog and epilog, TIddlsh Bande from
Poland, presented by Maurice Schwartz In
association with Ignatl Son: sketches and
lyrics, I. Nozhlk. M. Brodhorson. M.
Geblrtlg. S. Yanovsky. Zlsy Katz, J. Fried-
man, M. Broyde, J. Weinberg, Joseph
Goldstein, Itzig Manger. P. Kntz, Bruno
Yasbtnsky, M. Zosbtchenko: music. Joseph
Kamlnsky, David Begelman, M. Geblrtlg,
U. Broyde, Manaaz Oppenbelm, H. Rubin,
A. Kohn. I. Nozhlk; ataged by A. Stolsk-
tcder; settings. A. Lleberman; musical di-
rector, Sholem Becunda; at tlie Yiddish
Art, N. Y., four weeks, opening Feb. ST,
■80; ^S.TS top.
Cast: Lily Llllana, Ualvlna Rapnel, Leon
Llebgold, Zlsy Katz, Chana Oroaberg,
David Lederman, Isaac Rottman, Manasz
Oppenbelm, Selma Karen.
Maurice Schwartz has endowed
his name to the presentation ot "The
World Trembles,' but there ends the
distinction ot this, so-called musical
revue. IJnknown in this coimtry,
though popular in its native Poland,
the Yiddish Bande is showing noth-
ing more than a series ot misfit
sketches, generally trite lyrics and
imdistlnctive music.
This revue might perhaps have
some appeal tor those with a knowl-
edge of Old World theatrics, but in
its modern form it's nothing more
than a hodgepodge; an unsuccessful
attempt to modernize corny Yiddish
theatre into a modem hauteur.
Here and there is a bit of poten-
tiality, made so only because of the
zest with which the cast performs.
It's a sprightly bunch that works
hard enough, led by m.c. Manasz
Oppenheim, who's attired in tails,
and who contributes some wit. and
sparkle to the proceedings.
The satire runs the gamut, from
the chassidic plaint to the inevitable
Third Reich. Ot the performers,
Chana Grosberg, Oppenheim and
Lily Liliana stand out.
'The first-night audience was very
appreciative.
Play Out of Town
SKYLARK
Boston, March 13.
Drama In three acta by Samson RaphaeN
son: stars Gertrude Lawrence: featurea
Olcnn Andersi. Leo Patrick, Donald Cook;
ataged by the author: settings. Donald
Oenaloger; presented by Jolm Golden at
the Shubert, Boston, March IS, '80; tS.TS
top.
Ned Franklin William David
George Gorell ; Walter Gilbert
Fauntley. Horace Sinclair
Paulette Valentine ,I<e. Patrick
Mrs. Franklin.... Ann Drlscoll
Tony Kenyon Donald Cook
Gertrude Lawrence
""'«>,.yalentlne .Robert nuHon
J?"'. B'«l<c Olenn Anders
• .... .piga Hansen
Gertrude Lawrence has stepped
. T^.^H^^" Go"!' to another hit
in Skylark.' Samson Raphaelson
has written for her one of the best
roles of her career. The play, too,
IS just as good news for Donald
Cook.
u.^?2y.?®"J'°'» (Cook) is a . young
big-SBot in the advertising business.
The long hours and intense, high
pressure ot his job make him lose
some of his devotion for Lydia (Miss
Lawrence). After 10 years of mar-
riage she has everything but ro-
mance. Being pleasant to the nasty
wife of the ad agency president is
another gripe. A young, hard-drink-
ing lawyer, with a poetic taste for
lite, is the lover of the boss' mate
until he switches attention to Lydia.
His invitation to step out of the
high-bracket living to sail away with
him on a cruise sways Lydia to the
point ot announcing divorce inten«
tlons to her astonished husband.
Tony, however, goes to work to re-
capture the lost love as Bill Blake
almost gets Lydia onto his boat
Tony blasts hell out of the boss"
wife, chucks his job, high brackets
and all, and tells Lydia they're going
to start all over again with' a cruise
of their own. That clinches the
deal. -
Theatregoers in the big Income
group will recognize their own strug-
gle in the Kenyons, and the balcony
contingent will get a glow of reas-
surance out of Tony's renunciation
of the same struggle. That adds up
to broad appeal.
Lee Patrick scores as the chippy
and Walter Gilbert and William
David are convincing as breezy
agency men. Glenn Anders opening
night didn't have a firm grasp on
his role of the Interloper. Horace
Sinclair turns in a good butler char-
acterization.
Direction is good. Donald Oens-
lager's single set is loaded with fur-
nishings that challenge the agility
ot the players. Fox.
Two Shows Out
'Mrs. O'Brien Entertains' closed at
the Lyceum, New York, Saturday
(11), after playing five weeks. Re-
viewers bore down on the Irish
dialect comedy, and thereafter the
play failed to show much improve-
ment. Takings approximated $4,000
weekly.
MBS. O'BBIEN ENTEBTAINS
Opinions were divided on this
third George Abbott production
of the season. Atkinson (Times)
called It 'oproar and hoknm' . . .
'probably the 'Heliz-a-poppin' ot
the Intelleotual drama.' Coleman
(Mirror) described It as 'a senU-
mental delight' Anderson (Jour-
nal-American) said It was 'slight-
ly o'tlresome.' Variety (Ibee)
predicted 'a limited engagement'
'Close Quarters' lasted but one
week at the Golden, being taken off
Saturday also. It was a two-person
play that failed to get the' nod ot
first nlghters.
CLOSE QVABTEBS
Notices on this two-chBracter
melodrama were nnlformly un-
favorable. Watts (Herald-Trlb-
nne) wrote that It was 'totelly
lacking in genuine dramatic ef-
fectiveness.' Whipple (World-
Telegram) thoaght It 'childish,
maudlin and beyond reason.'
Variety (Ibee) said It was 'doubt-
fal of more than a mild engage-
ment'
Weanesday, March 15, 1939
LECnnMATB GROSSES
VARIETY
51
'AnseT Smash $22,000 in Chi Opening;
Chicago, March 14.
Town ifi housing an absolute smash.
In 1 Married an Angel,' which. came
Into the Grand Opera House last
Tuesday (7) and smacked over the
.best newspaper and word-ot-mouth
comment any show has gotten around
this burg in years.
Show is playing eight perform-
ances, with no showing Monday
"'^^Sunday (12) 'AngeU Is 22' got
away at the Selwyn, but advance was
meek and on general reaction there
appears to be a short stay in sight
•Kiss Boys Goodbye" Is beginning to
ttie Erlanger "What a Life* is
■ going well on W.-of-m., with the ♦1.85
top also indicating hevlng.
The Federal Theatre is coming Into
the Great Northern next week with
'Big Blow,' while the Shakespearean
repertory run for the Blackstone is
now in rehearsal and due some time
next month.
EstlBUite* for Idtft Week
1 Married am Aiwel' (Grand (1st
week) (1,300; $3.30). Ca.me in to ter-
rific advance and now, following
great notices and comment, the box-
otflce sports a constant queue. In
eight performances^ttiree of which
were mats, nabbed $22,000.
•Kiss Boys Goodbye,' Harris (9th
week) (1,000; $2.75). With fewer
conventions in town, the gross here
feels the pinch; $12,300.
•What a .Life.' Erlanger (2d week)
(1,400; ^1.65). Holding to good pace
and looks able to carry on for several
weeks. Took $6,500.
WFA
Federal Ballet, Blackstone.
HEPBURN BIG
23G1NWASH.
Washington, March 14.
The Capitol turned out big for The
Philadelphia Story,' starring Kath-
arine Hepburn, last week. Show
.was on American Theatre Society
Subscription list, which assured it of
^ good week, but swell reviews sent
It searing by Wednesdi^ and by Sat-
urday they were turning 'em away.
Current is Orson Welles' 'Five
Kings,' with Friday night perform,
ance out l>ecause of Welles' radio
■how and the extra mat Thursday.
Next is Cornelia Otis Skinner in
Candida.'
Estimate tor Last Week
' The PhlladelpbU Story,' National
(1,698; $2.75 top). Soared at mid
week to finish with $23,000.
'Angela' Way Off in Pitt,
Barely Getting $5,200
Pittsburgh, March 14.
The Nixon had a, lull last week
with 'Angela Is 22/ show barely get-
ting $5,200.
Reviewers were fairly kind to the
comedy and generally figured
that Sinclair Lewis-Philip Merivale
names would help some. Practically
no window sale at all and only thing
that saved it from complete disaster
was advance sale to ATS subscrib-
ers, who were Offered seats -at series
of cut-fates, despite fact that 'An-
gela* wasn't included in regular so-
ciet? program.
House has Cornelia Otis Skinner's
'Candida' current, with nice chimk
of dough in b.o. at opening, also on
sliced scale for ATS pew-holders.
EMimate for Last Week .
'Angela. IB 2V Nixon (2,100; $2.75).
Under $5 ,200. •
InHib,$16m
Cliatterton9G
'WOMEN' CLICKS, $7,500,
IN BALTMORE REPEAT
Boston, March 14.
J'ive KIbjs,' the compressed caval-
e from .SnakeKMare; produced by
Orson Welles, became more concen-
trated after its somewhat tedious
opening, and business held up fairly
well during its second week.
'West of Broadway,' starring Ruth
Chatterton, didn't fare so well in its
opening tryout week. Moves to
Baltimore Saturday night (18), after
two frames here. No Broadway
booking had been announced by last
weekend (11).
'Skylark,' starring Gertrude Law-
rence, opened here last night (Mon.)
as did 'Philadelphia Story,' starring
Katharine Hepburn, backed by a
very big advance.
Estimates tor Last Week'
■Five Kings,' Ck>lonial (2d week)
(1,643; $2.75). Supported by a sub-
scription list . and relativeljr little
transient trade, did okay in two
weeks, finished with $16,000 for final
frame. "Talk is that prosj^ts on
Broadway are dubious.
'West of Broadway,' Wilbur (1st
week) (1,227; $2.75). Openii^ got
tepid press. First week around
$0,000.
SEE 'ANGELA' FOLDING
IF BIZ DOESN'T IMPROVE
Current Road Shows
(WEEK OF MARCH 13)
Angete Is 22' (Philip Merivale)—
Selwyn, Cliicago.
'Candida' (ComeUa Otis Skinner)
—Nixon, Pittsburgh.
D'Oyly Carte Opera Co. — Forrest,
Piiiladelphia.'
Five KiBgi? (Orson Welles, Bur-
gess Meredith)— National, Washing-
ton.
'Flashing Stream' — His Majesty's,
Montreal (14-18).
1 Married an Angel' (Dennis King,
Vera Zorina)— Grand, Chicago.
' Importaocc of Being Earnest'
(Clifton Webb, Estelle Winwood,
Hope Williams)— Royal Alexandra,
Toronto.
'Klsa Boys Goodbye' (No. 2)— Har-
ris, C3iicago.
'Kiss Boys Goodbye' (No. 3)— Cox,
Cincinnati.
'Knlekecbocker Holiday' (Walter
Huston)— Chestnut, Philadelphia .
Lnnt-Fontanne n^rtory — ^Forum,
Wichita (13); Municipal Auditorium,
Kansas City, Mo. (14-15); Shrine
Auditorium, Des Moines (16); Iowa,
Cedar Rapids (17);Orpheum, Daven
port (18).
ThUadelpbto Story' (Katharine
Hepburn)— Colonial, Boston,
'Skylark' (Gertrude Lawrence) —
Shubert, Boston.
'£nsan and God' (Jessie Royce
Landis)— Hartman, C>)Iumbus (IS-
IS); Victory, Dayton (16); Memorial
Auditorium, Louisville (17-18).
Tobacco Bead'— National, Louis-
ville.
■West of Broadway' (Ruth Chatter-
ton) — Wilbur, Boston.
"What a Lite'- Erlanger, Chicago.
'Wliitcoaks' (Ethel Barrymore)-
Biltmore, Los Angeles..
'Wosfien' — Shubert, New Haven.
'American Way Maintams B way
I^,mOOO;W Sets Pace For
M^ics^; Unc^' Toxes' Big
Baltimore, March 14.
Nothing current witii 'West of
Broadway,' starring Ruth Chatterton,
due at Ford's for three days, starting
' March 20.
Last week, 'The Women,' at Ford's,
garnered some profit in a repeat date.
Estimate for Last Week
The Women,' Ford's (1,900; $1).
Matinee.q extra bullish for satisfac-
tory $7,500,
HELLZAPOPPIN' DEAL
SET FOR ENGLAND?
London, March 14,
Before sailing for the U. S. last
week, J, J. Shubert closed a .deal
with l<ee Ephtaim for the presenta-
tion of 'Hellzapoppin' in I,ondon,
George Black originally acquired the
English rights, calling for Olsen and
Johnson, but relinquished them be-
cause the team may not be available
for two years.
Shubert office in New York slates
that no deal has been consummated
for a London production of the
musical.
•Whiteoaks' Opens 2-Wk.
L.A. Stand, Okay $11,000
Los Angeles, March 14.
Ethel Barrymore in 'Whiteoaks'
winds up two fair we^ at the Bilt-
more Saturday (18), house then go-
ing dark for several stanzas. Younger
clientele failed to show more than
passing, interest in the Barr)rmore
opus, but oldsters got quite a thrill,
Irene Rich in 'A Broom for the
Bride,' by Jacques Deval, comes in
April 8 or 15, Luther Green is pro-
ducing.
Estimate for Last Week
•WWteoaks,' Biltmore (1st week)
(1,656: $2,75), Miss Barrymore's first
visit to the Biltmore in 10 years
brought satisfactory $11,000 on first
of two weeks' enga.f'ement Moderate
advance for current itanza.
WPA
'Ran, LIUIe Chlllon,' Mayan; keeps
on rollin' along.
Two-a-Day,' Hollywood Play-
house; 20 weeks and stiU drawing.
^ 'High Tor,' Belasco; fairish ama-
teur effort.
Pittsburgh, March 14.
Talk here last week was that the
Sinclair L«wis-Fay Wray play, 'An-
gela Is 22,' produced by John Wild-
berg, would fold shortly unless it
caught on in Chicago, where it
opened Sunday night (12), 'Angela'
has been out more than two months
and is understood to be dropping
coin consistently, Cast agreed to 50%
cut in Toronto, Pittsburgh and first
week in Chicago, and reports are
that most of the players are unwill
ing to continue on that basis beyond
present stanza in the Windy City,
Philip Merivale, who took over
leading role from Lewis some time
ago, was particularly anxious to pull
out, but was willing to wait for a
replacement if show was to continue.
Reliably reported that most of the
dough that's already been sunk into
'Angela' is Lewis' own.
Co-author ^yas due to step out of
the cast as 'commentator' (consisting
of. flve-minute curtain speech) after
Chi opening night.
'ABIE' Sim IN NEWABK
Newark, N, J,,- March 14,
•Abie's Irish Rose,' at the Newark
(jpera House here, grossed only
about $1,009 last week. Union
troubles hurt considerably.
'Dauite' Off, B'Idyii
Brooklyn, March 14.
Rush of live stuff for a change in
downtown sector of City of Churches.
Werba's reopened last week with
'Darling .Daughter' with several
members of origijial Broadway cast
included.
Film version Of 'Daughter' is at the
Fabian Paramount, one block from
Werba's;
Estimate for Last Week
'Yes, My Darling DaughUr,' Wer-
ba's Brooklyn (1,529; 75c). Revival
of stage play because of film version
publicity not much help; $1,500.
Friars to Frolic
The Friars Club is staging its 30th
annual frolic at the Alvin theatre.
New York, April 9.
Bill Brandell is in charge,
'Kiss Boys,' $10,400
Richmond, March 14.
Third company of 'Kiss the Boys
Goodbye,' winding up a split week of
seven performances here last Satur-
day night, pulled a total gross of
$10,400.
Previous stands were in Wilming-
ton, Del., and Charlottesville, Va.
Future Pbys
'The Wedding Day,' a musical razz
on the marriage of wealthy young-
sters, written by Clare Boothe, is set
for next fall under the aegis of Max
Gordon. A score by Rodgers and
Hart will augment the script,
'To Helen,' contemporary love
story by Henry K, ■ Moritz, a new
playwright, has been acquired by
Jerome Mayer, who's mulling a
spring production.
'Slamberlng Gods,' a new play by
Louise Vaupel, recently tried out by
the Washington Heights (N.Y,) The-
atre Guild, . will be produced on
Broadway early next month by John
J. Livingston and Gertrude Kiick.
Play is now being cast and rehear-
sals are. slated to start within the
coining week. No theatre has yet
been selected.
The Devil and Daniel Webster,' an
American folk opera based upon a
short story by Stephen Vincent
Benet, is scheduled to open April 20
at the American Lyric theatre in St.
Louis. Already cast are Nancy Mc
Cord, John Curney and George
Rasely. Frit_ Reiner has been
named musical director, and John
Housman is directing. Composer is
Douglas Moore.
•Slag a Song of Six Fence' Is pres-
ently .slated to be Eddie Dowling's
first production of next season, Fan-
Ratings among the Broadway lead-
ers were unchanged last week. 'The
American Way' maintained its front-
running pace^ helped to big mat-
inee business by the $2,20 top. Drama
spectacle again went around $40,000.
. 'Hellzapoppin' is the No, I musical,
aided by an extra matinee. It's the
only show on a three-afternoon
basis. 'Leave It to Me' is the runner-
up, with 'Stars in Your Eyes^ in the
'show' position. 'Boys from Syracuse'
has dipped and so tias 'Set to Music.'
'One for the Money,' an intimate re-
vue, has improved, although takings
are still modest compared with .other
musicals, •
'Family Portrait,' which opened at
the Morosco last mid-week, drew a
partially strong press, but other no-
tices were unfavorable and the relig-
ious drama's chances are in doubt.
'Close Quarters,' a two-person drama,
bowed at the Golden last week and
folded Saturday (11). 'Awake and
Sing' was revived at the Windsor by
the Group Theatre,' which originally
slated it to halve the week virith
'Rocket to the Moon.' Demand for
'Awake,' however, was strong enough
to scheidule it for six performances
weekly, with 'Rockef performing at
both Saturday shows.
Straight show leaders, exclusive
of 'American Way,' are 'Abe Lincoln'
and 'The Little Foxes.' Some of the
earlier favorites have dropped but
are classed as summer possibilities.
'Henry IV' has been doing well but
is to quit soon. 'White: Steed' has
been affected' lately and was primed
to move from the Broadhurst into a
smaller house. Instead it swrtehed
into Uie .Shubert
Frank Fay's vaudeville show at the
44th Street was rated around $11,000
for the first full week and it was
questionable if it got better than an
even break.
In addition to' 'Quarters,' 'Mrs,
O'Brien Entertains' closed at the Ly-
ceum Saturday (11).'
WPA's 'Swing Mikado' was report-
ed drawing very well at the New
Yorker at $1.10 top, while 'Sing for
Your Supper,' another 'WPA-er, is
skedded soon. Next week the com-
mercially produced 'Hot Mikado' is
due into the Broadhurst at $3J0 top.
Estimate! for Last Week
'Abe Lincoln In DUnols,' Plymouth
(22d week) (D-1,036; $3,30). Sea-
son's top ranking drama continues to
lead straight plays; somewhat off in
income tax period but still big;
nearly $19,000.
■Boys From Syracuse,' Alvin (17th
week) <M-1,255; $4.40). Slipped but
should come back; expected to stick
through season; $22,000.
'Close Quarters,' Golden. Yanked
Saturday (11) after one. week; got
weak press,
'Family Portrait,' Morosco (2d
week) (D-961; $3,30). Some raves
but generally divided press; business
mild after mid-week debut for con-
troversial biblical drama.
'Gentle People,' Belasco (11th
week) (C-1,107; $3,30), Has been
tapering; recent grosses off, with the
count going under $10,000,
'HelUapoppln.' Winter Garden
(26th week) (R-1,671; $3.30). Front
running musical playing three mati.
nees weekly and topping $33,000.
'I Must Love Someone,' Longacre
(6th week) (C-1,010; $3.30). Improve,
ment made upon cast changes; Satur-
day (11) claimed very good; rated
around $4,500.
'Kiss the Boys Goodbye,' Miller
(25th week) (C-944; $3.30). Laugh
show expected 'to run through the
summer; under previous pace but
steady money-maker; $11,500,
■Leave It to Me,' Imperial (19th
week) (M-1,468; $4.40). Runner-up
among leading musicals is also fig-
ured to be World's Fair attraction;
rated around $30,000.
'Mamba's Daaghters.' Empire (11th
week) CD-1,099; $3.30). Looks set
until well past Easter; colored cast
drama earning goodly profit; up last
week; $13,000.
'Mrs. O'Brien Entertains,' Lyceum.
Closed Saturday (11) after playing
five weeks; brogue laugh show was
modest grosser; $4,500.
'One for the Money,' Booth (6th
week) (R-708; $3,30). Intimate musi-
cal making the grade among mode-
rate attractions; quoted going to $11,-
000 level.
'Oscar Wilde,' Fulton (23d week)
(D-913; $3J0). Making run of it and
slated for balance of season; paced
around $10,000, quite okay for show
of its type,
'Please Mrs. Garibaldi,' Belmont
(1st week) (C-524; $3,30). Presented
by Hall Shelton; written by Mary
McCarthy; tried out in summer stock
some seasons ago; opens tomorrow
(Thurs,).
' 'Rocket to the Moon,' 'Awake and
,Slnp^.' Windsor (17th weok) (D-1 049:
A3.30). Group planned alternating
pace, which was around $6,000 for
'Rocket'
'Set to Music,' Music Box (9&
week) (R-1,000; $4.40), English re-
vue has been steadily slipping of
late; approximated $16,000 last week;
but expected to come back.
'Stars In TOor Eyes,' Majestic (Otti
week) (M-1,717; $4^40), Latter baU
of the week big; rated around
$27,000 mark and up with, top musi-
cals.
The American Way,' C^ter (8ih
week) (D-3,483; $3.30); Attendande
regarded as amazing; patriotic drama
In big house leads the list with .
$40,000.
•Vhe Little Foxes.' NaUonal (5th
week) (I>-l,ie4; $3.80). Looks set for
run; attendance again Improved and
gross quoted at $18,500.
The Primiose Path,' . Biltmore
(Uth week) (CD-991; $3,30). Stated
to move and may continue well into
spring, period, eaised off but okay at
better than $7,000.
The White Steed,' Shubejrt (lOtfa
week) (D-1.387; $3 JO). Moved here
from the Broadhurst although b»s\r
ness has been on the downgrade; un-
der $8,500.
Tobacco Road,' Forrest (275tli
week) (D-1,107; $1.65). Run leader
turning some profit; $5,000 and aimed
for another summer,
'What a Life,' Mansfield (48th
week) (C-1,050: $3.30), Usbig cutrates
but operating profitably, with takings
approaching $4,500.
Revivals
'Henry IV, St James (7tlf week)
(D-1,520; $3.30). Last three weeks
announced; along with 'Hamlet' will
play on road; $15,000.
'Ontward Boand,' Playhouse (13th
week) (D-873; $3,30), May top origi-
nal -engagement's run and gross;
$8,500, and stay indefinite.
' Added
Tell My Story,' Mercury (1st
week) (D-682; $2.75). Postponed from
last week; opens tonight (Wed.).
'Fins and Needles,' Labor Stage
(68th week). New numbers brought
some improvement last week, wltta
the gross bettering $4,500, satisfac-
tory for intimate revue; more added
numbers due and critics will again
be invited.
'Nanghty Naught,' American Music
Hall. Laying off; may resume after
Easter.
Vaudeville, 44th St; okay at week-
end; quoted aroimd $11,000; pr<^t
doubtful,
- WPA
'Swing Mikado.' New Yorker;
claimed big at $1.10 top.
'Androcles and Lion,' Lafayette,
Harlem.
'Plnocchie,' Ritz.
'Awake and Siag,' Daly's (Yiddish).
tasy by Bertram Bloch will star Ray | ^^^^^^ comedv-irama now
Dooley (Mrs. Dywling) and will be i warded for six performances weekly
directed by Dowling. I and should materially better the
PHILA. LOOKS UP
nilUdelphla, March 14.
Next three weeks pi'omlse to b*
Uvely for Philadelphia leglt
D'Oyly Carte Opera Co. started lis
three weeks' stay at the Forrest last
night (Mon.) with an advance of al-
most $50,000. At the Chestout
'Knickerbocker HoUday' opened a
week's stay the same night Latter
will be followed Mondav (20) by the
Theatre Guild-Orson Welles produc-
tion of 'Five Kings,' which will be
in for two weeks. The Locust re-
lights on March 27 with Cornelia Otil
Skinner's revival of 'Candida.'
'Importance of Being Earnest'
called it a run after a week at the
Erlanger although up untU Thursday
(9) there was still talk of an added
week. Oscar Wilde play got $5,500.
Skinner-'Candida' Big
In Detroit with $15300
Detroit, March 14.
Cornelia Otis Skinner, always a
draw here, continued her stride at .
the Cass here last week in 'Candida,'
abetted by considerably good notices.
House currently is dark, but re-
lights March 26 with return of 'The
Women.'
EsMmote for Last Week
'Candida' Cass (1,500; $2.75). Nice
$15,300 for nine performances.
'Susan' $6,500, Buff.
Buffalo, March l4.
Three-day engagement for 'Susan
and God,' ieaivTlnf> Jessica Royce
Landis, crossed fine $6,5(H> at the Er-
Isnger here last week.
Top was $2,50.
52 VARIETY
LITERATI
Wednesday, Marcb 15, 1939
Post Beported Over Bomp
. New influx ol coin at the New
Yorlc Post has given it another lease
on l\te. First step under the hew
order of things was restoration to
employees of the 10% of their sal-
aries which they were 'loaning' baclc
to the paper each week.
There are several reports as to
where the new money came from.
One Is that Vincent Astor, who al-
ready has much sunk in the Post,
put up the additional coin. Another
is that Nathan Strauss, U. S. Hous-
ing administrator and a close friend
of the President, was asked to use
his influence with advertisers.
League Bulletin by Helen Christine
Bennett, of the Guild Council.
Deficit held to be not alarming, It
being pointed out that it's only
around $7.50 per capita. Expressed,
remedy Is an increase In member-
ship, article revealing that there are
from 4,000 to 6,000 writers eligible to
join the organization who are not
now members.
Article maintains that this In-
creased membership would not only
enable the Authors' Guild to pay its
way, but would enable nmch more
advantageous contracts from pub-
lishers.
More on Whodnnlts
Whodunit book project, along new
lines being undertaken by a new. or-
ganization. Thrift Publishing Co.,
headed by David E. Toplitz and
Harold HaimowitzL Details being
guarded for the time being, but un-
derstood to utilize mail order along
extensive lines.
Whodunits m book form still
bread and butter' for many of the
publishing houses. Never assume
best-selling proportions, but most
manage an edition or two. That rep-
resents small but steady profit
Digest Exeo Sues Time .
A $50,000 libel suit against Time,
Inc., was started in the, N. Y. fed-
eral court by George F. Havell, pub-
lisher of Th& Literary Digest, yes-
teday (7). Suit involves articles
'written by Time in the March, 1938,
Issue when the Digest appealed to
iO,000 of its subscribers for aid to
help continue publication.
The plaintiff asserts that he was
not rebuked by the Audit Bureau of
Circulation, or ordered to return
moneyi as reported .by Time.
.Involved Fobllshlne Finance
Federal Judge Arthur J. Tuttle
has directed four . Michigan iiublish-
ers, directors of the Federated Pub-
lications, Inc., to surrender 33,500
shares of . corporation stock, valued
at about $700,000, and to pay $45,246
to corporation. Involved are Albert
li. Miller, president; Louis A. Weil,
Sr., Louis A, Well, Jr., and Stanley
W. McFarland.
Order conforms with ruling of
court of appeals at Cincinnati, in
which higher court overruled Fed-
eral Judge Edward J. Moinet, De-
troit, the decision being based on a
suit brought by Lewis Ashman, of
Deerville, m., a stockholder. Al-
though the four had originally been
charged with fraudulent depressing
of stock prices, the high court ruling
noted that the fraud charge had been
dropped and credits the four with
having avoided a financial debacle
by practicing strictest economies.
Neal O'Hara Does Hnmor
McNaught began syndication Mon-
day (13) of a daily humorous topical
dispatch by Neal O'Hara as a belated
successor to Will Rogers. Agreement
is for Id years, with more than 25
papers already contracted, McNaught
claims.
Type of feature not a new one for
O'Hara. Did a similar one for the
old N. Y. World for years until the
paper folded. More recently has been
doing a daily feature on unusual
facts. 'Take It from Me,' which he
will continue in addition to the new
one.
Co-incidentally, Waverly House,
Boston book publisher, is preparing
to issue a volume of O'Hara's news-
paper columns under the title of
•Take It from Me.'
Bochester News' Tmstee
George W. Hinman of Mt. Morris,
former assistant managing editor of
the Rochester Journal-American, has
been named temporary trustee of
the Rochester Evening News'. Order
signed by Federal Judge Harold P.
Burke on petition of employees, who
it is imderstood, received httlei or
DO pay. for ihree. weeks.
Hinman wlU supervise the 'firm's
business at least until April, "when
.Its future status will be determined.
News, which was established in
August in the Journal-American
building, had an agreement with
employees , to take half of their pay
In stock. Paper claims 25,000 circu-
lation, but has been unable to sign
up some of the larger- stores' adver-
> tislng - or to get as' many of the
smaller establishments as expected.
Cathollo Paper Baps W. W.
'ScaUlons for WincheU' is the Utle
of a blistering editorial in the cur-
rent issue of The Evangelist, organ
of the Albany Catholic Diocese.
Paper berates him for a squib which
appeared locally in Hearst's Times
Union, that his 'most trusted source'
tipped him three .weeks before that
'Pacelli would be the next Pope,' but
he did not print It, to his sorrow.
States The Evangelist: 'But it took
the wise-cracking Peeping-Tom of
American columnists, Walter Win-
cheU, to tell the world he had had
previous inside ' dope but out of
courtesy had refrained from handing
It to the public. Such consummate
nerve is astounding but . not nearly
so astounding as the fact that certain
otherwise sensible people fall for his
line. Some of your own pet seal
lions to you, Winchell!'
They Learned How
Couple of young stage performers,
Louise Howard and Jeron Criswell,
hnvlng learned what It takes to reach
Broadway, have put their findings
between book covers. Book is called
•How to Crash Broadway,' and
they're publishing it themselves,
Bound in paper, it has a foreword
by Barrett H. Clark, director of the
Dramatists Play Service of the Dra
matists Guild. . .
Two other book$ in similar vein
being prepared by Miss Howard and
Criswell, 'How Your Play Can Crash
Broadway' and 'How to Crash Tin-
Pan Alley.' Last-named is 'as told
by Arthur Jones,' and will have . a
foreword by Sammy Kaye.
Authors' GnUd in Bed
Authors' GuUd of the Authors'
IiCague of America has a deficit of
$29,619.59, with a membership of a
little less than 4,000, according to an
article In the - current ' Authors'
New Social Group
New organization of N. Y. news-
paper workers, and declared by its
sponsors as strictly foir social pur-
poses, is the Progressive Newspaper
Men!s Cliib. Prime movers are Ar-
thur Langdon, James Martin, Ever-
ett Moodhe, Gordon W. Hinman and
Henry Foster.
Officers to be elected shortly and
by-laws drawn up, whereupon or-
ganization plans to acquire dub-
rooms in the Grand Central area.
Present - membership wholly drawn
frpm papers whose plants are situ-
ated in that locality.
. Onlld Loses Decision
The Appellate Division, by a 3-2
vote, affirmed the decision of City
Court Justice Charles J. Duncan, Al-
bany, that 16 editorial-news em-
ployees of ' the Press Company
dropped in the merger of Gannett's
Knickerbocker News (morning) and
Albany Evening News (afternoon)
July 1, 1937, are not entitled to va-
cation pay totaling about $1,S00.
They received severance pay, said to
have been approximately $5,000, but
sued for sums representing two
weeks' additional vacation stipend.
The closeness of the Appellate
Division vote may lead to an appeal
to . the Court of Appeals, the case
rei>ortedly being considered very
Important by the American News-
paper iGuild.
Stodgy Bookmen Electrified
First instance of a press book a la
film style gotten out in . connection
with the publication of a book is that
for Russell Birdwell's 'I Ring Door-
bells,' published by Messner. Bird-
well's idea, of course, and the work
of his staff just sis if It were for a
new film production.
. More than 1,000 of the press books
have gone out to booksellers, and
said to be an eye-opener to the
bookmen. Numerous suggestions for
publicity, exploitation and advertis-
ing in sharp contrast to the average
book promotion, which rarely, goes
beyond a showcard.
Anthor-Pnbllsher
In line with expansion of his pub-
lishing activities, Ben Sussman, who's
been publishing a number of special-
ized books under his own name, has
formed the Lujen Publishing Co,
Continues at the same quarters, but
with an increased sked.
Change in imprint prompted by
the fact that Sussman is also one of
his own authors. Thinks it will look
better if his name is not down both
ways.
MaoMlilan's eO-Centcrs
Increasing popularity of low-priced
books on topical subjects has lured
Macmillan into taking a flyer into
that field. CaUhig it the People's
Library, with the volumes priced '9t
60c. Has three book subjects as a
starter.
People's Library books to be
selected by a group comprising
George P. Brett, Jr., the Macmillan
head, and Charles A. Beard, Lyman
Bryson and Morse A. Cartwrlght
Savannah Writers Conference
First of the regional writers' con-
feirences set for the new season is
that of the Savannah Writers' Con-
ference to be held April 6-8 at Arm
strong Junior College, Savannah, Ga
Literature in general to be dis
cussed, with Allen Tate, Caroline
Gordon, Andrew Lyttle, John Peale
Bishop, Samuel Gaillard Stoney and
(George Stevens among the scribblers
and literary mentors down for
lectures.
Astro DIstrIb Expands
Astro Distributing Co., mag pub-
lishers, which has been extensively
adding to its list of periodicals of
late, has formed a new affiliate,
Guide Publishing Co. VTants to get
exclusive use of the name nationally
before employing it for an added
publishing undertaking.
Heading Astro are Arthuf; J. Ber^-
hard and Morris SJ Latzen.'
land, Mass., Demond served on the
old N. Y. World, Chicago Herald-
Examiner and Omaha Bee before go-
ing to California for AP.
Walter L. Doyle, 44, secretary and
treasurer of the New Britain (Conn.)
Record Co., and former publisher of
the New Britain Record, -now de-
funct, died in New Britain, March 7.
Besides his widow, ha leaves his
mother and a daughter.
Willis Vernon-Cole, 57, American
novelist and poet, died Thursday at
Luynes, France, where he had made
his home* for the past 12 years. Na-
tive of Detroit, "Vernon-Cole was for
many years prez of the Writers'
Guild of America. Widow and a son
survive.
Charles E. Harrison, 70, formerly
an editorial writer on the old Brook-
lyn (N. Y.) Standard Union, died
Friday at his home in N. Y. Born in
Illinois, Harrison began newspaper
work in Lowell, Mass. Served on
the Standard Union for more than
30 years vmtil his retirement Daugh-
ter survives.
Bystander Press Starts .
After some months in ironing out
details, new book-publishing house.
Bystander Press, finally getting
started. Has quit its temporary
Rockefeller Center quarters for per-
manent offices on Fifth avenue, and
has placed its first book on the
presses for publicatipn late this
month.
Officers of Bystander Press are
Jesse Sholkin, prez; Norman Laid-
hold, treasurer, and Sidney Mehlman,
sec. Sholkin also the firm's editor.
NEW PEBIODICALS
Key Magazine, mag of home enter-
tainment with retail liquor store out-
let, bows in April 20. Publisher is
Key Syndicated Services Corp.,
headed by Paul White, who also
edits. Victor Rosen, recently with
Tom Fizdale, is managing editor.
Periodical to appear mon^ly, with
first issue to go to 100,000 copies.
Photo Bevlew, new monthly sub-
titled Headers Digest of Photog-
raphy,' makes its bow April 1. Pub-
lisher is Dagobert D. Runes, who has
a number of other mags, with
Margaret G. Kenney editing. Asso-
ciated on the business end is CHiarles
H. Desgrey, formerly prez of Phy-
sical Culture Publishing Co. Initial
print order is 80,000.
Uncanny Tales, latest in current
vogue for weird story mags, is new
link in Red Circle chain of periodi-
cals. Publication bi-monthly, with
Robert Erisman editing.
Hlnlatare Bailroadlng, monthly for
the model railroad fan. Sponsored
by Penn Publications, with Harold
V. Loose editor, and Louis H. Hertz
doing an assist.
LITEBATI OBITS THIS WEEK
George Bnohanan Fife, 69, N. Y.
newspaperman, died Sunday in
Queens, N. Y. Bom in CharlestoWn,
Mass., Fife began his newspaper
career in 1803 on the staff of the
N. Y. Sun. Became assistant city
editor of the old N. Y. Mail and
Express two years later, and aside
from a period as managing editor of
Harper's Weekly served on the N. Y.
Journal, Post, Times, old Evening
World and Mirror. Also authored a
couple of books and a play. At the
time of his death was on . the pub-
licity staff of the N. Y. World's Fair.
Third wife survives.
Henry BIsIng, 70, editor Spokane
Evening Chronicle many years and
dean of Pacific northwest news
papermen, died March 6 at his
Spokane" (Wash.) home from throm
bosis. Hp joined Chronicle as re-
porter iri 1893, became managing
editor year later.
C. Norman Stevens, 39, . manager
of the Philadelphia office of Paul
Block and Associates, died in St
Agnes hospital, Baltimore, Friday
(10) night following an operation,
Stevens, who lived in Philadelphia,
has been an executive of many
papers, including the New York
American, the Boston Record and
the Washington Times - Herald.
Widow, father and a sister survive.
Gerald F. Marshall, 46, on the
staffs of the Ahnenberg mags. Radio
and Screen Guide, and former news-
paperman, died last week at his
home in Port Washington, L. I. For
merly on the news staff of the N. "S
Times, Marshall worked on mags ii
N. Y. and CJhicago. Survived by
wife, two daughters and mother.
John Leonard Gregory, 76, veteran
Atlanta newspaper advertising man
died last week at his home. He had
been connected with The Atlanta
Journal and Constitution.
Charles Taylor Demond, 82, -vet-
eran newspaperman, died last week
in San Diego, Cal. Native of Rut-
CHATTEB
Elspeth Huxley to London.
Rosita Forbes to the Bahamas.
John Erskine back from Florida.
Westbrook Pegler at Coral Gables,
Vincent Sheean going to the Coast
.Van Ness Chilk back from Mexico.
Elsa Heporauta, the Finnish novel-
ist here.
Maurice Hindus crossing the coun-
try on a lecture tour, ■
The Sam Geisons' baby has been
named Heywood, after Broun.
Bess Streeter Aldrich getting
ready to return to Nebraska.
Henry R. Luce back in N. Y. from
his South .C!af clina plantation.
Third printing for Edna Ferber's
autobiog, 'A Peculiar Treasure.'
George Aitto gets his Aika Pub-
lishing Co. started soon in N. Y.
Spenser Prize . for distinguished
poetry awarded to Lloyd Franken-
burjg.
True Story Magazine gets a com-
plete rejuvenation with the next
issue.
Somerset Maugham back in N. Y.,
and returns soon to the south of
France.
Ray Flicker named v.p. and gen-
eral manager. Balance of personnel
unchanged.
Harper has taken from Doubleday
publishing rights to all the works of
Aldous Huxley.
Vincent Sheean to be hosted at a
dinner at the Hotel Commodore,
N. Y., tomorrow (16).
Harold Strauss, who vraa editor
for Covicl-IViede, joins the Knopf
editorial staff April. 1.
Mabel Manning has halted publica-
tion of her mag. The Voice of Truth,
and plans to do a novel.
Joseph C. Hazen, Jr., associate
editor of the Architectural Forum,
and Helen Claire Stevens wed.
Lazarus Monfried working out •
new publishing idea under the han-
dle of the Philamerica Publishing Ca
Eugene W. Turner, of the N. Y.
Times editorial staff, a newlywed.
Bride is the former Margaret Earle
Harris.
Oscar Schlsgall, who does those
weighty novels, also turns out prose
cliffhangers under the pseudonym of
Jackson Cole.
Leigh Sanford, of Reno, was elect-
ed president of the Nevada State
Press Association at its annual con-
vention in Reno.
Biog of the late O. E. Rolvaag, the
novelist by Theodore Jorgenson and
Nora O. Solum, will be published
April 22, Rolvaag's birthday.
Jack R. Kupsick, the advertising
agency head, interested in a new
publishing undertaking in connec-
tion with the N. Y. World's Fair.
Paul Van Caimp has resigned edi-
torial post with Pittsburgh Press to
become publicity director for Penn-
sylvania Railroad in Pitt division.
Carlote, the poetess, otherwise
Mrs.. Louis Oppenheimer, back in
N.Y., and will remain until the pub-
lication of her new book of rhymes.
Joseph F. Dinneen of the Boston
Globe was honored at Loew's Stete
Monday night (13) when that theatre
threw a party called "Dinneen
Night'
Marthedith Furnas, former fashion
reporter for Women's Wear, will
have her first novel, The Night Is
Coming,' published this month by
Harper. ' .
WPA headquarters in Washington
are making an Investigation of the
Federal Writers' Project in PhiUy
that is expected to break out any
day into a whopper.
Fred Walble, forme, newspaper-
man and associate director of Elbert
A. Wickes theatrical productions,
now director of radio department of
William C. Lengel, literary agent
Sue. MacVeigh, who's been on the
PhUadelphia Public Ledger ' and
N. Y. World Telegram, has written
her first novel, 'Murder Under Con-
struction,' skedded for publication
soon.
Bobby Norris has quit as sports
editor of Macon, Ga., Telegraph, to
become business manager of Ameri-
cus, Ga., club in Georgia-Florida
League. Amerlcus is a Brooklyn
farm.
Rives Matthews has bought the
Somerset News, a coun^ seat week-
ly published in Princess Anne, Md,
from F. C. Jones. Matthews will
continue to syndicate his weekly
column.
James Branch Cabell, Mary Mar-
garet McBride, Marjorie Kinnan
Rawlings and Elizabeth Madox
Roberts to Winter Park, Fla., for the
annual Animated Magazine presenta-'
tion there. ■
New officers of tbe Chicago Fic-
tion-Guild are: j, Anson, prez; Mar-
guerite Jacobs, vlce-prez; J. C.
Schoenherr, treasurer; Mildred T.
Reid, program chairman, and Ethel
M. Hammer, sec.
Book and Magazine Guild will give
a Bookwbrms' Ball on April 15 at
the Murray Hill Hotel, N. Y., with
Harry Hansen, Malcolm Cowley,
Lewis Gannett and Ralph Thompson
among the sponsors.
David G. Wittels, N. Y. Post-
Philly Record writer, cracked his
car up badly on a mounteln road
near Easton, Pa., Saturday (II)
while returning from an assignment
He was only bruised.
Florence Fisher Parry, Pittsburgh
Press columnist who recently blasted
Broadway drama critics for their
'leanings to the left' In New York
seeing the shows and writing her.
daily stuff from there.
Maury Paul (Cholly Knickerbock-
er), Dorothy Kilgallen, Alice Hughes
and Thyra Samter Winslow have
done some blurbs tor Morton G'U
Clark's first novel, 'Grace I Give
You,' which Morrow brings out next
month.
Boston Evening Transcript will
drop its mid-week roto section, in-
augurated Oct 12, 1938, after the
Issue of March 16. Plans are to re-
sume in -the fall with Richard An-
thony as editor and. Richard Tucker
as chief photog.
Advertising news reporters in
New York have formed the Adver-
tising News Writers Club, with Wil-
liam J. Enright Times, prez; Law-
rence M. Hughes, Sun, v.p., and
David A. Munro, Space tc Time,
secretary-treasurer.
George C. Waldo, editor-in-chief
of the Bridgeport (Conn.) Post Sun-
day Post and Telegram, elected prez
of the Post Publishing Co., owner of
the three papers, filling vacancy
caused by the death of Edward
Flicker. . Waldo continues in. his edi-
torial capacity in addition.
Fifth of this season's Book and
Author Luncheons takes plac«°
March 14 at the Hotel Astor, New
York, with Harry Hansen, book
crick of the N. Y. World-Telegram,
presiding, and Alexander WooUcott
John Gunther and Frederick F. Van
de Water among the speakers.
(Seorge Fort MUton was elected
prez and gen. mgr. of Chattenooga
News, Inc., new cor^ration which
leased properties of CHiattanooga
News Co., of which Milton was also
prez. New outfit publishes Chat-
tanooga News, as did old firm. Other
officers of new corporation are J. J.
Lynch, vice prez, Sam J. McAllester,
sec'y, and Mrs. (Seorge Fort ItlUton,
treasurer.
Pay Rise Plan
(Continued from page 49)
scale was proposed for 'Fighting the
Flames,' while the minimum for
'Merrie England,' Shakespearean tab,
was set at $40 some time ago.
Demand Sunday Shows
Fact that Equity has sanctioned
Sunday performances at the Fair
has given legit managers a chance to
demand a similar right That issue
was considered by the League of
New York Theatres board Monday
(13) afternoon; Showmen sent word
to Equity that Broadway be given the
same privilege of playing Sundays
during the Fair period. They ad-
vanced Equity's pet theory, that any-
thing for the betterment of the the-
atre and the prolonging of engage-
ments, should be tried.
For years there has been an ex-
odus of actors from Broadway to the
rural summer show shops. Possible
that there will be fewer pros in the
hideaways provided they secure en-
gagements at ' Fair shows or on'
Broadway. Summer operators in the
sticks don't appear to be concerned
for the more they can operate with
semi-pros'^ or amateurs the bettter
they like it Many depend more on
drama schools for payoff coin than
they do on the boxofflce.
Wedneeday* March 15;. 1939
CHATTER
VARIETY SS
Capt W. H. Fawcett in town.
jlike Goldreyer in hospital tor
minor clippine.,
Jonathan Cape, the British pub-
lisher, baclc to London.
' Oswald Garrison ViUard will have
his autobig- published soon.
George Sanders, BKO player, in
town on his way to Europe,
Freeman Hammond - has been
■dded to Fortune Gallo's staff.
Terence Ratigan, author of 'French
Without Teirs.'^back to London.
Harry Schiimer's daurtiter, Anne
Hilda, will be married &mday (18).
' Ole Olseh invested some 'Hellza-
poppin' profits in a 5th avenue tav-
ern.
George Walsh, Par's Netco (N. Y.
(tate) operator, in town Monday
^'aI Rosen, manager of Loew's
State, bedded all last weeic with
griope.
Arthur Michaud, handler of Gene
Kurpa, recovering from slight flu
attaclc. ,., J
Maurice Bergman in weekly hud
dies with chess-master Emanuel
Iiasker. , ,
Harry Sherman recuping from
anide mjury that had mm laid up
10 days.
E. Paul Phillips, Par. real estate
head, back from Florida after busi-
ness trip.
Frank Ward CMalley's widow,
Grace, engaged to be wed to George
MohlmiEui.
Father Leonard, of St Malachy's,
seriously ilL
Iteasurers Club's 50th annual show
will be held at the Winter Garden
Sunday (18).
Gene Meredith went into 'Hellz-
apoppin* yesterday iTues.). He has
■n audience bit
Jesse Kaye and the missus (Lillian
Eliade)- sailed Saturday (11) on a
West Indies cruise.
Barbara Silverstone, daughter of
UA general manager, recovering
from appendectomy.
Sir Harold Wernher, London the-
atre operator, In New York for a
show-going vacation.
Meyer Beck. ex-UA p.a., handling
special campaign for French version
of 'Snow White* (RKO).
Al Altman, Metro talent executive,
returned last week from studio- tal-
ent confabs on the Coast
Bob Stephen, -radio editor of the
Cleveland Plain Dealer, making his
annual tour of radio row.
Stage mothers will be glorified in
a forthcoming series by Douglas
Gilbert in the World-Telly.
Publication of Katharine Cornell's
autobiog, 'I Wanted to Be an Ac-
tress;' postponed imtll March 29.
Reminiscences of Channing Pollock
appear April 12, under the title of
*rhe Adventures of a Happy Man.'
Roberta Becker, of the Maurice
Evans office, will accompany the
'Henry IV. troupe when it tours this
spring. Will also play walk-ons in
both productions.
Charles Presbrey, son of Charles
Presbrey, ad agency man, discloses
that he married Katherine Wait two
years, ago.
Lillian Jenkins, secretary to Ted
Deglin, Madison Square Garden
press agent, in Polyclinic for an
operation.
(^tie Moyer, who danced in
Ziegteld's 'Follies* of 1910, fell in
her N. Y. home Monday (13) and
fractured a leg.
Cal Swanson has become execu-
tive on the Hal Roach account which
the J. .Walter Thompson agency re-
cently acquired.
Monroe Greenthal's secretary,
Grace Fiscliler, is now Mrs. Freder-
ick Russel-Smith. She*s leaving UA
to live in C^anada.
Bianca Strook is designing the
costumes for 'Mv Dear Children,' the
John Barrymofe show. Ditto for
•The Philadelphia Stoty.*
Warner Bros. 10th annual dinner-
dance, with Artie Shaw's band, fur-
nishing the music, was held Satur-
day night (11) at the Waldorf.
Henry Herbel and W. E. CaUoway,
Warner sales - executives, enroute to
New York convention, were Injured
slightly in auto accident, but ar-
rived on time.
11 ??^"*y Milllhgton, editor of 'Spot-
Ught, British casting publication, ar-
rived in New York last week with
T^e Flashing Stream* company. Will
spend several weeks in the U.S.
Sidney Justin, former Par. home
offlce attorney, who transferred to
the studio, not only won first prize
lU \ .Prof. Quiz broadcast, but hit
.tne highest score , ever made on tliis
program.
Ralph Rolan. who has been on the
road for nearly a month for RKO
on talent end of 'Gateway' radio
and auditions, plans staying in
Ws New York office for at least
three weeks.
"jlco television demonstration at
we Savoy-Plaza hotel, N. Y., last
Thursday (9) jammed the hotel's
♦I? *® capacity and left more
"•an _ 1,000 prospective viewees on
we sidewalk outside.
Minnie Smith filed a supreme
court action on Monday (13) against
waiter Winchell and the New York
.Daily Mirror, Inc., for $50,000' al-
ttged libel. The plaintiff sublets
and rents apartments.
^Shadow and Substance,' 'Air Raid,'
Jou Can't Take It with You,' 'Mis-
souri Legend,' The Fabulous In-
valid,' 'American Landscape,' re-
leased for amateur production.
'Whlteoaks' will be released June 1
and *The Women' is okayed every-
where but in the New York and
Philadelphia areas.
London
Paris
By Hogo Speck.
Liam O'Flaherty in from Amer-
ica.
Tino Rossi to Berlin for Scala
debut
Roy Howard in from Riviera for
look around.
Danielle Darrieux in from winter
sports at Megeve.
Jean Sablon in from America after
two-year absence.
Annual gala of Artists* Union held
at Cirque d'Hiver.
Marie Dubas ott for. Riviera and
North African tour.
'Gunga Din' (RKO) breaking house
records at Le Paris.
Andre Lefaur working in three
films at the same time.
Adolph Zukor and John Hicks, Jr.,
off on Scandinavian tour.'
O. P. Gilbert planning Indo-Chiiia
visit to make documentary.
Edouard Vn reopening again with
second-run double features.
Bernard Hilda orchestra to the
Coliseum from' Le Provencal.
Casanova, night club, recently
gutted by fire, to reopen soon.
Bob Bassler 20th-Fox's Euroiwan
story head, was in for few days.
Stan Laurel expected to team up
with Michiel Simon in French film.
Ijcon Joannon readying for 'L'Emi-
grante,' with Edwige FeuiUere star-
ring.
Jean Louis Barrault back in "The
World Is Round' at Atelier after ill-
ness.
Duke and Duchess of Windsor
caught premiere of 'Pygmalion' iat
Biarritz.
Joseph V. Connolly, of Kings Fea-
tures and INS, to the Riviera for a
vacation.
Mady Berry, of cinema, made legit
debut in 'Vire-Vent' at Theatres des
Mathurins.
'Grandeur Nature,' from Henri
Toyat's story, to l>e Jean Benoit-
Levy's next
'lies Parents Terribles' suspended
at Bouffes-Parisiens by illness of
Jean Marsac.
Fred Adlson orchestra presently
musicing Ambassadeurs, gave 'Swing-
alero' concert
'Snow White' original version get-
ting short run at the Normandie, but
French version still going strong.
Leon Poirer beginning 'Brazza.'
based on life of the explorer with
exteriors to be shot in the Congo.
Count von Strachwitz, rep for Ger-
man films here during expo, sen-
tenced to two years for rubl>er
checking. .
Negley' Farson, former Chicago
Daily News correspondent, writing
series on South Africa for the Lon-
don MaiL
Julien Duvivier, oft to Alsace to
shoot exteriors of 'La Charrette Fan-
tome,' wants to give femme lead to
Luise Rainer.
Eliminations for selection of "Miss
Paris 39,' who will represent France
at New York World's Fair, held at
Ambassadeurs.
Maurice Gleize to Tunis to set ex-
teriors for his next 'La voi du'
Desert,' based on African life of Car-
dinal Lavigerie.
Jacqueline Delubac engaged by
Jeff Musso for top role in 'La Fin
d'un Homme,' adapted from Liam
O'Flaher^ yam.
Antonio Machado, Spanish poet
dead at 61 in Collioure, small French
village, where he had taken refuge
during the Spanish civil war.
PittsbDrgh
By Hal Caben
Jimmy Zummo reorganizing his
band.
Joe Hiller up after the flu. Ditto
Eddie Peyton.
John McGreevey and the family
off for Sarasota for a few weeks.
Ann Corio back at George Jafle's
Casino . for her second engagement
this season.
Ginger Allen, late of the Claire
Ray line, now doing a single at the
Plaza Cafe.
Jimmy Balmer down 35 pounds
and has 25 more to go, according to
doctor's orders.
Trick-pianist Louise Amen home
again and !>ticking around briefly for
local nitery dates.
Billy and Betty Johnson into the
Club Petite for their third engage-
ment there this year.
Tiny Wolf visitinc his parents for
a few da^s before rejoining Blue
Barron unit in Atlanta.
Duquesne Drama . School doing
Madeleine Skelly Foust's passion
play, 'The Other Kingdom.*
Fred Burleigb returning to Coha."!-
set Mass., July 3, as co-director of
summer SoutH Shore Players.
Saul J. Kleinerman, manager of
the Roosevelt theatre, and Rae Levy
have announced their engagement
Larry Anhalf in ahead of "The
Women' and Phil Stevenson here
drum-beating 'Knickerbocker Holi-
day.'
Oscar Deutsch in St. Moritz, Switz-
erland, for fortnight.
Hal Yates to Copenhagen, Holland,
Belgium and Norway.
Harry Foster, Val Parnell and
Jack Hylton recovering from flu.
David Rose considering Oliver
Wakefield for 'French Without
Tears.*
Boris Mbrros, over from Paris, hit
London for one day,- then back to
New York. '
Archie Parnell and Alfred Zeitlin
have split after an association of
over . 13 years.
Mac West turned down offer to'
opo.i at the London Ciisino March 2
for the Tiew manascment.'
Calgary Bros, at the Adelphi, the
first date they ever played for
George Blcck and Val Parnell.
Maurice Ostrer no longer assistant
managing director of Gaumont-Brit-
ish. although he's sUll a. director.
'March of the Movies,* an outline
of film history, a comoilation of old
silents, goes into the Plaza March 19.
Naunton Wayne opens in Henry
Sherek*s new Dorchester hotel floor
show April 19,' replacing 'Vic Oliver.
Senator Murphy, who*s gone to
New York, then goes to Los Angeles.
Booked to play Australia, opening
in Melbourne May 1.
Gaudsmith Bros, to the ABC,
Paris, for three weeks, turning down
English work. Tliey're due to play
America for the Loew circuit
Next Palladium show, which will
be done in September, will have a
takeoff of . Major Bowes' amateur
hour, 'With Bud Flanagan playing
the major's part.
Bo Brummels may go into the new
CSorcrEsdaile London Casino show,
which, opens there shortly, and
which Pierre Sandrini and Jacques
Charles are producing.
The Cambridge theatre won't house
any permanent shows throughout
this year. Theatre will house film
trade shows, special concerts, tyro
performances and. the like.
Harold Conway, drama editor . of
the Daily Mail, retiring shortly to as-
sociate himself with the publicity of-
fice of Macaueen Pope. Will be suc-
ceeded by Ernest Belts on the Mail.
Buster Shaver celebrates his
birthday and also his 11th annlver-
sary with Olive and George Brasno,
the midgets, who were presented to
him by Irving Tishman 11 years ago
in Toronto.
Gabriel Pascal's proposed filming
of Shaw's 'The Doctor's Dilemma*
includes Roland Young, Ralph Rich-
ardson, C. Aubrey . Smith, Paul
Lukas, Greer Garson and Sir Cedric
Hardwicke.
With an enlarged membership of
7.000, the Unity Club has taken a
three-month lease, with option, of
the Kiogsway theatre, but wUl re-
tain its other house, which it has
conducted as a private theafre for
uncensored plays and tryouts.
After opening at Brighton In
George Black's' revue, 'Black and
Blue,* Sally Keith was pulled out:
Black feared her attire, which is es-
sential to her act, would not appeal
to the clientele at the Hippodrome,
where the- show opened 'Wednesday
(8).
own theatre in nearby Media March
26 to do a benefit here.
Jacqueline Susan, member of Jack
Lynch's Glamour Girls, engaged to
marry a New York publicist
BiU Dyer off on a 7,000-mile auto
trip to cover the big league camps
for his ]yCAU sports airhig.
, Mary Louise Maloney named to
succeed Sylvia Lenson as assistant
in the WFIL press department
Kmar, astrologer, formerly at the
Arcadia-International and Benny the
Bum's, has opened his own studios
here.
John Fcrro, former manager of
the now-dosed Arcadia-Interna-
tional, new maitre -de-hotel at Benny
the Bum's.
S::m Sax, WB shorts production
head, in town to aid in selection of
talent for the Phllly Dally News-
WB contest.
Mesdames Louis Davidoff, Ben Fo
gelman. Jack Flynn, Ben Biben and
Karry Biben to be honored at a Va-
riety- Club luncheon.
Annual Temple U. show wUl be
'Crown and Garter,' authored by
two members of faculty, Beaumont
Bruestle and Charles Swier.
Moe Verbin and Charley Goldfine
circulating a petition to have 'Harry
the Mountle,*^ fraffic stalwart re-
turned to his former post in the film
sector.
SL Lonis
By Sam X. Hurst
By Les Recs
Larry Kline, RKO office manager,
has flu.
Merle Potter. Journal film editor,
back from Hollywood.
'Ice Follies of 1939,* scheduled for
the Arena March 17-26.
Margaret Riegert and Beatrice
Vertelney, of WB ■ offlce staff, have
flu.
Louis Prima gave special Sunday
matinee Swing Concert at Hotel
L.owry.
Minneapolis office in first place in
its district which is on top in WB
Sears' drive.
Casper Choinard, UA salesman,
out of commission three- weeks be-
cause of illness.
Henry Kaufman, Columbia home
offlce branch operations' general
manager, a visitor.
Lyle Carisch, indie exhibitor,
back from Sun 'Valley, Idaho, where
he went for skiing.
Paramount shot ice races and win-
ter carnival in Twih Cities for
Grantland Rice reel.
Stanley Neal, National Screen
home offlce rep. back to New York
after completing assignment here.
By Herb Golden
Joe Leon sporting a Miami-brand
Ian.
Morris Wax back at the Royal
after Florida.
Joe Farrow, M-G office manager,
off to Florida
Warner Club tops in commercial
bowling league:
Showmen's Club aiming to get its
own liquor license.
Warner's Dave Weshner has joined
the film colony in Miami.
Milt Shapiro and Sam Bushman
have dissolved their partnership.
Bryant Washburn in to select local
boy and gal for RKO -Gateway to
Hollywood show.
Hedgerow players will, leave their
Earl Stout, owner-operator of the
Uptown theafre, Cairo, ' 111, - near
here, in the hospital.
Al Sarli and his KWK prchesfra
and Covita Bunch, songbird, at For-
est Park hotel nitery.
Artur Rubenstein made his second
annual appearance as guest soloist
with St Louis Symph last week.
. Burton Holmes' lecture on Norway
attracted banner crowd at Munidpu
Auditorium, take approximating
$2,000.
Ed Leach, who produced floor
shows while manager at York hotel,
has become assistant manager a:
Marquette hotel.
Drive for $150,000 maintenance
fund for St Louis Symph has
reached $95,000 and will be con-
tinued until April 1..
Joe' Sarfarty, Universal salesman,
back on job, almost completely re-
covered .'from injuries suffered in
auto accident several months ago.
Richard Tauber will be guest sO'
loist with the St. Louis Symph at
its annual pension concert Sunday
(19). Vladimir Golschmann will di
rect
Ray Colvin, head of the Exhibitors
Supply Co., and Johnny Walsh, indie
film distrib, will repre.sent local Va-
riety Club at national conclave in
Detroit next month.
Harold Bassage, director of Little
theatre group, will spend next sum-
mer at the Casino theatte, Newport,
R. I., where he will join Agnes Mor-
§an in launching a school for
ramatic fralning.
Mischa Elman will concert in the
opera house of -the Municipal Audi-
torium March 25 for benefit of (Ger-
man refugees. A non-sectarian com-
mittee headed by. J. Lionberger
David, Rev. William H. Huelsman
and Aaron S. Rauh handling details.
By Eric Gorrick
Stage presentations coming back.
Extensile alterations have been
made to Snider-Dean's Mayfair.
One of the most rejected of U.S
pix is 'Warners* 'Boy Meets Girl.'
Clarence Stumbles, exec of King's
Theatres, killed in an airplane crash.
'The Mikado' (GB) looked by
Greater Union for run in Sydney
following 'Pygmalion' (GB).
Understood that some indie man-
ageiiiente will try to revive vaude in
the nabes of Queensland with home
talent.
Trouble may arise, in Victoria in
connection with Hoyts movie quiz.
Part of the industry claims the quiz
is simply a giveaway racket.
Charles Munro, director of .Hoyts,
became a grandpop recently. Daugh-
ter is the wife of Cllve Ogilvy, an
exec of the Macquarie Broadcasting
network.
'Idiot's Delight* got away to a good
start in Melbourne for Australian-
New Zealand Theatres. Henry Mol-
lison, Lina Basquette and Frank
Harvey have the leading roles.
Although still deeply interested in
the leeit biz of Au.stralian-Ncw Zea-
land Theatres, it's said that Stanley
Crick, former 20th-Fox bo.ss, . would
like to return to the picture game.
Believed that National Studios will
again attempt a top production start
with the return of Sir Hugh Deni-
.srn and Sir Sam Waldcr from
abroad. Fred Daniclls will be in
charge. .
Acts "flaying here at present in-
clude Ada Browne, Radcliffe and
Rogers, Medley and Dupree, Pinkie
Lee: Ted Claire, Borello and Miml,
Jimmy Hadreas, Fox and Evans,
Lilv Moore, Barbara Blane, Larry
Adler, Adrlana Caselottl, Osaki and
Taki. Nelson and Knight, O'Donnell
i and Blair, Large. and Morgner, Helen
IHonan. Sylvia and Clemence, Lam-
jpini, George Downey, Radium Hu-
I manettes and Sylvia Sefton, ,
Hollywood
Sidney Howard around.
Lew Seller home with fiu.
Hobart Bpsworth still sick.
. Paul Jones laid up with fiu.
Scott R. Dunlap a flu sufferer.
Alan Mowbray down with flu.
Arthur Stebbins bedded by flu.
Robert Gillham. to Kansas City.
George O'Brien back from Texas.
Mary Astor back from Broadway.
Abe Lastfogel in from New York.
Elliott Nugent back from Broad-
way.
Jan Rubini divorced by Adele
Crane.
Jack Mulcahy vacationing In Mex-
ico City.
Billie 'Burke to hospital with foot
fracture.
Betty Pagel joined Republic's cast-
ing staff.
Myrna Loy recovered from throat
infection.
William A. Brady here looking
over talent
WIni Byrd recovering from ap-
pendectomy.
Hugo Butler bought San Fernando
valley ranch.
J. E. Jeffries in from Calgary to
lamp studios.
I^araine Johnson's nom de film is
Laraine Day.
John 'Skins' Miller around after
serious illness.
Richard Parker's new film name is
Roger Haliday.
William Keighley readying round-
the-world cruise.
Fred Datig back from two-week
siesta in Arizona.
Anne Morgan in from Manhattan
to gander studios.
Fred Brisson in from London to .
survey talent field. '
Jack Cummings back from three
weeks on Broadway.
The Fritz Leibers celebrated 2eth
wedding anniversary.
Bill Heath upped to head of test
department «t 20th-Fox.
Charles ((^ly) Doyle in from
Pittsbiirgh to ogle studios.
Bud Lollier to Sacramento to ogle
bills affecting film industry.
' George H. Pinckard here from
London to inspect picture biz.
Marlene Diefricn passed her final
test for American citizenship.
Norman Manning named executive,
rep of Hollywood Turf Club. .
Frank Morgan celebrated his 25th
years as an actor and husband.
Charlotte Buford and Donald K.
Llbennan flled notice of intent to
wed.
William Powell checked in at
Mefro for the flrst time since his re-
cent illness.
Victor Jory and Jean Inness again
directing the outdoor 'Ramona' play,
at nearby Hemet
Max Stelner talked about pictur*
scoring before 2,500 members of
California Federated Music -clubs.
Janos Vaszary to Paris.
Sari Fedak down with flu.
Otto Indig working on screen
scenario of his play, 'Man Under the
Bridge,', in Paris.
New production firm, Phono Film,
at work in Filmiroda studio, shoot-
ing 'Money in the Offing,' Bela
Belogh directing.
Laszlo Vajda, Magyar director,
handling 'Sebastopol' at Joinville.
Erich von Sfroheim, Jouvet and
Madeleine Oseray are featured.
Lilian Harvey and Willy Fritsch
here doing 'Easy for Men,' German-
language picture. Script is by Paul
Barabas, and Paul Martin is direct-
ing.
Laszlo Bekefft with his Podium
cabaret company, to tour Holland
and possibly Switzerland during the
summer. Performances to be in Ger-
man.
Budapest actre.sses flocking to New
York World Fair are Ilona TItkos,
Klari Tolnay, Lily Murati, Margit
Makay, Hannah Honthy and Blanka
Szomgatfaelyi.
Ernest Szabrlcs, the stage director
who did fine work In musicals, has
not been admitted as a member of
the Stage Chamber. He's learning
to be a magician.
Tmre Raday, Sandor Rott Bela
Salamon, Rosle Barsony. Oscar Denes
have contracts for Holland. Unsc-
cepted by the Chamber of Actors,
thiey consequently can't play In Hun-
gary after the end of the current
season.
Chicago
Bill Green has joined the Bally-
hooers.
Peggy Fears holding over at the
Colony, .
Phil Dooley readying another
swing session at the Palmer House.
Henry Kaufman n'oy add commer-
cial film production to his present
recording operations
Blackstone battling a tough cold.
Actually caught it from the horse
he uses in the magic tiirn.
Aaron Jones, Jr., back from Flor-
ida, but the elder Jones is remain-
ng in the south until May.
Dixie Dun'bar on a quick trip to
Atlanta to visit niother before re-
joining 'Hollywood Californians'
unit' on tour.
54
VARIETY
Wednesday, March 15, 1939
OBITUARIES
□
HABBT WEBEB
HariT Weber, 69, partner in the
CoUler-Weber-Todd agency In Hol-
Ijrwood, and previously one of the
major vaudeville agents in the east,
died on the Coast March 8.
Weber about 15 years ago was one
of the first of the big-time (Keith)
eastern vaudeville agents to heed
the caU of California and pictures.
His eastern agency biz continued
under the direction of his brother,
Herman. In 1931, in what waa then
the largest agency deal in record,
the Weber-Slmon agency was
formed in New York, with the
Simon Bros., for years among the
top Midwest agents. This combine
was dissolved tour years ago, when
Weber dropped all eastern interests,
with his brother eventually coming
west The Colller-Weber-Todd
agency was then formed. For the
past two years Weber had not been
active as of yore, due to illness.
Surviving are his widow, two
daughters, one of them Mrs. Ray
Milland, and a son.
GLADYS FBAZIN BANKS
Mrs. Gladys Frazin Banks, 38, for-
mer actress and divorced wife of
Monty Banks, associate producer of
20th-Fox in England, was a suicide
last Thursday (9) when she leaped
to her death from her parents' New
York apartment A note left by Mrs.
Banks attributed her act to con
stant BuiTering which she bad en
dured since sustaining a nervous
breakdown recently.
Actress on both stage and screen,
she appeared on Broadway in "The
Whole Town's Talking,' 'Marked
Woman' and "The Trial of Mary
Dugan,' but was best known for her
performance as Tondeleyo in "White
Cargo.' Married four times, she was
secretly wed to Banks, her fourth
husband, in Hoboken in 1929. He
sued for divorce three years later,
A brother, Al Frazin, Madison
Square Garden announcer, her par'
ents and a son, Louis Lowensteln,
19, by her first husband, survive,
FRANK V. STOBBS
Frank V. Storrs, founder of the
New York Theatre Program Corp,
and associate for years of Walter
Beade, New York and New Jersey
exhibitor, who operates a circuit of
34 theatres, died Of. a heart attack
in West Palm Beach March .8.
At 18 he came to N. Y. from his
birthplace, Columbus, O., and 'estab-
lished a theatre program service
which today serves practically all of
N. Y.'s legit houses. He also was an
important figure in the poster and
. lithographing field, having organized
the Lehigh Valley Poster Co. and the
Camden Outdoor Advertising Co.
among others. Later he owned sev-
eral Broadway theatres and hadi nu-
merous other holdings in N. Y.'s the-
atre district He was understood to
have financed construction of most
of the new buildings undertaken re-
cently by the Reade circuit
He leaves bis widow, two daughters
and three sisters.
before Joining United Detroit thea-
tres (Par) as manager of its Rose-
dale, which he piloted uhtU recenUy.
In 1928 he was president of the
Theatre Managers Assn. of Michigan.
Survived by widow.
Ticket Code
(Continued from page 49)
Alien-' Picture Market
(Continued from page 14)
miums would be charged.- If that's
done by the manager, however, half
of any coin obtained over the m- • faults and feebleness, are apt to be
tabllshed price is payable to the | supported by governmental action.
THOMAS BECKMAN
Thomas Beckman, 47, circus aerial-
ist, formerly of the Flyhig Beck-
mans, died in St Louis last week,
apparently of heart disease, whUe
conducting practice of aerial per-
formers at a WPA center in Quincy,
m.
Beckman had been in show biz
since he was 16. The Flying Beck-
mans included himself his brothers,
Ed and William and the letter's wife,
Ledore. Thomas Beckman retired
from active chxus performances In
1937 and had recently directed tiie
Bedonan troupe of femme aierlalists.
ABTHUB E. QODFBET
Arthur B. Godfrey, 70, for years
orchestra leader at the Alhambra,
Glasgow, died in London Feb. 23 of
pneumonia. He retired from the Al-
hambra job and moved to London
several years ago to become a church
organist which had been his orig-
inal metier.
Survived by widow, son and
daughter.
GHABLES COHEN
Charles Cohen, for years identified
with carnivals and fairs through
eastern Canada and Maine, was
burned to death in a fire which took
28 lives and destroyed the Queen
hotel. Halifax. N. S., March .2.
He was not given up for dead un-
til March 7. Identification of the
bodies was Impossible.
HABBT EBNEST DAVISON
Harry Ernest Davison, 31, a legit
player, died March 2 in a Youngs
town,' O, sanatorium. He was in San
Francisco recently for an engage-
ment when he became' ill and re-
turned home.
His parents, a sister and brother
survive.
BBND BABE
Ernie Hare, 65,' of radio's pioneer
ing team of Jones and Hare, died of
bronchial pneumonia in the Queens
.Cieneral hospital, N. Y., March
1939.
Detailed story is contained in the
radio section.
VICTOR BABAVALLE
Victor Baravalle, 53, - for years
musical conductor for Broadway
shows before going to Hollywood,
died March 11 in his suburban
Brentwood home after a lingering
illness. '
Deceased had -been musical direc-
tor for Charles P. Dillirigham, the
Shuberts and Ziegfeld shows, in-
cluding 'Sally,' 'Whoopee,' 'Rio Rita,'
•FoUies,' 'MayUme,' 'Hit the Deck,'
•Street Girl,' "The Cuckoos,' and
•Dixlana.'
He went to the Coast 10 years ago
under contract tO RKO, where he
headed the music department Out-
side film music jobs were 'King of
Burlesque,' at 20th-Fox, and 'Show-
boat' at Universal. He then handled
music for three Astalre-Rogers pic-
tures and was working on The
Castles' when his illness became
critical.
Widow, two sons and a daughter
survive.
CHARLES W. PORTER
CHiarles W. Porter, 70, long identi-
fied with Michigan theatres, died
March 7 in a Detroit hospital after
a year's illness.
Porter played in stock with Smith
& Draper's production of 'Uncle
Tom's Cabin' and in his early 20's
joined Felix and Eva Vincent in
stodc productions touring the west
He dlso produced several .musicals.
Going to Detroit in-191pr-he -first
managed the old Miles theatre and
subsequently became manager of the
Majestic, Regent and Forest houses ' can tour,
JOHN C. STADLEB, JB.
John C. Stadlerr Jr., 32, an execu-
tive of the Canadian Broadcasting
Co. (government) 'was killed in an
aeroplane crash March 8, near I,ake
St John, Quebec.
Details in radio section.
jmMT DUFFY
James (Jimmy) Duffy, about 60,
formerly of the vaudevUle team of
Duffy and Sweeney, was found dead
on 47th street near 8th avenue. New
York, Friday (10).
Details in vaudeville section.
ROBERT L. HAGUE
Robert L. Hague, 59, prominent in
the Lambs club, died in New York,
March 8, of heart failure.
Details in legit section.
Government under the admissions
tax law,
James F. Reilly, executive secre-
tary of the "League, testified to ob-
lectlons made by the Theatrical
Managers, Agents and Treasurers
inion, which complained that its box-
office members were l>eing spied on.
That followed attempts to investi-
gate complaints of overcharging
filed with the League. Reilly said
the unioii threatened to strike un-
less it was consulted on Investigation
methods.
TMAT Offered to Aid
Reilly said that •practically' no
check on the activities of agency
people had been made since Jan. 1,
althougli the League has received
complaints. He stated TMAT had
-offered to cooperate with the XjCague
on the code "under certain circum-
stances.' He added that while the
proposal has been considered, it has
not been decided whether to make
such a tieup with the union.
. Reilly denied that any meraiber of
the League told ticket-brokers they
would be forced to sign the code or
go out of bushiess. He agreed tiiat
they had not formally been made
aware of the code until after It was
sealed by the League and Equity, and
that the brokers were given to un-
derstand that they would not be perr
mitted to.do business with agencies
that were not accredited or, in other
words, non-signatories to the code,
Lea^e official said that $12,792
had been collected from brokers on
the ticket levy, of which $6,400 had
been ^nt by shoppers employed to
check on violations, for legal services
(the major item) and other outlays,
Including the purchase of tickets
from agencies suspected of boot-
legging. Stated that about $6,000 is
currently owed the League by the
agencies, some of which are holding
out awaiting the outcome of the
Acme action.
It was brought out that during an
average week the agencies sell
25,600 tickets out of a possible
256,000 'Which this winter has been
the average total capacity of legit
theatres during a six-day period.
Brokers, therefore, distribute 10% of
edacity, but actually deliver be-
tween 25 to 40% Of the gross because
most of the tickets they handle are
for first-floor locations.
Taking figures on the ticket levy,
supplied by Reilly, it was figured
that the collection would approxi-
mate $27,000 annually, and since, at
the rate of spending to date, only
$9,500 would be used, the Vhe. pay-
ment was excessive. Stated that it
had been unofficially agreed with the
brokers that the levy would be re-
duced if it was found to be too much.
The League officer also estimated
that the public has saved $175,000
during the six months the code has
been in (^ration.
. Father and. mother of .Charles'In
glis, news and sportscaster of KL!^
Denver, died within a few days of
each other last week in that city.
Cause of father's death was pneu-
monia, while Mrs. Inglis failed to re-
cover from an operation. Besides
Charles, a brother, Horace, Denver
musician, survives.
David Warner, 45, brother of
Harry, Jack and Major Albert War
ner, died of sleeping sickness in a
Boston hospital March 7. Never ac
tlve in the film corporation founded
by his brothers, he had suffered more
than 2S years with the malady. Sur
vivors besides his brothers are
daughter and three sisters.
Lee B. Smith, 45, a projectionist
died in a Sacramento hospital March
10, several hours After he had at
tempted suicide with poison.
H. Arthnr Teachont, 51, retired
stage and film -player, died in Cedar
Rapids, la., March. 6.
Rabensteln'i So. African Tear
Cape Town, Feb. 23.
— >Artur -Rubenstein, the .■ concert
pianist has been .booked by African
Consolidated Theatres for a So. Afrl-
MARRIAGES
Roberta Black, to Sanford Bamett
in Salt Lake City,. March 9. He's a
radio Ecrlpter.
Sondra Lee to Robert Weaver, in
Pittsburgh, March '1. She's singer
on WWSW there.
Evelyn Edwards to John Hum-
phries, in Ventura, Cal,, March 4.
Both are readers at RKO.
Hemdah Feigenbaum to Harry
Zinder. in Jerusalem, Feb. 28. Bride
is with the government radio sta-
tion, Palestine; he's Variety corre-
spondent in Palestine.
BIRTHS
Mr. and Mrs. Gene Shumate,
daughter, March .'. Father 1: sports
announcer on KRNT-^IteO, Des
Moines; mother is May Floyd Sinex,
former Chicago radio player.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cronenbold,
son, in Independence, Mo., March 7.
Father is with Texas Rangers at
KMBC, Kansas City. .
Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Hannan, son.
In Santa Monica, March 6. Father is
film editor at Metro.
Mr. and Mrs. John McCormick,
daughter, in Des Moines,' March 6.
McCormick is publicity assistant at
WHO, Des Moines.
Mr. and Mrs. Earle M. Holden,
daughter, in Atlanta, March 4.
Father is manager of the C^itol,
Lucas & Jenkins' vaudfllmer in At-
lanta.
-Mr,.and-Mrs. William > Wellman,
dau^ter,.in Hollywood, March 13.
Father Is Paramount producer and
director.
Foreign restrictions on American
pictures in 1936 assumed varied, but
generally vexatious and embarrass-
ing forms. In certain countries,
quota systems are entrenched, and
that troublesome system shows a
tendency to spread. Taxes on mo-
tion picture ousiness is usually high,
and the trend is unmistakably up-
ward. 'Racial' theories and cam-
paigns contihue here and there' to
bring difficulties which are not easy
to deal with. Foreign exchange con-
trols and censorship were continu-
ing problems during 1938, though
there have been few startling altera-
tions in those fields.
Frosen Oat by Nails
The Hitler putsches froze Ameri-
can films out of approximately 1,100
houses in Middle Europe, the report
said. Restrictive trend is strong in
countries which are toadying to the
Nazis. -There's some relief, in what
remains of Czechoslovakia under the
agreement which the U.S. negotiated,
supplementing the general Yankee
bargaining trade treaty, last spring.
Consular reports were not all
gloomy, however, while restraints
are disheartening and the outlook in
some directions is black, Ciolden
said the European market for Amer-
ican films is far from being lost'
Important vents for the U. S. prod-
uct include England and France, re-
gardless of their upsetting policies
and laws, along with Belgium, Den-^
mark, the Netherlands, Finland, Nor-
way, Sweden and Poland.
Fertile Latin-Amerloan Market .
In accordance with general U. S.
policies and the good-neighbor
thought Crolden suggested cultiva-
tion of the Latin-American market
as a means of counteracting the lost
trade in Europe. Other republics of
the Western Hemisphere have 6,239
potential customers, with new coU'
structlon gaining speed. American
producers, he said, are beginning to
appreciate the possibility of building
up the Latin-American trade,
'Economically, it would be imwlse
for our companies to encourage pro-
duction in South American coun-
tries,' the government, expert ad-
vised. 'However, American com-
panies should produce in Hollywood
Spanish-dialog films employing stage
favorites brought from South Amer-
ica and placed in a Hollywood set-
ting, with the use of reconstructed
sets and Hollywood technique.
'In this manner, production costs
can be kept pt a minimum, and pro-
ducers will have Spanish-language
films available to carry their other
American product which is now be-
ing frequently shoved into the back-
ground by Spanish-speaking produc-
tions from Mexico and the Argen-
tine.
'A case in point is the drop in the
showing of American films in Peru
from 70% of the total in 1937 to 49%
in 1938, which is attributed primari-
ly to the augmented number of
Spanish-dialog pictures from Mexico,
Argentina, and Peru itself. Although
none of these films approached the
quality and standard of our Ameri-
can films, they helped to consume
playing time that might otherwise
have been obtained by American
films.'
Worries in the Western . Hemi-
sphere are chiefiy over the Argen-
tine situation, although Guatemala
has tilted the shake on exhibs.
Golden refiected alarm about the
legislation pending at Buenos Aires,'
which would -encourage a domestic
industry and create censorship.
Foreign ProdnoUon SInmpa
Foreign production slumped In
1938, the report brought out. There
were only 1,706 alien features, com-
pared with 1,809 in 1937. Leaders
were the Far ]^t and Near East,
with Japan on top by virtue of a
turnout of 575 films. European out-
put was sharply off, chiefly due to
the drop in England. All European
nations produced 609 features.
Figures for other countries are:
Orient— Philippines, 67; India, 200;
Hong Kong, 53; China, 33; Egypt, 16;
Siam, 10; Australia, eight; Chosen
and Formosa, two each; New Zea-
land, one.
Latin 'America— Mexico, 60; Ar-
gentina, 50; Peru, 11; Brazil, four;
(?uba and Uruguay, two each; Vetae
zuela, one. Total output bounced
from 90 in 1937 to 130 last year,
Europe — Germany, 137; France,
122; . England, 85; Russia,- 51;- Italy,
47; Czechoslovakia, 41; Sweden, 30;
Hungary, 26; Poland, 25; Finland, 20;
yenmark, nine; Norway, four; Tur
key, Belgium and Portugal, .three
each; the Netherlands, two, and
Switzerland, one.
'39-'4» Ontlook
The film industry generally is in-
terested presently in what the out-
look is for next year in the foreign
field. Summary of the situation made
this week indicates that the revenue
from foreign nations will be similar
to. that of 1938— no decline and no
material increase. Bright spots, as
compared with 1938, are Japan and
Spain. Complete loss of Italy will
cut out a sizeable' market, and the
returns from China perhaps will be
less. However, the latter has been
minor market ever since the Sino-
Japanese conflict started, so Uia
change there will not bs appreciable.
Portions of South America loom as
trouble zones for the year, possibility
of restrictions aimed at U. S. com-
panies being deemed likely.
Japan is. a better source of busi-
ness this year. A year ago no new
pictures Were permitted to enter, but
this impasse was broken late in 1938.
Rotating Stock
(Continued from page 50)
tial payment of $500 was tendered
but the check failed to clear.
Denver, March 14.
After traveling 125,000 mll^
through the U. S. and Canada, 100,-
000 of them by plane, Arthur M.'
Oberfelder, has brought back with
him contracts calling for the road-
showing of four productions to be
sold on a season as well as a single-
ticket basis.
Contracts in 32 cities have been
signed with Oberfelder by varied
local organizations. Contracts in
other cities are pending.
The circuit will operate out of New.
York as the Legitimate Theatre
Corp., with Fortune Gallo, as gen-
eral manager and director. Ober-
Jelder plans to. start the first season
"El Ctetober" with Eva LeiJallienne in
either 'Hedda Gabler' or 'The Mas-'
ter Builder,' to be followed by 'Gold-
en Boy,' 'On IBorrowed Time' and
'What a Life.' 01>erfelder says as
far as possible the origin^ N. Y.
casts will.be used.
Play on Broadway
FAMILY PORTRAIT
(Continued from page 50)
peters. Through the windows in the
distance are the hills of Calvary,
with faint simulation of crosses.
There is a lapse after the cruci-
fixion. Years have passed and •
granddaughter is to wed. - Accord-
mg to the fashion, she has 1>een -
matched by a 'fixer.' But Mary
would tell of .what has gone before,
why Jesus was put upon the cross.
The youth's father and those with
him had never even heard of her
son, nor the punislunent-the family
of Jesus had kept secret.
Cheryl Crawford, principally con-
cerned with the presentation, last
season offered 'All the Living,'
which also touched closely the fam-
ily skeletons of average families. In
clioosine 'Portrait' she again demon-
strates, her flair for the unusual If
the new play does not dick, indica-
tions are that Miss Crawford will
ultimately land a winner. '
Sincerity of Judith Anderson's
Mary is one of the fine things In
'Portrait' She is not sure of her
favorite son's mission, but knows he
has done no wrong. Late In the play
the Magdalene enters, played by
Margaret Webster, who staged the
drama. The brothers believed her
to be a wanton, but Mary thought
her a fine character.
The play is well produced and the
lighting is effective. Several scenes
are moving, but somehow the story
seems to be from hearsay, for, ac-
cording to records the teachings of
Christ were not disseminated for
hundreds of years after his passing.
Some — ^but not aU— of the charac-
ters are there for those who are
versed in the lore of Jesus, including
the Iscariot who, curiously, is not
so billed. . Looks like a difference of
opinion -will eventuate among the.
pious if enough attend the perform-
ance. Jbee.
Hacker as Exporter
Recently leaving Republic, where
he was assistant to Morris Goodman,
v.p. over foreign distribution, Sam
Hacker is -branching- out- on- his own.'
• He has opened offices in New York
for exportation of film to all parti of
the foreign market
FORUMS-OUTDOORS
VARIETY n
N. Y. Fair Siiddedy Swttdies From
Vimiiary to Piractiad Showma
Several tnergetle movei, designed
to whip thtt amusement zone at the
New York WorU's Fair into ihape.
last week plainly Indicated that this
portion of the espoaitlOB Is under-
eoing a metamorphosifl from vision-
ary plans to practical sbowmandip,
witl) action and boxoffice held iore-
most In mind. New men were called
]n to straighten out tan^, the fair
decided to do its own financin g to
help struggling conoesslcmaires un-'
able to meet hareb. exposition
stipulations^ and several additional
'nam^ shows loom on the horizon.
Principal attention focused on
Paul Sheridan's Living Modds show
and the possibili^ that Hairy Bidi-
man would back a "Streets to Paris'
show. Both were rated splendid
chances of being classed as top
femme attractions likely to become
popular draws.
Sheridan's model show, being
brought along quietly, looms as a
dark horse entry, with exposition
men admitting it might flll a void
if Sally Rand fails to come to N. Y.
Richman is reputed hot on a deal
to set iip a 'Streets of Paris' show.
Such an. exposition exhibit might
give the operators plenty of oppor-
tunity to play around with nudity
and spicy dancing attractions.
Wild West Shew
ReallMtion by fair oCCidals that
the N. Y. show needs additional at-
tractions was seen In the hurried
trip , of Vincent Pache, comptroller
of the exposition, to Florida where
be conferred with John Ringling
North. Result is that Ringling has
signatured for the celebrated Plot
T space in the amusement area, long
regarded as the white elephant of
the zone. He will bring in a wUd
west show, with cowboy-Indian
stunts to be given briefly four times
daily.
Show will be at the extreme south
end of the amusement section. Fair
is reputed to have put $750,000 into
the project, which includes a 7,000-
seat amphitheatre, in order to get
Ringling into the proposition. No-
body previously would take the
Plot T space. Paul Massman, who
was with the fair organization until
about a year ago, has been re-hired
to straighten out the amusement
zone. He has taken a leave of ab
sence from National Broadcasting
Co., where he has been as a saleS'
man since leaving the concession-
aire .exhibit division of the exposi
tion. Mr:ssman is a veteran exhibit
man, having I>een at Chicago's Cen
tury of Progress, Dallas and San
Diego, Associated with him is Bob
Cook, who was with the Chicago
fair organization.
Exposition also is trying to get Al
Gonsior, an engineering expert. In
an effort to swing construction into
shape on the amusement zone site.
Besides earning the rep of putting
up the Cleveland iair in 85 days,
Gonsior did the engineering of the
amusement zone of the Chicago
expo. In New York, he has been
manager for Ballantine's three-ring
restaurant enterprise and consultant
for Billy Rose at Use fair. Ballan
tine opens its first of three restaU'
rants, a cafe-bar, this week.
Construction work at the exposi
tion continues to drag, .this being
due both to failure to definitely set
certain exhibits, and also is reputed
to result from lack of coin from
others already set on pacts. Syndl
cate that was to have been formed
by New York financial men is defi-
nitely off. Result is that the fair
will .finance certain shows,
Midway Shows IndeBnlte
Fair claims 37 shows, rides and
villages, but new ones have come
in so fast and others, have been
dropped so rapidly in recent weeks
that no definite lineup probably will
be available, until nearly April 1,
less than 30 days before the exposi-
tion opens. Realizing the importance
of having a complete amusement
zone and name draws when the fair
opens its gates, every move from
now on figures to be based on prac-
tical showmanship and action. This
is the reason for recent realign
raents.
The music department is back
again. on the fair grounds after the
exposition apparently had decided
on leasing the Siuslc Hall for a giant
cabaret-music baU with name bands.
Signature of Music Corp. of America
was hardly dry before beefs from
the .general direction of the advisory
committee arose. Mrs. Vincent As-
. tor, chairman of the advisory com'
mittee, threatened to resign her
post, and the fair decided suddenly
Quiet, Please!
N.Y. World's Fair is to be a si-
lent one. In the parlance of ex-
position oCBcials. The board,
which handles loud speakers on
the exposition grounds, has de-
creed that there will be no loud-
speaker system indde the fair
groimds, only at the main en-
trance gates.
All recent expositions have
employed loud-qieakei' systems
throu^out the fair groimds, us-
ing tiiem to entertain visitors
with music and to inform them
of new develoiMnents at the
show.
FORfARlMeWAY
Construction on George Jessel's
'LitUe Old New York,' on the New
York World's Fair midway, will get
under way this week. Concession
will occupy three acres and contain
various types of shows, including
burlesque. •
Deal looked cold last week, when
Jessel's original backers stepped out,
but the expo itself arranged new
financing. Jessel will be in com'
plete charge, having come up from
Palm Beach Monday (13) to iron
out the final details.
' Cost of 'Old N. Y.' Is estimated at
$350,000.
Ex-Fanner Plans One
Ring Motorized Circos
Akron, March 14.
A new one-ring motorized circus
Is ' being organized here by W. M.
(Bill) Meyers, part owner of the
'Honest Bill's Combined Shows,' to
take the road early in April. No
title has been decided for the new
show, according to Meyers, who re-
vealed that the outfit will move on
10 or 12 trucks.
Meyers, a newcomer to the out-
door show world, became interested
in the circus when the Newton Bros.
Circus folded last fall at nearby Wil-
loughby, and stored much of its
equipment in his barns here. Later
Meyers invested in the Newton show,
which was reorganized on a smaller
scale and continued on a tour of the
south.
Meyers says the new show will
have a personnel of about 60 people.
WHAT THEY THINK
BEEIGAN'S 3-WEEE EUASD
Cleveland, March 14.
Bunny Berigan's outfit is becom-
ing house band for Trianon Ballroom
Easter Sunday for three weeks, dur-
ing which it wiU be given three
weekly broadcasts over WHK in ad-
dition to two Mutual feeds.
Gene 'Erwin's crew also set by
MCA for two. month's in Cleveland
Hotel's Little Cafe, starting March 16.
Henry Patrick's Own Band
Philadelphia, March 14.
Henry Patrick, radio warbler and
m.c. at Viking Cafe, leaves latter
spot Friday (17) to front his owh
band.
Crew opens Saturday at the Down-
beat, swing parlor, here.
to bring music back to the exposi-
tion. At least, that is the story given
in fair circles as the reason for the
complete about-face.
The fair never signed the pact
with MCA, so the deal fell through.
The Music Hall originally was set
for music and then for legit show
revivals. Fair association, which
built tlie Music Hall at a cost of
several hundred thousand dollars
(claimed to have been earmarked
for amusement zone spending), now
has put $200,000 into a revolving
fund to make a music week or music
festival possible for the first few
weeks, at least Just who will fi-
nance the music program after that
remains a moot question,
Originally it was planned to use
canned music over the loud speaker
system for musical backgrounds to
the. elaborate fountain display in the
lagoon. Now it seems certain that
live music will'-be' eWployed.
Deretiiy Fnucb 8«U AcMve
New York.
Editor, Vabietv:
May I call your attention to a
paragraph in your March 8 issue
concerning Dorothy Francis' inter-
est in Tamily Portrait' It Is per-
fectly triie that. Miss Francis joined
Miss Crawford, Mr. Tutfle and my-
self in the venture .and she is proud
to go on record as one of those who.
saw the beauty and importance of
the play.
But her career in the theatre has
been . somewhat different from your
summation of it Not only did she
come to Broadway from leading
roles in the CSiicago Opera C^. and
the French Opera in New Orleans,
but she tlien wait on and played in
The Merry Widow' for Henry
Savage. She was featured in
"Sunny' «nd in 'Crisscross' for
Charles B. Dillingham, in "Love
Song* for the Shuberts and in 'Rita
Coventry* for Brock Pemberton.
Recently Miss Francis has ap-
peared on the radio, both as an
actress and writer, and she has
played in the summer at Taipworifa
tor the Barnstormers, at Ivoryton,
and last summer for Day Tuttle and
myself at Westport and Mt Kisco.
She turned in a variety of delight-
ful performances in 'Tovarich,' 'The
Constant Wife' and 'Rain' which at-
tracted the customers. In a word,
Miss Francis has been and still is
actively interested in the theatre in
any capacity iii ' which she can' be
useful. ■
Richard Sfcinner. .•
THAT SEEKS IN ON
OUTDOOR BOXOFnCES
Philadelphia, March 14.
Theatrical Managers, Agents and
Treasurers union began this week to
make provisions for •members who
will be thrown out of work during
the summer by closing of legit and
other houses. TMAT began con-
tacting amusement parks and other
outdoor entertainment places with a
view to' forcing them to use union
men.
Local is also preparing to meet
Izzy Hirst to get its members in the
Troc, hurley house.
Sbrine Circus Grosses
$42,000 in 6 Mpls. Days
Minneapolis, March 14.
Shriners* indoor circus at the Au-
ditorium grossed $42,000 in six days,
with two shows daily. This was sev-
eral thousand in excess of last year's
takings.
The four days' Northwest Golden
Glove tournament, sponsored by the
Daily Star, grossed $14,096, leaving
a net profit of $5,200. Profit set a new
all-time high for the event
Fri^ Expo In^tartes Economy
Dri?6, CnHiiig m M Payroll;
Concesh Men Sipiawk Abant B.O.
San Francisco, March 14.
Officials are slashing payrolls to
keep costs within the financial in-
take now ^bst attendance at the
Golden Gate International Elxposi-
tion has slowed down following rush
attendant to first few weeks of oper-
ation. Upswing is expected to start
in May, at which .time the expo will
re-hixe nearly 1,000 discharged em-
ployees who were on the fair's pay-
roll when Treasure Island was first
opened.
Eddie Cantor's unit, which, closed
at the California Auditorium on
Treasure Island Thursday night . (10),
was the first attraction ^engaged by
the expo to perk up attendance.
A number of the concessionaires
on the Island felt that the eiQiosttion
CO; should have presented Cantor in
a free show in an effort to get more
people to the fair.
Exposition brought in George
Fischer's 'Folies Bergere' company
Friday (10) for a six-week booking
in the California Auditorium .on the
isle at a' reported guarantee of
$12,500 weekly. Show has already
proved a standout draw, biz the
opening three days at 7Sc top being
virtually capacity. In an effort to
lure biz, the word got round to see
"Bergere' before the censors got busy
and clamped down. Auditorium was
mobbed as a result
Fair officials want, desperately to
make the expo a success, and one of
the first things they Intend to do Is
pep up the Gayway and to pu.t .in
some more night dine and dance
spots. As it is now, except on the
bay way, things are pretty dead after
10 o'clock, when the exhibit halls
close.
Frederick Weddletown, whose
resignation as concessions director
caused numerous rumors, - has been
replaced by Mel Smith, formerly in
charge of the service department.
Chief director Harris Connick, about
whom there has been talk of 'reslg'
-nation,' definitely remains in the pic
ture. Connick will now directly
control the Concessions department
Ray Maxwell, formerly employed
in concessions, now has charge of
all the restaurants and other food
dispensaries on Treasure Island.
High prices of food at the fair were
investigated and most of the restau-
rants are now ' charging nominal
prices. Eating facilities have been
increased so that now 64,000 can eat
at one time.
Weather Soars
Fate and the weatherman smiled
on the exposition up until about 10
days ago,, when cold and rain set In.
Since then there has been quite a
let-down in attendance. Weekly gate
will have to be 414,000 if the antlcl-
flamid, Once an Acrobat There,
Buys N. J. Fair s Trentoo Hant
Trenton, March 14.
Sale of the New Jersey Interstate
Fair Association plant equipment to
George A. Hamid, amusement pro-
moter was announced today (Tues-
day) by General Mahlon R. Mar-
gerum. Association's secretary-treas-
urer, Hamid has been operating
the fair for the past several years
under a lease arrangement He
plans to continue staging the an-
nual Fall exhibition and later is ex-
pected to develop the 125 acres on
the outskirts of Trenton as^ amuse,
ment park.
Negotiations for the sale of the
property have been in progress since
last January. Price was not dis-
closedl but was reported to provide a
dividend on the $135,000 worth of
stock outstanding after meeting all
other ' obligations. It Is a term ar-
rangement and the association will
continue in existence until all de-
tails of the deal are completed.
Possibility of using the association
track for horse racing with pari-
mutuel betting, if the proposed con-
stitutional amendment to legalize
gambling is approved by the voters
at the June 20 referendum, has been
discussed for some time. Hamid per-
formed as a tumbler at the Trenton
fair 30 years ago when a member of
troupe of gymnasts
George Hamiil Behind
New N. C. Amnse. Park
Charlotte, N. C, March 14.
Plans for construction of a $100,-
000 amusement park near here went
ahead when officials of the Southern
States Exposition, Inc., met here to
file a deed to the property and begin
lajring out buildings and grounds.
Heading the group is George A.
Hamid, who is one of the principal
backers of the exposition, which
bought equipment and assets of the
local fair association recently for the
purpose of putting on a fair here in
October. Tliey plan a grandstand to
seat 5,000. The exhibit halls will be
built of fabricated steel. Also to be
included in the layout will be a
swimming pool and skating rink.
PAIK SPBHrOS COSTEST
Palm Springs, March 14.'
First annual bathing beauty con-
test is slated at this resort March 26
by Jack Melvin and Dick Pritchard,
with preliminaries to be . held (17)
at Ocean Park.
Winner of Palm Springs finals gets
the title, 'Miss Desert Queen,' and a.
tirand National picture contract
pated 20/)00,000 figure is to be reached
for the 288-day run of the fair.
Although some of the local business-
men are complaining about fair trade
not holding iip to expectations the
major hotels were 90% flUed last
week, and the li:t of visitors in-
cluded notables from many parts of
the world.
In an effort to get more family
trade, the exposition has announced
seven 'dime days' for children under
12. The concessionaires have been
clamoring for special 5c. admissions
for kids for any show on the Gay-
way.
'Day Dreams' is starting to attract
some attention on the Gayway now
that the thrill-seekers have discov-
ered it Three girls work in the
show, doing a strip-tease that has
anything on the Gayway beet. Use
of mirrors gives the impression that
more girls are working in the act
Although Sally Rand's nuderie has
been tamed down somewhat the
Ranch is still plenty potent at the
b.o.
A hu<;e celebration of St Patrick's
Day (17) is expected to up fair at-
tendance considerably. Louis B.
Mayer wOl be guest of honor at a
St. Patrick's Day luncheon for 2,500
people on the Island. It will be
broadcast over a nation-wide NBC
network. At the fair for the lunch-
eon will be the entire - cast of the
Hardy family, Hedy LaMarr, Robert
Young, Miliza Korjus and Judy Gar-
land.
Biggest draws of the events still
to come, each of which is expected
to attract its share of visitors to
Treasure Island, are President Roose-
velt, who will sail to the Coast on a
warship, which will be anchored off
the Island- during his stay here; the
Crown Prince and Princess of Den-
mark, Crown 'Prince Olaf and Prin-
cess Martha of Norway, the pres-
entation of Santa Clara University's
tamed Passion Play at the f&ir, and
the National Collegiate A.A. sectional
basketball championship.
PROPOSE 7-lllAN B'D
TO OP. RIMT BEACH
New London, Conn., March 14.
The City Council last week unani-
mously voted to ask ibe general as-
sembly for permission to name a
seven-man board to operate Ocean
Beach, proposed public recreation
center. The general assembly now
has before it a bill empowering the
city to Issue $2,500,000 In bonds for
the project
Previously, following a referen-
dum of the voters, the council had
adopted a resolution providing for
the acquisition of SO acres of land
at Ocean Beach. The latter, among
the most popular shore resorts of
New England, was almost completely
wrecked by last September's hurri-
cane and tidal wave.
Plans call for the construction of
a modem bathing pavilion, salt wa-
ter swimming pool, to be used as a
skating rink in the winter, dance pa-
vilion, boardwalk, parking area for
3,600 cars and tennis courts. Cost
of the project has been set at
$2,150,417.
Pic, Radio Talent Hypo
Coast's Orange Show
San Bernardino, C^l., March 14.
National Orange Show is again
using Hollywood picture and radio
talent to hypo attendance at citrus
event getting underway Thursday
(16).
Already set are King sisters,
formerly with Horace Heidt, who
have four-day booking, Fibber Mc-
Gee, the Gleasons, Kenny Baker,
Donald Novis, Betty Grable, Ann
Miller and Don Wilson.
Outlaw Walkathons
Lincoln, March 14.
The walkatbon bill, which the film
business backed, passed the legisla-
ture yesterday (Monday) and goes
to governor for signing.
It provides 10 days to six months
in jail, .^nd $^,00p fine, for staging
endurance shows.
S6
VARIETY
WvSataiijt VUteh IS, 1939
^^^^
Feb. 11
•tlMlfopalMl Bitttar •# 9«4tni rkytba."
Mi.11
J— .N«w«rlclMrftr
"Crowds «neiiibl*d tYtry ddy befert l>ex>effie* opened.'
WESTERN
DETROIT MICH 28 121?P 1939 FEB 28 FlI 12 48
MUSIC CORP 07 )UU5RICA
745 FIFTH AVE
BENNY GOODMAN THE KINO, OF SWING IS STILL KING IN
DETROIT STOP FRIDAY OPENING A THOUSADD DOLLARS BIGGER
THAN LAST YEAR SATURDAY TffELVfi HUNDRED DOLLARS BETTER
STOP SUNDAY IN SPITE OF BLIZZARD AND SEVEN INCHES OF
SNOW BUSINESS SLIGHTLY UNDER LAST YEAR. WHAT BETTER
PROOF CAN YOU ASK OF DETROIT CHOICE REGARDS
DAVID M IDZAL.
"leiay GeedmoB hot them swln9|"9 *o the Fox box>effiee !■ droves"
ntonhB
feenny is King, says Time Magcndii*.
maith 7
"Gdodmdn made honorary ;nember of Indiana Stdf e Legis-
latiure after wild {am session/'
■ ■. ; - ■ -•• -1 ' ■■
I llllinh 7— V«rl«fy.fa««Mp.ltt
"Goedmon . ; • piling up smashing gross. House's to-
. tal more, than double any other first' run spot."
maRh 11 — mhbnr^k Pott ea«tf •
'Pretenders to iiis throne there n|py be, but Benny
Goodman Is still the King of Swing. Nobody has
touched him yet aiid from the sounds of things at the
Stonley, it will be a long time before anybody does.
For Mr. Goodman knows not only his clarinet and
his medium, but also his music, and he con scorch an
audience into a fever of sdvage excitement with his
spectacular pied-piping. They were dancing in the
aisles yesterday afternoon, literolly so. But Mr.
Goodmcpn's swing isn't only for the jitterbugs, it's
likewise for the less distraught students of this pe-
culiar rhythm form, and for the historians of a
. scre¥fy era, too.
What's more^ Mr. Goodman, needn't look beyond
his own crew for swing's crown princes, Lionel Coconut Grove. Ambassa-
Hampton, Jess Stacey and Ziggy Elman to mention dor Hotel. Los Anaeies— .
jiist a few of them. They're proof enough that Benny, opening. May 22-6 weeks,
the Best, is teacher as well as musician. In Miss
Martha Tilton, he has another willing pupil (on the
vocal end)."
i itttHr WKva TO am vou, each ofhcs a «0Mmn wa m mw ^
WESTERN
„_ U1SLU)N.„
1939 MAR 10 AM 4 09
INDIANAPOLIS IND
MUSIC CORP OF AMERICA
745 FIFTH AVE NYK
NEITHER RAIN SLEET SNOW NOR SMALLPOX INFLUENZA AND
LENT COULD HALT US THIS WEEK WITH BENNY GOODMAN AND
HIS. ORCHESTRA STOP ffE HAVE JUST FINISHED CHECKING UP
FOR THE WEEK AND ffE FELT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW THAI THE
GROSS RANKS HIGH AMONG OUR ALLTIME FIGURES AND INCLUDES
A NEW ONE DAY RECORD ON SATURDAY IN SPITE OF UNPRECE-
DENTED OBSTACLES STOP IN OUR OPINION II IS A REAL
TRIUMPH FOR BENNY GOODMAN'S VALUE AS -A POWERFUL "NAME*
AIIRACTION AS A REAUiY ENTERTAINING SHOWMAN WHO
PLEASED THE CROWDS AND AS A HARD-WORKING GENTLEMAN
W HO MORE THAN COOPERATED ; IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE TO GET
BUSINESS STOP THIS MAY SOUND LIKE AN AD BUI IT
HONESTLY EXPRESSES OUR SEHIIMENIS
TED NICHOLAS. MANAGER LYRIC THEATRE.
Waldorf Astoria Hotel —
opening rejturn engage-
ment, October 1st, fall
season.
Camel cigarette oroqrani
9:30 to 10 P.M., Tuesday,
Columbia Networks—'
coast to coast.
Victor Records
RADIO
SCREEN
PRiCE
25^
PabUahid Wnkly at .111 W««t 4*th BtrMt. M*w Tork, N. T- br V«rl»tri Ibo, Annul «ab«orlpUoii. $10. Slncto eopint ii os'ntai
Bat«r«d u neoBd-oIon matter December II, IIOS. at th* Poit Oltlc* at New York. N, ionder tbe act et. Uaroh 1, 1I7B.
COrXBIOHT, MS», BY TABIBTT. INC. AU BIGBTS BEBEkTXD..
yol. 134 No. 2
NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1939
64 PAGES
Everyone Cut In on Santa Anita s
$311381)^ Except John Q. Chump
IjOS Anjeles, March 21.
Hoss racing joined, films, cltnu, oil
•nil cllniate as big bU as tho Ides ot
March galloped up to the half-way
mark. Glue on the boof rated over
$36,000,000 at nearby Santa Anita
traci, where the gee-gees came to a
■top alter 64 days of kicking up the
turt iFlgure Is slightly under last
year, but the meet also was foiu: days
shorter.
Various records went by the
boards, and the suckers are now
working on another foolproof sys-
tem of beating the nags, which
they'll try out (to their sorrow) at
Inglewood's Ho^llywood track, the
next big bankroll denter.
Of the total of $36,386,293 wagered
In 54 days of racing this winter, the
state took 4%. The track's. cut was
6%, plus the breakage, which is an-
other 2%.
Big day was March- 4, running of
the $100,000 Santa Anita handicap.
Both attendance and mutuel records
were shattered,- the turnout being
67,000, topping any previous single
day crowd by nearly 7,000. Chucked
In were $1,701,000, the biggest single
day's betting handle in history of the
track. '
Single race wagers of $406,994 in
1938 were not approached, but the
handle bettered $1,000,000 nine times
during the meet
Last year the betting mark of
(Continued on page 19)
Lederer's FJ)JL Pka
Expedites Motfaer^s
Release from Czecho
Hollywood, March 21.
Through presidential Intercession.
Francis Lederer and his mother will
be reunited here after fears had been
'felt by the actor for her safety in
Prague. When trouble brewed ■ in
the Czech country some weelcs ago
Lederer asked immigration officials
to speed her departure. Feeling that
delay through red tape might defeat
the purpose, he appealed to the
White House.
Iiederer is a strong advocate of
peace and the most sought after
speaker In the film biz. He has an
Important part in Warners' 'Confes-
sions of a Nazi Spy,' which is being
pushed for release.
Shades of the BBC
London, March 14.
London Philharmonic orchestra,
with Sir Thomas Beecham as con-
ductor, has gone commercial. It will,
starting April 0, broadcast a series
of -half-hour programs over Radio
Luxembourg under the banner of
Beechams' Liver Pills.
This is the arst time that serious
music of such standing in the con-
cert world has had a tieup with Brit-
ish advertising. Sir Thomas has
made several appearances in the
United States and recorded for the
Columbia labeL
Take the Theatrel
A patron In a Bronx film hous*
last week f duild hiinselt with the
wlnnlng ticket ofi a $1,400 bank
nit* prize.
When he went up front to col-
lect, he found that the theatre
owner hbd scrammed with the
coin, but first left, the deed to
the theatre.
ZUKOR IS NOT
LEAVING PAR-
BALABAN
Denying reports that Adolph
Zukor, now In London, la resigning
from Paramoimt, Barney Balaban
last week declared Zukor is return-
ing to New York shortly prior to
mailing a survey of the foreign situa-
tion In Australia and South America.
His trip to Australia is declared to
be important to view of considerable
legislative trouble In that English
possession.
Zukor, who continues to hold the
title of chairman of the board of
Par, has covered the entire Conti-
nent except for the totalitarian
states, and is due back in the U. S.
about May 1.
Zukor will spend a month in New
York conferring With Par home of-
fice executives and reporting on the
situation abroad. Then he takes off
for Australia, accompanied there by
John W. Hicks, Jr., head of all for-
eign operations.
After an indeterminate stay in Au-
stralia, Zukor and Hicks will cover
the whole of South America.
JITTERBUGS COOL OFF;
AMS BACK IN VOGUE
Philadelphia, March 21.
Jitterbug contests have about ex-
hausted themselves as b.o. draught
on off nights here and the cycle Is
swinging back to amateurs to pro-
vide low-nut hypoes in nabe spots.
A couple years' surcease from the
simon-pures has apparently whetted
audience appetite for them again.
Warners' houses, particularly, are
going strong for the ams. WB has
effected a tieup with the Philly Daily
News and is running contests In
many of its houses. City-wide win-
ners are promised a job In a WB
short.
Although most of the houses using
the non-pros are vaudfllmers, be-
cause of the necessity otherwise ot
bringing in an orch just for the
ams, two WB straight fihners. Cross
Keys and Strand, are using them. :
ADMEN FiM U.
Couple of New York Advert
tising Agencies C<mtem<
plate Rotating Production
StaCFmeh to' Check Ten'
dency— Not Clear If the
Grind or the Town Is Re-
sponsible
COIN ANGLES
Hollywood Is causing directors to
have nervous breakdowns. But not
the film directors. If s the radio pro-
gram Impre^io who suddenly gets
to the . point of not being able to
function. This has been common
enough during the past two seasons
to attract notice both in Hollywood
itself and on the eastern end where
advertising agencies suddenly won-
der what's happened to easy-going
guys sent "west, to supervise radio
programs originating In the film col-
ony.
Average advertising agency exec-
utive on duty in Hollywood gets
around $300 a week and must - do
business with stars and film execu-
tives regarding such stipends as
pocket change; This disadvantage
has a psychological effect, many ob-
servers feel. Mdreover, the Holly-
wood radio program is often second
fiddle to the production schedules
at the film studios. Constant aggra-
vation, stalling, rehearsal trouble,
triple-checking and distractions both
from the eastern home offices and
the Hollywood madhouse are reputed
factors in undermining the admen.
Social whirl stuff has been suspected
in the etist but scorched as exagger-
ated nonsense among the radio direc-
tors themselves who say playboy, al-
legations are unrealistic and unfair.
"They have neither the time nor the
energy, they claim.
Agencies that have counted ner-
vous wrecks of more or less serious-
ness among Uieir staffmen have in-
cluded: J. Walter 'Thompson, Lord &
Thomas, Young & Rublcam, William
£sty, Benton & Bowles.
Couple of the major agencies In
New York are considering moving
their producing staffs to Hollywood
and - back in short relays with the
hope of stemming the epidemic of
nervous breakdowns that seem to
mark the boys' work on the Coast.
The agencies aren't sure whether it's
the grind or the atmosphere and fig-
ure that the only way to find out is
(Continued on page 19)
Fleet In, Biz Up
Los Angeles, March 21.
A return of part of Uncle Sam's
fleet next month means an Increase
of 8,000 customers to Long Beach
theatres.
Sections of battle squadron are
due from Caribbean waters April S,
7 and 27. Full strength of sailor
population in local waters is 35,000.
New U. S. 25% Penalty' Tariff May
End An American Biz in Reich
Playing Safe
As ■ special attention-getter
stunt for the World's Fair period,
60 extra attendaints will be added
to the staff at the RCA Building,
Rockefeller Center, N. Y. . In-
stead of th« usual 'Information'
designation on their caps and
coats, they will sport labels say-
Ing 'Ask Me.'
No women will be used as at-
tendants—at least not with the
special billing.
KYSER'S $17,100
NEW BAND
RECORD
Claimed fo ba the largest week's
paychOTc any band has ever re-
ceived In a theatre engagement is
the $17,100 taken out of the RKO
Palace, Cleveland, last week by Kay
Kyser. He was In on a guarantee
and percentage and set a new at-
tendance record. Gross was $37,000.
Picture was 'Yes, My Darling
Daughter' and Cleveland la Kyser's
home tov/n.
Kyser recently played the Strand,
N. Y., at $10,000 for himself, with an
additional $2,000 paid by theatre for
a standby orchestra. When playing
the Stanley, Pittsburgh, some time
back for Warner Bros., Kyser
dragged down $12,000 as his bit on
a percentage iMoklng.
Previous record at the Palace,
Cleveland, was set by Mae West last
spring. Her gross was higher, but
Kyser-'Daughter' drew 7,000 more
people. Admish top for Kyser, how-
ever, was 10c lower than it was for
Miss West
ROCKEFELLERS WARY
OF PUBUC OPINION
Last, section of the Sixth Avenue
El to be dismantled In the midtown
New York district will be the strip
which borders Rockefeller Center.
Thereby is said to hang a tale of
subtle public relations.
Structure was first attacked at
S3rd street and a portion was re>
moved. Workmen jumped the
stretch between 48th and Slst street
and directed their efforts to the
42nd street sector.
Understood that the Rockefeller
Center management requested the
switch in order that there would be
no issue raised among property own-
ers, or in the press, that any pref-
erence was given to the Rockefeller
interests, despite the fact that re-
moval of the elevated will greatly
enhance the Radio City setting.
U. S, Government's «ctlon in Im-
posing -a- coimtervalllng or "penalty*
duty of 25% on most German goods
is expected by the film industry ttt
have repercu^ons agahist the three
major picture companies still In
Germany, and possibly force their
withdrAwAt -from - that nation en-
tirely.
' Heavy additional duty on (3ermnn
gopdSa 'and loss. of .virtually all the
Cvech'bdoyakla market resulted
from Hitler's' sudden acquisition of
that territory last week. This coupe
brought the tariff retaliation from
Washington as part of the U. S. plan
to rebuke Nazi Germany.
Although the new duty (tacked
onto already heavy ones against
Germany) probably will not prevent
motion pictures produced in Ger-
many -from entering this country,
American picture officials believe
that the Nazi reaction against U. S.
film companies will be so severe
that It no longer will be profitable
to attempt distribution in Germany.
Paramount, Metro and 20th-Fox
still distribute in Germany, but . the
blocked .mark, which gives them
only a fraction - of the total rehtal
coin, has grratly. reduced profits in
recent years'. N, Y. distribution
executives now see little hope of
holding much of the market in
Czechoslovakia, because the same
(Continued on page 19)
Fresh Coin OOs Prod.
Wbeek at GN Plant;
$25,000 Paid Frenke
Hollywood, March 21.
Grand National goes back into
production this week with fresh coin.
Evidence of a new bankroll was in-
dicated when Earle W. Hanunons
paid off several outstanding studio
debts, including $25,000 to Dr. Eu-
gene Frenke for the Anna Sfen
starrer, 'Exile Express.'
Hammons is en route to New York
to complete a deal with bankers for
further financing. He said he would
appoint a sales chief to fill Edward
Alperson's place when he returns.
No. 1 Picket
Mrs. Herbert K Lehman, wife ot
the governor of New York, is heaving
her annual shindig April 5 in Albany
for the wives ot newspaper corre-
spondents who cover the state cap-
ital. Guests, will attend in peasant
costumes of various countries.
Hostess will appear as a peasant
of Utppia, in a costume bearing a
flock of gag slogans, such as 'No
Politics.' 'No Taxes,' 'High Wages, No
Hours,' 'No Legislature,' 'No Ora-
tory,' 'No Budget,' 'No Strikes,' 'No
Unemployment' and 'Two Chickens
In Every Pot' She had added 'No
Republicans,' but that was dropped
without explanation. Costume is be-
ing made by Brooks.
VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
RKO-Selznick Deal Reported Set,
Except for Pan Bemiaii s Status;
Latter s Profit-Sharing a Hitch
RKO and the Whitney-Selznlck
picture Interests, according to re-
ports have reached an agreement
■ which will bring David O. Sebnick
into the RKO Radio studios once
more as head of all production. Only
hitch i? said to be the matter of
Pandro Herman's contract. , Latter's
deal giving him a percentage of
profits on all pictures made on the
RKO lot or distributed by RKO, with
exception of the Disney product, is
said to be have three more years to
run.
Berman's arrangement with RKO
cuts him in on all grosses regardless
of whether pictures are personally
supervised by him or not Producer,
came to New York 10 days ago re-
putedly for eionferences with presi-
dent George W. Schaefer, as did John
Hay Whitney for the same purpose
last Wednesday (15). With depar-
ture of Whitney for Coast again on
Friday (17) solution, of the problem
may have been worked, but no de-
tails are forthcoming yet
A renewal of Sel2xiick-Intema-
tional's distribution contract with
United' Artists is also still a . very
strong possibility. Deal has been on
and off for more than six months,
and it was reported from the Coast
this past week that conferences on it
were again being held between Selz-
nick and Murray Silverstone. Final
result of the RKO-UA rivalry for the
Selznick product may definitely be
decided before the week is out .
Schaefer- la reported to have
thrown every resource at the com-
pany's command into eflprts to line
up the Selznick affiliation. Rumors
emanating from last week's confer-
ences were to the effect that RKO
asked Herman to abrogate his con-
tract and consent to a new pact for
a term of years, which wonld in-
volve only, such pictures as Her-
man would personally supervise or
produce.
Reaction to this was reported to be
adverse. RKO, It Is said, is now pre-
pared to buy off remainder of Her-
man's contract since the Selznick
deal would not go through if latter
cannot occuM[top spot he formerly
held with RkO, nor would he con-
sent to a deal If Herman's present
arrangement is allowed to continue.
RKO already has lined up a num-
ber of producer deals calling for
either financing by RKO, or for
profit-sharing by producers, with
Gregory tia.Cava, Leo McC^arey, Max
Gordon, Harold Lloyd, Leslie How-
ard-Walter Futter combination. Her-
bert Wilcox's (Imperadio) produc-
tion arrangement and others.
Berman-UA Tteap7
Coast production upsets this year
may involve a -drastic change, in
Samuel Goldwyn's partnership status
with UA, as well as a Herman-RKO
split If latter leaves RKO Radio, in-
timates claim he will join the UA
producing ranlcs with a series of six
pictures annually. Such a deal
would eventuate, it is said, only after
the Goldwyn-UA difficulties are set-
tled, one way or the other.
United Artists executives assert
that four UA partners are now
broaching a proposition to Goldwyn
to buy out his interests in the com-
pany. Sum of $1,000,000 is mentioned
as the amount they are prepared to
lay on the line for his 4,000 shares
of stock. Confabs on this proposi-
tion are known to have been under
way on the Coast all last week, Start-
ing with the arrival: of Charles
.Schwartz, UA counsel, and Murray
Silverstone, general manaser, from
New York.
Herman, who left New York for
Coast yesterday (Tuesday), claimed
he did not come east for any confer-
ences, but merely to see the sights
and the shows. He said he h^d no
knowledge of any RKO-Selznick
deal, nor has there been any change
in his long-term contract.
So. CaL's $126,504
To Paralysis Fund
Los Angeles, March 21.
Southern California contributed
$126,504 to the 1930 Infantile Paraly-
sis Fund, with L. A. county 79%
above last year.
Entire state contribution exceeded
that of 1938 by 65%, recording to
Joseph M. Schenck, general chair-
man ..for jCallfornia.
RKO '38 NET 300G
UNDER THAT OF '37
Net profit of Keith-Albee-Orph-
eum Corp. and subsidiary com-
panies dipped nearly $300,000 last
year as compared with 1937, accord-
ing to a statement released this
week. Net was $096,995 in 1938, as
against $1,300,887 in the previous
year. The net in 1938 was equal to
$15.50 on each share of 64,304 shares
of preferred stock outstanding,
while $20.23 was shown for pre-
ferred in 1937.
Total income from theatre admis-
sions, rents and other income was
$14,928,887, while additional In-
come, including dividends received,
amounted^ to $1,841,128. K-A-0
showed consolidated surplus of $7,-
868,888 as of Dec. 31 last .
Company paid oot $562,660 In divi-
dends, .as ■ instnicted . by directors,
same being taken, from capital sur-
plus.
GORDON'S RKO
DEALTORUN
2 YEARS
The deal under wblch RKO will
participate with Max Gordon Plays
& Pictures Corp., in the Joint pur-
chasing of screen rights to shows
and financing of their conversion to
film, releasing the finished product
on a .percentage basis with Gordon
and Harry Goetz, has been set lor
two years. Two pictures to "be done
each year on basis worked out
Under the contract; Gordon and
Goetz will have the option of mak-
ing additional pictures, financed en-
tirely ,by the Gordon Plays t Pic-
tures Corp., for release by iElKO.
Thus far, the combination has
closed for the film rights to 'Abe
Lincoln in Illinois' for an approxi-
mate $275,000.
GROSS FOLLOWS WORK
TO U AS STUDIO AIDE
Hollywood, March 21.
Jack Gross, who was Cliff Work's
L.A. manager when he (Work) was
western division chief for RKO, to
which post Gross was upped when
Work went over to Universal, has
joined his old boss at the studio. He
becomes assistant studio manager
April 1 and again works directly
under Work.
Charles Koemer, RKO division
manager in New E^ngland, succeeds
Gross in overseeing RKO houses in
Iios Angeles, Frisco, Denv>r and Salt
Lake.
Gross has been with RKO for the
past 10 years.
. Successor to Koemer as New Eng-
land division manager of RKO thea-
tres is expected to be named today
(Wed.), by John J. O'Connor^ general
manager of the circuit
Late yesterday (Tues.), O'Connor
stated that reports'HaroId B. Frank-
lin would be appointed to the New
Enslcnd post were incorrect He
added that there had been no dis-
cussions concerning Franldin for the
spot
HARDY'S ANTE LOW
Government Wants $12,778
Taxes from Comedian
More
Washington, March 2L
Oliver Hardy, film comedian whose
marital troubles have kept him in
the headlines, is also having tax
worries. The government does not
like his method of calculation, in
which he declined to pay on amounts
which he said were credited to his
wife. Myrtle Lee Hardy.
Review of the Internal Revenue
Bureau's assessment for 1935 was
sought from Board- of Tax Appeals
last week. Treasury unit wants $12,-
773 more, on account of Income and
excess profits taxes.
Hardy maintained the government
erred In refusing to allow various
items of business expense and in
taxing him for $38,072 which was
part of his frau's income. Govern-
ment fixed his net income at $76,149.
WB Opening N.Y.
Honywood at $2
Top for 'Juarez'
Warner Bros. Is reopening the
Hollywood, N, Y,, with 'Juarez' on a
two-a-day run, starting May 28, and
has made a deal with the Radio City
Music Hall for the booking of 'Dark
Victory,' the first WB picture the
M H. will have had since late last
summer.
'Jaurez' will plajr at a $2 top at
the Hollywood, according to plans.
House has not had a picture since
'Zola,' two years ago, "Victory' Is
pointed for the Music Hall April 20.
As • result of these plans 'Victory'
is substituted on the Strand, N. Y.,
schedule by "Nazi Spy,' which will
come In with Fred Waring's band
the end of April. House wlU play
*You Can't Get Away With Murder*
and the Jimmy Dorsey orchestra for
a probable two weeks and Dodge
City,' with Guy Lombardo, for three
weeks ahead of this. liOmbardo lias
been booked for three weeks
straight, starting April 7.
WILL HAYS BACK
FOR MPPDA MEET
Will Hays returned this week from
a 10-day vacation In Nassau and will
remain in New York until after the
annual meeting of the Motion Pic-
ture Producers & Distributors Assn.,
March 27.
Hays Is putting the final touches
on his annual report this week.
MPPDA directors will meet just be-
fore, or right after, the annual ses-
sion.
Pmtzman on U Boari(
Incnmbents Re-elected
Chajrles Priitzman, of the law firm
of Chadborne, Hunt, Jaeckel &
Brown, was named a new director of
Universal Pictures at the annual
meeting of stockholders In Wilming-
ton, Del., last week.
Members re-elected were Nate J.
Blumberg,'Paul G. Brown, Daiiiel C.
Collins, . J. .C^eever Cowdin, ehair-
man, Preston Davie, William Frei-
day, John D. Penlck, Samuel L
Posen, Ottavlo Porchet, Budd Rog-
ers, Daniel M. Sheafler and W. H.
Taylor, Jr.
(hher Ne ws of hter est to Fifans
BBC steep fees blamed for G-B balk on visio fight Page 19
New South Wales film trade board quits operations Page 19
Sir Victor Wilson quit Aussie post voluntarily .Page 19
Bob Hope's quarterly -air vacash Page 35
Don Ameche star parts a radio difficulty Page 35
Bums and Allen ordered east In May; reported off Chester-
field ^ Page 36
N. A. B. authorizes its prez to dicker with Ascap. ........... [page 37
Television's kiloeycle room safeguarded by F. C. C Page 38
Radio reviews: George Jessel, Dorothy Parker, Brboks Atkin-
son, Bea Lillie, T^UuIah Bankhead .Page 40
-Artie Shaw cracks MCA hotel pagfe 47
Jack Bobbins' 25th year in music biz page 47
Fidler Gong Peak Sweetly
Hollywood, March 21.
Hollywood's bad boy of the air, James Marlon Sidler, has been told
by his soap, boss, Procter & Gamble^ to sin no more against the reign-
ing kings and queens of flickervllle. Chastening of Jlmmle took place
iOfflo weeks ego but word leaked last week when the long arm of the
(Lenox RUey) Lohr reached 3,000 miles across the country and gave
the Fidler knuckles a thumping rap.
Not only has Fidler promised to be a good boy but as evidence of
his good faith he pledged that hereafter he will (a) ring the bell only
for good pictures; (b) keep his open letters ion th«.sunny side, and (c)
say only nice things about pictures and picture peopla
In the midst of his good intentions Jimmle insists he's being picked
on. He tour-lieUed himself with Tv* always tried, to cooperate and
never intentionally harmed anyone.'
Meanwhile other networkers are awaiting NBC's new code of ethics
to see who gets switched next
RYDGE 0.0m H'WOOD
PRODUCT FOR AUSSIE
Hollywood, March 21,
Norman B. Rydge, head man of
Greater Union Theatres, Australia, is
here on a product prowl and leaves
this weekend for New York. Also
boating in were Clarence Hake, 20th
Centum-Fox Australian rep, and
Bernard Freeman, - Metro distrib
chief there. Harry Hunter, Para
mount boss in the Antipodes, is due
in AprU17. • ■ • •
Paramount studio heads ate toss-
ing a feed for Rydge Thiursday (2a).
$542,554 GOES
BACK TO
LOEfS
Supreme Court Justice Louis A,
Valente Thursday (16) decided that
$542,594 must be returned to Loews,
Inc., by the six main defendants in
the stodiholders' suit brought against
them and the company.
"Hie assessments Include Nicholas
M. Schenck, $69,447; David Bernstein,
$41,668; Lu B. Mayer, $lBf,199; J. Rob-
ert Rubin, $112,505; the estate of
Irving llialberg, $136,089, and Arthur
M. Loew, $14,754.
This Is In connection with a $30,-
000,000 action filed against the com-
pany, its officers and directors, by
11 consolidated stockholders, who
charged waste and mismanagement
of the company's affairs.
A Judgment will be entered of-
ficially in the court records, follow-
ing which attorneys^ for the plahiUfl
will subnut requests for allowances.
No statement was forthcoming on
whether an appeal from the decision
would be taken.
L. A. TO N. Y.
Mischa Auer.
Don Barclay.
Bruce Cabot
M. V. C:arroll.
Pat dl Cicco.
L. Wolfe Gilbert
James R. Grainger.
Walter E. Green.
Harry Grey.
Mitchell Hamilburg.
G. F. Hartwell.
Earl G. Hlnes.
Adam liehr.
Bela Lugosi.
Cliff Nazarro.
I.eroy Prinz.
Norman B. Rydge.
Robert Simpson.
Ed Sullivan.
Lewis Allen Weiss.
Les Whalen.
Herbert Yates.
N, Y. TO L. A,
John Beal.
Edgar Bergen.
A. C. . Herman.
Pandro Berman.
Jack Brewer.
W. E. Calloway.
James Comer.
S. Charles Einfeld.
Lynn Famol.
Walter Futter.
Vaughn Glaser.
Leland Hayward.
Oscar Haminersteln.
Harold Lloyd.
Bo.ris Morros.
Harold Rodner.
Jack SkirbalL
John Hay Whitney,
ADDROOSEVET
TO ANTI TRUST
DB^ANTS
.. Washington, March 21.
Personnel changes in the organi-
zations of leading defendants 'in the
New York anU-trtist lUlt were fol<
lowed last week by a Justice De<
partment announcement that James
Roosevelt, son of the President, will
be one of several Individuals added
as respondents In the government's
campaign to abolish block booking,
force divorcement of theatres from
studios, and bring about other trade
practice reforms.
Although his technical connection
is with Samuel Goldwyn, the former
White House secretary, will be
named as a responsible party In the
drive against United Artists. There
have been, several other changes In
the bill of complaint as affecting
UA. Biuides Roosevelt, the D.J. will
drag in Charles Schwartz, Emanuel
SUverstone and Theodore Caruso,
letting off Douglas I'alrbanka, Mary
Pickford, Charlie Chaplin and Gold-
wyn.
There are switches also In the
roster of Loew's and Paramount de-
fendants. Edwin lb Welsl and '
George L.Bagnall were made pinch-
hitters for Charles A. McCullough
and Henry Herzbnm In the Par bat-
ting order. Action against Harold
A. Fortingtoh and Harry O. King
will be dropped. In the Loew's case
Henry R. Wlnthrop will be named
Instead of William A. FhUlIps.
With no substitutions due, papers
will be revised to drop the names of
A. H. Glanninl, George Shaefer and
Uoyd Wright In the UA actions.
Hearinc Vareh U In N. T.
The Department of Justice Sat-
urday (18) filed an application In the,
N. Y. federal court for the substitu-
tion of defendants in Its anti-trust
suit against the major companies.
The application wIU be heard Fri-
day (24) before Judge William
Bondy and no opposition is expected.
The Department of Justice has no-
tified Harry J. MuUer and Edward
C. Raflerty, of UA, of their inten-
tion to examine them before trial
on Monday (27).
UA so far has made no attempt to
limit the scope of the examination.
Company will file its formal demand
for a bill of particulars from the
government Friday (24).
SAILINGS
March 25 (New York to Rome)
Jane Wyatt (Rex).
March 24 (New York to London)
Bela Lugosi (Queen Mary).
March 23 (New York to London)
C^atharine Doucet, Effie Afton; Ethel
Remy (Washington).
JOarch 18 (New York to Paris) Ben
Blumentbal, Jacques Rubenstein,
Rene Blum, Margot Johnson, 1
Cremiu-Javal, , Jerome Jackson,
Karin Branzell, Gladys Cooper,
(Seorge Hale Troupe (He de France).
March 17 (Los Angeles to Kings-
ton, Jamaica) Herman Sims (Eu-
ropa).
March 17 (Los Angeles to Hono-
lulu) James Ellison, Gertrude Dur-
kin (Lurline).
March 17 (New York to Naples)
Mrs. Ted Florlto (Conte di Savoia).
ARRIVALS
(At the Port of New Yotk)
Mr. and Mrs. Abel Green, Mr. and
Mrs. Arthur Schwartz, Mr. and Mrs.
Arthur 'Bugs' Baer, Paul~ Dscard,
Donald Flamm, Dorothy Hlaire, Bil-
Ue Bailey.
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
PICTURES
VARIETY 3
PIC 6. 0. GETTING STRONGER
Sflverstone linii^ Up Producers
ToTnraOntMAPain'M
HollTWOod, IAaich .21.
United Artists will have several
rew producers In Its fold making
product for the lMO-41 season. That
Is the purpose of the trip here by
Murray Sllverstone, company chief-
tain, and Charles Schwartz, its attor-
ney.
Company Is figuring ahead to the
extent that it will insure itself a
minimum of at least 30 pictures
yearly from Hollywood, even in the
event that Sam Goldwyn should
withdraw from the fold.
Agreement is virtually set
whereby Sol Lesser, with Louis
Lurle capital, will formulate a three-
year deal for Ernst Lubltsch to make
two pictures annually starting with
the 1940 product schedule.
With John H. Whitney in town,
Sllverstone and Schwartz conferred
- with' him over the weekend and in-
dications are that by May 1 possibly
another term deal will be made to
handle the SeUnick-Intemational
product starting with the' 1030-40 sea-
son. Likely that David S«Iznick will
have 'Gone with the Wind' out of the
way so that he will be able to get
the first of the new season's pictures
ready for distribution early in No-
vember. There's also an BKO-Selz-
nlck deal on the fire.
£!chwartz left for New York today
(Tuesday) with Sllverstone remain-
ing until end of the week talking
proposed arrangements with two
other producers who ere desirous of
coming into the UA fold. These
deals will all be for at least a three-
year minimum and from two to four
pictures yearly, financed by the pro-
ducers themselves, as UA will do no
financing outside of the Walter
Wanger product.
James Mulvey, New York biz rep
for Samuel Goldwyn, arrived here
yesterday (Monday) on summons
from the producer. .
U Drops Crime
Hollywood. March 21.
Crime Club, mysteries have been
dropped from Universal's 1030-40
production schedule. I<ast Clubber
on this year's slate, 'Metropolitan
Police,' rolls Thursday (23).
Lawrence fox, Jr., head of Crijne
Club Productions, is shopping for a
major release.
MOSS HANDED OWN
PROD. UNIT AT PAR
Hollywood, March 21.
Paramount signed Jack . Moss to
organize a production unit with
Henry Hathaway and Theodore Reed
•s directors.
New Job is to advise on stories for
two pilots and supervise filming. He
win work directly under William
I<eBaron, managing director of pro-
duction.
Moss will continue as personal
manager of Hathaway and Gary
Cooper.
1ST 3
5% BEHIND 1
Jan., Feb. and March Grosses
Good Despite So-So Prod-
uct — Promising Releases
in April and May Point to
'39 Biz Eventually Eclip-
sing Last Year's Figures
SEC Reveals Monogram,
Trans Lux Stock Deals
.Washington, March 21.
A small turnover in film stocks
was registered with the Securities &
Exchange Commission last month. In
a reljort Issued today (Tuesday),
Commish disclosed the acquisition of
2,500 shares of Trans Lux Corp. com-
mon stock by Robert L. Daine, New
York officer and director. Daine re-
ceived the stock last August as com-
pensation. Fifty-one shares of
Daine's holdings— which totaled 2,551
shares— were disposed of in Decem-
ber as a gift
Large slug of Monogram common
stock was acquired by O. Hfenry
Brlggs on Jan. id, report revealed,
when the New York director picked
up 6,104 shares under option.
WB SIGNS GENIUS
St. Louis, March 21.
Eleanor Gardner Smith, four-year-
old prodigy with an I.Q. rating of
140, 'near genius class/ has been
signed by Warner Bros, to appear in
^o shorts to be made in New York.
<'irst shooting skedded for April 3.
The child, daughter of Gardner
Smith, shoe supplies salesman, is
nicknamed 'Snooky.'
20TH MAY CUT
SCHEDULETO
UNDER S5
Pending the iOnal setup of the
1030-40 program to be officially aU'
nounced at its three-day convention
in Chicago starting April 30, it is
expected that the number of pie-
tures to be offered by 20th-Fox for
the coming season will be . less than
Uie 55 scheduled this year (38-30)
S. R. Kent and Herman Wobber are
on the Coast working out the details
of the schedule for the new sea-
son.
It is probable that 20tta may make
10 to 12 pictures in England this
year, according to understanding,
and will spend considerably more
on that side as a result The figure
now mentioned is $5,000,000, whereas
the budget for the program to be
turned out in Hollywood is exi)ected
to run from $25,000,000 to $30,000,'
000, with a representative number of
high -budget, top-percentage pic
tures to go on the schedule.
The three-day Chicago convention
will not only include sales forces,
ranging from h. o., executives down
to branch managers, but will also
take in all the company's fiUn sales-
men throughojt the country and
Canada. Wobber, general sales man-
af,ei, will presiie.
FILM EXPORTS OFF
$129,000 IN 1938
Washington, March 21.
There was a sharp drop in value
of U. S. motion picture film exports
recorded in 1938, according to a re-
port released last week by the De-
partment of Commerce.
Revenues slipped during the year
from $470,000, in 1937, to $341,000, in
1938, survey revealed. Figures for
1936 were considerably ahead of last
year, with celluloids valued at $386,-
000 shipped to the South American
country.
Although values took a substantial
skid, quantity of film exports has in-
creased since .1936, report showed.
Measured by linear feet film ex-
ports have advanced from 1,667,000
in 1936, and 1,748,000 in 1937, to
2,141,000 in 1038.
26 Directors on M-G
Payroli; High for Lot
Hollywood, March 21.
Metro lot lias more directors to-
day than at any other time in its
history.
Latest addition is Norma-i McLeod,
No. 26.
Hellinger on Gridiron
Hollywood, March 21.
Mark Hellinger gets a football pic-
ture as his next production Job at
Warners.
Its title is 'Light Horse Harry.' .
ALL COS. RATE HIGH
With all of 1938 running behind
the grosses of the prior year (1037),
but with a gain made in '38's last
quarter which reduced the drop to
around 7%, for the months of Janu-
ary, February and March this year
the theatres wiU be less than 5%
back of the same period for '38. This
in itself is highly encouraging, in
view of the ^product on release the
first three months this year, but
with what is coming for April and
May, it is predicted that business
should be ahead rather than still
back of a comparison with the prior
12 months.
Based on release schedules and the
promises of distributors for April
and May, buyers and theatre execu
tives believe that the theatres wiU
have a good chance of doing as well,
if not better, than they did the same
two months in '38. Should this level
in grosses be reached, the indications
would point to ai much sturdier year
at hand than 1938 turned out to be.
The march back to 1937 gross levels
might thus be on. Biz in "37' was
best since 1920.
The advances made the first quar
ter of '39 are all the more hearten'
ing in view of the bad weather that
has generally prevailed over the
country, with a lot of snow and much
rain as b.o. Interference. This sen-
ously chops the normal expectations
in receipts in the smaller towns and
communities where country trade is
drawn, and auto or other travel is
difficult when the weather is bad.
Prodact Prospects
First three months this year, also,
have not been notable for outstand-
ing product with only about a dozen
pictures rating good to excellent at
the boxoffice. And some of these
have not been good in certain spots,
or, while good in big situations, have
been disappointing in smaller towns,
or vice versa.
Studying the release charts for
April and May, theatre men are
highly optimistic over the product
possibilities, as agains* that which
they got last AprU and May (38).
An analysis of all major distribu-
(Cbhtinued on page 19)
PAR SETTLES
WANGER'S
SUIT
Settlement of the Walter Wanger
suit against Paramount, brought two
months ago for $75,000, has been
reached through a deal under which
Par has purchased all interest which
Wanger had in "Trail of the Lone-
some Pine,' produced by him for
Par release last year, as well as oth-
ers he made for this company.
Pictures Wanger made for Par re-
lease were distributed by latter
under an agreement which split
profits between them on sales of
pictures when made, and on any re-
issues that might be decided on.
Wanger's suit charged he had not
received his full share of profits
shown.
Amount paid by Par for all rights
to the Wanger Alms was not men-
tioned.
Kordas New Company to Replace
His London Fdms as UA Producer
Hitchcock's 3d
Hollywood, March 21.
Third plctiire of the trio to be di-
rected by Alfred Hitchcock for
Selznlck-International Is 'Flashing
Stream,' from current London stage
play.
Other two are 'Rebecca,' slated to
start next month, and 'Titanic' '
PK 15% AHE^
OF GEN. BIZ
IN '38
The motion picture business ran
about 15% ahead of general business'
last year, even at the lovf ebb of in-
dustrial activity in 1938, figures com-
piled from a summary of the Mo-
tion Picture Producers & Distribu-
tors Assn. reveaL
WhUe the cost of making pictures
was trimmed slightly after June last
year, there was no great betterment
in gross receipts until product im-
proved. Hays office summary shows
that the estimated gross boxoffice in
the U. S. remained close to $1,000,-
000,000 during the past year and
slightly below 1937. Actual weekly
attendance was rated the same as
1937— about 85,000,000 per week.
There were virtually the same
number of theatres in operation
(16,251) as in 1937, although seating
capacity dipped from 500,00<) to 600,'
000 below the previous year.
CHAPLIN DENIES GAG
ON ANTI-DICTATOR PIC
Hollywood, March 21.
C!harles Chaplin today spiked cur-
rent reports that he Is abandoning
his picture based on dictators.
Chaplin says he is not worried
about threats of censorship and be-
lieves that such a film would create
healthier laughter throughout the
world.
Bischoff Films W;
Trio on His WB Sked
Hollywood, March 21.
Sam Bischoff started filming 'Give
Me a Child,' his first producing job
at Warners since his return from
Europe.
Others slated for early starts on
the Bischoff sked are '20,000 Years
in Sjng Sing,' 'Stuff of Heroes,' and
'John Dillinger, Outlaw.'
BLUMENTHAL SAILS
will Confer With English Financiers
On Suit vs. Par
Ben Blumenthal sailed for London
Saturday (18) for conferences with
English financiers in connection with
his suit against Paramount Pictures,
Inc. Blumenthal's appeal from the
N. Y. supreme court's decision that,
his suit will have to be transferred
to this country from England will
be argued by Prof. A. Maurice
Wormser, of New York University,
in conjunction with Blumenthal's
regular attorneys, Klein & Wein-
berger.
If his appeal is lost Blumenthal
will file suit here on the alleged
breach of contract by Paramount on
a proposed acquisition of Paramount
theatres and distribution business in
England. _
London, March 21.
Alexander Korda has formed a
hew company known as Alexander
Korda Productions, Ltd., to make
four features for world distribution
at Denham studios this year. They
will be distributed by United Artists,
but will be billed as presented by
I,ondon Film Productions.
The assets of the new Korda com-
pany comprise 'Four Feathers,' made
by London Films, Korda outfit at •
reputed cost of $1,000,000. Pruden-
tial Insurance company gave the
money to Korda, it Is reported here,
to reestablish hlmseU, Korda relin-
quishing his managing director in-
terest in London Films and Denham.
Hope is held here that the picture
may show close to $2,000,000 gross
in this country, U. S., Canada, Aus-
tralia and Africa markets. Revenue
obtained, in any case, will be used
by Korda's new company to make
more films,
Korda (s practically the only di-
rector of importance in the new com-
pany, with the remainder just nom-
inees. Tour Feathers' Is scheduled
to open at the Odeon theatre here
soon.
Move Expected
' Intimation that Alexander Korda,
head of London Films, was to
start a new production company and
gradually disassociate himself from
the original London Films, became
known last - January at United
Artists' stockholders meeting on the
Coast
At that time, the UA partners
okayed Korda's plan involving a
new company in which he would
have a substantial financial Interest
and which would produce pictures
In Hollywood^ as well as at Denham
studios. With the exception of Sam-
uel Goldwyn, the partners voted to
accept pictures and commitments
from Korda's new company, for all
purposes as if such pictures were
produced by London Film Produc-
tions, Ltd., and to distribute them on.
the same terms. In effect, the new
company was to substitute in place
of London F'' ~js. It was this new
activity of Korda's that Goldwyn
complains of, among other matters.
In his pending suit against UA.
In the absence of specific details
concerning the new Korda Com-
(Continued on page 60)
Trad* Mark Reilat«red
FOUNDED BT BIUE SILVERMAN
Fabliiihed 'Weelilr hw TARIETT, loc.
Sid Silverman, Praildant
1S4 Waat 40tb Streat, New York Ctt7
SUBSCRIPTION
Annual tlO FeralcD..... Ill
Single Coplea 26 Centi
Vol. 134
120
No. 2
INDEX
' Advance Production Chart 22
BllU 54-55
Chatter 61
Concert 58
Dance Bands .45-49
15 Years Ago 50
Film Booking Chart 27
Film Reviews 20
Film Showmanship.. 8
Forum .' 63
House' Reviews. 52-53
Inside— Legit 56
Inside— Music 47
Inside — Orchestras 49
International News 19
Joe Laurie 29
Legitimate 56-59
Literati 60
Music 45-49
New Acts 53
Night Clubs. 50-51
Obituary 62
Outdoors 63
Pictures 2-34
Radio 35-44
Eladio Reviews 40
Radio — International 38
Unit Review 50
Vaudeville ..50-51
VARIETY
PICtUBES
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
NEEY THREATENS TO PULL HIS BILL
FROM COMHnTEE FOR SENATE PUSH
Suspects Film Lobby of Trying to Sabotage Anti-
Block Booking Measure — Intends to Put It
Through This Session
Washington, March 21.
Suspicion that attempts ate being
made to sabotage the proposal
prompted Senator M. M. Neely, West
Virginia Democrat and the fllm in-
dustry's most annoying congressional
gadfly, to threaten Monday (20) to
seek discharge ot his perennial anti-
block-booking bill from the Senate
Interstate Commerce Committee.
With the declaration he intends to
p\it the measure through this ses-
sion, Neely served notice; he will
present a motion to place the bill on
the calendar without the forinality
of Committee action, unless there is
an early break in the log-jam. Id
talking with reporters, he reflected
the idea that a plot has been hatched
to bury the measure, which was re-
ferred to a subcommittee several
weeks ago.
Failure of the subcommittee to pay
any attention to his cure-all nettled
' the West Virginian into implying
that industry lobbyists were respon-
sible for the delay. Neely also in-
dicated he is sure that wire-pullers
rigged the subcommittee, which is
: headed by Senator Ellison D. Smith,
Democrat, of South Carolina.
Pressure of other business — notably
relief for cotton growers and fram-
ing ot a new farm panacea — has kept
Senator Smith busy since Congress
. opened, with no indication when he
may get around to calling the sub-
committee together. Others of the
: group also are occupied with other
comihittee work and do not appear
disposed to force the issue.
UDprecedented Manenver
Neely's announcement was made
without warning and foreshadowed
an almost unprecedented parliamen'
■ tary maneuver. It's seldom that
' Senate committees are discharged
' from further consideration' of any
measures, or that bills get on the
calendar minus % formal report
The West Virginiah, who piloted
the proposal through the Senate late
last year with only brief debate and
' virtually no ' opposition, had hoped
to head the subcommittee. His plan
wa.s to. refuse to listen to the same
witnesses . or testimony presented
previously, on the ground the Senate
' alreafiy has enough information
upon which to base its judgment
Counterpart bill, fathered by Con-
gressman Andrew Edmiston, another
West Virginia Democrat is slumber-
ing in the House Interstate Com:
merce Committee, with no .sign of
early attention. Group is. engaged
in writing railroad legislation and
several other industrial bills deemed
of far more importance than the at-
tempt to lift the calibre of screen
fare by Federal flat
10 Contracts
Hollywood, March 21
Howard Xoch inked scripting pact
at Warners.
Monogram filed minor contract
with Marcia Mae Jones for court ap-
■ proval.
Metro renewed Edward Kilroy's
actsr ticket for one year.
Charles Coburn si::n>cd two-picture
deal wilh RKO.
Warners continued Richard Ma-
caulay'.-; writing pact one year.
Mo.lvin Wald, writer, signed by
Warners.
Metro si.«tned Helen Gilbert to
plfver p:ct.
WiUir.m Ludv/ig's writing option
picked UT by Metro.
Warners hoisted Leo Katz' script-
Inj! option.
Amr.i'd D'Usseau Inked writer
deal at Metro.
20th-F.ox picked up player option
on Jean Rogers.
Warners Rave Gcraldfhe Fitzgerald
a new player ticket
Elizabeth Meohan Inked writing
deal at 20th-Fox.
Monogram filed minor contracts
with Martin Spellman, 13, and Jackie
Moran, 16.
Superior court approved Mono-
gram's pact with Marcia. Mae Jones,
and Warners for Frankie Thomas.
Universal contracted Robert Cum-
mings. '
Harry Shen.ihn .signed The Kings'
Men for Hopalong Cassidy pictures
at Paramount
King Vidor Takes Over
Mwest' Pilot Job
Hollywood, March 21.
King Vidor takes over the direc-
tion of Metro's "Northwest Passage,'
work on which was halted last fall
by snow on location in Idaho. Shoot-
ing starts next month. .
W. S. Van Dyke, original director,
is busy on another picture.
NEW PA. BILLS
HIT INDUSTRY
2 WAYS
Philadelphia, March 21.
Both good and bad news for fllm
interests emanated from Harrisburg
last week, where the state legisla-
ture is meeting. Tax measures and
a revival ot . interest in abolishing
Sunday pictures were the calls for a
crying towel, while legalization of
bank night and other gimmicks gave
exhibs reasons for cheer.
Principal tax levy suggested and
one given a good chance to pass was
introduced by Representative Edwin
Winner, republican, chairman of the
House Ways and Means committee
It would impose a. one-cent tap on
each 25c admish. Similar excise was
in force here for several years and
allowed to die by the last legisla-
ture, democratic-controlled. Film
interests have a strong lobby work-
ing against the tax, which, it is esti-
mated, would yield $7,000,000 dur
ing the next biennium.
Curiously enough, the tax would
mean nothing to Philly exhibs, be-
cause the city adopted It last year
when the state allowed It to die.
Now the city tax would have to be
repealed, experts declared, because
the state constitution forbids over-
lapping levies.
Two separate bills covering bank
nights were introed by Philly demo-
crats. Measure placed in the hopper
by Reuben E. Cohen would legalize
the games and place a 15% tax on
the total of the prizes, the impost to
be used for old age and blind pen-
sions. Representative Samuel M.
Rosenfeld's bill allows the gimmicks
on payment of a flat $100-a-year tax
Revival of interest in a Sunday clos-
ing law was seen in a statement by
Rev. W. B. Forney, reformer, that a
bill Is now being prepared by friendly
legislators to ban Sabbath Alms, base-
ball, Ashing and all other diversions,
Overwhelming way in which the
blue laws were abolished in most
municipalities at a referendum, sev-
eral years ago would ordinarily
eliminate any fear of Forney's
chances of reviving them, except
that he is a good friend of the new
governor.
METRO IN LOW GEAR;
ONLY 1 PIC WORKING
Hollywood, March 21.
Metro production is at its lowest
ebb in years, with only one picture
working yesterday (Monday).
Being readied are '6,000 Enemies,'
'Oh Borrowed Time' and "Babes in
Arms.'
Bill to Tax Theatre
Combines Cold in N. Y.
Albany, March 21.
"The Bennett chain store tax bill,
which as drawn would )ia.ye laid a
graduated and progressive levy cn
theatre combines of two or more
theatres, Is cold.
It was killed in Assembly com-
mittee last week.
Sked-Cnt Pats AD
12 of Warners B
Films in 3 Series
Hollywood, March 21.
Decision of Warners execs at the
national convention in New York to
limit B product to 12 pictures for
1939-40, puts all of them in three
series. They will be the "Torchy
Blanes,' 'Secret Service' and 'Nancy
Direws.' In the past, Brian Foy has
made three of each. New setup adds
a fourth to each and eliminates all
but higher-budget pictures. Means
the Jane Ardfin series will be
dropped completely.
New season will see the revamp-
ing of the 'Torchy Blane' pictures as
far as the cast is concerned. Jane
Wyman is slated to pick up the roll
of Torchy created by Glenda Farrell,
with no replacement for Barton
MacLane chosen yet Tom Kennedy,
boob copper who forms third of the
original trio, wiU be retained!
Studio feels the b.o. ot the highly
profitable Torchy* series wiU not be
hurt by a change In the two leads
after perusal of the returns, now
virtually complete, of Torchy Blane
in Panama,* in which Paul Kelly
and Lola Lane were substituted.
Early fears caused the studio to
hastily call Miss Farrell and Mac-
Lane back for the others on the sked.
BORIS MORROS WEST
FOR FRST FILM'S CAST
Boris Morroa, who Is turning pro-
ducer on his own account left New
York Friday (18) for the Coast
Morros will line up a cast for . the
first of six French productions he
has secured remake rights on.
Jacques Griniess, representative of
the Leon Siritzky - French interests
and partners with Morros in 'pro-
duction, and distribution ot French
films in this country, remains in
N. Y. until Morros returns from the
Coast in four weeks.
Projectioiiist Measnre
Advances in New York
Albany, -March 21.
The second Crews projectionist
bill, requiring two inen in the booth,
licensing , operators and establishing
an apprentice system in New York
City, was promptly reported out ot
the committee which the sponsor
heads. It was advanced to a third
reading, a final Assembly vote being
expected this week.
It's the first time a two men tn the
booth measure reaphed the floor.
Affecting only New York City, it is
strongly backed by the American
Federation of tAbor. Would re-
quire, among other things, employ-
ment of a licensed operator in all
places of public admission for show-
ing of motion pictures with or with-
out admission.
Pulls SmaU-Town Film
Bill from N. Y. Assembly
Albany, March 21.
Assemblyman William Webb, man-
ager of the Smalley theatre, Sidney,
N. Y. struck his small town fllm bill
from the calendar last night (Mon-
day) . Ministerial objections ' were
a strong factor.
Bill would have permitted 20% ot
qualified electors to request tor sub-
mission ot an ordinance to allow
films and athletic events in the
sticks after 2 p. m. Sundays. Pro-
visions covered any community that
had neglected, failed, refused to
adopt, or had defeated such an or-
dinance. It may b6 introduced In
the senate.
^venth' Rides Again
Hollywood, March 21.
Samuel Goldwyn's "Seventh Cav-
alry' is being readied as a starrer for
Gary Cooper, with Dudley Nichols
doing the screen play and John Ford
set to direct
Picture deals with the career ot
the fomous regiment after the Cus-
.tcr massacre
500 Ant^Pk Biz Bills
More than 500 measures untitvorable to the picture business already
have been .introduced in 43 state legislatures alreadfy c<Hivencd this
year. Industry officials admit that in such a large array ot measureis
some will probably pass and become laws.
No outright anti-industry prt^)osaI has been passed to date, recent
check indicates. Fact that 15 state legislative bodies already have
adjourned holds out hope that the film business will not be any. more
severely hit than usual despite the many bills to tax or otherwise
restrict industry activities. The legislatures which have shuttered for
the present year are those In Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Montana, New
Mexico* North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Wash-
ington, West Virginia, Wyoming, Georgia and Nevada.
The legislatures of Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky and Virginia do
Dot-meet this year, but one or more may call special sessions. A total
of- 44 states hold legislative meetings this year. Florida does not go
Into session uiitil asytt month.
Industry leaders are at a loss to explain the unprecedented number
of bills submitted which would effect the fllm business, excepting that
there is a terrific urge to find new means for securing added revenue
to carry on the rising cost ot state administration, obtain funds for
old-age pensions and unemployment funds.
New York state is still the No. 1 state in quantity ot measures which
would regulate (at a fee) types ot theatre advertising, or in some other
way affect the industry.
Film Biz Fears Drastic Dearborn,
Midu BiD to Replate Theatres
Pat O'Brien Gets Lead
In WB's Tather Damien'
Hollywood, March 21.
Pat O'Brien gets the title role in
'Father Damlen,' batied ori John Far-
row's story ot the priest wh6 de-
voted his life to the lepers ot Mo-
Ibkal. Subject has already been
made as a short
Bryan Foy is slated to produce
the picture with an increased budgat
at Warners.
Lawyers FumUe
Final Draft On
Trade Practices
With attorneys for film distributors
still fumbling around with conmias
in an effort to satisfy tfach other on a
revised trade practice agreement
that will leave them open to no lack
of protection legally when and it it
is adopted by exhibitors, still more
delay is being occasioned in efforts
to reach accord with Allied States
Assn., whose general counsel, Abram
F. Myers, met with the distrib
counselor group during the past
week.
.The weekend having resulted in no
final approval of the draft by the at-
torneys, additional sessions with
Myers may be held toward the end
ot this week. Allied has indicated
that, although its official negotiating
committee's authority expired March
1, Myers would stand ready to con-
sult with the legal watchdogs of the
distributors whenever they wished.
His position would be to forward
final proposals to the Allied board of
directors tor -their consideration.
Sidney R. Kent, chairman of the
distrib committee on trade practice
reforms, on the Coast at present, will
not return' 'to New York until early
in April, but William F. Rodgers,
spokesman tor the distribs, is ex-
pected back tomorrow (Thurs.). It
has. been Rodgers* wish that a revised
trade practice draft be expedited.
Meantime, exhibitors throughout
the country are being kept in the
dark as to what is being proposed,
points on which agreement has been
reached, what may be expected, and
when a final form ot agreement will
be submitted. One of the attorneys
sitting In on the huddles epitomized
the general attitude by remarking
for the benefit ot exhibitors, trade
papers and others, that he couldn't
even 'give out the time ot day.'
A Leg to Stand On
Hollywood, March 21.
Jackie O>ogaa goes into a support
role in "Million Dollar Legs' at Co-
lumbia, bis fattest picture role since
his moppet days.
Picture rolls this week, with Nick
Grlnde directing.
. A new law proposed In Dearborn,
Mich., is the most sweeping, com-
prehensive municipal regulation of
the picture theatre business to be
brought to the attention of the
trade. Industry is anxious to see the
-bill squelched because of the prece-
dent it would establish and the ideas
it would give other cities.
The bill, primarily framed to cen-
sor films ^own in Dearborn cine-
mas, would regulate juvenile attend-
ance. Impose restrictions regarding
health conditions, ban contest games
and attempt to control the location
of amusement spots according to the
population shown by the last U.S.
census.
Bill would flx.a^ annual licensing
tee of $125 to $750 per theatre, ac-
cording to size. No permits to oper-
ate would be Issued until applicant
Is thoroughly investigated by the
police. Conviction for felony, or
misdemeanor, would preclude a li-
cense, according to interpretation of
bill's wordage. .Operator of an
amusement spot would have to put-
up a cash surety bond promising to
keep his establishment clean.
Censoring feature of bill includes
usual rules regarding lewd or im-
moral performance. Commissioner
ot Safety would be the judge. Any
theatre must be at least 900 feet
away , from a church or schoolhouse.
In order to operate, 51% of the
people within this block area must
sign a petition favoring the prop-
osition.
Measure would prohibit any per-
son Under 10 years from attending
a place of amusement after 7 p.m.
unless accompanied by parents or
guardian. For those under 16 years
the curfew stipulation is 10:30 p.m.
No person ot 16 years, or under, is
to be allowed in a place of amuse-
ment between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., ex-
cepting during the seasoh when
schools are not in session.
Maximum fine for a violation is
$500 or 90 days in jail, or both.
13 Censorship Measures
-Although there already was a rec-
ord-breaking number of censorship
proposals up in state legislatures
this year, additional biUs have hiked
the total to 13 states in the last two
weeks. Nine states outlined censor-
ship deals earlier in their legislative
sessions.
Censorship bills have been intro-
duced in Arkansas (defeated), Dela-
ware, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland,
Michigan. Missouri (defeated), Ok-
lahoma, South Carolina, Ohio, West
Virginia (defeated). New Jersey and
Massachusetts.
There's no chance of West Vir-
ginia getUng censorship this session,
because the proposal was voted
down and . solona have adjourned.
Arkansas' plan for censorship also
was eliminated by the adjournment
ot the legislature. Plan to squash
censorship in Kansas has been de-
feated.
Maryland, Michigan, Ohio and Ok-
lahoma each have two different bills
concerned with censoring of motion
pictures.
Latest state to enter the lists is
Massadiusetts, which would charge
so much per 1,000 feet of fllm for
originals, and another scale for du-
plicate prints of each subject pre-
sented to the censors for approval
or rejection. Newsreels are exempt-
ed, but another stipulation would
censor advertising matter sent ex-
hibitors in connection with film
showings In theatres.
Vedncsday, March 22^ 1939
PICTURES
VARIETY 5
SWG VOTES ON PROD. DEAL
lA and Dblribs Hold Meetings On
Strike llireat; No Definite Ultimatum
Lsdd Down by Local 306 as Yet
In the dark as to what may hap-
pen, but fearing the worst from the
tiireat ImpUed by union action seek-
ing to force distributors into cut-
ting olt supply of mm to the Cen-
tury circuit, Spring & Cocalis and
other New York independent thea-
tres which refuse to recognize the
International Alliance of Theatrical
Stage Employees, attorneys of the
major film companies during the
P9st week have been studying the
legal angles Involved ' ostensibly
with a view to determining their
position.
Meetings the last week have also
been held with union representa-
tives to discuss the situation, but no
developments are reported, and, so
far as can be learned, no definite
ultimatums have been laid down
which would place possible strike
action on the Immeidiata horizon.
Such action, If taken, would origi-
nate with Local 306, Moving Picture
Machine Operators of New York, the
strongest imit in the lATSE, of
which Joseph D. Basson is president,
Basson has been out of his office
at 306 most of the week to attend
the various meetings that have been
held.
No Deadline
Meantime, members of 300 have
not been advised of any deadline for
a strike. Their vote by an over-
whelming majority to authorize the
calling of a strike by Basson and
his executive committee, with lA
approval as required in such cases,
-went into the records early last
week (13). This vote furnished
806 and the lA with a weapon which
would represent a forceful Influence
In getting the distributors to con
aider union demands immediately.
The legality of any strike that
may be called for the purpose of
depriving film service by lA em'
ployees' to theatres that do not use
memlwrs of lA locals, the question
of whether It Is within the power
of the lA to call out its operators
and others In such a campaign, and
what legal relief non-IATSE exhibi-
tors may have if. denied film for
which they hold contracts, are mat
ters with which the distributors are
vitally concerned.
Unofficially, distributor and thea
tre observers of the situation ques
tion .whether ultimately, depending
on what occurs, rulings may be
sought from the National Labor Re-
lations Board, or the Department
of Justice, or both.
EXPECT PROFITABLE 2D
YEAR FOR MONOGRAM
Second year's operation of Mono-
gram is expected to show a neat
profit, according to present infbrma
tion to Wall Street. Initial 12
month feriod, from January to Jan.
uaiy, showed a small loss! How-
ever, this was not a true picture of
the corporation's earning ability,
financial experts claim, because it
really covered nearly 24 months of
operation.
Such a situation resulted because
It was nearly 24 months before the
first money began coming to after
the new Monogram company was
formed. This, plus the usual cost of
organizing and setting up operaUons
at the studios, cut into the first year.
Mono probably will show a small
profit for the interim period from
tne first of the year until next June,
*hen the company starts a fiscal
.year.
Arthur in 'Arizona'
Hollywood, March 21.
Jean Arthur Is slated to star in
V producer-director job
Wesley Buggies at Columbia.
Shoottog starts' when Miss Arthur
""'shes in Prank Capra's 'Mr. Smith
t.oes to Washington.'
Dangerous Gag
Another near-tragedy, similar
to the recent £rin O'Brien Moore
Incident, almost occurred Satur*
day night (18) at the Indepen-
dent Motion Picture Theatre
Owners' ball at the Astor hotel.
New York. Dress of Mrs. Flor-
ence Sussman, wife of William
Sussman, 20th-Fox sales execu-
tive, caught fire from a hot-foot
gag played on one of the party
in the Sussman box.
No serious tojuries were suf-
fered by Mrs. Sussrhan through
presence of mind t>f Joe Horn-
stein, theatre supply man, and
others who helped to suffocate
the blazing garment
$5,000,000 AOION
FOR UBE VS.
T1ME.RK0
A $6,000,000 action for libel was
filed to New York Buprem* court
Friday (17) by Gerald L. K. Smith,
New Orleans minlstei*, against
March of Time, Inc.; Time, Inc.;
Westbrook Von Vorris; RKO-Radio
Pictures, Inc.; RKO Corp.; BKO
Film Booking Corp.; BKO Dis-
tributing Corp.; Roy K. Larsen, Jack
Glenn, The Newsreel Theatres, Inc.,
and Rockefeller Center, Inc.
Smith claims that in the March of
Time short entitled The Limatic
Frtoge,' he was depicted as the
American Hitler and, as a result of
screen devices, held up as an object
of disdain, contempt, derision, ridi-
cule and hatred.
Smith asserts, in his affidavits,
that he had obtetoed a position of
great respect and promtoence as a
churchman and minister, that he is
affiliated with labor unions and Is
a foe of communism, nazlsm, and
fascism. He says thut he is Chair-
man of the Committee of 1,000,000, a
non-political, non-secterian group
whose" purpose is to rebuild America
and wipe out isms.
He claims the short has destroyed
his reputation and damaged his
prestige to the extent of $5,000,000.
250G Suit Dismissed
New York supreme court Justice
Ferdinand Pecora Saturday (18)
dismissed the $250,000 suit of Lou
Goldberg against Time, Inc. C^se
had been on trial three days. Gold-
berg alleged that he was responsible
for Time's adaptetion of its radio
program to the screen resultmg to
the March of Time. He claimed he
originally submitted the Idea to Roy
K. Larsen, v. p. of Time,
Col. Asks Dismissal
Of Plagiarism Snit
Columbia Pictures Corp,, Friday
(24) will ask Federal Judge Sam-
uel Mandelbaum to dismiss the
$250,000 suit brought against it by
Gerald K. Rudulph. Rudulph claims
the Columbia picture, 'Exposed,' is
a plagiarism of his play of the same
name.
Columbia seeks the dismissal on
the grounds of failure to state a
cause of action.
GUIZAE'S 'CHOEEO'
Hollywood, March '21.
Tito Gulzar's next Spanish starrer
is The Singing Chorro,' to be pro-
duced by Dario Farralla at Para-
mount.
Richard Harlan directs.
POLL DELIiyS
NLRB HEARING
Negotiatins Committee Will
Continue Parleys with Pro-
ducers If Vote Is Favor-
able — Otherwise, the
NLRB Will Resume Its
Hearing on Complaint
Charging Major Com-
panies with Unfair Labor
Practices
800/c GUILD SHOP
Hollywood, March 21.
Tentative deal has been set 'for a
working agreement between pro-
ducers and Screen Writers Guild,
subject to ratification by SWG mem^
bership. While no contract has yet
been drafted, a mass meeting of
scriveners has been called for to
morrow (Wednesday) to decide
whether the proposed pact shall be
accepted in principle.
If the membership vot<> favors ac
ceptance the SWG negotiating com-
mittee, headed by Charles Brackett
will be advised to conttoue Its par
leys with film executives until an
agreement Is reached en all phases
of a contract. If the Guilders turn
thumbs down on the producer prO'
posals the National Labor Rela'
tions Board will be asked to resume
its heartog on the complatot charg
tog major film companies with im'
fair labor practice m dealtogs with
SWG.
The NLRB hearing before Trial
Examtoer James Batten was rC'
cessed until Thursday (23) to give
the negotiators an opportunity to
reach an amicable agreement
. Notice of SWG membership meet
tog stated:
'Members will be asked to advise
the bargaining committee whether
the proposed contract should be ac-
cepted to principle or whether the
Screen Writers (iulld should request
the National Lal>or Relations Board
to resume Its heartog the followtog
morning.'
80% Guild Shop
Negotiations so far cover a pro-
posed 80% Guild shop, provisions
for apprentice writers, mtoimum
wage of approximately $150 week,
protection of television rights to film
stories, removal of writer after he
is assigned to a screen play, etc.
Other members of SWG negotiat-
tog committee, in addition to Presi-
dent Brackett, are Donald Ogden
Stewart, Philip Dunne and Leonard
S. Janofsky, SWG counsel. Pro-
ducers are represented by Darryl F.
Zanuck, Hal B. Wallis, E. J, Mannix
and Attorneys Homer Mitehell, Al-
fred Wright, George Cohen and
Mendel Silberberg.
Anthony Veiller, formerly, a mem-
ber of the negbtiattog committee, re-
signed as a member of the board of
directors and also from the SWG.
He said action was taken because
he was accepttog an . executive po-
sition with Paramount. Veiller re-
centiy was signed to a writer-pro-
ducer ticket.
M-G White Collar Demands
Negotiations start tomorrow
(Wednesday) between Metro and
white collar workers. Studio Office
Employees Guild is seektog a wage
tilt, two weeks' vacation with pay
for members employed continuously
for one year, and improved work-
ing conditions. Notice of demands
have been submitted to Nicholas
Schenck, L. B. Mayer, E. J. Mannix,
Nicholas Nayfack, W. K. Craig and
Jerry Mayer. Louis C. Blau will
represent workers. .
The Screen Actors Guild has
turned thumbs down on a gag rule
proposed by the Junior Council.
Council was advised by the SAG
board of directors that members
might be placed on their honor not
to divulge matters in formative
stage, but that when they were once
completed the membership should
l>e token into their confidence. The
(Continued on page 61)
Exhibitor Squawks Highlight M-G
Convention; Kuykendall Vs. Govt
Regulation, Cole Asks Fair Deal
Eddy Looks Back
Philadelphia, March 21.
Concert at the Academy of
Music here last week by Nelson
Eddy, on leave from Hollywood,
gave impetus to a plan to esteb-
lish a '619 Association.' That's
the number of the police re-
porters' room to City Hall,
where Eddy, while on the Ph Illy
BuUetto, practiced his warbling, '
to the disgust of other reporters
using phones. Other celebs, who
make it a habit never to miss
visiting 619 when in town, wiU
be eUgible for an auxiliary.
Room, has be<en the basis for
several film conceptions of a
press room and was described,
minutely in a Mary Roberts
Rinehart thriller. She declared,
when she first saw it, 'I've been
In 2,000 reporters' rooms and
this is the dirUest'
Eddy, at the time, took per-
sonal affront at that
RESTRAjMOFIA
INmOD
UFTED
Hollywood, March 21.
The federal court yesterday (Mon-
day) tossed out the application by
officers of Studio Local 37 to enjoin
the Inernational Alliance of Theatri-
cal Stege Employees from taking
over complete operation. Also dis-
solved was the temporary restrain-
ing order issued last week.
Court held that the action In-
volved a labor dispute' and that the
U. S. District Court was without
authority to totervene. Also ruled
that the jurisdiction to handle labor
disputes Is vested to the NLRB, pro-
vided that the remedies prescribed
by the organization's by-laws are
exhausted. Court said that the pur-
pose of the Norris-LaGuardia Act is
to prevent the courts from toterfer-
ing in labor disputes^
Police were called to a Hollywood
mass meeting of Local 37 Sunday
night (19) when rioting broke out
Six carloads of cops quelled the dis-
order after many flstflghts.
PAR GETS JUMP
ON NEW SEASON
Hollywood, March 21.
Paramount is getting the jump on
its 1939-40 program and aims to
have 12 or more importent pictures
ready for release when the new sea-
son opens in September. Studio is
further ahead of release dates than
at any time In its history.
'What a Life' rolled yesterday
(Monday), the third picture in pro-
duction for next season. 'Beau
Geste' and 'Great Enemy' are well
under way. Two more. The Cat and
the Canary' and 'Air Raid,' are
slated to start March 28, and 'Ruler
of the Seas' April 10.
The remaining features of the
1938-39 schedule are either in pro-
duction or ready to start within
three weeks.
STILL CEEEBINQ 'EM
Hollywood, March 21.
Start of "Three Cheers for the
Irish' at Warners is set for March 9.
Pat O'Brien, Jane Wyman and
Frank McHugh top the cast
Chicago, March 21.
Trade . practice parleys, which
have dragged tlirough many months,
must be quickened and . the film in-
dustry must settle its own problems
In order to withstand aggressive and
harmful political attacks, was the
opinion expressed today by Ed Kuy-
k?ndall, president of the MPTOA. in
an address to the sales forces of ths
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer organization.
Kuykendall turned on the steam
and rode over government regula-
tion, trade practices detrimental to
the best toterests of . theatre . oper-
ators, and finished up with - severs
eastigation of exhibitor leaders who,
with one hand, were negotiating
with todustry representatives for
self-regulation, and with the other
were encouraging the government la
antl-todustry legislation.
Establishment of conciliation
boards, before which industry prob-
lems and differences may be dis-
cussed and amicabl. settled to ths
place of long-drawn-out and expen-
sive litigation, is Kuykendall's prto-
cipal platform for the relief of busi-
ness Irritations.
Legal Conlnslbii
"Pursuit of regulation through ths
courts only results to more and mors
confusion,' Kuykendall said. "Ths
Supreme Court decision to Texas;,
for instance, forbiddtog certain pro-
visions of contracts that would hold .
up prices of admission, to no manner
clarifies the problem of just and
proper clearance. I cannot conceive
of a healthy todustry that does not
permit proper clearances ba^ed to
some extent on^aidmission prices.'
Kuykendall was forceful in his de-
nunciation of the proposed Neeley
bill, which would abolish block-,
booking. He said the' measure was
impractical and he ascribed the fact
that it again was being considered
by Congress to certain e'ichibitor ele-
ments who were turning to legisla--
tion and away from self-regulation.
'Although I am disappointed that
the trade practice meetings have not
been productive of agreements as
yet at the same time I realize tha
difficulties and am prepared to de-
vote unlimited time to the resump-
tion of the meetings in order that
tangible benefiU to the exhibitors
may result'
Metro convention, under the
guidance of William F. Rodgcrs,
sales manager, developed Into a so-
cial gathering of some magnituds
when the company invited 500 mid-
west and Chicago exhibitors to the
annual banquet tonight
Brandt's Viewpoint
Harry Brandt president of the
ITOA, blasted legislation against the
industry, stating the film biz can
work out its own problems. Called
it a shame to permit politicians to
come in and run a business that men
of the industry have worked years to
build up.
Bluntly, he stated he liked the
frankness of Kuykendall, but not his
organization. He likes Nicholas
Schenck, but not Abe Myers. Is
against the Neely Bill, or any elimi-
nation of block-booking, which h*
claims IS. necessary to the industry.
Brandt does not however, I'ke
blind buying and wants a setup to
keep block-booking, but eliminate
blind buying. Also took the stand
for a new arbitration board setup. Is
distoterested in theatre divorcement
and stated a preference for circuit
competition to ind^e opposition.
Col. H. A. Cole, of Allied, denied •
tendency toward radicalism in a long
preamble, . He insisted that all ' of
Allied's campaigns have been for
progress of the industry. He asked
for a setup of equitable bargaining
(Continued on page 60)
VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
Fdm-Legit Rewedding Now Looks Set;
Both Sides like Tentative Agreement
Terms at an agreement to bring
about a resumption of Hollywood
financing of legit production are now
virtually all set Copies of the latest
draft of the plan have been dis-
tributed to the various film com-
panies, and several of the key -execu-
tives are understood to have ap-
proved. However, the situation is
changing from day to day.
Although most of the points in the
plan are acceptable to both the film
companies and the Dramatists Guild,
one or two issues remain to be ironed
out If the agreement is approved
by. the heads of the various studios,
It will be submitted to the Guild
council and membership and the
Ijeague of New .York Theatres. As
signatory to the Guild's minimum
basic agreement, the League repre-
sents the managers who would pro-
duce with the HoUywood coin.
According to the terms of the draft
now in the hands of the film com-
panies the contract for the screen
rights of a play would be signed
at the same time as the legit pro-
duction contract Whether it would
constitute an agreement to buy, or
merely an option to do so. Is stUl an
Issue. However, if the film backer
doesn't care to finance under the
new plan, it can produce under the
present minimum basic agreement
and buy the screen rights in the open
market
It is possible that the film com-
panies may not sign the proposed
plan itself, but wiU ghre the Guild
written assurance that they will con-
form to its regulations. In any case,
the effect would be the same. The
price of the film rights would be
based on a percentage of the weekly
gross of the legit show, including
both the Broadway and road engage-
ments. Amount of the percentage is
still unsettled, but It would probably
be more for New York than for the
road.
Split of the film coin would . be
the same as under the present mini-
mum basic contract, 60% to the au-
thor and 40% to the producer. Ad-
vance royalty would also be required,
to apply against the later payments.
In case the show flopped the ad-
vance would constitute the f\dl price.
Amount of the advance b still to be
determined, however.
Number of stipulations have been
Inserted into the present draft to
prevent the film backer from clos-
ing a show so as to keep down the
price for the screen rights. One
would be an outright rule that the
production would have to be kept
running as long as It operated at a
profit with the Guild to okay the fig-
ures in case a loss was claimed. Also
stipulated that if the film backer
wanted to close the show, arrange-
ments would be provided for the au-
thor to buy the production and oper-
ate it himself. Plan likewise calls
for arbitration of all disputes.
RODNER TO COAST ON
ROGERS DRIVE SHORT
Harold Rodner, of Warner Bros.,
left New York for Ihe Coast niurs-
day (IB) to check into preparations
underway for production of a short
subject for the Will Rogers Memo-
rial drive, the week beginning April
20. Film will be distributed to most
of the participating theatres.
Rodner will also take up matters
concerning the Rogers Memorial
Hospital at Saranac, formerly the
NVA Sanitorium, which he admin-
isters without salary.
Drive this year will again depend
chiefly on hat-passing In theatres for
funds.
Donat as "Brommer
For M-G in h^^asA
Hollywood, March 21.
'Beau Brummel,' last played as a
silent by John Barrymore, is to be
remade by Metro as a Joseph Man-
kiewicz production to star Robert
Donat, probably in England.
Donat's services in America are
claimed by Warners and Edward
Small, which might cause legal
tangles if the picture is shot in Hol-
lywood. Remake Is slated for next
falL
NEWSREELSON
UNCERTAIN
SEAT
Loise Rainer May Do
Stage Play m Londoo
Lulse Rainer, now in Europe, may
remain in London .to appear in a Gil-
bert Miller production, according to
word received this week by friends
In New York.
Miss Rainer Is on leave of absence
from Metro.
CABOT IN K. T.
Bruce Cabot who just finished
■Dodge City' for Wamers; -arrived
In New York yesterday (Tue.sday)
for an ' indefinite stay.
He hopes to get a legit show.
Plan of some distributors to di-
vorce their idMrte and newsreels
from features, when selling for the
19%-40 season, promises many In-
teresting ' developments among the
five newsreels. New idea of selling,
which is not to force the shorts and
newsreels on exhibitors, means that
the news weeklies will have to be
sold strictiy on their merits and on
competitive price basis.
Executives of the newsreels ad-
mit that the setup presents a prob-
lem If they wish to remain long in
the news field. Up to now exhibitors
have had to buy three or four reels,
which means that two or three were
shelved. With the taking of the
newsreel now optional bigger houses
may take two or more, but the bulk
of accounts will be in the market
for a single reel
At least three of the newsreels
are understood to be mulling
whether to cheapen their reels, go
in for novelty, or ;to supply more
elaborate news coverage and height-
en quality. Still • fifth means of
meeting the situation may be the
merging of two or three reels under
one tag.
Theatre operators claim that the
merit selling of newsreels will re-
sult in the disappearance of a cou-
ple of reels from circulation after a
time. They indicate that profitable
operation Is possible for only three
newsreels under such a sales setup.
Fox - Movietone, distributed by
20th-Foz with a theatre tiein; Para-
mount distributed by Par with its
afl!iliated houses; Hearst's 'News of
the Day,' distributed by Metro, with
outlets to a certain degree through
the Loew circuit; Universal, handled
by U with no assured outlets; and
Pathe, which la distributed by RKO
in its affiliated chain of houses,
make up the field.
Executives of the reels are study-
ing all angles of the current situ-
ation; the mounting cost of cover-
age and every factor that may aSect
revenue in the coming season.
Warners' Tighting 69di'
Hollywood, March 21.
Bryan Foy's ixtX high-budget pro-
duction under the 1939-40 setup at
Warners is The Fighting 69th,' based
on a book by Father Dufly, chaplain
of the regiment In the World War.
Pat O'Brien Is leading candidate
for the role of Father Dufly.
PAR DEAL ON
M EASTERN
'BRICKS'
Paramount, which releases two in-
dependenUy-produced features made
at the Extern Service studios,
Astoria, L. I., having set its deal on
William BL Howard's 'Back Door to
Heaven' after considerable delay,
may also become the distributor of
'Bricks Without Straw,' which is to
be made at this plant by Robert
Aisner, French producer. Deal is In'
discussion at present but hasn't
been closed. It would no doubt take
the form of deals Par made with
Howard and with Harold Orlob, with
distribution approval based in part
upon viewing of the completed pic-
ture.
While Orlob, who turned out 'One-
third of a Nation,' a b.o. disappoint-
ment, and Howard are planning ad-
ditional features at the Astoria
studio. It Is reported they are look-
ing for new financing. The Atlas
interests, of which Floyd B. OdIuin
is head, backed both Orlob and
Howard. Par releasing ouUet was
tied in through Odium being in the
Par picture in an important way.
Aisner, whose company is known
as Heraut Film Productions and is
over here to make 'Bricks* in Eng-
lish a? a starter, is said to have set
his financing. Requiring $300,000 and
with the budget on 'Bricks' to run
slightiy under this, he brought over
$150,000 from France and has secured
the other $150,000 in N. Y. Aisner
is interested In doing three additional
features after 'Brides' has been com-
pleted. He' starts latter April 10,
with Sylvia Sidney, as the star and
with Marion Gering directing.
Orlob turned out 'One-third' at a
reported $176^000, under the budget
originally set for it, but picture is
making no noticeable progress on
dating. Its first showing, at the
Rivoli, N. Y., where it lasted only
one week, was very disappointing.
DURBIN WARMING IIP
•FIRST LOVE' TUNES
Momand Tabs 133 Indies forced Out'
Or AbsoilMd lliroiigh Majors' Tactics
Hollywood, March 2L
Deanna Durbin has started song
rehearsals for her next Universal
picture, 'First Iiove,' due to . roll
April 3, Charles Boyer, male lead,
has checked in at the studio.
Same Durbin combination, Joe
Pasternak as producer and Henry
Koster as director, is handling pro-
duction.
\mlwg Time of Pic Programs
In Lincoln Would Stpie Dnak
Iilncoln, March 21.
An ordinance broached in the city
council yesterday (Monday), making
illegal any film pMfOrmance in ex-
cess of two and a quarter hours a
violation subject to $100 fine, wojild
prttcUcally abolish duals except Ip
action houses.
Bob Livingston, local indie ex-
hib, and Howard Federer, general
manager of Nebraska Theatres, Inc.
(four houses), presented arguments
for the bill, along with Mrs. Law-
rence Wentz, president of the Better
Films Council, and three city phy-
sicians, who claim the excessive
length of film programs are injuri-
ous to children's eyes and nervous
systems.
Sole dissenter was Bob Huffman,
-city manager, of the Lincoln The-
atres Corp. (three houses), who said
two poor features ofttimes gross bet-
ter than one good one, so patrons
evidently prefer duals. The council
referred the ordinance to the city
attorney for determbiation of its con-
stitutionality and will have two more
hearings before submitting it to vote.
Calif. Women Va. Dash
' Los Angeles, March 21.
By a vote of 20 to 1, the (^ifornia
Federation of Women's Clubs went
on record against double bills. Meet-
ing of 700 delegates represented
practically every femme club in the
state.
Ballot was taken after an address
by Pete Smith, Metro shorts pro-
ducer, who assailed the dualers with
bare knuckles. Both the producers
and the public, he told the delegates,
are opposed to a continuation of
duals.
Smith urged the women to file pro-
tests with the managers of theatres,
against the system, which he called
'Oie eye-strain of a nation.'
Files Snit Vs. 204hFox
On Temple's "Stowaway'
Stephen Tamas filed suit in New
York aupreme court Thursday (19)
against 20th Century -Fox ,Film
Corp., seeking an Injunction, ac-
counting of profits and damages
against the Shirley Temple starrer,
.stowaway.'
Tamas claims that in March, 1936,
he was hired by 20th-Fox to write
tiie scenario for the picture.. When
the film was. released, screen credit
went to Samuel Engel, and Tamas
claims he was not paid.
COMMERSH PIX
INCREASED!
SCOPE
Despite the new plan for supervis-
ing screen advertising, by classify-
ing It bluntly as such through an
advertising code seal, placed in op-
eration only a month ago by the
Hays office, distributors of one and
two-reel sponsored shorts, claim they
have secured additional circuit ac-
counts In the last six weeks. One
distributor, who makes a practice of
handling only Institutional ad films,
claims he has the greatest number
of circuit accounts in the history of
his company.
Hays organization supervisory ar-
rangement would designate all spon-
sored films with the caption, 'This
Is an Advertising Subject,' before is-
suing the advertising seal. Idea
would be, of course, to encourage
major affiliated theatres to . show
only such advertising and commer-
cial films having such desigfaation.
Hays office charges $5 per reel for
such handling of ad matter and has
the right to reject If the subject mat-
ter is deemed unworthy of a place
on a major theatre screen.
In the meantime, producers, ad
agencies and distributors of spon-
sored films are laying plans to go
even further with certain typeis of
advertising pictures. Besides Batten,
Barton, Durstln & Osborn, J. Wal-
ter Thompson, and Fuller-Smith-
Ross, of Cleveland, the possibilities
of screen advertising has been rec-
ognized by the N. W. Ayer, McCann-
Erickson and Lord & Thomas agen-
cies, among others.
No distributor or ad agency has
shown any inclination thud far to
submit any sponsored screen subject
to the Hays office for approval.
Stim Wins Delay On
AMieal Vs. RKO Reorg
Federal Judge William Bondy. In
New York yesterday (Tuesday),
granted an application by Ernest
W. Stim, of MUwaukee, RKO Class
'A* stockholder, and extended his
time to file bis record on appeal vs.
the RKO reorganization plan to
AprU 20.
Stim had requested a delay to
May 17 on the grounds that there are
2,725 pages of testimony and 150 ex-
hibits which must be prepared. The
judge met him more than half way,
but refused the longer adjournment
Hicks Delays Return
John W. Hicks, Jr., Paramount's
foreign chief, was delayed in getting
away from Europe last week by the
press of business on the continent
Instead of sailing last Saturday (18),
as had been expected, he hurried to
Paris for last-minute confabs. Hicks
now is due in N. Y., March 30.
On the present trip, which he be-
gan early this year, Hicks visited
important key spots in central Eu-
rope, besides London and Paris.
SEAL IN 'IINCOIN'
John Beal went to the Coast last
week to go into 'Young Mr. Lincoln'
for 20th-Fox.
Expects to return east for stock
dates after picture commitments.
Oklahoma City, Mafeh 21.
Listing 133 Independents who wci*
either forced out of business, or had
to merge with major circuits, a bill
of particulars has been 'filed In the
Momand cases against 22 major pro<
ducers, distributors and circuits
charged with anti-trust law viola-
tions. Momand is seeking $4,900,000
damages in the suits now In U. S,
district court here.
On Feb. 28, Judge A. P. Murrah
ordered the plaintiffs to supplant
general charges with specific facts.
The new bill of particulars present!
this in detail, ampUfjring charge*
connected with alleged creation of
protection schedules by the defend-
ants against independent competitors
in circuit territories. Detailed dates
and quotes on correspondence be-
tween defendant producers and dis-
tributors and their attorneys, as well
as circuit officials, with regard to
Film Board , of Trade activities, are
also given.
The bill charges that producers
and distributors granted specific pro.
tection against Independent competi-
tors to the various circuits, either
In master contracts cited or specific
franchise and license agreements.
Circuits to which these concessions
were allegedly granted Include Bala-
ban & Katz, Chicago; Butterfleld
Theatres, Detroit; Century, New
York; Comerford, Scranton; Den^
Dallas; Fox, New York; Fox-West
Coast, Los Angeles; Loew's, Inc., New
York; Publix, Salt Lake, and Publlx,
New York; RKO, New York; RKO
Southern, Dallas; United Artists,
New York; Universal C!hahi, New
York; Universal- Chain Theatrical,
New York; Wilby Theatre Enter-
prises, Atlanta; Wilmer & Vincent,
New York.
'For some. years prior to 1930,' the
bill states, 'the theatre circuits af-
filiated with or controlled by the
major distributors had made It a
practice to send each season to the
representatives of the major dis-
tributors in each key city a protec-
tion schedule covering aU Its thea-
tres in the territory served by Vm
exchanges' of the distributors In that
city. The schedule contained a list
of the -theatres in competition with
or in proximity to them.'
The bill alleges that the protection
demands of the affiliated exhibitors,
and the protection actually granted,
increased each year.
D. J.'s O. C. Problni
Extensive investigations into mo-
nopolies in the theatre industry -by
the Department of Justice will be
held here within the next six or
eight weeks. It has been learned.
Local postoffice officials have been'
requested to make available, er
secure, at least 2,000 square feet of
office space for use by the D. J.
The origination here of the first of
the now many anti-trust suits In the
industry, filed by A. B. Momand
against major producers and dis-
tributors and seeking some $4,500,000
in damages, led to selection of Okla-
homa City, it is imderstood.
20TH-FOX B'D MEETS
ON DIVIDEND ACTION
20th -Fox board of directors will
meet tomorrow (Thursday) to take
dividend action on company's final
quarter ended Dec. 31 and to okay
the annual financial statement for
1OT8.
. Sliowing for the entire year Is
expected to be a healthy one.
Yohalen Joins Universal
As Associate Prod, of B's
Hollywood, March 21.
Creorge Ifohalen, aide to William
Anthony Maguire at Metro; moves to
Universal as associate producer.
He draws the lower budget pic-
tures.
'Elinor Lee' Finished
Oscar Micheaux has completed
'Notorious Elinor Lee' at the Bio-
graph studio. New York, for early
release through channels not as yet
announced.
■ Charles La Toire, who was with'
Ed Wynn in 'Hooray For What' In
legit, plays the chief gangster role
in the' film.
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
PICTURE GROSSES
VARIETY T
Wht'-^aude Fair $27,0(10, WMe
Most of Chi Coasts Along on
lliat Get By; lack Other' $18,000
Chicago, March 21. .
Chilly weather got the week off to
a slow start, with the downtown
gtreels hidlcatlng less trafBc than
usual but generally business Is okay.
Word must be said for 'Pygmalion'
which continues into Ita sixth ses-
sion in the Apollo. This Is quite a
stunt these days, when most pictures
have a tough time of It struggling to
last out a two-week sojourn in any
of the downtown spots.
EsUmates for This Week
ApoIIo (B&K) (1300; 36r55-65-75)
—'Pygmalion* (M-G) (6th week). Re-
markable trade at $6,500, terrific In
the face of the weather and run. Last
week $7,000.
CUcago (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75>-
■Midnighf (Par) and sUge show.
Good matron trade and Is headed for
$27,000, another fairish session here.
Last week, 'Darling Daughter* (WB).
so-so $27,500.
Garrick (B&K) (900: 35-55-65) —
•Darling Daughter* (WB). .Moved
here from Chicago 'and looks for
$5,500, heat enough. Last week, 'Cafe
Society* (Par) wUted to $4,100.
Oriental (Jones)-s(3,200; 25-40) —
' iBoy Trouble* (Par) and 'Mr. Moto'
(20th). plus vaude. At $14,000, fair
enough. Last week. 'Love from
Stranger* (RKO) and 'Am Convict'
(WB) in same sphere at $13,800.
Palaoe (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-65-75)
—'Honest Man* (U) (2d wk.) and
vaude. Doris Rhodes holds over on
the stage and figures as wicket asset.
Managing to hold to $16,000, fine
gross in face of trend. Last week,
great $23,300.
Boosevelt (B&K) (1.500; 35-55-65-
75)— 'Wings Navy* (WB) (2d wk.)/
Going to $9,000 currently after $13,-
700 last week. Figuring to stretch
stay on big newspaper campaign for
film.
SUte-Laka (B&K) (2,700; 25-40)—
'Chan in Honolulu* (20th) and vaude.
Senator Murphy and Ben Blue head-
lining. Business dipping slightly to
$12,000. Last week, 'OS Record*
(WB), $13,600. okay.
United ArtlsU (B&K-UA) (1.700;
85-55-65-75) — 'Each Other* CUA).
Opened on Saturday (18) and looks
for strong Initial stanza at $18,000.
Last week, 'Buck Finn* (M-G) fin-
ished fair two-week stay to $8,900.
TEMPLE-CHAN'
$11,000 IN MHW.
' Milwaukee, March 21.
Th« Wisconsin Is back on top
•gain this frama with The Little
Princess' due to excellent bally and
tremendous response from the crix.
Theatre manager Gene Kilpberg has
Invited all the city's orphans to see
the La *remple starrer free.of charge
and house is drawing strictly from
the juvenile trade. Riverside with
"Lone Wolf and Garber orch Is like-
wise in the upper brackets at $12,-
000.
The Palace, to compensate for sev-
eral slack stanzas, is inaugurating a
new type of bank night called Gift
Nite and Initial prize Wednesday
(22) wUl be $1,000 with $100 added
each week no winner is chosen.
Favorable selection of a second run
of Paderewski*s 'Moonlight Sonata*
ties in with pianist's p.a. at the Pabst
Thursday.
The Little Instigates a new policy
of admission this week, lowering
price scale to 30c and 40c after 6 p.m.
Change is resulting in an upturn in
biz with 'Club de Femmes.'
Estimates for This Week
Little (Indie) (1,050; 30-40)— Club
de Femmes* (French). Danielle Dar-
rleux film is drawing favorably,
sighting okay $3,600. Last week,
'Scarlet Pimpernel* (UA), $3,000,
poor. .. ■
Palace (Fox-Wisconsin) (2,400; 35-
55)— 'Moonlight Sonata' (2d run)
(GB) and 'Woman Doctor' (Rep).
After two runs at the Pabst a few
months ago, PaderewskI pic still
clicks on the main stem to tune of
exceUent $9,000. Last week, 'Beach-
comber' (Par) and 'Boy Trouble*
(Par), $9,200, nifty.
Biverslde (Indie) (2,800; 25-30-35)
—'Lone Wolf (Col) plus Jan Garber
band with George Givot on stage.
Combo is socko.b.o. fare and house
will wind up with a smash $12,000.
Last week, 'jpirates Skies* (U) .and
Happy Felton*s band, $10,700, good.
Strand (Fox-Wisconsin") (900; 35-
55)— 'Stagecoach* (UA) and 'Nancy
Drew* (WB). Dual shifted from
Warner, but biz is slumping to n.s.g.
$3,600. Last week, 'Darling Daugh-
/fEL^^B) and 'K ing Underw orld'
(WB), $6,300, nlce.—^ :
^Warner (WB) (2.400; 35-55)— "Each
Other* (UA) and 'Great Man* (RKO).
House didn't count on much returns,
uut, with that in mind, dual Is doing
a phenomenal biz at very satisfac-
tory $8,800. Last week, 'Stagecoach'
(UA) and 'Nancy Drew* (WB),
$8,600, hefty.
Wisconsin (Fox- Wisconsin) (2,800;
35-55)— 'Little Princess' (20th) end
'Charll« Chan' (20th). Heading for
terrific $11,000. Last week, 'Wife,
Husband* (20th) and 'Ambush' (Par),
$8,750, so-sd.
'EACH OTHER'
FINE 17G,
pnr
Pittsburgh, March 21.
Biz not only off in the keys, but
entire district Is in the dumps, and
conservatively figured It's the low-
est general ebb in almost a decade
for this time of year.
Only solace In downtown sector
currently is 'Made for Each Other*
at Penn. Pic drew raves, is also
grabbing lot of word-of-mouth, and
may possibly ' build into a h.o. at
Warner. Senator, trying first stage
show since house opened in Novem-
ber, taking It on the chin with Black-
stone's magic unit and 'Everybody's
Baby* while Stanley's just getting by,
at that, with 'Oklahoma Kid* and Al
Donahue-Ethel Shutta combo.
'Little Princess* holding up fairly
well in second week at Fulton and
should stick a third, but both War-
ner and Alvin. with double-bills,
are feeling pinch plenty.
EsUmates for This Week
Alvin (Harris) (1,850; 25-35-50)—
'Blondie* (Col) and 'Lone Wolf
(Col). Doesn't look over $3,900, and
that's bad. Last week, 'Culver* (U)
one of the season's major disappoint-
ments, management and exchange
spending plenty of dough to put it
over and getting miserable $4,800 for
their efforts.
Folton (Shea-Hyde) (1,750; 25-40)
—'Little Princess^ (20th) (2d wk).
Temple holding up nicely In h.o. to-
ward $3,000. House Is now hoping
it can stick through Holy Week, per-
mitting 'East Side of Heaven* (U) to
fet under way day before Easter
unday. First week of 'Princess*
exceUent, just short of $7,500.
Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 25-35-
50)— 'Each Other' (UA). SUndout of
week here. Cricks raved and the
customers are going out talking.
Headed for good $17,000, and stands
a chance of going even above that,
which would mean a h.o. at Warner.
Last week. 'Honolulu' (M-G) pretty
fair $13,000.
Senator (Harris) (1,800: 25-35-50)
— 'Everybody's Baby' (20th) and
Blackstoh^' on stage. No action at
all for house's first stage show since,
it opened four months ago. Tossed
in a Sunday midnight spook show,
too, but week will be lucky to pro-
duce $5,000. Last week 'Can't Take
It' (Col) (re-issue), and 'Ferdinand,*
$2,000.
Stanley (WB) (3.600; 25-40-60)—
'Oklahoma Kid* (WB) and Al Dona-
hue's orch with Ethel Shutta. Pre-
dominantly male trade, indicating
it's the -pic that's bringing *em in.
That was further demonstrated on
Sunday (19) when, without flesh,
house had its biggest Sunday in
practically, a year. Seeing $17,000.
fair. Last week 'Fast and Loose*
(M-G) and Benny Goodman bettered
$22,000.
Warner (WB) (2.000; 25-40)— 'King
Underworld* (WB) and 'Wharf
(RKO). Just about keeping house's
head above water. Not too bad at
$4,000, around par for the usual run
of duals at this spot. Last week
'Persons Hiding* (Par) and 'Four
Girls' (M-G) got about the same,
but in six days.
FIELDS $4,300, LINCOLN
'Daughier* Mild $1,390 on H.O.—
'Bines* Dnal Good $3,000
Lincoln, March 21.
'You Can't Cheat An Honest Man*
is having a good week, although the
brakes set after the weekend.
'Darling Daughter' is being held
over, partly to All the Varsity s need
for film, and also because of pretty
fine biz on the first stretch.
'St. Louis Blues' dualed at Lin-
coln is surprisingly good, while
Liberty's pair Is so-so.
Estimates for This Week-
CoIpnblJN'n-Noble-Monroe) (750;
10-15)-^'Eone Star Pioneers' (Col)
and 'Miss Thorobred' (WB). spilt
with 'Black Room* (Col) and 'Be-
hind Mask' (Col). Will cinch $1,000,
good. Last week, 'Ride Cowgirl'
1st Rnns on Broadway
(Subject to Change)
Week et March 23
Aator — 'Pygmalion* (M - G )
(16th wk).
Capitol — 'Sergeant Madden*
(M-G).
(Revteuied iw Current Issue)
Criterion— 'I Was a Convict'
(Rep) (22).
(Reviewed in Varieiy, March 8)
Globe — 'BUckwell's Island'
(WB) (4th wk).
Hnsle Hall — 'Love Affair'
(RKO) (2d wk).
Paramount — 'I'm from Mis-
souri* (Par) (22).
(ReiHeto^d <n Current Issue)
BUIto— 'Risky 3usine5s* (U)
(22).
Bivoll — Three Smart Girls
Grow Up* (U) (2d wk).
Boxy— 'Hound of the Basker-
vUles* (20th) (24).
Strand— 'You Can't Get Away
With Murder* (WB) (24).
Week of March 30
Astor — 'Pygmalion* (M - G )
(17th wk).
Capitol — 'Sergeant Madden'
(M-G) (2d wk).
Globe— "Prison Without Bars*
(liA) (29).
Music HaU — "The Castles'
(RKO).
Paramount — Tm from Mis-
souri* (Par). (2d wk).
Bivoll — 'Three Smart Girl?
Grow Up* (U) (3d wk).
Boxy— :' Alexander Graham
Bell* (20th) (31).
Strand— 'You Can't Get Away
With Murder* (WB) (2d wk).
(GN) and 'Penrod* (WB), split with
'Home On Range* (Rep) and 'Titans
of Deep' (GN), so-so $800.
Liberty (NTI-Noble) (1,000; 10-15-
25)— 'Comet Over Broadway' (WB)
and 'Nancy Drew* (WB). On slight
side, $1,200. Last week, 'Blondie'
(Col) and 'Homicide Bureau' (Col),
better than average, $1,800.
Lincoln (LTC-Cooper) (1,600; 10-
25-35)— 'St Louis Blues' (Par) and
'Exposed' (U). Good $3,000. Last
week. Tail Spin* (20th), $2,800, good
Varsity (N-H-Noble) (1,100: 10-25.
35)— 'Darling Daughter' (WB) (2d
wk). Light at $1,300. Last week,
$4,300, very good.
Stnart (LTC-Cooper) (1.900: 10
25-40)— 'Honest Marf (U). Looks set
for $4,300. Iisst week, 'Huck Finn'
(M-G). very nice $4,200.
'3MUSKETEERS'
DUAL 18G, HUB
Boston, March 21.
Three Musketeers' on a double bill
Is tops; 'Oklahoma Kid,' also dualed,
is sturdy, and 'Pygmalion' is hold-
ing well in its second frame here.
Last week saw the opening of an-
other news reel theatre, the "Telepix,
in the Park Square office buildir«.
Estimates for This Week
Boston (RKO) (3,200; 20-30-40)—
'Dr. Meade' (Col) and 'Star Reporter*
(Mono) plus vaude headed by
Henny Youngman, for four days: and
'Dawn Patrol* (WB) and 'Going
Places* (WB) (both 2d nms>, double,
for three days. Aiming at healthy
$8,500. Last week, 'Navy Secrets*
(Mono) and 'Homicide Bureau' (Col),
dual, plus vaude, for four days; and
'Kentucky* (20th) and 'Up River'
(20th) (both 3d runs), dual, for
three days, good $8,000.
Fenway (M&P) (1,332: 25-35-40-
55)— 'Stand Up' (M-G) and 'Fast and
Loose' (M-G) (both 2d runs). Draw-
ing good $7,000. Last week, 'Wife,
Husband' (20lh) and 'King Under-
world' (WB), pallid $5,500.
Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,907; 25-
35-40-55)— 'Three Musketeers' (20th)
and 'Duke West Point' (UA). Adding
up to $18,000, good. Last week,
'Honest Man' (U) and 'Beauty for
Asking* (RKO), dandy $18,000, de-
spite blizzard.
Metropolitan (M&P) (4.367: 25-35-
40-55)— 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB) and
'Nancy Drew' (WB). Shooting for
nice $17,500. Last week, 'Cafe So-
ciety' (Par) and 'Pacific Liner'
(RKO), took a pasting from the
blizzard and a frail $11,000 resulted.
Orpheum (Loew) (2.900; 25-35-40-
55)— 'Pygmalion' (M-G) and 'Let
Live* (Col) (2d wk). Okay $14,000.
First week dented by blizz, but still
a big $20,000.
Paramount (M&P) (1.797: 25-35-
40-55)— 'Stend Up' (M-G) and 'Fast
and Loose* OA-G) (both 2d runs).
Okay $8,500. Last week. 'Wife. Hus-
band' (20th) and 'King Underworld'
(WB), n.s.h. $7,000.
ScolUy (M&P) (2.538; 25-35-40-55)
— 'Beachcomber* (Par) and Trade
Winds* (UA) (both 2d runs). Fair
$6,000 Indicated. Last week, 'Wings
Navy* (WB) and 'St. L ouis Blu es'
(Par) (both 2d runs), $5,000: '
State (Loew) (3,600; 25-35-40-55)—
'Pygmalten* (M-G) and 'Let Live*
(Col) (2d wk). Good $11,000 In
sight First week very good $16,000.
love Mair/ Happy lOOG, Durbin,
Smart 4()G, B way's Two Bright
Spots; Crawford Frigid $18j
'Love Affair* and Three Smart
Girls Grow Up* are the blue-ribbon
babies on Broadway this week. The
former is picking up the marbles to
to the tune of a possible $100,000 at
the Music Hall, while the Durbin
picture is t>eating a well-worn path
past the Rivoli box office for $40,000.
This is the best business the RivoU
has enjoyed in more than two years.
A $40,0(>0 week Is all the more re-
markable In view of the opposition
from stage-show houses at prices
which are no more, and in some
cases, as for instance the Rbxy, less
than the Rivoli*s 99c .top. Riv's ad
campaign, a good one designed to
fetch the grownups, is accounting for
strong night trade.
Another Joan Crawford disap-
pointer is 'Ice Follies of 1939,* which
makes it several in a row that 'this
star has failed to get anywhere with
at the Capitol. House will be lucky
to top $18,000.
The Paramount brought in 'Kiiig
of Chinatown' as company for Chick
Webb and Ella Fitzgerald on their
second week, having changed pic-
tures midstream, - and closed last
night (Tues.) at $28,000. The first
week of Wiebb and Fitzgerald, with
'Never Say Die' as the picture, was
$30,000. 'There was some profit on
both weeks, but more this week at
$28,000, with a reduced nut than at
$30,000 last week.
A similar situation exists at the
Roxy, where the Shirley Temple
picture, 'Little Princess,* is relatively
better this week (its 2d) at $34,000,
than on the first at slightly under
$40,000. Fair profit on Qie 14 days.
'Oklahoma Kid,' on its second
(final) week, with Will Osborne and
Sheila Barrett on their third (final)
stanza, at the Strand, will be $28,000,
or better, quite satisfactory, after a
$37,000 first week for the Cagney
picture. The profit here is lietter
than at either the Roxy or Par.
