Variety (May 1945)

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'SHOWMEN'S 7th' WAR LOAN DRIVE— MAY 14 to JUNE 30

Speed TOTAL Victory!, . . Sell MORE Than Before

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Published WopUly at 1M \Vo?»t 4CUi Street, New York 19, N. T., by Variety. Inc. Annual subscription, 1J0. Sin do cop I en, 2fi cents.
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t'Ol'VHICU'l', ISIS, BY VARIKXY, INC. ALL ItltHTS RKSKKVKU

VOI,. 158 No. 8

NEW YORK; WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 194ii

PRICE 25 CENTS

FILMS HIT NEW B. 0. PEAK 1 '45

USO-Camp Shows Budgets $2,500,000
For Six-Month European Program

Cost for the next six months oft
the post-V-E Day entertainment
program which the Army requested
' of USO-Camp Shows last week will
be $2,500,000, according to Camp
Shows officials.

This sum represents' only the out-
lay for the expanded program in-
tended for the European theatre
of operations (ETO). It ' will cover
the six to eight musicals and 20 to
36 straight legiters, as announced
last week, and also the army's re-
quest for 10 additional concert units
and .an unspecified number of addi-
tional variety units.

The cost, however, will be over
and above Camp Shows' normal
(Continued on page 27).

ASCAPMayHit'45
Record,

American Society of Composers,
Authors and Publishers" first quarter
income reached an unprecedented
$2,100,000 for the period ending
March 30. Unusual bullishness of the
total was the reason for the So-
ciety's withholding the figure. It
was originally staled when the
checks went out about April 15 that
the quarter income was upproxi-
-matcly the same as 1044 for the
same period, which itself was a rec-
ord-breaker.

On the basis of the ?:U00,000. the
Society is figuring on a total take
for the yertr of samewhe-ro- b^tven
$7,750,000 and $8,000,000. That's a
substantial jump over last year's
record of approximately $(>.200.000.

Billy

Rose 'Satisfied'
With 7 Lively Arts'
B.0. Though Profit So-So

When "Seven Lively Aits" winds
up at the Ziegtcld. N. Y.. May 26 it
will have played 25 weeks. It was
spectacularly produced and promoted
py. Billy Rose, it reclaimed the house
for legit, it brought Beatrice Lillic
back from London. Without her it
jsnt likely it would have gotten past
llrst base, but whether it will wind
«P on the right side or the ledger
• is something else. "Arts" Can't be
classed as a flop, yet it certainly has
been no mint because it's been ex-
pensive to^ operate.

Rose says the "revue "has been a
satisfactory project and claims, by
bulking the theatre's 'operating profit
wnh that of the show, the financial
end is -all right so far as he is con-
cerned. Ho bought the theatre for
Jf" 0 ! 11 ^ $630,000 and put another
♦150,000 in to recondition it. Cost
of the "Arts". -production w;\s first
icportcd to have been around $300.-
. (Continued on page 5!))

Sal's Phoney Peace Flash
Cues That the McCoy Is
Likely to Be Quite Sober

Broadway celebrations come V-E
day are likely to be fairly sober
events if the "phoney" peace of
Saturday (28) is any criterion.
They'll be happy about It. but a
pretty staid atmosphere is likely to
pervade the event.

The nitery crowds seemed . to re-
member 1918 when the llrst news of
the armistice broke two days before
(he McCoy. They also remembered
that reports of D-day last year came
three days before it happened.

There was a degree of jubilation
while, waiting for the news, but
patrons of most spots weren't go-
ing to throw their hats into the air
and buy a round of drinks until
President Truman made it official.
When it was announced that there
was nothing to the report, the crowd
went about its usual business.

Bonifaces also learned that there
. (Continued on page 27)

PIX RENTALS AT
$6,250,000 WKLY.

By MORI KBCSIIEN

For the third consecutive "peak"
season motion picture business rec-
ords toppled as total, rentals for
major. U, S. companies for .the first
quarter of 1945 surged to new high
levels, exceeding both' 1943 and 1944
operating income for the same
period.

Paramount is up from 3-5% over
the 1944 weekly rental average,
bringing the company's take close
to $890,000 weekly for the first
quarter. Metro hit around $1,300,-
000 weekly average for the first
quarter, reported the highest on
(Continued on page 34)

US0-CS ACTS BREAK IN
BEFORE ITALIAN PW'S

USO-Camp Shows break in at
Statcn Island before an audience of
Italian war prisoners and stevedores.
Apart from the fact that American
acts wonder how a sizable Italian
PW audience may dig their jive,.
(Continued on page 59)

Incompetent' B'way Play Reviewing
Rapped by Dramatists; Stewed Critics?

Martin, Yet Buff Crick,
Yanked From Reviews
After Theatre Squawks

Buffalo, May 1;
Flareup of long-brewing friction
between the Dipson-operated Er-
langer, Buffalo legiter, and WiHiam
E. J. Martin, veteran dramatic critic
of the Buffalo 'Courier-Express, has
resulted in Martin being withdrawn
from legit critical coverage by the
paper.

Martin, who has handled screen
and stage reviews for the C-X for
over 20 years, has been markedly
adverse in his reactions to legit at-
tractions this season, though his
shafts were directed entirely toward
the shows and not at the house. Last
fall: Erlanger management is known
to have, complained over shortage of
space devoted to legit by the C-X
in contrast to more extensive cover-
age by the rival Evening News.

Situash came to a head over recent
(wo-week record-breaking "Okla-
(Continucd on page 36)

♦•^_Many playwrights are steaming
over what" they "consider incompetent
reviewing of Broadway plays. Not
all critics are involved. If they can
support their contentions, it's indi-
cated that a protest will, be lodged
with managing editors of : metropoli-
tan N. Y: dailies. The subject came
up informally at a meeting of the
council of ' the Dramatists Guild
yesterday (1) and allegations were
made with plenty of heat.,

Claimed that a couple of critics
have attended premieres in various
stages of Inebriation and the con-
tentions were that more than oh«
new show this spring was unfairly
judged. Discussion stemmed from
(Continued on page 59)

Make This The Victory 7th

The 7th War Loan drive, in effect, becomes
alternately a 1 Roosevelt Memorial Loan, Presi-
dent Truman's First Bond Drive, or a partial
Victory Loan. Whatever its auxiliary signifi-
cance, it's^ertainly a 'tough chore, and some-
thing which calls for all the energies and re-
sources of show business to make successful.

The good news in Europe — even as plans are
being laid for the Inception of the 7th War Loan
campaign, which starts May 14 and runs for six
weeks until June 30— assures us of V-E Day. If
not already fait accompli, but withheld for stra-
tegic reasons, even as this edition goes to press
the news may become public. But certain it is
that Vietory-in-Europe is inevitable by mid-May.

The negative (paradoxical as it may seem)
effect on the 7th War Loan is something which
showmanship must circumvent. V-E Day is but
half the battle.. There's a long, hard, bitter war
yet to be won in the. Pacific, and the sale of
$4,000,000,000 in "E" Bonds— the highest yet— of
the overall Treasury goal of $14,000,000,000 can
only be sparkplugged by such direct- to-consunier
liaisons as the theatres, the theatre managers
and their employes.

Today the average cinema boxpfflce is as good
as a bank for Bond-buying— and twice as ac-
cessible. ,

Plunking down $750 cash at the b.o. for a
$1,000 Bond, Issued on the spot, is now an
accepted practice, as casual as paying 60c for .
your ticket.

The average American is constantly exposed to
Bond purchases in his daily rounds of entertain-
ment, whereas a trip to the bank is only a weekly
or less regular occurrence.

It's for that reason that Sam Plnanskl. Si
Fabian, Tom Connors, John Hertz, Jr., et al.,

have hit upon a realistic axiom as a slogan for
"Showmen's 7th" campaign, that "100% show-
manship means 1% inspiration plus 99% per-
spiration." ,This is a. hard-working, .roil-up-,
your-slecves assignment Indeed for 'every show-
man and his staff.

Showmanship is the keynote of the 10 special
events which will punctuate the six weeks of the
7th War Loan's drive. It starts Sunday, May 13.
with Mother's Day, the day before the official
opening of the campaign, and embraces a gamut
of special events such as that on May 19. I Am
an American Day; 22, National Maritime Day;
30, Memorial Day; June 5, Major Glenn Miller
Day, which will sparkplug the nation's radio
bands and crooners to appeal to young America,
and serve as a prelude to June 6, D-Day, on
which will fall National Free Movie Day; 14, Flag
Day; 17, Father's Day; July 3, Waves Anniver-
sary Day, and July 4, Independence Day, latter
two observances being credited to the Show-
men's 7th, even though the drive technically is
over by June 30.

Showmanship doesn'trniean running wild with
stunts, however. Good taste must temper enthu-
siasm, as witness the sundry lotteries, Victory
Bowl, bond auctions, raffles, and_ the like, which
may be acceptable in certain restricted areas,
but not encouraged officially. Just as Ted Gam-
ble, of the Treasury Dept., haa wisely-counselled
against post-midnight movie premieres In view
of a still existent curfew, which, however, may
see modification or elimination very soon.

Showmanship, indeed, will prove the answer to
the success of the Showmen's 7th. And that
does truly mean 99% perspiration in the face of
a mountain of hazards, fatigue, .inertia'and other
hindrances. ... . Abel.

H wood Names
Ogle 8 way Parts

A fairly liberal flow of talent from
Hollywood to Broadway is indicated
Tor summer and fall productions but
before casting for 1945-46 is in stride
a. flock' of Coast names may take a
return fling behind the footlights.
Indicated -that quite a few picture
names have the urge to make stage
reappearances for varied reasons,
one dealing with income taxes, but
they're cautious about choosing
parts, figuring that a flop may impair
Iheir studio standing.

Hugh Herbert and Ailecn WhcJan
are among the first. They'll" appear,
in "Oh, Brother," starting rehearsals
this week, while the appp:n"mrp
dates for other Coast iles are not as
(Continued on page 5!l)

Three D.C. Bottle Clubs
Defying Curfew Rule;
Getting Away With It

Washington. May J.

There arc now three night clubs
in the Washington area defying the
midnight curfew law. They are the
Professional Club, Lamplighters
Club and another after-dark spot at
Fifth and K. streets, northwest. War
Manpower Commission s&ys there ia
nothing that can be done about it.

These places open at midnight,
when other clubs close and are get-
ting a heavy play. They run until
dawn and ore supposed to'bc "Bottle
Clubs," that is you bring your own
liquor. Joseph Burko c~ the Lamp-
lighters was the flrst to challenge
the order, • claiming it- was a di-
.rectibie and not enforceable The
Professional Club at flrst recognized
the order but when nothing was
done with the Lamplighters it de-
cided to open. They operate nightly
and arc not being disturbed by the
district police or any other agency.

MISCELLANY

Wednesday, May 2, 1913

Newsreel Pictures Tefl Shoddng
Story of the Nazis' Murder Mills

By ABEL GREEN

Fox Movietone, Universal, Para-
mount, Metro's News of Day. and
RKO's Pathe are releasing the Nazi
atrocity films this week on the heels
ot the Russian lArtkino) 14-minute
short which is being previewed at
the Embassy on Broadway. They're
shocking in the direst sense of the
word.

At the Embassy the grim auditors
are- invariably moved to applaud
when five Nazis are hung, following
trial by a people's court in, Lublin.
Applauding a (lira showing five
corpses hung by ' the neck, even if
they are Nazi corpses, is a macabre

rooms, where these shorts are pre-
viewed, come exclamations, "This
doesn't seem possible." From the
depths of men and women in the
public movie houses come exclama-
tions of shock and horror.

The evidence of the living dead
is perhaps even more shocking. It's
obvious that for some a. mercy 'death
would be a blessing. Most are dis-
eased and pain-wracked. Others are
physically wrecked. Visible evidence
of brutal assault and- closeups of the
bludgeons and the beating racks are
not pleasant newsreel fare, per sc,
but, as was reported from London,
where the Tommies forced the audi-

Congress Irate at Atrocity Reels

Washington, May 1.

A call for all Americans to witness the newsreels of the Nazi alroci-.
tics in concentration camps is being voiced by many members of Con-
gress who yesterday and today (Tuesday) witnessed special showings
of the new Pathe reel here.

The pictures were run off in the Senate Office bldg. yesterday (Mon.)
and In the House Office bldg. today, with senators and representatives
emerging grim and angry alter what they had witnessed. George
Dorsey, Pathe man here, arranged the screenings which ■ were an-
nounced in- advance oh both the House and Senate floors, probably the
first time this lias ever been done for n commercial motion picture;
The reels devote about 650 feet to the murder camps and winds up
with Frisco Conference shots.

Belief is that the pictures, even more than the news stories, will play
a big part in helping the country achieve a Arm peace. They arc also
considered valuable in demonstrating the necessity lor an international
'peace organization to prevent such things from happening again.

. Great Iaterext at B'way Newsreelen

While the five newsreels got their first Signal Corps footage on Nazi
murder mills last week only in time. to catch the yesterday's (Tucs.)
edition, additional footage showing the mass killings by Germans in
their ilave labor camps may be given the reels today. Despite the
heavy-, rain yesterday , both the Embassy and Trans-Lux newsreel
houses reported terrific business to see these horror newsreel clips.

Embassy enjoyed boom trade last week starting Thursday (26) when
it began showing an exclusive reel from Arlkino, distrib ot Russian
films in U. S. This covered a Nazi camp of destruction at Maidanek,
near Lublin, Poland, being a forecast of what the newsreels would
reveal in their material collected in German murder factories over-
run by American troops.

Embassy may continue its Artklno special (IS mins.) for another
week because of unusual interest evidenced.

emotion, indeed, but that is as noth-
ing compared to the sensation cre-
ated by the cinematic record of
the gruesome, barbaric vengenance
that the Nazis inflicted on their con-
quered peoples.

Similarly, the II. S. Signal Corps
films in the newsreels show war-
hardened Generals Eisenhower, fat-
Ion and Bradley emotionally upset
as they view the horrible examples
of man's inhumanity to man at the
notorious Nazi camps at Buchen-
wald, Ohrdruf, Hadamar and Nord-
hausen. •

The human pyres; the human kilns
for incinerator extermination of
dead and still-alive captives; the
quicklime punishment; the mass
burials, some still with a breath of
life in them; (he dying intermingled
with the dead; the oppression of
children who could be nobody's
enemy regardless of faith or na-
tionality: the slave-laborers with
their serial numbers tatooed on their
stomachs in the V-2 factory; the in-
sane asylum behind which was
masked a scientific murder factory,
with poison for human guinea pigs
administered by Nazi kultur medi-
cos; the inhuman treatment of our
Amerloan soldiers who were mili-
tary cr.ptivcs_and not slave-laborers
of the conquered Lowlands, France
or Poland— all this is recorded black
on white in the Nazis' Black Book.

From the stillness of projection

tors to sit it but, every American
should be made to see these reels. It
should forever eliminate, any danger
of a "soft" peace for the Nazi6.

It's little wonder that the Nazis
fear , the Russians more than the
American or British occupation au
lliorities, although these Alms arc
guaranteed to make the Anglo-
Americans as tough as the Vodkas.

It's only grim satisfaction when a
means-business MP shoves a sudden-
ly sensitive Nazi officer Into viewing
the. human wreckage caused by . his
fellow Germans. When the Nazi
demurs, plainly gesticulating that he
knows, he knows, the GI stands for
no nonsense. The native burghers,
likewise -subjected to the view, exit
in open shock, and the announce-
ment that the local ma.vor commit-
ted suicide in .shame doesn't make
for satisfaction or compensation.

Lime-eaten, emaciated dead or
near-dead are no pretty sight for the
camera. After you view them, you'll
never be able to see one of those
football scrimmage dummic*s in the
usual early fall gridiron, training
01 ins without thinking of these hu-
man dummies in Germany. Only
they were skinnier — much. That's
how they hang limp as the natives
were made to exhume them for a
decent burial.

The nearest bars to any cinema
showing these films are sure to do
a bullish business.-

FRED AU£N CAN BE HAD
AT $20,000 PER WEEK

Any other reports to the contrary,
Fred Alien is definitely available for
radio sponsorship next fall— at an
asking price ot $20,000 per week for
himself I'-nd his usual lineup of
stooges. That is if his medico gives:
him an okay in Boston late this
month.

William Morris so informed ad
agency radio heads in N, V. last
week, and the line is forming to the
right. Way sponsors are bidding for-,
the comic he could land in several
©f the best ra'tlug network spots, but
the Texas Co.. his former sponsor for
years, reportedly has the Inside track
on his services for its 9:30'. to 10
p.m. Sunday night niche.

Whether the oil Arm will go that
high on price is another matter,
however, but, if not, Milton Blow is
morcithan Just interested In Allen
and lift "alley:" '"?

'4 Freedoms' Pic Won't
Curb FDR Film Bieg

Hollywood, May 1.

Benedict Bogeaus announced today
(1) he would put 'The Four Free-
doms," film ba*ed oh the ideologies
of Franklin D. Roosevelt, into im-
mediate production for United Ar-
tists release. Film will be enter-
tainment picture entirely with an
all-star cast and high budget. Aspect
proposed is- to be International,
embodying Roosevelt's principles,
although the late President will not
be portrayed. ,

Efforts will be made so that the
film will be produced in cooperation
with his close associates, who would
act in an advsory capacity.

Film would not conflict with pro-
prsed FDR' family biog pic. In
wlilch Warners arid 20th are re-,
ported interested. ►

150th WEEK!
KEN MURRAY'S

"BLACKOUTS OF 1945"
El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, Cal.

.."It'll JiiHt a question of ilnio —
owryliody's got <« thin hIiow.

II'h UjpMl"

JACK BENNY.

Newsreels Build
Frisco Goodwill

By ARTHUR UNGAR

San Francisco. May 1.
, After the first week of the United
Nations conference here there's no
longer any doubt, but that this affair
is getting' some of the most complete
concentrated hews coverage of any
event in history. All branches or
the news-gathering clan are - repre-
sented in force, with more than 1,000
on hand from newspapers, mags and
press associations from all over the
world'. There are at least COO radio-
ites working round-the-clock as the
46 nations participating spend their
days and nights making history.

Newsreels are not so strong nu-
merically, of course, but the celluloid
exposers are doing a hangup job.
From a public relations viewpoint,
in particular. Uncle Sam should doff
his skimmer to the crews from Pathe
(Ed Vailand), News of the Day (Joe
'Continued on page 34)

jj SCULLY'S SCRAPBOOK

♦ mmmmmmm 4 By Frank Scully :

Hollywood, April 2»
"Variety's" coast-lo-coast coverage on Vox Pop's reaction to non-com
merclal radio was alert reporting, but as far as this listener is concernT.i
the issue is settled. People seem to have approved of the four nights anrt
three days of serioua music and tributes to FDR. but they welcomed th»
return of the big programs and spot announcements to hear taxi drivers
housewives, bookies, waiters and traffic cops tell it to our nuiggs.

My own idea. Is why not give us one day a week of non-commercial'
radio? If that Is asking for a rocket to the moon, why not 12 days a year-
great days like FDR's birthday, Lincoln's, Washington's, Independence Dav
D-Day, Christmas, Easter, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, etc. } '

Golden Gate Show Biz
Taking It On Chin As
Confab ILO.'s Normalcy

San Francisco, May 1.

Show business, niteries and all
establishments catering for recrea-
tion have had their tills nicked for
about 25% of their average trade
during . past three weeks and have
.little hope for any boost until after
the period of mourning for President
Roosevelt has expired. Also they*
have hopes of the security ne.
around town being slackened a bit
to let transients come jnto the area
within a few weeks.

The United Nations Security Con-
ference has a June 10 deadline,
which may be beaten by a week or
so, but in the meantime (he money
spenders from out of town, service
(Continued on page 19)

Betty Sees Double; And Nothing

This was going to be Young Authors Week, but It looks as if it will have
to be postponed. Praising young writers .seems to be a surefire boobv Iran
Some years ago Saroyan the Beautiful produced a play about people like
himself. The hero, aged 15, told of writing a hook consisting of' a single
word. The word was "tree." From there the tree grew- until it look' in -all-
Brooklyn.- Last week it took in even mc.

It seems I had made the faux pas of praising young writers. In fact I
fell right on my face, for 1 went further. I praised -Toss Slosingcr. who
had done such a fine job on the scenario of "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn"
I particularly praised the fine restraint shown in stopping the -picture at
Francie's graduation instead of going on to the baudy advice her mother
gives when Francie meets love on a street corner. But I hadn't figured on
what the professional altcr.ion-callers would do with this puff:

"Dear Mr. Scully," wrote Miss Betty Smith in reply, not from Brooklyn
but the Sherry-Netherlands, "about attached article by you. Don't give
the movies too much credit. True, they stopped this picture with Francie's
graduation. But they are saving the rest for the next picture. You see,
they're getting two pictures for the price of one. And the passage you
deplore will probably be In the next picture— fixed for the Hays office of
course. .

"Without detracting from the film writers who incidentally did the best
scenario on a hovel in the history of motion pictures (according to my
standard), I'd like to inform you that when you say the writers deserve
praise for the Lloyd Nolan proposal scene you are most unfair. This scene
with my actual dialog was taken bodily from my book . . . word for word
. . . even my stage directions arc used. It is my own writiug and not the
screen writers.

"Fun is fun. But after all. the studio got my book for peanuts and they
own the characters— the Nolans, body and soul— so that I no longer own
Francie (myself). Give me some little credit. Let the 'movies take every-
thing away from me. But don't give them the things that are mine."

As a postscript she adds: "I mean that since I'm Francie, I am heart-
broken that the movies got to own me in every single way."

Well, the heart-broken novelist could be asked, "Which do you prefer,
Francie or the Sherry-Netherlands?" She could be asked it, but not by
mc. I've argued with writers before; including myself. "Are you a
writer?" says you. "Nuts," says I.

Scream of "The Neem".

"Your dictionary of doubletalk," writes publicist Jack Mulcahy, "would
not be complete without some comment from "The Neem.* We do not
handle "The Neem;' but Crosby, Hope and others, who enjoy a slanguage
which Is out of this world, have daily talks with The Neem.' His real
name is Harry Nemo."

Well, three slang scouts spent days on a manhunt for "The Neom."
When we. caught up to him he conversationally went past us like V 3-4-5
and 6. We hung on to his coattails for five hours and everything he said
was, he assured us, out-ol-date before our stenographers could transcribe
their notes. They're doing it anyway. Only two points were cleared up in
the first conference. His real name Is not Harry Nemo, but Henry Nuni,
and he's the greatest tin wired genius since clowns first romped iii the
clover of the Clover Club

By Special Permission

That dame who look up Weber's "Invitation to the Dance;" if not Tos-
canini's, and danced across ah L. A. stage in slacks, while the macslro
looked on with unbelieving eyes, is furious, Joe Pasternak . is going to
make the mad musical moment into a picture for Metro. With- Gloria
DcHavcn. Was Gloria DeH. the girl who stopped the show? Hell, no!
What. was the girl's name? No one remembers. No one but mc.*

The incident shows how deficient are the laws of copyright. Weber's
music may be In the public domain by now, but why shouldn't a well-
.hought-out stunt like this enjoy as much legal protection as any. other
brain-child? If she wrote a short story based on her Comical conceit she'd
be protected for 28 years. But acting it out got her one day's headlines,
a dismissed charge, some laughs, and the gate. Her profession is dancing, .
but the, best she will probably fcel out of this is a personal appearance with
the picture if and when it. reaches the Million Dollar in Los Angeles.

BEA L1LL1E TO TOUR
CBI ZONE FOR ENSA

Beatrice Lillie, following "Seven
Lively Arts" closing at the Zicgfeld,
N. Y.. within the next few weeks,
leaves the end of June to tour the
China-Burma-India theatre for
ENSA. the British equivalent of
USO-Camp Shows. Comedienne has
been starring in the Billy Rose re-
vue, with Bert Lahr, Alicia Markova
and Anton Dolin. Latter pair, inci-
dentally, are due to troupe their own
ballet ensemble, starting in Septem-
ber, for Sol Hurok.

Also planning to go to the CBI Is
Yvettc, blonde songstress, one of the
survivors of the Lisbon Clipper
crash, in which Tamara and Roy
Rognan were 'killed and jane Fro-
man and Gypsy Markofl seriously in-
jured. Yvettc, who was unhurt,
toured the ETO for USO-CS.

FRANCES FAKMEB'S COMEBACK

Seattle, May \.,
■ Frances Farmer, former film star,
is back here, her hometown, and
lans another picture comeback
oon. She has been slowly regain-
ing her health, in recent months so-
journing in a Nevada resort, her
mother being with her,

Friends say she is about ready to
resume picture work.

• Her name mas Helen Faville, 26, of S. Normnndie avenue, Los Angeles.

Dancing In the Light

The rush to gel the Roosevelt Revolution into picture production is full
cf tcuuhy issues. Mervyn LeRoy announces he is going to make it, regard,
less. Warners, usually the first to rush into production on a topical, is
holding off for a while.

I find myself jammed in the center ot this one. Two years'ago Norman
Sper-'and I suggested a picture be made called "Birthday Ball" to be re-
leased on FDR's birthday, the proceeds to go to the Warm Springs Founda-
tion. The format would follow "If I Had a Million." That is, various
people enroutc to Washington for the President's birthday ball would tell
their stories— a banker helped by the security act,- an actress helped by the
Wagner act, a rancher helped by farm loans, and a young girl graduate of
Warm Springs, now recovered and on her way to her first dance. By the
time they reach Washington, their stories told, and photographed with the
President, the finish would be the birthday ball with the young girl danc-
ing with the Clark Gable of the moment.

Hal Wallis "entertained" it, but other producers shied .from' it because it
was a propaganda picture. My argument was this: "Okay, it's a propa-
ganda pic, but. why do they all have to be made by the Russians? Hasn't
democracy a sock story to tell too?" All it brought waB shoulder shrug-
ging. Darryl Zanuck is now reported interested in "Ball" if six studios
would pitch in. Understand; too, that Warners and 20th arc both trying
to get Roosevelt family okay for a full-length biographical film but, ol
course, this wouldn't conflict with "Eall."

But. maybe somebody willdiop the Gay Nineties and give us a picture
about FDR's Fighting Forties.

N. Y. Cafes Will Petition
For 2 AJM. Curfew Shortly

The Allied Food t and Entertain-
ment . Industries of Greater New
York, nltery and restaurant organi-
zation, is planning to confer with
Economic Stabilizer Fred M. Vinson
in an attempt to modify the curfew
to permit a' 2 a.m. closing for the-
atres and cafes. Attempt will be
made to get the hearing immediately

after V-E day unless the Byrnes blitz
is voluntarily lifted once hostilities
in Europe end. • >-,'.'

Meanwhile, the cafe bgnifnees are
still taking a terrific financial blitz
as the public so far has failed to ad-
just itself to the earlier shuttering.*.
Losses range anywhere from 15'i
for the Latin Quarter, N. Y„ to 40'i
for the Zanzibar. The average drop,
for most spots , however; js' from
25-30%. .

Wednesday* May 2, 194S

PICTURES

RANK-GO L D W Y N -SELZNICK?

U. S. Pk Told That British Raw Fib
Allocations to Be Cut 20-30,000,000 Feet

U S film distribution and produc-- ►
tion reps stated in New York early
this week that British raw film allo-
cations for U. S. companies are to be
cut by some 20,000,000 to 80,000,000
feet and that U. S. exports of Tech-
nicolor pictures to Sweden from
England would have to be stopped
as a result.

U S. industry execs said that it
was "pretty definite" that American
distributors will find their raw stock
allocations in England reduced by
the British Board of Trade.

Tn some quarters it is believed
that the raw film deducted from
U. S. allocations will be made avail-
able to British producer-distributors
such as J. Arthur Rank. Rank
would thus be able to print up in
England some of the features al-
ready set for U. S. distribution for
which raw stock may not be avail-
able here.

Since the War Production Board
has sharply curtailed all indepen-
dent production allocations Rank
might be allocated film for possibly

• two pictures, at best. In any event
Rank's status under WPB aim allo-
cations, like many a U..-S. Indepen-
dent producer, is not clear since
United Artists was deprived of its
entire, film allocation.

INTER-AMERICA AGENCY
-AFTER11;806,000MORE

San Francisco, May 1.

Francis Alstock, head of the film
division of the Office of Inter-Amcr-
ican Affairs, is In Washington today
(Tucs.), appearing before a "Con-
gressional Budget Committee to get
. an appropriation of $1,800,000 for
next fiscal year; -•■

Alslock, who has been chief aide
to Mike • McDermott, State Dept.
press relations officer, flew out of
here Monday (30) and is due back
here Wednesday (2) to resume his
post,

With coin that is as yet unex
pended, but pledged from previous

• budgets, O.I.A.A. will have around
$2,500,000 to expend on film produc-
tion and distribution to our world

, neighbors. ... ' .

Traits-Lux Circuit May "
Total 30 Houses Postwar

Trans-Lux is slowly but carefully
developing what promises to be the
largest independent theatre circuit
on the Atlantic seaboard. While T-L
officials discpunt reports of a chain
having 50 theatres soon after the
war as out of line with present pros-
pects, the expansion after V-E Day
may result in a chain of at least 30
houses. Trans-Lux now has about
10 theatres, including its projected
ones ill Washington, and on Madison
ave., New York.

T-L has a minority interest in
several operations in addition, such
as the Normandy on East 63d st.,
N. Y., but Trans-Lux does not con-
sider these a part of its circuit
operations, rating chain theatres
only those where they hold 50% or
more interest.

. In construction of new theatres
for. its circuit, T-L is making pro-
vision for television.

Pix Dinys Up in March

Washington, May 1.

March was a heavy month for film
industry dividends, according to
Dept. of Commerce . figures. Stock-
holders received $4,000,000 as con-
trasted with $1,700,000 for the same
month in 1944.

During the first quarter of 1045,
industry dividends hit a record of
$4,600,000. which was $500,000 bet-
ter than the first quarter of last year.

Jones Heads New
Distrib Group

. . Chicago, May 1 .

Organization of Screen Guild
Productions, Inc., new. national dis-
tributing company, was completed
here today with John J. Jones, head
of Jones, Linick & Schacfer Theatre
Circuit; and Film Classics franehise
.holder here, elected president. Com-
pany, a Delaware corporation capi-
talized at $1,000,000, has a unique
financial setup with franchise-hold-
ers owning and controlling its com-
plete corporate stock.

Preliminary framework of com-
pany wits originally laid at a meet-
ing^ in St. Louis last January under"
the name of Cardinal Pictures Corp.,
which was changed to the present
name at a two-day meeting held at
the Blackslonc hotel and attended by
franchise-holders of 2G territories.-
Company plans to operate 31 ex-
changes, including one in Canada,
getting under way almost immedi-
ately. First release of new outfit will
be "Wildfire" on June 1. a western
i:i . Cinecolor. produced by William
David, with John Miljan, Bob Steele
and Sarah Padden in the cast. Three
addtional action pictures from same
source will, follow. Company plans
to release at least one new Holly-
wood film each month, beginning
Sept. l t Full program for a year in
advance is expected to be announced
in next 60 days.

Sales organization will be set up
and headquartered in New 'York.
Other officers elected are John W.
-Maugham,- Arthur --Lockwood and
Robert Lippert, vice-presidents;
John L. Franconi, secretary, and M.
S. Schulter, trcas. These with Bert
Steam. Jack aud J. Francis White
also compose the board of directors

Koblmar's 2 at 20th

Hollywood, May 1.

Fred Kohlmar inked a producer
Pact with 20th-Fox yesterday (30)
with "Dark Corner" and "When Leo
Lomcs Marching. Home" set as his
first two chores. .

Kohlmar until recently was pro-
ducing for Paramount.

Steve Early V Spot

Steve Early's assignment in Wash-
ington, following his White House
resignation, will be on behalf of the
£Ullman Standard Equipment Co.
■jus is part of the Victor Emanuel
* Co. underwriting business, but
emphasis will be on the Pullman out-
Early Is a former Paramount man.

W00S BABY CARRIAGE
TRADE AT DRIVE-IN

Rochester, N. Y., May 1.
Manager Gradon Hodges, whose
Drive-in theatre has a particular
appeal for handicapped persons be-
cause they can remain comfortably,
in their automobiles, is making a
special play for mothers With small
babies.

While the tiny squawkers are
barred from Other theatres, manager
Hodges reverses the field by offering
a bottle-warming service at the rc-
Jreshment stand.

Children, formerly admitted free
with their parents, now pay 12c,
same as in downtown theatres. Adult
rate is half a buck.

Earliest opening in Drive-In . his-
tory- here resulted in excellent busi-
ness despite some chilly evenings.

Wallis'N. Y. Huddles

In connection with production of
"The Life of Tschaikovsky," story of
Russia's great composer, Ha) Hallis,
now in N. Y., will huddle with Leon-
ard Bernstein, conductor and com-
poser, who may collaborate on the
story, and Vladimir Horowitz,, fa-
mous pianist, who may offer Tschai-
kovsky's immorUil-.sonata in the pic-
ture.

Details on general release of "Af-
fairs . of Susan," current at the
Rlvoli, N. Y., and "Love Letters" and
"You Came Along," which are al-
ready in the can, are under discus-'
sion with Par execs.

MAYBE IN TOO

Hollywood, May 1.
With proposals ' for a worldwide
distribution setup, covering Eng-
land, the United; States and Latin
America, J. Arthur Rank is due in
Hollywood May 14/ Plans which he
will lay before several producers arc
expected to be for three separate
distribution organizations, one for
each continent.

Rank is understood to have
broached the idea to Samuel Gold-
wyn whehv latter was in England
several weeks ago and the. British
producer's emissaries also reportedly
laid the groundwork here to include
David J. Selznick and the Briskih-
Capra production unit, also several
others who are anxious for an out-
let for their forthcoming product.

Talk that Selznick has wanted to
take over the United Artists setup
points to Rank possibly putting up
the heavy coin needed to buy out
Mary Pickford and Charles Chap-
lin's shares. However, Selznick is
shopping around to establish his own
distribution firm which can lead to
Rank putting money "into such an
organization; with Goldwyn Capra-
Briskin and other- companies in-,
eluded.

Rank said to be looking ahead
with the producers affiliated with
him to make a minimum of 15 films
annually with his English and Latin-
American sources supplying the
balance to- bring "the - total to' about-
35 films per year.

Goldwyn recently inked to release
several films for another year
through RKO, while Selznick has
been indifferent to distributing
through UA. sort of setting himself
for his own production and distri-
bution units when he could go full
steam ahead. 5 ' ' ' . .

Although no deal has been set, UA
has been endeavoring to get C. D.
DeMillc to. release through its out-
lets and Ed Raftcry has also ogled
Capra-Briskin.

J. Arthur Rank, when he arrives
here this month, will make his first
Hollywood visit. He gets into. Mon-
treal first, accompanied by his at-
torney, Woodham Smith; the Odeon
Theatres' g.m., John Davis; and Bar-
ring ton Gain, one Qf .his prime film
executives. The first show biz mis-
sion is to- 0.0. the Odeon Theatres
'of Canada (Paul Nath'anson) in
which Rank owns half interest, but
primarily he is surveying his Cana-
dian mill holdings.

Thereafter the party is due to
come to the States and eventually
wind up in Hollywood.

Around that time UA will prob-
ably release "Blithe Spirit" (Noel
Coward produced it in London) and
20th-Fox. has one more, "The Way
Ahead." due. (From London last
(Continued on page 34)

Foreign Powers Aim Strong Blows
At U S. Pix Abroad; Block More Coin
In France, Gov't Monopolies, Curbs

Kane and Stallings' Pic
Productions Via Rank

Robert T. Kane, former head of
20th-Fox production In London, and
Laurence Stallings are due to engage
In English film production shortly.
Release reported via J. Arthur
Rank-
Metro's British production chief,
Ben. Goetz, slated to go over this
week to start things moving also.

Brasshats O.K. 'Adano' Pic

Hollywood, May 1.
Official okay was bestowed by the
Department of War on the 20th-Fox
film version of "A Bell for Adano,"
after a close inspection by military
biggies.

Government didn't like the book
or the stage pli\v, but passed the pic-
ture without censoring a single scene.

Capra-Briskin' s Corp.

Sacramento, May 1.
Liberty Films filed articles of in-
corporation here, listing Col. Frank
Cap'ra and Samuel Briskin as direc-
tors.

Capital stock is listed at $1,000,000,
of which $750,000 is preferred and
$250,000 common.

It's presumed Bob Riskin, cx-OWI,
will Join this unit.

Film Charities' New Plan

Hollywood, May 1.
Permanent Charities Committee is
consolidating all film industry char-
ity drives into one annual campaign,
based on payroll deductions on the
wistallmcnt plan, running up to 52
weeks.

. New plan will go into effect as
soon as it is approved by the studio
guilds and unions.

French Pix Bid At
Expense of U. S.

Drastic curtailment of U. S. film
shipments to France, being planned
by officials of the film division of the
French Ministry of Information, is
construed in N. Y. as a move to open
up. more playing time for British,
Russian and other European films.

Reported .that France plans to
limit the U. S. industry to 25-30
features semi-annually as compared
tvi th 98 seni i -annually 'prtfCvaf .' Wh ile
no official decree has been issued as
yet, that's the word relayed by U. S.
fiun reps in France.

Thus, the 10-year battle for leader-
ship in the international motion pic-
ture markets, predicted by U. S. film
leaders (previously reported in "Va-
riety") is under way.

Possibility, of course, that the 25
or 30-picture limit may be raised:
But, in any event, U. S. trade circles
foresee complications ahead^for divi-
sion of playing time with other
powers in France and elsewhere.

Aside from the move to open up
more playing time for films from
non-Americun sources, French reps
arc also reported moving to assure a
greater proportion of playing time
for native films in France and else-
where throughout Europe. With the
market for French-language films
Jiesftssariljk.limited,; the- opening, ofua.
larger market for British, Russian
and possibly Italian and Spanish
product would likewise result in
reciprocal advantages for French
films in those countries.

♦■ Snarling, bickering film interests
abroad have struck: back at Uncle
Sam's proffered friendship via inter-
national monetary and trading aids
and are aiming powerful blows de-
signed to curb distribution of Ameri-
can pictures in foreign countries. As
positive monopolistic - nationalistic
tendencies became manifest through-
out ■ Europe (particularly where
films, are. concerned), U. S. film
company heads last . week found
themselves confronted with the fol-
lowing new trade barriers:

1. French ' Government officials
(Ministry ol Finance) advised that
the U. S. share of film rentals
(around 75C;' after cost of operation
of U. S. ; subsidiary offices in France
is •deducted) is .to be placed in
blocked account and will not be
available for use even in France.

2.. Salaries of U. S. personnel in
France, working directly for U. S;
home ofilec account, arc being
stopped and Will have, to be met via
remittances from N. Y. in U. S. ■
funds.

3. Fascist Spain decreed that U. S.
films cannot be distributed for
American account for more tliun five
years after first release date in
Spain. The idea is to eliminate
rental : deals on U. S. pictures and '
eventually force .- the outright sale
of product.'

' 4. French Ministry of Information
officials (film division is headed by
officious, documentary film-minded
(Continued on page 34)

NEWSREELS' $150,000
FRISCO CONFAB BILL

San Francisco, May 1,
The conference cost to newsreels
will run about $150,000 for the six-
week period, which will include
sharing of light costs and installa-
tions in. the Opera House and Vet-
eran Building theatres. Cost runs
the five reels, Paramount, News of
Day, Movietone, Universal and
Pathe, around $5,000 a week each,
exclusive of film costs.

Boys . have been shooting average
of 15,000 feet a day allotted out of
their quota, while the. Russians alone
shoot 4,000 feet a day, getting shot?,
of every speaker through their entire
slay on dais while Americans try
and pick only the high spots of talk
for photographing the image,

Two Bills in N. Y. Confab

Bill Pine and Bill Thomas, produc-
ing low-budget features for Para-
mount, are in N. Y. from the Coast,
following a stopover in New Orleans,
to discuss sales and advertising plans
on "People Are. Funny." which they
have just completed. This one has
run higher in cost than others they
have delivered to Par over a
period of several years. Figure is
not mentioned. . '

The Pine-Thomas team has an-
other picture. "Scared Stiff," which
has been placed in Par's new block
of four pictures, its fifth group this
season, which will go on release
June 22.

EMPLOYMENT DROPS,
PK WORK TOO, IN CAL

Sacramento, May 1.
Employment in motion picture
production took a nosedive last
month, partly on account of the
strike and partly because of the gen-
eral labor slump in this state, ac-
cording to .the California Labor
Statistics Bulletin. Employment in
the studios reached the lowest level
since 1940.

■ General employment boom in
California is a thing of the past, as
indicated by., statistics/for all- manu-
facturing in the state. Shipyards
and aircraft plants showed a de-
crease of -15% below last years fig-
ures.

Trade Mark Reslotered
FOUNDED BV 8IME STLVRKMAN
Publltlxd Wetkl; by VAHIKTV. Inc.

Bid Ullvormao, Prculdcnl
154 Wcsl 4811181., New fori! 19. N. T,

sunscnir-rioN

Annual JI0 Foreign til

Single '.'opIOH ...,25 Cents

Vol. 158

120

No. 8

INDEX

7th War Loan.;: 4

Bills 59

Chatter .. 63

Film Reyicwr.. 27

House Reviews............. '38

Inside Legit. d'l

Inside Music . ,", ....,.:. 54

Inside Orchestras. .......... 51

Inside Radio 48.

International . i . r ... 19

Legitimate GO

Literati 36

.'Music ..: 51

New Acts 59

Night Club 'Review" • 56

Obituary 63

Orchestras ... . . 51

Pictures 3

Radio SB

Radio Reviews 50

Frank Scully: 2,

Television ... . . > 43

Vaudeville 55

War Activities.,'..-. 31

DAILY VAKJKTK

(Published In Hollywood by
Dally Variety. Ltd.)
tin * rear— sis Foreign

SHOWMEN'S 7th

KAJUETJ

rsu»y, may z, 1*145

Pix Faces Its Top Jcb in Hypoingj^

mds-l

The motion picture industry has-t
been given ils.grealcsl job in history
—the spearheading of the nation-
wide goal to meet the Treasury Dept.
quota of $4,000,000,000 in "E" bonds
during the forthcoming Seventh
War Loan drive.

And, as ncvVr before, in the opin-
ion of national -industry chairman
Samuel Pinanski, will , it be ncces-.
sary for the industry to act as a
promotional force during the seven-
week . campaign— from May 14, to
June 30. The drive, incidentally, is
three weeks longer lhatv-any prior
loan raising effort to date.

Pinanski, in carrying through his
plan for a "grass roots" campaign
for the Seventh, has zoned the coun-
try into four territories with a co-
ordinator for each.. This quartet is
acting as the liaison between nation-
al headquarters and the field; and
comprises theatrenven who have wide
experience and complete knowledge
of their territories. They arc: .lob
Kinsky. Par theatre department
exec, chairman: E. W. Street, city
manager in Knoxvijlc for Wilby-
Kincey. Southern coordinator: David
Wallerstein, B&K Chi and Indiana
chief, handling the midwest: Charles
M. Thall, Fox-West Coast San Fran
cfsco exec, who has the entire Coast
area under his jurisdiction.

Connors' Quota.
The distributors' division is led by
Tom J. Connors, 20th-Fox distribu
tion v.p., who has set. a 25'.!. increase
in bond precms, free movie days and
children's preems as his overall goal.
He also is eager to sec an increase In
the number of theatre^lssuing agents
over the Sixth. John Hertz. Jr., is
repeating his Sixth: War Loan chore
during the Seventh, acting as pub:
licity. advertising and exploitation
director. Each member of his com-
mittee is a specialist in his field. The
ad, publicity and exploitation setup
ia the most extensive in history,
every conceivable channel of pro-
motion being used.

Due to travel restrictions, rallies
for the "Showmen's Seventh," as this
bond drive is termed, were set up at
only three junctures— N.. Y., Chicago
and Denver for state exhibitor, area
distributor and state publicity chair-
men. All 48 states were covered in
this manner. Organization of the.
Seventh is made up of closely-knit
stale and local units, the national
committee emphasizing closer coop-
eration with the local War Finance
Committees, so that the local drives
may be better coordinated with the
overall Treasury plans and be for
maximum service to the communi-
ties.

A departure in the Seventh is the
creation of an advisory committee
headed by. Leonard Goldensori, Par
v.p. in charge of theatre, operations.
This unit comprise industry leaders
throughout the nation, assigned to
advise and consult with workers in
their localities.

'Little Bonds Make

Great Victories'

That caption on a campaign
40x60 poster emphasizes that it
is the cumulative effect of pur-
chases of millions of "E" bonds
of .small denomination that make
winning the war possibjer -ldeiv
for the poster was suggested by
Barney Balaban, Paramount
president, to national chairman
Samuel Pinanski.

Poster features an illustration -
of the tremendous number of
Nazi prisoners taken by the
Allied armies.

The national committee urges cxr
hibllors to "Button Up Your "Show 1
men's Seventh'
Campaign With
a Button." The-
atres will be
the only bond-
selling organi-
zations giving
b o n-d . buyers
this memento
during the- 7th
War Loan.
Designed lo.b'c worn in the lapel',
the- button -will bo given free by
exhibitors to purchasers of bonds at
their theatres. They .will not qnly
stimulate bond " buying in ■ film
houses, but will carry a public re-
lations message for the industry to
the country at large.

In red, white and blue, the design
is a large "Mighty 7" in the center,
with copy around the edge at top*
"I'm • backing the war loan drive,"
and, at the bottom: "motion picture
theatres." One million buttons arc
available from national .committee
headquarters at $3 per thousand,
along with , one-sheets telling the
public of the button giveaway.

Free Films For
Bond Preems Set

Major 'film distributors will fur-
nish free, for one performance only,
to be known as a "ivar bond pre-
miere" any picture an exhibitor has
under contract, not earlier than 30
days prior to its availability for
booking at that particular house,
provided that exhibs having clear-
ance do not object. This is part of
a six-point agreement by distribs
made public by Tom; J. Connors, na-
tional distributor chairman for the
Seventh War' Loan.

As a special inducement to aid
the sale of bonds to and by children.

the distribs will also furnish a gratis „ - - - , „, ... . ..... ,

picture for a children.'* morning ! 439,532 "E" bonds chalked up dm- .; Show, admission to which is by bond

Real B'way Pitch
Set Up for Bonds

The 700 metropolitan. N. Y. area
theatres, and their employees, are
poised for their greatest bond-sell-
ing effort to tccoft the 7lh War Loan
campaign on May ,14. Goal set by
theatres in this area for the drive,
which runs through June 30. is the
surpassing of the all-time record of i

10 Timely, Topicals for the 7th

The Seventh War Loan kit' issued by the national committee for use bv
the nation's 16,000 theatres during the forthcoming drive lists 10 pertinent,
timely suggestions which exhibitors arc urged to follow in order to garner
a larger sale of war bonds than in any loan drive to date. "

The "Musi Msl"
Organize close cooperation with your War Finance Committee.
Be sin issuing agency.

Feature, bond premieres and. stage Free Movie days.
Run children bond shows; preems and contests.
Create a dynamic and arresting bond booth in your lobby.
Man bond booths with returned veterans, v
Run bond trailers and cooperate with local radio stations.
Plant feature articles and' bond editorials in local papers.
Enlist the aid of women club members.
Run copy in every ad plugging. bond sales at your, theatre.
•All promotional material' for the drive has been organized in advance
to save the exhibitor unnecessary labor. It is important that the exhibitor
keep his bond promotional kit up to dale.

♦ ♦♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ «

I

i

i.

2.

3; .

.4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

io;

Many Showmanship Stunts

~» » ♦♦♦♦«♦»» ♦ «»♦♦»♦♦«♦ » ♦ ♦ » * «-»<

Press folio provided by the War
Activities Committee gives some,
timely exploitation hints to show-
men on how to promote the forth-
coming Seventh War Loan drive:

Contact with the local War Fi-

limc the bond is purchased at the
theatre. Help speed total victory.''
Competition/in the locality might •
be used to find the boy or girl sell-
ing the . greatest number of bonds,
and then crown them "Junior Bond

nance. Committee or' through veteran | King and Queen, ' with appropriate
organizations can result in the gath- ceremonies on stage. Merchants
ering of a lobby display 'of captured I co\i)d be tied :in with outfit or ap-

llie

Axis materials. On the opposite
side of the lobby, equipment that
our lighters are now. using could be
displayed. Tag the'. U. S. material
to show the cost of esch item . in
dollars and cents.

' Contact local merchants and pro-
mote various, prizes to be auctioned
on a special night: When 'enough
prizes have been ' accumulated, they
should be displayed in the lobby

propriatc prizes . promoted to
winner..

■ Neighborhood school s u p port,
might -also -be lied in, and arrange
for classes 16 compete ;in selling
bonds, with passes offered to the
winning class. A kiddie premiere is
always good, with the special show
held in the. early morning. Each
child would be admitted free either
by the. purchase or sale of a war

with appropriate signs attached to bond-lhis. of course, to be well, ad-

each article. . An auctioneer can be
obtained for' the ' special Auction

vcrtisccl in advance.

preem, with the same stipulations as
above, In order to increase bond
precms in small towns, distribs have

iug- the 6th War Loan." - j purchase only.

Metropolitan area, for the- Sev- I The photo of the -Murines planting
cnth-- has been enlarged to include ' our flag on Iwo Jima might be the j

agreed to forego the contract pro- 1 the adjacent counties in Long Island i basis- of a stage tableau in theatres

viso.: regardless of whether the ex- j and Westchester, with the seating
hib is a customer of the distributor | capacity represented marking a new

total of 750,000 seats. Every patron
(in the N. Y. area this total runsto
11,000.000 persons per week) will be
confronted with the drive's, slogan:
"For total victory— buy bonds at this
theatre"' both in the lobbies of the
houses, and on the screen through-

or not, provided: The population, of
the cxhib's town is not over 7,500
people, and the picture booked for
the preem shell be generally re-
leased prior to Nov. 1, 1945. Dis-
tribs further have agreed to partici-
pate fully in National Free Movie

Day on June 6, with the free admis- J out every day of the campaign.

Loew's Payroll Deduct
Plan Aims for 95% Goal

Loew's N. Y. homeolllee em-
ployees, who to dale have bought
$22,006,000 in war bonds, have set a
SS'.o payroll' irccfriclion -goal 'uy - :'vliij
14, day of tecoff for the Seventh.
David Bernstein, treasurer, has ap-
pointed H. J. Cleary. Max Wolff and-
Leonard Pollack, as co-chairmen of
the campaign.

Endeavor is to add at least 300
names to the company's payroll de-
duction plan, with Loeu^s; as in pre-
vious campaigns, helping to finance
the employee bond purcha/es. Charts
showing how each of the 45 depart-
ments line up in the drive will be
displayed on each floor of the 17-
s'tory Locw building in -N. Y.

10 Special Events for 7th

Exhibs throughout the country
have geared their- activities during,
thCr-Sevcnth - War Loan 1 driv-e to take
full advantage of the holidays awl
special events days I hat will be cele-
brated during the May 14-June 30.
period of the campaign.' ".

Theatres arc set for . bondselling
drives for the following ■ holidays:.
Mother's X>ay, May 13; I Am An
American Day, May 19; National
Maritime Day,. May 22; Decoration
Day, May 30: Major Glenn Miller
Day, June 5; D-Day, which has been
designated as "Free Movie ' Day,"
June 6: Flag Day. June 14; Father's
Day, June 17; Waves Anniversary
Day, July 3, and the Fourth of July.

si on plan in force.

Distribs'; according to Conner. s,
will provide films' for repeat show-
ings at war bond preems, wherever
exhibs desire them, but excluded
from every part of the agreement
are features which will be distribu-
ted at advanced admission prices.

HVC, Coast WAC and MP
War Finance Committee
Mobilized for 7th Loan

Hollywood, May 1.

The three Hollywood studio or-
ganizations which have been active
participants in all of the six war
bond drives to date have been mobi-
lized for the Seventh War Loan.

The Hollywood Victory Committee
scuds stars on bond tours; The Mo-
Pirtyse-W-ar Ffc&s-se-GcmmlHst
sells bonds to studio wprkers; and
the Hollywood division/of the War
Activities Committee has t^e task of
planning film subjects for war loans.
All of the Coast studios furnish
stars, directors, writers and other
talent for the two-reclers and trail-
ers exhibited, in - the nation's 16.000
theatres. In six previous war loan
drives, the HVC sent 233 stars on
national tours. A total of 242 others
have made, ihdi vidua] appearances,
and 307 have done broadcasts.

The Hollywood motion picture
war finance. committee (Henry Gins-
burg, chairman) to date has sold
i Continued oh page 27.) "

Thompson and Rubicam
On Seton Porter's Comm.

Selon Porter. Seventh War Loan
chairman of the commerce and in-
dustry division of the N.- Y. war
finance committee, late last week an-
nounced the appointment of 11 sec-
tion chairmen for the campaign, in-
cluding representatives of radio,
stage and screen.

Major Leslie E. Thompson. RKO
v.p., will coordinate the running of
(he drive in this area by the enter-
tainment industry, while Raymond
(Young &) Rubicam, will act as co-
ordinator for the advertising sec-
tion. More than . 275 trade-wide
committees have been organized
within the 11 sections under Porter.

Campaign headquarters, es.tab
lished at the Roxy, N. Y.,- presided
over by Irving Lesser, general
chairman, Morris Kinzlcr, campaign
director; and Jules Fields, public re-
lations chairman, has been in opera-
tion for more than a month, priming
N. Y. district personnel for their
J duties.

! Every possible detail in theatre
bond selling has been covered by
the N. Y. showmen. All accessories
for the houses are now available, to
theatre managers, trailers arc being
distributed for exhibition, and radio
transcriptions have been cut to pro-
vide a continuous bond-selling blast.
A total of 26 experienced publicity
and exploitation men and women
are working on publicity angles for
the Seventh in this area under the
direction of Fields, with Homer

having stage shows. Members of the
cast may be used to enact this scene.

A giant lighted candle could be
set up in the. lobby- to attract at-
tention, idea being for people to.
guess the time when the -candle will

enter the contest.

Milk Bottles for Baby Bonds

■A ticup with your local milk deal-
er will gel yrtu directly into the
home via bottle collars for use on
milk bodies delivered' house-to-
liouse. ' The cooperating company
might alsb banner the sides of its
trucks- with one-sheets carrying the
message:. "This company is. cooper:
ating -with the Blank-theatre in- the
Seventh War Loan. Buy yollr bonds
at the Blank- theatre . . . keep buy-
ing our milk." ■

3 Bond Trailers
Besides 'All-Star'

Three bond trailers; besides the
"All-Star Bond Rally" subject, have
been readied for exhibition . in the
burn out. , with a bond given away I nation's 16.000 theatres during the
as a prize for the nearest correct j Seventh War Loan, May 14 through
fines?. In order- for patrons to enter I June 30. For the first time; each
the contest, a bond must be pur- [ screen subject will tell the public to
chased. Each purchaser is presented j buy bonds in theatres. It's the rc-
with an- entry card on which to j suit of a policy adopted by Samuel

Pinanski, chairman, with Waller
Anient, newsreol- chairman, John
Hertz,. Jr., publicity and advertising
chief. Francis Harmon, War Activi-
ties Committee coordinator, and Tom
Baily. Hollywood coordinator.

Stars from Paramount, RKO and
other studios appear- in "All-Star."
produced by " 20th-Fox. including
Bing Crosby, Jeanne Crain, Vivian
Blaine. Linda Darnell, Betty Grable,
June Haver, Bob Hope, Harry James
and' his oych, Faye Marlow, Harpo
Marx, Fibber McGee and Molly,
Carmen Miranda' and Frank' Sinatra.

Children should be organized as j TreM<iry Secretary Henry Morgc.i-
bond salesmen by lining up local ! ' tnau> j,,. stars ■„ .. Ml . RI)(1 Mrs .

loaders and appointing them Chief i

America Speaks," 150-foot trailer

Harman, of. the Roxy. acting as | sectors, giving each' Chief Ranger
publicity director, and handling all i and his crew a sector to "invade."
I publicity material emanating from j Idea

•Rangm with, buttons, tags and ere- | nirtMeil . by : Edward Arnold and
dcntials. n.en divide the town inlo produced by Art silvcl . lhrou ^

the cooperation of Jack L. Warner.

Another trailer features Lt. Cmdr

"TlTc N\ ~Y.~ "commTtfee " lieadquarlci sr
Harry Keller, radio coordinator-
for Universal, has been named a
campaign coordinator for the 7th by
Lesser, while Joseph T. Sharkey,
vice-chairman of N. Y. City. Council,
has been appointed a member of the
executive committee.

Creation of a statue reproducing
the Iwo Jima ' (lag-raising— which
has been adopted as a symbol for
the filni industry's participation dur-
ing the Seventh — and a Victory
Arch at Times Square will be two
events that are slated to give dra-
matic impact to the forthcoming
loan event. The Iwo Jima statue
will be creeled 40 feet north Of the
duplicate of the "Statue of Liberty'.' in
Times Square. A double arch will
be erected shortly extending from
the. Schrafft building to the Statue
of Liberty, and from the Statue to
the Paramount Building.

Bond Breakfast

War Activities Committee, in coii-
junction with the Treasury's War
Finance Committee will hold an in-
stallation breakfast to inaugurate the
film industry's participation in the
7th War Loan drive at. the Waldorf-
Astoria hotel, N. Y., next Tuesday
(8) morning,

Irving Lesser, general chairman of
the campaign ill the N. Y. area, i8
handling the arrangements for. the.
event.

f ?^Jl^^ rf «j£& >»°MS:.J?.:.i Rp-bTXl/Monmomery. 1itJC£l_"SiMsJbJL

house campaign with each crew ol ; ^ji.u....... j_u n.ii'

Rangers competing with other
crews, winners to get tickets for
some Saturday show. Or the kids

might be divided into three teams —
Reds, Whiles and Blues— With an
equal division of territory, and then
sent out to invade' the neighbor-
hood.

The AWVS could be organized
inlo .Commando units, and on des*
ignatcd nights have them "raid"
night Clubs, restaurants, hotels, ter-
minals and other places,' selling
bonds. If the police could be tied
in, they could transport the femmcs
from place to place in police cars.

A life-size dummy of a Jap could
be utilized and have him planted on
a large sign with copy to read: "Buy
this Jap a Hari-Kari Kit. Pearl hail-
die dagger. $44.50: velvet knec'liiSg
.pillow,. $9.98.; handy enamel basin.
$20: genuine turkish- towel, $.52. To-
tal. $75." .

Junior Bond Brigades

| Talk," which was -produced by Jerry
Brcssler at Metro. A fourth subject,
starring Bing Crosby and directed
by Leo McCarey, is titled "Anybody's
Kids." This is being readied by RKO
and Rainbow Productions.

Coordinating the trailer program
is John .C: F|inn, with scripts by
Harold Mager and Tom Baily.
Through arrangement with Ament.
ncwsreels will carry special bond
titles, and. narrators of war scenes,
will urge bond purchases throughout
the drive.

The Solid South

The southern territory will have
the greatest organization of any bond
drive In that territory's history, a re-
port by E. W. Street, Dixie coordi-
nator, to national chairman for the
film industry Samuel Pinanski, re-'
vcalcd" nt the ^weekend.
T . „■-_.-..•• ., The 12 exhibitor state chairmen in

Junior Bond .Brigades might easily ! (he solid .South are R. J. O'Donnoll.

be arranged; tying, up with schools
and children's groups. Cards print-
ed and; given to each child who
either, purchases . or sells ii " bond
might carry copy as follows: "The
boy or girl holding' this coupon
buys, or is instrumental in selling,
a War Bond at the Blank Theatre
will be entitled to one free admis-
sion good until JUhe 30; 1945, upon

presentation of this coupon at the Stengel, Eastern Tennessee.

Texas; William K. Jenkins. Georgia;
R ; M. Kennedy,. Alabama; H. F. Kin-
coy, North Carolina; Arthur Lchnwn
and Burgess Waltmon, Mississippi;
Warren Irvin, South'- Carolina: Lcw :
Hcnsler, Kentucky; Hunter Perry
and Frank O'Brien, Virginia; Claude
Mundo and M. J. Pruniski, Arkansas;
j, L. Cartwright, Florida; S. J. H-y-
man, West VJrg»«U>» and Kci'trnt

s

THIS IS THE

Seventh

WAR LOAN DRIVE

C( V.,,< < <'T

; <.,<! ( <-■.■■' '' 1

\e,'tl. t h" I'"

p^RfETf . Wednesday, May 2, 1«M5

THE ^wmntgzwti WAR LOAN PORTFOLIO

MAY 14th TO JUNE 30th

The Showmen's Seventh War Loan Portfolio was created in the knowledge
that the- Shswman^s jefe— in -ths-rSeve-nth ~i& a tremendous -. -» The
Portfolio replaces the Press Book and embodies these all -important factors:

1. The items contained in the Portfolio are
"hot off the press." They have not . been
printed months in advance, but on the very
eve of the Drive itself. In this way, any im-
portant change in information will be mailed
out to the Showman immediately.

2. The Portfolio is loaded with at least 77
Showmen's ideas— all of which can be

adapted to any situation. Space will not allow
enumeration, but you will be armed to. the
teeth with workable material.

3. Any new ideas conceived by Showmen can
be included in a special compartment of this
Portfolio. It is a positive example that 100%
Showmanship equals 1% Inspiration and
99% Perspiration . . . and will help the Show-
man HELP SPEED TOTAL VICTORY.

Vednesiby, May 2. 194S

...and here is the

HEROIC POSTER
that will make
the "Showmen's
Seventh a Smash-
ing Success in
your Theatre!

What could serve for the
greatest War Loan in his-
tory but the greatest battle
scene ever recorded? What
photograph but the flag
raising at Iwo Jima has re-
ceived such dynamic and
overnight acclaim from an
entire nation?

• What scene but this has
stirred a people so deeply...
and what could serve better
to compel them to buy more
War Bonds than ever" be-
fore? The reason the Show-
men of America have
adopted this poster for the
Seventh War Loan Drive
lies in the answers to these
questions.

HELP SPEED
TOTAL VICTORY!

WAR ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE - MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY - 1501 Broadway, New York 18. N Y.

In cooperation with rho War Rnonco CommHta* of rho Unit *i Statu Troatury Dopaitnwnt

Wednesday, May 2, 1945

WAR ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE - MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY * 1501 Broadway, New York 18, N Y.

In coepctotion with ihe War Financ* Commit1«t of lh» Unit«d Stot.t Tr.aiury D.portmtnt

. ....and this is the Poster that will line them up at your Bond Booth for the smaller Bonds!
This Poster will sell Bonds after V-E Day ... little Bonds must beat the Japs as well!

Weilursday, May 2, 1945

9

Up Your Campaign
For The Showmen's
7th War Loan Drive!

YOUR SHOWMANSHIP-give every
oie who buys a bond at your theatre this
lapel button— exclusive symbol of participa-
tion in the 7th through the motion picture
theatres of America! It's a symbol the public
will be proud to wear— and a public symbol
of your own bond-selling efforts.

*»*«fiimfscoi«iiiiK-«oiH)M riciuRtiNousmr

IHllrirtiir.Htwr*ih11, R. T.
* C M*ttMIIMWlTHIH[|IMt FINMCC CDHWrrCf DFTHC

stum muwv mf-mimem

Order these buttons from your nearest
National Screen Service exchange • • ...
DO IT EARLY! . . .DO IT NOW! . ... .
Quantities are limited

10

Wednesday, May 2, 1943

THESE ARE THE POSTERS

that

Sock*"

* All Posters are

cfSe//

Ml Posters are ^REE to Exhibitors There a r e 11 alto
get her 7 mailed direct to you 4 will be available

National Screen Service for your asking

NATIONAL

FREE MOVIE DAY

JUNE 6th, 1945

Buy Another Bond in Commemoration of America's
First Anniversary of History's Greatest Invasion...

DAY

Fr«t Admisiion to thit Thoafro
on Jun* 6tt>, with the Purchoto
of a War Bond Htrol
Help Spttd To'tol Vktory
In tho

n.

'CI

J

>■■■:::■.■:,>■.■■',:. ,:, ::.'^-.>i-:-:'-:-v: i €::a <:

mmmmm

'.:-'t>i:-':i : '$H:'\- :

•'•:V:.' : -:M>iV.S-':? ; 'A.-^:4V- : --V

Wednesday, May 2, 19*5

11

C . n i [ J jut

Major Glenn Miller Day

Tho •nlortainmont world honors on* of its groat horoos.

In appreciation ol tho many happy hours hit musk
brought you, buy an oxtra war bond in his honor
Each extra bend helps Speed Tetel Victory

WM

Want to See a Movie

r. : x 'tVnen Mil G*t into *• fifllii
i wild Ih* Arrny, Navy onrl
>*#*>•<! Soy o Ww Bttxi or «♦«
„*rti ; fft* s*?^ -o VmII, ip«cM
WfarBftrrti Mov* Frontier* fcW

AT THIS THEATRE

/ 4

-fa

-"-VI

" * ,i

III ItTIIITUS CUII1TH • IITIIP. PICTIII IMIISTM • Mil Irilluy, lit Tirl II. IT

In coepo'elian villi iho War tinento Cam«tila* el iha Un>t«d Jielai Tiaeiwir DtpaiiManl

7

'■ (>■ w/< ' ; -»p
:«\ 'r^A%$%

\ : - : A J m

>' : \ "
' ''/\A0i

12

Wrilnrsday, May 2, '1945

W& ••'■■''""Iio«» JV ™. • «*

RALtV

JJ" fc\fc-Time Entertainment

VIVIAN BLAINE • JEANNE CRAIN
BING CROSBY • LINDA DARNELL
BETTY GRABLE • JUNE HAVER

BOB HOPE • HARRY JAMES ORCHESTRA

FAYE MARLOW • HARPO MARX
FIBBER McGEE and MOLLY
CARMEN MIRANDA - FRANK SINATRA

Produced by 20th Century-Fox Film Corp. under the auspices of the Hollywood Division,
War Activities Committee of the Motion Picture Industry.

"On behalf of the War Activities Committee,
I with to thank FANCHON -MICHAEL
AUDIEY — DON Q (JINN — JAMES VAN
TREES — Al NEWMAN — FRED SERSEN —
EMIL NEWMAN- STANLEY RABJOHN-
JIMMY MtHUGH t HAROLD ADAMSON
-TOM W. BAILY — and all the Stars and
Musicians from the whole industry who so
generously helped make this film possible
'. . . and the unions and guilds."

DARRYL F. ZANUCK

* ★ *

★ * * * ★ * *. ' * * _* .* * + ★

Wednesday, May 2, 1945

PICTURES

IS

BACK INDIE PK ON 35» BASIS

Chi s Show Biz
Sets

.. . -By BILL BCNT ,

- ■ Chicago, May 1.

An unparalleled tribute to a Chi-
cago showbiz figure is shaping up
here, i.e., the huge Variety Club
benefit show tor La Rabida Sani-
tarium, south side rest home for
children suffering from heart disease,
to be held in the Opera House Sun-
day afternoon (6). It's all because
of the late Hal Halperin, cx-"Va-
riety." who died in Florida last
March 4.

Every branch of the amusement
industry, is pitching' in to put the
Hal . Halperin Memorial Show over,
with more than one scoop chalked
up to date. To quote Edwin Silver-
man, prez of Essaness Theatres and
.chairman of the Special committee
putting on Ihc affair, "There's never
been anything like it for a single
charily event in Chicago, publicity-
wise or any other, way." Evi-
dence thereof is the terrific enffo
radio time and column space bitten
off, and by the fact that a "world
preview" of the new Samuel Gold-
wyii-Danny Kaye pic. "Wonder
Man." has been snagged to lag-end
the two-hour stage show set up by
Nate Plait of Balaban & Kalz.

Wholehearted cooperation of radio
execs, to give an idea, has resulted
in more than 20 different aims,
ranging from featured plugs .and in-
terviews on established programs lu
four 15-minute, specially produced
. "Variety Club" programs on stations
WBBM. WGN and WENR. Radio
campaign, which started last Wednes-
day <25), 11 days before I he show,
teed off with a 15-minute nighttime
program written around John Bala-
ban of B&K. who seldom makes
such public appearances, featured on
Herbic Mintz's "But Nbl Forgotten"
over WENR.

One of the plugs on Don. Mc-
Neill's Breakfast :Club, featuring
Richard J. Finnegan, publisher of
the Chicago Times and chairman of
La Rabida board of trustees, hit the
entire Blue Network, jack Kirsch.
prez of Allied Theatres, appeared oil
June Merrill's WJJD airer; Georgic
Price made a pitch on Eddie and
Fannie Cavanaugh's Gossip Club.
WGN: Paul Gibson talked on House-
wives' Protective League, WBBM:
Nikki Kaye gave it a buildup in her
WCFL nighttimcr. And thai 'ain't
all:

Elizabeth Harl gave it ID minutes
on her noontime WMAQer; Plait
spoke on Merry-Go-Round, WLS:
story of the original Pittsburgh Va-
riety Club and how it started was
dramatized in a special program
written and produced by Les Wein-
rott, WBBM; Vagabonds gave it the
works for a quarter-hour on WENR:
Johnny Neblett's So the Story Goes
wve it another 15 minutes on
WBBM; Herb Graffls plugged it on
his WIND newscasts; Bill Anson did
likewise on his three-a-day stints
over WGN and WIND; June Baker
donated another 10 minutes on WGN;
and so on down the line.

Thirty trailers, playing in 10
Balaban & Katz houses and 20 other
deluxe houses throughout city, are
advertising the show.

Daily newspaper and trade pub-
lication blurbs also went all-oul:
Billboard. Boxofflce, Chicago Nile
Life, Film Daily, Motion Picture
Daily. This Week in Chicago; "Daily
Variety." "Variety," and others, some
of which donated sizable cash sums
'as high as $1,000 in one easel for
~ Rabida, besides devoting big'
chunks of editorial space, gave cuffo
Page ads. appealing to show people
nationwide to help put the show
over.

. ^ dailies really- went heavy on
" Columnists here who devoted one
»u» column apiece to plugging the
fhow, keeping the. publicity commit-
tee on the jump feeding them "ex-
clusive' material, were Ashton Stev-
ens and Nate Gross of the Herald -
Amciican; Irv Kupcinet and Bait v
Walker pf the Times; and W. A. S.
Douglas of the Sun.

Others, besides picture page cdi-
'ors. contributing reams of valuable
white,space were. Ray Hunt. Sunday
(ContinucdTon page 34)

Abel Cary Thomas' Will

The will of the late Abel Cary
Thomas, former secretary and gen-
eral counsel of Warner Bros. Pic-
lures, was filed for probate in N: Y.
Surrogates' .court last week. The
estate is divided into tl.ree. equal
parts, going to three sisters. '.'

Once a newspaper reporter, he
studied law and became associated
later with the late Sam Warner in
the development of talking pictures
and the establishment of theatres. He
died Feb. 21 last at his home in New
York.

The estate, declared not oyer $10,-
000, has not- yet been appraised.

Toledo Exhib Makes
Appeal to McNott
On Curfew Violation

Toledo, May 1.

Charging' "masterful evasion."
Jack O'Connell, mgr. of Loop the-
atre, yesterday (30V formally, ap-
pealed to Paul McNutt, War Man-
power Commission chairman, in
Washington, for a "fair and just
disposition of the specific issues pre-
sented" in his case.

He says Ihc issue is not whether
the Loop violated curfew, which he
admits, but whether Ralph O. Snyder.
Toledo area director, had the power
and authority to issue and order
that the theatre be closed. He says
this question was ignored by both
the Toledo and Cleveland Regional
Labor Management panels of .the
WMC.

O'Connell's petition said that in
addition to threats of drastic meas-:
tires -if— the. -theatre— did not close at
midnight; Snyder made attempts to
have the electricity shut off. induce,
film companies to refuse to supply
film and to persuade the local oper-
ators union to refuse to supply oper-
ators. When these attempts failed,
"pressure was applied lo the inter-
national union, which withdrew the
operators, thereby causing the the-
atre to cease operation at midnight,"
the- appeal declared.

AMEND ANTI-UNION PIX
BILL TO TAKE IN ALL

Sacramento, May 1.

Davis-Call bill,, aimed originally
at Hollywood labor unions, has been
amended to include all associations
and organizations, labor and non-
labor, in the Slate of California.

Bill, recently supported by Cecil
B. DeMille«in a personal appearance
here, was designed to prevent labor
unions from levying assessments for
political purposes.

Oral Lease Renewal

Sustained in St. Paul

Minneapolis, May 1.
The district court in St. Paul has
decided that an oral agreement for
an extension of a theatre lease is
binding when the exhibitor com-
pletes his part. Decision was handed
down in the case of Sam Zuckman,
leasee of the Mounds, St. Paul de-
luxe nabe, who was suing to re-
strain the owners of . the showhbuse
from evicting him so that they could
turn it over to other leasees.
' Zuckman originally leased the
Mounds for 10 years in 1935. Two
years later he installed a $4,000 deep
well and cooling system al his own
expense on the verbal agreement, he
testified, that at the expiration of his
lease il would be renewed for five
more years. The owners denied- the
verbal promise and. argued that tin-,
der .any circumstances it would not
be binding. The court ruled thai
Zuckman should have the house for
five, more years.

Joe Sistrom's 'Blue Skies'

Hollywood. May 1.

After huddles between Henry
Ginsberg, Paramount chief, and
Irving Berlin yesterday (30 >, it was
decided to put Joe Sislrom. Gins-
berg's executive aide, into the pro-
ducer post for "Blue Skies."

Film originally was scheduled to
be produced and directed by the
late ' Mark Sandrich. '

FOR FINANCING

New typo of film financing geared
for increased participation in hUh-
budget features by RKO Radio has
reportedly been evolved by Jf. Peter
Ralhvon, RKO, Inc., proxy, in un-
usual deals made for the production
of "The Robe" " and "Bells of St.
Mary's:"

Under the terms of the deal made
for these two ' independent produc-
tions RKO will provide distribution,
studio facilities and' the end money
(latter in case of "The Robe" only)'
for a participation in the gross rent-
als starting from the first dollar. (As
a rule bank money is returnable
from the first proceeds, with other
backers getting their coin after-
wards.)

In case of "Bells pf St. Mary's,"
Bing Crosby-Leo McCarey produc-
tion. to star Crosby and Ingrid Berg-
man, with 1 a tentative budget of
around $1,200,000, BKO would in-
vest studio facilities and provide dis-
tribution for sliding percentage
scale rising to 35% of the gross. .
■ For "The Robe." being produced
by Frank Ross and directed by Mer-
vyn LeRoy, with a reported budget
of $2,000,000 or more planned, RKO
would provide studio facilities and
end money, in addition to distribu-
tion on a sliding scale rising to 50%
of the gross.

Understood that in both deals
RICO's participation will start at
around 20% of the rentals.

From all indications new formula
has been devised, for RKO : as a
means of getting into top-budget
film production while keeping com-
pany's financial outlay at a moderate
level. Understood that RKO admin-
istrative heads have been averse
to plunging heavily on -costly nega-
tives, preferring "A" picture budg-
ets of less than $1,000,000.

New type of deals are viewed as
a cautious approach , to the .problem
of getting a larger proportion of top
pictures -on the RKO releasing
schedule.

COPS CASE 'DILLINGER'

Majors Protest Broadway Ballyhoo
Billing, Bui Biz Terrif

Following protests from the Hays
office, Warner Bros, and Paramount,
Daye "Skip" Weshner last week
eliminated references to James
Caghey, Humphrey Bogart and Alan
Ladd from newspaper advertising
copy on "Dillinger" which appeared
in N. Y. dailies last week.-.

Weshner, who is handling' the
"Dillinger'" advertising-exploitation
campaign for Monogram, has used
copy stating that James Tierncy
"Out-Bogey's Bogart, Out-Alan
Ladds Ladd. Out-Cagneys Cagney."
The Hays office requested thai Use
of star names be eliminated and
Warners, through its legal depart-
ment, wanted a "cease and desist"
demand.

N. Y. campaign on "Dillinger,"
including the sign and front lor the
Victoria theatre (700 seater), re-
portedly cost close to $17,000. Pic-
ture drew, approximately $6,000 at
the b.o. opening day, April 25. House
is scaled lo $1.20 after 5 p.m.. with
admission at 95c. in the afternoon.

Attendance the first day was
around 8.100. equivalent of capacity
for . 10 shows daily plus around
1,100 standees.

Understood that N. Y. police cosed
the house opening day figuring, as
it turned out correctly, that most of
the yeggs .in the vicinity would be !
drawn to the theatre because of . its !
gangster theme,' a common occur- 1
rence when films of this type are
played. No arrests were made, it is.,
understood, since none of the men i
spotted were among those wanted—
for the time being.

CIO Disclaims Stepping Into If wood
Strike; Pix Studios Aver Prod. Up

Welles' Doable Chore

Hollywood, May 1.

Orson Welles will function doubly
as co-producer and star in "My
Friend Bonito," tale of the bullring,
to be filmed in Mexico with Norman
Foster directing.

Jackson Leighter, the other co-
producer, has gone to Mexico City to
select locations for the picture^
which will be released by RKO.

Populati

ion Shifts
West Have UppedB.O.
There Says Depinet

Records show that a greater per-
centage of increased grosses has
come from the west during the past
four years than anywhere else in
this country, Ned E, Depinet; RKO
Pictures president, stated Monday
(30). lie returned to his homcofTcc
desk after a two-month sojourn in
Phoenix, Ariz., fully recovered from
an illness which hospitalized him
while on the Coast.

"It is easier for film. . company
western district managers to meet
expectancies because of the large
population increases in their, terri-
tories. They have definitely bene-
fitted from the trend," he said.*

Dcpiiict, who spent seven weeks at
the Arizona-Biltmore hotel, agreed
with other industry leaders that the
motion picture will be an important
force in shaping the postwar world.
He declared that newsreels. too, will
exert their influence, and their
"filler" " groove will move upward
in the public's desire for more in-
formation about happenings in the
rest of the world. He state'd that"
despite the fact he was out of touch
with the film strike situation in
Hollywood, a visit to Phoenix by
RKO studio chief, Charles Koerner,
showed thai the company, and other
studios, had the largest picture back-
logs' -in their history, and could
weather the partial stoppage quite
easily. .

Unless the Government eases
travel restrictions, Depinet added,
there will be no sales convention by
the company this year.

SOPEG SIGNS 20TH,M-G,
UA; Vj% PAY BOOST

Following • a long battle with the
Screen Office & Professional Em-
ployees Guild. Local 1, CIO, 20th-Fox,
Metro and United Artists have signed
contracts covering frontofflce em-
ployees in their N.Y. exchanges, Con-
tracts, ordered signed - by the War
Labor Board, call for a 15% increase
authorized by WLB last year as well
as additional boosts based on job
classifications which are currently in
dispute before WLB.
.Agreement - signed by the ex-
changes extends lo Aug. 1, 1945, and
includes arbitration of discharges,
grievance machinery and a defined
seniority procedure.

Lengthy battle by SOPEG for
jurisdiction over whitccollar help in
the 20th. Metro and UA N. Y. ex-
changes involved the IATSE, which
sought control oyer these employees.

Hollywood, May 1. »

In answer lo ah announcement by
a committee of 35 that CIO authori-
zation cards would be distributed in
studios this week, the CIO yesterday
(Mon.) came out flatly and denied
any plan to take such action. Union
also declared that the studio strike-
should be ended at once, Calling upon
producers to "immediately abandon
their irresponsible attitude,"

CIO. in statement signed, by Ken-
neth C. "Beight, prexy; Albert T.
Lunceford, veepee. and Phillip: Con-
nally, secretary of the Los Ahgeles
CIO council, said they had no inter-
est whatsoever in. the Hollywood
labor field and were opposed to the
strike at this time. They further
claimed that "under no circum-
stances would CIO further compli-
cate the Hollywood dispute, by per-
mitting itself to be injected info the
controversy in any way."' Commit-
tee of 05 was labelled "irresponsible
and unauthorized" by group "when
it presumed to offer CIO member 7
ship to Hollywood workers. The CIO
has no sympathy with any such pro-
posal and most definitely discourages
it."

Strike activities otherwise were
centered in the east, where L. P.
Lindeloff. international head of
painters; Ed Brown, international
prexy of IBEW, and other, tops were
reported drafting charges against
Richard Walsh, international head of
IATSE, because of his action in issu-
ing studio charters for painters, car- -
penters and .machinists. Herbert ;
Sorrell, . prexy of Conference of
Studio Unions, talked with Lindeloff
by long distance, and was told that
William Hiitchcson. international
head of carpenters, was scheduled to
arrive today.

Gene Green, the disputes chief for
ffie lOlh Regional War Labor Board,
returned to San Francisco yesterday
(Continued on page 34)"

•APEX FILM CORP. SET U£

Sacramento, May J.-'
' Apex Filrii Corp. filed paper!; here,
naming Jack Chcrtok, Donald Hyde
(of the Wm. Morris agency i and
Samuel Bcrke as incorporators.'

New indie' company plans to pro-
duce educational and commercial
pictures besides features.

Mpls. Boothmen's Wage
Tilt Goes to Arbitration

Minneapolis, May 1. ."

Unable lo reach an agreement,
Minneapolis independent exhibitors
arid the AFL booth operators' union
arc seeking conciliation by the stale
arbitration board. Exhibitors arc rc-
sislinu a union demand for a 5%
boost in pay scale plus a'- half-hour
advance period with pay.

North Central Allied, independent
exhibitors' organization, represent-
ing the exhibitors, claim present op-
erating conditions do. not warrant
a*ny increase.

COL'S 3-DAY SALES
CONVENTION IN CHI

District' and branch managers of
Columbia opened a three-day .soles
confab -in Chicago yesterday (Tues.) '
at Drake hotel. Meeting Will serve
a threefold 'purpose. First, the. sales
chiefs will work out a redistribution
plan on all future: releases to' meet
current raw slock shortage. Second,
they will map out distrib methods on
1945-46 product, and discuss distri-
bution for such outstanding films as
"Fighting Guardsman," "A Thousand
and One Nights" . and "Over 21."
Third, will be discussion of meth-
ods for advancing the "Montague
20lh Anniversary Campaign,"

Homeofflce executives attending
include A. Montague, Rube Jackter,
M. J. Wcisfcldt; Louis Astor and
Louis Weinberg. Besides the divi-
sion and district managers only the
exchange managers in spots where
there is no supervision will attend.

Goldberg Segnes From
Negro Pix to Canadian

Jack Goldberg, president of Hol-
lywood Pictures, which plans turn-
ing out a scries of 12 pictures with
all-Negro casts in Hollywood during
Ihc coming year, left for Montreal
yesterday (Tuesday) to lay plans
for Ihc production above the border
of six . features by the Northwestern
Picture Co., of which he is general
manager.

While in Montreal Goldberg will
interview authors, in search of mate-
rial with a Canadian background.
He will go on to Torpnto from there
lo make temporary headquarters
with J. Cowan, head of Editorial
Services. Ltd. It is hoped lo start
production on the first of the Ca-
iiadiun-mudes sometime in June.

'MAN' TRIO INTO 'BROOKLYN'

Hollywood. May 1.

Samuel Coldwvn assigned' Virginia
Mayo and Vcra-Ellcn to femme roles
opposite Danny Kaye in the forth-
coming comedy, "The Kid From
Brooklyn." \

Pair recently worked with Kaye
in "The Wonder Man." ' « ■

14

PICTURES

Wednesday, May 2, 1915

If way Strands 2-Day Partial Shutdown
For Admitting Kids No Cause for Alarm

In Broadway managerial circles*-:
no alarming significance is seen in
the closing penally meted out to the
N. Y. Strand because of admittance
of minors, with License Commis-
sioner Paul Moss: closing ' the house
yesterday (Tue'sday) and . today
(Wed.) until 3:05 p.m. except that
it serves to warn operators generally
that extreme precautions must be
taken w ith respect to selling tickets
to children when unaccompanied by
parents or guardian.

However, pointed out that there
has been a general tightening up on
the problem and managers have for
come time now been on the alert to
pull minors off lines. Cashiers have
also been warned to watch out for
kids getting up to ticket windows
who look suspicious as to age. Board,
of Education representatives have
from time to time come around to
the Broadway theatres but pointed
cut that if violations arc occurring
they have to depend largely on com-
plaints from civilfans.

At a mass meeting of N. Y. exhibi-
tors and managers yesterday morn-
ing- (Tuesday) at the Riverside.
N. Y., a Skouras- theatre, whea Slate'
Industrial Commissioner Edward
Corsi outlined regulations with re-
spect to the employment of minors
iif picture houses, -occasion -'Was taken
by Waller :0'Lcar.v, Board of Edu-
cation official, .to stress that the
board was interested in seeing that
school kids were not admitted to
theatres up to 3 p.m. He added that
Inspectors would be sent when, com-
plaints of violation were received.

Strand spokesmen call "Unjust"
License Commissioner Moss' action
in ordering the house shuttered from
midnight Monday (30) to 3:0S .yester-
day (Tuesday) and for a similar pc-
starting Tuesday midnight. Incident-
ally it's pointed out that the Strand
.and all other WB theatres through-
out the country gave up nearly $1,-
000.000 in receipts by closing, all day
Saturday (.14) in tribute to FDR. ■/'

House was handed one of the most
drastic penalties ever levied against a
theatre on such a charge. Hearing was
held Monday (30) in . Moss' office
immediately after the pinch was
made for violation of the city's ordi-
nance forbidding sales to patrons
under 16 during school hours.

It's customary at that house, , as
■well as other houses on Broadway,
to pick leenstcrs out of the morning
■ line before, they reach, the cashiers'
wickets. In this way, school-agers
are weeded out before they get to
the eashicrs who are also instructed
to ask for their age and refuse ad-
mittance to those below 16. Ticket-
taker is instructed lo go through the
same procedure if youngsters get.
past the cashier. Kids . often beat
, the rap by going in with an adult.
Warners yesterday (Tuesday)
posted a sign in front of the house
'explaining the situation, calling the
. shuttering an ''arbitrary penalty im-
posed by License Commissioner
Moss' after he found an accidental
violation.

DETROIT SUBURBAN
NABti'S TRUST SUIT

Detroit, May 1.
An anti-trust suit against 10. fMm
'distributors' was filed in Federal'
court here last week by Nicholas
George, operator of the". suburban.
Allen Park. '

In naming most of the major film
exchanges, George charges that the
two other nearby houses in his area
—the Lincoln/Park and 'United De-
troit's • Mel theatre— obtained the
best bookings.

- He also charges that because of
litis condition he had to. resort to
giving away dishes and lo putting
in vaudeville shbws "to meet the
unfair competition." '.'because of this
he also is asking damages for the
alleged losses he had to lake to
meet the competition in the nearby
suburbs.

20th Generally Denies
In 500G Wilson' Suit

Denying all allegations, 20th Cen-
tury-Fox has asked for. dismissal of
the $500,000 .plagiarism suit brought
by Anthony Rjchard Pinci, former
Washington, correspondent, iiv an-
swers filed .last week in- N! Y. fed-
eral court. Suit involves the alleged
piracy of Pinci|s. copyrighted play,
"Woodrow Wilson," by Fox in pro-
ducing its film, "Wilson."

Fox, in lis answer, admits that
Pinci' had submitted the manuscript
in 1937 and 1040, but assert that both
limes j the documents were' "returned
unopened.

Pinci also seeks an accounting of
profits froip the alleged 'infringe-
ment.

Dave Lewis' Own Indie
Co. After Int'l Chores

Hollywood, May 1.
David Lewis, currently producing
Tomorrow. Is Forever" for Goetz-
Spitz's International, will check out
of that studio with conclusion of this
filming.

Lewis, plans forming his own indie
production unit. "Forever", is his
first was "It's a Pleasure."

Newsrcels Expect Pix
Of Mussolini's Death

Although lacking any definite
word from their reps in Europe thus
far, the Ave newsrecl companies ex-
pect to have the death of Mussolini
in pictures. Fact that Italian news-
reel cameramen were in Milan when
the former Fascist ruler's body was
dumped in the public square there
leads newsreel officials' -in N. Y. to
expect early foOUigo even if no
member of the American newsrecl
pool was in that city at the time.

Next bi? story from Europe ' for
the newsrccls is expected to be
either the "death of Hitler and. or
the official Gorman surrender. In
the meantime, the newsreel boys in
N. Y. are marking time for the ar-
rival of V-E Day,' hoping there will
be no last-minuto dumping of ma-
terial in their laps with a "must run"
request. The newsrccls had . com-'
plcte reels all set up for D-D ay but
at the last minute had. another com-
plete reel from the . OWI handed
them with the request' that it be
used to replace the' France invasion
etory. .

J. T. ABELES' U CALL

Hollywood, May 1.
Julian T. Abeles, film copyright at-
torney, arrived from New York to-
day (1).

Universal has him here. under spe-
cial retainer for several matters.

Fineman With Kirkland
In N. Y. Legit Venture

Hollywood, May 1.

Mary Pickford and Bcrnie Fine-
man's deal to cp-producc a scries of
films for United Artists release has
been called off because of the raw-
stock situation. Fineman.. instead,
will co-produce a . play with Jack
Kirkland, "Everything We Are,"
written by latter.

Fineman leaves for New York
within a fortnight to start easting on
legitcr, which is slated for early fall
production on Broadway.

Bemelmans to B'way

Hollywood, May 1.

Ludwig Bemelmans will head east
immediately after requesting and re-
ceiving release from his writing com-
mitment to Walter Wangcr for "Scar-
let Street.'' Bemelmans. wanted re-
lease from pact to work with Jed
Harris on production of his new play.
"Blue Danube."

Dudley Nichols has been called in
lo lake over finishing of "Street"
screenplay.

Aaron May Head
M-G Coast Div.

Appointment of John S. Allen,
Metro's, branch manager in Wash-
ington to post of district head with'
supervision over ■ the .Washington,
Pittsburgh and Cincinnati territories,
brings to 12 the number of sales dis-
tricts set up by Metro in line with
its policy to intensify Meld coverage.
Allen entered the film biz as a sales-
man for United Artists in 1025, two
years later swinging r to Metro, also as
a seller, in Cincinnati,

Coincident with the increase in
districts, Metro two weeks ago cre-
ated a fourth division in the south
with Rudolph Berger, former dis-
trict head at Washington, in charge,
out of New Orleans, and reported a
fifth is planned; for the Pacific Coast
area, which is now part of the divi-
sion manned by Jack Flyiin from
Chicago. Understood that Edwin A.
Aaron, in charge of circuit sales at
the h.o., may be moved up to head
a new Coast divish, embracing the
Los Angeles, San- Francisco, Seattle,
Portland, Salt Lake City and Denver
ofilces. George Hickey, headquar-
tering in L.A., and Jong with Metro,
is district manager over Pacific Slope
branches.

Four branch promotions were
made by Metro during . the past
week, one lo succeed an exchange
manager who was moved up to a
district sales post. Jack Mundstuk.
who was sales manager at Cleveland,
takes over at Buffalo, succeeding
Ralph Maw. who was given a district
in the northwest. Other promotions
are Gerald McGlynn, Des Moines
salesman, who becomes branch mail'
ager at Omaha; J. G. Kcriiplgcn be
ing promoted to the larger exchange
at Milwaukee following leave of ab
sence granted Harry Shumow due
lo illness, and Harry . Rosenblatt,
Boston salesman, who takes charge
of: the New Haven office.

At a luncheon Friday (27), attend-
ed by Metro h.o. sales execs. Berger,
newly-appointed southern div. man-
ager, and company's four new dis-
trict heads. Allen, Maw. Herman
Ripps and Henry Friedcl. William F.
Rodgers, v.p! ' in charge of distribu-
tion for Metro, reaffirmed his policy
of more intensive sales coverage of
the country in line with cementing
closer relations between buyer and
seller.

LA. to N. Y.

Louise Allbrilton.
Muriel Babcock.
Edgar 'Bergen.
Steve Broidy.
Remo Bulfano.
Rcnec Carson.
Helmut Daiiline. •
Leonard Goldstein.
Jules Goldstonc.
Hugh Herbert.
Andrea King.
Howard Koch,
Herb Lamb.
Vincent A. Marco.
Harry Meller*
Joe Nadcll,
Ermaii Pcssis.
Allen Rivkin.
Harold Rose.
Dore Schary.
— F-. J. Smallcy.—
Ethel Smith.
Arturo Toscanini.
Charles Wagenhcim.

N. Y. to L. A.

Julian T. Abeles.
Barry Buchanan.
Hal Hackett.
Carl Lescrman.
. Pete Martin.
Sonny Worblin.

lefty Writes a Letter'

By Joe Laurie, Jr.

++♦♦+♦♦+♦♦ M M M M M M M M M M M M ♦♦♦♦♦+++^

Frank Scully,

Shallit Be Vaude?, Calif.

Dear Frank:

It's been some time since you wrote inc. that open letter, and since I'm
respectful of, the paper shortage, I've taken all this time to answer it
After all, "Variety" has other things to print besides our "open letters." '

Well, now, as to your banjo player friend who escaped to direct radio
shows. I never knew a banjo player could do a Houdini. Look at niv
pal, Ashton Stevens— With all the chances he has had to escape he sliil
shakes a mean pick. Your, friend the escaped banjoist, sez, quote: "Vaude-
ville would have never died .had Amc rican. theatre managers been as smart
as those in England"— unquote. Because they realized the. difference he.
tween sound that comes from, picts and the weak voices of the actors, so"
they were tho.-flrsl to amplify' their stages. And that's why vaudeville
died in America.

So the American managers of 'vaudeville weren't smart? . Well sh-
Percy Williams jett over 15,000,000; B. F. Keith and E. F. Albec loft that
much apiece; Marcus Locw, Alex Pantagcs, Mike Shea, Sullivan and Con-,
sidino. Martin Beck, Hommerslcini. Hyde and Bchman, Kconcy, William
Fox, Marcus Hoiman, CJiis Sun and niany ethers retired from vaude with
plenty of moolah. Of course, the English managers are still in business,
but you know England is a. country of tradition, especially in show, busi-
ness, and you know the only tradition We have here in show business is—
to break it down.. -- ,

There have been hundreds of reasons given why vaudeville died. It'
doesn't matter why. except to the old agents, and actors who have' an old
drop left over. But as long as we arc making post mortoms, let's look at
the record.

When the big picture houses entered the entertainment field it sounded
the death knell of vaudeville. Large seating capacities for small admission
prices.. Mass production! The big houses killed personalities. And per-
sonalities were the life stream of old vaudeville. The wink of an eye, the
raising of an eyebrow, the flip of a hand,' the different expressions used
by the great personalities of vaudeville— all these were gone. Captain
Auger looked like' Little Billy on the big movie house stages. The; old ■
vaudeville houses were small, intimate, you could hear and sec everything
(sometimes it wasn't so good). At the old Proctor's Fifth Ave. you could
reach up froiii -the .'stage afid lake the watch from, a customer's pocket in
the gallery. <I 'think some of the acts were, paid off that way.) The old
Palace was a pretty big home for vaudeville, but people got used lo hear-
ing and seeing. It was all in the days before radio. Your friend Mitchell
talks about amplifying the stages. There's something about amplification
in a theatre that just sort of puts a curve on the natural voice. We don't
notice 'I much today because we all. have radio ears. Dq you notice how
people nine up the radio even when it is louder than the average voice?
So the result is outside of the legit theatre i which is still intimate >. you
hcai a lot of bellowing, instca'd of the "dulcet tones" that Shakespeare
wrote about. Or was it Chuck Connors who said that? I. guess it must
have been Chuck— that's, why I remember it).

Vuiulc's N«w Life

Indie Producers Ass' n
Announces SPU Accord

Hollywood, May 1.

Interim agreement with 32 inde-
pendent producers calling for use of
Screen Players Union's members
only as extras was reported inked
in a joint statement by I. B. Chad-
wick, Independent Motion Picture
Producers Association proxy, and
Mike Jcffers, SPU business repre-
sentative. Jeffcrs also announced
SPU's certification as the "exclusive
bargaining representative for the ex-
tras was recognized by the major
companies and that the union now
is considering the counter-proposal
submitted by studio execs.

Despite opening of negotiations
between SPU and producers, how-
ever, the Screen- Extras Guild elect-
ed officers and announced it would
continue its fight for recognition.
SEG toppers elected Clyde McAloc,
prexy; Lois Lindsay, vecpee. and
Jeffrey Sayrc, secretary-treasurer.

Kay to WB Story Post

Ellingwood W. Kay, story editor
under Jacob Wilk in the Warner
Bros, home' oPflce for the past two
years, leaves New York in about
two weeks for the Coast to»assunie
a more important post in the story
department at the.Burbank studio.
Kay was a Cosmopolitan mag editor
for 10 years before joining Warners. '

With : James J. Goller resigning
some weeks ago, the WB plant has
been without a Coast story, editor.
Wilk is getting a new aide in N. Y.

Vaudeville was j list like people. When young and vigorous, it brought
new life and ideas into .show business. And when people get old. some get
childish, they repeat the same stories tiinc and time again. You try. to
be nice to the old guys and listen but after awhile you start ducking them.
That is exactly what happened lo vaudeville. It began repeating/ people
copied acts, the bookers booked live dancing acts- on a seven-act bill,
sometimes five piano acts. The managers and bookers became careless,
they knew vaudeville was going and. they ducked responsibility.. They just
tried lo squeeze the last few buck* out of a dying concern. . They just
threw a lot of acts together, regardless of the entertainment' value. They
even stopped 1 sending in reports about tho acts. The acts got careless
there was no supervision, no incentive, it was just a job! And when en-
tertainment becomes a job, then it ceases to be entertainment, and the
entertainer ceases lo be an artist.

■ Show business reflects the limes. . Times changed, and .so did vaudeville.
The carriage makers became auto makers, and the guys who sold buggy
whips started to sell auto horns. • But vaudeville really hasn't died. You-
prove it by telling aboiil those kids in Hollywood schools. There's plenty
of . swell talent around, and just as clever as any of the oldtimc vaudeville
performers, if (hey were given a chance lo "'practice." And that, Frank, is
the gimmick. Thai's why oldtimc vaudeville is dead. There is no place
lo practice. NoTSus Sun circuit, no Family United Time, no Ackcrmnii
and Harris '.'Death Trailr" no thousands of smalltime theatres where jug-
glers dropped balls and cigar boxes until they knew how to keep live in
the air, the comics who learned how in practicing on the rubes, and when
they graduated knew how lo get h laugh and timing. The burlesque shows
where fellows practiced on all kinds of bits and character parts finally
emerged with a specialty or a character that fitted them best. Club dates.
Elks' socials — they were paid off in the dark, but it was a great laboratory.
And remember, you didn't need much dough those days to get letterheads
0 Taylor trunk and cards printed reading, "Joe Doakcs, Song and Dance
Man," care of The Clipper. Boarding houses carried you, pals loaned you'
enough doush to "get by" on, there were free lunch counters, the old lady
made the wardrobe, you could hire a- drop and always owe royalties to an
author.

But now we are in high gear. Everybody wants the finished product.
They pay fabulous .salaries for good entertainers, and you will notice that
most of the lieadliners on the screen, in radio or night clubs arc oldlimers.
By 'that I mean they have had at least 25 years' experience. Bui there are
some youngsters, and darn clever ones, who've come through, as talented
kids always did in the past and will always come through in Ihe future.

We still have vaudeville, but it's been jazzed: up. The comedy radio
programs are vaudeville. The 15 and 30-minute dramas and comedies arc
really oldtimc vaudeville skits and are presented a thousand tidies belter
than tho old skits. But with all this big money and great, talent, radio
misses the one thing— the personal touch. ,.

Sez, - ' ' -

Joe Laurie. Jr..
IThc Sage (Brush) of Forest Hills)

Clem Pope Resigns, His
RKO Division Split in 3

Clohi Pope, RKO Theatres division
manager covering Cleveland, Colum-
bus and Detroit, resigned Friday
(26). He had been ill for the past
several months, and was on. a leave
of absence when he decided to quit.

Territory .handled by Pope, who
was wilh the company, for. the past
seven years, will be divided up.
Harry Schrciber becomes, city mana-
ger in Cleveland; Frank Smith. Chi-
cago division manager, adds Detroit
to his area, and Columbus theatres
will report directly to N. Y. head-
quarters.

Danziger Going
Into Fanning 100%

Bill Danziger, on special advertis-
ing and other assignments for How-
ard Dietz, v.p. in charge of pub-
licity-advertising for Metro, is leav-
ing the company shortly to settle
down as a country farmer, lie has
purchased a 130-acre farm near
Princess Anne, Md., and will leave
for there as soon' as Dietz returns
from San Francisco, which will be in
about two weeks. .

Except'.for a brief Interval in -IMS.
Danziger has been with Metro for
10 years. He was . formerly , with
Paramount and RKO.

Wednesday, May 2, 1945

15

HOT

5 TIP!

. . in this i
monstrously mischievous
tale of a race-track
fixer's titanic tribulations
with a cocky jockey!"

— Bos ley C row t her in N.Y. Times

Wednesday, May 2, 1945

Weather Rainy,

Track Slow—
BUT N. Y. PARAMOUNT
WORLD PREMIERE
of

Non-Hc
Openin
19-Year

WAY OVER 'GOB
20°/o OVER 'AND NOW

Wfilursday, May 2, 194S

Pfi&lETY

17

CRITICS BET THEIR
LAST ADJECTIVF

On This
3-Way Parlay!

11

SALTY O'ROURKE

G MY WAY'
TOMORROW

"'Salty O'Rourke' Wins . . . Has the same
quality as 'Double Indemnity'!" ■

—Alton Cook, N.Y. World-Tele.

"If you are going my way, you'll be led.
straight into the Paramount Theatre!"

— Kate Cameron, N. Y. Daily Nezvs.

"Hugely amusing... One of the slickest and
most entertaining comedies."

— Rose Pelsiuick, N~Y. Journal-Amer.

"Has all the jolt of a sock in the jaw... Kept

audience howling!" — Jane-. Corby, B'klyn Eagle

ALAN LADD

"You can expect unqualified, raving praise
for LADD in this kind of role." —World-Tele.

''LADD is to dames what Gail Russell is to

me." —Lee Mortimer, Mirror

"LADD does a grand job." —Journal- A mer. :

"LADD proves all over again that this is the
kind of role for him." —B'klyn Eagle

"This LADD vehicle is natural."

—Ethel Colby, Journal of Commerce

STANLEY CLEMENTS

>■ "The Boy of the Hour"

"Amazing young Stanley CLEMENTS from
'Going My Way* gives a magnificent char-
acterization ... His next step is stardom."

— Archer Winsten, Post

"Stories will be written especially for Stanley
CLEMENTS and reams of stuff will be printed

— Daily News

about him.

"Hold your hats for a youngster named
Stanley CLEMENTS— the boy of the

hour.

—World-Tele

"Keep your eye on CLEMENTS!

—Leo Mishkin, Morn. Teh. .

"Stanley CLEMENTS now

belongs." —Jour.-Amer.

"Stanley CLEMENTS is

news !" ' — B'klyn Jiagle

Wednesday, May 2, 1913

APRIL SHOWERS OF PRAISE FOR

APRIL 25-"Salty O'Rourke" Breaks Broadway
Record as N. Y. Critics Cheer!

APRIL 25--" Variety" Calls "Bring On Girls
Grosses "Rbusing"-"Boffo"--"Hot.

APRIL 26-"M. P. -Daily" Headlines-
it t

BRING ON THE GIRLS' LEADS ,
ALL OTHER SHOWS AT B. O.

19% Over-Average Take Is Tops In Nation-Wide Sampling of Key-City Grosses!

2 Terrific Proved
' Hits Already In

Paramount's

4th BLOCK

(-but the 5th will top it!)

'V ARIETTA' LONDON OFFICB
• St. MartU't Flar«, Tntfalsiar Nnn

INTERNATIONAL

19

Argentina's About-Face on Fflm Coin
Seen Benefiting Yank Kx Many Millions

With several million dollars at*
stake, representing the American
film company money impounded in
Argentina" for incomc tax PurP 0868
over the last 12 years, recent re-
affirmation of that country's
supreme court decision is regarded,
in U. S. picture company foreign
quarters as likely to lead shortly to
release or most of this previously
held- coin.. Fact that American distri-
bution revenue in that country dur-
ing this period was taxed on the

' basis of 50% 01 the total remitted
to N. Y., and during about half of
the period on basis of 100% of all
remitted coin, is the tipoft on the
amount of money involved. While
rebates, expected to run into eight
figures, arc due, none has been made
so far. *

The reaffirmation is said to re-
flect a more liberal attitude towards
American film interests, possibly
tied in to the switch in government
policy to the Allies, on the part of
the "Argentine government. The
Argentine supreme court about two
years ago held that only 10% of
.dlstrib 'revenue . remittable to the
U. S. was subject to the country's in-

■ conic tax, whether 5% or whatever
the tax rate was. Despite this ruling,
the income. tax division there has
continued levying the tax.

The new court decision backs up
the supreme court, ruling but the
understanding is that each American
company individually must seek re-
bate on the money due. While the
amount of revenue each American
company receives from Argentina
varies, it's understood that between
$10,000,000 and $25,000,000 is In-
volved in the tax dispute. It's hot
known in trade circles whether any-
thing like this amount actually will
be received in rebates since U. S.
distributors have been getting reg-
ular remittances from Argentine on
their dislrib biz there.

Aside from clearing the way for
more impartial taxation, the reaf-
firmation of the decision is expected
to make for better relations in Ar-.
gehtina, regarded as one of the most
profitable of all Latin-American
countries.

'While the major companies will
have to pay U. S. federal income tax
on "this money, it's the opinion of
legal lights in the trade that the coin
will not be subject to excess profits
tax even in the years when this tax
was in effect. This is because of the
setup of most major companies
which have international .siibidi-
arios;.' These subsids' principal
source of revenue is from the for-
eign market, and as such it has not
been Included in the excess profits
taxes of recently reporting picture
companies in their financial slate-,
ments.

Foreign Sales Chiefs ,
Off on European 0.0.

Murray Silverslone, 20th-Fox In-
ternational prexy, has arrived in
London and it's understood he'll
visit Paris and size up European
market. His brother, Arthur Silver-
stone, company's homeoffice rep in
Great Britain,, accompanied him to
London.

London. Walter Gould, United Art-
ists foreign manager, and Emannu'cl
Silverslone, his assistant, also have
arrlve'd in London.

Nearly all picture : company for-
eign chieftains expect to have visited
Europe within the nest two months.
Phil Reisman. RKO foreign sales
chief; Robert. Schlcss, Paramount's
European head; Joseph Seldelman.
Universal International prexy; and
Joe Hummel, Warner Bros. European
head, and WB International proxy,
either have been to Paris or are
there now. .

Spam, Russia, Turkey
Mkts. for U. S. Theatre,
Proj. Equipment Loom

Washington, May 1.

Good markets' for American mo
tion picture and theatre equipment
manufacturers lie in Spain, Russia
and Turkey, the film unit of the U. S.
Commerce Department reports. So
far as Spain is concerned, at least
the big stumbling block is to get dol-
lars collected-out of- the country.

Equipment . in all the countries
previously has been mostly German
—both projection and for studios.
However, the American product is
highly regarded and the Commerce
Dept. feels that considerable business
can be done after the war.

Greene in NSG London
Bow; Dixey's New One

- London, May 1.

"Deserl Rats," which opened at
the Adelphi April 26, looks like a
dubious entry. It got lukewarm
praise from the critics. It has Rich-
ard Greene, stage and screen star, in
the lead in an interesting story of
the Libyan campaign.

"While Parents Sleep," • revival
starring Phyllis Dixcy, started ai the'
Whitehall. April 24. making a dual
bill wiih "Peek-a-boo."

Sabotage Suspected In
Mexico Vs. U. S. Film

. Mexico City, May 1.
Sabotage .against Mexico screen
productions in which leaders of the
recently organized picture labor
union arc starred, apparently has
started to effect U.S. films. This
was suspected during showing of
"Going My Way" at the Cine Mag-
erit, first-run here. ■ Scenes from an
entirely different feature film were
thrown on screen , in middle of the
Bing Crosby opus, resulting in an
uproar that halted the show for
some time. National Union projec-
tionist claimed it was all a mistake.
■ :Howevor, the National union also
v \vas blamed for impairing sound and
projection in like manner on fea-
tures starring Cantlnflas, Jorge Ne-
grete and Maria Felix, leaders of
mow opposition union. National now
"as only theatre workers as mem-
bers but covers the vital projectlon-
. ists group.

Argentina Lifts Ban

On 'Great Dictator'

Buenos Aires, May 1.

Argentine government has formal-
ly lifted its ban on Charlie Chaplin's
"Great Dictator," indicating -that
other anti-Nazi pictures soon may be
permitted to show in that country.

Actually, Paramount won .first
Okay when permission was given for
exhibition of . "The Hitler Gang."
Complete change of altitude is se-
quel to recent declaration of war
against the Axis. There arc prob
ably eight to 10 other anti-Nazi pic
tures awaiting approval for .dislri
billion in this country...

WB Would Build Own
Houses in Australasia

. Sydney,' May 1,
Wolfe Cohen, Warner Bros, hew
foreign vice-president in charge of
Australasia and Latin-America, here
on a visit, has revealed that if War-
ners could not get showcases for its
product in Australia, they would
build their own theatres in key
cities.

Cohen stated Warners had no de-
sire to enter the exhibition field in
competition with other circuits.

Welles May Do Mex Pic

Mexico City. April 24.
Norman Foster, whir "has been in
Mexico several years writing and
producing films, is in Hollywood to
talk over a picture with Orson
Welles.

Welles would be starred in this
production, which would be made in
Mexico.

Current London Shows

London. May 1.

"Another Love Story," Phoenix.

"Appointment Death," Piccadilly.

"Arsenic A Old Lace." Strand.

"Blithe Spirit," Duchess.

"Desert Rats," Adelphi.

"Gaieties," Winter Garden.

"Gay Rosalinda," Palace.

"Happy * Glorious," Palladium

"Honeymoon," York's.

"Irene," His Majesty V

"iMiy Edinburgh," Playhouse.

"Laugh Town Laugh," Stol.l.

"Love In Idleness," Lyric.

"Madame Lonise." Garrick.
. "Nighl' Venice/' Cambridge

"No Medals," Vaudeville.

••Panama Ilattie," Adelphi.

"Peek-A-Boo Parents," Whitehall.

"Perchance to Dream," Hipp.

"Private Lives," Apollo.

"See How They Run,*' Comedy.
• "Shop SIS' Corner,'! St; Martins.

"Strike It Again," Wales.
. "Sweeter Lower," Ambassadors.
-"The Assassin," Savoy.

"Three's a Family/' Saville.

"Three Waltzes," Princes. .

"Tomorrow, World." Aldwych

"While Sun Shines," Globe.

"Wind of Heaven," St. James

"Yearn Between," Wyndharhs

"Yellow Sands." Westminster.

Despite Booming B.O.,
Aussies Still Ask U. S.
Top Product for

Sydney, March 22.

U. S. .films like "Bclf Tolls" and
"Song of Bernad'ette," long-run hits
and high-percentaged, can't hope to
secure a wide coverage in Aussie
zones, according to indie exhibitors
unless distribs lower their rentals.
The Exhibitors Assn. banned "Bell"
in 1944 following protests to price-
fixing officials. Par was ordered not
to show film in Greater Union spots
at advanced scale. "Bell" is cur-
rently playing State here for G. U. T.
at usual admissions, and a click.

"Bernadettc" now is in its tenth
week' at. Century for Hoyts, and
there's.a move afoot now by the in-
dies to "blacklist" this 20th-Fox pic-
ture oh a general release bid. Par's
"Going My Way" may also come
under indies' ban if percentage goes
above 40%. Although film rentals
were pegged here several weeks ago
by Professor Copland, in charge of
wartime price-fixing, it's okay for
exhibs and distribs to agree .between
themselves on terms for any partic-
ular pic. Majority of exhibs and
distribs are getting along fairly well
on producf~dcals, headaches coming
when films like "Bell" and. "Berna-
dette" are being set for general re-
lease.

Indie exhibitors say they .will con-
tinue to blacklist any picture in
50% or better percentage bracket.
Independents also are up-in-arms
over big .circuits dealing for top
product at above the. 50% mark.

IL S. Hits Do Big in London's West End;
'Spirit' Still Champ in 4th Yr.; 'Arsenic'
Big 3d, 'Sun Shines,' lower' Both 2d

Mex. Censors Relax

■ Mexico City, May 1.
Mexican, picture censor's are be
coming more lenient, having let the
sequence showing a. scantily clad
artist's model pass in 'Twilight,"
which Clasa Films- produced. Orig
irially, the censorial experts ordered
this, cut but later decided to leave
it in but ordering that the film be
shown only to adults. Picture stars
Artwo dc Cordoba and Gloria
Marin.

Frisco Show Biz

Continued from page 2

men, et al., are not able to get into
town to help normalize the trade.

First slough in trade here was
about three weeks before the open-
ing of the Security meet, when the'
town was being cleared, then the
death of President Roosevelt took
another chip out, with operators
here feeling that many theatregoers
are staying away during the mourn-
ing period.

Last Saturday night when . the
false Nazi surrender rumor hit the
streets it played havoc with night
business in the theatre. People were
nervous and anticipatory for the
news. They shunned Market street
and neighborhood houses alike. Sun-
day it was the usual exhibitor's sum-
mer lament, "Weather is too nice."

So, that is the story of the show
houses, pictures and legit, in this
town. >~ '

Night clubs, due to the curfew,
have been doing one show only, and
only a few 'of the top ones ore at all
near normal: The majority have felt
the lack of transient spenders, and
the calculation is that there has been
a shrinkage of .15-25% in incomc
here. Cocktail bars have suffered
from 20-30% shrinkage, but bars in
the class hotels arc doing a land-
offiac trade, starting around six at
night and continuing through the
evening.

Wide selection of food in hotels is
an impossibility. OPA just did not
provide them with points : enough to
care for the visitors who want red
point vlttles.^ There is no butter at
all In the big hotels; sugar runs out,
sandwiches are mostly bologna, egg
and lettuce and tomato. Steaks, ham
and bacon are nix, so the boys and
gals who have tried to gel that San
Francisco top food are out of luck.

London, April 12.

"Blithe Spirit," at the Duchess,
still remains current champion of
London's West End, the Noel Cow-
ard . play being in its fourth year
and still indicating it has months
to run. ", It's undoubtedly Coward's
greatest hit, having achieved also
a long run in New York. Other-
wise, American shows are still among
the top grossers, namely "Arsenic
and Old Lace" at the Strand in third
year; "Gay Rosalinda" (called
"Rosalinda" in N. Y.), in sixth
week at Palace; "Panama Hattie,"
Adelphi, 10th week, after a run a
year ago at the Piccadilly; "3 is a
Family," Saville, 30th week; and
"Tomorrow the World," Aldwych,
31st week.

"While the Sun Shines," at Globe
and "Sweeter and Lower," at. Am-
bassadors, both In. second years;
"Strike It Again," Wales, 18th week;
and "No Medals,"" Vaudeville, 20lh
week, also are big entries. And, of
course, "Love in Idleness," new
Lunt-Fontanne play, at the Lyric, is
still big. in its 16th wceki '
Estimated Grosses

(At Rate of $4 to the Pound)

"A Night In Venice," Cambridge
(18th wk). Doing steady grosses,
but dropped during recent slump.
Now back up to around $10,000, prof-
itable. Good for months. 1

"Another Love Story," Phoenix
(13th wk). Started slowly, but Is
now gradually building up, doing
around $5,608, slight profit.

"Arsenic, and Old Lace," Strand (3d
year). Big moneymaker for Firth
Shephard. Despite length -of run,
still making plenty dough, now about
$8,500, quite profitable. Looks like
going on for months.

"Appointment With Death," Picca-
dilly (3d wk). A disappointment,
and doesn't compare with Agatha
Christie's former shows. Not ex-
ceeding $4,5Q0, and may linger briefly.

"Blithe Spirit," Duchess (4th year)
Biggest hit Coward has had to date.
Despite, length of run, still making
money for author and H. M. Tenncnt,
Ltd., the producers. Even at close to
$4,000 it is plenty profitable, as over-
head is' very small. Looks good for
many months.

"Gay Rosalinda," Palace (6th wk).
This English version of Johann
Strauss' operetta, "Die Fledftmaus,"
has proved cleanup for Bernard Del-
font. Doing steady $16,000 weekly,
which is practically capacity, with
sellouts plenty of nights. Seems as-
sured of lengthy nm. '

"Gaieties," Winter Garden (3d wk).
Got general pounding from pre?".
Despite this, it's doing pretty well,
with intake near $9,500.

"Happy i- Glorious," Palladium
(26th wk). Theatre has regular fol-
lowing, with. George Black, the pro-,
duccr, rated tops. Has been doing
steady $24,000 weekly, and is good
for many more months.

"Irene/' His Majesty's (4th wk).
This revival, started slowly, with crix
not favorably Inclined. Has been
picking up, and Is now around $10,-
400, slightly out of red. Looks like
staying for a while.

"Love In Idleness," Lyric (16th
wk). Opened to capacity, with Lunt-
Fontanne obviously an attraction.
Has been doing full house trade
since, at around $10,000, and likely
to continue to draw for run. Expect-
ed to stay till end of war, after
which stars intend to take show to
France to entertain Forces for. eight
weeks. Then expect to return home.

"Is Your Honeymoon Necessary,"
Duke of York's (34th wk). Obviously
appealing tc masses. Doing steady
$4,800. With nearly no overhead, is
yielding plenty profit to actor-pro-
ducer Ralph Lynn.

"Madame Louise," Garrick (7th
wk). Started' big and still has most
houses capacity. Doing steady $7,000,
big money for this house.

"No Medals," Vaudeville (26th wk).
Consistent moneymaker. Now aver-
aging around $7,000, which is plenty
of gravy for owners, Linnit & Dim-
fee. Good for a long time.

"Panama IlatWe," Adelphi (10th
wk). Show had a run at Piccadilly
theatre last year,' and was sent on
road when robot bombs hit London.
Since its return 'here it has done
fairly well, but not up to last yea)'.
Still out of red at around $11,000.
May close soon.

"Peek-a-Boo," Whitehall (40th wk).
This Phyllis Dixcy show has real
following, and always does fine biz,
especially at afternoon shows. Has
been steady $6,000. plenty o." profit.
Policy 'no w being changed, with
stripper doing shedding in after-
noons, and appearing in revival of
"While Parents Sleep" at nights;

"Private Lives," Apollo (23d wk).
Doing near capacity at about $7,000.
excellent. Good for several months.

"See How . They Bun," Comedy

(14th wk). Steady at around $3,000.
slight profit, but overhead is low.

"Strike It Again," Prince of Wales
(18th wk). Sid Field, the chief comic,
has definite following, with public
going to see him, regardless of what
he gives, them. Show has - clicked
from opening, with producer George
Black's name an added Inducement.
Steady at $15,000, and should stay
for some time at these figures.

"Sweeter tc Lower/' Ambassadors
(2d year). Show has had consid-
erable success, with several' months:
at capacity. Now about exhausted
Itself at around $5,000, still profitable,
but unlikely to run much longer.

"Three Is a Family," Saville (30th
wk). Got away to good" start, but
dropped off during lull. Now up
again, and at around $6,000. Is good.

"Three Waltzes," Princes (5th wk). '
Henry Sherek's first venture since
his return from Army. . Operetta
did well in provinces and looks
fairly sturdy here at around $10,000.
Should stay for quite a while.

"Tomorrow the World," Aldwych
(31st wk). Off to terrific start, doing
capacity for several months. Suf-
fered with all other shows in West
End during lull, but is now up to
near $8,000, plenty okay. .

"The Years Between," Wyndham's '
(13th wk). Doing consistently at
about $7,000, strong.

"While the Sun Shines," Globe (2d
yr). Has enjoyed immense popu-
larity since its opening, and has been
real coin-getter both for its author,
Terence Rattlgan and producers, H.
M. Tennent, Ltd, Has been steady ,
at. near $8,000. After robot bomb
lull has picked up considerably, and
bettering the $8,000 mark. Okay for
several more months.

"Yellow Sands," Westminster (4th
wk). Robert Donat's revival of Eden
Philpott's oldie, in which Cedrlc
Hardwlcke made his original hit
some years ago, looks worthy entry.
House charges $2 top.'and with small \
capacity, still averages around $5,400,
good.

More U.S. Distribs Ask
Percentage Deals, Less
Paper for Argent. MkL

Buenos Aires, April. 24. ■ ..

With additional U. S. major com-
panies joining in the practice of sell-
ing all principal product in Ar-
gentina on percentage, terms, refusal
of distributors to allow so many
passes at theatres where their film it
booked is causing considerable hard-
feeling in trade circles. Elimination
pf the overdone, pass handling and
decision to sell on percentage by
nearly every American dtstatb is '
taken to mean that distributors are
determined to place pacts on a more
legitimate' basis. Distribs say that
percentage deals simply will reflect
whether the picture is doing business •
or not. But more important, it does
away with selling features at small
flat rentals.

As in other Latin-American coun-
tries, the pass situation apparently
had got out of hand here. One dis-
trib said that some learger houses
made an exaggerated use of free
ducats, claiming that one gave out
35,000 annually. Passes had been used
too extensively for window cards
also, one dlstrib said. .

Many newspapers here received
passes In return for ad space for the
larger picture theatres, and in turn
sold them to syndicates which let
them go for a figure less than the
fixed price of the stubs. Exhibs are
holding out refusing to accept the
cost of the advertising, distribs hold
out by refusing to accept passes and
the press in turn refuses to give free
ad space. In other Latin-American
countircs, it is estimated that, passes,
given voluntarily by distribs 'to gov-
ernment officials, were found in cir-
culation so often that obviously they
were not being used by proper ot-
ficials. . When the government
cracked down on Its own employees,
the number of passes per perform-
ance dropped about 40%,

H. L. Smith Maps

Return to Paris

Harold L. Smith; rep for Motion
Picture Producers and Distributors
Assn., in Europe until the Germans
took over Paris, plans returning to
Paris in about two months. At pres-
ent he is handling film pacts, in new-
ly liberated .countries where U. SV
film companies hope to resume dls- -'
fributiort shortly. - • "

Smith plans to return to N. V. be-
fore establishing permanent head-
quarters in Paris.

PEARL BUCK'S

thrilling novel of adventure,
love and jealousy.. .under the

flame into conflict... in the hearts of
an American doctor, the woman he
married and the girl who loves him...
amid the devastation of daily bombings ! '

RKO

puts this one in top
budget for national magazine
advertising ... to '

28,645,284

CIRCULATION
—including full pages in LIFE-
WOMAN'S H OME COMPANION -
McCALL'S — RED BOOK — LOOK —
LIBERTY - TRUE STORY -
WOMAN'S DAY -PIC and the
entire FAN LIST.

LET'S TOP THEM ALL IN
THE MIGHTY 7th WAR LOAN

22

PICTURE GROSSES

Wednesday, May 2, I945

L A. Still Off, Only 'Scandal/ Lively
At 49G in 3 Spots, 'Co-Eds' 30G for 2,
OK New Pix; love Big 48G 9 H.O. in 3

Los Angeles.- May. 1.

First -run business continues con-"
aidrrably oil. with exhibitors blam-
ing (lie product. Only one new.' bill
is showing strength. -Royal Scandal"
going to excellent $49,000 or better
In I lin e theatres. "Here Come Co-
Eds" looks likely to hit only $30,000
or over in two spots. "Lake Placid
Serenade" appears scant $14,500 in
three houses. i

"Without Love" paces the hold-
overs al solid $48,000 for second week
In three spots. "Horn Blows" Is
ban-ly audible. $26,500 in three
houses, also second session, but I
-Briny On Girls" is okay $25,000 in ]
two /or second frame.

Ksllmale tor This Week

Carlhay Circle iF-WCI < 1.518: 50-
$1 i— "Dark Waters" 'UA> and "Eve
Kmw Apples" <Col> i2d wk). Okay
$4,500. Last week, slow $7,200.

Chlnrse ■Grauman-WC) (2.048: 50-
$j )— - Royal Scandal" (20th) and
"Mollv and Me" i20th). Excellent
$14,000. Last week. "Dark Waters"
(UA i and "Eve Apples" iColi, okay
$12,400.

Donntown iWBI (1.800: 50-$l >—
"Horn Blows" (WB) (2d wk). Low
$12.(100. Last week, dull $15,800.

Egyptian iF-WC) 1 1.538; 50-$D—
"Without Love- iM-G) (2d wk).
Stout $14,000. Last week, potent $17.-
700.

Pour Star 'UA-WO '900: 50-$l I—
"Dark Waters" iUA» and "Eve"
i Col i. Okay $4,000. Last week. "Su-
dan" "Ui aivl "Remember April"
(U >. *low $3,400.

Guild iF-WCI '968: 50-$l )— "Lake
Placid Serenade" (Rep) and "Faces
in For" 'Repi. Sad $3,500. Last
wc«k. •'Brewster's Millions" (UA)
and "Great Flamarion" (Rep) <2d
wk I. light $3,500.

Hawaii 'G&S) '1.100: 50-$l)—
"Phantom Speaks" (Repi and "Vam-
pire's Chest" (Repi (3d wk I. Neat
$3.. r >(in. Last week, yood $4,800.

Hollywood 'WBl '2.756: 50-$l >—
•Horn Blows" iWB) i2d wk). Off to
$7,500. Last week, weak $11,700.

Los Ance'es (D'town-WC) (2,097:
50-11 >- -"Without Love" (M-G) (2d
wk i. Steady $23,000. Last week,
husky ! 28.700.

Orpbeum iD'town) 1 2.200: 65-85)
— "Betrayal From East" (RKO> with
John Calvert magic on stage. Mild-
ish $20,500. Last week, "Cisco Kid
Returns" (Mono) with Carlos Mo-
linas. others, on stage. $21,300.

Paniagua (Pan) (2.812: 50-$l)—
"Here Come Co-Eds" (U) and "House I
of Fear" (U>.
over. La-it wee

(RKO) '2d wk) and "Rough, Tough"
(Col>. $10,200.

Paramount 'F&MI (3.389: 50-$l )—
"Bring On Girls" (Par) and "High
Powered" (Par) i2d wk). Okay $16.-
000. Last week. good $22,000.

Paramount Hollywood (F&M) (1.-
451: 50-S1 )— "Bring On Girls" (Par)
<2d wk ). Possible $9,000 after last
week's $12,000.

Hlllstreet iRKO) (2.890: 50-RO)—
"Here Come Co-Eds" (U) and
"House Fear" (U). Okay $16,500 or
close. Last week. "It's Pleasure"
<RKO) >2d wk) and "Rough, Tough"
(Co!), fmaled $14,000.

Kilt. cF-WC) (1.370: 50-$l)— "With-
out Love" (M-G) (2d wk). Nifty
$11 000. Last week, sock $14,400.

Stale iLoow's-WC) (2.404; 50-$l)—
"Royal Scandal" (20th) and "Molly
and Me" (20lh). Stout $24,000. I,ast
week. "Dark Waters" (UA) and
"Eve" i Col). $23,200.

United Artists iUA-WC) (2.100: 50-
$1 )— "Lake Placid Serenade" (Rep)
snd "Faces in Fob" (Rep). Th'in $6.-
000. Last week. "Brewster's Millions"
(UA ) and "Flamarion" (Rep) (2d
wk ). Ifi.fiOO.

I'ptown iF-WC) (1.790; 50-$l)—
"Royal Scandal" ■ 20lh > and "Molly
and Me" i20th). Big $11,000. Last
week. "Dark WatcYs" (UA) and
"Eve" i Col), neat $9,000.

Wilshire (F-WC) (2.296: 50-$l)—
"Lskc Placid .'»:renade" (Rep) and
"Fae.-s in Fog" (Rep). Vcrv weak
$5,000. Last week. "Brewster's Mil-
lions" iUA) and "Flamarion" (Rep)
C2d wk ). $4,800.

Wlllern (WB) (2.500: 50-$l )— "Horn
Blows" iWB) (2d wk). Weak tooling
at $7,000. Last week. $10,100.

Broadway Grosses

Estimated. Total Grate '

This Week.; ,. .$587,506

(Based on. 15 theatres)
Total Gross Same Week fc

Lait Year . . W4,50B

(Bused on 15 theatres)

L'viDe Still Off,
'Sudan' Okay 11G

Louisville, May l:
Biz is far. from brisk this week.
"Sudan" at the. Rialto looks nice
gross, but feeling downbeat with
the others. ■

Estimate* for This Week
Brown (Fourth Avenue) iLoew's)
(1.100: 30-40)— "Bring On Girls"
(Par). Oke $4,000 on m.o.. Last week,
"3 Caballeros'' (RKO) and "Falcon
Hollywood" (RKO). $3,500 on m.o.

Kentucky (Switow.l 1 1.200: 30-40)
—"This Man's Nn|v" (M-G) and
"Gets Her Man" iU >: Average $1,800:
Last week. "Can't Help Singing" (U )
and "Pal Wolf" ' RKO >. $1,700.

Loew's S'^ale (Locw's) (3.300; 40-
60)— "Between 2 Women" (M-G)
; and "Nothing . But Trouble" (.M-G I
' 2d wk). Holding up strong at
$12,000. Last week, big $16.000..

Mary Anderson (People's) 1 1.000:
40-60) — "God Is Co-Pilot" (WB)
(4th wki. Still sturdy at $5,000. Last
week. $5,700.

National (Standard) (2.400: 50-75)
— "Strange Illusion" i PRC) and
vaude bill topped by June Havoc.
Healthy $.12,000. Last week. "Block
Buslers" (Mono) with Bert Wheeler,
others, on stage, light $9,000.

Rialto (Fourth Avenue) 1 3.400; 40-
60)— "Sudan" iU) and "Remember
April" (U). Neck-and-neck with
State for top coin. Okay $11,000 or
over. Last week. "Bring Oh Gi(ls"
(Par), boff $16,000.

Strand (Fourth' Avenue) (1.400: 40-
60)— "Earl Carroll Vanities" (Rep)
and "Big Bonanza" (Rep). Modest
$4,000. Last week, "Unseen" (Par)
and "Double Exposure" (Par), good
$5,000.

ick. "It's Pleasure" ! Herman Lifts Tan.-Am/

Tall $18,000 in Mpls.;
'O'Rourke' Rousing 14G

Minneapolis, May. 1.
Orpheum . is out in front. Woody
Herman band boosting "Pan Ameri-
cana" to a big session. However,
"Salty O'Rourke" is heading for a
strong total at Radio City.

Estimates for This Week.
Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25)—
"Singing Sheriff" (U) and "Destiny
(U). In six days, fair $1,800. Last
week, "Mummy's Curse" (U) and
"Girl Loves Music" (U) split with
"GiLssly's Millions" (Rep) and "Kid
Sister" (PRC), $2,300 in -eight days.

Centory (P-S) '1,600: 44-60)—
"Keep Powder Dry" (M-G). Move-
over from Radio City. Mild $4,510.
Last week. "It's a Pleasure" 1 20th)
(2d wk), fair $5,200.

Gopher (P-S) 1 1.100; 40)— "Frisco
Sal" (U). Satisfactory $3,500. Last
week. "House of Fear" ( U ). $3,500

Lyrle (P-S) (1,100: 44-60)— "It's a
Pleasure" <20lh). Third downtown
stop. Mild $3,500. Last week. "Mu-
sic Millions" (M-G) (3d wk). $4,000
Orpheum (P-S) (2.800: 44-60)—
"Pan-Americana" ( RKO) and Woody
Herman , orch on stage. Big $18,000,
mainly on Herman's draw. Last
week,. "Hotel Berlin" (WB) (2d wk)
okay $4,500 in Ave days.

Badlo City (P-S) (4,000: 44-60)—
"Salty O'Rourke" (Par). Brisk $14.-
000 or over. Last week. "Keep Pow-
der Dry" (M-G). $12,500.

State (P-S) (2,300: 44-60)— "En-
chanted Cottage" iRKO) (2d wk).
Fine $8,000 after boffo $14,500 first
week.

Uptown (Par) (1.100: 44-50)— "Tree
in Brooklyn" (20th). Good $3,800 at
this nabe>- Last week. "Practically
Yours" (Par), good $3,500.

World (Par-Steffes) (350: 44-85)—
"Bernadelte" (20lh) (3d wk) (2d
run). Nice $2,000. Last week; good
$2,500.

'Have' Bigll'/ 2 G, Omaha,
'Cottage* Terrif 7'/ 2 G

Omaha, May 1.

Best bets for this generally slow
«/«rk are "To Have and Have Not"
and "Enchanted Cottage."

Estimates for This Week

Paramount iTristates) (3.000; 16-
60)— "Have. Have Not" (WB). Boffo
$11,500 at least, and holds. Last week,
"Here Come Co-Eds"- (U). $9,200.

Brandela (RKO) (1,500: 16-60)—
"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO) and
"Eve Knew Apples" (Col). Very big
$7,500. and holdover. Last week.
"Song -to Remember" (Col) and
"What ft Blondr" iRKO) (2d wk),
satis'actory $6,200.

Orpheum (Tristates) '3.000: 20-70)
—"Frisco Sal" (U) and Clyde' Lucas

orch. Jean Parker on stage. Modest
$15,000. Last week. "Suspect" (U)
and Earl. Carroll "Vanities" unit,
fairly good $16,500.

Omaba (Tristates) (2.000; 16-60)—
"Tree in Brooklyn" (20th) (3d wk)
and "Night Club Girl" (U). Fairish
$6,000; Last week, okay $9,200.

Stele (Goldberg) (865; 16-50)—
"Laura" (20tri) (2d run). Okav $3.-
000. Last week. "Meet St. Louis" (M-
G) (3d run), $2,800.

'SCANDAL' ROYAL 18G
FOR 2 DENVER SPOTS

Denver, May 1,
With three other first-runs on
holdovers, "Royal Scandal" is way
out ahead with fancy total at Den-
ver and Esquire, "National Velvet"
is good on Orpheum holdover while
"Bring on Gids" okay for third
session at the Denhnm.

Estimates for This Week
Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 35-74)—
"Sudan" (U) and "Song of Sarong"
iU). after week at. each Denver,
Esquire. Good $6,500. Last week,
"God Is Co-Pilot" (WB) and "Re-
member April" lU), movcover, big
$8,000.

Denhara (Cockrill) (1,750: 35-70)—
"Bring on 'Girls" (Par) (3d wk).
Okay $9,000. Last week, good $11,-
000.

Denver. (Fox) (2.525: 35-74)—
"Royal Scandal" (20th ) and "House
of Fear" (U), day-date with Esquire.
Nice $15,000. Last Week. "Sudan"
(U) and "Song of Sarong" (U), also
Esquire, good $14,000.

Esquire ( Fox ) (742; 35-74 )— "Roy al
Scandal" (20th) and "House Fear"
(U). also Denver. Fine $3:000. Last
week. "Sudan" (U) and "Song .Sa-
rong" (U>, also Denver., good $2,500.

Orpheum (RKO) (2.600; 35-74 )—
"National Velvet" ( M-G ) and "Holly-
wood & Vine" (PRC) (2d wk). Forte
$12,000. Last week, big $17,000.

Paramount (Fox) (2,200: 35-74)—
"Murder, My Sweet". (RKO) and
"Cisco Kid Returns" (Mono). Fancy
$8,000. Last week. "Guest in House"
(UA) and "Leave lo Blondie" (Col),
3-day holdover, and "Murder. Sweet"
(RKO) and "Cisco Kid" (Mono), 4
days, big $9,000.

Rialto (Fox) (878: 35-74)— "God Is
Co-Pilol" (WB) and "Remember
April" lUVinoveovcr. ' Fine $3,500.
Last ■'. week. "Roughly Speaking"
(WB) and "Crime -Doctor's Courage"
'Col-, good $3,000 on m.o.

'Roughly' J13y500~Best
Bet in Slow Seattle

Seattle. May 1.
Holdovers are slowing pace here
currently, and fresh entries are not
loo strong. "Roughly Speaking," at
Orpheum, looks standout: Jensen &
von Herberg are plugging "Song to
Remember.'" which opens soon at
Liberty and also the Metropolitan,
legit house leased for run.

Estimates for This Week
Blue Mouse i Hamrick-Evergreeu >.
(800; 45-80)— "3 Caballeros" (RKO)
(4th. wk) and "Topper" <FC) (2d
wk) (reissue). From • Music Hallr
Oke $4,500 in 6 days. Last ■ week,
with "Town Went Wild" (PRC) (3d
wk), good $5,500.

Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2.349; 45-80)
—"Sign of Cross" (Par) ( reissue ).
Thin $7,500 in 6 days. Last week.
"National Velvet" (M-G). great $14,-
700 in 8 days:

Liberty (J St vH) (1.650: 45-80 1—
"'Mr. Emmanuel" (UA) and "Eve
Knew Apples" (Col). Okay. $8,000.
Last week, "Tomorrow World" 'UA)
and "Let's- Go Steady" iCol) '2d'
wk). oke $6,800.

Music Box (H-E) '850: .45-80.)—
"National Velvet" (M-G). From
Fifth Ave. Big $7,000 or near. Last
week, "Thunderhead" '20lh) (3d
w.k), nifty $5,600.

Music Hall I H-E) (2.200: 45-80 T—
"Sgt. Mike" (Col ) and "Murder. Mv
Sweet" (RKO). Brisk $10,000. Las't
week, "Topper" iFC) and" "Made
Each Other" iFC) (reissues), mild
$5,100.

Orpheum (H-E) (2.600: 45-80)—
"Roughly Speaking" i WB). Strong
$13,500 or near. Last week, "Frank-
enstein" (U) and "Mummy's Curse"
<U>. great $12,100.

Palomar (Sterling) (1.350; 30-$l ) —
"G-I Honeymoon" (Mono). Yvette
Dare heading stage show. Modest
$10,000. Last week. "Great Flama-
rion" (Rep) plus Allan Jones on
stage, ditto.

Paramount (H-E) (3.039; 45-80)—
Here Come Waves" (Par) i2d wk).
Bright $10,500 after wow $19,800 last
session.

Roosevelt (Sterling) (800: 45-80)—
"Belle of Yukon" (RKO) '4th wk).'
Good $4,000 after nice $5,100 last
week.

Winter Garden (Sterling) (800; 25-
50)— "Can't Help Singing" iU) and
"Great Mike" (PRC) (3d run). Okay
$3,500 or over: Last week, 3rd run
of "Sunday Dinner" (20th) and
"Fighting Lady" (20'.h). big $.4,500.

To Have' WhamloG In
Mont'l ; 'Co-Eds' Trim 10G

Montreal'. May 1.
'To Have and Have Not" lopped
main stem houses but -bad weather-
is causing a. slight dent in. grosses.
Estimates for This Week
Palace (CT) (2.700; 35-62)— "Here
Come Co-Eds" (U). Solid $10,000.
Last week, "Winged Victory" (20th K
$9,500.

Capitol (CT) (2,700: 35-62 ^"Be-
tween 2 Women" (M-G) and "I Love
Mystery" (Col). Fairbh $8,500. Last
week, "Sudan" (U). $7,500.

Loew's (CT) (2.800; 35-67)— "Have,
Have Not" (WB). Smash $18,000.
Last week. "Meet Me St. Louis"
i M-G) (2d wk), big $11,000.'

Prioress (CT) (2.300; 30-52)— "This
Man's Navy"' (M-G) and "Power of
Whistler" (Col). Average $6,000.
L*st week, "House of Frankenstein"
(U) and "Mummy's Curse" (U) '2d
wk), biff $5,500.

Frisco Booms; Shawllps Pan-Am.' 356,
'Co-Pilot' 34G, 'Counter-Attack' 206

Key City Grosses

Estimated Total Gross
This Week.'. ... ...... .$2,703,100

(Based on 23 cities, 182 thea-
tres, chieHv first runs, riicltidiup
N. Y.)

Total Gross Same Week
Last Year. .......... .$2,672,660

(Bcyed on 24 cities, 188 (fienlrcs)

'Scandal' Robust
23a Phflly Ace

, Philadelphia, May 1.

Top grosser of week . is "It's a
Pleasure." but not big at' Ihe /MaM-
baum. "Here ' Come the Co-Eds,"
"Royal Scandal" and "The Suspect,''
all new entries, look nice, with "Scan-
dal" appearing the best newcomer in
town. Biz is far from big at most
spots.

Estimates for This Week

Aldlne (WB) (1,303; 40-85)— "Song
to Remember" (Col) (5lh wk).. Po-
tent $15,000. Fourth week was $16,200.

Arcadia (Sablosky) < 600: 40-85)--
"Music: Millions'^ (M-G) (2d run).
Sweet $7,800 at this small-seater. Last
week. "Roughly Speaking" cWB, $7,-
500, second run.

Boyd (WB) '2,560: 40-85)— "Royal
Scandal" < 20th). Nice $23,000. Last
week. "Tomorrow the World" (UA)
(2d wk), fairish $14,800.

Earie (WB) (2.760; 30-95)— "Eve
Knew Apples" (Co1) with Henry
Busse orch, others, on stage. Okay
$21,000. Last week. "Earl Carroll's
Vanities" (Rep) and Chico Marx and
Milt Britton band, trim $22,500 .

Fox (WB) (2.250: 40-85 )— "Here
Come Co-Eds" <U>. Good $18,000 or
over, plus $2,800 for Sun. at Earle.
Last week, "Bernadette" (20lh), so-so
$14,000 at pop prices.

Karlton (Goldman) (i,Q00: 40-85)—
"Woman in Window" (RKO) (2d
run). Husky $9,000. Last week. "Ex-
periment Perilous" (RKO) 1 2d run),
ditto.

Keith's fGoldman) (2.200: 40-85)—
"Sign of Cross" (Par) (reissue). A
sleeper at $10,000. Last week. "This
Man's Navy" (M-G), sad $4,000 sec-
ond run. .

Maslbaum (WB) (4.692; .40-85 )—
"It's a . Pleasure" (RKO). Okay $24 -
000. Last week. "God Is Co-Pilot"
(WB) (3d wk). big $18,500.

Stanley (WB) (2.760: 40-851 —
"Bring On Girls" (Par) (2d wk).
Mild $14,500. Last week, solid $2fi -
000 plus neat $4,000 for Sun. at Earle

Stanton (WB) (1.475: 40-85)— "Sus-
pect" (U). Bright $14,000. Last week.
"Murder. My Sweet" (RKO) (2d wk)
$8,500.

Del Up; 'Sudan Torrid
36G, 'Berlin' Okay 17G,
'DiBinger' Bangnp 20C

Detroit, May 1.

Grosses have bounced back fairly
well currently, but Saturday's peace
rumors cut quickly into "week-end
grosses. On the strong side is "Su-
dan" at the Fox. Downtown, with
"Uncertain Feeling" and Ray Kin-
ney band, also is bright. .

Estimates for This Week

Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 60-85)—
"Tree in Brooklyn" (20th ) (3d wk)
Here after two weeks at Fox. great
$15,000. Last week. "Molly and Mc"
1 20th) and "Cirmustantial Evidence"
(20th), mild $9,000.

Broadway-Capitol (United Detroit )
(2.800; 60-85) — "Dillingcr" (Mono)
and "GI - Honeymoon" (Mono)
Strong $20,000. Last week, '"Its
Pleasure" (RKO) and "High Pow-
ered" (Par), thin $9,000.

Downtown (Howard Hughes) (2 -
.800; 60-85)— "Uncertain Feeling"
(UA) (reissue) plus Ray Kinney
orch on stage. Okay $22,000. Last
week, "Crime, Inc." (PRC) and Pat-
sy Kelly, Bernie Cummins on stage,
ditto. . ;

For (Fox-Michigan) (5.000; 60-85)
—"Sudan" (U) and "I Love a Mys-
tery" (Col). Strong $36,000. Last
week, "Tree in Brooklyn" (20th) (2d
wk), boffo $30,000.

Madison (United Detroit) (1.800;
60-85)— "30 Seconds Tokyo" (M-G)
and "Sensations of '45" (UA). Firfc
$6,200. Last week. "Frenchman's
Creek'' (Par) and "Bride by Mis-
take" (RKO), $6,000 on repeat in
loop.

Michigan (United Detroit) (4.000:
80-85)— "Keep Powder Dry" (M-G)
and "Docks of N. Y." (Mono) (2d

• . San Francisco, May l

Every night's like Concv Island
here currently, what with thousand
of United Nations conference ' vWtort
being entertained. Net result is \
big spurt, in business at. nearly all
spols. , . •

■ Al, . ie Shaw's band is. packing f em
m at Golden Gate and boSstlnS
'.Pan-Americana', to boff weelf
"Royal Scandal", is sturdy on second
Warflcld week. "God Is M y Co-
Pilot is big at Fox.

Kstimales lor This Week

Fox (FWC) (4,651; 55-85 )-"God Is
Co-Pilot" (WB). Big $34,000. Last
week. "Keep Powder Dry" i M-G)
mildish $23,000. ■ '•

Warfleld (FWC) 1 2.656; 60-85 )_
"Royal Scandal" (20th) <2d wk)
Sturdy $18,000. Last week, bright
$23,000. B 1

Paramount (FWC) < 2.646; 55-85)—
"Roughly Speaking" (WB), 3 days.
"This Man's Navy" (M-G) 4 days.
Modest $20,000. Last Week, "Rough-
ly" (WB), $19,000. 8

St. Francis (FWC) (1.400; 55-85)—
"'Practically Yours' (Par). Strong
$9,000. Last week, good enough

$11,200: 8

SUte (FWC) (2.133: 55-85)— "Keep
Powder Dry" (M-G) and "Faces in
Fog" (Rep). Movcover. satisfactory
$13,000. Last week, "National Vel-
vet" (M-G). $11,000 on m.o.

Golden Gate (RKO) (2.844; 60-95)
—Artie. Shaw orch. stage show and
"Pan-Amrriciuia" (RKO). Terrific
$35,000. Last week. "Having Wonder-
ful Crime'- (RKO) plus 'stage show,
satisfactory • $28.000. .

Orpheum (Bluinenfeld ) '2.H4B: 40-
85)— "Counter-Attack'' (Col). Superb
$20,000. Last week. "In the Bag"
(UA) and "House of Fear" i-U). ordi-
nary $12,500.

United ArUsts (Blumenfcld) '1,-
207: 40-85)— "Brewster's Millions"
(UA) (5th wk). Nice $10,000. Last
week. $13,000, over hopes.

'O'Rourke' Boffo J 20,000,
Cincy Leader; 'Scandal'
14G, Tarzan' High 10G

Cincinnati. May 1.

AH ace stands are racking up win-
ners, and the general score is higher
for the second straight \veek. Three
fresh entries, all boffo. are topped
by "Sally O'Rourke." which is plenty
strong. "Royal Scandal" is next best;
then "Tarzan and Amazons." H.o.'s
arc oke.

Estimates for This Week

Albee (RKO) (3.100» 44-70)—
"Royal Scandal" (20th). Good $14.-
0(10. Last week, "Enchanted Cottage"-
(RKO). sock $2L000 for city's best
in weeks.

Capitol (RKO) (2,000: 44-70)— "En-
chanted CoUage" . (RKO) im.o.).
Sturdy $8,000. Last Week. "Bring on
Girls" (Par) (2d run), $7,000.

Family (RKO) (1.000: 30-40)—
'IPowcr of Whistler" (Col) and
"Sagebrush Heroes" (Col) split with
"Dixie Jamboree" (PRC) and "Ven-
geance" (PRC). Par $2,600. Ditto
last week for "Rough. Tough" iCol)
and "Beyond Pecos" (U) divided
with '"Remember April"' (U) and
"Man Walked Alone" (PRC).

Grand (RKO) (1.430: 44-70)— "Tar-
zan and Amazons" (RKO). Wham
S10.000. Last week. "Practically
Yours" (Par), third downtown sesh,
all right $5,500.

Keith's (United) (1.500; 44-70)—
"Molly and Me" (20th) and " Strange
Illusion" (PRC). Fairish $6,000. Last
week, "Nothing but Trouble" (M-G)
and "Circumstantial Evidence"
(20th). $5,500.

Lyric (RKO) (1.400; 44-70)—
"Bring on Girls" (Par). Second m.o.
stanza. Okay $5,000. Last week,
"Crime. Inc." (PRC) and "Eve Knew
Apples" (Col), sour $4,500.

Palace (RKO) (2.600; 44-70)—
"Saltv O'Rourke" (Par). Terrific ■
S20.000. Last week. "God Is Co-
Pilot" (WB). swell $16,500.

Shi.bert (RKO) (2,100: 44-70)—
■ro-Pilol" (WB) (m.o.). Okay $6.-
000. Last week, "Sudan" (U) (2d
run.) replaced after third dav by
"Suspicion" (RKO) and "Bachelor
Mother" (RKO) (reissues), low
$2,800.

SAM GBEEHWALD TO FAR

Hollywood. May .1.

Sam Grccnwald, formerly camera-
man with News of the Day. is leav-
ing San Francisco to take charge of
Parnmount's newsreel office in Lbs
Ancelcs. •

Grccnwald has been lcnsi ; ng the
Conference in the Bay City.

wk). Nice $19,000 after first weeks
brisk $28,000.

. Palms- SUte (United Detroit)
(3.00O: 60-85 >— "Hotel Berlin," (WB)
and "Fashion Model" (Mono). Okay
S17.000. Last week, "Tomorrow
World'' (UA) arid "There Goes Kel-
ly" (Mono), fair $12,000.

United ArtbU (United Detroit)
(2.000; 60-85)— "Thin Man Home"
i M-G) and "Gentle Annie*" (M-G)
'2d wk): Ordinary $13,000 after first
week's nice $16,500.

Wednesday, May 2, 1945

PICTURE GROSSES

23

Tlame Wow 22G, Chi Standout; 'Music'
Lusty 24G, Identity -Home Hot 40G

Chic ago, M_ay_J.

Crosses arc ■ holding "up to solid
levels with biz at some spots exceed-
ing hopfts. "Flame of Barbary Coast"
opened particularly.big at the Woods
and the second stanza is headed for a
smash $22,000. "Song to Remember"
is great $19,000 at the Apollo for its
third week. "Music for Millions'' is
socle $24,000 at United Artists. "Hav-
ing a Wonderful Crime" is choice
$21.0011 at the Palace.

Oriental, with Lena ■ Home on
stai-e. and "Identity Unknown," will
hit' big $40,000 with extra shows
helping. "Chicago, .'with "Keep Pow-
der Drv" and Gcorgio Price head-
ing stage show is a cinch $52,000.
Ksllinntes for This Week

Apollo (B&K) (1.200; 55-95)—
"Song ;■ Remember" (Col) (3d Wk).
.Fine $19,000. Last week, $21,000.

Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 55-95)—
"Keep Powder Dry" (M-G) with
Ccorgie Price heading stage bill.
Sturdy $52,000. Last week;-"Tonight,
■Every Night" (Col) with Jerry Lester
and Tommy Wonder on stage, $50,000.

Carried (B&K) (900; 55-95)— "To-
night, Every Night" (Col) (second
week in Loop). Good $11,000. Last
week. "Hangover Square" (20th) (3d
wlc 1. Snappy $9300.

Grind (RKO) (1,150; 55-95)— "Su-
dan" (U) and "Remember April" (U)
(third week in Loop). Pert $10,000.
Last week. "Doctor's Courage" (Col)
and "Love Mystery" (Col), 6 days,
and "Sudan". (U) and "Remember
April" (Ut. 1 day, $7,000.