Holdover of 'Fast and Loose' at
the Criterion, out tonight (Wed.), Is
very good at $7,500, or close, while
both 'Blackwell's Island,* at the
Globe (3d week), and 'Pygmalion,*
Astor incumbent (15th week), are
both sturdy, $9,800 and $9,500,
respectively.
New pictures include 'I'm From
Missouri,', with Charlie Barnet's
band, Dorothy Laniour and Mischa
Auer, at the Paramount today
(Wed.); 'Risky Business' at the
Rialto and 'I Was a Convict' at the
Criterion also today (Wed.); 'Sergeant
Madden,* Capitol, tomorrow (Thurs.);
'You Can't Get Away With Murder,*
with Jimmy Dorsey, at the Strand
Friday (24) and same day, 'Hound
of Baskcrvilles,* at the Roxy.
'Love Affau:,' "Three Smart Girls,*
'Blackwell's' and 'Pygmalion' are
the holdovers.
Estimates for This Week
Astor (1,012; 25-40-55-65)— 'Pyg-
malion* (M-G) (15th week). The
Gibraltar of run pictures, at least
$9,500 is. looked for this week fol-
lowing $10,500 the prior lap (14th).
'The Mikado* (U) is to follow here,
but no date as yet set
Capitol (4,520; 25-3S-55-85-$1.25)—
'Ice Follies' (M-G). Another snub
for Joan Crawford; $18,000 tops, and.
one week is all the picture gets. Last
stanza, "Let Freedom Ring* (M-G).
.'^19.000. 'Sergeant Madden* (M-G)
comes in tomorrow (Thurs.).
CriUrion (1,662; 25-40-65)— 'Fast
and Loose* (M-G) (2d-flnal week).
Hit $10,000 the first week and on the
holdover very good at possible $7,-
500, best money-maker this house
has had in a long, long time,
Globe (1,274; 25-40-55)— 'Black-
well's* (WB) r3d week). On the
strength of $9,800 this week (3d) will
be held over. Last week (2d) was
SI*" nno. handsome.
Palace (1,700: 25-35-55)— 'You Can't
Cheat Honest Man' (U) (2d run) and
Grand Illusion' (World) (2d run),
dunled. This brace should get about
^8.500 on week endlnc . tonlpht
(Wed.), pretty good. 'Tail Spin'
(20th) (2d run) and 'Everybody's
Baby* (20th) (1st run), coupled,
$6,800 in six days, weak.
Paramount (3.664; 25-35-55-85-99)
— 'I'm from Missouri' (Par), with
Charlie Barnct band, Dorothy La-
mour and Mischa Auer in oerson.
onened here today (Wed.). 'King of
Chinatown* (Par) (l.st week) and
Chick Webb-Ella Fitzgerald com-
bination (2d week), cndims last night
(Tues.), got S28.000. a - little profit
'Never Say Die* (Par) last 'week;
with Webb and Fitzgerald, $30,000.
also a little coin for the right side
of the ledger.
Radio City Music Hail (6.980: 40-
60-84-90-$1.65)— 'Love Affair' (RKO)
and stage show. A miehty buslness-
j^etter, $100,000 or close, smash tak-
ings for this time of year. Holds.
Last week, second for 'Stagecoach'
(UA). $60,000. a bit of black.
Blalto (750: 25-40-55)— 'Risky Busi-
ness* (U) opens today (Wed.) after
week of two .reissues, 'Star at Mid-
niehf (RKO) and 'Lost Patrol*
(RKO), which got $6,000. 'Secret
Service of Air' (WB) prior week got
only $5,800, mild.
BlvoU (2,092; 25-55-75-85-99)—
.! Smart Girls* (U). Things are
hununing here to tune of big $40,000,
best for theatre in more than two
years. 'Spirit of Culver' (U) was in
for nine days, getting $10,000.
Boxy (5,830; 25-40-55-75 )— 'Little
Princess* (20th) and. stage show (2d-
flnal ' week). Shirley Temple's
'.;iught this time is anything but
strong; this week on holdover, $34,-
000, not big, but comparatively bet-
ter than a little under $40,000 for the
first seven days^ On the fortnight
moderate profit.
State (3,450; 35-55-75)— 'Idiot's De-
light' (M-G) (2d run) and George
Hall orchestra. The. cashiers aren't
asleep here this week with $27^000,
or more, pouring In, very good. liast
week they had Tittle to do punching
out tickets for only $15,000, poor,
wiih "Tovper Takes Trip' (UA) (2d
run) and vaude show topped by
Kitty Carlisle.
Strand (2,767; 25-40-55-75-85-99)—
'Oklahoma Kid* (WB) (2d-flnal
week) and Will Osborne and Sheila
Barrett (3d-flnal week). Cagney on
a horse means $28,000, or bit better
this week (2d), good. The first week
of 'Kid,' which was the second for
the Osborne-Barrett combination,
was $37,000, not terrific, but very
satisfactory.
CAGNEY $10,000
IN SLOW BUFF.
Buffalo, March 21.
'Oklahoma Kid' on dual card at the
Century is due to reach a gross which
will equal and maybe top everything
else in town. Figures elsewhere are
in the cellars. Neither 'Cafe Society'
at the Buffalo nor 'Ice Follies' at th*
Lakes showing much activity.
Estimates for This Week
Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 30-35-55)—
•Cafe Society* (Par). Waltzing slowly ,
to so-so $10iOOO. Last week, 'Wife,
Husband* (20th) and Ted Lewis, best
in weeks with $19,000.
Century (Shea) (3,000; 25-35)—
'Oklahoma Kid' (WB) and 'Torchy
Blane' (WB). Cracker jack $10,000 or
over. Last week,. 'St. Louis Blues*
(Par) and 'Boy Trouble* (Par), fair
$5,700.
Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 30-50)
—'Ice Follies' (M-G), So-so $8,000.
Last week, 'Stagecoach' (UA), okay
$9,000.
Hipp (Shea) (2.100: 25-40)— Tall
Spin* (20th) and 'Jones Family*
(20th). Mild business at $6,000 pace.
Last week. 'Three Musketeers* (20th),.
only fair $6,200.
Lafayette (Ind.) (3.300; 25-35)—
'Culver* (U) and 'Last Warning* (U).
Not showing much. Medium $6,000.
Last week, 'Let Live* (Col) and
'Flight to Fame* (Col), fair $6,500.
mCHCOMBER' $5,600;
OKLA. Cin OFF KEEL
Oklahoma City, March 21.
'Beachcomber* doing okay, slightly
over average, while others are so-so.
State theatre slips into summer pol.
icy early, starting first of hot weather
series of double-bills. Both good for
too double-bill coin.
Criterion (Stan) (1,500: 25-35-40)—
'Beachcomber* (Par). Set for $5,800,
not tops, but better than average.
Last week. 'Honolulu* (M-G) skidded
to S4 500, n.s.p. ■
Liberty (Stah) (1,200: 20-30)—
-'Lost Patrol* (RKO) and 'Star of
MIdnleht' (RKO) (rp-lssue). sollt
with 'Lost WarniP"?* 'U) and 'Every-
body's Babv* (20th >. Better then
average $2,800. Last week. 'Arizona
Lepion' (HKO) and 'Great Man'
(RKO). -snlit with Torchy China-
town' (WB) and 'Pardon Nerve*
(20lh). Sl,800, bad. First pair jerked
dav early.
Midwest (Stan) (1,500: 25-35-40)—
'Win's Navy' (WB). Can't see over
low S4.100. Last week, 'Pygmalion*
(M-G) very nice $5,500.
Plaza (Stan) (750: 25-35-40)—
'Pygmalion* (M-G) on moveover
from Midwest. Good $1,800. Last
week. 'Honest Man* (U) on move-
over, bad $1,300.
State (Noble) (1,100: 20-25)—
'Western Jamboree* . (Rep) and
'Wonc, Detective* (Mon). Good
$2,500. Last week. 'Let Live' (Col)
under average for 40 cents too ad-
mish and .'Ingle bill with bad $» 500.
Tower (Stan) (1.000: 2S-35-40)—
'Honolulu' (M-G) on moveove'* from
Criterion. Below avernee $2,100.
Last week. 'Okl.ihoma Kid' (WB)
(2d wk>, bad $1,800.
VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
FILM SHOWMANSHIP
Preems Away From
H'wood Costing Three
Stnifios Around lOOG
Hollywood, Uarch 21.
Three major studios tossing pre-
inj«res and special location previews
within the next few weeks— 20th-
F6x, Warners and Paramount— will
spend an estimated aggregate of
$100,000 for extravagant exploitation
features.
Preems of 20th's 'Alexander
Graham Bell' at the San Francisco
exposition and at Washington, D. C,
• March 20; Paramount's 'Union Pa-
cific' at Omaha, April 28, and War-
ners' 'Dodge City' at Dodge City,
Kan., April 1, have created intense
rivalry among these companies and
raised the exploitation ante to the
limit in plans to put on most im-
pressive shows.
All are running special trains,
among other features aimed to grab
top news and ntag writers and pres-
tige, which In turn has resulted in
frantic expansion of originally more
modest plans.
Warners at this writing has
Gpecial train of 11 coaches lined up
on Santa Fe from Los Angeles to
Dodge. City, and others going from
New York, Kansas City and Okla-
homa City. 20th-Fox has chartered
10-car train on Southern Pacific, with
overflow going into two or three ad-
ditional coaches on regular night
trains for 'Graham Bell,' first picture
to be shown in Exposition theatre.
Paramount is dragging its historic
old Union Pacific museum train to
Omaha, with coaches for stars, ex-
ecutive personnel and crews to op-
erate equipment at celebration in
Nebraska.
Rivalry became intense between
20th and Warners for assignment of
news and feature writers of top rank
to their respective jaunts, because
dates come so close together. 20th
. entrains its mob to Frisco on Tues-
day, returning next day, while War-
ners special leaves Ifere on a Thurs-
day for five-day period coming and
going to Dodge City.
HARRIS SCORES STRIKE
WITH VISITING BOWLERS
Cleveland, March 21.
Milt Harris, manager of Loew's,
has installed a regulation U. S. post-
offlce mail box in the lobby of the
theatre. Idea of accommodating the
large number of out-of-towners who
are here during the eo-day national
bowling tournament was readily
acted upon by the local postal au-
thorities. Visitors find the box
. handy for dispatching mail in the
evenings.
Harris also is providing visiting
bowlers with free score cards bear-
ing the theatre advertising. Tour-
nament attracts 150,000 visitors from
all sections of the country.
By John C. Flinn
Quick,
, the Aspirin!
He's Seen 5,000 Fix
Philadelphia, March 21.
Metro exploiteers, to plug 'Hono-
lulu,' arranged a stunt which got
good space in the local papers and
which can easily be adapted to any
pic in any town.
Interviews were arranged for crix
and feature writers with Henry
Kahan, manager of the Savoia thea-
tre, where 'Honolulu' was booked.
Kahan, vet in the biz, was built up
ss the 'man who has seen 5,000 fihns.'
Angle was that 'Honolulu' was to' be
-number 5,000.
Femme Patron Writes Ad
For 'Honolulu' Holdover
Oklahoma City, March 21.
First ad on 'Honolulu' (M-G)
moveover to the Tower, after a
week at the Criterion, was titled:
'An Oklahoma City Fan Wrote This
Ad for Honolulu' and followed by a
boxed hand-written' paragraph
signed by a local woman:
'I have seen 'Honolulu' and I want
you to know bow' much I enjoyed it
It was grand entertainment with
marvelous dancing and swell com-
edy. I'm glad it's ru'nning a second
week so my friends can see it'
Boxoffice wham for the fifth consecutive time of a
Deanna Durbin starring picture is a practical demon-
stration of showmanship that turns talent into dollars.
Benieficial reactions to the series of Durbin films ex-
tend far beyond the ramifications of Universal and
the production unit of Joseph Pasternak, who, with
Henry Koster, is chiefly responsible for her pictures.
The girlish Miss Durbin within three years has become
an important financial figure in the industry. At the
pay wickets of thousands of theatres which play her
films the public has laid down in dimes and quarters
a sura that runs into millions of dollars. With other
millions in sight
Her fihns consistently have lieen outstanding and
rate classification among the best Her personal popu-
larity has grown rapidly. Mention of her films sug-
gests how adroitly Pasternak and the studio have
bridged her career from a child to a young woman.
She has developed as an artist: and as a personality;
and yet she has retained the freshness and youthful
spirit of her earlier pictures.
Roles selected for Miss Durbin, starting with 'Three
Smart Girls,' ' have been progressively ageing. ' In
order, the others have been '100 Men and a Girl,' 'Mad
About Music,' 'That Certain Age' and Three Smart
Girls Grow Up'. Few Hollywood stars can point to a
list as rich in good story material (and financial gain)
over so short a period of time. Shirley Temple and
Mickey Rooney, among young players, lead her at the
boxoffice, but Miss Durbin is coming fast
A7FEAIS TO FAMTT.Y TEASE
She is a valuable piece of motion picture merchan-
dise. She appeals to ' the biggest money group in
American life — the family trade.
It is. with some wonderment, therefore, that one
observes that Universal is training Miss Durbin for
the 'glamour' market Advertisements for the 'first-
run showing at the Rivoli (N.Y.) of "Three Smart ..
Girls Grow Up' declare the young woman appears in
'her first glamorous role'.
Frank S. Nugent, in the N. Y. Times, writes, To
suggest that this 'teenish miss is glamorous, with a
leer ringing the word, is not simply stupid but obscene;
if we had any authority over the matter we'd wash
the culprit's mouth with soap and make him wait for
an hour for a rinse.'
In view of the smash theatre business done by the
Misses Temple and Durbin and Master Rooney, it
would appear that the dollar mark emphasis which is
g^ven to 'glamour*, so-called,' is greatly misplaced. And
yet film publicity for years has been directed towards
exploitation of the glamorous as if the very existence
of the indust^ depended upon it If anyone doubts the
statement let him take a look at the current fan
magazines, also so-called.
Now it would be impossible for these publications to
thrive without the cooperation of the major film com-
pany publicity departments: It is from these sources
they obtain photographs and interviews. Some of the
companies advertise in the publications, but such sup-
port is Incidental to the publicity gold-mine.
There aire some gems of showmanship appeal in the
April' issues. For instance, in Modern Screen, which
is said to have the largest circulation of the group,
the cover screams with the following headlines
'Hedy Lamarr Has Had Too Much Ecstasy!'
'Deanna Talks— For Girls Only*.
The fact that the articles accompanying these head-
lines are quite innocuous, silly and flat, nevertheless
they do not remove the Implications of the titles.
As the spieler at the side-show says, 'What yoii see
on the outside is nothing compared 'to what is on the
inside'. Glhnpse through the editorial and pictorial
text for enlightenment There's an article, for in-
stance, credited to a young woman who says she is
Robert Taylor's secretary. Here's an excerpt 'For the
most part, he (Taylor) doesn't have callers in his dress-
ing room, for he likes to.relax. I've never . yet seen a
woman In the suite. In this room, also, I perform my
duties. I can just hear some girl saying, 'Well, If per-
forming your duties with> Bob Taylor on the coiich
behind you comes under the head of work, ril eat it!'
On another page. Miss Lamarr, explaining to a
writer named Lon Murray how she was tricked iiito
playing a scene in 'Ecstasy', declares, 'In my ignorance,
I was won over.' He adds, 'A girl of good circum-
stances, little more than a child except in body, has
little experience with the world and its panderers.
After all, she thought the sequence might not survive,
the cutting-room.'
Most other fan publications oifer similar type of
editorial text .
There must be a moral to all this— and there is:
Tliat Deanna Durbin has made wonderful progress up
to this point in her career without being 'glamorous'.
Indians at % P/ Opening
To Make Parking Tough
Hollywood, March 21.
In addition to Cecil B. DeMille and
many of the stars in his latest Para'
mount picture, 'Union Pacific,' who
will visit Omaha, there will also be
tribes of Sioux and Cheyenne In'
dians attending -Uie premiere on
April 28.
Parking space of the Omaha Union
station, about tliree blocks long, will
be converted into an Indian stockade
of 75 years ago. Living, cooking and
working about, their tepees will be
the Indians whQ appeared in the
film. The tribe will occupy the
stockade three days, April 26-28, dur-
ing the civic celebration coincident
to the world premiere of the film,
which co-stars Barbara Stanwyck
and Joe McCrea.
Combination of old-time circus
methods and modem motion picture
merchandising will be vaed to aC'
quaint the public with the approach
of the special train which will bring
members of the cast to Omaha.
Cliff Lewis and Jack Dailey, of
Paramount's west coast advertising
staff, and Carl Kreuger, of the N. Y.
staff, will go out in advance of the
train when it proceeds to New York,
with a special theatre trailer, hand
bills, one-sheets and window cards,
all in circus style.
Lewis and Dailey will work as far
east as Toledo, Indianapolis and Cin-
cinnati, with Dailey about two weeks
in advance of the train and liCwis
just ahead of it Alex Moss and
Kreuger will similarly work cities
along the eastern coast
F&M Using Billboards For
Al Pearce Return to St. L.
St Louis, March 21.
Fanchon 8c Marco is. using plenty
of paper to exploit this return en-
gagement of Al Pearce and his Gang
for one week, April 2, at the 5,000-
seater Fox. Pearce broke the house
record a year ago in the same house,
when he attracted approximately
$38,000 to the b.o. during a one-week
stand. Posters have been spotted in
advantageous places within a 100-
mile radius of St Louis, the paper
supplementing radio tieups, etc.
At WTMV, East St Louis, FfitM
engineered an essay, 'Why I Like Al
Pearce's Programs' contest whereby
two pairs of - ducats are awarded
daily for 10 days in advance of
Pearce's opening. KSD, the NBC
outlet here that carried Pearce's pro-
grams, is- used for spot announce-
ments.
WB-NBC ARRANGE
DODGE CTTY' AIRING
Chicago, March 21.
Deal has been arranged between
NBC and Warner Bros, for a coast-
to-coast spread for premiere of
'Dodge City' flicker in Dodge City on
April 1.
Jules Herbuveaux, program man-
ager for NBC central division,- is
sehdiiig a crew out to the western
burg for the pick-up which will ride
over the blue at 8 p.m., EST.
Clem NcCarlby's Busy
Publicity Week in Wash.
Washington, March 2L
. Ray Bell, local Loew ballyman,
and Eddie (Foo Young) JaSee to<A
hold of Clem McCarthy's p.a. at Capi-
tol this week and turned It into a
publicity circus.
Boys wound up with pretty close
to a record for free space in papers
and time on air. Local NBC stations
built two shows around McCarthy,
had him appearing on two others
and worked in 30 spots plugging his
radio and theatre appearances. Sports
writers went to town in their col-
umns, Times-Herald even using his
race selections for the week. Frank
J. Wilson, Secret Service head,
turned out to be a long-lost cousin
of McCarthy and that won several
good art breaks. Evening Star used
McCarthy to present cups to winners
in its basketball tournament
Gajg prizefight staged at theatre as
part of McCarthy's act also was basis
for several stunts, including publish-
ing of a wire from Tony Galento of-
fering to fight the 'Winner.
Indiana Governor Sets
'Spirit of Culver' Wk
Indianapolis, March 21.
N. Clifford Townsend, Governor of
Indiana, set the week of March 10
as the 'Spirit of Culver Week,' in
conjunction with the opening of the
Universal picture in Indianapolis at
the Circle. The honor student of
Culver Military Academy was in-
vited to act as mayor of the city for
the week.
Every civic and patriotic body in
Indianapolis, including the governing
heads, gave the theatre fullest co-
op^rr.tion in exploiting the film.
Tygmalion' Given
Smart Bafly in Detroit
Detroit March 21.
Climaxing a well-rounded cam-
paign for 'Pygmalion,' United De-
troit theatres, with Earl Hudson di-
recting, pulled a neat stunt involving
George Bernard Shaw. Proposing to
call the flicker's author 'fiction's bad
boy and rogue' in newspaper adver-
tising, Hudson inveigled one of local
dailies to protest the 'libelous' ap-
pellation and cable iShaw to get his
okay before accepting copy.
U.D. also employed teaser copy
for 10 days prior to 'iS'gmalion's'
opening at United Artists theatre,
copy running in at least six spots
daily in local prints. Literary, teach-
er and student writing dubs also
were contacted by mail and phone,
while considerable radio time was
obtained through local commen-
tators.
$35,000 in Baifaoards
For llfuthering Hts.'
United Artists will spend between
$35,000 and $40,000 for a billboard
campaign in key cities on Samuel
Goldwyn's 'Wuthering Heights.'
Nearly 3,000 boards will carry
24-sheet posters two weeks In ad-
vance of each key city premiere. Pic-
ture will have its first showing in
Cinchinati about April 7, with Radio
City Music Hall, opening set for
April 13.
Book Criticism Latest
Lure for Matinee Biz
Oklahoma City, March 21.
Designed as a matinee builder
among clubwomen and civic leaders,
the^ Griffith Amuse. Co. has begun a
series of book review matinees in
its Orpheum, Okmulgee, and Key,
Wewoka. Idea, which originated in
Dallas, calls for book reviews by
prominent clubwomen from the stage
of the theatres.
Griffiths have engaged Mrs. LeRoy
Tryon, of Oklahoma City, for the job.
FILM SPONSOBSHIP
Chicago, March 21.
A tieup has been arranged by the
Esquire theatre with the Chicago
Drama League for sponsorship of
outstanding films. Started with Teg
of Old Drury,' which got away on
its first run in town last week.
Esquire is veering over towards
foreign films and indicates probabil-
ity of setting itself with strictly a
foreign film policy.
Of Crowds for D. C/
Kickoff a Problem
Dodge City, Kans., March 21.
City officials are taking seriously
the problem of adequately housing
the crowds that are expected here
April 1 for the world's premiere of
'Dodge City' (WB). Local appear-
ance of a group of Hollywood film
stars, who are coming east by spe-
cial train, already has resulted In
upping hotel and auto-camp reser-
vations.
Film which carries the namie of
this frontier town will be shown, si.
multaneously in three theatres to ac-
commodate the first night audiences.
Speeches by state and government
officials k welcoming the film group,
to be headed by Jack L. Warner and
Hal Wallis, will be nationally broad-
cast over NBC.
Meanwhile neighbors are having
difficulty recognizing their next door
friends. Town is going frontier ton-
sorially and sartorially, as well as
pictorlally.
PSYCHIC PROVES BIG
HYPO FOR lOVE AFFAIR'
Syracuse, March 21.
Use of Jane Morley, psychic, to
stimulate Interest in 'Love Affair,*
pliaying at Keith's, here this week,
proving a big success, . In fact Gus
Lampe, city director for Schme the-
atres here, operator of the house, is
so impressed by the drawing possi-
bilities that ha is contemplating us-
ing the psychic in series of personal
appearataces next week, perhaps
worlcing her In the balcony or foyer.
Stunt was pulled with one of the
local papers with Miss Morley to
answer questions concerning 'love
affairs or any other subjects' in
which readers were interested. The
deluge of mail ran Into thousands in
a couple of days and the paper was
unable to cope with the rush of ques-
tions, or provide the space . for .
answers.
In- desperation the paper finally
asked the theatre to call a halt but
so many thousands remained unan-
swered that Lampe announced he
would have Miss Morley meet the
public during the coming week, us-
ing the theatre to handle the crowds
Temple Fdm Heavily
m
Oklahoma City, March 21.
Full promotion efforts were placed
behind 'LitUe Princess' (20th) by
Jimmy Birge and Jack Tunstell of
the Criterion here, highlighted by a
good-sized newspaper advertising
campaign.
Cut-<>ut dolls of Shirley Temple
were printed with a co-op ad of a
local milk company and distributed
with deliveries. Comments by other
stars and Hollywood personalities
were spotlighted on a special trailer
and run the week previous in other
downtown Standard Theatre houses,
while 20,000 door-knob cards were
placed in hotels, downtown offices
and part of the local residence dis-
trict
The local 20th-Fox exchaoge also
provided a limited quantity of the
souvenir programs from the Carthay
Circle, L.A., premiere of the picture,
which were handed to opening night
patrons.
Can't Take It with You,
But Can Tou Take It?
SeatUe, March 21.
Sterling Chain (John Danz) is
starting a 'personal indignity con-
test' at Palpmar, this being a stage
stunt every Wednesday night and
open to the folks that can take it
It's called 'Can You Take It?' <3ash
awards of $5 are made for each of
the three of four stunts pulled
weekly,
Jerry Ross is the m.c. He asks for
volunteers from the audience. There
was some "planting' for opening
week, when Uie stunts included nail
driving by women, then by men,' and
hair cpts by 'ams,' which lead to
some funt^ jobs; all for $5 to the
faistest
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
PIGTORE GROSSES
VARIETY
Honest Man'-Kemp $28,000. Philly;
'Mair' $17.000, 'Cafe Poor $9,000
Philadelphia, March 21.
They'M shopplngjtor their P,lx In
Phffly this week. B.o.'b run aU the
way from downriat punk up to
JiAeroo. Easily ft the top oi the
lirt aeain is the Fox under its new
vaudrnm policy. Combo_this sesh is
•You Can't Cheat an Honest Man'
and Hal Kemp's orch, winning great
128 000. Likewise clicking s&on^ly
L 'Love Affair' at the Soyd with
tlTOOO in store and almost sure, of
another lap around.
At the other end of the scale, and
■ disappointment, is 'Cafe Society'
It the Stanley, getting under W.OOO.
very poor. Pic went into the house
as an afterthought when 'Ice Follies'
failed to mesh and was unable to
hold for the two weeks hoped for.
Three Smart Girls,' opening on Fri-
day (24) was supposed to be the next
'"'.SotSer weakle, although gaining
fome momentum, is 'Prison Without
Bars' at the Aldine. It opened Sat-
urday (18) after "King of the Turf'
was held for an extra day because
Si booking troubles. Unless the
raught gets really strong. 'Prison'
will oe turned out In six dajrs with
around $6,500 to fi«t the house back
6n Friday policy. 'Third of a Na-
£on' at the Palace Is doing nicely at
16,000.
BsUmatos fof Thla Week
Aldine ri^) (1,808: ja-42.B7) —
Triaon Without Bars' (UA). Book-
jjig difficulties set this back to Sat-
uraay opening, which was weak, al-
Mugh it picked up some speed on
junday and Monday. However, at
16,500 in six days. It will probably
So out on Thursday to get the house
ack on schedule, umess present
tr6ubles in obtaining other product
aren't ironed out Last week, same
problem of product gave "King Turf
(UA) an undeserved extra day,
winding it up with $7,600 for the
tight-day period, n.s.h.
Boyd (WB) (2,360; 32-42-57) —
Xove Affair' (RKO). Pounding along
at a nifty rate for $17,000 and almost
certain of another session. Last
week 'Little Princess' (20th), under
$12,000, bad.
Esrle (WB) (2,768; 26-32-42) —
Ylunga Din' (RKO) (3d run). 'Once
^e prima donna of the downtown
|[ros8ers, Earle now Is last center-
city run, clicking oft $8,600 this week,
Sot so bad considering. Last week,
%ach Other' (UA) (3d run), so-so
$7,B00.
F« (WB) (2,423; 32-37-42-57-68)—
Tlonest Man' (U) and Hal Kemp
orch on stage. Holdine up nicely
the terrific grosses with which ft
■tarted its new combo policy four
weeks ago, getting $28,000 this turn,
eocko. Last week, 'Oklahoma Kid'
(WB) with Vincent Lopez, Betty
Hatton and Patriola Xlus on the
boards, profitable $24,000.
_ KarHon (WB) a,0fl6; 32-42-57) —
•Stagecoach* (UA) (2d run). Gal-
lopping along nicely at better than
$4,000. Had two weeks at the Aldine
previous. Last week, "Wife. Hus-
band' (20th) (2d run), $4,600, very
fine.
Keith's (WB) (1,870; 32-42-57) —
*Ice^ Follies' (M-G) (2d run). Re-
peating the skid It did on first run
ft les than $4,000. Last week, 'Pari-
ng Daughter' (WB) (2d run), okay
Palace (WB) (1,000: 26-42)— Third
of Nation' (Par). Helpful reviews
pushmg this to lush $6,000. Last
week, 'Saint Strikes Back' (RKO)
hot bad at $5,500.
^Slamley (WB) (2,016; 32-42-57) —
"Cafe Society* (Par). Giving this big
£?S5S **** aspect of a morgue with
W,000, very poor. Only in as a fill,
however, to Uke up the second week
which failed to materialize from 'Ice
Follies' (M-G). Latter In Its single
lap did little better than $12,500.
TTiree Smart Girls' In Friday.
Stanlen (WB) (1,457; 2«-a2-42) —
^ng Chinatown' (Par). So-so at
|5,000. Last week, 'Culver" (U), sad
ma^-WEST $29,000,
DARLING' 19G, B'KLYN
.„ Brooklyn, March 21.
AH roads In City of Churches this
■ lr"^'®a'> *o Fabian Fox where
Mae West is heading stage show and
|S;««n,.,has 'Persons In Hiding.'
House tilted b.o. prices for this week
"nly, and is getting fine daytime re-
i"^ saUafactory, reaction at
2s» • • Excellent exploitation cam-
paign m advance of Miss West's ar-
K» T n« home town was put on
Joe Lee.
«.9j''*r <lowntown houses have good
fo ?» ^"^ *>l'ay b.0. but competish
Sjoijl'- Paramount is holding 'Yes,
SJ?^„^arling Daughter' and "Lone
r«c.^Si^Py,^""t' second week to nice
resmts. ^ Loew's Metropolitan with
Made for Each Other' and *12
h^Ji^ded Hours' wiU d6 satisfac-
Ch^^i A*''ee strong with 'You Can't
fr.'iea' Honest Marf and 'Grand Il-
lusion.' strand mild.
„„V*nty vaude In Brooklyn, but
uone In downtown area, except for
(Continued on page 30)
Key City Grosses
Estimated Total Gross
Ilils Week ...... $1,6S3,16«
(Based or 27 ciHet, 183 thea-
tres, chiefly first runs, Includlna
N. T.)
Total Gross Sam* Week
LastTeu-... $l,a!«,£M
(Based:on23 cities, 164 theatres)
'Mair/ Fields,
1^/26 Each, Top
Hesdthy Cincy
Cincinnati, March 21,
Improved produ(it and favorable
week-end weather have current
grosses on the upbeat. Xove Affair'
at the Albea and 'You Can't Cheat
an Honest Man' at the Palace are
neck-and-neck for front mon^, with
okay figures. 'Yes, My Darling
Daughter,' at the Shubert, also is
chalking up a winning number.
'King of Turf Is a fair tugger for
Keith's. Lyric's 'One Third of a
Nation' Is a brodie.
Estimates for This Week
Albee (6KO) (3,300; 35-42)— liOve
Affair' (RKO). Okay $11,500. Last
week, ' 'Cafe Society' (Par), fairly
good $10,000.
Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 38-42)—
'Cafe Society' (Par) (2d run). Light
$3,500. Last week, 'Little Princess"
(20th) (2d run), pitiful $2,500.
Family (RKO) (1,000; -20-30)
'Slave Ship' (20th) and 'Six-Gun
Trail' (Ind), spilt with 'Ambush'
(Par) and 'Silver Sage' (Par). Nor-
mal $2,200. Last week, 'Homicide
Bureau' (Col) and liOng Shot' (GN),
split with 'White Woman' (Ind) and
'Miss X' (Rep), big $.'<,000, theatre's
best biz in months. -
Grand (RKO) (1,200; 25-40)—
'Can't Take If (Col) (revival). Okay
$2,800. Last week, 'Each Other'
(UA) (3d run), fair $2,500.
Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 35-42)—
'King of Turf (UA). Filr $4,500.
Ditto last week on 'St Louis Blues'
(Par).
Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 35-42)— Third
of Nation' (Par). Bad $2,500. Last
week, 'Boy Trouble' (Par), $2,000,
in tlie cellar. . ■
Palaee (RKO) (2,600; 35-42)—
'Honest Man' (U), Okay $11,500.
Last week, 'Freedom Ring" (M-G),
eight days, slow $8,000.
Shnbert (RKO) (2,150; 36-42)—
'Darling Daughter* (WB). Good
$8,000. Last week, 'Beachcomber*
(Par) (2d wk), fair $4,500.
Tyg' Dual $15,000
In Prov.; Daogbter'
Slides, Rest Stron]^
Providence, March 21.
'Pygmalion' leading State to swell
week. Other houses nearly aU doing
better than average. RKO »bee
boosting b.o. with addition of
WPRO's Housewives' Serenaders or-
chestra Saturdays and Sundays.
'Darling Daughter' only so-so.
Estimates tor This Week
Albee (RKO) (2,000; 26-35-40)^
'Wharf (RKO) and 'Beautv for Ask-
ing' (RKO) with Housewives' Sere-
naders on stage Saturday and Sun-
day. Peppy $8,000. Last week,
'Honest Man' (U) and 'Secrets Nurse'
(U) (2d wk). fair $3,500.
Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 25-35-
50)— 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB) and
'Secret Service' (WB) (2d run).
Stepping along to nice $5,500. Last
week, 'Stagecoach* (UA) and 'Pride
Navy' (Rep) (2d run), hefty $6,500.
Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 25-35-40)—
'Mr. Moto' (20th) and vaude. Clos-
ing of Playhouse, in-and-out vaude
house, helping for swell $7,300. Last
week, 'Alexander's Band' (20th) (re-
vival) and vaude, fair $5,000.
Majestic (Fay) (3,200; 25-35-50)—
'Darling Daughter' (WB) and 'Jane
Arden' (WB). Failing to attract for
so-so $6,000. Last week, 'Oklahoma
Kid' (WB) and 'Secret Service'
(WB), grand $9,000.
SUte (Loew) (3,200; 25-35-50)—
'Pygmalion' (M-G) and 'Whispering
Enemies' (Col). Paced at neat $15,-
OOO. Last week, 'Ice Follies' (M-G)
ahd 'North China' (Col), breezy $12,-
500.
Strand (Indie) (2,200; 25-35-50)—
'Let Live' (Col) and Third of Na-
tion' (Par). Pulling strong $8,000.
Last week. 'Cafe Society* (Par) and
'My Son' (Col), nifty $7,500.
'PYQ' ni/zG, MONTREAL
Temple Very Good $B,OM— 'Cafe*
Dnal $5,eM, Bltses BUM
Montreal, March 21.
Powerful $11,500 gross coming up
on 'Pygmalion' at Loew's which has
quit vaude and gone plx In big way.
Temple opus at Palace also a comer
at $8,000.
Estimates (or This Week
Palaee (CTT) (2,700; 25-45-55)—
■Little Prtacess' (20th). Very good
$8,000 in sight Third session of
'Gunga Din' (RKO) last week got
satisfactory $5,000.
Capitol (CT). (2,700; 25-45-55)—
'Cafe Society' (Par) and Third of
Nation' (Par). Aiming for $5,000,
good enough. Last week, 'Honolulu'
(M-G) and 'Dr, Meade' (Col), fair
$4,800.
Loew's (Crr) (2,800; 30-40-60)—
'Pygmalion' (M-G). Big ballyhoo
plus gala opening paving way for
socko $11,500. Last week, 'Storm
Bengal' (Rep) and Dave AppUon re-
vue, okay $6,000.
Prlneeas (CT) (2,300; 25-34-50)—
'Three Musketeers' (20th) and 'Chan
in Honolulu' (20th). Cannot see
l>etter than $3,000, middling. Last
week, 'Wings Navy' (WB) and
Torchy CHiinatown' (WB), so-so
$2 800
brpheiun (Ind) (1,100; 25-40-50)—
'Stagecoach' (UA) (2d wk.). Sight-
ing good enough $2,500 ' after nice
$3,800 last week.
Cinema de Paris' (France-Filih)
(600: 25-50)— 'L'Aflaire Lafargue.'
Lent denting French bouses. Bare
$1,600. Last week, 'Le Patriote'
(3d wk.) off to $1,000.
St Denis (France-FUm) (2,300;
20-34)— 'Courier de Lyon' and 'Mar-
raine du Regiment' At $4,500, good
enough. Last week, 'Prisons Femmes'
and 'Gargousse,* $4,800.
lOVE AFFAIR,' VAUDE
$14,000 TOPS BALTO
Baltimore, . March 21.
Biz just fair here, during pre-
Easter lull. Leading town in nice
style is combo Hipp, with 'Love Af-
fair* tied to pleasing vaude layout
'Stagiecoach,' at Loew's Century, off
to .a- good opening, holding up stead-
ily. Fair measure of response being
meted out The Oklahoma Kid' at
the Stanley.
Estimates for This Week
Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15-
25-40)— 'Stagecoach' (UA). In shape
to hit $11,000. Last week, 'Pyg-
malion' (M-G) cashed in on skillful
exploitation and smart handling
with big $14,400.
Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,205:
15.25-35-40-55-66) — 'Love Affair'
(RKO) plus vaude. Taking the
town's lead with viery steady flifiOO
and indicating h.o. Last week,
'Blondie' (Col) and vaude, halting
$9,900.
KeKh'a (Schanberger) (2,406; 15-
25-35-40) — Vafe SocIeW' (Par).
Opened today (Tuesday). Last week,
'Blackwells Island' (WB) not much
at $3,800.
New (Mechanic) (1,558; 15-25-35-
65)— 'Little Princess' (20th) (2d wk).
Holding, fairly well on strength of
day time reaction. Adding $4,000
to nice opening take of $7,200.
Stanley (.WB) (3,280: 15-25-35-40-
55)— 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB). Getting
tair action to $7,000. Last week.
Darling Daughter* (WB) (2d wk)
fell down at $4,200 after satisfactory
Initial session to $9,800.
'Mair' L A. Leader at $30,000,
Cagney Big $25,500; W Weak,
W Does So with Record Low
Broadway Grosses
Estimated Total Gross ,
This Week... $317,300
. (Based on 12 theatres)
Total Gross ISane Week
Last Year. $242,404
(Based on 12 theatres)
Tsui Sp -Kyser
WaHoping $47,000,
Detroit: Tyg OK
Detroit March 21.
Best biz in four years is the word
at the Fox, as Kay Kyser's 'College
of Musical Knowledge,' with Tail
Spin' pushes spofs gross to near all-
time record proportions.
'Pygmalion,' accorded a brisk
buildup, looks set at the United Art-
ists, while 'Made for Each Other'
plus 'Secret Service of the Air,' at
the Michigan, gives town its best
fare in long time.
Estimates for This Week
Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40)—
'Service de Luxe' (U) and 'Newsboys
Home' (U). On eight days, register-
ing $5,500. Last stanza, trimmed to
six days, 'Charlie Chan' (20th) and
'Arizona Wildcat' (20th), $3,700,'
light ■
Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40-
65)— 'Tail Spin' (20th) . and Kay
Kyser's band on stage. Strictly on
latter's pull, house is headed toward
neighborhood of all-time house rec-
ord with $47,000, aided by additional
Serformances on Saturday and Sun.
ay. House's best biz in four years.
Last week, 'Wife, Husband' (20th)
plus vaude, mournful $11,000 in face
of sleet storm.
Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000;
30-40-65)— 'Each Other* (UA) plus
'Secret Service' (WB). Paced for
good $16,000. Last week, 'Darling
Daughter' (WB). and 'Let Live*
(Col), $15,000.
Palms-Stato (United Detroit) (3,.
000; 30-40-50)— 'Darling Daughter'
(WB) (2d run) plus 'One Third Na-
tion' (Par). Former opus moved
here from Michigan, following strong
bally on censorship in N. Y., and
figures to grab nice $8,300. Last
weefc^ 'Stagecoach* (UA) (2d run)
and 'Torchy Blane Cbinatown' (WB)
strong $9,000.
Vdted Artlsta (United Detroit)
(2,000; 30-40-68>— l^gmalion' (M-G).
Accorded hefhr buUdup and should
fet good $13,500 and probably hold,
last week, 'Freedom Ring* (M-G),
$8,000, bad.
'dda: Kid' $14,00a life -Lopez
Ditto, Cleveland; Tollies' So-So
Cleveland, March 21.
Takes holding up fairly well. One
of the two best money-makers is
Vincent Lopez band coupled with
'Wife, Husband and Friend" at Pal-
ace. Following Kay .Kyser, who
socked up a new attendance record
last week with a great $37,000, cur-
rent combo is handicapped but still
climbing day and night consistently.
Neck-and-neck is 'Oklahoma Kid'
wliich is corraling evening trade but
losing on femme matinees.
State is a bit off with 'Ice Follies
of 1939' while 'St Louis Blues' runs
along at Stlllman at average pace.
Kyser date last week was so en-
couraging, making Palace swine-
minded for a change, that Nat Holt
penciled three more bands nearly
m a row. Vincent Lopez in cur-
rently,' followed by Larry Clinton
Friday (24). Tony Martin, singer, is
the exception for Holy Week with
Artie Shaw due April 7.
Estimates for This Week
Alhambra (Printz) (1.200; 10-20-
35)— 'My Son Criminal' (U) and 'Lit-
tle Pal' (revival). Neat $2,000 for
four days. Last we^. 'Rislqr Busi-
ness' (U) and 'ProL Mamlock* (Ind).
full week, ?ood $4,200.
Allen (RKO) (3.000; 30-35-42-55)—
Beachcomber' (Par). Satisfactory
second stanza, $3,500, after shift from
Hipp and swell notices. Last week,
'Culver' (U), just mUd, $2,000.
Hipp (Warner) (3,700; 30-35-42.65)
—'Oklahoma Kid' (WB). Can't catch
any afternoon crowds, but has a
punch evenings worth $14,000, in-
dicating move to Allen. Last week,
'Beachcomt>er' (Par) was pushed up
by shrewd promotion and news-
papers to $12,000, more than ex-
pected.
Palace (RKO) (3,200; 30-35-42-55)
—'Wife, Husband* (20th), plus Vin-
cent Lopez band on stage. , Doing
only eight-cylinder business but
since it's a low-budgeted show,
$14,000 will give house a nice profit
Last week, 'Darling Daughter* (WB)
and Kay Kyser provided winter's
most excitement Doing six shows
daily. Kyser brought out cops to
handle sidewalk crowds and was a
dailv sell-out that added up to
$37,000. Kyser drew 7,000 more
patrons than Mae West, but at a
dime a throw less, leaving the latter
with the dollar record.
State (Loew's) (3,450; 30-35-42-55)
—'Follies' (M-G). Draggy opening
and not much press assistance, but
at $13,000 still okay. Last week.
'Cafe Society' (Par) was walloped by
opposish, earning fair $10,000.
Stlllman (Loew's) (1,972; 30-35-42-
55)— 'St Louis Blues' (Par). Sing-
ing in minor key to tune of $3,500.
Last week. 'Stagegoach* (UA) '. on
h.o. was a honey at' $6,000.
Los Angeles, March 21.
With a combined $30,000, 'Love
Affair' at the RKO and Pantages Is
asserting itself as the town's leader.
Will holdover.
At the Warner houses 'Oklahoma
Kid' Is giving the Irene Dunne-
Charles Boyer opus a close chase by
ringing up a nifty $25,500 combined.
State-Chinese having a disappoint-
ing week with 'Wife, Husband and
Friend,' while the Paramount's 'Never
Say Die' crawled through the poor-
est week on record, and is being
held for full seven days only be-
cause Paramount is tmable to furnish
a print of 'Midnight' before Thurs-
day, regular change day.
Stagecoach' combined moveover
garnered $9,600, while 'Pygmalion*
winds up after 12 weeks and three
days.
Estimates for Thb Week
Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,024;
30-40-55-75)— 'Wife, Husband' (20th)
and 'Arizona Wildcat' (20th). Very
weak $7,600. Last week 'Stagecoach*
(UA) and 'Inside Story' (20th), okay
$10,200.
Downtown (WB) (1.800; 30-40-55-
65)--'OkIahoma Kid' (WB) and 'Jane
Arden' (WB).. Pounding steadily to
big $13,500. Last week Topper*
(tJA) and 'Secret Service' (WB),
very good $11,500.
Four Star (P-WC-UA) (900; 40-55)
—'Pygmalion' (M-G) (13th week).
Final three days bringing added $1,- '
000. Twelfth week, exrellent $2,000.
'Lady Vanishes' (GB) opens tomor-
row (22).
Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55-
65)— 'Oklahoma Kld'.(WB) and 'Jane
Arden' (WB). First week headed for
excellent $12,000. Last week Top-
per' (UA) and 'Secret Service' (WB),
very profitable $11,000.
Orphenm (Bdwy) (2,280; 25>30-35-
40)— 'Ambush' (Par) and 'Beauty for
Asking' (RKO) plus vaudeville.
Lucky it hitting $6,500. Last week
'Disbarred' (Par) and 'Flirting Fate*
(M-G), another bloomer, slightly
over $6,000.
Pantages (Pan) (2,812; 30-40-55)—
'Love Affair' (RKO) and 'Last Warn*
Ing'. (U). Headed for sweet $16,500,
insuring holdover. Last week 'Hon-
est Man' (U) (2d wk) and 'Wharf
(RKO), very good $6,000.
Panunonnt (Par) (3,595; 30 40-55)
^'Never S&y Die'- (Par) and stage
show. Brutal $9,000. Last week
'Cafe Society' (Par) nine days, fair
$12,600.
BKO (2,872; 30-40-55)— 'Love Af-
fair' (RKO) and 'Last Warning' (U).
Nifty $13,500 and holds. Last week
'Honest Man' (U) (2d wk) and
'Wharf (RKO), very good $6,800.
State (Loew-Fox) (2,114; 30-40-55-
76)— 'Wife, Husband' (20th) and 'Ari-
zona Wildcat' (20th). Customary
punch lacking. Poor $0,500. Last
week 'Stagecoach* (UA) and 'Inside
Story' (20th). very good $12,300.
United Artiste (F-WC!^ 2,100; 30-
40-55)— 'Stagecoach' (UA) and 'In-
side Story* (20th). Not as good as
expected on moveover as $3,300 at-
tests. Last week 'Little Princess*
(20th) and 'Girl Downstairs' (M-G),
satisfactory $3,600.
Wlbhlre (F-WC) (2,296; 30-40-55-
65)— 'Stagecoach' (UA> and 'Inside
Story' (20th). Drawing better here
than at Its moveover day-dater
(United Artists) with $6,300 the an-
swer. Last week 'Little Princess*
(20th) and 'Girl Downstairs' (M-G),
bettered expectations by garnering
$5,200.
'Kid' Paces So-So
Seattle with $7,000
Seattle, March 21.
'Oklahoma Kid,' coupled with
'Bum 'Em Up O'Connor' at the Or-
pheum, is wallcing away with b.o.
leadership, somewhat upsetting ex-
pectations by the show of strength.
'Ice Follies of 1939,' dual, isn't
making much headway with a $5,000
take at the Fifth Ave., and the rest
of the list generally is reflecting
Lent;
Estimates for This Week
Bine Moose (Harorick-Bvergrecn)
(850; 32-37-42) — 'Honest Man' (U)f
and 'Wharf (RKO) (2d wk). Flv^
day week only, but going great gi:na
at $2,800. Last week. 'Stagecoach'
(UA) and 'Bulldog Drummord'
(Par) (2 wk). eight. davs. $3,100. big.
Coliseum (Hamrick-Evergreen) (1,-
900; 21-32)— 'Stand Up'(M-G) and
'Duke West Point' (UA). Slow 'j.v
ing with $2,400. Last week, 'Ken-
tucky' f20th) and •Goes My Heart'
(UA), $2,300. poor.
FU th Avenue ( H a m r 1 c k Evcr«
green) (2,349; 32-37-42)— 'Ice Fj'lleS*
(M-G) and 'Beauty for Asking*
(RKO). Not making much headwry
on $5,000. l^Bt vvcpk.i .'FnMdi'm
(Continued on pafe4 30) ' ' ' '
10
VARIETY
PICTURE GROSSES
Wednesday, Marcli 22, 1939
Cagney 18G, love Mair' $16,000,
But Hot Spell Melts Rest of Frisco
San Francisco, March 21.
Although several of the llrst runs
on Market street have unusually
good boxolTice entertainment this
week, biz is spotty. This is due main-
ly to a spell ot hot weatier which
has made most of the natives de-
cidedly Fair-minded. Attendance at
the Golden Gate Expo jumped ap-
proximately 10,000 persons a day
while the heat was on. This augurs
well for the Expo during the late
spring and summer months, but also
tells another, but a sadder story, for
the theatres which are certainly feel-
ing the effects of the big $50,000,000
show.
Top coin-getter this week is 'Okla-
homa Kid' and 'Wile's Relatives' at
the Fox, chances being good for
smash $18,000. Next best is $16,000
for Irene Dunne-Charles Boyer com-
bo in 'Love Affair' at the Golden
Gate. Boyer's Sunday night radio
series seems to be helping his draw.
Estimates for This Week
Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-55-75)—
•Oklahoma Kid' (WB) and 'Wife's
Relatives' (Hep). Adverse weather
conditions and competisli from the
Fair are no handicap; probably
$18,000, very big. " Last week, 'Wife,
Husband' (20th) and 'Persons Hid-
ing' (Par) folded to $13,000.
Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 35-55)
— 'Love Affair* (RKO) and vaude-
ville. .This house fares better with
action stuff. However, house man-
ager George Bole built up a good
advance campaign and picture is
faring very well at $16,000. ■ Last
week, 'Flyme Irishman' (RKO) and
vaudeville, okay $13,000.
Orpheom (F&M) (2,440; 35-55)—
•Culver* (U) and 'Society Smugglers'
(U). Preview of Bing Crosby's new
over from Its first -tanza at the In-
dlana. Doing all right at $4,000.
Last week, 'Wharf (RKO) and '12
Hours' (RKO), dismal $1,700.
Circle (KaU-Dolle) (2,600; 25-30-
40)— 'Sudden Money' (Par) and Ted
Lewis band on stage. Latter given
credit for profltable $12,000 gross.
Last week, 'Culver* (U) and 'Society
Smugglers' (U), tepid $4,600.
Indiana (Katz-DoUe) (3,100; 25-30-
40)— 'Love Affair' (RKO) and 'Great
Man' (RKO). Former pic given
m&jor billing. Good $7,500. Last
week, 'Little Princess' (20th) and
Everybody's Baby' (20th), okay
$6,300.
Loew'i (Loew's) (2.400; 25-30-40)
— 'Huck Finn' (M-G) and 'Homicide
Bureaii' (Col). ExceUent $10,000.
Last week, 'Each Other' (UA) and
'Let Live' (Col), $7,500, good.
Lyrlo (Olson) (1,900; 25-30-40)—
Blackwells Island' (WB) and Eddy
Duchin band on stage. Latter for-
merly held house record. Asserting
real strength in the face of highly
competitive situation by clicking off
a swell $15,000. Last week, 'Darling
Daughter' (WB) and vaude head-
lining Nick Lucas, $9,250, okay.
picture. This Side of Heaven,' with
Crosby in person, Just about saved
the day. Neither of the other pic-
Flu Hurts Birm. Biz
Birmingham, Ala., March 21.
A flu epideinic is. hurting theatre
business In Birmingham and eu'
virons.' Neighborhood bouses report,
gi-eatest loss ot patronage.
Juvenile pdtronage has particu-
larly fallen off.
Plunkett Takes PhiUy
Legiter for "Spain' Pic
Philadelphia, March 21.
Erlanger theatre, legit house, will
open Thursday (23) with a picture on
a percentage deal in the absence of
flesh bookings. Flicker Is 'Spain in
Arms,' presenting the rebel side of
the Spanish conflict Joseph E.
Plunkett is operating.
Top will be 57c., with the film run-
ning continuously.
Rooney Fme 9G,
'Mair,' Cagney
OKinOKL'ville
Louisville, March 21.
Grosses are generally pretty
healthy, and weather cool and dry
which is all in favor of the film
houses. Town quiet as far as com'
Memorial Auditorium, both of which
wound up their local engagements
Saturday (11).
Top grosser this stanza is "Huckle-
l)erry Finn' on a 'dual at Loew's
State, with 'Love Affair* also a two-
some at the Rialto romping, along to
cop second place. 'Oklahoma Kid'
at the Mary Anderson showing
tures seem to mean anything at the
b.o. Crosby preview managed to
get week*s take up to around $5,000.
Last week, 'Honest Man' (U) and
'Son Is Criminal* (Col) (3d wk),
$5,200.
Faramonnt (F-WC) (2,740; 35-55'
75)— 'Cafe Society' (Par) and 'Am'
bush' (Par). Biz way off at $11,000,
due mainly to weather. Fair, etc.
Last week, 'Freedom Ring* (Par)
and 'Four Girls' (M-G) (2d wk),
sour- $6,500.
'St FrancU (F-WC) <1,470; 39-55
75)— 'Wife, Husband' (20th) and
■Persons Hiding* (Par) (2d wk). Had
expected more from this bill after
moveover from the Fox. Poor $4,000.
Last week, 'Pygmalion' (M-G) (4th
wk) held up very well, closing to
$5,500.
United Artiste (Cohen) (1,200; 35-
65-65)— 'Each Other' (UA) (2d wk).
With so much doing in town, per-
haps it's shorter bills that click.
Such is the case here, b.o. doing very
well at $8,000. Last week, good
$10,000.
Warfleld (F-WC) (2,680; 35-55-75)
— 'UtUe Princess' (20th) and "Win-
ner Take AU' (20th). Expo is out
to get the. kid trade with a series of
'dime days' on Treasure Island,
which perhaps accounts for Temple
in 'Tecnnlcolor not getting better
than $11,000. Last week, 'Ice Follies'
(M-G) and 'Secret Service* (WB),
$11,000, under expectations.
Island'-Dochin $15,000;
Honey-Ted Lewis 12G,
Huck' $10,000, Indpls.
Indianapolis. March 21..
Keen competition among the first
runs with strong attractions giving
B good hypo to grosses in the down-
town sector. Both the Lyric and
the Circle are doing well with rival
stage bands luring natives away
from the straight film houses. Eddy
Duchin linked with 'Blackwells
Island' is keeping the vaudflim Lyric
In front with the top gross of the
week, although the spot week book-
ing of Ted Lewis at the Circle with
'Sudden Money' is also managing to
garner a comfortable gross in the
runner-up position.
Feeling this stage show ooposi-
tlon a trifle, but still cornering a
good share of the trade for a nifty
gross is 'Huckleberry 'Finn* and
'Homicide Bureau* at Loew's. The
Indiana also is sharing in tlie gen-
eral prosperity with an okay take
on 'Love Affair' and 'Great Man
Votes,' while the moveover session
of 'Little Princess' and 'Everybody's
Bab"' at the smaller Apollo is perk-
ing nicely enough to make the com-
plete downtown setup a rosy one.
Good weather, a bit of rebef from
the recent smallpox snd flu epi-
demics, and numerous week-end
visitors from out of town for the
regional high school basketball
tournament neld here aided box-
offices among the first runs over
Satiurday and Sunday to an unusual
extent
Estimates for This Week
Apollo (Katz-Dollc) (1.100; 25-30-
40)— 'Little Prlncfiss' f20th) and
'Everybody's Baby' (20th). Moved
Is Entertainment Secondary?
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newspaper:
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well up in the profitable brackets
when the week is counted up.
Estimates for This Week
Brown (Loew's-Fourth Ave.) (1.-
500; 15-30-40)— 'Fast and Loose'
(M-G) and 'Four Girls' (M-G) (2d
wk). Moved over from Loew's State,
and holdine up well on the shift
toward $2,300. fair. Last week,
Tygmalion' (M-G). and 'Son Crlmi-
nar (Col), on second downtown
week, okay $2,400.
Kentnoky (Switow) (900: 15-25)—
'C>3met Over Broadway' (WB) and
'Going Places' (WB). Around aver-
age $1,800. Last week, 'Off Record*
(WB) and 'Paris Honeymoon' (Par),
ample $1,900.
Loew's SUI« (Loew's) (3.100; 15-
30-40)— 'Huck Finn' (M-G) and
'Lone Wolf (Col). Current Rooney
pic not rated with Hardy series by
cricks, but doing the biz regardless.
Should hit big $9,000. Last week.
'Fast and Loose' (M-G) and 'Four
Girls' (M-G), $6,500, okay.
Mary Anderson ^Libson) (1.000;
15-30-40)— 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB).
Fine $5,200 on the horizon. 'Darling
Daughter* (WB) on h.o., okay $3,500.
Ohio (Settos) (900; 15)— 'Youth
Fling' (U) and 'Cowboy From
Brooklyn' (WB), split with 'Bringing
Up Baby' (RKO) and 'Love On Bud-
geV (20th). Should tab okay $1,400.
Last week, Texans* (Par) and 'Lady
Fights B6ck' (U), split with 'Chan
at Monte Carlo' (20th) and 'White
Banners' (WB), fair $1,400.
BUlte (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; IS-
30-40)— ^ve Affair" (RKO) and '12
Crowded Hours' (RKO). 'Affair*
rated best In town by newspaper
cricks, and biz stacking up nicely.
Windup wiU be $6,500, okay. ' Last
week, 'Wife, Husband' (20th) and
'Inside Story* (20th), $6,500.
Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 19-
30-40)— 'St liouis Blues* (Par) and
•King Chinatown* (Par), Paced for
$4,0<)0, satisfactory. Last week, Third
of NaUon' (Par) and 'Boy Trouble*
(Par), m ild $3.200.
GOODMAN SENDS
mDNESS'TO
mD.c.
Washington. March 2L
Benny Goodman tops everything
this week with litterbugs standing
up, staying through three shows and
blocking traffic at stage door. Pres-
ence of swing exponent la tinfor-
tunat« for Clem McCarthy, making
vaude bow at opposition vaude snot,
since radio sports reporter provea to
be a natural for newspaper and radio
bally and his act, breaking in here, is
getting favorable reaction. Sports
spieler unauestionably some help to
"Three Musketeers,* but can't stop
Goodman.
Surprise Is still 'You Can't Cheat
an Honest Man,* Which socked last
week and Is holding to swell repeat
Estimates for This Week
CiM^ltol (Loew) (3,434; 25-36-40-66).
—'Three Musketeers' (20th) and
vaude. Clem McCarthy's p. a. debut
helping, but Benny Goodman opposi-
tion Is getting lioii's share of vaude
trade. WonTbeat weak $14,000: Last
week, 'Fast and Loose' (M-G) can
thank John Boles p. a. for okay
$18,000.
Colambia (Loew) (1,234; 25-40)—
'Huck Finn* (M-G) (2d run). Back
downtown after nice week at Cap-
itol, and will see good $5,500. Last
week. Trade Winds' (UA) (2d run),
$4,300. all right
Earle (WB) (2,218; 25-35-40-66)—
'Spring Madness' (M-G) and vaude.
Benny Goodinan on stage packing
jitterbugs to lead with swell $21,000.
Last week, 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB)
and Jame's Barton, p. . a., satisfactory
$14,500 . ■ «^ ' '
Keith's (RKO) (1.830; 35-55)—
'Honest Man* (U) (2d wk). Holding
nicely toward good $8,500. Last wee£
swell $15,500.
Met (WB) (1.600: 25-40)— 'Darling
Daughter' (WB) (2d run). Tossed in
here following ' good week at Earle
and will see nice $4,500. Last week,
'Can't Take If (Col) (revival), okay
$4,500.
Palace (Loew) (2,242; 35-55)—
•Each Other'. (UA). Heading for
pleasant ' $12,500. Last week, "Pyg-
maUon' (M-G) (2d wk), nice $11,500.
PLENTY OF BOPE
Hollywood, March 21.
Albert Ray closed a deal to prO'
duce seven Johnny Mack Brown
westerns for the 1939-40 program at
Universal.
Ray recently checked out as a
writer at 20th-FoK.
Minneapolis. March 21.
Buslitess la very much on the
downgrade again, after a brief leas*
of life. Adverse factors are numer>
ous. Outside opposition Is terriflc.
'Ice Follies of 1039,' into Arena for
10 days, has been attracting capacity,
crowds of 5,500 nightly. Lunt St
Fontanne, tenanting the Lyceum for
four days, likewise are packing 'em
in. Over the week-end the Builders*
show at the Auditorium, the Ar-
mory's flght card and the state
basketball tournament at the Univer-
sity Field House pulled from 5,000 to
10,000 every night Harry Hirscli's
Gayety. reopened with Ada Leonard
and stock burlesque, also has been
doing a fine business.
On top of the murderous competi>
tion there have been sub-zero tem-
peratures and near blizzard^ to help
smother the box-offices. Business
conditions generally, too, are con-
siderably under par.
Best box-offlce . bets are 'Beach-
comber' and 'Duke of West Point,'
at the Century and Gopher, respec-
tively, with the former liaving the
biggest edge. "Trade Winds' isn't
doing the Orpheum much good and
the State's '(;afe Society' also sizes
up as a light grosser. '
Estimates for This Week
Aster (Par-Singer) (000; 15-25)—
■Devil's Island' (WB) and 'Arizona
Wildcat' (20th), dual . first runs.
Strong bargain bill for this spot and
headed for satisfactory $1,800. Last
week, 'Spy Hunt' (Col) and 'Smiling
Along* (20th), dual first runs, split
with 'Boy Slaves* (RKO) and 'Par<
don Nerve' (20th), also dual first
runs, $1,400, light
Century (Par-Singer) (1.600; 25-
39-40) — 'Beachcomber' (Par). Much
praise for this one and it's pulling
class trade, H«aded toward good
$7,000. Last week, 'Pygmalion' (M-G)
(2d wk), $4,700, disappointing after
strong $8,800 for Initial six and a
half days.
Gopher (Par-Singer) (098; 25)—
'Duke West Point' (UA). Nice $3,800
In prospect I^aat week, 'Blondie'
(Col), $3,400 for eight days, with
weather, etc., cutting down total sub-
itantlally.
Orphenm (Par-Singer) (2,890; 28-
98-40>-'Trade Winds'^ (UA). Unable
to get toe-hold and will ' have to
steuagle to finish out week. Mild
Indicated. Last week, "Made
He Criminal' (WB) and Jan Garber
orchestra with George GIvot $15,000,
very big under circumstances.
Slate (Par-Singer) (2,300; 25-39-40)
~^We Society* (Par). Very well
liked picture, but will have to stretch
bard to reach weak $9,900. Last week,
'Ice Follies' (M-G), $6,000, mild.
Time (Berger) mO; 15-25)— 'As-
sasln ot Youth' (Indie) (2d wk).
Holding to profltable pace after big
Initial canU). -Ltfoks for pretty good
$1,000. Last week, $1,800. big.
Uptown (Par). (1^200; 25-35)—
'Jesse James' (20tii). First neighbor-
hood showing,, and big $3,500 indi-
cated. Last week, 'Idiot* (M-G).
$2,900. pretty good.
World (Steffes) (350; 25-35-40-59)
— "Pygmalion* (M-G) (3d wk).
Moved here from Century where it
played a fortnight This house, with
Its carriage trade clientele, is an
Ideal spot for this attraction which,
considering the critics* raves and the
customers' word-of-mouth boosting
heard on every side, has been an ex-
tremely disappointing box-office per.
former, reflecting poor conditions,
bad weather, etc. Opened cold and
light here with below zero weather
prevailing, but pret^ good at S1.800.
Last week, "Man Remember' (RKO)
(0th wk), $1,200, okay.
Tyg' $6,500. Temple
15,500/Coach' H. 0.
Strong, Port in Pink
Portiand, Ore., March 21.
•Pygmalion* Is a terriflc winner at
Parker's UA, topping grosses in lis
first week and will hold. Another
strong pic taking the local spots out
of the doldrums Is "Uttle Princess,'
at the Hamrlck-Evergreen Para-
mount
. Still In the heavy sugar is 'Stage-
coach,' which kept the Broadway's
b.o, plenty busy in Its second stanza.
First week of 'Stiagecoach' rocketed
up a gross figure such as hasn't been
seen in this burg for several months.
Estimates for This Week
Broadway (Parker) (2,000: 30-85-
40)— 'Stagecoach' (UA) and 'Society
Smugglers* (U) (2d wk.). SUong
$5,200 after terriflc $8,500 first round.
M a y t a I r (Parker - Evergreen )
(1,500; 30-35-40)— 'Ice Follies (M-G)
and Torchey Blane' (WB). Moved
from UA for a second week 'and good
enough $1^00, four days. Last
week, 'Four Girls' . (M-G) and 'Fast
and Loose' (M-G) (2d wk.) average
$2,300, following good first week at
the Broadway. •
Orphenm (Hamrick • Evergreen)
(1,800; 30-35-40)— 'Let Live' (Col)
(Continued on page 30)
HQ
Wedkeafloyo Mon-A 22, 1939
THE ONLY FAIR AD
IS THE REC
^1^
Devil^s Maud
DawB Patrol
Made Me A Criminal
Blackwell^s Maud
Naughty But Nice
I Am Not Afraid
The Oklahoma Kid
WAMEETF
no
FOR
38-39 !
^1
Wings of the Navy
You Can't Get Away With
Juarez
Each Dawn I Die
Yes^ My Darling Daughter
Family Reenion
The Kid From Kokomo
Hellas Kitchen
The Deyil On Wheels
u
VARIETY
Wedne8da7, March 22, 1939
WARNER BROS'. PROPOSED PROGRAM
OF Productions for the Season
1939 AND 1940
"QUALITY IS NOT A PASSINC FASHION"
He foremost thought in Warner Bros.' minds at all times is to make good pictures, to present these
pictures with the strongest showmanship and merchandising possible, and to offer them oti a fair "live-
and-let-live" basis. This, we believe, is the type of fair practice which has given Warner Bros, their
enviable position in the industry today.
The success of Warner Bros, pictures this season, their success in the new season to come— and
in the seasons that will come after it— represents a good deal more than is apparent to the appraising
eye. The reason for our present position lies deep beneath the surface of an edifice which 29 years of
careful construction has at last brought to completion. Development was sure, the goal inevitable, be-
cause an unswerving sincerity of purpose was iti foundation! That purpose— not merely to make mo-
tion pictures but to make motion pictures as fine as they can be made — has now matured to its
fulfillment. This we believe is clearly apparent in the productions we have listed as an indication of the
material which, allowing for the exigencies of production, we contemplate producing for 1939-40.
Yes, these are gteat attractions —unquestionably the greatest we have put forth in one season — but
to us of Warner Bros, they are the materialization of pur compan/s motivating thought, "Quality Is Not
a Passing Fashion." Now that the quality we have built toward and planned for has been attained, it is
inevitable that it will continue.
PAUL MUNI
* THE LIFE OF BEETHOVEN *
A distinguished addition to Paul Muni's memoN
able characterizations. The genius of the most re-
vered figure in music ... his defiance of Napoleon
in an age when liberalism was heresy ... die
' <4tEomen <«^4«sentedxhi&.|>as8ioAate-intensi<y:'<Mid
eccentric manners ... die tragedy of deafness in
his later life . . . and die solace he found in music
as immortal as his own soul ... A stirring hfc
none but Muni could te-cteatel
* THE BISHOP
WHO WALKED WITH GOD ^
BY QUENTIN REYNOLDS
Based on die life of Martin Niemoeller, die fight-
ing minister called die greatest enemy of die to-
talitarian states. Eyery newspaper.in die country
has headlined his great stru^e ... now Warners
will have it screaming on celluloid!
ERROL FLYNN
* THE SEA HAWK *
with OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND
The audior of 'Captain Blood' and its stars! Dash-
ing leader of Rafael Sabatini's saga of die Beggars
of the Sea. The days when England's only navy
was a colorful clan of adventurers who swept die
Atlantic. Produced on a scale mote spectecular
dian 'Captain Blood'!
* JOHN DILLINGER, OUTLAW *
The newspapers' Dillinger headlines in diemselves
make as exciting a story as could be ficrionized.
But add to diis die human story of an average boy
sent to die penitentiary — by mistak« — before he
was 20 ... and die 9.year lesson behind batj that
turned him into a rudiless animal, fascinating to
women but feared by friend and foe until deadi —
and you have some idea of die impact you can
expect in die show.
GcMnl Sales Manager
BETTE DAVIS
-tr THE OLD MAID *
WITH MIRIAM HOPKINS
AND HUMPHREY BOG ART
The Pulitzer prize-winner and 2-ycar stage suc-
cess. To be directed by Edmund Goulding who
directed Bette Davis in 'Dark Victory'. A story
truly worthy of die star universally recognized as
die screen's greatest
JAMES CAGNEY
* THE STORY of JOHN PAUL JONES *
The stranger-dian-fiction biografrfiy of die Scotch
pirate who became die 'Fadier of die American
Navy'! Mighty armadas, great sea batdes, tender
romance . . . produced on a scale in keeping with
its spectacular setting. Picture Cagney as diat fiery
scourge of die seas \Aiose daring conquest led
America dirou^^ the stormiest naval encounters
of die Revolutionary War!
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
VARIETY
IS
BETTE DAVIS
if All THIS AND HEAVEN TOO *
Biggest bo<^-scoop in 9 years! Apace with 'Gone
widi die Wind' in all quarters! The soul-stirring
story oi the girl viho became the world's most
notorious nam^ brings another Victory' to the
most important feminine star in filmdom!
JAMES CAGNEY AND GEORGE RAFT
INVISIBIE STRIPES *
Adapted from Warden Lawes' flaming best-seller.
The most powerful dieme since 'Angels'! Not a
prison story ... but the tortured drama of 'after
prison' . . . the invisible stripes a 'timer' wears
forever. A tremendous opportunity for this dy-
namic new team.
EDWARD G. ROBINSON
* BROTHER ORCHID
The nation's orchids .went to CoUkrs for diis un-
usual magazme seriaL An entirely new and differ-
ent Robinson portrayal! The hilarious story of a
mobster who hides out ii> a monasttty and learns
to like it.
JOHN GARFIEID
* DOST BE MY DESTINY *
As timely as it is real Garfield, sentenced to va-
grancy in a penal workhouse, escapes to marry the
girl he loves — and is forced to livcf a fugitive life.
The amazing manner in i^iidi he wins a new trial
juid freed(Mn will awaken every citizen to the
needs of victtms of ' narrow-minded 'justice*.
EDWARD G. ROBINSON
ir THE MOON AND SIXPENCE *
BY W. SOMERSET MAUGHAM
A story widi the world for its background and the
tteator of 'Of Human Bcmdage' for its audior!
The most dynamic role yet brou£^t to die screen
by Robinson!
* THE liPE OF KNUTE ROCKNE *
There are 80,000,000 f ooAall tidcets boug^it every
year— and every one is a herald for diis show.
Based on the autobiography of the immortal
coadi. Screen's first document of tl^s great Amer-
ican, his background, his woric, his nAi humor,
die unforgettable heritage he left. To be produced
vidi die cooperation, of Notre Dame University.
ERROIFLYNN
if THE ADVENTURES OF DON JUAN <^
The tide tells all! Expect more adventure dian
'Robin Hood'. The story of die world's moist fa-
QUHis' lover will be filmed on a matdiless scale by
die ardsans who have given you sudi epics as
•Robin Hood', 'Anthwiy Adverse* and 'Juarez*.
JOHN GARFIEID
-tf FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES ir
the success of 'Magnificent Obsession* and
^Gteen Ligjht* assures die latest Lloyd C. Douglas
novel instantaneous approval! Its heart-grqipuig
dieme is timed to perfecticMi to further diis great
new star's ever-increasing following.
if DISRAELI A
ClAUDE RAINS
The 'Zola' of England. More stirring now thati
ever because of its up-to-die-minute dieme of dic-
tators, land grabs, persecution. A really important
screen document.
ACADEMY AWARDS
WON BY
WARNER BROS.
THIS YEAR
* EPISODE *
with
PRJSCIllA LANE and JEFFREY LYNN
The sweediearts of Tour Daugjitcrs* and'Darling
Dau^ter^ are set for big things this year and this
is one of diem. Ptiscilla plays a music student and
JeflF just plays — but how!
<r WE ARE NOT ALONE *
Another best-seller scoop from die pen of cele-
brated James Hilton! We are not alone when we
say this is one of the most important stories to
be filmed.
^ BATTLE OF CITY HALL ^
THE DEAD END KIDS
The 'Kids' come <^ die streets and reform! So
picture vAiat goes on w^ien th^ take over City
Hall! Here's comedy and drama — and a story to
top .'Crime School' for suspensc'filled action!
^ GIVE ME A CHILD ^
JEFFREY LYNN,
GERALDINE FITZGERALD
and GLADYS GEORGE
We eamesdy believe this to be Mie of the most
human themes that it has been our privilege to
bffer^ The dramatic realism diat trade -madcs
Warners' current successes will be given full play
in diis stirring- stMy.
* FOUR WIVES ic
A SEQUEL TO FOUR DAUGHTERS
vith the same east
The k»ig-aWaited follow-up to 'Four Daughters'
written by die same audior, Fannie Hurst, and
filmed by the same director with the same lovable
stars. The girls have become women but die same
ridli drama and heart-warming appeal assure it of
the same universal accq>tance!
JAMES CAGNEY
^ THE WORLD MOVES ON it
From the pen of world-syndicated Maik Hellin-
ger amies this stirring kaleidosc(^ view of
America's most dangerous days! The pre-war
teens, die lush twenties, die jittery durties all
woven into a thundering cavalcade of adventure!
EDWARD G. ROBINSON
it THE STORY OF DR. EHRLICH it
Anodier 'Pasteur' ... and anodier great life diat
triumphed over ignorance and persecution to give
the world die cure for its most dread disease! An-
odier big 'first' for Warners and still anodier great
biographical drama for the saeen.
it CAREER MAN it
JEFFREY LYNN AND ANN SHERIDAN
A brand new entertainment angle — the first story
of the U. S. Diplomatic Corps! The Spanish re-
volt, European mtrigue, the armament race, inter-
national espionage., pack it with 1939's most orig*
inal ^ranJ of sct^n dynatitiite!
The long list eontimia on Ae next page . . .
1« VARIETY
Warner Bros. Pictures
Are "Bench-Made"
Because Ifs Fair to You!
*Xhere is no ''Assembly Line" at Warner Bros,
No properties this important can be *' rushed
through to meet release dates. Only because
we are prepared as is no other company— with our background
of high-quality production, and the vast resources of our studios,
the world's largest, is this policy possible. Our current program
definitely demonstrates that this exclusive, fnethbd— and this
method solely— assures the consistent delivery of successful motion
pictures for the future, as in the past.
* A SEQUEL TO BROTHER RAT it
' Same stats, samle audior, same setting, same di-
rector collaborate, to bring in anodiec li^^tning-
paced picture big enough to top its predecessor! .
FRED MacMURRAY and PAT O'BRIEN
* THREE CHEERS FOR THE IRISH *
Am SHERIDAN, RONALD REAGAN,
FRANK McHUGH and ALLEN JENKINS
You can't b^t die Irish and you can't beat the
heart appeal 'Warners have put into this one! Get
set a new higjh in hilarity v^en rfiese harps
start swinging!
* DEAD END KIDS AT COLLEGE it
From 'Crime Sdiool' to college and are they a
pain in the seat of higher educaticm! Fans called
dieir basked)all game in 'Angels* one of the year's
funniest ^usodes— so you know what to expect
i^Kn th^ take up food>all . . . and everything
dise .in si^t
* THE DESERT SONG it
A mass smash on two continents, it boasts Sig-
. mund Rcunbetgi's world-remembered music, an
I action -crammed, story, hundreds pf daredevil
horsemen, die most spectacular desert scenes ever
filmed! To be produced in Tedinio^r with a
fteat sin^g star.
• * AND IT ALL CAME TRUE it
with
JAMES STEWART, ANN SHERIDAN and
HUMPHREY BOGART
The prize-winning novel by Louis Br(»iifield be-
comes a major addition to die record number of
prize novels on . the Warner story list!
BETTE DAVIS AND ERROL FLYNN
it THE KNIGHT AND THE LADY it
Maxwell Anders(Mi's memorable Theatre Guild
production brings Bette Davis to die screen in die
fatuous love story, with Ertol.Flynn as the hero
viho defied die world for a queoti's love!
it EYES OF THE ARMY it
Ea<ji year Warner Bros, dedicates a part of the
program to America's great Services and Military
Institutions. 'Eyes of the Arm/ taked its impor-
tant place besides 'Wings of die Navy*, 'Sulma-
nne D-1', IDevil Dogs' and die odiers.
it THETANKS ARE COMING it
First and ooly film of Unde Sam's medianized
cavalry! In keefnng with Warners* audientic
'service' policy, it will he produced mi die actual
scenes of operations widi the full cooperatim of
the United States Army.
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
it ON YOUR TOES -ft
WITH ZORINA AND AN IMPORTANT
MALE STAR,
Rodgers and Hart wrote it — N. Y. held it for 2
years — now it zings to the screen widi the most
sensationally publicized dancing star in years—'
the talk of die coimtry, star of die legit season's
musical hit, 1 Married an Angel'.
it BURNING DAYLIGHT it
BY JACK LONDON
Unquestionably London's most gripping adven-
ture story . . . with all the roaring action of Ameri-
ca's fiercest era! Mighty days of the Klondike,
wicked nights of the Barbary G>ast live .again in a
magnificttit red-blooded romance.
* YOU CAN'T ESCAPE FOREVER it
BY THELMA ST^ML
One of die most important Cosmopolitan Maga-
zine stories of die past 5 years. Played against a
background of Paris, Cannes, Switzerland and die
U. S., this is one of the most extraordinary ro-.
mantic dramas on our program.
JOHN GARFIELD and ANN SHERfDAN
it TWENTY THOUSAND YEARS
IN SING SING it
'Twenty Thousand Years in Sing Sing^ and.
twenty thousand dirills on die screen! From the
pen of Warden Lewis E. Lawes! A hdiind-die>
scenes story mi^ty with die dash of men, to be
advertised and publicized as sensationally as it
will be filmed!
it 4 SECRET SERVICE STORIES it
• BYW.H.MORAN,
EX-CHIEF, U. S. SECRET SERVICE,
WITH RONALD REAGAN
This series is building every seccttid. Headline
aoKips and strai^t-ftom-the-files stories of e^<)
onag^ will inspire four more actimi-padced show9
for die coming seascHi!
* 4 NANCY DREW STORIES it
BONITA GRANVILLE-
FRANKIE THOMAS
The first rideases of diis swell series met widi sudi.
inscuitaneous approval diat Warners will Mow
it widi four more in 1939 . . . all widi new action,
new adventures, new lau|^
* 4 TORCHY BLANE ADVENTURES if
More and merrier stories for diis popular series
about the smartest .female newspapv nian diat
ever scooped to conquer.
Wednesdaj, March 22, 1939 .
VARIETY
IT
WARNERS
CAN'T HAVE
ALL THE
STARS
SO THEY
ONLY HAVE
THE BEST!
paul muni
bette'^davis
errol^flynn
james cagney
mw. G. ROBINSON
JOHN GARFIELD
PRISCILLA LANE
JEFFREY LYNN
OLIVIA De HAVILLAND
HUMPHREY BOGART
™AD END' KIDS
JAMES STEWARTS ★ FRED MacMURRAY
JEAN ARTHUR ★ VERA ZORINA^^r^^
GEORGE RAFT
PAT O'BRIEN * GEORGE BRENT * ANN SHERIDAN
C3ERALDINE FITZGERALD * WAYNE MORRIS
MIRLAM HOPKINS * CLAUDE RAINS * ROSEMARY LANE.
JOHN PAYNE * GALE PAGE
Fay Bainter ★ Eddie Albert * Jane Bryan * Donald Crisp
Margaret Lindsay * Frank McHugh * Allen Jenkins
May Robsoii * Bonita Granville * Jane Wyman
John Litel ★ Ronald Reagan w Johnnie Davis
JACK L. WARNER, Vice-President in Charge of Production
HAL B. WALLIS, Associate Executive in Charge of Production
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS
Bryan Foy • Henry Blanke • Rob^ Lord • Sam Bischoff • Lou Edeltnan
David Lewis • Max Siegel • Mark Hellingor
DIRECTORS
Lloyd Bacon • Edmund Goulding • Michael Curtiz • William Dieterle • William Keighley
Anatole Litvak • Ray Enrighc • Lewis Seiler • William Clemens • Terry Morse
William 'McGanh • Noel Smith • Ctane Wilbur
18
VARIETY
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
TABIETS'S' lONDON OFFIOB
a St. tSatOa'9 Place. Tmtalamr B«aaf*
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
«tebl« Addrent TABIBTT, MNDON
Telephone Temple Bar 5M1-S04S
19
Steep Fees for Harvey-Gains Visio
Held Reason for G-B s Nix of Fight
London, March 14.
Shortly before special sitting of
Government's Television Advisory
Committee today (14), Gaumont-
British decided against playing the
Harvey-Gains scrap on their visio
■creens. Company said officially
there was too' much to do in con-
nection with getting equipment into
•U Its London theatres, but ofl-the-
record reason is believed in part to
have been that th^ promoters' and
the BBC's fees were too steep. One
version even had them demanding
•3 much as $i;500.per theatre, for a
■ingle hoxir's entertainment.
It's no secret, that G-B was consid-
ering opening both the Tlvoli and
New Gallery for this show, in ad-
dition to Marble Arch Pavilion and
Tatler, but it would have meant
bringing in new equipment at both
the former. Another who was play-
ing the possibilities was Oscar
Deutsch, who had an urge to catch
the fight at the big Odeon, Leicester
Square, but finally let it go.
One thing that would stall him
would be that the Scophony com-
pany, with which he is linked,
couldn't give him a screen of suf-
ficient size for a 2,400-seat audi-
torium. Major Wilson also. had in-
quiries from several indie exhlbs,
biit nobody else was willing to talk
turkey on the terms, so Jack Davis
gets the show exclusively for his
Marble Arch Monselgneur, the only
Scophony-equlpped house around.
Air at this time is thick with vlslo
confabs, with not only T.A.C. in
session today; there's also a olg gab-
fest by entertainment Interests,
which are scared of where it may
take them. Latter meeting was or-
ganized by Variety Artistes Federa-
tion, and Included delegates -from
Provincial Entertainment Proprie-
tors and Managers Assn., Theatrical
and Film Artists Society, Screen Di-
rectors Assn., Dance Band Directors
Assn., Concert Artistes Assn., British
Boxing Board of Control, National
Union of Boxers, Musicians Union,
National Association of Theatre and
Cinema Employes, and Radio Manu-
facturers Assn. They didn't invite
the exhlbs — but us Cinemato<rraph
... Exhlbs.,. Assn., Jilso had . its . annual,
meeting today, it wouldn't have been
represented anyway.
Meets In Seoreey
Government committee met in
secrecy, and will report to Postmaster-
General its recommendations for the-
atre television. Other babble hopes
to beat out a general formula for
stabilizing the situation, so that none
of the organizations represented, or
their members, finds itself penalized.
Provincial Entertainment Proprietors
has already opposed vlslo as a pub-
lic entertainment, but that attitude,
it's realized here, will not get it any
place.
CEA, meantime. Is getting down to
cases on the sltuash on its own ac-
count tomorrow (15), when its gen-
eral council holds Its first session of
the new business year with New-
castle's Teddy Hinge as prexy. Body
will appoint a committee to go right
Into session same afternoon, so that
exhlbs may know just where they
stand in the present setup.
WOOD PROVES BANE
TO MEXICAN PICTURE
'Penalty' Tariff
(Continued from page 1)
regulations prevailing in Germany
are being applied in that country.
A .check reveals that Czechoslo-
vakia produced about 1%% of all
revenue obtained by American com-
panies in the foreign .field. Size of
the market is revealed by the fact
that it is bigger than either Holland
or Poland, and returns more money
to U. S. distributors than Norway-
Denmark-Finland combined. -
Foreign departments of majors In
N. Y. report, however, that the
Czechoslovakian market has been
stable only for about, a year or 18
months. Previously, it had been an
on and off proposition. Back in 1934
and for nearly a year, all American
companies got out of Czechoslovakia
because of imsatisfactory arrange-
ments on distribution and the. un-
stable situation. Then a deal was
made, but U- S, distributors found
it difficult to get their money out of
the country. Situation was stabilized
only within the last IS months.
Mexico City, March 21.
Domestic picture production is in
a bad way oWing to stiff competish
fromi Hollywood in the form of the
latter's Spanish as well as the regu-
lar English films, a circumstance
that is drawing biz away from Mexi-
can mades not only in Mexico but
elsewhere in Spanish America.
Cash shortage and the fact that
most of the native stars have been
drawn to Hollywood by heavy pay
are mainly motivating the letdown.
Taxes are al^ another irk for
Mexican producers. About the only
they see is government action on
their petition for a state subsidy or
at least surcease from many of the
imposts.
Set 3 Spanish Films
Mexico City, March 21.
Three Spanish languagers, with
casts of Spanish speakers from Hol-
lywood, is to be started this spring
by the newest Mexican picture mak-
ers, Cinematografica Baja California,
S. A.
Company has established studios in
Tia]uana.
Pic B. O. Stronger
(Continued from page 3)
tors, discloses the following setup on
plctiires figured as b.o.:
Warner Bros., on top during the
'38-'39 season, will have two during
April and two during May, against
only one big picture these months
last year, 'Robin Hood.'
Metro will probably shoot through
two good ones in April and more
positively two in May, whereas last
year in these rhoziths it furnished
only "Test Pilot' as an important re-
lease.
Twentieth-Fox is looked to for two
in April and one or two in May.
Last year this rompany released 'Jn
Old. Chicago' in April, but had noth-
ing big in May.
Paramount will have one and may-
be two good business-getters in
April, against two- l^st April that
were only fair; and one during May
that looks sure and a second that's a
possibility against only 'Dr. Rhythm,'
not too big but okay, in May, 1938.
RKO wUl have two likely big ones
la April, against nothing that month
a year ago. During May it is doubt-
ful what RKO may furnish the hun-
gry boxoffices, but in May last year
it provided nothing of consequence,
so it couldn't be worse. This April's
'Castles' and 'Love Affair* no doubt
will make up for last year's April
and May both, however.
United Artists is being depended
on for one good grosser and possibly
two during April, as against only one
fairish release during April, 1938.
This company has no releases set for
May as yet.
Universal is being handicapped for
. one good b.o. bet in April and one in
May. It had nothing important dur-
ing these months a year back.
Columbia may have one during
April and May, 'Lady and the Mob.'
Company had nothing special last
April or May.
New Racket
London, March 13.
The old racket of grafting via
song plugging, which nearly
ruined the pop music business,
has now been, superseded by an-
other.
It is being taken up exten-
sively by football pool pro-
moters who are vieing with each
other In lining up vaudeville
names, especially of the talking
type, to give them a mention in
their acts. Some turns are get-
ting steady $25 weekly income,
and have already intimated
price is too low in comparison
with the offers coming in from
the opposition.
Tax Bevenne Slumps
Washington, March 21.
Sickening thud characterized the
boxoffice tax trend in the first stanza
of 1939, a Treasury Department re-
port showed Monday (20). It was
the steepest drop between December
and January revenues in several
years, checking the healthy Improve-
ment noted toward the end of 1938.
The government's February col-
lections from 10% bite of admissions
over 40c slumped to $1,503,127,
smallest figure since last August
Total was ahead of the same stanza
for each previous year except 1938,
however. Despite the reversal of
form, the grab so far this year Is
above the first two months of any
prior annum since the rates were
jacked up, thanks to the lively holi-
day trade, which topped every prior
year.
The February payments to the tax
bureau, based on January wicket
patronage, was $156,513 under the
same frame of last year and $61,007
under the previous month. Makes
the total for the calendar year so far
$3,067,261, a rise of nearly $55,000
over 1938.
4 LONDON PUYS
UNIMPRESSnfE
IN DEBUTS
London, March 21.
'Sugar Plum,' domestic comedy,
opened Wednesday (IS) at the C^rl-
terlon; and though nicely- received,
was not convincihg. It isn't likely to
remain long.
'Mrs. Van Kleek* opened Friday
(17) at the Playhouse. It is a weak
melodrama laid on a tropical island.
Its appeal la limited.
Sunday's bne-nlghter at the Strand
by the Repertory Players was 'Em-
peror of the World,' the story of
Nero's attempt to murder his mother.
Dialog is too colloquial for artistic
commendation. It has no commer-
cial value. '
To Be or Not to Be,' which opened
Sunday (18) at the Phoenix, Is
Eleanor Kalowska's tragic delinea-
tion of a neurptic boy with sulciidal
tendencies. It was well acted but Is
unlikely for the boxoffice.
REPORT WIUONQUIT
MPDA VOLUNTARILY
Sydney, March 21.
Chief topic of discussion among
distributors - here is the retirement
of Sir Victor- Wilson as head of the
Motion Picture Distributors Assn. in
June and who will be chosen to tUce
his place.' He has wanted to quit
for some time, it Is reported here.
This is the first. official reason for
his quitting. It had been said in the
trade that tmfavorable dlstrib legis-
lation was behind an MPDA move
to retire him.
Cnrrent London Phys
^Wifh Dates When Opened)
'Me and My Girl,' Victoria Palace
—Dec. 16, '37.
'Room for Two,' Comedy— Sept. 6,
•38.
'Dear Octopus,' Queens— Sept 14,
•38.
The Corn Is Green,' Duchess —
Sept 20, '38. .
'Quiet Wedding,' Wyndham's — Oct
14, '38. *
'Goodness, How Sad,' Vaudeville —
Oct 18, '38.
'Geneva,' St James— Nov. 22, '38.
•Under Your Haf Palace— Nov. 24,
'38
'No. 6,' Aldwych— Dec. 21, '38.
They Walk Alone,' Shaftesbury—
Jan. 19, '39.
'Magyar Melody,' His Majesty's —
Jan. 20, ''39.
'Design for Living,' Haymarket—
Jan. 25, '39.
Tony Draws a Horse,' Strand —
Jan. 26, '39.
'Gaslight.' Apollo— Jan. 31, '39.
•French Without Tears,' Piccadilly
f 5 »39
'Little Ladyship,' Lyric— Feb. 7,
'39.
'To Love and to Cherish,' Kings-
way-T-Feb. 21, '39,
•The Mother,' Garrlck- March 3,
'39.
'Robert's Wife,' Savoy— March 6,
'39.
'Black and Blue,' Hippodrome —
March 8, '39.
'Gate Revue,' Ambassadors —
March 9, '39.
'Sugar Plum,' Criterion — March
15, '39.
'Mrs. Van Kleebe,' Playhouse —
March 17, '39.
To Be or Not To Be,' Phoenix-
March 19, '39.
Mex Artists Ask Gov't Aid
Mexico City, March 21.
. Local thespians have asked for a
government subsidy to enable them
to survive sharp competish from pic-
tures and radio.
New So. Wales Film Board to Quit
Couldn't Cope with hd ustry Snags
Ease of Quebec Ban On
Minors Snagged for Year
Montreal, March 21.
Continuous agitation for the past
year for modification of the Quebec
laW: barring minors under 16 from
attendaAce at picture-theatres, even
if accompanied by parents or guard-
ians, 'was defeated last week when
Premier Maurice Duplessis informed
the Quebec house that the prov-
ince's legislation . on the matter 'will
not be touched .this year,'.
The premier added that clergy
throughout Quebec, both Catholic
and Protestant, bad protested against
proposals to lower the present age
limit for admission to cinemas, and
that the matter would be kiept wider
study by the government for action
at another session of the legislature.
Application of the ban to such pic-
tures as 'Snow White' (RKO) and
'Boys Town' (M-(3) had however,
let to such protests that at one. time
last fall it looked as though the
theatre men wouTd win a partial
victory.
ADELPHL LONDON, MAY
CLOSE; WALLER CUCKS
London, March 21.
It was all Fats Waller here yes-
terday (Mon.), as the American
Negro pianist went over big in his
debut at the Holbom Empire.
Although they clicked nicely, the
Tiptop Girls didn't show themselves
to be worthy of headline honors at
the Adelphl. They came into the
spot directly from a month's en-
gagement at the Savoy hotel here.
Rumors are prevalent thai the
Adelphl Is due to close, although
confirmation is unavailable. House
has been losing money steadily since
opening with vaudeville last month.
SantaAnita 'sCut
(Continued from page 1)
$36,650,590 was a staggering Increase
over the $29,509,529 for 53 days of
previous year. Daily average In
1938 was $654,581, against $556,783 in
1937.
Out of the 1939 gross, the track
distributed more than $9^,000 in
purses, bought the hot dogs and
drinks sold at the stands, printed the
programs, paid taxes and deprecia-
tion on a $3,000,000 Investment in-
stalled numerous improvements and
paid wages to 2,000 employes.
Next inroads on the town's money-
bags will come in June, when Holly-
wood's own Inglewood plays host to
the railblrds for 45 days. Afte;- that
Del Mar for a brief sortie and then
the season officially washes up, save
for the week ends of running below
the border at Agua Caliente.
Radio Nightmare
(Continued from page 1)
by experimenting with the relay
idea.
Each producer would be billeted
in the film colony for three months.
If he cracked up within this period
the term of enlistment would.be re-
duced to two months. If. the term of
service had to be further cut down
a nerve specialist would become
a must attachment of every producer.
Graph of nervous prostation In
these agency's Coast offices naturally
goes up when the going is tough
with a new show, particularly one
that carries an expensive talent pay-
roll and . has been intensively bally-
hooed in advance. The Coast No. 1
producer for one major agency suf-
fered two breakdowns within three
months. His bosses in New York,
thinking It was one of those Holly-
wood fads, regarded the second re-
quest for a vacation with askance
and wired back that ' one more
breakdown and he could have per-
manent possession of the cot The
laugh turned to grimneas when they
got a wire that the fellow had just
been carted off to a sanitarium.
Sydney, March 21.
The Film Board of Trade will
shortly quit operations In this terri-
tory. Made up of distributors and
exhibitors, the board setup never got
far in ironing out difficulties within
the industry. After new legislation
was passed in New South Wales,
with a FUms Commission named to
handle much of the industry's prob- '
lems, it was agreed that the board
alignment was -washed up.
Dan Carroll, now 'in U.S. on a visit
with other Aussie officials and U.S.
film company managers In Australia,
was named chairman of the board at
the outset and is credited with keep-
ing destructive distrlb legislation at
bay for some time. The board tried
for months to work out a standard
form of contract but neither distrlbs
nor exhibitors could get together.
Distributors were , tipped off that
exhlbs should be given some rejec-
tion right privileges, but they ig-
nored this. Result was that the gov-
ernment of New South Wales went
over the board and set up a 25% re-'
jecUon clause for the exhibitors.
'Aie Films Commission is cur-
rently working out a standard form
of contract one of first items slated
to come up for action. Contract that:
the commission decides on will stick
because it has the legal right to place
it in effect
In a large measure the Films Com-
mission is taking over the duties
originally aligned to the board.
Some in the trade here are inclined
to believe that this governmental su-
pervision in New South Wales would
not have been realized if the distribs
and exhlbs would have cooperated
under the board arrangement To-
day, government reps are allowed to
call on any distrlb or exhib and ex-
amine his books on trade operations.
It looks to the industry, as though
this smacks of government control
on a large scale.
ADELAIDE EXHIBS SEEK
DIS11UB RESTRICTIONS
Adelaide, March 2.
Exhibitors here are seeking 25%
rejection right on American pictures
and restriction of theatre construc-
tion. Exhlbs charge that the Motion
Picture . Distributors' Assn. went
back on its promise regarding an
agreement to 12%% right of rejec-
tion, standard form of contract, no
compulsion to buy reissues and pro-
tection on overseatlng. They con-
tend that if these four points had
been granted by the MPDA, present
legislative pressure would not be
applied.
Queensland and Tasmanlan ex-
hibitors also claim that the MPDA
did not keep similar promises in-
thelr territories. Thls'follows in the
wake of New South Wales passing
similar restrictive legislation against
distrlbs.
FP Pnils Ads From
Vancouver A. M. Daily
Vancouver, March 21.
Famous Players Theatres 'yanked
all its advertising yesterday (Mon-
day) from the News-Herald, morn-
ing sheet and will stay out 'in-
definitely.' Split, came when the
paper asked FP for two-thirds of
th6 advertising appropriation of the
two evening dailies and was refused.
Sheet (circulation 20,000 against
Sun's 68,000 and Province's 82,000)
was onqe eulogized In Time as 'the
press found in a junk heap' and for
several years ran on a co-op basis.
Canada FP Corp. Up
Montreal, March 21.
Famous Players Canadian . Corp.,
Ltd., In annual financial statement
for year, to Dec. 31, 1938, shows
operating profit of $2,231,659 against
$2,184,523 a year ago. Net profit
was $974,788 equal to $2.38 a share
on the 408,524 no-par value com-
mon outstanding, as compared with
$869,197 or $2.12 a share in the pre-
ceding period.
Working capital shows $1,475,966
against $1,230,125 in 1937.
20
VARIETT
FILM REVIEWS
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
*3 Smart Girls Grow Up'
(mTH SONGS)
Universal rolenso o( Jn« Partcrnnk pro-
durdon. Stnni Dennna Durbin: Fenturcs
Charles WlnnlnKer. DlrectcO by llcnty
Koater. Screen iilny by Dnioe Mannlni; nnd
Felix Jackson: camorn, J<K) Valentino;
eillior. TeJ Kent. Ai Hlwll. N. v., lie-
KlnnlciK March 17, '30. liunnlne time.
87 MISS. „ ^ ^,
Penny CrnlB Deannn Durb'n
Judnn Craig Chnrlcs wlnnlMKcr
Joan OrnlK . .N:in Oroy
Kay CralB Helen Pnrrl«n
Harry Lorcii noli'rt l-ummlnKs
RIchart Watklna William LunfllBon
BInna Ernest ' oiuarl
Mr«. Crali ^e"' Walker
A warm, thoroughly delightful
family entertainment that seems cer-
tain for big grosses and lots oi hold-
overs. It will enhance Universal's
standing in general and say the same
lor the film industry. Escape litera-
ture wiUi smiles, heart-tug, lustre,
and a collection of thoroughly nice
people; the film is a welcome anti-
dote to the front page headlines. It
should tear up records like they tear
up treaties in Europe.
The original screenplay of Bruce
Manning and Felix Jackson, as writ-
ten to the specification «f Joe Paster-
nak and translated into action by
Henry Koster. Is the beginning and
the foundation of the film's virtues.
A canny balance between characteri-
zations, situations and plausibility
keeps the story- within the realm of
the believable, the familiar, the
likeable. . .
It's a disarming tale about a young
sub-deb (Deanna Durbin) who at-
tempts to straighten out the loVe
tangles of her two older sisters. Nan
Grey has gotten herself engaged to a
young man, William Lundigan, who
is loved by the other sister, Helen
Parrish, whom he ought obviously
to prefer. A series of amusing com-
plications are unfolded with a
shrewd evaluation of interplay. In
the process, the spectator grows to
like the people and the film clicks
in all departments.
Charles Winninger's performance
as the preoccupied father is sure to
}ut him over with the fans. He looks
like a swell bet now that, seemingly,
they' know how to use him before
the camera. The knack for doing
tempered hoke and staying credible
Is his. Two supporting ingenues also
should find their careers given real
momentum by this Release. Every-
body, in fact, takes on. lustre from
the surrounding glitter. The two
juveniles, Robert Ctunmings and
William Lundigan, show up promis-
ingly, each not only looking good,
but displaying vigorous personalities
and an abili^ to throw the dialog
with facile accuracy.
As for the adolescent star, it's- one
more smash, and sends her hij;her un
the boxoffice ladder. Universal's
consistently smart handling of this
growing miss remains a bright chap-
ter of company planning. Future
stories will be )>1otted in accordance
with her advancing age. Meanwhile,
she improves as an actress and as a
singer (she sin<!s three songs), and
as a bright smile in a dour world.
Land.
Fi
I'M FROM MISSOURI
Hollywood, March 15.
PatanKmnt release of Paat Jones produc-
tion. Stars Bob Bums. Features Gladys
Oeotse, Gone Loekhort. Directed by Theo-
dora Reed. Screenplay by John C. MoRltl
and Duke Atteberry; based on slorloa
Homer Croy and Julian Street. Cnn\eni.
Merritt Getslad; e<1ltor. Archie Marahek.
Previewed at Paramount. T,. A., March 15,
■30. Running time: tt MINS.
Sneeney Bllas Bob Bums
Jt'lle Biles Gladys Geonta
Pcrgle Rove Gene Lnckhart
la'.a Pike Judith Barrett
Joel .Strelght William Uenry
Allison...... Patricia Morlson
Vt. Arthur : E. E. Cllve
H'^''me Melville Cooper
Sniflh Wlllipm Collier. Sr.
Colimol Marchluink l.a\vronce Grossmlth
Cntitnin Droake-roiTr-i. .George P. Huntley
Mr I. .\rlhur .Doris T.loyd
Gu.<T '....Tom Dn.Tnn
Kitty Dennle Moore
Writ PHha James Burlco
MIcs WlU'dack Ethel Grimes
Tm From Missouri' will satisfy the
Bob Bums following, but v/ill not
serve to enhance his popularity with
audiences generally. Story, reminis-
cent of early WiU Rogers films in
h:s'.c formula, docs not jell any too
well in script form. Burns, however,
lifts the slight material with his own
in(^ividuali^.
Picture win hit moderate takes in
the keys, end will do better in the
subsequent runs and smaller towns.
Main drawback is meandering of
script nnd inclusion of many loosely-
knit situations which fail to tie to-
other to maintain constant audience
interest
Burns is a Missouri farmer and
mule breeder. Wif^, Gladys George,
has s;ciEl aspirations. The mule
market coUcpses through -withdraw-
al of British buyers and Burns'
neighbors are faced with banlcruptcy.
Burns (lies his prize mule' to a Kan-
sas City live stock show to impress
English army representative, and
then goes to London to sell mules to
the government Miss George goes
along and rents a mansion to crash
London society, while Bums~concen-
trates on selling mules. Ftom that
point story endeavors to carry in-
effective by-play of Btims disrupt-
ing his wife's social ambitions, with
eventual finish in which mules are
sold and couple easily slip into up-
per strata, of London elite.
Picture has its moments when
Bums gets over his homespun phi-
losophies. Story is crammed with
hokey situations and by-play, but on
the whole is confusing and handi-
capped by weak writing effort Lat-
ter may l>e overlooked by the fam-
ily trade more interested in Burns
than in material provided..
SERGEANT MADDEN
Hollywood, March 14.
Metro release of J. Walter llulwu |iro-
dnc:lon. stars Wallooo Ueei'y. Features
To-.n Hrown; Alan i:urlia, l.£ralne May.
DIrcctod by Jwer von Sternbern. ^;ereen-
lilny by Wellii Hoot; haw I on story by
William -A.. Ullman, Jr.; camorn. JoJieph
.Selti; editor, Conrad A. Xervlsr. Previewed
at Alexander, lilemlalo. Mar. 14, '39.
Kunnlnic tliuc, T8 MIXa
Shaun Madden ....Wallacs Beery
AI Boylan, Jr Tom Brown
Deniils Mcdden.. Atan Curtis
Elleon Daly Ijiralno Day
ilai-y Madden ....Fay HoMcn
•I'ljBy' Ceders... ;..Mor»: Lawi-cnee
Clutrlutte ., Marlon M.nrtln
•IVnphy* PavM Gorcey
Milton .Donald Haines
Stcnnny Ucn Welden
Oovo Etl.-» McDanlel
Noio , ...John Kelly
Phllcdcl'hU Horace MocMhUon
Casey .". M"!" FltzBeiald
Dennis Ma^Idcn las a boy) Dickie Jones
Al KjyLiD, Jr. las a. boy).... Drew Ro<1dy
CommlKiloner (VJ1») Cliarlea Trowbrldsa
Police Commissioner Oeoi-e«- lr^'l'•B
Drafting Wallace Beery into the
ranks of New York's finest for the
first time in his extensive film career,
Metro provides a good program
drama in 'Sergeant Kfadden.' Its
geared to supply strong support in
the key duals.
Picture is Josef von Sternberg's
first on the Metro lot in nearly 15
years. If he did nothing else, the
director gave a new slant on future
screen possibilities for Beery. The
latter has been typed for smirking
facial contortions whenever con-
fronted with aa embarrassing or
dramatic moment 'Von Sternberg
steered clear of these characteristics
to present Beery in a straight char-
acter portrayal that is refreshing.
Most important contribution of the
Sicture is the uncov--ring of Laraine
lay, newcomer to films, who dis-
Slays talent and screen personality,
^nder the name of Laraine Johnson,
the girl ' was plucked from a little
theatre group'in nearby Long Beach.
Her charm and ability is recogniz-
able in her first sequence, and catches
attention as picture progresses.
Story is familiar in many respects,
but has some new twists in script
and direction to freshen it consider-
ably. Beery, honest and good-na-
tured Irish cop, lives up to all tradi-
tions of the force.-: Alan Curtis, his
son, is brought up in that environ-
ment but on joining the force be-
comes a smart copper too interested
in rapid advancement His brazen
attitude antagonizes the gang on his
beat and when he shoots a pilfering
kid Curtis is framed and sentenced to
prison. Escaping, he embarks on a
wild holdup spree, and is killed when
visiting the hospital to see his baby
son. ' The trap is laid by Beery, who
figures duty above love for his son.
Interwoven is an interesting romance
and marriage of Curtis and Miss Day.
Beery predominates with a neat
job, even down to the Irish brogue.
Alan Curtis gives a vigorous por-
trayal of the surly and overly-ambi-
tious, son. Tom Brown is okay as
Beery's adopted son. Marc Law-
rence, recrwted from the road com-
jpany of 'Golden Boy' for a gangster
leader part gets over and indicates
he can stay in Hollywood for more
film work.
Von Sternberg's direction, spends
much time in developing sideline
pieces of business. After a rather
slow start to establish characters and
background, picture speeds up con'
siderably and is moving at a rapid
clip at the finish.
Almost a Gentleman
Hollywood, March 17.
RKO release ot Cliff Reld production.
Directed by T^eslle tioodwlna. Screenplay
by David Sllveratein and Jo Papino; story
by Ilii'old Shumate; camera, J. Roy Hunt;
olltor, Desmond Marquette. Previewed at
A lexander, Glendale. March ' 17, 'SB. Run-
nine time. 64 MINS.
Dan Preston James Ellison
.■ihlrley Hartdon Helen Wood
Robert Mabrey Rolwrt Kent
Marian Mabrey...' June Clayworth
Major Mabrey Robert Warwick
Arthur Leonard Penn
Crack Williams. John Wruy
Ja^-on Troop '..Brandon Tynan
Ira WIIIIr. ....Karl HodRlns
Doc Rollins Harlan Brlns
And Ace, the Wonder Dof.
Miniatiire Reviews
Three Smart Girls Grow Up'
(U). Smash Deanna Durbtn
ccmedy with songs.
•'.'m From. Missouri' (Par).
Bob Burns in mild comedy; mod-
er.'le grosser for family trade.
. 'Serjeant Maddea' (A-^ctro).
'Wallace Beery in program drama
glorifying Uie police; strong sxip-
porting feature for keys.
'.Mmost a GenMemni' (RKO).
Lower bracket B for filler in the
dvr\s.
'"tag of CiiiBat»wn' (Par).
Standard programmer should
provide good support for key
dirls. ...
' t:ddea Honey* (Par). Unim- .
por'^nt comedy for duals where
filler's required.
T(Cr. Meto In Danger Island'
(20th). Another good 70 min-
utes of detective fiction in the
'Moto' ser.'es.
Ace,, the dog, will provide most of
the interest aroused by this one.
It's strictly a filler ground out for
the lower duals. Picture shows
slipshod preparation of script and
story is full ot boles.
Obedience and utility tests ot dogs
have gained' in Importance among
dog fanciers In the past few years,
iifi story endeavors to point but this
fact Ace displays many tricks that
will catch mild attention of dog
lovers. Story, however, fails to point
up capabilities ot the trained ani-
mals.
Director Leslie Goodwins and the
cast struggle with stilted dialog and
situations.
James EUison, returning to a small
town after wanderlust wears off,
saves Ace from the dog pound. Ani-
mal is partially trained and Ellison
spends, several months completing
his course to enter Ace in a- dog show
against tlw thoroughbred of Robert
Kent Story meanoera through ex-
traneous situations, finally picking
up old situation of dog accused of
killing a man At trial, Ellison de-
fends and finally establishes animal's
innocence. Packed in between is a
romance of sorts between . Ellison and
Helen Wood, and an 'inane kidnap-
ping for no reason at the finish.
KING OF CHINATOWN
Los Angeles, March 18.
Paramount release ot Stuart Walker priH
ductlon. Features 'Akim TamlrofC .and
Anna . May Wong. -Directed by Nick
Grinde. .Screenplay by I,lllle Haywanl and
Irvlnr Rels; stoiy by Herbert BIbcrman;
camcm, Loo Tover; editor. Eda XVarren.
PrevlAwed at Pareroount, March 18. 'SS.
RnnnlnK time: M MIKS.
Dr. Mary Llns .\nnn May 'Wonic
Frank Baturln Afclm TamlroS
The Professor J. Carroll Nalsb
Dr. Chaoff 1.lni; .^I'lney Toler
Robert 'Bob' LI Phillip Ahii
Mike Gordon Anthony Qninn
Dolly Warren .Ikrnanlcno 'TTayea
Rep Harrlean Rorcoe Rams
-Potatoes Ray Moyer
Interne Richard Dennlnc
Second Interne Archie Twitchell
Bert Edward Matr
Delecllve Genrre Anderson
GariKster Cbnrles B. Wood
GnnKster Georco Masrill
Dr. Jones Charles Trowbridge
Hilnese V.'omnn Lily KIni;
Chinese Man Wont ChonK
Mr. Fofl Chester Gan
Announcer. .Pat West
Investigator..! Guy Usher
A moderate budget program
drama, "King of Chinatown' carries
sufficient action and underworld in-
trigue to satisfy as support in the
duals and hit the fancy of the family
trade. Light on draw names, but
title may catch shekels of customers
in the nabes.
Little footage. is consumed in in-
troducing Akim Tamirofl as king of
gambling and rackets in Chinatown.
He's out for the heavy coin and dis-
regards small operations. Double-
cross aimed , at Tamirofl by hench-
man J. Carroll Naish results in
former's shooting in front of Sidney
Toler's store.- Toler's daughter,
Anna May Wong, figures her father
shot the racketeer to stop latter's
threats against Chinese merchants.
Miss Wong, with medical degree,
performs dangerous operation to
save Tamiroff's life. Leader takes
weeks to convalesce, while his gang
run. matters for qiilck' cleanup. Dis-
trict attorney moves in to round up
the racketeers, but before Tamiroft
is fatally shot he provides Miss
Wong with healthy funds for her
Chinese ambulance unit
Story moves in a straight line,
maintaining interest with a lively
pace. A few spots in the early reels
show jumpy editing. Miss Wong
provides a nice portrayal of the Chi-
nese girl turned doctor. Tamirofl is
suave and believable as the big shot
racketeer, while Naish is okay as
leading double-crosser of the gang.
Comedy moments are neatly spotted
by Roscoe Karns and Ray Mayer.
-1-
SUDDEN MONEY
Hollywood, March 16.
Paramount release of 'William C. Tbomas
proJucllon. Features Charles Rufglea and
Mnrjorle Rarabeau. Directed by Nick
Grinde. Screenplay by Lewis Foster; baaed
on play by Milton Lazarus: camera, Henry
Sharj): editor, Ellsworth Hoagland. Pre-
viewed at Alexander. Glendale. March 19,
■30. Running time: M JON8,
Sweeney Patterson Charles Buggies
Elsie Patterson Marjorle Rambcau
Grandpa Casey Patterson. Charley Grapewln
'Doc' Finney Broderick Crawford
Junior PatteraoD Bllly Le«
Mary Patterson Evelyn Keyes
Eddie Dunn Phillip 'Worien
yolo ....' Joyce Mathewa
Johnny Jordan.; Richard Dennlnic
Ellen. Maty Parker
Mr. Hinds. t... Richard Tucker
McPherson : James Burke
Mr. WIzby (niarles Halton
Miss Perkins Ethel Wales
Professor Tito Alex Ueleah
Phil John GaUandet
Butch Jffcn Kelly
Kerble. . Homer Dickinson
Joe Jo0 Xule
Peewee Billy Engle
Mr. Jordan Donglas 'Wood
Diamond Eddie MaiT
Duke Mack Gray
Ted Donald Kerr
Sam......... WllUan B. Oavldsan
_ (.Stanley Price
Gamblen ^DJok Elliott
iRobert Briater
There's ..little hope for "Sudden
Money,' except as a filler in the sub-
sequent bookings where an houc is
required In support of a strong at-
traction. Produced as a lower-
bracketed B, it carries the handicaps
of both poor script and strained dl-
, rection.
' Sudden wealth provided by a win-
ning sweepstake ticket, and its effect
on an average family, is not new
material. The screenplay fails to
provide any fre.sh angles, and pic-
ture shows padding to stretch it to
60 minutes.
When Rui^gles and his brother-in-
law, Broderick Crawford, win $150,-
000 on their sweeps ticket individ-
ual members of the family want to
satiate secret ambition's. After run-
ning through much inconsetjuential
horseplay, money runs out and fami-.
ly goes back to its old routine.
Marjorie Rambeau is teamed with
Ruggles In place of . Mary Boland in
this one. Cast strutgles valiantly
with mediocre material and is un-
able to do more than secure a few
laughs from stock situations.
Heritage of the Desert
Hoirywood, March 13.
Paramount release of Hnrry Sherman pr^
ductlon. F>-ti-rcH Dnnnid Woods, Evelyn
Venable. DJi-c-ted by T..esley. Selnnder.
.Screenplay by Xcmnn flnunton; added dlo-
log by Harrison Jacobs; based oh story by
SSnne Grey. .^sroclate producer. J. D.
'Trop; cnnicra. Riir.sell Harlan; editor, Sher-
man Rose. Previewed In projection room
.March la; '30. Running time, 13 IONS.
John Abbott Donald 'Woods
Miriam Nanb..^ Evelyn Tenable
David Naoh Russell Hayden
.\ndrew Nnab .Robert Oarrat
Noser .'.Sidney Toler
Henry Holdcrnc- O. Henry Gordon
Nebraska Wlllard Robertson
Snap Thornton Paul Gullfoyle
Chick Chance ......;Paul Fix
John Twerk John XlUer
Judge Stevens ....Reginald Barlow
Paramount has been turning out
the Zane Grey western series for 15
years. Established as standard pro-
grammers among company releases,
several yarns have been refurbished
for remake purposes. The present
piece is the third film version of
'Heritage of the Desert.' It will sat-
isfy in houses catering to western
patronage.
It's regulation western pattem,
with fast riding, a dash of romance,
gunplay, a dastardly heavy and the
rancher 'with a comely daughter who
falls in love with the tenderfoot
Photographed against desert back-
grounds that add productionally to
the picture, and with a nicely
mapped script employing logical sit-
uations, 'Heritage of the Desert'
measures up to the entertainment
standards of the series.
'Yarn is familiar. Donald Woods,
eastern playboy, goes west to claim
his desert holdings, being misman-
aged by C. Henry Gordon. Latter has
a henchman try to get rid of Woods,
who is woimded and rescued by
rancher Robert Barrat. Convalescent,
Woods falls in love with Evelyn Ven-
able, then rounds up Gordon and his
gang, with the help of oppressed
ranchers in the valley.
The cast is good. Woods provides
a capable portrayal" as the easterner,
with Miss venable okay for the ro-
mantic lead opposite. Russell . Hay-
den is a vigorous western youth, and
Sidney Toler provides many light
moments as a ranch hand. Gordon is
good as leader of the band working
against the ranchers. .
Camera work by Russell Harlan
takes full advantage of scenic oppor-
tunities.
NAVY SECRETS
Monogram release of William Lackey
production. Features Pay Wray, Grant
WIthera. Directed by Howard Bretherton;
screenplay by Harvey Gates; from story
by Steve Fisher; camera. Harry Neuman;
editor, Russell Schoengarth. ' At Strand,
Brooklyn, dual week March 17. '30. Ilun-
nlng time: 8« MINS.
Carol Fay Wray
Steve Grant WIthera
Nick .Dewey Robinson
Conjer William von Brincken
Jimmy Craig Reynolds
.^vlns George Somn
Benje Andre Cheron
reter Robert Fracer
Daly Joseph- Crean
Babe. Duke York
Drunk Arthur Housmnn
CapUIn .....Joe Olrard
This is a mystery melodrama with
more mystery than drama. Too
much mystery, in fact, plus weak
story preparation and a super-
abundance of heavies who get in
each other's way, results in a so-so
picture. May Just get by on lower
halt of duelers, but that's all.
Fay Wray and Grant Withers work
hard at playing Federal gumshoes
assigned to track down a foreign
power stealing navy secrets. Miss
Wray shows to greater advantage
than Withers, who is typed as a
dumb petty naval officer, and she
lends a lively and romantic interest
to otherwise unimpressive proceed-
ings.
withers promises his shipmate to
deliver a certain envelope to a par^
whose name he forgets. He also vol-
unteers to entertain his pal's girl for
the evening. Three-fourtlis of the
film is taken up in aimless wander-
ings in and out ot cafes and bars in
an effort to deliver the envelope.
Miss Wray appears to be working
against Withers, and she is, presum-
ably, a foreign spy. In reality, both
are working for the U. S. Navy, but
neither are aware ot it untU the
finale clinch.
One of the principal faults In the
story Is the . stringing out ot sus-
pense until it looks like several
chapters ot • cliff-hanger were
strung together. Editing and direc-
tion are quite unimpressive
Mr. Moto in Danger Island
SOth Century-Fox release of John stone
S reduction. Stars Peter Lorre. Features
enn Ilersholt, Amand(V Duff, Warn-n lly.
mer, Richard Lane, L,eon Ameti, UouRin*
Dumbrllle, Charles D. Brown, I'nul Har-
vey. Directed by Herbert I. I..cedB: screen-
Slay, Peter HUne: from story by John 'W.
larquand; film editor, Harry Reynolds;
camera, Luclen Andrlot. At Central. .S. Y.,
dual, week Mai-ch 10. '30. Running time:
70 :illNH.
Mr. Moto Pttler Lorre
.'{utler...' Je:in ITernhult
Joan Castle Amanda Dun
Twister McGurk , Wnrre.n Hymer
Commlasloner Qoidon Rlchiird Lane
Commissioner Madero Leon Mntn
La CosUt DnuRbis Dumbrllle
Col. Thomas CasUe Charlei I). Rronn
Governor John Bentl^ Paul llcrvey
Lieut. George Dentley... .. ,.Ito::ert Txiwery
Captain Dahlen Eildio Marr
Grant H:ir.-y AVuuds
One of 20th Fox's good-paying 'B''
.<ierles produces another. en:-oror,sing
detective -meller in. 'Mr. Moto in Dan-
^r Island,' - starring Peter Lorre.
Ably produced by John Stone from a
Peter Milne adaptation, end skillfully
directed by Herbert I. Leeds, ac-
csvmts need have no hesitancy in
)>etting behind this 'Mr. Moto' re-
lease to the same extent as \,iith the
best of others in the series. Devotees
of detective fiction will like it.
There is a sameness about the 'Mr.
Moto' pictures, yet the pint of each
new story surrounding the detec-
tive's adventures are always in-
trisuing, and the action is iisu.iUy
carried out in such a manner a.s to
be exciting, suspenseful and melo-
drEmatic. 'Moto in Danger Island' is
also well bolstered by comed.y relief,
with Warren Hymer, a wrestler,' be^
coming a self-appointed, assistant to .
Lorre. His assignment to get laughs
has been expertly planncO and
Hymer carries it out tor maximum
results.
Locale this time Is Puerto Rico,
where unknowns are suspected of en-
gaging in diamond smuggling. Guilt
as usual, points in many directions
and, as usual, is too often suggested
by various characters ' who, if natu-
ral, wouldn't be arousing so much
police concern. The girl is Amanda
Duff, a very attractive type, who has
comparatively little to no in a ro-
mance with a very youngish officer,
Robert Lowery. Neither are given
sufficient opportunity to show much
screen talent
Lorre is again the suave, calmly-
calculating Sherlock Holmes, whose
size belies his abilitjr to overcome
aggressors having twice his appar-
ent stamina. A capable cast of sea-
soned player's surround him, includ-
ing Jean Hersbolt (doing what sounds
a bit like a (xerman accent), Rich-
ard Lane, Leom Ames, Douglas
Dumbrllle and Charles D. Brown.
Last-mentioned looks suspiciously
like Skeets Galla^er and may be
mistaken for him by many fans.
Char.
LONE STAR PIONEERS
Columbia production and rvlense. .<:inr*
Bill Elliott. Directed by Joseph Leverlnic:
screenplay, Nate Gatxert; camera, James S.
Brown, Jr.: editor, Dwight Caldwell. At
Colonial, Lincoln, dual. Running time:
M BUNS.
Pat Bill Elliott
Vlnlnla Do/oihy Gulliver
Budc Clii.i-lf» Whlltnker
Pete Charles' King
BUI I.ee .Shumway
Crittenden .Oudd Buster
Coe Jack Ingram
Eph. Harry Harvey
Chuck Buzz Barton
Joe .' A Frank LaRu*
Precarious period Just afteii th*
Civil War, when the Texas country
was menaced by renegades and white
guerillas, provides the subject of
T,one Star Pioneers,' latest of Bill
Elliott's exploits for Columbia. Its
biz possifoilltles are only fair. Elliott
needs script pushing, most of the
stories given him being weak -and
slowly paced.
Sent into the guerilla country as
a U. S. Marshal, Elliott finds the
bands are operating from a good in-
side location. Tipoff is always given
the looters as to when the next big
shipment of supplies is coming in,
and how big the guard is. Elliott,
masked as a bad man, join; the gang,
finds a'Tancher, his daughter and son
being kept prisoner on their own
property to provide a hideout for
the mob, and ultimately uncovers
-the inner workings of the organiza-
tion. '
Elliott is gaining ease in chaps and -
spurs, the days of drawing room
parts now probably seeming far be-
hind. Dorothy Gulliver's role as a
rancher's daughter 'who must wait
on the bandits, doesn't shape up into
much'. Charles Whittaker, Charles
King and Lee Shumway are the rot-
ten apples in the community barrel,
Shumway tipping off and the other
two carrying out the looting.
Strictly a cheap western. Barn,
Home on die Prairie
(WITH SONGS)
Republlo prodoctlon and release. Rian
Gene Autty; features Rmlley Burnett, June
Storey. Directed by Jack Towntey; origi-
nal screenplay, Charles Arthur Powell, and
camera, Paul Fi«nklln, Reg Lnnnlng; edi-
tor, Lester Orlebeck. At Colonial, Lincoln,
dual.
Cast: Gene Autty, Smiley Burnelle. June
Storey, a«oise Cleveland, Jack Mulhall,
Walter Miller, Gordon Ilort, Hal Price,
Earl Hodglns, Ethan Laldlaw, John Beach,
Jack Ingram, Bob Woodward nnd the
Rodeollen. Runnliig tlm^ S8 MINS.
Shorter quota ot singing and more
action characterizes this latest Autry
flicker, which 'will please some of
the western addicts and possibly dis-
appoint those who like songs in
(Continued on page 30)
Wednesday, Marcb 22, 1939
VARIETY
21
THE DAY WHEN
SAMUEL GOLDWYN
WILL GIVE YOU THE
MOST POWERFUL PIC-
TURE OF HIS CAREER
...AND 75,000,000
PEOPLE WILL BE
READING ABOUT ITl
The picture in which love
and vengeance clash with
Hurricane" fury! Produced
in the strongest Samuel
Goldwyn box-office tradi*
tion, nierchandised in the
practical Samuel Goldwyn
way. A full page color ad
in American Weekly on
Sunday, April 9th. ..and
full page color ads in
Saturday Evening Post,
Collier's, Ladies' Home
Journal, McCaU's, Life and
G>smopolitan . . . reaching
23,000,000 homes exactly
in time to SWING THE
EASTER PARADE
TO YOUR TICKET-
WINDOW!
SAMUEL GOLDWYN presents
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
co-starring
MERLE OBERON • LAURENCE OLIVIER • DAVID NIVEN
with Flora Robson*DonaId Crisp •GeraldineFitegerald* Screenplay by
Ben Hecht & Charles MacArthiir • From the greatnovel by Emily Bronte
directed by WHLIAM WYLER • released thni UNITED ARTISTS
22
VARIETY
PICTURES
We^esday, March 22, 1939
Advance Production Chart
HoUi/uiood. Aforch 21. . mfiUing current season's promise of total oj S89. Cutting ^^^^^^^J^'
Curr«,t production check yinds 32 pictures farinX^mcras. as oiLrlng 70 and 302 '^V V^*?^" 'dS 1 wrr'""
KarchTs. ^Ih shTdios still needins to place I88 more in production be/ore | already started tu,o slated /or release durinfl 1939-40.
Columbia
Featnres
Westerns
Serials
Total ..
40
16
4
60
19
10
2
IS
'4
1
20
IS
4
1
20
31 2 7
Pictures now in the cutting rooms or awaiting previews are:
. 'ROMANCE OF THE REDWOODS,' produced by Wallace McDonald for
the Irving Briskin unit; directed b.v Charles Vidor; no writing credits re-
leased; photographed by Allen Siegler. Cast: Charles Bickford, Jean
Parker, Earl Dunn, Lloyd Hughes, Ed Laughton, John Tyrrell, Ann Shoe-
maker, Al Bridge, Gordon Oliver.
'MT SON IS A CRIMINAL.' formerly tiUed 'RACKETEERS,' produced
by Wallace SAacDonald; directed by C. C. Coleman, Jr.; no writing credits
released; photographed by Allen Siegler. Cast: Alan Baxter, Jacqueline
Wells; .Joseph King, Gordon Oliver, Willard Robertson; John Tyrell, Ed
Fetherston, Dick Curtis, Harty Strang, Joseph Caits, Eddie Laughton,
George Taylor, Stanley Brown, -Frank Mills, Joe Harmon, James MiUican,
Frank O'Connor, Ed Cobb, Keman Crips, Robert Walker, E. L. Dale, Art
Dupuis, AI Ferguson, Ky Robinson, Sam Ash, Al Herman, Forbes Murray,
Edward Heam.
'BUWD AbLET,' produced' by Fred Kohlmar; directed by Charles Vidor;
from play by James Warwick; ' photographed by Luden Ballard. Cast:
Chester Morris, Rose Stradner, Ann Dvorak, Joan Perry, Ralph Bellamy,
Marc Lawrence; Melvyn Cooper, -Scotty Beckett, Ann Doran, John Aldricn,
Bilbum Stone, Marie Blake.
'HISSING' BA17GHTERS,'. produced by Jack Fier. for the Irving Briskin
unit; directed by C, C. Coleman, Jr.; original screen play by Itfichael Sim-
mons and George Bricker; photographed by Henry Freulicb. Cast: Richard
Arlen, Rochelle Hudsou, Isabel'Jewell, Marian Maish, Don Beddoe, Richard
Wessel. Edward Raquello, Eddie Kane, Wade Botiller, John Tyrrell.
<ODTSq>E THESE WALLS,' produced by Ralph Cohn for the Irving Bris-
kin unit; directed by Ray McCarcy; no writing credits released; photo-
graphed by Lucien Ballard. Cast: Dolores Costello, Michael Whalen, Vir-
ginia V/eidler, Don Beddoe, Charles Halton, Selmer Jackson, Dick Curtis,
John Tyrell, Pierre Watkin, Robert Emmett Keane^ Tommy Bupp, Joe
Devlin, Stymie Beard; Jimmie Campbell,. Joe Cunningham, William Searby,
Walter Merrill, -Allen Matthews, Eddie Laughton.
•THE LAW COMES TO TEXAS,' formerly titled 'FIRST RANGER,' pro-
duced by LarTj Darmour; directed by Joseph Levering; original screen
play by Nate Getzert; photographed by James S. Brown, Jr.- Cast: BUI
EUiott, Veda Ann Borg, Bud Osbourne, Charles Whittaker, Leon Beaumon,
Paul Everton, Charles King.
'THE OKLAHOMA TRAIL,' formerly titled PRAIRIE NIGHTS,' pro-
duced by Harry L. Decker, for the Irving Briskin unit; directed by C. C.
Coleman, Jr.; no writing credits released; photographed by Allen Seigler.
Cast: Charles -Starrett, &is Meredith-, Dick Curtis, Qob Nolan, Sons of the
Pioneers, Hank Bell, Edward Le Sa:nt
Colnmbis Pfcc Now In Frodaetlan
'ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS,' formerly tiUed TLANE NO. 4,' pro-
duced and directed by Howard Hawks; ' no writing credits released;
photographed by Josieph Walker, Cast: Jean Arthur, Gary Grant, Richard
Barthelmessi Rita H^worth, Thomas Mitchell, Sig Human, 'Donald Barry,
Moah .Beery, -Jr,, Anthony Quinn, AUyn Joslyn, Victor Kilian, Milissa
Sierra, Pat West, John Carroll, Charles Moore, Sam Tang, Frank Puglia,
■Inez Palange,' Pedro Regas, Manuel Maciste, Lucio ViU^as; Budd Fine,
Francisco Moran, Victor Travers, Wilson Benge, Jack Lowe, Tex Higgin-
son, Vernon Qent, Pat 'Flaherty, replacing Frank Marlowe, Enricas Acosta,
Raoul Lechuga, Dick Bottiler', Harry Bailey, Amora Na'varro, Tessie Mur
ray.
'MANDRAKE, THE MAGICIAN' (serial), produced by Jack Fier fOr the
Irving Briskin unit; directed by Sam Nelson and Norman Demlng; no
writing credits released; photographed by Benjamin Kline. Cast: Warren
Hull, Doris Weston, Al Kikume, Kenneth McDonald, Eddie Laughton, Eddie
Earl, John Tyrrell, Don Beddoe, Forbes Murray, George Chesebro.
Cast- Dennis O'Keefe, Florence Rice, Jessie Ralph, Anthony Allen, Buddy
Ebsen, Rita Johnsor, TuUy Marshall. J. M. Kerrigan.
r^c?or«Sg;tt'»x|'^;« "a
Grapewin, BUlie Burke.' Margaret Hamflton. P«t Wa^. . .
■I TAKE nns WOMAN.' formerly iiUed'NK^
produced by Lawrence Weingarten; directed by J^*f°^*'
slory by diaries MacArthur; Photographed by ChMles Lawtonj ^^
Spencer Tra«gr. Hedy LaMarr, Walter Pigeon Thurston ail. <^tl« y^^^
d?z, LeonardPenn. Ina Claire..Itorjorie Main, Calhe™, Lana Twner
Mona Barrie. WiUie Best, Dwight Fiye, Jack Carson, Frank Pugna, Aori
enne Ames. Now In ProducUon
•TARZAN IN BHLE.' produced S^J* ^^^"^^5^^^ uJ*^
Thorpe; based on characters created by Btor »«*,»'S?,"2Sf'o°'?ulU-
crapfied Leonard Smith. Cast: Johnny Weissmuller,
S^nrHenn? Stephenson, Kenneth Hunter. Henry Wflcoxon. Fneda Inescort.
Uriah Banks, John aeffield. • ^ ^ ,j « c„i,
'GONE WITH THE WIND* <T«duiIcrfor). proceed by
nick; directed by Victor STenung,r5lacing George O^^^
«!idnev Howard and OUver H. P. Garret from novel by Margaret Mitcneu.
Sgrfph^d by^i^^tolto, ^epUc^ Lee Garmes; TMhnlcolor photog-
Mphy^by^B^y R^Sn. Qisfc^
01?vfi de Ifaviland. Barbara OWeil, Laura Hope Crews. HatUe McDanicl,
Oscar Polk, Butterfly McQueen, Everett Brown, Victor Jory.
•MAIDEN VOIAGE,' produced by Edgar Selwyn; directed by WiUiam
Th"l1; origin^ sto^ ^^oSied IS^ardt and Virginia Fatitoier;
photographed by Oyde de Vinna. Cast Robert Young, Annabella,
CoUyrBilUe'^ BSrke. Gene };'><^^^^°Z^%l*&I:iS:
Arthur Treacher, Charles Judells, Vf^^^^^^'^J^ ^}Ji^'i2^
bert Morin, Hoy Atwell, Benie Riano, Matthew Bolton, Mitchell Lewis.
IT'S A WONraSFVL WOOA,' produced by Louis D. Li^^i^Sr^
by W. S. Van Dyke: no writing credits released; photographed by Oliver
Marsh. Cast: ClaWtte ColbertTjam^ Stewart. I^ndletoVMgar I^^
nedy, Guy Kibbee, Frances Drake, Ernest Truex, Sidney Blackmer, Albert
Morin, Rand Brook, Maurice Costello.
'100 TO ONE,' produced by Edward Chodorov; directed byL«lie Fentojj;
no writing credfts released; photographed by Joseph R""«°5ei«.
Melvyn Douglas, Louise Piatt. H. B. Warner, Jean Fenwick. HaUiweU
Hobbs, Marjorie Main, Gladys Blake, Tom C^lins, Gene LocWifr^ V2lf£^
George, Ilobart Cavanaugh, Oscar O'Shea, Theresa Howard, Jack Carlton
FEM. POLITICO
HEADS PENN.
CENSORP
Grand National
Now Balance to
Number Number New in Be Placed Stories In
' of Fix Com- Shoot- Catting Before Prepara-
Promised. pleted - Ins ' -Rooms Cameras tion
Toial ^68 .12 0 2-- 64 S4
Pictured now In cutting rooms or awaiting previews are:
'SINGING COWGIRL.' formerly titled 'LADT BITCKAROO,' Coronado
production; produced by Donald K. Lieberman; directed by Samuel Diege;
original screen play by Arthur Hoerl; . pliotographed by Mack Stengler.
Cast: Dorothy Page. David O'Brien, Vince" Bamett, Ed Piel, Dix Davis.
Stanley Price, Warner Richmond, Dorotiiy Short, Paul Barrett. Lloyd In-
graham. Ethan Allen. Edward Gordon, Merrill McCormick.
•BVERTTHING HAPPENS TO ANN,' produced by Jack Sklrball; directed
by Al Christie; screen play l(y Fred Jackson, original by Dalton Trumbo;
photographed by Charles Van Enger. Cast: Heather Angel, John King
Constance Collier. Robert Elliott, Walter Catlett, Wilbur Mack, Tom Dugan
Emma Dunn.
Number Number
Now
of Pix Com-
Shoot-
promised picted
ing
4
1
S
N*w I|a]anc«to
In Be Placed Stories In
Cultlnf Before Prepara-
BooBS Cameras tion
8 It 11
• • 0
11
11
Pictures now In the cutting rooms or awaiting previews -are:
•BBOADWAT SERENADE,' produced and directed by Robert Leonard,
no writing credits released; photographed by Oliver Marsh. Cast: Jeanette
MacDonald, Lew Ayres, Ian .Hunter, Frank Morgan, Virginia Grey, Rita
Johpson, William Gargan, Katherine Alexander, lEiranklin Pangbom. Esther
Dale. Esther Howard, Al Shean, Maurice Moscovitz. Wally Vernon.
•THE HARDTS RIDE HIGH,' . produced by Lou Ostrow; directed by
'John B. Seitz; screen play by Agnes Christine Johnston, K^ von BLiper and
William Ludwig: photographed by Leslie White. Cast: Lewis Stone.
Mickey Rooney, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden, Sara Haden, Ann Rutherford,
Virginia Grey, Mathilda and Charles Smith.
'CALLING DK KIL0ARE,' produced by I^u Ostrow; directed by Harold
S. Bucquet; based on the Max Brand stories; photographed by Les White.
Cast: Lew Ayres. Xionel Parrymore, Lynne Carver. Nat Pendleton. Samuel
S. Hinds. Emma Dunn, Marie Blake. Lana Turner^liaralne Johnson, Clinton
Rosomond, Bobs 'JVatson, Alma Kruger. Rinle Klano, Walter Kingsford,
Donald Barry.
'SOCIETT LAWTEB,' formerly titled 'NIGHT IN MANHATTAN,' for-
merly titled 'PENTHOUSE.' produced by John W. Cohsidine. Jr.; directed
by Edwin L. Marin: no 'writing credits released; photographed by George
Folsey. Cast: Virginia Bruce, Walter Pidgeon, Leo Camllp, Lee Bowman,
Frances Mercer, Edward Brophy, Tom Kennedy, Herbeii Mundln, Pau:
Guilfoyle. Frank M. Thomas, Ian 'Wolfe. Clarence Kolb, Ann Morriss,
Eduardo Ciannelli.
'LUCKT NIGHT,' produced by Louis D. Llghton; directed by Norman
Taurog; .screen play by Vincent Lawrence and Gro'ver Jones; original by
Oliver daxton; photographed by Ray June. Cast; I^tna Loy, Robert
Taylor, Douirlas Fo\vIey, Bernadene Hayes, Bernard Iredell, Gladys Blake,
Chprifif? t.-n . Henry OTIellL • - ■ - .
•THE sKiD FROM TEXAS,' produced by Edgar Selwyn; directed by S.
Sylva.1 Simon; no 'writing credits released; photographed by Sid Wagner.
Futures
W-CGtcrns
Nmnber Nomber
•f Fix Qtm-
Pcambed pleted
2« n
16 8
Now
Shoot-
ing
0
0
Now Balance to
in Be Placed Stories In
Cnttlnc Before Prcpara-
Rooms Cameras ilon
2 11 11
17 7
8
18
16
Total 42 21 •
Pictures in the cutting room:'
'TRIGGER SMITH,' produced by Robert Tansey; directed by Alan
James; original screen play by Robert Emmett; photographed by Bert
Longendecker. Cast Jack Randall, Joyce Bryant, Frank Yaconelli, Dennis
Moore, Bobby Clark, Warner Richmond, Dave O'Brien, Frank La Rue,
Horace Carpenter, Milt Kibbee, Mary Thompson, Denver Dixon, Forrest
Taylor. Earl Douglas. Chick Hannon. James Sheridan. Archie Ricks. Bud
Osborne.
'STRIPS OF NEW TOBK.' produced by W. T. Lackey; directed by
William Nigh, replacing Jack Blintz; original screen play by Robert An-
drews; photographed by Hkny Neumann. Cast: Jackie Cooper, Martin
Spellman. Marjorie Rejiholds. Sidney Miller, Buddy Pepper. Bobby Stone,
David Durand, Robert Tucker. WUliam Tuckw-, Kent Rogers, George Cleve-
land, Robert Emmett Keane. Robert Emmett O'Connor. George Irving, Dick
Purcell, WiUiam Gould.
'UNDERCOVER AGENT,' produced by E. B. Derr; associate producer,
Frank Melford; directed by Howard Bretherton; screen play by Milton
Raison; original by Martin Mooney; photographed by Arthur Martinelll.
Cast: Russell Gleason. Shirley Deane, <J. M. Kerrigan, Maude Ebume,
Oscar O'Shea, Selmar Jackson, RaUe Harolde. Ray Bennett. Ralph Sanford,
Eddy Waller. Dick Elliot, Lester Dorr.
ParanoBit
studio
Harry Sherman.
ToUl
Now Balanoeto
Number Nnmber
Now
in Be Piaoed Stories la
of Fix Com-
Sboat-
CotUnc Before
Prepaia-
promised pleted
Baema Cameras
U«n
51 32
S
11 S
S
8 8
0
0 0
0
59 40
5
11 5
5
Pictures now in cutting rooms or awaiting previews are:
•BULLDOG DBUMMOND'S SECRET POLICE,' G. M. O: production
associate producer, Edward T. Lowe; directed by James Hogan; screen play
by Garnett Weston; based on 'Temple Tower,' by H. C. (Sapper) McNeile;
photographed by Merritt Gerstad. Cast: John Howard,. Heather Angel,
H. B. Warner, Elizabeth Patterson, Reginald Denny, E. E. Clive, Leo Car-
roll, Forrested Harvey, David Clyde, Clyde Cook, Gerald Rogers, Neil
Fitzgerald, Elspeth Dudgeon, Dutch Hendrian, Dick Rush, Wyndham
Standing.
•FEDERAL OFFENSE,' produced by Edward T. Lowe; directed by Louis
King; screen play by Horace McCoy and William R. Lipman from J. Ed-
gar Hoover's -Persons in Hiding'; photographed by William Mellor. Cast:
Lloyd Nolan, J. Carrol Naish, Shirley Logan, Heather Angel, Broderick
Crawford, Robert Wilcox, Richard Carle, Stanley Price, John Eldredge
George Meeker, Raymond Hatton, Philip Warren, Paul Fix, Richard Den-
ning, Abner Bibcrman, Roy Gordon, Clem Bevans, Clarence Wilson, Monte
Blue, Grace Hayle, George Irving, Fern Emmett, Ottola Nesmith, Ivan
Miller, Galan Gait, John Maurice Sullivan.
. 'THE LADY'S FROM KENTUCKY,' produced by JeR Lazarus; directed
by Al Hall; no writing credits released; photographed by Theodor Spark-
uhl. Cast: Geore;> Raft, Ellen Drew, Hugh Herbert, ZaSu Pitts, Louise
Beavers, Harry lyler. Stanley Andrew. Carol HoUoway, Hooper Atchley,
Virginia Sale, Lej Payton, Cordell Tate, Jimmy Briscow, Eugene Jackson,
Fern Emmett
'UNHABUED.' formerly titied 'NIGHI SPOT HOSTESS,' formerly
titled 'BIE AND MY GAl,' assodaie producer, Mel Sbauer; directed by
Kurt Neumann; screen play by £.illie Hayward and Brian Marlow; based on
story by Grover Jones and WflUem Savens McNutt; photographed by
Harry FiscUieck. Cast: Buck Jones, Helen Twelvetrces, Donald O^onnor,
Dorothy Howe, John Hartley, Larry Ccabbe, Robert Armstrong, Ed Paw-
ley, Sidney Blackmer. Philip Warren, Louise Carter, Kathryn Bates, Sarah
Edwards, Gordon Hart.
' 'HOTEL IMPERIAL.' directed by Robert Florey; screen play by Gilbert
Gabriel and Robert Thocren; based on a play by Lajos Bu-o; photographed
by William Mellor. Cast: Isa Miranda, Ray Milland, Reginald Owen, Gene
-Lockhart, J. Carrol Naish, Curt Bois, ISfehcl Werbofl, Henry Victor, Spen-
cer Chaitere, Bodil Rosing, Betty Cpmpson, Wolfing Zilzer, Egon Brechcr.
Bert Roach, Augustino Borgato, Paul Everton, George Magrill, Lee Shum-
way* Davison Clark, Harry Tenbrook. Paul Kruger. Don Cossack Chorus,
Robert Middlemass, Ernst Verehes. Albert Dekker. Will'am Bakewell. Nor-
man PhiUip.s, Robe'ft Frczer, .Sheila Ppyv. Norah Gale. Paula ds Cordo.
Judith King, Russ<ill Hicks. George Mc.cQuarrle, Arthur Cernitz, General
(Co-tinued on page 24)
PhUadelphla. March 21,
Wave of resentment swept over
exhibs. exchanges and Industry lead-
ers yesterday (Monday) wHh the ap-
pointment, by Governor Arthur H.
James, of Mrs. Edna' K Carroll as
'chairman of the State Board of Mo-
tion Picture Censors. Mrs. Carroll is
vice-chairman of the Republican city
committee; a month ago was re-
«lected president of the Women's
Republican club of Pennsylvania,
and for years has been active in
politics. She has had no experience
in films or show business.
Altbou^ all the talk here follow-
ing the appointment was naturally
:ush-hud), industry leaders made no
bones about the fact that they re-
sented the governor naming a chair-
man on such out-and-out politica\
grounds. Never hopeful of getting
someone thorou^ily familiar with
tiie film business and its problems, it
was at least thought tiiat an ap-
pointee with a good sociological
tiackground. rather than political,
would be named.
Governor James, in appointing
Mrs. Carroll, said he would leave
open the other two places on the
board because of a deficiency in its
budget Another member may be
named around May 1, he said, and
the third one «fter June 1, when the
ucw fiscal year begins. Chairman's
salary is $4,800 and the others $4,500.
With only one member on the
board here a peculiar situation may
-arise in.case of an appeal from her
decision. Film attorneys who made
a cursory examination of the law
yesterday said that while a specific
numl>er of members is not mentioned
as necessary to review a picture, an
appeal must be heard by at least
two members. In other words every-
thing will go sirioothly if Mrs. Carroll
goes easy, but difficulties may arise
on any nixes.
Mrs. Carroll succeeds Mrs. A.
Mitchell Palmer, widow of the war-
time attorney-general, who resigned
last Friday (17). BJrs. Hester Fye
and Patrick A. Dufly refused to quit
and were ousted by the governor.
Industry has -been generally fear-
ful of Governor James' appointment
because of his Apparent friendliness
with the WCTU and Sabbath blii*
lav/ advocates. He recently caused
the state liquor stores to remove dis-
plays from their wlndiws and
clamped down on niteries.
OklaLoma Censer Bill
Oklahoma City. March 21.
A censorship bill has been intro-
duced at the current stete legis-
lature which carries fines of from
$25 to $1,000 for violations, and calls
for a tax of $3 per 1,000 feet for in-
^pecti(m purposes. Under provisions
of the bill setting up a State Board
of Visual Inspection, there would
also tie created a Division of Visual
Education in the State Department
of' Education, which would set iip a
state film library, for loan to insti-
tutions and schools.
Bill calls for 'moral, educational,
or amusing and harmless character'
rules in -establishing censorship, and
creates a stendard Seal of Approval .
trailer which must be attached to
every film. It has been placed in
committee for hearing and stands
an - even chance of l>eing reported
for consideration of the house, ob-
servers believe.-
'ADDRESS UNKNOW
TO BE INDIE-MADE
Hollywood, March 21.
•Address Unknown,' a story of
Nazi Germany by Kressman Taylor,
will be produced . independently by
Felix Young with a cast of featured
players.
Production starts within six weeks.
Young is dickering for a major re-
lease.
Not So Sure
Hollywood, March 21. .
'Good Girls Go to Paris, Too.'
orjijin.iDy slated to start yesterday
.(Monday), was postponed one week
because of writing trouble.
Director Al Hall is working with
the scripters.
Wed nesday, RIarch 22, 1939 VARIETY 23
«4 VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
Fnre Destroys
Hub Thesdre;
Mgr.hjDred
Boston, March 21.
Raymond McNamara, manager ot
the Strand, suffered severe burns of
the left hand while flghting the fire
which destroyed the building last
week. Damage is estimated at
$100,000.
McNamara, armed with hand ex-
tinguisher, covered the orderly re-
treat of 400 patrons, who at first re-
fused to leave although smoke and
flames were visible on the stage, as
the feature had only five .more min-
utes to run.
^The 70-year-old theatre had been
leased by Julius Jolson from Fred J.
Hartwick. The Star theatre, sepa-
rated from the blaze by a 10-foot
alley, escaped damage.
Pim l-HAN crme
WA\^ GETS 5-10 YRS.
Pittsburgh, March 21.
Pittsburgh's one-man theatre rob-
bery wave^ 25-year-old George Plies,
was last week, In Criminal court,
sentenced to from five to 10 years
In the Western Penitentiary. Plies,
who admitted he held up five film
houses and attempted to rob another
one while unarmed, merely making
cashiers believe he carried a gun,
pleaded guilty on all six counts.
Same sentence, was imposed on
each count, but. court permitted the
terms to run concurrently in con-
sideration of you^'s previous good
record. It was brought out in testi-
mony 'tliat Plies bad been discharged
only recently from a hospital where
he underwent treatment for a
nervous .disorder. .
Plies was captured by police while
staging a hold-up at Art .Cinema,
foreign 'fflm site here. Quick-think-
ing cashier stepped on an alarm but-
ton and a plalnclottiesman in the in-
ner lobby stepped out and nabbed
him.
Macfalden's Pic Spot
At Far to Seat 300
The Macfadden Publications the-
atre at the N,Y. World's fair, rapidly
nearing completion, wlU be aiir-con-
ditioned and seat over 300 persons.
It will present, admission free, a pic-
ture. 'I'll TeU the Wjbrld.' which has
already been finished jgnd previewed
at the Maofadden h.o.
It dwells on flie importance of ad
vertisingi A-cast of. Hollywood play,
ers a^tpedr in it, including Jed
Prouty, Frank Albertson, the Mauch
twins, Betty Ross Clarke, Marilyn
Knowdon, Patricia Murray, and
others.
Herb Crooker, for years with
Warner Bros., is in charge of the
Macfadden film exploitation.
Di Frasso to Testify
Supreme Court Justice Timothy A.
Leaiy lost week ordered a commis-
sion appointed in JCos Angeles to
take the depositions of Countess
Dorothy Di Frasso.
Testimony will be taken In con-
nection with the $62,500 suit of Con-
stance Bennett against Ben Hecht
and Charles McArthur, In which
Miss Bennett charges that she paid
them $2,500 as a . retainer to write a
script for her, which they failed
to do.
She is suing for the retainer plus
damages for loss of time.
Fine Arts Whittles
Hollywood, March 21.
Franklyn Warner's executive staff
at Fine Arts has been whittled down
to two members, pending deal for
a new releasing outlet
Sam Berkowitz, executive man-
ager, and Billy Leyser, publicity di-
rector, are the only survivors on the
payroll.
ALBEBT WITU <H£BO£S'
Hollywood, March 21.
Eddie Albert's next job at War-
ners is a featured role in 'Stiifl of
Heroes.'
Shooting starts as soon as Albert
completes his current assignment in
"On Your Toes' with Zorina.
Advance Production Chart
'Continued from page 22)
Savitsky, Joseph MarievsJiy, Andre Marsaudon, F. Schumann-Helnk, Bull
AndeiSii, Marek Windheffii, GusUv Von Seyflertitz, Harry Holman.
•GBAND JTBT SECEETS,' produced by Sam Engcl; directed by James
Hogan; screen play by Irving Reis and Robert Yost; based on a stoiy by
IrvSg Rels and l^xwell Shiie; photographed by Hanpr Fischbecfe Cast.
John Howard. William Frawley, Gail Patrick, Jane DarwdU Porter EU^
Harvey Stephens. John Hartley, Morgan Conway, Ehsha Cook. Jr., Jack
Norton, Rtefiard Denning, Gordoii Jones, Charles Jackson, KlUy Kelly. Tom
Kennedy. ^ j
'ORACIE AIXEN MUBDEK CASE,' produced by George Arthur; dir«:t^
by Alfred K Green; screen play by Nat Perrm;-bafied on novel by S. S.
Van Dine; photographed by Charles Lang. Cast: Gracie Allen, Warrtn
William, Kent Taylor. EUen Taylor. EUen Drew, Jerome Cowan, Juditt
Barrett. Donald MacBride, H. B. Warner, Horace MacM^on, Wiibam
LemarSst, Al Shaw and Sammy Lee. Lillian Yarbo. Walter Soderllng, L«
Moore. Harry Tyler. James Flavin, Tiny Newlan,wmie Fung Don Brodie.
Jack Baxley, R-ibs Demarest, Jim Kelso, Helen MacKeUar, Edgar Dearing.
Esther Howard,
•MAN ABOUT TOWN,' produced by Arthur Homblow; directed by
Mark Sandrlch: original screen play by Morrie Ry^nd; photographed by
Ted Tetzlaffl. Cast; Jack Benny, Dorothy Lamour, Edward Arnold, Bmnie
Barnes, Phil Harris, Eddie Anderson, Monty Woolley. Leonard Mudie, Her-
bert Evans, Clifford Severn. Cyril Thornton, Kay Linaker, IsabeiJeaM,
Betty Grable, E. E. Cllve, Harriette Haddon. The Pma Troupe. Theo E.
Roebuck. Cecil Kellaway, Norman Ainsley.- Wesley Barry. Charles Irwin,
Charles HaU, Charles Coleman, Colin Kenny, Bernice Steward, Pattl Sacks,
Matty Malneck's ork. Merriel Abbott Dancers. Bert Roach, Leon Belasco,
Adolph Milar, Dorothy Dayton. Alphonse Martel.
'INVITATION TO HAPPINESS,' produced and directed by Wesley
Rugeles; screen play by Claude Binyon, based on story by Mark Jerome;
Shotosraphed by Leo Ttover. Cast: Irene Dunne, Fred MacMurray. Charlie
;ug^les.. Billy Cook, WUUam Collier, Sr., Burr Carruth. Charles Ran-
doSh, Allen Wood, Don Latorre, Bob Evans, Mack Gray, Billy Newell,
Marion Martin, Hehiie Conklin, Jack Roper, Franklin Parker, Jack Gargan,
Joe Franz, Wheaton Chambers, Bob Stevenson; Jack Knoche, Eddie Hogan,
Doodles Weaver, Lee Moore, Virginia Brissac, Myra Marsh, Oscar O'Shea,
William Otr, Jeny Fletcher, Emerson TTeacy, Bill Knudsen, Harry Hayden,
John Conte, Hank Hankinson, Russ Clark, Joe CunningHam, Guy Usher,
Gordon Jones, Joe Cato. .
'SOBIE UKE IT HOT/ associate producer. William C. Thomas: directed
by George Archainbaud; screen play by Lewis R. Foster and Wilkie C.
Maboney; based on play by Ben Hecht and Gene Fowler; photographed by
Karl Struss. Cast: Bob Hope, Shirley Ross. Gene Krupa, his drums and
his orchestra, Una Merkel, Rufe Davis, Bernard Nedeli; Wayne 'Tiny'
Whitt, Haixy Harris, Frank Sully. Clarence H. Wilson, Dudley Dickerson,
Richard Denning, Pat West, Lillian Fitzgerald, Sam Ash, Harry Bailey,
Bemadene Hayes, Jack Smart, Eddie Kane, Allen Fdx, Jack Chapin.
UNION PACIFIC,' produced and directed by Cecil B. DeMille; asso-
ciate producer, William H. Pine; location director, Arthur Rosson; screen
play by Walter DeLeon, C. Gardner Sullivan and Jesse Lasky, Jr., based on
an adaptation by Jack Cunningham of a story by Ernest Haycox; photo-
graphed by Victor Milner and Dewey Wrigley. Cast: Barbara Stanwyck,
JoelMcCrea, Robert Preston. Akim TamirofF. Brian Donlevy, Lynne Over-
man, William Haade, Regis Toomey, J. M. Kerrigan, Hany Woods, Fuzzy
Knight, Hugh McDonald, Mala, Noble Johnson. Anthony Quinn. Joseph
Sawyer, Harold Goodwin, Sheila Darcy, May Beatty, Nora Cecil. Julia
Faye, Ruth Warren. Evelyn Keyes, Mike DriscoU.
Faramoiuit Plx Now In Prodnction
THE UAGNDICENT FBAVD,' produced by Harlan Thompson; directed
by Robert Florey; screen play Gilbert Gabriel and Walter Ferris;
adapted from story by Charles G. Booth; photographed by William Mellor.
Cast: Akim "ramirofr, Lloyd Nolan, Patricia Morison, Steffi Duna, Robert
Warwick, Frank Relcher, Donald Gallaher. Mary Boland, Ernst Verebes,
Barbara Pepper, Virginia Dabney, Edward McWade, Julius Tannen, Nestor
Paiva, John Sheehan, Roger Gray, Ernest Cossart, Ralph Forbes, Abner
Biberman, George Zucco, George Nardelli, George Magrill, Andre Mar-
saudon, Coimt Stefenelli, Ralph Norwood.
'BEAU GESTE' (1939-40 release), produced and directed by William A.
Wellman; screen play by Robert Carson; from story by P. C. Wren;
photographed by Theedor Sparkuhl, Cast: Gary Cooper, Ray Milland, Rob-
ert Preston, Susan Hayward, J. Carrol Naish, Broderick. Crawford. Brian
Donlevy, Donald MacBride, James Stephenson, Charles Barton, G. P.
Huntley, Heather Thatcher, James Burke, Albert Dekker, Arthur Ayles-
worth, Harry Woods, Harold Huber, Stanley Andrein^s, Donald O'Connor,
David Holt, Martin Spellman, Ann Gillis, Harvey. Stephens. Duke Green,
Henry Brandon, Banry Macollum, Ronnie Rondell, George Chandler,
Thomas E. Jackson, Joe Whitehead, Jerrie Storm, Joe Colling, Harry
Worth, F^cis McDonald.
'GEBONDfO/ formerly UUed 'GBEAT ENEMY* (1939-40 release), his-
torical western) General manager's office production; directed by Paul
Sloane; no writing credits released; photographed by Henry Sharp. Cast
Chief Thundercloud, Preston Foster, Ralph Morgan. Andy Devine, William
Henry, Harry Templeton. EUen Drew. Pierre Watkin, Jack Chapin, Richard
Deniung, James Glines, Frank Cordell, C:ecil Kellogg, Carl Sepulveda, Tom
Coats, Ted Wells, Lee Shumway.
'NOBTH OF SIMGAPOBE.' meller; associate producer, Eugene Zukor;
directed by Kurt Neumann; no writing credits released; photographed by
Karl Struss. Cast: Anna ISay Wong, J. Carrol Naish, Anthony Quum, Eric
Blore, Ernest Truex, Rudolph Foster, William Haade.
'MB. AND BIBS. BDIXDOO DBUUHOND,' meller; associate producer,
Stuart Walker; directed by James Hogan; screen play by Stuart Palmer
and Gamett Weston; based on 'Bulldog Drummond and the Oriental Mind'
by H. C. (Sapper) McNeile; photographed by Harry Fischbeck. Cast: John
Howard, Heather Angel, H. B. Warner, Reginald Denny, E. E. Clive, Eliza-
beth Patterson, Eduardo Ciannelll, Gerald Hamer, Adrienne D'Ambricourt.
RKO-Radio
Stadio
8*1 liCsser
Herbert WIIcoz.
Nnmbcr Nninber
of Pix Cam.-
Promlsed pleted
S« 2S
3 3
1 1
Now Balance to
Now in Be Plaee4 SUrlcs In
Sbooi- CotUnc Before Prepara-
inr Boams Cameras tlon
• 4 17 17
• • • t
• • • •
17
17
Total ... S« 29 « 4
Pictures now in the cutting roo^ or awaiting previews are:
THE CASTLES.' produced by George Haight; directed by Henry Potter;
no writing credits released; photographed by Robert De Grasse. Cast
Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Walter Brennan, Lew Fields, Edna May
Oliver, Jack Carson, Esther Muir, Janet Beecher, Donald Ma^ride. Sonny
Lamont, Frances Mercer, Etienne Girardot
1. '^SiKPS'.:^ GENTLEMAN,' formerly titled TICABDT BIAS,' produced
S? directed by Less (joodwins; original and screen play by
Harold Shumate; photographed by J. Roy Hunt Cast: James Ellison, Helen
Wood, Robert Kent, June Clayworth, Robert Warwick, Leonard Penn. John
Wray, Brandon Tynan, Joe Bernard. ■ .
•SOBOBITT HOUSE.' produced by Robert Sisk; directed by John Farrow:
screen play by Dalton Trumbo from play by Mary Coyle Chase;
photographed by Nick Musuraca. Cast: Anne Shirley, James Ellison, Helen
Wood, Margaret Armstrong, Barbara Read, Doris Jordon, Adele Pearce.
June Storey, Elizabeth Risdon, Sherrle Overton, Chill Wills, Phyllis
Fraser.
>*FGAN,' formerly tiUed 'WHAT'S A FDEEB FOB,' produced by
Chff Reid; directed by Lew Landers; screen play by Paul YawTtz and Bert
vSSSV ^•'t2F°P|*^.,l*y ^HS*- l^acy, Peggy Shannon,
yir^laTFeidler, Bradley Page, Edward Gargan. WilUam Etoiunds, Rita
7f J?*yiT''2f*«^*'''^ Edythe Elliott, Irene Franklin, John Dilson, Murray
AJper, Netta Packer. • '
EKO-Badlo Plotnrcs Now In Prodaction
_«LITTLE MOTHEB.' drama; produced by Buddy De Sylva; directed byr
GarsonKanln; screen play by Norman Krasnai from play by Felix Jack-
spa; photographed by Robert De Grasse. Clast: Ginger Rogers, David
Niven, Charles Cobum, Frank Albertson, Baby Elwood, Elbert Copeland,
Jr., Ernest Truex, Ned Glass, Paul Stanton, Gerald Oliver Smith, Bessie
Thomashefsky, Leona Roberts, Denny Moore. x. .j j. . ^
•THE SECOND SHOT,' comedy drama; produced by Cliff Reid; directed
by Jack Hively; screen play by Michael Kanin from original by Garrett
Forf photographed by Roy Hunt, Cast: Lucille Ball, Allan Lane, Steffi
Duna, Evelyn Brent, Donald Briggs, Bemadene Hayes, Abner Biberman,
William Pawley, Earle Hodgins, •. j- .j..
'GIRL FROM MEXICO,' comedy; produced by Robert Sisk; directed by
Leslie Goodwins; screen play by Lionel Houser and Joseph Fields from
original by Lionel Houser; photographed by Jack McKwizie. Cast: Lupe
Velez, Donald Woods. Leon Errol. Donald MacBride, Linda Hayes, Edward
Raquello. EUsabeth Risdon. Ward Bond ^ ,^
'G-DOG.' meller; produced by Bert Gilroy; directed by David Howard;
screen play by Morton Grant from original by Earl Johnson and Guy K
Austin; photographed by Harry Wild, Casti Tim Holt, Virginia Weidler,
Janet Shaw, Frank M. Thomas. Robert E. Keane, Monty Montague, Don
Brody, Ralph Harolde, Mui'iel Evans.
Total
Nnnber Number
•f Plx Cora-
Promised pleted
59 27
Now Balance to
Now in Be Placed Stories In '
Shoot- Cattlnc Before Prepara-
IBC Booms Cameras tlon
1 e 25 25
Pictures in the cutting rooms or awaiting previews:
•MAN OF CONQUEST.' formerly titled "WAGONS WESTWARD,' pro-
duced by Sol C. Siegel; directed by George Nicholls, Jr.; screen play by
Wella Root, E. E, Paramore, Jr., and Jan Fortiine; original story idea by
Harold Shumate; photographed by Joseph August Cast: Richard Dix,
Gail Patrick, Joan Fontaine, Edward Ellis, George Hayes. C. Henry Gordon,
Max Terhune, Victor Jory, Robert Barrat, Robert Armstrong, Ralph Mor-
fan, Janet Beecher, Jason Robards. Kane Chandler, Ferris Taylor, Charles
tevens.
'STREET 07 MISSING MEN,' produced by Armand Schaefer; directed
\y Sidney Salkow; screen play by Leonard Lee and Frank Dolan; original
by Eleanore Griffin and William Rankin; photographied by Ernest Miller.
Cast: Charles Bickford, Harry Carey, Tommy Ryan, Guinn Williams, Mabel
Todd, Nana Bryant,- John Gallaudet. .
'FRONTIER EXPBESS,' produced and direiited by Joseph Kane; no writing
credits released; photographed by William Nobles. C^X: Roy Rogers. Mary
Hart, Raymond Hatton, Monte Blue, Noble Johnson, William Royle, Donald
DiIlaway, Edwai> Keane.
"BOUGH BIDEB BOUNDUP,' formerly titled •BOUGH RIDER PATBOL,'
produced and directed by Joe Kane; no writing credits released; photo-
graphed by Jack Marta. Cast: Roy Rogers, Mary Hart, !Raymond Hatton,
Eddie Acuff, Guy Usher. Jack Rockwell, George Meeker, Dorothy Sebas-
tian, William Pawley. George Chesboro, Glenn Strange, Jack Kirk, Hank
Bell, Jim Corey, (Sebrge Let;. George Plues, Fred Burns, Howard Hickey,
Bud Osborne,
"MEXICALI ROSE,' produced by Harry Grey; directed by George Sher-
man; original screen play by Gerald (Seraghty; photographed by WilUam
Noble. Cast: Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette, Noah Beery, Luana Walters,
William Royle, Leroy Mason, Roy Barcroft, Burr Carruth, Henry Otho.
'HEROES OF THE DESEBT,' produced by William Berke; directed by
George Sherman; no writing credits released; photographed by Jack Marta.
Cast: John Wayne, Ray Corrigan, Max Terhune, Ruth Rogers. Doreen Mc-
Kay, George Douglas. Walter Wills, Sammy McKim, Tom Tyler, Kermit
Maynard.
BepnbUa Plx Now in ProdootioB
UNTITLED AUTBT, musical western; produced by Harry Grey; directed
by Breezy Eason; screen play by Gerald Geragh^ from original by Nor-
man HaU and Paul Franklin; photographed by Jack Marta. Cast: Gene
Autry, Smiley Burnette, June Storey, Tully Marshall, Dorothy Granger,
Jack Ingram, Harry Woods, Edmund (;obb, Colorado Hillbillies.
Century-Fox
New Balance to
Number Namber Now In B« Placed Stories In
•t Plx Com- Shoot- Catting Before Prepara-
Promlsed pleted Ing Booms Cameras tlon
Total 55 32 3 M 19 10
Pictures in the cutting rooms or awaiting previews are:
'GIBL FBOH BBOOKLYN.' formerly tlQed "BY THE DAWN'S EABLT
LIGHT* (for 1936-39 season), produced by Edward Kaufman; directed by
Gregory Ratoff; original by Gene Markey; photographed by Karl Freund.
Cast: Warner Baxter, Alice Faye, Charles Winninger, Keye Luke, Arthur
Treacher, Willie Fung, Doris Lloyd, Leonid Snegoff.
'ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL,* associate producer, Kenneth Macgowan;
directed by Irving Cummings; screen play, Lamar Trotti; original story by
Ray Harris; photographed by Leon Snamroy. Cast: Loretta Young, Don
Ameche, Henry Fonda, Charles Cobum, Gene Lockhart, Sally Blane, Spring
Byington, Polly Ann Young, Georglana Young, Bobs Watson, Harry Daven-
port, Elizabeth Patterson, Charles Trowbridge. Jonathan Hale, Lillian West,
Ottola Nesmith.
THE HOUND OF THE BASKEBVILLEB.* associate producer. Gene Mar-
key; directed by Sidney Lanfleld; screen play by Ernest Pascal; photo-
graphed by Peverell Marley. Cast: Richard Greene, Basil Rathbone, Wendy
Barrie, Nigel Bruce, Lionel Atwill, John Carradine, Ralph Forbes, Beryl
Mercer, Barlow Borland, Morton Lowry, E. E. Clive, Ely Malyon, Rita
Page.
■ROSE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE.* associate producer, Nunnally
Johnson; directed by Roy Del Ruth; no writing credits released; photo-
graphed by Karl Freund. C^t: TVrone Power, Alice Faye, Al Jolson,
Marie Wilson. Douglas Fowley, Hobart Cavanaugb, Moroni Olsen, E. E.
Clive, William Frawley.
THE GORILLA,' produced by Harry Joe Brown; directed by Allan
Dwan; no writing credits released; photographed by Edward Cronjager.
Cast; Ritz Brothers, Bela Lugosi, Anita Louise, Lionel Atwill, Edward Nor-
ris. Patsy Kelly, Wally Vemon, Joseph C^alleia.
'SUSANNAH OF TBB MOUNTEES,' produced by Kenneth Macgowan;
directed by Walter Lang; no writing credits;, photographed by Arthur
Miller. Cast: Shirley Temple, Randolph Scott Margaret Lockwood, Mar-
tin Goodrider, Moroni Olsen. J. Farrell MacDonald, Maurice Moscovich,
Victor Jory, Lester Matthews, Herbert Evans, Leyland Hodgson, Jack
Luden, Cliarles Irwin.
'CHABLIE CHAN IN RENO.' produced by John Stone; directed by Nor-
man Foster; no writing credits released; photographed by Virgil MiUer.
Cast: Sidney Toler, Sen Young, Phyllis Brooks. Ricardo Cortez. Kane Rich-
mond, Slun Summerville. Pauline Moore. Robert Lowery, Kay Linaker.
Louise Henry, Iris Wong. ' "
V '5, ^'f. NIGHT.' produced by Edward Kaufman; directed
by Allr»l Worker; original screen play by John Larkin; photographed by
Ernest Palmer. Cast: Preston Foster, Lynn Barl, George Barbier Eddie
Collins. RusseU Gleason, Paul Harvey, Minor Watson. Charles Halton.
•POUCE SCHOOL,' produced by John Stone; directed by James Tinling;
no writing crediti released; photographed by Luden Andriot Cast: Jane
Whelan, Richard Bond, Douglas Fowley, Robert Shaw,
Robert KeUard, George Ernest Minor Watson, Ted Pierson, Warren Hymer.
^ 'JONES FAAOLY IN HOLLYWOOD.' associate producer, John Stone;
directed by Mal St Clair; no writing credits released; photographed by
Edward Snyder. C^ast: Jed Prouty, (3eorge Ernest, June Carlson, Spring
Byington. Florence Roberts. Kenneth Howell, June Gale. Billy Mahan,
Marvin Stephens, Matt McHugh, William Tracey.
2eth-Fox Plx Now in Production
THE BETUBN OF THE CISCO KID,' produced by Kenneth Macgowan;
directed by Herbert I. Leeds; no writing credits released; photographed by
Charles Clarke. Cast: Warner Baxter, Lynn Barl, Henry Hulf Cesar
Romero, Kane Richmond, C. Henry Gordon, Harold Huber.
•STANLEY AND LIVINGSTONE,* produced by Kenneth Macgowan;
directed by Henry King: no writing credits released; photographed by
George Barnes. (Tast: Spencer Tracy. Richard Greene, Nancy Kelly,
Walter Brennan, Charles Cobum, Henry Hull, Sir Cedric Hardwicke,
Henry Travers, Hasson Said.
•YOUNG MR LINCOLN,' historical drama; produced by Kenneth Mac-
gowan; directed by John Ford; no writing credits released; photographed
by Arthur Miller. Cast: Henry Fonda, Marjorie Weaver, Arleen Whelan.
Richard (Tromwell, Eddie Collins. Pauline Moore, Eddie Quillan, Dorris
Bowden, Abce Brady, Fred Kohler, Jr, Francis Ford, Ward Bond, Spencer
Charters, Milbum Stone.
Wednesday* March 22, 1939
PICTURES
VARIETY
25
United Artists
Now Balance t*
Nnmber Nnmber Now In Be Placed Stories In
of Fix Com- Shoot- Cattinf Before Prepara-
Promised pleted Ing Booms Cameras Hon
Samael Goldwyn. .. 4 1 1 11 1
ScUnlok 5 5 • • • •
Walter Wanjer..... * I * * * *
Ssr. ::::::::::: » ' • ? 1 1
London Films S 3 • • t t
Edward Small 6 S 1 • . S Z
Xotal • S3 13 S . 2 16 1«
Pictures in the cutting room or''awaiting 'previews are:
'WDTUEBINO HEIGHTS/ produced by Samuel Goldwyn; directed by
William Wyler; from novel by Emily Bronte; photographed by Greg
Toland. Cast; Merle Oberon, Laurence Olivier, - Hugh Williams, Flora
Robson, Geraldlne . Fitzgerald, Leo G. Carroll, David Niven, Donald Crisp,
Cecil Humphries, Romaine' Callander.
' 'CAPTAIN FDBT,' produced and directed by Hal Roach; original screen
play by Jack Jevne, Grover Jones, and William de Mille; photographed by
Norbert Brodine. Cast: Brian Aheame, Victor McLaglen, June Lang, Paiil
Luicas, George Zucco, John Carradinc, John Warburton, Claud AUister,
Will Stanton, Gibbons Gowland, Charles Middleton, Virginia Field, Luns-
den Hare, Margaret Roach, Eddie Brian, Nichols Sussanin, Leonard Willey.
UA Pix Now In Prodaetlon
•THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK,' produced by Edward Small; directed
by James Whale; screen play by George Bruce; based on the novel by
Alexander Dumas; photo^aphed by Robert Planck. Cast: Louis Hayward,
Joan Bennett, Warren Wiuiam, Joseph Schildkraut, Alan Hale, Miles
Mander, Bert Roach, Marian Martin, WiUia;m Royle, Montagu Love.
(UNTITLED JASCHA HEIFETZ feature) drama with music; produced
by Samuel Goldwyn; directed by Archie Mayo; no writing credits released;
photographed by Gregg Toland. Cast: Jascha Heifetz, Joel McCrea, Walter
Brennan, Margot Stevenson.
Unirersal
Now Balaneet*
Nnmber Nnmber Now in Be Placed Stories In
of Plx Com- SIteet- CottlDg Before Prepara-
Promlsed pleted Ing Booms Cameras tlon
Features 40 21 t 4 7 - 7
Western 12 12 • • t •
Serials 4 4 1 ■ • 0 , •
ToUI 56 43 3 4 7 7
Pictures In the cutting rooms or awaiting previews:
•MTSTERT OF THE WHITE BOOM,' formerly tiUed <MDBDEB IN
8UBGEBT,' Crime Club production; produced by Irving Starr; .directed by
Otis Garrett; vriglnal story by James G. Edwards, M. D.; screen play by
Alex Gottlieb; photographed by John Boyle. Cast: Bruce Cabot, Helen
Mack, Joan Woodbury, Mable Todd, Constance Worth, Tom Dugan, Rowland
Drew, Addison Richards, Tommy Jackson.
'EAST SIDE OF HEAVEN,' no producer credit; directed by David Butler;
screen play by William Conselman; original by David Butler and Herb
Polesie; photographed by George Bobinson. Cast: Bing Crosby, Joan Blon-
dell, Mischa Auer, Jerome Cowan, Jane Goude, Sandy Henville, Herb
Ashley, Joe King, Lelab Tyler. .
<THE FAHDLT NEXT DOOB,' produced by Max Golden; directed by
Joseph Stanley; original screen play by Mortimer Offner; photographed by-
Milton Krasner. Cast: Hugh Hubert, Ruth Donnelly, Joy Hodges, Eddie
Qulllan, Juanita Quigley, Bennie Bartlett, Tom Beck.
■BIG TOWN CZAB,' produced by Ken Goldsmith; directed by Arthur
^ubin; screen play by Edmund L. Hartmann; original by Ed Sullivan;
photographed by Elwood Brendell. Cast: Barton MacLane, Tom. Brown,
Eve Arden, Ed Sullivan, Frank Jenks, Clyde Dilspn, Oscar Polk.
Universal Plx Now in Prednetlon
'OREGON TBAHi' (1939-40 release), western serial;, produced by Henry
MacRae; directed by Ford Beebe and Saul Goodkind; original screen play
by Georgfr Plympton. Basil Dickey, Edmund Kelso and W. W. Watson;
photographed by Jen7 Ash. Cast: Johnny Mack Brown, Louise Stanley,
Fuzzy Knight, Ed LeSaint, Bill Cody, Jr., Colin Kenny, Jim Toney, Jack C.
Smith, Charles Stevens, Charles Murphy, Roy Barcroft, James Blaine,
Charles King, Forrest Taylor.
TOB LOVE OB MONBT/ comedy; produced by Max Golden; directed
by Al Rogell; screen play by Charles Grayson . from original- by Julian
Blaustein, Daiklel Taradash and Bernard Feins; photographed by Stanley
Cortez. Cast: June Lang, Robert Kent, Edward Brophy, Richard Iiane,
Addison Richards, Tony Merrill, Horace MacMahon, Etienne Girardot,
Charles Regan, Dora Clement '
THE SDN NEVER SETS,' romantic drama; produced and directed by
Rowland V. Lee; original story by Jerry Horwin and Arthur Fitz-Richard;
screen pl^ by W. P. Lipscomb: photographed by George Robinson. Cast:
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Basil Rathbone, Barbara O'Neil, Virginia Field,
Mary Forbes, Arthur Mulliner, John Burton.
Warners
Now Balance (o
Nnmber Nnmber Now in Be Placed Stories In
of' Ptx Coor- Shoot- Cutting Before Prepara-
Promised pleted Ing Booms Cameras tion
Total 52 27 7 13 5 S
Pictures in the cutting rooms or awaiting previews are:
TOBCHT BUNS FOB BEATOB,' produced by Bryan Foy; directed by
Ray McCarey; original screen play by Earl Snell; photographed by Warren
Lynch. Cast: Glenda Farrell, Barton MacLane, Tom Kennedy, Joe Cun-
ningham, Frank Shannon, George Guhl, John Miljan, Joseph Downing,
Charles Riclunan, Irying Bacon.
'CODE OF THE SECRET SEBVICE,' formerly tiUed 'iSMASBING THE
MONET BING,' produced by Bryan Foy; directed by Noel Smith; screen
play by Lee Katz and Dean Franklin; photographed by Ted McCord. Cast:
Ronald Reagan, Rosella Towne, Eddie Foy, Jr., Moroni Olsen, John Gal-
laudet, John Litel, June Glttelson, Steffi Duna.
'DODGE CITY' (in Technicolor), produced by Robert Lord; directed by
Michael Curtiz; original screen play by Robert Buckner; photographed by
Sol Pollto; Technicolor photography by Ray Rennahan. Cast: Errol Flynn,
Olivia de Havilland, Ann Sheridan, Bruce Cabot, Frank McHugh, Alan
Hale, Victor Jory, Heniy Travers, John Litel, Henry O'Neill, Gwmn Wil-
liams, Gloria Holden, Douglas Fowley, William Lundigan, Bob Watson,
Paul Guilfoyle, Elizabeth Rlsdon, Charles Halton, Cora Witherspoon, Olin
HQwland, Russell Simpson, Thurston Hall, Robert Homans, Spencer Char-
ters, Nat Carr, Cliff Clark, Joseph Crehan. Bud Osborne, Chester Clute,
Monte Blue.
'SWEEPSTAKES WINNER,' produced by Milton Shubert for the Bryan
Foy imit; directed by William McGann; no writing credits released; photo-
graphed by Arthuir Edeson. Cast: Marie Wilson, Johnny Davis, Allen Jen-
kins, Jerry Colonna, Frankie Burke, Charles Foy, Maxie Rosenbloom.
'ON TBIAV produced by Milton Siubert for the Bryan Foy unit; di-
rected by Terry Morse, no writing credits released; photographed by Lou
O'0)nnell. Cast: Margaret Lindsay. John Litel, Janet Chapman, Edward
Norris, James Stephenson, Larrv Williams, Henry O'Neill. Gordon Hart,
Charles Trowbridge.. -
^ 'NAUGHTY, BUT NICE/ formerly titled THE FBOFESSOB STEPS OUT/
ftirmerly tlUed 'ALWAYS LEAVE THEM LAUGHING/ produced by Sam,
BischoS; directed by Ray Enright; screen play by Jerry Wald and Richard
Macauley: photographed by Arthur Todd. Cast: Dick Powell, Gale Page,
Ann Sheridan, ZaSu Pitts, Maxie Rosenbloom, Allen Jenkins, Jerry Colonna,
Halliwell Hobbes, Granville Bates. Ronald Reagan, Helen BrodericK.
'HELL'S KITCHEN/ produced by Mark Bellinger for the Bryan Foy
unit:, directed by E. A. Dtmont; no writing credits released; photographed
by Charles Rosher. Cast: Dead End Kids. Margaret Lindsay, Stanley Fields,
Ronald ReaRan, Grant Mitchell, Frank E. Burke, Charlie Foy, Fred Lozere.
"WATEE FBONT/ produced by Bryan Foy; directed by Tferrr Morse; no
*>'it)Os{ .credits Yeleasad: ohotographed by James Van Trees. Cast: Dennis
Making It Public
Wilmington, Del., March 21,
Indications of the ' increasing
tendency of exhibs to carry
their battles with what they
term the 'producer-monopolies'
to the' public was seen here last
week in a talk given by Charles
Horn, Jr, operator of the Audi-
torium, Lewes, and the Blue
Heni Rehobeth Beach, before the
Zwaanehdael Club.
Horn discussed contract pecu-
liarities with the entirely non-
ttide group. He explained the
block booking system and said
he had to contract a year in ad-
vance for a budget of pictures,
many of which he won't' get
anyhow. He declared there
often aren't enough prints to go
around and exhibs have to bat-
tle to get preference. '
U HURRIES PRODUCT;
5 IN WORK, 4 SKEDDED
Hollywood, March 21.
With five pictures in work. Uni-
versal rolls tour morie within two
weeks, beginning with 'Metropoli-
tan Police,' a Crihie Clubber, tomor-
row (Wednesday) .
'Hawaiian Nights' and They
Asked for If start March 30 and
'ModernI Cinderella' goes April 3.
First School Film
Catalog Now Ready
Initial catalog of the Association of
School Film Libraries, which is ex-
pected to be the central distributor
for educational subjects, is due out
this week. It goes only to members
and contains the listings of some 100
subjects.
Fanning Hearon, director of Film
Libraries, which headquarters in Ra-
dio City, noy, is visiting members
of' the association and calling on
prospective members from New
York to the Coast.
New 'Invisible Man'
Hollywood, March 21.
Sequel to The Invisible Man,'
made in 1933, is slated for early
production at Universal under the
title,' The Invisible Man Returns.'
Kurt Siodmak is developing the
story.
PUHy Exhibs Meet to Staye Off
Unreal' of Hk^er-Bracket Dnak
SPOT XASTLES' INTO
25DDAY-T-DATERS
Going into the Music Hall, New
York, April 30 on pre-release, RKO
has set The Castles,' based on life
of the dancers, into 250 day4nd-date
first runs for Easter week.- .
The national, release date for
'CasUes' is April 28.
Derr Unlutehes From
Mono, Seeks New Ootlet
Hollywood, March '21.
Crescent Pictures, headed by E. B.
Derr, is dropping its releasing hook-
up with Monogram on completion of
two remaining pictures due on the
1938-39 contract Films are 'Prison
Born' and The Girl from Rio/ to be
finished within a. month,
Derr, viho has released through
Mono for two years, is seeking an-
other outlet for four features to be
based on the 'Secret Service Smith'
stories, written by Major R. T. M.
Scott. ~
RKO Reties Comics
Hollywood, March 21.
Edgar Kennedy and Ray Whitley
signed for six more shorts for the
1939-40 program at RKO.
Charles Roberts was. re-pacted as
writer -director for the series.
SEITZ'S 'EHEMIES'
Hollywood, March 21.
Cieorge Seitz gets the directing
chore on '6,000 Enemies,' Lucien
Hubbard's first production since his
return to the Metro lot.
Walter Pidgeon and Rita Johnson
share 'top spots.
John Cooke Bankrupt
Los Angeles, March 21.
John Alden Cooke, agent, filed a
bankruptcy petition in U. S. court
here.
Liabilities are listed at $1,131 and
assets. $100, claimed exempt.
Morgan, Gloria Dickson, Marie Wilson, Sheila Bromley, Ward Bond, Arthur
Gardner, George Lloyd, Aldrich Bowker.
'NANCY DBEW, TROUBLE SHOOTER,' produced by Bryan Foy;
directed by William Clemens; from original by Caroline Keene; photo-
graphed by Lou O'Connell. Cast: Bonita Granville, Frankie Thomas, John
Litel, Charlotte Wynters, Aldrich Bowker, Edgar Edwards, Ervill« Al-
derson.
THE KID FBOM KOKOMO/ formerly titled 'BBOADWAY CAVALIEB,'
produced by Sam BischoS; directed by Lew Seller; screen play by Michael
Fessier from original by Dalton Trumbo. Cast: Pat O'Brien, Joan Blon-
dell, Wayne Morris, Jane Wyman, Maxie Rosenbloom, Max Robson, Stanlev
Fields, Morgan' Conway, Sidney Toler, Ed Brophy, Olin Howland, Jack
Roper, Clem Bevans.
1 AH NOT AFRAID/ formerly titled 'HEBO FOB A DAY/ produced
by Gordon HoUingshead for the Bryan Foy unit; directed by Crane Wilbur;
no writing credits released; photographed by Arthur Todd, Cast: Charles
Grapewin, Jane Bryan, Henry O'Neill. ' Elisabeth Rlsdon, Dickie Jones,
John Russell, Fred Xiozere, James McCallion.
THE BOABING CBOWD/ formerly titled THE BOABING BOAD/ pro-
duced by Max Siegel; directed by. Lloyd Bacon; no writing credits re-
leased; photographed by Sid Hickox. Cast: Pat O'Brien, John Payne, Gail
Page, Ann Sheridan, Frank McHugh, Ronald Reagan, Granville Bates,
Regis Toomey.
'JUAKEZ,' produced by Henry Blanke: directed by William DIeterle:
screen play by John Houston, Aeneas McKenzie, Wolfgang Reinant and
Aben Finkel; from story by Mrs. Perdila Harding; photographed by Tony
Gaudie. Cast: Paul Muni. Bette Davis, Brian Ahern, Claude Rains, John
Garfield, Donald Crisp, Gilbert Roland, Joseph Calleia. Moiitaeu Love,
Harry Davenport, Henry O'Neill. Gale Sondergaard, William Wilkinson.
Pedro De Cordoba, John Miljan. Hugh Sothern, Robert Warwick, Georgia
Caine.
Warner Plx Now in Production
'CONFESSIONS OF A NAZI SPY/ produced by Robert Lord; directed
by Anatole Litvak; no writing credits released; photographed by Sol Polito.
Cast: Edward G. Robinson, Francis Iiederer, Paul Lukas, Dorothy Tree,
Joe Sawyer, George Sanders, James Stephenson, Lya Icfs, Grace- Stafford.
'GANTBY, THE GBEAT/ produced by Bryan Foy; directed by William
McGann; no writing credits released; photographed by Ted McCord. Cast-
Edith Fellows, Jimmy McCallion, Granville Bates, DeWoU Hopper, Frankie-
Burke, Fred Lozcre.
'EACH DAWN I DIE/ produced by David Lewis; directed by William
Kelghley; original by Jerome Odium; photographed by Arthur Edcfson.
Cast: James Cagney, George Raft, Jane Bryan, George Bancroft, Willard
Robertson, Mastie Rosenbloom. Victor Jory,- John Wray, Stanley Ridges,
Louis Jean Heydt,.Ed Pawley^ Joseph Downing, Alan Baxter, Aldrich Bow-
ker, Fred Lozere, Charles Trowbridge.
'FAMILY REUNION/ formerly tiUed 'AHEBICAN FAMILY/ produced
by Henry Blanke; directed by Michael Curtiz; no writing credits released:
photographed by James Wong Howe. Cast: John Garfield, Prlsdlla Lane,
Gale Page, Jeffrey Lynn, Fay Bainter, Claude Rains, May Robson, Lola
Lane, Rosemary Lane. Dick Foran, Frank McHugh.
> 'BATTLE OF CITY HALL,' comedy drama; produced by Max Sie.gel:
directed by Ray Enright: no writing credits released; photographed by
Arthur Todd. Cast: 'Dead End' Kids. Ronald Reagan, Ann Sheridan. Bonita
Granville, Frankie Thomas, Berton Churchill. Eduaido Clannelll, Franklin
Pangbom, Bernard Nedell, Egon Biecher, Henry O'Neill, Minor Watson.
Japi:ie Searle. Marjorie Main, Sara Padden.
THE OLD MAID,' drama; produced by Henry Blanke; directed by Ed-
mund Gouldini;; screen play by Cafey Robinson from play by Zoe Aklns;
photograohed by Tony'Gaudin. Cast: Bette Davis. Miriam Hopkins, Hum-
phrey Bopart, Jane Bryan, Cissy Loftus, Donald Crisp, Jerome Cowan,
iVank Darien.
'ENE^iy AGENT,' mellcr: produced by Bryan Foy; ar'iciate producer.
Mark Hellineer; no writing crepllts released; ' directed by Terry Morse.
ghotographed by Sid Hickox. Cast: Boris Karloff, Margaret Lindsay,
[o^nes Herbert. Maris Wrlxon, Bruce liCster, Leonard Mudle, Clarence
Detwent. , ' ' " ' ' ' •-.•'■•«
Philadelphia, March 21.
A mass meeting of exhibs was held
at the Broadwood hotel today (Tues- -
day) to discuss a threat that .the
Warner circuit may go into duals and
to take steps to keep Pfailly in' the
single-feature category. Those pres-
ent were- asked to sign pledges that .
they will not twin A or B product.
Although WB has «aid nothing, nor
made any outward move to indicate
it is even considering double-fea-'
tures, a mysterious undercurrent of
fear has been growing hare during
the past two weeks that WB will
jump into twins if forced to do so by
competing indies, it Is to forestall
the indies from pushing the circuit
over the brink that the mass meeting
was called.
' It is known that Warner district
managers, in whose territories oppo-
sition' Indies are using duals, have
been harassing Ted .^cblanger, WB
zone manager, to allow them to fight
fire with fire.; Indies fear that the
doubles will quickly work upward
fron; the subsequent-run spots to
more important houses arid the ter-
ritory will be overrun with twins,
once Warners start. In sucf^ a. case
they know they would be licked, at
their own game as the result of the
WB buying power.
There is no' objection here to duel-
ing of. product below the A and B
classification. That is accepted as
justifiable.
REP. PAYS $450,0e0
FOR SENNETT STUDIO
Hollywood, March 21.
Republic closed the deal to buy
the studio it has been occupying for
the last four years. Price agreed on
by Herbert J. Yates, chairman of
the Republic board, and Carl Bush,
president of the Guaranty Liquidat-'
ing Corp., Is around $450,000. -
Studio was built by Mack Sennett
in 1928, taken over by the liquidat-
ing company in 1035 and leased to
Monogram until the formation of the
present Republic outfit. Yates and
his associates plan an extensive
building campaign as soon as the
details of the transfer are complete.
20(i Snit Vs. Theatres
Based on Parking Lot
Omaha, March 21.
Suit for $20,200 damages was filed
Saturday (18) against the R. D.
Goldberg Theatres Corp., operators
of the Avenue and Arbor here, in
district court by Mrs. Rose I. Robin-
son.
Suit alleges the theatres are op-
erating a parking lot adjacent to her
home and Mrs. Robinson claims the
cars disturb her. As a result of
the alleged 'nuisance,' she claims her
health was impaired to such an ex*
tent that she lost her job and that
parking lot, without permit from
the city fathers, has depreciated
value of her home by $2,000.
Skouras Puts Blame On
Distrib in 'Nation' Suit
Skouras Theatres Corp., defend*
ants In the suit brought by the-
Epoch Producing Corp., and Thomas
Dixon, filed a cross suit in federal
court. New York, Thursday (16)
against M. L... Mayer, of the Treo
Film Exchange, claiming that it was
on Mayer's okay that it booked The
Birth of a Nation' in the Thalia the-
atre. Skouras aslts that Mayer be
liable (or any damages awarded
Epoch and Dfacon.
The suit charges the unauthorized
exhibition of 'Nation' in April, 1938»
and series an accounting. Besides
Skouras, other defendants include
the Stone Film Library, Inc., Marian
T. Stone, Trco Film Exchange, Es-
quire Amuse. Corp., Max A. Cohen,
Major Film Exchange, Inc., and
David M. Sohmer.
Cinecolor's New Home
Hollywood. March 21.
Cinecolor. .opened its new $250,000
plant in Burbank.
Laboratory covers nearly four
acres and ' is equipped to handle
720,000 feet of film per month. The
old plant's capacity was 150,000
J[^^^^ .1 „ ■ ■ II ■ II II » i. n B (r Q 0 fi p ■
26
VARIETY
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
CUT YOURSELF
A PIECE
OF CAKE!
Read product
annommnent
in the papers!
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
PICTURK
VARIETY
27
DEL SUP. COURT
FINDS BANKO
ILLEGAL
Wilmington, Del., March 21.
A suit brought against a Delaware-
theatre by the Denver promoters of
Bank Night to recover fees, resulted
In the outlawing of games in the-
atres here last Friday (17). Unani-
mous decision of the Supreme Court
held banko illegal and it was scath-
ingly denounced in a decision by
Chief Justice Daniel J. Layton. Ef-
fect is expected to be widespread,
with virtually all houses throughout
the sUte aslng gameis dropping
them.
Decision was the result of a suit
brought by Affiliated Enterprises,
' Inc , n Colorado corporation, against
Roland A. Waller, operating the
New Waller theatre in Laurel, Del.
It jvas . to recover damages for an
asserted breach of license agreement
whereby Affiliated, in consideration
of a weekly payment of $5, agreed
to 'allow the defendant to make use
of an advertising plan designed to
promote public interest in motion
pictui-es and known as bank night'
Justice Layton, '.in his opinion, de-
clared baiik nifiht a lottery wbereby
'the theatre prospers and gttieA,
envy and other evils inherent' in lot-
teries are encouraged.' - He said it
was a 'cold-blooded device disguised,
by a thin coating of re^pectabBity.'
and 'that the promoters of the
scheme know of. its inherent evils is
shown by the fact that, by their own
rules, persons under 1ft years of age
are not allowed to participate in tbe
drawing.'
Grand Jnry
Y. Lkrase D^'s
Drive Agaiosk ffisgo
The Jewel theatre. New York, lot-
tery case fizzled out last weric when
a Grand Jury failed to return an
Indictment against the theatre -for
conducting bingo.
Harry G. Kosch, attorney for the
Belle Theatres Circuit, operators of
the theatre, had the case transferred
from Special to Gieneral Sessions a
couple of weeks ago. There would
bave been a trial by jury it an in-
dictment had been brqught.
Commissioner Paul Moss, how-
ever, indicated Monday (20) that
the License Department was not
giving up the fight against bingo and
was laying new plans for attack.
GOVT ANTES UP
INFO IN CHICAGO SUIT
Chicago, March 21.
The Government has complied
with the court order to supply a
bill of particulars in its case against
Balaban & Katz and seven major
distributors on alleged contempt of
a consent decree entered against
these companies in 1932.
It is understood, however, that the
defendants are not completely satis-
fled that the Government's bUl of
particulars fully meets tbe require-
ments set by the court. Plaintiils
have until April 3 to make an an-
swer.
Brent, Loy, Power Top
20tli-Fox Kains Came'
Hollywood, March 21.
20th-Fox borrowed George Brent
from Warners to co-star with Myrna
Loy in The Rains Came.' Tyrone
Power plays the role of a native
doctor.
Film is one of studio's top pro
ductions for 1930-40, with costly
earthquake and flood scenes. Clar-
ence Brown directs.
TITLE CHANGES
^ Hollywood,' March 21.-
, Our Leading Citizen' is latest tag
»°'^s Americans' at Paramount.
20th-Fox changed 'When Winter
j-omes from 'Cupid Goes to Press'
to^^econd Fiddle.^
Boy Friend' is release handle on
Police School' at 20th-Fox.
Warners switched from 'Hero tor
" .?ay' to '1 Am Not Afraid.' .
. Night in Manhattan,' nee 'Pent-
house,' at Metro finally goes as 'So
de^ Lawyer.'
FILM BOOKING CHART
(For information of theatre and film exchange bookers, Vasieiy presents a complete chart of feature releases of
■ all the American distributing companie* for the current quarterly period. Date of
retHeuis as given in Variety a»ui the running time of prints are included.)
COrTRIGHT, U39, ItT VARIKTT, INC. AIX BIGHTS BKSBBVED
Bev. iB Tar.— Bevlcircd !■ Vail«ty b. t. Blln.— BaanlaK Tlma In Hlnote*
WEEK
OF
BELEASE
1/13/39
1/20/39
1/87/39
2/3/39
S/10/39
2/1T/S9
2/24/39
3/3/39
3/10/39
3/17/39
3/24/39
3/31/39
4/7/39
4/14/39
Rev.
In
Var.
3/8
3/1
1/4
1/25
1/11
12/28
1/4
1/18
1/25
2/2
2/22
2/15
12/14
1/25
1/25
2/22
1/25
1/25
1/25
2/15
12/21
2/1
1/11
1/tl
1/25
2/1
3/lS
2/8
2/8
11/9
i2/28
3/8
2/15
3/22
1/25
1/18.
2/15
3/22
m
2/1
1/18
2/15
1/25^
2/B
2/15
2/22
3/1
TITLE
Co.
THE THVMDEKING WEST
BintN VM or O^ONNOB
ZAZA
MTSTEUOOS BOSS X
THE GBBAS HAN VOTES
CHAN IN mmoLma
TOPFEB TAKES A TBIP
SON OF FBANKBNSTEIN
: MADE BCE A (WnNAI.
FBONTIEBS OF IB.
CONVICTS CODE
AHBtF^H
AHZONA USGHH*
8MIUNO AMNe
MOTO' S LA ST WABNINQ
OAWBIiINQ SHIP
OFF THE BECOBB
LONE WOUrS SPY HUNT
FOUB 6IBLS B« WHITB
IMOr S DgUGHT
MOFTING WBSnrABD
PABIS BONESMOON
PBINC OF. THE NAVT
JBSSB JAMES
K»e <^ DNIWBWOBLD
BtADte MB A CBIHINAT..
SUNDOWN Oift PBAIBIB
ST. LOCK BLUES
FISHERMAN'S WDARF
THE ARIZONA WILDCAT
PIRATES OF THE SKIES
TORCHT IN CHINATOWN
/ TEXAS STAMPSDB
MOUTH OF SIEANC»AI
BUCKLEBBBBT FINN
NAVT SECBETS
PERSONS IN HIDING
ROT SLAVES
WOMAN DOCTOR
HOME ON T HE PB AIBIB
TAIL SPIN
MADE F(» BACH OTHBB
WDfGS OF THE NAVT
2/22.
2/22
2/15
2/22
2/15
2/8
2/8
9/7
2/8
3/8
3M
2/15
2/8
3/8
3/8
9/30,
3/1
10/5/38
3/1
3/15
3/22
3/22
3/22
2/22
3/1
3/15
3/8
3/8
11/30
11/22
3/8
3/8
3/22
3/22
3/22
3/15
FAST AND LOOSE
UITLE PAL
BOX TBOUBLB
GUNGA D IN
TBE THBEE MPSKKtE KBS
KING OF THE TUBF
CANT CHEAT HONEST MAN
NANCS DBEW. BBPOBKB
LET US LIVE'
LET k-REBBOM BING
STAB BBPOBTEB
ONE THIBD OF NATION
SUNSET TBAIL
FOBGED PASSPtWr
BEAUTT FOB ASKING
PARDON OUB NSBVB
SOCIETY SMUGCOJSBS
TES, 1>ABLING DAUGHTER
ROMANCE OF BEDWOODS
PYGMALION
MYSTERY OF MR. WONG
CAFE SOCIETY
I WAS A CONVICT
TWELVE CROWDED HOURS
WIFE, HUSRAND, FRIEND
STAGECOACH
RISKY BUSINESS
SECRET SERVICE AIB
BLONDIE MEETS BOSS
ICE FOLUES OF 1939
MYSTEBY PLANE
THE BEACHCOMBEB
ROUGH RIDERS ROUND-UP
SAINT STRIKES RACK
INSIDE STORY
PRISON WITHOUT BARS
SPIRIT OF CULVER
THE OKLAHOMA KID
LONE STAR PIONEER
SERGEANT MADDEN
KING OF CHINATOWN
LITTLE PRINCESS
BfYSTERY WHITE ROOM
ADV. OF JANE ARDEN
WHISPERING ENEMIES
WITHIN THE LAW
TRIGGER SMITH
MIDNIOHT
MY WIFE'S RELATIVES
THE FLYING IRISBMAN
TROUBLE IN SUNDOWN
EVERYBODY'S llABl
THREE SMART GIRLS
BLACKWELL'S ISLAND
LADY AND THE MOB
KID FROM TEXAS
SUDDEN MONEY
SILVER ON SAGE
ALMOST A GENTLEMAN
MEXICALI ROSE
HOUND OF RASKERVILLES
FAMILY NEXT DOOR
ON TRIAL
BROADWAY SERENADE
UNDERCOVER AGENT
FH FROM MISSOURI
LOVE AFFAIR
MR. MOTO IN DANGER IS'D
EAST SIDE OF HEAVEN
WUTHERING -T.HTS
DODGE CITY
FIRST OFFENDERS
STREETS OF N. Y.
CALLING DR. KILDARE
DRUMMONIVS SECT POLICE
THEY MADE iHER SPY
ALEXANDJER GRAHAM BELL
WOMEN IN THE WIND
Gal
M-G
Tmz
B«p
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S*th
UA
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TYPE
Col
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2«lk
2Mk
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ws
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WB
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2*a
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Col
Col
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Bep
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WB
Western
Com-Rora
Kom-Com
Mystery
Co medy,
Mystery
Comedy
Mdodraina
Drama
Western
Mde«lraiiM
RofD-Dr
Western
Mus-CofJi
Mystei7
I>raiiia
Comei^
Melodrama
Rom-Dr
Cem-Dr
Western
Rom-Com
Rom-Dr ■
Drama
Drama
Mdodrama
Com-Rom
Western
Mus-Rom
Com-Dr
Comedy
. Action
Melodrama
TALENT
C. Starrett-L Meredith
D. O'Keete-C. Parker
C. Celbert-H. Mawliall
M. WbalcB-BL Bart
J. BarryneM-P. HoMea
Sl Toler-P. Brwka
C. BcnMtt-B. Tmbc-B. Bark*
B. KarMT-B. LnfMl
J, GacBBU-C.
B.BIB«tt-L. D« Alcsala
. Bai»-A. Nac«l-1L
G. Swsiikant-L. Ndu
G. VBtrte-L
CFIeMs-H.
P. Lam-B. Cai tM
B. WfleaK-H. MaA
P.
W. WUBaM-L ;
A. ManlMll-F.
Acarar-GaMa
Jiaefc Balkan
B. Crasby-K. Qui'
J. DoBB-B. n«#nn
T. PM*a»-N, MtBr-WaaM
J. GarBM-DeaA
Western
Drama
Com-Rom
Drama
Metpdsama
Drama'
Drama
Western
Drama
BaokrCom
Drama
Com-Dr
Drama
Comedy
Drama
Mus-Gom
Rom-Ite
Comedy
Melodrama
Rom-I^
Mus-Dr
Urama
Wcsten
Mdodiama
Rom-Com
Com-MeL
Drana
Comedy
Drama
Comedy -
Mystery.
Rom-Dr
Melodrama
Melodrama
RemrDr
Rom-Dr
Melodrama
Melodrama
Comedy
Rom-Dr
Action
. Drama
Action
Drama
Drama
Melodrama
Rom-Dr
Melodrama
Western
Drama
Melodrama
Drama
Mystery
Melodrama
Drama
Melodrama
Western
Comedy
Comedy
Rom-Dr.
Western
Comedy
Mus-RQm.
Drama
Comedy
Western
Comedy
Western
Drama
■■ Rom-Mel.
Mystery
Comedy
Melodrama
Mus-Rom.
Melodrama
Comedy
Rom-Dr.
Melodrama
Mus-Rom.
Drama
Outdoor
Melodrama
Melodrama
Drama
Melodrama
Dra.na
Drama
Melodrama
E. rvw*n-'B. Tasng
T. BMer-B. Wmr-C. Mlag
lu. Naha-D. Lamaor
B^Brcas-L. CavrlBa
J. WUbers-L. Carrllto
K. Taylnr-B. Haihan.
G. Farren4, *'"^"r
C. Starrett-L Bbradith
B. Fnmess-J. CnMr
M. Booney-W. Caanally
i. Withers-F. Wr«y-D. Bobbuan
L. Overman-J. C. Nalsh
A. Sblrley-A. Daniel
F. Ineseart-B. Wilcoxon
G. A^^-S. Bwnetle
A. Taye-C Bii—rft C; VUreB
C. LaiAanl-X StawaH
& Brent-O. da HaTUaad
B.
T.
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M. BMMy-B. BeBaa^
C. Bnesles-IK. BatauM
C. Grant-D. FaMaakat Jr.
D. Anuche-BItS' Bras.-1
A. Henja^-D. CaateHa
W. C. FleU»-B«car Barten
B. CiiaBville-J. Litcl
B. Faada-M. O'StdUvaa
Nebon BMy-V. Brae*
W. Hnll-BL Hat
S. SMnay-L. ErtefcMa
W. BayA-€. Synteta
P. Keliy-Ji, Lang
L. BaD-A. Lane
L. Bari-J. Gale-(». WlUIaM
P. Faster-L Bervay -
P. Lane-J. Lyno
78
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19
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19
67
C. Biekfaf*^. Parker
L. Haward-W. HUIer
B. Karlalf-D. Tree
BL Canrall-F. MaoMuray
B. HeLaae-B. Baberta
B. Dfai-L. Ban- J. AMrUga
L. Taang-W. Baxter
C. Trrrar-J. Wayaa
O. Morphy-D. Keat
B. Began-J. Lltal
P. SIngleton-A. Laka
J. Crawford-J. Stewart
J. Trant-P. A. Yonng
C. Langhton-E. Lancbester
B. Bagers-M. Hart-B. Hattaa
G. Sanaera-N. Hamiltoa
M. Wbalen- J. Beg era
< C. Lnebalre-E. Bes(
J. Cooper-F. Barthalomew
J. Cagaey-B. Lane
BiU Elliott
W. Beery-A, Cnrtls-T. Brown
A. M. WoBg-A. TamlrbS
S. Temple-A. Devine
B.. Cabot-H. Mack
B. Towne-W. Gargaa
J. Holt-D. Costcllo
B. Hnssel-J. King-P. Kelly
Jack Bandall
C. Colbert-D. Ameche
° J. L. and B. Gleatwn
D. Corrlgan-A. Appleby.
O. O'Brien-!.- Keltb
J. Pronty-B. Gleason
D. Dnrbin-C. Wlnnlnger
J. Garfleld-B. Lane
F. Bainter-1. Lnpino
D. O'Keefe-F. Blca
C. Bnggies-H. Bambean
W. Boyd-R. Rogers
J. Elllson-H. Wood
G. Antry-S. Bnrnetta
B. Graen-W. Barrle
H. Herbert- J. Hedges
M. Lladsay-J. Litcl
J. MacDonald-L, Ayreg
S. Dean-B. Gleason
Bob Burns-G. George
L Dnnne-C. Bayer
P. Lorre-J. Hersbolt
. B. Crosby-J. Blondell
M. Oberon-L. Olivier
E. Flynn-O. 4e Havlland
W. Abel-B. Roberta
Jackie £ooper
L. Ayres-L. Barrymora'
J. Howard-Heather Angel
8. EUers-A. Lane
D. Amecbe-L. Yonng-Fonda
K. Francls-W. Gargan
69
87
88
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BANKO HYPOES'
CRIME AND
DIVORCE
Madison,. Wis., March 21.
Circuit Judge Roliert S. Cowie, of
La Crosse, arch foe of .theatre bank
nights, attacked 'weali-kneed' dis- .
trict attorneys Wednesday (15^ as he
argued before the senate judiciary-
committee in favor of the Paulson
bills to prohit>it giving of prizes by
lot, chance^ or drawing as an induce-
ment to attract people to theatres,
stores, taverns and auctions, and to
provide for the padlocking of places
usint' such methods.
Cowie said that- he bsUeved the
present lottery laws covered bank-
nights, but that the statutes bad not
been enforced by prosecutors, 'who
either do not understand the statutes
or don't want to understand them.'
The judge asserted that district at-
torneys and attorn^ for. the bank
night syndicate have fimspcd upon
the 'hair-spUtting distinction' that
persons wh& register, and do not buy
ticlccts to a theat^ inay stand out-
side and claim a prize If their name-
is drawn. Cov^e contended that it
is idle to argue that bank night
patrons do not spend money to gam-
ble. In nuiiibrous divbrce cases he'
has tried, he asserted, men have
c«HnpIained ' that their wives spent
all the family money attending bank
nights. Juvoiile court records show
that boys steal money for bank
night, he added. .
'Vi«i«BS Form af Gamblbig'
'Ttiis. is ' the most vicious form ot
gambling tliat has ever struclc Wis-
consin^' said the aroused jurist "The
Nebraska supreme court, in holding-
bank nights a lottery, has said that
bank night includes all t?>.e' evils ot
an ordinary lottery aggravated by
the appearance of innocence, and
that idleness, pauperism and crimie
are some at iU bitter fruits.' Cowie -
confided tiiat he had been threatened
with bodily hum and been subjected
to blackmail attempts because of hia
opposttioA to bank night.
Senator Paulson, sponsor of the
measures, said that 'ragged urchins'
from poor homes have sold neces-
sary household articles to second- .
hand dealers in order to get inoney
for bank night Paulsan said that
of 18,000 cards found in one police-
raid on. a theatre, 20% were signed
by persons on relief or receiving
old age pensions.
Deputy Inspector Hugo Gochlen ot
the Milwaukee police department
told of being turned down by the
district attorney and city attorney
in Milwaukee when bank night war-
rants were asked. Urging support
of both Paulson bills, he reported
that 'rackets' were spreading in Mil-
waukee to the extent that if they
are not curbed an impossible situa-
tion would develop.
The Paulson bills were opposed by
F. Clinton McCarthy, of Milwaukee,
attorney for the Bank Night Asso-
ciation; Charles F. Puis, Jr., of Mil-
waukee, attorney for the Standard
Theatres Co., and P. J. McWilliams^
of Madison, operator of two theatres
in Portage, Wis.
McCarthy, whose association is
made up of Indie and chain theatres.
Insisted that no- 'considsration' is
paid by a bank night reslslrant. He
wanted to know why Goehlen and
the Milwaukee police have not in-
terfered with the Milwaukee auto-
mobile and- home shows, which give
large prizes, with 'lotteries' conduct-
ed by the Elks and Eagles clubs, and
with bingo games in churches.
The attorney contended there is
no evil in bank nights and explained
that in times of economic ' stress
people are attracted by the oppor-
tunity of winning a prize.
STORY BUYS
Hollywood, March 21,
Grand National bought 'Seven
Miles from Alcatraz,' by Joseph
Carole.
Republic purchased 'Suicide
Squad,' by George Clark and Pres-
cott Chaplin.
Metro acquired Desmond Hol-
drige's'novel, 'The Witch in the Wil-
derness.'
George Bruce sold his novel, 'Born
to Hang,' to Grand National.
.. Malvin Wald's 'Benefit of Man-
kind' taken by Warners.
Walter Wanger bought Myles Con-
nolly's 'House Across the Ba:^.'
Bernard McConville sold his west-
ern yarn, 'Outlaw of Three Corners,'
to RKO.
28
VARIETY
Wedneedaf, March 22, 1939
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL .
AND EVERYWHERE
PICTURES
VARIETY 29
Lefty Boances Out of Coobcres
For N. with Detours by Abner
By Joe Laurie, Jr.
En rout* to N. Y., March 21.
Dear Joe:
Well, w« left Coolacres Wednesday and we'v« been rolling along in the
old jallopl ever slnca. You never know how old your car ia until you take
a long trip. Wo weren't gone 300 miles when a smart salesman in a filling
Itation sold me spark plugs, a fan belt and • tire. He talked fast and con-
vincing, and practically said we'd b« stuck in th* desert if we didn't get
those things. It's fear advertising. Maybo th* pictur* business needs a
' guy like that salesman.
We haven't covered much ground b«caus« Abner, Aggie's know-it-all
brother, wanted to point out the different points of interest to Aggla and
m*. I tell you that guy has more useless stuff stored in his nut than any-
one I've ever m«t We have been looking at places wher* somebody
started something and where the first stagecoach stopped for passengers,
and all that kind of stuff, and went miles out of our way to do it And
when I sez, 'So what's the difference, if somebody killed 100 Indians here
and this was the first place a train was- run?' Abner sez I don't have any
sense of tradition; that all I want to talk about is show business. So I
tez sure, I want to talk about something I know, and I've been traveling
all my life and heard guys talking in smokers and in hotel lobbies and
poolrooms, and everybody likes to talk about their own business because
they feci they know something about it, whereas if they talked about
something else they would be showed up as Ignorant. Which most of vs
are outside of our own business, but Abner is different. Ha has no busi-
ness of his own, so he knows everybody else's. He is one of those guys
that asks you a question, answers it and then sez you're wrong.
We've been stopping in tourist cabins and I want to tell you that ia some
business. It's got a lot of hotels beat a mile, and cheap, too. Aggie is now
got a hankering to go into the moto-hotel business. She sez one meets so
many different kinds of people from all over the country. So I sez, you
ineet all kinds of people at our picture theatre in Coolacres. And she sez,
'Yeh, but they come out and kick, whereas these people that hire cabins
lor the night have to leave early in the mornings and you never see them
again.' *
William Powell Tuma's Favorite
We stopped off in Yuma, Arizona, and I ran in to have a chat with F. E.
GandoKo, who runs the Yuma theatre for Fox, a nice house and a nice
guy. He tells me that William Powell is the town's favorite screen actor
|nd that 'Alexander's Ragtime Band' did the biggest business for him.
From there we went to Tucson, Arizona, which is a swell town and has
plenty of life in it, Me and Aggie played there twenty-five years ago.
We played a one-night stand and it took us 45 days to get out of town,
I dropped in to see Nick Xalis who runs an indie house called the Plaza,
and doing a nice Job of it, too. H* has a trade like mine, they go for
horse operas. Saturdays he plays Spanish pictures and cleans up. He has
a kid as an assistant manager by the name of John Georgenses and he Is
as bright as a dollar. He likes the picture business. Well, that's youth for
you. I also dropped in to see H. Dunn, a Milwaukee guy who used to be
With carneys and now is running the Tucson for Paramount. He is get-
ting some dough with revivals of the oldies. With me in Coolacres w*
don't have to run revivals, because they're old when we get 'em and no
body In town is old enough to remember when they were first run.
Got your letter about Jimmy Duffy going Upstairs. Sure sorry to hear
It because If there ever was a guy that had talent, it was Jimmy. He was
10 years ahead of the times when he did the Duffy and Sweeney act in
vaudeville. When he was with his folks, Duffy, Sawtelle and Duffy, h*
had plenty of talent, and he was on the way to being the best juvenile in
the country when he teamed up with Mercedes Lorenze. He looked great,
sang, danced and was funny. He also could write, a great combination,
.but like I always say to Aggie, a guy is born and has a hand dealed to him
and he's got to play it according to the cards he has, unless you cheat, and
Duffy never' was a cheat. The only trouble with Jimmy was he put In a
lot of chips in the pot and never took any out. Ho was willing to be paid
off in laughs. He sure gave people plenty of laughs; he was an actor's
actor. The gang will never forget the classic he pulled when he and
Sweeney laid on the stage where they were doing their act and Duffy
turned to the audience and sed, 'I don't know of any way of doing it easier,
unless we phone it in.'
Best to the gang. We'll be seeing you soon in New York unless this
Abner guy finds more spots of disinterest to show us. I wouldn't be a
bit surprised if he dug up a place that has a rosin board. SEZ
Your Pal,
LEFTY.
P. S. GREGORY RATOFF SEZ:
'It is strange that a man that knows exactly how to run the picture busi-
ness is always engaged in some other kind of business.
Smi BUILDING OUT
WEST; 300G GA. HOUSE
Los Angeles, March 21.
Pacific Coast Theatres took 15-year
lease on 750-seat picture house be-
ing built by George Page hi Tor-
rance. Building will be ready in
about six weeks.
George Bromley and Alec Mounce
break ground this week for a new.
800-seat house. They recently sold
their Victoria theatre to J. Byron
Cunningham after 11 years of opera-
tion.
300 O AugnsU House
Augusta, Ga., March 31.
Frank J. Miller, associated with
Lucas & Jenkins, Inc., in operation
of five local houses, has let a con-
tract for the erection of a 1,850-seat
deluxer to Baird tc Co. '
House will cost $300,000.
New Ohie Hons*
Minerva, O., March 21.
Construction of a picture theatre
is to be started here within 30 days
by . the Manos Amuse. Co., of To-
ronto. Plans call for a two-story
building and a seating capacity of
BOO.
Manos operates seven other the-
atres in eastern Ohio.
m' TO RING DAY
AND DATE IN 15 KEYS
A total of around 16 day-and-date
openings of The Story of Alexander
Graham Bell' are being arranged by
20th-Fox to follow two special pre-
views April 29, one in Washington,
the other at the World's Fair in
. San Francisco. Key openings will
be April 14, one week ahead of na^
tional release.
The preview in Washington, AprU
SO, will be under the auspices of the
National Geographic Society, of
which Alexander Graham Bell was
an early president, while at the
Frisco Fair, April 29 will be desig-
nated as '20th Century-Fox Day.'
Plenty Bellyaches
- St. Louis, March 21.
A small epidemic of ptomaine poi-
soning hit Film Row during the
past several weeks and laid low half-
a-dozen men. Nona were seriously
affected, although medical attention
was needed.
Among those taken ill were Hal
Walsh, manager for WB; Russell
Mortensen, of Columbia; Jack Hines,
ef Universal; Florence Patke, of
20th-Fox; Clift Burt, film deUvery
operator, and Bernard Temborius,
M exhibitor of Lebanon and Breese,
BLANK EYES PAR
HOUSES IN LINCOLN
Lincoln, March SI.
Word got around again here this
week that A. H. Blank is consider-
ing extending his Paramount part-
nership into this situation. If In any
way the Par-J. H. Cooper dealings
foul. Blank was here last week tak-
ing a look at the Stuart and Ne-
braska (formerly Orpheum) proper-
ties, presently guided by Cooper and
Par. He was accompanied by G.
Ralph Branton, the Tri-SUtes gen-
eral manager; David Dewey, Trl-
States maintenance head, both of
Des Moines, and Evert Cummings,
his district manager of Omaha.
Blank's Tri-States string is already
in Omaha, Grand Island, Hastings
and Fairbury in Nebraska.
Meantime, the whole staff went on
to Hastings for a survey of the Trl-
Stetes property there, including, be-
sides the Rivoli, the old Alexander
hotel. Latter is being renovated and
will be leased to the Carter Hotel
Co.
2d O'Brien Cowboy
Hollywood, March 21.
Coronado signed David O'Brien
for the male lead opposite Judith
Allen in two cowgirl westerns, 'Cov-
ered TraUs' and 'Stagecoach West-
ward.' ^ . „
The pictures are for Grand Na-
tional release.
F-WC Bays One
Los Angeles, March 21.
Fox-West Coast acquired the Bel-
mont Stores theatre. Long Beach,
from William Woodworth, who re-
cently inherited $300,000 and retired
from show business.
House lis an 850-seater.
Kinsler Heads WB Cincy Branch;
U Switches Exchange Managers
Cincinnati, March 21.
Ralph Kinsler, former district
manager for Grand National, joined
Warner Bros, as local branch man-
ager. He succeeds Al Slimitken,
who held the post for five years and
has been tran^erred to the same ca-
pacity for WB in San Francisco.
KaoSman to Cleve,
Pittsburgh, May 21.
Transfer of Joe Kaufman, man-
ager of the Universal exchange here
for last three years, to the Cleveland
office has just been set. He takes
over his new duties there April 3.
Kauffman succeeds Joe Engel, who
goes to Albany, replacing Jerry
Leary, taking a leave of absence on
account-~Df ill health.
Jules Lapidus has been named to
take over the local U office. He's
been with Grand National since 1936,
more recently as a district manager,
and before that was with Metro here.
A.
and
Oroom Geia Third Hons*
Charlotte, N. C, March 21.
E. Groom, operator of the State
Moor theatres In Mooresville,
leased the Carolina there from B. A.
Troutman and took immediate
charge.
At the same time the Carolina was
opened under its new management.
Groom closed the Moor, stating he
would concentrate his efforts on th*
State and Carolina.
Coast Mgrs. Shift Around
Los Anfeles, March 21.
George Kane, assistant manager of
the Fox California theatre, was
named manager of the Inglewood,
succeeding Earle Peterson, trans-
ferred to manage the Fox Ritz in
Great FaUs, Mont.
Leo Hirshon moved in as manager,
of the Forum, replacing Joe Kelly,
transferred to the northwest.
Jack Edwards was shifted from
management of Fox-West Coast's Ju-
dith, Lewistown, Mont, to Rialto, in
Butte, replacing Nat Blank, resigned.
Joe Kelly, manager of Warners
Forum, was shifted to management
of the Al>erdeen in Aberdeen, Wash.
Robert E. Armstrong, former
publicity-advertising head for the
Jensen-Von Herberg circuit in Seat-
tle, moved to the Regent-State cir-
cuit in Springfield, O., in a similar
capacity.
New Dress
Columbus, March 21.
Southland theatre here is dark for
extensive modernization.
Improvements will Include new
seats, new screen, complete redeco-
ration and new acoustical treatment
Floor Is being changed to give better
vision.
Built for Continuing Research
ERPI
• • • to assure ever-finer ^
entertainment in your theatre
Sinco the introduction of sound
in motion pictures^ERPI and Bell
Telephone Latxiratories — which
developed the fltvt practical ap-
paratus—have pioneered in sound
recording and reproduction re«
•earch.
These development* have been
tneul* available to the industry In
Western Electric Sound Systems
—used by leading producers and
thousands of theatres throughout
the world.
In Introducing sound pictures.
ERPI accepted a definite respon*
sibility tothe industry.Now.ERPI
reaffirms its acceptance of that
responsibility.
Conscious that the future prog>
ress and prosperity of the industry
depend upon continued improve-
ment of Bound pictures through
research, ERPI— backed by Bell
Telephone Laboratories— will
continue to deVote its efforts to
meeting the problems of today
and anticipating and solving thoso
of tomorrow.
Electrical Research Products I nc
A SUBSIDIARY OF
Western Electric
so
VARIEJY
PICTURES
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
Film Revietvs
Home on the Prairie
(Continued from page 20)
plenty. It should get average Autry
money. , ..
Autry is cast as a new kind or
sheriff, the unglamorous state-line
kind which examines incommg
vehicles for any germ^carrying
cargo. His comedy assistant is Smiley
BurnettCi Setting up the story, the
Bcripters introduce hoof and mouth
disease, the dread.plague of the cattle
country. A group of cattlemen
headed by Walter Miller and Gordon
Hart are trying to ship their dis-
seased herd, but Autry slaps a quar-
antine on the whole countryside.
Miller-Hart gang dumps evidence of
hoof-mouth on his girl's ranch, which
almost gets across with the author-
W«s. ■ .
June Storey is the film s femme
section, a trim subject who has been
on the major lots previously. Shes
more at ease than anyone else in the
cast, and much classier than the rank
and file of western heroines.
Autry sings three songs, Smiley
Bumette one, and there's a sessipn of
the Rodeollers, hillbilly orch, for the
music side. None of the offerings are
out of the ordinary.
Strange for a western is the use of
an elephant, which falls into Bur-
nette's hands when a medicine show
runs afoul of a sheriff. Animal adds
a few comedy moments, but is. out of
place in the story. Bam.
Concentration Camp
(BUSSIAN M\DE)
Ainklno produoUon and release. Features
O. Jakov, 3. Bhlrokova, S. Meztalnskjr. Di-
rected by A. Uacbarat; scrsenplay by I.
Olesba and A. Macbaret; muelo by Lev
Bcbwartz; camera, E. Andrlkanls, At Wal-
dorf, N. T., atartInK Marcta 18, '30. Run-
nlns time: 69 UIKS.
Paul ..O. Jakov
Mary .' S. Sblrokova
The Pharmacist 9. Mezblnsky
Tideman ...I. Kudrlatsev
Camp Commander.... V. Vanin
Oswald S. Uuratov
Frantz A, Konuveky
Robert I. Doromin
Bchultz.... A. GrlbOT
Walter I. Xoval-Bamborsky
(In Russian, with English TUIes)
Developments in Europe and the
Orient have produced three propa-
ganda films of a sort in the last 10
days. The 400 Million' gave the
Chinese side of the Sino-Japanese
struggle. The Crisis' touched on
Czechoslovakia's treatment before
.and after the Munich paci Now
^Concentration Camp' directs a well-
simed boot at Hitler and Nazi meth-
ods. It Is propaganda celluloid and
easily the best of its type to come
along in months, because the film
tells a story and manages to be en-
tertaining. ^, ^.
Picture unfolds the machinations
of Hitler's military regime in con-
siderable deUil. Episodes in „u>e
concentration camps paint the Nazi
storm troopers in blackest hues. Yet
some may contend they are a ■ pit
mild compared to e^ j-witness stories
related by correspondents returned
from Germany. „ . „ , »
The production naturally is Soviet
Russia's summary of Nazidom as it
exists today, with emphasis on how
this affects communism and the
Workers' Party. Scripters and pro-
ducers .reveal the underground sjrs-
tem of secret meetings whereby the
laboring group manages to escape
much of the Nazi terrorism. Climax
is a sweeping episode In a typical
German airplane factory, in which
the workers disavow the military
regimentation and decide to strike.
Film shows the red front comrades
ganging up on the Nazi military,
with a last-minute plug for the So-
viet Union.
For story purposes, the feature
develops a conflict between the secret
activities of the Communistic Work-
ers' party and the dorriineering
storm troopers. This conflict is main-
tained to the end, despite brutal epi-
sodes and stupid manhandling by
Nazi forces. Ifs effectual in putting
across the message against Nazi
domination.
Picture is well directed by A.
Macharet, with a fairish script job
to help. O. Jakov, S. Shirokova, V.
Vanin and S. Mezhinsky make the
four leads living creations, with the
support a step behind. Photography
ranges from topflight to sloppy, bad-
ly lighted scenes. English titles are
n.g. Wear.
FLYING G-MEN
(SEBIAI.)
Columbia production and release. Features
Robert Falge, Richard Flake. James
CralS, Loma Oray. Directed by Ray Tay-
lor and James W. Home; screenplay. Rob-
ert B. Kent, Basil Dickey and Sherman
Ix>we; camera, Benjamin Kline; editor,
Richard Fantl. At Colonial, Lincoln, dual.
Running time (per Episode): 18 MIN8.
Andrews (Falcon) Robert Paige
Davis Richard Fiske
Cummlnga James Craig
Babs. Lorn a Gray
Billy w...... '.Sammy McKlm
Columbia's serial authors dream
up some terrible things— gangs who
menace a whole nation, attacks of
spys along lines of a major invasion
without an army, and reigns of ter-
ror. One of these is 'Flying G-Men,'
distinctly for juve appeal and for
the week-end bookings.
Planes smash up, plans disappear
and spies strike at the nation s de-
New York Theatres
THERE'S A BETTER SHOW AT THE
X
BEO. FRIDAT. SUBCH t*
"YOU CANT GET
AWAY WITH MURDER"
HUMPHREY BOGART
.. In. Keiflon.
JIMMY DORSEY and ORCH.
STRAND BHOApwAY
PARAM0UNT8^^^
BOB BURNS
"VW FROM
MISSOURI"
nlth
OLADYS aEOnSE
In PenoB
Dorothy
Lamour
Miicha Aver
Chas. Barnet
And Bund
o'iiS^MUSie HALL
lOVE AFFAIR"
Spectacular. stage Productlone
f tb At. « 00th St.
ROXY
Aix ^ee«b
''The Hound
OF THB
Baskervllles"
—On tha Btar^
New Stage Show
"3 SMART GIRLS
GROW UP"
cm TED
ABTI8T8
Dwn 0MB IM A.M.
RIVOLI ".'9!«.''S!'
at 49th Rt.
MIDNITE SHOWS
NOW
H-O-H'e
"ICE FOLLIES OF 1939"
Bterrinc JOAN CBAIVFOBD
WALLACE BEERY
As " BEBOEANT MADDEN"
r tnt nm ft. mWHesliswi
• •ao
k lESUEMWnWDinBeniaidSbew'a
TGMALION
■till Bli Wftkl Am M-O-M Hk
TODAY
r
Jam ee
8TKWABT
■ Ceiole
Shejtfflr«Ga|)Ie 2^^°^
'IdloVS Delight' EaehVth^r^ j
GEO. HAIX OBOH M?^jS^ '
fense, bringing four flying .G-men
into the picture. Plenty of flying,
fights, and narrow squeaks keep Up
a full quota of Interest lor the kids.
No performances are particularly
outstanding, typical action stuff.
Bam.
NOIX DE COCO
('Coeoanat')
(FBENCH-MADE)
Paris, March 10.
A. E. C. release of A. E. C.-Ufa produc-
tlnn. Stars Halmu; features Marie Bell,
Michel Simon. Suzet Mais, Ollbcrt Oil. Di-
rected by Jean noyer. Adapted by Marcel
Archnrd from orlxifinl play of same name
by Marcel Archnrd; music. Von Parys;
camera, W. PIndter. At the Marlgnan,
Paris.
Cast: Ralmu, Michel SImoh, Marls Bell,
.<;uzet Mais, Gilbert Oil, Junle Aslor, Betty
D.nunsmand: -Pernnnd Fabre. Giselle Pre-
vllle, Maupl, Magdelelne Berbuet, Georges
Lannea. Running time, B6 MINS.
Chock full of amusing circum-
stances, which are punched for all
they are worth by Ralmu, "Noix de
Coco' still retains the dialog verdure
of the play of the same name which
scored here a couple of years ago.
Its fine blend of French tragi-comedy
will go over in this country, but cor-
responding results are doubtful else-
where.
Raimu, well-to-do horticulturist on
the south coast, with an adult son
and a married daughter^ is happUy
married to . his second wife until a
long-lost friend suddenly appears.
Through a chance word repeated by
the latter, he learns that his wife Is
a former singer in a night club In
Saigon called Noix de Coco, and, be-
cause she was so well known by
those who chanced through, she was
called by that name hersielf. Thus
he learns that he, like countless
others who stopped at Saigon, had
possessed his now respected wife.
Ralmu never misses. Although one
can hardly imagine Marie Bell as be-
ing a Noix de Coco, she does well in
the role. Michel Simon, as the sim-
ple, unsuspecting son-in-law and hus-
band of Suzet Mais, develops some
droU comedy, although Miss Mais
overplays the severe and exacting
personage she Is supposed to be on
occasions. Gilbert Gil plays the son
well. Giselle Preville, his girl friend,
and Femand Fabre as the friend who
reappers, also do well. Hugo.,
L'ESCLAVE BLANCHE
CWhlte Slave')
(FBENCH-MADE)
Paris, March 11.
SIstrlbuteurs Assocles reltaae of Lucla-
Fllm production. Stars Vivians Bo-
manee; features John Iiodm and Marcel
Dallo. Directed by Marc Sorhln. Orig-
inal, Iieo Lanla; .camera, Michel Kleber.
At the Marlvaux, Paris.
Cast: Vivians Romance, John Iiodge,
Marcel Dallo, Satumln-Fabre, LAufsa
CarlettI, Mlla Feroly, Sylvia. Lupovlcl,
Roger BIIk Running time, M BINS.
'L'Esdave Blanche* has a solid
foimdation and Is set for good re-
turns here with more than average
returns abroad.
Mysticism of a tire-war Turkey
with its marked restrictions on the
rights of women, its corruptioh and
intrigues, has been handled fairly
well, but more forceful are the out-
standing differences between the
near east and western Europe at that
time.
Viviane Romance, as the French
wile of John Lodge, Turkish official,
who gains the favor of the sultan
(Marcel Dalio), Impressively spot-
lights the natural reactions of a
western mind ensalved in the strict
regulations of an eastern atmos
phere.
Lodge, on the other hand, torn
between the loye for his wife, the
name of his family and his position,
skims too lightly In places. Ruth-
less intrigues, surroimding the sul-
tan Is. led by Satumin-Fabre, as
chief of Turkish police. Outstand-
ing performance Is turned in by
Dalio, as the sultan. Good support
is^Ient/by Lupovlcl,' -sis' ^he-yoUng
revolutionary leader. Louisa Car-
lettI makes a sympathetic sister to
Lodge and Mila Parely clicks as
Lodge's mistress.
Film loses out mainly by the cast-
ing of western types as near eastern
characters. Dallo, Lodge and Lupo-
vlcl are the only ones portraying
near-easterners who appear as they
belong In the setting. Hugo.
PORTLAND
and Onb.
(Continued from page 10)
and 'Wharf (RKO). Weak $3,500.
Last week "Wife, Husband' (20th)
and 'Great Man' (RKO), $3,800.
Panunoont (Hamrick-Evergreen)
(3,000; 30-35-40)— "Little Princess'
(20th) and 'Saint Strikes Back'
(RKO). Good enough $5,500. Last
week, 'Cafe Society' (Par) and Ter-
sons Hiding* (Par) pulled after five
days for just fair $3,000.
"BlvoU (Indie) (1,100; 20-25)—
'Suez* (20tK) and Down on Farm*
(20th). Okay $2,000. Last week
'Around Comer* (20th) and 'Shining
Hour' (M-G), $1,500. " "
United ArUsta (Parker) (1,000; SO-
BS.^)— 'PygmaUon* (M-G). An-
swared to exploitation for terrific
$6^00. Last week, flee Follies'
(M-G) and' TTorchy Blane' (VTB),
average $4,000, and nioved to the
Mayfelr.
SEATTLE
(Continued from page S)
Ring* (M-G) and 'Four Qirls' (M-G),
^&rtyVvH) (i.800j 21-32-42)-
"King Turf (UA) and 'Homicide Bu-
reau^ (Col). MUd $3,500. I^stweek,
^Blondie' (Col) and 'North Shanghai'
(Col), $3,400, so-so.
Mnslo Box (Hamrlck-Evergreen)
(850: 32-37-42) — 'Pygmalion' (M-G)
(Sd wk). Still rating a big $4,000
after $4,700 last week. ■ _
Orpheom (H a m r i c k-Evergreen)
(2,600: 32-37-42) — 'Oklahoma Kid'
(WB) and 'O'Connor* (M-G). Top-
ping all expectations with a very
forte $7,000. Last week, 'Honest
Man' (U) and 'Wharf (RKO), $6,600,
big.
Palomar (Sterling) (1.350; 16-27-.
37^2)— 'Pirates Skies' (U) and 'Navy
Secrets' (Mono) plus vaude with
Norvell, astrologist, headlining, good
$4,2P0. Last week, 'Man Remember
(RKO) and 'Fighting Thoroughbreds'
(Col) plus vaude, $3,900, fair.
Paramoant (Hamrick-Evergreen)
(3,039; 32-37-42) — 'Wife, Husband'
(20th) and 'Arizona Wildcat' (20th).
Good enough $4,800. Last week,
'Cafe Society' (Par) and "Persons
Hiding' (Par), $5,100.
Booscvelt (Sterling) (800; 21-32)—
'Son Frankenstein' (U) and 'King
Alcatraz' (Par). Nice $2,500 pace.
Last week, 'Dawn Patrol* (WB) and"
'Heart of North' (WB), $2,300, good.
BURNS PREEM
SOCK10y2G,K.C
Kansas City, March 21.
New Bob Burns picture, 'I'm from
Missouri,' following its preem here
Thursday night, is out in front along
film row. Was ushered in by p.a.'s of
Shirley Ross, Judith Barrett and
Lynn Overman, players, and Jack
Moffltt, scripter. Being well received
and looks to run up a top figure of
$10,000.
'Stagecoach' puts the Loew house
In the front rank. "Love Affair* at
ttie Orpheum bringing in nice re-
turns, but showing no exceptional
strength.
Esquire, which has heretofore been
used by Fox Midwest as outlet for
strictly 'A' films is switched to the
second-run situation, beginning this
week. Policy has been contemplated
some time and appears house wUl
classify as a move-over spot, at least
for the present 'PygmaUon,' which
showed little power in Its first run
at the Midland, but which caused
considerable comment, picked for
this house.
Estimates for This Week
Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 10-25-
40)— 'Pygmalion' (M-G). Singled on
its first subsequent run, which also
inaugurates second-run policy here.
Picture y/as light in its initial show-
ing, and has no better chance here
with $2,500. Last week, 'Down In
Arkansaw' (Rep) and 'Inside Story*
(20th) only dual bill in this house
since its remodeling last fall, but
light at $3,000.
Midland (Loew's) (3,573; 10-25-40)
—'Stagecoach' (UA) and "First Of-
fenders* (C:ol). Off to a fair pace for
$10,000. Last week, 'Hucfc Finn*
(M-G) and 'Whispering Enemies'
(Col), good $12,500.
Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10-
25-iO)— 'Missouri' (Par). Brought in
for preem Thursday night. Received
well and looks for strong $10,500.
Holds over. Last week, 'Off Record*
(WB) and 'Devil's Island' (WB), first
double bill here in months, fair
$5,500.
Orpheum (RKO) (1,500; 10-25-40)
—'Love Affair' (RKO) and 'March of
Time'. Satisfactory $6,500. Last week.
'Darling Daughter' (WB), second
week singled, $4,500, good.
.. To,wer (Fox Midwest) (2,050; 10-
25-40) — 'Culver' (U) and 'Risky
Business' (U). Fair $5,500. Last week,
'Little Princess' (20th) and 'Fighting
Thoroughbreds* (Rep), nice $7,800.
Uptown (Fox Midwest) (1,200; 10
25-40)— 'Little Princess' (20th) (2d
.wk.). Currently attaching $3,000 to
last week's okay $3,800.
BROOKLYN
(Continued from page 9)
the Fox. Flatbush reopened with pic
and vaude policy featuring Norvo
band and Mildred Bailey plus 'Edge
of World* on screen. Rivera has
Milt Brltton's band on stage and
single pie on screen.
. EsUmates for This Week
. Albee (3,274: 25-35-50) — 'Honest
Matf (U) and 'Grand Illusion' (Ind).
Satisfactoty $16,000. Last week, "Tail
Spin* (20th) and 'Everybody's Baby'
(20tb), *15,000, good, •
Fox (4,089; 35-55-65 >r-Tersons In
Hiding' (Par) plus Mae West p.a.
with vaude. Powerful $20,000 on top
of splendid advance ballyhoo for this
engagement Last week, 'Secret
Serylce' (WB) and "Woman Doctor'
(Rep), okay $14,500.
Met- (3,618; 25-36-50)— "Each Other*
(UA) and "12 Hours' (RKO). Okay
$16,000.. Last wefek, adloV (M-G);
splendid $18,600. • '
Parsmonnt (4,126: 29-35-50)--'Darl-
Ing Daughter' (WB) and "Lone WoU*
'HONEST MAN'
\\y^ OMAHA
PERKY
Omaha. March 21.
First real showing of spring
weathier over Saturday and Sunday
is snapping the b.o. takes here after
slow session last week.
• "You Can't Cheat An H«(
and 'There Goes My Heartf
ing the biggest drag this v
Orpheum. 'Love Affair' dualed with
"The Saint Strikes Back' is showing
real strength at the Brandeis with
$6,800.
'Fast and Loose' is getting loose
support at the Omaha for $5,500. The
film is dualed with 'Little Tough
Guys in Society.*
Estimates for This Week
Avenue -Dundee -Military (Gold-
berg) (950-810-850; 10-25)— 'SUnd
Up' (M-G) and 'Son Frankenstein*
(U), split with 'Spring Madness*
(M-G) and 'Thanks Everything*
(Par). Good $2,300. Last week,
'Sweethearts' (M-G) and 'Heart of
North' (WB), split with 'Dramatic
School' (M-G) and "Pacific Liner*
(RKO), $2,500, fine.
Brandeb (Singer-RKO) (1,250; 10-
26-35-40)— 'Love Affair' (RKO) and
Saint Strikes Back' (RKO). Great
$6,800. Last week, 'Darling Daugh-
ter' (WB), fine, $5,500.
Omaha (Blank) (2,200; 10-25-40)—
Fast and Loose' (M-G) and 'Little
Tough Guys' (U). Fair $5,500. Last
week, 'Freedom Ring* (M-G) and
Tour Girls' (M-G), good $7,500.
Orpbenm (Blank) (3,000; 10-25-40)
—'Honest Man' (U) and 'Goes My
Heart' (UA). Excellent $11,500. Last
week, 'St. liOuls Blues' (Par) and
'Devil's Island' (WB), good $8,400.
Town (Goldberg) (1,250; 10-20-25)
—'Motto's Last Warning' (20th), first
run, 'Thanks Memory^ (Par) and
'Ghost Town Riders' (U), first run,
tripler, split with 'Strawberry Road
(U), 'Pacific Liner' (RKO), and 'Son
Frankenstein' (U), tripler. Good
$1,900. Last week, 'Lone Star
Pioneers' (Col), 'SharpshootersT
(20th), and 'Stand Accused' (Rep),
tiripler, all first runs, split with 'Sun-
down Prairie' (Mono.). 'Heart of
North' (WB), and "Say French.*
(Par), tripler, fair $1,600.
mdn^ht' 8G, Mm*
$10,000, Topper' lOiG,
Pacing Forte Denver
Denver, March 21.
Three first runs — ^"Midnight,' 'Top-
per' and 'Love Affair* — are running
on' each other's heels for first honors. -
!Midnlght* gave the Denham the
best Saturday and Sunday so far this
year.
Estimates for This Week
Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 25-40)—
•Wings Navy' (WB), after a week at
the Denver. Average $3,500. Last
week, "Wife, Husband* (20th), fair
53:000, after a week at the Denver.
Broadway (Fox) (1,100; 25-40)—
.'Pygmalion' (M-G), after a week at
the Orpheum. Still able to get good
$3,500. Last week. "Fast and Loose*
(M-G), and "Four Girls' (M-G). okay
$2,000, after a week at the Orpheum.
Denham (CockrlU) (1.750; 25-35-
"O)— 'Midnight' (Par). Ringing up a
fine $8,000. Last week, 'Eagle and
Hawk' (Par) (re-issue) proved sen-
satlonal, doing best business of any
re-issue house has ever had, $8,400.
.Denver (Fox) (2,525: 25-35r50)—
"Tonner' (UA). Good $10,500 in the
bag here. Last week, "Wines Navy*
(WB), only average at $8,000.
Orpheum (RKO) (2i600; 25-35-40)
—'Love Affair* (RKO) and "12
Crowded Hours' (RKO). Nice 410,000.
Last week, 'Pyemallon* (M-G) and
'Boy SJaves* (RKO), strong $11,000,
rating' holdouts every evening.
Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 25-40>—
"Let Live* (Col) and 'Lone Wolf
(C\>1). Good' enough $4,000. Last
weelt, "Made Me Criminal' (WB) and
•Nancy Drew* (U), very good $4,000.
(Col). Swell $19,000 and holdover.
Last week, 'St. Louis Blues' (Par)
and "Third of NaUon' (Par) (2d wk),
$14.500..
Strand (2,870; 25-35-40) — 'Forged
Passport* (Rep) and Uavy Secrets*
(Mono) plus 'Lone Ranger* install-
ment Will get quiet $5;0OO. Last
week, 'Whispering Enemies' (Col)
and 'I Am Criminal' (Mono) un-
eventful $5,000,
Red^ "WASHROOM
INFECTION"
Onliwon Towels and Tissue
Vedncaday, March 22, 1939
VARIETY
31
Hi
^^^^^^^
POLICY... Twenty y^""
„„ idea was born. Because they
ago, an laeu ,
believed thot quality entertainment could
be achieved aniy v/hen the producers
were permitted to make pictures the way
they wanted to moke them, Mary Pickford,
Charles Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks and D.W.
Griffith formed United Artists GorporoHon.
"»l Rood, Tod ^"""l'
cele.
»2
VARIETY
Wednesday, Mbrch 32, 1939
$10,000,000 WORTH OF 0U1
WHEN EXHIBITORS
STEWART
Made for
Each Other
Smash hold-over/
at Kadio City^
Ivlusic Hall.: >Top
grosseriat .every^
subsenuent opeiw ;j
says:
v« Evokes .wch
thrilling tdram^;
that it mayiwcUj !|
point the Wy_to-«
Wer,morihu»«n
kind of Hoi
art'
nAVlDO.SELZNICK
Produced by DAV^^^^^
Dallas" appeaV-CUcks
« 4 R snorter.
EDWARD SM^LL presents
ADOiPHE MENJOU
in
KING OF
^DOLORES CTSIUL^^^ • WLUAM
WALTER ABEL*
ALTER Hptu- .,EB t e«tE*
1 «*Sliould run until tlie
to the prayer of exhit) y ^^^^^ ^^^^^ y^^,, the coachl"
itors.
WAITER W ANGER ^
STAGECOACH
Weineed*j, March 22, 1939
VARIETY
8S
LANDING ENTERTAINMENT
NEED IT MOST...
Alexander Korda^"
The Dead E»*°*i;,,*^o»»»c»
Violent
quee
selling
from
with EDN'^ uirtotne Clewes •
BW^N HURST
M»oc\oie
^.r WooUcGtt, iatnous
...AND MORE
34
VARIETY
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
lUME
FURY
...-jiBii»s.»«»»<L"!|
The recW^ac tte-
making oi f^. jjood
• • vlnnB peace
>
Eye-iiUing spectacle.
^^^^
* • Tie Count oi Monte
tsto''.Oneoithe.otWs
truly immortal stories
^aved by a new ro-
•Jn/cstarcon.bina«onJ
THEM AH
IROH MASK
' . 11 A, Kteen can hpU
ALEXANDER
READY NOW.... THESE NINE GREAT '4^"
ATTRACTIONS . . . CLIMAXING TWENTY ^M.^..
YEARS OF PROUD U. A. ACHIEVEMENT! '^■jb'^
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
RADIO
VARIETY 35
'SUE THE SPONSOR' THREAT
Ford Concerts Ending; Shift h
Several Major Program Time Spots
Several major eceounls will chUt
either networlis or spots this sum-
iner, CampbeU Soup wants to move
Orson WeUes from Friday night (9-
10 pjn.) to the lllte segment now oc-
cupied by Ford Sunday nights. H
this switch goes through Maxwell
House coffee will quit the NBC red
(WEAF) llnji (Thurs,, 9-10 pjn.) for
Campbell's present niche on Colum-
bia. General Foods would retain the
Thursday hour but use it for the
runoff of two half-hour shows, with
one of them the 'We the People'
stanza, now on CBS, and the other
probably the Joe E. Brown show.
■ The exchange wouldn't lessen
General Foods' present discount al-
lowances In either case. Entry of
CampbeU into the Sunday night slot
Indicates that Ford doesn't plan to
continue next fall with its symphonic
session. Latter has held the same
spot for five consecutive seasons.
Franlde Frisch Succeeds
Fred Hoey, Local Fave
Who Wanted Coin Boost
Boston, March 21.
Frankie Frisch, former manager
of the St. Louis Cardinals, will han-
dle the play-by-play descriptions of
the home games of the two Boston
major league teams this year. At-
lantic Refining Co. will sponsor the
broadcasts which will be aired every
other day. while the teams are In
town.' No sponsor has I>een signed
as yet for the alternate days.
Colonial net will air the series,
and~ two ■ nightly sports roundup
broadcasts by Frisch, Thursdays and
Saturdays during the baseball sea-
son. Blackstone Cigars will sponsor
these.
The announcement was front page
news here because of the popularity
of Fred Hoey, whom Frisch suc-
ceeds. Hoey has been broadcasting
sports in this town for 13 years, and
had plenty of backing from the lo-
cal sportswriters. A rumor that he
was on his way out two years ago
brought out a bombardment of pro-
tests from the scribes, and Hoey con-
tinued at the mike.
John Shepard, 3rd, said he wired
Frisch March 12, and signed him
March IS. Hoey had asked for a
salary raise, which the Colonial net
figured unjustified, Shepard said.
Reported salary for Frisch is $20,000.
DANCE FOLLOWS RADIO
SHOW AND POPULAR
Cincinnati, March 21.
. : Stunt of. .foUgwing .up , it^. ...stagf,.
shows with a dance party for specta-
tors, tried out Friday (17) by WLW's
Boone County Jamboree troupe,
smacked of success that warrants
repetition here and also in outlying
towns played by the show's units,
according to George Biggar, director
of Crosley's rural programs.
Combo experiment was In the
nature of a forced issue. Occupancy
of Music Hall's main auditorium by
the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Its
north wing by a roller derby and the
south wing by a dog show, com-
pelled transfer of the weekly Boone
County Jamboree to the upstairs
Topper balhroom, Cincy's biggest
dansant After the stage show, part
of which is aired by WLW. tem-
porary chairs were cleared and the
1,800 patrons were permitted to re-
main for dancing, split rural and
modem.
Butler, Jr., Breaking In
Ralph Starr Butler, Jr., son of
General Foods' No. 1 man on adver-
I'Smg. promotion and merchandising,
is in the radio department of Young
« Rubicam.
He's assisting on time and talent
buying details.
What to Expect
Two giddy gals were being
ushered through Radio City on
the regular NBC tour. At the
conclusion, one asked:
'Really, will all this be torn
down after the World's Fair?'
WM. MORRIS
TALKS DEAL
WITH WLW
Deal Is in negotiation for • talent
tieup between the William Morris
office and the Crosley stations,
WLW and WSAI, Cincinnati. Bill
Murray, of the Morris office, is due
out in Cincy In about a week to
close the contract.
Stations would serve as show-
window for programs and talent
agented by Morris, which, in turn,
would act as booking and selling
reps of WLW-WSAI programs in the
commercial and i>ersonal appearance
fields.
Straight Through Heat
For 'We, the People';
But Changes Product
•We, the People' (CBS) wiU re-
main on the air through the coming
summer, with the plugged product
shifting from Sanka coffee to Jell-O
chocolate pudding around the middle
of May.
It will be the first time In Its three-
year existence that the program
hasn't been given a vacation.
SEEDS AGENCY GETS
MORE B&W TOBACCO
Chicago, March 21.
Brown & Williamson tobacco com-
pany goes on a coast-to-coast ride
over the NBC red web starting May
2 with a program tagged 'Uncle Dan's
Doghouse' for Raleigh tobacco.
Show has been on WLW, Cincin-
nati, for a local test on Big Ben pipe
tobacco. Set through the local Rus-
sel M Seeds agency.
This represents the acquisition of
another hunk of the B-W account by
Freeman Keyes, who has been stead-
ily slicing off pieces of the B-W ad-
vertising business, incIuding'Big BSh,
Avalon cigarettes and Bugler.
New show will continue to origi-
nate at WLW on a 30-minute gallop
at 10:30 p.m. eastern time.
Vick Passes Seth Parker
Vick Chemical is not picking up
the option it has on Seth Parker's
(Phillips Lord) services for next sea-
son.
Lord revived the a.k. character
last fall for Vick 6nd is due to put
it back in camphor next month.
Bob Hope's Loafing Spell
Hollywood, March 21.
Bob Hope drops off the air June
20 for a quarterly respite.
Filler will come from the east.
Pepsodent will likely retain Its
half-hour spot on the NBC red
(WEAF) link Tuesday nights. Lord
St Thomas, agency on the account,
is scouting ■ around for a program
pinch-hitter.
Agency at first had considered re-
placing Bob Hope with Milton Berle
during the former's 13-week vaca-
tion, but later decided that It
wouldn't be good policy to pit one
comic against another.
USED TO SHAKE
Talent Chiselers Still At It —
Have Discovered That
Threat to Make Adver«
tisers Party to Action Em-
barrasses Everybody
LOTS OF NERVE
'Cut us in or we'll sue the spon-
sor and spoil the deal.' This is the
blunt gist of what chiseling 'agents'
have been pulling on radio talent
with Increasing frequency in New
York the last several seasons. It.
amounts to collecting a booking
commission without performing any
actual service, or being in any way
responsible for the closing of a con-
tract This bare-faced tactic is again
reported in connection with pending
deals for summer ' substitute pro-
grams.
What the shake-down agent relies
upon Is (a) the average sponsor's
instantaneous retreat from any
threat of Involvement In talent liti-
gation (b) the talent's eagerness to
close a deal and willingness to pay
off tmdeservedly, rather than risk a
nuisance Injunction, or other forms
of legal harassment.
Most of the shady gents who try
this sort of thing don't hang around
long, They rapidly become poison
to everybody. They do, however,
manage on occasion to extract their
weekly graft for the life of a con-
tract imder the 'or else' system.
They know, and exploit, the panic
that grips ' businessmen when plag-
iarism, infringement, ownership
feuds or other forms of theatrical
actions at law bob up during ne-
gotiations. Cunning trick is to make
the sponsor a party to the suit (with
or without publicity). It is simply
necessary to serve papers on an in-
experienced radio advertiser to
tlirow the board of directors into an
uproar. The embarrassments and
ugly suspicions that follow are more
than likely to chill any pending deal
of which the chiseler has gotten
wind.
Aeent's Inlrodnction'
Of course the agent always pro-
fesses to have 'introduced' two peo-
ple who later met two other peo-
ple and started the deal. The link
may be vague, but with plenty of
nerve and no conscience the chiseler
makes the most of it. When the vic-
tim refuses to acknowledge his
'debt' and sign a paper guarantee-
ing cash payments, the chiseler as-
sumes an injured air and threatens
to sue the advertising agency and
sponsor as 'conspiring' to cheat the
cheater. This approacli is rriade to
the talent primarily.. Orchestra
leaders are the easiest to work it
on, but any radio personality getting
$1,000, or lietter, a broadcast may be
victimized, especially if desperate to
get the program that's involved.
One of the most notorious cases in-
volved a radio personality who first
heard of a probable contract through
a tip from a disinterested friend.
This was a week or more before
three different chiz gents turned up,
one by one, to claim, each in turn,
that the contract hinged on their
efforts and good will and could be
killed by their ill wUl. Radio star
paid off 10%, 5% and 2%%, each
agent getting less as he applied
the pressure. The unwarranted
17V&% chisel was the difference be-
tween profit and loss. The person-
ality only took the radio account be-
cause it would help obtain theatre
Ijookings at better prices.
What makes the whole routine of
talent deals in radio so invidious Is
that there are legitimate cases of
injured parties. These legitimate
cases seldom obtain any redress be-
cause, unlike the shake-down boys,
they won't stoop to the methods of
the latter. They merely grumble
and write a few letters and get no
place.
36 Hillbillies Into Cincy Local
At Special Union Scale of $40
Weekly; Important Radio Move
Times Change
A grafting talent booker of
the glad-bad days of early net-
work radio once pocketed an
Illicit $14,000 in a single year
from a radio personality. Last
week the grafter, now washed
up, tried to borrow $10 from the
same radio personality.
'You got enough from me,'
was. the unsympathetic turn-
down.
STARPARTSFOR
AMECHE OFTEN
COMPUCATE
Because Don' Ameche's contract
with Chase & Sanborn calls for him
to have the biggest male part in any
dramatic sketches on the Sunday
night program, considerable diffi-
culty ensued over preparations for
Maurice Evans' appearance on the
show last Sunday night (19).
Shakespearean actor who is current-
ly starring In 'Henry IV at the St
James, N. Y., wanted to do scenes
from 'Hamlet,' another of his noted
portrayals, but the agency men
pointed out the Ameche contract
would make that difficult to arrange.
At this point a wag suggested that
Evans play Polonius in the Closet
Scene, in which he'd behind a cur-
tain and his only line a groan when
Hamlet stabs him. Evans finally
read portions of his 'Richard II,' with
Ameche playing Bolingbroke.
Previous week's stanza included a
briefie from 'Victoria Regina,' with
Helen Hayes. Vincent Price, who
created the role of Prince Albert on
Broadway, played the brother Ernst,
while Ameche did the Albert part.
Camel Smnmer Sub Up
Eddie Cantor starts on his 13-week
vacation from Camel after the June
12 broadcast Question of Benny
Goodman continuing for the same
account is due to come up the mid-
dle of next month (April), Good-
man's contract runs out at about the
same time.
The reports from Goodman head-
quarters are that the ' bandman
Cincinnati, March 21.
A scale for hillbilly musicians,
newly admitted to Cincy local No. 1,
\merlcan Federation of Musicians,
is being worked out by Oscar F.
Hild, president of the union,- and
managers of radio stations here.
Agreement is planned to become ef-
fective April 1, according to Hild.
Weekly salary proposed by the union
Is $40, which Is three-fourths of the
minimum pay for regular musicians.
Maximum wage for latter group is
$85. Variance of the regular scale is
based on the amoimt of each station's
annual revenue.
At present there are 36 hillbilly
guitar, fiddle, banjo anc( harmonica
players employed by the five Cincy
stations. Most of them have been
receiving 'more than the tmlon's con-
templated figure. Under the new
set-up, however, there would be less
working hours, including time on
the air and rehearsals.
Changed plan will bar the gates to
Itinerant hoedown muslkers whose
custom It has been to broadcast for
a fan build-up and announcements
of their personal appearance dates
at theatres, auditorliuns and schools
in primary areas, without expecting
pay from stations using them.
WLW TO FILE
POWER APPEAL
Cincinnati, March 21.
Jim Shouse, general manager of
Crosley's broadcasting division,
stated Monday (20) that WLW will
begin legal steps early this week for
restoration of super .power. Duke
Patrick, the firm's chief Washington
counsel, was Instructed to file pa-
pers in the Federal District Court
of Appeals at his end.
Decision for immediate action was
reached over the week-end by Powel
Crosley, Jr., president 'and Charles
Sawyer, head of his general counsel,
at a powwow In Florida, where Cros-
ley has been watching his Cincy
Reds in training.
AFRA Signs Don Lee
Los Angeles, March 21.
American Federation of Radio Art-
ists last week signed a sustaining
contract with the Don Lee network.
Pact is the same as that already in
effect with NBC, CBS and Mutual
NOW IN EDITORIAL AND
ADVERTISING PREPARATION
86
VAREBTT
BADIO
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
'OPEN HOUSE' AT ALL RADIO STATIONS
WEEK OF APRIL 17; SEEKING GOOD WILL
Big Splash to Start Combined Station • Retailer
Campaign to Preserve 'American Way' of Radio
Through Sponsored Entertainment
MUST BE UP IN LINES
Joe Lewis Hm Theory Abont Memo-
riling DUloc
Washington, March 21.
Radio's campaign to sell . the Idea
of freedom from government dicta-
tion as well as to attract business,
moves ' into high gear next month
with broadcasters, set makers and
dealers due to join hands in the first
direct appeal to the listener via the
microphone. To date, printed edu-
cational matter only has-been em-
ployed;
In trying to pioneer a new form
of showmanship, joint iwmmlttee
from the Natidnal Association of
Broadcasters- and Radio Manufac-
turers Association has mapped out a
plan which goes forth to both
branches of the Industry within a
few days. Chief feature is scheme
for both transcribed and'Uve talent
broadcasts boosting public apprecia-
tion of the 'American 'system' and
the quality of service rendered by
stations and networks.
Radio open house throughout the
nation; is carded for the week of
April 17, with.. operators being re-
quested to arrange special demon-
strations and attractions which will
pull the dial-twisters into the studio
for a hypo of propaganda. ,By im-
pressing the average listener— who
in most cases is a voter— with the
benefits aiid advantages flowing
from private ownersh^ and opera-
tion, Qie two trade bodies hope to
reci-uit valuable support for their
efforts to resist pestiferous degree
of government regulation as well as
possible government confiscation of
broadcasting.
In advance of the open house per-
formances, NAB and RMA will
proposition station proprietors and
retailers to huddle for mutual bene-
fit In discussing radio promotion
technique. Broadcasters will invite
dealers to hear recorded dramatiza-
tion on the use of radio from view-
point of public, dealers, stations and
sponsors. Messages from Neville
Miller, NAB prexy, and A. .Wells,
RMA headi'Will be included.-
Snstaining Series
Big push consists of special sus-
taining shows over the three na-
tional webs, backed up by local sta-
tion features, plugging radio in gen
eral. Nets have assured NAB they
are «et to go with talent dramatiza-
tions. World Broadcasting System
currently is turning out discs, tagged
'18 hours a day,' for non-network
outlets. Other waxworks are ex-
pected to turn out similar platters.
Stations will get the records for
nominal or no cost.
Besides this general missionary
work, NAB-RMA bralntrusters are
encouraging broadcasters to copy
the methods of the press and point
with pride to individual accomplish-
ments. Linked to the theme that
this has been possible because of
freedom-, under the American sys-
tem,' station and network puffs will
be suggested as accompaniment to
unusual spot-news broadcasts, do
mestic and imported By tactful
mixing, the. planners feel sermoniz-
ing Can be sandwiched in with the
station and network Identifications.
5S,00« RetaUers
AssisUnce of th'e dealers is being
solicited. The estimated 55,000 re-
tailers are asked to placard the open
house idea, so that passers-by will
be lured by- window displays even
in case they do not chance to be
listening when station invites are
antennaed. No paid space will be
bought, but the leadihig manufactur-
'ers plan to Insert general good-will
blurbs in their own advertising
copy.
To keep the industry on Its toes,
NAB contemplated maintaining a
clearing house for promotion ideas.
Exchange sheet will acqualiit trade
association members with novel
stunts conceived .by others of the
family. Similar to Variety's show-
manship page.
Additional promotion schemes are
currently under discussion, with the
two radio groups figuring on enlist-
ing the aid of other lines- of business
— which have a .direct monetery In-
terest in radio or otherwise come
into direct contact with broadcast-
ing— to broaden the get-acqualnted
campaign. Boolclet summarizing the
Ideas so far perfected will be sup-,
plemented by sort of news-letter
rounding out the showmanship ex-
change.
Address: C/O NBC
Alton Cook, radio columnist of
the New York World-Telegram,
•writes his daily output at the
NBC studios In Radio City.
Pageboys deliver Columbia's
releases to NBC press dept.,
where they are held for the col-
lunnist
Piracy Via Recordmg
WooM Be Felony In
Proposed N.Y. Statnte
. Albany, March 21.
The unauthorized, recording, for
pecuniary gain, of any .broadcast
emanating from a station in New
York State, the offer, for sale,
lease or license of such recording, or
the possession for the purpose of
sale, lease or license of the waxing,
would be larceny, under the terms
of a bill introduced by Sefnator
Charles D. Perry, Manhattan Demo-
crat. Making such offenses a felony
is believed an effective way of
checking pirating. However, the
measure hardly would hit baseball
bootlegging this season because the
effective date Is set at Sept. 1.
"The Perry bill provides that 'any
person' recording a broadcast 'with-
out the consent In writing of the
person or persons broadcasting the
same,' offering it for sale, ete., 'is
guilty of larceny.' Also that 'rec-
ords of any recording made In vio-
lation of this section may be seized
on a warrant issued as provided by
the code of criminal procedure, and
the court or any judge or justice
thereof may, on proper cause shown,
order the destruction of such rec-
ords.'
LEW PARKER OF VAUDE
GETS SHOE ACCOUNT
Lew Parker, comedian who picked
up the vaude routine of Bob Hope
when the latter went Into pictures,
replaces Budd Hulick on the Enna
,fettick Shoe show on WABC, N. Y.,
March 25. Show Is strictly local, but
may change soon to a limited net.
Parker originally auditioned for the
spot he's taking.
Comedian's aforementioned vauda
turn goes into the Loew's Stole, N.Y.,
tomorrow (23).
Gnilbert Gibbons to NBO
Chicago, March 21,
Gullbert Gibbons, formerly radio
producer for Lord & Thomas agency,
has joined the NBC production steil
here.
Follows upping of Lloyd Harris to
assistant chief teinship of staff.
PhUadelphlB, March 21.
New radio technique is being \ised
by radio division of the Federal The-
atre Project bere. It's the creation
of Joe Lewis, recently placed in
charge of the new radio division.
Lewis, on shows he produces, de-
mands the actors memorize their
lines instead of reading them, uses a
spotlight in the studio, . employs a
floating mike, and has sound effects
produced by the actor himself. .
Knowing lines Is- Important, Lewis
claims, t>£cause the actor 'cannot
give free use of the psychic, subcon-
scious creative apparatus -If he must
use his conscious mind to read.'
Spotlights are used to increase con-
centration and minimize distraction,
while thie traveling, non-directional
mike, attached to a 10-foot pole, al-
lows better vis-a-vis by the actors.
May Broadcast Phy Baker
Program from Honohiln
For Dole Pineapple
Eddie DeLange is being replaced
by Harry Salter on the Dole show
on CBS Saturday nights. Changes
are also on the way for the vocal and
stooge setup of the program.
' Phil Baker and the rest of the cast
may have to shift their point of
origination to Honolulu this summer.
Comic's contract stipulates that he can
be called on to broadcast from the
island for four weeks.
Hinds Honey & Almond
Due for Fall Return
Hinds Honey Se Almond Cream Is
scheduled to return to a network
hookup early this fall. William
Esty agency is meanwhile lining up
a group of programs to submit to
the client
Expected that Lehn Ac Fink will
decide by May 1 on both the show
and the network. .
Tony Stanford Most Rest
Hollywood, March 21.
Tony Stanford has been forced off
Kellogg Circle by production fatigue.
Cal Kuhl filling in while Chase &
Sanborn show is east.
A. K. Spencer handled java show
in New York, and Kuhl will be un-
der assignment to produce both the
C & S and KeUogg shows starting
this Sunday (26).
J. Walter Thompson agency hop-
ing that Kuhl wIU be able to bear
up under the dual burden until' Stan-
ford recovers.
At Jolson wants to do 'Emperor
Jones'- for Lux with the agency in-
terested.
ii Advertising, as Sucli Sdd by RCA i
? ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦« M ♦ M ♦♦♦«♦♦♦< ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ « ♦♦«♦♦♦«'
Presumably typical, the forerunner
of a campaign to make listeners con-
scious of the commercial obligations
that go with the American way of
broadcasting is the following an-
nouncement interpolated in last Sun-
day's (10) RCA Magic Key program:
'In this Magic Key program we
are trading with you nearly an hour's
radio entertoinment in .return for a
few minutes of your undivided atten-
tion to what we have to say about
the products and services which RCA
has to sell. This is the way with aU
the radio advertisers who send their
programs to you over this network of
stations — hours of entertoinment in
return for a few minutes of commer-
cial announcement The attention
you give to these announcements is
the one thing which. makes possible
the maintenance of the- American
system of broadcasting.
'There are more than 700 radio sto-
tiohs in the United States. Practi-
cally all of these stations depend on
advertisers for their flnanr-ini sup.
port. We suggest you make a point
of listening closely to the commer-
cial announcements on the advertis-
ing programs, because these an-
nouncements contoin much informa-
tion of Interest and Importonce to
you, news of labor-saving devices, of
new improvements ' In products, of
new values and of new uses for old
products.'
SPOBTS WBITEBS ON LOCAL
Pittsburgh, March 21.
Information Please' type of show
has invaded the sports field here,
and program featuring fiock of local
by-line boys will hit WCAE first of
April with Victor Bre-wing Co. bank-
rolUng. Havey Boyle and Al
Abrams, of Post-Gazette; Harry
Keck, of Sun-Telegraph, and Regis
Welsh, of Press, will be used.
Diamond celebrities will also be
recruited by the sports writers to
6H In cuffo with the scribblers on
each program.
100 Leadofs by Networks
Columbia In 1938 again leads tht NBC red (WEAF) link In the num-
ber of customers to b« found among the year's leading 100 advertisers.
CBS was also up on tht red when it came to exduslv* accounts. Fol-
io whig is a breakdown of the numerical jrelationshlp between the va-
rious networks and tht lists of 100 leading advertisers for both 1038
and 1937:
Total Advertisers Network BKeloslve Advertisers
1B38 1937 19SS 1931
40 38 Columbia 17 21
35 3S NBC Red 10 . 12
28 29 NBC Blue 7 2
11 13 Mutual 1 2
Leo Fitzpatnck and John Patt Upped;
Dick Rkhards Easing for Health
Tliorwaii WRR, Stovdy
Denies City's Charges;
Latter Would Diqiossess
- Dallas, March 21.
John Thorwald, manager of mu-
nicipal stetion WRR, and the city
fathers are engaged in hot court
fight here as Thorwald seeks to keep
city from cancelling his contract,
due to expire July, 1040. City al-
leges Thorwald violated contract on
eight counts, which manager denies.
Developments in court drawing wide
public interest with city's three
dailies front paging all angles.
City alleges- Thorwald collected
$1,240 on debt owed WRR by an em-
ployee and failed to report it; that he
collected $100 weekly from man for
five years without making report;
tliat he collected $60 on an account
and failed to malce report; that he
swapped $1,400 in time to furniture
firm In exchange for furniture; that
he failed to account for funds col-
lected on a noon program; that he
broadcast 27 car dealer plugs with-
out making report; that he aired 151
announcements for jewelry house,
reporting only 70; that he collected
$800 on a variety show and made no
report
Thorwald, seeking i>ermanent In-
junction to retoin post, denies
charges, maintaining he has made all
required reports and has had boolcs
audited once a year. He added therie
were no complaints on service tlU
last Fail and that collections from
some programs were used to pay
talent — two orchestras costing over
$15,000 in last year.
Thorwald testified stotion's toke is
$60,000 a year, with city grabbing
between $6,000 and $lO,O0O without
risking a dime. His salary last year
was $5,900, he said.
JOHN CONRAD'S HIATUS
Louise Massey Act Joins WLW, Cln-
clnnall for Friday Chow
Cincinnati, March il.
John Conrad, in the WLW-WSAI
promotional department for the past
six months, took leave Saturday (18).
He is expected to rejoin the Crosley
org soon in another capacity. Vicki
Chase, classical warbler, on IVLW
for more than a year. Is another
dcpartee.
Newcomers to Crosley's 90,000-
watter - are Louise Massey and the
Westerners, formerly with the Na-
tional Bam Dance and ' other net-
work shows. Combo has been spot-
ted on the Plantetion Party show,
which airs on WLW and the NBC
Red network on Friday nights. '
Gulf Spray's Seasonal
Series with Jack Berch
Gulf Spray will resume its sea-
sonal, spot campaign- along the east-
ern seaboard and south the middle
of April, It will be a musical series
featuring Jack Berch, with the
schedule calling for two quarter
hours a week tor 16 weeks.
Young & Rubicam is the agency.
BUBNS ASB ALLEN EAST
HoHywood, March 21.
Burns and Allen have l>een or-
dered east during May and June by
their sponsor. Chesterfield.
Benefits of changed locale given
as reason for the move.
Bums and Allen are reported due
to retire from Chesterfield payroll
this summer, with. Paul Whlteman
moving from his present Tuesday
night spot to Chesterfield's Friday
night niche now containing B & A.
Detroit, March 21.
Retirement of George A. (Dick)
Richards from active participation
In the operation of WJR, Detroit,
WGAR, Cleveland, and KMPC, Bev-
erly Hills, was indicated Monday
(20) by the election of Leo Fitzpat-
riclc to the executive vlee-^resl-
dency. ' Designation was made at a
meeting in Palm Springs, Cal.,
Richards' present home. John' F.
Patt was at the same time named
v.p. in charge of public relations for
the three stotlons.
Fitzpatrlck, who retains the title
of general manager of WJR, en-
trained last week for the Coast along
with William A. AUs, counsel for
the N.Y. Central railroad, and P. M.
Thomas, treasurer of WJR and the
Detroit tiions pro-football team. It
was reported at the time that Rich-
ards would likely withdraw from the
presidency of the Lions team in fa-
vor of Alfs. Richards has been ill
for some time, and his doctor has
advised him to ease up £n his busi-
ness affairs.
26 Throwaways Carry
Coffo Radio Chatter
In Anti-Radio Detroit
Detroit, March 21.
Hadio Headlines,' a column which
William Albert Jacoby storied sev-
eral months ago as a hobby under
the byline of .'Radio Jak'e,' is now
being . carried by 26 throwaway
weekly newspapers in the metro-
politon area. Latter have a totol
circulation of over 1,000,000, tht
combined distribution of all thre*
Detroit dallies. All Jacoby gets for
his weekly column of comment is a
plug for his radio service estobllsh-
ment He at one time did radio
chatter for the Indianapolis Times
and Ster, the Cleveland Press and
the Pittsburgh Press.
The weeklies have obtoined con-
siderable advertising from Detroit
stotlons and figure that the radio col-
umn will stimulate interest among
local merchandisers.' The Detroit
dailies are still maintoining their
taibop policy toward radio columns.
A two-week contest stoged by Ja-
coby to pick the town's most popular
announcer brought 75,000 letters.
BIFFS FROM BUFF
By Bod Reed
Buffalo, March 21.
To get even with the networks for
scaring children, the women's clubs
are scaring tlie networks.
Major Lohr says radio Is not at
war with pix; Japan says the same
about China. .
won Musical Clock claims to be
the oldest show on the air at 14
years. Should be the Musical Cal-
endar. '
In Montana, stotlons are not re-
sponsible for what political speakers
say. Often the speakers aren't either.
The Shadow, who can make him-
self Invisible, has now also become
inaudibile due to the supernatural
power of the sponsor.
All members of that expensive
sustoiner, the Saturday Swing club,
have been expelled— for non-pay-
ment of dues.
Sam Hearn (Schleppcrman) back
on the Jack Benny alrer on return
from personals tour.
•yednesday, March 22, 1939
RADIO
VARIETY
87
COMMISSIONER NEH?
UIOMAN FOR FCC
LI
E
Hetirement of Eugene Sykes from
the federal Communications Com-
mission and the possibility of other
resignations has stimulated renewee
hopes among clubwomen that one ol
their number or kind may get an
appointment This idea was ad-
vanced, but not taken seriously, some
years ago. Now it is believed to be
a definitely practical poliUcal step.
Need for spectacular action to class
up the FCC and erase some of the
present sUgma, the recently renewed
criticism of children's programs and
other considerations all lend the
color of credence to the woman com-
missioner angle.
Recent political- flirtations within
New York clubwomen circles are
believed to have some relation to
this possibility.
Washington Angles
Waishington, March 21.
Speculation over President Roose-
velt's move to fill the seat which
Judge Eugene O. Sykes vacates at
the end of the month occupied FCC
watchers last week. With the reor-
ganization proposals hopelessly
stymied at the Capitol, the FCC sit-
uation Is an even more worrisome
problem for the New Dealers. Any
move to appoint a successor for
Sykes will have an embarrassing re-
action in view of Roosevelt's dedara-
. tion he is thoroughly disgusted with
the way the body Is functioning. But
If the • board is not kept at full
strength after April 1, chances of
Irritating feuds and deadlocks are in-
creased, since Chairman McNinch
can count regularly on the support
of only two of the other five mem-
bers, Commissioners Paul A. Walker
end Thad H. Brown.
Reports that Brown may step down
and revived hints that Walker will
nst be reappointed or will quit when
his term expires June 30 added in-
terest to the constant discussions be-
tween radio lawyers and broadcast
industry reconnoiterers. The veteran
Ohio Republican, who was the only
other carry-over from the old FRC
to the new FCC, is said by associ-
ates to share Sykes' dislike for the
constant scrapping and to be weary
of dodging bricks. With Sykes gone
he is thought likely to feel lonely
and follow the judge's example. Fur-
' thermore he still has a hankering to
re-enter Ohio politics, possibly with
■ view to running for the Senate
next year or taking another fling at
the governorship. Term of Vic
Donahey, Democrat, who has balked
the New Deal on various occasions,
expires in January, 1941, and the
chunge in political sentiment encour-
ages the Republicans in Ohio. Sev-
eral ambitious GOP figures are eye-
ing the senate race and it will be
Imperative for Brown — in the event
he wants to get in — to return home
and start rebuilding his fences soon.
Walker's Stains
Walker's tenure is even more
problematical. Grapevine intima-
tions that the White House will drop
him in June have been common.
Now there is talk that he wUl not
8sk to be renominated if the com-
•nish rejects his report on the tele-
phone industry, which has caused, a
serious disagreement within com-
njlsh ranks and brought much criti-
cism from the outside.
With no reUable indications of the
Piesident's attitude, more than a
dozen individuals have been sug-
gested as possible appointees. To
give a stronger New Deal flavor and
possibly prepare for the departure
ol Chairman Frank R McNinch.
logical for the chief exec to look
for a loyal administration supporter
•who could move into the driver's
seat as soon as he became acclimated.
«ie list, admittedly based on guesses
and attempts to approximate the
workings of the presidential mind
Includes:
_^ Former Senator Fred H. Brown of
•ew Hampshire; reputedly favored
'y the telephone interests; former
The 'OfFenders'
Washington, March 31.
At last week's hearings before
the FCC monopoly investigation
two women from local parent-
teacher units appeared. They
denounced kid programs.
Mrs. J..M.. Selby, of Washing-
ton, named names. She dislikes
' Tom Mix, Lone Ranger, Gang
Busters and Jack Armstrong
programs.
Rep. David J. Lewis of Maryland,
Olha D. Wearin of Iowa and William
McFarlane of Texas; Robert I. Ber-
ger, former radio director of the
Democratic National Committee and
now broadcast boss for the National
Emergency Council; Administrator
John Carmody of the Rural Electrl
flcation Administration, and several
industry luminaries.
Unlikely, in the minds of most
watchers, that anybody connected
with the operating end of broadcast-
ing will get the nod. But in view of
the furore over the disadvantages of
having persons without, some know!
edge of the industry in such a posl
tion it is felt certain Whitie House
advisors will turn thumbs down on
many names being mentioned.
Walker Denial
Strong denial of reports that he
will resign came Monday (20) from
Commissioner Walker. Formal state
ment, disclaiming rumor that he does
not want another term, expressed
hope the Commlsh will send Con.
gress a 'strong report' on the tele-
phone investigation and that legisla-
tion will be enacted insuring 'ade-
quate regulation' of the Bell system.
'The report of my impending resig-
nation is false,' Walker asserted. 'As
for the rumor from a utility quarter
that I am not receptive to reappoint-
ment because of criticism of my
handling of the Bell telephone in
vestlgation, that is utterly without
foundation.'
MILLER TOLD
TO GO AHEAD
WITHASCAP
Custard Pie on Air
DRY PROPOSAL WOULD
SLAP ALL BOOZE ADS
Detroit. March 21
Prohibition of all forms of liquor
advertising is proposed in a bill In
troduced in the Michigan legislature
by Senator Floyd E. Town, of Jack
son. Measure would eliminate the
erection of roadside liquor advertiS'
ing signs, film advertising of alco
holic beverages and even recorded
plugs for brands of spirits.
Only form of ballyhoo allowed un-
der bill would be erection of signs
on premises licensed to sell liquor.
And even those signs, would be lim-
ited to 720 square inches and under
in size. Measure would likewise
prohibit consumption of beer and
wine in public parks and amusement
places, which is now allowed.
(Genevieve Rowe on Road
Takes Week's Air Hiatus
Genevieve Rowe will temporarily
exit from all five of her radio jobs
week of March 27. Singer drops, off
to fill a week of concert dates in
Ohio opening March 28 at Dennison
U., GranviUe. Sings with the Can-
ton Syrnphony Orchestra at Canton,
March 29. She is down also for the
annual Bach Festival at Baldwin-
Wallace school June 9-10.
Five shows . she leaves for the
week are both NBC and CBS Phil-
lip Morris shows, 'Story of Song' on
CBS, 'Music for Moderns,' CBS, and
the Bach Sunday series on WOR.
Changes at Petry Co.
Edward Petry office In New York
had another overturn in personnel
last week. Norman Prouty and Mi-
chael McGuire joined the sales staff,
while Glenn Harker resigned from
the same setup.
Prouty used to be with Joe Mc-
Gillvra and Transamerlcan Broad-
casting Si Television Corp., while
McGuire left N. W. Ayer a few
months ago for the World Broad-
casting System.
Copyright committee of the Na-
tional Association of Broadcasters
yesterday (Tuesday) closed a two-
day session at the Ambassador hotel,
N. Y., by passing a resolution au-
thorizing Pre'xy Neville Miller to
open negotiations for a new contract
with the American Society of Com-
posers, Authors and Publishers. New
covenant would . become effective
Jan. 1, 1941. Miller was asked to try
to. get to an understanding on the un-
derlying issues with ASCAP by May
31 so that the committee could draw
up a report for submission to the
NAB convention in Atlantic City
July. 10.
Resolution urged that Miller seek
to have ASCAP predicate its com-
mercial fee solely on programs in-
volving ASCAP music.
Miller and John G. Paln^, general
manager of ASCAP, got together
last Tliursday (16) in the latter's
office in New York for a talk
preliminary to Monday's (20) meet-,
ing of the NAB's copyright commit-
tee at the Ambassador hotel, N.Y.
Miller outlined to Paine the scope of
the committee meeting and stated
that the group had been selected
with a view to having it represen-
tative of every strata' in the broad-
casting industry.
It was the first across-the-table
talk that the twosome have had on
the subject of thoroughly reviewing
the points of contention between the
broadcasters and ASCAP and atr
tempting to draw up a definite pro-
gram of procedure.
Adjoarn Without Action
Seattle, March 21.
Washington legislature is adjourn-
ing without completing the repeal of
the state's anti-ASCAP statute or
passing the revised law on the same
subject which had been introduced
late in the session. The revised mea^
sure got favorable action, from the
senate but the lower house side-
tracked it on the ground that it
had more important matters to mull.
Local broadcasters who did not
think the revised measure had a
chance with the Washington law-
makers, now hold that it's up to the
National Association of Broadcast-
ers to seek relief through amend-
ments to the federal copyright act.
Custard-pie slinging has been
introduced in broadcasting. Joe
E. Brown and the Post Toastie's
program (CBS) are responsible
for the innovation. Event oc-
curred on last Saturday night's
(18) instalbnent
Staged before a Hollywood'
studio audience program's antics
bad to do with a treasure hunt in
whicii a freshly baked, mushy
cake served as the prize quarry.
Just before the stanza's fadeout
Brown's stuffed-shirt employer,
'Mr. Bullhammer,' insisted that
the comic give him 'that cake in
the pan.' After a few moments
of buildup with shyness and re-
luctance the theme. Brown de-
livered. The roar from the stu-
dio audience must have nearly
blown out the tubes in the orig-
inating controlroom.
PENSACOLA-MOBILE
SOLD JOINTLY BY NBC
WCOA, Pensacola, Fla., which
Joins NBC April 30, has turned over
its national sales representation to
John H. Perry Associates.
WCOA will be sold jointly with
WALA, Mobile, on the red and the
blue links, and will also be repre-
sented in the spot field by the Perry
organization.
Arrest 13 CongUinites
For Breakmg Up YMCA
Meeting on Tolerance
Philadelphia, March 21
Some 13 members of the group
which is picketing WDAS for its
ban on Father C^ughlln were ar-
rested and held for the grand jury
last Wednesday on charms of incit
ing to riot Police testified the 13
attemoted,to break up a meeting of
the Committee for Racial and RC'
liglous Tolerance at the Y.M.C.A. It
was said they 'rushed' the hall,
heckled 'even during the singing of
'America'; shouted denunciations of
Jews and praises of Hitler, plastered
anti-Semitic stickers on walls and
tossed out scurrilous pamphlets.
Police have limited the number of
picketS'.ln front of the station daily
to two. Merely a routine measure
to eliminate congestion which was
being caused, action has aroused the
pickets to carry new signs asking:
"Who puts the pressure on the -po-
lice?'
More than 500 pickets have been
parading in front of WDAS on
Sundays.
UNA AIMARD SPONSORED
Met Soprano on La Rosa Spaghetti
Program Over Mntnal
Lina Aimaro, Metropolitan Opera
coloratora soprano, has replaced Ar-
mando' Tokatian as singer on the La
Rosa (spaghetti) program Wednes-
day nights over Mutual. According
to Commercial Radio Service, the
agency on the account, Tokatian
failed to appear for four programs,
causing the last-minute substitution
of Bruna Castagna and Carlo Mo-
relU.
Agency has voided Tokatian's con-
tract and signed Miss Aimaro for the
next five weeks, beginning tonight
(Wednesday).
Clubwomen circles in New York
were buzzing las^ week following
the events of the previous week (as
reported in Varietv), plus the de-
ferred luncheon attended since then
by Chairman Frank R. McNinch of
FCC. The latter made his customary
disclaimer of any wish to be either .
censor or autocrat, and expressed, a
desire to hasten back to the peace
and quiet of the Federal Power
Commission as soon as he 'cleaned
up' the FCC and established a three-
man body.
CHubwomen were obviously con-
fused by prevailing undercurrents of
Washington politics, industry skepti-
cism of clubwomen sincerity, and a
general feeling that perhaps they —
the clubwomen — were being victim-
ized, either from outside or from
within their own ranks. There was
a general disposition to ask - who-
wanted what; and why?
Spokeswomen insist the opposition
to children's proems Is real and
widespread and In no sense synthetic
or trumped uo. It is brought back
•by every clubwoman official who
travels into the hinterland. 'What
about children's programs?' Is the
universal question, they state. Their
complaint Is not that radio t>rograms
are necessarily bad Influences, but
that they fail to be good Influences.
There is' a growing tendency to think
radio is. mufflng Its opportunities to
inculcate 'Americanism' in th«
youthful minds.
Dahm Objects
Meantime, Vaioety received a
communication from Frank Dahm,
radio writer, bearing on this subject,
and reproduced here in full. Dahm
writes:
'As a radio writer of long standing,
and the father of five children', I
must object strenuously to Variety's
handling of the children's pro.^am
problem — if It is a problem. I doubt
very much that the clubwomen unit-
ed under the standard of the Gen-
eral Federation of Women's Clubs
represents n majority of radio listen-
ers. Despite her protestations to the
contrary — and 'methlnks she doth
protest too much' — Mrs. Milllgan is
evidently heartily in favor of gov-
ernment-operated radio, where a
minority Is to dictate what the ma-
jority will hear. Variety, as the rep-
resentative organ of the American
stage, screen and radio, should and
must realize the implications.
'Variety points 19 an Important
meeting In New York last week.
What made it important? The fact
that an organized minority was once
(Continued on page 49)
KTAB Changes Beps
KTAR, Phoenix, has switched its
spot sales representation from £.
Katz to Paul Raymer & Co:'
Station is affiliated with NBC.
Chas. McCarthy Laughs Otf Snatch
3,000 Miles Away; Stand-in Nipped
ONE-MAN STAFF BUT
WPEN SOLD OUT SCUD
Hollywood, March 21.
Belly laugh of the week in these
parts was the kidnaping of Charlie
McCarthy by a wide-awalte reporter
in New York, Deepest of the ab-
dominal chuckles was enjoyed by
Charlie, himself, 3,000 miles from
Broadway.
When he heard about the World-
Telly's famous scoop, Charlie al-
most splintered his sides laughing in
his nice, cosy vault in a Hollywood
bank." Charlie is not a road show
player. He parks himself in a little
steel-clad homestead whenever his
stooge, Edgar Bergen, goes galli-
vanting about the country. In ad-
dition to snatch-proof lock.s, Charlie
Is protected by a ?2,500 insurance
policy. ■
Victim ot the Broadway kid-
naping was one Cass McCarthy, a
woodenhead stand-in whose sole
function in life is to be snatched
by wide-awake reporters trying to
put over a scoop. A sort of come-
on for the smart journalists in the
Big City.
Through the door of his cell,
which he refused to open, even for
a Variety mugg, the real McC^r-
tiiy said:
The reports of my kidnaping are
exaggerated,-like Bergen's hair.'
Syndicate Signs Bereen
McNaught Syndicate today (Tues-
day) signed Edgar Bergen for a
comic 'strip to break about June 1.
Will be tagged Mortimer Snerd.
after the ventriloqulal pard of
Charlie McCarthy.
Philadelphia, March 21.
Increase in commercial time spld
of almost 100% since the beginning
of the year is claimed by Arthur
Simon, g.m. of WPEN. Station is
sold solid across the board from 12
noon to 12 midnight and no further
solicitation of accounts for that pe-
riod is being made, Simon said.
Sales concentration In the futune
will be on the period before noon.
Simon is sole time peddler at the
outlet, which specializes in Unguals,
since all the salesmen were let out
shortly after his arrival last sum-'
mer.
Warren Jennings Joins
Transamerk Sales Staff
Warren Jennings, has Joined tha
New York sales staff of the Trans-
amerlcan Broadcasting & Television
Corp.
He comes from the magazine field,
arid will specialize on the sale of
time and programs over WLW, Cin-
cinnati.
VIo Batner has returned from
Florida. . Frank Stanton, who has
been in charge of . CBS , sales pro-
motion in interim, departs this
week-end for the south.
«able Mawtrnt ▼ABUHT XONgOH
CBC Defers Ban m Beer ShovK
At Kddii^ of Dominioii Lawmakers
♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ MM t MMM »»»» i .
Montreal, March 21.
Parliament last week advised the
Canadian Broadcasting Corp. not to
I)Bn beer-sponsored programis in the
Province of Quebec on April 1. Hie
CBC was asked to postpone action
untn some later date.
The' Board of - Governors ot the
CBC, meeting in Montreal yesterday
(20) was scheduled to discuss the
.latest developments and to hear ap-
peals of private stations from vari-
ous parts of Canada anent other
problems. ,
As indicated exclusively in Vabiety
two: weeks ago, two members of Par-
liament, Vincent Dupuis and Arthur
G. Slaglit, last week rose to combat
proposed CBC restrictions. Opposi-
tion was partly engendered through
receipt by members of Parliament of.
thousands of signed complaints from
Quebec listeners protesting, against
the proposed cancellation of favorite
programs.
Vincent Dupuis, MJ»., led the at-
tack against the CBC policies, stat-
ing that radio advertising in Quebec
had not resulted in incrrased use of
liquor. . Dupuis presented statistics
showing that from 1922 to 1936 there
had been 'a drop of 3,516,000 gallons
In beer made here.
It was also pointed out that if
regiilations were, adopted prohibiting
beer and wine advertising Canadian
sponsors- could easily circumvent the
law by sponsoring programs over
American stations on which Can-
adian listeners can easily tune In.
Dupuis also protested that prO'
posed CBC ruling was an invasion of
provincial dvU and property rights
since it involved the wages of indi-
viduals in this province. Dupuis then
^onsored a motion that since regU'
lations prohibiting beer and wine are
entirely within the jurisdiction of
the Province of Quebec, and since
there are no provincial restrictions,
that the CBC should not pass any
such regulations either.
The Dupuis motion was not
adopted but the House of Commons
Radio Committee, by a large ma-
jority, advised the CBC not to adopt,
the proposed regulation until the
Committee can discuss the problem
further.
When Chairman Beaubien of the
Radio Committee stated that radio
was within the jurisdiction of the
Federal Government, Arthur G.
Slaght, MJ*., said that It was never
contemplated that this jurisdiction
should be exercised with regard to
property end civil rights within a
province.
Despite the suggestion from Par-
liament,, however, the Canadian
Broadcasting Corp. is still at liberty
to ban beer-sponeored programs but
whether the . Board of Governors
would take such action immediately,
in view of determined and wide-
spread opposition from press, public
and Parliament, now seems unlikely.
WALD TELEVISION
CALLED DKTERENT
h AnsfaraKa
»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦«♦♦*♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
By Eric Oorrick
Statton 2 KT. Sydney, Labor unit, \
turned In a profit of $^000 on 1938's
commercial operation. i
Dad and Dave,' one of the oldest
shows on the commercial airlanes, is
losing much of its listener appeal
nowadays through too much repeti-
tion. Ifs sponsored by Wrigleys.
Clande Flemmtaig, former musical-
comedy fave with Willlamson-Talt,
currently doing a weekly travel se-
ries for commercial 2.CH, Sydney.
Boy Fox readying to do a series of
dance band shows for the Australian
Broadcasting Commission.
Comraerelsl managements now
carefully watching every scrap of
advertising matter offered for air-
ing. Idea is to keep on the right
side of the postmaster-general's de-
partment '
ENGINEERS TO HUDDLE
IN STOCKHOLH, 1940
Washington, March 21.
Platform' which American dele-'
gates will put forward at the Stock'
holm session of the International
Consulting Committee on Radio
(C.CXR.) next year was started this
week imder State Department .. au-
spices. Preliminary discussion of the
topics likely to be taken up at the
fifth international parley, tentatively
docketed for June, 1940, was open to'
all comers. Delegates will not be
designated until later, but govern-
ment engineers are getting the tech-
nical data and views together.
Questions down for consideration
are all highly technical, relating to
standards which will Improve Inter-
national operations and insure great-
er coordination In regulation. Range
from methods of checking receiver
selectivity to width of various bands.
Standardization of yardsticks and
agreement on terminology is the
prime objective. American inter
ests were afforded chance to explain
what standards they think this coun
try should suggest to the other na-
tions.
Kaltenb<»m Kickback
Montreal March 21.
Canadian newspapers attacking
the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.
for carrying the K V. Kalten-
bom comment on Chamberlain's
Birmingham speech were this
week reprimanded by Gladstone
Murray, general manager of the
CBC, for printing erroneous re-
ports. Murray states that the
CBC had no hookup with Co-
lumbia, and that Kaltenborri's
brief talk was aired oVer pri-
vate stations affiliated with CBS.
George McCullagh, publisher
of the Toronto Globe and Mail,
who was recently barred from
using the government network,
had blasicd CBC for giving a
'German-American' commentator
free time on the Canadian net-
work to express his opinion of
the Chamberlain address.
The Toronto Telegram then
commented on MeCullagh's state-
ment and attacked the CBC for
giving Kaltenbom an 'opportu-
nity to muddy the waters be-
tween Britain and the United
States over a U. S. network. It
is shocking that such remarls
should be.brougjit over 'Canada's
national network to Insult the
intelligence of the Canadian
people. If it is the idea of the
CBC that United States inter-
vention is necessary to interpret
Britain to this country, it is ob-
viously time for a change of
management of Canada's na-
tional radio system.'
■The CBC pointed out that the '
two outlets of the CBS in Can-
ada, CFRB, Toronto,, and CKAC,
Montreal, carried Chamberlain's
speech through U. S. facilities
with an explanatory interpreta-
tion by Kaltenbom.
Talis No Qiances on Royalty
LomIob Calliiig
BBC announcer, Lionel Gamlln,'
promoted to permanent emcee for
variety department productions.
Early Charles. Chaplin classics will
be televized on his birthday, sup-
ported by piano atinosphere as In
silent days.
•Prbener of Zeoda' slated as next
BBC Sunday night chapter play,
opening April 2, Robert Douglas and
Milton Rosmer playing Rudolf and
Col. Sapt, respectively.
Ttebrese back on the air with his
band, vocalists and comedy team,
after 'vacation' of nearly five months.
But Indie Stations Think Local View* Should Be
Consulted by CBC
♦ ♦ MMMH »♦♦*♦♦♦♦♦- ■
Reglna, Sask., March 21.
Indie stations,' particularly on the
prairies, are a bit dismayed by pros-
pect ahead for visit of King George
'VI and Queen Elizabeth. CBC has
announced itself responsible for all
broadcasting.
Regulations say CBC reports of
king's doings may be optional to
supplementary stations, but those on
CBC chain must take without ituy
fadebuts or changes; no commentary
prior to or after, ho commercial
spoasorsblp of programs for IS min-
utes before any wherein King speaks,
no greetings or spot announcements
of a commercial ifature to be made
their majesties. No indie station an-
nouncer can describe any part of
ceremonies attending King's visit to
cl^ without arrangement with
CBC Official announcers will be in
charge of T. O. Wicklund and R. T.
Bowinan.
CBC plans two crews of announc-
ers to tour coimtry with king. Also
auditioning, via transcriptions, local
station announcers in descriptive
broadcasts lust In case.'
Comment of western execs Is
acrid. Complain visiting announcers
won't know cities .they operate in,
places of interest, etc., bound to in-
terest local listeners; nor does it
allow scope for individual effort by
stations. Another plaint Is loss of
revenue, with schedules subject to
change without notice whenever
CBC elects to broadcast from some-
where.
Coa^ken Hal Jones and Jock Mc-
Kay have new act called Yorky and
Scotty. McKay is WiU Fyfle's
twother-in-law.
Gordon Crier, BBC variety pro-
ducer, going on loan from London
to Midland Re^on for three months
in mid-April,, operating at Birming-
ham station.
VonkMi Harris, script writer,
dotted lined by BBC on "a 12-months
producer's ticket.
Wald Radio Television Labora
torles. Inc., of New York, has re-
ceived a charter from the secretary
of state in Albany to manufacture
U.S. receiving sets and other related
equipment It's basing its opera'
tlons on patents awarded to George
Wald, sound transmission and recep.
tlon inventor, who claims a revo-
lutionary method of sending pro
grams' over hundreds of mUes .of
territory by 'mixed frequencies.'
The Wald tele receiver is > to be
BttAched to any ordinary radio set
with the two ^chronlzed by means
of inexpensive mechanism.
BEODSSIA REP ON WWSL
Commissioner for. the Southern
Rhodesiaii (Africa) ' . government
Starts a' dramatic series over 'WWRL,
Woodside, L. I., next Friday (30) to
plug tlie former's exhibit at the New
York World's Fair. CTyde Irvine,
who doubles as p.a. for the exhibit
authored the scripts which deal with
the lives of David Livingstone,
Henry St&nley and Cecil Rhodes.
Concession includes a replica of
Victoria Falls, and it is this spec
tade that the broadcasts will try to
seU.
Hoddles are still taking place be-
tween commercial and national radio
operators and. Australian Performing
lUghts' Association covering reduc*
tlon of fees on all musical numbers.
md mmm is
us; SAYS MEXICO
Mexico City, March 21.
Mexican government has started
to plug a good neighbor policy of its
own over the air. Message Is di-
rected to the prospective American
tourist trade.
Series, framed, to build up friendly
feeling between the Mexicans and
their northern neighbors whose va<
cationing element would help Mex-
ico a lot this summer, is broadcast
Thursday nights, 11 to 12, EST, over
XEDP and XEXA, Mexico City,
and XENT, Nueb Laredo. Program
is tagged 'The (3ood Neighbor
Hour.'
BBC 40-minute fiookup with Poste
Parisien on eve of state visit of
French president to London; Grade
Fields and Louis Levy's orchestra
here will balance with Maurice Che-
valier and Ray Ventura's Colleglens
in Paris. .
Ten years ago, this month, the
BBC stated it would never again an-
nounce the names of artists appear-
ing in the broadcasts of plays.
BBC has a library of 75,000 gramo-
phone records. They have an Inter-
national exchange of these discs,
handling 300 of them weekly.
Duke Ellington's band, playing in
Columbia's studios. New York, will
be relayed to this country.
Alfred Pembcrten, Ltd., acting for
Cerebos, Ltd., has given an IBC re-
newal for another series of Bisto
quarter hours on Radio Normandy
Sunday mornings.
Television, Glutton for Spectrum Room,
Continues First Rights On 19 Channels
Wasttlngton, Marcl) 21.
Preservation of frequencies
blocked off for television use was
declared imperative last week when
the Federal Commimicatlons Com-
mission approved modifications of
the allocation scheme covering the
spectrum above 30,000 kc, adopted
18 months ago. Protests from sev-
eral other services led to a- review
which essentially reaffiirmed the ear-
marking of -medium and ultra high
frequencies as far. as various forms
of commercial broadcasting are con-
cerned.
To ihe objections that a dispro-
portionate amount of the spectrum
has been set aside for possible visual
operations, the commlsh declared
that the characteristics of television
require advance planning and that
image transmission to the home ajp-
pears possible only by radio. Pri-
ority consequently must be given
visual experimenters, with only the
needs of the government and the
public safety services more Impor-
tant
Effect of latest decision is to maih-
tain 19 channels— each 0,000 kc wide
— for visnal use but to permit other
types of operation, subject to imme-
diate withdrawal of permits If con-
ditions necessitate such action, on
three of the bands. General or spC'
cific research of other kinds accord-
ingly wiB be allowed on the 162,000-
168,000 kc, 210,000-216.000 kc, and
264,000-270,000 kc berths, provided no
interference Is caused to any visujil
tr£.nsmitter and subject to permit
cancellatloa
As for aural broadcasting in ra
dio's attic, the commish made only
a few changes, in its original dlstri
buUon formula. The 76 channels
to in Faesimiie
Washington, March 21.
When two autliorized plants
are put into operation, 10 broad-
casters will be dabbling in fac-
simile transmission, according to
latest FCC check on outstanding
experimentation permits. List of
stations authorized on March 1
shows only three are being main-
tained by newspapers
Using medium-high frequen-
cies, the plants mostly are oper-
ating with low power. Only two
of the group— WBXUJ, Cincin-
nati, and W2XR, Long Island
City — have 1. kw. List includes:
Bamberger Broadcasting Ser-
vice, New York; Crosley Corp.,
Cincinnati; Detroit News;- St
Louis Post Dispatch; St. Louis
Star-Times; Radio Air Service
Corp., Cleveland; Radio Pictures,
Long Island City; Sparks-With-
ington Co., Jackson, Mich.;
WBNS, Columbus, and Yankee
Network, Sargents Purchase,
N.H.
between 41,000 and 44,000 kc re-
served for sound and facsimile were
not disturbed, nor did the order af'
feet the channels under 41,000 kc
slated for broadcast use. 'The frc
quencies between 142,000' and 144,000
kc Initially tagged for broadcasting
appear to be more urgently heeded
for aeronautical operations, so the
commish shifted broadcasting from
this region to the 116,000-118.000 kc
area previously slated for amateurs.
In addition the commish by its modi-
fication staked out 12 channels for
broadcasting between 132,000 and
140,000 with only small changes.
Although the television assign-
ments represent 74.5% of the fre^
quencies not set aside for the govern-
ment, the commish asserted this pro-
portion is not excessive. - Little sym-
pathy was shown for contentions that
research so far has failed to Indi-
cate that visual operation is close to
practical realization, with the com-
mish noting that difficulties con-
fronting television experimenters are
more complex than those in other
branches, that general participation
is limited by the high cost and that
numerous important problems are
unsolved.
With basic policy up in the air,
FCC has meanwliile turned two
pleas for experimental tickets for
television plants over to the special
three-man committee pondering
adoption of standards tor visual ser-
vice. Long delay looks inevitable,
in view of inclination to decide
whether to adopt a particular system
at this time before granting many
more permits.
Sidetracked applications are for
kw outlets projected by Crosley
Corp., Cincinnati, and Don Lee Sys-
tem at San Ftancisco. Pacific Coast
outlet would operate on 42,000 —
56,000 kc and Crosley plant on 50,000
to 56,000. Prospective operators
want to measure public reaction and
get an idea of the type of images
desired by dialers, rather {han con-
centrate on technique. Some ap
paratus research would be carried
on incidentally, with, the primary
purpose the collection of data for use
in building programs to guide the
industry when regular service Is in
augurated.
Mexico Comiiig
Through Wtth
Havana Visa
Washington, March 21.
Assurance that the Mexican legis-
lature will rubber-stamp the North
American broadcasting pact— paving,
the way for reallocation of nu-
merous U. S. stations and ending
trouble from the border transmitters,
—is expected momentarily at the
State Diepartment
Promise which will allow the
chief accomplishment of the 1937 .
Havana conference to go Into effect
early next year has been given in
informal fashion and through round-
about channels, it was learned this
week. Official notification that
Mexico will subscribe to the pact Is
due this wedc.
Hints of favorable- action by
Mexico came recentiy from Alfonso
Gomez Morentin, the Mexican min^
Ister of post and telegraph, who con-
ferred quietly with Commissioner T.
A. M. Craven, chief of the American
delegation to the Cuban parley and
is. credited with having been re-
sponsible for working out the plan
to end international interference on
the continent Morentin infc^'med
Craven that tiie Mexican authorities
now realize It is in the best interests
of all 'signatories to put the agree-
ment into operation and said the
senate will be told at its next ses-
sion of the official sentiment
'While Canada, Cuba, and the U..
S. have Hancocked the papers,
Mexico has delayed, presumably be-'
cause of pressure from. the border
operators. At its 1937 session; the
senate passed over the treaty, with
no explanation given. Under the
terms, actual ratificaition by three
countries and a binding promise
from the fourth is necessary before
any news to carry out the reshuf-
fling which will cause the bulk of
U. S. transmitters to take new' spots
on the dial.
BBC'S DON MUNRO
TO CHIN WITH SELDES
■ ass:
Donald Hunter Munro, television
production manager for British
Broadcasting, arrives in New York
shortly to spend four weeks with
Gilbert Seldes, CBS director of 'ex-
perimental television.
Munro joined BBC In 1926 and
later became production asst to.Val
Glelgud. He assumed the television
post when BBC went into that field.
Wednesday, ^larch 22, .1939
VARIETY
39
For
RADIO SHOWMANSHIP
We are proud to announce
The reunion of a team of successful advertising-trained
Radio executives with a comprehensive and practical
experience in all phases of Radio Broadcasting.
DON STAUFFER
(Formerly Vice-President
in charge of radio at
Young & Rubicam, Inc)
has become associated with
BILL STUHLER
m our
Radio Division
A. and S LYONS. INC.
NEW YORK LONDON HOLLYWOOD
40 VARIETY
RADIO REVIEWS
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
GEORGE JESSEL
With Dick Himber orchestra, Mary
Small, Ernest Cahpell, Sam Carl-
ton '
30 Mlns.
BEID'S ICE CREAM
Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
WJZ-NBC, New York
(Pedlar & Ryan)
After a considerable absence,
George Jessel has a radio series
again (was last on Mutual's co-op
program in 1937), and he wiU also
m.c. the Vitalis program starting in
a few weeks. His icecream show
was nice spoofing-slnging-dansapat-
ing as laimched last week. Jessel
remains, as ' always, an attractive
personality, likable and witty.
His comic uncle and the custom-
ary phone conversation with his
mama is included. Gagging runs to
broad tiiemes imposing no burden
on anybody's comprehension. Most
listeners should like it.
A question might be raised if Dick
Himber's music isn't neglecting the
indispensable rhythm necessary for
youthful appeal. He has good men
and . embroidered arrangements, but
in the fuss and feathers the rhythm
gets a bit neglected. Against this.
It may be that the icecream sales
slant is aimed at the family adults.
Land.
Leo Fitzpatrick, general manager
of WJR, Detroit, has been elected a
member of the advisory board of the
Salvation Army. Henry T. Ewald,
P' ez of Campbell-Ewald agency, was
chosen first v.p. of board.
•CHALLENGE OF TUKON*
With Benny Kyte's Band, John SUele
Drama
15 Mlns.— Regional
Sustaining
Tues.-Thnrs.; 6:45 p.nk.
W.xyz, Detroit
George Trendle's 'Lone Ranger'
idea gets another transplanting— this
time in the Yukon country during
the Klondike gold rush. The Cana-
dian Mountie hero of 'Challenge of
Yukon' (Sergt. Preston) rides no
horse as does the 'Ranger'; drives no
auto as does the 'Green Hornet;
rides no train as does the 'Secret
Agent,' but trods behind a team of
huskies and sleigh.
Like the 'Ranger' and his aide,
'Tonto,' Preston skids over icy wastes
with Pierre, his trusted guide, and
'King,' his capable dog team leader,
to bring justice to the northlands. ^
New 15-minuter is nicely enacted,
well written. For the lovers of ad-
venturous tales of the north country,
it's well fortified. John Slagle is the
commentator, and Benny Kyte's stu-
dio orch provides the interludes.
Pete.
JOHNNY LONG'S ORCHESTRA
30 Mlns.
Snstalning
Fridays, Midnight
WBEN-NBC, BofTalo
Smooth 'hotel type' band is Johnny
Long's, now dispensing dansapation
in the Stalled. Unit is stylized to a
certain extent by the iinobtrusive
introduction of sax trills Into in-
verted megaphones. This gives the
band a dJstlnguishinf mark with-
out the necessity of dlstortlne melo-
dies or resorting to outltandisn high-
jinks in a search for the unusual.
In session caught femme vocalist
Helen Young gave out pleasantly
with 'Sing for Your Supper* and
"Cuckoo in the Clock,' Jack Edmond-
son put some throbs in 'I Get Along
Without You Very Well' and Paul
Harmon volunteered 'Gotta Get
Some Shuteye' in snappy fashloa
Band eschews gutbucket, but the
version of 'Darktown Strutter* Ball'
offered in this set was lively enough
for some fast terplng.
'Songs by Long* tag was men-
tioned at opening and closing and
is, of course, aimed at the current
rage for pose/ in slogans. (Swing
and sway with Sammy Kay, listen
awhile to the Dick Barrie style, etc).
Maestro, himself, said hello and
foodby, but there was no attempt to
o more than that Neither did the
broadcast take any special cognizance
of his left-handed fiddle playing. At-
tempts seems to be to give easy, 11s-
tenaole and recognizable music with
and without words. That job is well
done. Reed.
FOLLOW-UP COMMENT
Dorothy Parker wasn't funny on
'Information, Please' last Tuesday
(14) and Clifton Fadiman wasn't
gracious in calling attention to the
fact. In prodding 'why don't you
say something clever?'— or words to
that effect— he certainly wasn't mak-
ing her glow with self-confidence.
No doubt she was acutely diffident
to start with, radio being for the
family trade and, generally speak-
ing, Parkerisms being for the stags.
It bore out the Canada Dry programs
unhappy inability to find a lady ad
libber.
Fadiman, incidentally, was remiss
in hailing the bright and right guess
on the tricky question using the
word 'transpire.' His voice con-
veyed an impression that the an-
swer was wrong.
Tallolah Bankhead appeared on
the Kate Smith hour last Thursday
(WABC-8 p.m.). According to the
brief bit written for her by Dorothy
Parker, Miss Bankhead was carrying
the torch for lost love. Listeners
couldn't deny that It was drummed
into them for the entire length of
the monolog. Thing was labelled
•Sentiment' It revealed the inner
thoughts of - a jilted gal rambling
around town in a cab while trying
t* forget
Miss Bankhead seems excellent air
material. Het throaty voice regis-
ters. She handled the Parker, skit
in a manner so real at times it must
have made those who heard a bit
squeamish at being allowed in on a
disappointed lover s inner thoughts.
It was that intense. Writing, of
course, accounted for no small part
of the impression. Started easily
and reached a crescendo midway
with the oldie about the wheels re-
peating a phrase, then eased off.
IntentionallT or otherwise,, it was
neatly ironical to have the heavy bit
foUow a vocal of 'I Cried for You' by
Miss Smith.
Beatrice LiUle's bit with Agnes
Moorehead for Walter O'Keefe
(Thursday 10 p.m.) was a between-
the-acts quickie for Miss Lillie
and nicely done in the usual Lillie
style. She rushed over between
turns ol 'Set to Music' at the Music
Box tbeatre to go on the air, the
CBS playhouse airing the program
being across the street from the
theatre,
Guester started out on a whacky
note. O'Keefe and his aides sup-
posedly spieling Miss LlUie's prog-
ress across the street in horserace-
calling style. Once at the mike she
settled down to an exchange of digs
and comments with Agnes Moore-
head. Idea was -the latter's starring
in a show which just had had its first
night, Miss Lillie- being a backstage
visitor. After pulling Hxe show and
its cast apart it turned out the
comedian had been attending a bur-
ley show next door. Miss Moore-
head was neat and properly exas-
perated as the foil of the piece.
O'Keefe got in fast' comitaercials
during the aforementioned race
across- 45th street. Bit was done
with motorcycle escort OTCeefe re-
vealing that speed of cop's bike could
only oe attained with his sponsor's
gasoline.
Brooks AtklnsoB, drama critic of
the New York Times, went on the
air Sunday afternoon (19) to intro-
duce a condensed version of 'Cyrano
de Bergerac' over WJZ, N. .Y. He
batted for Bums Mantle, the N. Y.
News reviewer, who is west on a
lecture tour, and said he had no
thought of seeking a commercial
radio tieup.
Atkinson gave some Interesting
sidelights on the writing and history
of the French play. He talked
rapidly. In fact he seemed too hur-
ried, but his diction was okay.
Johnny Messner's Music Box
rhythms from the Hotel McAlpin,
N. Y., rates well up among the late
hour sustaining bands. Now in its
21st month at the hotel's Marine
Grill (longest run in N. Y. since
(Seorae HaU's exit from the Taft
Grill), the crew sounds like a larger
complemented outfit over the air,
thou^ made up of only nine pieces.
Comes over as a smooth, non-blast-
ine bunch eas/ to listen to.
Backs up with okay novelties such
as the tinkling of a small piano
(baby's plaything) In addition to
the music box from which the band
derives its tag. Small piano is keyed
by the band's piano player who also
handles the music box. Latter also
does an occasional vocal. Jeanne
D'Arcy . does 'em regularly and
ethers as an able appendage.
George Combs, WHN's answer to
Kaltenborn, got his teeth into some
real meat the night things started
haopenlng big in Europe. Carrying
on for dear old Penetro nosedrops.
Combs was upstage like* a tenor go-
ing into his main aria. He emotion-
alizes lavishly, volubly, sensationally.
It's melodrama, exciting and atten-
tion-demanding, if not necessarily
respect-commanding. If war comes,
this guy can get recruits.
WOB-Mntnal resumption of long-
waving various recordings of for-
eign shortwave news broadcasts
(originated last year at the time of
the JAunteh ihot. apday continues to
mak« an able contribution to the
news-special events category. Per-
haps almost as good as the idea Is
the placement of the platters directly
behind the 11 p. m. news broadcast,
affording a neat tie-in of themes.
First of the resumed recordings
(21) caught government news ver-
sions as ethered from Italy, Hungary,
Germany, Russia, France and Po-
land. On the whole, audibility was
as good as could be expected from
shortwave stuff— especially European
shortwave where the separation of
wave-bands is less than necessary
for avoiding cross-talk. Subject
matter of the foreign broadcasts, of
course, needs no comment and WOR-
Mutual wisely (and carefully) gives
it none beyond reminding strongly
that the stations in Europe are gov-
ernment-owned, and hence can dish
out such biased palaver in the guise
of news. -German stuff by all odds
took the cake for whacky angles,
whilie the Italian seemed surpris-
ingly restrained to U. S. ears. Polish
and Hungarian commentators talk a
brand .of English too guttural for
usual consumption, while the Ital-
ian, French, . German, and- Russian
(given by a femme) are quite Ox-
ford, and quite palatable.
Lura and Abner are currently
enmeshed in a fictional breach of
promise suit Lum on Monday night
(20) chopped off the long limb on.
which he had perched by trying' to
fake a broken leg to win the jury's
sympathy. Plaihtlffs lawyer framed
him by egiging. the gal's pa on him,
and Lum dropped his crutches to
run from the court in terror. All
broad and obvious stuff, but shrewd-
ly calculated to touch the team's spe-
cial audience.
Postum used fairly long commer-
cials fore and aft One plugs the
'coffee-nerve headache' angle, while
the- other explains how the kiddles
can -be cajoled into gulping their
milk if it's served in Postum.
Amos V Andy are still keeping
the ball in play along accustomed
lines. Monday night's (20) session
had Andy getting ready to be mar-
ried, with the Kingfish and Henry
■Van Porter maneuvering to sell him
a trust fund. It all had a familiar
ring and was sligMly on the talky,
uneventful side, but had a couple
of good cracks. Remarking that his
fiancee was seeing all her old flames
to say goodbye, Andy observed that
she was on a sort of farewell tour.'
Much of the discussion centered on
the Kingflsh's efforts to explain a
trust fund to Andy.
Campbell's inserted enough word-
age for its mushroom soup to bring
a dish of it to a boil.
Clyde Beatty guested on the Eddie
Cantor show for Camel last Monday
night (20), using most of the stint
to play comic in clowning sessions
with the star. Some of his insult
gags were mildly f unnv (though ob-
vious In pattern), but it seemed
strange showmanship to bring an un-
doubted feature name before the
M lOUTNUN MM INMAtW WHC R*n«
• IN tllUNII rONlAklTV IV » T9 i
IN THI HAIirOlO AHA
• M NUMHk Of NITWOM AkVltTMHI
• IN HUMIII OP NATIONAl tPOT
AOVIKTISIR*
MISTLETOE VARIETIES
Variety
15 Mins. — Local
MISTLETOE EXPRESS CO.
Saturday, 6:45 p.m,
WKY, Oklahoma City
Billed as 'The Fastest IS Minutes in
Radio' the only thing fast about the
program caught was the quickie
playlet glorifying the Oklahoma
State Highway Patrol. This was well
done. Otherwise the show dragged.
Each week the program visite a
different Oklahoma city or town
served by the express company
(same ownerhip as station) and puffs
the burg . through the usual nasal
representative of the local Chamber
of Commerce. Then available per-
sonalities from the spot do their
stuff.
Program caught carried oke light
music and songs furnished by the
Bel Canto Trio and O.C.W. String
Trio from the Oklahoma College for
Women at Chickasha. Very nice was
the string trio's rendition of ""The
Bogey Man'; group is composed of
Norris Louise King, Betty Scrogin
and Betty Higham. Willis F. Du-
crest, director of the O.C.W. Glee
Club, gave forth with MacGensey's
'Land of Degradation.' But it was
all pretty slow. Soon.
mike and then use him completely
out of his line.
Presumably Beatty, as the No. 1
lion trainer, would have some inr
teresting views and anecdotes on his
career. Certainly he's no great
sha'kes as a radio comic.
Of coarse, it Just Isn't In the cards
to please everybody with every
program. Bat this fellow listens
every mornlnf because he has the
WnC habit. He knows If he
doesn't like one show, therell be
another one along in a few min-
utes that he WILL like. And this
"WTIC" habit Inolades a. healthy
eorrespondenoe between listeners
and the station.
woriofSCimtmeK?
\WNAX
wmise!
WNAX combines good frequency —
570 K.C.— with amazing tranBmis-
sipn. It does a 50,000-watt coverage
job on S,000-waU power and rates.
Don't think . of Yankton alon&—
that's just the starting point.
Think, too, of a daytime primary
population of 3,917,000—719,500
radio homes which depend on
WNAX for entertainment, news,
maritets.
Think of primary area annual retail
sales of $891,466,000.
Think of WNAX deUvering radio
families for as low as 3.29 cents per
thousand.
For the Dakotas, and major portions
of Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska-
it's WNAX, of course.
TANITON, il. • 570 lilN|dM • CIS
Sill MTTS l.S. • IIM mm IIIIT
s»Bf J fcy THI KATZ AOIMgy
lhf.tiaJrSTHTt, SilMIMH MAIKET htNMHWEIT
* Aniy of coursBf
you can buy WNAX
in combination toith
the Iowa network
at an exceptionally
low rate.
WTl
50 000 WATTS HARTFORD. CONN
There's a big slice of Soathem
New England families who have
this WTIC habit. Otherwise we
wouldn't be doing sach a profit-
able Job for so many people with
goods to sell In this billion-dollar
market When cani we pat onr
ablUty to work, to get and HOLD
an audience '. . . for yooT
Ton're Loosy^
AND I OUGHTA KNOWI.'
"I't>c listened to your program every morn-
ing for three solid years, and I still think
you're lousy.** Those; were a listener's very
words, and we have his letter to prove it.
\redne8dsy, March 22, 1939
RADIO
VARIETY
41
TRANSCRIPTIONS CITE WOES
SIlGIUiyElOIIK
TACTICS RIIPPEO
Gerald King tells Federal
Communications Commis-
sion That SUtus Quo
Stacks Cards Against Wax
Growth
SNOOTINESS
Washington, March 21.
Transcriptions' tale of woe was elo-
quently detailed to the Federal Com-
. munlcatlons Commission last week.
Spokesman was Gerald King of Hoi-.
' lywood, a transcription center as
Well as a transcontinental network
origin point King made the point
that the networks have steadily op-
posed and bottled up the platters,
the only other principal source of
program material for radio stations.
Policies which would encourage
wider use of transcriptions would
beheflt the public materially. King,
president of the Transcription Pro-
ducers Association of Hollywood,
testified. Among them are a change
In the rule requiring stations to make
frequent explanations when using
canned programs, and adoption of
service standards for both wired and
waxed matter.
Rush for Qnantlly
Several factors hold back develop-
ment of the disc business. King as-
serted. Besides the 'stigmatizing*
FCC announcement rules, they in-
clude network hostility through fear
of a rival, inability of advertisers to
obtain desired time for recorded pro-
grams, the unions and copyright
holders, and webs' scramble for mul-
titude of outlets;
Until the last 18 months the chains
were interested in signing up only
transmitters covering important mar-
kets and isalable to advertisers. King
explained. They were willing to pay
the wire costs on this basis. Since
Mutual began . operations there has
been a rush for the most stations —
sort of quantity-not-quality view-
point—with consequent reduction in
the number of plants using platters.
Stations have been tied into the webs
indiscriminately, without regard for
their commercial value. Since they
are forced to pay the line costs these
transmitters hesitate to turn down
web fare in order to use waxed
programs.
Opposition to the practice of al-
lowing networlcs to enter the tran-
scription phase of the business was
registered, with direct reference to
the pending CBS-World wedding.
King doubted whether it was desir-
able, in the public interest, to allow
such linking. In present situations
NBC has an advantage because their
affiliates are more willing to clear
time for transcribed commercials
produced with NBC-RCA facilities.
. Also the net tries first to sell the
idea of chain operations to poten-
tial sponsors, running down tran-
scriptions.
General shootlness toward wax is
not justified, King Insisted. Doesn't
exist in England. Bias is caused by
the advance announcement that fol-
lowing program is transcribed, he
feels, but this objection would be re-
Jl iHw noD hm
i&lBtt at Wnd pmod* . . .'
And a man d Ult«ti li Iwl
Uk« Ibi otlMT pnqtmif
StVlaglttmt Ld Um morluU
fliiD coiiiPflny'
WIW YOU • CHICAGO • OCTBOIT • »AH FIIANCItCO
Radio Slalion Bepresenlatives
moved if the FCC required, identifi-
cation of the source only at the con-
clusion. Thus every program would
stand on its own feet and be judged
solely on merit
Failure of the FCC to adopt tech-
nical regulations concerning ttie
quality of feproduction is a barrier.
Conunish requires licensees to main-
tain equipment at certain standards
of efficiency, be noted, . but makes
no comparable check on the' fidelity
of programs coming over the wire or
taken off platters. Good recordings
may be played on machines in bad
condition.
King yelped aliout the NBC rule
that recordings of network programs
—even those for reference or for
sponsors — must be made by the web.
Sponsors used to get. discs from in-
die studios but now the situation is
unfair, particularly since cross-
licensing gives NBC an advantage in
the way of equipment
Disc Talent Angle
Artist bureaus are no handicap to
the waxmakers, commish learned.
Even though CBS and NBC have the
bulk of regular performers tied up,
the disc producers can obtain suf-
ficient talent Even if the webs did
not manage i)erf ormers, recorders
still would have to deal with agents.
Only possible danger is that the net-
works may raise prices to prohibitive
levels.
Wider use of transcriptions would
insure more diversification of pro-
grams, meeting objections that there
is excessive duplication because of
the number of network outlets, King
pointed out In addition the savings
would be considerable. He suggested
85% to 90% of aU operations could
be based on transcriptions, with the
networks used only for spot events
and special features of exceptional
interest But the chaiiis have such
a big Investment and the telephone
company's charges are so rigid that
restraint is imposed on the use of
platters.
Outlay for wires alone would pay
for many more hours of wax pro-
grams. For $3,000,000 the industry
could have enough transcriptions to
provide 17 hours daily and four
choices of menu. Except in towns
whether there are more than four
outlets no duplication would result
in any community.
Other advantages King listed re-
late to more explijltation of the edu-
cational possibilities of radio, wiser
economic placement of advertising
and better distribution of business.
Schools cannot standardize their in-
structional methods so all listen at
the moment when a web puts on an
educational' feature, he remarked,
sn.l it is doubtful if 25% of the po-
tential school audience hears the
chain specialties. Local stations are
too hard up to prepare their own
special educational programs.
Relating the Operations of his
group King said the association's
two processors have $210,262 invested
and turn out 2,425 discs monthly. In
1838 talent biU was $220,840 for 1,615
performers. Have 9,564 quarter-hour
programs and two libraries with
2,300 basic numbers.
mm
^0'
una
' WW ■■WW
TELEGRAM
so THAILLED
OVEPiTHE
PROeftAM
WARMESTIHAHn
(0ATHIS6AAND
TBIBUTE FROM
MY OLD Aim
MATER
JANEFROMAN
-i/teC/ A COPYRIGHTED FEATURE
,^6
of.
1^4
FEATURING
JOSEF CHERNIAVSKY
RADIO'S OUTSTANDING « ^ „ . ^
COAST TO COAST SHOWMAN CONDUCTOR ?Jri^«„«;
Mutual Network 6:00-6:30 E. ^. T.
REPRESENTATIVES:
TRANSAMERICAN BROADCASTING ft FEATURING CORP.
NEW YORK CHICAGO HOLLYWOOD
fas.
TELEGRAM
NEVER WAS
SOTHMllED
IN MY LIFE
THANKS TOYDO
AND YOUR
ASSOCIATES
GUYLOMBARiV
42
VARIETY
RADIO
Wednesdaf, March 22, 1939
Baldwin Favors Long License, Fears
Back-Handed Censorship Through
Fear-Inspiring 'Hints from Chair
Washington, March 21.
Last week was brickbat week at
the FCC chain-monopoly hearings.
(Now loolcs set for a late April de-
nouement.) Criticism of both the
government regulatory theories and
the industry's conduct, with the
Communications Act drawing sub-
stantial Are, was registered.
Freedom of speech was the topic
given most attention early in week
with Roger Baldwin, director of the
American Civil Liberties Union, and
S. Howard Evans, secretary of Na-
tional Committee for Education by
Badio, advocating steps and princi-
ples that will insure equal treatment
for all groups wanting to face tlie
microphone. General condemnation
of cllfThanger lud serials and the
discrimination against transcriptions
were condemned. Roger Baldwin
feared back-handed censorship and
echoed industry's wails about the
ex post facto dictation o'f program
quality. JjOnger licenses, with
changes in the act to eliminate
' doubt and inequities, would l>e
wholesome.
Sustatners N. S. G.
Monopoly threat lies in the oper
ating methods. Restrictive network
pacts are a damper on individual
enterpise and competition; network
policy against sale of time for con-
troversial discussions is potentially
harmful, although webs are increas-
ingly conscious of their obligations.
Baldwin noted that the practice of
putting controversies on tite air only
as sustainers limits the opportunity
for debate since affiliates are likely
to reject the wired feature in order
to present their own shows, public
events, and propaganda.
Speeches of FCC members and the
Commish letters— disguised repri-
mands and signs of disapproval —
have the effect of dictating policy to
stations, Baldwin argued. Public
chiding of Chairman Frank R. Mc-
Ninch was cited as an Indication of
improper roundabout censorship.
With the Commtsh using the back
door to blue pencil scripts, the
average licensee Is fearful of taking
a step which might bring punish-
ment later on. In noting the in-
stances of disguised censorship,
Baldwin said the ACLU never has
received a satisfactory reply to their
protest against McNinch's tut-tuttlng
over the Mae West incident
Fear System
'It is very easy to see that if we
had a different type Commission —
a purely political commission — it
would be possible by pronounce-
ments of - the Commission or the
chairman to exclude from the air by
fear of not getting your license re-
newed anjrthing critical of the ex-
isting Administration,' Baldwin com-
mented, adding tliis situation would
be a duplicate of what exists in
Europe.
Law should require three-year
licenses with revocation the only
way of exercising control over op-
erations. Burden of proof in mis-
conduct cases should l>e on the FCC,
Instead of making permit-holders
show every six months that they
have behaved.
Definition of the "public interest'
phrase also is badly needed. Bald-
win said it is impo^ible, even after
scrutinizing decisions and rulings, to
find out the principle by which the
FCC decides when stations operate
in the public Interest No way of
predicting how the cat will jump as
long as the ex post facto censorship
occurs.
He did not like the Idea , of rigid
program standards, however. Too
much patternization would be un-
desirable. The Commish might adopt
a few guides, though, like a rule
stipulating that broadcasters must
allow equal opportunity to persons
discussing controversial subjects, not
Highbrow HillbilHe*
Hot Springs, Ark., March 21.
KTHS, Hot Springs, regards
as unusual In fan mail the letter
It got recently from the Plckard
Family congratulating the sta-
tion for its late evening program
of recorded classical music. The
letter came from one of the
Mexican border towns.
The hillbiUy troupe, whi(^j!i,for
years appeared on NBC and on
major local outlets, wrote that
after quitting their evening
chore on the Mexican station
peddling patent medicines the
family hurries home to bend an
ear to KTHS' 'Good Music
Hour.'
New Hearing Under Revised Status
Unfair, Lovett Avers in Plea For
Supreme Court Interpretation
The Original Geograpliic Radio Game
New — Original — Entertaining
A "DIFFERENT" AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION SHOW
THAT HAS CLICKED!
Within one moiitlt "NAME THE PLACE" has received at much
mail as the most popular quiz program on the alp during the
first montli of its existencs.
Radio listeners from coast to coast are joining in playing
the Radio Came of "NAIVIE THE PLACE" which was in-
augurated on February 12th over a coast to coast
network of the National Broadcasting Company. "NAME
THE PLACE" can be heard Sundays 3:30 to 3:45, EST,
WEAF and Red. Tuesdays 10:45 to 11, EST, WEAF
and Red.
This highly original and effective program Is ayailabis for im-
mediate sponsorship.
* Copyrights owned by VIkIng Radio Corporation,. Washington,
D. C. The originators and writers.
Reoording availabta.
only to candidates for elective of-
fices. Liability for libel should be
removed, unless stations were a
party to the offense, and only the
spealcer In normal cases should be
accountable for injuring others.
As things stand, there is excessive
concentration of control over the use
of radio facilities. Webs have best
faciliUes, he said. He plugged the
pending bills requiring licensees to
maintain records of requests for time
and more detailed logs.
Voltaire Creed
While the organization follows the
Voltaire treed of defending the right
to say anything within reason, Bald-
win hoped the industry will go ahead
with self-regulation efforts for the
salce of improving quality and insur-
ing fair treatment for all comers. He
agreed that trouble malcers— politi-
cal, social, or religious— should not
ije allowed to use the air, but dif-
ferentiated between this idea and
censorship. Aliens who attack our
form of government, for instance,
should not be given another chance.
Self -judgment is necessary, along
with some voluntary restraints on
free speech to protect the public sen-
sibilities. Station owners should not
talce sides, he added in a rebulce for
Elliott Roosevelt — who was men
tioned by name — and John Shep
ard, IIL
Evans on Stand
The educators' familiar complaints
were varied this time, although S.
Howard Evans repeated the criticism
about favoritism for commercial op
erators. He did not demand more
assignments for educational stations
— ^which usually has been done in the
past — but wanted the Commish to
change its general concept so the
question of use of facilities would be
a paramount consideration in passing
on applications.
Free speech is limited by the idea
of licensing so fnany commercial sta-
tions, the pedagogs' spolcesman com'
plained, and imequal grants of power
amount to favoritism of the money-
makers .with drag. The system In-
vites use of economic pressure and
political pull, fostering .conditions
that may lead to dangerous
monopoly.
There Is need for some kind of
program standards, though the FCC
should not go too far, according to
Evans. Particularljr standards of so-
cial use. At present the Commish
depends primarily on technical con-
siderations In making decisions of
great social significance — such as the
denial of the WLW plea for continu-
ance of its full-time experimental
permit. He remarked the WLW re-
port was based on engineering fac-
tors, not on the vital social issues.
Philosophy of the Commish is to
consider the regular broadcast band
as' wholly commercial, Evans coni-
plaihed. - While he did not charge
that monopoly exists, he said the
danger of one is very real, due to
the allocation formula. In admin-
istering the spectrum, Commish
shows undue sympathy for networks,
which he said maintain a big lobby
and spend huge sums to keep in good
standing.
Points at BOA Lobby
Quizzed sharply about implications
of wrong-doing, Evans admitted he
has no proof of intrigue or miscon-
duct on the part of the Commish but
insisted the psychology has. been
built up that commercial operators
should have aU the breaks. He
pointed the finger at HCA, which he
said keeps on the payroll in Wash-
ington 'the best legal and technical
advisors they can possibly have for
the purpose of consulting with staff
people connected with the Commis-
sion, to try to maintain the favorable
assignments they now hold.'
As evidence of the dangers, the
educator recalled that WHA, outlet
of the University of Wisconsin, Is
seeking the facilities of WMAQ, the
Chicago NBC outlet Because clear
channels are valuable, -the big op-
erators make prodigious efforts to
keep their tickets. Lawyers re-
Washington, March 21.
Legal campaign to prevent the
FCC from holding a succession of
hearings— if it so wishes — and to
speed final determination of the
troublesome Black River Valley case
was carried to the U. S. Supreme
Court Monday (20) in first Important
radio case appealed to the top l)ench
in several years. Final arbiters were
asked to rule on the propriety of de-
cision by the District of Columbia
Court of Appeals denying an injunc-
tion which would prevent the FCC
from going over again the ground
covered in the spring of 1936 and
from forcing Black River Valley
Broadcasts, Inc. — winner of the first
bout— from having to face new is-
sues and new competition. Case is
one with far-reaching political
angles, involving a contest with the
Watertown Broadcasting Co. and
Watertown Times.
With several thousand dollars al-
ready sunk in towers and studios.
Black River outfit, through Eliot
Lovett, raised two propositions of
vital importance to the entire Indus-
try. Wants the Supreme Court to
say:
1. Whether applicant before the
tained by commercial broadcasters
won't take cases for schools, through
fear of offending clients who pay fat
retainers, he observed.
Although hesitant about making
recommendations, Evans suggested
remedies. Strongly opposed to either
government or industry promulga-
tion of rigid standards, Evans sug-
gested that 'cooperative groups' in
each community — the educators,
civic organizations, labor unions,
patriots, and chambers of commerce
— should parcel out time for contro-
versial discussions or 'talk about
pressing public problems. Would
avoid censorship by anyone.
Education on the whole has all the
opportunity to broadcast that it can
use, he conceded. Pedagogs have to
better their technique before they
can fairly ask for more facilities. But
they are alarmed about the threat
to free speech implicit in the FCC's
concept of how radio should operate,
FCC can ask Injunctions to block 'an
arbitrary, capricious and unauthor-
ized act' by the regulators.
2. Whether the Commish, 'under
the pretense of a rehearing,' has the
right to call a hearing de novo, with
different participants, prosecuting
revised applications.
Because of controversy over tha
appeal section of the Communica-
tions Act, Lovett's petition attracted
interest among the radio bar, which
has Ijeen hoping Congress would
rewrite the provisions relating to
judicial review of FCC decisions and
actions. Case presents the proposi-
tion whether there is any relief from,
acts, which do not constitute a de-
cisi&n specifically listed as appeal-
able.
Charging five errors against the
Court of Appeals, Lovett claimed
that the effect of denial of the in-
junction is to 'lea\e the Commission
free to perform any and every ar-
bitrary, capricious, and unauthor-
ized act imaginable and to do so with
impunity unless that act is in the
nature . of a decision.' Unless some
judicial check is imposed, there i^
nothing to prevent the FCC from
reconsidering — on its own motion —
any decision and holding new hear-
ings ad infinitum until the outcome
is satisfactory to politicians, he im-
plied.
Supreme Court is asked in effect
to promulgate a fair trade practice
code for the Commish. ' Hearing de
novo, with the Issues and parties
changed. Is not the sort of proceed-
ing contemplated under the 1934
statute, Lovett contends. Commish
cannot snoot the Watertown Broad-
casting Co.,'s request for rehearing
and order another session on its own
hook, he adds.
THEATBE PREVIEW FOB TIT
Kansas City, March 21.
'Fu Manchu' platter series has
been purchased by station KCMO for
sponsorship by Crown Drug Stores.
Manager Larry Sherwood, of th«
station, will have a visual preview
of the first episode at the Resident
theatre April 8.
W-J-R
THE G 0 0 0 W I L I
S T J I I 0 N
0
W-G-A-R
THE F R I E H 0 L T
S T S T I 0 N
THE GREAT STATIONS OF THE GREAT LAKES
fi C. ,.;;-.Lv, , 3 : Odd c .is". ; r, Sysic:--.
Wedueflday, March 22, 1939
RADIO
VARIETY
43
PHONEY SINGING SAM
on. With Plenty of Nerve Does
Three-Tear impersonaUon
Harry Frankel, original 'Singin'
c»m ' has been trying to nab an tel-
ler who h^bSed himself 'Singin'
ISl^'^e Barbasol Man., for three
S^^" off and on. Last few months
the guy has ^ecn more active than
^er and has eluded the combtaed
Xrts of Frankel, reps of the Wil-
ton Powell and Hayward agency
which handles him. Barbasol Ca and
toe coca-Cola Co. for whom Frankel
now works.
Sleuths have missed grabbing the
Buy. whose real name is Crawford,
by minutes Ume and again. TOey
are equipped with pictures of him.
|,en has nerve enough to tleup IomI
ndio stations that use FrankeVs
Coca-Cola transcriptions, for ex-
ploitation, as-well as getting out
targe posters proclaimuig, "Youve
heard him on the air, now see him
In person.'
■ Frankel now lives on a farm in
Indiana, coming to New York every
two weeks to make transcriptions.
Latter are used on 128 stations
throughout the country. He doesn't
do personals any more.
Unimportant Footnote
To Philadelphia Radio
Philadelphia, March 21.
Engineering department of WDAS
was called to the home of g.m. Pat
Stanton last Thursday night on an
• emergency call. Mike that Stanton
has rigged over his baby's crib, so
that its wails can be heard through-
out the house, developed a feedback
at 1 a.m. Everytime the kid cried,
the noise was so terrific it fright-
ened it to yelling even louder.
Panelman rushed up and fixed the
system but refused to stay all night
—it wasn't in his union contract
KFNF's Facsimile
Shenandoah, la., March 21.
Facsimile broadcasts will be started
shortly by KFNF in a deal set by
general chief M. H. Petersen.
Station is also readying a new
transmitter and a 650-foot vertical
tower. HCA gets the transmitter
contract.
F. C C's WASHINGTON DOCKET
MAJOR DECISIONS
Waahliurton, March 21.
MnMacliBMUa: Unlimited operation for WHAI, Greenlleld,
ohayoa because ot public need for a nlKhttlme transmitter
and record o( cooperation etatlon liaa hung up In the paat.
Inoreoge In revenupi expected from the chanee, with receipts
derived from WHAl'a network arbllatlons expected' to brine
In approximately {7,320 per year additional vrlth nichtthne
operation.
Local nicrrhanlB and other advertlsera have been unahle
to secure satlaCactory time on the station .and have Indicated
that they will Increase tboir present advertlHlnff expenaen If
WHAI In permitted to remain on the ether at nisht. Location
of Qreenfleld at the confluence of three rivere also makea
necessary a means of communication for uae In flood emer-
ecnclen, decision pointed out.
Now operating dave only with 2(« watt». on 1210 he. WHAI
will retain Itn daytime power and u.se 100 watta at night.
' Louis O. Caldwell and Beed T. Rollo represented John W.
Ralgls. licensee ot WHAI.
WublnKtoa: Power boost tor KELA, Chehalls, received
CommlBh green light after demonstrating that a atronger alg-
nal Intensity wns needed In the area and that no objection-
able Interference would be caused to outside transmtttenK
Granting of plea ivaa made contingent upon the. Inatallatlos
ot a higher and more cfflcleot antenna, or Improvements to
the present .antenna Jacking up Its minimum Held intensity to
comply with Commlsh regulatlona Boost from 500 watts to
1 kw. can be made with no expenditures other than an In-
crease In the monthly operating expenses of approximately
$40 per month. Station will remain on Its present 1440 kc.
frefiuency.
KFILA, Central Broadcasting Corp., was represented by B'^n
3. Fisher and John W. Kendall.
MINOR MISIONS
MIcfaiffAni TVOOD, Grand Rapias, and AVXYZ^ Detroit.
KlnK-Trundl« Brqadcastlnp Corp., present licensee extended
temporarily pending Cominlah action on regular renewal ap-
pllcatlone, In no event longer tlinn to May 1.
Orviron: KEX. Oreironlan Publlahlnfc Co., Portland, icranted
unlimited operation xvlth 6 Uw. Irom JJarch 24 to April 22.
Saatli llakota: ^VNAX, Tanktoo. granted renewal oC license
for period ending !?ept. 1.
Toxuh: KFDM, Bonumont Broadcasting Corp., Beaumont,
granted renewal of license to Sept. 1.
NEW APPUCAHONS
Cttliforiila; KnoW, Oakland, authority to transfer control
of corporation from H. P. Drey, S. L. Brevit, It. E. Morgan,
Charles Martin, C. V. Knemyer to W. T. Dumm. Philip O.
Lasky, Fred J. Hart, and Wallace F. Elliott, 9,S3C.6 shares
atook.
Korth ChvoIIbo: Jonas Wolland, Klnston, new relay broad-
cast experimental station to be operated on 31100, 84600. 37600
and 40600 kc, with 3 watts power, A-3 emission.
I'tah: KUTA, Salt Lake City, change frequency from 1(00
to 670 kc, Jump Juice from 100 watts to 1 kw., Install new
transmitter and directional antenna for all-tlme use.
SET FOR HEARING
Connecticut: WNBC, New Britain, Jump night power from
250 watts to 1 kw, using directional antenna system for day
tfnd Bight operation.
Hootana: KQIR, Butte, Jump night Juice from 1 to 5 kw.
(to be heard before Commlsh).
PeBBwIvanla: B. dryan Musselman - and Lehigh . Valley
Broadcasting Co., Allantown, application for voluntary assign-
ment of license from B. Bryan Musselman to I^hlgh Valley
Broadcestlng Co., a -Pennsylvan-'a corporation; WSAN, and
Lehigh Valley Broadcasting Co., Allentown, voluntary assign-
ment of license from T\'SAN. Inc., to Lohigh Valley Broad-
casting Co. (Comrhlaslona Cajte and Craven dissenting; Brown
nt-X. participating).
Texas: Brown County Broadcasting Co.. Brownsville, new
station to be operated days only on 990 kc. with 1 kw.
EXAMINER'S RS'ORT
New Yorb-PenBsylvaBla: No. no and no recommended by
Examiner Tyler Beriy on scoffle for two new stations at
Syracuse and Sallna, N. y.,..and one power Increase and ex-
tension of operating time for TVHJB, Greensburg, Pa. Results
of hearings held Xarx October convinced Berry that none
of the ro<tuc8ts was In the public Interest and necessity and
bundle ot anpllcatlons was sent to the Commlsh with recom-
mendation for denials.
Chief stumbling blocks were Interference, failure to sh6w
need for additional service and exorbitant advertising rates.
Requost of Sentinel Broadcasting Co., Sallna. for a station
to operate on 620 kc. with 1 kw., turned down by reason of
rates termed 'rather high tor the majority ot local adver-
tisers' and limitation of applicant to Its 3.6 and 3.9 mil-
livolt per meter contours by WLBZ, Bangor, He., and WTMJ,
Ullwaukee, respectively.
Nix tor Civic Broadrusling Corp. on Its plea for a 100-
watter on 1600 kc. at Syracuse, predicated on fact that two
regional transmitters already operate In the town and that a
duplication of service would result.
Severe Interference from WTMJ. Milwaukee, would' mar
proposed operation of WHJB on 620 kc wltlc 1 kw.. Berry
decided. Greonr.burg ctatlon now operates on same frequency,
but days only, with 2S0 watta. Interference would be received
to Its. G.20 mlllLvolt per meter contour and some limitation
would bo caused by WHJB's operation to other transmitters.
Berry found. Admitted, however, that need for additional
night service existed In the area.
Following attorneys appeared: Paul D. P. Spearman and
Alan D. David on behalf of Sentinel -Broadcasting Corp.;
Arthur W. Scharfeld tor Civic Broadoastlng Corp., and George
O. Sutton and Arthur H. Schoeder for WHJB.
STBICTLT PABHES AUDIENCE
Lincoln. March 21.
KFAB really believes it has a
farm audience and no other kiild.
The 10,000-watter spends seven hours
daily from 4:45 a.m. until sync with
WBBM, Chi. at 6 p.m. delivering
com by the Addle and guitar full.
Recently tied can to 10 employes,
including a quartet, and hired two
more hillies to augment the already
heavy rustic staff.
School Broadcast Huddle
Prepares Its 2d Report
Chicago. March 21.
Proceedings of the second annual
School Broadcast Conference here
have been printed up under the edi-
torship of George Jennings and are
being retailed for 25c.
Harold Kent, director of the Radio
Council for the Chicago Board of
Education, is chairman of the Con-
ference.
W. H. Voeller Resigns
William H. Voeller. has resigned
as New York sales representative of
the Aerogram Corp., maker of re-
corded programs.
He joined the firm last March.
Charles Basch. working in New
York for the past several weeks for
Aerogram Corp., has been named
eastern rep. of coast disc program-
mers.
PUSH BUTTONS LIKED
VIQiB, and WKBW Have Unlqae Bea-
son for Fondness
BuRalo, March 21.
Management of WGR and WKBW
is mildly gleeful over the increased
use of the push-button type receiv-
ers. The Lounsberry transmitters
take turns at relaying CBS programs
and tile buttons make the ^ift sim-
pler for listeners who wont to stay
with the network.
With dial type receivers the pair
'at the ends 'of the dial' were always
in' danger of losipe customers along
the dial. For instance, anyone in-
tending to shift with the web from
WGR to WKBW must dial past the
three other local stations, WBEN.
WEBR and WBNY. with always the
possibility of coming across' a good
show at one of these other notches
and staying there.
Uoyd Dennu Upped
Washington, March 21.
Lloyd Dennis, Jr., staff announcer'
and assistant program director -of
WJSV, replaces Ted Long as pro-
,'?ram topper, latter switched bade to
New York after nearly three years
in Washington.
New program chief has had thre«
years on the night staff of WEAN,
Providence, while attending Brown;
two years with WNAC, Boston; two
years with WHDH, Boston, as pro-
gram director, and a year with WBZ,
Boston.
SOCIEIT ED A mSDC
Worcester, March 21.
When WTAG was looking around
for a 12-year-old's voice for Its Lone
Ranger program, studio officials
walked down a couple of flights to
the editorial rooms of the Telegram
and Gazette, owner of the station,
and found it in the women's depart-
ment of the Telegram. It is pos-
.sessed by Marion Rogers who writes
the social column, and is somewhat
of a mimic on the side.
Massachusetts law forbids 12-year-
olds appearing on commercial pro-
grams.
Arthar Jtimcan named account exec
and Stephen Smith, production man- '
ager. of the Sidney Garfinkel agencT
in San Francisco.
The Comet Rice Mflls wrote a letter to WBT It says in few words what we
would like to tell you about our radio station. Here is the meat of the letter:
'*...we have maintained a comifitent campaign on WBT for two years. Prior
to this time, our distribution and sales were negligible. Today, Comet Rice
has 75% distribution and sells twihthirds ot all packaged rice sold in the
Southeast Not only does WBT provide dealer influence throu^out the two
Carolinas, but in addition it has materially helped us with dealers in Eastern
Tennessee and Southern Virginia. We consider WBT the most successful
vehicle for promoting a food product in the Southeast.^
Only a couple of things , we can add. First, our very conservative CBS Listen-
ing Area study indicates a population in our primary listening area (day-
time) of over two million people. And when Crossley, Inc. made their coinci*
dental telephone study, they found 81.1 % listening to WBT among Charlotte
radio homes— on a 5 day, day and night average.
Which makes WBT just about the most economical 50,000 watt radio station
in America. And— one last point: WBT is known as "the Showmanship Sta-
tion of the Nation"-'- a reputation based on imusual program originations.
May we suggest a WBT original program to boost your sales in the Carolinas?
44
VARIETY
RADIO
Wednesdajr, March 22, I939
CRAVEN DEFENDS PRESS OWNERSHIP;
DISSENTS FROM NEW DISCRIMINATION'
Allentown Stations Set for Hearing on Publisher
Plea— Issue Long Pending May Be Forerunner
of FCC Policy Shift
Washington, March 21.
Sudden revision ot long-stai-ding
regulatory jMlicy and arbitrary
adoption of principle of discrimina-
ting between different types of ap-
plicants was fieared In Industry and
legal circles this week following
FCC feud over newspaper ownership
of radio stations. Issue which has
provolced lively debate - for months
Is presented squarely in order for
hearing on. the applications for
merger of WSAN and WCBA, Allen-
town (t*enn.).
Another Commlsh split over pro-
cedure led to sharp criticism of the
majority — Chairman Frank R. Mc-
Minch, and Commissioners Eugene O.
Sykes, George Henry Payne, and
Paul A. Walker^by one of the two
dissenters. Commissioner T. A. M.
Craven. Other negative vote was
cast by Commissloaer Norman S.
Case, with Commissioner Thad H.
Brown absent and not iiarticipating.
Whether newspapers should be
permitted to own stations in situa-
tions which give them a monopoly
on methods of spreading news and
advertising Is the sole Important
question Involved in the case. Matter
comes up at a time when tlie Com-
mish majority Is sidestepping a com-
prehensive policy report— prepared
by the rules committee of Craven,
Case, and Payne — advising how the
proposition should be handled in
order to protect the public, the press,
sponsors, and broadcasters.
The l^e Is presented in .the ap-
plication of the Lehigh Valley
Broadcasting Co. for consent to ac'
quire the license of WSAN and
WCBA, two time-sharers operating
en 1,440 kc. with 500 watts. New
company would be owned by present
proprietors of tlie individual stations,
with the publisher 'of the Allentown
YOV ARE INVITED
TO LISTEN TO
THE PREMIERE
PERFORMANCE OP
ARCH
ObOLER'S
PLAYS
Saturday March 25th
NBC Red, 10 P.M. (E.S.T.)
First Performance:
'THE UGLIEST MAN
IN THE WORLD"
CaU holding 65% and B. Bryan Mus-
selman, now manager of the outlets
and licensee of WCBA, having the
remaining 35%;
Pointing to traditional position.
Craven filed a long statement giving
his reasons for voting against the
hearing and charging that the pro-
cedure is highly improper move in
the direction of policy-making. Legal
power to ban the press was chal-
ienged. Craven remarked that 240
licensees are directly linked with
newspapers, holding that every one
is entitled to be heard in the event
the Commish is considering a prin-
ciple which would prevent publish-
ers from having any stake in radio.
Craven sums up:
'1. Tlie Commission has no power
imder the Communications Act of
1934 to adopt such a policy.
'2. Even assuming the Commis-
sion has discretion In the matter,
such a policy would be contrary to
public interest, convenience, or
necessity.
'3. A hearing -on particular ap-
plications is not a proper or fair
metliod of determining whether
such a policy should be adopted.'
In his discussion. Craven defended
newspaper-owned stations for their
contributions to the art and business
of broadcasting, besides pointing out
the inconsistency in procedure and
the doubt whether the Commish has
the legal power to adopt any prin-
ciple ot this kind. If the govern-
ment intends to discriminate against
Individuals engaged in other busi-
ness, Congress should lay down the
rule, not the regulators, he con-
tended, and all parties should be
accorded equal treatment as long as
the present law stands.
In commenting on the previous
policy, Craven remarked that 35
plants were owned by publishers
when the 1927 Radio Act was adopted
and the number has greatly In-
creased, with the approval of the
regulatory bodies. Latest count
showed 238 press-owned stations,
while three newspapers — Omaha
World Herald, Phoenix (Ariz.), Re-
Dublic and Gazette; and Newport
News (Va.) Daily News and Times-
Herald— have been permitted to ac-
quire transmitters since the start of
the year.
If the Commish fears newspaper
proprietors will not pay enough at-
tention to their broadcasting obliga-
tions, better way to make them toe
the mark would be to require every
licensee to incorporate separately.
Rather than play fast and loose with
the Federal Constitution and the
Bill of Rights. Before applying any
such fitness test, the FCC might con.
sider whether it Is Justified In
singling out publishers and not tak-
ing action against insurance com-
panies, automobile distributors, de-
partment stores, and manufacturers
who are active in radio.
Mrs. Brown Takes Accts.
To Barnes & Aaron Agcy.
Philadelphia, March 21.
Harvey Best agency here shuttered
last week after four-and-one-half
years' operation. Harry B. Schwartz
was prez. Thre^ radio accounts han-
dled by the agency went with Mrs.
D. C. Brown to Barnes & Aaron
agency. They are Dr. Locke's Shoes,
Southern Fish and Conte Dina To-
mato Paste.
Wilen Wine and McDonald &
Campbell accounts, handled by Wil-
liam Delaney, shifted with him to
the Carter-Thompson agency. John
Petriclc, who handled Bruder Faint
account, is still unattached.
Spot Campaigns
MobttgOM and Mobiloil set with
WCAE, Pittsburgh, for daily lO-min-
ut« newscast, In addition to four
other flashes each day, over 13-week
stretch. Announcers Bob McKee and
Norman Twigger will do the report-
ing, each taldng alternate items.
Donald tfovis discs sold by KQV,
Pittsburgh, to Sweet Clean Damp
Laundry.
KQV, Pittsburgh, has sold Johnny
Boyer's 'Meet Your Neighbor' pro-
gram to Liberty Home Science
Bakers for 13 weeks. Quarter -hour
daily will emanate from Rosen-
baum's department store and -will
consist of Boyer shooting humorous
questions to lady shoppers in inter-
view style.
Fort Pitt Breuilnff Co. has renewed
weekly half-hour Tap Time show on
KDKA, Pittsburgh, for another 52
*♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦«♦*♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»»
Magazine Stuff About Radio
Heitzman Joins WCKT
Cincinnati, March 21.
Bill Heitzman has been added to
WCKY's engineering staff. Formerly
as chief engineer of WBLK, Clarks-
burg, W. Va.
//ef
DlrMtlun
I.OBD * THOMAS
H!iii.min»iit
EI) WOIT
KKO Dills.. New York
NBC has tabulated some 49 different magazines that carried articles
directly or indirectly concerning radio during 1938. Greatest volume ot
radio news appears (speaking for publications ot general readership) in
News-Week and Time: Life, Scribners, Liber^, Saturday Evening Post
and Stage are others to carry a fair amount on radio.
Both NBC (Julian Street, Jr.) and CBS (John Lageman) have liaison
officers who help magazines get material on radio. Some of the magazines
remain steadfastly indifferent to radio, but In general there's a spreading
Interest in the glamorous side of the trade.
Among articles on radio last year were these:
TITLE OF ARTICLE MAGAZINE
Radio Quiz Programs Young America
So You Want to Be an Announcer Young America
National Religious Radio , Christian Herald
Skywords '. The Churchman
More Music, Please Saturday Evening Post
Children Respond Woman's Day
Issue on the Air Better Times
High Lights '. Young America
Radio's News Service Proves Efficiency Young America
Television Invades Theatre Week^ Illustrated
Classical Music Comes Into Own Young America
Edward R. Murrow Scribners
Radio Peddle Sex? Never ' Ken
Frank Black Coronet
Taking Parts Country Gentleman
Sue for Yourself Cue
Radio and the Monroe Doctrine Current History
Jam Session — Benny Goodman Pictorial
Yawn Comes In Like Thunder Readers' Digest
Tune Up and Tune In ; Readers' Digest
Radio Rescues the Musical Amateur Rotarian
Photographing Radio Stars Popular Photography
CBS Establishes First Radio Institute for Teachers.... School Management
Mae West . ; Scribners
Jack Benny Scribners
Boake Carter Scribners
One Mirtute to Go , Saturday Evening Post
The KiUer-Diller Saturday Evening Post
Dogfight on the Air Waves Saturday Evening P'ost
Who Knows What Is Funny? W. C. Fields Saturday Evening Post
Mahitaining Radio Interest ' .Etude
Hour ot Charm ; .Etude
Radio Flashes Etude
Toscanini on the Air Fortune
Sarnofl ; Fortune
F. C. C..,.. — Foftune
Radio II— A $45,000,000 Talent BiU Fortune
Two Million Words— Ima Phillips Fortune
Radio I— A $140,000,000 Art Fortune
NBC Studio Tour — Mademoiselle
The Voice— Lowell Thomas ; Mademoiselle
Exclusive— HuBhes Flight Modern Mechanix
Education on the Air Parents
Outstanding Service to Children iParents
Ethereal Taboos New Yorker
A Cigarette by Any Name Nation
'Radio Comes Through Nation
Let There Be Light- M. H Aylesworth iNation
Toscanini Broadcasts ', Nation
Toscanini : , . ; ; .CosiiiopoUten
Choosin? Your Career ..Cosmopolitan
No Rustling Programs Harper's Bazaar
Business Finds Its Voice Harper's Magazine
Music for the Million Ladies Home Journal
Heavenward Ascending Ladies Home Journal
Television Vogue
Futurist (Betty Goodwiri) American' Magazine
It's the Way You Say It ... ; Collier's
Open Letter to Rudy Vallee .■.■.■.Commentator
Stopwatch Music _ Commentator
The Private Life of Baby Snooks. ; . . . . Liberty
Quiz Crazy ; iLiberty
CanYouTakea Joke— Jack Benny Liberty
The Stroud Twins ; Liberty
The Private Life of Betty Lou Liberty
weeks. Includes Maurice Spitalny*!
band, Billy Sherman, Faye Parker
and Martha May Briney.
Jack Graney'a baseball resumes
for coming season, IS -minute shots
seven nights weekly at 5:45 over
WHK, Cleveland, bought by P. Loril-
lard.
Lubecfc Beer also Is taking on
Pinky Hunter's baseball finals, 15-
minutes on a six-arweek sked, over
W(XE, Cleveland.
Durfcee-Motoer, Inc., I<ynn, Mass.
CMarshmallow Fluff') extended cur-
rent . "Fluflerette' musicale series on
Yankee Net for four more 15 -min-
ute broadcasts, to April 30. Contract
also signed for series ot 34 IS-mih-
ute live programs with, same talent,
beginning Sept 10, 1939, ending
April 23, 1940 . (Sundays, 6:45).
Through Harry M. Frost Advertising
Ageiicy, Boston.
. John Morrelt &■ Co. (Ottumwa,
Iowa) CE-Z Cut Hams')^8 par-
ticipations In Gretchen McMullen
program, starting Feb. 21, ending
July 27, 1039. Tuesdays and Thurs-
days. Tuesdays, WNAC and WEAN.
Thursdays, WNAC, WTIC, WEAN.
WTAG, WICC, WCSH,
WFEA, WSAR, WLLH,
WNLC, WLNH, WRDO,
WHAI, WBRK. Through
Hurst & McDonald, CHiIcago.
WLBZ,
WNBH,
WCOU,
Henri,
Wm. S. Scull Co. (Camden, N. J.)
CBosco Milk Amplifler*) — 26 par-
ticipatlons in Yankee Network News
Service, starting Feb. 22, ending May
19, 1939. Wednesday and Fridays on
WNAC, WEAN, WICC^ WCH, WLBZ,
WFEA, WSAR, WLLH, WNBH.
WNLC, WLNH, WRDO, WCOU,
WHAI, WSPR, WTHT and WATR.
Through Kenyon 6 Eckhardt, N. Y. C.
Lindsav-NUe, Inc. makers of
Queen of Sbet^a Carrot and Beet
Juice, testing five per week IS-min-
ute program, 'Interesting to Women,'
with Cathrync Carlyle. KTUL,
Tulsa.
MnOMTUNUUIIUIVES :
HUM— PCTWr 4fc Ctt =
ON THE NBC RED NETWORH
TO COVKB
GREAT BRITAIN
TOU IIDST DSE
RADIO
NORMANDY
Foil PartlcnUin ot Air Tlma aad
Talent trom
InteiBational Broadcaiting
Company, Ltd.
37, Portland Place, London, W.I.
W0AL
Ut'Scdtuncte
-Newspaper, Radfo In
Glass Brick Building
Charlotte, N. C, March 21.
WWNC, Asheville, is in a brand
new home, built in connection with
its parent, the new Asheville Citi-
zen-Times building. Architect made
it all look like one new structure,
but radio and newspaper buildings
are entirely separate and divided by
a wall of air, designed to eliminate
vibrations from tlie heavy printing
machinery in the daily's end ot the
business.
Its a glass-brick building.
Terrific in Texas !
•^H PAULWHITEMAN
AND HIS AIX-AMEBICAN B.UID
• Broke all Attendance Records at the South-
west Exposition ond Rodeo, Fort Worth,
Texas, doubling into the Round-Up Club.
Booked Exoloslvcl/ by
ARTISTS MANAGEMENT, Inc.
IT EASf 43th STREKt MEW VOBK
Telephone— MDnar Hin .Z-188S
Tane In
CHESTKBI-JKLD
PROOBAU
CBS, Coast-to-Coant -
Wed. 8>S0 PJtl.. EST
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
MUSIC— DANCE BANDS
VARIETY
45
OBERSTEIN THREAT REACTS
15 Best Sheet Music Sellers
(Week ctmHtisi March 18, 1939)
Deep Purple ••••<•• ■ / Bobbins
Penny Serenade , Shapiro
Umbrella Man Harms
Little Sir Echo — Bregman
God Bless America .Berlin
I Get Along Without You Very Well Famous
Could Be Santly
Masquerade Is Over Crawford
* You're a Sweet Little Headache Paramount
I Promise You ABC
Hold Tight Exclusive .
I Cried for You ; Miller
*I Have Eyes •■i Paramount
*Funny Old Hills Paramount
Gotta Get Some Shuteye Berlin
* Indicates filmnsical song. t Indicates stage production song.
The others are pops. ,
DATE MIXUP
KILLS LEROY
CASE
LeRoy . Music Co. last week lost Its
cult against Leo Feist, Inc^, in con-
nection with the song, 'My Mar-
guerita,' on a technicality. Supreme
Court Justice Aaron Steuer granted
Feist's motion to dismiss the com-
plaint after the latter had pointed
out a defect as to copyright date on
the title page of LeRoy 's version of
the song.
Feist had used the same title on
a number of its own in 1937, two
years after LeRoy had published its
version. LeRoy sued on the grounds
bt unfair competition.
In asking for the dismissal Julian
T. Abeles pointed out that the Le-
Roy publication came out in 1935,
a year after the tune's composer,
Emma P. Lafrenier had herself
copyrighted and published it While
the assignment, argued Abeles, was
okay, LeRoy violated the copyright
law by using 1935 instead of the
original date of copyright on ' the
title sheet, since the LeRoy version
' was in no way different from the
original publication. As a result of
this device, added Abeles, LeRoy
sought to extend the lite of the
original copyright and by such de-
ceit had thrown his number into the
public domain.
Under the coj)yright law an addi-
tional copyright may be taken out
It the manuscript subsequently filed
contains added or new material.
Big Tbree hcorporates
Albany, N. Y., March 21.
Big Three Music Corp. has been
chartered to conduct a business in
printing .and publishing music in all
forms with principal offices in K^an-
hattan. Capital stock is 200 shares,
no par value.
Julian T. Abeles is the filing. at-
torney.
Metro-Robbins combine has set up
this corporation to -cover its central
shipping facilities. Robbins Music
Corp., Leo Feist, Inc., and Miller
Music catalogs will from now on
clear through the Big Three Music
Corp. Latter name will only be
used in relations with the trade.
Identities of the Robbins, Feist and
Miller insignias will be retained
otherwise.
American News
Spreads Into
Sheet Music
JUDGE'S POSTSCRIPT
Long-Deferred Decision Has
prise Chapter Inserted
Sar-
Federal Judge Joht) Knox added a
surprise chapter to the long-pending
action of a group of publishers
against Electrical Research Products,
Inc., when last week he called in
contending counsel for oral argu-
ment The case, which was tried last
summer, was believed wrapped for a
decision after briefs had been filed
■everal months ago.
Suit, which involves anywhere
from $125,000 to $150,000, stems from
an agreement which had existed
prior to 1932, giving ERPI the ex-
clusive right to license synchroniza-
• tlon rights for foreign use. The pub-
lishers concerned claim that there's
• huge residue coming to them un-
oer the terms of the old contract
Just before the case went, to trial
last summer ERPI informed several
xiajor picture producers that if the
electric lost . the decision it would
hold these producers liable for the
judgment
Mart Kenney to Toronto
Vancouver, March 21.
Question of who will open the new
»10,000,000 Hotel Vancouver music-
■Jv on arrival of King and Queen is
**« up in air. Current maestro,
Mart Kenney goes to the Royal
York, Toronto, May 18.
As in past yearsi Kenney will play
cne-nighters across the Dominion,
With twelve definitely set, prior to
Toronto opening.
American News Co. will become a
distributor of sheet music on a na-
tional scale, servicing stationery
stores, drug stores and other outlets.
This will be an extension of the ex-
periment that the newspaper and
mag distributor has been conducting
in the Hertford, Conn, territory dur-
ing the past eight weeks. The ANC's
idea is to expand section by section
until the company is servicing all
important sales points in its dis-
ti'ibuting setup.
American News will clear its mu-
sic through a central shipping point
the Music Sales Corp. Latter, with
the aid of Walter G. Douglas, chair-
man of the. Music Publishers Pro-
tective Association, is also working
out a similar central shipping proj-
ect with the Kresge chain.
Boy Music Co. has sold the Euro-
pean rights to 'Rusty Hinge,' 'Blue
Bayou' and 'Home Cookin' Mama' to
Lawrence Wright London publisher.
DANCEMEN EIIJOY
Victor and Brunswick Out
to Hold Favorites — Al-
ready Have Cut Down List
Available to Former RCA
Recording Exec
DISCS PAY OUT
Scramble of the record companies
to sign or re-sign high-bracketed or-
chestral talent during the past few
weeks is reacting in favor of the
bank accounts of several banas. And
more to come. . All started with the
exit of Eli Oberstein from RCA-
Vlctbr and his promising to grab off
the cream of the band crop for the
company he formed. In addition
there is another reason, namely, the
infusion of Columbia Broadcasting
money into Brunswick-Vocalion
records.
In competition the trio has sky-
rocketed the price for names.- Artie
Shaw, originally named to go with
Oberstein, got himself a $100,000
guarantee for two years- with Victor.
Benny Goodman also renewed with
Victor. Tommy Dorsey, after re-
putedly being aligned with Oberstein
also stays with Victor on a one-year
with option contract guaranteeing
him $50,000 a year against royalties
which can grab him off more than
his guarantee. Dorsey was offered
a guarantee of $45,000 a year to go
over to Brunswick. The Oberstein
deal was similar to what Dorsey got
from Victor.
Larry Clinton will no - doubt be
with Oberstein, but Sammy Kaye,
also named as part of the nucleus
of Oberstein's outfit, has until the
end of . June to go ' on his current
Victor pact Gene Krupa, important
new band on records, will stay with
Brunswick, although wanted by
Oberstein.
Joe Higgins of Brunswick went out
to Cleveland last week where Kay
Kyser was making a week's stand at
the Palace and signed him to a re-
newal at an undisclosed figure. His
is. a one-year contract Higgins also
signed Kyser's wife, and vocalist
Ginny Simms, to a separate record-
ing arrangement Horace Heidt Is
also safely in the Brunswick fold.
ASCAP MEETS MARCH 30
AT WTZ-CARLTON, N. Y.
Annual meeting and dinner of the
American Society of Composers, Au-
thors and Publishers will be held at
the Ritz Carlton hotel, N. Y, March
30.
Event is expected to produce the
usual controversy about ASCAP's
classification methods from both'
writers and publishers.
Social Security Set-Up Wholly Misfit
To Musicians, AFM Tells Congress
Theme Songs on the Hour
Philadelphia, March 21.
Pep Boys, auto supply dealers
here, believe in doing things on
a large scale. Not satisfied with
sponsoring a six-hour show
every night on WIP, now they've
had written not one theme song
for it but six. A different one
-will be played every hour on
the hour during the shqw each
night
Moe Jaf[e, author of 'Collegi-
ate' and other tunes, was em-
ployed to write the songs. He
did both music and lyrics. -
AVAILABILITY
DEMANDS ARE
PROBED
Controversy over availability rat-
ings in the American Society of
Composers, Authors and Publishers
broke out again last week in pub-
lisher ranks when the newly elected
availability committee held its first
hearings on member protests. Among
those that asked for boosts in theii
ratings were .5antly-Joy-Select Inc.,
Red Star Music, Stasny Music Corp.,
LeRoy Music Co., Broadway Music
Corp. and Joe Morris Music Co.
New committee is composed of
the same publishers that comprised
the group of seven last year. Only
change made was in the chairman-
ship, the designation this time go-
ing to Edwin H. (Buddy) Morris,
v.p. in charge of the Warner Bros,
niusic combine.
Hearing was marked by Morris'
insistence upon his thoroughly quiz-
zing each applicant as to the rea-
sons for the requested tilt, instead of
treating the proceedings as a mere
cut and dried formality. This de-
mand, for facts and details and sift-
ing of' the applicant's case in his or
her presence proved irksome at
times to most of Monris' associates
on the committee.
Morris' diligence as the presiding
prober led to a diverting interlude
during the hearing on the protest of
the Stasny Music Corp. Mrs. Bessie
Stasney, head of the firm, inter-
rupted one of Morris' questions by
wanting to know just what publish-
ing house he represented. 'Harms,
Inc.,' answered Morris. 'Also
Remick, Witmark and Warner Bros.,'
another member on the committee
volunteered.
'Oh,' rejblned Mrs. Stasny, "you
don't care whether you make money
or not'
Assignment of Rights Proviso Has
Eye to Future Television; Pubs No Like
Music, publishers charge that the
new assignment which the council of
the Songwriters' Protective Associa-
tion has submitted to its membership
for signature is not a substitution for
the disputed Article IX of the SPA's
by-laws but rather a temporary sub-
terfuge. Pubs who have- analyzed
the terms of the new assignment
contend that the heads Of the SPA
are still intent upon setting up a
separate organization to exploit the
television rights of works created by
SPA members.
Although the revised assignment
permits a member to cancel the
SPA'S administrative rights to a
work on so many days' notice, the
association's council retains the right
to cancel his membership altogether.
New assignment also states that
while it is in force Article IX be-
comes inoperative but does not as-
sure the complete erasure of this ar-
ticle froin the by-laws.
Article IX does not provide for
any cancellation facilities or ter-
mination date and it was as a ifesult
of this discovery that a considerable
number of the SPA's membership on
the Coast withdrew from the asso-
ciation last year. The pubs consider
the new SPA assignment as an ad-
mission that the association has no
right to ask its member to invest it
with administrative powers over
mechanical rights. The new assign-
ment provides that such powers be
delegated to a committee of three.
SPA's New York offices has ad-
vised the pubs that the new assign-
ment has been signatured by all
Coast members excepting Jerome
Kern. Irving Caesar, the SPA's pirez,
in writing the Coast contingent re-
cently, declared that the 'SPA has no
intention of becoming an agent for
the writer.' Continuing with the
same paragraph, Caesar wrote: 'It
(the SPA) would prefer not to. The
only reason it has for asking the
power to administer some of these
rights is because it an emergency
should arise wherein the publishers
refused to grant to the writers an
equitable basic contract then and
only' then (and reluctantly,- 1 might
add) would we attempt to administer
these rights.'.
Washhigton, March 21.
Woes of the musical fraternity un-
der present Social Security laws was
unrolled Monday (20) before the
House Committee on Ways and
Means by Samuel T. Ansell, general
counsel for the American Federation
of Musicians. Grievous predicament
of transient musicians who, by rea-
son of their casual engagements, are
not qualified for unemployment and
old age benefits were highlighted,
along with trials of band leaders
who often are listed by the Internal
Revenue bureau as 'employers' and
called upon to pony up with em-
ployers' contributions to the Social
Security tax.
Bearing a letter from Joseph N.
Weber, AIM prexy, Ansell described
'dire need' of musicians fbr Social
Security compensations- and ac-
cused the Act of a 'lack of definition'
in the application of the terms 'em-
ployer,' 'employee,' 'wages' and 'em-
ployment' Denoimced particularly
the taxation of orchestra leaders
when the establishment for whom
the services are perfbrmed 'is the
employer of all members of the
orchestra . including the leader.'
Weber's letter, which was read by
Ansell to the committee, accused the
Internal Revenue Bureau of 'turning
upside down' the real purposes of
the Security Act:
'Notwithstanding the apparent
clarity of the Act in this respect the
Bureau of Internal Revenue, sur-
prisingly so to me, seems to have
found it far otherwise,' the union
president declared. 'The Bureau, in
determining the status as regards
musicians and the establishments for
which they work, has so far turned
the Act upside down as, in a vast
multitude of cases, to make the
leader of an orchestra the employer
instead of the entertainment estab-
lishment hiring the music. Con-
gress could hardly have intended-,
such a result . .'
Stressing the fact that 'casual en-
gagements' furnish a large amount of
employment in "the musical fisld,
Ansell — in a 40-page brief — re-
quested an 'equitable security sys-
tem' which would assure the roving
musician of relief in whatever Stcte
he was stranded; include leaders in
the category of employee and gen-
erally admit the musical profession
to the protection of Federal unem-
ployment old age and other benefits.
'OLD 9T COMPOSER WMS
USE SUIT VS. TIME
Detroit March 21.
'Wreck of Old B7,' which last year
brought him $65,295 in royalties from
Victor Talking Machine Cs., won
another $10,000 last week for David
Graves George, of Detroit who
penned sad ballad in 1903.
-Latest judgment wss awarded by
N. Y. supreme court against Time
mag. In his suit George alleged that
Time had libeled him in an arlicle
published in mag's Dec. 31, ir34,
issue which gavie an account of his
long litigation over song with Vic-
tor. Given a 30-day stay, Time at-
torneys indicated they would appeal
decishf
In winning the suit against Vic-
tor, George, who is now 73, culmi-
nated a ten-year court battle to de-
termine his right to the $65,?S5 ac-
cruing ift royalties from over a mil-
lion records:
Benny Carter Re-forms
Recently Disbanded 15
Trumpeter Benny Carter, who dis-
banded his crew recently, has re-
organized, it with most of the orig-
inal men and opens a stay at the.
Savoy Ballroom, N. Y., March 29.
Crew will have four NBC shota
weekly.
Rockwell General Amusement
booking, Moe Gale handling. Crew
will comprise 15 pieces with, leader
and a femme vocalist. Lou Bacon^.
trumpet will also vocal.
4« VARIETY Wednesday, March 22, 1939
Y . - ■
Julian Abeles
Willie Horowitz
Johnny Noble
Harold Adamson
Leonard Joy
Abe Olman
Murray Baker
Jack Eapp
Bernard Prager
Henry Busse
Kay Eyser
Sigmund Romberg
Josei Chemiovsky
Gene Krupa
Domenico Sovino
Larry Clinton
Steve Levitz
Arthur Schwartz
Bob Crosby
Harry Link
Artie Shaw
Xavier Cugat
Guy Lombardo
L K. Sidney
tommy Dorsey
George D. Lottmcm
Fred Smith
Vernon Duke
Matt Malneck
Dana Suesse
Dvdee Ellington
Tony Martin
Gordon V. Thompson
Harry Fox
Jack Mason
Rudy Vallee
Benny Goodman
Ed McCauley
Joe Venuti
Gordon and Revel
Jimmy McHugh
Fred Waring
Glen Gray
Walter Meyers
Paul Weirick
Ferde Grofe
Glenn Miller
Paul Whiteman
Milt Herth
Lon Mooney
Meredith Willson
Joe Higgins
Spud Murphy
Teddy Wilson
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
Inside Stutf-Mnsic
MUSIC—DANCE BANDS
VARIETY
47
Will Von TUzer has been elected a director of the American Society of
Composers, Authors and Publishers. It's a two-year teniL
Von Tilzer got the nod from the board after Gene Buck, pfez, pointed
out that the head of the Broadway Music Co. had been serving as director
for a year without being duly re-elected. The election was made retro-
active, making the term actually three years, to (iorrect this oversight for
the records.
Harry Warren, who has renewed his writing contract with Warner Bros.,
plans to sell his Hollywood home with the view of commuting between
New York and the film colony. Johnny Mercer, who will continue to be
teamed with him, is slated to signature a renewal deal by the end of this
Veek.
Mercer will likewise shuttle between the WB studios on the Coast and
New York.
Under a resolution passed by the board of directors of the American
Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, all officers of the organi-
zation, excepting the president, are henceforth barred from succeeding
themselves. The new sentiment on the board favors rotating these posts.
Some officers have held the same title for as many as 15 years.
Jimmy Dorsey gets a shot at the
•Show of the Week' program on WOR
this Sunday (26), He opens at the
Meadowbrook, Cedar Grove, N. J.,
about May 13 for six weeks.
Johnny Hessner orchestra cuts 18
Bides for Associated Records this
wedc.
GREETINGS
JACK
FROM
andlARRY
Pbifly Band on CBS
After Sqnawk Is Filed;
Bookers Shut 'Em Out
'Philadelphia, March 21.
Squawk by musicians' local about
monopoly control of Music Corix)ra-
tion and Consolidated Radio Artists
over network time for remote band
broadcasts brought results this week.
Union complained that it was ' im-
possible for local bands to get web
spots, because all the time was tied
up by the big booking offices.- This
resulted in' the first break In the
locals situation when Joe Frasetto's
orch'at Jack Lynch's Walton Roof
was allotted 15 minutes on Saturday
night by CBS.
Threatening to present a resolu-
tion against the time monopoly to
the national AFM convention, local
complained to IjOU Mindllng, of
MCA. Mindllng told Rex Riccardi,
secretary, that it was okay by him if
Frasetto got time and suggested Ric-
cardi contact Columbia. CBS also
agreed.
Ricardi declared that his resolu-
tion will nevertheless be presented
because local baiids should not be
dependent on charity of MCA or the
networks to get air time.
Alfred Newman wrote the musical
score for Samuel Goldwyn's 'Wuth-
ering Heights.'
Gus Kahn has written a set of
lyrics for 'Rhapsody in Blue.'
GREETINGS TO
JACK BOBBINS
FRANK SKINNER
CONGRATVLATIOISS
JACK
SAM COSLOW
'MANHATTAN SERENADE"
'METROPOLITAN NOCTURNE'
and
'^TRIBUTE"
trom
to JACK/'
LOUIS ALTER
in preparation
*'SIDE STREET IN GOTHAM"
From Next Room
Governor Clinton Hotel, N. Y.,
employs a devious method of get-
ting Its own organ music for Its -
dining room,. Ijatter uses a
Muzak hookup, while hotel's
cocktail lounge employs an or-
ganist , .
Organist's keywork is picked
up and aired each evening by
WNEW, N. Y. Muzak in turn
picks it up from WNEW and
feeds it back to the dining room.
SHAW CRACKS
MCA HOTEL
Artie Shaw orchestra goes into
Pennsylvania hotel, N. Y., Oct 15.
Band will go in to the spot's Cafe
Rouge, a larger room than the Mad-
hattan Room now holding the Harry
James crew. Hotel is mulling re-
versing the two rooms.
Putting Shaw into the Cafe Rouge,
normally a luncheon ipot, will prob-
ably force the Madhattan into the
Rouge's luncheon status. Shaw is
the first Rockwell General Amuse-
ment band to break through the Mu-
sic Corporation of America hold on
the Penn.
SL Louis Union Fights
Use of School, Amatenr
And U. S. Marine Music
St Louis, March 21.
The insistence of AFM, Local No,
2, that standby bands of. union
footers be employed at several ex'
positions and conventions here has
caused the cancellation of plans for
music at the Greater St. Louis
Flower and Garden Show that got
under way at the Arena Saturday
(18). Promoters of the show had
arranged for Incidental music by.
several choral groups and organists
but when execs of Local No. 2 de-
manded that a 20 piece union band
play at each of the show's nine days
at a total expense of $1,845 all music
was withdrawn. Fred H. Meln-
hardt exec chairman of the St
Louis Flower Show said that the ex-
hibition would cost more than $30,000
and the added nut was too much.
Sam P. Meyers, prez of Local No.
2, said the union will insist upon
the hiring of union tooters at all
events here important endUgh to re-
quire musical entertainment He
said 1,100 union tooters were im-
employed. The union also has pro-
tested against the efforts of the Elks
to bring the U. S. Marine band here
for the national convention in July
and during the past several weeks
has demanded the enforcement of
the rule of several years' standing
that at least 12 union tooters be en-
gaged for events at the Coliseum.
Women's Exposition recently sought
to hire a smaller band and caused
the withdrawal of the McKinley
High School band from the riecent
Americanization parade of the Boy
Scouts which was sponsored by
the Elks. Previously liOcal No. 2
prevented college bands from play-
ing during a collegiate ice hockey
double header at the Arena.
Muzak Vs. Union
North Dakota Governor Signs Bill
But Won't Spend Cent to Defend It
SANTLY RESIGNS
Qoita Appeals Board Post — Ralph
Peer Succeeds
Lester Santly, of Santly-Joy-Se-
lect Inc., last week resigned as a
member of the publishers appeals
board on availability and Ralph
Peer, of Southern Music, who got
the fourth largest amount of votes
for election to this three-man group!
stepped into the vacancy. Santly
quit even before the board had had
a chance to function. Other two
members .are E. B. Marks, head of
the E. B. Marks Music Co., and Lou
Diamond, of Famous Music Corp.
Santly, who gave no reasbn for his
withdrawal, is himself engaged in
fighting for an availability-point in-
crease for his firm;
'Josephine' Renewal Case
Up; Shapsro, Bernstein
Wins First VoCey
Shapiro, Bernstein & Co. scored
in the initial court skirmish over
the renewal rights to 'Come, Jose-
phine, in My Flying Machine' when
Federal Judge Alfred Coxe refused
to grant a motion dismissing the
complaint Al Bryan, Fred Fisher
and Famous Music Corp., joint de-
fendants in the action, had asked
for the dismissal on the ground that
Shapiro-Bernstein, as .self-asserted
proprietors of a work made for hire,
were not eligible to the renewal of
'Josephine.' The right of renewal
belonged solely to Mrs. Fannie Sha-
piro, widow of Maurice Shapiro, the
person for whom the work was orig-
inally made for hire.
Counsel f or ' Shaplro-Bernsteln, in
answer, argued that previous court
rulings have held that a work made
for hire is as . transferable as any
other copyrighted work. Judge
Coxe in his memorandum upheld,
this viewpoint stating that the re-;
newal could and should be taken
out by Shapiro, Bernstein & Co. as
successors to the late Maurice Sha-
piro. Song was originally copy-
righted in 1910. Bryan, who wrote!
the words, assigned his renewal '.
rights to Famous Music, while Fred !
Fisher,. 'Josephine's' composer turned
his renewal rights over to his own
publishing firm, the Fred Fisher
Music Co.
Shapiro-Bernstein contends that
the number was created while Bryan
and Fisher were employees of
Maurice Shapiro, while the writers
hold that the song was being per-
formed some time before Shapiro
brought it out and It was not part
of the stipulated list of songs they
turned over to Shapiro on entering
his employ.
Minneapolis, March 21.
While the North Dakota state
legislature passed and Gov. John
Moses signed a law requiring ASCAP
to 'file lists of musical compositions
and levying a 3% privilege tax on
the organization's Income within the
state, the trade is wondering whether
the measure means anything in view
of the governor's announcement that
'not one cent will be spent in de-
fending the law's validity in the
courts.'
The governor's announcement was
prompted by the opinion given by
State Attorney General A. S. Strutz
that the law is unconstitutional.
Despite the opinion, the governor de-
cided to sign it — at the same time,
however, making known that if
ASCAP attacked Its validity the
state would let the suit go by de-
fault
Strutz believes that the North
Dakota law Is illegal because it
limits privileges granted by the fed-
eral copyright law.
ABT GILES INJUEED
Pittsburgh, March 21. .
Art Giles, veteran Pittsburgh
band-leader, was seriously injured
here leit week when an auto in
which he was a passenger hit a tree.
Batoneer was taken to the Allegheny
General Hospital, where physicians
said he would recover.
Giles recently closed an engage-
ment with his orchestra at the Hotel
Schenley's Continental room.
Fetst Rc-Issnes 'Jada'
Feist is reissuing the oldie 'Jada'
with a new set of lyrics written by
Nan Wynn. It will hit the stands
AprU 7.
Miss Wynn also recorded the tune
in swing style for Decca.
THANKS,
JACK
MTTCBEL
PARRISH
and
PETER
DE ROSE
Philadelphia, March 21.
Plans by Muzak to extend services
to Philly get underway this week.
Representative of the New York au-
tomatic music purveyors is expected
in town within a few days to go over
the situation with Rex Riccardi, sec- '
retaiy of the musicians' local. !
If Muzak does decide to invade {
PhiUy, it will presumably be entirely ,
on terms laid down by the AFM, as>
a Philly ordinance requires City ;
Council approval of any contracts to '
use telephone lines for other than'
strictly telephone company business, i
Shryock Radio Co, a local outfit at-
tempted to set up a service similar
to Muzak some time ago. I
AFM terms to Mozak will be the i
same that caused Shryock to with- I
draw- It will demand the final right .
to pass on every spot signing up to
use the service.
Frederick Hollander and Frank
Loesser cleffed 'Song of the Beach-
comber* for the Paramount picture,
'ping of tl^f .River.'. ,
To Jack Rohhins:
It's your Silver Jubilee
On the Street of Melody,
And the heart of Tin Pan Alley beats with joy,
Every song you helped to make
Is a milestone in your wake,
And a memory to every girl and boy.
There were times when things went lovely
There were times when things went wrong,
But the saga of Jack Robbins
Is a Hit Parade of Song I
You have seen the Stars of Broadway come and go,
But the steadfast star of Broadway's Music Row
Is our Little Skipper Jack
Who brought Tin Pan Alley back.
Happy Jubilee, Jack Robbins, Ship Ahoy I
NICK KENNY
CHARLES KENNY
4S
VARIETY
MUSIC— DANCE BANDS
Wednesdaj, Marclr 22, 1939
BANDS and ORCHESTRAS
Week of March 24
Parmanant addrMs of banda and orehaatraa ara publlahad^ with*
out eharga. Whila avary affort ia mada to inaura aeeuraey in thta
dapartmant cooparatlon in notifying arrora will raduea miatakaa to
a minimum.
Kay to abbravlatlenat B— ballroom, C-^cafa, CC— country elub,
H— Hotal, N— Night Club, R— roaUurant, T— Thaatra.
Booking Aganciaai ARA, AaaoeiaUd Radio Arllata, 1650 B'way,
N. Y. e.; CRA, Conaolldatad Radio Artlata, 1260 8ixth.Ava, N.Y.C.t
FB, Frodartek Brea^ 1270 Sixth Ava^ .N. Y. C; MCA, Muaie Corp.
of Amerioa, 745 Fifth Ava^ N. Y. C:^ Roekwell Amua, 1270 Sjxth.
Ava, N. Y. C.
AuoDMn. Iirlna, c/o WBN, NTC.
Alberta, Don. El Chleo N.. NTC.
Alptrt, Ulokey, Bndtord H., Boaton.
Ambusadon, Rojralft. Conrnsa H.. CbL
Aodnwi. Gordon. Club 18 N.. NTC.
AtnutroDtt. Loula, c/o Jo« OIomt, 1270
etta Ave., NTC.
Aeb, Fanl. Roir T.. NTC.
Amhelm, Oua, R-O'K. Bollywood.
Bailey, Bert, PUntatlon Club, Milwaukee.
Barnet, Charley, Paramount T., NTC.
Bamett, Jimmy, c/o FB. s.
Bardo, BUI. Blacktaawk H.. Davenport la.
Barrle, Slok, Beverly-WIUblre H., L..A.
Barron, Blue. Qrand T.i Atlanta.
Saale, Count, o/o UCA.
Bauer, Tony, Scaler's N., Milwaukee,
Baum, Cbarlea. St ReRia H., NTC.
Becker, Howard, Rainbow B,. Denver.
Bersere. Maximilian. Vereallles N.. NTC.
Blltmore Boys, Carleton H., Wash., D. C.
Blake. Loo, Atlanta-BUtmore H.. At-
lanta, Ga.
Blanco, Pedro, Embassy C. Pblladelphla.
. Bleyer, Arcble, Earl Carroll's R., H'wood.
Bolognlnl, Ennio, L'Alglon R., Ctal.
Bragnle, Vincent, Ambassador U.. NTC.
Brandwynne. Nat, Bases House H.. NTC
Brlsode. Ace, Merry Garden B., Cbl.
Buck, Verne, Oriental T., Cbl.
Burkartb, Jobnny. Plantation Club, IndU
anapolls.
Burton. Paul, Bontbem Tkvem, Cleveland.
Busse, Henry, H. New Torfcer, NTC.
Calloway, Cab. Cotton Club. NTC.
Camden, Eddie, Souriiem Mansions. K. C.
Candullo, Jo*. VetsalUea Club, Holly-
wood. Fla.
Carter, Benny, R-O'K, NTC.
Cerwln, GeorKO, Club Sabara, Milwaukee.
Chemlavsky. Josef, WLW, Cincinnati.
Clark, Buddy, Armando's R., NTC.
Clinton, Larry, Palace T., Cleva.
Collins. Bemie, Ansley H., Atlanta, Ga.
Cornwall, Joe, Newhoues B., Salt Lake
City.
Courtney, Del, New Kenmor* H., Albany,
li. T.
Cromwell, Channcey, Paxton H., Lincoln,
' Nab.
Crosby, Bob. Blackbawk R., Chi.
Cummins, Benle, Wm, Penn H., Pitts.
Barlsse. Gilbert, Cbateaa-Frontenao H.,
Quebec.
Davis, Eddie, Lam* R., NTC.
D* Andrea. Joseph. Pepper Pot N.. NTC.
Davis. Johnny, Miami Club, Milwaukee.
De Lanee. Eddie, c/o William Morris,.
Denny, Jack, c/o Wm. Morris.
Donahue. Al. Fox T., Phlla.
Dooley, Pbll, Palmer H., Cbl.
Doraey, Jimmy,' Strand T., NTC,
Duohln. Eddy, cr/o MCA.
Duke, Jules. Tutwller H., Blrmlnchara.
Ellis. Joe. Queen Mary R., NTC.
. . Ennis, . Sklnnay, Victor Hugo's R.,
H'wood.
Emie, Val, Whitehall N., Palm Beach,
Fla.
F
Featherstone, Spike, La Confa C, Holly-
wood.
Feldstein, Joey, Tlo Top Tap N„ Mil-
Felton, Happy, Slate T., NTC.
Frasetto, Joe, Jack Lynch's Walton Roof,
Philadelphia.
Fidler, Lou, Colony Club, Cbl.
Fields, Shep. c/o MCA.
Fisher, Freddie, I.aokout Housej Coving-
ton, Ky.
Fisher, Mark. Royal's Frolics C, Chicago.
Fomeen, .Basil, St. Morltz H., NTC.
Faster, Chuck, Topsy's N., Soutbgate,
Calif.
Frederic, Marvin, Atlanta-Blltmore B.,
Atlanta.
Frederics, Jan, Boulevard Tavern, Elm-
hurst. N.T.
Funk, Larry, Frontenaa Club, Detroit.
Garber. Jan. Riverside T., Milwaukee.
Oosparre, Dick A-mbassador H,. NYC.
Gay, Leonard, Congo Club, Milwaukee.
GendroOi Henri. Coloslmo'a N., Chicago.
Gill. Emerson, c/o CRA,
Glllen, Frank, Northwood Inn, Detroit
Gillette. Jack, c/o CRA.
Golden, Nell, Stuyvasant H., Buffalo,
Golly, Cecil, Blltmore H., Dayton.
Goodman, Benny, c/o MCA.
Gordon, Gray. Edison H., NTC.
Grant, Bob, Book-Cadlllso H., Det
Gray, Glen, 'Waldorf-Astoria H., HTC
Gray, Marly, Oasis N., Milwaukee,
any. Ted. Gatlnratt CC. Ottawa, Out.
Grenet Ellseo. Bl Chlco. NTC.
Gumin, Joe, Chateau Club, Milwaukee.
Raaa. Alexander. 2M W. TSth St., NTC.
Hall, Sleepy, Show Bar, Forest Hills,
NTC.
Hamilton, Bob, Hajestlo B., Long Beach,
Calif. ' . .
Hardy, Bob. Flamingo N., Boston.
Hnrlng. Bob. c/o R-O^K.
Harper, Ntc, Wisconsin Roof B., Mil-
HaiTla, Pbll, Wllshire Bowl,- Los Angeiea
Hart, LIttiA Joe, Club Greyhound, Jeffer-
sonvllie, Ind.
Hawkins, Braklne, Savoy B.. NTC.
Henderson, Fletcher, Grand Terrace, ChL
Henry, Chuck, Paris Inn, L.A.-
Heldt ' Horace, Blltmore H., NTC
Herbeck, Ray, Aregon B.. Cleve.
Hill, Tiny, Melody Mill B., Chi.
HImber. Rlcbard. H. Essex House. NTC
Hohengarten, Carl, CBS, Chi.
Hoist, Ernie, Belmont-Plaza H„ NTC.
Hopkins. Len, Chateau-Laurler H., Ot-
tawa. Ont.
Houok, Curt, Park Central H., NTC
Network Pli^s, 8 AaM. to 1 A.M.
Following is a totalization of the combined plugs o/ current tunes on NBC (WEAF and WJZ),andCBS (WABC)
computed for the week from Mondau through Sunday (March 13-19). Total represents accumulated perjorm-
' " ' In 'Source" column, • denotes film tong, f lepit funej
ances on the two major networks from 8 a. m.' to 1 a. m,
and 'pop' speaks for itself.
PDBjUSHEB.
Bobbins.
Shapiro.
Santly...
Remick
Ch'appell
BerUn....
SOVBCE.
Pop
Pop
, Pop
> Pop
tStars In Your £yes. ,
.Pop
TITLE.
Deep Purple
Penny Serenade
Could Be
Heaven Can Wait
This Is It
Gotta Get Some Shuteye.
Good For Nothing ....Witmark Pop
I Get Alone Without You Very Well Famous Pop
Beein the Begulne Harms , ..Pop
This Night Breeman •Honolulu ,,,,
Hold Tight. Exclusive...... Pop
I Cried For You. . , Miller Pop
I Have Byes... Paramoiuit. .'Paris Honeymoon
Little Sir Echo ;Bregman. . . . . , , Pop
Moon Is a Silver Dollar Robbins ; Pop
This' Can't Be' Love, , .', Chappell. , ; .tBoys From Syracuse. . .
Masquerade. Is Over Cra'wford . . , ,Pop ; ; . . . .
You're a Sweet Little . Headache Paramount,.... .*Parls Honeymoon
Honolulu Bregman '. . . , *HonoluIu
GBAND
TOTAL.
44
40
-38
35
35'
33
32
• 29
27
26
25
25
..... 25
..... 24.
..... 24
22 .
22 .
18.
It's All Yours. .Chappell .'Stars in Your Eyes 18
Jeepers Creepers Witmark: .Going Places.... la-^..
My Hear^ Belongs to Daddy Chappell tLeave It to Me is
Umbrella Man ..Harms Pop is.^
Chop Sticks Shapiro Pop 17 .
We've Come a Long Way Together Feist Pop 17 .
I Want My Share of Love Harms Pop 17 -
Cuckoo in the Clock. Berlin Pop 16
I Long to Belong to You , Red Star Pop IS
It's Never Too Late Berlin iPop 14
Last Night a MiMele Happened....: Spier... -iv-.i ..Pop- , ...i.-. 14 .
Romance Runs in the Family. Ager , . Pop 14
Blame It On My Last Affair .Mills Pop 13
Hurry Home ',., .Spier Pop 13
We Speak of You Often Olman Pop 12
I Promise You. ABC. : , Pop 11
It's All So New to Me Miller,.., Pop U
Rainbow Valley Morris Pop 11
Poor Pinnochio's Nose Green Bros ;.Pop 11
You're the Only Star ..Shapiro ...Pop u
Funny Old Hills.... Paramount ,,.,*Paris Honeymoon..,. 10
How Strange. Feist.... .tidiot's Delight 10
Patty Cake..,; Sam Fox ...Pop 10
It's Sliunber Time in Swanee Words and Music. Pop 10
Hudson. Dean, c/o Gus Edwards, First
Nat'l Bank Bldg., Chi.
Button, Ina Ray, Rose Bowl, Chi,
-THE NEXT KO. 1 SMASH '
irS NEVER TOO UTE
By Carmen Lombardo and Johnny Loeb
-(60TTA GET SOME)-
SHUT-EYE
I ■J.-MK MATION'8 MOST gLAYBD BONO j
Anothar Hit by Walter Donaldion and Johnny Mercer
CUCKOO IN THE CLOCK
•"HIS NEW WALTZ" •
WE'LL NEVER KNOW
By IRVING BERLIN
JOe SANTLY, Prof. Mgr.
Jacobs, Howard. Wm. Morris Agency,
NTC.
Jacobson, Stan, Club Madrid, Milwaukee.
Jabns. Al, Provldence-Blltmore H.. Prov.
James. Harry. H. Pennsylvania, NTC.
Jay, Tallle, .Wlrth's FuturlsUe B., Mil-
waukee.
Jurgensj Dick. Aragon B., Chicago,
Kaln, PanI, Wardman Park H., Wash.,
D.C.
Kayo. Sammy. Commodore H., NTC
Kondls, Sonny, Stork Club, NTC.
Kenney, Mart, Vancouver H., Vancouver,
B. C
Kent Larry, Rainbow Rendezvous, Salt
Lake City.
Kent, Peter, Book-Cadillac H., Detroit.
Kerr. Jimmy, ' Jerry's Mandalay N„ Hol-
lywood.
King, Llla. Esquire Club. Miami.
King, Teddy, «/o Rockwell A mux.
King, Wayne, Drake H„ Chi.
King's Jesters, Clarldge H., Memphis,
Kinney. Roy, Lexington H., NTC.
Kirk, Andy, Southland Club, Boston.
Kogen. Harry, NBC, Chi.
Krupa, Gene, Sherman H., ChL
Kuhn, Dick. Astor H., NTC.
Kvale, Al. SUte-Lake T., ChL
Lally, Howard, Five o'clock Club, MlamL
Lang, Sid. Hl-Hat Club. Chicago.
Le Baron, Eddie. Rainbow Room N., NTC
Light. Enoch. Taft H., NTC
LIvengood, Tlnney, Open Door N., Mil-
waukee.
Lombardo. Guy. Roosevelt H„ NTC.
Lucas, Clyda, Beverly Hills; CC„ New-
port, Ky.
Lyman, Abe, Royal Palms Club, Palm
Beach, Fla.
M
Halneck. Matty, Cafe LaMoze, H'wood.
Manzanares. Jose, Colony Club. Chicago.
Maples, Nelson, Webster Hall, H., Pitts.
, Mario. Don, FIrenze' R.. NTC.
Marsala, Joe, Hickory House N.. NTC
Marshard, Jack, H. Plaza, NTC.
Marten, Paul, Arcadia B.. NTC.
Martin, Freddie, Trianon B., Chi.
Martin, Lnu, Leon & Eddie's N.. NTC.
Masters, Frankle, Roosevelt H., New Or-
leans.
Matheson, Bob. Rendevous C, Milwaukee.
^Mayehoff. Eddie, Governor Clinton H.,
. McCreery, H., Ambassabor H., Chl.
McCoy, Clyde, c-o Gus Edwards, First
Nat'l Bank Bldg., Chl.
McDonnld, Billy,. Hofbrau,. San Dlcco.
McPartlInd, Jack, 8 Deuces C, Chl.
Mellen, EarL Madura's Danceland, Whlt-
Ina, Ind.
Miller. Glen, Meadowbrook Club, Cedar
Grove, N.J.
Mills, Jay, Edgewatar Beach H., Chl.
Mllllnder, Lucky, State Palace B., NTC.
Mllllngton. Basso, Black Cat N.. NTC.
MIntz, Herble, Oriental Gardens B., Chl.
Mojica, Loon, El Patio B., San Fran-
cisco. . . .
Molina, Carlos, Sir Francis Drake H..
San Francisco.
Morgan, Rnss, Chez Paree, Chl.
Morton, Gerry, H. Savoy-Plau, NTC.
Munro, Hal, Athletic Club, Milwaukee.
Murray, Chariea, Mon Paris N., NIC.
N
Nagel, Harold, Pierre H., NTC,
. i!??";""' Roby, Rainbow Room. NTC.
Nichols, Red, Netherland-Plaza H., CIncy.
Noble, Leighton, Rltz-Cartlon H.. Boston.
chJTn.t!"'' °' ' ^•"'« ^'•»*
Olman, Val, c/o R^D'K.
Olson, Geo., Palomar B„ L. A.
Palmer, Skeeter, Seneca H., Rochester,
N.T.
Paul, Eddie. Columbia B., Cleve,, O.
Pendarvis, PauL Palace H., Sun Fran-
cisco.
FettI, Emile, Savoy-Plaza R., NTC.
Peyton, Jimmy, Plaza R., Pittsburgh,
Pllner & Earl, Blackstons H„ Chl.
Prima, Loula, Jitterbug House, Los An-
geles,
Ramona, Muehlbach R., Kansas City.
Rapp, Barney, Gibson H., CInn.
Ravazza, Carl, Rainbow Rendezvous, San
Francisco.
Ravel, ' Don, Greenwich Village Casino,
NTC. ,
Redman, Geo., Omar'a Dome C, L.A.
Relchman, Joe, Mark Hopkins H., San
Ftanclsco.
Renard, Jacques, Cocoanut Grove N.,
Boston.
Relsman, Leo, 130 W. I7th St., NTC,
Rhythm Boys, Stevens H., Chl.
Richards, Jimmy, Greystone B., Dot
KIco, Don. Seville R., Boston.
Robbins, Billy, Coropado H., Worcester,
Mass.
Roberts^ Red. Devlnea Eagles B„ Mil-
waukee.
Rodrlgo, Nano, Havana-Hndrld N., NTC
Rogers, Eddie, Syracuse H., N, T.
Roland, Don, Marcus Daly, Beverly Hills,
Calif.
Rolllnl, Adrian, Belmont-Plaza H., NTC.
Roth, Lee, Riverside T., Milwaukee.
Sabln. Paul, Chez Parer, Omaha.
Sanabria, Juanlto, Havana-Madrid, NTC.
Sanders, Joe, Trianon B., Chicago.
. Savitt, Jen, Lincoln H., NTC.
Shanks, Charles, Bismarck H., Ghl.
Sherman. Billy. Bill Green's Casino,
Pitts.
Shelley, Lee, Benny-the-Bum'a, Phlla.
Shields, Roy, NBC, Chl,
SIssle, Noble, Paramount H„ NTC
Smith, Stuff, La Salle H., Ctal.
South, Eddie, Blatz's Gardens, Milwaukee.
SplUlny. Phil, Park Central H., NTC.
Squires. Four, Stage One, H'wood.
Slarr. Freddy, Park Lane H., NTC
Stabile, Dick. StatlSr H., Cleve.
Stoeirier, Welly c/o FB.
Straeter, Ted, Monte Carlo, NTC.
Straight, Charles, While City B., ChL
Strong, Benny, Brown H.. Louisville.
Stuart, MIron, Trocadero N., Milwaukee.
Sudy, Joseph, Cosmopolitan H., Denver.
Swanson, Billy, c/o CRA.
Teeter. Jack, Club Tcrrls, Milwaukee.
Thai, Plerson, Milwaukee A.C., Mllw.
Thels, Henry, c/o n-O'K.
Thompson, Lang, Brown-Palace H„ Den-
ver.
Trace, Al, Sherman H., Chl.
Tracy. Jack, Broadmoor CC, Dencer,
Travers, Ted, Henry Giady R., Atlanta.
Trav^re, Vincent, Paradise R., NTC.
TK.'.'t"''.?'^"' Palmer House H.. Chicago.
Turk, AL Royale Frolics N., ChL
ClT" I?°J ""' ^"°' Club. Union
Va'rzos, Eddie, SSI. Club, Chl.
Vlonl, Bud, Cardinal Club, Milwaukee.
W
Wagner, Buddy. Midnight Sun, NTC.
waples. Bud, .Marquette H.. St. Louis.
Webb, Chick. Paramount T., Springfield.
Mass.
Webber, Harry, Clover Club, Milwaukee.
Weber, Henry, WGN, ChL
Weber, Marek, NBC, Chl.
Webster, Ralph, Tantllla Gardens, Rich-
mond, Va.
Weeks, Alison, Lyrlo T., Indpls.
Weeks, Ranny, Club Mayfalr, Boston, *'
Welk, Lawrence, Schroeder R., Milwau-
kee
'Whitemon, Paul, Southwestern Expo,
Ft. Worth. Tex.
Williams, Griir, Victor Hugo's R„ L.A.
Winston, Jack. Athens Athletic Club,
Oakland, Calif.
Winton, Borry, Rainbow Grill, NTC
WIttlch, Doriss, Tar R., Chl.
Woods, Howard, Village Barn, NTC.
Tales, Billy, Bl Tlvoll Supper Club, Dal-
las.
Toung, Sterling, Bill Green'a Caalno,
Pitta.
ZIpp, Eddie, Old Reldelberg N., Mil-
waukee.
Zwerllag, Ruby, State T., NTC
DIok Rnppert ol the WKRC CIn-
clnnatl sales department flew to New
York Sunday (19) for a fortnight's
huddle with Red Reynolds of the
CBS biz staff on promotional matters
for the web's local outlet
THEME SOm
OF
''one third of a nation''
THAT'S
HOW
DREAMS
SHOULD
END
By HAROU) ORLOB
G. SCHIRMER
3 E. 43rd St., New York
OLD SONG SUGGESTIONS
JIMMY McHUGH'S
mAN LOVE SONG''
Robbins Music Corp.
4 ACES!
AEC MUSIC CORP,
799 Seventh Avenue, New York
Frank Hennigs, Prol. Mgr.
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
DANCE BANDS
VARIETY
49
Inside Stuff-Orchestras
Two hot music lovers not connected with the biz at all are backing the
Informal jam sessions which last week shifted from the Park Lane Hotel
to the Belmont-Plaza Roof, N. Y. Tagged the Friday Club, sessions bring
In whichever outstanding musicians are in N. Y. at the moment to let them
go to town sans music. Each is paid oil at union scale, there being a $1
tap at the door. So far, the events have been lucrative only once and then
for only a few bucks as far as the backers are concerned. They are Paul
Smith and Ernest, Anderson, laitter with True Story Magazine. Thing's
been going five weeks.
Rest of the time it has cost the two anywhere from $20 to $40 per week
to sit and listen to hot men like ta.Xs Waller, Eddie Condon^ Bud Freeman,
Benny Carter, Rex Stewart, Pee Wee Russell, Zutty Singleton, and others.
Probably would be a deeper red if the room used were paid for. Hotel
opens it on the cuff, figuring the drink sale enough recompense.
Various orchestra leaders on tap in New York at the ni,oment jumped In
end guest conducted Gieorge Hall's band in the first two days of its cur-
rent date at the- State, N. Y., this week. Hall's wife died unexpectedly
Wednesday (15) and was buried Friday forcing him from the show. Jan
Savitt led off the guesters Thursday, being followed by Will Osborne,
Gray Gordon, Henry Busse, Sanuny Kaye.and others in scattered order.
Same situation applied Wednesday night when Hall's crew played a pri-
vate party at the Hotel Pennsylvania, N. Y. Johnny- Messner left his outfit
at the McAlpin hotel to baton several sets and was followed by others.
Hall returned to the State Saturday morning.
HERB COOK REHEARSES
ALL-GIRL ORCHESTRA
Kansas City, March 21.
Herb Cook, staff member at WHB,
is readying a girl band for theatres
and night club dates. The organiza-
tion will include a nine-piece trio.
The Three Reasons.' The unit is in
rehearsal until June.
Cook was formerly - arranger for
PhU Spitalny and manaRer of The
Three Little Words.' He rejoined
WHB a month ago.
On the Upbeat
'One Foot in Groove'
Artie Shaw recorded one of his
original nxunbers - ' last week
which he had named 'House of
Jive.'
It will be released under title
of 'One Foot in the Groove.' .
Bea Wain, vocalist with the Larry Clinton orchestra, Is another example
of an unknown picked up by a band and built to important popularity.
In Miss Wain's case she rose along with the crew on tunes like 'My Reverie'
and the current 'Deep Purple*. Clinton took her- out of the Ted Straeter
chorus on the Kate Smith radio show. She skyrocketed fast though, and
now receives billing above Clinton's outfit on some of the New York Indie
stations using recorded programs. For what that means.
Another along the same lines is Ella Fitzgerald with the Chick Webb
crew. As a result of 'A-Tisket A-Tasket' she gets equal billing with the
band wherever It plays.
Stan Shaw, director of the WNEW, N. Y.'s early hour 'Milkman's Mati-
nee,' set up a recorded program early Friday morning (17) which saluted,
number after number,' ihe various counties of Ireland. It was schedtiled
to occupy half the night at least, but didn't get half as far as intended.
Wave of wires came In, the ^Ist of all being 'We're not all Irish; let's
have Artie Shaw.' .
Artie Shaw and SI Schribman, New England ballroom operator, have
agreed to settle an obligation which the bandman put himself under last
year while playing for Schribman by the pajrment of a cash sum of money.
Amount which Shaw is slated to give Schribman is $22,500.
Mme. Commissioner Next?
(Continued from page 37)
again . endeavoring to. work Its will
on the voiceless majority, as In the
case of prohibition? If that meeting
was important, then every W.T.C.U.
meeting In 1914, 1915 and 1916 was
Important. The sooner the N.A.B.,
the networks, the individual stations,
the people in. radio, take a stand for
a free and untrammeled radio, just
as we have free speech and a free
press, the better Uie situation will
be.
'The solution of -the children's
hour, which Variety seelcs, is simple.
Any reliable pediatrician, psycholo-
gist or psychiatrist will tell you, as
they told me years ago when I was
writing 'Little Orphan Annie,' that
good, healthy excitement hurts no
normal child. If the mothers in Mrs.
Milligan's clubs are raising problem
children, they had better look to
their own hearths before they pro-
pose to sweep the world clean. Any
radio in the world shuts off with a
iimple twist of the wrist
'After 15 years of experience with
advertising agencies, I can safely
- say that not one of those I have en-
countered is callous to its social ob-
ligations. And certainly no sponsor
Is, whose business . depend on the
goodwill of his customers. I have
found no advertising agency unwill-
ing to follow the rules set up by the
networks. That they drive a hard
iHirgain may be true, but so does the
village banker entrusted with money
hot his own.
'Who are the right nursemaids for
the — horrible word — ^'kiddies' Are
they the women's clubs Are they
either the networks or advertising
•agencies? Thank God, no! They are
the thousands of wives and mothers
— like my wife, I'm proud to say —
who devote their time to their own
children, well aware that education,
entertainment, enlightenment, like
charity, begin at home. Of course,
the children's hour is an adult prob-
lem. My five children (incidentally,
does Mrs. Milligan have five?) are
our problem, my wife's and mine.
Their radio listening, like their film
going, other entertainment, educa-
tion and exercise, are directed by
close personal contact. But there
are no blinkers or ear-laps to dis-
guise a , world greatly in need of
improvement They are, X believe,
well oh the way to becoming intelli-
gent tolerant public-spirited Ameri-
cans. If they are all those things
we will be satisfied.'
Dahm's suspicions of Mrs. Milligan
seem unwarranted. She and a group,
including Dorothy Gordan, appar-
ently did the Industry a real service
in arranging the oS-the-record
luncheon (which got on the record!)
in the interests of better understand-
ing of conflicting viewpoints. The
more liberal-minded clubwomen
have understood the problems of
sponsorships and have been sym-
pathetic.
P, S. — Mrs. M. has two children.
WHAT GOES UP
MUST COME DOWN
GOT NO TIME
IF I WERE SURE OF YOU
AMUImtd lb« Oruteit Ctttta Club
8c«r< Enr WrlHeg
' Ai Outttandlng Precnn ' Number
PAVANNE «
By McrtoA Sauld
EVER 80 QUIET
Oh ct tli» Fmalnt Nwtlty NnnBcri
Id Vun
BLAME IT ON MY
LAST AFFAIR
Beniie Vocalist Enjomed
Supreme Court Justice Salvatore
A. Cotillo yesterday ("Tuesday) issued
a temporary Injunction restraining
De Lloyd McKay from appearing
with Ben Bemie's orchestra, and
ordered her n'anager and the plain-
tiff, Benjamin Fogelman, to put up
a $3,500 bond.
Suit charges breach of a five-year
managerial contract .
PAUL WHITEMAN DATES
Paul Whiteman orchestra is set for
two concerts next month at Roch-
ester and Boston. Crew does first
at Eastman theatre, Rochester, April
14 and follows with Symphony Hall,
Boston, April 16. Prior to those it
Million Dollar Pier April 9.
Whiteman returns to New York
today (Wednesday) from a date at
the Southeastern Exposition at Dal-
las, doing his Chesterfield broadcast
fills a one-nlghter at AtlanUc City's
from there tonight (22).
Band Bookings
Ted Travers, Henry Grady hotel,
Atlanta, four weeks, opening May 5.
Rita Rio, Flatbush theatre, Brook-
lyn, N. Y., March 31.
Milt Herth Trio, Lincoln hotel,
N. Y., April 3, indefinite.
Emerson Gill, Frontehac Cafe, De-
troit April 8 to 21.
Blue Barron, Madrid Ballroom,
Louisville, April 2; St Louis Arm-
ory, April 3; Convention Hall, Pitts,
April 5; April 6-10, Des Moines;
Turnpike Casino, Lincoln, April 7.
Gray Gordon, So'tAhland; Boston,
April 10, two weeks.
Charlie Barnet Raymor Ballroom,
Boston, four weeks, opening April 8.
Lou Breese, Coliseum,. Rochester,
April 3; Coliseum,' South Bend, Ind.,
AprU 14.
Les Brown, Canton, N. Y., April
19; Geneva CoUege, N. Y., AprU 28.
Larry Clinton, Durham, N. C,
April 6; Chattanooga, Tenn., April
24; Lawrenceville, N. J., AprU 29;
Bristol; Conn., April 30; Rhode
Island State College, Prov., May 3;
Carnegie Tech, Pitts, May 11.
Seger Ellis, Netherland-Plaza ho-
tel, Cinn., AprU 11 to May 1; Van
Cleve hotel, Dayton, May 4 to 31;
Nicollet hotel, Minn., June 3 to 30.
Joe Venuti, .one-nighter, March 25,
WiUard hotel. Wash., D. C.
Will Osborne, March 24 to April
15, staggered, Rainbo Ballroom, Bos-
ton; AprU 2, Ritz hotel, Bridgeport
Conn.
Freddie Fisher's SchnlckeUrtiz
band, Rose Bowl, Chicago, AprU 7,
four weelcE,
Charley Agnew, AprU 22, St Ag
nes BaUroom, Chicago.
Remodel, Rename Spot
In Park Central; Opens
Larry Ginton May 17
- In line with its name band policy
started with Chick '^ebb and inter-
rupted by the current Curt Houck
crew, the Park Central hotel, N. Y.,
brings in the Larry Clinton orches-
tra May 17 for a six to eight-week
stay. Date had been rumored, but
wasn't closed until Sunday (19). WiU
Osttome band might precede Clinton.
If it's set he will go into the Hotel
just before Easter or thereabouts.
Hotel will shutter the Cocoanut
Grove from May 9 to 16 for a re-
furbishing and enlarging to seat
about 550. Currently can handle
about 400. Room's palm motif might
change with 'Grove' name slated for
discard; -
Clinton Is currently on a one-night
tour. He starts a theatre date in
Cleveland this week, then heads
south for another month of one-
night stands. Following the P.C., It's
probable the band wUI go Into a
spot at the New York World Fair.