Oriental (Iroquois) (3,240; 55-95)—
"Identity Unknown" (Rep) and Lena
Home heading stage show. Big $40,-
000. Last week. "Forever Yours"
(Mono) and Carole Landis on stage,
firm $32,000.

Palace (RKO) (2.500; 55-95)—
"Having Wonderful Crime" (RKO)
and "Pan-Americana" (RKO). Choice
$21,000. Last week. "Sudan" (U) and
"Remember- April" (U) (2d wk). 6
days, and "Having Wonderful Crime"
IRKO) and "Pan-Americana" (RKO),
1 day. bright $15,000.

Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500: 55-95)—
"Holel Berlin" (WB) (4th wk), 5
days, and "Be Seeing .Jou" (UA). 2
days. Strong $25,000. Last week.
"Hotel Berlin" (WB) (3d wk), great
$19,000.

Stale-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 55-95)—
"National Velvet" .(M-G) (3d wk).
Nifty $21,000. Last week, snug $23.-
000.

Dulled Artists (B&K) (1,700; 55-
95i— "Music- Millions" (M-G). Bril-
liant $24,000. Last week, "Tree Grows
Brooklyn" (20th) (6th wk), 6 days,
and "Music Millions" (M-G), 1 dav,
neat $17,500.

Woods (Essaness) (1.200; 55-95)—
"Flame Barbary Coast" (Rep). Smash
$22,000. Last Week. "It's a Pleasure"
(RKO) (4th wk), 3 days, and "Flame"
(Rep), 4 days, lush $19,000.

Balto Mo; 'Co-Mot'
Huge 23G, 'Women' 17G

, Baltimore, May 1.

Taking a commanding lead this
week is 'God Is My Co-Pilot" reach-
a »ew high_at the Stanley.
Between Two 'Wmen""Thd^Ttoyar
Scandal," also look big.

Estimates for This Week

Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000: 20-
60 "Between Two Women" (M-G).
Fine $17,000. Last week, "Thin Man
Home" (M-C). $15,300.

Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2.240;
f?- 7,, \—"S6ng lo Remember" (Col)
Ud wk). Holding fairly well at $13,-
000. Last week, brisk $16,400.

Keith's (Schanberger) (2,460; 20-
S2 ) n ™' Suda "" ( U) (2d wk). Okay
$9,000 after trim $13,200 last week.
«ir , y S ,,r l »'cks> (980; 25-65)—
-Earl Carroll Vanities" (Rep). Aver-
age : $4,000. -Last week, "Great
Flamanon" (Rep), $3,600.
ujl'" (Mechanic) (1,680; 20-60)—
mSK 1 T Sear «Jal" (20th). Robust
iSiS??; Lasl week - "Molly and Me"
(20th). mild $5,700.

.. r ? , ? n ' e . v „ (WB) (3.280; .25-65 )—
.God Is Co-Pilot" (WB). Drawing
bujgest trade in. weeks, socko $23>
wo. Last week, "Practically Yours"
.(Par) (2d wk). held well at $10,800.
«n> ,?4!, c !* (Loew's-UA) (1,840; 20-
*?nTn Tha ' Man Home" (M-G). Fine
v'?,?' 1 ," 10 - ^sl week. "National
N cl vel ( M-G), ste ady $4,400 on m.o.

'Scandal' Fine 10G, Leads
Columbus; 'Burma' Same

n ■' . Columbus, May I.

*ZS? xnc 5!L is generally steady this
wc*k. Objective Burma," St the
ace, is standout on J-day week-
big

$7,500. I.ast week, "Hoicl Berlin"
solid S6;500.

Ohio (Loew's) (3.074: 40-6:1) —
"Royal Scandal"' (20th) and "Power
of Whistler" (Coh. Fine $10,000. Last
week. "Keep Powder Dry" (M-G >
and'Eadie Was Lady" (Col), good
$11,200.

Palate (RKO) (3.000: 40-85)— "Ob-
jective Burma" (WB) and "Docks of
N. Y." (Mono). Sock $10,000 for 4-day
weekend: and "Slrange Illusion"
(Mono) plus Gypsy Rose Lee. 3 days.
Fair $8,300. Last week. Tommy Dor-
sey orch. big $11,000 in 3 days.

Tours' Socko 18G,
Standout in K. C.

_ Kansas City,. May 1.

Grosses . continue steady . at de-
luxers here. . "Practically Yours."
soloing at the Newman, is out in
front by a wide margin and sock biz;
'A Song lo Remember," is the run-
ner-up.- "It's a Pleasure" goes into,
its second stanza, at the Orpheum
after tall initial frame.-

Estimates for This Week
Esquire, Uptown and Fairwav
(Fox-Midwest) (820, 2.043 and 700:
40-60)— 'Bcvnadetae" (20lh). Neat
$11,000. at regular scale. Last week,
•Sudan" (U). brisk $12,000.

Midland (Loew'sJ (3,500; 45-65)—
"Song Remember" (Col) and "Leave
to Blondie" (Col). .Nice $14,000.
Last week, "Be Seeing You" . (UA)
(2d- wk ). $12,000,

Newman (Paramount) (1.900: 4'6-
65)— "Practically Yours' (Par). Sock
$18,000. Last . week. "Objective
Burma" (WB) (2d wk), nice $9,000.

Orpheum (RKO) (1,500; 46-65)—
"It's a Pleasure" (RKO) and 'Lasl
Ride" (WBl (2d wk ). Nifty $9;000
after big $13,000 opener.

Tower. (Fox-Joffee i (2J00: 39-60)
— "Utah" (Rep) and "Dangerous
Passage'' (Par) plus vaude.' Sturdy
$11,000. Last week. "Her Lucky
Night" (U) and "Big Show-Off"
(Rep) with stage revue, $10,000.

INDPLS. S0-S0; 'PILOT'
TALL 16G/S0NG UG

Indianapolis. May 1.
Biz. is spotty at local deluxers this
week, riding high with "God Is My
Co-Pilot" at the Indiana, but sagging
with "Song to Remember" at Loew's.
"Dark Waters" is about average at
Circle.

Estimates for This Week

Circle (Kalz-Dolle) (2.800: 32-55)—
"Dark Waters" (UA) and "3 Is Fami-
ly" (WB). Fairish $9,000. Last week.
"Suspect" (U) and "Cets Her Man"
(U).' $8,000.

Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3,300: 32-55)
-?"God Is Co-Pilot" (WB). Sizzling
$16,000 or over. Last week. "Here
Come Co-eds" (U> and "House of
Fear". (U), $8,000.

Keith's (Indie) (1.200: 35-65)—
"Murder in Blue ■ Room' (U) and
vaude. Okc $4,800 in 4 days. Last
week. "Gal Loves Music" (U) and
"va'iYdiCirtOO. same lime.

Loew'4 (Loew's) (2.450; 35-55)—
"Song to. Remember" (Col). Not so
•hot at $11,000. Last week, "Be Seeing
You" (UA) (2d wk). strong $10,600.

Lyric ( Katz-Dolle ) (1.200: 32-55)—
"Great Flamarian" (Rep) and "Fris-
co Sal" (U). Modest $6,000, first-run.
Lasl week. "Hangover Square" (20lh).
and "Circumstantial Evidence" (20th);'
Okay $6,500; first -run.

HUB FULL OF H.0.S WITH
'GIRLS' FANCY 28G, 2D

Boston, May 1. .
Theatre-hungry public still is gor
ing for holdovers here willv "Bring
On the Girls" giving the Mel an-
other smash week. "Sudan" at
Memorial, and "Be Seeing You" al
Orpheum, both look bright on third
weeks.

Estimates for This Week . ■
. Boston (RKO) (3.200; 50-S1.10)i—
"Zombies on Broadway" (RKO) with
Cab Calloway's Band. Pearl Bailey,
others on stage. Big $30,000: Last
week, "Tarzan Amazons" (RKO)
wilh Gloria Jcari, Mill Hcrth. Trio,
others. $27,500.

Fenwav (M-P) (1.373: 40-74) —
"Roughly Speaking" (WB) and "CI
Honeymoon" (Mono). Salisraclorv
$8,500. Last week, "Objective Bui-ma"
(WB). topped $7,500.

Majestic (Shubcrt) (1.500: 40-74)—
Brewster's .Millions" (UA i.' Not so
hot $6,000.' Last week, "Mr. Em-
manuel" (UA). sad $3,500.

Memorial (RKO) (2.900: 40-75) —
''Sudan" (U) arid "Remember April"
(U) (3d wk). Bright $18,000. Last
week. big . $22,000.

Metropolitan (M-P) (4.367: 40-74)

"Briiig Oh Girls" (Par) and "Iden-
tity Unknown" (.Rep) (2d wk). Big
$28,000, about same as first week's
total:

Orpheum (Loew) (2.900; 35-75')—
"Be Seeing You" (UA). (3d wk).
Forte $22,000. Last week, boff $28,000.

Paramount. (M-P^ (1.700; 40-74)—
"Roughly Speaking" (WB) and "GI
Honeymoon" (Mono). Smooth
$14,000. Last week, "Objective
Burma" (WB). same.

Stale (Loew) (3,200; 35-75)— "This
Man's Navy" (M-G) and "Nothing
But Trouble" (M-G). Stout $17,000.
Last week, "Be Seeing You" (UA),
$16,000. .

Translux (Translux) (900: 20-74)—
"Tahiti Nights" (Col) and "Youth on
Trial" (Col). Good $5,300. Last week,
"Strange Illusion" (PRC) and "Fog
Island" (PRC); $5,800.

'Unseen'-Spike Terrif
SOCD.C/Girls'-Vaude
Fat 20G, 'Co-Pilot' 17G

Washington. May 1. ..

Spike Jones and band will boost
"The Unseen'-' to top coin this week
at the Capitol.

Estimates for This Week

Capitol (Loewt (3,434: 44-72)—
"The Unseen" (Par) with Spike
Jones orch. Band is boosting this to
boffo $30,000. Last week, "Mr. Eman-
uel" . (UA), $16,500, a bit over hopes
but still thin.

.Colombia (Loew) (1,234; 44-72)—
"Bell Tolls" (Par). Fair $6,000. Last
week. "Thunderhead" (20th), ditto.

Earle (WB) (2,240; 80-90)— "Bring
On Girls" (Par) with- vaude. Bright
$20,000. Last week, "Song to Remem-
ber" (Col) (2d wk), strong $25,000,
and topping first week.

Keith's (RKO) (1,800; 44-66)—
"Belle of Yukon" (RKO). Opened
today (Tues.). Last week. "Sudan"
rU). trim $18,000 in 12 days, oyer
hopes.

Metropolitan (WB) (1.800; 44-66)
"God Is CO-Pilot" (WB). Light $17.-
000 on first-run policy. Lasl week.
"Hotel Berlin" (WB), modest $7,500
on m.o.

Palace (Loew) (2.778: 44-72)—
"Here Come. Waves" (Par). Mildish
$19,500. Last week, "Tree Grows in
Brooklyn'* (20th) (2d wk), nice
$19,000.

Pal

end.run, with "'Royal' s'candal,
ai Ohio, tor top coin in town.

B Estimates for This Week
"^M«i d , (Loew's') (2,500; 40-65) —
"} l !$, nt >' Marietta" (M-G) (reissue)
,! mc Doctor's Courage" (Col >.
Profitable $8,500. Last week, "Hang-
t,^' Square" (20th) and "Leave to
Blondie 1 ' (Col), nice $7,500.
ch-m^lf 1 A R »5 O) ., (1 '^ 0: 40-55)-"En-
anrf "£ d 5 olta B c (RKO) (2d run)
an a Fashion Model" (Mono). Strong

'Co-Pilot' Grand 22G,
Buff.; 'Cottage' Fat 16G

. Buffalo. May 1.

Biz is on upgrade this week., wilh
■'Cod Is My Co-Pilot" smash at Great
Lakes. Jimmy Doisey is boosting
"Uiisceh" 4(i big session al Buffalo.
"Sudan" . and "Enchanted Collage"
also arc bollb

Estimates for This Week

Buffalo (Shea) (3.500: 40-70)--"Un :
seen" (Par) and Jimmy Dorsey "icli
on -stage. Hoi $25,000. Lasl week.
"Tlumdci hcad" (20th ) and "Circiim-
slantial Ex idoncc' "(20th i. slnul $16.-
000.

Great Lukes (Shea) (3.000: 40-70).
-"Coil Is Co-Pilol" (WB). Grand
$22,000. Lasl week. "National Velvet"
( M-C y. roliusl $12,500.

Hipp (Shea) (2.100: 40-70)— ' Tliun-
derhead" (20lli) and "Circmuslantial
Evidence" (20th ) (m.o. >. Okay S8 -
000; Lasl week, "Cnc-t in House"
(UA) and' '-'Mini Alone" (PRO. po-
tenl $12,000.

Lafayette (Basil) 03.300: 40-70)—
"Sud'.in" (U) anid "Gal: Loves Music"
(U>. Slurdv $13,000. Liisl week.
"Counlcr-Aliaek" (Co!) and "She's
Sweetheart" (Col), about same:

201h Century (20th; Century. Inc.)
(3.000; 40-7(1)— "Enchanted Cottage"
(RKO) and "What a Night" (Mono).
Lotlv $16,000. Last week. "Horn
Blows Midnight" (WB) and "Identity
Unknown" (WB),'mild $10,000.

Pro?. Slow But 'Seeing'
Wow 25G; 'Sudan' 10G, 2d

Providence. May 1.

Loew's State's "I'll Be Seeing You'
is heading for a new record to top
town. Biz generally is only so-so.
Had Saturday night's peace rumor
been true, main stem houses would
have remained closed Sunday (29).
Estimates' for This Week

Albee (RKO) (2.100; 44-60)— "Pal
rick the Great" (U) and "Escape in
Fog" (Col). Opens today. Lasl
week, ."Sudan" (U) and "Power of
Whistler" (Col) (2d wk), snappy
S10.000.

Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1.400: .44-55)
—"'This" Man's 'Navy" (M-C) and
•Blond Fever" (M-C) (2d run).
Nice $5,500. Last week. "Holel Bcr
1 in" (WB) (2d run), good $5,000.

Fav\s (Fay) (2.000: 44 : 55)— "Mur-
der. Mv Sweet" (RKO)- (2d run) and
vaude on slage. ' Fair $6,000. Last
week. "Belle of Yukon" (RKO) and
vaude on stage, $7,000.

Majestic . (Fay) (2.200; 44-60)—
■■Thundei-head" (20lh) and "Bull-
llghtevs" (20th) (2d wk)."ln fornice
$14,000 after . fancy $16,000 opener.

Metropolitan .(Snider ) (1.300:. 44-
f»5 )— "RockinV in iRockics" (Col) and
Vaude on stage. Three-day weekend,
tiiir $5,000. Last week, "Accuse '
it'KCi and vaude, -same..

State (Loewl (3,200: 50-60)— "Be
Seeing You'-' (UA) and "Unwelcome
Guest" (M-G). Setting new record
a.1 . current prices with wow $25,000.
Lasl week, "This Man's Navy" (M-G)
and "Blonde Fever" (M-G); fine
$15,500.

Strand (Silverman) (2,000: 50-60>
—"Bring On Girls" (Par). Opened
Mondav (30). Last week, "Bell
Tolls" (Par) (2d wk),. nice $11,500.

N.Y. Still Spotty But Most New Films
Boff; O'Rourke'-Spivak Terrif 100G,
Dillinger Record 38G, Tarzan' Big 27G

Business continues on- spotty side
n downtown N. Y. but most of new
shows that opened the' past week are
doing from very good to socko. Sev-
eral holdovers are off a bit sharply.
'Deluding '"Horn. Blows at Midnight"
and the Vaughn Monroe orch at the
Strand, now in second week, but this
is partly due to inability of the house
lo open either yesterday (Tues.) or
today (Wed.) until 3:05 p.m. Theatre
was ordered to remain dark until
this, hour both clays by N: ; Y. License
Commissioner Paul Moss as penalty
Tor alleged sale of a ticket to a minor.
As result Strand probablv will be
cut lo $40,000. though okay and will
hold.

Among new bills of the past week-
was Paramount's "Salty O'Rourke."
with the Charlie Spivak orch; Jo
Stafford and Dean Murphy in person.
Off to a flying start, house wound
up initial week last night (Tues.) at
smash $100,000 and begins second to-
day (Wed.). Another stager with a
new show, the State, playing "Brew-
ster's Millions/' first -run, and, in per-
son. Guy Kibbee, Paul Haakon and
Milt Hcrth Trio, looks like strong
$28,000 or better.

The Astor on Friday (27) began
smartly with "Enchanted Cottage."
On initial week should hit- a very
fancy $40,000.' holding. The little Vic-
toria with "Dillinger" registered" a.
big $38,000 on. first week ended last'
night (Tues.). new high for house.:
"Tarzan and Amazons," at the Globe:
is heading for a fancy $27,000, and
holds. "Betrayal From East" is dis-
appointing at $23,000 for nine days at
Palace ending tonight (Wed.).

Away ahead among holdovers is
"Without Love," now In its sixth
week at the Music Hall, at a likely
sock $102,000 or over. "Valley of De-
cision" opens tomorrow (Thurs;)..

All Broadway theatres are primed
for the arrival of V-E Day. Saturday
night . (28) they stood ready to an-
nounce the surrender by Germany if
rumors circulating were confirmed.
No commotion in theatres was re-
ported as result of premature re-
ports and business, while good Satur-
day night (28), was not above nor-
mal.

Estimates fdt This Week
Astor (City Inv.) (1,140; 60-$1.25)
—"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO).
Opened big on Friday (27) and on
first week should hit socko $40,000,
holding. The 11th week for "Princess
Pirate" . (RKO), fine money-maker
on run. was moderate $13,000.

Capitol (Loew's) (4,820; 60-$1.20)
—"Be Seeing You" (UA), Sammy
Kaye orch, Paul Winchell, Rosario
and Antonio (4th wk). Modest $50.-
000 seen on finale, while third week
was good $65,000. On engagement
very profitable. "The Clock" (M-G)>
with George Paxton orch, Willie
Howard, Jane . Froman on- stage,
opens tomorrow (Thurs.).

Criterion (Loew's) (1.700; 60-$1.25)
—"Salome, Where She Danced" (U).
Opens today (Wed.). Second week
for "Sudan" (U) dropped to $17,-
000, good enough. Initial week was
sloutish $23,000.

Globe (Brandt) (1,416; 80-$1.20)—
"Tarzan and Amazons" (RKO).
Looking to strong $27,000. Holds.
Last week, "This Man's Navy"
(M-G) (2d wk), mild $12,000.

Gotham (Brandt) (000; 60-$1.20)—
"Col. Blimp" (UA) (5th wk). Okay
$8,500, near the $8,700 struck prior
stanza, and remains over.
. Hollywood (WB) (1,499; 50-$1.20)
—"Corn Is Green" (WB) (5th wk).
On lighter side at $16,000 or belter
but profit. Remains. Fourth frame
was $18,500.

Palace (RKO) (1,700; 60-$1.10)—
"Betrayal From East" (RKO). Dis-
appointing at only $23,000 for 9 days
ending tonight (Wed.). In ahead.
'Having Wonderful Crime" (RKO)
(2cl wk), mildish $12:000 on 5 days.
"ITs a Pleasure" (RKO) opens to-
morrow .'(Thurs.):

Paramount (Par) (3,664 : 60-$1.20)
-■"Salty 6'Rourkc" (Par). Charlie
Spivak orch. Jo Stafford and Dean
Murphy (2d wk). Combo picture and
static-show very big draw here, with
initial seven days'through last night
(Tues.) hitting smash $100,000: Con-
cluding (4lh) frame for "Practically
Yours" (Par). Benny-Goodman orch.
C'ondos Bros, and Bob Evans clocked'
$31,000. satisfactory.

Radio City Music Hall (Rocke-
fellers) (5.945; 60-$1.10)--"Wiihoiil
Love" (M-G) arid stageshow (6tli
wk-).- Still very potent at $102,000 or
over, while fifth week was socko
SriO.OOO. "Valley of Decision" (M-G)
.opens tomorrow (Thurs.).

Rlallo (Mayer) (594; 40-85 )— "Zom-
bies on' Broadway" (RKO ). Slow al
less than $6,000. Last week. "Circum-
stantial Evidence". (20th). Only $5,200.

Rivoll (UA-Par) (1.092; '76-$l. 25)—
"Affairs of Susan" (Par) (6lh wk).
Holding up well at $26,000 for 5th
round ended last night (Tues.) and
continues. Fourth week was nice
$29,000. "A Mcd^l for Benny'-' (Par)
follows, and . opening date may . be
Mav 16.

Roxv (20th) (5.88C; 60-S1.20)—
"Diamond Horseshoe" (20th), wilh

Count Basie orch. Jerry Lester, on
stage, opens today (Wed,) after three
very profitable weeks with "Royal
Scandal" (20lh), Hazel Scott, Jackie
Miles." Dick Brown and Hartnians,
■finale being oke $56,000, second week
sloul $70,000. ..

Stale (Loew's) (3.450; 43-$1.10V—
"Brewster's Millions" (UA). (1st run),
with Guy Kibbee, Paul Haakon and
Milt Hatch Trio on .stage. Strong
$28,000 o'i- better indicated. Last
week, -'-'Dorian Gray" ' (M-G.) (2d
run), "with Walter O'Keefc arid Eve-
lyn Knight, hit $29,000.

Slranfl (WB) (2.756: 60-$1.20)—
"Horn Blows" (WB) and Vaughn.
Monroe orch (2d wk). Enforced (itnn -
ing to 3:05 p.m. yesterday (Tues.).
and today (Wed.) as penalty for al-
leged sale of ticket to a minor, will
cut take this week to . a probable
$40,000, though oke. First week was
very substantial $53,000. Holds.

Victoria (Maurer) (720: 70-$1.20)— .
"Dillinger" (Morio) (2d wk). Opened
very big here last Wednesday (25),
and first week through last night
(Tues: ) being sock $38,000. house rec-
ord. Final 6 clays on sixth week of
••Thunderhead" (20th) was fair
$11,000.

'Scandal' Fat 15G
In Mild St. Loo

St. Louis, May 1.
■ Several days of rain and other
factors slowed biz in past week,
"Picture of Dorian Gary" and "Royal
Scandal" look best. With top coin
to "Belle of Yukon."

Estimates for This Week ~

Loew's (Loew) (3,172; 30-60)—
."Dorian Gray" (M-G). Nice $16,000,
Last week "Between 2 Women" (M-
G) (2d wk), big $12,000.

Orpheum (Loew) <2,000; 30-60)—
"House Frankenstein" (U) and
"Mummy's Curse" (U) (2d wk).
trim $4,500 after neat $10,000, first
stanza.

Ambassador (F&M ) (3,000: 50-60)
—"Royal Scandal" (20th) and "Iden-
tity Unknown'? (Rep). Solid $15^000
or over. Last week, "Enchanted
Cottage" (RKO) and "What a
Blonde" (RKO), $16,800.

Fox (F&M) (5,000; 50-60)— "Belle
Yukon" (RKO) and "Fog Island"
(PRC). Okay $18,000. Last week,
"Hotel Berlin" (WB) and "Great
Flamarion" (Rep), $18,500.

Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 50-60)—
"It's Pleasure" (RKO) and "Thun-
derhead" (20th). So-so $5,000. Last
week, "Bcrnadette" (20th), $8,000.

St. Louis <F&M> (4,000; 40-50)—
"Suspect" (V) and "Body Snatcher*
(RKO). Oke $4,000. Last week,
"Practically Yours" (Par) and
"Roughly Speaking" (WB), $5,50K

PiU Perk Up; Women'
Sturdy 20G, 'Scandal' Kg
12i€, 'Sodan' Robosl 9G

Pillsburgh, May 1.

Things are looking up this week.
"Between Two Women" is in upper
brackets al Stanley, and both
"Sudan" at Fulton and "A Royal
Scandal 1 * at Harris are galloping
along at nice paces.

Estimates for This Week*

Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 40-85)—
"Sudan" (U). Gol a big_ week-end
before crix tore into it. Trim $9,000
or over. Probably holds. Last week,
second of "Earl Carroll Vanities*
(Rep) (2d wk), $1,500 in 3 days.

Harris (HarrisJ (2200: 40-65)—
"Royal Scandal" (20th)., Good cam-
paign seems overcoming mixed no-
tices. Excellent $12,500. Means at
least another week. . Last week,
"Song Remember" (Col) (2d wk),
neat $8,500 in 6 days.

Venn (Loew's-UA ) (3.300; 40-65)—
"Be Seeing You" (UA) (2d wk).
Fine $19,000. Last week, great $31,-
.000.

Ritz (WB) C800; 40-65)— "Roughly
Speaking" (WB). Third downtown
week. Only $2,500 on first-run wind-
up. Last week. "God Is Co-Pilot"
(WB). movcover. sluggish $2,000.
. Senator (Harris) (1,750: 40-65)—
"Song to Remember" (Col). Here
after couple, of weeks at Harris.
Solid $4,500. Last week, "Let's Go
Steady" 'Col) and "Eadie Lady''
(Col ). $2,200.

Stanley (WB) (3,800; 40-65)— "Be-
tween 2 Women" (M-G). Sturdy
$20,000. ' Last week, "Bell Tolls"
(Par). $l3-.OO0,, above, hopes at pop
scale.

Warner (WB) (2.000; 40-65)—
VHaving Wondeiful Crime" (RKO)
and "Three Is Family" (UA). First
twiri bill here in some time. Okay
$0,500. -last week, "Roughly Speak-
ing" (WB), $7,500 on m.o.

Wednesday, May 2, 1945

\

/

/

THE BIGGEST

i

Wednesday, M»y 2, 1945

2*

With all your might!
MIGHTY 7th WAR LOAN I

-2+

Wednesday, May 2,- 1,945

There's a

in your future!

It's a picture that will have to wait.

America has an important job to do
before your smart, peacetime Ford can
be produced.

. . . But when your new Ford does ar-
rive, you'll be proud of it. For it will be
big and roomy— have plenty of "go".
Its styling will be youthful, beautiful.

Inside and out, it will be rich appearing
—with many refinements. Naturally, it
will be thrifty and reliable— as all Ford
cars have been for more than 40 years.
. . . Yes, exciting new fun is in the offing
for you. For one day the necessary "go
ahead" will come through. And we'll be
ready to start our production plans. Un-

til that time, however, the full Ford re-
sources and energies will continue to be
devoted to the needs of final Victory.

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

"THE FORD SHOW". IriHiint itattHf stars, trcktstra Ml tktns. Ihij Swrfv.'HBC mMmL 2:00 P.M., E.W.T., 0 P.M., C.W.T., 12:00 it, H.W.T.. 11:01

iMoesilay, May 2, 19f5

PICTURES 27"

Film Reviews

Klood »n the- Sun

Ai iiKiH j-tii-iiKK iic- >Viiilinii fuK ■•■;>

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Charier KiiriiRiir.

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Hnii- 1 .M.-iiiasri ...

Joliiny I'liukf....

"Blood on the Sim" has an anti-Jap
theme. somewhat familiar, but
nevertheless . timely; with an excels

may be trenchant realism, but these
are times when there is a greater
need. Est'iipisni is the word.

"The Southerner" creates too little
hope for- a solution to the difficulties
'of fai-iii. workers who constantly look
forward to the day when they can
settle forever their existence of pov.
[crly with, a long-sought harvest — a
harvest that invariably, never comes.

.This is, spccillcally, the story of
Sam aiid Nona, and their struggle to
Hi>««m;i it i.'iinin I cultivate the rich .earth. of their mid-
..RiiWri: A.viiiMd'.iK WOS f farm. It js a farm beset by
" ' ' 'i*m"ni' S liabilities, of which lack of money
: .Kiaiik ''"I'nulia j ;,l, <' food are no small factors.' Their
'. '. '. .ini'k iiiiiiiiiMu home is a patchwork of .sagging

I plunks and misguided faith.'

'■''' ''i'.wiii!' Kh'i'il 3ecau«'. Sam has no . money for
•V,V.'Aiorvin aIii.-ii. r I tre*K vegetables ;• and. milk, their

,". .'. . ."Kliyx Willi h. : youngest child. Jot. is stricken- with

i'imiim- nail 1. 1 in» "spring sickness" (pellagra). De
spile this and- the near-death -of the
boy. Sam and Nona continue to take
their chances' oh the cotton crop
though .'they could insure food for
their brood by; Sain going to work in
a, factory

Zachary Scott and ! Betty Field give
fine performances., as. do Beillah'

.JhHK'H' IVM

...... .(IriM-f. I

. , . . . .1 1> (Mian.

. . .'llii'lrKf. P.-irlt*
, llm;li Ih.'.iulniHil

Miniature Reviews

"Blood on the Sun" (Cagney-
UA i. James Cagney and Sylvia
Sidney learned in anti-Jop drama
.headed for strong biz.

"The Southerner? fUA-
Loew-Hakinii. Zachary Scott-
Betty Field in morbid, unlikely
boxofCice entry;
"The Brighton Slrangler"
,-iRKO'i. Good psychological fea-
ture for twin horror shows.

"Zombies on Broadway".
(RKOV. Bela Lugosi, Wally
Brown. Alari Carney in comedy
. chiUer-diller. Okc dualei\ ,■'_
'•Swine Out,. Sister" (SongsK
(Uf. Lightweight opus with
pleasant musical interludes.

"A Guy, a Gal ana a Pal"
(Col i A light, comedy.
"Great Day." (RKO). "British.
■> tnade yarn about Eleanor Roose-
velt's visit to England looks thin
for U.S. •

gal, boy-chases-gal, the other guy
got the same Idea, routine, ^

There is some conledjv and the act-
ing is not bad as done by Ross Hun-
er. as . the Marine who scores: Lynn

lent screenplay that gives it lei ride Isondi. the grandmother: Percy Kil
imoact. Exploitation stunts galore are ; |,i i t U.. Charles Kemper and J. Carrdl
in "its 98 minutes pi running ; Ume. N a i sh . Estelle Taylor, star of the
With James Caghey and Sylvia Sidr | xilents. is in a brief barroom brawl
ney for the marquee* this piclure j M which she's photographed

can'fjniss doing topflight business in i., ntl ( | n . ecle( | badly,
'all situations. . , , ,„., ' Jean Renoir generally directed

Second indie production by Wil- wjlh ;l ' f ee | for character, but. the
liam Cagney was piloted by direclor ! c0l , t j nll j tv and situational develop-
Frank Lloyd to get the most put .or are frequently unsteadv. The

.'• the newly-styled practice- of shorter ..-,„ pincticallv all outdoors, appears
features. . And this .situation helps (() ()ave oee ,i completed; from a
put the picture over. There was a . sl| . ais , h i; p, 0 duction standpoint, on a
lot or-grounrf to cover ^in ^ U^s lin e ; ^^WeAy modest budget,
so, the .frills^ . were omit etl. t In -Southerner" marks the producing
values^ pointed up, and the total ,. ^ m \ s a Uam of David L . Loew

6 ^gn^rSys. an American ; Kn "": /

tor of a Tokvb newspaper who dares
to print the story -'of the world-con-
quest plan, formulated by Jap inili-
tarisls. Naturally, the fur Mies when
. the sheet hits the street— the police
conRscating the papers, the Jap
secret police demanding a retraction,
from his publisher.- and the editor
threatening io walk out if the latter-
does so. Quickly. Cagiicy finds him-
self in the midst of. a dual murder
committed by the. Japs, upon a U. S. | iV .VuSs
newspaper pal and his wite. who ' u.-u;,,,,!,!
were leaving Japan to ..bring-, to
America the document, describing
the • world-conquest plot in deliiil.
The secret police frame .Cagricy c
planting the story that he wound up
In iail for the night after- a wild
party with a- couple of gals. But
not before, the editor contacts Miss
Sidney, who is playing both ends of
the spy routine in an effort also to'
-get the plan out- to the rest- or the

Th«» Brighten Si rangier

Hollywood. April 27.

'. Kl'vil'. ivli>hn». uT Jlei'lil.Hli Srhlimi 1 (Sill
ItuK.'lli .lir«jil;i«*l inn : r«*iilni-'.s .luliii . J.«nl«ri'.
.iiiii.* . 1 iiipr*-x. Mli-liHPl....?:!. Ailircl. Mil**
.\hni. h>r. liiiH*. . Iliili:i»l/* -l»irfH-l*.«l .liy ,\l«\-
.\.'i!*-*..,>k. . c »ri"u lli.-i T - Mi-iwillilliy. .Ar:n«lil
ThllliPK. Mux. .NiinH'M-k; .'inldMl di.ilw. Iluxl).
i:i':iy; rJIIIHT:!. .1. Kti.v ' I IrtTIl : K|*< - iill *f-

iVi-i:*, Vi.'i-iini|' I.. 'Wjiiki'i:; i*iliiMi-. Leu Mill-
Iti'iinl.-: nm'sh-. I.riuli'llnrlliit.; Ti-iMlenlliivm.
Ilitll.wvi'iuil, A|»iil '.'ii.v'4.'.. 'UiilininK lijn*'.

scouting a . tropical isle for said
"walking 'dead:" Remainder of story
follows the accepted "zombie" formu-
la, excepting that Brown' and Carney
go into a string of obvious comedy
tricks plus a wealth of patent slap-
stick. ' .. .
. Darby Jones, the • original 'V.orri
bie" of ihe first in this cycle, is back
talking, for Bela Lugosi. Latter is as
menacing as ever, again a mad medi-
co fhtent on trying to create "zom-
bies'' by giving live folks a shot in the
arm. Only . trouble- is that the vic-
tims have a habit ot dying after the
hypo wears off. That is until the pro
ducers decide the picture needs i
laugh finish.

Anne Jeffreys is a lively nightclub
entertainer trying : to get ;off.the trop-
ical island, and picked as first victim
for Lugosi's experiments. Picture
moves faster than previous entries in
the "zombie" cycle, with Gordon
Douglas' direction mainly respon
sible. It's lots better than the script
^ _ Wenr.

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M1NM.

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.Mi.liiid Si. Awo-I.! 1 ' "

/.Miles Mu'mirr .

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Inn W.ilfi-

Swing <lu<. XiN«*r

(SONGS):

T'iim'.-iViI |-».l..:iw,. ■ i,f lti.rn:ii-il .W. ilin-lun
lu-ii.llli.li.iu. |."..jitll|-e« ll,lil I 'ullli.riin. I'l-iini'i'M
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; I'MwiMil ll.^in. ,-:ilii<.r.ii I'Hiil. Ii'mihi. I'Vi*-

USO's $2,500,000

— Continued from paee 1

Merrick, as the gal: George Meeker,, . - . .. ■ .,,.;„.,. aMi ,. (u , «„

is the civilian, and Ted Donaldson..! legU. concert and variety act yit. in
who goes along as chaperon for the i Europe and other war theatres.,
unmarried couple. Camerawork is i Camp shows today is spending in.
average, aiid settings, such as they ' excess of $500,000 a month for its
are. are unpretentious, to ■ say the . , lvc vull overseas activities, the ■

least.

Sieu.

(in>nl llay

(BRITISII-M ADK) .

London. April H.

l;KO |irjiilH<-ili.ti nnpl ri'lfiiMv! Sl:,i.s'- I-*|..i;i
Kuh-iiiii'. Kit.' .I'.irl limn.. * l>hyi-l.;il l,y l.iiiii-*

uifiirl. -' i?.-i-.r"ii|il.i.\ - liy '.liiliii l"l:i\ ..inn. 1 -!
fr.Hii lilllV liv' i^'skl' SI 01 HI ^ rilllli'lil- I'^lXvin
ll](lii r. ; ..M 1'Hiilnrr. I^,ii.l.ni.- A iH'il l.i. Ilnn-
nlni: liine. lit ,>IINS.

.Kvi.' I'"i-i niiiii . '

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. .M:n'i:.'ll0l '-Willi-rn'l

( a :i|>IMin .Kllis<.. . . .
Mm. Kill*. . .
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IuIiii Tylnl.ile. . .

Ot,n*r**y wiiii.in.1

.Ml-*- .\liniilurii.
SY\*A 'I'yinlfi 1..

This story of. Eleanor . Roosevelt's
visit lo an: English village had scant
success as a legit play. This lllm Ver-
sion has much to commend it. yet is -
not wholly satisfying. "Looks mild for
the U. S.

The " lives . of small communilv
members center around, the W»>mon\s.
Institute as it/prepares for the great-
event. This provides the background'

money going for salaries, adminis--
nation; uniforms.. '.insurance, '-'etc. .-.

Tlic expeditedVpost-V-E Day. pro-
gram, outlined as an emergency
. measure by. the Aiiny last week "to
j answer a morale problem for 3.000,-
' 000 troops left in Europe, when' Gcf-.
. many collapses and organized flght-
' ing ceases, lias posed several other
problems. Although the legit' pro-
I gram has been, left In the hands of
j outside Broadway producers to cast,'
' direct and! produce. w : th produc-
ers through their League of New
York . Theatres fesppnding 'over-,
wheimiilgly as result of the recent
meeting at the Boolh theatre. N.
these producers, will have their
hands 'full' for one thing in finding
enough acting talent.
. It's anticipated that 5-000 actors
will be needed for; the straight
legiters alone: meaning casting call
for about 2,000 people. Camp Shows

for the slight story: Main' interest : ] is considering a ^ meeting of heads

Concerns a neurotic ex-army captain
clinging to his last war rank, cadging
drinks, borrowing from all and llnally
caught pilfering -from a woman's
purse in the local inn. The film
saves him from a watery grave
where the stage tact fully deposited
him after his useless, shiftless life
reaches this climax.
, Sheila Sim is fresh ancV natural as
his young daughter, a country girl
: who almost wi'ds her Wealthy em-
ployer for the sake of the securUy.
which her. mother, never- had. Flora
Robson- and Eric Porlm^n a«e ex-
cellent as the. unhappy parent-Si dis-
illusioned products of the War's after-,
math. ' . '. . ' .

Many ot the amusing and pathetic :
side issues ot tlie -story have been
omitted on the screen, but most of
the odd assortment of characters are

there to give local color. ' _^_ r _ L

_E.icJiir.esqii£^coiinlry scenes are
eiveh full treatment by the camera.
Makes for pleasing entertainment of
I the second-feature class. Clem.

U:i> I.

world
okay.

" rh<

Of course, it all winds' up.

i i'iiiMi. ; . . . .

. {.Tim .-.-.,'..:'• '..

^"7 ~ ^ '. ■ 1 Mnl,'ir,.y,-l,. I'.iii..

This is a neatly grooved psycho- ' j| r . HiwimM...
logical melodrama for teaming on r.ur*. itn.>imrc..i'. :

ili-Kiui 1 Sii"'-I:illy-.

The stars of this piclure are given
plenty of . opportunity to display aimed at the chiller ex-

their .histrionics. Cagnev is the same ; ""^ "{jf., „■?.",?„. mu -S rofll- 1 "'™™ ol ^'Y""'*
rough and tumble characler he's al- | ^ '^eU.V.Ts " {P'c. ft»-o.v'dcs_ a few . plwanl^miisical

so-called horror: programs. It's well
enacted, directed and produced, and
considerably, above level of usual

I.,*,. Ijinmiiml (}iilo(.\l

. ItuiinhiK Iiiii*'. '

...... UimI ' (''nliiei'oli

Ulllli'. Hurk«'.

. . . Ai-lliui- Trciiclicn*
. i l'"ni ili-l'M HHflmrii
. Jj.-iMlOlllIC IV Wll
. jSiinilli'l S. 1.1 imlH

KU7./..V KlilKllI

. .', . ..Mllliui'll Slum.

Kilxar llfmlnK

■ . .Snlii Mint
. .■.('ViiiHlnllir Tiirily
. ,S^llk:i r«lliri,ril

Lightweight material, but .with no
pretense of being anything else, this

ways been', ready to tell the Jap bi
shots off at the. drop o( a hal. Mi:-s
Sidney, back after a ton-long hialus ,
. irom Hollywood, is gowned gorge-
ously and photographs ditin:. The
makeup, job on the actors such as-
Robert Armstrong. John ' Ein.cr-y and
.the '.others in ''supporting, roles who
portray Jap. characters, is realistic
indeed. ' And the acting in this .'film,
is topflight from the smallest to Ihe
top roles. '

Several scenes are memorable.
One. showing Caghey. 'beating, the
yellow lowlifcs at jiii-jilsu: lingers,
'and the other a rough and tumble,
drag-out fight with a police officer,
using boxing lo finally frounce his
opponent, will score strongly too.
True, there are a couple or over-
drama Ik- sequences, but they just
add to the tension of whether they're'
going lo get the envelope with the
Plot out of the country, or not.
Camerawork hy : Thebdor Spnrkuhl
and settings arc classy. . but . the im-
portant factor that' will please audi-
ences after the names of Camiey ami
Miss Sidney on (lie niarquefc gel
them into the theatres, is the line
screenplay evolved by Lester Cole
from a story by Garrett Fort.

Si en.

«««.'»'' interludes to pad out a story .that
who.- anoi [ol( j s i, c fo,e it unfolds. '

. Tale is . based on' gal singer who
makes her family Ihiiik she's study-
ing for a longhair concert career
whereas she's really starring as vo-
calist in a Broadway nitcry. Her boy-
hood sweetie is 'the prominent con-
ductor (if a symphony orch who,
however, has a secret yen to shine
m as a- hot horn player. 'Eafh is at-

Mood is won-M-sUmed ^in building .tended f by^

I Plot concerns actoi'
long' run as lead in. a horror play,
assumes character's identity and
homicidal traits when suffering head
injnrv during London air raid. He
carries on the play's plot in screen
life, strangling .victims who corre-
spond to characters in the play. Plot
is familiar .to followers of radio and
book thriller material and a stands
ai d in- (he shock-'em field.

Phoney Peace Flash

Continued from pace 1

of Equity..- Chorus: Equity. ■ AGVA,
AFRA. etc., to discuss the. situation '
and possibly make an organized -
appeal to actors for' ■'their' services
overseas./

addition, Camp Shows is ex-
panding '. its departments .and its- .
space. For some - time feeling
crainped at lis 8 W. 40th sl., N. Y,
headquarters, where" it occupies Ave
floors, 'Camp Shows last week- look;
the third floor at 5th ave. and 40th
St., where it will house its combined
legit and allied . activities. Legit
departments will move over in two
weeks. -J

. Departments have been divided,
with. Franklin 'Heller, heading
straight legits, and Harry Krivit
head ing the musicals. .'Heller will
have as assistants Maurice McRae,

t Seymour Gross and Ed w a i d

: O'Connor.

I Musicals

';, Krivit .reports his ETO require-'
: ments of six to eight musicals are-
jalready set. Choice- will. be made
i from the following 10- shows.; first
tour x>i which are already in the.

will be no :relaxlng : of the curfew on" ; try stage, balance going into re-'
V-E day. N, Y. Police Com- 1 hearsal soon or being cast. "Dia-
mlssioner Valentine declared that all ! mont i Horseshoe" and "Copacabana"
drinkeries must comply with cur- j , Krivit staging both): "Up In Cen-
tew regulations on that day. How- { i,. a i. p R vk" (Mike Todd Office sl,ag-
.ever it's 'probable that niterics will j in i ): "Rosalinda"' (Larry Bolton
take advantage of the hour's leeway, directing): "Radio City Music Hall
allowed by Mayor LaGuardia. " Revue'' and "Roxy Theatre Revue"
Meanwhile, most Broadway slor.es -j : t sta'jjccl- "toy" the staffs or those two
are. making preparations for the ! N y houses); "Merry Widow" (New
event by. boarding up their windows. ; oj, ci a Co: staging): "Hellzapoppin' "
Those that haven't as yet will have 1 No< 2 (Milton Slcrn . staging), and
their carpentry completed in a day > • • g o o d News" ' and "Roherla"
or so. 1
Florello Scolds Citizenry
In his Sunday (29) -broadcast over

•: C ' Sfentr ,, ..^ ii ^cT^r-^^ ! ^ -ith- ';a wish and

WNYC, N. Y„ Mayor LaGuardia
scolded'- people for. .celebrating in
Times Square the night before, when
it was reported that Germany had
unconditionally" surrendered. He
Day arrives
iale cere-
a prayer

ton killings.. • Also excellent in the
ca.-ting are June Duprez. WAAF
who "almost falls • .victim to the
strangler. Miles Mander. Rose Ho-
barl. Gilbert Emery. Rex Evans.
Michael St. Angel, Lydia Bilbrook
and olhcvs.

Photography and . music play im-
portant parts in -furthering atmo-
spheric tension set up under Her

llie.knoi. - ' . »!-N«w Yorkers shouldri'l go our and

i However. s:nce the music's the get "soused- and slinko." He then
thing and the running; lime is short, j read a verse written for him by

producer John Golden'

there is a. fair amount of enjoyment
in the singing and music. Frances
Raeburn and Rod Cameron do the
leads well, and Arthur Treacher is
okav as the No. 2 swain courting
screwballish Jacquclin Do Wit. Only
: outstanding musical number is an or-

I'llllM.' Al'liNlS. fl-ll'IIKI. uf 1..

man Schlom's production guidance, gan specially dragged into a night
Sets and special effects also add. to club sequence, (lone, in socko form
m ood ■ Broy.: -bv Selika Pelliford. Production is

—-^ — — ! 0 n low budget. Direction is good. .

Vu«*l>i«Ns mm HrMSiilwilV 1 making mdst of the material at hand :
.fMmmUM* on nreauwa? . (1 pacing the whole thing so that
,„<„ ,„,,,>.. ^ i: ' A ;:,,-:;:;';i. f ';'^'V;;;- , it seems evei,. shorter than, the hour

it's .not o fiiiie for b'oo:e or bur.
T/iis comiiitf V-E Dhtt;
. Just mrike (i clnirfh tuliere von are
And kneel right dou-n mid pray.
Mayor queried: ''Are you listening.
Paul iMossi :■ well, he's not here bul
he usually is." He referred |o the Li-
i cense Commissioner.

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Coritlnnri: from pi(C 4

(• i Krivit doing both).
. As to. the straight legiters. air'

■ though outside producers are to cast
and direct, the processing will, be
done by USO-Camp. Shows, with
Heller.' its legit dept. head, acting
as coordinator. Sets, costumes, etc,

■ must be provided by Camp Shows,
designed" and paid for by them, most
of details still being in' Camp Shows'

, hands. Producers have stepped for-
ward to take' on 20 of the legiters.:
. .(.-quested by thi Army, this" »<!«Vi»g.
: as much as Camp Shows can handle
'at the moment. Requests- from pro-
{ ducers like Cheryl Crawford, Lester
' Meyer, Irving Cooper, Tom Wcalh-
erly. and Norman Pincus have, re-
gretfully been pigeonholed for lime
being for that- reuson,
Legiters.

Twenty legiters and directors for ■
the expanded prognim are: "Late .
' Christopher . Bean," Gilbert Miller;
•■Male Animal." Elliott Nugent;
. "Night Must FalL" Roy Hargrave
ffor. Todd office); "Junior" Miss,":,
, Ben Boyar" 'tor Max. Gordon);
Arsenic and Old Lace." Wally

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There j s sonielliing ■ di lres.--.iiv!
fboul the haphazards, of the soil's,
human migfiinls. and all -Ihe squalor
that one associates with 'their con-
dition h as been brought to ':Thc
ooulheriier." An adaptation fr.om the.
"eorgc Sessions Perrv novel. '-'HoIm
■ Autumn in Your Hand," this lilni
conjuves a naked picture or niorliiil-.
uy.thal should be the stniii'jc;t r: c-
*W to limit its boxoffice chances. It

The "zombie"^ horror film swings
over to the funny side wilh this pic-
ture . "Zombies on Broadway ' turns,
out io be a ghost comedy, with about
hair of it punched hard tor laughs,
some of which fail to materialize. A

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one a quick

a ■".111 lor : for

ainiliar rou-
hclhcr to g(i

real ..live
a ni^litcluli.
"called "Tlx

zoini>ic" at tho'opi'iiing (if lor a sci \'iccniaii or f » ( civiHaii.:nii:i»y | olick, Sol Lesser. Trem Ciirr nud I. • Grace

; S»:!.fi88,271 ..worth or ; boncls exclu- ;-j WangeV (for Lindsay Se ,Crousc);
| sivcly to studio' workers. This' has 'j "Three's A Family" ' (t wo corri-
j been accomplished through nil cx-lpanjesi, Robert Burton (for John
tensive oruaiiizatipn within Ihe stu- Golden); .'"Our Town," Jed Harris;
j dios. and in allied industries, in ■ "Double Door." Harold Winston
which 40U volunteers serve during ifov Shcpard Traube): "Springlime
i every drive, and in.' the interim j For Henry," Freeman Hammond
'■ periods keep the payroll deductions- j-'c-for' • '. Stanley- Qilkeyj: "Charlie's
al high levels. ' , ' Aunt" and "Blithe Spirit." Arthur

Executive group ol the Ginsbllrg Beckhard; ."Night of Jan. Ifi.'' Marie

" '" : "Front Page." Everett

Carly Wharton); "Kind

! Dorothy Lamniir. Ralph Byrd. Jane ' Lady," Forlcsl .-Hariri'*: .-"Meet The
'. Muii'in'.- Frank 1 C'arolhers. Carl C. Wife." j. H. Del Bondio: "Personal
i Cooper. Ucrberl Sorrell. Fred Beet- /Appearance." Ed Cassel (for How-
'- .-011. Perrv Liebcr. J. H. Rosenberg, ■ ai'd Lang): "Boy Meets Girl." Bur-
; Teel Carle and' Doit Rowland. Indi- j ton- Shevclove iror . Al. Blpomihg-
' Virtual chairmen an; W. K. Craig, E; | dale i: "Burlesque." AVthur Hopkins;
i'L bepade. Wilson R. Stone, B. B. : and "Dear Ruth." ;Kay Elmo Love,
i Kahanc A. H.: fcfcCansland, Fred 1 .Christopher Morley has sigtwl to
Ulelzler, William . Meikeljohn. Ily . play, the Narrator in "Our Town."'

- - 1 - George will direct "Kind
with Forrest Haring, and
Boland will assist. Jack . Del

-'•■■> . N " ,I " M ■ comniillcf also include- John' McCor- : Louise Elkins; "1
: VvIm'i'.m'! ' mick.. vice-chairman: David Butler,; | Sloan < for Carl

■which coiiicidcnlally is" deriding it,, favor or the tiirnii'i:
/(.mliic " Owner Slid- . reaching .(his world-shaking decision , (|u ^ (l . ies
,li„, Leonard lhiug> it's a g6od idea. ; ; ..iWi l M.«-> »m; ^'bjovl.^t lo \ m; , n all(1 Mb ^. t Ru b c „, associate, I Bondio oii "Meet the Wife/

onlv he' insist.- Uuil tlic two boys go ules of lannliaib -IhLiiicd. uov incus . , ,

E. Chadwick. . Il-ading the allied in- j- Lady"
unit are Tom Baily,' chair- .{.Mary

Wei-jsday. May 2, 1945 VK&TErY ; ??_

0RSESHOE"in Technicolor -WORLD PREMIERE Today! ROXY. New York CHy

CENTURY-FOX

so

\

Wednesday, May 2, 1915

/

WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT J THE MIGHTY 7TU WAR LOAD

\S ediu-Bday, M*y 2, 1945

WAR ACTIVITIES

31

Stars Dodging Pacific, GIs Qripe;
ENSA Comes In for English Beefs

A recurring sequence ol corn-*
plaints has reached "Variety" from
GIs in the Pacific. It's to the effect,
"What has happened to' those pa-
triotic Hollywood and radio . stars
who have been reported coming over
to entertain the troops in this sector
where they're most needed/'

The squawks raft the gamut of
honest aggrievahce to outspoken
sarcasm. Some mention that when
the CBI Roundup, an army paper,
dared to criticize ti«e stars for their
brushoft to the GIs, "Variety" was
among others who rose to champion
show business lor having done a
standout job. Now come the beets
" that instead of the brushoft they're
getting nothing at all.

True, sundry names have been
promised tor this coming summer
when "radio and picture commit-
ments permit," and it's this usage of
"commitments" which is like wav-
ing the Nippon flag at them.

Why worry about "commit-
ments?." they want to know. The
. GIs didn't worry about that when
Uncle Sam 'called them to the colors.
And if Uncle Sam gives them the
best in munitions and the. best in
food and equipment, why not carry
il further and give them the "best
in entertainment too?"

GI correspondents go further.
Firstly, they resent the attitude of
' stars as if they're playing another
benefit when they do a quickie six
or eight weeks off-shore. They say
that "if it's a matter of dollars and
cents, the GIs would rather pay a
buck or two for some real shows.
We've got all the coin for that be-
. cause we can't spend it anyway."

PM Silvers to USO

Phil Silvers has cancelled plans
for a p.a. date at the Boxy, N. Y.,.to
go on an USO-Camp Shows over-
seas tour.
Starting date isn't definite.

Same Gripes Vs. English
Talent in the Pacific

By ART LinnLK

Soulh East Asia Comd.. April 18. v
.'Frances Day, the English musical
comedy star, and George Fonnby.
the English comedian, are the latest
E-NSA names out in this command.
' Forniby. his ukclele. wife Beryl,
and pianist, are doing much to hypo
the good name of show biz. which
just now needs every boost it can
gel. Tor the average soldier has much
to say on the subject of Army-spon-
sored entertainment, and little of it
is complimentary. The main beef
is against actors who come only long
enough to gel their names linotyped.

"Seac."' official newsshect,x>f .the
South East Asia Command, has it on
record- that one ENSA show Is re-
ported to have called off a perform-
ance (when playing one-a-day) be
cause of "a few drops of rain." One
fighting man in the disappointed
audience wrote to ask. "Where is the
spirit of the 'show must go on?"

Most recent example of scrambled
stage arrangements occurred when
Miss Day was skedded to arrive and
sing hello. Singer got off to a bad
start by keeping the well-packed
auditorium waiting too long. Then
the mike went dead, and although
charmingly -gowned in becoming
crinoline, she found il Itard work
getting the guys in (he right mood
or even interested. A desperate last
attempt was the star's make-believe
speech: **Now let's imagine this is a
big. London first-night, and the jeeps
outside are, limousines; the orchestra
1 plays the overture; the curtain goes

U P until one disgusted Tommy

broke in with, "You must .have a
. good imagination.''

AH or .which < proves, that some
thing is wrong somewhrrc; mostly
in the small, hitherto' thought in-
significant, cogs.

And that's «>e Way it goes.

Lands ■ Fen Time' Unit
As Ceanteractmg USO's
TseudY-Prima Donnas

Somewhere in India. April 25.
Editor, "Variety":

As a GI. I'd like to put in an un-
solicited word for' USO-Camp Shows
in general, and the "Fun Time" show
with Stan Kavanaugh, John Fogarty,
Eddie Mills and Don Palmer, which
played here recently, in particular.
This "Fun Time" troupe, as gracious
and co-operative a bunch of guys as
I've ever trouped with anywhere,, go
a long way towards making up. for
some of the "pseudo-upstage" prima
donnas, male and female, too often a
sore thumb in otherwise congenial
and sincere troupes playing through
here.

Too often, the Special Services
Officers in the Army are men who
have had very little, if any. experi-
ence with theatrical people. . Thus,
the little, silly, affectations with
which many actors and actresses
"blow, off steam" to relieve excess
nerves, are, misconstrued as arro-
gance and ihconsidcration of the
more important job of making the
best of situations which can NEVER
be as we would LIKE them to be.
And, because of such thoughtless af-
fectations, a needless resentment is
chalked up against. USO-Camp Shows
in particular and the theatrical pro-
fession in general.'

Being in a position to get the full
impact of these resentments and real-
izing the unfairness of the prejudices
they chalk up against the considerate
as well as the inconsiderate show-
people. I am acutely grateful to any
and all performers who, by sports-
manship and common decency, make
us proud of not only their perform-
ance on the stage but even ■ more of
their presence iiv our midst!

Sgt. Harry S. Milter
(1306 A.A.F.B.U..
A.T.C.. LCD. )

EPHRONS' DAY If) GUAM

Their "Three's a Family" Stows Cb
In Legit, BadU and Tlx Versions

Guam, April IS.

Today was definitely Ephrons' Day
on this Marianas Island. Phoebe and
Henry Ephron's farce, "Three's A
Family," has the distinction of being
the first script available to service-
men in all three mediums of show
business on the same day.

The stage version of the play was
performed by a USO-Camp Show
cast, headed by Charlie Butter worth,
Luella Gear and Ann Mason in the
evening. Earlier in the afternoon, a
half-hour adaptation was done over
WXLI. Guam's Armed Forces Radio
Station. And two prints of the film
version rolled through projectors on
the island in the evening.

The radio adaptation is believed
to be. the first time a USO-Camp
Show cast has attempted any such
project at an overseas base. It was
scripted by T'Sgt. Hal Kanler and-
produced by Capt. Jack Wormser.
Audience reception was sock. Hos-
pital patients in particular appre-
ciated the ether version because they
are unable to attend stage' perform-
ance. The cast, however, is making
social visits to the wards.

Navy Installs 25-Man Staff in N. Y.
To Prep at Sea, Hosp Entotainment

Mdrich's GI Disks

London, April 27.
. Lt. Comm. Richard Aldrich. hus-
band of actress Gertrude Lawrence,
now stationed in London, is in
charge of a new program making
transcriptions for the Navy called
"Home Town Interviews." These
consist of three-minute transcript
tions of interviews with American
gobs to be sent to the interviewee's
home town for local broadcast.

Billy Reed, former emcee, is
somewhere in England 'working on
the program in rural areas.

Red Cross Citations

Citations for their participation in
this year's Red Cross drive will be
mailed this' week to more than 16.000
exhibitors in the U. S.. Alaska.
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Distribution will be made through
the -40 exchange area 1 exhibitor chair-
men. •

Citations are printed in gold, red
and black on fine rag stock, ready
for framing and bear the signatures
of N. Peter Rathvon. RKO presi-
dent, who served as national chair-
man; Si Fabian, circuit owner, chair-
man of the theatres division of the
War Activities Committee, and tiie
local exchange, area exhibitor chair-
man.

USOs 136 Units
In ETO, MTOUSA

USO-Camp Shows now has 100
units in the European theatre (ETO)
and -36 more units in the Mediteiv
riiieaii war theatre (MTOUSA) ,
these comprising vaude. concert and
legit. Units are now being handled
in Europe through three branch of-
fices, under a new flexible system
set up . by Christopher J. Witting,
Camp Shows' asst. treas.,-- to take
care of the rapidly expanding pro-
gram.

' Witting, who returned recently from
six months in Europe, first' Camp
Shows administrator to go overseas
since Abe Lastfogel's survey trip
early in 1942, established branch , of-
fices on the continent and in Italy
as well as orientated fidd men. Set-
up now has Howard Hobbs as
exec administrator for ETO and
MTOUSA. The three offices— Lon-
don. Paris. Naples — each have an
office mgr. and staff, six in England,
seven in France, three in Italy. Each
has a field director. Dave Rogers for
England. Don Byrnes in Italy, with
France ^>pen since Will Rowland left.
Each office also has field men. two
in England, four, in France, one in
Italy.

Paris is now the staging area
where all ETO units come for pro-
cessing and routing— from there to
England, southern France. Germany.
Belgium, Holland— all except Italy,,
which is a separate theatre of war.

Pitt War Casualties

Pittsburgh, May I.

Senator theatre statff got a double
do."* of bad news last week from the
European war front. First, Manager
Harry Gamble was notified that his
cousji. Pvt. William Dibert who
had been inducted only six months
before, was killed in action. Couple
of days later. Gamble's assistant,
Mrs. Olive Sumner, received 'word
that her son. LL William Sumner, a
fifchter pilot, was missing in action
after a _ flight over Germany.

.Harris Amusement Co_ which op-
erates Senator. aUo heard that Pvt
James Kales, a former manager who
w *s seriously wounded several
months ago. would recover. At first
U was feared he might be perma-
nently puralyzed as a result of leg
injuries.

20TH ANNUAL MEET MAY 15

Annual stockholders' meeting of
SOth-Fox. to be held in N. Y. May
15. will be mainly for the purpose
of electing 15 directors, according to
proxy statement and notice mailed
to shareholders yesterday (Tues.);
Present directorate has been sug-
gested by the management for -re-
election:

Special meeting of stockholders
will be needed to .pass on the cdr-
imration's pension plan.

IAPLINGER'S PACIFIC MISSION

i \ Washington. May 1.

1 LI. Robert Taplinger. USNR.

'planed to the Coast Friday for a
few days' stopover in Hollywood be-
fore continuing on to the Pacific on
a special mission.

The ex-Warner scripler is assistant
to Capt. Gene Markey. in charge of
Navy pix who is also on the- west
coast at present. *

j ALLEN JENKINS ABROAD

I Allen Jenkins headed overseas
shortly with a variety unit for USO-

I Camp Shows^ Eddie Garr going over
with another.
Also slated for a repeal oifshore

|lrip is a concert unit of Isaac Stern.

.violinist: Polyna Stoska. i»prano.
• and Alex Zakin,' pianist! '

Filmstars, Airtoppers
Hypo Can. Bond Show

Montreal, May 1.
Screen and radio stars were clicks
before local audiences, in appearing,
in a sked of Eighth Victory Loan
Shows.

Featured names were "Information
Please" stars John Kieran and
Franklin P. Adams, to which were
added Clifton Webb and Lawrence
Tibbet. "I.P." broadcast Monday (23)
played to a packed house,' admission
being on the basis of bond pledges.
Old Timers F.P.A. and lEieran again
walked off with the honors, though
Tibbet and Webb overcame ah early
nervousness to provide some bright
moments. Clifton. Fadiman achieved
a nice tie-in helping the audience
warm up to the type of show they
had not seen here before.

Wednesday (25) saw Joel McCrea;
Frances Dee, Joan Edwards and Ca-
nadian soprano Portia White receive
loud hurrahs from another jammed
house. McCrea and Dee appeared in
a sketch supporting the loan. .

Set for next week: Alec Temple-
ton, Claude Rains. Wed. (May 3>.

LES EVANS' REPEAT

' Pittsburgh. May 1.
Lester Evans, youngest' member of
dancing Evans Family; which got
back recently after a 19-month USO
tour of Europe, will probably be re-
turning to Europe soon, but this time
' in uniform. He was inducted into the
Army only, a short time after land-
| ing on this side.

i It was a notice from the draft
board, in fact, that caused the
Evanses to drop out of their USO
unit. Lester is 20. '

AFRS Programs Give Big
Morale Hypo to Troops
In Non-Combat Sections

Radio, listening keeps GI's sta-
tioned in lonely outposts out of
trouble and has solved a terrific
morale problem for servicemen .who
find : time hanging heavy, according
to a group of Army non-coms who
returned to this country late last
week.

In order to keep the men around
the camps during hours when they
would otherwise be out gallivanting,
the Armed Forces Radio Service
stations in areas where lit.ilc fighting
is being done now. such as the Pers-
ian Gulf command and Alaska, are
airing topflight entertainment stanzas
such as Bob Hope. Jack Benny, Ed-
gar Bergen-Charlie McCarthy and
others, at hours when morale of-
ficers kbow majority of the men are
free to listen.

Infinite pains are taken to see that
plenty of news reports, roundups
and forums are aired- as often as
possible on these outlets, because,
according to these returned servicer
men, all of the men are desirous of
returning home as soon as .possible,
and they know that each move
ahead by Allied troops, and each
political and economic statagem by
the nation's leaders results in short-
ening the war. And that is what
they want to hear -about most. News
stanzas aired from Russia, the U. S.
and England are monitored 24 hours
a day, recorded and rcbrdadcast to
the GI's many times during the 20-
hour day when the AFRS stations
are on the air.

Whenever a holiday, approaches
discs are rushed to the-scrvicc out-
lets for broadcast "on the particular
occasion, so that the GI's will be
aided in that celebration. New gim-
micks are tried out' readily on all
outlets. If a GI has any talent at all,
he is given a spot on a show.. Men
from the" Signal Corps arc .given a
chance to become engineers, despite
the fact they never handled controls
before, and many of them have been
taught a trade which should stand,
them in good stead in the postwar.

■ These AFRS stations have the
highest Crossleys of any radio out-
lets in the world — and the most
critical audience, too. GI's think
nothing . of letting their feelings be
known about shows, and when they
don't like a program off it goes. Job
being done by these AFRS outlets
are also noteworthy from two other
viewpoints: They are keeping GI's
listener conscious arid grateful to
radio at an' important time, and the
men manning the stations strive to
live up to commercial standards in
their operations.

With an okay finally received
from , Washington to set up a full
staff in New York for the purpose,
the U. S. Navy is going ahead for
the first time to develop. a program
of self-entertainment and sailor
shows for naval personnel aboard
ship, at advanced bases and in hos-
pitals.

A complement of 25 people has
been approved, with activities cen-
tered in a newly-created Navy Liai-
son Unit at 521 Fifth ave. Unit will
be activated by people from vari-
ous types of show biz. practically all
of whom will be men of overseas ex-'
perience who are now back, on lim-
ited duty.

Unit is headed by Lieut. Harold' F.
Gross. ex-Michigan radio exec and
station owner; as officer in charge.
Already assigned arc Lt. (j.g.) Rob-
ert Wallsten. ex-"Broadway actor and:
playwright, on the self-entertain-,
ment program; Lt. Lco.Kamcrn, Ma-
rines, cx-mgr. A'stor theatre. N. Y-.
on sailor show units: Lt. (j. g.)
Joshua Meyers, C. G„ ex-N. Y. talent
agent, on domestic USO-Camp Shows
programs; Lt. (j. g.) Tom E well, ex-
Broadway legiter. as field man and
handling spot shows; Lt. Robert
Topping, stockholder in Brooklyn
Tigers football team and Broadway
legit "angel.'' who'll handle athletic
entertainment, largely for hospitals,
and Lt. (j.g.* E. M. Blood, adminis-
trative asst., later to be on overseas
shows. Enlisted' men to work oh
music, scripting, designing (all for-
merly in show biz) arc expected in
shortly .to complete the setup.
Faar-Foliit Program

Unit's work will tie in with Army
Special Services, which has been en-
gaged in similar activities since the
war. Gob entertainment, however,
has heretofore been scattered or
local. Unit's activities will cover (a)
self-entertainment, (b) sailor shows,

(c) domestic professional shows, and

(d) overseas shows.
Self-entertainment program will

include (a) publishing and distribu-
tion of material.- like gags, skits, rou-
tines; (b) making equipment avail-
able to gobs, like lighting, makeup
kits, costumes; and (c) sending oat.
self-entertainment conference teams
of one officer and five enlisted men
to round up talent, build a show,
show gobs how a show is staged, and
leave a nucleus there to continue the
program. •

* Saifor. shows will make up vaude
(Continued on page 34)

POLITICAL CABARET
SPONSORED BY KC

"Broadway. Speaks for World
Peace." an evening of international
entertainment, will be presented by
the Independent Citizens Committee '
of the Arts, Sciences & Professions
at the Hotel Astor May 20th. .

The commifleeTs planning a one-
hour floor show by lop concert, ra-
dio and stage stars representing the
United Nations. Tiie show will be
followed by a sped.-h on interna-
tional security by a "major Washing-
ton official.

The production will be in cabaret
form pud a preliminary champagne
cocktail and late supper snuck are
included in the admish fee.

Army 'San Pietro' Short
h 7-Way Distrib tieni

Washington. May 1.

"San Pietro." Army pictorial serv-
ice two-recler slated for May S
release, will be distributed regionally
by seven different picture compa-
nies. They arc Columbia. Metro.
Paramount, 20th-Fox: United Artists,
Universal and Warners.

The film is boil-down from 60.-
000 feet shot in Italy by six combat
cameramen. Maj. John Huston and
Capt. Jules Buck handled the unit,
with Col. Frank Capra supervising.
Huston also produced, directed,
wrote the narration and serves as
narrator.

Pic was filmed over a fivcrmonlh
period. It covers D-day at Salerno,
crossing the Volturno, battle of the
Liri Valley, etc. It follows the oper-
ation of the 143rd infantry regiment
'during till that time:

Capt Markey Ganders
Iwo Jma Tmter Pic

Hollywood. May 1.:
Capt. Gene Markey. USNR, Is in
town on Navy business, including an
inspection of the government's forth-
coming Technicolor two-reeler show-
ing the battle of Iwo Jima. Picture,,
shot; jointly by Araiy, Navy and
Marine Corps', is said to be the most
realistic war film ever made.

Film has been in the editing rooms
at Warners for several weeks under
supervision of Capt. Milton Sperling,
USMC.

Friends of Democracy
Planning Anni Dinner

Friends of Democracy planning its
anni dinner in Waldorf-Astoria,
N. Y., ballroom May 15, with a sur-
prise presentation to be a c'ramati-
zation by several stage, and radio
writers and actors .of. certain subver-
sive movements in -this country.

Rex Stout who is prez of the
group, which includes nationally-
known figures in political, social, lit-
erary and biz worlds, is heading, a
prelim rally dinner at Harmonie
Club, N. Y„ tonight (2).

S2

Wednesday, Muy 2, J9J:>

THAT SPELLS

B-O-X- 4%f-F"F"!"C"E

YES, "SALOME, WHERE SHE DANCED"
HAS EVERYTHING . . . everything that
adds up to a box-office smash hit. An
unusual, romantic story spiked with adven-
ture, suspense and hard-hitting action; an
unusual star, chosen for her great beauty and
talent; a fine supporting cast — all expertly
assembled in a production of outstanding
quality.

In other words, Walter Wanger's Techni-
color production, "Salome, Where She
Danced" is true to the Universal formula,
combining the best elements of screen
-entertainment, for the greatest number of
movie-goers.

*i Rod Cameron and Walter Slezak vie for the attention of Yvonne
' \ DeCarlo, who has just been presented to San Francisco society

The pursued outlaw, David Bruce, ready to shoot his way to
freedom, races across the Western plains.

\rr«]ii«-K<lay, May 2, 1945 P^RlEff ' s

YVONNE De CARLO • rod cameron • david bruce • Walter slezak • albert dekker

Mdrjorie RambeOU * J. Edward BrOmberg * Screenplay by Laurence Stalling* • from the original Jtory by Michael J. Phillips
DirecM by CHARLES LAMONT A«oei«le Producer, ALEXANDER OOLITZEN Pradwc.d by WALTER WANGER

A UNIVERSAL PICTURE

54

PICTURES

Wednesday. May 2, ]*)15

Films Hit New B.O. Peak

Continued from page I

record for the company for any
similar period in any year. United
Artists domestic rentals are up
around 60'r over 1944 and, if normal
operations are. maintained, may hit
around $20,000,000 domestic this
year inn - estimated $37,000,000
worldwide).

RKO. with the high returns from
International Pictures (Spitz-Goelz >.
Samuel Goldwyn and Walt Disney
product, has attained a pace of
around $40,000,000 annually domes-
tic (approximately $16,000,000 for-
eign estimated).

Whether the current pace is mir-
rorin? the pattern of things to come
is something else again, of Course.
It is significant, however, that the
current domestic annual rate (based
on lirsl quarter returns) has been
stepped up to around $325,000,000. in
face of the curfew and the severe
coal shortages which . .. shuttered
many theatres throughout the coun-
try earlier this year.

Thus, while uncertain whether
the current annual rate of gross
rental income (around $15,000,000
over 1044) will be maintained for
the balance qf 1945, the outlook co'n-
limics favorable. The record-break-
ing rentals are. of course, predicated
on the costliest product ever turned
out in Hollywood's history.

On the domestic front the rentals
for the six leading major companies
during the first quarter of 1945
shape up something like this:
(Approximate Weekly 'Avtrage Rate)

Metro $1.3M.t*0

Feb. Amus. Taxes Top
Jan. With $30,645,244

Washington, May 1. .

Admissions taxes during February
climbed to $30,645,244. almost $4,-
500,000 better than the figures for
January, which was three days long-
er, according to the latest report of
the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

the February, 1945, tax bite con-
trasts with $14,893,000 for the same
month in 1944. About 901c of the
admissions tax is estimated , to come
from pictures.

Broadway also did a lusty business
in February. Returns from the 3rd
Internal Revenue District of N. Y.
(all of Manhattan above 23d street),
amounted to $3,935,078. or about
$500,000 better than in January.
Manhattan's niteries slipped off a
little, in February. The tax bite ag-
gregated $504,108, as against $565,601
in January.

always around with an exclusive
under his belt, and out among the
names. Hedda Hopper got in with
the. Russian crowd, and they went
strong for her routine and dome
adornment.

American industry is doing plenty
of , public relations work with the
delegates. Standard Oil is taking
care of the Arabian delegation; Mr.
Ford has cars and plenty of enter-
tainers on hand to tell about his
mechanical contrivances and ma-
chines. Phil Murray of CIO and Bill
Green of American Federation of
Labor can. be seen around, as well as
the boys from various American top
industries. They're all around but
from the, picture business, which is
just doing a service job in showing
films at the United Nations theatre.

Halperin Tribute

— Continued from pace 13 '—

20tli-Fox . .
Paramount
RKO Radio.
Warners . . .
Universal ..

1.0M.M4

675,«M
6M.0M

Reel Goodwill

Continued from page 2 ;

United Artists. Columbia and Re-
public accounts for around $1,000,-
000 weekly combined.

Some distribs are off slightly,
though still holding up strongly.
Warners is reported off around 5%
from the weekly average of 1944..
but had 12 reissues last , year and
has none currently. (WB is releas-
ing approximately' 19 features, same
as in 1944, from accounts). Also, the
Warners sales drive was started later
this year than last and the higher
grosses from the current sales drive
have not yet been reflected in the
company earnings. Universal has
clipped slightly , to around the $800,
000 weekly mark, but still very
strong at this rate.

Whether the current high rate will,
be maintained for the balance of
1945 will obviously' also depend, to a
large extent on the number -and
quality of top pictures released dur-
ing the nine-month period remain-
ing.

Metro's record gross was regis-
tered with "Meet Me In St. Louis."
"National Velvet," "Music For Mil-
lions" and "30 Seconds Over Tokyo"
in release. One Metro block re-
leased during the past year held 10
pictures with an average negative
cost of approximately $1,500,000.

20th-Fox, too, with domestic rent-
als around $52,000,000 ' annually
(foreign estimated at $3O.0J».0O0>.

also released some of its costliest
product during the past year.

RKO billings included "Casanova
Brown" (International). "Woman
In the "Window" (International),
"Princess and the Pirate" (Gold-
wyn), "Three Caballeros" (Disney)
during this period. At the same time
there were still some returns toming
in on "Up In Arms" (Goldwyn).
which has grossed $2,900,000 domes-
tic thus far.

United Artists drew big with
David O. Selznick's "Since You Went
Away. 1 ' of course, in addition 10
other product

However, while grosses are predi-
cated chiefly on the quality of
product which has keen released, it
is noteworthy that cash in the hands
of the Amci'iean public, as of April
18. 1945 passed the $26,000,000,000
mark. According to a report from
the Federal Reserve System this is
a record for , spending money in the
hands of the public and exceeds the
coin in public' hands a year ago by
$4(734.000,000.

Another factor: Government war
expenditures during March 1945
reached $8,900,000,000, the. higheft
for any month since Pearl Harbor.

Thus, the high public income and
a shortage of.consumer goods (which
some Government sources , predict
will become even more acute (his
year ) as Well as the quality of the
films in release during the first quar-
ter -influenced theatre receipts and,
subsequently, rentals.

Hubbell). Universal (Jim Lyons),
Movietone (Tony Mulo) and Para-
mount with Ted Genrock at the
helm Jack Connolly, liasion be-
tween the State Dept. and the CIAA,
also is making his presence felt, and
all on the right side of the ledger.
Newsreelers already have shot about
500.000 feet with plenty more to go
berore the kissoff.

Best example of' .what the news-
reelers are doing is the manner in
which they, make sure all the dele-
gates' are given the proper amount
of footage. This goes over big with
all concerned, especially the visitors
from smaller countries, who're being
butshadowed by the Molotovs, Edens,
Stettiniuses, etc. The newsreel
gangs, however, make these lesser
lights feel important and that's good
from the harmony viewpoint.

The Sec. of State, himself, is pitch-
ing in on the goodwill, angle,
especially - at press conferences,
where - his willingness, to dish ■ oft
record background and inside stuff
has made a hit: with the scribblers,
both domestic and foreign.

There are . 27 newsreel cameras
set up for each, meet of t*)e Confer-
ence in the Opera House, besides the
four that the Russians use. with the
latter having films and equipment
supplied by Connolly. The crews
also set up their cameras wherever
there is a conference or meeting.
It's hop. skip and jump for them.
Claude Collins has a couple of cam-
eras here, where he is supplying the
film that is being shown in the
United Nations Theatre, which
opened Saturday (Si). Two shows a
day are held there, every delegate
and newspaperman gets by the door
without paying any form of tax.
Films are features from all coun-
tries, with the opening one being a
British picture. "Silver Fleet." AU
other nations get a whack at this
screen for their top pictures too. A
French- picture, "Harvest." was to
have been shown Monday (30) but
it was cancelled and in its place
shown on Tuesday ■ was "La Mar
seillaise." Also: shown here are 2.
000 feet of news shots. First day it
was all stuff provided by the five
joint newsrecls of convention shots,
delegation shots, etc.

Another place showing films is the
Conference theatre, in the Sir Fran
cis Drake . hotel ballroom. Here
documentaries are screened from all
countries, with Mary Lpscy of the
Canadian Film Board bcii!g : dele-
gated by the State Dept. to handle
the job. She met with the film of-
ficers of the. various nations and had
them submit and suggest what they
wanted shown, and all will get a
chance to exploit their native . coun-
tries on this screen. The U. S: won't
be neglected, with health and illiter-
acy films being part of the screen
agenda.

Still camera coverage, is another
superhuman task. The boys' and
girls who snapped the bulbs were
[everywhere. There must be 300 to
400 on hand, domestic and foreign.
They have the run of the show. They
gel on the lower floor of the Opera
house where the plenary sessions arc
held, and shoot and keep shooting
in front along the speaker's .rostrum
and in the aisles* at the seated digni-
taries.

"The columnists such as Walter
Winchcll, Hedda Hopper, Gracic
Allen. Earl Wilson, Drew Pearson.
Bill Henry and so many others arc-
doing the highlights as well as regu-
lar news covcrac. winchell was

editor, Times: Charley Dawn. Her
aid-American; Ward Caille, Pence
James, and Lois Bauer, News; Dale
Harrison, Henry Murdock and Joe
Faye, Sun; Claudia. Cassidy, Will
Davidson and Olive Goetz, Tribune,
and Bill Leonard, Journal of Com-
merce. Remarkable thing about the
daily angle was that those who
plugged the show didn't limit it to a
single shot, but kept at it during the
entire three-week haul, turning out
publicity that's expected to result in
at least a $50,000 gate.

Hal Halperin Day
Besides all the above-mentioned
Servicemen's Centers have declared
Sunday (6) to be Hal Halperin Day
fn Chi. pointing up Hal's contribs to
USO-Camp Shows, amusement and
recreation division of Chi Committee
on National Defense, and other phil-
anthropies- with which Hal was con-
nected — philanthropies, incidentally,
into which he threw himself so
wholeheartedly, against the advice
of doctors and friends, that the pace
finally killed him. Odd angle is that
the beneficiary of the show, second
of its kind to be put on by Variety
Club here, is Hal's favorite charity
— favorite because he too suffered
from a heart illness.

Break that really hypoed the pub-
licity committee was the midweek
announcement last week by Silver-;
man that he'd talked Goldwyn into
letting him haVe "Wonder Man."
Amusing sidelight of this coup was
a long-distance call from the Coast
Thursday (26), when Breakfast Club
hit the web. "For God's sake," Sil-
verman was told, "tell those guys to
quit calling it a world premiere — it's,
a preview! The world premiere is
gonna be held at the Astor in N. Y.
in June. Please, guys!"' From then
on it was a "preview."

Show.- which starts at 2 p. m.. in-
cludes Sophie Tucker. Paul Robeson:
Lou Holtz, Henhy Youograan, Willie
Shore, Louis Jordan. Bonita Gran-
ville. George Olsen and Tommy
Tucker, orchestras, Condos Bros..
Viola Layne. Dinning Sisters. Don
McNeill and Breakfast Club, and
Joe Kelly and Quiz Kids.

Honorary chairman of the show is
Mayor Edward J. Kelly. Civic com-
mittee chairman" is Charles F. Glorc
of Glore. Forgan & Co., investment
advisory service. Special commit-
teemen are: John Bala ban, James
Coston, Tom Flanncry, Max Halper-
in, Bill Hunt ("Variety"). Johnny
Jones, Jack Kirsch, Arthur Schocn-
stadt Eddie Silverman and J. C.
Thompson.

. N. Y. Memorial Service
Memorial service for Hal Halperin.
late head of "Variety's" Chicago of-
fice, who died March 4, will be held
May 9 in the .chapel of the Jewish
Theatrical Guild in N. Y.

Arrangements are being made by
Alan Corel) i. Theatre Authority ex-
ecutive secretary, and Dave Fergu-
son. JTG head.

the U. S. share of film rentals, heads
of U. S. company foreign depart-
ments would ostensibly be obliged to
use American funds for expenses
while in Fiance. Any employee
working directly for U. S. home-
office account instead of the French
subsidiary office cannot be paid from
funds, accruing to the U. S. share of
rentals.

Under current methods of. opera-
tion, major distribs have French sub-
sids or units which take about 25.%:
of the rentals to meet costs of op-
eration, including salaries to person-
nel, etc. This income is not subject
to the new ruling. But the 75?; of
the rentals earmarked for N. Yt ac?
count even though not to be remit-
ted to the U. S„ will no longer be
free for use by the American dis-
tribs in France. Possibility is that
the U. S. majors may be allowed to
use part of this coin to pay the cost
of dubbing and printing in France
but this would entail getting special
permits.

The. Spanish decree eliminating
the U. S. share of rentals (also
around 75% after' cost of operation)
on films after five years is appar-
ently - the outcome of long-time
scheming by a Spanish Special Com
mittee on Industry studying means
for eliminating payment of license
fees of any kind to U. S. and other
non-Spanish interests.

Spain's Film Fandango
This committee has been at work
since before the war'. It has been re
ported aiming primarily at manufac
turers- of electrical apparatus who
have been leasing equipment in
Spain. The special committee is aim-
ing to force outright sale of prod
uct so as to make domestic industry
as self-sufficient as possible and cur-
tail exports of dollar and other cur
rency. The move against the Aim
industry is seen, in some quarters,
as the opening gun in the far-reach-
ing campaign to drive foreign pat-
ent-holders out of the Spanish mar-
ket "».-.'

In Britain, the proposal to force
American film companies out of the
major circuits affects 20th-Fox, with
holdings in Gaumont-British. War-
ner Bros., with holdings in the As-
sociated British Cinemas chain, and
United Artists, - which owns a large
block of stock In the Qdeon circuit.
J. Arthur Rank, head of the British
producers group, owns controlling
interest in Odeon . and Gaumont-
British.

Adding fuel to the controversy
over American stock interests in the
circuits, was an outburst from J .B.
Priestley. British novelist, who was
last week quoted in a .United Press
dispatch as saying that "American
films make my blood boil. If I were
running things I would slop this
American supply of film drivel."

Meantime, as previously reported
in "Variety." no word has yet been
received by American distribs re-
garding the fate of approximately 98
features which had been dubbed In
French in the U. S. and for which
permits had been expected for exlii-
bition in France. No ruling on these
0.1ms has yet been received from offi-
cial French quarters and even the
40 U. S. films brought into France by
the OWI have not yet been officially
okayed. Latest reports are that the
French government has refused per-
mits for the 98 films under discus-
sion.

CIO Disclaims)

' Continued from pace IS ^^Jl

from Washington. He said the Na-
tional Labor Relations Board was
expected to hand down a decision on
certification of Set Decorators with-
in the next week or 10 days. It was
indicated WLB plans to take no ac-
tion in present controversy so long
as NLRB holds jurisdiction.

Meantime hearings by California
Deptof Unemployment to determine
whether strikers and unionists re-
fusing to cross picket lines are
eligible for 'unemployment insurance
were postponed until later in week,
Delay requested by- Mike Jeffers,
SPU biz rep, until attorney Frank
Pestana returned from Washington, :
where he represented CSU before
NLRB.

Producers are also reiterating the
statement that both production and
employment are increasing and that
the "strike no longet is regarded as
a real threat to industry." Producers
aver three hew features would start
this week, with 26 in .work Saturday
and seven completed last, weeic.
Speculation meanwhile is on' as to
how long Technicolor could operate
without machinists. Union tops
claimed shutdown would come with-
in week to 10 days unless machines
are serviced by expert footers.

Foreign Powers Aim

; Continued from pace 3
Painleve) were talking

Jean Painleve) were talking of
cutting down imports of U. S. prod-
uct from 94 features semi-annually
to 25-30 features semi-annually.

5. The Dutch and Yugoslav gov-
ernments established • government
monopoly of the ■ motion picture
business. U. S. films will have to
be sold directly to these govern-
ments in. the firt'ire instead of to
theatre operators. Their native film
production also goes under govern-
ment control, .'••■■;

6. British producers rf/.omniendecl
to the British Board of Trade that
Americans or other foreigners hold-
ing, stock in the three or fouv major
theatre circuits in Great Britain be
compelled to divest themselves of
such interests:' to make way for all-
British control.

Under the French .ruling, blocking

Navy Installs

S Continued from pace II —

or variety units of professional talent
now in service, to be used exclusive-
ly in hospitals. The first sailor. show
unit consisting of eight people, will
■be ready Within 30. days to operate.

Effective this week, overseas USO-
Camp Shows troupes going to areas
where the Navy has top command
(in Pacific, for instance) will now
be sent on Navy orders through this
office, to play for both Army and
Navy, with Navy' furnishing 'trans-
portation, etc. On the domestic front
where USO-CS handled details for
the Navy heretofore, the Navy Unit
will now handle transportation and
other details, offering and confirm-
ing playdates. handling spot shows
for hospitals, etc. ':

Lt. Topping's athletic program will-
include a. spoils entertainment pro-
gram for Navy hospitals: gcttuig both
major baseball leagues to offer play-
dates on their offdays to hospitals,
as well as post-season dales, Lt.
Ewell's work (which has -started') 'ih-
'dudes handling spot shows for hos-
pitals and naval stations, such as the
recent Sunday performances of
"Dear . Ruth"- and "Kiss and Tell"
with original Broadway casts which
were flown lo Norfolk and Charles-
ton. Unit is also launching a con-
test for dramatic material open to
Navy people, with 'money prizes.

NLSB Wa»h. Hearlnc

Washington. May I.

NLRB is reserving decision on the
film jurisdictional strike after hear-
ing a Hollywood spokesman place
the producers solidly behind IATSE
in the scrap and warn that the. in-
dustry "will . never have any peace
and never have any production" if
the Set Decorators .remain in Local
1421 of the Painters & Decorators..

Argument was made last Thursday
(26) at the NLRB hearing on the
case here, by Burton A. Zorn. N. Y.
attorney for the producers. Also ap-
pearing were Michael G.- Liiddy,
counsel for Local 44. IATSE. and
Frank S. Pestana. attorney for Local
1421.

Since all sides accepted as fad' that
NLItB will order a bargaining elec-
tion to decide the matter, the argu-
ments were almost entirely devoted
to a discussion of the best way lo
conduct the election.

Pestana charged that studios have
shifted 100 men from Local 44 to be
Set Decorators in order to control
the election, since there are only
about 50 out on strike.
'Both Zorn and Luddy urged NLRB
to follow the precedent laid down in
the Wurlitzer case. This provided
that both replacements and strikers
should be allowed to vote in bar-
gaining elections, but not those who
have been legitimately discharged by
the management Those discharged
could, vote only under challenge
which would permit hearings to de-
termine whether they were eligible.
Zom insisted that the discharge no-
tices sent out by the studios to the
strikers were strictly legitimate and
involved no unfair labor practices.

A very small portion of the hear-
ing was devoted to the efforts of the
set estimators and controllers to shift
from SOEG to Local 1421. Zom said
it ib/as because they wanted to get
more money. He said there was
nothing in their duties which entitled
them to be moved out of the office
workers group because they were
actually clerical workers.

Raak,G'wyn,D.O.S.

Continued from pace 3 —

week, "Variety" cable reported that
Spyros Skouras and Rank had made
a deal for two more pix via 20lh-
Fox release) .

Incidentally. Ru pit's U. S. pub-
licist Jock Lawrence, is sending
Robert Montgomery over uv coordi-
nate press mallei's from London to
N. Y„ for U. S. dissemination.
Montgomery - is of Lawrence's' bally-
hoo staff and he'll probably remain
abroad six montlis on this one as-
signment.

Joe Seidelman Huddles
With Rank in London

London, May 1..

Joseph Seidelman. Universal In-
ternational prcxy, here on a Govern-
ment mission, is conferring with J.
Arthur;. Rank prior t to the latter's
departure for the U."S.. Rank's Gen-
eral Film Distributors handles Uni-
versal product in Great Britain.

Seidelman is leaving for Italy
shortly at the behest of the U. S.
State Department Idea on latter
lo help revive picture relations! be-
tween American companies find the
Italian film industry.

Wednesday, May 2,J945 _ V&RiUfY - ■■ ?L

o«4 9^

Based on
"The Companions

of Jehu"
by Alexandre Dumas

.m WILLARD PARKER • ANITA LOUISE • JANIS CARTER
JOHN LODER - EDGAR BUCHANAN - GEORGE MACREADY

Scr**n Ploy by From Sp«nc«r and Edward D«in
Produced by MICHEL KRAIKE- • Directed by HENRY IEVIN

KEEP SELLING BOMD8I

36

PICTURES

Wednesday, May 2, I91.V

Hanauer Sells 2 Penna, Houses To
Cook-Andersxtn; Other Distrib Briefs

Pittsburgh. May 1.
■Sam Hahauer, veteran district ex-
hib, retiring from business, has sold
his two Beaver Falls,. Pa., houses to
Cook & Anderson.

Eddie Moriarity, Metro salesman
in Northern Pennsylvania territory,
into Army. •

Al Bre\;\k. assistant to Ken Hocl.
publicity head lor Harris circuit,
publishing Variety Club's annual
magazine.

Martin Seed, 20th-Fox student
salesman, heading .company's, anni
drive al local exchange. He's son of
llan v Send, WB sales biggie.

Kov Rowe, former manager War-
nr-i 'theatre here, has finished pis
fourth consecutive session as a mem-
ber of North Carolina State Assem-
bly. Rowe left here years ago to
l'o into business for himself in "North
Carolina and now has a string of
houses there.

Charles Baird. Portage exhib for
311 years, "notified that his son. Chas.
O. Baird has been promoted to col-
onel. Another son is El wood, a Navy
specialist: while his daughter, Caro-
line, is a W.ic.

S'evmour' Swart/., of National
Screen, left Film Row to lake of-
lk-ers' course in Merchant Marine.

Mrs. Beatrice Gynther. of Par's-
con'r:.c-t of lice, resigned to join her
husband in California. Mis. Anne
Zir.srncistcr supplants her.

Pari; theatre in Franklin, de-
stroyed by Tire four months ago. will
be .rebuilt as a modern' de luxe
house.

George Seidlc is new night ship-
per at Metro, replacing Conrad
iDoci Cook, now in Navy!

Marrin Rothcnsteiii, recently given
medical discharge from Army, now
with Warners as student manager.

Schine's Reshuffle
Rochester. N. Y..May 1. .
Shakoup in Schine managers has
Gus Depauw of the Capital. .Newark.
N. Y.. doubling % iiilo Rochester as
supervisor of 11 theatres hereunder
C. C. Young of Geneva. Art Caslner
becomes manager of Madison, suc-
ceedina Charles Holland, resigned.
J;iek While lakes charge of Dixie in

place of Fred Frost, and Bob Emery,
former manager Playhouse and Lake
in Canandaigua, succeeds Charles
Snyder as manager of Riviera.

Castncr and White arc .discharged
soldiers who formerly managed the-
atres; in Corning, N. Y.

William Selman, Schine city, man-
ager for past year, resigned after re-
turning from a Florida vacation. He
plans to take a theatre job in Flor-
ida. - C. G. Young, manager in Ge-
neva, replaces, him.
. Tom Farnum becomes manager of
Schines' Lake theatre, succeeding
Ralph Oatman, '.resigned, . to take a
war plant job.

Mrs. Dletz BeslRDS

Minneapol's. May 1.
Mrs. Mabel Dietz. connected with
film industry here 18 years, resigned,
as manager of Granada (Par)' to
move to Los Angeles. She was for
many years secretary of the old film
board of trade and Code Authority
before becoming associated with
Minnesota Amus. ■ Co. seven years
ago.

Scrnilrer to Canada

Eddie Schnitzel-, UA home office
exec: leaves New York Saturday (5)
on a visit la the Montreal and To-
ronto exchanges. He will also attend
the Canadian preem of "Colonel
Blimp" at. the Elgin. Ottawa. May 10.

Chi Variety's Delegates

Chicago. May 1..

At'its regular meeting Ihc Chicau.i
Variety Club. Tent No. 2C. elected
Loll . Goldberg, of Paramount.' and
Eddie Bruncll, owner of Metropole.
as delegates to the National Variety
Club convention to be held in N. Y.
sometime in August.

Ben Barllcsteiu - and William Ba-
ker. Republic Pictures district man-
ager, elected alternates.; Others who
will attend from the Chicago tent
will be Jack Kirsch and Irving' Mack.

Hypoed competishramong buying-
bopking chants here was underlined
last week with addition of two more,
houses to the Allied circuit, bringing
total'- to 70.' New members, an-
nounced by Jack' - Kirsch,' Allied

New York Theatres

Jack Benny • Alexis Smith

In Warner Bros. Hit! .

"The Horn Blows at Midnight"

IN PERSON

VAUGHN MONROE

And His Orchestra
Also in Person
Ben lerl • Jean, Jack ft Judy
Steve 'Evom

B'way & 47th St. STRAND

Pnramtrunt Prri*rntN
Alan LAOD ■ • Gall RUSSELL

"SALTY O'ROURKEV

In (IIARMK .IS KTAI'KOltl)
IVruin: SrlVAK ltKAN Ml'ltl'IIV

PARAMOUNT bX'Z*

BETTE DAVIS

In Warner trot. Hl>!

"THE CORN IS GREEN"

Willi

John DALL • Joan LOOKING
Nl9«l BRUCE • Rhys WILLIAMS

I'way at 51.. St. HOLLYWOOD

Jean FONTAINE • George BRENT

" In .

"THE AFFAIRS OF SUSAN"

A ronimeunl Plcliirt

RIVOLI. B'way and 49th St.

EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS'

TARZAN AND
THE AMAZONS

jAhnny - Br«nifi - Johnny

WEI86H0LLER JOYCE SHEFFIELD

im"\?ti>i>r G LO B E "

PALACE

B WAY &
47th St.

STAKTS TOHOKHOVt'

SONJA HENIE
"IT'S A PLEASURE]"

Willi MtCHAKI. O'NHtfV
Jntrrnitlonnl l'lrlure .'
KtlroMrt Thru KK«»

R.MIIIi

rriv

MUSIC HAL!

"THE VALLEY
OF DECISION"

Spectacular Stage Productions

ON 80KKKN

IK rKRBON

JSff Ttaura., Alu-y "3-

HARRY

[Jj OLSEN
4 JOHNSON

SAVOY

kxtha:

\M "SEE MY

LARRY

■ft LAWYER"

DOUGLAS

proxy, - are the Alma and Apollo,
both soulhside houses.

Alma is owned by Dan Goldman.
Universal exchange booker, and the
Apollo is owned by Krafcisih. who
also own;, the Cornell, already lined
up with Ihe circuit.

Bard Family Sells 3 I11..L. A.

Los Angeles, May 1.

Bard family is selling its two dim
houses, the Bard's Adams and Fre-
mont,, to Eel Grossman, Chicago op-
erator, for a reported price of aboul
$.".50,000. Adams is a l.SiiO-.seatcr
and Fremont has 700. Properties
arc owned by Lou, M- A. and Arthur
Bard and other members of family.

Fox-West Coast Southern Califor-
nia division handed out $24,000 in
bonus checks to winners in the
George Bowser Inaugural Drive to
stimulate showmanship.
: -Winners of heavy coin were Spen-
cer Levc. David Ross,- James Ruutc
and Stanley Brown.

Del. Fixers' 'Xui.es Upped

. Detroit. May 1.

The City Council here has 'upheld
higher assessments against the : Fox
and Michigan, the top two pix houses
in the loop, despite the protests of
stockholders.

The council upheld the assessors'
evaluation of the Fox building at
52.004,800, an increase of $363,200
over last year. The protest w; s based
on the claim that the area around
the building had been "deteriorat-
ing" and that the type of patron, at
Ihe. theatre had shown a similar de-
cline. ■

The Michigan was assessed at $1,-
:!:;2..'!70, an increase of $35,740 over
l!K-4.

The council also upheld an upward
trend in the evaluations of nabe
houses: turning down requests from
iipp'ings 3t the Alger and Novwcstv

Literati

'Invisible Oscar' for Iturbi?

Johnstown, Pa.. May 1.
Oddity in booking caused ■ com-
ment among theatre boys. It's the
simultaneous showing fit opposition
houses — Fabian's Embassy and WB's
Stale— of Columbia'.; "A Song To
Remember" and Metro's "Music for
Millions." in which Jose Iturbi is
actually the star of' both films, but
is visible to the audience in just one
of them. '"Music for Millions."

Matter of fact, in "Remember."
Iturbi gets.no billing whatsoever, but
his keyboard mastery is soon recog-
nizable to the average music lover,
and it didn't take long, for word to
get. around that it was really Iturbi
who cut the sound track for the
Chopin tunes "in "Song.-"

Following preview of "Song To
Remember" here for exhibs and
press, one columnist for local weekly
journal suggested that possibly Iturbi
might be given a special Academy
award — an "Invisible Oscar" for the
outstanding performance o[ the year
by an- unseen performer.

Facsimile Papers In Frisco

Two New York papers, the Times
and Post, and one London . tab, the
Daily Mail, are giving flash coverage
to the San Fraiicisco Security Con-
ference with daily four-page issues.
The Post is said to have made, the
first appearance but is not given the
wide hotel circulation of the Times.
Both sheets are being printed across
the Bay. The Times frontpaged its
promotion as an experiment in fac-
simile with the following announce-
ment:

"This special 2 a.m. edition- ot the
N. Y. Times is being distributed
daily among the' delegates to. the
United Nations Conference in San
F-ranc-isco. it' is made possible
through the cooperation of the As-
sociated Press and the Richmond In-
dependent. Richmond, Cal.. and is
circulated as a public service of ' the
N. Y. Times and its associates in' the
enterprise, and as an experiment in
facsimile reproduction of news-
papers. Its pages are transmitted
photographically each morning from
N. Y. over the Wirephoto facilities
of the Associated Press and printed
on the presses of the Richmond In-
dependent."

For a rush job from film lb the
printed page it is as easily readable
as the Times can be with its closely
crowded type. As ari experiment in
facsimile it is highly successful and
may he a straw in the wind on the
useagc ot facsimile in the printing
of a paper in your own home, tape-
worming out of your radio set durr
ing the night. Newsmen commented
on the Times' spelling of MolotofT.
The others use the V instead of the
double F. The Post is being printed
in Berkeley. Calif. Only one issue
of the Daily Mail has been around
but understood it was mailed to
every big businessman in the U. S.
in addition to the delegates at the
meet.

N. Y. Herald-Tribune is using air
express to get a few hundred copies
out here daily. The San Francisco
Chronicle is publishing a four-page
Conference Digest five days a week,
printed .in French, Russian and
Spanish. It carries editorial com-
ment of dailies around the country.

will probably try to promote "hon-
eytogling" back into the language;
the word is obsolete but the prac-
tice is still popular.

Vernon Pope to Pageant

Vernon Pope becomes editor-in-
chief of Pageant, replacing Eugene
Lyons, former editor. Emile Schur-
macher, former managing editor, also
out;

■ Pope comes over from Look mag
as docs John Hackctt who'll ni.e.
Pageant.

Digest-size mag will also combine
June-July issue, due on stands May
10, because of paper shortage.

CHATTER

Norman Corwin profiled in June
Readers Scope.

George Sessions Perry in Boston
to do a study in Beantown for. ihe
Satcvcpost.

. Bernard Sobol doing a regular
chore for Omnibook along with Don-
ald Adams and Robert van Gelrlcr.

Reported that Saturday Review ot
Literature plans expanding into a
New Yorker type of periodical post-
war, when paper rationing eases.

Tom Powers,, author of "Virgin
With Butterflies." has ''completed his
second novel. "Sheba in the
Trampled Grass," for publication bv
Bobbs-Merrill.

Stephen Longstrccl sold his forth-
coming novel. "The Crystal Girl"
still in outline form. Io Metro, and
will finish the writing job al his
Long Island home.

. Ex-Lt. Ed Seay. USN. doing pro-
motion for Omnibook now after a
short, hitch* with Pageant, which ho
left when editor Eugene Lyons did.
Seay formerly , p.a. for Rainbow
Room. N. Y.

Ex-Broadway p.a. LI. Seaman
Jacobs' first article is in Ihc cur-
rent Motion Picture.,. • '-It's called
"Mickey Rooney — Front Line Enter-
tainer," by Sgt. Emnielt Kennedy, a'
nom-dc-plumc he picked "for no
Pthcr reason than it's the. name of
the first of Marge's ancestors to conic
•to this country." (Margie Hari is
Mrs, Jacobs.)

I Law Talks' Plans

Raymondville. Texas. May 1.
I Law Fa Iks resigned as manager
i Rio and Ramon theatres here oper-
| a(ed by R. N. Smith circuit. Guy
I Perdum named new manager of
houses. Falks will continue as owner
land operator of the Crawford, in
' Crawford, Texas. In his spare time
he plans to operate ^a fishing and
boating camp al Possum Kingdom
Lake for theatre men in the south-
west.

N.

C. Names New City Mgr.

Raleigh. N. C-. May 1.
Edwin Pettett, city manager North
Carolina Theatres, for nearly three
years, resigned to take a theatre job
in Greenville. S. C. A. C. Alston.'
former pilot in Army air corps, gels
spot vacated by Pettclt.

Kemp to Loew's in Memphis

Memphis, May 1.
Bill Kemp. Loew's relief manager
in the south, named manager of
Loew's State here, succeeding Ar-
thur Groom, transferred lo Loew's
Victory in Evansville.

Dorothy McGUIRE • Robert YOUNG
Herbert MARSHALL

'THE ENCHANTED
COTTAGE'

DHri Open * A CTflV- Bway & 47th # Ctnllnutui
8:30 A.M. aOl-Va p, pU |, r p r | c „

TRY0N RESUMES ACTING

Hollywood, May 1.
Glenn Tryoh .started something
when he returned to thesping in
"Geors« White's Scandals" at RKO
after 12 years of producing, directing
and writing.

. Now he has been signed by C. P.
MacG.regor to star in a radio serial.

N.Y. PAL Enlisfe Indies
To Add 500,000 Members

Seeking 500,000 additional mem-
berships in the Police Athletic
League, which confines its activities
to charitable and educational work.
N. Y.'s Police Commissioner Lewis
J. Valentine on Thursday (20 > ad-
dressed a mass meeting of circuit
representatives and exhibitors in the
Greater N. Y. area urging, their co-
operation ' in attaining this goal
Membership in PAL is $1 per head.

Harry Brandt, president of the In
dependent Theatre ©whers Assn.
appointed a committee following the
meeting, held at the . Astor hotel,
N. Y.. lo lay plans for a membership
drive through theatres.

Meantime, Mayor F. H. LaGuardia
has requested exhibitors, to cooper
ale in some appropriate manner in
connection with "I Am. An American
Day." to be celebrated May 20. Re-
ported the Mayor may make a little
speech which can be tackcll to news-
reels in line with 'this event.

Following, the Valentine address,
the ITOA renominated as -officers:
Harry Brandt, president; Dave Wcin-
stock, Max A, Cohen, v.p.s; 'Leon
Rosenblatt, treasurer, and John C.
Bolle. sergcant-at-arms. For post of
secretary. Abe Leff. indie circuit
owner,' withdrew in favor-, of J.
Joshua Goldberg of Raybon.d The-
u Ires. - .

Wakeman's Seller

Frederick Wakcman, now a Footc.
Cone & Belding ad agency veepce.
authored "Shore • Leave" which is
still selling around 1,000 copies
weekly and has gone some 60,000
copies to date.. The Luther Davis
dramatization of his book, called
"Kiss Them for Me," is currently on
Broadway.

Back of the book is one ot those
interesting publisher stories which
invariably . crop up when a book
clicks. Wakeman sold the book from
a 30-page outline, which reached
Farrar & Rineharl unsolicited. As-
sociate editor Ted Amusscn (now in
the Navy) read it. got excited about
it, told his boss. Stanley Rinehart.
Jr., that this had the makings of a
good book, and they put Wakeman
to work, further inspired by an ad-
vance royally, to finish his'novel.

Martin

I.amont at F. & R.

John Lament is now associate cdir
tor on light fiction for Farrar 8c
Rinehart.

Philip Wylie has eased off the
chief responsibility, doing only con-
sultation editorial work from his
Miami Beach retreat where he is
also continuing his creative writing
and columnizing.

Kent Cooper Due to Join

Kent Cooper, executive head of
AP and. notable as a speaker who
never turned a fiesta into a siesta,
is slated for the main talk at the
«emi-annual dinnej- of the Silurian
Society al the New York A. C. May
19. The press bureau chief will be
tendered the bid of honorary mem-
bership in the newspapermen's frat,
joining S. S. McClure and Henry L.
Mencken, who netted the nod, re-
spectively, at the last two dinners.

Gus Edson. comic artist (Andy
Gump), will qualify for membership
in the society, having filled his en-
trance requirement— 25 years of
newspaper work in' New York.

"Honeyfof line Time"

Virginia Dale, formerly drama
arid screen critic of the old. Chicago
Journal, in the next issue of Red
Book has a story titled "The Pleas
ure. of the Times." Harper is pub
lishing the full novel under the title
"Honcyfogling Time.''

"iioneyfogling" Is an obsolete
word of the '80s. used to describe
necking. : Harpers and Hollywood

Continued from u':ib,c 1
hu'ma!" engagement there. Martin,
covering the show, lauded the music,
but-termed the book and lyrics "por-
nographic and prurient."' F.rlanger
thereupon lodged stiff complaint
with publishers and withdrew, its ad-
vertising from the paper.

Although continuing as screen re-
viewer, Martin was yanked Trotn
legit criticism, "Ramshackle Inn."
the following attraction, being cov-
ered by Stephen V. Seclcy of the pa-
per's general staff. Occasion marks
first time in years any Buff theatre
management has sought such retalia-
tion, last instance being 15 years ago.
when Shubcrt-Teck sought to bar
"Variety" nuigg Burton from that
house because of his refusal lo sup-
press certain stories regarding opera-
tion of ho\r c. 7 - - -

Newspapermen, or anyone for
that matter, can no longer be
barred from any public amusement
spot if they arc- morally fit. The
U. S. Supreme Court upheld the
New York Court of Appeals during
the past year on the hitter's- ruling
to that effect, the original bill to this
effect being introduced in the N. Y.
Legislature by Leonard Lyons. N. Y.
Post columnist. Prior to that any
theatre owner had the right to deny
admission to a prospective patron for
any reason. Lyons' introduction oC
the bill followed denial to him. by
the Shuberts. of admission to any of
their theatres.

Walter. Winchell and the late Alex-
ander Woollcott have been among a
long list of newsmen who at one time
or another have been denied admit-
tance to Shubert theatres. Woollcott
at the time was critic for the N. V.
Times.

t> IT'S TIME IOR
CHIMES,

MICHAEL
CHIMES

OurSMNDING
HARMONICA

SlYllSr

6 limn Weekly
over WNfW

Mon. ffiru Fri. 9
. Sunday 1 P.t

MUSIC bi MHU
23rd WEEK

Wednesday, May 2, 1945

- - 4

/

ERICH

VON STROHEIM /

MA*Y BETH

HUG H E S

"G * f AT WITH A G UN

with DAN DURYEA • STEPHEN BARCLAY

ANTHONY MANN — Director • Ser.en Flo, by ANNE WIGTON, HEINZ HERAID, RICHARD. WEIl
Sfory bf ANNE WIOTON • loi.d on o character "B/G SHOT" by VICKI »AUM from CoHiV. Moooxin.

Product - WILLIAM WflDEff

A REPUBLIC PICTURE

SB

RADIO

P4LKIETY

Wednesday, May 2, 19 15

Mutual Setting Up Script Staff,

There's more ami more evidence*
of Mutual's slep-iiy-step 'segregation,
from WOR. New York, and achieve-
ment of an independent .stains as a
network under 'l he Ed Kobak regime.

Mutual has just hired its Hist
script editor, II. Philip Minis. ,awl
is expected to add two or three staff,
writers in the near future. This; will
provide the country \s fourth web
with its first script division after an
existence of 10 years. Mutual was
not included in the IB44 negotiations
of the Radio Writers ' Guild, contract.
Other networks have "maintained
active writing, divisions .-from, the
beginning. CBS has 10 writers and
three editors. NBC nine writers and
two editors. Blue live writers: and
one editor.

Similar evidence that Mutual is
out to stand on its own, is the cur-
rent separation of its telephone
trunk-lines, from-- WOR.' A separate
switchboard for Mutual is now going
through.

Thus far more than a half dozen
execs have followed Kobak from
the Blue to Mutual, among, them
Phil Carlin. Bob Swe/.ey, Burl
Hauscr, Jesse Thompson, D. R.
Buckharn and Bob Novak.

Les Raddatz Named As
Assistant to Hal Bock

.--...' Hollywood. May i.
Leslie Raddatz. with NBC in Hol-
lywood since 1942. has been named
assistant to- Harold J. Bock, press
manager, succeeding Homer Canlleld.
. Latter is newly-appointed produc-
tion manager of net's Western divi-
sion. ;.,

Voite Conies Thru.

When a truck somewhere west
of Denver bumped a telephone
pole last Wednesday night (25),
breaking a transcontinental wire,
the accident turned into a break
for Frank Sinatra, CBS, and Max
Factor.

For 11 peak-hour minutes—
9:20 to 9:31 p. m.— CBS. was the
only web on: the air, cast of Den-,
ver. that carried a skedded big?
time show. On NBC. organ music
subbed for Eddie Cantor, who
was cut. in the middle of a gag.
Mutual's Gabriel. Heattcr never
finished his San Francisco ora-
torio.: And the Blue,, busy at
Vthe moment in airing Ben
Hecht's "Watchtower. of Tomor-
row, starring Edward G. Rob-
inson, had to do a repent later '
that evening.

. -Explanation was simple. It so
happened that all four web shows
that, period were ..Coast-origi-
nated. But the wire carrying the
Sinatra show for. CBS happened
to be routed on a separate cir-
cuit; while the lines bringing the
NBC-Blue-Mutual airers east'-,
ward had been punched in the
cable on the pole bumped by a
truck. -' :

Cool 'Romance'

Colgate's "Theatre of Romance" is
going way overboard on Commercial
fpiels each week. CBS execs pointed
.out to Sherman, Marquette. agency
chiefs on Friday (27.) — and it must
slop immediately for the good of the
program and the web's ratings, they
added.

A chart-check over a two-month
period shows that the commercials
on "Romance" run anywhere from
three minutes and 15 seconds to four
and one-half minutes. CBS', rilling
on the commercials time-limit for 30-
miuute sponsored shows, proved oyer
the years. Is three minutes. .Over
that, according to researchers at the
network, listeners become restless,
continuity is uneven and the stanza
suffers in rating.

"Romance." incidentally,- is a CBS
program department package, which
was on the network sustaining Tor
about a year, prior to -the time Col-
gale took over sponsorship almost a
year ago. . Aside from fact that the
network' is endeavoring to straighten
out an unhealthy situation— too j
many and lengthy plugs for the
sponsor — it also is seeking to pro-
tect its program package from low
listener ratings', a tough talking point
when trying to peddle the stanza
when, and if. it becomes available
again.

Charts show that the drama picks , , , , . .,,

up rating shortly after going on the ^IT!^ 1 "^.."! ^^^i.^ 011
air, and that every lime a commer-
cial is spieled the rating sags. On
"Romance." too for a foil two-min-
utes before It goes oil' each week
during which the surveys were
taken, rating drops as much as three j
points. And on 'many shows, besides
the Colgate blurbs, the announcer
pitches in with a government-agency
plug a.- well.

CCNY Conference

FC&B Scrameroo

'.. Ed .Cashman. Foote.'CbnC & Beld-
ing v;p. in. charge of radio at the
Hollywood office, has resigned. A.
veteran producer, he is expected to
announce the acceptance of an inde-.
pendent production assignment at
heavy coin -which has . been offered
him oh one of the top air shows out
of Hollywood.

Cashman is; currently in N. Y; and
it's understood he . was . brought in
from his Coast office to finalize de-
tails concerning the. loss, by FC&B

of its part of the Campbell Soup , ,,„„„,„. „ r |W . «„„ i,.-

account, including the Jack Carson • .-The Collefe-or the City ot New-
CBS. Wednesday night show which I ■? V ^ih -f i t : *°
goes over lo Ward Wheeloek. with " "head with its plans for the first an-
Ihe services of producer Larry | >'««' R«d.o and Business Conference
Berns. in a couple of week*. Car.son. j de!i P ,l f «*• recommendations of
who is up for induction, is expected.' f ome broadcasters that .t be pu I off
to go on' an entertainment tour of «h.s year Sessions were or.gmally
ser|ce camps prior toeing ^-^^ ft % ™*

Meanwhile: Ward Wheclbck is '■ Feeling was expressed, in some
shopping around for a replacement ■ quarters that the CCNY Conference,
for the Carson show should the rather than risk "laying an egg'' in
star be accepted for 'military service. : its initial time up and thus lose
However, ir he is not inducted, it is ' prestige while still In embryonic
reported reliably that, the soup ac- form, merely confine itself this year
count will continue with the Warner to the scheduled awarding of cita-
fllm star, drawing up another 52- i 1."°"* to . stations and agencies . -for.
week pact with the usual 13- week programming, initiative, etc.
options. i College, however, announced it'

Prior lo going with FC&B a couple ' would proceed with its agenda after
of years ago in the N. Y. office, making its own poll of broadcasler-
Cashman for years was a -topflight agency opinion which found major-
producer at CBS. Since moving out ; ity in favor of. holding it. •
to the Coast last year, however, he Move, to call off the Institute was.
has become a California.! "for good." . pj. c Hi C atod on the fact that it comes

as he puis it. and as a. result will at „ lime >vhen hair-trigger tension

accept the Coast offer, rather than
several key agency jobs that have
been offered since word gol out that
he is leaving his agency connection.

hi.:- been mounting among broadcast
era. what with . the San Francisco
peace parley in the wake of Presi-
dent Roosevelt's death, with the un-
certainties attending the' imminence
ot V-E Day and; other vital prob-
lems. Transportation, factor was also.

SPECS BUILDERS BUY

RflR TOH11T NFWVAQT^ at,vi,nee(l -as" one of the reasons to
. BUD llWU.l 11 Jj If JV>n J I J f0l g et aDOllt ii - t hi s year, but guiding

Bob trout has nabbed a. sponsor CCNY spirits behind the Institute
for • his 0:55-7 p.m! news Saturday ; point out that agenda, as set tip.
nights on CBS (or the next 52- j principally lists key broadcaster-
weeks. Bankrollcr is dcu-Lens. ' agency figures from the N.-Y. area.

Formal presentation ot awards
shell Out $450 per week for the news will be made on opening clay of
package. ''conference, a previously scheduled

Marks first network account for special dinner for the occasion hav-
Byrd, Richard & Pound agency. ; ing been cancelled. Opening mcel-

| ing will deal with "Radio Program
'Building: Contributions of. Broad-
casters. Agencies and Advertisers."
with Archibald Crossley serving" as
moderator. Principal speakers will
be Clarence Menser, NBC program

5'Philco's 1-Hr. Whiteman
Tribute on Sunday (6)

Summer policy of Philco "Hall 01

Sherman. Marquette will have to | Fame" on the Blue goes into cfTcct ' vx ' cpee and Robe,t T.' Col well, of J

hold the commercials within the
three-miiHitc limit, or less, from
here on in. CBS has informed them.

United Press Platters
On Top Personalities
Good Library Material

UP. announced the. new type
show after "Variety" pointed out
lasl week thai the death or President
Roosevelt highlighted the fact that
"program morgues" are non-oxis.loiil
for immediate airing.

Walter Thompson agency. "Measur-

this Sunday (6> with the entire 60 ... . „ ,,. „

minute show built around a tribute '"^ 11,6 'Selling Effectiveness- ■ of
to Paul Whiteman. programs main- ! Rl,tho " W1 " bc tnt to " lc <>f- attcr-
slay since its bow-iii a year and a : ,10<m ' scssion ' with Frank Slanlon.
half ago. Musical sequences with " CBS Veepce; and- S; E. Gill, di-
Gcorgia Gibbs starred and the Merry : , cc ""' ot research for Biow agency
Macs for vocal assist (they're per- 1 a " d prcxy.'ol Radio Research Coun-
ma'nently set for (he summer sked>. : cil as . speakers.- C. G. Mortimer,
plus dramatit stanzas scripted by Sol •; V'eepee of General Foods, will be
I Sacks and.. Charles- Spcers. will be. -moderator.
« „ ,- . . . . . . . Whitemaiiesque in character to tie in j Second day of conference will be

■ . °.o ae , kage designed with the tribule. . devoted to theme "Radio Advertis-

er r •"■ , n , ' . " ! ° S ,"° e « " Famc " wi " l> l0bubl - v so to a half- ing Opportunities and Obstacles;-

w^nned' Z o, " ^H,,,r„ ^ |hour latc in May with definite decisl, ,.*,,„ a !,en,ion directed lo lime and
t l Z i, ' P'och.cl.0,, by likely in a few days. Meanwhile. : talent costs. Lewis Avery. Director

iji -im . . . I Myron Dulton continues as show's 0 f Radio Advertising for NAB will

Phil Newborn radio news mgr. for ; p , 0 d lt cer. pending possible induction ; S|)0 ak and Earl. Bunt ng president
P a „no,,„,.«l „.-w tvoe or jnlo Al . m) , , f he :eoM .„ Etl(lic g plp . | ( l f , 0 . Su]1 V ;|n „^; ci "'^

paugh. his aide, will take over. - | moderator. Conference will wind

-~ " iv - T • • : wf,h . television panel on "Ad-

Smi^h I P9V0C FrAllonrlrc vancemenl in Commercial Tele-

OlIIIUI LCdVCb rrCUtrithb . yisi(m lra A Hirschmami. . veep^

. .. , ,, „„ Addison '-Smith, checked . nut as- of -Metropolitan Television, will be

According l<> Newsom. he new UP |hc;id of ih' c - radio dept. of Frederick ..moderator. Lyndon C. Brown or
slanza. to be known as .'One. Mai. s | vostol . dav n) , 0 heac , up Ms Stewart, Brown & Associates, will

own package-talent: production out- j talk.

lit. Before joining Frederick Bros. .' "' ■ 1 '

nearly a year, ago he was with I
Hiithraulf * Ryan agency

Frisco Palls a Bit As Air Fare,
Webs Likely to Curtail Coverage

Frisco Chatter

San Francisco. May 1.
Some of the commentators who.
get their basic copy rrom the news
service printers' are. of -a mind that
the Associated Press is. losing its old
conservatism. They're referring not
only to the lake surrender flash but
also to some of the copy ground out
by special writers which strays from
staid old standards.^ _ .' -

Hearst, press, has the Russians con-
fused. Never friendly to. the: Slavs,
news and headlines are slanted with
innuendo and inference. The Soviets,
for all they know, might think that
these sheets are read by most Amer-
icans.

Mutual' tossed a breakfast party
for Elsa Maxwell . Monday that
brought to the table ' for the first
time at the Palace hotel egg? with
the added attraction of bacon.
Waitress flipped, "If- the hens ever
stop laying, we'll have to close this
joint." ■ ,

Walter Winchell had an audience
of Purple Hearts at his broadcast
Sunday (29 V and . set another prec-
edent by publicly speaking at a Free
World meeting. He's slill talking
about those munificent offers he has
from Eversharp, Bordeiis and United
Drug for nexl season, but it's fairly
safe lo predict he'll be. back next
fall for the 14th consecutive year for
Jergens.

When asked -what, she thought of
Hedda Hopper's hats Elsa Maxwell
flipped, ''She has them made at the
pastry, shop, doesn't she'.'''
; The drift ot big name com-
mentators back east is in the. wind
and before the week -is up. there'll-
be many familiar faces missing. It's
been wearying and trying and many
of them won't be sorry to go home.
They know the layout, met. most of
the big shots and can write about
what goes on 3,000 miles away as
well as down Market street. Helm,

By JACK IIELI.MAN

: San Francisco. May 1
Too much diplomacy and too little
showmanship, That's how the nc l-
work news chiefs 'wrap up their
main peeve against the State Dept.
"There's no one -here to carry the'
ball," Ihey complain; which is ' no
slight on Mike McDermoti. who
handles press and radio relations for
the pin-striped attaches or Sec:
Steltinius' slalT, It goes beyond ihut
—right to the top. McDermoti plays
along but. Only up to a point where
the righting word "protocol" comes
in as tihe heavy.

-. Whenever there's a beef the start-
ers calmly say, . "Sorry boys; it isn't
j according 1o protocol;" More than
fever - the. radio gang. ' misses FDR,
' They're outspoken in their criticism
and put it bluntly this way. "Roose-
velt was the showman. Stetliiiius the
diplomat." The lad* are quick .' to
I reply that procotol would have just
; been another word for red tape and
that FDR would have thrown the
I book of- rules out of the window,
j Rules are rules, they agree, but
j amend there - should be a .certain
! elasticity for covering an event of
; such momentous world interest,
j The brewing controversy : kicked
I lip when the net works; wanted to set
! up at the -Commission'" meetings,
| which is where proposals and plans
f coming out of cpmmitiee rooms are
v batted around and drafted for pres-
| entation at the plenary session. What
the news chiefs wanted to do was io
I have roving mikes in the auditm ium
and lay it into .the kisse/rs of im-
: porlaut speakers. That one was
■ smacked~down by protocol and" the;
, best the boys can hope for is to lake
I what they want off the. p.a. system.
; If . thai doesn't pan out they'll take
j as little as possible. They realize its
I importance but also are mindful of
j the high intellectual level reached
; by the high-domed delegates.
y.$ They are also wondering whether
; or not John Q, Public has been fed
up with the lofty doings aivr.if it-
wouldn't be sufficient just to catch
the highlights and let the commenta-
tors chew over. the rest of it...
Reads Like a 'Who's Who'
They knew: it was going to be the
biggest job they ever tackled but
they didn't expect it to be quite so
"rugged." The quoted word has Is-
sued from so many lips it has be-
come a symbol of the feelings of
the radio crowd, and thai word
"crowd." make no mistake, is also
used advisedly. If it was physically
possible to get up anil down this
, . , , city's seven hills and -actually count

even placing bets on it ) finally gol ; lhe noses of commentators, analysts
the green light last week after four ' newsmen, columnisls and kindred
different sets of sample scripts were ■! journeymen, it would run info un-
prepared under direction of Robert/ PorlonL numbers.
J. Iiiindry, director of program writ-- ' . ' These are lhe folks whq are cover-
ing. Carl A. Buss will do the. w rit- . 'pliis. mileage) jhe security con-

CBS Air Okay For
'Sparrow': Jersild

The much-delayed CBS serial j
"Sparrow and the 'Hawk'' (if
reached the slage where some were

lereiice of the 4II nations. Anyone
who's anybody in the society of
microphonics can be ' found' sweat-'
ing over his script or lypewritcr in
any of the town's class A and B
hotels, which were taken over by
the Slate Dept. for the duration,
which for (he nonce terminated not
later - than June HI. The cohv-
nieiHalors and analysis, are begin-
■ nir.rt Ui slii/«- -Hie- »ri-.iiit"-aini~nv<<i'i-.-"
i Conlinued on page 48 >

Chase & Sanborn Mull
I Ginny Simms, Ella Logan

: ' If the Philip Morris-G.inny Simms
, show-, remains on this summer' (no
.definite decish yet i there's a pos-
jsibility the singer may have two
i weekly network programs going dur-
'ing the h(>t spell.

| Slandard: Brands is reportedly in-
r AV TiKLaU 'DMLa^ujuU lerested in pacting Miss Siinms to
Mr UDDett KeplaCement learn with. Spike Jones and his oreh

iiig job f()llowiiig induction into lhe
Army of Lawrence Menkin. one of
several writers to. work on problem.

Because, of the. CBS code gov-
erning children's programs, the
okay of CBS consulting psychologist
Arthur T. Jersild of Columbia U.
and. Jan Schimek: director or CBS
editing (policy enrorcementi had to
be obtained. This finally- came
II- rough last week after several
nixes, whereupon Douglas- Coulter.
CBS program vcepec. authorized
Landry, lo proceed with the pro-
duction.

Richard Sanvillc. will direct series
which will replace current "Wilder-
ness. Road" at 5:45 p.m.. Mondays
through Fridays. Show bows in on
May 14. •

'Hit Parade' Scans Field

Destiny,'' will portray lhe stories' of
living front page .personalities, .each'
set against his historic background.
Show will'bc o^cred to stations with
suggestion that local lie-ins be made
With schools.

Idea is, however, thai same platter
be saved for use in even) of hero's
death. "This,". said Newsom. Vshould
furnish .radio with an elfeclive pro-
gruin morgue.'.' "'..*-

Cincinnati.— Maj. Gen. James E.
Smith's initial er on his own -.is •'« : EaniOnds.- who has bcen'.-WLW's mil-
collab veiiluve with. Dave El man 1 'tiiry analyisl since his retirement
which tees off on Mutual May 22. I from; the Army in December, 1943.
It's (he "Dave Elin.-in Auction Room" I dophrls this week for the European
Tuesday night show which 'originates ! war front lo. report on. hostilities, ir
rrom the Crystal Room of- the Ritz- I any after -his arrival, and" war clean-
Carl tun hotel in , N. Y. . I up conditions.

George Washington Hill reported
ly is searching for a replacement for
Liiwrence Tibbelt on. the** -Luckv-
Strike's Saturday nigiil CBS "Hit
Parade" show. Foiite. Cone &• Bcld-
ing. agency on the account, is cur-
rently scanning the field of male
vocalists .for the sponsor, ' with Phil
Brilo having the inside track on
the job , at the preseiil lime.

Marks a switch for the bankrollcr
since only a couple of weeks ago it
was officially reported' that Tibbelt
would be back in June, after taking
a four-week, hiatus from the show
lo fill some Coast concert engage-
ments this month
gone, Joan- Edwards,

summer replacement for . the Ed-
gar Bergeii Sunday night NBC show..
Only the Jones City' Slickers outfit
has been definitely set thus -far.
'Overtures also being made for Ella
Logan In .go on the show ir it's lio
(lice with Miss Simms.

Original intention was to learn
Frances Langrord with Spike Jones'
:as the summer, show, but Pejisodent ;
(chimed in with ii quick njx.

•BTAST CLUB' TO PHILLY

Philadelphia. May, 1. :.
Don McNeill and his Blue net work
Breakfast Club" make their first
While Tibbelt. is j trip east with an appearance skedded
' singer, on ( for May IR at the. Academy of -Music '

the program: will get lop billing, . here,
with Murk Warnow and his orcli, of [ It's part of the 7lh War Bond cam-
course, continuing. . . 1 paign.

Wednesday, May 2, 1945

PfouEfr

RADIO 89

Peace At Any Price

It's estimated that radio's coverage of the San Francisco peace parley,
on the basis of its nearly seven-week duration, js costing the broadcast-
ing industry somewhere iii the neighborhood of $2,000,000. That figure
applies for the four major webs as well as those iridie stations that
have also assigned staffers io the confab,

Figure not only involves defraying expenses of the long list of
commentators, analysis, etc., but also the "nut" entailed in setting up
the elaborate equipment, line charges to provide a free-flowing two-
way. Frisco-New York rciay, cancellation of sponsored shows,. etc..

Sudden four-network cancellation last Thursday night (26) of an
hour and three-quarters of regularly scheduled programnnngr'fof -
. instance, in order 't« -carry the speeches of the four delegation toppers,
on the second day of the history-making session, added up alone to
$150,000 cost for the webs. —

Frisco Confab 150G Opening Tab _
Shocks Webs in Three Languages

Those last-minute.. cancellations by
the. four major webs last Thursday.
(2(S)' on orders of the State Dept. in
order to clear an hour-and-45-min-
utes of air time for the Molotov-
Stettinius-Soong-Eden talks from the
San Francisco confab haven't been
resting any too well with- the webs'
sales depts. The tab, as- far as the
networks are concerned, totalled
$150,000 both in rebate on lime to
sponsors and : out-of-pocket, talent
costs, for which the webs were also
nicked.

Some of them are quite frank
about it, labelling it "the $150,000
clambake/' pointing out that the na-
tion could have gotten a much belter
rounded picture and more informa-
tion through established liewcastcrs.
And on lop of the-Molotov speech in
Russian and subsequent translation
Into English, that "surprise pack-
age" translation into French which
knocked off an additional 15-miii-
tues of commercial time particularly
annoyed the sales boys.

The webs feel that in view of the
unprccendented three-day blitz of
commercial programs during the
President Roosevelt . death emer-
gency, the additional cancellation of
time- for the Frisco inaugural, etc:,
the State Dept. was stretching a
point in. its sudden order which
knocked oft. some of the top air
shows. Included among them were
the Bob Burns "show; Dinah Shore,
Frank Morgan and the Chesterfield
stanza on NBC, while GBS cancelled
off. Jack Kirkwood, "Mr. Keen,"
"Suspense." "Death Valley" and the
Chesterfield program. The Blue and
Mutual losses were compartively
lighter: ;

NBC was hardest hit on, the talent
cost, approximating $35,000, while
' the CBS nick was in the neighbor-
hood of $30,000.

HARRINGTON HANDLING
COLGATE BIZ AT BATES

Tom Harrington, veteran key
^•?.?. nc .y .radio, exec, has been named
acco'u n t c x e c uTi v e f o r'Colga te "a tTR e
Ted Bates agency. Follows promo-
tion of Bill Stuhler to head lite out-
fit's radio department, .succeeding
Tom Revere, who resigned a week
ago. -

Harrington, who formerly was one
of the lop radio execs at Young &
Rubicani for many years, has fully
recovered .from a recent illness, and
will take a more active pari in the
Bates operations from now on.. Re-
Ported, too, that Stuhler wjll an-
nounce the jiiring or another key
Production exec shortly. \

Frank Morgan's New Ticket
Cues Grif fen's LA. to NX

Official conclusion of Frank Mor-
gan's lie with Maxwell House Cof-
fee came with receipt of telegram
last week notifying him final broad-
cast under the current pact comes
May 31. Morgan will not be renewed
in the fall, Burns and Allen taking
over. Morgan has been on the java
«no\v for the past seven years.
-Negotiation's are now pending for
selling Morgan as a package deal,
along with Phil Rapp io another

' *P° ns or. . , Wayne Griffeu of Bcrg-
Allenberg agency expects to leave
ior New York within next fort-
night to close new ticket for

■ M <»:ean.

INFERIORITY COMPLEX?

After Praising Yank Show as Best
Canadian Origin Comes Out

Canada's radio "inferiority com-
plex" vis-a-vis the United Slates was
manifest again recently when special
kudos were passed out to William N.
Robson, American writer-director,
on a special broadcast lie did in
Toronto for the Canadian Red
Cross: Impression 'was . given by
much comment and' published criti-
cism that Canadians couldn't do that
well.

Actually it developed that Robson
was using material originally writ-
ten by a Canadian writer.. Horace
Brown, but "processed" by the Rob-
son. studio technique.

ing As Ayem

Program Doesn't
Look Easy to Sell

One of the major topics of. conver-
sation in. the radio business this past
week was the NBC-Fred' Waring deal
whereby the Pennsylvahians move
into the 11-11:30 a.m. spot on the net-
work for an alltime high sustaining
price tag of $18,500 per week. Big
question seems to be "who's going to
pay that kind of money for a day-
time show— especially when you've
got to go up against Tom Brcnenian
on the Blue, lop dog on the a.m.
network calendar?"

Broken down to a one-day basis,
the Waring package, plus agency
commission, adds tip to something
like $4,00(1 for one half-hour show.
The Brcnenian program, on the
other hand, figures about $5,500 for
Ihe entire week, and thai includes
agency commish, orchids and all thai
-goss- AMitb , ; _

No one doubts Waring's 'potentiali-
ties as an audience builder — he's one
of radio's standard attraclibns — but
the switcheroo from night to sun-
light hours is a song in a different
key. And until the musical show
proves it can deliver in the face of
a new type of competition, the feel-
ing is that sponsors are not going to
be falling over one another to grab
the bankrolling privilege.

NBC, ;■ of course, is peeling" . (he
banknotes off the top, so to speak,
put of unprecedented earnings, and
supposedly, is willing to go along
carrying Waring sustaining without
pressuring for an immediate sale.
Indicative of the web's attitude that
they're in on a^rail-blazing routine
is the $1,000,000 earmarked for prb-
mosh.and bally during the first 26
weeks of the experiment -which -en-
ters the laboratory June 4.

Waring, it's learned, has delivered
himself and his organization to NBC
on an exclusive basis iii 'return' for
■the lucrative contract, -but is not lim-
ited to doing the il a.m. show ex-
clusively. On the contrary. Johnny
O'Connor will be tickled to death to
talk with any prospective client
wanting Waring for a nighttime
show. All that's necessary is to get
NBC to clear the tinted meet War-
ing's price and write a few commer-
cials. Waring definitely is not quit-
ling nighttime radio.

TOP BOSSES MAKE
LIST

By GEORGE ROSEN

Who are the "dictators" that rule
radio programs? Are there many of
them : and bow extensive is their,
power? These questions have taken
on special significance recently be-
cause of trade discussions around.
New York (and reported in "Va-
riety") concerning the point of view
of radio directors who desire a
much stronger control, for thorn- ,
selves over writing, re-writing, cast- Jed' on the Teel
ing, production policies and so oil: I stanza on NBC.

An informal canvass of trade f
opinion would probably list the fol- 1

Directors' Guild Authority Concept
As Revealed in Official Demands

MostelY CBS Sustainer

Zero Mostel will head up a half-
hour variety show being readied by
CBS as a summer sustainer on the
network, if salary negotiations cur-
rently taking place are completed
satisfactorily.

Comic has been doing vaude; and
nitery dales since getting out of
Arhiy and couple of weeks ago guest-
Gaslight Gailies".

lowing persons as among the most
influential radio showmen and fqr
the following reasons: ■

George Washington Hill: Because
he bosses all the Lucky Strike shows
and is pretty much the one-man
fountain of all decisions.

Frank and Anne Hummerl; Be-
cause this pair run a radio literary
factory on a bargain price operation
and apparently have little "interfer-
ence'' from sponsors.

Himan Brown: Because this free-
lance producer is owner-director-
salesman, all in one, of the various
programs he controls such as "Inner
Sanctum," "Joyce Jordan" and "Thin
Man." Brown is a self-made success,
having started as a boy wonder in
program sales and now maintaining
a practical stock company of actors
arid a stable of writers, preferring to
use the same, over and over. His
power is very great. ■

Carlton E. Morse: Author of "One
Man's Family" and "I Love A' Mys-
tery" is an owner-director, toor and
ills seldom he has to bother about
anybody's else views.

WCAU, Philly, To
Crusade After
Purer Aqua Pura

Philadelphia. May 1.
WCAU today. (Tues.) will step
into a hot-spot — where angels (ra-
dio ) have feared to tread hitherto—
the Water controversy in Philly.

Up to now only the PliiUy Record
and on occasions one of the' Other
dailies, have consistently beefed to
the- city administration for the bad-
lasting, ill-smelling drinking water
in Philly. The radio stations have
4'eft the subject strictly alone aside
from giving time to speakers, pro and
con on. the subject, which is a po-
litical football in these parts.

But tonight Isaac ,D. Levy, attor-
ney and vice-prexy of WCAU. takes
the air with a Speech putting the
heat on the mayor's newly appointed
Ttd Collins: Discoverer-manager- | water commission. tThe commission

producer-emcee: Collins is almost a
one-man . industry in himself; He
has to consider his sponsor, of course,
but still is among the most powerful
of radio showmen.

Dan Gplenpaul: His word is pretty
much law on who gets invited and
what gets asked on "Information,
Please."

' Cameron Hawley: This advertising
manager of Armstrong Cork . is the
"Captain Bligh ' of radio ship called
"Theatre of Tomorrow." It's his way
or else/

. Ralph Edwards: This ex-announcer
who hit the jackpot with "Truth or ]
Consequences" has a team, but he's j
the final say-so. t 1

George V. Denny: The moderator j
of "Town Meeting" is thought to
have few limitations, at least not ex- I
plicil ones, upon his conduct of;
lorum programs. I

Jean- Tennyson: Singer who is i
wife of the sponsor (Dr. Camille j
Dreyfus) is the absolute boss of the |
Celancse "Great Moments in Music." j
She picks her conductor, writer,
selections, order of programming,
aria" ' oihvr singers. " — - • —

Paul While: The CBS Director of

has representatives of three of the
local dailies, but no representative
of radio.) 1

In his speech Levy, who has al-
ways steered clear of taking sides
politically, will give the committee
.this ultimatum: - .

Unless something is done, WCAU
will bring the problem to the citi-
zenry in dramatic fashion. Levy
plans to get' six large- flat-bottomed
trucks and on them put giant bottles
made of magnifying glass.

These bottles will be filled with
Philadelphia water, with the magni-
fying glass showing the impurities,
silt, etc.. which it contains. Other
bottles will be filled with water from
one of the suburban waler systems,
which is pure.

The trucks will go to different
sections of the city and attendants
will ladle out the water to the !
people. Radio stars and other show
people will be on the water caravan
to attract crowds with songs, spiels,
etc. The campaign will be plugged
in newspaper ads and spot announce-
ments on the air.

This will be the first time a radio
statioi'TlTas got in rke'ir.'riddlo-cf-s-uch
a crusade. Other station execs are

officials, public and newspapers.

News is a potent producer where j wa t c hing for the reaction from city
"Report to the Nation" is concerned.

Clifford Goldsmith: Although he
has withdrawn lately as writer, this j
former ..school teacher has most of
the real authority over "The Aid-
rich Family."

Jerry Devlne: Bristol-Myers has
learned to trust Dcvinc, so as'aiithor-
• director. '.he's very decisive. He's
been very aggressive, too, in fighting

Hooper Submarine Trend
Could Cue New Benny
Laugh Approach in Fall

That rating dip- in the Jack Benny

♦ The proposed collective bargaining
agreement which the Radio Directors
Guild is now negotiating with NBC,
CBS and the - Blue network spells
out "Ihe authority and duties of di-
rectors" in plain language.

If accepted by the networks, the
provisions would establish the power
of directors as near-absolute. No ex-
ectuivc showman could influence the'
selection of actors; no writer, con-
tact man, supervisor or other per-
sonage could enter the control booth
during rehearsals if the director op-
pose J his presence, and- nobody
could or modify the treatment, or
interpretation, the cuts, deletions or
rewrite of scripts if the director
stood 911 his- rights.- tThcse are the
controversial clauses about, which
there has'already been much trade
comment as reported in "Variety").

Other salient provision's of the
proposed collective bargaining agree-
ment include:

Guild Shop: Section 2 of Article
III would provide: The Guild will
admit to membership in the Guild '
any non-member director who is
how employed by the Company or
any qualified person whom the, Com-
pany may desire to employ as a di-
rector, upon the same 'terms and
conditions as those which are rer
quisite to membership at the date
of this agreement.. Nothing. Noth-
ing herein contained shall limit the
right of the Guild to suspend, expel,
discipline or refuse to readmit a
member for. just cause.

Salaries and Fees: The . statement
"all fees to be paid directors shall
be in addition to, and i»t in lieu of,
their basic minimum salaries" js
pertinent here.

A director assigned by the Com-
pany io a commercial program
which is rebroadcast not more than
24 hours after the original broad-
cast, shall receive a repeat broad-
cast fee. equivalent to '33-and-a-
third '.« of the original fee. After a
lapse of more than 24 hours, he shall
receive fee equivalent to original fee.
. In the event a director is re-
quested by Company to direct the
audition of a program originated by
Ihe Company and such program
shall be sold as a commercial "pro-
gram, the director shall receive a
commercial audition fee equivalent
to 50'i of the first weekly commer-
cial program fee; in cases of audi-
tioning program not originated by
Company, the director shall receive
from Company a commercial, audi-
tion fee equivalent to 50% 0/ first,
weekly fee, whether or not such
auditioned program is sold.

All fees hereinabove provided to
be paid to directors shall be in id-
dition to, and not in lieu of, their
basic minimum salaries.

Ho urn of Work: The hours or woik
shall be 45 a week, divided insofar
as practicable, into five consecutive
days of nine consecutive hours per
day, inclusive "of "meals. •• "

All overtime work shall be com-
pensated by the Company at the
r::le of lime and one-half.

There are also provisions for spe-
cified vacations with pay, rights -
j when suslainers are sold commer-
cially, air credits which are either
I mandatory or at the discretion of
j the director and a scheme for arbi-
tration of disputes.

network policy when it conflicts with snow which took it out of the. Hooper
his own views

FIRST 5 BANKROLLERS
SET FOR 'ROAD AHEAD'

"First Fifteen" for the first, time in

BYRON'S RETURN CUES

a dozen years has cued widespread \ REVINE 'IV A ' CDI IT IID
belief In the trade that the show's j VlVL[\£, ll.A. UlLll Ul

return to the air in the fall will be

marked by some drastic changes in

Jerry Dcvine is checking off the
. Mr. District Attorney" show, spon-
format and inlro of new charac- ! soret | by Bristol-Myers, in about six
Sponsors for first five "Rosa tws." 'Show bounced back anlo 10th wec ' kSi Dcvine has been writing-
Ahead" broadcasts on the Blue have ;.P ,ac ' lh A P r » 30 Hooper report.) directing the show for the past three
been set with International Busi- | General consensus is that Benny I ., n<| a na)l yea rs, but with the re-
news Machines bankrolling ihe tee ] whose $22,500 weekly package is still 1 , um lo lhe program of Maj. Ed
off tonight < Wed.) from Wnslvng- l0 P s .- " 100 shrewd a showman not : Byron 1 who's getting an Army re-
ion's Walter Reed hospital. Clifton 10 rcv^e <"« Program s .setup in a.-| M(!e) . as director of "Mr. D.A.,"
Fadiman will ' emcee with --Ann ! b | d t0 justify t lhal costly talent-pro- j ijevine feels he'd rather pass up the
Sheridan, -the 'initial' gucstcr. : Bob j tliictjon "nut." 1 scripting chore and devote full time

White and Henry. Hay ward arc set ' It's known that Benny at intervals io his new package production out-
as directors on the rehabilitation , in the past has weighed the advis- fit.

series w ith Dave Kegan and Ed i ability of doing some- program al- j pevinc is currently producing
Birnbryer scripting. j relations with hi.s'reluctance lo car- 'j rfhis Is Your F.B.I." for Equitable

Succeeding sponsors will be Con- ry thrpugh attributed to a sense of j Life Oii (he Blue Friday riights. his

linental Can <9); Socony-Vacuuni
(16); Greyhound bus lines (23) and.
Arma Corp. (.10).

loyally to those who have remained 1 first package sale, and reportedly
an integral part of the package over j lias a couple of other program ideas
a long period. ijdlinii for potential sponsorship.

40

Wednesday, May 2, 1945.

"ft"

★

r-.r.t.

I- '

T W E G10RGE FO S T ER P E A B 0 D Y R A D I O A WA R D S

To: CAVALCADE Of AMERICA (Ou Pont)
THE TELEPHONE HOUR (Bell System)
WIW, NBC Cincinnati affiliate
KF4, NEC Los Angeles «ff»l«tte .

A NO A SttCtAl ClfAflOW

KVOO, NBC Tulsa affiliate

, Outstanding Entertainment in Drama
. Outstanding Entertainment in Music
. > Outstanding Reporting of News
. , , , ♦ Outstanding Program for Youth
{PHILHARMONIC YOUNG ARTISTS SERIES)

. for its program, SOUTHWEST FORUM

jHm mmm iv on mm radio mmmmmmm mmmm

T*: H. V. KAiTEWSOllW {P*r» Ott) - . for ''dbffoeutsfod and meritoripw ^er formdnce
of public tervtce by aggre^ive/€onjistenrty excellent and accurate gathering and
reporting of news by radio and Ihe presentation of e*peiti informed omd reliable
interpretation of news and opinion . "

THE VARIETY SHOWMAN AG EMENT REVIEW

In Variety'* 12th annual survey of showmanoge-
ment three NBC affiliates were awarded plaques:
WSB, Atlanta; WKY, Oklahoma City; ond WT1C,
Hartford. Special* citations wenfcto Bristol-Myers for
its NBC program, "Mr. District Attorney" and to
the NBC Program Deportment forewords o» War."

THE CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER

In this year's pall by The C/evefond Plain Deafer,
NBC programs and stars once again won more
first places than all other networks combined— 13
out of 18.

THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL POLL

In the 1945 Milwaukee Journal listeners' Poll, NBC
won 7 out of 14 first places— more than all other
networks combined. -

THE RADIO DAILY POLL

In Radio 0o»7y'x eighth annual poll, 1051 experts
— the notion's radio editors and columnists-^hon-
ored NBC advertisers and their agencies by giving
NBC 15 first places out of 26— more than oil other
networks combined.

THE BILLBOARD POLL

In BHiboard's 14th Annual Radio Editors' Poll, NBC
was given 10 out of 18 first places— with ail of
the top 5 and 8 of the tap 10 places in the "Favorite
Programs, classification alone.

MOTION PICTURE DAILY-FAME POLL

In this year's Fame poll, NBC was accorded 1 3 out
of 24 first places, including 3 out of 5 in the
"Champion of Champions'* classification — won this
year as for the past nine years by on NBC star.

THE WRITERS WAR BOARD. . "Best-Script-oMhe.Montn"

More than 33% of the total number of scripts selected each month as
Best-Script-of-the-Month have been for NBC programs— with Wfirdt
at War scripts, chosen 5 times, the only series chosen more than once.

Wednesday, May 2, 1945 USRiEff 41

■ The National Broadcasting Company is America's
No. 1 Network It maintains that established position
with stations, stars and programs— consistently the
highest rated, the most popular in radio.

And when citations are made for radio excel-
lence, for service to the nation, for cultural contri-
butions, NBC, its independent affiliated stations and
its advertisers again take the highest honors— spe-
cifically and in whole.

It is gratifying to share these recognitions— not
in a spirit of triumph, nor as ultimate judgment of
contributions, and not in any implied neglect of
others' splendid achievements.

NBC accepts in simple appreciation the critical
confirmation of an overwhelming popular vote— the
vote that makes NBC The Network Most People
Listen to Most.

ational Broadcasting Company

America's No. 1 Network

A S*tvtc* of Rarfl*

19^5 — RADIO'S 25th ANNlViDSARY—PltDCID TO VICTORYI C«rp««1i«n «f AmvU

42

RADIO

PfcRlETY

Wednesday, May 2, 1945

IN NEW tORK CITY ...

Biggest thrill Norman Corwin' got rrom his GO-mlnute documentary from
San Francisco last week was relayed message Irom Bob Sherwood, latter
calling it one of the greatest shows he had ever heard. '. . .Consuella Leiii-
boke and Bess McCammon added to casts ot "Valiant Lady" arid "Second
Husband". .. .Alan Bunco and Jimsey Somers arc "David Harum" addi-
tions Vivian Smoleh and Albert Alcy added to cast of hew NBC serial

"The Soldier Who Came Home". . . .Madeleine Pierce returns to the cast of
"Lorenzo Jones" in her role ot Linda. .. .Don Ocko joihs "Helen Trent."

Mary Malonc has left NBC writing staff. .. .Elsie May Gordon audition-
ing new routine by Clay Franklin. . . ."Land Is Bright" at CBS passes to
direction of John Dietz during Italian air trip of Bob Shayon. . ...Ralph
Diunke booked for a legit stint in Detroit. .. .Radio actress Mary Hunter
now coaching hopefuls for screen auditions and directing same. ...With
Jim Kane in the hospital. Charlie Pecor switched over to CBS tele pub-
licity and George Crandall. network press boss, brought Joe Hevisi into
6th' floor office. Latter, though oh CBS payroll, has been doing Maj, Bowes'
publicity from laticr's office since. 1941. . . .When Robert J. Landry, of CBS,"
showed up b"' week to make a speech at "juvenile peace conference."
called by Youihbuilders, he discovered chairman of meeting was an 11-
year-old boy ... .Flora Tyler, divorced wife of Ralph Tyler, in N. V. to
take up radio writing. She's ex-sisler-in-taw of Keith Tyler, director of
Ohio State's Institute for Education by Radio. .. .Flora Rheta Schrciber
is teaching radio at Brooklyn College.

Bob Saudec, sales service manager at the Blue, in 1-A Billy Quinn,

actor, into the Army in a fortnight. . . Larry Haines now; playing the malic
lead on "Joyce Jordan". .. .Arthur Gary handling the announcing chores
on the Esquire Polish Sunday newscasts over .NBC. . . .Arthur Godfrey
was given a 6 a.m. surprise party last Friday (27) by WABC staff and artists
on his fourth anniversary with the station. ... .Sgt. John Grant checking off
the "Strictly GI" early morning WINS show next Friday (5). being re-
placed by Jackie Waite. gal press agent. He's being transferred. . . .Joan
Alexander has been signed for .featuring on the new Mutual show. "For
the* Love of Pete," which preems May 7.... .Paul Gardner, Blue network
flack, has Red Book mag byliher on Pete Gray, the one-armed ballplayer,
coming out in May issue.

N. Y. visit of Herschell Hart, radio cd ot Detroit News, something o* an
innovation to the boys. Guy kepi strict office hours at hotel and the cuff

Could be a dentist on the beam;
Could be a drag with the boas;
Or an old fashioned taffy session.
BUT, IT REALLY REFERS to- Edyth

Wallace^ special air edition.
of her well known syndicated

column, "points for Parents",

that gets Double "A" response

from Oklahoma women.

OWNED AND OrHAHO IV THI OKLAHOMA fUBllfHINO CO.
Tin Daily Oklohwnan and ThnM - Tht Fan*»r.|t»<lrm«n
KVOR. Celwad* fpringt - Kll, D.nv.r (Affiliate* Miml.)
REPRESENTED NATIONAUY IT THE KATZ AOtNCY, INC.

routine was strictly tabu (theatre tickets, lunchCs, etc,, all nixed) ... .That
a.m. programming trend (Kollmars, Fitzgcralds, Waring as an NBC sus-
taiiier. etc.) also cueing a "brunch" routine among radioitcs, CBS tossing
one at the Berkshire Sunday (29) in connection with Matchabelli show
network switch and Carlos, the maitre d'hotel, just as boff on the odd-hour
cuisine setup.... N. W. Ayer gang dined and gifted Wally Magill, pro-
ducer of the "Telephone Hour." at the Stockholm last week. Shindig in

recognition Of Magill's contribution to Pcabody-award-winning stanza

Ray Barrett, honorably discharged ex-Air Force lieutenant, who saw
active service in the European and African theatres of war, has been signed
to the commercials on the Lyle Van 11 p.m. newscasts on WEAF for Bond
Clothes May Robson and Staals Colsworlh will have ail overseas re-
union May 19 "-hen they will do a scene togelher on NBC's "Atlantic
Spotlight'' from London and New York. They were last together when
they appeared in "Elizabeth the Queen " on -Broadway . . . .New Blue sus-
-tainer, "Maj. Hugh North, Army Intelligence." moves to new time spot on
May 21 and will be heard thereafter on. Mondays at 9 p.m. instead of
Thursdays at 7:30. .

NYU Summer Radio Workshop. alumnus dinner skedded for Friday night
(4) at the Faculty club.. ..Geo. Wcisl has taken over direction of "One
Fool In Heaven" on the Blue. .Hildegardc and Milton Bcrlo have skedded
gucslers oh- each other's shows. The "Raleigh Room" femmcce will be on
Bcrie's "Let Yourself Go" show tonight (2 >. and the comedian will return
the compliment on Hildegarde's stanza next Tuesday (8>....Ginny Simms
will guest on "Texaco Star Theatre" program nexl Sunday (G>.

IIS CHICAGO ...

P;<t Dougherty, former woman's page editor ot the Herald American,

now a radio flack for a top cosmetic house WOR threw a cocktail parly

for Sgt. Bob Woods, formerly in the station^ Chi office, to celebrate his
first furlough from the hospital after being injured in combat. .. .Mike
Dowd. Oak Parker just discharged from the Army, has been signed by
Kay Kyscr....Joe Hartenbower in town for a few days.... Ruth Stats is
leaving the RuthraufT & Ryan radio dept. to join the William Morris office
here. . . . WBBM's "Sinclair Quiz Show" has been' so successful in Chi that
ils sponsors are staging the same show in Detroit. and St. Louis.

Bob Hurleigh is taking over a new newscast on WIND. ... .J. Richardson
Loughrin, formerly in the NBC central division guest relations dept., lias
been upped to a producer's berth. . . .Howard Kcefe, CBS network sales-
man, in the hospital . .. .Lou Lauria and his bride, Maybelle. Prindiville,
who formerly played the lead in "Romance of Helen Trent," in town on

their way to the Coast Florence Small, local trade paper rop. moving to

New York June .1. . . .Town currently is being flooded with package sho.ws
with agency execs and radio directors getting slightly dizzy trying to audi-
tion all of them Variety Club of Chicago set a new high in radio plugs

tor their Hal Halperin Memorial show with 22 shows on the air in less

than two weeks Burl Ives dickering with two different networks for a

show of his own; .. .Ralph Weil ot' WOV in. town for a few days.

Chicago Kiwanis club awarded citations to 15 radio execs last week for
their outstanding contribution to the war effort and service to the comr
munity. . . .Eloise Heath, formerly with Spot Sales, has joined the Mitchell
Faust agency as time buyer. Former time buyer Dorothy Parsons joined
the L. W. Ramsey station rep outfit. ... .Irna Phillips skeded to address the
III. Federation of Women's Clubs next week on how much if any the day-
time serials are contributing to the postwar peace problems. .. .Lcston
Huntley and Natalie Johnson have signed a new three-year contract to
write the "Ma Perkins" show.

Philly School System's
Summer Radio Workshop
To Wise Up Teachers

Philadelphia, May 1."
Philly schools, which have utilized
radio to a greater extent during the
past season than ever in its history,
will carry on during the summer
months to make teachers more hep
to the possibilities of air programs to
aid education.

The Philadelphia Ass'n for Educa-
tion by Radio, composed of teachers
and principals in the school system
interested in radio, is planning to set
up a summer "radio workshop," ac-
cording to Gertrude A. Golden,
chairman of the group.

Topics* to be studied include script
writing, production, radio acting and
utilization of programs. In- addition
specially picked junior and. senior
high school students will receive
training in broadcast techniques. On
the staff of the workshop will be
Gordon Hawkins, program and edu-
cational director of Westinghbuse
! Stations, Inc.; William Gallaher, ed-
| ucational director of KYW, and Ruth
I '.Veil' Miller, radio co-ordinator of
j the public schools. Robert Hudson,
director of the Rocky Mountain Ra

Corwin Radio Chrm. For
Arts, Sciences Comm.

Norman Corwin was unanimously
elected chairman of the Ra^dio Divi-
sion of the Independent Citizens
Committee of the Arts, Sciences and
Professions at a meeting Sunday (29)
in N. Y. Kenneth Roberts was ap-
pointed co-chairman.

Serving with Corwin as vice-chair-
mct. are Goodman Ace, Jerry De-
vine. Robert Heller, William Gail-
mov. William Robson, and Anton
Leader. Jean Ellyn was elected to
serve as executive secretary.

Also elected to the exec commit-
tee were Harry Ackerman, Hlman
Brown, Martin Gabel, Ben Grauer,
George Heller, Robert Landry, Peter
Lyon, Hobe Morrison, Paul McGrath,
Richard Sanville, Robert Shayon,
Everett Sloane, Howard Telchman,
John C. Turner. and Martin Wolfson.

dio Council, will be a guest lecturer.

Aim of workshop. Miss Golden
said, was to have at least one teach-
er in each school trained to develop
"workshops" in their respective
schools.

Morgan, Martin, O'Brien
Package for $15,000

Frank Morgan, moppet Margaret
O'Brien and songstress Mary Mar-
tin — that's the radio package being
peddled for sponsorship next fall by
the Berg-Allfenbcrg Coast agency.,
represented in N. Y. by Bill Mc-
Caffrey. Price is $15,000 per week
which, of course, would include a
lop oreh leader and full-sized musi-
cal crew.

Morgan, currently starring on the
Maxwell House Coffee NBC Thurso
day night at 8 show, checks off the
slanza next .month when show will
be replaced «by "Topper" scries- for
the summer. Burns &>; Alicia. tak.e
over in the fall. ! ' V'.".' '

SI; Louis— Arthur Casey, public re-
lations director at KMOX for many
years, has resigned to join Merle
Jones,, gen. mgr. of WOR, Washing-
ton. Jones was formerly the top
man at the local CBS outlet.

Negro Theatre Chain
Buys Time in Dallas

Dallas." May 1.

As far as known the first radio
show sponsored entirely by Negro
i! lea-ire's— has made its debut over
KRLD. Shows, a half-hour in
length, are to be heard semi-weekly
and are under sponsorship of the
Enterprise Theatres which operate
three Negro houses, the Century,
(he Stale and Harlem. Broadcasts
are to be heard at 11:30 p.m. Satur
day and will be dedicated to one of
the houses!

News and topics of current in
Iciest to the 60.000 Negro citizens
in this area will make up the format
plus music and narration on present
and coming attractions to the show
houses. Paul and True Thompson,
William Lloyd and Ed Wilson make
up the group which operate, .Enter
prise Theatres.

WDGY OWNER DIES

Minneapolis, May 1.

Dr. George W. Ypung. owner of
WDGY and a pioneer of the Ameri-
can radio industry, died at the age of
58 after a year's illness. He opened
his radio station in 1923 and operated
il continuously .since then.

Except for a brief tic-up with Mil
tual, WDGY has been unaffiliated,
and entirely independent. Financial-
ly, it has been one of the most sue
cessrul of any of the Twin City sta
lions.

AFRA Convensh
Starts to Fade

American Federation of Radio Art-
ists is circularizing its entire mem-
bership for-.a mail referendum on
whether to hold its annual conven.
lion this year. Referendum, author,
ized by the national board, also car-
ries board's recommendation that
convention be cancelled because of
transportation situation.

Convention was skedded for Los
Angeles in August. The ODT. has
asked that all conventions of over 50
people be scratched this year, and
although AFRA could have -got by
with les,s than 50 delegates, it was
decided to recommend cancellation,
with the trend of the war now to-
ward the Pacific and transportation
needed for troops, wounded, etc.
AFRA instead will work out regional
meetings ot executives and various
representatives in nearby cities. .

Twenty-two vacancies on the na-
tional AFRA board will be filled this
year. Three-year terms will be filled
by eight members from the New
York local, seven from Los Angeles,
three rrom Chicago and one from
Cincinnati, with one-year terms for
three members-at -large. Latter rep-
resent locals whose numerical mem-
bership doesn't qualify them for di-
rect representation on the board.

Locals will pick their members by
direct election some time during
summer, with August as deadline.
Members-al-laigc will be selected
through . New York headquarters,
with . nominations closing May 20,
and selections made by July. ■

Dawson Scrams Morse

Nick Dawson, for the past year
head of the radio department at
Morse Internal ipnal agency, has re-
signed He checks oul May 27, and is
currently considering ; offers from
several N.. Y. agencies.

Dawson is a veteran in radio, both
in the thesp and production ends.
For several years he played the lead
on Woodbury's "Dangerous Para-
dise" network stanza, and lately han-
dled the Vicks-CBS "Matinee Thea-
tre" chore.

MARKET

KDYL't great Utah audience Incladet
OMpleyaei of Hilt refinery Making 100-
ocront gasoline at In new $14,000,000
plant addition In Salt Lake City. It It
juit one of many actlvltlet peering
payroll dollars Into the market where
KDYL It tke popular station.

Loco! Advertisers Know
KDYL Brings Results

For many years the refining company
— largeit in the intirmonntain wett —
hat used KDYL con-
sistently to reach
car-owners In thlt
area. Eiperience
proves that KDYL
brings retails!

Memphis. — Norton Roscngartcn,
account executive for Lake-Spiro-
Shurman ad agency, has opened own
agency in the Shrine building.

.Nultonnl npi>r*Mntn<lvt:

JOHN ■LAM ft CO.

Wednralay, May 2, 1915

TELEVISION-RADIO 43

Kobak, Radio and the Peace

Summarizing tha case for radio and - its Vole in helping maintain
World Peace II. Edgar Kobak. Muliial president, writing 1 in the current
issue of Free World, highlights, as peak facts:

"The maintenance of world peace has for its prerequisites, first, unity
among nations: and second, the education of all peoples for peace. '

"Radio, which has proved a' potent instrument in the waging of
war. can be aii even more elVeclive inslriimCiit for peace.

"Radio is an instrument, a method of communication, a vehicle. for
_lhe substance of education. What that substance will bo is not for. the
radio -industry. to say: rather, it Ls something to be. worked out. planned
for and directed by the leaders of the people — perhaps a special or-
ganization within the. United. Nations Security Council.

"Will a blueprint be devised'.' Wjll ihc leaders set up the machinery
for education? Will they plan to use radio as radio can be used?
These questions may well come up for decision at the San Francisco
Conference."

Radio As Retail Trade Booster Due
For Chin Music Routine in Detroit

Detroit, May 1. * ; — .; ' . : ; — — —

How can radio best help the retail !'_ . . „ • l

trade-or can , it-has been a battle ; ^elfleS KC&QieS dD€CUIl

and a problem between radio and r
retailers for years. Detroit stations,
newspapers, and the local Retail
Merchants' Assn. recognize, that
problem, and they are including it
in a six-course series on "Retail Ad-
vertising Techniques." offered in the
auditorium studios of WWJ-The.De-

V-E Tele Show for CBS

Gilbert Seldes, program director
at CBS' television, has prepped a
special V-E Day show. to be telecast
_ over WCBW, N. Y., as soon as the
troil News. Two of the six .meeting's j j mm inent surrender o£ the Nazis is
are on radio i and the retail trade-- | iimlounced offlciaI , y . Web s video
two are on the best use of window |

display-two deal with newspaper outlet operates on a Tues., TJiurs...
*ds. i Fri. nite schedule but will be put

Both radio meetings' are chaired :'. into operation tonight i Wed.) in the
by Edwin K:.. Wheeler, asst. g.m.' ■ event the war in Europe ends today.
WWJ, At the. first, meeting the dis- '. Format consists of spot news serv-
cussion wili be on "The Place of - iced, by CBS newscasters, films, still
Radio in the Retail Advertising Pic- - pics, charts, graphs, etc., interspersed
ture." Harry Bannister, g.m. of WWJ, 1 with live interviews, and the like,
will suggest reasons why people lis- , Leo Hurwitz will direct. Main por-
ted to the radio: Owen F. Uridge, i lion of the show will , be done in
asst. g.m. of W.IR, will tell of the three ' segments. "What We've De-
kinds of- radio time and stations to j stroyed," "What It Cost'' and "What
use for retail advertising; Richard i Remains to Be Done'' with latter

Radio Falls on Red Face Spreading

eace

London, April 20,
The bomb that nicked Broadcast-
ing House, home -of the BBC, during
the height of the blitz was a joke
compared With -the bombshell effect
on Britain's wireless monopoly of
the report of the Parliamentary
Committee on Television which has
been at work since 1943. Jammed
into a single sentence, this report
sounds the death knell of broad-
casting just as surely as the talkies
Killed silent lilms.^

Until 1927. when Warner Bros.

Swift Co. Bankrolling
Don M'Neill Tele Show

Blue's "Breakfast Club" stanza,
with Don McNeill and cast, will be
featured in a special television show

on DuMonts N. Y. video outlet, ! H»>y"s unconditional surrender

By SAUL CARSON

Somebody at the White House,
probably Presidential Secretary
Steve Early, was . 'responsible - for
giving radio the hotfoot last Satur-
day 1 28) -when the air went wild
with rumor-mongcring about Gcrm-

WABD. during the week of May 14.
time , or . dale not yet set. Swift &
Co. will sponsor.

Marks the initial eastern video
chore Tor the "Breakfast Clubbers."
McNeill et al., having been on the

On Large Receiver

' W. Jones, commercial mgr. of
CKLW. Will tell of selecting an au-
dience and the time; and Evan L.
Ellis, sales promotion and publicity
mgr. of Crowley Milner & Co. de-
partment store, will tell of shaping
the program to fit the audience and
the store.

At the second meeting, the discus-
sion will be on "What to' Advertise-
Why, When, How— by Radio." Bar-
bara Brooks, featured on the J. L.
Hudson Co. radio show, "Minute Pa.-
rade," over WWJ, will speak on
which merchandise and services to
promote ■ by radio; Lawrence J.
Michelson, of Slmons-Michclson ad-
vertising agency, will tell of the im-
portance .of commercials — their con r
tinuity and the public attitude to- WABD-DuMont,
.ward them: Charles G. Burke, com-
mercial mgr. .of WXYZi and Richard
W. Oudersluys; president of Com-
mercial Services, Inc.. will each

portion pointing up necessity of
bringing all forces to bear against
the Nips before world peace is as-
sured. -

Enrico Cassirer. CBS television f(cale io enabic'the industry to pro
news and pix editor, is' down for a
stint, before the cameras.

Threw. -the monkey wrench into the I Balaban & Kalz television station in
wheels of the Hollywood silent Chicago, where the program origj-
machinc. the movies had been— like j nates, on several oeacsib.ns previous-
good children— seen but not heard, j. |y. Principals of the show, come cast
Up to now, on the other hand, all j briefly in mid-May to do several war
that broacasling has had to offer has | bond pitches in Washington and
been sound. Sight plus --sound— | othci eastern cities.

television— will be the order of the : . • — . — .

day in' postwar Britain.

In this country television was one
of the war's first casualties, fading,
out- on Sept. I. 1939. At that time j
within the effective 35rniile radius;
of Alexandra Palace (from, which !
BBC did iU transmitting) there j
were only about 20.000 receivers in j
use by. ihc public. During the war
very little technical progress has!
been made' in the precise field of
television, but a tremendous amount j
of work hiis been done in; closely :
relating branches of electronics.!
And when these general develop- j
incuts are applied to commercial
television, rapid progress is a cer-
tainly.

The committee's report will rcc- ;
bmmend an extension of the pre- j
war service by the "establishment of :
six new regional stations through '
which London programs can be re- '
layed. The first and most important''
result of this regional expansion,
will be to demonstrate to a wide]
public that television is something

The radio, chesty with kudos for
the ihaiiner in which it had handled
the death of President Roosevelt two
weeks earlier, was zealous to give its
customers a run for their V-E Day
money. In its anxiety to. do a job,
radio, did a .nosedive. '

But it was Steve Enrly himself
who had really lilted the lid, \vhen
he ordered the Washington outlets
of the four webs to stand by for a
Presidential proclamation. That
I order Was given by Early between
! 8:15 and 8:20 p.m.
I What had happened until that
j moment Was bad cnou;. h. Morning
; newscasters reported what- the Sat.
■ a.m. p:: pet's- carried — that.' Germany
■had offered to surrender to Great
I Britain and the U. S., that The. Anglo-
I Saxon powers wouldiVt let their
: Russian ally down and insisted any
I: surrender , must be to all three to-
gether.

I Mutual and CBS acted quite con-
', se'rvalivcly Saturday afternoon. NBC
I slf.rted showing some excitement at
I 1:15 p.m., then cooled off. The Blue

television Review

"THE IKE ON SP.ORTS"
With Tom and Bill Slater, Ham
Fisher, Tony Galenlo, Cpl. Richard
C tunning
Director: Bob Loewl
Writers; Tom and Bill Slater
30 Minn.-. Wed.. 8 p.m.

N. Y.

Rapidly paced, thanks to the
smoo;h delivery of brothers Bill and
Tom Slater. "The Ike on Sports'" is
a neatly-staged television show; with
some technical flaws, but none that

speak on measuring radio audiences. \ , hrealcns - l0 sp0 il (he enjoyment for
and Jacob Kellman, asst. to the pies- i avera g e video viewers.

S'.M-ts o!T with newsreol shots of
various sports, then segues into an

... ideMof . Sam's. Inc... wil] talk on pro :
-> motihg your own radio programs.
The entire lecture series is
offered to Detroit advertising and re-
tail people, and it is put on through
the cooperation of Detroit radio sta-
tions WWJ. WJR. WXYZand CKLW:
the Detroit News. Free Press, and
Times; and the Retail Merchants'
Assn.

argument bclwepn the Slaters on
whether compulsory military traiiir
ing.' or a sports program for all.
should prevail in the postwar. Ha,m
! Fisher. Ihe cartoonist, doing a guest
! shot, cleared up doubts on whether
his cartoon character Joe Pa.lo.oka
was going to be taken out of uni-
form with Ihe end of the European
conflict. He nipped that premise at
its bud.

Followed hcwsrecl shots of the
Japs learning jiu-jitsu and sword
handling.- which were dull because
of their length. The Slaters handled
narration. Ah interview with Cpl
, Richard Channing, who knew Ernie
Chesterfield show which stars Perry 1 p v ie jh North Africa and on the

BOB MOSS SCRAMS
NBC CHT1ELD SHOW

Bob Moss, producer of the NBC

Como, unexpectedly resigned Mqn
day 1 30 > afternoon. He quit after
a dispute with the. advertising agen-
cy on the account over salary. He
had been supervising the production
of all five weekly^ shows, .

In recent .week's the rating of
. Comb's' show has been hovering
around 9 \ and 10. Moss has pro-
duced it for^ the 17 weeks it has
been on Ihe^air. •

'Father Brown" Series

.Sterling Oliver has written a spe-
cial radio version of the "Father
Brown" detective scries wfitten.by.
the late British author Gilbert K.
Chesterton.

Oliver has radio rights from the
estate.

Continent, served as a tribute to the
recently-killed correspondent. Bill
Slater's word picture of Grover
Cleveland Alexander and that base-
ball pitcher's famous strikeout . or
Tony Lazzcri in the 1926 World
Series followed..'..

Tony Galcnlo, interviewed by Tom
Slater, behind a makeshift bar wilh
several beer schooners in sight,
broke up Ihe-v.-howv He called every
fighter who ever wpn the world's
heavyweight Title a bum. adding that
he could beat them all. He revealed
that he now weighs 260 pounds, but
would fight- champ Joe Louis for
charity tomorrow — and beal him;
And best of all. he gave out w ith his
throaty tenor voice, accompanied by
a guitar player on "Bugle Call
Blues" that held sock laugh appeal. .

The 30 minutes went by quickiy.
a tribute to the Slaters lor rounding
up interesting fodder for -hi? show.-

■ . . i'tfil.

For $1,500 smackers you will be
able to buy the latest thinjg in a
DuMcmt large screen television -re-
ceiver, complete with FM reception,
standard listening equipment and _a
phonograph included.

Projection type sets were demon- | was working itself and its listeners
slrated last week (26) at DuMont's ; UP to a frenzy all afternoon, as
N. Y. headquarters, casting a three- | shown by actual log records.
by-four-Toot image into what thc'l By early evening, all the webs had
manufacturer claims is "the largest I sinned plenty. All over the country,
image yet presented for home use." j listeners had heard all sorts of ru-
Leonard Cramer, DuMonfs exec v.p . ■ mors. Radio could find a way out;
clajmed the new development is ! it could point to the fact that it al-
capable. of projecting pictures rang- ' icrnaled rumors with reports that
ing rrom 18 by 24 inches to four- : ihc rumors were neither confirmed
an'd-a-half by six feel. - nor o'enied by high sources. But

. Demonstration followed by a few 1 anyone who knows public psychol-
. weeks, the unveiling or the IICA- , () gy knows that such reporting only
more than a scientists plaything, j NBC large screen receiver, hailed ; al id s to confusion,
thus arousing public- interest on a ' by it's sponsors as ' the- answer to i A) 7:57 p.m.. after more and more.

many of television's acceptance | shows were being broken into—
duce receiving sets in sulTicienl , problems by eliminating eyestrain, ! ovpccially on the Blue- lhc "big"
numbers , to ensure the benefits of ; etc. llcws caltle . Mutuai and Ihe Blue

qual.ty-plus-duant.ty production. j ;. — — — -. . I came out with it at exactly 7:57, arid

License rees Lac | n 1 If P T A UI An II 1 f*V TA CBS followed three minutes later.

All three reported that San Fran-.
DA DIC. IIDDCn rADATITV ! <:if,co ''^Ported, that a high American
TAIYlJ, UlTEll l/Aliltl I I | official reported, that Germany had
Davidson Taylor has returned t„ j surrendered' unconditionally "with
Paris after a month's furlough in ! 110 strings attached.
New York.

It's understood he will have a new
executive post in SHAEF propagan-
! da activities indirectly connected
] with the new work of Col. William
■ S. Paley. president of CBS. This
will involve oihtr media besides
radio. .

Taylor's return to CBS. where he
was assistant director of broad-
I casts, is not expected before the
: end of 1945.

As for finance the commillee rec- ! DAVE TAYLOR BACK TO

ognize the impossibility of attain- {
ing the ultimate aim of a self-sup- I
porting service for some years. Even
it television license fees were |
jacked up from the present $2.50 a \
year to $5 a year it would at first
bring in only abou> $100,000 from
existing owners of receiving sets.
In 1939 the share of the BBC's net
license receipts allocated to tele-
vision was $2,250,000. only ll'i.
Obviously this pre-war- percentage
will have to be revised upwards-^-
pleiity. The planned regional exten-
sions will cost at least $7,500,000 in
capital outlay with' a minimum an-
nual outlay of $8,750,000 as the pro-
vincial stations are brought into
service.

And here is where - the 1ofly _ cfis-
dain of the BBC of anything smack-
ing of commercialism gets a smack
in Ihe kisser. The committee points
out the probability of motion .pic-
ture house's being anxious 16 relay
items of topical interest in their
audiences. Television- shows on

General Mills Buys Blue
A.M. Strip; Mulling Show

Chicago. May 1.
General Mills, through Danccr-
fitzgerald-Sample. has closed a deal
for the 10:30-10:45 a.m. spot, five
• limes weekly on, the Blue network
movie screens hot off the bat— the ! beginning July 2. with the type of
Derby as it is being run, for in- ! show still to be decided
stance— will make todays canned

.'offerings as much out of date as • p.m. slot over Mutual, starting July
grandma's family album. - And. say j 2. live times weekly on behalf of
the committee, the cinemas wiir.be I American. Home Products Corp.
expected to contribute to the costs! "Real Stories." now suslainer on
of the service. But this is by. no that time, will be used,
means all of the committee's | ■ : —

recommendations. | Ernie Loveman Heads

Philco's Television

They even go so far as to say if
sponsored iclevision , programs are
thought desirable they might prove
another important source of finance.
If postwar television roaches a stage
at which several progiams are of-
fered simultaneously io all viewers.
Die experimental introduction of
television^ ad\j:rlising would . be
given its chance'Tii one of the pro-
grams.'.

New York.— Mitchell B. DiGroot.
Jr.. joined- the Blue network ye: ter-
day 'Tues.) as a copywriter in Oie

It was only later that the San
Francisco story, sent by Associated
Press, was traced to Senator Tom
Connally, vice chairman of the Amer-
ican delegation to the Security Con-
ference. But the radio swallowed
the «tufr. Had the report been true —
radio, of course, would have patted
itself on the back. As it was. the AP
could serve as a dog to whip.

But where in all this confusion
was the highest source- -the White
House. more spi!cilically Steve
Early? He came to the White House
about 8 p.m., orrler<ft microphone's
set up in the radio room, led every-
body to believe the President would
proclaim Ihc end i:f Germany of-
ficii ly.

Had Leonard Reinsch been there,
it's fell, he might have calmed
radio. Reinsch, an experienced
radioman, had been eased out of his'
new press-radio secretaryship at the
, -j. j „ „ , n , White House, and reports had it that

* gC .?5 ^!°! e '»" Steve Early'* hand had helped give

Reinsch the heave-ho.

Now Mr. Early had his big chance
to quiet the nation, or. help excite it
further. He did the latter. Between
the time he ordered the White House
mikes hooked up. and -President Tru-
man's denial of the false rumors, the.
networks went wild.

At 9:38, the truth catnc out. Who-
ever it Was that got the White House
ready to announce Germany's -stir--
rcnofr— it was clear that Gen. Elsen-
hower, awakened iVom his sleep in
France, had lold somebody in Wash-
ington . Io . pipe down because . the
fighting was still going on.

Radio came through with the Tru-
man .denial, then started looking for
excuses. It found plenty ol these'.
But not- enough.

Ernest B. Loveman becomes head
of Philco's television activities pron-
to, and , will coordinate that olec-.
tronic manufacturing company '« tele-
vision broadcasting activities. This
removes the longtime Philco ad exec
from that branch and shifts him into
tho'Tiome office in Philadelphia,
j Hutchins a-tency will continue to
! handle the account with Max Kite-'.
• low. chief i'ofjy writer; and John
j Maxwell. ' ;1 director, tipped to vice
I' presidents' to take charge ol the

the

promotion dept. coming rrom WCAE. | Philco account. This include
Pittsburgh, where he was director of ! (li'm'f ; "Radio Hall of Fame," which
publicity and m)vs promo*h, ' Lo.veman 1 heretofore supervised.

Fort Wayne. — Bn::k in civvies
;.l'i(i: rrciipcration from, wounds re-
ceived in South Pacific, Tom Swee-
t.'( y has joined WGL as announcer.

44

Wednesday, May 2, 1945

The Blue Network has its own philosophy
about Television:

We start out- with the premise that television must be
economically sound before it can become successful. We feel
that the most important consideration l,i television today is
advertising econom ics.

Fadio succeeded because it is practical: because advertisers
learned to team up entertainment and selling, and to do it
within a-sound budget. This brought radio from a novelty into
an important part of living in 33 million homes.

America's -advertisers made present-day radio possible.
Competition; among sponsors for large audiences made radio
increasingly tetter. Steadily improving shows built bigger
audiences • and these increased audiences showed their appre-
ciation by buying more goods.

Advertisers and their agencies will play just as important
a part in television. That's why we are working closely with
them. That's why we are not planning to "take over" the
building of commercial television shows. And that's why we
approach television from the standpoint of advertising eco-
nomics. Gur policy, we believe, will make it practical for
advertisers to get in and create good video shows: to utilize
television more quickly. And as it did in radio, this will speed
the growth of this new industry. Some day new art forms and
new corcepts of public service, which are inherent in being
able to see as well as hear, will be developed. But that lies in
the future.

The People and Critics Say, "It Works."

Blue has a regular television schedule. Cur televised pro-
grams are adaptations of successful radio shows: thus, they
have an assured audience interest. And we start out by taking
advantage of what we have learned about listening audiences,
rather than by trying to interest them in some experimental
form of entertainment.

Costly experimental work will, we realize, play its part in
the development of the future of television. But ft is most im-
■ portant now to give television a sound, seasoned and commer-
cially practical birth. And the televising of proven and econo-
mical radio shows is the best way to do it.

Our programs are televised on a regular weekly schedule — -
like radio programs — because we know that this is the only
way to build a television habit.

Every Sunday on General Electric's WGRB in Schenectady,
we are presenting a television version of "Ladies Be Seated."
On Dumont's WABD in New York we presented "Quiz Kids,"
"On Stage Everybody," and currently WJZ's John David
show, "Letter to Your Serviceman."

After one month of "Ladies Be Seated," Schenectady
audiences gave this program the highest rating ever obtained
bur a television show.'.

. After two weeks, "On Stage Everybody" was the most viewed
and most popular with Dumont's New York audiences.

We got these facts from these stations' polls. But we checked
up on them by talking, ourselves, to the people who have watched
and heard our shows.

We have great confidence in our television plan. People
like the programs, and they are economically sound.

That, we think, is the foundation of practical television
development.

AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANY

Wednesday, May 2, 1945

43

nun

^^^^^^ . AUlftn v. They

1 luwrnn, to ropOT . N-* *»' «

have the best chanc ^ ^ a(€ria i. iB „p«nii^

quadrupled i^* 1 *

Mr. A Mr*. W. I. McLaughlin, family and friends,
of Troy, New York.

"We always have enjoyed 'Ladies Be Seated'
but we are very glad we have a television receiver so
that we can also see it."

Mr,.* Mrt. Unit F. CaNM and Family, 185 West

Houston Street, New York City.

"After listening to 'The Quiz Kids,' on the
radio, we got an added kick out of seeing them.'"

Mr. « Mr*. H. J. Mamtornack, with son Peter and
daughter Donna, Schenectady, New York.

"TTie whole family gathers around and can see
H as welt as hear it. It's just grand."

Kara In the Sfatcfcak hama, Brooklyn, New York,
they are wutdiing their first telecast of that popular
radio feature— 'The Quiz Kid*." Say* Mrs. Rom
Slutchak, "We like it very much, especially Joel."

46

RADIO

Wednesday, May 2, 1945

Transcribed Capsule Shows Add Up
To Boff Biz and Everybody's Happy

The radio sales market has been
practically revolutionized by the
transcription business. A quick sur-
vey of the field recently disclosed
that: (1) Open-end transcriptions arc
the biggest thing on the market; (2)
custom-built transcriptions, espe-
cially If tied in with open ends for
local sponsorship in cooperation with
a national advertiser, are going over
in a big way; and "(3) all this is be-
ing accomplished without in any way
cutting into the receipts of the net-
works which do not use transcrip-
tions.

One of the top successes in the
open-end transcription business is
being recorded by the Fred W. Ziv
office in N. Y. The outfit's "Korn
Kobblers" show, a 15-minutc musical
novelty, is in its fourth year now
and is going out on 165 station*.
"Calling All Girls," a quarter-hour
variety program, is in its second
year and- is being broadcast by 123.
stations. "Pleasure Parade," a 15-
minuter featuring Irving Miller's
orch. Jimmy Wallington, Milton
Cross and Bob Kennedy, lias been
going out on. 20 stations under the
sponsorship of Grove's cold tablets,
and is being booked for 40 stations
for next season.

Under preparation by the Ziv of'
fice are also a 15-minuto dramatic
show as an open-end transcription,
and a 15-niinute musical, both of
which will be offered for sale soon
The new "Boston Blackic" show
which opened recently in New
York locally over WOR, is being
transcribed and will also be offered
as an open-ender by Ziv.

5-Mlnute Package
. A phenomenal success for a com-
bination custom-and-open-end show
has' been recorded by the production
office of Mildred L. Fenton in N. Y..
In this instance, the Fenton office
produced a five-minute package fea-
turing Ben Grauer and the Barry
Wood orch. Overall sponsor here is
Cohn-Hall-Marx, a firm that sells
fabrics under the trademark of
"Cohama."

"Cohama" tics in on local stations
with local department stores. This
show is going out over 155 stations,

three times a week, and if already
booked 'solid for 39 weeks.

Explanation for the growth of
transcription business is relatively
simple. Newspaper advertising is
limited because of paper shortage,
but advertisers have more money to
spend tha,n ever. In looking around
for ways to spend their money on
radio, they find they cannot always
use networks for various reasons.
Some advertisers want only region-
al plugs. Other firms, like some sell-
ing drugs, may want seasonal con-
tracts only. Networks, on-other hand,
arc also rushed with more business
than they ever had, and arc not able
to provide prospective clients with
the kind of tinie they want, espe-
cially if the desire is for split webs.
Result is that advertisers are turn-
ing to the transcriptions.

Advertisers find the transcrip-
tions highly satisfactory for another
reason," said one biggie in the field.
"The quality of transcriptions, both
programmatically and technically,
has grown tremendously in the last
few years. The platters are so well
done now that, for the average lis-
tener, they are as good as' live shows,
although he is not kidded on what he
is listening to. Furthermore, he gets
top artists on the transcriptions in-
stead of the second and third raters
that platter packages used to carry."

The entire development seems sat-
isfactory to everybody all around.-
It was pointed out that artists, too,
like the transcription business. Ex-
ample wat cited of Mildred Fenton's
five-minute show. She recorded the
entire 39 weeks in four weeks' time,
during which artists could do other
chores as well. The artists, of course,
were paid regular AFRA rates for
each spot. They'd get no more if
they had to appear on a live show,
which would have .tied them down
for 39 weeks straight, at a specified
hour, three times a week.

WOV Scoret

WOV, N. Y., had unusual gim-
mick on its. programs Tuesday
night (24) in connection with
the San Francisco Conference.
Believing the conference to be of
vital interest to all segments of
the listening public, yet too in-
volved for the layman readily to
understand, stations included a
message on the conference in all
its programs that night, each one
couched in language for sundry
airers specific audience.

Zeb Carver discussed the con-
ference in hillbilly lingo on- his
program; Alan Courtney in
"hep" jive on his, etc. There
were also the usual formal com-
mentaries. Gimmick attracted
lot of favorable comment.

M-G-M'« "M mIc fo r MIIIIobj"

IvNITKB RDXAI.I, HRlfi CO.
»ri<laj— CIIS-r-10 p.m., KMT

«*.: LOU CLAYTON

Lombardo Headlines
7th War Loan Program

Guy Lombardo's switcheroo' on
on the Blue, from Monday night's 10
o'clock spot to the Tuesday 9 p.m.
slot, has been moved up a week, and
the Lombardo orch will start on the
new time on May 15\ instead of May
.22.

Meanwhile, the sponsor, Chelsea
cigs, has given its half-hour Monday,
May 14, to the Treasury Dept. for a
show to boost the Seventh War Loan
drive. Blue has pitched in a second
30-minute period, so the Treasury
show will be on that night from 10
to 11 p.m.

Lombardo .and his crew will do
the musical portion for the Treasury
show, appeals will be, made by Sec.
of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau
and Gen. Joseph Stillwell, and fea-
tured performers will include Ray-
mond Massey, Danny Kaye, Barry
Wood and Bea Wain,

60 Programs In
Bernays Running

Columbus, May 1. ■

Institute for Education by Radio
has revised plans for judging the
Bernays Radio Award competition.
Rules call for $1,000 prize to go to
individual responsible for the pro-
gram doing most to further democ-
racy in America during past year.
Award is one-time affair with all
costs being borne by Edward L.
Bernays, public relations exec.

Norman Corwin, H. V. Kaltcnborn
and Raymond Swing arc to be
judges. Three had set aside a Sat-
urday in April for judgment consul-
tation in New York but Frisco con-
ference upset plans. Revised scheme
calls for Ohio State U. faculty com-
mittee to prepare summary of each
entry for submission' to judges in-
dividually. Judgment procccdure
thus becomes similar to that used in
making Peabody awards.

Thirty, shows are up for considera-
tion. In all, 60 nominations were
made by nation's radio editors; some
network shows being submitted as
many as five times. Nationals such
as "Words At War," (NBC) "As-
signment Home," (CBS i and "Amer-
ica's Town . Meeting," (Blue) will
vie with "New World A-Coming,"
(WMCA-N. Y.V, "Pathways in
Peace." (WKRC-Cincy) . "Philadel-
phia's Junior Town Meeting," (KYW-
Philly) to name a few, for designation
as program best stimulating active
community participation in planning,
discussion, and action in significant
problems of freedom, equality, and
orderly justice.

Winner announcement expected
May 15.

Inside Stuff-Radio

WJR, Detroit, came up with a promotion idea which cost nothing hut
seems sure to make the fens, the star; the sponsor, CBS and the station
itself happy.

The "Good Will Station's" good-willish gesture was made to Kate Smith
and resulted iii more than 3,000 birthday cards from fans in five states .and
Canada being boxed up and shipped off to her. Device started when a fan
called up to ask how old Kate Smith was. Station's press agent, Dick
Frederick, reported she was born May "1, 1909. Then writing some script
for the station's flve-mlnute dally program of dial dope, he tossed off the
idea that Kate's birthday was May 1 and "wouldn't it be a good Idea to send
her greetings?"

After Ed Kemp, the announcer, gave oitt the idea, the station announced
it would take over the mailing of the messages to Kate Smith. • In sending
the huge batch of birthday cards, v.p. Leo Fit/.putrlck, also announced that
WJR's "Know Your Americans'' program on May 1 would be devoted to
her biography.

Officials at WJR feel the device is one which can be worked (o build up
a closer relationship between fans and stars and also with the station.

Hi, folks! I'm back and available—
The horse ain't [he's still in Mehico]

lllllii

DON DOUGLAS

LA. 4-1200
IE. 2-1100

NMIdty:
AITHUR PINE

DuPont Resigns CBC
In Favor of His CJAD

.Montreal., May 1.

J. Arthur DuPont has resigned as
commercial mgr. (Quebec region) of
the Canadian Broi. Jcasting Corp. ef-
fective the end of this month.

He'll concentrate on operation of
CJAD, 1,000-wattcr here for which
he was granted a commercial license
last November.

Pittman Heads Coast
Office, Radio for NL&B

' Hollywood, May 1.

Frank Pittman has been appointed
manager of the Coast office of Need-
ham, Lewis & Brorby to direct their
radio operations. He's been with
the agency since Feb., 1944.

Previously he Was with NBC for
seven years. Pittman will continue
production chores on Fibber McGee
and Molly and "Great Gildcrsleevc."

Gardner's Whodunit

Erie Stanley Gardner, mystery-
tome writer, is negotiating with
Ralph Bellamy, film star currently
in N. Y. preparing to go into a play,
for the lead in a new radio who-
dunit series he. has written.
■ Author reportedly has a couple of
agencies interested in the stanza
wherein the crime is dramatized and
a court scene follows wherein the
aidicnce participates in the solution.

Gibbs' 'Playhouse'

John Gibbs is offering a "Listeners
Playhouse" idea around the trade.
It's a stunt for daytime with a ro-
tating author slant, the author to be
picked via a public contest and the
awarding of cash prizes through a
jury.

Elaine Sterne Carrington would
act as "commentator" in her role as
most prolific writer of serials (she
authors three at' present, has a fourth
pending). .

GI returnees will find a great opportunity, for employment in the radio
and electronic fields, according to Brig. Gen. David SarnolY. The RC.V
prex has just published a pamphlet on subject, listing "among fields beck-
oning to servicemen" the following: broadcasting, television, radar, radio-
facsimile, radio relays, radiothermics, electron microscopy, supersonic*,
aircraft and marine radio. The pamphlet is rounded out with a bibliog-
raphy of suggested reading for GI's or returnees interested in following
the subject.

George E. Sokolsky, who saw radio's handling of the death of President
Roosevelt a» '"vulgar," has a bedfellow who is somewhat sweeter in his
expression but nonetheless critical. Partner is Norman Thomas, perennial
Socialist parly candidate for the presidency. In last issue of Socialist Call,
Thomas says radio "made a poor job . . . and the press wasn't much bet-
ter." Like Sokolsky, Thomas, too, doubts the sincerity of radio's Roosevelt
memorial presentations, holding that "some were highly synthetic — and
poor quality at that." •

Tendency of air shows to caricature racial minorities again brought forth
a blast last week, this time aimed at the Wednesday night Nlles-Prindle
"Ice Box Follies" show for Hires on the Blue. . Anti-Defamation League
of B'nai'B'rith, in a letter to the sponsor sent via WJZ (N.Y.\ while point-
ing out that such disparagement is unintentional, nevertheless indicted the
"reprehensible characterization" on the April 25 program in dialoging a
Jewish luggage store owner. League cited the inherent dangers in the
repetitious perpetuation of minority groups.

WOV (N. Y.) has inaugurated a new one-minute nightly feature. ''Lest
We Forget," consisting of an item of N<J?.i or Jap atrocity obtained from
reliable sources. - '

Item is heard as part of the 10 p.m. news roundup, given without Com-
ment, with only" brief intro from announcer.

CRAIG REYNOLDS ASKS
lOOGFORBCASTlffr

Los Angeles, May 1.

Craig Reynolds, screen actor, filed
suit for $100,000 against National
Broadcasting Co., KFI, Biow Agency
and others, charging the radio show,
"Johnny Presents Ginny Simms,"
was lifted, from his own "Veteran's
Campaign."

Reynolds,' veteran of three years
service with the Marines, claims he
originated the idea with William A.
Holmes, radio writer, following his
discharge Jan. 1, 1944.

Cast Changes in Line At
CBS Timmarron Tavern

A number , of cast changes are in
progress in connection with the CBS
western serial, "Cimmarron Tavern,"
which is written by Felix Holt. An
older voice is being selected, Paul
Conrad, for the Government "Seoul
character, Morningstar Travis, in. re-
placement of Steve Courtlcigh. Lat-
ter returned to acting recently after
a stint in the armed forces.

Role of Ma Bufbrd goes to Jane
Houston. John Dietz directs serial.

WLIB Airs FDR Speeches
During Mourning Period

WLIB, Brooklyn, N. Y., is observ-
ing ■ the official 30-day . mourning
period for President Roosevelt. Every-
day, at noon, this N. Y. Post owned
indie plays a 3-minute recorded spot
from the platters of Pres. Roosevelt
speeches.

Station's program department said
last week observance will be con-
tinued until' May 11.

CBS Stock Action

Philadelphia, May 1.
Isaac D. Levy, v.p. of WCAU and
director of CBS, reported sale of 800
shares of CBS class A common stock-
during the period of March 11-April
10. in a report mode public today
(Tues.) by the Securities and Ex-
change Commission. The transaction
left Levy's holdings at 35,876 shares.
He also reported holding 21,3B0
shares of class B common CBS se-
curities.

W. E. Hutton & Co. reported the
acquisition of 800 shares of CBS class
A, while Joseph A. W. Inglehart,
New York, reported his holdings of
-that security at.v2,60Q shares.

AFRS Gets New Building

Hollywood, May 1.

New building was opened here
yesterday (Mon.) by the Armed
Forces Radio Service to house its
broadcasting, technical and short-
wave departments.

Expansion means a 30% increase
in the floor space occupied by AFRS.

THE TIME to Mart the wheel* of
industry it indicated by the scrcrrb
of factory whistles . . . and the kind
of lime lhal. keep* the wheels of
Industry going— advertising time — is
what occupies Weed A Company,
full time.

\YK 1.1)

\\i i i ■ ' \ I [ ' \ \ N .

RAyHA

2L. k'.uniO" MAi

Wednesday, May 2, 1945

47

NEWS CAPI

HE WORLD

WHAS Brings Its Listeners

Corey Longmire and Wilfrid Fleisher

. . . nationally known news cpmmentators, broadcasting
exclusively for WHAS, by direct wire from Washington.

LONGMIRE, whose nose for news led him to
Europe when the first signs of disintegration /:
appeared, managed by hook and crook to get ^
into Spain to write for the New York Herald-
Tribune the first articles from Franco's
Spain which were printed in 1939. Referring
to this scoop, Time magazine called him an
"open-eyed" correspondent. He was in New
York when the flattie of France was lost, but
went east immediately to cover the London
blitz. He predicted trouble between Hitler and

FLEISHER, a native of Pennsylvania, educated
abroad, was correspondent for his father's
newspaper, the Japan Advertiser, in World
War L He obtained the first exclusive story
of the murder of the Czar of Russia and
his family ... covered the League of Na-
tions for a time . . . and was managing ed-
itor of the Japan Advertiser when pressure
from the Jap Government caused its abandon-
ment in 1940. Fleisher seoied. a world beat
by becoming one of 4 white men in the world

Stalin before the German invasion of Russia.
Longmire was one of the first Yankee corre-
spondents to fly in an "operational flight" in
an R.A.F. bomber . . . but his top "beat"
was a mysterious cable to his editor's home
resulting in a 24-hour scoop for his paper
predicting the famous Atlantic Charter con-
ference. Longmire claims to be a liberal-
independent politically, and his mike style is
very informal. Favorite comment of listeners
is: "He explains the news so well."

to interview Emperor Hirohito. In he
scored another world beat by telephoning the
New York Herald-Tribune that Japan and
Germany were forming an alliance. He
covered the diplomatic talks with. Japan
which were going on when war started.
March 23, in a WHAS broadcast he predicted
that General Douglas MacArthur would lead
the invasion of Japan. Fleisher is the author
of two book 6 on Japan, "Volcanic Isle" and
Our Enemy Japan."

T*« elmmor for new* hi never gremter. An* WHAS meet* the demand. It devote* 127 broadtail* every week to
unglo**ed, mnemotional, authentic report* of the new* m* it happen*. ... And it Joe* morel It bring* Carey Longmire. mnd
Wilfrid Fleuher itreight to it* lutener* with their ilraight-frttm-lhe-*houUer analyses of the newt, hocked by firu hmud
knowledge of the place* mnd people they tmlk about.

WHAS keeps its listeners listening by its intelligent news reporting.

'Round-the-Clock News— Backed by 5 0,000- Wart Clear Channel.

1 ■ »

48

RADIO

Wednesday, May 2.19 1*>

Frisco Palls a Bit

Continued from \r.igv 38

noss (if trying to make copy out of ■ dozen
innocuous handouts. Big news hits j goin;

languages to know what's
on. The delegates arc no fools,
so 'they lalched.on lo guys who know

Big news' hits
been slow in breaking for Hie big

name oracles sir they've unpacked J a few languages. So while a Portu-
their crystal balls and 'are jumping ! gucsoan from E5i-nz.il sounds oft in
Ihc Kim on what they think is in ! his native tongue a .gent. who savvys
the minds o( the delegates. The in- ; moves next lo the delegate from
scrulability of Commissar V. Molo- Arabia and mumbles his intcrprela

tofl and the tighl-lippcd reticence- of
Anthony F.den doesn't seem to
cramp their style or dampen their
enthusiasm lor lite propheteerihg
trick.

The chain hoys have played alone
together like they wove school
chums. Mere iuid there a sneaker
was pulled but it wasr.l of sut-
llcienl moment to siai-t any name
calling. When the matter of trans-,
lating Ihe speeches of offshore dele-
gates became a problem, the nets

lion as the speech unwind?.. So
through the dense- opry house the
murmuring clashes in u .medley of
linguistics .thai. just about covers the
world. The speaker's voice must rise
above the general bedlam, so the
p.a. system had to be- hopped up.

The chains are more than a little
worried about how much time to
| devote to the remaining weeks of
• the meet. To be sure they'll all take
! 'whal is appraised ns "important"
[ slulT but beyond that it'll be touch-

went out and rounded up a passel at ] and-go. And. they, further aggra-

vale ihemsclves with the self-posed
question, "how important to the

college pundists and offered them to
the Stale Dept. free graiis. The
gesture was both accepted and
appreciated, as f:u: as it wont, but
the Russians hadn't been reckoned
wilh. They snapped a curl "no.
thank:-, we'll use. our own." and
thai was that. And then the works 0
were really snafued. It proved lo
be a comccly of linguistic errors
with, the nets in the middle. A
Frenchman started to act as inter-
preter, feeling that everyone of- their
official bottoms should be able to
understand a little bit of the' .poilu
patois. The mon's. from La Belle was'
waved aside by Secy. Stetliniiis and
and English translation installed.
The Blue net's Johnny Johnstone
sincllcd a mix-up and had his man
posted s:s' a background voice in
i-adenee with the .".pecker.

If some humorist labels this in-
ternational huddle "The Big Mumble
ol 194!>" it. will be fairly factual in
a facetious sort of way. There being
46 nations representee', it is safe to
assume' that 'it would lake a linguist
wit)' a knowledge of a couple of

Over&cas for USO Since Jan

'43-^-Now in Germanv «

FRED LIGHTNER

o

r.: PHIL COSCIA

average dialer is such .important '
stun, as the Riiss-Polish question,
Dumbarton' Oaks and the alleged
promises made at Yalta?" The
bogey of going overboard on the
coverage has them making extra
trips to the wassail" bowl. Another
week will tell the story and surely
there must be surveys in-the-muking
to find out if the liltle woman would
.rnlher listen to the lofty-domed
forensics than "Life Can Be Beauti- .
ful." For it's those morning sessions
that keep the tickers ticking and
the boys hotfooting it for mikes.

Among the 350, more or less, radio
men here from New York. Washing-
ton . and Hollywood there is no .at-
tempt, to minimize the importance
of this security nicct. We've* been
told not to call it a peace meet, one
being" the development of the other
on the hopeful side. They've cov-
ered every phase of (he meet from
here, to the Battery, but the weeks
that lie ahead is a horse out of
another garage. The . indies, both
local' and Hollywood, arc not to be
counted out in the scope of report-
ing. Harry Maizlish. KFWB, and
Doii Fcdderson, KYA, linked up
their Hollywood and Frisco trans 7
mitlers and took the opening bigger
than anyone net or otherwise. On
the first day the two stations blocked
out all commercials for a full nine
hours of conference matter, inter-
views and commentary. Their cov
eragc.of the meet is as far-reaching
and time-devouring as any indie or
hookup.

LAWRENCE GOLDEN

T*i fifth Avxiui . H,m T.rk 77. N. T

Val Sherman Upped
In WBBM Prod. Shakeop

Chicago, May 1.

In a production, department shake,
up last week at WBBM, Val Sher-
man was upped from . chief an :
nouncer to assistant program direc-
tor in charge of operations, suc-
ceeding George Case, who was trans-
ferred to production manager. With
the. change Fred Kilian is relegated
from production manager to a pro-,
duccr status.

Three new i.nnouncers have joined
the WBBM ■ staff. They are ' Guy
Savage, former Chi freelancer; Ben
Orllcld. from WWJ. Detroit. *nd
John Kirkwood. formerly of KXOK,
St. Louis.

Elocution Cuties

Hollywood. Muy 1.
Time was.- when Hollywood
had a' major industry revolving
around those shopgirls from
Brooklyn who passed screen
tests" Inn needed voice coaches
. and elocution experts to round
out their liliulaiul education. The
lovelies, you'll remember, could
do everything but. talk.

'.Elocution remains an impor-
tant part or the Hollywood scene
but during the past few weeks
the teachers have been catering
lo. a different sort of clientele.
Some of the industry's top pro-
ducers have been giving out
wiih that ooh — aah— mi— mi— mi
routine land doing homework
even i in ihe mad scramble for
Ihc coveted emcee role on live
Lux "iladio Thentre" network
airer lo replace Cecil B.-DeMillc.

Rename Dr. Tyler
3 R's Assn. Head

Chicago. May 1.

Dr. I. Keith Tyler,, director of
radio for Ohio State U., was re-
elected president of the Association
for Education by Radio, in the an-
nual-election- for- 1945-40 officers,
just completed. Dr. Tyler has been
widely active in educutional radio,
being director of the annual Institute
for Education by Radio held at Co-
lumbus, O., each May.

Luke Roberts, educational director
for KOIN. ' Portland, Ore., was
elected v.p.; Robert Hudson, director
of the Denver Rocky Mountain
Radio Council, 2nd v.p.; Kathleen
Nichols Lardie. supervisor of radio.
Detroit public' schools, sec, and
George Jennings, acting director of
the. Ritdio Council, WBEZ of the
Chicago public schools, ttcr.s.
Blanche Young. Indianapolis public
schools radio supervisor, was elected
president of the Great Lakes re-
gional association for Education by-
Radio, and Elizabeth Gilmore, direc-
tor of radio for the Portland, Ore.,
public schools, was named, to a
similar position for the Pacific Coast
region.

Life With a Gagman's Son

By Alan Lipscott

"Frankly, I wish you'd been a case of WheatlesJ"

Headlines Mean Nothing
To Draft Boards— Ask
Ray Diaz John Madigan

Two key execs al the Blue — men
who previously received deferments
without question from their draft
boards are on their way into the
armed forces as Selective Service
during the past fortpight began
clamping down on deferments for
essentiality.

John Madigan, newsroom exec at
the network homcofTice, expects to
be taken shortly, after receiving his
greetings along with Ray Diaz, su-
pervisor of announcers. Former is
second in command of 'the entire
Blue news operation in N. Y. at the
present time, with both Bob Kintucr
and Johnny Johnstone in San Fran-
cisco covering the United Nations
Security Conference. Diaz has been
announcing supervisor ever since the
network was divorced from NBC
several years ago. and is considered
one of the key operational execs on
the web's programming and techni-
cal staff.

Grabbing up of these two men is
typical of the general trend in, radio
and other .branches of showbiz., dur-
ing the past nionlh especially.

Hollywood

Dear Daddy:

. Your show last ni.uhl I thought 'was very socky. So did Mom and 'grand-
ma. Whal made me happier than anything was the veil you gol:\\ith the
Fibber McGee & Molly joke I sent you. I've got a comedy mind, eh Pop-'
Uncle Julius wrote and asked me to explain some of the jokes. 1 scnl him'
Hie same lellcr I sent to ihe sponsor.

My birthday parly was super. ^Thanks a lot for your present. A pair o(
monogrammed scissors was )usl- what I needed'. - It cuts- cards easier and
faster than razor blades. Mother gave me a portable radio, which I take,
with me to the field when I play baseball. Now I don't have lo run back
home in the third inning in catch Jack Benny, in Ihe fifth inning to catch
Edgar Bergen and in the "ninth inning- lo calch the "Life of Riley." Won't
il.be wonderful after ihc war. when we can take lh« jokes-out of the air
with radar? ' . - \

During the party your agent called and- said .you've been renewed ' w
the next 13 weeks. When. I told Mother, she got so. excited she dropped'
her charge account. I heard her _tcll Mrs.. Zolinka next door that now .
she can get the mink furpicce she saw al the May compuny and with the
next renewal she can get porcelain caps on her front teeth and there
should be enough money left over to pay the doctor for the baby which
is on its way. Mother wants a girl so when she grows lip she can. take
her place at the radio with a pencil and stenographers pad. I hope il's a
boy, so he can take care of the portable radio. If it's a 'boy ..-we'll, call him
"Mike." Good ad lib. eh. Pop? ■

As', per your request of last week. I'm enclosing eight .'Mothers Days. )6
Anatomys. five Widows and seven Policemen: Please, Pop. don't gel im-
patient! I'm listening carefully for -Sail Francisco Conference gags, and
I'll shoot them to you special, as soon as I pick any up. Thai Fred Allen
had to go off the air at a time like this.

Your levin" Son.

' • ' P'lHo-
P. S.— Dorothy Rodgers of the War Writers Board called and said she is
short of maleriul. She said if you will send her any scripts there will be
no questions' asked. :

NAB Mails Ballots

To Pick Directors

Washington.' 'May 1. .

Primary mail ballots for the selec-
tion of six NAB direclors-al-large
16 serve for a year beginning July 1
were' sent out last week . lo all mem-
ber stations.'

The first tallies will, result in se-
lection of four candidates each for
the two jobs as directors of large
stations, of medium stations and of
small stations. A second ballot will
then be mailed out for the nnul'ivolc.

Usually the election takes place
at the annual convention, which has
been cancelled fliis year as a result
of the Government ban on conven-
tion? of ;more than 50 persons. Tlkjs
is. the first time NAB is iising a mail
ballot of this nature.

PAIGE POSSIBILITY FOR
KMH SUMMER SHOW

With Edward Everett Horton go-
ing into .the Kraft Music Hall 'spot
this summer ns replacement for Bing
Crosby, musical end of the show may
be carried by Raymond Paige and
his orch. Lattcr's last regular air
stint was with "Stage Door Canteen"
which recently checked olf CBS.

Kraft outfit and Paige currently
talking it over.

Stromberg Shifts High
Command for Postwar

Rochester, N. Y.. May 1.
Strombcrg-Carlson Co. prepared
for postwar expansion and entry
into the television field by a general
advancement of officers. Dr. Ray H.
Manson, scientist in the communi-
cations field with a record ot more
than 100 inventions., becomes presi-
dent of the company, succeeding
Wesley Angle, who becomes chair-
man of the board. Lee McCanne,
son of a former president; succeeds
Dr. Manson ns v.p. and g.m. William
Fay continues as v.p. in charge of
broadcasting. . 4J '

. Stromberg. which topped. $55,000.-
000 production volume last year, an
alltime high, is? planning to build a
Rochester Radio City to house
WHAM. WHFM, and a television
unit.

Kansas Clly— Don Paevey is new
mikeman at KC-MO, Blue net outlet.
Formerly at WOOL.. Columbus, O."

USO-Camp Shows Due
For 'Cavalcade' Showcase

Next Monday's (7.i "Cavalcade of
America" program on NBC will be
devoted to USO-Camp Shows' hos-
pital sketching program, describing
the experiences of a girl artist doing
sketches of wounded servicemen in
hospitals. •
• Geraldine Fitzgerald will plav the
lead.

Rahmel to Niekeo

, Chicago. May 1.

Henry Rahmel, for 15 months
radio director of the Hill Blackett
agency here, is no'w an account ex-
ecutive in the radio service depart-'
ment of the A. C. Nielsen Co, Be-
fore becoming radio director ot Hill
Blackett . he was studio manager of
the old Blackett, Sample, Huminert
branch here.

Andrew Richardson, who worked
under Rahmel and also an alumnus
of B-S-H. has succeeded him as ra-
dio director at Hill Blackett.

Hafter Reigns CBS

Hollywood, May 1.

Bob Hafter "resigned from CBS as
staff producer-director afler 11 years
with the network. He plans to do
freelance, producing and directing.
No successor has been named to his
chores for "This Is My Story" arid
"Don't You -Believe It.'.' He will con-
tinue producer-director jobs on "I
Was There" over CBS as freelancer
for agency.

He also steers Billie Burke show
over NBC.

. -St. Lonls— After one year as a sus-
tainer and during whi.cn it achieved
a strong Hooper rating against net
competish KSD's "St. Louis Heroes,"
a 15-min. Sunday afternoon - pro-
grain, has been sold to the Gaylord
Container Corp. for institutional ad-
vertising and promotion ot the
Seventh War Loan.

Bakery Bankrolls KMOX
Hotel Breakfast Aircr

St. Louis, May 1.

"Breakfast at the Coronado," an
a. in. program from KMOX. has been
expanded from 15 to 25 mips, daily,
and features Jack Sexton and Al
Bland quizzing breakfast diner? at
the midtown hostelry.

Show has been on the air since
Sept.; 1944, and the Campbell-Mitli-
um agency has signed- the new show
for 52 weeks for Purity Bakeries.

Detroit.— George M. Hunter has
joined the announcing staff of WWJ.
He was formerly with WBAB. At-
lantic City. . "

Hehonol Sotll ftrprftcolol'iil t Povl H. M'fftr Ctfp»'-'

Top Times fw Ton Books

An All-Time Favorite

LOST IN
A FOG

Music by*,.
JIMMY MeUVOU

Publiahed by
ROBB1NS

Weducsday, May 2, 1945

49

A Philadelphia Institution

Philadelphians call visitors' addition to the
WCAU studios on Chestnut Si reel in much
the same way they point lo the Union League.
Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and.
William Penn's Slaluc on City Hall . . .
"There's our leading Radio Station."

Founded in 1922, WCAU became Phila-
delphia's first powerful station,- rapidly, in-
creasing its power and facilities. Todav ils

50.000 -Watts give intensive "newspaper
type"' coverage of the great Philadelphia War
Industry Area with a plus ''magazine type"
coverage in adjoining territories.

For two decades WCAU has been Philadel-_
phiaV ''habitually-luned-in station. " Think'
of the billions and billions of times Phil a-
delphians have tuned in WCAU for their
entertainment.- news and -'sports events.

CBS A IT 1 1,1 VII I . 50,000 WATTS

NimilELI'HIYS LFAIIIM; 1141111) l\STITUTIII l \

50

RADIO REVIEWS

Wednesday. M*j 2. 1015

Corwms 'Common Man' Show Rates
Footnote in Frisco Confab Annals

Everv oiicc in a while, radio*
listening becomes an exhilarating
experience; something adult, com-
bining a perfect blending of/ show-
manship with -a -serious Approach to
an all-important problem. On such
lew' occasions radio makes no com-
promises, pulls no punches, it . re-
alizes its responsibility and reveals
a faith' "in Mr.- and Mrs. Average
American. It's a faith predicated on
a .belief that there'* a lu rue enough
segment 'pt the population that's suf-
lieion'ly interested in the blueprint
for the common mniv his hope* and
;>spirntinns, to prss... the top-rating
comedy show on the air.

CBS backed up. this faith with a
MO.Olin "nut ' to put on the Norman
Corwin -60-minute '"Word from, the
Pcoi>lc" show opposite the Bob Hope
stan/a lost week <24* on the eve of
the gntivh: o( the San Franrisco
parlc-v; ApcI "-ose who limed in
were' rewprded with a swift survey
of v.ovld opinion nresonled in coin-
pan!. dye-UYMC form with clear, con-
cise, to-tle-point avowals of faith
i-nd l-'i-c. in the ncw-world-a'-com-
ipg. But the , clock- work precision
of the round-the-world nickuns from
■;<n continents "(on onlv two occar
sions was t>"-'c -difficulty on ever-
«ca« piHiu'-;'. the '.flowing'.- con-
tinuity that enhanced the speaker-
to-si)caker relav With poly - v» ! ©c-.
casiiina' bre:.k fov the emcee J" 1 ™ 6 ;
tl'c adherence <o a .format ■' war
pvoicctrd if>'l= formulated through
individual experiences without the
sacrifice of overall, ••: .production
vaUi<-s — there wc--e the Cpnvm

Radio Foflowip

•VVATCHTOWE* FOR TOMORROW
With Uward C. Boblnsoii, Comm.
HaraU •■ E. Staaaca, Howard Lear,
Bay Lewfa. Lm ToMb. Dick Ellers.
.Bill Martel. Yvonne rcaltle. Mary
Barnell, Earl Lee. Wright Ksser,
Gearce PeoncM*. Chuck Harris,
Erale GDI arch
Wri er; Bea Hccfcl.
Mrcttw. rkD Bortro
3« Mbxv: Wed. (April 35) 49:30 p.m.
Sustaining
WJZ-Blne. >f. T.

Ben. Hecht rang the bell for the
Biue network on this punchy dra-
matic stanza dedicated to the cause
of world peace and the current San
Francisco- conclave. .Smartly paced
ihroushout and performed by a uni-
formly, excellent cast. "Wntch;hwcr"
tales rank as one of- radio's most im-
pressive ccri' ribulior s aimed at a
sercral understanding by the public
of 'he tasks ahead.
. Hecht's script was cued to the
theme that the yculh of the 'world
who are ftahlins 'he war hav- ihe
biggest stake in ' the future. "Wars
.are -won by deod people." Hech re-
minded and the recurrent theme ol
"Watchtowcr" was driven home by
ominous readings, sandwiched be-
tween interludes .of acticn..of casu-
alty lis s in the various war theatre.
Also well spotted were heart-tugging
sentiences .reflecting' '. the sorrow
visited on American homes when
these c"si'*-ltv lists are broken down
into mdivkUi:-! .crscs.

Choice, of Edward G. Rabicson as
narrator was a wise one and Comm.
Harold E. Slassen was a tower of
s'rehgth in his three appearances as
a reorcsentr.livc of the conferees.
Latter stre«sed the enormous diffi-
culty ta.ci.ivi the contererre and
wisely caulk ne;l a.wirast too raucb
.optimism conccriiin'! its results. His
advice that the American people
should look on Frisco as a starting
point and - foundation for world
peace, rather 'than as a fast .acting
panacea, sounded the rjvooer note of
optimism and houe coupled with a
practical view-point.

For the res'.. Hecht wove together
a . pattern of related scenes and; by-
intrnine a cvtucal wise guy (Howard
McKearl who scoffed 3 * everything
skillfully pointed up the dangers in-
herent in such pessimisms.

-Watchtower" was* broadcast from
the Coast originally at 9 pjn. Wed.
(£>> but was kayoed a few minutes
after 9:15 o'clock by line troobte in
the Denver area.- A fast reshuffle
was -put through b* the Blue'?-
Adr'ran Sanrish whereby the Hecht
' program ■ was . repeated in its en-
tirety by transcription at - 10:30 p.m.

Doiiu.

On basis of his guest DeMillilrtg
on the Lux "Radio Theatre", stanza
Monday ClOl on CBS. it looks as
'though Mark Hcllinger could well
be the answer, to the Lux -J. Walter
Thompson que*; for a permanent
emcee in the. wake of that AFRA-
Cecil B. DeMille union snafu. The
ex-Brood way columnist turned pix
(Warners) producer this top, am-
bition has been to develop a speaking
voice like, George M. Cohan, while
Winchell. in turn, has oftcrf ex-
pressed the hope that he could talk
like Hcllinger* shapes up as a poten-
tial air personality. ■ At times Hcl-
linger betrayed a suggestion of un-
easiness before the mike but left no
doubt that in time he could scene
iiVo the right technique as a color-
ful major domo.

The guest shot was cued lo the
adaptation of a Hellinger oldie lor
20ih-Fox, "Moontide." with Hum-
phrey Bogart and Virginia Bruce
■ taking over the leads handled in the
pic version by Jean Sablon and Ma
Lupiiio. Dramatization conformed
to the usual Lux stanza standards.

frf<Vmai*.* that made *his a in«rn-.
orable documentary .'.-showy (The
c'ltious mav oupvrel that, progrrm-
wisc. it was. -nothing more than a
mechrnici-l tMiv-c-'e-to.'ve: that the
nicccwion -of o'ck'uos didn't add >io
to the usual Corwin showmaitsnip.
b"t this ignores the historical :sv*-
nific-nro of . the oncpshn. oce ts-n
couldn't be subjugated to a dramatic
prcschtation.^

> The Greats
From the thematic opener by the
Navv Chanel Choir ("Vou-gotta-
bc - united - to - be - invited -to-tfce-
mcctin'") into the Earl Robinson-
-Yip" Harburg "It's the Same Boat
Brother." sung by Alfred Drake and
the choir, was interwoven the voice
of the people of the v.orld. From
backslase at the Erlanger theatre.
Chicago, between the . acts of
"Othello." cfine the resonant voice
ot thai great actor. Faul Robeson:
from the Hollywood. Canteen Bette
Davis soofce as an outstanding rcp-
rcsentitive of the nil industry: Cavl
Van Doven,. Thomas Mann. Carl
Saodbtne as the literati spokesmen
were conscious of the fact. that, their
art could not live in its ivory tower

but must fike its place with the ■'■ARTIUiR GODFREY TIME'
people or the world Tightiny for t.ic .W:tu'. Godfrey, Patli Clavton. Mar-

s. r M:v,un^heSym P „one..e,.4
•'•Bv'uno Walter . as the musician, en- I Clubmen, 'the. Jubllaires. Hunk

CBS' Dnrante-Kaye Tarlay

.'- CBS has hit the comedy jackpot with the switchover of the thinnv
Kaye show from • Saturday, .nijjht into the- 10: 30-11 Friday ni(jlu sec.
mcnt following the Jimmy Durantc-Garry Moore program.. As a cti-
minutc sequcnoing of comedy itVoiic of the "naturals" ."of radio and
on the basis of lasHF|Mday"V~(2Tr r 1^'o-rhow bnck-to.-back parlay the
Pabst-Rcxall sponsorship duo should be in for plenty of dividends on
audience payolV. .

Sponsors, agencies (N.W. Aycr and Warwick & Leglcri and scripters
joined in a collab efl'prt last week for the curtain-raiser on the hew
Durante- Kaye sequencing with the two shows integrated by a con-
tinuity that linked the programs into one.- Kaye gave a bolt assist to
the Roxall show as a Scotland Yard dick- out lo find the kidnaped Um- -

"briagoV wi'th; the search extended into the Pabst-kaye . stanza aiid
Durantc-Moore doing a payoff on the guest' shot. As a double-header,

.it was a three-way click, hyoping both coir.cdy stanzas, giving the spon-
sors a multiplicity of plugs and effecting a sock CBS Friday .night pro-,
motion-programming stunt. .And it could certainly cue a trend in
linking, up baek-lo-back shows for sustained listening, despite dif-
ferent sponsorship auspices.

But why that -between -show- station-break plug for the "Saturday
Night.. Serenade" which only destroyed: the desired continuity'.'. That's
one for the bookr. ' Rose.

Twtmr Dency stepped onto the
RCA-Victor program Sunday <2»» as
nuc. his first such job. He's working
without, his own orchestra, due to
the fact that RCA eaees took, a lik-
ing to his talking style when he and
his band guested on the show' weeks
back. . . . . .

Supplied with a good script, whtcn
he and his guests occasionally
seemed to ad lib around. Dorscy did
a fluent and. flawless speaking job.
There's personality in the guy's vocal
chords and he's at ease at the mike.
Add to that occasional trombone
solos, played in an unmatchable man-
ner and the: result is a successful
experiment •

' For his third of the current MBS
26-week series. Arch Obolcr chose
last week (2ft ► to do a script that got
top production and casting, but left
the listener wondering why Oboter
had picked the theme.

Story: based on the Earl Robmson-
Sgt. Millard Lampell song. "The
House I Live In." dealt wrth the
grief of a man who lost a abn m the
war white his daughter is in the
WACs. His house seems to have
crumbled, until neighbors • and
friends manage to buck him up—
but until that happens, in last three
minutes ot Show, his scH-pity is any-
thing but morale hypo for the -radio
audience. Show definitely accentu-
ated the negative. .

But having stubbed bis toe on the
scripting side of his triangular
writcr-pioducer-director .choTc^Obo-
ler was in top form' the rest of the
wav. Under his direction. Raymond
MaWey nave ii top performance ol
the saddened father, and others of
cast were geniiii:e. at times moving.
Hope Fov. who did the title sons tin-,
cidcntally. unaccompanied > came
lluouch with a clear voice, and -just
enough of the feeling that the num-
ber demands.

tered the ; i' word individually and
for their allied arts. From
Roper in New York came conclu-
sive figures that . 72 percent oi" the
peoole ot America were for active
participation in a world security,
organization.' whereas onlv five per-
cenf wsntcd rcnaratc a'liances.
The Lltile Guys
But 'the ' little guy's opinion and
JtepM. af..*U<uiQ!v.ninn :>.u:\u_i\i£r<*.
highlighted: no AFRA cast, but
their hones were ftreat enough to
inspire their words. A housewife-
from. '-New ' Enal?nd:. a woimded vet
In a hospital in Washington: a Soviet
officer s-icaking from Moscow : : a Chi

Syrvern band.
T wnimut. Jack Camrr
Urectorr Ace Ocha '.
Wrtter: Barton Kcaitac

SO Wins.. Mon.-Fri., 9:15 a. m.

Sustaining

IV ABC-CBS. N. Y.

Arthur Godfrey, once called bv
Fred Allen the "Huck Finn of radio."
tus now become the "Samson of the
.aU'WavjCfJ.'.-.-Uc.'s. duLoit. ^2K..feo'.;ys
of broadcasting per week. 16 hoi s
on WTOP, Washington. Monday
tlirough St lu i-day; 7'i hours or
WABC. N.Y.. dilto. and ftve hours on
the CBS network Monday through
Friday, all in the morning and alt

-IBE VETEBAN'S ADVISEB 1 ? \
Wriler-Narrator: . Lt. Coat. Tyrrell

Inw IV JSJi, retired)
Anaaukcr: Kennedy Ladlaai
rradaeer: Jeff Baker
15 HIbb^ SaU 1 F-
Swaa'Bhu .'-
WEAF-NBC'. S. l.

If the object of this new show is Jo
gain (rijnds among GI's -and re-
turnees by showing that radio can
help them, it- was difficult to see that
end accomplished with, the sort of
performance Dtit on when the stanza
was heard (28>. .

Lt. Com'-. Krtirr used 'about One-
third of his time lb. give a few facts
of general interest to those in the
service or just out of il. He an-
nounced that enlisted men over 42
could now ask for release from the
Army; declared that, the Navy would
give - cx-.-'a'ilnrs prefer ence in civvy
Navy Yard jobs: revealed that some
jobs are open tor GI's in K.i-i..»s 'Cilyi
San Francisci> and Atlanta.

Then ne virtually turned over his
show to- Brig. Gen. Frank. T Mines,
chief of the Vet AdminLstration. Il
so happens, however; that right now
Gen. Hines i'. being charged with
"irregularities" in the condnct of his
big outfit. ■ Whether or not that con-
duct i-s correct and beneficial to the
GI's is probably the most important
item at the monW'nt to several mil-
lion men. It is difficult to sec how
the interests ot these men were being
served by presenting a one-sided
story about an important- subject.
Bines may be right, and his accuners
dead wrong. But the GI ami re-
turnee alike arc grown tip enough to
know that a program which' gives a
or.e-sided story is not iexactly . what
;he dotrtoi' ordered for them. .

v.'nrf.

„i r-,. r-i,„»si,; n >,. a *y,i.\\ ' of il h've except three hours on the
ncse sol her in Chungking., a ; Shell Wa . hi to „ oa [ Wi

worker in a- Philadelphia munitions

plant: a Cuban newspaper man in
' Havana: from Australia,- Czechoslo-
vakia. Canada. Manila. Paris. Uru-
guay. Mexicb. back to New Hamp-
shire—a)! c'oouer.t spokesvrien for
the' '.one world ideal. Then . back to
Frisco, the oo'ni of oviginotion. for
the fitting ("male by Se:y. of Sf.ite
Slcttiniiis to detlnitely align the of-
ficial State representatives with the
aspirations of the- little. gu*-.'

For this was the "common man's"
show— light to the emcee himself.
Sgt. Harry Jackson, 20-year-pld
Marine back from the. Pacific combat
/.one who. on the basis of his
handling of the show, has a career
definitely • shaped tor himself posl-
\Vnr.

CBS and Corwin /who was -given
a fine assist by Bob Heller and
Charles Lcwih i plus <> e oihers who
■tplaicd n: orohnnent part in. this
radio prelude to the pavley,. rale a
f -nt>'0'e i ; i Oic annals*of the Frisco
Conference.' ■ n °? e :

Minneapolis. — Twin .City Radio.
Announcers. IBEW Local 1331. at its
first meeting, elected Bob Bouchier.
of WLOL, president. Oilier officers
named were Clcllah Card. KSTP.
V.p.: Ed Viehman, WCCO. flnancial
secy.: Jack Thayer, WLOL; record-
ing secy.; Dean Sherman. WDGT.
treasurer, aiid. Bay . ..Tenpcuuy.
WCCO, businessMtigr.

He does it without mirrors and
without a stand-in, with a reported
coin intake of SI00.0UO per year. And

bo's been at it on Washington and
N. Y. stations for the past 10 years,
rtr.t v.'ilh such a full schedule, mind
you. but at .very few times doing. less
than IT hours of broadcasting each
week, throughout the year.

Godfrey meanders at will, diseuss-
in^'such diversified topics as the San
Francisco conference, the birt.hp!ace
Of his. sirl vocalist, the musical abili-
ties of the orchestra, the niioii of
batonist Hark Sylvcrn. the icsiKinse
of persons in the studio to Uis witti-
cisms, anything that comes into his
inincl. He conveys that easy-going
demeanor, which puts his early-
morning listeners in the proper
frame of mind.

. God irey does all this on his new
Monday through Friday half-hour
network show \vhich bowed in this
week. And CBS has given him good
support in the music department:
Palti Clayton, gal singer; Marshall
Youna. . male vocalist, Vuo choral
groups and a small, but capable,
musical combo led by Sylvern. Un-
like his other shows, however. God-
frey docs not vocalize. on- his. CBS'cr.
at least he didn't on show, -caught
(J i. He just supplied the connecting
links between mtufcal ' uumbers.
which, inddentatty. were dotie neat-
ly by all concerned.

The stanza is thoroughly listcnablc.
moves right! along under the diree-:
tfam-'ef Ace Qeh* witte a good pro-
duction job by Jack Carney. Sfcit.

John Garfield came through with a
sock job last Sunday night (29) when
he guested on the CBS "We tlie Peo-
ple" stanza in a brief dramatraation
of the Warner Bros, shorr. "It Hap-
pened in Springfield." As narrator
ror the picte. Garlield hit just the.
right note ■ givir ■? . the listener tl.-i
imore»ion that a subject of utmost
impartanee was being considered—
yet making that subicct human, anvc
iind interesting.

The stwy of the "foreigner" whose
store iii a small town is wrecked
through the provocation of a rack-
eteer-type of politician, and the les-
son in' democracy thai's driven home
by the schools in Springfield. J^s..
made a .-'powerful, radio impact
throiwh able-, scrioting. top narration
bv Garfield, an cxcellenk ..supporting
caai. Direction was prccision-pmiU
pcrlect. •

Fhnl Philco "Hall of Fame" show.

prior In next Sunday's (8,i sumincr.
format, was a good trailer for Geor-
gia Gibbs and the Merry Macs who.
with Paul Whitemun. will comprise
the bulwark pr -the Jtnrmw .replace-
ment. "Her' Nibs. Miss Gibbs" has
become a pleasant trademark. Also
good was the Latin .America mcdlej
as a salute to the 1 gooil-nciglibui |>ol-
icy. Olscn i Johnson toplined. a de.
ferred commitment of a fortnight ajn
due to the period of nvniriii..,, * "
FDR.

"TEEJt CANTEEX"

WUh Imhmny Craat. OlrN Jordan

bircelar.pradacer: Bokert W.. Hf -

Writer: K»tMeen : J. Xerris
25 Mins.; Thurs. ( If* I p.m.
Sustaining:
WINS. .V Y.

Ln'cl-iiv: oil U> the movement '''*'■—'
ed by the American Woiu'euV Vul-
u?iteer Services to ker;j adol^'i'vnts
in the groove with wholesome- avli\ -
ity aiding the war effort llii-.Wiii c-.--
tabtbihment . of Teen C»eiteens
throughoiVt the •eoimlry. f'.V* a'-rer
makes a coniinendalile n«,': in this
direelion by onbliei/iii;; t?* efforls
of these, croups. If.- , all < ! <>ne' in-
lo m;iHy with .lohon\ CSt'.Mit tr.icec-
ins in easy (nshion vhilr tevnstcrs
rejKirt. on Ihwi ae<-<w,>!i»limen* at
the caulcins

Atmosph.ere f- ma>.>/.-.v»npd through-,
out the. uri:ceitiins» e»cn lo the mu-
sic. turnt:.Sil<">l p««'amt.»dl.v from a
juke-box ^ iiieh ;..ve< mil w ith bobby -
gtrx. and jittrrbus fctddei' via James.
Sinatra, et a!

H«>vever. lixr :<vurvj>e: i wilt have
to.be given ; w"»w lliaii this airer
olfers il the |MK..ira is to accomplish
its mirnmir. TV.e Vi(is would, -n*
diMiht. like ae.-i«val of their work
from oi'C ot f'wvr idols oceasionally.
and lnT<Kit.'»«it ir. guest-artists
'..vould iii:dm;-<ec"y .pnv big dividends
in nrrslis*" ami li»ten«n- interesl.

.\n6t:-fi tw«-ir' fault is the impres-
sion fiivwr. that the ki«fs are bcinz
talked »'»» n ti.: That idea is given
esjKVM'.e* .fiuni:?- segment in which
a f.u ^v.l f)i iei)ial ' accented voice
iiilloi ■ a> "[he.Megiir' gives lcssoiis
iii ue:HHt:i>eiit. .

KatHleen -.1. N«rriV writing as well
a» IhriMTt llergoiisoh's direction had
*»•■•.* s J «wgh' spi»l« on its preein. bill
«v»-e»»itent pr'ograins will probably
A+.-.nliiate that. Jose.

Moderator George V. Denny. Jr.

of "Town Meetimj of the Air." to©'-. ' ~ — -• ■ — — — ■

in • lot!) -.of .'icw-Uocy w'hcn^h'e alw.t {.(.; v ><> audience partieipation. and
' »— •— ■ «.—.»-<■ ... ■"^wsi'.y lour questions were askedi First

his \\vA staiv/a ( 2(1 ' put of S:iu Fr,
ciaco. tied it to'thi' Security Cmi-
ference. and proclaimed irs l»i-
for the nii» lit es. "Town Meet ■ »-.« v.
the World." Fact is'.' that *-ha; hiio-
pened there that night i:«v; «-.ly
didn't represent the world. 1: .d-.,i;''»
represent Amo.-ica. : *

Denny put on' a good M„iii <il
the conferenc<'. wit), Asst S-.' ol
Slate .Toscph-C. Grew. Sei..i'. Toitv
Conually. and Harold E. !* I'.'n
telling what the hiij show :* i«n '.
while footnotes were adce>i •} Ray-
mor.d Gram Swing, WHl'dil i. Shirei
and II. V. KiiJiC-uborn. Tc.v.v came
the question period, vvh^"' turned
into » disiinity clambBk?
. There Was only auon; 10 rnininc 1 -

mil M the box was a gent who iden-
tified himself as Hoiher Mcrtz. of
some, ne.vs service in Chicago.. His
question: "Isn't it a. ■ fail- 1 that the
purposes behind the Sun Francisco
('onferenq<' are. precisely what the
Jewish . World Zionist Organization
iia>- been advocating for years'.'" Sec-
ond quest ion was by Ely-. Culbertson.
and implied that American people
will not be satisfied 1 with confab un
tess. USA wins e\'CTything it wants..
Third and fourth questions Vcrc
.slaps at Russia, aiid Denny's re-
sponses weren't aimed particularly
at smoothing the feelings of the alb
who foitghr the fight on the Eastern
front. . . ...

"WASHINGTON STORY"

.Cat*: John B, Kennedy, Marquis
Child,' Jason Johnson, Rnjrer dfi
Karen, Jack Arthur, ■ Ralph Bell,
Elbe! Everett,- Richard Gordon,
Bokby Beadick, Sunforcl Bii-kail,

'. athem

Wrtlera: Vince- Dempsey, (limlcs

Cnai in .
Saperrbwi*: Stuart Biichairjn
Pradacer-Edltor: Walic I. Gould
Director: Arthur I.ellwirli
Hasfc: Bernard Green
3* Mins.-. Son., . t p.m.
Sastalatog
WJZ-Blae, ft. Y.

An iinusu,illy inicresling drcti-
Pientary show was given iis preem
by the Blue last Sunday "rj!l i. "when
."■WRshiiigion Story" look to the. air.
If turned nut to be a pro.-;rain with
loi.-, of wrinkles that cried fiir ii oil-
ing, editorially and otherwise. Ard
■yet it was clear that, with careful
lightening, the show has the. »>iit •
tialities'of being easily aiiVee:; the
top stanzas of ils "type.'

The very title showed ('Mil the
Cramers. . of . the >i'.ou -'iidei'! (iui(e:
know where they nerc y.nu-'. Called
"Washington Slovy." an.: hi. ill up
in advance us a shou would re-
flect events a. die rapital. the show
might bi'ller have been called some-
thing like "U.S:A .Story." , Fi'i!'' it
reflected much nun-' than the eapi'lat
\ It had Mar(|iu- Chillis suiiMnai-iz-
ihg Ihe dnii.tis -M San fiancisc-'.: a
bit hurrieilly. mil well. Ii hroirviit
the voice of Congresswoman Clare
Boothe Lucv (via plat.v'i i Irom the
European Ironl. talking about Ger-
man atrocities. It put on two oiher
ContresMrfen, one from. '.Pennsylvania
and aro 4,, .er from Missouri, who look
oopnalnit viewpoints, about u Ik-i'ht
N.iii wr.r criminals are to yet hard
or Mft punishment:'

The show then pulled its . gimmick.
It bad. a hian school teacher rrom a
«lt:dio in Cleveland interview Ohio
SriMtor Biirton. who was in Wash-
utk'lon. Teacher wanted to know
.vl'iit his senator. thought about com-
l>ii!.M>r\ milil-iry training posiwar—
a subject which concerns the pupils
ii. ihe tei.eher's school. . The show
.then came througli with a brief out-
line of what the Dumbarton OaM
hlan is. put on an offipial rcprc<cn-
tntivc of the Polish Government in
F.xlle. which has its headquarters in
London, gave General Patton a pat
on- the back, and wound up wilh a
sneech from Attorney General Bid-
die askiil" support for the San Fran-
cisco conference.

Mere enumeration of. the items in-
dicates sweep of the plan. But it.
was somethinc else when, it came to
execution. The two congressmen
who argued pro and eon on punish-
ment of Nazi war criminals could
have been etrt to half-time, to the
improvement of the show. The dra-
matization of Nazi atrocities was
done in -such a manner as to indi-
cate that the producers were afraid
to offend people's sensibilities — at a
time when films are showing atroci-
ties that arc real. The voicing was
too often monotonously March-ot-
Time style. And the most serious
offense was the skedding of. the
Polish representative.

On this point, show indicated real
weakness. Kennedy took less than
a half minute to set up a straw man
for the Polish spokesman to knock
down. Result was an an ti- Russian
tirade at a time when — as Kennedy
himself said— the Russian - Polish
problem is No. 1 in importance at
San Francisco* The fact i that the
Russian government had refused to
enter a debate over the Blue with a
representative of the London Poles
was no excuse. - Premier Mololov
might, conceivably, think that the
Sah Francisco conference steering
committee is a better forum.

However, when . -the faults had
been chalked' lip.- the show still
stacked lip as something important.
The use of a. constituent lo interview
- liis. congressman is a sock idea -if
carried out 'with a little more punch
in ihe. future. And the packaging;
into one show of hews' dramatization;
debate, direct reports from the front
(like Mrs. Luce's) up-td-the-mii.uite
news summary, and a .statement by
a high official like Biddle. is more
than mcrelv ambitious. It is promis-
ing. Pars.

Baleteh.— F.. Z. Jones, manager of
WBBB at Burlington. N. C. is re-
porting the United Nations Confer-
ence' at San Francisco to a ; group of
35 southern radfb statipns, inejudihe
North ' CaiPlina's Tpbaccd Network.

Wednesday, May 2, 1945

OmCHESTBAS-MUSIC

si

Robbins on Racks and Rackets

Music publisher Jack Robbins la outspoken In his criticism of other
music men who go in for "oon-creatlve side rackets such as music
tacks and the like.

"If this keeps up, especially now with paper shortages," continues
the music publisher, "we'll just put a stop to returns, etc., and we:il
soon see how these side-money operators like it."

Ben Selvin Joins Majestic Records
As Asst. to Prexy Jimmy Walker

. After 25 years, .during 'which he*
rose 10 veepbe and member of the
board Of directors of -Muxak and As-
sociated Program Service, Ben Sel-
vin is going back to his original busi-
nc-ss^records. He is .the new execu-
tive assistant to James J. Walker,
who. recently became president of
Majestic Records. Selvin eventually
may 'succeed- Eli . Oberstein, who
recently merged _his Hit dLsks_ into
the Majestic Radio & "Television
Corp.'s now recording' outfit. Ober-!
stein's two-year contract, rewritten
last week and replacing the original,
five-year agreement effective as bl
March 1, 1945. has been revised to
expire in ' October. But it- gives
Oberstein the option of renewing for
the full- two-year period.

As the executive assistant to prexy
Walker, v.p.. Selvin will aid 1 on a
program designed- il) to aim strong-
ly at the jukebox trade: and- (2) the
recording and merchandising, of an
extensive program of disks for the
home trade as well. •"'. . ,»

Walker and Selvin will go after
new' recording names for their Ma-
jestic label'. Ray Block 'is the (list
to do musiconicdy tunes, and others
>vill follow. The Hit brand -will be
dropped and everything merchan-
dized under. Maj.

Solvin's deal is said to top $40,000
a -'year, including a profU : shoring
arrangement. Walker is. reported
drawing $100,000 per annum... and.
the former mayor of New York has
already made evident he'll be no
window-dressing or front man for
any organization.

Majestic Radio & Television's
prexy; Eugene A. Trace'y, was former-
(Continucd on -page 52)

Cugat's Pic, Concert, S.A.
And N. Y. Capitol Dates

Xavicr Cugat is on a wcek-to-woek
"basis froni now on at Monte Proser's
Copacabana, N. Y;, in view of the Hol-
lywood studio strike which will gov-
ern when Joe Pasternak; can start
filming "Holiday in Mexico" at
Metro. This will star Walter Pid-
geon and IlOnay Massey, with Cugat
having a comedy dialog role as well
as working with his band.

The clastic pic commitments -had
a lot to do with Cugat not returning
to - the Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y., this
summer because the hotel manage-
ment couldn't operate on so vague a
booking 'arrangement. Cugat, in-
stead, is. set for -two theatre dates
at the Broadway Capitol in 1040 and
1497 (after all, as a Metro contract
filmer his allegiance to the Loew-
Metro flagship, cinema is natural) but
in between he has a concert tour and'
a South American route on the
agenda. He is slated to . start in
Mexico City next January and
thence into Panama, Colombia, Ven-
ezuela, etc., winding up at the Urea
Casino, Rio de Janeiro, in the sum-
mer of 1946 (which is their winter
season ).

College Dates
Get Standups

College one-night dales, which be-
fore, the war, were much sought after
by bandleaders because they were
lucrative and gave leaders a
chance to show before a part of the
baud public ' that had much to do
with creating their reputations, arc
this spring going begging. At least
two of the major booking agencies
between them have committees from
a number of the . best colleges
on their necks to get them name
music for spring affairs, proms, etc.
So fur they have had no luck.

It seems that the cream of the.
band crop is at the moment tied up
with long location dates and theatre
runs that prevent them from accept-
ing one-nighters of any type.

Ahlert Coin Allocation
Plan One for Test Soon

Business machines appropriated
by the U. S. Government last fall
have been returned to the Ameri-
can Society of Composers, Authors
and Publishers, and they will soon
be put to work testing the Ahlert
plan of allocating the Society's dis-
tributable income. Late last sum-
mer, the Society was to have begun
testing the Ahlert- plan, but loss o£
the machines to (lie Government
prevented this. Machines are nec-
essary to the test.

■ So-called Ahlert plan was to have
been put into effect a year ago last
Jan. 1. It never was installed due
principally to the lack of equipment,
plus the frantic opposition to it from
old-line writers. It is based largely
on performances, lessening the in
conic of writers whose current in-
come from the Society is based chicf-
ly-on seniority and 'availability.'

Songwriter Settles
Tune Suit Vs. Berlin
On Ting' Promise

.Oh ''the theory that it would be
virtually impossible to arrive at
damages in his action, songwriter
Bobby Warren has settled his suit
against Irving Berlin. Inc., with the
return of his song plus all accrued
royalties from its use. Warren sued
Berlin for $30,000 damages, claiming
the publisher took the song, titled
"City Called Heaven" and promised
to give, it a "No'. 1 .plug effort."' This
was not done.

Warren's suit was probably the
first action Tiled against a publisher
for failure to cxuloit a tune.'How to
arrive at damages in such a case,
when possible sheet sales and- other
income all hinged on whether or not
the tune would have become a hit
(there's no guarantee that any given
tune will strike public fancy, even
the most experienced publishers fre-
quently come up with flops) directly
influenced the settlement before trial.

Warren sued because at the time
Berlin look the song, he was pub-
lishing it himself and had. it on
"Most Played" lists. At the time it
was turned over to Berlin, on Nov.
7, 1941, the ASCAP-radio fight, was
being settled and Berlin wished to
go right to work on a. 'fairly- estab-
lished song instead of starting cold
on a new one. After taking War-
ren's tunc, a picture score came into
the firm, pushing Warren's song out
of the way. Warren felt that had he
not given the tunc to Berlin it would
have gotten somewhere. Andrew D.
Weinberger, attorney, engineered the
settlement tor- Warren.

Dismissal of $1,000,000
Suit Vs. C. Porter Asked

Dismissal of the $1,000,000 damage
action brought by Ira B. Arnsteln,
was asked by Cole Porter, . in
answers filed In N. Y. federal court
last week. Porter also made a gen-
eral denial of all allegations.

In asking for dismissal, Porter,
claims in defense that Court is with-
out, jurisdiction over subject matter
in so far as the complaint is based
upon alleged infringement of plain-
tiff's works that have not been
copyrighted under copyrighted laws
of U. S. Alleged infringed songs
referred ■ to in complaint were
known as Porter's songs for a long
time prior to institution of the suit,
and that plaintiff had full knowledge
of fact and failed to give notice of
his alleged claim, thereby action is
barred. At the same time Porter
filed notice for the examination of
Arnstein before trial of the suit.

Arnstcin charges that Porter's
"Don't Fence Me In," "I Love You,"
"Begin the Beguine," and "You'd
Be so Nice to Come Home to,"
were pirated from his unpublished
works, also the • song - "Night and
Day," was copied from a musical
drama of his, including the title.

Harry James Advises Astor, N.Y., f
HeWontFuMConunHmeiit Unless
Granted Weekly Bonus of $1,500

B.G.-MCA Talk

From Contract

Benny Goodman and Music Corp.
of America, are arranging a deal
whereby the leader will be released
from his long-disputed management
contract with that agency. Details
are being kept secret. MCA has
been battling more tlian a .'year
against granting the release. . Good-
man went so far as to break up his
band last spring rather than con-
tinue under MCA's. direction.

It's said that the arrangement now
being talked over between Goodman
and the agency calls for- the latter
to receive full commissions on all
work done by the band . until the
end of its contract, which expires
later this year. Iii return, Goodman
would be a free agent to book him-
self or allow others the privilege.-

Mark Hanna recently became
Goodman's personal manager. He
already has several, radio offers.

IT'S DR. FERDE GROFE

Fordo. Grofe will receive a Doc-
tor of Music degree from Illinois
Wesleyan U. May 23 'for iiis : contri-
butions to American music.

Next day Gi'ofc .will conduct a
concert at the school.

MET NEWS SOUNDS OUT
PUBS ON MUSIC RACK

.Metropolitan News Co., which
services' newsstands and retail stores
iii the N. Y.. area daily, has outlined
to various major publishers its de-
sire to. enter, the music-rack field.

Its bid is . not being taken seriously
by the publishers, who are con-
cerned at the moment with the new
rack venture being set up and
launched by Saul Immcrman and
Moc Gale.

Atty. Buys Big Block
In Leeds Music Co.

Bernard L. Miller, theatrical at-
torney, has become a part-time
music publisher. He has purchased
•a ■ ■'.'substantial'', block of Leeds Mu-
sic Go. stock.

Deal was closed with Lou . Levy,
head of Leeds, before Levy left last
week for California.

ASCAP Readies
Eng. Royalties

American Society of Composers,
Authors and Publishers is currently
processing for distribution to its
writer members in this country the
first performance royalties it has re-
ceived from England since 1941. Coin
the Society is now' holding covers
two years; 1942 and ''43. Total
amount is undisclosed. Society is
finding it difficult to unravel the
situation and it's likely the money
won't be paid for some time yet.

Money . is for writers only.. Eng-
lish Performing Rights Society pays
such writer royalties through ASCAP
whereas royalties to publishers in
this. country are paid direct.

COURT AGAIN DELAYS
BMl-MARKS DECISH

Decision in the Broadcast. Music-
E. B. Marks suit against the Ameri-.
can Society of Composers, Authors
and Publishers, for a declaratory
judgment citing Marks as the owner
of small rights on certain songs in
the Marks catalog, was again de-
layed Monday <30j.

Justice Ferdinand Pceora, in Sur
prcme Court, N. Y.. delayed deliv-
ering' his opinion ' 'h ' 'he -case for
the third time' due to illness, setting
it back until tomorrow . 1 Thursday )
at 10 a.m.

Russ Case Becomes

RCA Musical Director

Russ Case, former arranger for
Andre Kostelanelz and other orches-
tras of that type, took over the job
of musical director at RCA- Victor's
N.. Y. recording studios yesterday
(Tuesday).

He replaced Lou Martin, former
bandleader, who has Occupied the
post since Victor resumed recording!

Col.'s Big Divvy

Columbia Recording first-quarter
royalty cheeks went out to music
publishers : late last week. While no
total figure is available, the sum
disbursed by Columbia is said to be
very high' despite production restric-
tions.

All' recording companies still have
trouble .meeting demands for record-
ings due to the tight manpower situ-
ation. : No other problems 'bother
them... Materials situation has long
since eased.

Fred Waring Concert
At Carnegie Hall Boff
29G; Artistic Click Too

By BEBNIE WOODS ■'.

Music Publishers Contact Em-
ployes union benefit fund was en-
riched by approximately $20,000 as a
result of the concert staged at Car-
negie Hall, N. Y„ Saturday night
(28) -by Fred Waring, who paid all
talent, expenses himself, leaving only
the cost of the hall to be deducted
from a capacity b.o. take. Waring
conducted a group of 240 voices., in-
cluding 17S members of Robert
Shaw's Collegiate Chorale, and a
large orchestra in a concert of pa-
triotic, spiritual and popular songs,
interspersed by Shaw's conducting
of the entire ensemble in the world
premiere of Norman Dellb Joio's
"Symphony for Voices and Orches-
tra," based on . Stephen Vincent
Benct's poem, "Western Star."

It the concert was a huge success
financially, it was a bigger success
artistically. Running the gamut as it
did of all types of American music,
the affair established Waring as a
prime candidate for the concert
field, 'which has grown the past six
month or so to healthy proportions,
returning heavy coin to b.o. reputa-
tions such as his.

Waring started the affair with a.
group of patriotic material, including
the National Anthem, ''America the
Beautiful," etc., then went through
impressively arranged vocal-orchcs-
■tral renditions' of "Sometimes I Feel
Like a Motherless Child.."- "Deep
River" and "Set Dotvn. Servant." At
this point, lie turned the conductor's
platform over to Shaw for ''Western.
Star." .

Joio's arrangement of the poem, an
ambitious effort to adapt a word
classic to music, was very impres-
sive at the outset, but bogged down
in the middle portion, where it be-
came ponderous and slow and lost
control over its audience, which up.
to this point had been in rapt at-
tention. Final movement picked up
again and the work finished on a
solid note. Eileen Farrell, Joseph-
Laderoute, Robert Merrill, soprano,
tenor and ... baritone, respectively.
(Continued oii page 52)

Harry James last week took ad-
vantage of the recent ruling by the
American Federation, of Musicians
that bandleaders under option to
play hotel dates on which they'll lose
money can deny the obligations with
AFM protection. Last Thursday (26)
James created a furor in N. Y. by
advising the N. Y. office of Music
Corp. of America that he would not
come east to fulfill a commitment
at' the Astor Roof unless the hotel
paid him a bonus of $1,500 weekly
for the six weeks he was to work..
Apparently this bonus would allow
him to work. the spot without finan-
cial loss.

James* action set the Astor's Bob
Chrislenberry in an uproar. He has
Sammy Kaye set to -open, the Roof
May 14, for three weeks, followed by
James. It's asserted that Christoh-
berry has flatly refused to pay James
the additional money, and if the
trumpeter insists on maintaining his
latest stance, will take the cose into
civil court.

James played the Astor last year.
He then was said to have been get-,
ting $3,500 weekly on a flat deal, no
percentage. At that time he lost a
considerable wad.

AFM's rule on fulfilling options at
a financial loss was issued last fall,
brought about by Tony Pastor. Pas-
tor was booked into the Roosevelt
hotel, Washington, D. C , on. an old
contract <>and stood to lose heavily
each week. He took his case to the
union and the latter ruled he didn't
have to play the dale and made the
ruling applicable to air other lead-
ers in the same circumstances.
' James' move contributed to the
rush trip by David (Sonny) Wcrblin
rrom N. Y. to the Coast. Ho left last
Friday (27)/ Also figuring in the
trip is the imminent induction of
Low Wasserman, MCA exec in the
Beverly Hills office.

HUGHE PRINCE MUGGED,
HAS FRACTURED SKULL

Hughie Prince, songwriter cur-
rently partnered with ex-maestro
Dick Rogers in a script -agency,
suffered a fractured skull lust Friday
night (27) when he was 'mugged near
hi? upper Manhattan home. He is
currently in Bellcvue hospital. N. Y„
where he's recovering. He was
robbed of $300 and . a 1 wrist watch.
Prince was unable to describe his
assailant.

Day after Prince was admitted to
the hospital. Rogers was released
from one. -after recovering from a
heart attack. .

Heani's, N. Y., Cues
Postwar Music

Bill Schneider, .w.k. in the music
li-adcs and former division manager
for Sears-Roebuck's, music dept., is
taking charge of Hearn's expanded
radio and television' merchandising
department. The ~N. Y. department
store heretofore had only a modest
music counter but postwar plans call
for a more lavish adjunct. Schneider
also has been radio music buyer for
Gimbcls, Bloomlngdalcs and other
dept stores.

Tins move by Ream's is but one of
many planned in other key cities by
stores with an eye to television and
also the expected growth of disk
manufacturing. There arc many
phonograph newcomers on the hori-
zon (the Majestic deal is detailed
herewith), and some will be im-
por' ant contenders such as WOH-
Mutual's own disks; Locw-Mctro's
Lion. Records, etc.

Lion label, based on the Metro
Irndcmarked "Lco-thc-Lion," is one
of music publisher Jack Robbins'
ideas to tie in Metro's film stars with
disking for the company's own brand.

FDR Song Proceeds For
Nat'l Infantile Fund

Leo Edwards and J. W. Brallon
have written a song in memory to
FDR, "In a Little White House on
the . Hill," which Barton Music is
publishing, with a share of the
profits going to the National 'Fotinda?
tion for Infantile Paralysis, which
includes Franklin D. Roosevelt's fa-
vorite Warm Springs 'Gaj Founda-
tion.

In World War I; Edwards com-,
posed " We Take. Our. Hats Off to
You, Mr. Wilson," which the late
Nora Bay'es sang for President Wil-
son at. the White House.

Krupa Due for Astor;
Splits Theatres-Cafes

Gene Krupn's orchestra has been
booked into the Hotel Astor Roof,
N. .Y. Definite opening date has not
been set; he follows Harry James,
who" is due into the' spot June 4 for
six weeks. Sammy Kayo's band
opens the Roof May 14. staying
three weeks. It's Krupa's first hotel
dale in N. Y. with his new band.

Preceding the Astor, Krupa plays
the Hippodrome theatre. Baltimore,
week of May 17; RKO Boston, May
24; Frank Dailey's Terrace, Room, .
Newark, for two weeks Opening May
31; Capitol, Washington, June M;
Capitol, N. Y., June 31, then the
Astor.

ASCAP HOISTS TOBIAS

■' Hollywood, May 1,
Harry Tobias, composer of mora

than 300 published tunes, has been

upped to. "A" rating on ASCAP after

23 years of songwritihg.
With ail hla published songs, ■

Tobias has- never been under eon- '

tract to any film studio.

52

OftCHESTBAS-MUSIC

Wednesday, May 2, 1945

Bregman Succeeds Max Dreyfus
As ASCAP Doughboy; Others Remain

Jack Bregman, oC Bregman, Vocco
4: Conn, was 'named treasurer of the
American Society ol Composers, Au-
thors snd Publishers last week, suc-
ceeding Max Dreylus, who had held
the post for 14 years. Dreyfus
stepped aside because of his health
and pressure of handling his own
music firms. Bregman is the fourth
treasurer in the history of the so-
ciety, the others having been Saul
Bornstein, Gus Schiimcr and Drey-
fus.

Aside from Bregman's replacing

Dreyfus and the election of Irving
Caesar to the asst. treas. post,
the board reelected all other of-
ficers. Deems Taylor was held over
as president; Gus Schirmer as v.p.,
Oscar Hammerstein 2d as 2d v.p.,
and George W. Meyer as secretary.
Donald Gray is asst. secretary, the
job Bregman formerly had.

Election of officers of the society
is done by the board, while the
board members themselves arc elect-
ed by the membership.

Palisades May Adopt
tag Runs for Bands

Palisades Park, Fort Lee, N. J.,
will, likely inaugurate a "long run"
band policy this year in comparison
to its former method of using big
names on weekend and lessers mid-
week. Park is opening with Shep
Fields May 12-13 and if the newer
policy is instituted it will start May
26 (indecision is probaly due to lack
of band availability ).

Under the newer setup, orchestras
will be bought on a straight four-
week basis and might have network
wires (Mutual). This is now being
arranged.

Palisades band pavillion burned
down last year, but has been rebuilt.

10 Best Sellers on CoifrMadnes

1. My Dreams Gelling Better (10; (Santly).

2. Candy (6) (Feist)

3. Just Prayer Away (3) (Shapiro)

4. I'm Beginning to See Light (9) (Grand).

5. Sentimental Journey (8) (Morrii)

6. More and More (8) (T. B. Harms)

7. Dream (J) (Capitol)

8. There I Said It Again (n (Valiant)....

9. Laura (1) (Robbins)

10. All of My Life (1) (Berlin)

1 Les Brown .Columbia

| Louis Prima Hit

( Dinah Shore Victor

\ Pied Pipers Capitol

Bing Crosby. Dccca

( Harry James Columbia

} Duke Ellington .Victor

Les Brown ... .. . Columbia

( Hal Mclntyre Victor

) Perry Combo Victor

(Freddie Martin. ..... .Victor

i(Pied Pipers . .Capitol

Vaughn Monroe Victor

Freddy Martin , . .Victor

Bing Crosby .Decca

Mrs. Kramer Ordered
To Refund Deduction To
Paxton After FDR Layoff

American Federation of Musicians
last week ordered Mrs. Maria
Kramer, owner of the Lincoln hotel,
N. Y., to pay the George Paxton
orchestra almost a. third of a week's
salary, which she had held out of the
band's pay for three days lost during
the period of mourning for FDH.
Band did not work the Thursday to
Saturday stretch following Presi-
dent Roosevelt's death, and while all
other hotels in N. Y, paid their j
bands in full. Mrs. Kramer deducted
the lost days.

AFM decreed that it was through
no fault of the band that it didn't
work. Amount totaled slightly over

$700;

VlcUr Younf scoring "You Came
Along - ' for Hal Wallis at Paramount.

PRIMA, HAMPTON TAKE
TURNS AT RECORD

Louis Prima and Lionel Hampton s
orchestras are taking turns busting
the b.o. record at the Adams theatre.
.Newark.

Prima set a new mark at the house
late last year. Hampton topped it
the early part of this year. Last
week. Prima went in on a guarantee
and 50-50 deal and rang up a $31,000
gross, taking $15,500 for his end, the
most money he has earned in one
week since the band's inception.

Prima is now at the Carnival
Room. New York.

For HQ*. t#pnt% «h«*?

Selvin-Majestic

Continued from page 31

ly on the Muzak board, hence the
Selvin hookup. Tracey figures that
Majestic radio and video sets post-
war can also help merchandise their
own brand of records. Because of
Tracey's past regard for Muzak, he is
permitting Selvin to continue with
that company in an advisory ca-
pacity until a suitable successor can
be found, which is the prime reason
for this arrangement.

- Ei.ni.. 1 ,m* - rs r { >«-■»■■' i. .i,T." i.I ,.,. a. - .,
after being asst. recording manager
at Columbia, and since 1934 devel-
oped Muzak's entire musical lib
of more than 10,000 selections. Inci-
dentally it is estimated that in Scl-
vin's 25-year career as a recording
maestro for Victor, when under his
own name and under sundry noms-
de-disks, such as Kentucky Seren-
ades. Bar Harbor Society Orchestra,
The Castillians, Knickerbockers, etc.,
his 9.000 personal waxings may have
set a world's record in total sales of
over 1,000,000,000 platters.

c*#** al

0?

BOURNE. Inc.

Waring

Continued from page SI

were guest soloists. Frederic Hart
did the narration interpolation for
the three parts, tilled, "Virginiai"
"New England"* and "The Sharp
Star in the West."

Waring finished orT . the evening
with a group of pop and standard
lunes paced by light classics niflily
arranged for voices. His treatment
added lustre and unusual flavor to
such varied items as "Winsocki. '
"Stardust." "Hora Staccnta." "Jal-
ousie," "Mcadowland," "Ol' Man
River," "Bye Bye Baby." "Beautiful
Morning." "Remember." "So Beats
My Heart For You," "Lord's Prayer,"
''Ev'rytimc I Say Goodbye" and "In
the, Still of the Night." Each received
brilliant treatment in shading and
coloring, in which Vo much more
seemingly . can be done with voices
than with instruments.

Waring conducted exceptionally
'well. So did Shaw, whose effort re-
ceived drawn-out applause.

FOUR CHICKS
AND A CHUCK
And Othtf Famout
Radio Artlitt

L'm> tills P.*S VISCA1. reroxl
of •nnjr hits of over l;:tt |,ul»-
lialicrx, plnn old favm-.llc*. In-
flutlt'H le.nl «!i«otn unit Jyrii's
of chorus. SAMr-LKS ri:i:i:.

1(119
llritn ilivn.v
New York 19

TUHE-DEX

Sally Is So Sweet to Me

Lyric*, Miixle. a»d I'li'illahnl l,«

CAREL ALBRIGHT

r.\i.timoi;k mabvi .^ni>

Wednesday, "Slay 2, 1945

ORCHESTR A8~MUSIC

ss

NBC, CBS, Blue, Mutual Plugs

TITLE

A Liltle On the Lonely Side

All Of My. Life . .'■ .

Baia— 1"3 Caballeros"

Candy

Counting the Days •••••• ■ • •

Dream ■'• • . • • .-'. , .-. ......

He's Home For a Liltle While..

•I'm Beginning to See the Light .

I Miss Your Kiss ,

•| Should Cain— t'Thrill of a Romance". ... . ... , .'.

Just a Prayer Away.

Laura— f'Laura" .

Lei's. Take Long Way Home— f'Here Come Waves"..

More and More— >"Can't Help-Singing"

My Dreams Are Getting Belter

Remember When

Sentimental Journey- . ... . ;'.'.. ...

Someday Somewhere . .......

Sweetheart of My Dreams— i "30 Seconds Over Tokyo"

The More I See You— f'Diamond Horseshoe -

There I've Said It Again

There Must Be a Way ... .'.

This Heart of Mine— rZieglcld Follies" ...... . ......

Twilight Time . .

You Belong to My Heart— f3 Caballeios'' — — -..

t fMnmsical. * Lcpit musical.

PUBLISHER

Advanced

Berlin

, .-. . .Southern
. .... .Feist

. Sanlly

... .Capitol
. . .. ..Famous

. . .Grand .
, . . .Republic
. . . ;Dorsey
. ... .Shapiro
. . . . . Robbins
. . . . .Morris .
. . Harms .

Saiitly

.....C-P
.... .-Morris

Chelsea

Shapiro

BVC

.. .. .Valiant
. . . . Stevens

. . . .Triangle
... .C-P
Harris

10 Best Sheet Sellers

{Week Ending, April 28)
Dreams Gelling Better. . .Sandy

Candy ... Feist

Laura .Robbins

Just Prayer Away Shapiro

Dream *,.... .Capitol

Beginning to See Light. . .Grand'

Allot My Life.. Berlin

There I Said It Again. .. .Valiant
Sentimental Journey. . . . .Morrjs
All My Dreams! ...... .Shapiro

Music Biz Hopes Taps-Col. Deal
Presages H wood Trend Toward
'Song Specialists in Exec Posts

GAY BLADES SKATERY TO
BE NAME BAND DANCERY

Plans were approved last week by •
the N. Y. City Department of Build- .:
ings, for the postwar makeover of
the Gay Blades ice and roller skat-
ing rink into a large name band
ballroom. Spot will be rebuilt into a .
'N. Y. copy of Hollywood's Palladium ,.
ballroom when materials become i
available. 11 will have a capacity not i
lav "under the Palladium's 10.000 or i
thereabouts.

Gny Blades is now owned by Lou ;
Brecker. operator of the Roseland ,
Ballroom, N. Y., who is concerned in j
the corporation that operates ihc'j
Palladium. ;

Heidt in No Hurry To

Resume Maestroing

Horace Heidi, whose plea to the
American Federation of Musicians for
release Irom his Music. Corp. of
America contract was recently de-
nied, apparently is in- no hurry to
resume maestroing. Before the AFM
ruling. Heidi broke up his band and
has ?-ince ■ handed his library to his
former trumpeter. Shorty Sherock.
who has built a band containing only
four of Heidi's former men. Outfit
is now at the' Trianon Ballroom.
Soulhgale. Cal.

Sherock is under contract, to Cen-
tral 'A mus. Corp. This 'may be Heidi's
method of gelling out froin under the
MCA agreement, al least until it ex-
pines.

'Parade Choice

Once again the accuracy of Ihe
Lucky Strike. "Hit Parade" song sur-
vey is doubted by experienced mu-
sic publishers. They point to Ihe in-
clusion, on last week's program of
"There Must Be a Way," published
by Stevens Music. Charlie Spivak's
Broadcast Music-all'illatcd firm.

Song, started only six or eight
weeks ago. has so far had litlle chance
I to prove its .-worth and certainly is
- not rated anywhere near the top 10
; tunes in sales popularity, yet it got
• "Parade" attention. Situation high-
' lights the Tact that Luckies' so-called
; national survey of popularity is
' leased largely on the number of per-
formances a song gets on radio band
remotes, etc. "Way" was ,lhe subject
of a drive the week before.

Schall, Spivak Split

Max Schall. personal manager of
Charlie Spivak's orchestra., has cut
] loose . from that band. Spivak and
; Schall parted last Saturdav (28 > alter
a difference of opinion that is. not
; being discussed by either party,
j Schall asserledly will- i;ol be re-
j placed by Spivak, He himself had
i no prospects when the split came.

Music publishers are applauding
Hairy Cohn's move in giving Jonie

■ Taps a five-year deal as director of
I music al Columbia -'Pictures. The
! reason for this is that Tin .Pah. Alley
(has long fejl that Hollywood was

■ shortsighted - for many years in . not
. recognizing the importance of pop

music lo pictures, in the sense that
it warranted a special coordinator.
; If Columbia prexy C'ohn gives Taps
! full reign in picking soims and song-
j writers suitable for pix. it is hoped

Col.'s Bid to S-B?

It's denied Shapiro-Bernstein
is being ogled by Columbia Pic-
tures as an acquisition. .Ionic
Taps restrcsses that a condition'
; of his deal, with ' the studio- was
j no music publishing but it is
j known that this plan -may be
I switched later as pre/. Harry
j Colin of Col-, has always yenned
:' his own music business.

Conn himself is an ex-song-
\ plugger and grew up hi Tin Pan
i - Alley.

j this will pave the way for a new era
! in the future,

] This sideline opinion is born of
I more than casual good wishes. Music
j veterans recall when EJdwin H.
'(Buddy) Morris was with the War-
. ners music firms: when the late
i Bobby Crawford represented De
1 Sylva. Brown & Henderson in Ho.lly-
! wood: and Jack Robbins with Metro,
i el al.. none supposedly was able to
j buck the. Hollywood tide.
'« Today most of the studios either

I maintain a liaison arrangement with
their New York song publishing
i affiliates; or some studio production
; executive." with a casual knowledge
of . Tin Pan Alley,: dips into the
' proposition of songs, synchroniza-
: lions, publishing rights, plugging,
etc.

From ■ the' N. Y. viewpoint it has
: always been a wonder why the slu-
' dio solons always fell Ihey knew the
answer when it came lo song mat-"'
! fers. In short, a studio executive
j would not be inclined to question the
: judgment of a set designer, a sound
i engineer, a couturier and the like,
} but when, it came lo picking songs
■ for pictures, that was something else
: again.

! Thus they hope thai a new era ot
! song specialists for Hollywood may
1 come fnlo being.

COOL BUYS RAVAZZA
I LIBRARY FOR NEW BAND

I : Harry Coo!, who will s'ai t a band

of his own, has bought Carl Ravr.zza's
; library as the basis for the new
J combination. However, instead of
; the three sax, three trumpets. ..one

trombone, three fiddles, three rhythm
. Ravazza used. Cool will employ five

jax. remaining ins itinicntalion hold- ■
■ ing as is. Book is being rewritten to
'add the new pans.

Cool lakcs.his new band into the
. Blackhawk, Cafe. Chicago. July 11,

for 1G weeks. ' Chicago is his home
: territory.

# t HITS FROM 2 MILLION DOLLAR PICTURES

Featured by Frank Sinatra in M-G-M's "Anchors Aweigh"

WHAT MAKES THE SUNSET?

Lyric by Sammy Cahn • Music by Jule Styrte

A Terrific Ballad from 20th Century-Fox's "Nob Hill"

W ALKED I

Lyric by Harold Adamsbn • Music by Jimmy McHugh

DC CORPORATION i 6 1 9 broadway m.y. i*

v ^Recorded b^ ^ ^ lCopl ,ol»

wtW suns

1509 VINE ST.
HOLLYWOOD
HIM RltS

M H GOtDSIN, Vic. P r«. CAPITOL SONGS/ InC. DAVI SHILUV, Vl«« Pr;.

RKO BUILDING NEW YORK

DAVI BLUM, Prof. Mgr. US MIS

OUN SCHOTTUR (oint vs May 7th

54 W. RANDOLPH

CHICAGO
JACK CARLTON

54

ORCHESTRAS~MUSIC

PUkiety

Wcdiit'Aday. May 2, 1915

Bands at Hotel B.O.'s

Bnnd

Hal Aloma*. . . .
Boyd Raeburn . .

Glen Gray

Leo Rcisman* . .
George Paxlon.
Guy Lombardo.
Hal Mclntyre...

Ili.lrl

.Lexingloi- iliOO: 7. r K-Sl .no) .
.New YorUci i !)'"• Sl-$l ..M)) . .
. .Pcnnsv|van::i i TitlU. SI -SI f>0).

. Waldorf ■(Sfill i

. Lincoln i27.i. SI -Si .10)

.Roosevelt (UiO: $i-$l fill). . . .
. . Commodore ,4011; SI-M.SO)..

IVcek*

ringed

. 28
. . 5

.. 3
..22 .
.. 10
.-. :ti
. . 4

Ci>v«-ri
Pin!
WfiU

1.775
1.125
2.550
2.HS0
1.175
2:V/lf>
1.900

Total

On l>u>

40.750
7.125
(i.llOU
6:1.375
1 1 .00(1
77.525
7.025

' Asterisks indicate a sn;>pnr/in« /lour slioir. IVcir Yorker has ice .Oioli'.'
Lexington, an Hmrniidii floor slxnc.

Chicago

Buddy Franklin (Now Walnut Room, Bismarck holel: 465: $1.50-$2.5n
mill.). Biz here, as elsewhere. is on the upsweep after two so-so weeks.
Franklin and Enrica and N'ovclln.gnl :i. 100.

Stan Kenloii (Panther Room. Sherman hotel: 950: $l:50-$2.50 min.'i. Tony
Pastor, who closed Thursday <2<!i. Kenton, who followed, split 5.500.

Dick LaSallc iMayfair Room. Blackslnne hotel : 4(>5: S2.50 min.V Gcorgie
Price moved out Thursday <2l>'. shaving 2.000 with LaSalle. Gali Gali and
Ellsworth & Fairrhild. Inner two arts opening Fric'ay.

George Olsen (Empire Room. Palmer House: 700: $3-$3.50 min). Olseu
and show headlined by Hennv Youny.man drew great 7. B00.

Ted Weems (Boulevard Room. Stevens hotel: 650: $3-$3.50 min t. Build-
ing strong, with Weems and show, including the Chadwicks. Con CoIt
leano, others, drawing 7.200.

RICHMOND'S PAXT0N SPOT

ISuridy Robuins May Join His Cousin
Later In Talent Bureau

Howard Richmond, formerly with
Ira pa. just out (it Hie service, be-
comes liaison for George Paxlon's
band in promotion, etc.. and espec-
ially as regards contacting Jack
Robbins. Latter sponsors" Hie Pax-
lon orches!:::.

'Vhen Howard (Buddy) Robbins.
now in Italy, gels out of the Army,
it is his father's intention that he
and Richmond operate the Robbins ;
Artists Bureau. This is a subsid lal-'
cut agency set up by the music pub-
lisher. Young Richm;m and Robbins
arc cousins, incidentally.

Inside Stuff— Orchestras— Music

II has boon consistently rumored around N.'Y. during the past week or
so that the current trip lo England and France by John G. Paine, general
, manager of the American Society of Composers. Authors and Publishers,
! ajid Herman Finkleslein. ASCAP attorney, was for Ihe purpose of studying
lln' English Performing Rights Society's mclhnds of paying . royalties,
' ai d lhal these methods would be incorporated in a similar plan by ASCAP
! to replace the long-disputed Ahlerl plan. None of the rumors is apparently,
j true. Paine and the attorney went overseas lo settle numerous questions
among ASCAP. EPRS and SACHEM, the French group, that have arisen
since start of the war.. Also, the reciprocal deals between the three out-
ills will expire during the next year or so and Ihe groundwork for new
deals must be laid. T

Los Angeles

Freddy Martin (Ambassador: 5)00: S1-SI.50). Sock 4.200 labs.
Joe Relchman (Billmorc: 900: $1-51.50'. Solid crowds and solid coin al
4,200 covers.

Location Jobs, Not in Hotels

(Oliicnoo)

Gay Clarldge (Chez Paree: 050: $:t-S3.50>. Turnstiles clicking faster here
too, with Claridge. Willie Shore and Connie Russell pulling 4,400.

Del Courtney (Blackhawk; 500: $2-$2.50 min.>. Those Sun. and Sat.
mats, are a big help for the Courlney-Whitey Roberts layout: 4.300 this
time. .

Irving KosUl (Latin Quarter: 700: S3-$:S.50). Kosfal-Lou Holtz-Jackie
Heller-Mulcays combo accounted for 3.800.

<I.os*An<jcles)

Frankie Carle (Palladium B. Hollywood, sixth weck.1. Picked up slightly
in the final stanza for 26,500 -entrants.

Shorty Sherock (Trianon, B, South Gate, first weekl. New band sweeps
Clean with -9.000 admishex.

Lelfhlon Noble (Slapsy Maxie's. N. Los Angeies. 20llv week). Business
•s usual with SRO sign hanging out a I 3.200 capacity.

Don Ricardo, Klnp Cole Trio (Trocade.ro. N. Hollywood, sixth weekl.
Chuchu Martinez fame spreading by word of mouth puts this spot in the
4,000 tab class.

Bill to K.O. Royalty
Fees to Labor Unions
Would Sock Petrillo

Washington. May 1.
The U. S Chamber of Commerce
has overwhelmingly endorsed legis-
lalion now pending in Congress
which would prohibit royally pay-
menls by industry to" labor unions.
The bills were introduced at the
time John L. Lewis was calling for
a 10c royally on each ton of coal
mined. Lewis subsequently dropped
the demand and the .bills were
shelved.

However, the development an-
nounced Saturday (28) may pump
new life into the measures which
would hit directly al the royalties
the AFW! 'collects on all recordings.
The vote or the Chamber of- Com-
merce' members was 2.6fi7 for adop-
tion of the hills and 101 against. The
Chamber charged thai "royally ex-
act ions could lead to a scheme of
taxation by private individuals."

Coca-Cola executives are still considering the idea of using a "new song"
idea on the "Spotlight Bands'" program. Several weeks agtt the idea,
developed by Pete Doraine of Chelsea Music, was broached to the D'Arey
agency, handler of the program, and the latter went about checking band-
leader reactions lo it; in many cases- the latter were negative. Neverthe-
less. D'Arcy forwarded the plan and its findings lo. Coke execs.

Plan is to -select each week « new song figured lo have future possibili-
ties, and have il played. with proper spotlighting and comment as a "new
■hit'' On a rull week of programs. That is. each band bought for the show,
for each of six straight nights the program airs weekly, would have lo
play il.

I Legal action by Irving Rohim against Carlos Gastel over the latler's
failure to pay Ihe former a percentage of Benny Carter's earnings, per
agreement, is due for trial in N. Y. this week, though it may not come up.
• Romm was Carter's manager at one lime and he turned over the band to
! Gastel with the understanding (in writing) that he was to gel a piece of
! Carter's income. What makes the suit ironic at this time is the fact that
Gaslel is no longer Carter's manager. He and the leader split several
weeks ago. Goldfarb. Mimerburg & Vallon. who" were representing Romm,
withdrew from the case last Thursday (28i.

Phil Kornheiser, in charge of standards, i.e.. revivals of oldie hits for
Robbins. Fiest and Milier, has been getting "I'm Through With Love."
"I'll See You In My Dreams:'' "Do You Ever Think of Me," "I'll Never Be
the Same,". "Chine' 1 and "Temptation" widely plugged. This is in line
wilh Jack Robbins' idea to recreate by-product values from the yesteryear
hits. ,

McDevltl Quits as P. A.

Barney McDevilt. widely known
orchestra press agent, has given lip
his activities and his Hollywood
oflice to become assistant to Larry
Finley at Mission Beach Park, San
Diego.

Bob Lee Joins Evans

Bob Lee.' professional manager of
Mills Music, has resigned and will
join Redd Evans' Jefferson and Val-
iant Music Cos. as partner.

He will be the professional contact
of Ihe two firms while Evans, a song-
writer, will devote more time to
composing. Evans currently has the
hit, "There. I Said It Again."

McCauley and Stoneham
Forced to Take It Easy

Two veteran -music, men., suffered
heart attacks recently and are tem-
porarily on the inactive list. Both
are with the Big Three (Robbins,
Feist and Miller Music).

Ed McCauley. general sales man-
ager, has been forced to take il easy,
and ditto Billy Slohcham. who is
promotion manager for the three
firms.

c

c
c

*

c

NEGRA CONSENTIDA (My Pet Brunette)

EVERYBODY'S SEEN HIM BUT HIS DADDY

I'LL REMEMBER SUZANNE

IN MY LITTLE RED BOOK

SANTA MARTA

a

3
3
3

3

HtANK :' NiNNM*.

m^iiii • « iff ■

THE BEST RHYTHM HIT OF THE SEASON

A KISS GOODNIGHT

By Froddit Slack, Floyd Victor, It . N. Herman

Ml LLC ft MUSIC CORPORATION 1619 moadway n.y. 19

ION MOONiY,
G«n. Prof. Mgr.

Wednesday, May 2, 1945

VAUDEVILLE

55

Bill Miller and Murray Weinger On
Brink of Deal for Riobamba, N. Y.

Bill Miller and Murray Weinger,
operators of the Copacabana, Miami
Beach, are on the vergs. of taking
over the long-shuttered Riobamba,
large E. 57th St., N. Y. nitery. Deal
was consummated Friday (27) with
the realtors, who are getting a guar-
antee and pereccntage of the profits.
Negotiations are now on with Abe
Ellis, concessionaire, who holds title
to the spot's equipment.

Its reported Ellis is asking $25,000.
for Hie equipment. In. addition to
the furnishings of the defunct club,
Ellis invested a considerable amount
in new equipment when spot was
supposed To have been taken over
by a 'new set of operators several
months ago. However, advent of the
curfew killed that proposition.

Miller says that spot will most
likely -open around the end of June.
He plans to refurbish the spot com-
pletely, rebuild the frqnt and com-
mission ■ Frankly ri T Hughes to do the
decor. Miller also hopes 10 install
an air-conditioning unit.

Sol Heller Mulls Return
To Pitts. Cafe Business

Pittsburgh, May. 1.
Sol Heller, who owned Yacht Club,
town's No. 1 nitery, which sank cou-
ple of years ago, is plotting a return
to the nitery field. He- has his eye
on a downtown spot, but won't have
it ready before fall; even if deal
materializes. . Since Yacht Club sank,
he. has been running a small neigh-
borhood tavern in East Liberty dis-
trict.'

Heller is a brother of Little Jackie
Heller, vaude and cafe singer, who
was associated with him in owner-
ship ol the river room.

Hazel Scott to Make

Fall Concert Tour

Hazel Scott will embark on a
solo concert tour in the fall, play-
ng a. scries of 40 dates, some of
which have already been booked.
Pianist will cover both serious and
jive music on the dates. -. .

Miss Scott is down for a guest ap-
pearance with the Rochester Sym-
phony on Oct. -28 and a date at
Symphony Hall, Boston, the same
month. Another concert series is
being contemplated for next spring.

Lionel Kaye-Billy Rose
Rassling Over Closing
Date of DH, N.Y. Show

Billy Rose's decision to keep
Both Miller and Weinger came up l-'Opera En Casserole." current revue

from Florida to set the deal. Irt ad
dition to the Copa. the pair have
been connected with showbusiness
for some lime. Miller operated
Luna Park, Coney Island, in addition
to operating -a talent agency. Wein-
, ger operates the Atlantis and (he
Melody Bar, both in Coney Island.

At the time of the ' Riobamba's
foldo, operator wis Artie Jawitz.

T.

Storm Whipping Up Over Resignation
Of AGVA Coast Rep.; Shelvey's Side

AL TRACE

And Hit
SILLY SVMPHONISTS

HEADIN* SOUTH
FOR A TOUR OF
THEATRES

STARTING MAY 1ST

Dir.) STAN ZUCHEB <

VH0IQ MPIUWUCriON*

SxlO's

riioltii.glony print! Ill ill llJM.
MHo Irom your owp photo or
Mlillvt. In Itrts (uonthlci ■■
Itw u Se Mch: potlcird illo 2c. pj, mm •<%
Mill ardori tvtrywhtrt. Wrilo lor 3U-*4. I -J
freo umpUi. Prlco -Lit! V. mi 1A

MOSS PHOTO SERVICE "00->6.60

1.-.IV W. 4fllh Sr.. New York 1». N. Y.

at his Diamond '-Horseshoe, N.. Y
until June 30 poses an embarrassing
situation for Lionel Kaye. "The Mad
Auctioneer." Rose won't open new
show, ' Toast of -The Town," until
July I.

Kayc's problem is this: He played
Loew's Slate,. N. Y., prior to "Cas-
serole" and has a commitment to
play the Capitol, N. Y„ within nine
months of the Stale dale. Kaye ten-
tatively okayed May 17 for the Cap
dale, when Rose found out about it
he informed the comic that he could
not play any vaude dates until he
finished his contract with him. .

Comedian then pointed out that
run-of-play contracts for nitery pro-,
duclions were of a year's duration
only and that since he had joined
the show on May 4, 1944, his con-
tract would expire May 4, this year.
Rose then found a ' technicality,
claiming that inasmuch as he had
not signed and tiled the Horseshoe
pact with the. American Guild of
Variety Artists until Aug! 16 Kaye is
bound by that date. Therefore he
stays in the .DH show until it folds
in June. ' •

Unless Kaye and his agent, Miles
Ingalls, can net together with Rose
on an amicable settlement or via
court action, the comic may have to
forego the Capitol date, which has
now been set back until June 14 or
21. only nine days prior to closing
of "Casserole."

Borsey Won't Play
Par, N. Y., After All;
Cost Held Prohibitive

After a drawn-out dispute, months
ago, during which the case was taken
to the American Federation of Mu-
sicians, Tommy Dorsey's orchestra
will not play the Paramount theatre.
N. Y., after-all. He was supposed to
have played thai house this year,
then return to the Capitol, where he
played his last Broadway date.

Par slates that its hold on Dorscy
for one more appearance is not to
be exercised due to ihe cost. At
12,500 weekly salary, plus slandbys
for his big band, it would have run
$17,000 to *1 8^000.

Dorsey at one lime was a twice-
yearly li.Nlure at the Par. Last year
about this time a hot dispute oc-
curred over the fact that he signed
his band to the Capitol, the Par
claiming he owed them one more
booking. It was settled- by an ar-
rangement to play one date at the
Cap, then fulfill the Par commit-
ment. '

Los Angeles, May 1.
Demand for the reinstatement of
Florine Bale as western director of
the American Guild of Variety
Artists is gaining .'momentum, with
night club operators joining .local
AGVA membership in a widespread
protest. Miss Bale recently resigned
when Matt Shelvey, national direc-
tor, insisted that she retain a repre-
sentative whom slie had dismissed.

Protests were wired by Earl Car-
roll, Harry Popk in, operator of the
Million Dollar '- Theatre;' execs ol
Florentine Gardens and other lop
niteries and operators of smaller
clubs, asking the Associated- Actors
and Artistes of- America. to overrule
Shelvey's action. Similar course is
under consideration by agents who
handle variety performers.

Meanwhile Negro variety actors
joined in the 'campaign. Ben Car-
ter, who handles most of the Negro
talent in this sector, asserted that
petitions are being circulated and
every other legal -'step 'will be taken
to bring about Miss Bale's return to'
office.

Unanimous Plea
Since Miss Bale's resignation, the
bank accounts ~X>t the local office

Miss Bale to this effect,, slating he
would be on the Coast shortly to
talk it over and take action if
deemed necessary. •

Once on the Coast, Shelvey claims
to have found that Miss Bale's action
was motivated by personal reasons
rather than union derelictions. After
talking things over, it was agreed to
arbitrate the matter. Miss Bale, ac-
cording to Shelvey, agreed to abide
by a decision. A board of four was
set up, two chosen by Miss Bale and
two by Bcckford. After the hearing,
board voted unanimously for reten-
tion of Beckford and recommended
that he be reinstated, which was
done.

Shelvey claims that two days later
he received a wire from Miss Bale,
which read: "Unless you authorize
me to dismiss Beckford, you can
accept, my resignation." It was ac-
cepted.

•'Naturally, upon Miss Bale's res-
ignation, I was compelled to trans-
fer AGVA's account from her name
to that of Helen Magruder, office
manager, now temporarily in charge
of ihe Coast office, stated Shelvey. "I
have since been informed that Miss
Bale and her backers issued state-
ments that AGVA funds had been

NVA PLANS TO REVIVE
'CLOWN NIGHT' AFFAIRS

■ National Variety Arlisls is plan-
ning lo revive its "Clown Night" ses-
sions, which were once a weekly
feature of Ihe club, but which were
suspended some time ago. Plan is
to hold them semi-monthly for a
starter.

Sessions will be for members only,
with guest privileges probably later.
Performance end of program will be
in charge of Juliet Heath, during
the sessions new performers will be
showcased and upon such occasions
agents will be invited o.o. them.

JOSE

and
&VELYN

New Thrill
In

Dancing
•

Currently
STATE
New fork

J»tr Clotcd
STATLER HOTEL
Detroit
and

BAL TABARIN
Sen Francitco

Direction-
WILLIAM MORRIS
AGENCY
Ken Later

^^F^"J^""^*^*> WWW

Roddy McDowall Set
On P.A. at Roxy, N.Y.

Roddy McDowall, . 20lh-Fox juve,
will play the Roxy theatre, N. Y.,
on (he show with Jackie Gleason
starling around ihe end of May.
Deal was made after studio permis-
sion was obtained.

McDowall will begin his tour in
RKO theatre. Boston. May 17. A. &
S. Lyons will then set further dates
oner length of 'ihe,. Roxy engagement
is known.

have been frozen, -.with nobody ap-
parently qualified lo sign checks. , either kidnapped. or frozen, There is
Understood performers in Ihe Paul j iibsolutely no basis of fact to this.
Small show could not be paid, al- Miss Bale took it upon herself to re-
though the check for their services sign and left me no alternative but
was sent in promptly after the show | to accept her resignation."
closed. One official declared local !
conditions were chaotic, and pre- i
dieted that unless AGVA lakes j
quick action it -will' lose most of the
advantages gained under the Bale ;
regime. i
AGVA members here are still ;
awaiting a reply to their request to !
the Four A's that the membership j
files be opened so that a meeting

can be called to discuss the situation.

Matt Shelvey, national adminis-
trator of AGVA, issued a statement
from his N. Y. headquarters Mon-
day (30), denying all conversation
of the pro-Bale agitators emanating
from the Coast. Shevley's side of
the picture is this: Some months ago,
Miss Bale dismissed William Beck-
ford, an organizer in the Coast of-
fice. Prior to getting word from Miss
Bale on this action, AGVA was
deluged with communications from
allied craft on the west Coast
claiming that Beckford's dismissal
be held in abeyance until an inves-
tigation of Ihe facts and that Beckr
iord be given a, hearing. He wired

PAUL
REGAN

CoinloSatlrlitt
Signed for Return Engagement^
CAPITOL. NEW YORK

After L'.S.O. Tour
M.C.A.

. . Three attractive young ladlm
who ItHrmonlie perfectly, " — Montrevl
llMlly Star.

THE MACK TRIPLETS

Op Tour Witt Phil Spllilny

Fi'-lu. Macrrlil Pcrioiiul Mai.

HARRY COHEN PHIL FARRELL
1697 Bropewiy I M0 ■rapdwor

RHINESTONES WANTED

HIGHEST PRICES PAID IMMEDIATELY!

£*pOi In nn your „|,|. worn. torn, cllscuiilcd Til BATnirA rOSTOIES.
Oi-fmoi.. Hill*. KveiililK Hmkm, Hiimlln*.', Hr„ i-onminliiK rliiin-sli.iii-.«. in miy
■ vuiiilll Ion. Hiinjc In or irn.ll your ni-ni-jM for our III" > u1 ..< hIIiiiiho » hl'li « ill
*>e ruiiliMl lo you. Upon wonl from you \v« will eilher torwiird our clicck or
r*iurn your nouirjwlnnii Iniraeillately.

MKNRY AMUUR NONA, US «h An. (mkt SM S».>. N. V. I<. MTJ A-UU

Saranac

By Happy Benway

Mathea Merryfielri. ex-Latin Quar-
ter dancer, had slight setback and
shot into the infirmary.

Bryce Lavign. orch leader who
graduated Irom here, packed his .sax
in mothballs for the duration. He's
now connected with Alcoa.

Ivy. Richie. ex-Rogei s-ite, tried the
big town for a change of ozone rou-
tine. She is back here- for a little
rest.

Thanks and a miltshake to Benito
Collada. Bobby Graham, "Jimmy
Marshall. Chris Hagedorn. George
Smith and Ella Perry tor gifts, read-
ing mailer and greetings- to the
downtown colony.

Abe Scligman mastered the first
stage of ihe rib operation- Latest
reports are that he is doing o.k.

Leandra Rinzler back- after a 10-
day furlough in Brooklyn.. She
crawled into bed and resumed the
rest routine at the Rogers.

Louise. Noll, who look off for a
two-week vacash in the Big Town, .
back on the job at the Hilltop sana- 1
lorium. She is Chief Medico Wil-
son's private .secretary.-.

The Will Rogers went over Ihe
lop 100';. for the recent clothes
drive. Ditto for the downtown in-
mates connected with the theatre.

Madame Liizan Miane moved to i
the general hospital for observation, j

Monroe Coleman and. Hazel Glad-
stone. cx-NVA-itcs. both doing de-
fence work in California for their
Uncle Sam. They only remember j
this colony as one place where they ;
once spent a successful vacation.
( Write (o those who are 111.)

DlCllanos and Wally Boag will
comprise the May . 15 show et the
Pierre hotel, N. Y.

BROADWAY GIVES YOU ANEW COMEDIAN

HAL FiSKER

5TH SMASH WEEK AT JACK HARRIS' CLUB LA CONGA

TAKE THE WORD OF THE CRITICS

Jo«>. "VMrlrCy,"
April II Hi

"The flr«( nlclit
Hip IioUKO imckril
with the HruH«l-
wny moii. . , .
lint l-'lkhrr Iihh
hlcht vflliir* ttm\
cofHi <-omr«ly hih-

.1n<-k Hnrt-I*.

lM < '0 l1|tH

"HhI FUhrr U
on« nf thr clrv^r-
tut cumfillrtnK to
I»Ih>- .my 'chd-il,-.
llftlitncnl."

Kil Siitlit.iiip
llully Nr\v«

"i" (I 111 I 4' Hill

Flfcher'M uliiii^lliic
InillnilitiiM h r r

lll'lttT (llHtl llltf

orlpjhiitlh."

f.onl* Stihiil,
Jiiiiriml-Aittrrlr'o
"Triple A ln-
«l«ri.t>ntrn Ik: The
I'nhinc linprvK-
hhtiiH' of VI ii I
K I k h r r Ml Iji

<'l(li||H. . '.. ,. "Hill
KUIit-r U m Hnc
i-4HririllHiJ." .

Karl U'IImmi.
N. V. Ko»t

"HhI kV I • Ii •» r
lookH i\Ut> m com-
ing; hi nr."

Paul Ro*m,
HlllhOHnl.
April Zlnt

"Hal KUhrr tn
lnj|HirtHiil Mtl-
dllltM lo the »HiH
Ihkt «f rent com-
ic*. He proJeHn
eaitlly and «|ti1«-k-
ly ttofl the Ini-
IHiet of lila rl*mn-
ilMT !»• ■ from,
the flrec ninniftit;
lau|r;hH anil mitt*
are plentiful."

T^-JWortlintT,
I)all3' Mirror
"HhI Mxlirr nl

I«A (,'OIIKH llHIHM

like k tiolliMin
. favorite."

Thonk you g«ntltm«n

HAL FISHER.

"TO JACK ROBBING

A million ♦hanks for his holpful odvico and many
kindnesses to mo. HAL.

56

VAUDEVILLE

P&RMETY

Wednesday, Mar 2, '1945'

Night Chib Reviews

La 9l»Wiuiqu«% -X. V.

Hut/hie Prince-Dick Rogers Rente
tlaniiu/ Hurrfi ' Ricllnian. villi Har-
ris Trio. Danny Dniiie/x. 6 A/uiiin-
iciiiei'iis (Pamela Drake, S/.'ipp;/
Kolby. Li'lian Moore. Doris Sands.
Rtmnn York. .Caroline Biddle). Dick
Rhodes Orch (111, Sacamuis Rlijimbn.'
S5 premiere driiner. ST..50 iniiitimim;
275 dinner rnjwciljf, : 325 ..- sapper
copnciln.

Dario and Jimmy .Venmn .mani-
fested sjo»xl showmanship in bring-
ini; Harry Richman back to tho
Eronriwa.v saloon circuit, .which is
incidentally a switch considering
that not so long ago Dario & Diane
iwhen the boniface was a te'roer)
worked for their star at the Club
Richman. N. Y;

Tile perennial singer is back in
pood voice, looking fit and sun-
tanned, as he uncorks a palatable
son? cycle. It starts with. an intense
reference to is own recent marriage.

The

Drunkencst
Drunk You
Ewer Saw.
The

Laughingcst
Laughter
You Ever
Hoard.
Pot.

Together
It's

EVANS

TWO EXTRA WEEKS

STRAND, NEW YORK

*<;T-— MATTY MMHCK

bringing in that "jt Jcsscl and Jol-
son can do it. why not I?" but the
footnote thai "Stokowski makes ns
all look like bums," r'injss th(> bell.
"Born. and Bred on Broadway" is a
good opener, except")-! for a line
about ''bootleggers" — why not make
il blacketeers'.'— which tips off the
special song's datedness: iBy the
way. he gives vocal salute to Benny
Davis and J.. Fred Coots for. his spe-
cial song material, although this is
a Heigh ie Prince-Dick Rogers writ-
tch-and-produccd revue) .

With Sid Franklin, a fugitive from
a Wesliriore. at the iyories. Richmiiri
clicks right along. He later relieves
his pianist for a pop medley, and
thence, as an added yoice-rcster. he
does a hobrjla arrangement of "Beer
Barrel Polka" before segueing into
"Old Gong of Mine." Thai cues
Jolson. Cantor. Brice and Tucker
.takeoff*, a thoroughly appropriate
and sentimental excursion. "Putting
On the Hitz." "Birth of the Blues.'"
etc.. have become a perforce reprise
cavalcade. Withal it's Rirhman's
show and he makes the most of it.

Stagers Prjicc-Rogers have wisely
hooverized with the.hors d'oeuvies.
considering Richman's $2.500-a-wcet:
guarantee) (against percentage) so
the rest of it is sufficient unto the.
purpose thereof. As witness the
Harris Trio, two blonde femmes and
a, male, with their vocal interludes:
Damn- Daniels with his taps, plus
the Martiniqucens. si.x very okay
lookers. The costumes by Mo.ven.
are unusual and help a lot towards
(he sum total. ,

Dick Rhodes' band comprises four
reeds, three brass and three rhythm
and OK for the hoofology. Abel.

Paatbrr ■oom. ( hi

(HOTEL SREKHAM

Chicago. April 27.
Stan Kenton OTch (181.. with- Gene
Howartt, June Christy. Max Wayne:
Robert Cm in, Slyter; $1,50-92.50
mill.

It's another wild swing sesh in the
Panther Room, with Slyter's sleight-
of-hand stint slightly, out of place as

Slan Kenloh and Robert Crum
bounce' the boogie notes back and
l*oi-l

Complete version of band's theme,
"Artistry and Rhythm'.", a steal of a
| strain from "Daphnis and Chloc."
i opens— and plenty loud— with Ken-
; ton cul in for a solid ivory interlude.
' Max Wayne is soloed for sonic po-
i tent doghouse licks' in "Blues for
j Bass." following which Kenton,
I heckled by bandsmen, dries "St.
j .Tames Infirmary" for big returns.
. June Christy works in street dress
; ia cute gimmick for her I. and scores
, wiih "Candy" and band's w.k. "Tears

Flowed Like Wine."
■ Slyter comes on for a fast magi
i act. As an amiable drunk in lop hal.
. tails and white scarf, he seems
| pleasantly mystified by a. calla lily,
j thai d loops, cane that stands up
• alone, whisky that changes to water
, three alarm clocks that pop up ring-
: ing out of his hat, elc:, and garners
I nice mitting.

, Gene Howard turns on a pleasant
: smile for vocals of "Laura" and
'■ "Saturday Night." selling hiinsell

not so much vocalwise as via the
; old personality. Click, withal.

Following which Crum. held over.

beats out a jive Massenet's " Elegit-."
' melodic "Yesterday," and another
, ierrif boogie to close. Mile.

tour, Boston's own champ. Maribel
Vinson, and Canadian hubby. Guy
Owen, have top quality- show in Bos-
ton's class niterie.

Skid entrance of Owen scares
ringside customers out of their soup.
.Everything zips- from, then on. Miss
Vinson, lithe, winsome medal-holder.
ex-National ladies champ, teams per-
fectly With Owen, once Canuck
champ, and figure skating of both,
varied by original ballets, is out-
standing.

Vinson-Owcn show entirely new.
rcllecting recent south-of-bordcr
travels, brings cheers from staid pa-
trons. Lillian Tribby. plenty of
charm. and poise on skates, wows in
llnatc. with Chct Nelson a perfect
foil. Routines include gaucho dances,
strobelite, shuhplatte. Margo Moore's
eccentric skating— adagio, maritime,
straight — and VinsonrOwcn hat
dance. - . - -.

Boston is strong for ice shows and
goes big ror this one. Added attrac-
tion in this week is Al Novarro.
guest conductor. Betty Mooney has
good tune-packet. BofT biz "when
caught. ■ Dame

SUCCESSFUL
MONTHS

A RAG ON

BALLROOM
HOLLYWOOD, CALIF.

Thanks to

POP" CORDON
HORACE DUNN
JOSEPH JORDAN

Carnival KmtM. >. V.

(CAPITOL HOTEL)

Louis. Prhno's Oreli (IB) tcilh .
LMi/inim Carroll; Four. Whirliciudx. i
; Dod.iou'j Monkeys, l/lluine Ityullou. j
: Gibsons (2). Ka«e «t Carroll, Al
. -Cordon's Dogs. Don Aft'G rune's Orc/i
i|Oi. Winnie Hoveler Line 181. 710
»ti ii i in idiis. $1 cover after 9 p.m.

i It seems the operators of this spot
cannot make up their minds whether
1 they want to style the garishly deco-
j rated Carnival Room as a name band
room or a night clu'o. So they em-
j ploy both ends. In such a situation
some one has to get hurt.. In this
J case, each of the name on' fits that
* have played the spot »<> far. Art
; M6on'ey. : Shep Fields and now Louis
! Prima, were and arc on the receiving
lend.

It the Carnival wants to present a
; floor show and aim at the suburban
j trade (that seems to be its draw
now) then it should dispense with
expensive bands and put on a show.
If the reverse, it would be better to
concentrate on the bands and install
two or three, at the most, sock acts.

As it is now. the spot is present-
ins as a floor show a string of stand-
ard vaudc- acts, tied together by a
line, some good, some fair, while
Louis Priina's orchestra, a hot name
in the eastern area particularly. Is
buried. That's not exactly smart
since the spot is supposed to be pay-
ing fairly good money for its name
music; "..■'.

From an overall viewpoint, the
show presented with Prima's band
leaves a rather ordinary imoression..
Perhaps the standout act is the Four
I Whirlwinds skating routine. This is a
cleverly planned turn in which some
difficult and unusually dangerous
tricks are nicely, and smartly
wrapped in small bi?s of showman-
ship. It unquestionably is one of
the top turns of its type in the busi-
ness. Close on the heels of the
Whirlwinds in efTect on a caoacily.
house when caught was the Gibsons,
a knife-throwing team. Remaining
acts are Joe Doakes and a group of
trained monkeys, "■ good for some
hefty giggles: June Malloy. aerialist
who works high above the stage on
irapeze and free rin?s: Kaye &
Caroll. hard-working juggling act.
All go over nicely enough. Al Gor-
don's Dogs close the bill and for
some reason they were not as effec-
tive opening night as they usually
i arc on a theatre stage. Working so
'close to the audience jnight .be the
' answer. Act has since left the show.
Line of eight giris are outfitted in
ordinary costumes in comparison to
tiie colorful decor of the room and
they're supplied with rather faded,
s.andard routines.

This room constantly is remindful
of the Florentine Gardens. Hollv-
wood. in physical setup, but rfeco-
rsited much better of course.

. Wood.

N. Y. Nitery Follownps

MUSIC CORP. OF AMERICA

NOW TOURING THE
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
RETURNING TO THE
A RAG 0 N F O R A
SUMMER ENGAGEMENT

Jimmy Savo now sports a tux for
I'.is zany antics, but whether in mufli
or pscudo-"dress" clothes he's a
surefire funster. He's been playing a
stock company engagement at Cafe
-Society, Uptown. N. Y., and appar-
ently to good b o., but it's high time
once more than some legit .musical
"discovered" him. Savo has been
"ready" for years, although, in truth,
he's had a couple of cinematic and
also one Theatre Guild stage pro-
duction opportunity. But it's inevit-
able that the production auspices
will ultimately' match his inherent
talent. He's a walking William Steig
cartoon character as he uncorks
"Black Magic." "One Meatball" anil
the like. Until that real opportunity
comes along he's in the groove at
this bistro where a good supporting
show is on view. Beatrice Kraft,
now solo, whams with her East In-
dian-type dance routines (with 52d
street hotcha overtones), and a new-
comer songstress. Susan Bolin by
name, docs a conventional, undis-
tinguished albeit adequate songalog.
Phil Moore's band is a tiptop ac-
comp and darusftpation orch." The
clever pianist - arranger - composer
("Shoo Shoo Baby" > spotlights his
personnel and, in expert showman-
ship style, does his "Shoo Shoo"
number and makes a highlight of
''Accentuate tbe Positive." Latter
has a timely "Mr. Truman" special
lyric for extra valuer. Gene Field
Trio is a worthy relief combo.
Show addition Monday (30) was
Kenneth Spencer, the colored bary-
tone, who's done well here before.
■ ■ ". . . — . Abel.