CHn.DS TO MCA WITH
16 WEEKS GUARANTEED
Reggie Childs, who last week asked
for and received his release from
Consolidated Radio Artists, aligned
his crew with Music Corporation of
America Friday (17). It's eflecUve
immediately.
MCA guaranteed ChUds a mini-
mum of 16 weeks' work between
now and October. Most of the 16
are location dates.
Bernle Cammins' announced clos-
ing date at William Penn hotel's
Chatterbox, Pittsburgh, on April 1
is oil and he'll stick until Urban Roof
opens summer season. That'll . be
arotmd Decoration Day.
Jean Wald's femmS orchestra out
of Pittsbvrgh has had option picked
up at Hotel Fort Hayes, Columbus,
for four additional weeks.
Three Fittsbureh bands, Joey Sims,
Owen Piper and . Jimmy Earle,
booked for University of Pitt Mili-
tary Ball Friday (24) along with
Kay Kyser.
Janis Williams Coqaettes, all-girl
band, penciled into Stanley theatre,
Pittsburgh, for week beginning
March 24.
AI Kavelln one-nights at swanky
Concordia Club, Pittsburgh, Satur-
day (25). Commodore Hotel- Perry,
Toledo, date out and he's still await- '
ing next CRA assignment after end-
ing two-month stay at Nixon cafe^
Pitt, this week.
Jook Teasarden band will have
six wires per week during its six-
week stay at the Roseland Ballroom,
N. Y. Gets three Mutual and three
CBS shots.
Sammy Kaye leaves the Commo-
dore Hotel, N. Y., sometime In May
for a series of theatre dat^ Includ-
ing the New York Paramount
Band has been offered a return shot
at the Commodore next winter, open-
ing In October.
Bert Lown's new orchestra preems
at Virginia Beach, Va., on location
foUowing a short shot at one-
nlghters.
Jan SavlU stays at the Hotel Lin-
coln, N, Y., Indefinitely. Charley
Barnet was scheduled' to reUeve
Savitt next month.' He'U go In
whenever Savitt leaves.
Hills Mnsle, Inc., will publish the
score of the Hasty Pudding Club
show, 'Fair Enough,' which opens at
the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, N. Y.,
AprU 8.
HARRY WARREN-^JOHNNY MERCER
OUt>^ FOUR SMASH SONGS...
so
VARIETY
VAUIW— NICHT CLUBS
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
Unit Review
MAE WEST & CO.
(FOX, B'KLTN)
Sylvia Manon & Co. (4), Bob
Ripa, HoTi7K>iiico Rascals 19), Mae
West (Hid Male Sextet; 'Persons in
Hiding' (Par).
Still a major attraction, Mae West
In the flesh is strong enough to pack
them in here. With plans for a mu-
sical comedy on Broadway under
way for next summer, present
vaudeville tour, with Miss West car-
rying three other acts in her unit,
Is probably serving as a stage warm-
up.
Unit carries no orchestra and
opens with house band in pit and
Sylvia Uanon & Co. on stagie. One
of the top adagio acts for years. Miss
Itfanon is as youthful, lithe and
graceful as ever. With her three
male partners, costumed in silver
and blue, performance is replete
with sensational throws across stage,
each trick bringing' favorable ]^
sponse.
' Bob Ripa, Danish Juegler, offers
a variety of stick, ball and plate
tricks. Pretty familiar to vaude
fans, Ripa's balancing is par excel-
lence with hardly a muff to spoil
performance.
Billing themselves as Borrah' Min-
evitch's original harmonica ras-
cals, the mouth-organ troupe fur.
nishes badly-needed comedy and
paves way for Miss West Mine
vitch is no longer a part of this
act. but his substitute carries on
'vritti the routines Uinevltch origi-
nated. Three or four musical se-
lections serve as background for
constant fights and interruptions
among the troupe. Their version of
Umbrella Man Is seriously ren-
dered, but unimpressive musically.
Shrimp-sized member of the troupe
has the audience in the hollow of
his hand throughout His comic
gyrations and fights with other
members of the troupe for favored
position at the microphone is grand
slapstick.
Full orchestra of 13 rises from pit.
finally to bring on Miss West in the
closing spot Set in attractive veV
vet backdrops, with a chaise lounge
the only piece of furniture, her six
leading men In toppers, tails and
canes, advance to center mike from
the wings and sing the praises of
the Sultana of Sex. Her accomplish-
ments in pictures since 1932 are
given . a onceover in snatches from
song -hits she warbled in her various
vehicles. Following introduction.
Miss West emerges from center en-
trance upstage in the grand manner,
as the boys fade off.
Her voluptuous figure, clothed in
;littering -black- jet costume with
jlack ostrich feather headress, the
whole designed to give her con-
ception of Catherine the Great,
brings applause right oB the bat.
Sure and certain of herself, she does
a typical West strut to the mike and
sings "You Must Come Up and See
Me Sometime.'
Ten minutes or. so is next taken
up in kidding routine with one of
her leading men. It permits her to
get off some of her sexy witticisms,
which is what the customers are
waiting for. Each gag. rings the bell.
With an air of subdued sophistica-
tion, taklnji in setting, appearanise
of her suoDorting cast costuming
and raaterisl, the whole unit is de-
signed to give Miss West an o'poor-
tunity of inoffensively presenting
what she has to offer without any
trouble from censors.
Closing routine of her act has her
Ian<;ourously dancing and singing
with her stooee to the underlying
T Kiss Your Hand. Madame.' prin-
cipally sung bv her leading man in
a passable baritone. She then brings
all six boys out front again and
they do a song and dance-routine
called 'Slow Motion.' It brings okay
bow-off applause.
Miss West's booking here is as a
special attraction. House reverts to
duals Friday (24).
• 15 YEARS AGO.
(From Vahiety;
English labor permits limited for
foreign players reported to be a re-
prisal particularly against American
performers, since London plays were
encountering increasing difficulty in
being cast because English players
were in America.
GiHiig, Geu^, Gone
Detroit, March 21.
Remnants of the Downtown Ca-
sino, Detroit's first theatre-restau-
rant into . which backers pouied
about $28,000 during the few weeks
it was open, brought only $4,000 last
week at auction.
Spot had once been an RKO film
showcase.
Harry Barrls and Loyce White-
man follow Art Tatum into the
Somerset House, L. A.
TheJHEATRE of the STARS
BOOKING AGENCY
GENERAL CXCCVTfVE OFFICES
LOEW BLDG. ANNEX
T60 WEST 46^ ST. NEW YORK
Paris hosting an international
vaudeville conference. England,
France, Italy and Belgium" were rep-
resented.
King Victor Emmanuel bestowed
upon D'Annunzif the title of Prince
of Montenevoso.
Tex Rickard was the first big fight
promoter to ban a radio account of a
fight He refused to sanction the
broadcast of the Paul Berlenbach-
Jack Delaney contest at Madison
Square Garden because of its pos-
sible effect on the b.o.
O. P, Heggie, Kenneth MacKenna
and Helen Hayes headed the legit
'We Modems,' which clidced in its
New York opening.
Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians
were held over at the Stanley thea-
tre, Pittsburgh, the biggest musical
hit in the history of the theatre.
comer in the title role of 'The
Roosier Schoolmaster.'
Eddie Leonard and Jack Osterman
held up the bill at the palace. Other-
wise, it was just another card.
City officials were permitting Sun-
day shows in Buffalo in defiance of
the Ku Klux Klan, which sought to
prohibit them.
Organization of independently-
booked theatres planned to erase
abuses practiced by some indie thea-
tre-owners and bookers.
"The Bat' closed in Washington
after chalking up a $1,800,000 profit
during. the five years it had played.
ADOPTS AM SHOWS
Schenley, Pitt, 2d WB Nabe Honse
to Go in (or Simon-Pnres
J. H. LU B I N
OENEIAl MANAOEI
SIDNEY H. PIERMONT
• OOKIN» MANAGEt
Pittsburgh, March 21,
Another WB nabe house, the
Scheiiley, Is going in for amateur
shows once we^y, but talent in
this case wiU be Confined to college
students. Sdtenley's in the heart of
the educational center, and plan is
to confine contestants to under-
graduates of Pitt, Carnegie Tech and
Duquesne University.
First will be staged tonight
(Tues.), with Milt Golden's Pitt
dance band providing the music
from the stage. If it clicks^ stimt
will be repeated each Tuesday, with
intercollegiate finals listed for end
of school season. The comeon Is the
cash prize.
Enright, another WB nabe, recent-
ly resumed am night, but field's open
here.
Night Qub Reviews
GLASS HAT, N. Y.
(BELMONT PLAZA HOTEL)
Bmie HoUt orch (12), Adrian
Roltini Trio, Three Smoothies, Bert
5hau>, Jane Clair.
The popular-priced Glass Hat, a
fave spot east of Park avenue for old
and young alike, is giving its cus-
tomers a neat show currently. Ernie
Hoist's orchestra (10), with the
leader and Bert Shaw providing the
vocals, is excellent on the dansapa-
tfon, and the supporting acts offer
par entertainment.
Popularity of the Glass Hat stir-
prisingly brings about quite a han-
dicap for the acts to overcome. Room
is on the hotel's ground floor and,
because of a low ceUing, is quite
noisy when crowded. Same situation
causes both the band and singers to
sound too forte at times.
Show's standouts- are the now
standard Adriai. Rollini Trio, one of
the top musical swing combinations
arouno, and the Three Smoothies
(two boys and a girl), who dispense
nice rhythm harmony. Both com-
binations ' had difficulty getting off
the . night caught Tlie RoUini Trio is
also strong for custoiher-terpine in
between band sessions. On the other
hand, Shaw, .who is with the band,-
and Jane Clair are only fair vocal-
ists. Hoist who doesn't do much
singing, rates higher in that line than
his specialist
-ET. _ -tr 11 1 1 J Band was at the El Morocco for
Henry Hull looked like a picture, ^veral seasons and is now maWng
.„ ♦.ti« «v# g prominence via two NBC
outlets weekly. It plays a show well
and fact that the dance floor is al-
ways -crowded attests to the orches-
tra's danceability. Scho.
ARABIAN NIGHTS, N.Y.
Tommy Mills, Albenice, Cypsy
Romaje, Roberta Jonay, Serge Abag-
off, Arthur Ravel orch, Arabian
Nights GirlSi
Sluts for Repairs
Shubert theatre, Newark, N. J,,
shutters for two weeks after the last
show tomorrow ni^t (Thursday).
House will undergo a' refurnishing to
some extoit, but is shattering main-
ly to allow the installation of a new
lighting switchboard.
House reopens April 7 with Chick
Webb and EUa Fitzgoald.
On the site of the former Yumuri,
Cuban bistro, a group of backers
(whose names are not mentioned)
have reconditioned a downstairs
room and installed Joe Zelli to run
it He will have a disappointing job
on his hands if he doesn't get a bet-
ter show. -
Zelli, back from Paris, is a name
well known to New York cafe dwell-
ers. His erstwhile exploits' on this
side^ provoking glamour around, the
foreign niiery impresario,' Included
ZelU's, the Royal Box and Dawn
Patrol.
Cuisine at this new place is Arabic
or Near Eastern, and the former
luckless Yumuri headquarters has
been entirely and effectively redwie,
with art work on the waus some-
what in the Parisian manner.
Waiters, cigarette girls, flower ven-
dors and others are in costumes ap-
propriate to the environment, but
the show is neither flesh nor fowl.
The Arthur Ravel band plays music
which ranges from sweet swing to
rousing rhumbas, the m.c. (Tommy
Mills) is true to type and, of all
things, there's a Russian knife
dancer. Serge Abagofl, on the show.
Opening session a ytreek back,
staged ' by Don Mario and with a
book by him, included a story back-
ground to bring out something Ara-
bian or near to It, with music and
numbers to flt Since then Mario
has retired from the show with a
band which he brought in, and the
show he put on except for slight re-
tentions, also took a back door out
Mario doubled from the Firenze,
where he remains.
Harlan Dixon is the new stager
and Mills on Saturday night (18)
succeeded Lou Dalgoft as m.c. Other
acts remain, however, and the Ara-
bian Nights Girls, declared to be
ballet-trained, have added hotcha
hoofing to the routines that are in
(Continued on page 55)
Bad Pitt Biz Exits Name
Band Policy for Nitery
Pittsburgh, March 21. .
Harlem Casino's plan to drop big
shows for colored name bands died
aborning here last week when the
bottom fell out of biz there and all
over the local nitery belt Sepia the-
atre-cafe had tentatively booked
McKlnney's Cotton Pickers for next
week, with Fletcher Henderson, Earl
Hlnes, Erskine Hawkins and Chick
Webb set to follow, but called whole
thing off when trade got worse than
usual, •
In addition, Sherdina Walker's or-
chestra contract still has a few
months to riin, and understanding is
that she would be booked in local
theatres for ■ the . unexpired term.
Agents, however, found tri-state film
house bookinga in the dumps, too,
thus nullifying -that plan.
Arthur Kkin Bankmpt
Los Angeles, March 21.
Arthur Klein, former New York
agent and now manager of the Tele-
'View theatre, Hollywood's only
newsreel house, filed a petition in
bankruptcy in Federal court.
Liabilities of $10,439.25 are listed
against assets of $2,700.
F&M Sets Pearce
St Louis, March 21.
Al Pearce and his Gang -have been
booked for one week at Fanchon &
Marco's S,000-seater Fox, starting
April 2. The engagement is in line
with plans to present an occasional
stage show at the Fox during April
and -May. .
No other acts have been inked.
BENEFITS STILL 00 ON
Philadelphia, March 21.
Complaints by nitery acts that they
are being called on to play more
benefits ttian ever are being regis-
tered at the American Federation of
Actors headquarters here. This is
despite claims by Tom Kelly, AFA
local chief, that the chiz has been
materially feduced as a result of a
clampdown several months ago.
lENE FLORIAN
DresMd bj
SIDNEY FISHER
7B/77 Shaftesbury Avenua
PICCADILLY. LONDON. ENA
Bat Coffee in England
QUALITY INN
Leicester Squara
LONDON, WEST-END
HOPE
EDDIE
MINOR and ROOT
HOLLYWOOD BEACH HOTEL, RA.
FOR TWO WEEKS
THE THREE BO BRUMMELS
WIN
FEBRUARY
PLACE
FEBRUARY
27th
SHOW
MARCH
20th
THREE QUICK ONES IN A HOW AT THE
LONDON COLISEUM
OPENING SECOND SEASON— BARNES & CARRUTHERS FAIRS JULY 3RD
P^rsonat Representativ«*^IKTON PICKMAN of ROCKWELL-O'KEEFE Gj^NERAL AMUSEMENT CORF.
Wednesday, Mareli 22, 1939
▼AUDE^NIGHT CLUBS
VARIETY
51
Teamsters Union Returns to Activity
With Increased Use of Stage Bands
comparatively Inactive since
vaudeville climbed aboard Its to-
^ggan, the International Brother-
hood of Teamsters and Chauffeurs
has been giving more attention late-
ly to theatre-l^ooked bands, Where
a {airly large Income was oncfe de-
rived from transporting baggage of
vaude turns from depots to theatres,
ai,d vice versa that has dwindled
proportionately with the vaude de-
cline.
While ever-widenmg use of name
bands as stage fare has. In a meas-
ure, brought back considerable flesh
acttvl^, the hitch, as far as the
IBTC Is concerned, Is the mode of
travel used by the crews. In almost
every Instance the bands travel t>y
bus or private car and carry their
Instruments in Ught trucks.
Teamsters are stepping Into this
olcture more of late, demanding to
be designated as official loaders of
these vehicles. So far New York
local 817 of the IBTC has acted in
comparatively few cases. Those few
were with the approval and coopera-
tion of the N. Y. Local 802 of the
American Federation of Musicians,
which has acted ais intermediary
where salaries were concerned
' Reps of the- IBTC stopped stage-
hands of the Paramount theatre.
New York, £rom aiding Bob Crosby's
orchestra to leave the house after Its
date there several weeks ago. An
early ' Instance of IBTC action was
at one of the first dates played by
the Gene.Krupa band at a Brooklyn
Armory last spring. There the band
was picketed as being imfalr. This
was glossed over by the payment of
|38 to the musician's union, which
in turn passed it on to IBTC.
IBTC has no argument with in-
dividual movements of musicians and
Instruments in taxis, etc., restricting
Its demands to mass shifts.
Truckers and teamsters are also
active at the New York World Fair,
along with the stagehands linlon.
They have been stopping trucks de-
livering material to Fair concessions
which are in the show class.
NEW PLAN MAY
CDTPA.NITER1ES
Fanchpn-MfU'co Set
To Stage Ice Follies'
Sam Shayon, of Fanchon & Marco,
last week ' set a deal with Oscar
Johnson and Roy and Eddie Ship-
stad, feature skaters, for F. & M. to
stage 'their' 'Ice Follies,' 'which is
schieduled to open May 15 at the
Dreamland Auditorium, San Fran-
cisco. Show will run there until
November, when it will go on tour.
Miss Fanchon will handle, produc-
tion. Evelyn Chandler and Bruce
Mapes, blade aces, will be included
in the 'Follies' cast
Philadelphia, March 21.
Plan to graduially slash the num-
ber of. liquor licensees In the state
by bne-third, through putting new
teeth In the control laws here. Is
under consideration by a legislative
committee. By granting the liquor
board more powers to press a vig-
orous enforcement campaign, and
giving It more latitude in revoking
or suspending licenses, it is seen that
many drinking places, including
niterles, would be eliminated in this
way. Unless there is a considerable
pickup in biz at least a third may be
tapturally . eliminated this summer
when license renewal fees of about
$700 are due.
. Committee is also studying the
possibility of obtaining an additional
$29,000,000 revenue through liquor
- taxes in the next two years, which
would also add to the number of
spots dropping out of the race.
Bev Hills, Ky., Sets
Four Name Bands
Chicago, March 21.
Following current bill with Clyde
Lucas' . orchestra, the Beverly Hills
Country Club, Newport, Ky., plays
Ted liewis' orchestra, which opens
AprU 14.
Following Lewis consecutively
Jul be Abe Lyman, opening May 11;
Phil Harris and Eddy Duchin, aU in
lor four weeks each.
F&M Lme for Chi
A Fanchon 8t Marco line of 16
jwls, directed by Gae Foster, goes
"Jto HKO's Palace, Chicago, for a
»«^eek run starting April 7 or 14.
Opening date depends on the book-
m of The Castles' (RKO), Astalre-
"Jgers starrer, with which the line
^ tee off. 'Castles' is expected to
™n about four weeks.
BRANDT SCORES
N. Y. PAR BAND
TROTECnON'
William Brandt yesterday (Tues.)
indicated that unless there is a
.change of attitude on the part of the
Paramount theatre. New York, in
exercising 'unfair and undue protec-
tion' clauses in ita contracta with
name bands which play the house,
the Brandt drcnlt will be forced to
take drastic steps.
Action arises over cancellation of
a contract between Larry Clinton's
orchestra and the Brandt Bros.
Flatbush theatre by Clinton's repre-
sentative, Bernard A. Miller. Con-
tract called for Clinton to play the
Flatbush we^ beginning May 5 at a
$5,000 guarantee, against 60% of the
gross. MiUer contends he was
forced to cancel because of a 50-mile
radius 'protection' clause in a con-
tract Clinton signed last January, to
play the N. Y. Paramount in Sep-
tember, 1039. This contract is said to
be for a straight $6,000 per week.
This "protection' clause prohibita a
band from playing within a 50-mile
radius of the Paramount at any time
up to the time it opens at the house,
as well as 30 days thereafter. Brandt
alleges Paramount has shown dis-
crimination against his house by
waiving the protection clause and
allowing bands to play the Para-
mount, Newark, which Is less than
50 miles from the N. Y. house, less
than 30 days after playing the latter.
Situation also flared up recently
when the Flatbush, which had Hal
Kemp booked, agreed to move up its
own booking to beyond Kemp's twO-
week date at the N. Y. Paramount in
order to avoid a close conflict on
both engagements.
Brandt further alleges that the
Strand, N. Y., also playing name
bands, does not exercise any undue
'protection' clauses against other
Metropolitan theatres, and that the
Paramount stand is similar to the
Par company's film bookings which
have caused the firm to be named
with other major companies in the
Government anti-trust suit.
1939 Odyssey
Chicago, March 21.
Senator Miuphy arrived in
town last week on what may
well be the longest jump in the
history of vaude.
Muiphy came in from England
for a week at the State-Lake
here. He's due to leave imme-
diately for Los Angeles where
he sails for' Australian vaude
dates.
Dows to Curtail State,
Hartford, for Sommer,
2^Day Vaade Snbstitnting
In line with a summer retrench-
ment policy, the State, Hartford,
folds ita full-week stage shows at
the end of May for straight films,
according to tentative plans of Al &
Belle Dow, bookers, who have an
operating inter^ in the house.
The Dows, however, are consid-
ering bringing in weekend vaude
bookings during the slack season,
with the possibility of Saturday end
Simday dates.
House has been operating on a
name band policy — ^Artle Shaw Is
current— and has tentatively set Fred
Waring, Guy Lombardo, Shep Fields,
Sammy Kaye, Glen Gray, Wayne
King and Larry Clinton for dates to
run through 1/[tty.
Prov. Vander Folds'
Providence, March 21.
The Playhouse, in-and-out vaud'
filmer, quit stage shows last' week
because of poor biz.
The theatre adapted vaude last
September when the hurricane
forced closing of Fay's, which pre-
viously had been the city's only
vauder.
BAD BIZ, UNION DISPUTE
SHUTMARGUERY,PHILLY
Philadelphia, March 21.
Cafe Marquery In the Hotel Adel'
phia, once Philadelphia's most popu
lar cafe, shuttered last week as the
result of bad biz and a labor dispute.
Howard Hohl, the manager, indi'
cated that it will probably not be
reopened untU fall, if at all. It's the
first time since repeal that the Adel
phia has been without, a nitery.
Hohl blamed the Cooks, Walters
and Bartenders union for part of his
difficulties, since, he said, they
wanted him to put on more men in
the kitehen department
Barstow's Double Play
Palmer House, Chicago, brings in
ita first outside dance director April
e when Dick Barstow comes In to
aid Muriel Abbott stage a new show,
He will also do his standard vaude
turn with his sister Edith. Pair are
in for eight weeks.
United Detroit Extends Nabe Vande
After SJR.O. Try; Sets Rotating Unit
Marden's Riviera Already
Setting Talent for Opener
Talent is already being set for Ben
Marden's Riviera, on the Jersey side
of the George Washington bridge,
though ^le reopening date of the
roadhouse won't be until May 4, at
the earliest . Chester Hale will pro-
duce the first show.
Acta set thus far include Joe K
Lewis, Ray and Naldi, Frazee Sis-
ters, all set by the William Morris
office, including Emory Deutach's
orchestra, which will play the open-
ing layout
INDPLS. NITERY
RAIDED AT
OPENING
Indianapolis, Slarch 21.
Tba Plantation, after spending
heavily to plug opehhig, shut the
doors the same night, Sunday (12),
when police closed the place on
gambling charges. In one room new
equipment valued at $18,000 was
confiscated. In addition to - about
$2,200 in cash, which was taken from
the tables. About 100 persons were
in the club at the time of the raid,
conducted by 14 state policemen.
Club was closed previously about
a year ago on gambling charges.
Fear New Mieb. Gov.
Detroit March 21,
Added to local niterles' woes, fos-
tered by Lent and public apathy, is
ascension to the governor's chair
last week of Lieut Gov. Luren D,
Dickinson, 80, long-time dry, who
succeeded the late Gov. Frank Fitz
gerald. New governor' is likewise
strict foe of gambling and Is expect-
ed to finish state cleanup only re^
cen^ begun by Fitzgerald.
There Is some ray of hope for
nitery operators in the. fact that
Dickinson may relinquish governor'
ship soon because of ill health, and
is certain to turn down another term
due to his age.
Chic Yorke Better
Chic Yorke (and King) is recuper
ating from pneumonia in Hot
Springs, Ark.
He was- taken off the traiii there
a couple of weeks ago while en
route to Texas.
Tale of Arcadia
Or the Story of the Philly Cafe That Was Nearly
Leased by a Glib Gentleman
HELLER'S BAND PLANS
OUT FOR LEGIT DEBUT
Pittaburgh, March 21.
With deal closed for him to appear
In Lew Brown's musical, "Yokel
Boy Makes Good,' Jackie HeUer has
temporarily dropped plans to or-
ganize a band. Heller recenOy dis-
banded orchestra he had for sev-
eral months at Benny the Bum's,
Philadelphia, and Music Corp. of
America expected to build a swing
outfit around him upon return of the
singer from Bermuda vacation last
•Yokel' will mark Heller's debut in
a Broadway show. He's appeared
previously only in vaude, niteries
and on radio.
FOLLOWS TfiE VOGUE
Philadelphia, March 21.
Nitery bug among the upper crust
has spread from debbies to the male
portion of the same set
Latest of the bluebloods to join the
troupers is Jack Marston, of Balti-
more, who opens, at El Chico here
on Thursday (23) as m.c. and
warbler.
Detroit, March 21.
Success of' initial re-entry into
vaude last week at Ita 1,800-seat
Annex nabe has prompted United
Detroit theatres (Par) to - extend
flesh setup to include also the
Ramona and Regent All three are
major UD nabes. One-night test at.
Annex last week drew sellout crowd
at SOc top. . .
UD's Broadway-Capitol, former
downtown vaudfllmer which has
been on second-run duals for a long
spell, has also been Included in the
split-week flesh lineup, and will get
initial test with a Major Bowes unit
after Easter. The Capitol's future
policy will be determined by success
of the Bowes engagement
present setup for ;the Annex,
Ramona and Regent will Include
building of a unit by Abe Schiller,
UD's booker, to play three spota
once a week. Will consist of five or
six standard acts, plus a seven-piece
band.
May Beopen Hpls. House
Minneapolis, March 21.
The Minneapolis Theatre Co., ow^i-
ers of the 4,200-seat $2,000,000 Minne-
sota theatre here, abandoned by the.
Paramoimt circuit is considering re-
opening the big deluxe house ItaeU,
with Gordon Greene, present Palace
theatre manager, as managing direc-
tor.. Proposed policy calls for inde-
.pendent films plus pop price vaude-
ville at a 25c scale.
Greene managed the Minnesota
when it first opened and for some
time thereafter. Illness requiring him
to relinquish the position. An inves- .
tigatlon now is being made to deter-
mine if sufficient screen product
would be available.
The theatre has been dark for
more than six months. The Para-
mount lease expired Jan. 31, The-
atre was a heavily losing proposition
for the past three years, or more.
BKO's Flashing, Tr;
Planning special lowrbudget trial
shows, RKO In New York yesterday
(Tuesday) inaugurated a policy of
stage shows two days weekly at the
Flushing, and on Friday . (24) Is
starting colored amateur shows -at
the Regent
At the 58th St., Frank C. HaU, as-
trolpgist is current, \rhile last night
XTuesday) the Joe Jordan Harlem
Syncopators played the Tilyou,
Coney Island.
Philadelphta, March '21.
Fantastic tale of how a complete
stranger wrecked negotiations that
would have had the shuttered Ar-
cadia-International restaurant re-
opened by this time was revealed
here this week. Arthur H. Padula,
prez of the nitery, who was set to
unveil it again, has washed his hands
of it now. as a result of the queer
trick.
Almost unbelievable story began
last Jan. 21, when the spot closed.
Principal creditor was the landlord,
Albert M. Greenfield, agent for the
Widener Estate, which owns the
building. Greenfield agreed to re-
opening of the Arcadia if Padula
could raise $5,000, obtain the agree-
ment of the federal, state and city
governments, which were owed
taxes; obtain the agreement of the
service unions, whose members were
owed back pay, and obtain the sanc-
tion of the 63 principal creditors.
Padula secured the agreementa
necessary and the money in four
weeks. Greenfield, in turn, was to
reduce the rental from $60,000 a year
to $30,000, plus 6% of the gross.
But during this period Philip H.
Doerle, Jr., came into the picture.
Unknown to Padula, he offered to
rent the Arcadia from Greenfield at
the old price. Greenfield is said to
have agreed. Then he ordered sup-
plies. Finally, Doerle went to WIP.
where he said he had hired Richard.
Himber's band for the opening and
a Benny Davis revue, and said he
wanted to make arrangenienta for a
wire, the story goes.
To everyone he told the same tale,
that he represented Nicky Johnson,
wealthy Atlantic City political lead-
er; Phil Barr, operator of the 500
Club, Atlantic City, and George
Griffin, another Atlantic City figure.
He said he had just deposited two
certified checks, to insure the open-
ing. Then he made an error. He
cashed a $30 check in a department
store, and It bounced.
Store officials notified detectives,
who knew Doerle well. He had only
recently been released from prison
on a bad check charge. They nabbed
him when he went back to WIP to
make final arrangementa for' the
wire.
Meantime, Padula went back to
Greenfield with his completed agree-
menta. Greenfield said he wasn't in-
terested as someone else had offered
to pay $60,000 for the place. Neither
knew until several days later about
Doerle. He is presently In the county
prison awaiting grand jury action.
New Baven Sunday 'Vande
New Haven, March 21. - .
Town will take a flyer on Sunday
vaude when promoter Nate PodoloS,
of the Arena, brings Paul Whiteman
In for matinee and evening perform-
ances Sunday, April 2. In addition
to 'Whiteman's standard show, there
will be eight acta of vaude, plus Paul
Tremalne's band.
Glen Gray's Casa Loma orchestra
booked for April 16, with subsequent
shows dependent on reception given
these two. ; ' .
Previously Sunday vaude at the
Arena was mulled by local stage-
hands union in a tieup with Podoloff,
but negotiations fell through and
union is' not in present setup.
GOODMAN TOPPED
IN Pnr BY SHAW
Pittaburgh, March 21.
Latest b.o. clash of Benny Good-
man and Artie , Shaw resulted in
slight edge tor latter here as result
of their consecutive appearances at
the Stanley, 'WB deluxer. Shaw,
playing here week before last
grossed around $24,000, with Good-
man last week winding up just a bit
better than $22,000. Those figures
are for six days Inasmuch as there's
no flesh here on Sundays.
Goodman backers claim that Shaw
had the better b.o. picture In Taris
Honeymoon' (Par). They say that
on his Sunday, 'Paris,' playing alone,
outgrossed 'Fast and Loose' (M-G),
which was Goodman's support, by
practically 20%,
Ohio Cafe Beopena
Newark, C, March 21.
^Mayfair Room of the Lake Breeze
hotel, at nearby Buckeye Lake, has
reopened for the season. Floor
shows, changed weekly, will be the
policy.
52
VARIETY
VAmETY HOPSE MFWEWS
Wednesday, Mareh 22, 1939
MUSIC HALL, N. Y.
Symphony orchestra, Emo Rapee,
Mischu Violin, Fronte Nowicki, con-
ductors, Violo Philo, GeoTge Meyer,
Allen Stanley, Dale Vemer, Robert
I/indrum, Clorice GoWner, Ballet
Sestet, (Lida AncMtina, Ivan Trie-
sault, William Dollar, Louise For-
Twca. Nicholas Daks, Marie Gri-
nialdi), Corp De Ballet, Rockettes;
'Love Affair" (RKO); reviewed in
VAniETV Morch 15.
Fairybook fantasy motivates the.
main production number in this
week's stage event It's lal>eled
Three Glass Hearts' and combines
briUiant stage and costume Investi-
ture, with choice choreography.
The fable's recital spotlights the
individual talents of a mixed sextet
of ballet artists and brings on the
house line for the usual optical treat
in grace and movement. Florence
Rogge, ballet director, has not only
snatched this show's honors but
she's raised the level of imagery
and technlQue that much higher for.
herself ana the troupe.
Outside of the ballet innhig the
backstage impresarios haven't much
to crow about The opening Item
is monopolized by Viola Fhilo's
soothing soprano. She does the
'Jewel Song? Following the ballet
number the presentation returns to
words and melody, this time using
the services of the choral ensemble.
They're, all in blackface and the
reason is a special bit of material,
'Jonah and the Whale,' cooked up
by Arthur Schwartz and Albert
Stillman. George Meyer and Allen
Stanley are the cheerleaders of this
vernacularized epic from the Bible,
and for the fadeout the travelers
part to reveal Jonah comporting
himself comfortably in the living
, room, which the scenic artist has
set up in the interior of his papier
mache whale.
Dale Vemer, the magician, takes
over next wiUi a routine that In-
volves handkerchiefs, eggs, paper,
sand and aluminum rings. From
the rear of the house Itlooks con-
sistently unexciting. Before the
Rockettes are allowed to shine in
that one and only brand of precision
pedal rhythm, the customers have to
listen to something in rhyme and
notes tagged "Bhy&m Talk.' Rob
ert Landrum, abetted by Clarice
Goldner, tries hard to make the
verses sound interesting but it all
shapes as just a lead-on for the
girls' dance.
Biz good opening night (Thurs.)'.
Odec.
mimics a femme chirper with a
swing band. Tosses a bunch of tunes
toge&er in a falsetto and style, that s
in this groove. It's nitty satire.
Paul Remos and his pair of midg-
ets are the heaviest scorers in the
layout Little fellows, dressed as
kids In short pants and socks, are
irresistible in their attraction.
Brought on in suitcases, they open
with a swell tap routine and then
go iiito aero bends while balanced on
Remos's palm. Most of it is the same
stuff they've been doing for some
time, only addition, and. a pip, be-
ing one of the tykes balancing via
a stick held in his teeth on a stick
in Remos's mouth. Finale with the
midgets atop .a pole on Remos's shoul-
der, one playing chimes and the
other swinging a lariat Very strong.
Routining is weakest spot in the act
there being several rauier long stage
waits, which could easily be filled
with one of the midgets doing a spe-
cial^.
Shaggers more or less standard,
although particularly long on looks,
both boys and gals. Plenty of s.a.
lent by togging femmes in sweaters.
Herb. .
ADELPHL LONDON
London, March 14.
Beotrice Applevard A George
Cerhardt, Low & Webster, Nicol &
Martin, Mills Broty^s (5). Claude
Dompier & BilHe CorlyJe, Four Or-
tons, Levonda, SCanlev Uowtyoa-a,
Calgary Brothers (2>, Cecil Lvie
Co.
HIPP, BALTO
BaltimoTe, March 19.
Fredysons (7), Edword Roecfcer,
Paul Svdell & Spotty, Ray Mayer &
Edith Evans, The Dolinoffs & Raya
Sisters (WLove Affair (RKO).
FOX, PHILLY
Philadelphia, March 17.
Hal Kemp orch (14), Judy Starr,
Bob Alien, Soxte Dotoell, Micfcev
Bloom, JacTc Le. Maire & Eddie
Kusby, Paul Remos & His Midgets,
Shaggers <4), Adolph Komspan
house baTuL' 'Tou Can't Cheat an
Honest Mari (U).
With the new vaudfllm policy now
In its fourth week here, and with
what is figured °to be strong b.o.
draw on the screen,. Fox this sesh
has let up somewhat on the quantity
of flesh hypo for Its marquee. - Only-
two acts have been added to the Hal
Kemp troupe, Paul Remos . and hid
midgets and a crew of four shaggers.
Both are strong, but almost mean-
ingless in lights. Lack of Hollywood
or other name attraction,- however,
has no bearing on the quali^ of en-
tertainment this turn, because the
show hums nicely most of the way.
Biz was overflowing when caught at
last show Friday,
With a crew of 13 under his baton,
Kemp tees off with 'I Go for That
'You're a Sweet Little Headache' and
'Jeepers.' Band for the most part
sticks to a rather honiyish idiom,
only very occasionaUv turning to
' real swing. While the sweet may be
better for prolonfed listening or a
cocktailery, it distmctly doesn't have
the punch that the wild jive crews
get out of music- for a short stage
sesh. Kemp wisely compensates for
this, in part, by maintaining a visual
as well as oral show all the way.
Various members of the troupe are
experts at clowning and there's
something besides musi'; going on all
the time.
Keinp himself, of course, m.c.'s
and does an excellent job. He's
pleasant and. humorous, and doesn't
take himself too. seriously. Fea-
tured vocalizing with the band - is
taken care of by Judy Starr and
Bob Allen. Allen ezhibs a nice set
of pipes in a deep-voiced brand of
crooning and clicks soldidly with
'Get Out of Town,' 'I Have Eyes' and
'Date with an AngeL' Mi^ Starr,
billed over Allen, With a lesser voice
and a sigularly peculiar style of
phrasing, is harder to digest' Does
'Heart Belongs to Daddy,' 'I Cried
for You,' 'Had It Coming to You'
and 'Hold Tight.* Nice looker, she
meshes only mildly and gets off
easily.
Comic angles In the Kemp out-
fit are handled by Saxie Dowell,
Mickey Bloom and Jack LeMaire.
Dowell does his standard Ten Little
Bottles' and then adds a new nifty
In a brand of double-talk that he
calls 'Fish.' Gets the audience doing
.It for a couple of choruses. Mickey
Bloom provides a swell novelty turn
oh a toy trumpet, while Jack Le-
. Maire has difficulty in getting away
after he drops his guitar, -wraps a
kerchjet.' '.around his noggin and
Nice playing layout here, a bit
heavy on the nght end, but effective
nevertheless, wealth of novelty and
versatility makes up for lack of ac-
tual sock and supplies an ideal sup-
plement to film, 'Love Affair.' Ray
Mayer, making a -vaude comeback
after a stretch in pix, supplies some
name value and a needed comedy
Ult
Strong opening by The Fredysons,
Continental teeter board septette,
who do all' the standard "balancing
and tumbling stuff in addition to
their effective catches by way of the
see-saw. Closing trick of a somer-
sault to a four-high, a real sock, and
a bow-getting finish. . Make swell
spot for Edward Roecker, legit
smger, in the deuce. Of sure stage
presence and possessed of a knowing
pair of pipes, he does 'Rosalie,' 'Did
Your Mother Come From Ireland,'
the Inevitable, 'Ol' Man River,' and
for an encore, 'Sweethearts.' With a
better selection of numbers, this nice
appearing lad should be able to. hit
the bigger brackets, and presents
possibilities for musical comedy or
films.
Paul Sydell, unusually spotted In
the trey, more than holds his own
with his clever handling of his
canine partner. Rings the bell in
resounding style. Is followed by Ray
Mayer, in ten gallon headpiece and
down home get-up, wanging a minia-
ture piano for -^pical vocal and
session of gags in which he intros his
partner, Edith Evans, ragtime singer
of a style reminiscent of former days
of vaude. Combine in vocal. Thank
the Man Upstairs,' announced as an
ori|inal by Mayer, and - timely in
lyric content. Mayer has an easy
style and knows his way about, scor-
ing easily and effectively for a beg-
off.
The Dolinoffs and. Raya Sisters
close. A dance flash nicely costumed
and skillfully tricked with a closing
illusion, three femmes and male
partner combine some okay hock
and aero stuff effectively. Fmishing
routine, in front of black curtain
banked by two brilllantiy lit ques-
tion marks in which girls disappear
into the background and then go into
seemingly impossible feats of levita-
tion, a strong novelty and a nice
windup for the entire doings. '
Biz okay. Burm.
This show is practically devoid of
the femme element and has too big
a sprinkling of dumb talent. House
is also getting bad Monday nights
(with the management claiming biz
picks up during the week), which
makes it very tough for the acts.
Appleyard and (^rhardt two ball-
roomers, have .one of those conti-
nental valse acrobatique things, last-
ing three minutes, with male giving
out a prop grin. Following them are
Low nnr'. Webster, name suggesting
two prominent Idcial cartoonisU, with
line of gab which is anybody's. Nicol
and Marthi are a couple of Scottish
comics on unicycles, best offering
bein>! as stews.
Mills Brothers, now numbering
five, with the back one just strum-
ming the guitar, isock wil'i 'Dinah,'
'Sixfy Seconds Got Together,' 'Mul-
berry Bush,' with much better ar-
rangement than hitherto sung around
here, and 'Lambeth Walk.' also novel
as rendered by this quartet For an
encore, boys give out with 'Just a
Kid Named Joe,' and their themer,
'Tiger Rag.'
Claude Dampier is an Australian
who has been around for years, only
coming into his o-wn in the last few
years through radio work. - Essays
Slaying the piano as accompanist to
is femme jfoil, BiUie C^lyle. His
grimacing is much ahead of his ma-
terial. Audience liked him.
Four Ortons, here the opening
wee!:, four weeks ago, when they
were barely noticed, fare much bet-
ter this trip in straight vaudeville.
Second half has Levanda, conti-
nental foot juggler, opening, followed
by Stanley Holloway, also now a
radio name, but starred before that
Holloway specializes in Lancashire,
and Cockney dialect songs, a sort of
male Grade Fields. He is also the
creator of the Sam Small characters.
Calgary Brothers have been iii the
business for 20 years, but this is
their first date for General Theatres.
Boys deport themselves well -with
their comedy aero burlesques, Rus-
sian dancing, and general hoke stuff,
Looks like GTC will accept them
into its told.
Closhig is Cecil Lyle -with some
smart legerdemain, ranging from the
disappearing woman in cabinet to
the cutting of a rooc by members
of the audience, and then joining it
together igain. It has all been done
before, but always interests. Rege.
the show's opener atter the bands
theme. Following her is Terry Allan,
band vocalist He has a nice voice,
but too much dramatics. His eyes
are closed half the time; in the other
half -his gestures are almost hypnotic.
Lorraine and Rognan have been
coming along for the past several
months. They are a finished comedy
team now, the temme's eccenmc
body contortions being good for
continuous laughs. Male partner is a
perfect feed and ah okay dancer on
lis own. Their closing burlesqued
'Blue Danube Waltz' is a wow piece
of taugh business.
Cross and Dunn, with their stand-
ard character songs, and Mildred
Bailey, gargantuan swing vocalist
with a radio-disk rep, follow in
that order and are successive scorers.
The shagsters finale. .
Despite the lateness of the hour
of the last show, the house was
pretty well filled. At a 40c admish,
the business was deserved, the show
being a bargain at that price. The
picture, British-made 'Edge of the
VoWd,' can't be given much credit
for b.o. pull.
Arthur Fisher Is booking this
house. If the Brandts keep the elas-
tic off their bankroll Fuher may
have a winner again. Scho.
EMBASSY, N. Y.
The death of a nation occupies the
spotlight here this week, tiiougb
there's nothing new in the way of
action shots to describe the present
Czech situation. Distance doesn't
permit more timely reels on the
present setup, but the narration is
timely, and the use of stock shots,
taken last tall at the first crisis,
enable the newsreels to maintain in-
terest.
Universal liandles the most footage
on the Czech situation, while Metro
and Par follow in that order. Along
with Movietone and Fathe, they all
go into the entire Central and West-
ern European tempest to form a.
graphic picture.
I%the . shows France preparing
against the possible invasion of Ger-
many with the building of trenches.
Par reels England building bomb-
proof shelters. There are other simi-
lar clips, detailing the preparedness
note that's the signal of all Europe
today.
Rest of the bill Is diversified and
interesting. Sports has a big quota,
with baseball in the major league
training camps topping the card
(Pathe). Joe Louis ranching on the
'Coast is a poor interview XPar). He
sports a dead pan, says a few words
that are negligible and pops off a
six-shooter tor indefinable reasons.
The significance of the ascension
to the Pontifical throne of Cardinal
Paccelt is explained by Bishop Dono-
hue of New York, who suggests that
the new Pope will relentiessly fight
for world peace. The Bishop's talk
Immediately follows the coronation:
of the Pope in the Vatican, The lat-
ter is reeled unimpressively -as the
camera was -at too great a distafice.>
FLATBUSH, B'KLYN
Red Horvofs orch (15), Dale Win
fhrop, Lo^aine & Roffnan, Terrj/
Allan, Cross & Dunn, Mildred
Bailey, Shag Dancers (6); 'The Edge
of the World' (British).
The Brandts, after a couple of
years of announcements, have finally
come through with a -vaudeville pol-
icy in one of their Greater New York
theatres. Ifs to their credit that
their initial stage layout at this once
ace Brooklyn vaude spot shows an
expensive investiture of talent and
scenery. Continuation of the same
type of talent in the future may
mean the first really successful
vaudeville revival in these parts. All
the others have failed because the
followup shows suddenly showed a
pitch in the pocketbook.
The Flatbush was originally built
by Keith's as a straight-vaude house
in 1013. Loew's had the house for a
while, then B! S. Moss and finally
the Brandts under whom it has been
operated as a grind picture spot In-
stitution of the vaude nolicy shows a
dearth of picture product more than
anything else. Yet being the only
full- week stage show house in Brook-
lyn now, the Flatbush may be able
to get by regardless of the type of
films, if the vaudeville is kept on ^
high level. The initial show is ex-
cellent
Red Norvo's .band, plus Mildred
Bailey (Mrs. Norvo), and Cross and
Dunn, provide an excellent enter-
tainment and marquee backbone for
any vaudeville theatre.. They are
aided by Lorraine and Rognan, fine
mixed comedy pair. Dale Winthrop,
a good rhythm dancer, and an even-
ly mixed sextet of shag dancers-
Novelty of the latter has worn off
by now and, closing the show, they
arc its only weakness.
Norvo's aggregation is excellent in
swing arrangements, ,the maestro
standing out at the vibraharp, but
falling down on the introductions.
If he hasn't got .marbles in- Ms
mouth, he at least sounds like it,
Also, at the last show Friday (17),
his aggregation tailed to play the
'Blue Danube' music correctly for
Lorraine and Rognan. The band was
still tooting after the team! had fin-
ished their dance and taken the first
bow. Perhaps the musicians were
tiredi the last show that night not
going on until 11:30, which is why
Saranac was bom. Opening day's
sked evidently had been mixed up
the f our-shows-a-day policy not war-
ranting such a late siar^
Dale Winthrop's session of two
rhythmic .tap xoutines, both .good, '
Paris, March 14.
Jacqueline Figus, Quatuor Mtdo
Robert Jlocca,. Carmen Romero, Re-
mne Se Shanley, Treki, 4 Kfiaddocles
teine Paulet, Jean Ramo & Rossot^
ti, Rita Georg, Gaudsmith Brothers.
Jean Sablon, Eight Lucky Chinese
Girls.
STANLEY, PITT
Pittsburgh, March 17,
Al Donahue orch (12), Paula
Kelly, Ethel Shutta. Harry Savoy.
Les Chezzis (2); 'Oklahoma Kid'
(WB).
Swing deluge supplied by Artie
Shaw and Benny Goodman during
the past fortnight gives way this
week to something a bit more peace-
ful in AI Donahue's music. Dona-i
hue has a sleek-sounding outfit al-
though its entertainment appeal is
limited tor the stage in present form.
For the ballrooms, plenty okay, hut
deluxers require additional novelr
ties and a visual addenda Donahue
doesn't- have right now. Bookings
didn't help him any either, tor in ad-
dition to his own vocalist Paula
Kelly, Ethel Shutta's also on hand
and Harry Savoy likewise has an un-
billed femme partner who warbles,
making things too tip-heavy on the
tonsil end.
Whole layout adds up to just an
average show. Opening performance
Friday was an endurance test with
everybody apparently trying tO'hang
up records, and presentation ran al-
most 90 minutes. Practically half an
hour was subsequenUy trimmed,
and unit was running considerably
smoother at supper time.
Cutaway medley includes 'Can't Be
Love,' 'Blame It On My Last Affair,'
with' Donahue warbling a chorus, and
'Could Be,' ' which leads to Miss
Kelly's entrance. Gal, who got her
first break here year and a half ago
with Dick Stabile's crew, has come
a long way. She's got what it takes
in looks and voice, and smacks across
four numbers with room to spare.
Band came in too loud on her 'Hold
Tight' and nullified vocal effective-
ness, but trombone-trumpet obUgato
at opposite mikes on her 'Heart Be-
longs to Daddy' was fine. For 'Mul-
berry Bush,' drummer steps down
tor some comedy biz, and Miss Kelly
finishes strong -with 'I Cried for
You.'
Les Ghezzis follow her and tied
up show with' their strong-arm
stunting. One of the best two-man
acrobatic turns around, boys wowed
'em all the way through and then
topped themselves with that old
funny-bone encore of theirs, a ahaj
routine on the hands. It's a laugl
capper, and just the right thing to
follow their grinding body flexes.
Donahue swings next into another
medley, this time theme songs from
well-known pix. Gets off ^Perfect
Song,' 'Sheik of Araby,' 'Charmaine,'
'Singing in the Rain,' 'Sonny Boy,'
'Carioca,' 'Heigh Ho' and 'Alexan-
der's Ragtime Band.' Good idea, but
he slows it do-wn -with announce-
ments between each number. Could
and should talk his pieces over the
opening bars. .
Ethel Shutta nicked out an okay
session for herself but choice of
songs could have been better. Also,
strangely enough, appeared a bit ner-
vous at this viewing. Clicked I>est
with 'Love Will Never Hurt You,' a
parody on 'Ferdinand the Bull' and
her old standby, 'Ozarks Are Gelling
Me Home.' That 'Get Out of Town*
on the Dewey purge which site -was
asked to remove from her repertoire
at Versailles in Manhattan isn't so
hot, and 'I Get Along Very Well
Without You' not the Shutta type.
Donahue gets another inning with
'Begin the Beguine' and 'Deep Pur-
ple,^ with Miss Kelly coming back
for a chorus. Harry Savoy's a push-
over next to closing. Customers are
ripe for comedy at this point and
Savoy shoots it at 'em from both bar-
rels. Mopped up. But shrewd edit-
ing would have made him twice as
effective. Brings on a femme stooge
lor a couple of minutes and leaves
her on alone to sing 'FD.R. Jones,'
which act could also do without
Band's at it again at the curtain.
Kelly gal Gaelicizing 'A Pretty Girl
Milking a Cow,' and cutely, just
ahead of fast finish. On the whole,
too much show and most of it mild.
Dave Broudy*s overture collection
of Irisht ballads appropriate -to . St.
Patrick's Day, with Par newsi^eel
and 'Merrie Melodie' cartoon coming
between feature ahd presentation.
Cohen.
ABC, PARIS
Mitty Goldin is stepping back into
variety . after running a review tor
several months. Show is spotty, but
the average is plenty high to keep
them coming at the ABC, the townV
only music hall spot offering any-
thing like class talent
Jean- Sablon^ just back from the
U. S, tops this bill which, also - car-
ries some ofteh-seens and some tepid
turns, including four singers, one
band, two acrobatic, one dogi and a
couple of miscellaneous acts. Opener
is Jacqueline Figus, young . dancer
specializing in toe taps. Routine car-
ries nothing out of the ordinary tor
its type, but gal Is a looker, grace-
ful enough, and performs some ^lits
and hand turns that are good. Could
improve by playing more to the
audience, but she catches on well
nevertheless.
Ouatuor Mida, following, is an'
Anglo-Saxon-Continental mixture
with one guitar, selling a la the Mills
Brothers. Rendition of 'Solitude' is
close to American artists' arrange-
ment which sells probably because
of that as it catches best of alL Own
arrangement of comedy number lags;
and other renditions pull only mild^.
Robert Rocca Is young product ol
French stage. He sings his own
verses comprised of topical gags;
which does all the pulling as he has
no voice. Some verses complete a
tjme of act French never fire oi^
which is the principal raison d'etre.
Spanish dancer Carmen Romero -
splits two numlsers -with the dance
team Regine and Shanley. Single's
two numbers show fair examples ni
what originates from down below
the I^enees, with some good show-
manship helping to overcome other
shortcomings. Gal is graceful enough
but her weakness is lack of diversity.
Regine and Shanley show some good
form -with woman outshining male
end to a marked degree. Their two
offerings bring one especially tidy
demonstration- of-talent qn the part
of the femme in a futuristic Bum<-
her. Man shows best on lifta and
turns to keep act at good level.
Some able flute playing Inter-
spersed with gag Imitations and fast
talk is what Treki has on the ball.
Registers medium -well. Bizarre
costume and makeup seem -unneces-
sary, while imitations of Hitler and
Mussolbil fall flat The Four Krad-
docks bring falls, tumbles, balanchig
and buildups that please. Comic of
act has some good falls and antics
for wholesome laughs throughout .
whUe other three do buildups. Act
moves at rapid pace but is n. i. h. on
the appearance side.
Reine Paulet Is a. Trench warbler
with a good voice to put over typical
French songs. She Imows her audi-
ence, and all' of five offerings eetch
to nice results. Seen on thiB stage
before, and well received.
The eleven-piece band of Jeaq
Ramo and RossetU has been ftlajrlnfl
with some success on the Riviera and
will probably make the heat of these
parts. Offerings are varied enough
with some good harmony by trio.
But with exception- of one short spot
by two trumpets, rhytiim is for the
most part lacking in harmony sec-
tions. First trumpeter shows best of
!itngles while three saxes doubling on
fiddles help the tango end of the
output Leadership is on the lazy
side, and ap'pearance of whole could
be - much Improved to show better
class.
Opening . second half Is another
shiger, Rita (Seorg, Viennese, and tu-
though her offerings are in French,
and she by tar has the best singhig
voice on this bill, she somehow cant
get the songs over to the returns they
deserve. Her artistry is polished and
she plays it for all it is worth, but
couldn't real^ rouse house on day
caught
Three well trained dogs carry the
Gaudsmith Brothers through to Spod
returns. Comedy is okay, with dogs
doing more than their p^ on sonie
well timed tumbles, bufld-ups, etc.
It takes just oup half hour for
Jean Sablon to get on and off. With
his final numbers being backed by
the Ramo and RossOtti band, we
audience wouldn't let him go. He
croons latest popular French com-
Sositions. but catches best on ren-
ition of old French song, as orig-
inally sung, and then to modern
swing time. His is a more polished
act since he returned, and he gar-
ners plenty. Oddly enough he Is
booked, as The King of the Mike In
the Countiry where the Mike is King?
Some out-of-the-ordinary contor-
tions and balancing shown by the
Eight Chinese LucI^ Girls. All ap-
pear to be under sixteen, and their
appeal Is based almost entirely on
limbemess and manifold b.uild-ups
they can assume singly or in en-
semble: Act is rich enough in pre-
sentation and catches weU enough
for the closer. . .Htij*.'
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
VARIETY HOUSE REVIEWS
VARIETY 53
CIRCLE, INDPLS.
Indianapolis, March 17.
Ted LevAs orcK Radio Aces, Gale
coifet. Buth Barnes, Donnu White,
f^etta lMng, SnowbaU Whittler,
BrcS'j«; 'Sudden Money-
(Par).
As regular as the first spring
lobin, Ted Lewis comes Into town
once more with a 63-minute bill
ihlning under the showmanship of
the little man with the battered hat.
^le running thnt Is not actually
long, show hits dead spoU near the
Jid and coiild stand some pnming
ind rescheduling of the acts.
Shelton Brooks, who appears next
to dosing, should be moved up in
tte bill, for his turn la not strong
enough to hold down the ace spot
He does some oldie gags with Snow-
Ijall Whittler. but Improves singing
emiedy number, 'Would That Be a
Dream,' finishing at piano with his
own tunes. 'Pown to Get You in
TmI, Honey' and 'Some of These
Days.' Radio Aces, heaviest winners
In show, should be moved down In
the bill from their middle spot; as
their comedy antics and trio sing-
ing would bolster Interest where
needed. They sing special arrange-
nients of 'Don't Let Rhythm Go to
Your Head,' and finish with a med-
ley of Irving Berlin tunes.
Gale Sextet, three pairs of mixed
dancers, a'dd weight to the bill with
flashy ballroom numbers, making
two separate- appearances. Ruth
Barnes and Danny White appear to-
gether In dance numbers in okav
soldier routine, and also make split
appearances, he doing an eccentric
comedy number and Impression of
Joe Frisco, and she appearing In ac-
robatic single. liOrelta Iiang looks
good in high 2-Ick number to Lewis'
singing of 'Pretty Thing.'
. Lewis basks heavily ui the spot-
light, as always, retaining several
of his old numbers. Opens with
bhihday tune to his licorice stick to
;ood effect, and at various times In
jUl does 'Me and My Shadow,' with
Whittier, and 'Musical Magical Man,'
■olo. Whittier works in plenty of
numbers with Lewis, getting laughs.
While band boasts 13 pieces with-
•ut the help of Lewis' clarinet, the
style is ragtime, not swing. Given
• spot of Its own, orch works hard
on ^St Louis Blues' and Tiger Rag,'
but it's just so much com for the
cats. Show is well hung and ex-
pertly lighted, and moves swiftly,
following the time honored custom
«f fading one -act Into another, per-
tnnlaUy observed by Lewis.
Biz fair at last show Friday (17).
Kilev.
KEITH'S, BOSTON
Boston, March 17.
Henny Youngman, Benny Rose &
Voxtne Stone, The Five Elgins,
Florence & Alvdrex, Peg Leg Bates,
Eddie Rosenwdid house orch; 'Dr.
Meade (Col) and 'Stor Reporter"
(ilf ono).
No dull spots in this lineup, and to
■logle out Henny Youngman as ace
performer I^ more than an honorable
mention, considering his co-perform-
ers. However, Youngman not only
deals out the fastest and most sus-
' taining line of comedy chatter in his
•wn act, but gives a good demonstra-
non of how a snappy m.c. can back-
pone a whole variety show and hold
Ms continuity together. This is
Youngman's first date in Boston
vaude, and an early return booking
would not be amiss. In view of his
heavy click with his brand of laugh-
getting,
Benny Ross and Maxipe Stone get
their quota of laughs with their
screwy routine, featuring the lazy
1^ which has been around many
times. For novelty, the Five Elgins
ynam in the opening spot with their
^BBUng juggling turn, featuring hat
and. dub tosshig.
Show is aUo generous on dancing,
Offering two ace acts In contrasting
oepartments. Florence & Alvarez
Petlorm a modem number and' a
bolero, each routhie notable for
smoothness, delicacy of execution
«nd varyhik moods.
Peg Leg Bates is back with a lot
or new steps, and it would seem that
MS revised act Is even more solid
w«a the preceding one. However,
•now-stopping haabeen a habit with
{"« around here, and this occasion
••no excepUon to the rule. With his
Mw steps. Bates brings with him
• new vocal Introduction in which
^ g ves himself a big buildup. If he
would moderate the expression of
JU» opinion about himself and let
me danchig do the speaking, the ap-
plause would be as hefty and the
"ler-impression more appreciative.
Fox,
STATE, HARTFORD
„ HaHford, March 20.
fill J* ^iortin, Monn, Dupree & Lee,
irit. * Mason, Joe Venuti
(11). Don Darcew, Merrit
ij*jn«», Soto Kaplan house bond;
Mystery of M r. tVon g* (Mono).
tJ?i?^ has a strong show this week
Stt Martin and Joe Venuti
■uuiBharlng marquee honora. Martin
earns himself a niche handily, with
the femmes especially all on his
side. At the last show caught Sun-
day night (19) he sang seven songs.
Would have done more than that,
only Sunday observance law — 11
p. m. 'dosing— prevented his doing
so.
Martin has a personality that
projects Itself across the boards
nicdy. Puts up a nice mike front
and sells himself - easily. Has the
closing spot, and for the finale he
swings out on the clarinet while
Venuti fiddles. Vocal also Includes
'P. D. R. Jones,' 'Deep Purple,' 'I
Married an Angel,' 'Begin the Be-
guine,' 'I Cried for You7 THy Reve-
rie,' and Thanks for Everything.'
Tee-oll is a. swingy number by the
Venuti a«gregation, following an
overture by the house band. Maes-
tro has on hand . a book of pooular
faves. His informal and almost
nutty number clicks, though he at
times murders the king's English.
Emcees the show. Band has one
novelty number, a 4akeolI on the
'March of Time' which is effective,
although most of the gags are an-
cient.
Don Darcey, baritone with the
band, is. the first specialty. Lad has
a nice set of pipes and sells him-
self to the hilt with 'Masquerade Is
Oyer.' 'Old Man River,' 'Mexicali
Rose,' and 'Hold Tight'
Gil land Beraie Mason, boy-gal,
spotted nexL Couple ofter a dog
act, but their jitterbug dance Intro
fools the patrons and makes 'em sit
up. Pooches are brought out after
a few steps. Nothing novel in the
canine stunts,' but smallness of the
dogs and the line , of patter the boy
hands a contrary bull dog bring
on the laughs. Act registers.
Bandmaster scores decisively when
he plays 'Satan's Holiday* across
four strings on the fiddle simul-
taneously, accompanied by the band,
which is on stage all the time. On
next are Mann, Dupree and Lee,
acrobatic dance team. Act, two boys
and a gal, does nicely.
Merrit Eeihes (spelling by ear),
band's trappist. Is given a solo spot
next for some heavy thumping of
the hides. Rings the gong and does
an encore. Band Is ui the groove
with "Blues In B Flat,' a recent
recording.
Big strong Sunday night Eck,
CAPITOL, WASH.
Washington, March 19.
Five Janslevs, £i0ht Midshipmen,
Clem McCarthy , Lew Parker,
Rhythm Rockets house line (16);
'Three Musfceteers* (20th).
Lew Parker emcees this one. He
opens his job with patter about how
he just got back from a vacation
necessitated by his -having over-
worked on the movie quiz. Brings
on Five Jansleys for fast risley
workout, two hefty under-boys and
three small top workers touching
everything in the book smoothly and
injecting just enough comedy. High-
lights are three somersaulting to-
gether, double somersault by one as
second is rolled imdemeath and
somersault to three-high standing.
Eight Midshipmen take, over to do
'We Saw the Sea.' Doff middle caps
and don straw dips for old-fashioned
comedy medley including everything
from 'Wabash Moon,' 'Comrades/
'Bicycles Built for Two* and 'Side-
walks of New York' to 'Darktown
Strutters' Ball.' Introduction of next
number by leader allows others to
change Into white-coat tuxes, and
finale Is standard college medley,
winding up with 'Anchors Aweigh,
which brings on line in sailor cus-
tome for nautical tap routine.
Parker takes it again for two-way
chatter with ga! in evening gown
who appears with letter of introduc-
tion and telephone. Gags cling
pretty close to, 'oh, yes, I make up
poems, too' and 'that's a nice suit
you're wearing' motif, but it's done
cleverly and with enough new twists
to click solidly.
Parker announces Clem McCarthy
will follow, paving -way for round-up
newsred which builds up NBC
sports reporter. McCarthy then ap-
pears, jumps into pit to describe bur-
lesque 'battle of century,' ■ travelers
opening on full stage set with regu-
lation ring and overhead lights.
Referee and two boxers go through
pantomime illustrating McCarthy's
description, clever angle being that
boxers stay at least six feet apart
during McCarthy's description oi
their 'terrific' slugging and clinches,
and finally stopping altogether to lis-
ten to him. Idea goes over fine, au-
dience liking McCarthy all the more
for being able to kid himself a little.
McCarthy takes it again in one to
tell story of stuttering jockey. It
faUs a litUe fiat but withal he scores
well.
Parker takes it for his major spe-
cialty with dope stooge and gal join-
ing him in enacting eternal triangle
parody constantly interrupted oy
stooges in opposite boxes. Best angle
Is Parker's explanation that be has
been trying to find a finish for the
act for years, whereupon gal offers
to sing, Stooge A offers to do magic
tricks. Stooge B and C come down
from their boxes to play mouth
organ and give away $1,000 set of
dishes for $1 cash and, as Parker
breaks Into whatever he had In
mind, everybody starts doing their
specialties and curtains shut ■
Biz oke. Crfliff.
STATE, N. Y.
GeoTfle Hall's orch with Doltv
Dawn, Florence Hin Low, Sid To-
macfc & Reis Bros., Eddie Peabodv:
•Idiot's Delight? (M-G).
With a boxofflce powerhouse on
the screen, the State Is relaxing a
trifle with Its stage show. Bill is
about average In entertainmeirt
value, but there's no splash name
for the marquee. Still, the house
was nearly capacity at the last show-
ing Thursday (16), so the combinar
tion apparently has. sufficient draw.
At a disadvantage because of the
absence of George Hall, (because of
his wife's death) his band turned In
a creditable job both on its own
numbers and playing the . show
Thursday (16) and Friday. Atten-
tion-getter (with Henry Busse euest-
Ing and hypohig the didos on Thurs-
day) is- a sizzling arrangement of
'Bugle Call Rag,' with the drums
banging out a vibrant solo session.
Hall rejoined the band on Satur-
day (18).
Subbing for the maestro, Eddie
Peabody m.c.'s acceptably and has
the next-to-last spot He. bullseyes,
as always, with his superlative banjo
plunking, dressing It up with bril-
liant showmanship.
Finale on the show is Dolly Dawn,
vocalist with an appealing manner,
fair voice and good choice of songs.
She's a fixture with Hall's orch. Sid
Tomack and the Reis Brothers (New
Acts) contribute the familiar zaney
threesome stuff in the deuce, show-
ing somewhat more vc"satility than
most such groups.
Opening act is Flor .ce Hin Low,
multiple-jointed contortionist Like
all such acts. It's kind of pointless,
but more than passable of its kind.
She's a smart showman.
Like Busse, several band leaders
guested in front of the stage orch
as a kindly gesture to Hall during,
his two-day absence from the show.
Hobe.
NEW ACTS
STATE-LAKE, CHI
Chicago, March 18.
James Evans, Corley & Adair,
William EbbSi Colli Sisters, Ben
Blue, Senator Murphy, Four Gor-
dons: 'Charlie Chan in Honolulu'
(20fh).
This house - has been consistently
well-booked with shows of standard
vaudeville talent and the current
lineup continues along that policy.
All the way from fhigland came
Senator Murphy to be the standout
item on the rather long show, his
comedy oratory proving the wow of
the evening and a lesson in well-
written, and well-delivered comedy
lines. . It is a solid act from start to
finish. Due to his long-distance
jaunts. Senator Murphy is seen
around here only about once a year,
but on these annual visits he cleaves
through so solidly that his memory
lingers with the patrons. He got
a reception on his entrance at flie
last show Friday (17), and that is
a mark of distinction in vaudeville
nowadays for strictly a variety en-
tertainer.
Also up there In the billing Is
Ben Blue, who comes back °to vaude-
ville with a burlesque bit that has
been kicked around for many a year.
It's the taxi-dancehall routine, but
Blue manages to wring some laughs
out of It with a load of mugging.
For the windup, he returns to his
comedy dance numbers, plus the
minuet routine that he did when
touring with Burns and Allen a few
years ago.
Surefire In. the onening spot Is
James Evans with his novelty foot-
juggling. His . bed sfunt and the
cross finish are all great stuff. Evans
is standard and usually makes good.
Corley and Adair are a neat ball-
room pair and come through with
some comedy in their international
dance burlesaues.
With plenty of youthful enthu-
siasm and enough hi-de-ho, the
three Galli Sisters score with vocal
varieties. Have some fine arrange-
ments and indicate suitability for
any vaude spot Four Gordons are-
a standard adagio act with eood
stunts. Rather .<ilow is William Ebbs
with the novdty ventriloaual make-
believe, but the blow-off is nrobably
suffcient enoueh reason for his nrp.s-
ence. though the revealment of the
midget as the real voice gives the
turn a pretty sham surprise.
Business Has just fair onening
night Cold.
ROXY, ATLANTA
Atlanta, March 19.
Charles Master, Del Rios and
Mary (3), Charles (Slim) Timblin,
Gene Austin and Coco & Candy, Gae
Foster house line (16), Milce Segal's
house band (W, 'Pride of the Navy'
(Rep).
Nicely paced, this show moves
along with a switt tempo that adds
to its effectiveness. Every act's a
pleaser, customers pleading for more
of each turn. Hoxyettes get things
going with a fencing number after
orch^ spring festival overture fea-
turing theatre's singing usher, Foy
Harris, who wears a mask and is
billed as "The Phantom Voice.' Line's
Three Musketeers routine with
gleaming rapiers Is okay.
Charles Master is a master with
the drum sticks ^nd is all o.ver stage
CLEM MoCARTHT,'
Sports Chatier
10 Kins.; FuU
Capitol, Wash.
The solid reception accorded his
entrance Indicates that the . sports
reporter's widespread activities on
NBC, Pathe Newsred and Vltaphone
shorts have won him a large follow-
ing. In tact the little grey man
with the fast chatter could have got-
ten by with a straight p.a., but the
fact that he also- offers an act, is all
the more to hiS credit,
He opens with special film made
up of various sports events he has
described in newsreds, highlighted
by famous War Admiral-Seabiscuit
race. Announcer plugs McCarthy
throughout, without ever overdoing
it letting McCarthy's voice doninate
in climaxes. McCarthy then jumps
down beside pit mike and goes into
rapid-fire color description of hoke
'Battle of the Ontury,' using two.
fighters and a referee in a ring on
the stage. They battle In pantomime
to McCarthy's highly dramatic chau
ter. Fighters are always at least six
feet apart during all of McCarthy's
violent description of hefty lefts, de-
vestating rights, bloody noses and
terrific clinches. Boys finally get so
interested In McCarthy's description
of what they are supposed to be do-
ing that they just stop and hang over
the ropes listening. Idea kids Mc-
Carthy just enough to make audience
fall for it
Finish, in which McCarthy takes
stage mike for story about the stut-
tering jockey, is a little fiat, simply
because story is weak; Craig.
ALBENICE
Magic
10 Mlnfl.
Arabian Nights, N. T.
Assertedly Cairo-born and of late
playing various hotel engagements
out-of-town, this is the first Broad-
way date for Albenice, a turbaned
magician who has some very' clever
slelght-of-hand tricks in his routine.
He also has some that are the ruh-o'-
the-mill.
Performing smoothly, with a ghrl
(his sister) as assistant Albenice
highlights his routine with three
feats of legerdemain that attract in-
stant attention. These are the paper
cone ' and water trick; the fan and
bundle of paper, which becomes an
egg, and the exchange of salt from
one hand to the other under baffling
circumstances. He also uses live
chicks for a couple of his tricks.
He is an ideal fioor attraction. Char.
BOBEBTA JONAT
Dancing
3 HiDS.
Arabian Nights, N. T.
Roberta Jonay, from St. Peters-
burg, Fla., and new to New York,, got
herself into the White House re-
cently at a party there and the news-
papers have since labeled her Mrs,
F. D. Roosevelt's protege.
She is a young, personable dancer
whose routine here Is restricted to
what is billed as 'Dance of the Pea-
cock.' In addition to behig different
and exotic. It is ably performed.
Her possibilities appear favorable.
Char.
TOBUIT MILLS
Comedy, m.c.
7 Mins.
Arab.'an Nights, N. T.
Making a satisfactory appearance
and having the makings of show-
manly selling ability, Tommy Mills is
likely to be heard from in the not
distant future. He will have to equip
himself with better material, how-
ever,
In handling talk. Mills, does it well
enough to suggest there .are better
things' for. him in the future. His
stories are well told and his impres-
sions denote an underlying fiair for
this sort of thing. Mbnlcry of Ted
Lewis is poor, but the bit on Parkya-
karkus reciting the Gettysburg Ad-
dress and of a female impersonator
sinking a pop song are pretty good.
On this assignment Mills supple-
ments as m.c, announcing the vari-
ous acts and numbers. Char.
GTFST ROMAJE
Singlntr, Dancing
5 MIns.
Arabten Nights, N. T.
There is nothing gypsy-looking
about Gypsy Romaje and she doesn't
work in character, either, preferring
to costume straight and sing popular
numbei's, one of which, 'The Donkey
Serenade,' calls for more voice than
she possesses.
A glamorous type and smart look-
ing. Miss Romaje's ' forte is dancing.
On the show here she is doing an
exotic waltz which ends with a leg
in the air over her head a la Evelyn
Law. She no idoubt has other dance
routines, but for vocal Introductorles
something in the pop swing line
could be far better than 'Donkey
Serenade.' Song she does with mara>
cas suits her much better. Char.
SID TOMACK ft BEIS BBOS.
Comedy
17 MIns.
State, N. T. . .
Sid Tomack has been around for
several years as a single, but Is not
in the New Act files with the Reis
Brothers. Formerly an Impersona-
tor, Tomack has a screwball type of
comedy turn with his two new pards.
Patterned after the Ritz Broa,
Tomack and the Reis pair aren't as
violent or as funny. Dish out pat-
ter, with the customary shoving,
slapping, hisults, etc. Most of It is
pretty ordinary, but theiir take-off of
a ventriloquist with two dummies is
original and properly brief, while
the burlesque of the old-fashioned
vaude trio, sister team and Russian
act are acceptable.
Act should do for niteries.
Hobe.
FLORENCE BIN LOW
Contortionist Dancing
S MIns.
State, N. T.
Chinese girl ' bends herself In
enough dislocations to send a specta-
tor out of the thea^e in a wheel-
chair. It's one of those acts that
arouse proper wonder and awe, but
aren't decorative, artistic, entertain-
ing, Instmctlve, or particularly
pointed.
A couple of the Oriental girl's fllp&
splits and wriggles are unique, and
she has a knack of showmanship.
Hobe.
and into the pit beating out a rata-
plan with his sticks on anything that
comes to hand. It's a distinct nov-
elty here, but is along lines of Jack
Powell's drumstick turn. Roxyettes
return in fiowing gowns for a smart
routine in waltz time, featuring
graceful waving of hands and fade
back to sue on Del Rios, two boys
and a femme partner. In a dressed up
hand-balancing turn. Boys wear
dress clothes, Including mess jackets,
and girl is clad in red culottes,
"mey do some difficult tricks and
score.
Charles (Slim) Timblhi, billed out
front as from a 'Tobacco Road' com-
pany, gets plenty of laughs with his
blackface sermon, followed by the
marriage ceremonial performance
with two stooges. Gene Austin,
aided by Coco, guitarist and Candy,
bull fldler, pleases. The Roxy has a
fine p.a. system and it picks up all
of Austin's vocal acrobatics. He did
at least 10 numbers at this catching,
and could be singing yet except that
the finale calls for him to remain oh
stage while Roxyettes deliver their
final routine.
This show will remain only five
days, since the Roxy, starting Thurs-.
day (23), will bring In its new
sho'ws on Thursdays instead of Sat-
urdays as heretofore. Biz at this
viewing, second of two shews Sun-
day (10), was capacity, with standees
behind '.he ropes. Luce.
LYRIC, INDPLS.
Indianapolis, March 17.
Eddy Duchiii orch, DureUe Alex-
ander, Lew Sherwood, Stanley
Vforth, Johnnv MacAJee, Ray &
Trent Burton Pierce, Top Hatters
(2); 'Blackwell's Island' (WB).
Eddy Duchln band turns In a 40-
minute bill which Is polished and
pleasing after overcoming th6 handi-
cap of a ilow Bt%rt., Cr«w'.s,com
posed of two pianos, two trombones
two trumpets, four-piece rhythm and
fiddle, and Is placed In patnotie set-
ting of red. white and blue, star-
studded, with Duchln spotted down-
stage at niano as standout on tunes.
Open with 'Can't Be Love,' then
essay swinging 'Bugle Call Rag,' not
so forte, bringing on Stanley Worth
for vocal of 'Deep in a Dream,' en-
coring with Two Sleepy People.'
Followed by Top Hatters, youthful
couple who do some good acrobatics
on skates. Highlight of act is dan-
gerous swinging of girl close to stage
fioon
Durelle Alexander scores heavily
with her vocalizing of 'Jeepers
Creepers,' Umbrella Man,' 'Old Man
Mose,' and 'Heart Belongs to Daddy,*
bringing on Burton Pierce in old
man makeup for comedy tap dance
finish. Pierce then goes into nis rou-
tine, doing- a couple of dances a la
Astalre. Lew Sherwood follows with
a comedy dialect song, tossing in a
trumpet chorus. Ray and Trent do
some .<;mooth acrobatic comedy work
actually requiring plenty of skill,
with misses worked In for laughs.
Johnny MacAfee, billed as the
'Singing Cowboy' although he ap-
pears as -straight vocalist from sax
section, sings 'Beautiful Baby,' build-
ing it into trio, adding DureUe. Alex-
ander, and finishing with comedy
parody. ^
buchin,. himself, is high spot of
show, taking over at piano to spar
with the Ivories on ^Reverie' and
'Stardust,' -'ohig 'Wild Irish Rose,'
'Hold Tight' and 'Deep Purple' at re-
quest of audience.
Finishes with 'Stormy Weather,' a
socko arrangement that should be in
show, but antiauated fiashing ot
lights to indicate storm could be
traded for better visual effect
Duchln alternates from keyboard to
mike during run of show to intro-
duce acts.
Biz good at third .show Fri-
day X17) Kllev. '
S4
VARIETY
Wednesfiayt March 22, I939
Variety Bills
NEXT WEEK (March 24)
THIS WEEK (March 17)
Numeral* In eoniracti'on with , bills bslow indicate opening day of
■how,- whether full or aplit week
loew
raw TOBK CITS
State (S3)
Hudaon Co
Terry Howard
Oimcte BuTle
3 Sailors
Happy EaltoD Oro
ATIANTA
Urnnd my
Blno Barron Oro
WASHIKOTOK
Capitol (24)
Rhythm HocltcU.'
DollnofCs & It Sla
Buddy Clark
Clndo Gtcini
Rvnay Rica
John aallDD
Carr Bros
FaramoDBt
tneW TOBK CRT
Panuoaot (tt>
Charlie Bamet Oro
Dorotli7 Lamonr
MIseha Aesr
Catharine Westfleld
Iiowla tc Van
cmcAfio
Chka^ (Z4>
Rlraacs
Jack Dntant
Batry Breon & W
StB«« Idhe (2«)
Brown & Ames
SVUNOFIBIO
Paromoinit' (24)
Chick 'Webb Ore
RKO
NEW TOBK CITY
■uleHall (2S>
TloU Pbllo
Raymond Wllbert
LIda Anehutlna
William Dollar
. Nicholas Daks
Ivan Trlesault
Marie Orlmaldl
Louise Fomaca
. Robert Larldlmn
Oeorge Ueyer
Allan Stanley
Corps do Ballet
Roekettes -
Brno Rapes Bymph
_ — — . (88-86)
Emerald' Sla
ainser Solo
Dodirlas a Prisollla
Bteve. Brans -
CHIOAGO
ndaae (84)
Chester Bale Gls
Kim Loo Bis
Bmmet Oldlleld Co
Oeorge Beatty
(17)
Chester Hale Ols
OUbert Bros
Carroll ft Howe
Doris Rhodes
Bud Harris- Co
CLHTELAMD
Palace (84)
I>arry Clinton Oro
7rank Paris
Ross ft Stone
Roberts ft Martin
Vincent Lopez ' Ore
Attbott ft Coatello
Patricia 'Bllle'
Betty Button
Danny Drayson
8CHESECTADT
Prestoi's (SS-SS)
Dave Apollon Co
Week of Iforch 20
3 Bdmnnd Boys
OmnadA
Great Uas^'ar Tr
Morris ft Cowley
Colores ft Bnrri
HAHMBBKl ITH
OanmoBi
Buster BbnTsr Co
Tolleteen
Johnaon Clark
IRUMaiOX
Bine Hon
Benrl Vaddon Co
Alec Halls ft P
Astoria
Billy Rolls ft D
Uomlnron
Billy Cotton Oro
Treoaitere Best.
Mas Miller
Daley Kennedy
Linda Qnr
Ivan PhlUlpowaky
(TIaiide Chandler
l>'Alba '
Adam & Tree Ore
CAXVBS TOWS
Gaamoat
Lucille Benstead
Ballard ft Rae
4 Playboys -
CLAFBAM
firaaada
6 Harmonists
n Cleveres
Robert Bemnnd Co
BAST HAM
Arastatla
Great Masyar Tr
Morris ft Cowley
Colores ft Bnrrt
Premier
Bddle Gordon
5 Wallabies
Hotel HcAlplB
I J Meaaner Oro
I Raclmo 3
Hotel Now Yorker
Henry Buase Oro
Don Dickson
VI Mole
Frazee 81s
I VIorIa Vestofl
Hotel Park Cential.
I Curt Houek Ore .
Enrico ft Novello
Billy Vino . .
I Slatgle Greene
Hotel Park Lane
I Freddie Starr Or^
Bob Lido
Al Harris
Hotel Fenasylvaata
I Harry James Ore
Hotel Plaza
I Jack Mnrshard Ore
N D'Amlco Oro
P ft O Hartman
I Jane Pickens
Guy Lomlinvio Ore ; jr^^^. f.„.,iin
Mickey ft M Ford
Beryl Coopor
Joan Grey
Billy Burns
James Keogan
Sunny ft R Duval
Ann Bronte
Wally Wanger t
Jack Ostermaa'f
. Llltle Club
I Roger Steele Oro
Frances WlUlnms
Patsy Ogden
I Scat Powell
Ueyer's Cellar
' (Bebokea)
. Koward Itlnlne
' itosallne Leirls
"Martha Kovnoa
I (iypsy Lopez
Mnrbara Eyion
[ LydlH Bhrenlierg
MUaltcht Sua
Buddy Wagner Ore
Noa Paris
Herschel Hcnlere
21 Silver Songsters
Brneat Shannon
SHEPHVINI BISn
PavUloB
Badminton Players
Jo hoMOn Clark .
SntATFOBD
Breodwar
Eddie Gordon
« WalUbles
3 IMmund Boys
Hotel RiiTey-Plnza
Gerry Morton Oro
nfldeganle
Hotel St. Uarita
Bnsll Fo'meen Ore
June Forrest
, Zan'etto & Barrel
I'Dell O'Dell
Hotel SL Bed*
(IrliHam Boom)
Charles' Baum Oro
Sam Jarvls
Brie Reltor
Jane Nicholson
Don Marten Ore
I Mary Cohnn
■ Jimmy Uoffers
Bloate Carlo
Ted Slrnoter Oro
Bob Knight Ore
Lee Wiley
Dick Sinnrt
Kinlne Bn"»ett
Peggy Henley
Anne Graham
Anita Cnlby
Bvelyn Kelly
Rosanne Murray
Oa^-s Club
John Ivlrby Oro
Judy Cordova-
Uttle Haagaiy
Valesco's Gypsle*
MarceV*
Leonard Keller Ore
Uarco* Dalj
Kay Gregory
Joey Lee Oro
Onur** Dome
LllUan Gibson
Charles Earle
Hal Brown
Ted Wells Ore
Falegsar
Imogene Coca
Tnnner Sis
Gloria Monroe
Kirk AUcn
-Bfaasey ft Miller
Jerry Miimaon -
Jimmy Brierly
George Olsen
Paris IBB
Domlnio
Blano ft Elain*
Ginger Weldon
Katherino Skldmore
Llllhin Gilbert
Ri-lc Mosa^
-Hpory Honett
Marguerite ft tt
Ken HonrysoU'
Chuck Henry Oro
Seven Sees
Danny Knwnnna
Kay Silver
Lillian Gibson
Al Molntyr*
Bddle Busb 4
Slaper Haale'e
Blapsy Haal*
Jack Waldron
Joo Plotkal
Andy Sorrelll.
Virginia Uathsw*'
Moore ft Lewis-
Tommy Bellly Ore
Seiaenet HOu
Harry Rlngland
Art Tatura
Jack Owens
Stage 'I* Cafe
Wally Vernon
Billy Tonng
Henry GaUntl
Sharap Howard
4 Squires
Swaaee laa
Bddle BenI
Gladys Bentlej
Teper'a
EUmer
Arlett Jon-
Tarns A Hesters
Nichols ft Lucas
The Mercer Bros
Dorothy Brandon
Chuck Foster Ore
Victor Hogo
Jonquln Garny
Slilnnay Bnnls Ore
Carmine
CHIOAeO
JACK POWELL
just Retnrned from 'SuccesaCuU' Tour
ot Europe
Featured In Forthcoming Blag Croeby
Picture
"EAST Sn>E OF HKAVBN"
Femenal Blanagemeati
EDDIE SMITH. 22 W. 4«tli «t, Nn Vaik
Week of Miuoh
ABERDEEN
TlvoU
Jack Anthony
Jenn Adrlenne .
Jay Morelle
Bond Rowell
Desmonds ft Olair
Douglas Rex ft £
St John Sla
Bob Merry
Lnxor Gall-Gall -
12. Loretta Ola
Eric Pnlmer
DUNDEE
Palacv '
Harry Roy Ore
Terry Wilson
EOINBimGH
Boyal
Bert Denver'
Harry Nlblock
David Dale
Edna Thompaon
Mary Lee
Billy Mason Co
Gautler Co
OT^ASnOW
FavlltoB
Barry Gordon
Clayton Sis
Neller ft Clare
Betty Jumol Co
Bob Dyer
Aley Lennox
STATE, NEW YORK
Week Mareh 2ird
TERRY HOWARD
With JACK TAtLEY
MARK J. LEDOY
NEW ,YOBK cm
, Btraad (84)
JInuny Dorsey Oro
Harry Savoy
Condoa Broa
_ (17)
Will Osborne Ore'
Milt Berth 8
Sheila Barry
Gloria Rich
BBOOKLTM
Ifox (11)
Uae West Co
Milt Watson
Bylvia Manoa
Bob Rlpa
Mliinevltch Co
FJULADBLPHIA
1, T^^"*? <«*>
Al Donahue
Joan Davis
(17)
Hal Kemp Oro
FiirabuROH
Stanley (84)
Coquettes .
Csaa Daley
Bddle Peabody
Mlchon Bros
(17).
Al Donahue Oro
-Ethel Shutta
Ohezzio
Harry Savoy Co
WASHINGTON
Earle (84)
Helene Faye
Peggy Taylor Co
Frank Homaday'
Monroe ft Grant
Shirley Roi!s
(17)
Benny Goodman Or
READING
Aster (24-8S)
Abbott ft Robey
i Dobns
Dcrt Walton
Texas Jim Lewis
MEW TOBK OETT
Boxy (24)
Allan & Kent
Paul KIrkland
Holba
Paul Gordon:
ATLANTA
Boxy (28).
Pick ft Pat
Bhayne ft Armsti'ng
Royal Rollers
Badio Ramblers
DALTmOBB
State (83-8S)
Billy ft Arllne
Luby.ft Harris
(26-2$)
Al Linden Co
Bid Pago Co
Americana Rev
Hippodrome (84)
Luclentie & Ashour
■ Bd Roecker
Paul Bydell ft S
Bvnns ft Mayer
7- Fredysons
'INDIANAPOLIS
lOTle (84)
Tony Martin
Anson Weeks Ore
Gene Sheldon
Knight Sis
(17)
Bddy Ducbln Oro
MILWAmiBE
_ Blreralde (11)
Jan Garber Oro
George Olvot
Frederic ft Tvonne
Vlckl Allen
Lee Bennett
Rudy nudlslll
PAVBRSON
Mojntle (21-28)
J .KIrk ft CInytonii
Mo?k Bros
sSa-Ji the Horse
Sid Page Co '
7 Blue Jtovlls
(24-27)
Major BowoB Co
PHILADELPinA
Cnrman (24)
Rlohnrds Co
Kay Hamilton
Don Rice
3 Olympics
Fay's (23)
Resits Royco
P'rl:er ft Froderl('l:i-
Vlctorla Tr
I«avltt ft Lnrkwnt i)
Norman ft BfcKny
Lonernnn Gls
PITMAN
Brondn-ay (2ft)
Al Linden Co
Sid Pp.so Co
Americana Bev
PROVIDKNCK
Fay's (24)
B Barrymore C'lli
Radio Rubc.i
W C Downdeld
Tyrone 81s
Cabaret BiOs
NEW TOBK CUT
Arabian Nights'
Arthur Ravel Ore
Roberta Jonay
Gypsy Romoje
Albonlce .
All Haroun ■
Queenle King
Lew DolgoS
Armando's
Buddy Clarke. Ore
Marie Spaulding
Pat Kennedy .
Barney Gallaat's
Frank Craven
Angela Velez
Carter ft Bowie
Nellie Paloy
Terrace Boys
Bill Bertolbttl'a
Angelo's Rh'mba Bd
mains Sponcer
Dorothy Jeftors
Frank McFarlaaa
Chita
Bni's Gay M**
Jim Fhlllipa
Florence Herbert
Blily Lorraine
John Panter
John Bllot
Spike Hnrriaon
Rrdy Madlson-
Blll Quentmeyer
Steven Isles
Bernle Grauer
Harry Donnelly
Arthur Behan ,
Harold Wlllard
Don Cortoz
Chnrlee Touchette
Chatenn Moderae
Paul Bass Oro'
Gabriel
Lynn Russell
Marlon Farrar
George Rlxon
Chez nrehoom
Chick Howard Orr
Christie Gillespie
Milt Hcrth Trio.
Club is
-lack While
I'at Harrington
Jerry Kruger
Judy Rudle
Franlite Hyers
r^ellA Gaynes
Benle Sl Boys
O' Andrews Ore
Clob Ganrbo
Chss Mncuin Ore'
Panchlta Villa
Tarrant & DacKa
TrinI Plaza
Tci'csltn
I-.a Mnrlta
Fodro Vain
Felicia Floras
Mhria' Del Carmen
3 Ciauclios
Cotton Club
Cnb Calloway On-
Bill Robinson
Slater Tharpe
Tnnya
Kntherlnc Perry
Bsacli combers
Glenn & Jenkins
Ruby Hill
Son & Konny
Myra Johnaon
Vortery Choir
Dinmond HorsrHl'oi-
Noble" SIsslo Ore
Hon MeGrone Orr
^'^ltzl Be^eir
Buddy 'Doyle
Margot Brander •
Frank Llbuse
Tom Patricola
Joe Howard
Clyde Hager
Mangean Tr
Delia LInd -
Emma Frauds
Lulu Bates
Willie Solar
Harry Armstrong
Elizabeth Murray
ElCblce
Bltseo Grenet Ore
Fantasia Novia
Joylta ft MaravlUa
Romero Gomez
Faqulta Domlngues
Dorita ft Valero
EI Horocce
Johnny Johnaon Or
. Famous Door
Woody Herman Ore
Mary McCall
Greenwich Village
Don Ravel Oro
Dorothy James
Rosita Royce
Dolorea Ferris
Mata Monterla.
Juno Havoc
3 Musical Maniacs
Tommy Bruno -
Benny Martini
Joe Lane
a VlUage Glam' Gls
Hovana-Mudrid
Nsno. Rodrlgo Oro
Juan I to San'bria Or
Rosita Ortega
ABC 8
Hilda Gomez
De Lbnus
Diana Del Rio
Hickory Hease
Joe Marsala Ore
Hotel Ambassador
Dick Gasiiarre Ore'
Vincent Bragale Ore
Happy Powers
Marty Golden
Roaalenn ft Seville
H'tel Belmont-Plaza
Ernie Hoist Oro
3 Smoothies
Jane Clair
Belmont Bnlladee r
Adrian Rolllnl 8
I Simpson Sis
Dorothy LeWI*<
(Malsoaette Basse)
Nicholas Mathey Or
Tasha Nazaronko
Charles Narl
Vasslllo Apoatolldea
Gedda Petry
Michel Greben
I Mill Monti.
Hotel iaft
I Enoch Light 'Ore
Peggy. Mann'
George Hlnee
Smith Howard'
I Light Brigade*
Hotel Waldoit-
Aatoris
(Empire' Beom)
I Glen Gray Ore
Loretta Lee
I Maurice
Hotel White
I Loo Lang Oro
Charlie Maey
I Mlml Francia
Jlmaiy Kent's
I Joe - Capelle Oro
Inga Borg
I Gladys Faye
I Princesa iUom%
I Mary Lane
Tanya
Leslie
Carter ft Schaub
Terry Shannon
Peggy de la Plante
Valerie Vance
Montmartre Boys
Danny HIgglns
Sid Hawkins
Vangh Comfort
[Oonz'les ft Christine
John Rockwood
Gene Walters
laroe
Bddle Davis Oro
Joseph Sm.lth Ore.
Le Coq Booge
(3eo Sterney Oro
Anne Franclne
Tisdale 3
Le Mirage
Mario ft Merln Ore
Gay Adams
Lucille Johnson
Liana Marlow
Jerry WllUama
Randolph Cox
Flora Newman
Le Rbban Blea
Herbert Jacoby
Alleen Cook
Grazlella Parraga
Marie Eve
Mabel Mercer
I<eon ft Eddie's
Leu Martin ure
Eddie Dnvls
Iria Adrian
Teddy Grace
Leo Watson
Pttmdise
Vincent Travers Or
8 Castles
Place Elegante
Leo Lazaro Oro
Bill Farrell '
Tommy Mills
Ben Kaut
IrvO: Harris
Rex Gavitte
Qaeea Marx .
Joe Ellis Ore
Conauelo Flowerton
Kitty Wright -
Waller Walters
Balabow OriU
Bnrry 'Wlnton Oro
Mnrlynn ft^Hlcnsal
Balnbow Booas
Ruby Newman Oro
John Hoysradt
Gower & Jeanne
Eddie Le Baron Oro
Joan Cartler
.Rosslan Kretcnaaa
Taalia Nlkagoaov
Naatia Pollakova
Darla Blrse
Marusia Sava
Hermlne Michel
Claudia Capellova
Bsnia Karavaelt
Michel Ulchon
Serge Ignatenko
Voledia Katov
Genia Pobodina
Show Bar
(Forest HlUs)
Sleepy Hall Oro
Carol -Horton
Bill Hansen
Peggy Mnrlows
Lucille Rich
Jules Cassard
Stork Clab
Sonny Kendle Ore
Jose Lopez Ore
Bleanor Frencb
Sarlla Herrera
Tersainee
H Bargere Oro
Panehlto Ore
Marjorlo Galnaw'rth
O'Avalpa Dancers
Village Bam
Hov7&rd Woods Ore
Paxton
Polly Jenkins Co
Helen P-mimer
Noll ft Nolan
Lou Valero
Wblrllag Top
Cleo Morris Oro
Irene Stanley
Ann Gale
Ruth LeClaIre
Russell Bracken
Anbeaeador Betel
(Paasp . Boom)
I H McCreery Oro
Ralph Cook
Lyiell 2
Patsy Mae
Sally Osmon
I Jlmmle Green Oro
Btauarck Hotel
(Wahiat Boem)
I Bob Belmont
Nanno Van Houton
Piazzo
I Betty Grey
Charlie Scbanks Or
Adele, Trent ft B
I Dariene O'Day
Blaebbawk
Frederic ft Tvooa
Bob Crosby Oro
Terry ft Walker
Marlon Mann
Dorothy Claira
Mary Jane Brown
Gil Rodin
I Don Pedro Oro
Orrin ft Betty-
Coagrea* Hotel
(Gfaus Hat Rn)
Johnny 'Bang* -Ore
(Feaeook Km)
Joe Vera
(Pempellan Bai{
Irving Margratr
Drake Hotel
(GeU Coaat Beoaa)
Wayne King Ore
Bob Rich
Dean Murphy
Madls ft Ray
Bernlce Parks
Dateh'B
John Blllott
Carles A Dolores
Betty Jerome
Evelyn Harris
Lollta
Mart Land Ore
JEdgewater Beach
Hotel.
(Blariao Beoaa)
Pam Adair
Jlinmie O'Nell
' Barl Wiley Ora
Unehons*
I Bob Tank Oro
Utile OlDb
I Barl Riokard
Florence Meyera
Ann Hagedon
I Harry Linden
HeGrawa
J Al Copeland
Lillian Barbeaua
Eva Even
3'(H>n Bright
I'lXle Dee
Avis Doyle
I Phil Chlnard
HolodT Milt
I Tiny Bill Ore
Allan DeWitt
I Harold Osborne
Ullletoao
I Ann Xllllstone
Flo Whltmea
fla:e Lawrvoe*
Betty Harris
Delia Bnrtetl
Jack Roland Ore
Nyni Lou.
Muriel Josepb
Slarie Bobbins-
I Genevieve Vol
I Sbarone
MlBuet Chtb
Del Bates -
WiUa Rnnyon
Vema Jordan
Art Fisher Oro
Bfecrkm Hotel
(Boetpn Oyster
Hease)'
Mairrreit Gott-lMir
NaaMlesa Cafe
Julian Btockdalo
Vlto Ore
One Mayo-
Carole Cleveland
Margie -Strong
Bi>elyn Bced
Bd Lioon
Nappe Gardea*
Lois Hallen
Genevieve Jacyna
Helen Coyle
Dave Malcolm
Mary Mac
Jane La Vonne
Key Moore
Honey. Lee
Jean ft Wharton
BsUy. Sharratt
Sol Stocco Oro
OM HeUelhers
u n ... I Old Heidelberg Co
Mary Fran Baekley Octet
Eugenia UcOee
Blaokatone
(Maunese
Hotel
Jtaa)
Marguerite. Bngllsh
Piiner ft Barl Oro
Bine GooOe
Evelyn Waters
Al I>ane
Melody King
Buck Hunt'
4 Hits ft a Miss
Breveosi HOtel
<CiyBtaI Boeaa)
Florence Scttubert
Charles' Baldwin
Grace Katrol-
Norma Ballard
Herb Rudolph Oro
Ginger Wood
Jerry Walker .
Georgle La Beau
Jiuunle Reld
Sylvia Tucker
Henry Simon
Adorables
Caravita
Bddle Gorman
Roeke Romano
Toddy O'Grady.
Don Morgan
Dot ft Jerry
Edna Leonard
Carl Scholta Oro
Cbez Baoldejr
Dick Buckley
Pre M'Crane
Ann Mack
Or
Hotel Blttmen
Horace Heldt Ore-
Larry Cotton
Bob McCoy
Lyabeth Hughes
Art Carney
Red Ferrlngton
Henry Dlok
Jenn Forney
Hotel Commodore
Sammy Koye Orr -
Hotel Edison -
Gray Gordon Oro
Ruth Bradley -
Hotel Baaex Hoasc
N Brand ivynne. Ore
Dale Sherman
Hotel Gov. Cllntoa
Bddy Mayehiiir Oro
Betty Gale ,
, Hotel LlneolB'
Jan Savltt Oro '
Tito's B\ivlng(stte
£0S ANGELES
Beverly Wllishlre
Bray Sis
Howard Gerrard
Harry Owens Ore
Cafe Calleate
Panchp
Diana Castillo
Julio Gorvante
liCe Luz pasqu'ez
Eddie Agullar On-
Cafe La Haze
Park Ave. Boys '
Martha Mears
Matty Malneck itrr
Club BaU
Goorge Tount
Bruz Fletcher
Club Versalllc!.'
Jerry Lester -
Gloria King
Theodores
Chicco .Ore
Earl Carroll
Paul Gerrlts
Arren ft Broderli i.
A Robins
Iifor ft Tanya
Vivien Poy
Susan Miller
Beryl Wallace
3 Sophlatlcaled (lib
Dorothy Gerron
Keglnald Craig '
Archie Bleyer Ore
Bd Durant Oro
Flot«nilne Gnrdea
Maurice Koaloff Co
Bmll Basao Oro
FVank Sebasllaa's
Cobanola
Eduardo Chenez
Joe Barrls Qro
Grace. Hayes ' Lodge
Jackie Coglen
Grace Hayes
LInd Hayes
Joo Frisco
Charlie I^oy
I'ou Sollee Ore
Hawaiian Paiadiae
Lorottd Walker
Princess Luannei
Joe Sullivan Ore
Indigo Cale
Sid Brown
Jimmy Bllard
Jack Froat
Val Harris
Tommy Wilson
Ralph Llndgreh
Chez Pane
Paul Haakon
Harris ft Shore
Benny Fields
Helen Morgan
Gloria Day
Brerette West
Rubs Morgan Ore
Don Orlando Oro
Bvans Adorables
CInb Al -
Larry Ross
Suzanne
Wanda Benson
Gay Byer
Oliver Harris Oro
Clab '.Alaban
Dorothy DeHogbtoa
Paulette LaPierre
Harriot Norrls
Sadie Moore
Jack Irving
Allen Cole
Bme Barton
Bernle Adier
Dorothy Dale
Dave Unells Ore
Chalk Robinson Ore
EdOl* Retb Ore
Clnb Bsimna -
Harry Hynda
Bob Durfree
Dick Hauaa '
Joe Hardy
Bee Jones
Russ LIndgren Ore
Colony Olab
Jose Manzanares iir
I-.ew Fldler Oro
Connie Boawell
Coloslmo*
Tullah ft Mly
Pat Ro'oney
Janet Reads
Lulu Gould
Betty Robin
Marlon- VInay
Harry Rose
Pronaph Gls
Hollywood *
Henri Gendron '
CInb Dellsa
It Cafe
Cabaneros
Don Rudolf Ore
Jerry's Blandalny
Marguerite Paduin
Geo Surprenant Jr
Neville Fleeson
Konto Mitchell ,
Hal Chancellor Ore Sam Robinson
Jimmy Kerr ft Boya Henrlene Barkei
DonJ^rl"'" iruSi?^^,
fpTk.''l^aO,erstan. I IVf "•S' -^--^
Bvelyn Steele '
Jerry Gallan
LaC'nga Rh'mba fui
Ljttle CInb
Jane Jones
Panl Kendall
Walter. Dy.*^, ^ ^.
Albert Sears
Connie .Morrow
Chippie Hill
Brown ft Brown'
Btbele Wilson .
Rhythm Willie
Charles Teem
Partsllo OlS'
Bed Situnden.iOre
Stewart ft Lee
Marine 4
Stuart Fraxer '
Jay Mills Oro
Harriet Smith Gls
SW Cl^
Eddie Varsos Ora
Lucio Garcia
Johnny Howard
Carlos ft Mercedes
Grace McCarthy
n Dnmpo
Laurene No Vol
Ken Leslie '
Margie Lacey
Dumas 2
Martha Mayo
Dolly Pepin
Ray Stiebers Oro
Sain Badis
-'Whorley Ols
Famoas Doer
Bstber Wblttlngton
Bryan Wolf
Blllie Minor
Terry O'Toole
Al Robinson Ore
June., Thompson
Franke's Casta*
[ Will Martin
Jeanne Moore
Casino Gls
Dick Hardin
Buddy KIrble
Roeke Bllswortb
Bob TInsler Oro
Goldea Spot
Van ft CtatW
Marlrin Miller
Chester LeRoy Ore
Grand Terrace
Jean Brady
Tondelaya ft Loses
Dotty Bolters
Louise McCarrol
Dusty Fletcher
Leonard Roed Gls
F Henderson Ore
-Oraemere Hotel'
(Olaes Hease Bm)
Toasty Pall Oro
Carl Bock
Marine Kirk
I Lprralne Vos* ;
Horry's N T Cab'iet
Jerry Hfely
A I Samuels 8
Mae Brown
Gloria Bhayile
Andre Faye
Colleen
Collette
Madeline Gardner
Renee Villon
Kitty Roth
Rankin Gls
Chaa Engels Ore
Art Buckley
Al Wkgner
Blllle Myers
Leo Berling
Dorothy Johnson
Hlokoir laa
Kay Dare
Joan ft Eddie
Tern Garvey
Gondoliers Oro
HI Hat
Lou Holz
Jean Travfers
Betty Atkinson .
Kretlow Ols -
Bid Lang Ore
Ivaahoe
Helen Bumners
^llce Hunson
4 Hawallonk.
Keith Beecher Or<;
L'AIglea
Mary W Kllpatrlcb
Buseblo Conclaldl
Spyros Stambs
Don fiulzot* Ore
Bnnlo BoIognlnl'Oi
,J?»*»L''« Salle
(Bloe rnat Boom)
Vlbra
Stud Smith Oro
Gladys Madden
Jonah Jone*
Liberty laii
lAUrene Novelle
Minis Erdman
Dick Huges
Colleen
Karanova
Robert Kessler
Winn Stracbo
Kerr -Louie ft W
Hsrble Ore
Paddock Chib
Bllnbr' Johnson
Morrita Ryan
Sid Eehapps
Francis Kny
Chester Le.Roy Ore
Palmer Boase
(Empire Boom)
Orrin Tucker Ore
F'rankUn Crawford
Joseph Coskey
Bud Barldi
Mmplre Boys a
Jimmy Blade
Jerry Gllddea
Kay Nlrhols
Silhoaetto
l4irry Forbes
Dee Downey
Betty Jerome
Lou Redeli
Joey Conrad pro
Silver CloBd
Bert Nolan
Lane 2
Barnens 7 T..ee
Adelaide Kirkolf
NIta La Tour
VI Oore
Hazel Zslus
Nord Rlrhsrdsog
Johnny Mci-<aii Ore
Silver ftollca
Claire Pollo'w
Harry Harris
Roberto ft MInto
Fay Wallace
Art Freeman
V» Clob
Al . Zimmey
b'unny Carter
Connie Fasesaw
Slcrti I,C6
Dolores Del Rae
Harg--FB'ber Gls
Joel ft Annette
DIetrlchs
Inez Scott
Aloha -
Jessie Rosella
Daginar
l>olly Steriing
Rnby Bennett
Patricia Perry
CoUetle
Carmen -
Sol l-jike Ore
Tripoli 8
Sky Boefcet
Harjorle Whitney
Dictators
Mathews ft Shaw
' Kings
Stevens Hotel
(Continental Beoaa)
Rhythm Boys On
Rod Drigo ft F
Byton Gla
StratMphere Clab
Princes Red Rock.
Frank Bnrbor
Subway
Ginger Dlx
Opal .Adair
Connie Rogers:
Jackie Richard
Frances Thomas
Kena Lane
Edith Marlowe
Uotoraa Mac
Billy Kent
Henry Sax Oro
SatTtQ
Bernle Green
Jean Stone
Dolly Dollne
Babe- Carney
Ram Barl
Verne Wilson Oio
Thompsea'e M Clak
Ray Reynolds
Joy Kslcse
TRYON SrSTERS
NEW FACES
PARAMOUNT, NEWARK
— NOW —
Personal Unaagemenl:
BDDIE SHITH^. 22 W. 48th St., N. T.
Billy Hayes
Jack Williams
Lorraine Sis
Jose Castro
Beverly Allen
Abbott Danoere
Ptall Dool^y Ore .
Parody Clnb
Freddie Abbott
Marie Thomas
Soreh TIebold
Bddle Jaxon Ore
Playbeose
Pat McGowan
Helen Hart -
RiU Marie
Virginia May
Betty Mae
Barry Hodges Ore
Boss Bo wl
Willie' Shore
Gladys Palmar .
Ina Ray Hntton Or
Elaine Merritt
Burke Sis
Vera Fern
Royal Frolics
Dolly Kay
Eddie White
Dl Gatanos'
Bvelyn I'^ney
Jack Billiard
Al Trurfc Oro
Hark Fisher Ore
Jack- BlUlard
Frolics Ens -
Sherman Hotel
(College Inn)
Gene Krupa Oro
Irene Daye
Celtfo Cafe
Bud Glena Oro
Dome
Spinning Tops .
James Hamilton
Dancing Buckleys
8 Jitterbugs
Giovanni t
Loraa- Degree
Shirley Rae
Jessie Garwood
Helen DuWayne
Marah McCurdy
Sammy Frlaco Ora
Three Donee* ,
Baby Dodds
Charles McBrlde
LIU Armstrong
Lonnie Johnaon
iOB Bent Boom)
Anita O'Day
Jay McShann 8
Iiannle Estordall
Jimmy McPartland
Tower Ina
Mollle Manner
Sam Bans
Inez Gonan
Rhythm Gls
3 Hawallans
Frank Davis Ore
Ton-a Clab
Cliot Bosn-ell
Moe Dl Fill
Rosita Carmen
Milltcent De 'Witt
Jane Mornn
Juno Carroll
S Ciiicagoans:
Frankle Qualrel Ore
Hal Barber
Tllte Medeiao
Tony Oabbt Oro
Winona Gardea*
Glgl Rene
Virginia Woodall
Lee Harmon
Pat Allen
Margie Dale
Nonnle Morrison
Rita Stone
Sally Re)-noIds
Heinle Cramer -
Frank Snyder Oro
Lucille Johnson .
PHIIAPELFSI&
Aaoliorage
Frank Quinn Ore
Lou Hartlno
Kay Allen
Anita Blaine
Jack ft A Martin
Bellevne-Strattord
(Main DhUng Bin)
Meyer Davla Ore
(Bnrgnndy Room)
Frank Juele Ore
Ben Franklin Hotel
(Garden Tenace)
Jimmy Joy Ore
Gal Moran
Guy McComas
Benay the Barn's
Mary Navia Ore
Frances Carroll
Hollywood Debs (8)
Glen Dale
Wilms Douglas
Renatto & Dolores
Muriel Thomas
BrowHfaig lane Inn
(Bellmnnrr, N, 3.}
Lenny B6ss
c I- » V I |. ! 1 1 ;
Mary Joyce
4 Top Hatters
Ann Bell
Lucille Nolan .
Vlnce Norman Oro
Cadlllao Tavern
M Henrique
Beth Calvert
Keller Sla
Dariene Jones
Eddie Thomas
Jack Newlon
Sunny Ray
H Reynold* Ore.
Clnb IS
Dick Thomas
Johnny I'oung O
Littis Ann Little
Ellen Fay
Johnny Howard
Bee Larry
Princess Helen
Amy Organ
Cote Horou
Scarey Gavin
A I CUbler
Helen Wilson
Jeny Vaaoe
. > f 1 S I I, J I
Vednesday, Marcli 22, 1939
VARIETY
55
Xlbby N«la
Borl» Pie'"" ^
JM Famllu" Or«
aab F«rah«*
X^laa Wright
sttpps & Carloi
a,rtl« Taylor Or«
aab tM
Ulldred Boyer
B«rn«y Homa
Bob B«mp Oro
pstUn'sBatlukdleT
^nb PonU ,
B«ynard & MaroU
WaOclnaSIa
Uarllyn Wayna
BIfanor Lane
IrrlDB Broalow Ore
n Ohleo
Kay I*v«rly
K«l» Carr -.
Marlon Robinson
francoa Deya
Buth Tomploton
Subbloa Bhalby
Arlatt WltUara
Joyanno Snaar
Ivan Taihnian Or<
Silly Maple
Johnny Parrlah
Bleanors Piper
Edith Roark -
Lola Mallna
Dolores O'NolU
M Moore Ore
Vedre BUace On
Oeorte Clifford
KretmeB OMto*
Beth Challlt
Cbadwioks
Virginia Meltord I
Ann Collins
Cella MoAndrews
White Sis
Al BIdrlcb
Jo Miles Or«
' 15U Olab
Swing King Oro
ommy Monroa
Betty HoOee
Pepper Oaret
blul IiOBe
Floreaca Holmoii
TMBkl* Pataaabo'i
Jaok Cartls
Baddy Ijewls
Bonnie Stewart,
giaw * Mead
HlU * LaROB*
TTOnattes (•)
Bobby Morrow Oro
Biuili Tavcn
Alabama Corlnno
Bobby I^ons
Oreta LaMarr
Betty Ttaomaa
HDdcbraad'g
Jaokle Small
Charlie Meld
Tvette
Boris BlUott
Korman Iievis
Fiances Rnssell
Fionkle MlltoB
Richard Bach
kpbby<Loa Oro
VIdell * Mana
see Dorea
jaA l9Bdi'a
Charles Smith
Vincent lUioo Oro
Boney Keemas
I [any RIohman
«nl A Bt» Rayto
adenno It Ashooc'
Imb Dnbrow
lorotby Tanner . -
Imny Blake
J Unoh Ols (11)
Charles Fredorlcka
>oe Prosetto Oro
Al AlvlU
fcna.g'Aqplla
Bill)'. Rrtchmer
twItaMr Ctak
(Btao Boom)
Brelyn Lampshlto
Ann Rnsh
Bhubba Oro -
UMe Bathskclte
Soy Sedley
Oaye Dixon
Victor Hugo Oro
Bert St Clair
O'Connor t
Vivian Francis
Johnny A Oeorgo
open Doer Cafo
a Pepperettei
Leslie 31a
Bob RIdler
Nanette
Rtfse VennttI
Hawaiian Oro
Ethel Maeder
Viola KlalBS Oro
Parrlah Cnfo
Vernon Ouy
Johnny Holmes Or
PDrpie Deibr
Jean O'Neill
Andy Russell
Buck Calhoun
Betty Weeks
Ray Allen Oro
Bendcsveu
B 8 Pully & Oump
Denette & Say
Cook & Brown
Ross Irwin
Pearl William*
Bob Hargravea Oro
Btanp'o Cafe
Bert Lemlah Oro
Dot lisndy
Jack .Hutchinson
Jobnny Welsh
8 Debs
Barry & Glenn
VIo Earlaon
Silver Lake Ina
(Clementoa)
Mickey Famllant Or
Alice Lncey
Fredez & Lorenza
Peggy Eamea
Oeorga- Reed
Bky Top Clnb
Cim Bookman
Leon Wright Ore
Marjorle Johnson
Blanche Baundera
tKk Ceatarr
Tommy Cullen Ore
Veako Grillo
Jack Rich
Fay Ray
Joey Hayes Oro
VlUac Cafo
BIlUe Caltahaa
Joe Kearns
Orare O'Hara
Jerry Delmar Oro
4 Jay*
Bobby Jcnea
Jan Jones
Billy Beck
Village Ban
I>enhy Kent
Ed Is Lane
Watson St*
Bobby Evan*
Johnny Hudgino
Teddy Oliver Oro
WacoB Wheel
Cosmo & IiOllta
Tommy Haha
Joan Marie
Pete Hayc* .
Al Wilson
George Debar
Al Bastion Oro
Weber'o Hot Biaa
(Caaadea)
nse Hart
Rudy Bmder
Jule* Flacco Ore
Helen Worthlngtoa
Mart Duo
Mario Wodar
Alex Dno'
Ala, Del FlUr
Pat Cranford
Arlette Adair
Bill Evans
Sid Golden
SIgnor Karmlne
J * T Shellenb'Bier
International*
Bldoradlan*
Tacht Clab
Kitty Helmling Ore
JImmIe Bailey
Babe lioTour
Roberta Ramsey
Patricia Robinson
MILWAUKEE
?i
.Bal Monro Oro
Bert FhnUp'a
Pep Babler Ore.
Ilhel Seldel
Bhta Falm eaidea
Sdoie Booth Oro
DUla Maaon
Bine HooB
-Davidson Ore
'Irglala Rosea
'ay Jayson
Oale, Parker
Oaidhial Clab
■nd Vlonl Oro
Ohateaa Ohib
Btao' Jacdbseo Oro
Johnny . Peat
Jlsimy te Nont Bell
Jack Herbert
Jane Carson ■
Boratby Mayo
Helen HacForUnd
With Roe
Jalsy Marr
g"»n * 8 Jennings
ank Brown
>e Bartell
Ctaver Clob
bJ.'P' Ore
antb Phillips
garge Tonng
flaaaor QalT
jean Horley
Badke
««> Kronlch
'axon
_ Club Forest
Jlrglnia Orey
"era Wetah
Clob Madrid °
Jimmy Rota* Oro
fcSVl * S^nclie
«dy Steven*
tJJ^Reynold*
SWc^a.!:?: 01.
gi^ff'gi'ch?"-'
""Mlrn Miller
Otab Sahara
"•o Cerwln Oro
Chb TenI*
Si^on Gensohorc
>ffiS ftn^erson
Kathleen Kayo
Claudia Ferris
Dale A Dal*
Congo Clab
Bob EVeeraaa
Mary Reed
Jett Ttaoma*
Leonard Gay Oro
Corale* Ship
Bill Davldsop Oro
Ben Boo Oro
Ralph Lewi*
Bailey A Lamarr
Dovlaea Eaglea
Billy Baer Ore
Steve Swedish Oro
Mabel Drake
Dorothy Dale
Red Roberts Ore
Gloria Gale
Jimmy Do Palnw
Howard Gelgcr
Hotel Scfaroedcr
.(Empire Boom)
Lawrence Welb Or
Jerry Burke
Walter Bloom
Lois. Best .
Kari Batsch's
Sepple Boch Ore
Helene Storn
Walter MerhoS
T^anca's
Ray Meadow* Ore .
Last Booad Hp
Jimmy Raye Oro
Ken Kerk
Uady'* .
Rick & Snyder
victor
Nancy Rowland
Lo« Oabia
Carl Bergman Orr
HIamI Clnb .
Helen. Holme*
'Ralley Malone
Evelyn Lee
Miami t
Peggy Geary
Hazel Bailey
Gene Emerald
Harriet Croas
Nevolle & Day
Betty Brown
Marie Carroll
Johnny Davis Or>
MllwaahcaB
Bobby Maynard
Marty Gray Oro
Snook* Uortman
Old Heidelberg
Mary Beth
Cameo GI*
Eddie ZIpp Oro
Donna LnPao
Allen Dunn
Sallle Marshall
Ginger A Louise
Open Door
TInney Llveng'd Or
Larry Powell
rochard Ballroom
Al Cavalier Oro
Faradhe Gardens
Bin KIngsley Ore
) Pari*
Joe Gumln Ore
Len Herrick
PlaatatlM Olnb
Bert Bailey Oro
Mary Webb
Plantation 6
Brown tc Lyons
Myrtle Thomas
Hunky Brown
BeBdezToo*
Betty Maaon
Helen Grego*
Carol Cleveland
Dotty Norman
Katharine Kay*
Alma Grant
Bob . Mattaeaon Oro
Reno
Pat Marvin
Helen Allen
Romoha Brownwell
Rose Vine
Alma Williams
VIndIck Sis
Harvey Lee Oro
Scaler's
Tony Bauer Oro
Marie Kecky
Jessie & Viola
Dorothy Hamilton
Blng Burdick
Roma Costello
Bchwaita.
Bob Eherle Ore
Lee Leighton Ore
Six Polat aab
Caspen Redo Ore
State Oardeaa
Earl RIgg Oro
Florence Bell
Mildred Seeler
Ann Helene
Even Allen
Irene Schrank
Flo Smith
Snnset aab
Eddie Apple
Tie Top Tap
Joey Feldsteln Oro
Natalie St Howard
Eleanor Leonard
Al Gale .
}<ert Gilbert
Town and Coontrr
Clob .
Knight .A .Sao
Robertos
Luclene
Virginia Davls-
Madellne Gardiner
Betty Harger
Alleen Ronda
ZaJitro & Well*
Bert Snyder
Toy'*
Case Landls Ore
Mth * North Clab
Kay Crandell Oro
Trocadere
MIron Stuart Oro
Jane Rubey
Sliutta & Kent
Dolly O'Dea
Woodard 61s
Bobble Stuart
WMh's FotnrlsUe
Bill Schweitzer Oro
Jack Fexer
Vallle Jay Ore
Maureen Rosay
Regan A Mann -
Wisconsin Root
M Merrymaker- Ore
NIC Harper Oro
Tom Sheridan
Cappy Lewis
Joan . Demarls
Arnold Dupre
ZoBker Gardeaa
Skipper Leone Ore
CIEYELASD
Alphio TlUago'
Otto Tburn Oro
Blondell 1
Franchon A F
Margaret Aemmer
Herman PIrchner
AvalOB
Ry Barron Oro
Bart Gilbert
Carol Chapello
Airway aab
Troy Singer Oro
Judy Black
Cedar Garden*
Doke Melvln Oro
Slim Thomas
Princes* Wee-Wee
Prince Albert
Sus&y Brown
Ohateaa
Pete Gerael Or*
At Bcbenok
Jean Lee
Ann Baron
Bight O'clock Clab
Bill Miller Oro
Sammy Llpmaa Co
noddle's Cafe
Tony Emma Oro
Zang A Todd
Frank Reynold*
Josle
Miriam KretlowUno
Eddie Barnes
QoMoB Olew
Pool Slmonettl Ore
Texas Peggy
Margie West
Zoza
Oearmet Clab
Lools dna Oro
Frelda SteSen*
Hatton'* aab
Sherry Martin
Lenny Celyer
Bob ArmstronB
Rose-Marl*
GriU
Joanna Gordon
Kay Bush
Don A Lou
Len Ensign
Hotel Oloveland '
Manny Landers Ore
Walt Bergen Oro
Hotel Feawar Hall
Wlllard Pott* Oro
Bettle Allen
Hotel Bterllnc
Marty Ijtko Ore
Oayle Oaylord
' Hotel HoUoBden
Sammy Watkln* Or
Robinson 2
Paul Nolan
Prltlkln A Mason
Hotel Btotlcr
Dick SUblle Ore
Evelyn Oakes
Glover A LaUae
Jack A Eddle'a
Chick Williams
Henry Rubertlna
Bess Evans
Dona Wamby
Harold Thomas
Undsny's Shy-aab
Bonnie Lavonno
Marlon Bowea
Art Colllt
.HoBooo'o date
Jacques Pollack Or
Marllynd' Maynard
Uoaad* Clnb
Orvelte Rand Oro
Boatbera nveta
Paul Burton Oro
Don Kayo
Nick Bontemp*
Vboagl Clab
Tommy Bame* Oro
Hertel Collin*
Ethel Avery
Rose Morgan
Sonny Carr
DETBorr
Clob
Jay Jason
Mildred Rook
Rhythmettes
Geo AKono Ore
Book -Cadillac Hotel
(Book Casino)
Bob Grant Oro
Blaine A Barry
VUotor Bar)
Peter Kent Ore
Chene-Trombley
Jimmy Gargano Or
Frankle Little
Rannels A Carver
tfarqnlta A Neece
June Wren
Barrett A' Smith
Commodor* Clab
C Costello Ore
Lee De Bain
Oldtlmers 4
Rita A Ruben*
Sorelll
Una Cooper -
Lovely Ladle* (4)
nob FlroBtcnao
Larry Funk Oro
Buddy Hayes '
Natalie Wynn
Motter A Oavl*
Helen A Holme* .
Ginger Button
HoUl sutler
(Terrace Boom)
Xavler Cugat Ore
Carmen Castillo
Judy Lane '
Eddie Ashcrman.
Castalino Roldn
Imperial Clab
Don Carlnl
Geo Sella A Jo-Jo
Bonnie Nicholas
Fin LIvltes
Margo Wade
Woody Uosber
Frank Rapp Ore
Keblelo Gate
Leonard Seal Oro
Ward Gleason
Parisian Coed*
Tanglnnl
Morthwood Ibb
Frank Glllen Oro
John Hale
Marian Kny
Armand A Diana
OasU
P Markoff Dancers
Alton A LaRue
Harry Bardell
Great Legery
Barbara Dehaden
Lillian LaMay Ore
Josephine Campbell
Falm Beach
Amos Jacobs
LeRoy A Sharp
Bddle Capps
Don Pablo Ore
PlaatatloB Clab
Monette Moore
Pete Nugent
Moke A Poke
Desoree Alexander
Billy Ekstein
Sadjal
Don Albert Ore
House Line (()
Fowatao
Mickey Alpert
Elizabeth Rand
Dolores
VIckl Lauren
Sammy Dlbert Ore
Bake
Don Harris
Buddy Lester
Touman.Bros (3)
Gftrnett Sis
Rita DeVere '
Geo Kavanagh Ore
FinSBIIBGH
Anchorage
Rughle Morion Ore
Maynard Dcane
Arllngtoa Lodge
Art Norkue Oro .
Boleeaadee
Ted Wnldron Ore
Sally Calms
BUI Green's
Sterling Toung Ore
Bobby Ennis
Gil DagenalB
Clob PeUto
Freddie Castle Oro
Betty Smiley
Virginia Lee
Sherry Lane
Dave JeSreys
Cork aad Bottle
Jack Davis
Eddie Prytoa's
Johnny Radlon Ore
Jerry O'Dare
Harlem Cnsino
Sherdlna Walker Or
George Gould
Sparky George
Davis A Davfe
M'rcia Marquez
Willie Knight
narlemettc* (I)
Larry Steele
Ozzle Dial
Hotel Henty
M Contrera* Oro
Conchlta
Hotel BooeoTelt
Buddy Ruaeell I
Hotel 8cfaenlc7
Howard Baum Ore
Buzz Aston
Jack Roger*
Hotel William Penn
(Chatterbox) .
Bernle Cummin* Or
Connie Barleaa
Walter Cnmmin*
(Coatlnental Bar)
Versatlllans
(GriU)
Bavarians
ItalloB Gardens
Etzl Covato Ore
Bemie Perella
Do Bold i
Johnny Morrle
Dick Smith
Betty Nylander
New FOBB
Joe Ravell Oro
Laverne Kldd
Jack Keller
liOe Burke
Ward Sis
Helen Toung
KIsoB Cato
Al Kavelln Oro
PattI Morgan
Al Shelleday
Movellos
Margie Noele
Collette A Barry
Angelo Dl Palma
Claire Ray Gls
Mat Boose
Al Sherman
Jack Lewis
Boogy-Wocgy
Rarry Nosokoft
George De Costa
Al Mercur
Jim Buchanan
Ploxa Oata
Jimmy Peyton Ore
Adele Curtis
Lenore Rika
Ginger Allen
Val Eddy
Betty Hurst ^
Billy Cover
Le Rol
BlvleiB
Joe Lee Ore
Show Boat
Tommy Carlyn Oro
Millie Wayne
PeeWee Walker
Al Richards
Pappy Ishrael
Wllma Dougis*
Line (C)
Webster Hall
Nelson Maples Ore
Buzzy Kounta
Will Ward
George Weber
Vnloa GriU
Tony Lombardo
Art Tagello
Frank Natale
Roch. Boriey Opens
Rochester, N. Y., March 21.
Hie Embassy, 900-seater, went
stock' burlesque, with films, Friday
(17), opening with packed houses.
George Katz and Al Lebowitz, of
New York, are operating. Prices,
25c and 40c, four shows dally.
Gendarmes clamped down on the
Victoria 10 years ago, and the only
burley attempt here since was made
two years ago at the Embassy.
Phllly Bnrley Sbnta
PhUadelphla, March 21.
Shubert theatre here shuttered last
week after an unsuccessful two-and-
a-half-month try at burley. Troe
remains as Philadelphia's only bur-
ley house.
Shubert shuttering leaves seven
and half weeks to the •Hirst whed,
a week each in Philly, Baltimore,
Washington, Boston, Newark, Union
City and Pittsburgh, two days In
Allentown and one day in Reading.
CASINO, PITT
Pittsburgh, March 10.
Wch Steppers' unit with Ann
Corio, fitllv Hogan, Billy Fields,
Dorig Weston, Joan MaviM, Mile.
AlexUmna, Glen Mason, Lea Spong-
ier, Conny Ryan, Alene Dale and
Line (16).
Peel wheel's hitfh priestess, Ann
Corio, making her second swing
around the circuit this season in
'High Steppers' and it's a lively unit
Of course, she's the backbone and
anticipation of her single appearance
near the close of show makes a lot
of stuff palatable to the patrons that
might otherwise seem diul.
No doubt about Miss Corio's draw
these days around the burley cir-
cuit She's rolling up a new house
record for the year at the' Casino,
drawing standees at.'every perform-
ance and, in addition, attracting flock
of femmes, which is unusual here.
Just doing her brief strip, showy and
satisfactory, minus the song intro-
duction she had earlier in the year.
Even production fanfare is missing,
suggesting that the stripper is taking
her peeling stardom lightly if profit-
ably.
'High Steppers' carries carload of
peelers, among them Doris Weston,
Joan Mavis and Mile. Alexlanna, lat-
ter billed as a French importation.
Casino customers take so-called 'for-
eign imports' with a grain of salt
but gal delivers, and that's all they
want Trio imcovers nothing im-
usual, either figuratively or literally,
just going through the regular rai-
ment drips. Alexlanna manages to
insert a little action, though.
Billy (Cheese 'n' Crackers) Hagan
and Billy Fields team up for most
of the comedy and collect a flock of
laughs with their insanities. : They
skirt the taboos with double en-
tendresi getting the meaning across
and still leaving themselves in the
open. There's no mistaking the ges-
tures, however.
Show's vaude specialist is Glen
Mason, who plays a built-up xylo-
phone that's almost the size of a
pipe organ and while not distinctive
it's good stuff for the burley crowd
and gets over nicely. Alene Dale
clicks as straight woman in several
comedy sketches. Chorus looks tired,
as usual. Cohen.
STIBBUFS FOB STABBETT
Hollywood, March 21;
•Arizona Cowboy.' starring Charles
Starrett, rolled today (Tuesday) at
Columbia.
Sam Nelson directs.
Night Club Reviews
ARABIAN NIGHTS. N.Y.
(Continued from page 50)
keeping with the- idea of the at-
mosphere.
Mills (New Acts) Is en m. c. with
a routine of his own that Is fair.
He appears to have the makings of
an entertainer likely to come along .
gromisingly. His bit on Parkyakar-
as and the impression of a nance
singing a pop suggests latent possl-
bUiUes.
Acts Include Roberta Jonay, Albe-
nice and Gypsy Romaje, - (all of
whom are covered under New Acts).
Miss Jonay, from Florida, is the girl
who landed at a White House party
and since has received much public-
ity as a dancing protege of Mrs.
Roosevelt She does one number,
dance of the peScock, here. It is
both different and colorful, plus be-
ing very suitable for the occasion.
Also of suitable atmospheric caliber
are Miss Romaje, Oriental dancer
and singer, and Albenlcc, latter a
turbaned - magician who has some .
Very clever sleijght-of-hand items in
hL: bag of tricks. Miss Romaje, pri-
marily a dancer, and good, is much
less formidable as a singer, and
should lean more to the number she
does with maracas than to such a
selection as 'Donkey Serenade.' Lat-
ter is too much for her vocal equip-
ment
Ravel's orchestra Is a cdpable out-
fit of seven men, including himself.
It plays a good show and also well
fo:* dancing. Ravel also vocalizes.
Relief band is Emil Colon and his
Congodhins, a rhumba crew.
Wnat Zelll needs here is at least
one sock act, possibly some one with
a name of some value. Qbviously,
the show as stands, is a low-budget
affair. Char.
VILLAGE BARN, N. Y.
Helen Pammer, Gtcen Williams,
Noll & NoUtn. Paxton, PoUti Jenkins
and. Her Plotoboy*, Ray Hunt,
'Pappy* BeUno, Lou Valero, Howard
Woods orch (10).
Local trade which this spot gets
Is the tlpofl to its continued appeal,
while the Greenwich Village locale,
and rustic trimmings ^e'ts the out-of-
town gentry. Present show is up to
standard, and- business even ' during
the current luU .justifies the budg-
etary outlay. ■ Neatly paced with
warbUng, dancing and novelty ma-
terial, not the least of which Is Pax-
ton, a 'memory whiz,' who bowls
'em over. Howard Woods' small but
capable combo is the new band. Or-'
chestra fits in nicely for playing the
floor show and dancing. . It features'
several singing combinations from
crew members besides the crisp
crooning of Lou Valero. Woods,
himself, is no slouch as a vocallzer.
Helen Pammer, comely blonde
tapster, seems a bit too good to be
wasted in the initial slot Her step-
ping Is standard, but nicely pushed
across with an Infectious personality
Slus tastr wardrobing. Brunette
rwen WUllanis, possessing pleasbig
Sipes, appealed to the crowd here,
oing two encores. 'First Romance,*
•Masquerade Is Over' and 'Did Your
Mother Come From Ireland' com-
prised song lineup.
Memory tricks of Paxton, new
entry, click soldily with this kind of
audience. Qutek-on-the-trlgger an-
swers to Interrogations shot at him
keep his j>«rformance moving at the
requisite floor show pace. Warms up
'With recital of population, principal
hotels, tiieatres^ newspapers Snd in-:
dustries of- any cl^ asked. Tops this
with quickie glance at numbers of
dollar bills, with other tricks inter-
vening, before be returns to reeling
off the correct figures of seven or
eight pegged billa Climax is reading
ntmibers oaekward on one bill and
forward on another, without glanc-
ing at the numbers.
Exponents of ballroom terplng,
Edward Noll and Marion Nolan are
newcomers to the Village, but have
been aroimd uptown (including the
Paradise) enough to have a slick
array of dances. Ballroomology of
pair has sufficient variations, some
verging on the adagio, to satisfy
handily. Lad of the team is one of
those agile dancers who combines
youthful appearance with deft exe-
cution while the petite partner is a
looker and also a trim stepper. Their
eccentric final encore done to 'Flat-
foot Floogle' is a sure bet with the
college mob.
Show goes really corny with entry
of Polly Jenkins and her Plowboys.
Three males play bass fiddle. Ruitar
and harmonica while Polly handles
an accordion and other instruments.
Outfit Is vet vaudeville turn- and
gradually is becoming acclimated to
night club work. The panto stuff
and instrumentalizlng is forte, but
there's too much blasting with the
cowbells and xylophone,
Sleighbell ringing bv the Jenkins
girl is okay. Despite the noise,
troupe scored heavily, indicating
this crowd goes for the rustic en-
sembles.
Ray Hunt new master of cere-
monies, works -with a minimum of
adjectives, and snows a nice baritone
with 'This Can't Be Lo\e' and 'I Get
a Kick.' Appeared a bit jittery in
working his first show, but has per-
sonality.
'Pappy' Below, veteran at the
Bam, still remains a great fave with
his bottle gam^ musical chair con-
tests and square dances. This gives
the guests a chance to let down their
hair. The stunts arte projected With
such showmanship that they go big
even with ■ audience meinbers not
participating. Wear.
PANTHER ROOM, CHI
(SHERMAN HOTEL)
Chicago, March 17.
Gene Krupa orchestra.
One of the most notable nltery
names practically passes out of the
picture with the renaming of most of
the College Inn. The big portion of
what used to be the College Inn is
now the Panther Room, while that
Dart which surrounds the big oval
bar is still the College Inn.
The waiters now are dressed up
like maharajalis and look like comic
opera. 'When caught there were just
some tables and chairs, but patrons
are assured that couches and settees
are due any day now, all in panther
atmosphere.' .
The bandstand and floor, which
formerly were on the side of the
room, are now. opposite the bar, an
imorpvement
Th^e is no show. That too, is an
Improvement when it Is recalled ,
what kind of shows the Inn had been
presenting for the past couple of
yenrs.
The Inn could still rate with the
best of 'em but for the fact that It
was steadily allowed to deteriorate
Now the policy Is no cover and no
minimum, which means that the. kids
can come down and shag their brains
out for a couple of beers.
For the shaggers Gene Krupa Is
ereat stuff. He himself Is a smart
little show on those drums, selling-
himself and his jive rhythms with
plenty of mugging.
Musically the aggregation Is solid,
and swings out with authority and
ability. Its routines are varied neat-
ly, and the sweet stuff gets a break,
too. Gold;
VERSAILLES, L. A.
Los' Angeles, March IS.
Jerry Letter, Rum Denning, Wini-
fred Seeley, BUI LaiiMn, Louis Chieo
orch (w.
One of the better Intimate spots
along the county strip, Mel Walters'
Versailles is finding the going as
tough -as when Phil Selznfck tried
to steer It 'out of the red. It's the
only room with a view In.to'wn, the
neoned burg stretched out below
through arched windows. There's
table space for around ISO but on
the night caught ' the .aggregate
couldn't have' exceeded 20.
Spot gets most of Its biz on Thurs-
day, Friday .and Saturday nights.
Rest of the week -Is a washout - That
also goes for most of the others along
this night belt
Jerry Lester heads a so-so floor
show. Ruth DenAlng Is just fairish
on the vocalizing and the tapping of
Winifred Seeley Is very . routlnisb.
Lester has a fat bag of tricks and
tries them alL Does everything
from hat changes to imitations with
a breezy line of chatter; Stencil of
Harrv Rlchman Is his best effort
Bill Lankln, one-arm pianist, fills the
intermish and rates a bow. Louis
Chlco leads the ork group from his
harp, something of a novdty.
His problem, along with the other*
Is, what of the summer? Helm.
Saranac Lake
By Bsppy Benway
Robert McCammon out of hospital
and now bedding It
Albert Manley and Roy Hunger-
ford .of Atlantic Hi.i(hIandE, N. J.,
visiting Albertlna Manley, musical
comedy dancer, who Is doing well.
The Franta Taiiralgs, from what up
until a few days ago was. Czechoslo-
vakia, back to N.Y. after a winter
vacash here. Mrs. Taus.sig Is ' the
daughter of Dr. Karl Fischel, med-
ico-ln-chief at the Will Rogers.
John DiGiovanni, Jersey ex-man-
ager, into the general hospital for
general check. His second booking
here in. five years.
Phil (Paramount) Wolf bedslding
his frau, who has made a 'grand
comeback.
The actors' colony here tliank Riga
Konova, of Chicago, for the books
and mags.
Anna Comerford back to the lodge
after the first stage of her operation.
Dorothea Dobsoit 'of Annapolis,
back home after a selge here.
(Write to those who are lU).
Peggy Fears opens at the Ver-
sailles, Los Angeles, March 28, coiti-
ing in from Colony Club, Chicago.
86
VARIETY
LEGITIMATE
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
Fate of IQngs Doubtful Wilh Report
Theatre GoOd Win Withdraw Bac
Shows in Rehearsal
Tive Kings,' currently at the
Chestnut, Phfladelphia, will fold
there at the end ot next week. Fate
ol the Orson Welles condensation of
Shakespeare cbrpnide plays is in
'dotd>t thereafter: ' Members . of the
Merctuy Theatre staff have been
notified that the Theatre Guild is
withdrawing from co-sponsorship of
the presentation. But that is dented
by Guild officials in New York.
There is talk of rehearsing the
show for three weeks, then opening
it on Broadway, witti or without
Guild participation. But that is
viewed as an outside possibility.
Plans to take the show to Pittsburgh,
Cincinnati and' other road cities have
been definitely cancelled. Lora Bax-
ter has left the cast and was to have
bseh replaced by Helen Craig. But
the part has since been edited out of
the show, among a ntmiber of other
changes.
Although the- exact status of the
Guild's interest in the production is
unknown, it's common knowledge
that Guild officials have been burn-
ing for weeks at . the . policies of
the Weiies-John Houseman combine.
'Kings* has drawn mixed reviews out
ot tov/n and business has been dis-
appointing.
Dblike Night Bchearsab
Princinal frown of Guild directors
against Welles' methods is said to be
his insistence on rehearsing at night,
after the evet^ng performance.
Stagehands get <k>iible wages after
11 p. m. and triple pay after 1 a. m.
Salary total for such sessions during
the Boston engagemoit Is imder-
stood to have been about $15,000.
Despite Guild ' protests, Welles has
continued the night rehearsals.
If the Guild doesn't sponsor
'Kings' in N. T. the organization will
be in a bad way to find two substi-
tute plays for Its subscribers. -Only
three . plays— "Dame Nature,' "Mer-
' chant of Yonkers' and 'Jeremiah'—
hnve been offered so .far. this season.
'Philadelphia Story' dated for next
Tuesday' (28) is the fourth. Double-
evening. "KinBs* was to have rated
as two subscription plays.
The Lunts are bringing their 'Fes-
tival of Comedy' (repertory of five
plays) to Broadway In mid-May, but
that will not be a: Guild subscription
presentrrtlon. Jn previous seasons the
Guild has short-changed its sub-
scribers, leaking up tHe short show
the following yearj but H has never
been more than a sihgle production
In arrears. Subscription season Is
completed in all the Guild's road
cities, with the exception of Pitts-
burpji where it is shy two shows. It
had been planned to take 'Philadel-
phia Story' and "Kings' there, but
now two replacements must be
foiuid.
Yi#sh, Aiigk) 'Awake'
Nepers on Broadway
For the first time the same play in
English and Yiddish Is being shown
virtually within the show district
Thp Yiddish adaptation of 'Awake
and Sing' is being presented at
Daly's under WPA auspices, while
the Clifford Odets drama was re-
vived at the Windsor by the Group
Theatre last week. Latter planned
to split the weeic between 'Awake'
and 'Rocket to the Moon,' but after
more interest was displayed In the
former It was slated for six per-
formances weekly, with 'Rocket' go-
In;; on for two.
The Group Is understood to have
BUftiested to WPA that it bUl Its
production under the Yidiilsh title,
consequently resulting in the "Wach
Enf und Zing' billing. Rq^rt that
Odets protested the \ise of the Eng-
lish title for the foreign version was
not sut>stantiated by the Group,
which explained that the author was
not- in town.
Previously several Broadway
shows were translated into Yiddish
but transplanted to ^e lower East
Side.
Seek to Pay Off Fmids
Withheld hy L S. Pinker
Efforts to clear up the affairs of
Eric S. Pinker, play agent under ar-
rest on a grand larceny charge, are
being made by several other agents
in New York. Idea Is to salvage
enough coin to pay off as much as
possible of the, money owed to vari-
ous authors.
Pinker, who was arrested March 13
on complaint of R Phillips Oppen-
heim, was held in $15,000 bail Friday
(17). Wben the amount was not im-
mediately raised, he was remanded
to Tombs prison, N. Y.
According to - the dji.'s office,
charges against Pinker now Involve
a total of more than $100^000. Mean-
time, the Pinker & Morrison agency,
with which he is associated with his
wife, Adrienne Morrison, Is Inactive.
4 Brokers Cited
For Violatioii Of
R Y. Met Code
Four ticket brokers summoned by
the league of New Yorii Theatres
last week to explain violation of
code regulations are reported to have
admitted the diarges. Apparently
the charges were not serious, since
they were only reprimanded.
One, however, refused to comply
with code, demanding a hearing be-
fore the committee charged with en-
forcing the rules. He's Louis Rlegel-
man, of the Louis Cohn agency, who
declared if he was forced to follow
the code as set forth, he would be
forced out of business.
'Hie others quizzed are George
Bascom, who recently returned to
the ticket business; Oscar Alexander
and William Deutsch, all of whom
have signed the code. One of the
brokers involved was said to have
breached the rule limiting the' pre-
mium to 75c per ticket in counter
sales. The others were turned in by
a clerk alleged to be with the Har-
vard Club.
N. Y. CRITICS TO PICK
BEST PLAYS APRIL 19
Excep^on to Afien Role
Exception to the alien actor rule
was granted yesterday (Tuesday) by
Equity council to permit Jack
Hawkins' appearance In the forth-
coming Roc Galvann production of
•Wuthering Heights.' Action was in
. response to a request by the pro-
ducer.
,. Piivirkins . .re?ently appeared on ,
9 BroaAuay: In! Dear Octopus.' >' " " >> '
The New York Drama Critics Cir^
cle will, as previously, announce its
'best play of the year* prior to the
Pulitzer committee's selection. Re-
viewers are to meet for that purpose
April 19, the winning play to-be an-
nounced at the Circle's annual din-
ner, to be held at the Algonquin
hotel, the following Simday . (23).
Critics this year are slightly later
than usual in their selections, be-
cause of incoming plays which may
be considered.
Leading possibilities for the honors
are 'Abe Lincoln in Illinois' and "The
Little- Foxes,' which are rated simi-
larly . for the Pulitzer nod. "The
Family Portrait' may get some con-
sideration, while others which may
figure are "The Philadelphia Story'
and 'No Time for Comedy,' which
sopn to ooen on Broadway.
It will be the fourth annual award
by the critics, who will also name
their favorite among plays of for-
eign authorship. Hie White Steed'
is regarded as a likely winner, but
•The Flashing Stream,' due April 10,
will also be considered. It was writ-
ten by Charles Morgan, reviewer for
the London Times.
Flies Pjai^arism Suit
Isador Solotorefsky filed a. New
York -federal court suit for an in-
junction, accounting of profits and
damages against the McKinley
Square Theatre, Inc., Isaac Fried-
man, Israel Rosenberg, J[acob Wech-
sler, Irving Honigmaii, Menasha
Skulnik and Jean Greenfield for the
alleged piracy of two of his plays,
■The Living Orphan' and 'Alimony.'
Both plays are written in Yiddish.
3 .«>' »,
The Brown Danabe'— Bonflls and
Somnes.
•The Mother*- Victor Payne-Jen-
nings.
'No Time tot Cemedy'— Katharine
Cornell-Playwrights.
The Happiest Days' — Courtney
Burr.
'My Dear Children'— Aldrich and
Myers.
•Hy Hearts In the Hlghlanda' and
'Qnlet City'— Group.
Equity Yotmg to Deal
Mainly Electn^;
Menihers to Coandl
Equity's annual meeting and elec-
tion this season will not be con-
cerned with the election of new offi-
cers, except one replacement, that of
third vice-president Balloting wUl
principally be' for' 10 coimcillors,
plus others to fill unexpired terms.
Councillors are named for five years,
but 10 are retired annually.
Possibility of a contest in the elec-
tion of .the new. memt>ers is l)eing
considered among the meihbefship.
Terms of Philip Loeb and George
Heller expire this season, and both
are expected to be candidate again.
They were leaders in the associa-
tion's former militant group, but
since the induction of Arthur Byron
as president last season there have
been few ructions in the luion.
Burgess Meredith, who was tem-
porary president after Frank Gill-
more moved over to the Aissociated
Actors and Artistes of America, is
favored to get the vacant vice-presi-
dency post He also was of the mili-
tant group.
Other officers will not Come up
for election imtil next year. Friday
(24) Equity will hold a meethig at
the Astor hotel. New York, to name''
the nomhiatlng committee that will
choose Council candidates. Commit-
tee is made up of nine, six being
selected from the general member-
ship and three appointed by the
CouncU.
LeERMAN,N.Y. TICKET
BROKERS' ATTY..SUICDE
Nathan (Nat) Lieberman, attorney
for the Allied Theatre Ticket Agen-
cies, New York, suicided last week
by jumping from a hotel window.
He had registered several days previ-
ously under the name of Madden and
his identity as the ticket men's ad-
viser was not disclosed except among
agency people.
Deceased was formerly a Wealthy
realtor, who quit law for that field
and then dropped a fortune. He es-
sayed a comeback as a lawyer and
was appointed to represent the Inde-
pendent agencies, which formed an
association when the League of New
York nieatre and Equity formulated
the ticket code.
Lieberman, a former assemblyman
and a N.Y. alderman, was not active
in the Acme Ticket injunction mat-
ter,, which awaits the referee's re-
port His successor as counsel for
the agencies has not been chosen.
Two Plays FoU
Two plays that opened on Broad-
way, closed almost immedately after-
wards. 'Please, Mrs. Garibaldi' re-
lighted the Belmont for legit, after it
had been running foreign films, but
drew a press lacing and lasted but
four performances.
PLEASE, MBS. GARIBALDI
Opened Uaroh 16, '39. Critics
panned this, Celeman (Mirror),
'Candidate (or the title ot wont
play ot the season.' Lookrldge
(Snnl, 'Almost nnbc^rably daII.^
'Tell My Story' went off at the
Mercury after a single performance.
It was a cooperative venture.
TELL HT STORY
Opened IWarch 10, '39. 'Story'
got Ihe same treatment as tlrs.
Garibaldi.' Walts (Hersld-Trib),
'Awkward and shambling.' An-
derson (Joiimal)., 'Seems to have
been directed with an egsheater.'
hside Stiiff-4^
Norman Bel Geddes, stage designer and sometime legit producer, is ex«
peeted to return to the managerial field next season. He is currently oc-
cupied with several ventures for the New York World's Fair, one being
the designing of the General Motors exhibit Geddes will go through with
his own Fair show, having settled with the expo management after some
differences in financing.
The concession, which is a form of peep show, will cost over $120,000;
and will be spherical, a globe within a- ^obe, and around 40 feet high.
Interior will consist of faceted mirrors, a dancing girl to supply the three-
minute 9how, which 'wlU have an admission of 15c. Illusion is that a
whole- troupe of dancers is in action. Nick Holde, who is handling 'The
Happiest Days,' due into the Vahderbilt, N. Y., next week, will be general
manager for Bel Geddes.
Finch Si Carpenter, theatrical firm, which Is sponsoring the current tour
of 'The Irhportance of Being Earnest' having taken over the show from
Aldrich & Myers at the conclusion of the recent revival at the 'Vander-
bilt, N. Y., Is new to show business. Mrs. Adelaide L. Finch, president of
the corporation, was for three years feature editor of Pathe films, was with
NBC and CBS and previously was chief of the picture and radio divislona
of the WPA.
Mrs. Louisa d'A Carpenter, chairman of the board, is a member of the
DuPont don and has been financially interested in a number of Broadway
ventures over the last few seasons. This is her first formal connection
with show business. Norman Dodd is treasurer of the outfit which has
various plans . for legit 'radio and .films, including an undertaking at the
N. Y. World's Fair.
' John Cecil Holm, who wrote "Three Men on a Horse,' is seriously iU.
Actor, who used. to dope out the ponies while coming to New York daily
on a bus from his Connecticut home, and based his hit comedy on that
practice, is under treatment in a Connecticut sanatorium. His wife, too,
13 ill, and has had two operaUons.
Actor-author was supposed to have become affluent froth the play's
royalties, and built, a home in Weston, Conn., which cost around $K,00^
If s reported he disposed of the place for $13,000.
"Kiss the Boys Goodbye' got a publicity break in the tab Chicago Timet
last week that 'was a press agent's dream. The title ot the show appeared
in the front-page headline as part of a gag. twist connected with the firing
of a flock of political office-holders after the primary elections.. Hie show
is current at the Harris, Chi.
Treasurers Chh Grosses
$11,500 at SOdi Annoal
Treasurers Club's 50th anniversary
was marked by a testimonial show
at the Winter Garden^ New York,
Sunday (10), -with a flock ot name
acts on the bill. Whil^ the house
was not capacity, the $3,B00 takings
were larger than in recent seasons.
In addition, the program held about
$8,000 in ads.
Program, with a heavy gold paper
cover, was a. special print job. Num-
ber of persons at first declined to ac-
cept the booklet, believing it was
for sale. It was compiled by box-
office men under the direction of
Allen Schneblie, president of the
cluB.
*Women' $1 Top Clicks
In Pittsburgh Tryout
Pittsburgh, March 21.
Response here to $1 top 'Women,'
current at the Nixon, has been little
short of amazing. Two days after
announcement was made, house was
half sold out for opening night At
show's preem last night (Mon.) there
remained only a few scattered seats
downstairs and in second balcony,
which sells for 50c.
Management figured show could
have easily made a run of it at $1,
but previous bookings limited stay
to one week. However, there's talk
of bringing 'Women' back later in
the season for a stay at the reduced
price. It's already been here twice
before. ■ '
'WHITEOAKS^I -NITERS
Frisco Date Cat t« Permit Tone
Easter Week; 'Mice' In L.A. April <
Los Angeles, March 21.
San Francisco (current) engage-
ment of Ethel Barrymore in 'Tniite-
oaks' at the Curran has been cut
from three to two weeks, to enatde
troupe to make tour of one-nighters
as far north as Seattle during Easter
week.
'Of Mice and Men,' which Wallace
Ford, in association with Sam H.
Harrii, will produce at the El Capi-
tan, Hollywood, starting April 8, will
have entire New York production,
cast and crew. John Leffler and
Frank Coletr hav« arrived here
from N.Y. to function as company
manager and director, respectively.
Ford and several other members
of the N. Y. cast are signed for a
California tour, winding up at the
San Francisco Fair.
ENGAGEMENTS
Jack Pearl, Judy Canova. Frank
Albertson, Jack Durant, IiOis Janu-
ary, 'Yokel Bdy Makcss 'Gddd" « ' : ^
SAM HARRIS MARRIES
AT KE LEYY'S HOME
Announcement ol the marriage
Sunday (19) of Sam H. Harris to
Kathleen (Peggy) Nolan Watson,
intimated that the couple woiild di-
vide their time between Palm Beach
and Beverly Hills. However, .It has
been definitely stated that the show-
man has no intention of retiring as •
producer.
Ceremony was performed in the
Philadelphia home of Isaac D. Levy,
head of WC^AU there. It was th*
third marriage for- both, bride being
the widow of 'Victor Watson, former
managing editor of the New York
American, who suicided several
months ago. They had been es-
tranged. Mrs. Harris' brother la
George Brent of the screen. She Ii
38; Harris is 08.
Couple are honeymooning In Hot
Springs, but upon their return Har-.
rls is expected to ready a revue,
possibly for the Music Box, New
York, which he operates. His stand-
out production this season Is th»
Kaufman-Hart "The American Way,'
presented In association with Max
Ciordon, who has frequently been
associated with Harris in managerial
ventures.
Around 160 guests attended a re-
ception in the Levy home after the
wedding. Nearly all are in show
business and the newspaper field.
Mrs. Harris* first husliand was
Marcel Draguseanu, a picture direc-
tor. Harris' second wife, who died
some years ago, also had the family
naihe of Nolan, but was no kin of
the bride. 'When Harris was asso-
ciated with (3eorge M. Cohan they
married sisters from Boston.
Sherwood to Defend
'AW Sale to Fibns
Robert E Sherwood, author of
'Abe Lincoln in Illinob,' will appear
before- the Equity council next Tues-
day (28) to give hU views regarding
the recent sale of the screen rights
to the play. Playwright wrote the
Council requesting permission to
state his case in person. That body
yesterday (Tuesday) accepted the
bid.
Sherwood's action resulted from
an editorial in the last Equity maga-
zine, criticizing the sale and early
release of the picture on the ground
that 'the theatre should not destroy
Itself.'
Oa Their Own
Jean Rosenthal technical director
ot the Mercury Theatre, and How-
ard Tcichmann, of the same outfit,
have resigned to form their own
company. Productions, Inc.
Firm is aimed to ease all kinds of
:tfcchni«dl> prgaubUoa ifaeadacbei; '
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
LEGITDfATE
VARIETY
57
New Snnday Legit Move Started
By N. Y. Mgr. Leiper May Soon
Go Before Equity s Membership
Whether New York is to become
• seven-day town for legit* may
soon go before Equity's membership
for a second time by means of a ref-
erendum. Newest Sabbath move
was started by the League of New
York Theatres last week, when its
board conferred with an Equity
committee. The managers were en-
couraged by the . letter's attitude.
Expected that the Sunday matter
will come before Equity's meeting
at the Astor, N. Y., Friday (24), and
if the proposal is adopted, the ref-
erendum will follow. Showmen told
the committee thait Sundays had
never been given a real trial on
Broadway, and the best test should
Ciome during the World's Fair period.
Whether visitoris drawn by the Fair
would patronize stage shows is a
matter of speculation but that there
will -be an influx over the weekends
Is clearly indicated.
During the session between the
League's board and the Ekjuityltes,
' It was stated .that the stagehands
would favor Sunday shows If the
actors do likewise. Stagehands,
when felt out on the matter, replied
there are no regulations against
Sundays.
CosU ProUbitlva
When the Sabbath law was passed
in AllMmy, Equity required ttiat ac-
tors be paid an extra eighth salary.
The stagehands followed suit, rais-
ing the cost to such a point that
Sunday legit is virtually nil. Their
members are working in vaudfllm
and other houses on a seven-day
basis without an extra impost. Same
goes for the musicians, who would
likely go along with the stagehands
If the latter agreed to work Sun-
days.
Equity officials do not. feel so con-
fident about changing the Sunday
rules, although readily admitting
that many actors make Sunday ap-
pearances in radio studios and in
presentation theatres, where they
are sometimes required to give four
and five performances. They also
'concede the illogical position of le-
git, which is the only show biz cate-
gory not regularly represented on
file first day.
Ifs explained that the Council has
no power to act in such matters but
that it can recommend consideration
of the issue. There is a percentage
<^ councillors who are known to
(Continued on page 58)
UDusna] No. Pic Players
h B'way, Road Shows
Unusual number of Hollywood
film players are currently active in
legit, both on ' Broadway and the
road. Several reasons have been ad-
vanced for the situation. One is
the legit production increase, with
name players in particular demand,
In anticipation of business from, the
New York World's Fair crowds.
Another reason is the slump in
HoUywood producing. Third angle
suggested is the growing tendency
In recent years for picture players
w use legit as a buildup for their
HoUywood rating.
Among the picture players ap-
pearing in New York are Raymond
•Massey, Franchot Tone, Sylvia Sid-
ney, Nancy Carroll, Eddie- Albert,
Victor Moore, Robert Morley, J.
Edward Bromberg, Jimmy Durante,
Ettel Merman, Richard Carlson,
Fredric March, Florence Eldridge,
^m Jaffe, TaUulah Bankhead, Helen
WesUey, Barry Fitzgerald, Mady
Christians, Helen Chandler and Vin-
cent Price.
Active on the road are Burgess
Meredith, Katharine Hepburn, Don-
ald Woods, Vera Zorina, Ruth Chat-
terton, Walter Abel (latter two
«osed in "West of Broadway' last
week),. Walter Huston, Ethel and
John Barrymore, Irene Rich. Near-
ly all the above players' were origi-
nally from legit
W. Ontario Univ. Bans
'Aloes' as Immorar
London, Ont., March 14.
Hie three-act play, 'Sweet AIom;'
by J. Malory, has been banned as
the convocation play of the Univer-
sity of Western Ontario here, and
the use of university buildings pro-
hibited for its production, on the
ground that the play is immoral.
Dr. Sherwood Fox, president of
the university, sustained the protest
against the play's production, made
by theological students of Huron
College of the Church of England.
Huron Ck>Uege Is affiliated with the
university.
No university play will be pre-
smted this year as the result of the
ban.
SHOfS DEMISE
HITS CO-OP
TRIES
Plans of some Equityltes to en-
courage more production, by per-
mitting a certain amount of experi-
mental co-operative presentations,
received a setback last week when
•Tell My Story' folded after one per-
formance at the Mercury, New
York. It was presented by, the
Freeman Theatre and was the first
wholly co-operative show per-
mitted by Equity in some years.
Quick collapse of 'Stor/ did not
come as .a surprise to Equity lead-
ers, who are opposed to that tjrpe of
venture. They now seem more firmly
opposed to co-operatives than be-
fore. Pointed out that after con-
siderable rehearsing no player con-
nected with the show received any
money and that that happened al-
most invariably before Equity ruled
out co-operative activities. Show
had drawn a weak press. The co-
operative group had an arrangement
with Joseph Lawrens, who subleased
the house from the Mercury Thea-
tre, whereby there was to be a SO-
SO split of aU takings, w:th the house
to pay all expenses from its end. The
other half was to be shared equally
by the players.
Another co-operative venture was
tried Sunday (19) night at the Van-
derbUt, N. Y„ where 'Stop Press*
was offered. That, too, got thumbs
down by the press. This group,
however, was made up of players
appearing in other shows and got
the Sunday tryout concession from
Equity because of that. A third such
show, 'First American Dictator,'
went on at the Bayes (roof) last
week. It Is said to be put on by a
company of sMni-pros, none of whom
belong to Equity, or, if they do, are
not using their stage names. Show
played several times, then halted
because, it was said, a lead had lost
his voice. No performance was given
Monday (20) butUt was claimed the
show would light up tonight (Wed.).
MAE WEST MAY RETURN
TO B'WAY IN MUSICAL
Mae West's desire to return to the
Broadway stage may result in her
appearance there in a musical com-
edy next summer, according to Joe
Timoney, Miss West's manager. Cole
Porter would do the lyrics. '
Her own version of 'Catharine of
Russia' is being mulled as the show,
should she go through with tentative
plans.
T
Breach First Caused Over
'Knickttbocker Holiday*
Tourinir Terms — Com-
plaints Against Agency
Reported Brewing Some
Time by Indie Producers
and House Operators
SET OWN DATES
. Complaints against the United
Booldnjg Office by independent pro-
ducers and legit operators, reported
to have been brewing for some time,
resulted in at least a partial se-
cession from the UBO by one man-
agerial firm in the last two weeks.
It Is declared that unless changed
and uniform contract provisions are
worked out, it is likely that an op-
position booking office will eventu-
ate if independent showmen are not
forced out of business.
UBO is a combination of the Er-
langer and Shubert booldng ex-
changes. It was formed when the
road started to decline, its primary
object being to eliminate ruinous
competition between tiie two former
factions. Particular attention is
given one-week stands. Idea being
not to have two shows booked into
the same town, where there la not
enough business to - support more
than one at a time.
It's charged, however, thai the
UBO is monopolistic. The Play-
wrights Co., which produced 'Abe
Lincoln in Illinois,' ^Knickerbocker
Holiday' and is associated with
Katharine Cornell-Guthrie JAcClin-
tic in producing the forthcoming 'No
Time for Comedy,' is the most re-
cent protestant. The Playwrights
are said to be dissatisfied with UBO
policies and booked the latter show
independently in Indianapolis, Co-
lumbus, I<ouisvilIe, Cincinnati and
Baltimore. At the latter two stands,
(Continued on page 62)
Law Woold Switch
Agency Licensins
From State to City
Slated for introduction into the
assembly at Albany is a measure in-
tended to change the present li-
censing law pertaining to ticket
agencies. It was framed by Senator
Coudert and is known to have the
Isacking of Paul Moss, license com-
missioner, in New York.
Bill would switch the licensing
powers from the Secretary of State
to city authorities. It is an amend-
ment to the general business law
and would empower the local com-
missioner to question showmen and
agencies over business practices.
Present licensing regulations are
said to have no enforcement pro-
visions.
. Moss is an advocate of lower pre-
miums. Commissioner states that if
the new measure is adopted, he is
confident of bettering conditions in
the agency field and of eliminating
Iiigh prices for tickets.
Piully WPA Head Nixes
FTP Aide m Red Furor
Philadelphia, March 21.
Harry R.- Halloran, director of all
WPA projects in Philadelphia, said
yesterday (Monday) that he would
disapprove the appointment of Ern-
est Pendrell, former correspondent
here for the Daily Worker, official
Communist newspaper, to the post of
publicity and promotion director of
the Federal Theatre Project here.
Issue of Pendrell's nominat ion f or
the job has created in the FTP a
sharp battle line that threatens to
blow up any minute.
Eqatty'sNeY.FairMim^
Tops Bmy Scale
To Be Fleiibk to Meet Conditioiis
O-J Go Literati
Olsen and Johnson, currently,
topping in "HellTapoppinV Win-
ter Garden, New York, are
.writing a nut book to be pub-
lished by Simon and Shuster.
Volume, which will be distrib-
uted in' cans requiring key-
openers, wiU consist entirely of
lettered gadgets. There will be
no title; each purchaser being
given a choice of two dozen
labels. Hie back cover of the
book b to be sandpaper, the
team avers. '
mSIC MAY GET
CaWARDJTS
AUTHOR
Possibility of Noel Coward enter-
ing 'Set To Music,' which he wrote
and which music he composed, is
being mentioned. British author-
actor j« reported returning from a
Hawaiian vacation trip. Beatrice
Lillie is the star of the revue, which
was imported from Iiondon and is
current at the Music Box, New
York.
'Music' was rated a . class draw
and opened to promise, with the
grosses around $24,000 weekly. At-
tendance • has tapered steadily for
the past month, but taldngs were
claimed to have improved last week.
Last appearance of Coward on
Broadway was In 'Tonight at 8:30,'
In which he co-starred with Ger-
trude Lawrence. Show consisted of
nine playlets and musical skits,
given In series of threes, and drew
sensational business.
Coward, however, became ill be-
fore the scheduled playing time was
consumed. "Tonight,* which went to
the road later with other leads,
promised a trend in short plays.
Only one such effort has been tried,
however, but was a fast closer.
Jed Harris to Reopen
lorn* on Coast With
Craven; To Play Expo
Reopening of 'Our Town' on the
Coast is slated by Jed Harris, who,
it's understood, will have Homer
Curran and Louise Lurie as associ-
ates. Frank Craven will again ap-
pear in last season's Pulitzer prize-
winner and most of the original cast
will be sent to Los Angeles, where
the play is due to reopen April 3. It
will be one of the stage shows in
San Francisco for the ' Golden Gate
Exposition.
When "Town' ended its tour in Chi-
cago this winter, there was grumbl-
ing by the players, who felt the en-
gagement would have continued
through the season but for differences
between Harris and Craven. Closing
is now understood to have resulted
when the star refused to take a sal-
ary cut He received 10% of the
gross with a minimum guarantee of
$750 weekly.
Despite the fact that no scenery
was used, 'Town' was costly to op-
crate. Five stagehands were re-
quired by the union. Third and
final week in Chicago drew $15,000,
but the claimed profit was only
$1,000. Craven drew $1,500, with
Thornton Wilder getting $1,200 in
royalties. Salaries of the other
players totaled. $2,100, there being
over 40 persons in the outfit, back,
and front.
Pay of players at New York's
World's Fair, in shows under
Equity's jurisdiction, has been defi-
nitely set so far as minimums are
concerned. Salaries will be higher
than those applying fbr legit produc-
tions but will have divergences simi-
lar to other types of shows on Broad-
way because of working conditions
imtwsed. A six-day week has been
established, though Sundays will not
have an extra pay impost, which
Equity Insists on for Broadway
shows.
Some in the Cotmcil favored fix-
ing a minimum higher than $50, but
though that was voted down, added
pay Is likely because of overtime,
which calls for a 50% boost if actors
are required more than 44 hours
weekly, diorus is to get $45, with
extras and walkons not less than $25,
In addition to which all Equltyites
are to be paid $20 weekly rehearsal
money. That requirement applies
after the sixth, day of rehearsals for
principals and after the fourth day
for chorus, while extras are to get
$l5 after the seventh day.
•Bailroads' Spec
To date, the conditions apply prin-
cipally to Hailroads on Parade,' ex-
pected to lie the largest spectacle
on the grounds. Representatives of
the railways appeared to have been
taken unawares when Informed of
the working conditions, particularly
the time and a half for overtime.
They had not figured on one day off
in every seven and told Equi^ they
had not decided whether to lay off
Mondays or to give consecutive per-
formances on all days and engage
(Continued on page 62)
GRISMAN'S HEADACHE,
HUDSON THEATRE, N.T.
Sam H. Grisman appears to have
at least one too many Broadway the-
atres on his hands, main problem
house being the- Hudson. It Is owned
l>y the Immigrant Savings Biank,
New York, which gained possession
several years ago throu^ mortgage
foreclosure. Prior to Grisman ten-
ancy, the house was used by CBS.
Grisman propositioned the bank
with the idea of securing cancella-
tion of the lease, but was reportedly
nixed. Recently, the inedrporated
lessees of the Lyceum, N. Y., suc-
ceeded in turning back the property
to the Bowery Savings Bank; N. Y,,
but Grisman's Hudson lease was
claimed to lie on a personal basis,
with no 'out.' However dispossess
is understood to be pending.
About two years ago he started
leasing N. Y. legit theatres, getting
the Belasco, Windsor (then the
48tb St.) and Fulton. Those houses,
along with the Hudson, gave him
five as he also was in on the Forrest
rental, along with his interest in
'Tobacco Road,' wliich he has re-
linquished.
Grisman figured that theatres on
Broadway would be in demand dur-
ing the World's Fair period, but
while the other houses have been
lighted a faii''^number of weeks sea-
sonally, the Hudson, which was
thought to be his ace house, has been
unlucky.
' About a year ago Grisman had
plans for starting a third circuit,'
with the Broadway string a nu-
cleus. Claimed he was offered out-
of-town theatres, on a profit-sharing
basis. The booking proposal now
appears off for the time being.
Ella Logan, Ann Miller
Signed for 'Scandals^
Hollywood, March 21.
Ella Logan and Ann Miller go
into George White's 'Scandals,'
opening in New York around June L
William Morris ofCice negotiated
deal and also laid out personal tour
for Joan Davis, starting March 2i
in Philadelphia.
i
58 VARIETY
LEGITIMATE^GONCERTS
Wednesday, March 22» 1939
AGMA, Ccmcert Managements Seen
Signaturing Contracts TonMHTOw
Contract With the American Guild
of Musical Artists is expected to be
signed tomorrow (Thursday) In New
York by the two leading concert
managements, Columbia Concerts
Corp. and NBC Artists Service. Ac-
cording to concert executives, ' all
major points have been agreed upon
and the formal signaturing should
talce place without a bitch.
Under the terms of the agree-
ments, a number of vital changes
will be made. Concert managements
will be licensed by AGMA, commis-
sions on some classes Of «ngagements
will be cut, and various other sig-
nificant reforms will be netessary.
One is a realignment of the existing
setup of community or civic concert
managementi General points of the
contract are as follows:
1. Pact is effective until June 30,
1944, suljject to yearly modification
by mutual agreement or arbitration.
2. Negotiations for a new contract
must begin at least 90 days t>efore
the expiration date of this contract
3. All artist contracts must be In
triplicate^ with the management, art-
ist and AGMA each getting one copy.
4. Non-AGMA members heed not
benefit by changes under this agree-
ment, but contracts with all artists
who join AGMA must be adjusted to
conform.
6. Management may not seek less
^Continued on page 60)
SL Lonis Sets Three
Operas; Melchior, Pinza,
Martinelli Among Names
Series of three operas will t>e
given by the St I<ouis ^rand Opera
Company in the Municipal Audito-
rium late in April. Ernest J. M. Lert
Is stage director and Lasclo Halasz is
musical director. .
'Die Walkuere'. will be given April
17, with Lauritz Melchlor, Irene jess-
ner, Fred Destal, Marjorle Lawrence
and Hertha Glatz. 'OteUo,' with
Giovanni Martinelli, Destal, Jessner,
Nicola Massue and Glatz, wUl be
offered April 21. 'Faust' with Charles
Kullman, Ezlo Pinza, Robert Weede,
Lucy Monroe and Glatz, will be pre-
sented April 24.
Changes in Kansas Chy
Concert Booking Setnp
Kansas City, March 21.
Kansas City Concert Series next
season will be combined with the
Philharmonic Orchestra schedule.
. K. C. series of six artists closes its
second season this month, but is
thought to be too much in direct
competition to tlie- orchestra.
Barney Joffee, manager of the KC
series, has sold his subscription list
to the- Philharmonic and also takes
over the task of setting artists for
next season's schedule. Though
definite dates aren't set list will com-
prise the Ball Ballet Robert Viroval,
violinist Anna Kaskas, contralto,
Rose Pauly, soprano, Joseph Hof-
mann, pianist the Saxophone Quar-
tette of Parjs, and Glenn Darwin,
' -local baritone.
Walter Pritschy, manager of an
artist series for several years, will
next season operate in the Music
Hall of the city auditorium, whereas
he has used Arrarat Temple here-'
tofore.
DRYS INCENSED
Boece at Philly Academy Called
Horrid PropMal
PhUadelphla. March 21.
Wrath of the Philadelphia Metho-
dist Conference came down on the
head of Mrs. George Horace Lorl-
mer, widow of the late editor of the
Sattarday Evening Post - last week
following reports that she p|roposed
a bar in the basement of the Acad-
emy of Music, for use during opera
and symph concerts.
Mrs. Lorlmer said that stories of
a committee meeting at which It was
proposed to seek enabling legislation
for liquor sales in the Academy were
'wholly misleading.'
AGMA SIGNS UP
WITHCHI OPERA
American Guild pf Musical Artists
last week signed a contract with the
Chicago Civic Opera, covering solo
singers and chorus. Action makes
uncertain the fate of the Grand
Opera Choral Alliance, which for-
merly held the chorus contract with
the company. AGMA' now has
chorus contracts with virtually every
ranking, opera outfit in the U. S.,
with the exception of the Met
GOCA and AGMA have been at
odds for about a year, the former's
charter from the Four A's having
been revoked. and awarded to the
latter.
AGMA's contract with the Chicago
management does not cover ballet
as the company does not have its
own dance imlt Matter will be
taken up when the organization de-
cides what ballet It will hire for-
the next season. Littlefleld Ballet
of Philadelphia, held the assign-
ment last season. AGMA has no
contract with that group.
ACADEMY BOX OFHCE
OBJECnVE OF TNAT
Service Workers Get
Pay Rise in League Pact
Newest union agreement entered
Into by the managers was signed last
week by the League of New York
Theatres with the building service
employees. Principally cpncerned
are porters and cleaners, who will
receive small wage Increases,
Head porters In legit houses will
get $25 weekly, a boost of $3. As-
sisUnts' rate wUl be $22.50, a tUt of
$2.50 for a 48-hour week. Cleaners
are to be paid $16.75, with 'others
getting $13(75 for '30 hours weekly,
increase being $1.75. Scale is 60c.
per hour.
Spokesman for the union said that
dues would not be- required during
periods when the theatres are dark.
Mex Rem Booking
For B'way y efinite
Although "Mexicana* Is listed to
open at the 46th Street New York,
April 3, the booking of the native
revue Is not definite. Show is
'upa y apa.' Harry Kaufman, act-
ing for himself and Lee Shubert
planed to Mexico recently with the
idea of sijgning the show, either for
Broadway or the World's Fair, but
he failed to see the revue.
After waiting there for 10 days,
he returned.
Locals had promised the show
would open 'tomorrow.' There are
supposed to be 150 in the troupe,
which is financed by the Mexican
government
Pickets Yanked
New Haven, March 21.
Incipient labor trouble did a fade-,
out here when members of billpost-
ers local, who were picketing the
Shubert were yanked from the-
premises by union higher-ups. Men
were said to have taken the picket-
ing on their own shoulders when
E. D. Eldridge, manager of the house,
refused to sign a contract for higher
wages and additional employment of
men.
Plays Oot of Town
A Broom for the Bride
San Diego, March 20.
Comedy In thm seta by Jacquea Deval.
from tha French play, 'Soubratta*; pra-
■anted by Iiuther Qraen: atara Irene Rich;
■taared by Deval; aettlnca and ooatumea,
Kate Drain Lanion.
Caat: Irene RIcb, Bin Argal, Uadallne
Aahton, Gwyilyn Ford, Kathleen Flta, Bllen
Mornn, Hana Herbert, Boyd Irwin, Ferdi-
nand Munler, Walter Bonn, Kate Drain
Lawaon; at Savoy, .San Diego, March 20,
■89: #2.75 top.
Sunday Legit
"STARS IN YOUR EYES"
Hctt LOD 0I.AXTON
SCENIC STUDIO
Beat Appointed la
TIMES SQUARE SECTION
High Frame*— Good Light
Adequate Storage— Nominal Rent
Box 111, floltc IIHM, TImM BalMInc
Mew Tork
Philadelphia, March 21.
Confabs are being sought for next
week by the Theatrical Managers,
Agents and Treasurers* union in an
aim to get at least two of Its mem
bers in the boxoffice of the Acaden^
of Music. Spot is now non-imion.
Difficulties in holding a meeting
on the demands have arisen because
of the necessity of reps for the Philly
Orch, Metropolitan Opera and other
outside groups which use the house,
being present as well as officials of
the Academy ItseU. Each group In'
stalls its own feoxoffice men, Acad
emy only supplying them on request
Jersey Playhouse Ends
Season with G. B. Shaw
Paper Mill playhouse, Milburn,
N. J., will end Its. season with the
revival of George Bernard Shaw's
'Androcles and the Lion,' presented
with Antoinette Scudder's one-acter,
'Rescue,' opening April 10 for a two-
week run. Next-to-last production,
Harry Wagstafl Cribble's 'March
Hares,' opened Monday (13) for a
fortnight's stay.
Jane Gordon, Derek Falrman and
Kenneth Bates, Broadway players
and currently members of the Play-
house permanent acting company,
have leading parts in 'Hares,' Frank
Carrington is director.
Duke University Series
Charlotte, N. C., March 21.
Duke university's concert course
set by J. Foster Barnes, manager,
will differ from those of recent years
in that the programs are to be ex-
clusively musical; there are to be no
dancers.
Don Cossack male chorps Is to
open the series In November. Myra
Hess, YehudI Menuhln. Lawrence
Tibbett follow.
Series Is concluded with a return
appearance of the Philadelphia or-
chestra.
(Continued from page 57)
favor changes that may benefit the
theatre. They argue that mieasures
should be taken to bolster the asso-
ciation's membership in a time of
constricted production.
Basle Agreement
They also point out that there
Is a basic agreement between Equity
and the managers, principal feature
of which Is that no changes In pol-
icy shall be made over a one-year
period. The agreement has some
months - to run. Those who favor
trying Sundays do not believe that
to be a bar to the movement should
it eventuate. '
If at Aiday's meeting the Sunday
Issue becomes a live Issue again, It
is figured that the managers and the
association could jointly amend the
basic agreement to meet the situa-
tion. It's possible, however, that
such a change would be necessary
before the referendum Is voted on.
In any -event the time required for
such ti vote by the full membership
could not be allotted until after the
Fair opens late next month. First vote
on Sunday shows found the member-
ship sharply opposed but changing
times may occasion a reversal of
sentiment
STOKOWSKrS FAUX PAS
He Hoaxes Aodlenoe— Then Has to
Save His Faoe With Encore
Philadelphia, March 21.
Leopold Stokowskl, conducting
the Philly orch in one of his few
appearances with It this season, was
forced by an ill-advised wisecrack
Saturday (IB) night to break a
years-old precedent with him of not
presenting an encore. Following a
tremendous ovation at the conclu-
sion of the concert he turned and
said: 'Do you want to hear some
more Russian music?' Reaction was
Immediately terrific, applause rock-
ing the rafters. With that Stokl de-
clared: 'Then come next Saturday
night* '
Letdown following the last words
was so deep and the silence In the
Academy ot Music so thick, maestro
was forced for the first time in most
listeners' memories to backtrack to
save his face. He turned to the orch
and commanded an encore at once.'
Jacques Deval's 'Broom for a
Bride,' which Luther Greene pre-
sented here tonight (Monday), tops
the same author's 'Tovarich' for
laughable, French comedy. Play was
previously tried out at an eastern
atrawhat theatre under the title of
'Soubrette* and was filmed by Para-
mount as 'Say It in French.* .
Else Argal (Mrs. Deval) scores
solidly as the Parisian wife of a New
York scion. Plays the maid in her
secret husband's home while he en-
acts a phoney engagement to a love-
sick heiress in an effort to save the
family credit.
' Comedy angles are handled with
snap and the dialog crackles. ' Story
is spicy enough for plenty of laughs,
and always In good taste. Show looks
like a sure winner and moves to San
Francisco for an extended run.
Irene Rich is at her best as the
anguished mother. Kathleen Fitz Is
outstanding as the heiress who also
loves another but allows the phoney
engagement for personal reasons.
Scion's effk)rts to be true to his se-
cret bride in the same house pro-
vides ample laugh angles which
Gwyilyn Ford never misses. Single
dramatic moment is topped by Boyd
Irwin. Show needs better title.
The Flashing Stream
Montreal, March 16.
Drama In three acts, by Charles Mann<n;
presented by Victor Payne-JennlnEs: fea-
tures Godtrey Tearle, Margaret Rawllnm;
•tased by Feter Cressi7ell, at His Majesty's,
Montreal, ainrch 14. '3S: $2.85 top.
Caat: Lee Genn, Roger Maxtrell, Anthony
Ireland, Godtrey Tearle, Laurler Lister,
Patricia GodCrey, Fatric Curwen, H. G.
Stoker, Margaret Rawllnga, George Cross.
Charles Morgan, London Times
drama pimdit, has written a pro-
foundly Interesting drama, though a
little too wordy when dealing with
technical - problems anent an Inven-
tion of an aerial bomb.
It's somewhat belabored ii\ depict-
ing undercurrents of Jealousy and
love, both Illicit and otherwise, In an
isolated British experimental naval
station. But theres no gainsaying
the power and beauty of some pas-
sages.
Play Is an excellent psychological
study which would depend mainly on
carriage trade for support
Godfrey Tearle contributes an
excellent performance as the genius
Imbued with a passion for pure
mathematics, which dominates his
entire existence as well as that of
his stibordinates. The established
routine of a hard-working group of
naval officers Is shattered with the
advent >of . a femme mathematical
genius, played by Margaret Rawl-
Ings, who carries on the work which
her brother's death left unfinished.
Miss Rawlings handles her assign-
ment Intelligently.
Another outstanding performance
1^ that of H. G. Stoker, as the civil-
Ian head of the British Admiralty.
Others in the cast are uniformly
good.
'Flashing Stream' recently com-
pleted a six-month run in London.
SALUTARY LODGE
Hollywood, March IS.
Melodrama In three aotj (five scenes) by
Joseph Carole; presented by Carl Hllbrrt;
ataged by the author; setting, Everett Bur-
gess; at Footlighla Workshop, March 18,
•a«. •
Cast:' Ted Stanhope, C. Otto Melscn.
David Stollery, Odie Evans, Evelyn DIhle,
Joan Blair, Bert Miller, Kdwln Clay,
Charlea Clinton, James Devore, Elwood
Raniay, Oil SUelton, Robert Peaalee.
Presented here as a preview to
possible Broadway showing, 'Salu-
tary Lodge' unfolds as stout stuff for
horror addicts. While, natural to
characters and situations, play is
shocking, though weird theme builds
up. maintains suspense and estab-
lisnes characters well. What It will
do on Broadway, if and when taken
there, is another story.
Thrown together' in the cast are
a consumptive, a crippled war vet
a pregnant girl, an addled old man,
a communist a financier gone flat
and an escaped coirvict all awaiting-
their- turn under the knife of a mad
scientist to whom they have sold
their lives. Locale is scientist's Adi-
rondack mountain lab.
Domiciled with the doctor are his
co-worker and mistress, his assistant
and a huge hulking half-wit En-
trance of girl starts some heart
throbbing among the patients, with
sickly man falling for her heavily.
Their first escape attempt fails, with
curtabi falling as half-wit kills the
medico, freeing group to start anew.
Bert Miller and Evelyn Dihle han-
dle the romance creditably. Edwin
Clay, the communist; Elwood Ramay,
the convict; Charles Clinton, the
veteran; Joan Blair and others try
hard to be convincing.
Plays on Broadway
TELL MY STORY
Melodrama In seven ocenes by Richard
Rohman; presented by Freeman Theatrei
ataged by Marcel Strauss: at Mercury,
N. T., March ■ 15, '30; HM top ($8.3C
opening).
Police Clerk Frederlo Olullano
gjmino Harry Bellaver
Thiero.. ;.tee Hlllery
I>e Bello Richard Bengali
H»'«<> Gordon Nelson
Mendola David Turk
Sllyeslra William H. Chambers
VulpI Sydney Andrews
▼ oletta Georga Bebsn, Jr.
RIcoremo George Moss
M*'"'"'' Franklin Klein
S'lPPO , William Toubin
?lnzo William Webb Sanders
Marino Arthur Spencer
Edwin Rand
g,"",* Robert H. Harris
Cl«k Joseph Olney
Latest of the anti-dictator plays
that have marked the season, 'Tell
My Story' switches the attack from
Hitler to Mussolini, but otherwise it's
much like the others— less dramatic
than the morning's headliness and
not as incriminating as the everyday
words and deeds of the men It would
in^ct. It is earnest but halUng, In-
coherent and woefully presented.
Destined for a brief stay.
Play Is chiefly concerned with the
notorious murder by blackshlrt mili-
tia of the Socialist leader. Deputy
Glacomo Matteotti. In a story of
greed, ruthless ambition, trickery. In-
timidation, brutaility, killing, and
finally the- betrayal of the henchmen
who have done the dirty work.
Although Richard Rohman's writ-
ing Is labored, repetitious and. scat-
tered with unblushing cliches. It Is
manifestly earnest and has moments
that In a more skillful producUon
might be genuinely moving. But
Marcel Strauss' chaotic direction not
only^ limelights the weaknesses of the
sf"Pt but nullifies the ocasslonally
stirring passages. Under such handi-
caps, none of the players Is able to
vitalize the play, but Harry BeUaver
has some reasonably effective mo-
ments as an American gunman, and
Richard BengaU Is an acceptable po-
Uce chief. Others, Including RolJert
H. Harris as the transparently-dis-
guised Duce, Gordon Nelson as the
martyred deputy and William H.
Chambers As a liberal editor, fail to
register. .
Freeman Theatre, the presenter^ Ji
a cooperative outfit recently okayed
by Equity and the Dramatists Guild.
Hobe.
(.Withdrawn after fint nlflht; print-
ed /or the record.)
STOP PRESS
Drama In three acts, by John Stradloyi
staged by Charles De Shelm; produdloa
supervised by Alan Peters; presented by
Acting Co.. Inr., at Vanderbllt, N. T..
March 1», 'SB; ft. 63 top.
Jerry Carl Johnson
Johnson Charles Mendirk
Webber. Clanoy Cooper
The Gent Lewis Gilbert
Mary ICendaU Edith O^ichna
Mnlrooney .......Tony Krabor
Kitty Blake Marguerlu Walker
Matty John Marllrb
John Snell Ralph Bell
Alfred Snell Houseley Stevens
Kendall Al Jenkins
Deputy Russ Conway.
William doca Norman Porter
Larry ...Archie King
Wilson Gilbert Falea
White ..Bemard Kaydlaon
Harklnskl ..■ ....Juan Root
A man Lou Turkll
Ann Thomas Phllllpa Bevans
Smyth Frederick Olraetead
HereCotd .Frank Maxwell
Group of professionals. Including
several currently ' In Broadway
shows, has formed this cooperative
outfit Acting Co., Inc., for the oc-
casional Stmdoy night presentation
of untried plays. Idea Is to provide
gractlce for the players and a show-
ig for possible worthwhile scripts.
Venture has Equity's oHay.
As the first offering, the organiza-
tion gave a single performance Sun-
day night (19) of John Stradley's
'Stop Press,' an embattled drama
about newspaper publication during
a steel strike. It is a rabid piece,
excited If not exciting. But it lias
nothing particularly novel or en-
lightening to say about either Jour-
nalism or a labor strike, and It is
laboriously patched together. Re-
markably similar In both subject
matter and writing to 'Press Time,'
which was also given a cooperative
Broadway tryout this season, failing
to Impress.
•Stop Press' undoubtedly suffers
from Its slender-budget production
and Its haltered staging, but the
script Itself seems a negligible pros-
pect for commercial presentation
and an Inferior exercise for acting.
Of the players, Charles Mendick
(Continued on page 09) ■ -
Weaneflday. March 22, 1939
LEGITIMAXE GROSSES
VARIETY
59
'Angel' Soars to $23,000, Leads On;
IGss Boys' 9th WkO^za 'Angela 7G
■f-
Chlcago, March 21.
'I Married an Angel' is the big
noise in town, continuing into its
third week. Seats at a premium
end yet is doing only eight perform-
ances -a weeic Instead of the nine a
smash ^how usually does here.
Coming in slowly last week was
•AngelaTs 22/ at the Selwyn. Show
Intends to continue for at least three
weelcs in Chicago.
Next door, at th« Harris, 'Kiss
Boys Goodbye' Is still on the down-
beat, but has its eye on Easter as
the time of the perlc-up.. 'What a
Life' is getting good comment, but
the femme element doesn't seem
particularly interested in the comedy
about high school activities.
Readying for tiie Federal Theatre
here are Big Blow,' due into the
Great Northern, and the new Shake-
spearean repertoire headed by Ian
Keith. Much is expected from the
Bard revivals, especially with Keith
headlining.
Estimates for liSst Week
'AnceU Is 22,' Selwyn (1st wk)
(1,000; $2.75). Got away slowly. In
the black sufficiently with $7,000.
1 Married an Angel,' Grand (2d
wk) (1,400; $3.30). Smash of the
spring season. Selling out on its
eight performances with $23,000. In
for a run.
•Kiss Boys Goodbye,' Harris (9th
wk) (1,000; $2.75). Slumping a bit,
but looks for pickup after Lent Still
profitable, however, at $0,500.
'Wlut a Life,' ErlangeT (2d wk)
(1,400; tl-65). Low tariff no particu-
lar inducement Around $6,500.
Xmm SLACKENS
IN PinSBURGH, $7^00
Pittsburgh, March 21.
Not much excitement here last
week for Cornelia Otis Sldnner's
'Candida.' Barely. got $7,300 at the
Nixon, and most of tliat came from
American Theatre Society subscrib-
ers, who were offered regular sub-
scription reductions on tickets pur-
chased in advance.
Critics' reactions to monologlst's
first appearance locally in a regular
clay were mild, and notices didn't
help window sale any. Mats had a
femme pull, but nights were away
off.
Estimate for Last Week
'Candida,' Nixon (2,100; $2.75)-^
Just short of $7,300. liOt of that was
from ATS subscribers who get seats.
If purchased in advance, at 20%
reductions.
Cincy Limps; 'Kiss Boys'
Light $7,500; 'Susan' In
Cincinnati, March 21.
' Mid-Lenten hH at the Cox, which
relighted last week for a fortnight
of legit is limping. 'Susan and
God,' current offering at $2.28 top,
Is heading for about the same take
. as on last week's 'Kiss Boys Good-
bye' at the same scale. In both in-
stances bulk of trade is from sale of
balcony seats.
Local (Shuliert) management's
next fare will be the Lunts, in reper-
toire, week of April 10, at $2.83 top.
That engagement will be switched to
tiie indie 2,500-seat Taft auditorium.
Latter place gets Katharine Cornell
in 'No Time for Comedy' for two
nights and one matinee April 4 and
t at $2.83 top.
Cox gets Walter Huston in 'Knick-
erbocker Holiday* AprU 21-23 at
$3.30 high. - .
Estimate tor Last Week
^ -Kiss Boys Goodbye,' Cox (1,350;
$2.28). Cricks liked the material,
but so-so on the troupe. Fetched
. 17,500 light
Lent Has Little Effect
On 'Streaiii^Mllont't 6G
Montreal, March 21.
•The Flashing Stream,' here for
nve nights and three mats last week,
grossed a very satisfactory $6,000 at
mid-Lent which is pretty good, for
WIS 80% Catholic city. Raves by
crix in local press helped.
Estimate for Last Week
, Tllie Flashine Stream,' His Majes-
ty s (1,600; 50-^250). Godfrey Tearle
and Margaret Rawllngs built biz
irom quiet opening to strong finish.
Playing Toronto currently.
Lnnts 22G in 1-Niters
Davenport la., March 21.
Alfred Lunt and Lynh Fgntanne
knocked off about $22,000 last week
in five stops, winding -up at the Or-
Pneum.here Saturday night (18).
Other dates were in Wichita,
Kansas City, Bes Moines and Cedar
Bapids.
miteoaks' Wys Up 2
Good L A. Weeb, lOG
Los Angeles, March 21.
Ethel Barrymore wound up' two
profitable weeks Saturday (IS) at
the Biltmore in 'Whlteoaks.' House
is now temporarily dark. Matinee
trade held up unusually strong, but
nights kept second week's gross-
down. This was Miss BariTmore'i
initial appearance here In legit in
more than 10 years.
Estimates fer Last week
•Whlteeaka,' BUtmore (2d-flhal
wk) (D-l,65e; $2.75). Eased off
somewhat over opener and flnlshed
with -around $10,000, profitable.
WPA
•Biin, LitUe ChUIwi,' Mayan; all-
Negro production holding strong,
with end not in tight
Twc-a-Day/ Bollywood Play-
house; 22d week coming up.
'High Tor,' Iselasco.
PluDy; 'Hofiday
Scores. $19jK)0
Philadelphia, March 21.
Two musicals, the D'Oyly Carte
Co.'s revivals of Gilbert and Sulli-
van, and the Playwrights Co. pro-
duction of 'Knickerbocker Holiday,'
lined up here last week.
'Holiday,' in for one week at the
Chestnut Street Opera House, got
rave notices and swept through to
$10,000. It could have remained to
■ profit. The D'Oyly Carte en-
countered the same conditions that
have marked its two other visits
here. The balcony went clean for
the whole weeic, the two matinees
were sellouts and so were Friday
and Saturday nights. Trouble was In
selling orchestra seats at the Forrest
for first four nights of the week.
Monday and Hiuiiday were particu-
larly off. However, first week s mark
was $23,800.
This week's newcomer is the Mer-
cury Theatre — Theatre Guild pro-
duction of 'Five icings' (Part I) with
Orson Welles. It Is in at the Chest-
nut for two weelcs on American The-
atre Society subscription. Fact that
Welles' radio chore Friday night (17)
necessitated cancellation of that
night's performance and substitution
of Wednesday (15) . matinee meant
plenty of headaches for the house in
satistying subscribers who held Fri-
day stubs. Sale was good and last
night's opening, with some natural
overflow from the cancelled Friday
night show, was big.
£stlDut«s for Last Week
'Knickerbocker Holiday,* Chestnut
(1;800; $3.30). Rave notices and biz
okay from the start' Around $18,000.
D'Oyly Carte Co., Forrest (1st wk)
2,000; i3.30). Only weakness was in
orchestra first four evenings. Mati-
nees and Friday and Saturday nights
were sellouts. Upstairs was packed
all week; $23,800.
%m SWELL
mAN' OK 4G, L'VILLE
Louisville, March 21.
Past week was lively for local
legit fans, with Tobacco Road,' John
Barton playing the lead role of
Jeeter Lester, at the National for six
days, ending Saturday (11). Full
houses were the rule all week, with
plenty of standees at ' the Friday
night (10) show. Gross was $8,500,
with prices scaled from $1.50 down.
'Susan and God,' on two nights
and a matinee (10-11) at Memorial
Aude, grossed $4,000, malting a total
of ^,000 for Uie fuU week. 'Kiss
Boys Goodbye' and Katharine Cor-
nell's 'No Time for Comedy.' are
the only legit shows set to follow
this spring,
'Daughter' Off, B'klyn
Brooklyn, March 21.
Town has two stage versions of
'YeS, My Darling Daughter.' Werba's
Brooklyn is in third week with
'Daughter,' and the Shubert reopens
tonight (Tues.), after being dark
several weeks, with similar produc-
tion, featuring Cynthia Blake.
Washington Square Players gave
one-night performance of 'Comedy
of Errors' Saturday (18) at Academy
of Music. Mainly subscription biz.
Estimate for I<ast Week
Tes, My Darling Daughter,'
Werba's (2d wk). (1,529; 75c). About
$1,000, mild.
Current Road Shows
(Week af March 2«)
'A Broom for the Bride' (Irene
Rich)— Savoy, San Diego (20-21);
Lobero, Santa Barbara (22-23).
'Aeeent en Tooth' (Jean Muir) —
Maplewood, Maplewood, N. J.
'AageU b 22' (PhUip Merlvale)—
Selwyn, Chicago.
'CaadldA' (Cornelia Otis Skinner)
—National, Washington.
VOyij Carte Oper» Ge^Forrest
Philadelphia.
'Five Klngaf (Orson Welles, Bur-
gess Meredith)— Chestnut Philadel-
phia.
TlasUng Stream'— Royal Alexan-
dra; Toronto.
1 BIsrrled an Angel' (Dennis King,
Vera Zorina) — Grand, Chicago.
Importance el Being Earnest'
(Cilfton Webb, Estelle Winwood,
Hope Williams) — His Majesty's,
Montreal (21-25).
'Kiss Hut Boys Goedbye' (No. 2)—
Harris, Chicago.
'Kiss the Beya Goedbye' (No. 3)—
Hartman, Columbus (20-22); Eng-
Ush, Indianapolis (23-25).
'Kniekerboeker HeUday' (Walter
Huston)— Erlanger, Buffalo (20-22);
Hanna, Cleveland (23-25).
Lnnt-Fentaniie Bepertory — Audl-
itorium, St Paul (20-21); Lyceum,
Minneapolis (22-25).
'Hy 'Dmt Children' (John Barry-
More — McCarter, Princeton (24);
Playhouse, Wilmington (25).
•Phlladelphb Story' (KaUiarine
Hepburn)— Colonial, Boston.
' 'Skylark' (Gertrude Lawrence) —
Shubert Boston.
'Snsan and God' (Jessie ' Royce
Landis) — Cox, Cincinnati (10-25).
Tobacco Bead' — Orpheum, Mem'
phis.
'What a Life'— Erlanger, Chicago.
'WiiUeeakB' (Ethel Barrymore) —
Fox Arlington, Santa Barbara (20);
Auditorium, Long Beach (21); Audi-
torium, Pasadena (22); White, Fres
no (23); Highschool, . Sacramento
(24); Auditorium, Oakland (25). >
'Women'— Nixon, Pittsburgh.
Tes, My Darling Danghter'—
Shubtft Brooklyn.
Tea, My Darling Danghter*-
Werba, Brooklyn.
With Income Tax Out of die Way,
B'way Soars; Toxes' Ties 'Abe'
For Straight Show Lead $19,000
Plays on ftroadway
STOP PRESS
^(Continued from page 58)
has a few ellective moments as an
idealistic r^orter, Tony Kraber is a
somewhat staid and colorless city
editor. Marguerite Walker Is a deco-
rative city room fixture and Ralph
Bell manages to invest the hero
with reasonable sincerity. Hobe.
Please, Mrs. Garibaldi
Comedy In three acta by tfary McCar-
Uiy; presented by Hall Staalton: ataged by
Bhelton; at the Belmont, M. T., March
le, '39; t2.30 top.
Mrs. Forbes Ulnnia Asha Hill
Endora ....Laura Bowman
Ethel Forbes Chriatlne Arden
Rosa Garibaldi Dorothy Emety
OIno Garibaldi Oltwepps Stami
Maria Garibaldi Ruth AmoJ
Joe Garibaldi Barnard Huxbea
Paul Manning William Rica
Bertha Coe. Odette L« Roy
Mrs. Ogden Gwen Emerson
The little Behnont after having
grind films for some time, tried a
legit show that came oft rather
badly. Even a $2.20 top won't help.
Tlease, Mrs. Garibaldi' is under-
stood to have originated, sans the
first word in the title, about eight
years ago in a summer hideaway.
Play was not rated a Broadway pos-
sibility then. Yet evidently someone
concerned in the presentation de-
tected a faint resemblance to 'Yes,
My Darling Daughter,' which has
been In the press of late. But other
than a mother-daughter theme,
there's no similarity.
Maria and Gino Garibaldi, of San
Francisco, have a daughter, Rosa,
who steps off on the wrong foot with
Paul and then tells her mother,
who's tenderly sympathetic. Rosa
avers she does not love Paul, and
refuses to marry him. The lad is not
hot for the idea either, but papa is
-oldfashioned and starts scheming.
The Garibaldis have been wed for
25 years and during a good second-
act scene the couple recall an inci-
dent before they wed that might
have matched the predicament of
their daughter's. Ultimately, the b<>y
and girl realize they love each other.
And so the clinch.
Play has no sparkle, few laughs
and not much acting. It's too short
in playing time and to furnish an-
other few minutes a treasure hunt
which has nothing to do with the
story, is inserted, thus adding a
momentary character. It may do for
tyros but for the professional stage,
it might as well Ije skipped.
Expected dialects do not material-
ize, save tor Giuseppe Stemi, as the
father. Ruth Amos, as the mother,
does the best job, while Dorothy
Emery plays the petulant Rosa. /bee.
^Closed SatuTdav (IS) ajUr four
performances; printed jor the rec-
ord.) '
Business on Biroadway livened late
last week, following IHe annual last-
minute rush to pay federal Income
taxes. By Friday (17) attendance
was exceptionally strong and by
Saturday (18) some shows had ex-
ceeded their usual grosses.
While "The American Way' again
flirted wiUi $40,000, and is distinctly
out in front of the field, there is a
contest for leadership among the
drama toppers. 'The Little Foxes,'
which has been climbing from $500
to $1,000 weekly, eased past $10,000
and tied 'Abe Lincoln- in Illinois,'
which drew almost the exact gross.
Rated In third position -among the
straight shows is 'Mamba's Daiigh-
ters,' with $14,000, the best money
the colored show has done.
First full week of "The Family
Portrait' Morosco, was quoted
around $6,000 and the status of the
religious drama has not been defl<
nitely established. Last week saw
two weaklings arrive and swif tiy
stop. Tell My Story,' a cooperative
affair, goi;^ oft at the Mercury after
one show, and 'Please: Mrs. Garibal-
di,' which left the Belmont after
four performances. Revival of
'Awake and Sing,' Windsor, seems to
have attracted more interest than
'Rocket to the Moon,' with wliich It
was to alternate. Instead, 'Awake'
will be played six performances
weekly, with two for 'Rocket'
Next week: . 'The Philadelphia
Story,' highly regarded out-of-town,
will open at the Shubert^ present
tenant "The White Steed,' moving
again, to the CiOlden; 'The Happiest
Days' will open at the Vanderbilt
Special Sunday (April 2) showing
of 'My - Heart*]; in the Highland^
will be staged 'at the Belasco. An
import 'My Aunt of England,' will
be given with a semi-pro company
at the Heclcscher, a little theatre, on
upper Fifth avenue.
Estlnuitea for Last Week
'Abe Llneoln In DUnols,' Plymouth
(23d wk) (D-l,03e: $3.30). More than
held its own; leader topped $19,000,
with attendance better after Income
tax deadline,
'Boys From Syraense^' Alvin (18th
wk) (M-1,255^ $4:40). Slightiy im-
proved; had been tapering oS but
last week around $23,000.
'Family Portrait,' Mor6sco (3d wk)
(D-961; $3.30); Claimed to have
picked up after doubtful start; first
full week around $6,000; may im-
prove.
'GenUe People.' Belasco (12Ui wk)
(C-1,107; $3.30). Somewhat better
though under pace of earlier weelcs;
$9,000; should stick into the spring,
'Hellzapoppin,' Whiter Garden
(27th wk) (R-l,e71; $3.30). Musical
topper goes along to capacity plus
regardless of Lenten season; again
close to $33,000 in nine times.
'Hot Hikado,' Broadhurst (1st wk)
(M-1,116; $3.30). Presented by Mi-
chael Todd; .another jazz version of
the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta by
colored cast; opens tomorrow (23).
1 Unst Love Someone,' Longacre
(7th wk) (C-1,010; $3.30). Cldmed
even break last week, which is an
improvement; quoted over $4,500.
'Kiss Boys Goodbye,' Miller (26th
wk) (C-044; $3.30). With Income tax
out of way lower fioor sale is
strengthening; around $11,500.
'Leave It to Me,' Imperial (20th
wk) (M-1,468; $4.40). Musical smash
has not been off much and last week
saw pickup, over $31,000.
'Mamba's Danghters,' Empire (12th
wtO (D-1,099; $3J0). Best mon^
since opeiiing registered last week
when takings approximated $14,0(10
tor colored cast drama.
'One fer the Money,' Booth (7th
wk) (R-708; $3.30). Again upward
and ticket sale announced up to May
1; intimate musical approached
$12,000.
'Osear WUde,' Fulton (24th wk)
(D-913; $3.30). Starting to drop but
should be among spring stayers;
around $8,000, profitable.
'Please, Mrs. Garibaldi,' Behnont
Opened Thursday (16); stopped
Saturday (18) after four perform-
ances; panned.
'Booket to (he Moon,' 'Awake and
Sing,' Windsor (18th wk) (Drl,049:
$2.20). 'Awake' is the best draw of
the dual bill, going on six times last
week, $6,500.
'Set to Mnslc,' Music Box (10th
wk) (R-1,000: $4.40). After dipping,
picked up and registered arouhd
$17,500; English revue sintod into the
spring.
'Stars In Tonr Eyes.' Majestic (7th
wk) (M-1,717; $4.40). Climbed
slightly, ' with takings quoted over
$27,000; somewhat off early in week
but big last half.
The American Way,' Center (9th
wk) (D-3,483: $3.30), Except for
Monday (13), last weak held remarlc-
ably and list leader atain went to
S40.000.
^The LItUe Foxes,' National (6th
wk) (D-l,ie4: $3.30). Climbed further
and tied with 'Lincoln' for dramn
leadershin; over $]!>.000.
The Primrose Path,' Biltmore
(12th wk) (CD-Ogi; $3.30). Also bet-
ter than previously, around ^XlOO;
may move to. the Cort when Tlie
Flashing Stream' comes in.
The White Steed.' Shubert (11th
wk) (D-1,387; $3.30). Slated to move
again, this time to the much smaller
Golden; $8,000; The Philadelphia
Story,' comes here next week.
Tobaeeo Boad,' (Forrest (276th
wk) (D-1,107; $1.05). About even
break* $4 500
•What s Life,' Mansfield (49th wk)
(C-1,050; $3.30). Using cut rates but
profiting under ~ cast-sharing plan;
$4,500.
BEVIVALS
•Henry IV,' St James (8th wk)
(D-1,520; $3.30). Going to road after
another week; business has been
tapering; around $12,000; more ex-
pected for final weeks.
'Ootwsrd Bound,' Playhouse (14th
wk) (D-873; $3.90). Slated beyond
Easter and may play well into the
spring; $8,500.
ADDED
Tell My Story,' Mercury. Taken
oil after initial performance; house
dark.
'Fins and Needles,' Labor Stage
(69th wk). Unionists' Intimate revue
is expected to last through the
spring; turning some profit; ap-
proached $5,000 last week.
Frank Fay VandevUIe, 44th St
Business must improve considerably
over last week's $8,500 to stick: at-
tendance mostly at weekends; $2.75
top.
WPA
•Swing Mikado.' New Yorker.
•Androoles and Lion,' Lafayette.
Harlem.
•PiBoeohlo,' Ritz.
'Awake and Sing.' Daly's (Yid-
dish).
The Big Blew.' Elliott
Hepburn Paces
Boston, $22,000;
l.B way Quits
. Boston, March 21.
'Philadelphia Story,' starring Kath-
arine Hepburn, pulled the top gross
here last week, and advance sales in-
dicate another smash for the second
and final frame. 'Skylarlc,' the C!er-
trude Lawrence starrer, is also click-
ing in its tryout and 'West of Broad-
way,' with Ruth Chatterton, folded
Saturday (18) after two pale tryout
weeks;
'West of Broadway* was scheduled
to play Baltimore this week, but in-
stead Producer Albert Lewis has
taken it off for revisions. It was to
open in New York April 10.
Estimates for Last Week
•PhlladelptaU Story.' Colonial (1st
wk) (1,643; $3.30). Getting support
of the Theatre Guild subscrlpuon
list this one is attracting a hefty
margin. Sold out most every per-
formance; $22,000.
•Skylark,' Shubert (1st wk) (1,590;
$2.75). With stiff opposition this new
Samson Raphaelson opus displayed
power. Dandy $16,000,
West of Broadway,' WUbur (2d
wk) (1.227; $2.75). They liked Miss
Chatterton in this one, but the play
kept it out of the important money.
Final week around $4,000.
WGS* GETS 114.000
INWASHDifiTORWEEK
Washington, March 21.
'Five Kings', stirred up plenty in-
terest here. Critics implied it was
long, and some even hinted it was
boring in spots,, but all agreed it wa<
spectacular and blgtimc.
. Current is 'Candida,' with ComeUa
Otis Skinner. .
Estimate for Last Week
'Five Kings,' National (1,698; $2.75
top). American Tliealre Society
subscriptions and advance accounted
for nearly all the $14,000 total.
'Women' lOG, N. Haven
The Shubert opened up after a
dark spoil with a week of "The Wom-
en' at cut prices. Following a mild
Monday-Tuesday, house sold out
thereafter.
Other bookings at the Shubert in-
clude the San Carlo Opera Co,,
March 27-28, and D'Oyly Carte week
of Apr.'] 10.
E' ".•nates for Last Week
'The '.7 -men,' Shub'rt (1,600;
'11.65). Built to around $10,009, fair
at the scale.
60
VARIETY
LITERATI
Wednesdaj, March 22, J939
Lena Mags Increase
Continued growth of photography
as a hobby prompting a record num-
ber ol mags on the subject. Around
a dozen periodicals now catering to
the lens hound, with more on the
way. Even a digest of the photo
mags, tnd that means that as a mag
gubject it's definitely arrived.
Until photography assumed the
proportions of t craze, there'd been
two or three periodicals covering the
hobby. Staid and conservative to a
degree, they went at it ponderously.
Newcomers, ' however, consider leg
art necessary to illustrate most every
phase of photography aid, and the
old-timers have been forced to follow
suit after a fashion. .
Photography mags not to be con-
fused with the so-called picture
periodicals. Latter merely give -the
news in pictures. Photography mags
supposedly tell how to make better
t>hotogger8
Hearst's 1938 ProBts .