The manner in which the Hotel St.
Regis (N. Y.) has continued iLs high-

grade opcvalion Is a tribute to a tra
ditlon. Many a nouveau riche boni
face, and. for that matter, manv at
the more forgetful pre-war hosts as
well, could take a cue from tliU-hos.
telry, its inaitre d' Jean, his aide An
gust, and almost nil the rest on -he
standard of handling their rooms
This has been true of the downstair
Iridium and Maisonette right alone
and seems accented now with the re-
opening for the summer season of the
Viennese Roof, still one of the pret-
tiest hotel settings in the country
The Josef Urban decor wears welV
and the environment, along with ihe
service and the relatively still moder-
ate tariffs, comprise, virtually all The
attractions required. Result js that

the hotel just moves its two band"

Paul Span's larger ensemble and
Theodora Brooks' Hammond organ
fiuintcl— upstairs for the summer, and
the- reservations just roll in. In face
of kitchen limitations, the manner of
service and the hotel's regard for its
patronage speak much for the con-
sistently high standards. A minor
shortcoming is that chirper with
Spa it's band. Ann Parker, who
doesn't t|uite make the .grade. /Jbcl.

Kddle Hoflemiteih has quit as gen-
eral manager for Joe ■■Wright, vuude
act, producer, with Harry Clark suc-
ceeding.

Anything Can tihppeh

HANLOIN

Ami

CLARK

'TWO CRAZY PEOPLE"
Overseas for V SO

l»lr.: HARRY GRKPJKN
I'rrsa: KICK HK'IIAItltM

JOE E. LEWIS

wllk AiiiDn Muk
«t thi plin«

mil. <>HM\N

mnA orrhrnir*

mCtX M. D. HOVKK .
, .i " Hunwl 'Klvll.

Alr C»ndltlM>*

WANTED! ! IHINESTONES

DM wft*i». Ivra, wti wi i . b*tl». 4r*-
r< r Jul *r MimIImt. rir.. m-

Utohw iMinlun, »»> rttaillllM—
Spot t'aih.

r)ria« | s *r Mall - la la

ARC SALES. 1 JO W. 42cJ St.

.\ K»V V«>KK

wiit *-s;;i ..•'..

, *'o»l«*v l*laxa. IloMfwa

! Bosfoii. April 19.

; Mnribel Vinson mid Guy Oju;eii in
I fee ReTTtie. ieaturiiui Chet ■ Nelson
rand Lillian Tribb'i. rci h Sylvia Har-
iris. Margo Moore. 'Winnie Mauee
j niid Diana. Stinson. Hurry Greene
[Orch (16) urith Betty Mooneu and
, Al Norarro. conductor; $2 minim inn.
$1 coL-cr after 10 p.7/i.

' Presenting torrid Latin-American
i dances on skates, in slick costumes
i sol f-rlcsieni'd -after South American

PERFORMERS NOW IN
ARMED FORCES

IT yrni hrm In Sih^'iiI Srrvir^ or not —
fur IwtnMNlUtr uxf «tr |M»Ht-»ttr rrlnrH
lo oliow bui»laeri!».

Hf It Scrvict You'll Alwoyi
Wont

FUN-MASTER GAG FILES

Contain MlMlcra («rnnl) Malrrhil fw
All Tyl» IVrlitrnirrn
K»rU Srrl|>l ( »»lal i- Oifr 11)0
Milrr-ilrn Sl.0.-| bid

No*. I Thru 10 N*w Ready

Makr C'lifrkfi l'nyiil*lr Iv

IMM.A KM I I I!
' Mall .lo "»'ua-MR.olrr"
Nil W. Mlb Jfl., Nrn Vorb < Uy IS. N.V

COLEY
WORTH

PRESS COMMENT WHILE AT LOEWS STATE. H. Y
WEEK OF APRIL 1»TH— —

"HILARITY WAS OF-
FERED BY COLEY
WORTH'S SLAPSTICK
ROUTINE."

N.Y. Herald Tribane

"WORTH IS EVEN
FUNNIER THAN WHEN
HE WORKED HERE LAST
YEAR. YOCKS AND
HANDS PILED UP."

•illboord.

"COLEY WORTH
OIVES WITH HEFTY
COMEDY."

N. Y. Mirror

"COLEY WORTH. OF
LATE A FREQUENT RE-
PEATER AT LOEW'S
STATE. GETS PLENTY
OF LAUGHS WITH HIS
KNOCKAtOUT . . . AN
ENTERPRISING YOUNG
COMEDIAN."
.-_ . "VarMy"

•THANK YOU.

M— Taunt P HU OFFIN

W«ln«fi«l*y, May 2, 19i3

YAUDETOLLE

57

AskKssoktwoof LQ,
Detroit, Corporation To
Avoid OPA Price Suit

Detroit, May 1.
Arthur Rozen. temporary receiver
ot the swank Latin Quarter here,
was appointed permanent receiver
test week.

■ Rozen, who with Louis E. Walters
operates the club, is asking, that the
Michigan corporation which . owns
the stock be dissolved by the court
because the OPA is suing the cor-
poration for $120,000 triple damages
for alleged violations oC price regu-
lations on drinks.

Green Joins GAC

Leonard- Green.' has joined General
Amus. Corp. to. work in the caJe de-
partment.

He previously booked nilcrios in
Miami and Miami Beach.

THE AMAZING

LADY ETHEL

AND

DR. JESTER

Marvels oil Magical
Perception

SUAVE
MYSTIFYING
HILARIOUS

Kantian aarilrarf* la Ibr ItHLr halrl
tauHM ail »i« lltl* ,-oatlarlil U a -JiMpfe
trm^ . far Hilt* aimixlaa; ruuiilr. draKm-
airallns llirlr iinitrlk.iahH; fniU «r
wrulal Hilllly. K*|>r. tally liiiiu-i^anl auil
aallinsfaiMIc ar«* 4litn*» ulio nrr .■Arutlt^il
to.f*re flirj- Hiiillrncr (lir'sr Itrllji:ia1 t»i«i-'
talMn. Trait niiK ttf Hi«- StvASOVS
«H.TST.»MHN(; ATTRACTIONS.

M.C.A., NEW TOM

Harry Prine-Taps-Block
To AGVA Today (Wed.)

Arbitration of the Harry Prine
case will be held today i.Wcd.) at
the American Guild ot Variety
Artists, Singer, recently installed on
the NBC Chesterfield show, is being
charged by Dave (Taps) Schorn-
slein of jumping a personal manage-
ment contract with him and subse-
quently signing with Martin Block,
conductor of WNEW's make-Belicve-
Ballroom.

It's alleged that Block pa c ted
Prine to a 20-year contract calling
for slepped-up commissions until
Block gets 25' c of all monies earned
by Prine over $100,000 annually.

Hearing was originally set for last
week, but postponement was granted
when Prine asked ior more time to
prepare his case.

FRED LOWER Y, DOT RAE
FORM NEW VAUDE TEAM

Fred Lowery, blind whistler icn-
tured with Horace Heidi's -band: 'until,
recent disbanding. ha.s formed a
vaude alliance with Dorothy Roe,
songstress, for vaude dates.

Team opens at the Palace, Dallas.
May 10, with other dates on the In-
terstate time to follow.

Spftahy Nixes $5,000
N. Y. Bilhnore Offer

Phil Spilalny \s "Hour of Charm"
all-femme orchestra was recently ot-
tered $5,000 weekly to play the Bilt-
more hotel. N. Y.. and turned it
down. Spilalny is said to have been
offered the job by both Music Corp.
of America and the William Morris
agency, which has booked all Bilt-
morc bands lor the. past year or so.

Price claimed to have been offered
Spilalny is probably the highest fig-
ure ever offered a band by a N. Y.
hotel. Leader is doing nothing at
present except his -weekly radio
broadcasts and will do no other work
until later in the summer, when he
goes out on another concert tour.

Eric Victor Terps, Fitb
A Beard V Everything

Eric Victor.- a saturnine looking
young man 'made to order for an
AJfrcd Hitchcock role as an Inter-
national spy or advance man for a
Balkans munitions merchant, prefers
to dance— beard and all. So Sunday
night he hired the Adelphia theatre,
N. Y., to trot out an ambitious pro-
gram of -ballet and folk dances for
the faithful who about half-filled the
house.

Without once tripping over his
beard, Victor, who's been seen at
various niterics around Manhattan,
whirled, jumped .swooned, stepped
and wept his way through such
things as . "Bird •• 'Out lil.a Cage."
"Love Letter." -"Five o'clock," "A
Fan." etc. His fans thought he was
wonderful, especially when he
clasped his hands behind his back
to give ihe appearance he had. wings.
This the audience thought very cute
and funny as. he pranced around the
.stage like nothing so much as a
mischievous elf.

Also on the bill was Susan Reed.,
who sang and played a WPB harp.
At Jeasl.il. looked like a shortage. of
materials interfered with its full
growth; or- something, -because il was
the kind of a harp you can hold in
your lap and not have to bother with
that Model T pedalling business.

Miss Reed sang old English, Scotch,
Irish and American songs pleasantly
but offered 'nothing that seems
.destined for "Hii Parade" showcas-
ing.

Supporting; artists- included Selma
Aajoiis, Lisa Kirke. Estelle Carlton.
Shelby. Froina; Betty Valentine.
Evelyn Dean Hurwitz and' Edmund
Home.

"On the Town," at the Adelphia,
.seems in no danger of being ousted
by the Victor production. Douu.

Lena Horne Too Iff for Detroit
Date, Scrams After Salary Tiff

Evelyn Knight Set

For Copacabana, Rio

Songstress Evelyn Knight leaves
(lie slates May. 10 to open May 15 at
the Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro.

It's a three-month, stay. She'll
plane down.

Detroit. May 1.

Lena Horne blew off Ivor last day's
appearance at the Paradise here, ap-
pearing before the audiences to ex-
plain she was "lob ill" to carry on
with the show.

Difficulties are said to have devel-
oped between her and the manage-
ment over salary. Star was to get
$10,000 for the appearance and an
overage.

During the dispute over the money.

5 PERFORMERS HURT IN
RINGLING ACTS FALL

Eight girls in one of the pedestal
ladder acts at the Rinsling.- Barnum
and Bailey circus. Madison Square
Garden. N. Y., tumbled in a heap at
the matinee last Friday (27) when
one of the men in the turn failed to
keep his grip. Five of the girls wen-
injured' but only. Angela Antalek
remains in the Polyclinic hospital, j
suffering a '..fractured pelvis. Her
sister Muncie. Yvonne Tremblcy.
Jerry Hill and Violet Repcnsky. who
were .under treatment for several
days, are "well enough to practice.
The. 'ladder act will go back into 'the
show this week; Turn is billed the
Calussos. being made up of -perform 7
cr-s who appear in other displays.

Figured that awards to victims of
•the Hartford fire disaster last sum-
mer may exceed $3,000,000. Surprise
angle to the litigation w;:s an an-
nouncement from' Hartford last wee):
that legal fees amounting to SI 00.000.
paid to attorneys who represent the
defendants, were being refunded.
Attorneys had received checks - after
the RBB annual meeting recently.

Contended by Connecticut inter-
ests that payment in full (o. counsel
could shake confidence as lo the in-
ten'.ion of the circus management to
pay the claims, and a receivership
might, eventuate. Bar Association
committee arbitrating the Maims'
asked that the fees be reSuvn*'.i.

the star's maid and jewelry were
said to have been locked in a dress-
ing room until .she refunded on her
pay in time to catch a train out for
her next appearance in Chicago.

AGVA Step* In

American Guild of Variety Artists
had 10 step into the fracas lo re-
lease Miss Home's maid and person-
al effects, according to Jules Zicgler,
of the Louis Shurr office, which
manages Miss Home. Having gone on
to -Chicago' lo open at the Oriental,
Miss Horne appealed to Jack Irving,
AGVA rep there, who had Lou
Cohen.. -.Paradise operator, cancel
payment of the original $10,000 check
and issue another for $8,500. Miss
Homes maid was subsequently re-
leased.

According to the Zicgler version,
Cohen wanted the $1,500 rebate in
■-I ash and refused lo take Miss
Home's check.

GAGS! JOKES! GAGS!

PATTEE* WISC-CBAX! STOUES!

for vat^.nite tluat, raal* M.C.'l. dnata:
<a u > U s, «iisat!lxr«, anatamt. tfltc fwkavt.
4<rrcu>rt. tonrf leada-f. iarakn-t,. Motlet.
KlMtm. mcaltlrns. vrMlrltoi. . comMNIatat.
writer*. carWaniiH, ilf.

Fan-Master Got File* Mm. I Thra 1«
$1.05 r«r Script-. Postage P rr aa i a'

Each Fit* Contain Ot«t 100 Sack

>laka TlvaMr U

'r.«<il.A 'SMITH
. Mail «• "fail-Mauler"
"tli» W. Miti St.. Nrw Vat* Vttf 19. N.V.

NEW COMIC'S couecnoN u
FREE CATALOG

ni: wwitr roat hkmu.inehs

. -*o»«*a nmtl llnMr

K LE I M M AN

'.' -M-H. raifa Baad .

June Havoc Booked For
$2,500 at Capitol, N. Y.

June Havoc has been set for the
Capitol theatre, N. Y„ on the Guy
Lombardo show starting May 24 or
Hi: She's getting $2,500.

Bill will also, include Joey Adams
and Mink, Plaiil. This duo's lasl date
on Broadway was at Loews State.

Adams, New'k, Folding

Adams theatre. Newark, is set to
close for the summer. May 16. at !
the end of Lcs Brown's engagement i
there. '

lliiu.se will reopen in the fall.

THE CHAMPAGNE MUSIC OF

\J

"I waat feu lo I aow bow tfcoraaqalf p| «qj« aj I
wan wtrh f**r rcceat « « yi>jtmt1 la car Mac
ftooat. Ihm atqlM wacas faa apcat ifl ear hatal
war* aMMt wcctuM, yaar aiai i c wa» d ill ja rf ul
emd aal s taaa l wq. aad taa ciadact of foar aatfre
erajoalntiaa merits my t>oroaa|i aparecietioa.

"I •Incwefa fceaa that I «WH tun* nW altaiare
of baring yoa and yoar boys wh* m afoin ia
tha vaqf aaor fatwa. oad waat ta with yoa eoa-
riaaed aad wall 4n*nc4 laccass."

Tear*- »erf dacarafy,

SEYMOUR WEISS.

fresidaat aad Moaaqiaq Of rector,
Reoievalt Hotel, Haw Orlcaas, La.

New Ptayincj

TRIANON
BALLROOM.
CHICAGO

MoMNremaat of FIEOUICK if OS.
Chicago • New Tarfc • HoUywaW

anclfi ei . yf

BilLIH» < '' ' : ^IHkU

ZARC0 and BERYL

... . Currently . . .

Doabliaq frea

The UrSefle Herd
CHKTA60
lata rba
Cbtceqe Tkeotre
WfEK APIIL 27

"|^r|5^

& an --Bci. v ; - y ° f

^& n *^T- hc .

FOR THE HECOKD

^Featured in "Bleed end Send"

* Doncioq Leeds in "Let's Feee W"

* Six Weeks' Ren Redie City Music
"Selndes"

Mill— I at

MEYER B; NORTH-
1564Braadway

ft. Y. C.
"Rrveflt«-8M7

^Chicago News Cafe

CraSc

58

HOUSE REVIEWS

Wednesday, May 2, 1915

ViHorla Palaw, London

London, April 1G.
Arthur Askey. Eddie Cray, Victor
Bitriin ci nd A'ec Brool.-. Bnliol nnd
Mer'.on. Sirdanii Lanri Lupino.'
Lane and Wallace Lttpino. Bunny
Doi/le, Bnfcer. Dove & Allen. Cfllienln
& Lollita, While & Anne.

Third Jock Hylton bill is letdown.,
and compares unfavorably with his
last two shows. Billing of Maurice
Colleauo and family, and Elsie
Bower, which did not materialize-,
too. is disappointment. :

Baker, Dove and Allen, offshoot or
Hollvwopd Four, in 'opening, slot:
l\avc clever club juggling turii^ with
plenlv of comedy. Bunny Doyle.
Yorkshire's favorite radio star, chat-
ters inconsequentially, with thin, tnn:
loi ial. For London, the act needs- a
belter routine. His singing also is
not so forte. . . ■■ . '.

Biggest disappointment is • Latin
Lupino Lane (son of. clever English,
comic i and Wallace Lupino. Comedy
house papering, with plenty of
whitewash 'and pratfalls in the acl.
Thing is unfunny and irnder-ie-.
hearsed. More sui'.cd for pantonine
season. . .

White and Anne, is mixed learn,
with man doing most of work. He's
an okay fiddler, does well on a. cor-
net, and, for finale,. plays the instru-
ment upside down.': Needs, belter
routining and some palter. She -is
an eve-opener. Eddie Gray, orig-
inally a .juggler.* -has developed com-
cdv which makes his clubjuggling
subordinate. His stooges don't over-
stooge it. and he's a solid click.

Sirdani, only, conjurer with - BHI ten
Broadcasting rep. works similar to
Giovanni with several stooges. Gels
pleh.lv of guffaws by extracting all
types of articles from his helpers,
including the. suspender bit. identi
Tied with Giovanni. .His. foreign ac-
cent is also good for laughs.

Baliol and Merto'n. standard adagio
act that's been around for a decade
is' still novel. Man has real physique,
with his partner a diminutive blonde.
Final trick, of her -jump from high
pedestal is a real climax. "\

Arthur Askev, under exclusive
contract, to Hylton.. is not typically
vaudeville, but does nicely with
some old numbers culled from some
or his musicals and- pictures.-; 'Has
real personality, arid can put over
a gag. For regular vaude dates he
needs a vehicle,' and misses his old
partner. "Stinker!" Murdoch, now in
RAF. Was well received.

Closers were Calienta and Lollita
wire walking offering. Male mem-
ber is brother of Jimmy' Nervo, and
former member of Holloways. wire
walking act.' Prances around on
wire, wilh femme partner looking
pretty, Reoe.

Earle, Phllly

Philadelphia, April 27.
Henri/ Busse Orch (15) until Phil
Cray.' Roberta; Virginia. Netoell
Minewitch's Harmonica Rascals (7>
"Ere Knew Her Apples" (Col).

iming in. spots prevents duo. from
registering. . .
Following some- eighl-to-the-bar
liylhm bv the Boogie Bouncers,
Discovery Night" winners, Norma
Werner, blonde warbler, pipes "I
Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart."'
Jimmy Vey . uexl-to-clOsing, is stand-
out with some fast stepping. His
Icrping while lapping out "Whisper-
on a xylophone.; for. a getaway,
is solid. i .

Verne and Evelyn Wahl close with
some clever footwork. After o con-
cntional ..exhibition opener, they
hift to jillcrbugging to big returns.

- • Earl

It's a modest layout that's offered
at the Earle this week. Show proves
okay "diversion for 40-odd. minutes
however. , ,

Busse's orchestra, paced by' the
maestro and his horn, makes plenty
or music, both of the schmaltz and
bounce variety. Sweet stuff is
headed- by trick arrangement of
"Irish Lullaby," featuring the muted
brasses and the dulcet voice of Phil
Gray. who. - doubles between the
mike and his siiphorn. Band num
be is also include "The B Bounce.'
'•The Sheik," "Together" among
others.

Gray takes a whack at the mike
with ".Suzanne," "Laura,':' "Sweet
heart of All My Dreams'' in
dreamy voice. - ■ .

Gal canary is brunet Roberta who
has lots of zing in her delivery o"
"I'm Gonna See. My Baby." "Candy."
"Everytime I Fall in Love." The
customers wanted more.

The Minevitch gang, now down to
a troupe of. seven (there used to be
a do/.en or more) still snag plenty
ot laughs' with their slapstick espe
cially the excellent pantomine o
liny Johnny -Puleo. Their routine
hasn't changed: but they've added
some new tunes to their mouth
organ repertoire.

Vivian ■ Newell, ; shapely .'ac'n
tcrper. . performs her difficult twist
and somersaults with lots of grace.

House only two-thirds filled wlie
caught- (Fri. afternoon), Slml.

Tow er, K. CI.

Kansas City. April 27.
Jimmy Vey, Barbara Barrie. Vera
& Evelyn Wahl, Freddy Walker &
Vici, Boogie Bouncers (4>, Totce
Orch with Norma Werner; Hltah
(Rep) and "Dangerous Passage
(far). ' • ' '."'

Orpliciiiii, AIpls. '

'-' Miniicnpoiis," April 28,

U'oodi/ Herman Orch (18), Eunice
.'villi/, Don. C'liniminps; "Pan-Amcri-
(ina" . tRKOi.

This Woody Herman' gang gets hot
ghl from the outset and never cools
down, except for pne brief interval.
It's a big dose of torrid jam for
those folks whose -musical appetite
doesn't go for such extreme fare, but
Merman serves-, up jive at its Very
b.'sl and, because of superior orches-
rations. and first-rate --rendition,
makes ,it palatable even for . those
who usually shy away from tho-boil-
er factory blastings.

There never has been anything
wrong with Herman's ability as an
entertainer, but -what impresses cur-
rently is. his continued improvement
as a singer and all-around performer,
is well as his excellence as a band
eadcr. cmcc.e and showman who suc-
cessfully- aims his appeal to the
bobbysoxers. His vocalizing and- his
clarinet and sax interludes register
heavily.

The feven brass, five saxes, four
rhythms... aiid vibraphone, plus Her-
man on the clarinet or sax when he
isn't exercising his pipes, ; give out
nost of the time with tremendous
volume- "Caledonia" is amusing hot
swing that has Herman vocalizing at
the proceeding's very start, "March*.
ing On" brings On the "Wpodchpp-
pers" and produces some listenable
vibraphone effects. ' Then there's
Eunice Mealy, ace tapster, one of the
best in her liiie. ■' ' .': -. :

'•Chubby" Jackson with his bass
violin. with Herman stooging, stirs
risibilities as Jie strums and wiggles
his way through "Ch'ubbie's Blues"
and slops the show. Francis Wayne,
the band's femme vocalist, sells "I'm
Beginning to See. the Light" and "A
Thing Called Joe" expertly. "Goosie,
Goosie Gander";is a dandy band num
ber, but Herman's comedy business
in this instance Is of questionable
taste. ,-•'-

Herman is at' his vocalizing . and
comedy , best, with "Who Dat Up
Dere'.'" and "Golden Wedding" holds
up its jive! end: The lone departure
into .-sweet music is a medley which
has Herman taking a whirl at the
sax. Don Cummiugs is his usual
show-stopping self with his rope
spinning tricks, clowning, gags and
yarns, which cop plenty of laughs
"Flying Home"' ends the band's stint
on the. same hot note ss the opener
Lower floor partly, filled at-noon show
Saturday, Rees.

RKO, Boston

Boston,. April 27.
Cab Calloway Band (145. Pearl
Bailey. Dolly Sautters,' Holmes &
Jean; "Zombies ■ on Broadway"
(RKO).

Paramount, IV. Y.

Charlie Spiral- Orch (18) 'with
Irene Daye. Jimmy Saunders, Aluifl
Stoller; Dean Murphy. Jo Stafford,
Tip, 'Tap .'It Toe; 'Salty O'Rourke"
(Par) rerietced. in "Variety" Feb,
21, '45.

Dean Murphy's often done imprcsh
of . late President Franklin D. Roose-
velt is on top at the Paramount
currently, and that lcavcs .it up to
each individual to decide for him-
self just how- the bit riicasiirc's . up
in terms of taste, impact, showman?
ship. etc. For this reviewer there
was no fault to be found in Murphy's
impersonation; as such, but it seemed
more than a trifle incongruous to
witness the performer , going off to
a solid . hand: after the FDR bit. and
then reappear for a trite, foolish en-
core in which: ho kicked the word
'damn" around— waxing very cute
and a bit daring lut withal very
much on the "teii-lwenl-lhirl v side.

Murphy's Roosevelt, .pleading as it
does for understanding and sym-
pathy for all in the critical days
ahead, belongs "in the Paramount
stage Show but. it should be spotted
as the show stopper in place of the
now routine "Star Spangled Ban-
ner. 5, by the Spivak ' crew. Smart;
showmanship : and good taste should
ha,ve dictated a: reprise for Murphy
at the end of the stage show with
subdued ■ national anthem back-
ground by the orch pacing his FDR
tribute. The bil is always in good
taste and. Murphy, naturally, has
dropped- any suggestion, of exag-
gerated mannerisms; etc.. holding to
a -serious -note'. .throughout. .

Impersonator , wows .'cm with his
other imprcshes.-W.. C. Fields, Lionel
Barrymore, Charlie McCarthy. Hep-
burn; etc;, and walks, off a hit.

Spivak 'ctew, paced by the maes-
tro's familiar sweet trumpet, stays
in the subdued groove' most of the
way breaking out at times for' mojre;
solid fare in which the band's solo-
ists get a chance' to shine. Blonde
Irene Daye takes care of the looks
dept. successfully and: also, chips in
acceptably in the chirping dcpl; Her
runnini! mate; Jimmy Saunders, like-
wise okay in ballads a la Sinatra,
which evoke a few audible sighs
from the high school delegates.
Spivak: is no flashy emcee but gets
by, nevertheless, handling his an-
nouncements straight and maestroing
in the same- unobtrusive manlier.

Jo Stafford, .rjidio and recording
sensation, - comes on - al close for
smart sequence comprising "Begin-
ning to See the .-Light!" I Should
Care." "Candy" and . "Embrabeable
You" as- an encore. Gal. comports
herself. like a veteran and. displays
a nice, technique of phrasing which,
sets her; apart f rom ruh-of-thc-mill
femme warblers. "■■■''

Tip. Tap & Toe. dusky and en-
ergetic tapping trio, round out a
well balanced bill which should pro-
duce a b.o. payoff. House Was near
capacity 'Thursday (26) night. .

Donn. .

Hands." and a medley of Irving Ber-
lin tunes, which he handles well for
sock returns. .

Burton and Janet, impersonators,
are okay. Pair does nifty impressions
of Durante, GrouchO' Marx. Chaplin,
Garbo, Hepburn, and Mae West.
Their voice simulations and visual
takeoffs are okay and win a nice
hand.

. Howcll & Bowser, sepia:comics and
singers, are standouts. Lads have a
relaxed style of working, and one of
them has a well-lrniiied voice which
he uses to good effect on "Honey"
and in a: Spanish., number, to ukulele
accompaniment. Both have a keen
sense of. timing, and were a big click.

Closer.- and hcadliner; June Havoc,
from legit and films, is solid with. the
ciis.tomcl's all the way. Opens with a
bit of : chatter, and vocalislics. in
which she shows 'em sne lias a pow-
erful set. of pipes, as well, as a superb
chassis. Shp follows with a special
number aricnl hoi- hard lot in show
business, wilh -the lag line "I've Still
Got My. Health." Gal's chatter clicks
with, the customers, and she. accen-
tuates her punch lines 'with plenty ot
derriere swaggering, which gives the
strategical punch at the right times.
Solid hit at first show Friday.

Biz Was light. Hold.

Adams, Newark

'Newark, April 26.
''Overseas Caravan of Stars." with
Helen' Parrish. Lorraine - Ropiinn,
Letu Parker. Cheena de Simoiie .&
Dancers (G), Minp, Ling and Hod
Shee; Joe FeCher's House Orch-
(12^: ."■CpKaiiloj'M. o/ 42nd SMeel"
(PRC). .

Staged against a nifty ranch set-
ting, the current Tower layout lies
in with the: western half of the dual
scrren bill and adds iip to a pleasing
40-minutc revue."

lii- fancy . dude-ranch -getup, the
house orch tees oft with , a special
arrangement of "Wagon Wheols" by
Ray Hughes, 88-ndter. Jimmy Vey
doubles nicely as m.c.
'. Barbara Barrie,.' snappy. bruneUe.
is- on first with a three-part tap rou-
tine which clicks. The deuce is taken
over by Freddy Walker and Vici,
who give out with mugging timed to
discs by Rudy Vall'ee, the Andrews
Sisters and Lawrence Tibbclt. . Bad

Boston always has thought Cab
Calloway one of the greatest show-
men, since he came up from a night-
club cellar here, and the current of-
fering, wilh the leader working as
hard as a stoker on a Jaoan-bound
battleship, only consolidates the idea.
A smart, fresh"; lively hep-hep. enter-
tainment, both sweet and hot, full
of patter and songs for a stomping,
chanting near-capacity audience. .

Although fresh from a throat op-
eration in Manhattan, he strains vo-
cal chords without fear in "Long
Way Home." "Minnie the Modeller"
and "JumpitV Jive." Nothing wrong
with Calloway's : dance gyrations,
either. . '

Peiiii Bailey, sister of Bill, the tap
dancer, is a deadpan comic who sings
throalily. now . dreamy, how hot;
Tremendous audience appeal, with
sense of .drama. 'in her creepy "San
Fernando Valley." "Duration Blues"
and "Don't -Blow Your Top." Sultry
good )ooi;i ; . n sense of whinny akin'
to Step in Fctchilism, and seductive
gestures, even when she croons of
ration troubles, make her a wow, .

Another hot number, relying UDOn
tropical jazz and jargon, is Dotty
Siiulters. She puis over "Rum and
Coca-Cola" ..with' buzzbbmb velocity
in a rye. -beer and bourbon town.
Leads the' Cabalcttes; Calloway's
chorus t which needs a.bit-inore pre-
cision in an era where, high-kicking
ili's-h fails to suffice). Band, featur-
ing trumpets and Sax. provides exr
oclleni foil forHoJmcs Jean, ec-
cenli ic dancing. ;act depending for
luimor upon chain of. trick cigarets
(apparently unrutioncd; wjtipn: -re-
fuse to be extinguished by water.

Calloway .augments galaxy of ar-
lisls, yet irsver hogs the show, -His
is a rare seiisc- of vaudeville artistry
and balance,; gay; vivacious, person-
able. Even a Boston Back Bay Brah-
min wottld have to applaud this an-
nuul .' visit. Proves that it's worth
while to take more; trouble to keep
a reputation. - Dame. ;,

Capitol, Wash.

. Washington, April 26.
SpiUe Jones ■ and City Slickers,
with Mavis Sims, Judy Manners,
Black Bros., Carl Grayson. Red in-
gle and George Rack; "The Unseen"
(Par),'.. .'

The stage show is pulling them
in this week with Spike Jones' and
his City 'Slickers being the- magnet.

Their act is low comedy antics, verg-
ing on burlesque, the bag«y_pants
type of humor, and the audience

,. Straight vaude ' is the dish here,
after a stretch of hot. bands. It
makes for a nice change of pace, but
successes held moot. - The kids here
like it warm and swingy, which this
revue is not.

Nevertheless, much of consider-
able merit appears in the- "Caravan."
made up entirely of players who
have entertained the lads and lassies
overseas.

Vocal prize of the exhib is Helen
Parrish, Hollywood cutie vvho is aces
for looks, sta'ge charm and vocal
equipment. . Clad in black gown
with white bodice, she warbles to
fine: effect in "I!m Beginning to See
the Light." '"He's Home for a Little
While." with sad little recitative, and
then boffs them with -'"Accentuate
the Positive."

Lorraine Rognan. -widow and for-
mer partner of Roy Rognan. killed
in Lisbon Clipper crash ..two years
ago, has a comic style that's highly
developed and varied. Coming into
play are nip-ups. coloratura singing
(surprisingly good), eccentric dan-
cing of . elfin -character ' and the
charm of a chameleon-like change
of mood.

Lew Parker . is a hard-working lad.
emceeing all over the place, singing
a bit. dancing, doing parodies, swap-
ping cute backchat with the girls.
He's a comer, with an ingratiating,
experienced style appreciated here.

The Cheena de Simone dancers,
stamping, through authentic Spanish
numbers, are unwieldy in choreog-
raphy and a little out of tune- with
today. . A bit of jive might, help.
Ming, Ling and Hoo Shee giggle
through a strange comedy routine.
The act is best when a tall singing
member imitates the crooners very
well and then argues with the ac-
cordionist, in Cantonese — or maybe
it's Pell, Mott and Doyer. . Bran..

loves it.

The maestro decides to spread
laughs and the act., which runs 50
minutes, is saturated with good hu-
m6F afltl> -laughs'.- Airthe -musiciaiis
in the acl appear: to be comedians
and are consistently funny from
start to finish.

Mavis Sims, agile tape dancer, who
gets over in her dance routine. Judy
Manners comes, on to do imitations
of Beatrice Kay and Judy Garland,
plus a comedy arrangement of
"Rainbow." The : Black brothers- in
make-up reminding ot Jimmy Savo,
go through their ' acrobatic tricks
with gusto. The only' serious' note
in the proceedings is when the
harpist, Miss McDonald; plays "Holi-
day For Strings."

The orch has its own arrangement
of "Liebenstraum." Several musi-
cians arc highlighted, particularly
the fellow wilh a hot trumpet. The
orch.. which originally introduced
"Der Fuehrer's Face, closes with
this number. They are as crazy as
the Mill Britlon band, dressed in
fantastic .costumes, and with their
queer musical, inslruments make
merry for the entire session to boff
returns.

Arke.

IValional.; l/vlllo

LonisVille. April 27.
. June Havoc. Frank Melton, Bel-
mont Bros..' Burloit & Janet: -Howell
&.Bou-scr; Strange illusion": (PRC) .

-Snappy, bill , this week, topped by
Gypsy R6se,Lee's,sislcr, June Havoc.
Belmont pothers, 'jugglers, playing
return engagement, please with their
spinning of spools and deft handling
of hoops and various other objects.
Turn is a slick sight act, and pleased
the customers:

Frank Melton, tenor, a personable
tall chapj. cbhtribs the type songs
which seem to be his forte,, excerpts
from "Desert' Song," "Time On My

Slate, I*. V.

Guy Ktbbee, Gai/nor & Ross, Carol
Gould, Harry Martin, Paul Hanl.-oii
with- Eleanore Tennis; Mitt Hernl
Trio; Ruby Zioerlirio's ffoiise Ore/r
"Brewster's Millions". (l/A'i. ■

Straight vaude layout holds the
rostrum at the Slate for '-current
week, which is entertaining M n the
way, if not particularly socko. High-
lights are Guy Kibbce. grand old
character guy from films: Paul Haa-
kdn..fcatured dancer: in Mike Todd's
(late) "Mexican Hayridc," aiid the
Milt Hcrth Trio, instrumental group
from the NV.Y, Copaeabana. These' '
with supporting acts, provide a
likeable -stanza ot diverting enter-
tainment.

' Gaynor and Ross, mixed, tram on
rollerskatcs. provide a hel'ty opi-ner
with a fast foutihe of tricks' and
thrillers. .Harry Martin, likeable
comic, then takes over, to eincen and
later spots. hjs_ow'n act. Carol Gould,
attractive chirper. scoics Tor sight
and sound on a trio of vocals. Tee-
ing' off with "Good. Good" she f ol lows
through with "I Should Care" and "I
Wanna Get Married." latter number,
grabbing liiajor share of the plaudits
arid lyrics getting ; naughtier oil suc-
cessive encores.

Martin ; takes over for his own
chore, an ad mixtu re of clowning, and -
"aTjratSlI - o'r instrumentation; He's
okay on both, -in fact -pertccf- here. '
He has an ingratiating personality,
keeps them .laughing with stuff at .
hand, but. like other funsters, could
use some new and . more potent mate-
rial. Paul Haakon, assisted by Elea-
nore Teniiis. contribs his usual ses-
sion of danccology. pointing up ballet
steps, solo and - with partner, Jhat
niake him standout in his line. Giil
also gives, good account in solos and
doubles with Haakon. '■

Kibbec follows wilh practically the
same monolog he had on. his previous
appearance at this house , some,
months ago. He gels nice reception
on walk on and holds 'cm throughout
his • . gag-spinning routine. For
clincher he docs imitation or an Eng-
lish chap reciting "Philosophy of
Life" for a neat getaway to plenty
of palm-whacking.

Milt He'rth Trio is as sock, as ever,-
with Hcrth practically making the -
orgali talk. His imprcsh of Rubinoff's
rendition of "Dark Eyes," with vio-
lin tones via the organ and his pedal
number, sans hands, go over big. and
send the boys, away to a solid hit.
Ruby Zwerling's pitcrcw do usual
crack job on backgi-otmding the acts.

Edba.

Ch^a«o, Chi

Chicago, April 28.
Georoie Price, Zdrco & Beryl. Vic
Hyde, Lou Breese Orch (15) toith
Marshalt Gill; "Keep Your Powder
Dry" (Jtf-G)..

Fresh from a- four- week run at
the Mayfair Room of the: Blackstone
hotel, Georgie Price, heading the
current layout, is repeating his nltery
success here. . Using practically the
same routine as at the Blackstone
the pint-sized comimic has the audi-
ence in the palm of his hands every
minute he's on the stage. Opening
with "Richest Couple in Town" he
swings into his theme song. "Byej
Bye, Blackbird," does takeoffs of Jol-
son and Cantor: spoofs Hitler and
rounds .out a clever turn with the
hilariously funny story, in panto and
song, of the muji who' had troubles'
making out his : income tax. Done
to: the strains of "Figaro-" the -thing
has 'em holding their sides With
laughter -and sends Price off a hit;
. Vic Hyde opens the show with an
imitation of Henry Busse on the
trumpet: plays two trumpets at same
time with "Margie" then three at a
time . with "Sleep." Also imitates
Clyde McCoy and Harry James and
lias a military number, during which
he plays contraption of four trum-
pets, while members- of the orch play
snare and small bass drums'and cym-
bal marching around for colorful
finish. Clicks. .-.

Zarco and Beryl, doubling from
the LaSalle . hotel, contribute a
fluidity of .movement, beautifully
timed and executed, in a scries of
three routines, mostly 'of a latin
■nature, with seme marvelous- xvhirfSi
and lifts. Their dancing is smooth,
'anil elicits heavy applause.
; Lou Breese and orch play "Bugle
Call Rag," which gives several mem-
bers of band a. chance for solo bits
and Marshall GUI, member of the
orch,' ballads "Laura" and "Sweet
Kentucky Babe" with nifty Dair of
baritone pipes, to .click.- Morg:

Orphenm, | M A.

Los Anpeles, April .27.
John Calvert It Co. (13) : Wesl &
Le.Ting, - Carltons (2); "Belrayal
)rpm East" (RKO).

John Calvert has enlarged his
bistro magicing into a company for
fllm-vaude house dates. As show
stands now there's some trimming:
needed. Otherwise it has all the
flash necessary to garner attention
for such bookings.- Sex angle plays
a large part in Calvert's prestidigita- .
ting, as he backs his tricks with nine
comely and scantily clad femmes.
It's hard for male audiences to keep,
their eyes on Calvert while such a
group of gals are continually un-
dulating on stage.

He breaks his show into 11 stunts,
ranging from average sleight-of-
hand to flash production n\imbers.
Also played up. is horror angle jn a
couple of tricks. Best spots, In or-
dert>TT>re3entation at show cai^fiTt;
were Venezia silhouette strip tease
and disappearance, Lady Godiva, in
which a shapely blonde, astride a
fiery, steed, floats without, visible
support over, the orch pit, Rhapsody
in Smoke, the main mystery of
which .is where Calvert obtains the ■
cigarets; the disembodied- princess;
hypnotism of audience members;
and Dr. Jekyll and • Mr. Hyde, in
which Calvert apparently removes
the head of a kid from the audience
with a buzz saw.

Added acts to round out the bill
arc West and Lexing, tall and short
comical singers who please; and the .
Carltons,' father and son team of
acrobats. Apparent' youth ot kid,,
about seven years of age. and his
smooth work with pop have appeal..

Broy.

Apollo, IV. 1.

Erm'e' Fields Orch (17)' .with -AM
Moore. Linda Lee; Dallas Barlley
Orch (6) toith . Gafemotith. Moore;
Ballard & Rae, -2 Ginger Snaps,
Nelson It Roberts, Ziggy Johnson
Line; "/ Accuse My Parents" (PRC).

... Although current Apollo show is
one of the most heavily peopled
seen here, in some time, it's not as.
skillfully constructed as most of lis
predecessors. Weaknesses stem from
a pair of sub-stundard - supporting
acts and lack. of variety in the offer-
ings of a pair of stage bands. , How^
ever, the orchs feed the house the
kind of fodder most usually accept-
able by\them. and even it this pip-
fusibn wouldn't go in a ' centrally
/locatefl-house. ifs the stuff on: which
th'e Apollo patronage thrives.

The Ernie Fields crew is the: main
band here while the Dallas Barlley
outfit is used as a supporting act.
Fields has a well-balanced batid witn
instrumentation of seven-brass phis
leader's trombone, five reeds ana
four rhythm, and has the advantage
(Continued on page 59) .

WeilmKiluy, May 2, 1945

59

WEEK OF MAY 4

Numeral* to connection nlth btlla btlow Indicate opralnc day of shew,
nlirthrr fall or . >ptU week.

Loew

■KKW VOHK riTY

ritiiiKii (»>.

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ChooI * Ori-Mlru

l.iir'ry DomkIiih :

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llnri'y Nnvoy

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\VAKHIN<»TON
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Pit \l I lliiuKoii.

.t*-r i I Ki k iiK<T ' "

'1V*I ■ I'lniro

Paramount

JSMV VOKK CITY"

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KOKTON
Hit Mob (S) 1

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tjlor'lh 1 .l#-ini
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' TOM Mil IS

. Pnluro (K-lfl)
WimiiI.v .1 r«-i*inti it Oil.- Simeon KnrziielT

Cabaret Bills

New Acts

NEW I0KK CITY

BIHVChj M'g

Blhcl Gilbert
. Barilla Clrauar .
Harold WWard
Jack Nylin
CliHrIr» Sd-frkland
.llnnny Duma .
UilJ Kelaey
Osy OO'i Quartan*
' Hlu« Angel

MlMrrd Hn'-l.-y
Kiltllc Maythoff
I >*••>•» Hordonl
Holiuy Kllori
Noibi'ii Karonl
Vntt NorUly

" (UplllWO)

.llmiuy Snvo
SiiiiHli' Hul in

lifU ■ l\ I'M f I

Field (3)
Hill Moorr.Orc
Cur* teH'taty
(.Itowiilana) .

Josh With*. '.
Mary Lou VVnta

t " 1 1 IX .IfK-Vs^t'll

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K.I Hall Ovv

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TIlK liillHIHIN '

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Lou in, 1'ii.nia Ore '
Oalam Ruaa*

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HnreT niivoy CMiUa
K*y Kiii'ibcr
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ijuai'c Clf menle Ore.
NhiIih

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.Tosepliine llniiHion
Hrafrira & (.ioinci
Krpil. Miller -Ore '
T Brookrt OrKMn
Unrfll Ky. Sliny
Paul ■ Spun- Oro .
IjAakIo Oic

HoUl Tuft
Vlnreri Cop*z Ore
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IcrtHDil

Fl'HIlkiH- Mil rlow*

Tan* n- Ta tiia r'a
Lou Mai-lin Ore
Jlhimy Kelly's

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ltan (JolYlha
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Joe i:nii*llo Orq

l4t ( onva
Kin iiic . .toi-ilan > .
Ilnl Klsbcr
^trr>; K . Turk ' ■

BOOKING THE NATION'S LEADING INDEPENDENT
VAUDEVILLE THEATRES

EDWARD

NEW YORK

PARAMOUNT BUILOINS :

AGENCY

BEVERLY HILLS. CAL

CALIFORNIA BANK BL08

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AmBticq'i Ltadiiiq ln<t«p«Rd«nt

EDDIE SMITH

1501 Broadway
Ntw Yorli

p. I:

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Juily MiimiMH
Wuyl. Hi UK

T »l|»P Kail
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BALLARD & RAE

Knockabout .
10 Miris.
Apollo, N. Y.

This mixed wliile pnir on an other-
wise all-colored bill have been
around for some time without having
hit the "Variety." New Act files, so
this is for the record. But. despite
their apparent seasoning, they . lack
the class necessary for the big-time.

Until they substitute other male-
rial for such antics as' the femme's
spouting water at licr partner, they'll

House Reviews

Cuntljmtd fiom page 58;

Apollll. X. V. t' 11 ! i-oul iiVi> ol Ross Scott & Grant,

of not blasting the 'customers out ii( > " hn |),l !," n 1,11 »->xli ibilibn via.. I he
Iheir scats. However, there* a F<,1,,yl Hills- munner. replete with.
Weakness of some of the siclemcn, ■ : ! n "" llm ' ,M - and make it good for
especially in the brass section. : lmifihs as well as thrills. Most cus-

Kincl of- fodder dispensed include.-: '-ti-nu-i-.s who have never seen badi
".Swingin" oh South Parkwav," "Gone mmton CNpi'tts in action are plenty
With the Gin" and "Mr. Cliips'-" Mel limpresscd.

Moore, ' crew's male vocalist, has u j Cy Landry is. lop man on the com-

. , strong bary. but hasn't learned to !<dy side. winninR kudos for his funny

be playing the lesser houses. Duo I control it "fully and nee<ls further . panlomirie in the Indian dance he re-
lakes a terrilic ainbunt of punishment I experience in stage deportment. Oh ''i pejus from "Riding Hijih." Also sings

to get their, laughs via a drunk act
interspersed with acceptable acrpr
.balics. ; Jo.se.

TWO GINGER SNAPS

Dance

8 Mln*.

Apoiio, x: V.

Boy and girl team have a moder-
ately fas^ lap routine without any
particular distinction. There ale a
few outstanding. steps in their repcr-
toiro,_but hot enough to take them
out of the run-of-the-mill teams. Best
nionient. is the fehinie s tapping atop a
table, which, while, being their best
applause-geltcr. isn't up to the stand-
ard, for better houses. Colored team
could also improve wardrobe with
something flashier than business
suits. .... i

Suitable for. small vauders and
nitery production numbers. Jose.:

NELSON & ROGERS
Talking
5 Mills.
Apollo, .V. Y.

This male colored dub digs into an-
cient files for its material, which can
be excusable when there's some dis-
tinction to delivery or antics going
along with it. . Unfortunately, there
isn't. v

When they expect yaks from a gag
like "only ope of his fore fathers ever
showed up-^-that's all brother. Jose.

USO Acts

Continued from pace 1

the dislaff.-sicie. Linda Lcc is seen to "Trees" with, gestures' and does a
good advantage ; in . "Cow-Gow Man-.'i) and apache dance with an
JBooKje'.' ' and a duct with Moore, imaginary partner for healthy guf-
"Loug Way. Home." laws.

' The Barlley crew has the makings > Bob Dearborn, who styles himself
of a' lively-, outfit; having showman- : "the . king-sixc Sinatra' 'and makes a
ship and musical ability. However, iscnial emcee, clicks nicely in the
the crew needs more variety in: its {vocal 'line' with "Evilina." "It Could
repertoire and a few n6velli.es could Happen to You." and "Irish Lullaby."

be used to advantage. : TJie same, is
true of its vocalist, . GatenVoutn
Moove. who give.s out with a steady
succession of blues numbers.
. Rest of the bilh Ballard and Rae.
sole ofays on the layout: Two Ginger
Snaps, and Nelson and Rogers are
discussed under New Acls. The line
with Ziggy Johnson provides okay
production numbers. :
Business off when caught. '

Jose.

Oriental, Clil

Cliic«(/o. April 27.
Lend Horlie. Mr. .Bnllniiliiie. W«|-
spii. Sisters i2>. Bert . Lt/iuiV;. ■Rox*
Sisters ' i3>; 'Identity Uiil.iiou',))'
< Rep) .

Another straight well-biilancer :
vaude bill is on. tap this week header,
by .Lena Horne, making her third
Chicago appearance in a year, hay-
ing previously played the Chicago
theatre and Chez Paree; Due lb a
heavy cold it was, necessary to cti;
her show schedules, from six to five-

mixed wilh comedy patter and a. bit
of clarineting on "Memphis^ Blues." ,
The Burvedells combine dancing and
xylophoning to good effect, wielding
the- .hammers with gusto on "Dinah,"
"Over There.'- "The World Is Waiting
fur the Sunrise." and '-God Bless.
America.' accompanied by some
lively tap and jitterbug steps. Act
h:'s a nice comedy: angle.

R< mild and Rudy, two well-devel-
oped youngsters; get a friendly re-
nt pt ion. for their muscular efforts in
slow motioh. Les LeMar and Poppy
iMtcr a bawdy . ''Baby Snooks" rou-
lilic. Little Jacqueline Kelly, winner
of the house's latest series of talent
contests, shows a promising talent
in her acrobatic dancing routine. Biz
was, average al opening. Corb.

two

Billy Rose

Conlinued from page I

000 but that seems; to have been V

days, and- 1 ton- fancy figure,
■some.

Rose explains that

even more astonishing to them is the:
necessity of -entertaining former en-
emy soldiers.'.

USO-CS explains that Italian PW's
have been put in a special status,,
constituting labor .battalions at vari-
ous camps and posts, and though hot
part of American army they are
not considered enemies; Anyway,
that's the. technicality. Also tech-
nical is that Italian PW's must not
comprise more than 49% of Ihe au-
dience nor do they have shows, pul
on for Ihem exclusively. - At Slatch j
Island, stevedores and other ship
workers i American) mingle with the
IfaliansPW's,

Some lime *go Lena Home balked
at. working a Fort Robinson i Ark.)
show where Nazi PW's mingled, wilh
the American Negro troops. Miss
Horne rightly explained thai she
couldn't give her talents to any na-
tion which is inimical to Ihe U. S.,
and particularly holds her race in
4»uch low state as was the now crum-
bled Nazi ideology.

a-day, for the firs

confine herself' to three numbers. ! s0lile changes within the theatre

&K e ^ h i*«f. hC .„^ U K, ' .'T ° Ve « ' "'ere. charged. to production but'ordl-
though an effort, and has to beg off. ; ., ... -f* _ ,J r__ 4 l„ ^ •_
Attractively attired in a form-fl.tiiig - "^ that would not be so. In men-
green gowri she does "Sometimes Zoning the financial epd he pointed
fm Happy." —I've Got Nothin' But i out that the house profit was around
the Blues" and "I'm Going to Sec i $5,000 during the time when the show
My Baby". for lop- returns. ! grossed $40,000 and more <ils starting

Ross Sisters open: show'- wilh fine i

acrobatic control work, and contor
lionislics. Outstanding, and good for
a healthy response, is one of the gal's
back bends from a pedestal almost
two-feet high, to pick up handker-
chief w ith teeth. A hil.
■ Bert Lynne: announced, as Ihe
originator of the eleclric .guitar

mixes playing on the electronic ih- i
striimenl with pertinent sallies that

weekly pace was around $45,000),
I which coin Was computed as belong-.
jin<! to the show's earnings.
I Rose is claimed to have oversold
; "Ai ls." He look liberal exirarspace
jads in the dailies and asked. theatre-
[: goers to buy tickets at the boxoffice,
at the same lime taking slhps at the

agencies. Some 77 theatre parties
were sold in advance of the opening,

H'wood Names

i:unLinne<l l-min piiKe I .

definile. However. Spencer TracJy. is

draw laughs. Lynne is a master -of. L .. „ - ,

the ins'iiument bringing forth organ- rsi> iin »"i« the first three months, and
like tones and almo.sl making it talk, - tickets were available only for cer-
Clicks. . , lain performances during that period.

Watson Sisters keep them laugh- . How<:ver. he wrote the brokers, 'say-
ing. with a line of chatter, gags songs ' i„ B |, c was only kidding, and when
and s.ep.s. of Ihe old school, that . h » narlie<t Were taken care" Of -rea- •
registers, big. and Mr ; Ba.lantine. 1^.^^^ Z?£r^L

However. "Arts" has been slipping
for the past six weeks and last Week
took' a $4,500 dive. Gross dropped
under $30,000. .

I As for Miss Lillic, she smilingly
.admits she should' have remained in
j London because after tax deductions
j for Britain and over here r she has
! had little left from her approxii
' malely $4,500 weekly paycheck.
| Rose is readying a succeeding at-
traction which he calls "Concert'

elongated comedy magi who struts
in a John Carradine Shakespearean
m-.nncr between tricks that arc
never completed, proves a nifty cari-
caturist and grabs' plenty of laughs.

MqTfj;

Keiili'H, IndplN.

' Iiidiaimpolii, April 2fi.
Ross Scott St Grant, the Burvedells
<2>. Bop Dearborn, Rennld.& .Rutfv.
Les LeAfar * Poppy. ■ Cy Landry'.
Jacqiie'-ine Kelly; "Murder in the
Blue Room" <U).

'varieties." due into the Ziegfeld on
May :tl.- He also has scheduled a

Keith's has lined up a smooth as , . , „•
sortment of novelty, musical and \ st'n'ltni P'ay called

"Niew Heaven,

slated Tor an untitled Maxwell An- i'^^ »?. s ^ ^l^iJd^ " ^ ^

derson play. Lee Tracy is meh.lioned I Best attention getter ,s the badm.h- at the Z.eg fcld.

Tor "Please, Darling" ("Sex Is Out"). |
Ricardo Corlcz and Paul Kelly are
lo be in "Beggars Are Coming to
Town." Francis Lederer is slated for
"Mr. Strauss Goes to Boston," Frank
Morgan is named for "Joy Forever,"
Judith Anderson for "Medea,"
Maltha Rave for "Belle Brody" and
Ingrid Bergman is under contract"
for a new Robert E. Sherwood play,
which may not reach the boards un-
til late next season or even later:

Incomp - Reviewing

t'onf limed from page 1

Eddie KoVh, promiifrnr lotal niusi-
eian who also does arr;iiigelne:ils for
!-evcr::l. .minic' out II Is... is lea v.'ng Brad
Hunt's band this we* I; to t;;kc uvyr
the old Skip Slruhl orch. Liiitei
crew has been wilhoii' 'ii-Jeadcr siher
iSlrahl was- inducted into the Army
iw months a;:0.

the fact that one management
charged that recently a critic failed
to attend the opening but the next
riiiy.he bylined a '.'review," patently
lifted from an oul-ot-town notice,
some- of il being' a verbatim "re-
write." Show closed pronto. The
prtss, however, was uniformly ad-
\trse.

Guild is conj.empli.ting checking
up nn Ihe critics and ifcahy is notice-.
.fcb!.y stewed., a" Sworn, statement will
be presented to the council (or ap-
propriate action. -Critics Circle is
expected to check up .ion', - the
checker-uppers.

l.rRoy Brown, formerly with Lion-
( 1 --Hampton and only recently out. of
I l'ie .'-.riny. h.-is o'rj'.anized a new foiir-
I xiiiie, j-.nd.ls at ih'e Uol'yv jiod Show
I J2ai-. l'ltt bui gh, for ir..-;t liiiile rut). I

LEGITIMATE

Wednesday, May 2, 191.1.

'Doll's House' Quits

Boston With $5,000

Boston. May 1.
Poov dived ion, .mediocre.' casting
and thumbs-down reviews shoved "A
Doll's House" out pf Wilbur alter.
Iwo weeks in a lown strong on Ibsen.
"Kiss and Tell" and '•Good Night,
Ladies." are slill zipping along. The
Tributary Theatre doing well with

Broadwav ea*cd off last week as . week to so ami '-tlien'-'lo-'. road:' SlKikospj-nresHv m-ival. .pending sun-
indie" ed bv Taking "fa numbc ' of . very well in lirsl months; ea^l.tb ! -bm-sl - or B,l Robinsons 'Memphis
iiuucii.ee \ u> • • ^ t-Bouiul. due tor world premiere here

-work In 'jo and. then lo road

rainv nights

Fewest in

and several hits have already
dales for summer suspension.

set ' <' 43d week r iD- 1.075; $3.00). We'n.t to ' dentiiir arousing interest for opening
! cut rales last week but has sturdy .May

I ^ V ,A7,„„5: rroii < " w-is »Vi '.BOO:' no theatre parties, so eight-time 500: $2 50 ). Socko -$17,000 in fourth
week- ,oh de^ Prions gropes., , week at theatre which feared ■. i elurn-

vYewY ii Ul around $9 00(1 but I "The Hasty lltarl,"Hvdso.l. (LTlhiun.

^u\ ;,, ' n^„4i 9 - »™ T «nHic»»d ' week) . iD-1.094; $3.00). One of the I "A ■ Doll's lloiise," Wilbur- HIM*

•^la^Menate was nicked last week; [$3i. Weak $5.000-for second and final

Olas* Mcnagei le. u eiu to nc\\ ni©n. V vhen r \t!ie count Was around $10,000. j~weck. .

t.sllmalcs for last Vleek I bin jl's gcherallv rommended. - "Over 21." Colonial -t 1.500'; $3) (2d

.(Drmiin). "The Overtoils." Correct 1 12th 1 week), Closed with $9,000: -
week) iCD-l.OUO: $3.60). Doing fairly j
well and again the count was around:

'Father' in 4th Seattle
Stoy Good $15,500

Seattle. May 1.
e With Father'.' on. fourth ap-.
Seattle, very good $15.-
days at the 1.500-seat

for -Helen Hayes in "Hai>
riet" opened with a bang. Miss Hayes
begins two-week Met engagement
May 28.

Keys: G (Co>/ied|/), D
CD (Coi'iedv-Urnmn i , B ifJci'iK'.) . '
M ( Musical J., O (Qpcreftoi. ■ 1

".V Bell I'or'Adano," Cort '. (21st
week i <D-1.0UI; $4.20). Only vari- ■;
ante in figures, is in number of :
standees; well ovev. $22,000 every '
week.

'I

$9,500; should last through May

"The Voice of the Turtle," Morosco
.i(>4lh week) lC-986; $4,20 ). Weill oil
somewhat but with count nearly
$20,000 three-person play Still, clean-

• "Anna I.ucVila," Mansfield l35tli j-ing. up.
weeki (D-1.041: $3.G0>; Up in the' "Too Hot for Maneuvers." Broad-
hit parade: colored cast drama ap- j hurst iC-1.179: $3.601. ■■ Presented by:
proximales $20,500 or belter every ! Jimmy ElhoH: wl illen by Bud Pear-:
week. I son and Lcs While: opens .tonight i2 ).

"Klnnmer Ctrl," ShuUerl . (30ltv
week) (M-l:382: -'.$5.-10 1. Another ait
traction that draws 'standee:;; musi-
cal arrived early in. season and still
going strong; $33,500.

"Carousel." I njeslic (2d week)
(M-t.(i81: So). Music?) dt recent en-
try rated with the scasony best, and
takings for lirst full . week were 543.

"lip In Central Pari;." 'Century.
!l3lh weeki (0-1.713: $6): Weather
hurl window sale slightly, because
of house location: rated around $47.-
500. which still tops all.

RKVIVAI.S
"The Barretts of Wimpole Street."
Bairymore (5th week) (D-1.900:
S3. GO). Will play throunh. May; gel

700. and that figure should increase ting tine coin' though slightly ofl last
artrr Ihe subscr iption period, j week; $20,000.

. "Common Ground." Frllon (1st ] "Carmen Jones;" N. Y. City . Center
weeki (C-9-1G: S3.G0). Critics leaned iM-2.093: $2.40). Colored cast opev-
biu.-kword for this now drama. but|elta playing limited date prior to
notices wore skeptical as Id chances: | road: opens tonight (2).

around $9,000 in seven oei formanecs ! -r - — -. '— —

inclusive of 'two previews, -v^ -'-" '

"Dork or Ihe Moon," 4Gth Sheet
(6th week). (D-1.319:- $4.20 1. Di-a-
inalic oddity on list should easily
make grade: affected last week but
slill good grosser; $16:500 estimated.

"Dear Ruth." i Tiller (20lh \vcek)
(C-940: $4.20). Sock successes not oft
and so this one clicked to better than
$18,700 again. •

"Deep Mrs. Svkes." Booth (Gth
week i (CD-H2: $3:6lli. Highly re-
garded by audiences- but attendance
not up (o expectations: rated "around
janoo-

"Follow the Girls." 44th Street
(55lh wesk) (M-i.462: $3.C0V. Still
among the favorite.- musicals, with
previous week's pace maintained:
around $31,000. . .

"Foolish Notion," Beck (7th week)
(CD-1.214: $4.20).. Slipped somewhal
from the hislv of previous Week but
got fine $22 s 000.

"Harvey." 48th Street (26th weekl
(C-923: S'.IO): Has .passed half-year
mark and that's considered early in
this run; close to $19,000: capacity
always.

"Hat* Off lo Ice." Center (E-2.044:
$1,981. Final and 46th Week, but an-
nounced to resume late this month,
and may go 'through second summer;
around -$22,090.

"Hope for ihe Best." Rovale fl2th
week) '< C- 1.084; $4.20 >. First week
in this spot sliehlly less than pre-
vious week: $10,000 approximated.'

'•'I Remember Mama." Music Box
(28th week) (C-940; $4.20). Will gel
its share of orizes: awarded' gold
medal by Theatre Club: getting
$22,000 average.

"KiSH and Tell." Bijou

Current Road Shows

i Period CovfTinQ April 30-M«|/ 12)
"Abie's Irish Roue" — Locust St.,

Phllly (30-12).
-'"Blackouts of 194S"— El Capilan.

Hollywood (30-12IV
Riackston.e -■• Shubcrt - tafaycttc,

Det. i30-12i.
"Blithe Spirit" — Billmore. L. A.

< 30-12).

"Catherine Was Great" — Or

'BLOSSOM' $28,000 IN
2D WEEK AT PHILLY

Philadelphia, May 1..
'■Blossom Time" did, a terrilic sec-
ond week's -bj?, estimated $28,000, at
the. Shubert, fully justifying man-
agement's decision to hold it for a'
third week.. As a matter of fact it
could easily: slay a fourth and fifth:
so could that other perennial. "Stu-
dent ; Prince," which Came in two
weeks earlier and turned In capacity
stanzas at the Forrest for a fortnight.

Also, in the super class last week
was "The Two Mrs. Carrolls" (a re-
turn locally), which got an excel-
lent $19,000 in its final (second > week
at the Forrest. Not so fortunate- was
"Too Hot for Maneuvers." comedy
tryout at the Walmil;. In its filial
session here, this one got $8,000. with
'film: names figured as responsible for
whatever b.o. si rengllt .there was as

'OKLA.!' TERRIF $43,000
IN 9 AT PITTSBURGH

Piltsbiirgh. May 1.
. "Oklahoma!'" wound up three-week
engagement at Nixon with smashing.
£43.000 in nine performances at $4.20
lop. Extra matinee was given, last-
Friday i27> to replace one cancelled
April '14 by death of President
Roosevelt.

. Show could have easily stayed. sev-
eral months, but not much chance of
it getting back here, until season
after next at earliest. Nixon cur'
ren'tly has ZaSu Pitts in "Ram-
shackle Inn."' opening last night
(Monday).; being completely sold out
to Wcsljnghouse Company's Clerks
Assn. . •

.'Wind' Finales in D. C.
With Neat $20,000

Washington, May 1.
"The Searching Wind" wound up
it.<i career here Saturday night with
$20,000 for the second week of eight
performances. The Theatre Guild
presented the scenery to the George
Washington ^University Troubadours.
. "Sing Out. Sweet Land." which had
its genesis' at. Catholic University, has
all the scats for the first and. 'Second
balconies sold for the two-week en-
gagement. , Orchestra seats, which
,are $4.20: are moving slowly.. Mu-
.(110th sica) may slay here three weeks, if
week) <C-C14: $3.60). Held up rather the demands warrant it. No other
well last week, when count was not | attraction has been booked lo follow-

far fiorn .13.000

"KUs Them For Me." Bclasco- (6lh
week) (C-1.077: $3.60). Held its pace
and intention is to keep going into
summer; rated slightly over. $9,000.

"La mug Room Only," Winter Gar-
den (18th week ) ( R- 1:522: . $6 >. Was
among mi-sicals that reflected the i
downward trend, takings being close
to $33,500. '

"I.ate Georje Apley," Lyceum (23d
weekl (C-893: $4.20). Around $17,000
last week: strong business but .slight-
ly under oacc of- first five ntoiiths. . „, .... ,

"Life With Father." Empire (282d 1 Wes t &?bomg most of the spotlight
week . (C-1.082: $3.601. Intention is ~ d „. IJ^?^™^

"Sing Out."

The National theatre is expecting
air-cobliiig apparatus tp be installed
for. tlje summer months, in which
event, it will run during July and
August.

'Catherine' Profitable
$21,000 in St. Louis

St. Louis. May l'.
"Catherine Was Great." with Mae

to play run-leader into another sum-
mer: attendance so-so of late: $9,000

"Oklaboma!". St
week) (M-1,529: S4.80i ; In no way
affected by the big biz: of "Carousel"
across the street, and the count was
$31,000 again.

"On • the Town." Adelohi (18th
week) (M-l : .42«: S5.40 1. Will move
down tp Ihe 44th Strerl for the sum-
mer, present theatre having ro cool-
ing syslem: slill nlenly good; '$3.1.000. •

"School For Brides;"' Ambassador, j
(39lli wee!;.) (C-1.117: S3.60 V SlVyint'

stand at the American theatre Satin
in j.i i v , vvu „ day (28). The 1.700-seat house was
Tmii-pv ' niioih rscaled to $3.66 and eight perform-
jame.s nuain w , ces .. ( . rossC( | -approximately' $21,000.

Crix blew hot and cold in their re-
views... : ' . .

. "One Touch of Venus." with Mary
Martin and John* Boles- in the lead
roles, opened a one-week stand, at
the American, last night (Monday),
willi house scaled to $4.88. one of
the highest of the current season.
An advance of $30,000 assures a
profit -taking engagement

Rapids (1 ); Orpheum, : Sioux City
12:1;- Shrine Aiid.; Des Moines 1 3);
Music' Hall. Kansas City (4-5 ); Fo-
rtim. Wichita (7); Shrine, Oklahoma
City
1 1(1 1
Aud

"Dear Ruth"— Harris. Chi (30-12).
- "Doll's House"— H. S. Aud . Lowell
(30): Court Sq.. Springfield. ( 1-2);
Shuberl. .New Haven (3-4): Acad.
Miis.. Northampton (7); Bush Aud.,
Hartrord 18); Metro.. Providence (9);
Plymouth. Worcester (10); Lyric.
Bridgeport 1 11-12).

Gilbert & Sullivan-- Aud.. St. Paul
130-1): Lycsum, Minn. (2-3); Park-
Way. Madison (4-5).'

"Good Nile Ladies"--Shubert: Bos-
ton (30-12).

"Harriet' VGeary. Frisco (30-12).

"Hollywood .' Pinafore"' — Fold's.
Balto. (7-12). ' ..-.•',
, "Jarobowsky and the Colonel"—
Cass. Detroit (30-5); Davidson. Mil-
waukee (7-12).

"Kiss and Tell" (2d Co.)— Plym-
oulh. Bost. (30-5).

"Life With Father" rtd Co.W
Temple, Tacoma (30): Capitol. Ya-
kima (P; Fox, Spokane (2); Wiima.
Missoula (3); Marlow. Helena (4);
Rainbow. Gr. Falls (6-7): Babcoek.
Billings. (8); Aud., Bismarck (9);
Fargo. Fargo (11).

"Memphis Bound"— Colonial. Bost.
I 13-12). : *

"Merely Coincidental" — Wilbur,
Bost:. (7-12).

"Oklahoma!" (2d Co.)— Forrest,
Philly (30-12).

"One Touch
can. St. Loui<
Cinn. (7-12).

"Othello"— Frlanger. Chi (30-12);

"Ramshackle Inn"— Nixon, Pitts.
130-5).

"Round Trip" — Playhouse. Wil-
mington (11-12).

San Carlo Op. Co.— H. S. Aud..:
Steubenville (30): Cochran And.,
Johnstown ( 1 ); Community theatre,
Hershey (2). - " '■■'

"Slnir Out Sweet Land"-«-Na(:'Qnal,
Washington 130-12).

"Snafu"— Bush Autl.. Hartford '('11--
.121.

' "Student Prince'' — Lyric, Bridge-
port (30-1): Academy Mus.. North-
ampton <2); Plymouth. Worcester
(3): Bush Aud.. Hartford. (4-5);
Opera House. Bost. (7-12).

"Ten Little Indians" (2d Co.)—
Davidson. Milwaukee (30-5); Cass.
Del. (7-12). '

"Two Mrs. Carroll*" — Hartman,
Columbus (30-2); English. Indianap-
olis. (3-5): Amer.. St. Louis- (7-12).

"Voice of .Tin-lie" (2d Co.)— Sel-
wyn, Chi (30-12). - .

pheum; Davenport (30): Iowa. Cedar c - r i s :. wwc almost .'.'unanimously

thumbs-down.

There were no openings last week,
but this week finds two. the long-
heralded and record-breaking "Okla-

(8-9V: Convention ,H, M^^ b ^^^%J^.^
Robinson. Little. Rock

Memphis (12). all,v figured as sure up unlil the . next

Xmas. Also bowing in last night was
"Abie's Irish Rose" on another: re
turn, this lime for Uvo weeks at. the
Locust. Which was dark for two
weeks. Day after .' opening- finds'
• Oklahomu!" sold .out for six weeks,
Tlh and 8th going fast

Next week is void of newcomers^
With some doubt felt Whether the
Walnut (where "Maneuvers" closed
Saturday night ) will relight this sea-
son, but the Locust and Shubcrt both
get bbbkings: next week and are ex-
pected. 16 be occupied well through
June: On' Monday (14) -.the 'Shubert
gets the .big Max Gordon musical.
"Hollywood Pinafore.-*' .-for two ov
Ihree weeks, and oh Tuesday (15)
the Locust has officially listed "Round
Trip." a new comedy by Mary Orr
and Reginald - Denhaiii (authors of
Wallflower"), with Sidney Black-
mer. June Walker and Phyllis Brooks
heading. the cast of 16. It will play
here two weeks.

— -' ,-'-'-)..

a' lot loii^cr than first iridicalcd >n'l 1 ';' -

$8%fia^wU- mrnei ' : ^T^'l 'Vanities' 13G on Split

"Seven Lively Arts," Zicgfeld (21st j . Denver. May 1.

wes-ki (f!-l;62li: SU).' ,>Si>i-i':ked' hard J A. M. Obertcldcr bronchi "Barl
hv rainy night i nrolvihlv beeni'se of Carroll's Vanities" to Hastings. TJcb..
locat'on; dipped $4,500 to around i Denver and Pueblo. Colo., doing
$29,000. •*'* - j in ore than $13,000 in the three, spots

"Soldier** : : W'fe-." Cdlilen ' (-29lh oh four shows, a mat i nee and three'
week) (CD-TflO; $3.(i(li; - Another nights. ' '■

of Venus" — Ameri-
(30-5); Tafl, Aud.,

'Abie' 5G in 4, N. H.

'. , New Hiiven. May 1.

:"Abie*s Irish Hose" caught an ap-;
pr.o.xiiiiate: so.OOO at ■ Shubert last
weekend (26-28). : On four shows at
52.40 top. gross was- fair '-enough. :.

-'Doll's House" is holding down the
local boards litis Week (3-5). Next
week brings Ballet. Russo de Monte
Carlo - lor- last half (10-12), and fol-
lowing session. May 17-19. gets "Sol-
dier's Wife" for-iiiur shows.

P'-nci'led are.a Hugh Herbert com-
edy for late May and a musical'
preein. ■"■•'•

Toledo to Have Legit
Theatre After 15 Years

Toledo. May 1. '

Toledo, without a straight legiti-
mate theatre since the old Audi-
torium was converted into a gym-
nasium for newsboys more than 15
years ago., will soon again have a
playhouse devoted exclusively to
traveling road attractions.

Town Hall. Inc., an : organization
recently incorporated, has purchased
the property occupied by the 900-
scat Capitol theatre and an adjoin-
ing parking lot. The Shuberls figure in
the deal. Alterations will be made
at an approximate cost of $100,000
including enlargement to accommo-
date 1,500 patrons.

Mrs. ^Flora Ward Ilineline. who
has been sponsoring one-night legit
in the Paramount for the last. 10
seasons, is understood to be director
of the' new theatre. She also" spon-
sors the Town Hall lecture '-'series
annually in- this city.

>Kruger Pitch for Transit'

- Hollywood, May I.

John Ely. Broadway producer, is
in town huddling with Otto Kruger
on a stage deal as male topper' in
"VemTs in Transit." slated for New
York rehearsals in July.',.

Deal depends on Kruger's- ability
to clear, film commitments by lhat
time.

Ben- Ami Play Weak

; Baltimore, May 1.
Jacob Ben-Ami in the Yiddish "The
Miracle of the Warsaw Ghetto;" pre-
sented for two performances at Ford's
Sunday (26), failed to click, with no
more than $1,800 figured for the- day.
. Set for.a pre-Brbadway preein next
Tuesday'; (6). "Hollywood Pinafore."
by George S.- Kaufman, with Wil^
liamjGaxlp.n- and' Victor Moore head-
ing the .cast, has a healthy advance
already chalked up for the seven- per-<
foimanees slated.

: Chicago. May 1.

Three Xoldcroos Saturday (28 1 left
only four legit attractions,' fewest hi
months, in town to share the. gravv
Houses ■ new dark are Blaekslune'
skedded to relight with "Jacobovvsky
and the Colonel" May 14; Sttidebaker
where ''Ten Lillle Indians" closed
after 204 local performances; with no
replacem'cnt lined, up yet; Great
Northern, with "Sing Out, Sweet
Land." gelling biggest ($28,000) to
date in four-month stay and ho fol-
low.uu set so far;, and. of course, the
Majestic, which the Shuberls are re-
opening after 11 years' darkness.

Opera House,. with Met Opera and
concerts lined ■ un following : last
week's hefty take of $45,000 for vOne
Touch of Venu.s," lias summer oper-
etta skedded to start May 12.

"Life With Father" (West Coast
ond co.). is inked to open at the
Erhuiger May 28, following "Othello."
which bows out May 19; Lalter did
$23,500 last week, best yel. "Voice
of the .'Turtle," -'in 30ih slunza. got
$19,000; and "Dear Ruth;" in second,
did $19,500. , . ,-.'

Estimates for Last Week

"Dear Ruth," Harris (2d week)
(1,000; $3.60). Looks like a long
tenancy, with $19,500 in second stanza.

"One- . Touch of Venus,"' Opera
House (4th week) (3,600; $4.20).
Moved out Saturday (28). with $45.-
000;- Opera House is' skedded back
in the legit fold May 12 with, Shu-
bert- Wackcr Col-p.- production of
"Mm?, du Barry," first operetta, of,
summer sesh.

■-•Othello," Erlanger (3d week)
< 1.500; $3.60). With three more
weeks to go, did best yet.' $23,500. '

"Sing Out, Sweet Land, " Great
Northern (4th week) 11.400: $4.20).
Top take of nion Ih's stay, $28,000. but
hit the road Saturday (28) because
of Theatre Guild commitment at
National, Washingfon,

"Ten Utile Indians," Sludebaker
(25lh week) (1,400; $3).. Corpses
were shipped, to Milwaukee follow-
ing 204th and final local performance
Saturday (28). Got weak $11,000.

"Voice , of the Turtle." Selwyn
(30th week) tl-.OOO: $3.60). Loop.tix-
ture edging back to sellout again
with $19,000.

DETROIT LIGHT OPERA
188G IN 1ST 5 WEEKS

Detroit. May I.

With its current season half done,
Ihe Civic Light Opera Assn. of De-
troit is running far ahead of lirst
year's. grosses. Using name stars and
a local ensemble for its. operettas;
the association has tucked in ap-
proximately $188;000 on its first five
productions;

The average of $37,000 per produc-
tion, was- obtained- with "Great
Wall?.." "Rio Rila." "Irene." "Bala-
laika" and "Mile. Modiste." Current
production is "Bohemian Girl." with;
Wilma Spcnce and Edward Rocck-
er. Jr. ' •

In its first week. "Jacobowsky and
the Colonel" clicked' in) $18,500 at
the Cass;_lt.Koes for another week,
with "10 Little Indians" due to fol-
low on May 7.

Blackstone, the . Magician, 'got off.
lo a strong first week at the La-
fayette with $12,600. The show is set
for two more weeks.

'Spirit/ 'Song' Open Id
L. A. 'Blackouts' SR0

Los Angeles. May 1.
Lights wcnl up on two houses this
week, with "Blithe Spirit" returning
■for a stand at the Billmore Sunday
night and "Deserl Song" teeing off
the' light opera season at Ihe Philhar-
monic .last n igh L Both leg iters should
be good for heavy coin, inasmuch as
lite fare on local- boards has been
doVn to two.; theatres for almost two
weeks - ■'..•'.

, , Ken Murray's "Blackouts of 1945"
at El Capitan took usual- capacity
$14,800 for its 148th stanza. "Honey
in the Hay" picked up slightly fpr $2,-
900 at Ihe Musart -in the 18th week
and expects to grow during the pres-
ent frame. . '

'Carmen' Good $6,500

In 2 'Shows at K. C.

Kansas Citv. May 1.

Two performances of "Carmen" by
the Columbia Concerts; Inc.. com-
pany in the Music, Hall- of the Mu-
nicipal .auditorium here last week-
end (27-28) grossed a good $6,500.

'The 2,572-seat hall was scaled
to $3.

Shows in Rehearsal

"Oh, .Brother"— Maitimillian.-Bepk-
er and Petef !Warr'en.

"Hollywood Pinafore"— Max Gor-
don and Meyer Davis.

"Round Trip"— Clifford Haymaii.

"Foxhole in the Parlor"— Harry
Bloomfleld. »

"Merely Colocldeh;al" .— Leslye
Karen and L«e Holland.

Wedaesdajr. May 2, 194S

61

BRAY'S HOT AND COLD SUMMER

Overseas Curtain Time

In the next 90 days, USO-Camp Shows must get 20 straight
plays and six musicals rolling as a minimum, with the hoped-for
maximum being 36 straight legits and eight musicals. This calls
for 500-600 people, which* means ah applicants' pool of perhaps
as many as 2,000 if a certain standard Is to be maintained.

This emergency talent service when V-E Day comes (and it
may have, as this-is being written) is for the European theatre
of Operations. The marshalling of talent for our occupation
forces will be - even more acute than when we were on the march.

.Complicating the chore for the legit Soldiers in - 'Greasepaint -
Is the fact that this is a truly sacrificial stint, since the
European assignments, perforce, must carry the troupers well
Into the fall and winter. It means an unquestioned sacrifice of
the choice half of the next Broadway legit season.

But that Is as nothing compared to the prime purpose to be
served. It dwarfs the players' plus-values that (1) they'll be
seeing an historic, war-torn Europe in a manner privileged only
to brasshats and the diplomatic, or that 12) their earnings will
be "net," and of a pretty good standard, even If below-par. Those
factors may influence the wavering legiter into a new adventure.
But paramount should be the knowledge that the Soldier in
Greaspalnt becomes a Soldier in Victory, side by side with our
troops during the necessary period of occupation and policing,
following the victorious Allied campaign. Abel.

9

E

Shuberts Establish Ticket Precedent,
Demand Broker Indemnity Bonds

A precedent was established last ♦
week when the Shuberts demanded;
that brokers take out indemnity '
bonds so that boxofltices of their the-
; aires .will be guaranteed payment
for tickets. The or-eise arrangement
came as a surprise, for it is well-
known that if agencies default they
cannot secure tickets, thereafter - and

would have no means of. a liveli- . . . ,

hood, for few are capable of going new partnership consisting or Edwin

Lester, Russell Lewis and Howard

The coming summer on Broadway
is something of a 1 question mark;
Showmen are hot confident that the
June-.lo-Scptembcr period will be as
good as last year, and although the
straight play. hits, arc virtually sure
to approximate capacity, several will
suspend during June and July. It
is certain that a flock of current at-
tractions will drop out by the end
of May, when the season technically
ends, or shortly thereafter.

There are 34 attractions on the list
and as many as 16 may call it, a
season before long. That would
slice the total by . 50%. Two pr
three hits will suspend for vacations,
but there arc a half dozen or more
new shows .on the way to Broadway,
and the summer will see further
additions, to the theatrical menu.
Last year at this time the' same
number . of shows . were an the
boards, and June suw Broadway
rather populous, too. but by mid-
July the total was down to 16. .

The feeling in managerial circles
is that conditions will change when
Germany is mopped lip and travel-
ing restrictions will be eased.
Whether that . would affect the Vol-
ume of summer visitors' -to the
metropolis is to be seen.

Last week there was a downward
trend in business, and some box-
office' lines for sock shows started to
i ease up, that being true on Thurs-
Los Angeles, May 1. | day and Friday especially. Two
Civic Light Opera Company sold j rainy evenings are known to have
its production of "Desert Song" to a j affected attendance for some shows.

and another likely factor was the

Bookers Have Biggest Problem In
B'way House Shortage for Musicals

Coast 'Desert Song'

Planned for B'way

into other businesses.

The "new order" appears to have
been inspired . after a ,, woman
broker's checks bounced to the ex-'
tent of $8,000 even though she made
good the rubber paper. Also re-
' ported that a Jersey agency, had de-
faulted but that was not verified.
Early this week several leading
brokers asserted that they had not
been asked to furnish bonds and the
others who had burned plenty. They
wondered if owners of other houses
would exact the. same indemnity but
that is not expected to eventuate..

The size of the bonds "suggested"
was not understandable, the average
agency being asked to put' up se-
curity for $25,000 and some'- for $30.-.
000. Premium for the bonds is $15
per thousand, so .that the cost per
agency would be at least $375 an-
nually. So far as is known box-
_offices in Shubert theatres were not
"ordered to withhold allotments to,
any agency and sell 'cm except on
a cash basis, and that mystified those
In ticket circles.

Custom is for agencies to make
returns nightly, paying for tickets
sold that day. In addition, there are
boxolTice orders, for which it . is
usual to settle each week. When the
size of the bonds was queried, it was
pointed., out that two-week ticket
allotments are usual and the 'coin
due to theatres could' be consider-
able. However, if an agency did not
settle for regulars on schedule the
treasurer would quickly detect the
stalling.

It appears that some brokers have
been dilatory In settling for box-
office orders,- not paying oft for two
or three weeks, but the number of
those agencies is said to be very
fmall. Perhaps that and the alleged
bouncers aroused the Shuberts to
take the bonding method of protec-
tioir; Brokers who are members of
an association of tickctmen propose
that the organization furnish a
blanket bond if necessary but some
agencies have already applied for
individual bonds.

Rumshinsky to Score
5 Plays for Schwartz

. Maurice Schwartz ■ has engaged
Joseph Rumshinsky. vet Yiddish
compose,., for 1345.45 Rumshinsky
will SC orc five Yiddish-language
Plays Schwartz will present in addi-
tion to repertory, at the Yiddish Art
theatre 'formerly the Public, on 2nd
Avehue), when the season begins in
October. . ■■

Young, who will take the show on
tour following its Coast run, with a
Broadway opening as the ultimate
goal. Cast will be re-assembled in
August and taken east. Play has
not been seen in New York since it
was produced there in 1926.

Deal is similar to the: one by Which
the Civic Light Opera sold "Song of
Norway." Coin involved in the
"Desert Song" sale is between $50;-
000 and $60,000 more than the cost of
production on (he Coast. .

Mull Problems

opening of the Peace Conference in
San Francisco. Showmen figured
that many patrons were engrossed
in listening to the news about the
sessions by radio.

Wirtz-Eyssell Agree On
Ice' Center Reopening

Brief visit of Arthur M. Wirtz
from Chicago for a luncheon huddle
last. Thursday (26) with Gus Eyssell.
head of the Radio City Music Hall
and Center theatres for the Rocke-
fellers, resulted in a decision to re-
sume "Hats Off To Ice" at the lattej-
house i:i Radio City late this month.
Skating revue, presented by Wirtz
and Sonja Hcnie, suspends Sunday
>G). and Fortune Gallo's San Carlo
opera troupe plays its annual Cen-
ter (late. May 16 to 27.
"Hats" in its 'present form will re-
Pvopo«<>d rhan«»£s_ sought by Cho-^,,,,,, „, iho .ma tinee .Ma y 30. by

which time it is ex*pected*lKe mi<P'
light curfew will have been lifted

uity

Booker in Indpls. Deal
On Murat Theatre Legit

Chicago, May 1.

Partnership has been formed' here
between Sidney J. Page, head of his
own booking agency, and . Cecil
Byrne, Indianapolis businessman, for
the purpose of presenting legit shows
at the Murat theatre, Indianapolis.

Following the playing of Sigmund
Ronibcrg's orch at the house May
6-7', Page will leave for New York to
iiel independent attractions. Com-
petitive stand, the English theatre, is
booked by the United Booking office.

Use Moss to Get
Back Tix Coin?

Using N. Y. License Commissioner
Paul Moss' office as a collection
agency was reported in ticket agency
circles.

Squawk came from a "patron"
with a Park avenue office address
who - wrote Moss that he had pur-
chased two. tickets foe a play from
an agency but the locations were not
satisfactory. Commissioner ordered
the broker to call at the license
bureau and explain, whereupon the
ticket man offered to give back the
money, and did. Broker explained
that he preferred doing that rather
than going downtown to . chat with
Moss, his time being more valuable
than the $13.20 involved.
. A woman said to be in the ac-
counting department of r a large de-
partment store . has been nicking
several brokers by means' of bounc-
ing checks and the ticket men say
.they'd like Moss to protect them
.from such depredations.- Alleged of-
fender, in paying, off with . bad
j checks, is subject to prosecution, and
one agency is reported having made
a police complaint. She's lost her
job meanwhile. Her "system" was to
I order half a dozen or more tickets by
I telephone, then an hour or so before
| performance time call again and re-
quest that the pasteboards be deliv-
ered to the boxoffice, adding that she
would remit the cost. Couple of the
rubber checks are sajd to be well
over $100 and it's believed that she
resold the tickets.

rus Equity,' aimed to correct rehear
sal abuses and to provide increased

compensation for ensemble people, and (nc annua i summer influx into
arc being considered by a committee. tne metl - opo |i s started, ,Rink revue
The situation may be clarified at b slaU( , t0 play into the fall period,
pquity's annual meeting June 1. aftei . wnich „ ew skating routines
Charged that some directors keep may oe devised. Heretofore, when
chorus people in the theatre for idle , he vyiilz-Henie j ce show suspended
hours wlnle the cast is being re- jn the spi . ingi new editions or en-
hearsed also that they are kept be- u . e|v - ))e ^ pi . ocluctions werc made
yond the time fixed for rehearsals. (QY " hc ',. C!!um p tions .

Another cdmplaint is that some There is a five-year arrangement
managers start rehearsals with as 'between wirtz and Eyssell for skat-
many as CO chorines, although only jng s (jows at the Center, plans call-
30 or 40 are to be retained. They ; n g for that type of attraction to be
contend that it some of the ensemble prcsc h'ted . at the Center indefinitely,
is to be replaced, directors should be Thc dea | nas two .more years to go.
able to accomplish that during the y m | ers | 0( ,d ,hat new sharing ■ terms
three days of free rehearsals, with- [ol . the - summel . pcr iod were agreed
out a score, of additional people go- to ^ st wcclc j n favor of "Hats."
ing through the motions. Bill B urk"e,' production director of
Idea of tipping rehearsal pay for i ne ice shows, explained that the
the chorus is doubtful of going "Hals" layoff is necessary in order
through at this time, same going for to adjust the ice-making mechanism
the. minimum, which was increased ; m d also to give the skaters a rest,
a year or so ago, most ensemble pep- instead of revolving vacations. How-
pie being paid over the scale any- e \ PVi business for "Hats" slipped
how. One proposal for an increase ■ s j )lce uic start of the . curfew, but
may get the nod, however. It is that bounded way up during the Easter

choruses be allowed $10 expense
money per week, especially when
musicals are on tour.- That item is
not subject to the withholding lax.

Special general meeting will . bo
held at the Hotel Astbr. N. Y.. Mem-
day '7). but it will probably- be con-
fined to subject of .new councillors to
be elected,' the. ticket to be contested.

"Voice of Turtle" company; now at
Morbsco,. N. Y., to vacation from
June 30 to August 27. Three-cast
comedy had similar two-month
vacash last summer.

holidays.

McCoy's Buff Stock

Buffalo, May 1.
Frank McCoy will open summer
.<lock at the Krlangcr. here May -8
with "Kiss and Tell." Violet Homing
loads the permanent cast. Perform-"
'iinccs will be scaled at $1.50 top
I running from Tuesday through Sun-
j day night, with IWondays dark.
! May productions include "Moment
K»f Importance." "Blithe Spirit" and
' "Warrior Come Home.' 1

RALPH KETTERING LOSES
CHI CMC RENEWAL

Chicago, May 1.
No renewal of his lease on Civic
theatre will be forthcoming for
Ralph Kettering, with Wacker Cerp.,
operator of building housing Civic
zs well as Opera House, scheduled
to take over operation of theatre
May 15.

Announcement that Kettering's
ycar-and-a-half teriaiicy ' would ter-
minate May 14 was made by J. C.
Thompson, corporation prexy, with
John J. Manley, - formerly manager
of Chicago Arena for eight years,
appointed manager. Latter has been
lieutenant-commander in Navy for
past four years, acting as navigating
officer of aircraft training carrier
"Wolverine" in Lake Michigan.

No booking commitments have yet
been made for Civic, now presenting
Menasha Skulnik in "Good News,"
Yiddish musical, and no policy has
yet been established, although it's
talked around that Blue Network is
making a pitch to take it over as
'■ audience studio. Understood Thorn p-
Ison wants to keep Civic clear in case
the Blue, which has also been nego-
tiating lo take over complete top
story of Die 42d floor building- for
television headquarters, decides to
move in.

.Kettering, who booked "Glass.
Menagerie'' at Civic last December
for successful run, said he'll look
around for another house here after
month's visit with his son, Tom,
Frederick Bros, vcepec, in Los An-
geles, figuring on .magging one of
the small Loop picture houses that
was formerly legit.

Where all the musicals, current
and . coming, are to be berthed this
summer is still hot definite,, the
Shuberts having the biggest prob-
lem on that : score. Booking jam
impends principally because two of
their houses are minus cooling sys-
tems and both have hits — the Cen-
tury with "Up in Central Park" and
Adelphi with- "On the Town." Up to
this wecjt it \Vas hoped to equip the
Century but unless priorities are
eased, because of collapsing Ger-
many, a summer parking place for
"Park" must be found.

• Town" will move to the 44th St.
theatre early in June, present
tenant, '"Follow the Girls," switching
to thc Broad hurst, at the Shuberts'
expense. "Memphis Bound" is due
into the Broadway soon, the contract
stipulating that it can be moved to
the Broadhurst after four weeks,
thereby permitting "Park" to re-
place at. the Broadway. However,
"Girls" is doing so well that it is
doubtful if^ the Broadhurst will be
available. " "Laffirig Room Only" ,
could move from the Winter Garden
to (he Broadway (after "Memphis"),
which would permit "Pork'.' to re-
place the 01?';n and Johnson show,
but a new edition Of "Laffing" is due.

-Situation could be relieved if. the
46lh Street were made available.
It has the Shuberts' "Dark of the
Moon," not a. musical, but if moved,
possession of the theatre would pass,
to the new owner, said to be the
City; Investing Co. No reason why
the latter outfit would not accom-
modate a musical, particularly if ft.
were a new show. Understood that
the Shuberts aim to use the National
for. a musical, and "Memphis" is
mentioned for that spot. The- Beck
could accommodate a musical in the
event that the. current "Foolish
Notion'' doesn't play through the
summer. '-.-The International^ (in
Columbus Circle) is dark but has no
cooling system.

Thc Ziegfcld will not be available,
although "Seven Lively Arts" ' will?
close there May 26, because "Con-
cert Varieties'' Avill start there a
few days later. Understood* that be-
cause Broadway bookings cannot be
assured, several musicals have de-
layed starting rehearsals until the
situation is clarified.

"Hollywood Pinafore" is virtually
set for the Alvin but the producers
of other musicals slated for the sum-
mer are evidently marking time.
Included in that group are "Marinka,"-
prorriised by J. J. Lcventhal and
Harry Howard; a modern version Of
"Irene." now called "Alice Blue
Gown," which Lou Dpfour and
Charles L. Casanave are to present,
with five numbers of the original
score retained; "Mr. Strauss Goes
to Boston," .to be offered by, Felix
Brcntano; "Spring in Brazil," a
Shubert attraction; "Polonaise" to
be produced by Horace Schmid-
lapp; "The Wishing Tree," a colored'
musical being lined up by Irving
Shapiro. Among other musicals
which may be set back until next
season are "Eight Cousins" and
'■Meet. Miss April."

Holliday, O'Neal Win
Derwent Actor Prizes

Committee for the Clarence Der-
went awards, for the best perform-
ances by a supporting actor and an
actress who were unfeatured in
Broadway plays this season, named
the first annual winners last Friday.
(27 ). Derwent, ah actor-director,
originally bequeathed $25,000, from
which is to' come cash prizes.
Checks, for $500 apiece, have been
awarded Judy Holliday, appearing in
"Kiss Them For Me," Belasco, and
Frederick O'Neal, "Anna Lucasta,"
Mansfield..

Committee comprised, actor Bert
Lytell. managers Herman Shumlin
and Gilbert Miller, ' Lewis Nichols
and Ward. Morehouse, critics for the
Times and Sun, respectively.

Honorable mention' went to Fran-
ces Heftin, who was in "The Temp-
est," and Dudley Sadler, who was
in "The Man Who Had All the
Luck," which opened and closed
pronto last fall.

62

LEGITIMATE

Wednesday, M»y 2, 1945

ATAM Threatens Strike Vs. Shuberts
Unless Union Men Work Chi Revivals

Another row between the Shuberts*
and the Assn. of Theatrical Agents
and Managers has suddenly cropped
up, the union being primed to crack
down on the showmen. Argument
started when the Shuberts refused
to engage ATAM-ers as press agent
and company manager for a season
of operetta revivals at the Civic
Opera House, Chicago. A telegram
was sent by ATAM to the Shuberts
Monday (30) stating that unless they
agreed to engage two, union men
by noon yesterday (1) "we will hold
ourselves free to take any and all
appropriate action,'' meaning a strike
that would involve the Shubert
houses ori Broadway. The situation,
however, has. gone into a confab.

Message minced no words: "Our
board of governors in a special ses-
sion this afternoon has judged you
guilty of one- of your periodical vio-
lations of your minimum basic agree-
ment with our union."

J. J. Shubert is handling the op-
erettas but Lee is quoted saying
that they were not concerned with
the Chicago situation because they
are "Just playing the shows" at the
Civic and the matter was up to
James Thompson, who operates the
opera house.*- That theatre- has no
union house manager either, and
Thompson ! was given the same ulti-
matum as that sent the Shuberts.

ATAM summoned all Shubert
house managers, their head press
•gent and company managers of
Shubert shows' In New York to union
headquarters 'at noon yesterday,
when they were told that both cases
were in course of negotiation.

BOBBY CLARK'S NEXT TO
BE TQDHKOUERE PLAY

Next show in which Bobby Clark
will appear will be a straight play,
although he has been in musicals
and revues for years. In October
Mike Todd will star. the . comic in
"The -Would-Be Gentleman," but
title, may be "Unmistakable Gentle-
man.". Moliere play will be tricked
up and there will be several songs
Interpolated. Play's original title
was "Le Bourgeois Gentllhomme,"
one of the author's best-known
works.

Clark has been resting since "Mex-
ican Hayride" . closed after; a long
run at the Winter Garden and Ma
Jestic. That musical wasn't sent to
the road, but it is playing for GI's
under USO-Camp Shows.

D.C. Municipal Theatre
Still Seeks Orig Play

Washington, May 1.
Harry Anger, managing director
of the Earle and a member of the
board of trustees of the Washington
Municipal Theatre has announced
that latter organization is still on
hunt for an original musical play
which will be preemed as debut pro-,
duclion.

The newly organized theatre will
operate under professional directors,
with well known performers as
gucsters.

Scripts, said Anger, are to be sub-
mitted not later than May 13 to of-
fice of the municipal organization in
Ti voli ' theatre building.

Billy Rose's Ghevalier
Offer for Vaude-Revue

Maurice Chevalier has been cabled
an offer for Billy Rose's "Concert
Varieties" opening at the Ziegfeld
theatre, N. Y„ May 31. Although
acceptance hasn't come from the
Gallic star, a primary problem will
be that of his admission to this
country. He was recently refused
permission to play a series of dates
in England for Jack Hylton, British
bandleader-producer.

Chevalier, accused of collabora
tion with the Nazis, has been tech-
nically cleared.

KITTENS FOR SALE

SIAMEHK (maid) I ««k
PERSIANS, male and femala 4 moBllis

HOBBY SHOP

I'M M.KCKER STh NIW YORK

Prior Pact May Force
Actor to Give Up First
Chance on Broadway

Gilbert Russell, English tenor who
has the top male singing role in the
forthcoming Max Gordon musical,
"Hbllywood Pinafore," may have to
drop out of the show during June to
fulfill a, prior contract at the Paper
Mill Playhouse in Mllburn, N. Ji .

Frank Carrihgton, director of the
Paper Mill, is willing to permit Rus-
sell an out on. his contract only if a
replacement can be found. : But he
refuses to drop the entire June slate
in the N. J. summer theatre, opera-
tion, which, he claims, is what would
happen if Russell drops out and, no
sub is found,

Gordon's • show Is Russell's first
Broadway chance since he arrived
here from England about five years
ago. He has sung at the St. Lb'u&nTu-
nicipal summer shows, the Louisville
festival and on the concert stage,
prior to being pacted by Gordon for
Broadway. "Pinafore" opens out of
town late . in May and .is slated for
Broadway on June 4. Meanwhile
Neal Francis, another tenor, Is learn-
ing Russell's role for the Gordon
show, and will pinch-hit for him
should he be,, forced to play the
month at Paper Mill.

Drops Philly Stock Idea

Group of Philadelphia show and
nitery people, interested in promot
ing a summer stock season at the
Bellevue-Stratford hotel, Philly, to
replace the Bucks County Playhouse
which won't operate this summer,
have shelved the idoa.bccausc of ex-.,
pense involved. Hotel showplace will
be dark for first time in four seasons.

Jack Lynch, nitery operator at the
Walton Hotel Roof, across street from
the Bellevuc, wanted to back- the
venture on his own if it could tie in
with a liquor concession. at the Belle-
vuc, but dropped idea when liquor
end was nixed. Powers Gouraud, vet
radio broadcaster, headed a group of
a dozen- people (including Lynch)
who were . interested in a Bellevue
show setup, but who backed down
when cost of setup was explained,
plained.

Conunen Ground

Edward Clioate production of drama In
thr» act* by Edward Chodorov, Stated
by the author. Production dcelcned and
lighted by Georgo Jenkins. Oponed at
Pulton theatre, . April », '45; H20 top.

Aide..... ■. Arthur dondra

Had Bernard Philip Loeb

Kate UeHoaa Nancy Noland

Cioogce (Qenevlcvo Gllmnn) Mary Heoly

Nick DcHona .Joneph Vltale

Alnn Spencer .....Donald Murphy

lnt Itnllnri Boliller Anthony Sclba

2nd Itnllnh Soldier Lou Gilbert

3rd Itnllnn Soldier.. ....Ilupert Pole

Ted Williamson...... Puul McOralh

Cuptaln Anircllnl. ....Luther Adlor

Colonel Ho(cr ......Peter Von Zcrucck

. Edward Chodorov is again carry-
ing the torch for democracy, with a
stagey, theatrical -piece" of artifice
called "Common Ground." which
Edward Choate has brought to the
Fulton theatre. The intentions of
this drama are certainly as honor-
able as the USO-Camp Shows- troupe
through whom the author has
mouthed his .diatribe against fascism.
But a plausible first act— and two
that aren't— don't make for success-
ful theatre. Nor boxof flee either,
for that matter. "Ground" hasn't
much chance for either Broadway
or Alms.

In telling his story of how work-
manlike democracy can be, as seen
through a USO unit forced down in
their plane behind enemy lines in
Italy, Chodorov has failed to tell
anything new. His story, simply, is
that democracy is, oh, so right; that
fascism is so wrong. As if he need
tell. us!

The characters are all well hewn,
but the playwright attempts to
spread-eagle plausibility In the sec-
ond and third acts with melodrama-
tics, that even stage license cannot
accept. At the end of the first act,
Chodorov has run qut of his narra-
tive and one can easily suppose what
does happen with the start of the
second act.

Philip Loeb has the play's meatiest
role, and his. hep dialog, as the
Hollywood Jewish star, is the sort of
thing he handles well. He darts
comedy lines at his audience with a
sharp wit, and his acceptance of the
inevitable concentration camp is also
excellent acting though .a. change
from' his comedy metier of the' first
act.

Other outstanders arc Luther Ad-
ler, as an Italian captain. This is a'
particularly difficult performance
since the part is spoken entirely in
Italian. Mary Healy is a Hollywood
actress-member of the troupe, and
she lends a decorative aura to the
play. Donald Murphy, Joseph Vitale
and. Paul McGrath, the former pair
as members of the unit and the lat-
ter as an American traitor broad-
casting for the Na^is, also give fine
performances. For Nancy Noland,
vet chanteusc of the niteries, this is
her debut in a straight play, though
she's, been in musicals, and she's a
pleasant surprise as another member
of the troupe.

George Jenkins has given the plav
an excellent ruined-castle set, but
the author has directed rather un-
evenly. It recalls a type of mistake
frequently made by authors who
would direct' their own plays; a play
so frequently requires a perspective
different from that of the author.

Kahn.

WAX WANTS ANN FOB 'SADIE'

A. P. Waxman wants Ann Sheri-
dan for the lead in- the roadshow
"Sadie Thompson," musical version
of "Rain."

Idea is that eventually Miss Sheri-
dan may have the same role in the
picturization of the show, In which
Paramount has a stake, although
she's under contract to Warner Bros.

rCA.no -mc 1 1 > r >

The Shop at Sly Corner

London, April 12.

jHck do I.con production of new plav In
three acta by Edward Percy- Directed by
Henry Kendull. At St. Murtln'e theatre.
Ixindon, .April 11, '4.*..

De.iclus Helss Koncth Kont

Archlo Kellowps John Carol

Mmgnrcl Ileijw... Victoria Hopper

Mnthlldc Hclns .....Callilcon Nenbltl

Joan Don] Joyco Heron

Corder Morrix Krnont Jey

Robert (iralinm tVllllum Roderick

Mr». Cult . Ada Keevo

John Klllot . Dcryck Guylcr

Steve Hubbard..: rtowlnnd Burlrop

This, is "good theatre," and. prom-
ising screen material. -A straightfor-
ward murder story with no mystery
but a few misleading hints as to how
the inevitable crime will occur.

Kencth Kent has a made-to-ordcr
part as a French . antique dealer of
dubious background, who has
acquired a family, respectability and
a flourishing business in England.
When his young assistant' steadily
blackmails him on discovering he is a
"fence," the old man throttles him
to save his young daughter from this
unsavory suitor. The body is dumped
out of a car, but banknotes are traced
back to the shop and the police start
questioning. Thinking he is in the
clear, the murderer's nerve gives way
when the inspector returns and he
poisons himself with an eastern dart.

Supporting cast is splendid, with
chief honors to John Carol as the
mean little blackmailer. Ernest Jay,
as one of the thieves who brought
his stolen goods for disposal and
Cathleen Nesbitt, as the . old man's
sister. -Victoria Hopper and William
Roderick help the love interest as
the daughter and her sailor fiance.

There is always an audience for
this kind of play when it is well pro-
duced and holds interest. This one
looks a cinch for the boxoff ice if first-
night enthusiasm is any criterion,
v Clem.

Inside Staff-legit

. Channing Pollock has" an article in the May issue : of American Mercurv
titled "The Plagiarism Racket," a phrase originated by Howard Barnes of
the N.Y. Herald Tribune (latter recently wrote about the Nazi horror camns
for the paper). Author states that nearly 40% of the playwrights whose
shows ran 200 or more performances on Broadway, between 1010 and 1930
were sued for plagiarism. "Alleged malefactors" included "two winners
of the Pulitzer prize, who were accused of lifting their material from
obscurity in which it reposed and continues to repose."

Nearly every dramatist of distinction has been a target for such claim-
ants, and to defend themselves in court Pollock estimates it costs authors
"not less than $100,000 a year," but he says that the number of such cases
has declined sharply in recent seasons. A flood of piracy cases followed
the decision against the laie Paul Armstrong in 1908, when it was ruled
that "The Heir To the Hoprah" had been dramatized from a short story by
Henry J. W. Dam without his consent. His estate got all the royalties and
profits. ^

A line in "Common Ground," which opened last week at the Fulton
theatre, N. Y., resulted in Ellin (Mrs. Irving) Berlin walking out on the
show Saturday afternoon because of a character's anti-Semitic reference
to her husband. Written by Edward Chodorov. the play is anti-Nazi in
theme. .

There was' considerable speculation from first-nighters as to the advis-
ability of making the play's anti-Semitic remarks so devastatingly pointed,
even though the Intention was to show, by these remarks, the fallacy of
Nazi intolerance. It made more than one first-nighter feel that the author's
"realism" might have been carried a little too far. .

The reference . to Berlin, incidentally, has been eliminated from the
play line, however, retaining the same significance.

"Ramshackle Inn" closed its road tour in Pittsburgh Saturday (28). but
is to play the N. Y. subway circuit, which is opening up for the summer
months. ZaSu Pitts, starred in the play, has been appearing in it contin-
uously for 70 weeks and will take a vacation after the neighborhood dates.
Western time was cancelled at her request.

"Inn" ran for eight months on Broadway, 14 weeks in Chicago, six weeks
in San Francisco and four in Los Angeles. Since it opened there have
been 35 cast changes, only two other players besides Miss Pitts having
been in the original lineup. Robert Reud, reformed press agent, produced
the drama by George Batson, former busboy. J. J. Lcventhal has a ma-
terial share of the money maker.

Several people on the staff of Equity arc among the numerous Broadway
angels, most successful so far being Ruth Richmond, Chorus branch head,
who cashed in on "Arsenic and Old Lace." She's in on "The Hasty Heart"
(Hudson) but has been nicked a couple of times, including' "Calico Wed-
ding," which recently stopped after trying out.

Rebecca Brownstein of the legal department bought a small share of.
"Common Ground which opened doubtfully at the Fulton last week.
Her investment was $266.66. She is also said to have a small bit of
"Dark of the Moon," 46th Street, representing the collegiate authors of the
play. Paul N. Turner, Equity counsel, is also reported to have_ rhod'cst
shares in shows.

"Ten Little Indians" company playing Italy ran across an unusual in-
stance of unusual situation between Allies and Axis recently. "In one,
town," writes John Fredericks, company manager, "we found , what had
once been a theatre and set about .to find the necessary furniture and get
our candles placed. Amazingly enough we found that the candles weren't
necessary as the electric generators hadn't been destroyed due to the
fact that the enemy and' bur Army were using electric power from" the
same, central plant and both refused to destroy it since one would be in-
convenienced as much as . the other. So they both enjoyed electricity—
the most fantastic setup I ever hope to witness!"

. Roubcn Mamoulian, who directed original "Oklahoma!", went to- Pitts-
burgh last- week for his first -look at. the National (touring) company of
the smash show to put the cast through some extensive rehearsals prepara-
tory to Philadelphia, where musical is expected to last .through summer.
No. 2 troupe was staged by Jerome Whyte, who has been stage manager
for AAF "Winged Victory" for last year, and Mamoulian never saw the
duplicate until just a few days ago. He was accompanied to Pittsburgh
by Lawrence Langnei and both of them sat through three performances
before calling the troupe together for some polishing-up.

Margaret Douglass who, in private life is Geraldine (Jerry) Smith, Is
out of "Bloomer Girl," Shubert, N. Y, indeflnitelj* and may not rejoin
the show. Tne 'has been "incoriSolable since the sudden Meath 'of her.
youngest daughter, 'Sally, who was six. . Youngster passed away during
the show's tryout engagement and, while Miss Douglass returned to the
cast for a time, she withdrew again. Her husband is Ben Smith, an actor,
who has been in the Orient for some time on a Government mission. Miss
Douglass, a wealthy Texan, first became known in show circles when she
established the Little Theatre In Dallas.

Mary Chase, who wrote "Harvey," 48th Street, N. Y., has been the toast
of Denver ever since the play opened. She returned to New York re-
cently, then retired to Connecticut to rest after a round of parlies given
for her in her native city. Mrs. Chase has three sons, one approaching the
teen age, but she left 'cm home in charge of her husband, who edits the
Rocky Mountain News.

"The Glass Menagerie" played an extra matinee last Thursday (20) and
by so doing most of the patrons who had tickets for the afternoon show
cancelled on the Saturday (14) when President Roosevelt's funeral was
held, were taken care of, but a goodly number of professionals were
iVescnt. *

The additional performance principally accounted for the hit going to
a new gross high. -

'— : — — ♦ . ' —

More Re Lazy Ushers

Editor, "Variety":

Thanks for .your article regarding
the ushers in the legit theatres today.
I have found no discourtesy, but they
are unusually lazy. I haven't been
ushered to my seat in the balcony
for five years except in a few in-
stances. The ushers stand in the back
of the house arid try to direct you
to your seat. If you get in the wrong
seat and have to -move a couple
times, that's, all right with them. The
Shubert houses. have the best ushers.
A (Balcony) T/iedtre.Goer.

. LOVEJOY'S LEGIT OUT

Frank Loyejoy, notably a radio
actor, last weekend bought back his
legit contract, which slated him for
one of the leading roles in the forth-
coming Broadway play, '-Merely
Coincidental." Producer is Leslie
Karen.

. Actor asked out when couple of
radio shows came lip. He reportedly
paid Miss Karen $750,! •

PLAY PUBLISHERS

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afhar oVir'afv/ihoo*, ploy
SONG Or BERNADETTE
TOMORROW THE WORLD
IOST HORIZON - HIGHLAND
FUNG • EVEOF ST. MARK .■ BEST
FOOT FORWARD • FEATHERS IN
A GALE > MRS, MINIVER - GREAT
A BIG DOORSTEP ■ KITTY
*\ FOYIE • HOUSE. WITHOUT A KEY

THE DRAMATIC PUNISHING CO. <

Incorporated 1887
59 E. VAN BUREN ST..CHICAGO i <

PRODUCTION PROSPECTS
Tfct GrapavlM la tfc* Thaotr*

Bttrj . producer la New York, Ms
optioned pla>', cut and ether detail".
About 3,000 name*, phone number*,
(rank .lowdown. PnblUbed monthly,
Me. Six month*. ■?. Editor. !•<»
ShuU.teS W. 41 St., N.-T.'C. 18.

Wednesday, May 2, 194S

6$

CHATTER

Broadway

Charlie Hoean, Chi booker, doing
the town lor a tew days.

Al Jol'sbn and bride due in town
nekt week,, thence to Miami Beach.

fiili-Gili, magician, back yesterday
(30) Ii°' n France for USO-Camp

Sh Matty Fox, former Universal v.p.,
slated 'to become deputy head of
nwl in Europe.

Reorfie "Lefty" Miller's wife much
Imorovecl after illness. . He's ' -going
ahead of "Snafu," ---.v.-.

Maria" Spitzer writing adscript for
the Overseas Division of ..OWL/ Its
about New York. .

Maurice Bergman,: Universale
eastern ad-publicity chief, bedded by
flu for several days. ■ . ; ;

George Jenkins setting for . "Com-
mon Ground" (.Fulton ) talk 'of
Broadway last week. . ■

Pete Martin, Universal eastern tal-
ent and story head,- leaves for the
Coast today i2). Will be fione three

weeks. . . , , .__

Edward Alexander, around . 70,
. former ticket brokee called "colonel,"
died in slock broker's office last Fri-
day (27). , . ■■ ,

•Margarcl.Hartjgan to handle pub-
licity for . summer Philharmorric-
Symphony concerts at Lcwisohn
Stadium. - . . • ,..'..-

George Wcllner. Paramount .Inter-
national vice-president. . back ; from
the Const this week, where he had
gone- on biz. - .■.'•• '

Charles Fury, veteran Broadway
musical director,, is now musical di-
rector of "Oklahoma!'' in New Guinea
ior the USO.
. Abe" Lastfogel, head of the William
Morris Agency and USO-Camp
Shows, due here after few days' stop-
over in Chicago. . v

Carlton Miles, back from "Search-
ing Wind" -tour, to piessageiit Sam
Grisman's operetta season at Mosque,
Newark, starting May 21. '-.

Leo' G. Carroll won award of
Comoedia Matinee Club, judged best
performance of season in 'The Lata
Geovge Apley" (Lyceum).
. Carl Hollenstein, traveling auditor
for Warner Bros.,, leaves "this week
for the company's Continental Euro-
pean headquarters in Paris.

DanCon Walker, had this in his col-
umn. "The Hollywood-Broadway link
with the White House has . been
broken and won't ; be resumed."
Whatever that means.

Bose (Mrs. Jack). Bobbins to the
Roney-Plaza. Miami. Beach, for a
couple of months' rest, especially to
recup from a ilieumatic condition in
her shoulder.

Harry Clinc,. back with "Life With
■ Father" on tour and operated oh in
San Francisco early last month, re-:
joining show in Chicago. • Bradford
Mills subbed.

- J. Checver Cowdln. chairman of
the. board of Universal Pictures, re-
cuperating from an operation al
Roosevelt hospital and reported in'
excellent condition.

Hildegarde. opening at the Persian
Robin; of the Plaza,' tomorrow (3),
will . dispense with the Tuesday
shows because. of ner Raleigh brond-

: cast and will do. a Sunday perform-,
ance instead. '

: Helmut Dantine aVrivcs today
(Wed.) from lhe WB studio to maKe
personal appearances at the Strand
with his "Escape in the Desert,"
starting May 11. Andrea King, who
will appear in person with him, ar-
>r.r : - •Thw.wla.y,

Film industry execs tunchconed
Comm.* Ralph H. Smith, in charge of
the U. S. Navy film exchange, on
Friday (27). He handles distribu-
tion of pictures to the -licet. Occa-
sion wns his retirement from service
after 27 years of active duty.

Elaine Perry, youngest daughter
w Antoinette Perry, to marry Army
capt; Herbert Barlow Strauahari, of
Bropkllne, Mass. They met in Italy,
while she was witli "The Barretts of
wimpolo Street." Miss Perry is cur-
rently stage manager of "Baireits,"
' wry more, -N. Y.

Connie Russell,, screen actress, di-
vorced Sara Sorge, studio juicer.

Ben Schulberg resigned as execu-
tive assistant to David O. Selznick.

Katharine Hepburn returned from
New York to resume film thespiiig.

H. D. Hover Contemplates opening
a branch of Giro's in San. Francisco.

Bert Granet returned from Broad-
way Where he ogled talent, and plays.
. Jean Mayon, 'nitcry '. entertainer,'
divorced George Mayon, film studio
artist.

Zacha'ry Scott returned to work
after several days out with hand in-
juries. •

Lionel Barrymore celebrated his
87th birthday and his 52nd year as
an actor.

Oil Lamb booked for three weeks
at the New York Paramount, start-
ing May 7.

Arthur Franklin, Paramount music
director,, released after "10 days in
the hospital.

Edna Torrance, dancer, suing Bob
Chester, band leader; for separate
maintenance.

' Roy Rogers drew a Treasury De-
partment citation for his War Bond
salesmanship.

■ Lieut. Robert Taplinger. former
flack, paused in town en route to the
South Pacific.

: Edward Raf lery in from New Ybrk
for huddles with George Bagnall at
United Artists.

Thomas Job. author, in circulation
again after . Ave . weeks in a Santa
Monica hospital.

Lpn McCallister in town on fur-
lough for . the -first time since he en-
tered, the Army.

Andrea King to Chicago with her
husband, Lieut. Nathaniel Willis,, of
the Coast' Guard.

Geraldinc Fitzgerald mulling an
offer from J. "Arthur Rank to make
a picture in England.

Leonard Goldstein opened offices
in General Service studio -as Mike.
Todd's representative.

Col. Tom Lewis and his wife,
Loretta Young, moved into their new
home in Holm by Hills.-

Clifford Sanforth, Columbia pro-,
ducer, celebrated his 25lh anniver-
sary in motion pictures.

Samuel M. Boeder in from San
Francisco to huddle with Richard
Powers on ASCAP business.

J. C. (Buddy) Ran. former Univer-
sal flack, upped to captain after 68
bombing missions over Europe.

Ted Wick shifted from SeU.nick-
Saphier agency to supervise national
radio. advertising for Vanguard films.
. Tom Brceh, Marine veteran and
son of Joseph I. -Breen. is technical
adviser on "No Leave, No Love," at
Metro.

John Charles Thomas: Florence
George, and Everett Crosby to Salt
Lake City to entertain at military,
hospitals.

W infield Slieehnn. after major sur-
gery, returns to 20tli-Fox this week
lo supervise dual editing on "Cap-
tain Eddie.' 1

Jimmy Dunne .finally, found a
fuiii^heri apartment and sent for his
bride; who has been in the aast since
their, "marriage. ■

George (Gabby) Hayes opens a
cross-country tour this week in San
Diego, winding up at the Paramount
theatre. New York, in June.

Hugh Herbert off for Broadway to
take one of the male leads in "Oh,
Brother." recently bought by Para-
mount for June stage production as
rf-prcJHninar; - Jj^JivLo-_si:iwr i »«L.

Coryn's "Oh, Josephine" into 're-
hearsal, co-starring Margot Graham,
Margarctta Scott, - Michael Oldham.

Columbia Pictures lias acquired
"Acacia Avenue" film made by Syd-
ney Box Film Productions, which
stars Gordou Harker and marks re-
turn to English films of Betty Bal-
four, -

George Black's Prince of Wales
show, "Strike It Again," will fold in
July, as Sid Field, the star, is due
to appear in Two-Cities Films, filmu-
sieal, which will be ' directed by
'Wesley Buggies.

Rene Duvivier, film producer, due
here from France May 13, to begin
casting "Lottie Dundass," which he
is to produce for Metro, under direc-
tion of . Alexander Korda, with
Vivien Leigh likely to star.

Disney's ''Gay Cabellero" will
have two tradeshows. One for film
trade, prior, to its opening at New.
Gallery. May .13. and one by. David
Toff, London head - of . Southern
Music Co. for band" leaders and,
pi-lists and British '. Broadcasting
Corps's producers and recording
companies to hear the music which
SMC is publishing.

HoDywood

^Un Ladd paged by his draft
outness Sapp * r 10 Mexico City on

infection Cmi * la,d UD wi ' h ° )10at

M Acquanctta returned from her
Mexican vacation.

npro ar ^ R . ios checked out of War-

£n m J° ,hc Al ">y.
wtril . g 5," neld ov * 1 ' 'or -two more

at . 5. la P s y Maxle's.
20tv ? m .'i^ 1 G - 0 » dw yn» celebrated their

diS, 1 P°J 1, A V « 11 - Metrb flack, !n-

cum?.^ P^y '" Palm. Springs re-

j.mi t "Vf Ilom Pneumonia. .
serein , v ' ncen t retired from the

rvf? 1° await motherhood.
Phv.in.1 T me ^ e wiU lake » is -Army

nfe' t" *f cw Y( "-k, May 10.
'*Mk)nai ^ a? f y , cha »Sin« his pro-

M£?if H'-me to Jason Lindscy.
as cLt^w }■ ,u h"«tonc chcalted in
• Thn T e (hl,ic tor «t Monogram,
wen* h„ Mexican screen star,
weni home' after M days Jn Holl y ;

Londoo

Godfrey Tearle recuperating from
pneumonia.

GeorHie Wood fully recovered
from illness.

Bernard Delfbnt has bought the
Hippodrome. Margate, for $200,000.

Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Durante
expected here for USO-Camp Shows
in June. , .

- Hermione Gingold has finished
autobiography to be called "World
is Square."

Billy Mason, who quit Lawrence
Wright Music Co., has gone over to
NoitIs Music Co.

Barbara Mullen. Envlish fllin star,
is writing a play in which she in-
tends to star herself.

Leslie Hcnson looking for theatre
to transfer hi.< reVue. "Gaieties,"
from the Winter Garden.
. Baker, Dove ami Allen booked for
America ( Harold Baker wrs origin';
allv with the Hollywood Four).

British Lion '-bought film rights of
Edward Percy's "The Shop at -Sly
Corner." current thriller at St.
Martins.

Phyllis D2re returning to the stage
in "June Mad" by Colin Clements
and Florence Ryerson, skedded for
early production.

Lieut. Col. Eric Maschwitz think-
ing of reviving his "Balalaika,"
which w?s .-.done, in London some
eight-years ago.

.1. Arthur Ri-nk negotiating with
Daphne clu Maiirier for film rights of
"Tho : Years between."- currently at
Wyndham's theatre.

Lyn Harding, who has just cele-
brated his golden wedding, retiring
-from the slage. He .is 79 • and has
.been . acting for 5S -.vear.».>

"Linnil & Dunfco |iuttiri!i Mareerv

By Hal Cafcen

. JOhii Massori, honorably dis-
charged. Navy petty officer, is new
addition to WJAS announcing staff.

Whitcy : Scharbo. trumpet man
with Mark Lane at Villa Madrid,
had io ln.ve eight stitches in bis
hacked left hand.

Florence Blaine, hostess at Holly-
wood Show Bar, was a "Muss ' PittSr
burgh" runner-up few summers ago:.

Ken Hoeis celebrated their 19th
w«lding anni. last -week.'

LeRoy Bradley; fave boogie-woogie
pianist, now at Don MeU' Melody
Lounge. :

Bruce Carlton has added >a gal
vocalist to- his band at Penn-McKee
hotel, Eadie Joyce.

Molly Van Ainerigan, who recently
married Will Durant's son. acting in
"Watch Oh Rhine " for Philly Plays
and RJayers group.

Joe Tucker has landed a -, n
morning commercial on WWSW and
Si Mann another a.m. bankrolled
show oil WJAS,

Lt. Chuck Steinhauser, son 'or
Press radio editor, in Philippines
hospital with slight wounds.

Phyllis - Andrachick local winner
in Col Pix-Harris theatre talent
rearch in connection with "Song to
Remember."

By Les Sees

Lily Pons concert packed Uni
versity Auditorium with: many
turned away.

Mitiza Korjus here for concert al
Auditorium May 9.

Clifford Mantle, transferred from
St Louis, hew booker at Columbia,
replacing Paul Weiss, promoted to
sales staff.

Steve -'Hannihan in from Milwau-
kee JO assume post of 20th -Fox office
manager, replacing Irving Mills who
enters armed services. . '

Marjorie Garretson held over at
Hotel RadUsoh - Flame Room.

Ada Lynne and Renoud & Ardcn
into Andy's nitery with Joe Griffin,
Robin Adair and Stella's band.

Girl Winners in a Star Journal
contest to plug "Salty O'Rourke"
get to interview Alan Ladd in. Holly-
wood over long distance telephone.

fcxccTsloT" TrmtEiTiTCTrl— r wfc -h«
Bud Straw n orch.

WILFRED CLARKE ,

Wilfred Clarke, 77, veteran actor
who was a nephew of Edwin Booth, '
and . a brother of the late Creslon
Clarke, died in New York April 27.

Born in Philadelphia., he later
made stage- debut in support of his
father, John Sleeper Clarke, at the
Strand. Theatre, . London. For two |
seasons he toured with the noted
tragedian, Barry Sullivan. Return-
ing to America he acted with his
brother, Creston Clarke, in Shiikes- J
pcarean repertoire. As far back : as j
1889. he was a prominent member of
the Booth and Barrett company act-
ing In New- York and on tour. A
little later, he played in stock com-
panies in St. Paul and Minneapolis,
and under the management of John
T. Ford in, Baltimore. This led to a •!
starring tour in legitimate comedies, i
He appeared in support of Julia ;
Marlowe early in her career before i
joining the Girard Avenue Theatre i
stock in Philadelphia. • ' i

Returning to London, Clarke j
leased the Strand Theatre and made,
several revivals of favorite comedies \
before returning to America to join
the . company of Augusliiv Daly in
New York where he played in sup-
port of Ada Rehan, and also in the
original production of "San Toy" at
Daly's. ■-'

For a period of 10 years he was
a . vaudeville headlincr over the
Keith-Orpheum Circuits. He was at
one time part owner of the Walnut
Street theatre, Philadelphia which'
had been the property of his father:

MARRIAGES

: Virginia (Dixie) Dean to Lieut;
Charles A. Dwycr, Los Angeles,
April 28. Bride is Metro actress.
Groom was recently released from
Jap prison in Manila after three,
years..

BIRTHS

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Clarke, daugh-
ter, Seattle, April 22; Father is li af-
flc manager of the Pacific Broad-
casting Co.

Mr. and Mrs. Les Clark, daughter,
Hollywood. April 24. Father is ani-
mator for Walt Disney.

Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm MacPher-
son, son, Cincinnati. April 26. Father
is promotion director of WFIL, Phil-
adelphia.

Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Ackerman,
daughter, Detroit. April 14. Father
is maiiager and part owner of East
Side theatre in that ctty.

Mr. and Mis. Lewis- Harmon,
daughter/New York. April 25. Father
is legit press-agent; ' mother, is former
Charlotte Buchwald, playwright.

Mr. and- Mrs." Morris Scbrcier. son.
New York, April 27. Father is ally,
'for Music Corp. of America^ .

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Harris,
daughter, Los Angles', April- 28.
Father is radio writer.
. Mr. and Mrs. Hnrol'd -.■Bernstein,
son, Lbs Anprles, April 25. Father
is' -owner of Plaza theatre, Norwood.
Ohio

GE4MGE SIDNEY

George Sidney, 68. best known for
his comedy antics -in the Cohen 4
Kelly series of pictures, died in
Hollywood after a long illness. He
Martpd his-stage work in music holls
and vaudeville skits, making his first
appearance on "amateur nights" at
Miner's Bowery theatre, N. Y. He
made his first professional appear-
ance at the Harlem Museum, teamed
with Lou Heyman, originally being
billed as "Hennessy ft Gibbons,", but
tills was soon dropped.

After , playing in museums and
burlesque houses in N. Y. for some
time with Heyman, Sidney appeared
at 12 with Harry Von -Tilzer and
Ward Voorhies in an act of the
Weber-Fields type. He made, his ini-
tial appearance in the play. "His
Nibs the Baron," with Von Tilzer.
While with Ward and Vokes. Sidney
developed the character of "Busy
Izzy," and ..for. 14V years played in
four different "Busy Izzy" produc-
tions. ■ : ", .'.''.■...

Sidney went to Hollywood in. 1925.
his picture work being highlighted
by the Cohen ft Kelly series with
Charles Murray. He also was in the
"Potash ft Perlmutter" series. His.
last film was "Diamond Jim" for
Universal in 1935.

• Survived by his brother. Louis. K.
Sidney, an executive at Metro; Jack
Sidney: of N. Y.; three sisters, and a
nephew, George Sidney, Metro
director. His wife, Carey Weber,
died Ave years ago.

ALEXIS SOUSLOFF

Alexis Souslpff, 54, ballet and acro-
batic dancer, died April 24 in N. Y.
Born in Moscow, he toured'. Europe
y '.'th his sister as a dancing team be-
fore coming to the U. S. in 1913. The
brolhcr-s:stcr team appearccf in stage
productions with Hsrry Laurlcr, the'
Into Erldic Foy arid Al Jolson.

Sousloff was a bit player in "Ar-
senic and Old Lace,'' most recently.
Previous to that' he was one of lhe
12 civilian members of the cast to
lour with "This Is the Army." .

Survived by iiis widow and sister,

JULIUS GOODMAN

Jul iiis Goodman, C2, .veteran Chi-
cago exhibitor and .charier- member
ot Chicago Tent of Variety Club,,
died in that city, April 24, -Senior
■partner'' in Goodman and . Harrison^
owners of Marshall Square, Illingtbi.1,
Douglas and West Theatres, Chicago,
Go.ociman started in the* business in
1309, then, operating the Marshllcld
Theatre, one of the' first film houses
there. .".;.'

Survived by widow and son.

mai.colm McGregor

Malcolm McGregor,- 53, silent
■screen actor, died April 29 in Holly-
wood from burps apparently re-
ceived when he fell asleep in bed.
while smoking. :

Born • in Newark, N. J.. he ap-
peared in "Prisoner of Zenda,'.'
"Smouldering Fii-es," "Girl on the
Barge," "Freedom of the Press,"
•Murder Will Out" and "Buck Pri-
vates" among others.

SGT. /OSEFH F. HEALY .

Sgt, Joseph F. Healy, 62, head Of
Chicago's police film , censor board!
died in that city sifter a -heart attack
on April 27. As head o£ CJ|icago's
Crime Prevention Bureau it brought
picture censorship under his super-
vision. Sgt Luteral White is tem-
Dorary head of censoring no w. .

Healy is survived by two daughters. .

■ BALFH H. BICHAKDS

Ralph H. Richards, 28, member of
Universal's production, staff before
entering military service, was killed
in action overseas, according to of-
ficial word ' received by his father,
Al Richards, supervisor of construc-
tion at the Universal studio,' which
now registers eight gold stars.

JAKES RIEFFENACH

' James Rieffenach, 39,; circus per-
former, died at Peoria, III, April- 27.
A member of Rieffenach Troupe,
bareback riders, he suffered a heart
attack Ave ' minutzS before . a per-
formance of the Cole Bros.' circus.

Surviving are his mother, . father
and two sisters.

LAVINIA SHANNON

La vi nia Shannon, 69, vaude and
legit actress, died in New York,
April 23. Born in New Orleans, she
started out in stock companies later
going into musical comedy and then
dramatic shows. She was with Lulu
Glascr in the musical show, "Lolo
From Berlin." Miss Shannon also ap-
peared in the Charles Frohman pro-
ductions of "Men and Women" and
"The Lost Paradise," and under
Brock Pemberton's management In
"Loose Ankles." She appeared with
Frances Starr in vaude.

Austina Mason, a sister, was for-
merly an agent and is on Equity's
clerical staff. Burial was at Kensico
by the Actors Fund
. She was the. widow of Giles Shine,
actor, who died' in 1912.

CHARLES A. DENT

Charles A. Dent, star of the Army
show, "Hey Rookie," died April" 22
at Palm Springs. Dent traveled more
than 125,000 miles ■ with the show,
covering European and Pacific sec-
-<«=s^.a.nd-, sUay.fri-JS. .tjcrionnances
under fire.

joseph ■> woods :

Joe Woods, 44, ■ who with his
brother, . Pat, were familiar flgures
around the Keith vaudeville book-
ing offices, both the family and big-'
! lime departments, died altera heart
j attack lo'New York April 24. After
the Keith and Orpheum booking de-
partments merged, he. formed a
: vaude agency vvlth the late Dave
Gordon, brother of Max.

Survived' by his widow. Mae
Woods, a former dancer profession-
ally known! as .Harriet Tow.nc. who
was secretai7 to the late . E. F.
Albec; a sister, Nellie Woody, who
was .tclcphohist In the Keith -ej,--.
change; Pat Wbod.s,-and a son (Joey),
who is in the Navy

SIRS. LOIS BERNARD

Mrs. Lois Bernard, 47, former; ac-
tress and wife of Joseph Bernard,
screen player,- died April 2S after
leaping from a hospital window In
Los Angeles.

Frederick Craadell, 55, former cir-
cus bareback rider for 30 years, ap-
pearing with Rlngling Bros.>Barnum
t Bailey, Hagenbaclc-Wallacc and
Tom Mix. circuses, died April 25 in
Toledo, O. His widoWj four brothers
and a sister survive.

Ralph W. Ttayer, 01, pioneer ex-
hibitor, died April 24 In '^ong Beach,
Cal., after a heart attack. At ' the
time of his doath, he was manager of
tl.: Braytpn, Lon^ Beach.

WlUlam Rowland (Bill) Lebarfon,

former veteran film salesman in
Pittsburgh, died there last week. Had
been -employed by Universal, in Pitt
for about 25 .years.

. Hubert Datk, 62, British composer,
died in London, April 24. He wrote •
the music fer"Blackma|l;" first Brit? ■
ish talking picture. ' '

Mrs. Spyraula. B«wicr, 73, mother •
of George Bowser, general manager'
Fox West' Coast Theatres, died April
20 in Long Beach, Cel.. . ,

Sidney A Icier, 52, screen zctor and.,
assistant -director, died April 24 at
S.'.wtclle. Cal:, after a hrait att-ck.

*V '_ * P^ARiEfT Weduraday, May 2, 1 945

» 9

Personal Representative: * MARK NAMlA * 654 Madison Avenue, N V

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VOI* 158 No. 9

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Knlcred-o.1 neciiml'tlabu niul.lcr December r.:, .IIIUS, hi llift T'nyt Office m .\>>t York, -X. V Kiel- tlt« kci of M:*u-)i 1 KV9.

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PRICE 25 CENTS

U S. TALENT SET TO CROSS POND

. — : : . - • — • — : . | ■ : ♦ — - — • : : .- — • — . :

Hollywood Wants More Say-So AG[|i|JS ACTIVE {Broadway in Anti-Climactic Welcome

In B way Staging of Its Shows

Hollywood may have been tardy*
in recognizing Broadway as a valu- '
able source of- material, though lor
years now major film companies
have had legit departments in New
York. However, a -new trend is in-
dicated concerning those . depart-
ments. InstcM of the legit execs
making all the suggestions about
production, the studios seem to be
increasingly inclined to "requisition"
. the production of plays and musi-
cals. This season at leust five such
requests came from the Coast end.
• In most such instances picture
Tights were bought prior to produc-
tion, the studios feeling Mint singe
'presentation would increase the
vilue ot the ultimate film. Metro's
studio asked lor production of three
-of! the shows, they being "On the

; .(Continued on page 42)

Mascagni Due in U.S. For
Filming of His Operas

Milan, May 8.
Pielro Mascagni. aged composer ot
the opera "Cavalleria Rusticana," is
reported in good health here, and
preparing to go to America, to con-
sult on filming of various of his
operas.

OiKaiiizalion to film about 12
Operas, starling wilh '•Cavalleria,'.' is
being sol in New York.

London Is Discovering
-A Song Racket That's
Old Story Over Here

London. April 19.
•■■.As- if the music biz hasn't enough
■ rackets, a new one has just arrived
..here. This is the sudden develop-
ment ot would-be songwriters among
prominent broadcaster.':.

.Using a nom-de-.plume, these fel-
lows arc using high-pressure mcth-
_ ods in_ forcing publishers to accept
their'ITmatcur efforts tor publication
.vwhich. they add. they will help to
■/ptit over by their broadcasting fa-
• -cHitics.

■'.'.'-.Whereas the established song-
xvrilcrs ask a nominal lee, these
merchants arp demanding ridiculous
aUvances lor songs that arc useless.
Quite a few of the culprits arc im-

. portanl people on the staff ot the

- BVitislv Broadcasting Corp.

LAURETTE TAYLOR IS
UPPED FOR "MENAGERIE'

Laurotte Taylor has been given
■ w>. increased- salary and percentage
contract lor her co-starring appear-
. "me with Eddie Dowllng in 'The
Glass Menagerie," Playhouse, N. Y.
« >s (he second such recent pay
utK>st on Broadway. Frank Fav.
starring in • "Harvey" at the 48tb
Street, on tl:e same block as "Men-
agerie," was recently upped by
Brock Pcmbcrlon.

Miss Taylor was getting 5<- ot the
*i.oss as against a guarantee of $750
weekly but is. now to receive 7%'%
of the gross as uguinst $850 guar-
antee.' New agreement arranged by
her attorney. Saul Baron, will mean
♦•ground $1,350 for Miss Taylor at l he
r present capacity pace, " " '

Powjing's contract culls 'for the
...same percent^Rc and salary orig-
in inn lly scl forth-, in the Taylor con-
, , Jfacl, and it's understood his agrce-
J'l*' stands as is, but the actor-
.-aianagci- pwns 20 r :, ot "Menagerie."
co-producer with Louis J. : Siiifc'cr.

Overseas USO-CS Units
Upped 120%; Tabloids
Get Junked as Result

A 12(1'; increase in units for the
Pacific and all othe:- areas outside
of Europe has been requested of
USO-C'amp Shows by the Army for
this and next month. The new
sleppecl-up requirements have caused'
a revamping (if several Camp Shows
departments and the discontinuance
ot the entire domestic Blue or tab-
loid circuit.

There arc 201 tinils overseas now.
138 in Europe and Ti elsewhere. The
recently announced post V-E Day
program will add about 50 or 60
units in Europe. But outside of Eu-
rope the Army is asking for 88 ad-
dilioii.ii units to its 7?,. IhcrHB to
comprise six legits, three musicals,
nine concei t unils. 'live Negro vaudc
units, and (in variety and hospital
variety units of various sizes.

Camp Shows 'officials, already
fuced with a problem to find the
necessary talent to [ill requirements
for their European programs, now
find a bigger one on their hands with
the new Paclfic-and-clscwherc requi-
sitions. They've, therefore, decided
to discontinue their domestic "tab"
circuit on Alay 12. Of the units op-
erating, on that 'circuit, 10 have vol-
unteered en masse to go overseas,
as have nn additional 29 actors from
remaining unit.'-, plus three other
acts that will go if personal prob-
iContinucd on page. 41 >

No Boost in Spirits

Stocks Seen for '45

The nation's 225.000 -on -sale drink-
ing places— including more 'than
75.000 nilorics and cafes— won't have
much hope to; increase their liquor
slocks lor remainder ot 1945, ac-
cording to interpretations of latest
War Production Board rulings.

V-E D::v sl'iialixes a bir; divcrsior-
of alcohol manufacture from war
purnososrAfoul the WPB won't . alloy.'
the Honor- iiKuslry to got any of it.
The -(liveried alcohol will be Coins
mostly into a substance used in the
inai.'Ui. eturc of rubber tires lor the
resumption of civilian automobile
nianafac'iiie.

PRONTO POSHE ! WV-liDay; Real Whoopee on Monday

With passing of V-E Day. talent
agencies are already looking for-
ward to resumption of continental
Europe bookings. Plans are already
being made by the William Morrv
agency to have Dick Henry fly over
as soon as passage can be arranged.
Other 'offices have been in corre-
spondence with . European- bookers
and the licit! is practically set for |
the invasion by American talent. '

Other important development is
the pending arrival of Val Parnell,
head of General Theatres Corp.,
Britain's largest theatre chain and
heaviest importer of acts in the pre-
war period.

Only hitch in resumption of Euro-
pean bookings is scarcity of tiaus-
(Continued on page 20)

Now That He's Dead, U
Reissuing Pic on Hitler

Universal is , dusting. olT /The
Strange- *Death ot Aclolph Hitler."
filmed two years ago with Ludwig
Donath playing a double -role as
Hitler and stooge. . ^

Studio will send out all the 'prints
it can find, to take advantage of the
current war situation.

Russe Feature
Pic on Frisco

San Francisco. May 8.

Russian government late last week |
hit (in the plan to make a feature ]
picture of the United Nations Con-
ference on International Organiza-
tion and San Francisco, the plate
\vherc it is occurring,

Andrew Gregory Balgiannsky.
head of the Russian film and photo-
graphic delegation, has turned loose
his four cameramen to get shots of
delegates. sessions, commission,
steering committee meetings— and
local centers of interest, around
which a skein of a story is being
threaded.

After several conferences with the
lCoi.itin.ucd on page 41)

SHIRLEY TEMPLE PIC
'TOO HOT' FOR CHI COPS

Chicago. May 8.
Sooner oi later, probably, il had
(o happen. But it's gonna be - an
awful blow to her fans tn henr that
the Chi police censor board consid-
ers Shirley Temple hot .stuff.' 'That's
the sad truth of the matter^ 'How-
ever, because {they've -pinked Colum-
bia's "Kiss and Tell." in which she's
starred is the -teen-age gal who lets
her folks think, she's going to : have
;\ baby without benefit of clergy,
;.n ••Adults Only'' lag was pinned on
the pic last week prior lo a screen-
ing at the Columbia exchange here,
with board insisting it isn't (it for
children under 10 as it stands now
and thai it'll have to be sapoljocd
plenty before it can play in Chicago*
following general release next Sep-
tember.

: This is 'considered here as some-
! thing of a r.ipley for the lG-year-
: n ! d kid. ivlvi became the biggest
I n-ouey-ni.'.king child star ol all time
I in lfi:!l with "Stand Up and Cheer."

How to Punish the Nazis:
Force 'Em to Sit Through
'Stude Prince' 100 Times

By JOE LAURIE. 4R.

I have been reading a lot of sug-
gestions on what to do wilh our Ger-
man and Jap prisoners, and think
show business, in general, can — in
the words of Gilbert and Sullivan--
"makc the punishment (il the crime."

Radio can help by doing some of
the following:

Make the prisoners sit through a
■ Continued on page 20)

Sen. Bilbo Takes Crack
At Burlesque on V-E Day

Washington, May 8.
Monday <7i may have been prac-
tically V-E Day. but Senator Theo-
dore G. "The Man" Bilbo" <D„ Miss.)
had more important things on his
mind.

He disclosed that he is now out lo
end "one of the greatest evils of
our capital, city'" namely the Gay-
ety theatre, town's lone burlesque
house. He made this clear at a pub-
lic heaiing of the Senate district
committee. "II must be closed," Bil-
bo said. "It is driving our boys to
evil. Even the Senate- page boys are
frequenting that place."

By NAT KAIIN

Broadway today was coming out
of its shell and stood ready lo re-
sume its place as the mecca of world
entertainment. For two days the
street had .practically lost its iden-
tity. Boarded windows, paper-
strewn streets, thousands of careen-
ing celebrants — these followed
closely oh the lieels ol the V-E Day
news that eai»ly Monday morning
helped flutter -, the' lids "of sleepy
Broadway and then held the world's
crossroad in. a vise-like grip loi- 48
hours. It was an unprecedented
event in the history of the Main
Stem.

■President Truman's official procla-
mation that yesterday was V-E Day ■
was strictly anti-climaclic: Monday
(Continued on page 10 1

Chinese 'Vodka' Mainstay
Of Chungking Nightlife,
Sez Returned Blue Corr.

By FBKDKKH'K H, OI'J'KH

(Blue Networli War Correspondent)
A Chinese government ruling pro-
hibits dancing unless a foreigner is
present at the party and as a ''esuli
Americans and other foreigners in
Chungking, China's battered war-
time capital, find themselves in de-
mand as chaperon-guests for inod-
ern-minded Chinese who like lo jit-
terbug. This is a fortunate stale ot
n fruit's for otherwise the American
in Chungking would Ond . himslf
hard put lo pass many of his eve-
nings, nightclubs being non-cxist-v
cnt.

Even so, parlies arc a difficult
thing to arrange 13,000 in iles from
the United States where ancient
phonographs and even more ancient
records provide the music and (raiis-
por'.atioli throughout the sprawling
(Continued ol) page 42)

i oh tijli;* ISIO\

MISCELLANY

KIETY

Wedacsday, May 9, 1915

Hollywood StrOte Releases Stars
For More Vaudeville Bookings

Talent agencies are hopeful that

the film strike how in progress will
result in an increase ot personal ap-
pearances by picture people. Since
new production has been tied up be-
cause of the work-stoppage., agencies
' are now redoubling their efforts to
bring the names in tor 'vaiide tours.

Response, so far. is encouraging.
Peggy Ryan and Bob Burns arc the
latest interested in hitting the cir-
cuits. Already signed, are Roddy
McDowall. set for the Boxy," N. Y;,
and Andrea King and Helmut Dan-
tine, lined up for Hie Strand. Dan-
tine is set to tour other Warner Bros.'
houses as well. ,-

In some instances, the drawback is
still salary. William Morris Agency,
Which has submitted Burns at $10,-
000 weekly, has received no re-
sponse, and consequently Burns may
be forced to abandon the. idea un-
less the price is lowered.

Offices have had considerably
more success in selling Peggy Ryan,
who comes at $3,500. There's lots of
interest there, but delay in closing
the deals stems from the fact that
the agency hasn't .received word as,
to available date.

Irene Manning is also lined up for
vaude, having been, signed for the
Goiden Gate, San Francisco, at Jfl,-
750 net. Other -dates are pending.

V-E NEWSREELS READY
FOR EXHIBITION TODAY

All Ave newsreels will get the VrE
Day story to '. exhibitors today
(Wed.), most of prints going out last
night. Fact that planes were
grounded yesterday (Tues.) will
prevent expediting the reels to dis-
tant cities.. Majority of the news-
reels not only covered the celebra-
tion of 500,000 in Times Square, but
also Monday and V-E Day closeups
of celebrants in many key cities. Be-
sides this, nearly all reels tied, in
the Nazi foldo with highlights of the
long European warfare, up to the
"early smashing successes- in Ger-
many by both. U. S.-Brilish and Rus-
sian troops.

Most of the reels featured Presi-
dent Truman's V-E Day speech to
tee off their European victory spe-
cials .

_ Special V-E Films

The nation's 16,000 film houses be-
gan exhibtirig short subjects and
newsreel footage which had been
prepared precisely for showing fol-
lowing V-E Day announcements. The
five newsreels; all 700,feet'in length,
feature a review of . the highlights
of the European conflict, reactions
of the public fo the approach of the
end of that phase of the war,- and
last-minute developments.

In addition to two. OWI-WAC-U. S.
^ Army trailers titled, "For Us the
B Living" and "Don't Make Him Wait,"
Hf major dislribs have produced, shorts
W which are being exhibited at thea-
tres. Columbia has a ."Community
Sing" V-E Day special; Paramount
has a V-E cartoon while Warner
theatres arc using a 200-foot trailer,
slating "the real ..war is yet to be
won." and ending with the National
Anthem. .

Skouras, Fox-West Coast, RKO
and other circuits- are ■ showing the
OWI-WAC-Army .trailers, and in the
majority of houses throughout the
nation managers arc leading their
audiences in silent prayer.' followed
by the singing .of the National An
them. They are also, reminding their
patrons that the Jap war is yet to
be won, and at impromptu bond
rallies, stress the need for continued
purchase of war bonds. .

Broadway Stage Shows
Add Patriotic Touches

Most Broadway vaudDlmers took
time out .to inject a religious and/or
patriotic note into their show's start-
in;,' Monday (7) as their tribute to
V-E Day; The extra numbers ranged
all the way from the playing of the
"Star Spangled Banner" to the Music
Hall's elaborate overture and spec-
tacle. -

The Rockefeller institution substi-
tuted an . overture consisting of ' a
medley of patriotic and service songs
'and at "the end of the show put on
I a. finale tableau with the entire com-
pany singing a hymn, "Old Hun-
dred," in which the audience joins.

One minute of 'silence became part
of the proceedings at the Paramount
along -with'- a musical salute to the
armed, forces, while the Strand orch
gave out with the national anthem
as did the Roxy,. Latter house usu-
ally runs a reel of the national
anthem at every show.

.The Loew theatres, 'Slate and
Capitol, inserted a reel announcing
V-E Day which included a prayer
for victory.

l'51st WEEK !

KEN MURRAY'S

"BLACKOUTS OF 1945"
El Capltan Theatre, Hollywood, Cal.

"It looks as though 'MackoutH' will
bo on forever— and thttt'i ..great for
everyone." --,.-'
JACK OAKIE

tttffttttt tttttt' ftttttttff ttttttt t I II I ) M ,

SCULLY'S SCRAPBOOK

Gahagan Stands Of f
Newsmen in Frisco;
Backs H'wood Views

San Francisco, May 8.
Heckling is old stuff by now to Con-
grcsswoman Helen Gahagan Douglas,
so. when Frisco newsmen and women
baited her at a. press, conference
yesterday «7), she shook it off
without even tilting her composure.

N.'Y. Post columnist Earl Wilson
was among those of the 100 in at-
tendance-who wanted to know why
she was here and, further, why she
had called a press conference. She
answered the first by saying she
wanted to be close to the United Na-
tions conference so as to be illum-
inated, and the calling together , of
the newspaper clan was in response
to many requests. She was making
a case against Fascism when a sobbie
interrupted to ask if communism and
fascism weren't one and the same.
She said she didn't think so,' sensing
an embroilment in political con-
troversy.

Her scathing attack on fascism
was again halted when one of the
male hecklers charged her congres-
sional district which embraces Hol-
lywood, of being saturated with fas-
cism. Here . she became Helen
Gahagan the actress and dramatized
her reply.

"I would say there is more democ-
racy in Hollywood than most places
in the country, and the fact that
nearly everyone there expresses
himself is a healthy sign." Skillfully
sidestepping that bobby trap, she
walked into another one, the ques-
tion of her being here, which had
been answered twice before. She re-
iterated her "desire to get the full
picture here so she can be of help
to other women.

It was an uncomfortable press ses-
sion for the actrcss-turncd-polilico,
but she. came through it with
aplomb arid no loss of dignity.

Carole Lanfiis Divorcing
Maj. Thomas C. Wallace

San Antonio, May 8.
Major Thomas C. Wallace, pilot
adviser at the San. Antonio Aviation
Cadet Center, said here that his wife,
Carole Landis, would leave for Reno
for a divorce in the near future "if
motion picture, work does not hold
her up." -

According to Wallace .. all the
panel's have been signed and as soon
as Miss Landis can get to Reno they
„will be divorced. "I phoned her in
Chicago the other night and she is
leaving for the Coast soon.' 1 He
added that there were "no hard feel-
ings."

The duo were married in London
January, 1943 after a whirlwind ro-
mance! "• ; '-'

Tom Moore, Irish Poet,
§woonedlm 130 Years
Ago; Aitken-Donglas Pk

. Chicago, May 8.
Harry A.itken. producer of "Birth
of a- Nation." "Mickey" and other
great silent screen pictures, is now
at work here with W. A. S. Douglas,
editorial writer and columnist of the
Chicago Sun, on a stage musical
based on the life of Thomas Moore,
the -Irish poet, author of more than
300 melodies' including "The Min-
strel Boy," "Believe Me if All Those
Endearing ;Ypung Charms," "Oh,
Still Remember Me," etc.

Douglas, born in Ireland, is a
blood relative of Moore. He first
suggested the poet's life to ; Aitken
as screen material when . the latter
was head of the old Triangle Film
Corp.. just after the end of the first
World War when Douglas was a sce-
nario writer in Aden's' employ. Re-
turning from France last January,
where he had been war correspond-
ing since D-Day. Douglas ran into
Aitken in New York, told him he
had just visited Moore's birthplace
and reminded him of -the old story
lying in the trunk. Douglas had a
new angle based oh factual history
gathered in Ireland, to wit'' that
Moore, who composed his own
music, wrote his lyrics, played the
piano and sang his words, and thus
was the- first of the crooners. Two
historians have set down that Moore
knocked the gals out of their scats,
tumbled them to the floor moaning
and swooning, when he played and
sang for them 130 years ago. One
of these historical occasions was at
the famous Brussels Ball, the night
before the Battle of. Waterloo, where
Mopre played and sang for the dan-
cers at the invitation of the Duke
of Wellington. Leo Morrison is
agenting the pix- rights.