Nine mags published by Hearst had
an operating profit of $3,355,448 in
1938, and a net profit of $1,850,905,
according to statement of operations
Issued by Richard E. Berlin, execu
tive v.p. of Hearst Magazines.
Statement discloses Good House
keeping had an operating profit of
$2,583,202; . Cosmopolitan earned
$393,857; ~ Harper's Bazaar showed
profit of $480,416; Motor earned profit
of $105,408; Motor Boating had profit
of $64,374, and American Druggist,
American Architect, Town & Country
and House Beautiful operated at a
total loss of $271,809.
Pointed out that although 1938 was
a generally tufavorable year for the
pt^lishing biz, circulation of the
Hearst mags set an all-time high.
Earnings for first quarter of 1939
claimed showing a substantial in-
crease over similar period last year.
ro«t-Gasett« Okayi GoUd
NliRB election held last week by
all editorial, business and circulation
employees of Pittsburgh Post-Ga'
zette named American Newspaper
Guild solb bargaining unit for those
departments. Publisher had ques-
tioned Guild's right to make de-
mands for other than editorial help,
and vote was called, final tally 90 . to
58 for the GuUd.
Current P-G contract expires next
week, and Guild Is asking general
Increases all along the line, together
with added vacation time and bonus
^iirmiagiia, Management has offered
a counter-proiwsal, main point being
refusal to grant Guild shop, and ne-
gotiations are currently being car-
ried on day and night
JToumal-Amerk as Tab?
Report is that the N. Y. Journal-
American will go tab, anticipating
the afternoon tab for the metropolis
on which Edward Stanley and his
associates are now engaged. Pic-
torial front page. Inaugurated re-
cently, said to be a buildup for the
changeover, iithlch may possibly go
Into effect at about the time of the
oiwning of the World's Fair.
Cliangeover from standard size
paper to tab already tried by Hearst
In the- case of the present strike-
bound Chicago Herald and Exam-
iner. That dally said to have prof-
ited by the switch until the News-
paper Guild called the present.strike.
N. Y.'s first and only afternoon tab
was the old Graphic.
day (18) by J. David Stem for the
New York Post and its subsidiary,
Publishers Service Co. FTC charged
that the Post, in advertising diction-
aries as premiums, stated they had
gold or gold leaf on page edgies and
on the cover printing. By the agree-
ment, the Post in the future will
make no reference to gold in connec-
tion with the books.
Same holds true of promotion and
advertising material sent out by Pub-
lishers Service, which sells the book
deals to other papers.
Romp Union Hove Rapped
Heavy penalties were imposed by
trial board of the Philadelphia-
Camden Newspaper Guild on seven
Camden gulldsmen prosecuted on
charges of attempting to establish a
rival union in the Courier-Post edi-
torial department Fines and sus-
pensions were laid down, but the
suspensions were suspended so that
the accused maj keep their jobs in
the closed shop during good be-
havior. ' .
All defendants said they would ap-
peal to a special meml>ership meet-
ing.
GrlersoD Controls Spragne
Control of Sprague Publications
acquired from GrUfith Odgen Ellis
by Elmer P. Grierson, company's
business manager since 1921. Grier-
son, who joined the concern in 1914,
became prez. . Ellis retains connec-
tion with the organization as chair-
man of the board.
Principal mag Issued by Sprague Is
American Boy, of which Ellis lias
been editor since the peridoical's in-
ception in 1899. Likely that EUis
wUI step down from his editorial
post shortly.
Plays In Books N.O.
Drama Magazine has folded after
vain attempt to sell plays as reading
matter. Publishers of the periodical
learned what book publishers dis-
covered long ago— that with the pos-
sible exception of the classics people
will read plays only if the stage
works have done well on Broadway.
Purpose of Drama Magazine was to
publish for reading stage pieces
that might be regarded as literature.
Not enough readers to determine
whether the plays were literature or
not
lumbus, Ohio, he came to N. Y. and
served on the old World and Morn-
ing Journal. SubsequenUy became
publisher of the Vintage Magazine.
Survived by his widow, two brothers
and three sisters.
Herbert R. Bailey, 45, managing
editor of the British United Press,
died Saturday at his home in Brigh-
ton, England. During the war and
after he served as special corre-
spondent for a number of American
newspapers, .including . the. N. Y,
Times and Sun and the Philadelphia
Public Ledg)fr^..Wlfe.indU.(laiiShter
survive. ' ' ' " ' " •
Paul A. Weadon, 59, vet newspa-
perman and fiction writer, died last
week at the home of a daughter in
Philadelphia. Beginning his news-
paper career 35 years ago, Weadon
served as night manager of the AP
Philadelphia bureau sind on the staff
of the Philadelphia Public Ledger
and inquirer.
Mrs. Mildred Doherty, 41, wife of
Edward Doherty, author, was found
dead March 15 after a fall into a
canyon near Los Angeles. Before
her marriage she wrote S newspaper
column under the pseudonym of
Mildred Spain. Surviving are her
husband and two children.
• Antony Anderson, 76, art critic,
died March 12 at Hermosa Beach,
Cal. Before his retirement in 1926
he had written on art topics for the
A. Times for 25 years.
G. Derby White, 69, prez of James
White & Co., N. Y. book publish
ers, died last week at his home in
Ridgewood, N. J., of a heart, attack,
Charles W. Be«k, 88, owner of the
Beck Engraving Co., Philadelphia,
died in that city on Saturday (18),
'Honest Mistake' Loophole
Newspapers will get a better
break under Georgia libel laws
which was amended In the legisla-
ture Ipst week. Under terms of the
biU passed, news publications will
get some measure of protection in
cases of 'honest mistakes.'
Law now is that 'persons believing
themselves to be Injured must give
publications notice five days before
' suing. If a publication makes re-
traction within 10 days after receiv-
ing notice from' complainants, and
where the matter is shown to be an
honest mistake, only such special or
actual damages as can be proved
may be awarded.*
Reporters' Groups Elect
Two.N. Y. reporters' groups have
elected officers, the N. Y. Ship
News Reporters Assn. re-elecUng T.
Walter Williams as prez, and the
N. Y. Hockey Writers Assn. naming
James Hurley to Its chief office.
Other officers of the ship news re-
porters group are Emmett V. Maun,
y.p.; James A. McCloskey, treasurer,
and Frank Reil, secretary. James
Burchard was elected v.p. of the
hockey writers, and William J. Pow-
ers, treasurer and secretary.
'bletlonary Not of Gold
Agreement with the Federal Trade
Cpmmission on alleged misleading
advertising in connection with give-
away boolfs was reached^ On, Salur-
New Book Fim
New book-publlshilig house to be
known as the Blount Book Co. has
been formed by Joseph B. Riley, Jr.
Policy will be non-fiction, with spe-
cialization In books on general
world events. Starter Is a volume
entitied The World in Brief,' ready
tor distribution sooa
Riley, besides heading the new
firm, is also editorial director,
Spokane Loses Press
Scripps' League paper, Spokane
Press, suspended pidbllcaUon perma
nently March 18, concluding 37 years
continuous publication. Reason
given was prevailing costs of opera-
tion. Burden of taxation.
Cowles Morning . Spokesman-Re
view and Evening Chronicle now
command Spokane.
NEW PERIODICALS
Photo Teohnlqae, n^onthly mag,
which McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
adds to its strlnig of jpublicatlons in
June. Keith Henney to edit with
Beverly Dudley as maiiaghig editor,
Howard Mateer and Wallace Blood
also on mag staff.
Science Observer. Is new monthly
newspaper Interpreting science for
the layman. Content half pictorial
and "half editorial. Publication office
in N. Y. Editor Is Howard C. GU-
lespie.
LITERATI OBITS THIS WEEK
OrvUIa A. Welsh, 44, copy editor
on the N. Y. Dally News, died Fri
day after a two-year illness. Native
of Honesdale, Pa, he caine to N. Y.
in 1922, serving on the bid Graphic,
Morning World and American be-
fore joining the News staff in 1927.
Previously he was with the Scranton
(Pa.) Tribune and News, Philadel
phia Press and Cleveland Plain Deal
er. Survived by a daughter and
sister.
Balhertord Hayner, 61, associate
editor of the Troy (N. Y.) Times-
Record, died Wednesday (15) after
lengthy lUness. Editor of various
papers, Hayner johied the Troy
Times in 1900. Retained his connec-
tion with the paper when it- was
merged with the Record. Besides his
newspaper work, he was also an-
noimcer and program director for
the Rensselaer. Polytechnic ItisUtute
Radio Statioa
Clarence E. Sweesy, 77, former
newspaperman and mag publisher,
died last week at his home in Hunt-
ington, N. Y. After early newspaper
experience in Roanoke, Va.-, and Co
AGMA'Mgt. Pact Looms
(Continued from page 58)
CHATTER
Auguste DuBlols gets in from Paris
next week.
Fame. Pearl Buck has had a flower
named after her.
CHaude Fuess to Rochester for the
Andover reunion.
Frederic Prokosch In Mexico, at
work on a new novel.
Maurice Thompson Moore added to
the board of the Luce mags.
Stanley and Alfred Sllbey have
formed the Columbia News Service.
Bennett Cerf has signatured Chris-
topher Isherwood to a long-term
contract
Faith Baldwin luncheoned by the
Stanley Rineharts before leaving for
Australia.
Wolfe Kaufman wrote a piece
titied 'Pictures Versus Radio*^ for
Ken magazine.
Denis Hendricks, one of the Grey-
stone Press' execs, marries Tina Ap-_
pleton soon.
Elsviryth Thane, who Is Mrs. Wil-
liam Beebe, has had a novel pub
llshed, -Tryst'
Marilyn Peabody SUllman has
joined the House of Field as asso-
ciate editor.
Rose Williams, of the Vogue staff,
becomes the bride of Frank Eliot
Sweetser In May.
Theodore Laymon, of the N. Y.
Herald Tribune staff, and Latha
Rone Vance wed.
Wife of Rollin G. - Osterwels has
presented him with a second daugh-
ter. He's the novelist
Viking putting seven short novels,
by Ben Hecht into a single volume
for publication in June.
Jack Francis Is writing a book on
his experiences as a Broadway re-
porter in the early 1900's.
English rights to Edwin Lanham's
The Stricklands' have gone to
Heinemann In London.
Frank P. Dierer up and about
again after a six-month Illness^ and
resumhig his scribbling.
Nat J. Perber's new book, 1
Found Out' published by Dial Press,
hits bookstalls next month.
Hal Borland, of the N. Y. Thnes
Sunday staff, has sold ahother short
story to American Magazine.
Knopf will publish the collected
poems of John V. A. Weaver, with a
foreword by S. L. Mencken. .
Harcourt.Brace will publish Lewis
Jacobs' The Rise of the American
Film,' history of the industry!
Clarence Streit who was the
Geneva correspondent for the N. Y.
Times, remaining in N. Y. for a spelL
Jean Walker, exec sec of the Acad-
emy of American Ppets, guested at a
Sarah Wheeler Lenten literary
luncheon.
E. B. 'White returns to Maine the
end of the month, preferring to do
his regular Harper's Magazine stint
from there.
Annual $1,000 award of the Friends
of American Writers goes to Herbert
Krause for his first novel, 'Wind
Without Rain.'
Edwin Rolfe contracted by Ran-
dom House to do a history of the
American volunteers Id the Spanish
American War.
Richard Hallet in f rom . Boothbay
Harbor to visit editors and talk at a
closs 'dinner at- the Harvard Club
yesterday (14).
favorable terms than specified ex-
cept upon written consent of AGMA.
6. -All contracts must state the
minimum terms upon which artists
may be offered for community or
civic concerts. If an artist accepts
an. outside date for lower terms with-
out the' rtianagemtent's knowledge,
the management may make that the
minimum thereafter. But artists may
not accept such ontside dates unless
their contracts permit
7. All contracts may be terminated
at the option of either party If the
artist doesn't receive during any 12
consecutive months' period (begin-
ning with the second year of such
management) gross earnings of at
least 10 times the lowest concert fee
or if the management does not set
the dates representing at leajst 65%
of his total gross fees.
8. Commissions for engagements
in the U. S., Canada, Cuba and Mex-
ico will be according to the following
scale:
Pet
Concerts other than com-
mimity or civic. H
Community or civic 15
Ciuest radio (single dqte or
series of not more than
three) 1'
Series radio (more than
three) ................... 1"
Operatic ' W
9. American Federation of Radio
Artists must make an agreement
with AGMA not to make demands on
the management regarding commis-
sions. :
10.. Transportation may not be de-
ducted from fees in figuring commis-
sions, except for single dates (a)
booked by the management without
the knowledge of the -tist (b) to
be played more than seven days be-
fore or after tiie next date, (c) more
than 250 miles from New York or
the artist's place of residence, the
amount for excess over 250 miles to
be dedncted In figuring the commis-
sion.
11. Unless otherwise provided, nor-
mal booking expenses (such as
stamps, telegrams, phone calls and
stenographic service) to be borne by
the management while promotional
expense (such as photos, advertising
and printed matter) to be paid by
the artist But if the management
assumes the promotional- expense,
commissions may not b« Increased
more than 5%.
12. Management may not assign Its
artist contract except to a subsidiary,
affiliate or successor.
13. Contract may, but need not
state person, or persons, of the
agency who handles the artist's busi-
ness. If so, and the person, or per
sons, leaves or becomes incapacitated
or neglects business, the artist may
cancel the contract after 28 days'
notice and after the management has
six months to make good. Then the
matter must be arbitrated.
14. Management must supply every
90 days (a) a list of inquhries for
the artist's services and (b) a report
of all activities in the artist's behalt
15. If the artist feels the manage-
ment has too large an artist list he
may apply for arbitration for the
right to cancel, but no cancellation
may become effective before June SO
of any year, and all prior dates must
be flUed.
. 16. Artists may have access to their
accounts with the management at
least twice a year. -
- 17. Disputes between management
and AGMA must be arbitrated, with
the parties sharing the expense of
arbitration.
18. Dispute between management
and ' artist, must be arbitrated - and
AGMA agrees to enforce the deci-
sion,
19. Management agrees not to book
through any - agency whose license
has been revoked, '
20. Management and AGMA agree
to meet for discussions of community
and civic concert problems. Man-
agement agrees to supply all neces
sary information regarding such con'
cert activities and agrees not to seek
any Increase in compensation during
the term of this agreement
21. Management agrees not to pre
vent non-management artists from
getting and filling community or
civic concert dates, nor to discrim-
inate against AGMA members.
22. Managements will profit by any
more favorable terms.given any otiier
concert agencies.
23. AGMA agrees to use Its "best
efforts' to prevent AFRA or the
Screen Actors Guild discriminating
against the managements.
24. AGMA may not strike as long
as the managements carry out tiit
terms of this agreement
25. Management agrees to use all
AGMA members for community or
civic concert dates, with the excep>
tlon of 10% for the first two yean
and 5% for the last three years. But
AGMA B^ees to grant waivers in
special casies.
26. This agreement' binds all per-*
sons who become part of or associ-
ated with the signatory manage-
ments.
(Continued from page 3)
pany, N. Y. UA headquarters state
that it is not known whether Lon-
don Films will continue to produce
any more pictures for UA release.
According to UA's contract with
Korda, the unit of stock owned by
Korda and London Films (4,000
shares) becomes the latter's final
property only after delivery of 20
pictures, 15 of which have already
been delivered, and upon final pay-
ments of cash toward purchase of
the stock, 50% of which has been
paid to date.
UA stock presumably will eventu-
ally go to Korda and the new pro-
duction company. Instead, of London
Films. Although the same financial
Interests are Involvied in both com-
panies, viz, the Prudential Assurance
COn of London,, dividends and other
benefits 'will not accrue to the Lon-
don Film Prods. Ltd., as such, or the
Denham Studio Corp.
Reason for the dropping of Lon-
don Films for Korda Productions is
said to have come about from desire
of Korda to disassociate himself
from the Denham Studio organiza-
tion, of which London Films was
probably the principal factor. As It
has worked out heretofore, while
Korda's London Film productions
are said to have been profitable
(gross revenues of the pictures),
such pr^ts 'were alMorbed or eaten
up by the costly studio organization
and plant
Korda's New Co.
M-G Convention
(Continued from page S)
between distributors and exhibitors,
and for distributors to keep indies in
business.
On the clearance question he said
that protection rights reside with dis-
tributors, but that they have permit*
ted circuits to usurp this right He
charged that circuit-dictated clear-
ance is restraint of trade and monop-
oly, «nd asked distributors to regain
control of clearance. Cole Is also
opposed to stars on radio.
12 PIz In '39-49
Increasing Its 1939-40 program by
one picture over this year to a total
of 52, Metro will Increase Its budget
for the coming season In order to
handle an augmented number of
large-scale productions. Company is
includhig 'Gone With the Wind' in
its 39-40 program, announcing the
David Selznick-produced film will
be ready 'by October.
In addition to 'Wind,' high per-
centage pictures will Include 'Wizard
of Oz,' in color; 'Northwest Passage,'
'Quo Vadls,' 'It Can't Happen Here'
and 'Ziegfeld Follies,' among others.
Metro is raising Mickey Rooiiey
and Lew Ayres to stardom, giving
company ai total of 24 artists getting'
billing above the titles. Number of
featured players under contract la
62, while the director tally at pres-
ent is 24.
William F. Rodgers, general sales
manager, presided at the three-day
sales huddle which ended yesterday
(Tues.) and for the first time ini-
tiated a policy of an open forum on
distribution policies by Inviting
leading representatives of Indepen-.
dent exhibitor organizations to at-
tend the sales convention. A strong
force in the cementing of better re-
lations between distributors and ex-
hibitors, Rodgers is spokesman and a
prime mover in negotiations looking
to the adoption «of a trade practice
program. He is expected to plunge
h'tc the latter situation on his re-
turn to New York this week.
The Metro shorts schedule for '39-
40 wiU be cut to 79 subjects, 13 less
than this seasoa Program 'will in-
clude six two-reel dramas and eight
Our Gang comedies, while the rest
will be made up of single-reel shorts.
Weanesday, Mafcb 22, 1939
CHATTER
VARIETY 61
Broadway
Binnle Barnes to Havana.
Ed Wynn back from Bermuda.
Bonnie Ames back from Florida.
Jay C. Flippen feted by Friars
Sunday (19).
Bayard VeiUer recovered from
double pneumonia
Roy Haines on a swmg around the
garner exchanges. ^, ^ _
Mischa Auer in town on his first
IJ.T. visit in 11 years.
Abe Cohen resumes managerial
dutiK with 'HeDzapoppin'.'
Dick' and Sherri Bereer, both
downed with flu. are better.
Chic Johnsons' daughter June
Bolng Into 'SUeets of Paris.'
Jtonie Grosslnger out of the h»s-
biS. Going south to recuperate. ^
ttltUe BSbom, of NIA Schenck's
office, back from a monttt's vacation.
Stuart eioete gets in from the Ba-
hamas soon with the script of -a new
""StooUc Actors Guild will hold
25;h anniversary dinner at the Astor
Aoril 16.
Ruth Schwerin back at her Mono-
etiuii desk after three weeks in the
"Ab^^iEnHowltz, of the National
theatre, out of hospital after serious
Ihioat infection.
Walter Trumbull, assistant to Will
H»s, back at bis desk after being
bedded by 'flu.
Bob Savlni to Buffalo, Cincinnati
and Cleveland for Astor Pictures
franchise confabs.
Sol A. Rosenblatt, theatrical attor-
ney, due to sail for home Friday (25)
after six weeks in Europe.
Beth Brown has completed drama-
tized Version of her novel, 'River-
aide Drive.' Took five years.
Bob Miller, prez of the Profes'
sl(H>al Music Men, left for the Coast
Saturday (18) on PMM biz.
LeRoy Prinz, due to arrive this
. week from the Coast will put on the
late spring show at the St. Regis
Roof.
Arthur Michaud back from Chi'
' cago where Gene Krupa's crew
opened the 11th in the Sherman
hotel
Charles O'Reilly, former head of
New York City's Motion Picture
Theatre Owners Assn., back from
Miami.
. Playwrights' Co. moving lis office
about May 1 from Park avenue,
probably to the International Build-
ing, Radio City.
. Robert Buckner, co-author of
. "Primrose Path,' is growing a beard.
He's unable to shave because of a
ikin infection.
Mrs. Y. Frank Freeman, wife of
Faramount's studio head, left New
York last night (Tuesday) on re-
turn to Hollywood via Canada.
Lester Thompson, head of adver-
' Using advisory council of Motion
Picture Producers and Distributors
Assn., seriously ill with grippe.
Celia Caroline Cole, who used to
•id Adolph Klauber when he was
drama crick for the N.Y. Times, de'
veloping into a top-flight flctioneer.
Margot Johnson, v.p. of Ann Wat
kins, Inc., literary agents, sailed Sat-
urday (18) to negotiate book deals
with Paris, and London publishers.
Paul Oscard, back from London,
where he staged a revue for Music
Corp. of America. Mulling deals for
Hollywood or the New York World's
Fair.
Bemice Judis, head of WNEW,
trained out Sunday (19) for a va-
rash and swing around indie sta
nons of midwest and northeast. Will
• be gone 10 days.
Burgess Meredith and Sheridan
■ Gibney, screenwriter, received hon-
orary degrees from Amherst College
at dedicatory exercises of the new
Kirby Memorial theatre there last
week.
Johnny Barnes, the blond 22-year-
old hoofer who has attracted Broad'
jwiy attention in Frank Fay's Vaude
VUle show, is entirely self-taught in
dancing. He was until recently a
>>>oc. salesman.
Bert Lown, reorganizing an or-
chestra after booking and managing
gr several years, plays his flrst date
nlday night (24) at the Waldorf for
■me International League of Avi-
ators banquet, to be attended by
Mft P. D. Roosevelt
Hild furor was caused during the
gpenmg performance of TeU My
. 5»ry,' at the Mercury last Wednes-
"•y night (15) when persons in the
audience lighted matches to read the
program and were audibly reprl
""•nded by several critics.
Kirsten Flagstad made three visits
g« week to the Persian Room of the
i^laza hotel to hear Jane Pickens
juut, 1 Can't Give You Anything but
Wye the 'way Wagner might have
written if
Hot Springs vacash. Likewise Les-
ter Krieger. WB booldng chief.
Frank McNamee, local RKO chief,
succeeds Harry Bodkin, UA head, on
the Will Rogers Memorial committee.
Simon Libros, prez of National
Poster Association, and head of Na-
tional-Kline Printing Co., ill in a
Florida hospital.
News theatre reviving 'Naughty
Marietta' this week as « result of
publicity local boy. Nelson Eddy, got
at his Academy concert Thursday
(16). .
Joe Van Haute upped to managing
director of W3XAU, short-wave sis-
ter to WCAU. Teams with Spanish
gal)ber, Nicholas Pedroso, on pro-
gram planning.
Shakeup in the exec staff of the
Philly Record sends Bill Driscoll,
night city editor,' to' the sports desk
as executive editor under S. Davis
Walsh. Stanley Toulson, assistant on
the city desk,- steps into DriscoU's
Job, whUe Art Rlordan is shifted
from copy dedc to Toulson's former
spot
By Herb Golden
bzy Hhrst back from Florida, re
"^iWea from iDness.
'^^em ^plegate back managing
Metro sales force after three weeks
Of Florida.
iJSSf* ScuUy, of M-G. back after
'?>rny iUness. Also BUI Fishmen.
of ft* Cayuga,
^Ivia and Maurice, pro deaf-mute
^f^room duo, entertained at Friends
the Deaf banquet
Sam Gtosb, 20th-Fox exec, off for
London
By Hal Cohen
Harry Feinstein and Benny Ani-
dur off together for Miami. .
Joe Kauffman back at his U ex-
change desk cfter a tussle witli flu.
Ann Corio cracked b.o. records for
the season at the Casino last week.
Eloise Drake win sing lead in
Playhouse's .flnale, 'Meet My Sister.'
William Penn hotsl set up. a big
cake' for Bernie Cummins on his 37th
birthday.
WB receptionist Carol Thompson
and George Holmes were married
last week.
Artie Spector in Kingston, Ja-
maica, for couple of months doing
nitery m.c.'ine
Pittsburgh Drama 1 .eague reviving
annual Littie Tlieatre contest after
two-year lapse.
John Ball has Joined Lew Lefton's
Monarch exchange to work on spe-
cial «xploltation.
Al Fremont's orchestra being
booked by Joe Hiller'into theatres
in tri-state area.
Martin Fallon to d.'rect Pitt Cap
and Gown show and Ruth Miller will
stage the numbers.
Playhouse actress Billie.MulviltiU
and Bob McKee, chief announcer at
WCAE, have announced their en-
gagement
Charles P. Johnson, editorial coK
umnist for Pittsburgh Press and with
that Scripps-Howard daily for last
10 yeai^ has resigned to join West-
ingnouse company's publicity de-
partment
Havey Boyle, sports editor of
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, has just
been confirmed by Pennsylvania
Senate to one of three state boxing
commissionerships. He'll hold down
Ixithjobs.
(Keveland
By Glenn C. Pollen
Stan Jabin back from Miami with
blueprints for another nitery.
Frank Drew, M-G branch man-
ager, off to Florida for rest.
Jack Sogg, M-G salesman, re-
covering from mastoid operation.
McConneU's ' Playhouse preparing
'Of Mice and Men' for March 30.
Sid Andbm using cane since col-
liding with WGAR's mobile truck.
Gracie Barrie visiting hubby. Dick
Stabile, who's at the "Terrace Room.
H. K. Carpenter, WHK manager,
flying to Florida and New Orleans
for rest.'
Gene Erwin's band back at Little
Cafe, where he stayed six months
last season.
Abe Sachs got his Village nitery
reopened after going through finan-
cial reorganization.
Bill McDermott. Plain Dealer
drama crick, finally .received visa
for trip to Russia.
Pickets yanked from Playhouse by
musicians' union during its confer-
ence with theatre directors.
Bill Blair, Sid Andorn and George
Gilliam organizing Press Club for
theatrical and newspaper gentry.
In June, Eileen Joyce, singer at
Gourmet club, will become Mrs. Ron-
nie Wolfson, wife of local attorney.
Ken Means, of the Palace theatre,
sick with flu. Nat Holt recovered in
time to greet wife on her return
from Frisco'.
Sydney
By Eric Gorrlck
Gordon Ellis. British Empire Films,
home after product trip to England
and U.S.
•Cowboy and Lady' (UA) hasn't
proved to be the hit anticipated in
this spot.
Harry Howard producmg a second
edition of 'Hollywood Hotel' in Mel-
bourne for the Fullers. , . ^
'Idiot's Delight,' after a weak start,
doing well in Melljourne for Austra
lian-New Zealand Theatres.
Hal Carleton scripting for George
Wallace comedy, "Gone to the Dogs,
being floored by Clnesound.
Tipped that when Zane Grey gets
Uuough with his Ashing here he may
take a shot at picture production.
Stage presentations sUU gaining in
popularity and it's expected that y.S.
acte will find plenty of playing time
in Sydney and Melbourne during the
Winter.
Mtx Weldy to Paris.
Clifford and Marion to Paris.
Magda Kun and Steve (Seray in
marital split
Valerie Hobson to marry producer
Anthony Havelock-Allen,
Albert Tavel joining the Rotten-
berg & Golden agency, Paris.
Frank Owen, off to Monte Carlo
with Lord Beaverbrook, his boss.
Viennese author, Robert Neumann,
applying for British naturalization,
Maurice Colleano framing a vaude-
ville unit to toiir England in tlie fall.
Calgary Bros, af The ABC Paris
for three, weeks, opening March 31.
-Music Corp. of America staging
the next floor show at tl>e Paradise
club.
George Ayre has quit the Mc-
Queen Pope office and joined Ron-
ald Strode.
Wini Shaw on flying trip to Paris
with husband, end both sailing from
there to New York.
Burton Brown (Derickson and
Brown) has quit show biz and joined
a firm of stock brokers.
Alfred Zeitiin is the sole booker
for the Imperial new $500,000 legit
house erected in Brighton.
A. L. Cranfleld, former editor of
Daily Mail joining the Evening
Standard as managing editor. .
Bela Lugosi to star in Edgar Wal-
lace's 'Dark E^es of London,' which
Argyle Films is doing for Associated
British.
*The Fotir Just Men,' a Michael
Balcon production, has come off the
floor at Ealing stutbos and is being
edited.
Billy Bleach managing Tom Ar-
nold's ice show, 'Switzerland,' which
has left for tour to Africa and Aus-
tralia.
Former Casanl club is latest to
join the Bottle Party clubs, with
Oliver Wakefleld as the opening
headliner.
Having been associated in several
business deals, the McAIpines and
the Ranks are now joining hands
maritally.
Patrick Home in Hollywood trying
to get Tullio Carminati to star in a
London musical being written by
Romney Brent '
Grand -National (London) doing
another of the Edgar Wallace 'Mr.
Reeder' series, with Will Fyffe in
his original role.
Buster Shaver had to cancel part
of the week at Empire, Kingston, be-
cause Olive Brasno, one of the
midgets, caught flu.
Harry Roy likely to be the regular
band at the London Casino when
Clore and Esdalle stage their flrst
show there next month.
David Rose turned down offer of
syndicate, which wanted to lease
Paramount's Charlton as legit house,
owing to film commitments.
Quentin Maclean, organist for
Hyams Bros., at the Troc, signed for
Ideal Homes Exhibition, Earls Court
for a month. Opens April 11.
George Sanders coming over to
star in Radio Pictures' 'A Saint in
London,' with David Burns to have
second lead. William Sistrom to
direct -
Gwen Farrer considering the re-
vival of 'Wonder Bar,' which she
partly financed about eight years ago,
when it was produced by Andre
Chariot
Barre Lyndon's new play, The
Man in Half Moon Street,' opens at
the New today (Wed.), after pro-
vincial tryout. Stars are Leslie
Banks and Ann Todd.
Albert de Courville to direct 'An
Englishman's Home,' meller classic
in which (Serald du Maurier ap-
g eared some 20 years ago in the West
nd. United Artists to world-release.
Billy Bisset has signatured Fred-
die Gardner, sax player, who for-
merly featured own combo for BBC,
and Bruce Campbell, frombonist for-
merly with Hylton and Harris bands.
Screen Pools, Ltd., which Jeffrey
Bernerd and his associates sold to
Lew - Jackson, has been sold again to
Vernon's Pools. Jackson is under-
stood to have made a profit of $751000.
The Parliamentary Stage Commit-
tee secured the signatures of 400
members of Parliament to a petition
to the House of Commons asking
for the abolition of the entertain-
ment tax in flesh theatres.
Negotiations going on between Lou
Goldberg, Major Bbwes' general man-,
ager, and George Black to bring over'
a Bowes unit here for the next Pal-
ladium 'Crazy' show, with Bud Flan-
agan to enact the major's role.
The 'Lola Montez' musical, written
by Eric Maschwitz, with music by
Edward Horan, and which was in-
tended to be done by Gordon Har-
bord last year, with Mary Ellis star-
ring, may be done this year with
Evelyn Laye.
in time for reopening «f his spring
stock burlesque season at Gayety.
Walter Branson and Harry Mi-
chaelson, RKO district and short
subjects' manafers, respectively, here
for sales' meetmg.
Angus McDonald, East Grand
Forks, Minn., exhibitor, stopped over
en route home after vacation in
Texas and California.
Steve Hollander, M-G booker,
quitting for furniture business in
New York. Succeedcid by Verne
Smith from Milwaukee.
SWG Votes
(Continued from page 5)
By Lea Bee«
Harold Wolf, RKO Winnipeg
branch manager, in town.
Charles DuRyk, National Screen
division head, in f roni Chicago.
Riviera, St Paul, boosted scale
from 25c to 40c for 'Pygmalion.'-
Eddie McErlaine, formerly with
Warner Bros., is new RKO booker.
Moe Levy, 20th-Fox district man-
ager, to Hamilton, Ont, to attend
; the funeral of. his mother.
I Myron Adcock, WB salesman,
marooned for two days by snow
drifts on North Dakota farm.
I Harry Hirsch back from Arizona
Council had proposed to have ,^ts
members take an oath not to dis-
close business transacted at meet-
ings.
The Screen Publicists Guild will
open n,egotiations this week with Pat
Casey, producer labor contact Pro-
ducers agreed to parley, but stipu-
lated no contract would be inked
until the National Labor Relations
Board handed down a decision on
the petition of the flacks for cer-
tification as bargaining representa-
tive.
AFA's Deadline
- The Los Angeles chapter of the
American Federation of Actors has
flxed AprU 15 as deadline for all
agents to "secure a license from the
AFA. Under new agreement, book-
ers will be held responsible for sa^
ary of performers on club dates. This
pact replaces the old franchise agree-
ment which expired Dec. 31.
New wage, scale of $40 for chorus
and $50 for principals was announced
for Class A hotels, supper dubs, the-
atre cafes, productiMi type shows,
ice sho'ws and unit and road produc-
tions. New classification was also
adopted providing for a scale of $30
for Class B niteries and $35 for Class
A night clubs.
John H. Corcoran, AFA represen-
tative here, announced that actors
will be permitted to book direct ex-
cept in restricted flelds, such as the-
atres, club dates, etc. Agents wUl
be required to book only bona flde
AFA members In good standing and
all contracts must have AFA ap-
proval "
The AFA also has launched a cam-
paign to eliminate'bingo, screeno and
other games from film and vaude-
ville houses. Support of Mayor
Bowron and police department has
been asked. The police have b^n
ordered to take action wherever the-
atres are violating the law. Move is
said to' have the support of. inde-
pendent flieafre owners, who are
anxious to get rid of giveaways if
all owners will agree.
The Society of Motion Picture
Film Editors has raised its initiation
fee for editors to $500. Fee for as-
sistant cutters will be $350 and $250
for apprentices. Old fee was $100.
Ed Hanan, Society prexy, said move
was made to raise, funds rather than
to Djake it difficult for beginners to
enter industry.
The Labor Capital Committee of
the State Assembly has reported fa-
vorably on bill of Jack Tenny, mak-
ing permissive instead of mandatory
the reference of private employment
agency disputes to the State Labor
Commissioner. Similar action was
taken on the bill of Senator Robert
Kenney amending the state labor
code to give Screen Actors Guild
authority to arbitrate differences be-
tween flim and radio agents and
their clients. Such disputes are now
conciliated by the Ijabor Commis-
sioner.
Adoption of the Kenney amend-
ment will remove the last obstacle
holding up completion of the agree-
ment between the SAG and the
Artists Managers Guild for licensing
of. all agents. .
Fred W. -Beetson, secretary-tneas-
urer of Association of Motion Pic-
ture Producers, has returned to his
desk after an extended vacation in
Honolulu. Executive is expected to
arrange for an immediate meeting of
Producers Association to ap'prove
pact with the Screen Directors Guild
and to discuss proposed contracts
with the writers, film editors, set
designers, script clerks and publicity
writers.
Right of a labor union to disci-
pline its members was upheld by
Superior Judge Clarence Hanson in
suit of E. H. Bookasta, an extra,
against Screen Actors Guild. Book-
asta was denied a man(*amus to
force SWG to reinstate hmi follow-
ing his suspension on a charge of
couduct unbecoming a Guild
member.
Judge Hanson- ru)ed that so long
as the . by-laws of an organization
were in proper' order, and a com-
plainant bad accepted them by be-
coming a member, the courts had no
jurisdiction to interfere.
Sam Katz down with fiu.
Kay Mulvey out of hospital.
Howard Hughes in from Texas.
Harry Himter in from Au:::j.'alia.
Richard Wray back from England.
Mitchell Gertz recovering from
flu.
BarUett Cormack back from New
York.
Burns Mantle looking over Holly-
wood.
Hermes Pan back f^om Tennessee
vacash.
Marian Marsh burned by gas ex-
plosion.
Joyce Robb divorced James H.
Sigman.
Martha Raye to Salt Lake City for
personal
William Anthony McGuire home
with flu.
Weldon Heybum. granted default
divorce.
' Richard Greene laid up with ear
infection.
Louis B. Mayer laid up with throat
infection.
Alexander Woollcott in from
Broadway.
John Beck, Jr., joined Music Corp.
of America.
Carroll Peacock to hospital with
heart attack.
Harlan Hbbba joined. Paramount
publicity staff.
Oscar Oldknow back from tour of
south and east
Anne Morgan gandering studios in
tow of Sam Katz.'
Clay Hake here fr<Mn Australia for
studio conferences.
Jeanette MacDonald on two-month
midwest singing tour.
Alice Moore Kitight granted di-
vorce from Felix Knight
Norman B. Rydge here from
Australia to look over product
Anna May Wong readying for
round-the-world personal tour.
Lillian Hellman in from Broadway
for conference with Sam Goldwyn.
Constantin Bakaleinikoff to Frisco
to confer on music program at the
Fair.
Sl Loflis
By Sam X. Hnnt
Sidney Johnson, owner of, the
Merry Widow theatre, boiUng out at
Hot Springs.
Wally (Season, of WB sales staff,
recovering from injuries suffered in
auto accident
Phil Leslie, of F&M's accounting
dejiartment, on three weeks leave to
write gags for Al Pearce.
' The American Theatre, a . 630-
seater, operated by Theodore Cole-
man, Mt Carmel 111., damaged by
flre,
St Louis Opera Guild will present
Gilbert St Sullivan's 'Pirates of Pen-
zance' in opera house of Municipal
Auditorium 'April 12.
John Hoefllnger of F&M's pub-
licity and advertising denartment,
upped to manager of the Lafayette,
a St Louis Amusement'Ca nabe,
Mrs. Herbert Witherspoon, exec
director of the Metropolitan. Opera
Guild, New York, addressed guaran-
tors of St Louis Grand Opera. Guild
at Hotel Jefferson.
Sid X. Hartman, manager of Chase
Club, West End nitery. and Al Wels-
man, reporter for Globe-Democrat
collabing on scenarios they intend
submitting to Hollywood.
John Ward, freasurer of Municipal
Auditorium, to take leave of . absence
to serve as production business man-
ager of Municipal Theatre Assn.,
sponsor of alfresco entiertalnment in '
Forest Park.
Out-of-towners seen on Film Row
recently include -John Reese, Wells*
ville. Mo.; George Keosotas. Sprin<;-
fleld, HI.; Tom Roonan, Danville,
HI; Bob Cluster, . Salem, III; Joe
Hewitt Robinson. lU., and John
Spaulding, Flora, ni.
Back from Florida are Joe Garri-
son, head of U branch; Tommy Wil-
liams, of the Movie theatre; Ben
Rhetneold, 20th-century Fox mon-
ajrer; Johnny Qiiinn. M-G manager;
Henry Hollowav, Gem theatre, Over- .
land, Mo.; Al Rosecan. Princess the-
afre; Heniy Johnson. Compton thea-
tre, all of .St Louis. Kn^ Tbeod-ore
Coleman, Mt Carmel. Hl.i exhib.
Frieda Hempel around.
The Leo Relsmans 'were in.
Adelaide Moffett returned to N. Y.
Cross and Dunn one-nighted at the
Colony.
Somerset Maugham kept his visit
ia secret. .
Hugh Dillman re-elected prez of
Elverglades club.
Clark Fiers is featured at the
Royal Worth organ.
Angna Enters was here Monday
(20-) under Four Arts auspices.
Val Ernie orcliestra closes at the
Whitehall April 1. Opens April 6
at Detroit Athletic Club.
The Colony closed Wednesday
(16). Pelican, Everglades carry on
through first week in April; 52d St
through April
Diana Barrymore visiting Mn.
Harrison Tweed (Michael Strange),
her mother. She's the daughter of
John Barrymore.
62
VARIETY
Wednesday, March 22, 1939
I
OBITUARIES
1
MAUBICE GOODMAN
Maurice Goodman, 66, who becante
y.p. and general counsel of the Ra-
dio-Keith-Orpheum Corp. In 1928,
and retired a 7ear later to return
to private law practice, died at his
home, the Hotel- Pierre/ -New York,
March IS. Since leaving RKO he
was a member of Columbia's finan-
cial committee. Goodman had been
ill for sometime.
An organizer of the Keith Vaude-
ville Exchange having joined Keith's
SO years ago, he later was appointed
general counsel of ' the. B. F. Keith
Circuit and In tl^at capacity for years
represented BKCt in practically all
of the company's important litiga-
tions. While no longer an officer of
RKO, he remained a member of the
board, of directors until his death.
His widow, two sons, a sister and
daughter survive,
BERT ADLEB
Bert Adler, 48, pioneer film publi-
cist, who represented practically
every firm in the industry at various
times, died in a New York hospital,
March 18, after a month's illness.
For the past three years he had been
secretary in the Department of Pub-
lic Works, N. Y.
Breaking in as a reporter for the
Boston Herald as a youthy he subsC'
B. T. CALDWELL
R. T. Caldwell, of KentviUe, N.
for the i>ast five years a member of
the Nova Scotia Board of Film Cen-
sors, has been given up as dead in
the Queen hotel fire, Halifax, N. S.,
which snufled out at least 28 lives
(no definite check on number).
Caldwell had been active in pro-
vincial politics and . was a former
member of the Nova Scotia Assem-
bly.
WILFBED SHINE
Wilfred Shine, 76, veteran stage
actor, died In Kingston, England,
March 14. Hailing from Manchester,
he niade his first appearance in pan-
tomime there, then toured in stock
and played in all types of shows. In-
cluding burlesque and comic opera.
Of late he had appeared in films,
had written for radio and played for
television.
IN HZaiOBIAM
In U«mory of 117 Dear Hoabahd
WILLIAM S. HENNESSY
March 21, l»l
Never iergotten b7 hia lovlns wife
MALVERN
quently movM into the picture field
as> press agent for nianhouser Pic-
tures. He then formed his own
public relations - agency and served
most of the major film companies in
that capacity.
Surviving are his widow and three
ions.
KATE HOWABDE
Kate Howarde,' 70, playwright, aC'
tress and producer for more than 50
years,- died in Sydney, Australia, Feb,
20. Miss Howarde made her stage
debut with the late John F. Sheri-
dan. Her local cmiiedy, 'Possum
Paddock,' had a two-year run
throughout Australia and New Zea-
land. She .made a trip to the U. S.
with her own. play, 'Rising Tides,*
but the Sah' Francisco earthquake
hit on the eve of play's opening and
she was forced to return to Aus-
tralia.
In later years she played a couple
of shows for the Fullers, and just
prior to her death tvas contemplating
entering the picture production with
'Possum Paddock,' with backing from
Stuart F. Doyle.
JATNE JABBELL
Jayne Jairell, 60, Pittsburgh book-
er, in that city, died March 15 after
a three-month illness. Stricken last
FBAMK N. HEARN, Jr.
March tt. Uit
Mr Darllnc Boy
SAvlag toreTer In the heart of
MOTHER
winter, Mrs, Jarrell had apparently
recovered and was about to set out
on a world tour in January when
she suffered a relapse.
Originally an agent for fair and
amusement park acts, she branched
out several years ago and had been
servicing night dubs and theatres,
too, In addition to producing units
for out-of-town houses.
A son and daugliter survive.
• LEONA THDBBEB
Leona Thurber, 63, former vaude-
vlllian and in musical , comedy, died
March 16 in Hollywood, after a long
illness. Best- known in musicals as
the lead In ' 'Coming Thru Rye,' she
later formed a vaude act, 'On Shop-
ping Tour,' with Harry Madison,
'whom she later married. He died
three years ago.
In retirement past 10 years, she
had been active in Troupers Club
and other local theatrical organiza-
tions.
lOSEPH HOWARD
Joseph Howard, 45, Milwaukee
night club operator, died March 12
in Hot Springs, Ark., as the result
, of a heart attack. He was owner of
the Casino, Milwaukee, and co-pro-
prietor with Louis Simon of the
Chateau Club there.
Widow, three brothers- and four
fliatcM. jmrylve*.
STEPHEN H. ELLEB
Stephen H. Eller, 56, a founder of
H E. R. Laboratories,' Inc., N. Y.
negative developer, more- than 15.
years iago,'died in New York, March
15. An executive of the company,
Eller had been in iU health for some
time.
Survived by widow, brother and
sister. Fimeral services and burial
took place in Milwaukee.
BOCCO CONTINI
Rocco Contini, 29, concert tenor, of
Dover, O., was fatally Injui^ed March
14 in an automobile-truck collision
near Martinsville, HL, in which four
other persons, all of New York, were
injured. He was a member of the
Seagle Concert Singers.
His father, five brothers and two
sisters, all of Dover, survive.
SABICEL BACK
Samuel Back, 56, associated with
the Rome Tbeatres, Baltimore chain
of nabes, died in a Baltimore hos-
pital March 16 after a brleljllness.
Survivors are a daughter, Ijaurine
Back, wife of William K. Saxton,
lioews's city manager, and Veon
Back, film booker and supervisor
of Roma theatres' house managers.
BIANUEL R. M^LPICA
Manuel Romero Malplca, 64,- Mexi-
can 'grand Opera baritone, who per-
formed in the United States and
Europe and was awarded a gold
medal by his government last De-
cember for advancing singing cul-
ture in Mexico, died in Puebla City,
Mexico, March 7.
Widow survives.
start production on 'Oom Paul,' deal-
ing with Paul Kruger, president of
the Transvaal during the Boer re-
gime.
ERNEST OABBISON
Ernest S. Garrison, 49, legit player,
died March 14 in Los Angeles. He
had been on the stage SO years.
Surviving is bis widow.
LOUIS BCCKUS
Lrouis Backus, 74, for years a stage-
hand in. Philadelphia legit theatres,
died March 17.
A sister and brother survive.
Carleton DIeklnson, 22, U. of Kan-,
sas student, .son of Glenn Dickinson,
Lawrence, Kas., owner of a chain of
theatres, died March 10 from in-
juries received in an- automobile ac-
cident early Saturday (18) morning.
Two other K.U. students were killed
when the car in which they- were
riding crashed Into , a filling station
pillar.
BlU Wise, 42, new^aperman-pub-
llcist died March 18, 1939, in Los
Angeles, from auto crash Injuries.
He should not be confused with
publicist of same name who is with
Margaret Ettlnger's Hollywood of-
fice.
Mother, 70,. of Sam and Irving
Tishman, vaudeville booker .and
agent, respectively, died March 16 in
Chicago.
Mother, 83, of MUtpn Rogasner,
operator of the Iris theatre, Phila-
delphia, died in that city March 15.
Daughter also survives.
William H. Carr, head set dresser
at RKO, died March 16 in Holly-
wood. He had' been connected with
studios for 20 years.
Mother of Arthur Levy, exchange
manager for Columbia Pictures in
Pittsburgh, died at her home last
week in Hamilton, Ontario, after a
brief 111n«*ss,
Mrs. Oeerge Hall, wife of the or-
chestra leader, died imexpectedly of
a heart attack March 15 in New
York. Survived also by mother, two
sisters and a brother.
RUPERT F. COX
Rupert F. Cox, 60, Ohio ballroom,
operator and identified with the out-
door amusement field for more than
25 years, died Marck 16 at his home
in Mansfield, O.. after a brief ill-
Widow, two sons and four daugh-
ters survive.
MICKEY MoOARRY
Mlck^ McGarry, vaude performer
for more than' 35 years, died in To-
ledo, O., March 16. For the past
seven years he had been conducting
a dancing academy in Toledo,
Widow, a daughter, three sisters
and' two brothers survive.
FRED R. CANTWAT
Fred Robert Cantway, 56, stage
and screen player, died March 12 in
Hollywood. .
Surviving is his widow. Amy.
Stowker Cantway, actress.
AOOSTINO BORGATO
Agostlno Borgato, 65, ctiaracter acr
tor, died of a heart attack March 14
in Hollywood,
Before coming to America 14 years
ago he had played in Italy and Eng-
land.
PHINEAS W. RILEY
Phineas W. (Finn) Riley, 50, Ft
Wayne (Ind.) stagehand, was killed
in a fall at the Paramount theatre,
Ft. Wayne, March 14.
Widow, five step-children, a sister
and three brothers survive.
MARION CLEVELAND
Marion King Cleveland, 56, of the
vaudeville team of Claude and Ma-
rion, died In Boston, March 15.
She was prominent in the 'White
Rats and was a member of the NVA.
M. A. WETHEBELL
M. A. Wetherell, 52, -actor and film
producer, died Feb. 25. in a Johan-
nesburg, So. Africa, hospItaL
He recently yieat. to Afric^k .to
MARRIAGES
Elizabeth Kellogg to Ignacio Herb
Brown, in Tempo, Ariz., March 14.
He's a songwriter.
Paula keliy to Harold Dickenson,
in Paterson, N. J., Jan. 1, just an-
nounced. She's vocalist with Al
Donahue's band, he's, one of the
Modemaires with Paul Whiteman.
Ina Claire' to William R. Wallace,
Jr.. in Salt Lake City, March 16.
Bride Is stage and screen player; he
is an attorney.
Isobel Escobar Gest to Donald
Christian Phillips, in Las Vegas,
Nev., March 10. He's an assistant
film director. .
Mrs. Kathleen Nolan Watson to
Sam H. Harris, in Philadelphia,
March 19. Bride was wife of the
late Victor F. Watson, Hearst editor;
he's the legit producer.
Alice Slzer to Ed Ludes, in Los
'Angeles, March 18. Bride Is a radio
singer; he's NBC technician.
Bertha LIghtner to ' Kay Barr, in
Pittsburgh, March 16. He's head of
KDKA, Pittsburgh, publicity depart-
ment.
Mary Gibson to Jimmy Grler, in
Tucson, March 18. Bride sings with
Grier's Band.
Beverly Martin to Clement Wil-
liams, in Tucson, March 18. Bride
Is film player; he's trumpeter with
Jimmy Grier's orchestra.
Kay' Llnaker to Hale Bumslde, In
Yuma, March 16. Bride Is film
plaver.
Frances Fierst to Robert Leiber, in
Pittsburgh, March 19. He's manager
of the Paramount theatre, Braddock,
Pa.
Mildred Harris to Ray Merrell', lii
Pittsburgh, March 19. He's with
Sterling Young ork.
N. Y. Fair Swings to S. A. Shows
1
Harry Richman's 'Streets of Paris' Set— Bali Village
Projected
Gobs Aplenty
Largest naval display in the
east in history will be part of
New York World's Fair, opening
April 30. More than 60,000 offi-
cers and men will be on 160
battlewagona for the U. S. Fleet,
scheduled to anchor in the Hud-
son river and N. Y. bay late
next month. This does not In-
clude foreign warcraft sched-
uled to be In N.Y. for exposi-
tion's start
Estimated that visiting naval
men will have more than $3,-
000,000 in salary handed them
during their visit of about three
weeks. Navy visitors land in
Manhattan with two weeks' pay
and are due to get another two
weeks oh May 6, 10 days prior to
weighing anchor.
Fair Min, Set
(Continued from page 67)
additional people. Figured that the
surge of visitors at the start of each
week would not make it advisable to>.
skip Sunday or Monday.
No deductions are to be made, for
performances that may have to be
called off on account of weather, and
if rehearsals are required after the
spec opens, they must be limited to
five hours weeldy. Daily time is to
start a half hour before each per-
formance. 'While the minlmums are
applicable to most of those in 'Rail-
roads,' the 44-hour limit does not ap-
ply to players engaged for more than
$100 weekly. Nor does .the same
working condition prevail for 'Mer-
rie England,' the Shakespearean tab,
for which the regular $40 minimum
applies.
Not RetroBOtlve
Equity established conditions for
the latter show some time ago and
agreed not to make the new condi-
tions retroactive. Same regulations,
however, are to cover all other shows
that are rated in the same classifi-
cation as 'Railroads.' Regardless of
who sponsors such shows, a bond or,
other security covering two weeks
salary must be deposited with Equity
so that all Equity conditions are ad-
hered to, as they would be on Broad-
way. However, the number of per-
formances is not as restricted since
each performance runs only 'little
more than one hour.
Protest against the. Federal Thea-
tre at the Fair , by John T. Schless,
of Chicago, who will have the 'Eng-
land' tab, did not get a nod from
Equity. Complaint was based on the
fact that the WPA-er will not charge
admission. While a condensed ver-
sion of 'Prologue to Glory* is to be
on tlie schedule of the relief outfit
at the Fair, it Is understood the ex-
hibs will mostly tie framed to dis-
play the activities of the 'WPA arts
and theatre projects.
BIRTHS
Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas, Jr.,
daughter, in Hollywood, March 12.
Father is In Universal publicity de-
partment. .
Mr. and Mrs. . Walter White, son.
In Los Angeles, March 16. Father
is radio player.
Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Cassell, son,
in Hollywood, March 16. Father is
executive assistant at Columbia.
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Redd, daui;hter,
in Los Angeles, March 18. Father
is NBC producer; mother is former
C^go Delys, radio shiger.
Mr. and Mrs. Will Jason, son, in
Los Angeles, March 19. Father is
Metro shdrts director..
Mr. and Mrs. Joe'Koscos, daugh-
ter, in ''Brockway, Pa., March 10.
Fathex'9 m .exhibitor there.
UBO Monopoly
(Continued from page 57)
it's understood, 'Comedy* will play
in opposition to houses operated or
booked by UBO.
Clash Oyer 'Holiday*
First clash between the author-
manager organization and the look-
ing outfit arose over the 'UBO
classifying 'Holiday' as drama, al-
though it was established as an op-
eretta on Broadway. Only after con-
siderable wrangling did the bookers
agree it is a musical. Dispute arose
because musicals receive higher
sharing terms than straight plays.
Break between 'UBO and the
Playwrights :is said to have come
when the bookers refused to
spot 'Comedy' into the Mary-
land, Baltimore,- ah independent
house, which has always been
favored by the McCHintic office,
Upon refusal, the producers decided
to book on their own, finding little
difficulty in getting dates because
of Miss Cornell's potential draw and
the publicity accorded the man-
agerial setup since the presentation
of Ijincoln.'
Objection to the exclusive booking
stipulation in the UBO contracts for
shows going to the road Is said to
have been objected, to by other man-
agers for some time. Understood,
however, thji^ UBO is insistent on
The anticipated swing to nudity and
sex-appeal shows or exhibits in
which femme beauty Is highlighted,
last week brought a long procession
of possible entries for Ne«"-York '
World's Fair midway. Harry Rich-
man's deal for the 'Streets of Paris*
was set, with the exposition reported ■
using part of Its revolving fund to
help finance.
Latest proposed show, expected to
be set before the first of next month,
is the Frank Buck proposition to in-
stall a Ball village featuring Baltnese
dancers in native garb. Buck Is
bringing .two cargo ships filled yrlth
animals for his other show,- 'Jungle-
land.' They already are on the high
seas bound for N. Y.
Although officially listed, as not
having the contract okayed by the.
fair, the Crystal Palace loomed as a
hew show of potential draw, since
Rosita Royce, who does a dove dance,
is reputedly in as a feature. Cuban
Village now Is credited with having
a girl voodo dancing act lined up.
Charles L«malr Is given credit for
having a 'Nude Ranch' idea ready for
official okay. Cieorgle Hale also may
be on fte amusement sector list with
an 'Adam and Eve' nudist show. An-
other idea mulled is that of an Orlen-'
tal Village,- with dangers of that Ilk.
There's a proposal to' pep up the
Wild 'West Show via a -Lady Godiva
riding act
Hassmur'Aetlve
Paul Massman, who was called in
a short time ago, is reported hypoing '
action in the concessionaire division.
Attractions being substituted for
those which dropped out are being
picked with an eye for draw at ^ the
midway gate.
Fair is trying to build up the idea
that there will be a Times Square at
the exposition. This was one of sev-
eral names given the amusement
zone at one time, or another. Thus
far ,the amusement area is known as
just that
'While there are 1,216 acres in the
area comprising the fair grounds,
considerable space Is taken up by a
large lagoon and a giant parking,
zone. ' ^ese three take up such
space that some officials are duboius
about how capacity crowds will be
handled. Peak .attendance is ex-
pected to be 1,000,000 on opening day
and ' special event dates. Average
daily attendance is expected to be
300,000.
Latest check shows that there will
be 800 special events and conven-
tions held in New York during the
six months that the exposition re-
mains open. Official shuttering- dat*
Is Oct 31. It opens April 30 next
Whalen's Film Finished
Grover 'Whalen has just completed
his first active contact with the pro-
ducing end of -the picture business.
He was supervisor on the special
two-reel short "N. Y. World's Fair,'
which has just been completed.
Claude Collins, newsreel contact
representative for the fair, directed
the picture.
Subject is to be furnished gratis to
clubs and organizations as a bal-
lyhoo for the exposition..
that provision only for productions
touring after the New York engage-
ment and does, not object to pro-
ducers booking their own tryouts.
Standard Contracts
It has been alleged that the XJBO
is prone to change rules which affect
sharing terms of shows it t>ooks,
also, in setting terms according- to
the show's evaluation by tlie book-
ers. Argued that musicals and
dramas should have set terms, as one
way to prevent discrimination,
thereby standardizing the contracts
for each classification.
Claimed there aria considerable In-
dependent theatre operators out of
town who are dissatisfied. Main
squawk is that UBO favors its own
theatres. Generally, the bookers are
not criticized for protecting their
own interests and using indie spots
to break jumps. However, the local
showmen say the sharing terms are
not equitable, stiffer terms apply-
ing to the indie houses in compari-
son to the split In UBO theatres.
One of the reputed exceptions is .
a theatre in Salt Lake Cl^, used by
plaxs to and from the Coast to break
the juibp. That theatre operator is
aware that he's able to make. terms
he regatdS' as fair despite the book-
ers. Other indie stands are not so
geographically situated, which ex-
plains the reputed complaints.
Wedneadayf M«ch 22, 1939
FORUM-OUTDOORS
VARIETY
03
WHAT THEY THENK
Betorn ot Stock
Maiden, Mass.
Editor, Varietv!
I read with Interest In your March
A edition about the group players on
Boston's Beacon Hill devoted to the
nroductlon of significant plays. It
seems to be in Une with a general
tendency for the retjim of the old
- jt<jck-company»-.You may-or-may-jjpt
know of the history of the Maiden
Auditorium. For thirty years it was
known far and wide as a stock thea-
tre and a great many people on the
gtege and screen ait the present time
played there years ago.
After a lapse of 10 yean), a group
of people Intere^ed In tblf type of
entert^inqient have 'formed the Mai-
den Theatre Guild -.and are putting
on plays twice a moiith under the
direction of Martha- Abbott Simon-
Ian. The first play was Oscar Wilde's
Importence of Being Earnest,' played
to capacity au(Uenoe with .a cast
made lip of summer stock players.
The plan- has received favorable
comment in all the Boston papers
and the general opinion Is that it
will run successfully,
Ethel Taylor ha^ come on from
New York to play , the leading role
In our next play, opening March 25,
'Ahother Language.' In the support-
ing east are Wesley Boynton, Gladys
Mevls,. Loraine Wilson, Laura Jjee,
Paul Neelon, Warren McCann and
Nathan Schwartz,
With proper management ' we can
charge popular prices, -80 and 75
cents. The audience is entirely of
the non-movie type and from what
I hear from movie patrons, there
will be more in this class as time
goes on, because there seems to be
a 'dissatisfaction among this group at
the present time and the feeling
seems to be that the play will prove
to be a medium for diverse enter-
tainment
William Faversham, Jr., is to be
the featured player In Noel Coward's
•Tonight at 8:30,' slated for opening
AprU 7. It is the Intent of the GuUd
to have at least one guest star for
•very play.
I hope this Information will prove
of hiterest,
Arthur C. Jaynes.
Bevlvmb' B. O.
Highland Park. Mich.
Editor, 'Varktt:
In last week's Issue you give some
food for thought aboyt natural box-
office possibilities, plus ahownia|i-
(lilp, etc.
Here In Highland I*ark (Detroit)
we have one modest specimen of so-
called showmanship, who saw the
bijg parade of road-shows, vaudeville
and In the fiesh entertainment
change into entertainment packed In
cans. This man created for himself
• gdal based on a showmanship Idea.
Today, at 47, he Is known as That
Film Man Revivalist and Bring
"Em Back DeHaven, who should be
awarded an Oscar for outstanding
and unique exhibition. At this writ-
ing, 'Jezebel' and' 'Citadel' have been
presented for 14 consecutive days,
from 9 a.m. to 12:30' a.m. daily, and
attendance Is stUl 100%.
There's gold In showmanship re-
vival presentations.
Junior Daugherty.
Laagford Fan
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Editor, Vabiett:
■.After reading your column. Inside
Stuff— Music, In the March 1 Issue,
I wonder where In the picture you
would place Frances Langford as re-
gards the 'Deep Purple* hit
After all. Miss Langford was the
orst to sing 'Deep Purple' over the
||ir, as . a scene In ibe sketch 'Man-
hattan Masquerade,' on the Texaco.
Star Theatre program of February
}• Miss Rhodes didn't sing the tune
™i after that
Anyway, they both do right well
by it
'Marion Sehifain.
Sen. Flshface Beporta
Hollywood.
eoitor, Vabiety:
It's been quite a while since
youve heard from old Senator Fish-
«ce. Just wanted to let you know
He s still in there fightin*.
In case your millions of readers
"ave lieen wondering what has hap-
Peaed to the old boy, you can tell
«tt it's no wonder they haven't
Ward anything about him. He's
^ hi vaudeville. I joined up with
'ohnny O'Brien and hla Harmonica
^ Hat band in Chicago about five
Months ago, and we barnstormed
tone, two, tiiree-nlghtos) through-
out aie midwest for about three
•nontlis. It was great experience and
I learned • lot about diow business
(hat i didn't know before. I can as-
sure yoa our little unit was warmly
received everywhere we played.
There Is no doubt In my mind that
theatre-goers are starving for good
flesh shows. ' But— they've got to be
good.'
A bum unit can positively spoil it
for the next one. In some of the
"h6iUsSs'"we played we were told that
there had been a couple bad ones
that had preceded us by a few weeks,
and in almost every Instance our
business was way below whal "we did
In most of the houses that hadn't
played those shows. Those that did
come, hpwever, went for the show in
a big way.
I .dont think vaudeville has a
chance of ever coming back in . its
old form, but T'do ^cerely believe
that with the ri^t kind ot showman-
ship :fle^ shows In unit form have
an excellent chance. Theatre-goers
must be re-educated to the idea that
flesh shows are a more human "and
more intimate type of entertainment
However, uhlt^ must have smartness
—a fast pace— and originality. If
they try to throw vaudeville at them
agaln^-as It used. to. be— whether
they call It vaudeville or 'Joe Doakes
and His . Hollywood Cut-ups,*' then
Via afraid motion pictures wUl con-
tinue to be "your best entertainment'
I real^ would like to see a rebirth
of flesh, and I do believe it a lot of
smart sitownven would get behind the
movement it can be done.
Elmore Vincent.
rretty llanx
New York.
Editor, VABiErr:
Tm grateful for the notice and for
yoiir very constructive erlticlsm.
It looks as if the listeners are go-
ing to enjoy .'If s XJp to You.' There
were almost 1,000 letters by the end
of the second mail— all ml^tr Per-
sonal. That's one Jieodache the radio
provides for those working in It —
what to do with' the thousands of
letters written by the most sincere
people in the country. I feel like
spending every nickel I earn to an-
swer these wonderful letters. ... It
makes me feel a little ashamed.
By the way, the score is based on
a point system: audience reaction, a
facile mind, a sense of humor and a
capacity toi remember. The little girl
who came oiit first in the contest
was voted by 90% of the fans as the
best contestant So, fortunately, our
master mind guessed right
I had very little chance to display
any zing I may have as an 'm.c.— we
finished the dress rehearsal (allpw-
.Ing time for contests) just five min-
utes to three. .And then I was told
to cut four and a half minutes dur-
ing the broadcast Ohj it was a lot
of fun.
Dale Baxter.
Switch an ^Scarlett'
New Yorlt
Editor, 'Varietv:
Just to keep the records straight
the lyrics for 'I Don't Wanna Be
Scarlett' were written by David
Greggory, and the music, as you re-
ported, by Berenece Kazounoff. In
your mention of the New Masses'
'Sunday Night Varieties,' credit was
attributed to John LaTouche, erro-
neously, though the latter did the
wordage on several other tunes in
the show.
For a news, note you may be in-
terested in knowing that Greggory
also has written 1930 lyrics for 'I've
Got a Little List* and l^et the Pun-
ishment Fit the Crime' for Michael
Todd's The Hot Mikado.'
Thanks ip advance for a correc-
tion on the 'Scarlett' lyric credit
Considering Uie million and more
details in each issue of Vabiety let
me add my appreciatlion that there
are so few inaccuracies. Special Con-
grats on the drama news checking
in a field where confused Informa-
tion is almost a part of the theatrical
tradition.
M. R. Jacobson.
Jemail'a New FormuU
New York.
Editor, VarieTj-;
I agree entirely with the con-
structive criticism. However, I've
changed my type of show to that of
straight Inquiring Reporter, with the
thought of keeping a newspaper at-
mosphere in all thb Mterviewa.
It is ihy intention, generally, to
divide the time between celebrities
and the man on the street and the
new setup seems to pull much more
than the old type of show, which
everyone is doing. But when we
have a news setup, as we have to-
night (16), when I'U ask Jimmy
Walker if he'd like to be mayor of
Lateness Pays
San Francisco. March 21.
The one-miUlonOi visitor to
the (jolden Gate International
Expo dropped her . 50c ticket in
the box and passed through the
turnstile at noon, ' last Wednes-
day (15) to become famous for a
day. She was Betty Barnes,
young local dietician, on her .first
trip to Measure Island.
Before die returned, home she
had been presented with cash
and gifts totaling almost $1,000,
ranging from a t>edroom set a
wrist watch and a gasoline camp'
lamp, to a round trip to tios An-
geles. She was given free access
to every exhibit and concession
on the island.
No Outside Shows, So
Chicago Stadnm Wffl
Stage Own Grcos
Chicago, March 21.
The Stadium is going into the cir-
cus business again this year. On
April 14 it will bring its own Euro-
pean-Olympia: (^us into the' arena
for a 16-day sojourn.
Barnes & Camithers' fair booking
office is setting up the show. Stadi-
um played its own circus several
yeai^ ago and ' managed to make
some coin with it on tiie .two-week
run.
Decision of the Stadium to stage
its own spring indoors circus f^-
lows the indication tliat no other
outside show will . come int6 town.
This Is unusual for CHiicagb, which
usually has two or three dicuaeS
getting away with indoor dates in
the spring. Chi previously had
openings of such shows as Cole
Bros., Sells-FIoio, Hageniieck-Wal
lacie.
HENNIES LOSE SUIT
VS. MICH. STATE FAIR
Detroit Mareh 2L
Hennies Bros. Carnival's suit
against the Michigan. State Fair
board, Uleglng breach of contract
for the 1939 fab:, was dismissed by
Federal Judge Edward J. Moinet last
week. The judge decided that no
oral contract existed between the
Hennies and Frank Isbey, resigned
manager of the fair.
Orvllle Hennies, president of the
carnival, has contended that the new
fair board had voided Iiis oral con-
tract for next fall's fair for political
reasons, despite his deposit of $4,000
to bind the contract ° Isbey testified
he had not approved or signed the
contract
The American Amuse. Co. has
been awarded the midway contract
for next fall's fiilr.
Gnberg Gels N. Y.
State Fair Midway Iteal
Syracuse, March 21.
New York state fair, through Paul
Smith, director, has given Max Gru-
berg ttie contract for the midway at
the annual expo this year. Gruberg
replaces Rubin & Cherry exposi-
tions, which played the fair date last
year.
Other details for fair, now slated
to buck the N. Y. World's . Fair for
two weeks in the hope of drawhig
New York-bound tourists, are mov-
ing slowly because the state legisla-
ture is toying with the idea of a
slash in the fair budget, Giovemor
Lehman having asked an additional
appropriation of $68,000 to meet
losses incurred last year. The gov-
ernor's explanation for the loss in
his budget message was 'cold and
rainy weather encountered last
season.'
Frisco Fair Maps Promotion Drive
To Prevent M^t ^ N. Y.'s Expo
Main Selk Title
Akron, March 21. ''
Frank Ruttman has leased from
Walter L. Main' the more than 50-
year-old title of Walter L. Main
Shows and will launch a three-ring
circus early in May, to play the mid-
west territory under auspices.
Outfit will play three-day and
week bookings in all stands, with the
show tentatively set for at least two
weeks in Detroit and a possibility of
an engagement of the same length in
Toledo.
New York City again, the program
will be far more interesting If we
let the interview "take the greater
part of the show.
Jimmv Jemau.
Sari Francisco, March 21.
Determined to keep the approach-
ing opening, ot the New York
World's Fair from overshadowing
Interest in the Golden Gate Interna-
tional Expo, a campaign has been
mapped by - promotion manager
C\jds M.' Van^erburg to grab all
available space in 1,800 top trade
publications during the month of
AprU. Fact that the exhibits at the
N.Y. Fair are not completed and
ready for photographers means that
these channels are practically closed
to eastern expo at this time. Expo
has a plan on foot' to. bring a hun-
dred or so key mag. publishers, art-
ists and writers to the Coast' within
the next several weeks.
Expo has set April SO as Los An-
geles County day. It is hoped that
the setting of this day on the open-
ing of the N.Y. fair will limit the
breaks in tiie Coast ' dailies of the
eastern expo.
Described, as 'a post-graduate
course' following Sally Rand, the
highly touted Greenwich Village
opened its doors on the Gay way Sat-
urday. Within its Conines are Zo-
rima and her nudies, Cal Lipes' flea
circus; hurley producer Dick Wil-
bur's girl show .under CHarence
Clayton's management; ex-AIcatraz
Island {irisoner Roy Gardner in a
talk on prison life; a girl revue in
the Village's main auditorium, and
four restaurants - serving food of va-
rious nationalities.. The Village, an
$85,000 attraction, is expected to be
one of the GayWay's biggest draws.
The fair management realizing the
need for' such a coin-puller, is ex-
pected to maintain a "hands off* pol-
icy, permitting the operators to pep
it up as they see fit
New Ooncesslons
Several other new concessions
opened within the past few days, in-
cluding 'Glass Blowers of the
World,' which got under way Friday-
(17). Featured is William Smith,
seen at the St Louis World's Fair in
1904 and the Paris exposition three
years ago. An added attraction is
W. E. Alexander's flea show. 'Dan-
cers of the World,' with Noel Wes-
ley as director, and operated by th«
Stutz Brothers, is another new one.
Leo Singer's Midget Village, which
folded a few days after the fair's
opening due to lack of capital and
incomplete facilities, is expected to
reopen within a week or so under
the 'new management of Walter Sibr
ley, who has the 'Headless Girl'
show on the Gayway. Log cabin ap-
pearance of the village's front will
be dianged for . something more ap-.
propriate.
Expensive CHiinese VUlage, a dis-
appointment from the beginning, en-
countered new difficulties last week
when some of its concessionaires
closed, up in protest agabist the 25c
admission charge to the village
grounds, which is In addition to the
tees asked for individual exhibits
within. Dispute has not been set-
tled yet but the concession^ were
reopened for the week-end. Fact
that some of the exhibit material
has been tied up in customs has pre-
vented the opening of several other
concessions within the village. Cus-
toms officials have been asked to
permit the goods to enter duty-free,
with the concessionaires promising
to pay the customs charges from re-
ceipts as soon as they can get their
displays going.
Union Squabble
A jurisdictional dispute revolving
around the ride men on the Gayway
has flared up between the RuUding
Service Employees International
union and the American Federation
of Actors. Former group claims pri-
ority and right to organize the ride
men, who number about 50. - AFA,
however, maintains' it has the right
to represent all branches of the
amusement field with two excep-
tions, billposters and musicians. Ex-
ecutive board of the American Fed-
eration of Labor, in Washington,
D. C, has been asked to rule on the
matter by representative Al Smith
ot AFA.
Indications continue that the Ex-
position board of management is
considering further reorganization of
dejMirtments and operating policies
in order to have the islimd make its
best possible showing during the
summer season. Meetings are being
held dally to iron out the problems
of operating the expo, rather than
promoting it
In line with the- reorganization. It
was disclosed yesterday (Monday)
that about 50% of the personnel
originally employed by -the Exposi-
tion Company Itself bad been dis-
missed. Press Department has been
cut in half.
Mel Smith, new captain of the
Island's 'bright zone,' h.is already
begun the task of 'pallshing up' the
fun center. Smith has 'heen guar-
anteed freedom from censorship' in
his program of adding 'life to the
Gayway.'
Fair execs have asked Smith that
he produce a Gayway with more
sensations, brighter iights, more
breath-taking shows, more pep and
more thrills. Buildings on the Gay-
way are all pretty low, but former
concession chief Fred Weddletsn was
glad to get almost any type, ot build-
ing in order to have -imething re-
sembling a midway ready in time
for the opening. Wedcicton has just
taken over the management of the
baby incubator show on the Gayway.
Smith will endeavor to get more
height into the new structures.
'Folies Bergere' Hss B.O.
The 'FoUes Bergere' continues to
be the big lure on the Island right
now. However, . the Clifford C-
Fisher show is essentially a ' night
attraction, ' and for that reason per-
formances during the week are being
limited to one matinee a day in- -
stead of two, as originally scheduled.
Expo officials are delighted with
public's reception to 'Bergere,'
although there has been some criti'-
cism leveled at a few of the body
movements in the dance staged by
Valdez and Corinne. As a result a
tew ot the snakier, movements have
been clipped and pants have been
put on one of the men in one of the
meatiest parts of the show.' Take,
for first week of 'Bergere' reached
aiound $34,000, which means a nice
profit
Nudity Is now creeping into "Cav-
alcade of the Golden West' the ex-
position's octdoor historical pcgeant
which has been in need of some pep-
ping up. The Aztec maidens in the
spectacle are now being sacrificed
in the rkw in the interest of bigger
boxoffice receipts. Except for a few
balmy nig|its, weather has been too
chilly on the Island, resulting in
poor attendance at this show.
Warcrar Temp, Better B.O.
As the mercury went up last week,
so did the attendance at the fair.
Take the previous week i.aj dropped
nearly 20% over previous stint Re-
ceipts of Gayway operators also took
a nosedive along with the fall at the
gate, biz in the joy zone t>elng off
around 16%.
Last week, however. Was a differ-
ent story when the expo had several
of its. best week-day crowds since
tho Fair opened. The warm weather,
coupled with the personal appear-
ance on the grounds of screen stars
Robert Taylor, Mickey Rooney,
Lewis Stone, Fay Holden, Cecilia
Parker and others, hypoed attend-
ance considerably.
A free talk last night In ttie 9,000-
seat California, Coliseum by Mrs,
Eleanor Roosevelt also helped the
gate considerably. Mrs. Roosevelt Is
reported to have received $1,500 for
her talk. (Concessionaires look upon
such free attractions as swell come-
ons and. want more of them.
Contrary to expectations, local
niteries are being hard hit by the
expo ' competlsh, with only two or.
three garnering any appreciable
patronage. Embassy Club, one ot 10
spots whose liquor licenses were re-
voked for five days recently for
violation of the 2 a.m. closing law,
tailed to reopen after the shut-down.
Dime Day and special events for
newsboys drew 73,717 people to the
fair Sunday (10), making it one ot
the largest days at the ex^p since
its opening.
PLEAD FOB KABE CABNIES
Detroit March 21.
Mabe carnivals, banned several
weeks ago by common council,
should be allowed to operate because
of their neighborhood social effects,
veterans' organizations pleaded with
councilmen last week in an attempt
to get the ban rescinded.
American Legion posts testified .
they were able to maintain such
things as drum corps, etc, through
revenue obtained by sponsoring an
annual camivaL Lieonard Simons,
spokesman for the Michigan Show-
men's Assn., told the council that at
least 500 Detroiters would be de-
prived ot livelihood this summer if
the ban Is continued.' The council
took the plea— wnder advisement
VARIETY
WednesdAj, March 22, I939
C!w BOB BURNS in Poramount's
Kansas Ciiy. . ,
HELD OVER
Bob Burns in' I'M FROM MISSOURI
''Homespun stuff done to order
for Bob Burns' brand of drol-
lery. . . one of Bob's best roles
...excellent support in playing
and production . . . high aver-
age of laughs." -Doi/y Variety
'Burns clinches star niche . ♦ •
Vm FROJyi MISSOURI' will head
into good business."
-"Hollywood Roporter
A Paramount Picture . Directed by Theodore Reed • Scr
With Gladys George • Gene Lockhc
een Play by Johr, C. Moff.tl ar,d Duke Atiebe-ry . Based or, Stones by Homer Cr
oy and Julian Street
RADIO
SCREEN
STAGE
PRICE
25^
Publlshad Weekly at 1S4 West 4$tb Street. New York, hj Variety. Ino. Annual mbeorlptlon, 110. Blncle coplea. 2S oenta.
Entered u ■soond-oUw natter December 22,. 190(. at the Post Oftica at New Tork. N. nnder the act of Marob t, in*.
COPTBIGHT, 19SS. BT TABIETT. INO. AIX BI0HT8 BB8EBTSD.
Vol. 134 No. 3
NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1939
48 PAGES
Midway Bldg. Spurt Shoidd See N. Y.
Fairs Sideshows 90% Set by April 30
By MIKE WEAB
Tremendous building activity In
the last two weeks within New York
World's Fair amusement zone makes
tiie'mldway loom as about half com-
pleted approximately SO days be-
fore the exposition wlU swing open
the gates ofticlally on April 30. Spurt
In construction and speeding up of
lagging contracts on a practical basis
hai encouraged fair oflicials to be-
lieve that the midway area will be
at jeait 90% completed for the open-
ing date.
Big task during the next four
veeks will be to redouble working
crews so that there will be no haU-
flntshed amusement area for Kew
Vork Fair's opening week. Veteran
«XRpsition officials realize that a 50%
completed midway can give the en-
tire fair a body blow that no subse-
quent adjustment will be able to
overcome. "At least' that has been
ihe~experlence In world expositions
during the last 10 years.
As the amusement zone now stands
It Is possibly 80% behind the re-
mainder of the fair on its construc-
tion I'progf aim. WhUe about three-
fourths of main exhibitors appear to
hsve^'made *vast' strides in getting
their shows Into shape in the last 10
days, the gi'ounds themselves appear
to' be laggard in this activity. Sys-
' tern of roadways- is far from com-
! pitted. Erection of a retalnhig wall
(Continued on page 47)
Daniel Frohman Losing
N. Y. Lycenm Home Dne
: To Bank's Foreclosure
. Daniel Frohman, veteran showmap
Wh() ha? • occupied a unique apart-
ment atop the Lyceum, N. Y» since
the': theatre was built 35 years ago,
will probably be forced to vacate.
Property has been taken over by
the Bowery Savings Bank, holder of
the .first mortgage,, tturough .fore-
closure after other Interested parties
Wtptejssed no desire to assume a
share of the fixed charges. Under-
stood service has been discontinued
«nd: without heat the apartment can-
not be occupied.
Apartment was reached by a ptl-
^tft elevator, which operated from
a landing up a short flight of steps
w the^theatre's lobby. Aged head of
the fetors Fund has en art and the-
atre collection In the apartment
Which. he occupied alone. Spot was
the scene of numerous affairs par-
(Contlnued on page 34)
De-Toughening 'Em
Hollywood, March 28.
Protests from parents all over the
«*U>try have influenced Warners
J^on to soften up the 'Dead End*
studio Is dressing them in
:P""?oy and rah-rahs and putting
J™^Dale Carnegie touch on their
Marquee Picketing
One employment agency sup-
plies picketing jobs- at $l.a day,
or $2 If the sign-carrier also de-
livers a spiel while marching.
'WPA actor was set for a
speaking part, but the deal fell
through when he demanded bill-
ing.
FRISCO EXPO
B.O. FARING
POORLY
San Francisco, March 28.
Current slim pickings on the Gay-
way (midway) are worrying conces-
sionaires at the Golden Gate Inter-
national Exposition, but they expect
to hold out imtil May, when the
tourist rush Is expected to begin.
Boys are squawking about lack of
strong free attractions. They believe
both the current 'Folles Bergere* and
preceding Eddie Cantor show should
have been gateless, thtis luring larger
crowds who would have spent more
coin on the Gayway. Expo in turn
would have profited more in long
run from its cut in increased rev-
enue.
Several concessions including such
major shows as the Chinese and
Scotch villages are struggling for
existence.' Former has cut admish
to a dime. The expo's sports bud-
get Is said to have been slashed from
$100,000 to $25,000, following flop of
practically every sport attraction to
date. Most recent fiasco was in-
ternational championship six-day
bike races, loss on which was said to
be $10,000.
Another headache is the Edwin
Franko Goldman band, signed for
15 weeks at $8,000 per. An unshel-
(Continued on' page 46)
BURTON HOLMES AT 69
GROSSING $97,000 AYR.
St. Louis, March 28.
Burton Holmes, the 69-year-oId
travelog lecturer, who winds up his
46th regular season in St. Paul on
April 11, will personally gross ap-
proximately $97,000 for his season's
work, according to Walter T. Everest,
his manager. After the St. Paul en-
gagement Holmes will deliver three
additional spiels in Qulncy, Dl., Cin-
cinnati and Huntington, W. Va„ and
in the latter towji on April 15 will
call It quitfffo' the 1938-39 season.
Holmes will then journey to New
York to mull over what countries he
will visit next summer for material
for his next season.
OTHEIl FIELDS
AREBAiEN
Scouts' Yield Away from
BVay Meager — Material
' for Pictures Mostly Origi-
nals, Few from Legit or
Published Works
RADIO NIL
HolIywood,March 28.
Talent for Hollywood is where you
find it This is the consensus of
talent scouts, casting directors, pro-
ducers, and executives on the vari-
ous lots. Recapitulation on new
talent for the past year show^ tliat
around 75% of the players are
brought here from the professional
stage; 20% from little theatres
(which, at course, means also the
stage); and the remainder from radio
and other sources.
Around 60% of - the yarns made
Into films are originals, according to
the survey. Plays from Broadway
score about 15% of the scenarios;
books 15% with mag and radio lag-
ging behind.
Talent scouting nowadays Is about
the same as looking for a new Van-
dermeer, DiMaggio or a Babe Ruth.
They glom talent In the strawhats in
the summer, and ogle the little thea-
tres throughout the winter. Tests
are made both here and in New
York, and if one comes through with
potentialities they're tested, groomed
and nurtured until a casting director
can convlhce a producer that the
player should be given a chance in a
film.
During the last year majority of
(Continued on page 44)
Lunts, Like Paderewsld,
Like to Park in Pullmans
Chicago, March 28.
During their recent string of one-
nlghters through the midwest, Al-
fred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne passed
up hotels and lived in their Pullman
car. Pair, who have I>een touring
since last fall with a repertory of
several plays, found it too much
trouble to check in and out of
hotels for one-day stops, so arranged
to keep their same Pullman, having
it run onto a siding at each city and
making it their continuous living
quarters. Members of the Theatre
Guild management, trying to phone
them at hotels, were surprised when
the calls were plugged into the rail-
road car.
Although It Is unusual for touring
companies to live on Pullmans In that
fashion, Ignace Jan Paderewski has
regularly followed that practice on
his concert tours for years. He al-
ways takes a private car and lives on
It wherever he goes. Does his prac-
ticing at night after the concerts, on
a piano specially installed on the
car. He always has a phone Installed
at each stop, but will never talk on It
himself, regardless who wants to
epeeik. to him. Leaves that to his
valet
NicUe-ui'^lot Phonograph Priority
Resented by Alert Music Shops
Still a Cigaret Girl
A possible new source '(tf pho-
nograph' disc sales Is revealed at
Cafe Society, new Greenwich
'Village swlngery. 'Vocallon rec-
ords of artists appearing In floor
show are sold to customers by
.the cigaret girl who hawks them
among the tables.
She charges 50c for a 35-cent
record.
BlAY lEGIT AT
$1; GORDON'S
REVIVAL
The often-broached $1 legit the-
atre will be tried on Broadway dur-
ing the spring, but It will not be a
new venture, fo^ Max Gordon has
slated a repeat .date ot The. 'Women,'
which has been farhig well out of
town with a top of $1. House' for
the return date has not been selected,
but' 'wlli be ot larger, capacity than
th6 average leglter. This is in line
with the '$2 legit theatre' idea.
Manager was about to close his
long-run Broadway hit in Philadel-
phia some time ago,- when, at the
ample F6rtest there, the Idea -ot
dropping the price to $1 was' tried.
Show grossed as high as $12,000 at
that scale, and the engagement was
extended week after week. In Pitts-
burgh last week business approxi-
mated the same paying level. It
opened In Detroit for a two-week
date Monday (27), advance sale at
the same low rate being around $8,-
000. 'Women' goes to Toronto and
then into the Boston Opera House,
(Continued on page 34)
POLinCAt SATIRE BY
UNIVERSrrY^S DANCERS
Omaha, March 28.
Advanced dancing class for femmes
at Omaha University has locals con-
vulsed over latest dance creation,
*WPA.' Dance got a full pace of
pictures In roto sheet of 'World-Her-
ald Sunday (28).
Gals give out In slow motion,
starting from a reclining position,
later getting to their feet for more
delayed motion and finally back to
the restful pose.
No. 1 G-Man'9 Pix Bids
Washington, March 28.
J. Edgar Hoover, chief ot the G-
men, may join the picture industry
in an executive capacity.
Hoover has had a numl>er of film
ofters and it's likely he will accept
one of these.
Music shops ot the first rank. In
the metropolitan key centres, have a
big peeve against the phonograph
manufacturers, charging them di-
rectly with delaying thfr revival ot
the talldng machine field. The blam*
is put on the coin machines tor not
having enough records available ot
the hit waxings.
There have been verified instance*
in such smart retail music shops as
Llbbrty, Marconi. Haynes-GrlSin and
the Center Music Shop in Radio City
that the hits are not serviced as fast
as could be, and by the time the fac-
tories catch up with advance orders;
the songs are dated.-. The reason tor
the major waxers beipg so tar be-
hind is ascribed to the coin operators
who get first call. There is one in-
stance where, witliin .five weeks, it
was still Impossible to give a cus^
tomer a record ordered more than a
month previous. And by that time;
considering the fleeting' vogue ot pop
tunes, the number was ancient his-
tory.
For Harlein Talent On
E'way; 3 Legits, Mery
There's plenty of folding money on
Harlem's rialto these days, and
more colored periormers and col-
ored shows on Broadway running
concurrently than ever before In tha
history ot show biz. There are three
all-colored legit attractions, 'Mamba's .
Daughtei^,' straight drama, and the
'hot' and 'swing' 'Mlkados,' the for-
mer presented by Mike Todd at
$3.30 top, and; the swing version the
WPA's Import' from Chicago at $1.10
limit
Plus the legit attractions, the Cot-
ton Club bowed In Friday night
(24) with a new floor .show holding
88 colored performers and musicians.
The WPA 'Mikado' has around 80
performers (though advertising 125),
with the musicians not in the tabu-
lation because they're ofay. Todd'
says his 'Mikado' has 112 colored
'oiks In the cast and pit 'Mamba's
Daughters' has a cast ot 25, large tor
a straight drama.
Another show heavily laden with
colored performers will hit Broad-
way when and if 'Sing tor Your Sup-
per,' in rehearsal tor many months,
opens. Debut is expected in two or
three weeks for the mixed-cast show,
which holds about 30 Harlemites.
An Audible Trailer
Press agents predict that the new
dry cell portable radios which can
be carried about by hand while op-
erating will appear this summer in
crowded places with the dial se^
and loud — at particular t>rograms.
' It's described as a natural atten-
tion-getter for an apparently inno-
cent guy to walk along with a pub-
licity sample of the program.
VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
N. Y. STRIKE GALL THREATENS WIDER
TIEUP OF PIX m IMBS SETTLED
Local 306 (lATSE) Places Dktribs in Middle of
Projectionists Row — ^May Cripple Entire Ex-
change System^— Mediation Moves Under Way
By BOT CHABTIEB
Alanned over inform.* tion that the
New York exchange zoi operators
may start refusing to project film in
theatres tonight (Wed.), a commit-
tee of eight chain representatives
late yesterday afternoon (Tues.) ap-
pealed to the State Mediation Board
to step into the situation. This move
was' hurriedly taken ^ter the com-
mittee had sought to confer with
Mayor F. H. La Guardia in an effort
to get his cooperation toward fore-
stalling any 'ieup of shows in the
film theatres^ The Mayor was un-
able to see the chain group, being
tied up on other urge: t matters.
Lengthy afternoon meeting with
Jules J. Freund of the State Media*
tion Board resulted in agreement by
the board that it will do e erything
In its power to adjust differences
which place the orderly operation of
theatres and supply of film in
Jeopardy.
Freund has invited executives of
Local 306, Moving' Picture Machine
Operators, which called the present
strike, together with its attorneys,
to meet with him this afternoon
(Wed;) for the purpose of attempt-
ing to launch machinery for the
mediation of the difficulties.
Theatre chain representatives who
met with Freund yesterday after-
noon (Tues.) were Marvin Schenck,
representing Loew's; Harry and Ber-
nard Brandt of the Brandt Bros, cir-
cuit; Emanuel Frisch and Sam Rin-
zler. of the Randforce chain; Law-
rence Bolognino, head of Consoli-
dated An>usement Enterprises; Irv-
ing Greenfeld, Loew attorney, Stan-
ley Laughton, who has an indie cIT'
cuit of his own, and Larry dthens,
. of Newsreel Theatres, Inc.
While these moves by theatre men
were being made, attorneys for ma
]or distributors were considering
various other steps that might be
taken. One of the larger attorneys
said that there were no furUier de-
velopments so far as distribs were
concerned yesterday (Tues.),
With film service out of the New
York exchanges completely crippled
Monday (27) when all lATSE imion
men— about 350 of them — employed
by the branches walked out In em-
pathy with one of the most uiiusual
labor coups - ever attempted, fears.
enforced, or to be amplified, wouU
involve. The union group in the
lATSE may not have anticipated that
the distribs, being in a very uncom-
fortable position, would say 'no' so
definitely and with such finality.
As a result. Local 306, Moving Pic-
ture Machine. Operators of N. Y.,
strongest affiliate of the lA, ordered
its men not to report for '•■prk Mon-
day morning (27) in the booths
maintained in home offices and ex-
changes. Picketing of both the home
offices and film branches was to be-
gin at 8 a. m., but did not start \m-
til late in the afternoon due to in-
ability to get signs printed up as
well as to advisory legal delay as to
what the signs should say. Final de-
cision was that the signs merely say
tlu^t Local 306, MPMO, was on strike,
with the home offices and exchanges
listed where this action' was being
taken. -
Following orders of 306 for picket-
ing of branches and h.o.'s, the Film
Exchange Workers, Local 51-B, of
which Lou Jo)mson is president,
held a meeting which ended at noon
Monday (27) to decide their mem-
bers, numbering 300, would also £o
out ' because, in acoordance with
imion regulations, tliey could not
cross picltet lines of any otlier lA
union. Result was that when the
day shifts were through, starting at
4 o'clock, these men could not re-
turn yesterday (Tues.). Also the
night shift Monday night (2T) could
not come to work' because picket
lines existed.
Only Exchange Not
Involyed Is Mmo
The only exchange and home office
not involved is Monogram. This
company does not maintain its own
screening rooms and Its exchange
employees are not members of the'
Film Ebcchange Workers Union.
Those of all other companies are,
including the smallest of the group;
Grand' National-Educational. With
operators not reporting to booths in
home offices and exchanges Monday
morning (27), all screenings that had
been scheduled Were cancelled.
In addition to crippling the ex-
changes in the servicing of film and
knocking out all screenings, further
Immediately arose
and exhibition circles as to what
steps might be takep it a hasty set-
tlement isn't reached. These fears,
based upon strong liossibilities and
Inferences of action,' include:
1. Will the operators in all theatres
served by the New Yolrk exchanges,
refuse to handle film of the distribu-
tors against which the strike is di-
rected?
2. Will the exchange workers in
all the key cities of the U. S. and
Canada where these same distribu-
tors operate branches, also go out,
completely tying up handling and
shipping of film, throughout the dO'
mestic market?
3. Will operators In such other ex-
change centers then- also refuse' to
handle film that carries the lATSE
label, made by the distributors with
lA labor?
4. Will all union help of the lA
In the. studios, both east and west.
Including newsreel' plants, also go
out, thus striking a blow at produc
tion?
Pending efforts to stymie the strike
action against distributors, under-
taken when latter refused to tieed
demands of the lATSE to shut off
service of film In the Greater New
York area and Long Island to houses
not recognizing the lA, the distribu-
tors are standing pat in their deter-
mination to resist such demands. The
number' of theatres involved— not
lATSE-manned — number around 75.
After having threatened the dis-
tribs, the latter following an all-day
meeting Sunday (26) decided to call
thd bluff of the unions, k.' spite of 9
deadline tor strike Monday morning
(27), by turning down all demands
flatly on the ground that what was
asked of them VouM be In violation
of law.'
This decision by the distribs ."tin-
day (26) may have come as some-
what unexpected in' view of the dan-
grrous ramifications a strike such as '
in distributifinl**^'' ^ ^o^day (27)
when the laboratory technicians.
Local 702, also voted not to 'cross
picket lines. This will seriously in-
terfere with printing, Including not
only feature product, but twice-
weekly issues of newsreels and their
delivery to exchanges.
Fearing the worst, all exchanges
worked far into the night Sunday
(26) at. top speed and furiously dur-
ing the day Monday (27) In getting
as much film ready tor use as possi-
ble. Exhibitors from all over the
comparatively wide zone covered by
the N. Y. exchanges were equally
frantic, booking as much available
film as' they could get, and either
having It delivered right away or
plcldng it up with their own cars or
taxis. In addition to grabbing as
much new film as was ready in the
exchanges, various exhibitors were
also picking up pictures that had
been played in the event they would
have to fall back on some 'early re-
vivals.' ■
The. film vaults by Monday after-
noon were never ^ empfy In history
after the great rush had occurred.
'While the movement of shows nor-
mally on a Sunday and Monday
amounts to about 100, the total over
the same two days this week ran to
three and four times this number for
most exchanges.
'While exchange managers stated
that shows tor a week or two wei«
on hand and ready for use, the prob-
lem is what can bie done, beyond that
with film exchange workers such -as
inspectors, cutters, rewlnders, han-
dlers, shippers, etc., all out To re-
place, men who can do this work by
hiring so-called 'scabs' would be no
easy task.
'While It Is the preparation of the
film tor use and shipment that ties
the exchanges up badly, there is ho
likelihood that film delivery service
will not continue, since the union
governing this activity Is not a part
of the lATSE. Also, as exhibitors
(Continued on page 18)
Strike Highlights
Projectionist members of XiOcal
306, N. Y., , lATSE-af filiated,
picketing all home ' offices and '
branches In N. Y.. excepting
Mbnograin.
Shippers, inspectors, rewlndera,
others ot Film Exchango Work-
ers Union, Local 51-B, number-
ing 300, out of exchanges due to
refusal to cross picket lines.
Laboratory Techni'rians, Local
702, also decline to cross picket
lines, interfering with print de-
liveries and other lab service.
Film service of the New York
exchanges seriously crippled and
vaults virtually cleaned of film
before walkout Monday after-
. noon (27).
Exhibitors loaded with as
much product, including 'early
revivals,' as they could get,
picking it up themselves in many
instances.
Theatres will pick up film from
each other and may last about
two weeks -based on supply ob-
tainable.
All screenings ot product at
home office and exchanges can-^
celled, importantly handicapping
operations.
Grays tears felt over possibil-
ity strike may spread to booths
of theatres and ultimately per-
haps on national scale to not
only theatres, but also all. other
exchanges in 32 key centers and
studios.
Arbitration of strike wUl be
sought, but doubt exists as to
what headway may be made.
The present strike meantime not
being halted with any view to
optimism concerning mediation
endeavors.
Advising' existing contracts
must be lived up to. Judge
Bondy told attorneys tor RKO
and other companies to take
such legal steps as tbey thought
fit
L W. FOX, JIU BJL FOR
FUimHOWARD UNIT
Deal tor financing ot Walter Fut-
ter-Leslie Howard's Major Pictures,
Ltd., productions for BKO release
-was closed with Lawrence W. Fox,
Jr., of General Film Co. last Satur-
day (25). Negotiations were han-
dled by William B. Jafle, attorney.
Fox left New York tor the Coast
yesterday (Tues.).
Futter-Howard deal with BKO
provides tor production of one pic-
ture, with option tor a second. Ini-
tial effort, rrhe Man Who Lost Elm-
self,' goes into production at Den-
ham studios, England, when Howard
completes his 'Gone with the Wind'
assignment
General is tied up financially , with
Universal's 'Crime (Hub* series and
Paramoun^'s 'Hopalong Cassldys.'
SAILINGS
June 21 (New York to London)
The Three Stooges (He de France).
April 1 (New York to London)
Merle Oberon, Jacques Grinless.
Sam Eckman, Jr., James Roosevelt
(Normandie).
March 25 (London to New York)
Greer Garson, Mltchall Hogan,
O'Gorman Bros, Gabriel Pascal, Ben
Goetz, Sam Wood, John W. Hicks,
Jr., Herbert Wilcox, Nat Wachs-
berger, Sol A. Rosenblatt (Norman-
die).
March 25 (New York to Bermuda)
Robert M. ~Weltman (Volendam).
March 25 (New York to Rio de
Janeiro) Guiomar. Novaes (Brazil).
March 25 (New York to London)
Noel Coward, Bela Lugosi (Queen
Mary).
March 23 {Nei> York to Paris)
Duke Ellington orchestea (Cham-
plain.)
ARRIVALS
(At the Port of New Torky
Alfred Hitchcock, Joan HarjisoD,
Mrs. Ad Schult>erg, Nat Wachsber-
ger, Sol A, Bosenblatt, R. Sutton
Dawes, Sir Gordon Craig, Erldt
Maria Remarque, Frederick Lons-
dale, Arthur W. Kelly, Sir William
Wiseman, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie How-
ard and daughter Leslie, Terry Kll-
burn.
Other News of Interest to Fflms
1 —
Anzacs blame Hollywood film quality Page u
Columbia's Italian film ideas Page 11
More Nazi flbn inroads.... Page li
Bob Hope's sub radio show .Page 21
Radio reviews: Dick Powell- W. C; Ftelds-Martha Raye, Grace
Moore, Bert I^tell, Madeleine Carroll ...Page 22
New Acts: Dorothy Lamour, Joan Davis-Si .Wells , Page 34
'Abe Lincoln' fllmizatioa set back to tall .Page 41
Broadway Sunday legit looks set Page 41
John. Barrympre's new play .-.Page 44
Exchanges Don't Want to Risk Suits
Through Failure to Deliver Fihns
Louis Nizer, who was drafted by the distributors Monday (27) to draw
up a f(»m ot instructions to exchanges on how to get their films and han-
dle them during the current lATSE strike difficulties,- yesterday (Tues-
day) sent legal memorandums to all major company exchanges. Latter
forwarded these notices to all exhibitors in the New York area.
Instructions are tor exchanges to keep shipping and delivering films to
the best of their ability, in order not to breach contracts with exhibitors.
It's figured- that with the product available, should the lATSE attitude
remain undianged, exchanges In the New York zone can service theatres
tor almost two weeks. Meantime competitive chains and Indies will ex-
change product outside of the exchanges, so as to circumvent any tieup
from withiil. - . •
All day Sunday and Monday .(27), following the strike call, everything
was cleaned out of the excbitnges in order not to risk having finished prod-
uct being tied up. .
Mediation Eflerts ContlniM
Although efforts - will be continued tor mediation ot the union strilce
against the distributors, it is declared highly doubtful that the present
picketing «nd refusal of exchange workers, as well as lab technicians, to
pass .picket lines, will be called off in hopes of the success ot any such
mediation. A settlement by arbitration would have to come first it is in-
dicated.
After conferring with Federal Judge William Bondy during the day,
attorneys for the film companies and Mathew. Levy, counsel tor 306, met-
again Monday (2V) night In the Justice's chambers to discuss arbitration
of the difficulties. No progress was made, although both sides continue
open to any steps inaugurated looking to mediation and, through it possi-
ble settlement
Declaring that 'existing contracts must be carried out' Judge Bondy
ordered RKO to take any legal proceedings it thought just In determining
the legality of the demands of Local 306. The hearing before Judge Bondy
was brought suddenly as result ot an application by Irving Trust Co.,
trustee of the RKO, which sought the federal court's advice In this matter.
The petition Cited the demands of the union, and remarked that should
RKO refuse to agree to the demands ot the Union, about 20% of its U. S.
gross would be lost and RKO's theatres dosed. If RKO did agree, the
company feared it .would face suits charging, violation of the anti-trust
act and possibly also criminal proceedings.
At the Bondy hearing were present William Mallard for Irving Trust,
Michael Longo tor the Empire State Theatrical Stag* Employees Union,
Inc., Arthur Schwartz, representing Oilumbia; Benjamin Pepper tor United
Artists, Thomas D. Thacher for Paramount, along with Aiistin Keoughj
W. F. R. Pride tor 20th Century-Fox, J. Robert Rubin and Leopold Freed-
man tor Loew's, and Mathew Ijevy, attorney for 300.
Levy arrived late for the hearing and declared that; before consulting
his clients, he could not appear officially, but only as ■ spectator.-
GN AND DR. FRENKE AT
ODDS ALL OVER AGAIN
Hollywood, March 28.
. Grand National and Eugene Frenke
are both plaintiff and defendant in
suits filed in Los Angeles Monday
(27) over release ot Anna Sten's pic-
ture, 'Exiled Express.' GN Insti-
tuted the first action to restrain Dr.
Frenke from negotiating another re-
lease for bis film. Frenke coimtered
with an action for declaratory relief
and $100,000 damages, seeldng dis-
solution of his releasing agreement
Studio filed suit last month aninst
Frenke which was withdrawn after
an out-of-court huddle. Miss Sten
is Mrs. Frenke in private life.
L. A-to N. Y.
C^pt Harold Auten.
Fay Bainter.
Walter Batchelor.
John N. DiUon.
Lynn Farnol.
Murray FeiL
Matty Fox
L. Wolfe Gilbert
Jacques Grinless.
Tom Harrington.
Florence TSIL Hume. '
Louis Hyman.
John Joseph
Jules Levy.
Lya Lys.
James Mulvey.
Merle Oberon.
Ralph Rainger.
James Roosevelt
James Saphter. —
Murray Silverstone.
S. Sylvan Simon.
William Wyler.
N. Y. to L. A.
Lawrence W. Fox, Jr.
Joan Harrison.
Alfred Hitchcock.
Leo Pillot
Alma RevUle.
Mrs. Ad Scfaulberg.
Homer Tasker.
Hariy Wurtzel.
METROTOSPEND
mOOOONITS
mm
The official budget on Metro pro-
duction and distribution tor 1939-40,
when the company will make 92 fea-
tures, plus shorts, has been placed
at $55,000,000, a new high for the
industry, and means that Metro will
have to clear this In rentals to break
even..
The actual figures are $42,500,000
to cover the cost of production; $10,-
000,000 to cover the cost of selling
them and $2,600,000 tor advertising
and exploitation. In all brackets this
represents substantial increases.
Billboardlng, which has been run-
ning around $600,000 yearly. Is be-
ing eliminated unless, in some in-
stances, men In the field want to
continue some use ot this form of
Advertising. The $600,000 will not
be thrown out however, since this
money is to be put to other uses
based on surveys in the various ex-
change zones t» determine the way
in which it can best be spent Some
of this annual expense may be di-
verted to Metro exhibitor accounts,
over and above what they have been
getting.
Joseph, Fox East
Hollywood, March 28.
John Joseph, Universal advertising
and publici^ head, and Matty Fox,
v.p., head east this weekend.
Joseph wiU discuss with home of-
fice' execs selling campaigns for new
season. Botib due back in two weeks.
Wednesdaj, March 29, 1939
nCTURES
VARIETY S
TOUGH SALES GRIND LOOMS
Whyfore of UA s Product Scramble
Scramble for product by United Artists at this time Is said to be
predicated. In part, on the expectation that UA cannot count on any
pictures from Samuel Goldwyn lor the "39-40 seaspn. That Is, (miess
adjudication of the letter's suit occurs before the start of next season.
No answer to Goldwyn's suit has been filed to date with the courts
by UA attorneys. Time for filing was due last week, but O'Brien,
Driscoll & Raftery for UA, had the case shKte4 from the Y. supreme
court to the U. S. district court in N. Y. last Monday (20) which now
gives the company until April 10 to respond.
One indication of the imcertainty regarding Goldwyn product is the
action of UA in omitting the producer's name from a parchment scroll
being sent to 400 leading exhibitors next month, in connection with
UA's 20th Anniversary celeBration,
' Only signatures on the scroll are those of Charles Chaplin, Douglas
Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Hal Roach, Walter Wanger and Edward
Small. Selznick's name will probably also be added, as will Sol
Lesser-Louis Lurle. Goldwyn is reported to have refused, to allow
UA to publicize his name or his product over and above the two pic-
tures he will deliver on this season's schedule.
Although renewed with United Artists, John Hay Whitney and David
-0. Selznick wanted en RKO Radio affiliation on the basis Whitney ac-
Quire a substantial stoc]^ interest in RKO. Early talk was that some
stock might possibly be acquired from the Atlas-Odium, holdings in
RICO
Failing of such a deal. It left Whitney with the conclusion that S-I
might just as well continue to release through UA.
Lesser to Concentrate on UA Deal,
Breen to RKO; Wanger After Ford
Sol Lesser will abandon all outside
production on the Coast with sign-
ing of a United Artists contract
which will provide for a number of
producer-director units first of which
will be headed by Ernst Lubitsch,
who starts functioning at conclusion
of his current Metro ticket Jan. 1.
Lesser has associated with him in
the deal Louis Lurle, San Francisco
capitalist, and also Principal The-
atres, a Coast circuit in which he,
Mike Rosenberg, Charlie Chaplin
and a number of others are partners.
Understood that with the conclu-
' lion of two Bobby Breen pictures
for RKO, Lesser will turn loose his
Juve star, with RKO taking over pro-
duction of future pictures.
Murray Silverstone, UA chieftain
due east from the Coast this week,
lined up Maury Cohen, a former
RKO and indie pic maker, to re-
lease one Spanish language picture
to be made in Hollywood which will
be used exclusively In the foreign
market Should It click a further
' release deal will be made with
Cohen.
Walter Wanger, who was reported
dickering with John Ford to join
his UA production unit as exec di-
rector, is trying to get release of
latter for couple pictures yearly from
Darryl Zanuck of 20th-Fox, who
holds a term deal with the director.
Silverstone, after his return here,
la set to head for London about the
middle of April to lay out his for-
eign selling campaign on the new
season product
Lubitsch, in association with Les-
ser, wUl be backed with $1,000,000
for their Initial productions. The
same financial support for another
producer-director, to be inducted
into the lesser unit, is ready, as soon
as details are closed.
Small's Sextet
Hollywood, March 28.
Edward Small's six pfctures he is
to produce for United Artists' 1939-
40 program include 'My Son, My
Son,' 'South of Pago Pago,' 'Food
For the Gods,' 'Life of Rudolph Val-
ejitino,' 'Quantreir and 'The Raider.'
He had four on this year's schedule.
U IS SEVEN PK AWAY
FROM '38^9 WASHUP
Hollywood, March 28.
With only seven more features to
Jjake, Universal plans to wash up
Jo 1938-39 production within a few
weeks to meet release dates through
August.
. -For the first time In' several years
we studio will finish production with
■ comfortable lead on release com-
nutlnents. Shooting on the 1939-40
program starts within a month.
KORDA DOUBLING
Technical Credits on Presenting*
vis London and UA
Reason- for the odd arrangement
arrived at by Alexander Korda and
his English backers to 'present' fu-
ture Korda Productions, Ltd., out-
put through London Film Produc-
tions, Ltd., for UA release, is one
of those legal things. Officially, al-
though production activities of
Korda are being shifted to the new
company from London Films, the
London Films-UA contract is still in
effect and will continue to be until
delivery of five more pictures, plus
balance of purchase price for the
unit of UA stock issues to Korda.
Technically, therefore, although
the same principals and the same
money are involved in both produc-
ing companies, UA is scrupulously
sticking to its distribution contract
with London Films.
To accept pictures for release
from the newly formed Korda Pro-
ductions, although such action has
supposedly been okayed by the UA
board of directors, might lead to
legal complications in view of the
Goldwyn suit against the corpora-
tion now pending.
Studio Space At
Premhiin, Indie
Production Spreads
Hollywood, March 28.
For the first time in 10 years indie
producers are faced with a shortage
of studio sapce. Some of the lots are
filled to capacity and others have
bookings enough to keep them
crowded until next fall.
Some of crowding is due to
overflows from major studios. Ed-
ward Small's The Man in the Iron
Mask' is using all four stages at Gen-
eral Service. Grand National is go-
ing at top speed on the rental plan,
and will shortly roll two of its own
pictures. The B. P. Schulberg plant
Is entirely occupied by overflow
from Columbia, Talisman is prac-
tically filled by Monogram produc-
tions, and 'Gone With the Wind' is
using all available space at Selznick-
International.
Johnston Due East
W. Ray Johnston will return to
New York to discuss 1939-40 sales
and other matters in about two
weeks. In the east for Monogram's
recent annual meeting, he is pres-
ently on the Coast |
Later in the spring or early sum-
mer Johnston plans going abroad.
HAIIDEST SELLING
IN HISTOIIY SEEN
Disturbing Conditions in
Film Biz Generally, Anti-
Trust Suits, Etc., to Give
Salesmen Plenty of Head-
aches — : No Picnic Last
Year, but '39-40 is Ex-
pected to Be Worse
EXHIBS' AMMUNITION
Disturbed conditions in the film
business generally over litigation,
trade practice reforms, chain di-
vorcement clamor, the U. S. anti-
trust suit against distributors, the
Interstate price -fixing upset and a
maze of other troubling factors —
supplemented by probabilities of
strong exhibitor resistance — are cre-
ating extreme uncertainty over this
year's selling season and may make it
the toughest in the history of pic-
tures.
That it won't be chUd's play go-
ing out to get contracts at terms
satisfactory to both sides, from
either the big chains or the inde-
pendents, is something no one is de-
nying in the face of the many up-
setting developments of the. past
year. Last spring and summer it
was no picnic trying to get exhibi-
tors and buyers to come through,
regardless, of the pressure, and this
year it promises to be tougher.
Deals on which negotiations had
dragged fot months, with large cir-
cuits as well as small indies turn-
ing a cold shoulder defiantly, were
stiU being closed up on the current
('38-39) pictures as late as last fall,
after a lot of product offered had
gone on release. Yet : some of the
distributors are rushing out early
again this year.
Two sales conventions have al-
ready been held (Warner Bros, and
Metro), but others, including 20th-
Fox,. Paramount and RKO, are also
trying to get some accounts on the
dotted line for the '39-40 programs
prior to official announcement of
schedules. Thus, these companies
are pushing for contracts on prod-
uct that will not start going on re-
lease until August 15 or September
1, five to six months from now. Con-
sidering that the programs go
through to the following August 15
or thereabouts (in 1940), the buyer
is signing up for product which he
won't get until 17 to 18 months
from the present
WB First
Being the first to go out to sell
with its complete lineup set and its
convention held a week ago, War-
(Continued on page 10)
No Coin, Justice Dept. s Ideas
For More Trust-Bustmg Suits Vs.
Films TemporarOy Staved Off
90 Old Men
'Hollywood, March 28.
Old time actors get a break
In Columbia's Frank Capra pic-
ture, 'Mr. Smith Goes to Wash-
ington.'
Script requires 00 elderly
senators.
Three British Indies
To Be Released Abroad
By United Artists
United Artists will distribute three
pictures In Great Britain to be made
for them by a newly formed produc-
ing organization, the Aldrich Film
Co., backed by the Harrlson-NevlUe-
Fogwell syndicate. Pictures are to
be directed by Albert de Courvllle,
the first one ro\t\% into production
at Denhan>, titled 'An Englishman's
Home' by Guy du Maurier. It's a
play dealins with a possible German
invasion of England.
News of this production setup was
disclosed by Arthur W. Kelly, UA
foreign head, on his return from a
South African and Continental tour
last week f23). Aside from the Kor-
da and Aldrich product, Kelly also
arranged tor distribution of another
British film. 'The Band Wagon,' to
be produced by Jack Hylton and
Jack Buchanan, with the latter fea-
tured.
A. A. Lowe, formerly Far Eastern
renresentaHve of UA. has •' been
transferred to South Africa. He will
not assume his new post, however,
for some time.
With U A Another
2 Years; y Pix
Hollywood, March 28.
. United Artists continues to release
Selznick-International pictures for
the next two years. An agreement
was reached Saturday (25) after a
three-day sesh by Murray Silver-
stone, UA prexy, with Jock Whitney,
S-I board .chairman; David Selznick,
president, and Henry Ginsberg, g. rh.
of the company. Although plenty of
pressure had been put on the Selz-
nick producing group to join RKO,
they decided to accept UA's terms,
which embrace Silverstone's distri-
bution plan calling for the industry's
lowest releasing cost for ' major
product.
Six to eight films will be delivered
over a two-year period, with the
first, 'Intermezzo,' being scripted by
John van Dniten, set to start May 1
for early fall release.
Next to go, on June' 15, will be
Daphne Du Maurier's 'Rebecca,' un-
der Alfred Hitchcock's direction.
Other Selznick properties likely In-
cluded in this group are Charles
Morgan's stageplay, 'The Flashing
Stream,' 'Ordeal,' Titanic' and 'Free-
dom of Press.'
DAVE LOEW'S ANOTHER
NOW AUGNED WITH UA
Hollywood, March 28.
David M. Loew today signed con-
tract to produce and release two pic-
tures yearly for three years through
United Artists. Deal, whigh started
between Loew and Murray Silver-
stone, UA g.m., on Friday (24), was
cemented at 10 a.m. this (Tuesday)
morning. Loew plans making two
$1,000,000 pictures with an outstand-
ing director and star yearly. He
will headquarter at Selznick-Inter-
national studios and Immediately
start assembling his organization.
Loew, who was with Loew's, Inc.,
for 20 years - in theatre operation,
produced a series of pictures with
Joe E. Brown for three years, re-
leasing them through RKO and Co-
lumbia. His final one, 'Flirting with
Fate,' is now being released by
Metro.
Loew's first picture under new UA
deal' will be delivered in Novem-
ber or December.
Silverstone and Edward C. Batt-
ery, UA counsel, probably, return to
New York at the end of this week.
Final signaturing of the Selznick
contract will be done east with Jock
Whitney.
Washington, March 28.
Failure of the House Appropria-.
tions Committee to boost the Justice
Department's trust-busting fund
staves off, for the moment, at least,
threat of additional anti-trust actions
against the film business. But the
prosecutors are carrying on a stren-
uous fight to get the required caish
so the crusade can be broadened In
the fiscal year which opens Jiily 1.
Casual annoimcement — confirming
story in Vabiett several weeks ago —
that more suits are being readied,
was brought to light Wednesday (22)
with publication of testimony on thei
second of the usual deficiency bills.
Prof. Thurman G. Arnold, assistant
attorney-general in charge of anti-
trust enforcement, I9 quoted as hav-
ing remarked, 'Even now we should
start 10 movie cases,'
The request for $70,000— needed to
pay salaries of 64 more lawyers and
63 extra stenographers whom the
D. J. wants to hire in order to pep -
up -its broad-scale attack- on monop-
olies—was nixed by the Appropria-
tions crowd with observation that
'the matter is one which should go
Over for consideration in connection
with the 1940 estimate' In view of the
fact that additional help would result
in an annual outlay of $295,000,
swelling the yearly anti'-trust divi-
sion expense to $1,170,000 on the
basis of this year's allowance. The
Department has requested $1,530,000
for the coming 12 months, but Indi-
cations are the figure is due for
sharp pruning.
Civil or Criminal?
Whether the suits would be dvll or
criminal is a guarded secret Arnold
gave the House committee no details,
although he said the matters for
which the extra personnel Is desired
at this time are of the type which
should not be put off until the next
fiscal year. Reported the sort of
evidence available would justify
either kind of "court case, with the
lawyers still trying to figure out the
prospects of success before making
a decision. Grapevine intelligence ia
that Arnold wants to launch actions
in several dUTerent jurisdictions, on
the theory that all eggs shouldn't be
(Continued on page 19)
HAL ROACH RUSHES TO
REOPEN STUDIO MAY 1
Hollywood, March 28.
Hal Roach is rushing work on
'Housekeeper's Daughter,' intent on ]
reopening his studio May 1. Origi- |
nal plan was to keep it closed until
May 22. I
Joan Bennett and Adolphe Men- !
jou are signed for the cast, which
Roach will direct I
Trada Mark R«Klilarcd
FOtlNDBD BY BtMB SII.VBRMAN
robllHlied Weekly by VABIETT, be.
8ld Sllvarinan, Praaldrnt
184 Waat «th SIreat. New York City
SUBSCRIPTtON
Annoftl 110 PorelKD Ill
illntle Copies ti Centi
Vol. 134
'No. 3
INDEX
Bills 38-39
Chatter 45
Concert 43
Dance Bands ..30-31
15 Years Ago 35
Film Reviews 14
Film Showmanship 8
Forum 47
House Reviews 36-37
Inside — ^Leglt 40
Inside — Radio „. 20
International' News 11
..egitlmate ..'. 40-44
Literati 44
Music .30-31
New Acts 34
Night Clubs 32-35
Obituary 40
Outdoors ...,' 46-47
Pictures ;. 2-19
Rjdlo ; .......20-20
Radio Reviews 22
Radio — Interhatlopp.l 24
Unit Review 35
Vaudeville .32-35
VARIETf
PICTURES
Wedaeedaj, March 29* 1939
Hays Annual Report Reviews Fik
Biz ProUems; Starts Hb 18th Yr.
Will Hays' report to the Motion
Picture Producers and Distributors
Assn., at the annu&l meeting in New
Yorlc Monday (27) answered critics
who bewailed the so-called limited
scope of the screen, stressed the de-
velopment of features as to realism,
took a slap at publicists who dis-
tort. Hollywood life and Its stars,
treated on the foreign situation, and
took exception to those who sought
to alter the whole structure of the
film industoy. On the latter sub-
ject Hays declared that trade prac-
tice developments still held hope for
.construotlve adjustmoit within the
Industry. "
Although not mentioning the Neely
bill or kindred measures by name.
Hays pointed out that Violent, heed
less changes on the form of struc-
ture' of the business would effect the
entire business.
The annual meeting of MPPDA re-
elected Hays president He now be-
gins his 18th year .as chief execu-
tive of the association. Session also
received the. Courtland Smith report
on television as It concerns the film
business. No spedflc recommenda-
tion was contained in the report, but
it was discussed in some detail and
filed for reference.
Foreign Sltoatlom
The foreign situation and its ef-
fect on the industry received more
attention than any other topic. No
"action, howiever, was taken. Direc-
tors convened Immediately after the
session and will meet again, prob-
ably today (Wednesday).
Concerning the widening scope of
pictures, Hays' report said:
'It was InevHable tiiat the scope
of screen entertisilnment would be
greatly enlarged with Improved dra-
matic technique and higher stand-
ards of appreclation-to a point where
the screen would become more and
more socially and educationally im'
portant
'Actual experience has proved tliat
'artistry can treat .any- subject within
the boundaries of good taste and
sound morals vnder the Motion Pic-
ture Production Code. And any
means ah]/— even those subjects that
serve the important purpose of com-
plete r«ilaxatlon, that shout no mes'
sage, .point no moral or teach no
lesson.'-
Hays. claimed that the. call was for
^ pictures treated with r^fillsm drawn
■ from life, of the problems of the
^ average man aihd woman among the
rank and file of the people,, and that
this already Is reflected in the In-
creasing number of successful enter-
tainment films, presented in simple
terms and without exaggeration.
Eact that the screen has handled
successfully themes of contentpor-
aty thought In dramatic and vivid
form and presented the subject mat-
ter .as splendid entertalmneht, rather
than propaganda, proves how much
pictures can do today, and how much
more It can do tomorrow, according
to Hays.
'American pictures serve a world
audience,' he -said. Hiey are uni-
versa.I coinaee which must be kept
sound and imdebased.'*
Hays stressed the fact that Amer-
ican leaderslilp in films continues,
notwithstanding 'the many, barriers
raised- against the distribution of U,
S pictures, and .tliat this is of indus-
trial Importance. Somewhat counter-
balancing factors during the year
were the increase <St more than 3,700
theatres In 96- - countries over .-the
numtter that existed In 1B37.
The Screen^B .Werld Scope
Through the exhibition of Ameri-
can pictures on the screens of the
world,' -he -said, ''our country main-
tains a great communications service
to many peoples with whom we wish
to be at peace. Govemment-con-
j trolled news service may misrepre-
sent our democratic Ideals, govern-
ment or. controlled . broadcasting may
hleat out distortions of our policies,
but. American pictures, even wlten
censored by 'fo'relgn 'agencies, neces-
sarily carry their own refutation of
the alleged .failures. of our ideals, our
policies, our. effQrts. anc* our system.
In this, lies bur continuing respon-
sibility for the' production and dis-
tribution of -such films abroad as
will give a balanced picture ol Amer-
ican Ufe.*
. Hays said that our films should be
messengers of oinr foreign trade In
ei;ery field where exh' jited.
!0n the other liand it Is recognized
• that .othfT. i^ernroeifts, some
through the announced reasons of
nationalism and propaganda havc^
spared no effort In developing, pro-
tecting and nourishing economically
and otherwise the motion picture in-
dustries of their own Ian s. Public
interest has an Important stake,
therefore, in the' maintenance of for-
eign markets for the American mo-
tion picture industry.
'Snow White and the Seven
Dwarfs,' first cartoon feature pic-
ture, was « imique adventure in mo-
tion picture enterprise. Its tre-
mendous production cost demanded
the utmost financial courage. It has
grossed new records at the world's
ttoxoSlces, with the end not yet in
sight Yet the fact remains that no
'isms' whatever were discussed in
the film, and that the millions who
hailed it did not seem . to inlss its
lack of social significance. It seems
there are still a number of eudemou'
ists left in the world.' [According to
Webster! eudemonist is an adherent
of that system of ethics which de-
fines and enforces moral obligation
by its relation to happiness or well-
being.] •
Regarding volunt^ handUng of
trade problems^ he said such a pro-
gram, if achieved, to best iserve the
intere^ both of the public and '.he
industry,' will not be on^ of 'mere
negative prohibition by court injunc-
tion, nor of infleidble statutes heed-
lessly imposed oa the industry's trade
structure.'
Hays said that 'hi meeting the gov-
ernment's suit In equity, the motion
picture Industry has welcomed any
such constructive effort by the De-
partment of Justice. In all these
problems the industry has dealt with
the government, not on the theory
that it enjoys Immunity as dlstin'
guished from other industries, but
rather that its special significance
and peculiarly difficult problems
shoidd be factors in reaching the
proper solutions.'
Some ctirrent misrepresentations
of Holl^ood should be corrected by
enlarged services of authentic infor-
mation, said Hays, which 'would sat-
isfy news needs and at the same time
project the life and manners of this
community of creative! men "tgiid
women as It really Is. ' He said there
were still instances of publicity com-
pletely out of line with facts and ex-
ceedingly harmful to the industry.
s Appaase
For Par; "Hien B'way
Play, WB Bacting?
Sidney Kingsley left yesterday
(Tuesday) for the Coast to do the
screenplay for Paramount's remake
of 'Applause,' which Henry Hath-
away will direct Ebiipects to return
about July 1 to ready the production
of his play. The Outward Boom,' for
a Broadway preem in September. He
will produce and stage it himself,
possibly with Warners' backing. Lat-
ter depends on whether the major
studios and the Dramatists Guild
agree on terms for a return of Hol-
lywood money to legit production.
'Rodm,' . adapted from MUlan
Brand's novel, deals with the regen-
eration of an emotionally Immature
girl who has been unable to adjust
herself to the stress of present-day
life. Story Is said to have broader
implications thai) the purely personal
angle, however. '
Vox Pop on Pix-Radio
St Paul, March 28.
Film moguls say It does, but
the fllmgoers say appearances of
screen. stars on the ether don't
hurt their popularity one whit
according to a local show Chouse
lobby quiz conducted by KSTP
last week. On its 'Movi e Fan
Speaks' show, congucteg in the
BKO Orpheum's lobby, KSTP
announcer . asked the customers
■thehr opinions.
All were emphatic' that ap-
pearances on the air Served as
'ticklers' to whet their appetites
for seeing the stars in theh: new-
est picture. Several fans de-
clared that they went to the pix
merely to iet away from the
house for a spell .and mingle
with other peoples-something
radio appearances of the stars
couldnt do for 'em.
PAR'S VISIO
PLANS ON
COAST
Homer Tasker is in New York
from . the Coast conferring with
Paramount and DuMont Television
>C8 'on a .television transmitter
which Paramount plans to erect at
the studio wltliin the ' next six
months. Intention would Ise to lo
cate transmitter somewhere in
Hollywood, not necessarily at the
studio, and use company's own pic-
ture talent for visio broadcasts.
Tasker .also came east to testify
in tlie patent litigation involving
United Research Corporation and
Warner Bros. Pictures. ' Tasker was
formerly connected with United Re-
search. Suit over methods for op-
ticdly recording and reproducing
sound was brought by 'VlrgU C.
Crites, of the American Develop-
ment & Operating Co. Crites seeks
an injunction and accounting.
mm LANGUAGES
MLEGISUTOR
London Newsreekrs Not to Charge
Extra Hereafter for Tekvish Shows
AT HAYS MEET
Sane Slate Belceted— List ef These
Attending
Besides Will Hays, the annual
meeting of the Motion Picture Pro-
ducers & Distributors of America)
Inc, re-elected Carl MiUiken. secre-
ta^r; F. It. Herron, treasurer; and
(Seorge Borthwick, assistant treas-
urer. Directors re-elected were Bar-
nel Balaban, Nate Blumberg, Jack
Cohn, E. B. Hatrick, Sidney R. Kent
Sol Lesser, Cecil B. DeMille, Earle
W. Hammons, Will Hays, F; L. Her-
ron,. Hal E. Roach, George J. Schaef-
er, Nicholas M. Schenck, Maurice
Silverstone, Albert M. Warner and
Harry M. -Warner.
Members attending the meeting
Monday (27) were Jack Cohn, E.'B.
Hatrick, E. W. Hammons, Nicholas
M. Schenck, Barney Balaban, L. 'V.
Calvert (representing Merian . C.
Cooper, Pioneer Pictures), T. Kenne-
dy Stevenson, of Electrical Research
Products, Inc.; H X. Sommerer, Ra-
dio Corp.. of -America: Creorge J.
Schaefer, Nate Blumberg, Hays ahd
Herron.
Siritzky Deal Cold,
Morros Approadifflg
French Prods. D^ect
Paris, March 28.
Leon Siritzky, French chain the-
atre operator and financier of French
film productions, denies he consum-
mated any deal with Boris Morros.
It was previotisly reported the deal
embraced 22 French films for U.S.
release and/or possible U.S. remake
under joint Morros-SIritzhy auspices.
Sacramento, Mar. 27.
The assembly judiciary general
committee this week tabled two bills
by Assemblyman Chiester F. Gannon
which woiild affect radio broadcast-
ing In foreign languages and foreign
language newspapers.
<)ne measure,, killed at request of
the author, would require the ImW-
diate febroadcasting in English of
any program broadcast in a foreign
language over any broadeaisting sta-
tion in California.
The other bill would' require the
printing In an adjacent colunm an
English translation of material la a
foreign language newspaper.
Hollywood, March 28.
Boris Morros here bonflrms the re-
port that his Siritzky negotiations
are now cold, but ascribes that to
the fact the French film man was
unable to deliver the pictures agreed
upon. Morros states that Jacques.
.Grinless, formerly acting for Siritz-
ky in Ajnerlca, is now representing
him (Morros) and that Grinless sails
next Saturday (1) to consummate
IVench film releasing deals directly
with tlie indie producers, rather
than acting through Sirltzl^.
Two of the pictures Morros an-
nounced he., had distribution rights
on were 'Quay de Brumes' and "Le
Rol S'Amuse,' which have since been
announced for release In the U.S. by
newly formed Film Alliance of the
U.S., Inc., formed by Harry Brandt
and Nat 'Wachsberger. Latter is due
In New York from Paris the end of
this week.
JIMMY'S GOT IT
D. B.'a Sen TaUnr Goidwyn's
'Wntherlns' FIs Abniad
James Roosevelt Is due to sail Sat-
urday (1) for London with a print
of 'Wutherhig Heights,' Samuel Gold-
wjrn's production for United Artists.
Figured this win get the film tre-
mendous intematlozial atte'ntlen.
Mrs. F. D. K. Goes WB
' Hollywood, March 26,
Sam Goldmyn has no monopoly on
America's No. 1 .family, «ven thou^
James is on his payroll. When pro-
ducer Invited Mrs..F. D. R. to. attend
the Hollywood preview ofWufherlng
Heights,' the Warners countered with
the announcement that Franklin D,
RooseveK, Jr., will be a -guest at the
big doings in Dodge City, Kansas.
Deal w^ arranged by "young,
Frank's friend, Bruce Cabot
Goldwyn Sabs ^bobge'
For Ca?alier Pktore
Hollywood, March 28.
'Sabotage,' dealing with the air-
craft industry reptaees. '13 CJo
Flylijg' on Samuel Croldwyn's pro-
duction schedule.
'Thirteen,' based on disaster to
&itish plane. Cavalier, was volun-
tarily withdrawn to avoid objec-
tions.
Stii£o Contnu^
Hollywood, March 28.
Warners picked up writer option
on F'red Nlblo, Jr.
Selaiick - International signed
Michael Foster, writer.
'Vera Lewis' player option lifted
by Warners.
Gene Markey renewed as asso-
ciate producer at 20th-Fox.
20th-Fox hoisted option on Julian
Johnson, story editor.
'Warners handed new player pact
to Lya I^s.
20tii-Fox lifted player options on
Jean Bogers, Iva Stewart Alice Ar-
mand and Richard Bond.
Metro filed new minor contract
with Lana Turner.
Warners picked up Richard Ma
caulay's scripting optica
Norman Deming inked director
ticket at dolumbia;
Par -Board Meeting
Maybe on Tkrs. (30)
It a quorum can be bad. Paramount
will hold a board meetiis tomorrow
(Thurs.) In New York, following
postponement last Thursday . (23)
when hot enough directors could be
rounded up.
Stanton L. Griffis .geta In today
(Wed.) from Florida for tomorrow's
session, but not known whether E. 'V.
Richards will come up from New
Orleans. Members of the board at
present In N. Y. include Barney
Balaban, Austin C. Keough, NeU F.
Agnew, John D. Hertz.
Understood that final figures on ttie
1838 net of company, estimated at
$4,086,000, will not be announced un<
-til the md of AptH.
LuUe Rainer't Play
London, March 28.
Luise Rainer has been signed by
Henry Sherdk to appear in a new
comedy here by Jacques J>eval. He's
the author of Tovarlch.'
The play is due to open In London
in early May.
London, March 17,
British Broadcasting Company dis-
claims any monopoly of television in
an official pronouncement which ad-
mits the right of theatres to put on
big screen shows to the public, sub-
ject to conditions. Manifesto die*
Clares BBC does not oppose re-dif«
fusion on national ' or- big sporting
events, but In latter case stipulates
agreement must' be obtained, from
the promoter and there shall be no
exclusive right for any group.
Applicante must also be granted re-
production righto' on equal terms;
that is to say based on seating ca-
pacity of the theatres concerned. Big
screen shows are stIU regarded as
experimental, says BBC, and permis-
ision can therefore be granted,
though future policy Is still being
discussed by the government's Tele-
vision Advisory Committee.
Meantime, second event on a big
screen was the Harvey-Gains battle,
which made a . disappointing show
and revealed limitation of visio as
theatre entertainment -by pointing to
the fact only outstt^ding-Thaterlal
will stand up to»presihtatlon. Jack
Davis had this all 'to himself at his
new MonseigAeur, using Scophony,
but though he got a full house there
was. little or no enthusiasm, due both
to the floppoi fight and to indifferent
broadcasting. Davis Is understood
to have paid $1,000 for the exclusive
theatre rights.
Interested onlooker in the audi-
ence was John Maxwell, only major
theatre operator so far not definitely
linked to vlsIo. The. weisenhelmers
iiave him dickering for installations
in- his Associated British theatres,
but these reports ^ are denied.
Solomon Sagall says he will put a
big screen Scophony television in-
stallation into the Odeon, Leicester
Square, very shortly. One of the
larger theatres In the West End belt
this will demand evien larger dimen-
sions than the 15-ft image given by
Baird in ita demonstrations at Mar-
ble Arch Pavilion, and Scophony's
hope is to quickly complete a 25-ft
screen, which would equal the size
of the biggest film picture. Until
now, system hasn't got beyond 9 ft,
biit with ita mechanical construction
it just needs enlarging the equip-
ment as far as practicable, plus ii
method of ensuring the same bril*
liance as Is got at the small size.
Sagall hopes this way to comf
back at Cinematograph Exhibitors
Assn., who just Issued a technical re^
port in which they quoted techni-
cians as dedaring mechanical sys-
tems like Scophony had. reached
their upper limit as far as larga
screen was concerned. He chal-
lenged them to name their experti^
claiming the only people with
knowledge of technical advance are
those connected with companies now
researching.
The novelty of big screen visio en-
abled Jack Davis to pack the Mon-
seigneur at. Marble Arch at a prlc*
range from $1JZS to $5.25. But after
the televised showing of the Harveyr
Gains fight, Davis, proprietor of the
chain of Monselgneur newsreel cine-
mas, stated this would be the last
of the special shows at hicreased
prices.
"From now -on,' he said, 'well cut
into the regular newsreel program
with spota of television every time
anything of sufiiclent topical inter-:
est is broadcast fr6m Alexandra Pal>
ace. The ilrst of these all-for-the->
one-price showings will be Saturday
afternoon's' shots of the track meet
between Oxford and Cambridge. Of
course; once In a while when, the Im-
portance of the event Is big enough,
there may be special showings for
which special -prices will be charged
—such as ' a world's championship
fight tor Instance— but in the ordi-
nary way television -will be a regu-
lar part of the newsreel program.'
Vikado' at H. T. Alter
Unlversal's release 4^ Ta^ Mikado,'
produced by Geoffrey Toye In 'Eng-
land, goes mto the Aster, N.Y., for
a run following 'Pygmalion.' Latter
film will continue at the Astor
foV possibly another month.
The Mikado' is due to start no
later than May t. ' ■
On Wings of Song
Hollywood, March 28.
Shooting was resumed yesterday
(Mon.) on Samuel Goidwyn's musi-
cal drama, 'Angels Making Music,',
formerly The Restless Age,' after
months of delay. Jascha Heifetz,
who had played his violin for 2,800
feet of film last fall, finally agreed to
return and finish the picture.
Starting yesterday under Archie
Mayo's direction were 'Joel McCrea,
Walter' firenhan and .Margot Steven-
son. ' Heifetz Is due April 24.
WeJncsday, March 29, 1939
PICTURES
VARIETY
HTOD PAS CRACK DOWN
Stidliiig Neely Ends; Hearings April 3
Washington, March 28.
Threat to force a showdown last week brought an end to stalling on
the block-booking legislation. Senate Interstate Commerce Committee
launches hearings, April 3, on familiar cuce-all idea of Senator Mat-
thew M. Neely, of West Virginia,
Break in the Jog-jam came late In the week when Democratic bosses
applied the heat following Neely's announcement he would move to
discharge the committee from further 'consideration' of his brainchild.
Never actually brought the question to a head and Thursday (23)
dropped his motion after Senate Democratic Leader Alben W. Berkley
fixed things for testimony-taking,
Doubtful that thie sessions will be extensive. Neely takes the view
that the archives are jammed with prior arguments of the industry
• foes of his proposition and sees no reason for spending considerable.
. time going over the same ground. In the last decade, several sets of'
hearings have been advanced in each chamber, although, none in the
past two years.
The producers and distributors are expected^ however, to advance
a new reason for not passing the legislation. Voluntary attempts to
. work out a trade practice agreement with the Independent exhibitors
I., unquestionably will be cited as valid objections to rushing ahead with
' a restrictive statute at this time. But Neely, it has been hinted, will
receive the support from the Roosevelt Administration.' Justice De-
partment people are described as inclined to give secret boosts, in a
disguised attempt to obtain revenge for the resistance put up by the
industry to the New York anti-trust action.
Second Draft of Trade Practices
Due to Be Mailed Out This Week
Following a meeting yesterday
(Tues!), attended by sales managers
pt the major companies and the at-
torneys representing them, who have
been grappling with wordage of a
trade practice plan for weeks, a
final draft has reached the point
where it will probably be drawn up
today (Wed.) when another meeting
li to be held on It The completed
draft may go out before the end of
the week for consideration of leadhig
.^ibitor bodies.
Although much delay has been
.4S»used by a flock of attorneys who
■have been arguing over the language
to be used in the trade practices
tgiieement, placement of commas
and the like, additional delay has
'beat caused by 'the absence from
N^w York for a month of William
F. Rodgen,' spokesman-leader of the
distributor group, and of S. R. Kent,
chairman, plus others. Rodgers got
back Saturday (25) end Immediately
arranged yesterday's meeting In the
hopes of action on a revised pact
Lewis is thinking of becoming a
flint actor, in the same role he.
played on the stage.
.- .The form of agreement to govern
distributor-exhibitor relations in the
future, effective with the 1939-40
product ,WU1 be submitted to 10
leading, eithib organizations headed
Iby the two national bodies, Motion
Picture Theatre Owners of America
and AlUed States.' The eight other
groups are local qrganizatlons.
. Abram F. Myers, general counsel of
Allied, has been sitting in with the
attorneys for the purpose of dis-
'cusslng wordage, provisions and the
like, plus offering suggestions.
.^It cannot be estimated how soon,
« at al\, the leading exhib organlza-
.tipns win approve the second draft
•J?"* them. Also some may reject
the new form the same as they did
W first draft submitted, demand
Other changes, . eliminations, addl-
*«>n9, .etc. The procedure will be to
forward, the draft to the directors of
toe various exhibitor organizations
''oard approval. Then each ex-
hibitor body will have to seek the
voloe of its membership.
ii has been Wnted that If not all
M the 10 exhibitor organizations
eventually sigh the trade practice
■greement it will be placed into ef-
fect for those that are wilUng to
Moptlt Meantime, distributors are
"king 1939-40 contracts with a sUpu-
«tlon that if and when the trade
pracUce reforms are put into force,
«»ey wiU be retroapUve under the
Mies now behig made.
Sine LewisTik Unh ■
, t.^Jjx^'l'r Lewis and John j. WiUd-
Broadway lawyer and legit
nnTu "^i- forming an Indle unit
to flhn the Lewis play.
Aneela Is 22.'
Just We Two
Hollywood, March 28.
Two People,' feature-length
picture, with a cast of two peo-
ple, is the plan of Sam Zimbalist
at Metro. Players are Margaret
Sullavan and James Stewart
supported by a pooch.
Jane Hall Is ' developing the
■tory.
IfWOOD EXECS
m HIT BY
PROD. noM
Hollywood, March 28.
W^ak sisters among the directors
and associate producers are due to
get the axe, with Hollywood prepar-
ing to whittle from 60 to 60 features
off Its 1939-40 production program.
Further whittling Is In store for con-
tract player rosters, currently at a
low notch.
With foreign markets shrinking,
film company heads are awakening
to the necessity of better pictures to
cultivate new fans in the U. S. As-
sociate producers and directors in
the high brackets, who have been
getting by with run-of-the mill pro-
ductions, are in for a trimming un-
der the reduced schedules.
Writing staffs will suffer less
severely because bigger pictures,
planned by major companies, will
require more collaborators. Axe is
due to fall as soon as the 1938-39 pro-
grams are in the bag.
SARONG STAR SUED
FOR 6 SONG LESSONS
Before going on opening day
Wednesday (22) at the Paramount
N. Y., Dorothy Lamour was served
with a summons In a suit brought by
Alfred C. Evans, of the music de-
partment at NBC, alleging the Par
star owes him $6,000. .
This amount is alleged to be due
for six' vocal lessons which Evans
claims he gave Miss Lamour at an
agreed $1,000 per lesson. Plaintiff
was with NBC at the time, but is no
longer connected with the broadcast-
ing company.
Miss Lamour Is getting $3,500 a
week on a 14-day booking at the
N. Y. Par.
$150 PER WEEK
Demand $50 Minimum for
Young: Flacks, Five-Day
Week for All — ^Readers
Also After More Coin,
Fewer Hours
20th-Foxites Chicagoward From
Afl Points for Sales Convention
NYLANDER BACK
Hollywood, March 28.
Film publicity agents are demand-
ing -a minimum salary of $150
weekly for senior flacks. Contract
proposals submitted to producers by
the Screen Publicists Guild call for
a minimum of $50 week for. appren-
tices, $60 for second-year men, and
$70 for. third-year workers. After
the third year, men would be classed
as seniors and would receive $150.
Flacks also are demanding a
closed shop in industry and 40-hour
week of five eight-hour days. They
also want one week vacation for
each six months employed, with two
weeks off for first two years and
three weeks' vacation after second
year.
Publicity writers who are current-
ly getting $150 week or more would
not be affected by new scale, flacks
asking agreement that no salaries
be cut No p.a. is to receive less
than 10% increase where salaries
are to be adjusted under Guild man-
date.
Demands were submitted at con-
ference between SPG negotiating
committee, Pat ' Casey, producer-
labor contact and committee of
major studio managers composed of
Keith Glennon, Paramount; Sid Ro-
gell. RKO-Radlo, and William Hol-
man, Columbia. Program will . be
submitted' to Producers Association
this week and another conference
arranged with Guild representatives.
The Screen Readers Guild also has
submitted demands for a wage tilt
shorter hours and Improved working
conditions. Readers want pay upped
from present scale of $35-$60 to a
mlnimxmi of $6S for regularly em-
ployed studio readers^ $75 week for
special readers, and $12 minimum
for outside readers who read books
of 300 pftges or less. Readers want
one-year agreement
Extras List Trimmed
' Screen Actors' Guild announces
that since Feb. 13, 1938^ the extra
ranks has been reduced by 3,460.
Of this numlier 117 were placed in
the part player classification, 803
were granted withdrawals and 2,743
were suspended for being delinquent
In dues or other infraction' of SAG
rules. ' ■ .
Fight for control' of the Class B
members of Screen Actors Guild
reaches a climax April 16 with
election of 17 new members of
Junior Council, 'which initiates leg-
islation and rules for extras and
other Class B actors. Nominations
already in for the election include
Capt. C. E. Anderson, Bob Davis,
Frank Edmunds, Jack-Gambel, Ken-
neth Gibson, Jesse - Graves, Bobbie
Koshay, Lilian Lang, Theodore
Lorch, Frank Meredith, Frances
Miles, Sandra Morgan, Patricia
Patrick, Captain John Peters, Bud
Rae, Edward Regan, Harry Stafford,
Elliott Sullivan, Dale Van Sickel,
Monte Vandergrlft AUan Watson,
Flo WIx and Eddie Aguilina.
A president and other officers of
Class B division will be elected by
Junior Council. Major Philip J.
Kieffer is now completing his first
term as president
. Licensing agreement between
Screen Actors Guild and the Artists
Managers Guild will limit contracts
ttetween agents and their clients to
three years. The SAG had fixed
limit at 12 months, but big agents
protested this would not protect in-
vestments they had made in develop-
ing players into the star class.
Agents asked that limits be hiked
to five years but finally compromised
on three years. Under licensing
program all contracts, will initially
be for one year. At the end o\ tha'
(Continued on pa*^ 18)
On the Brink
Hollywood, March 28.
Mounting wages of players and
technicians are threatening the
lite of the cliffhangers. Veteran
producer of serials complains
that a 15-chapter tale he pro-
duced three months ago would
cost $16,000 more under present
wage-hour schedule.
Unless something is done to
ease conditions, he declares, dif-
fers will soon be on their way
out
PICS' BIOG RUSH
HAS LAWYERS
JUMPY
With major studios breaking out
in a rash of biographies film law-
yers, east and west are busy these
days scanning scripts to prevent pos-
sible lawsuits. More than 30 yarns
based on historical personages are
in the writing mills, with more to
come, and many of the charactei-s
under treatment have living rela-
tives.
Touchy relatives are bugaboos to
studios producing biographical films.
A recent instance is the legal action
agahist 'Suez' by Ferdinand De Les-
seps' descendants who did not like
the way their ancestor was por-
trayed. Another studio is keeping
Gene Fowler's "Tlmberline' on the
shelf for fear of reprisals from rela'
tives'Of the characters (Bouflls and
Tammen) involved.
Leading the biographical parade
is 20th-Fox, with 'Jesse James' in
circulation, 'Alexander Graham Bell'
ready and |Young Mr. Lincoln' and
'Stanley and Livingstone' in produc-
tion. In preparation are the lives of
Brlgham Young, Belle' Starr, Lillian
Russell, Charles P. Steinmetz, the
electrioal wizard, and others. -
At Warners the biographical trend
runs to Beethoven, Queen Elizabeth,
Knute Rockne, Disraeli, John Dil
linger. Dr. Ehrlich, Don Juan, John
Paul Jones, Juarez and the Rev.
Martin Niemoeller.-
Paramount Is screening Geronlmo,
Gus Edwards, Dr. William Morton,
Victor. Herbert King Arthur and
Casey Jones. .Metro Is doing Thomas
Edison, Flo Ziegfeld and Mme. Curie.
Republic has Sam Houston in the
bag and Is going to work on Ulysses
S. Grant and Jimmy Hines. Edward
Small's next picture is about Kit
Carson.
Writers are stirring up dust on
long forgotten shelves of libraries
and lawyers are microscoping the
scripts for legal loopholes.
20th-Fox's European,
Latin Sales Meets
Importance attached to the foreign
field, especially the Latin-American
market is seen in plans for holding
three conventions in foreign terri-
tories this year by 20th-Fox, and the
fact that Sidney Kent W. J. Hutchin-
son and Herman Wobber plan tak-
ing in at least two of them. The
convention for European managers
is slated for May 4-6 in Paris. Wob-
ber now is contemplating going with
Kent and Hutchinson, sailing April
28 or 29. .
From Paris, the 20th-Fox execu-
tive party goes to Buenos Aires,
where the conclave of South Ameri-
can managers will be held June 11
to 13. Not determined whether Wob-
ber will make this jaunt but both
Kent and Hutchinson will attend.
Hutchinson and Kent then plan to
go to Trinidad where the convention
for Central Amierican countries will
be held. It's the first time that so
much attention has been given to
both South and Central America.
Home office sales forces and dis-
tribution rejpresentatives from the
east left yesterday (Tues.) for Chi-
cago to attend this year's 20th-
Fox convention, starting tomorrow
(Thurs.) and continuing three days.
Harry Buxbaum, district manager at
New York, was delayed due to union
troubles resulting in walkout of film
exchange workers,, but hoped to be
able to fly to Chicago today (Wed.).
Contingent from the home office
IS headed by 20th's three sales man-
agers, William Sussman, William
Kupfer and WiUism Gehrlng, plus
others, while coming on from the
Coast are S. R, Kent and Herman
Wobber.
Kent Joe Schenck and Darryl
Zanuck have been discussing the
1939-40 lineup on the Coast Pro-
gram, to be an aiuiounced by them
as set in Hollywood but about which
the east has not been officially noti-
fied, will run somewhere between 50
and 60 pictures, probably nearer 50,
and maybe less than the 55 sched-
uled this season (38-39).
An innovation by 20th-Fox will be
the use for the first time of fac-
simile broadcasting by a film com-
pany, with publicity of the company
to be announced through a deal wiUi
WOR Under the arrangement com-
pleted Monday (27), 20th-Fox. will
have exclusive facsimile broadcast-
ing rights with WOR. A regular
daily service of publicity matter and
photographs will be broadcast
Facsimile broadcasting was starred
by WOR a year ago when the first
printed columns of material were
successfully transmitted over the air,
carrying a visual story. Photographs
of 20th-Fox talent and Items 'will
figure in the new system of broad-
casting. The broadcasting for 20tbi
Fox started yesterday (Tues.).
Kent Wobber En Boate
Hollywood, March 28.
Sidney Kent entrained Monday
(27) for Chicago. Herman Wobber,
sales- headC leaves today (Tuesday)
from his home in Frisco.
No studio execs are attending the
sales sesh. Discussions at the studio
by company heads indicate fewer
pictures will be made than last sea-
son's 52, but more coin' budgeted on
tcUL
Cot's Meets
Details concerning Columbia's '39-
40 plans are e'xpected to come up for
discussion this week following re-
turn to New York Monr^ay (27) of
Jack Cohn, v.p., and Abe Montague,'
general sales manager. Montague
has been in New Orleans, while
Cohn was in Hollywood, Fla.
Although no advance plans have
been made. It is probable that Co-
lumbia will hold regional sales meets
either In May or June.
JACKIE COOPER SNAGS
4G WEEKLY AT PAR
Los Angeles, March 28.
Jackie Cooper's $36,000 ' two-pic-
ture contract with Paramount was
filed in superior court for approval.
Young actor Is guaranteed $4,000
a week for a nine-week shooting,
schedule on ''What a Life' and 'Sev-
enteen.'
Thos. Dixon Marries
His Literary AssL
Charlotte; N. C, March 28.
Thomas Dixon, 75-year-old author,
and Miss May Donovan, ;.is literary
assistant were married March 20 In
the bridegroom's suits at a Raleigh
hotel. Mrs, . Dixon Is 44 years old
and a native of Cleveland, O. She
has been assisting Dixon In his
writings for the last 18 years, -
The bridegroom is the author of
The Clansman,' later filmed as 'Th*
Birth of a Nation.' Dixon's first
wife died In December. 1937.
VARIETY
PICTUMBS
Wedoesdajt March 29^ 1939
Mercbants Support PhiUy Indies'
Ilea for Better Qearance on Novel
Theory Timfler Fix Get Good Biz
Philadelphia, March 26.
Businessmen of Bryn Mawr, Philly
•uburb, who a few weeks ago passed
a resolution supporting ezhibitw
Harry Fried in his battle against the
Warner circuit and the major, dis-'
tribs over clearance, are reported
this week to be^oing a step further.
They are preparing a court suit on
their own behalf In an endeavor to
get a better break on clearance for
Fried.
In one of the inost unusual film
actions ever taken, the Bryn Mawr
Business Men's Association will
maintain in Its bill of complaint j^at
members' own businesses are .being
Injured by monopolistic practices In
restraint of trade being used by the
circuit and distribs. They claim that
good product in Frled's Seville the-
atre brings more customers, result-
ing in better trade for their stores,
and, conversely, poor product drives
business to other shopping centers.
Trade follows good films is the basic
thesis.
Fried has filed a suit himself
against WB circuit and nine' dis-
tribs. It will come up in U. S. Dis-
trict Court in May. Action is in be-
half of his Suburban tiieatre, Ard-
more, and the AnUiony Wayne,
Wayne, as well 'as the Seville. All
are within a few miles of each other
along the Main Line gold coast of
Montgomery county.
Meanwhile at least three other
suits on clearance difficulties are be-
ing prepared here. They are planned
by George Graves, operator of the
Carman; Eugene Mori, operator of
a theatre in Vineland, N. J., and
Morris Ger'son, of the Colonial, Over
bro(^
.With a general shakeup in clear'
ance due here shortly .as a result of
Warner price cuts, tho circuit has
taken action to head off as many jus-
tifiable suits as possible. It has
retained Ben Golder, kcal film at-
torney, as a buffer and conciliator.
Golder has for many years fought on
the side of the exMbs and has won
many victories for them in the courts
at his own expense. Golder is the
son-in-law of the late Jules Mast-
baum, founder of the Stanley Thea-
tre Co., predecessor of the Warner
circuit here.
Anzac Squawk
On Page 11 of this issue^ the
New South Wales exhil}S take a
contrary view to Mort Singer's
puff for Hollywood. The down-
under exhlbs blame the shortage
of quality U. S. film for the An-
zac b.o. dip.
irW0eD lEALLY HTPJES
JODIWI E.O.
Philadelphia, March 28.
Leopold Stokowski's fllni buildup
during the past few years has defi-
nitely made him a bigger concert
draw than ever before, according to
execs of the Philadelphia 'Orchestra
association. In Fhilly for a four-
week appearance with tiie orch, he
has maintained sellout houses all the
way. Face is considerably snappier
than it was at the concerts he con-
ducted last year and, of course, much
better than when he was podlumiz-
Ing regularly with the crew.
■Always a sellout in the upper
floors of the Academy of Music here,
Stoki's increased draught according
to Alfred Reginald Allen, orch man-
ager, can only be measured by the
number of prospective patrons
turned away. The effect of his film
activity is not only to be seen in 'the
balconies, however, but on the main
floor as well The proportionate in-
crease in the cheaper- seats is greater,
though, than in the more. expensive
ones, which Is taken as an indica-
tion that the fllih work has created
a new and wider audience. This is
claimed by Stokl to have been one
of his chief reasons for taking it up.
Same -response received in Philly
has been felt in the out-of-town con-
certs by the blond maestro and the
orch. There was one in Baltimore,
one in Washington and one is sched-
uled In New York today (Tuesday).
-Philly has seen Stokl in four con-
certs SO' far, with three more regular
ones and a Touth Concert still to go.
Still BijT Budget Man
Hollywood, March 28.
Tex Rickard, a big budget man in
his day, gets a high allotment in the
Btoiy df his life, 'The Champ Maker,'
at Republic.
Written by Frank Scully and Ken-
dall Evans, yarn is listed as one of
studio's toppers for 1S39-40.
Mort Singer's l%ig
For H'wood Product;
Cool OB Stagesliows
Minneapolis, March 28.
Stopping over here to inspect his
Orpheum theatre en route to_ New
'JTork from Hollywood, Mort H,
Slqger; veteran theatre. operator, de-
clared that the hopes of ezhil^ rest
on the film producers because the
cwnparatlvely few stage attractions
avalUble boost the nut for the show-
houses so high that even an abnor-
mally' high gross leaves little net
profit
"The exhibition end of the business
has reached a stage where a week's
profit on a film boxoffice hit must
carry a theatre over a succession of
losing wedis,' declares Singer. The
public no longer has the funds or
inclination to patronize ordinarily
good pictures, but must have the ex-
ceptionally strong. It's mainly a case
of reduced purchasing power. If we
can get one of these boxoffice pic-
tures every month, it wiU carry us
over the lean weeks.'
Singer doesn't foresee any Imme-
diate change in the trend or types of
theatrical entertainment Vaudeville
never will come back and there is
no near-term threat from television,
in his opinion. He believes draw
stage attractions are making a mis-
take In setting their terms so high
that theatres cannot make money
with them even though they pull big
grosses. Moreover, he - points out,
most theatre operators cannot take
the risk involved in booking such
attractions. As lax as the Orpheum
here is concerned, he saySi the new
French Casino show is a case in
point
An epidemic of demolition of big
de luxe theatres, like the Minnesota
here, is predicted by Singer.
1)PPRESSIVE€LEARANCr
PROBE IN CINCiraiATI
PAR'S FOREIGNERS
Has Several BrlUsta-Madet Llnei Up
For C,8»
A deal Is virtually set under which
Paramount will take for .U.S. re-
lease an Kngllsh-made known as
'The Chinese Fish.' It will be sold
under the title of 'The Silent Battle.'
In addition to Trench Without
Tears,' which Par wiU produce Itself
In England, the conqtany h^ three
Afoyflower prodUcUons t starring
Charles Laughton, rights for latter
faavtaig been taken by Par for the
entire world excepting the United
Kingdom. Two of these Ijaughtons,
'St Martin's Lane' and 'Jamaica Inn,'
are already completed but prints of
neither have reached New York as
yet Budd Bogers, American repre-
sentative of Mayflower, Is confeirlng
with Far on release plans but no de-
cisions have been reached. Probable
plan will be to release either 'Ja-
maica' or "St Martin's' early this
fall as 9 '39-40 picture, with the
other held back until next winter.
The third picture under the deal, yet
to be made, 'Admirable Crlchton*
(remake), may go over on the '40-41
schedule,
John W. Hicks, Jr., v.p. in charge
of foreign operations, sailed Satur-
day (25) from London, and will be
joined in New York the end of April
by Adolph Zukor for a trip togeOier
to Australia, followed by a tour of
South and Central Anterica.
Cincinnati, March 28.
Acting upon the request of Greater
Cincinnati Independent Exhibitors,
Inc., Seymour Simon, Justice De-
partment attorney, has for past three
doys been here investigating 'op-
pressive clearance condltiona,'
claimed by association members
operating 15 theatres.
H. M. Bitchey, director of exhibi-
tor relations for lUCO, is due here
tomorrow (Wednesday) for' confer-
ences with indies* committee which
will Include Harold Bernstein, prez;
Frank W. Huss and CHiarles Miervls>
Complaint directed principally
against KKO, which has all' but one
of the downtown ace cinemas, is that
first-run houses are granted too much
clearance time — 57 days over first
suburban theatres, with price differ-
ential of only 12c. on night scale.
Indies filed their complaint 'with
Washington last fall which was fol-
lowed b-y a visit by a D. J. investi-
gator in Novem1>er.
GN WANTS F. A.
TO RESUME
MAKING PK
E. W. Hammons, Grand National
prexy who returned from the Coast
last week (22), is reported to have
Issued an ultimatum to Franklyn
Warner's Fine Arts Productions^ set-
ting an oafly date by which time he
expects Warner to resume produc-
tion and delivery of pictures to GN.
When that deadline is jiassed, and
if product Is not forthcoming Ham'
mons. will substitute another pro-
ducer for Warner on the GN sched'
ule. 'Who that new {)roducer mi^t
be is being kept secret by Ham-
mons.
With reference to Dr. Eugene
Frenke's 'Exile Express,' the pro-
ducer has not yet delivered the nega-
tive despite the tender of $25,000 by
Hammons which was due on the
contract Failure to turn in the film
is caused by -Franke's fear that maxi-
mum distribution results tor his film
will not be- forthcoming tmless the
present skeleton GN sales organiza-
tion is augmented. Producer insists
his contract with GN calls for latter
to maintain a full field sales or-
ganization.
Hammons expects to appoint a new
sales head within t^ next two
weeks. He has until Aug. 0, it is
understood, to pay off remaining un-
paid debts «f the old Grand National
company, or face the alternative of
court recapture of the new GN.
Colman at Par
Hollywood, March 28.
Ronald Colman has closed a deal
with Paramount for the top role in
The Light That Failed.'
Shooting starts In June with
William Wellman as producer-di-
rector.
HOUDAT FOE ZIDS
Hollywood, March 28.
Paramount engaged 28 moppets for
the Charles -R. Rogers production.
The Star Maker,' starring Bing
Crosby.
Kid -group will be increased to 75
before shooting starts April 3.
SUrbaU'a 'BUracle'
Hollywood, Bferch 2&
Jack Sklrball sends .'Miracle of
Main' StreeV into production next
Monday (3) at Grand National with
Margo starred. GN vlce-prez rey
cently returned from -confabs with
Earle W. Hammons in New York.
BUT illOTHING HAPPENS
Meet for AnU-Bnallsm, bat Noboily
Pays Attentlan
Philadelphia, March 28.
Meeting called by Allied last week
to encourage exhibs to cease double-
featuring A and B product was ap-
parently meaningless. Although the
large group present was practically
unanimous in voting against the
duals, no action lias been taken by
anyone toward cutting them out
'Whatever resolutions were voted
on at the meeting, following standard
Allied form, applied individually, not
collectively. Exhlbs agreed that
'each would voluntarily. Individually
and of his own accord not double-
feature the top brai^et pictures.'
Several Important exhlbs who use
twins didn't appear at the meeting;
Loew's Ziegfeld, class N. Y. nabe,
after eight weeks of singles, has been
forced back to duals to hypo the b.o.
Writers, Producers Near Uradng
Stage; Work Dnrii^ Layirfl Only Snag
Hired Hand
Hollywood, March 28.
Wage scale for • writer im-
. ported from New York for a
colossal picture lis $72.91 per
hour, when he works. Scribe was
hired at $3,500 a '^veek but after
a couple of days complained that
he was too tired to work the
regulation hours.
Producer finally agreed to pay
him on the basis of .a 48-houT
week.
Rep.'s Four Regioiial
Sales CoMfcidoiis, 1st
At Houston, A|iril 7-8
Republic Pictures has set four re-
gional sales conventions this year,
first one to get under way in Hous-
ton, Texas, April 7-8. Other three
will be in New York April 12-13;
Chicago, April 20-21, and San Fran-
cisco, April 25-26. Twenty-six fea-
tures, 24 westerns and teur serials
comprise .the '30-40 program.
Republic will give its costliest pic-
ture to date a special sendofl and
has scheduled the world premiere
of 'Man of Conquest,' based on the
career of Sam Houston, Texas pi-
oncer,, for April 4 at the Majestic,
Houston. William Saal, special rep-
resentative, is now in Houston, set-
ting details of the advance tiEunpaign.
Alvin Adams, adv.-pub. head,
leaves New York on April 3 for
Houston to set the convention ar-
xangements at the OKice Hotel. James
R. Grainger, sales head; H. J.. Yates,
other home office executives, and
sales and franchise men of the south-
western territory will attend the
Texas regional meet
Bep'a ItMteiar at 7MO
Hollywood, March 28.
'Doctors Don't XelV second of Re-
public's hlgh-budgit pictures, goes
into production April 24 with an
initial allotment of $750,000. George
NichoUs, Jr., now putting the finish-
ing toudies to 'Man of Conquest,' ^^
slated to direct 'Doctors.'
Hays Loses One, Starts
Anodier Temple Suit
Los Angeles, March 28.
Suit for $500,000 brought by Jack
Hays, producer, against Mr. and
Mrs. George Temple, parents of
Shirley Temple, was dismissed In
superior court
Hays, who claimed to have dis-
covered moppet, sought an account-
ing on the grounds that he was to
have received 60% of her earnings
under an agreement with George
Temple in 1983.
Next day Hays filed a $700,000 suit
against the Moppet's parents, charg-
ing repudiation of a contract made
ii. 1032, which assertedly gave Hays
exclusive rights to the kid's services.
WB Shekes Bifliiiger
Hollywood, March 28.
Warners has scuttied plans for
productaig 'John Dlllinger, Outlaw,'
following protests over the filming
of the desperado's reign of terror.
W. R. Burnett has been switched
to screenplay 'Brother Orchid,'
gangster yarn, Ukely for Edward G.
Robinson. James Cagney had been
mentioned for the Dlllinger role.
How Do We Stand?
Los Angeles, March 28.
Malcolm St Clair, director, has
filed suit to determine status of his
agency contract with Harry Wurtzel.
Director, whose contract with 20th-
Fox exphies April IS, charges his
agent has absented himself frequent-
ly from California and has not be^
available to talk over future em-
ployment
GUT TB OSPEB UPFEB
Hollywood, March 28.
Guy Trospcr, for years head read-
er for Samuel Goldwyn, has been
elevated to story editor.
He succeeds Frances Mansion, re-
signed.
Hollywood, March 28.
Screen writers and producers are
practically together on recognition
and a contract after a hectic ewe^
of jockeying and parleying. Week-
end confabs brought the two groups
together on most issues after the
Soeen Writers Guild last Wednes-
day <22) threw an ultimatum at the
producers, refusing to go with any
ntore conferences or discussions un-
less the. producers granted them:
1: -80% Guild dwp.
2: Three-year pact with a six
months' option and;
3: PermissiMi for contract writers
to write on their own during layoff
periods.
Both sides 'were adamant on these
three points and Friday (24) showed
up at offices of the National Rela-
tions Board demanding a continua-
tion of the 'hearings under the Wag-
ner act Producos, however, point- -
ed put to the trial examiner that
they were perfectiy 'wlUing to con-
tinue negotiations. They offered, -on
the three diluted points. (1) a
straight lO-year agreement; (2) 70%
Guild shop for two years and 80%
thereafter,' but a definite nix on
point three. ■
Trial Examiner James C. Batten
coaxed the two groups into going
Into confabs . again. Writers were
adamant until Batten suggested that
he sit in, unofficially, on the talks.
This won the boys over, and chat-
ter sMslons were reopened.
Items that the writers and pro-
ducers have agreed on already are:'
1. Vacations vrlth pay at the rate
of one week for each 28 weeks of
work, for all writers receiving $150
per week or less.
2. Establishment of an arbitration
and conciliation board to handle all
dilutes involving the basic agree-
ment and also individual contracts
between writers and producers.
3. nie SWG to Jiave complete
jurisdiction over all screen credits,
the producers to be permitted to
submit tbe first credit list for each
picture.
4. Minimum layoff period to be
two weeks.
5. No .industry-wide salary cut
against writers ever to be instituted
without consulting the SWG.
6. A more equitable system of
payments for freelance writers
working on a lump sum basis. (Sug-
gestion: one-third payment on ac-
ceptance of idea, one-third more ou
acceptance of treatment, and final
on acceptance of finished yarn.)
7. EUmination of writing on spec-
ulation when the original idea 1*
suggested by the producer.
8. Principals of a minimum wage
for 'writers in the lower salary
brackets. (Writers suggested $125
mintTniim; producers think there
should be two miuimums, one for
feature writers and one for shorts
writers.)
8. SWG agrees to order its mem-
bers to walk through picket lines,
if und^r contract, in case some other
Union Is on strike -against the stu-
dios.
Craee Moore's ForeigB
Operas; Maybe Pix, Too
Gracci Moore sails June 14 for ap-
pearancss at the Opera Comique,
Paris, and in London. She has
made no definite plans for another
filin in Paris, although she will dis-
cuss -the matter while there.
She returns In October to sing at
the Chicago Opera, where, she will,
take over the titie roles of Tosca'
and 'Mme. .Butterfly,' which she will
in aU probability repeat at the
Metropolitan Qpera. Miss Moore has
never, sung these operas before.
Before sailing, ' she finishes her
tour with the Met and will sing on
the Lux hour on May 8. She is also
booked for concerts. Negotiations
for her to record for 'Victor are in
progress.
20-YEAR CYCLE
Phil Rosea Betnras to U aa Director
—Was There in 1919
Hollywood, March 28.
Phil Rosen completed a 20-year
cycle yesterday (Monday) when he
gave 'Ex-Champ' the starting signal
as director at Universal.
He returned to the studio where
he started as a cameraman on The
Miracle' in 1919.
Wednesday, Marcb 29, 1939
PICTURE GROSSES
VARIETY
Spring Ops On; 'Mak'-Vande
Draws Ferns, QaoA $18,000, Temple
Sturdy $1S,000, Cagney Fair M
Chicago, March 28.
Unusually warm weather lor the
getaway ot the week proved a box-
office deterent, with the public con-
tent to amble In the new sunshine
and rush Into stores for Easter finery.
Cooled' down somewhat over the
weekend, however, and bushiess
nerked. But the general lassitude of
spring fever indicates thjrt ttie cut-
rent loop session will not be par-
ticularly heartening lor any of the
theatres. , ^
Best general pace of the current
sUnza will be generated by 'Love
Affair' and vaude at the Palace.
FUcker is intended to stretch stay
jDto a two-weeker "so as to permit
an Eastern opening for toe Astalre-
Bogers The CasGes.' .'Altau' got
away to a slow matinee, but stepped
up injthe evening and over the week
*"wonder of the loop Is •PygmaUon,'
which is hitting its seventh week
and will go torough to Easter, any-
way. Picture is getting a heap of
repeat play. Lack' of lemme play is
causing the b.6. blues at toe Chicago,
where 'Oklahoma Kid' U failing to
earner any interest On ■>'«e otoer
Hand, the handkMchiefs are getOng
a workout in toe- United Artists,
which has 'Made for Each Otoer.'
Estimates for This Week
ApeUe (BatK) (1^00: S3-M-66-76)
—'PygmaUon' (M-G) (Ttowk). Long-
est run town has had since 'Snow
■White.' Again over te.OOO, remark-
able, after taking down powerful
tfi 800 lost Wcdc
CUosfo (B«ck) (4.000; 36-55-75)—
'Oklahoma' (WB) smd stage show.
Going to $26,000, ratoer dlsappohit-
ing. Last week 'Midnight' (Par) and
vaude, on the same level at «ffi,200.
Garrlok (BfcK) (000; 36-55-65)—
•Midnight' (Par). Moved here from,
the CWcago and looks for fair $4,500.
Last week 'Dau^ter* (WB), okay
^'orfintol (Jones) (3.200; 25-40)—
Tailspin' (20th) and 'Code of Streets'
(Rep), plus 'Follies Continental' unit
on stage. Going along to $14,000, sat-
isfactory. Last week "Boy Trouble
(Par) and "Moto' (20to). plus vaude;
$13,600. okay.
Palace (RKO) (2,600; 35-55-75)—
•Love Affair* (RKO) and vaude.
Femme trade boosting this one to
good $18,000. Figures on a two-week
•tay. Last week Honest Man* (U)
and vaude, $14,400, good for second
week
BooMvelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65-
75)^'Prhicess' (20to). Best of toe
Temples in a long, time and manag-
ing fine $15,000 U opening stanza.
Last week "Wings Navy' (WB), to
fair $8,200 in flnial seven days.
State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 25-40)—
•Four Girls' (M-G) and vaude. Per-
colating to $14,000, good. Last
week 'Chan^ (20to) and vaude off
somewhat to $12,100.
United Artists (B&K-OUA) (1.700;
36-55-65-75) — 'Each Otoer* (UA)
(2d wk). Coming through to fine
$12,000 currently, after snappy in-
itial session at $17,200.
Seatde Fix Hold Up;
Wdnight' Good $6300
Seattle, March 28.
General biz is poor, but toe show
shops are toe exceptions. ' 'Love Al-
fair,' at the Fifto Avenue, and 'Mid-
night,' at Paramount, are boto turn-
ing in fine grosses.
Estimates fer This Week
Bine Monse (Hamrlck-Evergreen)
(BSO; 32-37-42)— 'Wife. Husband'
(20th) and 'Arizona Wildcat' (20to).
Moveover from Paramount indicates
only $1,800, poor. liBst week (2d),
^onest Man' (U) and 'Fisherman's
Wharf (RKO), dual, six days, nice
enough $2,600.
Collaevm (Hamrlck-Evergreen)
UfiOO; 21-32)— 'Trade Winds' (UA)
and 'Thanks Everything' (20to). Ex-
pect $2,600, fair. Last week, 'Stand
Up' (M-G) and 'West Poinf (Col),
slow $2,300.
Fifth Avcnne (Hamrick-Ever-
ffeen) (2,349; 32-37-42)— 'Lovie Af-
fair" (RKO) and 'Man Votes' (RKO).
AnUdpate big $7,600 and h. o. Last
^Jff'k Ice Follies' (M-G) and 'Beauty'
(RKd), $4,800, poor.
liberty (J-vH) (1,800; 21-32-42)—
TCing Turf (UA) and 'Homicide Bu-
(2d wk). Looking for
f 1.800, fair, in toree days. House
iheu closes for two weeks for face-
ifJ'iPjp Last week, same films,
$4j0p0, good.
/oH"*"'"' (Hamrlck-Evergreen)
(850; 32-37-42)— 'PygmaUon' (M-6)
(4th wk). SoUd puU; great $3,500
£""enay. Last wMk, same film, big
T*,OuO.
/n^JP''*'*''' (Hamrick - Evergreen)
ivSS^>} 32-37-42)— 'Oklahoma Kid*
(WB) and 'O'Connor' (M-G) (2d
WK). Indicate good $3,600. Last
week, same flhns, great $7,200. .
a7?5!""!S.', (SterUng) (1,350; 16-27-
37.42)-'Yukon' (Ctol) and 'Wife's
Relations' Rep), plus vaude. Expect
$8,200, fair. Last week, 'Pirates
Skies' (U) and 'Navy Secrets'
(Mono), plus vaude, okgy $4,400.
Paramennt (Hamrlck-Evergreen)
(3,039.; 32-37-42)— 'Midnight' (Par)
and 'lUegal Traffic' (Par). Paced
for big $6,300. Last week, 'Wife,
Husband' (20to) and 'Arizona WUd-
cat' (20th). $4800, fair.
BoMeveH (SterUng) (800; 21-32)—
'Zaza' (Par) and 'LltOe- Tough Guy^
(U). Headed for $2,000. nice. Last
week, 'Frankenstein' (U) and lUng
Alcatraz' (Par), good $2,300.
'AFFM TORRID
$20,000 IN
COmHOB
. Boston, March 28.
.Xove Affair,' dualled, is luring
most biz tois week, altHou^ 'Stage-
coach,' also wito a co-feature. Is close
behind.
Otherwise biz is plenty cold here.
Estimates for This Week
Boston (RKO). (3,200; 20«30-40)—
'Strange Faces' (U) and 'Renegade
TraU' (Par) wito vaude for lour
days, and 'Star Midnight* (RKO) and
'Lost Patrol' (RKO) (boto 2d run),
three days. Aiming for satisfactory
$8,000. Last weekT^r. Meade' (Col)
and 'Star Reporter' (Mono), wito
vaude for four days, and 'Dawn Pa-
trol' (WB) and 'Going Places' (WB)
(both 3d run), okay $7,800.
Fenway (M&P) (1,332; 25-35-40-55)
— "Blackweir (WB) and 'Arizona
WUdcat' (20th). Floppo $4,000 indi-
cated. Last week, 'Stand Up' (M-G)
and 'Fast Loose' (M-G) (2d run),
okay $6,000.
Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,907; 26-
35-40-55)— 'Love Affair' (RKO) and
'Crowded Hours' (RKO). Very good
$20,000. Last week, 'Musketeers'
(20to) and 'West Point' (UA), dandy
$17,500.
MetrepolltaB (M&P) (4,367: 25-35-
40-55>— 'Midnight' (Par) and "King
Chinatown' (Par). Low $10,009. LaS
week, 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB) and
'Nancy Drew' (WB), medium $15,000.
Orphenm (Loew) (2,000; 25-35-40-
55)— 'SUgecoach' (UA) and 'Whis-
pering Enemies' (Col). Hitting on
high for $18,000. Last week, 'Pyg-
malion' (M-G) and 'Let Live* (Coll,
dual (2d wk), zoomed to $18,000, ex-
tra good for a holdover.
Paramouit (M&P) (1,797; 25-35-40-
55— 'Blackwell' (WB) and 'Arizona
Wildcat' (20to). N.s.h., around $6,-
500. Last week, 'Stand Up' (M-G)
and •Fast Loose' (M-G) (2d run),
okay $8,000.
Scollay (M&P) (2,638; 25-35-40-55)
—'Wife, Husband' (20th) and Tail-
spin' (20to) (boto 2d run). Tepid
$4,000. Last week. 'Beaohcomber'
(Par) and Trade Winds' (UA) (boto
2d run), okay $5,500.
SUte (Loew) (3,600; 25-35-40-55)-^
'Stagecoach' (UA) and 'Whispering
Enemies' (Col). WiU hit around
$14,000, good. Last week. 'PygmaUon'
(M-G) and 'Let Live' (Col) (2d wk),
very good $13,000.
ICE F8LLIES' GOOD
$9,000 IN DENVER
Denver, March 28,
Despite .rain and col4 yesterday
(Monday), all flrst-nms are above
average.
'Midnight' Is doing as good in Its
second week as. in its first. WiU
be held an additional four days.
Estimates for This Week
AlaMlB (Fox) (1.400; 25-40)—
Topper' (UA), after a week at the
Denver. Nice $3,500. Last week.
'Wings Navy' (WB), around average
$3.505r
Broadway (Fox) (1,100; 25-40)—
'Love Affair' (RKO) and 'Crowded
Hours' (RKO), both after a week at
the Orpheum. Good $3,000. Last
week, 'PygmaUon' (M-G), good
$3,500.
Denbam (Cockrlll) (1,750; 25-40)—
'Midnight' (Par) (2d wk). Fine
$8,000. Last week, great $8,000,
doing best weekend biz house has
had this year.
Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-40)—
'Daughter* (WB). Nice $9,000. Last
week. Topper" (UA), exceUent $10,-
500.
Orphenm (RKO) (2,600; 25-40)—
'Ice FoUies' (M-G) and The Sahit'
(RKO). Good $9,000. Last week,
'Love Affair' (RKO) and "Crowded
Hours' (RKO), strong SIO.OOO.
Paramonnt (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)—
'Blondie' (Col) and 'Newsboys'
Home' (U). Big $4,500. Last week.
First Rims on Broadway
(Subject to Change)
Week of March 30
Astor — •Pygmalion' (M-G)
(17th wk).
Capitol — 'Society Lawyer'
(M-G).
Criterion — 'BuUdog Drum-
mond's Secret PoUce' (Par).
Globe 'Let Us Live' (Col)
(29).
(Revietved In VAmEnr, Feb. 22) •
Moslo Hall — 'The Story of
Irene and Vernon Castle' (RKO).
FaUMe — 'Winner Take All'
(20to).
rargmoiint — 'I'm from Mis-
souri' (Par) (2d wk),
Blalto— -They Made Her a Spy'
(RKO) (28).
Blvoll — 'Three Smart Girls
Grow Up' (U) (3d wk).
Boxy — 'Alexander Graham
BeU* (20to) (31).
Strand— 'You Can't Get Away
wito Murder' (WB) (2d wk).
Week of AprU 6
Astor — 'PygmaUon* (M-G)
(18to wk).
CapHol— "Broadway Serenade'
(M-G).
Glebe— 'Prison Witoout Bars'
(UA) (8).
Muale HaU — 'The Story of
Irene and Vernon Castle' (RKO)
(2d wk).
Parameut— 'Midnighf (Par)
(5).
(Rerteioed <n Vabieit, March 15)
Blaito— 'On Trial' (WB) (5).
(Reviewed in Current Issue)
Blvoll — Three- Smart Girls
Grow Up' (U) (4to wk).
Bezy — 'Alexander Graham
BeU' (2mb) (2d wk).
Strand — Dodge City' (WB)
(7).
Bums-Iamonr-Auer-Bamet Ordi
Give B'way Par the Lead with $4(1000;
'Affair' 75G2iDurbin 256 2d; Rest Off
•Let Live' (Col) and 'Lone Wolf
(Col), nice HOOO.
Ualte (Fox) (878;. 25-40)— 'Wings
Navy* (WB), after a week at each,
the Denver and Aladdin, and 'I,ady
Vanishes' (GB). Good $2,000. Last
week house, was a subsequent run
for toe seven d^s.
TEMPLE STOUT
m IN LmLE
LouisviUe, March 28.
Shirley Temple wiU round up toe
top gross of the week here and is
keeping toe Rialto cashiers plenty
busy, Moppet's pic is weU exploited.
A goodwill gesture towards local or-
phsuoages and children's homes
brought underprivileged to early
shows and received generous news-
paper space.
Stagecoach.' on a dual at Loew's
State, is making an okay showing,
and 'Spirit of Culver.' also paired at
the Strand, looks aU right 'Okla-
homa Kid,' on h.o. at Mary Ander-
son, is doing fairly well.
Vaude came to town for toree days
(25-26-27) at toe National, with Dixie
Dunbar and BUly Hogan's orch head-
ing toe biU, and biz was big. It is
toe intention of Jack Schwartz, of
Lexington, to continue booking week
end shows.
Estimates for This Week
Brown (Loew's-Fourth Ave.) (1,-
500; 15-30-40)— 'Huck Finn' (M-G)
and 'Lone Wolf (Col).. Moveover
from Loew's State. Heading for fair-
ish $1,800. Last week. 'Fast Loose'
(M-G) and 'Pour Girls' (M-G). in
second downtown week, okay $2,300.
Kentucky (Switow) (900: 15-25)—
'Wings Navy' (WB) and 'Franken-
stein' (U)- Hitting along for fair
$1,700. Last week, 'Comet Broadway*
(WB) and '(^otog Places* (WB), av-
erage $1,800.
Loew's State (Loew*s) (3,100- 15-
30-40) 'Stagecoach' (UA) and
'Blondie' (C:ol). Attracting nice
comment and trade. 'Blondie' par-
ticularly well liked in this town.
Pointing to good $7,500. Last week.
'Huck Finn' (M-G) and 'Lone WoU'
(C:ol), chaUced up big $9,000.
Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000:
15-30-40)— 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB) (2d
wk). Indications are for mild $2,800,
toUowing last week's sweet $5,200.
Ohio (Settos) (900; 15)— 'Blondes
Dangerous' (U) and 'Spawn' (Par),
split with 'Vivacious' (RKO) and
'Moto' (20to). Takings mUd, prob-
ably $1,200. Last week, 'Youth Fling'
rU) and 'Cffwboy Brooklyn' (WB),
split wito 'Bringing Baby" (RKO)
and 'Love Budget" (20th), fair $1,400.
BUllo (Fourth Avenue) (3.000; 15-
30^0)— Trincess' (20to) and March
of Time. Temple's technicolor film
rated tops by critics and biz up to
date has been terrific. Chalking up
bouncing $10,000 and h.o. in prospect.
Last week. "Love Affair' (RKO) and
'Crowded Hours' (RKO). okay $6,500.
Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400: 15-
30^0)— 'Culver' (U) and 'Society
Smugglers' (U). Pretty good $3,400.
Last week, 'St Louis' (Par) and
'King Cniinatown' (Par), fine $3,809.
Something more than toe current
crop of pictures is needed to entice
a wary dollar or two tois week. The
public is turning up its noses at most
of the shows, maytie iustlflably.
Lent and topsy-turvy weatoer, warm
one day and cold toe next, wito rain
in between for flavoring, cant be toe
main reason.
The Pai-amount, which is teasing
'em past toe boxoffice wito Dorothy
Lamour in a sarong, tdus Miacha
Auer and Bob Bums' latest, 'I'm
from Missouri,' togetoer with two
holdovers, 'Love Affair' and Three
Smart Girls,' are at toe top.
Par pushed to $46,000 on toe first
week endhig last night (Tues.) and
today starts a secMid. Lamour, get-
ting $3,500 and Auer, getting $3,000,
are in wito the CharUe Bamet or-
ch^ra from the Famous Door (62d
Finai (2d) week of 'Love Affair*
at toe Music HaU wiU be $75,000 or
toereabouts, which, wito a ^000
first lap, WiU provide ' a nice profit
on toe engagement Also getting a
nice hod is 'Three Smart Girls,' cur-
rently in its second week at toe
RivoU; $2S,000i . very good. 'Girl&'
goes A third week, while toe HaU
changes tomorrow (Thurs.), brf
ing in The Castles.' Though
picture gets into toe teeto of Holy
Week on its initial stanza: on toe
second it runs into Easter. . -
'Hound of BaskervlUes' needed
better name strengto than Ifs got
It WiU be lucky to get $38;000, some
profit Another that is being gener-
ally passed up is 'You Cant Get
Away wito Murder,' which has toe-
Jinuny Dorsey band wito it at the
Strand; only 122,000 indicated.
Poorest of aU is 'Sergeant Madden,'
anotoer bitter piU for the CapitoL
Less toan $16,000 is toe cruel story.
^Society Lawyer* ventures in tomor-
row (Thurs.) for Holy Week.
'I Was a Convict' is getting. sUghted
at toe Criterion, only $6,000 or be-
low, whUe toe Rialto dropped 'Risky
Business* Monday night (27) after
six days at only a lltue better toan
$5,000, lymphatic.
On second run with 'Made for
Each Otoer' and Happy Felton, the
State wlU be lucky to get $18,000,
mUd.
Globe last night (Tues.) wound up
four weeks of 'BlackweU's Island.'
hooking S7,500 on the flMal seven
days. This one has been- a tremen-
dous money maker for Harry
Brandt's pop grind. He opens 'Let
Us Live' today (Wed.) and wiU run
that through to AprU 8.
EsUnates for This Week
Astor (1,012; 26-40-55-65)— 'Pyg-
malion' (M-G) (16to week). Con-
tinuing very satisfactorily, probably
$9,000 tois week (16th). The ISto
round was $10,000. No departure date
yet set)
Capitol (4,520; 25-35-55-85-$1.25)—
'Sergeant Madden' (M-G). Holdovers
are getting fewer and farther be-
tween here, this being anotoer toat
can't go beyond seven days; under
$15,000 seen. Last week, 'Ice FolUes*
(M-G), a setoack for Jo'an Crawford,
only around $16,000.
CrUcrlea (1.662; 26-40-55)— 'I Was
a Convict" (Rep). Closes its week
tonight (Wed.) after only minor in-
terest, $6,000 or under. Last week,
second of 'Fast and Loose' (M-G),
nearly $8,000. excellent
Globe (1,274; 25-40-55)— 'Let Us
Live' (Col) arrives here today (Wed.)
after four very profitable weeks of
'BlackweU's Island' (WB). Final
seven days, $7,500. after prior (3d)
week of $9,400.
Palace (1,700; 25-35-55)— 'Wife,
Husband' (20to) (2d run) and 'Wom-
an Doctor" (U) (1st run), dualed.
This brace pointing for $7,000, under
average. Last week, 'Can't Cheat
Honest Man' (U) and 'Grand Illu-
sion" (World), boto 2d run, $8,500:
Paramount (3,664; 25-35-65-85-99)
-'From Missouri' (Par) and. in per-
son, CharUe Barnet band, Dorothy
Lamour and Mischa Auer (2d week).
Begins holdover today (Wed.) after
first week of $46,000, very good for
this '.'•.me of year. The second (final)
leg of Chick Webb's band and Ella
Fitzgerald, wito 'King of Chinatown'
(Par) (1st week), was $27,500, some
profit.
Radio City Music Hall (5.980; 40-
C0-84r99-$1.65)— 'Love Affair" (RKO)
and stage show (2d-flnal week). Very
good money-maker here, looking
$75,000 or in vicinity of that on hold-,
over, after first seven days of $95,-
000. 'Story ' of Vernon and Irene
Castle' (RKO) moves in tomorrow
(Thurs.).
BUIte (750: 25-40-59)— 'Made Her
a Spy' (RKO). Brought in yester-
day morning (Tues.) and away well.
Six days of 'Risky Bustaiess' (U)
wasn't much, a little over $5,000.
Blvoll (2.092; 25-55-75-85-99)—
•Smart Giris' (U) (2d we^). Took
toe customers for an excellent $38,-
000 the first week a.A currently on
th second maintains fine strcn.<!th at
a orobable $26,000., Continues indet.
Boxy (5,836: a5.40-55-76>-'Basker-
vlUes' (20to) and stage show. Things
are pretty quiet around here, about
$38,000, but a little black. Last week,
second of 'Litile Prhicess" (20th),
$33,000 which, wito $40,000 the first
week, added to fair profit 'Alexan-
der Graham BeU' (20th) opens Fri-
day (31).
State (3,450; 35-56-75)- 'Made for
Each Other' (UA) (2d run) and
Hat >py Felton band. Slow going pre-
vails, only$18,000 or bit better. Last
week there was much more action,
$26,000 coming through on 'Idiot's
Delight' (M-G) (2d run) and GeoTge
HaU, very good.
Strand- (2,767; 25-40-55-75-85-09)—
'Can't Get Away Murder' (WB) and
Jimmy Dorsey. Gross dips away un-
der toe good average toat has been
maintained here for six months with
stage shows; , probably no more than
$22,000. sluggish. House is forced to
hold show over, wito 'Dodge Cit]^
(WB) and Guy Lombardo set- for
three weeks to start AprU 7. Last
week, second of 'Oklahoma Kid'
(WB) and toird for WUl Osborne and
Sheila Barrett, nearly $28,000, good.
DURBIN-VAUDE
FAIR $18,000
BIDET.
Detroit, March 28.
Nice break .in weatoer is getting
toe welcome sign, on local film 'row.
Lineup is fairly strong, wito Three
Smart Girls. Grow Up,' plus vaude,
at the Fox, looking Uke toe best bet
Kay Kyser, at toe Fox last week,
drew tremendous $80,000 and set a
new attendance record.
Estinates far This Week
Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40) —
•Frankenstein' (U) and 'Lone Wolf
(Col). Headed for okay $5,000. Last
stanza, 'Service' (U) and 'Newsb<»^
Home' (U),. about $5,400, good, la
eight days.
Fex (Fbx-MIchlgan) (5,000: 30-40-
65)— "Three Smart Ghrls' (U), plus
Mitzi Green heading stage show.
Should get fair $18,000, loUo»<uig
near-record $50,000 last week lor
TaU Spin' (20to) and Kay Ky&er's
band on stage, latter setting an aU-
time attendance record.
Mlohlgan (United Detroit) (4,000;
30'40-66)— 'From Missouri' (Par) and
'Fast and Loose' (M-G), dual P^ced
for bad $10,000, Last week, around
$15,000 for 'Each Other' (UA) plus
'Secret Servlpe' (WB).
Palms-State (United DetroU)
(3,000; 30-40-50)— 'Each Other* (UA)
(2 run) plus 'Chuiatown' (Par). For-
mer opus moved here from Michi-
gan; figures for fair $7,000. Last
stanza, nice $8,700 for 'Daughter'
(WB) (2d run) and 'One Third Na-
tion' (Par).
United Arlbts (United Detroit)
(2,000; 30-40-65)— 'Pygmalion' (M-G)
(2d wk). FoUowing good opening
stanza of $12,500, should get around
$8,000 currently. WUl probably move
out Thursday (30).
Liiicolii Slow; Temple
$3;700, Tast' Good 3G
Lincoln, March 28.
Everything is taking it easy tola
wesk. Temple's technlcolored 'Prhi-
cess' is modest, as is 'Let Us Live,' in '
for a run at the Varsity because of
pic shortage.
Nebraska (formerly Orpheum)
bows tomorrow (Wednesday).
Opener is 'Ice FoIUes' (M-G), which
is set for nine days.
Estimates for This Week
Colonial (NTI-Noble-Monroe) (750;
10-15)— 'Knight of Plahis' (Spec) and
'Navy Secrets' (Mono), spilt wito
'Wine. Women' (WB) and Texas
Stampede' (Col). Warm weather
hurting, maybe slim $700. Last weelt,
'Lone Star Pioneers' (Col) and 'Miss
Thoroughbred' (WB), spUt wito
'Black Room' (Col) and 'Behind
Mask' (Col), $1,000, very nice.
Liberty (NTI-Noble) (1,000; 10-15-
26)— 'Lone Wolf (Col) and 'Adven-
turess' (Col). Poor $1,000. Last
week, 'Comet Broadway' (WB) and
'Nancy Drew' (WB), so-so $1,300.
Lincoln (LTC-Cooper) (1.600; 10-
25-35)— 'Fast Loose' (M-G) and
'Everybody's Baby' (20lh). Looks
best for toe week, orobably $3,000.
okay. Last week, 'St Louis' (Par)
and 'Exposed' (U). very nice $3,100:
Stnait (LTC-Cooner) (1.900; 10-29-
40)— 'Princess' (20to). Might finish
at oke $3,700, altoough not fancy.
Last week, 'Honest Man' (U) did
surprisingly well. $4,300.
Varsity (NTI-Nobic) (1.100: 10-25-
35)— 'Let Live" (Col). In for 10 days,
maybe $3,000. fair. House is short of
product Last week, 'Dnu-rhtpr* (WB)
finished 10-dny run with $5,400. Was
slumping badly when yanked (21).
VARIETY
PICTURES
Wednesday, Merch 29, 1939
FILM SHOWMANSHIP
Dodge City Fetes
Awaited by 125,000
With Film's Preem
Dodge City, March 29.
Dodge City expects to be host to
a crowd of 125,000 on. Saturday,-
AprU 1, when It holds its .first round-
up, in years to celebrate the world
premiere performance there of
■yfarner Bros.' new Te.thnicolor pic-
ture, 'Dodge City.'
The city, once the most famous
cattletown in the west. Is preparing
for the biggest day in its history
with the film premiere attracting na-
tional attention and the Santa Fe
Railroad running excursion trains
from all parts of the southwest.
To accommodate the guests, four
theatres will play the film at its
premier^ Saturday evening, and a
tent city is being set up to house the
visitors for the weel: end.
To malce the round-up a full day
holiday, a rodeo, music festival and
street parade has been arranged.-
Hollywood's contribution will- be a
sixteen-car special train bringing
screen celebrities. On boArd will
be the stars of the picture, Enrol
Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Ann
Sheridan, Bruce Cabot, Quinn WU'
liams, Victor Jory, Alan Hale and
Frank McHugh. Others will include
Marlene Dietrich, Hugh Herbert, Leo
Carlllb and a large group of Warner
studio executives.
Premiere was arranged at the re-
quest .of Kansas officials to honor
Dodge' City, wUch serves as the lo-
cale of the film. ' In addition to state
and city officials who will be pres
ent. Governor Ratner, of Kansas, has
invited the governors of Texas,
Oklahoma, Colorado, Nebraska and
Missouri to be his guests for the day,
PRICE OF EGGS UP,
HOUSE DONATES 5,000
Rochester, N. Y., March 28,
Manager Ijester Pollock of.Loew's
is mapping biggest -Easter egg hunt
in city's history as plug for theatre,
Ira. Sapozink, dty playground direc-
tor, will arrange show, taking over
an entire city park in which to hide
6,000 eggs. - Some; will win cash
prizes and others passes to the thea-
tre. - Democrat & Chronicle ties in,
giving two weeks news play expected
to draw 15,000 kids.
For his lobby Manager Pollock has
built a miniature World's Fair setup
with Easte^ trimmings to house six
white bunnies.
By John C. Flinn
Ice Show Leaves 'Em Cold,
Bnt Dailies Warm to Stonts
Seattle, March 28. .
Ice skating contest at local rink
highli^ted exploitation for 'Ice Fol-
lies,' at Fifth Avenue, but the town
didn't warm- up.
However, the gag engineered by
Vic Gauntlett, adv. mgi'. for Ham-
rick-Evergreen, did get soine tilce
blurbs in -the sports sections, plus
some pictures, Sweaters were
awarded to boy and gal winners both
In spe«d skating and In fancy
swerves, so the .cost was almost nil,
and the contests got' lots of atten-
tion. '
For 'Love Affair,' current at Jim
Clemmer's house, 500 gardenias were
passed out td ladies.
"Midst the confusion of Government anti-trust suits,
delayed and thwarted industry trade practive discus-
sions, and the general economic uncertainty which be-
clouds the picture business, comes the voice of AI
Lichtman, vice-president of Loew's, Inc., who addresses
.a joint meeting of his company's sales managers and
Chicago film exhibitors, as follows:
'Double and triple features will ruin the industry if
they are not stopped soon.'
Lichtman is speaking from a vantage point that gives
him a broad perspective on what is happening in the
picture business. For many years he has been a lead-
ing executive In the distribution division of the indus-
try. More recently, since he resigned as president of
United Artists, he has dealt with production matters at
the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio in Culver City.
Lichtman doesn't like the exhibition trend in the coun-
try which is gradually embracing universal double bill-
ing of features. The policy is extending to territories
heretofore believed immune, from the practice.
While others are whipping themselves into frenzied
excitement over the Department, of Justice 'persecu-
tions,' and over . trade practice agreements, Lichtman
states in terms simple enough so aU may. understand
that the problem of the film industry of greatest con-
cern at the moment is double and triple billing. To
sit back and do nothing about it is to invite disaster.
- He pleads for cooperation between all branches to
get rid of dual programs. <Duals retard production
growth and development, he says, whereas a greater
industry depends on the encouragement of production
and the supply of more big pictures of high quality,
from all studios. Double bills- trim film rentals and
lower the earnings of successful films which must, un-
der the vicious dual system, share their rewards with'
less worthy features.
It is regrettable that Lichtman did not pursue^ his
theme to its conclusion and indicate exactly how and
by what means, in his opinion, dual aiid triple billing'
may be eliminated. It will hot be easy to accomplish.
On the contrary, the practice is spreading despite ef-
forts of exhibitors who do not want it What started
out to be a competitive weapon in a warfare for pa-
tronage has since I>ecome a necessary policy in theatres
(ar removed from competition but unable to maintain
single bill standards either because of the scarcity of
qu^ity short subjects, or because all major companies
now are producing and forcing the sale of a class of
secondary film suitable, for dual territories but too
weak to be shown as single bills.
Only where film exchanges will permit exhibitors .
to buy selectively can the single bUl standard be main-
tained.
SVAUSH DATES BACK 26 TEABS
In its broader aspects double billing is a compara-
tively recent national trade issue. The practice, how-
ever has been conducted in one ierritory (New Eng-
land) for 25 years. The wonder is not that duals have
spread from the Atlantic to the Pacific, but that the
system took so long a time in breaking down' single
bill protection. How that happened is easily explained.
Strong independent theatre operators, working in co-
operation with the film exchanges, fought against the
spread of dual programs. It never was an easy fight,
but so long as powerful theatre operators kept strict
control of the territories, in the west and south, duals
were discouraged. • . .
The south almost entirely is operating its theatres
on a single bill basis, but the volume of films pressing
for exhibition may break down the current policies.
Far west territory for years was cited as the section
most representative of the best distributing and ex-
hibiting policies. Single billing was tmiversaL Pro-
tection of runs was rigorously observed by all film ex-
changes. In Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles
theatres played extended first runs as far back as 1918.
When Sid Grauman operated the Rialto theatre as
a continuous long-run house in Los Angeles, it was
not uncommon for him to pay feature film rentals ex-
ceeding $20,000, an amount seldom paid today by any
except the biggest first runs. Subsequently, when he
Lee's Press Survey -
Of All Par Theatres
Claude' Lee, in public relations
work for the E. J. Sparks circuit in
Florida for years, with headquarters
at Jacksonville, has been assigned by
Paramount to make a study of public
relations for theatres ' of the Par
chain,' Including all the company's
partners.
He'wiU cover the entiire Per the-
atre map, looking over the situation
In all territories and conferring with
Par partners, managers and others
Jn the field.
opened his Egyptian theatre in Hollywood and showed
'Robin Hood,' 'Covered Wagon,' "Ten. Commandments,'
"Big Parade' and other specials at advanced, admission
prices, twice dally, film rentals 'sky-rocketed. 'Covered
Wagon' closed a 30-week engagement at the Egyptian,
having paid film rentals totaling $165,000.
What has since happened in the west coast territory
likewise has taken place elsewhere in the country.
During the booming days of the '20's theatre building
was pushed without careful regard for potential cus-
tomers for all the seating capacities. Local promoters
and some of the majors over-extended themselves in
the mad rush to control situations by controlling the
theatre outlets. Later, when general business bogged
down, control was retained by controlling film book-
ings. Dual billing, it was soon discovered, was a hefty
weapon which would flatten the most enthusiastic
' mojio-exhlbitlonlst When the smoke of competitive
struggle cleared away there was one story to be told
of every battle. Double billing was the victor. Once
started in a community it seldom has beeii eliminated.
Duals have become a film problem which has invited
the attention of public educators and reformers, No
one seems to have a good word for double bills, either
within or outside the industry. What was a novelty
and an entertainment bargain in metropolitan and
suburban theatres a short time ago now is regarded
by large groups of filmgoers as sitting marathons.
Films once were praised as the tie which binds together
the American family in healthful, Instructive entertain-
ment Now the theatre, ."with its fo'iir-hour show- is the
cause of family division and discord when the hard-
working father andjiusband refuses to join an expedi-
tion which does not disband until after m.idnight. He
prefers to stay ^t home, listen to the radio until 10:30
and 'g»to bed, knowing that tomorrow is another busi-
ness day.
It is not from the public angles, however, that Licht-
man Is speaking when he says that duals must be
stopped or they will ruin the business.
$1,000,000 OF mJI FOB 16-250
It Is within the experience of every showman who
reads the dual program announcements to have com-
mented qn the profligacy of an industry which can
afford to sell for 15c to 2^c a film program of two
features, short subjects, news and cattoon representing
more than $1,000,000 negative investment The theory
of profit is, of course, that there are so many theatres
that the multiplication of return makes possible the
continuance of the policy. Picture industry is finding
itself in the position, however, where its very waste-
fulness In giving so much for so little has caught up
with production budgets.
Ask any showman what has happened when he has
attempted to return to the single bill program after
playing 'dual features. The same public that squawks
and hollers about, the late hours, the lost sleep and
the cross chlldroi, beefs -just as hard when - the
evening's fare is limited to one featjre.
It is of little use to look in Uie direction of the
stronger theatre chains to break down the dual system.
. Individually they can do nothing. An Iron-boupd
agreement for single bills binding together all theatres,
affiliated and independent within a distinct competi-
tive area, might be effective. But the possibilities' of
such united action are remote tq the light of Federal
court rulings that such agreements' may be interpreted
as conspiracies in restraint of trade.
So picture business is caught in a web of its own
weavlhg. Process of 'extrication may be costly and
difficult The producer who insists his film shal^ not
be exhibited with another feature may -become en-
gaged in- pyrrhlc -warfare. -In -winning a victory for
a principle, he may destroy himself through lessened
film rental percenteges.
To stop the further spread, however, distributors
may be compelled to forego -volume sales. Only the
best films from all companies will hold public patron-
age in single bill -houses.
Necessity, therefore, may lead the Industry to cope
-with block bookings more effectively than a thousand
lawsuits and statutes
WOR Demonstrates
Facsimile Broadcast
Of 20th's PA Matter
Facsimile transmission of 20th
Century-Fox publicity over the
WOR facilities began yesterday
afternoon (Tuesday) with the broad-
casting of exploitation blurbs for the.
forthcoming lelease 'Alexander Gra-
hun Bell.' WOR facsimile broad-
casting, including the 20th publicity
matter, will continue on a regular
daily schedule.
As viewed yesterday afternoon on
a receiver at W.OR's offi.ces in New
Yoik, facsimile' Is- still in a com-
paratively crude state of develop-
ment coirespondlnf^ roughly to the
radio of 15 or 20 years ego. . Both
the Finch and RCA sy.-Ten.i are used, '
with a total of somewhere around-
2,000 receivers (mostly in the pos-
session of distributors and radio
officials) .'picking up the messages.
Entire field is stiU decidedly in the
experimental stage.
Finch system prints' the facsimile
on a roll of paper ^bout three and
three-quarter inches wide. Printing
is done by an arm that moves back
and forth across the paper by radio
impulses, at the rate of approximate-
ly one complete stroke a second.
Each stroke covers about one one-
hundredth of an inch. Printing one
inch of paper would therefore re-
quire almost two minutes. Printed
matter and illustrations are scanned
at the transmitting end. Actual print-
ing is done by a spark-gap oh the
moving arm, cutting pin-point holes
in the paper. RCA system works
somewhat similarly, but uses paper
about seven and one-half inches wide
and carbon printing.
WOR transmits'facsimile from 1:40
to 3:30 a.m. daily (except Saturday
and Sunday) and from 2 to 3 p.m.
daily. Station W2XUP. operates on
25.7 megacycles on a power of 100
watts, while station W2XBF operates
on 42 megacycles and a power of
1,000 watts. Crosley receivers, using
the Finch system, sell for $149, com-
plete with- an automatic time clock
device.
NATl SCREQ«'S PAR
ACCESSORIES' DEAL
National Screen Accessories, Inc.,
Is reported' near closing a contract
to take over distributing- of adver-
tising accessory material for Para-
mount Pictures, Inc. Don Velde,
now in charge of Paramotmt ad ac-
cessory sales, may shift 6ver to Na-
tional Screen Accessories, es latter
is taking over that department in
Paramount
By the deal Paramount woiild be
relieved of the overhead of malntaln-
■ing'an accessories sales department
but continues to control production
of its posters, lobby material, etc.
The Paramount contract is the- first
in a series of. takeovers which
Charles Casenave, vlce-prez of
NSA, has been planning for several
years. Other deals for Casenave's
company to act as a central clearing
house for ad material distribution,
direct to theatres, are on the tapis.
National intends to ultimately guar-
antee delivery of accessories on any
feature product a theatre has
booked on a blanket contract basis,
CAB0LD7A EXEDS' UEET
Spartanburg, S. C, March 28.
Theatre . Owners Association of
North and South Carolina will meet
June 4-6 at Myrtle Beach, S. C.
Best Stunt of Week
Dodge City, March 28.
Privilege of entertaining visit-
ing Hollywood flln. players who
. are coming here Saturday (1) to
attend the premiere of 'Dodge
City' (WB) was capitalized for
local charity funds.
Mary .Agn.es Butterfield he}d
the numliered ticket which gave
' her the' chance to etitertahi Errol
Flynn at her home. 'When she
annoiinced her luck to her fam-
ily she was informed one of her
brothers had just come, dowii
- with measles.
So.she sold the winnhig ticket
for $25 to June Brody. June
hasn't any brothers.
Skonras Ops. in B. 0.
Race for 15G Prizes
National Theatres will offer $15,-
000 cash prizes to Its theatre op-
erating executives in a Spyros
Skouras Showmanship Drive, start-
ing April 1 and lasting 13 weeks.
Arch M. Bowles, head of the north-
ern California division, wUl conduct
the drive.
Drive is being undertaken in an
effort to stimulate fourth-quarter
results of the current fiscal year.
THREE-PLY TIFF OVER
2 STA11N IS. THEATRES
Triple ownership of the Victory
theatre, - ISiompkinsvllle, and Lane,
Newdorp, Statfin' Island, N. Y., is in
dispute. -Proceedings came to light
when 'hearings were held 'last week
by Louis Ni^, counsel tor Mrs. Lu-
cille, Shlflman, beneficiary of the es-
tate of the .late Harry Shiflman,
theatre operator.
Readjustment of triple claims Is
being .worked out by Nizer in as
effort to protect- the interests -of Mrs.
Shlflman and Charles Mosfes, also a
theatre, operator. According to Ni-
zer, Shlffman and Moses were part-
ners in -the two theatres, but . Harry
Thorns, formerly associated with the
BrlU circuit also claims an interest
in the Shiffman-Moses holdings on
the ground that he was a silent part-
TUBH ON 'POWEB'
Hollywood, March 28.
Larry Darmour started production
yesterday (Mon.) on 'Power to Kill,'
starring Jack Holt, for Columbia re-
lease.
Gertrude Michael has the femme
lead, Lewis Collins directing.
U. P. B'D OF DDUSaORS
MEETING AT PIC PREEM
Omaha, March 28.
Union Pacific railroad board of
directors will break 75-year-old cus-
tom here AprU 27 when they hold
their annual meeting here,' first time
the' board has gathered outside of
New York.
Meeting will b« held In conjunc-
tion with world premiere, April 28,
of Union Paelflc' (Par). Special
train wUl bring board members
from east headed by 'W. A. Harrl-
man. Board meiobers ar^ planning
to arrive in tall beaver hats and at-
tire of the 1860 vintage.
On the way to the Paramount
studio in Hollywood on a permanent
transfer from the home office, Carl
Krueger left Saturday (25) for
Omaha, where he meets Cliff Lewis,
ad. head at the Par plant, for a tour
of midwestem cities on the campaign
for 'Union Pacific-.'
Krueger, ifonnerly with United
Artists In New' York, joined Par in
an exploitatioin capacity late last
year. He wlU function under Lewis
at the studio.
Baby Snapshots Contest
PulAs Business in Albany
Albany, March 28.