'FINEST RADIO ACTOR'
IS NEGRO, SEZ CORWW

Of the top five radio actors in the
country, two are Negroes, according
to Norman Corwin. .
. The writer - director : producer
makes that statement in a provoca-
tive article in the May issue of
Negro Digest. Piece is titled "A Mi-
crophone is Color Blind."

Urging Negroes to . become ever
more., aware of . the possibilities .' of
radio careers, not only on the acting
and singing sides but also in an-
nouncing, writing, directing, . pro;
ducing, Corwin asserts "there is less
prejudice in this field than in, any
other."

Corwin names only one of the two
Negro radio actors he has in mind,
but • he gives this man, Eric •Bur-
roughs, a plug as "the finest actor
in radio I know."

. In passing. Corwin also . takes a
slap at Eddie Anderson (Rochester),
suggesting' that Negro groups bring
pressure oh radio to get the Roches-
ter-type of Negro character oft the
air. ■'. "v.- , .

TODD AND BEN GOETZ
RY TO PARIS, LONDON

Mike Todd will be gone, a month
to three months on a rather secret
show biz mission for the Govern
mcnt. He goes to Paris, where:- he
will make his headquarters.

Trip has nothing to do with USO
Camp Shows, but is for the Army
in connection with soldier show pro-
grams.

Also taking off is Ben Goelz;
British .production head for ■ Metro,
going to London. .'''.'■

StockwellY Pix Bids

Harry Slock well, male -lead in
"Oklahoma," screentested by RKO
for title role in "Calico Kid," Eddie
Cantor production with Joan Davis
In the offing also is a two pix-a-year
deal for Stockwell on a non-exclu-
sive basis with RKO, since the bari
tone has an offer also for a one-shot
with 20th-Fox.

In any case, Stockwell will not re^
sign with the Theatre Guild for the
forthcoming season, preferring to go
to Hollywood, where his two young-
sters are making pictures and his
iyife is living. A few. years ago,
Metro: let him lie around for a year
and a half without giving him a*roIe.
Since "Oklahoma," he's hot. '

♦♦♦ By Frank Scully ♦♦^^ ■■

Bagdad-on-the-Booglc, May 6.

You read where Artie Shaw wrote a national anthem for the Arabs on
learning thev were- the only ones among the nations assembled, at the Gab
Fair with no song of Oifir own 7 Did you swallow the modest plug that
his Melody in F, a job composed by candlelight in a burnous, like a sheik
with a musette. waB a beautiful anthem, as good If not better "than the
Marseillaise? His swoonatic fringe didn't say it was as good as "Goct Sive
the King" because "King", derives from an old German drinking s6n S and
that's -a touchy subject even among Song-Lifters Local No. £ -with head-
quarters in the Allee de Fer-Blanc of the Casbah, Charles Boyer reporting"

The Saudi Arabian Anthem Innd everything, everything except Oscar
Hammcrstcin II who was too busy. Everything that is," except a poet to
write the lyrics. Shaw could give it the old clarinet m the absence of » n
Arabian musette, Andre Kostelanelz could give it the strings, Lt. Byron
Wilson's .all-service band could give it percussion: and the Golden Gate
theatre could give it the acoustics,: but without Omar, the Tcntmaker the
job lacked a lyricist

That's where Citizen Fix-it mounted Lcacock's .horse and rode off in
four directions in search of a - poet who had worked his way from the
Dead to the Red Sea in time to do a character part in the Lone Wangcr's
"Arabian Nights" in Hollywood. Exhausted, hours Inter, a '.-failure, I
crawled back only to see the very man stride into the robin .'. . the Nocm!
Behind him, gloating, walked Helen Calton, a former "Variety" muugcltej
j.g., Mmc. Scully, and a young nnn- Arabian complexioned acolyte, Lee
Hamilton. "Here lie is!" they cried in chorus, "We found him!"

It seems while hunting high and low for him, they, came on a crowd in
frottt of the Paramount The layoffs, were watching the bumpers of two
cars locked in feuding embrace. The drivers,- Charles Boyer and Danny
Kaye. faced each other. w.ith se& lips. Suddenly Kaye heard Boyer talking
without, opening his mouth. Then Boyer heard Kaye replying. Laughter
came from the crowd. . The stars looked' around, bewildered. Behind them
stood a swarthy looking 'gent with tortoise shell glasses. Well built, iarge
boned, with black curly hair, he looked anything but a blithe .spirit. He
was dressed in a brown ensemble that left- no doubt of the tailor's Holly-
wood origin.

The stars continued to listen to this mad medium's ; dialectics with in-
creasing phobia. They were , not saying a thing, yet their voices were
shooting back and forth like, a shuttlecock through the mouth of this
sidewalk .swami. Frightened finally to flight, both leaped 1 back into their
'.he translator of their thoughts stepped on the lower bumper, thus
separating the cars, and the 'drivers were off. The sidewalk swami smiled
as thousands cheered. It was the Neem!

. Double-Talk Authority
That's how they found him. He had come highly' recommended by .Jack'
Mulcahy, Crosby, Hope, the Runy.on. . Abel and the guy who launders
Lindy's tablecloths. "He is your .final authority on double-talk." they as-
sured me. "Your dictionary lor diplomats will be incomplete Without
him.". ;.':■■ .

He shook hands, took one sweeping view of Hollywood as seen from our
windows, declared it "incomparably, beautiful" and then passed out of the
English-speaking world. . I gathered it would be no help to translate even
his own double-talk because, he assured me, it,was out-of-date as soon iir
uttered.

"Jitterbugs? Don't call thein glebes jitterbugs. Don't call them glebes,
either. That's been out-of-date for at least Ave minutes. . Those things
are for spielers surrounded by routines. I have no spiels. For me all is
change in a changing world: But I can write lyrics for an Arab national
anthem, Shaw, Dorsey; Lombardo — I can write a song for. any of "em;
And if there's no piano I can scribble one on the tablecloth, and if there's
no tablecloth I'll play the wall. Let's go to work* on the arabesque."

Well, it went on like that for 180 minutes. None of. us who witnessed
the performance will ever be the same. I have seen great openings in my
life but the Neem closed them all.- Other performers have turned in one-
man shows that were out of this world. But could people "understand
them without understanding a word they said and only a fraction of the
pantomime? And would they sit through three hours of it?

As performances go this one could be piayed down and described as
the greatest in. the history of show business. It held all of us spellbound
for three hours I telr*you! r

"But what does he do. for heaven's sake?" you ask. In answer to that,
let me ask you another. "What good would it do to tell you what he
does, since at this moment he is doing something else?" He even told us
that double-talk is out-of-date.' He proved.it, too. He talked a multi-
lingual dialog plus pantomime that went by like an old-fashioned 'newsreel
shot of Barney Oldftcld. All. you saw was a blur.

"If he'd slow down to 200 miles an hour," explained-Helen-Catton later,
"maybe I would have caught on. But it doesn't matter what he says be-
cause he is such a terrific actor. He's a sort of jet-propelled genius."

Who is the Neem really? Well, Harry Nemo' isn't his name. Not that it
matters, but his real name was Henry Nuni. His uncle was a dick around
Harlem and he became an authority on the boogie-woogie world. He de-
veloped plausible nonsense until the professors took up his .explanations.
From Harlem to Broadway Was easy and mii>it publishers whose- .biuies.
wei - e chiefly in the night seem to have sensed- he had what their song-
sheets took. He became a ■ Dall oi Tin Pan Alley after service as the
Beachcomber of Coney Island and a borscht .m.c. in the Catskill.s.

Reporting even such a prosaic thing as ah interview with an executive
board of a radio station, he can give you a performance that really is a
howl in a mad sort of way. Straight bits of his can frighten. an inattentive
visiting celeb clear back to. Hollywood. You can see how, too. He tulks,
and demonstrates as he talks.

There are a whole set of records, of the Neem in the Dwight Fiske man-
ner -which -have never been released. Irving Mills says he's afraid people
wouldn't understand the double- talk. -
I put a radar specialist on the. Neem. The guy reported "N.N. W."
"Mad as Hamlet," said- the Link, trainer, "yet he knows a hawk from a
handsaw, when the wind blows southerly."
"But terrific?" I said. '_'■''
"Terrific," he agreed.

SAB0NG GOES CONCERT

If current plans work out, Dorothy
Laniour will be doing concerts in the
fall.

. The film songstress' tour being set
by the Lyons agency.

Hope Inks New Par Pact

Hollywood, May 8.

Bob Hope's one-man rebellion
against Paramount wound up with a
peace treaty in the form of a new
seven-year contract.

He's slated to go back to work in
August, when he returns from his
fourth overseas entertainment tour,
at . a ■ salary figure, reportedly, of
$600,000 per year.

MOREHOUSE TO LONDON

Ward Morehouse leaves today
(Wed.) for a six-weeks' overseas
stint to {cover British show biz.

The N. . Y. Sun drama' critic-
columnist will headquarter at the
Savoy, in London. His last time
abroad was in. 1942.

Exhib Keeps Free Films
Pledge on Hitler's Death

Detroit, May 8. .

Some folk9 got a long memory—
but it ain't bad.

Four years ago the Krini theatre
here carried briefly on its' .'marquee
the announcement that on the day of
Hitler's death, everyone would be
admitted free. ' "

But on the day . the . good news
broke last week, hundreds or people
with excellent memorijes filled, (he
theatre to capacity. They said they
had remembered Sol Krim's ofTci'.

It pleased- the manager;' He
looked over the crowd and saw that
they .were mostly adults. ' So what
djd he do. Last Saturday he . tossed
a free show for. all the kids in cele-
bration of Hitler's death. He wanted
to make it a dogble-hcadcr . holiday.

Wednesday* May 9, 1915

PICTURES

V-E DAY CUES FILM B. 0. UPBEAT

Balaban on Postwar Grosses

Barney Balaban, Paramount prexy. gave three reasons- for his belief
that the company would be able To 'successfully' weather any disloca-

- lion of business after the war in his report to stockholders last week.
Ho cited Par's strong financial position in admitting that it's expected
there will be some dislocation of business.
Balaban felt that three factors would work beneficially, The first.

' he said, is the large- available purchasing power Of the nation while
the second is. the return ot ...'millions of men and women from the serv-
ice to peaceful pursuits. He rated the third factor to be the: increasing
revenues from certain countries previously closed because of the war

.cuu'plcd wilh the fact that a large backlog, of U. £>.. lcaturcs have not
been exhibited in these, markets. Balaban. speaking of the tax situation,
wrote in his report: "neduelibn in. WaVlime tax rates on income, when
cllcclcd. will also lend lo cushion any such decrease -in revenues.' -

20

Seen in Yr.; Foreign Marts to Offset

Lcserman, Buchanan
In Coast Prod. Huddles

Carl Lescrman, United Artists gen-
eral -.sales' manager, accompanied by
Barry . Buchanan, UA advertising-
publicity head, left N. Y. last Thurs-
day (3) for Hollywood to .confer
with producers on forthcoming re-
leases.

Buchanan makes his first trip to
the company s'udios for confabs,
with '-individual' producers on adver
tisiug-exploitatibn campaigns.

War contract cutbaoks ' have 1
brought a decided downtrend in.
theatre attendance in some local- j
Hies, but the growing foreign do- I
liiaiid for Hollywood pictures is. |
tending to offset the r prospective
domestic revenue loss, according to
/reports' by several of the top busi-
ness research services to film ex-
ecutives. ,

A dr.op of 20 billion dollars, in
the national income is predicted, one
year after the proclamation of V-E
Day. with the nation on the brink
of reconversion to consumer goods
from wartime manufacture in
I'goodly quantities.". Several of the
reports ppi'ht out that the supposi-;
tions advanced are not set Tip as
'•predictions, but as the safest as-
sumptions" for business mariage-
, intents to" make.

Discussing probable national in-
come, a report by the Research
Institute or ' America declares that
il is now leo^billipri dollars ^ ;«Wing j e l|ationk p been resumed
tha . a to%; drop can be. expected %^ WClin Pa ,, >mount and j^w's cov-
W.tlun a year, which would bung ^ if Pal . protUlct to 62
the- national income down to a P\| Greater N. Y. Loew houses and ex-
prox.malcly 140 ■ billions On tins . ^ l||a| a „ eai . |y . deal will bc
basis the report. Nvhich . has been - d f01 , a lota) of , 23 piclurcs . .
distributed to the 30.000 members | 6 ■ had ^ RK0

Par, N. Y. Loew's
Peace Seen Soon

of- the R1A. states that "unemploy-
ment won't be severe" artcr V-E
Day. but adds that "pockets of uiV
employment are sure to develop in
localities engaged mainly in non-
iContinued on page 1B>

DIVIDE WB STORY DEPT.
DUTIES; KAY TO STUDIO

With shift of Ellwood W. Kay to
the Coast as Warner Bros, studio
story editor, the department will bc
realigned so that, writers' contracts
will fall more within the orbit of
Steve . Trilling, executive aide to
Jack L. Warner, as well as to War-
ner himself. . Thus Kay will be re-
lieved of business details and will
concern himself chiefly with story
properties and writers' relations. Jim
Celler heretofore handled both
phases until' he resigned a month
ago.

Kay was Jake Wilk's aide in New
York for years.

I in the hope of pushing certain
i product aside there, are denied by
'both RKO and Par. while meantime
I.RKO says it can get along all, right
J without Par.

Two years ago. when Neil . F.
i.Agnew was v.p, in charge of Par
I sales, he suggested that Par take a;
j licking because of .inability to gel
i along with Loew's and sell away
from the company but Tie was over-
. ruled on that suggestion:

Statisticians even figured out at
that time what it would cost Par to
lake such a drastic measure against
Loew's. and. from inside, it would
have amounted to upwards of $1.-
000.000. According' to accounts. Par
N. Y. exchange had billings last
week of only $37,000.

Jim Geller Back to'-Agcy.

. Hollywood. May 8:
James J. Geller, who resigned as
slory chief at Warners after three
years on the job, is back with the
William Morris agency where he bad
previously worked for 13 years.

In addition -to handling- the
agency's stories and plays. Geller
will be in charge of film produces,
'.directors and writers.

Truth Comes Out At
Last About Cowboys

. Hilly wood, May 8. ;
Film cowboys who ride the cellu-
loid range are not actors iinlessHhey
perform slunts or specialties, , under
a new ruling by the Screen Actors

Guild. :

Resull is that the Screen Players
Union, which has jurisdiction over
extras, will havc to negotiate a mini-
mum wage scale for the riders, who
refuse, to work for less than' 516.50.
a day- although the .basic'. agreement
'alls for $n. Most of the covibovs
.»''<.' asking $25, on the theory that
l ncy lake physical risks and require
wester,! ■ wardrobes. .

Eric Johnston Feds
He Can Hold Both C. of C.
Job and Hays Org Post

■ .Washington, May 8.

A spokesman for Erie Johnston said
yesterday <7> that the latter's acr
ceplance of an unprecedented fourth
term as U. S. Chamber 6f Commerce
prexy will nol affect his negotiations
tor a him industry spot. Johnston
feels he can hold down both jobs
without 'difficulty and sees no rea-
son lo end the dickering with' the
Motion Picture Producers and Dis-
iributors of America, Inc.

Fact is. at the time Johnston was.
firs! sounded out several weeks ago
lo stay with the Chamber of Com-
merce he considered its effect upon
thi! film post offered to him. At that
time. Johnston said, one job would
not interfere with the other, and
agreed to the reelection. He has not
changed . hi.- mind since, on being
able to handle both posts.

ADVERSE FACTOR

An appreciable upswing in busi-
ness at the '-film boxplTices of the
nation is predicted ; in' theatre and
distribution circles as an aftermath
of V-E Day. with the balance of This
week especially expected to run far
ahead of the past week or two.

Belief in trade circles is that the
good news will spur increased at-
tendance, and spending, temporarily
at least, and that the tendency to
seek more entertainment will be
heightened by the fact that husbands,
fathers, brothers and sweethearts in
the European theatre of war are
now safe. Also, it's dpincd thai the
prospect ..many' men will return' here
for good from that theatre may tend
to increase lilirigoing.

Another theory advanced is that
radio, now that the big and long-
awaited news has. been recorded,
will be less of an anti-b.o. factor
henceforth. Lifting of the brownout
yesterday (Tuesday) ■ also should
brighten things in a b.o. direction.
And end to the curfew, looked for
ardently by ..showmen,, would fur-
ther help.

According to figures so 'Tar avail-:
able, business throughout the. coun-:
try Monday (7j was not affected on
the whole by news of the Nazi capit-
ulation. It shaped up as a strong
Monday, while yesterday grosses in
M. Y. -.were running ahead of Mon-
day. Operators expressed the view
in advance that last night (Tuesday)
would be bigger than ordinarily
for this day and that today (Wed-
nesday i. should also be away above
normal.

..'.Theatres reported no commotion
cither Monday (7) or yesterday
(Tuesday), impression being that
folks did not go in for so much
boisterous celebration '-as': -had been
expected. In smaller, communities,
according to early information, there
was very, little celebrating.

On getting reports early Monday
(.7.1 Of the Gcrinan' surrender: all
film homeoTfiees and exchanges in
N..Y. prepared to close. Some dis-
charged their employees as early as
11 a.m., others between then and 1
o'clock. All remained open yester-
day w (Tuesday) excepting Metro,
which shuttered for the afternoon,
h.o. as well as exchange.

TRUMAN SEES VALUE
OF OUR FILMS ABROAD

Washington. May 8.

An indication of how high up in
Government circles the educational
value of films is unilcrstood and ap-
preciated came last Friday (4) when
Hairy M. Warner.. Warner Bros,
prexy. visited President Truman to
offer ''any help that the motion pic-
ture industry can give."

White at the While House.. Warner
discussed the use of films in Europe,
particularly in Germany and the
Axis satellites. Later the film exec
said the President had expressed
faith in the power of pictures to help
"in developing human beings out of
barbarians."

New Factors Point to Still More
Raw Film Shortages in 3d Quarter

M-G Curtailing Shorts
Due to Film Shortage

Metro announced' oh Monday (7)
(hat short subject production would
be .-curtailed, indicating -the raw
stock shortage is ■ limiting: product.
Cut will be only temporary, follow-
ing completion of the present sched-
ule.

■ In addition lo bi-weekly newsreel,
Metro's shorts include Pete Smith
specialties, John Nesbill's "Passing
Parade." cartoons and John Filz-
Patrick's Travellalks.

Tele Perks Up
On Big Board

With 20tli-Fox doing some drum
beating on its alertness to . postwar-
television and Paramount, via
Barney Balaban's annual report to
stockholders, making an ultra-con-
servative admission that Par would
be no laggard in the new entertain-
ment field. Wall ;Slreel> interest in
tele started perking again last week.
The market resumed its appraisal
of stocks likely 16 benefit from the
new industry. Some- financial ex-
perts read between the lines of Bal-
aban's report and envisioned Para-
mount as one of the big leaders in
postwar theatre television;

Balaban merely, stated, "there
have been Unusual developments in
the electronic art . during - this war
which have been closely related to
television." He also , commented)
"there is the possibility that they
may result in an early widespread
use of television." He also pointed
-(.Continued on. page 10/

Tele, Film Studio Okayed

Hollywood. May 8:
Edward Nassour. head of Consoli-
dated Studios. Inc.. was granted per-
mission by. the zoning administrator
to open a motion picture arid tele-
vision studio on : Sunset Blvd; s

Building : on The silo will be remod-
eled for the changeover as soon as
materials are availblc.

Starr. N ashville Exhib,
Set as a WPB Exec

Washington. May 8.

Milton Starr, operator of a chain
of lil in houses in . the south, was
named assistant vice-chairman of the
WPB Orfice of Civilian Require-
ments Saturday (5'. The Nashville
exhibitor came to OW' as a special
consultant shortly after Pearl Har-
bor and -switched lo WPB in 19.43.

Starr will supervise the following
OCR units: Government Bureau,
which includes the Government re-
quirements division: Government
projects: Equipment and Supplies
Division: Prison War Programs Of-
fice'. Drugs aiid Htfallh Supplies Di-
vision.. and Consumer Fuels Division.

LEWIS LEAVES U

. Hollywood. May ;8. :
Gene Lewis moved off the Uni-
versal lol«on ' completion of his thre'e-
picl lire contract as producer-writer.

Films were 'T il Remember April."'
"Bkiiide Hansom". and "Song, of the
Sarong."

Frank Walker Will
Resume Actively In
Comerford Chain

A .veteran in show business,
though in politics for a number or
years. Frank C. .Walker, who has
resigned as Postmaster General, ef-
fective -June 30. will .thereafter again
become active in the operation ' of
the Comerford circuit of around 75
theatres, in Pennsylvania and N. Y..
state.

While he has been a member of
the cabinet, ah appointee of Presi-
dent Roosevelt following latter's
first election; Walker has kept in
clos.c touch with the Comerford
chain.

Throughout Walker's tenure in
Washington. .1. J. O'Leary has car-
ried the title of president of Com-
erford Theatres. Inc. Walker is ex-
pected to resume that title, wilh
O'Leary becoming v.p. and general
manager:

The chain is a rather complicated
setup under its slock partnership
with Paramount through a subsidi-
ary known as Penn-Coinm Circuit.
The Par interests with Comerford
are confined to latler's theatres in
Pennsylvania. .

Washington, May 8.

WPB Is expected to make some
clarifying statements on the raw
.stack situation tor the film in-
dustry lii the near future; Stan-
ley Adams, head of the Con-
sumer Durable Goods Division,
lias been marking time .watting
for V-E Day. lie has been un-
able to give any definite picture
on prospects for the third quar-
ter because the final end of
fighting; in Europe automatically-
makes a number, of. change* in
the program.

Whether for belter or worse,
he would not disclose.

Despite WPB contentions that the
raw stock outlook for Hollywood is
not unfavorable for the third quar-
ter, new factors arc coming into the
situation which look bad for the
industry.

First of these, is a : plan of the
Army to shift more and more from
Hi to. 35 mm. film, which uses double
the ra\v stock and which is manu-
factured on the same machines and
by the same skilled labor that pro-
duces stock for Hollywood. There'is
no : indication . just how important
this will be, but it loojts bad at the
moment:

Second is the plan, to provide
vacations' for the skilled labor in
the raw film factories this summer
and to overhaul the equipment. This
would sharply reduce productiou
during The third quarter.

Meanwhile, Government requests,
(Continued on page 18) ■

BLANKE INKS 15-YEAR
TICKET WITH WARNERS

Hollywood, May 8.
Henry Blanke's new producer,
contract at Warners calls for IS:
years, one of the longest pacts ever .
signed in the film industry. If he:
works out the full term, Blanke will v
haye a record of 37 years with , the
same studio: - He first checked into
(be lot in 1923 -

i Nesv ticket provides for top-
budget product, with seven already
I a led for the Blanke program. They
are "The Fountainhead." "."Ethan
Frome." "Cry Wolf," "Escape Me
Never;" "Autumn. Crocus," Mon-
sieur Lamberthier" and "Treasure o(
I he Sierra'Madre." To date. Blanke
has produced 85 pictures for -War-
ners.

Par Reports $38,241,196
Tied Up in Inventory

Paramount's annual, report for
1!)44 revealed consolidated earnings
of $16,488.10(1. This figures UM9 Dei-
common share. Par's gross income
totalled $157,687,106.

A' feature of the full report is the
amount tied up in company 1 inven-
tory, .-this being $38,24 1.196. one of
biggest in Par history. '■' Of this
amount, more than' Sl'2.000.000 is lied
up in productions ncaring comple-
tion and in -scenarios.^and' other, costs
applicable to future prf|di*cli(>ns:
Company/ also has $16,893,949 tied
up in completed productions not yet
released. Paramount maintained its
annual dividend rate of $2 on the
common last week by declaring the
regular quarterly divvy- of 50c. It is
payable June' 29 to stockholders of
record June 8.

Trade Hark Rfg\nttrta
FOt.'.VDED BT 8TMK SM.VfcnMAN
ruMlflMSl WmktT b7 4'AKIK'J'r. Inc.

-Bid Silverman, I'rtraltlnil
154 Weill 46th Si.. New Tork 1». N. T.

... SUBSCRIPTION
Annnnl .... ~. ;$10 l'or»i(tn . . . ; . .Ill
Hliiirlo C-opleu.......... ti Conls

Vol. 158

IN

No. 9

INDEX

7th War Loan.. ........

.... 6

Bills

....'41

Chatter

..47

Film Reviews....

... IB

House Reviews. .

... 40

Inside Legit

... 4t

Inside Music. .

... 33

Inside Orchestras. ... . .

... 33

Inside Radio. . ...

... 29

International

... 11

Legitimate

... 43

Literati . «. . . . ..'.'. . .

... 47

Music

.... -31

New Acts....

;i

Night Club Reviews....

42

Obituary .,

. ... 46

Orchestras .:.'.,....

... 31.

Pictures . . ... .... .....

. 3

Radio

... 21

Radio Reviews.......

. . . . 2S

Frank Scully. . .

... 2

Television . .'. .'...', ;

. . . 2»

Vaudeville .... .

.... 3»

War Activities. . ... ..

. .... 9

DAI1.T VAII-.P.TT .

(Tuhllihed In llnllywni
Dally VnrloOv t.ld
110 * Teor— SIS Tor.

Hollywood lij
".HI
'drtlgn

4

Wi'dncsilay. May 9, I945

-ft'.

SURROUNDED BY TERRIFIC
STAGE-SHOW COMPETITION

at four of New York's greatest stage-and-
screen houses within a 2-block radius —
yet "Susan" single-handed outlasts them
all— at the same average scale!

with

DENNIS 0 KEEPE

OonDeFore • Rita Johnson
Walter Abel

721

Gr.-al
Slage-

& ■ S C ri'C r
Program

5 R o I

WftliifMlay, May 9, 1945

s

Starts today at New York's
leading house of hits— as 40
"Susan" heads for a high spot on the honor roll
of seven long-run sensations that have
filled Broadway's biggest non-stage-show theatre
for nearly two years!

-rut.

' 4-

£ 3

Joan FONTAINE • G eorge BRENT

a HAL WALLIS Production

"THE AFFAIRS OF SUSAN"

Directed by Screen Play by'Thomas Monroe, Las/lo Corog and Richard

WILLIAM A. SEITER Flournoy • Original Story by Thomas Monroe and Las/.lo Gorog

ft

SHE'S GOING

aramount s

1 PRIZE-WINNING WAY

■\

And so are "SALTY O'ROURKE"- All time record at N. Y. Paramount
"BRING ON THE GIRLS"— Nation's B. O. Leader in M. P. Daily survey
"PRACTICALLY YOURS"-"Socko in K. City" is Variety's latest rave
"THE UNSEEN"— "BofTo" with stage-show in Washington

SHOWMEN'S 7th.

Wednesday, May 9- 19,(3

Pinanski Says 'Big Job' Faces Film
Industry On "Showmen s 7th' Drive

"The war is not yet over for mil--"
lions of our boys who. will continue
to fight in ihe Pacific. Germany's
surrender is only a step toward final
and complete victory. ' We, in the
film industry, still, have a bit job
on our hands. We can help by doing
our utmost to assure the success of
the Seventh War Loan Drive."'

That was the statement iss-iicd by
Samuel Pinanski, national chairman
for the film industry's participation
in the Seventh, when . word • was
flashed that victory in Europe had
been achieved. And as proof that-
exhibitors, distributors arid exchange
personnel planned to go all-oiil to
achieve the industry's goal for this
campaign came assurances by wire
from state chairmen .throughout the
country to national headquarters
that they were now determined to-
double their efforts in this direction..

Hollywood, Broadway and radio
will provide the nation's capital with
a kickoft for the Seventh on Sunday
(13) when Bob. Hope and a train-
load of stars entertain an . audience
of bond-buyers at Uline's Arena in
a three-hour combined in-pcrson
and radio show.

Accompanying Hope will be Jerry
Colon na, Frances Langford, ' Vera
Vague, Tony Romano and Skipnay
Eiinis and his orchv plus .a number
of other celebrities who will take
part in the "21 -Star War Bond Sa-
lute." NBC will air the proceedings
coast-to-coast that night, from 8:30-
9 p.m. Event is being staged under
the auspices of the 7th War Loan
units of the War Activities Commit-
tee, the War Finance Division of the
Treasury Dept.. and the Washington
War Finance Committee. *

Setting a new precedent, in loan
activity, mid-day devotional services
will be held in Times Square, N. Y..
each day a, noon during the drive
from May l" through June 38. The
fivo-minute periods of devotion will
inaugurate entertainment programs
at the Statue of Liberty, there each
day of the week. Protestant, Cath-
olic and Jewish clergymen will al-
ternate in ; conducting services.

In N. Y.'s 38 legitimate theatres,
•actors and house employees have
completed plan's to attain an overall
goal for their segment of the amuse-
ment industry of S299.592. The me-
tropolitan area's film houses will
suction off 150 scats to the Olscn Si
Johnson Broadway show, "Laffing
Room Only," during auction ^nights
at various houses. Al Zimbalist and
Jay Burton, who head ihc Manhat-
tan public relations committee of
the WAC, arranged for the tickets
through the Shutert office.

'Sootfaerner' 100G Hypo

Hollywood, May fl.
David L. Locw announced an ad-
ditional budget of $100,000 for an ad-
vertising campaign on the '.■.Locw..
Hakim " production, "The South-
erner,' 1 slated- for summer release..

Coin will be spent largely in
newspaper and trade publications.
Picture is based on the. novel, "Hold
Autumn in . Your Hand.'.'

Lewis to Leave Infl

. Hollywood, May 8.
David Lewis and International arc
calling it quits oh expiration of the
producer's contract late this sum-
mer, on completion of his second
picture.

Currently Lewis is filming "To-
morrow Is Forever.". His first, for
International was "It's a Pleasure."'
Understood he will produce inde-
pendently, starting in autumn.

Newark's WAAT Skeds
Glenn Miller Salute

Newark, May 8.
A 90-minule program emanating
from widespread points will be
iContiriucd on -page 18>

S. C. Siege! as Executive
Aide to Par's Ginsberg

Hollywood, May 8.
Sol C. Sieyel, recently sighed to a
producer contract at Paramount,
checked into the lot with the under-
standing that he will be executive
assistant to Henry Ginsberg. Report
is that .he will fill the executive
' berth held by Joe Sistrom, who was
recently- assigned' the producer
cho. e on -"Blue Skies."'

Before signing with Paramount,
Sicgii completed a producer task on
'"Kiss and Tell" at Columbia.,
Henry Ginsberg In X. Y.
Paramount studio chief. Henry
Ginsberg, is in New York for 10 days
of huddles w'i.h the- home office on
distribution and exploitation of
forthcoming product.'

While in Manhattan. Ginsberg will
confer with Barney Balaban, prexy;
Russell Holman. eas.eni production
head, and Charles M. Reagan, veepec
in charge of distribution.

1,200 N.Y. Fibers
At Bond Rally

More than 1,200 motion picture
industry reps, including presidents
and other top execs from all major
companies, met at the Waldorf-As-
toria hotel, N. Y, yesterday (Tues.)
morning for the teeoff . breakfast
launching the "Showmen's Seventh."
perhaps the most difficult of all War
Bond campaigns since Pearl -Harbor,
i Objective: $4,000,000,000 in "E"
Bond sales.)

Samuel Pinanski, national chair,
man of the industry drive, said he
was" glad to find the spirit of the in-
dustry at the' same high, enthusiastic
pitch as it has been thcough the six
previous Bond drives: that the indus-
try . workers who had helped carry
the Sixth War Loan to a successful
conclusion would also see the
Seventh through.

Ted Gamble, War Finance Divi-
sion, U. S. Treasury, pointed to the
staggering amount of money, repre-
sented in the Seventh War Loan ob-
jective, emphasized the continuing
high rate of Government w.arspend-
ing and explained how the War
Bond sales would help avert the al-
ternating evils, of inflation and de-
pression.

Under the Chairmanship' of 'Irving'
Lesser. N. Y. area campaign chair-
man, the confab whs organized to
point up the importance of the in-
dividual' campaign worker in the
coming drive. Morris Kiiizler. . cam-
paign director : for the' New York:
area, introduced _ . various borough
drive leaders and' stated that Treas-
ury .citations and Book of Honor
listings would be awarded for out-
standing Bond salesmanship.

Among those present were Adolph
Zukov, Will H. Hays. Barney Bala-
ban, N. Peter Rathvon. Jack CcW
William F.' Rodgers, C. C. Moskowitz,
Charles Reagan, Joe Bernhardt.
John J. O'Connor', Tom Connors. Bill
Scully, Leonard Goldcnson, Toni
Baily, .Herman. Bobbins. Jimmy
Grainger,. Malcolm Kingsberg, . Ar-
thur Doyle, John Hertz.. Jr., Francis
Harmon, Bob Weitman', Sam Rinzler,
Major L. E. Thompson and Olivia
de Haviiland.

Group of servicemen back from
the war fronts were guests of the
industry. For the windup of the
session a tableau of the epochal I wo
Jima flag-raising scene was pre-
sented on the stage of the. grand
ballroom.

Chi Censors Nix RKO'S
'Body Snatchers' and Give
Adults-Only to 'Zombies'

Chicago; May 8.

Third pic rejected by Chi police
motion . picture censor . board this
year is RKO'S -'Body Snatchers,"
which got' the axe last week. Un-
like Monogram's "Dillingor" and
PRC's "Crime, Irie.," however, which
were nixed . because of portrayal
of "crimes of violence," ukase on
this one is for "ghoulish theme,"
plus, "blackmailing in order to pro-
vide specimens for medical schools."

RKO also got a slap in shape of
adults-only order for "Zombies on
Broadway," considered loo scary for
kids.

RKO exchange here hasn't an-
nounced if it will appeal either or
both orders on "Snatchers" and
"Zombies.'-'

New Chi Censor Head

New head of : Chi Crime. Preven-
tion Bureau, with police motion pic-
ture censor board tinder his jurisdic-
tion, as well as supervision of juve-
nile officers and policewomen, is
Lieut. Timothy Lyne. 57. Lyne has
been with, the force rjcre 28 years,
joining up shortly after he arrived
from Ireland in 1917. Appointed by
Police Commissioner James P. All-,
man, he succeeds Sgt. Josegh F. Heo-
ly,. who died here April 27.

Starting as patrolman at Fillmore
Station, Lyne organized the force's
"outlying traffic .division-" in ' 1939,
having formerly acted as instructor
ill police school from '22 to '38. .

Nazi Atrocity Films Real Shockers
But U.S. Audiences Take It; Some Cuts

ARE DWVE-ffl FIXERS
A PUBUC NUISANCE?

Pittsburgh. May 8.

Judge William H. . McNaughter, of
common pleas court, will attend
opening of Drive-In theatre here
this week himself - to determine

whether under-thc-slars movies is
a public nuisance. Residents nearby
brought noise-iiuisa'nce charges into
Judge Mc'Naughtcr's court, and-, rte.
will determine whether claims are
justified.

Norbert Stern, owner of 'the
Drive-In, has been involved in liti-
gations with house-owners, some as-
far away as two miles, on several
occasions during the summer sea-
sons.

SAG Names N.Y. Board
For Extra Employment

Hollywood, May 8. ■
Sorecn Actors Guild appointed
Jack Efi'mt, . David Swann Jordan,
Hazel ' Kempf." Harry Old.rid'ge and
George L. Spaulding .to serve, for
three years as the N. Y. Advisory
Council, in charge of (he employ-
ment of film extras by eastern pro-
ducers.

Screen Playcls Union has jurisdic-
tion over motion picture extras in
Hollywood, jut SAG is still bai'gain-
ina m»ent in the New York area. ■

Fred UNman Reports Few
German Cinemas Intact

A dismal picture of theatre busi-
ness in Germany for some time to
come was painted by Frederic Ull-
man, Jr.. Rathe News prexy, yester-
day i Tues.) on his return from a
month's rapid tour of Europe via
ATC planes. All the time he was in
or near Germany, he never saw a
theatre left standing. Ullman said
early exhibition of American films
in Germany would be delayed by
almost complete absence of theatres,
lack of transportation and power,
loss of shipping facilities for films
and AMG regulations against groups
of. more than five Nazis congregat-
ing except at church..
' Ullman described German com-
munities -he saw as being completely
flattened, with the residents mainly
interested in finding food and shelter.

N. Y. to L. A.

. Ralph B. Austrian.

,Hcrb Gordon,

George Heller.
. Caf Kuhl.

Howard Lang.

Leonard MacBain.

Ray Milland.

Harry Revel.
. Jack Rubin.

Dmitri Tiomkin.
.John Zinm

Over 2,500 Playdates
For 10th Aiini 'Flame'

Republic's 10th "anniversary goal
is the. greatest concentration of play-
dates in the company's history.
James R. Grainger, president .and
general sales manager, announced
yesterday »8).

More than 2.500 theatres through-
out the country will exhibit Rep's
10th anni film, "Flame of Barbary
Coast," during the period of the
drive from May 27 through July 27.
Pic, which stars John Wayne and
Ann Dvorak, is now playing pre-
release engagements: in key citites.

L. A. to H. Y.

Julian T. Abelcs.

Matt Allen!

Don Ameche.

Ludwig Bcniclmans.

Chuck Campbell.

Ed Cashman.

Lester Cowan.

Mack Davis.

William Dozier.

William J. Fadiman.

Randall Faye.-

Henry Ginsberg.

Jack Goldstein.

Signc Hasso.

Harry Kleiner.

Merl Lindsay.
. Billy. Livingstone.

Mack Millar. /'

Da'ilcy Paskman.

Paul Small.
. Edward Stevenson.

Brad Taylor.

Sonny Tufts.'

Charles Vidor.

Dick Walsh."
' Lucile Watson.

Roger White.

Herbert J. Yates.

Radio News Into Cinema

Harrisburg, Pa., May 8.

Palrons attending la.te : shows at
Loew's hear the latest news nightly
through tiic cooperation of radio sta-
tion WHP and manager Sam Gilman
of (he theatre.

WHP records the CBS 8.55 news
summary, minus the advertising arid
rushes it to. Loew's, where it's played
over the theatre's p.a. system at 9:10.

Show Starts Push

Hollywood, May 8.
Film industry ; kicks off tor. the
Seventh War Loan drive in 'South-
ern .California with a $25,000,000 "E"
Bond show to be staged in the "Holly-
wood Bowl May 18, with a cast of
studio names. Original volunteers
are Bilig Crosby, Abbott & Costelio,
Rise Stevens and the Andrews Sis-
ters, and plenty more are expected
to enlist before the show goes on.
Bowl rally, the ' biggest iii these
parts, is under general supervision
of Sherril Cbrwin, : co-chairman of
the: Southern California theatre
division. .

.Meanwhile, ihc Southern' . Cali-
fornia motion picture theatre opera-
tors, headed by Charles P. Skouras,
national honorary chairman of the
film drive, are assigned to sell $100;-
000,000 worth .of "E" Bonds; a huge
increase over the Sixth drive, which
had a goal of $28,000,000. Treasury
Dept. is particularly eager to sell
"E" Bonds. Skouras declared at a
preliminary meeting that National
Theatres, of which he is president,
will start the drive off on the right
foot with a $7,000,000 purchase.
-. Cor win's plans, in addition to the
Bowl show, include a tieup between
film houses and departmeiit.stori's' in
Hollywood and Los Angeles for a
multiple prcem on June 25.

Sonndmen Win 7Q0G
Wage Tilt from WLB

Hollywood, May 8.

War Labor Board .approved a. new
wage agreement between film sound-
men" and major studios calling for
increases- that will run about $700.-
000 a year, retroactive to Jan. I.
1944. New pact calls for a 10 r o
premium for night work, golden
time after 16 hours, paid vacations
and allowances for travel time.

Notice of WLB approval was re-
ceived here by Harold V. Smith,
business representative of Interna-
tional Sound Technicians Local 695.
Agreement was a victory for au-
tonomy, engineered through WLB
without any support from the IA
International.

♦■ Nazi atrocity iiewsreels, released
last week, . were taken in stride by
most theatre audiences, attitude of
the average exhibitor being that he
was willing to let patrons see the
atrocity scenes and realize, that the
newspaper accounts of how the
Nazis handled prisoners' alul concen-
tration camp' inmates . were true.
Some exhibs were a bit skeptical of
pat r.oii reaction to the more gruesome
material but were willing to try the
exhibition, particularly in view of
General Eisenhower's expressed de-
sire. .(■> have all. the public sec with
its own eyes the treatment of Nazi
victims.

• Geneva! trade reaction appears (o
£e that "seeing -.is. believing," antl .
patrons arc now convinced. Even
.show biz veterans: who always'
judged the average film theatre to
be nearly 100'i for 'entertainment
realize that this axiom is changed
by the war,. and that, when a nation
is at war. one docs as the war dic-
tates.

There was hint of certain unfavor-
able reaction, some of the more
squeamish already lodging com-
plaints with the Hays office that
this was bad to show family audi-
ences. However, in some spots, ex-
hibitors ran an advance trailer
warning audiences of the shocking
scenes to follow, ■ suggesting they
might shut their eyes. However,
most patrons stayed through the
whole . newsrccls.

Reported that in some instances
exhibitors, mostly circuits, did a bit'
of editing on the reels themselves,
pruning the more, horrifying root-
age on the grounds that women and
children made up the bulk of their .
patrons. It was officially denied by ■
Loew's that the newsrcel shown in
the N. Y. metropolitan area was cut
to five, minutes, or ''about' 30C«.

Nearly all Broadway theatres and
most neighborhoods in N. Y. ran Oie
newsrccls. Outside of the ncwsrecl
houses themselves, however, there
were not many instances of 'display
advertising in' front of the theatre
on the reels.' Ncwsrecl theatres re-
ported boom trade, with a heavy
percentage of patrons being males.

Music Hall's Solo Nix
•The Society for Prevention of
World War No. 3 protested to Gus
Eysscll. managing director or Radio
City Music Hall, because the Hall
was not running the atrocity news-
reels. He explained, that - it was" a
hard and fast rule of the Music -Hall
not to permit smut on the stage or
screen, no obscenity and no gruc-
iContinued on page 18)

Bandits Force Mgr.
To Open Theatre Safe

Kalamazoo. May 8.
Two bandits followed Pat Hcazy,
manager of the State here, as he
drove home and then forced him at
pistol-point to return to the theatre
after midnight and open the safe.
The pair fled with $1345.

3 l~-Year-Olds Held

Minneapolis, May 8.
. Three youths suspected of rifling
the glove compartment of an auto
owned by Sam Zuckinan, owner of
the. Mounds, St. Paul theatre, and
stealing' the $986 weekend receipts
have been taken into custody by the
police. Part of the- loot. was alleged
to have been found in ihc 17-ycar
oldsters' possession.

Zuckman had insisted that (lie car
and compartment were locked and It
hasn't been explained how the
youths wore able to make -their
prowls. . .

Jess WiDard Loses

Bout With 20tb-Fox

Los Angeles, May 8.

Jess Willard, former ring cham-
pion; lost his suit against 20th-Fox
in which he charged the studio with
using motion, picture scenes of his
fight with Jack Dempsey, taken back
in 1919, without his permission.
Scenes were incorporated . in the
company's film. 'The Great Ameri-
can Broadcast," produced in 1941.

Studio declared it bought the film
rights from Tex ■ Rickard. promoter
of Ihe fight. Court ruled that Wil-
lard failed to prove ownership of the
rights. .

SPU WU1 Fight SAG
On Extras' Jurisdiction

Hollywood, May 8.

Any move . by the . Screen Actors
Guild to negotiate for extras in N. Y.
will be opposed by the Screen Play-
ers Union, latter group announced
last night <7\ stating its ccrlificar
tjo'n by the National Labor Relations'
Board covers all extra work, includ-
ing dancers.

Mike JefTers, SPU biz rep, said the
same contract as that engineered for
Coast supers would be sought. Ne-
gotiations will be' resumed with reps
of the major companies shortly, with
interim deals inked with most indie:
producers.

Rep Buys fence' Tag

. i ■ . Hollywood, May 8.
Cole- Porter sold screen rights to
his top tunc, "Don't Fence Me In,"
to Republic, for filming as. a high
budgetcr with a western back-
ground.

Picture will be produced by Don
Brown, under supervision of Armand
Schaefer, with, Monte Hale in the
top role.

HEDY'S NEXT, 'WOMAB'

Hollywood, May 8. .

Jlctly Lamarr's. first starrer, fol-
lowing her return to pictures in Au-
tumn, wM be "Strange Woman," to
be produced by Hunt Strombcrg ,nid
Jack Chertok for United Artists re-
lease. It's on a profit-sharing ar-
rangement.

Picture/ based on a> no^cl by Ben
Ames Wiliiams, will be the star's
first since her Metro contract ex-
pired.

iMnrahy, May 9, 1945

u. s.

IN SPAIN

Griffith Anti-Trust Suit Opens
In Okla.; Charge Indie Freezeout

Oklahoma City, May 8.

More than five years after it orig-
inally was filed, ,the Government's
anti-trust suit against four corpora-
tions, - charging', that they should be
dissolved as theatre chains; opened
in Federal court here Monday (7)
before Judge Edgar S. Vaiight. The
four theatre firms are Griffith Amus,
Co.. and Die Consolidated Theatres
operating out of Oklahoma City, arid;
the R. E. Griffith and Westex. The-/?
atres. operating out of Dallas. Tex.
The three Griffith brothers, R. E„
L. C and H. J., the . Government
charges, combined to monopolize in-
terstate trade of motion pictures in
the towns in which they operate.

At opening of court .Monday, the
' death of R/'Ef Griffith Was called
to' the court's attention and the case
against him dismissed. He died Nov.
19, 1043.

Government is represented . at the
trial by Robert L. Wright, special as-
sistant attorney-general, and his two
aides. Posey Kinies and Milton Kal-
lis, all Of Washington. Array of at-
torneys for defendants include
Charles B.. Cochran, John B. Dud-
ley and Henry Gritfiing for the •Ok-
lahoma City Arms and L. M. Rice of
Dallas, representing the Texas de-
fendants.

Wright made the opening state-
ment for the Government, charging
that defendants combined their pur-
chasing power so as to exclude other
exhibitors from the opportunity of
' securing films. Cochran made a
general denial of the Government's
charges in his opening, statement for
the defense. He also presented a
complete history -of -the rise of Grif-
fith Anuis. Co. Rice explained that
R. E. Griffith left Oklahoma City in
1930 and established his own chain
of theatres in Texas and New Mex-
ico.

First witness in the case, which at-
torneys, for both, sides hope will take,
no. more than three weeks, was

. heard at today's (Tuesday's) opening
session. He's Dennis Scaling, a for-
mer, theatre operator of Plain view.
Texas. ■ •■.'■

Also present for the trial are John
F. Caskey and Robert E. Nickerson.
of New York, representing the

' five major distributors, 20th-Fox.
Warners. RKO, Loew and Para-
mount, who formerly were defend-
ants. Case against, these distributors
has been dismissed.

Durango Kid Off Again

Hollywood. May 8.

Charles Slarri'tl and Smiley Bur-
nctte hop in the saddle next week
for the start of next season's series
of Durango Kid Gallopers,

Chase starts with "Powder River,"
starting May 16.' to be followed by
"Burning the Trail," June 4, and
"Broncho Busters," June 20.

Theatre BIdg.
Nixed By WPB

! - . Washington. May 8.

Since Jan. 1 only one authoriza-
tion has been issued by WPB for
theatre construction— to rebuild a
house destroyed by fine in Kentucky.
Otherwise there has been, an infor-
mal freeze on theatre authorizations
which WP.B made official last week.

It .announced there will be no
more such authorizations until there
is a relaxation of the critical mate-
rial situation. In connection with
L-41, the order controlling construc-
tion of buildings. .WPB pointed out
there is no point in issuing addi-
tional permits since it is virtually
Impossible to obtain material for
such equipment as projection booths,
projectors, seats! etc.

. Texas' New One

Falfurrias. Texas. May 8.
Construction is under way here of
a new- house 'lo_ be owned a \l op-
crated by R. N. Smith. House is ex-
pected. to be completed arid ready
for opening early -in the fall. Smith
is from Mission and is owner, of
about 12 houses in southern Texas
and the Valley.

CUES STRONGER [Walsh Queried On Walkout Stand
INT'Nl POLICY And Charter Grants; SOEG In Vote

PARAMOUNT-JOE COOPER
TRYING TO SETTLE SUITS

With . negotiations proceeding
smoothly in connection with litiga-
tion involving -Paramount and Joseph
H. Cooper, who are associated. in the
operation . of theatres in the west,
predicted that there will be an early
settlement and that Cooper very
probably may emerge more of a
victer in the matter than Par. The
theatre operator has personally in-
jected himself into the proceedings
•n an effort to iron out difilcultics
which go back many years.

Meantime, it is reported the Par-
amount board of directors has em-
Powered Austin C. Keough. v.p. and
generah counsel for the company,, to
try to work out a settlement with
attorneys and Cooper. If present
negotiations to settle are not sue- I
cessful. the two suits. brought by Pari
and counter-action by : Cooper will
go to trial in N. Y. federal court. |
In 1943 Par first sued Cooper and !
three Colorado corporations Tor at-. j
leged violation of a partnership ;
agreement made many years' before'
This was followed shortly afterward
by an action seeking an accounting
of assets from Cooper in connection
with Lincoln. Neb., theatres in the
"'• c °oper fold. Thereupon. Cooper
sued Par for $250,000, based upon al-
je*ed. misuse of an advance of- ?l 38.-
from Lincoln Theatres Corn.
Loopcr. charged that as result of ra-r
eieditmg this advance to overhead
while, a similar advance to Cooper
went m as salary, he (Cooper i was
weed to settle an internal revenue
claim of $100,000. Additional $150.-
,«w was asked to cover injury to his
• 'emulation and credit standing.

JUSTICE DEPT. TO GIVE
CONSENT WITNESS INFO

Department of Justice was last
week ordered to furnish the eight
major Him companies, directly or
indirectly concerned, with the con-
sent decree action now pending In
N. Y. federal Court, with all in-
formation on witnesses to ba called
by the Government.. Hearings are
tentatively scheduled to start Oct. 2.

Federal Judge Henry W. Goddaid
told the Justice Dept. counsel to
furnish "all material it has on hand
by June 1 and the balance by July 1.

Judge Goddaid ruled' in' favor of
the defendants who had opposed the
Government offer, to deliver such in-
formation 30 day.s before trial, con-
tending that this would leave too
little time to prepare for trial.

Counsel for the Big Five consent
decree companies pointed out that
the Government was refusing to
answer-the 46 questions asked by the
companies and that the Government
did not intend to give the names,
addresses and probable testimony of
its witnesses until 30 days before
trial.-.

Whitney Seymour, attorney repre-
senting the film companies, said that
the defendants wanted details of the
cities. 'theatres. and type of monopoly
claimed as well as the dates of the
alleged infringements of the Sher-
man Act. He said that the Govern-
ment is covering around 400 cities
now as compared with about 100 in
1!M0. when the (list action was
scheduled for trial. Government
counsel stated that it was almost im-
possible to furnish the information
wanted by the major companies and
that even ir it were.-' possible to do
*<> it would be lipping oft the de-
fendants. . '

Government reps have been inter-
viewing independent -exhibitors who
are '.slated to.be railed in to give
testimony, *.

SEITER GETS 'DREAM-

Hollywood, May 8. .

Ui:ive-.--al inked William A. Seller
t ) tli reel "Once Upon a Dream." to
be produced by the Michael Fcssicr-
E. ne.-.l Pagano team.

Mrsiral -rocs before the lenses
about June 11.

In a move pointing the way to-
ward a more vigorous U. S. film in-
dustry policy in dealing with tough
foreign government-film interests.
American Amotion picture companies
last week lashed out at fascist Spain
and decided to withdraw' all pic-
tures which have been in distribu-
tion there, for five' years or longer.
Estimated that some 1,500 or more
theatres in Spain face closing as a
result of this action, which is re-
garded as the answer to the Spanish
government's edict banning distribu- ;
lion for American account of any '
films which have been in release in
Spain for five years or more.

U. S. foreign "Aim., department
execs have been urging a similar
positive policy in handling difficult
situations in other countries abroad.
View of some industry reps is that if
foreign governments or Aim inter-
ests insist upon imposing prohibi-
tive trade barriers, then America ir
films should be withdrawn from
such markets until satisfactory ad-
justments are made.

With the public demand for U. S.
pictures in virtually all foreign
countries -the .mainstay of motion
picture theatres in those areas, the
withdrawal of American product
■ would likely result in modification
of restrictive measures, it is believed
in 'trade circles.. It's a common cry
that American film leaders and the
U. S. Department of. State are too
soft: would get better results if a
firm policy, is adopted.

Must Be a United Move

Success of. such moves,, of course,
would depend- upon united industry
action. Unless all producers and dis-
tributors stay out of any area which
might be blacklisted, the foreign the-
atres and governments could, con-
tinue to flout those U. S. film com-
panies refusing to do business under
distasteful conditions. .

Major companies have already de-
cided against selling pictures to
Yugoslavia, where the government
recently took over the film industry.
U. S. Department of State. -however,
is in favor of sending U. S. films, to
Yugoslavia for the time being for
psychological purposes and some
features may be shipped.
' While talk of a more forceful pol-
icy, possibly through the proposed
(Continued on page 18)

Todd May Film 'Hayride'

Hollywood, May '8.

Mikt Todd's first motion produc-
tion is likely to be "Mexican Hay-
ride.' instead of "Great Son," as pre-
viously announced.

Leonard Goldstein, Todd's Holly-
wood rep. is due back in town this
week to get production under way
at General Service studios.

Sanitarium Gets 50G
In Chi Variety Club's
Halperin Memorial

By BILL HUNT

Chicago, May 8.
They really turned out for the Hal
Halperin memorial show put on by
the Variety Club here Sunday after-
noon <6) in the Opera House, With
terrific take of slightly over $50,000
(including donations as well as b.o.
receipts! socked away for La Rabida
Sanitarium. Every one of the house's
3.600 seats 1 was filled— and well they
might be inasmuch as the long show
not only lived up. to its advance
billing but provided some acts not
listed in the program, to sond the
customers away happy.

Great tribute to the late "little big
guy " of Chi show biz got off to a
flying start with preview of the
Danny Kaye starrer. "Wonder Man"
(courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn >, to
get payees in proper mood for the
boffo vaude bill that followed,
courtesy of AFRA. AGVA, IATSE.
AFM. Chi nilerics and theatres, et a).

It. was a 4'j-hour show— from a
moving tribute by Rev. Bernard J.
Sheil. Bishop of the Chicago Catholic
Archdiocese, to Sophie Tucker:, from
Gregory Peck to Lou Hollz: from the
George Olson orch (15)— "Show
Must Go On" production that vent
on at 3:30 sharp to Louis Jordan and
His Tympany Five jani sesh ' thai ;
closed right on the button at.6;:i0r-
fast-moving entertainment. jam-
packed with talent, was a credit 1')
Nate Plan of Balaban 4: Katz. -wliii
staged it.

Clans from the Empire Room of
the Palmer House teed off, with
members of Olscn's orch parlicipat-
(Coulinucd on page 16)

AFL Move in D.C.
May Freeze Strike

Washington. May 8.

Striking unions of the IATSE and
the Painters-Decorators group rhay
be. barred . from issuing hew local
charters by. the American Federa-
tion of Labor executive council un-
til the strike in Hollywood is settled.

This was indicated as a result of
the exec council meeting here yes-
terday (7) at which William Hutch-
inson. AFL v.p., presided, in the ab-
sence of "William Green, president.
Move would lend to freeze the Hol-
lywood situation at status quo, and
prevent one union unit from shift-
ing to another. . ■ \

Exec ~ council refused to reveal
what took place at the local session,
arid indicated that they may lake no
formal action in regards to the Coast
strike, but a spokesman pointed out
that the situation out there has be-
come so complicated that no action
by the council could untangle the
mess, anyway.

Those at the meeting included
Richard F. Walsh, international
president or the IATSE. and L. P.
Lindclof. international prcxy of the
Painters and Decorators.

FEW SUMMER CLOSINGS
IN GOTHAM THIS YEAR

Unless the postwar period brings a
sharp, dip in attendance or there is
a dearth of strong film product, out-
look in N. Y. metropolitan area is
for few theatre shutdowns this sum-
mer. Only two theatres have closed
thus far. the Rex and Costello,- both
Manhattan, and they are not trace-
able lo seasonal factors. Both houses
apparently open and close regularly,
being rated, tough operations.

Fact that the theatres likely will be'
■;b|c to get Freon for their cooling
systems' also" is" viewed as likely to
help keep more than the usual num-
ber of houses open . in the corning
hot weather period.

Studio Projectionists
Win Dismissal Consesh

Hollywood, May 8.

War Labor Board approved a se-
niority clause in the new contract
of Studio Projectionists Local 165,
making that union one of the first
in the film industry lo win that con-
cession, wriich gives- it a voice.in dis-
rhissals and layoff. Agreement also
caIN for paid vacations.

Demand for a 5% wage increase
was whittled down by the WLB to
to keep within the Little Steel
Formula.

'Wayfarers' $150^005 Tag

Asking price for the screen rights
to" "The Wayfarers.'' novel by Dan
Wickendori. was last week reported
at $150,000. It's a Literary Guild
t-'e'ection.

Understood that deal . proposed
would call for .down payment of
$75.01)0 with additional payments
based on book sales Hp to a ceiling
of S150.000. . -.'.. "■ "

MARTIN S MEG BOW

, Hollywood, May 8.

Charles Martin debuts as a Metro
director with "No Leave. No Love,"
b-.iscii on his own story.

Picture .will be the first American
chcilo lor Pal Kirkwoodi English
star.

Hollywood. May 8..
With major interest of the strike
centering in Washington-, where
Richard Walsh, IATSE prexy, is be r
ing queried by AFL toppers on his
stand in studio Walkout, - major
events on Coast concern the trial of
four IA members b,y that- organic
t.ion for urging Local 44 mcnibers to
respect picket lines. Understood IA
leaders from other locals will de-
fend the quartet, because of opposi-
tion to takeover of Local 44 and
desire for return of local autonomy. .
IA .International seized local 44 after
it held a 'meeting and. claimed the"
move was illegal. •■>

In a wire from L. P. Lindeloff,
International proxy of Brotherhood
or Painters, Herbert Sorrel I received
word last night (7) that Richard
Walsh was bemg ordered to revoke
studio charters he has issued for Car-
penters and Painters. LindelofTs
Wire from Washington on the action
taken by the AFL Executive Coun-
cil stated, "following action taken
by Executive Council this date,
Richard Walsh will be notified that'
he has been charged with issuing
two charters, one to Carpenters arid,
one to Painters, and also, charged
■that he contemplated issuing other
charters,

"Since is quite evident from his
testimony before the executive
council that he has issued these
charters, he is ordered to cease and
desist issuing charters and to: fe^
yoke the two charters' he has issued,
also, to settle whatever jurisdictional
disputes he may haye in accordance
with the laws and practices of the
AFL." /

General membership meeting of
Screen Office Employees Guild,
called for tonight (Tues.), is also
getting the wary eye from studio
chiefs, as reports arc circulated that •
another walkout- bhllot may be
•taken. SOEG already voted twice on
strike, first voting to slay outside
picket lines,, then favoring a- return
to jobs . several days later. Huge
attendance expected, with . many
voicing -opinion that strike, "ballot
would fail if a sufficient number
turned out.

Nominations of officers are also to
be presented at general meeting.
Herbert Sorrcll, Conference of
(Continued on page 18)

wb'ssolFescapfin
may but 2 due june

Exhibitors .are getting only -one
picture this month from Warner
Bros., "Escape in the Desert," but
will be furnished two in June, the
same number that was made avail-
able in April. It appeared for a
lime that WB would have only one
in June, due to rawstock problems
and the policy- of Warners to hold
this season's deliveries to a total of
only 19 or 20. .

June releases are "Pillow to Post."
which becomes available June 9. and
"Conflict"! which goes out June 30.

General release Of "Corn h.
Green.". which had Its preem more
than a month ago at the Hollywood,
N. Y.. 'Is being held up. but may be
made available in July.

UCava's $1,653,750 Snh
Against Mary Pickford

Los Angeles. May .8.

Suit for $1.653.750 '.was filed here
by Gregory La Cava against Mary
Pickford. charging breach of agree-
ment for his services as writer, di-
rector and producer on the film ver-
sion of "One Touch of Venus." Plains
tiff declares he was to have received
$100.000 : in salary and from 12' i -20%
of the nel profits. . ;

La Cava asserts, he gave up all
oilier film activities, on March 19 to
work on the picture, but that on
April 4 Misi Pickford changed hev
mind and retimed to sign the con-
tract. He asked the court to im-
pound the film's receipts when it is
released through United Artists.

Wednesday, May 9, 1915

Yes, Mr. Exhibitor

V-E DAY IS HERE!

Germany has collapsed but there's still a big
Jap war ahead. Our soldiers haven't shopped
fighting we can't stop selling bonds!

% It will take more lives and more money.
The Treasury Department needs and asks
for your help more than ever.

War

So get on with your 7th War
Loan Plans stronger than ever.

# Make your Bond Premiere, Children's
Matinees, Free Movie Days count
up to bigger bond sales.

It's Up To Every Showman

Speed TOTAL Victory

i

WAR ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE • MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY • 1501 Iroodwoy. N«w York 18. N. Y.

Wednesday, May 9, 19*5

WAR ACTIVITIES

2,650 Assigned to Frisco Coverage
Of Peace Parley ; $10,(H)0,(HM) %era

By ARTHUR UNGAB

Sau 'Francisco, May 8.
The $10,000,000 United Nations
War or Peace opera, now in its third
week, is notable for the fact that no
less than 2.650 persons are carrying
accredited press carda in the numer-
ous branches of public information.

Willi the plenary sessions over for
almost a week; the press, radio, pub :
lication photographers, and newsreel
men have been on pretty much of a
It is more than, a

merry-go-round, n j s m0 re . . - .

herculean task for any organization.

large or small, to cover every phase 1 20lh-Fox branch manager here, home

Lt. Newell Retchin Free,
Capt. Gilliam's Leave

' Chicago, May 8.
-. Lieut. Newell Retchin, son Of Les-
terRelchin; former owner of How-
ard, just, liberated from a German
prison camp, it was learned tro'rri the
War Dept. last week. Lieut. Retchin,
a pilot, was shot , down over . Ger-
many; last fall. .
Capt. Tom Gilliam,' Jr., son of the

of this meet. There are five or. six
press conferences a .day in various
paits of town called by visiting.Gov-
eriunent agencies who have some' bit
of propaganda or other that they
want the publicizing forces of the
world to have cognizance of. and get
it into the hands of the public. Any
of these conferences have anywhere
from 150 to 400 fourlh-eslalers on
hand, .depending entirely on the im-
portance of the source. Literature is
tossed at. the press, by the bale.. Hotel
mailboxes aid Ailed five and six
times a day with notices of/this and
that.

When such sensation-seekers as
: Walter. Winchel'l and Drew Pearson
have, to '•. venture beyond these en-
virons to liven up . their broadcasts
the die'is east for the others.- To say
that it's been pretty dull and tame
just about appraises the; consensus
opinion of the many news and. radio
reporters accredited' to the confer-

on 45-day leave after 38 months over-
seas. Wounded in action, last No-,
vembcr near Metz. France, with the
famous Fifth DivLsion which spear-
headed Gen. Patton's drive across
France. Capt. Gilliam, holds Purple
Heart and silver and bronze stars.

Fully recovered, Capt. Gilliam had
rejoined his company and was -back
in the front lines when he received
word he'd been {•ranted leave. '

PARIS CANTEEN GETS
LOTSA EX-Gl TALENT

Hollywood. May 8.
.New talent, with hopes of Holly-
wood and Broadway recognition, is
popping up at" the Paris Canteen, ac-
cording to word received here from
France.

Soldier thesps, all of whom have
seen battle service, include Johnny

'STARS & GRIPES' GETS
RAVES ON ALL SIDES

"Stars and Gripes." an all GI show
now touring Italy, has been comuig
in for bofT notices from soldiers and
GI -correspondents alike, a - staffer
on Stars and' Stripes, calling it '"or.e
of the best all-CI shows ever to
pound the . boards in Italy/' and GIs
writing letters to various camp
papers as well as S&S to express
imilar approval.

"What got me so hepped up."
wrote Cpl. ..Ai'iin Fosmari to . S&S.
"was that here; was an. all-GI cast
using original 'and, topical '• lyrics,
music and sketch ' material putting,
oyer a fast paced, well-balanced,
professionally routined show with-
out resorting , to smut, stripteases
and gags. In my opinion, it is a
much more genuine and enjoyable
Show than 'This Is the Army' and
'Winged Victory" both of which I
saw on Broadway."

Show, which runs an hour and
half, has 14 original songs, by Pvts.
Gene Garf. Thorn Conroy and
Sgt. Tony Sacco. Cpl. Johnny Sakas
staged dances', with sets by Lt. Bill
Schltsser. Sgt. Jerry Eyth conducts
orchestra.

' '.Show, originated locally in Italy,
is not 10 be confused with "Stars
and Gripes" now gelling wow re-
ception from GIs, gobs and Marines
in the Pacific. Latter' show, sent out
from Special Services' in New York,
j has music by Cpl. Harold J. Rome.'
| has cast or 37. and Is in charge of
Lieut. Robert Adlcr, of the famed
theatrical, family. Show's latest slop
was with the Dixie. Division on
Morotai.

9,

,000 Comps to Servicemen in 3
Years; Annie Oakleys to Continue

Films' Partial Red Cross

-f After shelling out something like
.9.000.000 comps to one outlit in three
years. Broadway, took, accounting

Tnllv Npnrlv Tons 194d • last week/found that the touch had
lail} IMeany lopis : 1JF»*. • amoun<ed to several million dollars'
Despite the fact that only six. areas WO rth of ducats-^and promised to go
have turned in complete returns. l . ighl 8head W j tn the job of being
with the remainder only partially a generous uncle. ''■■••-'
totalled, the motion picture industry r 'j> 01 . tne beneficiary
has already collected $5,414,580 du.r- g rav y has been none
ing the 1945 Red Cross drive as com-

pared to a final total of $5,501,450 in
1944. -

The drive. • held • in film houses
throughout this'-' 'country, and its posr-
sessibns during, the week of March
15. to 21, "will return proceeds far:
in excess, of any previous year,"' ac-
cording to Leon Bamberger, cam-
paign director.

US0 UNITS ENTERTAIN
IVAN ON HIS WAY HOME

ence. Earl Wilson. Hedda Hopper ,

columnist.-! ' Flannerv; paratrooper and trumpet

and some of the other
have been digging deep and getting
little Someone put out the report
that Hopper was the on
allowed on the Russian
tied up at the Einbareadero. There,
the story went, she chatted with
Mololov and was plied with vodka
and caviar; ■'I've been hopping
around plenty." said she.'- "but' I -
. never quile made the Soviet inner
circle." ■

.Cuneo vs. Johnstone
What the boys call '"organized
confusion" yielded its only lively in-
cident when Ernie Cuneo. personal
. attorney for Waller Winchell. let go
With a resounding slap across the
jowl of G. :W. "Johnny" Johnstone,
news and special events chief ot the
Blue. Cuneo took exception to John-
stone's demand for punctuality ' in
approving copy for WinchcU's daily
two-minute stint on" the net's "Head-
line Edition."' When he was barred
from the broadcasting booth in the
Veterans Building. CuheO caught
Johnstone coming out and slapped
him across the kisser with the added
threat of further, personal damage if
Johnstone would remove his glasses.
When Winchell heard about the in-

j-e-r: the "Air Borne Screnaders,'' a
I swing- band, and the Tahitian Choir,
ly reporter. \ M bounded in ball le. . .
transport j " ~ '. ~-

Fredric March to MC

'B way United' Show

-Fredric March will emcee "Broad-
way United for -Dumbarton Oaks,"
the entertainment presented by the
Independent Citizens Committee of
the Arts. Sciences A Professions.
Mav 20. in the grand ballroom of
the Holer Aslbr. N. Y.

Screen. . stake, radio and concert
stars representing the United Na-
lions will appear to signify Broad-;
way's support for the San ■ Francisco .
Conference. Irene Bordoni. Vosko- \
vec & Wei'rch. Margo. Xavicr Cugat. I
and Zade.l Skolovsky will represent !
the "UN and native American stars |
who will also appear include Myrna •
Lpy. David. Brooks and Zero Mostel..

"Broadway United for Dumbarton ';
Oaks'.' will be presented . in cabaret ;
; form. Admission fee <$(ii.. includes ,
; champagne cocktail and late supper. •

GI Gripes on Talent
Answered by USO-CS

Perhaps the ■ best answer to the
periodic gripes anetit the . quality
of overseas entertainment, whether
USO-Camp Shows. ENSA (which is
the. British counterpart of USO-CS)
or anything else, is; summed up as
follows by Lawrence Phillips, ex-
ecutive vJp.pf USO-CS:
■ 1: USO-Camp Shows, Inc.. is doing
! a wholesale business in an industry
j in which retail production has not
| been the practice but a necessity.

2. None ot our people are drafted,
and we have to ' rely on those who

' are willing to pay the penalty pf an
; overseas tour.

3. Our budgets'; are. limited, even
i though the aggregate sum is large.
! 4.; Even if we could afford to buy
■ the highest priced talent, in America.
; and; that talent were willing to g.)
; overseas, it would still be impossible

for us to put out a $<i smash hit in
every one of the .200 -units that we
now have overseas entirely aside
from lhe-70rOdd units that wo have j
in' this country.

of all this

gravy has been none other than
America's .armed forces. And the.
busiest free boxbfflce in history has
operated through a place that's
known simply as "99 Park" to mil-
lions Of soldiers, sailors and marines,
plus a . lot .of fighting men from Air
lied countries. "Ninety-nine Park"
is the address on Park avenue, at the
corner 'of 40th street, where the New'
York City Defense Recreation Com-
mittee has its h.q. ;

Last week, as the organization
completed its third year of opera-
lion, it was announced that Bioad-
I way producers, opcratprs'of N. Y.
i picture houses, impresarios of sports
Unusual instance of inter-Allied | dubs in the metropolitan area, big-
amitv took place recently some- [ Ries of the . long-hair music trade,
where in Italy when two USO-Camp i and leading bonifaces intend to go
Shows units entertained 500 lately j right on giving out cuffo entertain-
liberaled Russian prisoners passing.! ment to the customers of "99 Park"
through on their - wav home. The j regardless. of V-E Day.
Russians were in town for a full , A remarkable part of the arrangc-
day between trains, and U. S: Army, 'nent for the wounded is the fact
headquarters asked the USO trOupes : lhat theatre managers go out of
if thev would help entertain them. I their way. to meet, special problems.
• ," ■ j .„..„„ -r -The wounded not only got the l;es>t

Units were a yaude troupe of . .„ , w „ r ,„„

eight. "Take It Easy." unit. 425
headed by Ben Young, pianist-man
ager. and a Negro
unit 384. headed by Caterina Jar-
iioio, soprano. Although it was a
day off; all performers readily
agreed. Young and Miss Jarborp
arranged a program of singing,
dancing, pantomine comedy '.-.and
ihagic. Miss Jarboro and Major
Rumiansev: Soviet escort, both of
"them knowing. Italian, handled, the
.iri-li'ngual. job Of announcing. '.Capt.
Harris, of American" Railway .Divi-
sion, built a stage. Special Services
[provided transportation.

The unique performance. Orsl
such for Canip Shows in the Medi-
terranean war theatre, clicked.
Show ran for an hbur-and-a-half,
with the Russians sitting it out on
the cold marble floor, not one leav-
ing, all applauding deafeningly.
Two units call it the highspot of
their "'-trip."

seals in the house-.-very often.; they
haye to get very special seats:
. . i Only 35°; of the service people
concert quartet, ] ^/toroufr "99. Park" had never
seen a legit performance before
they went to the committee for
tickets. But they've developed
habit.

the

HVC Sets Pix Talent For
Post Y-Eoropean

Fred Schwartz to OWI,
Moskowitz Succeeds

cident he ordered Cuneo, i one-time i
pro football star, to offer apologies
which, was done and handshakes fpl- .
lowed. At next day's broadcast;
Cuneo and Johnstone were cooing, to
each other like doves. There have
; been other flarcups of tempers but ■
: they didn't get beyond the dirty look
stage.

The propagandists can give Broad-
way and Hollywood public relations .
people cards; and spades in the diplo-
matic and subtle manner they put
over a point and have it published.

One of. the most active correspon-
dents here for the first two weeks
was Charlie' Ross of the St. Louis':
Post Dispatch. Being chosen . as
press secretary by President Tru-
man, he was handled with kid gloves
by the diplomats, and had sort of an
edge over the other boys. on so-called
inside stuff. Ross 'got » -Hurry -call,
from the White House and pinned
•out for Washington Friday night, .

Commissions, sub-committees', prop-
agandists and plan formulalors
have' been most consistent in their
Working, so that the so-called nier-

. rimenl and frivolous spirit of; the
delegates and other workers here,
is still pretty much on the business,
side. Result is that theatres and
nightclubs are getting little traffic.
Trade has been as much as 30' < oJV
in the local theatres and 50' i \n the
night spots. None of the latter, for-
tunately for them, has lop hciidliners.
The United Nations theatre as yet

...has .-.not caught on., with the visitors.
*'Hh attendance, light all week. Top
attendance at any perfbrmaiice was
not- over 350. However, this w.ocl;
the American, picture industry boys
arc trying an; innovation to gel the
gratis, trade. Previews arc being

; stuged.

Army Plans Trailerizing

Succeeding Fred Schwartz, v.p. of
'the Century Circuit.- who resigned
. : to take up duties with the Office of.
USO ShOWS Via DlSCS War information in Europe. Charles
Armv Special Services is experi- C. Moskowitz. Uew!s v p., has been
menting with a five-minute Iran- • named co-chairman of the N. Y. Wa.
scription for overseas use. announc- ] Activities
ing the coming of a USO-'Camp ■ "'"j 1 ' 0 !"- w
Shows Unit to some camp. 'i'ranscrip- . William win lo.

unit singing exec, will Oil Schwartz s place on

Sa-.i

tio.n has troupers on
couple songs or doing a skit from
their show. First one recorded is
"Anything Goes." with Joy Hodges
from lhal unit singing several songs
in the show. "Girl' Crazy," with
Frances Williams, and "Flying High."
with Sid Tomack, have also been
disced.'

Transcription is looked on in trade

Committee with

Skfturas Theatres
lwartz's place
the .unit's steering .subcommittee

H<iJlyw6od, May 8.
Hollywood Victory Committee is
lining up. an army or film players to
entertain '. .servicemen in. European
hospitals and rest centres; after V-E

! '°?y. ' ....„ I preparation

| . L;ist week Amos and Andy, Joan j 1 ? .- . .

| Blondcll. Belle Davis. Joan Fontaine. |
• Vrclor Frartcen. Kathleen. June and j
Gene L<)ckharl. Rosita Moreno and'
Paul. Muni signed to go. Nine more j
names were added today: Joseph
Collcn. Louise Allbritton. William |
Deinares'.: Jinx Falkenburg, Jane;
! Frazee! Gabby Hayes.' Charles Rug- !

'Watch Haryey' Ready
To Do 'Shoffle Along'
Routine for Army Si.

"Watch Harvey." first Army Special
i Services blueprint show intended
j tor an all-Negro GI cast, is now com>
i plele and; wi' 1 be tried out; shortly
! at a Greater New York ci'.mp berore
| being blueprinted' for overseas use.
; The show, fifth and lalesl of Spe-
: cial ; Services' blueprints, has book
and sketches -written by SS'.s Enter-
taiiiment Section personnel, with lyr-
ics' and' music contributed by pro-
fessional outsiders. 1he.se .being
Larry Steele. Duke- Ellington. Bob
Russell, Don Redman, Cab Calloway,
Buster ; Harding. Jack Palmer.
Count Basie, Jimmy Rushing. Paul
Webster, Leo Robin and Nacio Herb
Brown. . •

Sixth, blueprint, "GI Almanac,"
with sketches and music entirely by
(Special Services personnel, is now in

Roland Back to Gensiany
For SHAEF Assignment

STATESMAN SHOWMAN

iSlrllinius Knows the Vmlue of Good
| LlffhtinK Effects

lightening engineers to cut off

ing

their supervisory
thein overseas by air.

Lastfogel's 10 Weeks East

Ahe Lasltogel. in New York from
the Coast Saiurday (5 >. primarily to.
hvpo USO-Camp Shows' newly
aiu;menU'd European legil schedule,
will stav cast 10 weeks. ,:

Fanchon i&. Marco) also -east for
ilO .dnys to work with USO On its
musicals. -

in the War

Secretary of Stale Edward J. Slet T
as. a bit of good showmanship with | ijnjus, Jr. has showmanship instinct.
'USO-CS -officials enthused. uso ' n w .is decided, by the newsreel
lilaiis to order ntore and slahd the
expense. Special services, prod uc :

these discs for USO as part of photographic lights

Service, will- ship ' Meniorial Opera House ' auditorium
[while translation of -speeches by
' foreign ministers of various coun-
tries were being . made by: 'inter-.
, prelers, This was due t'o fad that,
cameras did not grind. First time
lights went .off. . Sleltinius .sent; up
word to turn Ihem on again. Pete
■Mole, who is handling the lighting
problem, was taken to Sletl.inius ailcf
I tried to explain reason it was done
i .was 'in give, the people in. the audi

- Wi" Roland, former director of
USO-Camp Shows European Opera-

' ^rt^^^ I^MheTs^syc^loS Warfare
Inking '"re Tresponse to General Division of SHAEF. He will be
Ei enhower's call for a postwar pro- I Chief of Control of one section of

gram, relayed through the War Dept. | ^ ^^TtJo t o? CBS Bili
Kenneth Thompson, Victory Com- i ° r C». Daye Taylor. 01 mn
mH ee chaTnnanV wired an appeal to i. Wilder. Hol.ywood. and Eric Clarke,
screen/ stage and radio players for of Me lopolitan Opera. Each o he
overseas volunteers "to meet a, named w.ll- control a section of . the
crucial need : iii Europe during the | country, supervising the showing pf
three to six-month period of inac- 1 American • films and the organization
livilv which will come immediately j of. suge. music and vaude fare de-
after organized 'resistance ends." ! signed to re-educate . the German
Y Frank Freeman was appointed ! population and rid the country of
the i chairman of a special V-E committee ■ the last veslines of Nazism.

which includes Charles ' K.'. Feldm.an
Olivia de Havillaiid, Bob Hope. E. J.
Mannix, George Murphy and Sidney
Stro'.z. ■ .

'TARGET TOKYO' PIC

Bartlett's 20th Ticket

r ■ Hollywood. May H.

Lieut. Col. Sy Barlletl inked a
IhriT-wil.v post-war contract a.- l>ro-
iluccr-wr'ilci'-direcloi'. with 2l)lh-Fox.

A-iivemcut goes into operation -W
day.J after Bai'tlcll checks oiil or. the
Army,

torium relief 'from the bright liahi- rpjeture unit i ,.„*,. -»,,..

. ' - | Copt. Ronald Reagan, former War

■ •'■ her star, i.- t In. ; narrator;, Capt. Rich

Roland only recently returned, to
the U. S. He was in England and
France for USO for almost , a year;
he wont into France over the Nor-
mandy beachhead a short time after
the invasion lo open the- way for
USO units and establish the com-
. ' plele operation' .of them in all parts
"Target Tokyo.' iwo-reel Anpy of 0( . CU|) j c( , tciiitoiv.

Air Forces lllm dealing .with the first : . . ;

B^2!l bombing raid on Japan, wilt be ;
released by the War Activities Com- 1
milter and the OWI through RKO !
May 24. : . ' I \

Film was produced by the lBtli
Armv Air Forces Base Unit - 1' mot ion '
at Culver City. Calif.

Griff is in From Pacific

1 "Thal'-s okay for you
' Sleltinius replied, '-but

.lo licurc. '
it deadens

the whole show, and I'm not going
to let (he thing bog down froin that
end." So the liuht> Wcirl on and the
ncwsrei'ls paid tiicii share (it the
unnecessary lighting bill neverthe-
less. . ; ■ '

Stanton . "Griflis. American Red '
Cross Commissioner for the Pacific
areas, now on leave of absence Jroin
Paramount, arrived in ' Ne\y York
last week from his post in the Soiiti'-.
west Pacific, He is spending his
lime between his Par office here
and Washington. D. C.
Griflis is chairman of Par's ex-
wrnlc and dirccled; M' Sgt. William , ecutivc committee ami-, member-' of
ilc.iili. ■'.■ formerly.- with . 20lh-Fox. J directorate. He .expects to return to
directed -the sequences .photographed jhis duties for the Rl C: in the Pacific
in llie V. S. - r Ishortiy.

rd (■■(pldslohci'/ormerly. with Metro,
produced: LL- Stanley Rubin, former
Columbia and Universal^ Vriler, !

10

Wednesday, May 9, 1915

J < <

TAHlOTrtT U>KDON OFFICB
• St. Martfart Thee. Trafalgar Squar*

Err

INTERNATIONAL

11

Argentina's Boommg Legit Season
In '4445; Many Film Stars to Stage

Buenos Aires, April 15. ♦

With the raw film stock shortage
forcing some picture stars into legit
and the threat thai several ^film the-
atres may quit pictures for legiti-
mate productions, ' this year's legit
stage in Buenos Aires' and in many
parts of Argentina looks in for a
sock season,

This is all the more remarkable
because of the dearth of theatres.
There are only 26. houses left here as
compared with 177 film .theatres.
As a result, the ■ rst problem con-
fronting producers is finding places
to house the hits...

Recent trend of tearing down the-
atres is to blame for current scarcity
of houses. This has brought a
squawk from legit backers who
claim that government protection is
needed to save many of the remain
ing theatres via some sort of tax ex-
emption on new theatres built to
meet the present housing shortage.
Otherwise, it's claimed that lack of
protective measures • may force the
legit theatre to do a complete fade-
out soon. The all-time high for legit
production this season may encour-
age future theatre building.

Following are the outstanding hits
of the dozen or more shows to open
during the past month .and play to
packed houses:

"House of Bernarda Alba," at the
Avendia. This is Margarita Xirgu's
production of Federico . Garcia
Lorca's posthumous play. It's de-
scribed as "a portrait of the women-
of Spain," and no male appears in
the cast although the five fommcs
constantly mention men as they beat
their wings against the cage of
Spanish conventionality. This trag-
edy is rated as likely to be on event
on the stage of any capital, even pos-
sibly in N. Y. .

"Voice of the Turtle," at Empire.
Estcban Scrrador Co. has produced
an excellent translation of John Van
Drutcn's Broadway hit. Young Scr-
rador, Argentine juvenile lead of
stage and pictures, has given it mod-
ern and lively treatment, doing
standout job Of Bill Page. It's socko
at this new, smallscatcr.

'•Bigger Thomas," at Nacional
Translation of' another U. S.' play,
being from the Richard Wright-Paid
Green original, and produced by
Narciso Ibanez Mcnta. Elaborate
production even distracts from the
fine performances.

"Bride of the Sands," at Odeon:
Screen star, Delia Garces, a fiivoritc
down here, makes her legit debut in
this, and the public's interest in pic-
ture personalities appears to be
keeping this going. . Homero Manr.i
and . U. Petit de Murat, screen
authors, wrote this. It was produced
. by Roberto dc Zavalia, screen dire'e
lor. Story concerns ill-fated
romance of Elisa Brown, daughter of
Admiral William Brown, hero of
Argentina's fight for independence;

Japs Stripped P.L Fflm
Offices; Capped U.S. Pix

Hollywood, - May 8.

At least six months, and probabl.
.• year, will be required to return
theatres . and exchanges in the
Philippines to full operation, accord
ing to Daniel Lederman, managing
director for 20th-Fox in the islands,
who spent more than three years in
a Jap internment camp, and is now
in Hollywood catching up with a lot
of lost sleep in real beds.

Only three first -run houses, the
Times, Lyric and Ideal, and a few
neighborhood, houses are showing
films: currently in Manila, Lederman
said. Speaking of the Japs, he de
clared:

"The film business was the first
industry they grabl>ed. They
stripped the exchange offices as soon
as they took over. They took all
the- iron, steel and other metals in
the office equipment arid even pulled
oi|t the plumbing. They brought in
crews from Japan and started op
. Mating , the exchanges, distributing
. the American films to various thea
Vi ' alWav 5 in ', com bination with
* Japanese propaganda shorts.

"Entire business districts in most
°f the towns have been wrecked and
must be rebuilt. Public works will
get prior rights to materials, arid it
will be a long time before the re-
building of theatres can- even be

London Nitery Setting
Post-War Expansion

' London, April 19.
John Gardner, owner Of swanky
Hatchelt's, West End nitery, is get-
ling-, ready tor post-war expansion.

Just bought "Little Canada," ex-
clusive Holiday Camp, in the Isle of
Wight, which will be used as rest
spot for tired business men, and will
have nightly cabaret and name
bands.

Firm also is interested in famous
Alexandra Park, which has dance
floor capacity of 5,000, and al-
ready is dickering for two name
bands.

Understood firm would spend
$400,000 in modernizing place after
the war, to make it the show spot in
London.

Josie Baker in England
For Camp Shows Tour

London, May 1.

Josephine Baker, now in England
from France, under aegis of ENSA,
will do. a series of Aye shows daily
at Army camps and factories. She.
is set. for a. special show at Cam-
bridge theatre, May 14. to aid the
Association of Friends of the French,
which is being arranged by Noel
Coward. Supporting her will: be
Cedric Hardwicke, Naunton Wayne
and Eddie Gray.

Understood that Jack Hylton is ne-
gotiating with her to do a season
at Victoria Palace, with arrangement
calling for her to give half her salary
to war charities.

London's West End film Biz Strong
After Heat Slows Pace; 'Henry 5th,'
'5th Chair,' 'Farewell' Standout Hits

LAWRENCE TO RETURN
TO M-G FOREIGN POST

Ludwig "Laudy" Lawrence,, for-
merly Metro's managing director in
E'urope and more recently foreign
sales manager for 20th-Fox, is ex-
pected to return to the Metro Eu-
ropean sales spot as soon as he winds
up a Government mission overseas.
Lawrence went with the' Office of
War Information, overseas film di-
vision, after he left 20* two years
ago, but has done, several, other
governmental jobs abroad since.

Lawrence, who long was Metro's
European chief, took an executive
post in United Artists foreign de:
partment when he came to N. Y.
lifter the Nazis took over Paris.
Metro' always had the European spot
open for him, but only recently re-
vealed that he would return to his
old position.

Upbeat in Brit Films
In Making Down Under

Sydney, April 15.
British films now arc taking more
coin than usual from this zone. Some
the trade figure that . with much
British Navy personnel now in this
territory, British film ' interests may
hit a rccord'gross in Aussie keys for
balance of 1945.

British upbeat can be gauged by
the fact that a big cinema loop like
Hoyts .is setting aside in all key
Aussie spots a cinema for the exclu-
sive dating of British pix. Recently
it completed a deal with the Water-
mans, top indie South Australian
cxhibs, for the takeover of York, in
Adelaide, for Britishers.

Prep Elstree For
Full Brit. Sked

London, May 8.
Sir Philip Warter, son-in-law Of
the late John Maxwell, former head
of Associated British Picture Corp.,
has revealed that Elstree Studios is
being readied to start a regular pro
gram of British pictures for the
world market.. Studios ' were requi
sitioned by the government at the
start of the war and have been kept
from a regular sked of production
until now. Warter is a director of
ABPC. Elstree is a subsid of ABPC
and Warter is a director of the latter.

"I ' Lived in Grosvenor Square,'
just finished, is first of . regular ar-
ray, which calls for six high-budget
features annually. "Square" stars
Anne . Neagle. Rex Harrison and
Robert Morley. Herbert Wilcox di-
rected and Dean Jagger . produced-
Square," which, is reputed to have
cost $1,000,003.
Wilcox is taking a print ; of
Square" with him when he sails for
the U. S. shortly. He's been given
carte .blanche' to line up American
stars, writers, technicians and direc-
tors for the six-fllms-per-year ar-
rangement.

Metro and Warners are reported
already bidding for West End pre-
release showing of "Square."

Company's Wclwyn studios al
ready are operating. Max Milder,
managing director . of Associated
British, is taking an active interest
in the new production setup.

Hays Adds Healy

M. A. J. Healy was added to the
Hays office international department
last week, being assigned to London,
where he will be associated with F.
W. Allport. Allport long has been
in charge of the London office of the
Motion Picture Producers & Dis
tributors Assn.

Healy is from a Government
agency which has been in touch with
film industry foreign problems. He
visits Hollywood, before going to
England.

Current London Shows

London, May 8.
"Another Love Story," Phoenix
' '.'Appointment Death," Piccadilly
"Arsenic A Old Lace," Strand.
"Blithe Spirit," Duchess.
"Desert Rats," Adelphi.
"Gaieties," Winter Garden.
"Gay Rosalinda," Palace.
"Happy & Glorious," Palladium
"Honeymoon,". York's.
"Irene," His Majesty's.
"Lady Edinburgh," Playhouse
"Laugh Town Laugh." Stoll.
"Love In Idleness," Lyric.
"Madame Louise," Garrick.
"Night Venice," Cambridge.
"No Medals^' Vaudeville. .
"Panama nattie," Adelphi.
"Peek-A-Boo Parents," Whitehall
"Perchance to Dream," IJipp.
''Private Lives," Apollo:
"See How They Bun," Comedy.
"Shop Sly Corner," St. Martin^,
"Strike It Again," Wules,
"Sweeter Lower." Ambassadors.
"The Assassin," Savoy.
"Three's a Family," Saville.
"Three WalUes," Princes.
"Tomorrow World," Aldwych.
"While Sun Shines," Globe,
"Wind of Heaven," St. James.
"Years Between," Wyndhams.
bellow Sands," Westminster.

WB Resuming at Teddington

Hollywood, May 8.
Warners' Teddington (England)
Studios got the green light for rer
building from Jack L. Warner here
today, simultaneous with the an
nouncement of V-E Day. Construc-
tion of the studios, destroyed during
roboCbombing, will go ahead as soon
as necessary priorities can be ob-
tained.

A. M. "Dec" Salmon,- manager, of
Teddington, along with several other
Warner employees, was killed dur-
ing a robombing which levelled the
plant.

Warners May BnDd
Aussie Honse Postwar

Sydney, May 8..
Instead of any chain of theatres
in key Aussie cities, Warner Bros, is
believed most likely to construct one
show-window in Sydney. Warners
bought valuable piece, of property
in choice location here, easily ac-
cessible to subway, about a year ago,
and thought likely to use it for thea-
tre. site postwar.

Wolfe Cohen, company's Aussie-
Latin-Amcricah chief, here on a
visit, indicated last week that War-
ners might build after the war if
materials were available and com-,
pany still was unable to get big cir-
cuit outlet. Company is understood
to be- doing well under present setup,
supplying indie exhibitors and many
Hoyts circuit spots, with record year
in view. ' .' .

Lightfoot Resigns As
" Assoc. British Exec

London, April 26.

Film trade was surprised to learn
of the retirement of Eric Lightfoot
from post of joint managing director
of Associated British Picture Corp.,
position he held with Max Milder.
Lightfoot has been .with company, in
executive position since 1930, with
his contract still several years to go.

Understood his retirement is due
to internal friction, with the former
joint managing director having been
paid off on his unexpired contract.

London, April 26.

West End film theatres suffered a
severe jolt at boxoffice when weath-
er turned into hot summer instead of
April temperatures. But with weath-
er ■ readjusting : insclf, biz . again
picked up. with most theatres riding
along strong.

However, this is hot the Only rea-
son why trade has improved. Others
are the removal of the. blackout, an-
nouncement of an easier budget, and
double-summer time. Eve of war's
end also is a factor. .

Crop of pictures is well up to
standard, - with "Henry V" (Two-
Cities Films), at Marble Arch Pa-
vilion; "Fifth Chair" (United Art:-
ists), at London Pavilion; and "Fare-
well My Lovely" (Metro), at the
Ritz, outstanding.

(Estimated Grosses al rate of $4 to
English Pound)
Carlton (Par) — "Here Come
Waves" (Par) (5th wk). Opened as
smash, and has been packing 'em in
since. Playing twice daily, it has
been averaging $12,000 per. Now in
its last week, and could continue in-,
definitely, but must vacate due to
general release. Being replaced' by
"Sign of Cross" (Par), : which is hav-
ing second West End prerelease, hav-
ing recently played, at Plaza for two
weeks. Wijl stay fortnight, after
which "Bring on the Girls" (Par)
goes in for lengthy run.

Empire (Metro) — "Under the
Clock" (M-G) (1st wk). Half way
through week, management already
has decided to hold over, with Judy
Garland always a draw- at this house.
Will top $20,000. hence the h.o.
"Dorian Gray" (M-G ) is next.

Gaumont - (Gaumont- British) —
"Tree Grows in Brooklyn" (20th)
(4lh, wk). Off to big start, with
press voting it best in years. Re-
sponse has been consistent, with in-
take averaging $15,000 per, and man-
agement compelled to double picture
at Tivoli (G-B), their other house
hr the Strand. Expected to run till
middle May: after which picture
goes on general release.

Leicester Square Theatre „(G.F.D.)
—"Here Come Co-Eds" (U) (3d wk).
Despite press voting it best Abbott
and Costello effort, response has hot
been up to hopes. But still, very
healthy at around $10,000, good go-
ing for this house. Staying another
week, after which "The Suspect"
(U) is replacing.

London Pavilion (UA)- — "Fifth
Chair" JUA) (1st wk). Talk of
town, with Benny and Allen, big
radio names here, drawing excellent
sophisticated crowd. House has
never experienced such lines, rang-
ing right around theatre. Should
top $14,500, capacity. Good for
months, and all question when re-
lease date is due, as word of mouth
publicity is great.

New Gallery (GB) — Tonight,
Every Night" (Col).(Clh wk). Has
been terrific for jour weeks, drpp
ping off during hot spell. Touched
$13,000 in early stages. Now nearer
$10,000. Staying till May 14, aftel
which "Three Caballeros" (RKO)
comes in.

Marble Arch Pavilion (GB)—
"Henry V" (T-C); After five months
at Carlton (Par > to capacity biz, was
transferred here, and now in fifth
week, with trade even better than at
previous- house. Was doing steady
$12,000 at Carlton (Par) and is
around $13,000 here, with no sign of
letup. Expected .to., stay for year,
which would be record for . this
house.

Odeon (GB)— "Blithe Spirit" (T :
C) (3d wk). Considering general
praise front press, response has not
been, so good. Started to $16,000 first
week, but dropped to near $14,000 on
second, which was attributed to sud-
den heat wave. : Has upped since
cooler weather arrived, and is now
around $15,000. Staying till May 9,
and being replaced May 10 by "Czar-
ina" (20th I:

Plaza (Par J— "Going My Way"
(Par) (1st wk'i. Par has revived
this one at . special request of par
Irons. Response has ' been good
enough to wdrrant holdover, with
first week expected to touch $15,000.
Will be followed by "Place of One's
Own" .(T-Crt. which was intended,
for .Regal at Marble Arch, but hpuse
is not yet ready after blitz two
months ago. .

Rlti (M-G)— "Farewell My Love-
ly" (M-G) (2d wk). Came in minus
any flourish, but word-of-mouth
soon built it into a big hit.

steady $6,500, capacity at this small
seater. Good for months, unless
Metro has general releasing obliga-
tions.

TIvoll (G-B)— "Tree in Brooklyn"
(20th) (2d wk). Brought here to
relieve congestion at GB's Gaumont.
Although not doing as well as other
spot, still picking up plenty at
around $8,000 and more than house
has raked in for last several months.
Should stay for at least another four

Warner (WB) — "Hotel Berlin"
(WB) (2d wk). House has distinct
following, with -WB's films as attrac-
tion. This one doing above average
takings,; .with first, week exceeding
$16,000. Second stanza looks nearer
$13,000. Staying third week, with
"Flight from Folly." (WB, London)
to follow.

Argentina's Film Woes
Continue Despite Hope
Of Raw Stock Relief

Montevideo, May 1.
Argentine picture industry diffi-
culties continue despite possibility
that the raw stock shortage .may be
eased because of the switch in Ar-
gentina's foreign policy to pro-United
Nations. Setup at major local studios
continues, in complete haziness as to
future. Studios still in operation are
leading a hand-to-mouth existence,
scrambling about in the black mar-
ket for. enough stock to finish pro^
ductions actually on the set.*

Besides the raw stock trouble there
is now 'a bitter producer-exhibitor
fight, and internal struggles between
producers, studios, exhibitors and
distributors. Also there is a rising
clamor by studio personnel for
higher pay and better working con-
ditions.

Leading screen talent, discouraged
by . this sombre picture, is turning to
the stage in search of a future, or
going to Mexico, Cuba and- other
countries, on contracts skedded to
run, for several years.

Recent visit by U. S. film tycoons,
including. Arthur Locw, have pro-
duced crop of rumors regarding
Hollywood intentions' of invading
.the local production .field. Many
welcome the prospect of additional
capital and the possibility of im-
portatidh of technicians from Amer-
ica.

Now that the Hollywood dubbed
versions intensify competition for
local production, observers are urg-
ing prom men t members, of .the in-
dustry to seek some: sort of internal
harmony and united action pronto.
Meanwhile, the government insists
on enforcing the famous decree pro-
tecting local production and provid-
ing for exhibition of a high propor-
tion of Argentine-made films in all
first-run theatres.. This has brought
about a feud between Argentina
Sono Film and San Miguel Studios
against the Clcmcnte Lococo chain
of theatres over release dates and
admission scales of their major pro-
duction.

Argentina Arts S,M*,«M Ft.

San Francisco, May 8.
Argentina's acceptance into the
United Nations Conference of Inter-
national Organization in San Fran-
cisco last week resulted in a request
by that country lor 5,000,000 feet of
film raw stock. Request has been
turned down. '■'••'

An authoritative industry spokes-
man revealed that when, and if,, the
raw .stock situation eases up, then
something undoubtedly would be
clone to include that nation in the
Latin-South American quota alloca-
tions.

N. Y. film industry execs point out
that film quotas for countries south
of the Rio Grande already had been
allotted for the. year, and currently
nothing can be done to change setup.

Latin-American countries took a
255(._cut in-raw- Stock last year, as
compared to 1941 peak allotment fig-
ures. But with Argentina cut off,
they lost no actual footage.

ferns Here for Huddles

M. I. Davis, Metro's' managing
director in South Africa, in N. Y.for
huddles with Arthur Locw, Loew's
International prexy.
Davis is. here from headquarters
Doing 1 in Johannesburg.

11

Wednesday, May 9, 1945

Basie Terrif 100G, 'Clock' - Howard,
Paxton,Froman 72G, < Salome > Fat 28G

,cs!er Cd i $197600. and lioldirig. Last week, "Na-
woek lastllional Velvet" (M-G) -and ''Holly-

On" <PRC). day-date with 'Efcqlilre.
Sad $7,000. Last week, "Royal Scan-
dal" < 20th) and "House Few" (V),
also Esquire, nice $15,000.

Esquire (Fox) (742; 35-7*)— "Horn
Blows" (WB) and "Lights Go On"
(PRC) , also at Denver. Thin ; $1,300.
jiast week, "Royal Scandal" (20th)
I nud "House Fear" i U >, also at Deliver.
:nice $3,000.

I Orpheun (RKO) 1 2.600: 35-74)—
I "Enchanted Collage" (RKO) and
" " (Mono). Socko

Fashion Models'

Basie orch and Jerry'.- Li

wk). ' Wound • up llr-st • \v«v~. .....•«■ ..■ -.

(Tues.) night in Vbloxin* ' . Inshibu. ! wood Vine" (PRC) i-2fl wk), good

Lake going to smash $100,000. Third
week of "Royal Scandal"- i20ili).
Haxel Scott, Jackie ".-Miles,'' - Dick
Brown and Hartmans was $55,000. ,

Slate. <Loe\v'S> M.3..450: 43-$1.10)—
"See My Lawyer." (U) (1st. run ) and.
in person, Harry Savoy and Lai-ry
Douglas. Proceeding . sloyvly. look-
ing only $19,000. Last week,-"Bre\VT
ster's Millions!' iUA) (1st run), with
Guy Kibbce. Paul Haakon and Mill
il.erth Trio, wound up at $28,000.

Strand i WB) (2.756: . <i0-$1.20)—
"Hpvn Blows" iWB'-' a':d Vaughn;
Monroe orch; i 3d iliial dw>;-: Looks
tike $3.1.000. fair enough, on blbwbrt. !
Last week, dropped lo $39,800, partly I
becau.-'c house was closed lip lo 3:05 r
p'.m: last Tuesday-Wednesday by j
order of License Commissioner Paul !
Moss because of . sale of ticket to a j
minor. ''Escape '.in Desert" IWB).
Ilchry Bus.-ifi orch. Helmut Dantinc
and ''.Andrea King open Friday (ID. |.
. VJetoi-la iMauvei ) (720; 70-$1.20) '
— "Dillinger" (Mono). i:ld wk). Con-
tinues to, pull heavily, second week
having ended last night (Tues.) nt
$23,000, big. Initial /tame hil a new
high .of. $35.80(1 JiiV house. :'. '

r-good if.uol

V-E Day having finally arrived.
Broadway theatres look for -a" general
strengthening in 'business, especially
with Hie end or the celebrating. On
Monday >7\ when lirst news of the.
Nazi capitulation was flashed, busi-
iuss was normal for, a Monday, but
yesterday iTucs.). following Presi-
dent Truman's official .confirmation
of the unconditional '.surrender'.''.' it
was running' ahead of_Monday. due
partly lo vain. Crowds formed at ait
early hour in Tinies Square both
days. No commotion inside theatres
was reported on cither day. Pre-
pared lo meet the' occasion with
solemnity, theatres offered prayers,
playing of "Star Spangled Banner.".'
etc.

Willi 'Pres. TriimahV official an-
nul neenienr or the end of 'hostilifj.es- '
in Europe, the brownout was auto-
malic<:llv lifted yesterday. iTucs.)
and hoiH'd in managerial circles that
the curi'ew also would come to- an
end soon.

New shows of the. past week of
major imouriance put in at the
town's two largest, theatres. Music
Hall ami Rosy. At the former 'Val-
ley of Deciioh'' opened powerfully
arid oi.t-.11ic first week should got
terrific $125:000,' while the lli.xy.
with "Diamond Horseshoe'.'' Count-
Basie band and Jerry .Lester. ' ended
initit'l .week last night at sock S100.-
000. The CapitoJ. also , a, big-scatcr.
with "The Cluck." George -pJixt-m
orch, Willi*: Howard and Jane Fro-
man. looks' robust $72,000 or oyer.

"Salome: Where She -Danced.'
which today < Wed, t be.-?im its second
weifk p.i Cri'erion, finished llrsl
strongly at. $28,000. At the Palace,
"It's a Pleasure"- should hit an okay
$25,01)0 on first week; ..and holds.
State lias a flrst-ruu buoking in "See
My' Lawyer.'' with in-person show
headed bv Harry S;ivoy ..'and Larry
Douglas, but slow at only about $19.-
000. "Gentle Annie" will set the-
liltle Riallo an okuy $7,000 or belter.
Strong anions holdovers . is" the.
Paramount show of "Salty
O'Rourkc." Charlie Spivak band, Jo
Stafford ui id Dean Murphy, second
stanza having ended last night
(Tues.) al an cxisllciit $80,000.
Others varv from moderate to very
line. ',

Estimates lor This Week
Aslnr iCi'.y Inv.l (1,140: U0-$1.25)
—"Enchanted Collage" 'RKO ) (2d
wk). Continues very fast gait, On
holdover lopkms ■■SMB.00H
mains. • Initial week
$311,200.

Capitol (Loew:s) (4.H20; 60-$1.20)
—'•The Clock" .(M-G), with George
Pax ton orch. Willie. Howard and
.lane .Froman on slage. Opened
s'.rongly and on first Aveek snould"
hit rubust 472,000 or over, holding.
Last week. "Be' Seeing You" (M-G),
Srmmy Kjiye orch. Paul Winchell;
Antonio anil " iflosario (4Lii wk i,
dropped to $50,000 but okay.

Criterion (Locw's) (1,700: (>0-$1.25.l
—"Salome. Where She Danced" iU>
(2d wk). Finished lirst seven days
last uiidit iTucs. ) at s.urdy $28,000.
Second week for "Sudan'' iU) was
fair enough $Hi.()00. .

C.lobe iBrandt) il.4l(k ii0-$1.20)—
'•Tarzan ai:d Amay.o'jis'' iRi<Oi f 2d
final wk). Off rather sharply to
moderate $15,000 and won't be held
further.. Last Week, stronn S25.000.

Gotham 'Brando mOO; <>0-$'l .201 —
"Col. Blimp" <UA) Kith wk). Loiiks
okay $0.0(10: rishl behind lifih frame's
$8,100. Holds.-

Hollywood iWBi 1 1.499: 50-$1.20)
—•'Corn Is Grecir' iWB) Kith wk).
Suitable $17,000 -sighted, same as las!
week (5tli ) and remains on. .

P»Uce . (RKO) (.1,700: (10-$1.1(D—
"It's a Plof.sure" (RKO). Pbintihs
toward $25,000. okc. and- holds. Nine
days for.y "Belraypl .From East"'
(RKO) tviis- under hopes nt only ;
$23,000 but prollt. ■ : !

raramonnt (Pal ) <3.Gl>4: B0-$1.20)
—"Salty O'Rourke" (Par), Charlie. |

Spivak orch, Jo Stafford and Dean j . Denver. May fi

Murphy 1 3d wk).. Holding up par- ' V-R Day II: sli shut- down stoi-es
ticularly strong at $80,000 registered jMnndav and other places today
on ssi-ond week ended last, night (Toes.). Theatres -operntod -as usual,
(TUesJ. First rolled up tci-i-iftc .with Denver tiikina news in strii'.c.
$100,000. ..'. -••■Enchanted Cottage" is easv winner

Radio City Music . Hall : (Rockc- wilh packed' houses most of' lime,
fellers) (.5.945: <iO-$1.10)— "Valley, of |-'Sa)lv O'Rourke" also is s nssh at
Deci.-uon", c.M-a ) and stagesho.w. Off iDe.lihain. and holds indeU)i:'teJv.
to a smash start, initial week au'^Ur- ' Hin-n Blows at Midni«>hi." is rated
imj a .sock $125,000. Starts' second :„/ iiisappoiiitnient. nol <wen gcttiii's
tomoiTow (Thurs.). Final. (6th) usual moyeover to Aladdin hiiiI ni-
wcek for "Wj'.honl. Love" (M-G) hit - ;i |to

$1 ffio- V «V' im;- 40-85,- k ' «st.maus lor This WMk
"Gentle 'Annie" -iM-C-). Will do • Aladdin (Fox ): 1 1,400:. 35-74)--
$7,000 or, over.; okay. Last week, i "K'^al Scandal" ; .(20lh) and "House

$12,000.

Paramount iFox ) i2,200; 35-74)—
•Can't Take It Willi Yoti" (FC) and
"Ragged Angels" iFC) (reissues).
Good $7,000. Last week, "Murder,
My Sweef' iRKO) and ■ "Cisco Kid"
(Moiio) .i.2d wk), nice $8,000.

Riallo (Fox) (878: 35-74)— "God Is
Co-Pilot" iWB) iuid "Song Sarong'-'
iU) (2d wk). After 3 weeks down-
town. Neat $3,000. . Last week. "Co-
Pilot" and "Remember. April" 'U>,
$3,500.

Chi Mild But *Se«mg You'
'Cottage' Fancy 2&/Music' 21G, 2d

— — ■■ — " .. : ■' : . — — ♦ -v - :

^15,000 in Balto

^ Baltimore, May 0. .

Trade here is consistent in spite of.
wcaiher aiid V-E Daj. .. "Salome,
Where ;Shc. Daiieed" is boft'o at
Keith's vyhile . "Mr. Emmanuel'! looks
sturdy at the Mayfair. ; smuU.-.seater.
Kstlraatcit for This Week
Cenlnrv (Loew'^-UA) (3,000: 20'
-Between 2 Women" (M-G) (2d
wk). Holding up nicely at $12,000
after slrong opeuev at $10,800.

Illpnodrome (Rappajjort) (2,240;
20-741^ "What a Blonde" • RKO)
plus Spilte Joiies' orch. . Comedy
■ orch sparking this to socko $22,000.
'Last week. -second of. "Song Remeni-

. , , iber" (Col), nice $13,300.

M-nsational «a,l i,s pictures I urn;, over ; (Sl .„ at , bc rgcr ) (2.400: 20-1

more often, m the llrst runs. Four j boj— "Salome" (U). Drawing . sock
houses have fresh bills with the top ! trade al'. indicated $15.0110 or over.!
suiit a race between "Utah" with i t«st week. "Sudan" iU> .-(2d .w<li >

C-..b Galloway on the staue al l),e \ f f "' .. . „' n ,
n, ....•„ j ..Tii j . ... ,i Mayfair ilUeks 1U8O: 2rt-a5 )— Ml

" d , ^iM"devhcKl " and Enmiahuel 1 "
Bnlllightcrs at the /Fox. Also on
slrou'!; side ..are "Brine, no Ihc -Girl's"

Have Not" (WB) \2d wk). Smash
$13,500. Last week, terrif $18,000.

rrlnees.0 (CT) (2,300; 80-52)— ,; The
Unseen" (Par) and "One Body Too
Muiiy" fU). Avelage $6,500. Last
week, "This Man's Navy" (M-GV and
-Power of Whistler" (Col),- $H,(H)0. •

Velvet -Vaude
Smash 32G r D.C.

: Washington. May 8.

"National Velvet." with yaude, is
way out in front at the Capitol t jiea-
1 re this week.

Estimates for This Week

Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 44-72 )—
"National Velvet " (M-GJ with vaude.
Boffo $32,000. Last week. "The Un-
seen"- (Par) with Spike Joiies orch;
ditto.

Columbia (Loew) < 1,234; 44-72)—
"Tree Grows in Brooklyn" (20th).
Lively $10,000. Last we^ik, "Bell
Tolls" (Par), $0,500.

Karle (WB). (2.240; 20-90) - "Bring
On Girls" (Par) with vatide 1 i2d wk),
Brisk $17,500 after' fancy $281900 Hrsl
week.

Keith's (RKOV ( 1.800: 44-C6)—
-'•Belle of Yukon" (RKO). .Bright
$14,000 in 10 days. Last week.
"Sudan" iU), $12,000 in 12 days.

Metropolitan (WB) (1,800: 44-GG)
—"God Is Co-Rilot" l WB) (2d wk).
Not used . to flrst-rnns here. Fine
$13,000 .if tcr so-so $17,800. last' week.

ralare : (Loew ) (2,778; 44-72 )—
"Here. Come Waves" (Par.) i2d wk).
Triin $10,000 atler first' weeks big
$20,000.

and re
w^as lerrilic

al the Mlchijian and -"Without Love
id' ! he -.United Artists. - ; ■ i
. Estimates for This" Weet
Adaniii (Balabaii) .11.700: (111-85— ■ i
"Sudan" iU) and "Love a Mystery"
(Col). Movech . from . Fox ; for fair i
$9,000. Last week, "Tree. Grows in '
Brooklyn' i20thi c-!d wk). inuve- 1
liver, great $13,01)0. .

Rroad\vay-C»pitol i United Di
Unit) 12.800: till-85) r-" . riillin'gei-'
iMoiio) and "GI lloneynioon" «Mo-\.;
no) 1 2d wk). llobust S.15.000 aflei- I
first . week's slron;( $21.00(1. : '■ <

liowntnwn ( Howard .Ungues) '' <2.- '■
800: lill-ij-i)-"inair'- (Repi plus Cab
Call'i-.vay o'rch on .-laiie. Strong S:i3.- :
000. I.asl wei'k. •■Unrcrt.-u'n -Peelifl'." j
(UA). (rei.'.-:eei plus Ray fiinnev
orch on slage. okay 822,000.

1'ox iFox-Mieliisau) (5,0"0; (:0-li5) |
— "ThuiK'erheaii" (2(»h > and "The 1
BiillfiRlitev' - '-20th). ■ BriKht $:52.oao. \
Last week. "Sudan" i II j aiid vLove ;
a Mystery" iCnl), '$31,000-.
Miidison "■ i United Detroit) H,l|t)ll:

. ... > -. ■ . ■ ■

Ink Spots Up 'Perilous'
Wham $36,000 in Pitt;
/Salome Boff at lli€

: Pittsburgh.. May 8. .
Golden Triangle's really junipih
this week. First sta^e show in five
mouths at Ihe -Stanley, has the Ink
Spots. Coolie Williams band anil
El)a Fitzgerald boosling "Experiment
Perilous" to whain lofal. "Salome.
Where She' Danced" got Hie Harris

, -- .. . „v,-, >, .,„ oft' to si-eai star! and ■Three Cabal-

Valencia_ iLocws-UA) '<l.«i0:;2ll- |.j er .os M is doing big at Pemi. Hold-
,. (iOl — "Deliglitfiilly Yours. . '. "vers also aie all in the big dough.

fUA i. Good exploitation
helping to above-average $0,000. Last
week. "E"rl Carroll Vaniiies" (Rep).
ol;e S4.30O.

New ( Mechanic ) ( 1 .(ISO: 20-li0 1—
"Royal Scandal" (20th i (2d wk i.
Trim $0,000 after s'eady initial .-esh .
lo $8,300.

Stanlcv (WB) (3,280: 25-1)5) "God
Is Co-Pilot"- ( WB) (2d wk). Strpn;;
$18,000 i:fter baiiiiup S22.400 dpener.

Drawing average $4,000. .Last week.
Tii in Man Home" (M-G), -inov.-

over. S4:i:00.

Kstloiates for This Week
riilton i Shea ) ( 1.700;- .40-05 )-r-
"Sud.'iH" (U) (2d wki. Dropping
Oil u bit bill slill -showing nice pro/It.
at over. Sli.OOOv Lasl (veek, great
$10,000.

Harris ■ Harris) -i 2,200:.- 40-CSV —
"Salome. Wnere She Danced"-. iU).
Curiosity had a tevrillc wcek-CDd
but may hot hold to early pace down
the stretch; Looks sock $11,500 Or
nver. . Li:st week. "Royal Scandal"
. . . 201)1"). solid el $10,000.
Holdovers are .slowing the pace a I i Penn (Loew's-UA) iS.'BOO: 40-C5)— .
the Ui-sUuiis h'ere this week. Top ; "3 Caballeres'' (RKO I. Excellent
fill-K:ii-."C:-irt Heli) Singing' 1 ' (U) .'now entry- is "Enchanled Collage.." ; $21,000. Last week, "Be Seeing You"

Chicago, May «
On the whole biz in the Loop con.
tlnqes. falWy steady although some
spots suffered because of V-E Day
and rainy weather. "Pll Be Seeing
You" at Roosevelt' looks boffo $3o,*
000 on. first: full vveck. "Enchanted
Cottage-'' and -Song of , Sarong"
combo at Palace is fancy $22,000.

Of the combo Houses, the Chieago,
with "Practically Yours" and Willie
Shore and Louis Jordan on the Rtage
should hit sturdy $52,000, aiid OrU
eijtal, with " "Strange Illusion" aiid
Bonlta GranviU.e arid Tommy Tucker
orch on stage ought to" -do steady' '
$28,000. - y .

Estimates for This Wnek .

P4ll9__<B&K) (1,200; flS-951— .
"Song Remember" (Col) (4th wk)
Neat $17,000. Last week, line $19,000
ChiCMfO (B&K) (3,900; 55-95)—
Practically Yours" (Par) with Wil-
lie Shore and Lotus Jordan on stage
Sturdy $52,000. Last week, "Keep
Powder Dry" ,(M-G) and Georgie
Price heading stage .show; $47,000. . " •
, Garrlck (B&K) (900; 55-95)— 'This
Man's Nkvyi' <M-G). Good $11,000.
Liist week, "Tonight, Every Night"
iCol) (2d week in Loop ), fair $8,000
Grand; (RKO) (1,150; 55-95)—
"Prisoner of Zeuda". i Indie) and
"Garden of Allah" ( Indie) (reis.su«s)
Nice $9,000. Last week. "Sudan" ' U)
and "Reirieinber April" iU). 6 days,
third week in Loop, and "Zeiula" and
"Allah," 1 day, 'ditto. :

Oriental. (Iroquois) i:i,240: 44-95 1—
"Strange Illusion." (PRC) and Blinila
Granville and. Tommy Tucket- orch •
on stage. Steady $28,000. Last we.-k.
'Identity Unknown" (Rep) and Lena
Home on stage, big $40,000.

Palace (RKO) (2,500; 55^95)- "En-
chanted Cdltage" (RKO) and ■•Sung
Sarong" (U). Fancy $22,00(1. Last
week, "Having Wonderful Crime" '
(RKO.) aiid "Pan'r Americana" ( RKO ):
0 days, ond. "Coltjtgc" and •■Saroim*'
(U), l day, pleasiue $19,000: .

Roosevelt (B&K) (1.500; 55-05 1—
"Be Seeuig You" lUA). Bolfo $30.pt)0;
Last week, "Hotel Berliii" iWB) <4lh
wk), 5 days, aiid ■ "Seeing You." 2
days, strong $25,000.

Siate-!.ake (B&K) (2.700: 55-95 1—
"Nationul Velvet"- (M-G) ■ 411) wk).
Snappy $18,000. Last ' week, pert
$20,000.

United Arllsts IB&K) 1 1.7110: a.i-
95)— "Music Millions" iM-G) '2(1
wk). Bright $21,000: Last wevk.'bril-
lianl $24,000.

Woods (Essaness) (1.200; sri-HS i—
"Flame Barbary . Coast", (Rep) 1 2d
wk). Firm $15,000. Last week, smash
$22,000.

'Cottage' Rousing 12G,
K.C.;'Frank , stein , lHG,
fours' Steady 13G, 2d fi;

V • Kansas Cily. May 8.

:ind "Lonely. Heart" (RKQj. Back in
loop ror'ifUav Sli.rtOO. I.-.-st week. ":i0
Seconds Tokyo" 'M-(;i and "Scnsa-
tfons of "45" (UA). XH.ir.0.

Michigan '( United Detroit i ' i 4.000:
80-85)— "Brina. on Girls" (Par) and

at Ihe Orpheuin. "Praetically Yoiirs" ; I UA) '2d wk ). rancy. $14,000.
.Coes into second stanxa at the New-": Itlta (WB'i (800: 40-(>5)— ' Be :See-

man ■ after boffo initial round

Ksllmates for This Week " .
K.<.qulrr, Uptown iuid Kalrwuv

(Fox-Mi«west) (820, 2.04.T and .70(1:

±' -M m ?'" cI .. ' UA '• Steady $22.- , 40-60 i-"Honse 'Frankenstein" < U >

! and "Mummy's Curse'
; $11,500. Lasi week.

HJ).

"Bcrnydeilc"

000. Last wctk, "Keep Powdei- Dry
<M-G > and "Docks of M. Y " i-Mono)
i2rl v.kj. nice $I!).000.
. ..)V»Jm.f-State'.. 'United. l>.-(«>U.i, iV, -
000; (10-85 (—"Hotel Bevljn" i\VB)
and "Fi^hion Model" ('Monoi (2d

v;k). Fair S13.000 after lirst week's , . _ , v - .. , ,

ok-v $17 000 .'Leave to Blondie' (Col) i2d wk).

United' Artists 'United -Detroit) 1 ^Hd. $10,000 after brisk; $14,000 in-
(2.00!!: 80-85) — "Withont . : Love" i'"- 151101 "'-

(M-Gl and "Scarlet Clue" iMono). ! Newman .(Paramount) 1 1.900: 40-
Fihe Slh.OOO. Last • >eek. "Tb'n Man i U5)— "Pi'aclically Yours ' . (Par i i2d
Home" i M-G) and "Gentle Annie" S'eady $1:1,000 or over. ; Open-

ing week, wham $1.1,000,
Orpheuin
Enchanted

ing Yon" (UA). Moveover. Goml
lor -$4.Rl)0. nice dough ' here. Last
week. "Rou-jhly •Speaking" (WB),
S2.700 on m 6.

Snutor . iHarr'm) 1 1.750: 40-05)—
l iv vlv i "H"*"' 1 Scandal" j20Ui ). I.as:-miu-
wl - j'nte moveovei:. Looks solid $4,000.

.20 hi. fair $10,500 for.return a, pop ^ ) ^^^%J icmCmb ^

' ,u :„'«'' .t~ '• *•,■.-«« • .- Stanley i"WB) T:i.K(MTr40-85)— T T5x7

^Midland (Loews) ( 3a00: 4:i-0ai- ■ ..ncriment Perilous" (RKO) plus Ink
■>ong lo .Remember' 'Col) .-cid ' - — — ■ - - - K -

(M-Gi (2d wk), ordihai-y 8)3:000:

'Cottage 19G, Denver,
/ 'Salty' 16G, Both Boff v

Spots, Ella Fitzgerald. Cootie Wil-
Jii'.ms orch on stage. First flesh here
lin Jive months and doing, terrific
! $30,000. or better. L PS ' week. "Be-
tween 2 Women" ( M-G ). sturdy $20,-
000.

j Warner (WB.) '2.000: 40-65)— 'Be-
1 1 woe!) 2 Wonieii'' ( M-G >. Moveover.
1 RKO ) (1.500: 4(i-(»5')— I Fine $0,500. Last week. "Three Is
Collage" (RKO) aiid . Family" (UA) and "Hfiviia' Woiidcr-
j "Hough. Tough" (Col). Sturdy $12,- ' in) Crime" (RKO). $5,000

,000. La>:l weelt, "It's a. PJe:;suve" 1 - - ■ --.v

ItKOi and "L:isl Ride" (WB) i2r) :
wk). smooth $9,000 afier staunch
$13,000 initialer.. " I
Tower (Fox-.loiree) (2,100; 39-00) i
—"Ministry of Fear" (Par) and '
"Body. Too Mai'y" (PiuO plus vaud.e!
Average $10,500. Last week. "Utah"
(Rep) - . and "Dangerous Passage"

'Par).' with stage, revue, trim Slj.lioo.

Tours' Tall 13G, Mont')

'O'Rourke* Sally 12G,
Columbus; 'Guest' 7G

"Zombies . on Broadway" (RKO).
mild $5,200:

Blvoll (UA-Par) (1.002! 7o v -$1.25)
— "Afl'au's of Susan" (Par). (7lh wk ).
Keeps very steady pace, stout $28,-'
000 being : struck on sixth sUmzil.
ended last ni.'{lit .(Tilts. ), wliile fifih
was not far ;:head of that at $27,000.

B»xy* (20th) (5,886; 60-$1.20)—

of . Fear" iU); :ift;er: a /week at each
Denver. Esquire. > Fairish. $5,00(1.
Last week. '-Sudan''' (U) and "Song
Saroiig 1 '-' U->rTmro.c'nvcr. '.tf!.500.
' Denhaui 'Coekrj'ID C1.750: 35-70)
—"Sally O'Rourke:' (Par). Sut;-#>.
$16,000 >:nd holds; Last, week, "B"ing
on Girls'" iPar) Ckl wk), good $9;000.
Ilcnrrr (Fox) '2.525: 35-74)-'

" Columbus,' May 8.
Busieess continues steadv Ibis
: week with "Sally O'-Roirjko" an out-
islanding smash at. the Ohio. "Giie.sl
; .in House'' at Broad lotiks fair,
j Kstlmafes for This Week

- Hroa.d (Locw's) (2,500: 40-65)—

-,w .. ' , Montreal. May 8. I "Guest iU House" iUAI and " F,v.':
To Have and Have Not' enntiii- ! Knew Applet'' (Co) ). Fair. $7,000.
ues big in second week al .Locw's. [ Tj, s l week* "Nai.-'l.'tv Marie ta"
lop newcJimer U "PrSctieally (M-G) 'reissue) -and '"Crinie Dhc-

Diamond, Hor.-c-shoe" (20th), Count ''Worn Blows" i WB) and. "Lights. Oi)

Yours", at the Capitol, whe.reJit's big.
listimalrs for This Week

Talsee (CT) (2,700: 35-021 —
"Roughly Speaking" (WB). Fairish
$8,500. Last week, "ir re C-.)ine Co-
Cd:." HI), solid $10,000.

Capitol . i CT) '2.700; 35-02) —
-'•Praeliealty Yours" (Par) and '"Dan-
gerous Passage" (P.ic). -Strong $13.-
000. Last week. ."Bel ween Two
Women" i M-G). $8,500. -

horn's (CT) (2.80(1: 35-07)— "Have.

. Courage" : (Col), j)roOtable

tor's
$8,500

Grand (RKO) i.1.140: 40-55)— ''Ob-
jective Burina'V'WB) |2d ruii) and
"Docks of N. Y." (Mono),.' Sturdy
$0,500. Last week. '•Enchanted 'Cot-'
tagc" (RKO) ' «nd "Fa.-hioi) Model"
(Mono), bvi.sk $7,500.

Ohio iLeews) (3,074: 40-05)—
"Salty O'nbiirkc" (Par)imd ''High-'
Powered" i Par). Bo/T $12,000. Laxr.
week,- "Royal Scandal" (2flth ) und

'SONG' STRONG $14,000,
UVILLE; 'COTTAGE' 12G

y Louisville. May H.

unusually cool wenther for . this
ti)))'e of year is -putting a damper on
biz. "SohR lo Remember" looks like
lop money-getter at Loews Slate. ■
with "Enchaiited Couple" al Rialto
next best. '

Estimates for This Week
Brown (Fourth- Avenue) (Loew's)
(1.100; 40-60)— "Sudan" • iUi TViftl"
'•Remember April" (U) ('moveovei-i.
Okay $3,800.- Last. week. "Bring On
Girls" (Par), $4,000 m.o.

Kentucky (.Switow) (1.200: . 30-40)
— "Experiment Perilous" i RKO i mikI
"Blonde Fever" (M-G). Average
$1,700. Last week. "This .. Man's
NaA'y" (M-G) and "Gels Her Man"

rut: $r.8op. -— -■ ~ — ' — .- -

Locw's Stale (Locw's) (3.301):. 40-
00)— "Song to Remember" (Col).
Strong $14,000. Last week-. "Between
2 Women" 'M-G) and "Nothing J)"*
Trouble" .'(M-G) . f2d wki. bon*
$12,000.

M?.ry A'pi»rson (People's) (lilMIO;
40-60). — •■Slighifully Dangeioiis"
(WB). ' Stiirdv. $0,000. Last, week,
"God Is Co-Pilot" ( WB) (4th wk).
$5.."00. '.-.'•

National (Standard) (2,400: 50-75)
--"Man Walked Alone" (PRO and
slage show. Tv'm SJ1.000. Last A\cck.
"Stransc JUusion" (PRC) and vamle
tonned by June ilavoc, .healthy
$12,000.

Riallo ( Fou rlli Avenue) (3.400: 40-
60)— "Enchanted; CotUige" iRKO),
and ''What a Blonde" (RKO). good
*.i?..000. o.r- river. "L'p.st week.- ''Sudan
(U) and "Remember April" <U\ ..
siv.noo. '

Stran6_J.Fourtli ■ Avenue). i|.-IOfl:
40-00)— •"IlavinK ' Wontlerfi'l Crime"
(RKO) and "Great Flaniarioli'
(Rep). Oke $5,000. Last. week. 'Karl.
Carroll Vp.nilies" iR.enl and 'Big
Bonanza" CRcp), "$4,000.

"Power of Whistler" (20th). .line
$10,000.

FabM« '• (RKO) (3.000: 40-85 1 —
"Roughly. Speaking" (WB) and "Men
Walked Alone." (PRO. Okay $7,000
tor 4-day weekend, and "Zombies
on Broadway" (RKO) plus Bert
Wheeler on stngc, 3 - days, strong
$8,000. Last week,- "Objective;
Burma". (WBT and "Docks of N. V'
(Mono), sock $10,000 in 4 days.

Directed and Written by GEORGE SEATON Produced by WILLIAM PERLBERG

SPEED TOTAL VICTORY! THE MIGHTY 7th WAR lOANI

u

PICTUBE GROSSES

Wednesday, May 9, 1945

L A. Big; Co-POot' Wow 71G, 3 Spots,
'O'Rourke Rousing 45G in 2, 'Crime'
32G in 2, 'Scandal' Loud 396.4 H.0.s

Broadway Crosses

Estlmateo. Total Gross

This Week..., ..tS2l',M

(Based on 15 theatres) •
Total fvross Same Week
Last Year! .-. . : .$527,H«
(Based on IS theatres)

Los Angeles, May 8. ••

Holiday mood following the Hash
on war's end in Europe was less pro-
nounced on the Coast than in the
east apparently, so the effect on the-,
atre trade has been nearly nil. Shut-
down ot stores today may bolster
biz because all houses will be open.
"God Is My Co-Pilot" soared' oyer
the weekend and looks smash $71,000
or near in three theatre.

"Sally O'Rourke" is gathering a.
husky $45,000 in two spots. "Having
Wonderful Crime" looks fairish $32,-
000 in two houses while "Frisco Sal"
and ' Honeymoon Ahead"' is light
$19,500 in three. "Without Love" is
proving a sturdy, holdover, garnering
big $33,000 in three spots for third
session. "Royal Scandal" will hit
okay $39,000 on second frame in four
theatres.

. . v/ Estimates lor This Week

Carllay Circle (F-WC) t 1,518; 50-
$1)— "Royal Scandal'' i20th) and
••Molly and Me" 120th). Neat $7,000.
Last week, "Dark Waters" <UA) and
"Eve Knew Apples" t Col ) i2d wk),
fair $3,800.

Chinese (Grauman-WC) 1 2.048; 50-
$1)— "Royal Scandal" i20th) .and
"Molly and Me" 1 20th ) (2d; wk).
Solid $10,500. Last week, way above .
hopes to royal $17,000. •

Downtown (WB) < 1,800; 50-$l)—
"God Co-Pilot" i WB ). Boff $28,000.
Last week. "Horn Blows" (WB) <2d
wk), weak $11,000.

Egyptian (F-WC) (1.538: .50-$i)—
"Without LoveV (M-G) (3d wk).:
Steaciy $9,000. Last week, nifty $13,-
400.

Four $Ur (UA-WC) (900: 50-$l)--
"Wuthering Heights" (FC) (reissue).
Trim $5,500. Last week. "Dark Wa-.
ters" (UA) and "Eve Apples" (Col),
$4,100.

Guild (F-WC) (968: 50-$D—
"Frisco Sal" (U) and "Honeymoon
Ahead" (U); Slow $4,500. Last week.
"Lake Placid Serenade" (Rep) and
"Faces in Fog" (Rep), $3,100.

Hawaii (G&S) '1.100; 50-$ D—
"Phantom Speaks" (Rep) and "Vam-
pires Ghost" (Rep) (4th wk) (6
days). Closing with $2,000. Last
week, neat $3,600.

Hollywood ( WB) ('2.750: 50-$D—
"God Is Cr.-Pilot" (WB). Great $24.
000. Last week, "Horn Blows" i.WB)
(2d wk). only $7,000. %/

Los Angeles (D'lown-WC) (2;097:
50-$l )— "Without Love" (M-G) (3d
wk). Meal $15,500. Last week, steady
$22,800.

Orpheum (D'lown) (2.200; 05-85)—
"Docks of N. Y." (Mono) with A. L.
Marcus unit on stage. Dull $18,000.
Last week, "Betrayal From East'
(RKO) with Calvert magic show,
okay $21,800.

Pantages (Pan) (2.812; 50-S1V
"Having Wonderful Clime" (RKO).
and "Tarzan and Amazons" (RKO)
Mild $13,500. Lost week, . "Co-Eds"
(U) and "House Fear" (U). only
$10,000.

Paramount (F&MY (3,389; 50-$l)—
"Sally O'Rourke'" (Par) and "Hitch-
hike to Happiness" (Rep).. Strong
$30,000. Last week. "Brirttf On Girls"
(Par) and "High Powered" (Par) (2d

\vk>. closed at $14,300. D „„, .„ . ■ . . . . . ,._

Paramount Hollywood (F&M) (1.- Best showing is being made by ."En

451; 50-$l )— "Sally O'Rourke" (Par).

Heflv $15,000. Last week. "Bring On

Girls" (Par) (2d. wk). $8,100.

Itlllstreet (RKO) (2.890: 50-80)—

"Having Wonderful Crime" (RKO)
^ and "Tarzan Amazons" (RKO).
■4 Modest $18,500. Last week. "Co-Eds"
■ (U) and "House Fear" (U). $16,100. .
W- Rits (F-WC) (1,370: 50-$l)— "With-
^■oul Love" (M-G) (3d wk). Nice $8,-

500. Last week, excellent $11,200.
Stale (Loew'i-WC) (2,404; 50-SD—

"Royal Scanaal" (20th) and "Molly

and Me" (20th) (2d wk). Sturdy $16,-

000. Lost week, good $22,500.

United Artists (UA-WC) ( 2.100; '50-

$))— "Frisco Sal" IV) and "Honey-
moon Ahead" (U). Slow $8,500. Last

week, "Placid Serenade" (Rep) and

"Faces Fog" (Rep ). $5,700.

Uptown (F-WC) (1.790: 50-$D —

"Royal Scandal" < 20th) and "Molly

and Me" (20th) (2d'wk). Fine $6,-

000. Last week, powerful $11,500.
Wilshre (F-WC) (2,296: 50-$l>—

"Frisco Sal" (U) and "Honeymoon

Ahead"NU), MUd $6,500. East week,

"Placid Serenade" (Rep) and "Faces

Foa" (Rep), $4,400,
Wlltcrn (WB) (2.500: 50-$l )— "God

Ca-Pilol" (WB). Socko $19,000. Last

week, "Horn Blows" (WB) (2d wk).

only $6,500. • v . '

'Salome Bright
Paces Prov.

V Providence, May 8.

"Salome, Where She Danced," is
pacemaker among the new ones,
wilh "I'll Qe Seeing You" still big
in second week at Loew's State.
Also in for a second sesh is "Bring
On the Girls"., at Strand. Albee
brings in "Enchanted Cottage" on
Wednesday.

Estimates for This Week
Albee (RKO) (2,100; 44-60)— "En-
chanted Cottage". (RKO). Starls
Wednesday (9). Last week, "Pat-
rick the Great". (U) and "Escape in
Fog" (Col), soynd $14,000 in 8 days.
Carlton (Fay-Locw) (.1:400; 44-55)
-'This Man's Navy" (M-G) and.
Blonde Fever" (M-G) (3d downtown
wk). Snappy $5,000. Second week
was $6,000,

Fay's (Fay) (2,000;' 44-55)— "3
Caballeros" (RKO) (2d run), and
vaudc on stage. Very good $7,000.
Last. week,. "Murder, My Sweet" (2d
run) and vaude, $6,000.
Majerlle (Fay) (2.200; 44-60)—
Salome. Where She Danced" (U)
and "Remember April" _(U). Pack-
ing them in for big $10,000. Last
week, "Thunderhead" (20th ) and
"Bullfighters" (20th) (2d wk),
healthy $10,000.

State (Loew) (3.200; 50-60)— "Be
Seeing You" (UA) and "Unwelcome
Guest" (M-G) ■ (2d wk). Strong
$14,500 after breaking house records
at current scale at smash $25,000 in
opener. '■'"."

Strand -(Silverman) (2.000: 50-60)
—"Bring On Girls" ( Par ), (2d wk );
Starting Monday (7). First round,
solid $14,500. In ahead. "Bell Tolls"
(Par) ;(2d wk), $9,500. '

Tottage'-'Vaiihies' Big
$35,000 in Mild Frisco;
/ 'Blood Sun' Huge 18G

V San Francisco, May 8.

The gold here does not glitter at
lhe v boxoffice. The spectacular show
of foreign ribbons, decorations and
uniforms .that goes with United Na-
tions Conference is the No. 1 show
here, with theatres merely also-rans.

SHEBMAN GOES 'THIS WAY'

Hollywood. May 8.

Eugene Manlovc Rhodes' Sntcvc-
post ya/n. "They Passed This Way,"
will be Harry Sherman's next indie
product ion. slated to start as! soon
a.« he gets his film allotment.

Joel McCrca. currently In Canada
on a mission for the U. S. Depart-
ment of .Agriculture, Is under nego-
tiation as star in the Sherman Dim..
■■■•MM i\f ; Y'. > - ■) '

chanted Cottage" and Earl. Carroll
"Vanities" unit on stage at the Golden
Gale. ,

Estimates for This Wick

Fox (F-WC) (4.651; 55-35)— "Be-
tween 2 Women" ( M-G ) and "Gentle
Annie" (M-G). Modest $27,000. Last
week. "God Is. Co^Pilol" (WB), sat-
isfactory $31,000.

Paramount (F-WC) (2.646: 55-85)
—"This - Man's Navy" (M-G) and
•'Nothing But Trouble" iM-G). Fair
$23,000. Last week, "Navy" and
"Trouble." 4 days, and ""Roughly
Speaking" (WB) (3 days), thin
$15,000.

Warfield (F-WC) (2.656;' 60-85)—
"Without Love" iM-G) and "Identity
Unknown" (Rep). Fairish $27,000.
Last week, "Royal Scandal' 1 (20th)
and "Molly arid Me" (20th). $16,000.

St. Francis (F-WC) (1.400; 55-85)
—"Yank in R.A.F," (20th) and
"Weekend in' Havana" (20th) (re-
issues). Sagging $9,000. Last week.
"Practically Yours" (Par) (2d wk),
about same..

Slat* (F-WC) (2.133: 55-85)— "God'
Is Co-Pilot" (WB) and "What a
Blonde" (RKO). Nice $15,000. Last
week. "Keep Powder .Dry" (M-G)
and "Faces in Fog" (Rep), okay $13.7
000 on m.o.

Golden Gate' (RKO) (2.844: 60-95)
—"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO)' and
Earl. Carroll Vanities on stage. Wow
$35,000. Last week. 'Tan-Americana"
(RKO) and Artie Shaw orch, $33,000.

Orpheum (Blumcnfcld) (2.848: 40-
85)— "Counter- Attack" (Col) (2d
wk). Down to $11,000. Last week,
plump $19.500..

United Artists (Blumcnfcld) (1.207;
40-85)— "Blood oh Sun" (UA). Ter-
rific $18,000. Last week. "Brewster's
Millions" (.UA) (5lh wk), $7,100; |

Omaha Off; 'Music' 9'/ 2 G,
'Flame' Sockeroo 4 '/ 2 G

Omaha, May 8.

Celebration . of V-E Day here is
slowing up all biz. "To Have and
Have Not," "Flame ot Barbary
Coast" and "Enchanted Cottage" are
standout.

Estimates for This Week

Orpheum (Tristates) (3.000; 16-00)
—"Hangover Square" (20th) and
"House of Fear" (U). Modest $9,000.
Last week, '"Frisco Sal" (U ) and
Clyde Lucas. orch, Jean Parker on
stage, mild $14,800 at 20-70c scale.

Paramount (Tristates) (3,000; 16-
00)— "Music for Millions" (M-G).
Good $9,500. Last week, "Have, Have
Not" (WB), big $11,800 and a bit over
hopes.

Brandels (RKO) (1.500; 16-60)—
"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO) and
"Eve Knew Apples" (Col) : Fine $6,-
500 or over, solid for second week.
First week was $7,600.

Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 16-00)—
"Have, Have Not" (WB). (Move-
over). Boffo $10,000 or neftr, and
may go as high as first week at Par-
amount. Last week, "Tree in Brook-
lyn" (20th) (3d wk) and "Night Club
Girl" (U), so-so $6,200. '

State (Goldberg) (865; 16-50)^-
"Plame of Barbary Coast" (Rep).
Opened up with b.o; lines and may
touch $4,500,' terrific for this spot.
Last week, "Laura" (20th) < 2d run),
healthy $3,200.

Philly Thin But Tours'
Big 26& Towder' Hot
^5G, 'Scandal' 15G,H.O.

Philadelphia, May 8.
Biz is spotty here' ' this -sesh, but
hot grosses are reported from open-
ings of "Keep Your Powder Dry"
and "Practically Yours." Holdovers
are mild, except "Song to Remem-
ber."

Estimates for This Week

Aldlne (1.303: 40-85)— "Song to
Remember" (Col) (0th wk). Husky
$13,800. Fifth was $14,500.

Arcadia (Sabloskv) (600; 40-85)—
"Hotel Berlin" (WB) (2d run). Fair
$5,700. Last week, "Music Millions"
(M-G), tuneful $7,600 second run.

Boyd (WB) (2,500: 40-85)— "Royal
Scandal" (20th) (2d wk). Fairish
$15,000 after strohg''$23,500 Opener
last week.

Earle (WB) (2,760; 50 T 95)— "Gentle
Annie'.' (M-G) with Gracie. Barrie,
Johnny Morgan, Hartmans and Milt
Herth trio onstage. Okay $19,500.
Last week, "Eve-Knew Apples' (Col)
with Henry Busse orch, others, fine
$21,000.

Fox (WB) (2.250: 40-85)— "Prac-
tically Yours" (Par). Big $26,500.
Last. week. "Here Come Co-Eds"
(U), $16.500 -plus $3,000 for one-day
Earle Sunday show.

Karlton (Goldman) (1.000: 40-85)
^•'Tree Grows Brooklyn" i20th) (2d
run). Trim $9,000. Last week. "Wo-
man -in Window" (RKO) (2d run),
fancy $8,800.

Keith's (Goldman) (2,200: 40-85)—
"Sign of Cross" (Par) ueissue) (2d
wk). Still paying off at $5,800.
Opener was bright $10,000.

Maslbaum ( WB) (4.B92; 40-85)—
"It's a Pleasure" (RKO) (2d wk).
So-so $15,000 after healthy $25,600
for last week. • *

Stanley (WB) (2,760: 40-85)—
"Keep Powder Dry" (M-G). Robust
$25,000. in addition to good $3,500 for
one-day Sabbath show at Earle. Last
week. "Bring on Girls" (Par) (2d
wk), $15,800.

Stanton (WB) (1.475: 40-85)—
"Suspect" (U) (2d Wk). Fair $9,000
after hangup $14,300 opener.

Hub Hot; 'Cottage Socko 28G, IHusk'
41G, 2 Spots, 'Rough'-LomjiardoB^ 30G

Htj Gty Crosses

Eitlmated Total Grosi
Thta Week . . . . . ,$J,866,»M

(Based on 25 cities, 195 theo-
fres, chiefly first runs, including
W. 7.)

Total Gross Same Week
. Last' Year..;.. ....... .$t.«*«^M .

( Based on 23 cities, 182 theatres)

'Co-Piiot' Soars
Jo $22,000, Cleve.

Cleveland, May 8.

"Hangover Square,'' paired with
Bert Wheeler, Gloria Jean and Hal
LeRoy. on stage, is under hopes at the
Palace, although the last spring com-
bo bill for RKO deluxer. House goes
straight .films for next six weeks.
"Salty O'Rourke" is getting a lusty
play at State, and "God Is My Co-
Pilot" is Uie best bet currently at the
Hipp-
Estimates for This Week

Allen (RKO) . (3,000: 44-65)—
"Roughly Speaking" (WB) (m.o ).
Smart $8,000. Last week, "Tree in
Brooklyn" (20th), socky m.o. at
$9,000.

Hipp (Warners) (3.700: 44-«i)—
"God Is Co-Pilot" (WB). Looks like
fine $22,000. Last iveek, "Roughly
Speaking" (WB), okay $15 ; 000.

Lake (Warners) (800: 44-65)—
"Tree in Brooklyn" (20th) (m.o.).
Third week downtown, fast 44.000.
Last week, "Thunderhead" (20lh I,
oke $3,500.

Ohio (Loew's) (1.200"; 44-65)—
"Guest in House" (UA)'. Average
$4,200 on m.o. Last week, "Delight-
fully Dangerous" (UA), one of
house's ■ few first-runs, only fair
$4,800.

Palace (RKO) (3.700: 55-95)—
"Hangover Square" (20th) . plus Bert
Wheeler. Gloria Jean, Hal LeRoy, on
stage: Only passable $22,000. Last
week, "Suspect" (U) with Gypsy
Rose "Lee, Dave Apollon, oh stage,
thin $17,000.

State (Loew's) (3.450; 44-65)—
"Salty O'Rourke" (Par). Fancy $18.-
000. Last week, "Keep Powder Dry"
(M-G), $16,500.

Stillman (Loew's) (2.700: 44-65) —
"Keep Powder Dry" (M-G). Move-
over. Smart $9,500. Last week,
"Guest in House" (UA). $9,800.

Co-PiJot' Solid 18%
.St Loo; 'Girls' Neat 156

V St. Louis, May 8.

Clearing skies and rising tempera-
ture, after a week of rain and cold,
will help biz here. "God Is My Co-
. Pilot" and "Big Show-Off," at the
midtown Fox. is the best bet. "Bring
On the Girls" and "High Powered"
combo is equally strong at Ambas-
sador,

Estimates for This Week

Loew's (Loew) • (3.172; 30-60)—
"Dorian Gray" (M-G) (2d wk). . Will
lack on $11,500 to okay $17,500 in
first stanza.

Orpheum (Loew) (2,000: 30-60)—
"Forever Yours" (Mono)' and "Jade-
Mask" (Mono). Average $5,500. Last
wef k. "House Frankenstein" (U) and
"Mummy's Curse", (U) (2d wk), big
$4,500.' .

Ambassador (F&M (3,000; 50-60)—
"Bring* On Girls" (Par) and "High
Powered" (Par). Neat $15,000. Last
week, "Royal Scandal" (20th) and
"Identity. Unknown" (Rep), $13,000.
. Fox (F&M) (5,000; 50-60)— "God Is
Co-Pilot" ( WB) and - Big Show-Off"
(Rep). Swell $18,500. Last week,
"Belle of Yukon" (RKO). and "Fog
Island" (PRC). $16,000.

Missouri (F&M) (3.500: 50-60)t-
"The Unseen" (Par) and "Molly and
Me" (20th). Good $8,500. Last week,
"It's a Pleasure" (RKO) and "Thun-
derhead" (20th). fine $11,000.

St. Louis (F&M) (4.000; 40-50)—
"More the Merrier"' (Col) And "Sister
Eileen" (Col). Good $4,000. (Last
week, "Practically Yours" (Par)^ind
"Roughiy-vSpeaking" (WB), same. ;,.

Mpls. Spotty; 'Lure' Hot
, 'Song' Okay 10G,
/ 'Thin Man' Fair at 8G

\f Minneapolis. May 8.

Plenty of boxoffice dynamite in
current line-up. "Without Love,"
"A Song to Remember" and "Thin
Man Goes Home" comprise the
strongest trio of newcomers to open
simultaneously in some time, but
they're running under expectations.
Estimates for This Week '

Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25V-
"What a Blonde" (RKO) and "Docks
of N. Y." (Mono). Okay $21000 in 5
days. Last week, "Singing Sheriff"
(U) and "Destiny" (U), satisfactory
$2,200 in 6 days.

Century (P-S) (1.600; 44-60)—
"Salty O'Rourke" (Par). Moveover
from Radio City, under hopes, at
$5,000. Last week, "Keep Powder
Dry" (M-G) (m.o.), mild $4,500.

Gopher i^-S) (1,100: 40)— "Earl
Carroll's Vanities" : (Rep). Fair
$3,500. Last week, "Frisco Sal" (U),
okay $3,500.

Lyric (P-S) (1.100: 44-60)— "En-
chanted Cottage" (RKO). Here- after
two big weeks at State. - Fair $4,000.
Last week. "It's a Pleasure" (20th):
tepid $3,500 on third downtown
week.

Orpheum . (P-S) (2.800: 44-60)—
"Thin Man Home" (M-G). Fairish
$8,000. Last week. "Pan-Americana"
(RKO) and Woody Herman orch,
brisk $18,000.

Radio. City (P-S) (4.000: 44-60)—
"Without. Love" (MrG). Big $14,000
indicated-. Last week, "Sally
O'Rourke" (Par), same. ■

State. (P-S) (2,300; 44-60)^-"Song
to Remember" (Col).: Moderate $10,-
000. Last week, "Enchanted Cot-
tage". (RKO) (2d Wk), satisfactory
$7,500 after big $14,500 first week.

Uptown (Par) (1.100; 44-50)—
"Thunderhead':' (20th). First nabe
showing, good enough $3,000. Last
week, "Tree In Bro/kl yn" (20th ),
good $3,500. ■

World (Par-Steffes) (350; 44r85)—
"Bornadette". (20th) (4th Wk) (2d
run). Profitable $2,000 after good
$2,400 last week. . .

Boston, May 8.

Biz Is looking up all over despite
number of holdovers. "Enchanted
Cottage" is leading town at Keith
Memorial. "Roughly Speaking," i s
okay on holdover at Paramount and
Fenway. "Music for Millions" is
brisk at. State and Orpheum.

Estimates for This Week

Boston (RKO) (3,200; 50-$U0)—
"Rough, Tough" (Col), with Guy
Lombardo orch, Bob Williams, others
on stage. Wham $30,000. Last week'
"Zombies on Broadway!' (RKO), with
Cab' Calloway orch, others, 'ditto.

Fenway (M-P) ( 1,373; 40-74 )—
"Roughly Speaking" (WB) arid "G! I.
Honeymoon" (Mono); Good $6,500 in
second week. Last week, $8,500.

MaJcsUo (Shubert) (1.500; 40-74)—
"Brewster's Millions" (UA) (2d wk).
Cooling $4,500. "Last week, good
$7,100. - -

MetropoUUn (M-P) (4.367; 40-74)—
"God Is Co-Pilot" (WB) and "Scared
Stiff" (Par), warm $23,000. Last
week, "Bring On Girls" (Par) and
"Identity Unknown" (Rep) (2d wk).
wham $28,000.

Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 40-75)—
'Enchanted Cottage" (RKO) and
"Song Sarong" -(U). Socko $28,000.
Last week, "Sudan" (U) and "'Re-
member April" (U) (3d wk), terrif
$18,000.

Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 35-75)—
"Music Millions" (M-G). Average
$24,000. Last week, "Be Seeing You"
(UA) (3d wk), great $22,000.

Paramount (M-P) (1,700; 40-74)—
"Roughly Speaking" (WB) and "G. I.
Honeymoon" (Mono) (2d wk). Sat-
isfactory $10,000. Last week, $14,000.

SUte (Loew) (3,200; 35-75)— "Mu-
sic Millions" (M-G). High $17,000.
Last week, "This Man's Navy" (M-G)
and "Nothing But Trouble" (M-G),
ditto.

Translux (Translux) (900; 20-74)—
"Vampire's Ghost" (Rep) and "Phan-
tom Speaks" (Rep). Average $5,100.
Last week, "Tahiti Nights" (Col) and
"Youth on Trial" (Col), $5,300.

love' Lusty 11G, Port;
'Cab'lcros' 16G,2 Spots

Portland, Ore., May 8.

Folks glued to radios on the V-E
Day news and summer weather are
blamed for current boxoffice dip
here. ;

Estimates for This Week

Broadway (J. J. Parker ) ( 1.900: 40-
80)— "Patrick the Great" (U) xnd
"Song of Sarong" (U). pood $10,000.
Last week, "Here Come Co-Eds" (U)
and '^Lucky Night" (U), $10,500.