The Grand, a Fabian house, snared
a lot of publicity and built good will
through a 'Baby Dumpling' picture
contest tied around 'Blondie Meets
the Boss.' Snapshots of bays under
six were sent to 'the theatre, with
youngster's name, address and pa-
rent's tag on the back.
All parents received a pass to see
the film, which has a 'Baby Dump-
ling' character, and a $25 bank de-
posit for winning kid was offered.
Welfare Commissioner Leo P. Doody.
Justice Sol Rubenstein and Exalted
Elks' Ruler Charles Stierle. acted as
judges. Times Union gave space
freely, because p)ptiu:e is adaptation
of Chic Young's 'Blondie' cartoon,
appearing in paper dally.
Vednesday, March 29, 1939
PICTURE GROSSES
VARIETY
Pitt B.O^ in CeDar; 'Society'-Vaude
Sad $13,500, Laiighton Nice $R000
Pittsburgh, Macrch 28.
Biz generally Is hitting a new
average low tor the year here. Un-
S^Bl weather over weekend had
iS^body hitting the open road and
SSfres were enipt:^ with Easter-
flhopping crowds and Lent makiiife
the couapse complete. Boys are
SSply marking time until af ter HoW
wSSt and hopfiig the steong ijroduct
fte way wlllboost the b.o.'s.
<toly spot in town getting any^ ac-
tion currently Is the.Penn. where
•^chcombe? looks to Bcab an en-
^^SsKing gross. Elseiirtiere, how-
wrl^s the doldrums. Stanley is
on skids with 'Cafe Society" and
Stage show. andL 'L tUeJPrlncess'. is
SaSinB in third week at Fulton, wiih
Robeing abbreviated to four days.
Alvin is yanking ;WiMier Take All
ati "Mysterious Miss X' after woe-
fjsix days, and both Warner and
Soiator are taUng it on the chin,
Estimates Ut This Week
Alvln (Harris) (1,850: 28-35-50)-:
to"' (20th) and 'Miks X' (Rep).
Just couple of pictores marklnfi.time
aM dropphig house not very far
from new low. Aroimd- $2,800 In six
dUrs. dual coming out for Hound oi
BaskervIUes' (20th) today (Tuesday).
Ifcnasement hoping for 10 days on
%owSl' in order to give Three
SiBTt GirU Grow Up' (U) Friday
(7) before Easter getaway. Last
week. 'Blondie' (Col) and "Lone
(Col), trifle better at under
**F2ltoa (Shea-Hyde) (1,750; 25-40)
— Trinceas' (20th) (3d wk). Temple
flicker and will get fair $2,000 in
shortened four-day session, wiOi
twin bill of reissues, 'Lost Patrol'
(BKO) and "Star at Midnight'
(RKO), opening tomorrow (Wednes-
day). Last week, good enough $4,600,
giving film around. $14,000 6n run,
n6t bad at this site.
TmS (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 25-35-
60)— 'Beachcomber' (Par).^ Laugh-
ton starrer taken away from the
Warner last week, where it was to
hAve been spotted for couple of
weeks, and pencilled into bigger
s^t. English import Is doing the
only biz in town and should wind up
better than $14,000. House got car-
riage trade started with 'Pygmalion'
recently and is repeating, although
fljnire doesn't idlow for h.o. at War-
ner. Last week, 'Each Other' (UA),
fine $16,700.
Senator (Harris) (1.800; 25-40) --
rEagle and Hawk' (Par) (reissue)
and "Mr. Wone' (Mono). Merely fill-
ing in 'and plunging Harris' No. 2
downtown spot ftrtner In the red.
Will be lucky to break $1,800, pretty
depressing. Last week, Blackstone
magic unit on' stage and 'Everybody's
Baby* (20fit), pU^ing^ at higher top,
bi^^diaappolntment, barely doing
Stanley (WB) (3,600; 25-40-60) —
'Cate Socie^ (Par) and Janis Wil-
liams' femme band and Eddie Pea-
body on stage. Another one of those
hollow sessions. Doesn't look like
much more than $13,500, and that's
way' out on a limb. Last week,
•Oklahoma Kid' (WB) and Al Dona-
hue-Ethel Shutta. not very good at
$16,700.
Warner (WB) (2,000: 25-40)— 'Boy
lYouWe' (Par) and Third Nation'
(Par). Doesn't look more than $3,500,
ta-the-do^ouse figure. Last week,
Sing Underworld^ (WB) and 'Fish-
erman's Wharf (RKO), $4,600, fair.
Pro?. Waltzes in Spring
Ton^ USadden' Good IIG
Providence, March 28.
A drop is expected all around, due
Key City Grosses
Estimated Total Gross
This Week. $1,46$,SM
(Bmed on 26 cities, 170 thea-
tres, chieflv firtt runs, fncludinff
JV.y.)
Total Gross Same Week
Last Tear... $1,S3T,2M
(Based on 23 cities, 163 theotres) '
NO BUFF. BLUES;
TRIMDUAL
BIG $11
outu
Estimates for This Week
*Ibee (RKO> (2,000; 25-35-50)-^
'Without Bars' (UA) and 'Crowded
Boats' (RKO). Saturday and Sun-
flay Housewives' Serenaders oh stage
bdping for lair $5,000. Last week,
/^Mf (RKO) and 'Beauty for Ask-
ing (RKO), okur $6,500.
CarHen (Fayioew) (1,400; 25-35-
M>-'Premalion' (M-G) and 'Whls-
RViBg Enemies' (Col) (2d rtm). Ciet-
S** nice $6,000. Last week. 'Okla-
Kid' < WB) an* 'Secret Service'
t^) (2d run), bang-up $6,500.
Jhya: (Indie) (2^500; 25-35-40)— 'On
™ar (WB) and Count Berni-VIci
nevue on stage; Good $7,400 sighted,
ifst week. ^MT. Moto' (20th) and
Viude, good $6,500.
-^JesHe (Fay) (3,200; 25-35-50)-
TJtte. Hudiand' (JMth), and 'Every-
jwiy's Baby' (aoth)V Poor $5,000.
Ljst week, 'Daughter' (WB) and
Arden' (WBX fairish $6,000.
„8tate (Loew) (3,200; 25-35-50)—
CAGNEY TOPS B'KLYN
ySjS' and •Whlqjering
V$l), socko $15,000.
nJ?S»»>?„ (Indie) (2,200: 25-35-50)-
(S^^J^ <Paf) and 'Aontiersmen'
uSlhri^^ $8,500. Last week. 'Let
n^at $7?^. ""^ *™«» NaUon' (Par),
Buffalo, March 28.
Boxoflices are rolling, up fine flg'
ures this week, with 'liove Affair,' at
the Buffalo, and diials it the Century
and Lakes, . running neck and neck
in the higher brackets.
'Prison Without Bars,' dualed at
the Lakes, caught on early, sensa-
tional publicity nehig chiefly respon-
sible for unusual biz.
Estimates for This Week
BoflaU (Shea) (3,500; 30-35-55)—
'Love Affair' (RKO). Unusual treat-
ment of stock story has caught on
and should go over nice $12,000.
Last week, 'Cafe Society (Par), so-so
$10,500.
Centary (Shea) (3,000: 25-35)—
'N. Y. Sleeps' (20th) and 'Arizona
Wildcat' (20tb). May go to fine
$10,000. Last week, 'Oklahoma Kid'
(WB) and Torchy Blaine' (WB),
handsome $10,500.
Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 30-50)
—'Prison Bars' (UA) and 'Never Die*
(Par). Unexpected sock for prob-
ably around swell $11,000. Last week,
'Ice FolUes' (M-G), slow $8,000.
Blpa (Shea) (2,100; 25-40)— <Fast
Loose*^ (M-G) and 'One Third Na-
tion' (Par). Just fair $6,000. Last,
week, Tailspin' (20th) and 'Jones
Family' (20th), okay $6,800.
Lafayette (Ind.) (3,300; 25-35)—
■Blondie' (Col) and 'Dr. Meade' (Col).
Showing onI]|_8light activity, $6,000.
Last week^ 'Culver' (U) and 'Last
Warning' (U), poor $5,000.
Only 'Affair,'
$!l,SOO, Strong
In Weak Omal»
Omaha, March 28.
'Oklahoma Kid,' dualed at the Or-
pheum, is the bright spot in a poor
week. 'Ice FolUes of 1030,' dualed
with 'Charlie Chan in Honolulu.' is
getting a good reception but below
what was expected.
'Love Affair,' in second week at
Brandels, is holding up good.
Estimates for This Week
Avenue - Dundee - MUltary (Gold-
berg) (050-810-650: 10-25) — 'Ken-
tucky* (20th) and 'Zaza' (Par), dual,
spUt with 'Man Votes' (RKO), "Up
River' (20th) and 'Down Farm'
(20th), tripler. ExceUent $2,800.
Last week, 'Stand Up' (M-G) and
'Frankenstein' (U), dual, spUt with
'Spring Madness' (M-G) and Thanks
Eveiytning' (Par), good $i300.
' Brandels (Slnger-MCO) (1,250; 10.
25-35-40)— 'Love Affair' (RKO) and
'Saint Strikes' (RKO) (2d wk). (kiod
KeOO. Last week, excellent $6,800.
Omaha (Blank) (2,200; 10-25-40)—
'Ice Follies' (M-G) and 'Charlie
Chan' (20th). Pretty good $7,500.
Last week, 'Fast, Loose' (M-G) and
'LitUe Tough Guys' (U), $5,500, fair
Orphenm (Blank) (3,000; 10-25-40).
—'Oklahoma' (WB) and ''Musketeers'
(20th). (Jood $9,500. Last week,
'Honest Man* (U) and 'Heart' (UA),
$11,500, excellent
Town (Goldberg) (14S50; 10-20-25)
'Pride Navy' (Rep), 'Miss X* (Rep)
and 'RoUing Westward' (Mono),
tripler. all flrst-runs, split with 'Il-
legal Trafflc' (Par), first-run, 'Ken-
tucky' (20th) and 'Zaza' (Par),
tripler. Good $1,500. Last week,
'Mr. Moto' (20th), Thanks Memory
(Par) and 'Ghost Town Riders' (U),
tripler. spUt with 'Strawberry Roan'
(U), 'Pacific Liner* (RKO), and
■Franken stein* (U), good $1 ,900.
BBOCK'S BAirESUPTCT
Los Angeles, March 28.
Louis Brpck, flhn producer, has
filed a bankruptcy plea, listing $10,-
614 liabUities and $1,250 assets.
Among debts are $6,823 for State
and Federal taxes.
Getting $29,0«» on Dual; 'Wife' <lnlet
$13,000
Brooklyn, March 28.
Continuing to hold a strong lead
over all other deluxers in downtown
area is Fabian Fox, with Cagney in
■Oklahoma Kid' and 'Never Say Die.'
Fabian Paramount next' in line 'with
■Cafe Society' and 'King of China-
town,'
(Sood reaction to 'Honolulu' and
'Mutiny on Elsinore,' at Loew's Met-
ropolitan.
Estimates for This Week
Albee (3,274; 25-35-50)— 'Wlfe,.Hus-
band' (20th) and 'Boy Slaves' (RKO).
Down to quiet $13,000. Last week,
■^Honest Man* (U) and 'Grand Blu-
sioh' . (Ind), satisfactory $16,000.
Fojc (4,089; 25-35-50)— 'Oklahoma
Kid* (WB) and 'Never Say Die*
(Par). Started strong and looks for
nifty ^,000 and holdover. Last
week^Persons in Hiding' (Par) and
Mae west p.a., disappointing $22,000.
Met (3,618; 25-35-50)— 'Honolulu'
(M-G) and 'Mutiny on Elsinore'
(M-G). Pleasant $15,000. Last wedc,
'Each Other* (UA) and 'Crowded
Hours' (RKO ), good $16,000.
ParsMonnt (4,126; 25-35-50)— 'Cafe
Society' (Par) and ICing Chinatown'
(Par). Nice $16,500 and holdover.
Last week, "Daughter' (WB) and
Lone Wd? (Col), sweU $10,000.
Stiaod (2,870; 25-35-40)— 'Sudden
Money* (Par) and 'Mystery Plane'
(Mono) plus Ijone Ranger install-
ment" Peaceful $5JiOO, Last wedc,
'Forged Passports (Rep) and 'Navy
Secrets' (Mono), quiet $5,000.
Pliiiiy Biz Bhh;
'Nadnrdl-Vode
OidyFair^OG
Philadelphia, March 28.
With the approach of, Easter and
spring weather over the weekend
driving the populace into outdoor
acUvi^. film grosses are slumping.
There are no more than a couple
mild exhibitions of strength that may
result in holdovers, and one very
poor film that gets pulled tomorrow.
Nearest thing to a powerhouse cur-
rent is DurbiiTs Three Smart Girls'
at the Stanley, and it's practically
certain of another gallop. Another
fairly strong showing is being made
by 'Midnight* at the Aldlne, the Par-
amoimt pic rushed into the UA show'
case when 'Prison Without Bars'
fizzled last week. It may hold.
- 'Flying Irishman,' at 'the Stanton,
is being pulled tomorrow (Wednes-
day) after five days, the first time
that a film wasn't able to hold out a
week, no matter how bad, at this
house. *Sergeant Madden' (M-G) re-
places.
Estimates for This Week
Aldlne (WB) (1.303; 32-42-57)—
'Midnight* (Par). Doing fairly ■weU
at $12,600 and probably good for an-
other trip aroimd, unless pushed out
by a UA pic in this UA showcase.
Last week, 'Prison Bars' (UA) pulled
before week was up, taking me&sly
$7,000 in six days.
Boyd (WB) (2,350; 32-42-67)— T-ove
Affair' (RKO) (2d wk). Taking
dive in second session, but with $10,-
000 will come out pretty nicely for
the two laps. Last week, $16,000,
good.
Earle (WB) (2,758; 26-32-42)—
'Daughter' (WB) (3d run). Just
about par for this house tmder new
Solicy at $7,000. Last week, 'Gunga
iln' (RKO) (3d run), $7,200.
Fox (WB) (2,423; 32-37-42-57r68)—
'Blackwell' (WB) and Joan Davis
and Al Donahue Orch. on stage.
By far the worst week in the six
since house shifted to combo policy.
Below expectations, but not below
the profit mark, at $20,000. Last
week, 'Honest Man' (U) and Hal
Kemp's orch on stage, good $25,500.
Karlton (WB) (1,068; 32-42-57)—
'Honest Man* (U) (2d run). Holding
up good pace with $4,800. Last week,
■Stagecoach' (UA), the same with
K700.
Keith's (WB) (1.870; 32-42-57)—
'Oklahoma Kid* (WB) (2d run). Run-
ning along at just above the profit
line for this house with $4,500. Last
week, 'Ice .Jollies* (M-G), weak
$4000. ' -.
Palaoe (WB) (1,100; 26-42)—
'Blondie* (Col). NotMng to rave
about, but hitting par with $5,000.
Last week, Third Nation' (Par),
good $6,000.
Stanley (WB) (2,016; 32-42-57)—
Three Smart Girls' (U). EasUy tops
the straight flickers in town with
$16,000. entitling Durbin to another
ride around here. Last week. 'Cafe
Society* (Par), very poor $9,500.
Stanton (WB) (1.4iS7: 26-32-42)—
•Flying Irishman* (RKO). Very poor
despite considerate handling by
newspaper crix. Being pulled to-
morrow (Wed.) In five days with
^.000 in favor of 'Sergeant Madden'
(M-G). Last week, 'King Chinatown'
(Par), n, g. $4,400.
miidnight' Puts L A. Back in Stride
Willi $l$m Ice Follies' Fair 21G,
'U(ly'4(;.'Ki<ri3G;Affair'20G,2d
Estimated Total Gross
ThU Week $27!!,5M
(Based on 12 theatres)
Total Gross Same Week
Last Tear... ....... ;..$278,5M
(Based on 12 theatres)
CRAWFORD FAIR
9G IN DUU
BALTO
Balthnore, March 28.
Theatres are marking time here in
anticipation of Easter pickup and
stronger line of product Some fair-
ish response to ^Ice Follies of 1939.'
at Iioew's Century, and second wedc
of "Love Affair* is holding in steady
fashion at combo Hipp.
Estimates tor This Week
Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000: 16-
25-40)— 'Ice Follies' (M-G). Holding
fairish pace to possible $9,000. Last
week, 'Stagecoach' (UA), good $10,-
200.
Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,205:
15-25-35-40-55-66) /— 'Love ASt^
(RKO) and vaude (2d wk). Pos-
sible $10,000, okay, after lilting open-
ing session to strong $14,000.
Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406;. 15-
25-35-40)— 'Cafe Sockty* . (Par) (2d
wk). Starts second stanza today
(Tuesday) after mildly steady re-
sponse to $4j600 in first week. Ads
underlinhig 'One Third of a Nation'
(Par), but no definite opening date.
New. (Mechanic) (1,558: 15-25-35-
55)— 'Hound of Baskervlltes' (20th).
Not quite the film for house located
in heart of downtown shopping area,
with bulk of trade a daytime femme
draw; no more than $8,000 hidlcated.
Stanley (WB) (3,280; 15-25-35-40-
55)— "Missouri' (Par). Not showing
much, with bare $4,500 the possible
count Last week, 'Oklahoma Kid'
(WB), fair $6,700.
Cincy Has Alib^
BotDurltinffig
14G De^ite 'Em
Cincinnati, March 28.
Three Smart Girls' is one of three
fresh releases that's registering
smiles in cinema centre currently.
The Durbin pic has the big Albee in
for an excellent . week. "Oklahoma
Kid,' at the Palace, is bagging so-so
potatoes, while 'Blackwell's Island' is
n. 3. h. for Keith's.
EMiibs are consoling themselves
with these alibis: Early-Easter shop-
ping; real estate and auto tax-paying
time; pre-seasonat warmth plus
spring house-cleaning, and home
la'wn and garden chores.
Estimates for This Week.
Albee (BKO) (3,300; 35^)— Three
Smart Girls' (U). ExceUent $14,000.
Last week, 'Love Affair' (RKO), good
$12,000.
Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 35-42)—
•Lo.!^ Affair* (RKO) iZA run). Fair
$4,200. Labt week, 'Cafe Society'
(Par) (2d run), season's low, $2,100.
FamUy (BKO) (1.000; 20-30)— Turn
Them Loose' (RKO), 'Forged Pass-
port' (Rep), split with 'Secret Ser<
vice' (WB) and Tough Kid' (Mono).
Normal $2,200. Same last week 'with
'Slave Ship' (20th) and 'Six-Gun
Trail' (Ind). split with 'Ambush'
(Par), and 'Silver Sage' (Par).
Grand (RKO) (1,200; 25-40)—
•King Turf (UA) (2d run), N. s, h.
$2,100. Last week, 'Can't Take If
(Col) (revival), okay $2,700.
Keith's (LIbson) (l.SOO; 35-42)—
'BUckweU' (WB). Tame $3,700. Last
week, 'King Turf (UA), pleasing $4,-
800.
Lyric (RKO) (1,400: 35-42)—
'Honest Man' (U) (2d run). Fair $4.-
500. Last week, 'Third Nation' (Par),
terrible $2,000.
Palace (RKO) (2,600; 35-42)—
'Oklahoma Kid' (WB). So-so $9,000.
Last week, 'Honest Man' (U), dandy
$12,500.
Shnbert (RKO) (2.150; 35-42)—
'DarUng Daughter* (WB) (2d wk).
Okay $4,500, following nice $7,000 for
first seven days.
Los Angeles, March 28.
New arrivals doing fair to good on
current week, with holdovers more
than Holding' their o'wn. Town's solo
top grosser la 'Midnight' at Para-
mount with indications it will hold
for a second week. 'Ice Follies' Is
clicking okay at State-Chinese, while
Orpheum Is in for substantial week,
due to presence of a Bowes unit on
stage. '
'Pygmalion,' after long stay at Four
Star, in for additional week of first
run at United Artists.
Esttmatea tot This Week
Chinese (Graumait-F-WC) (2,024:
30-40-55-75)— 'Ide FoUles' (MG) and
'Fast and Loose' (MG). dual. Looks
like good $lQJ0a Last week. Wife,
Husband' (20&) and 'Arizona Wild-
cat' (20th), poor $7,500.
Dawntown (WB) (UOO; 30-40-55-
65)— 'Oklahoma Kid* (WB) and 'Jane
Arden* (WB) dual (2d week). Hit-
ting good pace- on second week for
profitable $7/)00. First stanza very-
good $13;700.
Foar Stw (F-WC-UA) (OOO; 40-55)
—'Lady Vanishes* (GB). Okay but
not sensational $4,000. Last three
days of "Pygmallan' (MG). fine $1,300.
" HoUywood (WB) (2,758; 30-40-55-
65)— 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB) and 'Jane
Arden' (WB) dual (2d week). Looks
like profitable $6,000 on holdover.
First week finished with smart $11,-
200.
Orpkeui (Bdwy.) (2,280; 26-30-35-
40>— 'Boy Slaves' (RKO) and Torchy
Blane' (WB), dual and vaudeville.
Bowes unit on stage helping to $9,-
500 draw. Last week, 'Ambush* (Par)
and 'Beauty for Asking' (RKO), not
so hot $6,500.
Paatages (Pan) (ZfilZ; 30-40-SS)—
'Love Aflahr* (RKO) (2d week) and
TiOne Wolf (Col). duaL Biz holding
strong on second week, and with
previews over weekend looks like
very excellent $11,000. Holds for
aix-day, third week. First week
topped $16,000, big.
Pimmosnt (Par) (3.595; 30-40^55)
—■Midnight* (Par) and stage show. .
Back to normal stride after several
bad weeks and looks headed for big
$18,000 on current stanza, insuring
holdover. Last week, ' "Never Say
Die' (Par), eked out anemic $9,200,
aided by preview. .
BKO (£872; 30-40-55)— 'Love Af-
fair' (RKO) (2d week) and 'Lone
Wolf (Col), dual Adding another
sweet $8,700 to first week's, take of
$13,000, which very profitable. Holds
third week.
State (Loew-Fox) (2,414; 30-40.55-
75)— 'Ice Follies' (MG) and 'Fast and
Loose' (MG), dual. WiU probably
get $10,500, weak. Last week, "WifOr
Husband' (20th) and 'Arizona Wild-
cat' (20th), very poor $9,300.
United Artiste (F-WC) (2.100: 30-
40-55)— 'Pygmalion' (MG) and 'Ari-
zona Wildcat (20th). duaL Tyg-
mallon,' on moveover from Four Star
after 12Vi weeks there, piling up an-
other big $3,900 at this house. 'Wild-
cat' moved over from State. Last
week, 'Stagecoach' (UA) and 'Inside
Story' (20Ui), ^.300.
Wilshire OF-WC) (2.206; 30-40-55-
65)— "Wife, Husband' (20th) and 'Ari-
zona Wildcat" (20th), dual. Hitting
below normal so wlU have-to be sat-
isfied with $4,000. Last week, 'Stage-
coach' (UA) and Inside Story* C20&),
big $6,400.
'Daughter* Forte $6,300,
'Affair* Tepid S'/zG in Port
Portland, Ore, Klarch 28.
'Pygmalion,' at Parker's UA, and
'Darling Daughter,' at Broadway, are
the burg's heavy winners.
'Love Affair* got raves, but biz Is
disappointing at only fahr $5,500.
Estimates for This Week
Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 30-36-
40)— 'Dau^ter* (WB) and "News-
boys Home' (Mono). Strong $6300.
Last week (2d), 'Stagecoa^' (UA)
and 'Society Smuggling' (U), okay
$4,700. First terrific $8,500.
Mayfalr (Parker-Evergreen) (l.-
SOO: 30-35-40)- 'Stagecoach' (UA)
and 'Society Smuggling' (U). <3ood
$1,500. Last week. 'Ice Follies' (M-
G) and Torchy Blane' (FN), sec-
ond week after moving from the UA,
fair $1,500 in five days:
Orphenm (Hamrick - Evergreen)
(1.800; 30-35-40)— 'Oklahoma Kid'
(WB) and 'Beauty Asking' (RKO).
Good enough $4,500. Last week. 'Let
Live' (Col) and TIshermen's Wharf
(RKO). weak $3,700.
Paramount (Hamrick-Evergreen)
(3.0OO; 30-35-40) — 'Love Aflah'
(RKO) and 'North Shanghai' (Ck>l).
Only fair $5,500, desnlte raves. Last
week, 'Prhicess' (20th) and 'Sahit
Back' (RKO), average $5,000.
BlveU (Indie) (1,100; 20-25)— 'My
Heart' (UA) and 'Submarine Patrol'
(20th) (revivals). Okay $1,600. Last
week, 'Suez' (20th) and 'Down on
Farm' (20th) got better than .aver-
age $1,900.
United Artiste (Parker) (1.000; 30-
35-40)— TygmaUon' (M-G) (2d wk).
Continues to wow 'em at the b. o.;
strong $5,000. First week great $6,600,
10
VARIETY
PICTURE GROSSES
Wednesdaj* March 2% 1939
Dau^ter -Vande Strong Combo
In Mpk. $M; W NG $4,000
Sales Grinds
(Continued from page 3)
Minneapolla, March 28.
Lou Breese's orch, Stepin Fetchlt
and Armida, plus Tes, My Darling
Daughter' on the screen, will enable
the Orpheum to cop the lion's share
of loop- trade currently. It's a great
b.o. combination for this town lie-
cause Breese has built up a large
local following during a long Nicol-
let hotel engagement
The Beachcomber' is In its sec-
ond week, 'Pygmalion' in its fourth,
and 'Assassbi of Youth' in its third.
All are still on the profit side of the
ledger. Neither of the principal
newcomers, 'Wife, Husband and
Friend' and 'Four Girls in White,'
however, are cutting much ice.
Conclusion of the 'Ice Follies of
1939' 10-day engagement at ' the
Arena finds the trade breathing a
sigh of relief. Show was tough op-
position for the film houses.
Estimates for This Week
Aster (Par-Sineer) (900; 15-25) —
'Silver Sage' (Pat) and 'Boy Trouble'
(Par), dual flrst-riins, - split with
•Nancy Drew' (WB) and 'Lady Van-
ishes' (WB), also dual first-runs.
Looks like mild $1,400; Last week,
'DevU'j! Island' <WB) and 'Arizona
Wildcat' (20th), $1,800, good.
Centnry (Par-Smger) (1,600; 29-.
35-40) — "Beachcomber' (Par) (2d
wk). This one very well liked end
did enough first week's biz to war-
rant holdover. Slowing down now,
however. Mild $3,800. In prospect
First week, $7,000, fine.
Gopher (Par-Singer) (998; 25) —
Tour Girls' (M-G). Going along at
fair clip and moderate $3,000 indi-
cated. Last week, "West Point' (UA),
$3,400, good.
brpheom (Par-Sineer) (2,890; 35-
40-55)-^'Daughter' (WB) and Lou
Breese's orch, Stepin Fetchit Armida
on stage. Hopping along to very big
$16,000. Last week, 'xrade Winds'
(UA). $4,500, light
State (Par-Singer) (2,300:25-35^)
—'Wife, Husband' (20th). TiUe pull-
ing some feminine trade, but tough
opposition makes going difficult Will
be lucky to reach mild $4,000. Last
week,^afe Society* (Par), $4,700,
ll.!lht
TImeCBerger) (290; 25>— 'Assassin'
(Indie) 3d wk). Just ■ about the
windup of a profitable engagement
En route to light $600. Last week,
$1,000, good.
Uptown (Par) (1,200; : 2Sr35) —
.'Gunga Din' (RKO). First neighbor-
hood sbowinjif and dlmbiog to good-
$3,200. Last , week, 'Jesse James*
(20th). $3,500. fine.
World (Steffes) (350: 25^35-40-55)
-.'Pygmalion' (M-G) (4lh wk). (Set-
ting many ■ repeat customers and
holding to steady $1,800 pace, good
Last week, $2,1200, good
WM HOT, BUT
SO'S 'AFFAIR*
AT \W
Washington, March 28.
Soaring mercury sent localites
■currying onto the highways and
kept the visiting- yokels gaping at
the Washington Monimient result
cutting heavily into the two big
vaude spot's vital weekend trade.
Onlv major spot doing Well is
Keith's, where 'Love Affair' is mop-
ping, up at exi>ense of everytiiing
else.
Second is 'Wife, Husband and
Friend,' With "Little Princess' poor
third with nothing but matinee biz.
Estimates (or .This, Week
Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 25-35-40-66)
—'Wife, Husband' (20th) and vaude.
Ko name vaude leaving it all up to
Young-Baxter, who can't buck
Dunne-Boyer. Maybe light $15,500.
Last week. Three Muskieteers' (20th)
and Clem McCarthy, very poor
$12,500. J
Colnmbte (Loew) (1,234; 25-40)—
•Pygmalion' (MrG) (2d run). Back
downtown after two good weeks at
Palace and shoctine for big $6,000.
Last week, 'Huck Finn' (M-G) (2d
run), good $5,100.
Earle (WB) (2,216; 25-35-40-66) —
icing Turf (M-G) and vaude. Shir-
ley Ross p.a. some help, but won't
better liglit $12,000. Last week,
'Spring Madness' (M-G), can thank
Bsnny (Soodman's orch for sock
$21,500.
Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 35-55) —
•Love Affair' (RKO). SweU ballv
and good reviews carnrine week
toward swell $16,500. Last week,
'Honest . Man' (U) (2d wk), oke
$7,300.
Met (WB) (1.600; 25-40)— 'Okla-
homa Kid' (WB) (2d run). Back
downtown after oke week at Earle
and j'lould take average $4,600. Last
week, 'Daughter' (WB), ■$4,600.
Palace (Loew) (2i42: 35-65) —
'Princess' {20th). .Man oke, but
iilc!ht biz away off. Headed for fair
$llt000. Last week, llach Other*
(UA), oke $13,00a -
0. C. Plenty Bloe, Bnt
Daoghter' Fair $5,000
Oklahoma City, March 28. '
. 'Darling Daughter' wiU make the
only good showing currently with
picture set for possible $5,000 at Cri-
terion. Every other house, except
Liberty, is due for below average
biz.
Last, week, everything was under
water except two reissues at the Lilv
erty, 'Lose Patrol' and 'Star of Mid-
night*
Estimates for This Week
Criterion (Sten) (1,500; 25-35-40)—
'Daughter' (WB). Will probably get
average $5,000. Last week, . 'Beach-
comber' (Par), nose-dived to poor
$2,600 in six days.
Liberty (Sten) (1,200; 20-30) —
'King Underworld* (WB) and 'Se-
crets Sky' (U), spUt with 'Every-
body's Baby' (20th) and 'Last Warn-
ing' (U). Good $2,500. Last week,
'Lost Patrol' (RKO) and 'Star of
Midnight' (RKO), very nice $3,000.
Midwest (Stan) (1,»D0; 25-35-40)—
'St. Louis' (Par). Due for very bad
$3,000. Last week, 'Wings Navy*
(WB), soiso $3,400.
Pbza (Stdb) (750; 25-35-40) —
"Beachcomber* (Par). After flop at
Criterion, set here for second week,
with poor $1,400 in sight Last week,
second of 'Fygmalioa' (M-G), good
$2 (KM)
State (Noble). (1,100; 20^)-5ecr'
ond of five-week run on B double-
bUls. 'Lone Wolf Spy Hunt* (Col)
and 'P^ide of Navy* (Rep). Poor
$1,700; Last week, 'Western Jam-
boree' (Rep) and "Wong* (Mono),
so-so $1,900.
Tower (Sten) (1,000; 25-35-40) —
'C^fe Society'. (Par). Below aver-
age $2;000. Last week, 'Honolulu'
(M-G), second week on moveover,
$2,300, okay.
Toum^fd^
hdpk; Lopez
UpsDie,'14G
Indianapolis, March 28.
Trek of 15,000 out-of-fown basket-
ball fans to this city over the week-
end- for stete highschool final tourney
aided flist-run grosses' conslderab]^.
The stegeshow houses took the lead
in attracting the visitors. .
The Circle Is setting the pace with
a substantial cross on 'Never Say
Die' and th» Vincent Lopez band,
bolstered by the addition of Ben
Blue and Patricia Ellis, while the
I^Ie is clicking, off an okay figure
on 'Adventures of Jane Ardien' and
the personal appearance of Tony
Martin with Anson Weeks' orchestra.
Among the straight film houses,
Loew's 1b doing nicely with 'Stege-
coach' and 'Flirting With Fate.* "nie
Indiana, with "Three Smart Girls
Grow- Up* and "Beauty for the Ask-
ing,* is not far behind.
Estlmatea tor This Week
Apollo (Kate-DoUe) (1,100; 25-30-
40)— 'Love Affair* (RKO) and 'Man
Votes' (RKO). Moved over from In-
diana after lis first week. Gross this
session $2,300, mQd. Last week,
'Princess* (20th) and 'Everybody's
Baby* (20th), $2,000, slow.
Circle (Katz-DoUe) (2,600; 25-30-
40)-.-'Never Say Die' (Par) and Vin-
cent Lopez band. - Ben Blue and
Patricia Ellis on stage bill helping
wicket Take $14,000, dandy. Last
week, 'Sudden Money' (Par) and
Ted Lewis' band. In red at $9,500.
Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3,100; 25-30-
40)— 'Smart Girls' (U) and 'Beauty
for Asking' (RKO). Durbin pic re-,
sponsible for accepteble $5,800. Last
week, 'Love Affair (RKO) and 'Man
Votes' (RKO), good $6,600.
Loew's (Loew's) (2,400: 25-30-40)
-'Stagecoach* (UA) and 'Flirting
Fate' (Col). Former film helping to
$6,700, okay. Last week, 'Huck Finn*
(M-G) and 'Homicide Bureau' (Ck>l).
$8,500. nifty.
Lyrlo (Olson) (1,900; 25-30-40)—
•Jane Arden' (WB) and Tony Martin
on stage with Anson Weeks' band.
Off to bad start with Weeks out of
show due to fiu on opening day, but
recovering to climb to $11,^, profit
Last week, 'BlackweH^-(WB) and
Eddy Duchln band, $12,700, good.
Talisman Lot Renovated
Holljrwood, March 28.
Talisman studio Is getting a face-
lifting and other costly Improve-
ments to' prepare for the' 1939-40
season.
iMt -houses Monogram^ Crescent
B. F. Zeldman and, other indle pro-
dijcUon outflta. i
ner Bros, does not surprise other
distributors or theatre operators,
since It is freely admitted' that this
company is No. 1 on buyer lists on
the strength of the pictures It has
supplied since last August on its
current ('38-39) schedule. Going to
the top among the - various major
distributors gives Warners a distinct
advantage over the others. Metro's
early sales plans and' hopes on conr
tracts before competitive dlstrlbs-
get in, is predicated largely on: the
fact that it and 20th-Fox rank rlgbt
behind WB for '38-39 on b. o. pictures
supplied Its accounts.
It remains to be seen, however,
what headway WB and Metro may
make over other companies. In sign>
ing accounts before the sales sea-
son gets hotter, and what resistance
may be faced iri spite of '38 -39 de-
liveries in view of the upset state
of affairs in films generally.
Exhibitor-buyers, who resisted
terms sought by distributors last
year, may prove even tougher to
barlgain with when it comes to hud-
dling on the '39-40 product sources
in that sphere of operation .declare.
In addition to asking why the dis-
tributors should be getting the same
rental levels as In 1937, the best year
since '29, which range from flat buys
to 35 and 40%, exhibitors are forti-
fying themselves with many .ques-
tions that may prove irksome 'to the
film salesman. Not only do present
grosses fail to warrant the rentals
received in' 1037, but if too many
pictures are placed in the top, high
percentage bracket where a marked
increase was shown last year, there
may be plenty of complaints. The
tendency. In the opinion of buyers,
is to push more pictures into higher
brackets aiid to lessen the number
in the lower brackets.
Seore-Charge Sqoawks
Distribs may also run up against
questioning by exhibitors as to why
score charges, which are supposed
to be eliminated by most companies,
are being consolidated into the film
rental on percentage pictures. This,
they aver, is not eliminating, but
just tacking it on where convenient
Also, what Is happening to shorts
product and the newsreels, the ex-
hibitor is beginning to ask. He ques-
tions whether or not newsreels, par-
ticularly, are losing their value be-
cause of too little news and too
much junk. The newsreels and
shorts run the percentage bill of the
exhibitor te a high of 40% or more,
figuring the feature at 35%.
The topsy-turvy situation concern-
ing zoning and clearance may also
have an important effect on this
year's selling grind, with the Inter-
state decision against price-fixing
and double bills an argument that is
likely to be used in many sections
when it comes time to set protection,
classification of theatres, runs, etc.
Circuits. Also Wary7
Large chains of the distributors
themselves probably will take more
time this summer than usual in set-
ting their deals; due to the imcer-
talnty over the U. S. anti-trust suit
chain divorcement bills in various
sections of the country, chain store
taxation and the like. Independents
in opposition to these chains may
also want to stall along to see what
happens to their distributor-con-
trolled competitors before renewing
last .year's deals, -or signing up for
something which later, depending on
what changes occur on the theatre
map, may be regretted.
'While the distributors are Insert-
ing clauses in contracte making any
trade practice pact if and when
adopted, retroactive to deals as
made on the 39-40 product the un-
certainty concerning what the pro-
visions of such a pact will contain
may also help make the selling sea-
son a brutal one. It is possible that
bargaining powers now not enjoyed
In negotiating a film contract will
be provided by the clauses of a trade
practice plan when adopted. How-
ever, a program for self-regulation
may never get anywhere, another'
angle to be considered.
Where anti-trust suits exist such
as for example in Clilcago against
Balaban & Katz, plus distributors,
the tendency will probably be to
mark time In negotiations for '30-40
product
Frisco Has 6.0. Fog, but No Biz;
minite' Nice 16G, Temple EO.N.&
Warners Has 60 Scribes^
Largest Nnmber in 3 Yrs.
.' Hollywood, March 28.
CHieckup at 'Warners shows 6(
writers on the payroll, largest num'
ber In three years.
' Recently added to staff were
Charles Belden, Fritz Falkenstein,
Brewster Morse, Al Martin, Edmund
Pardo, Leon Rtissell, Scott Littleton
and Irving Fineman.
Lugosi 'Creeps' Again
Hollywood, March 28.
•The Shadow Creeps,' cllffhanger
starring Beta Lugosi, rolls April 24
at Universal, following completion of
the -current IS-chapter ■ serial, "The
Oregon TralL*
Producer ia Eeniy MacBae.
Onton-GarlieM
N.G. $12,500; AU
Oeve. Biz Off
Cleveland, March 28.
Between Easter clothes-buying
rush and Metropolitan opera, which
is drawing record crowds, it's poor
week for films. Liveliest ' item is
'Huckleberry Finn,* hiked by strong
juve attendance at Loew's State.
Larry Clinton's band, unknown here
and with only 'Blackwell's Island'
for support, is having a struggle at
the Palace.
'Love Affair* is doing fairly nice
for Hipp, but StIIIman's taking a
whipping with "Within the Law.'
Estimates for This Week
Albainbr» (Printz) (1,200: 10-20-
35)— 'Inside Story* (20th) and 'Wife's
Relatives' (Rep). Letter's plugging
combo for good $2,000 in four days.
Last week, "Son Criminal* (U) and
'LltUe Pal* (revival), $2,200, good, in
four days.
AUen (RKO) (3.000; 30-35-42-55)-r
Oklahoma Kid* (WB). Not so good at
$4,000. Last week, 'Beachcomber*
(Par), turned out to be spot's richest
and smartest moveover from Hipp,
$8,000.
Hipp (Warner) (3,700; 30-36-42-55)
"Love Affair* (RKO). Good Lenten
attraction with favorable notices and
swell campaign spelling $12;000. Last
week, "Oklahoma Kid' (WB) slowed
up to $12,100, but still okay.
Palace (RKO) (3,200; 30-35-42-55)
— 'BlackweUs' (WB) plus Larry CUn-
ton's orch. DIpsy-Doodlers got heavy
build-up and young jlvers at mati-
nees, but regulars who don't gb for
brassy swing staying away. Wont
better $12,500, so-so. Last week,
'Wife, Husband* (20th) with Vincent
Lope^ on stage, fair $14,000, surpris-
ing as Lopez had to follow Kay
Kyser's record-smashing week.
State (Loew's) (3,450; 30-35-42-
55)— 'Huck Finn' (M-G). Although
smacked down by cricks, it's down
kids' alley and they're saving a dull
week for worthwhile $16,000. Last
week, "Ice Follies' (M-G), poor
$8,000, nearly lowest of season.
StUlnuA (Loew's) (1,972; 30-35-42-
55)— 'Within Law' (M-G). Another
disappointment $3,000. Last week,
■St Louis' (Par), also a bit off-key,
'OOfi'e*
Jean Arthur Stars In
Tront PageV Remake;
CoL Redoes Original
Hollywood, March. 28.
Jean Arthur is slated to star In re-
make of 'The Front Page,* purchased
by Columbia from Howard Hughes.
Pat O'Brien starred In the Hughes
version hi 1031, but role is being re^
written for Miss Arthur. Picture
follows her two assignments in "Mr.
Smith Goes to Washington' and
'Arizona.'
Nick Carter Yams Taken
For Possibfe M-G Series
Hollywood, March 28.
Metro has bought the entire col-
lection of Nick Carter yams from
Street & Smith, publishers.
If first picture cUcks, the studio
will make a series.
WB^s327_^e' Dates
■ Warner Bros, has set 327 dates on
"Dodge City' for Easter week (April
6), Immediately folio whig world
premiere In Dodge City, Kan., in
three theatres there, total of the
town, on Saturday (1),
. Picture cotaes Into the Strand,
N. Y., with Guy Lombatdo, for three
weeks starting April 7.
San Francisco, March 28
Biz Is still on the skids here. Only
newcomers on the street that coutft'
currently are "Midnight,* dualled at
Fox, and 'Sergeant Madden,' which
is being double-billed with 'Fast and
Loose at Paramount However
neither biUs are setting the town on
fire. >»
Weather has been perfect for show
biz, fog having set in. This gener-
ally sends them Into the theatres;
but the latter are getting some stiff
competlsh from "Folles Bergere,''
which Is playing at popular prices
to capacity crowds at the 3.300-seat
California Auditorium on Treasure
Island.
Estlmatea for This Week
Fox (F-WC) (6,000; 35-55-75) —
"Midnight* (Par) and "King China-
town' (Par). Will grab Tiice $16,000.
Last week, 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB) and
•Wife's Relatives* (Rep), okay $16,500.
Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 35-55)
—'Love Affair* (RKO) arid vaude (2d
wk). Word-of -mouth publicity great
and . attendance holding' up in fine
shape. Second week big $12,500.
Last week, strong $17,300.
Orphenm (F&M) (2,440; 35-55)
'Blondle* (Col) and "Risky Business^
(U). Absolutely void of any boxof-
fice appeal. Will have to be satisfied
with poor $4,000. Last week, 'Culver*
(U) and 'Society Smugglers' (U),
poor $4,500.
Paranoiint (F-WC) (2,740; 35-55-
75) — 'Madden' (M-G) and 'Fast
Loose* (M-G). Opening of Beery's
'Madden' timed perfectly with the
'Good News' broadcast on NBC. Plug '
helping to okay $16,000. Last week,
"Cafe Society' (Par) and 'Ambush*
(Par), got $12,500, tmder anticipa-
tions.
St Francb (F-WC) (1,470: 35-55-
75) — "Oklahoma Kid' (WB) and
'Wife's Relatives' (Rep) (2d run).
Headed for mild $6,500. Last week,
(2d), 'Wife, Husband' (20th) and
"Persons Hiding' (Par), poor $4,000.
United ArtMs (Cohen) (1,200; 35-
55-65)— 'Each Other' (UA) (3rd wk).
Third week ahning at $5,000, less
than anticipated. Last week (2d),
got $7,800, fair.
Warfleld (F-WC) (2,680; 35-55-75)
•^'Prhicess* (20th) and 'Winner*
(20th) (2d wk). First week's biz
didn't warrant h.o., but management
had hoped that word of mouth would .
help attendance. Lucky to get $6,000
in second stint Last week finished
with disappointing $10,000.
VAUDE REVIVAL
POOR $9,000
INK.C.
Kansas City, March 28.
Spotlight of -theatre row centers
on Tower, where vaude returns for a
week. Louis Armstrong and crew
relighted the stage after it had been
dark for a month. Returns, ]iowever,
are not up to expectations;
Street Is heavy .with holdovers^
Orpheum, Newman and Esquire keep*
ing their single bills of last week,
whUe Uptown took over dual bill in-
tact as It showed at the Tower last
week.
'Ice Follies,' at Midland with a
dual partner. Is the only new
straight film bill available in town.
It's bringing in fair returns.
Estimates for This Week
Esqnlre (Fox Midwest) (820; 10-
25-40)— 'Pygmalion* (M-G) (2d run)
(2d wk): Light at $2,000, but figured
okay for subsequent run, especially
coupled with last week's $2,500.
Mldlanl (Loew's) (3,573; 10-25-40)
'Ice FoUies' (M-G) and 'Let Us.
Live* (Col). Only fair at $11,000,
Names In second feature are lost be-
cause of habitual minimizing of com-
panion features In this house. Last
week 'Stagecoach' (UA) and "First
Offenders' (Col), light $9,500.
Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10-
25-40)— 'From Missouri' (Par) (2d
wk). Looks for $5,000, fair enough.
First week started strong with
chance to break house record, but
slackened slightly and got $10,000,
very big.
Orpheum (RKO) (1,500; 10-25-40)
—'Love Affair' (RKO) and 'March
of Time' (2d wk).- Satisfactory at
$5,000. First week good $7,000.
Tower (Fox Midwest) (2,050; 10-
25-35-65)— 'Soctety Smugglers' (U),
plus Liouls Armstrong's orch on
stage. First flesh her6 In month.
Upped admish and apathy to colored
units figured two reasons for mild
b.o. pace. Under expectations, $9,-
000. Last week, "CiUver* (U) and
'Risky Business* (U), slow $5,000.
Uptown (1,200; 10-25-40)— 'Culver*
(U) arid 'Risky Business* (U). Moved
Intact from Tower for second week's
play. Looks poor at $2,800. Last
week 'Princess* (20th) (2d wk). Av-
erage $3,000.
• St. HartlnTi Flaee» TrafalgM B«aai«
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Cable AddrcMt TABIErT, LONDON
Tclcpfaoiw TAmpIe. Bar WMl-SOU
11
MORE NAZI FILM INROADS
Briti^ Govermnert Bacb Mo?e
To Aid Native Film Production
London, Maich 28.
A move to bolster declining British
production has been made - by the
government In inspiring a meeting of
a banker committee for tomorrow
(Wednesday) to formulate plans for
financing accredited producers. Big
insurance companies will also be In-
vited to cooperate.
Oscar Deutsch, bead of Odeon The-
atres, also is following the trend, be-
ing expected to issue a statement
shortly that he's prepared to finance
British producers. He would guar-
antee release over his circuit and
distribution by United Artists. This
would give Odeon a much greater
choice of pictures than presently.
Heretofore, under the new quota,
American companies- have lieen
forced to finance British production
since a certain percentage of theltf
films must be British-produced un-
der the quota rules.
During recent debate In the House
of Commons, several q»eafcers advo-
cated some constructive steps being
talcen on both financing and arrange-
ments to insure good British films.
Lord Strabolgi pointed out that the
Moyne committee had recommend-
ed some form of flnancipl coopera-
tion, which not only would make
finance available at reasonable rates
of interest, but would see that this
finance, only went to reputable pro-
ducers. At the time it was indicated
that the government would give 'w-
couragement in that direction.
Spolcesman for the government In
^e house said that the severe set-
back in independent British produc-
tion, suffered during the first yedr of
the new quota, was due to lack of
finance. It was also pointed out -that
the international tension of the. last
' year had acted as a brake on flnanc-
■ Ing, but that ttiis situation apparent-
ly had eased.
Admitting that an additional fillip
was needed for independent British
production, speakers indicated that
the extravagance and lossc: formerly
incurred would not foe tolerated. The
steady advance in quality of British
films ia the last year, with such pro-
ductions as "The Mikado,' 'Pygma-
lion,' The Citadel' and 'Drums,'
among a' few others, was pointed
out Success of several in U. S.,
Mitere an English film has long been
difficult to sell to -the public, par-
ticularly keynotes the improvement
purihg these talks in the House,
one speaker claimed that only 90
British films wopld be registered in
th} year ending March 31. Of these
' it was said that only 10 were strictly
British made, others being films made
'In 'tliis country to American order
and with American money.
NOVELLO'S LONDON
MUSICAL OPENS OK
London, March 28.
Ivor Novello's musical, "The Danc-
ing Years,' was splendidly received
In opening at the Drury I.ane thea-
tre Thursday night (23). Some-
what on the line of NoveUo's 'Glam-
orons Night,' "Years,' Uid in pre-
war and post-war Vienna, is being
presented by Leontine Sagan and
has Novello as its star. Mary EUis,
the former opera singer and film
player, plays opposite Novello.
Barry Lynde, author of "The
Amazing Dr. CUtterhouse,' has ex-
perienced considerably less success
With his litest play, 'The Man In
Half Moon Street,' which was
brought ot the New theatre Wednes-
day night (22) by Alec Rae and E.
P. Clift. Starring LesUe Banks, in
Me first ot a series of plays for
j«oon Street's' producers, the play
appears uhllkely. It Is ian eerie tale
of ah aged medico, played by Banks,
Who rejuvenates himself through
gandular treatments. Ann Todd has
*l,«nly female part ■
Tamily Reunion,' whose theme, a
tragedy, in modern dress, was
Poised by the crix as splendid Uter-
ature, seemed" too obscure for popu-
lar consumption in Its opening at
tne Westminster March 21.
ADELPHI FOLDS VAUDE
Guitry-Hleks at Collsenm CUek in
BlUngnal Skit
London, March 28.
The Adelphi, operating- at a loss
since it introduced Its vaudeville
policy there six weeks ago, quits that
setup Saturday (1). Coming in yes-
terday (Monday), the Nelson Novel-
ettes, doubling from the Dorchester
Hotel, went over strong in the final
week of the Adelphi's current policy.
Sacha Guitry and Sir Seymour
Hicks clicked at the Coliseuih open-
ing yesterday with a delightfully in-
consequential sketch which charac-
terized Guitry as one who had no
knowledge of Knglish, with Hicks
showing himself to be equally unfa-
miliar with French.. Their protracted
attempts- at conversation is surefire
here, biit -valueless elsewhere.
Ysmk Cois. Fight
Threat by Spam
In Latin America
American picture companies will
imlimber their biggest guns in an
effort to capture and hold the Latin-
American market in the next few
months. Besides the urge to over-
come losses sustained as a result of
Hitler's Ontral European domina-
tion, foreign departments are appre-
hensive over the possible return of
Spain to production on a normal
scale. .
With cessation of warfare in Spain
seen only a matter t2 time now,
picture people in that country will
likely line up 'production plans
shortly, along with the general' re-
construction. What American offi-
cials hope to do is entrench them-
selves in South America and Cen-
tral America so strongly that new
product from Spain can be success-
fully combatted.
Corrent LondoD Pbys^
f With Dates When Opened)
'Me and My Girl.' Victoria Palace
—Dec. 16, '37.
'Room for Two,' Comedy— Sept 6,
'38
'Dear Octopus,' Queens— Sept 14,
'38.
The Corn Is Green,' Duchess —
Sept 20, '38.
'Quiet Wedding,' Wyndham's— Oct
14. ^38.
'Goodness, How Sad,' Vaudeville—
Oct 18, '38.
'Geneva,' St. James— Nov. 22, '38.
'Under Your Haf Palace— Nov. 24,
'38
'Number Six,' Aldwych— Dec. 21,
'38.
They Walk Alone,' Shaftesbury —
Jan. 19, '39.
'Magyar Melody,' His Majesty's —
Jan. 20, "39.
'Design for Living,' Haymarket—
Jan. 25, '39.
Tony Draws a Horse,' Strand-
Jan. 26, '38. ' . „„
'Gas Light' Apollo— Jan. 31, "39.
'French Without Tears,' Piccadilly
—Feb. 5, '39. , _
'Little Ladyship,' Lyric— Feb. 7,
'39 ■
'To Love and to Cherish,' Kings-
way— Feb. 21, '39.
The Mother,' Garrick- March 3.
*39
'Robert's Wife,' Savoy— March. 6,
'39
'Black and Blue,' Hippodrome-
March 8, "39.
'Gate Revue,* Ambassadors —
March 0, '39. , ,
'Sugar Plum,' Criterion— March
15 '39
'Mrs". Van Kleek,' Playhouse —
March 17, '39. ^ ,
To Be or Not To Be,' Phoenix-
March 19, '39, ^ , ^
'Family Reunion,' Westminster —
March 21. '39. ^ ,
The Man in Half Moon Street
New— March 22. '39.
•Dancing Years,' Drury Lane —
March 23. '39.
GREIITEfl SCOPE
FOR GERMAN PIX
Central European Growth
of Hider Orbit Not Only
Cuts Down U.S. Film Mar-
ket but Opens Newor
Channels for Reich's Film
Output
U. S. PROBLEM GROWS
Hitler's reshuffling of central
Europe in the past 10 days. is an ad-
ditional blow to the American com-
panies foreign fllih Income. All of
the major companies are not defi-
nitely set on their future pblicy in
countries coming imder the Nazi
orbit but 3ll> eiiceptiiig Paramount
Metro and 20th-F6x. probably will
quit these nations- just as they did
Austria when &tler moved iii.
For these major companies! the
German sweep through central
Europe this month represents a loss
of 2Vi-3% of the. total foreign bus!
ness. Most severe blow was the loss
of Czechoslovakia, where the distri-
bution is reported to represent more
than 1^% of the foreign- take. '
Aside from this monetary loss,
American distributors were ad-
mittedly disturbed over the import
of . this development As each new
territory is Nazified, this means just
that much larger market for German
productions. Consequently, besides
shutting out most U. S. companies, it
gives the Nazi film companies an op-
portunity to expand and entrench
themselves against American dis-
tributors should they get back into
these lands again.
New York officials estimate that
the loss suffered, as result of Hitler's
parade through central Europe, runs
about as follows: Czechoslovakia,
IH to 1.7%; Rumania, 0.7%; Hun-
gary, 0.5%; and Memel, a fraction ot
1%, figures being based on foreign
market alone. Lithuania, Latvia and
Esthonia combined represent less
than 0.4%. Memel, covering about
800 square miles, is. a part of
Lithuania.
An idea of what this means to the
foreign revenue total is gleaned from
the fact that Mexico represents only
about 1% of the foreign total rev-
enue. Italy, presently lost to Ameri-
can distributors, represented litUe
more than 2%% of the foreign take.
This dent in the- foreign total and
gradual realization among foreign
executives that the cream has been
taken from the foreign market
doubtlessly will be given serious
consideration both by distributors
and producers. Protective tariffs,
high duties and competition from
native producers all have made in-
roads into the foreign revenue. The
result is that several companies now
realize that only the most capable
salesmen and executives can con-
tinue to realize the maximum return
from foreign accounts. And the idea
that revenue in the -foreign field can
be obtained by haphazard planning
is being swept aside.
N. S. Wales Exhibs Blame Shortage
Of Quality Pictures from Hollywood
For Boxoffice Collapse Down Under
Eckman Back to London
. Sam Eckman, Jr., Metro's manager
in Great Britain, sails for London
Saturday. (1),- after having been in
U. S. for more than a month. He
has been huddling with homeoffice
officials and Arthur Loew, Metro's
foreign chief, in N. Y. for the last
two weeks. Previous to that he had
been on the Coast
N. Bernard Freeman, Australian
manager for M-G, comes to N. Y.
from Hollywood next week. He ar-
rived . from Sydney about a week
ago.
RYDGE BUYS METRO
PIX FOR AUSSIE STRING
Hollywood, March 28.
Norman B. Rydge,"head of Greater
Union Theatres in Australia, closed a
deal with Metro toi studio's output
for his subsequent run houses in
Sydney and is mulling deals with
other major distributors to supply all
his houses.
Rydge and his American repre-
sentative, Capt Harold Auten, ar-
rived in New York this week for
further shopping.
Sherek Hasn't Cronin Flay.
London, March 28. .
Denial has been here by Heath
Sc Co., London literary agents for A.
J. Cronin, that the author's first play
has been acquired for production by
Henry Sherek.
Italian Distrib.
I
Proposals Hint
Settlement Near
Meeting of foreign managers at the
Hays office last week wad to listen
to the suggestion ot Columbia Pic-
tures on Italian distribution. Under-
stood that this - film company had
some new proposition from Italy's
governmental picture monopoly. Al-
though Columbia sought to get per-
mission to withdraw from the pact
of eight major companies, other
foreign represoitatives persuaded
them that a continuance of united
industry front now was the best
course.
Arthur W. Kelly, United Artists
foreign chief, back from Europe last
niursday (23), revealed that an Ital-
ian representative had offered a new
play to him in Paris covering distri-
bution in Italy. Industry spokesmen
familiar with wordage of this new
proposal stated that it differed little
from other plans suggested over the
last four weeks. Basically, it con-
tained the same drawback other Italo
pacts have— 4t pemoltted the Italian
film monopoly to set terms under
which U. S. distributors could do
business. This naturally reverted
back to the old flat rental idea
which they have proposed all along.
However, there wora signs that the
log- jam on the Italian situation
might be broken, since both Italian
and American interests appeared
anxious to do business. Main catch
Is that U. S. distribs don't want to
return to Italian distribution -on
terms fixed by a government agency.
GOV'T GROUP TO PASS
ON ALL MAGYAR PROD.
Budapest, March 17.
National Film Council, consisting
of delegates of three ministries and
presided over by a delegate of the
prime minister's staff, is henceforth
to pass on ail details of Hungarian
production before a film starts. Rea-
son is 'to insure high artistics stand-
ard of Hungarian pictures and to
make sure tliat they represent the
proper national spirit.'
Another decree enables the Minis-
ter of Interior to i:evise exhibitors'
licenses and to withdraw such li-
censes at any time, without motiva-
tion.
'Mice' Now OK in London
London, March 28.
After persistent refusal of the
censor to license .ilice and Men,'
Ciaire Luce, who had -a leading rol6
in the John Steinbeck play in New
York, will present the drama at the
Gate- theatre here.
The Gate is privately-owned.
Sydney, March 6.
Shortage of quality pictures from
Hollywood has been blamed partic-
ularly by major exhibs here for the
boxoffice collapse ot late in Aus-
tralia. While the record heat .has
also been a factor in the b.o. de-
cline, exhibs claim potential b.o. is
nearly always satisfied - despite tm-
mitigatlng circumstances.
Charles Munro, director of Hoyts,
has pointed out that many houses
have been forced to continue pic-
tures at a loss because suitable prod-
uct to follow was unavailable:
.Connteract lag .
Various ideas have been intro-
duced to bolster biz. Stage presenta-
tions and top vaude acts have been
tried in place -of we'akies and still,
if the picture was not what the pub-
lic wanted, they stayed away. Munro
stressed that it's pretty hard nowa-
days to judge just what the public
wanted in the way of picture enter-
tainment
Columbia's 'You Can't Take It
With You.' Mimro stated, was an in-
stance. Picture started well here
but took a suddeh ■ dive and
scrambled through tour weeks, then
skidded further on second-release
at an uptown house. Munro next in-
stanced 'Cowboy and Lady' (U^).
which was expected to secure a good
-run, but skidded after two weeks.
Hoyts brought in Allan Doone, one
of the most 'popular actors ever to
play here, to support 'A Man to Re-
member' (RKO). Result: poor. biz.
Cycles Also Hart
Munro, in line with general repre-
sentative exhibitor . opinion, also
thinks too many pictures run in
cycles. This ' was noticed with
comedies that approached slapstick,
which flowed here for months. Such
early pictures copped a take biit the
rest slithered by the wayside.
Sam Snider, of Snider-Dean, states
that biz might be br6ught back if the
industry as a whole went in tor co-
ordination and forgot about legisla-
tion. (Ed Note: By legUlation' it's
assumed Snider means laws restrict-
ing American distributors.) Snider
rapped distribs for allowing pictures
to hit the nabes within a short time
after city runs. Said public was be-
ing over-catered to and instanced
one nabe show playing as a dual
'Alexandv' (20th) and 'Girl of
Gulden West' (M-G), both of which
were b.o. in America, particularly
the former.
Foreign departments of major
companies in New York claim that
there has been no withholding of
strong product and that the pictures
Australia has been getting simply
comprise the lineup available for
release. This was in answer to com-
plaints of New South Wales exhibi-
tors that American pictures released
there, of late have been unsatisfac-
tory.
France Eyes U. S. Tie '
Doe to Nazi Push; Tax
Vs. Distribs Seen Out
Seriousness of the situation In
central Europe is looked on in New
York trade circles as possibly chich-
ing the elimination of proposed dis-
criminatory- taxes and other meas-
ures against U, S. film distribution
in France.
American picture officials for sev-
eral weeks have felt that any meas-
ure singling out U. S. distributors
would t>e defeated unless the French
government sought to ignore the pos-
sibility of. dissolving the present
trade ' treaty between the two na-
tions. This is hardly likely now, -
American companies ' hold, since
France is anxious to maintain
amicable relations with the U. S.
because of Germany's latest im-
perialistic push.
SENSATIONALLY DIFFERENT! . . .
Drama even greater than their dancing . . . in the romance
of the world's greatest^dancers! ... . Re-creating ^the
steps that made the Castles famous^the Castle Walk,
The Maxixe, The Tatigo! . . . Memory's fondest melodies!
. . . All the glories and excitements of a glamorous jiear
yesterday! ... ANOTHER BIG RKO SHOW FOR TOf
MONEY AGAINST ANY OPPOSITIONT
WORLD PREMIERE THIS WEEK
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL!
Wednesday, Marcb 29, 1939
VARIETY
li
■i.-'
starring
FRED
ASTAIRE
GINGER
ROGERS
R K O
RADIO
PICTURES
EDNA MAY OLIVER • WALTER BRENNAN
LBKHELDSOANET BEECHER*ETIENNE GIRARDOT
[j^i^RO S. BERMAN IN CHARGE OF PRODUCTION
Utm^ ^ e>cv Itannenteiii II awl Bmtti Yost
14
VAJtlETr
FILM REVIEWS
Wiedpesd^^, Bfarcli 29, 1939
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
Hollywood, Uarch 25.
Unlttd Artlats relcan of Samaal Ooldwyn
VroducUon. Co>sUn Uerle Olxroii, Lau-
nnc* Olivier, David NWen. Directed by
William Wyler. ScKenpUy by Ben Hecht
and Charlea MacAithar. From novel by
Smlly Brcnte. Art direction, Jamea
Basevl; camera, Ortet Toland; editor,
Daniel Mandell: aast. director. Walter
Uayo. Previewed at Wamera Hollywood
March 24. '30. Running time: lOS &IM&
Cathy Merle Oberon
Ueathcllff Laurence Olivier
Edgar David Nlven
Ellen Dean Flora Robson
Dr. Kenneth Donald Crlan
Isabella Oenildlnc Fitzgerald
Hlndley '..Hugh AVlTllama
Joaeph Leo O. Carroll
Judge Linton Cecil Humphreya
LiOckwood Milea Maniler
Robert Romnlne Callendcr
Eamahaw Cecil Kellaway
HeathcllK (a^ a child) Rex Downing
Cnlhy (aa a chllil) Sarlta Wootoa
Hlndley (na a child) Douglna Scott
HarpslchorJIst Mme, Alice Ehlera
"Wuthering Heights* will have to
depend on class audiences. Its gen-
eral soir^reness and psychological
tragedy is too heavy for general ap-
peal. With that setup, and lacking
socko marquee dressing, picture is
more of an artistic success for the
carriage trade.
Emily Bronte's novel, published a
century ago, tells a haunting tale of
love and tragedy. Samuel Goldwyn's
film version retains all of the grim
drama of the book. Dramatic epi-
sodes are vividly etched, without
bene&t of lightness. It's heavy fare
throughout
Merle Oberon has two loves — a
pash for stableboy tiaurence Olivier
and love of the worldly things which
David Niven can provide. After un-
successfully goading Olivier to make
something of himself, girl turns to
marriage with Niven. Olivier dis-
annears, to return several years later
from America with a moderate for-
tune. Miss Oberon keeps her smoul-.
dering passions under control, and
Olivier marries Niven's sister, Geral-
dine Fitzgerald, for spite. Climax is
reached with Miss Oberon dying
from an incurable disease in
OUvler's arms.
Stark tragedy is vividly etched
throughout. Tempo is at a slow
pace, with many sequences devoted
to development of psychological re-
actions of the characters. It's rather
dull material for general audiences.
Olivier provides a fine portrayal
as the moody, revengeful lover. Miss
Oberon is excellent throughout,-
nicely tempering her changing
moods. Niven handles his role sat-
isfactorily, while Miss Fitzgerald is
impressive as Niven's sister, who
.comes under the spell of OUvler and
finds nothing but unbapp'iness in her
marriage to him.
Story is imlolded through retro-
spect narration by- Flora Robson,
housekeeper - in the early-Victorian
mansion of Yorkshire. .Mter briefly
detailing bacliground of three prin-
cipals as children, tale swings into
the main love theme and tragedy,
Production has been 'given best
facilities possible in all departments.
Camera work by Gregg Inland is
top grade, and settings are in keep-
ing with period of the story.
Direction l>y William Wyler Is
slow and deliberate, accenting the
tragic features of the piece. Ben
Recht and Charles MacArthur wrote
the screenplay.
^ Hound of the -Baskervilles
stalk its victims in the fog-swept
moors.
Rathbone gives a most effective
characterization of Sherlock Holmes
which will.be relished by mystery
lovers. Greene, in addition to play-
ing the intended victim of the mur-
derer, is the romantic interest oppo-
site Wendy Barrie.
Supporting cast Is meritorious—
mostly English players who fit neatly
Into individual roles. Group includes
Nigel Brace, Lionel AtwlU, John
Carradine, Barlowe Borland and
Eily Molyon.
Chiller mood generated by the
characters and sto.ry is heightened by
effects secured from sequences in the
medieval castle and the dreaded fog-
bound moors. Iiow key photography
by Peverell Marley adds to suspense
in the unfolding.
Direction swmgs along at a delib-
erate and steady pace, catching every,
chance to add to the chiller-mystery
tempo. Picture is rounded out nicely
from the production end.
RISKY BUSINESS
Unlveraal production and release. Fea-
tures Georgo Murphy and Dorothea Kent.
Directed by Arthur Lubln. Original by.
WUUam Anthony McGuIt«; screenplay by
Charles Grayson; camera.' Stanley Cortez.
At Rlalto, K. Y., week March 22, '30. Raa-
nlng thno: «7 UINB.
Dan Clifford George Murphy
Mary Dexter Dorothea Kent
De Camo Ednardo Clannelll
Hinge Jackson Leon Amea
Lucius Bl Brendel
District Attorney Richard Tucker
Xonna Jameson Frances Robinson
Silas John Wrny
Capt. Wallace Arthur Tjott
Abemathy Pierre Watkin
Xorraan Gnmt Richards
Jameson ....Charles Trowbridge
Mrs. Jameson Mary Forbes
Hollywood, March 23.
20lh-Fox release cf Gene Markey produc-
tion. Features Richard Greene. Basil
Ratnbone, Wendy Barrie. Directed by Sid'
ney Lanlleld. Screenplay by Ernest Pas-
cal; 'from The Hound oC the Bnskervllles'
by Sir Arthur Conon Doyle; camera, Pev-
erell Marley; editor. Dolierc Slmpnon.- PrC'
viewed at Gmuman's Chlnrae .March 22,
■80. Running time: 78 MINH.
Sir Henry Basitcrvllle Illchard Greens
Sherlock Holmes Basil Rathbone
Beryl Stapleion Wendy Barrie
Dr. Watson Nigel Bruce
Jamca Mortimer, M. D Lionel Atwlll
Barryman John Carradine
Franhland Burlowe Borland
Mra. Jvnirer Klorthner Meryl Mercer
John Stapleton '. Morton Lowry
Sir Hugo UnskervJIIc Ralpb Forl;es
Cab'jy E. E. Cllve
Mrs. I3ari-ymfm Elly Malyon
Convict N'lgel de Brullcr
Mrs. Hudson 4 >lary Gordon
Roderick : : . . . Peter 'Wlllea
Sliepher.l Ivan Simpson
Sir Charles Isn MacLnren
Bruce John Burton
Jon Dennis Green
Bdwln Evan Thomas
Snatch story, with radio gosslper
as a flamboyant hero and a sprin-
kling of gangsters, stacks up as a
healthy programmer suited tor
double bills. It will gamer nice
business in city spots such as at this
theatre, where th^ like tlteir melo-
dzama realistic. Absence of marquee
names naturally limits its draw,
with bumping off of the hero a dif-
ferent but imsatistying enxl. It's a
remake of Vs 'Okay .America.'
'Risky Business' takes several deft
digs, at the business of radio broad-
casting- even if it does paint the
commentator with the lustre of
crusader against gangsterdom. It
has the radio gosslper telling off the
head of a broadcasting network,
lambasting ad agencies and finally
dipping a top radio ofiEicial on the
chin. That final touch, where two
torpedo men slink into a broadcast-
ing studio while the gosdper Is
about to reveal gang secrets is rather
rough. Gosslper is depicted admit-
ting on the air that he nas just slain
a ruthless gangster leader. Thea he
is shot down by the gun-toting mob-
sters in a fusimde of bullets.
Producers have held close to melo-
dramatic traditioii and developed a
series of suspenseful scenes for the
film's. climax. Here the skill of di-
rector -Arthur Lubin is visiltle be-
cause it is only Ordinary story de-
velopment Scene where the radio
narrator flashes an automatic and
sends three or four bullets into the
menacing gangster chief can only be
excused on° the groimds that the
mobster had it coming to him.
George Murphy is fairly satisfying
as the crusading radio coluinnis:
who covers Uie cinema capital, even
if a bit florid. Dorothea Kent, as bis
femme secretary, Med her l>est to
inject a bit of romance into the pic-
ture, although he bruskly ignores
her. The cameramen did not do her
justice -with several closeups that
only set off the weaker featiues.
Ijcon -Ames is the suave ex-gang-
ster, suppd£edly reformed, who is a
pal of tbd i^dib narrator. Eduardo
Ciannelli is satisfactory as the chiisf
mobster while John Wray ai
chips in' with one of his virile cl
acteiizations as down-and-outer
helped by the gosslper. El Brendel,
veteran screen comic, is good for an
important bit and gets his usual
quota of chuckles (again as a jani-
tor). ' . .f ■ .
Charles Grayson's 1639 scripting of
William A. McGuire's old original as
well as his potent dialog is a slick
job. Wear,
'Hound of the Baskervilles' in film
form retains all of the suspensefully
dramatic ingredients of Conan
Doyle's popular adventure of Sher-
lock Holmes in the moors of Devon-
shire. It's a startling mystery-chiller
developed along logical lines without
resort to implausible situations and
over-theatrics. Picture is a strong
programmer, that will find many
bookings on top spots of key dualers
that attract thriller-mystery patron-
age. In the nabes and snudler com-
munities it will hit okay b. o. Ex
Eloitation on the names of Conan
•oyle ' and Sherlock Holmes will
belD.
Story catches on with minimum
footage, gaining 'attention imme-
diately and holding steady race
throughout Doyle's tale ot mynery
surroimding the Baskerville castle is
a familiar one. When Lionel Atwlll
learns that Richard Greene, heir to
' the estate, is marked for death, he
calls in Basil Rathbone. Balance Is a
well-knit bundle of suspense, - thrills
and surprises, moving steadily to
ultimate solution of the mystery
when Rathbone uncovers the m^ister
of the ferocious hoimd trained ib
ON nUAL
Miniature Reviews
<Watheriiir Mtt^W (UA-Gold*
Sombre dramatic tragedy,
produetlonally fine, but with
limited appeal
■Hennd ot the BaikervUleir
(20th). Conan Doyle's Sfaierlock
Holmes paraded In strong pro-
grammer. WiU satisfy generally.
<Blsky BnsInMS* (D). Gangster*
snatch meller good enough for
most dualers. Cieorge Murphy
and Dorothea Kent featured.
•On Trial' (WB), Trite coiirt-
room drama; fodder for the
duals.
'Mystery of the White Boom*
(U). Weak hospital whodunit
for shortage bookings In the
duals.
of Trent'i
Lynn, m;
SghUfCht scenes are those In which
army bombing testa are made from
aojOOO-foot height; and the air battle
between tibe two expert fliers.
Marjorle Reynolds is vivacious and
can carry stronger roles. Work ot
Tommy Bupp, as the Idd admirer of
barnstorming, counly-falr parachute
jumper and pilot (I^nn) Is com-
mendable, Luclen Llttlefleld, a&
leader of the spy ring; has done
much better work before.
save his wife's honor. But both the
theme and manner of presentation
are now dated for 1039 screen pur-
poses. 'On Trial' is strictly dual fod-
der, talking along for an hour with-
out going anywhere.
Story concerns :liooting of philan-
dering James Stephenson by John
Litel to protect his wife, Margaret
Lindsay. Litel goes to trial, with
Edward Norris, a young and ambi-
tious attorney, def^din<!. Testimony
is both direct and tlu-ough utilization
of cutbacks, with luiss Lindsay and
couple's ba^y daughter, Janet Chap-
man, testifying to convince jury
miurder was justifiable. Acquittal and
happy family reunion for the fade-
out
I^ture falls to generate any de-
i^ee of Interest, and punch is lad-
ing throughout Cast fails to over-
come handicap of material at hand.
It's a low bracket negative, for book-
ings in the dualers.
Mystery of White Room
Universal release of Irving Starr produc-
tion. Futures Bruce Cabot, Helen Mack.
Directed by Otis Garrett. Screenplay, Alex
Gottlieb, from story by James G. Edwards;
camera, John Boyle; editor, Harry KeUer.
At Central, N. T., March 25, 'W, dual.
Running time: Sir HINB.
Dr. Bob Clayton Brace Cabot
Carole Dale Helen Mack
Ann Stokes Constance Worth
LUa Balntia Joan Woodbury
Dora Stanley Mabel Todd
Hank Manley Tom Dngan
Dr.' Norman Kennedy Roland Drew
Dr. Martin .Addison Richards
Mack Sponcer Tommy Jackson
Dr. Thornton Frank Relcher
Tony Frank Poglla
Class C whodunit for dualling in
the nabes. But even then it 'will need
a strong running mate. Will get
bruslMfE re'views, negligible word of
mouth and is light on marquee 'value.
Yam deals 'with an operating-room
murder and a flock of dire attempts
to. cover up the killer's traos.
There's little suspense and the sup-
posed denouement has more loose
ends than a rag bag. There's not
much motivation, logic or characteri-
zation to the sboiji while 'the roman-
tic angle Is purely routine stuff and
the comedy is leaden. In stmi, the
picture is merely one ot those spieedy
Items without any pretensions to
serious consideration.
Bruce Cabot and Helen Mack carry
the romance as the resourceful
yoimg surgeon and wide-eyed niurse.
Constance Worth is decorative as
another nurse, while Joan 'Woodbury
and Ronald Drew do the grimacing
to drawsuspidon. Dialog is stilted,
so none of them can make it seem
lifelike. Direction fails' to clarify the
script Hobe.
Los -Angeles. March 20.
Warner Bros, release ot Bryan Foy pro-
duction. Directed by Terry Morse. S<-reen-
play by Don Ryan; fro-n play by Elmer
Rice. Dialog director, Tel Thomas; asst.
director,' Arthur Lcukcr; camera, L. Wil-
liam O'Connell; edltor,-JameB Gibbon. Pre-
viewed at Forum. March ID, '39. Running
time: 60 MINS.
Robert Strickland John Utei
Mae Strickland Mnrgnret Lindsay
Arbuckle Bdward Norrla
Doris Strickland Janet Ch.ipman
Gerald Traek .Jauies Stephenson
Joan Trask N'edda Harrlgan
Glorer Larry Williams
Gray William Davidson
Judge: : Earl Dwire
Dr Morgan Gordon Hail
Henry Dean Charles Trowbridge
Joe Burke Sidney Bracy
Mr. Trumbull Kenneth Harlan
Mrs. Leeda Vera L,ewls
S'^i- >fat Carr
Mr. Rummers Stuart Holmes
Balllft. Cliff Saum
Court^StenoKrapber Jack Mower
iiury Foreman John Dllson
Mrs. Roaenblstt Lola Cheaney
First Reporter Edgar Edwards
Second Reporter j«bn Harron
Elmer Rice's sensational court-
room drama ot three decades ago, in
its day, had theatre audiences going,
for the theatrics of the piece, which
had the husband commit murder to
MYSTERY PLANE
Monogram release ot Paul Malvern pro-
duction. Features John Trent, Mllbum
Stone. Marjorle Reyaolda. Directed by
George Waggner. Adapted by Paul Scho-
fleld and Joaeph West from cartoon atrip.
Tallspln Tommy,' by Hal Forrest; cam-
era, Arcbia Stout; editor, Carl Plerson. At
Strand, Brooklyn, N. T.. week March '
'SO. dual. Running time: SO UIMS.
Tallspln Tommy John Trent
Skootor. Mllbum Stone
Betty Lou ...Marlorle Reynolda
Paul Jason Robards
graody J>eter George Lynn
Wlnslow Luclen UtUeHeld
Anita Polly Ann Toung
Fred Sayre Deerlng
Cart........... John Peters
Tommy (child) Tommy Bnop
Hetty Lou (child)......: Betsy Gay
Produced along familiar lines of
mystery spy mellers, and aided by
popularity of Hal Forrest's news-
paper comic strip, Tallspln Tommy,'
on which yam is based, this pic-
ture will do nicely on the sec-
ond half of du^ While not
pretentiously done, Paul Malvem has
thrown together a fair cast of juve-
niles to carry the simple story. En-
tire picture displays a unity and
economy of purpose without any side
issues or involved situations to clut-
ter up the script
John Trent and Milbume Stone, a
pair of young aviation enthusiasts
invent an improved bombing device
for planes and test it -out for army
officials. A gang ot international
^ite want the invention. They ab-
duct the two aviators and their girl
friend, Marjorle Reynolds, and at-
tempt to force the formula from
them.
Army cops track down hiding place
of the gang.' Before they can get
there, Trent and his pals escape in
a plane and are pursued by the vil-
lams in a seaplane. Pitched battle
in the skies ensues.' Heroism of .the
gang's pilot, a former aviation idol
Peter George
turn out
SO THIS IS LONDON
(BBtnSH-MADE)
London, March 16.
aOth Centmr-Fox production and release.
Stars Robertson Hare. Alfred Drayton. Di-
rected by Thoifiton Freeland. Screenplay,
William Conseiman, from Arthur <}ood-
rich'a adaptaUon of George M. Cohan's
stag* ploy; dialog. Ban Travers: camera.
Otto Eantnrek. At Tlvoll, London. Run-
ning time: 80 MTSB,
liOrd Worthing , Alfred Drayton
Henry Honeycutt Robertson. Bare
Dodle Ethel Revnell'
Lis °. Oracle West
Hiram Draper Berton Churchill
Mrs. Draper./ .' Lily Cahlll
Ellbor Draper.... Carla Iiehmonn
Lady Worthing Fay Compton
Lawrence Stewart Granger
Dr. DereskI George Saiideis
Mrs. Honeycutt....; .'.Mavis Clalr
Butler Aubrey Mallallen
Ijondon' has so many screamingly
funny slapstick situations that indi-
cations are it wUl be an entertain-
ment bonanza in this coimtry. Geoiee
M. Cohan's original sta^ comedy
has been converted to suit the per-
sonalitien of Alfred Draytcn and
Robertson Hare, English farceurs,
and their craftsmanship is worthy.
The characters are good to meet,
the dialog is crisp and pungent, di-
rec^on is good end ptiotography ex-
cellent As a supporting feature in
a double -program in America it
should prove satisfactory.
The very nature of tiie- incidents
are certain lauj^-getters. The two
central' characters, the English Lord
and the American business man, ac-
cept misfortune like men — they
blame it on their wives. Drayton is
the former, played irascibly throug-
out, and Berton Churchill the latter,
equally irascible.
Supporting roles are bandied com-
petenuy. There is a very funny
scene between two drunks, one ot
whom is recognizable as David
Bums. Neither is programmed. .An-
o&er part well enacted is that of a
sleep-walker, by Mavis Clair.
Jolo.
THE SPY IN BLACiC
(BSmsn-HADE)
London, March 18.
Columbia produoUon and release. Stars
Conrad Veldt. Directed by Michael
PoweU. Screenplay, Emarlo Frassburger,
from story by J. Storer Clonston; scenario.
Round Fertwee; camera, Bernard Browne.
At Phoenix, London. Ruimlng time: SB
HIMB.
Captain Hardt Conrad Veldt
Aahlngton Sebastian Shaw
School Mistress.. r. Valerie Hobson
Schuster Marlus Goring
Anne Burnett. '....June Dupres
Rev. Hector Matthews Athola Stewart
Mrs. Matthews.. Agnes LaoAlan
Mr& Sedley Helen Haye
Rev. John Harris Cyril Rsiymond
Captain Ratter George Summers
Kate Margaret Moffat
Commander Denis EenneUi Warrington
Submarine Officer Torln Thatcher
Admiral Robert Kendall
Bob Bratt Grant Sunderland
Chauffeuse Mary Morris
The Spy in Black' Is a praise-
worthy film on international espion-
age during the. World War. It should
do stellar biz here and is a dual
possibility for America.
The plot, while necessarily melo-
dramatic, is always within the range
of possibUity. Conrad 'Veldt, as capr
tain ot a German submarine, re-
ceives instructions to proceed to the
Orkney Islands, where he's to meet
a woman spy, from whom he's to.
take orders. She instructs him to
sink 15 British ships cruising off the
coast of Scotland, and contacts him
with a discharged traitorous lieuten-
ant of the British Navy. The rest
deals with Veldt learning , that the
two are actually working for Britain,
and his futile attempt to frustrate
them.
The twist whereby it's .developed
the lieutenant and the girl are loyal
to Britain comes as a surprise. 'Veidt
has a strong role for which he's ad-
mirably suited. Sebastian Shaw Is
excellent as the English naval officer.
'Valerie Hobson, as the other spy,
is creditable. Supporting cast is
competent
DirecUon and photography are ex-
ceUent Jolo.
Knight of the Plains
(WITH SONGS)
Spectrum Pictures release Stan Laurel-
Jed Buell production. Stars Fred Scott;
features Al St. Jobn, Marian Weldon, John
Morton. Directed by Sam NewAeld. Story
and soeeikplay, Fred Myton; camera. Mack
Stangler: editor, Robert Jahna; -songs, Lew
Porter, L. Wolfe Gilbert and Harry Tobias.
At (>>lanlal, Lincoln, dual.
Cast: Fred Scott. Al SL John, Marian
Weldon, John Merton. Richard Cramer,
Frank LaRue, LaCs McKee, Emma Tau-
sey, Steve Clark, Jimmy Aubrey. Shery
12>naey, Bndd Buster. Running time: 61
The poor -old homesteaders - are
called into action again, abused, mal-
treated, dispossessed and otherwise
badly handled, to make Fred Mytoa's
original for Fred Scott's 'Knight ot
the Plains.' It's one ot the Stan
Laurel exec efforts, with Jed Buell
I (Continued on page 16)
BIZARRE BIZARRE
(FRENOH-MADE)
Lenau«r Intematlonal Films nlesM et
ComlgUon MoUnler produotloo. Featnrea
Lonli Jonvst, naaeolse Rosay, lUobel
Simon. Dlreoted by Uaicel Came. Boreea-
play by Jacques Frevart: from story by
J. Store>CIouatoii: oamera, Roger Kahani
at Fllmarte, N. 'r,. week Ilaicli 30, 'S«,
Running time: 84 IONS.
Vloar ot Bedford Iioals Jonvet
Margaret Holyneos Fcanooise Rosay
Irwin Molyneux (Fallz Chapel)
Michel Simoa
William Krampa Jean Louis Barraiilt
The Milkman Jean Pierre AtmMot
Eva Nadlne Vogal
Detective Aleover
Rt^rter Gnlsol
Mrs. McPhearson Jeanne Lory
Man In Mourning M. Duhamel
(In French, totth English Titles)
This is one of Marcel Game's ex-
periments with farce comedy and
it's deftly directed. Given a script
replete with ingenious .quirks and
pokes at human failings, a muslo
score modesUy but effectively em-
ployed to heighten dramatic effect
where needed, and a plot that hinges
on a pseudo-murder, opus furnishes
pleasing entertainment Art thea-
tres and foreign language houses will
do fair business with this one.
Came keeps the whole pot-pourri
moving bri^dy. He combines the
humor of idiaracter, society and situ-
ation in capable fashion and turns
out a fine travesty on Scotland Yard
crime detection.
Picture has a capable cast Michel
Simon, chief protagonist of the
mixed-up nelange, scores heavily in
comedy, and Jean Louis Barrault
does equally as well in a farcical
interpretation of a homicidal killer.
Louis Jouvet, one of the better
Imown character actors on the
Frendi screen, is impressive as a
hypocritical avaricious clergyman,
and Francoise Rosay and Nadlne
Vogel, as mother and daughter, ably
carry romantic leads. The girl's ro-
mance is subordinated to develop-
ment ot the plot, but with her looks
and abUi^ she could have' been,
given more footage.
Story concerns a bourgeobe famr
lly. Ib head, who is a simple soul
with a hobby for flowers, makes bis
living writing crime stories from
tales suppUed by his daughter, who
hears ibim from the miurmaw, her
lover. A cousin. ot the family, the
Vicar of Bedford, inidtes himself to
a 'week-end. unfortimately, the
Molyneux family's servants have
wauced out and Mine. Molyneux
turns cook herself. To explain her
absence, the husband pretends she
is visltmg friends and at the first
opportunity deserts his guest In ai
spirit of mischief or revenge, the
Vicar spreads a report that Moly-
neux has killed his wife. Which
brings Scotland Yard on the scene
and the mlxups.
Producer Molinler hasn't stinted
anywhere along the line. Settings;
photography and production details
are artistic and substantial.
A Man and His Wife
('Cn Homme ei m Femme')
' (FBENCH-HADE)
French Film Exchange release ot R. T.
Films production. Stan Harry Baur. Dl«
rected hy Jean Drevllle. Story, Roger Fer-
dinand; music, Fortere; camera, L. H.
BnreL At Little, Caraagle, N. T., week
March 27, 'SS. Rmmlng time. t» MINB.
Papon • Harry Baur .
.'anette.... Suzy Vemoa
Molneau... Pierre Laniney
Berthe , Christians Dor
Marcelle............'. Joasellne Gael
Jacques :..Jaci|uea Maury
Roland Hardl '..Guy DerleB
Du Peeq Robert Clermont
(In French; with, English Titles)
Conceding that Harry Baur always
manages to appear interesting in his
character studies, this sketchy com-
edy drama stacks up in the .American
market, even for forei^-language
houses, as an overly long pto-
grammer. It is further handicapped
by making audiences in this country
depend on English tiUes for an ex-
tremely wordy film: Extent «f ver-
biage drops ft into the farce class
most of its length.
Story of philandering wife mar-
ried to a 'plodding 'government em-
gloyee whose away-from-home affair
ounces back after h,er mate becomes
wealthy Is extremely reminiscent of
others in a like groove. Difference
mainly is that it is given several
strictly French twists but the shears
seem to -have shortened these spicier
episodes.
Harry Baur, veteran French
cinema character actor, provides a
deft portrayal of the humdnrnt
worker who rose to wealth and fame
by changing the routine ot his whole
life. At times it amounts to ti mon-
olog^ which is one of the picture's
weakness.
Opposite in the role ot wife is Suzy
Vemoh, who gives only a mediocre
Interpretation of a character vital to
the table. She is not particularly at-
tractive as caught by the camera
here, and leaves the audience mar-
veling why her husband aspired to
do so miMh for Iter. Cbristiane Dor
and Josseline Gael, supporting
femmes; both appear more fj»sclnnt-
ing than the wife. Others in support
are considerably below par for a
French film.
Roger Ferdinand's story is fairly
concise^ and appears to have plenty
of crisp dialog. Latter, however, is
lost for the average -American audi-
ence^ Wear.
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
VARIETY
15
Nothing
Can
Stop
Us!
I
m s^^^P^ Km mm S
% ' ' ' ' '
Top
Us!
BUSIHESS GOWG
ON AS USUAU
MVARNEBS
for Action.
WARNERS,
for the Hits.
WARNERS .
for Fairness!
Pirecl
ted by
Story by
16 VARIETY
PICTURES
Musk Pubs' Suit Vs. Erpi Majors
Ob Fwep Rii^ts Dates Back
To Ae Pioneer Days of Sound
The pioneering days of sound are
recalled lo the present suit by John
G. Falne, as trustee for the music
publishers, against Electrical Re-
search l>Toducts, Inc^ and a group of
Film companies. The .' two major
claims in the present suit Involve
$42,699.81 on Ond aspect, and
$160,043.79 . oh another claim. With
interest for some 10 years, per each
claim, the totals virtually double
themselves.
After considerably 'Involved argu-
ment, Judge Tohn C. Knox, in Fed-
eral Court (N. Y.), has decided he
will strike out the $42,69941 daim
against £rpi and the film co mp a ni es,
Confessing he Is 'considerably be-
wildered' by the many technicali-
ties entailed in this battle of music
copyrigbts and recording rights,
Judge Knox hais requested that both
sides further argue the second claim
before him on April 7, following
which he wiU rule on the $189,043.79
amount
This phase of the music men's pact
with Erpi involves the foreign rights
only. . Already, under this foreign
contract of 1927-1932, the song-
writers and moslc pubs received at
the rale of about $500,000 per annum
for tlie- term, or $2,500,000. There
first arose a disputed balance alleged
due under the American song rights,
and Ecpi settled for $825,000 for the
release of all rights, above the
moneys already paid. This was after
•xpiration ot the agreement in 1932.
The suit on the foreign rights,
which followed, arose from the fact
that tte' Hollywood producers de-
cided to export the records (this was
before seund-on-fllm became univer-
sal), hence the music interests de-
manded — and got — another contract
covering the foreign exhibition field.
Complications
.What complicated matters was the
disttaictton between $75 per com-
plete usage of a copyrighted work,
or '$37;S0 (a half credit) when any
musical 'Work was used only par-
tially, nien also, arose this phase:
are the American publishers entitled
to collect wiAn tiie musical work
might "be in the public domain
abroad? Or has any American
music firm a claim wheii perhaps a
Bdtlsh, French, German, Spanish or
Italian publisher owns ' tiie basic
world' copyright? And many an-
^ othei' wrinkle which complicated the
I entire legal picture.
W Erpi fut the matter In the laps of
the pteture companies, which is wheii
Julian T. Abeles, copyright expert,
was called in to act for Columbia,
Metro, 20th Ceirtury-Fox, United
Artists and Universal. Abeles, as
trial counsel, had with him as asso-
ciate counsel Herman Finkelsteln, of
Nathan Bnrkan's (now Schwartz &
FtohEch's) office. It placed the film
company's attorney ofttimes in the
awkwcrd spot of being opposed by.
both Faine (music publishers) and
Erpi's lawyers, with Abeles in the
middle.
Subsequently, however, Abeles
was in an unsuspected favorable
position through having also repre-
sented many foreign music pub-
ll^ers in America, so that he knew,
of their international dealings. Thus,
even though how placed on the op-
Ijosite side of the fence (l.e., acting
f<>r the 'film companies, rather than
the music copyright owners), .he was
able to refer to some 500 letters he
had 1- his files which dealt wlUi
many of these foreign compositions.
Sparse Sound
Further complicating matters was
tiie ' fact that in those days the
world's cinemas were very sparsely
wired tor sound. While the foreign
English-speoking nations, for exam-
ple, might have used U. S. sound-
films - extensively, the Gallic market,
or the Latin-American cinemas, in
those early 1927-29 days, were still in
the throes of being equipped for
sound pictures. Thus, attorney
Abeles successfully argued, the ex-
tent of the claims for foreign music
revenue could not be as great as It
Is .jtoday, for Instance. Judge Knox
held with him in dismissing the
lesser claim of $42,699, which, with
10 years interest, would come to
some $80,000. However, this is
deemed, to be the keynote 4if-tbe suit,
even thou^ involving sUU ancflier
«nd larger claim 4rf $169,043, which,
too, is subject to -10 years' Interest.
In the case of Paramount, RKO and
Warner Bros.— 4fae 'otiier, majors not
Involved— the former two were in
N. Y. STATE TROOPERS
CHECKING ON BOOTHS
Since the death, by bumhig, of an
operator in a central New York
town, state ^oopers are said to have
been checking closely the condition
of theatres in small communities and
to have ordered the dosing ot .sev-
«r^ until construction changes were
made. Under the law, enforcement
r-f safety regulations in buildings is
vested in the State Police where no
local supervising officer or body
exists.
. A number of low capacity houses
and halls used for motion picture
shows do not come up to scratdi
from every angle of safety. Some ob-
•servers assert. A very- rigid en-
forcement of safety provisions might
close many of them, according to
Ihese sources.
Loses Quiz Suit
FaiitKUiks, Sr^ ^^ib
Nicked by Uncle Sam;
To Pay 7 2G Tins Tme
Washington, March 28.
Douglas Fairbanks took another
slap from' the U. S. Supreme C^urt
Monday (27) and still faces ttie ne
cessity of repaying approximately
$72,000 which the Iteasury once re
funded him as excess Income taxes.
Complicated and prolonged litiga-
tion reached the final decision stage
this week when the top tribunal, in
an opinion by Justice McReynolds,
ruled that amounts the star received
through redemption of bonds ahead
of schedule is subject to normal .and
surtax as.part of his entire income.
Second time in a few months the
Supreme (%urt has winged Fair
banks. Previously it refused to re-,
view the ruling of the Ninth Circuit
Court of Appeals but; when the ac'
tor's attorneys discovered the First
Circuit Court had taken °«n oppo-
site stand in a similar controversy,
the final arbiters then entertained
the appeal.
Important legal point was In-
volved. Fuss revolves around the
treatment of money .which Fair-
banks got when Elton Corp.— whldi
was given in 1925 all rights to nine
swashbuckling pix— paid off part of
the $4,000,000 worth of ■ 10-year de-
bentures handed him at the time of
the assignment. He reported the
receipts as 'capital net gain,' on
which the tax rate was 12%%. After
wrangling, the Comnflssloner of In'
temal Revenue collected a defi-
ciency payment, based, .on a ruling
of the Bureau that the 'money must
be lumped with regular income,
which raised his tax bill. In 1929,
the Board of Tax Appeals handed
dowh « vital Verdict upsetting the
position of the Bureau, so Fairbanks
drew a refund. Then the B.TJL re-
versed itself and the actor was
called upon to repay the amount
The Supreme Court noted that a
succession of. tax laws, numerous
administrative rulings, and ttie most
recent interpretation of -Sie B.TJi,
coincide with the view taken by the
Ninth Circuit Court Henee, V^-
banks must Uck badc^ even though
the First Circuit held dilTerently in
an almost parallel case.
receivership (BKO .stm Is) and had
to treat its mtislc problem individ-
ually. And WB, of course, battled
with Western Electric <Eijpi) and
made its peace, at Its own terms,
over basic sound patents, music
rights, etc.
This is the contract first entered
into between Edwin Claude MiBs, as
trustee for American music men,
Mills, now chairman of the ASCAP
executive committee, was subse-
quently replaced by John G. Paine,
as trustee under the agreement.
The April 7 ot'al hearing, at Judge
Knox's request, comes on the heels
of bulky briefs, -reply briefs and sur
reply brieHs, indicating the compli-
cated nature of this history-malring
copyright question. Since it con
cerns a new science and business,
this case establishes legal theatrical
precedent
In eftfaer event, both sides will ap-
peal in order- to <et a final ruling en
the Issues, -as- .and when aoytfaing ^
a similar nature arises.
Supreme Court Justice Salva-
tor« A. CoUUo in New York on
Monday (27), dismissed a
$100,000 action of ]Bdward J.
Pteifer- against Donahue tt Co.,
Inc., and Edward J. Churchill,
its president, which charged
plagiarism of an idea submitted
to the agency in June, 1938, for
the Movie Quiz. The plaintiff
says he requested 10% of the
earnings of the agency. After
the proposal had been rejected,
he claimed that the agency told
'producers about Mt, and It was
adopted. It is alleged that the
agency received upward of
$1,000,000 in advertising.
In dismissing the action, witb
leave to amend the complain^
the judge ruled that there must-
be a written contract
LA. INDIES'
BUYING POOL
Oklahoma City. March 28;.
Active organization work on the
buying pool now being organized by
ind^ndent .exhibitors of the ^tate
is now under way and a stato-wlde
meeting has been called for Okla-
homa City some time during the next
00 days. Actual date will be an-
nounced as soon as organizers have
fixed a date for appearance of a De-
partment of Justice' official to whom
they are expected to air-grleveances
on anti-monopoly investigations now
being conducted, by the Department
of Justice.
Framework setup for the pool to
supervise purchiase of . product , and
equipment has been established with
state divided into districts, each in
charge of a district representative
and a main office setup in Oklahoma
City.
Plans call for general manager in
Oklahoma City to negotiate all con-
tracts. Following, his dickerings,
deals will be okayed by each ex-
hibitor individually and signed by
each as an individual. Each district
will. choose one of its men to come
to Oldahoma City to handle individ-.
ual problems, arrange dates, etc.
]Md[SM Sells ay/0
h His Thetfres To
Griffith Bros. Cliaii
Kansas City, March 28. '
Sale of half interest in his string
of theatres was made last week by
Glenn Dickinson to Griffith Bros, of
Oklahoma City. String includes 26
houses in towns throughout Missouri
and Kansas.
H. J. Griffith joins Dickinson In
the Kansas City, off ices In a super-
visory capacity. Headquarters for
the company are now located in the
Mission Theatre bldg. In Mission Hill
Acre, tfew house was built last faU.
Extensive Unprovements .and re<
modeUngs are being outllhed for sev-
eral of the company's houses, but
plims are not yet definite.
Announcement of the sale almost
coincided with news of the death of
Carleton Dickinson, son of Glenn
anr K. U. student, in car crash
several days ago.
AIKmSlEm^ APPEAL;
m POT IN ESCROW
Federal Judge Samuel Mandel-
baum in New York yesterday (Tues-
day) allowed' Metro, Loew's, Inc.,
aad Culver Export (^rp. to appeal
to the Circuit C.-'.urt of Appeals fro'm
a decision of Federal Judge John
Knox on Jan. 7 last, - allowing Mrs.
Margaret Ayer Barnes and 'Edward
Sheldon damages of approximately
$600,000 against the corporations;
The plaintiffs cUimed plagiarism of
their play, 'Dlslionored Lady,' by
•Letty Lynton'.
The money, now in escrow at the
Empire Trust Co., will remain there
until the appeal is decided.
The defendant cite 62 examples
of where they believed the judge
erred ::i his decision.
TEAB SHE B0I1LS
Hollywood, March 28.
'Good Girls Go to Paris. Too,'
rolled yesterday (Monday) at Colum
bin. with Joan BlondeU In the top
spcrt.
Alexander Hall directs. )
Film Reviews
Knight of the Plains
(Continued from page 14)
callir^ th^ actual production twns.
Limited budget reluctance of the
camera to glimpse a scene more than
once^ or be sure of the lighting, and
fllm^ story make it strictly filler
from all angles. Former opera sing-
ing Fred Scott is called to turn in
some ditties, even simpler and sijller
than the sagebrusner average,
which is reaching plenty.
'In some spots, especially where the
audience is largely juve, pic may get
satisfactorily by on -ttie mugglhg of
Al St John, who gesticulates with a
well-hayed chin, and seems to hand
the kids a langfa. He's Scott's side-
kick, and comedy stooge for the
piece.
Director's recourse to -sweaters in
the case of BCarian WeMon, the lead,
goes big in getting her over. Gallop-
ing horses, with voh^tuous gaJs
aboard, i>ut oomph in w^tems wKh~
4Hit atniining. Rlcbard Ci«mer and
John Merton can^ the villainy load
creditably enough. Frank LaRue,
money man from the east out to
promote the homesteaders, and Lafe
McKee, one of the 'steadets, make
the remaining performance Impres-
sions.
Narrative finds an easterner pro-
moted on a phoney land grant which
almost precipitates a range war until
it's chased to the ground by Scott
and St John. Story is so familiar it
can be short-cutted by every mem-
ber In the audience at all times.
Chances are slight for this one.
Bam.
ALEXANDER NEVSKY
(BUSSIAN-MADE)
AniklDo Klcnae o( HoaDlm Production.
Features Nikolai Cherkamov. N. P.
Okhlopkov, A. li, Abrlkoasov, V. .S. Iva-
sheva. Directed by .Sergei Ulaeiutein and
D. I. Vaaklllev. Orlglnnl by Elsenstein
and Peter A, Favlenko. Mualc, Sergei Pro-
kofiev; camera, Edward Tlsse; English
titles, Julian Lelgb. At Cnmro, N. T..
week Uareta 22, '80, Running time: 17
BUNS.
Prince Alexander Yaroslnvlch Nevskr,
NIkolul Cberkoasov
Vaaally Buslal N, F, Okblopkov
GavTllo Olexicta A. L. Abrlkossov
Ignat, Master Armourer D. N. Orlov
Pavsha, Governor ot Pskov., V. K. Novlkov
Domaab, nobleman of Novgorod
N. N. ArskI
AmeiCa TImoteyevna, mother ot Buelal
v. O. MASsallttnom
Olga, a Novgorod glrl.......V. S. Ivaaheva
Vaaalllasa.; A. 9, Danllova
Master o( the 'Teatonio Order
v. lu. Brabov
XverdlUo, tratloroua mayor of Pskov.,
8. K. Bllnnlkov
Ananl. a monk I. I. LanUn
The Blahop L, A. Fenln
The Black-robed Monk....N. A. Rogozkin
(In Russian; with English Titles)
As befitting the rank of 'giant' of
the Russian film industry, Sergei
Eisenstein has been given a fre*
hand on production, but not on story
lines. Huge reservoirs of man-
power and materials have been
thrown into this epic production,
whl^ Is lavish in scope, theme, per-
formance and wealth of production
detail, but despite Its magnificence
and scale the picture lacks uie quali-
ties which first impressed Eisenstein's
technique. Thoi^h clothed In ac-
ceptable cinematic trappings; it Is
further handicapped by propaganda,
timed to apply to current events in
Europe. It deals with historic events
in the 13th century, but analogy is
drawn to present-day politics, and
meaning and purpose of ttie entire
production are shaped toward threats
against any Russian invader.
Picture will meet .with good re-
sults whenever its political senti-
ments find established adhcvents.
Otherwise it's almost nil for general
appeal.
Saga relates of times in the early
1200s when Russia was overrun by
Tartars in the east and 'teutonic
knights from (Germany on the west
Patriotic feeling was at a low ebb
aiid leaders lacking. RaUter than
fight saboteurs counselled buying oft
enemies with the country's wealth.
Prince Alexander, wbcoe fl gii«M
famt had spread throughout flie tend
and even beyond, is summoned from
peaceful occupations by popular ac-
claim. He exhorts and arouses the
peasantry to bear arms in detense of
Russia. At .Lake Peipus, in 12^
Alexander's strategy defeats.^ su-
perior (Serman force. It is an utter
route with fleeing Teutons perish-
ing t>eneath the icy waters of the
lake.
Eisenstein had a difficult research
task here and has done an admiralde
job. Technical details of ancient
warfare; style of armor, weapons,
costuming, equipment of an army of
extras and hundreds of other details
indicate the scope of his achieve-
ment
His Teutonic Knights are portrayed
as ancient forerunners of our mod-
ern Ku Klux Klaa They wear white
matles with emblazoned crosses and
hoods ' of mail, the leaders were
mantles and fantastic, L-^baris head-
gear designed to frighten the enemy
out of its wits. Mosqnes and temples,'
built of towering white stucco con-
struction, however, appear incon-
gruous ih. these setUnga, -consldering-
that Novgorod, in the 13th century,
is shown to be a mere coUutkm of
crude wooden-log huts, bridges ^>d
slieets.
While there la • slight romantic
tale running, paralleling major
events, it is not seriously developed
and serves merely to relieve the
stem character of the warlike tale.
First half of the picture is exposi-
tory and deals with attempts of
Alexander to arouse his followers to
action.
In the latter half of the picture
great masses of troops' move onward
toward the crucial battle. Armed
with crude spears, hatchets, medieval
shields and coats of mail, plen^ of
splendid action shots are provided
Vrhen opposing armies are locked in
hand-to-band struggle. Dozens of
closeups are devoted to leaders on
iMth sides mi^ily hacking and
hewing awav with- sword and axe
on hapless foe.
Scenes such as these are counted
on to put the picture over. That they
do not altogether succeed is due to
the ancient character of the stoiy.
Scenes o2- troor^ throwing themselves
against a solid wall of .<:hields and
qiears is impressive, but still fails
to equal the imaginative and spec-
tacular effect afforded by mooem
warfare tactics and armament
At times, Eisenstein's direction of
batUe movements appears extremely
stiMed and unreaL Groups of sol-
diers stand about static, and uncer-
tain as to where to go .or what to do
with their weapons.
Impressive cast is unknown in this
country. Eisenstein has picked stal-
wart six-footers and cast them in
heroic molds the story provides. Of
the numerous 'honored artists' in the
film, Nikolai Cherkcssov, as Prince
Alexander, fulfills the requirements
of the part in every reqiect. He is
kingly, commanding, human and
gives a performance hot easily for-
gotten.
Other outstanding perfotTnances
are turned in by N. P. Okhlokov and
A. L, Abrlkossov as army command-
ers; V. L. Ershov, as master of the
Teutonic Knights, and D. N. Orlov,
as an armorer, y. S. Ivasheva has
the leading feminine roles, but is
held down by the military wel^t of
the story.
Unalloyed propaganda spoils an
otherwise stirring spectacle of melo-
dramatic art.
NKIWESION OOSIER
SUIT STARTS Di ST. L
Si Louis, March 28,
With all legal obstacles brushed
off the ouster suit against John P.
Nick, Clyde A. Weston and George
E Browne, recently instituted by 19
members of lATSE, Local No. 143,
began Monday (27) before Circuit
Judge Ernest F. Oakley. Louis Lan-
dau, former owner of the Maryland,
a South St Louis habe, was the first
witness.
Landau Was reluctant to answer
any questions, and sought to ease
out of them by stating, 'I don't went
to incriminate myself.' Judge Oak-
lay ruled that the witness must an-
swer and under interrogation by
Robert A. Roessel, counsel for th«
plaintiffs. Landau admitted contrib-
utlag to the $15,000 '^.efense' fund
raised in 1936 by exhibitors during
negotiations for a $10 a week wage
increase for the projectionists.
Under prodding by Roessel, Lan-
dau admitted that he was a member
of the exhibitors' negotiating com-
mittee in 1036 and named as' con-
ferees Fred Wehrenberg,- prez of the
MPTOA of Eastern Missouri and
Southern Illinois; Louis Ansell,
Clarence Kaimann . and Thomas
James. Landau admitted that Nick
visited him at his former theatre fre-
quently, but declared he couldnt re<
member, the wage scale of the pro-
jectionists during those years. When
Roessel asked Landau if he hadn't
declared,' in the attorney's office re-
cently, that the wage scale for 1938
was substantially the same as in 1035,
the witness declined to lanswer until
ordered to do so by Judge Oakley,
and be then said he didn't remem-
ber. .
Although Landau said Nick had
visited him at his theatre many times
he couldn't remember one the lATSB
head made in 1930 on the day the
wage negotiation matter was settled.
Questioned about his ' cquaintance
with Weston, Landau said Weston
had worked for him as an operator
in Granite City from 1010-1015. Kai-
mann testified that he and Landau
raid $10,000 to 'Mr. Brady,' Uter
identified as Edward M. Brady, state
representative from St Louis at a
St Louis bavk during the 1830 wag«
mulling. Kaimann contradicted Lan-
dau, testlf}ing that there was no
wage increase for the operators after
the fund was paid.
Weston -was the only defendant
present in oatut Nick reported as
being out of- town, because of ill
healtb. .ServieO' wa» never obtained
on Browne.
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
VARIETY
17
GILDING THE
That M-G-M Uon
hot a positive
genkis for deltvering
big shovn for big
holiday crowds —
Thanksgiving it was
"Out West With the Hardys"
New Year's it was
"Sweethearts" and now
it's "Broadway Serenade"! .
EASTER
LILYI
We're happy to give your patrons "BROADWAY SERENADE", as sweet a holiday gold-
getter as ever packed in the lads and lassies with their new Easter bonnets!
"BROADWAY SERENADE" has heart appeal, eye appeal and ear appeal— romance,
spectacle and music to lift the spectator jfirom wintry doldrums to Springtime cheer! Hear! Hear!
And speaking of M^Q'M's Springtime hits:
"IT'S HEY MONEY, MONEY AND A HA^CHA^CHA!"
We have seen the new DR. KILDARE picture ("Calling Dr. Kildare") and it's a thrilling ful-
fillment of this series* promise!
We have seen the new HARDY FAMILY picture ("The Hardys Ride High") and when you see
it you*ll agree with us that it's their best yet! A riot of fun!
We have seen "GOODBYE MR. CHIPS" from our production unit that made "Yank at Oxford"
and "The Citadel", which won the N.Y. critics' Best Picture of The Year award! It is sensational!
And there's Robert Taylor and Myma Loy in "Lucky Night"— Claudette Colbert and James
Stewart in "It's A Wonderful World"— Johnny WeissmuUer in "Tarzan" and a flock more.
LOTS OF TALK in the papers about 1939-40 and M-G-M has big things in store for that,
BUT before Sept. 1st rolls around youVe going to enjoy a merry Springtime and a Summer
of gala M-G-M shows!
SUMMER, WINTER. SPRING AND FALL-AND SUMMER AGAIN-EVERY SEASON IS
FRIENDLY TO YOUR BOXOFHCE WHEN YOU DEPEND ON THE FRIENDLY COMPANY!
PICTURES
Wednesday, Much 29, 1939
FmalChapter to N. D. Dnrorcement
In D.C: Other Antt^ow Biz Bilk
Washington, March 28.
Paramount, and two associated
chains scored over the North Dakota
attorney .general Monday (27), when
the U. S. Supreme Court not only
dismissed the anteal involving the
erased divorcement 3tatute, but re-^
versed the special district court
which held the law constituUonaL
Litigation was remanded with in-
structions to wipe. it off the books,
leaving the question of costs to .be
settled.
Although willing to drop the con-
troversy, now that the matter has
been made moot by repeal of the act,
the state authorities begged the Su-
■preme Court to let the original ver-
dict stand. Reversal would be cited
by the producers and chains, brief
said, as a ruling on the merits, and
would be used to fight the Federal
antirtrust suit.
' In a seven-line order, the tribunal
disregarded the state's objections and
-granted the motion by Paramount to
leverse the decree below. The case
was sent back to the special trial
court with directions , to dismiss the
«ntire. proceedings, without p:^e]udlce
t«' an- application by either party for
.ain award at costs in the first round.
The ' final umpires assessed no costs
gainst either for the appeal.
semblyman Alex Nicol, a Sparta
(Wis.) Pcogresslve. Violations would
be punishable by fines up to $10,000,
and up to one year imprisonment.
This is the third bill introduced so
far at this session of the state legis-
lature here.
. iUnn/s Mystery Bin
Mtaineapolis, March 26.
'Se^Tlyed mystery , attaches' to the
.q>onsorshi^ of a theatre divorcement
bill 'belatedly introduced into the
'Minnesota state legislature. Presi-
dent W. A- Steffes of Northwest Al-
lied asserts he had nothing to do
with ihe .measure's introduction and
dedAres he doesn't know whether or
not the OEganization would get be-
hind it He says that, before com-
, mitting to the body, he wishes to in-
' vestlgate 'the sincerity of the spon-
sors' purpose.'
Previously, ' SteSes, who was in
Chicago when the present bill was
introduced, had announced that
Northwest Allied had abandoned ibr
plans to push through such a law at
this legi^tive session. The reason
tor -tiie ctaai^-of plans, he explained,
was the North Dakota law's repeal.
It was poiiited out by SteSes that
fully three years would elapse before
a Minnesota divorcement law's pro-
visions, reguiring the Paramount
Northwest circuit to relinquish its 85
. theatres, could become effective. The
delay would be . caused; he said, by
the year's grace given' the circuit
and lUie court fight which would 'un-
doubtedly ensue. In the meanwhile,
Steffes believes, the issue undoubt-
edly will reach the U. S. Supreme
Court sooner because divorcement Is
one of the .Federal government's
anti-tnist suites objectives.
The bin Introduced into the Min-
nesota state legislature secte to avert
an attack on its constitutionality by
providing that if any of its provisions
■aro' declared invalid the remainder
of the act shall not be aSected. All
theatre owners would be required to
ffle an affidavit annually, swearing
that no producer or distributor had
any direct, or indirect, influence in
the ownership or operation of their
showhouses. Penalty for violation
would be a $10,000 fine, or one-year
imprisonment, or both. The law
would be ellecUve a year after 'en-
actment
Also Giveaways
Another bOl just introduced Into
tiie legislature is designed to define
cash gift nights as lotteries and make
them illegal. SteSes declares its
passage would force a large number
of theatres out of business. -Many
bouses, especially in the smaller
communities, require the help of.casih
glftrnights to Iceep them in existence
and they could not operate in the
'black without them, he .avers. The
state supreme court already has
ruled that 'Bank Night,' properly
conducted, does not violate the state
.aati-lottei^ law.
St. Paul now is the only town in
the state prohibiting theatre cash
- gUt nights and many exhibitors there
wish there Was no such ban, accord-
ing to Steffes.
With only approximately /three
weeks of the present legislative ses-
sion remaining, neither the divorce-
ment bill nor cash gift night meas-
ure Is believed to have any chance
for passage.
PhOIy's Xax Bllh
Philadelphia, March 28.. •
Two tax bills were in the forefront
of film interest this week in Harris-
burg, where the state legislature is
meeting. Of principal concern to
indies Is the 4% amusement tax
measure, which the last administra-
tion allowed to die last year, and
which many Republican legislators
are now trying to revive as a source
of new revenue. Tke tap, which
raised $7,000,000 in tbe two years it
was in force, is seen as a solution to
the crisis in school in small
districts. With a strong- lobby ..at
work, film industry is at present in-
clined to believe that the measure
won't be revived.
Other Important tax action affected
the chains. It was an appeal filed by
Attorney General Claude T. Beno
with the Supreme Court, aaUne it to
review the action «t lower couct In
invalidating the chain store and the'
atre tax. Argiimpnt will be beard in
May. Taxes range- from $1 a year on
a single theatre to $500 for each one
in a chain of 500 units.
Antl-SMoodliig Boo.m
St Louis, March 28^
An anti-standing room bill directe'd
at film houses .and other places of
amusement in the state has been
dumped into the legislature hopper
at Jefferson City by Representntive'
J. C. Woodsmall of Scotland County.
The bill provides that every theatre
having a 'width of 25 feet or more
must be provided with a center aisle.
The measure also stipulates thait no
ducat shall be sold unless there is a
seat immediately available. The pro-
vision against selling standing room
is under the .cloak of keeping the
aisles and exits clear at all times.
P. A, Crack Down
Add: ' DIvoroement
Madison, Wis.) March 28.
Bill to bar distributors or produ-
cers from owning or operating pic-
ture theatres was proposed by As-
(Tsnada's BUI Smgs
Montreal, March 28.
Bill to set up a national film board
of eight persons whose job would be
to coordinate motion picture activ-
ities of the various government de-
partments ran into a snag Tuesday
(21) in the Canadian Senate when
opposition leader Meighen voiced
criticism that the board would
merely increase the number of civil
servants and add to the expense of
the government He urged taking of
pictures by commercial companies
and thus encourage private business
instead of adding to the burden of
taxation by creating another commis-
sion.
What had at first promised to have
an easy passage through the Senate
resulted in a full-dress debate and
was eventually -adjourned 'without
decision.
Bayid, McFaol h M,
For Par Theatre Meets
Harry David, operator of the Pub-
llx-Salt Iiake houses for Paramount,
and Vincent McFaul of the Shea-
Publix .'group in Buffalo, reached
New 'York during the past week to
discuss theatre problems, plans and
other matters with some Par office
executives.
Leonard Goldenson, h.o. theatre
executive, returned late last week
from Deteoit after conferring with
the (Seorge W. Trendle people.
Hollywood, March 28.
Harry Sherman starts his 1939-40
program Monday (3) by rolling
'Lawful Outlaws,' first of a new
Hopalong Cassidy series.
'Argentine' will be second of the
series and The Double Dyed De-
ceiver' third.
CoI.'b New Eastern Shorts
Max Cohn and Harry Foster have
t-dken over eastern shorts production
for Columbia Pictures, succeeding
Ben Schwalb, resigned. Columbia is
making two series of shorts in New
York, 'News World of Sports' and
'Washington Parade.'
Schwalb Intends to produce Inde-
pendently In the east
((Continued from page. 5)
period. If the actor is satisfied with
his representation, the contract may
be renewed for a period of three
years. Current contracts will be
modified to expire in five years from
date the SAG announced its licens-
ing pact making present tickets
terminate in 1943.
GolM to Haadto ««uwhs
Favorable report has already been
made on an amendment to the State
Labor Code, whkSi when adopted by
the State Assembly, wUl give -tije
SAG authority to arbitrate diqmtes
between agents and actors. Pact be-
tween two Guilds win not be Inked
until favorable actian has been taken
on this measure and other Ieg«a de-
tails of contract iiave been 'wwked
out by attorbeys.
Metro executives have turned
thumbs down on demands «f the
Metro-Goldwyn-BSayer Stodio Office
Employees Guild for a U% wage
tilt two weeks vacation with pay
and ImpMved 'woridng cemtttlons.
Committee wiU be named by Guild
to sedc support ficom 4rthcr studio
crafts in effort to force producer
action.
Society of Motion Picture Film
Editors has refused to sign new pro-
ducer agreement unless a 'flve'.day
wedc protection, clause - is wdtten
into contract Editors said all indi'
cations point to early adoption of
five-day week in the industry, and
that members want assurance they
will be permitted to partiotpate with
out having to accept a w«ge.«ut
Proposed agreement with the edi-
tors calls for 54 hours, witt reserva-
tion providing for seven-day wedt
in an emergency. Effort lo Iron out
situation will be made this we^ at
a conference between producer labor
contact and Society negotiating com-
mittee. Editors have employed
Leonard S. Janofsky, counsel for
Screen Writers Guild, to represent
them in negotiations with the pro-
ducers.
D. A. Bits lA Assessments
Announcement that his office
would do everything possible to stop
further salary assessments by Inter-
national Alliance of Theatrical Stage
Employees was made by Dlst Atty,
Huron Fltts.
'I must say that the assessment
ismacks of methods employed by
eastern racketeers,' said Fitts. "To
my mind, it is a gross injustice on
men .and women working for a liv-
ing to be compelled to pay 2% of
their salaries each month in addition
to their regular dues for the privi-
lege of working. This office 'wiU
stop such practices if it lies within
our power.'
Fitts questioned Frank Sticking
and John Gatelee, lATSE interna-
tional representatives now in charge
of Studio Technicians Local 37. He
also talked with Jeff Kibre and' other
leaders in fight to retain local
autonomy for Studio Locals of the
lA.
National Labor Relations Board
has called a conference of autonomy
leaders, producers and lATSE tops
for Thursday (30). William Wal^
senior counsel for NLRB, said every
effort would be made to. work out
some agreement, that would end
various court tilts and restore
harmony to the .ranks of the 12,000
workers who are members of the
lATSE.
Dr. Towne Nylander, recenUy sus-
.pended as regional director of the
National Labor Relations Board, has
been restored to duty .and will pre-
side at Thursday's conference. Sus-
pension was lifted when James £.
Brenner, law professor at Stanford,
reported to the NLRB that Dr. Ny-
lander should be restored to duty
immediately. -Brenner conducted in-
vestigation of matter at -request of
the NLRB.
NLRB director had been quoted
as stating in a speech that an em-
ployer 'hasn't got a chance' before
the Labor Board. Brenner reported
that Nylander in his speech 'did not
intend to convey the impression that
the procedure of the National Labor
Relations Board does not provide a
full and impartial hearing for em-
ployers against whom formal com-
plaints have been filed.'
Joseph Stoefel, head of the con
struction department at 20th-Fox,
has been placed in charge of all
stages on lot He will act as a con-
tact between the art department and
William Koenlg,. studio manager. He
will be charged with duty of seeing
that all sets .are ready for shooting
when production calls are Issued.
N. Y. Strike Call
(Continued from page 2)
jamming the exchanges Monday (27)
pointec out, there is nothing to stop
them from calling for film them-
selves, if there's any to be had.
Should there be no early settle-
ment of the strike situation, exhibs
will also pick up film from each
other in an effort to keep going. Just
[how long the supply will last how-
ever, and how far runs may be
stielched is a question of grave Inv-
port
Mean part about the situation is
that, while the 306-IA move against
distributors is aimed at between 75
and 100 theatres which do not em-
ploy lA oi>erators or stagehands, all
the theatres in the N.Y.-New Jersey
zone of the N. Y. exchanges that do
«midey lA men stand te suffer equal-
ly as much as tbe others. There are
around AM theatres in Ihe Greater
New York area, but it isn't just this
number of houses that ase affected,
ne rtdiangiw In New York, in addi-
tion to the Toetropolitan area, service
an «f Long Island, Staten Island,
New York state, vp to -wifiiln a lew
miles of Albany and the upper half
«f New Jersey.
The Century circuit [late A. H-
Schwartz] in Brooklyn and Long Is-
land, numbering 30 theatres; the Co-
calis chain of the same number in
New York and New Jersey, plus
scattered very small Individual in-
iies, are the cause of the present
308UA. campaign. With the excep-
tion of a few houses Cocalis Enter-
prises operate in northern New Jer-
sey, . aU employ operators who are
members of the Empire State union.
Local 306 has been trying to either
unseat tills N. Y.-chartered union or
effect a deal absorbing it
Century and (Cocalis have contracts
with the Enq)ire union which have
seven years to go and -are not dis-
posed to change, even after the xlras-
tic measures that have been taken
the distributors to force them
into 306. Sam D. Cocalis, who said
he was going away -last night (Tues.)
for a rest in the south and wasn't
worrying about anything, refused to
say whether .distribs had sought to
get him to oust Empire men in favor
of 306 or whether he would consider
any such appeal, it made. CHaimlng
he pays Empire operators a^ much as
306 men in comparable booth jobs,
Cocalis indicated that he has a con-
tract with Empire that must be lived
up to the same as any other contract
One report in inside union circles
was that liOcal 306 is not only basing
its walkout in exchanges and home
offices of distribs on the ground that
union-handled film Is being shipped
to non-IATSE theatres, but also be-
cause of unkept promises by the dis-
tribs concerning such .operators. It
is claimed that last fall the distribs
promised Increases to boothmen in
exchanges and home offices but have
been stalling on it since then.
306 Picketing the Home
Offices and Branches
Local 308's men not only started
picketing exchanges Monday (27),
which include screening rooms,' but
also the few branch offices which do
not have their own projection quar-
ters,, such as 20th-Fox and Para
mount. There is no explanation why
operators are picketing where they
never were employed, but this action
indicates a move that was necessary
in such branch offices in order to -get
the exchange workers to walk out'
Tliere had to be picket lines at such
branches before the exchange em-
ployees could go out Moreover, this
means toward an end, in order to
cripple operations on a widespread
scale, suggests the. lengths to which
the imion batUe may be carried if
no compromise measures are in-
stituted.
In union circles the strike is being
referred to as a 'slow-motion strike'
and one which may be _like a slow
fire, inferring that the picketing by
ops and . the action of exchange and
laboratory , workers, may be only the
first step of the campaign. Local 52,
Studio Mechanics; Local 54, Camera-
men; Local No. 1, stagehands and
others affiliated with the LATSE,
have taken no ' action as yet The
only studio of distributors in the east
is the . Warner Brooklyn plant, but
•testing is done at various places in
New York by the major producers,
including the. old studio quarters at
20th-Fox. These operations can also
be tied up. Twentieth-Fox also pro-
duces shorts in New York and RKO
releases shorts product that Is turned
out at the Eastern Service . studios,
Astoria, L. I.
So far as any scratching for film
may be concerned in the event of a
strike lasting longer than 10 days or
two weeks. Monogram Is in a peculi-
arly promising position because of
its ability to continue operations in
a normal way. Unable to get regu-
lar film supply from the other com-
panies, exhibitors may take every,
thing Monogram has on its shelves
in order to keep screens alive.
The ultimatum to distributors to
stop servicing film to non-IATSE
theatres was received in the form of
a telegram March 6. A week later
the membership of 306 voted author-
ization to oall a strike at any date
deemed advisable by the executive
board of the local Following in-
ability to make any . headway with
the distributors. Local 306 late Satur-
day night (26) advised the distribs
the operators would be called out
Monday morning (27) unless there
was a settiement. The meeting of
sales managers, 'chain theatre execu.
tives and attorneys of the major
companies was hurriedly called for
Sunday morning (26) at 10:30 and
lasted until past supper time.
lA's Coast Suit
Hollywood, March 28.
Superior Judge Emmet Wilson
Monday (27) 'took under advisement
the application -cif lATSE interna-
tional reps to restrain the deposed
Officers .of Technicians LiOcbI 37 from
interfering with operations of the
organization.
A temporary restraining order
against interference remains in force.
Court raised « moot point whether
the disputed section of the lATSE
bylaws were not so drastic as to '
render it invalid.
Examine Breiitaiio4Upp
h Suit flarokl Uoyd
Lowell Brentano and William
Jordan Rapp, authors, were ex-
amined before trial by counsel for
Harold Lloyd last week in New York
Interrogation was in connection 'with
$75,000 plagiarism suit by Brentano
and Rapp against Lloyd Productions
over the picture, "Professor Beware.'
The writers allege they submitted
an original script to Lloyd, which
was rejected. Lloyd's defense will
be that basis for the picture was an
original story written for him .by
unnamed scenarists.
Lloyd's New Co.
Hollywood, March 28.
Harold Lloyd has formed a new
Harold Lloyd Productions, capital-
ized at $25,000. with William K
Frazer and Robert C. Gardner as as-
sociate -directors. Articles of incor-
poration were filed In Sacramento.
'Sto-waway' Salt
The copyright infringement suit by
Stephen Tamas against 20th Century-
Fox, over 'Stowaway,' has resulted
in a N..Y. supreme cpurt order that
the refugee Hungarian author fur-
nish a bill of particulars. Indicating
wherein lie the similarities between
his story and the Shirley Temple
script Tamas had already twice be-
fore lost .a* similar siiit in the Buda-
pest courts, including an appeal, but
he's taken it to a still higher Hun-
garian court Meantime, he also
started an action in the N. Y. federal
district court
Main allegation is that 20th-Fox's
British representative had commis-
sioned him to write the Temple
original, which allegedly was incor-
porated, but not compensated for, in
'Stowaway.'
Application by Columbia Pictures
Corp. to dismiss the. $250,000 action
by (herald K. Rudulph for failure to
state a cause of action was postponed
until April 4 in N. Y. federal court
Plaintiff seeks an injunction and
damages, claiming Columbia's pic-
ture, 'Exposed,' is a plagiarism of his
play of the same name.
ST(«Y BUYS
HoUywood. March 28.
CJolohy Pictures purchased 'Dead-
man's Island,' by Anthony King.
Neville Schute sold his novel, 'Or-
deal,' to David O. Selznick.
RKO bou^t Lester Koenlg's story,
'All Night Program.' -
Republic acquired Louis Welt-
zenkom's yam. "Wolf of New York,'
based on the James HInes trial
TITLE CHANGES
Hollywood, March 28.
•Island of Lost Men' is new titie
for Paramount's 'North of Singa- '
pore.'
Uni'verisal switched from 'Back-
stage Phantom' to "The House of
Fear.'
Wednesday, Mareb 29, 1939
PICTURES
VARIETY 19
Hi Peskay's Ma jestk Exdiaiige;
llieatreaanges^DistribDoms
Los Angeles.
Hi Peskay and Sam K. Decker ac-
auired control of the Majestic Distri-
bution Corp. Peskay was formerly
exchange manager for Grand T^a-
tional.
Gordon Hewitt reopened Fox Cali-
fornia theatre, Glendale, damaged by
Are three weeks ago.
John Wentworth, West Coast ad
art director at United Artists for
thre years, resigned to devote full
time to Cinema Center, has new or-
ganization. Outfit spedalizes in com-
mercial films for business uses.
AoUi, MaUen Upped
Pittsburgh, March 28.
Nestor F. Autb,' for last year floor
manager at Penn theatre here, upped
to asBstant managership of Loew's
Broad, Columbus, picked for job by
district Chief Mike Cullen, former
manager of Penn. Albert MuUen'
promoted from ushers' staS to Auth's
post.
Joe Kaliski, G-B's last , exchange
here, named head of Grand National
office in Boston. More recently Ka-
liski has beep handling West Vir-
ginia distribution for 'Birth of a
Baby.'
Theatre building at 1910 Beaver
avenue, on Northside, will be offered
for sale by Allegheny cotmfy. sheriff
on April 3 to satisfy a judgnvent of
$20,15«. ' Listed owner is Albert J.
Eber.
Harris Amus. Ca - transferred
Henry Miller, manager of Family, East
Liberty district, to Strand, Youngs-
town, O. Miller was recently upjped
to Family manager^p from assist-
ant's post Harry Segal comes in
from Voungstown job to take over
his successor's spot.
Fenyveasy, Jr„ Indie
Rochester, N. Y., March 28.
Albert Fenyvessy, Jr., youngest of
the brothers who recently sold four
theatre to Schines, and Alexander
Dunbar, former manager of the Mon-
roe, have taken over the Arnett, 700-
seat nabe, from Max Fogel. It is un-
derstood that under the contract with'
Schines, All>ert is the only one of the
brothers permitted to operate com-
peting housti.
. Jacob Weisenbom, Saturday (25),
reopened the renovated Sun, nabe,
dark for 10 years.
Ben Neivert former manager of
West End, selling autos for Chev-
rolet.
■f-
E. E. Benham Ont
Sacramento, Calif., March 28.
E. E. Banham has retired as dis-
trict manager of the National Thea-
tre Co. in the Yuba City area, ac-
cording to announcement by Dom P.
Isabella, assistant general manager
of the theatre company. Benham
formerly was operator of Smith's
theatre in Yuba City and became
manager of the company's interests
there when that theatre was acquired
by National.
Benham is succeeded as . manager
of the State, Marysville, by Harty
Brown, for the past two years man-
ager of the Liberty, Marysville.
Harry Hunsaker, publicity and ad-
vertising manager of the State, takes
over the management of the Liberty.
David Peterson wiU take over the
manager's post of the Smith's thea-
tre in Yuba City, succeeding Edward
Benham, Jr. Peterson has been man-
ager of the Shasta theatre. Mount
Shasta City.
New ' S. C. Bouse Opens
Spartanburg, S. C, March 28.
New State theatre opened at An-
derson, S. C.
Dave Garvin moved from Spartan-
burg to High Point, N. C, as Caro-
Ima manager there. Was assistant
manager at local Wilby-Kincey
house.
PhlUy Delngs
Philadelphia, March 28.
Warner Bros. Keystone closed for
20 days for complete remodeling.
A new house is being erected in
NorristoWn by Dave Milgram's Af-
filiated Theatres Circuit
Ira Turner, formerly with WB,
named manager of the Tioga tlieatre.
Warners Market Street theatre had
Its clearance cut last week as a step
in the general revision here. Will
get product ^ven to 14 days ahead
Onliwon Paper Towels
ECONOMY WASHROOM SERVICE
CLINTON HOTEL
lOth Streat, Below Spruce
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
8«Tea BtorlM. Elsvator Service
neniir toralihcd and decorated. Bnn-
BlBK nater In all noma. Boobu iritli
tath. SjMcla] Thcatileal Bates b7
Jhw or Week, tnm per Dayj
»«.0» per Week.
of what it was getting previously.
Al Garfield, Keith's, awarded $200
top prize by Warners last week in
fourth annual business-building con-
test for managers'. Stanley Benford,
formerly of Boyd, was the leader in'
the deluxer group; Marty Aninsman,
Wynne, in the city zone, and L. M.
Jones, Washington theam, Chester,
in the out-of-town zones. District
leaders were Harry Tarrante, Aldine;
Al'Blumberg, Midway; Nathan Wat-
kins, Avon; Sol Getzow, Ogontz; Abe
Werner, Savoy; Ed Fmn^, Savoy,
Wilmington; Herb lliatcber Hamil-
ton, Lancaster, and Abe Binnard,
Lyric, Camden.'
Cm.'s Switches
Hollywood, March 28.
Wayne Ball has been moved by
Columbia from Denver to manage
the Los Angeles exchange in place
of Harry Weinberg, Robert Bl, Salt
Lake manager, is made supervisor of
the Salt Lake area.
W. G. Seib, Salt Lake salesman, is
upped to manager there.
V^iener to Dea Haines
Omaha, March 28.
I. M. Weiner, formerly branch
manager of Columbiai has Joined
Universal in the Des Moines office.
The . Strand, Pierce, Neb., pur-
chased by Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Crai£,
Seymour, la., from Ortell Hamer.
Craigs plan extensive remodeling
of house.
Suits V8. Films
(Continued from page S)
in a single basket The supplemental
Actions would be related indirectly
to the pending New York suit, al-
though technically independent, pro-
ceedings aimed at specific situations.
StUl a chance the- initial steps will
be taken soon. Senate normally is
more sympathetic toward the trust*
busters and can insert the item
which was rejected by the House.
Since the time is short, however, it
is generally expected no attempt
will be made to over-ride the lower
chamber.
PhiUy'i WB Peeve
Philadelphia, March 28.
Warner Bros, exchange here was
cited last week to the Department of
Justice by a group of exhibitors for
alleged monopolistic practices. Let-
ter of complaint was at the same time
sent to William Mansell, manager of
the exchange.
Basis of the beef is WB refusal to
allow exhibitors to take out the cost
of premiums before figuring the per-
centage of gross due the exchange.
Exhibs declared that every other ex-
change agrees to such a practice.
They base their monopoly charge on
wha t they maintain is the fact that
'WB houses using premiums are al-
lowed this subtraction privilege.
N. Y. Salt
Federal Judge William Bondy in
New York on Thursday (23) for-
mally signed the order requiring the
U. S. to furnish 'a bill of particulars
within 60 days to United Artists
Corp. In connection with the Gov-
ernment's anti-trust suit against UA
and the other majors. UA has 20
days to answer the bill, when filed.
That portion of the request which
asked that the part of the complaint
.referring to UA as a producer be
stricken from the complaint was de-
nied.
Examination of Edward C. Raftery
and Harry Muller of United Artists
was postponed on Monday (27) in
N. Y. federal court until April 5.
Paul Williams, special assistant at-
torney general, who had expected to
conduct the negotiations received a
phone call from attorney Raftery
requesting the postponement, as he
was working on a new Selznick-
International contract with UA and
to leave Hollywood now would have
been very difficult
Sources close to the Department
of Justice revealed yesterday (Tues-
day) that Paul Williams, special as-
sistant attorney-general, prosecuting
the anti-trust action against the
major companies, plans to file a bill
of particulars on his arrival in New
York from Washington on April 5,
Newark Indie's Trust
Suit Against Majors
A triple damage anti-trust action
for $150,000 was filed in the N. Y.
federal court yesterday (Tuesday)
against the Motion Picture Producers
St Distributors of Ame.ica, Inc., Co-
lumbia Pictures, Metro, MGM Dls-
PAR BW CORP. LOST
$235,307 NET IN '38
The Paramotmt Broadway Corp.,
controlling the Paramount building
in New York, of which the Par,
N. Y., is a part, for the year 1038
showed a net loss of $235,307, with
the deficit at Dele. 31i "38, increased
to $537,364, as compared with a
deficit of $440,143 at the ehd of 1037.
A deduction of $147,085 was made
for 1038, including discount on
bonds purchased, amounting to
$171,731, and bond discount and ex-
'pense applicable to bonds purchased
at $24,645.
Paramount Pictures, of which Par-
B'way is a subsidiary, paid rents in
advance during '38 of $7,830, while
others in the rent coluinn are listed
at $165,179..
M&mm
Net for '38. a Bit
Uder Previous
The 1938 profits of 20th-Fox were
slightly under previous year, ac
cording to the annutd report for the
SS-week- period,, ended Dec. 31, 1938,
Statement showed a net bf $7,252,466
after all income, surtax and foreign
exchange- adjustments. This com-
pares with total of $8,617,114 net for
1937. Company's share of National
Theatres dividends for 1938 was only
$882,000 as compared with $1,134,000
from this source in 1937.
Drop in revenue last' year oc-
curred princ^ally in final, quarter,
when earnings were $2,030,374 as
compared with $3,718,000 for the
fourth quarter in 1937. The com-
pany maintained and paid dividends
on its preferred stock of $1.50 per
share and $2 per share on common,
with $4,809,218 having been paid out
during the year.
Outstanding capital as of Dec. 31,
1938, was 938,745 shares of preferred
and 1,741,984 common. Earnings of
National Theatres Corp. in 1938 were
$2,617,663, compared with $2,988,228
in 1937, and earnings in the first
year's operation of the Roxy theatre,
N. Y., in the period of 51 weeks up
to Aug. 25, 1938, showed a net op-
erating profit after taxes of $110,-
095.62.
Consolidated balance sheet As of
Dec. 31, 1038, shows current assets
of $31,275^08, including cash of $6,-
502,168 and current liabilities of $6,-
211,515. Principal investments in
affiliated companies, as of that date,
stand at $3,737,568.68 in United
American Investing Corp. and the
Metropolis & Bradford Trust Co.,
Ltd. (holding companies for the
Gaumont-British investment); $8,-
859,886.76 representing 42% invest-
ment in National Theatres Corp.;
$893,636.66 in Roxy Theatre, Inc.;
$372,000 in Hoyts Theatres, Ltd., and
$608,619.90 in Movietone News, Inc.
Trans-Lux's Beport
Net profits of Trans-Lux Corp. in
1938 were about $200,000 less than in
the preceding year, according to the
report mailed stockholders last week.
Company showed net of $133,717, or
18V&C per share, as against $349,382,
or 48c per share reported in 1937.
Only 10c was paid in dividends last
year, as compared . with 30c in 1037.
Trans-Lux statement blamed the
small volume of business on the N. Y.
Stock Exchange and Curb Exchange
for the small profit shown by the
Movie Ticker affiliate.
tributing Corp., Ijoew's, Inc., Para-
mount United Artists, Universal,
Big-U Film Exchange, Inc., Warner
Bros, and 'Vitagraph, Inc., RKO
Radio Pictures, Inc., RKO Distrib-
uting Corp. and 20th Century-Fox
by the Lenrose Amui.. Corp., owners
and operators of an Independent pic-
ture theatre at 127-29 North Seventh
street, Newark.
Suit charges that the defendants,-
through, unlawful restraint of trade,
have discriminated against the
plaintiff and other independents, re-
sulting in price fixing and stifling of
trade and the creation of a monop-
oly.
Specifically as to their own griev-
ances they charge short forcing,
block booking, blind buying, fixing
of run and clearance, etc.
It is lastiy aUeged that ths Hays
office is dominated and controlled
by the producers and that that office,
fixes contracts and controls the Film
Eoerds of Trade in key cities.
Coast Exhibs See fanpending Price
War Due to Theatre Mdnig Orgy
Los Angeles, March 28.
Unprecedented new film theatre
building which has enveloped the
Southern Calitomia territory,, par-
ticularly in Los Angeles past few
years, has industry observers pre-
dicting an admission price war, such
as prevailed locally in 1929-31, when
prices were, forced down to . lowest
levels in yestfs. Conservatively es-^
timated that close to 100,000 seats
have been added in this area, in past
three years, with nothing in sight to
indicate a letup.
Independents during past 10 or 12
months have added close to 30,000
seats to an already vastly over-
seated territory, mostly 15c. and 20c.
subsequent run houses. Fbx W-est
Coast 'and WAmer circuits have re-
mained aloof from expansion, but
former is now faced with no alter-
native but to go in with its partner,
Dave Bershon, in ammediatie erec-
tion of new 900-seater at Grenshaw
and Santa Barbara blvs. New the-
atre, it is contended, is -necessary to
protect circuit interests in that area
of Los Angeles. .
During depression days average
admission price to filmeries here-
abouts was 15c. Fox West Coast led
the upward movement with result
that prevailing average price is
around 34c. Most: of circuit houses
are operated at 30c. to 40c. minimum
admission, excepting first runs which
have a standard 55c. gate.
Charlotte^ N. C, March 28.
Construction on a new house, to
cost in the neighborhood of $100,000,
will start at Wilson in a few weeks.
Newest of the North Carolina Thea-
tres, Inc., of Charlotte, will be the
largest theatre in Wilson.
George Washburn of Shelby will
erect a $30,000 theatre building
there; J. A. Reynolds, Carolina thea-
tre, Shelby, -has signed a long-term
rental lease.
Salinas, Callt, 4th Boose
Sacramento, March 28.
Construction of a -new theatre, 620
seats, on' Main street Salinas, Cal.,
will be started immediately, it was
announced after the awarding of the
construction contract for the sum of
$26,500. H. I. Tegtmier and Frank
McAfee will operate the new house.
The building, which will cost $75,-
000 when completed wiUi fixtures
and equipment, . will be reinforced
concrete on modern theatre architec-
tectural lines. Will' be- the fourth in
Salinas. A fifth is contemplated for
a suburb.
Fred Coleman's New One
Atlanta, March 28.
East Point Amusement Co., Fred C.
Coleman, prez, lighted up Fulton the-
atre, its No. 4 suburban house, Thurs-
day (23). Bill Yarbrough is mgr.
This is second new theatre opened
by this outfit this month. Sylvan,
with Ashftcid Yarbrou.^ as mgr.,
getting, going on March 14.
Both houses cost around $30,009
apiece. Firm also- operates Fairfax
and CoIle.i;e Park. Coleman is
brother-ln-la.w of H. B. Wilby.
Tom GormaiL Lsoks
Set for RKO Bastos
Spo^ Kcenier West
Tom Gorman, with RKO in Ciii-
cago and over the Palace there, is
reported the most likely candidate
to succeed Charles Koemer as dis-
trict manager of the RKO New Eng-
land theatres. Koerner has been
shifted to the West Coast to assume
charge of the division , formerly
headed tor years by Cliff Work.
The Gorman assignment may be
set today (Wed.) or tomorrow. A
successor to his post in Chicago is
not mentioned. •
Fctcinr Koemer
Boston, March 29,
Show biz friends . of Charles W.
Koemer, division manager for BKO
Theatres here, will throw a farewell
party for him at the Cocoanut Grove
Sunday (2). Koemer leaves later
that week to take over the Coast di-
vision of RKO theatres.
'DR, X' BACK
Holl3rwood, March 28.
'Return of Dr. X* is in the final
scripting stage and goes into the
Bryan Foy unit at Waimers for pro-
duction on the 1039-40 program.
Boris Karloff gets tlte lead role, aa
he did in 'Dr. X.'
New York Theatres
THERE'S A BET TER SHOW ^ THE
THEnTRE5
"YOU CAN'T GET
AWAY WITK MURDER"
HUMPHREY BOGART
A Warner Broe. Picture
la PenoB
JIMMY OORSEY and ORCH.
QTRAMn BBOADWAT
BiMdwarV 61rtBtn«t
n "SERGEANT
(MADDEN"
"SOCIETY LAWYER"
Vlrilnt* BroM • WtHer PMiM ^
VeaVil
aaeietpjfcelal
P USUI NONWIOinB^rnud Shaw's
TGMALION
I7th Bli W«tl .AeM-tWHh
ST*
(TO DAY OM IT
"madTfor
each other"
Thanrdar
'HONOLSI.D'
ENewr PmH
ItaM. VtiMi
■mi ft AIM
ToBf Oaleato|
la run
"3 SMART GJRLS
GROW UP"
UMITKO
ABTIBTS
Bnii 0>m A.M,
RIVOLI jws:
MIBNITE 8H0«r»
PARAMOUNTe'""^
I eqvABK
HEhV
OVEB
BOB BURNS
la PemoB
"I'M FROM
Dorotliy
lamonr
MISSOURI"
Hischa Aner
with
Chw. Barnet
flLAOva ecoROK
Aad Baad
BADIO
CITY
MUSIC HALL
THE STORY OF
VERNON and
IRENE CASTLE
Spectacular Stage Productions
Ttb Av. * Mtb BL
ROXY
AIX OCe TO
SEATS'
"Alexander
Graham BeD''
— On the SUce—
New SUee Show
20
VARIETY
RADIO
Wedneedaj, March 29, 1939
GOVERNMENTRESISTS'HIGH PRESSURETO
LET TELEVISION GO ON SALES RAMPAGE
Fears Exploitation Would Have Quick Letdown —
Also Privately Concerned About Who Will Con-
trol New Industry
Washington, March 28.
Continued delay in deciding on
television standards is seen in failure
of the FCC special committee to fix
a date for a hearing on proposals of
the Radio Manufacturers Association
and petitions for licenses allowing
inauguration of regular visual ser-
vice. . Despite pressure from equip-
ment makers and experimental op-
erators, the FCC trio remains uncon-
vinced that time has arrived when it
is possible even to consider promul-
gating quality requirements and, in
effect, endorsing the system of pic-
ture transmission which shall.be de-
veloped for American dial-twisters.
Too many uncertainties and unfin-
ished projects.
Within the past month several In-
formal confabs between FCC spokes-
meh and the HMA have suggested
strongly that the United States will
keep on treating television for an
indefinite period as essentially a lab-
oratory project which has not
reached the point where the spec-
trum can be 'frozen.' Federal offi-
cials feel they are being high-pres-
sured by individuals and organiza-
tions who, having sunk substantial
sums in experimentation, want to be-
gin cashing in. Unwilling to put
themselves iii the position of pulling
anyone's chestnuts out of the fire.
From many viewpoints, visual
broadcasting still is in the same cate-
gory as sound motion pictures were
in 1S26. in the mind of FCCers. If
standards are promulgated at this
time, the Commish would be putting
its stamp of approval on something
which has not been carried to a. point
where the public would be satisfied.
After, the novelty wore off, the dial-
ers might turn ttiurhbs down,' result-
ing in a serious setback for televish
and, in the end, hurting the Individ-
uals now impatient to start routine
service.
This attitude was reflected in the
decision to hold a hearing on a pair
of recent applications— from Crosley
and Don Lee — ^for permits to carry
on additional experimentation from
the viewpoint of program construe
tion, rather . than the engineering
angle. Any operation of this sort Is
regarded as a- step closer to the com-
mercial stage. And the goveniilient
experts are keeping their-' Rogers
crossed, yet wondering iPday has ar-
rived when the public is willing to
sink large sums in receivers.
Fear Monopoly
Though it isn't, mentioned openly,
Commish people privately fear that
adoption of standards at this phase
of development might lead to a mo-
nopoly which would bring dangerous
repercussions in future years. Par-
ticularly apprehensive that the RCA-
Zworkln system would be en-
trenched, at the expense of other
theorists still seeking to get the bugs
out of their processes and equipment
On the other hand, if the standards
were made 'sufficiently variable, the
government might be giving hot-
house treatment to something that in
time will prove not to have been
worth while. Reports of nfew tech-
niques—particularly a 600-line sys-
tiem that will afford still ntore clarity
— ^re acting as a damper.
The Commish is not convinced that
it will be necessary to standardize
on a scheme which requires frequen-
cy bands 6,000 kc wide. Although
it;has worked out and recently modi-
fled an allocation formula .with rib-
bons of these proportions for visual
stations. Hopeful that further re-
search may wind tip in perfection of
a theory that will allow more, trans-
mitters to occupy the spectriUn and
reduce, the over-all investment'
DispositlQil is to movie cautiously,
lest cold water be doused on scien-
tists who haven't found all the an-
swers.
$2,000,000 BAIRD
STOCK ISSUE
London, March 28.
Baird Television Co., Ltd., direct-
ors will ask stockhblders on Friday
(31) to okay a $2,000,000 loan stock
flotation. Stock certificates would
be converted into new preferred
stock any time up to 1944.
. Proceeds of the loan would go
toward financing manufacture of
theatre and home receivers and
further research and television de-
velopment
Mrs. Melrose Pronioted
. Akron, O., March 28.
Edythe Fern Melrose has been
named general manager of WJW,
Akroii. She joined the station last
December as comoercial manager.
After establishing ];ierself she
brought in Gene La Valle, who was
formerly with her at WCLE, Cleve-
land, to take charge of programming
and production. She has also devel-
oped the station's' sports division
and made an average of six appear-
ances a week before service clubs
and civic and educational groups.
Massah Wooten
. Memphis, March 28.
Hoyt Wooten of WRKC is now a
plantation .owner. Has taken an es-
tatf of 30 acres out in the country.
Is building house on the estate,
Gary. Grant due back on Kellogg
Circle April 2, replacing Basil Rath-
bone as wielder of the gavel.
NOW IN EDITORIAL AND
ADVERTISING PREPARAHON
SPITALNY OFF MAY 22
General Eleetrie Leaylag Radio —
Spltalny Dickers with Cosmetle
Phil Spltalny parts with General
Electric May 22 after three consecu-,
tive seasons with this account Lat-
ter is giving up its Monday night
spot on NBC.
Spitelny has a bid from a cosmetic
account which is slated to go on
Columbia this fall.
INSURANCE RAP
AIMED AT WOW
BEATEN
Omaha, March 28.
Klaver bill, which would have pre-
vented Insurance companies from
using policyholders' funds to set up
or maintain broadcasting stations,
was killed by the Banking, Insur-
ance and Commerce Conunittee of
Nebraska's unicameral legislature
last week. Measure's author, Sam
Claver, is said to have admitted that
the bill was aimed solely at WOW,
Omaha, which is owned and oper-
ated by the Woodmen of the World
Klaver himself was denied a li-
cense for a station in Omaha last
fall. Waste paper basket vote of the
B I & C committee was unanimous.
Among other stetlons opera ted b y
insurance companies are WTIC,
Hartford; WSM, NashviUe. and
WJDX, Jackson, Miss.
Noxzema, Firestone Air
From Frisco Exposition
San Francisco, March 28.
Two national network commercials
were aired from the tiolden Gate
International Exposition. They 'were
'Professor Qiiiz' show for Noxzema
on Saturday (25) and the Firestotae
Tire program with Richard Crooks
on Monday (27^). Two broadcasts of
each program were scheduled, one
for the east and a repeat for western
release.
Firestone sent Alfred Wallensteln,
its regular conductor, out from New
York to direct the orchestra for the
broadcast while Ken Carpenter
came up from NBCs Hollywood stu-
dios to handle the announcing as-
signment Crooks was in town for a
concert date.
AD LIB PLOTTING
Ogden Nash en Mntaal Will Stump
Anthers
Ogden Nash will m.c. 'Author,
Author,' a new sustainer series Fri-
day nights over WOR-Mutual be-
ginning April 7. Half -hour show
will bring ■various' writers to the
mike to give extemporaneous story
beginnings to situations submitted by
listeners; Prizes will be awarded
for situations used on the show.
First two guest writers will be'
Ruth McKenny,: author of "My Sis-
ter EUeen,' and Carl van Doren, au-
thor of the recent biography of Ben-
jamin Franklin. Ellery Queen, mys-
tery story author, will also. li>e a
permanent flgiife on the series.
Authors will be paid.
Mullins Trio Out
Lyn Murray Town Hall Singers on
the Fred Allen show will be cat to a
foursome next month, reportedly be-
cause of the AFRA Wage-hour code,
but partly for summer economy.
Group of seven composed- of the
Four Clubmen and the Mullins Sis-
ters, a trio. Latter wlU be dropped
Clubmen will be known as the
Town Hall Quartet
BECONDinONED COWBOT
Reglna. Sask,. March 28.
Ralph Foster, 'The Singing Cow-
boy,' is no more after April 4. 'Then
he goes over CKCK for Slater's
shoes, and they're too toney for the
cowboy stuff. Hell be Mr. Foster
and sing baUads to Mr. Ross McRae's
fiddling.
Depends on what, you selL
Inside Stuff-Radio
Right to performance clearance whicli 'WHN, New York, has obtained
from the American Record Co. Is practically the same in legal context as
the one which RCA Victor issued several months ago. All it is in either
case Is a covenant not to sue in case the courts ride that the record manu-
facturer has complete control over the commercial exploitetlon of his wares
plus a proviso that the permission is revocable at the will of the phono-
graph record company.
Judge 'Vincent Ijeibell, of the N. Y. federal court, baa yet to hand down
a decision in the litigation over this broadcast right between Victor and
Paul Whiteman. When the case came to trial last fall WNEW, N, Y.,
named as the defendant in the original suit by Whiteman, declined to take
any part in the proceedings. Victor, which had come into the action as an
intervener, forced the issue to a showdown.
Nationial Association of Performing Artists, of which Fred Waring is
president Meyer Davis and Paul Whiteman, vice presidents; Frank Crumit
siecretary, and Don Voorhees, secretory, suggested the bill which Senator
Charles D. Perry, Manhatten Democrat, introduced It would make the
unauthorized recording in New York Stete of any broadcast emanating
from a station, the offer to sell, lease or license, or the possession of such
waxing, grand larceny. Senator confirmed NAPA's influence in matter to a
Vapiety reporter. Bill has passed state senate.
Measure, adding a new section to the penal law, provides that the record-
ing, ete,,' for the purpose 'of pecuniary gain,' shall be a felony, unless the
'consent in writing of the person or persons broadcasting the same' is ob-
teined. Was referred to committee on codes. Print No. is 1763.
Showdown on whether the Associated Press is to sell news to radio sta-
tions as it does now to newspaper clients is expected at the annual meeting
in New York City, April 24. Question has been up before.
Associated Press officially sticks to the theory that it doesn't want to sell
news service to radio. That's also the prevailing opinion of directors. But
there have been signs of shifting attitude.
The management according to info in the trade, looks on the sale of
news service to radio from two angles: (1) as a means of .obtaining con-
siderably more revenue, (2) as a medium for securing publicity for the'
A..P.. '
Considerable publicity gained both by the United Press and INS through
selling service to radio.
BUI Schudt g.m. of WKRC, (Cincinnati, was in New York last week
reviewing with CBS officials a competitive campaign he will launch to
take advantage of the .changed stetus in Cincy due to 'WLW going back
to 50,000 watts. Schudt sees 'WKRC for the first time in a position to do
itself some good.
Meanwhile 'WLW is throwing additional manpower and ideas into the
fray and will redouble its own efforts to preserve the leadership which it
has always enjoyed by the proverbial mile. Town will, have a second
50,000-watter soon in L. B. Wilson's WCKY. . L. B. has recently expressed
con^dence that Uke other large markets, Clncy can easiy support two
50 kw. plants.
Report around the ad agencies last week was that John U. Reber, J. Wal-
ter Thompson's radio hiad, had been lined up by Columbia for the post
of v.p. in charge of sales. CBS stetes there's nothing to it
Trade itself regards such move as hardly probable since Reber has been'
rated as a sort of crown prince to Stenley Riesor, Thompson-prez. It's been,
rumored for son>e time that the official setup of the "Thompson agency is
slated for a drastic reshuffling with Reber landing either in the top niche
or one dose to it '
Edward B. Marks Music Corp., filed its Intentions in the N. Y. federal
court on Thursday (23), of examining before trial on Tues. (26), Tom
Revere, radio director of Benton & Bowles, Inc., W. R Lewis, program
director of Columbia Broadcasting Corp., and Hans Bartsch,
This is in connection with a suit for an injunction and an accounting of
profits against Colgate-PalmoUve-Peet Co., Benton & Bowles, Inc., and
CBS, charging the unauthorized playing of songs from 'The 'Waltz Dream,'
operetta belonging to the plaintiff.
NBC last week firmly denied the report that it was considering calling
off the special discounts which are now granted customers on the blue
(WJZ) link, It 'was stated that the subject hasn't even come up in any
recent discussions on sales policy. The special group of discounts waa
put into effect last summer as the inducement to the purchase of more
extensive hookups, particularly certain supplementary groufts.
'Marilyn Hare, 15-year-old daughter of Ernie Hare, will continue In the
letter's Eiwt opposite Frank Jones on their Sachs Furniture commercial
on 'WMCA, N. Y., Sunday afternoons. Arrangement is indefinite. Daughter,
a high school student^ jumped in several weeks ago when dad became ilL
He died March 9.
Ed East has devised a play-piano-by-ear course, which is being tried
out on a Washington station. Involves a transcription program recorded
by East Local fade-in for home-town commercial baits piano' prospects
to .visit the music .store giving away the course..
Tubby' QuilUam, of KIRO, SeatUe, In hU bathrobe and pajamas, k.o.d
an intruder in his home with one to the' button, but before he could call
police-man made away in rainstorm vfiih QuIUlam in pursuit He lost him
and returned, dripping wet to be bedded for five days by doctor.
Bert Lebhar, now at WHN, New York, as sales chief, may revive the
old amateur hour which was junked recently after running eight years.
• Leonard C. Feather, English hot record fan, songwriter and transcription,
exec for Radio Luxembourg of France, arrives in New 'V'ork April 8 for a
Visit He's 23 .years old
Ben Douglas, mayor of Charlotte, N. C, Is an announcer for WBT. He
appears regularly on the. station's 'Welcome Neighbor* program, as emcec^
and on othei: special events.
'FU MANCHU' ON WOR
Deal Set With. Hnmbert tt Jones tor
Celery Tonic
'Fu Manchu,'. radio transcript se-
rial program will be broadcast three
times a week starting May 1 over
WOR. Contracts wlU be signed thi^
week between Radio Attractipns,
Inc., and the American Beverage
Co. (Dr. Brown's Celery Tonic),
serviced by' the Humljert & Jones
Agency of N. Y.
Fu Manchu is aired over 11
other stations around the country.
The • Des Moines Register-Tribune
has bought the program as a prO"
motion stunt Stations in Des
Moines, Sioux City and Cedar Rap-
ids, la.,, and Yankton, S. D, will be
utilized by the publishers.
PliflaiMorrisr2dritle
Change as Unfair' Is
Finng by Indie Fffm
Faced with threat of suit of un-
fair competition, Milton Blow has
again changed the title of Philip
Morris cigar6t's substitute quizzer
on WOR-Mutual Friday nights.
From "Where Am I?', the title be-
came "Where Are We?' The latest
tag Is 'Guess Where?'
The Protestant against the 'Where
Am I? and 'Where Are We?' varia-
tions was the Viking Radio Corp.,
which owns a copyrighted quiz
stanza labelled "Where Are You—
Name the Place' which has been on
NBC isometime. '
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
RADIO
VARIETY
ADMEN MUST BE GENTEEL
Take a H»tiis' Bn^et Met Cuts
Out Krers danders ia Serk^
There has been a rise In the
casualty rate of characters on the
radio dramatic serials since applica-
tion of the AFRA commercial code.
In order to keep within budgets,
scripters have been writing-in a
wave of auto accidents, surgical
operations, vacation trips and the
like to eliminate parts and - lower
talent costs.
Girl on the "Life Can Be Beautiful'
series underwent an operation, thus
eliminating her for several weeks.
Auto smash-up disposed of three
characters on the *Doc Barclay's
Daughters' show. Other shows have
sent, characters off to school, aw^
on business or found other ways of
cutting down casts.
But In the case of the 'Pretty Kitty
Kelly' stanza, fate (in the guise of
the code) wrecked a musical comedy
career that was being readied for
the heroine. Sponsor had decided
to switch the show to a semi-musical
setup and was goinft to have 'Kitty'
crash the Broadway stage. Had actu-
ally auditioned singers and made
arrangements for an orchestra, but
when the code up'ped talent costs
•Kitty' gave up her theatrical yen.
Bert LyteD Decines
To Pass Up Pay Boost;
Paid Own ILR. Fares
Chicago, March 28.
Bert LyteU has withdrawn from
the Tums program. Actor declined
to continue for the Kastor agency
when the latter demanded he forget
about a salary boost option pro-
vided in contract Actor had been
coming, to Chicago from New York
for past several weeks at his own
expense. A promise by Robert
Jennings, Kastor radio exec, that
this would be adjusted, was reported
Ignored by the agency.
Program was originally produced
In N. Y. by Transamerica, with
Lytell under contract to the latter.
It originally had a tie-up with Lib-
erty magazine.
Jennings took the program away
frorR Transamerica and instituted
the Chicago origination. LyteU was
urged to go along, despite the in-
convenience of the weelcly trip to
Chicago.
Tums will pick up a second spe-
cial version of its 'Vocal Varieties'
from WLW, Cincy, as a flli-in for
the balance of its time commit-
ments.
CBS WEL AIH) NEW
STUDIOS ON COAST
Hollywood, March 2S.
WUlam S. Paley, CBS prez, came
up from his Arizona retreat over the
past weekend to discuss with Donald
W. Thornburgh, Coast head of the
. chain, additions to Columbia Square.
Likely that two of three studios will
be added to the. present layout,
wliich has. only one large audience
auditorium. Facilities for television
will be incorporated in the ex-
panded facilities.
Network headquarters have be-
come so crowded that it is necessary
to. farm out shuws to three remote
spots. Music Box, Vine Street and El
■ Capitan theatre.
OFFER WYTHE WILLIAMS
Hitler's -Next -Move Cuesser Sub-
mitted for Radio
Wythe Williams, retired foreign
correspondent, now editing and pub-
listUng Greenwich Time, a Connecti-
cut weekly, is being ofEered around
for a radio spot.
Williams has gained rational news.- ;
paper attention for the past year by '
his close forecasting of various Hitler
coups and etUcts
Try Another Town
Mutual program Sunday
(q>ened with sound effects to this
e£fect:
'In San Francisco, it's '
'In Paris, It's '
In New York it's the Benay
Venuta program.'
Then there was a pause, and
the anaoimcer continued: Unfor-
tunBtdy,.Miss Venuta Is not with
us tcmight'
RCA EXODUS
EMBARRAm
IDNBC
Higher-ups at NBC are trying to
dissuade their own sister affiliated
companies as contained in RCA from
folding the- Sunday Magic Key hour
next month (April). The NBCites
ai-gue that they can't logically press
accounts to remain on the air during
the summer when the network's
owners themselves are taking a run-,
out.
The Magic Key has been on con-
sistently since 1935. The season be-
fore last production on the program
ws:: transferred from Lord &
Thomas, agency on the RCA account,
to NBC.
W. H. COMSTOCK SUES
PEARCE FOR 118,000
William H. Comstock, who used to
do the "Tizzy Lish' comedy char-
acterization on the Al Pearce show,
last week sued for $18,000 against
Pearce in the N. Y. supreme court.
Because of a non-residence angle,
Comstock named Ruth Rubin his
assignee in the action.
Comstock claims breach' of a 30-
week contract made when the Pearce
aggrgation went on Grape Nuts' pay-
roll. Comstock claims thai the agree-
ment was breached when Pearce
dropped him from the show March
14 last Pearce contends that the
contract between them provided for
such cancellation. Comstock was
with Pearce when he worked under
the Ford Motors banner.
Pearce will do his April 3 broad-
cast from St. Louis and settle down
on the Coast the following week.
RubinoflTs Omaha Date
With Fray and Bn^tgiotti
Omaha, March 28.
• Dave Rubinoff and a two-piano
team. Fray and Braggiotti, will be 6n
show for 45th anniversary of Ak-
Sar-Ben, local civic group, here
May 3. Only members of .organiza-
tion will be able to secure tickets.
' Attraction will climax annual
membership drive for group.
Soplne Tucker's Vacation
American Tobacco Co. will likely
retire Sophie Tucker from its pay-
roll May 7 and brint^ her back in the'
fall. She will have completed 26
weeks on CBS plugging Roi Tan
cigars.
Spot announcements will be used
in the interim.
SOUNDS SOCET
Hollywood, March 28.
Comedy with the tag of 'A Mugg,
A Moll and a Mountaineer* will be
enacted respectively by George Raft,
BilUe Burke and Bob Burns on
Screen Guild-Gulf show April 2.
Busby Berkeley directs.
RIIPPED UriB
Code Due for Adoption at
Trade Assodation's At-
lantic City Cenv^on WiU
Face Fact That Verbose,
UngTAcions Copy Hurts
Radio Industry
OTHER RULES DUE
Washington, March 28.
Quality not quantity viewpoint
will be written into, the set of op-
erating standards which the National
Assodartion of Broadcasters is fram-
ing for adoption by its memljership
at the summer convention. Verljose
sponsor copy will be verboten on
transmitters of NAB members.
Framing of the code which will
curtail wordy plugs will be at-
tempted in co-operation with
radio's most vociferous self-appoint-
ed critics, and with a determina-
tion to needle advertisers into lift-
ing the tone of ttitit customer ap-
peals. Aftermath of the code com-
mittee session in New York last
week was a prediction by Neville
Miller, president of the trade group,
Monday (27), that the statement of
program policy 'will put a greater
premium on more skilled advertis-
ing writing, with briefer, more in-
teresting, and more pertinent mes-
sages aliout needed products and
services.'
'While he praised advertising and
credited sponsor system with main-
taining a 'free radio' in the United
States, Miller declared bluntly that
the NAB intends to apply the
shears. Softened his ultimatum by
referring to those practices of pro-
gressive advertisers which are al-
ready proving their . effectiveness in
adiieving greater results and a
higher degree of program popular-
ity.'
Women's Clnbs
With general outlines set, the NAB
staff will do the editorial work
after conferehces with all groups
concerned about advertising enter-
tainment, and public service stand-
ards. Educators, the women's groups,
which have been yowling about
scarey children's shows, labor chief-
tains, religious spokesmen, adver-
tisers, agency representatives, and
political critics will be afforded a
chance to present suggestions and
aid in attempting to silence com-
plaints.
Present idea is to draft not only
a set of basic principles — such as
NAB, the networks, and leading in-
dependent stations already have on
paper— but an operating manual
which will interpret the general
declaration in terms of specific cases.
Trade committee feels, a definite
yardstick is imperative^ 'if the thou-
shalt-not's are to t>e effective In ton-
ing up radio output Then, if either
listeners or advertisers squawk, sta-
tion proprietors can get out the
guide-book and cite chapter and
verse.
Although the standards will be
the industry's own, the trend' is in
the direction suggested by FCC
groups in recent months.' Commit-
teemen felt it desirable to promul-
gate some rules for handling con-
troversial public questions and as-
suring neutrality in politics, for in-
suring reUgious freedom, and for
curtailing accounts which may have
objectionable copy. WiUiout going
as far as the majority report of the
FCC coihmittee on program com-
plaint procedure which recently set
out more than a dozen items which
should be taken into consideration
in determining when licensees trans-
gress or slight their public interest
obligations.
Squawk Dept
Besides putting the principles and
interpretations on paper, the NAB
is inclined to create an industry ar-
biter of trade practices and program
standards. Nameless as yet, he
would head .a special department
that might receive listener com-
Elliott Roosevelt Sells Axton-Rsher,
But Sponsor Wants Him to Sfiel
-f
'Noel Coward of Sliifms*
Broadway wag .jguesting last
week at a . benefit party men-
tioned a radio columnist Aoted
for' his. pseudo-Intellectual flap-
doodle. Wben a stooge re-
marked he'd never heard of the
scribe, the comic quipped:
'Why he's the Noel Coward <^
the slums.'
RODY VALLEE
MYDOIM
mm
J. Waller Thompson. Is . reported
maneuvering to use Rudy Vallee on
both Standard Brands hour' shows
this summer, with yaUee's salary
going from $i2,500 to $4,500 a week.
Arrangement, if It. goes throu^
would have him doubling from the
Thursday Royal Gelatin and Fleisch-
mann yeast stanza to the 'Chase St
Sanborn coffee session while Edgar
Bergen and Don Ameche go oti a
vacation.
Charlie McCarthy's mouthpiece
has expressed a wish to go off this
summer, at least for the month's of
July and August He wants to char-
ter a boat and knock around the
South Sea Islands.
Vallee not so long ago was ap-
proached by Lord & Thomas with
a reminder that It would like to put
in a bid for his services in the event
he were leaving Standaird Brands.
KLZ, HrE, THE PEOPLE'
BOTH GET TffTON COX
Denver, March 28.
KLZ, Denver, accounted for the
first radio recital from Tipton Cox,
17-year-old Powell, Wyo., schoolboy,
who fired the shot that finished the
career of Earl Durand, Wyoming's
Tarzan of the Tetons.' Cox was
kept in hiding by KLZ newsmen un
til a plane could be chartered to fly
him to Denver. The Interview with
Cox was also aired over KLZ's af-
filiated outlet KVOR, Colorado
Springs.
Cox was later tied up by Young
& Rubicam for a broadcast from
New York over the 'We the People'
program (CBS) tomorrow night
(Tuesday).
Lum-Abner Beticketed
Lum and Abner have been re-
newed for a second year, effective
Monday (27) by the Sanka coffee di-
vision of General Foods.
Young & Rubicam Is the agency.
plaints, investigate phoney adver-
tising, chide the slouches, and ap-
pease the viewers with alarm. Un-
likely this individual could hand out
penalties or would have power com-
mensurate with Joseph F. Brecn,
chief of the production code author-
ity of the film industry. But he
could be the official tut-tuter.
Code proposals will be ready for
the 1939 convention. Staff editors
are to whip the ideas into shape,
send the draft to members of the
committee for scrutiny, make a field
revision and circulate it among the
entire NAB roster before the Atlan-
tic City sessions open. Present
thought is to allow some time for the
station managers to educate them-
selves and make adjustments in re-
lations with advertisers so that the
code — if acceptable to the member-
ship — probably would not go into
effect until fall, most likely when
the dayllght-savlng-time switch oc-
curs.
Elliott Roosevelt is' getting a con-
tract from Axton-Fisher Tobacco
for his 23 stations in the Texas State
Network. Only thing holdbig up the
closing of the deal yesterday (Tues-
day) was an assurance that Roose-
velt himself will dish out the plug
for Twenty Grand .cigarets.
Young Roosevelt went direct to
the account of which McCUuin-Erick-
son is the agency. He had. a letter
of introduction to tiie chairman of the
Axton-Flsher boards ' Ery Kehiya,
who Is himself a staunch New Dealer,
Report of Roosevelt's maneuver
put the agency in quite a dither last
week. It found tile details envelopeid
In a cloud of mystery.
RvoMvelfs Kew Aides
Fort Worth. March 28.
New faces at l^exas State Network
offices under Elliott Roosevelt In-
clude the following:
Stephen R. Wllhelm gets tag as
vlce-piresldent and assistant to the
President He was an ad agency
man at San Antonio before coming
to TSN.
Gerald Stanley, formerly of St
Louis, Is new general manager.
Harry A. Hutdilnson, formerly with
KFJZ is assistant general manager.
Benton Fergtison, Is vice-president'
In charge of merchandising, promo-
tion and publicity. Was with Fort
Worth Press before TSN.
Jack Mitchell, formerly with WRR,
Dallas, Is production manager and
new program director Is Robert
Brooks.
Bob Hope Sub WiU Be
Heavy; Burgess lllef eM
Or Franchot Tone Mulled
Pepsodent's present variety setup
with Bob Hope will be replaced by
a dramatic serial when the comic,
takes his 13-week vacation from the
NBC (red) link, starting June 20.
Lord & Gliomas, agency on the.ac^.
count, is recording samples of two
scripts for submission to the client
One of these shows Is titled 'Prose-
cuting Attornejr* with Burgess Mere-
dith heading the cast and the A & S
Lyons office as the agent. Other
show, authored by Elaine Stem Car-
rington, deals with the experiences
of a young doctor and has Franchot
Tone in the central role. NBC con-
trols the latter script but the com-
bination Is -being agented by the
William Morris office.
TRANMELL ON NBC
BOARD OF MRECrORS
Niies Trammel!, NBC exective
v.p., has been elected to the com-
pany's board of directors. Appoint-
ment took place at the board's
monthly meeting last Friday (24).
Tramraell stepped Into the post of
executive v.p. In January, coming
from Chicago where he had been In
cbcrge of the NBC midwest division
since 1927.
10-YEAfl MASK OFF
Mllwaokee VUllty Spieler Made
Known to Fobllc
Milwaukee, March 28.
Electric Co., local utility, cele-
brated the 500th performance of the
'Kilowatt Pour' on WTMJ with a
special dedicatory program Sunday,
April 19. Cast of 36 was used for the
occasion with William J. Bennlng
directing the concert orchestra and
Carla Pestalozzi, soprano, and Greg-
ory Stevens, pianist, featured.
Identity of 'Wattson Volts,' the
commercial's own announcer on the
10-year-old program, was disclosed
for the first time to the listeners as
Al Engelhard. Fred E. Eriksen, the
Electric Co.'s advertising manager,
who has supervised the stanza
throughout this period, delivered a
greeting.
22
VARIETY
RADIO REVIEWS
Wednesdaj, March 29, 1939
•NAME THE PLACE*
With Ben Grauer
U Mlns.
SnstatDtor
Sunday, 3:30 'p.m.
WEAF-NBC, New Tork
This one started Feb. 12 and has a
peeve on against 'Guess Where? ,
which is sponsored by Philip Morris
(see adjacent column) as a carbon
copy. Seems to be a case of the.
old vaudeville copy-act It didn't do
vaudeville any good and it won t
help radio. Unfortunately, proper ari-
bitration does not exist in such mat-
ters. Which leaves behind a bitter
ash of mutual discord.
"Ben Graiier "IS perhaps a tnfle
over-enthusiastic in hailing the cor-
rect answers. He tosses out hints of
some locale (sound effects also used)
and then the contestant guesses.
Land.
DICK POWCLL
With Martha Baye, Parkyakarkas,
Lnd Glaskln, W. C. Fields, Tiny
BnSner
M Mins.
UFEBOOT
Tnesday, 8:30 p. m.
WABC-CBS, New York
(Rttthrouff & Kyan)
Dick Powell's substitution for Al
Jolsbn made little difference on the
Lifebuoy half-hour. Which is an
oblique way of saying the show is
not going along at its present pace
and in its present form with any-
thing comparable to real clickeroo.
Show's entertainment .elements and
results are short-circuited some-
where between conception on paper
and execution, before the mike. It
isn't that the show is 'bad.' But
It falls to match other shows of
comparable payroll and pretentions.
It may suffice; it can't enthuse.
Take the corny ' introductions:
Martha Raye's voice break-in on the
dialog. ' She talks and then, as if
utterv stirprised, somebody under-
scores (in a shout) 'Martha Raye!'
Of course that's to make sure every-
body knows who's talking, admitted-
ly a needful identification over the
air at all times. But the device of
pausing for the chord in G, the ap-
plause, the stale hellos, the synthetic
entrance, puts the Lifebuoy program
on a low professional pitch. This is
the sort of 'theatrical criticism'
which radio frequently answers by
iaying, 'Well, look at our rating,' or,
'Well, we want the D and E homes,
anyhow.' Or even — unanswerable —
•so what?'
Practically all of Dick Powell's
first script was devoted to a discus-
sion of what Dick Powell should do
now that he was master of - cere-
monies on the program. Miss Raye
had suggestions, Parkykarkas had
■uggestlons. Tiny Rufihier had sug-
gestions. The best suggestion was
that Powell should sing. It was
all myth about his being master of
ceremonies. Tiny RuCner has the
star dressing room in that depart-
ment
Script trouble besets- the program
thrbugnout Parkyakarkas is a com-
edy threat rather than a comedian.
He has few gags and no characteri-
zation. Martha Raye has less of
both than Parky. W. C. Fields
helped a lot, because, unlike most
funnyman, he can say practically
nothing and make It stand up as
humor. Perhaps from one point of
calculation, a few minutes of W. C.
Is a squarer. Egjnce the starting pre-
mise Is that the show it's 'bad.' it
must be recorded that It's just sloppy
at the seams and frayed at the bot-
tom holes. X^and.
•GUESS TPHEBEr
With Jane Walker. Bndd Hallck,
Charles Cantor, Cliarles O'Connor
3« Mlns.
PHILIP MOBBIS
Friday, 8 p.n.
WOB-MBS, New York
(Biotv)
This is the program that is in dis-
puvC with an indie program strvice,
Viking Radio Corp, Latter h,s been
raising a howl that Its progi-am on
NBC. "Name the Place,' is a forei-un-
ner of the present Philip Morris pro-
gram. Meanwhile the Blow agency
has changed the name of this pro-
gram a couple of times. It was finally
piit oii the'air liast wesk as 'Where
Are We?', which is dose to 'Where
Are you?', the original title of Vik-
ing's program. Since last weeks
debut, Biow pulled a twist and the
program is- now tagged 'Guess
Where?'
In the case Of the NBC program
(see adjacent column), Ben Grauer
bescribes places and, on a basis of
hints given, contestants from the au-
oicnce are asked to guess the im-
aginai-y location. In this case ' the
description is conveyed in the form
of dramatizations. There can be no
question that the programs are simi-
lar in basis, despite the slight varia-
lions in execution.
As i.n entertainment, 'Guess Where?
is okay. June Walker was a last-min-
ule subsUttiliun for Nydia Westman,
who departed for Hollywood. Miss
Walker, , a gal with lots of legit ex-
periences, has versatility for. carry-
ing out the various demands made
On her. Her voice Is distinctive and
unlike any other commonly heard on
the air. She gives the program lift
Charles Cantor, the character kid,
lends the radio touch: The dues are
neatly, sharply and professionally in-
terpreted. The script of Max Marcin;
Broadway playwright, is very imporr
tant Jack Johnson diriects for Blow.
Budd Hulick' hasn't very much to
do, but does if nicely. Charles O'Con-
nor is the one who says 'no other
cigarettes can make that claim.'
ZiOnd.
<CBOSSTOWN NEW TOBK'
Dranatlo Sonnd Pletaro
30 Hlns.
Friday (10). 8:30 p. m.
BBC, London
First broadcast In January and rC'
done by pop bsmand, this narrative
effort L<! contribution of BBC's New
York office to the programs. Travis
Ingham wrote It wifiiam N. Rob'
son of Columbia Workshop produced
It and entire program was recorded
In the U. S. and shipped In canned
form to London. Siibject Is 'S2nd
street and treatment . gives an ob-
jective picture of that, strange alley,
as it passes from abject squalor by
easy stages to extravagant luxury
(An?ei-lcan editorial note: Oh, yeah!)
and back by more easy stages to fur-
ther squalor.
The associations, which would per-
haps give nostalgia to Americans
resident In London, might have no
sentimental message to the English
listener, hut dramatic treatment of
picturesque material made fine pro-
gram fare of a type at which Ameri-
cans are so adept
BDSHEY and HALEY
Songs
15 MiDs.— Local
Bnstalning
Mondays, 7:4S
KOKA. Pittsbnrgh
Dorothy Bushey and Pat Haley
make an attractive air team. Voices,
while not particularly - strong, have
personality and kids manage to shoot
a cute quarter-hour Into the ether.
Tunes are smartly selected and make
no demands upon them, except the
projection of a nic« light ana aiiy
•tyle.
Gal's also a mlmle and manages
to stick several amusing 'imitations
through the lyrics, with Haley get-
tinjg In some «ood solo - Uoks, -loo.
Occasional patter Is wcU-wrltten and
d«ftly timed. Cohen.
•WHEBE AM 17'
With BUI Shermaa
30 Mlnsw— Local
Snstalning
Mondays, 8:30 p.iB.
WAVE, Lonlsville
Another raidio quiz game, based on
the geographic angle, and strictly lo-
cal in interest Similar idea has found
expression on the NBC Red network.
So this session saems to be keeping
up with the treiid, at least
At first session caught, BUI Sher-
man, station's special events an-
nouncer, handled the show from the
studio, and paced the proceedings
nicely for laughs and Interest His
questions were all on local places,
and were in the groove for the ma-
jority of the quizzees, most of whom
were local residents. Sherman was
quick on the npbsat and alert, to
build legitimate laughs whenever
possible;
Stanza should build a following,
for the reason that the q.s and a.s
stimulate the imagination and test
the powers of observation of the
listening audience. Many of the
questions were adroitly worded, but
in no sense meant to be confusing.
Gong is rung at intervals, toL keep
the participants from stalling, and
cash prizes are awarded to the win-
ners. Studio audience' seemed to be
genuinely enjoying the game, and on
the listening end it stacked up as
good entertainment with an educa-
tional angle which will help local
residents to know their town the
better. Hold.
FolloW'Up Comment
'AUTHOBITIES ANSWER*
Qoii
30 Hlns.— Local
PETEBS PACKING CO.
Friday, 8 pjn,
WWSW, Pittsbnrch
Strictly a 'Three-Eye league edi
tion of NBC's 'Information, Please.'
Show lacks pace, humor and all of
the other necessities for this type of
program, being merely a stis, ter-
ribly formal half-hour session that
must bore the Visual audience as
much as. it does the listeners.
•Authorities' is hardly the word,
more than half of the questions go-
ing unanswered and .the cash regis-
ter merrily ringing up the extra five
bucks' that go to contributors of the
stumbling blocks.
Board could have at least hazarded
a few guesses and pepped up the
proceedmgs. As it was, Walter
Sickles, who Fadimans for the bank-
roller, practically had to. carry on a
monologue, only Dr. Harvey Gaul,
the music expert, coming through
occasionally with a bright quip.
Others ' were practically mute most
ot the time. For the most part, too,
questions were quite simple, and
minus a roving encyclopedia like
John Keiran or. wits on the order of
F.P.A. and Oscar Levant, this sort
ot thing can be deadly. 'Authorities
Answer' is.
In addition to Dr. Gaul, other so-
called authorities on show caught
were Douglas Naylor, art critic of
'Press'; Margaret Garrahan, maga-
zine .writer; Henry Hombostel, di-
rector of county parks, and Dr. B. J.
Hovde, head of .Pittsburgh Housing
Authority. Couple of them didn't
even, open their mouths throughout
the session. Sickles handles the in-
terlocutor duties nidely but often
wasn't quite sure of his Information
sources.
Alan Trench does the commercials.
Sponsor, incidentally, contributes $50
to a designated charity each week,
with the board naming the recipient
Cohen.
'THE UGLIEST MAN IN THE
WOBLD*
With Baymond Edward Johnson,
Ann Shephard, Betty Calne, Frank
. Lovejoy
SOMins. .
Sastalning .
Satnrday, 10 p.m.
WEAF-NBC, New York
First in a series of plays written,
produced and directed by Arch
Oboler and aimed by NBC a$ a sort
of intellectual prestige-grabber along
.the lines of the Columbia Worlcshop,
•Ugliest Man In the World' was in-
tentionally cerebral stuff offered in
an experimental form. Likely to
have toush going for the next few
weeks with the NBC- symphony con'
current on the blue network, but
judged by this stanza it-is an unusual
brand of drama, -with a psychological
slant that should hold adult listeners.
Highly imaginative yam used what
might be called a 'stream of con-
sciousness' writing technique
uniquely suited to radio. Dealt with
a man so repulsively ugly he is about
to kill himself because he has been
shunned by other men and scorned
by wpmen. But at last having found
the love of a beautiful and blind girl,
he cannot face the prospect of her
regaining her sight and recoiling
from 'his appearance. Most ' of - the
drama consisted of the Ugliest Man's
mental retracing ot his lite, with oc-
casional bits of dramatized incident
Without pounding home the obvious.
INSIDE STORY*
With Cel. Bobert Gerard, Noman
Dyne, Michael McDongall, Fred
Snlllvan. Pani Lather '
Drunaticailohs
30 Mins.
PUBINA-BALSTON
Tuesday. 9:30 p.m.
WENB-NBC, Chicago
(Gardner)
Good formula should make a win-
ner of this program, though its
weekly ?ing depends almost entirely
on the type of guests the agency is
able to dig ud for appearances. Pro-
gram primarily Is designed to tell the
story of unusual occupations, espe-
cially those occupations which bor-
der on adventure. .
On program caught were a card-
sharp exposer. an insomnia curer and
a former Foreign Legion officer. Not
too good a line-uD.. 'but the handling
of the material made the most of It
Were It not for the excellent han-
dline and the tying of the various
episodes Into a single picture, this
program would be yesterday's hash.
Michael McDougall delivered a
puriMrted expose of card cheaters,
though, In reality, he came through
with little that hasn't already been
said in Sunday supnlements and the
pulns. Dyne chatted about his 'sleep
shop' and told' the listeners how to
nut neoDle to sleep with sound ef-
fects. With a bit of stretehing this
could have gone off the dccn end
into comedy^ Best was Col. Gerard
with his dramatic associations with
.the Foreign Legion. This was solid.
Sullivan turned In a workmanlike
Job as general Interlocutor and m.
r_ while Luther handled the plugs to
thf noint
Rates as a program wlih an Idea,
and should cateh its share of pars.
GoM.
nsEBE's youb pabty*
With Larry Page's band, John Slagle
Drama, MnsIc
15 Mips. — ^Reirional
MTCniGAN B^L TELEPHONE CO.
Tf .-Th.-Snt, (!:S0 p.m.
WXYZ and MBN, Detroit
(N.W. Ayer & Son)
A light skit rolled up with pon
musical selections, form.<! a vnluable
'oroppiranda' piece for the Michigan
Bell Telephone Co., bankrolkr of
this new ouarter-hour show over
WXYZ and its ."stf te web. Skits,
enacted by the Bell (WXYZ) Play-
ers, are short nenny end accord
nrominent spot to the telephone or
telephone operator, as cose may be.
"Musical portion, sunp'ied bv Larry
Ps«e's.i.'?-piece bnnd. Is helpful.
John Slafle's spiels bit too len(»thy.
Bally phone comoany's loni;-d]stance
rate.<:. which have been subject of
considernble sfnte D"b::c utility
r.Tn-nissinn deliberations of late.
Thl<i i."! heinir closelv watched by
A. T. tt T. and may lead to nntlon-
wide series. Pete,
Sanka coffee's half hour (Tues-
day) continues to out-march the
March of Time. The same 'Mllitaire'
style of orchestral pick-up, the same
dipped off-wlth-the-old-on-wlth-the-
new-item way of routining. Whereas
Time deals with the newspaper front
pages, Sanka occupies Itself with the
passing parade of personal oddities —
like a whole vaudeville bill of freak
bookings. , .
Combination of the material and
the presentation keeps the engross-
ment level high. Some of the Items
are occasionally silly and dragged in
like somebody met on the way be-
tween two cocktail parties. Mort
Lewis talking unfunnily about his
dislike for Jokes belonged only, by
adding tbree-oarts tolerance.
A lot of skill is displayed most of
the time in assorting end editing the
'People' with something to say.
Ordinarily Its just a minute; or two,
or three per person. That maintains
the zip. The music cues are smartly
woven into the running order to off-
set any tendency to talkiness. Hav-
ing a -bunch of harmonica kids play
to illustrate a businessman's hobby
was typical of the devices employed.
Last week's session included the
much-Dubllcized ex-immigrant who
sent $10 income tax to the govem-
thent, although not obliged to do so.
It included a doctor who denounced
superstitions as a problem of medicnl
practice; Herbert Kline, who made
pictures in Czech-Slovnkia; an ex-
thlef (who opened the show). It wa.s
all soeclacular and loaded with 'sell-
ini; headlines.'
Emcee Gabriel Heatter and An-
nouncer Harry Von Zell continue to
compete to be the voice alive with
imprisoned carbonation. Both are of
the typlcallv radioesque school of
elegantly' full syllables, as tnnal as a
vacuum tube, as artlflcipl as only a
h.igh-salaried radio spieler can be.
There is' a certain beautiful lilt' to
their styles. It is radio's eou'valcnt
to scenery-chewing, exquisitely oho-
netlc and slightly phoney — but don't
get us wrong— it's swell radio hokum.
It strongly hinted that the gal al-
ready knew how ugly the man was
and arrives in time to prevent his
sulc.'de.
Aside from the novelty of a broad-
cast dealing with the suicide ques-
t-on, the piece was an intriguing and
absorbing drama. Writing wais un-
usually compact and forceful, with
the characters, situation and atmos-
phere emer/iing into vivid clarity.
Musical brldRlni; was also effective
and the direction highlighted the
dramatic intensity. Show also had
an appealing quality of being out of
the norm-1 radio dramatic rut In the
acting. Raymond Edward Johnson
.wave an eloquent perf otmance as the
Ugliest Man. while Ann Shepherd
was an appealing heroine and Betty
Calne a satisfactory sideshow tari
Frank Lovejoy narrated. According
to the Initial show, the series Is likely
to have- a limited but ardent audi-
ence. It could hardly rate a.* enter-
I talnmeht for broad appeal. Hobe.
Benny Goodman goes on the air
(Camels) with a roar like unto the
greeting when the varsity squad
comes on the field. This needle-
shoklng vibration is lioted on various
Hollywood programs, enthusiasm
marshalled on a cheer-leader basis.
Maybe It's the fact that Goodman
bropdcasts ''rom theatres (last week
the Earle. W8shin.»?ton), or maybe the
mixing panel has somethlne to do
with It. Accidental or purposeful,
the net impression Is of dynamic ex-
plp.|>'ve-like popularity.
ProfTam retains its essential vital-
ity' of hard-working, hard-blowing
hot jazz.
John. Steel, speaking from London.
i»ave a • clear newsy summation of
European events over Mutual last
•Thursday (23). It was .so good that
it emphasized that Mutual misses a
swell prestige bet in economizing on
its London plck-uos. A quarter
hour every second week Is not
enough to build an audience for
Steel, or to obtain the advantages
Inherent in his well-informed
analyses. He's spent 30 years In
Europe and when he speaks It's
plenty authoritative. «
Reception was not good, but lie
could be heard above the cosmic
vacuum cleaner noises,
NBC's' Town Hall program Thurs-
days continues to provide a lot . of
excitement to listeners. Program
now opens with an audience rendi-
tion of the national anthem. This
was particularly appropriate to last
week's symposium on pressure
groups with alien ties, and v.'^at to
do about them. A professor, Harold
Lasswell. and a SEC commissioner,
Jerome Frank, were the flanks for
a' Republican congressman, who
dragged in by the scruff of the neck
an attack on the President and the
administration that had the crowd
shouting "No, No, No' (because it
was not germane to the theme), and
the moderator pounding the gavel.
The symposium was, in the process
of bemg dramatic, a good, example
of the best and the worst in democ-
racy. .Towh Hall remains radio's
one outstanding contribution to
counter-attack propaganda, which,
as Lasswell' emphasizcdi is notably
laggard In this country. Latter, In-
cidentally, has a splendid radio voice
with syllable-pcrKct diction.
Perhaps tops in something was the
congressman s response to a ques-
tion concern.Ing the previous ante-
cedenta of a Dies committee investi-
gator. 'It takes a thief to catch a
thief, you know,' he blurted, and
then added— lamely — 'so t > speak.' It
was a breath-taker. It was almost
possible to hear George V. Denny
gulp hard. It was a difficult night
for him.
Grace Moore delivered handsome-
ly for Ethyl (CBS), on last Thurs-
day night's Installment She was
not only In fine singing voice, but
she did an ingratiating job at ex-
changing cross-fire with Walter
O'Keefe. Miss Moore did at one
point get mixed up In her line read-
ing, but the after effect was much
funnier than It would have been if
the quip had been i :ad as assigned.
The soprano'^ vocal repertoire con-
sisted of the' soothing 'Depuls le Jour*
from 'Louise,* the lively 'Funiculi
Funlcula' and the lyrical '111 Follow
my Heart' from Noel Coward's 'Con-
versation Piece.*
O'Keefe piped through a consis-
tently diverting script It's unfor-
tunate that this show Is spotted oppo-
site Kraft Music Hall, which holds
No. 3 rating In the CAB reports.
O'Keefe is dishing out a standard of
comedy that is deserv' g ot a much
bigger audience than probably has
been his as a result ot this situation.
•The Sonnd Track' (WNEW, 7:30
p.m., Thurs.) David Lowe's sustain-
ing film' gossip session devoted en-
tire 15 . minute., to guest-starring
Maria Ouspenskaya. Lowe has
smooth, ingratiating delivery which
serves to put guest speakers at their
ease. He paved the way nicely for
Russian actress to speak of her
career on stage, and In films and ot
her dramatic school.
A fair dinner-hour filler.
Marilyn Hare, 15-year-old daugh-
ter of the late Ernie Hare, sings pret-
tily if somewhat Immaturely on the
Sachs program over WMCA, N. Y.
Her pi-esence' on the program- has
sentimental value as a continuance of
the long-tim^ partnership of Jones
and Hare. She speaks ot Billy Jones
as 'uncle' and ditto for Jim Brennan.
Program ' is good hokey - pokey
small-time vaude that translates into
probable appeal for the middle
class audiences to whom Sachs sells
its wares. Compounded ot punning,
harmony and good-natured kibitzing,
the program fills a half -hour Sunday
afternoon in a disarming manner.
Jack Bobbins, the music pub, was
the subiect of the WLW-Mutual
•Lucky Break' show Sunday night
under Josef Chemlavsky's baton.
The publisher's recent 25th anniver-
sary celebration — with the an-
nouncer mentioning the Variett
salute a fortnight ago — touched off
the review ot Bobbins' tin pan alley
career.
It emphasized his Metro fllmuslcal
affiliations as the keynote 'break' in
his success career.
Bert LytcU was heard from Chi-
cago Triday (24) on his quarter-hour
stint for that tummy tonic, Tums.
Given a script that is all sermon and
no action, and with only routine sup-
port, the veteran screen-legit player
held attention on performance and
voice alone. Some ' of the earlier
scripts in this series were rather
bright and crisp, but this meander-
ing' tale of a man that could' have
been a millionaire, but tended gate
on a railroad instead, was so-what-
Ish.
. (Editor's note: Lytell has since
l«/t the proflrom.)-
Phll Spltalny set a brilliant tempo
and example for the Monday night
(27) musical span on the NBC red.
Eddie Duchin-Morton Downey and
then Marek Weber follow in a 9-11
filler.
General Electrlc'a all-glrlers par-
ticularly achieved fine tonal ef-
fects with their choir work on an ar-
rangement ot 'Ava Maria.* Dorothy
Thompson's pungent, punchy seven
minutes midway was an absorbing
session. Incidentally, Miss Thomp-
son's vole; now' comes over the air
much better than a year or so back,
when she first began regular broad-
casting.
Sharp contrasts In the Pall Mall
session between Downey's falsetto
and the torrid swlngology ot Duchin
but withal pleasant listening. Weber,
from Chica.'o for Carnation Milk,
deviates hardly a hair's-breadth from
the standard formula ot the pro-
gram. It's nice, lush "familiar mu-
sic.'
Madeleine Carroll guested on the
Chase & Sanborn program last Sun-
day night (26), teaming with Don
Ameche In a romantic sketch by
Diana Carlson. It was unusual for
a show ot the kind, since the piece
had a realistic wind-up Instead of
the usual happy-ending pap. Also
It employed an artificial writing
technique that was effective ana
unique tor radio.
Yarn took a man and a girl,, for-
mer sweethearts, who meet by
chance and taxi together to work.
Opened with their polite, making-
conversation kind of palaver, then
'^ent into their unspoken thought*
and memories stirred' by the meet-
ings, finally Using flashback drama-
tizations ot standout Incidenta ot
their blLffhted romance. - Wound up
with their mutual (though unspoken
to. each other) admission thgt they
are still In love despite his marriage
to another girl, and their every-day
courteous goodbyes. Although the
writihe could have been compressed
a bit, it was an attention-getting and
absorbing Job ot the kind. Miss Car-
roll gave It just the right shading ot
gent\e emotional appeal, while
Ameche was suited to the lighter
moments and managed to negotiate
the more Intensive bits without se-
rious lapses.
James Saphler headed east from
the Coast to look over , summer shows
for Music Corp. ot America.
Wednesdaft March 29, 1939
RADIO
VARIETY 23
CoHtrol of FCC News Releases
IVoYokes Another Internal Gash
Washington, March 28,
New information set-up was voted
by the FCC last.wedc following con,
sideration of .final report of Marion
L. Ramsay, public relations expert
borrowed from the Rural Electrlflca'
tlon Administration when the old
press section was abolished in' the
sensational purge.
With Ramsay returning to his
former post at the end of this month
thd CMnmish wrangled heatedly
Thursday (23) over the methods of
dishing up facts alMut official activi-
ties and finally removed the public-
ity medium from domination of the
Commish chairman. Previously the
ptess room was an oS-shoot of the
secretary's office, but in the past five
months it has been an adjunct of the
chairman's office. New arrange-
ment makes it 'responsible directly
to the Comioission.'
The argument over the report iU'
eluded .criticism of Ramsay's activi-
ties and refiected the internal politi'
Cal feuding which has characterized
Commish affairs tor many months. .
,With a ^tch of names under con'
slderatlon, ' the .Commish authorized
the chairman to seek to exempt
from civil service the jobs of dlrec
tor and assistant director of informa
tlon. Former will have added duties
as special assistant, to liie chairman.
ON THE TALLYHO
Olsen and Johnson, Bea LUlIe, Clare
Boothe on WOR Bide
Olsen and Johnson, of Hellz-a-
Poppin,' at the Winter Garden, N.
Y,^ will be among the theatrical
names to broadcast from WOR's
tallyho stagecoach covering the
Easter Parade on Fifth avenue. New
York, April 9. Others who have
been asked to be present include
Beatrice Llllie, Vyvyan Donner,
Jean Muir, DoroUiy Parker and
Clare Boothe.
In addition to the broadcast from
New York, there will also be 30
minutes of description of the crowds
on the boardwalk at Atlantic City.
Dave Driscoll will spiel for the
coach in New York,, while Silarion
K^ey, Ed Fitzgerald and Charles
Godwin will talk from Atlantic
City.
Steve Cisler to WGRC
Hot Springs, Ark., March 28.
S. A. Cislerr now general manager
of KTHS, Hot Springs, wiU assume
the management of WGRC, New Al
bany, Ind.. (LouisviUe), May i: He
has been supervising the letter's ope^
ration since last Jtme when -he con-
tracted to buy a major interest in
the ctnnpahy (iterating It, the North-
side Broadcasting Corp. He Is slated
to bejcome president of this setup,
while the management' contract is
for five years.
J. Porter will become his com-
mercial manager. Cisler's successor
has not been named' by the Hot
Springs. Cham ber of Commerce,
which operates KTHS.
WGRC has recently completed an
FCC hearing of its bid to move
from 1370 kc to 880 kc.
WTMJ's New Dept.
Milwaukee, March 28.
Sales p romo tion division has been
added to WTMJ by station manager
Don Abert, with Russ Tolg appoint-
ed sales promotion chief. In the new
set-up Neale Bakke becomes assist-
ant sales manager.
Doqg Kamp moves Over from the
continuity staff to sales, with Harry
Eldred, WMTJ p.a., now head of
continuity department.
STEPS TO SIABDOM •
Hollywood, March 28.
'.Fields Bros, are preparing 'Steps
to Stardom' for audition as a sum-/
mor show. Jirhmy Starr, pic editor
fori,, A. Herald-Express, is narrator.
Also OQ the first wax are Charlie
Chase an.d Richard Lane.
Lad Oinskin's Big Day
' < HoUywDod, March 28.
'Lud Gluskin has his contract re-
hewed as CBS coast musical director
and signed to score his third picture
for Dario Productions la^t week.
May baton music on Robert Bench-
«y's Old Gold program during Artie
Shaw's absence. All broke in one
dajr.
REFUSES KYA $19,000
CUT IN MUSICIANS
San Francisco, March 28.
Requests of station TCYA for a cut
in the amount of money to be ex-
pended during 1939. for live music
was refused by Musicians Union
Local No. 0 here after a series of
confabs between manager Reiland
Quinn of the Hearst tra^mitter and
union execs, ' Agreement sighed last
year between Hearst Radio, Inc, and
the union calls for an expenditure- of
189,000 a year for a minimum of 20
musicians, the amoimt being based
on KYA's 1937 business,
"Quinn sought to reduce the amount
to $20,000, claiming that the lower
figure is more in line with the sta-
tion's present financial operations,
although KYA has been meeting the
union requirements in spite of dif-
ficulties. Secretary Eddie Love, of
Local No, 6, declares no new con-
tract will be drawn and that tlie
union will Insist oh fulfilment of the
existing agreement.
Wadham's 11th Tear
Milwatikee, March 28.
Wadham's Oil Co, has signatured
for its 11th year of 'sports flashes'
on WTMJ,
Russ Winnie continues as spieler.
The Family Slant
Program which goes the usual
Intervi ew Id ea one better started
on WNEW, N, Y., last night
(Tuesday). Instead of attempt-
ing to gamer an insight into the
lives of celebrities from the
names themselves,, It tosses ques-
tions at relatives. Tagged 'Rela-
tively speaking,'
Initialer had Dorothy Ed-
wards, sister of Gus; Roberta
Sempie McPherson, daughter of
Aimee McPherson; and Hardeen,
brother of the late Harry Hou-
dini, among others. It's a 30 min.
setup dreamed up by Leo Guild,
new to radio.
CBS Showcasing Brunswick Record
Names a La RCA Magic Key
FARNSWORTH BUYS
COURT-JAMMED GHU
NJLB. ADVERTISING
SECTION ORGAMMG
Washington, March 28,
Moves to 'set up the Bureau of
Advertising will be made by NAB
leaders at Oiicago, Thursday (30),
Session of the chairman of sales
managers committees for each of
the 17. regions, in company with
headquarters people, will map out
plans for this phase of the- good-will
campaign.
Unit is Intended to help broad-
casters lure business by preparing
exhibits and educational matter that
may be used in contacting prospec-
tive sponsors.
Sandra Gonld, legit and radio ac-
tress, has designed a World's Fair
bracelet, which Saks will display in
its Fifth ave, (N. Y.) store beginning
next week.
Chicago, March 28.
Federal courts here last week ap-
proved amendment to reorganization
plan of General Household . Utilities
to permit, the sale of the GHU radio
property to Farnsworth Television-
Radio Corp, Properties will be sold
to the Television firm for $270,000 in
cash and 2S,000 shares of stock
which are worth about $6 apiece.
GHU is in default to the United
States Treasury Department of $88,
760 plus interest as of Dec. 1, 1938.
sncnnr ni fe. wayre
Fort Wayne, March 28.
Eddy Duchin, in Ft. Wayne for
six-day appearance at Paramount
theatre, aired his NBC show Monday
night, from ballroom .of Catholic
Community Center.
First time in several years na-
tional network commercial has been
aired from city, and ticket demand
was stupendous.
Dctrstt Saturday NIeht, weekly
which resumed publication coupla
months ago following bankruptcy, is
reinstating its radio page with art,
comments, program data, etc. In
charge is to be Jack Douglas.
MAIOR DECm
Washington, HarcK it,
Coioiadot Friendly dlvorca between KVOD and KFBI,
which have been sharlne time on (20 kc granted by Com-
mieh last week to permit tuUtlme operation o( the plants
with Increased power. KVOD, will climb down to 830 kc,
leaving KFBL on the present ribbon, and both transmitters
will double their present power to 1 kw. Stations have been
hampered by part-time operation to a point where local
Interests — both charitable and commercial — have had dl(-
flculty In obtaining time. KVOD unable at present to carry
many NBC blue network programs of major Importance,
wJille KFEEj Is similarly - handicapped In Its connection with
Mutual.
Outlay necessary to move KVOD transmitter. Improve
equipment and change power and frequency will Come to'
approximately 114.000, Commtsh reported, but station expects
io Increase Its monthly revenues by |a,200 to an average of
tO,TOO. Uade a net profit of 114,034 In 1937 before deduct-
ing income taxes. '
Eugene P. O'Fallon, Inc., licensee of KFBU. is chop-llcking
over a monthly Increase of approximately 12,000 from NBC
commercial programs which ho has Iwan unable to carry
In the past. Changes in equplment will require an expendi-
ture .of only $260,
Neither station contemplates an Increase In rates and no
serious Interference will be caused to other' transmitters,
KVOD will be subject to objectionable Interference from
KFRU, Columbia, Mo., to Its approximate Z millivolt per
meter contour at night and from Canadian station CJRC to
Its approximate' l.i mv/m contour when KFKU Is not broad-,
casting. '
Ben S. Fisher and Charles V.' Wayland appeared for KVOD,
with Philip O. Loucks. Arthur W. Scharfeld and Joseph F.
Zlas representing KFEL:
Delawan; Daytime ]ulce-Jump tor WDBL, Wilmington,
okayed by the Commish to Improve service to Delaware
listeners and supply a public need. Station, which now
operates with 260 watts nights, 600 watts days, on 1120 kc,
will raise Its day power to 1 kw. This will increase lu
signal strength 41%, Commish found, and will permit Dover
:aplUl of the state — to receive a signal of 1.2 mllllvolu
per meter.
' Stock of the transmitter Is held equally by Col. James .
Hale Stelnman and John F. Stelnman, who also share owner-
ship of WII/M, Wilmington; WAZL, Hazlelon, Pa.; WEST,
EastoD, Pa.; WOAI., Ijancaster, Pa., and WORK, York, Pa.
Applicant. WDBU Inc., has spent between $16,000 and 320,-
000. for new tronsnilttlng quarters and a new vertical an-
tenna, Commish pointed out, and station had a high program
rating with 89% live talent shows.
Represented by George O. Sutton and Arthur H. Schroeder.
Illinois: Turn-down tor WTAD. Quincy. on grounds of
serious Interference which would hamper the tranamllter If
permitted to operate nnllmlted Instead of days. Request for
unlimited operation wltH Its present daytime power, of 1 kw
ash-canned by the Commish because of limitations which
would be Imposed by WKT, Oklahoma City. Story told In
the following excerpt from Commish grounds for decision:
'The evidence adduced at the hearing tends to show a
need tor nighttime broadcast service In the area proposed
to be served. . However, .'this Issue must be considered In
connection with the proper allocation of radio facilities,
satisfactory use of a regional frequency, and good engineer-
ing practice. If station WTAD Is operated as herein pro-
posed, .It would be limited at lilghttline to the 6,3 millivolt
per jneter contour,' but would cause no objectionable Inter-
ference by Its operation to any existing licensed radio broad-
cast station:'
Grant of a pending application tor Increased power from
WKT would boost Interference to WTAD to Its 11.92 milli-
volt per meter contour, report shoitred.
Applicant was represented by W, Emery Lancaster. .
MlsSonrl: Desire of iCFEQ, St. Joseph, to take advantage
of some of California's extra sunlight, granted by the Com-
mish In an okay for the Missouri transmitter to extend its
daytime operation to local sunset at San Francisco.
Approximately 2 hours additional' broadcast time will re-
sult from changing station's assignment from Its present local
sunset deadline to local sunset on the Paclflc Coast. Prin-
cipal benefit will be a last-minute broadcast tor producers,
shippers and farmers on livestock market prices and ad-
vance estimates from the livestock and grain exchanges, ac-
cording to the decision. KFEQ knocks oft at 2 p.m. at pres-
ent with a nnal dally broadcast of this Intsrmatlon but will
bring the market reports up to date during Ihe additional
operating hours granted them. Station operates on 380 kc
with 2U kw.