United Artists (Parker) (900 : 40-
80)— "Without Love" (M-G). Strong
$ll,000. Last week, "Keep Powder.
Dry" (M-G) (3d wk), $5,500.

Mayfair (Parker - Hamrick - Ever-
green) (1,500; 40-80) —-Between
Women" (M-G). and "Nothing But
Trouble" (M-G). Hefty $9,500. Last
week, •'Alaska" (Mono) and "Enemy
Women" (Mono), 5 days, only $3,000.

Paramount (H-E) (3,000: 40-80)—
"Song to Remember" J Col) and
"Dangerous Passage" (Par) (2d wk).
Mildish $9,000. Last week, good
$14,000.

OrienUI (H-E) (2,040: 40-80)— "3
Caballeros" (RKO) and "Town Wild"
(PRC). Nice $6,000. Last week.
"Song to Remember" (Col) and
"Dangerous Passage" (Par). $5,500. •

Orpheum (H-E) (1.800: 40-80)— "3
Caballeros'^(RKO) and "Town Wild"
(PRC). Okay $10,000. Last week,
"Hotel Berlin" (WB) and "Leave to
Blondie" (Col), healthy $11,000.

love' Giant at 23G In
£incy; 'Millions' Hot 9G

V • Cincinnati,' May 8.

Exti'a zip of two newcorfiers,
"Without Love," one of the season's
best here, and "Brewster's Millions,"
is upping the main line score for the
third consecutive week.

Estimates for This Week

Albee (RKO) (3,100; 44-70)—
"Without Love" (M-G). Titanic
$23,000 for town's tallest in some
'lime. Last ' week. ''Royal Scandal"
(20th). modest $11,000.

Capitol (RKO) .(2,000: 44-70)—
"Salty O'Rourke" (Par) (m.o.). Fast
$9,000. Last week, "Enchanted Cot-
tage" (RKO) (2d run), six days,
swell $6,500.

Grand (RKO) (1.430; 44-70)—
"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO). Third
downtown sesh. Cozy $5,000. Last
week, "Tarzan Amazons" (RKO),
wham $9,000.

Keith's (United) (1,500: 44-70)—
"Brewster's Millions" (UA). Sock
$9,000. Last week, "Molly and Me"
<20th) and "Strange Illusion" (PRC),
thin $4,500.

Lyric (RKO) (1.400; 44-70)-^'Tar-
zan Amazons" (RKO) (m.o.). So-so
$4,500. Last week, "Bring on Girls"
(Par), third main line stanza, ditto.

Palace (RKO) (2,600: 44-60)—
"Horn Blows Midnight" (WB). Dull.
$8,000, season's ' low. Last week,
"Salty O'Rourke" (Par), great $19,-.
000.

Shubert (RKO) (2,100; 44-70)—
"Co-Pilot"- (WB). Second week of
m.o. All right $3,800 after good
I $5,000 last sesh. v >,-,,,.

Wednesday, May 9. 1915

15

NAZI WAR PRISONERS

DEFEAT-GRAZED RAMPAGE

US. SOIL!

ESCAPEO SUPERMEN ATTEMPT VENGEANCE IN MID-WEST MURDER SPREE!

THE NEXT FROM WARNERS IS

•* JEAN

PHILIP

HELMUT

ALAN

IRENE

SAMUELS.

SULLIVAN • DORN • DANTINE • HALE • MANNING • HINDS

Directed by '
EDWARD A. BLATT

Screen Play by Thomas Job. Adapted by Marvin Borowsky
From a Play by Robert E. Sherwood

Produced by

ALEX GOTTLEIB

WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT!
THE MIGHTY 7TH WAR LOAN

16

PICTURES

Wednesday, Mny 9, 1915

Broadway In V-E Welcome

(' intlniiert from p.nc l

whs llie day -as fur. iis Broadway : dead,"' a teen-aged youngster re-
rcvelors were concerned. Yesler-. marked to his companion. Dempsey
day's unise-making was much sub- ' a couple ot weeks, ago. was. reported,
ducd and I ho rain put a ■ literal ■ killed during ' llie invasion of Oki-
dampcr oii it. , .'nawa.

It \V;\s a crowd thai early Monday ■ Froni . one spot yesterday 'came. -a' ;
— with llie Hist flash 1 from the As- bartender eha.sing a careening sailor. !
socia'.ed Press, shortly '.after D a.m. 'He hadn't paid , his check. "Bel ya |
lEWTi— started to spill into Broad- thought I was trying, lo gel away j
way as shops and offices- closed for . with jl." the gob answered good-
the day. But i: was a temperate mob ■ naturedly. The- barkecp . then, ap-
thal gave ins police a' comparatively ' parenlly. had a change of heart,
easy lime of it. V-E Day had been J "Okay. buddy,' 1 he said. .... "Forget it."
expected for . weeks: actual hews 'of. j- V-E- Day, he seemed to realize, same j
the unconditional Nazi surrender only -once in a lifetime. '
was in- itself somewhat of an anli : : On Monday Tin Pan Alley's Brill
climax. building Hooded the streets , with

It was a' juvenile thrring that .sheet music. There was a particular
comprised most of the Broadway ' scurry by hundreds of bobbysoxers
jay-hoppers. Monday's peak crowd for one of the sheets, which had the
at mldafternoon was estimated by picture of Frank Sinatra. There was j

; ho cognizance taken by I hem. of the i

. — , - — " i tunes, title. It was "There'll Be a '

j Hot Time, iiv the Town of Berlin
iWhch the Yanks Come Marching In."

Miniature Reviews

"See My Lawyer"'^ U> 'Mu-
sical I. OlseivJohnson starrer;
weak b.o.

"The Sister Lieutenant" I Mex-
ican-Made) iClasa).- Lower-
drawer st lift for foreign houses;
no English lilies or dialog.

Film Reviews

Lights On Again

Broadway's lights are on again
— as promised by Washington
with the coming of; V-E Day.

The brownout had restricted
theatre marquees, and other' out-
side., lighting to 60 watts.

Most of the . other .discarded times
were of a war genre.

There were'' some manifestations
of regret thai there should be such
a lack .'of dignity, such as jt was.
One typical crack, from a young fcl-
; low ' wearing a discharged service:

■' . '' : ; .„„ ' *». : man's button, was:

police to have reacheo. 500.000. The ; :.. wKal : tne heU arc llu . v nappv
peak Tuesday crowd that milled J
onto Broadway was. no more than
200,000. arid these scurried for cover
when rain started to fall at noon.

i' about? ....Right how .some of my own
buddies are dying in the. Pacific."

Again, as on the previous day. many
of the celebrants wercjrom the gar- j
menl district just off Times Square, |
and when the shops closed, their J
employees joined the Broadway
hoopla.

Coast Takes V-E Day
In Stride ; No Hoopla :

Hollywooo, - May 8.. I
Hollywood and Los Angeles look
, V-E Day in stride, wilh little or no

llteme was "safe and sane."

Niteriesl taverns unci liquor stores
weiii' closed: .'Slate slreel stores de-
dared a holiday, boarding up their
windows "just in case": schools and
courhf- shullercd too, but theatres,
churches, .service men's centers,
banks and' restaurants remained
open and war - plants opera led,.- as
usual, with labor leaders' asking
their-, members lo: slay on the job to
hasten the day of victory over Japan.
Hotel rooms had . permission to re-
main open, so the Empire. Bonier
yard. Wainut .and oilier rooms lei
the customers .in;' but no. liquor was
served. .

■In sharp contrast to the 1918
armistice, there . were few. if my;
spontaneous celebrations, although.;
mindful of the huge property damage
following World War I. Police Com-
missioner Allman brought -800 extra
policemen into the Loop, cancelling
all days olf for the force. To . a'
serious-minded Chicago. V : E Day
meant nothing more than a - period
of sober celebration and a. reaffirma-
tion of the nation's second large pro-
ducing center of war supplies to
speed Japan's dii wnfall.

Coodnatured Cops

There Were approxrinately ISO

; outward sign that it was anything
more than another working- day. j

w " c . ; H y r -i T„ L.wnn 1 instead, of the "wild jubilation" ex- '
police on special detail to hand e , -

the throngs, .and they reported little
that was unusual.' The cops them-
selves came . in for some good-
natured banter from the rollickcrs.
but they took it in stride

Yesterday, for instance . on 40th
slreel. close to Duffy Square, the
police had to rescue one of their '
own from' a group ol bobbysox ser-;
enadcrs. He was stout, redfaccd and
heavily corifettied. The girls had,
been singing ":Great Day for the
Irish'" to him. and he emerged from
the group flustered and abashed.
Smudges of lipstick caked his cheeks.

There, were a number ,'of instances
where the cops had to exercise cau-
tion in their- treatment of ebullient
servicemen. The boys were inclined
to exercise their, romantic inclina-
tions a' "bit too strongly at times.
They failed lo exercise much dis-
cntion in their embraces of femme
passers-by.

One girl, in a group. , was ap-
proached by a marine in front of
. the Hotel Astor, and to the delighted
' shouts of other servicemen,. he force-
lully embraced and kissed her, On
her sheer blouse she had pinned, a
printed emblem reading, "I'm hard
to gel." When the serviceman fin-
ished embracing her, she put her
arms around him and planted her
lips on his. The emblem, in the ■
"struggle.'' fell to the ground.

For several hours on Monday and
ysslcr-dr.y -Broadway .wa.s policed off
north and south from 42d. street lo
47th. The crowds prevented the
usual How of traffic.

Mayor's Flea
Mayor La Guardia requested
workers to slay on their jobs and

■ avoid the midtown area, but this was
little heeded. There was no doubt
that the revelers were coming from
nearby shops and offices, since dur-
ing the day there were compara-
tively few people coming from the
city limils. Subways had only scat-
tered passengers. - ,

On Monday particularly, many'
bars closed their doors during the
height of the celebration, . for ob
vious reasons, but there was no
doubt after awhile, that there was
little to fear from the imbibers. Few
"incidents" as a result of over-indul-
gence were - reported by. the police.
Then again, shore and military po-
lice were' evident, everywhere, and
they easily handled the various
minor situations that arose,

With rain': all through yesterday,
the Broadway. curb on vehicles was
lifted, thus facilitating the amuse-
ment-going traffic. Theatres and
niteries 'generally' did" good biz for
early in the week.

Actually, the two-day rollicking
was something more for the specta-
tor than the joy-scokcr. There were
cevtainly more spectators than revel-
ers. There was no spontaneous cx-
hilirallon— onjy rubbernecking.

■ Biggest . attraction around, 49th
etreet was Jack Dempsey himself.

.The ex-champ .was signing auto-
graphs. "See, I told you he wasn't

pressed by New Yorkers. Most
Southern Califoniians fell a sense of
responsibility with the Pacific war
still, to be brought to a 'successful
conclusion. If anything. Ihc town-
was quieter than usual, even
though stores, bars, hotels and the-
atres remained open: Those listen-
ing lo radios gathered in quiet
groups and 'maintained serious at-
titude with occasionally tear-
dimmed eyes when voice oj Presi-
dent Roosevelt transcribed.

Film studios continued, work as
usual.' Film houses kept open, along
with bars, although latter were re-
quested by tavern owners, associa-
tion to. keep open at discretion of
individual boriifaces. Strip night-
clubs., with exception of Clover
club, planned to keep open, closing
only if patrons got out of hand. In-
dications were there would be no
such ruckus.

London West End Pixers'
Two-Day Holiday for V-E

London, May 8.

West End film , houses have closed:
for two days due to Asian's demanding
two-day holiday with the official an-
nouncement of the Allied victory in
Europe. Legit houses, however, will
remain open at the decision of the
National Assn. of Theatre Employees,
with- staffs to receive' double pay.

Audiences - in theatres chant the
British National Anthem at the rise
of the curtain, and "There'll Always
Be an England"' at show-closing.

Closing of provincial cinemas' hps
been left to the discretion of local
managements. -

Aussie Too Close lo Japs

Sydney, May 8.

Australia celebrated the Allies
European' victory quietly. All thea-
tres,' cinemas, hotel show spots and
nightclubs closed V-E Day.

Aussies remember that thousands
of. their troops still are in the
Japanese hands in Malaya, and thai
the biggest celebration here can
come only" when the Nips are
smashed.

(MUSICAL)

t'niv its:iI |V]>-;i*i* id' Ktlmiiml \J Ihirl.'
iiijimi iMinliii'lit'ii. Suns < Hai'it ',<£- .I,>Im).«i,ii ;
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. Vaudeville, which was believed lo
have been in various slates of putre-
faction these many years, is being
given a shot in the arm by Universal
Pictures in what is, ostensibly: a
musicomedy. "See My Lawyer" is
only vague entertainment, hioslly by
way. of the specially numbers that
intersperse this Olsen &. Johnson
opus.-

In converting the .Richard Ms i i -
baum and Harry Clork Broadway
stage comedy' of : some seasons ago
the flliiv scripters have belabored the
original straight play with n distort-
ed conglomerate. There is slill pres-
ent the basic comedy premise
wherein a firm of 'young, penniless,
lawyers attempts to salvage its shoe-
string biz. with Olsen tt Johnson as
the roistering fulcrums for their
conniving activities. .
-, Notably supporting the stars in the
slraight narrative part of ••Lawyer"
are Alan Curtis. Grace McDonald.
Noah Beery. Jr.. Franklin Pangborn
and Edward Brophy. and they do as
well as the limited story perm its
them.

The specially performances' are. not
loo artfully blended into the story,
though -a 'number of the' individual

specialists go over. stronglv. Yvelle
the blonde songstress looker from
radio and the varieties, screens well
in her. pic debut, singing. t wo ' mfm _
hers, one or which— the by-iiow

.standard- ' I'll Be Sciiig You" is

dune partieularlv.sockn. Such stand-
ard turns a.s Hie. Cristianis. Carmen
Ainaya. King Cole Trio and the Six
Willys round out the .film's; specially
oulslaiiders. But. by and large, the
whole thing does a grave injustice
to all the performers: They ouchla
sec their lawyers.

Th«» SInKt I J«*Hi>nant

(Mexican-madf;)

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Id"'*. Al Mi-li il, X. V.. ln-1-k nf May.) j.',

nu'iiiiiiii: linn'. Ha sil\s.- - '

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.Ml-ncl..

I I in In . . .

i/ii Spanish; lio Enylish Tille.tl
This pie bused on a story that's

been told .1.000 times in countless
jSpanish romances: it's produced lit a
Innuimunvcost; yet the actors are, for
|jh«i greater part, doing a top job
I within the. limitations of script. Df -
Icidedly lower-di-awcr stuff. , Since
| there's no English dialog or titling.

it's strictly for the language trade
:' anyway. .

I The beautiful Mexican datighle r
J (Maria Felix ) of a rich family has
her dower stolen/ by- a wicked aunt,
; runs away to Peru to search for her
; father's will, gels shipwrecked, poses
i as a nian. Ilnds her lover, who also
'turns up in Peru, and in the end all's
/well.

; Miss Felix, however, gives a sock
'performance, and Jose Gibrian is
i good 'throughout.- Miss Felix is a.
| looker, knows hbw ; lo. slrul before
j t he camera < which this role demands
> often) and would grace any film in
j Hollywood. Direction is adequate,

Curs. ■

Tele Perks

Continued from pace 3

Halperin Memorial

Continued from pace 7

No Fuss in the Loop ;
Chi Very Conservative

Chicago, May 8.
Chicago found those wire pictures
of V-E Day celebration in Times
Square hard to believe. There just
wasn't any sign of such all-out kick-
ing up here, apparently because of

B&K's Peace Prayer

Chicago. May fl.
. An ad prepared months ago by
Balaban & Kalz appeared in all
the dalies and proved to be an
expression of what all Chicago
felt: . .

"Lord, God ot Hosts, to Thee We
Offer up our Deep Thanksgiving
for Victory in Baltic; Rejoicing
that by Thy Aid an Enemy to.
Thee and Civilized Mankind is.
Vanquished. With Humility. We
Remember Before Thee the Men,
Women and Children, Civilian
and Soldier, .Who Have Given
Their Lives for Liberty. Let Thy
Light Perpetual Shine :Upon
Them, and May We, as Trustees 7
of Their Sacrifice, Administer
Thy Justice with . Equity and
Righteousness. Save' Us from
Pride and Vainglory, and Keep
Us Ever Mindful of Our Obli-
gation to Thee and To Our Fel-
low Men. : Give Us Courage Foe
the Figh.l Ahead; Hasten the Day',
of Final Victory, and Grant
Peace in Our Time and for All
Time. O Lord.;.' '-

the premature s announcement of
felazi capitulation -and attendant 'ofT-
again on-again newscasts. Plus
gloomy ' weather on Monday, <vhich
completely blacked put the Loop at
midday and discouraged any mass
movements Loopwacd. Anywsy, Chi-
cago was slow getting around to
hoopla of any kind, and on Tuesday
when there Was no longer any ele-
ment of surprise, and when the time
for spontaneity had pas.scd, the

No-Curfew, Racing OK
Due, Travel Ban Stricter

Washington. May ,8.

The midnight curfew oh amuse-
ment and the racing ban- are slaled
to be lifted in the very near future,
according to indications here.

One tipoff was the announcement
last Saturday 15) by WB boss J. A.
Krug that the brownout will end
"immediaieiy after ftirmiii-iirrtVOjjnce
ment by the President of the United
Stales that the war in Europe is
over." The brownout, of course, has
afrcctcd every theatre marquee in
the country as well as outdoor light-
ing Of other recreation plants.

The curfew should follow quickly
because in his last report lo Con-
gress James F. Byrnes, then Director
of War Mobilization and Reconver-
sion, said it: should go -as '.quickly
as possible after. V-E Day. putting it
in the same category as the brown-
out. ■ . " .'

One civilian restriction sure to re-"
main is the travel ban with its re-
striction on conventions. Fact is, the
(ravel situation will get worse than
ever. : Millions of soldiers will be
brought back to this country for
furloughs and transshipment to the
Far East. -. In addition, the railroads
will be loaded down with the job ot
moving military equipment to the
west coast to be sent on to the
Philippines and other staging areas.

There is a strong possibility, that
the b''own6ut maybe restored next
fall, Krug said in his statement. It
is a fuel conservation measure, and
fuel stocks, particularly coal, are
down, . .

Allied Food & Entertainment In-
duslries of Greater New. York is
meeting Thursday ( 10) to discuss the
situation. AFEI spokesmen say that
unless repeal or satisfactory modifl-
catlon" comes voluntarily,, organiza-
tion . will ; ask for. .* hcs'i'ing with
Economic Stabilizer Fred M. Vinson.

rout' that Par. is ' prepared lo take
advantage of this new amusement
art, both ih the home and in the
theatre through its various interests
in television. -.citing its. minority .in-.
Icresls in Allen B. DuMont Labor-
atories. Inc., and .Scophony Corp. of
America.

However; he did not mention that
DuMont, which operates an active
plant in New Jersey.- has one of Ihe
big television studios of the . east
located in N. Y.,: and also one in
Hollywood.' Nor did he mention the
indirect interest- Par has in the Bal-
aban & Katz television station in
Chicago. Also overlooked were
plans of Par theatres for tele, which
still remain as much an ofTicjal
secret as technical strides taken by
Scophony Corp. and its. other in-
terests.

Par Theatre Hookup

_-Ty.rtiK<l! . of t . Paramount's behind-
the-scene activity in television is the
present setup for its Broadway Para-
mount, flagship of all company the-
atre outlets. Company is 'known to
have been quietly .ncrfcclhjg its
quick pickup-on-llim method of
handling tele broaeasts apparently
because convinced it's the answer to
perfect production of a television
program in a-.' film theatre early in
the postwar era.

Although never admitted offi-
cially, it's; generally known in the
trade how Par has fitted Ihis tele-
oh-fllm handling. This would enable
the ' Paramount Iheatrc; N. Y„ td
flash on the screen, via usual pro-
jection equipment, any television
program within five minutes of re-
ceipt; Some tests . have shown that
a tele broadcast can be transferred
from the receiving set 16 film ready
for screening within two minutes.
Idea now is lo arrange this special
television-film developing lab . su
that the film can be shot, right into
the Par' theatre projection booth
without delay. v Whole setup would
be located in the Paramount build-
ing and the theatre itself.." The
building now is equipped with a
television receiving antenna.

Previously, in perfecting this tele-
film method, the company encoun-
tered technical difficulties in gelling
fidelity of images. In the last two
years, this flaw, has been largely
overcome, which should enable,
audiences to take full advantage of
the high-powered arcs in ■ the P.r
projection booth. '

inc. in a miniature vaude show, com-
plclc with magi; burlesque, aero and
other turns.- following which Abbiilt
Dancers (12) in gollywog costumes
cake- walked, pertly. Lalhrop .& • Lee
lapped their smart routines and
Henny Youngman closed, the Empire
Room's end ot the proceedings
heftily with his Hildegardc parody.
Joe Kelly and Quiz Kids Joel Kup-
pcrnian and Dick Williams were
next on the nicely paced bill \C-iih.
eight-year-old Joel astounding the
payees.

From Chez Parce. Miriam Lavelle,
solo performer spotted twice in. the
show, socked over some intricate
handspins in her first turn, coming
out later to top her initial time on
with last tapping.

Jack Owens and Nancy Martin,
from Don McNeill's "Breakfast
Club." made strong impressions with
his piping. Owens also accom-
panied himself in three of his own '•
son'i' hits." ~

Judge Erwiti J. Hasten read a
telegram from Mayor Edward J.
Kelly. Bonita Granville briefed an-
other moving tribute, and the entire
cast of "Voice of the Turtle" iK. T.
Stevens, Betty Lawford and Hugh
Marlowe.) came on for sonic pane--'
gyrics that never slopped over.

Radio's end of the proceedings
werc.again upheld ma-mitlcienlly by
Johnny Ncbletl of .I'And'So the' StoVy
Goes." Staging and Neblclfs punchy
reading of the script made this one
.of the most, moving parts of ihc
whole layout. Latin Quarter's three
begoflf acts— Lou Hollz: Jackie Heller
and Kenny Si Mildred Mulcay— look
up the next 15 minutes, With Holtz
cmcccing.

"The Bigger the Army and Navy,
the Better the Loving Will Be"' was .
Sophie Tucker's contrib. with Ted
Shapiro at the . keyboard, and il's
doubtful if the staid opera house
ever rocked , with that kind of ap-
plause for a nitery star before.

En route to Florida for exteriors
of "The Yearling," Gregory Peck and
Jacqueline White were whisked on-
stage to give .it that Hollywood,
touch. WilHe SrWe opened in his ;
overseas, outfit with some fast Gl
cracks. The crowd stayed on' for
those jive licks of Louis Jordan's
Tympany Five and ; the mob was
happy it stayed, because the boys,
like everyone on the bill, outdid
th*mselvcs.

-This show's gonna be a tough one
lo follow.

Wcducsday, May 9, 1945

17

Soon

you'll be INVITED to meet
the most lovable ghost
this side of Heaven.
Hell jauntily haunt you
and you'll love it.

Be

sure

to take time off to see
the Universal preview of

"THAT'S THE SPIRIT

in your territory during
the week of May 14th.
Check your local exchange

for details.
* It's in the Universal spirit
^ good, clean fun.

18

PICTURES

Wednesday, May 9, 1945

Par Prods. Put in New Bid for Film
Is to Breakfast Club' Airer

Rights

Chicago. May 8; ■
Nibbles for Don McNeill's "Break-,
fast Club" airer, holiest picture cr.n-
dkla'.c in town, continue apace,
latest being bid by Bill Pine and
Bill Thomas., producers . of., low-:
■bucket ' features for Paramount, in
town this week to case the McNeill
layout, as well as others .originated
)«i-a!ly.

McNiil) recently turned down an r
olh<r Par offer, as well as one made
by M-G. because he felt scripts

V-E Free (Bond) Movie
Day Decreed in Texas

Dallas. May 8.
The four major circuits, Interstate.
R. E. Griffith, Robb & Rowley and
Jefferson Amus. ' Co.. jointly an-
nounced that all their Texas houses
would, admit free nny patron buying
a War Bond on the officially an-
nounced V-E Day.

Independent- '.theatres are cx.icctcd
. to fellow suit on the V-E free movie
! idea. '

x'iui'l tie in closely enough with his ■
-BC" r.jrmai, but has between now
and Jr-n. j of next year, when terms ,
ef a contract recently signed, with j
the Blue goes into effect, to decide
>rhc-Ti milk the most he can out of I
a- picture dec!.

Gimmick in this respect is. that
twe months ago he was parted by
the BW for five years.; beginning
Jsn. 1. 1946. terms of contract being
that web be cut in for 10 r o of all
d«:$, with McNeill getting basic
guarantee of. $1,000 a week under
siid'Rg scale that enables, him to
cash in on around $200,000- annually
if complete show is sponsored. Name
©fVriow remains property of tho net-
•wprk.

Harold Lee of General Amus.
Corp., meanwhile, is working on a
haif-heur nighttime summer re-
placement variety type show for
MeNejl) to emcee.

Fast Philly Sellout

Philadelphia. May 8..

Seats for two .performances by
Don McNeill's" Blue network "Break-
fast. Club" at the Academy of Music,
May 17, were sold out within 72-
hotirs after the first ; announcement
©ver WFIL. local Blue outlet, that
the show was coming, here.

Tickets are priced from $1 to $2 '
(plus tax> with proceeds going to J
the Salvation Army. The house seats
approximately 3.500 . persons,' which
■will make the take for the two per-
formances about $10,000. Promotion
lor the show is being, handled en-
tirely by the WFIL staff.

McNeil) and his troupe- will also
make a pitch for the Seventh War
Loan at the Academy on Friday 1 18)
■with admission* by the purchase of
bonds. House has already, been sold
-out for this show too.

This is the first trip to Philly by
the 'Breakfast Club." McNeill's
troupe includes Nancy Martin, Jack
Owens. Aunt Fanny Frances Alli-
sen) and bandleader Ed Ballantinc.

20 Billion Drop 9

Continued from page 3 SS^S

convertible war production." how-
ever, such pockets, llie report says,
"will not add up to an over-all
deflationary factor." .

The United Business Service, in
its report to important industry
execs; declares, "Competition from
other, forms or entertainment with
the lifting of Wartime restrictions
probably will force the lowering of
theatre admission prices.'' At the
same time, it adds, film production
costs are likely to rise after the war
as'' wartime economics are discon-
tinued.

Expansion of film facilities, in
Europe and the further demand in
Latin America for U. 'S. product
will help to hold gross incomes of
the major picture distributors well
above pre-war levels, when oner
third of the volume was in. export
business, with, -75 'o 'done, with Great
Britain, according to the UBS re-
port: It • adds,.. "The cushion of

had control of their French funds,
whereas such coin is now under vir-
tual seizure. in blocked account and
unavailable for use even in France.

The action taken in Spain, it is -re-,
ported, applies only to U. S. Dims in
release live years, or longer and not
to films released during the past live
vears. From accounts, all major
U,- S. dislribs. doing business in
Spr.in have decided on the same
course. :

Since some 300 new features which
have been, released in Spain in re-
cent years represent only a. total Of
approximately 2.000 prints, (only six
to eight prints have been made for
each feature) 'as a result of the
acute raw film shortage in Spain, the
withdrawal of . the old pictures is
considered likely to shutter most of
the smaller theatres in Spain.

If is pointed out, .also, thai even
if prints of the new pictures were
available, these . smaller theatres
j could not afford to pay the higher
rentals. - - •

The Spanish government, as re-
ported exclusively in "Variety^ fast
week; froze rentals -from distribution
of films for American account five
years after release. The decree was
retroactive, affecting most of the
product which has kept, the bulk of
the smaller Spanish theatres in op-
eration. '

7th Drive

Cunlfmird front page C s;

WAAT's contribution to the opening
of the 7th War . Loan Drive. The
program will bo aired May 10, 0:30
to 11 p.m. As it "Salute to Maj.
Glenn Miller," orchs of Benny .Good-
man, Lionel Hampton, Hal Mac-'
Inlyre, Louis Prima, Handy .Brooks
and Krskinc Hawkins will' join with
service bunds from Camp Kilmer
and Fort Monmouth. Individuals
and groups formerly associated with
Miller will be- picked up ami and
an attempt to remote control the
Glenn Miller; Army Band from Eu-
rope will be made. .

Repatriated American soldiers rcr
leased from German prison camps
will be interviewed In this special
program, in which Lee Stewart will"
handle the script and Jerry Roberts,
production.

N. Y. Strand's Jam On
Admitting ^ Juveniles
Cautions Other Houses

. Following the. suddenness with
which N. Y. License Commissioner
Paul- Moss pounced on the Strand,
N. Y., closing it down (o 3:05 p.m.
on two days' last week, because of
the sale of a ticket to a minor,
Broadway as well as neighborhood
managers are exercising the most
extreme vigilance in avoiding viola-
tions of laws relating to admission
or handling of children. This in-

cludes all houses where matrons
excess profits taxes,, moreover, will ! must be maintained to supervise the

prevent net profits of film producers
falling as much as pre-tax incomes."

Walsh Queried

Comtuueo from page 1

Purple lleuil Teton*

Boston, May 8.

A parade -of 'servicemen who hold
the . Purple Heart will teeoff ' the
Seventh War Loan in . Massachusetts
next Sunday (13). Martin J. Mullin.
exhibitor state (Chairman, has an-
nounced. ,;

Gov, Maurice J. Tobirt and this
city's Mayor Kerrigan will review
the marchers, with the entire local
fflm industry mobilized to put the
event over.

D. C. Dill*

Washington. May 8.
Exhibitors of this area have
pledged 100 r i cooperation during,
the 7th' to A. Julian Brylawski.
president of the Motion ..Picture, The-
atre- Owners, of D.' -C.

Nazi Atrocity films
Go to Indies After Hays
Nixes 'Em for MPPDA

"Atrocities," documentary, origi-
nally entitled "We. Accuse," is being
released to independent theatres to}-' '.
lowing bah by Hays office for mem-
bers of IhoMPPDA, according. to Jr.'
vin. Shapiro, producer.

Shapiro, in a statement i --«iicil last
week, claimed that "Army authori-
ties who previewed the flhh granted
permission to present it at service
camps and bases in the U. S. and in
foreign countries, but Hays re ruses
American; civilians the same free-
dom.

"Objections by the 'Hays office
that the .film is. 97% atrocities,' that '
scenes, depict Nazis hanging loo long '
and that the phrase 'Let them bury
their own dead and be damned,'
appear insincere in view of the news
daily pouring put of Europe expos-
ing German war crimes, This is a
very extraordinary code of moral- '
ity." '.:. ' -.',; .

"Atrocities" is based on documen-
tary material furnished by the Rus-
sian Government on the Kharkhov
trial; and from captured German
newsreels in possession of the OWI.

S0PEG CASE FINALLY
HITS WLB DOCKET

Stalled for a long time by the
homeofflcc of Loew's (Metro). Para-
mount. 20;h-Fox. RKO and Colum- j
bia on new contracts to cover more i
than 2.000 whitecollur workers, the
Screen, Ofi'ice & 'Professional Em-
ployees Guild. Local <No. 1, received
-a' helping hand from the' War Labor
Board which during the past week
certified that a dispute existed. WLB
Monday '71 sent the case on to its
N, Y. regional board for considera-
tion.

As a result, hearings will be held
to consider SOPEG's demands for
adequate salary increases to cover
more than 100 salary classifications
retroactive to Oct. 4, 1943. SOPEG
also seeks the right lb- determine the
amount and timing of all individual
increases, whether promotional,
merit or otherwise. Non-money
terms in connection with the dispute
include demands for: a closed shop,
dues checkoff' uikI arbitration of dis-
charges. . .

SOPEG broke . off negotiations
with liie five majors' involved by
unanimous vote of the membership
in October, 1944, after Ellen David-
son, SOPEG organizer, characterized
•tfte salary and contract counter-pro-
posals as "grossly. -inadequate in the
face of their employees' needs and
par.icularly in view of the fact that
the ind-iistry is enjoying greater
profits and stability than at any pre-
vious lime in its history,." .

SOPEG members - will continue
under the terms of the union's orig-
inal contract with the' five producers-
distributors which expired in July,
1944, until final action is taken by
•the WLB on terms of 4. new agree-
ment.'

Studio Unions proxy, announced at a
meeting of Studio Set Decorators that
he had conferred with David. O. Sclz-
nick's representatives again on the
question of completing "Duel in Sun."
He said he. advised them that pro-
duction could be resumed on an
indie lot but that they should check
conditions at Technicolor to sec
whether the tinter firm was in posi-
tion to handle work. Technicolor
meanwhile still is. reported operat-
ing;, although -87 machinists- are out.

Boycotting of ' pictures - is also
planned, with, cooperation of CIO,
AFL and the Brotherhood .of Trajn-
mcn standing with' CSU oil action,
it was claimed by Ed Nolan, chair-
man of Boycott. Committee named
by conference. I CIO last week dis-
claimed any interest in the Holly-
wood strike]

Producers issued no statements
over the weekend, but studio heads]
i declared production and employment j
are on the upswing, stating 12 lo 15
machinists were- back on the job and
other groups were expected back
this week.

handling of .kids under 16 who are
entitled lo admission unaccompanied
by a parent or guardian. This law
was. passed in 1937 but in the down
town N. Y.. area theatres dp not set
aside sections for children nor main-
tain matrons.' Thus, a parent or
guardian is required for any child
tinder lb\ •

Coincident with the arrival of V-E
Day, celebrated both Monday (7)
and yesterday (Tries.), with huge
Times Square crowds well repre-
sented by* youngsters, the theatres
were extremely careful not to let
anyone, past the doors that didn't
belong.

After a warning about regulations,
pertaining to employment of minors
by (he theatres, operators and man-
pagers are also being very cautious
about hiring of any minors without
obtaining necessary information and
papers. >

According to statistics of the Board
of Education, truancy is. growing in
N. Y. City,. In one year and four
months a total of 1,266 kids playing
hookey from schools have, been
picked up in the Times Square area
alone.

Many radio commentators last
week rushed to the defense of the
■N. Y. Strand for inadvertently. a_d T
milling a minor.

Negro Bonds PreVros

.' ■ . ■ -Dallas, May 8. ■
June 10, Emancipation Day for
colored people, tnd ohe of their na-
tional holidays, will be one of the
most important days .during- the
bond drive in- this area, exhibitor
state chairman R. J. O'Donnell has
advised the national committee.

Special bond prccms for Negroes
will be held throughout the state . on
that day in addition to the other
bond-selling plans formulated by ex-
hibitors, and other industry pcrson-
iiel.

■ Frisco's Meets

San Francisco. May 8.
Exhibitors here already havc'held
several pre-7th War Loan campaign
plan meetings with others to fol-
low. George Mann, northern Cali-
fornia, exhibitor chairman, presides
at these sessions, with speakers in-
cluding Dolus Harvry. co-chairman:
Charles Thall, western regional co-
ordinator: Roy Cooper, distributor
co-chairman, and Jack 6'Laughlin.

Hays Action No Ban

Hays office "action was ho ban
against -Iry in Shapiro's "Atrocities,"
and wilj hot prevent its being shown
in independent, theatres which are .
not particular. .about whether they
exhibit only code-seal pictures. On
Ihe other hand, the Hays office, did
not touch any of the" gripping, .but
sometimes gruesome, material put
intothcU. S> newsreels, feeling, that
this Was factual data caught' by U. S.
Signal Corps cameramen and edited
by editors . of five American news-
reels, all of which are distributed
by MPPDA major member com-
panies.

Hays office turned down a seal for
"Atrocities" because the word
"damn'' and a steady string ofliorror
scenes were used in a feature pro- .
rtuclion compiled from -Russian'
documentary clips.

Spain

Contiuued from pace 7

trade export association, to deal with
rcstrilcions on U. S. films continues,
there is also sonic talk of withhold-
ing further drastic action pending
possible aid from the u; S. Dep't of
State. There remains the possibility
that, the State Dep't may be success-
ful in ironing nut major grievances
and pave the way tor. smoother cii>
ciilation of American films abroad.

Whether the Slate Dep't. will . be
able to eliminate' government .film
monopolies abroad, such as those es-
tablished in Russia, Italy. Yugoslavia
and. most recently. Holland,- remains
uncertain, however.

Meantime, V. S. film reps' in
France report extremely unfavor-
able conditions there for American
film interests. Attitude of the French
Ministry of Information (Film Divi-
sion) is reported definitely hostile to
American films. U. S.'reps say thoy
have been told that American dims
should not be expected ' to receive'
any concessions over Spanish, Ital-
ian, or foreign : films',' despite the
larger number of U. S. films released
in France before the war.

Some more or less, sardonic critics'
of French film policy say that condi-
tions' were no worse under the Ger-
man occupation w'# i, at least, they

Raw Film

Continued Irom page 3

Ballance's Dixie Zone .

Harry Ballancc, 20lh-Fox southern
division manager, has been named !.
southern area distributor chairman .
for the Seventh by national tlistri- \
bution chief Tom J. Connors. Ap- |
pointment completes the territorial |
organi'/.atipn : of the "Showmen's
Seventh."

The nation's 30 exchanges are now
zoned, with Hairy Wobber as
chairman of the West Coast union;
John E. Flynn, heading the 11 mid-
west exchange areas: E. -K. O'Shea
as chairman of the eight eastern, and
Ballancc handling the southern divi-
sion.

Liberated U. S. Troops
Want Atrocity Pix Shown

Paris, May 8.
U. S.. troops liberated;, from Ger-
man prison camps disagreed with
the decision of the Hays office not
to. issue a production code .seal to
■■Atrocities,'' compiled from . Russian
newsreel clips on the Kharkov trial
and other spots where prisoners
were mistreated. Group at the Rain-
bow Coiner, largest Red Cross club
here, was unanimous in staling that
"people at home must be shown the
atrocity films."

Atrocity Films

; Continued front page 6' :

aside from the armed forces, are be-
ing heavily slushed. Treasury, for
example, may not receive anything
in the third -.quarter and may have
its authorization carried over, to the
last three months when it would be
used for the 8th War Loan-
Washington quarters have insisted
that the " heavy Army demands for
X-ray film would not be a major
factor in. reducing Hollywood's- share
of the film, since the stuff is pro-
duced on different machines and by
different labor than produces the 16
and 35 mm. film.

Studio Contracts

Edward Ashley, actor, Republic.

Charles; David, dir., renewed, U.

Janis Ames,, actress, Warners. -
. Mary Jane Hodge, actress, Par..

Fied Flnk'lchoffe, writer, 2uth-F6x.
• Lewjs Allen,- dir, renewed, Par.

Hans Salter.' composer. Universal.

Margaret Field, actress, Par.'^'

P. J. WolfsonV writer, Paramount:

John Dcauville. actor, Paramount.

Nan Leslie, actress, RKO.
' -James F. Crow, prod, aide, RKO.

Alfred Zcislcr, director, King Bros.

Margot Morgan, actress, Par.

Coast Plans

Lbs Angeles, May ,8.

More than 500 cxhibs and distiibs
of Southern California heard Ted R.
Gamble, national director of the war
finance division of the Treasury .De-
partment, make a recorded talk On
plans for the Seventh at; a meeting
here held last Thursday (3). .

Regional session, held tit the Co-
coantit Grove, was presided over by
Charles Skpuras, western area re-
gional chairman for 11 slates, and
Gus Motzgcr. Southern California
cxhib chairman.

Remember the Japs!

Philadelphia, May 8.

"Remember the Japs!"

That slogan uttered by a Marine
lieutenant fresh from the Pacific
where he won a Congressional'
medal, was lh^ keynote' of the meet-
ing of the film industry to spark the
7lh War ' Loan drive in this area
yesterday iMon).

More than "500 exhibs and dis-
tributors, who filled the ballroom of
the ' Ritz-Carllon to overflo\v'ing,
promised that instead of slackening
their efforts to sell bonds they would-
redouble their, activities.

Presiding at the meeting was Sid-
ney E.Samuel.son, business manager
of . Eastern Allied, who is exhib

some material,; cither in newsreels.
or features. The Hal: has a con-
siderable percentage of both femi-
nine and juvenile patrons. ThcJJic-
alre always has cooperated 100', in
any war effort, but the atrocity films
were simply newsreels made up nf
U.- S. Signal Corps material with in-
dividual exhibitors left to handle as
they saw fit. Actually, il is' not un-
usual for the Hall to edit it.s news-
reel material or to omit il entirely,
ns it docs this stanza.
' Supporting what he believes is the
theory of ihe average person in and.
out of show business, that neither.
Will Hays nor anyone else should
suppress any portion of the news-,
reels dealing with German atrocities.
Harry M. Warner, president of War-
ner BrbSi last week issued instruc-
tions that the newsreels be shown
privately to all .'Warner 'employee's -in
the h.O:.- branches and . in theatre,
zones. Warner's idea was that this
should spur bond purchases.

Some circuits; and'' indie' exhibitors
trimmed the official Signal. Corps
pictures: released to newsreels. by
50'-: . cutting out the more gruesome
shots.

. Adolescents Shocked

Omaha.' May 8.
Strongest reaction .to German
atrocity pictures noted among the
adolescents, .who evince strong dis-
epleosurcs vocally and emphatically-
Adult.s and- Juvps alike openly
shocked in various degrees.

chairman./ Distributor chairman _is
George Schwartz, Universal Pie-
lures! Co-chairman of the; exhibi-
tors group is Iz Epstein, South Jer-
sey independent.

Wednesday, May 9, 1945 . - P^RWrf

19

IN WONDER LAND

SILENCE ls

a crime

by Sidonio M. Gruenborg
Director, Child Study Association of Amorica

...You worried parents cannot help your children
combat the alarmingly increasing venereal diseases
by shutting your eyes, by looking the other way,
by hoping the storm was not meant for
you. Speak to your children frankly,
honestly— and now. It is the home that
must furnish both the basic teachings
and the guidance in conduct that will
prevent the venereal diseases in fhe
rising generation and so eliminate
them from our civilization...

THE SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK

...."What's the matter, Phoney?"
she said. "Nothing!" I muttered.
"You'd better get in and clean up a
bit. It's getting late."
"But I thought you were going to kiss me?"
"So I was," I blurted out. "But guys like me
don't kiss angels!"
She smiled. "That's one of the nicest things
you've said to me in all the time I've known you,
Phoney O'Farrell. And I want you to kiss me...
And now I want you to tell me your real first
name."

"Clarence," I whispered back, "Clarence
Aubrey O'Farrell. That was the label Mom
pinned on me before I started getting tough..."

THE TROTH ABOUT 00R SERVICE- WOMEN OVERSEAS

by Will OurtUr, War Correspondent

...I have just returned on temporary leave from
the Philippines. For many month! I traveled
through battle areas of . the Pacific... Since my
return home I have been astonished by hearing
such things as one gray-haired mother said: "We've
heard of the conditions our girls run into overseas.
We've "heard the' stories, too, even though they try
to hush them up — about moral conditions and the
men and all that!" The truth is that if any girl
were to travel alone through the war zones she
would probably be much
safer than when traveling
alone back home...

mate a

BETSEY BARTON

To Live Again!

at told to Eloanor Early

...For ten years Betsey Barton lay helpless,, her
spine shattered, both legs paralyzed. But she
has found the strength and courage to. build a
new, richer life. And now, in speaking deeply
and honestly about herself
and her experience, she is
speaking for all whom the
world calls crippled . . .
"Families of wounded sol-
diers," she said, "must be
taught how to treat their boys
— must be made to realize
that the disabled are
never so badly handi-
capped in their bodies
as in their minds"...

He Belongs To Me !

..."Diana and I know each other. Mitch." I
said. "She's the girl who broke up my en-
gagement to the man I told you about. She
wanted him for herself. But she refused to see him
after she knew he would probably be a cripple. She
let him die alone!

"She broke her engagement to you because she
knew you had received a face wound, and she
was afraid you might be scarred for life." v Mitch's
face was a mask. After a long moment he put
his hand on Diana's arm. "Come, Diana." he said
quietly. "We'd better go." When they had
gone I stood very still...

True Confessions is a surprising maga-
zine. Perhaps you think you know it
from hearsay... but you don't really
know True Confessions at all until
you've seen for yourself the fine, big
stories and articles that make every
issue so honestly human. True Con-
fessions— "Your Magazine for a Better
Life"— sincerely tries to help people.

True Confessions

Bought *t newsstands by 2,000,000 women « month
for the living service it gives

FAWCETT PUBLICATIONS INC.. 295 Madison Ave , New York 17, N. Y., World's Largest Publishers of Monthly Magazine.

20

PICTURES

Wednesday, May 9, 1945.

O'Sheas 25th Anniversary With M-G;
Other Briefs From the Distrib Centres

E. K. i Tod) O'Sbea celebrates 'his
25th anniversary as a Metro dislribu-
tion man tomorrow 'Thurs.l. He
started with the company as a book-
er and salesman 'dual role) in the
Buffalo branch, and live years later
became exchange manager at Al-
bany, hence promoted to head the
more important branch at Buffalo.
From district manager at Detroit
nboul 10 vcars a;:o. thence eastern
district head at N. Y. and central
division manager, he is now eastern-
Kouthern div. chieftain.

He has two sons in .service, Lt.
James G'Shea. a pilot in the Air
Corps, now in Texas, and Ted. Jr.. a
cornoral in the Marines, who last
yiro'le his folks fro-- Okinawa.

Joe Salmon RecuptnK
Joe Salmon, manager of the Skou-
ras Riverside. N. Y.. the past 111 years,
recuperating from heart attack.

New Metro Slgr:,- Milwaukee

Milwaukee. Wis.. May 8.
John G. Kcmplgcn here from
'Omaha to take over the. Metro
branch. Branch Manager Harry
Shuniow is taking a leave of ab-
sence because, of health.

Tom Kirk to Republic

Memphis, May 8.
Tom Kirk. Metro salesman, named
branch manager for Republic here by
Norman J. Colquhoun. Southeastern
district manager in Dallas. Kirk was
•wiih M-G-;! for 15 years in various
capacities.

North Carolina Theatres Change
Raleigh. N. C.'May 8.

A. A. Alston, recently of Ml. Airy.
N. C. to succeed Edwin Pcllelt as
city manager for North Carolina
Theatres. Inc.. which operates the
Paramount. Carolina, and Alamance
movie houses at Burlington,-' Peltclt
h:.'.s another theatre job : in Green-
ville, S. C.

recuperative period. Stopping off at
Lahev Clinic. Boston,, for another
medical checkup.

Given Sells Out to FRO

Philadelphia, May 8.

Herbert W. Given last week an-
nounced the sale of his . PRC ,ex-
| change to the parent company, which
will add it to Jts, list of company-
owned exchanges. Price of the sale
was 'not- anootmecd.

Frank Hamerman. Republic Pic-
tures salesman, was named head of
the Philly exchange, cfleclivc yester-
day i Won.).

Davlz Vlie I.lcgeU

' Albany. May 8.
Max ft. Davtz new addition to
Warner sales stair. He lakes the
place of Sam Liggett.' resigned to go
into ahothcY business. Daytz trans-
ferred to Albany from Boston.

Rothenstein Rack to Pitt. Theatre

Pittsburgh. May 8.;

Martin Rothenstein. honorably dis-
charged from Army, named manager
of WB's Centre theatre here, replac-
ing George Ralhr-.ell'. resigned.

Ross Filson, the owner, has taken
over management of Alpine theatre.
Point Pleasant. W. Va„ lease having
been transferred from Community
Theatre Corp.. managed by . Bernard:
Potts. -

Mrs. Chris Fourgis. wife of the
local exhib. has just received
'word from Greece thai her father
was killed in the Nazi invasion.
Fourgis' brother. Nick Fourgis. who
used to be a theatre owner here be-
fore returning to his native country
some years ago. was alsb killed over
there by the Germans.

Dave Lcff. who recently sold his
Metropolitan theatre in Bloomlicld
area, to work as salesman for UA in
Buffalo.

Joe Franklin's Checkup
Joe Franklili c& Hfiishorn). Cana-
dian theatre-owner, en route' to his
St. John. N. B.. I'ome from a Florida

look after his own interests in the
Rose Bowl, bowling alley, and Mo-
cambn and Ridge, night spots in su-
burban West Pullman, Which he
owns in conjunction with Lou Rein-
heimer of Reinhcimer Theatre cir-
; euit.

; Baldassari started as an .usher in
I 1922. when the late 1. E. BerJsson
owned the houfcs. which lalter's
widow sold out to. Alliance last Au-
gust.

Confidential Reports, new (11m
rental checking 'outfit patterned along
the lines of Ross 'Fedora I. Service,
opened its Chi branch recently.
Manager of Chi office hasn't been
named yet. with Lawrence Dillon, CR
rep here from N. Y. to line up. stair
and office site, advising announce-
ment or personnel here will be made
from N. Y. office short) v.

How To Punish Nazis

Continued from page 1

- Dickson Back to F.-WC .

Los Angeles', Ma v 8.
Dick Dickson returned to' Fox-
West Coast Theatres after absence of.
Tour years to succeed -R. II. McCul-
lough as chief of purchasing, main-
tenance and construction ror circuit's
! southern California houses. McCul-
| lough recently was upped lo head
■I the new television and pre-fabricat-
. eel I Ileal re construction departments
Tor National Theatres.

$700,000 Ohio Theatre Troject

: Youngstown. O.. May 8.

Youngstown city planning com-
mission has a request from Peter M
Wcllnian. Youngstown and Guard!
O.. theatre owner, lo change zone
classification so he can build a $700.-
00() communty business center, Which
would include two theatres.

Quits as Mgr. of Chi Theatres

Chicago. May 8.
" Orvillc ' Baldy'' Baldassari, man-
ager of Alliance circuit's Stale. Park-
way and Roscland theatres for the
past 22 years, resigned recently to

Fihnesah lo Worcester House

' ' Worcester, May 8.
Gerald Fmncgan named manager
of Plymouth theatre ivaude-films)
here, succeeding Ralph Eaton, who
resigned to join Samiiol Washerman
Enterprises of New England. Ed
Harrison, who had been substituting
at Plymouth, 'returned' lo Court
Square, in Springfield.

Bull-Hendoh's Addition

„. . Bi R Springs. Texas. May 8.
Richard Bull, and Gene Hendon
have opened their second house- here
j Duo formerly operated Ihc State
l which now is the name of the 'new
house. The Texan is the name of the
old house. .

New York Theatres

BETTE DAVIS

In Warner Brat. Hit!

"THE CORN IS GREEN"

With

John DALL • Jean LOURING
Nigel IRUCE • Rhys WILLIAMS

B>«» at sitt St. HOLLYWOOD

ALL STAR CAST

IN WARNER MOS. NEW HIT

"ESCAPE IN THE DESERT"

In Period
HENRY BUSSE .
And Hii Orchestra

HELMUT DANTINE
ANDREA KING
B'way & 47th St. STRAND

firT' MUSIC HALL

"THE VALLEY
OF DECISION"

" Spectacular Stage" Productions

Alan LADD • - Gall RUSSELL

"SALTY O'ROURKE"

In CIIAIU.IK .111 ST.VKKOHIl
rerun*;. SI'IV.AK- UKAN Ml K I'll V

PARAMOUNT X. 8, K.

^r. JUDY ^

/GARLAND
1 WALKER

% im M-G-M'l

JANE FROMAH A
WltllE HWMD 1
TMNTWONKI I

hike mm M

U
A
P
1

T
□
l_

io. 'f?(lW n -'~ v

Ep^} ON M.KKKN
|CXr'riiiiiK.. *i«y 1"
KB Glnlrr ROGERS
JmcpIi COTTCN
KJ Shlriiy TEMPLE

jPSseiiNG YOU'

IN rWHfiON
HKNN'Y

FIELDS

Aililtd AltraclUn. !

. MARIO and j
FLORIA J

EDGAR RICE IURROUGHS'

TARZAN A1SD
THE AMAZONS

J'llnny Brtnda Jafinny
WEISSMULLER JOYCE SHEFFIELD

IIHANKT S GLOBE "■»"■' ^> 4fl '■">'•

-PALACE 4-:"v"i

Derotky McGUIRE • Robert YOUNG
Herbert MARSHALL

'THE ENCHANTED
COTTAGE'

5*8? i°K" ASTOR BW»yt47lh • Conllnuoui

1 SONJA HENIE J

"IT'S A PLEASURE" J

1 with MICHAEL O'SHEA 1

i-ftrd TERRIFIC WEEK

t^^iiA.M. VICTORIA «ms». b'm»

.STAUB'S SILVER ANNI

Hollywood, May^ 8.

Columbia Screen Snapshots series,
produced by Ralph Slaub, reaches
the quarter-century mark this week.

This year's program will b.e known
as the 25lh Anniversary series.

III. -Mo. Spots Reopen

„ St. Louis. May 8:

Barney Rosenthal, the Monogram
branch manager, sisncd deals with
90% of indie houses in this area for
company's product. '

L. Monclon, Quincy, 111., mulling a
post-war film house in his home
town. «

' Repairs almost completed on Ritz.
California, Mo., damaged by (ire

War priorities holding tip rebuild-
ing of the Joy theatre, Chester III
badly damaged by fire several'
months ago. Owned by Chester
! Theatres: Inc.

| The Doll, formerly, the Time.
| .Jone.sboro. 111., reopened by W E
j Waring. Cobden. III. He bought
I house from Bob Ncely and retaggod
it for his two-year-old daughter. •

Bob Hooks Hooked

San Antonio, May 8.
Bob Hooks of the. Select and Leroy
theatres, Mmcola. received notice
from his draft -board lo report for
induction. He is married and has one
.child.

Ned McGuire, head Paramount
) shipper at Dallas, ako called for final
j examination.

, Jteturning from. the. Italian front is
,bgt. Bryan L. Turner. with a medical
; discharge to take over duties of man-
■ager of his Park in Iowa Park.

Al Reynolds, city manager for In-
terstate, announces that 10,000 tickets
have been printed and will be dis-
tributed this week for a Waste Paper
Matinee to be held at the Majestic,
ace Interstate house.

Tickets Will be awarded to those
kids bringing in at least 2S pounds of
paper to a collecting station. In ad-
dition to the screen fare special war
bond prizes will be gjven to those
bringing in the highest amount dur-
ing the course of the drive.
! J. Wood Fain elected prez of the
jWoodville, Texas, Rotary Club. He's
owner and operator tor the past 13
: .years of the Fain iFieatre here.

Daniels Acquisition

Seguin, Texas, May 8.
H. A.' Daniels, who operates the-
Ires here and in Crystal City, has
acquired an interest in the Gidney
Tallcy circuit with headquarters in
Plcasanton. Daniels owns the Crystal
City houses outright and operates

there with W. G. Underwood as a
partner. The Tallcy circuit has

l houses in Plcasanton, Devine. Pear-
sail, Mathis and Orange Grove.

A. M. Morgan has acquired the
Victory. Del Rio, Texas, .formerly
operated by Leon Circuit. Morgan
purchased the house prior to the
death of H. S. Leon. According to
C. D. Leon, now g.m. of circuit, no

jolhcr properties will be disposed of.
W. V. Adwell lin.s reopened the

jRoxy, San Angclb. Texas, which he
plans to operate. House completely
remodeled.

A new Mexican theatre. El Rio,
now under construction, being built
by H. F. Donaldson. He also operates
the Palace, Sterling City.

radio program made up of only gags
about Bing Crosby's horses and
shirts.

Make "em listen :o a radio show
consisting of only singing commer-
cials. ■

Make "em listen to some of our
record jockeys lulfc — and not play
records!

Make 'em listen lo soap operas
with double the amount of broken
hearts.

. Make 'civi lislen to a quiz show
where nobody in the audience yells
"You'll be sorry!"

Sit them in a room with 50 gag-
writers/ and have them shoot gags
al the. Germans and japs for 24
hours straight!

Have an advertising executive try
to explain Hooper and Croslcy rat-
ings to them.

Every day have them on the verge
of meeting a sponsor.. This will even-
tually drive them huts!

Other Fiiiilshinents

And there are other punishments':

Revive vaudeville and make ihem
watch a juggler who keeps dropping
his Indian clubs and balls.

Make "Cm sit through an. old-lime
"bench act" that starts oft With the
girl dropping her handkerchief.

'Make 'em lislen lo an act with
jokes only about Brooklyn. •

Reopen the old Ackeiman &
Harris "Death Trail" circuitj and
make them play it with two weeks
in each town. Oh boy!

Lay out a .swell vaudeville route
for them and switch towns on them
the last minute — and make them. pay'
their own railroad fares.

Make them all . go on No. 2.

Have them all do oog acl.s— with
dogs that have been trained by .'the.
Army only to bite Germans and
Japs.

Put them on bills with only animal
acts— ho girl' turns.

-Have the doormen allow summons
servers, jewelry and lie salesmen to
go up to their dressing rooms.

Put 'em on a bill for a season with
a swell-looking gal who carries her
mother with her. .

Make them stop in hotels- that
have house detectives.

Make them all do dancing acts on
stages washed with soap, and no
rosin boards.

Have them receive wires from
their agent — collect — at least 10
times a day.

Make them dress next lo a guy
who is learning to play a clarinet.

Give them dressing rooms in the
cellar with .blurred- mirrors, make
Ihem blackup and then take it oil
with cold cream.

The musicians can help out. Ihi.s
torture by not playing loud bow
music and balling up the cues!

The stagehands can also help by
dropping a few sandbags during their
act and muffing the light cues.

And to finish off the torture, force
them lo play all jumps by bus.
The Picture People
The picture people can get in on
this by making new.sreels showing
only bathing beauties and football
games, and making the prisoners sit

ifllOUt,'!|- : fclli -aOI" llOUi'J.

Also make ihem stand in line at
the picture houses, and get shoved
around and barked at by ihe uni-
formed attendants. And just as they
s!et lo Ihe cashier's window, change
the prices!

Cafes

The cafe owner can help, to.o, by
giving them a bad table in an empty

cafe and only have the emcee on
and Ihc drummer doing a solo. The
wa:;crs can get even for the whole
war by just handing them a ilucV
face-up.

Legit managers can . conliibnic
their share by making ..ilu-in f it
through,'' a show, with Ihe actors
mumbting. Just hire adenoid actors.

Make them sit behind Prinio Car-
nera, sitting on his overcoat.

Make them sit next to a guy doing
a "cricket solo,"- with his lecth on
one side and n dame eating candy
wrapped in noisy paper on the other.
And to top it off. a couple of tabby
dames in the back.

Have ushers give them the wrong
seats' and make them change in the
middle of an act.

Advertise an 8:30 curtain, and don't
let it go up until 9.

They can make them rehearse for
four weeks, and then have ihe show
close the first night, and have no :
bond up.

The hangers-on of show business
can also help by selling Ihem under-
water real estate -and jewelry, on
lime.

Finally, sell 'em a subscription to
"Variety"— and refuse to inleipict
the slanguage for 'cm.

U S. Talent

Continued from page 1

poitation. Once boat and plane ac-
commodations arc available, un-
precedented numbers of American
acts will be making the trip.

It's believed in some quarters that
the Scandinavian peninsula will be
Ihc first area lo be open to American
talent by virtue of J.be fact that the
Swedish merchant -marine will be
the only one not actively engaged
in war transportation and conse--
quenlly will be able to land pas-
sengers at Swedish ports. Acts ran.
get around 14 weeks in thai area
from where it will be a -simple mat-
ter to get transportation to France,
Spain and England. Not much is
expected, from other countries lor
some time, due to the fact that many
houses have been blitzed out ol ex-
istence.

Agencies here arc not particularly
worried about monetary exchange
rate. They think the Brelton Woods
agreement guarantees a fair shake
to all concerned.

MONO'S BLACK MARKET'

Hollywood, May 8.

Wartime profiteering will get a
going-over in ; "Black •" Market
Babies," to be produced at Mono-
grarn. starting early in June.

Jeffrey Bernerd will product,
from a script prepared by Gtorgc
Wallace Sayre. .

* ITS TIME IO*
CHIMES^

MICHAEL
CHIMES'

HA'MONICA
SIN/ST

% limn Weekly
over WWW

Won. Ihru Fri. 9 A. M.
Sunday I P. M.

music by mum mr
24th WEEK!

ii i-noe

ihe principals of this firm hive been established i..
the diamond business on Fifth Avenue for over
twenty years. \Y/c try to receive everyone courteously,
to appraise as accurately as we know how, to make
oflfcrs'as generous as the market can possibly allow.
-•The result - io us - is a reputation of which we are
proud. To you, we hope, it suggests a firm in which
you can repose your Qll JL.

fullest confidence. /f) i J£ll'W~

"WO**"

Wednesday; May 9, 1945

RADIO tl

4 Wei* Near $50000,000 Mark
For First-Quarter Biflings in '45

Estimated gross time sales for the four major networks approximate
. the- $50,000,000 mark for the. first-quarter period of 1945. reflecting
■ anew the unprecedented SRO business: although Mutuiil's billings for
the third successive month took: a dip/winding up with a res decrease
■for the three-month period as compared with last year's biz. March
billinss for the four webs totaled' $10,003,831 (one of the top figures
racked up for a single monlh), with the Blue's $3,683,349 representing
a 20% increase over live-previous March figure. :

On the cumulative side, the $48,634,873 four-web total represents a
5",. hike Over the '44 three : month total, with the Blue accounting for
a 24°i. increase. CBS a 2'.'. boost and NBC a 5'; jump.

Network Gross Time Sales

(fc.slim<i(ed>
FOR MARCH

V-E Btitz of Com'l Programming
Costs Webs Another Cool $500,000

Blue ... .
. Columbia
Mutual . .
NBC ....

Blue .
Columbia
Mutual . .
NBC ....

1!I4»

1S44

Pel.

'$3.6X3.349.

$3,072,397

J 20

5,872.635

5.831.532

. -r 1

....... 1,534.382

'■'/'■ 1.805.047

— 16

5.573.405

5.394.359

•I 5

$16,663,831

$16,103,335

' '■' 4

FOR FIRST TIIKF.E

MONTHS

1945

1944

Pet.

$10,938,000

$8,775,602 '

-i 24

........ 17.174.323.

16,817.430

•i- 2

... 4:328.945

5.173.173

—16

:...... 16.192.945

15.354.803

T 5

$48,634,873

$46,121,008

-1-5

Gillette Fightcasts On Way to Blue
From Mutual Fall Switch in Offing

Biggest' sales plum landed by the ♦
Blue network since the Reader's Di-
gesl-"Tow'n Meet inn'' deal is in the
process of corraling away from Mu-
tual the .Gillette razor "Cavalcade of.
Sports" Friday nigiii boxing broadr
casts from Madison Square Garden.
N. Y., and other arena.- in which
20lh Century Sporting Clnb'.s Mike
Jacobs stages his promoliuns. Mov-
ing day reportedly is set lor next
'September.

.' Deal guararlces the Blue sale of
the Friday nielli 10-10:3(1 slot. 52
weeks a year, with provision that
the web: will kick in a.- much more ■
time as is needed' to carry the broad-
casts to the conclusion <>l the bonis. ;
On occasions Ihi.-. in the past, has :
run another half-hour, when 15- .
round championship bouts have been
tardy in meeting (lie 10 p.m. lr-eolT ;
time. Under proposed agreement it's |
understood Hie Blue will Jill -nut the
remainder . of half-hour segments :
with a sports cab sustainer.

Understood Hie switchover will not
change the broadcasting picture with
Don Dunphy slaying on for blow-by-
blow elocution and Bill Corum re-
tained for bet wecn-ronhds and color
-• -chatter. -Latter is wor.-eas on ..jl.
special N. Y. Journal-American as-
signment with Steve F,llis tilling in.

Significance of the Blue'.- success
in grabbing the Gillette account is
doubly important since' it conies at a
time, when sports events >eem due
for a gigantic impetus, what with
. the vvar's approaching end and the
return of professional, athletes to ;
their former roles. Such attractions. ;
tor instance, as Joe Louis" first de-
fense of his heavyweight crown, pre-
sumably against Biliy Conn <bolh .
are now in uniform i. cau'l miss as
.(Cojilihued on page .27)

Leonard Lyons Nixed
By Winchell as Sub :
During August Hiatus

With WaHer Wim-hclt checking 1
olT his Sunday -night Blue network.;
show for the month 'of. August, his
agency on the Jergeirs account. 'I .en- ■
ncn & Mitchell, came up wilh Leon-
ard Lyons, the N. V. Post Broadway
columnist, as one of the trio of guest
comnienators to till in... Deal, how-
ever.. got a quirk' nix from Winchell.
Jailer reportedly doing some. "Uid- .
ding it, earnest." in infcivnlially
suggesting that the 9 o'clock Sunday
night Blue spot might be tile sesame
to Lyons out-Winchelling Winchell.

Winchell did give his okay to ,
Vincent Sheehan as one of his subs. :
With the two others, still bting '.
mulled. i

Add 'Shortnin' Bread' To
Summer Ration List

Nelson F.ddy is taking a six-week
hiatus this summer, wilh the com-
bined utilities companies that spon-
sor lite show retaining the lime;

N. W. Aver, agency on the account,
is currently .shopping around for re-
placement. It'll probably be another
singer.

JWT Production
Boys Tussle With

Radio, came through on V-E Day.
There, were snarls and hitches, but
no one kicked' over the traces and
everyone of importance in the in-
dustry kept his head.

"V-E Day. Minus One"— .which' -will
probably be the official designation
for Monday (7)— was hectic. ' At
about 9:35:30 a.m. lEWT), the AP
dispatch came through, under a
Reims dateline, announcing Ger-
many's unconditional surrender.
Without exception, log records show,
all the nets, and .nearly all indies,
were on the air with the news, in-
side of a matter of seconds. But the
log also shows that everybody on
radio warned the news was unof-
ficial: nobody forgot in the flush of
first excitement that the war was
still -on in the Pacific.

Willi everything bawled up in
France and London, and no one
knowing when the official announce-
ment would be made, the U. S. radio
tried its best lo .get some, clarifica-
tion. From SHAEF h.q. in Paris,
which should have been the. fountain
head for this piece, the radio, got

j nothing but double talk.

Web execs were talking to Paris
over, cue lines within less than an
hour". after receipt of the AP story.
All Paris would, say was thai no

i story like the AP's had been au-
thorized. There was no denial or
confirmation of the wire story. And
the AP's story was backed by enough

! details to indicate that it was the

; McCoy.

i But radio, its fingers^burned only
eight days earlier when the AP

•carried the hot lip from Senator
Tom Connally at San Francisco,
wasn't getting too far out on a limb.
The Blue. which had gone further

; than anyone else iii working up a

Lunch With 'Harvey'

A bunch of boys in New York
from J. Walter Thompson and
the Blue. NBC and CBS Uhe
three webs split the bill; Iha.'s
why "Variety's" radio ed tagged
along) tossed a testimonial feed
Monday (7> at '.the Paini on 2d
avenue for Al Durante, of the
Thompson radio dept.. who's
getting married this Saturday
1 12) to Lynn Gardner, the
singer. . ■ .' '

. As luncheons go. this one was
a Palm beefsteak, production
job, with the assorted liquid
opener and next-lo-closing. It
all -went, off in boff style, except
for one thing--Duranle forgot to'
show. up.

P.S. — The boys were thinking
1 of sending him the bill, but fig-
ured that if they did. he 'couldn't
get married.

P.P.S.— Or maybe the guy was
doing a switch on Uncle Jimmy's
tSchnozzola) "everybody (but
Al ) wants to get into the act."

United Nations,
DX Disunited On

4- Commercial radio was again
blitzed by V-E Day and Monday's
i7) premature rash. On the heels of
ihc three-day President Roosevelt
''mourning period" and the. San
Francisco confab snafu of sponsored
programs tin itself running into seven
figures i. the major network's again
i were obliged to hari-kari bankrolled
shows to give the nation full cover- .
age of the end of the Europeon war.
i Il's estimated that Hie Monday-
: Tuesday snafu of Commercial shows
i will run the nets well up beyond
J $500:000. with CBS alone nicked for
I an approximate $200,000. Latter web
!on Monday l oul-of-the-pocket tab for
that day was $50,000) cancelled out
all commercial programming up to
6 p.m... and on Tuesday until 6:30
p.ni. with the Norman Corwin V-E
fiU-riiinule, show ..-also cancelling off
the Cresla Blanca and ''Inner Sanc-
'tum" night stanzas.

NBC's rebate oii time ami talent
costs will run to approximately
$150,000. Blue adhered lo as. normal
a schedule as possible, though can-
celling off several shows, While Mu-
tual on Tuesday Was able, to tie in
V-E Day occasion with its siring of
i newscasters and commentators. .
I All webs have skedded special
i religious shows for Sunday in line
! with President Truman's request to
;devqte that day to prayer and
I thanksgi ving.

These an busy and reportedly
worrisome, (lays at the J. Walter
Thompson agency in N. Y.. .where
Ihc production bov.s are in the (tiroes
:>r overhauling a number of the east-
nriginatihg programs. Al least four

shows are al .the ni.mn.ent_ srl for

budgetary-programming hypoes. in-
cluding the Scveii:Up..-pon.-orrd Mu-
tual show and Ihr Biillaminc CBS
program ias detailed clsrwherei
while the agency is keeping under
wraiis for the present live move lo
bolster other shows.

it's no trade secret that, perhaps
.with Ihc exception of the revised
RCA show, now spoiled Sunday .aft-
ernoons-, on NBC and showing in-
creased evidence of audience build-
ing, the agency's assorted N .Y. .de-
veloped nighttime programming
sked hasn't exactly blown the root
olf the Hooper thermometer. Owens-
Illinois is divorcing tisrlf from the
Wining Blue show and while it's
the agency's contention that for the
most part the other sponsors: far
from squawking, appeal- satisfied
Willi the audience pull Of their
shows and that, "after all. that's the
final payoff." the fact, remains thai
it doesn't add up to increased agency
stature or prestige. And a glance at
those iloopcrs reveal that, so far as
Ihr Thompson agency is concerned,
it's those old. eslabli-hrd Coast-pro-,
duccil show.- - 1 "'lira ft Music Hall."
Ivl-cr Bergen. "Lux Radio Then-
ire"" that's paying oil ia rating divi-
dend.--.

Wustiiii«'l»ii--Tw.i former service-
men had beru added to aniioiincing
s-.arfor WWliC Frcil Drake and Bill
Cox. ' Former was "formerly With
WINX. in Washington: WDBW and
WCIi. Buffalo: WFi\IU. Frederick.
Aid,: and WKVA. Fredericksburg.
V'u. Cox ir new lo radio.

They Listened

President Truman's V-E Day
radio, proclamation yesterday
(Tiles. I snared a llooperatlng; of
64.1 (representing a listener pull
of ::(>.50e,0(>ei, on the' basis of
preliminary and incomplete fig-
ures prepared by: the audience,
measurement outfit for CBS.

That's' an all-time high for
daytime listening. l.a(e Presi-
dent Roosevelt In December,
1941. jfot the' next, highest day-
time audience with 6t%.

frenzied atmosphere the week be-
fore, was now as '-cautious as an
old lady crossing Times Sq. during
the rush hour. Blue cancelled no
regular programming, but .inter-
-perse.'l a!! -its shows wifh news- as
news developed.

Mutual was also careful, although
its N. Y. outlet. WOH. went to town,
banging away al the notion that V-E
Day liart actually arrived.

NBC cancelled regular program-
ming during the morning. Bui by
1 p.m.. this net went back on sked
and stayed there.

Bob Trout Busy

CBS went all-out. Between
9:45:50. when its Bob Trout broke
in wilh the AF story, and 2:30 p.m.
when regular programming stalled
lo go out again. Columbia had given
a total of Hirer hours and nine min-
lilcs Id news, had cll'ectcd 24
switches to 'Washington. San Fran-
cisco. Chicago. .Guam. London, and
iitlH'i pick-up points: had broadcast
the noise and. interviews out' of
Times S(|. in .N..Y. Bob 'front him-
self was on the air 17 times tor a
tii'lal of one hour and '2 minutes.

The Keystone Broadcasting Sys-
tem didn't lag behind the Big Four.
Keystone cancelled commercials on
Monday -.morning and brought the
news, broadcast prayers for the
dead, sent out appeals to workers lo
slay on t lie job. ' '

N. Y. indies did a similar job, in
■their- own; Way. Highlight', of
WMCA's work on Monday Was a
sock direct pick-up from Hitler's
p r i v a I c fortress! Bcrchlesgadeii.
\ oired by the station's v,p. Leon
Could.-. That, leport came llirough
al 11:30 a.m.. Monday, during Hie
(Continued on page 30)

Allied government shortwave sta-
i lions showed anything but unity of
command when the unconditional
: surrender news broke last Monday.

OWI overseas branch in N. Y. was
on the air with the story in its regu-
lar English newscast to Europe at 10
a.m.. but played it close lo the cuff,
crediting the AP story which had
come over the teletype 25 minutes
earlier.

But at 11:30 a.m.. OWI's own Lon-
don' outlet, ABSIE. jumped the gun
overseas. ABSIE's first 'broadcast
did not quote AP. but played the
news straight, as if it was official.

BBC came on a half riour after
ABSIE and told the news, with
credit, lo the British armed forces
on the continent. Paris and Brussels
didn't bother crediting AP. Paris in-
venting a Renter story similar to Ihc
AP's. "

ABSIE corrected ils first impres-
sion by quoting the AP, but blew its
Mop. shooting onto the air a wad of
' HFR (hold for release) material
^ which had been earmarked for the
oriiei,,! -V-E Day.

| And i|i all this welter . of confu-
sion. Moseow'was" aclmg as if noth-
ing at all had happened, broadcast-
ing regular programs with usual
war and propaganda lines.
Biggest surprise of all. however,

.was pulled by Moscow's powerful
DX station on Tuesday <8). At

;8:59:30. a half-minute before Church-

! ill was to go on the air over BBC

land. Truman over OWI. Moscow
went off the air. Nothing was said
as to. the reason. Moscow simply
cleared the 'channels -so that ' the
heads- of the two other Allied gov-
ernments could be heard. At- 9:20.

: after Churchill and Truman had
been heard. Moscow resumed nor-
mal operations. It went on simul-
iineously in Turkish. Spanish and
German. But not a word of quote
from either Churchill or Truman.
As far as Moscow was concerned, it

■'.was not .official- yet— Stalin had not
spoken.

BBC lo the USA provided pick-
ups all day Monday.'. and -did the job
'up. brown on Tuesday, bringing in
celebrations in Loudon, putting on Die
air the pooled talks of Allied gen-
erals, giving, eyewitness accounts of
.happenings outside -Buckingham Pal-
ace, and of eoui-.-c ?)roadcasting
Churchill and King (Jcorgc.

One ol the most impre.isive Tues-
day programs cainc over the Pari.-
;4JX station. Cleiieral DeGauliC . spoke
: promptly ■ at 9 a.m. Then mobile
] transmitters picked Up Paris :sccnes.
• beamed -the voices of thousands of
''people singing the Murscltaise,

Bert Wheeler As
Top 7-Up Comic

The -Fresh-Up Show." the half-,
hour Wednesday night Mutual stanza
sponsored by Seven-Up fizz water,
:gels a freshening-up next week (16)
; when Bert Wheeler checks in as the
■top comedian on the program. Bar-
'ney Grant, stanza's -.current head-
| liner, -also stays on show.

Move is aimed at hypoing pro-
gram's rating: Current Hooper is
i 4.3 as opposed to such opposish web
I show tallies as "Dr. Christian" on
iCBS (12.41: Billic Burke, NBC <9.l)
'and "Counterspy " on BJue (10.4).
j J. Walter Thompson is the agency.

CBS Group Asks
Salary Boosts

All employees at New York head-

. quarters of the Columbia- Broadcast-
ing System were circularized last
week to join a "salary raise com-
mittee." Leaflet was signed by
Barbara Boole, of editing: Mike
Ehrenberg. or photograph: Shirley
Kant,er. of sales promotion: Ruth
Marcusson. of -shortwave: Myra

■ Jordan, sec. to 'William S, Shirer.
-Leaflet said "most- of us are here
a I CBS beca\ise we like working for
the Columbia network." but then
weni on to assert that "salaries are

; low for the responsibility and ability
our jobs - require" and that "equally

: laleri jobs do not receive equally
rated pay." It was also stated on the
leaflet that "if promised, raises are
often held up."

The while collar workers union
has distributed- literature in front
of 4B5 Madison avenue hdqs. . on a
■number of occasions in the past
year.

Minneapolis — An estate in excess
of $150,000 was left by the late Dr.
George W. Young, pioneer radio in- ..
dustry member and owner of inde-
pendent station WDGY here. Bulk of
the- estate is left to Hie widow.

22

RADIO

Wednesday, May 9, 1945

Radio Spearheading Show Biz Aid

KPO'S 1 -MINUTE SHOW

Washington. May 8. ♦
A (our network, competitive kick-
off 8:30-9 p.m. (EWT ) will "start the
7th War Loan hcxt Sunday <!.:»>.'

Each web will present its . own
show from coasl-lo-coast so that.' no.[
matter which net the public tunes |
5s on, the program will still advise,
'•Buy Bonds." . ;

NBC will do an all-star rally.',
highlighted by the Bob Hope troupe !
from Washington, whore they are to I
feature a giant bond raily at' Hie !
Uline arena. Other stars arc ox- |
• pectcd to be piped in from the Coast. ;
The arena show will run throe j
hours, with :t0 minutes of ir being ,
aired.

Mutual has :.!;edd«i Arch Obolor's ;
"Strange Morniny." starring Clan- \
delte Colb'crt and oiisina'.iiig in;
Hollywood. CBS and the Blue have I
not completed ■ all -details" or their!
pkiiis. Former, however, is doing a '■
documentary in Hie war, • covering '
the -high spots, and stressing llie coM i
in lives and dcilar---. Blue will do a ■
di". malic show. These two are ex- ;
peeled to origins 1 .? in Hollywood.

The Tour programs will moi-;;o in
Iho (in;-! Hires minutes to pick up
a talk i:i Washington by Treasury
Sec. Henry Morgcnlhau. Jr. Unless
there's a" he-jt minute shill. President
Truman will no! so on the air on the
kick >fT.

The 7th is being handled just as
0> : i'iially planned: without special
.-m rence to V-E Day. There will
bo heavy cmph.'sis on war in the
Paeilic. but it was planned to swing
alloniion to that then", re of opera-
tions Ion-; before V-E Day became .
immintnl. '

The four nets each will .have a
special War Bond Day just as in prior
eampai ns. D; les -sire a <si lined as fol-
lows: Mutual, May 20. "1 Am' an
Amcriccn Day:" NBC. May :10, Deco-
ration Day; Blue. June (i. ,D-Day:
nnd CBS, June 14. Flag Day.

Special Events Planned
Plans for films and special events
nre now fully eomple.ed. according
to Ned Shuvruc. who handles that
branch of Treasury War Finance.
Although arrangements have been
completed with HVC and WAC ror
personal appearances of picture .--tars
in 50 key cities, the only names an-
nounced so far are Jane Wymah and
the Riiz Bros, who will .play a Bond
Show in Boston. The Ifi mm, par-
ticipation was previously announced'
as were many of Iho special shows
by film and oljier theatres. ' Other,
special events will have more the-
atrical angle than in the past and
receive more show biz cooperation.
WAC has promi-ed to backstop
wherever possible even those evenls-
which are not Hollywood's contri-
bution. Theatres will plug'Trcasury
live shows appearing locally and do
considerable lobby card advert ising
on all types of slums.. Whenever it
can be worked out. him house pro-
grams will be slanted to lie in with
the live shows.

Anions the stunts arranged for
cross-country Loui s are: Airborne At-
tack. The Airmada. •'Here's Yoiir In-
fantry." B-29: and Iwo Jinia lour.
Last will consist of personal appear-
ances by the three surviving Ma-
rines of those who raised the Stars
and Stripes on Siiribachi, as shown
in the famous AP photo. The trio
will open here Wednesday iitii at
Loew's Capitol and then go on- tour
to 50 key cities.

Other pilches arranged by Shug-
rue incluude radio shows by the In-
fantry Combat Band and the Infan-
try Concert Band. ' . i
"Dr. I. Q. " "Take It or Leave It," |
"Truth and Consequences" and other j
large commercial air.-hovs will hit;
the l oad to sell bonds. A new stunt j
•will be a series of amateur theatrical [
programs • featuring original playlets '

4-Way Bond Shows

.Application of showmanship
marks the . Seventh War Loan
leeofT on. the four nets this Sun-
day 1 13.) night in order to avert
the -snafu of listener interest
which characterized radio's last
bond preeiii.

All four webs will carry their
own shows: from 8:30 to 9 instead'
at the . round-robin Sixth so-
tiuohoing wliieh Tojniil the Wal-

"ter WinchcM opposition stanza.

'killing off the opposition bond
.Ahow and (he Blue's sock Ben
Hechl connib virtually going
a> ay beoiHiso or the Edgar Ber-
gen opposish: . ■'■

. Although it's agreed, setup for
Seventh is better than that used
for .radio in . Hie Sixth drive',
• many are of the opinion that the .
ideal procedure, from viewpoint .
of showmanship, would be a co-
op venture with all webs con-
tributing to a -gala hour-long
..program lo be carried simul-
taneously by the four networks.
The. webs themselves, however,
'nixed the idea. '". ■-

Lehi-Kohler Variety Quickie Stirs
Up PAG interest

San Francisco, May 8.
Couple of lads at NBC'sKPO have

'the answer to "there's nothing new ,
in radio.'' It's a one-minute variety
show,. .the curse-remover of singing
commercials. In that , station break
period they crowd in gags, few bars
of vocal a.nri instrumental music r-nd*
still. 'time tor the commercial, fore
and .afl. ■'- , ,

The originators arc Ted Lenz and
Norman Kohlcr., They call it "big-
gest lillle variety show in radio"
and play all the characters Ihem-

I solves. Procter & Gamble have
asked for (he record.

Philco i-Hr. Format

Set (or Fall, Too

By JACK 1IEM.MAX

San Francisco, May 8.
The networks are mighty proud
of their coverage of the United Na-
tions Conference , on '.'-International
Organization to date. Their pride
rides the pendulum both' ways-
commission and omission— and sound
judgment has prevailed all the way,
to their way of thinking.
Reporting behind their own safe-

To Sell Bonds On
Top Web Airers

'As Propagandists
For Dumbarton

j WalshinglOn. May 8,.

A threat of new radio legislation
'calling for balanced ''presentation of
j controversial mailers was made here
. j Friday i5). by Senator Burton K.
i Wheeler i b„ Mont.) , chairman of
i the Senate Interstate Commerce
,! Comm|tlce. ■

Wheeler, the chamber's No: 1 iso-
lationist, exploded, with the . con-
lenlion that the webs are carrying
"one-sided" propaganda on national
and international issues, lie said if
(he industry did not work out its
own plans for presenting both' sides,
he w on id introduce a bill lo make it
do so. The While-Wheeler bill or the
'last Congress included such a pro r
vision.

Wheeler's, criticism came a dav

Blueprint of the maimer in which
the 'commercial airshows will tie in
with the Seventh War Loan Cam-
paign via the integrating of plugs • after. Senator Robert. A. Taft <R.)
into scripts, etc.. will be set at a ! claimed in the Senate that the State
meeting skedded in New York ror j and Treasury Dept. were Hooding
tomorrow." iThurs.). Session has j the country , with .propaganda in
been called by the Treasury Dept.. ; favor of Dumbarton Oaks. Bre.tton
the OWI and the Radio Advisory J Woods and the new reciprocal trade
Committee -of;, the War Advertising ! hill. ' Tart said material .was being
Council, with Hie radio, directors of ! fed to 'the . press' and radio on the

'Parade' In Favor
Of Wife Gamble

various agencies identified wilh the
lop air shows in' attendance.

Radio (cos off its drive on Sunday
<i:ii Willi the foiir networks each
putting on their own . hair-hour
shows- at 8:30 p.in.
story).-

'Clara, Lu 'n' Em' Due For
Return With New Cast ;
And 2 Vets Scripting

Chi:ago. M:iy g..

-'Clara. Lu ' "n" Kin." daytime back-
fence gossips who wool oir (ho air in i
1!):!7 because of the death ot Lu '■
'Mrs. Isabelle Bcrlzwrrgcri; ■'■ - and '-rrf c " Cm, veronal
permanent, v ,,v 42. despite a 3.8 m ,„ sllol . t ',,.,,
rating, occaiiso of the illness of
Clara iMrs. Louise Mead ', is being
whipped 'into' shape again by Mrs.
Mead and Fin 'Mrs. Helen Mitchell).
Biggie Levin is parlncr- and sales rep
of the iiirer.

Show will be set by fall, according

object.

"To have a democracy.'' said
Wheeler, "you' must ' have' an in-
formed people. You can't, have, an
informed people when they hear
See separate 1 only-due side -and that is full of. mis-
j representation. .It is outrageous the
— - | amount or propaganda going on the

'air about Dumbarton Oaks. Brelion
[ Woods and tiie reciprocal- trade
j agreements. Some ot it is from
comnienlalors,' but mostly it is the
people they invite to speak."

Tail charged in his speech on the
Moor that nolohly were the press
and radio being' propagandized by
the Government but that "Walchr
lower Over Tomorrow" was "pre-
pared at Government expense and is
(or practical pdrposcs distributed- by
The all-industry
been widely shown
a,s an explanation of' iho Dumbarton
Oaks plan.

Speaking oir TiiuisuV; iimiicdi-
alely iirter Tan. Wheeler said:

"Constantly propaganda is put
oiv the radio by men who' claim i hey
,„ r . ... v . , are experienced in llie particular

lo Levin., with auditions lor .three ; jj,„. whereas, as a matter of fact ir
mam fomme cackles now being j we chwk lip on niiinv ()f lhis coIu ,; in .
held, masnuich as neilhei; Mrs. Mead ' isis and others who speak on the
be on the : i a djo we find they do not know anv-

nor Mrs. Mitchell will
thesp end ot the deal. They'll con
'centra le on writing i; H)i s lime.

Decish to bring show back .was
reached, according lo Levin, when
one. or the agencies interested look-
in

thing about the subject on which
they speak, they do not give the
Tacts, and they present only one side
of the issue.
"I have -repeatedly lold ihe chain

LS^InlT'" r°\'! ".'"! 1 b <™ (l ™> l <"K eompiihies 'ihat'^e'Mn

round that Ml , of t those quened ! preserve a democralic. republic in

this country only by presenting both
sides of every issue "

, knew who.Clara el al. were. and 52 r ,
; wanted io know ir they were 'back
:pii the,: aiivot- would be back.

RAY 60LGER IN FOR

Tart told Wheeler Dial he should
introduce legislation on ihe matter
j "because the radio is one of Lhe irir
I sli.'umcnlaliHjCs by which, propaganda-'
«v«.n lws l«come of very much greater

DURANTE-MOORESHOW lr:'' ,i,, ' t1, ,hi,n u ,,i,s - c '' t:r betn bc -

Ray Bolger heads up (ho s'lniiiu-r ! v . — ; —

■Jimmy Durante and Gariy Moore [Ray • Knight Setting Up

written by American Theatre Wing " " ' s , "Vans up mo >-imiiu-r.

talent. George S. Kaufman heads ! * iWW f <"' Rexall « he.l

the committee in charge: 4.600 copies ' !;r.„,.i,' ,-,» u , „ r , .

of these plays have ^en s.n, otitto ^tn^^ i Q W n ProdudioU Office

R?n«.h,r H 'm- ? t C -f, if N°' k ^..UglLhcsdoncson'o! R.'ymo.ul Knighl resigned Jasl Kri-

Rmgling Bios, and the n<»lfer - Kui . K r shcl's .iiifl-onicolMnii in' .ilic "pii.si:-'! «'»>>■ -«.-•-» »•"'. a producer at Young &

Bolh Moore and Durante arc skedded Rubicani and is setting up a prd-
for overseas trips.. grain package .-production . 'office .'-on

In addition lo Bolger, Friday night' I 1 '- -1 «»n. with Noriiia Anderson, who
CBS^show will have ir gucslar pol- , was associated with him when he,
icy. along Willi .leri Siillavan 'as. the , was production .manager of. trie Blue
femme 1 singer. She goes on the' pro- : lielwork. as hi.s assislahl,
grain as a regular eireclive (his week j Knight is a veteran' in' radio., hay-
ill) replacing Georgia Gibbs. -Lai- fing' done -..freelance production and

Skating Vanities will stage special
bond shows and such -musical figures
as .lose Ilurhi. Vivian Delia Chieza
and Liiusing Hatfield iv ill be oii.'tour
for the Treasury. ■

•BATHLESS' WAXER

Richman-Sandford productions are
readying a new half-hour radio
package based on the "Abbie and
Slats" comic strip.

ter currently heads up the summer
PhiJco ."Hall of Fame" show on the

scripting since his: original NBC
"Cuckoo Hour" stanza, which ran

Blue. Roy Bar'gy orch continues for eight years on NBC beginning
through summer on Rexall' show. - j in 1928.

| When Philco's "Radio ' Hall of
i Fame" goes to a half-hoiir a week
from Sunday 1 20 ». -.-it will remain a;
30-ininule show if the program con-
tinues into lhe rail." Willi the de-
cision to 'cut its lime in half, Philco ' guards they have played the meet
will assay a perniaiicni emcee as. a j close to the vest without missing a
continuing personality. Fred Allen i trick. Obversely, they have pur-'
j may ■ be approached and the bank- ■ posely avoided cocktail canards and
ipllcr is also . iiileresled . in Giivny ; alarmbit concoctions'. Early, in i|ij s
Simms. Paul Whilemah - s music will '. conference they adopted the credo;
I Continue. ! "let the" sheets- go overboard, we're

I Next Sunday's il3l.-show will be '.Playing it safe." Just how well it
j a 'tribute to George Gershwin... as^ has worked is no longer idle spocu-
i it- was a salute -to Paid NVhilemaii.. lalio.n. Not once were any. of lhe
[ last Siuulay Kit, -when the sunuiier i commentators caught hopping up a
peiibd ofllcially started. Georgia I runior that backfired into their teeth.
Gibbs and. Hie Merry Macs continue ' 1 What the sheets and lhe .editorial
' with ; Whit-oman over the summer, ; slanlers did is' their own .concern.
! a lid when Myron Dulloh goes iiilo Radio is -interested in only its own
I lhe Army next week, as -expected; ; wash and the linens, liiive been iumg
Eddie Solcpaugh will direct ihe half- ] oX,f clean.

hour summer show. Max Endow. 'i Canvass any -of the Stale Dept.
now resident veep:-e of llutchins I lads and they'll give you a rast
agency, succeeding Ernie Loveman, : "Ro^er " or its diplomatic eciiiiva-
will have executive-control over: the : ,c,lt ro1 ' unqualified . iissont. 1,1 lias
program and 111 Piorson Mapcs has , been "accoraiiig lo pKofocoi.'':
been shiflrd lo the agency to super- | which is Hpylc .for ..okay.- ^iid well
vise lalciit. etc. may they thank one of the chain's

I Philco will retain the, same 0 p.m. i »ews heads here for tipping them to.
! slot on the. Blue every Sundav. con- | a f01 ' m or security they know lillle
i eluding' at G:30 instead -of the roll' ilbout - For the' ensuing two weeks
' hour. • there II be secret, sessions in the

commission . audilorilim where the
paper work will be on in earnest,
that important function which will
shape the destiny of nations and fix
frontiers. In this meeting room have
been set up five mikes ifour chains
and the pooled indicSi with a line to
the p.a. -'system' through which ail
delegate palaver and deliberation
passes.

It occurred to this news chief that
a leak rrom a secret sosh could be
easily picked iip by a live mike
, switched on from aliv distance. We
New formal or the Lucky Strike 1 asked an engineer about it and he
Saturday night CBS. "Hit Parade ' : grinned, "it would be a cinch but
slanza. apparently all ready for the .1 would never do it." That's what'
; inking .si age. fell ,, through late last ; had this certain eliap worried—
! week when Phil Harris, orch leader ; there might be one who would The
j.and stooge for Jack Benny, turned '■ Slate Dept. was told of such an
fdown ah dller to m.c. the slan/.a, , eventuality and admitted its igno-
I which would originate on the Coast ranee of such trickerv. They would
'beginning nexl rail. do something about 'it ''pronto. All

j 'Understood thai Harris is eager to . nets and stations wore put on their

• co-star with his wire, screen, star i honor and duty-bound lo respect the
' Alice Faye in. a musical-comedy ethics of the craft. The iip-ofTer is
-radio proeram which is .currently plainly worried, however, not loo
: being worked out for them iii Cali- , sure that ethics will prevail over an

forma- Stanza reportedly is- beyond important scoop, it is his feeling
I the formula! i\e stage, several sppn- ' I hat if any one of the stations jumps
'sors being more than a little inter- , the fence it would brirtg disgrace
'esled in this show for --net work air T upon the entire industry and how

ing. -'It is recalled that Luckios the newspapers would crow.
; auditioned a program built .around : . • "Off to Buffalo"

Harris when he Was east several! With the close of the first full

months ago with Jack Benny- How- week of llie conference a new phase

• ever,- George Washington Hill didn't set in. for the broadcasters. Having
go ror the stanza, but .still sees the carried the ball successfully and ror

'.rating potentiality of Harris as an. some nice gains, the commentators
'■ m.c. on his own. are about to leave the field and let

I "Hit . Parade'' setup would have the newscasters lake over. One by
; consisted or Harris as in.c. a male one they're drilling back -home, for
'.'■inarr. n a;:! singer i nVnhapIv ..loan ; the next two weeks or commission
; Edwards i and Mark Warnow's orch. mecfihgs"' offer "t'licni little .for their
Warnow recently was pacU\! to an lypewiilers. Having been around
exclusive contract for his services for two weeks, meeting most of the
starling next season by the sponsor delegates and knowing the. physical
in line with ihe shirt of the show lo layout of the meeting places, they
!-lhc. Coast, Nov.-. will! Harris nixing allow they can do as well back home
the deal, whether lhe show will >>s being on the ground. What basic
■ emanate from Hollywood beginning : material comes out of the news scrv-
. in September remains undecided. 'ce printers gives them enough to

go on and lliey can fill in wilh their
own intimate knowledge of the proc-
esses. Commissar Molotov and An-
thony Eden wiii be. cnrbule home
soon, it's expected, and lo the com-
nienlalors. that cues their own exit.

II would be an act of ingratitude
lo overlook the fine job being done
SI. Louis. May 8. .. by the network engineers. Inslalla-
Rulhiaurr . & ... -Ryan's baseball lion of facilities alone will sot the
g*^ J 1 *'"''*' Ci "' H >'- »"d KSt) and ; chains back some $25,000 and the set-
l KMOX engaged in a lillle food lasl up has been so skillfully contrived
I week trying io grab former Senator that a chart is being made to serve
! Albert B. "Ha))py" Chandler, base- as guide in future events of such
: oall s now proxy., for im air inler- : sweeping magnitude. It has been -an
| view here. Caray does his gabbing education lo everyone in lhe in-
| ror the Ciriose/lio.ck Bros. Brewing duslry. V

I Co, and llgni ed 'he was aboul to lye t ..■

' euehored out of doing , a spiel wilh

ilir^ 'Easy Aces' Disc Show;

where Chandler was a .-.peciulor . at .' Ea.-y Aces" is now available as a
a ball .game and .had' a recording ! regular transcribed ■ series through-
.made or Hie interview. Caray fur- the Frederick ZAv dlficc. Deal was
pushed Ihe . ij.uiz/.os asked by Hill. made last week . with John /.inn. .
< - The transci'pXion was -flown to Sj. head ot the Z'w N. .Y. oilier, and-
Loius and 24 li..urs bi-roro Chandler : Goody Ace signing lhe 'contract
.arrived lo be present at the raising : which piils the 'slair/.a within ihe
: of the fust American League Hag .; budget reach of hundrc<ls or lower-
won by Iho Browns the record was I budgclod - accounts: on stations
played on Ihe air. When Chandler j throughout the country .
arrived the sports gabbers at the "Aces'' was a network feature for
otheiv two stations didn't have miieh the phst 13 years, the last nine for
10 **• I Anaciri, prior to going, oft the air.

Even Chandler Isn't
Happy Over St. Loo Feud
For Prexy's Ballcast

Wednesday, May 9, 1945

RADIO

23

H0WT0G0

Fascist Voice From Town Hall 9

A convicted native fascist, who had served time and had been a
liaison man between the German-American Bund and Silver Shirts,
. was the guy whom George V. Denny. Jr., permitted to spread the Nazi'
hate line over the air (Blue) on April 20, over "Town Hall of the Air "

Last week, "Variety" reported factually, in a radio -follow-up review,
about the Denny shindig aired out of San. Francisco the preceding.
Thursday (2G). "Variety" pointed out that the first questioner, of only
four audience participants that night, was a man who identified himself
as "Homer Mcrtz," who asked, "Isn't it a fact that the purposes behind
the San Francisco Conference are precisely what the Jewish World
Zionist Organization has been advocating foryears?" •

"Variety's" factual report was elaborated in last Sunday's (6) N. Y.
tah.PM. The-Marshall Field sheet puts' its finger on that questioner—
among the four guys put on the air, out of an audience of 10,000 that
attended that particular "Town Meeting'' stanza.

"Variety" had caught the program on the air and had heard the
question period played back three times to guard against error, before
it quoted the man whose name, in German accent, sounded like
"MerU." - The PM reporter (Selrha Robinson) found his real name is
Homer Macrz, and quoted a piece about hiin from a recent book, "The
Plot Against .the Peace," by Michael Saycrs and Albert E. Kahn. Here's
a-summary of what that book says about the man given the courtesy
of the Town Hall-Readers Digest program:

"Served as liaison between German-American Bund and Silver
Shirts. : . At Chicago rally in 1939, promised such 'living hell for Jews*
as to rhake 'Hitler look like a creampufT.' In 1939 . . . found guilty,
sentenced to one to 10 years. Founded new Nazi propaganda agency
after yetting out of jail. Boasted in 1944 that 'movement' has gone
underground and will break put with 'shocking force' as soon as war
' ends." - "" '

The shooting having stopped, Macrz secrhs lo be ready to. go to wOrk
in earnest. He certainly got a good start, on an air forum that .con-
siders itself the best in the USA.

Atlanta Dept. Store Sponsors Daily
EducT Series Sans Merchandising

Atlanta, May 8. .♦■
; i Ambitious- plans, unusual for a
local department store, are now- be-
ing matured on behalf of a 15-
minulc Haily educational program
over WGST called "Rich's Radio
School." It's- a miniature local ver-
sion of CBS "School of the Air"
series but, whereas the: network
show is sustaining, this one is spon-
sored. Advertising, however, is
practically limited to mere sponsor
identification. There is no mer-
chandising,

Carrie Rowland, advertising mnn-
ager of the store, is now in New-
York City lining up writing talent
for the series. Atlanta school board
is actively cooperating with the
undertaking. A different subject or
classroom age is taken up every
day, Monday through Friday. Art
appreciation and folklore are in-
cluded for kiddies.

Borden- Wayne To
CBS Fri. Nights

With Anacin giving up its "Friday
on Broadway" CBS 7:30-8 p.m.
show, as well as the time, effective
June 29. Borden's has grabbed the
half-hour segment. Anacin show has
a current Hpoperating of 4.0 down
a point since the last tally, with
efforts lo hypo the program via the
recent installing of Frank Parker in
the lead spot not very productive
of audience pull. Anacin, instead,
switches to Mutual for sponsorship
of "Real Stories."

Borders moves the Jerry Wayne
8:30-9 Sunday night Blue show into
the Friday spot, effective July 0.
with a new show going inlo the pre-
Winchcll Blue spot, at least until
the contrast runs out.. thus allowing
for discount, benefits.

What plans Borden's has in mind
for the fall is still in the blueprint
siage. but it's known that thcy'-rc
shopping around for. a top-budget
show. Bankroller. it's reported,
would like to latch on to the Ginny
Simms program in the event of a
Philip Morris divorce.

Spot 'Best Sellers' As
Blue Aft. Sostainer

. Dramatizations of the best selling
novels . of the present and past have
been spotted for a flve-time-per-
weck half -hour afternoon stanza by
Blue network execs.
-Program, titled "Best Sellers," fills
the 3-3:30 p. m. niche currently oc-
cupied by "Appointment With Life."
which lams June 1.

Collier Quits Win. Morris

Hollywood, May 8.
. Buster Collier resigned as head
ot the William Morris agency's radio
department in Hollywood after
three-and-a-half years on the job.
' Ex-screen star is set to produce
films for J. Arthur Rank's film com-
pany in England. ■ .

New World* Pteps
On e World Theme

"New World A-Coming," the
Ncgro-themed Sunday show of
WMCA. N. : Y. indie, is going to
spread its wings next fall, becoming
a voice interested in all minority
groups.

Based on the title of R;oi Ottley's
book, which WMCA bought from the
Negro author and war correspondent
for three years, the Sunday stanza
(3:03-3:30) p.m. has earned itself a
rep as 'of the top shows of its type on
the air. About 14-monlhs old now.
it has been the recipient of o "Va-
riely" award, cited several limes by
the Writers War Board, and is re-
ported in the running for the $1,000
prize set up by publicist Edward L.
Bernays for a radio show contribut-
ing most to racial amity.

"New World" plans for next fall
arc lo go beyond the Negro prob-
lem which has been its chief inter-
cut to dale. Still using the same title,
the show is to include dramatization
of problems, and best den.ocratic
methods for their solution, affecting
all racial and religious minorities in
Uic U. S. A. It will battle against
persecution of "foreigners." will take
up the'cudgel for Japanese of Amer-
ican birth (Nisei) and expose groups
who are Ku-Klux-Klannish in one
form or another.

New gimmick is being worked out
and set for next fall by Mrs. Helen
Strauss, station's educational direc-
tor: Leon Goldstein, v.p. in charge of
public relations; and Milchel Gray-
son, producer-director of "New
World" since its inception.

There is a likelihood, also, that
WMCA may organize a broad com-
mittee to help give the show com-
munity-backing, in the same way
that a citizen's committee on Harlem
problems, (committee is composed of
whites and Negroes) - has- been, the
official backer of "New World." Nut
however, has been carried entirely
by the station, and same condition
will prevail in fall, unless a sponsor
is copped. Latter possibility is not
too remote, since show has enor-
mous good-will value. .

By DON WALSH

Network officials,- agency execs
and program package producers,
banking as they do on rating sur-
veys to tell them comparative values
of different shows and performers,
often go into a routine known as
"having fun 'with a Hooper." This
procedure, it's generally agreed, con-
sists of taking the assorted bits of
data contained in one of the twicc-
a-mbnth survey reports, stirring
slightly and mixing with a slide rule.

After allowing the mixture to sim-
mer over a slow flame for several
hours a tasty dish results— one that
can be made to prove almost any-
thing. Such a utilitarian hors
d'oeuvre. of course, comes in very
handy when conferring with spon-
sors, prospective sponsors and the
like.

But without benefit of a magic
slide rule and for someone having no-
axe to grind the average Hooper re-
port, judged on a common sense
basis, poses plenty of questions for
which, on the surface, there are no
logical answers.

Latest Hooper, for instance, cov-
ering the period April 16-22, records
some rating drops and increases for
which there seems to be no sensible
explanations.

Yes, Why?

Why, for instance, should the Joan
Davis-Jack Haley Sealtest program
skid 5.9 points to wind up in seventh
place with 20.1? And why should
Bing Crosby's rating drop off 4.1
points to 18.6? Programs on the
other networks Thursday, night (19)
in the 9 to 18 o'clock slot showed no
such tendencies with "Corliss Arch-
er" (CBS) remaining static at 6.0 and
"Treasure Hour" (Mutual) and
"Spotlight Bands" (Blue) holding to
their customary 3.0*5, Opposite
Crosby, CBS' "Shower of Stars"
showed little If any change at 3.9
and the Blue's 'Town. Meeting"
gained 0.1 points to a 4.0. Gabe
Heatter on Mutual, however, like-
wise skidded, dropping 3.1 points to
10.6. This, too, is surprising con-
sidering the hypoed interest in news
stanzas cued to the war. develop-
ments and ,the Frisco conference
which opened the night before.

Fact that Joan Davis is leaving the
National Dairy fold in the fall, of
course, can have no ■ effect on her
rating inasmuch as such news has
not been circulated among the gen-
eral public and would have no ef-
fect on listening habits if it had.
Must Be a Reason

There must be some reason for
such drastic downswings by pro-
grams which ordinarily roll along
week after week with faithful audi-
ences. But what that reason is
seems is anybody's guess.

To add to the confusion — why does
the latest Hooper show Jack Benny
spurting 3.0 points Jtfi.Jand back in
the First Ten with an 18.2 rate?
The public doesn't know he's been
falling off and. through a sense of
loyally, start tuning in again lo
boost his standing. He . didn't take
his audience away from Kate Smith
or Drew Pearson. They also showed
gains— 1.0 . and 2.8, respectively, and
Don Gardiner on the Blue in the
7:15-7:30 segment equalled Benny's
hike with a parallel 3.0 increase.

What goes on'.' Following Benny
on NBC that Sunday night (22)
"Bandwagon." Charlie McCarthy,
Eddie Bracken. "Merry-Go-Round,"
"American Album" and "Hour of
Charm'' maintained . their previous
ratings almost exactly, with Charlie
McCarthy's 1.0 boost the largest by
tar of the others. "Crime Doctor"
(CBS 8:30-91. for no" apparent rea-
son, climbed 3.0 points.

Switching to Friday night (20)
"Amos 'n' Andy" (NBC 10-10:30),
soared 3.1 for a 17.2 rating. They
evidently took listeners away from
Jimmy Durante (CBS), who sagged
2.4 points. Why? It's hardly pos-
sible Durante fans would flock away
because they miss the Camel com-
mercials'.

None of the other NBC Friday
niglu stanzas dropped off to any-
great extent but the CBS sked, from
7:30 on, showed a uniform decrease
with "Thin Man" falling 2.0; "Pays
(Continued on page 28)

Waring Looks Like Ideal Aspirin
For NBC-Bandwagon Headache

1,000 Toppers'

■Ted Bates agency and NBC
have come up with a novel
stunt in connection with CoIt
gate "Can You Top This?" airer.
Nucleus membership (from
within 100-mile radius of N. Y.)
will be invited to Plaza hotel,
N. Y., shindig on .May 20. com-
prised Of guys who have topped
the Hershfleld-Laurie-Ford trio
of 'Toppers."

It'll be an annual affair, high-
lighted by a cross-fire quiz and
a revival of old vaude acts, in-
cluding a Laurie reprise of the
first act he did in vaude; Hersh-
field's old chalk-talk gimmick
and Ford's perennial monolog.

NRB Mulls Beef
To Congress On
Religious Beasts

Chicago, May 8.

Charging that freedom of religion
and speech is being discriminated
against by the networks in refusing
to sell time for religious broadcasts,
officials of the National' Religious
-Broadcasters, Inc., intimated at its
second annual meeting here last
week, that they would carry their
fight to Congress: According to the
NRB, present policy of all networks
is to give radio time to Protestant
broadcasts only by church groups
affiliated with the Federal Council
of Churches of Christ in America.
This, they say, bars approximately
100 denominations not connected
with the federal council.

"Religious groups should have the
same freedom as industry and com-
merce in respect to buying radio
time,"' Dr. James DeForest Murch,
member of the. executive committee,
said, adding tJiSt broadcasts by a
"few religious racketeers" had pre-
cipitated the networks' • move in
clamping down On time for church
broadcasts. The NRB was organized
in April, 1944, and its membership
represents almost . every Protestant
denomination. Its purpose is to fos-
ter and encourage the broadcast of
religious programs, to establish and
maintain high standards with re-
spect to content, method, speaker's
qualifications, and_ ethical practices:
to secure for" its" members adequate,
fair and regular access to the radio
listening public and to protect its
members and such similar organiza-
tions from being barred from such
access.

Dr. Clinton Churchill, of Buffalo,
was elected president of the organi-
zation at the Stevens hotel meeting
last week. Other officers are Dr.
John Zoller. Detroit, vecpec, and
Rev. Dale Crowley, Washington, sec-
retary-

Millard Lampell to Write
Typical GFs 'Biography';
CBS SeriesAs Fall Book

Sgl. Millard Lampell. radio writer
attached to Capl. Bob Jchnings'Ncw
York City radio unit of Special
Services, left for Europe last week
•under a unique assignment for an
enlisted man. Accompanied by a
photographer, he will 'trace back"
the step by step experiences of a
real GI. including that GI's eventual
return lo the United States *\>r re-
training and reassignment to the
Japanese war. This is expected to
become a scries on the Mutual net-
work sometime during the summer.

Meanwhile a group of "Service
Time" scripts produced on CBS by
the same Jennings' group and also
written by Lampell will be brought
out in book form this fall by the
publishing house of Julius Mcssner,
Inc.

• Disclosure in "Variety" last week
that Fred Warihg's commitment .
with NBC to -do the flve-times-a-
week 11-11:30 morning show on a
sustaining basis, opposite the Blue's
Breneman Coast stanza, would not
prevent him' from taking on ah eve-
ning sponsored program has-' cued
plenty speculation in the trade.

Most generally accepted theory,
seems to be that NBC,, as part of the
deal, has promised Waring a suitable
p.m. spot in the fall as it's felt lat-
ter would not go for the daytime ex-
periment unless some such assurance
was forthcoming from the web.
■ It's agreed by many- that the logi-
cal spot for the Pcnnsylvanians mu-
sical package would be the 7;30-8
p.m. segment Sunday night, sand-
wiched between Jack Benny and
Charlie McCarthy, now occupied by
the Fitch "Bandwagon." It seems
made to order for Waring,

The Fitch program is an old NBC
standby and, while it's been no
secret web chieftains have not been,
too pleased with the calibre of the
show, they've hesitated to get too
tough with their valued client, and
understandably so. Continued ef-
forts to hypo "Bandwagon"- have
been made to hold that Benny audi-
ence and give the Bergen show more
of a running start. .

But even with the showcasing of
topnotch orchs such as Tommy and*
Jimmy' Dorsey, Gene Krupa, Benny
Goodman, etc., and the installation
of Dick Powell and Andy. Devinc,
emcee and. comic, the Fitch format
just hasn't been able to ring the
bell.

Now with' Waring safely in the
NBC fold if looks like an ideal set-
up. The . web can go to Fitch with a
proven, made-to-order package to
meet the "Bandwagon" requirement
the sponsor, evidently insists upon.
Just how the price would work out'
is anybody's . guess but with that
$18,500 layout by the web for the
Waring daytime stints it would
seem there's room for jockeying be-
tween the web, Fitch and Waring
whereby things could be worked out
to everyone's satisfaction on the coin
end. ' .

The Sunday night angle, too, is
made to order for Waring, wholl be
free Saturday and Sunday to prep
the program after winding up hit
cross-the-board Hercules stunt Fri-
day morning.

Ballantine lines
Up New Fall Show

Ballantine, currently . sponsoring
the Cameron Andrews Monday night
CBS show, is hypoing its budget; and
J. Walter Thompson, agency on the
account, currently is shopping
around for a new program to re-
place the Andrews stanza. Sponsor
has joined in the Ginny ' Simms
sweepstakes (her Philip Morris con-
tract expires in Sept.) and is also
mulling other tbp-budgeters.. New
show will probably go on in .the fall,
although Thompson agency may
switch the format of the present
show for a summertime hypo. Pro-
gram, of course, stays put during the
hot months in view of the upped
beer consumption.

Current Ballantine show has gone
through a series of programming'
crises since bowing in, Johnny Mor-
gan originally heading up .the
stanza. He checked out several
months ago due to script troubles,
with a couple of the show's stooges,
Barney Grant and Andrews, subse-
quently taking over. Ho w,ever; ef-
forts to hypo the rating have proved
unavailing. '

CBS Hoists Lewin

■ • ' ' Hollywood, May 8.

Charles Lewin draws staff pro-
ducer chores for the CBS western
division, under Hal Hudson, program
director.

Before taking the new job, Lewin
was associated with Norman Corwin.

TELEVISION-RADIO

Wednesday, Muy 9, 1945

Petrillo Nixes Music on Film For

Tele, Silent on AFM's Policy Line

James C. Petrillo. prey.' oC the
American Federation of Musicians,
is tightening Iiis already snug noose
•round television's throat by forbid-
ding. film dislrihs to let stations re-
screen and broadcast films with
nmsicuf dubs.

Since lclevh:o:i is already ham-
Klrung artistically by not being able,
to use AFM member.- for live music
in its studios, 'his new order was
looked upon ;.s a s' mine'.'.

Petrillo's office- wasn't talking
about the matter tiiis week. Neither
Wi"; a.)} one else, except telecaslcrs-—
mid tiiey talked behind palms.

As pointed nu' in -Variety" i April
3) a'l of :vvs\:<ir.iit. .'ndi'slry l:ii;u. -
faces an ultimate showdown mi lolc-
visloi'. r cv later a decision

must be made : bout, which unions
in radio, the stage-, or lilms i.s enr
titled 'o .jurisdiction over various
types of production personnel.
, Bu! Petrillo has been spearhead-
ing the general labor situation in
television, by being li.st to take his
*la:id. And ihe infaii' industry is
worrit-; 1 .

Television expects no help from
the ti^n (I is: ribs. Latter see no. rea-
son lor courting any Petrillo trou-

ble by going to bat lor a medium'
which -many Tear will wind up as
competition.

No one in pieluiT* has made any
money ">ui of television's use of 'Urn
shorts, but latter have been a boon
to the tcleprogrammers. Now that
Petrillo has 'said 'n\\" to musical piw
the worry is that even such propa-
ganda shorts like 'Wn'rhlowcrs of
Tomorrow" i boosting the United
Nations Security Organisation I and
the Warner Bros. "It Happened in
Springfield'' may bo haned from
telescreens.

A lopraitking tele spokesman com-
pbiued that his industry has tried
:o get together with Polrillo to dis-
cuss AKM's overall tele, policy but
that the union bo.-s has been playing
cozy.

"Make that clear." said' I lie exec,
"we want to meet with ili'e musi-
cians. We don't understand why we
can't set together, somehow."

There had been a meeting skedded
for last month but the tcleeaster
said I hat he didn't know why it
never came off. The television in-
dustry had selected its co.-nmittee to
discuss the music sanation with the
AFM. But the committee is still
wailing for ihe Petrillo organization
to find time lor a huddle.

Blue Network Sets Deal
For Tcleyizcd Spaghetti

Blue network's- video -version of its
afternoon audience -.participation
stanza, "Ladies Be Seated," will be
! sponsored tor four weeks f Ijo^iimiiitJ
'next Sunday O:)) on General JTCIen-
trie's WRGB, Schenectady, by Chef
i Boyar-Dee spaghetti.

Goodyear Eyeing Tele
| (Sols Gulf) With Fadeout
Of Roy Rogers' Show

Goodyear, from all indications,
will pass up its present Mutual spot
when the current Koy Rogers scries
winds tip. It all depends on whether
Holers dons khaki when he' comes
up before the draft board next
month. lie was given a six-week
cxiens'ion, up in June, while touring
vet hospitals with his rodeo tin the
interim period Ihe Mutual shows
have been transcribed in advance).

While next season may find Good-
year .scramming out of . radio, the
bankroller has an eye on television
sponsorship. It's recalled that Young
& Hubicam. agency on the rubber
.account, made a video presentation
some time ago to a number or cli-
euts (Sanforizing i.s already bank-
rolling ~~a tele series), and it's re-
ported Goodyear, as well as Gulf,
another YAH client, are preparing
lo make the plunge.

Mowrey Brings Tele

Message to Chicago

Balabnn 5?. Katz's Chicago tele-
vision station will televise a speech
by Blue network video exec Paul
Mowrey and entcrlalnnieni. by Blue
network, personalities before l.HOfl
members of that city's Executive
Club from li ii.in. lo 12 noon Friday
ilB). Marks the initial morning-
hour video presentation by the B&K.
outlet. .

Mowrey will have as his topic.
"What does television mean in you'.'"

NORMAN SIEGELS CLE VL
EXIT FOR COAST JOB

Cleveland. May H.
Norman Siegcl. for la years radio
editor of the Cleveland Press, re-.
,<:igns next Tuesday ilf>) lo take pub-
licity bertli with Paramount, on
Coast June 1. under Ocorge Brown.
All told he had been with paper l!l
years.

Insider!; on paper' say Siegel
turned in resignation several times
before but editor Louis Seltzer re-
fused acceptance. Previous resigna-
tions were due to protest of cutting
of contents of columns by managing
editor. Besides covering r a d i o,
Siegel's column also gave e<(iial
prominence to all phases of show biz.

Siegel's successor on Press not dis-
closed as yet.

Spon

sore<

WNAC, Boston

by Gilchrist's Dept. Stores

WEAN, Providence

by The Sh epard v.o.

^^UESTIONS from radio listeners of all ages, all over New
England, are answered in rapid-fire order on this enter-
taining, educational feature appealing to the whole family.

/4(^ulaUc j<n Local Sponsorship

WAAB Worcester
WHTD Hartford

6:30 6:45 P. M.

Monday through Saturday

THE YANKEE NETWORK, inc.

N. Y. Telecasters'
V-E Programs

Television, like radio, was ready
for V-F, Day. All Uivae .\'. Y. sta-
lions. WNBT-NBC, WABD-DuMont-
Blue, and WCBW-CBS, had special
^programs ready lo . hoot as soon as
I the official announcement was made,
I On Monday 1 7), the NBC millet
[interrupted a test' pattern lo bring
'scenes from Times- Sn., from :t::n in
I :i:40 p.m. Tuesday, WNBT went oil a
j 24-hour' continuous schedule, .-tart-
ling with Pres. "Truman'.: speech at
' !) a.m. Motion pictures taken Mou-
ld ay in Times Sq. were shown to
! video viewers tuned t > this outlet,
j clergymen and commentators were.
| brought to the fitudio for interviews.
I and films reviewed the war from its
■ inception lo the Kuroix :n enn-
! elusion.

• The CBS televisors wont on il>«
lair for their regular period Tuesday
!- night. This station had lli-miu. films
I made of the Monday doings, and
I broadcast these pix as well as wir
: reviews, news, and commentaries.
I Blue, besides n special show from
i atop the RCA Bld.^i videoed over
j DuMont on Mondtty. i7>, put on a
'special t\v<i-hour stanx.a Over WABO
j last nishl iTucs.), including dims of
j the web's newsroom in action as
I pholoed by R1\0, in a special lietip.

Member of the Mutual Broadcasting System

21 BROOK1INE AVENUE, BOSTON 15, MASSACHUSETTS

Represented NotionoBy bf EDWARD PCtRY A CO, MO

Television Reviews

"WINTKIt WUKAY"

With Alary l'atlon, Philip KiMtrr,

Rand Elliot, IUrliarrt Rarruwy, Kll-

eor Meiidelsulin, Thomas -llrpxhy,

Michael Arllst
Producer: Knifst Olllnc
Technical Director: Itriil Knvis
Scenery: N. Kay Kelly
Writer: Maxinc Wood
(i0 Mins., Sun. (<>), S p.m.
.Sustaining
WNBT-NBC. N. Y.

"Winter Wheat" as a novel must be
an interesting human interest story
with 'strong dramatic possibilities.
But as produced by NBC's television
department on WNKT last Sunday
(8) night. Ihe drainutiv.al ion Tell flat,
lacking a .sparkle necessary to hold
sustained audience interest lor its
full tiU minutes.

The limitations of television, in the
presentation, of dramatic programs
was never more pointed .up. than on
this snow. Studio facilities could not
possibly be laij;e enough in - cope
with the variety of settings and
space needed lo properly present this
stanza fully. Simposedly the web's
video department ha.s already pre-
sented dramatic slunxas which scored
visually, but there arc loo many ob-
stacles in the path of giving proper
attention to the drama-type show on
video, and NBC's setup obviously is
falling into the inherent pitfalls..

When -dramatizations are given
on television, audiences naturally
compare what-' liir.y see ,vit.h the
stage and lilms. And Ihe comparison
leaves the ether medium a poor third.
Until such time as technical facilities
warrant full-sized experimentation,
with enactment of dramatic endeav-
ors, it would be b;-!ler to present
other lype shows, on this medium, so
as lo gel goofl 'wo d-of-mouth lor
video from prj.jent and future set
owners.

"Winter Wheal" is Ihe . lory of an
easterner who settled in Montana
with his l?us.>iau-'o irn wife: after ihe
last war. Their daughter falls in
love with a man she nr.:ets at col-
lege, who is later killed 'while serv-
ing with the Air Force. However,
she remains faithful, to him. despite
the attentions of a neighbor Mon-
tanan.

Stanza centers around l!ie kitchen
of the Montana ranch where the
family lives, dialog endeavoring to
take up the slack of limited studio
and production facilities. Cast. loo.
was hampered in acting, lead Mary
Palton fail'm? to give a strong .por-
trayal -of the girl, and Ihe male, ac-
tors enacting thei? roles like wooden
soldiers throughout I lie ma jority of
the stanza. Direction may have been
responsible for poor performances,
but whatever the reason, television,
in the presentation of the drama, has
a long way lo go. Sieii.

"TOWN f'ltlKR OF CHUNGKING"

With Gila Orlova. niana Kemble.
BUI Wyatt, George Kahn, lav
Gorln, Joan Danton, Klliot Sharfe

Prodncer: William McGrath

Director: Milton B. Kayc

Writer: MJlton Robertson

Makeup: Richard Willis
,36. Mlns., Sun. (6). ft p.m.

SiiHtatnlnK

WABn-DuMoiit, N. Y.

If television slutions, as they are
currently set no, with studio and
production facilities hampered by
present limitations, wish to present
drama-type shows for audience en-
joyment, they must.' of necessity, do
w-lmt the WNEW. N. Y.. video de-
fCoiiiinued on page HO).

W<-«ln<-sd»y, May 9, 1945

WOR pauses on this day of victory in
Europe to remember and hope for the safe return of the
following WOR staff in embers, and the millions of others,
who have fought and' are still fighting for the things
that total peace means to them and their loved ones.

Raymond Adams.

Kdvvard Golub

W. Keyes Pcrrin

Samuel D. Adams

Donald Hale

Charles Pickering

John Anspacher

Tro Harper

A. G. Posey

Slater Barkentin

Charles W. Harrison

Joseph Quinn .

Robert Barkey

John S. Hayes

Frank J. Reiljy

Kly Bergmann

Albert J. Hoffman

Paul Reveal

R F. Blake

Bill Hoffman

Arthur Ross

Tom Braden

George Hogan

A 1 Roth

George B razee

.Max Horowitz

John Ruddlcy

James Brickhouse

Al Josephy, Jr.

Carl Ruff

H. L. Bryant

Charles A Kibling

Cyrus Samuelson

-Clifford Burdette

Kdwin A. King

Bill Schlegcl

Gift Campbell

Dick Krolick

Jini Shannon

Phil Cochrane

Margaret W; Lambden

Neil Spencer

Lefroy S. Collins

Herman Maxwell

Pete Steele

Gerald Conway, Jr.

Robert C. Mayo

James Thibodeaux

Jerry Danzig

jack M ohler

Monte Thorpe

Charles Davidson

Tom Moore

Kenneth B. Tuttle

Dorothy Deutsch

Henry Morgan

Arthur Vani Horn

Bruce Kliot

R. A. Norman

Carlton Weidenhammer

AJvin Flanagan

James O'Connor

Bernice Whitman

Cliff Foss

*R. A. O'Neill, Jr.

Joseph Wider

Kdmund Franke

Dick Pack

Bob Wood

John Geraldsen

Walter L. Payne

Charles Woods

26

RADIO

REVIEWS

Wednesday, May 9,

1915

•THE HO AD AHEAD"
Villi Clifton Fadlman. Ann Sherldun,
Bob Hope, Cpl. Art Chenowelh,
I'fc. Bernard Bloom, Lt. Jan Men-
zic, Tfc. Maurice Smith, Sgt. Wal-
ler Heed, Sffl. Lou Nlestadt, Cpl.
Allan Foster, Sgt. Maurice Frre-

-— land, others

Music: David Broekman

Writer: David Kogan

Director: Robertson White

Supervisor: James P. Hart

30 Mlns.; Wed., 9 p.m.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
MACHINES CORP.

WJX-Blue, N. Y.

(Henry Sota'niuei

Something really new, really vital,
has come to the air since "The Road
Ahead" was prcc'mcd over the Blue
1 2 >." In cooperation with the Army.
Navy and Red Cross, the Henry Sou-
vainc agency has' produced a pack-

age which carries a mortar-shell
.vallop. Yet the. format Is that of a
variety show, and one of the. best.

Object of the show, though not
staled in quite these, terms, is to tell
America that there are many, tragi-
cally many, wounded, crippled, leg-
less, armless, blind men (and some,
women ) on the way home, and that
these pcorio arc our people, that
they expect -to be treated like human
'beings and not like • derelicts, that
I hey .expect neither to be pitied nor
■ To be' tripped. These people have
talents:- humor, strengths and weak-
nesses: a man's mind is no different,
nor is his heart, just because he hap-
pens to be minus two limbs,

The point will be driven home
each week through appearances of
patients' at a different hospital for
wounded vets of World War II.
Stanza heard (2) came from Walter
Reed general hospital. Washington.

(Each week, too. a different bank-
roller will foot the bill. Proem was
financed by International Business
Machines Corp.)

The main theme was pointed up
in every little speech by the soldier
participants (plus one femrne nurse,
Lt. Jan Menzic). in the musical num-
bers done by the wounded vets who
sang and played like vets of the
concert stage, and in two sock num-
bers. One of these was a dramatic
skit, played by Ann Sheridan, and
Sgts. Walter- Reed and Lou Ncistadt.
The other was the culmination of an
interchange between Maurice Free-
land and Bob Hope. -

In the- skit, a former architect now
a GI. was convinced, by his gal
(Miss Sheridan) that she expects
him to go back to his old profes-
sion despite fact he had lost both
legs in the war.

In the. clincher, in which Bob Hope

"The No. 1 rating (43.6) for the No. 1 national program
is delivered by The Buffalo Evening News station
WBEN for Bob Hope,"

Biiibo'V .

"Bing Crosby, with a 22.9 nationally, gets *** 37.6 in
Buffalo with WBEN. This is second top program
for which WBEN is socking away solid listening
tabs."

The Billboard— April 21, 1945.

, Tan SUti^

• Thanks to The Billboard for
telling the world that WBEN is
TOPS. And thanks to Hope and
Crosby for lining up those listen-
ers. Here's the rest of the story :

NBC's Ve/even out of Hooper's
FIRST FIFTEEN

(C. E. Hooper Oct. 1944— Feb. 1945)

32 city
averages

WBEN
rating

Bob Hope

31.0

43.6

Fibber McGee

■ 27.7

35.9

Charlie McCarthy

24.3

31.7

Bing Crosby

22.4

37.6

Jack Benny

22.1

33.5

Joan Davis.

21.7

28.6

Mr. District Attorney

21.2

24.0

Abbott and Costello

19.7

24.2

Hildegarde

196

Not

Eddie Cantor
fZay Kyser

(1st half hour)

18.2

180

measured
22.7

REPRESENTED NA T iONi..

EDWARD PETRY & CO

19.7

Local programming on WBEN produces comparable high ratings
for both national spot and local advertisers. '

WBEN fa more than a visitor in Western Ne^ York homes. WBEN is
the family friend of thousands who rely upon this NBC affiliate for
clean entertainment, sparkling shows and reliable news. And WBEN
thanks these good people for their loyal support of a policy that makes
it the most-talked-of as well as listened-to station in Western New York.
WBEN delivers Public Service.

gagged from Hollywood while Sgt.
Maurice Frcclund acted as stooge,
the latter pointed up the purpose
of the entire venture. Frccland was
not just playing , as a legless vet;
he is. Only 23 years old. he sounded
absolutely sure of Muinself. neither
cocky nor apologetic, when he said
that all he wants is the right' to Jive
a normal, healthy life when he gets
out of the hospital. Hope dropped
his gagging, and described accurately
what these bovs have and why they
have earned the right lo considera-
tion — they have guts. .

But the show'* participants had
more than just courage. They had
talent. Titc. two soldiers in the skit
with Miss Sheridan were better at
their chores than she was. The pro-
log and epilog man; Cpl. Art Che-
nowelh. was as smooth, as emcee
Clifton Fndiinan. Bernard Bloom is
a very good pianist, and line, vocal-
izing was clone by Pfc. Maurice
Smith- and Col: Allan Foster. Smooth,
well-paced dircctinc.. sock musical
backing, and overall proficiency in
production was expected from the
grouoing of competent professionals,
and latter .came through. But show
really was. essentially, as announced:
"By. of and for wounded vols of

World War II."

Cars.

"FALL OF BERLIN"
Special Documentary with Martin
Wolfson, narrator; Gladvs Thorn-
ton. Eric Roberts. Charlotte Hol-
land. K. A. Krumschmltt, Boris
Marsholov, Jack Lloyd, Wendell
Holmes, Herbert Rerg'horn. Joseph
Wiseman, Burlholcl Hampton
Producer: Robert Heller
Director: John Becker
Writer: Vincent Mct'oiinor
.",0 Mins.; Wed. (:>): 11:30 p.m.
Sustaining
WABC-CBS. N. Y.

This documentary was written well
in advance of the event il celebrated.
As presented on the evening of the
final triumph over the German capj^
ilal in the pre-midriight segment
(cancelling out "Invitation to Music ")
the results were fairly good but the
material was prcttty trite, nol saying
much about Berlin itself, its long hisr
tory as a military center, the ways
in which it clilVercd from other Euro-
pean metropoli.

It was Berlin seen from the bomb-
sights of British. Russian and Amer-
ican planes wilh a lew vignettes or
a German family that was wiped out
largely by bombs, although there was
an implication of moral laxity by the
girl of the family. Not much char-
acteristically German came out. All
the sharp edges had been filed down,
apparently by a cautious company
policy. * '

About the only facts about Berlin
were that it was a parade ground
sort of a place established by Fred-
erick the Great and that it was the
fifth largest city in the world. But
CBS sidestepped explanations or
comments on the nature of German
education and character apart from, a
couple of glancing references to the
Nazi episode in passing. Ji could al-
most have been the fall of Budapest.
■ Production-wise the . show was
workaday but no sling stun". Sep-
arate scenes lacked vigor - . ' Total ef-
fect; however, was listcnablc. the
memorable day as much as the script
being, responsible.

Il was not the Berlin most people
who have studied German history
before .and .since Bismarck * would
recognize. Rose.

"WAR IS THE ENEMY"
With Shepard Menken, Jason John-
son, Arthur finches, Mason Adam.
Grace Keddy, Richard Sanders Dill
Burbrldge, Bob Lackaye, Frank
Rlrbards, Mareella Markhum
Frank Mllano, Martin Beglev"
Sheila Adams, Tom Ileapliv, Char-
lotte Lawrence, Danny Leone and
Cathy Macdonald
Wrlter-dlrector-producer: Don Hirst
Technical advisor: Ted Estabrouke
Assistant producer: Lawrence

Schwab, Jr.
Script assistant: Winifred Wolle
30 Mlns.; Thurs. (31,9 p.m.
Sustaining
WEVD, N. Y.

There can be nothing but . praise
for such a program as "War Is the
Enemy," which prccmed on WEVD
Thursday 13). It wasn't completely
successful. It lacked complete clar-
ity. But it was dramatic and vivid;
it had a point and a purpose: it had
a message. And it had the goodwill
of all concerned. "
. The p£0{#-arh was the contribution
of a group of professional artists,
calling themselves somewhat impos-
ingly the "American Theatre Al ls tor
World Union." who arc concerned
about present-day civilization, and
who think rightly that a dramatic
propagandising for world peace is
more effective than forums and meet-
ings. Everyone — cast and production
—volunteered their services.

In this, their first dramatized show,
and first of a weekly scries, the group
made its pitch for a world united by
running hastily through American
history for a half-hour, to show the
steady trend towards union. Dra-
matization "of historical incident, as
well as straighl harangue, pointed up
I he message that war is our enemy,
that war is dirty, smeary, and that
world union would avoid wars.
The program: ranted against a pio-
neer -spiril -gone lo sleep and aimed
to shake us out of our cynical "oh-
what's - the - use - it - can't - be-done"
thinking. AH good and to the point,
and bearing repeated saying.

But well-intentioned and laudable
as il was. the program didn'l com-
pK'tely come off. There was confusion
at first as to its message; it was quite,
some lime before the .vague, outlines
appeared. The turn through Ameri-
can history was done in brief bils
that were vivid, but that were also
disjointed as well as not chronologi-
cal. This last needn't have been a
fault, but if was here.

Although never dull or drawn out,
the program proved jumpy and ram-
bling. This couldn't be blamed on
(he: production; the script was at
(Continued on. page 30)

"MUSIC OF WAR AND PEACE"
With Edward Tatnall Canby, Rowena

Meyer, Jefferson Chorus directed

by Horace Grenell, Harrv Cump-

son, William Koruk
Producer-Director: Marguerite

Temple
25 Mins,: Thurs., 10:S.'> p.m.
Sustaining ,
WOV, ffi.- Y.

In cooperation with Russian War
Relief. WOV is putting on four shows
during May. billed as salutes to the
music of United Nations countries.
First of the stanzas < 3 ) was. as might
have been expected, given a Soviet
tie-in.

Edward Tatnall Canby. the music-
ologist, is to act as emcee for the
entire series, and accounted for him-
seU well in the preem. A man of good
voice and obvious authority in his
field, he gave the subject an authen-
ticity which made the. listener com-
fortably confident. He interviewed
Rowena Meyer, who knows music in
the USSR and had produced sonic
radio programs on the powerful Si-
berian D-Xer. RV-15. Canby also in-
troed the musical numbers, tying up
the whole into a compact package.

William Kozak. accordion, did
some hep Ukrainian music on his in-
strument, and pianist Harrv Cump-
son digited some passages Irom Pro-
koviefT's 7th Sonata. For the rest, the
Jefferson Chorus sang, under the di-
rection of Horace Grenell: Latter is
a pompetent musician and good ar-
ranger, and his group is remembered
under its old title ("People's Chorus")
as the outfit that did socko work sev-
eral years in bringing to the air
"Ballad for' Americans." '
. On the whole, however, show 'was
worthy tribute to Russian music,
selections were fairly representative
(with chorus doing a Shostakovich
number and one by A: A. Alexan-
droff, composer* of the new Soviet
national anthem"), and production
was smooth, to the credit of station,
the relief outfit, and Marguerite
Temple. ' Cars.

Overseas for USO Since Jan.
'43— Now in New York

FRED LIGHTNER

Dir.: PHIL COSCIA

M-G-MV "Matte for Mlllioni

I'xiran rkxam. miin *o.

l'Viilu.v— CUM— 10 p.m.. KMT

Nft.i IOU CLMTON

Vednoadoy, May 9, 1915

RADIO

27

Council for Democracy Blueprints
Tips for Hlfin the Peace Air Scripts

A new "Directive for Democracy," ■
listing peacetime ideas for idea
writers interested in continuing to
fight after V-Day for high principles
espoused in wartime, has been is-
sued for air scriplers by the Coun-
cil for Democracy.

The organization is known as 'one
of the Hist to champion organized
radio efforts toward -mature thinking
in terms, of preaching democracy
through dramatic presentation. Four
years ago the. Council got the "Va-
riety" plaque "for patriotic leader-
ship in radio programming."

Last week, Ernest Angell, Council
. pre/., issued the' new list of "do's
and don'ts." Radio Writers Guild
mid Writers War Board will be
asked to give the piece national dis-
tribution. Council officer-list and
executive committee includes .. many
lop names, among them Raymond
Gram Swing and Lyman Bryson.

In the new piece. Angell reminds

Sponsor Seeks Better
Time for Helen Hayes

Trcxton, sponsors of the Helen
Hayes Sunday night 10:15-10:30 show-
on- Mutual, is shopping around for
belter, lime..

While satisfied with the show it-
self (because of its dept. store lieup
throughout the nation and Miss
Hayes' weekly personal appeals for
Army nurse recruitment, it has been
sharply hypoed during the past two
months), "nevertheless, that Phil
Baker "Take It Or Leave It" opposi-
tion on CBS in particular, as. well as
NBC's "Hour of Charm" and the
Blue's "Life of Riley" have added up
to a triple-threat rating suafu for

Paramount^ Super-Spots
Trailerizing 'Girls' Get
Good Play Thru Midwest

Chicago, May 8. ..-
Gimmick of Martin Lewis, Para-
mount radio chief, of shipping ex-
liibs throughout the country half-
hour "radio-preview" transcriptions
featuring dramatic and comedy high-
lights of. Par's "Bring on the Girls",
—a king size version of spot an-
nouncements— is clicking with mid-
West theatre ops, of whom more
than 40 have fed their local stations
with the platters since local Par ex-
change started contacts last Mar. 29.

"A" side , of the e: t.. features
Veronica Lake, Sonny Tufts. Eddie
Bracken and Marjorie Reynolds,
with Tufts as emcee, and :)8-piecc
orch and 20- voice chorus in 15-miu-
ute variety show. On opposite side
are live -songs' recorded ' oft* sound
track of the pic.

Trev Adams Would Pool Info About
Trained Personnel for Postwar Use

A plan to make available, to per-
sonnel executives at radio stations
throughout the country ihe credits

problem. It has not been decided

whether to give the idea full-time

attention, but it is felt by many that

, , . . , , the move is a worthy one, and will

and experience of technic. angles- j be joincd in rezlMy by s(ati(m (op .

men. production personnel, etc., of ! pels throughout Ihe country.

! Hayes program is 1.2.

Boston Juver on CBS
Gets Eye From Kellogg

Kellogg's is negotiating with CBS
lor sponsorship of the web's ■; Youth
on Parade." kid variety show origi-
nating in Boston, which is heard' on
the network Saturday moiings.

Stanza, which features a full-sized
concert orchestra of juve musicians,
reportedly is priced in- the neighbor-
hood of $2,500 weekly. Low budget
is based upon Tact that many of
those in the orch do not come within
the American Federation of Musi-
cians wage scale, being too young
for acceptance by union, and thus -do
not gel paid union wages. .

Gillette

5i Continued from ii.ikc 21

audience grabbers for Gillette and
the Bine.

Blue Would Like Derby >

In addition, the Noble network
seems in line for other Gillette "Cav-
alcade" broadcasts.. They'll undoubt-
edly make a strong bid for rights to
the Kentucky Derby, a CBS exclu-
sive that expires this year, if the
Derby is run, or next year if -the
Louisville classic rails to get midcr
the wire when the expected lilting
of the racing ban comes to pass.

Gillette also has a hefty baseball
budget, bankrolling the World Series
and All Star Games, and the profes-
sional football league playoffs
which, it's understood, the Blue al
ready has grabbed for iiext -eason.

There's a possibility, loo. that W.IZ
might air the N. Y. Yankees ami
Giants games for Gillette' next sea-
son.

Loss of fights by Mutual' would be
one of those bad breaks iuas'iiuich u>

. the chain has been canyini; oil for
Gillette these past couple of years in
the face of dwindling audiences em-d

, to , )l)m . ealibre. of bonis .1-arobs has
been able to arrange. How ever, it
felt that Mutual still will )>c in Hie
running for Bowl football names, ini f
attractions and oilier 'special events
Gillette usually' contracts fur dinini
tl-.e-yenr. '.'■'■

Threatened inability. for tin- Blue to
clear the number of stations .desired
Py the- razor outfit disappeared last
week and final details of the "Cava)
cade", switcheroo are being worked
out this week between Pete .lacgcr's
•sales staffers, Craig 1 Smith. Gillette
advertising nabob, and the Maxon
agency.

radio scriptcrs that peace program \.\ ] }* show. Current Hooper for the
will demand increased vigilance
against possible spread of under-
ground Nazi propaganda through at-
tacks on. racial, religious and na-
tional minorities in the U. S. A.

lie cites specific . illustrations on
how to avoid caricaturing any
American group in such a way as to
cast Unfavorable reflections on the
group. Then he suggests specific
gimmicks through which democracy
can. be punched home as a living
part, of lite in the U. S.. through
every type of airshow. including
daytime serials, children's programs,
forums., and even chillers.

"If the American people," said
Angel), "are to win the final 'war in
peace.' they niusi be armed. They
must be able to delect enemy propa-
ganda when they see it or hear it.
they must be fortified with the truth
so they can combat lies, they must
learn that attacks against members
of any group are often the spear-
head of broader attack against tlic
freedom of all the people."

San Antonio.— Joe Allison is the
'latest addition to the announcing
j staff at KMAC- lie's a former Army
lieutenant' recently discharged.

all stations who will be replaced by
returning servicemen, for use in a
general "pooling" system, lias been
put forth by Trevor Adams, sales
mgr. at WINS. N. Y.

Move, designed to give continu-
ous employment to experienced In-
dustry talent who will lose their
jobs only because they were hired
to replace .men and women who will
return soon form serving in the
armed forces, is similar to a plan
formulated by the American Assn.
of Advertising Agencies for perusal
by execs of member-agencies.

Adams has received strong en-
couragement to go ahead with the
plan from many N. Y. radio station
execs with whom he has held pie-

Adams, in explaining the plan,
said. "These people should not be
permitted to leave the, radio indus-
try. Their experience, in many in-
stances, is far too valuable, and help
is far loo hard to train, in such a
specialized industry as radio."

HUB GRID AIRERS

Combining of the Brooklyn Tigers
football club with Ihe Boston Yanks
will , not affect broadcasting of the
National Professional League games
front Boston next fall and winter.

Negotiations are now underway to
air tlic stanzas in N. Y. on WINS.-
which broadcast the stanzas last

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7/

28

RADIO

Wednesday, May 9, 1945

From the Production Centres j

IIS 1SEW YORK Cm ...

Ed Easl inul Polly omceod liisl week's annual nmateur contest for the
blind held al the "Lighthouse." .1 nclitfs included Max Kichards. Joan
Hutchins. . . .Connie Lcinbcke into CBS serial "This Life Is Mini 1 " in role
of Cecily Thorpe. ... Patricia Voils is leaving CBS division o'l program
writing in June to j jin her. husband in San Francisco. He's John Tillman,
former. CBS announcer. . n.iw a GI....WHN's "Music To Read By" al mid-
night has slipped in one more commercial participation. making three....
.Wife of WOV's Arnold Haviley is expectant, dillo Mrs. Millard Lampcll .
....Sli.ll considerable trade speculation about the deal Leonard Reinsch
got as White House press secretary . . . .J. Harold Ryan of NAB met Amer-
ican-Civil Liberties Union members at lawyer Clifford Forslcr's home
last Thursday 'Hi to hash over legislative points or view.. Tom Calskadon
presided. .. .Billy Rcdlicld. radio juvenile now 19. into Army Moliday. 1 7 V
Jacob Kalich. vol Yiddish actor, producer and writer, has been re-
newed for 3!) weeks by General Foods on a Yiddish-language news series
lie's been doing Tor the past si.N months over WEV'D. New. York indie ...
Mona Kent, writer of "Portia Faces Life," to aid Writers War Board on
scripts lor. WAC use. . . •

John Zinn. head of the Frederirk Ziv office in N. Y.. trained to the
Coast Friday Mi for two weeks. . Cal Kuhl. producer ol the Ginny SinuiiS
show now in the east, back to the Coast -tonight. (Wed.i to set up service-
men guests for stanza when il returns to Hollywood in a fnrlnigh! . . . .
Larry Joachim, new WNEW comic, lectured on comedy .before the script
writing class at City College las! week .... Patricia Wheel and Luis Van
Rooten added to respective easts of "Amanda" and "Second Husband"....
Ned Wevcr joins "The Soldiei' Who Came Home" players .... Anne Marie
Guycr and Joseph Boland new additions to "Front Page Farrcll." Donald
Buka replaces Army-bound Billy Itodlield on "Lora Lawlon'-' . . . . Bill
Murray, head of the William Morris Agency, radio denarlmonl, being hos-
pitalized alHarkness Pavillion. N. Y.. for a periodic checkup.

Frit/.i Blocki to the Coast for a month on .pic and. radio biz. Columbia
having bought screen rights to his "The Callahans" and pic going -into
production shortly ... Donald C. Hamilton made director of Artist s Serv-
ice, and Edmund Ii. i"Tiny"> RufVher appointed eomniercial program di-
rector, al WOR... May 12 issue of Liberty mag profiles radio jinglcrs
Alan Bradley Kent and Austen Herbert Johnson. Piece was done by
Darrell Huff. .'. .UP columnist Jack Caver's tome. -'There's Laughter in Hie

KU Platte* Technique
Praised By W .

,erlb«d proflfomt tor o ^ ,„ by HlZ. ■"

the »up«"« r ^"< ow •" 0,, . ■ —

Air" being released this week... . .Jean McFarland, N. W. Ayer's radio j f
Hack on the Consl, due in N. Y. May IS after Chi .stopover.

The Blue ballv dept. was moved over the last week-end from the third |
Moor of the RCA bldg., to low-ceiling, almost sunless quarters on the see- |
ond story. Inmates were dissatisfied, called iicw space "Claustrophobia '

Corner" CBS tele publicity chief. Jim Kane, is still ill. al St. Luke's.-

Place being taken temporarily by Joe Hevesi arier Charlie Peeor lilled
in for a week Sid A.-her. proz of the Society for the Prevention of Dis-
paraging Remarks Against Brooklyn, guested on the Robert Q. Lewis'

WEAF a.m. stanza this morning i!>' Connie Bennett, who lees oil her

Blue network chatter show May 21. arrives in town Friday (11). She'll
he hostess at the Waldorf May 17 al a press cocktail parly.

Arthur Hull Hayes, giil. mar. of WABC. is in San Antonio for meeting
of the Sales Managers'- Committee of the NAB,
exec committee. He returns to N. Y. May 15.

Chef Boils Over
At Blue's Co-op

Continual shining niouiu, ol aiicr-
,110011 shows 'by the Blue network
j finally resulted in one or the web's
! co-op artists rearing up and calling
Hayes is chairman of the \ it quits. "The Mystery Cher." one
Del Sharbull. announcer , of the oldest network stanzas 'in ru-

on Lucky Strike "Hit Parade" and other radio stanzas, leaving this week |dio, who started his llifh year on
lor three-week vaca.sh in Arizona, his Itrst hiatus in three years. . . .Oliver , the air last Monday 17>. got y„ ei
W Nicoll deputy chier of broadcasting for OWl in the ETO. has left for ; of the shoving around and. effective
London after three weeks in N. Y. He'll then shove off lo Paris for a new : next Friday 111), will do his cook-

■ .. .,„... 1 i nig elsewhere,

assignment. .• , - " . ..

Audition script upon which the new Roland Young show. "The Adven- Originally spotted on Die network
tines of Topper." was sold, was written last fall during a seven-day fur- m the morning. "Chef" had been
lough bv Sgt Alan Sands. "Topper" is the summer replacement for Frank shirted lo the l:lr>-l:JO cross-lhc-

i board -slot several months ago. and.
' according to him, -without being no-

i moved him to the 2:15-2:3(1 aflei'iinon
i niche several weeks ago. Move rc-
i 'suited in loss or .several key outlets
'. across the country which did not
! have, Ihe laler niche open, and so
he decided lo call the whole thing
j ""•

i "Chef" stalls transcribing his
j shows for airing independently
i throughout the country and. it's un-
i derstood, continues with several of
: the sponsors who bankrolled his net-
work show, including Corning Glass,
: Western Stove and Coca-Cola.

Morgan.

/.\ CHICAGO ....-' . j tided and wilhoul notifying his spon

John Eurico of J. Walter Thompson moves lo the Kastor agency next . Sl), s ' lh0 wcb <»-op.' "eparinicnt

week: He will specialize on the Welch Grape Juice account '. . . .The Em-
pire Room band will have been on. the air 4.38-4 times in its 13 years of !

existence this week... Johnny Coons, who plays the pari of Chuck Ram- '

sey cm the "Capl. Midnight" show, got married last week . . . . J.immie Parks '

is still dickering with three networks on his "Herbie" show, figured to be :

one of the hottest' package deals by most of the net brasshats. . . Blue net ■

takes over its new quarters in the Civic Opera building this \veek. . I
Bob Buckley of Dancer-Fitzgerald-Sample moves to New York this week !

as assistant to Mix Dancer. ..Charley Irving definitely planning to move :

lo .New York in the early summer. CBS here planning on a big buildup !

for singer Pally Ford. .. Local agency here is dickering tor a package show :

with Connie Boswell as the star .... Irving Kupcinet. who is gradually de- i
; veloping a column on the Chi Times that has a national' Mayor is liable lo

gii on a network show in the fall .... Kings Jesters irio al WBBM for the j

past eight years will go freelance June I.... Eleanor Smith, local radio j

agenl. plans lo move to New York in the fall following her marriage to '

Jim Kendrick of World Broadcasting, who headquarters in the easl. j
Don McNeill currently playing a series of war loan shows in the east'. . . . '

Elizabeth Hart. WMAQ staff announcer, is scheduled lo become a v.p. of i

the' Assn. of Women Directors of the NAB. ..Bob Street, .national sales

manager of Hie McClatchy Broadcasting Co.. is spending the major portion
: or his time here contacting various sponsors. ... .Roy Witmer, NBC v.p. in :

charge of sales, in town last week.

Wilmn Gwilliams about to announce her' engagement to an Army dyer

....Margery Mayer, of the "Hymns or All Churches" cusl. is touring with
: the San Carlo Opera Co Tyler Davis to New York for script changes

on two J. Waller Thompson shows sponsored by local clients. ... All the
: top Chi radio acts were hi the Hal Halperin memorial show al the Civic
! Opera House hero Sunday (.til.

WON is abandoning it.* air slogan of "Voice of the People" in favor of
1 1 "Voice of the Middlewcst." Old punch line had been used for almost 10

years.

New York — A voluntary petition
in bankruptcy was tiled in U. S.
District court here last, week by
Ralph Rossiter. radio producer.
Petition names ltt unsecured cred-
itors and lists liabilities as $22.:t!l9,
with no assets.

JOE LAURIE'S BRACE
OF PACKAGE SHOWS

Joe Laurie. Jr.. oiie of the Irio
of "Can You Top This'.'" toppers, has
packaged two half-hour programs
for .potential sponsorship.
' Shows are '.abbed "Joe Laurie Jr.'s
Corn. Exchange" and "Laurie's Radio
I Gazelle." Latter would spot the top-
' notch drama, lilerary and music
; critics, fashion editors, spoi ls writers;
.-.etc.. for discussion of their particular
: subjects, while the. other show wraps
up the top "corny" conlribs in
; poetry, songs, jokes, stories, toasts.
! etc... with the audience judging the
lop samples for awards.

How To Go Nuts

— Continued from page 23 ;s

; to Be Ignorani" sliding 3..'t and
! "Webstcrs" skidding 2.2. Neither
! the Blue, Mutual or NBC picked up
; anything., so where did the audience
go.'

More Than Double

; Similar boosts and declines enn be

1 noted all through Ihe Hooper report.

, Here's one— Mulual's "Lutheran

Hour'' on Sunday. 12;30-L actually
lost hair i;s audience, dropping from
:i.io Bui "Sweetheart Time." on
the same web just, an hour later
'l.:t(i-2i, more than doubled its

. Hooper. '•Sweetheart" jumped from

- n>T(V 3.7. Can such things beV

Of course, expert '^researchers"

\ and promotion 'men would reruse. to
gel excited about Ihe incidents ie-
lated .above. All they would ask for
is the old slide rule and proceed to

■ jockey the figures around to prove
that the (rends were all to Ihe good
Uncle good i, so why worry'.'

Bui it's jnsi such things that Wake
current audience survey methods
vulnerable and., while Ihe'ir value is

'recognized, more and more criticism
is being heard. Of course, none of
the .shows .with favorable Hoopers
are squawking: but these same silent
ones are the loudest hollercrs
'"against the -system" when their
once proud ratings start to dwindle.
That's when I hey discover something
is wrong' with the. present methods
used in audience measurements.

; 'Dear Hoop:- -The foregoing is not
niiaul lo be a reflection on you or
the operations of your organization.
Bui those figures do some funny
things on Occasions, you'll have lo
admit, although not half as tunny
as the tricks sonic of the agency and

i network boy.s perform with ' llicm.j

Joe Ainley Vice Weinrott
On Quaker's' Websters'

Chicago. May 8.

Les Weinrott has resigned as pro-
ducer of the Quaker Oats airer.
"Those Websters." over CBS, and di-
rection of the scries has been as-
sumed by Joe Ainley. who will add
it to his production list which in-
cludes "Freedom of Opportunity"
and one of the Irna Phillips-Gv'neral
Mills strips.

Weinrott. who saw the show
through its transition period from
"Brewster Boy" lo the present show,
was forced fo relinquish its direction
due to the pressure of other produc-
tion duties. Weinroll. who writes
and produces Wrigley's "America on
the Air," takes over a nighttime
half-hour suslaiuer for WBBM-
CBS in two weeks.

RADIO NEWS AT OSU

Columbus. May 8.
Radio ^ journalism curriculum
based uA. National. Association or
Broadcasters r e c o m m e n d a lions
drawn up in 1944 wil Ibe inaugu-
rated next autumn at Ohio Stale U.

"Come out into the kitchen while I scare up some Wheatie^."

Wednesday, May 9, 1945

RADIO

29

Inside Stuff-Radio

Radio scriplor Norman Roslcn is to receive a check for $1,000 from the
American- Academy and National Institute of Arts and Letters. But he
won't know exactly what it's for until he reads about it here.

Last week, Roslcn got notification of the award. Before he opened the
envelope, he said, he thought , it was a bill for dues. After he read the
letter, he knew only thai he is to appear at the Academy's annual meeting
on May 18 to receive the G in recognition for his work in literature. Five
other literati are being recognized by the Academy this year: Kenneth
Fearing. Feikc Feikcma, Jean Stafford. Marguerite Young and Alexander
Grcendnlc. " •

Some sleuthing by "Variety" disclosed tact that Rosten's recognition is
only incidentally connected with his radio work. While some of his best
air scripting has been poetic in form, the Academy award is being given to
him primarily as a poet. Fairar & Rinchart is bringing out Rosten's latest
book of verse, "Fourth Dccn-e," this week.

Ever since ihc U or Chicago got the Pcabody Award for "Human Ad-
venture,'' radio writers have been doing a burn because "some people
think it too 'undignified toaxitiiliua._the_.facl that scripts are written by
writers.'' Show, which started 'on CBS in 1939, ran on that web 42 weeks,
then went Mutual, and' has had some, top scripters, including Joseph Liss,
Harry Granick and Bernard Victor Dryer. Latter, in the Navy now. did
about 10 in first year, and Liss about 25. including his outstanding "A Baby-
Is Born," which Max Wylie picked as one of the. best broadcasts of 1939-40.
Liss' "The Great Plains" was said to have been submitted by the University
to the Peabody award committee.

Characterization or Jewish luggage store owner, on the Niles-Princlle
"Ice Box Follies" show for Hires on the Blue, called "reprehensible" by
the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rilh, is being eliminated from the
program starting tonight i'J). Hay McClinlon, N. W. Ayer agency radio
department head now oh the Coast, when informed by the Ayer N. "Y.
office of protest, ordered the character written out of future shows.

WLIB Ex-President To
Operate FMer in N. Y.

Elias I. Godofsky, who recently re-
signed the presidency of the New
York indie WLIB, is preparing to
apply for a license to build a new !
FM outlet in the New York area. I

Godofsky built and opened WLIB
in 1942, sold it to the publishers of i
the New York Post last October, and |
stayed on as president of the firm '
and adviser at $25,000 a year until ;
mid-April; Ted O. Thackrey, editor '<
and general manager of the Post, :
took over the station's prex spot on
April 25.

Godofsky is still helping out as \
adviser on the WLIB staff. But he '
will make the divorce complete in"!
another six to eight weeks. He hesi- !
lated last week to discuss his FM ;
plans in detail, pending FCC action ;
on his license application.

Anti-PelriliV Bill Doesn't Meet -
AFM Problems, Says NAB Prexy

4 Sponsors Vie
For Ginny Sin.ms

The Ginny Sinims fall .-ponsmship
plans are still in a state of flux with
thus far at least four bankrullers
angling for the singer. Reported
that, in addition to negotiations for
a Philip Morris renewal (although
consensus is that they'll part .com-
pany -when her 'contract expires in
Sept.), Borden*. Ballanline and
Philco, among others, are in , the
running.

MCA package built around Miss
Simms has a $10,000 price tag af-
fixed, representing a considerable
hike over .he current stanza s cost,
but it's not a hard-and-fast package,
with Miss Simms also available to
the highest bidder to head up her
own show.

MARTS ASST. TO HULT
FOR MUTUAL MIDWEST

Chicago, May 8.
Carol Marts, who has been western
sales service supervisor for Mutual
here since October. 1943. has been
appointed assistant to Ade Hult. v. p.
of MBS in charge of midwest opera-
tions.

Prior to becoming sales service
supervisor in October, 1943. Marts
was an auditor for the network for
nine months. Before entering radio
he was chief accountant for the
Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea com-
pany. In his new position he will
work in an administrative and cor-
relative capacity.

All Cleve. Dept. Stores
Now Lined Up in Radio

Cleveland, May 8.

The lone holdout among the city's
department stores has gone into ra-
dio. WGAR has sold the May Co. a
15-minute six-morning strip featur-
ing vocalist Reg Mcrridew and
Henry Puldner, pianist.

The program' plugs perfumes and
cosmetics.

Station now has four of the five
Dig downtown department stores on
the air.

Al

Beulah Vice Pearce

Hollywood, May 8.

Summer replacement foi
Pearce, CBS airer, will be "Marlin
Hurt and Beulah,' 1 beginning July 2.
Roche, Williams & Cleary agency set
Package for Turns sponsorship.

Ray Sinatra and orchestra will do
music with Phil Leslie scripting pro-
8'am and Helen Mack producing.
Hurt will return to Fibber McGee
a»d Molly show after his 13- week
summer chore.

MITCH GRAYSON 1-A

Mitchell Grayson, of 'the Blue pro-
duction staff, fi ot two new assign-
ments last week.

The net picked him as director for
its new documentary show, "Wash-
ington Story," after that program
had gone out on the air once.

His draft board picked Grayson
for a uniform. He" passed his prc-
"iduction physical, and is in. 1-A.

New Orleans. — New Iberia Broad-
casting Co. filed with the FCC Fri-
day (4) an application for a 250- watt
transmitter of 1240 kilocycles.

Beecham, Bernstein Set
For Blue Next Season

Sir Thomas Beecham for 26 weeks
and Leonard Bernstein for 13 weeks
will be Blue Network maestri addi-
tions next season, with a series of
special concerts. Beecham will ex-
pound the classics and Bernstein the
modern.

Paul Whileman, regular Blue mu-
sical director, may resurrect a special
series of "Always Tops" pops, re-
prising the present and yesteryear
hit tunes.

Washington, May 8.

Harold J. Ryan, president of the ,
Natl. Assn. of Broadcasters, today I
read a. 10.000-word statement, con- '
cerning the radio industry's deal- i
ings with American Federation of '
Musicians' czar James F. Petrillo, to
the House Interstate Commerce i
Committee which is holding hearings '
on the so-called "anti-Pcti illo" bill,
already passed by the Senate.

Ryan stated. "I do not believe the ;
bill before you successfully meets :
any phase of the problem. That the ;
problem exists, and that it must be
remedied, I hope has been made ■
clear by the presentation of the bald \
facts." i

"Radio has not harmed, but bene- |
filled the professional musician. It 1
has increased his compensation,"
Ryan said, adding, "at the present !
lime we are confronted with do- j
mands which arc unjust. The De- i
partmenl of Justice has attempted to i
intervene with respect to this union, i
but the courts have held that no i
law of the U. S. is being violated. |
The National Labor Relations Board |
has issued final directives which the j
; radio industry wholeheartedly obeys j
! and respects. When, however, these '

directives have not been welcome to
the AFM,- the union Jias dis-
regarded them."

He declared that Ihc industry has
been frustrated by the demands of
the AFM "and the helplessness of
existing Government agencies to find
any solution to the problems which
are involved."

0 NEIL DENIES REPORTS
WJW, CLEVE., ON BLOCK

Cleveland. Mav 8.

William M. O'Ncil has debunked
categorically al) statements that
WJW is for sale to anybody.

Story was circulated that O'N'eil,
being 1-A in the draft, was contem-
plating pulling out of the radio field
and was amiable to oilers for WJW.
Bids were supposed !o have been
made by Marshall Field and the
Cleveland Press.

Here in Cleveland for a one-day
visit, Field also said he was not buy-
ing stations at the moment.

N'ew Orleans.— Peter Gravina. of
New York, fresh from the aimed
services, joined the announcing staff
of WSMB Wednesday (2).

t &

1

0

"I

WE ARE PROUD

TO BE IDENTIFIED
WITH MANY OF
THE BIG NAMES
OF AMERICA!

Yet ... not only de inert
merchants who "live" In
the Philadelphia trading
area show a decided pref-
erence for Wir, but literally
tceret of national adver-
trtert hove proven the i old-
making worth of the Station.

W

•HILA0ILPHIA S MUTUAL AHILIATI
UMUimit MaTIOHtlU %1 tl». >. NtlUNMIir Ce.

sfl:

SO RADIO

P^RtEfr

Wednesday, May 9, 1945

Radio Reviews

I'onlinued from juge 26

fault, despite its many fine bits. But
transition from harangue to drama-
tization, from JohirMan Hie average
guy to historical scene, wasn't always
smoothly managed. The picture
blurred.

At thai, the segue from Main Street
back to the Revolution: from Con-
stitutional Convention to Gettysburg
to bombers and foxholes, had some
clever handling. The background
chorus frequently echoing the phrases
of liberty had sharp dramatic effect.
The continuous stirring background
of noise and roar to express the rest-
less, nervous American tempo lent
punch and color. The production end
was handled particularly well, con-
sidering that the whole unit moved
inlo WEVD on short notice, catch-
ing the station a little unprepared,
and with a sub.cngineer on hand. The
series has promise. It's quile a
leather for its mentor, Don Hirst.

Broil.

"OPINION REQUESTED"
With Bill Slater, monitor; Rex Stout.
Mrs. Charles Polettl, Curl Van
Doren, Stanley Frank
Director-producer: Cant. Robert Jen-
nings .
30 Mins.; Sun., 7 p.m.
Sustaining
WOK-Mutual, N. T.

Mutual has come uj) with the latest
in the scries of network airers aimed
at helping to solve the problems that
will confront a postwar society. Un-
like CBS' dramatized "Assignment
Home" series, however. Mutual's new
Sunday stanza, "Opinion Requested."
put on in cooperation with the War
Dept.. adheres to a q. and a. format.
Quest ions are selected from those
submitted by servicemen with a dif-
ferent panel comprised of authorities

in various fields on hand each week
to straighten out the GIs' befucldle-
nicnls. Dill Slater is doing the moni-
toring job on a permanent basis and
on last Sunday's (6) inilialer he kept
the ball rolling deftly with a very
able summing up of the more salient
j recommendations. To Slater goes a
great deal of the credit for a snappy,
smooth-running discussion. Regard-
less of the fact that the impoVtance
of the project in the realm of reha-
bilitation has . been recognized and
handled by all media with radio as-
suming more than its share. Mutual's
contrib via the q. and a. technique
is a definite asset.

Panel for. the tecoff program was
made up of Rex Stout. Carl Van
Doren. Mrs. Charles Poletli. wife of
New York State's ex-Lt.-Gov. now a
colonel with the militarv govt, in
Italy, and Stanley Frank. N. Y. Post
columnist. Questions chosen covered
a wide range, some having a greater
overall value with a definite- bearing
on readjustment as it will affect the
entire country, while others hewed
closer to the personal. For example,
there was the GI who wanted the
lowdown on strikes to verify his
stand as a union man. He got a clear
cut. factual answer that will enable
him to hold his own .when he argues
the point with his buddies again. Or.
again, the farmer boy who lost a leg
and wondered what he could do upon
his return, taking for granted that
his handicap would cut off his farm-
ing career. He got a swell morale
boost and a positive answer from a
vet Who had suffered like disability
and who, from his personal experi-
ence, was able to rout all such fears.

It's all info that's available to any-
body. But. in a simple manner that's
very listenable. Mutual is doing its
part to give it wide circulation.

Rose.

A breakfast food manufacturer/using
a daily morning quarter hour on WLS,
with various offers (seeds and novel-
ties) for proof of purchase and in some
cases for proof of purchase plus ten
cents, received 51382 letters in three
months on WLS. January, February,
March 1945. The WLS audience listens
and responds: so, WLS GETS RESULTS!

Get It Right

Bill Slater continues to handle
his play-by-play chores on the
New York Giants and Yankees
baseball games like a college
cheer leader while his new part-
ner on the Gillette-sponsored
WINS. N. Y., "Cavalcade of
Sports" feature. Al Heifer,
adopts a much more subdued ap-
proach. Result is that when
they "spell" one another it
sounds like a different ball
game. Heifer, Red Barber's
"» partner in Brooklyn before join-
ing the Navy from which he was
recently honorably discharged,
works very much like his former
sidekick but seems, to have lost
touch while absent on more im-
portant assignments.

He kicked the score around
during the second game of the
Giants-Boston Braves double-
header Sunday (6), announcing
il a scoreless tie when the
Braves were leading 1-0. He
also gave an American League
N: Y. -Boston score erroneously,
referring to the Red Sox as the
Braves. Heifer likewise muffed
statistically when he announced
a home run for Johnson of the
Red Sox, saying it brought his
total to four for the season. He
was back in a minute changing
il to three.

These things, it's true, seem
very much on the trivial side,
but when one remembers that
the real baseball bugs who listen
to these broadcasts tune in with
the idea that they know more
about the game than the an-
nouncers, or Connie Mack, even,
the smart announcer will be
sure of everything he says be-
fore blurting it into the mike.
For. at the slightest mistake, the
wise guy demands to know,
"Who's that jerk they've got an-
nouncing the ball games?"

As another example, Bill
Slater announced the batteries
of the Yankees-Red Sox game in
Boston and said Steve O'Ncil
was pitching for the Sox. It was
Em met t O'Neit and Slater
should have known it. That's
what he's getting paid for — fans
have to pay their way into the
park and they know players'
names. The baseball writers
know them, too, because it's
their job to know such things.
It should be a sports announcer's
job to know just as much about
his sport as the newspaper boys
do.

And until announcers, net-
works and sponsors realize this,
radio's handling of sports will
continue to come in for a lot of
unkind criticism from members
of the sports writing fraternity.
A lot of that criticism has been
justified. Domi.

Radio's V-E Job

Continued from pace 21

height of the unofficial V-E Day ex-
citement.

At WNEW. the signal for the staff
was given by Martin Block, who
broke out a 24-sheet-size German -
size German flag, Swastika and all.
beribboned with black mourning 1
borders. This station, like most
other indies, broke up regular pro-
gramming, picked up street inter-
views, put on special" shows from
London brought by BBC wires to
this country.

New' York's own station. WNYC.
and WOV were probably the most
cautious of the indies. WNYC set
up amplifiers in Times Sq. and was
the first to address the crowds, ask-
ing people to return to work.

All stops were pulled by Tuesday
(8 1 morning, as planned and ex-
pected. Everybody, of course, broad-
cast President Truman's seven-min-
ute speech at 9 a.m. of the official
V-E Day. From that moment on.
regular skeds meant little.

For once, there were not only
carefully prepared commentaries
and analyses, but also full show
program. "Program morgues" had
been prepared, and radio knew ex-
actly where it was going.

Truman's speech was followed by
Churchill's, with the chimes from
London's Big Ben providing the
musical bridge. Then everybody
was on his own. There were pick-
ups from overseas, and interview
with civilians as well as service men
all over the country. Clergymen,
labor leaders: industrialists went on
the air, asking people to remember
the Japanese phase of the war.
pointing up the heed for seeing the
war job through and building the
peace.

News breaks were fitted into the
V-E Day pattern. Regular shows
were rewritten, and many - specials'
were aired. Again, as during the
four days of intense mourning for
FDR, radio was id character.

Follow-up Comment

St. Louis. — Paul Miles, formerly
with WIBG. Philadelphia, now a
gabber at KMOX, local CBS outW.

Phlloo's tribute to Paul Whileman
Sunday 16) was almost a musical
obituary. These salutes become a
problem of showmanship, after a
while, because the interim between
the creation of an ide£ and the exe-
cution is the omnipotent X. It looked
good on paper for Philco, for its in
traduction of Georgia Gibbs and the
Merry Macs, to kudos its maestro of
two year.-;, including that $1,000 check
for some GI's musical fund.

But the shortcomings in the While-
nian-Philco format Were many.- You
might overlook the fact that some-
body else ghosted Mike Pingitore's
voice or that the libretto sounded as
if Pops wrote all the music business,
or thai the cavalcade of Whitemani-
ana perforce reprised many of the
arrangements he had done through
the months on his "then and now"
presentations, but the major deficien-
cy was the sameness of idea.

Il suggested a bit of the old Benny
Davis "and then I wrote" routine as
Whiteman's musical career was traced
through (1) the pigslide whistle,
Cuban ghourds. etc., which he cre-
ated, and (2) the array of talent who
started with him — Bing. Mildred
Bailey, both Dorseys, Morion Dow-
ney, Johnny Mercer. Johnny Green,
et al. "Rhapsody in Blue" was a real
high spot.

Marlon Hulton, the effervescent
blonde who has been doing a single
since leaving Glenn Miller'.s band,
joined the Bourjois program. "Ro-
mance. Rhythm, and Ripley" last
week (3). She'.s a welcome addition
lo a show that previously, didn't
have too many of the lighter mo-
ments of the kind she supplies. Her
vocalizing of a cute piece of mate-
rial this show (3) titled "Pigfoot
Pete" and the pop, "Bell. Bottom
Trousers" gave the show flavor and
punch despite the fact that the ac-
companiment, by a band under Ray'
Bloch, seemed slower than it should
have.

^ HMttHMi (H ;

key poster shot in the Seventh War
Loan drive.

Irene Dunne was teamed up with
a Los Angeles minister. Rev. J. Her-
bert Smith, last Thursday 13) lo
weep for the positive side in "Town
Meeting of the Air" debate on ques-
tion of "Is the War Breaking Down
Our Moral Standards?" Billed for
the negative were Eddie Cantor and
writer Will Durant. It turned out,
however, that there was no real dis-
agreement on fundamentals, only
difforent approaches to the same
problem.

An unusual gimmick was intro-
duction of an official kibitzer, in the
person of author Lewis Browne. A
bit stuffy in his voicing, Browne
had the added disadvantage of being
assigned to heckle both sides. He
didn't come off too well. But rest
of program, including a fast-paced
question period, was a credit not so
much to the forum alone as to the
locale where il originated — Los An-
geles and Hollywood.

The Blue had started well, with its
Sunday night (10:30) sustainer. "One
Fool in Heaven." written by Hart/ell
Spence. But this week's 16) stanza
must have astounded- the audience
built up so far. Around the charac-
ter of the kind, understanding, ever-
helpful minister who is the lead on
the show, the author had built a yarn
about a lazy, shiftless, cunning' Ne-
gro maid— a tale that was in bad
taste, if not worse. This show, which
had set out to teach the lessons of
democracy subtly, had suddenly
turned into caricature of the Negro
race — and without subtlety.

The writer certainly had an off-
day when be did the script for this
particular stanza. But one wonders
about the producers and the execs
at the web who permitted an anti-
racial piece of this kind on the air.
They certainly put their foot into'
something when they let that show
go on— and it wasn't heaven.

"I.lfe ef Riley' 1 on Ihc Blue Sunday
nights is being disrupted more than
ever. As if William Bendix didn't
have enough to worry about with
"Digger O'Dell" and other characters
on the show they've given him a
singer and orchestra to break up the
consistently boff continuity right in
the middle of things. Oh, well. with
all the other things that have hap-
pened to "Riley" on the series it
looks as though he'll be able to sur-
vive this latest and worst one.

I.asl minute snafu Sunday night in
San Francisco prevented Walter
Winchell from going through with
his promise to guest on the Earl Wil-
son 10 p.m. White Owl stanza via
Mutual and the N. Y. Mirror col-
umnist checked out for' Hollywood
immediately after his 9 p.m. Jergens
show on the Blue. Wilson was for-
tunate in being able to latch onto
Joe Rosenthal. AP photog who
snapped the historic Marines' flag-
raisii',g on Iwo Jima, as a last min-
ute sub. Rosenthal chipped in with
an interesting account of circum-
stances which enabled him to gel the
picture which is going to be used as a

Office of Price Administration'')
N. Y. airshow "Soldiers With
Cqupons" spread its wings last Tues-
day U) going on Mutual coast-to-
coust with its message about t| le
fight against the black market and
rising prices. Regional radio direc-
tor for the agency. Tex Weincr '
wrote and produced a creditable'
stanza, and Standard Brands is pay-
ing the freight, getting only brief
mention, however. For a 15-minule
once-weekly shot, this program does
a good job.

Tele Reviews

, I'ontinned from pace Z4

partmenl accomplished in the pres-
entation of a program on DuMonl's
WABD, last Sunday (8) night. They
must: (a) nave a strong cast of top.
flight players present the show, and
(b) have as few settings as possible,
in line with facility limitations.

And that is what WNEW television
chief Bill McGrath and his director
Millon Kaye accomplished with their
staging of "Town Crier of Chung-
king." An excellent makeup job bv
Richard' Willis aided the enjoyment
of the stanza, characters looking ex-
actly like the Chinese they were por-
traying. Gila Orlova, as the fabu-
lous elderly woman leader of the
Chinese, underground, did an out-
standing job with her role, and
Diana Kemble, as the young Chinese
lass who. with her brothers in the
underground, accomplished an in-
filtration into the Jap lines and blew
up their supply links, also gave an
excellent portrayal.

Despite fact that stanza unwound
in dialog, .the Hue acting overcame
the limitations of the video medium
in the presentation of dramatic
shows, credit of course going to the
production, writing and acting chorea
of those who took part. Steii.

THE TIME lo atari the wheel* at
Industry I, ImHealeri by Ike acrret-h
of factory whittles ... mmi Ike kiwi
•f lime I Hal keep* the wheel* ef
laeWry going— •dvertithag Htmt, — la
whai occuplr* Weed A Conapuy,
full Hate.

W I I D

from WTAG'S

HIGH HOOPERS

7-7:30 r\M., SUNDAY

(J2 City Averaga National)

CBS— KATE SMITH— 7J

. (City Zona Average Worceitar)

WTA6— KATE SMITH— 25.3

W T A G

v« c - C E : T E R

Wednesday, May 9, 1915

UKfuWfr

ORCHESTRAS— MUSIC

SI

Small Indie Discers Disturbed At
Scrantons Limited Pressing Pacts

Small, independent recording out-*
fits such as Savoy, Musicraft, Sonora-
and even Majestic; the larger of that
group, >are considerably worried
about the future of their businesses
due to recent moves by Scranton
Record Co., manufacturer of their
discs. Scranton, which has a stock
deal with Capitol Records, has been
taking on the . Work of indie com-
panies in addition to. its Capitol com-
mitments, under three-month' con-
tracts only. Recently, Scranton re-
fused to renew IhCM-day pact it
had with Consolidated, another small

outfit. -

This circumstance has the others,
with the possible exception of Majes-
tic, which is putting its Newark
plant' into operation finally, after
many difficulties, fully expecting
: that Scranton won't renew them
either at the expiration of their own
three-month agreements, which ex-
pire June 1. They arc not doing
too much recording and are other-
wise, it s said/ being extremely cau-
tious not to be caught with too much
impressed material which they've
paid bands and artists to cut in the
event Scranttjn tosses ihem out in
the cold, too. .

: Scranton made- a deal sometime
ago with Capitol which gives'' the.
latter a certain percentage of the
factory's output and all increases
in production. There is also an
agreement whereby Capitol can de-
mand all'* of Scranton's production
under certain conditions.

George F. Pavillion Back
To Expensive Combos

George F. Pavillion, Johnson Cily,
N. Y., which prewar was one of the
more important ' name band oiic-
nighlers, is resuming the use of* ex-
pensive travelling combos this year
for the first time in two season's.
Shep Fields played the spot May 4
j and other names will follow.
I Ray Hartenstein's ' Sunnybrook,
Park, Pottstowh, Pa., also an impor

Youngstown Still Aims To
Slap on That $10 Juke Fee

Youngstown, O.. May 8. . ■ . , . . f . ... ,

Though the district appellate court t,nt da i e P>ewar and which haso t

recently invalidated a Youngstown °Pe l ; ated consistently since the start

ordinance which had raised the an- . of ,he ' wa f' also was figuring on; re-

nual.4icense. tax - on coin-operated sumne ,his y ear but won *> however.

music boxes from $5. to $10 and
established - an additional fee of $1
for each wall box or counter con-
nection, on the ground's that this
fee was excessive, city fathers arc
again trying to ' enact a juke-box
license fee.

Council has advanced to second
reading a measure placing a flat $10
annual license tax on each machine,
to be paid on some 600 music boxes
in Youngstown' by July 1. The Court
apparently held the $1 wall box
extra fee to be unreasonable, but
had no objection to a. $10 annual
machine fee, supporters- said.

Mayfair Park, Utica, N. Y., is an
other new one-nighter to open th^s
season

BMI May Not Join With Marks In
Appeal of ASCAP Suit Decision;
Pecora Gives Society Big Victory

Andy Perry, Morris
In Mclntyre Snarl
On FDR Cancelling

Perhaps the only dispute between
an agency and a band buyer -arising
eut of the period of mourning for
the late- President Roosevelt cur-
rently involves Andy Perry. Allen-
town, Pa., promoter, and the William
Morris agency. Prrry had Tommy
jDorsey, a Music Corp. of America
property, signed for April 13. It
was deferred due to FDR's death on
the 12th.

Perry went on booking other
combos and had been negotiating
for Hal Mclntyre for this Friday
Ml). Before contracts could, be
signed, he says, the opportunity to
play out Dorsey's deferred date came
through, for the same ■ day. Since
T.D. is one of the country's hottest
names at .the b.o., Perry dropped
negotiations with Mclntyre and pro-
ceeded to advertise. Dorsey.

Morris agency claims that its cor-
respondence with Perry' for Mcln-
tyre includes a definite commitment
to play the band on that date. There
Jias been conversation between Mor-
ris bookers 'and the American Fed-
eration of Musicians over the situa-
tion, but nothing as yet has been
dorfe. Meanwhile, Perry is proceed-
ing to play Dorsey at the Slate Ar-
mory. He had some 1.400 advance
tickets sold prior to and' tor Dorsey's
original April 13 playdatc. and
many of ihcni have been held, he
claims, by buyers, which forces him
to bring in Dorsey as soon as pos-
sible.

Buddy Rich Ordered
By AFM to Stay With
I. Dorsey for Another Yr.

Buddy Rich appeared before
Harry Steeper, assistant to James C.
Petrillo, Monday (7), in an endeavor
to secure a release from his contract,
with Tommy Dorsey's orchestra.
Rich has been on a year's contract
with Dorsey since getting out of the
Marines last year, which pays him
$500 weekly. He is said to have
verbally committed himself for a
second year, but, prior to actual
signing, balked, asking for more
cash. ''.'.'

On the basis of evidence laid be-
fore him. Steeper rilled that Rich
was bound to remain with Dorsey
for another year. It's said the drum-
mer, who has since his service dis-
charge yenned a band of his. own.
was preparing to take over the band
of another instrumentalist soon due
for induction.

PALLADIUM PAYS ASCAP
FEE, BUT IN PROTEST

^ Hollywood. May 8. '
Under protest, Maurice Cohen, op-
erator of the Palladium-dancery here;
sent a check for 4750 to the- Ameri-
can Society of Composers, Authors
arid Publishers as' a delayed quarter-
ly installment due in February. He
had been advised that ASCAP would
revoke his music license unless he
paid.

Meanwhile. Cohen plans legal ac-
tion in an effort to prove his annual
payment of $3,000 is not in keeping
with those of other ballrooms in the
same class, such as the Aragqn and
Trianon in Chicago. He charges dis-
crimination.

SPIVAK, MORRIS AGCY.
REVISING CONTRACT

Charlie Spivak and the William
Morris agency arc currently revis-
ing a management contract. '. For
some time. Spivak has been dis-
satisfied with commission terms, etc.
Contract was formulated by Glenn
Miller when that leader moved his
band from General Amos, to Morris
and took both Spivak and Claude
Thornhill with him. At the lime.
Miller had an interest in Spivak by
virtue of his financial backing.

When Spivak opened recently at
the • Paramount theatre, N. Y., nego-
tiations for revision of the contract
. were opened. His attorneys are cur-
rently working out a new deal with
Morris attorneys. So '.far as is known,
the leader did' not complain to the
American Federation of Musicians,
although there were rumors last
week that he had.

Metro Encores Alex Hyde

Hollywood, May 8. .
Metro re-inked Alex Hyde as as-
sistant to George Stoll, studio music
director. Hyde was with Loew's for
slatting as musical director.
Be. recently returned to the studio
after a year ip service.

AFM Suspension

The American federation of .'Musi-
cians last week suspended bandlead-
er Bob Chester • for failure to meet
financial obligations lodged , against
him at the AFM some time ago.
AFM frequently doles out -penalties
to musicians, but not often does it
rescind, a. membership, thereby ve*
moving what's frequently a mem-
ber's only means of livelihood.
Chester is now on the- Coast, where
he had been until recently working
with his own band %

The last time a name band leader
was tossed out of the union was a
few years back when AFM prexy
James C. Petrillo walked into a Chi-
cago, theatre and personally lifted
Charles Barnet's card.. This was
over Barnet's then long-standing dis-
pute with his agency. Consolidated
Radio Artists. Leader's card was
restored a few weeks later, however.

High Costs Skim Decca
1st Quarter Under '44;
$227,586 for 1945

High. .cost of operation is. respon-
sible for again driving Decca Rec-
ords', first-quarter profits below the
corresponding period of 1944 despite
increased business. Decca last week
declared a net profit for the three
months amounting to $227,586. Pay-
off on 388.325 shares of capital stock
in circulation was 58c per as against
the 64c per laid on the line the firtjt
quarter of last year on the basis of
a S250.073 net.

Taxes on the income of the first
quarter of this year consumed $223,-
258 of the company's gross take.
That's set aside against estimated in-
come and excess profits levies.

By BERNIE WOODS

Although Broadcast Music, Inc.*
has issued a statement avowing an
intention 'to 'appeal the negative de-
cision delivered by J udgo Ferdinand
Pecora in its suit against. the Amer-
ican Society of Composers, 'Authors'
and Publishers, there is doubt in the
minds of .some BMI executives and
attorneys that such a move ever will
be made., E. B. Marks, partner with
BMI in 'the suit vs. ASCAP for a
declaratory judgment citing Marks
as the sole owner, and BMI the sole
performing rights representative, of
some 3,000 disputed; copyrights, will
appeal, however. It must for its own
protection,, due to the openings al-
lowed disgruntled songwriters, con-
nected with Marks in Pccora's
supreme court. N. Y. decision..
• Manner in which Justice Pecora
went after both BMI and Marks' in
his decision threw a bombshell into
the music business. He delivered
his opinion last- Thursday. (3) morn-
ing after three postponements due ' possibility of such action.

rights from Marks, lie said, "I think
they i the -writers) have abundantly
established their right to such re-
lief, Qhe "Who undertakes to work '
property,, such as a copyright, on a
royalty arrangement becomes obli-
gated to work in good faith and for
the benefit of the recipient of the
royalties, as well as. for his own .
avail. If he fails so to do and there-
by destroys the essential object of
the royalty contract, rccision therc r
of may be decreed.

This has led other ASCAP writers .
with, songs among the 3,000 in
Marks' catalog to talk .of beginning
legal action to recover them. John
Schulman, Songwriters Protective
Assn, attorney, who was very
prominent with Schwartz & Froh-
lich, ASCAP's attorneys, in the
preparation and. defense of the suit,
emphatically states he has not been
approached by any writers relative
to suits against Marks' for any rea-
son and has not even considered the.

Mclntyre Likely to Be
1st Name Band Overseas

Hal Mclntyrc's orchestra prob-
ably will be. the first or the full-
size, name bands, to . go overseas
after all. His men go on the USO-
Camp Shows payroll as of May 21
and will leave this country on an.as-
yet undetermined date soqn- aftciv ...

It looked for awhile as if Mcln-
tyrc's efforts to take his band over-
seas would run into the same stymie
that prevented other bands from go-
ing in the past. He had considerable
trouble clearing inert, with their in-
dividual draft boards and -getting
them past physical examinations. In
the process, he lost eight of his orig-
inal musicians. Once out "of this
country, Mclntyre will be gone six
months or more.

Shep Fields, Dean Hudson and the
"Sweethearts of Rhythm": aM. girl
band are slated to go overseas, with
the femmo combo the only one of
the group fuliy cleared.

Johnny O'Connor

Handling Palmer

Johnny - O'Connor,' manager of
Fred Waring who has. been expand-
ing his personal management activir
tics the past few months, took on the
p.m. job for. Jimmy Palmers or-
chestra last week. .

Palmer recently broke with' Jack
White, brother of producer George
White;

BRITISH MAESTROS SEEK
PROTECTION IN POSTWAR

. London, April 21. '
Group ot 50 bandleaders of this
country have gotten together and.
formed the Music Corp. of England,
an organisation designed to look after
the post-war interests of maestros.
"so as to ensure that the most com-
petent and knowlcdgable men in'
I the dance music world will gel the
plum-job's post-war."

Each of the 50 founder-members,
including Carroll Gibbons, for 15
years at the Savoy here: Victor Syl-
vester and Mantovani, all prominent.

to illness,

In no uncertain terms and with a'
rare knowledge for a layman judge
of the problems of the music busi-
ness, Pecora denied the BMI-Marks
contentions and handed ASCAP'
what's deemed the most important
victory it has ever won in court.
Pecora flatly stated that the rela-
tionship between a songwriter and
publisher- "... .is -basically a joint
venture for the commercial exploita-
tion of the performing rights to the
songs. . . the fact that the publisher
held title to the copyright; of the
songs, for example, was altogether
subordinate to the joint venture. He
(pub) held that title, only to the
end that the exploitation of the
songs might be more advantageously
achieved. He was in this .respect
merely a trustee for ASCAP and its
members."

This is a tremendous victory for
the Society. Never before has the
organization had a clear ruling as
to its position in the legal scheme
of the music business. The possibil-'
ity (hat such a decision might be
obtained was the reason the So-
ciety's board of directors decided to
reject several months ago the offer
by BMI to settle" the case out of
court. BMI wanted to call the whole
thing off by the simple expedient of
both societies accepting non-exclu-
sive- rights to the songs in dispute.
ASCAP's attorneys advised that
much was lo.be gained and probably
nothing lost by going to trial. It
was figured by them that, at. the,
worst. BMI could obtain only non-
exclusive rights to the songs and
not th? fully exclusive rights it was
asking in its complaint.

3 Songs Involved

There were actually only three
songs named in the
papers. They were, "Bluer Than
Blue.'' written by Levy Pollack and
Tot Seymour; "You Fit Into the

$l,009,ee0 In 5 Tears

This same "breach of contract"
opinion has also led to discussion
said to be preliminary to the actual,
eling of actions by writers who be-
lieve that they are entitled to some
part of the $1,000,000 Marks will

Lawrence Sues Marks '

First action by a songwriter
against Marks as a result of
Justice Ferdinand Pecpra's de-
cision was filed .in ' Supreme
Court, N. Y., yesterday i Tues-
day) by Lee Eastman, attorney
for .Jack Lawrence. In a two-
pronged suit, Lawrence- asks for
the return of. some seven copy-
rights of songs by him published
by Marks; plus an accounting.
Latter cause is a bid for a part
of (he $1,000,000 received by
Marks from BMI, none of Which
ever went to writers of songs in
Marks' catalog.

Perhaps the most outstanding
of the numbers by Lawrence in-
volved in his suit is "Play
Fiddle Play."

Lawrence recently sued Jewel-
Music for a -portion of .turns that
firm received from SESAC for
licensing its songs, among which
were some of Lawrence's, for
use in that organization's , par-
ticular field. Lawrence believes
he is entitled to part of this in-
come.. Case wr.s recently thrown
out of court for failure to state
specific financial damages asked,
but has since been reflled. Suit
against Marks is based, on the
same principle.

BMI-Marks have received from BMI by the end ■
of this 'year' when the five-year deal
between the two expires. When it
came out during the trial that Marks
Picture." by Bud Green and Jesse had not turned over one penny of

Grccr, and "Mississippi River," by i this amount to writers of any of the
J. Rosamond Johnson. ASCAP mem- | songs in his catalog, let alone the
ber. and Frank Abbott, a non- j writers of the ASCAP songs he
ASCAP writer. These tunes were : holds title to. Pecora was surprised,
seleclctf^at random by BMI-Marks j Already there is some evidence that .
;is the basis ot a test case, from ; such damage suits will eventually

have subscribed $1,000 apiece for the j „ m ona 3.000 others in the Marks : be filed. Story from Hollywood as
formation of the organization, ac- , ca f a i () guc r ,f some 20.000 copyrights \ scrls that a group of Coast writers

cording to papers filed with the
British Treasury.

Bert Ambrose is being dickered
with to assume the presidency ot the
.organization. Ambrose, perhaps
England's top name maestro, will di-
rect the grooming and development
of embryo leaders such as Nat Tern

which we're, similarly involved with .with tune's in Marks' firm are band-
ASCAP members. All of those in j ing together to file such action,
that 3.000 arc affected by Pecora's Dailcy Paskman is said to be. leaving
ruling. It was contended by. ASCAP ! there soon to come to N. Y. to conr
at the time Marks made its five-year ; fer with Schulman on the filing of
deal with BMI'. as of Jan. I. 1941. an action in N. Y. courts. Schulman.

thai the performing rights of these
tunes remained vested in ASCAP by

pic. Kenny ;Baker and Harry Hkycs. j vil . llle of the fact tnat thoy wc ,. c
if he accepts the post. I wholly Written or collaborated upon

knows nothing of this, cither.

There is divided opinion among
music publishers fully conversant
with music law, and music business

I by ASCAP writers. BMI disagreed, |. attorneys, as to both the recovery of
| and filed suit for a declaratory f C op'yi-ie.hi.s from Marks by ASCAP
however, < Wl i ters ant i the filing of claims for

Pop Orchs Increasingly , ju<ljsm ,. n , meanwhile , _ _ e _

HafinrAma CtanJarilc ; wilhllo| d' l1 K lhc luncs lvom l,s sub ' ! pieces of the $1.000,000 received by
IVClUIUIIlg OUUlUdlUS senbers to avoid infringement Marks from BMI. It is felt by' many

Apparently more and more popu-
lar-ityle orchestras are going in for
recording waltz and standard male-
rial' albums.

Sammy Kaye's orchestra is now in
the process of arranging and discing
a scries of Stephen Foster tunes to
be marketed' in book form. Tommy
Dorsey. with a band augmented by
nine strings <18 in all), recently be-
gan discing Johann Strauss waltz
material for release as an album.

Jane Harvey, vocalist who severed
connections with Benny Goodman's
.orchestra several weeks ago, has
bt-cn signed by- Columbia Records
for <olo discs.

Marks from BMI. It is felt by : many
charges in the event ASCAP was tna t Pecora's decision in returning
declared owner of the pcrfo.rmmg I'the two songs named in 1he suit to
rights. ■ ] their writers might not stand, up ori

Peoora Assails Transfer appeal. They felt that if Marks.can

Pecora scored Marks in his dcci- p i 0 y C t hat he has "worked the copy-
sion.. asserting that the publisher's ! ,-ights" in any way, by- the sale of
transfer of his catalog from ASCAP j shect music, an-angement for
lo BMI without consulting the writ- mechanical rights, etc.. that he. can
crs of the song involved or provid- !g et a reversal of this part of Pecora's

ing for Iheir participation in the
$1,000,000 he was to draw from BMI
for their use was a "breach of con-
tract." On the basis of this, and in
answer to a " counterclaim against
Marks by the writers ot the two
tunes cited in Ihe complaint wholly
written by ASCAP members. Pecora
granted full 'recovery of the copy-

opinion.

^ - Damages .

In so far vr. damages for Marks'
failure , to spL Us BMI income are
concerned it 1 . pointed out that
legally the publisher is not bound to
split performing rights monies with
(Continued on page 41 )

Wednesday, Muy 9, 19if>

7

BROTHER!

GONNA LOVE
THAT GUY

LIKE HE'S NEVER BEEN
LOVED BEFORE

>: - 4

Chorus b/ev/y aftrf rkytkmid
r A7

I'M CON-NA LOVETHATCUY like he's gn-ntno loved be- fore,

(gii) (she's)

C7 C» Ami F.

I'm {ton-oa showlhat icuy he's the fel-Ulhat I a-dore..

(gal she's) (ba-by)

Wbeo he's la
(she's)

dreams will

Then the years be

(ween alftht

oev- er have beea_

«*>»._

I'm goa- na

Copyright 1946 by Lawrence Wright Music Co. Ltd.
Rights for North America, South America and Canada
Controlled by BOURNE, Inc.

BOURNE, Inc

m

W<-<li>™luy, May 9, 1915

ORCHESTRAS— MUSIC

S3

Inside Orchestras-Music

Via a Treasury Dept. tieup, Duke .Ellington's orchestra is indefinitely
continuing the rull-hour Saturday afternoon i5-6 p.m. Blue network)
broadcast it inaugurated during its recent rim 'at the 400 Club. N. Y. Show
Is tagged "Dale With Duke" and consists of only Ellington-written material.
Ellington is currently on a theatre tour, and the shows will be. clone from
the theatre 'stage 'each, week This requires okay by the' American .Fed-
eration of. Musicians since under such conditions a broadcast is looked
upon 'as -a commercial. James C. Petrillo, AFM head, gave .Ellington
blanket permit to do the shows without extra pay to his musicians,, due
to the Treasury lieup.

A new song; "When the River Don Runs Dry," composed by Teri Joscfo-
vits. who entertains informally at the piano in the music room of the
Paramount theatre, N V., has just been' published by Carl Fisher, Inc.
Lyrics arc by -Andy Razaf.

Song is dedicated 'to the. Great Fighting Hearty of Russia. At the re-
quest of the Russian government, the manuscript of the number eight
months ago was sent via diplomatic channels to the USSR.

Meantime Benny Goodman's Regent Music Co. is publishing and record-
ing another song by Joscfovits and Razaf called "Welcome. Love."'

There probably hasn't been much Wondering aboiil Benny Goodman's
"Slipped Disc" title for an original played by his sextet, since most such
jazz: numbers have screwy titles. But this one has unusual connotations.
It's Goodman's way of possibly perpetuating the memory of the bad
sciatica condition .he.' went 'through, a couple years ago. His; doctors then
explained .his condition in layman terms by telling the leader he had a
"Slipped disc" in his back.

Columbia Records has begun the monthly release of a small sheet titled
Promotion News. Il's.ubout the same size as the Capitol Records monthly
golten out by that company's Dave Dexter. Columbia's release, however,
is .confined to news and pictures of. Columbia Artists; notice of future
releases, tips for merchandising, etc. Capitol's sheet is devoted to news
as much. as anything else and is all-embracing in its artist gossip coverage.

Case, between Irving Berlin. Inc.. and songwriter Bobby Warren over
the tune "'City Called Heaven," had not been against the new Irving Berlin
outfit. It was directed against the old Irving Berlin publishing house, in
which Saul Bornstcin was partnered with Berlin and which since. has been
split into Bourne, inc.. operated by. 'Bornstcin, and the new IB Co., oper-
ated by the songwriter.

Frank Loesser's "Praise .the Lord and Pass the Ammunition" being re-
issued by Columbia Records this week coupled to "Roger Young," another
new tune by the same 'writer. Latter pays tribute to a young private killed
in the act of silencing a Jap pillbox during the New Georgia landing!
Nelson Erldy sings both, accompanied by a band under Robert Armbrusler.

Moe ZudicoPT. one of the outstanding trombone men in the business, is
currently with Jimmy Dprsey's orchestra under, the monicker of Muni
Morrow. With Dorsey he's being featured, and the idea of the whole thing
is his desire for a buildup that w ill eventually pave the way for his own
orchestra.'

Busse at Biltmore; First
N.Y. Location in Years

Hen.'y Busse's orchestra has been
signed to open (he 'Biltmore hotel.
N. Y.. roof May 31. This is Busse's
first N. Y. location job in years.
He'll do six weeks, accompanied by
a Moor show Of acts in place of the
spot's previous ice show policy.

Busse is due into the Strand thea-
tre, N. Y.. this month, too.

Other Maestros May Be Getting
Ideas From James Astor Hotel Nix

Finley Signs T.D.
As MCA Burns

Larry Finley, operator of the Mis-
sion Beach Park, San Diego, who is
suing Music Corp. of America for
$3,000,000 under the Sherman anti-
trust act. added insult to the suit
last week. He signed Tommy Dor-
sey 's orchestra, MCA's top b.o. band
name, to play for him in opposition
to Pacific Square Ballroom. San
Diego, with, which .MCA has ah ex-
clusive booking arrangement, which
caused Finley to sue. Because of it
his spot couldn't get MCA's best
names.

Dorsey opens at Mission Beach
July 17 for two weeks, at a guaran-
tee and percentage that can allow
the leader, if business is good, to
come out with more, than $10,000
each week as his end. Booking, of
course, was not made through MCA.
It was negotiated directly with
Arthur ■ Michaud, Dprsey's manager.

Starting Friday (11), wjien
Frankie Carle opens, Finley inaug-
urates a full-week policy of playing
bands instead of . weekends. Carle
is in for four weeks. Following him
come Tony Pr.st.pr, Tommy Dorsey,
then Jimmy Dorsey, whp has a deal
similar tp his brother's. Glenn Gray
was tp have had the spot taken by
T. D., but will be deferred. All
bands booked are General Amus.
combos except T. D.

Victor in Sales Tests
On Betty Jane Bonney

: Due to the necessity of' not taking
| many, chances ■ with new artists.
IRCA-Victoi" is trying a new meth6d
■ of '-testing Betty Jane Bonney's abil-
■ily to sell recordings. Singer, for-
I'mei ly with ' Lcs Brown, made two
'sides for Victor recently and pr«ss-
'ings will be marketed only in upper
New Jersey and New York Cily and
,the results tabulated in proper pro-
portion to the rest of the 'country.'.

Tunes recorded were .defied by.
•Hoagy Carmichael; both arc. from
ipicturcs. .First is "Memphis in June"
and the other "How Little We
Know."

DR. ORDERS JOE LOSS
TO QUIT FOR A WHILE

London. April 19.

After week of broadcasting for
British Broadcasting Corp.. English
maestro Joe Loss will quit show biz
for two months: .

He has been ordered by his medico
lo go into hospital for observation
for several weeks, after which he
will be operated on for infected
antrum, which doctor claims has
been brought about by overwork.
It's due to his constant war work,
including two visits to France to en-
tertain .'service .'nien..

Band will continue to fijlfill its
vaude commitments under direction
of Phil Silverstene, Loss' first fiddle
player.

I.es Klgarl's orch has signed with
General Amus. Corp. Grady Watts
remains personal manager.

♦ Other bandleaders apparently
I have, drawn ideas from Hai ry James'
use of a recent ruling by the Amcri-

■ ciih Federation of Musicians to. "get
; more money for a scheduled forlh-
: coming dale at the Astor Hotel Roof,
'! N. ■ Y. Since Jast week's ■••Variety"'
i story on the subject, there havc : been
'constant rumblings arid rumors of

■ similar action by other bands against
j other N. Y. hotels.

[ Perhaps the only other case -out
; in the open involves Frankie Carle
'and the Pennsylvania hotel and is
| not directly ■ based on James' action,
it's said. Penn has Carle under op-
tion at a stipulated price of $3,000
guarantee and a percentage of cov-
ers. Hostelry, it's said, would like
lo lear up this agreement and write
a new one calling for a salary lower .
than quoted eri the option pact, or
similar to Carle's first deal at the
hotel. Carle won't go for it. assert-
ing. he won't play the spot at all.
I'. James' situation with the Astor
Ilia's. not developed any during the
! past week. Bob Christenberry, man-
I aging, director of the hotel, advised
'the leader and Music Corp. of Artier- .
i ica. his agency, by. wire that he ex-
pects James to live up to his con- .
i tract to play the spot following
i Sammy Kaye, who opens May 14.
! Cppy of the wire 'went to the
| American Federation of Musicians.
: Otherwise the case remains status
' quo.

FOLIO ON KRUPA

Arnold Shaw, pub-ad director for
Leeds Music, has edited a biographi-
cal fplio on Gene Krupa, which is
being independently published by
Pin-Up Press Co. First run is 100,-
000 copies.

Shaw is also pop music editor of
Swank mag, and got the book out on
his own.

Meyerson Leaves Post
As Victor's Coast Rep

Hollywood, May 8.

Harry Meyerson is checking out at
west coast recording manager; for
RCA- Victor after 16 years with the
company, eight of which were spent
in California.

Resignation, goes into effect May
31. with no successor announced to
date.

Goliad

from M-G-M's
"Thrill Of A Romance"

in M-G-M's Musical
Anchors A weigh

lyric by RALPH FREED

Music by SAMMY FAIN

i, v.

it

it

I BEGGED HER

I FALL IN LOVE TOO EASILY
THE CHARM OF* YOU

. I ■ » ■

All lyrics by SAMMY CAHN All music by JUli STYNE

All recorded by SINATRA for Columbia

•4 PARi&rt Wednesday, May 9, 19*5

Wednesday, May 9, 1945

ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC

35

Pincus Definitely Will
Move Into N.Y. in Taps'
Position Post-Curfew

HE1DT TO CHI FOR MCA
PACT BEEF APPEAL

George Pincus, Chicago manager ] (
-Bernstein, will definitely | ]

Hollywood, May 8.
Horace Hcidt will take his (cud
wilh Music Corp. of America toChi-
I cago for an airing before the Anter-
ior Shapiro-Bernstein, win aeunuciy ican Fedcration 0 f Musicians Exccu-
move into N. Y. to replace Jonic I five Board meeting in June.
Taps as general professional mana- Maestro disbanded his imisicrew
when Taps leaves the end of | a while back after a clash with MCA

I in which he charged improper han-
dling and representation. In Chicago

ger

June to join Columbia Pictures on
the Coast. Pincus won't move in
Irom Chicago, however, until the
lifting of the curfew, even if that
arrives subsequent to Taps' de-
parture. With the Government lid
forcing remote band program origr
iiiation west due -to the time differ-
ential, Pincus has more to do in
Chicago than he would have in
N. Y.

There was doubt for a. while
whether Pincus would take the Taps
spot. He has been in Chicago for
years and the move means shifting
his family, etc.

Bands at Hotel B. O.'s

Cofrra Total

Wccfai . Pant- Covert

Bund Hotel rinjed Week On Ihtte

Hal Aloma' Lexington (300; 75c-?1.50) 29 1,700 51,450

Boyd Racburn. ...New Yorker (400, ?1-$1.50) 6 1,550 8,675

Glen Gray Pennsylvania (500; $1-$1.50). .. . 4 2,650 9,550

Leo Rcisman 0 . . . . Waldorf (550; $2) 23 2,550 65,925

Erskinc Hawkins. Lincoln (275: $1 -$1.50.) 0 +575 575

Eddie Stone Roosevelt (400: $t-$1.50). 0 +2.175 1.200

Hal Mclntyre Commodore i400; $1-$1.50) ... 5 1,825 8,850

BOURNE. Inc.

101*

Rroiulwajr
New York 19

TUHE-DEX

• • • • • •••••••• ••»♦• • • •

M*S IE AUTIfUL AS EVfll

»

:• i^«^tttsi ••••••

• ••••••• * o^^klmWk^k^k^k^km • •

• • • • • «

TlfO$ MUSIC COIPOKATION

he will ask release from his man-:
agement contract, appealing from a
iciont adverse decision by the AFM
board.

/ ■ •

Tobias Doesn't Want
ASCAP Appeal Bi Post

Songwriter Charlie Tobias, posted
as a candidate for the American So-
ciety of Composers, Authors and
Publishers' board of appeals, at-
tempted t.o withdraw his name from
candidacy for one of the pasts ear-
lier this week. His action followed
the discovery that Abel Baer and
Peter DeRose, incumbents who To-
bias thought were not running for
reelection, were named on the bal-
lot. He doesn't want to oppose
cither.

Ballots went out with Tobias'
iir.nic on them before they could be
corrected.

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦!

i Band Review I

BANDY BROOKS ORCH (16)
With I.oretla Vale, Vince Manning
Terrace Room, Newark

Watch this band. It has a iot on
the ball. It is perhaps the most out-
standing, most professional sounding
of the newer bands even though vir-
tually in its infancy.

Randy Brooks was an outstanding
sidemau wilh various name bands
before constructing this combination
of four trumpets, three trombones,
Ave sax. three rhythm, on a shoe-
string. He has done a job, with the
help of arranger John Benson
Brooks, that makes the band a can-
didate for the big. time even though,
there is polishing still to be done.
It plays Brooks arrangements the
has a piece of the band) that arc
unusually well tailored, colorfully
and tastefully shaded for maximum
effect. There is a good balance, top.
between pops, standards and jump
originals. And they're all played
wcil by. competent men. .The maestro
and arranger arc not related, despite
the same tag.

Brooks himself plays trumpet —
outstanding trumpet. There aren't
many who have the lip and control
that he has, and his playing gives the
band personality and style. He plays
a lot like - Harry James, however,
which makes many critics lessen the
band's chances. It can be a help
rather than hindrance, however, due
to the fact that James is virtually
a Hollywood hermit these days.

Band's one weakness when caught
was in vocalists. Lorrtla Vale in fair
and the boy has since been replaced
by Vince Manning. He hasn't been
caught by this reviewer. Wood.

J Asterisks indicate a supporting floor sliow.
Le.tiitototi, an Hawaiian floor show.
4 Days.

New Yorker has ice shou>;

Los Angeles

Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $1-$1.50). Weekend turnaways keep
the Grove up to standard 4,200 covers.

Joe Relehman (Biltmore; 900; $1-$1.50). Pagliacci of the Piano and
plenty of pre-show dinners crowd the Bowl with 4,300 tabs,

Chicago

Buddy Franklin (New Walnut Room, Bismarck hotel; 465: $1.50-$2.50
niin.). Franklin and Enrica & Novello clicking right along with 2.900.

Stan Kenton (Panther Room, Sherman hotel; 950; $1.50-$2.!iO min.).
Kenton, in second frame with Bob Crum and Slyter, did okay 5,000.

Dick LaSalle (Mayfair Room, Blackstone hotel; 465; $2.50 min.). LaSalle-
GaU Gali-Ellsworth 4t Fairchild combo got steady 2,000.

George Olsen (Empire Room, Palmer House; 700; $3-$3.50 min ). Climb-
ing back up there, with 8,000 for Olsen and Hermy Youngman.

Ted Weems (Boulevard Room, Stevens hotel: 650; $3-$3.50 min.). Weems
and new floor show moved in Friday (4), sharing 7,500 with previous
layout.

and

location Jobs, Not in Hotels

(Los Angeles)

Tony Pastor (Palladium, B, Hollywood', 1st week). Heavy opener
follow through brought out 27,500 payolas.

Shorty Sher'ock (Trianon. B. South Gate, second week). New band hit-
ting good level with 9,000 tickets sold.

Leighton Noble (Slapsy Maxie's, N\ Los Angeles, 21st week). Still fill-
ing 'up every night and good turnover biz at 3,200 capacity.

King Cole Trio-Carlos Molina (Troc'adero, N, Hollywood, seventh week).
Musical groups, plus Ciro Rimac Revue raking in 4,00o tabs with ease.

Two McFarland Twins
Tooters Nailed by Fed.
Agents on Dope Rap

St. Louis, May 8.

Two looters of the- McFarland
Twins band were nailed by local
Federal agents on. narcotic charges
and last week warrants, charg-
ing each with possession of mari-
juana were issued against them. The
duo. Manuel Fox, 27, Long Island,
N. Y., and Kennthy J. Schmidt. 21,
New Orleans, were caught in a mid-
town, hotel during an engagement of
the band at Tune Town, midtown
ballroom.

Feds charge that some of the nar-
cotic was found in Fox's suitcase and
more in Schmidt's topcoat. Men, ac-
cording to the arresting agents, said
they had purchased the drug from-
a peddler in the ballroom about 10
days before the pincb.

Sammy Fain and Ralph Freed
turned in tunes for 'Two Sisters
From Boston" at Metro.

FIRST— ONLY
DICEST
OF MUSIC

1

(Chicogo) -

Gay Claridge (Chez Parec; 650; $3-$3.50 min.).
and Sophie Tucker, latter opening Thursday (3)
and Connie Russell.

Del Courtney (Blackhawk; 500; $2-$2.50 min.). Nice biz here, loo, Court
ncy, Vic Hyde and Marjorie Lane pulling in 4,400. Matinees help.

Fine 5,200 for Claridge
following Willie Shore

JAMES P. JOHNSON PLAYS
PIANO AT CARNEGIE HALL

I**

Send $1

Timely, inferr-
ing. Deulilc nui,'k
illteau ur iiiii.Ic
article* rrotn all
UaiHnf public,,.
tlom. Lou uf
plctuit?. Huui'ih
Inures! iltrtfii of
mmWl prratfial-
For If arhrr.
pntTrtslonal anil
I lltMlrnl. No oilier
I miulral miEizlna
Ilia tt.

tO*. tt BIO

Ml SIC TODAY MAGAZINE

ao< Film BIda;.. Oerclaad 14. Old*

N'Mille

AHdrrfta ..«•..«...••

City.

State.

evening. Johnson obliged with sock
versions of "Boogie Stride," "Im-
pressions" and "Caprice Rag," then
j brought on his recording jazzters;
Just why entrepreneur G. W. Lat- , Kaiser Marshal, drums; Wilbur De
timore surrounded jazz pianist j parjs _ trombo ne; Sidney De Paris, I
James P. Johnson with a semi-sym- i trumpet, and Franz Jackson, clari- i
phonic orch batoned by Josef j net, to wrap things up with "Honey
Cherniavsky at Carnegie Hall, N. Y
last Friday night (4) is hard to un

dcrstand. Thirty - five - piece orch,
composed for the most part of
broadcasting studio stafl'men, were
distinctly not in the Johnson
groove presenting as they did un-
inspired versions of spirituals, tone'
poems, etc., from the pen of the
soloist and (something thought up
by the maestro), a rendition o£ the
"St. Louis Blues" with a Russian ac-
cent. Featured was a hot tairj-
bourine.

A small but enthusiastic (when
Johnson appeared) audience was on
hand to hear him play the piano.
That's what they wanted and that's

what they eventually got, late in the a Georgia village,

suckle Rose," "At the Ball" and some
J blues. They stopped the show.
I Finale was the hot group with the
large orch for a torrid kissoff which
had Cherniavsky jitterbuging on
the podium and the audience rock-
ing in rhythm.

Johnson can return to Carnegie,
judging from response, but he would
be wise to play more piano and
leave the longhairs back at the NBC
building.

William Franklin and Edith
Sewell contributed vocals, former
preeming "Dorie Miller," a Johnson
composition. Orch feature was
"Yamekraw," also by Johnson, a sort
of a rhapsody based on Negro life in
Donn.

Tip Tuxes In Ttu Ittks

An All-Time Favorite

LOVELY
DAT

Music by,..
JIMMY McBUGU

Published by '

ROBBINS

"7Ae Nu*nbeA> 1 Novelty g>Q+t<f JtU

CALDONI

WHAT MAKES YOUR BIG HEAD SO HARD!

vV '"'OD v HERMAN — COL JMB'A

S „ v . U

RECORDINGS ?>*

3RiM A

EDWIN H. MORRIS & COMPANY INC

l 6 \ 9 iJ-oca-.-. .

By Ar^anqeTie

n t W ■ * >< P r 3 ■■' e M j 5 ■ c Compar.j

36

Wednesday. May 9, 1915

* • -t f 4

TILL THE END OF TIME

S ANTLY-JO Y,

Nfiv Y O r It '9 W V _

• OWM Y V A u A fcCO !■ ■ • ■

:Vt " C " ^CO^ /AC CO.. ,!N,V M , :r - , „.

* .- - A T ( -J I * •

Inc.

Wednesday, May 9, I9i5

NBC, CBS, Blue, Mutual Plug;

TITLE

A Uttle On I lie Lonely Side

All Of My Li/e

Candy

Dream

Kv'rylime

Good Good Good

lie's Home For a Little While.

I'll Always Be With You

I'm Beginning- to See the Light

I Miss Your -Kiss

1 Should Care— i"Thrill of a Romance'-

Just a Prayer Away

Laura— (-"Laura"

Let's Take Loutf Way Home— f'TIei'e Come Waves'. .

More and More— Y'C»n\ Help Sincini;" ..

My Baby Said Yes . -. "

My Dreams Are -Getting Better .

My Pet Brunette

Night lis Young 'suul You're So Beautiful ....... ?:rr.

Right As the Rain— ""Bloomer Girl"

Sentimental .Tourney

Sweetheart of My Dreams— v"30 Seconds Over Tokyo"
The More I See You— f"Diainond Horseshoe'' . . .

There Must Be a Way

This Heart of. Mine— ;-"Z;iegfeld Follies"

You Belong to My Heart — f'3 Caballeros"

PUBLISHER

.Advanced

.Berlin

.Frist

.Capitol

.ABC

.Berlin

Famous
. Broad >vay
.Grand
.Republic
. Dorsey

Shapiro
.Hobbhis
. Morris

T. B. Harms

. Leeds
..Santly
.Marks
. W A— M
.Crawford -

Shapiro

.BVC

Stevens

.Triangle

/Harris

t f'ilmiisicnl. * Lcnil 'musical.

Musical, score nt Warners' "The
Time, the Place, in id the Girl," now?
In production, will be recorded for
a new Decca Records album.

Tunes written by Arthur Schwartz
and Leo Robin. Dennis Morgan and
Jack Carson have top roles id the
picture, which David Butler is di-
recting (or producer Alex Gottlieb.

GOOD HIGH!

(MttCCOWOlWlW

THANKS to All These Who Hove Cooperated in Making
This the Nation's Outstanding Song

I'M BEGINNING
TO SEE THE LIGHT

Our Neit Song

THE WONDER OF YOU

•r DUKI ELLINGTON. JOHNNY HODGES and DON GEORGE

Will le Introduced on the
Chesterfield Show. "Music That Satisfies"
Wednesday and Thursday. May • and 10
CBS Network. 7:15 P.M.. EWT

GRAND MUSIC CORP.

1619 Broadway, New York 19, N. Y.

GEORGE WIENER

10 Best Sheet Sellers

There I Said It Again. .'. .Valiant

Bell Bottom Trousers: Santly

Dreams Getting Better. . Santly

Just a Player...... Shapiro

Laura Robbins'

Candy Feist

Dream Capitol

Beginning to See Light. . .Grand
Sweet All My Dreams. . .Shapiro
All of My . Life. Berlin

NEW SONG FOLIOS

Walter Donaldson's ".Songs to Re-
member" and Don McNeill's Break-
fast Cliib Sonus are two new folios
which Robbins wilt publish soon.

Shorly Sherock and his new band
opened at the Trianon. Los Angeles.

ORCHESTRAS— MUSIC

J7

10 Best Sellers on Coin-Machines

1 My. Drenrns Gelling Better ill ) 'Santly)
2. Candy i?) i Feist »

Just Prayer Am a.v <4) iShapiro) ........

4. There I Said It Again < 2 1 i Valiant!. ....

•5. Laura <2) < Robbing .,

15. Dream '4) i Capitol) '. ;

7. Sentimental Journey i7i i Morris l

K. All of My. Life '2) "Berlin) .

9. I'm Beginning to See Light illii iGrand).
10. More and More if» (T. B. Ilarm.si ,

Decca s Time Place' Album HERE'S HOW COL'S PREZ

FIGURES PICTURE SONGS

Hollywood. May 4.

Editor. "Variety":

Kor a long lime Columbia Pictures
felt around In see i( it could go into
the music publishing business, but
couldn't figure, nut a (leal that would
be satisfactory to us so we finally
gave up living to buy in. We
thought we- had- a good idea hut we
couldn't sell it lo the music pub-
lishers we talked to. sii we linally !
gave it up. It was then we decided
to make k deal with .lonie Taps.
It wasn't difficult to sell Taps our
thinking and after noting what you
said in your rag last week, we felt
that we would, like to pass on to'
you our thoughts.

This N our procedure. When a
motion picture script isswritlen we
will turn it over to Taps tor him
to pick his songwriter,- or what-
ever team he thinks is light for
that particular script: and. of course,
if that team is available. What, do
we know about picking a song? And
that goes for a lot of £uys out here
who think they can pick them!
That's Taps' job. He will also pick
the publisher who he thinks will do
the best job with the score. It's a
cinch he should also know which
] publisher is in the best position to
handle the score at the proper
lime. Any studio which thinks that
{all it has to do is to turn over a
complete score to a publisher,
whether they own that publish-
ing house, or not. aud say "plug
them all." is nuts.. It can't be done.
The music publishers must be a very
important part or a motion picture.
He and the producer must marry.
In that way belter musicals will
come out of Hollywood. That's why
we picked .louie Taps.

Hurry Co/ni
i President, Columbia Pic.ts.)

I Los Brown ......

). Louis. Prima ...

S Dinah Shore .

I Jo Stafford.'

Bins Crosby

Vaughn Monroe,
i Freddy Martin...
) Dick Haymes. . . ,
\ Freddie Martin. .
| Pied Pipers.". . . .

Lcs Brown .....

Biug Crosby

\ Harry James .
/ Duke Ellington .

I Biug Crosby!

j Perry Como .

.Columbia

Hit

Victor

. . . .Capitol

Drcca

....Victor

Victor

Decca

.:..Vielor
... .Capitol
Columbia
: . . . Decca
Columbia

Victor

.... Decca
Victor

4,009

(900Q

GOOD,
GOOD,
GOOD

A Hot Samba

•y ALLAN ROBERTS and DORIS FISHER
KK4/ORIIKU KV

X A VI Kit IT AT on Columbia
MIOIJKLITA VALIIKX 011 ltaeea
JOKE BKTANCOIJRT on Mnsfcraft

lltVIXG Itfc KMX Ml SIC ro\ip\\v

IttT.O Kriwrinay, \imv V«rk V.

IfcAYK IIKKVKIL funeral l»n»fr»aioiial Manager

38

VAUDEVILLE

Wednesday, May 9. 1915

War Labor Board Peering Into
Coin Paid Help in N Y. Night Clubs

War Labor Board, it was recently ♦
learned, is investigating the wage
situation in N. Y. niteries and rcs-
taurants. It's generally charged that
the cafes have been paying all cate-
gories of help more than the Oct..
1942, scales Performers are not in-
cluded under the scope of the WLB
probe.

The Allied Food and Entertain-
ment Industries of Greater New
York will meet Thursday (10) to dis-
cuss the situation.. AFEI's beef is
the . fact that the individual nitery
bonifaces cannot deduct overpay-
ments from their income faxes. In
some cases, overpayments by in-
dividual cafes have reached $100,000
since Oct., '42.

Nitery owners maintain that
they've been lorcod to exceed the
allowed WLB scale in order to keep
their help.

New Roller

♦Vanities'

producer

Harold St'einman. producer oi
"Skating Vanities." is buying acts,
for the next edition of the show,
which will open in Montreal Sept. 1.

Already set are Ben Dova. Shy-
rettos. Bobby May and Count Leroy.

The

Drunkenest
Drunk You
Ever Saw,
The

Laughingest
Laughter
You Ever
Heard.
Put

Together
It's

STEVE
EVANS

TWO EXTRA WEEKS

STRAND, NEW YORK

m<;t:— M'XTTX ROSEN ,

Milton Marvin to Army

Marvin & Lee vaude team has
been dissolved for the duration be- |
cuuso of Milton Manin's induction ;
into the Army. . ;

Gloria Lee, (Mrs. Marvin i will)
ready, a single for a series ot hos-
pital dates, then will go it alone on
commercial dates until her partner-
husband rejoins her.

Covey Sells H'wood Sardi's

. Hollywood, May 8.

Chi Chi, Inc.. bought Sardi's res-
taurant on Hollywood Blvd., with
escrow calling for transfer of owner-
ship on May 19.

David- Covey, current owner, is
pulling out in favor of the eatery
chain which also has spots in. Palm
Springs and on Calalina Island.

New N.0. Cafe Modeled
After N.Y. Copa to Use
Name Bands and Acts

New Orleans. May 8.
Site opposite the Roosevelt hotel
here and adjoining the Orpheuin
theatre will be converted into a
swank supper club modeled after the
New York Capacabaha.

Backed by capital, the new night
spot will go big time with nanic
band. acts. etc.

LOOKOUT HOUSE, CliNCY,
ON AGVA UNFAIR LIST

Lookc.it House. Cincinnati,, oper-
ated by Jimmy Brink, has been de-
clared unfair by American Guild of-
Variety Artists for failure to live up
to contractual obligations.

Action was leveled against Brir.k
last week when latter refused t'o
j adjust a claim processed against him
by Herman Hyde, who held a two-
week contract to open at spot March
7. Brink is said to have cancelled
, Hyde out because of the curfew but
, AGVA held that since the performer
held a play or pay contract. Brink
is liable for the two weeks salary,
i Until payoff no AGVA franchised
j agent can book talent into the nor
i can any AGVA member accept en-'
! gagements there.

PERFORMERS NOW IN
ARMED FORCES

If you are In Snec'nl Service* i»r not —
for Intnietllute line or |H>st-\vnr ri'twrn
1u abow bublueHft,

Her* It a Service You'JI Always
Want

FUN-MASTER GAG FILES

Contain Modern Comeil.v Mnlrrlnl Car
All T.v|»e IVrfonnrrs
Enrli Srrlpl CoDtnlrm Ovrr 100
Sure-Fire One*— $1,05 Kuch,
Not. 1 Tkra 10 Now Ready
Make Clircka .fnynhte to
PAVLA SMITH
Mull to "tiM-aUrtrr"
200 W. Mib St., New York City 1$, K.t.

Norma Terris May Do
Series of Concerts

Norma Terris. comedienne-song-
stress, is being propositioned to em-
bark upon a concert tour next
autumn by the concert department
of Music Corp. of America. Nego-
tiations are under way and expected
to be concluded within a couple of
weeks. ' *

Miss Terris. however, has agreed
to appear in Civic Opera's revival of
"Showboat'' at the , Civic, Detroit,
May 28, and will also appear with
St. Louis Municipal Opera Co.'s re-
vival of "Madame Pompadour,"
week of July 16, and same oil t fit's
"Bitter Sweet," Aug. 13.

AGVA Draws Vote Of
Confidence From FAAC
In Flo Bale Dispute

American Guild ot Variety A.rtis's
and Matt Shelvcy, it's national ad-
ministrator, were backed up in the
dispute over the resignation of Flo-
rine Bale by the Federated Amuse-
ment and Aliicd Crafts ot California,
in a resolution passed by that body
at its annual meeting last Meek.
Resolution, in the form or a vo!e of
confidence, stated:

"Whereas it has come to Hie atten-
tion of the FAAC that certain
changes havc.takcn pb.ee in person-
nel of the local (Los Angeles)
American Guild of Variety Artists,
this body will give all aid. assistance
and cooperation to AGVA. its per-
sonnel and membership, in its efforts
to advance the cause of said ■mem-
bership, and, further, to help create-
good will and understanding among
all concerned."

Change reportedly referred to
was recent resignation of Florinc.
Bale, former west Coast rep of
AGVA, who resigned several weeks
ago and has since been temporarily
replaced by Helen Magj-uder. office
manager: ■ Latter will continue in.
charge until Shelvcy. appoints a
new west Coast rep. who will prob-
ably be a member of the N. Y'.. staff.
Nothing definite has been done in
this direction as yet. Shelvcy will
also set up a new advisory board in
the L. A. local. Latter will com-
prise 10 members and will include
six ot the former board that l'unc :
tioncd under Miss Bale.

Shelvcy has instructed Miss Ma-
gruder to process a complaint against
a group of members who arc al-
leged to have removed records fi om
the L. A. headquarters during the
controversy after Miss Bale's with-
drawal. Culprits arc known to Shel-
vcy but he has refused to name
them. He added, however, that un-
less these records are returned
pronto he will take summary action.

Stanley Theatre's Stage
Shows Return Temporary

Pittsburgh. May 8.

Stanley theatre's return to stage
shows will be for two weeks only,
WB de luxer reverting to straight
pi.\ again on May 18. probably for
remainder of summer. House was ^
fleshless for nearly iWc months un- j
til this week wili> Ink . Spots-Ella j
Fitzgcrald-Ceolie Williams unit. On I
Friday (11) Spike Jones unit comes |
in and then it'll be movies only
once more. .

Stanley management claims-, too
few name attractions arc available
and those that are want strato-
spheric llgures.

FROLICS CLUB, MIAMI,
SOLD FOR $135,000

Frolics Club. Miami Beach, has
been sold by Jack Frcidlahdcr to
Frank Fishman, owner of the; Fiesta,
another Miami Beach nitery,. for a
sum reported to be $135,000. Frcid-
lander recently acquired an interest
in the Mocambo, also on the Beach.

Frolics is a heavy name band user
and has a band lineup that will
carry the spot past Christinas day.
Bands already • pactcd include
Sammy Kaye and Tony Pastor.

Colonial Inn. Hallendalo, Fla.. op-
erated_ last season by Lou Walters,
Latin "Quarter, N. Y., and Terrace
Room. Miami Beach bonifacc, is now
being sold. Walters declared that
he. doesn't know the name, of the
prospective purchasers, since his
Miami attorney, Arthur Frcednlan,' is
handling the deal. Negotiations arc
expected to be closed early next
week.

Spot, located' lis miles outside of-
Miami, was originally operated by
Ben Marden. and remained vacant
until Walters look it over. Walters
had to cjosc because of the tight gas
situation and moved to the Terrace
Room.

New St Francis M.F.,
Empire Room to Debut
June 15; Band and Acts

Chicago, May 8.

Ralph Bcrger, operator of the
Latin Quarter here, will put on
slioyi's at the St. Francis hotel, San
Francisco, opening June 15 in the
hotel's newly remodeled and re-
decorated empire room. Deal was
closed last weei:.

Management of the room will be
alternated between Jierger and Ai t
Goldic, manager of the Latin Quar-
ter here. According to plans one or
the other will be at the St. Francis
spot at all times.

If current negotiations are cul-
minated, first show will have Dean
Murphy, the De Marcos and Jane
Froman, with house line of 12 girls.
Boyd RacburnV orchestra has been
bought for. 12 weeks. :

Romra's Film All Set

Harry Romm. theatre dept. head'
at General Amus. Corp., who has
temporarily turned picture producer,
has titled his Monogram pic "Swing
Parade." Production starts July le
and Romm will leave for the Coast
around June 20.

Cast includes Gale Storm, Connee
Boswell, Phil Regan, Three Stooges,
Louis Jordan Five, and an augment-
ed Will Osborne orch. Del Lord is
co-producer and director.

PAUL DUKE

A Spmphony in Smoke

CURRENTLY

Loew's State

New York

(WEEK MAY 3RD)

Direction, MARK LEDDY

V-E NITERY BiZ JUST
A GOOD MONDAY'S TAKE

As far as New York nitery. cash
registers were concerned, premature
V-E Day was just a shade better
than the • average Monday night.
There . was no excessive hilarity, no
one ordered drinks for the house
and a serviceman could sit at a bat-
without anyone volunteering to pick
up his check, Nor. did crowds fall
over themselves trying to get into
any Jclub.

The bonifaces didn't expect the
official V-E Day yesterday (Tues.l
to be much better. As "Variety"
went to press, operators wore pre-
paring for just an avcuagc Tuesday
business.

I Cab Calloway Bumped Off
i Plane, Late for Dot. Date

' -..Detroit May 8.

; Hereafter, in contracts, the Down-
j town theatre will specify no plane
trips for acts booked into the house,
George McCall, the manager, an-
nounced.

I The edict is based on the fact that
I while the orchestra arrived, on time.
Cab Calloway missed oup on the
opening day's shows through plane
delays. He failed to arrive here
until late Friday, Leader had
slopped off in New York en route to
his Detroit date and was bumped
off ftitVits which would have brought
him in on time.

■IN ' JANE

ROCHELLE and BEEBE

NOW OVERSEAS FOR
U.S.O.<CAMP SHOWS, INC.

•M*t-: KDBIK SMITH, rmamt Bite, New lark

Schuster's 25 Yrs.

Chicago, May 8.

Milt : Schuster is celebrating his
25th year as a booking agent. He
opened' an office here on May 5, 1920,
to handle tabloid musical comedies
and burlesque people.

Schuster started in show business
as an usher in the People's theatre.
Cincinnati, in 1898, at the age of 14,

TOMMY DIX TO Lft, N.Y,

Tommy Dix replaces Homo Vin-
cent at the Latin Quarter, N. Y.,
starting May 13.

Vincent Is due to go into the Jules
Leventhal-Harry Howard show "Ma-
rinka."

$9,600 Judgment Entered
Against DeLisa, Comise

Chicago. May 8.
Denying motion for new trial,
Judge Francis B. Allcgretti entered a
judgment in Superior Court here
Friday (41 for $9.CO0 in dram shop
suit against James DeLisa and John
Comise. operators of Club DeLisa.
Judgment, was awarded by jury last
April 5 to Lhc widow and three chil-
dren of Lawrence Abcrnathy, Negro
trumpet player, who was stabbed to
death in a fight in the club Oct. 4,
1943.

Comise. former court bailiff, is also
under indictment on three criminal
charges against him. to come up June
11 — one for carrying concealed
weapons and two for assault with
intent to kill.

PAUL
REGAN

Comlc-Sallrlal

Signed
For Return Engagement
TO CAPITOL, NEW YORK
After U.S.O. Tour

, M.C..V

AL TRACE

And Hit
SILLY SYMPHONISTS

HEADIN' SOUTH

FOR A TOUt OF
THEATRES

STARTING MAY 1ST

Dir.! STAN Zl'CKEB

^Tnwuus
LOEW

BOOKING
AG E NCY

GiHtKAl tXICUTIVI OfflClt

LOEW BUILDING ANNEX

J||||^1<0 W. 4«Hi !»., N. Y. C. • Myorrt • -TWO

$3.00

"HOW TO MASTER TjtlE CKBEMOVIFS"
<Th» Art mt Sacec«tol EiM*«la*)

•y IILLY GLASON

S3. 00

Mnl« •( CcntBMlM . . . tbm lio't ■ btlitr on«. uvwlicrr!"
(WALTKlt WIXtiHKM.)
'.'ft'* «* «l» tnilnt MC"i Is Hie IhkIiiuh"
(M*. Kermr, n«Mo MlMt, N.. T. Dill? Mirror)
1M» <-1m<*« t^abU !• tAVI.K SMITH. tM W. Mth St.. New T«rk 1». N.¥.

Wednesday, May 9, 1915

VAUDEVILLE

89

It's Simple to Whoop It Up in Chi
After 12; Speaks and Crime Bullish

Chicago, May 8.
Crime inarches on, hand in hand
with (he dimout and curfew— at
least in Chi. As witness the huge

, num bcr of bistros with front doors
locked but 'with rear and side doors
open, as in the Prohibition era, plus
sharp increase in number of rapes
and attempted rapes in the city since
the dimout went into effect Feb. 1.

That the curfew is being ignored
right and left is obvious to anyone
in both the Loop and outlying areas.
The A-spols, of course, are hewing
to the line, but cheaters, who stay
open anywhere rrom a few minutes
to t wo and three hours past the gong,
are legion.

All you have lotdo in the Loop is
ask a cabbie where to gel a drink,

'and in a Tew minutes you're in an
alley in front of a broken-down
back door, on the Other side of
which there's always a gala group
mobbing the bar. Or you take an
elevator to a third-floor speakeasy,
which accepts visitors as late as
5 a.m.. with enough customers to
keep two bartenders, a 26-girl line

■ and a juke box busy. Or go down
In a basement joint oh Madison
street where a sign says the place
is .shuttered till 7 a.m. Only it isn't.
The speaks, to put it tersely, arc
scaltcred all over the landscape.

Iii a few cases the /military has
stepped in. Word got 'around that
some . violators on the north side
were catering to servicemen, so the
M. P.'s and S; P's looked in on them,
found it exactly, so, and laid down
the law. giving violators the al-
ternative of closing or having the
area declared out. of bounds: They
closed.

These latter cases , haven't beeiv
too frequent, however — and there
aren't t any on record in the Loop.
Further farcical aspect of the ukase
is that, although curfew and dimout
were imposed as fuel and .power
saving measures, a quick look at
monthly light and heat bills of nit-
eries shows an infinitesimal reduc-
tion- of only approximately one-
tenth of one percent! .

Promises . of the Government that
ban will be lifted a«er V-E Day is
the only factor that's keeping the
swinging doors swinging in legit
spots iii .many instances, with decline
of anywhere from 25 to 5S r < in
business reported.

Miniiesot'anN Back'D. ('.

Minneapolis. May 8.

"Minnesota Poll of Public Opin-
ion," conducted by the Star Journal-'!
Tribune, shows that four 'out of
every live Minnesotans approve the
midnight-' curfew on entertainment
which the Government imposed on
the nation a few- months 'ago;

To the. question of approval of Ihe
Washington midnight closing order.
83';. of those questioned went on
record in the affirmative, 13', dis-

approved and 4% was undecided. A
few more women than men dislike
the curfew, while more city dwellers
than farmers disapprove, according
to the Tribune. Lowest percentage
of approval of the measure, 74%, it
says, came from Minnesotans in the
21 to 29 years age group. The ap-
proval tabulation rises proportion-
ately with age, until 91% of those
over 60 register curfew support.

GAGS! JOKES! GAGS!

PATTER! WISE-CRAX! STORIES!

»""'""""• tlnbt. Mdio M.C.'l, iinglfj.
ooublM, •nnounccrt. pradueiri. diio Ittkeyt.
dlmtori, bind Itadtrs. ifltikrr.. ninlci.
"MIM. mmliUni, vrntrllov comm.e«lnOr».
wrlltn. tirloonlsls. tic.

Fan-Matter Gag Files Net. 1 Thra 10
$1.05- Per Script, Pottage Prepaid

Each Flla Centalnt Over 100 Sock
Gogi ! !

Miiku ClievkH I'n.VHlile Co

i'aii.a Smith

Mull lo "Kuu-Mvklcr"
iWI \\. Mil, St.. N>w Vork filly 19. N.V

"HIT OF THE EVENING"—

HASIMMiTON KVKMMi STAR

THE MACK TRIPLETS

On T«ur Willi Plill StIUlay

K>'ln. Mulnbl 1','iso.i.il Mti.

HARRY COHEN PHIL FARRELL

IS57 Brudway I6jg Broadway

Fatal Fall of Victoria
Torrence Glooms RBB;
B.O. Continues Strong

Madison Square Garden was well-
fllled for the matinee of the Ring-
ling, Barnum & Bailey, circus
Monday (7), but there was gloom
among Ihe performers because of
the fatal fall of Victoria Torrence
the previous night. It was Ihe third
accident since the show opened in
N. Y., and those around, the big top
have gotten Ihe jitter's.-

Victoria and Torrence was one of
the show's thrill acts, the aerialists
working directly beneath the
Garden girders. Miss Victoria fell
60 feet to the middle of the center
ring, being so badly hurt internally
that hemorrhages resulted in her
death soon after being taken into,
the Polyclinic' hospital across the
street. Team was known around the
show as one of the most affectionate
of couples, and the grief of Fran/.
Torrence was pitiable. Both' -were
natives of Vienna, where they were
-married, her maiden name being
Victoria Rumlina. They have been
here for some time, this being their
third season with the RBB outfit.

The act had been completed and
they started to descend. After being
lowered a few feet, the girl ap-
parently fainted-, losing her grip.
Torrence, suspended from his .wrist,
knew something was wrong and
desperately tried to catch one of
her arms. Their method of descent
was novel, the girl hav ing' a scissors
hold on one of his legs, while' he
supported her neck with his other
foot so that they came down with
Victoria . being parallel with the
arena.

Staled around the, show Dial Vic-
toria had not been feeling well for a
couple of weeks' and they missed

i several performances. It's said Tor-
rence had asked his wife to quit the
act several limes bur she refused. |

I Fact that the team was spotlighted |

i made- the accident (he more tragic.
1 |
I One recent accident at the circus i
not reported was Ihe injury to j
i Esterina Repensky, crack bareback |
' rider. Fall during performance re- i
suited in an elbow fracture so bad.
an operation was necessary before
.the joint could be sel. Nearly Iwo.j
weeks .ago one of Ihe ladder acts
collapsed, hair a dozen girls being
hurl. One is hospitalized with a
fractured pelvis. Scrveral others
arc still hobbling about.

GLEN BURT BACK INTO
AGENCY FIELD IN CHI

Chicago. May 8.
Glen Burl, pioneer showman,
joined the Barnes-Carrulhers office
yesterday in an executive capacity.
In his new position he will roule
and handle acts and assist Mike
Barnes in the management of the
office

Burl, who spent years hero as a
vaudeville agent, recently resigned
as steward of the Variety Club in Ihe
Blackslonc hotel, a position li$ took
because of poor health Previously
he hart been assistant'' manager of
McVickers theatre. Chicago, and
manager' of Ihe Columbia', Dayton.
Ohio.

Saranac Lake

By Happy Benuay

Saranac Lake, N. Y., May 8.
Peter Vassal, singing chef of the
old NVA sanatorium, floored via the
flu and hospitalized.

J. C. Holt, who received his good-
health papers many moons ago, is
now manager of New Star theatre,
Ricbwood, W. Va.

While Senator Murphy was enter-
taining G.I.'s at the Lake Placid Club
he took time out to tell a few stories
to the gang here.

Peter Turgeon, ex-eolonyile. who
did 11 missions over Iwo Jima. here
for a weok-eitd milling his dyd. Peter
was connected with "Life Wilh
Father" company bebore going lo
work for his Uncle Samuel.

Birthdays for Alice Farley. Frank
Monroe, Tony Anderson and Albert
Hall.

Inez Liverpool, dancer here a short
time, handed 10-day furlough to visit
folks in Boston.

Aloroa Gooding will leave here for
good with O.K. papers. She will ogle
the Big Town, then shoot to the Coast
to resume work.

Kay Laus Hashing a high tempera-
ture over Ihe fact that her recent
clinic ■ report may allow her to
shoot ' home the later part of this
month. She's an ex-HKO connection.
Write to those who are ill.

AGVA Whips Paul Small
Into Paying 'Rhapsody-
Cast Full 2 Wks. Coin

Paul Small. producer. whose
"Rhapsody in Rhythm." sepia revue,
folded after 10 performances several
weeks ago at the Mayan theatre, Los
Angeles, has been compelled to pay
most of the -cast two weeks salary
by edict of Matt Shelvey. national
administrator of American Guild of
Variety Artists.
Shelvey was on the Coast 'shortly
! after the show folded. Cast was
l paid ' off pro rata on basis of
j 10 performances, despite the fact
! Small signed the usual two-week
minimum play or pay contract. Per-
formers, according to Small, had
waived the additional four days re-
muneration. When Shelvey checked
l it was found that only a trio of the
'featured acts such as Elhel Waters,
Carter & Morcland and Timmie
Rogers, had agreed to waive, but
other acts filed claims with AGVA.
Claims amounted to -$1,075, which
Small paid off last week. . -

Irving Vice Halperin

.lack Irving, executive secretary of
Chicago local of American Guild of
Variety Artists, has been elected
director of the Chicago Tent of the
Variety Club, replacing Hal. Hal-
perin. deceased. ,
Appointment was made this' week.

Hal Diamond (Bros.) Believed Lost
In Plane Crash; Was On USO Tour

This Joint Really Went To
The Dogs— Vet Bought It

St. Louis, May 5.

Club Royal, shuttered nitery and
casino, 12 miles from here, has liter-
ally gone to the. dogs. Since an un-
solved shooting in the place last fall,
county, authorities have kept the
joint closed . tightly..

Last- week Dr. V. J. Novoy, a
Belleville velerinarian. purchased
the building and grounds and will
reopen it on June 1 for the treat-
ment of ailing canines.

Harry Richman Again
Establishing His Cafe
B.O. Rep at La M.,N.Y.

Harry Richman is again establish-
ing himself as a nitery demand after
a fairly long retirement from the
field. He's credited with pulling La
j Martinique. N. Y.. back in the run-
I ning as a heavy grosser with a first
| week's lake of around $30,000 under
curfew conditions. It's also claimed
he's breaking income marks long
j held 'by Danny Kaye.
; As a result of the first week's
gross, Dario. spot's bonifacc, has
; lorn up Richman's original contract
and rewritten' the terms so that
Richman's salary is raised $500
weekly, retroactive to the starting
day. He's now getting a flat $3,000
weekly instead of former salary and '
percentage deal! lis probably the ;
first instance of a Broadway cafe 1
owner voluntarily handing out retro- ;
active pay. . ' . !

Originally signed foi four weeks. I
Richman is now assured of an .
eight-week run which may extend
to 12 weeks, and Dario has already
exercised an option for next year.
! New contract also carries a clause
Lcalling for a further increase if the
curfew is modified or repealed.

Harold Diamond, one of the three
Diamond Brothers who went over-
seas with a USO-Camp Shows musi-
cal, "Panama Hattie," has been miss-
ing since April 24, it's learned. Dia-
mond, whose real name was Joseph
H. Prest, is reported to have gone
up in a plane off the Isle of Capri,
the ship crashing" in the Mediter-
ranean.

The War Dept. announced that
Diamond's flight was a pleasure trip,
not in line of duty.

Efforts to locate any bodies have
been unsuccessful as yel. but it's
practically certain no other USO
members were aboard ihe - plane.
The unit, the first musical to go-
overseas for Camp Shows, had fin-
ished its six-month stint in the
Mediterranean, , and was headed
home. Diamond's death, if verified,
will mark the 16th entertainer who
has died while with USO-Camp
Shows.

Principals of Crosby's
Air Show Sold Into
Strand, N.Y., at $12,000

Bing Crosby's airshow, minus its
headlines will play the Strand the-
atre. N. Y., starling July 13 or 20.
Cast line-up includes the John Scolt
Trotter orch, Eugenic Baird and the
Charioteers.

General Amus. Corp., packaging
Ihe show, is committed to complete
the line-up with a name comic. Show
was originally submitted at $12,000,
final price contingent upon ultimate
.selection of comedian.

JUDY CANOVA TO DO
CONCERT TOUR IN FALL

Judy Canova is set to do a series
of one-night concert appearances be-
tween Sept, 17 and Oct." 28. Tour will
.start in Long Beach, Cal. Supporting
line-up not yet selected.

Layout is designed to net Miss
Canova anywhere . from $15,000-
$20,000 weekly. Most dales call for
a guarantee upwards of $2,000.

CONCESSIONAIRE ELLIS
BUYS STEEL PIER, A. C.

Atlantic City's Steel Pier, on the
market for a year, was sold last Fri-
day 14) by owner F. P. Gra.valt to
Abe Ellis, New York concessionaire,
and owner of Manhattan Center,
N. Y., and the. Essex House, Newark,
N. J. -Price is reported around $1,-
000.000. deal made with part cash
and balance long term. Title will
pass to Ellis middle of May.

Latter, who purchased pier wilh a
syndicate, plans to operate pier on
same lines as before, with name
bands, vaude. Alms and exhibits as
attractions. Pier will open for the
new season on Decoration Day, with
Louis Prima and band featured.

PUPPETS WITHOUT STRINGS

LA CONGA, NEW YORK

Ihru MILES INGAUS

Pe/i^eoUoH in Pantomime

Acclaimed Everywhere the Greatest Act of Its
Kind on the American Stage Today

CURRENTLY

DETROIT

JUST CLOSED LOEWS STATE, New York

ANNOUNCING"

The most unusual creation
in marionette hi s t o r y—
Conceived and created by
The LeRoys'< — A marionette
39-Jnches tall plays a real
vibraharp.

rw|iyrlcblr«l

"An eiceptlonally . clover puppet act which can't mlit any-
where . . , they com* forth wilh a lltflo bey and girl In a dance
routine, a' very sackful Interlude . , . Oyer big her« w when
caught."

Char.
"Variety," April 18

AVAILABLE AFTER MAY 23

Our Thank* to. General Amutement Corp. Staff
PoMonal Management— 'HOWARD ROSENE
1(0 North Michigan Avon**, Chicago. III.

40

ROUSE REVIEWS

WeiTjiesday, Miy 9, 1915

. Paris. April 27.

Pmil Denial production of. re-
vue in two acts . (30 sicoip.o, by
Maurive Hennile utssiswil by
Jfficliel GiynTmodiy tiWio did the
cpslti/iicsi. Staged by Georges-
Triel; donees. Miss Bluebell:
in iisip. Pierre Lnrririt and il/«r-
ccl Lefborfci,- conducted - |/ -
Lnrrieu. Opened at Fades Bcr-
gere. Paris. April 27. "45.

Cusi includes Marcel Lebas.
Lyne de Soma. Michelin'e.
CineUe Wander, Nico'e- Roy.
Piroska. M. Anibcrti. Cizy Vu.rgu,
Gerald Cnslii.r. Cnsioii Bri'iyerr.-
Lino Cnreniio. Mile. lionk'K:
Simone id]/. Dundy. Andy Sil-
vio. Mile Irene. Paul Jory.
Mathieu. and Les Swing FoUi'x
Girls. :>

with them, the while the brass sec-
tion comes in with some beautiful
backing. Maxine Johnson sings "I'm
Gonna Sec My Baby," the while four
Sailors do a neat dance supporting'
routine.- "Little' 1 Jimmy Rushing
waddles through "Jimmy's -Blues".', to
the Count's expert support.

Thr band is also subdued, but
strong a.-.sisl io the vandc Uirns and
I

ni id w
t i n<
tin

|-M'I .
Three.

I priivciiK'nl over, their lasl appear-
uirc in a nimble dam;e turn, willi

Music Hall, -X. V,

Richard Leibert. Harry Campbell
at . organ; Erno Rupee, Jules Si'rer,
John Dosso condncting Tschaikou-
sky's "Capriccio liulieu"; Leon
Legitidbp' production oj "Summer

alilv and give a genuine Latin touch
to -Ruin and Cola."

Dorsey offers his now standard sax
arrangement of Dave' Rose's "Holi-
day loi Strings.'' always a click, be-
lore calling on Teddy Walters, the

Idyll r settings. Brnno Maine: cos-! * lo W or ?'«»?«* '"/« vocalists.

rnii.es. Wi-la Van and H. Rogue: , iv < M >' gels a rise out of the bobby

lighting. Eugene Br'auu:, specidi !;!'/.'.' '"'j'";..

his bariloning

, tin; drill routine - a standout, their
I whole • turn, . however, marred by
i band siluptirl too loud for their taps.
I .Hay SaV. scores with the self-same

' rmitine- he's liSed the lasl 12 years.

. . .■ . ■' , 'from dancing while playing sax. im-

Playmg lo socko houses •-fiaeked-; oersonaling Ted Lewis while acre
•with CI and other Allied; uniforms. ■ \ yMinsl , in the rope-twirling . stunt
the Fohes .Bcrgere - carries -on... in while . plaviiie and dancine. But it s

Paris. Paris in the spring : is sill I :, , ^ m goc-d withaL Sam Rauth ha:-
terrific .with.. beaucoup : babes and '. 1)( ,„ kl , ri a . nice 'package., for the

Bron..'

■ Valley of Decision" (Af-C> i *»>' at , V". j'' 1 '! 10 - .Bund Rivet the

rieirrd'-in "Variety." April 11, '45. !^ ow , :l , < <,n !!' , '"'"'V w,t !) Counl
■ j B: sie s One 0 C lock Jump.

'"■'" ." Wilson and F.ronchy. I) rsl colored

Lconidoff's. "Summer Idyll',' may',acl lo play, the house in a blue moon,
nol quite lit the rither cold spi ing i arc Well received in a snappy, dance
sCi'son but '..there's nothing iru'slil lonline. Harlem style, mixed with a
alxiul its. entertainment values. The Ispol or humor and a vocal of "Sweet
four components are a compact i-cvii- ! Georgia 1 .Brown" by Wilson. Ladd
cite, replete with variety, running I Lyon, working with his brother who
the range from ballet to bikes, and is planted in the audience, gives a
batler-iip 'to'; fancy diving. : '. Icsmiii . in acrobatics atop a compli

flowers, but the Folies 1» just so-so..
The modernistic theatre of the Hue
Richer lias a fancy show that clicks
with the soldier boys, but the wise-
acres on the main: stem wouldn't
.■turn handsprings. It's got plenty of
flesh, but no flash— plenty of breasl..
but no zest. There are just a few
exceptions and. iii their Gallic w;iy.
tliev are hilarious. '■„

The sh*IT is ; called "Follies Cock-
tail" and it is dished out in two acts
and 30 scenes.
How about the gals?

nice package.
"I lorscshoc" lllm's run.

Chicago. May 5
BOiiild Crnm-ille.. Wilkey It Dure.
Roily' Roth. ' Tommy Tucker Orch
■ 1 1> i tei.ii Doii- Broini rniri Tiro-
T^'erx i:i>: "Srrfliioe Jlliusiou"
iPfiC). '■■•

Current luyotil with Bonila Gran-
ville and Tommy Tucker's Orchestra
Well thev Uharing lop honors, supported by two
show" llie'standard "equipment but ; excellent- acts, is proving top 'enter-
they don't know how to sell it. - lainmenl.

There arc a few classy number.- : Tucker and crew open- show with
In the show, some oL them- even an- theme song. "I Love Yoir." as cuckoo^
proaching ballet • proportions. In ! clock trailer is thrown on Scrim drop
the first 'act there are a couole of ; before band. With lights Hp they
numl>efs that click;: One is the 'swing into hot version of •'Tabu 1 fol-'
"Idvlle Ukraihienne" danced in a Mowed by- the Three-Two Timers, at-
very comic mood and tells the slorc ; tractive girl trio, who give out with
of the farmer and the farmer's -wire, 'good harmony on • Saturday .Night"
also the shepherd's designs on her and "All Things Come to Those Who
and the cops threatening atiilude to Wait" for good response. Don Brown,
the attempted sriatch. Then there is . baritone or the outfit, wows "cm with
a really hor number, ac'ed »nd ; "'Candy. "" "What a Difference a Day
danced by' Mile. Ginctte Wander. Makes" in which lie kids the swooncr-
which is a howling French burlesque crooner and "My' Heart Sings'" the
_ "" " L latter with . the aid of the Two

The lank act in the, Robin Hood
Country Club selling segues into the
:iti Roekeltes.' snappy looking in their
smart Sherwood; Forest gefups. Aricr
a 'counli-y club dunce' opener, the
emcee heralds Tony Zukas. fancy,
diver., aided by the comedic George
Cruniii and Cid Ciinale. the Tdrmer a
diininiilive .'ami very funny aquatic
clown

caled table ayul chair set-up for
plenty of laughs. Bi/. was just fair
at second iiialince opening dav.

Coil).

iNnUoniil. l/vllle

Loiiisrillf. May 4.
Bill Bnido Orcli U2I. Red Foley.
i Pansy, the horse: Mary Lee: '■Man
.I»si;:prcmlin { s.- the. three^nvret- Wno Walked Atone? \PRC>.. .:

tos. as with all sight. acts in the mam
iiiolh Hall, gel over for extra values.
The lissome blonde na"shes a special-
ly attractive' set of. gams and chassis
in her abbreviated getup. Group
■does its standard bike buck-and-
wings. the tandem stuff in -'unison:
and the unicycle Hash With its com-
edy variations such. as. the stew rou-
litie.'ete'. Incidentally, no dunib act
can' fever, hope for a more superb or-
chestral assist than the Erno Rapee
symphonists. '
■ Opener is the Chopin Album, fea-
turing Ada Kopptz at the piano, as,
Leda Anchiilina and William Dollar
terp to'- .'Chopin's Mazurka.' Butlcrtly
Etude. Larghetto and Polonaise.
The ballet pair- are tiptnp in their
routines, holding the mammoth Hall's
audience solidly despite a .some what

on the supposed English reserve. . .

There is one good tableau number Timers, lo click. Another band nuiri- :, extended routine, The Glee Club
in the second act which shows a : her. " Brass Huts" gives full sway to ! thereafter gives it a neat lift with
group of thinly— if at all-rdad gals , the brass -section . and Tucker winds its 19lh century bcwhi.skered base-
groiiped about a spring. Again the up his portion of the show with his I ball getnp. as Edward Reicherl. Ber-
audience looks "down oh and some- aurtienoe participation, gimmick of'l iia.rd Griffin and William Judd lead
how It reminds you .of a Maxfield i having four people; selected -from the j the ensemble in some good special

lyrics by the Music Hall's own poet
laureate. Albert Stillman. who pai>
oriies tunes like "One Baseball." etc.

Abel..;.

Apollo. IS'. V.

■ Ge.orgie Aiild Orch (10) . iciih
Putty Powers; Rue i Ray. Manhattan
Pniil, Cats a Fiddle (4 •.. i'dirdrds
Bros. (3), "House' oj Mystery" tV):

Parrish painting. ; laudience. sing for their supper, re

Another good spot is the risque wards here being tickets for dinner
number called "Quelle Mode Pre- ^al lhc Stevens hotel. '
■ferez — ^VousV ("which • fashion do . Bonila (rianville. who has grown
you prefer?") One of thr gals from a film juvenile to a young lady
walks offstage and drops a little pair ; or beauty-, sing's in a luisky manner,
of panties. A suave m.c. walks out opening with "'I'm Beginning to- See
and picks up (he dainty little item the Light" and then lelling. in song,
and starts to sing and then begins lo the '.story or meeting a soldier -and
look for the owner. He comes down what happened, using such tunes as
Into the audience and starts- kibitz- ' "Would You Like lo 'Take a Walk?"
ing a la Lou Holtz,. But this guy ; "N(i Love. No Nolhin':" "Take It
starts picking on some of the good- j Easy", and others, the series of songs
looking WAC and WAVE officers ■ portraying the whole story. Actress
and makes like he's trying; to find I makes a stunning appcariiitce. jmx-
oul If they lost it. and insinuates thai ' sesscs plenty of poise and scores sol-
they can have the panties if they'll , idly!

try them on right there -for size to i Wilkev and Dare almost slop the Ml and no more need be said ,
see If they fit. The night we were show with their dance steps, knock- Auld's ofay crew, almost a. standby
there, there were no takers. iaboiil comedy, double cartwheels and • at this house now. turns in a good

'There, were two really swell com- \ other acrobatics that are socko. 'job. Composed of four trumpets,
edy scenes played' by an old hand ! Rollv Rolls, Parisian comedv pi- 1 three trombones, five sax. and three
who really knows his stuff— Mon- anisl. rounds out the show doing rhythm bolstered by the leaders
sieur Dandy. ! Liszt's -"Seeond Hungarian Rhapsody" tenor; alto . and soprano saK--

Oh, yes. before I forget, there's a 'Willi - .coined v trimming's: plavs . a | ing. the band knocks 'em out hot and
crack about Brooklyn, when one or j medley ol Clershwiii tunes', on ".the 'sweet and had the house rocking at
the comedians struggles wil.h a quip smallest concertina in the world and I this particular show. Auld features
about how he has a friend whos a ! winds up ah excellent turn with I neat arrangements, with the accent

minor from Brooklyn. It gets, laughs, - -

too. .,
After beaucoup trouble, Paris tries

House goes back lo stage band
policy this week, with three acts lo
round mil the bill. Bill Bardo's
baud, with Jack Hummel, Russ An-
drew, and olher specialists Mil the
musical port ion of the bill okay.

Bardo makes a pleasant m.c. and
works hard to give the patrons a
show. Leads" his band . 15 sax, 2
Irombone. 3 trumpet, piano, bass. and
druiiisi, in a series of novelty ar-
rangements -which provide good
straight, entertaining.' moments.
Opens with "Poor Butterfly,"- then
into a drum specially by Jimmy
Snow. Orch shows to good ad-
vantage in "That's How We Make
Music." and. "Blow Those Horiis..-'
in which the sidemen are given a
brief chance to shovv their ability.
Vocalist Jack Hummel .registers with-
"Always" and "Don't You Know I
Care." Roly-poly Russ Andrc\y docs,
rather, uninspired vocal of "Oiic
Meal Ball."

Red Foley scores with .his sohgs
and guitar. Spacing through "Fieight
Train Blues. "Old Shep.'.' "Don't
Fence Me In" and "Smoke on the
W;iler." Hiis .'em with him all the
way. - ' • ■ ■

Pansy, the horse, cops a iiice-'quota
of laughs. 'With the Mayos working,
fore and aft. comic nag gets tangled
up in various, grotesque postures
which bring guffaws. Hard to de-
termine whether customers were

more inlerested iii Pansy or the gor-
Headed bv C.eorgie- Auld's liol geous femnie trainer, with a nifty

band, this stage show isn't a wow bv pair 'of gams- Lass is a looker, and ... .

downtown" comparisons, 'but it sal is- mixek in a bit of rhumba movemcnl- ' spouse to his strip lease burlesque

SljiO, X. V.

Joe, Lou and Arline Cails, Paul
Dnlrr.. Lfii'riy Douglas, Gttutier'i
Bricklayers, Day. Dawn and Dusk
tJarry -Snr~oy:Culior&: Dresden, Rti'bn
Zicerl/no's f/oiisc Orch; "See My
Lawyer" Wt, reviewed in this
week's issue oj "Variety."

This is one of the' longest bills' ut
Ihe Slate.— seven acts -and the idea
apparently was lo 1111" otil liinu re-
quired because or the shorler-thuii-
usuul pic. "See My Lawyer" <fj)
It's a typical vaude setup' that looks
belter. on paper than it plays, though
several of the individual iicls ■ are
long-since standard. '...-.

It's all "-wcl (-diversified, including
hooting to start it off. by Joe, Lou
and Arline Caits in the same tvpe
of act that used to -employ just *th e
CaiLs Bros. Ii's standard, oldtinie
stuff, and .when the older Caits
brother— who is iiilrodueed ;as the
boy-girl's father —- comes on for
wooden-shoe tterps. that's particu-
larly indicative of the turn's dated-
ness though not. by the same token,
of the act's la#k of commercial
values: Trio look well, and the audi-
ence at this catching \s ent for them '
big.

Paul Duke goes through his stand-
ard legerdemain of manipulating as-
sorted, smokes, but that business of.
withdrawing a string of razor blades
from his toiisils is' still nis best-
trick.'

"Gaiitier's 'Bricklayers dog turn, is
still among the top acts of its kiiid,
while Harry . Savoy, in the- top com-,
edy spot, needs, a refurbishing: of
material. Cabot and Dresden close ■
the bill with their ballroomology,
with the' acrobatics still the buff part
of their turn. They're a good-look:- .
ing pair who can play the niterics ■
equally as well. :

'Larry Douglas/ baritone, .and Day,
Dawn and; Dusk, colored haroibniz-.
ing trio, arc reviewed under New

Acts. : " .

Ruby Zwerlilig's house orch plays
a ncal- accomp on stage; . i Ka/in.

K4>illiN.-lmlpl«i.

Iiidiaiifipo'is. May 5.
CJia: Chase. Marilyn Keller & Co.,
Liltlejolinx. Clinr/ir Eimne.lt, Johnny
Patchen. ..Page. Jewctt and Kifei;
Missing Juror'- (Coli. y .

Keith's winds up activities for the
season with one of its lives! bills in
weeks; House resumes vaude in
Sept. The house will be used dur-
ing -.the sumrrier for the Saturday
night' WIBC Jamboree, moving- in
from Tomlinson Hall, and an occa-
sional fit in.

'Chaz. Chase wins plenty of guffaws
for his zany antics in headline -spot.
His old trick of eating everything
handy, including his boulpnniere,
shirt front, lighted matches and his
cigar, are as funny as ever to -the
customers. There also is a hefty re-

tied a capacity crowd when caught ! whilst putting the comic plug

through it's paces..

Mary Lee: who has been featured
in several Republic pics, was billed,
but couldn't perform due lo bac^
cold. Dainty miss was iutrocd by
Bill Bardo and said a few words Of
greeting, promising to appear later

again and it's not too bad. As the
crowds file out of the theatre, rush-
ing to catch the last metro, the con-
sensus of opinion among (he GI< |
leems to be that maybe: the joint \
could stand a little less "ait" a ,,H ■
more flesh.

Cpl. Mi'toii J. Teiger

Lady Be Good!" done with vboogie-
wo'ogie variations. .Big hit.' Mqry.

JIKO, H n

oil brass: at this catching his best
effort was an original titled, "Taps
Miller."

Patty Powers is the band's only
vocalist, Singing in a distinctly
Negrois style, she - gels off "Lover

and screwy Russian dance. -The bill
impresses fans who like a bit of daz-
zle with the unusual juggling act of
the ' Lilllejohns in' their- "Jewel
Fantasy." Dressed in frosted cos-
tumes." they balance themselves. <>n
big glittering globes while tossing
~ ■ .- , -• ,, , „ , shining dunibellk and. sparkling axes

in the week when, her cold, had • UiVough the air. Marilyn Keller and
cleared up. ■ _ .. I Elmer Cleve augment the comedy in

a xylophone - Strip lease routine
with a surprise twist. Act, including
some nicely paced comedy patter
and a snappy dance, registers well.

Biz' mild at opening show Friday 1
- ; Hold.

Adam*, Newark

■Netrork, May 3.
Dnk<> Ellinglon Orch (16i. with
Ray Nance. Johnny Hodges. Marie

Boston, May 4 , ,,^„

Gnw Loindiiif/o's Royal .Canadian lj&ril?~*^'"&\ywth%at\ 'of""' All" My i A( Hibbler. Kay Davis, Lntcreiice
.Orcli t\A).u\ith Frank Vigno, Fred | q \ -airis.'' recorded bv the oullit ro'r I -Brou-ii. Rex Stewart; Bill Bailey:
and Krcii;er. Jii/imu Brown. Rose Murie Guild records* and leaves her listen- Conwuy & Parks; "Mickey the
LomlKirdo. Ed & Terry ' Wilxon. • ers satisfied, "she's a fair singer. ! Great " (PRC),
fislrllr k Leroy. Bob WiII.kiiiis. ond | There's not much lo the rest of

Roxy, IN". V

Jerry Lester, .Count Basie Orch

oilier^ "Rough. Tough and Ready'
iColi. .

the show except perhaps the Cats 1 The Duke makes "em lake the count
and Fiddle, a stringed rhythm group ' in this sizzling semester. Standing at
that turn out. "Stomp Stomp," "I : his built-in keyboard before Bn amaz-

(17> With Jam'eii R«*Wtiir Ewrlr' 1 : FcaU !' : n K sweet harmony.and gra- - Miss You So" and "Holiday for | i"Kly intricate. bandstand, the genial
Warren. M«*i„ e JoU»«o» ' W. : ^^Xv'SX* i'/i ^ <T1 '" Siriiigs." For st,me reason they ! F.llington makes will, some of the
Rau Sav die Foster ■ Roruett^i- , • Ke'ling good • ale . -„ 0 t- as effective as they once seasons sweetest and hottest swing.

"Diamond Howsho*-' re- ' ™ i! * ,on , f»'.om jive-satiatrd fans. Guy s we re;' even -at .this house. ; It's a smackeroo ror this jive-in-

oieteecl in- "Variety:' April 11, '45. : ^ID^Y ^"ed «'.th some new . Rae it Ray. is a colored tap team ^rueled populace. Biz at opening ca

songs and decor.

opens

>m.- a u ,. i Orchcsira opens with

The Roxy has another smartly '
packaged stage show, in which
diverse turns as jerry Lester
-Basie and his orchestra, the
ettes and a couple of standard

acts, doveUll smoothly for 50 nun- . L„ m lwirdo Trio; Jimmv Brown. Cliff
u .es o boff entertainment. The palm. . Grass and Fred lligman.. with song
of coiu.se, goes to Lester; who ni a ,.t,„m •'Carouse!. ' "June Is Busting
welter of old and new material, the Otil AH Ovei "
one as sock as the other, has. the : E d and Terrv Wilson are sweet
customers spiraling in .their, scats , in trumpet impressions' of '-orchestra
Ii om laughter. . LcSler by now has leaders:

I that works fast and hard, and get ' pacity.
Humor- . 0V er solidly. Manhattan Paul, blues ! Ellington has it over most of the

Wood.

Circle. Ind|»lN.

Indianapolis', Muy 6.
Jimmy Dorsey Orch. with. Teddy

duction of such virtuosi as Hodges,
Stewart. Brown and Nance draws an
appreciative round o( handclapping.

This 'all-sepia- revue, a trifle, over-
long at premiere (75 minutes), starts
in a blaze of heal, with "Blue Skies"

hit comedian lop brackets; his kid- I iia'rd Time h rccle'niyh^ Zwe^' ^-^1^' j*«n: &o7nwell. r Ma ! selling a curiT : cbmbing. Ray Nance

ding with the trombone add his RoaVv^n^^ ' : ' ' - * ,n '* ^ m "' ^""^

Scotch routine, while old. have the Lilllc Rhode Island."
rich flavor of wine, while the new - In their dsnce number. Estelle aixl !
gags and poems.^and especially the LeRoy amazinglv mix Tico' Tico" !
bariender-«nd-kid routine, riin from a,,(l .straight gar.l 1 ., including tea

5**i s tO'Side-sphllersr. Lester also divss; This is an 'improvement on >. fast and groovey show. The^imisV-

worKs JSaSie and hi.s band into hits rather e

•of his .comedy to lessen appreciably, ihg. and

enteSSnmenr" ^ lW ° ^ ° ( ^il\^Hvmc<' ""^ " , ll,t ' i'S«"li"-'tli«ir 'weicluTii^ «bine-

The Count and his court musirian* ; 'b " c Marie' Lombardo anil the Trio 'sp e ^ ' ' J " lo ^l,. ; it. Sp^ialt.es ^ by Hodges, Brown

give .off in' slick tunes, smartly-pro- run a r ncc .^1% "Ol" Brolhe ; Dorsev comes out swinging in '•', bl "^,'r t ( cnl0 nstrate the beauty
duced throughout from the opening, and Oh Moitlo!" with the 1 iS.el^v jive exerciSe "tlu^ , ca "on Jeii.V ' ' '"^e" nSes " rL ^'" P /"i 11 ?'
rnomenls ^hat show four, bandsmen C.rinei, Lombardb. leading »' c<>»i^' -C;,"^ e«[la 0 Vd?i"ary ^buss

i r,.„. M,,n, ., i„ ii... i ...i.i" , . y ass

! i Afni/i Morrow, Cliff Jeenidns; Laddy i sl ' l » s ? ncl P'aVf trumpet through
; Lyon. . Wilson k Frenchy; "IV/ioi ff'"°" 0 Makes with a Riff Staccato."
, i Blonde" : (RKO)'. Maric tasterully clad in a high yaller
gown with bare midriff, wriggles and

Jimmy Dorsey. and his ; gang head ^^iX^it^^

-«g,r r i bal.mom ^ danc \<^^^^c7^ ^rc^^^ $ M
nd a seductive West Indian Itween rhythm and rdmantic tunes to '„ S ic er MMv Heirt wl" 2
■r would have improved, in tor- ;.ft»lwejdal| comers and; the extra acts ^n^ffi

Johnny Palcheii, who doubles ac-
ceptably' as emcee, gets atlenlion
with such oddments as . juggling
balls while eating an apple, telling a
story while tap dancing, and imper-
sonations of Bill Robinson and
others. Page. Jewell and Kiki vary
the unicycle routine with a bit of
music on the side; vocalist warbling
"Always in Mv Heart" and "I Don't
Want to Walk Without You" while
the boys -cavort on wheels. But the
best seller in vocal line is Char«i?
Emmett. who applies a good bari-
lone to "McNamara's Baiid," with
dialect . variations. "The Ranger
Song'-' and "Der Fuehrer's Face.",
with the- usual sound effects. Bi7.
was fair at opening. Corb.

Chicago, Thl

Cliieirioo. May i.
Willie Shore, Fontnines t3) .• Af.aii-
liMllHii Deb (2), Louis Jordan's
Tympany Five. (8), Lou Breese
Orfli .. tl5); "Prncticaltv Yours"
tP«r).

Individually spotlighted against a lo- effect. i Beginning to See the Li"ht"' a'iirf "i '-."iWY

tally darkened stage, to the close Bob- Williams clicks wilh his liltle 1 Dream of You" with » charining Bin
that finds, the Count/alone ni the while doe. Sonnv. with routine of isouthern accent; Band is spotlighted '
orchestra nit at the piano. while tin' doggone runny (ricks; A really good in a new arrangement or "Lover "
ensemble is massed . onstage. .The ■ act. ' • •- ~ ■ •• - ■

band whirls through "I Ain't Mad '

At You." "Count Basic Jump." "One
O'Clqck Jump" and "Red Bank Eoo-
' Kle." Earl .Warren croons "Dream" '

Lombardo. who has a wickedlv
eraccfiil foc-i gliHc in his Ooiiducline.
ends up. with "Frankic and Johnny."

1 ''"'■"'. Dame.

realuriiig sonic sparkling breaks for
Ironibone. ' sux jhuI tr.un)pel. The
drummer goes to town in a lively
version of "John Silver" before fjil'a
Rosa appeals lo flash a vivid person-

Bill Bailey ». tap dancing is. a high
spu . the husky -fellow making neatly
with the feet, while shouting out Jokes
lo which everyone in the, audience
choruses the eatthlines. Eccentric
huiDor and scat singing turn the Con-
way and Parks act into a blithe in-
terlude. Bran

.. Nicely balanced ' bill- on tap this
week headed by Willie Shore, just
out of the Chez Paree. and Louis
Jordan and his Tympany Five. Shore
is using a lot of new material at this
stand and with a little mote polish-
ing should; run a lot smoother than
when caught. Coining out in tropical .
GI attire to parody on "This Is the
Army Mr, Jones" he gags it up a bit
and then sings "Oh: My Aching
Back,? a tune written overseas by
Shore and Fred Aslaire. 1 .

Discarding the tin irorni for lux he
delves into •soft-shop, routine to "Tea
for Two" that really, wakes up the-
customers. In the niinntes that fol-
low Shore gives 'em everything in
the book, quick imitations or Lauuh-
lon; Hildcgarde. Ted Lcwis aiid Sonja .
H^Die^a panto pr man playing pin-
ball machine and sketch where he
Plays five characters in a roslauiariL
Most of his stuff is. good .but it is his
spectacular dunce steps 'mien' as his
(Continued ou liugc 42) •

Wednesday, May 9, 1945

41

"New- Acts

BUDDY THOMAS

Comedy

18 Mlns.

Maxim's, Bronx, N. Y. ■

Buddy Thomas., brother ot Danny,
is doing the smart thing by taking on
.in apprenticeship in the nabe spots
before setting out for the downtown
boites. He's getting experience and
a,, opportunity to break in material
here all ot which will eventually add
up to a solid background.

there's no denying kinship with
his already famous brother, either in
appearance or material. Latter was
. legitimately bequeathed to him by
Danny, who'll be out of the niteries
for some time, because of radio, corn?
mitments. While Buddy, is using
many of Danny's lines and parodies,
he's also breaking in stuff of his own.
He <loes some legitimate hoofing,
broken up with recitations aiid'paro-

dl There doesn't seem to be the likeli
hood that the relationship of these

SENOR MARDO

Magic

8 Mlns.

Havana-Madrid, N. Y.

Senor Mardo, a magico of Latin
appearance, has a long. way. to travel
before He can be in the sock cate-
gory. While tricks' are clever, act has
many blank segments which should
be covered up with a line of chatter..
Unfortunately, he works in panto-
mime, which- is okay only when
tricks are sock. So it's either .talk or
speed if he's to get places.

Does a variation of the shell game,
with rubber sponges and metal ciips„
which is .sufficiently mystifying, per-
forms a rope and paper-tearing trick,
good in themselves but ..undistin-
guished in performance. Jose,

BILL RUSSELL

Songs

9 Mlns.

Glass Hat, N. Y.
Bill Russell, personable, robust

brothers, will pass into the feuding , baritone, announced as coming from
atagc such. -as' is the case of Jerry radio, is at home on a nitery noor

and Buddy Lester. Danny is super
vising Buddy's career by long dis-
tance advice oh material and deliv^
ery, and when Danny's material is
used it's credited to him. '

He has an authoritative delivery, a
pleasing personality Bnd knows how
to handle audiences. Jose.

LARRY DOUGLAS
Songs

7 Mlns.; One
Loew's State, N. Y.

Larry Douglas achieved 'something
of a rep with a- long run at the
Versailles nitery, N. Y., and this is
his first vaudeville date. He's got the
voice , and appearance to make, good
though lacking in salesmanship and
general stage deportment. But these
will come, with experience.

and knows his way around a mike,
His song stanza rings the bell.

Opening with " The Song Is You,"
which he smacks across to- 'good ap-
preciation-, he follows through with
"Russia Is Her Name" and "Donkey
Serenade." Encores wilh "Had A
Talk Wilh The' Lord" to register
solidly.

■■' Personality and salesmanship make
him perfect for class boites .or vaude.

Edba.

BMI-ASCAP

Continued from page 31

writers. ASCAP publishers do not
do it; for the simple reason, how-

Right now Douglas sings well mo- ever, that all 'P«/°r.ming royaltta.
chanically. but he has vet lo acquire are collected by ASCAP and dis-

the throb that extends evon l.o- II. c
remote' reaches. And he's still a
little. uncertain in his talk. The suit
he was wearing when caught, a linht
gray, was tod uncbnscr.Yalive for a
ctage; a simple blue; of course, is the
usual and proper standby. '."..-■

Douglas is a tall, husky chap and
fairly', nice-looking, and he's bound
to do better with grculcr playing
time'. Knlni.

: FLORE S * DE CORDOBA
Flamenco
18 Mini.

Havana-Madrid, N. Y.

Angel Lopez, the Havana-Madrid's
boniface, has a knack, of selecting
flamenco, practitioners that not only
cet the Latin trade on its collective
ear, but provide a great deal of in-
terest for the lay patronage. Flores
and Cordoba appear to be among his
best selections in the norirname cate-
gory. Here's a youthful boy-and-girl
team that not only knows the fine
points of the intricate flamenco art.
out execute them with colorful pre-
cision. Heel and casta net work,
along with knowing use of body and
hands, make for an applause-getting
blend of terplng. ' Their Spanish-
gypsy garb goes well with their
work.

. Duo perform three numbers, in-
cluding Lecuona's "Malaguena" and
a sock a-cappella dance. Jose.

DAY, DAWN AND DUSK

Songs

« Mlns.

Loew's State, N. Y.

Day, D awn an d Pusk__are a col-
ored harmonizing trio, with one at
the piano and another tinkling a
guitar.

. They're - more roistering than
clicko in a large theatre. Some of
their mugging is done lo excess, and
that cocs particularly for the small-
er, non-instrumenlalizing . member.
However, they know .(he mechanics
of their, trade. But indications are
. they can do belter in a 'more intime
atmosphere. K«hu:

JIMMY SUTTON
Songs
• Mlns.

Havana-Madrid, N. Y.

Of pleasing appearance and fair
voice, Jimmy Sutton has much to
learn in the way of delivery and han-
dling of audiences before he can do a
aolid single. On opening night he not
only failed, to overcome a noisy room
but continued to lose ground in the
way of audience attention because of
faulty song-selection.

He does, however, manage to do an
okay job with "Body and Soul" but
fails to hit par with 'Tin Gonna Be
a Hermit," Jose

- MARIA LOUISA LOPEZ
Songs
10 Mlns.

Havana-Madrid, N. Y.

Maria Louisa Lopez is apparently
familiar to Latin audiences' from her
reception and response? ,,7,nis gypsy -
clad singer gets along' nicely with an
informal air and series of .Spanish

- asides to the audience, but judging
from work here, she's mainly for the
good-neighbor trade.*

• She can- do an okay job on pops.
Her "You Belong to My Heart" got a
mitt from the entire house. Jose.

tribuled evenly among publishers
and writers. It was .brought out at
Die trial that during the -period, .-or
the Marks-BMI relationship, which
conies to an end this year, Biyil did
not allow any of its licensees to use
any of the 0,000 disputed songs, j
Technically, attorneys point out. -j
Marks therefore Was not, paid for
them by BMI, hence the writers
have no claim for damages. An-
other point designed to substantiate
this contention is the argument that
since the inception of the Bivil-
Marks deal ASCAP has continued
to license the use of the disputed
songs on a non-exclusive basis and
that none of the writers involved
have suffered any financial loss.
ASCAP did not demote any of those
writers because of the BMl-Marks
deal, but continued to: pay thenf off
quarterly just as if the deal had
never occurred. Hence they prob-
ably couldn't prove actual damages.
BMI Could Have Ducked
Ironical angle of the entire case
is that before the litigants went to
trial, BMI sought to settle out of
court, as cited above. Later, after
the trial started, Pecora got attor-
neys for both sides in his chambers
and strove to affect a settlement At
that lime, BMI refused, asserting.it
wished to go through to a conclu-
sion. *

As pointed dtit above, the mus"ic
business was set back on its heels by
Pecora's decision. No one expected
the block-buster he tossed in the di-
rection ot BMI-Marks. ' It was
thought by many that Pecora would
even sidestep the decision and di-
cct the litigants to take the case
into Federal Court. This feeling was
based on Pecora's reaction when it
was brought out in the trial's testi-
mony that upon his decision hung
future potential suits for infringe-
ment or the defense of such suits by
and against BMI. Infringement suits
arc settled in Federal Court. He
said' in his decision relative ~\o this.
"A third parly aspect of the case
which might well cause this court
lo withhold the declaration sought by
plaintiffs, is presented by the fact
that the only practical value to them
of such -a declaration' would: be its
availability either as support fpr a
cause of action for infringement or
as a defense thereto. He also scored
BMI for deliberately placing- itself
in a dangerous. legal position via the
deal with Marks with full knowledge:
of possible retaliatory action (.Marks
had . refused to indemnify BMI
against suits*growing out of the deal;
iii turn BMI refused to warrant any
of its licensees against suits growing
out of the use. of any of Marks
songs.):

Pecora Opines

in this connection, Pecora' stated,
"In my opinion a court of equity
should not be asked, in the guise of
a declaratory judgement, to give ad-
vice as to their legal rights to plain-
tiffs who seem to have deliberately
created a situation which they knew

to be fraught with possibilities for
litigation, Persons who conscious-
ly place themselves in the way of
trouble should not. ask the court to.
steer them out of it by a declara-
tion."

Pecora also cracked down on BMI
in another way that contributed to
the pre-decision guesses that he
would sidestep the issue. During the
trial, it' came out that the result of
the suit would determine BMI's at-
titude toward an option it holds to
buy Marks catalog for $1,000,000,
rather than renew for a five-year
period .similar to the one now dravy>
ing to. a close. The renewal would
call for the same price as buying
the catalog. Pecora stated in this
regard, . a declaration by this
court conceivably would have the
effect of advising BMI whether its
exercises . of the option would-, con-
stitute good business acumen/ It
certainly is hot the duty of the court
.to give such counsel in the form
of a declaratory judgement, to par-
ties .contemplating business, ven-.
lures."

When Pecora Sat down in his
court room to deliver the decision,
there were . numerous writers, pubr
Ushers, ASCAP men, -attorneys not
concerned with the case and others
anxious to hear the decision. After
it was delivered, many points were
misconstrued in the heat of exhila-
ration among the ASCAP faction.
The writers, for example, were
jubilant oyer the interpretation they
placed, on Pecora's words which to
them ' clearly proved that for- the
first time, in the history of the music
business the songwriter was legally
deenied the sole owner 1 of the small
rights i performing rights) to his
songs. ■ j
Later in the afternoon of the. same :
day a special board meeting was
called at ASCAP's offices for the
purpose of having attorney Louis
Frohlich explain the full! and com-
plete import of Pecora's language
to the members. There also was a
meeting at BMI.

Variety Bills

WEEK OF MAY 11

Namrrftli Ib connect Iob wllti bill* lirlun tad leu fe opfnlnj ot »liow.

wlirflirr full or. «plt1 tve*k.

Loew

NKW VOKK <'ITV
rnnllol (10)

.Trin'o Kroinii it '
WllliP lloWHitl
Toninij* Wdiiiler*
Ufeo l i ;txion ■ Ore .

SlHte (10)
Rni h 1 1 Ah runs-. Co
l>w-l« & Van.

CiiiiilHiiiiih- Itj-uM .
,\l;ii'ii>' \- KUh'Ik ■
Bfiuiy Kii-lilN
I'Hiifi^on iV .rkson
WASHINGTON
ChiiIIuI (10)
Paul ll.-iaUnn
•lurrl Kruifrr
T*?<i i/l.-i.rtf

(1J-13)
Ti.e Workmune
lumroe &. Charlo
:j Ivln^a
Miirty Drake-
Sid & Donnle Dean
• Two to nin
Sl'RlN(iFIHf.D
Court 8q (10-13)

.Levy' Snxon
Vvonn© Mo'nw

R> rim Sis
Mob Willing :
Huliii K Mhii)>*^«
WOiM'KKTKH
riyitmiilli (T-tt)
TIhI . S:iiTi1k <;ii Ib
Vta \Vmi1, ntJiiih

Hyrne Si*

J'-n n ;;f>ji \v it
Yvoinw Mm-ny
Ahtriy |)ui k*-

ParamoaDt

NKW "VORK CITY
I'm m mount (U)

riuiH Siiivnk ■
.ro Sliiflronl
Oi'im iVrnrphy
Tl|», T«ii *- T«o
<lll<A<iO
! C'hlfngo (») ■ '
T.ouIh Jordan

Willie Sltoi-e
3 KuiMhlnc.H
.MRiiiitiliHii Drba
MIAMI
Olyiii||lH (H)
■Tonlfin ♦^■ "rai'viH .
Kiiriflf SiiiKC'i;,
IIhIIhiH in^,/
TVier « "-liii.fi
MuiOaiih K Ul

RKO

' BOSTON

ItllHlOtl (10)

Mlllf-r HruR &. T.ols
MiliK. I' So

.Midwestern 1 1 ii > r M e

IK-IO)
Wnoily MrfMiimn Ore
Bunli-e Jleuly .

Cabaret Bills

NEW I0K& CITY

Ulll'i Odj W*

Bthel Ollbert :
Heinle Oruuer
Harold Wlllard
Incli Ryao
\-hurlcB Strickland
Mmmy Buriia
lllll Kalney
i!ay !>0> Uunrlelt*

Blue Angel
Ml 1.1 red Bailey
l-M<lle Mayohnff ^.
Irene: Bordonl
BobUy Short
•Norbert Faconl
tnfe Society
(Uptown)
;llmmy Savo ■
riuuan B'olln
Uta Kraft
Gene Field (3)
I'lill Moore Ore :
Tare Biorlely -
. (Don-ntowD)
-loall Whlto

llnlrl ){iniivfeU

Ed<lltt Slinlf Ol < .

ll<.r..T ".hb) I'laui
ICay Kiinl>er.
Koy If us H J . '
Ousl'r L'l4-illvfll« Ore'
Xiulln

llnlrl St. Red*
.lo'>n|)l)Mie KNiiiflon
licnirlcti & Gomel
r-'rc.l MllUr Oro
T -Bruokn OiKun
Dqrnili.y sliHy
Paul S|»nrr Oro .
IjM**Io Oi-c
Hotel
yiin-oi'l .T.oiiefc -Or«
Hoi el IVKhlurC- A
HfrniHiiiiH .
WIIIIiiiiik Tr-0
Cn'nl n.

Vl.'loi-Ja *-'nl-<lo\a
N tii-Hilil^'.vnne Or«

JiTlnnil

•FL-:t'hklij Miirlon-e

Overseas USO-CS

Continued from page I

BOOKING THE NATION'S LEADING INDEPENDENT
VAUDEVILLE THEATRES

EDWARD SHERMAN AGENCY

NEW YORK

PARAMOUNT BUItDINQ

BEVERLY HILLS. CAL

CALIFORNIA BANK BLOfi. -

Pal llennlng
(ivpMy . Hone I^e'^
1' IIHiiok «-Tny B'a

CtlUMBI'S
■ 1'iilHi-e (IB-17)

Do))- CunimlnKK

(san riiANc'isro

(iolilen Unle III)
E Cf)ri-oll'» .A'HiillleH

lems can be solved. Total persons
thus committed to go are 82, with a
possible 85 within a few days. It's
far. from solving their talent needs,
say Camp Show officials, but it's a
start.

Camp Shows is rather proud . of
the showing, the "tabs" made* in
volunteering to go overseas, the
units being contacted on one day
and acceptances given at once. . Sev-
eral tabs weren't contacted at all,
due to unsuitability for overseas, and
similar objections.
. The Blue or "lab" troupes con-
sisted of five persons each, whose
function it was to play isolated
camps and posts where larger units
didn't reach and whose troop per-
sonnel was under 1;500. In existence
three years, the "tab" circuit at one.
time had as high as 72 units, but has
about 32 now (24 white, 8 Negro).
As -training camps in this country
diminished with increased activity
abroad,., the "tabs" had decreased
accordingly, with elimination ol the
circuit' seen as eventual. But no im-
mediate action along those lines had
been contemplated until- the new
emergency requirements came along.

Ben Pierniont. Blue . circuit pro-
duction head, will be assigned in an
official capacity to other duties in
connection with Camp Shows' ex-
panding program. .The "tabs" go-
ing overseas are expected • to tour
smaller installations, as they did at
home.

NKW VOKK CITY
. SlrHtill (II)

H Hum On:
The llHt-loelln
'I* he Chords
Lew Tai-ker - -
IMmul r>;i iit'ine
lulrea K Inu
■'llir.ADKI-l'HIA

Kiirle .'
.ofl lli'own Ore
.enny <3hI«;
Lane' & I'lnlre

; (II)

nile Willjatne Ore
nk Simla

Russe Feature

— ' Continued from page 1 s

State Dcp't. okay was given for. the
.enterprise as it was felt that, the pic-
ture could be a fine selling job for
America, the importance of the con-
ference. American customs, people
and manners, from a Russian stand
point, instead o£ what the. Russians
have believed a synthetic Hollywood
viewpoint. Abput. 40.000 feet of film
will be shot,, with the picture cut
here to enable the Russians to get a
comprehensive yiewp'oint of its con
linuity.

KLEINER TO B*WAY

Hollywood, May 8.

Harry Kleiner trekked 'for New
York, "after washing up his screen
writing "chore on "Fallen Angfil": at
20th-Fo.\; and will return in Octo-
ber under a new scripting contract,

Kleiner's .first stage play.
Prayer for the Living," will.open on
Broadway in September.

EllA KilXK*M-Hld
i'ttki &■ I'lihe ■
Rh l|lh.. lii oH'n

l'lTTSIIt IKill
SlHIllrv (II)
Spike Jnnox. Ore ■
^lavll|- .Minis
.Intly Mhiuims .
BIhiIt Hum

WASIIINtiTON
Kxrlr (II)
I;eo 1>Ih moiiU ' 3

l.y.la ' Sue
Umuiy l>rnyson
noxyclti'H
(.layiioj' ft JIwh

Independent

>■>:«• VORK CITY.
.Mui>lr*H«ll (10)

Ahrhullna
Wm D'jlliir
Idwanl ReUlielt
li*>rniu-il ttrifllii
Wm Juild .
I'ony 4'nliHA
Geo ('ronin
SUI cicli-iumle
Koiy («)
ronhi IJKHle Ore

ny Shx
The :i Rocket •
The Swfng •
ilerrv Lesler
I.ONti ISI.iVNIt
.luniHlrn (ID-I.H)
.ouIh chei-le '
•in lllll K- .loun
lolen Lou-fa
(Two lo llll)
(I«-II>
Boh . 1.oiiIj».
t^llePtl ' Sip
(Two Id llll) -

Bradford Hotel (I*)

'I'he I>uiim)s
AlRn. Ciile
Btll'NII HHOOK

Br.Mik m-t:<)
The IJ"Alt«r^»-H
sier HevlfrM'-iH •
Slwn I.CWIM ("o
(.Two I" "ID
r.VMHKV

Toivem (1 1-13)
3 TopM

Fihih-Im 1 S --ii:: til t
Tiil'P ft-l'Kll
.Mnriv M:ii-i-i'it
Ted * l-'li. Vnllet
< ll!( At.tl

Orlrntiil (II) ,
June IIim.h-
.Milli.\jlih II I !" * J
Rh>- KukIIsIi
Her/oKM

KI.IZAIIKTII
. l.lhrrly (1I.I-IS)*-
runt A Sinllh
3 .Slmdex of Itliyllmi

Amtrlca'i Ltodtr^ ls4«p«ndfBf

EDblE SMITH

1501 Broadway

N«w York

AKHO*

TnliM-e (11-14)

r.-ih (*HllmvH>- Ore ,
I'Iih CHlKili-HrH
llollv Sinili v erii
•IV:iil pulley
llolni"S ft .li'iin
II.M/ri.MOHK
Hl|)|nlilr0m«-
HulU't MimiIh (■■'-.
.Murk I'lHhl
.) Wdiinm * 'Ciuin'rl
1 Ifleii. I'll ri'ifh .

HojhI (III);
H ICilini-iii Dr'c
.li'SSC A* ..Is* illl-n .

Tlui Moore ■ ■
X'«K '•'■>■' H»t*t

(Id- 12)
Clin I li'M A HiM-h.'il'.t
1 1, Ili.rni.ll.
l'*IHIlk I'Minlia
Dublis IMlo

IKI-IHJ
Tlu: Sl ldi lis
1 .11 1 Allirrt

.Mlllil'-lfl: Al-IMlhlS

IIOSTON

3 Col.n JC- A Cal
Hhi'IK-i- * I.iiuIhc
(One lo llll)

HAHTHIKI)
StHtr (ll-l:l)

n I. uoi iin i do. ore

.Iniir I'Hi-roll

KmIiHi- l.l-IKn-

Ti umpel J . . .
INIM.XN.V'l'OI.IS .
(Circle (III) .

Wooi I y ' 1 1 i-v 1 1 1 ii ovo i-'^
i 'iiliiiiilnirH

KuiiIi-h lli-:illy
NKU.MIK
AdHIIIH ( III)

i.e* iirn'n n ore

Lutie ('In I re'

I.i-nny ciile

t'l-Hiik I'nrlH -

riiii.ADi-'.i.i'inA

, ('Hrinnii ( HI)
r-layimi * I'lilllips
HKrhHUfl I.mmIh • '
Jtd Di.oli-v Co
3 lli'lirlti

PKOVII>KN<'K
BJelro|>ohtn.n

Mnry Lou Wma '
<')lft Jachson'
ImORone Coca
Ud irall Ore

' Cumlvul
\V Uovelor Dcru -
viciorln Troupe-
The Gibsons : .
('mine Malfoy
Khy &' Karol
Whirlwinds
Don McQrane Ore
Louis Prima Oro
.L'hsIro Bam
OlRa Baclanova .
Adla Kuznetzoff
Simeon Karzaeff
(:odolban Ore

aub »

A I Hlxon
Joe Mann . .
■Ann Denis
iSa'ye Dixon -
.Marcla Kent
Vincent Bernon
Gordon Andrews' O

CopacnfMiiui
Xavler Cugat Oro
(jarclas

Louis Del Campo
Hilda Samoa
Don Dennis
Joel Herron

. Coo noo«e
Olcli Wilson Orel)
lllninonil nortiMlMH
Dob Hall
Lionel Knye
Mmma Francis
Hazel ilanfiean 4
.Marcla Dole .
Cecil Lewln
Gloria LeHoy
Hilly Banks
Rill Qusntmeyer
MHehell Brother
.Michael Edwards
Mori Rold Oro
Vincent Trnvors Ore

400 Club
nc.nny Goodman Ore
Mnehlto Bd.

Ilavuna-Madrld
Flores & DeCordoba
.lliiimy Sutton
s.mor Mardo
Mnrla Ijoulsa Lopez
« 'ill-Ion T Varela Ore
Hotel Ambuwaidui
Louis Belancourt r>
Jules r^ande Oro
Hotel Astor
Jose Morand Oro -
Hon Perry Ore
Hotel Ifc'ImoM
Pinna
nnle Roberts
Jay Seller .
I lllll Itussell
. k'alhi yn Duffy Dcrs
Nino Morales Ore
1 Payson He Ore
| Hotel nlllmere
j Jiihii Hyldoft
i Ann Wurren
I Handy SLowLrt

Hay Benson Ore
I Hotel Coenmortnrr
Hal Mclntyre Ore

Hotel mil*
Don Baker Oro

Hotel 'bllMin :
rieorse' Baar Oro

Emm lloase .
Stnn Keller Oro
Ruth Cleary

lintel l^ilnilon
Moml Kal
rapu Kaua
Tallma:
Mollo

Mohlhana , ' y
Harold Alomo Ore

Hotel: Lincoln
Krsklne H'klna Orc
Hotel Nen- Vorkri
Joan Hyldoft
'ivrry. B.-cnt
I'hll nonmlne
S'ell Kontalde
Arnold .Shoda
Sunny Diinliam Ore,
llnlel IVnnHrHunlr
Glen Gray Ore

Hotel I'lerro
Wesson Bros

stnnloy Melbn Ore
Margaret Scott
Hotel riuia
nob t;rant Ore
Hllilogarde

Tanya Tainiira ■
LiiU Mai Uil Ore ■
JIiiiiii> Kelly'*

La Ituhlo
Jen ii Co'lvlna
nudyn-. L>nn.
Jo Ann'CoMyer '
Aloina.
Hence . '
RonIib
Diane. Page
Curler 4, Unas
Joe i:n iiello 'Ore.

.. Ij« t'lissa
Bin Ino ■ Jtii'dao
lliil Klbher
WiHImcib

Mm riit K- .Kiirhiue
.1 llackctt Gla
.Mnchlio Bd

.1.0. ^IlirllHtOjM
Ilnrry RirhtHHn
Lllllii'n .Vlonre
IIiU'i-Ih Trio .
Danny Dantela
Sn*»-ah»!eN Ore
Dick Kiiudin Ore
ijiilti Ounrrev
Tommy ■ iilx
Mnnzone- Abbblt D
Gloria Uilbt-rl
Kohh &i I'ji Plerro *
Don SHXon
llni'oiil H Lois
HudMiiii Woudcrs
Ben llova ■
Winl W:.l*h
M.nrly Heck Oro-
. I> NnbHii- mm
Morvyir NelKon
il.n-|uinl Wilson
Peon Hiv. i Hoy«
Alonii-a Hoysr.
.lone AlelllH
Coilrlu WiilUe* I
l^*on «> Rildlo's
Cddle Dsivls
Calvin Sis
Chi-oIo
.loo Snjer
B & J fnyhee
Sherty Brllton
AN Wmier Ore

Monte Crirlp
ni3li OosiiHrr* Or« '
Jeon I-* Murray .
.ilik* Anne
Aluci'lo Oro

Oeljen's
(llramklyB)
Helen Kline
Dun llinly
li-ri-y Itaker
Rlle-n l.u Morr .
Doi-Ih Unu-Kon -
Jimmy O'Hriaa
Hilly Uilinth
Will Wnril
Kli-na Knio^
Don Oibiilleio Ore

tilll l«« NBlllB.-

Olsu wb>tova
Smile HmikH
Mlnil i-'nviler
l«e Uil'orle Ore)

liners Const .
Hnrrv l^fcourt Or«
Clark's llewullaoa
HhioIiI Gr«*B .
Freshmen
Mors Trio
Korn Kcbblers
SlB s. iiai/ Ore
' SiiUy's Hoof
SpHy

TRi-ier A Bowls
Jayne .Maiuirro
si.irk ( lob
Morales Oro ■ -
Kr.nl* Hoist Or* •
Sinn- rC#-)ler Oi-o >

Vriullle*
Janr-: l'|i-k^n«
I'ontey * Ayer*
■ noli llniihlns
Mob DoukI'i*
Marlon Nile's
M Bcrcer'e Or*.

/ennlbsi .
T. .ITfimiiiou Ore
Son & Siinny' '
M.nlrlco llbee* .
nutll Thoin**
l'ec«»e .MKl<|u,«lt* •
Pel ens Sis ,
OlioB^nin
I'l-nlierK
rinude Hopkins Or«
RaUih Font Ore

42

BEVIEWS

Wednesday, May 9, 1945

Night Club Reviews

4m « 1Mb, IN. V.

Benny Goodman Orch (16) oiid
Sextet, with Teddy Wilson. . Red
Norvo. Slam Stewart, Kay Pentoii.
Bob Hay den; $1 corer weekdays;
$1.50 iceekends. after 9 p.m.

Benny Goodman is still b.o. wilh
the jive and shay scl. First dine-
dance appearance of. the B. C. bri:
gade in a vear-and-a-halt jammed
the spacious 400 Club at the opening
last Wednesday (2 1 and all indica-
tions are that the skedded four-week
stay will equal, if not better, the take
figures of Tommy Dorsey-i who teed
off the new name band policy Feb.16.

Moderate prices -and a larger than
average dance floor look like a win-
ning parlay for Moss with payees in-
cluding a heavy percentage of jiives
and "on leave" uniformed guys and
gals giving the spot a heavy play
right up until curfew.

Goodman is currently a good name
Inasmuch as only- a small segment of
the public , has been able ' to . get a
line on hLs new band, unveiled only
recently . at the Paramount theatre.
N. Y. It's probably the loudest band
Goodman ever fronted but the boys
keep a good, steady beat! thanks to
percussionist Morey Feld,. and pro-
vide enough 'drive to keep the hoof-
ers happy. And the outfit's library
is well paced.

Theres little individual brillance
trotted out in Goodman's large band
(there aren't many musicians around
capable of standing out in any band).
Arrangements, as a whole, are rather
on the undistinguished side with only
the incomparable brilliance, taste and
inventiveness of the maestro's clari-
net rescuing the crew from medi-
ocrity.

Vocals arc handled by Kay Penton
and Bob Haydcn just about ade-
quately. Gooman also doubles in the
vocal department, taking a chorus of
"It's Gotta Be This or That" and do-
ing all right.

It remains for - the sextet to scl off
the fireworks with Teddy Wilson;
Red Norvo. Slam Stewart. " Mike
Bryan and Feld setting up on the
floor just before curfew for a torrid
session paced by B. G. It's more flash
than jaw, but that's what they pay
off on. Customers eal.it up.

It seems-'apparent that Goodman
has no intention or embarking on
anything new this time out of the
barn. He knows what has been
earned by a solid, orthodox swing
band in the past and evidently sees
no reason to do any experimenting.
With B. G.'s name out front and that
sextet to back it up Nat Moss has
nothing to worry about. The band
keep's em dancing even if it doesn't
exactly sparkle. Dohm.

Boulevard Room, € hi

(STEVENS HOTEL)

Chicago, May 4.
Ted Weems Orch U6.1, Harris,
Claire ft Shannon, Masters ft Rollins.
Renald It Rudy, Rae McGregor, Dan
Harding, Froncirie Wood. Bonlevar-
Dears' (12), Misclia Novy Orch (5):
$3-$3.50 minimum.

with "Gaile Parlsicnne" and entire
company comes on for a crack-lhc-
whip finale.

Ted Weems arid orch, held over,
provide the tunes and inlro
Francine Wood, cute blonde chirper.
Mischa Nbvy quintet inject plenty
of schmaltz into the relief inter-
ludes. Mike..

Kl 3Ior*»««r», I»lon(*l

' Montreal. May 2.
Paulines. Gail Maimers, Lenny
Gale, Milray Girls (12) Hal Hartley
Orch (12); $1.50 niin.

Lenny Gale in return engagement
is a sure-fire click with the audiences
that have been jamming this club.
Gale's openings, gags, though funny,
are not entirely new. but he really
goes over the top with his mimicry.

As m.c. Gale tightens up the show
nicely with his smooth iritros. and
later practically knocks himself; out
in his own stint. .

The Paulines, dance team, present
smart routines ^if not too' original.

Gail Manners contribs her song
session to- good returns. Her tunes
range from pops to semi-classical
numbers. She Is expert on both.

Hal Hartley's boys, though a little
too much on the brassy side, are solid
in their rhythm and smooth in their
sweet numbers for customer dancing.

Lara.

t'hez Paree. Vhl

Chicago, May 3.
Sophie Tucker, with Ted Shapiro;
Arthur Lee Simpkins, Miriam La-
Velie, Adorables (8), Gay Claridge
Orch (12), Lucio Garcia Orch (B);
$3-$3.5U minimum.

Musicomedr formats in the confin-
ing limits of 60-minute -floorshows
don't always work out as success-
fully as they might. ' but DorolAiy
Dorben, making her bow in bigtime
niteries here after several years on
the outskirts, has- turned out a fast,
colorful revue that makes up. in
speed and ingenuity what it lacks in
big names and comedy.

"Springtime" theme is cued by
production numbers entitled "On
Lake Michigan," "On the Boule-
vard." etc, with acts interwoven;
Harris, Claire ft Shannon, dance
trio, spin through tango, waltz and
some out-of-the-ordinary steps to
drumbeats, with guy twirling, both
gals, to click. Double-jointed biz,
gorilla takeoff and Charlotte Green-
wood kicks of femme half of Mas-
ters ft Rollins, plus comedy ballroom
routine, with gal pushing guy off-
stage forehead to forehead, provide
some needed humor. '

Renald .& Rudy, aero duo who
startle payees by doffing kimonos
and stepping" out in trunks im-
mediately after a Chinese production
number by the line, with latter
sticking around to pose prettily
while the lads go. into their gym-
nastics, give a good account of them-
selves despite the incongruity of it
all. Rae McGregor, ballerina, and
Dan, Harding, tenor, are in and out
of layout, with Miss McGregor toe'-,
ing a neat samba as a single and
Harding calciumed . for some pleas-
ing hjgh-noting of a Jerome Kern
medley and a' swing- "Kerry
Dancers."