Ben S. FIslier and Charles V, Wayland appeared tor ap-
plicant.
Nov York: Thumbs-down on an application to erect a new
station to be operated on 960 kc with 1 kw at Schenectady
was given the' TrI-Clty Broadcasting .Co., Inc. Limitation
of the proposed transmitter to between lis e.S and 7.83 milli-
volts per meter contours at 'nights by WRC, Washington,
D. C, was given as principal reason for the denial. (See
separate story.)
Oklahoma: Tentative okay set on' the request of KTOK.
Oklahoma City, tor daytime power boost 'from 10.0 to 260
watts. In a 'propoted findings of tact and conclusions,'
Commish decided an extension of KTOK's service would
nullify slight (1.2 per millivolt per meter contour) limitation
of KRKC, and 1.1 millivolt per meter contour of applicant.
Station, which operates' on 1370 kc as a smallle, was repre-
sented liy- Ben S. Fisher, John 'W. Kendall and Charles V.
Wayland.
iSierto BIco: Approximate Increase In monthly revenues
of 32.000 plus was okayed for WPRA, Puerto Rico Advertis-
ing Co., Inc., of Mayaguez, through grant of its request for
Juice-Jump from 100 watts nights, 260 watts days, to 1 kw
nights, 2ti kw daya
Three Items received particular attention In the decision,
namely:
(1) Proposal of the Department of Education of Puerto
Rico to Increase Its educational program from one-halt hour
dally to IM hours.
(2) Fact that no newspapers are published In Mayaguez.
(3) Need tor frequent weather reports, particularly dur-
ing' the hurricane season.
Operation of the station as proposed would limit CMJK.
Camaguey. Cuba, to Its 2 millivolt per meter contour nights,
10% of the time, but Commish .'tokes notice of the fact that
CMJK no longer operates on 730 kc'
Applicant retained Frank Stollenwerok as counsel.
Virginia: Petition tor re-hearlng.of WRNL, Richmond, re-
ceived a favorable finding, with Commissioner Sykes dissent-
ing. Long drawB-out newspaper-radio 'scrap which Involves
the Richmond TImea-Dlspatch (WRTD), the applicant (Rich-
mond News Leader), WMBO, Richmond, and WAVE, Louis-
ville, Ky., resulted In the Commish vacating Us 'statement
of tacts, grounds for decision and order,' dated July 21, and
substituting a grant of the petition In lieu of the previous
action. Commish declared that:
'Upon its review and reconsideration of the entire record,
pursuant to this petition tor rehearing, and In order to
amplify the reasons for Its action as well as to supply certain
omissions and correct certain errors appearing In Its former
published decision,' the case would be reheard.
Case involves WRNL's application for operation with 1 kw
unlimited. Instead of 600 watts days only. Majority stock-
holder Is Dr. John Stewart Brj-an. president of William and
Mary College and publisher of the News Leader, with Dr.
Bryan's son — secretary of the Virginia Union University —
and Dr. Douglas S. Freeman, president of the bohrd of
trustees of University of Richmond and a professor of Co-
Inrabla University's graduate school, also owning stock In
the venture.
Considerable squawking has been done since the station
(formerly known as WPHR) was moved In 1937 from Peters-
burg to Richmond. Opponents charged lally-gagging on part
of the 'applicants In Inaugurating the super-programs which
wore promised before the grant was given, and George O.
Sutton, attorney for WMOO. some time ago rcquoHtcd that
the license be revoked for 'misrepresentation' when WltNL
produced mostly transcriptions instead of tho cultural sorvlce
which had been promised.
Current decision noted 'meritorious and distinctive' pro-
gram service of the station and declared that present au-
thority to operate days only was not adequate 'tor the com-
plete and effective broadcasting of programs proposed herein
(particularly those of an educational, vocational and cultural
character*).
Ben S. Fisher, Paul D, P. Spearman. Charles V^ Wayland
and John M, Kendall appeared tor WRNL.
Washington: No new station for I'ort Angeles, because
of Commish suspicions as to financial and technical qnallflca-
tlons of R. C. Atwood, applicant.
Applicant was represented by Frank Slollonwcrck.
West' Virginia: Daytime power boost tor WllIJC. Ex-
ponent Co., Clarksburg, received stamp of approval on show-
ing that *merltorlous program' service could be. extended two
miles by the Increase and that the daytime signal Intensity
of the station would be upped approximately C8%. No ob-
jectionable Interference to any outside stations and no serious
objection to lifting the power from 100 to .250 watts, on 1370
kc.
Ben J. Flsher and John W, Kendall appeared for WDLK.
Although mildly denied by CBjS
the new 'Dance Hour' sustainer
wliich replaced 'This Is New York*
on that net Sunday (26) will likely
in time emulate the NBC RCA Magic
Key program' as a . showcase for
American Record Co. (Bnmswick)
recording artists. Magic Key show
uses only RGA-'Victor recording out-
fits. American Record is a recent
CBS acqtiisition'. Columbia' currently
maintains that' it will favor Bruns-
wick crews and solo names but not
confine itself to their use.
Initial show had Barry Wood, lead-
hig a house band although he has a
recording band of his own; Red
Norvo and Mildlred Bailey, both
Brunswick cutters, and Eddie Le-
Baron orchestra. Alec Wilder octette,
the Clarence Profit Trio and.Hoagy
Carmichael as m.c. Next week if 11 l>e
Bariy Wood, Coimt Basic orchestra,
Don Alfonso band and Nan Wynn
with others still to be set Basle and
Nan Wynn are Brunswick names.
IRENE RICH FROM L A.
sponsor Declines Permission'
Frisco Fair Brvadeaat
for
San Francisco, March 28.
Irene Rich, currently appearing in
the Jacques Deval comedy, 'A Brcom
for the Bride,' at the Curran theatre
here, flew to Hollywood early Sun-
day morning to do her Sunday night
drama for Welch Grape Juice from
the NBC Hollywood studios, planing
back to San Francisco after, the
broadcast.
Officials of the Golden Gate Inter-
national Exposition had invited Miss
Rich to dedicate the new radio stu-
dios at the fair by presenting her
Welch show from the island, but the
sponsor nixed the plan, preferring
not to risk any deviation from the
customary Hollywood set-up.
Vanderbilfs S. F. Spieler
For Pimlico Descriptions
San Francisco, March 28.
Joe Hernandez, local racetrack an-
nouncer, goes east next month to fill
a two and a half weeks' engagement
at Pimlico, Baltimore, starting April
23. He was signed by Alfred Gwynne
Vanderbilt, who heard Hernandez at
Santa Anita.
While at Pimlico Hernandez will
be heard over NBC.
KFH's Hoe-Down Cficks
MINOR DECISIONS
.Arlunsos: KTXIN. Charles Loo Llnlzcninh. Rlylhovlllo,
license extended on temporary IiukIs only subject to Commish
action on ponding application for renewal.
Massncha'settH: WNAC. Yankee Network. Inc., license ex-
tended temporarily only tor imtIixI. ending May 1, . pending
determination on renewal application.
Mlrhlgon: WA.SH, KIng-Trcndle Uroadcostlng Corp., Grand
Rnplds, same aa above,
Missouri: WHB, Kansas City, granted new high frcuueni'y
experlmo'ntal station to be operated on 26100 kc with 100
watts, conditionally.
New Jersey: WCAM, City of Camden, present license ex-
tended temporarily only, subject to Commish action on pend-
ing renewal application.'
Forrto Bico: WKAQ, Radio Corp. of Porto Rico. San Juan,
and WNEL, Juan PIza, San Juan, same as above.
Wisconsin; WBAU, Bau Claire, granted changes In com-
posite equipment and day power boost from 1 to 6 kw (oper-
ating 6 kw local sunset at Ean Claire, 1 kw Abilene).
Wichita, Kan., March 28.
KFH Saturday Night Dance Frolic
has developed to the point where
it's getting 2,S00 pajd admissions at
the Forum, local auditorium. It's
two bits a person, and for this the
customers get two periods of pro-
gram broadcasts and dancing up ,to
midnight.
Whole families from miles around
drive in for the shindig, with modem
ballroom hoofing and square dancing
sharing ' in the activities on the
waxed boards. The Ark Valley Boys
have been exploiting this event on
their twice-daily programs over
KFH.
KTAR Changes Reps
KTAR, Phoenix, has switched its
eastern and midwestern sales repre-
sentation from the Katz agency to
the Paul Raymer office.
Richard O. X/ewis, KTAR general
manager, closed the deal while in
New York last week.
NBC IMPORTS MOBFIT
Chicago, March 28.
Gary Morflt, who has been chief
comic on KWK, St. Louis, is being
brought here early next month to
join the NBC artists' roster.
Part of carnpaign being instituted
by program manager Jules Herbu-
veaux to revitalize artists set-up
here.
Burke Crotty Under Seldes
Burke (irotty,' head of Columbia
Broadcasting's photo dcpt, will shift.,
into television research under Gil-
bert Seldes. Ray Lee Jackson, pho-
tographer >yith CBS tor the past
eight years, will tak Crotly's placei
Changes are effective next Mon-
day (3).
24
S Bi. Mortla'* Plaee. Trafalcar Sqnan
mTERMATIONAL RADIO
Ckbto AdAcMl TARIBTV LONOOH
Telephons Tenple Ba* 8Ml-$p4t
CANADIAN RADIO MAKES A FEW
HALF-GESIURES OF APPEASEMENT
Autocratic Control of Telephone Lines Slightly Re-
laxed, but Specific Permission for Every Hookup
Still Required from Indies
Montreal, March 29.
Some slight concessions were
eranted private broadcasters by the
Board of Governors of the Canadian
Broadcasting Corp. following a
closed three-day session here last
week. Most significant of the CBC
decisions, all with 'ifs' attached,
were:
1. Use of telephone lines for hook-
ups among independently owned sta-
tions will be restored on the basis
prevailing prior to the damaging re-
strictions Imposed during the past
few months which prohibit use of
lines by any private station.
2. Beer and wine programs will be
permitted to continue temporarily
In the Province of Quebec pending
further clarification of temperance
group reaction. Commercials on li-
quor proitroms ' will •'be limited to
sponsor-identification onlv and sub-
ject to approval of the CBC as here-
tofore.
More liberal use of transcriptions
after 7:30 p.m. and' price mention In
commercials on private stations are
also reported having received favor-
able reaction from the Corporation.
Application of private stations to
form a coast-to-coast chain Including
some American stations. In competi-
tion with the CBC network, was re-
jected. Requests of private stations
to exploit short wave, television and
facsimile broadcasting were also re-
fused. Corporation stated It was the
purpose of the Government to con-
fine television, short wave and fac-
simile broadcasting to the Federal
authorities only.
In apnealing against the recent
CBC ruling barring beer-sponsored
programs legal representatives of the
pVjvate broadcasters questioned the
authority of the . Corporation and-
suggested that- the question would be
taken to the. Department of Justice
for adjudication. Legal counsel for
the broadcasters pointed out that
while- the Privy Council had decided
that radio is a matter for Federal
Government regulation It had said
nothing about prohibiting radio. If
radio stations, are prohibited from
carrying on. normal functions then
there would soon be nothing left for
the Federal Govetnm^t to regulate,
^e modification of the CBC ruling
on beer programs jiow makes It un-
necessary for the jurisdiction of the
CBC to be questioned by the Depart-
ment of Justice..
The Condition
In restoring use of teleohone lines
to private stations the CBC still re-
tains control and regulation of such
hookups. Approval of the CBC wiU
be required for every proposed
hookup and may be refused at the
discretion of the management of the
Corporation.
In the plea for the return of lines
the private stations argued that the
Corporation had more business than
It could handle while Independents
had to refuse contracts for lack of
lines.
Among those present at various
sessions of the fgC were Hon. P. R.
duTremblay. CKAC. Montreal; Phil
Lalonde, CKAC, Montreal; M El-
liott, CFCF, Montreal; Victor Niel-
sen, CFCF, Montr!sal;'M. Lefebvre,
CHIiP, Montreal; Stewart Nell,
CFMD, Fredrlcton, N. B.; Major Bor-
rett, CHNS, Halifax; H, Gooderham,
CKC Lj Toronto; Harry Sed.i;ewick,
GFRB, Toronto, president of the Ca-
nadian Association of Broadcasters;
CoL- Roger, CFCY, Charlottctown;
J. N.- Thivierge, GHRC, Quebec; G.
M. Geldert, CKCO, Ottawa; J. Imrle,
CJCA, Edmonton; Harry McLaugh-
lin, CJRC, Winnipeg; C. A. Camp-
bell, Reglna; Gordon Love, CFCN,
Calgary; F. H. Elphlcke, CJCA, Ed-
monton; A. A. Murphy, CFCR, Sas-
katoon; Arthur Chanler, CJOR, Van-
couver; P. Morris, CFPL, Ijondon; G.
Herbert, CROC, Hamilton; J. M
Taylor, CFAC, Calgary; T. A. Evans,
secretary of the Canadian Associa-
tion of Broadcasters.
DALLAS INSURANCE MAN
CONTROLS XEAW.MEXICO
.' McAUen, Tex., March 28.
Carr P. Collins, Dallas Insurance
man, has assumed chstrge of XEAW,
Reynosa, Mexico, after he had pur-
chased a controlling Interest The
transaction was handled through
Walter Wilson, brother-in-law of Dr.
John R. Brlnkley, formerly of Del
Rio.
Collins said a series of health talks
would be broadcast He is Inter
ested In a mineral water concern.
LONDON CALLING
Two BBC snoopers on South
American tour In preparation for
extension of broadcasts to Latins this
year.
Danlop Rnbber Co. is sponsoring,
on Radio Normandy, 'Cyclists Maga-
zine of the Air.' Edited by Bruce
Anderson, IBC Assistant Program
Director and sports commentator.
The Magazine will introduce person-
alities in the cycling world, give
liints on maintenance of machines,
money and labor saving gadgets, an-
nounce forthcoming events, weather
forecasts, plan tours and give other
information vital to wheel fans.
An entertainment section will be
Introduced by Fred Lath&m, dancer
band singer who, incidentally, holds
many cycling records. Time booked
with IBC by C. F. Highani, Ltd., for
Dunlop, who also inaugurated 'Motor
Magazine' recently, which broadcasts
Sunday mornings, from Radio Nor-
mandy.
Among those who will take part
In the Country Home hour on a new
Radio Normandy program for. rural
dwellers In ■ England,- - are Quaker
Oats (Lord & Thomas), Ryder Seeds
(Direct) Wake's Hop Manure
(Smith's).
The PoUed Show/ Senior's Meat
and Fish Pastes program produced
by IBC, will continue on Radio Nor-
mandy Wednesdays and Saturdays
from 5 to 5:15 p.m. Dick Bentley
ard Peggy Desmond continue. Re-
newal by Partington Advertising
Co., Ltd.
Sid Phillips claims to be only
British dance music director who
makes discs here exclusively for the
American marked specializing In
swing numbers.
CUftord Whltleyr^ life story drama-
tized by BBC March 28 ani 30. Pro-
grari will be title.d 'Midnight and
Other Follies,' recalling ' Whitley's
first floor show, and in It will be
Sir Francis Towie, who sponsored
that Innovation.
. Archie Campbell Is producing, and
plans to Introduce 'personalities made
famous by 'WbiHey, such as Eve
Becke, Jack 'Jackson and . N^unton
Wayne. Elsa Macfarlane, one of the
original 'Co-optimists' (Mrs. Whit-
Icy), will support her old man in
the bill.
"if eXISUNG CONTRAaS GET FULL
BBNEFITS, OF COURSt, OF WJSVs
rRescMT IO;dOO watt rate
WASHINGTON, D.C. * A CBS STATION
Canadian Wattage Tax Due?
Montreal, March 28.
Unofficial reports emanating from Ottawa are to the effect that the
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation may seek to Increase the annual
license fee of private radio stations several thousand per cent Under,
stood that such a proposal was mentioned during the deliberations of
the corporation in Montreal last week and a license of $1 per watt per
station was talked ot
Radio station fee Is currently $50 per annum, regardless of power.
Should the proposed tax be imposed tiien stations of 6,000 watts would
be obliged to pay $5,000 a year instead of $50. It Is possible that a
maximum fee would lessen the cost to hlghpower stations.
Reported that the CBC asked private broadcasters to offer con-
tributions of a higher tax voluntarily.
Questionable whether the CBC could Impose additional taxes without
special authority from Parliament
CARIBBEAN RADIO
By Abel Green
On one of those West Indies cruises
where some nine ports, clear south
to Caracas Bay, Venezuela, are In-
cluded, a portable radio listener-
Inner finds that the Latins are doing
a Spanish-Portuguese road company
of nostrum peddling as formerly In
the States. If it's not medicines,
then the plugs are principally for
native rum products and seegars.
But the formular Is the- same — rec-
ord, plug, record, plug.
The prime gag Is: the fact that the
lingo Is native, but then will come
up a waxing by Lariy Clinton or
Benny Goodman, with English- vocals^
and all . In the jive . Idiom. ■ It's for
that reason that the natives are
plenty en courant in swing matters.
' The audience show seems to have
been the greatest advance made,
with the audible response apparent
through the'alr. But the comedy or
script shows are Infrequent; It's prin-
cipally music.
CBA, 50,000-WATrER,
SET TO €0 APRE 8
St John, N. B., March 28.
CBA, second 50,000-watt broad-
casting unit to be completed this
year by the Canadian Broadcasting
(>)rp., will be formally-V Introduced
on April 8, at Coles Island, N. B.
Although aboi)t five miles from a
community, -Sackville, N. B., the new
station will be credited to that town,
which Is almost on. the provincial
line between the provinces of New
Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and al^o
a short distance across Northumber-
land - Strait .from the' provinces 6f
Prince Edward Island: CBA, wOl
cover these three proylnces.
At the opening ceremonies, the
premiers of aU three provinces will
broadcast speeches. Cither speakers
will be David Saf nofl, president ot
the Radio Corporation of America
and C. D. Howe,' Canadian minister
of transport, Ottawa, whose depart-
ment exercises control; over radio In
Canada.
HANQEB' SPONSOBED ON CFC?
Montred, March 28.
Series of IjOne Ranger* transcrip-
tions spotted over station CFCF for
Charles Gurd & Co., starting April 3.
Half hour program to -be aired three
times weekly, 28 weeks.
Other - new. transcription series
over CFCF include ^Secret Agent
K-7' for B. ,Hpude Tobacco, starting
April 4, and. 'House of Dreams,'
sponsored by Snap.
Champlain Oil is sponsoring base-
ball newscast entitled "Round the
Base Lines.'
Gladstone Morray Warns
Of 1600,000 Tax Loss;
Would Jeopardize 50 Kw.
Montreal, March 28.
Proposed cut in the radio license
fee from $2.50 to $2 would result in
sharp curtailment of government
broadcasting services, the Parlia-
mentary Radio Committee was told
last week by Gladstone Murray, gen-
eral manager of the CBC.
Murray was primarily concerned
over the suspension of operation of
two new. high-powered Government
stations at Watrous, Sask., and Sack-
ville, New Brunswick. The 20% cut
in the license fee would result in a
reduction ot $600,000 a year in rev-
enues -which would leave no funds
available -for operation of the new
transmitters. The new Government
transmitter at Watrous is intended to
service an area which is already cov-
ered by four or five private stations.
The proposed reduction in the
license fee might also necessitate the
return to a six-hour broadcasting
day, with a reduction in staff which
would result In a saving of $200,000
annually.
It was Intimated that French-
language programs would be cur-
tailed on the CBC regional network
in Quebec In order to save an esti-
mated $40,000 annually while $75,000
could be saved by discontinuation
of symphony \)rchestras irom' various
cities.
Murray stated that the CBC had
refused commercial programs from
which a revenue. of $250,000 would
have accrued.. He also pointed out
that while costs of operating the
Government network could be re-
duced, in the event of a lower license
fee, there would be a corresponding
decrease in employment of Canadian
artists.
■ London .Press Exchange renewed
on Radio Normandy for Cadbury'i
Chocolate. • - •
METROPOLITAN STATION
COSMOPOLITAN AUDIENCE
The Billboard Poll of Radio Editors
tor the second conaecutiye year named
Radio Feature Service, lac.
FIRST
tor quaUtr of radio publidty copy ond service to them.
(This year the vote ronked us 3 to 1 over our
nearest competitor.)
This Is to express our gratitude.
Chicago
Earle Ferris
10 East 49th Street
New York City
Hollywood
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
RADIO
VARIETY
25
PRESS STUNT
RAIDED IN
TIESSQ.
WMCA, New York, was forced off
the air Monday (27) afternoon after
carrying 19 mlns. of a scheduled
■ half-hour program describing a
cbowlng of spring shoes at an An-
sonla Bootery at 47th. street and
Broadway, when cops walked In and
broke up the . aflalr. Hitch was that
the modelling of the shoes was In
conjunction with a beautiful legs
contest participated in by a bunch of
models and being judged by Billy
- Rose, Eleanor Holm and George Jes-
eel.
Shoe and leg display precipitated
a near riot in the street outside and
when the gendarmes waltzed in with
■ their curt 'Break it up, what's going
on here* their words went out over
the air. Station's spieler signed off
without further ado and scrammed,
time being filled by recordings from
the studios.
CHI NAB REGIONAL
ELECTS DYER AS DDL
Local Station for Soheneotady, Home
of WGY, Denied
Troy, N. Y., March 28.
Trl-Clty Broadcasting Co., Inc,
received another setback in Its long
quest for a permit to build a new
station in Schenectady, when the
FCC flatly denied the application for
construction authority. Federal body
stated that the granting of a license
last September to the Troy Broad-
casting Co., Inc., for a station In
Troy precluded an okay for Tri-City.
This, ' because operation of both
transmitters, would result in de-
structive Interference within area.
The two would be going simulta-
neously In the available channel.
Troy, backed by Harry Wilder of
WSYR, Syracuse, has a CP, but
awaits a decision by District of Co-
lumbia Court of Appeals on WOKO-
WABY's appeal. FCC filed a brief
in that court stating Albany trans-
mitters' case wa s w ithout merit
Construction of WTRY might or
might not affect advertising revenue
of the Smith-operated stations, ar-
gued the government through Coun-
sel John Dempsey, but that had
nothing to do wiUt public interest,
best served by a station built for
and operating in Troy. City, with
a 70,000 population, is only one of
its sSe, east of the Mississippi, that
does hot now have a commercial
station.
Chicago, March 28.
Regional (ninth district) -meeting
of NAB on Monday, elected Gene
Dyer, of WGES, Chicago, as director
for two years , replacing ■ Walter
Damm, of WTMJ, Milwaukee. I<at-
ter hadn't the time, already de.vot-
Ing a lot .to other phases of NAB.
Neville Miller addressed thie meet-
' Ing. C. O. Langlols, of Langlois &
Wentworth, and Carl Haverlln, of
Davis & Schwegler, talked of tax-
tree music libraries.
Sales Manager Craig Lawrence, of
' the Iowa network, will preside over
a meeting of the biz-chasers ad
junct at the Palmer house later this
week.
Boss Filion has joined WRC-
WMAL production department For-
merly pr ogram and production man-
ager for WIBX, Utlca, and- assistant
program director at WGR-WKBW,
Buffalo.
Florida Flips
By BOD BEED
Jacksonville, March 28.
' Musical tribute- to the yes-man' has
•t last been popularized. It's Uttle
Sir Echo.'
Bndd Is playing a new game called,
•Where Am I?' So, for that matter.
Is Stoopnagle.
Hedy La Marr-ls wonderful, but
most of us would rather look at her
than hear any more gags on the
.subject •■
Elliott Boosevelt says the com-
munications act is puzzling.'.. Should
be titFhed over for solution to Kay
Kyser's stoodunts.
Some theatres are cutting their
Sunday admissions to compete with
^radio. But the politicians will soon
fiid the broadcasters by making
every night Bunk Night
Gateway's 2nd Cycle
Hollywood, March 28,
Second series of 'Gateway ' to
Holljrwood' for Wrigleys, which will
concentrate on actors who can sing,
or vice versa, tees up April 9 with
Eddie Cantor as initial guester.
Richard Tucker, film actor. Has
joined the scouting staff.
5000
,WATT$
DAY
TRI-CITY DISAPPOINTED
Russell Rides Again
Washington, March 28.
Frank M. ('Scoop') Russell,
NBC's Washington v.-p., still
touchy over a demonstration of
energy plus versatility which
misfired last Friday (24). Noti-
. fled by a frantic, employee that
no announcer could be found tor
the Esso broadcast at 12 m.—
scheduled in 10 minutes — Rus-
sell took control of the situation,
sprinted to the news-room and
edited the news broadcast with
an unaccustomed pencil
Informed that only two min-
utes remained, NBC exec was
prepared to pinch-hit for the
announcer. Pay-off came, how-
ever, when it was discovered by
a check of the program schedule
that the Esso broadcast for that
particular day had been moved
back an hour and a half.
YANKS CONFER
ON ROYALTY
NBC, CBS and Mutual sent reps
to Toronto yesterday (Tuesday) to
discuss their broadcast operations
during the visit of the British- King
and Qiieen with officials of the Ca-
nadian Broadcasting Co.
Felix Greene, U. S. rep for the
British Broadcasting Co., is also tak-
ing part in the preliminary arrange'
ments.
Connery Raises 'Renegade Issue
Returns to Blast FCC Anew and Personalizes Attack
on McNinch's Record as a Party Member
Washington, March 28.
Missionary work on behalf of a
Congressional probe of broadcasting
regulation and operation was re-
sumed last week while committees in
both chambers kept on stalling about
the legislation proposing* FCC reor-
ganization and the requested Inquiry.
Turning to the record of the Com-
mission's own chain-monopoly hunt
Rep Lawrence D. Connery, tireless
rock-thrower, turned on the oratory
again, firing away at Chairman
Frank R. McNInch.
The New Englander subjected the
FCC chairman to an exceptionally
sharp attack. Sought to enlist Dem-
ocratic aid by recalling that Mc-
NInch ran out on Al Smith In the
1928 Presidential election and was
paid off by Hoover after the Re-
publican victory.
Balses P»rty Issue
'Naturally, ■ we are at fault when
we entrust the issuance of radio
licenses to a chairman who was re-
warded by President Hoover with
an appointment to Federal office be-
cause «f his desertion of the Demo-
cratic party,' Connery reminded his
party associates.
*The present chairman of the Fed-
eral Communications Commission
rose to fame in his local .community
as a. leader .of Democracy.- In 1920
he deserted Democracy and was re-
warded for such desertion by ap-
pointment by President Hoover to
an office In Washington which he
publicly testified paid him 10 times
more per year than his prior av-
erage yearly earnings. This gentle-
man, as the records show, was ac-
cused publicly of falling to file a re-
port of funds used in a political
campaign to defeat the candidate of
the Democratic party for President
of the United States; of having been
appointed to a Federal position be-
cause of his treachery to the po-
litical party which had honored him
with public office. For some un-
known reason, shortly after Democ-
racy came into power, this gentle-
man was placed at the head of first
one and then another influential and
powerful government agency. His
admloistratlon of the latter agency
for the past 18 months has been such
that on January 24, last President
Roosevelt publldy stated that he was
thoroughly dissatisfied with the conr
ditions within the Commission.'
Don Davta la Bermuda
Kansas City, March 28.
Don Davis of station WHB, with
wife and daughfer, off for Ber-
muda Saturday (25).
. Before he left Davis hired Pric*
Jlarrison,-' formerly, of WSAI, Cin-
cinnati, as salesman.
OUR HAT'S OFF TO PIKES PEAK
BUT KVOR IS
ATTRACTION IN SOUTHERN COLORADO
To visitors, Pikes Peak rates as
Southern Colora(io'3 No. 1 attrac-
tion. Those who live in the shadow
of the Rampart Range, however,
are inclined to. take Pikes Peak
for granted. They find KVOR
much more exciting.
They're proud of KVOR ... as
a brilliant addition to community
showplaces and as a vivid reflec-
tion of the personality of the un-
usual market it serves.
Just as the market has a buying
power far in excess of what might
normally be expected from its
219,000 population, so does KVOR
present a picture of equipment,
talent and standards seldom found
in cities of similar size.
Colorado Springs, statisticians
agree, is America's wealthiest city
per capita. .KVOR, advertisers
agree, tremendously influences the
spending of .that wealth.
KVOR
CBS AFFILIATE • 1000 WATTS • FOU. TIME .
THE OIUHOMA mUSUma CO. • THE Vmt OKLAHOMAN • OEUUOMA CITY TIMES • THE r/lBMER-SIOCIUUN
wrr. ocJiBOMA citt«siz, tmva (aitiuated management; •betbesehted by the ear ACENcr. mc.
26
VARIETY
RADIO
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
BUREAU OF MISSING BUSINESS
(This department will be devoted to discussion of types of adver-
tising that, for one reason or another, usually offer resistance to
radio. Often, as in heavy goods, the product does not lend itself to
consumer advertising ; again, as in insurance or utilities, overlapping
political or industrial factors operate against radio.
In any event, the object of this series is to stimulate thought and
exchange of ideas. Persons within the trade are invited to express
themselves, either on specific subjects brought up, or on related
aspects overlooked or not covered.^
NO. 1-lNSURANCE
Insurance as an industry appears
to be dominated on the one hand
by mossback sonservatism and on
other hand by morbid fear of author-
ity and legislation. Among radio
salesmen an insurance company is
commonly regarded as nearly im-
pregnable to successful solicitation.
This remains true, although Metro-
politan is, at the moment, reported a
. network possibility^ and various im-
derwriters ■ have from time to time
used radio. Regional campaigns by
small companies are intermittently
reported. - Several' imp ortant . radio,
stations, notably WTIC, Hartford;
WSM, IfashviUe, and WOW, Onvaha,
are owned' by insurance companies.
Badio salesmen have found that
Beniority amounting in some cases to
senility dominates many an insur-
ance-hierarchy.'- And they, the sales-
men, get the impression that insur-
ance executives, are Invariably fear-
' ful of the man just above and fretful
of the man }ust below in the scale of
prestige and authority. This is a
pretty ghastly system to go. up
against At the top of the heap, Mr,
Big Is often, after 40 years getting
there, so out of touch with mere
mundane affairs that he Is a disem-
Ibodied ghost to the radio salesman.
Then there is the delicate — oh, so
delicate— relationship between the
company and its trade association
and/or the company and its franchise
holders. Corporate funds are withheld
froim advertising on the theory the
agents would derive added benefits
without added enterprise; Agents,
when approached, gro'wl about too
many competitors to .start witli, too
many rules imposed by the company,
too small a margin. In few industries
does the advertising salesman get so
nicely discouraged and snagged up
by matters having no bearing on the
merits of what he's selling, but defi-
nitely preventine him from selling it.
Mutual companies sometimes 'alibi
that they can't spend company funds
for fear of stirring up a demand from
policyholders for reduced premiums
instead of advertising expenditures.
Stock companies fear that sponsor-
ship of radio entertainment might
inspire sarcasm from legislators, or
others taking this tone: "They can af-
ford the luxury of a $1,500 tenor to
sing songs over the radio, but they
■won't pay for my sofa that was
ruined' by a cigarette.'
Fatare Spendtng Possible
Radio salesmen, however, think the
insurance companies may eventually
open up. as broadcast possibilities.
They make an analogy' with the rail-
roads. Although the latter are hot
partial, to radio, they are, it is noted,
streamljned in most of their policies
today, as compared, with a former
red-tape-and-stufted shirt regimen
which radio salesmen think was very
like what still prevails in Insurance
circles. If the rusty-crusty railroads
could see the light of up-to-date con-
sumer relations, the radio salesmen
think that the insurance Brahmins
will, in good time, be touched "with a
little turpentine.
There is, of course, the case of
Morris SeigeL His radio attacks on
insurance have already inspired
radio rebuttals. On WMCA, New
York, Seigel, an Insurance coimselor,
has been saying things, particularly
Columbia Broadcasting System
Presents
iss
DORIS RHODES
The Girl toUh the *'Deep. Purple** Voice
WHAT "VARIETY" HAD TO SAYt
FIRST WEEK, PALACE,
CEQCAGO
(Week of March 10)
'HONEST MAN'-RHODES
FINE $22,000,
''Doris Rhodes carries the
sin^ng end strongly. Sho
has appearance^ a pair of
pipes, delivery, showman-
ship and a song called
'Deep Pnrple,' which im-
pressed the audience at
this viewing."
Eye-Men Say Nay
Charlotte, N. C, March 28.
A group of optometrists In
North Carolina have been or-
ganized into a special group, es-
tablished a joint advertising
fund, and will go on the radio
under the guidance of the J.
Carson Brantley Advertising
agency.
The move was inspired by a
recent biting article in Readers
Digest, branding most eye-men
as quacks.
Spot Campaigns
(New, Renewed or Pending)
about industrial-type policies, that
makes sensational listening to the
laymen and that send the apoplexy
danger-rate soaring among under-
writers themselves. Within the last
few weeks the Industrial Insurance
Agents of Greater New 'York have
pooled to reply to Seigel over 'WMCA
and also over 'WMEX, Boston (where
sleigel is also heard). Seigiel is one
of radio's unique one-man industries,
much like the little-known chap that
made $80,000 a year peddling music-
by-ear courses at $1 each over 'WHN,
New York. Seigel is now on every
radio station in New York City that
will take him (WOR, for one, won't,
because he's 'controversial'), and his
bill for radio time is said to exceed
$100,000 annually. He sprang from
obscurity on 'WBNX. in the Bronx,
and is probably the most unpopular
name in insurance (at least in the
east). . Single-handed, Slegel has
probably done, more to lay. the
groundwork for future insurance ad-
vertising oh the air than any one
other factor. (He makes money by
counseling policyholders in their re-
lations with insurance companies. A
second counseler, Donald Besdine,
is also broadcasting over 'WMCA)
Radio salesmen admit that some of
the criticism and politics may be
good reasons for staying away from
sponsored entertainment. But they
call short sighted and narrow the
conventional swivel-chair pooh-pooh
of radio as a vehicle for insurance.
Salesmen claim it simply doesn't
make sense to scratch oS the one
medium that might get Into the fam-
ily parlor on congenial terms.
♦♦♦♦♦«♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦«>>♦♦♦«
Stayner Corp. of Berkeley, makers
of Minra (antacid compound) ex-
tending Spelling Bee with Tom
Breneman to KNX, Hollywood, and
KARM, Fresno. Originates at KSFO,
San Francisco. Erwin-Wasey is
agency.
Atlantic Refining has purchased
from the Albany Eastern I^eague
club the right to broadcast games
over WOKO or WABY, but General
Mills, which took a three-yeaT option
in 1937, wUi share time on alternat-
ing basis.
KMOX, St. Louis, is the only local
radio station that has, to date, ob-
tained a sponsor for the 1939 play-
by-play baseball broadcasts. General
Mills and Socoiiy- Vacuum wiir again
jointly bankroll the broadcasts of
France Laux and Cy Casper. With
Kellogg out of the 1939 baseball
picture, KWK, which had this ac-
count for a bankroller last year, is
mulling offers from other sponsors,
but has not yet closed.
E. M. Kohn & Co., Dallas depart-
ment store, signed a year's contract,
with summer layoff, for a weekly
series of programs, "Voices of Yes-
terday* on WFAA, Dallas. ■
B. F. Goodrich Rubber Co., Akron,
on March 28, began sponsoring of
15 minutes of the Early Bi rd p ro-
gram Tue.-Thur.-Sat on 'WFAA,
Dallas. Set by Griswold-Eshleman,
Cleveland.
I STATION IDEAS |
HELD OVER SECOND
WEEK
(Week of March 17)
^^Doris Rhodes holds over
:on the stage and figures as
wicket asset.'*
OPENING AT THE STRAND, NEW YORK,
APRH. 7, WITH GUY LOMBARDO
Many Thanks to BILL HOWARD,
HARRY MAYER and HARRY GOURFAIN
•
Personal Management: TAPS, 1(19 Broadway, New York
♦ ♦♦♦»«» ♦ . ♦> M «««I» K «««4
Informality Note at WNAX
Yankton, S. D.
Campaign has been Instituted by
station manager Haydn Evans to
bring the WNAX performers and an
nouncers closes' to the listening au-
dience.. First names will be used in
the introduction of the spielers, and
several stuiits are planned to point
up the 'one big happy famOy* view
point
Announcers last week broadcast a
rib CHiinese checker tournament, and
in the weeks to follow will hold a
spelling bee, a comedy intelligence
quiz and a lildden talent' night, when
each aimoimcer will endeavor to re-
cite a piece, do a turn or toss off
some fiddling.
Candid Camer» Nlt«
Oklahoma City.
WHY'S studio swarmed with
candid camera fans last Saturday as
the station staged its first annual
camera contest The event started
off with an hour and a half sho'w,
commencing 9 p.m., with the lens
addicts permitted to snap the acts as
they performed. For. an hour pre-
ceding the show and from 10:30 pjn,
to midnight the. cameraltes were free
to roam around the rest of the WJCV
plant and take any, pictures they de-
sired.
Prizes of $5, $3 and . $2 are to be
awarded to the best candid shot
There are similar prizes for straight
shots , and an additional $S for the
best picture over all. Adequate light
ing arrangements were provided
throughout the studios for all types
of eqiuipment
Bnslness Glorification
Cleveland.
Legit actors from Cleveland Play
House, community rep theatre, are
switching affiliations from WTAM to
WHK, which is building Monday
half -hour series labeled 'America
Works.'
Players will dramatize histories of
national business organizations, with
headquarter? here, beginning April
3. Leslie Biebl and Norman DryS'
dale writing scripts and handling
production, with business nabobs
taking bows in'brief prolog speeches,
Ed ' Carlton joined Bay Buffum,
Bob Marko And Frank Rowan "on
scr^tlng battery ot Lifebuoy (Dick
Powell) show.
'Lefs Go HoUywood' co-op pro-
gram has added anotiier sponsor.
City of Paris department store in
Frisco. Southern California Ford
dealers are the only other bank-
rollers.
Intended for Mutual network if
enough sponsors are lined up.
Cohoes Manu/actttr{n0 Co. is now
sponsoring a series of Simday after-
noon five-minuters titled 'Fashion
Notes' on WGY, Schenectady, with
Irma Lemke as miker.
Railway Express is readying for
an announcement campaign, through
the Caples Co.
Oldsmobilc Is placing a spot an-
nouncement campaign through D. P.
Brother & Co.
Com Products has bought the 'Ad-
ventures of Ace Williams,' transcrip-
tion series, for a 13-week test cam-
paign in behalf of Karo. Gotham
is !the agency.
Sealtest's "Your Family and Mine'
serial, currently on the NBC red
(WEAF) link, wUl go transcripUoa
the middle of next month. It will
be five quarter hours a week.
McKee-Albright Inc., is the agency.
Walnut Growers off the air (Cali-
fornia) after 17-we?k wax test with
George Fischer,. Bill Goodwin,.
Frances Hunt and Lou Bring's or-
chestra.
'True Stories of the New Yorfc
5tate Police,' major dramatic sus-
taining program over 'WHAM,
Rochester,, for last four years, goes
commercial for Bond. Clothes. Stories
are token from files of State Police
and dramatized by Wayne Shoe-
maker. Shows are produced weekly,
Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. by studio
cast, directed by Jack Lee.
R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co, ('Geo.
Washington Tobacco')— 82 100-word
announcements, to May 13, daily, ex-
cept Sundays. Through Wm. Es^
tc Co.
Feminine Products Co., N. Y: C.
CArrid') — 26 one -minute transcrip-
tions, to April 28. Throxigh Street tt
Finney, Inc., N. Y. C.
Walkover Shoe Stores, time sig-
nals, through Chambers & Wiswdl.
'WEEI, Boston.
J. A. Wright Co. of Keene, N. H.
(silver polish) Is participating in
the Caroline Cabot' Shopping Serv-
ice, through James T. Chirurg Co,
Boston,
Swansdown Egg Tints, participa-
tions in Shopping Circle, through
Ensign agency, KDKA, Pittsburgh.
Peter Paul (Mounds and Ten
Crown Charcoal Gum), sports broad-
cast and announcements through
baseball season. Platt-Forbes.
Wolfe's Nursery, Stephenville,
Texas, renewed 'Money (Srows on
Trees' tri-weekly show on KGKO,
Fort Worth, through Thaine & Engle.
Public Service of Oklahoma spon-
soring 'All-Electric Cooking School,*
with Lucille Johnson. KTUL, Tulsa.
Wednesdaj, March 29, 1939
RADIO
VARIETY 27
ONE-YEAR LICENSE LIKEY
ODDITIES OF
RADIO IN
ALASKA
By HASRT T. SMITH
SeatUe, March 28.
R. E. McDonald^ general manager
ol KFQD, Anch'oi-age, Alaska, ' Is
'currently visiting here on his first
trip out of the territory In 12 years.
While here he has appointed Verda
Bras, of the Alaska, "nravel Service,
as station representative. He gave a
15-minute talk over local station
KIRO and visited execs of other'
studios.
Northernmost station In Alaska,
KFQD serves as outside contact for
the populace in the Alaskan Interior
and also makes ship-to-shore con-
tacts within Its signal area. It is the
only outlet to broadcast a . descrip-
tion of a midnight baseball game
It Speaks
Their
Language
MONTREAL
1. About three-
fomlhs of Mon-
treal's popu-
lation speak
French.
2. CKAC seUs In
French.
3. That's why GKAC
has almost as
many commer-
cial shows be-
tween 6 and 10
P.M. as the other
four stations
combined.
Canada's
u s 1 e s t
Station
Completely Frank
London, March 28; -
It's a way they have here.
Out of the hat when govern-
ment was picking a new chair-
man for BBC's board of govern-
ors, came name of Sir George
Allan Powell, mayor of. Kensing-
ton and chairman of Import
duties advisory committee.
Questioned by reporters about
his new task. Sir George replied:
' 'I'm going ' to say nothing about
broiadcasting, because I know
nothing about it
'I haven't had a chance to look
at television yet'
played, without artificial light Con-
test takes place June 21 each year.
On one occasion the station aired a
Government request for reindeer
cowboys at Pt. Barrow at $10 a day..
Herders applied at the station and
had to make the 150-mile journey
to Pt. Barrow along the beach, aS'the
incident took place during the north-
ern winter darkness.
According to McDonald, the sta-
tion has occasionally received cash
contributions from listeners in 'ap-
preciation' of its broadcasting serv-
ices. Amounts have l>een as high as
$100. KFQD is a 250 watter, 709 kc,
owned by the Anchorage Radio Club,
Inc. Chief engineer is W. J. Wagner,
and program manager is Ken
Laughlin, Station uses Transradio
news.
MOBILE MAN
FOR FCC JOB
Washington, March 28.
President Roosevelt has nominated
Frederick I. Thompson, of Mobile,
Ala., to succeed Eugene O. Sykes, of
Mississippi, resigned, as member of
the Federal Communications Com-
mission. Thompson is owner of the
Alabama Journal, Montgomery. He's
apparently without previous radio
connections or knowledge.
The appointment was urged by
Senator HiU, brother of Luther Hill,
an executive of the Cowles radio
properties in Iowa and South Da-
kota.
Spartanburg Forgets
Long-Time Radio Peeve
Spartanburg,. S. C, March 28.
Local dailies have lifted several
years old publicity ban on WSPA
and also are using major network
program listing in both morning and
evening editions.
WSPA identification appeared
fully in recent spot news plugs.
WSPA Seeks New Niche
Spartanburg, S. C, March 28.
WSPA, Spartanburg, has applied
to the Federal Communications com-
mission for a move from 020 to 1120
kilocycles with .unlimited hours.
James D. Mugfbrd, program direc-
tor, said station's present wavelength
too congested for night broadcasting.
Thomas Sells Grocery Finn
Oklahoma City, March 28.
John D. Thomas, official; of the
Plaza Court Broadcasting Co., oper-
ators of KOCY here, has sold his
33-year-old Crescent Grocery firm.
Will devote all of his time to other
interests, including the broadcasting
company.
"hi Washington WRC is the best buy'
DASH RADIO HOPES
FOR REAL DDEAK
Cut in Clerical Burden Helps
FCC as Much as Stations
—No Confidence in Radio
Industry's Will to Do
'Right' Unless Constantly
in Fear
WHAS, LOUISVILLE,
PEPS UP NEWS STUFF
EVENTS CLARIFY
Washington, March 28.
Promulgation of new regulatory
policies will see the traditional six-
month license supplanted by a one-
year ticket But any idea of an in-
definite franchise is - beyond the
realm of probability.
This , is the consensus of Industry
observers noting recent trends and
picking lip tips from the FCC. Gen-
eral expectation is th<.t the present
uncertainties about the future will be
materially reduced during the sum-
mer.
' The FCC apparently is all set to
put stations on a one-year basis as
soon as formalities are finished and
the antiquated principles are brought
up to date. Pressure from the in-
dustry and Congress seems to be ef-
fective, and five votes, at least seem
assured for the proposal to double
the span of operating papers. Three
members — Commissioners Norman S.
Case, T. A. M. Craven, and George
Henry Payne — are on record with a
recommendation that the existing
rule be changed to provide for li-
censes running 'at least one year.'
Recently, Chairman Frank R. Mc-
Ninch has been quoted by daily pa-
pers as saying, he thinks the period
should be extended, to cut down on
the volume of clerical work imposed
on the FCC and to give the industry
some more stability. Industry ob-
servers think Commissioner Tha'd H.
Brown will support any move in this
direction.
Braintrnsters Slant
The official administration senti-
ment is said to be for a longer ticket
but not for one good for more than
IS mohths. Braintrusters reputedly
feel an annual check is imperative
to keep the industry functioning In
accordance with statutory and ad-
ministrative policies. Longer per-
mits might encourage a defiant atti-
tude. ^
Hint was thrown out at the White
House recently, while Elliott Roose-
velt startled both the industry and
th: FCC on his appearance early t^is
month at the qhain-monopoly inves-
tigation by susgesting issuance of an
undated, indefinite certificate of con-
venience and necessity which could
be revoked fcr caure. . Three year
ticket has been proposed in each of
the last two Congresses, although the
measures never have been taken up.
Latest advocate of a ticket good for
at least, three years is Rep Clarence
McCleod, Michigan Republican,
who.se bill has encouraged industry
watchers.
Formalities still must be gone
through. The report of the commit-
tee on rules and policies is before
the Commlsh, but. cannot be taken
up yet Second chapter, containing
tables and statistics has not been
published, but is due within a few
days, possibly by the end of the
week. After that has been distrib-
uted the Commish whl receive ex-
ceptions from attorneys who partici-
pated at the June hearings and oral
arguments will be in order.
The international situation may
hold up promulgation of the revised
regulations. Since Mexico still has
not given formal promise to ratify
Ce Havana treaty, the Commish can-
not tackle that phase of the report
which calls for changes in frequency
and power as.signments.
Louisville, March 28.
Paul Sullivan, from WLW, who
was scheduled to air nightly news-
casts over WHAS for Brown & Wil-
liamson on May 1, will transfer here
a month earlier. Begins local alr-
Irrs April 3. In addition to U. P.
rews service, station has added INS.
Dick Fischer, whc formerly han-
dled news on KWK, St Louis, on
behalf of J. Walter Thompson
Agency accounts, will fill the day-
time spots. Station has also sent
Gieorge Walsh, sports commentator,
to Florida for two weeks to cover
baseball training camps.
Other WHAS changes in an-
nouncing personnel Include acquisi-
tion of Alan Jackson, who formerly
aired over WLW, who is now teamed
with Bill Bryan on 'Sidewalk Snoop-
ers,' arid the exit of Meador Lowrey
and Foster Brooks. Lowrey was chief
announcer of the station. HI5 new
connection is with KRLD, Dallas.
New entertainers added to the staff
ara Terry Hayes and Frances King,
both singers.
Jack Lomarr of Blackett-Sample-
Hummert around Hollywood.
FCC OPPOSES
WLfS LEGAL
STEPS
Washington, March 28.
Use of different terminology does
not warrant denying an appeal
clearly assured under the Com-
munications Act, counsel for WLW,
Cincinnati, told the. District, of Co-
lumbia Court of Appeals last week
In pressing the fight over continu-
ance of the 500 kw operation, Com-
mlsh attorneys have moved to dis-
miss WLWs appeal from decision
terminating the permit in effect for
the past five years.
In opposition to the attempt to
duck a judicial review, Duke MI .
Patrick, representing Powel Crosley,
asserted that regardless of the exact
tag, the permit Is an instrument In-
volved in a proceeding which Is sub*
Ject to- court, review. For all prac-
tical purposes. It is identical with a
'license* even though labeled 'special
temporary experimental authoriza-
tion.'
Joe Fenner will take a Bermuda
holiday after his Huskies program Is
muted March 30.
Now Available!
FREDDY
LINDSTROM
Badio StaUon WLS hoa signed Freddy Llndstrom, big lea(n«
. baseball star, to oondnet the WLS Sports Bcvlew, now avail-
•ble to sell year prodnet t
Llndstrom li s former star player with the New Tork Gbnta^
the Flttobnrf h Pirates and the. Chlcags Cabs. . .started In base-
ball under the treat John j: McGraw. ..spent'12 years. in ar-
ganlzed baseball. . .played In two World's Series... tmly one
•t baseball's great.
And Llndstrom has a great radio show. He knows aD the
players and will ipend each morning working ent with the
local Chicago ball dobs, then watch the day's game from the
home team'i dngODt. From 6:Z0 to 6:45 hell broadcast the
WLS Sporia Review, assisted by Don Kelley,
' Chicago and Midwestern iports fans are SCBE to listen to
Freddy Llndstrom, a Chicago boy and a Chicago Cnb baaeball
star. Freddy Llndstrom Is the radio sports find of the year,
and he's now available on WLS! For detall% wire, call or
write WLS or any John Blair office,
WLS
The Praibie. Farmer Station
Bunidge D. Butkr, Pmidtnl ( Clueogo) Glenn Soydv, Af<iM(«
Represented by:
JOHN BLAIR & COMPANY
M«« York, Chlruo. Detroit, Um Angeln, Bma FMadMO
28 VARIETY
RADIO
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
MANAGEMENT PACK UNDER SCRDTTNY
BY D. C. INVESTIGATORS; MANY TESTIFY
FCC Told of Westinghouse Relations with NBC-
Consulting Engineer's Control of Two Stations
Revealed — Other Testimony
Washington, March 28.
Defense of management contracts
went Into the record of the FCC's
chain-monopoly probe last week
along with arguments that network
affiliation does not restrict the abil-
ity of station proprietors to render
local service. The NBC pacts with
General Electric and Westinghouse—
which have been assailed in Con^
gress on several occasions — were the
•so Bids., Birfto Cttr. M«w TMk
WBAL
chief subject of inquiry, with rep-
resentatives of the three corpora-
tions denying their agreements con-
stitute illegal transfer of control or
otherwise violate the Communica-
tions Act.
Chief question up for airing was
whether the industry pays proper
respect to Section 310b of the 1934
statute. Under this feature. Federal
consent is required before the li-
cense, frequencies, and rights are
'transferred, assigned, or in any man-
jier either voluntarily or involun-
tarily disposed of
While the GE and Westinghouse
deals with NBC were of outstanding
importance, Commish probers also
heard about the conduct of several
smaller .stations. Incidentally learned
that one of the top consulting en-
gineers has wound up as virtual op-
erator of two plants he was hired to
assist in prosecuting requests before
the FCC.
Although NBC handles virtually alt
operating details, the contracts nego-
tiated in 1932 and embodied in the
consent decree which concluded the
Government's anti-trust attack on
the radio equipment trust harmonize
with the. statute, since Westinghouse
and Greneial Electric actually run
the transmitters at most of the sta-
tions involved .— WBZ, Boston;
WBZA, Springfield; KYW, Philadel-
phia; ICDKA, Pittsburgh;"" WGY,
Schenectady; KOA, Denver, and
KGO, San Francisco.
Alfred H. Morton
On Stand to Explain
Alfred H. MOrton, web vice-presi-
dent, who supei^ises the Westing-
house and GE plants, explained that
all contracts are on file , at the FCC
and pointed out they were negoti-
ated betote the Communications act
bec^e effective. Minor revisions,
also submitted to the Commish, have
been made subsequently but have
THE O'NEILLS'
NOW RADIOS MOST POPULAR
FAMIL-^ BR'NGS YOU MORE
AUGHTER JeAuS ■■■so [H EART-THROBS
T
LISTEN
IN..
TWICE DAILY
NBC Red Natwork, 12:16 to 12:30 P.M. EST
CBS - WABC— 2:16to 2:30 P.M. EST
COAST TO COAST
r
Dir. COHPTON ADVEBTI8INO AOEKCT
MGT. ED WOLF— RKO BLOG, NEW YORK CITY
not materially altered the terms of
the original pacts.
In the case of GE's two western
outlets, NBC actually does the op-
erating, but WGY is staffed primarily
by GE employees. Programs and
sales in each instance are the re-
sponsibility of the web. Licenses of
KGO and KOA are in the name of
NBC, Morton explained, inasmuch as
'the complete operation reposes in
the National Broadcasting Co.* At
Schenectady, GE has 'a very rigid
and continuous control' and accord-
ingly is the official licensee. -Final
verdict In any discussion . over pro-
grams at WGY is given by GE, Mor-
ton explained. They can reject any
program, although they seldom Jiave
exercised this veto privilege. The
manufacturing company does not
originate any programs, the NBC
exec conceded, but constantly con-
salts with the web's officials at the
plant and consequently give tacit ap-
proval^ to all operations.
Three West Coast plants owned by
NBC and operated by others-iiKEX,
Portland; KJR, Seattle; and KGA,
Spokane — are operated entirely free
from network control, Morton testi-
fied, except that leases require the
license-holders — the Oregonian,
Fishers Blend, and Louis Wasmer—
to carry NBC programs.
Evans, BuUock Follow
For Westinghouse Co.
Corroborative testimony was <;iven
by Walter Evans, manager of Wcst-
inghouse's radio division, and Boyd
W. Bullock, assistant mana)^r of
broadcasting at General Electric.
Evnns said Westinghouse not only ac-
tually runs the apparatus, but main-
tains and reoairs all equipment ex-
ercising in- addition, program super-
vision in each station, Bullock told
the Commish that GE can cut off any
program at WGY, but only maintains
the equipment at KGO and KOA.
Each maintained that in allowing
NBC to fix station rates the owners
have not ^iven up any right to dic-
tate the management of the plants
for which GE and Westinghouse hold
the licenses.
Other plants taken up were KPLT,
Paris, Tex.; WCAM, Camden, N. J.;
WBAX, Wilkes-Barre. Ja.; WWL,
New Orleans; WMBI, Chicago;
WFBR, Baltimore, and WQDM, St.
Albaps, Vt
Virtually complete control over
KPLT is exercised by Texas State
Network, Elliott Roosevelt testified.
Denying any illegal transfer, the
President's son explained his regional
chain felt an outlet in the town was
desirable and agreed to support it.
While his crowd determines policy,
the licensee has a veto power and is
consulted about programs. Web rep-
resentative can do the hiring and
firing.
Block sale of time— to be farmed
out for individual sponsors — was
brought to light during the inquiry
into WCAM. Practice has been
frowned upon, sometimes leading to
sharp chastisement for other U-
censees who operate, in this fashion.
Taking the viewpoint thqt only prO'
gram service is provided, Frederick
Caperoon, managing director for the
city fathers, Thomas M. O'Neill, city
auditor, and Aaron Heine, secretary-
treasurer of Mack Badio Sales Co.,
testified that the employees and op-
erating costs are paid by theTnunlcl-
pality.
Under the contract, Mack group
buys 1,300 hours per year out of the
approximately 1,7S0 hours the trans-
mitter operates. City can blue-pencil
copy or accounts if they violate FCC
regulations, arid is consulted before
any overtures are made to prospec-
tive advertisers. O'Neill noted that
before this arrangement was affec-
tive the city had trouble collecting
from some users; now it is assured of
a positive income. Heine disclosed
the pact Talis for payment of $20,000
a year, admitting no statement of the
company's income Is furnished the
city. But Mack sells only 35 to 40%
of the time optioned, leaving the city
to fQl gaps.
Glenn Gillett Backstage
Boss of Two Stations
Glenn D. Gillett, consulthig engi-
neer, was revealed as back-stage boss
of WBAX and WQDM. John H.
Stenger, licensee of the former, said
Gillett 'assumed management' under
a contract which requires him to put
up cash and gives him an option to
buy the outlet E. J. Regan, co-
partner in WDQM, told a similar
story.
In the Wilkes-Barre situation, Gil-
lett makes most decisions, although
Stenger technically has the final
say, commish learned. The invisible
boss does the hiring and firing, ac-
cording to Stenger, but Dale Robert-
son, manager of the plant who -was
hired by- Gillett said Stenger dic-
tates personnel matters. Gillett ex-
plained that when Stetiger was un-
able to pay for engineering services,
he took notes which proved embar-
rassing to Stenger. Consequently,
Gillett and his partner put up cash
and helped get competent personnel,
advancing $16,000 and guaranteeing
payment of $7,000 other obligations.
Money trouble also was respon-
sible for Gilletfs entry into the St
Aibans picture. Regan said he and
F. Arthur Bostwick, his partner,
teamed up with the engineer, and
G. S. (Pete) Wasser (Furgason &
Aston) who now is station manager,
when they required financial assist-
ance but insisted 'we must approve
all he does.' Gillett in effect has
control, with Regan being hired to
serve as chief engineer, the commish
learned. Wasser signs checks, Gillett
assumes losses and Regan & Bost-
wick are promised 50% of any
profits. Admitting he has an option
to buy, Gillett said he has only 'ad-
visory power* over personnel and exv.
ercises no control over WQDM pro-
grame. Wasser agreed- on the whole,
saying that on policy questions he
first consults Regan & Bostwick^ al-
though they are his employees, be-
fore taking up any important issues
with Gillett
Actual control of the Baltimore
station is in the hands of a- voting
trust set up in 1934 because of
squabbles, William L. Marbury, Jr.,
counsel, testified. Commish consent
was not obtained, he admitted, al-
though George B. Porter, assistant
FCC counsel, was .consulted when
the present pact was drawn up. As
soon as the commish called for state-
ments of ownership and control in
1937, a copy was submitted. Control
actually was shifted to the trustees
before the 1934 law went into effect
Marbury stated.
Maintenance of subsidiary cor-
porations for te chnica l reztsons
brought WMBI and WWL under the
spotlight Henry C. Crowell, man-
aging director of the former, said
it was necessary to create a license-
holding company because the Moody
Bible Institute has two alien trus-
tees. Rev. Harold D. Gaudin, presi-
dent of Loyol a Un iversity, attributed
existence of WWL Development Co.
to the fact it would be 'improper*
for the clergy to be in business.
Control over the New Orleans plant
actually is in the hands of the uni-
versity, Father Gaudin maintained,
with stock all held by Marquette
Association for Higher Education, a
non-profit unit set up In 1907 to hold
bequests to Loyola.
The commish passed over the
status of KSFO, San Francisco, since
the denial of permission for CBS to
lease the outlet is being tested in the
courts, and also dropped its plans to
Icok into WCAD, Canton, N. Y., be-
cause a proposed shift never has
been carried out and the application
is still on the' FCC docket.
MIT THI
KHAPSODY IN BLUE
PAUL
WHITEMAN
and his
ALL-AMERICAN BAND
PICKED TO
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Afew Engkmd
Confectionery Shotv
HECHAMICS HALI,
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MARCH 30th AND 31st
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CHESTERFIELD SHOW
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tVcdnesday*, S:W K.S.T.
BOOKED K.\CLV'SIVEI.Y BY
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BALmORi
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RADIO
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WEST
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APRIL 3— NBC
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C9EZ PAREE
CHICAGO
Management WILLIAM MORBIS AGENCY
Now Playing
FOX THEATRE
ST. LOUIS
<With Al Pearce)
^^dnesdaj, March 29, 1939
RADIO
VARIETY
29
Background Buzz
SOUTH
BowUng profpram Is being aired by
WWL. New Orleans, with Al Godwin
Supervising a three per week ten-
minute program.
'Fifty-Cent Dinner at Niclts,' new
novelty tune by WKY, Oldahoma
City, station manager Gayle Grubb,
airecl on NBC show 'Southwestern
Stars.'
Wllberd Chaflln, former commer-
cial manager of KVSO, Ardmore,
Okla transferred to post of adver-
tising manager of Ardmoreite Pub-
lishing Co., weekly newspaper.
WSB, Atlanta, chitchat: Marcus
Bartlett did spieling last week for
National Farm and Home Hour orig-
inating on Georgia U. campus at
Athens; Edwin Camp, mid-morning
newscaster, out for month following
major operation; Hidden Valley
Ramblers, hillbilly music crew, has
joined station's Cross Roads FolUes
Eustainers. „
Paul Ross, chief engineer, KVSO,
Ardmore and Fred Blackburn, engi-
neer, back on duty after attending a
^ort course in radio television and
facsimile at the University of Okla-
homa.
Kleve Klrby directing and narrat-
ing new series of shows on WWL,
New Orleans, based on the stories
of Edgar AUen Poe,
Vic Rugh, KTUL, Tulsa, sports-
caster in the Tulsa baseball clubs'
training camp at McAUen, Texas,
where he makes transcriptions for a
three per week show, 'Hot Stove
League^ for KTUL.
KGKO, Port Worth, .has Rex V.
I,entz as Dallas commercial manaeer.
Mercedes Jene on staff of WWL,
New Orleans.
Johnny Michel, traffic department
KOMA, Oklahoma City, has re-
signed. Replaced by Raymond Ruff.
David Frls, KOMA, Oklahoma
City, salesman, resigned to join the
sales staff of the Albany, N. Y.,
Times-Union.
Catherine P rinc e doing vocals on
•Noveleers* at WFAA, Dallas.
Marion Alford, formerly with
KTHS, Hot Springs, has joined the
announcing staff of KLRA, Little
Rock.
Amanda Prochnau, formerly In
traffic department at KOCY, Okla-
■ A Jainury, 1939, listenet
faiterest survey r«vealed
that WWJ led the other
three network stations in
Detroit by
Such leadership merits
the most careful consid*
eration of advertisers in
the Detroit market.
mi
Ownti and Opimti ty
Iht Dttnit Nan
RtprtMnltd NtHeMtly by '
G«e. F. HeniRgbcry Co.
Ntw Yeib Oitug*: Dtlrath
lUiut Cttyt Sot FrMtiwat Atbait
homa City, now sec to Robert Chap-
man, commercial manager of WKY,
Oklahoma City.
Faye and Cleo, formerly billed
with WGY-NBC as "The Maids of
the Prairie,' at KGKO, Fort Worth.
Marie Keller in traffic department
at KOCY, Oklahoma City, replacing
Amanda Prochnau.
LouzeUa SpradUi-.g new at WKY,
Oldahoma City.
Eddie Lyons from MBS and Don
Lee and Charles Tigner from KSAM,
Huntsville, Texas, new announcers
on the Texas State Network staff.
Jack Kline has joined KOMA,
Oklahoma City.
Al Godwin, WWL, New Orleans
announcer, to marry Thora Spitzfad-
den May 18.
Peg Moreland, ditty singer, and
Cass County Kids, instrumental and
vocal trio, in new - 'Texas Special'
program on WFAA, Dallas, under
sponsorship Stufflebeme Brothers,
cottonseed breeders. .
Mrs. EUiott Roosevelt, wife of the
Texas State Network president, su-
pervising landscaping and decora-
tion of networks home .offices in Fort
Worth.
Max Bentley, Texas newspaper-
man and manager of KRBf^, Abilene,
outlet of TSN, in new series of com-
mentaries on that network.
George 'Si' Hamaker, continuity
editor WKY, Oklahoma City, has
purchased a 'ranchito' in Radio
Heights, new addition near WKY
transmitter, northwest of Oklahoma
City.
Frank Berger, WIS, Columbia,
S. C, was the only radio man in the
state prison death chamber when
six men were executed for slaying
a prison guard.
Bob Pollock new spieler on WSB,
Atlanta, staff.
Lee Bennett, formerly w|th WRGA,
Rome, Ga., and WRDW, Augusta,
Ga., has joined announcing staff at
WAGA, Atlanta.
STATION BUYS DAILY
EAST
BiUy Hinds, announcer at KDKA,
Pittsburgh, and Dolores DoUhopf
have announced engagement They^ll
be married in May.
WCAE, Pittsburgh, show called
'Songalogues' (educational), has Leo-
nore James and Earl Truxell, sta-
tion's musical director.
Eleanor Daniels added to WHK's
Cleveland staff as continuity writer.
Ralph Faris, from WTMJ in Milwau-
kee, is another addition to station's
crew of technicians.
Floyd Keesee has been appointed
successor to Ralph Hubbell as con-
ductor of WBNY Buffalo All Sports
Review.
Arthur Cooper, formerly on sales
staffs of WIP and WHAT, now ped-
dling for WELI, New Haven.
WNBC, Hartford - New Britain;
WELI, New Haven; WBRY, Water-
bury-New Haven; and WNLC, New
London, linked for weekly Connecti-
cut Republican series. Station execs
gave in at confab in Hartford with
Roger B. Doulens, state GOP radio
p.a.
Morris S. Novik, director of
WNYC, New York's municipal alrer,
offering publicity service to radio
eds in suDurbs, including Connecti-
cut, in metropolitan comer of which
station has a substantial audience.
Jack Beauvais, formerly of the
traffic department, has been pro-
moted to assistant' sales promotion
manager, under George R.' Dunham,
Jr., of WEEI, Boston.
Kay Barr, publicity director of
KDKA, Pittsburgh, on honeyinoon
cruise to the West Indies.
Rosey Rowswell will again broad-
cast Pittsburgh Pirates' game this
season over both WWSW and KDKA.
WELCOME, WELCOME LEWIS!'
. . . says the audience that listens to her
SINGING BS every Wednesday night
from 8>60 to 8i30;... Here's a show that
yy/" has everythlnfl: music, coraedyi quiiies,
*^ prizes. More than that, it has the show
manship of Welcome Lewis. Some smart adver-
tiser will want this program. Write W H N today.)
WHN
DIAL 1010
uwUD rtm 4 CO. t<
Beverse Rontlne Reported From
State of Vermont
Washington, March 28.
Purchase of a newspaper by a
broadcast station startled F.C.C.
commissioners Monday (25) and' rep-
resented first case of its kind ap-
pearing in commission records.
Cart-betore-the-horse performance
brought dissents from Chairman Mc-
Ninch and Commisioner Paul. A.
Walker, but a majority of the com-
mlsh approved the sale of WCAX,
Burlington, Vt., to the Vermont
Broadcasting Corp. New owners will
acquire and publish the Burlington
Daily News, present licensee of the
station.
With 240 newspapers owning
broadcast stations, WCAX deal pre-
sents the only knowr case of broad-
cast-station-ownership - of - newspa-
pers. Transmitter, which is operated
on 1200 kc with 100 watts nights, 250
watts days, will pass into the control
of Charles P. Hasbrook, treasurer-
prez of the new corporation. He pays
$59,000 for the newspaper and radio
plants to H. Nelson Jackson, present
owner.
McNlnch and Walker dissents were
not based on shock at the unusual
request Commish chairman voted
'No' on grounds that the proposed as-
signment had not been proved to be
in the public interest Walker nixed
the proposition Legalise he felt a
hearing should precede commish ac-
tion.
Ethridge, Rosenbaum Endorse Network
Exclusivity as Sound Biz Practice
N. Y. Senate OK^s Bia
Checkiiig Off-Air Discs
Albany, March 28.
By a vote of 47 to 1 the New York
state senate today (Tuesday) passed
the Perry bill, which wbuld make
any one who takes a recording of a
broadcast for pecuniary, gain without
permission guilty of larceny. The
measure, wliich has the support of
the National Association of Perform-
ing Artists and the American Fed-
eration of Musicians, now goes to
the state assembly.
Under this bill, which was intro-
duced by Senator Charles D. Perry
of N. Y., written consent must be
obtained from the persons broadcast-
ing and without such the recording
must not be offered for sale, sold,
leased or licensed.
NBC Signs Authoress;
To Sell Radio Package
Elaine S. (Harrington, radio scrip-
ter, was signatured to a management
pact with NBC Artists Service last
week. First manager, she ever ha'd
although she has been writing for
radio seven years: NBC is under-
stood to have sought Mrs. Carrington
in line with their new policy of of-
fering 'package shows' to potential
clients.
Mrs. Carrington recently ■wrote
sketches for Helen Hayes, Franchot
Tone and Jean Hersholt for air pro-
grams. She regularly scripts 'Pepper
Young's Family' radio serial.
KPLFs Tune Bid
Paris, Texas, March 28.
Under direction of Earl Cullum,
Jr., consulting radio engineer, KPLT
ha3 completed a primary coverage
survey, of. its territory.
Cullum will . accompany station
manager Fred Humphrey to Wash-
ington this- week for an FCC hear-
ing on KPLT request for additional
time operation.' '
WCAU'i Agency Showwindow
Philadelphia, March 28.
Taylor Grant former WCAU gab-
ber. Is setting up Philly's first and
only Independent production unit to
sell complete > shows to agencies.
Grant for some time has been doing
a daily newspaper of the air for
Horn & Hardart and two shows a
week for Parkway Balcing, all on
WCAU.
He has opened an office now and
is notifying agencies of a line-up of
proposed shows. He'll voice no part
himseU in most of them.
Boy Gordon Books WOWO
Ft Wayne, March 28,
Roy Gordon, former house man-
ager for Quimby theatres. Ft Wayne,
resigned post to handle liookings for
WOWO Morning Roundup. Gordon
will book troupe into smaller thea-
tres throughout Indiana, Ohio and
Michigan.
Washington, March 28.
Network ties are advantageous, not
contrary to the public interest, as far
as Independent stations are con-
cerned, two spokesmen for the chain
affiliates told the FCC net'work-
monopoly investigators last week.
Both Samuel , R. Rosenbaum, presi-
dent of WFIL, Philadelphia, and
Mark Ethrldge, head of WHAS,
Louisville, spoke up for big brother
and reassureid the regulators that In--
dependent Radio Network Affiliates
do not want to put too many, curbs
on the chains.
The webs must have an option on
the time of the affiliates, if they are
to function on a sound basis, Rosen-
baum declared; Benefit to the indies
comes from the supply of programs
and assurance of revenue which are
ample compensation.
Before any particular rules are
adopted covering network affiliate
relations, the Commish should see
whether satisfactory understanding
cannot be reached through self-regu-
lation, such as IRNA has initiated,
both Rosenbaum and Ethridge ad-
vised. Former president of the Na-
tional Association of Broadcasters
frankly doubted the ability of any
governmental body to solve this situ-
ation.
As long as affiliation Is a voluntary
matter, Ethridge cannot see why the
Federal Government should feel
obliged to take a hand. Even the
exclusive terms, of contracts are de-
sirable, as a safeguard for the affil-
iates.
Besides being able to reject over-
tures if the owners desire, the indies
reserve am»5le time to render the re-
quired local service, Ethrid.i^e main-
tained. Furthermore, if station is so
valiiable to any network that all of
its time is taken for web use. It is in
a strong enough economic position to
get along on Its own or to drive a
satisfactory bargain. Better pro-^ams,
particularly the sustaining features,
represent a material benefit to the
public.
Without exclusivity clauses, low-
powered network outlets might be
injured, the WHAS exec cautioned
the Commish. More desirable for sta-
tions to be hooked to a single net-
work on a semi-permanent basis than
to be shopping around or tied Into a
ciiain only on catch-as-catch-can
basis. There Is the angle of listener
goodwill and of Identifying the out-
let with a certain type of service in
the public's mind. If nets could pick
their outlets for every individual
program the dialers would be
plagued by uncertainty and con-
fusion while the less powerful plants
often would be chopped off to satisfy
different advertisers.
30
VARIETY
MUSIC— PAMCE BAWDS
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
I
Hhz Cwnphyns MCA DGsstated Busse s
Porsoimel Relatioiisliips to Local 802
Ralph Hitz, operator of th& Hotel
New Yorker, was advised last week
by the trial board of the New York
musicians union that if there had
been any misrepresentation in the
booking of Henry Busse he would
have to look lor satisfaction to the
Music Corp. of America. Hitz had,
in charges filed with the union,
stated that -he had been misinformed
about the numner of new men in the
Busse- unit.
According to Hitz, when MCA
booked the band into the New Yortc-
er he was told that Busse was chang-
ing four men so the aggregation
would consist entirely of Local 802
members. After the orchestra had
become established in the spot,' he
learned that Busse had just installed
three times that number of men with
tOi cards. Hitz demanded that the
tuiion compel Busse to make an ad-
justment
It is understood that MCA has
agreed to absorb the adjustment
stipulated between the booking of-
fice and Hitz. Latter wHl get back
(1,440, or the- eight weeks' commis-
sion that MCA was to get from
Busse's stay, in the spot Busse win
also play other hotels ln»the Hitz
chain with similar " concessions by
MCA.
Jan Garber will follow Busse into
the New Yorker.
Chkk Webb's Chedoip
At Johns Hopkins Hosp.
Chick Webb enters Johns Hopkins
HospiUl, Baltimote, this Friday (31)
w:hen his band opens a week's date
at the Howard theatre, Washington,
Iieader will remain bedded for a
week for a semi-annual checkup, re'
joining the outfit the following
stanza at the Royal, Balto.
Webb suffers kidney trouble.
CZECHO A ZERO
Absorbed by Germany — ASCAF
Strictly Oat In Cold
American Society of Composers,
Authors and Publishers has recbived
word from its European rep, Hugo
Bryk, that the Indications are that the
Czecho-SIovaklan performing rights
socie^, OSO, will be liquidated and
its membership merged with that of
the German ' society, STAGMA, as
happened in the case of Austria. It
will mean a third European nation
from which ASCAF has ceased col-
lecting revenue.
Payment to ASCAF from OSO
last year amounted to around $11,000.
PATRIOTISM
BREAKSOirr
WWAX
Patriotic sbnga are breaking out
on phonograph discs. VoiMy popu-
lar is Irving Berlin's 'God Bless
America' which Kate Smith started
on its way,
Vocallon did this number last
week with Barry Wood leading 14
madrigal singers, a Hammond or-
gan, a trumpet and diimes. Vin-
cent Lopez simplified "Star-Spangled
Banner' backed it up.
Decca meanwhile iB planning a
smash campaign for its Bing Crosby
two-sider in which the croons
raises his voice tor the same cou-
plet John Scott Trotter'f orches-
tra accon4>anles. Patriotic societies
are expected to get behind the sales.
An Outstanding Song Event
iimt SKIPPER
By Nick Kenny and Charles Kenny
•meBalladSanaatlonottheCountry
WE'VE COME A LQH« WM
TOGHHER
By Ted Koehler and Sam H. Stepl
pastured in the M^-M Plot"" •''««•*•« '^"«'**
HOW STRANGE
By Gus Kahn. Hubert Stothart and Earl Brant
B.Lon"KftKST.»ANNO"byB.A.ProzcrovsKy
Sung by Virginia Bruca
,„ the M-Q-MPlctur. -society L.*y-
(I'NI IN LOVE WITH)
THEHOHOMBLEMr.SOaiidSO
By Sam Coslow
SungbyJeartettaMacDonatd
,„ th. M-G-M Picture "Broadway S.r.n«l.
FOR EV'RY LOHELY HEART
ONE LOOK AT YOU
WHUEMAN'S 3D WIFE
SUES FOR $36,000
After accepting Paul Whiteman's
$332 monthly remittances for a
period of five years, for. the support
of their son, Paul, Jr., his third wife,
the former Mildred Unger, is now
suing for an accounting under a
separation agreement of Sept. 11,
1030. They were married Sept 4,
1922. Oh July 1, 1933, she remar-
ried.
The ex-Mrs. Whiteman claims an
alleged difference of some $36,000
due her between .1933 and Septem-
ber, 1938, alleging that she was to
have received one-third of White-
man's income so long a: she re-
mained unmarried. That one-third
was never to exceed $600 a week as
her share, however. If she remar-
ried, one-ninth of Whiteman's in-
ebme was to go for the support of
Paul, Jr., now 14.
Whiteman, through attorney Julian
T. Abeles, now contends that her re-
marriage not only kr.yoed his ali-
mony obligations to her, but to his
bor, and that his $332 monthly con-
tributions right along, for the boy's
education and support, had been in
the nature of voluntary payments^
but not legally bound to do so.
Mrs. Whiteman lii^ made a motion
for summary judgment and to strike
out the maestro's defense. White-
man counter-claims for. dismissal of
her $36,000 claim. N. Y; Supreme
Court Justice Samuel Hochstadter
has reserved decision on both mo-
tions.
Whiteman's contention that his
former wife- knew that this was a
voluntary contrfiiution is evidenced,
says his lawyer, by the fact that she
didn't ask for any fiscal year ac-
counting for over five years, until
recently trying to recover the $36,-
000, alleged differential due her.
On the Upbeat
AI Fremont into Show Boat, Pitts-
burgh,' for indefinite stay, succeeding
Tommy Carlyn crew, which moves
into . BUI Green's Casino replacing
Sterling Young.
Jimmy Feyton into third year at
Plaza cafe, Pittsburgh, April 1, with
option just picked up for additional
six months.
VersatUIlans (4) at William Penn
hotel's Continental Bar, Pittsburgh,
for six-week stay, succeeding Larry
Murphy Four.
Bobby Backett has upped his crew
from six to 10 pieces.
Jimmy Lnncetord orchestra plztyed
a dance for negroes at the Charlotte,
(Continued on page 30)
Long Delay in Depositing for Copyright
Would Be Banned by Lanham Rider
ConnecticDt Invasion
Bridgeport. March 28.
All-time high for names on one
night in Connecticut due next Sun-
day (2) .as Will Osborne plays Ritz
baUroom, Bridgeport;- Paul. White-
man and Paul Tremaine preem new
policy .at New Haven Arena; Cotwt
Basie works Hamilton park. Water-
bury, and Happy Felton band ap-
pears at State theatre, Hartford.
Trade figures that's over-banding
coinpact Connecticut territory. More
ahead with Lake Compounce^ Bristol
summer stand, unbuttoning Easter
Sunday with Harry James crew.
BAND REVIEWS
lACK TEAGABDEN OBCHESTBA
(")
With Mcredltli Blake
BosahiBd- BaUrooD, N. T.
New outfit fronted by Jack Tea-
garden should climb to prominence
ojpce it gets going. Ex-Paul White-
man trombonist is heading a nicely
ba^ced bunt^ but his climb au-
gurs a slow up-pull rather than ex-
plosive speed. His style isn't ex-
clusively the steaming quality thafs
instantly appreciated by the minority
on occasion. Such spectacularlty is
needed to skyrocket bands topward.
However, the popularity Teagarden
should reach more slowly should be
solid.
Roseland is not Teagarden's first
date and tis a result the outfit seeitis
to have lost the bit of roughness it
showed in its tee-off shots. It filled
in two days several weeks ago at the
Lincoln Hotel, N. Y.. between Artie
Shaw's exit and Jan Savitt's en-
trance. And also had a shot at the
New Yorker Hotel as a Sunday night
guest band.
On its opening night at the Rose-
land— where if s set for at least four
weeks with six network shots per —
the outfit seemed to rate with the
terp spot's customers for both listen-
ing and dancing. However, dance-
able or not, the band looks and is out
of place. Appearance, individually
and collectively is eobd and as a new
band might have oeen launched in
spot of more trade si^iificance. How-
ever, there aren't many availd>le. It's
admittedly in here for the benefit of
the air time.
Trombone leadership and duplicate
instrumental setup will no doubt
often bring up comparisons with
Tommy Dorsers band. It runs along
Dorsey's lines in style, being eoually
able to hammer ears or lull its listen-
ers with smoothly played ballads;
seemingly better at the latter. Com-
'ement is identical with Dorsey's,
(in-
composed of seven brass
eluding Teagar den's trombone), five
((Continued on page 42)
Network Plugs, 8 AJH. to 1 AJl
*• " t<>t«'»a»tion of the combined plugs o/ current tunes on
NBC (WEAF and WJZ), and CBS (WABC) computed /or the toeefc from
IMondavthrouiErh Sunday JVf arch 20-26). Tofol represents accumulated per-
/ormances on tfte two major networks /rom 8 a. m. f o 1 o. m. Symbol • de-
notes flm song, f lepit, all others ore pop.
JP^^S- , FDBUSHEB. TOTAL.
geeP Purple Bobbins 46
Gotta Get Some Shuteye Berlin.. . 41-
^^^J^a^^ • ■ • • • • Shapiro 38.
Hold Tight Exclusive 34
This Is It. ..tStars in Your Eyes.......... Chappell 34
Heaven Can Wait RenSS '.\..'.. 32-
Moon Is a Silver Dollar. Robbins . 31
Could Be. Santly "\ 2a
J Y""- • • • • Miller ^
Little Sir Echo, Bregman
1 (Set Along Without You Very WeU Famous
Our Love.. ....ChappeU
Masquerade Is Over Crawford .
Begm the Beguine Harms
I Long to Belong to You. ....................... Red Star
A^\?T.^f Honeymoon Paramount
JTus Night. , . 'Honolulu Bregman ..!...
We ve Come a Long Way Together. Feist . .
Sy^R**^* • • 'Paris Honeymoon. . . . Paramount" V.'.'....V.\ 20
Chopsticks Shapiro ... 18
Fmw <Md mis . . . 'Paris Honeymoon Paramount 16
My Heart Belongs to Daddy . . . tLeave It to Me . . ChappeU
Cuckoo in the Clock BerUn ...
Hooray for Spinach. . .'Naughty but Nice. Remick .
Romance Runs in the Family Agar . . .
Good for Nothing Witmark
How Strange. . .tldiot's Delight Feist ....
It's Never Too Late. BerUn
Step Up and Shake My Hand | BVimous" !
? Famous .
I Promise You ABC
Last Night a Miracle Happened !.!."."!!!!;! Spier
Umbrella Man.... i^rms ..
Little Skipper Feist ....
Have a Heart aBC
Honolulu . . . 'Honolulu Bregnian'
• - 'Going Places. Wltmark
J?""*^ ^SF'y Me, . . tCotton Club Revue .... Mills ....
J Sailboat of Dreams. Shapiro .
I Want My Share of Love Harms .. .
fi^*?,''!? *' Heaven... 'East Side of Heaven.... Santly ...
^liu^-jTl- \i '^"^ Eyes ChappeU
Night Musi FaU MaSe
This Can't Be Love. ..fBoys from Syracuse.....* Chappeli'
Music publishing, industry hasn't
decided .whether it ,wiU interposa
any further objections to the amend-
ment to .the copyright law which has
been introduced in . tlte House of
Representatives by Fritz G. Lanliam,
of Texas. The amendment, which
seeks to limit the period in which
copies of a pubUshed manuscript
must be filed, was originaUy pro-
posed by Coi; E. L. Bovet, registrar
of copyrights.'
Bovet's amendment was somewhat
altered at a hearing of the House
copyright committee last .Thursday
(23). The registrar had suggested
that the copyright ovtner of a domes-
tic work be compeUed to file within
30 days of notice front the copyright
office, . whUe foreign works be given
a leeway of 60 days after copyright
At Thursday's hearing the domestic
limitation, was extended to 00 days
and the foreign proviso to 120 days.
Under Bovet's amendment a copy-
right would become invalid auto-
matically if after six months from
(Continued on page 39)
Leo Wood's Widmr
Makes NotoF Point
In Seng Royalty Snit
Gertrude Wood Bernstein ' filed a.
Federal court, suit' in New York
York Monday (27) against Joseph J.
Denton', WUliam R. . Hasddns, doing
business as co-partners Ainder the
firm name of Denton & Haskins
& Haskins Music Co., IsabeUe C.
Haskins Corp. for an accounting and
an injuncticm, charging the infringe-
ment of the copyright on two songs,
entitled 'Somebody's Stole My Gal'
and That's What God Made Mothers
For.'
The plaintiff is the widow of Leo
Wood, who wrote the songs in 1918
and gave them to the defendants to
publish in 1924. There have been no
royalties forthcoming since the death
of Woods in 1929, and the plaintiff's
wife claims that the copyright re-
verts back to her as a result of this
faUure. Also raises the novel point
that this faUure to pay royalties and
the continued pubUcatioh of the
songs constitutes an infringement of
copyright.
She asks an accounting of profits,
the royalties due her, and an iiijunc>
tlon to prevent further pubUcation.
JACK HARRIS AT CASINO
Due to Broadcast' Overseas to NBO
13 Times
London, March 20.
Clore and EsdaUe has signatured
Jack Harris band for the Ijondon
Casino reopening. Outfit is set to be
picked up by NBC on 13 broadcasts
to America which wiU be done from
the Casino.
This is reported the first time any
band made transatlantic broadcasts
from the West End eateiy-night spot
Bland Bookings
Val Ernie, El Morocco, N. Y.
- BiU Beer, Schroeder hotel, Friday
(31), four weeks.
Carl Lorch, Hotel Radisson, Minn,
March 25.
Charlie Bamet, Fox theatre, Phila,
AprU 7.
Russ Morgan, Purdiie U., May 19;
Eastwood-Westwood, Detroit June
30, two weeks.
/iStuff Smith, extended to May 12 at
La SaUe hotel, Chicago.
Larry Clinton, Paramount theatre,
N. Y., July 5, two weeks.
Joe Venutl, AprU 10, Lakeside
Park, BarenesvUle, Pa.; State theatre,
N. Y., week of AprU 13.
C3iarlie Agnew, April 23, 27, 29,
May 4, 6, 7, Arcadia Ballroom, St
Louis.
Red Nichols, AprU 14-16, Walled
Lake, Michigan; AprU 22, Shrine
Temple, Peoria, 111.
Ramona, AprU 9, 13, 15, 16, 20, 22,
Arcadia BaUroom, St Louis.
Glenn MiUer, ComeU U., AprU 29.
OLD. SONG SUGGESTIONS
JIMMY McHUCH'S
"BLUE AGAIN"
R<4ibiiui Music Corp.
WeAneBday, March 29, 1939
MUSIC— DANCE BANDS
VARIETY
31
15 Best Sheet Music Setters
(Week ending March- 25, 1939)
De«p Purple Bobbins
Peooy Serenade Sbapiro
littte Sir Echo Bregman
Umbrella Man Harms
Masquerade Is Over Crawford
God Bless America Berlin
Heaven Can Wait Remick
I Get Mods Without You Very Well. Famous
Hold Ti(pit • • • .Exclusive
I Promise You ABC
I Cried for You Miller
Could Be ••■*• .........Santly
Gotta Get Some Shutey« ; .Berlin
*Funny Old Hills ...v.....;.....'. i..., ...Paramount
Begin the Begulne Harms
* Indicates /Unuislcal song. t Indicates *tage production song.
The others are pops.
Oot^ (die fioaid) ^Uon Sdkited
By ASCAP m AvdMS^ Setqp
Publishers' availability committee
of the American Society of Com-
posers, Authors and Publishers meets
tomorrow morning (Thursday) to
study the results of a poll on mem-
bership opinion. The committee, as
an experiment, has askad 12 publish-
ers who are neither on the committee
or the ASCAP board to teU how they
would rate their fellow publishers
in the Society on the matter of avail-
abUity. The returns were to be re-
duced to quotients, or -averages, by
John G. Paine, ASCAP general
nianager.
The decision by the committee to
experiment with outside opinions
came «fter several lengthy wrangles
over how it should dispose of the
disputed availability ratings of cer-
tain firms. One faction on the com-
mittee contended that the availabili-
ty ratings from top to bottom ou^t
to be revised, while another argued
that the core of the trouble would be
removed if two particular publishing
concerns had their ratings drastically
reduced.
An AdmbslonT
Some objection had been voiced on
tiie committee against calling for out-
side opinion, since it would be taken
as an admission that the committee's
members themsdves were stumped
by the problem. Also that the sys-
tem-was so radically wrong that it
had. become absolutely unworkable
and the only alternative remaining
Has its complete elimination. As it
later developed, a few of the pub-
lishers polled refused to undertake
the task. They wanted to know how
they were expected to do the job of
classifying in a week or 10 days
when successive availability commit-
tees haven't been able to do it satis-
fbctorily for three years.
The publishers polled were sup-
plied with a list of the publisher
members iii the Society, but they
were not apprised of the current
availability ratings of these members.
They were also asked not to sign
their submitted opinions.
ELKS l)^ A.FJL LIFT
BAN ON II&IRM CUFFO
St Louis, March 28.
Sam P. Meyers, prez of Local 2,
AFM, has asked Joseph M. Weber,
International prez of AFM, to with-
draw oppbsish to the proposed ap-
pearance of the U. S. Marine Band
at the National Elks' convention
here starting July 10. Meyers' move
followed a meeting of Local No. 2's
exec board when Col. E. J. Mc-
Mahon, exec. dir. of the Elks' con-
vention committee, said Uncle Sam's
band would be . here only for the
opening day of the convention and
that many local union tooterj would
be hired during tha conclave.
Weber thumbed: down the plan to
bring the Seine's tooters here on
the grounds that, use of govern-
mental musicians would be in direct
competish with union tooters and in
violation of an order of the Secre-
tary of War. Meyers said he did not
believe Weber had been fully in-
formed on the Issues here and the
local exec board vo'ed to intercede
with the national body to drop oppo-
slsh. Col. McMahon said the con-
vention planned to hire between 150
and 20O union tooters during the
conclave and that not a single union
man would be displaced by the
■Marine band.
Musical Cue
Chicago, March 28.
As happens periodically, the
large number of name, bands
concentrated here lures the New
York music execs to the loop for
courtesy calls. It's a sort of de-
luxe songplugging gesture.
Russ Morgan (Chez Paree)
and Fletcher Henderson (who -
preemed with the new Tevue at
the Grand Terrace) someltow £ot
most of this specialized plugging
attention, with the result that
Bob Crosby, at the Blackhawk,
didn't puU the music men as has
been his usual wont Whenever
a stray plugger thereafter did
show his head inside the door,
Crosby cued his band into the
subtle musical rib.
'Get Out of Town.'
Wfflard Alexander
Qfflts MCA; Has
No Future Plans
Willard Alexander, v.p. of the
Music Corp. of America, has resigned
from the organization, effective this
we<^ He had tteen connected with
MCA for the past four-and-a-half
years in charge of a section of the
booking outfit's swing band comple-
ment
Alexander advances no reason for
his sudden withdrawal other than
he's physically tired and needs a
rest He will go south, either to
Miami or- Bermuda, for a three or
four-week stretch, and claims to
have no solid plans anent what hell
do on his return. Definitely denies
any plans concerning Benny Good-
man or any of the bends under 'lis
wing at the time of his resignation.
He's more br less responsible for
Goodman, Count Basie, Leighton
Noble, Red Norvo-Mii'dred Bailey,
the newer Harry James and tiie yet
to preem Teddy Wilson orchestras,
and brought Tommy Dorsey into
MCA. Alexander also concocted, the
idea of Goodman playing concert
dates at Carnegie and Town Hall,
N. Y.
Music Notes
. Cy Fener doing musical score for
'Street of Missing Men' at Republic.
Johnny Martin and Freddie Rose
defied tiUe song for RepubUc's 'Blue
Montana Sky:'
Boy Webb scoring Tixer Dugan'
and 'Sorority House' at RKO.
Vernon Doke's 'New York Noc-
turne' suite is being published by
Robbins as a sequel to Louis Alter's
'Manhattan Serenade.'
SIgmund Kmrngold and John
Leipold doing musical score for
'Union Pacific' at Paramount
University of California accepted a
set of Paramount scores for its music
library.
Kyser to Catafina Isle
Ray Kyser orchestra Jumps to the
Coast following its short return date
at the Pennsylvania hotel, N. Y.,
April 7 to Ms^ 13. Band goes into
the Catalina Island Casino May 20
for four weeks, doing his broadcast
of the 24th from NBC's Hollywood
studios, and the following three from
tlie Casino.
He opens Friday (31) at the Earle,
Washington.
NOVAtHORD AS
m OF LABOR
28.
with
Hollywood, March
The Novachord is in bad
American Federation of Musicians.
Instrument that reproduces the tone
of a dozen instruments has been
banned with ordiestras, by order of
AFM prexy,' Joseph Weber.
Ultimatum went to KNX to dis-
continue use of Novachord with Ed-
die Dunstedter's seven-piece crew
on the Hormel program. Local mu-
sicians protested that it keeps men
out of work due to its multiple func-
tion with a band.
Novachord Soloists
Bridgeport, March 28.
WELI, New Haven indie, reaching
into Bridgeport for daily pick-up ef
Jay Johnsoii's novachord sittings at
Hotel Bamum.
WIOC, Bridgeport Shepard station,
has been carrying IjOU Weiss at
novachord from competish Hotel
Stratfleld, where WICC has studios.
Not
HisdasfSfi ^^anse M Passer
Is a Pnbfislier Partner
Counsel for the Music Publishers
Protective Association .and .the Pro-
fessional Music Men, Inc., have got-
ten together on the wording of an
agreement which, it is intended, will
regulate plug practices within the
industry. The drafted binder will be
submitted at the next meeting of the
MPPA's board of directors and th^n
sent out to the association's, mem-
bers with tlie board's stamp of ap-
proval.
Only major change from the ver-
sion suggested by the PMMI is that
involving contacteers who own a
piece of the firm they're working for
or are under contract Unlike oQier
employees these will not have to be
discharged after being found guilty
of briliery for the second time. The
PMMI meml>ers holding contracts or
partner status will be subject to sub-
stantial fines.
Attorneys in charge of the pledge
drafting are Sidney Wattenberg, for
the MPPA, and Samuel JTesse Buz-
zell, for the PMMI
Isliam Jones in Firm
Albany, March 28.
Goodsong Music Corp. has been
diartered at Albany to conduct a
business in music sheets, books, etc.,
in Manhattan, with Isham Jones as
one of the directors. Coital stock
is 100 shares, no par value.
Harry Herman, N. Y. C, filing at-
torney.
"Never Good Enough for Network
Until or CRA Is Manager,'
Sarcastic Clam of Rex Riccardi
Doubly Guilty?
. Columbia, S. C, March 28.
Fact that Frank (Fat Sam)
Boyd was founder* of Big Apple
left Federal Judge Frank K.
Myers xatlwr frigid and he sen-
tenced Boyd to nine' months for
'inolating internal revenue laws.
Attorney for Boyd informed
court that it was at Boyd's place
that college students saw Negroes
in mad terp gyrations that later
became the Apple, but jurist re-
marked:
'I don't see why I should let
him off. He ought to be on a
WPA art project if the Big
Apple is art'
SedisBr^
Okay on Yank
Ihmce Bands
London, March 28.
As a result of conferences ttetween
Irving ' MiUs, American band man-
ager, and Jack E^lton, Jack Harris,
Bert Ambrose and other leading
London maestros, the local Musicians
Union is approaching . the labOT
Ministry with a proposal that the
ban against specialized American
bands I>e lifted.
Mills' primary concern right now
is Duke Ellington's organization, now
en route to Oslo, Norway, on the
first lap of a European tour. The
colored maestro plans to play here,
France and on the Continent subse-
quently.
It is likely that a limited permit
will be granted Ellington for a brief
vaudeville season here.
Philadelphia. March 28.
Blast against Music Corp. of Amer-
ica and Consolidated Radio Artists
over their alleged monopolistic con-
trol of network time for dance re-
motes is being prepared this week
by the Musicians local here. Sched-
uled for delivery two weeks ago by
Rex Riccardi, tooter secretary, the
blow-off was smoothed by CBS's al.
lotment of a period last Saturday
night for a remote by Joe Fraset^^
to's orchestra from the Walton Root
Riccardi is dioubly wrathful- be-
cause he claims Frasetto was to have,
the hook-up every Saturday and
now CBS has cancelled it after one
time, since MCA thinks it has
salved his anger. Local rep of CBS
dedared the jteriod wasn't cancelled
at all, that it was never pencilled in
for more than one shot Be indi-
cated, however, tiiat Frasetto's crew,
or. any other local crew, isn't strong
enougb for the big-time c<Hnpany it
is forced to keep on the late-evening
remotes.
Riccardi had a ready answer for
that He declared local iMnds are
never good enough for the webs
until they come under the manage-
ment of MCA or CRA, then sud-
..deidy, as if by magic, they become
Identy strong" tot ■ the wires. He
daims that tiie two agencies, by
paying a lump sum yearly to the
webs, are given a monop<dy on time.
In addition to the blast Riccardi
and the officers of several other lo-
cals are preparing a resolution for
presentation at tbe national A. F.
of M. convention which will elimi.
niate the booken^ control and allow
more time for the buHd-up of local
crews}.
Duke Ellington and his band: sailed
from New York Thursday (23) to
open in Oslo, Norway, April 2, on a
varied booking.
New (Hdahoma Shp
Oklahoma City,. March 28.
Another bill directed at the Amer-
ican Society of Composers, Authors
and Publishers has been introduced
in the Oklahoma legislation. This
measure, similar to the one previ-
ously Introduced in the senate,;
carries the signatures of four mem-
bers of the house of representatives.
Under the terms of either biU all
copyright owners wishing to do
business in the state would have to
file their works with a state official
and two or more copyright owners
would be barred from jointly Issuing
performing licenses.
Von llzer Avers Nick Kenny 'Skipper
Is Words-Music lift on "Blanket Bay
Harry Von Tilzer, composer and
publisher of 'All Aboard for Blanket
Bay,' has asked his counsel, Goldie
& Gumm, to take action against Leo
Feist, Inc., and Nick and Charlie
Kenny in connection with the lat-
ter's current tune. Xittle Skipper.'
Von Tilzer charges that there are
at least 12 bars in 'Skipper' which
can be traced to the melody of
•Blanket Bay.' Von Tilzer also ob-
jects to the use of the phrase
"Blanket Bay' in the Kenny brothers'
lyric.
'Blanket Bay,' with the words by
Andrew B. Sterling, rated as a
smash hit in 1910 and In the course
of recent, years has received moder-
ate attention from films and radio.
Von Tilzer holds that 'Little Skip-
per' has not only borrowed the
melodic theme of "Blanket Bay' but
adopted the latter's idea.
BENNY GOODMAN
S£TFORmAND,N.y.
After three different engagements
at the New York Paramount, the
Benny Goodman orchestra goes to
the N. Y. Strand for its next Broad-
way showing. Band is set to go into
the Strand sonie tinte in late July
or August at Its own option.
Goodman's outfit is a member of
the N. Y. musicians local and doesn't
require a standby band which dough
could be handed him rather than to
the standby to up his price. Kay
Kyser recently completed a date
there at $10,000 plus $2,000 or so for
a standby. Guy Lombardo goes into
the Strand April 7 at a reported $10,-
000 for band and show. Sammy
Kaye also is being mentioned as go-
ing into the Strand.
hmii Beer Taverns
Using Cob Madiaies
Fnn Itaiee license
Tlilsa, Okla., Harch 2S.
Beer taverns which permit dandag
to automatic phonogra: hs without
charge will be ellminnted from pro-
visions of the tUj's nevr dance liconse
ordinance under pt«vIsions to be
proposed by D. K. Pratt, finance
commissioner. Tbe present ordi-
nance permits charging of $150 a
year for dance hall licenses at prac-
tically all the beer ta .'erns.
'I don't believe the present ordi-
nance was meant to inidude beer
taverns where free, dancing is per-
mitted,' Pratt explained.
Not
ROY TO APPEAL
Accepting Technical Defeat
Feist A«tion
Roy Music Co. proposes to appeal
from the ruling issued the week be-
fore last .by Justice Aaron Steuer,
of the N. Y. supreme court, in the
Infringement ndt brought l>y Roy
against Leo Feist, Inc., over the tune;
•My Margarita.' Roy Jiad .asked the
court to strike out two of Feiaf » de-
fenses on the ground ttat they were
legaUy defective but the beocb hekl
to the contrary. Feist counsel bad
argued that Roy had invalidated Its
copyright by printing ttw wrong
copyright date on the title page and
thereby had no cause for. action.
Roy's action, wUMi is based on
stete's unfair competition statute, was
directed at a song of the same name
which Feist brought out a year after
the Roy version.
Isidore Ganner, counsel for Roy,
contends that Justice Steuer's rul-
ing in no iray alMi thie VaUdi^ of,
the complaint but leaves the parties
in the posttkm where vpaa trial
they will have to' establish by com-
petent evidence the evidence set
forth in their respective pl&ullngs.
Gilbert East WHli
Coast Say on Pact
Bollywood, March 28.
L. Wolfe Gilbert, Coast head of
Songwriters Protective Ass'n., is en
route to New York With, suggestions
of local members for the new stand-
ard form of contract being drawn up
with publishers.
He stays east a month In the inter-
est of his publishing biz:
32
VARIETY
VAUDE— NIGHT CLUBS
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
Night Club Reviews
COTTON CLUB, N. Y.
'Cotton Club Parade' (.World's
Fair edition), conceived and directed
by Ted Koehler; lyrics and music
by Koehler and Rube Bloom; dances
by Clarence Robinson, assisted by
Al Richards; sets by Julian Harri-
son. Stars Bill Robinson ond Cab
Callotuav's orch, u>ith Glenn. & Jen-
kins (3), The .Beac/icombeTS (2),
Kothcrine Perry, Son & Sonny,
Myra Johnson, Tanya, EdTia May
Holly, Sister Thorpe, Will H. Vor
der;/s Choir (U), C. C. Boys &
Girls (22), Shouipirls (8), Soccares'
rhumba orch (7).
Bill Robinson opened Thursday
night (23) in Michael Todd's The
Hot Mikado' at $3J0 top, and the
followine midnight stood out like
a sore thumb in the new C. C. show.
Doubling from legit to a hitery
won't give the 60-year-old kid much
time to enjoy the chicken in every
pot, but the Robinson grin, never-
theless, is evidently toothier than
ever.
This new C. C. edition is far su-
perior to the preceding production
and looks like a cinch to uphold the
C. C.'s popularity. Cab (^lloway is
a holdover, as are Sister Tharpe,
Myra Johnson and Will Vodery's
Choir, but that oft-missing touch in
colored shows, comedy, is the spice
supplied by Robinson, pliis his su-
perlative hoofing, and Gletm and
Jenkins, big-time vaude. standards
for years. I^atter are nearly mur-
dered with their crossfire by prac-
tically opening the show, but they
later redeem themselves in a double'
entendre song routine with Miss
Johnson. Tune Is 'Easy Ridin* Papa,'
no doubt a shocker for the tour
ists to come. In their Initial ses-
sion, Glenn and Jenkins get danc-
ing assistance from their femme im-
personator stooge. He manages to
get them oS to some applause.
The production., is heavily laden
with s.a. One routine, by The
Beachcombers, borders on the sen-
sational. If the C. C. intends the
curry to be an added come-on for
the World's Fair tourists, it succeeds
handily. The mixed team deliver a
sadistic, sexy adagio, during which
the femme is almost completely
stripped, and it's bound to give the
visiting firemen something to talk
about around the kitchen stoves.
There's no mistaking the routine's
implications and the girl's physical
jitters. Mothers: Keep the kids at
home.
A little later, Tanya gives out with
the inevitable thigh-grinding, but
she goes it one better by mixing it
up with sensual contortion. Natural-
ly, the line of 16 girls also swings,
sways and blimps. Chorus, in-
cidentally, is very weU drewed this
time, as are the eight showgirls, and
tlie production, as a whole, is
marked by the absence of the freak
colors in costumes usually attendant
Harlem fare; , . ^
The entertainment standouts, by
a wide margin, are . Robinson and
Calloway. Latter hoofs and has a
smash sequel to 'Minnie the Mooch-
er' In "The Ghost of Smoky Joe,
with appropriate reproduction of a
hop-joint on the stage over the
bandsUnd. Up aheai Calloway's
strenuous dancing with the sextet
of male chorus Doys 'cues Into a
parody on 'GaUagher and Shean' be-
tween the hi-de-ho artist and Bo-
j angles. It's nice laugh stuft, with
both finally agreeing not to en-
croach on each other's specialties.
Robinson Is spotted frequently.
He's given a big buildup at the open-
ing via Callbway and the chorus
singing 'Meet the Mayor,' with
Robinson ostensibly coining oS a
glane. It's just an entrance and
lojangles makes a quick exit Later,
however, he adds plenty of weight
to the 'What Goes Up, Must C^ome
Down' song with Miss Johnson; is
.included in the holy roller session
of Sister Tharpe and the Vodery
Choir (11), and, near the dose, his
own solo hoofing Interlude. Latter,
THEATRE of the STARS
as always In any setUng, makes It
difficult for anything to follow. The
nerve-taps,' strutting and person-:
ality-personlfied whammed 'em
opening night. , , „ « ,
Sister Tharpe, standout of the first
show, is held down considerably in
this production. She's doing but two
swing-spirituals on the overhead
stage, with the choir as background,
and could be given more time. On
the other hand, Katherine Perry's
delivery of 'DonH Worry About Me,'
also given stage production, is one
of the show's weakest points. Miss
Johnson gets no solo song spots this
time, biit her work with Robinson
and Glenn and Jenkins is plenty
satisfactory.
Additional dancing in the show Is
provided, by Son and Sonny, but
their routines are of the . acrobatic
variety and make this correction
conflict with Bojangle's terplng.
They're easy winners in the middle
of the layout, despite the plethora of
hoofing ahead and back by the hiead-
liners, sextet with Edna May Holly,
who cooches briefly, and the Une of
girls'.
Songs by Ted Koehlet and Rubp
Bloom are all good, but only 'Dont
Worry About Me,' a torcher, sug-
gests possibilities. The Ghost of
Smoky Joe' is naturally- restricted
to singers of Calloway's type, while
•What Goes Up, Must Come Down'
and 'Easy RIdinVPapa' are limited
because of their lyrical content An-
other tune, 'If I Were Sure of You,'
was programmed opening night, but
evidently was cut out in dress re-
hearsal.
Production and costuming Investi-
ture appears heavy and tasty; Koeh-
ler's pacing of the show is good and
Clarence Robinson did well by the
msemble dancing. •
Calloway's orchestra splits the
dance sessions with Soccar«
rhumba crew, and both are- suffi-
ciently rhythmic for the customer-
prancing, Scho.
VOGUE ROOM, CLEVE.
(HOTEL HOLLENDEN)
Cleveland, March 25.
Bemice Celeste Ripley, Karen
Thorsen, Don Enrico & Roberto
Rippy, Muriol & Gloria Marman,
Frank Cook, Sammy Watkins* orch.
Attempting to capitalize on the
current week of Metropolitan ooera
at nearby civic auditorium, the Hol-
lenden's intimate Vogue Room
went off its beaten path by spotting
Bemice Celeste Ripley's operatic
warblers for a fortnight. But it's
very doubtful if the troupe would
last a week without the timely tleup,
for It's the corniest act ever pushed
into the hoteL
Quartet of opera yodelers remind
localites of those beefy combos that
used to raise the roof off the Hipp
when it played Walter Reade vaude.
'When they let loose with their extra-
robust voices, even the dishes rattle
and ifs impossible to talk across
tables without shouting.
Outfit hits every shop-worn light
opera classic in the book. Director
starts fireworks with Italian folk-
song, followed by ensemble knocking
edges off 'If I Were King' for their
most rousing selection. Don Enrico,
tenor, puts on clown's suit to yodel
'Pagliacd' too loudly. Roberto Rip-
py, baritone, and Karen -Thorsen,
contralto, also come In for some
liisty solos, ranging from 'Vagabond
King' to 'Rlgoletto.*^
The only light touch Is contributed
by Murlal and Gloria Marman, pair
of fairly graceful toe-twirlers, helped
by some fetching costumes. Frank
Cook offers another lively piece
by going jlttter-buggy .with har-
monica and guitar at same time,
which, adds a flash to -the heavy re-
cital. Sammy Watklns, whose crew's
perfect timing pushes up the tempo,
cops the biggest. laughs with a cork-
ing swing burlesque of 'Pagliacci.'
Pttllen.
Meet me at your
|k favorite bar-r-r. . . an' Til
show ye how good
a Scotch can be!
RAINBOW GRILL, N. Y.
Barry Wtnton Orch, Morlynn &
Michael, Wilma Cox.
The informal Rainbow Grill, with
its $2 table d'hote dinner, *1U ptbb-
ably have 'em banging Irom the
chandelier and battling at the tapes
when the World's Fair influx starts.
It's a natural for the tourist trade
when the big .invasion happens.
Right now It's doing better business
than the across-the-65th-floof Rain-
bow Room (formal).
A new band, Barry Winton's com-
bination, now holds forth, In plaf^ of
the twin McFarland Bros.,' and a nice
dance team It Is, too. Wlnton has
been around the class eafos,-and in- a
fashionable Jersev. shore .inn, so he.
know's how to mix 'em. With him-
self violin-conducting, his comtio
comprises Russ Smith, guitar-vocal-
ist; Erwin Kessler, piano; Carl Shaw,
drums; Sid Prussin, sax; Paul
Thompson, bass, who also sings in
French, German and Italian; James
Flora, piano-accordion, organrHarry
Horowitz, trumpet, violin, bells and
arranger. AU nave been with sun-
dry bands such as Phil Harris, Him-
ber, Jolly Cobum, Rolfe, Bernle, Ol-
sen, Henry King and Joe Relchman.
Marlynn and Michael are dupli-
cating the long run of Glover and
LaMae with their ballroomology, and
the subsequent champagne dance
hour, when they engage in a snatch
of intimate contact with the dancing
customers, and also award a bottle
of wine for the best ams. For their
regular chores, - however, this nice-
looking team does a standard assort-
ment of exhibitions.
Wilma Cox is another added
starter, a looker with a nice vocal
style. She'does pops.
BalDbow Boom
A second look into the formal
room discloses John Hoysradt hav-
ing wisely dropped his athletic rou-
tine, which didn't click here on its
preem, and resorting again to some
of his past numbers. Hoysradt Is a
clever mime, but like almost any-
thing else, only as good as his mate-
rial. Since this type of comedian
too often is his own author, the
mimicry talent exceeds that of the
creative artist
Palumbo is an added starter, shift-
ing over from the Ruban Bleu with
his tango songs to self -guitar accomp.
Gower and Jeanne, fresh young-
sters, repeat their previous good im-
pression. They're a coming im-
portant dance team- and already
they're making their mark. Having
a nice fresh personality, this youth-
ful pair— both this side of the vot-
ing age, presumably— do their terps
with distinction and eclat The rou-
tines aren't formula either; that
pirouetting minuet is different, also
the samba, and the rest
Ruby Newman's dansapation and
Eddie LeBaron's Latin tempos round
it out ' Abel.
BORN 1820. . .
still going strong
' JUBD LABBE,
■LACKLABBU
Ufain old.
It*s sensible to stick with
Johnnie Walker
BLBNQBD SCOTCH WHISKY
CANADA. DRY GINGER INC, NEW YORK, N. V.t SOLE DISTRIBUTOR
JACK LYNCH'S
(W.ALTON BQOF, FBILLT)
Philadelphia, March 29.
- Belle Baker, Luctenne and Ashour,
Charles Fredericks, Raul and Sva
Reyes, Joe Frasetto's orch.
There was a cut in quantitar In the
Jack Lynch show last week, but cer-
tainly not- In quality, with Belle
Baker detnonstrating she is still able
to hold an audience in the palm of
her mitt Another sock act precedes
her and two other fair turns make
up the rest of the support Biz be-
ing strong anyway, line of 16 gals
was let out temporarily. They were
supposed to be in New York learning
new routines and have since re-
turned, reopening with Harry Rich-
man, who replaces Miss Baker as
name draw at this spot
.Aside from all of her own ability
in winning a house. Miss Baker Is
extremely fortunate In the routining
of the show. She follows Lucienne
and Ashour, a nifty comic Apache
team, which leaves the audience
panting for more and yet, by the
very nature of the act, is unable to
provide an encore. So It is a well-
warmed house that greets the vet
chanteuse. She tecs off- with a nifty
arrangement of 'F. D. R. Jones,' fol-
lowing with a humorous noveltv
'Atlas Was Itless.' Then there's a
medley of old tunes which she In-
troduced, followed by 'Put It On.
Take It Off.' Unwillingness of the
patrons to let her scram brought
'Blue Skies,' 'After . You're Gone '
Irish Eyes,' 'My Kid' and a couple
blue novelties. As much as ever the
master saleswoman. Miss Baker
shows -knack In handling noisy nitery
audiences, and Is pleasantly informal.
Lucienne and Ashour do an
Apache that, is straight-faced
throughout 'but grabs terrific laughs
when the femme portion of the team
subtly switches mto- the aggressor
lambasting her smaller male part-^
ner. Straight dance duo of Raul and
Eva Reyes are more or less standard,
although considerably better than
average in ,9. couple of their routines.
They're' Cubans and rather attrac-
tive, and 'gal tosses In a flock of wig.
gling. They are smooth all the way,
nevertheless, and refreshing in their
style.
M.c. Is Charles Fredericks, good-
looking baritone highly reminiscent
of Nelson Eddy. Seems somewhat of
a stranger to the introducing busi-
ness and Is rather stiff and awkward,
which will probably wear off with
experience. His voice and choice of
tunes ere good. Gets off with 'Song
of the Open Road,' goes to 'Penny
Serenade, then a medley of the 'Ar-
tillery March' and 'Anchors Aweigh.'
Encores with 'Glory Road.'
Joe Frasetto's crew, augmented to
10 men after its recent term at the
Hotel Phlladelphian, has replaced
Jeno Donath's combo In the spot
It's now more danceable and plays
the show well. Herb.
LA CONGA. H'WOOD
Hollywood, March 24.
Eduardo ChAvez rhumba orch
(11), Spike Feafhersfone's orch (7).
For those who like to shake the
limb in the Latin manner. La Conga
is their port of call. Town has gone
a little daffy on this type of dansa-
pation, especially the young sprouts,
and the finger points to Monte
Proser as the instigator.
Proser, for 15 years press agent for
Broadway niterles up to his acquisi-
tion of this Vine Street spot a year
ago, his first operation, has used to
good advantage the experience he
stored up. His showmanly touch has
given life to a mushrooming nitery
sector and, if he can weather the
rough going all bistros are encount-
ering just now, he's got a bonanza.
Location across the way from NBC's
Radio City and on the fastest grow-
ing street In the village is an Im-
portant factor In its favor.
First off, Proser got after the film
biggies to make them rhumba-con-
sclous. Success was instant with ,
producers, directors and stars going
for the fad. Next he worked on the:
youngsters In pictures and clicked
again. They're the ones that have
made Tuesday and Sunday nights
the big dance events of the village.
Just to add a little glamour, he
pegged the gang Rhumba Clubbers
and Peanut .vendors. It's no trick
hereabouts to get the plain citizenry
excited about a spot that's regularly
pati^nized by the film mob. Tha
columnists made it a rendezvous,
which is no small Item. Another
Proser promotion.
Peculiarly enough, he tossed in a
few things gratis, which rate special
mention. Free rhumba lessons are
given In the afternoons for those
who drop In, - and table-sitters are
dished up spare ribs and fried
shrimp — on the house. Getting some-
thing for nothing in an L.A. nitery
is indeed an experience and worthy
of a Ripley drawing.
Music setup is perfect for the terp
hounds. Revolving stage alternates
straight dance muisic of Spilca
(Continued on page 34)
HARRY RICHMAN Sex:
lORD & STEWART,
19, Albemarle Street,
.LONDON, W. .1.
Arc Enfflond's Best Tailors.'
NORMAN
SYLVIA
HARRIS \ SHORE
Now Seventh Week
CHEZ PAREE
CHICAGO
Wednesday, Marcb 29, 1939^
VAUDE— HIGHT CLUBS
VARIETY
83
7 Jersey Theatres Use Wfldcat Units
On Straight % One to Three-Day Basis
Wildcatting vaude troupes .through
New Jersey on a straight percentage
basis has been buUt up to a fairly
orofllable business by Jack Linder,
once one of vaude's top indie book-
ers. Under already has seven Indie
theatres lined up for a steady diet of
the troupes of six to eight acts,
towns playing 'em on a one- two and
three-day basis.
Longest date is the Opera House,
Bayonne, three-dayer .opening on
Thursdays. Next is the Orpheum,
Jersey City, Fridays and Saturdays.
Other spots are one-day stands and
include the Pialace, Morrlstown;
Queen Ann, Bogota; Liberty, Free-
htfld; Traco, Toms River, and the
I,yric, Bound Brook.
The Morrlstown, Bogota, Toms
Hiver and Bound Brook houses have
been tied into a four-day route.
Troupes open in MorristoWU on Sun-
day and then lay off tiU Wednesday,
when they play Bogota, with Toms
River and Bound Brook following in
that order. Salaries are reportedly
slim and the acts only work one or
two shows a day, depending upon
the town.
In Bayonne, Freehold and Jersey
City, Linder usually tops the shows
with a semi-name for added draw.
He also provides the pit bands of
five or six musicians.
FEUX FERRY'S MONTE
CARLO SUED ON NAME
Felix Ferry's new nitery, the
Monte Carlo, on the site of the
former House of Morgan, New York,
is being sued by the Monte Carlo
Catering Co., Inc., a W. • 48th St
(N. Y.) spot, which charges trade
name infringement Ferry's bolte is
a class room, rivaling El Morocco,
with Gene, of the Colony restaurant,
associated; also Louis Shurr, the
agent, Gilbert W. Kahn of Kuhn-
Loeb, and others.
Ferry's corporation, Feram, Inc., is
named in the N. Y. siqpreme court
action. The 48th street Monte Carlo
avers it expended $100,000 advertis-
ing its..trade name.
Int'l Complication
Pittsburgh, March 28.
Note on the international sit-
uation: Italian Gardens, oper-
ated by John Lazaro and Etzl
Covato, has a new tag, the Trop-
ical Gardens.
Boys claimed name was hurt-
ing biz.
MAE WEST SEEN
SEnWGNEfK
HOUSE MM
Fox, Del, Quits Vande;
Deal Ob for RKO 1st Rons
Detroit, March 28.
Fox theatre, now under control of
20th Century-Fox, . Is scheduled to
drop vaude June 1 and go straight
pictures.
This follows negotiations with
United Detroit (Par) theatres cir-
coit here, which would give the Fox
first-run rights on RKO product
Astrologer Sues Theatre
For lOGin Booking Switch
Hollywood, March 28.
Prince Eriel Kerma, mentalist and
astrologer, has filed suit for $10,000
against the Million Dollar theatre
and Arthur Wallace.
Plaintiff charges the theatre ad-
vertised his appearance on the stage
between March 16 and 22 and hired
someone else in his name.
Folds for Summer
Philadelphia, March 28. .
Frankie Palumbo, for the second
summer in the history of his spot
which goes back to 1854, will shutter
here this year. He will again oper-
ate Palun.bo's Renault Tavern on the
Boardwalk, Atlantic City, taking all
his Philadelphia employees with him.
Plans to shutter here and unveil
the shore spot shortly after Easter.
2 NEW VAUSEBS
The Shubert theatre, Broolilyn,
now playing travelling legits, opens
• with i vaudfllm poUcy April 8.
Leadofl show will Ije an N.T.G.
unit
New L. A. Vaader
Los Angeles, March 28.
Al Schwartz - and Howard Fawcett
•re opening the WesUake Music Hall,
here, about April 12. Rrogram calls
■Or eight vaude acts and meller
»fterpiece nightly.
House, seating 800, is being re-
modeled.
Mae West is headed for a certain
boxoffice record this week at the
Paramount, Newark, w:ith the take
expected to come close to $25,000.
Previous record, which was close to
$22,000, was set recently by Artie
Shaw's orchestra.
Miss West's business in Newark,
her second week of a personal tour,
is in direct contrast to her gross last
week at the larger Fox, Brooklyn,
where the final tabulation was under
$22,000. She was in at the Fox with
her unit at a $10,000 guarantee, plus
50% of all over $25,000. House con-
sidered the final result as distinctly
disappointing. .
In Newark, Miss West's sltow is
playing to standees at every show.
She did six opening day (24), seven
on Saturday . (25), five on Sunday
(26) and six shows again Monday
(27) and yesterday (Tuesday).
The show lays oft- next week and
then opens at the Roxy, Atlanta,
from where it goes on'Interstate-time
for three weeks in Houston, San An-
tonio and Dallas. Interstate ar-
rangement is reported to be. a 50-50
split with the theatres from the first
dollar if the grosses better $25,000.
If under that, Miss West's unit gets
40% of the grosses.
Wiffie-West-McGmty
Set for Expa Aquacade;
Rose's New Casa Show
Willie, West and McGinty have
been signed by Billy Rose tor his
Aquacade at the New York World's
Fair, opening April 30. Unlike the
other acts in the show, which have
six-month tickets, the comedy trio
will pull out in late summer for
London, where they go into a Crazy
Show at the Palladium.
Herman Citron set the Fair deal.
Rose's 'The Big Show' will re-
open his Casa Manana, April 6. A
revue tracing the history of mass
entertainment in the U. S. over the
past 100 years. John Murray Ander-
son staging.
Cast" Includes Ozzie Nelson's or-
chestra, Yacopi Troupe, Don Bar-
clay, Debonairs, Yola Galli, Jameg
Barton, . Charles King and Jack
Cole's Balinese dancers. Robert Al-
ton -directing the dances, and Dana
Suesse composed the original score.
This marks the first girl show at
the Casa since last May. Spot is dark
until opening night
'Ice Follies* Registers
Smash $65,000, Mpls.
Minneapolis, March 28.
'Ice Follies of 1939' did the biggest
business of any ice show ever to play
here. Gross for 10 nights and two
matinees at $2.20 top in the 5,500-
seat Arena was approximately $65,-
000, several thousand dollars more
than the same troupe pulled here
last season and considerably more,
comparatively, than the Sonja Henie
show drew, for its shorter local en-
gagement several months ago.
Current' engagement undoubtedly
was aided by bally accompanying
the prisentetion of the film, 'Ice
Follies of 1939,' at the SUte theatre
here a week before the flesh-and-
blood show.
3 Sailors to Rio
The Three Sailors, currently at
Loew's State, New York, have been
set for a run at the Casino de Urea,
Rio de Janeiro.
They sail April 8.
BIG NUT HITS
FLATBUSH NET
New name band policy at the
Brandt Flatbush theatre, Brooklyn,
met with good grosses but ho promts
in its first week. House was forced
to charge oS all advance campaign
expenses and other overhead. Busi-
ness would have been considered
profitable had it been a normal
week, instead of a trydut of a. new
policy.
Policy seems to have caught on
this week, policy's second, and busi-
ness so fair is reported ahead of
last Benny Meroff's band and the
Andrew Sisters' are current Red
Norvo-Mildred Bailey preemed the
policy.
Alex Fmn of Boston
Mayfair, with Moss At
IntlGasiiio; Hale Show
Alex Finn, operator of the May-
fair Club, Boston, and Joe Moss, who
was originally financially- interested,
have taken over the International
C^no on Broadway for a reported
$50,000. Accordhig to plans, they-
intend to reopen the spot around
May 1 with a deorge Hale revue.
' International Casino was opened
by a syndicate, of which the major
financial portions were originally
held by Moss, Lou Brecker and
George Olsen. The elaborate caba-
ret soon got into financial difficul-
ties because of its heavy operating
nut When it went into receiver-
ship. Bob Christenberry, general
manager of the Astor hotel, directed
its operation.
Since its «loEing several months
ago, several propositions were ad-
vanced for the reopening of the In-
ternational.. One. of them was made
by Music Crop, of America, which
wanted to turn it into an elaborate
ballroom and showcase for its name
bands during the World's Fair sea-
son. Another idea advanced was
for George White to stage a 'Scan-
dals* in the spot.
Finn's lAsyiait Club operation in
Boston is reported one of the most
profitable niteries in the country. It
plays name shows, with changes
once-weekly.
N. Y. HOTEL UPS SHOW
FOR WORLD'S FAR BIZ
The Hotel St Regis Roof, New
York, as part of its World's Fair
preparation, will go in for more
showmanship via Paramount hook-
up with LeRoy Prinz's revue. Lat-.
ter features Mary CPunkins') Par-
ker and BiUy Daniels, Par dance
team, plus six choristers out of one
of Prinz's Par studio .lines.
Included in the Fair preparations
is the hotel's pliEin to keep open near-
ly all of its rooms throughout the
summer, including the Iridium
(formal grillroom), which hereto-
fore has closed for the summer.
Joe Rines' orchestra is again
booked for the summer atop the
Roof (formerly called the Vien-
nese Roof, the Viennese part being
dropped by Vincent A^r when
Hitler's 'anschluss*. occurred). The
Iridium Room's current ice show,
with Dorothy Lewis, Mary and Mar-
garet Simpson, and Sam Jarvis, will
hold over all summer. The room is
air-conditioned. Charles Baum's
and Don Marten's bands likewise
continue.
Oak Room continues, open. . The
Maisonette Russe alone .doses for
the summer the end of April. Cur-
rent show featuring MiU Monti,
lasha Nazarenko, Gedda Petry,
Charles Nari, Boris Belostotsky and
Vassilio Apdstolides round out the
season, >Vith Nicholas Mathey's- two
bands, dance and tzigane units.
Rockwell-O'Keefe Seeks Elimmation
Of llieatre Dates' SO-AGIe Trotection
Bromo and —
PhUadelphia, March 28.
Drugstore in the midtown film
zone has been bitten by the the-
atrical bug. It has signs in its
window offering a 'personal 'ap-
pearance' attraction.
In-the-flesh hypo is Le Roy,
billed as a 'noted psychic'
SHAW ASKS li%
WFORNY.
REP£AT
Artie Shaw, who played the
Strand, New York, a month or so ago
at $6,500 gross salary, is now asking
$10,000 net from the same spot for a
return engagement Same figure is
being asked from other theatres for
the Shaw: Orchestra.
At $10,000 net, if booked^ Shaw's
band will be getting nearly a 100%
increase in salary. Previously, the
band itself had to l>ear the extra
tap of standby musicians, required
of all non-Local 802 (N.Y.) orches-
tras, amounting to close to $2,000,
but on the 'net* arrangement the
Oieatre takes, care of the surcharge.
At that rate, cost of the ' Shaw band
to the If.Y. Strand, for instance,
would be close to $12,000.
Only other band to get that kind
of money at the Strand -was Kay
Kyser, who was there recently. Lat-
ter was in on a $10,000 net deal, with
the theatre paying for the standbys
besides.
Adele Rowhod Back
h Show Bnsniess As
N. Y. Caf€ Attract
Adele Rowland's House Party
(nitery) marks the comeback of the
former vaudeville headli.ier, in re-
tirement some 15 years, since she
married (the late) Conway Tearle,
silent screen star. It Is at Leo Ed-
wards* behest that Miss Rowland re-
turns to show biz, in- a new site Ed-
wards has taken over at the Elysee
hotel. New York. It's the former
Bourbon Room (as distinguished
from the Elysee's street-floor Mon-
key Bar) and it will be renovated
into a sort of cabaret-theatre for
Miss Rowland.
Edwards, brother of Gus, is a
pioneer cafe man, dating back to the
pre-war Louis Martin*s, when he
presented the Castles, Joan Sawyer
and Jack Jarrett Maurice Mouvet
and Florence Walton, et aL It was
the RKO 'CasUes' fihn that inspired
the idea of himself doing a cafe
comeback, especially in view of the
World's Fair. New spot opens April
12. Irving Fisher, Ziegfeld juvenile,
is another who will appear at the
House Party.
Riv«ra, Bldyn, Back
To Split-Week Vaiide
The Rivera, Brooklyn, booked and
operated by Al Rogers and Bill
Miller, has returned to vaudfllm on
la split-week, rather than- half-week
basis. House opened with seven-
day stage shows, but then switched
to shows for the first-half only when
biz failed to hold up.
Now it's playing name bands the
first three days at 40c top, and eight
moderately priced acts the last-half
at 25c top.
Indie theatre's failure to get good
film product forced the switch back
to the last-half vaudfllm policy.
(xcneral Amus. Corp. (Rockwell-
b'Keefe) will attempt to eliminate
the '50-mile protection clause* in
theatre contracts for its name bands.
Issue arises from the squawk of the
Brandts* Flatbush, Brooklyn, over
the refusal of the N. Y. Paramount
to allow Larry Clinton's orchestra Jia_
play that spot because of a prior
contract calling for a date next Sep-
tember. '
According to Tommy Rockwell the
bands on his office's list will in the
future not be signed to contracts
limiting their prior, or future, book-
ings within a certain territory. This
would be in contrast to accepted
practice in vaudeville for years, as
theatres have always retained the
right to stop acts and bands from
playing opposition theatres within a
certain period.
Rockwell's step has the concur-
rence of Bernard A. Miller, personal
manager of the Clinton orchestra.
Par, WB Ignore B-O'K
Reaction Of Paramount and War-
ner Bros, booking: offices yesterday
(Tuesday) to Rockwell's stand was
merely 'well deal with that 'when it
comes to us.' Bookers Harry Kal-
cheim (Par) and Harry Mayer (WB)
pointed out that theatres must be
protected on bookings, or else the
situation would become chaotic.
Par and WB are chiefly concerned
in the band-booking situation, for. the
Paramount and Strand, on Broad-
way, respectively. If the *protectlon
clause' is eliminated from their con- '
tracts, the companies feel that a mad
scramble would ensue between these
two. spots oh booldngs.
Brandt's Complaint
Warner Bros, has waived the 50-
mile protection clause on its Jimmy
Dorsey booking, thus allowing the
Flatbush, Brooklyn, to play Dorsey
April 7 for the Brandt Bros, imme-
diately following bis two weeks at
the WB Strand, N. Y. Dorsey closes
at the Strand at higher admisslonfl
the night before.
Last week, the Brandts complained
because Paramount, which had
signed Larry Clinton for a date at
the N. Y. Par July 6, would
not waive its SO-mile protection
clause on Clinton 'and permit the
.band to play the Flatbush In May.
The clause against which Brandt
singled out Par for complaint is oner
which has been in use right along
by Par, WB, RKO and others in the
contracting of bands and other en-
tertainment Clause stipulate^ that
an act caimot play another engage-
ment within a 60-mile radius prior
to fulfillment of the date or wittdn
30 days «fter its completton'.
While WB has waived the restric-
tive clause on Dorsey ritgardless of
the fact that Broadway theatres
draw from Brooklyn, the Paramount
stand is that "WB can. do what It
pleases.' Brandts are good custom-
ers of WB on films.
Far in the past has waived its SO-
mile protection clause in favor of
the'Baramount Newark, another Par
house. Although Dorsey only opened
at the Strand FHday (24) the Flat-
bush starting advertising its Dorsey-
date the same day.
HEADS VOTE TO DROP
K.C JUBHISTA THIS YR.
Kansas City, March 28.
Jubilesta directors h^re last week
voted to' abandon the 1039 show, an
annual affair. Three previous cele--
bratlons were held in the fall, but
an earlier meeting of the board this
month agreed upon changing the
date of showing this year to late
June. This was done to prevent
conflict with the American Royal
stock show and other fall events.
Lack of time in which to sign big
names and arrange for a five-day
sessioil of two-a-day vaude was given
as the principal reason for abandonr
Ing this year's showing.
M0B6AN CHI E. 0.
Chicago, March 28.
New show in the Chez Parce gets i
away on Friday (31) and will head-',
line .Cross and Dunn, Raye and Naldi, '
Adelaide Moffett and the Weire Bros, i
Russ Morgan orchestra holds over. I
McDonald becoyebed
Ray McDoneild, of the former team
of Ray and Cxrace McDonald, has re--
covered from a broken leg and has
begun rehearsals for a return to the
staje. - His sister Is currently in 'One
for the Money,' at the Booth, N. Y^
and expects to do straight dramatic
part^ at strawhats this summer.
Team is permanently split as a
dance combo.
34
VARIETY
YAUDE— NIGHT CLUBS
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
Night Club Reviews
LA CONGA, H'WOOi)
(Continued from page 32)
Feathetstone with the drum-beating
and gourd-scraping of Eduardo Cha-
vez's Mexican troupe. It's easily the
hottest tip-i-tlnning in town. There s
never tf lull, each crew on for about
15 minutes. Off the tabled arena
Is a circular bar, with an induce-
ment for droppers-ln. Couple may
dance aU night on one round with-
out paylne the $2 minimum. Tariff
lumps to $250 on chumps' night om,
Saturday. Libations rate 50c a quaff.
Proser hae started something in
this rhumba craze that is acUng as
a boomerang. So successful has it
been that others are going for a sten-
cil, and that means splitting up the
trade. Some of the spots are even
going for the free lesson gag. Ad-
icts say the rhumba thing Is here
to stay for a while for the very good
reason that it gives the dames a
chance to show off, and that s reason
enough. Helm.
Minnesota Terrace, Mpls.
MinneapoUs. March 25.
Emerv Deutsch's orch (13), Mil
dred Craio, Houes & Ginger Her-
bert ■
More- than meeting the require
ments of this class spot, with its
$1 per person minimum and Its ap-
peal to the more critical light fan-
tastic trippers. Emery Deutsch and
his orchestra dish out sweet and hot
dance music of a type th&t satisfies
both the live addicts as well as the
conservative, so Deutsch has bowed
to modem nitery demands and has
abandoned the string stuff that
helped to establish him, and he bios
soms forth with a first-rate modem
jazz band. Instead of a Gypsy or-
chestra. The aggregation, conform-
ing to present styles. Is almost
wholly brass, excepting a bass viol
and the maestro's own violin.
Current 'floor show, like most of
Its predecessors, is of modest propor-
tions. Dance music Is almost always
the principal lure here and this show
Is no exception. Deutsch's fiddling
Imparts a distinctive quality that en
hances the dance music's values. The
outfit wisely confines itself to the
standard pop numbers. Arrange-
ments, for the most parti are conven^
tlonal, but th^ rendition is above par
and evidently to the dancer-cus-
tomer^ liking.
Several of the band boys warble,
but the featured singer is Mildred
Craig, a looker who - sells her stuff
nicely. Hayes and Ginger Herbert,
brother and sister dance team, of-
fer a ballroom tap routine first and
return for some Jitterbug cavorting,
Their routines are ordinary, but
youth, personality and polished ex
«cution put them over easily:
Near the tag end of the night
Deutsch, for the first time, solos on
the violin and gives 'em some of
his Gypsy compositions, including
■When a Gypsy Makes His Violin
Cry.' His artistry is sufficient to
command rapt attention from the
bulk of the crowd during the in-
between-dances interlude. Rees.
CLUB CONTINENTAL
(HOTEL JEFFEBSON, ST. L.)
SU Loul9, March 22.
Mare Batlero, Mardoni, Bobbye
Joyce, Jimmy Engler, Dixie Dale,
Muny Operettes, Jacic Crawford's
prch (12).
Several large conventions at the
hotel in which this class spot is quar'
tered caused th? management to- un-
leash its entertainment bankroll and
provide one of the best floor shows
of the current season, and the visit-
ing firemen are responding by mak-
ing the cash register tinkle merrily.
Several rough spots in the 4S-min-
ute show can easily be ironed out to
make it well nigh perfect The ro-
tund Crawford, who batons his
smooth band and m.c.'s the show
with just the proper volume of pat-
ter, starts proceeiaings by clowning
with the line (Operettes) in their
first' dance routine and then makes a
stab at singing 'I Can't Give You
Anything but Love.' Mardoni, a
sleight-of-hand artist who. also has a
femme mind reader, has some neat
tricks but the macbme gun delivery
of his chatter is a distinct draw
back. It's far too fast
Bobbye Joyce, a looker, clicks
with a sock acrobatic and contor
ionistle dance routine. Marc Bal
lero, mimic of w.t's, is either han-
dicapped by an over-sensitive mike,
or wants to be certain that everyone
in the club, and perhaps, on the
street hears his stuff. It would go.
better in the convention hall of the
Municipal Auditorium. His material
is o.k., but he should muffle his vo-
cal chords.
Dixie Dale, blues warbler, and
Jimmy Engle, fiddler, who doubles
at barltonine, contribute vocals. The
Operett^ in a production number,
close llie show. The managemeni;
uses the bait of awarding two Dottles
of champagne to. the nolder of a
lucky ticket as a means of holding
the customers until the second show
at midnight Salw.
Saranac Lake
By Happy Benway
MELBA
The Painted Goddess
ROXY, NEW YORK
NOW
Personal Management:
EDDIE SMITH
22 W. 48th 8L, Now York City
Cecilia Haffermann left hospital
after minor operation, her third cut
Ben Schaffer took first trip down'
town in six months.
Dolph Singer doing a double talk'
Ing skit over WMBZ with Bill Nel
son. It's socko.
Mayor Tom .Ward to New York,
Will book flesh for the coming state
Elks' convention.
Russ Kelly, Chris . Hagedorn, Man
nie Lowy and Charles Barrett all
overcame the flu. -
Local Amateur League putting .on
plays with pros in leading parts.
Danny Murphy, who left here
three years ago, holding up well
while Broadwaying it
(Write to those who are IIL)
Legit at $1
(Continued from page 1)
NEW ACTS
Nitery Notes
Lee Mann and Sunny Californians
opened Trianon at Ocean Park, Cal.
Andy lona and Tropical HaWaiians
moved into Hollywood Tropics.
Fonr Squires go into Town House,
Los Angeles, April 5.
Hal Borne orchestra opens April S
at Florentine Gardens, Hollywood.
the dollar top idea being retained for
those repeat engagements.
Return of the "Women' on Broad-
way is likely to spur the movement
to lower the price of boxofftce scales,
it being believed that the 'two dollar
theatre' would be a magnet and place
legit in more popular favor. Average
proiductton cannot be geared to that
scale in the present crop of theatres.
Houses of bigger capacity in the
Sixth avenue zone, or further east
Which is to be rebuilt now that the
elevated Is being razed and the sub-
way being completed, are envisioned.
Under the order that is expected to
eventuate, straight plays will be $2.20
and no musical will be more than
$3.30. It's pointed out that the carry-
ing costs of the average legit house
are too high, even those theatres
which have passed to the banks in
foreclosures. Large apartment and
office buildings could be built with
theatres as adjuncts, and the cost of
operating such spots would be great-
ly reduced from the present levels.
With such operation, as comparative-
ly little expenditure made possible
by modem construction, the way to
reduced ticket prices would be
opened.
Hay Solve High Premiums
The two dollar theatre' also may
be the solution to iexcess prices al-
leged to be exacted by ticket agen-
cies. Latter say they would like to
see lower boxoffice prices, and claim
they would be satisfied with smaller
premiums. The ticket code Is work-
ing fairly well, and days of big ticket
prices' appear to have passed. It's
generally conceded that very few
tickets are sold at excess rates.
Managers agreed that the estimates
were correct at the receht hearing
anent the code, that not more than
10% of the tickets handled by agen-^
cles are sold for more than the 75c
premium and the sales at excess are
as low as Vk%.
Gordon's success with the low ad-
mission scale for. the 'Women' has
opened up a new avenue, according
to his idea. He believes that shows
can be sent to the road at the usual
ticket rates and then the same terri-
tory could be re-played the following
seasons at $1 top. That however,
depends on whether the picture ver
sions of such successes will not de-
stroy the stage presentations. Mau'
ager, however, figures It possible
that. Instead of one year on the road,
a hit could be played for three years,
even under present conditions. As
for Broadway, 'Women* is the first
'revival' dated for presentation in
New York during the World's Fair
period.
In any event, a commercial legit
attraction will for the first time be
offered on Broadway, charging the
same price top as used by the WPA
relief shows. None of the latter have
ever shown -an actual profit for a va-
riety of reasons.
Currently there are two colored
casts aopearlng Irt what are referred
to as "hot and cold Mikado.' One
(WPA) Is at $1.10 and the other has
a $3.30 top. If the latter clicks, the
arguments in show circles about low-
ered prices are liable to be scram
bled.
PAUL
HAAKON
CONCERT
MUSICAL COMEDY
VAUDEVniE
NIGHT CLUBS
AND NOW
TELEVISION
Rrst Television Ballet Performance
IN APBIL
FROM NBC STUDIOS, NEW YORK
DOROTHY LAMOVB
Songs
10 Mins.
Paramonnt,. N. T.
Four years ago Dorothy Lamour
did a sustaining series on NBC and
the brief alliance turned : out to be
Just one of those things. Couple of
years later in Hollywood she met up
with a sarong and the combination
clicked to the degree that she got a
network commercial. An added
kudos to the success of this combi-
nation is her star billing in Para-
mount pictures and at the Para-
mount on Broadway. In the course
of Miss Lamour's two years on the
Coast there has been little if any
change in the singing style she first
fiashed in the east Her throaty
style, nevertheless, goes well with
the sarong. Back on Broadway, on
a personal, she's solid b.o,
- For her Paramount debut Miss
Lamour Is garbed most of the time
in a sarong and gold neckpiece. Her
underpinnings are covered by a skirt
matching'the sarong when she first
delivers a couple of torchy numbers
of current release. A quick trip to
the wings and she returns for a
medley of numbers from her pic-
tures. That's the extent of her rou-
tine. Everything is sold with a maxi-
mum of sound and . Insinuating s.a.
The latter even applies to her bow-
taking. In returning for this cere-
mony she wears a flimsy armless
cape which she keeps clutching as
It slides off one shoulder and then
the other.
Miss Lamour and her performance
shape up from all angles as strong
boxoffice. Odec.
THE TOPHATTEBS (3)
Danelnt
6 Mlns.
Rivers, Brooklyn
This trio has the goods as tapsters,
but fails to delivier a full package.
Fast-stepping male and two smallish
femmes, one brunet and the other a
blonde, have been about judging
from ease with which they work,
but they're not in the New Act files.
Their routine permits no change of
garb, working In front of the band,
which is a handicap here.
After usual dancing entrance num-
ber, three come back with ordinary-
sized top hats and perform on them.
Last effort permits each one some
individual tap tries. Develops into
an endurance contest hut like the
top-hat routine, Ifs not sold for full
value. Different costuming for girls
would help. Exercise of more show-
manship would put combo over
better, Wear.
KNIGHT SISTERS (2)
Aorobatlcs
4 Mins.
Lyric, Indianapolis
Announced as heading for New
York and George White's show, girls
have something new in aero work.
Dres^ in nifty blue velvet costumes
with short skirts and do muscle
tricks usually performed by men.
One sister does the underwork, han-
dling other girl in hand-to-hand
manner, swinging her around the
toiso, holding her aloft with one
hand, and accomplishing split while
balancing partner.
Appeal of act lies In sweet appear-
ance of girls who are nicely built
with no bulging muscles, yet do
obviously difficult sinew work.
Kiley.
JOAN DAVIS with SI IVTLLS
Comedy
12 Mins. ■
Fox. PhUly
' Joan Davis and he. hubby. Si
Wills, are hardly a new act, having
been known in vaude a good many
years ago as Davis and Wills. How-
ever, this is their initial p.a. tour
since the femme achieved featui-e
standing in Hollywood and their
first under the new billing, and with
the act in its present form. Formerly
the act was Wills' piow Miss Davis is
the sparkling.
It's a socko turn, one ol the most '
entertaining seen in months from a
film name. In this case,' it's nOt
merely a matter of 'I'm. from Holly-
wood. Look at me in the flesh.'
Reminiscent of the halcyon vaude
days, the act Is packed with ma-
terial, is funny on its own, and nicely
timed and routined.
Wills comes on first after a build-
up as a local boy, which in this case
happens to be true. He brings Miss
Davis on and they go through some
Dumb Dora patter. She then sings
tunes from her pix. With her exit
Wills goes Into a straight gag rou-
tine, using a balloon as a crystal
ball. Some of bis stuff Is pretty
blue, though not offensive, and of
varying degrees of value. Miss Davis
comes back to do a stint of her nytty
terping, slides and. fall . . After
numerous encores she.introes Wills
as her husband in a nice speech,
gets in a couple more gags and- is
off for a neat finale. Herb.
THE ALBINS (2)
Danoing
S Mins.
Rivera, Brooklyn
New vaude entry, originally from
night clubs. Diminutive, brunet and
muscular tall temster-Iook and work
like veterans. Patterned after the
style of The Hartmans but mor*
aero. Idea of teaming the athletic,
stern-visaged ballroomer with the
comely little eirl is a natural for the
adagio and Knockabout roughous*
that follows.
Act starts off like a legit dance
turn but goes grotesque early. Their
subsequent semi-straight ballroom
dancing needs further development
on the panto angle. He does an arm-
3xtended twirl, with the girl back
of himt that is a pip. Act has th*
stuff to go places, both cafes or stage.
Wear.
Nan Blakstone has taken over
headline spot at Chez Paree, Omaha.
Best Coffee in England
QUALITY INN
Leicester Square
LONDON, WEST-END
MORTON PHASER
DrcMMd by
SIDNEY FISHER
76/77 Shaftesbury Avenue
PICCADILLY. LONDON. ENG.
Frohman Apt,
(Continued from page 1)
tldpated in by w.k.'s of the theatre
world, but in recent years Frohman
virtually discontinued all such ac-
tivities. One of the unusual features
of the abode was a square panel
which, when removed, provided a
view of the Lyceum stage.- There,
too, was a rehearsal hall on the floor
below the Frohman home.
Bank proposes to sell the theatre,
but it may be rented, the property
being, turned Over to a realtor
(O'Gara). Mortgage Is tor $230,000
and there Is a debt item of $6,000.
but the assessed valuation is set
down as $545,000. It was owned by
the present Frohman, the estate of
Charles Frohman (which was taken
over by Paramount some years ago),
William Harris, and the Harris fam-
ily heirs.
For the past three years or so the
hous^ was under a leasehold, which
was recently cancelled. Although it
was lighted much of the time dur-
ing the rental, loss on operation was
estimated at more than $20,000. Un-
derstood that Frohman was not re-
quired to pay rent and that the
apartment 'went with the lease.'
MANY THANKS TO MY FRIENDS
WHO DEPUTIZED FOR ME WHILE
APPEARING AT LOEW'S STATE, NEW
. YQRK^LAST WEEK^
AND I GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE
THE CONSIDERATION EXTENDED BY
THE LOEW EXECUTIVES.
GEORGE HALL
HOPE
EDDIE
MINOR and ROOT
Held Over— Hollywood Beach Hotel, Fla.
Until April 6
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
▼AUDE-MIGHT CLUBS
VAJUETY
35
Kyser Tops Own
Record Gettiiig
19G in Detroit
Detroit. March 28.
^ith a take of about $18,929, Kay
tyset last week, at the Fox, here.
(cUpsed bis previous record of |17,-
100 for bands, set at RKO's Palace.
Cleveland, week before. Kyser,
joupled with Tallspin* (20th). drew
Just over $50,000 gross business
g^ugh Fox turnstiles for house's
(est biz in four years. After re-
funds, net gross was $48,100.
He likewise, received a cup for es-
(ablishing a new all-time attendance
record for house, his 124,831 payees
during the week topping previous
mark of 102,000 hung up at Fox by
Amos and Andy in 1033. Also set
m all-time record take of $13,600
for Sunday, when, like - five other
days in. the week, Kyser. was on for
Bve shows daily. He was in the
Fox on a guarantee plus percentage
Theatre's record gross in coin was
Kt by a straight picture several
years ago. '
BARTON'S RECALL
Cemedlah to Feature Act He Used
In Barley for Casa Maoana Show
One of the features of the new
riiow at Billy Rose's Casa Manana.
New York, will be one of James
Barton's burlesque skits with Don
.Barclay, once his hurley partner.
They'll do the old prize-fight rou-
tine and Rose has engaged Jack
Johnson, former world's heavy-
weight champ, to take part
Charles King, also in the show,
vlU play straightman during the
routine.
UNIT REVIEW
VARIETY VODVIL
(CAPITOL, ATLANTA)
Atlanta, March 22.
Freddi« Stritt, Jeannette, Lord
Lyon, Frank & Kay, Valla Kay,
Bogash It Bordine, Enrico Leide's
?iou9e band (7) and Earl Morse's
unit band (4); •Pacifle Liner'
(RKO).
There's a nice aggregation of tal-
ent concentrated in this unit, which
is clocked In 49 minutes. Brief med-
ley by combined orths on band car
brings on Freddie Stritt, m.c, who
sings, 'Waiting for the Robert E. Lee'
and then introes Jeaimette, billed out
front as Inez Witt, pint-sized, peppy
fenune, who warbles 'Alexander' and
taps to same tune for good results.
Stritt and Jeannette engage in a
bit of gab in one while props for
Lord Lyon's so-so hand-balancing act
are being set Iiad works atop couple
of chairs placed on table. Although
he has no new triclcs, he gets by.
Frank and Kay Hart are in next
spot, starting with rhythm tap to
'Poor Butterfly'' and well done. Man
then does a combo eccentric and
slow motion dance, followed by
partner's trumpet impressions of
Clyde McCov doing 'Sugar Blues,'
Henry Busse s 'Hot Lips' and Louis
Armstrong's vigorous 'Dinah.' They
close with man hoofing and femme
tootiive her horn. Act is sound.
Stritt warming up for his act does
some magic, making house maestro
his foil, and is joined by VaUa Kay
in song, 'I Raised My Hat' Girl
ttien does a snappy aero terp rou-
tine to 'Sweet Little Devil' and
Stritt clowns through vocals of 'My
Baby Just Cares for Me.' Partner,
a looker, rejoins him for fast aero
dance, which leaves the beefy Stritt
winded.
Jeannette, with fewer clothes on,
returns for rope skipping dance and
makes way for Al Bogash and Char-
lie Bordine in their imockabout
hand-balancing closer. Boys simu-
late couple of drunks tliroughout
their stint and get laughs along with
applause.
The unit has a tendency toward
dragginess and five minutes could be
chopped from Stritt's 'tween-act
palaver.
Biz at this catching, last of four
shows Wednesday (22), was sparse.
Luce.
Mayor Curley of Boston was on
the censor warpath. Vaude ma-
terial too blue.
Japanese theatrical men were
jnigrating to America to study mod-
ern American methods.
•15 YEARS AGO»
(From Vabieit;
Keith circuit Issued orders that its
acts could not broadcast
The Equity strike threat looked
about dissipated with managers and
union seen arriving at a pact
Douglas Fairbanks clicked in the
Thief of Bagdad' film. Norma Tal-
madge was in 'Secrets,' William S.
Hart starred in .'Singer Jim McKee,'
Jacqueline Logan; David TOrrence
and Raymond Griffith starred in
'Dawn of Tomorrow.'
Walter C. Kelly clicked with his
'Virginia Judge' at the Palace, N, Y.
Will Morrissey got over, too, at the
State, N. Y.
Barney Bernard, who created the
Potash role in 'Potash and Perl-
miitter,' died at 46.
Louis Mann and Max Marcin had
a fistic row in Chi. Marcin objected
to Mann adiibbing in his play, 'Give
and Take,' in which Mann costarred
with George Sidney.
Burlesque producers were bidding
tor Abe (Goldstein, the bantam
champ.
Hoagy Carmichael's First
Vaude ?A. in Indpls.
Hoagy Carmichael, the songwriter,
will make his first theatre personal,
March 31, at the Lyric, Indianapolis.
Salary will be $1,500 for the weeli.
Music. Corp. of America, via Miles
Ingalls, set the deal, with the com-
poser now being peddled to radio
also.
Micb. s New Gov* Frames Attack
On Cafe Gambling, Rmn Violations
Detroit March 28.
Michigan's new governor, Lui°en
Dicldnson, long-time gambling and
liquor foe, is framing several radical
changes in the state rum board poli-
cies. Gov, Dickinson, state anti-
saloon prez, who ascended to the
chair on recent death of Crov. Frank
Fitzgerald, also has speeded the war
on gambling and has curbed it con-
siderably.
Among the legislative proposals to
be submitted by Gov. Diclunson's
anti-saloon cohorts are prohibition
measures against roadhouses outside
city limits, through nix against im-
bibing on premises; drastic slash in
number of niteries, more rigid po-
licing of clubs and local control of
closing hours. It's considered doubt-
ful that closing hours will be cur-
tailed in metropolitan centers be-
cause of its encouragement of 'blind
pigs.'
However, it's considered likely by
many that Gov. Dickinson, an ardent
churchgoer, will insist on some al-
terations in the Saturday night and
Sunday curfews. So far he plans to
forbid sale of even wine or beer on
Sundays and also intends to clamp
on midnight curfew for . Saturday.
Niteries in Wayne County (Detroit)
currently are allowed to stay open
until 2 a.m. Sundays.
New executive has also announced,
his intentions of repealing the pres-
ent pari-mutuel betting setup at the
Fair Grounds race track here.
In line with a number of recent
closings, niext to join the parade will
be the Hotel Statler's Terrace Room,
which closes for the summer April
29, several weelcs earlier than usual.
Xavier Cugat's band has been play-
ing spot for a couple months.
Philly Operators Fearful
Philadelphia, March 28.
Charges that they are being har-
assed by the State Liquor Control
Board about 6urfew hours, in reprisal
for their political leanings in the last
election, are being made here by
nitery operators.
There is a general fear by nitery
owners and other liquor Interests
alike of the new Republican gover-
nor, Arthur H. James. He is known
t-> 1 close to anti-saloon and church
groups and has already taken some
steps which the alky purveyors f^l
may be handwriting on the Wall.
Liquor displays have been ordered
removed from State stores, cut In
licenses is planned, scheme is afoot
to slids number of braiids carried in
state stores, a public statement has
been issued deploring widespread ad- -
vertising of liquor and there are tax
proposals tliat would drive liquor in-
terests out of the state.
Four Cafes Lose UceasM
Sacramento, March 28.
Three night clubs in and near
Sacramento had their liquor licenses
revoked this week.
The Eureka, Jitterbug, 1109 Fourth
street and Pago Pago lost their
licenses for selling liquor after the
2 a.m. curfew.
THE RIGHT SPONSOR
Nitery Jab Gives Radio Singer An
Idea of Doe's Life
Philadelphia, March 28.
Larry Vincent WCAU tenor, ia
doubling at Benny the Bum's as m.c.
He winds up at the nitery at about
4:30 a.m. and does a morning cheer
show on the kilowatter at 9. WCAU
show Is . sponsored by Marco Dog
Food.
Vincent now clalnu he knows .
what a dog's Ufe really is.
Ross Into N. Y. Par
Lanny Ross goes into the Pars'-
mount New Yprk, April 28 or May
10 for his first stage booking sine*
his appearance a few months ago at
BUly Rose's Casa Manana.
Date is for two weeks.
DANCE DIRECTION
CONSOLIDATED RADIO ARTISTS. Ine.
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA, NEW YORK CITY
PERSONAL MANAGEMENT:
8ALE, Inc.
48 W.-48th 8t, NEW YORK CITY
86
VARIETY
VARIETY HOUSE REVIEWS
Wednesdaj, March 29, 1939
STATE, N. Y.
Happu Felton'* orch. Grade Bar-
rie, Hudson Wonders, Three Sailors,
Terry Howard 4 Jack Talley, May
Ertclcson. Lorraine Barre, .Louise
Dunne; 'Mode for Each Other' (VA).
This State show Is somewhat
longer than usual, mostly because ot
Boston's contribution' to stage bands,
the Happy Felton combo. RtmiUng
time is an hour and IS minutes, with
the bandsmen consuming a goodly
percentage of the Interlude. Friday
night attendance for th^ last bill
was okay.
What the show has ot pimch comes
at the start and closing, latter occu-
pied by Felton's lively bUnch, Num-
ber one are the Hudson Wonders, and
well named.: Girl duo have plenty
on the ball as athletic dancers. They
can step onto any night club floor
end more than make good. /Some of
their acrobatic stunts look original
and all of it Is skilUuL Good-look-
ing kids to boot.
Felton Is somewhat portly, but
he's energetic and totes around aii
assortment of talent that makes di-.
version. Felton says that- a change
of pace from blate is a' good idea,
ana he follows along- such- lines.
Opening combines impressions of
otner bandsmen, such as Guy Iiom-
bardo, Kay Kyser, Wayne King,
Benny Goodman and Paul White-
man.
Of two girl warblers with the out-
fit, liOrralne Barre has ' the m'ore
popular type of numbers, starting
wiui 'BlUy Boy.' Louise Dunne Is
the sedate type, following out Fel-
ton's plan by singing . Victor Her
bert's operetta favorite, 'Sweethearts.'
But the weight of the act is carried
by the musicians, coming to the
apron as a trio. Quartet or quintet,
as with 'I^gtlme .Cowboy. Joe?.
' Perhaps the best of the comic num-
bers, however., is "Last of the Hand-
some Cabbies,' with the leader lead-
ing, while his mates' prop mustaches
keep falling oS. Bill Galbraith, de-
scribed as an Irish lad with an Irish
voice, scores with . a medley-like
number. Ken Nealy leads a crew
with his accordion.
This Thing Called Swing,' tracing
the history of modem jazz, accords
Ing to instruments and the number
late in the turn, brings on. chubby.
Jitterbug May Erkkson. Felton sale
she had been hanging around when
the b6nd played CoUege Inn, Chi-
cago. She duets With the leader
with Two Hefty People,' a parody
•n Hoagy Carmlchael's ditty.
Grade Barrle . carries the balance
of the show's song content, spotted
In the middle of the bill. She is a
mistress of pop tunes, especially be-
fore the mike. Starting with This
Can't Be Love,' there follows 'By
Mistake* and 'Penny Serenade,' her
Idea of a 'modem Riomeo serenading
his lady fair.' ' She climaxes with I've
Got to Get Hot.' which she orlgl
nated in 'Scandals' some seasons
baciL
Thriee Sailors are spotted fotirth
to get lau<!hs and they deliver. The
thin member's gob pants are worn
through at the knees and may be
used for luck, but, even so, should
be replaced. On ' second is blond
Terry Howard, assisted by Jack Tal-
ley. Her antics did not seein to get
much response, still at the close thi
house gave out warm returns^' Girl
Is peppy. Maybe a i>it too much so,
for some of the. material was toned
down after the first show. Ibee,
garbed In sky-blue tails. They're
only fair, but looked bad opening
night when the male missed his en-
core cue, resulting in the girl'co'm-
ing on without a partner. She had
to retire very ungracefully.
Production Is generally ' oS and
lighting is Inclined to be too promi-
nent. However, during the Kay
chorus' 'Day Is Done' the subdued
lighting is effective.. Sweetie Pie—
that's uie way she's billed— Is a cute
tapster.
PALACE, CHICAGO
CMcago, March -25.
George Beatty, Evimett Oldfteld &
Eddie Ware, Kim Loo Sisters. Ches-
ter Hale dancers; 'Love Affair'
(RKO). ^
Strictly a filler varied lineup' to
§0 along, with the flicker, which was
gured as the b. o. draw. Indica-
tions are that everything will work
out as Intended.
George Beatty has been around
many tunes, and the Palace Is a w. k.
stamping - ground for him. He's
working longer than .usual this week,
due to the sparseness of the talent,
but he stIU wmds up with the drunk-
en sailor bit, which Is getting moth-
eaten and could be dispensed with
easily.
Oldfield and Ware are a good bur-
lesque hand-to-hand acrobatic team,-
though there seems to be no reason
why Oldfleld should work in white-
tie. Could use more music in the
turn to keep up the tempo and
brighten up much of the early rou-
tines. Kim Loo. Sisters are a neat
looking foursome who toss off some
dancing and some solo warbling. Can
fit in on nearly any vaude Uneup.
^ey- are- wardrobed in the finest
taste I and with, plenty, of showman-
ship and their appearance Is a bright
spot-
Again there are the 24 Chester
Hale girls for bulk and flash on this
show, but the current routines are
somewhat under the par established
by other Hale lines in this house.
Business was all right at the last
show Friday (24). Cold.
ORPHEUM, MPLS.
APOLLO, R Y.
Mary Bruce Boyt & Girls (21)
George Wiltshire, Sandy . 'Bums,
- Johrmv LoRue, Virian Harris,
Sweetie Pie, Earl & Frances. Slim &
Slam, Floyd Ray orch (14). with Joe
Alexander & Ivy, Vem & Von,
'Strange Case of Dr. Meodle' (Col)
'The Apollo has a somewhat stac
cato show this week whose main
drawback Is lack of pace. Moreover,
It's overlong, running 95 minute
opening night
Floyd lUy's Is the bang, but
somewhat out ot jsorts here where
they're accustomed to the name coL
ored orchs. Biz Friday nlg^t (24)
reflected the lack of marquee po-
tentlaUty. .
Ray's 14-pIece crew Is from the
Coast, and played the Apollo about a
year ago. It's carrying a vocalist,
Joe Alexander, Who tenors pleas-
antly enough, and a girl swing trio,
Ivy, Verii and Von, who're excel-
lent, albeit their styles are not par-
ticularly original
Ray is pleasant looking and
dressed along with the rest of the
band, in summer e\ ning wear. "The
flrls, too, are dressed similarly. The
and leans mostly to swing, but
should tone down the brass section.
Slim and Slam, ot 'Flat Foot
Floogee authorship, are Just a stage
wait for most of their stay. It's only
In the last few moments that they
click, with their "Tuttl Fruttl,' In
which the Mary Bruce Boys and
Girls join for a smash routine while
Slim and Sam 'shout from opposite
wings.
Opening , the bill Is George Wilt-
shire's intro ot the Une doing the
Cakewalk, in appropriate dress. Then
there's a comedy bit in which Wilt-
shire, ^Tohnny LaRue, Sandy Burns
and Vivian Harris take part. But it's
n.g., as is the material in their other
sketch.
Earl and Franoes are tapsters,
. . MinneopoHs, March 24.
' Lou Breese's orch (12), Earl Hoff-
man, Lois Harper, Billy Leach, Ful-
ton & Wells, Consola & Melba, Ar-
mida, Stepin Fetchit; 'Yes, My
Darhnff Daughter* (WB).
A local favorite by reason ot his
long Minnesota theatre engagement
and appearances at the Hotel Nicol-
let Minnesota Terrace, Lou Breese
takes marquee precedence over such
names as Stepin Fetchit and Ar-
mida in the current stage array,
which has strong support in "Yes,
My Darling Daughter.' Show Is long
on entertainment and Breese and his
orchestra, keystone of the proceed
ings, plays no small part In stimu-
lafmg audience appeal.
Breese's crew not only pl^s the
show to perfection, but their own
musical and specialty contributions
also stand out prommently. Brass-
es are the order of the day and
Breese observes the conventions. He
has some showy arrangements of
pop numbers and his swing is plen^
hot, but he also brings In a few of
the old-time tunes,
Breese suavely m.c.'s'the show as
well as soloing- on the trumpet and
banjo. He starts by introducing the
orchestra members Individually and
permitting each to take the spotlight
briefly tor a solo, featured by &tI
Hofflnan's performance of "The
Flight of the Bumble Bee' on the
slide trombone. Then I,ois Harper
teU and attractive, scores with a
difficult tap routine, high-kicking
and one-foot whirls, encoring with
some unusually fast stepping.
Billy Leach, the band's singer,
has a robust baritone voice hearc
to advantage In "Hold Tight' and
'Miss OHs Regrets.' To the accom
paniment ot almost constant ap
plause, Fulton and Wells perform
sock balancing teats. For the finish,
one of the pair, draping himself
backward over a chair, raises his
partner from the floor on his out-
stretched arms.
,The band gags up a imedley of
old-time selections topoed off by a
'Florodora' sextet burlesque. ."This
bit is one ot Breese's old standbys,
but always welcomed here. .
Consola' and Melba, ballroom
dancers, familiar because ot a Min-
nesota Terrace engagement land
strongly with their soeedy spins and
wWrls- .They follow a fast tango
with ballroom "version' of 'Darktown
Strutters Ball.' Tiny Armida un-
leashes a bushel of pep, personality
pnd ' enthusiasm in her song and
dance numbers. Her Spanish rhumba
with castlnets, aiid her Mexican
son!?s, bring big returns.
Stenin Fetchit gives his familiar
lazy depiction, but his monolog and
business are only moderately tunny,
The recentlon accoi-ded him. how-
ever, indicates that he speUs box-
office.
Breese winds up the show with
several hot trumpet contributlor.-;
and. his familiar interpretitt'on o*
the 'Second Hungarian Rhapsody'
on the banjo.
A ^o-thlrds full house showed
up at the openhig matinee, Rees.
STRAND, N. Y.
Jimmy Dorsey Orch (14), Bob
Eberiy, Helen' O'Connell. Ray Mc-
Kinley, Condos Bros. (2). Harry
Savoy; "You Can't Get Away with
Murder' (WB), reviewed in VAiUErr
Jan. 25.
Dorsey pere and mere, in their
fondest flights, probably never
dreamt that when they told their
Tommy to take trombone lessons and
Jimmy to toot the sax that they'd
one day, circa 1938-39, become the
Idolatrous objects of the affections
of a specie that was to become
known as the jitterbug. For theft
matter many another, close, to or re-
mote from the Dorseys, or any of
their oresint-day jazzique contem-
poraries, probably never conceived
such antics as. have greeted the sun-
dry nanie bands on occasion, in the
recent revival of the band thing.
The Broadway Strand- this week
parallels the didoes and screwball
deportnient of the adolescents at the
competitive Paramount when that
house first essayed bandshowman-
shlp for b.o. lure.
-Apart from the fact that one won-
ders how much work the truant of-
ficers could do ot a Wednesday mati-
nee at the Par, or a Friday opening
day at the Strand, it's also continu-
ously amazing .with what tenacity
.the swing thing holds. If anything,
judgbtg by . ttie enthusiasm' tor
Jimmy . Dorsey's saxophdbia, the
vogiie Is seemingly engulfing the
adults as well. -
Dorsey's band, presentation Is not
particularly ostentatious In-its show-
manshi:*, but packed with forthright
bounce and buoyancy, and this seem-
ingly more than sufflcesl To the de-'
gree that Harry Savoy, fast-talking
quipster of burlesque antecedents —
and that's no orchid bunch to cope
with, at times— almost had to plead
with .the jitterbugs to give him a
breakl Savoy caiAe through to an
ultimately healthy applause score,
punctuating his 10 minutes on the
rostrum with a marathon ot mirth-
ful response, but those swingophiles
were strictly on rhythm bent
Jimmy I)orsey seems to elicit a
rhythmic hand-dapping, staccato ac-
companiment whereas the other
maestros inspire them to shag in the
aisles. Of the two audience evils,
perhaps this is to be preferred, yet
the audible clapping almost broke up
the stellar attraction itself.
Ot Dorsey's fast company, the
blonde and comely Helen O'Connell,
with her cycle of pops, scores solidly
on her own. Ditto Bob Eberiy
(used to be spelled Eberle) with his
barytoning ot the current taves. A
nice bit was with Bobby Bums,
muted trombonist accomping tor
'Smoke Gets in 'Vour Eyes.' Eberiy
has a nice, easy vocalizing style, fur-
ther enhanced by a well-poised ros-
trum manner.
Jimmy Dorsey directs with his
hands, alteraating on his trusty tenor
sax — only essays one clarinet bit —
and gets in a personal socko by ttie
difficult saxing ot Rimsky-Korsa-
koff's 'Flight of the Bumble Bee' in
swingo.
Ray McKInley on the traps scores
early, individually, and repeats twice
more to personal clicks. Here's an-
other 1938-39 phenomonen— the rise
of the man on the skins. Was a time
when George Olsen, Abe Lyman, et
aly were considered corny when'pre-
sidlng,at their drums, and not imtil
they 'threw away the sticks and
picked up a baton did they click. To-
day, there are dmmmer stars such
as Krupa, Cole, Chick Webb, et aL,
and, where lacking, each swing band
features a Leedy drum specialist
McKInley stars with 'It Ain't 'What
You Do, It's the Way That You Do
It,' a rhythmic oddity.
So much tor the '- band. Early,
among the added specialists, the
Condos Bros. (2) with their legmanla
beat out a mess of tricky taps. Harry
Savoy, foUed briefly by a blonde,
clicks later with his eccentric com-
edy. Savoy seemed to suffer from
holdoveritis — the stayover kids knew
the 'answers and made no bones
about calling 'em out, but loud, with
■result Savoy had to pull ad ' lib
switches in the igab, Just to keep
things fresh.
•Can't Get Away with Murder"
(WB) on screen but Jimmy Dorsey
seems to be doing the bulk of the
b.o., which looked bullish opening
<Jay- -•• Abel.
PALACE, CLEVE.
■ ClevelaTid, March 25.
Lany Clinton's orch, .Biea Wain,
Ford Leary, Benny Ross & Maxine
Stone, Franfc Paris. Dixie Roberts
& Marlon; 'Bta cftwell' s Island' (WB)
Going swhjg-batty, this BKO show
box is trying hard to steaim up the
local jivers for current Larry Clin-
ton, making local bow on heels of
Kay Kyser and Vincent Lopez in last
two weeks. There's the rub. Clin-
ton s jiving has far more heat, but
its more or less ballroom stuff,
minus stage novelties and person-
ality<«
Dipsy-dpodlers are about the loud-
est and brassiest articles to blow
their way out on this stage this sea
son. They get the youngsters in
balcony into a foot-stomping mood
with title-sons raiser, followed by
Chant of Jungle' and quieter 'Poor
Little Buttercup,' with Ford Leary's
Gilbert St Sullivan take-off register-
ing mildly. PorUy vocalist sings en-
tirely too straight Fat iilen ar* ex-
pected to be funny and he Isnt
Better flash is team of Dixie Rob-
erts and MarUn, breaking up music
pattern nicely with some brisk shag-
ging. Bea Wain comes on in red
evening gown tor couple of sonfs,
featuring Clinton's own 'Reverie'
and 'Sometimes I'm Happy.' Gal
Is okay as swlngstress when she
hits lower registers. She returns to
decorate 'Com Pltklng,^ in which
crew opens up with socko trap-drum
obbligato and tricky work on trum-
pet riffs. It's also a show-off piece
for the maestro, who doubles on
clarinet, trombone and trumpet
Frank Paris cuts In then, display-
ing set ot tour large-sized marion-
ettes, hurt at first by poor lighting
effects. The poor illumination hurt
his Zorlna puppet, but his manipula-
tion of Jossphlne Baker and Sonja
Henie dolls is clever enough to hit a
high-applause spot In show. Dopey
number is such a howl that it- would
make a brighter finale than his skat-
ing bit
Leary commits homicide In swing-
ing 'Old Man River,' retrieving
honor by Joining Clinton, B^a and
drummer' In an alligator quartet
It's a typical dancehall stunt whoop-
ing up only the rug-cutters- when
they rip off 'Shadrach,' 'Rusty Hinge'
and 'Hold Tight' in staccato style.
Leader's announcements are rather
colorless, reflecting his tmobstrusive
role In entire bill. Exception occurs
at' time he does some ribbing from
back-stage mike to rattle Benny Ross
and Maxine Stone, next-to-closing, .
Miss- Stone repeats the same lazy
routine with' Ross that they offered
here last season. Chatter's slightly
off the cob, but her high-kicking and
yawning gags are a relief after so
much swingoopation. Pullen.
STANLEY, PITT
Pittsburgh, March -24.
Janis Wiilidms and her Coquettes
(11), Viola Smith, Eddie Peabody,
Cass Daley, Michon Bros. (2); 'Cafe
Society* (Par).
This WB deluxer breaks up the
monotony a bit this week by slipping
in a temme band tor a change. It's
an outfit headed by Janis WUllanis,
who's obviously been watching Ina
Ray Button pretty closely, for she
?;oes in for the same sexy body weav-
ngs, the hip-swinging, the restless
baton and even a session of tap danc-
ing. She packs loads of s.a. and
looks plenty good up front which
helps cover considerable.
Musically, Coquettes are a pretty
average organization. Not so bad
collectively, and they frequently send
across a hot platter, but solo work
IS 'weak and shows, up too many
shortcomings. Four brasses^ four
reeds, bass fiddle, piano and drums
m^e up the aggregation, with no
deflmte style, just a willingness to
try everything. Necessary polish
seems to be missing, and Miss Wil-
liams herselt. while plenty eye-easy
and sexrappealing, still hasn't the
sock personality that occasionally
carries an ordinary temme crew
over the rough spots.
Opening band number leads Into
novelty song, 'When I Swing. My
Stick,' by Miss WUliams, who has
Just a fair set ot pipes, and makes
way tor Michon Brothers, standard
springboard acrobats. Boys are doing
Ijore talk than usual and have cut
their tricks down to almost nothing.
Comedy stuff remains plenty potent
but spectacular stunts that marked
team apart flock of seasons back have
been minimized, and to Michons' dis-
advantage. As they stand now, Just
another good turn and not the wow
of old.
Next band number Is Take An-
other Guess,' which brings trio ot
tnimpet players down front tor a bit
of harmonizing that could wisely be
eliminated, since It's a pretty sorry
effort Gals, however, come through
brassing, and then
pianist takes it over tor a bit dissolv-
ing, to some trombone soloing on
■My Reverie.* Femme follows this
playing two clarinets at same thne,
with wind-up a showy drum session
by Viola Smith, only girl outside ot
leader billed with Coquettes. WhUe
no Gene Krupa, she'll do. .
Miss' . Williams makes change In
meantime and comes back in pair of
attractive pajamas tor some ordinary
tapping, setting the stage tor Cass
Daley. She delivered show's first
sock. Gangly comedienne's face, fig-
ure and lack of inhibition, all of
which she uses smartly, put her Into
the crack-brained class and she
comes up solidly' with bull's-eye. Not
much of a voice, but she sings loud,
and screws her face and tosses those
ungainly limbs of hers around
enough to draw attention away from
the pipes. Mob went tor her hook,
line- and sinker, and Mis? Daley could
have stayed on Indefinitely, being
forced to beg off.
Another drum-session by Miss
Smith precedes Eddie Peabody, and
veteran string wizard is a pushover
here, as usual. Same act, same little
gestures, same material and same
tune selections, but they're good
enough to win him layout's top hon-
ors. Anyway, It's been couple ot
years since he was ' last 'Ti'tofe, and
mob's forgotten. Not that it would
make much difference, for Peabody's
stuff doesn't wear thin.
Orch went right into his applause
tor finish, a fast number, with Miss
Williams tuming it on again nicely
for the curtains. Biz way off at open-
ing show Friday. Cohen.
PARAMOUNT, N. Y.
Dorothy LamouTi Miseha Auer
Charlie Barn^t's orch ^^ith Judy
EUinptotv Lewis '& Van (The Speed-
sters), Catheritie Westfield A Marion-
ettes, 'I'm from Missouri' (Par); re-
viewed in 'VARIETY March 22.
Charlie Baraet and his crew Jam
away so loudly that the walls almost
shake; Dorothy Lamour sports a
sarong and sln^ 'Harry Home,' 1
Gq tor niat,' plus a medley of her
film numbers, and Mlscha Auer
tumbles around with some dialect
imitations, rolls a coiiple grapefruit
across the Ivories and cUmaxes a
monkey routine with a leap from
the plaiio-top to the apron. .That's
the gist ot . the Paramount's stage
dohigs currently and the component
parts- neither, blend smoothly nor
does the layout as a whole come up
to the standard- of entertainment that
has marked this spot tor some time.
Miss Lamour and Auer between
them take up- about 20- minutes ot
the 70-mlnute runoff. 'When caught
opening day (22) the screen comic
had to contend with no Wall handi-
cap. The swing maniacs .that doml-
nated the auditorium .wanted Bamet
to .give 'em an encore on the jam
session his cats had- just finished,
and Auer. once introduced and out
on the stage. Insisted on doing his
act Even- though this Is his first
personal appearance In liew-York,.
Auer proved a ready hand for the
barrage of heckling. .He' had a top-
per for every crack that was flung
up at him, and in a tew momenn -
had them quieted down sufficiently
tor the rest of -the house to tune in
on his series of dialectic imitations.
They are all hurried and give little
in the way of point or humor. His .
grapefruit interpretation of Debus^
got all the Silence it deserved both
during the playing and afterwards,
all of whIrJfc.hfilpe.dUn.^.iBdIteci,
way to produce the sock effect ot
his tadeout bit, the simian antics
atop the piano. The sudden switch
In mood and the brevity of the -bit
had much to do with the noisy send-
off that ensued.
Miss Lamour doesn't proceed far
lu her routine without making ref-
erence to Charlie McCarthy. Her
openhig selection of songs land
solidly, but the Interest zooms when
she returns to the stage stripped to
sarong and . a gold neckpiece. At
this point she goes into her medley.
There are lighting effects, dealing
with stars, moon and moving waves,
but it all s^ms like wasted effort
The figure within the six>tllght's cir-
cumference- makes tough competi-
tion for anything around It
Bamet, whose stay at the Famous
Door, 52d street nltery, lifted him
into major attention as a sax tech-
nician and leader of a coming swing
unit reveals a good sense of musi-
cianship and showmanship In his
stage repertoire. The numbers
selected fit the talents of his aggre-
gatioa With the brass section domi-
nant at all times, what comes out
collectively Is hot punchy, lowdown
rhythm. Through this same brass
section, Bamet produces an effect
which la closely related to battering
ot a row ot tom-toms. For the Jive
addict It's potent Stuff. Judy Elling-
•ton Is there for the vocal interludes
and she gets awSy With them nicely.
Spliced Into the forepart of tha
runoff are a crack team ot tap
dancers, Lewis and Van, and Cath-
erine Westfleld with her dancing
marionettes. Though Lewis and Van
make - use ot the old staircase rou-
tine, they have more than enough
oh the ball. Their whirlwind assort-
ment ot hardshoe hoofing, which,
rounds out the act, earns *em an
unanimous ovation. Miss Westfleld's
routine, i>erformed out on the apron,
projects a nattily attired' set of pup-
pets In a mixture of rhumbas.
waltzes and foxtrots. There's also a
Donald Duck in a roller skating bit
The act Is slickly carried off and the
response was highly favorable. Odec.
KEITH'S, BOSTON
Boston, March 23.
Emerald Sisters (2), Ginger Dulo,
Milton Douolas with Priscilla &
Perry Mayo, Smart Set (2), Steve
Evans, Eddie Rosenwald house
band;- 'Strange Faces' (U) and
•Renegode Trail' (Par), dual.
Milton Douglas Is handling the
m.c. Job satisfactorily this week, and
winning hefty plaudits with his own
comedy session, when he feeds to
Priscilla, a sharp-tongued come-
dienne, and Pany sSayo, a dead-pan
comic in seml-burley rig.
featured act Is Steve Evans, back
after a year's absence with the same
routine. 'Whams, as before, with his
caricature ot a drunk. His imper-
sonations ot w.k.'s round out a fin-
ished turn;
Emerald Sisters in the opening spot
rouse the customers from the dual
bill lethargy with a showmanly ris-
ley-acro offering. Ginger Dulo fol-
lows with swing-scat vocaling that
Impresses, but she got tepid response
to her comedy stuff at the opening
show.
Smart Set, mixed team, has rou-
tines, a tap session and an adagio
flash tor the flnale. They rate only
fair, evidently needing polish. Fox.
Wednesdayt March 29, 1939
VARIETY I^OUSE REVIEWS
VARIETY
S7
ROXY, N. Y.
Phil Keoan, Melba, Paut KirWand,
Paul GoTOon, Allen & Kent (4), Goe
Fotter Girls, Paul 'Ash 'house orch;
<37ie Hound of. the Boskervilles'
<20th), reviewed in Vabiety this is-
«u«.
The Roxy doesn't veer much from
tradition with this setup. The show
meanders along without exciting in-
cident and tiie somnolent atmosphere
of the spot remains Intact Phu Re-
gan, tenor- from pictures and for-
merly radio, is the beadliner. Out-
side of that and an offstage number
by an unbilled torch specialist, the
bill runs strictly', to dumb act persua-
sion.
Runoff is sandwiched by tap danc-
ing; Allen and Kent, a mixed pair'
of elderly performers, tee off along
that line with a routine, which con-
trasts the old style of hardshoe gal-
loping with the new. Following a
whirlwind exhibition of modern
hoofing by a cute little 'blond and
her partner, the oldsters cut loose
with a spry assortment of buck and
wing. For the final bit they all go
modem and the resulting pedal clat-
ter leads to a rousing siendofl.
Paul Gordon accounts for a con-
TCntional but finished bicycle balanc-
ing routine, while Paul Kirkland
proves adept at balancing himself on
a ladder, juggling a paper cone from
nosetip to ear and vice versa, and
at balancing his partner on his chin
while she's seated on the uppermost
of two chairs. Both turns try to
■prinkle their stunts with comedy
and should get along nicely wiu
Juvenile audiences.
Phil Regan is slipped in betwe^n^
the two balancing acts. He does two
current numbers from Tin Pan Al-
ley's mill, revives one from last year
and tops off his repertoire with
*When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.' Be-
tween songs he'tel)9.;em he's glad to
be back with 'em again from Holly-
wood. Regan's pipes are as sturdy
as ever and dq a workmanlike job
at pitching romantic ditties. He got
a voluble sendoff.
House line of girls come In for two
Innings. At first it's with a routine
that calls for much fluttering of col-
ored gauze, while a femme croons
Ueep Purple' from .the wings and
Melba, gilded from toe to head,
flounces around the stage in some-
thing that's a mixture of ballet danc-
ing and delirium tremens. Other ex-
hibition by the Gae Fosterettes
cerves to put a period to the stage
event, and a snappy one at that
Their tap routine is anything but
complicated, but it's fast and noisy
enough to inform the stage £rew that
It better get ready to lower the
screen and the loudspeaker. Odec.
PARAMOUNT, L. A.
Los Angeles, March 23.
.Hal Hodffe, Singing Strings, Bettv
Jane Rhodes, Chicco, Guadalajara
Trio. Bob Mitchell, Jeff Coldwater,
Roberts Bros. (3), Jacfc Cowonauoh,
Bill Cross; 'Midnighf (Par).
'Mld-Momlng: Matinee' group At
entertainers over radio |tiHJr.hev<e
been transplanted intact to the Para-
mgunti stages with -Jaak^ Cavanaugh,
roping cowboy; ■• added for- good
peasiire. - -Result is a fairly well-
balanced talent show, but with sev-
eral of the turils somewhat handi-
capped by theii^ unfamlliarity with
vaude conditions. ;
Chicco, harpist, Is easily class of
bill, sharing applause with Bfetty
Jane Rhodes, attractive warbler. Hal
Hodge.- does effltient job of m.c.ing,
and Singing Strings' (six femmes),
added 'to regular house orch, cut to
■ seven for the week, perform credit-
ably.
Spanish motif predominates, with
stage setting representing early Call- .
fomla hacienda In days of the Dons.
Hal Hodge opens proceedings^by war-
bling song of early California, with
entire cast back of scrim, and then
brings on Guadalajara Trio (all
girls) for couple .of Mexican folk
songs and dancing. Girls are gaily
attired in national costumes, and
start show off okay.
Eddie Robinson, wliistler, does a
routine, but contributes Uttle to pro-
gram, his offering being typically
radio, hardly suited for vaude stage.
Robert^ Bros. (3), musical and sing-
ing, do some effective harmonizing
and playing, after which Jeff Cold-
water does a bit of innocuous com-
edy that registers mildly. Bob Mit-
chell, at the electric organ, is a re-
peat from several weeks ago. Single
number is well executed.
Jack Cavanaugh is a versatile
roper, drawing heavy audience ap-
probation while manipulating nine
ropes simultaneously. Act is a bit
drawn out, but It's novel and enter-
taining.
Singing Strings, do'wn from orches-
tra platform, offer a couple of rou-
tines which stamp them as expert
musicians. Three of the girls play
violins, one a bass, another viola^and
last the piano. Girls makes neat
appearance and their musical ability
cannot be denied.
.Chicco, swing harpist, has all the
Kquirements of a finished musician.
He plays with artistry and at no
time attempts to overdo his perform-
(UQce. Clean cut personality is a
valuable asset He easily earned the
encore he was called upon to play.
Betty Jane Rhodes, no stranger to
ether audiences. Is both a looker as
well as talented torcher. Audience
apparently could not get enough of
her warbling. .
For closing Bill Cross, orch direc-
tor, sends the combined stage band
into a comedy overture that's fair.
Opening day crowd better than
usual, indicating two-week sojourn
for picture and stage show. £dtoa.
STATE, HARTFORD
Hartford, March 26.
Slate Bros. (3), Fay Carroll, Craig
& Richards, Artie Shaw's orch, with
Helen Forrest, Tony Pastor: Sam
Kaplan's ' house band; 'Forged Pass-
port* (Rep;.
State this week Is the camping
ground of almost every jitterbug and
his cousin in this part of the country,
Even the curious, sedate antis liave
filed past the turnstiles in a steady
stream to see and hear the Artie
Shaw unit
Two reasons exist for the huge
turnout accorded the Cinderella Man
of bands. One Is that he is playing
on home ground, having played this
territory numerous times before his
rapid rise. Second reason Is that his
featured sax player and vocalist
Tony Pastor, is a local product
Depending on the swing stick
swisher to bring in the auditors, the
house has gone light on the number
of acts offered. Result is a skimpy
production. As was the case with
Goodman, a little more than a nionth
ago, the jive nutty youngsters are
sitting through two and three shows,
stamping and whistling.
B.o. reports and extra shows given
—there were six Saturday (25) in-
stead of the usual four — indicate that
Shaw is topping the Goodman gross
by a big figure. Band is cllcko, but
Is strlctlv jive -all the way through
and Its ' neavy brass section ' makes
one ear weary. 6haw fronts his band
all the time. Like Goodman, he is
strictly .a musician, playing' the
clarinet practically all the time and
.doing a neat iob at it'
Tee off is a swingy number: fol-
lowing an overture by the house
band, which sets the pace for Craig
and Richards, youthful mixed shag
team. Pair get by with hackneyed
shag tapping. Band then dishes out
'Shoot the LIkker to Me, John Boy.'
Tony Pastor next vocalizes a swing
arrangement of .'Indian Love Call.'
Helen Forrest otl.er chirper with
the unit does nicely with 'Deep Pur-
ple' and 'I Cried for You.'
After a couple of numbers by the
band, the Slate Bros, and Fay Car-
roll are spotted. Zany foursome ring
the bell with nonsense, terps and
heckling patter. Gal, a luscious-
blond looker, is the butt of heckling
crossfire chatter by the boys as she
attempts a song. She has a nice set
of pipes. Iliis marks the first time
since the inauguration of the name
band policy that the house orch ac-
comnanied an act
Shaw's band' finales In a lengthy
swing number. Only semblance to
sweet music is "Begin the Beguine' in
the early portion.
Miss Forrest was out of the lineup
today (Sunday) due to laryngitis.
Jliss . Carroll replaced, her,, singin g,
one song at each of the^ve shows.
Regular Old Gold sho^^was broad-
cast from the stage of the thextre at
last performance. Eck,
TOWER, K. C.
Kansas City, March 25.
Louis Armstrong's orch, with
Midgie Willuims, Helena Smith.
Nicodemus, Sonny Woods, Two
Zephyrs, and Timmii & Freddy; 'So-
cictv Smugglers' (U).
Flesh returns for an Interlude of
one week in this house, where vaude
was a steady diet until a month ago.
The Armstron'g show is-a sizzler and
loaded 'with entertainment but box-
offlce returns aren't In proportion.
Habit pattern ■ of the regular vaude
patrons- has .been broken, and top
rate of 55c is not too imriting. '
Schedule is far overboard at 75
minutes, and cutting hadn't been
mastered by today (Saturday). Prun-
ing of an orch number, holding down
of encores, and general tightening of
material of the - specialQr acts all
along the line, could get this show
down to 60 snappy minutes.
Armstrong m.c's the' show, adding
his own bullfroRglng-vocals and C-
splitting trumpeting as high spots -of
the show. He opens with a- brace of
torrid band numbers and brkigs on
Helena Smith to foUow with a tap
routine.
The Two Zephyrs open with
rhythms on washboard and tubs, and
slip into a pantomimic crap-shooting
fracas thatregisters solidly. They're
the best of the specialty acts,
'Vocaling is handled by Midgle
Williams and Sonny Woods, first a
torcher and second an upstairs tenor.
Woods' high register warbling heads
the show's singing, though girl nicely
holds her own with throaty quality.
Nicodemus works solo with a comic
monolog on laziness and winds up
with a brace of dances in similar
mood. Heavy play is laid on his
radio work, and it's good for laiighs.
Specialty tapping by Timmy and
Freddy round out the supporting
acts.
Closing Is taken by band In another
brace of hot tunes. . . ^ .
Film, 'Society Smugglers' (U), fs
of little help at b.o. Quin.
FLATBUSH, B'iCLYN
Benny Meroff's orch, Andrews Sis-
ters, Shirley Rust, Martha Perry,
Don (Popthof ) Tonnen, Roy Rich-
ards, Hank Rose,. The Aristocrats;
'Adventure in Sahara' (17).
With nurturing and good shows,
the Brandt Bros, may put over a
neighborhood policy of In-person en-
tertainment at their Flatbush out In
Brooklyn, closest opposition to which
is the RKO Kenmore, playing duals,-
and the Granada (Indie), with
doubles and bank nights. This is
the second week of the combination
bills installed here.
Brandts are trying to get -bands
that are known on Broadway and
have played the Paramount, Strand
or State. Jimmy Dorsey has been
set for Friday (7), Immediately fol-
lowing his two weeks at the Strand,
now current
Flatbush scale is low and Is likely
to attract Brooklynites, who other-
wise would go over to Manhattan to
see the band shows. Adult scale is
25c to 5 p.m. and 40c nights, while
for kids it's only 10c to 5 p.m. week-
Si???,' "."^ ^5c to 2 p.m. Sundays.
While the house is dependent on the
quaUty and draw of the stage shows,
so does It depend to some extent on
the pictures booked in. This week
it's 'Adventure in Sahara' (U), which
was first-runned at the Globe, N.Y.
(also Brandt), several months ago.
Benny Meroff, with his retinue of
specialists, augmented by the An-
drews Sisters and The Aristocrats,
comprise the current rostrum dis-
play. It Is a fair show and has Mer-
off and his people, 'principally the
band members, extending themselves
to pad out a 67-mlnute show.
' Far from .being one of the top
bands of the business and ho draw
at the b.o. comparable with the
Goodman's, Dorseys, Artie ShaWs
and others, the Meroff outfit Is, how-
ever suitable enough for nelghbor-
'hood trade at a moderate scale.
Mert>ff is trying to do too much and
thus gets somewhat tiresome toward
the end. He himself clowns around,
does instrumental bits, juggling, even
a little acrobatics, while his band
specialists indulge in many forms of
hoke, impressions and the like, some
of it good, some of it n.g.
The Bergen-Charlie McCarthy im-
pression by Meroff's trumpeteer is
particularly good and some of thfe
stuff indulged by Don (Popikoff)
Tannen Is also pretty sockful enter-
tainment. At' the same time, some
of Tannen's work also isn't so good.
The takeoff cp newsreels by the
band Is rather novel. Meroff an-
nounces most of the numbers done
by his outfit and thereby hangs a
plug for each. Roy ■ Richards, sax
player, solos one of the novelty songs
for fair effect
Andrews Sisters, hit of the show
and draught at the b.o., are doing a
fiock of numbers for show-stopping
results. All in white, the trio run
through three pops, then do an ar-
rangement of 'Ole Man River' and
'Bel Mir Bist' Also strong this week
are The Aristocrats, formerly at
Billy Rose's Casa M^ana, 12 evenly
mlx^d dancers in ensemble, adagio
and tap routines. It's a smairt danc-
ing outfit
Shirley Rust, tap dancer, dohig
two numbers, and Martha Perry,
singer, are carried by the Meroff
band. The former's taps are rather
good, but her form could Improve.
Miss Perry, -with two songs, has a
fair voice for pops, backed by an en-
gaging personality.
LIghtmg of the show isn't so good.
Char.
EARLE, WASH.
Washington, March 26;
Monroe and Cfrant, Pranfc Hom-
adav, Helene Fay, Shirley Ross,
Peggy Taylor Trio, House Line;
•King of the Turf, (M-G).
Two new youngsters, two standard
acts and a film player give this
week's revue a little of everything
and, withal, entertainment liead-
liner from Hollywood Is Shirley Ross,
who inclodes ]ust enough informal
chatter about her film career in in-
troducing her songs to make an ex-
cellent p. a.
Show opens with 16 line gals in
pirate costumes for snappy tap rou-
tine on a full stage, backed by
huge skull and bones and treasure
chest. Chest turns out to be tram-
poline on which Monroe and Grant,
also dolled up in pirate garb, run the
gamut' of somersaults, twists and
slapstick comedy.
Frank Hornaay, singer playing re-
turn engagement following recent
appearanre as house's 'find of the
month,' tends to blast mike con-
stantly, but gets good audience re-
sponse for 'Silver on the Sage,' 'Be-
gin the Beguine' and 'Day Dreaming,'
Travelers then open on elaborate for-
mal garden set and line swishes on
in yellow satin gowns to introduce
Helene Fay. Girl Is a pretty, 18-
year-old violinist who works herself
Into a lather over 'Hungarian Lust-
soiel' and the 'Second Hungarian
Rhapsody.' and finally 'My Reverie.'
Entire line spouts lengthy intro-
duction In unison for Shirley Ross,
who slips on in swell blue and orange
chiffon gown to warble "Thanks for
the Memory' and 'Deep Purple,' lat-
ter with seldom-used house organ.
Brief chatter leads Into medley of
tunea from pictures in which she has
appeared, getting nice applause. Line
takes It again In top hats for tap
routine, setting mood for entrance of
Peggy Tkylor Trio in formal dress.
They start off with straight adagio
and then slip Into Increasingly slap-
stick burlesque. In which clothes of
the girl and partners are ripped to
shreds.
Biz fair. Craig.
EMBASSY, N. Y.
(NEWSBEELS)
Some 46 Items inake up the bill
this week. Taken together they
have wide scope and lots of newsi-
ness, a description that cannot be
applied every week. There is, of
course, the usual average of press
agentry. Including Tony Galento in
a silk hat gagging around with
Jimmy Durante, an out-and-out
commercial for RCA's new carillons
for churches and colleges.
' International. events naturally lead
off. The Maglnot line (Metro) Is
timely and looks like new stuff. It
Is an Inside glimpse of the French
defenses that has behind-the-head-
Itnes value. Animated map of the
European chessboard (Par) gives
snap summation of the modern game
of keeping up with Hitler. Ex-Prez
Benes speaks, so does the undlspos-
sessab?e Czech minister to Washing-
ton (Pathe), and there is a flash,
over-brlefly edited and explained,
about the Czech shoe factories
whose competition has been shut off
to the probable advantage of U. S.
Program has flavor because of the
datelines. The freak tidal wave In
the Seine river, France, Is one of
several clips from that country.- The
bluebeard trial; a tragic train crack-
up (both good and l^m Universal)
are matched by Iteiris from Eilglarid
(Harrow bOTs schooX the King^s kidl-
dies, hair fashions, steeplechaslng),
and there are assorted world tidbits
from the Dutch East Indies (Pathe),
EilTpt (Fox), and the Governor of
Gibraltar (Fox).
Hie outdoor crowning of the new
Pope at 'Vatican City stacks up as a
swell example, of telefoto lens work.
Sharp detail for the distance from
.the camera stambs' the item as par-
ticularly good. Fox got it
Personalities Include W. O. Doug-
las, the' new Supreme Court judge,
and his yotmgish wife, 'Winchell get-
ting a medal, and ' T ' .-s. F. D. Rl
scrutinizing the Frisco fair.
Lew Lehr monkeys amushigly with
fish. Land.
FOX, PHILLY
> Philadelphia, March 24.
Al Donahue Orch (13), Paula,
Kellv, Joan Datiis & Si Wills.
Charley Carroll, Adolph Komspan's
house orch; 'filocfcwell's Island'
(WB).
ROXY, ATLANTA
Atlanta, March 23,
Roxyettes (16), Royal Rollers &
Mickey (4), Radio Ramblers (3),
Eddie Shayne & Charlotte Arm-
strong, Pick It Pat, Mike Segal's
house orch (14) ; 'Borrowing Trouble'
(20th).
First theatre appearance of Pick
(Malone) and Pat (Padgett) In sbc
years got off to winging start with,
reception accorded this pair of radio'
blackfacers by Roxy's' customers at
show caught Pat Is an Atlantan and
Pick is a Georgian, and patrons here
take a proprietary Interest in these
radio comics, originally of WOR
Minstrels and later Molasses tmd
January of Cap'n Henry's Showboat
program. More recently the mahi-
stays of Model Modern Minstrels
radio show, pair have -worked up an
act built from their most successful
air pro-ams — aqd it pleases. Pat
Elays the harmonica and they do a
it of buck and winging,' but it's
their straight burnt cork minstrelsey
that clicks best
Show opens with sextet from
"Lucia de Lammermoor' overture by
band In pit, followed by Roxyettes,
In gay, swishy peasant garb, in
snappy folk dance to 'Vinl 'VinI,'
featuring specialties by Charlotte Al-
quist Dorothy Probey, Olga Rob-
erts and Dorothy Lockwood,- Girls
make way for Royal Rollers, two
girls, one man and a terrier, in fast
skating act that pleases.
Radio Ramblers (Al Rice, Irving
Lang and Sam 'Vine) are forte in
hokum, Impersonations, songs and
dances. They take turns at mike
imitating various radio person-
alities, programs, musical instru-
ments, etc.. 'They had to resort to an-
nouncing the next number, a smart
routine to 'Swing Waltz' by the
Roxyettes, In order to get off. Girls,
attired in flowing gowns and large
celluloid picture hats, provide an ex-
cellent background for Eddie Shayne
and Charlotte Armstrong's swift
ballroom aero routine. Team also
delivers skillful comedy terp rou-
tine in misfits.
Pick and Pat are spotted here and
finale brings on Roxyettes in med-
ley of college tunes.
Biz at show caught, second of four
Thursday (23), was capacity. This
marks the first week of Roxy's
switching from Saturday to Thurs-
d. y openings and wlseness of Uie
move was evidenced by fact that
house had its biggest day at the box
office since It opened up 10 weeks
ago, and it's Lent down nere, too.
Roxy has just finished installing
an $8,600 marquee, probably ' the
niftiest in the south, and house's
front sticks out like a sore thumb,
situated as it Is right In the middle
of the business district on Atlanta's
famous Peachtre« street Luce, i
- Fox, in slicing its show this week
from the usual hour to about 45 mln>
utes. has finally achieved what It
wants In a stage presentati jn. When
stage shows were- shifted from the
Earle to the Fox about six weeks .
ago, vaude as well as pic were extra
powerful and results were evident
in the grosses. With people now
figured, to be accustomed to the
change, there Is some cutting taking
place on both ends of the bill.
On the vaude side this sesh' Al Dona-
hue's orch, which at the Earle or in
the earlier weeks at the Fox would
have been augmented by a flock of
acts. Is left pretty much to carry
things. Ably aiding him as draught
for the marquee Is Joan- Davis. It
such powerfully entertaining combos
can be maintained, manager Harold
Seidenberg will have little to worry
about despite the missing 15 minut^
on the iMards.
Donahue comes to the. Fox from
the Rainbow Room, N; Y. -As might
be expected of a refugee from 'this
swank spot, the crew , of 12 men Is
plenty suave. That doesn't keep
them, I)iOwever, from lapsing into
jive, or providing a load of visual
as weU as oral entertainment Dona-
hue himself is a big iielp. Good-
looking and personable, his chatter
In m.c.ing 'is In taste and very ac-
ceptable. His warbling reveals llttJe
in the way of a voice, but oke for
a maestro.
Another thing that makes the orch
able to. carry off its heavy party In
the Fox -proceedings, i -e uie bits of
bnsiness and pr()ductlon. Standout
is th6 'All American Girl' number,
in which members of ' the crew
parade up and dqwn the stage Wfallti
cute chirper Paula Kelly drum-
majors. With the femme attractively
togged In sweater and skirt and tak-
ing, turns at the mike, and the bands-
men seemingly enjoying themselves^
it's a socko roUtihe. Weak, on the
other hand, is the straight orchestral
number in which cavalcade of hit
songs from pictures is played. In-
clude 'Perfect Song,' from 'Birth of
a Katlon': 'Charmalne,' 'Singing in
the - Rain,' - "Sonny Boy,' "Clarloca,'
'Helgh-Ho' andVAlexander.'
Miss Kelly, Warbler with the out-
fit, is ultra on s.a. and looks, but only
so-so on the vocal end. -.Does 'Hold
Tight' 'Belongs -to -Daddy,' 'Ain't
What You 'Do,'^and "Deep Purple,' as
well as the ' parade number. Her
Sipes don't quite click, lacking in
exIbiUty.aQd om'ph. '
Joan Davis (New Acts) Is assisted
by hubby. Si Wills, as straight man.
Doing their once standard vaude act^
they provide one of the most enter-
taining p.a.s by a film ndme seen
here In months.
' Stage set in view of Donahue's
former alliances. Is si .artly draped
in rather plain fashion, although the
moving bandstand, made to hold up
to . 16 men and two plapos, looks
rather empty with the smaller crew'.
Herb.
RIVERA, B'KLYN
Bunny Berlgan's band, Bob How-
ard, The Albins (2), Tophatters (3),
Danny Richards, Kathleen Lane;
•This'll Make You W histle' (Indie).
. New sho'w topped by Bunny Berl-
gan's band Is made to order for jit-
terbugs. It's the best swingeroo ses-
sion this section of Brooklyn has had
in weeks, and is the type of enter-
tainment that wlU be difficult to fol-
low, though the management here Is
striving to furnish name vaudeville
and bands over the wekend. For
midweek (Tues., Wed., Thurs.) thea-
trie is using eight acts without name
draw.
Berigan and his hot trumpet, lead
the itame combo he had when at N.Y,
Paramount last year and which won
attention on the Mutual net The
band fits in well in playing a full
vaude. show.
Crew opens up with a jam session,
tipofl on what's to follow. Organiza-
tion, which first attracted notice on
a CBS swing session, is In the groove
for swing addicts. "Trees,' which the
band recently recorded for Victor, is
about the only restrained offering in
lineup.
Danny Richards and Kathleen Lane
are the two singers with Berlgan's
crew. Former, baritone, looks like a
find and okay for stage work once he
gets accustomed to new medium. He
was absolute smash at this catching
with "I Get Along Without You Very
WeU,' 'Masquerade Is Over' and In
My . Reverie.' Latter was ai forced
encore, with Richards feeling his
way along carefully.
Lane femme offers "Pat^ Cake,' 1
Cried for You,' 'Heart Belongs to
Daddy* and 'Hurry Home,' last two
being at the Insistence of jitterbugs.
Girl handles her nice tonal qualities
with skill, but indicates strictly band
experience, with that back-away
from the mike always repeated as
the band beats out uie intervening
bars.
Band Is backed up by sturdy
vaudeville. The Tophatters (New
Acts) are in deuce spot and strong
(Continued on page 39)
88
VARIETY
Wednesday, March 2% 1939
Vari ety D ills
NEXT WEEK (March 31)
THIS WEEK (March 24)
Numerals In connection with bills below indicate opening day of
show, 'whether full or split week
Loew
NEW TOBK OITT
Stale (M)
Bryant, Balnea & T
Bea Skxon
Tonr Oal«nto
Lew. Parker
E Hawklna Ore
WASHINGTON
Capllol <3I) .
Eddie Peabody
Paul Sydell ft S
Sibyl Bowan
Hudson VTondera
Allen ft Kent .
Bdwin Stells
PananoBBt
NKW TOBK CITV
Paramount <2«)
Dorothy Lamour
MIsclia Auer
Choa Barnett
Catherine Westfleld
Lewis ft Van
CHIOAOO
Chlcaxo (SI)
BoKera SwInR Co
St. (31)
Patricia ElUa
RKO
KEW TOBK CITT
Uiul« HaU (M)
Jeanne Devereauz
Alyae Cera
Valya ValentlnoS
Val Gneral
Karlon Raber
George Mayer
Bobert Londrum
BOSTON
Henorld (SO-t)
Stapletona -
Tommy Trent
Oxford Boya
IfOrralne. & Rofnan
Honey Fam
CHICAGO
Palaoe <81)
Cheater Hale Gla
Kim Loo Bis
Emmet Oldfleld Co
George Beatty
CLEVEtAND
Felaee (3I>
6 Jansleya
Wamera
Cass Daley '
Brown ft Ames
Tony Ifartin
(M)
Larry Clinton Oro
Frank Paris
Ross ft Stone
Boberta & Martia
OOLDMBIIB
mctor'a (31)
Ted I<ewls Ore
Waner
MBVr YORK OITY
Strand (31)
Jimmy Dorsey Oro
Harry Savoy Co
Condos Bros
FHIT.AnKLPinA
Fox (31)
Joe VennttI Ore
Hal Leroy
Melln Goodolle
Joe Lewis
(i«) .
Al Donahue Oro
Joan Dav is
FmsBCBon
Stanley (81)
Major Bowes Co
(84)
Coquettes
Cass Daley
Eddie Peabody
MIchon Bros
BBADINO
Astor (31-1)
Fenwiek ft Cook
Evons ft Mayer
DolinoS ft Ba>'a Sis
(One to All)
WASHINGTON
Earle (31)
Kay Ryser Oro
Frank Hornaday
Helene Fayo
Monroe ft Grant
Shirley Boss -
Peggy Taylor Co
Qae Foster Qls
NEW TOBK CITT
Boxy (31)
Pant Remos Co
Art Jarrett
Dorothy Crooker
Paul Ash Ore
DALTIUOBE
State (2-1)
Sammy Momi
George Hell
Mark, Wllky ft D
(39-1)
Tl'yn ft Hurwyn
Grace Doro
Maxelloa
(2«-ta)
Al Linden ft B - .
Sid Pngo Co
Americana Rev
Rlpiwdnnw (31)
Major Dowes Co
IXniANAFOUB
lyric (31)
Hoagy Carmlchael
Oil Lamb
Kemper ft Hagg'rty
Titan 3
10 Byton Gla
(14)
Tony Martin
Anson IVeoks Oro
Gene Sheldon
Knight Sis
Dick Ware
LANCABTBB
Colonial (1st only)
1 Olympics
Pnrlcer ft Fred'ricks
Farrell, Drew Co
(One to flii)
MILWAUKEE
Rlrerslde (24)
FIfl D'Orsay
Stuart ft Martin
Juanlta
I,ew Hoffman
Peplto
12 Parlslennes
D«a Artists
FATER80N
Majestic (2S-S0)
Tay Voy Co
Romero ft Rand
Hollyhoodluma
Joe Freed Co
Royal Foui'somo
(31-3)
Fields ft Depke
BlUy ft Arllne
Leavitt ft Ijorgwood
Marty ft N Bohn
Americana Rev
PHnADELPHIA
Cterman (31-S)
Ming & Toy
3 Frsshmen
(Two to fill)
Fay's (30)
RQtDn^
IiaVere ft Ware
A ft M Hayei .
Faith Bacon
Walter Dare Wahl
14 Lonergan OIs
PITMAN
BVay (Int only)
Feillo ft Tama
Mack, Wllky ft D
6 Grays
(One to fill)'
FHOVIDENCE
nty's (31)
Berni-Vlcl Bev
LondoB
Week of
Astoria
Les Sllvas
Domhiloii
Teddy Brown
Oautler St'pl'chase
Stanley
Eddie ft Mae
CAMDEN TOWN
Gannoat
Mirlo
Lorenzl
More ft Nevard
E Acromltea
Ernest Shannon '
Bjliy ft Shaw
CLArHiUI
Grannda
Bernardi Oro
Beatrice ft Leon
Ballard ft Baa-
Michael Moore
Jackie
Bobby Hawaii Oro
EAST HAU
Otpoiada
Kat Gonelln Ore
Fraalfr
Bn'an MIchle Co
Haich 27
GREENWICH
Granada
Nat Oonclla Co
HAMMERSMITH
Gnnmont
Florence Desmond
Ray Vauglian
< Wallabies '
ISLINGTON
Bine Han
Dowler ft White
Billy ft Shaw
■ LEmHHAM
Oanmoat
Wences
Elizabeth Welch
Arnaut Bros
Les Sllvas
SHEPH'BDa BVSn
PaTllloa
Beryl . Orde
Rny Vaugban
e Wallnblea
STRATFOBD
Broadnrar
Bryan MIchle Co
- TOOTINO
. Cianada
Bernardi Ore
Beatrice ft Leon
Ballard ft Rae
Bobby Howell Oro
I WOOD GREEN
tianmoat
Moreton ft Kaye
I LIcuka Co
Provincial
Week of March 27
ADEBDEEN
Tlvdl
Jaok Anthony
P ft J Desmond Co
Jean Adrlenne
Bond Rowell
Jay Morelle
Eric Palmer '
Loretta OIS
Bob Merry
Doublas, Rex ft L
St John 91s
DUNDEE
ralaee
Harry Gordon
.Tack Holden
Neller ft Clare
Staftan Gla
Clayton Sis
Alex Lennox
Bob Dyer
EDINBUBOH
Bojal
CasteUl Oro
Navarre
Toung ft Rellly
3 Hlltons
Luxor Oall-Onil
Terry Wllsori
GLASGOW
Paxil Ion
Billy Mason Co
Bert Denver
Thomas ft Niblock
Harry Ritchie
William Camplwll
David -Date
Stanley Taylor
LI^nSBPOOL
Sliakespinire
Ra'wicz ft Landauer
Bill Boston
Allan Bros ft June
MIU Boy
Mahoney Bros
Cabaret BiOs
NEW TOEE CITT
Arabian Nights
Arthur Ravel Oro
George Byron
Mildred ft Maurice
Joan Beverly
Aimando**
Buddy Clarke Oro
Marie Spauldlng
Fat Kennedy
Barney Oallant't
Frank Craven
Angela Veles
Carter ft Bowie
Nellie Paley
Terrace Boys
Bert Xtehmaa's
Buddy Wagner Oro
Diana Del Bio
Tvette
BlU Beriolottl's
Angeio'a Rh'mba Bd
Elaine Spencer
Dorothy Jeffera
Frank McFariane
Chita
Bill's Gay Wt
Emily Stevenson
Jim Phillips
' Florence Herbert
Billy Lorraine
John Pantor
John Eliot
Spike Harrison
Rudy Madlpon.
Bill Queiitmeyer
Stolen Isles
Bernle Grauer
Harry Donnelly
Arthur Behan
Harold Wlllard
Don Cortex
Cafe Savlnl
Grace Morgan
Melvln pjiht
Haywood ft Alien
Chateaa Modem*
Paul Bass Oro
Jill Roy
Gabriel
Lynn Russell
Marion Farrar
George Rlxon
Cliei Firehonsa
CKick Howard Ore
Christie Glllespls
Milt Herth Trio
Clnb 18
Jack White
Pat Harrington
Jerry Kruger
Judy Riidle
Frankio Hyera
Leila Gaynes
Seals St Boys
Andrews Ore
CInb Gaecho
Chas MacuiR Oro
Panehlta Villa
Tarrant ft Daclta
TrInI Plaza
SInda
La Mflrlta
Pedro Vain
Felicia Florea
Maria Dei Carmen
3 Gauchos
Cotton CInb '
Cab Calloway Ore
BlU Robinson
Sister Thorpe
Tanya
Katharine Ferry
Beachcombers
OienH' ft Jenkins
Ruby Hill
Son ft Sonny
Myra Johnson
Vodery Choir
Diamond Hocseebar
Noble Sissle On
Don McGrene Oro
Fritzi Scheff
Buddy Doyle
Margot Brander
Frank Libusa
Tom Patricoia.
Joe Howard
Clyde Hnger
Mangoan Tr
Delia LInd
Emma Franda
Lulu Bates
Wllilo Solar
Harry Armstrong
Blizabstb Murray
El Ohico
Eliseo Grenet Oro
Fantasia Novia
Joyita ft Maravilla
Ropiere Gomel
Paqutta Doralngues
DoriU ft Falero
El Morocco
Val Ernie Oro
Fmboos Doer
Woody Herman Ore
Mary McCaU
Frances Faye
Oreeawioh Tillage
Casino
Don Ravel On
Dorothy Junes
Roslta Royce
Doloras Farrls
Mata Montana
June Havoc
3 Musical Maniacs
Tommy Brnno
Benny Martini
Joe Lane
6 Village Olam' Gls
Havana-Madrid
Nano Rodrlgo Oro
Juanlto San'bria Or
Roslta Ortega
Nina Oria
Castllla 2
De LImas
Hickory Honse
Jos Marsala On
Hotel Ambaasadar
Dick Gasparre Oro
Vincent Bragale On
Happy Powen
Marty Golden
Rosalean ft Seville
Htel Behnmt-PIaia
Ernie Hoist On
3 Smoothie*
Jane Clair
Belmont Ballade*'*
Adrian Bolllnl I
Hotel BUtnoie
Horace Heldt On
Larry - Cotton
Bob McCoy
Lysbeth Hughe*
Art Carney
Red Ferrlngton.
Henry Dick
Jean Farney
Hotel Commodore
Sammy Kayo On
Hotel Edison
Gray Gordon Ore
Ruth Bradley
Hotel Eaaex Hmis*
N Brandwynna On
Dale Sherman
Hotel Gov. CUntoa
Eddy MayehoS Ora
Betty Gale
Holol Llncoia
Jan Savitt Ore
TIto'a Swingtette
Hotel McAlpin
J Messner Oro
Racimo 3 ■
Hotel New Torker
Henry Busse Oro
Don Dickson
VI Mole
Frazee Sis-
Florin VestolC
Hotel Park. Central
Curt Houck Ore
Enrico ft Novellc
Billy Vino
Margie Greene
Hotel Park. Lane
Freddie Starr Oro
Bob Lido
Al Harris
Hotel Pennsylvania
Harry James Oro
Hotel Plaza ■
Jack Marahard Oro
N D'Amlco On
P ft O Hartman
Jane Pickens
Oil Phelan .
Hotel Boosevelt
Guy Lombordo Ore
Hotel SaToy-PIaxa
Gerry Morton Oro
HIidegarde
Hotel St. Merita
Basil Fomeen Ora
June Forrest
Zanette ft Darrel
Doll 0-DelI
HiKtd St. Begl*
' (Irldlom . Boom)
Charles Baum Ore
Sam Jorvls
Brie Belter
Jane Nloholma
Don Martoo Ore
Simpson Sis
Dorothy Lewis
(Maisonette Rosae)
Nicholas Mathey Or
laaha Ndzarenko
Charlea Nari
Vaaalllo Apostolidea
Qedda Peiry
Michel Greben
Mill Monti
Hotel Taft
Enoch Light Oro
Peggy Msnn
George HInes
Smith Howard
Light Brigade
Motel n'Biciorr-
Astorla
(Empire Room)
Hal Kemp Ore
Hotel While
Lo'n I.ang Ore
Charlie Macy
Mimi Francis
J|mmr Kelly's
Joo Capeilo Ore
Inga Borg
Gladys Faye
Princess Aloma
Mary' Lane
Tanya
Lee Leslie
Carter ft-Schaub
Terry Shannon •
Martha Kevacs
Gyitsy Lopez-
Barbara Eyton .
Lydia Bbrenbers
' Men Paris
Charlie Murray Oro
Mary Cohan
Jimmy Rogers
Monte Carle
Ted ^Straeter . Oro
Bob Knight Oro
Dick Smart .
Elaine Bassett
Peggy Henley
Anne Graham
Anita Colby
Evelyn Kelly
Itosanno Murray
Onyx plub
John KIrby Ore
Lee Wiley
Paradise
Vincent Traven Or
3 Castles
Place Eltgante
Leo LazarO Oro
Bill Farrell
Tommy Mills
Ben Kaur
Irve Harris
Rex Gavltte
Oaten Marr
Joe Ellis Oro
Connuelo Flowerton
THIS WEEK
DOUBLE ACTION
ROXY (Paul Kirkland
IMelba
EARL ( Helena Faye
WASH. (Frank Hornaday
(Tryon Sisters
I Bob Carney & Co.
FAY'S
PROy.
AND JUST PLACED
THE LAMBERTONS
LOEWS, WASHINGTON
EDDIE SMITH, 2S W. 4Sth St.. N. T.
Peggy de la Plante
Valerie Vance
Montmartro Boya
Danny Hlgglna
Sid Hawklna
Vangh Comfort
Oonz'iea ft Chrlatlne
John Rockwood
Gene Waltera
La Harqnlse
Bill Palermo Oro
Gloria Whitney
Harold Leonard
Frances Connelly
Lame
Eddl* Davis Ore
Joseph Smith Ore
Le Coq Rooge
Geo Stemey Oro
Anne Frnnclna
Tisdale 3
Le Mirage
Mario ft Merin Oro
Gay Adams
Lucille Johnson
Liana Marlow
Jerry WIlliRm*
Randolph Cox
Flora Newman
L* RabaB Blea
Herbert Jacoby
Alleen Cook
Grazlella Parraga
Marie Eve
Mabel Mercer
Leoa * Eddie's
Leu Martin Ore
Eddie Davis
Iris Adrian
Mickey ft M Ford
Beryl Cooper
Joan Ony-
Billy Bums
James Keogaa
Snnny ft R Duval
Ann Bronte
Wally Wanger •
Jaok Osterman's
Uttle Clob
Roger Steele On
Frances Williams
Patsy (>gden
Scat Powell
Meyer's Cellar
(Hoboken)
Howard- Blaine
Rosaline Lewis
Kitty Wright
Walter. Walters
BalBbow OrtU
Barry Winton Oro
Hsrlynn ft Mlcbael
Bainbow Boom
Ruby Newman Oro
John Hoysradt
Oower & Jeanne
Eddie Ls' Baron Ore
Joan Cartler
Basslan Kretchma
Tasha. Nlkagosov
Nastia Pollakova
Daria Blrae
Marusla Sava
Hermlne Michel .
Claudia Capellova
Senia KaravaeK .
Michel MIchon
Serge Ignatenhe
Voiodla Katov
Genia Pobedlna
Show Dar
(Forest Hnis)
Sleepy Hall Oro
Bill Hansen '
Lucille Rich
Jules Cassard
Bernice Manning
Chlckle Goldwyn ■
Stork CInb
Sonny Kendls On
Monchito Ore
Eleanor French
Santa Herrera
Tenalllea
M Bergen Ore
Stroud 1
Panchlto Oro
D'Avalos Dancers
VlUage Bam
Howard Woods Oro
Owen Williams
Freda Sullivan
Ray Hunt
Paxton
Polly Jenkins Co
Noll ft Nolan
Lou Valero
Whirling To*
Geo Morris Oro
Irene Stanley
Ann Gale
Ruth LeClalre
Russell Dracken
lOS ANGELES
Beverly WUshlra
Bray Sis
■Howard Gerrard
Harry Owens Ore
Cafe Callente
Poncho
Diana Castillo
Julio Oervante
Emil Basso Oro
' Itank Sebastian's
Cnbanela
Eduardo Chenes
Joe Barrls Oro
Grace Hayes . Lodce
Jackie Coglen
Grace Hayes
CHEZ PAREE
CHICAGO
MARCH 31st
THE
WIERE BROTHERS
- Via: MARK J. LEDOY
1^0 Luz Dasquez
Eddie Agulior Oro
Cafe La Maze
Park Ave. Boys
Martha Meara
Matty Malneck Ore
Club BaU
George Yount
Bruz Fletcher
CInb tersallica
Jerry Lester
Gloria King
Theodores
Chlcco Ore
Earl Carroll
Paul Oerrlts
Arren ft Braderick
A Robins
Igor & Tanya
Vivien Fay
Susan Miller
Beryl Wallace
8 Sophisticated Gla
Dorothy Gerron
Reginald Craig
Anhle Bleyer On
Ed Durant Oro
Floreatlne GardeD
Manrloe KosloS -Co
LInd Hayes
Joe Frisco
Charlie Foy
Loo Sailee Oro
Hawaiian Paradise
Loretta Walker
Princess Luanna
Joe Sdlllvan Oro
lodlgo Cafe
Sid Brown
Jimmy Bllard
Jack Frost
Val Harris
It Cafe
Cabaneros
Don Rudolf Oro
Jerry's Handalay
Marguerite Padula
Geo Surprenant Jr
Neville Fieeson
Nonle Mitchell
Hal Chancellor Oro
Jimmy Kerr & Boys
La Conga
Don Jori
Spike Featheratone
Brelyn Steele
Jerry Galian
LaC'Dga Rh'mba Bd
Little Clob
Jane Jonea
Paul Kendall
Waiter Dyaon
little Hnagarr
Valesco's Oypaies
MBreel'e
Leonard Keller Ore
Marcos Daly
Kay Gregory
Joey Lee Oro
Omar's Dome
Lillian Gibson
Charles Barle
Hal Brown
Ted Wells Ora
Palomar
Imogone Coca
Tanner Sis
Gloria Monro*
Kirk Alien
Masifoy ft. Miller
Jerry Mumson
Jimmy Brlerly
George Olsen
Pari* Ins
Domlnio
lllnne ft Elaine
Ginger Woldon
Kntlierine Skldmore
Lillian Gilbert
Eric Massey
Henry Monett
Marguerite ft M
Ken Honryson
Chuck Henry Oro
Sevea Seas
Danny Kawaima
Kar surer
Lillian Gibson
Al Molntyre
Eddie Bush 4
Mapsy Hsxle's
Slapsy Mnxle
Jack Waldran
Joe Plotksl
Andy Sorrelll
Virginia Mathews
Mooro ft Letvis
Tommy Rellly Ora
Somerset Honse
Horry Rlnglond
Art Tntum
Jack Owens
. Stage ;i' Cafe
Wally Vernon
Ullly Toung
Henry GalantI
Sliemp Howard
t Sqblres
. Swaaee Ina
Eddie. Bool
Gladys Benlley
Topay'e
Elmer
Arlett Jon
Taras & Maatera
Nichols ft Lucas
The Mercer Bros
Dorothy Brandon
Chuck Foster Oro
Victor ilugo
Joaquin Oaray '
Sklnnay Ennls Ore
Carmine
cmcAoo
Ambaasador Hotel
(Pomp Boom)
H McCnery Oro
DnU BaU
Ralph Cook
Kay Armin'
June Story
Sally Osmon
JImmIe Green Oro
Blamarek Hotel
(Walant Boom)
Bob Belmont
Nanno Van Honton
Plazzo
Betty Grey
Charlie Schanks Or
Adele, Trent ft S
Darlene O'Day
BlaoUrawk
Frederic ft Tvona
Bob Crosby Oro
Terry ft Walker
Marlon Mann
Dorothy Claire
Marj- Jane Brown
Gil Rodin
Don Pedro Oro
Orrin ft Betty
Blaebstone Hotel
lUouaese urn)
Marguerite English
Pliaer ft Earl Oro
Bine Oooae
Evelyn Watera
At Lane
Melody King
Buck Bunt
4 HiU'ft a Miss
Brevoort Hotel
(Crystal Boom)
Florence Schubert
Charles Baldwin
Grace ' Katrol
Norma Ballard
Broadmont
Herb Rudolph Ore
Ginger Wood
Jerry Walker
Georglo La Reaa
JImmie Reld
Sylvia Tucker
Henry Simon
Adorabies
Obex BocUey
Dick Buckley
Pre M'Crnae
Shirley Ray
Uo Nlles
Ralph LIndgren Or
Cliex Farce
Cross ft Dunn
Adelaide Mofte'tt
Mary Raye ft N
Wolre Bros
RusB Morgan On
Don Orlando On
Bvans . Adorable*
CInb Al
Larry Rosa
Mary ODar
Lll Gerard
Margie Moore
Oliver Uarria Ora
CInb Alabam '
Dorothy DeHoghton
Pauiette IjalMem
Harriet Norrls
Sadie Moore
Jack Irving
Allen Cole
Bin* Burton
Berals Adier
Dorothy Dale
Dave Uneils Ore
Chalk Robinson Ora
Eddie Ro.tb Oro
CInb Espana
Harry Hynda
Bob Dnrtree
Dick Hausa
Joe Rardy
Bee Jonea
Rusa LIndgren Ora
. Colony Olab
Jos* Hanzanara* Or
Lew Fiaier Oro
Connie Boawell
CeloslmoB
Tullah ft Hly
Pat Rooney
Janet Reade
Lulii Gould
Betty Robin'
Marlon Vinay
Harry Rose
Pronaph Gi*
Hollywood «
Henri' Gendron Ore
CInb DeUsa
Sam Robinson
Henrlone Barker
Crawford Price
Saundra ft Earl
Wesley Long
Albert Sears
Connie Morrow
Chippie Hill
Brown ft Brown
Ethels Wilson
Rhythm WiUle
Charles Tsom
Partello OIs .
Red Saundera Ore
Congrees Hotel
(Glass Hat Bm)
Johnny Bangs Ore
(Peacock Bm>
Joe Vera
(Pompeilaa Bm) ' ,
Irving Margraft '
Drake Hotel
(OeU Coast Room)
Wayne King On
Bob Rich
Dean Murphy
Mndle ft Rny
Bernice Parks
Datrh's
Johii Elliott
Carlos ft Doions
Betty Jerome
Evelyn Horrla
LoUta
Mort Lnnd Oro
Edgewater Beach
Hotel
(Harhie Room)
Mary Fran Sackley
Eugenia McOce
Blaine ft Barry
Marine 4
Stuart Frazer
Jay Mills Ore '
Harriet Smith Gls
835 CInb
Eddie Vorzos Ora
Luclo Garcia
Johnny Howard
Carlos ft Mercedee
Grace McCarthy
El Doropo
Laurene Ne Vel
Ken Leslie
Margie Lacey
Joan Jarr
3 Loose Screws
Marie Paul
Ray Stiebers Ore
Sam Badls
Whoriey Gls .
Famoos Door .
Esther WhIttlngtOB
Bryan Wolf
BllUe Minor
Terry O'Toolo
Al Robinson Oro
June Thompson
Franlce's Casino
Will Martin
Babs ft Eddie
Sandra Byrd
Blllle Bogers
Roberta
Buddy KItlils ^
Rock* Bllswortn
Bob Tinsley Ore
Ony Faroe
Wanda Kny
Bd Currle
Gale Lawrence
Golden Spot
Bid Schapp*
Billy Byron
Helen Dove
Marion Miller
Chester LeRoy Oro.
Grand Terrace
Jean Brady
Tondelaya ft Lopez
Ted Smith
(Gladys Madden
Dot Adams
Marie Bryant
Dusty Fletdier
Leonard Reed Gl*
F Henderson Ora
. Oraemere Hotel
<Ola*s Honse Bm).
Tonsty Pnil Ora
Carl Bock
Majclno ICIrk
Lorraine Voss
Harry's N T CaVret
Jerry Healy
Al Samuels 3
Mae> Brown
Gloria Shayne
Andre Faye
Colleen
Collet te
Madeline Gardner
Renee Viiloa
Kitty Roth
Rankin Gls
Chas En gels Oro
Art Buckley
Al Wagner
Bulls Myen
Lee Boning
Hickory Ian
Kay Dare
Joan ft Eddie
Tom Garvey
Gondoliers On
HI Hot
Lou Holz
Margo Gavin
Betty Atkinson
KrotloW Gls
Sid Lang Oro
lyaahoe
Helen* Irwin
j>Ilce Miinson
4 Hawallens
Kolth Beecher Oro
L'Alglon
Mary W Kllpatrtok
Euseblo Conclnldl
Spyroa Stamoa
Don Quixote Ora
Bnnio Bolognlnl .Or
Hotel La Sane
(Bine Front Room)
Vlbra
Stuff Smith Oro
Gladys Madden
Jonah Jones
Liberty Ina
Dick Hugos
Helen Durfree
June West
Billy. MIU
FHtil Bey
Barbra Bow
RKa Mannhtr
JImmie O'Neli
Earl Wiley Or*
Bob Tank Ora
Uttle Clab
Tanua Tamara
Rlohard Denzler
Roland ft Franclne
Joe KIsh Ora
McOraws
Al Copeland
Lillian Barbeana
l.]ilvo Bvon
d'een Bright
i/ixle Dee
AVIs Doyle .
Phil Chlnard
Melody HUl
Tiny Hill On
Allan DeWItt
Harold Osborne
MIllHtone
Ann Millstone
Flo Whitman
Oa:e Lawrence-
Hetty Mnrrls
Delia Bartell
Jack Roland Ora-
Nyra Lou
Muriel Joseph
Sissle Robbins
tienevieve Val
Sharane
BUnnet Clob
Del Eateii
Wills Runyon
A I Mnlvaney
Verna Jordan
Art FIsber Ora
Moirlsoa Hotel
(Beaton Oyster
Hoose)
Manfred GoUbett'
■ Nameless Onto '
Julian Stoekdnis
Vlto Ore
Ona Mayo
Carole Cleveland -
Margie Strong
Evelyn Beed
Bd Leon
Nappo Qaxdens
Genevieve Jacyna
Helen CoyJe
Dave Malcolm
Mary Mac
Jane La Vontae
Kny Moore
Honey Lee
Jean & Wharton
Sally Sharratt
Sol Stocco Ora
Old HeMelberK
Old Heldelbert Co
'Octet
Robert Kessler
Winn Strache
Herr Louie ft W
Herble Oro
Faddock Clab .
Elinor Johnson
Marrita Ryan
Flo Folua
Chester Le Roy Oro
Palmer Honse '
(Empln Room)
OrrIn Tucker Ore
Franklin Crawford
Joseph Coskey
Billy Rayes
Jack Williams
I.orralno Sis
Jose Coatra
Beverly Allen
Abbott Dancera
Phil Dooley Ore
Parody Ohib>
Flash Evans
Ida Brown
Dolores Shaw •
Kaytherlne Atkin
Chic Sandera Oro
PlNyhease
Helen Hart
Johnny Morrlasey
Jean Cook
Charleno Baker
Barry Hodges On
Rose Bowl
Willie Shore
Gladya Palmer
Sol Wagner Ore '
Blaine Merritt
Burke Sis
Vera Fern
Royal FNUca
Dolly Kay
Eddie White
4 Witaon Bros
Anthony. A ft H
Ginger Lsdell
Al Trurk Oro
Mark Fisher Ore
Jack Hllllard
Frolios Ens
Sherman Hotel
(College iBB) '
Gene Krupa Oro
Irene Daye
CelUe Cafe
Bud Glens Ora
Dome
Spinning Tops
James Hamilton
Dancing Buckleys
8 Jitterbugs
Bud Bartell
Empire Boys 3
Jimmy Blade
Jerry GUdden'
Kay Nichols
BUheaelts
Larry Forbes
Dee Downey
Betty Jerome
Lou Redell
Joey Conrad Ore
Silver Cloud
Bert Nolan
Lane' !
Barnes* 7 Ij«e ■
Adelaide Kirkott
Foster ft Adams
Nita La Tour
Vi Gora
Hazel Zalus
Nord Richardson
Johnny McFaJI .Or*
Silver FTOUcs
Claire Fellow
Harry Harris
Roberto ft Mints
Fay Wallace
Art Frasmnn
eo« Club
Al ZImmey
Sunny Carter
Connie Fasesaw
Steffi Lee
Dolores Del Rae
Marg.Faber OIs
Joel ft Annette
Dletrlcbs
Inez Scott
Aloha
Jessie Rosella
Dagmar
Dolly Sterling
Ruby Bennett
Patricia Perry
Coilette
Carmen
Sol Lake Ora
Tripoli 3
Sky Rocket
Marjorle' Whitney
Dictators
Mathews ft Shaw
4 King*
Stevens' Hotel
(Cootlneatal Room)
Rhythin Boys Ore
Bod Drigo ft F
Byton OIs
. Strateaphero CInb
Princea Red Rock
Frank Bsrbor
Snlnray
Ginger DIx
Opal ^rtair
Connie' Rogera
Jackie Richard
Francea Thomaa
Zona Lane
Edith Marlowe
Dolores Mao
Billy Kent
Henry Sax. Oro
Snsl-Q
Bernle Green
Saxon Sla
Cherl
Jules Scott
Sam Barl
Verne Wilson Ora
Thompson's 18 Clob
Ray Reynolds
Joy Kaleso
Natasha
Ruth Dean
Dot Keith Ol*
Jessie Garwood
Holen DuWayn*
Marah MrCurdy
Sammy Frisco On
Three Dencee
Baby Dodda *
Charles HcBrtde
Llll Armstrong
Lonnle Johrison
(Off Bent Boom)
Anita O'Day
WIngy Mannone
Basin Strcetera
Lennle Esterdall
Jimmy McPartland
Tower Ian
Mollle Manner
Sam Haas
Inez Gonan
Betty Story
Lee OIs
( Hawaiian*
Frank Davis Ors
Town CInb
Chat Boswell
Mae Dl Fill
Roslta Carmen
Mllllcent De Witt
Jane Mornn
June Carroll
0 Clilcagoans
Frankle Quatral Oro
Hal Bartwr
.VUla Modeme
Tony Cabot Oro
Winona Gardens
GIgi Rene '
Leo Harmon
Pat Allen
Thelma White
Frances West
NIta La Tour
Hazel Gregg
Sally Reynolds
Heinle Cramer
Frank Snyder On
Lucille Johnson
PHILADELPHIA
Anelierage
Frank Quinn Oro
Lou Foster
Anita Blaine
Jack & A Martin
Bellevne-Stntford
(Mala Dining R'm)
Msysr Davis Ora
(Bnrgaady Room)
Frank Juele On
Ben FMnklln Betel
(Garden Terrace)
Jimmy Joy Oro
Gal Moran
Guy McCoihas
Benny tbe Bom's
Mary Navis Ora
Hollywood Debs (8)
Wllma Douglas
Larry Vincent
Trudela ft Jean'
Blaine HInkle
Muriel Thomas ■
Browning Lane Ian
(BeUmawr, N.a.)
Buddy Bryant
Dixie Hey
Marlyn Dawn
Mary Joyce
Lucille Nolan
VInce Norman Orc
CadUlae Tavern
Beth Calvert
Darlene Jones
Eddie Thomaa
Jack Newlon
Sunny Ray'
H Reynolds Ora
Olnb ' 16
Dick Thomas
Johnny Toung Oro.<
Ellen Fay
Johnny Howard
Princess Helen
Amy Organ
Cafe Moroney
Searey Gavin
Al Cubler
Peggy Gas ft 2 Jets
Jerry Vftnce
Lorraine Wiley
Isabell Daniel*
Joe Famllant Oro
Lacry Graham
Bill Donahue
' CInb Parakeet
Ginger Lynn
Gertie Taylor Oro
Clob 209
Mildred Boyer
Bob Ramp Ora
La Rue 81*
Dntkln's BatfaakcDer
Frank Pontl
Don ft Doresse
Arnett'ft Rogera
Jean Van "
Irma >Lynn
Irving Braslow Oro
El Chico
Kay Lavorly
Margaret Marshall
Jack Marston
Virginia Howard
Gypsy Rita
Glenda Hope
Peggy Wagner
Slierry Lee
Bufbblos Shelby
Arlett Withers
Ivan Toshman •
Embassy
Billy Maple
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
VARIETY
39
>lda Alvft«»
Eleanor* PlP«'
Editb Roark
tula Maljn*
Colore* O Nelll
>l Moora Oro
VcAro Blanw Of*
O«or(« Clirrord
Eversnca CmIm
Seth Challla
Chadwlckii
Jlarrlnon SI*
Jane War*
Helta Ray
Ann Collln»
>1 Elilrlch
Jo Miles Or«
. IKS CInk
■vine King Ore
Tommy Monro*
BIhellBd Terry
Eileen Mercedes
Dolly Parker
jiirio Davie
Kay McCullouch
Dolorea Merrill
Mltxl Lane ■
Florence llolman.
Franltl* FalamiM'*
Buddy Lewie ,
Bonnie Stewart
Lee Lament
Ben Perry
re Mayoe
Tvonetlee. (•) _
Bobby Itorrb* Or*
Hani* TttTcra
Alabama Corlnn*
Bobby Ly.ona
Crota lAMarr
Belty Ttaoma*
HUdcbniDd'*
Jaclile Small
Charlie Neld
Doria Elliott
Kornian Lewli
Paula
Oaslmira Sla
Barbara Jorden
Claire. Salenlia
Franhle Mlltoo
BIch'ard Bacb
Bobby l<ee Or*
see Doras
Jack I^bcVb
Charlea Smith
Tlncent Rlicn Or*
Barney Zeeman
Harry Rlchman
Chancy * Fox
Lillian Carmen
Ceorge Tapps
Marlovia Rula
Hei*b Dubrow
Jimmy Blahe
J Lynch Ola Mt)
Joe li'raaetto Orr
Jam ScmloB
inna D'Aqulla
illly Krechnier
Tjitimrr rink
(Bias Boom)
Ann ituah
Bhumba Ore
UUIe RatbHbellcr
Ralph Lewis
Paul A Paulatt*
Chelemar Dean
Care Dixon
Victor Hueo Oro
' Bert St Clair
O'Connor 2
Vivian FrancI* .
Johnny & Genrg*
Blaao* Ina
Leonard Cook
Blllle Richmond
Ferdea & Loren?^
Bob & Betty Starr
Saronesa' Randonln
upen ' weor t'sf*
Lexlle Sla
Bob RIdloy
Roaa VenuttI
Hawaiian Ore
Ethel Maeder
Viola KJalaa Qr«
Fmplo Derby
Jean O'Neill
Andy Ruaaell
Buck Calhoun
Botty WeeliB
Margie Mealey
Jean Lamar
Dotty Moor*
Bobby Carr
Jo* Bnrns
Ray Allen Or*
BendoxToa*
Mldsle Fellows
Ford, Marahall * J
Blain* Alston
Denette & Day
Roaa Irwin
Bob Uarsravea Oro
Stamp'* Caf*
Bert Lemlsh Ore
Dot Landy
Jaok JIntchlnaon
Johnny Welsh'
3 Debs ' ' '
Barry * Olenn
Vic Barlaon
Bubbles Btewar* .
SllTer I«b* laa
(ClamentoB)
Mickey Famllanl 0«
Alice Lucey
Ar'mand A Juliana
PeKRy Eames
George Reed
Bkj Top Olab
Leon Wright Ore '
Blanche Sounder*
ZOth Ceatary
Tommy Cullen Ore
Venice OrUle'
Jack Rich
Fay Ray
Joey Hayea Ore
Phyltas Leru*
Diane Gall.
Norma Pay
S Blossoms
TIblag Caf*
Blllle Callahan
Joe Kearns
Jerry Delroar Ore
DIno A Le*
Chas Hunt
nobby Jone*
Billy Beck
VllUge Ban
Lenny Kent
Bobby Evans
Bebe Sherman
Chas A K Joy
Teddy Oliver Or*
Wagon Wbed
Cpsmo t Lollt» '
Tommy Hahn
Joan Marie
Pete Hayes
Al Wilson
Al Bastlan Ore
Weber** Hot Bran
(Camdea)
lis* Hart
Rudy Bruder
Jules Flacco Oro
Helen Worthlngton
M'ro'lla Wllll'maCo
Joan Gardner
Belmont Bros
Ala, Del Filar
Pat Crantord
Bin Evans
Sid Golden
Signer Karmlno
J * T Shellenh'mer
Tntematlonal*
Eldoradlans
Tacbt Clob
Kitty Helmling Ore
Roberta Ramsey
Patricia Roblnsoa
Alma Grant
Bob UalbesoB Ore
Ben*
Jean Allen
Pat Marvin
Helen Allon
Romona Brownwell
Rose Vine
ViDdIck Sla
Harvey Lee Oro
Scaler's
Tony Bauer Or*
Marl* Kerhy .
Jeaale A Viola
Dorothy Hamlltoa
HIng Burdick
Roma Coatello
^bwarts
Bob Klierle Ore
Lee Leigbton Or*
Bl\ Point Clab
Casper Reda Oro
State Gardea*
Ran RIgg Ore
b'lorenve Dell
kindred Seeley
Ann Helene
Gvon Allen
Irene Schranb
Plo Smilh
Shirley Little
Peggy Hall
Snaaet CInb
Eddie Apple
Tie Top Tap
Joey Peldnteln Ore.
Natalie * Howard
Eleanor Leonard
MILWAUKEE
Alblctle CInb
Hal MUnro Oro
Bert PbUIlp'*
Pep Babler Oro
■Ihel Eeldel
Blata Palm GardeB
Eddie Soutb Ore
Loula Mason
Bin* M**a
tt Davidson Or*
Virginia Rosen
Jay Jayson
Cal* Parker
Caniinal Clab
Bud vioni Oro
Chateaa Club
Stan Jacobsen Oro
Johnny Poat
Jimmy & Nor* Bell
Jack Herbert
June Carson
Dorothy May*
Edith Rao
Don & S Jennings
Lee Bartell
3 Jitterbug*
> Gents
Bert Gilbert
CloTer Clab
Harry Weber Ore
Ruth Phillips
Eva Thornton
Marge Young
Eleanor Gall
Jean Hurley
Flo Radke
Don Kranleh
Jaxon
Club Forest
Virginia Grey
Bcrdlne Dickson
Helen Kay*
Vera Welsh
Club HodrM
Jimmy Rotas Ore
Roland St Francin*
Rebecca Page
Patricia Page Gl*
Marguerite Claudet
Lollta Roche
2lta & Annis
George Moor*
.Eharun.Hale
Tbercae Rudolph
Club SnbaiB
fleo Cerwin Ore
CInb Terrls .
Gordon . Genschore
Mono Henderson
Ethel Warren
Phil Kestin
Kathleen Kay*
Claudia Perria
Dale & Dale
Congo CInb
Riff & Raft
Bob FreemaD
Mary Reed
Jeff Thoma*
Leonard Gay Ore
Corales Ship
Bill Davidson Ore
Ben Bo* Ore
Ralph Lawl*
Bailey tt Lamarr
D«rla«* ^giea
Stev* Swedish Ore
Mabel Drake
Dorothy Dal*
Red Roberts Or*
ruoria Gale
Jimmy De Palms
Howard Gelger
not«I Bchrocder
<Emplrp Boom)
Lawrence Welk Or
Jerry Burke
Walter Bloom
Lois Best
Kart Batseh's
Sepple Boch Ore
Helene Sturn
Walter Merhofl
Larsen'a
Ray Meadows Ore
last Bonad Up
Jimmy Ray* Ore
Ken Keck
. Liady'a
Rick & Snyder
victor
Phyllis Nowak
lA>g. Cabin
Carl Bergman Ore
UUntl CInb
Helen Holmes
Marlon Walters
Marie Douglas
Marcella Palg*
Ulnnle Blalny
Joan Bntrd
Peggy Geary
Gene Emerald
Harriet Cross
Marl* Carroll
Johnny Davis -Ore
Hilwankeaa
Bobby Maynard
Oasis
Marty Gray Ore
Snnolis Hsrtman
Old Heidelberg
Mary Beth
Bddle ZIpp Ore
Donna LuPa*
Allen Dunn
Sallle Marshall
Ginger A Louis*
Sandra Marlow*
Open Door
.Tlnney LIveng'd Or
Larry Powell
Packard Ballroom
Al Cavalier Ore
Paradise Gardeas
Bill KIngsley Oro
Paris
Art Boehel Oro
Plantation Clab
Bert Bailey Ore
Mary Webb
Plantation <
Brotrn & Lyons
Myrtle Thomas
Huoky Brown
BendesToaa
Betty Maaon
Helen Oregon
Carol Cleveland
Dotty Norman
KatherlB* Kay*
A I Gal*
Town and Coiintiy
CInb
Knight & Da* -
llobertos
Luclene
Virginia Davl*
Madeline Gardiner
Betty Harger
Alleen Honda
Kaatro ft Wells
Marty Hoff
Cameo GIs
Toy'*
Case Landls Ore
Mth ft North Olab
Kay Crandell Ore
Trocsder*
MIron Stuart Ore
Jane Rubey
Shutta ft Kent
Dolly O'Dea
Woodard Sis
Bobble Stuart
Wlrtb's FntorMIe
Bill Schweitzer Or*
Jack Fexer
Value Jay Ore
Maureen Rosay
Rogan ft Mann
. WIseoBsIn Boot
M Mem'maker Oro
N!o Harper Ore
Tom Sheridan
Cappy Lewie
Joan Demarls
Arnold Dupre
Znnber Gardeas
LVle Stann Oro
CLEVELAND
Alpine Village
Otto Thurn Oro
Hlondell 2
Franchon ft F
Margaret Aemmer
Herman PIrubnor
'Avaloa
Hy Barron Ore
Hert Gilbert
Carol Cliapell*
Airway CInb
Troy Singer Oro
Judy Black
Cedar Garden*
Duke Melvin Oro
Hecht's Unit
Chateaa
Pete GeracI Ore
I^nn LioVerdl*
Art West
3 Femnies 1 Fellow
Eight O'Cloeb Clob
Rill Miller Ore
Sammy LIpman Co
Freddie'* Caf*
Tony Emma Ore
Zang ft Todd
Frank Reynolds
Josle
Miriam ICretlowllne
Bddle Barnes
Golden Glow
Paul SImonettI Ore
Slicrry Panay
Del Grey
Goormet CInb
Louis CIna Oro
Gloria Olenmore
Hattoo's CInb
r.«nny Colyer
Bob Armstrong
Rose-Marie
"""■» ciin
Joanna Gordon
Kay Bueh
Don A Lou
Len Ensign
Hotel ClevelaM
Gene Erwln Oro
Wnlt Bergen Oro
Hotel Feaway HaB
Wlllard .Pottis Oro.
Settle Allen
Hotel Sterling
Marty : Lake Ore
Uayle Gaylord
Hotel noUeadra
Sammy Wotklns Or
Sammy Waiklns Or
Bernlce C Ripley
Kreen Thorson
Don Enrico
Roberto Rlppy
Murlal Marman
Gloria Marman
Frank Cook
Hotel Statlcr
Dick Sublle Ore
Evelyn Cakes
Glover ft La Mae
Jack ft Eddie's
Chick Williams
Henry Rubertlns
Bess Evans
Dona Wamby
Harold Ttaoma*
JJndsay's Sky-Clab
Poison Gardner
Harold Simpson
Monaco's Caf*
Jacques Pollack Or
Marllynd Maynard
Kennds CInb
Orvelle Rand Oro
Sontbera Tnvera
Paul Burton Oro
Don Kaye
Nick Bontemp*
Vbaagl Clab
Tommy Barnes Ore
Hertel Collins
Ethel Avery
Rose Morgan
Sonny Carr
Book-Cadlllao Hotel
(Book Casino)
nob Grant Oro
Manno ft Strafford
\( Motor Bar)
Peter Kent Oro
Chcne-Tronbley
Jimmy Oargano Or
Frankle Little
Harry Jarkey
June ft. Jerry
Ginger Sutton
Commodore Clab
C Coatello Ore
Lee De Bain
Oldtlmers t
Rita ft Rubens
Sorelll
Una Cooper
Lovely Ladles (4)
Club Frontrnae
Larry Funk Oro
Art Shaul Rev
Jean Fole
Barry ft Dealba
Sweethearts (()
Hotel Stntler
(Terrat* Boem)
Xavler Cugat Ore
Carmen Castillo
Judy Lane
Eddie Astaerman
Cantalino Rolon
Imperial CInb
Don Carlnl
Geo Salla ft Jo- Jo
Bonnie Nicholas
FIfl LIvltea
Margo Wode
Woody Moaher
Frank Rapp Ore
SETBOIT
Keblolo Caf*
Leonard Seel Or*
Ward Gleaaon
Parisian Coeds
Jack Stacey
Northwood laa
Frank Glllen Oro -
John Hale
Ted ft Mary Taft
Arlene Whitney
Oasis
Zorlne
Don RIcardo Ore
Palm Beach
Amos Jacobs
LeRoy ft Sharp
Bddle Capps
Don Pablo Oro
FlaatattoB Clab
Rustavua Jons*
Evelyn While
Moke ft Poke
Dosoree Alexander
Billy Bkstein
Sadjal
Don Albert Ore
House Line (•)
Powatan
Mickey Alport
Katlierlne
DnlorsB
VIckl Lauren
Sammy DIbert Ore
Don Harris
Buddy Leeter
Vouman Bros (3)
Garnett Sis
Rita DoVere
Geo Kavanagb Ore
FITTSBUBOH
Anchorage
Hughle Morton Ore
Maynard Deane
Arlington Lodge
Art Norkus Oro.
Balronade*
Ted Waldon Oro'
Sally Culrhs
BUI Green's
Tommy Carlyn Ore
Johnny Duffy
CInb Petite
Freddie Castle Ore
Terry Holmes
Rne RuHsell
Sherry I-ane
Dave Jeffreys
Cork and BottI*
Jack Davis
Eddie reylon's
Johnny Radlon Ore
Jerry O'Dare
Harlem Casino
Sherdlna Walker Oi
George Gould
Pete Nugent
Monette Moore
Johnson & Grider
Otto Kasons
Ilarleniettes <t)
Larry Steele ^
Ozzle Dial -
Hotel HcBiy
M Contreras Oro
ConchltB
Hotel Roeseyelt
Buddy Russell 3
Hotel Scbenley
Howard. Baum Ore
Bu'/.2. Aston
Jai'k Rogers
Hotel William Feaa
(Cbatterbex)
Berslo Cummins Or
Connie Barleau
Walter Cummins
(Continental Bar)
Versatlllans
(Grill)
Bavarians
Italian Gardeas
BtsI Covato Ore
Bernle Perella
Michael Strange
Dance. Darlings ((;
Johnny Morris
nick Smith
Betty Nylander
New Pena
Joe Ravell Oro
Laverne KIdd
Jock Keller '
Lee Burke
Ward SJs..
Nixon Caf*
Al Marsleo Ore
Bob Carter
Darren ft Dale
Haloes Bro*
Angela DI Psims
Claire Ray GIs
Nnt Hons*
Al Sherman
Jack Lewis
Boogy-Woogy
Harry Nosokoff
George De' Costa
Al Mercur
Jim Buchanan
Plain Cafe
Jimmy Peyton Ore
Adele Curtis
Lynn & Davis
Dewey Moon
Betty Hurst
Bllly Cover
KlTlera
Joe Le* Oro
Show Boat
Al Fremont Ore
Leola Frailer
Raoul ft Virginia
Duval Sis
Natalie HIU
Louise Merlo
Nancy Cunningham
Raouiettes (C) .
Webster Ball
Neleon Maples Oro
Bu7.zy Kounts
Will Ward
George Weber
Union Grill
Tony Lombardo
Art Tagello
Frank Natal*
House Reviews
RIVERA, B'KLYN
Joe Lewis Follows Philiy
Vaude with Cafe Booking
Philadelphia, March 28.
Joe E. Lewis, who opens at the
Fox theatre here Friday (31), will go
into Jack Lynch's Walton Koof the
following Thursday (6): Hell double
at the two spots on the final night
of the Fox engagement
On the Walton bill with Lewis will
be Helen Morvan, who comes- in
Monday (3). Harry Richman, cur-
rent, closes Saturday (1).
On the Upbeat
(Continued from page 30)
N. C, Armory Match 22. White
spectators - were admitted to the
gallery, .
Adrian RollinI trio was to have
been. booked into Strand, N. Y., along
with Jimmy Dorsey last Friday (24)
but Ralph Hitz nixed the deal.
Rudy Bandy has opened engage-
ment in Spanish Room at Atlanta's
Henry Grady Hotel.
Latprenee. Welk opens at St Paul
Hotel Tue.<Nday, April 4, Band will
air over WCCO and NBC during
stay.
BMIy Baer set for Emnire Room of
the Hotel Schroeder, Milwaukee, for
a 10-day stay beginning March 31.
Baer will broadcast nightly over
WTMJ. Anril II Emery Deutsch's
orch will follow.
Ted Wecnia orchestra booked Into
the Gold Coast Room of the Drake
hotel, Chicago, opening April 10. Fol-
lows current stay of the Wayne King
orch.
Irvlnir Fields opens at the Hotel
Grossinger, N. Y.. April 5 with four
Mutual shots weekly. '
Bert Lown played for an aviators'
league meeting at the Waldorf-
Astoria hotel, N. Y., Friday (24).
Benny Goodman will be on the
Steel Pier, A. C Easter Sunday.
Frank Hen has shifted from road
manager for Chick Webb to a slmUar
spot with Van Alexander.
Ersklne . Hawkins and Jimmy
Lunceford hook uo in a swing battie
at Convention Hall, Fhila., April 10.
Coont Basle h^s cut a tune for Vo-
calion tagged 'Rockabye Basle.'
Will Osborne orchestra precedes
Larry Clinton into the Park Central
hotel, N. Y., onenin; April 5 for five
weeks with Mutual and NBC wires.
Gene Kmpa's picture. "Some Like
It Hot,' will .be released May 19.
Ben Cotler has been booked by the
William Morris office to open at the
Book-Cadillac hotel, Detroit, April
6. He succeeds Bob . Grant
Emery Dentoch moves from the
Nicollet Minneapolis, to the Schroe-
der hotel, Milwaukee, April . II.
Ina Bay Hatlon plays the Castle
Farms, Cincinnati, April 1 and 2,
through the William Morris office.
Girl 'unit has the NBC . engineers'
ball dated at the Hotel Morrison, Chi-
cago, April 14.
Vincent Lopez doing one-nlghters
In Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids,
March '31 and April 1.
Clyde McCoy band moved Into
Terrace Grill of Hotel Muehlebach,
Kansas City. Friday (24) for two
weeks,, following Ramona and her
Men of Music.
Get Oat the Hay Baes
Hollywood, March 28.
First of six Ken MayAard west-,
erns, 'Flaming Lead,' went Into work
yesterday (Mon.) on location at New-
hall for Colony Pictures.
Sam Newfleld directs.
(Continued from page 37)
for this position. Tapsters surprise,
with the easy hoofing of fancy steps.
Bob Howard, rhythm pianist and
swing finger. Is a lot more at home
on the stage than when he appeared
at the Roxy, N, Y., last year. Has
the same array of tunes, with pian-
ology nicely offsetting his Harlem-
esque vocal sessions. But It is put
over with more showmanship. Talk
to Me,' his own composition; 'Jeepers
Creepers' (with a novel arrangement
ringing in 'Hold Tight'); 'Old Man
Mose,' 'Hold That Tiger' and 'It's Not
What You Do, It's the Way You
Do It' comprise his lineup. In be-
tween he has that player-piano imi-
tation. Howard winds up with a
regular jam session. Even with all
of his extra encore oflerines he was
forced to make a deft curtain speech.
The Alblns (New Acts),, ballroom
dance spoofers, are in fourth slot
They clicked easily and had to beg
off- ,^ .
Biz about 75% capacity opening
night (Friday). Wear.
CIRCLE, INDPLS.
IndtanapoliSi March 24:
■ Vlticent Lopez orch, Patricia Ellis,
Abbott & ' itelto, Ben Blue Co.,
Bettu Huu Jij Dannv Dravson;
•Never Say Die (Par).
Top heavy with talent show runs
long 71 minutes with no letup, of fast
pace from curtain to curtain. While
Lopez bills his 14 piece orch as
'suave,' it's strictly a swing outfit, a
fact accepted gladly by the youthful,
mitt-pounders present at show
caught Lopez does a dead-pan in.&
}ob, but his stick-waving and spot at
piano are plenty good. With time
precious, band is limited to four
numbers, doing a swing version of
'Umbrella Man* to open, a medley of
'Napoleon Bonaparte^ and 'Deep Pur-
ple' in middle, and 'Swlngin' with
the Goons' to close. Lopez scores
heavily during his session at the
ivories, pounding out in fast style
'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,' 'Can-
adian Opers,' 'Stardust' and 'Nola.'
House, bucking stage opposish at
competing theatre, booked In Ben
Blue, spotted next-to-closlng. Blue,
with the help of man and woman,
turn in a giggle provoking routine of
nonsense. Including his standard 10c
dance hall bit with girl, Russian
dance single, and burlesque of Min-
uet with, man and woman to finish.
Does a double talk poem as begofl.'
Betty Hutton. jitterbug singer, is
other standout In show. . She does a
whirlwind rendition in goofy- style
of 'A-Tlskef 'Mose Ain't Dead' and
'Hold Tight' to big results.
Abbott and Costello, from Kate
Smith's program, do rapid fire patter
for a high laugh score. Speeches by
Hutton and Abbott and Costello,
however, should be eliminated, as
they only slow down the pace of the
show. Danny Df ayson does a couple
of fast tap dances near openinr*. Dick
Wharton lays aside his guitar to
vocalize one chorus of 1>eep Purple.'
Patricia Ellis helps on the marquee
and In the ads, but Is no great shakes
as a singer. Essays 'Sing for Your
Supper,' 'My Heart Belongs to Daddy'
and 'I. Cried for You' in only fair
voice, but her appeal Is more to the
eye than to- the ear. Wearing light
blue satin gown designed to high-
light the torso,- she had the audience
poundino mitts for another look, not
another listen.
Show Is well hung and ll<;hted and
biz was good at last show Fri-
day (24). Kitev.
LYRIC, INDPLS.
Indianapolis, March 24.
Anson Weefcs* orch, Tonv Martin,
Gene Sheldon, Knight Sisters. Dale
Evans; 'Adventures of Jane Arderi
fWB;.
• With Anson Weeks out of show
because of flu attack, and saxophon-
ist m.c.'ing opening day, bill was
floundering because of light weight
Band is good, but spread over a thin
50 minutes.
Tony Martin Is billed over orch
and closes show by singing special
lyrics to 'F. D. R. Jones/ not suited
to his style, and getting the heavy
mitt for 'Deep Purple,' 'I Married
an Angel,' 'Begin the Beguine' and
'Thanks for E^rerythlng.' As a beg-
off Martin does a chorus on the
Ucorice stick with the orch. He has
a swell . set of pipes and pleasing
personality.
Orch consists of four sax,' three
trumpets, one trombone and tbree-
{>Iece rhythm section, and has swing
eanings without being too solid. Does
okay on 'Halls of the Moimtaln King'
as opener, "Red Wing' and '12th
Street Rag,* as specialty tunes, as
well as providing nltie background
for acts. Dale Evans, a looker with
a nice voice,. Is band's femme vocal-
ist contributing 'I Get Along With-
out You Very WeU,' 'This r-.n't Be
Love' and, later, 'Dark Eyes' and
'Liza' as member of qua' tet
Knight Sisters do a sockaroo acro-
batic turn, in which qne girl tosses
the other about in adieigio style. They
are attractive In nifty blue outfits.
Gene Sheldon provides the only
comedy on bill with panto antics that
are surefire. Fools around with banjo
for some laughs as a starter, then
heckles girl as she tries to make a
speech. Finishes with bit In which
he sews his fingers together with
imaginary thread. Has played house
several times before and Is always
dependable dick.
Name of Anson Weeks is not strong'
here and house pinned, all boxofflce
hopes on drawing power of Tony
Martin. Powerful sta^e lineup at
opposish house, plus Weeks' lllnesa^
means a tough week for this spot
- Biz under par at third s'low open-
Ing day, Friday (24), Kllevt
NATIONAL, L'VILLE
Louisville, March 28.
Billy Homin's orch (11), Dtei«
Dunbar & Jimmy Byrne, Elite Trio,
Allen & CroxoelX, June Hart; 'Whit«
Woman' (Par).
. First gander at a flesh show thla
town has had for about a year, with'
exception of the few legit attractions
that play the Memorial aiid. Tbla
try is on a three-day basis (Sat-
Sun.-Mon.), and is to be continued
each weekend if support even ap-
Sroxlmates Initial try. Backers ar«
ack ' Schwartz, of Lexington, Ky.,
and Sam Weinberg, local exhibitor.
Show opens In one with radio set
on stage. Offstage voice Introes Billy
Hogan, who comes on, and tunes in
radio receiver to simulate various
wJc, programs, cueing into bis band.
Elite Trio, two males and a femme,
open with a straight ballroom rou-
tine, changing abruptty- to comedy
knockabout, with the two muscle-
lads tossing the femme. Turn is
well-timed for laughs and gets the
show off to a good start
June Hart personality accordion-
ist opens with a pop, then goes into
'n Trovatore,' well done. She also
doe's some warbling and closes with
an eccentric hillbilly song and nov-
elty dance, registering well.
Trundling out a mini-piano, Allen
Allen, about six feet tall, and hia
diminutive partner, Lillian Crowell,
wham across a good comedy-singing
turn. Girl is slightly over four feet
tall, but packs a sweet singing voice
and attractive figure. Allen rated
laughs with his ^adgetted piano,
from which he draws various arti-
cles, including beer. Some of tbe
material Is on the blue side.
Dixie Dunbar eschews any refer-
ence to her Hollywood chores. She
goes right into a pop song, followed
by a tap dance with her partner,
Jimmle Byrne, softshoe style, which
scores. Miss Dunbar then takes the
baton to direct the orch, and tops
off by tooting a sax.
Hogan's crew Is .heavy on brasa
and registers on Its own with num-
bers sandwiched between specialty
aclB. Standouts are the first trum-
pet and drummer, who warm the au-
dlence with their novelty efforts.
Show runs one hour and Is paced
to leave no dull spots. Absence of
this tjrpe of entertainment for so
long has left a void in this town, and
from the reception given this unit
the weekend liiea should dick.
Business was capacity at matinee
and night shows Saturday (25). Hold.
Copyright Law
(C^ontlnued from page 30)
date of copyright th6 required copies
have not been filed.
Exceptional Cases
Among the objections to the
amendment voiced in the music in-
dustry Is that some- provision ought
to be made for the registrar's enlarg-
ing the time . If he deems that there
have been, mitigating circumstances.
The deposit proviso. It Is feU, should
be made flexible enough for the
registrar to exercise a certain
amount of discretion.
As the law now stands there is no
specified period In which copies must
be deposited. All the statute states
is that It must be done 'within a rea-
sonable period of time.'
What largely prompted Bovet to
proiMse the amendment was the
complications which the Drew Pear-
son' vs. Washlngtonlan suit brought
to light The co-writer of the Wash-
ington Merry-Go-Round column took
14 \ months to deposit published
copies of a copyrighted article and
the U. S, supreme court upheld Pear-
son's infringement action on the
ground that there was nothing In the
law which compelled 'earlier com-
pliance. Tbe court did hold that the
instituting of an infringement must
be preceded by deposit . .
40
VARIETY
LEGITIMATE
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
Geve. Gets Sponsored Legit Plan
For 20 Shows; 7-Town Route Idea
Cleveland, March 28.
Another civic legit - sponsoring
group, patterned after St Louis'
American Theatre plan, was organ-
ized here last week by William Blair,
of the Hanna, who sold the idea to
the Chamber of. Commerce. . Incor-
porated under the name of Playgoers
of Cleveland, it bims to build, up
membership of at least 5,000 sub-
scribers for the '39-40 season. Mem-
berships costing $102. will entitle
them to two preferred . orchestra
seats, averaging $2:50 each, to 20
Broadway attractions guaranteed for
next year. Option of refusing two
plays out of the schedule is also
granted, bat no refunds.
C. of C. is establishing a separate
promotion and sales bureau for the
Haona's campaign, whidi starts next
week. Fifty .of the town's business
moguls are joining its board of di-
zectors to underwrite the non-proflt
project for $60,000. Idea was sold to
them on the conviction that more
Aows .at the Hanna would stimulate
trade In downtown theatrical sec-
tions, in addition to boosting Cleve-
land as a convention dty.. One of
the strongest backers is a nltery Im-
liresarlo, whose receipts jumped
$3,200 during Gertrude. Lawrence's
stay In 'Susan and God.'
Playgoers' charter is drawn up
•long VM lines of the one used by
the St Louis house, which bad 1,400
Wbscrlbers last year. C. of C. cam'
palgn will be carried on for the-next
five months, up to 30 days 'before
Banna's fall reopening.
Sk Lonls' Idea
St Louis, March 28.
Cleveland is the first mldwestem
city to adopt the St Louis Playgo-
ers, Inc., plan to lift legit out of the
doldnmis on the road via a seven'
town route. Bob Boda of Columbus,
who attended a meeting in Cleve-
land last week said the idea inter
ested him and be would lay it bC'
fore biggies in liis home town. Idea
was first broached to Cleveland by
John Ring, Jr., v.p. of the Playgoers,
and an executive of the local Cham-
ber of Commerce, and Paul Beisman,
manager of the American, this burg's
only legit house. .
Letters have been sent to C. of Cs
In Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and
Indianapolis, in addition . to' Cleve-
land and Columbus, by Thomas N.
Dysart prez of the C. of C. here,
who suggested that 'similar groups
In those cities, If interested, should
start their work wbll in. advance of
the fall. The letters detail the Play,
goers' plan and sample of the pledge
'cards signed by members.
The plan enables the Playgoers to
guarantee producers a sufficient adr
vance sale to justify playing the city.
The membership goal sought Is about
3,000; which will provide an advance
sale Of approximately $7,500. St
Louis already has 1,500, with the
promotion campaign .hampered by
lack of bookings to stimulate interest
In the plan.
The Playgoers is a non-profit or^
ganlzatlon and has no laterest what-
soever in the receipts of the theatre,
shared by house and attraction
the usual custom,
The 1037-38 legit season here
grossed approximately $300,OOQ, best
since 1829, and this season the take
has been approximately $195,000 so
far.
Ptreem of New Operetta
To End St Loi^ Season
World preem of a new operetta,
'Victoria and Her Hussar,' will wind
up a 12-week season this summer of
the St Louis Muny- Opera Co.
Schedule will open Jtme 2 with 'Rose
Marie' and succeeding shows will in-
clude 'Queen High,? ImA Waltz,' "Ka-
tinka,' 'On Your Toes,' 'Bartered
Bride,' 'Babctte,' Tlrefly,' 'Royal
Chef,' ■Mary' and 'Song of the
Flaine.'
Richard Bergei* Will again have
charge of the. season, wltb Alfred
Stem, formerly with the Radio City
'Music Hall, New York, as costume
supervisor. Norris Houghton, N. Y.,
scenic designer, has been inked as
art director, succeeding Raymond
Sovey, who held the post for the past
four seatons.
Table' Is First Yiddish
Play vdth Two Road Cos.
For the first time in the Yiddish
theatre, two companies of the same
play will run simultaneously on the
road when 'Round the Family Table'
companies open in Boston' and Phila-
delphia Tuesday (4).
■Table,' adapted by Nuchim Stutch-
koS from his radio serial of the same
name, was one of the big Yiddish
grossers' during the past season, hav-
ing played 19 weeks, at the Irving
Place, New York.
The original cast wlU be in the
Boston company, slated for the Ma-
jestic theatre :.there for a week, the
first of a six-week tour, and will in-
clude Cella Adler, Judah Bleich,
Michael Rosenberg and Yudel Du-
binsky. The Philly troupe plays at,
the Walnut for two weeks.
CAL THEATRE
PROJEa
Hollywood, March 28.
Alexander Leftwich, one-time New
York legit producer and director, and
later associate producer at several
picture studios, was named State Di-
rector of the Federal Theatre Pro-
ject, succeeding James R. XHlman,
resigned.
Leftwich takes over from Ole Ness,
who received a temporary appoint-
ment Leftwich goes to Washington
for consultation after getting office
In order. Linton Smith Handles ad-
ministrative affairs 6s Leftwich's
aide.
Leftwich Is the step-father of Pa-
tricia EUis, film player.
Mohawk Fe^val Win
Get 3 New Names, Phis
Varied Assortment
Schenectady, N. Y., March 28.
The flftti annual Mohawk Drama
Festival and Institute, to be held .bh
the Union College campus from July
3 to August 27, will bring at least
three stars new to the outdoor thea-
tre and will range in repertoire from
Shakespeare and Moliere through
contemporary plays. In addition to
the previously announced appear-
ance of Eugenie Iieontovich in Helen
.Jerome's 'Charlotte Corday,' ComeUa
Otis Skinner will do Edward Shel-
don's 'Romance,' and Burgess Mere-
dith has made plans to play 'Hamlet'
at the Festival, with Orson Welles as
possible director and portrayer of
the King.
Thomas Mitchell will' stage one
production and play in another. Fred
Stone, who established a Festival
boxofflce record ' last ' August In
Xightnin,' will return In a piece
which he is to select Walter Hamp-
den, runner-up to Stone as a draw
in "Trilby' last summer, will star in
a production to be announced later.
Charles Cobum, co-founder and gen.
eral director of -the Festivalj will
appear In Moliere's *The School for
Husbands.'
Mohawk Drama Festival, which
receives, a grant from the Carnegie
Foundation, is chartered by N. Y,
State Board of Regents as an edu-
cational, non-profit enterprise.
Burieigh Returning
To Mass. Strawhat
Pittsburgh, March 28.
Frederick Burleigh, director of
Pittsburgh Playhouse, will return to
Cohasset Mass., again this summer
to co-direct South Shore Players
there with Alexander Dean. He had
originally planned to launch a straw-
hat of his own at Marblehead, Mass,
but dropped that plan on account of
Dean's illness. Season opens there
July 3, with getaway show not
definitely set' yet However, second
offering WilUbe Dudley Digges in
'On Borrowed Time.'
Current Road Shows
(Weefc of Morch 27)
'A Broom for a Bride* (Irene Rich)
— Curran, San Francisco.
'AngeU Is 22' (Philip Merlvale)—
Selwyn, Chicago.
'Candida' XCornella Otis Skinner)
—Locust Philadelphia.
D'Oyly Carte Opem— Forrest,
Philadelphia.
1 Married an Ao^tV (Dennis King,
Vera Zorina)— Opera House, Chi-
cago.
Importance of Being Earnest'
(Clifton Webb, Estelle Winwood)—
Wilbur, Buston.
'Kiss the Boys Goedbye'— Harris,
Chicago.
'Kiss the Boys Goodbye'— Auditori-
um, Louisville (27); Ryman Audi-
torium, NashvUle (28); Bijou, Knox-
vllle (29); Bijou, Chattanooga (3.0);
ErUnger, Atlanta (31-1).
•Knlekerboeker Hoitday* (Walter
Huston)— Nixon, Pittsburgh.
Luit-Foiitaiuie Bofertory — Tatt
Auditorium,- Milwaukee.-
•yij Dear ChlMrai' (John Barry-
more)— National, Washington.
'No Time for Comedy' (Katharine
ComeU)— English, Indianapolis (30-
1).
Both Draper— Plymouth, Boston.
Sim Carlo Opera— Lyric, Bridge-
port (26); Shubert, New Haven (27-
28); Shubert, Providence (29-30);
Shubert, Hartford (31-1).
'Skylark' (Gertrude Lawrence)—
Royal Alexandria, Toronto.
'Susan and God' (Jessie Royce
Landis)— Coliseum, Evansvllle (27);
English, Jndlanapolis (28-29); Hippo-
drome, Terre Haute (30); Shrine
Temple, Ft Wayne (3i-l).
"Tobaeeo Bead'- American, St
Louis (26-1).
■What a Life*- Erlanger, Chicago.
'Whltcoaks' (Ethel Barrymore) —
Geaiy, San Francisco.
'Women'— Cass, Detroit
Constmction Under Way
On Strawhatter Backed
By StagerLiterati WJLs
Philadelphia, March 28.
Ground was broken Sunday (26)
by Richard Bennett for the - Bucks
County Playhouse in New Hope, Pa,
a co-op strawhat sponsored by the
show biz and literati celebs who
m!|ke their, homes in that section of
eaiitern Pennsy.'- Theatre, wliich will
seat about 300, is being converted
from an old mill. It is expected to
be ready by early summer. Around
$40,000 has been chipped in for the
job. • • ■ •
Bennett will direct the project,
which is viewed as an experimental
laboratory to nurture the talents of
young playwrights and actors. Back-
ers include Dorothy Parker and her
husband Alan Campbell, Burgess
Meredith, Orson Welles, (George S.
Kaufman, Myron McCormIck, Walter
Huston, John Barrymore, Joan Ben-
nett, Alexander Woollcott, Margaret
Wycherly, Brian Aherne, Moss Hart
and others. Many were present at
the ground-breaking ceremony and
party that followed. '
St John Terrell, co-producer of
the playhouse, revealed that Dorothy
Parlcer will make her stage debut on
the boards of the I^ew Hope theatre
this summer ' in the title role of
•Hedda Gabler.' ■ Alexander Wooll-
cott, aside from assisting In produc-
tion, also will go before .the foot-
lights as the narrator in 'Our Town.'
Joan Bennett will make a iBylng trip
from Hollywood for a .week's stay
In' 'Iiiliom.* Her sister, Constance,
also may appear at the playhouse,
her father said.
Scholarships for worthy students
will be presented by stage and screen
names, Bennett declared. First schol-
arship has already been contributed
by Clark Gable, he said. Contribu-
tions in other forms will also be
made, George Kaufman and other
playwrights having given i)ermIssion
for the use of their works without
royalties.
Managing directors of the play-
house, where Bennett hopes to
'transplant the spirit of Salzburg,'
include Kenyon Nicholson, Terrell
and Connie Wolf, former manager of
the Garrick, Philly.
Engagements
Dean Jagger, Edgar Stehll, The
Brown Danube.'
Johnny Downs, 'Yokel Boy Makes
Good.' ••
Laurence Olivier, Margalo GiU-
more, John Williams. Robert Flem-
yng. Peter Robinson, Gee Gee James,
Katharine Cornell, 'No Time for
Comedy' (complete cast).
hade Stdf-Legit
CoL Frederick Stuart Greene, who died Sunday (26) in Washington a
few days after resigning as N. Y. State Commissioner of Public Works
after serving since February, 1923, was widely known on Broadway. He
was a member of The Players and had appeared, in their annual spring
revivals. He also did a bit in one production each .summer at the Mohawk
Drama Festival, Schenectady, directed by his friend and fellow clubman,
Charles Cobum.
Greene, active in Albany amateur theatricals, w^s the author of short
stories, mag articles, several sketches and at least one full-length play,
'Johnny Comes Marching Home.' This premiered at the Capitol, Albany,
some years ago. Greene long entertained the idea of dramatizing the life
of Alfj^d E, Smith, with (Seorge M, Cohan in the role of the former Gov-
ernor. Smith brought Greene into public life 20 years ago, appointing
him, although they had never met, as State Highway Commissioner.
The Little Foxes' is out . of the red, having «arned back the total outlay,
at the National, N. Y,, within five weeks. New drama sock on Broadway,
although a one-setter, cOst around $25,000 In all, including extra expense
out of town and the amount of the two weeks' salary guarantee on de-
posit witii Equity.
Picture rights price has not been set by Herman Shumlln, the producer,
nor Lillian Hellman, author of 'Foxes.' I,atter is on the Coast conferring
with Samuel Goldwyn over a story she is due to deUver for the screen in
thefaU.
It is the second thne that the Shumlin-Hellman combo has clicked, they
first landing with 'The Children's Hour.' It's also the second time for the
manager to plant a hit in the National, he having- 'Grand Hotel,' his first
smash. In that house.
Margaret Webster, director of Maurice Evans' "Henry IV' and also ap-
pearing in 'Family Portrait' bas been signatured to direct at the N. Y.
World's Fair Globe theatre, main feature of John T. Schless' *Merrie Eng-
land' show. Rhys Williams, who Is playing in 'Henry IV,' will be general
manager. Thomas Wood Stevens, who directed the Globe theatre for
Sdiless at the Chicago fair, will be producer. Austin Coghlln, stage man-
ager at the Chiicago show for Schless, again will be stage manager.
Idea In reproducing the Globe theatre of Southwark, London, whero
Shakespeare's plays originally were presented, is to offer 45 minutes of
'Streamlined Shakespeare.' House will seat about 930 people. Because
pop prices will prevail, four or five shows will play daily. .
Ray Golden and Everett Well are financing the Coast resumption of
'Our Town,' they to "Present Jed Harris' Pulitzer Winner' of last season,
with Frank Craven and the original leads appearing. Weil is said to be a
Los Angeles stock broker. Town' is slated to open a three-week engage-
ment at the BUtmore, In Iios Angeles, April 10, then moves on to San
Francisco.
Bond guaranteeing salaries and transportation was arranged to be de-
posited with Equity in New York. Some of the- cast is already on the
Coast, Including Craven, others leaving the east Thursday (30).
Ned Annstrohg, press agent for Brock Pemberton, landed full page lay-
outs in the Sunday magazine sections of 26 papers, yam being an illus-
tracted story' of 'Kiss the Boys Goodbye,' current in New York (Miller). Two'
companies are on the road. Art-work and cuts came from the manager's
office. It is frankly stated that 'Kiss' the Boys' is a satire on the long search
for an actress to play Scarlett O'Hara in the filming of 'Gone with the
Wind.' Stated that Selznlck-Intemational devoted two years and spent
$50,000 in the search for a Scarlett before signing up Viyien Leigh. '
Story was handled by the Des Moines Register-Tribune Syndicate.
Postponement tmtil next week or April 10 of The Happiest Days,' a
tragedy originally, slated for opening tonight (29) at the Vanderbilt, N. Y.,
by Courtney Burr, was occasioned by the enthusiasm of Marc Connelly
over the play. It was being staged by Robert Steiner, a young director,
who stepped aside, witti Connelly taking over. tAtter declared that an-
other four or five days would be needed to whip 'Days' into more effective
playing form.
Connelly set back other assignments so -that he could concentrate on re-
staging the Charlotte Armstrong drama.
'Stop Press,' which was presented for one time at the Vanderbilt, N. Y.,
on a recent Sunday night is saiid to have been so much rewritten tliat the
original story disappeared. John Stradley wrote the script, which was
optioned. Anton Bundsmann had a hand in the numerous revisions, then
stepi>ed out of the picture.' Author did all the promoting, including coin'
dug up to pay off the stagehands.
The author-managers of the Playwrights Co. will be in Indianapolis for
the opening of 'No Time for Comedy,' starring Katharine Corneil, which
opens there Thursday (30). It will be the first time for the entire quintet
to attend the' debut of any of their attractions out of town.
Play, by S. N. Behrman, is being presented by the Playwrights in asso-
ciation with the star, Katharine Hepburn.
Revival of 'Outward Bound,' at the Playhouse, N. Y., will top the orig-
inal engagement of 18. weeks, according to indications. Show is now in the
15th week and will tie the first mark during Easter week, engagement be-
ing expected to last well through the spring period.
'Bound' was first presented by William Harris, Jr., at the Ritz. He has
no interest in the revival.
Jean Rosenthal, of Productions, Inc., states she has not ended }},er asso-
ciation with the Mercury Theatre, as reported, but remains a member of
the board. She participated in the formation of Productions, Inc., to han-
dle technical production problems for outside managements.
AGMAJQUmr DISPUTE
LYRIC PRODS. STATUS
Jurisdiction row looms between
Equity and the American Guild of
Musical Artists over the forthcom-
ing musical presentatlona by the
American Lyric Theatre' at a Broad-
way house, to be selected, starting
mid-May. Equity claims the shows
are musical comedy aud should be
classed as legit AGMA, on the other
hand, argues that they are opera
and should be supervised by the mu-
sical union.
Shows to be given by the Lyric are
The Devil and Daniel Webster,'
billed as a 'folk opera,' with score
by Douglas Moore and libretto by
Stephen Vincent Benet, and 'Su-
sanna, Don't You. Cry,' a "musical
romance,' with score by Clarence
Loomis based on Stephen Foster
melodies, and libretto by Sarah
N^wmCyer. Each wUl run one week.
Ijyrlc company was formed by a
group Identified with opera. I««
Pattison, who heads the organization,
is the director of the Metropolitan
Opera q^trlng , season. " Richard Aid-
rich, legit manager, 'has been brought
in to participate in the managerial
end.
Call OflF Cleve. Pickets
Cleveland, March 28.
Pickets were withdrawn from the
Play House by stagehands trying to
unionize it whei) John . Fitzgerald,
unioA prez, resumed negotiations last
week with the community theatre's
board of directors headed by Thomas
L. Sidlo.
Temporary, armistice was partly
declared because of current engage-
ment of Metr(q;)olltan opera, in which '
Sidlo is Interested as leading mem-
ber of local sponsors. Reported he
is ino're amenable now to Fitzgerald'*
request that the theatre should em-
ploy three pro stage hands next sea-
son under a three-year. isontract
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
LEGITIMATE
VARIETY 41
SUNDAY LEGIT LOOKS SET
lincolnV Cast May Get Resinte As
Pictiire Plans Are Slated Off Tin Fall
Han to close 'Abe Lincoln in mi-
nols,' at the Plymouth, N. Y., dur-
ing the summer to picturize the
drama, with Raymond Massey play-
ing the screen lead as in the stage
version, is reported to have been
somewhat revised. Stated now that
Broadway engagement will re-
main through the summer and the
film's start set back until autumn.
Ticket sale for the show now ex-
tends into June.
Evidently affected by an editorial
rebuke by Equity, which objects to
shortening the run of plays either
on Broadway or the road, in order
tliat they may be picturized, Rob-
ert Sherwood, who wrote 'Lincoln'
and is ot the. Playwrights group
which produced it, appeared before
the council yesterday (Tuesday) to
explain his views on the matter.
Author's comment was regarded as
lUglily interesting, but Sherwood did
not mention the plan to set back the
date of the flimization's start .
He was invited to appear before
that body, although Equity did not
specifically mention the . Sherwood
play in its protest. Feeling that the
Uncoln' players will suffer because
the engagement will be shortened,
as the picture is to be promptly re-
leased according to the author's re-
cent statement, Equity suggests the
payment of at least half salaries to
that portion of the cast not em-
ployed in the picturization during
enforced idleness.
'Kings' Jinanciafly Bent
b PhiSy, bot Continoes
After Gnild Rep's Plea
Philadelphia, March 28,
Financial troubles had 'Five Kings,'
currently at the Chestnut here, on
the verge of closing Saturday (25)
bight instead of playing out the two
weeks It was originally scheduled.
Operating under a heavy nut and to
•o-so biz, Orson Welles* version of
the Shakespearian plays' has been
losing heavily.
Only the pleading of Mrs. Harriet
Favorite, Philly rep of the Theatre
Guild, kept the plays on the boar*d3
this week. Had the show closed
Saturday, half of Mrs. Favorite's sub-
Kribers would have seen their full
•Ix plays, while the other hall would
have seen only five. The resulting
chaos, Mrs. Favorite said, "would
l>ave had me sitting in the bottom
of a river.'
Several other angles also cropped
VP as a result of the near-shuttering.
Very embarrassing • incident was
averted for the PhUadelphia Forum,
^hieh had taken over the entire
Muse last night (Monday) and to-
Oight The group would have been
out on a limb, with tickets sold, and
bo show.
_'With her distress of last week
ranging to a deep and bitter bum,
Mrs. Favorite said the Guild would
consider another Orson WeUes ef-
fort only 'if he comes forth with
Mmething worthy of the Theatre
Guild.'
^ Orson Welles and John Houseman,
Mercury Theatre heads, will decide
tomorrow (Thursday) regarding the
future late of 'Five Kings,' which
goses Saturday (1) in Philadelphia,
^eatre Guild, which co-sponsored
' the show out of town as a subscrip-
tion offering, is withdrawing after
this week.
Prom Mercury sources it is in-
Jucated that Houseman favors hold-
jng-the show off Broadway at this
Jhne. but that Welles wants to re-
hearse next week and bring it in
the following week. Lee Shubert
J>™s reported to have been anxious
" sponsor the Broadway engage-
Went, but nothing is set on that
Jtartin Beck, who was mentioned as
»terested, has apparently with-
™^wn. WeUes was said to have
wld friends over the weekend that
« he dug up additional financing it
*ould be as a personal loan, with
him thus backing the N. V. engage-
•oent at his own risk.
Time for Bath?
Philadelphia, March 2B.
Announcement from a little
theatre group:
The fourth and last production'
of the Alden Park Players will
be given on Saturday. This will
close a highly successful season
In the Little Theatre, which will
become a swimming pooL'
PROPOSE LAW
TO nX ACGY.
PREMIUMS
An unannotmced luncheon attend-
ed by a group of managers and New
York State Assemblyman Mitchell
was- held Saturday (25) lor the pur-
'pose of considering the introduction
of legislation aimed to limit prices
charged by agencies for tickets.
MitcheU, who is said to be unfa-
miliar with the ticket situation, is
understood to have agreed to con-
sider drawing up a measure along
the lines suggested by the showmen.
Principal feature would be to fix
the price of tickets at not more than
75c over the boxofflce price. Bill
would supplement the ticket code,
which places the same maximum on
resale premiums. It would also be a
companion piece to the so-called
Spellman biU, reported to be Intro-
duced into New York's city council.
Showmen figure that a state law
would be more effective than a mu-
nicipal ordinance.
Spellman's measure Is supposed to
apply to tickets lor all types of at-
tractions and sports events. 'Man-
agers, however, did not go Into that
phase with the assemlyman, since
they are only concerned with legit
attractions. Another new piece of
legislation is the Coudert bill,' which
would switch licensing powers from
the state to the city, and is regarded
as another way to hold down high
ticket prices.
MEX REVUE MAY .
NOT FIND B'WAY
Upa y Apa,' also known as "Mexi-
cana,' Is slated for the 46th Street
New York, ' April 10, but there
seems to be some doubt about
the imported revue arriving In the
metropolis. .Long pr^ared show
sponsored and partly backed by the
Mexican government, but 'made for
New York,' stopped after the sixth
performance in the Palace of Fine
Arts, a 4,00d-seater in Mexico City.
For the opening M. C. performances
rather good attendance was reported
at $2 top, but at the blow-off show
there was but approximately $60 in
the till.
Mex attraction was presented by
Sam Spiegel, said to be a refugee
showman from Austria. It was de-
nied that he had failed to pay off, a
committee of the players stating that
Spiegel not only paid salaries In full,
but provided some coin during re-
hearsals, something never known be-
fore below the border. Understood
there are 200 persons in the show.
Recently Harry Kaufman went to
Mexico City to look over the revue
with the idea of taking an Interest
but the opening was delayed so long
that he returned without seeing the
performance.
Barnyard's Prize
Chicago, March 28.
Thoda Cocroft and Mildred Mc-
Donald, operators of summer Coach
House theati'e in Oconomowoc, Wis-
consin, have obtained a prize of $250
to be awarded to the writer of best
new comedy presented there this
summer.
EQUITY REIIGIION
Issue Will Be Put to Refer
endum Vote, but Little
Opposition Is Expected—
Sabbath Performances Ex-
pected to Start in May,
When N. Y. Fair Tourists
Come In — Other Unions
Asked to Cooperate
NO EXTRA PAY
Regular Sunday performances of
legit shows on Broadway are indicat
ed to start during May by the lavor^
able reaction to the proposal at an
Equity general meeting In New York
last Friday (24). Motion that the
issue be placed to a referendum vote
was carried by a majority of around
two-thirds of the 1,200 members pres-
ent Expectation is that the out-ol-
town membership, mostly populous
in . Hollywood, will assent, to the
wisheis ol stage players.
Ballots will be mailed out next
week, and an interval of . 30 days will
be allowed lor the. returns to conne
In. Relerendum will be in similar
form to that ol 1035, when players
were given lour alternatives, two ol
which drew the majority ol votes.
Then 4B% of the votes favored tiy-
ing Sundays for one year at double
pay, while 38% was for flat refusal.
Other propositions got scattered re-
turns.
The result was somewhat at varl-
(Continued on page 42)
COUNCIL NAMES
EQUITY SUTE
Regular ticket lor Equity's annual
election, as selected by the nominat-
ing committee, was announced by
the council yesterday (Tuesday). It
includes Burgess Meredith, to suc-
ked himsell as third vice-president
serving one year. The nominees:
Augustin Duncan, Philip Loeb, John
Lorenz (all incumbents), Dudley
Digges, Hiram Sherman, MUrlel
Kirkland, Harold 'Vermilyea, Jack
Whiting, Patricia CoUinge and Mervin
Williams, as councilors to serve lor
five years; George Heller (incum-
bent) and Thomas Chalmers, as
councilors to serve for one year, and
John Alexander, councilor to serve
for two years.
Committee delilierated on the case
of Heller, who is also a national
board member and paid treasurer-
associate executive - secretary ol
AFRA. Although it was felt he
might find himself in a position of
conflicting interests representing the
two groups, the committee decided
to name him to serve for one year
to permit the membership to clarify
the situation'.
Equity will have joint offices, on
the Coast with the American Fed-
eration of Radio Artists, American
Guild of Musical Art°-ts and the
Theatre Authority. ' Association's
council yesterday (Tuesday) ap-
proved a suggestion to that effect by
I. R. Kornbloom, its Coast repre-
sentative.
Move is oni of the first In a series
of developments looking for a closer
tie between the various actor unions
under the Four A's banner.
TMAT-Ginld Dispute on "Story'
Hypoes Union s Desires to Drop
Arbitration; See Mgr.-Resistance
In AH Seriousness
One of the top play agents who
attended the opening of Michael
Todd's 'Hot Mikado' last Thurs-
day night (23) was tremendouisly
enthusiastic about Bill Robinson
in the Utie part
That man's an artist' the
agent told friends after the
show. 'With proper handling
he'd be a real star. Why haven't
I ever heard of him'
CREPE GOES UP
EAEYIN
pnr.
Pittsburgh. March 28.
The regular legit season at the
Nixon looks about over, with noth-
ing at all In sight after current
'Knickerbocker Holiday.' House will
have played 22 weeks, fewer shows
than, at any time in the last five
years ,and the earliest' closing In
many years.
House had "Five Kings' tentatively
slated lor Easter Week, April 10, but
that's out now, too, and only rC'
malning booking Is annual U. ol
Pittsburgh Cap and Gown club mU'
sical, . 'At Your Service,' May 1.
ATS still owes, local subscribers two
niore shows, but there's little chance
ol them coming through and Tom
Kenyon, Pittsburgh secretary lor
group, is currently making plans to
refund coin to season pew-holders.
There's still a chance, however,
that Nixon will play six weeks of
dollar-top attractions under O. E.
Wee-Frank McCoy setup, but that
hasn't been definitely settled yet.
House wants assurance of n,ame
stars with shows before closing the
deal.
Thomas' L A. Playback
Los Angeles, March 28.
John Charles Thomas has signed
lor one operetta during four-week
spring festival of L. A. Civic Light
Opera Ass'n, which opens May 8
at Philharmonic auditorium.
He . sang last year in 'Blossom
Time.'
EQUITY TO SELL N. Y.
BLDd IF PRICE OKAY
Although Equity's committee on
economy and efficiency has not com-
pleted Its report which will be ac-
companied by recommendations, the
association has decided to sell the
building which houses the offices at
45 West 47th street N. Y. Such
disposition, however, will probably
wait a realty upturn, or an attrac-
tive purchase - price. Property Is
owned free and clear. and was re-
garded as one ol £^uity's 'aces in the
hole.' At one time It was valued at
$225,000. but the current as.<!essment
is slightly more than $100,000.
A saving ol 50% Irom the present
maintenance outlay could be el-
fected, it is estimated. It costs $9,0()0
to operate the premises annually,
whereas ample floor space In a mod-
em office building could be had for
a yearly rental around half that sum.
By such a move, the entire staff
would be quartered on one floor,
which in itself would be advan-
tageous.
When EJqulty took possession of
the building in 1925 there was a
paid-up membership of approxi-
mately 10,000. Currently, the num-
ber of players in good standing Is
understood to be less than one-third
of that total and there are no Indica-
tions that it will materially Increase.
Equity's standing in the legit field
appears as strong as formerly, but
recent seasons have seen a steadily
dwindling membership because of
reduced , production and tlie segrega-
tion of artists within other actor .
unions. j
Principal change in the basic
agreement with showman to be
sought by tiie Theatrical Managers,
Agents and Treasurers imion, if and
when the contract is extended, is the
elimination of the . arbitration pro-
vision. That move is likely to be re-
sisted by the' League of New York
Theatries, the association of pro-
ducers and theatre operators, with
which the agreement was made. No
secret that TMAT does not care to
arbitrate disputes with the managers
and it Is one of the few unions that
assented to that method of adjust-
ment
The Issue arose over a clash with
the Theatre Guild last week, ft being
the second time that they have had
differences. Argument arose over
the boxofflce staff at the Shubert
N. Y., where the GuUd's "The PhiU-
delphia Story' (Katharine Hepburn)
opened Tuesday (28). Guild aimed
to place its. own ticket sellers in the
Shubert b.o., but the union ruled that
the regular staff should be retained.
TMAT claims that the same ticket
sellers must be used through the sea-
son, although It Is known that there
have been some shifts without pro-
test from the union.
Pending the result ol an arbitra-
tion over the matter held Friday (24),
it was realized that trouble might,
arise at the Shubert 11 the Guild's
staff went in. Monday extra space
ads appeared in the dallies to-the ef-
fect that tickets lor 'Story' are Avail-
able at the Guild's theatre on 52nd
street house being dark. Shubert
staff, acting on instructions from the
union reported lor work, but their
duties only consisted ol sending pros-
pective ticket buyers to the Guild's
b.o.
Guild' Ll|ie« Own Sellers
Guild maintains that because of its
subscription system, ticket sale can
be^ best handled by its trained girl
sellers. TMAT contends that when
the Guild spots a show In theatres
outside its own house and switches
In Its b.o. crew, the rt^gular treas-
urers would be ousted, which hap-
pened in the past Situation was be-
lieved to have been cleared last year.
At that time, it was agreed that when
Gulldltes replaced the regular staff, '
the ; latter would be paid by the
hou^. Reported that the Shubert
management expressed willingness to
pay the treasurers, although they
would.be laying off, TMAT, how-
ever. Is said to have taken a new
tack, saying that It did not desire t6
"pauperize' such members who would
receive pay without working.
There are points in a deal between
the Guild and TMAT. which were
not clarified and . it is Indicated that
(Continued on page 42)
TAMILY PORIHAir SET
FOR SPRING IN LONDON
Provided the Lord Chamberlain
okays it 'Family Portrait' which
deals with the lamily ol Jesus, will
be done in 'London this spring. Jack
Hawkins, who recently appeared on
Broadway' in 'Dear Octopus,' has a
tentative deal with Cheryl Crawford,
producer ol 'the Lenore Coffee-Wil-
liam Joyce Cowen drama' currently
in its lourth week at the Morosco,
New York.
Hawkins was sought by Roc Gal-
vann and Stewart Chaney for a part
in their forthcoming Broadway pro-
duction of 'Wutherlng Heights.'
Equity granted an exception in its-
alien rule lor him, but he subse-
quently relused the part. Decision
was partially influenced by his un-
easiness over the International situa-
tion. Hawkins sailed for England
Friday (24).
. Jessica Tandy, who Is Mrs. Haw-
kins, currently in "The White Steed,*
at the Golden, N. Y., Is set for Henry
Sherek's London production ol
'Rocket to the Moon.' She and Haw-
kins tentatively plan to return to
N, Y. next fall.
42
VARIETY
LEGITIMATE
Wednesday, March 29» 1939
Play on Broadway
THE HOT MIKADO
Swlor veralon of the comic opera In two
acts, tr Gilbert & Sullivan; (eaturea Bill
Roblnaon. Production, book and enaeroblcs
staged by- Hassard Short;. aettloRB and.cos-<
tumes, Nat Karaon: orchestral arrange-
ments, Charles l>. Cooke: dance arrnngc-
ments. Truly HcGee (Robinson's .dance
numbers sUged . by himself); additional
lyrics and dialog by David Oreggory. Wil-
liam Tracy and Michael Todd; orchestra
rondurted by William Parson: presentcil
by Michael Todd at Broadhurat, ^. \.,
March 23, '80: «3.30 top.
Nonkl-Poo.... ■. .....Bob Parrlsh
Plah-Tush .-. James A. Ullard
Ko-Ko -EdUlo GMcn
Pooh-Bah .Maurice EIIJh
Yum-Yum v Gwendolyn Boydo
Plttl-Slng . . .Ffancoa ^ocV.
Pecp-Bo. Rosetta uiNolre
Messenger .Freddie Robinson
Kntlsha ..R«« Brown
Mikado ..Bni Robinson
Red Cap... Vincent Stilolds
Singers, dancers, guards, _ etc.: Alycc
Ajaye, Far Banks, Ethel Brown. Alice
Carter, • Maggie Carter, May panlcis,
Ylvtan Eley, Made Fraaer. Marlon Hair,
aton, Ethel Harper, Pearl Harrison. Bruce
Howard.. Julie Hunter, Irene Johnson,
Massle Patterson. Welle Pembcrton, Rdna
RIckes, Ann Simmons. Tbiresa .Stone,
Geneva .Waahlngton, Waldlne ^VIIllaros,
Mnry Young, Ethylnn Edmonson, Joaephlnc
Hall. CharlTs Banks, Lemuel Bullock, nll-
llam Barber. Rassell Carrtnglon, .Vrchle
Cross, Travers Crawlord, John Diggs.
Leslie Orcy, Otho Gains, Marshall Hnio'.
John Jackson, Harry ]>nls, Larry Sey-
mour, Harold Sloppy, Clyde Turner. George
Turner, Anthon Taylor, Ben . Wallles. Roy
White. Moke Wilson, Ronetta B,itson._Vol-
erle Black. Mltzl Coleman, Elaine Sash.
Elisabeth Dozler, Claudle Hawaid, Sylvia
Lee, Jackie Lewis, Clao Law. Pearl Mc-
Corraack, Ruby Richards, Mary Roblnaon,
Gladys Crowder, Geneva Davis, Belle Hill.
Connie Ulll, May Miller. Vlldred rolUiT.1:
Eddie Davis, lieon James. Water Jotinson,
Loo Lyons, Albert Mlnne, RuaaeltWIl-
llams, Louis Brown, Joles A4ger, Ernest
Frasiler, Fred Heron, Chick Lee, Eddie
Morton. Sam Brown, Vincent Anderson.
Willie Dlnklns, Oeishon Meyers, John WW-
Hams, Luther Williams, Travels Crawford.
EIroanrtce Miller, Walter Mosby, Maynard
Saodrldse, Vincent Shields,
This is Michael Todd's commercial
production of a jazzed 'Mikado,' ever
which he enea^ in a bitter dispute
witli Federal Tfieatie. heads. With
ihe WPA. 'Swing MUcado' a. smash
in Chicago, Todd planned to repeat
the idea on Broadway, whereupon
the WPA outfit brought its own pro-
duction in ahead. Todd claimed the
relief project was thereby competing
with private business, but went
ahead with his commercial presents'
tion, regardless;,
Prior to the opening, last Thursday
<23) of this 'Hot lUkado,' it was
generally felt ln> Broadway legit
circles that Todd's show would not
be able, to make the grade at a $3.30
top against the competition of the
WPA presentation at a $1.10 . top,
particiuarly since the latter had
taken the novelty off the Idea, How-
ever, since the brilliant preem, indl
cations are that this production has
an excellent chance of getting' by.
No similar competitive situation has
ever arisen before on Broadway.
However, if Todd's 'Hot Milmdo'
pays. It would seem to prove the
WPA contention that the' Federal
Theatre does not compete with com-
mercial Broadway, that it has its
own audience and ttiat there's plenty
of business for both.
On any basld except price this 'Hot
Mikado' is definite^ a better show
than the WPA's 'Swing lAikado,' al
though the latter Is an undoubted
sm^sh. But with a- large budget and
the skill of profession^ showmen at
his disposal, Todd has put together
a much handsomer, faster, slicker,
funnier travesty on Gilbert and Sul-
livan's most popular comic opera. It
may, as some have s ugge sted, lack
the spontaneity of the WPA offering,
but it is distinctly click entertain-
ment by flrst-cl ass B roadway stand-
ards, and the FTP'S 'Swing Mika<
do' is naturally limited to skimpy
budgeting and relief-roll talent It
must also be remembered that Todd
was able to benefit by noting the
merits and flaws in the WPA pro-
duction. It's suggested, too, that he
also capitalized suggestions in the
reviews of the government show.
If, as seems likely, this 'Hot Mika'
do' Is a' b.o. click, major credit must
be shared by four people. Of course,
Todd had the courage to go aheac
with his venture even In face of the
WPA' competition, which nearly
everyone believed would be insur-
mountable. He also showed judgment
in his selection of talent, both pro-
duction and performer. Hassard
Short likewise merits praise for his
masterful staging. But the real glory
of the occasion belongs to two others,
Nat Karson, for his inspired and in-
spiring costumes and sets, and Bm
Robinson, whose grinning, gleaming,
tap-dancing Mikado just about stands
the audience on its head, Karsoas
costumes will l>e the talk of Broad-
way, while Robinson's name and ir-
repressible personality will have a
strong boxoffice draw.
The principal fault of the WPA
Mikado' is that it isn't as swingy as
the title suggests. That is wisely
avoided by Todd and his confreres,
whose 'Hot Mikado' turns on the
team from the first beat and Iteeps
the rhythm throbbing throughout.
Besides the jazzier score; the whole
show is enlivened by interpolated
comedy lyrics, hilarious bits of dialog
and genuinely funny pieces of busi-
ness and staging.. Tlie singing is just
as Rood as the WPA productions, the
lyrics are much more understand-
able, the dancing is better, while the
principals are far and away superior.
It is a weakness of the show that
Robinson doesn't come on until weU
through the second act. Explained
that he is doubling at the nearby
Cotton club and also that, he dld".t
want to undertake the physical e r
fort Involved in one of the longov
parts. But regardless of that, the
show is in the bag once he makes
his entrance, precede^ by the gigan-
tic guards canylngshields bearing
his grinning puss. He turns the ^oy
Object All Sublime' number into a
tap-dancing dream and, if he hadn't
finally refused to continue any longer
would have had the first-nighters
there until dawn.
Katisha, always a tough part, is a
solid dick in the hands of Rosa
Brown, who sings it with enormous
gusto and turns the '1, Living I' num-
l>er into a smoking torch song. Eddie
Green is irresistibly funny as a
glalntive little Ko-Ko, while Maurice
:Uis Is a superlative bean-pole foil
as Pooh-Bah. Others are all, excel-
lent. Hobe.
Shows in Rehearsal
'Wntherlng Helghto*— 3tewart
Chaney, Aldrlch & Myers.
The Mother*— Victor Payne-
Jennings.
The Brown Daaabe' — ^Bonflls
St Somnes.
The Qnlet City/ 'My Heart's in
the Highlands'— Group.
The Bapplest Days'— Courtney
Burr.
N.Y. TIMES MAY
RAZE UTEE THEATRE
Band Reviews
(Continued from page 30)
saxes, and four rhythm. With that
setup he has another thing In com-
mon with Dorsey— a heavy over-
head.
With Teagarden up front soimding
off in either blues (for which he's
noted) or hot trombone, band im-
presses Its power on abnost every
selection, its arrangements giving
even the slower tempoed tunes a lift
that makes for terping. .Leader han-
dles an occasional vocal In deep,
drawUng voice, and Is backed up m
that section by Meredith Blake, a
good looking, neatly outfitted swing-
stress who makes sock Impressions
in every try at the mike.
Teagarden has a younger brother
handling the drums, and Charlie
Spivak in the trumpet section. When
he left Whlteman, the leader had It
set for his brother Charlie (also with
Whlteman) to join the embryo out-
fit, but the latter has remained with
P. W.
The Little theatre. New York, may
be razed to provide an eastbound
exit ior the trucks of the Times, pul>-
lishlng plant of that dally abutting,
the theatre property on the 43d street
side. Management of the daily,, how-,
ever, after paving . the. way for im-
mediate demolishing of the theatre,
countermanded the order, according
to latest reports.
Times bought th6 Little about 10
years ago with the idea of building,
an annex entrance to the editorial
fioors. Depression caused the first
change of plans ahd the house was
leased out Anne Nichols had it for
a time, and more recently it has been
tenanted by Helen Bonflls and George
Somhes, former, being the heiress
daughter of the late Denver pub-
lisher. Couple have taken a 'beating'
since taking the spot, and last week
the Times ottered to release them
from responsibility for the- balance
of the rentaL
The release was signed, but the
next day Bonfils and Somnes were
notified they could continue renting
the- property. They politely bowed
out, although the Times people said
they 'took advantage' of a technical-
ity. Brock Pemberton has occupied
most of the- third floor front office
space- originally lised by Winthrop
Ames, who btiilt the Little. Allen
Robbins, musician in a Broadway
legit orchestra, held the lease as . a
side issue and still appears to have
some Interest in the spot
Ames had a sort of miniature castle
In the Little. Offices are reached by
an automatic elevator, which stops
at the third floor. IJiere is an office-
apartment atop the building, to
which the elevator can rise by tiie
use of a special key. It was virtually
impossible to reach the Ames quar-
ters unless he so desired.
Bonflls It Somnes are producing 'a
play called The Brown Danube,' due
Into the Little by mid-April. If the
plan to tear^down the- house is post-
ponedi as - Indicated, attraction will
likely open there. Guild theatre also
being mentioned.
Realty owners on 44th street, nota-
bly the Shuberts and Astor hotel, are
reported squawking to the Times
that a truck exit on that street will
materially reduce values of nearby
property.
"STARS IN YOUR EYES"
awt-t Lor CUSTOM
SCENIC STUDIO
Best AppolBttd !■
TIMES SQUARE SECTIOIN
High Framaa— Good Light
Adequate 8tora8*~Nemin»l Rent
Bex 111. Suite UM. Times Btdldlna
SONNT KENDI8 OBCHESTBA (9)
Stork Clab, New Terk
Sonny Kendls Is no stranger to the
Stork Club where he's about as
much of a fixture- as Joe Lopez at
the tape, maltre d'hotel Frank,
rhumba maestro Jose Lopez, greeter
Arthur Brown, or even Sherman
Billingsley himself, but if s almost a
new band that Kendis bas come back
with, following Ills swing around the
Hitz hotels. Tet, it just couldn't be
the addition of those- extra two
pieces, one of 'em a sizzling trum-
peter—it's more an obvious applica-
tion to arrangement and s^le. The
'x' quantity, of course. In Kendis'
new dansapation zing, is the home-
town-return spirit because even his
own dexterous planblogy seems to
outdo itself.
However, the arrangements and
the augmentation from seven to nine
men impress Kendis for the future
as a mike possibility, now that his
basic team possesses body and sturdi-
ness. Augmentation, with extra
strings or brass, would be simple
from this point
His arrangements are highlighted
by a nifty rhumba version of 'St
Louis Blues,' which Kendis should
record for the Stork regulars alonei
also that bolero-rhumba version of
'His Heart Belongs to Daddy.'
Kendis Is mentored by. . Meyer
Davis and anyone knowing that vet
dance maestro's secret of forthright
dance music realizes the answer to
Kendis' plus-quaU^ in his terp tune
stering.
Elinor French, socialite songstress,
and a looker, stlU continues with her.
occasional mike vocallstics, and she's
no small click' on her own. The al-
ternating Jose Lopez Latin combo
likewise is as standard as ever. But
the highlight Is the markedly im-
; proved Kendis, ' already a well in-
I trenched fave at this New York
I high spot Abel,
LWs Operetta
Season Opens Jdy 3
Louisville, March 28.
Second summer operetta season at
Iroquois Amphitheatre will open
July 3 and run for six weeks, ac-
cording to Charles R. Bottorff, presi-
dent of the Park Theatrical Assn,
Productions selected are 'Student
Prince,' 'Roberta,' 'Blossom Time,'
'No, No, Nanette,' 'Bitter Sweef and.
'Gay Divorcee.' J. J. Shubert will
have charge of general direction, and
his son John Shubert will act as resi-
dent director.
Association has no salaried officers
or directors, and obtains necessary
guarantees from citizens and business
men to finance seaison. Any profits
at end of five years will be turned
over to the local park board' for im
provement of the amphitheatre.
Keith's 'Odi^o*
Chicago, March 28.
Ian Keith, In parade of Shake-
spearean plays, wiU open in 'Othello'
for the Federal Theatre in the Black-
stone on April 11. He will do the
Moor for two weeks and then lay off
a week to open in 'Hamlet'
He's also rehearsing 'As You Like
It' as a probability, for a tliird play
should the Federal T^heatre continue
the parade of Shakespeare.
ST. LOmS' PPOB GSOSS
St Louis, March 28,
The anntial pension concert for
members of the St. Louis Symph
only netted approximately $2,700 last
week despite the fact that Rtchard
Tauber, guesting, tripled as tenor,
composer and conductor.-
Last year the ppesion fund netted
approximately $4,000.
(Continued from Page 41)
ance with reports froii;» Equity at the
time, but the double pay Idea be-
came an Equity requirement and vir-
tually made nil the state law which
permits Sabbath performances. Re-
gardless, the matter of Simdays has
always been a moot matter around
Equity, and It was expected that
eventually the association would try
the idea. Managers pointed out that
it would be. logical to make the test
during the duration of the World's
Fair. Such performances will not
carry double pay (two-eighths).'
Other Unions Most Play Ball
Equity will make two stipulations
in regard to Simdays, however: that
other theatre unions also agree not
to charge extra for Sundays and that
the managers agree not to boost tick-
et prices. That means that the stage-
hands, musicians and the front of the
house (Theatrical Managers, Agents
and Treasurers) will agree to count
Sundays as regular days. Inclination
to .go along with Equity has already
been noted. As for ticket- scales, the
managers already acceded to that
suggestion; in fact there are chances
of reduced rates, since Sundays gen-
erally brings out a moderate spend-
ing crowd.
If Sundays are played, shows 'will
give but one performance, managers
choosing between matinee and night
Actually New York 'will hot be a
seven-day town, since the State law
provides that If .Sunday performances
be played there miist be one full
day's rest (no rehearsals) during
each week. While the law was origi-
nally hailed, it was later ^iscerDBA
that such stipiilation Is discrimina-
tory, because It does not apply to
other forms of entertainment. Includ-
ing vaudeville, vaudfllm h6uses, bur-
lesque, night dubs and radio. Hie.
basic agreement between Equity and
the League of New York Theatres,
providing against changes In poUcy
by the former, is not expected to fig-
ure, as both sides would be In agree-
ment Likely that most attractions
will drop Monday nights, generally
the weakest in point of attendance
except at certain periods during the
seasoa
Looked Doabtfo!
Until shortly before last week's
meeting Equity leaders were not san-
guine of favorable consideration by
tlie membership. There 'was a change
in sentiment Iiowever, especially in
the council, which has been mulling
ways and means of prolonging en-
gagements, the actors' paramount
problem. Text of the resolution does
not agree with the contebtlon that
Sunday performances during the
Fair I>e considered a criterion of the
value of such performances, but,
rather, a concession favoring visitors
to the exposition. Referendum move
came after Edward Fielding reported
the Ideas . of the managers at a
League meeting,, showmen saying
Sundays are necessary if the theatre
is to survive.
Leading Sunday town Is Chicago,
but when nine performances are
played, one*extra eighth salary Is re-
quired. Not all attractions playing
there are on a nine performance
basis, however, and one current
musical CI Married An .Angel') goes
on Sundays, but omits Monday
nights. There is no one-day rest rule
there. Sundays were intermittently
campaigned for In New York dur-
ing the past 20 years. Originally in
Equity, the issue was opposed by so-
caUed 'Broadway actors' who had
homes on Long Island and Insisted on
keeping their weekends. Most of
that group is no longer on the' twards.
Formerly the most Insistent booster
among managers for Sundays was
William A. ISrady.
'Nether Snmp Oroui^
While Equity leaders readily
swung to the Sunday trend, they
were incensed at what Is alleged to
have resulted in. an aborptive at-
tempt to arouse 'factionalism wltiiln
the membership. A group apparent-
ly held meetings with the- idee- of
jamming through a nominating com-
mittee of Its own choice. The out-
side session is- contrary to council
sentiment and resolutions warning
against such practices.
While expected fireworks did not
come off, two names on the slate pro-
posed Ijy the 'outsiders' were named,
It was feared that those supposed to
have subscribed to a circular letter
might incite the re-forming of the
Actors Forum, a militant group that
passed but about two years ago.
Group agitated so much that Equity
officials were kept on edge for four
years,, and It is believed their activi-
ties 'chased' Prank GUlmore from
the presidency.
There were 66 names on the let-
ter, but how many agreed to such
usage was not checked, though one
was Identified as not belonging to
Equity. Reported that Winifred
Lenihan was among those most
active In the electioneering, though
her name is not on the letter's list
It ivas rumored that the 'committee*
Is opposed to re-nomlnatlon to the
coimcil of Philip Loeb and George
Heller, whose, terms expire this, sea-
son. Duo and Burgess Meredith
were leaders in the former For-
um. It's known, that the first
two named took the committee's
move as an affront
For the i>ast year or so, there have
been no ructions In Equify, par-
ticularly since ArUiur Byron as-
sumed the presidency. Placed in a
delicate position by the activities of
the committee, he made no com-
ment but, in reviewing his first year
as head of the association, he said:
'I feel the unity of purpose, the
harmony qnd goodwUl we have en-
joyed this year Is an enormous asset
to Equity and the theatre. But the '
problems we have to yet encounter
will render the maintenance of this
feeling more necessary than ever. I
hope that we deserve It and that we
may receive It' '
Those named from, the floor as
nominators: Raymond Massey, Wlilt-
ford Kane, Percy Moore, Fredrle
Mardi, Calvin Thomas and George
Callorius. Hie council Is represented
by Blanche Yurka, Joseph Vltale and
Franklyn Fox, chairman. March de-
clined acceptance, saying he had
been away from the stage too long
to effidenUy serve. He Is currently
in Hie American Way' (Center),
Katherine Locke ' Was named to
March's place. There will be 10 new
councillors nominated in addition to
three replacement members.
Paul Dulzell, executive secretary
of the association, favors the renapi-
ing of the 'liberal' councillors which
were elected through efforts at the
younger group. He is quoted as
saying:
The association cannot stand an-
other fight. Let's have no more
factions and let's run this association
along representative, democratic
lines. This past year's unity bas been
a revelation; let's not spoil It now.'
Nominators who were advocated
for In the objected-to letter are
Moore and Thomas.- One of the
points In the rather Indefinite pro-
gram was 'No political faction tit
any kind should control our assoda-
Uon.'
TMAT'GuUd
(Continued from Page 41)
the -union staved off arbitration until
'Story' was booked Into the Shubert
Friday's arbitration was heard be-
fore Alexander Maypier, an attorney,
who was to be referee on a board of
three. One arbitrator tailed to
appear and both sides agreed to go
to bat before t)ie referee, who was
out of town over the weekend and
did not hand down a ruling: In the
meantime, the situation at the Shu-
bert developed and the seat sale
transferred, that being figured the
only way to prevent the union from
calling out Its people.
Monday (27) it was stated that the
dispute had been amicably settled,
but the Guild made another - surprise
move, applying for an Injunction re-
straining the union from interfering
directly or Indirectly with the sale of
tickets at the Shubert by Guild em-
ployees. Arthur Garfield Hays, act-
ing for the Guild, said It was his first
case against a union and Is qnoted
saying TMAT had made an 'out-
rageous breach both of contract and
good faith,' Union was represented
by Its counsel, Gustav Getber, who
last week was aippolnted attorney for
the Associated theatre Ticket Agen-
cies in place <a Nathan Lieberman,
who recently suicided.
At a hearing Tuesday (28) the
court was reluctant to decide on a
restraint order and the factions hud-
dled and settled the Issue. Agreed
that six people are to work in the
Shubert b.o., three from the Guild,
plus the theatre's staff. While that
is a variation from the first agree-
ment it means the same- so far as
employment goes. Double staff wlD
continue for the five-week subscrip-
tion period, possibly longer.
TMAT disputes have met with only
fair results by the arbitration method
and it's claimed the method does not
fit in with union regulations. Union
figures that referees appointed by
the American Arbitration Socie^
are likely to be- unfamiliar with show
business.
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
LEGITIMATE GROSSES
VARIETY
43
'AngeF StiD Leads Oikago, $23,000;
%iss BoysV$im W OK $7 JO
Chicago, March 28.
Announcement of last days' for
three of the town's four shows is
pulling good biz here, particularly
for lUss Boys Goodbye. Two or
three are slated to go out shortly,
but 'Boys' and 'What a Life' will at
least last through Holy Week with
•Angela' possibly going out this ses-
''iSain business, however, continues
to be supplied by 'I Married an An-
Bel.' which is playing practically to
capacity at the Grand. Only worry
now is how far in advance to sell
ducats. Zorlna is under contract for
a May 15 picture date, and negotia-
tions are now on to get a stay on this
Coast agreement so as to continue
show here. If and when 'Angel' de-
parts, *Knickerbocker Holiday' will
replace.
Second attempt this season to sell
a legit show at ?1.65 top, with 'What
a Life,' didn't do as well as expected.
Previous fade was done by second
company of 'Golden Boy,' .at cut-
rates. There seems to be.an inability
to present the cut-rates in a manner
to convince the customers they are
getting flrst-class production value
for the lower scale.
Estimates t«r Last Week
<Aiic«U -b 22.' Selwyn (2d week)
(1,000; $2.75). Heads east according
to present plans. Around i»,WO,
1 Married .an Angel,' Grand (3d
week)(1300:$3.30). Again whammed
home with $23;800. .
'Kiss Boys Goodbye,' Harrjs (10th
week) (l,-000j $2.75). Decided to con-
tinue through Holy Week. : '.as had a
good run of it; took $11,200 last week.
'What a Life,' "Erlanger (3d week)
(1,400; $1.65). Profitable at $7,200.
'Big Blow,' Great Northern.
'Kiss Boys' OiK. Indpls., CoL
Indianapolis, March 28.
Lighted for the first time in two
months, the English theatre is evi-
dently catering to legit appetite of
natives, polling a strong boxoiTlce
return ' on the Southern company
of 'Kiss Boys Goodbye.' House was
taken over by social organization
for opening night and was a sellout,
playing to good houses on other two
night performances and Saturday
matinee. Playing currently, Wednes-
day and Thursday (28-29), 'Siisan
and God' looks like it'll finish in the
dough.
Estimate for Last Week
<Klss Boys Goodbye,' English
($2.20). With no names, naughty
rep of play garnered nifty $6,500 for
three evening performances and
matinee, ending Saturday (25). Four
performances in Columbus, O., gar-
nered additional $4,500.
SKINNER-XANDD)A' DO
WEL IN D. 113,400
Washington, March 28.
This has been one of most success-
ful stops of Ornella Otis Skinner
and it' again turned out nicely for
her' 'Candida' revival, last week.
Current is pre-Broadway stopover
of John Barrymore in 'My Dear
Children,' with D'Oyly Carte Opera
Co. due next week (3) and Gertrude
I,awrence's new show, 'Skylark,' set
to follow week of April 10.
Estimate for Last Week
'Candida,' National (1,696; $2.75
top). Town turned out well to see
Its ^vorlte solo-drama star to gross
approximately $13,400 for the show.
Bdto Perks at Tag
End of legit Season
Baltimore, March 28.
. Strong list of bookings giving
town's l^git season a life-saving
wiBdtqp and an Indicated profit all
around. Plenty of advance action
Is being tendered John and Elaine
Barrymore's 'My Dfar Oiildren,' due
In at Ford's April 3 for a half -week;
Katharine Cornell, in 'No Time for
OSmedy; at the indie-booked Mary-
land April 10, and the week of April
17, when Gertrude Lawrence in 'Sky-
lark' will put in a full week at Ford's
against three days of Cornelia Otis
Skinner, in 'Candida,' at the Mary-
land.
Shows few and far between here-
tofore this year, but good takings
chalked up generally.
Wilde Revival Poor $3,000
In Montreal; Good Press
Montreal, March 28.
The Importance of Being Earnest,'
Oscar Wilde revival, played here six
nights and two mails last week to a
poor $3)000 at $2.85 top.
Play got enthusiastic press. Cm-
ton Webb and Esftelle Winwqod have
major roles.
2 'Daughters* in B'klyn
Are Just Stepchildren
Brooklyn, March 28.
'Yes, My Darling Daughter' didn't
mean much at Werba's Brooklyn and
Shubert thea^es last week. Both
tried to capitalize on screen censor-
ship angle but response was poor.
W«rba's Brooklyn fostering 'Step-
ing Sisters' and Shubert playing 'Be-
hind Bed Lights' this week.
EstUaatM for Last Week
Tes, My Darling Daaghter,' Wer-
ba's (3d week) (1,529; 75c). Slightly
under $1,000, n.s.h. ,
Tcs. My Darling Daaghter,' Shur
bert (85c). Around $1,000, mild.
The Women' Soars Tt»
Smash f 12,000 Week
At Dollar Tup, PHL
Pittsburgh, March 28.
'The Women' at $1 top went over
with, a bang last y/eA at the
.Nixon in eight performances. Gross
was Virtually twioe that which diow
got here last December at -$2.50 scale,
advance itself being mere than en-
tire week's take three months ago.
Seats at $1 downstairs, and in bal-
cony went clean at every pertorm-
anee, with management forced to
take house orcheora out of pit and
install extra chairs. Only weakness
was in gallery sale, where 50c tickets
went slowly, and kept week from ab-
solute capacity.
Nixon has "Knickerbocker Holiday'
current at $3J0 top, opening last
night (27) to. big advance.
Estimate for Last Week
The Women,' Nixon (2,100; $1).
Show's third visit got sizzling $12,000
for stay against possible $14,500 for
capacity.
HUSTON KG $1530
IN C\m„ BUFFALO
Cleveland, March 28.
Worried about Lenten opposish,
BiU Blair, Jr., pencilled 'Knicker-
bocker. Holiday' for only three days
last week, and now regrets it The
Walter Huston musical did very well
for four performances and could
have stayed- longer.
Absolutely nothing definite on
Hanna's calendar for next month, al-
though it has 'Kiss Boys ' Goodbye'
tentatively listed. Drama fans forced
to turn to Frederic McC^nnell's Play
House, which revived 'She Stoops to
Conquer' currently. 'Of Mice and
Men'^ opening today (20).
Estimate for Last Week
'Kntekerbeoker Holiday,' Hanna
(1,435; $3). Did excellent biz in four
shows at «nd of week, better than
some shows did in whole stanza this
year. Along 'with Buffalo shows
earlier in the week, did $15,500 on
the session.
Lont^ontannePulIOK
$23,000 in Twin Cides
Minneapolis, March 20.
Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne
copped approximately $23,000 in
thefr Twin City week. At the St.
Paul Auditorium they pulled about
$4,800, $3,000 for 'Amphitryon,' but
only $1,800 for 'Sea Gull.' They
grossed -$18,000 in four nights and
two matinees here.
Estimate for Last Week
Lnnt-Fontanne Beperloire, Ly-
ceum (2,200; ^.30). Critics raved.
Matinees practically capacity, but
considerable room on lower fioor at
every performance,
John Barrymore Play
$5,400 in Two Stands
Wilmington, March 28.
John Barrymore did just over $3,-
100 in two performances here Satur-
day (25) in 'My Dear Children.' Had
drawn about ^,300 the previous night
(24) in Princeton, where the show
preemed.
Comedy is in Washington this
week.
Nice V Cheap, But—
Philadelphia, March 28.
Curtis Institute of Music here is
offering $100,000 worth of scenery for
all the standard operas. A gift from
Mrs. Mary Louise Curtis Bok, widow
of the publisher, most of it is said to
have been used only once; Institute
win take $15,000.
Worse Than Memphis?
Minneapolis, March 28.
By its comparatively light
turnouts for Lunt and Fontanne,
St. Paul continued to maintain
its unenviable reputation as one
of the country's poorest show-
towns. *
Most of the legit road attrac-
tions playing the other Twin
City this season have drawn the
smallest grosses of their entire
tours.
D%ly<4irteUp
To27€inPliaiy;
PhUadelphla, March 28.
Most encouraging ieature here last
week was jump of D'Oyly Carte
Opera Co., presenting. GUbert and
Sullivan revivals at the .Forrest.
There's every indication that the
third week (and last) will be the
best.
'Five Kings' opened March 20 at
the Chestnut Street Opera House
under the joint managerial aegis of
the Theatre Guild and Orson .Welles'
Mercury Theatre. Panned by all Itf-
cal crix, the show had to depend al-
most entirely on American Theatre
Society subscriptions, whidi amounts
to close to $6,000 a week on a two-
week engagement The necessary
cancellation of . the Friday night (24)
performance because of Welles' radio
commitment undoubtedly hurt as the
substitution of an extra Wednesday
matinee did not make up the differ-
ence.
This week's only opening is Cor-
nelia Otis Skinner s revival of 'Can-
dida' at the Locust Street theatre for
six days only. Otherwise, the sole
remaining booking is 'Angela Is 22,'
with niilip Merivale, which comes
to 'the same house on April 10. Er-
langer lighted briefly last vreA for
propaganda film, 'Spain in Flames,'
which played to deserted houses dur-
ing its half week.
Estimates for Last Week
D'Oyly Carte, Forrest (2d wk)
(2,000; $3.30). Jumped to about
$27,000 from $23,800,
.'FWe Kings,' Chestnut (1st wk)
(1,800; $2.50). It was ludty this
Shakespearean novelty had ATS
backing. Adverse raps from all the
crix hurt a lot and gross wasn't over
$0,500, including $5,800 in subscrip-
tions. .
9 Defendants Named
In Gallo Soit CSaiming
Breach of BaSet Pact
Fortune Gallo filed a New York
supreme court action on Wednesday
(22) against Universal Art, Inc.,
World Art, Inc., the Russian Ballet,
Inc., the Ballet Russe, Inc., Julius
Fleischmann, Sergi Denham, Rene
Blum, S. Hurok, and the Hurok At-
tractions, Inc., for $51,500. alleging
breach of contract.
Gallo asserts that In January, 1938,
he signed a 20-we^ contract with
the Ballet Russe and the Russian
Ballet to act as director on tour for
them. He was to receive 10% of
the gross.
The plaintiff claims that he booked
the Metropolitan Opera House in
N. Y. and other places and that sub-
sequently the Russian Ballet, the
Ballet Russe and World Art merged
to form^the Universal Art, which has
grossed $500,000. Gallo claims to
have advanced $1,500 to Universal
Art, which the impresario stated had
been returned to him just after he
started proceedings
A writ of attachment was filed
against the Ballef s production when
it played the Met last week. A bond
for $50,000 was provided and the
performances were not interrupted.
Ballet sailed for European dates
Saturday (25).
Gallo's contract to book the ballet
is said to have been signed by Col.
W. De Basil. Others mentioned in
the deal include Mrs. Jilda Dahlberg,
whose husband is chairman of the
Celotex Corp., Chicago, and Prince
Obplensky.
Jones in L A. Festival
Los Angeles, March 28. .
Allan Jones will star in the open-
ing operetta of Los Angeles Civic
Light Opera festival for the week
of May 15 at Philharmonic Audi-
torium here.
Jones has been idle in pictures
since he sang with Jeanette McDon-
old in The Firefiy' for Metro.
Hepburn-'Story' Geared to Press
Toxes,' 'Abe' for Strai^t Drama
Lead on B'way: Biz CeneraOy (Hf
Broadway should have a new high
grosser in the Kattiarlne Hepburn
starrer,' 'The Philadelphia Story,'
which opened at the Shubert last
night (Tuesday), judging from the
business drawn by the comedy out of
town. If the play exhibits the same
form in New York, it will par with
or top the leaders of the straight
play division. The Little Foxes' and
'Abe Lincoln.' 'Foxes' eased to the
front last week hy holding its $19,-
000 gait, while 'Lincoln' eased off.
None can approach 'The American
Way,' however, a spectacle drama
quartered in the large Center.
Business generally . was spotty last
week, a number of grosses dropping
after partial recovery -the previous
week. No Improvement is expected
until Easter^ traditional 'drop being
anticipated Holy (next) week, when
-the Jewish Passover then is also ex-
pected to hit biz to some extent The
Ringlings, Bamum and Bailey cir-
cus wm start at Madison Square
Garden Wednesday (5).
The toi>-grofising musical, 'Hellza-
poppin,' is primmg for a further
cleanup during 'EUister, scheduling
matinees -every day.
The list now h&s its two promised
'Mikados,' latest being the 'Hot' ver-
sion^ whidi vies with the WPA
'Swing.' New arrival drew a favor-
able press, with chances not yet
clearly Indicated. "The 'Hot' version,
at the Broadhurst, is. scaled at $3J0
top as against .the relief outfit's $1.10,
and the 'battle' between the jazzed
GUbert and SuUivan comic opera
will attract some attention.
The Happiest Days,' postponed for
redirection, is slated into the 'Van-
derbilt next week, but may be fur-
ther rehearsed and open April 10.
A possibility is "Five Kings,' which
was slated off April fi. The Group
Theatre lists 'The Quiet Chty' for a
Sunday performance at the Belasco.
It also is readying 'My Heart's in the
Highlands,' originally carded for
Sunday evenings but now announced
for regular presentation shortly.
'Henry IV concludes at the St.
James this week: as does the 'WPA
er, 'The Big Blow,' at the Elliott.
Estimalei far Last Week
. 'Abe Lincoln In lUlnels,' Plymouth
(24th week) (D-1,036; $3J0). Some
tapering last week but still, cleaning
up, with gross around $18;000.
'Boys From Syracuse,' Alvin (10th
week) (M-1,2S5; $4.40). Improve-
ment noted and looks cinch for bal-
ance of season and maybe for sum-
mer; $23,500. <
'Family Portrait,' Morosco (4th
week) (D-961; -$3.30). Picked up en-
couragingly, wltti gross indicated
betterlng^7,000.
'Gentie People' Belasco (13th'
week) (C-1,107; ^.30). Expected to
span the spring; making some profit
at current gait; around $8,500.
'Hellcapoppln,' Winter Garden
(26th week) (R-1,671; $3.30). Will
play matinee daily tiirough Easter
week; leading musical, around $33,-
000.
'Hot Mikado,' Broadhurst (2d
week) (M-1,116; $3J0). Opened late
last week, drawing favorable press;
indications are it ca n buck other col-
ored 'Mikado' (FTP), on strength of
production,
1 Mast Love Someone,' Longacre
(Otfaweek) (C-l.lOO; $3.30). Author-
manager still expectant of operating
out of red though .business hasn't im-
proved enough; $4,500,
'Kiss the Boys Goodbye,' (27th
week) (C-944; $3.30). Sale stated
to extend into early summer, sure
stayer for World's Fair; $11,500.
'Leave It to Me,' Imperial (21st
week) (M-1,468; $4.40). One of fa-
vored musicals also slated for the
Eummet; little off, but stands up ex-
cellently; quoted over $30,000.
Uamba'a Danghters,' Empire (13th
week) (D-1,099; $3J0). Colored-cast
drama making run of It and should
last the season; business holding up;
around $14,000..
'One for the Money,' Booth (8th
week) (R-708; $3.30). Intim^ite re-
vue again around $11,000, profitable.
'Osoar Wilde,' Fulton (25th week)
(D-913; $3.30). SlighUy over $8,000,
okay for run drama, which continues
to turn in weekly profit
'Socket to the Moon' and 'Awake
and BIng,' Windsor (19th week) (D-
1,049; $2.20). Some confusion over
g laying schedule may have affected
usiness last week; 'Awake,' a re-
vival, the better draw; slightly over!
$5,000. i
'Set to Mnsio,' Music Box (11th
week) (R-1,000; $4.40). Still claimed
to be profiting though at lower level
than previously; rated around
$17,500.
'Stars In Tour Eyes,' Majestic (8th
week) (M-1,717; $4.40). Engagement
slated into the summer; strong last
half: pace eased off to $25,000.
■Tlie American Way,' Center (10th
week) (D-3,433; $3.30). Wonder
draw in Radio City has been ap-
proximating $40,000 weekly; drama
away out in front of list in point
of gross.
The LltUe Foxes.' National (7th
week) (D-1,164; $3.30). Moved into
drama leadership last week by again
getting $19,000.
Tho miadelphU Story.' Shubert
(1st weA) (C-1,367; $»My. Pre-
sented by the Theatre Guild; written
by Philip Barry; drew big out of
town; opened last night (Tues.).
The Primrose Path.' Biltroore
(13th week) (CD-091; $3J0). At
$8,000 it provides some profit; en-
gagement indefinite; moves to. the
Cort soon.
The White Steed/ Golden (12th
week) (D-730; $3J0). Moved here
from the Shubert arid may stick
through the spring; but under $8,000.
'Vabaoeo Beaid.' Forrest (277th
week) (D-1,107; $1.65). Run leader
figuring on drawing World's Fair
crowds; breaking eVen at $4,500 and
sometimes more.
■Wluii a Life,' Mansfield (SOth
week) (C-1,0S0- $3J0). Nearing
year's mark and stay is indefinite;
operating successfully under sharing
plan; around $4,500.
-BCVIVALS
'Henry IV,' St James (9th-final
week) (D-1,520; .$3.30). Cioes on tout
with full length 'Hamlet' as alternate
presentation; somewhat better; $14,-
000 estimated.
'Ontward Bonnd,' Playhouse (15tK
week) (D-873; $3J0), Topping $8,000,
quite satisfactory; management ex-
pectant of engagement going into
summer period.
ADDED
'FlBS and Needles,' Labor Stage
(70th Week). More new numbers be-
ing. added; under $4,500 but evident-
ly okay for unionists' intimate revue.
Frank Fay Vaudeville, 44th St
Some improvement last week, with
takings over 4S.000 .at $2.-75 top;
nightly, one matinee (Saturday).
WPA
'Swing BUkaio,' New Yorker;
drawing strongly; agencies getting
some tickets.
'Androoles and Lion,' Lafayette,
Harlem.
'Plnoeehlo,' Ritz.
'Awake and Sing,' Daly's (Yid-
dish).
Iht Blf Blow,' Elliot; final week;
'Lite and Death of an American'
may follow.
flepbarn tSAM,
%y[' $17,000
h%Hid)Fiiiale
Boston,' March' 28.
Both 'Philadelphia Stonr* and 'Sky.
lark,' with Katharine flepbum and
Gertrude Lawrence starred, re-
spectively, .picked up In their second
and final weeks here. 'Phlladelpbia'
is going to New York .Immediately,
and 'Snrlark' will tour for a lew
weeks, lay off during the summer
and reopen on Broadway In the
early fall, according to tentative
plana.
Importance of Being Earnest' with
(Hifton Webb and Estelle Winwood,
opened last night (Mon.). 'Pinoc-
chlo,' the WPA production. Is slated
for April 11 opening here. Ruth
Draper also opened last night (Mon.)
to make up for an 'engagement can-
celled earlier tills season.
EsUmates In LMt Week
'PMbdelphU Btmry; Colonial (2d-
final week) (1,643; $3J0). Finished
ahead of flrst.ftame, with big $24,000.
Blizzard slowed the opening week,
but word-of-mouth brought in a
sizeable contingent beyond the Guild
subscription list both weeks.
'Skylack,' Shiibert (2d-flnal week)
(1,590; $2.75). BuUt to nifty $17,000.
AQUA. HgL Contract
Set lor S^nh$ Today
Ointract between the American
Guild of Musical Artists and the two
major concert bureaus k set for slgn>
ing this afternoon (Wednesday). Pact
was originally scheduled for inking
Thursday (23) and then postponed to
yesterday (Tuesday).
Under the deal Columbia Concerts
Corp. and NBC Artists Service will
grant a number of concessions in the .
concert and opera booking fleldsi.
Terms are understood to be as out-
lined in Variety' last week, with •
few minor technical changes, .
44
VARIETY
LEGITIMATE
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
Hays Out of Town
MY DEAR CHILDREN
Washington, March 27.
Comedy In threa acu (four sceneB) by
Catlierlns Turney and Jerry Horwln; pre-
««nie<1 by Richard Aldrlch and Klchord
Myers: Btnni John Barrymore: features
Elaine Barrlc, Tala DIrell. • Philip need;
atak-cd by Olio L. Premlnser; - aetilngs,
Donald Oensla£er; at Iho National, Wasn-
InKion, March 27, "30; »2.78 top. ■ _
Kiclnbach J'-?'.';
Rocd HniiHon Olto Huletl
Ponla Trent Dorolhy McGuIre
Tlicoinb.. George Reynolds
Pellrc, Cumtess do Brltanne....Tala Blrell
Allan Manvllle John Banj-more
Albert .Roland Hocup
MIr.mda Burton. . . . .' . .Lola Moll
Cordelia Colby Elaine Barrle
Irfe Slevenaon..; "S^^'J
S\'lllnrd Nelson..... PhjUp Reed
Jacques Korbl Stlano Brayglott
Ernest Van Betke , .Leo Chaliel
Barrymore, and three with Bariy
more alone— got good-natured ap
plause rather than ovation here. It
was- because of mood the star seems
to have deliberately created.
Craig.
Call this one a strictly informal but
highly entertaining evening at home
with the BarrymoresT-John, the mas-
ter craftsman, relaxing, dragging his
best lines out of the air, romping
the gamut of his myriad talents and
having the time of his life; Elaine,
the craftsman's wife, posing, recit-
ing and being sophisticated, with
mathematical determination even
when getting soundly spanked across
the Barormore knee.
Whatever the play started out to
be, it's now merely a showcase for
the best in Biarrymore specialties,
embracing the great lover, the su-
perb comic and the polished trage-
dian In everything 'from Shake-
spearean- tights to 'Alpine shorts--
even includes a straight rendition of
To be or not to be.' which packs
an authentic wallop. Lines, and Bar-
rymore's interpretation of them, fre-
quently kid himself and Shakespeare,
but always good-naturedly and keep
audience laughing, with— never at—
both.
Show needs plenty tightening and
won't ever be polished theatre, but if
Barrymore continues to enjoy it so
will his fans. TipoS to mood is
Barrymore's deliberate, full-voiced
request on opening night to the
E remoter to 'Speak up, so we can all
ear you!' which stood as best gag
of evening.
Laid entirely in rococco drawing
room of a Swiss chateau, story con-
cerns Allan Manville, former mat-
inee idoL whose weekend with Felice,
a scheming countess, is thoroughly
wrecked by the successive arrivals of
three forgotten daughters by three
forgotten marriages. All wind up as
house guests, all have roiaantlc
troubles, all lay. them squarely in
papa's lap and papa, being a decid-
edly nice guy at heart, sets about
being an 'amateur father* with such
enthusiasm that the countess nearly
freezes to death in the greenhouse
or on the terrace, as the case might
be.
Little things like selling his absent
host's objects d'art to buy food and
having to borrow extra bed clothes
from neighbors don't bother Mr.
Manville at alL Neither does a bill
for 2,700 francs from a hotel where
he fought a duel with-said host, even
though said host, Munitions-Maker
Ernest Van Betke, Is 'supposed to be
financing Mr. Manville in founding a
gigantic theatrical renaissance In
America.
But fatherhood ' 1& something else
again. When Portia arrives as a
plain, unloved physics student, he
calls for his makeup box and' redoes
her face, invites her straight-laced
suitor from . London and has a fit
when she turns into a glamour girl
and skips off with an airplane manu-
facturer. When Miranda shows lip
disgusted with puppy love he spon-
sors her romance with a Continental
playboy, played by Philip Reed, and
then discovers he Is married. When
Cordelia stalks in he discovers his
*pre-natal influence, or so mother
calls it' has produced a sophisticated
dame who plays the opposite sex for
a collective fool as a pastime, Includ-
ing her papa.
The counterplots and ramifications
get tangled and tmtangled very suc-
cessfully, but what matters Is Barry-
more quoting Shakespeare continu-
ally and pertinently throughout,
working in repeated observations
tying directly into his own career
and usiitg each situation as a° logical
■etting ior a selected histrionic dem-
onstrattm.. Skipping Miss Barrle,
whose performance has an Interest
all Its «wn, second dramatic honors
- easily /;o to Dorothy McGuire and
Xiois Kail, as the pretty, adolescent
d<'.ii''hters with love on their minds.
Tala Birell, as the countess, and
fh'Mo Reed, as her ex-boy-friend, do
as well as they can in stock roles,
Shoir carries huge -wardrobe, In.
cludlAt; four super-sophisticated cre-
ations for Miss Barrle, four changes
lor Barrymore, and trunk of Shske-
fipearean get-ups -which Mr. Man-
ville brings on for a costume par^
In the second act. Single set Is
shocking exaggeration of museum-
like Europeain drawing room, but
adds satisfactorily to general motif.
Best scheduled line at opening
flight came. In last act, when daugh
ter Cordelia (Miss Barrle) returns
to save Mr. Manville from being
taken for a ride like- they do in
America' by Mr. Betke and discloses
that sh?*s an aspiring actress. Run-
ning through a scene from "King
Lear.' she gives the climax full-face
to tiie ' audience, whereupon Mr,
THE HEIGHTS
Pittsburgh, March 25.
ComedV 'ln three acts, by John N. Gil-
christ; staged by Robert Alan Green: aet-
tlnga. Bruce Cook; at the Kllbuck, Pitts-
burgh: $1 top. .....
Cast: Maryan MeCIaIn, Mark Andrews,
viola So-ule'. Enid Yvetta Trimble, Albert
Oliver. Bold B. Jackson. Robert Hum-
phries, Deborah ■ Elliott. C. Paul Crofford,
Andrevr Wise, Nibs Nabor.
about 'this mad world,' but doesn't
offer any logical solution. Her weak-
livered brother, babbling about need
of money for his wifes expectant
child, is exposed as selling out the
communists to the enemy camp.
That's revealed by a militant gal who
only comes In from the street battle
to gulp — believe it or not— a quick
cocktail
Manville explodes with Hey, I m
King Lear!' It may have been in
the script but no audience will be-
lieve It „ ^. .„ "'Eveiybody's pulled Into the brawl
If eight curtain calls— three with _£r(,ni' a labor-baiting department
full cast one with Miss Barrie and | ^j^^g ^(,g„i . ,^^0 snatches a striker's
„„A thrw. -u/lth Ban-v- piggajj to get home to a gushing deb
from the deep south, and an old col-
ored servant who's beaten to death.
In addition to a score of cops and
strikers, who rush onstage intermit-
tently, the oflE-stage mob noises are
so loud that they make the show
more confusing. Another unexplain-
able point is why the engineer leaves
his gal to help the strikers. When
shot down by a fascist his death
creates only an apathetic feeling m
the audience.
Considerable of the dialog is brit-
tle and amusing, but several charac-
ters could be cut out. Actually the
play's a diffused rehash of 'Idiot's
Delight' with a dash of Odets. West-
ern Reserve cast is good enough to
vivify some unbelievable parts, par-
ticularly work by Phyllis Campbell,
as the hostess; Louis Krauss, as the
store magnate, and June Abel, as a
comniunist. Viktor Schre'ckengost's
settings also are superior to the play.
Pullen.
Literati
In bis endless quest for a new
play with Broadway possibilities,
Hobert Alan Green, director and op-
erator of 44-seat Kilbuck theatre, has
missed again in 'The Heights.' It's a
light and pretty usual domestic com-
edy, well written only in spots, and
may get some summer stock atten-.
tlon. But that's about all.
New plays are absolute necessities
with Greeii at Kilbuck. Capacity
of the house makes royalty payments
impossible since he sells every per-
formance out to organizations and so
gets only $24 a night
Title refers to New York's Wash-
ington Heights, where the action is
located in apartment of the Dins-
mores, a middle-class family: Two
daughters, one a minor actress
and other a thimble-brained stay-at-
home; father, who's struggling in a
real estate office, a nice guy who
wants to be left alone, and an ambi-
tious mother. Mom breaks up ro-
mance between the thesp and kid
downstairs and sees a chance to pro-
mote good match with a wealthy
suitor. Pop goes along when latter
offers him a better job. But guy
turns out to be married already and
his wife swoops down on love nest,
scandal breaking the tabs and dis-
gracing the Dinsmores.
Meantime, other daughter has wed
a windbag, who turns out to be a
garage attendant and he moves in
on 'em. ' Her sister pulls out when
she learns family doesn't give a hang
about her, but only wanted her to
stick with playboy for what they
could get out of it' Tlie boy down-
stars, meantime, gets a brancli man
agershlp in Philadelphia, and Is will-
ing to forget the past
Characters in 'Heights^ are drawn
rather knowingly, but there's noth-
ing to distinguish play itself. Just
another family get-together on the
stage witi) stock people and stock
situations. Most engaging pair are
the father and ihe Montclair show-
oil who settles for a WPA job,
played by Mark Andrews and Albert
Oliver. There's a moderately good
performance, too, by Viola Styles,
as the younger Dinsmore gaL
Green's direction is excellent and
he manages to keep his cast on the
move, despite cramp6d quarters.
Play's already sold but until June 1.
Cohen.
Night Between Rivers
Cleveland, March 24.
Drama In threa acta by Stanley Toung
and R, I,. Duffua; presented by dmma de-
partment ot Western Reserve University;
staged by Ruth and Barclay Leathdm; set-
ting, Viktor Sohreckengost; at Bldred the-
atre,. Cleveland, week ot March 18, '£8.
Cast: Phyllis Campbell, David Hyatt,
Ruth Kennedy, Louis Krnass, June Abel,
Howard Felten. Eugenia Strode, Cnrtbi
Tann, Donald McConnack, Ellabetb Plory,
Pay Treftort, Edward Colgan, Robert Mor-
ris. Edwin Helman, James G. Card, Jr.,
Gerald ' Rupe, Tlra Thompson. George
Holniea, John Price, Sewbrd Covert.
Film Finds
(Continued from page 1)
When two ex-coUege professors —
one a novelist and the other a not
unknown playwright — get together
on a new drama dissecting all tiie
'isms,' one would expect the result
to be at least articulate and striking
In Ideas. R. L. Dufllus and Stanley
Yoimg have written a timely, heavy-
actioned sermon against fascism and
communism, yet they don't say any-
thing that hasn't been said before-
more specifically, by CUiford Odets.
Their opus- has an exciting back-
ground and some strong stuff that
holds attention. It juggles social
credos rather deftly at times but In
the end the two authors leave them
up In the air. They never bring it
to a sharp, unified dramatic point
nor do they ever make their strike
victims act like human beings. A
tirst-rate play-doctor might trim the
piece Into form for Broadway, but
he would wear out a gross of thick
pencils on the cutting.' .
The city-wide strike led by com-
munists occurs under the -windows of
a Manhattan penthouse, where a suc-
cessful femme Interior decorator is
giving a party. Her aparbnent be-
comes almost a racetrack for about
35 slightly cracked people, who take
the stump periodically to spout their
political beliefs.
There's the._liostes9, .a fugitive
from realism, who -wante to escape to
peaceful Vermont Before that hap-
pens she falls for a brilliant young
engineer, who wants to do something
20th-Fox's new talent was recruited
from the stege. Many of the players
now are priming in the studio's stock
school. Nancy Kelly came from
Broadway, likewise Amanda Dufl. .
Little theatres are fine-combed by
20th-Fox, but have produced little
either in the way of plays or players.
The studio sent scouts out over the
country, which resulted In the sign-
ing of two players, Mary Healy and
Dorris Bowden, who has been re-
named Judith Dickens. Lynn Bari
and Marjorie Weaver came out -of
the studio's own stock school. Studio
also maintains a department in New
York that scouts for plays, talent and
stories.
Only one radio story has been
purchased by 20th-Fox, the serial by
Katharine Kavanaugh which has be-
come the Jones Family.
Execs at 20th maintain that about
1% of persons tested make good in
films.
Write Their Own
More than - half the stories pro-
duced by Zaiiuck are originals. The
rest are divided about equally among
stage plays, books and magazine
stories. For 1939-4(1^ the books that
may be noted are "The Rains Came,'
by Louis Bromfield, and 'Drums
Along the Mohawk.'
Warner talent executives assert
that the stege provides approximate'
ly 75% of their new telent with the
little theatre next Radio is prac-
tically nlL
List of new players and their
origin are: Eddie Albert, stage; Al-
drlch Bowker, stage; Morton Lowry,
stage; Ila Rhode, little theatre; Fred
Tozere, stage; Marjs Wrlxon, little
theatre; and Geraldine Fitzgerald,
stage.
Warners figures on stories are:
originals. 60%; plays, 15%, books,
15%, magazine yams, 10%. Buying
of radio scripts is virtually nil on
the lot
As at most studios, talent tests are
made on the Coast WB scouts con-
tact every i>osslble source of sup-
ply from beauty contests down
through the niterles,. little theatres,
eto..
Metro executives declare that they
have had unusual success in the last
months with talent culled from the
little theatres. Laraine Day, termed
best prospect on the lot for some
time, came from a little theatre In
Long Beach. Calif. Other recent
finds from the ranks of the amateur
and. semi-pro thesps are Rand
Brooks, Tom Neal, Ann Morris and
Jo Ann Sayres.
.Only Bradley from Radio
Radio has contributed compara-
tively little in the way of talent at
Metro, Truman Bradley, announcer
for Ford Symphony for many years,
being about the only representative
of the ether waves on the lot
Metro's original screen stories run
about seven -to one over both pub-
lished works and stage shows. There
has been no' recent purchase of radio
stories for films at the studio.
JMetro's testing is done both here
and in New York, with scouts cover-
Ing little theatre presentations, road
companies, vaudeville and legit at-
tractions. Frequently Metro'sbrancb
managers recommend talent and
then the studio's process of grooming
a player Is started. Metro tops ob-
serve that about 5% of those recom-
mended for screen tests makes the
grade.
Meeting •( the Minds
Twice In the past month the New
York Dally News and Mirror, morn-
ing tabs, have hit the stands with
front page headlines identically
worded. Each time heads were re-
set for subsequent editions. They
were Nazi stories.
One of two of the similarly headed
sheeta almost had identical back
page heads, too, the difference being
only the dropping of the word 'and,'
I,atter was report of baseball train-
ing game results,
SeattM Bag Nicked
Reinstatement with back pay -was
ordered by tile United States Cir-
cuit Court of Appeals this week for
Frank Lynch, chief photographer,
and the late Philip E. Armstrong,
drama editor, both of the Seattle
Post-Intelligencer, a Hearst publlca-^
tion.
It was their dismissal in July, 1936,
that precipitated the Newspaper
Guild strike against the paper.
Court held Armstrong's estate shall
collect the back pay from the time
of his dismissal untU his death.
Boyorottors Bankrupt
Bid of $80,000 was made last week
by Samuel G. Guard, Indiana pub-
lisher of farm and home periodicals,
for the Roycroft publishing proper-
ties of East Aurora, N. Y. Offer,
which was submitted to Federal
Judge John Knight will be turned
over to the Roycroft creditors.
Steps taken recently for reorgani-
zation of the Roycroft properties un-
der the bankruptey act. Creditors
said to be willing to sell. '
Guild Included 20-week severance
pay. Guild shop, five-day week after
Labor Day, and wage question to be
determined by an arbitrator within
60 days and to be retroactive to date
of ratification.
Library Commlsh Kind* Casnal
First meeting in five years of the
N. J. State Library Commission held
last week in Trenton consumed but
three minutes, but was sufficient to
reelect Haddon Ivlns for a new five-
year term as State Librarian. Post
pays $5,000 a year.
Iviiis regularly Is editor of the'
Hudson Dispatch, published in Union
City.
News Baps Nasi Toarism
Carl Warren's new series in the
N. Y. Daily News gives flie brush-
off to . the German tourism agencies
in New York which would woo
American sympathy — and dollars —
with fancy literature anent a now
extinct German kultur. It also did
the same to Soviet's tourist lureics.
Warren also did a crack series on
the forthcoming N. Y. World's Fair,
and the News editors thought so
much of it that running stories on
the Fair are being continued. Guy
Richards is now covering that
The News, incidentally, hasn't
changed ita format, but modified its
style a bit running datelines on the
side columns instead of the ortho-
dox top-of-the-page. It gives each
page greater depth that way.
Topical— Weeks Aheai
Bugs Baer uses a crystal-ball rou-
tine whenever -writing his ' stuff in
advance, working on the theory ot
discounting world events. Since the
international political map has been
a shifting scene right along,, that's no
small feat
On the Hearst columnist's recent
three weeks absence on a West In-
dies cruise he had to be six weeks in
advance and yet maintain timeliness.
When the Baer family motored from
Italy north to London he had to
write his stuff three months la ad-
vance.
Larry Nixon's New One
Sequel to 'Vagabond Voyaging* by
Larry Nixon has been turned in to
publishers Little-Brown. Tentative-
ly titled 'Vagabond Vacationing,' it
will hit the stands in early summer.
Former press agent- last with
WNEW, N. Y., Nixon is now devoting
all his time to book and magazine
work.
Patnam Back In PabltsUng .
George Palmer Putnam, - who re-
cently began preparations to return
to the publishing biz, out of Holly-
wood, gets started next month. Had
planned on a July start, but has . a
work of fiction on Hitler which he
believes can't wait that long and has
put it on the press at once. Has
eight other no'vels to follow.
Putnam won't have his own sales
organization, arranging with Ives
Washburn to represent him in the
East and William F. Hobson on the
Coast Eastern sales arrangement
made by Putnam on a trip to N.Y.
around two months ago, at which
time he sold the Westehester estate
he occupied with -Amelia Earhart;
Wllkcs-Barre Near Peace
Settlement of the six month strike
of the American Newspaper Guild
against the three Wllkes-Barre, Pa,,
dailies, did not permit resumption of
the papers on Friday as expected.
New snag arose when publl^ers
were unable to agree on a new
agreement \irlth printers and press-
men, whose contracts expired during
the strike.
Terms ot the settlement -with tbe
NEW PEBIOPICALS
Newsmag is new weekly sponsored
by the Newsmag Publishing Co,
headquartered in "Sf. Y. Head of
Newsmag is Wadsworth McKIttrlck,
with Charles A. Ballou, Lewis O.
Edwards and George J. Wagner aa-r
soclated in important capacities:
19th Hole is a new golf magazine,
with publication offices In Philadel-
phia. To appear monthly. Editor is
Mort Fetterolf, Jr., of the Philadel-
phia Evening Ledger sports staff.
LITEBATI OBITS THIS WEEK
Harry G. (Pat) Cray, 62, veteran
Milwaukee newspaperman, died '
March 20 in Chicago following a
stroke of paralysis. He was for
many years political reporter for the
now defunct Hearst rag, the Wiscon-
sin News. '
Waddy Thompson, 72, former
newspaperman and magazine and
book writer, died last week In At-
lanta; Ga. After an early career as
a newspaperman, he took to mag '
and bpok writing, specializing In his-
torical subjecta. Best known lor
History ot American Progess,' on
which he colabbed with Fremont P.
Wlrth.
Dr. laaae Huslk, 63, author and
editor of the Jewish Publication So-
cle^, died Wednesday in Philadel-
phia. Had been editor for the pub-
lishing house since 1924. Wife sur-
vives.
Kate Dlokinseh Sweetser, author
ot many books, died Wednesday In
N. Y. Daughter of Charles H. SweeU
ser, one-time editor of the old N. Y.
Mail and Express, and second cousin
of Emily Dickinson, American poet-
ess. Miss Sweetaer authored around
a dozen books during her -writing
career.
Lewis G. ElllBeham, 71, a pub-
lisher in Indiana for nearly 50 year^
died Saturday night (18) at his horn*
following a short illness. He pub-
lished Geneva Herald, Winchester
Democrat and Decatur Democrat be-
fore taking over Ft Wayne Journal-
Gazette In 1916. He relinquished hia .
hiterests In the paper in 1934 to be-
come postmaster for Ft Wayne, posi-
tion he held at time of his death.
Max FIsohel, 75, N. Y. police re-
porter for 68 years until his retire-
ment eight years ago with the sus-
pension of the livening World, died
Friday at Long Branch, N. J. Start-
ing as a reporter lor Bigney's News
Service, he later joined the old
Evening Sun. Subsequently went to
the World. Called by Irvln Cobb
and other contemooraries as one ot
best police reporters profesh ever
had.
Eliot Keen, 60, editor of Silver
Screen, motion picture magazine,
died March 27 in a Brooklyn hos-
pital from. a heart ailment He had
edited Film Fun and The Passing
Show before becoming editor of Sil-
ver Screen in 1931. Surviving is his
widow.
Harold's. (Hal) Sharkey, 45, sports
editor of the Newark (N. J.) News, ,
died In a Montclair. N. J., hospital of
pneumonia March 27. He had been
111 a week. He was well known as a
golf authority and writer. Survivors
are widow, father, brother and sister.
. Annie Emille Poulason, 85, prblifle
writer of books lor more than half a
century, died last week In Brookllne,
Mass. Born in Cedar Grove, N. J.,
she made her home in Boston for
many years. Noted for her books for
children.
' CHATTEB
Vicky Baum to England.
Erich Maria Remarque here on his
first visit
Eve Curie will do a new book
while here.
Memoirs of Oswald Garrison Vil-
lard appear next week.
Real name of Nevil Shute, author
of 'Ordeal,' is NevU Shute Norway.
William A. Bell, Jr, ot the PhUa-
delphia AP bureau, in N.Y. to wed.
Writers' School of the League ot
American Writers arranging a course
(Continued on page 45)
Wednceday, March 29, 1939
CHATTER
VARIETY 45
Broadway
Leon Netter back from Bermuda.
•Tom Bodkin to Coast to manage
•Our Town.' , , ' , ,
Derek WilUams, legit player, back
from Florida. j, » > * ,
Maurice Bergman on a diet to take
off avordupois.
Bill Engel, Birmingham theatre
realtor, la In town. • . . ,
Gabriel Hess, Hays legal head, on
West Indies cruise.
Bob Weitman away Saturday (25)
on a Bermuda jaunt
Terry Turner writing and p.aJng
■ct for Tony Galento.
Fannie Hurst interesting herself 'in
tralTic safety Droblems.
Miles In^ls is just about settling
down at Music Corp.. of America.
Juliette Dortj secretary to Herman
Shumlin, planed to Florida for rest
E. K. O'Shea is getting over sun-
burn poisoning that got him in Miami.
V}rvyan Donner's 10th anniversary
with Fox Movietone News fashion
dent • . •
Arthur Schwartz, the composer,
TMTT take a band unto himself for
radio.
Paul Stewart society editor of the
N. Y.. Sun, back from a. Caribbean
cruise.
Ed Olrastead, writer at Universal
In Hollywood, has sold two stories to
CoUieFs.
Ivan Donald Morrison to Buenos
Aires to write .on Liatln-Amerlca.
show biz.
Henry Senber, p.a. for the Mer-
cury Theatre, has rejoined the Dick
Maney staff.
Riv Bisland, of Hippodrome, to Los
Angeles to handle ticket sale of
Louis-Roper £ght. -
Brown Advertising Agency in vol-
untary bankruptcy; llabUities of $56,-
950, assets $28,468.
The Arthur Schwairtzes detoured
to Montego Bay, Jamaica, from their
West Indies cruise.
Donald Flamm (WMCA prez) to
briiig over several refugee families
to till his Jersey, farm.
VInce Barnett says he drives only
at night so he won't have to read
those Burma shave ads.
Alison Slcipw'orth and Jean Muir
will guest-star in liittle Women' next
week at Maolewdod, N. J.
Quentihe Reynolds back from sur-
veying the Coast situation, including
the Frisco Fair, for Colliers.
Noel Coward nixed idea of going
into 'Set to Music' with Beatrice
Lillie. Sailed for home, instead..
-Emanuel Silverstone, Alex Korda
representative on this side, glad-
handed since becoming a father.
M. A. Weiss, formerly associate
editor of Esquire, will publicize one
of the N. Y. World's Fair exhibits.
J. K. Jerauld in Roosevelt hos-
Eital following a . serious operation,
[ad been on jury duty when stricken.
Una Wyte (Mrs. Lee Mortimer,
N.Y. Mirror) set for opening show
at Ben Marden's Riviera in early
May.
Irving Maas, 20th-Fox foreign
. service manager, leaves St Vincent's
' hospital this week after minor oper-
ation.
I. Robert Broder In Washington
early this week to be sworn in for
practice before the U.S. Supreme
Court
Leo Brandfleld; formerly 20th-Fox
■ales head at Prague, transferred to
home office. He will bring his
family over later.
Harry Buxbaum, Jr., on of 20th's
N. Y. district manager planed from
Miami to Hollywooo, where he mdy
remain permanently.
Anthony VeiUer returns to the
Coast at the end. of this week to
assume new duties as Paramount
production' executiive.
Finis Farr (radio scripter) and
Frank Norris (Time maffs co-man-
aging -ed) have authored a play
which George Jesael may do.
Norman Moray, shorts sales man-
ager for WB, on a tour of exchanges,
following which he will 'look in on
the studio crowd at Bucbank.
Josef ZImanich, musical director
and eastern studio manager for Na-
tional Screen Service, left for the
Coast Friday (24) for a short vaca-
tion.
Cresson E. Smith, western-south-
ern sales mgr. for RKO, left Sunday
(26) for St Louis, first of several
exchange stops he will make in his
territory.
George Abbott back from Palm
Beach. Has no more production
plans for this season, but still in-
tends doing a new Rogers and Hart
. musical in the fall
Tlie Will Rogers Memorial Com-
' mission has set June 6 as date for
unveiling of Jo Davidson's status of
Will ftopers in the rotunda of the
state cacitol at Oklahoma.
Walter Winchell responded to a
call from Dan Healy at the Catboa
Club preem and told the 'cub re-
porters' present that he 'guaranteed
this is the best of the Cotton Oub
shows.'
George Zuckerinan,'p.a. for Asbury
Park, has gotten up a 'Fugitive from
the Fair" society, Robert S. Close
prez, as a gag stunt Sanctuary for
New Yorkers is, of course, offered In
Asbury Park.
Sherman Billinvsley's Stork Club,
already embarrassed with riches,
throujdi constantlv turning away
tourists, et al.. stlU conthiues ex-
pertmenttng with no. ad stunts.
Newest giveaway gag U a set of trick
dice.'.
.Gloria ■ Si leo, daughter of Jimmy
Sileo, who. banijles photography for
various film company affairs, went
on the air last night (28) for 'We,
the People,' program over WABC to
tell of her recent experiences in
Spain.
Signing himself 'your loving hus-
band,' Frank Wallace, personaling at
Club Miami, Newark, invited Mae
West to visit his nitery during her
current Newark stage booldng.. Ad
in the Newark dailies attracted
much attention.
Report that Chaney and Fox, terp
duo at Jack Lynch's Walton' Roof,
Philly, would bust up shortly be-
cause of the marriage of Mayrls
Chaney to a San Francisco publish-
ing biggie, denied by Miss' Chaney.
She's not married and doesn't con-
template marriage. Miss Chaney said.
Paris
By Hngo Speck
Marcel Sablon in from Nice.
Dorothy 'Dlclcson in from London.
Harry Laup held over at Folies 39.
Georgius topping new Bobino re-
vue.
Suzy Solldor in from Scandinavian
tour.
Charles Boyer scheduled back in
June.
'Street 6f Fishing CM,' by Yolande
Foldes, to be filmed. .
Alina de Silva heading Poisson
d'Or nitery offerings,
Robert Slodmak added Pierre
Renoir to cast of 'Pieges.'
Pearl White's works of art, furni-
ture and jewels auctioiied.
Jacqueline Potier in from series of
piano recitals in Belgium.
Nadio Mirova, in from . European
tour, back at.Sheherazade.
Benjamin Fainsilber, co-director
of weekly Cine'monde, dead at 34.
Joe Choquette mulling converting
his garage into 1,200 seater cinema.
Restaurant des Ambassadeurs clos-
ing for summer season redecoration.
Clotilde and. Alexandre Sakharofl
recitaling at Mediterranean Palace,
Nice.
Josephine Baker and troupe off on
short South and Central American
tour.
Monique RoUand signed with Carl
Lamac for lead role in 'Narcisse,'
aviation film
'Victor Francen signed with Abel
Gance to play title role in 'Christo-
pher Columbus.'
Genevive de Saint-Jean due to ap-
pear with Sacha Guitry in new play
by latter at Theatre Jladeleine.
Marie Grlory off to Italy for femme
lead in 'La Femme en Danger,'
which Max Neufeld is making.
Volkoff to make 'Kean,' adapted
from Alexander Dumas' work, with
Jean-Louis Barrault In title role.
Tropica,' new pla^ by lifadeleine
Masson and Joan Lmdergh, opened
at Theatre Charles de- Rocfaefort
Jean Louis Barrault to produce
■Le Faim,' adapted from Knut Ham-
sun story, at Theaitre de 1' Atelier.
Lennart Reutersldold in, making
arrangements for Duke Ellington
concerts. Then back to Stockholm.
Henri Jeanson, recovering from
broken leg, writing new scenario
with comedy role for Corlnne Luch-
aire.
Marcel I'Herbier ended 'Entente
Cordiale' and shooting 'L'Etegance,'
short destined for N. Y. World's
Fair.
New National Theatre de Challlot,
built for «xpo on old Trocadero site,
officially opened by President Le-
larun.
Florence Luchaire, 12-year-old
sister of Corinne, given role by J.
Benoit-Levy in his next, 'Grandeur
Nature.'
Bal de Moulin Rouge to be re-
opened by Pierre Sandrini in Octo-
ber on 50th anniversary of famous
hangout
Leon Poirer off to Congo with
technicians to shoot exteriors for
'Savorgnan de Brazza,' tracing ex-
plorer's- life.
Siritzkys have added I.es Por-
tiques. Champs Elysees showcase, to
their circuit, giving them seven out-
lets in Paris.
Danielle Darrieux's next will be
'Une Fois dans la 'Vie' ('Once in a
Lifetime'), which Hubby Henry De-
coin is expected to direct
By Lea Bee*
Leon Prima band at Happy Hour
night club.
. Mort H. Singer and Morgan Ames
stepped over.
Twin City Variety club tossing
Easter party April 9.
Norman Moray, Vitaphone general
sales manager, in town.
Paderewski's Sunday matinee drew
near capacity to Auditorium. .
Burton Holmes penciled into
Lyceum March 29 and April 5.
Bill Watmough, Grand National
salesman, out in economy .move.
Henry Herbel, new Warner Bros,
district manager, paid first visit here.
W. J. Helneman, Universal western
division manager, held sales meethig
here. _
Joe Behan, Warner Bros, heui
booker, over the fiu and back at
work.
Joe Wolf, Paramount city salesman,
flew to San Antonio for mother's
funeral. ■
Sam Sherman, of the Reno Wllk
Independent exchange, has play un-
der consideration for production in
N^w York,
London
. Morris Helprtn haa arrived.
Xlack Egger in hospital with gout
Flora Robson back from Holly-
wood.
Leslie Sarony due to marry Anita
Eaton April 3.
Roy Byford, Shakespearean actbr,
left $60,000 estate.
'Of Mice and Men' being revived
at the Gate theatre next month.
Glenls Lorrimer, newcomer in
British films is daughter of Harry
Ostrer.
Horace Collins in town to look
over talent for his five spots in the
provinces.
Albert de Courville to 'direct 'The
Life of Edgar Wallace' for Sam
Smith, boss of British Lion Film's.
Veioz and Yolanda signatured by
Martlnus Poulsen for the Cafe de
Paris. Open Sept. 11, for four weeks
with options.
Cliff 'Whitley one of many 'Who
made offers for the . production in
London of 'Hellzapoppin,' current
N. Y. musical leader,
Kenneth Hall, part owner with his
brother of Quality Inn, has become
engaged to Clarice Hardwicke. Both
are xiatives of Australia.
Early Court due to their majesties'
departure for C:anada and New York,
has given London's night spots lots
of added gravy this month.
Lita D'Orlay, the tossed-one of the
Stuart Morgan Dancers, at London
Palladium, in hospital with fractured
knee-cap.. Act replaced by Maurice
Colleano Co. temporarily.
Henry Sherek has lent Vic Oliver
to Earl Bailey for the new (Srbsvenor
House .'fioor show, opening May 4.
G.H. is op^sition to Dorchester
hotel, of which Sherek is exclusi've
booker.
Charles L. Tucker has booked
Frank Paris and his marionets.
Seven Wallabies and Five Herons
with Jacic Taylor for new seasonal
revue at the Opera House, Blade-
pool, opening July 15.
By Bcrb GeMen
Jane Wyatt lectured here' last week
on 'Glories of the Legitimate Stage.'
Sam Gross, of 20th-Fox, back in
town after a quick vacash in Hot
Springs. '
Taylor Grant setting up Philly's
first and only independent produc-
tion agency.
Morris- 'Wax and John Golder back
from Florida. Harry Weiner, of Co-
lumbia, on his way.
Father and wife of Jimmy Miller
of the Byrd theatre seriously injured
in', an auto crack-up.
Allen Lewis back on his feet after
an attack of -grippe. Likewise Frank
Ackley, of the Carman.
Wally Sheldon and Harry Marble
doing a comedy sketchbook of hu-
morous' happehings on the air.
Sandy Guyer, WPEN gabber,
named- io- staff of Ritz Studios to
teach radio tiechnique and announc-
ing-
Cliff Hall now doing his keyboard-
vocalizing at the-Queen Mary in N.Y.
BiU Dyer back after 7,000-mile
auto tour.
Byrum Saam, making tour of
spring training camps after winter
in Texas, due back at WIP mike
about April 1.
Lee Vines has replaced Louis
Pierce on WIP gab' staff. Lewis
Fisher, U. of P. stude, replaced Vines
at WCAM, Camden.
Leonard Sussel has resigned as-
sistant managership at the Studio,
while Ira .Turner has tossed up the
maoagerial post at the Tioga.
Victor Lozinak, former maitre de
at the Adelphia, now assistant to
Jack Lynclv while Joe Malito, of the
closed Arcadia, is new maitre de at
Benny the Bum's.
New Haven
By Barold M. Bone
Worthy Hills recuping from auto
crash.
The Harry Shaws touring West
Indies.
Billy Glason m.c. at local masonic
VBude jamboree.
Morton Downey's father, crash
victim, on mend.
Wortliy HiBs opens new nitery
tagged Baybroolc
Yale Glee Club goes on European
jaunt 'this summer.
Healthy advance sale on D'Oyly
Carte week of April 10.
Annual drahia tourney is due April
17-20, with 12 groups entered.
Lincoln .reverts to former man-
agement under Gilbert Josephson.-
Annual drama tourn^ opens April
17. Alexander Dean is chairman.
Frank WIeth circus at Arena week
of April 24 under K. of C. auspices.
Frank Wirth circus due at Arena
under K. of C. auspices week of
AprU 24.
Vincent Flore, builder of Forest
theatre in AUingtown, arrested on
rubber check charge here; bail
$3,500.
Manager Daggett M. Lee, of Wbol-
sey concert series, bringing in seven
instead of usual six . concerts for
1939-40 season.
MoUie ' Picon and Willie and Eu-
gene Howard set for Arena vaude
l)eneflt for Jewish home. Henry
Youngman will m.c.
'First Offenders' (Col) bad world
preem here; film is based on mate-
rial furnished by local sheriff, J.
Edward Slavin, who' is portrayed in
pic.
SL Louis
By Sam X, Hurst
Jimmy Harris, p, a. at Loew's, to
undergo minor op.
Johnny Perkins sojourning with
Cards at their St Petersburg, Fla,
training camp.
Improvements costing $200,000 at
Municipal theatre in Forest Park
Hearing completion.
Warner Bros, invite to local crix
for trek to Dodge City, Kans., for
world , preem of 'Dodge City,' went
a-t>egging.
Recital : by Nathan Milstein, in
opera house of Municipal Audi-
torium, ' closed ISth season of Civic
Ilusic League.
Buddy Lewis, burg's leading pro
iceskater, has inked contract to ap-
pear in 'Son Valley Winter 'Wonder-
land' at New York Worldfs Fair.
Julieh Bryan has been booked by
Paul Belsman for a lecture on 'Inside
Nazi Germany' in Municipal Audi-
torium April 13. Top will be'$1.50.
Laboratory group of Little Theatre
presented four performances of
'Stage Door,' piece being presented
in art gallery instead of the theatre.
Mildred Basden directed.
Film Group- of St Louis has ar-
ranged new revival series to run
from April 6 .to May 4. Some of the
pix booked are 'Four Horsemen,'
'Greed.' The Big Parade,' 'Anna
Christie.'
Connie Leo Sperl, Jr., seven, a na-
tive, has been inked to a term con-
tract by Paramount He is skedded
to appear in a film with Big Crosby.
Lad's screen name -will be Ijcon
Tyler SperL
An advance sale of $10,000 for the
first of the three operas sponsored by
the St Louis Grand Opera Assn. is
reported by James E. Darst, manager
of the Municipal Auditorium. The
first 'Die Walkure,' win be presented
April 17.
Hollywood
Literati
(Continued from page 44)
for beginning scribblers under Myra
Page.
Flora MacFayden moving her
typewriter to. a Pennsylvania farm.
Nat Whitman readying a new pub-
lishing project, Key Publications.
Golden Rose of the New England
Poetic Club awarded to Leonora
Speyer.
Charles Graves, London columnist,
writing a book on his trip to
America.
Richard E. Briggs, of Ronald
Press, the book publishers, weds
Mary BUI shortly.
Edna St Vincent Millay has deliv-
ered a new volume of poems to her
publisher. Harper's.
Reilly It Lee publishing a novel
on the film capital, 'Hell, HoUy-
woQd,' by Jack Preston.
Robert. Sanford, who Is with the
mags. Spur and The Sportsman Pilot
weds Ruth H. Elcks soon.
J. Barrows Mussey, the former
book publisher and now a scribbler,
has taken a bride, Jane Alley.
John P. 'Marquahd making public
appearances In Qtfston to autograph
his. new novel, 'wickford Point'
Mrs. James Abbe and the three
young scribbling Abbes, Patience,-
Richard and Johnny, off to France.
Alfred K. Stern added to the board
of directors of Modern Age Books,
publishers of those paper-bound vol-
umes.
Oalton Trumbo, the film scenarist
has delivered the script of a new
novel, 'Johnny Got His Gun,' to Lip-
pincott.
Pamela Frankau following in the
steps of tier dad, Gilbert Frankau,
and Is shortly to have her first novel
published.
Mark Van Doren Is lecturing at
colleges and other places on Benja-
min Franklin, the subject of his best-
selling biography.
First novel by Wells Lewis, son of
{Sinclair Lewis, entitled "They StiU"
Say No,' to be published by Farrar
& Binehart April 17.
Robert L. Johnson Magazines pre-
paring a mag for patrons of the
Savoy-Plaza Hotel. N. Y., to be
known as The Savoyard.
Desmond Hawkin.1, literary editor
of the mag, Purpose, will have his
first novel, 'Hawk Among the Spar-
rows,' published by Knopt
Paul Wellman, whose novel, 'Jubal
Troop,' Carrick & Evans brings out
March 31, already at work on an-
other book, this one non-fiction.
Lewis Gannett, hook crick of the
N. Y. Herald Tribune, has done a
personal and bibliographical piece on
John Steinbeck, which Viking will
issue as a pamphlet simultaneously
with the publication of Steinbeck's
new novel, "The Grapes of Wrath.'
Eddie Peabody divorced.
John Balaban gandering studios.
Ch..rles R. Rogers home with flu.
Pandro Berman back from N. Y.
Ray'Milland on Hawaiian vacash.
Zeppo Marx around after' flu at-
tank.
Harold Lloyd bruised in motor
crash.
Martha Raye bought $46,000 valley
home. . - • .
Elliott Nugent ailing from bron-
chitis.
Jan Masaryk guest of Warners and
Metro.
Errol Flynn back from Mexican
vacation.
Smiley Burnette touring south and
midwest
Paul Snell joined Jessy Lasky as
radio p. a.
Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt visiting her
son James.
Sinclair Lewis gandering studios
'as a tourist'
Jack Woody fractured a leg stunt-
ing at Metro.
Jack Randall touring Idaho for
location sites.
John Farrow awarded fellowship
by U. of India<
Douglass Montgomery back after
year's absence.
Sam Kurson in from Maine to
gander product
Louis B. Mayei' 'recovered from
throat infection.'
Sol Lessers celebrated 26th wed'
ding anniversary,
Ed Rawlings Joined Bob Brandies*
agency as associate.
Sophie Stewart here from London
to talk picture deals.
Billie Burke back to work with
fractured foot in cast
Melvyn Douglas to Sacramento as
state relief commissioner.
John Steinbeck working on new
novel at Los Gatos, Calif.
-Harold Rodner here to make. trail-
er for Will Rogers Memorial.
Flu kept Howard EL-ickllng from
the Chicago-Metro conventloa
Frank C. Walker here to gander
p'roduct for Comerford Circuit
Kay Daniels doing series of Hol-
lywood yams for Bell Syndicate.
A. E. Hughes paused on his vrar
from New South Wales to England.
Paul Kline looking over product
for his 13 theatres in the Canal Zone.
Uncle Sam asking Miriam Hopkins
to pay $26,'806 additional income tax
for 1936.
F. -K. Arthur succeeds Dan DCLuce
as Hollywood columnist for Asso-
ciated Press.
Walter Connolly and Clarence
Brown slated for summer lectures at
Mohawk Drama Festival.
Fox-West Coast district managers
tossed dinner to welcome Charles P.
Skouras, home from Europe.
Jimmie Fldler added L. A. Times
to bis Hollywood pillar customers,
making a total of 125. Tbnes has
three other film colomnists, Edwin
Schallert .Read Kendall and Hedda
Hopper.
Nate Piatt and frau readying for
Coast trip.
Boyle Woolfolk laid up for a few
days wlth gr^pe.
Quin Ryan off to Florida for ■
visit with the family.
Minuet Club dropping floor shovfB
for a couple of wedu.
Tony Owen handling special ex-
ploitation for the Congress.
Erich Eisner, Czedi refugee offi-
cial, to address Ballyhooera.
Lew Lipstone, Paramount musical
director, in town on short visit
John WUdberg TWA'd to the Coast
on a Him deal for 'Angela Is 22.' ■
John Balaban and- Nate Plat of
Balaban & Katz, packing for Coast
jaunts.
Ted Weber arranging social shin-
dig for entry of Adelaide Moflett In
Chez Paree floor show.
Sam Ward ahead of Harry Itogefs*
all-colored swing Hlkado.^ James
Innes signatured as musical director
for the vauder.
Miles Ingalls, chief of Music Corp,
of America talent department, was
in town last week for an o.o. of local
situation while on MCA tour, of gen-
eral inspection.
Palm Beach
Binnle Barnes sun-and-surflng with
the Alfred HItcheocks.
Society of 4-A£t3 decided to con-
tinue showing of feqreign plx nert
year after this season's trial
Stay through Maiy is again the cry.
Pelican changed plans and will st^
open all summer, ditto the S2nd
Street
Val Ernie, with plans changed
about opening at the Detroit A. C,
goes into El Morocco, N. Y,, Instead.
Farewell at Whitehall was Saturday
(25), Arthur Warren band replacing
for two weeks.
City officials, merchants, realtors,
eto., debating publicity plans for.
island. Chamber of Commerce wants
to break down Idea Palm Beach la
the rendezvous of the ultra ultrA;
wont winterltes who look for shack
in 15 to 20 G. price range, but so-
ciety fears a trailer invacion, and I9
batUlng (he publicity plans.,
OUTDOORS
vacationing in Vera Cruz, Mexico,
March 16, Burial was in Mexico
City;
Palmer was a director of the pic-
ture house circuit, Cines Modernosa,
S. A.
Wednesdajr, March 29, 1939
EDWARD A. P. .WLTON
Edward Antonio Paulton, 73, play-
wright, lyricist and scenario writer,
who wrote more than, a score of mu-
aical comedies and Ught operas, died
In Hollywood, March 20, after a brief
Illness. Originally an actor, he was
born in Glasgow, and for the last
eight years had been a film scribe
and dialog writer.
For more than 45 years active In
the American theatre, he came to
New York In 1892 with the London
Gaiety Co. He subsequently aban-
doned his careei: as an actor to de-
vote himself largely to writing.
Son of the late Harry Paulton, a
well-known comedian and librettist
In his own right, while still a stu-
dent he aided his father in prepar-
ing the musical comedy hit, 'Erml-
nle,' an adaptation from the play,
'Robert Macalre.' A success in Lon-
don, It opened in N. Y. the follow-
ing year and was so favorably re-
garded that it ran here for more
than 500 performances. It was re-
vived several times thereafter.
Productions in which he either
contributed .he boo!-, lyrics or
adapted were "Little Boy Blue,'
•Nlobe,' 'Flo-Flo,' "Winsome Winnie'
and the 'Royal Vagabond,' among
others.
Member of the Catholic Actors'
Guild, and believed to have been the
In Fond tttanrj of
On* of the Bnt Frienda
I £rcr Had
F. B. HAVILAND
Wha Died March t», lOSt
JERRY VOGEL
16 as a juve in a mlnst si road show,
and later became advance agent for
George M. Cohan. At various times,
too, he was a stage producer, film
exchange manager and exhibitor.
Going to Detroit in 1915 with the
Casino Feature Film Co., Elliott later
managed the old Washington thea-
tre there before becoming manager
of the Palms-State.
Survived by widow.
GEORGE REEVES
George Reeves, projectionist at the
Paramount, N. Y., dropped dead
Friday night (24) after coming
home from work. Only' 34, his death
is ascribed to a heart attack. Sur-
viving are his widow and two chil-
dren.
Reeves was a member of Local
306, Moving Picture Machine Op-
erators of New York.
EMILY MILTON
Emily Milton, 72, retired vocal in-
structor, who numbered many promi-
nent contemporary singers among
her pupils, died of pneumonia March
21 in a New York hospital, where
she was taken upon being stricken
at her hotel,
Mrs. Milton studied olce in Paris
under, the late Pauline Vlardot-
Carcia and later sang in opera con-
certs abroad. Upon returning to
America she operated a vocal studio
in N. Y. and occasionally appeared
in recitals.
A daughter stirvlves.
MAIUON BALLOU
Mrs. Marlon Ballou Pouncefort, 68,
veteran stage and screen player, died
in Hollywood March 25 following a
long illness.
As Marion Ballou she went on the
stage at 18, playing for Charles B.
Dillingham, Charles Frohman,. the
Shuberts and William A. Brady. Her
most notable plays were "Beggar on
Horseback,' Through the Years' and
'My Maryland.' Her films included
•Little Women,' 'David Copperfleld'
and 'Camille.' She had been in line
for a role in "Gone With the Wind' at
the time of her death.
oldest living member of the Lambs
Club, he Is survived by his widow,
Mrs. Jessie Storey Paulton, an ac-
tress; a daughter and two sons.
GUS LEONARD
Gus Leonard, 83, who for more
than half a century played before
audiences in Europe and Uie U.'S. as
a stage, vaudeville or screen come-
dian, died at his Los Angeles home
March 27 after a long Illness.
Leonard, bom Gustav Lerond In
Marseilles, France, migrated with his
parents to California whilie a boy
and started his stage career in San
Francisco around 1860, where he
Joined Tony Pastor's first road
show. He created a drunken waiter
act which became well known In
vaudeville.
Leonard began work In films in
1915, when he joined Harold Lloyd,
later appearing In other productions.
He made his last appearance in the
Nelson Eddy-Jeanette MacDonald
starrer, 'Maytlme.'
Widow survives.
DICK LANCASTER
Dick Lancaster, 48, for 12 years
member of the comedy, singing and
dancing turn of Barry and Lancas-
ter,' died March 22 at his home in
New York of a lingering illness, His
right name was George Sheldon
Brown.
A veteran of the World War, be
was spotted mostly as a next-to-clos
Ing act with his partner, Bobby Bar-
ry, who's currently appearing In
'Hellzapoppin' on Brdadway. Funeral
services were held Saturday (25) in
N. Y., and burial vitii full military
honors followed in Brooklyn. .
His widow, Emily, sister of Bobby
Barry, who toured In vaude with
the Barry Sisters, and a' daughter
survive.
JOHN WAGENER
John Wagener, 65,' former hotel
executive and restaurateur, who in
a 16-year association with Reisen-
weber's Restaurant was responsible
for developing that establishment
Into one of the foremost institutions
of its kind in New York, died of
a heart attack March 21 at his home
In Forest Hills, N. Y.
In 1913 . he persuaded Ned Way
burn to produce a revue at Reisen
weber's, thus, it Is believed, setting
a precedent for modern cabarets and
floor shows. He also was noted for
having inaugurated the jazz era
Gotham by importing to N. Y. the
Original Dixieland Jazz Band. He
was also a former manager of the
Ziegfeld 'FoUies.'
GEORGE KIRSCH
George Klrschgesser, 62, retired
circus performer, known profession-
ally as George Kirscb, died of heart
disease March 25 In a New Bruns-
wlclc, N. J., hospital. He appeared
in a lassoing act with Ringling Bros.,
Hagenbeck Wallace ^and Frank Rob-
ins circuses. .
He leaves two children.
GEORGE (RED) CORCORAN
George (Red) Corcoran, 34 radio
comic , and writer, died March 27 In
Iios Angeles.
He had been Al Jolson's writer
two years, and recenUy renewed for
the Dick Powell program. Widow
and parents survive.
EHHIT B. RICE
Emmit B. Rice, 65, former film ex-
ecutive, died March 23 In Los An-
geles.
He was once associated with D. W.
Griffith in the Reliance-Majestic Co.,
and iappeared in The Birth of a Na-
tion.'
HARRIET READSHAW BROWNE
Harriet Readshaw Browne, concert
pianist, poetess and drama lecturer,
died of a heart attack at her home
in New York March 22. She liad
been ill more than a year,
A distant cousin of the late Sa
preme Court Justice Oliver Wendell
Holmes, she was bom near Roches-
ter, N. Y., and at 10 made her debut
in Rochester as a concert pianist
Widow of Reynal Browne, she's
survived by a daughter and a son.
JOHN LOUIS MOUQUm '
John Louis Mouquin, 84, who re-
tired in 1918 after SO years In the
restaurant business, died In Flush'
ing, L. I., March 21. With his late
brother, Henri, he had operated a
dining establishment In downtown
New York. He celebrated his 60th
wodding anniversary five years ago,
Funeral services were held March
2£ and burial followed In Glen
Head, L. I.
EDMOND J. QUERY
Edmond J. Query, pianist, former
vaude and one-time musical director
for the Gordon theatre chain, died in
Rochester, N. Y., March 23 Of pneu
monla. At the time he was stricken
he was member of an orchestra play-
ing over WHEC, Rochester, and, with
his wife, the forme/Susan Tomplcins,
once a Keith vaude singer, had been
appearing at a Rochester restaurant
Survivors, besides his widow, are
two brothers. Burial in Rochester,
JAMES C. KASSEL
James C. Kassel, 31, saxophonist
with Allan Clark's WKY, Oklahoma
City, band, and his -vlfe, Zeata, 34,
were found dead in their home
Oklahoma City last week by their
landlady,- victims of fumes from
burning gas heater.
Coroner returned verdict of acci-
dental death by suflocation.
LOUIE FBEEAR •
(Miss) Louie Freear, 62j former
English musical comedy star, who
once possessed a two-year contract
in London, that commanded a salary
of $1,000 per week, a fabulous figure
in her time, died at ler home in that
city March 23.
She made her debut in the maiive
decade and made many American
appearances, her last bein." in 1935.
WILLIAM H, ELLIOTT
William H. Elliott 63, die^ March
20 In Detroit, where he had been
manager of the Palms-State theatre
(United Detroit) for the past five
years,
Elliott entered show business at
FRANK E. McCBAVT
Frank E. McCravy, 48. southern
radio singer and recording artist
died March 23 of pneumonia at his
home in Laurens, S. C.
His younger brother, James, mem
bet of the McCravy Bros, singing
team, died last summer In Green-
vme,S.C.
JUAN PALMER
Juan Palmer, who. went to Mexico
from his native Spain 40 years ago
as an operatic baritone, died while
GEORGE N. McCOT
George N. McCoy, 47, film scenar-
ist died March 18 in a Los Angeles
hospital,
McCoy, former Milwaukeean, had
been ill for more than a year with a
heart aliment -
ALBERT F. RACHELL
Albert F. Rachell, former manager
of the Keeney, Strand and Majestic
theatres, Ehnira, N. Y., died at his
home In that city March 21.
He Is survived by his widow,
mother and two brothers, all of
Blmira.
WILBUR F. JONES
Wilbur P. Jones, 49, picture ma-
chine operator at the Clinton thea-
tre, Columbus, O., d ed at his home
in that city March 21 fro n a heart
attack.
Mother and-wldow survive,
MARTIN WINGERTER, SB.
Martin Wingerter. Sr., 77, theatre
and cafe violinist for more than 40
years In Milwaukee, died March 23
in Los Angeles.
Funeral held in Los Angeles. Body
was cremated.
Det Rescinds Carny
Ban for Legion Posts
Detroit March 28.
Reversing Its previous stand,' the
common council here last week
issued permits for two neighborhood
carnivals, to be sponsored by Ameri-
can Legion posts. Several weeks ago,
councilmen, at last heeding Coimcil-
man John C. Lodge's 10-year pleas,
had agreed to approve no more per-
mits for such events.
However, last week Legion posts
entered pleas with the council to
rescind its camy ban, on the basis
that several veterans organizations
were able to sponsor drum corps,
etc., through money obtained at
camy benefits. Leonard Simons,
repping Michigan Showmen's Assn.,
also declared that at least 500 camy
men would lose livelihood this sum-
mer if the ban was continued.
AFA-RINGLING
MAKE PEACE;
SIGN DEAL
Contract covering virtually all
employees (with tLe exception of
muslclanr and billposters) ivas
signed yesterday afternoon (Tues-
day) by the American Federation of
Actors and the Ringling Bros, circus.
Deal ends all litigation between the
two, including the NLr.B hearings
now pending.
Pact is for on* year and termi-
nates the previous five-year con-
tract AFA agrees not to strike, and
also concedes that all jurisdictional
disputes must be setX\ed by the AFL,
which also signs the contract Like-
wise calls for a substantial reduc-
tion below the union's original wage
demands, as well as for preferential
employment (with a few excep-
tions). Gives the union a federation
shop. Becomes effective Immedi-
ately.
ARTIE HALL
Artie Hall, 58, coon shouter and
wife of William Atwell, retired
vaudevUle agent died of a kidney
ailment at her home in Astoria, N. Y.
March 20.
ANDREW J. SMITH
Andrew J. Smith, 67, retired stage
player, died March 20 in Culver City.
Surviving are his widow, four sons
and two daughters.
ALFRED E. FIEOEL
Alfred E. Fiegel, billboard and out
door advertising exec, died March 21
suddenly. He was about 50. Widow,
son and daughter survive.
Mrs, Anna Walker Thomas, sister
of Frank Walker, recently elected
v.p. of RCA In charge of recording,
died in a Troy hospital, March 24.
after a long illness. Three other
brothers survive.
Charles Frederick Cooper, 90,
father of Gladys Cooper, the legit
player, died March 24 in London sev-
eral hours after his daughter had
reached his bedside from the U. S.
He had been blind for 10 years.
Mother, 71, of Bemle Armstrong,
Pittsburgh theatre and radio organ
ist and currently on KDKA staff,
died at her home in Weston, W.- Va
March . 20 after an illness of five
months. Widower also survives.
Lncy Craig, 60, wife of Charles
Craig, former East Liverpool (O.;
theatre owner, died March 18 at her
home in that city. Husband and
two daughters survive.
Mrs. Joseph Wyndyn, 70, mother of
Janet Beecher aind great-grand-
daughter of Harriet Beecher Stowe,
died March 24 in Ojai, Calil
Dr. McCall Anderson, 7, for years
Sarasota, Fla., March 28.
Sporting a new streamlined sky-
blue big top and other novelties, the
Ringling Bros.-Bamum and Bailey
circus will. move out of its winter
quarters here tomorrow (Wednes-
day) for New York and its annual
opening in Madison Square Garden
April 5,
The first train will comprise 42
cars, which will carry 576 persons,
980 wild animals and a large herd
of elephants.
The circus will remain in N. Y.
through April 20 and opens in Bos-
ton about May 1.. Officials have an-
nounced that the circus will show
on the Coast for the first time in
three years. The season ends in
Tampa, Fla., Nov. 11. The Al G.
Barnes circus, farm show of the
Ringling organization, will not go
out this year.
L.A. Tax Rap on H-W
Los Angeles, March 28.
The Hagenbeck-Wallace circus, In
wmter quarters at Baldwin Park,
was seized by L. A. County for tax
arrears amounting to $1,809. Unless
payment is made by April 4, animals
and other effects will, be auctioned.
The property has an assessed val-
uatioh of $39,000.
N. Y. STATE FAIR
SNARLED BY
FACTIONS
Syracuse, March 28.
Plana of New York State Fair offi-
cials to capitalize on a flood of tour-
ists expected to pass through Cen-
tral New York en route to the New
York World's Fair this summer have
become snarled as the result of a
battle between . various state fair
powers- that-be.
Crux of the situation Is the at-
tempt of Director Paul Smith to se-
cure legislation that would abolish
the state fair Industrial exhibit au-
thority, wtticb floated bonds for the
construction of several fair build-
ings two years ago. The authority
contends It has been the only money-;
making unit In the fail', but Smith
claims that the authority, which gets
25%^ of the gate, takes the ci>eam
from the fair Income and does noth-
ing to bring In new business.
At the same time Smith was hand-
ed a headache in report of fair audi-
tors, who recommended that various
concessions at the expo be leased on
flat-rate basis rather than on per-
centage. This would' Involve a com-
plete change in setup. He also was
hard hit by reports which appeared
in newspapers showing that of the
363,000 attendance at the fair last
year 181,738, or 49%, was on passes,
and that gate receipts, as a resull^
were only $97,441,
Cold 'Frisco
. (Continued from page 1)
tered outdoor spot for concerts and
poor acoustics are preventing broad-
casts from the site. Poor attendance
resulting from cold- spell and lack of
ballyhoo ture blamed for Dr. Gold-
man's reported desire to settle his
contract Band opened a week ago,
'Cavalcade of the Golden West' out-
door pageant financed by the expo. Is
losing plenty with its heavy daily
nut Chief reason is cold weather.
Overhead shelter Is being erected
and paper blankets are provided for
spectators in an attempt to bolster
receipts.
Total attendance at fair to date
Is 1,370,000. Daily average, is 37,000.
It is estimated that the fair will have
to draw around 16,000,000 visitors
to break even. Doubt is being ex->
pressed in some quarters that this
figure will ever be reached. Present
drop in attendance was anticipated,
but with approach of warmer
weather and tourist Influx daily av-
erage is expected to jump. Expendi-
ture per person has dropped to av-
erage of 95c compared to two and
a half times that amount during the
opening days, but again this Is ex-
pected to be higher In the summer.
Little cash ia coming through the
gates at present most visitors using
script books or passes, which leaves
the expo short of funds to finance
its own radio, programs and other
previously planned attractions.
Stunt fiyer Tex Rankin, originally
en<;aged at $1,750 weekly, was cut to
$500 before being dropped entirely,
due to lack of funds.
MARRIAGES
Judith Wood to Percival Christo-
pher Wren, Jr., In Tokyo, March 17.
She's the American film actress; he's
son of the English novelist
Dorothy Pearson to Bob Hansen,
20th-Fox booker, March 17 In
Omaha,
Marjorie Blanch Bellows to Mar-
vin Dewitt, in New. York, March 22.
He's promotion manager for WNEW,
N. Y.
Rosalind Keith to WilUam Mellor
In Boulder City, Kev., March 26.
Bride is a film player; he's a Para-
mount caineraman.
physician to the Actors Fund, died
of a heart attack while visitmg
friends in New York March 24.
Mother, 71, of Bernie Armstrong,
KDKA, Pittsburgh, organist died in
Weston, W. Va.
Mrs, Alice White Harkey, mother
of Gene Markey, 20th-F6x producer,
died March 23 in Hollywood.
EilRTHS
■ Mr. and Mrs. Joe Sargio, dauahter,
in Milwaukee, March 10. Father is
chief accountant of WISN, Milwau-
kee.
Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel Silverstone,
dau<»ht€r, in New York, March . 22.
Father Is American rep for London
Films and Korda. Productions, Ltd.
Mr. and Mrs. William Dice, son, in
Pittsburgh, March 21. Father Is
KDKA, Pittsburgh, engineer.
Mr. and Mrs. Andv Sheridan, son,
in Pittsburgh, March 20. Father's "
attorney for Harris Amuse. Co.;
mother's former Mary Harris, of the
theatre-owning family.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wolf, daugh-
ter, in Los Angeles, March 23. Father
is cameraman at Sdznick-Interna-
tionat
Mr, and Mrs. Drvid Hearst
daui!hter, in Hollywood, March 24.
Father is son of William Randolph
Hearst; she is former Paradise cafe
(N. Y.) showgirl,
Mr, and Mrs, Henr} Koster, son,
in Hollywood, March 24. Father is
director at Universal
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Weiss, mixed
twins, in Brooklyn, March 24. Fa-
ther Is drummer In Merle- Pitt's
WNEW, N. Y, orchestra.
WedncBday, March 1939
FORUN-^UTDOORS
VARIETY 47
iV. F. Fair^s Midway Spurt
(Continued trom page 1)
or smoothing o« of mirfcce ^n*
the big l8go<m iront has not been
gtarted.
Pilings are being driven f<w axea
at the extreme «id ot midway
(famed Plot T space) which wiU be
used for the John Ringllng North
wildwest show. At the other end
of the grounds the Children's World
seems well along towards comple-
tion. It is probably the most preten-
tious single show, including numer-
ous rides, stage shows and oddities
. for the juveniles; Ace attnction is
expected to be miniature nQroad
that will carry youngsters 'animd
the world' hislde the Oilldren's
World space.
Stadium, located on lagoon front
across from the N. Y. State BIdg, Is
also practically finished as wdl as the
stage on which Billy Hose will pre-
sent his revue. The acquacade per-
formance also is viewed from this
large stadium. It is one of the choice
locations, being easily accessible to
the main amusement area gate and
connected by special bridge to the
other part of the exposition grounds,
leading directly to the Trylon-Peris-
phere theme center.
Doing Bastnesa Already
One section of Ballantine's Three-
Ring restaurant-bar-cafeteria now
has been open nearly two weeks. Bar
and grill has done such, excellent
business already (It was opened orig-
inally in advance simply as a pres-
tige bally) that another section of
the vast cafe will be opened this
week.
Among other concessions well
along in construction, or at least
B0% comidete. are Frank Buck's
Jungleland, Crystal Palace, Zuider
Zee cafe, Sun Valley Winter Won-
derland, Savoy Ballroom show, Flor-
ida State Bldg. (on opposite side of
the lagoon). Giant Roller Coaster,
Giant Cash Register, "Strange As It
Seems,' Time and Space planetarium,
Parachute Jump, Observation Crane
and Bathosphere.
Independent subway station is fin-
ished, connecting ramp taking pas-
sengers directly into grounds near
the amusement zone gate. Line ex-
pects to begin operations April 15,
making direct connections with
Queens express line that runs to
Times Square. National Cash Reg-
ister has a giant register Installed at
the amusement section entrance
which will record number of people
passing through turnstiles at set in-
tervals. It is visible from nearly
every part of the amusement sec-
tion.
8. A. Staff
Plans of several to get girl shows
or those with sex appeal as box-
office draw were being 'auditioned*
during the past week. 'Streets of
Paris' (Shuberts) show in this cate-
gory was off and on during the last
10 days. At present it appears to be
stalled over the matter of financing,
or the amount of coin assistance the
fair will give it
Crystal Palace, which is Intended
to show highlights of past world ex-
positions, probably will offer mid-
way names of former world fairs
including Little Egypt, Sally Rand
Impressions, and what Vorld of to-
morrow' will have.
Frank Buck's proposal for • Ball
village and .Balineae native dancers
. also is on the flre^ but not definite
as yet Buck also has Jungleland
with a fresh vteay of wild animals.
Voodoo dances probably will be a
highlight of the Cuban Village. Sa-
voy Ballroom is said to be planning
■ specialty dancer, aa part of its
show, feeling the sweep towards
name dancing stars.'
A couple of former burlesque pro-
ducers also have presented plans
for TolUes' girl shows,' but It's only
in the conversational stage. Living
Magazine Covers, the Jack Sheridan
show which uses models, is another
a. a. attraction.
Seminole Village, with 50 Indians
trom the Everglades of Florida and
a .giant alligator pit and- hand-to-
hand battles between natives and
alligators, was set .by Dufour &
Rogers early this weeki
Dufour and Rogers, which already
has "Strange As It Seem' (John
Hix), a draw at several recent world
expositions, now has 'Gangbusters'
set, by arrangement with Phil Lord
who presented the series on the ra-
dio. Planned to have brief drama-
tizations of crime highlights in
which the law gets its man..
Casino of Nations restaurant with
■ sunshine roof that rolls back In
fair weather may seek a different
site from the one it has now near
the tranqxtrtation area, at the op-
posite end of the grounds from the
amusement zoiie. Operators are a
bit dubious about crowds, in this,
sector at night Spot has 1,500 seat-
ing capacity and is similar to the
one «9erated by the same group In
Paris and at Chicago.
Parachute Jump, costly affair that
gives patrons the tbrln of doing. a
parachute leap without usual dan-
ger, hais a new sjponsor^Life Saver
Mints.' Company is reported, to rate
It surefire exploitation even though
it fails to make any profit
Bathosphere, an educational ex-
hibit handled by the New York Zoo-
logical Society, Is spotted near the
entrance to the amusement zone. In
like manner. Time and Space, small
planetarium idea. Is being backed
by the American Museum of Nat-
ural History, operating as Amuslon,
Inc.
^Working Press quarters in the new
structure back of the Administration
Building will be' opened for news
scribes and photographers April 15.
Fair's publicity department went on
a 6-day working week schedule last
Saturday (25), in order to keep pace
with developments from now until
the exposition opens.
John S. Young, head of radio, now
has his headquarters in the execu-
tive wing of the Administration
building near Grover Whalen's of-
fice.
Paul Massman, of National Broad-
casting Co. sales depjartment, who
was called in to help the concession
division, resinned work at NBC ttkis
week after two weeks on the fair
job. Ma'ssman, veteran with Chi-
cago Century of Progress and otheii
expositions, volunteered for this
short stint while on leave of ab-
sence from NBC. He is credited
with having pushed through several
important deals, and helping to
speed the setting of additional
'money* attractions for the midway.
WHAT THEY THINK
Bill Fields Explains
New York.
Editor, Vabiett:
In connection with your recent
story having to do with Katharine
Cornell and the Playwrights' Co.'s
decision to book "No. Time for Com-
edy' Independently of UBO, I fo\ind
only one inaccuracy in an otherwise
fair, informathre and complete ac-
count .of the incident At one point
in your article it is said that UBO is
insistent upon the exclusive booking
clause only for productions touring
after the New York engagement 'and
does not object to producers book-
ing their own tryouts.'
In strict truth, UBO did want to
put the exchislvie booking clause in
the tryout contracts for 'No Time for
Comedyv' and that was one of sev-
eral reasons that prompted us \jo at-
tend to our own bookings. Final^
I can show Variety or UBO, or both,
tryout contracts for -various other
diows. Including 'Abe Lincoln' and
CeocessioDS Under Contract
(As of March 28}
Namie ef Show:.or Exhibit Operators. Address.
Children's World , Frank Darling (Children's World,
Inc.) .Empire State Bldg., N. Y. C.
Cuban Village Dash Bros 401 Broadway, N. Y. C.
Little Old New York ....George Jessel, Messmore & Damon,
Inc 404 West 27th St, N. Y. C.
Merrle E2ngland (condensed Shakespearean
playlets) John T. Schless. Warwick Hotel, N. Y. C.
Sun Valley Winter Wonderland .Ralph Hitz , New Yorker Hotel, N. Y. C.
Archery Range, Htmting Lodge Barbecue.. Joseph L. Geeraert 544 Third St, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Billy Rose Amphitheatre Show and Revue. Gotham Productions (Billy Rose, et
aL) 755 Seventh Ave, N. Y. C.
Crystal Palace (show with Rosita Royce). .Palace of Crystal Corp. .'. lo West 47th St, N. Y. C.
Jimgleland (wild animal village) Frank Buck 522 Fifth Ave, N. Y. C.
Gangbusters (show adapted from Phil Lord
series) Dufour & Rogers im Broadway, N. Y. C.
Giant's Causeway .Rennie & Robinson Easterhouse, Glasgow, Scotland.
Infant Incubator Infant Incubator, Inc 3728 Surf Ave,. Brooklyn, N. Y.
Laflland ....Harry G. Traver ....205 East 42d St, N. Y. C.
Live Monster Show Cliff Wilson.. 830 Bush Ave, San Francisco.
Living Magazine Covers (models) Jack Sheridan IS Hampton Road, Port Wash-
ington, L. I.
Miracle Town. Morris Gest 521 Fifth Ave., N. Y. C.
Nyzos (walkthru mystery show) Nyzos Corp 90 Broad St, N. Y. C.
Penguin Island. Leo McDonald 350 Fifth Ave, N. Y. C.
Savoy BalLroom...' Moe Gale. .. ... 48 West 48th St, N. Y. C.
Seminole Village Dufour & Rogers 1775 Broadway, N. Y. C.
Skee Ball, Chime Ball Fairway Amus. Corp 2757 StUlwell Ave, Coney Island.
Strange As It Seems Dufour & Rogers 1775 Broadway, N. Y. C.
Time and Space (planetarium). ,....Am. Museum' of Natural History.... 79th St and Central Park West,
N. Y. C.
Enchanted Forest (walkthru) Tony Sarg 54 West 9tb St, N. Y. C.
Victoria Falls Norman Yule 347 Fifth Ave, N. Y. C.
Wild West show John Ringling North Flushing, L. L
Three-Ring Inn (tavern, bar seating 1,000
In main dining room) Ballantine Gardens, Inc Cliamber of Commerce Bldg,
Flushing, L. I.
Four Brass Rail Cafes. Exposition Grounds Catering Corp,
(Brass Rail (>).) .....745 Seventh Ave., N. Y. C.
Caruso Restaurant E. & C. Restaurants, Inc. (care of
Caruso Rests.) 40 West 33d St., N. Y. C.
Cafe ..." Dominion Builders, Inc 35 West 45th St, N. Y. C.
Casino of Nations (open air cafe with 1,500
seating capacity) .....Casino of Nations, Inc 12 Hill St, Newark, N. J.
Childs restaurant Childs Co ....200 Fifth Ave, N. Y. C.
Two restaurants Doughnut Corp. of America 1170 Broadway, N. Y. C.
Heineken's-on-Zuider-Zee Cafe Heineken's (Von Muenchen) Beer... Kent Ave. and North Third St,
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Schaefer House (cafe) F. & M. Schaefer Brewing Co . 430 Kent Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y.
Triangle restaurant Triangle Rest Co Chicago, 111.
Turf Trylon Restaurant Turf Trylon Corp 395' Flatbush Ave. Extension,
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Aerial Joyride Bartlett Rides, Inc 120 Broadway, N. Y. C.
Auto Dodgem.' Dodgem Corp Lawrence, Mass.
Auto Speedway Harry G. Traver ...205 East 42d St, N. Y. C.
The Bobsled Bartlett Rides, Inc l20 Broadway, N. Y. C.
Boomerang Dufour & Rogers..., 1775 Broadway, N. Y. C.
Bunny Hug Harry G. Traver. 205 East 42d St, N. Y. C.
Drive-a-Drome ..Norman Bartlett 120 Broadway, N. Y. C.
Giant Observation Crane.. Harry G. Traver 205 East 42d St, N. Y. C.
Giant Safety Coaster Harry G. Traver and Harry C. Baker. 205 East 42d St, N. Y. Q.
Laff in the Dark Harry G. Traver ..-205 East 42d St, N. Y. C.
Parachute Jump ....J. L. Mott (Life Save Mints): 6 East 45th St, N. Y. C.
Stratoship Harry G. Traver 205 East 42d St, N. Y. C.
Turtle Chase Harry C. Baker 205 East 42d St, N. Y. C.
Jitterbug Harry C. Baker 205 East 42d St, N. Y. C.
Bathosphere (educational) N. Y. Zoological Gardens... New York City.
Florida State Bldg Florida National Exhibits, Inc At fair site.
Guess Your Weight machines (10).. Hay E. Dunlap ...•••■1560 Broadway, N. Y. C.
100 Coin Scales, 7 Automatic Photo studios. International Mutoscope Reel Co .... 516 West 34th St, N. Y. C.
70 Frankfurter Stands Childs Company. 200 Fifth Ave., N. Y. C.
Intermural buses, toackless trains.... ExposiUon Greyhound, Inc 230 Park Ave., N. Y. C. .
20 Cane, Umbrellas stands ...Kaplan & Bloom 51 East 42d St., N. Y. C.
59 Beverage SUnds Refreshment-at-Fair 120 Broadway, N. Y. C.
Cigars, Cigarettes, Candy stands (30) Faber, Coe &. Gregg, Inc -206 West 40th St, N. Y. C. ■
Cigar, Cigarette machines Faber, Coe & Gregg, Inc 206 West 40th St. N. Y. C.
Citrus Fruit Drinks (44 stands) Sanitary Berlo Concessions, Inc 136 West 52d St, N. Y. C.
30 Dairy Product Stands .Union News Co •••131 Varick St, N. Y. C.
Frozen Custard (20 stands) Hay E. Dunlap. 295 Madison Ave, N. Y. C.
Guide Bopks Exposition Publications 33 We.st 42d St, N. Y. C.
Milk stands Borden Co....... New York City.
15 Penny Crusher stands Frank Galland West New York, N. J,
PhotoKraphic Supplies.....' Underwood & Underwood Blustra-
" Uon Studios 321 East 44th St, N. Y. C.
25 Popcorn SUnds Star Popcorn Products, Inc Flushing, L. L
Postcard stands (22). Exposition Souvenir Corp 3020 Thompson Ave, Long Island
City, N. Y.
38 Rootbeer stands Richardson Corp 30 West 21st St, N. Y. C.
"My stands (25). . : Sutter Candy Co Mansfield. Ohio.
50 Souvenir stands Exposition Souvenir Corp..... Long Island City, N. Y.
• Exhibitor merchandise by American Tobacco, California Artificial Flower Co., Canada Dry Ginger Ale,
.Chrysler Sales C^orp, Crosley Corp., Dale Fifth Avenue Luggage Co, Empire State souvenirs. Christian Science
executive committee, Florida National Exhibits, Genera] Cigar Co., B. F. Goodrich Co, Hafner Assoc, Household
Finance, Keystone Manufacturing Co., Kem' C?rd Sales Corp. and Olson Rug Co.
'Knickerbocker Holiday,' in which
appears the exclusive booking clause
that the booking office professes, in
your story, not to care about And,
if UBO doubts this statement on my
part, five bucks will get them 500.
WilHam Fields.
From Jimmy Daffy's Mother
New York.
Editor, Varjett:
Will you kindly correct the errone-
ous statement about Jimmy Duffy in
the March 15 issue. I think it is due
him as an artist and for his backr .
ground and long standing in musical
comedy, drama and vaudeville. Also
in due resi>ect for his mother, Mar-
garet Sawtelle Duffy, who can verify
the following:
In the first place he died of a
stroke of apoplexy. Granted that he
had been drinking since Jan. 1; there
was good cause for that If people
would only find out the truth,
namely, that in July he had two
severe hemorrhages of. the lungs
from which, he suffered agony con-
stantly. No doubt the over-indul-
gence at times alleviated . that ex-
treme condition.
Jimmy Duffy had been a head-
liner since 1896, along with his father
and mother, as Duffy, Sawtelle &
Duffy, a next-to-closing act in vaude-
ville for 16 years, playing all the
best theatres from Maine to Frisco,
and from Winnipeg to New Orleans.
He worked with his wife. Miss
Lorenze, then Jack Inglis; then came
Mr. Sweeny. That lasted just two
seasons on and off.-
Mr. Duffy was with Mr. Ziegfeld
and WiU Rogers; he worked all
through the show with Rogers.
James was also with the Shuberts
two seasons, with John Murray An-
derson; also with Earl Carroll, for
whom he wrote shows for two sea-
sons. He wrote a host of acts to the
very end.
The fact that he died on the street
was not because he did not have a
home. He had that and plenty to
eat;' besides none of us know when
and how we are going to be called.
God spared me to the finish because
he needed me. For the last year I
knew there was no hope. I sat by
his bedside, holding his band, pray-
ing that he would be released from
the terrible agony he was suffering.
Thus my work Is ended.
He had a host of friends and could
always get orders to write. I am in
my 71st year. I shall live In beauti-
ful memories of his great accom-
plishments, his delightful personality
and his keen Intellect
Margaret SaioteUe Duffy.
(507 W. 41st St, N. Y. C; Apt E.M.)
The Last Line Answers ItT
St Louis.
Editor, Vabiety:
If the patrons of local and all other
theatres would respond to stage acts
with the same hysterical, frenzied
applause they accord ordinary
singing, passe jokes and common jazz
music, as they do in radio, studios, it
is safe to assume we would have
vaudeville back bi a short time. Or
Is it because Ifs for free?
Lou 5chiel«r.
No More Rum Uceiises
At Frisco Exposition
San Franclso, March 28.
No more liquor licenses will be is-
sued for the 1939 Golden Gate In-
ternational Exposition, according to
the verdict laid down here last
week by Don Marshall, liquor law
enforcement ofQcer on Treasure Is-
land, site of the expo, •
The exposition is as wet now as it
ever will "be, according to Marshall,
who made his decision after a sur-
vey, of the island drinking, spots.
There are 48 places serving beer
alone, five serving vrine and beer
and 17 serving wine, beer and
liquor. The State Board of Equali-
zation can yet qver-ride Marshall's
recomme^ndations nixing additional
drinking spots.
Set Texas Fete
Corpus Christi, Tex, March 28.
This Gulfside city's Centennial and
Buccaneer Days Celebration will be
held June 2-4. Jerome H. CargiU,
of New York, will produce the his-
toric pageant
Townsmen are already beginning
to let their beards grow in line with
the pirate motif.
48
VARIETY
Wednesday, March 29, 1939
CURRENTLY AT THE
NEW YORK PARAMOUNT
Weeks March 22 and 29
FOX, PHILADELPHIA
Week April 7
■
Opening RAYMOR, Boston,
Mass., April 14 for4 weeks
Broadcasling 4 tilies weekly
via NBC Network
1
VICTOR
RECORDING ARTIST
CURRENT RECORDINGS
Knocking at the Fambua Dooi>
Tin Roof Blu«*
Gal from Joe's
New Moon and Old Serenade
I Pray Humble
I Get Along Without You Very
Well '
CHARLES E. GREEN, Consolidated Radio Artists; NBC for splendid
cooperation on broadcasts and transcriptions; THE FAIVIOUS DOOR
for a memorable ten weeks; BOB WEITMAN of the New York
Paramount; LEONARD JOY and THE VICTOR RECORDING CO.; and
to all my friends who have helped make this success possible
/ ■< 30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA, NEW YORk/n Y C.OIIlloiRii^ T.«n
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA, NEW YORK, N. Y.
CHICAGO
HOLLYWOOD
SAN FRANCISCO
COLUMBUS 5- 358G
CLEVELAND
DALLAS
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