Bdulevar-Dears teeoff with an "Is
this trip necessary?'' stint, in which
they decide to spend their vacations
sailing on Lake Michigan instead
of irking the ODT, .lifting up the
backs of. their costumes to form 12
. sailboats — in blacklight. natch —
.'while - Harding sings* "My Ship."
'; Second production »umbet> set to;
T. Dorsey's arrangement of "Not So
Quiet, Please/' is notable chiefly for
the most liberally sequin-sprinkled
costumes (Chinese) seen in these
parts in many months, and closer
spots the line in kid outfits, dressed
for an >outing in the park, with
Harding singing "Free For All," fol-
lowing which the orch- gives out

Sophie Tucker hasn't lost the art
of pacing a fast nitery layout, as is
evidenced in the current Chez'Paree
opus. - The Tucker pipes are as lusty
as ever, headdress is taller than
usual -and all other trappings are
socko. #

It's all good. Arthur Lee Simp-
kins tenors "Beguine." "Vesti la
Giubba" from "Pagliaeci." Gounod's
"Ave Marie," and "Russian Lullaby,"
with segue to 'jazzy, infectious "Dark
Eyes." encoring with "Eli Eli." in
that order. It adds, up to quite a
heavy dish for.' a noisy spot like, the
Chez." and sometimes the orch gives
him loo much compelish. but sepia
singer's song salesmanship and un-
objectionable manner of demanding
silence win out over all. and he
begs off.

Terping end of boff layout is han-
dled smartly by Miriam LaVelle.
whose fast spins, handsprings and
cartwheels, plus pert personality, are
springier and more vivacious than
most such, and the Adorables, in
some clever Olive Bernard-designed
routines. Besides a "housemaid jive"
and Russian gazotska. gals dance a
novel South Sea item, with Martha
Dawson of the line . soloed, that
clicks. Hula movements in latter are
set off by blacklight. jungle back-
drop, complete with volcano that
erupts flames, and a pagan idol
which the gals adore f renziedly to
close.

Miss Tucker stands 'em on their
ears with "Taxes." "I Ain't Got
Nothin' But the Blues." "When They
Start to Ration Passion." and medley
includine "Baby. Won't You Please
Come Home," "Put Your Arms
Around Me. Honey" (aud participa-
tioner). and another chanson that
turns out to be an unabashed plug
Tor her new book, same being "Some
of These Days." Closes with "Cheese
Cake Mama," German singverein
gimmick that backfires on Hitler.
Muss and Tojo. ending up in a
nntriolic blare involving something
about "Soohie T.. Your Favorite
Blonde" and "Buy More Bonds."
This consists of leading payees in
rendition of snide verses about the
Axis sires, whose pictures she points
out with a long ruler, schoolmarm
•style, meanwhile coaxin'g loud-
lunged choruses from the customers.
Ted Shapiro is right in there pitch-
in?, as always.

Gay Claridge and orch divide what
little time there is left for dancing
with Liicio Garcia's rhumba band,
and both outfits are up to par.

Mike.

n«M»M*»v«>U ftrlll. X. Y.

(HOTEL ROOSEVELT)

Eddie Stone Orch' (12r with Floyd
Bean: no minimum, cover $1 week-
days; $l;50 weekends after 9:30 p.m.

Sprightly 12-piece unit fronted by
the former Isham Jones and Freddy
Martin, violin-vocalist, came into' the
Roosevelt Grill as summer replace-
ment for . Guy Lombardo without
benefit of any advance ballyhoo, but
judging from the Impression made
since opening last week (2) the band
seems a cinch to Slay until the
oerennial Lombardo decides to re-
take the bandstand in the fall.
. Stone's outfit includes three gal
fiddlers., three -taxes, two trumpets;
a trombone, string bass , and drums
with Floyd Bean's tasty jazz piano
featured. . Maestro is handling all
the vocals at- present but he's plan-
ning to add a male chirper to han-
dle, ballads; Stone's voice and de-
livery being gaited more for peppy
and novelty choruses.

Arrangements are mostly by Bean

and a nice blending of the reed and
brass sections is attained giving the
impresh the band is much larger
than it is. Stone's riddle also helps
in this respect playing in concert
with the three front-row spotted
damsels. Leader has personality
and comports himself naturally and
easily ion the stand.

Result is a pleasant mixture of
reigning pop favorites and revivals
played smooth and soft , in keeping
with the Grill's musical traditions.
In addition to Bean's keyboard solo-
istics the band features tenor, trom-
bone and trumpet solos with one
of the latter, "Schnozz" Donahue,
presenting one of the best musical
novelty divertissements trotted out in
some time.

Gimmick is .trumpet solo of "Tea
for Two" with right hand encased in
a mitten doll (Disney's "Dopey").
Expert manipulating by Donahue
gives . the impression the doll is
working the valves, pounding them
at times, using both hands, hiding
his head when he hits a "clinker"
etc. . Bit only takes about three min-
utes but Is a showstopper all the
way. •

Stone's group shapes up as one of
the ■ most promising new outfits to
spring up in recent years. Unit can
handle waltzes, rhu'mbas, etc.; but
places its main reliance, on steady
dance tempos, which is just what the
Roosevelt Grill orders..

Despite bowout of Lombardo. biz
is holding to normal levels, accord-
ing to the management. Doiiu.

Nitery Follow-tips

tO < M I »♦♦♦♦+-»♦

Mldegarde remains In a class by
herself. Today she's not only the un-
disputed No. 1 chantoosey of the
saloon-and-celery circuit but also the
top draw among the class cafe and
hotel personalities, Her uniqueness,
paradoxically, doesn't stem from any
great virtuosity but from a person-
ality appeal that's a blend of sophis-
tication and the corny, the intimate
and the mass-appeal. Which is really
running the gamut, but it has made
her that much more commercial.

There are still many of the so-called
Stork Club set who can't or won't
see what makes Hildega'rde tick, but
what makes hev tick has been .trans-
muted to the masses, far beyond the
scope of the class Hotel Plaza in New
York, the Palmer Hoiis? in Chi. Mt.
Royal in Montreal. Statler in Wash-
ington, etc. It's a commercial charm
—or con, if you will— whichsells like
nylons to all -types of customers. Very
smartly coutouriered — a handpainted
Adrian gown had the femmes gasp-
ing at the preem — and possessed- of a
poise and assurance thai would
shame a headwailer. she aims for the
masses, even though starting orig-
inally as a class act.

Hildegarde, since her Raleigh radio
program and its perforce necessary-
wider appeal, hps now become -a
popular draw. Her brand of song-
aloging alternates between Stein-,
way and mike; ad libs, some good
and some nsg: kidding about some
ringsiders' hat (femme) or person-
ality (male). On her steenth return
to the Plaza, the chanteuso has some
newies and oldies, and all click. It
runs the range from "J'Attendrai,"
now labeled "I Am Yours" (new lyric
by her manager. Anna Sosenko). "My
Heart Sings," "Let s Get the Battle
Won," "Go to Bed at 10" (saucy).
"Johnny Comes Marching Home,"
"June Bustin' Out Ml. Over." "In
Paree It's Love." "Song Comin" Oh"
(opener), Grieg solo at the ivories
(with announcement lli.it Harry Sos-
nik's arrangement of "Warsaw Con-
certo" wasn't quite ready). Also the
rose-presentation business to the cus-
tomers, Raleigh ciggies to a sailor
and celebs (Philip Morris' Ginny
Simms was singled out at the preem),
and kindred hoke. All . solid, alb pal-
atable, all entertaining, all b.o. for a
solid hour, replete with those So-
senko lighting effects, a S5 premiere
dinner, and for the curfew's dura-
tion only one performanrc-at 10. Oh
yes, per usual. Bob Grant is Hilde-
garde's favorite chem d 'orchestra, al-
ternating with Mark Monte's relief
music. New policy is Sundays oh.
Tuesday off because of her- radio pro-
gram.

'AM.

Via Hyde, heading the two-act bill
at the Blackhawk Cafe. Chicago, is
playing his third local engagement in
a few weeks having previously been
at the Edgewater Beach hotel and the
Chicago theatre. He did well at both
spots, but here he seems to; have hit
his greatest stride and is socko. His
one-man band, trumputcering in the
Harry James, Henry Busse and Clyde
McCoy manner and the simultaneous
playing of two. three and lour trum-
pets and -circus band finish is the
signal for heavy mitting. Mar-
jorie Lane, with fast t;ip routines to
"Holiday for Strings" and "Just One
of Those Things" accentuated by fast
twirls and pirouettes, resistors big.

Del Courtney. Orch (14V with vo-
cals by Dottie Dotson -and Johnny
Williams, are held over again. Court-
ney's music continues to please the
dance crowd, and as part of the show
Billy Suyker. guitarist, does Rach-
maninoff's "Prelude in C Sharp
Minor" and -Dottie Dot-on sings "He
Broke My Heart in Three Places''
and "I Wanna, Get Married" in her
usual over-coy manner. Mora,

House Reviews

Continued from page 40 ;

Chicago, « hl

aerial splits and the Pat Rooncy take-
off of "Rosie O'Grady" that still gets
top response.

The Fontaines, two men and :gal.
contrib nifty balancing and acro-
batics in ballroom tempo. Their bal-
ancing patterns and formations arc
outstanding.

Louis Jordan and his Tympany
Five are socko all the way. Opening
with "GI Jive" the gang does "You
Can't Get That No More." "Rookie
Boogie," "Caledonia" and others,
with Jordan carrying the vocals, only
as Jordan can do them, and chalking
up a hit. .

Manhattan Debs, sepia duo. are
seen in two tap routines: Earlier in
the show they do a fast routine of
whirling steps, mixed with rhumba
rhyllini and join the Jordan crew to
close show. v Morg.

Stanley. Pill.

Pittsburgh, May 4.
Coolie William.'! Ba7id (15). Ink
Spots. Ella. Fitzgerald, Coke ft Poke..
Ralph Brown; "Experiment Perilous"
(RKO).

First stage show at WB deluxer in
more than Ave montlis but appar-
ently things in that line haven't
changed much in the meantime.
Swing's still the thing, and Cootie
Williams remains one of ils ablest
purveyors. Orch dishes it out plenty
hot. with Williams and his hot,
hoarse trumpet in the saddle, and
especially in a number dedicated to
the jitterbugs, "The House of Joy." '

Only Billy Kenny, the tall, lanky
tenor, remains vof the original Ink
Spots and the new quartet still
doesn't have either the class or the
distinctive style of the bid one. It's
pretty much of a one-man foursome
now. with Kenny in front most of
the time, of course, and while hLs
current partners have been picked
with an eye to approximating both
the looks and particular accomplish-
ments of the previous Ink Spoilers,
they- still don't come close. Maybe
time will correct that.

Ella -Fitzgerald socks 'over three
numbers in that inimitable torchy-
throaty way of hers. "Salurdav
Night. "Candy" and the inevitable
"A Tiskct. A Tasket." coming back
later in the show to join the Ink
Spots in one tune. Coke and Poke,
who were with the unit the last time
around, and Ralph Williams, ditto,
produce their customary standard
socks, team in some glib patter and
good dancing and Williams in a fast,
furious session of hoofing.

Running time of show cut to just
45 minutes in order to get in five
performances opening day (Friday).
Usual number in past was four. De-
spite -miserable weather, house was
well-filled at geaway. Colien. '

Teww, K. C.

Kansas. City. May 4.
Bob Merrick, • Claude ( .Andree.
Ben Si Jean Jade. Doris Bey, G'eiiim
Richards. Tower Orch (9i widi
Norma Werner; "Ministry of Fear'
tPari and "One Body Too Many"
(Par).

Current layout is a well-balanced
session of vocalizing, terping and
comedy which add up to a pleasing
40-minute show.

House band opens with "Back to
Donegal." segueing into "It's the
Same Old Shillelagh." with Norma
Werner taking the vocal; Bob Mer-
rick takes over as m.c. which he
handles nicely in addition to his vocal
turn later.

Ben and Jean Jade offer an acro-
batic terp routine which clicks. Then
Glenna Richards, tiny "Discovery
Niuht" entry, does a cute juv'e song
and dance number. Doris Bey -fol-
lows with a balancing act on a neon-
lighted pedestal atop a piano. Her
control is smooth, and- she merits
heavy mitting.

Merrick baritones his way to reg-
ister solidly. Tees off with a. George
M. Cohan medley and finishes with
an Irish ballad including "Where the
River Shannon Flows" and "A Little
Bit qf Heaven." His warbling is lusty
and resonant.

Claude and Andree close with a
terp routine . which accents laugh-
getting biz. Off to good hand.

Earl. .

Orpheum. I~ A.

Los Angeles, May 4.
A. ,B. Marcus' . "Ln Vie Puree"
reuue, featuring Florence Hiii Lou--
Arre7i ft Broderich, LaTaxha ft
Laurence, Leon Miller. .4 Lncenis
Eslelle ft Julio. June Hart. Claude
Malhm, Ruth Dwell. LoMies (l»f
"Docks of New York" {Mono).

This is a gjrlie show that Is marked
by fast movement and brilliant cos-
tuming.- Unit revue- never lets up- a
minute on its entertainment- course
and is rating okay reception. Opohs
with "Parade Moderne" featuring
boogie woogie ' stepping of the lino
and Leon Miller. Owen Liiurence
next- works over a contortionist dance
turn with Claude Mathis then on for
some well-worn .but fastly-delivcred
comedy chatter.

Ncxtvpro^uction number has the

Lovelies, garbed .'mostly in features,
working with June Hart in a jungle
jamboree. Estclle and Julio, Mexican
dance team, do a Brazilian samba to
"Tico-Tico" that snags good hand.
Line is on again for a Paris Parade
that segues to the Four Laverns and
their knife-throwing Apache dance
knock-about turn. Latter shows up
well; Leon Miller sold easily with
eccentric dancing. Another produc-
tion display is tagged "Stairwav to.
Stars," with the line undulating while
Ruth Durell sings tune of same title.
LaTasha and Laurence. . Australian
dance team, close number with good
toe and split work combined with
ballroom terping.

Arren and Broderjck's comedy,
opera singing act went over bis in
next to closing spot and the finale, '
"Chinese Fantasy," headlining Flor-
ence Hin Low, Oriental who does a
slick bit of contortion work, wraps
up b smooth and . fast-moving revue.
Fin: I production number is an eye
feast of costuming in an Oriental
mode. Curtain rings down with en-
tire company of 28 on stage. Brog.

Chinese 'Vodka*

— Continued from page 1 ^

city is a real problem. Liquid re-
freshment is, unfortunately in tr.any i
cases, all loo easy to arrange although
a nightclub in New York that sold
sOme of the "Vodka" that is the cus-
tomary drink in Chungking would
certainly lose its license without fuiL

Many foreigners in China, how-
ever, find that the bcsl nightlife to'
be had is enjoyed in the . big res-
taurants with excellent Chinese food
washed down with steaming riot
Chinese wine, a combination that
soon makes one forget the Stork
Club ever existed: Prices are high
but the_ food, even in back.var'd
western Chinese, is excellent and :
many an American swears he will
mida Chinese cook after the wiir.

Other entertainment is pretty
primitive by American standards —
Chinese operas that few- foreigners'
care to go to a second lime, modern
plays which although often ■ well
written, acted and arranged are in-
comprehensive to all save those
with a fluent knowledge of the lan-
guage and movies that wera old
when the war was young:'

8 O'clock Curfew-

Since most public places close at
9 p.m. it goes without saying that
there are. a few establishments ca-
tering to the night owl foreigners.
However, a better business bureau
would not recommend them.

Since Chungking, although prob-
ably the most primitive capital of
any of . the United Nations with the
exception of Addis Ababa, still and
ill is the seat of Government and has
a large share of diplomatic parlies
and receptions. Most of these fea-
ture hors d'oevre. known as "small
chow," and the inevitable "vodka."
Largest of these receptions a. re those
■liven by the Soviet Embassy, which
twice a year invites, 1.000 or mora
people who will mill around in a
crowd reminiscent of a 5 p.m. sub-
way rush in Times Square. The
American reception on July 4 U
smaller and more sedate but smaller
parties are held almost weekly by
some Embassy or official group.

Perhaps, though, the most popular
form of nightime entertainment is
listening to the radio. Radios are
scarce but few people like to miss
news from abroad if they cau ar-
range to hear San Francisco, New
Delhi or London for the foreigner
in Chungkink feels he is at the verv
end. of the line and the last thing he
wants to do is lose touch with the
old home town.

H'wood Wants

Continued from paie 1

Town" (Adeiphi). presented bv Oli-
ver Smith and Paul Feigav; " "Vio-
let" (closed fast), presented bv Al-
bert Margolies, and "Soldier's Wife"
(Golden), presented by William
Brown Meloney, husband of Rose
Franken. who wrote it. ;

"Oh, Brother." now in rehearsal,'
is being produced at the suggestiou -
of the Paramount studio, being' done
by Maximilian Becker and Peter
Warren, new on Broadway. Par al.'.o
was materially interested in "Sadie
Thompson," produced - earlier this-
season, but the idea of doing that
musical came from the New York
end. Warners studio asked that
"The Visitor" be produced, flerman
Shumlin making the presentation.

In addition to the pre-nroduction
picture rights deals, the film outtit-s
also participate in the backing.

Wednesday, May 9, 1945

11 Dramatic, 14 Operetta Groups
Set for Summer Stock Season

LEGITIMATE

43

Although the number of country
clocks will never approximate that
of prewar, the summer setup is tak-
ing form. There are 11 drama stocks
listed with Equity, mostly, in cities
or resorts, while 14 summer operetta
outfits will be operating, some al-
ready being open. Stocks during the
regular legit season have virtually
. disappeared, that, form of perform-
ances having steadily declined in
the past 15 years.

In December, 1929, (here were
about 160 stock companies or thoa-
Ires with' that policy . from coastrto-
. coast; San Francisco- and Los An-
geles had three stocks, as did Chi-
cago, Birmingham and Hollywood.
Baltimore supported two, and so did
Boston, Kansas City, Minneapolis,

Stocks lined up for the coming
.summer, with names of the director
or manager, mostly having definite
starting dates, are:

Eaglesroere, Pa,— Ray Fry, . opens
Ji>;y 4.

Worcester. — (Whalen festival);
Guy Palmerton, opens May 26.

Bridgeport. — • > Klein Memorial);
Theron Bamberger, already open.

Boston. — Brattlchall, Cambridge,
Mass., . Frank Trask, opens May 14;
L Camridge Square players, same
house, JOhn Huntington, opens June
11. •

Hatyoke, . Mass.— Valley Players,
jean Guild, opens. June 25;

Cap* May, N. J.— Cape Players,
T; C. Upham, opens June 25; Wild-
wood Crest, same management, same
•Urling date.

Mt, Gretna, Pa.— Charles Coughlin,
opens June 14.

Sbern-oorf, Mich.— Port Players,
Morton Da Costa, opens June IS.

Newport— Casino, Sara Stamm,
not y.et.regisfered with Equity.

Stamford, Conn. — Gus Schirmer,
Jr., not registered with Equily.
Mnslcal9

The musical stock.s, some in open
■ «);• and other in theatres:

SI. Louis.— Municipal Assn., E.
John Kennedy, opens June 7.
• Memphis.— Joseph Cortese, opens
July 2. .

Milburn, N. J.— Paper Mill, Frank
Carringlon, open.

Dallas.— State Fair, Charles R:
Mocker, open.* July 18.

Toledo. — Walbridge Park, Paul
Epehr, opens June 25.

Detroll.^-Masonic Temple, Max
Koenipsbcrgcr, open.

Newark, N. J.— Mosque, Sam H.
Grismah, opens ,<oon.

Chicago.— Civic opera, house, Shu-
berts, opens Monday (14).

In addition, operettas will be prer
sented in ^Cleveland— iGaifl Park),
William R. Winters; at the Philhar-
monic, Los Angeles iCivic Light
Opera Assn.) and San Francisco
(Curi-un), Edwin Lester, same man-
agement; Seattle and Vancouver, J.
Gordon Hilser; and Trenton, N. J.,
Michael Kuther.

Shoberts Boy Out
Realtor's W/ 0 in 3
B'way Legit Houses

The Shuberts have bought the 50%
interest held by the Albeit M.
Greenfield Co. in the Majestic.
Royale an<l Golden theatres. The.
Philadelphia realtors relinquished
the three houses for $600,000.

Majestic, which houses the current
new hit, "Carousel," is about twice
the capacity of the other two houses.
Majestic, seats 1,681, Royale 1,084
seats, and Golden 789.

Revel's Score for New
Dick Kollmar Musical

Harry Revel returned to Holly-
wood after a fortnight cast On hos-
pital entertainment and to set a deal
with Richard Kollmar-Jim Gardner
for their new (all musical. "Slightly
Perfect." Book is by Sam Perrin
and George Balzer, who write for
Jack Benny. It's , their first "Broad-,,
"way show. Lyricist not yet set.

Revel, while east, also talked
about other future shows. He also
■wound up contracts for. "Meet the
Musikids," a new style of teaching
caricalurized music. §4weh— Duen r
Sloan & Pearce will publish, with
caricatures by Bill Metcalfe: Another
Revel book, "They Wrote Your
Songs," biogs and anecdota of 200
P»1? songsmiths, is also diie via
Crown Pub. With Paul Webster he
Just completed the tunes for Buddy
<le Sylvas "Stork Club" (Para-
mount).

Bergner's Summer Layoff,
Then Resumes in Fall

Columbus, O., May 8.

Plans for Elisabeth Bergner's cur-
rent "Two Mrs. Carrolls" tour in-
clude St. Louis, Indianapolis, Cleve-
land, Pittsburgh and Detroit (three
weeks) before stopping to allow
Miss Bcrgner to vacation in Ver-
mont until autumn. Vehicle will
then play Chicago and key. Coast
spots before quilting.

Meanwhile, husband Paul Czinner,
i he co-produced "Carrolls" With
Robert Rend) is looking over three
scripts for selection of new Bergner
production for next season.

'Arts to Shut
On Saturday

"Seven Lively Arts," ballyhoocd
extensively by Billy Rose, will close
at the Ziegfeld, N. Y.. Saturday (12),
where it will have been performed
■23 weeks. According to his own
statements as to the cost of produc-
tion, "Arts" did not earn a profit but
Rose insists he "got out" by devious
juggling of figures. If that is cor-
rect, it's believed the revue didn't
cost as much as first estimated — be-
tween $250,000 and $300,000.

Rose bought the theatre and en-
visioned a resumption of the days
when it was operated by the late
Flo. Ziegfeld.. Beatrice Lillie was
lured from London and co-starred
with Bert Lahr, Benny Goodman,''
Anton Dol in and Alicia Markova.
For the first four months "Arts"
drew approximately $45,000 weekly
with the aid of 77 theatre parties.
When the curfew started, business
started to slide. That factor, the off-
Broadway location of the Ziegfeld
1 54th and Sixth avenue) and the $6
top. i $7.20 Saturday night) may ac-
count for the business slow-down..

Reported early this week that after
the show was pared down it could
break even at $28,000. Last week saw
takings drop under the mark and :t
was decided to close two weeks
earlier than 'announced. Rose con-
tends that he was able to break
even on "Arts" because the thea-
tre earned $5,000 10 $G,000 per week,
and by pooling that coin with the
show's profits he came out even. In
show circles various estimates in-
dicate the red in actual show operat-
ing may have exceeded $150,000.

HARRY SOMMERS PREZ
OF PERCY WMS. HOME

Harry G. Sommers was elected
president of the Percy Williams
Home for Actors during, the annual
meeting held there Sunday (6) at
Isjip, L. I., succeeding, the late A. O.
Brown, who presided over the re-
treat for indigent professionals from
1924 until his demise several months
ago.

Sommers, who entered show busi-
ness in Chicago, came to New York
about 25 years ago and managed the
Knickerbocker theatre, located on
Broadway near 39th street, butrazed
some years ago. He has long been
an official of the Actors Fund. More
recently he was co-manager of the
National, N. Y., until that legitcr
was bought by the Shuberts last
year, ...

Raymond Peck was elected vice-
president. Arthur Maitland and Ken-
neth Webb were named trustees,
while John Golden, Walter Vincent,
Marcus Hciman, Jacob I: Goodstein,
Emil Frierilander and Ben Benson
were appointed tq the finance com-
mittee. The Home operated well
within its income during the fiscal
year just ended.

Annual meeting of the Actors
Fund will be held at the Lyceum
theatre, N. Y., May 25, at 2:30 pan;

Signs Met Singers For
New Orleans Season

New Orleans, May 8.
Walter Herbert, general director
of the New Orleans Opera House
Assn.. returned Friday 14) from
New York, where he has been sign-
ing up stars and working out plans
for the 1945-40 New Orleans opera
season.

He reports he's signed Metropoli-
tan Opera Co. singers including
Licia Albanese. Raoul Jobin, Hilde
Reggiani and Nicola Moscona,

Prep Suit Vs.
Singer on Share
Of Menagerie'

Complaint against Louis J. Singer
in proceedings on behalf of Joel
Schenker, has been drawn up by
latter's counsel, Herman L. Weisman
and Arnold Grant, their client claim-
ing that he is entitled to a share of
"The Glass Menagerie," hit running
at the Playhouse, N. Y. Action 'does
not include Eddie Dowling, who pro-
duced the. play, with Singer as an
associate.

Schenker's claim is based on an
agreement he's alleged to have made
with Singer when they planned to
produce "The Passionate Congress-
man" with Dowling, but that play
was shelved in favor of "Menagerie."
The "Congressman" deal called for
an ownership share on all above the
percentage given for financing the
production. Schenker went to. Eng-
land on a government mission and
upon returning discovered that
Singer entered into a deal with
Dowling for the presentation of
"Menagerie," but when he asked for
his share of the show, Singer is al-
leged to have refused. Recently
when he was sent on another mis-
sion- out of the country, Schenker
gave power of attorney to Weisman
and Grant, with instructions to file
suit.

Conceded (hat while Singer is en-
titled to SO'.i of "Menagerie" for
financing the production, Schenker
contends he is entitled to half of the
new manager's share above that per-
centage. As Singer owns 70% of the
attraction, Schenker's claim is for
10%.

Schenker is an expert on. pre-
fabricated housing, his most recent
assignment from Washington being
in Hawaii.

Singer had 75" v of "Menagerie"
when the show opened in New York.
It had been agreed that Alex Yokel,
who brought the co-producers to-
gether, was to receive 5% of "that
share and an equal percentage from
Dowling; who had .25%. -Actor-man-
ager transferred .the agreed share to
Yokel" on schedule but Singer held
out and it. was only after it was re-
ported in the press that the affair
would go into court that the matter
was finally settled. Before Yokel
received his share there was a wel-
ter of quibbling, that started in Chi-
cago, where "Menagerie" was pegged
as a sure thing. It won the N. Y.
Critics. Prize and is selling out.

Lulu Vollmer's New Play
For E!thel Barry more

Ethel Barrymore's next play may
be "She Put Out to Go," . by Lulu
Vollmer, who authored. "Sun Up,"
some seasons .back. Miss Vollmer
has been instructing in drama at
ihe University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, N, C. •

Howard Lang will produce.

Sunday Shows
Extend Dates

For quite, a time it has been con-
ceded that Sunday performances for
legiters will be permanent. Even
though the number of shows playing
Sundays is small in comparison to
the total on the .list, such perform-
ances are helping extend the stay on
Broadway of more than half a dozen
attractions, which is just what
Equity hoped for. as it means mem-
bers staying in jobs.

Most snows playing Sundays give
performances afternoon and night,
when a material percentage of the
week's gross is drawn, visitors and
residents in the suburbs comprising
(lie bulk of the audiences. Cast of
some of the shows playing then arc
on a cut salary basis, but the actors
are apparently satisfied. The engage-
ments would have ended soon after
opening, but for Sundays, generally
added after premieres. Some shows
playing Sundays will drop those-
performances in summer reverting to'
the Monday to Saturday' schedule.
. "Hats Off to Ice," Center, is an ex-
ception in that it has been playing
Sundays, since opening, but it has
invariably , gotten excellent takings
on that day from Radio City crowds.

Unexpectedly Tame Sesh at Equity
General Meet; Loeb Gets Big Boost

Omaha Agitating For

New Muny Audit

Omaha, May 8.
Agitation is in first, stages for a
new municipal auditorium to re-
place present archaic structure
which seats only 6,000. Basic reason
is net alone to handle conventions,
e*c. to provide a suitable theatre for
roadshow, and legitimate attractions,
which now. have to book either in
the Omaha theatre or at random.
: Tri-States Theatres Corp.- own the
Omaha and have been booking road-
shows. However, Sigmund Rom-,
berg was booked independently and
took, the auditorium: Idea is to have
a theatre of variable size like that in
the Kansas Cily auditorium. Local
high school auditoriums have housed
many road attractions. '- ■

Straighten Out Chi
ATAM Situation

Association of Theatrical Agents
and Managers situation in connec-
tion- will- the Civic Opera House.
Chicago, which had the union in a
dither, n clearing up and any. threat
of a strike involving the Shuberts
has disappeared. Latter managers
signed with ATAM for a union press
agent and company manager of the
stock operettas in the Chi spot, but
James Thompson, who operates the
opera house, held off signing a basic
agreement.

Last week Herbert Carlin came to
New York with the idea of straight-
ening out the matter, Thompson
having been given until early , this
week to sign up. Carlin, who ' had
applied for ATAM membership some
time ago, was voted in, although he
was aware that he will not be per-
mitted to act as manager of the
house, unless the difficulty with
Thompson is settled.

Recently. ATAM stated it had
cleared Op the Detroit situation with
Dave Nederlander, who held but on
engaging a union manager for the
Lafayette in that'eity. However, in
addition to Chicago, the union still
hasn't settled differences with Ho-
mer Curran's theatres in San Fran-
cisco.

Shuberts signed contracts for
Sam Gerson to be press agent for
the. operetta season in Chi, with
Harry Mirsky, of the Great North-
ern, being company manager.

THEATRE GUILD WINS
TWO POINTS VS. 10WE

The Theatre Guild, producer of
"Oklahoma!" won two points last
week in New York Supreme Court
in connection with David Lowe's
suit against it for $186,500 damages
for alleged services rendered and
for commissions in securing backers
for the show. Justice Aaron J. Levy
dented Lowe his motion to punish
the Guild for refusing to open its

books and records to Lowe's altor- \
ncys and to answer certain ques-
tions upon Lowe's examination of
the Guild.

. The second . motion by the Guild,
to preclude Lowe from putting in
any proof of his claim for failure
to produce a further bill of particu-
lars, although -denied, was condi-
tioned by Justice Levy, Lowe being
ordered within 10 days to furnish
a further bill, giving the Guild
names of all persons whom he claims
to have persuaded and encouraged to
participate as backers of the musi-
cal and also complete detailed itemi-
zation of the .icrvices Lowe is al-
leged to have rendered.

In the 'meantime, and in conform-
ity with an earlier court order,
which held that the bill of particu-
lars furnished was insufficient, the
examination of the Guild by Lowe's-
attorneys will be suspended and may
be continued upon five days' notice
following compliance with last
week's rulings. Justice Levy stated.

Lowe charges in his suit that the
Guild breached two oral agreements
made in December, 1942, under
which the Guild agreed to pay him
commissions for securing financial
backers for "Oklahoma!" and for
services rendered in connection with
the production. For the latter he
asks $30,000 and the balance as per-
centage of the profits of the show.

♦ For the first time, since it was
formed Equity held a special gen-
eral meeting at the Astor hotel,
N. Y., Monday (7) afternoon, to dis-
cuss candidates to be balloted upon
at the annual meeting June 1. It
was feared that the legit actors as-
sociation would be split wide open
again, as it virtually was when it was
charged in Washington, by a Kansas
Congressman, that Equity's Council
was dominated by Communists.
However, it was an unexpectedly
placid session.

Bert Lytell, Equity's head, opened
the meeting . by 1 stating that under
the unusual conditions, with Broad-
way jammed with pre-V-E Day
celebrants, it would be fitting for all
to arise in silent prayer to giv«
thanks. There Were nearly a score
Of speakers, the great majority
favoring the re-election of Philip
Loeb; first ranking independent
candidate for council..

There were some dissenters but
it was conceded that Loeb got
"more commercials than Rinso
White on the air," and when the
meeting was over it was generally
said that he would easily be elected.
Those opposed to Loeb voiced im-
material objections, principally that
he has been a controversial figure
in the council; but the' general feel-
ing was that it would be better that
he continue as councillor.

Couple of years ago some coun-
cillors were directly asked if they
were Communists, but they uttered
blunt denials, also asserting they
were r.« t "fellow travelers," although
it was contended that they fol-
lowed the "party line." Agitation '
within • the membership caused 10
members of the council, to resign,
and that body adopted a rule barring
"communists and fascists" from
holding office or being employed by
Equity.

Current situation arose when Loeb
was not nominated for the council,
he having been of that body for the
past 10 years. Petition signed by 10
councillors for the special meeting
was an immediate reaction, while 32
members of the council signed a :
petition that made Loeb an inde-
pendent candidate for re-election,
it being stated by them that he
should have been regularly nomi-
nated on the record of his efforts to
aid Equilyiles. Last Friday <i)
petitions were received placing five
more independents on the ticket.

The added indies are Anne, Burr,
Victor Jory. Louis- Calhern, Anthony
Ross and' Arnold Moss. The regu-
lar ticket: Vera Allen, Matt Briggs,
Russ Brown, Leo G.- Carroll, Frank
Fay, Ruth Hammond, Ross Hertz,
Sam JafTe, Jane Seymour, Jack
Sheehan. Frances Hcflin and Robert
Perry, two .of whom are replace-
■ ments for terms less than the usual
five years. The ballot will, list can-
didates regularly nominated,' inde-
pendents and will include a blank
space for possible write-ins.

Despite the. presence of a number
of "malcontents," there have been
a number of reforms or changes of
rules in Equity that are believed to
have worked for the betterment of
actors. The changes were not easily
accomplished and there- was no

doubt that Equity's conservatives
were riled «during many council ses-
sions. So were managers, who
eventually obtained a basic agree-
ment with Equity, which agreed not
to adopt policy changes without as-
sent of the showmen. The pact has
been extended from year to year,
but nearly every season one or more
new regulations were inserted.

About six weeks ago the council
adopted a resolution against "the in-
jection of racial, religious or politi-
cal issues in any or aB electioneer-
ing for forthcoming elections"

Denver's Legit Dates

Denver, May 8.

Denver will see at least three
legits this summer and eaTly fail,
with A. M. Oberfelder looking for
more to bolster the season. Now
booked arc "Ten Little Indians," May
28-30; "Soldier's Wife," Aug. 6-8, and
"Rebecca," Oct. 31-Nov. 1, the latter
two with the N. Y. casts.

Oberfelder 4c Slack are now sell-
ing season tickets for their DeLuxe
Artist Series and their Greater Ce-
lebrities scries for next fall and win-
ter. More than 85% of last year's
.subscribers have renewed. Practical-
ly everyone, of these events is sold
out lb stage seats and standing room
yet- alter yf.ar.

44

LEGITIMATE

PAniEFf

.Wednesday, Ma) 9, 1945

Pulitzers Pull Surprise Rabbit
From Prize Hat, Harvey the Winnah

'There was some surprise . on ♦
Broadway when it: was announced ;
Monday (7 • that "Harvey," at the i
4Bih Sued. N. Y., copped . the Pu- \
li(/.er prize. The. comedy ' with the ;
mythical rabbit, produced by .Brock.
Peinberlon, was' conceded to have a
good chance but there were bet;; and
exportation* that other clicks, wore
more in lino for the award.

John Herscy's novel -of "A
for Ada no" won. the prize in its field.

Paul Obsorn's dramatization of the! . ....

book is a current hit, starriny ! SanwM. Cnsman \vill be (he prp-
Frediic March, at the Cort Theatre, j <!"<•«*.. wi,h . -Bobby Jarvis as stage
H Y -'■ • . director and Robert Zcller as ba-

lonccr. Marguerite do Angueia will
be dance director. Herbert V. Ccl-
be technical adviser.
Mosque long has been a white elc-

Newark Sets Operettas

Newark. May 8. .
Operating uiidor an Equity op-
eretta stock franchise. New York
'Operetta Festival Co. plans a 12-to-
15 weeks' stage season at the Mosque
theatre. Fir.M bill, to open May- 21,
B e H 'will be "The Merry Widow." star-
ring Natalie Bodaiiya, Donald Gage
and William Home.

A total of 15 awards were made ;
this year. In addition to honoring J , . ...
the authors of "Harvey" and "Bell." lcndie wl "
the judges this year cited the fol-
lowing:

Music. Aaron Copland, for "Ap-
palachian Spring," ballet presented

phont to theatrical enterprises. Not
one has succeeded in last decode,
with only Occasional operas and

by Martha Graham and her com-
pany: history, Stephen Bonsai, for
"Unfinished Business"; biography.
Russell Blaine Nye's "George Ban-
croft: Brahmin Rebel"; verse, Karl
Shapiro. "V-Lctter and.' Other
Poems."

AP photog Joe Rosenthal, who
made the famous. I wo Jima flag pic-
ture, was rewarded for an. outstand-
ing example of work in his craft,
news photography.' The Detroit Free j
Press was recognized for exposing |
corruption in the Michigan state:,
legislature; Sgt. Bill Mauldin for 1
one o( his famous cartoons from the ;
warfronl: and the following news-
papermen: N. V. Times' James B. '
Resion. AP's Harold V. Boyle. Provi- i
deuce Journal-Bulletin's chief edi- '
torial writer George W. " Potter;
Baltimore Sun's military corre- :
spondent Mark S. Watson, and re-
porter Jack S. McDowell, of the San
Francisco Call Bulletin.

Last season 'the Pulitzer Commit- ,
toe didn't name a best, but con- ;
descended to cite "Okla-.ioma." St. ';
James, authors of which,
Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, 2d.
got a "special" $500 fcrize.

The wise money was on "The
Glass Menagerie," Playhouse ; it
copped the N. Y. Critics Circle "best
play" award, author Tennessee Wil-
liams getting a plaque but no coin,
Neither prize can affect the success
of either "Harvey" or "Menagerie,"
which are running practically next
door to each other. Run of both is
predicted in plural years.

"Harvey" was . written, by Mrs.
Mary- Chase. Denver matron whose
husband is editor of the Rocky
Mobntuin News. It was directed by
Antoinette Perry, former Denverite,
head of the American- Theatre Wing.

concerts making the grade.

Still Unsettled

Although the one-eighth deduc
tiou (or the cancelled- Saturday
matinee (April' 14) on the day of
President Roosevelt's funeral was
ordered paid by Equity, the matter
Is still at issue. There was a differ-
ence of opinion among managers,
and sumo actors and a showmen's
committee were supposed to have
talked it over with Equity's councfl
last week, but the showman's group
could not be assembled.

Since a majority of shows paid off
in lull. Equity, ruled that all should
be paid, despite doubt within the
council. Some managers paid with-
out question because salary lists had
been made up and pay envelopes
and checks sent out, but a certain
percentage expected to make the de-
duction the following day until
Equity made its ruling. In show
circles if is doubted that Equity will
reverse itself on the one-eighth mat-
ter, but managers plan to huddle
with the actors council next week
regardless.

Only one cast on Broadway was
not paid pronto for the skipped
matinee, it being "Kiss Them fo;-
Me," at the Beiasco, but the deduc-
tion was ' reported made good last
week. If Equity grants a concession
there will be some confusion because
shows have, closed in the interim,
including those trying -out and. pos-.
sibly waiting for revisions..

18 USO Shows
Set for Europe

New legit schedule for posl-V-E
Day in Europe has gotten under way
at USO-Camp Shows. Eighteen plays
that Broadway producers have un-
dertaken to stage for Camp Shows
are mapped out. partly or complete-
ly cast, with two ("Night Must Fall"
and "3 Is a Family") going into re-
hearsal this week. "Kind Lady" and
"Meet "the Wife" start rehearsing
next Monday H4I.

"Meet the Wife" will have Betty.
Garde in the lead role created by
Mary Boland.. with Miss Boland di-
recting for Jack del Bondio; John
Roche and Vernon Steele will do the
p . h , same roles . they : played Originally
mcnaiu j opp01 .j te Mjss Boland; Miss Garde's.

husband. Frank Lennon. who was
with the Broadway "Oklahoma!"
company (as was- Miss Garde), will
be stage and company manager.
. Joanna Rods will play the lead in
"Kind Lady.", which Grace George is
directing for Forrest Haring. with
Lamonl Johnson and Robert Carlton
supporting, and Frank E. Brown as
stage manager. ' Raymond Massey
will play the narrator in "Our
Town.'.' which Jed Harris is produc-
ing, replac'-g Christopher . Morley.
Latter had dropped work on a novel
he was writing to go overseas for
Camp Shows, only to be turned
down on a physical. Another who
regretfully bowed out was Aline
Mac.Mahon, listed for "The Late
Christopher Bean," who had to drop

Sout because of her husband's illness.
Mary Morris has signed for "Dou-
ble Door," which Harold Winston di-
rects for Shepard Traube. playing
the role she created originally! Miss
Morris got leave from Carnegie
Tech. where she's teaching. Ruth
McDevitl, John McQuade and Paul
Fairleigh are set for "Arsenic and
Old Lace." which Wally Wanger is
doing for Lindsay and Crouse.

Producers are running up against
problems similar to those Camp
Shows has had in casting llgiters.
Where plays call for character parts,
they're having difficulty finding the
actors. Then .half don't pass the
physicals. There's the problem of
rehearsal space. Where names sign
iip for merely expense money ($10
a day ), other actors sometimes hesi-
tate to sign for the $100 average paid
them, forgetting that fopd, transpor-
tation, lodging, insurance, etc.. are
provided, so that most of the salary
is net.. . ,

Proposed meeting of various talent,
heads (Equity, AGVA, AFRA. etc.)
to discuss a general talent call has
been stymied due to illness or pre-
occupation of heads in other work..

Dr. Frederick ti. Koch, founder
and director of the U. of No. Caro-
lina drama group, who died last
summer, Is being paid tribute with
a Koch Memorial Theatre on the
campus.

S. F. TO GET COMEDY

San Francisco. May 8.

Opening of "The Unfinished Ppr-
trait." stage comedy authored by
Sasche Geneen, is slated for the
Geary theatre late next month.

Play will move to Los Angeles
after the showing here. Marshall
Edson is director.

Shows in Rehearsal

•The Wind Is Ninety"— Shuberls
and Albert de CourvJUe. .

•Marlnka"— J. J, Lcvenlhal and
Harry Howard, .

•"Oh, Brother'';— Maximilian Becker
and Peter Warren..

Too Hol for Maneuver**

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Flowers haven't a monopoly on
popping open in the spring. So do
flops. This is one;

It is the second time Jimmy El-
liott, a young actor, has taken a slab
at" being a manager: he seems just
as 1 adept at burning up other people's
coin as more' mature aspirant<.

Arlen is a young colonel, invalided
out of the ' Army, who is trying to
rehabilitate the shabby mililary
academy established by his fulher.
Story mostly deals with a "ivjassage"
establishment, near the school, the
officers believing it to be art, owl-of-
bounds joint.; .

Authors have indicated the place is
bawdy, and cei'tainly the lines often
stress that angle. Later. Countess
Rosini's weight-reducing parlors are
made legit, which is hard to believe
after the buildup. Performance be-
comes ridiculous when a bunch of
six-year-old students swarm, through
the windows at ...night. They arc on
maneuvers, dressed in camouflage
suits', capturing the layout, which.
Col. Hadley is 'investigating with the-
help of his aides.

Authors make Arlen look foolish
when he addresses a two-foot, six-
inch kid as "Mister" and also when
he wants to punish two taller boy*>
who had gone to the Rbsini place
with the idea of dropping weight
"for the good of the basketball team."
Why sucb skinny youngsters shotild
want to reduce is- Elliott's -secret.
Boys are Dickie Van Patten and
Michael Drcyfuss, who are supposed
to be 18 but certainly don't look it.

Jed Prouty is fair as a fussy old
instructor. Alastair Kyle is rather
amusing as a. woll'-rcad lad of the
school, so is Billy Nevurd as the
smallest cadet. On the attractive side
are Helcne Reynolds, as the colonel's
secretary and sweetheart, also Ellen
Andrews as the countess who was
supposed to have danced at the
World's Fair dolled up with only-
half a dozen pigeons. Also .in the
fenime contingent is Agnes' Heron
Miller, sister of Gilbert Miller.'

Ibce.

Legit Follow-Up

"CABMEN JONES"
. (City Center, N. Y.)

. "Carmen Jones," which moved into
New York's City Center for a three-
week run last- Wednesday (2) alter
a layoff following its long Broadway
engagement, is a real bargain at its
current $2 top. Telescoped . a bit .-for
its prospective road tour (which is
just as well because of the Center's
cramped stage), tbe show, neverthe-
less, hasn't lost any of the spirit,
color or excitement or the original
Broadway production.

New in the cast are (Ford ) Buck
and (John) 'Bubbles, as Rum and
Dink, the fight-manager and assist-
ant. Admittedly put into the cast
by the management because or Ihciv
b.o. draw, the comedy dance duo
handle their straight parts com-
petently, though vocally not up to
the grade of their predecessors; of
course. This is particularly apparent
in the big quintet number, "Whizzin"
Away Along De Track." of the first
act, where the women's voices drown
them out.. Napoleon Reed and Elton
J. Warren, who alternated, respec-
tively; with Luther Saxon arid Car-
lotta Franzell for the Joe and Cindy
Lou roles in the Broadway produc-
tion, got their chances for a New
York opening night Wednesday, both-
scoring heavily. Reed with -a forceful
dramatic tenor and Miss Warren
with a fine soprano that was par-
ticularly effective in its high notes.
Muriel Smith, the original Carmen,
has lost some of the poignancy of
her . role by playing it, loo broadly,
although singing it as warmly and
dramatically. Glenn Bryant's Husky
Miller is still a bright spot. Cozy
Cole' pounds out the. 'drums in the
cafe scene, as before. Ihe program,
however, listing him as "Joe Skins"
because' the management wasn't sure
until opening night whether the
drummer could double between the
Center and his "Seven Lively Arls"
stint at the nearby Ziegfcld.

"Carmen's" return gives Oscar
Hammerstein 2d four shows cur-
rently on Broadway— as librettist of
three, "Carmen." "Carousel" and
"Oklahoma!", Bnd as co-producer of'
"I Remember Mama." It's a record,

Inside Stuff-Legit

There was a mixup in nariiing the. best un featured performance by an
actress tor the Clarence Derwent prize recently, chosen by a majority vote
of a committee of six. Equity, which administers the fund, otiginallv
chose three judges, but the latter added three alternates, then among
themselves decided thai the additional members should also vote on the
award.

Judy Hollidny in "Kiss 'Them For Mc. v Beiasco. N.' Y., won one $500
prize but there might have been a split award had Margaret We'bster
made a choice. She did not appear at the committee. meeting, n'or did she
send in her vote, although Herman Shumlin. though he. was on the Coast,
did so. Ward Morehouse. or the Sun and Lewis Nichols of the. Times, the'
critics on th'e committee, held out. for Frances Heflin," who appeared in
"I Remember Mama.'' Music Box; and "The Tempest" (closed).. "Result
favored Miss Holliday, three; to two. Bei'l Lytell. Gilbert Miller and Shurn-
lin choosing her. There was ho contest over Frederick O'Neal of "Anna
Lucasla," Mansftclci. who .'also gol $500 as the best unieaturcd actor of the
season.'

. John Wildberg"s general manager is Nick Holde. whose suggestions gcn r
erally are made in parables: Latter doesn't think that colored artists gen-
erally are adaptable to the ballet dance form and advised against such. a
choreographic interlude in "Memphis. Bound," saying: "Cows don't lay
eggs they give milk." VShow opened in Bosloiy last Thursday (3). and it
was evident that the' second- act- ballet slowed up. the performance, so It
was taken out.

Wildberg has moved his offices to the Beiasco, indicating that he and
Cheryl Crawford will not continue as associate producers. He will occupy
the suite used by the late David Balasco, reached, by the same small private
elevator used by Beiasco. Miss Crawford presented the revival of "Porgy
and Bess," but Wildberg was a partner, though not billed. He was in the
billing of ''One Touch of Venus." ending a high grossing tour this Satur-
day (12). She has a. small share in "Anna Lucasta," colored cast drama
which he presents at the Mansfield. N. Y., but is not reported interested in
"Memphis." due. to open al the Broadway, N. Y., week of May 21.

Ashton Stevens, critic for, the Chicago Herald American, has been twice .
invited to visit: Broadway at the expense of two managers. Mike Todd
wanted him to come on to see "Up In Central Park," Century, and more
recently; Harry. Fromkes. who operates tiie Playhouse, asked him to visit,
if only to look over. "The Glass Menagerie" again. That play opened in
Chi and was hailed by Stevens.

In a column last week Stevens mentioned the invites arid commented: .
"The only money I am permitted to spend on such junkets is Mr. Hearst's."
The Windy City sheet is one Of the W.- R. Hearst chain of dailies.

"Too Hot For Maneuvers. , ' presented by 21-yifar-old Jimmy Elliott at the
Broadhursl, N. Y.. last Wednesday- (2 ). was (list reported yanked on Sat-
urday (5). but it was decided to continue at the last minute. Show waa
generally taken apart by the critics.. It was budgeted for $35,000, but it
was necessary to obtain an additional $8,000 t? get the curtain up on
Broadway following a short tryout.

Backers include two doctors and at least two professionals, one being
comedian George Givot and the other Ruby, Zwerling! leader of the Loew's
Stale house orchestra.

"Lute Song." adaptation of an old Chinese classic by Will Irwin and.
the late Sidney Howard, which MiehaeV Mycrberg will present on Broad-
way next season under direction of Ethel Barrymorie, was done a year ago
at the Carnegie Tech Drama School in Pittsburgh and received some fa-
vorable comment. Tech production was staged by Mary Morris, . former
actress, now a member of the faculty Ihcre, and Pitt opening was at-
tended by Howard's widow, who has been extremely interested in seeing
the work produced ever since her husband's death.

Ray Barrett, ex-drama editor of N. Y. Daily News, is leaving Army Sper
cial Services, where he's been a civilian consultant for a year; to return
to the News. Because he also did a few radio, shows, he's been embar-
rassed a little by last week's "Variety" item on another Ray Barrett, ex-Air
Force lieutenant, now doing commercials on WEAF, N. Y., newscasts, the
trade confusing the two.

Latest story about "Harvey - ' (48lh Street:. N. Y.) concerns a wife who .
took a chance. Her husband is known to have a half interest in a^Broad-
wayitc's material share. Matron read, the script and went for the play in a
big way. Piped pappy:

"Well, Rose, whafll it be, a mink coat or a hunk of the show?" She
pointed to the script.

Rise and fall of the Teatip del Pueblo. Argentine cooperative theatrical
group, . is told in current issue of The Inter-American by Sergio Bagu.
After 13 years of fruitful activity the new Colonels' government smacked
down on .Teatro del Pueblo for "presenting' only- works of Jews and Com-
munists" and disbanded the group.

N. Y. World-Telegram's series on the bright children appearing in cur-
rent Broadway-hiL«rtitled~"Sp6tlighl Small Fry," ended yesterday (8>. Five
feature articles, by staffer Carol Taylor, discussed the likes, hobbies, fam-
ily and home life of the juve actors, pointing up how stage-work in no
way interfered with regular schooling and upbringing of child.

previous one being Noel Coward's,
who in 1925 had three plays on
Broadway, "Hay Fever," "Vortex"
and "Easy Virtue," although not
more than two at a time.

Bron.

"THE BED MILI " ,
(Curran. San. Francisco)

San Francisco, May 7.
Victor Herbert's 40-year-old fa-
vorite opened the sixth annual
spring light .opera series of . San
Francisco and Los Angeles Civic
Light Operas Assns., opening cold
tonight (7). to. provide one of the
warmest, most sparkling and best
.sustained musical entertainment of
its genre seen here in years. Gay,
listcnable melodies of Herbert
emerged in smart, swingy, always
infectious adaptations and arrange-
ments.

Milton Lazarus' revision of orig-
inal book was packed with hilarious
comic sequences obviously tailored
to. furi-making talents . of topflight
comics. Throughout, in moderniza-
tion of music, dialog and comedy,
and in introduction of new charac-
ters, revamped opus shows sensitive
craftsmanship and distinction.

Basic story remains that written
for, Montgomery and Stone, two
bumbling Americans broke in Hol-
land who clown their wav out' of
bonrd-bill trouble and, incidentally,
unravel hilarious romantic tangles.
Eddie Foy, Jr., and Lee Dixon share
comedy spotlight with finely timed
runny business, including the Mont-
gomery-Stone travesty on Sherlock

Holmes. Odette Myrtil dazzles as
femme comedy highlight. Dorothy
Stone, daughter of Fred Stone (of
Montgomery and Stone), registers
as slagc-mad village lassie. Max
Willenz. Frank Jaquet, . Billy Grif-
fiths and Charles Collins also turn
in laugh-provoking jdbs.

Particularly notable voices are the.
soprano of Vera Pavlovska and
tenor of Morton Bo we. .

Costumes are fresh, colorful and
revealing. Chorus and dance , en-
sembles are picked— especially .'the
girls— with sharp, regard to talents,
freshness and figures. Lighting,
stage effects and scenery are dis-
tinguished. Dance sequences are
rich in imagination and contrast,
ranging from delicate toe-dance- bal-
let sequences . to broad comedy.
Principals and chorus alike turn in
superior vocal performances.

Meyr.

Dallas Theatre, Inc,.

Proceeds With Plana

Dallas, May 8.
. Plans are being formulated here
for the Dallas Theatre, Inc., wilh
Mai-go Jon.cs as director. House may
be the: Globe at the Fair Park Civic
Center; it was only recently, reno-
vated.

Globe, built-in 1936 for the Texas
Centennial Exposition, is a replica
of the London Globe theatre. . <

Wednesday, May 9, 194S

Chi Botfola; Ruth' Great 206,
Othello' 25G, Turtle' Fine $19200

Chicago, May 8. -f

Trend ifor grosses for three remain-
In e legiters, fewest in many months,
is upward, of course, since the town
i. starving lor shows. "Dear Ruth,"
with $20,200, and "Othello," with
125 000 had their best stanzas to date,
ind "Voice of the Turtle" wasn't far
from sellout with $19,200 -

Incoming are Shuberts 'Mme. du ;
Barry " Opera Hoii.se, Saturday (12),
"Jacobowsky and the Colonel,"
Biackstone. Monday (14), with no
Diospects as yet for the Civic, when
Menasha Skulnik and. Yiddish reper-
tory close Saturday (12 V nor for the
Sludebaker and Great Northern.
Estimates for Last Week

"Dear Bulh." Harris (3d week) (1,-
000- $3.60). Small compctish helped
hypo to $20,200. in third frame,

••Othello." Erlangcr (4th week) (1.-
' 600- $3.80). Skeddcd to move out
May 19, with house remaining dark
till "Life With Father" arrives for
third local stand the 28lh. Did exr
cellent $25,000. ^ . • ' „ . .

-Voice of the Turtle.". Selwyn
(31st week) (.1.000: $3.60). Long-
termer got fine $19,200.

Memphis' SROFor
Hub, 13G in 1st 4

*

Boston. May 8.

"Memphis Bound." with Bill Rob-
inson and Avon Long in jive version
of "H.M.S. Pinafore." got off to tre-
mendous stall with sellout fax 10-
day. run: Grossed . $13,000 on first
four performances, stalling May 3.
at Colonial theatre. "Kiss and Tell"
at Plymouth and "Good Night, La-
dies" at- Shubert seem to have set-
tled down for mouths, with no way
to -get' rid of them. Heavy rains
hit window sales of the stahdbys
last week.

"The Student Prince." here for
first lime in a year, had close lo
$18,000 advance for two- week run at
Opera House, starting May 7.
"Merely Coincidental'' opened last
night (Mon.) nl the Wilbur. One
week of the Ballet Rus.sc de Monte
Carlo at Opera House', ending May 5.
brought a zip lake of $35,000.

A new onetiinw scheduled for the
week of May "27 is Ralph Nelson's
"The Wind Is 90." and Jacques De-
val's "Oh Brother" will probably
appear Mov 28. the Wilbur, clear
of "A Doll's House." .expects Rose
Frankcn's. "Soldier's Wife" Mav 21.
Estimates for l.ast Week

"Kiss and Tell." Plvmoulh (1.400:
$2.40). . Handsome $13,000' in third
. week.

"Rood Night, Ladles." Shubcrt
(1.500; $2.5(1). Bolt $17,000 in lifih
week..

Hayes $24,300, Frisco

San Francisco, May 8.

Helen Hayes' draw in "Harriet," at
1,550-seat, $8-jop Geary, Jammed in
$24,300 for last week despite the
Peace Conference.

Adjoining -Curran theatre was
dark.

'SING OUT' $25,000
IN WEEK AT WASH.

Washington. Mav 8.
;'Sing Out. Sweet Land." hailed bv
critics, took in $25,000 in .the first
eight performances- at the National
theatre. Demand was so insistent for
first and second balcony tickets that
the Theatre Guild sponsored a third
week, with tickets going on sale Fri-
day (4h Second week is a practical
sellout, with brisk demand for the
third stanza.

■ "Snafu" comes in May 21 for one
week.

■Doll's House' Big

$14,000 ia Mass.

Housc " grossed estimated
|14.000 last week in Lowell. Spring-
field and .New Haven. Show was re-
directed in Boston by. Eugene Brydcn
and got rave reviews in bolh Spring-
field and New Haven.

'Doll's Hoiikc' 4> .G. \. H.

<.r\-n- New Haven. May 8.

Uolls House" fared only so-so in
lour performances at Shuberl lasl
weekend (3-5). At $3 top, gross ap-
proximated $4,500.

''Ballot Russe de Monte Carlo"
noids forth current lasl half. 1 10-12)
and next week gels "Soldier's Wife"
for three days 1 17-19). "Oh. Brother."

KJ 1 ? 11 '? for Mi, y 24 " 26 . h«s been
sidetracked.

House gets breakin of musical,

Marianna," for May 31-.Iune 2.'

BufTStockTryout

Buffalo, May 8.
Frank Mc Coy'r Erlanger slock
will try out two new plays here dur-
ing the coming month!
J Thc flrst will be "Moment of 1m-

■£Si ' u Ce " bv Roy Wal'ine. author of
.. Manhattan Nocturne." May 15, in
which Victor Payne-Jennings has an
■Merest, and (he second. "Warrior
M>me Home." by . A ben Kandel. May
which Marlon. Gerlng directs.

TOUS'-MARTIN-BOLES
SR0 $37,000, ST. L00

• St. Louis, May 8.

Despite almost a week of continu-
ous rain and stiff opposish from the
police circus and other quarters,
"One Touch of Venus," with Mary
Martin and John Boles in the top
roles, wound up a successful . oner
week stand at the American theatre
ending Saturday (5). The third bal-
cony was opened, the SRO sign was
hung out for each of the eight per-
formances and many hundreds were
unable to obtain admission to the
house. The 1,700-seat theatre was
scaled to $4.88. and. the estimated
gross was $37,000. whammo biz in
this burg. Crix were lavish with'
thfir posies.

"The Two Mrs. Carroll*.". - with
Elisabeth Bergner making her 'local
debut, supported by Joel Ashley and
the original New York cast, opened
a one- week stand at the American
last night (Monday). House is scaled
to $3.05.

Pfixusfr

LEGITIMATE

45

'Hamlet' Fine $7,200
As Toronto Repeater

Toronto, May t.

Ernest Rawley production of
"Hamlet," directed by. Robert Henr
derson and with Tom Rutherfurd In
the title-role, grossed a fine $7,200
at the Royal Alexandra here, with
1,525-seater scaled at $1.50 top. This
is the 1945 repeat of a phenomenal
success which had its flrst perform-
ance in summer stock here Iri July
last year and drew such press and
audiences raves on Rutherfurd's
work and Henderson's pacing as to
warrant three weeks' performances
to often turnaway business.

It's probably the first time that
Shakespeare has ever appealed to
the bobby -sox brigade, with the
high-school crowd obviously lured
in by the Rutherfurd personality and
jamming the. stage-door alley for his
autograph.

Current Road Shows

(Period Co.reriiiu; May 7-19)

"Abie's Irish Rose"— Locust St..
Philly. (7-i2); Lyric, Allcntown (14):
War Mem. And., Trenton (15): Lyric.
Bridgeport (16): Metro., Providence
(17); Lyric, Fitchburg (18); And..
Lowell .i 19)..

"Blackouts of 1945"— El Capitan,
Hollywood (7-19).'

Blackstone — Shubcrt - Lafayette,
Del. i7-12).

"Blithe Spirit" — Billmore, L. A.
(7-12)..

"Catherine War' Great"— Forum,
Wichita (7): Shrine, Oklahoma City
(8-9.): Convention H.. Tulsa (10);
Robinson, Little Rock (.11); And..
Memphis (12); English, Indianapolis
114-101; Hartman. Columbus (17-19).

"Dear Ruth"— Harris. Chi (7-19).

"Doll's House" — Acad. Mus..
Northampton (7); Bush And.. Hart-
ford iB'); Metro. Providence i9);
Plymouth, Worcester 1 10 ): Lyric.
Bridgeport (11-12): Shea's. Bradford
(14); And.. Rochester 1 15-16): Shea's,
Erie (17): SheaX Jamestown'' (18);
Park. Youngstown (19).

"Foxhole In The Parlor"— Wilson.
Detroit (10-19);- .'...'
: "Good Nlte Ladles"— Shuberl. Bos-
ton (7-19).

••Harriet"— Geary. Frisco (7-19).

"Hollywood, Pinafore" — Ford's.
Balto. (7-12); Shubcrt, Philly H4-
19).

"Jacobowsky and the Colonel"—

Davidson. Milwaukee (7-12); Black-
stone. Chi M4-19).

"Kiss and Tell" (2d Co.)— Plym-
outh.. Bost. i7-19).

"Life With Father" (2d Co.)—
Rainbow, fir.. Falls i7>; Babcock.
Billings '8>; Aud.. Bismarck i9);
Fargo. Jaigo (11): Parkway, Madi-
son iM-15): Bijou. Battle Creek
(16); Michigan. Jackson (17); Em-
pire, Syracuse 1 18-19).

"Memphis Bound" — Colonial. Bost:
(7-19).

"Merely Coincidental" — Wilbur,
Bost. 19-19).

"Oklahoma!" i2d Co.) — Forrest.
Philly 17-19).

;*One Touch of Venus"^Taft. Aud.,
Cinn. (7-12).

"Othello"— Erlangcr.. Chi (7-19).

"Round Trip" — Playhouse. Wil-
mington (11-12); Locust St., Philly
1.14-19).

"Sing Out Sweet Land"— National,
Washington (7-12).

"Snafu"— Bush Aud.. Hartford i.M-
12): Ford's, Balto. < 14-19).

"Soldier's Wife" — Lyric. Bridge-
port (14): Bush Aud.. Hartford (15-
16); Shubert; New Haven ( 17-19):

"Student Prince" — Opera House,
Bost. 17-19).

"Ten Little Indians" (2d Co:)—
Cass, Det. <7-19).

"Two Mrs. Carrolls'V- Anier.. St.
Louis (7-12);'Hanna, Cleve (14-19).

"Voice of Turtle" (2d Co.)— Sel-
wyn, Chi 17-19). . :

WW' SRO
33G in Philly

Philadelphia. May 8.

There was nothing unexpected in
last week's legit biz here, with "Okla-
homa!" grabbing all the available
honors, with $33,000, for its flrst ses-
sion at the Forrest. That's no exact
criterion on what the Guild's big
musical will .do .later on as its first
two weeks are on ATS subscription.
Fust five weeks are complete sell-
outs with nothing much left for
stanzas six and seven. After first
fortnight, - Oklahoma!" is set to settle
down to an average weekly gross of
better than $35,000. with variations
above that figure dependent on
standees. Forrest has an official seat-
ing capacity of 1.776.

"Blossom Time" slumped a lot in
its third and final week at the Shu-
bert. but even with a somewhat dis-
appointing, $14,800, engagement of
popular operetta, which shot over
the. 20 grand mark in its second
week, averaged about $18,000 a week
in its three-session stand. That was
plenty good.

"Abie's Irish Ro'sfc." which had a
nice return engagement here last
year, could only collect $6,000 (or a
little under) at the Locust last week
in the first of two stanzas.

This week has nary an opening,
but three stage offerings are .due next
week; On Monday the big Max Gor-
don musical. "Hollywood Pinafore"
moves into the Shuberl for two (just
possibly three) weeks after a break-
in in Baltimore. On . Tuesday, the
Locust gels another preem in "Round
Trip." new comedy by Mary Orr and
Reginald Dcnham. authors of "Wall-
flower." That one's in for : a' fort-
night. Also on Monday, the Walnut
will relight with Maurice Schwartz
and his Yiddish Art Theatre Co. in
"Hard to Be a Jew." . It's in for a
week only but the house is now re-
ported for another booking or two
before finally shuttering. Same goes
for Shubert and Locust .which are
already set until end of ipsnJth.—Eorv
rest with "Oklahoma!" is naturally
all fixed «for a run late into next sea-
son.

Pauline Lord Set For
'Menagerie' 2d Company

Pauline Lord is expected *< be
signed this week for the Laurctle'
Taylor role in a second company of
"The Glass Menagerie," current
Broadway hit at the Playhouse. No
other players have been set.

"Menagerie.'' produced by Eddie
Dowling. and' co-starring him with
Miss Taylor, recently won the New
York Drama Clitics award as the
best play of the 1944-45 season to
be presented on Broadway.

•Carroll*' SG, Indpls.

Indianapolis, May 8.
'Two Mrs. Carrolls," first legiler
here in a month, look a healthy $9.-
000 in four perforinances at the Eng-
lish (1,500) at $3.60: tup May 3-5.
Season here will close with "Cath-
erine Was Great," May ,14-16. Ad-
vance interest is heavy.

ZaSu-'InrV Gets

Pitt Go-By at 8G

'Pittsburgh, May 8.

ZaSu Piits and •'Ramshackle Inn"
ran into the worst biz of their lour
last' week at Nixon when show
dipped uiider $8,000 at $3 top. This
figure even included $2,000 fiat that
attraction got opening night when it
was sold out to Wcslinghouse Clerks
Assn. Without that two grand, it
would have been brutal.

Ci'ix ' really jumped on "Rain-
shackle 'Inn." All three of the dailies
panned show unmercifully. Didn't
do much more than the advance sale.
Nixon now dark and will be again
next week, with Elisabeth Bergner's
"Two Mrs. Cr.rrolls" on May 21 be-
ing the likely ivindup for season.

INDIANS' WEAK 86,' M'W'KEE

Milwaukee, May 8.
Show business locally couldivt
compete with radio reports on world
conditions, and a spell of cold, rainy
weather didn't help, either. "Ten
Little Indians," at 'the- Davidson,
played to a meek $8,200 for the
week.

Rainy Week Hurts 8'way; too Hot'
Cooled Off, Hits Still Strong But
Others Slump, 'Ground' Weak 4G

Rainiest May start on record hurt
business on 'Broadway last week.
Hits held to big grosses but the
number of standees .were so mate-
rially reduced that some standouts
went in for extra-space ads. There
are no openings this week, interest

being centered on the Pulitzer prize nhis revue.

piigageincnt will extend into sum-
mer. -

"Seven Lively Arts," Ziegf eld (R*
1:626; '$6). Final and 23rd week;
started to slip markedly when the
midnight curfew started: estimated
arouiid $27,000, which was red for

award, given to "Harvey

First of the .seasonal layoffs. -was
"Hats Off to Ice," which will resume
at the matinee Memorial Day (30).
There was a further downward
trend generally but a couple of ex-
ceptions were noted,, business im-
proving in those instances.

One new show last week. 'Too
Hot ' for Maneuvers." which was
panned. No.arrivals this week. Sud-
den closing will be "Seven Lively
Arts," Ziegfeld.

Estimates for Last Week/
Keys: C AComedy), D (Drama),
CD (Comedi^Drnvw), R "(Revue).
M (MusWai). O {Operetta).

"A Bell for Adano," Court (22d
week) (D-1.064: $4,201. Except for
number of standees this war play

•Soldier's Wife," Golden (CD-789;
$3.60). Final and 31st week, then to
road; did . very well for most of the
engagement: dipped under $5,000.

"Song of Norway." Imperial (27th
week) (0-1.427; $6). Except for
number of standees business was ca-
pacity last week, xvith takings around
$40.. r >00.

"Ten Little Indians." Plymouth
(44th week) (D-1,075; $3.60). Went
up principally because of extensive
cul-raliiig: $10,500.

"The Glass Menagerie," Playhouse
(5th week) (CD-865; $4.20). Getting
all house, will hold, gross last week
being $18,600: road company planned.

"The Hasty Heart." Hudson (18th
week). (D- 1,094; $3.60). Not definite

iiuiuuer oi Maiiactr.* . inis war pwiy , .. ..' ^ . ' . . ■ -.

clicked ? s usual, with the gross again I ",^V™" ^ T*™ g .*?,™

around $22,000; "Adano" novel won a
Pulitzer prize.

"Anna Lucasta," Mansfield (36th
week) (D-1,041: $3.60). - Same goes
for colored-cast drama hit, which
was well past $20,000.

"Bloomer Girl," Shubert (31st
week) (Mvl ,382: $5.40). Holds up to
capacity-plus despite newer musical
successes; takings again ' bettering
$33,000.

"Carousel," Majestic (3d week)
(M-1.681: $6). Audiences rave over
the - new musical smash, which is
getting nearly. $44,000 and will exceed
that figure when subscriptions arc
used up.

"Common ' Ground," Fullon (2d
week.) (C-946: $3.60). Getting press
attention but business so far is weak:
first full week rated around $4,000;
slated . to move to National hexl
week: "Kiss Them for Me" moves
here from Belasco.

"Dark of the Moon," 46th Street
(7th week) (D-1.319: $4.20). ' Gottinu ■
substantial but not ' exceptional

with house and show under same
management;' $10,000.

"The Overtons," Forrest (13 th
week) (CD-1.060; $3.60). May not
play beyond this month; slipped to
around $8,500

"The Voice of the Turtle." Morns-
co (65th week) (C-939: $4.20). Still
up in the big money though some-
what under pace of mid-season;
quoted around $19,000.

"Too Hoi for -Maneuvers," Broad-
hurst (st week) (C-1,160; -$3.60).
Opened last mid-week: bad press;
around $5,000 in five performances. '

"Up In Central Park,'? Century
(14th week) (0-1.713: $6)_ Tops
Broadway in point of gross; will
probably move downtown when
warm weather sets in; rain hurt win-
dow sale; $46,000.

REVIVALS
"The Barretts of Wimpole Street,"
Barrymore (6th week) (D-1.096;
$3.60.).- Another three or four weeks;'
business cased to around $18,500.
"Carmen Jones,"- N. Y. City Cen-

grosses; drama novelty with accom-.lcr (1st week) (M-2,693; $2.40). Did
panyiiig music: perked up very well I fairly well; goes on tour after an-
in the going: around $18,500. other week; quoted at $18,700 in first:

Dear -Ruth," Miller (21st week)
(C-940: $4.20). Hitting on all' six;
laugh play is in for long run: $18,700.

"Deep Mrs. Sykes," Booth (7th
week) (CD-712: $3.60). Doubtful or
entering summer period although
well regarded: rated around $7,500.

"Follow the Girls," 44th Street
(56th week) (M-1.462; $3.60). Slated
to move lo smaller Broadhursl early
next month but still drawing excel-
lent grosses: buit up last week; $30.-
000. .

'■Foolish Notion," Beck (8th week)
(CD-I. 214: $4.20). Some parties. last
week, when gross approximated
$21,000: ticket sale uhl.il late June,
and engagement may last longer.

"Harvey," 48th Street (27th week)
(C-925; $4.20). ' Pulitzer prizewinner
getting all house will hold and that
pace will be maintained indefinitely:
$19,000 every week.

"Hats OR to Ice," Center (R-2.944:
$1.98). Laying off until end of
month; San Carlo opera comes in
next week as stopgap; rink revue
completed 48 weeks last Sunday <6>
ending with gross around $28,000.

"Hope for the Best." Royalc • 13lh
week) (C-1.084; $4.20). Last Weeks
announced; cased off. further; $9,500
estimator:.

"I Remember Maina," Music Box
(29th week) ( C-940; $4.20). One of
the heaviest gross'ers among the
straight plays: getting $22,000 and
more every week..

"Kiss and Tell," Bijou ( 111th
week) (C-614; $3.60). Doing fairly
well for long-run coinedv, with last
week's takings around $7,500.

"Kiss Them lor Me." Belasco (7th
we"ek) (C-1.077; $3.60). Slated to
move to Fulton next Monday <14):
rated around $7,000; "Blue Holiday."
colored vaudc-revue. here next week.

"Laffinir Room Only." Winter Gar-
den (I9th week) (R-1,522: f.6). An-
other edition being planned for sum-
mer .either in this , spot or another
large-capacity house: bit better and
approached $34,000 level.

"Late George Apley," Lyceum 1 24th
week) iC-993; $4.20). Will play un-
til end of June and then lay. off for
six weeks: sure of 'resumption: off
upstairs last week; $16,500.

"Life With Father," Empire (283d
week) iC-1.082: $3.60). Run leader
getting ready to celebrate engage-
ment's passing of "Abie's Irish Rose"
record; under $9,000 but evidently
satisfactory

"Oklahoma!" St. James (1 10th
week) (M-1,509: $4.80). Slill no vari-
ance iri business of wonder dra\v.
which registers around $31,000
weekly.

"On the Town." Adclnhi H9lh
week) iM-1.426; $5.40). -Well'- out, in-
front and aimed into next sexsnn;
weather probable main factor in dip
to $32,500.

"School for Brides," Ambassador
HOth week) (C-1.117: $3.60). Slipped
toward 17.000 and question whtthoi

five times, very good at scale.

DESERT SONG' 40G IN
L.A.j'SPIRIT'GETSlHG

Los Angeles, May 8,
With good press notices, two shows
moved into town last week and be-
gan to make local boxoffice figures
rise again. "Blithe Spirit" opened
at the Billmore Sunday night and
took out $11,500 for first frame of
its two-week stand on a repeater.
Monday night saw the start of the
Civic Light Opera Assn. season with
"Desert Song." Tod production plus
plenty of season scat sale built thla
into $40,000 gate for its first week
on. the three- week slay, at the Phil-
harmonic Auditorium^

Ken Murrav's' "Blackouts of 1945"
at El Capitan rolled into its 149th
week with usual capacity figure of
$14,800. Musart's "Honey in the Hay"
pulled another $2,900 for the 19lh
stanza.

'Jake' $19,500, Detroit;
Blackstone OK $10,400

Detroit. May 8.

Going into the tag end of the sea-
son, business stays brisk along the
rialto here.

Bettering its Arst week, •"Jacobow-
sky and the Colonel" registered $19,-
500 in its second week at the Cass.
It was followed Monday (7) by "Ten
Little Indians." . Blackstone the
magician continued good pace at the
Lafayette with $10,400 in his second
week following the first week's
bright $12,600. Show continues for .
another week.

The Wilson will relight Thursday
(10) with premiere of "Foxhole in
the Parlor." by Elsa Shelley, who :
earlier authored "Pick-Up Girl."
Harry Bloon*fleld is producing. Show
oh.ns on 10 days here before trying
Broadway. ' '

'Carrolls' 8'/ 2 G, Col.

Columbus, May 8.

Four performances of "Two Mrs.
Carrolls." with L.isabeth Bergner,
iii the Hartman here last week ;(30-
2) "rossed a fair estimated $8,500.

The 1,634-seat house was scaled
to $3.

MET OF DT MPLS. BETUSN

Minneapolis, May 8.
Because of huge success of en-
gagement just concluded, Metropoli-
I Ian Onera comoany will return here
, llrj-t week in Mav next vear. Com-
I nnny 1'iw.sed $81,000 for' three nights
>-p'" one matinee at $7.20 top in
I . r '"f)-seat Northron Auditorium. Net
I of M'nneanoli.s Svmnhony orchestra,
I v h:i:h so^nsnred engagement, was In
excess of $5,000. '

46

LEGITIMATE

Wednesday, May 9, 1915

Plays Abroad

LnMgli. Town. Laugh

■ London. April 2:1.

J.i.K 1MI»»'» in ii'imi luii. I In M..I

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fi'iiiin'K Sjil 'in. I Mvx IIiiiiImiii Sl-l'li-.iiii-
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I) iln Smiimips. Miih.icl Aii'-lm. V

Hi^s l-li'>"llli'(l: id Sli.ll llmiur-. I.i'li

Al« ..

Show. despite its tillc. is prnili-
callv a siring of vaudeville acts.. First
soi* is delivered by Syd and Max
Harrison, who fit into this show.niuch
better than In the last ycar.'s Palla-
dium fiasco. Boys put over, llieir in-
consequential knockabout comedy,
with solid hootcVy. to good returns.

Eddie Gray, standard, with a clever
stooge, proves clickcroo. having
crowd at his mercy.:.

Another hit is registered "by Hal
Monti", cockney war product. .Comic
lias only been around for a Tew years,
and some four years ago, was com-
paratively unknown. But is now in
the big coin. Not everybody's meal,
and. at- times he is very aggressive,
almost to point of rudeness. But he
pleases the crowd.

Freddy, direct from lengthy slay
at Victoria Palace; liasn'l varied his
act any: But goes over big! This Hyl-
ton lind. however. ' is being over-
worked in West End.

Troupe or 18 femme dancers in-
cludes neat. lookers and lair steppers.

Quite, a tew unknowns are also' in;
show, mostly youngsters, atid all hits.
Tommy Trindcr's find. Michael Aus-
tin, strums the Hungarian Rhapsody
like a seasoned performer. Looks big
for concert field.

Three .-youths, the Nairn Brothers;'
give a solid impression of the: Ink
Spots, and come near stopping show.
The more experienced Malcolm
Thomas, balladist. repeat's the hit he
made in George Black's "Lisbon
Story." at London Hippodrome.

•Valerie Tandy, one of the leading
ladies in Arthur Askey's "The Love
Racket." is; disappointing. Gal can
dance, but is not so strons as a singer.
Four Pagolas, two males and two
femmes. in Russian dancing, impress.
Ventiiloquia) bit by ' Gray and
Freddy proves laughable interlude,
but is not novel. "

Show lacks ambitious sets, with
Hyde Park Corner .scene, in which
most of cast indulge in some old
melodies, the only outstanding one.
Dorothy Squires ■ warbles ' Sophie
Tucker's "The Man I Love" and
shows great possibilities though over-
exuberant.

Hylton is presenting the show by
arrangement with Prince Littler un-
der a guarantee and percentage.-
House is doing capacity, with first
week's lake expected to be hear $20.-
000. This should yield plenty of profit-
to both.

With abundance of youthful talent,
management should exploit this tad
for lop business. Re0e.

.fial -of I horn exhibit nciir hysterics
! on sum- occasions, bul they all talk
■ like machine guns. Clins.

Tht» IViiul of llfavcn

! London. April 13.

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Enilyn Williams' latest play will
cause a l.ol. of comment. To some if
will be his -greatest work— to others,
the promise . or something even finer
to come. It is an impressive achieve-
ment, from any angle.

The coining' of Ihe Messiah in the
person of a. small boy in a remote
Welsh village in l<j5C is the basic
plot. This results in the conversion
of Ihe two: main characters: a flam-
boyant circus owner, planning to
make capital of this child who draws
• music from the air and heals the
stricken soldiers: and the young
widow whom war has bereaved and
in whose home the action takes place.

The transition from Ihe flashy
i showman lo whom money was a god
into , an inspired disciple anxious id
spread the gospel is brilliantly de-
picted by Emlyn Williams. Diana
Wynyard. as the sorrowing woman
who has lost faith, gives a gentle and
sincere portrayal. Two simple, mov-
ing, performances, conic from Megs
Jenkins as Ihe boy's mother and Her-
ibert Lomas as a god-fearing farmer.
' Many people consider Ihe suffer-
jings Of war have revived a religious
i lrend--in- Britaimr-Tlrc author, who
'wrote this play while visiting the
balllefro'nls during a 12rmonths tour,
obviously feels this offering istimely.
He has staged a tine production,
i Play will undoubtedly draw its
own particular audience, but whether
it has. enough, general appeal for the
masses is a matter for speculation,

Clem..

Play Out of Town

llpnr

Desert Ba<t»

•" A . London. April 27.

Sliorpk' prn'lucl Inn . of h npiv itlriv
III Hi.,'.' :i.l.- Iiy Colin MulTis. .llli.vl-,1 .'hi
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This is a code-eyed war and public
reaction today is equally cock-eyed.
Who could prophesy that such a big
initial, welcome would be given to a
war play in London at the present
time, when all smart men of show
business here thought nothing bul
100";. escapist fare would click? It
was five years after first World War
before the British public wanted to
read war books like "Farewell to
Arms" or to see War plays such as
"Journey's End."

Perhaps it was jtist a .compliment
to the Eighth Army, but the audience
ale up "Desert Rats." . Some audi-
ences may' And the dialog a trifle , in-
digestible, even though the action
and tension are always there. There
Is fine tension in the first act when a
booby trap is planted by a Nazi ser-
geant in full view of the audience
but out of sight of British officers
occupying a wrecked %illa near Bu
Ngem. And its explosion is- all the
more of a surprise.

Xhe story is of a dangerous desert
patrol to Tripoli, .cut off by the 15th
Panzer Grenadiers, shot up by dive
bombers and. finally killed or cap-
tured! except for two delirious of-
ficers. One". of the two has had an
affair with" the other's wife, without
knowing her identity. British officers
and men are usually portrayed as
languidly efficient but fearless. Colin
Morris, himself a "Desert Rat." pre-
sents them in the opposite light! Sev-

Itlemphis) Bound

. Boston, May 3.

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Ann Robinson

Wlllhim C. Smilll

William Dillard

..(looi'Kln Ann TlmmntiH
Oclla llhyllmi Hi'ii'8: 'I'l-.typrHp Crawford.
Ileiie Op Kiiiirht. <'ii'i-I Jiincn. Kolsey lilurl'.-
1. pp Ui'lmp.i.

SAMUEL FRENCH

HINt'K IMSO

Flay Brokers and
Authors' Representatives

ta tt'ml 4filh Nlrnt. 'S>w Vurh
HII Wrxt Hh Htrrat. Lo* Aag<iln

John Wildborg's glorified- minstrel
show. "Memphis Bound," in opening
with all Negro cast — headed by Bill
Robinson — at the Colonial as a swing
version of "H.M.S. Pinafore," nearly
saw the old showboat scuttled in con-
fusion of a second act which owes
little to Gilbert and Sullivan. Yet.
despite lack of a coherent, unified
book, which now would astonish the
Savoyards by sandwiching an eerie
"Trial by Jury" and strange doings
in a Tennessee hoosegow between
the decks of Pinamore, "Memphis
Bound" seems destined to be a wow
in Manhattan for several reasons.
The first is that repairs went under
way immediately to keep the second
act afloat in shipshape fashion.

Then there ' is. Bill "Bojangles"
Robinson ' himself, genius of the tap
dance and. the ingratiating grimace.
At 65. or thereabouts; he carries a
big part of the production through
personality and amazing . agility.
Right With him is Avon Long, spring-,
legged "Sporlin' Life" of "Porgy and
Bess." who always wanted to be an
actor and who. does act and dance
.superbly well, though not often
enough, as captain of the "Hot Pina-
fore" under command of Bojangles'
Sir Joseph Porter, KCB. This couple
in duet and separately delighted a
capacity first-night . audience (in
which society clement was unusually
thin); slid are mostly responsible for
a sellout, during 10-day run before
Manhattan.

Brilliant color, tuneful music, some
of it new. and an infectious gayely
on stage surround their antics. Also
cavorting enthusiastically is a mixed
chorus gorgeously costumed by Lu-
tindii Ballard in altciTiatc Tennessee
river-billy and jazzea-up . 'Plriaforc-
Victorian garb. The Delta Rhythm
Boys. Ada Brown as a jolly Little
Buttercup. Frank Wilson (original

forgyl as the judge . of a . boogie-
woogie, spectrc-rldden "Trial by
Jury." and some of the most delecta-
ble' Negro kids seen on any s.lUgc
made melodic entertainment of high
degree.

After a slow preamble, depicting
Helen Dowdy's fine Aunt Melissa or-
ganizing a troupe to sail the old river
boat. Ciilliboga Queen, down to
Memphis for a performance of "Pina-
fore ." the .first act Of an explosive
operrtla ortcn recognizable lo Savoy-
ards comes brilliantly to life.

The pace of satire is set by Long's
sly version of Capt. Corcoran and
Robinson's geiiially leering, foot-
loose ruler of ' the Queen's Navee,
Pinarore. iyrics are. ehihellished- with
hep-hep variations. The 'cast swings
flamboyantly up lo intermission. Al-
most the only .".letdown iii this first
act. Avilh ils rainbow lines and tight-
packed motion, comes from Billy
Daniels, as Ralph Rackstraw. love-
sick fo'casth- swain' bewitched by the
captain's 'daughter: Though pleasant,
his voice . is not Up to demands of a
Medium stage. The daughter is in
triplicate; Sheila -Guys. Thclina Car-
penter and Ada James . pull cute
tricks crooning tonal variations on
Sir Arthur Sullivan's music.

Bul the second acl makes one wish
that "Memphis. Bound" could be an-
other "Carmen Jones." with the orig-
inal operetta followed more closely.
Disjointed, confused; incoherent in-
spots., '-even with discount of first-
night scenery trouble and light fail-,
urcs, jl "wanders far from' "Pinafore"
and often gets nowhere. Faults may
be laid to the book by Sally Benson
and Albert Barker, rather than the
direction by Robert Ross, and to the
badly costumed ballet invented by
Anion . Dolin. This phantasmagoria
gets running on full steam again
toward final curtain, with the cast
once more rollicking "Pinafore"
crew. 8

At the' start of a badly conceived
second act. which can be niade good.
Long, shorn of his outrageously gay
captain's uniform, becomes a river-,
bank deceiver who ran. off with the
showboat money: Bojangles is his
jailer. Both fall asleep in the coop
and then the whole stage becomes a
dream world to the tune Of "Thing*
Arc Seldom What They Seem."
" Wan ghosts of Gilbert and -Sullivan
watch, the village cutups. and a
clumsy ballet of spectral dancers
who oi\ce were- sailors and b.umboat
ladies and now have Ku Klux drapes.
Frank Wilson admirably presides at
Trial by Jury" in the midst of this
odd diversion. :

Of course. Robinson does his fa-
mous stair dance, magnificently, and
sings "Growin' Pains." a specialty
song hardly conneclpd with London's
Savoy theatre, with the aid of a pica-
ninny. '"Old Love and Brand New
Love" is another 'catchy new ditty.

The. show could stand more dis-
tinguished singing and more of
•'Pinafore." Bul everyone works with
a will, and in view of castas "fervent
enthusiasm, rough spots should soon
be smoothed to give Max Gordon's.
while 1 production of "-Pinafore." open-
ing in Baltimore May 7. a'graiid run
for the money. Sets by George Jen-
kins are excellent, lighting needs at-
tention and. orchestra is much too
overwhelming. Dame.

MARRIAGES

Ruth Weston to Alfred Reginald
Mead. -:Ncw York. May 4. Bride is
stage and screen actress, currently,
appearing- in . "Oklahoma!", St.
James. N. Y.

Helen Laing to Chet Zphn. Cleve-
land. May 2. Groom is WTAM pro-
gram director.

Virginia Patrick lo Herbert Gigan-
det. Pittsburgh. April 17. Bride for-
merly was vocalist with Lee Helton's
staff orch at WJAS. Pill.

Rita Lupino to Enrique Vcledcz,
Las Vegas. May -3. Bride and groom
arc dancing partners.

BIRTHS

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hanson. Cape
Town. South Africa, son.- March 12.
Father is "Variety's" South African
correspondent.

Mr. and Mrs. Dave "While, son.
New York, May 3. Father is radio
producer of "Hour of Charm" and
"Schaefer Revue."

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Maas, son,
Hollywood. May 4. Father is: with
NBC's western division.' :

•Mr. and Mrs. Barry Wood, daugh-
ter. New York; April. 30. Father is
the former Hit Parade singer now
touring in vaudeville,

Mr: and Mrs. Bert. Horswcll,
daughter. Hollywood;. April 14.
Father is a screen writer. '
• Mr. and Mrs-. Lewis Rachmil.. son.
Holly wood. May 2, Father, is dircc-.
tor of Harry Sherman Productions.

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Konier, son.
Los Angeles. May 3. Father, is a film
editor al Metro. . . • .
iMr. and Mrs. Arthur Slander,
daughter, Hollywood. May 3, Father
•writes for Ariiiis 'n' Andy. -.

.fule Slyne and Sammy Cahn
inked lo write the score, for -"Slightly
Perfect." Richard Kollmar's forth-
coming legiter.

OBITUARIES

]

THKODORK HAYS

Theodore Hays. 78. pioneer Min-
neapolis showman and known as
"father of Norlhwesl show buiness."
died in that city. May 7.

Before 'retiring from his public and
labor relations post with Minnesota
Amusement Co. in ■: 1940 because. o£.
ill health. Hays had been, connected
with (lie show business in Minne-
apolis area Tor more than 50 years.
He' entered the show ' business; in.
Minneapolis in 1887 when he organ-
ized Hays & Sterling to operate the
Peoples theatre. When the house,
playing road shows, became the
Bijou. Hays was made treasurer and
then manager. In 189H he was named
manager of Grand Opera House; SI.
Paul.

In 19I7 ; Hays /joined Finkelslein
& Ruben; predecessor of Minnesota
Amusement; as manager of the Gar-
rick. St. Patil. He was made gen-
eral manager .of lli'e .F. & R.. theatre
circuit and other enterprises in 1919.
When Minnesota Ainusemcnl ac-
quired the F. 8c R. chain, he joined
as director of real estate and Insur-
ance department. He also was di-
rector, of labor relations.

Hays "was head of Twin City Scenic
Co. and was interested in several
theatre properties. He Was secretary
of the Associated Managers of the

U. S. at 17. later starling his thea-
trical criticism in England.

Farjeon '.presented- "Diversion," a
comedy, at Wyndhanis. London
throughout the 1940 Nazi blilz.

He was author of. .many plays in-
cluding "Friends," produced in 1917;
VPicnic." "Herbert Farjeon's Liille
Revue." "Many Happy Returns."
"Why Not Tonight?" "Nine Sharp."
"Big Top" and "Light and Shade."
lie and his sister. Eleanor, pro-
duced .their. -'.operetta. "The Two
Bouquets," in. 1938.'

SIR VALENTIN lv GRACE

Sir --Valentine' Grace.: 88. best
known as "actor baronet." died iri.
Dublin, Ireland. • May 3. .from in-
juries, received in ,a fall from a
bicycle several .weeks ago. He en-
tered the British 'theatre. when about
30, playing opposite Lily L'anglry;
He made more than $120,000 in the
stock market prior to going im. i ue
stage. .

Sir Valentine ,servcd. : as a captain
in . the Leiiistcr Rcginient. He suc-
ceeded his father to the title as fifllv
baronet in 1903. . .

CHARLES I,. DOOl.EY

Charles -L. -Dooley. . 07. veteran
shqwinan and former district man-
ager of Warner Theatres in Pater-

Ill Fond Remembrance

W. II. STEIN

May 14, 1943

Tw-in Cities and vice-president of
Minnesota division of . the Motion
Picture Theatre Owners. .
His widow and a son survive.

DEZSO D ANT.ALFFY

Dezso D'Ahlalffy. 59. Hungarian-
born composer, .'who. once was or-
ganist for; the N. ,Y." Philharmonic
Symphony orchestra, died April 29
al Dciiville; N. J. He became a ; pro-
fessor of organ al the Landes-Musik-
akademic in Budapest , at 23, and
later taught also at Die Royal Music
Academy in that .city. He ,was as-
sistant conductor, at (he Cologne
Opera House before coming to the
U. S. in 1921. .

DVihlalfTy directed the orchestra
for Max Rei.nhardt's "The Miracle"
and other productions. He also was
associated with several symphony
orchestras in this country. He com-
posed the score of "The Voice of
Millions," an oratorio, broadcast in
1932 at ^ the dedicatory services of
Rockefeller Center. He 'became a
staff composer and organist at the
Radio City Music Hall until 1939.
Many of his works, including tjie
operetta legend. VOnteora's . Bridej"
were given at the Hall. He authored
music for file organ and violin, in-
cluding "Hungarian Suite" for or-
chestra, and a light opera, "Ein Fas-
chingsabenteuer.'.'

Survived by widow, a . daughter,
two brothers and two sisters.

ALBERT Al.tfONT

- Albert Almont, 76, musician and
musical instrument manufacturer,
died in. N. Y., May 7. Born in San
Francisco, he changed his surname
to Almont from DuMont after en-
tering vaudeville. He was the other
half of the trumpet and trorriobne act
of Almont. &' DuMonl for years, this
act touring Europe: among-, other
places.

Almont originated and manufac-
tured the Almont silver mouthpiece
for the trumpet and trombone. He
also was the originator, of the. seven-
belt instrument. -He quit the sjagc
about 15 years ago, but taught trom-
bone and trumpet.' Survived by
widow and" a sister.

HERBERT FARJEON

Herbert Farjeon. 58. playwright
and" drama" critic, died in London,
May 3 . He was the author of num-
erous musicals and plays, taking
over the management or the' Little
theatre in that city in 1938' to pre-
sent his own intimate revues. He
was a grandson of Joseph' Jefferson.
American actor. Farjeon, who had
edited several editions of Shakes-
peare, began his stage career in the

son. Bergen and Passaic counties,
died May 6 in Paterson, N. J.

He had been active in the con-
struction and operation of theatres in
northern New Jersey for about 25
years. . Associated with . the- 'Fabian
circuit,, he was active iii -theatre
business in Passaic- and Bergen coun-
ties.' continuing in charge of ; the
houses after acquired by Warners. .

Dooley was on the executive staff,
of Warners' Newark office most re-
cently.

. Survived by widow and a sou!

JERRY MANDY

Jerry Mandy, 52. stage and iscfecn;.
comedian, died May 1 in Hollywood,
following a heart attack. . We'll,
known on the vaudeville stage be-
fore moving 1 to Hollywood. Mandy
played in many Hal Roach come-
dies, and did character, roles on sev-
eral major lots.

During the last few years he mada
tours overseas for the USO and ap-
peared at West . Coast camps and
hospitals with his trained dog. Pal.

HUBERT BATH

Hubert Bath,. 62, composer, died in
Middlesex, England April 24. Had
written many songs as well as in-
cidental music for plays and. films.
Best known of the latter was th«
Cornish Rhaphody. for "Love Story."
Bath had done others for Gauniont-
British, including background music
for "A Place of One's Own" and
"They Were Sisters." neither of
which has been released.

HENRY THOMPSON

Henry ' Thompson. 56. operatic
star and composer, died, in Chicago
May 3. Thompson formerly sang
w'ilh . Chicago Civic Opera and San
Carlo Opera here: and. in England
with Covent Garden and Carl Rosa,
companies, last appearance here be-
ing in "Pagliacci" at Eighth St. the-
aire. Chicago.

WALTER ANTHONY

Waller Anthony. 73. -pioneer
screen writer, died May .1 in Holly-
wood after a' short illness. Former
newspaperman, Anthony moved to
Hpllywoood 25 years ago as 'a title
.writer and . turned to 'scripting when
films became vocal. Recently, he
was associated with Jerry Fairbanks,
indie producer.

PERCY HUTCHISON .

Percy Hutchison. 70. "-actor.' died
in London April IB of injuries sus-
tained some months 'ago by enemy
action,' He had playe'd many sl-jge

(Continued on page 4,7)

W ednesday, May 9. 1945

P&1UETY

47

CHATTER

Broadway

Treasurers Club nas moved to the
Strand building.

lohn Chapman's excellent piece oh
Mike Todd in Collier's this week.

George Alabama Florida, Jr., back
after long season ahead of "Blossom
Time." ■

Rube Bernstein now manager or
"Good Night, Ladies," currently in-
Boston.' ■ ' ■ '■ '

Marc Heiman to Chi for the fu-
neral service of Elias Mayer, his
longtime attorney.

Julian TV Abclcs back from a
Hollywood quickie on Universal
copyright matters.

Helmut Dantine's Strand sketch
will utilize an excerpt from one of
Russell Davenport's- books. :

Jack Goldstein, eastern pub-ad rep
for Selznick, back frorn a 10-day
studio conference on the Coast.

Mrs Tillie Leblang Jasie estate's
house furnishings at public auction
May 11-12 at Croydon Galleries.

Comedian Sammy Cohen back
from Ave months' overseas, in Chlna-
Burma-lndia. tor USO-Camp Shows.
'. Howard Barnes back to drama and
film desk for Herald Tribune after
a fast trip around European war
front. .,

Charlie Stewart, manager of the
Playhouse ("The Glass. Menagerie"),
is : also general manager for "Oh,

Bl Inrtuence of the rabbit "Harvey"
may explain how come Brock Pem-
berton. got into a women's hotel cluo
in Frisco.

Two founder-members of the Ban-
shees, Bradley Kellv and Barry Far-
is. succeed late Joseph V. Connolly
as co-chairmen.

Wolfe Kaufman, ex-Billy Rose
flack, to pressagent "Foxhole In the
Parlor," new Harry BlOomfield prOr
duction by Elsa Shelley.

Good institutional trailer, for "I
Remember Mama" in many dept.
store ads as part of the buildup for
next Sundays Mother's Day.

Dave Apolloii received cable from
his brother Josef in Stalingrad:
Latter. Russian military engineer,
had not been heard from since 1941

Hal Olver, who was- in the Ring-
ling, Barnum & Bailey press de-
partment last season, has joined the
Clyde Beatty circus, being general
press agent.

Carl Brisson a haDDY Dane at the
Statler. Boston, since the news of
his country's liberation. Got special
FCC permission to phone his folks
in Copenhagen.

Capt. Everett Callow, USMC, for
meily an- advertising-publicity rep
rcscntative for Warners in Philadel
phia. is back in the States from serv
ice in the South Pacific.

Jed. Harris hosted a combo birth
day-farewell parly for Cynda Glenn
slated for her second hitch with «
USO unit for France, where she
starred in "Folios Bergcres" in pre
war Paris. .

Pun of the week was pulled by
Bennett Cerf when he suggested pub-
lishing a series of letters from Gov
Dewey's foreign affairs expert to the
new Nazi fuehrer, to be titled "Dulles
to Doenitz."

Major i DO Irving Somach, since
back in the. States, and oiie of ;Oscar
Serlin's original, backers, is going in
strongly... once more for ■ financing
legits. Has acquired several 'pieces'
of new shows.

Steve Dorsey, formerly specin
secretary' to Republic prez James R
Grainger prior to his enlistment, re-
ported as "missing in action" several
weeks ago, has been liberated from

■ German prison camp.

When Congressman Sol Bloom
spoke from the pulpit of the San
Francisco synagogue where he was
confirmed 60 years ago it surprised
many in show biz who regardedjiim

■ as a "sidewalks of N. Y." citizen.

Aurclio Gallo, nephew ' of For-
tune Gallo. producer of operas, is
being sought by his wife. Mrs. Ruth
Callo. of 871 E. 48th street. Brook
lyn. N. Y. Latter claims he de
sorted .her and their daughter ii
1933 and that both arc in dire need

Hollywood

• Veronica Lake ailing with flu.
Max Steiner. composer, divorced
Sonny Tufts on hospital tour for

USO.

_ Barbara Brown laid up with spinal
injury. •

;Frank Butler bedded by stomach
ailment

, George Bricker hospitalized with
pneumonia.

Glenn Vernon hospitalized with
eye infection.

. Bettc Davis returned to work after
a week's illness.

Jan Savitt bought a house in Sa
Fernando Valley. ■

Drew Pearson honored luncheon
guest at Wai-ners.

Faye Emerson moved into a new
home in Bcvhills.

Lieut. Bob Taplinger shoved ofl
across the Pacific.
■ Arthur Rankin joined the Liehlig-
Englander agency. i, ■

Rav Milland checked in at Para

on deal consummated by Norman B.
Rydge. GUT,- and Harry Hunter,
Par. Fic is playing four sessions
daily.

London

mount after vacationing in New
York.

Don McElwaines celebrated their
27th wedding anni.

Richard Sokolove resigned as story
editor at Columbia.

Russ Morgan bought a home in
San Fernando Valley.

Brock Pemberton in' from New
York, visiting Warners.

Jim Cassidy to San Francisco on
business , and sightseeing.

Donald Novis on a singing tour,
opening' in Kansas City.

Anne \ Baxter to Montreal for
Canadian War- Loan drive.

Kay Francis returned fropv three-
week Caribbean camp tour. .

Charles Einfeld to San Francisco
for a look at the Conference.

Alice Faye. checked in at 20th-Fox
for the first time in two years.

Robert Stirling- returned to work
after five weeks in the- hospital.

Gust De Muynck, Belgian radio
emissary, ganderihg film studios.

Carole Landis checked in at 20th-
Fox after- six months on Broadway.

Elizabeth Taylor returned to work
at Mcjtro with her broken foot. healed.

Jean ' Hersholt joined the War
Chest Public Information Committee.

Jose. Iturbi wound lip his midwest
concert tour arid checked in at Metro.

Nate Peiistejn in. town to arrange
promotional campaign- lor Pabst air-
show.

Commander- Arthur A. Schmidt in
town conferring with Capt. Gene
Markey.

Fritz Lang, whose, monocle had
solo billing for years, is now wear-
ing specs.

Herman Bcrnie. formerly with
William Morris, opened a new tal-
ent agencv.

Lloyd C. Douglas recuperating on
a ranch in Nevada after six months
in a hospital.

Michael O'Shea to be grand mar-
shal of the War Bond rodeo in San
Diego. May 18. .

William M. Alland. former RKO
director? tinned to first lieutenant in
the Philippines.

Howard Dietz in town for a few
days after gandering the diplomats
in San Francisco.

Charles Chaplin's paternity case
officially closed, with Judge Kincaid
signing final papers.

Bill Elliott' invited as guest of
honor to start the Seventh War Loan
drive at Delano. Cal.

Olivia dc Havilland to christen the
new ship. American Victory, at Ter-
minal Island. May -24.

Harry Hays Morgan, former diplo-
mat, breaks into films in "The Stork
Club" at Paramount.

Peter O'Crotty new public rela-
tions counsel for the Marine Corps
League in California.

Ernest Rogers. Atlanta Journal edi-
tor,' in. town visiting his old reporter
pal. Vincent Sherman.

Brig. Gen. Elliott Roosevelt to
Washington after 10-day visit with
his wife. Faye Emerson.

Lew Kerncr rejoined the William
Morris agency after three years of
Army service overseas.

Dorothy Lamour to be ■ guest of
honor at the annual dinner of the
California State Legislature. '

William Terry sold his North Hol-
lywood home to Mabel Paige and
leaves for New'York next week.
Iletie Woods and Billy Usher, cur-
cntly filming at Universal, are con-
tinuing their air program. "On the
Sunny Side of the Street," from the
Coast.

"By

Jack Hylton may take over
Jupiter" from Jack Waller.

Jack Buchanan auditioning pro-
grams for the British Broadcasting
Cdrp.

Firth Shephard's "The Assassin,"
at the Savoy, folding to make way
for "The First Gentleman/'

Hermione Gingold, revue actress,
obtained divorce from Eric Masch-
witz oh. grounds of desertion.

Edith Delancy making third trip
for USO-Camp Shows. Previous
stints were with. Ella Logan unit.

Malcolm McEacherh left estate of
$10,000; novelist Caradox Evans,
1300; radio comedian Syd Walker,.
$500.

Tom Ronald,. British Broadcasting
Gorp's director of . "Atlantic Soot-
light," to Ireland to direct Irish Half
Hour.

"Three's a Crowd" closing at Sa-
ville theatre shortly, with Leslie
Henson's "Gaieties" moving over
from the Winter Garden
. 20th-Fbx's "A Tree Grows in
Brooklyn" has been drawing capac-
ity audiences. Currently spotted at
the'Tivoli, Gaumont and Haymarket.

Cinema Managers' Assn. has
broken away ■ from the National
Assn. of Technicians and Kinemato-
graph Employees and. now functions
as a separate union.

L iter aii

' C. W. Lane Dies at 85

Cecil W. Lane, well known Cana-
dian newspaperman and "Variety"
correspondent' •■in Montreal since
1927, died in Montreal May 1 at the
Homoeopathic hospital after a brief
illness. He was 66.

Lane was with the Canadian Pa-
cific Railway press bureau for 20
years: He had previously; been city
editor of the -Daily Mail, later on
the Gazette, the Montreal Herald
and the Canadian Press before join-
ing the C. P. R. Born in England,
he went to Canada about 40 years
ago.

Surviving are a son, Dr.' Cecil T.
Lane. Montclair. N. J., and a daugh-
ter, Mrs. Fred W. Poland, Ottawa. 1

By Hal Cohen

Maurice Baker, manager of Barry.
Steubenville, O.. in hospital for an
operation.

Florence Fisher Parry, Press col-
umnist, iii New York catching up on
the new shows.

. 'Boobie Woogic Allen, blind Negro
pianist froni Boston, newcomer to
Mercur Music Bar.
■ Sgt. John Ferris. Jr., brother of
Joe Ferris, Variety Club steward,
killed in action in Germany.

Irene Cowan, of W.TAS staff, writ-
ing dialog for Playhouse's closing
show-with-music, "A Party."

Mrs. Patricia Hooley, wife of Jack
Hooley. theatre manager, back to
Hawaii as Red Cross supervising
nurse.

Campbell Casad in town ahead of
"Two Mrs. CarrolLs." which will
close Nixon's legit season week of
May 21.

Mary Morris, of ' Carnegie Tech
drama faculty, to New York to line
up some summer theatre acting en-
gagements.

Freeman Hammond, who used to
run Experimental Theatre here, di
lectins overseas version of "Late
.Christopher Bean."

Eddie Specter, manager of Pitts
burgh Symphony orch. will have a
new assistant, John Edwards, from
the Coast next season. .

Australia

"Maid of
Sydney,

South Africa

Bv Joe Hanson

"Mrs. Partington" tWB ) big draw
on Metro circuit.

Ella Goldstein, Palestinian pianist,
returned to Cairo after concert tour
of S; Africa.

20th-Fox's "Song of Bernadette '
boosted for special Easter showing at
Odeon, Cape Town, and proved
strong attraction.

African Theatres, in conjunction
with S. A. Broadcasting Corp M stag-
ing Nationwide Talent Contest to
find new blood for radio.

S. Africa National Opera. Co : stag-
ing season of grand opera. at Alham-
bra theatre. Cape Town, after suc-
cessful run in Johannesburg.

UA's "Since You Went Away."
after tremendous advance publicity
Tor showing in Cape Town, suddenly
withdrawn, with no reasons given.

John Davis, representing Arthur
Rank, flew from England to Cape
Town to commence survey of South
Africa. After- three days here con-
tinued on to Johannesburg: -

Time's Scrapped Cover

Time Magazine scrapped its cover
page for the next (May 14) issue,
haying planned to use Anthony Eden
on the front page, but due to V-E
it was decided to have a front de-
picting three battle- worn soldiers.
Time has. also- allotted 11 pages, of
news space to print V-E day events
throughout (lie world.

fashion, in the approved Russian
way. There were toasts to President
Truman, Premier Stalin, Winston
Churchill, General Eisenhower, etc.,
after which the Russians put the
writers to- bed, .

N. T. Post's Frisco Troables

A circulation war. was nearly pre-
cipitated in San Francisco by the
N. Y. Post, which is printing a
United Nations Conference edition
across the bay in Berkeley. Plan
of the circulation department was to
hawk the sheets in front of the big
hotels and on street corners. When
the home circulation boys heard
about it they served notice on the
Post that they didn't like it and in-
ferred that there was a way of pre-
venting it. -The New York sheet took
a hint and decided it was the better
part of discretion to confine the sale
to stands in the hotels.

Insiders believe that the street sale
was the forerunner of the Post's buy
of the S. F. Chronicle, which pre-
viously went by the boards with $5,-
000,000 offer. Post . is also said to
be getting radio-minded and is in
the market for station property. Last
week F| nice Sherman was engaged
to give. the sheet radio coverage dur-
ing the conference meet

By Eric Gorrick

Williamson-Tait reviving
the Mountains" at Royal,
with Gladys Moncricff.

Joyce Dowling-Smith. formerly
commercial radio script- writer,
joined-Moyts' publicity dept.

■ Doris Fritton is presenting Noel
Rubies pi a v. "Timeless Moment at
her theatre in North Sydney.

- Terrific biz for "Going My Way"
(Par) »l Prince Edward. Sydney.
Looks like a hot 20 weeks for this
one. , ■ . . .

Kathleen Robinson and Richard
Parry <.re appearing at Minerva,
Sydney, in "Autumn" for Whitehall
Productions.

Warnei's .presently; have _ three j- phon'm engagement.

Gaver-Stanley's Beok

Jack Gaver's (UP) and Dave Stan-
ley's anthology of radio humor.
"There's Laughter in the Air"
(Greenbe.rg Publishers) lists. 21 of
America's top radio comedians who
are represented via scripts. • These
include Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Ed
Gardner, Ed Wynn, Fanny Brice,
Edger Bergen, Abbott & Costello,
Eddie Cantor, Phil Baker. Fibber
McGee & Molly, Burns & Allen,
Fred Allen, ■ Easy Afes, Amos 4
Andy, Milton Berle, Jimmy Duranter
Garry Moore, Joan Davis, et al.

Gavcr, amusements editor for
United Press, and Stanley have
some hitherto unpublished material
concerning the comedians of the
crystal set era, along with many
anecdotes ' illuminating the rise of
radio comedy from an impromptu
haphazard state of confusion to the
Split-second, multi-million dollar in-
dustry it is today. Biographical
sketches of each subject precede
each script, all well selected.

Mrs.- Wlnslow's Nltery Book

Thyra Sarhtcr Winslow is- com-
pleting a book which Whittlesey
House has contracted, tentatively
titled "Plush Rope." This will be
the.- story of New York night life, its
habitues and its entertainers, the
personalities of theatre,' restaurant
and fashion life from the last war
through the present war, including
the speakeasy era and encompassing
the development of radio.

The book will probably be illus-
trated with photographs.

chatter .

John J. Anthony pacted by
McNaughton syndicate for. news-
paper column stint It'll be tabbed
'Your Problem."

Louella Parsons writing lead ar-
ticles on the motion picture industry
for Encyclopedia Britannica for the '
seventh consecutive year:

Ernest Lehman has done a rib.' on
Earl Wilson, for the May 19 Saturday
Review of Literature called "I A-nv
Gazing Into My Earl Welt"

Walter Winchell awarded Readers
Scope mag's annual plaque "for out-
standing courage in an uncom-
promising fight against fascism in
America."

. Fred R. Sammis, editorial director of
Photoplay Mag, left for South Pacific
where he will serve a tour of duty
aboard; a troop transport bound for
an island staging area. He's • lieu-
tenant in the U. S. Coast Guard
Temporary Reserve.

Ben Hecht's collected stories, in.-„.
eluding his "Mystery of the Fabulous
Laundrynian" which readers have
called timely because of Hitler's re-
ported death, have been wrapped up
into one volume by Crown publish-
ers. Opus being released May 23.

Madelin . Blltzstelh, Philadelphia .
flack specializing in handling Negro
artists, scripted a piece for May is-
sue of Negro Digest entitled "The
Negro Artist Comes of Age." An
unfortunate mistake was made by
the mag's editors. In . blurbjng an
identification of the writer, they re?
ferred to her as the wife of com-
poser Marc Blitzstein. . She was his
step-mother. Her husband (com-
posers father), Samuel Blitzstein,
died only, last week. -

Minneapolis

Broadwayltes Abroad

With the war over in Europe,
Leonard Lyons may not go over as
a correspondent, for which he was
virtually set, but Broadway col-
umnists r Ed Sullivan (News) May
Ward Morehouse (Sun) goes today.

Obituaries

Continued from page 48

roles and acted as 'stage manager
for Sir Charles. Wyndham, whose
nephew he was. Toured the U. S.
and Canada in 1920 and South
Africa and Australia from 1927-29.
Survived by widow and two sons;

ARTHUR J. KIBWAN

Arthur JY Kirwan, 45, RKO The-
atres' purchasing agent, died of
heart disease in White Plains, May 7.
He had been with RKO for 18 years,
but had been inactive because of
illness .recently. During the first
World War he served in France as
a lieutenant.

Bnsy Harry Essex

Within three-and-a-half months of
discharge from the Army, Harry
By I-es Rees E&ex'has sold a screen play, placed

Frank & Lee and Labe Safro inlo; a snort storyj an d turned over a
Curly \s niterv. _ ^ ■ I leeit -play which has been put in the

Ada Lynne and Rcnoiid & Arden I n r n<.rtu,av nroduner

TopiJiiig Andy's nilery floor show, '.hands -of. a Broadway producer. .

Woo?lv Herman's band played at | Columb,a Pictures has bought
Red Cross. benefit dance during Or- , "Corpus Delicti' from Essex, and

C. C RYAN

C. C. Ryan, 65, purchasing agent
for Warner Bros, exchanges anil'
head, of company's advertising ac-
cessories, department, died May 6 in
New York after' a long illness..

Ryan had been with Warners
since 1924.

clicks in Sydney for Hoyls. •'Arsenic
and Old Lace." "Gentleman Jim
and ••Destination Tokyo." .
• Garnet Carroll. Sir Ben Fullers
Aussie partner, is lopkseeing an ad-

Enrico Clause to sing lead .n St.
Paul Civic Opera's "La Bheme" May
.10-7-1 2 iii Auditorium.
.Universal here in third place na-

^ , - ... . fionnlly in Bill Scully sales' drive

dition.il theatre site in Perth, west- j. w 'hich ended Saturday. .
era -Australia, for postwar. | Many Twin City independent cx-

Jack ■ Pcrcival, following release j hibilors. erstwhile double feature
from Jap internment camp in Man : ; f oes ,< ow twin billing even on Sun-
ila; will remain in that city to cover | ( ; SVS;
war news tor Sydney Morning Her- -
aid

the Toronto Star purchased his stprj
called "A Dragon Called Stanislaus."
His play, titled "The House of Ivory,"
has ju.st been sold to a Broadway
producer, according to Mary D.
Chase.

Pr-'uV Vernon, producer for Aus
tralian Broadcasting Commission,
has resigned and will return to Lon-
don with actress-wife.' Margaret

Gordon; ' ''',;, • u.

Dance bi7. has been cliekp right
through hot months, with pacy trade
sighted for cooler span. Sydney s
most popular spot is Trocadcro, op-
erated bv Jack Musgrave.

Par's "Bell Tolls''' off to big take
at Slate. Sydney. for'Grcatcr Union

That Vodka Con

Although Berlin capitulated last
. week iio foreign correspondents en-
Dorothy Claire arid Perry Franks . tered the Nazi capital becaase the
. ]& Janycc into Hotel Nicollet Mirh | nussia ns wouldn't permit them any

ncsota Terrace with Perry Martin'; w • ^ the city Ncwsmen tried
orchestra. •
While "brownout'

^ here, has cut

electricity cost for showhouscs sub-
stantially, it hasn't hurt box-office,
even downtown, in trade's opinion.

Dave Rosen, former. Minncapoli-
tan. here in front with H. R. Burn-
side Gilbert. & Sullivan opera coro-
nany with Ralph Riggs and Frances
Mohan of cast also erstwhile lo-
calilcs.

to go through the Red Army lines
but were "bulled out of doing so by
elementary methods, according to
Kenneth Dixon in the N. Y. Herald
Tribune. Soviet officers were more
than cordial to any number of par
tics of correspondents, feting theni
with vodka— water glasses full

BENJAMIN J[. SULL1VAW

Benjamin J.. Sullivan, 30, radio
actor, died May 1 in Los Angeles, of
injuries received In a fight with a
sailor. '

ANNA DAVIS

Anna Davis, 55, film character
actress for 26 years, died May 5 in
Hollywood.

Mrs. Herman (Harry) Sada, 48,
wife of Harry Sado, partner of Abe
Aronsohn in the "400" and Embassy
clubs; died April 16 at Hove, Brigh-
ton, England.

Raymond Hamblln, '• 58, former
cameraman for Douglas Fairbanks,
Sr., at the old Biograph Studios,
died April 30 in Los Angeles:

Lon Wolf, 49, 20th-Fox film editor
since 1929, died May 7 at Veterans
t hospital at Sawtelle. Cal. Survived
which , were guzzled in "bottoms-lip ' by widow .""d. .daughter.

Wednesday, May 9, 191

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PubliHlirri Weekly «t 164 Wont 4Slli Strict, New York in, N. Y.. I>y Vmlety. I111-. Annmil BilUsciliiI ion, flO. Slnglo <opln. 2S ra-nla.

Entered «s hccuikI-vIhiu maUi'l' December 1 at <Iia l'unl OfTk-x m Nnw Yolh, N. Y., 'under Hie ad ut Uarcu. i, 1879.

[ . ('OrXKIGHK. IMS. BY VAKIKl'Y, INC. AI.1. HIGHTS KESKHVKK

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PRICE 25 CENTS

Envision Public Ready for Gang Pix
As Mob Stories Clean Up at the B O.

Based upon the way certain gang-
ster pictures are going, opinion In
show business is that perhaps the
public is ready for a cycle of this

• type -of film fodder as relief from
war stulf. It is also pointed out that

. murder mystery product, much or
which has a gangster angle, lias been
selling heavily of late.

What may De an index to a change
in public tastes in favor of gangster
sliilY is the way "Dillinger"' < (Mono-
gram 'i opened on Broadway at the
Victoria. It set a new house record
01 s:i5.800 ■ the first week and las;
week lils 2d) did $27,800 in the 720-

1 capacity . house. "Dillinger" cos;
¥2(10.000 to make and is likely to cue
Mono to making additional 01ms of
ibis type, though Steve Broidy, v. p.
in' charge of sales, states nothing is
set at the moment. According to
Broidy, "Dillinger" has opened-
sli oiinly in about 25 spots.

In t lie reissue field many gangster
pictures are claimed to be cleaning'
(Continued on page 8i

Palisades Park's New
Gimmick — Happiness
Of People Who Earned It

By SAUL CABSON

Palisades Amusement Park opened
for the season last Saturday (12^.
The day was perfect, the evening
Corneous— and so was the lake. -It
w;is a 100% Jersey Bounce.

Sevenly-flve thousand customers
paid two-bits apiece to gel in on the
preciii of this people's playground.
For it was really a debut, since 90%
ot it was destroyed by fire just be-
fore last season closed, Only the
stage, restaurant and water ride are
old. among the majors attractions.
The rest of the place is new.

In the eating places and at the
'.ides, in the penny . arcade and
casino, .at all the concessions, the
miKila rolled faster than 'a shill's
tongue.' II the tills didn't add up to
*>0G. they didn't total a dime. And
^(Continued on page 22 J

CHI KIDS NO W FRISKED
FOR CAP PISTOLS AT PIX

Chicago, May, 15.
Kid.* who ride the range oii Chi's
mirihside. have to check their gals
before entering Essoness' Argmore
Saturday afternoons from now on.
juve ertthusisa'm for .Republic's
Zorro's Whip," wild west serial thai
teed oli. three . weeks ago, having
reached such a pitch by last Satur-
day (12) that - they began bringing
..lh.eir.own cap pistols to'augmcnt the
screen sound effects.
> Uarvey Calm, manager, now frisks
em, making them leave their weap-
on ut ihe b. o., and will keep it up,
he says, till.S-E day, meaning the
*iy ihe S-crial E-nds, nine weeks
hence.

George Sidney's Epitaph

Los Angeles, May 15.

George Sidney's will, filed for pro-
bale here, left an estate of more than
$100,000 to Iwo brothers andi three
sisters, to be -shared equally. His own
epitaph was written as a codicil: "No
fuss— no feather's — chuck me in a
hole and forget il. I lived, I had fun
and the world owes me nothing —
love lo all."

Louis K. Sidney, the Metro exec,
is one of the brothers; and L. K.'s
son. George, a Metro director, was
named for his laic uncle.

Crosby Off KMHV
Reported— Again

Reports are current in the trade
that Bing Crosby, who heads up the
"Kraft Music Hall" Thursday night
show oil; NBC, w ; ill step oii t of the
radio picture for good at the end
.of Ihe current season, and there's a
feeling iiv the trade that this time
Dei' Bingle means it.

It's become a fairly perennial af-
fair, those late-spring and early-
summcY rumors that Crosby wants
In scram oul ot radio, do some
recordings, a picture or two a year,
wilh perhaps some guest air. shots
and otherwise relax, bul in the past
he's always showed up for Kraft
when the new broadcasting season
rolled around. However, it's known
1hat the Groaner would like to take
things easier and those close to him
sny thai come Sept. or Oct. it's likely
Ilia I Kraft might find ilself shopping
around for a new star.

Jusl how Crosby's exit from the
radio show will rest with his Dccca
associates is something else again,
for it's generally acknowledged that
his Thursday night air show is ' one
of' Ihe strong factors in the con-
tinued booming of Crosby disc sales.
On the other harid il would give him
more extra time to record.

SEEKTONIPE.T.O.

By GEORGE ROSEN

Washington. May 15.

Wilh the war in the PaciHc still
to be won, American radio and press
correspondents are taking steps to
avoid duplication of "too-severe"
censorial treatment accorded ,hem
by military press relations officers
in Europe. Right now the radio-
press boys are in a stale ot apoplec-
tic rage. The irritations and criti-
cisms of the news-gatherers have
been partially reported in the
United States for some time, but
the explosion last week, following
the rcportorial "ilasco" of the V-E
Day developments, has brought the
issue squarely into the open.

The radio trade, both here in
Washington and around New York,
is buzzing with speculation about
the probable at'tcrmatbs. Il is an
unprecedented situation wherein
tlie men who feed a nation its news
are bitterly hostile to the military
(Continued on page 18 1

LaG. Nixes Radio Career

Mayor LaC.uardia. who has elimi-
nated himsrlr as a candidate for an-
other N. V. .mayoralty term, has'
also closed the door to any potential
sponsored radio commentary pro-
gram when he steps out of office.

"Frankly," Ihe mayor bluntly told
"Variety" when it was suggested
that,' on the basis of the reaction to
his Sunday afternoon WNYC broad-
casts he might fit iulo the network
commentary' picture, "it just
wouldn't work put. For one thing
I wouldn't lei them censor any of
my copy and I know they wouldn't
hold still for that."

H. M. Warner Points Up
Value of Films for Int'l
Education to DX. Solons

Washington, May 15.

Value of American films' as a me-
dium of educating Axis nations was
impressively brought home to a
group of Senators last week by
Harrv M. Warner, who was a guest
of Sen. Millard E. Ty dings (D.-Md.)
at a private luncheon at Ihe Capitol
attended by 15 o'her Senators,
Joseph E. Da vies and Leslie Bifflc,
.secretary of the Senate.

Warner suggested to Ihe Senalors
an educational program which would
pull.no punches. "It would bring
the atrocities and war damage be-
(Conlini'.ed on page 55'

Goebbels American Stooges Being
Tracked Down for Treason Trials

Await Mufti for Pixites

Hollywood. May "15. .

Film industry is looking for the'
return of numerous producers and
directors as a result of the collapse
of the war in Europe and the reduc-
tion of the Army's program of train-
ing shorts.

Understood Col. Frank Ciipra will
soon shift from his uniform into
indie production. Others in line for
discharge include Lieut. Col. Robert
Lord, Major Robcrt'Carson and Ma-
jor John Huston.

Probe Drama
Schools in Chi

.♦ A rat hunt of special interest lo
radio is under way in Europe now.
Rodents are Americans who acted as
radio propagandists over Nazi and
fascist DX transmitters. A few Eng-
lishmen are also involved, most
notorious of these being "Lord Haw-
Haw.''

So far, the arrest of only one: of
the spielers of hate, has been an-
nounced. He is the poet. Ezra Pound,
under indictment for treason. lie
was trapped when Mussolini folded,'
and is now in the hands 'of the Fifth
Army in Italy. But he's coming back
••home"— to stand trial on the trea-
son charge.

Those really in the know can't do
any talking, since the inside into 'is
tinder security wraps. But it is be-
lieved that at least some of the oilier
Americans who spewed Hitler's lino
over the shortwave have already
been tabbed. Others are being sought
among prisoners of war and- suspect
civilians in Europe who are being
(Continued on page 8)

Chicago, May 15.

"Variety*' stirred up a hornet's
nest here with .its story, April 25,
about the $5,000,000 a year you-loo-
can-be-a-star racket' in Chi. as wit-
ness investigation started last week
by State's Attorney William ,7. Tuohy
following filing of complaints by
four pupils against Metro College of
Drama, Voice and Radio Arts: Talent
Scouts and Broadcast Productions
School: and others. Appointed to
head investigation is Ota P. Light-
foot, assistant State's Attorney.

Also joining in the hubbub' were
Chi Herald-American, spearheading
dailies' blasts, and Better Business
Bureau, with Station WCFI. cancel-
ling a 13-week contract f»r half-
hour S u n'd a y afternoon Hirers
"dramatizing" sudden rises to "fame"
of such performers as the Dinning
Sisters, Yvonne de Carlo, etc.. lat-
tcr's' biography having been skedded
(Continued on page 20)

Abbott & Costello Agree to
Go Single When U Pic Pact Ends in '47

Pix and Radio Execs May j
View Nazi Murder Camps j

U. S. radio and film executives!
have been invited by Secretary of;
War Slimsoi) lo go to Germany, as t
did newspaper editors, and see for
themselves the. .brutal evidence of
German atrocities.

War Department, it is said, is
anxious to make, sure that no one,
after this war. will brush off
atrocity stories by swallowing the
subtle Nazi line which alleges that
these accusations are ^propaganda."

, Abbott and Costello. who have
been together for 14 years, will split
when their contract with Universal
Pictures expires ii\ two years. Lou
Costello wili go aloiig for live years
beyond 1947. under management or
their current pilot, Eddie Sherman.
His paltrier. Bud Abbott, is said to
have favored Sam Steifel as a
handler.

Costclfo is going out ni-xl month
on three weeks of vaude appear-
ances wilh singer. Connie Haines,
who is vocalist on the comedy team's
airshow for Camels. They will make
one-week p.a.s at Izzy Rappapprt'.s
Hippodrome, Baltimore; the Slccl
(Continued on page 18)

Nothing Harvey-ish
About Pulitzer Prize,
Author Chase Finds

By JACK PULASKI

Most surprised over the ''Harvey**
(48th Street, N. Y.) Pulitzpr prize
award was Mary Chase, who wrote
the comedy. Show's producer, Brock
Pemborton, wb* had just returned
from San Frjfncisco, where he waa .
present at the second anniversary of
Ihe Stage Door Canteen there,
learned of the author's amazement
when he reached Mrs. Chase on
long-distance telephone. She had
been visiting in New York but. re-
turned to her home in Denver three
days before the Pulitzer announce-
ment. She fell "Harvey" didn't have
a- chance at the honor citation.

Mrs. Chase's husband, Bob Chase,
managing editor of the Rocky Moun-
tain News, published in Denver, got
the Pulitzer flash and hustled to a
picture theatre where his wife was
looking at ncwsreels. When he told
her. Mrs. Chase screamed and near T
ly started a riot in. the house. Au-
thor admitted she had ; once day-
dreamed of winning a Pulitzer cila-
< Continued on page 8)

R.R. TRAVEL POST-YE
EVEN TOUGHER NOW

Picture of rail-travel as a conse-
quence of V-E has already stalled
to change for the worse. Railroad
accommodations westward which
were [airly easy to obtain, have
become 'extremely difficult and acts ,
needing passage only lo Chicago
hate lo go through all sorts of grief
to get space, ' ' . ,

Situation in east to west travel H
expected lo become increasingly dif-
ficult as more men and supplies are
(Continued on page 20) '

MISCELLANY

Wednesday, May 16, 1915

Film Parties for Frisco Solons Nixed;
Zanuck in 'Freedom of Screen' Talks

By ARTHUR UNGAB

San Francisco, May i5.

Motion pictures will be the only
top American industry not playing
host to the delegates and. visitors to
the United -Nations conference.

Plans were on foot for several weeks
for Hollywood to send a selected
group of stars and personalities
from all companies to preside at a
cocktail party which would be held
under the auspices of the San Fran-
cisco Press Club and the American
motion picture industry. Contacts
had been .made between, a local
group and Hollywood studio officials
for the event, which was planned for
staging over the weekend. But the
big "no" came from Will Hays in
New York, who said that the State
Dept. didn't want it. In the mean-
time Standard Oil, Pan-American
Air Lines, Henry Ford, various air-
lines and industrial concerns from
all over the country have been win-
ing and dining the visitors.

Last week Darryl Zanuck made
two trips here. Ori the first he
talked with Secretary of State Stet-
tinius. Inside reports said it con-
cerned the making of a film on
Franklin D. Roosevelt along the
lines of "Wilson," with documentary
clips being inserted and the UNCIO
finale witH the signing of a Security
Act to be the finale as the crowning
achievement to the career of the
late President. Warners and Sam
Goldwyn also have such a pic in
mind.

Zanuck returned here Friday (11)
and had a 20-minute talk with An-
thony Eden. He stated after the
meeting that it was satisfactory, but
wouldn't discuss it further. He also
spoke .to a few of the delegates,
whom he met through Tony Muto,
about making "One World," the
Wendell Willkie book. '

On Zanuck's return to Hollywood, .
word came out that he had talked
to Stettinius about freedom for the
screen, same as for radio and press.
However, no confirmation could be
obtained. Belief here is that discus-
sion of more vital international
problems will preclude any talk on
films.

Canada's Dominance?

Office of Inter-American Affairs
and OWI are squawking informally
about the showing of documentary
films, claiming Mary Losey, of the
Canadian Film Board, loaned to. the
State Dept. as : secretariat for docu-
mentaries, is shortchanging the U.S.
and others with preponderance of
Canadian documentaries. American
films have paid most of the freight
on such Alms, with Canada paying
none.

Press and newsreel coverage has
been considerably curtailed here the
past week. But though things have
bogged down since Molotov, Soong
and Eden left, there is talk of Presi-
dent Truman, Premieres Stalin and
Churchill and Gen. DeGaulle return-
ing to wind this shindig up. As it
is now, news going out has slowed,
the photogs are repeating on stills,
and newsreel men are not shooting
more than 500 feet average of film
a day.

Show biz is still off to same pro-
portions, it has been since the start
of the conference. Night life, too.
Too many parties for free, and even
though the mourning period is over
and flags are bedecking the town,
the delegates don't have much time
for night life, or coin spending,
either.

Coburn Back to B'way?

Charles Coburn. is being, flirted
with by the Theatre Guilder a
Shakespearean revival.

Lawrence Langner and Theresa
Helburn are slated to visit him in
Hollywood to talk terms.

Kiwanis Kudoes
Irving Berlin, Nets

Radio as an industry and Irving
Berlin as an individual are sharing
today H6) in honors being handed
out by Kiwanis.

. Kiwanis International is observing
radio's 25th- anniversary by giving
citations to stations all over the
country and making awards to reps
of the four webs in New York. At
the same time, New York Kiwanians
are honoring Berlin' as. the city's
most meritorious citizen of 1945.

Over NBC coast-tb-coast Wednes-
day at 12:30 p.m., the N. Y. Kiwan-
ians will combine their radio and
Berlin citations on a special half-
hour show, with Berlin picked up
from the Coast. Special Berlin music
will be played on the show, and NBC
prez Niles Trammell will accept the
award for his web's work for na-
tional welfare, war and. peace.

All four webs will get same kind
of awards tonight (Wed.) at a din-
ner in the Hotel McAtpin, N. Y.
Frank K. White will appear for CBS,
Edward J. Noble for the Blue, Rob-
ert D. Sweezey for Mutual, arid
Clarence L: Menser for. NBC. Mrs..
Ellen Mackay Berlin will accept the
award on behalf of her husband at
the dinner.

The- 16 radio stations in Chicago
will send reps to a dinner skedded
there tonight (Wed.) at the Bal
Tabarin of the Sherman hotel. Col.
Edward Kirby, chief, of the radio
branch of the War Dept.'s bureau of
public relations, is skedded as the
main speaker at Chi.

At Schenectady, the two GE sta-
tions, WGY and WGFM. will get the
awards from the local Kiwanians at
a ceremony Thursday night (17).

Sdznick Estate, Rose

Agency Settle Beef

Hollywood May 15.

Harold- Rose and the Myron Selz-
nick estate settled their differences
over the asserted acquisition of Selz-
nick clients following the death of
the agency chief. .

David O. Selznick's publicity office
announced that the settlement pay-
ments will total $60,000. Rose ad-
mitted the settlement but declared
the figures issued by the Selznick
office were "ridiculous."

: PAGE MB. POWERS

Hollywood, May 15.

Modelling: is a short road to Hol-
lywood, according to a survey of
glamour femmes on the 20th-Fpx
lot in "Diamond Horseshoe" and
"The Dolly Sisters,"

Of 17 contract gals working in
these pictures, 12 were models be-
fore they crashed the studio gates.

Andrews Sis Due To
Go Overseas for 8 Wks.

If current plans materialize, the
Andrews Sisters will leave this
country around June 15 for about
eight weeks of USO-Camp Shows
overseas duty.; It would bring them
back to N. Y. in mid-August in good
time for their early September date
at the Paramount theatre, N. Y. This
booking, which includes' the trio's
entire radio program for Nash-Kel-
vinator, will pay them $20,000
weekly for lour weeks.

Vocalists are now looking for a
maestro to conduct a band behind
them on the tour. Originally, the
girls had intended confining them-
selves to playing western service
hospitals all summer. '

Black Market Hossmeat
Kayoing Horse Bettors?

Strange squawks in midtown Man-
hattan, from bookies who are ask-
ing: "Where are the horse players?"
Since racetracks- opened last week
there has been very little "action".
Civilians say the black market' is
the answer.

It's the butchers who are getting
the coin and the cost of bringing
home the bacon, if any, is so high
that there is little left with which to
toss to the ponies. Chicago's lightly
attended racing start Saturday (12)
was a tipoff.

Sinatra's 'House' Short

Hollywood, May 15.

Frank Sinatra will star in a
featurette, "The House I Live In," to
be produced by ' Frank Ross and
directed by Mervyn LeRoy at RKO,
with all the proceeds to be devoted
to a charity active in juvenile work.

Theme is racial and religious tol-
erance. Filming will start this week
and will be completed in' time for
the swooner to leave on an overseas
entertainment, tour.

152nd WEEK !

KEN MURRAY'S

"BLACKOUTS OF 1945"
El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, Cal.

"You're the killer, Ken— not me.
A great show."

ALAN LAOD.

♦« f ♦«»♦♦♦»«♦«»♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ » »♦»»»<♦♦»»«»♦♦♦

I SCULLY'S SCRAPBOOK *

+ By Frank Scully ♦ ♦♦«♦♦♦ » « ♦ < >♦ ♦ ♦< •

Oberschmertz-in-the-TyTOl, May 11.
Long an advocate of- freedom through enterprise rather than slavery
through inaction, nothing delights this department so much as to see Hol-
lywood people alerting themselves for postwar entertainment of those GIs
in Europe.

Paris, of course, is. a must, but comes summer the Tyrol Has its moments
too. The Scully Circus played Bad RcichenhaU the summer of 1932 when
there. was only one Nazi in the Tyrolean town (and- he the village idiot)
and can assure other troupers they will not And simmer skies, nor better
audiences;

Below Berchtesgaden is Salzburg and, in the cathedral square where
Max Reinhardt used to stage his beautiful productions few props are
needed to entertain GFs. Max used only a stage of rough 2xl2's and. no
backdrops except the buildings of the square, and he got $8.80 top for his
shows. He did it by dressing up the actors In a riot of medieval color.

For diversion the troupers could walk to Ob'ersalzburg where Hitler
built his own hell. It might point the moral even more forcibly than
"Jederman," which was the story of a rich man losing all. Reinhardt
never failed to include this in the festival. In fact the sight of rich Ger-
mans paying $8.80 arid weeping over a rich man losing his dough wax a
sentimental sight I'never forget.

L.H.-MCA Merger
Cues Talent Balk;
How About Films?

An unlooked-for situation is crop-
ping up in : the trade as a result of
the recent Leland Hayward-Music
Corp. of America merger. \ Certain
radio talent, originally under LH
contracts and not too keen on going
under MCA management, are won-
dering whether they have to accept
the new setup under their American
Federation of Radio Artists con-
tracts, and whether the ' merger
gives them an out.

MCA heads are worried about the
situation and its ramifications, be-
cause the results of this question will
affect not only contracts with radio,
talent, but-what is more important
to them, their contracts with film
talent. It's known that AFRA was
going to send a memo to its members
counseling them on their rights un-
der the merger. It's also known that
MCA heads have tried to keep the
matter hush-hush and hold the busi-
ness of sending out the AFRA memo
in abeyance until the return of
AFRA asst. exec, sec'y., George Hel-
ler, from the Coast.

Under rule 12-A of AFRA's con-
tract with agencies, radio talent
can't be chatteled back and forth be-
tween agencies like baseball players,
and there's. sTrong feeling, among
certain talent that rule 12-A governs
them in this merger.

MCA's concern revolves, around
the recent approval' of the Screen
Actors Guild to the transfer of film
talent contracts from Hayward to
MCA. If AFRA breaks its contracts
with MCA, latter is afraid that film
talent will cause trouble by raising
the same question, and dispute with
their own union, the SAG, for so
willingly approving the transfers.

A Rex Named Ingram

Noticed among those volunteering to perform abroad was Rex Ingram.
At first I thought this might be the old director whose "Mare Nostrum"
and "Four Horsemen" pictures, were barred from Germany in the 20's.
But it turned out to be the Negro actor of the same name.

Oddly a suit to restrain the actor from using the name -was lost not so
long ago because it turned out it Was the trouper's actual name, whereas
the director's real name was Reginald Hitchcock. I knew Hitchcock's,
father abroad. He was a minister ot the Established Church in Ireland,
and sent his son to Yale where a classmate turned out to be Frank Turtle,
who is still a top director. The directoral Rex retired years ago, took up
Mohammedanism, tried writing novels and Is now en entrait in the San
Fernando valley. But the actor Ingram . is a giant of a man, like Paul
Robeson. It might do the master race some good to see how they slack
up against people like this.

Hildegarde Spurns

Pix Bids; to Europe

Hildegarde plans to entertain in
Europe this summer, having spurned
film bids, including an important spot
in Warner Bros.' "Night. and Day,"
the Cole Porter biography, where the
chanteuse was deemed specially val-
uable because of her longtime asso-
ciation with Porter' tunes.

Her London and Paris background,
however, commends her particularly
for the Continental dates with the
ETO this summer, she feels. Anna
Sosenko, her manager, also has a
bid from Moscow for Hildegarde.

Kent Estate Beef Ends

Los Angeles, May 15.

Out-of-court settlement ended the
legal .battle over the estate of
Lionel Edward Kent, former hus-
band of the late Ruth Roland, film
serial star, involving $250,000, after
payment of taxes.

Janet Eastman Reed, . onetime
beauty contest winner, was awarded
60% of the estate, with the re-
mainder going to Kent's relatives.

PAR INKS PAUL 'STEWART

Hollywood,. May 15.
Paramount signed Paul Stewart,
formerly with the Mercury Theatre
Group, to a writer-director contract
Stewart is the third member of the
Mercury organization to sign with
Paramount. Others are" John House-
man and John Berry.

A Scoop Is Borne

The chameleon that went crazy trying to match her spring ensemble to
a scotch plaid must have laughed her way back to sanity watching a world
whirling dials in an attempt to get a "positively" out of the end of the
war in Europe. Show business may have had some impossible prima
donnas in her lime, but few ever touched the< temperamental display after
the news got past the secondary defense 'and took a Red Grange toward
the goal.

The top sequence of Taffaire Kennedy came when INS announced that
the AP had been suspended from further filing from Paris— and AP quoted
INS as the source of its news! The ban was soon lifted from the AP, but
was continued as far as Kennedy was concerned. It sounded almost as if
the Shuberts were running the Supreme Command's press relations.

Cologne Report

One of "Variety's" unauthorized monitors has turned in a report from
Cologne. The few houses there in which it is now possible to live ure
occupied by Americans. Cedric Belfrage, author of "Away From It ■All"
and now up to his neck in it, entered one to call on a Capt. Hamilton,
head of an American intelligence group. Sitting on the cap's bed, Bellrage
discovered, was Madeleine Carroll clad in Red Cross blue. She still
looked very beautiful. Belfrage started talking about Hollywood and
mutual friends in London. Meanwhile Captain Hamilton kept standing
and sitting down and gazing at his wrist watch, but Mile. Carroll ap-
peared to be enjoying herself and kept up the conversation animatedry.

Belfrage left as soon as he could as he had' to busy himself monitoring
a speech by Gen. Eisenhower, 1 which had to be published in the Cologne
paper next day. From what he had been told Belfrage thought it might
mean the end of the. war. • But his only radio would not work and it was
discovered that the only other available set in Cologne had been appro-
priated by Capt. Hamilton and was now locked 1 with him and Miss Carroll
in the captain's quarters. So they got the speech from the obliging AP.

Then Belfrage started a stroll down Memory Lane. He thought Capt.
one and the same person, and also Madeleine Carroll's husband.
Hamilton's face looked familiar. It seemed he had seen it opposite Made-
leine Carroll before. He finally placed it. The guy looked like a double
for Sterling Hayden. Well, Sterling Hayden" and Captain Hamilton are

WIDOW'S INTERESTING
BIOG OF ENRICO CARUSO

By ABEL GREEN

There's no gainsaying that great
one-man attractions like Caruso.
Chevalier, Lauder, Jolson and
Valehtino will stand out head and
shoulders for a long time after the
vogues for some fleeting "it" girl,
bobbysox idol or pash crooner have
long passed. His widow proves that
full well in her book on ."Enrico
Caruso (His Life and Death)"
(Simon & Schuster; $2.75), which has
just been published.

An idol and a legend within his
own time, stature seems magnified
in the human,, homey, loving rem-
iniscences as Dorothy Park Ben-
jamin Caruso has recorded it. Of an
old American family — her grand-
father, Park Benjamin, was a news-
paper publisher and associate of
Horace Greeley, and her father, also
Park Benjamin, a patent lawyer and
editor of The Scientific; American-
she spent most. of her life in France
and Italy, Her journalistic ante-
cedents have given her an heritage
for authorship but the story she
tells almost writes itself.

Married only three years before
his death in Naples in 1921, the great
Italian singer today, fully a quarter-
bf-a-century later, is still fresh in
memory and revered the world over.
As the author states in her brief
preface, it is fitting that she com-
pleted her casual book of remin-
iscence on Feb. 25, 1944 (when
Caruso would have been 71), to. the
musical accompaniment of sundry
radio memorial programs, in his
honor.

It's a very frank and honest blog-
( Continued on page 50)

Hal Roach in Distrib
Deal With Majestic
For Western Locale

Hollywood. May 15.

Hal Roach, who is waiting v for the
Government to return his studio to
him before resuming .film production,
has acquired exclusive distrib rights
for Majestic Records, radio and tele-
vision sets.

It's reported Roach paid some-
where around $250,000 for the right
to represent Majestic in 11 southern
California counties plus portions of
Arizona and Nevada.
. Roach Is partnered in the venture
with A. L. Driver.

12th Season Slated

For Tobacco Road'

Jack^Kirkland and Harry .Oshr'in
are considering another "Tobacco
Road" tour, this time for the Coast,
starting in August. John Barton,
who laid off this season because of a
heart attack last summer, is again fit
and available.

This would make Barton's eighth
season as Jeeter Lester, and 12lh for
the show. Irving Becker, now with
"School For. Brides," who managed
previous "Road" tours, would likely
go out again with the Kirkland.opus.

JOLSON IN N. T. FOR PREEM

Al Jolson, accompanied by the
new Mrs. Jolson, is slated to arrive
in N. Y. this week in time to attend
the world pretm of Warners' "Rhap-
sody in Blue," scheduled for the
Hollywoood, tT. Y., early in June.

Jolson plays himself in the pic- ■
ture, singing "Swanec."

Wednesday* May 16, 1945

PICTURES

— ♦

0. 0 . POST-VE DAY PIX OUTLOOK

Raw Film Quotas for 3d Quarter Of
'45 to Be Raised; First Relief Since
Pearl Harbor;

20uVFox's 30th Anni Billings in April
Hit $4,700,000, Collections 10% More

Spotting something bearing the
»Oth-Fox trademark on the vast ma-
jority of screens at least once dur-
ing the month of April, when the
company celebrated its 30th anni-
versary', billings are reported to
have run to approximately $4,700,-
000 with collections (delinquent ac-
counts, etc.* running about 10%
better than this figure.

For the final week of the drive,
ending April 30, collections ran bet-
ter than $1,700,000. This amounts to
around 30 % higher than for any
prior week in the history of the
company.

Of the collections for the fourth
and concluding weeks of 20th's an-
niversary drive, the N. Y. exchange,
managed by Kay Moon, accounted
tor the exceptionally large total of
$452,000, which is claimed to be by
far the highest in collections that
any film exchange has ever re-
corded. Moon's crew not only
achieved 100% in representation by
getting "something from 20th"
played at least once during the
month, including in foreign language
houses, in theatres served out of the

. N. Y. branch, but a total of 435
houses had 20th ^product on their
screens during the entire month. -

Percentage ! of collections against
billings during the April anniversary
for. N. Y„ which emerged on top, was
144.99%. On collections against de-
livery Memphis ran second, Okla-

. homa City, third; Atlanta, fourth;
Des Moines fifth and New Haven
sixth.

Among divisions, of which 20th
has three, Andy Smith's, eastern zone
ran ahead on. collections, being
120.56% against billings, while L. J.
Schlaiffer's central div ran second,
and W. C. Gchring's western terri-
tory third.

Feldman, Lang-Wangers,
Marxes-Loew's Indie fix

Hollywood, May 15.

Three new corporations, were set
up here this week for independent
production with major distributors.

Two have been made with Uni-
versal. Charles K. Foldman» who
did "Follow the Boys" co-starring
George Raft and Zorlna for U about
a year ago, hns tied into that studio
again with a fltm package. New
World Productions filed articles of
incorporation as ' Diana Productions;
Fritz Lang, president and Walter
Wanger and Joan Bennett, v.p.s.
Latter have three pix in preparation
for U release, "Scarlet Street,"
"Canyon Passage" and "The Ballad
and the Source."

The Marx Bros, return to films for
the first time since 1937 in the other
profit-sharing deal, In association
-Willi David L'oew. Firm, named
Loma Vista Films. Inc., will" release
their pic. "A Night at Casablanca"
via United,Artists. Joseph Fields is
scripting for n lale Slimmer producer
teeoff.

Houseman Ankles Par
For U. S. Europe Post

Hollywood, May 15'.

Paramount . released John Housc-
B>m from his producer contract to
take a European post with the Office
of: War Information, with which he
was connected before he moved to
Hollywood.

During the two years with Para-
mount,-. Houseman produced "Miss
Susie Slack's" and prepared "The
BUio Dahlia."

Hicks' Condition Poor

f John W. Hicks, Jr., Paramount In-
ternational president still is in a
serious condition, at a N. Y. hospital
wuowmg an -operation severul
weeks ago. It's the second such
operation he's had within a year, and
reported that he's not showing
"»e Improvement hoped for.
.George Waltner, Par International
"ee-president, is in charge while
Hicks la absent.

Cowan-Schaefer Huddle
On'GI Joe' as Roadshow?

Plan to sell "GI Joe" as a road-
show is reported under, discussion
though no final sales policy has been
set, from accounts.

Lester Cowan, who arrived In
N. Y. from the Coast last week, has
been huddling with George J.
Schacfer, chairman of the board of
Cowan Productions, on distribution
and exploitation plans.

Cowan was in Washington last
week discussing plans for launching
the world preem of "GI . Joe" with
some special tribute to the armed
forces.

Curfew's End Ups
Film Biz 10-15%

Combination las! week of V-E
Day (two. of 'em I. cancellation of
the brownout and lifting of the
curfew, immediately redounded to
the benefit of film boxoffices. Esti-
mated the week averaged 10-15%
better than for the seven days prior
to V-E. However, in the downtown,
N. Y. film theatres, a check of busi-
ness Saturday night last (12) would
indicate that it ran on whole less
than 10% belter than for Saturday
a week back. It is expected to. im-
prove to a greater extent, in opinion,
with the public reaccustoming itself
to attending late shows.

The curfew which started Feb. 27
and ended last Wednesday (91, while
cutting takes,- notably on 'Saturdays
when theatres gave midnight shows,
had the effect of creating consider-
able of an offset by getting 1 people
to come to theatres during the day
or earlier in the evening. No re-
(Conlinued on page 10 ,)

Exhib Sosna Blasts Mo.
Solon on Atrocity Pix

St. Louis, May 15.

Louis Sosna, -exhib. in Moberly,
Mo., last week took a slap at Con-
gressman Max Schwabe of the Sec-
ond Mo. District for attempting' to
condone the atrocities inflicted on
war prisoners by the German mili-
tary authorities. In a letter written
to b'4 Missouri newspapers Schwabe,
who lives in Columbia, opined that
the atrocities committed "has not
been the rule but the exception."

Schwabe looked with' suspicion on
the exposures of German prison
camps just before the San Francisco
peace conference teed oft". To this
Sosna iubiit'itflecl,; '"To luake- ]ig!il-«»-
the terrible atrocities and crimes
perpetrated against all humanity, to
find excuses such as to call them
exceptions rather than the rule is,
in truth a travesty on justice." He
also said '.Schwabe'* "whispering
campaign and undercover expres-
sions reek with falsehood and smell
like venom rrom the rabid mouth of
Goebbels."

Sosna also reminded the Congress-
man that lie was elected to repre-
sent his fellow men in Congress and
n o I i n the German Reichstag.
Sosnu's blast received much public-
ity.

Mayer's N. Y. Checkup

Louis B. Muyeiv who entered Ml.
Siuai hospital. New York, for two
duys early this week for a physical
checkup, lias been okayed' by the
medicos and is expected out today
(Wed. i or tomorrow..

He was accompanied east by How-
ard Stricklitig.

C0LLIEB AIDE TO BUGGIES

The BiiitiT Gollinr-J. -Arthur Rank
production deal actually moans
former will be Wesley Rugglcs' as-
sociate producer. Rugglcs has been
in London during the past month.
, Collier is slated to arrive In N. Y.
next week from the Coast en route
to London.

IN MO. SEEN

By MORI KRUSHEN

U. S. motion picture industry lend-
ers o.Ving the course of future
operations, domestic and foreign,
last week found disturbing factors,
in the new series of developments
arising after. V-E Day, partially bal-
anced by favorable prospects for
production, distribution and exhibi-
tion in the months ahead.

For the first time since Pearl Har-
bor the shadow of wartime shortages
of labor appeared to be lifting.
(Easing: of the raw film shortage is
reported elsewhere on this page.)

Film execs c!p not look 'for any
sharp decline in boxoffice receipts
or film rentals before the last quar-
ter of 1945, if then.
. A dip in grosses is expected, of
course, but 1945 is still a war year.
War production spending in 1945 baji
thus far continued at a $70,000,000.-
000 . annual rate: During the first
four months of 1945 the national in-
come was around $1,500,000,000
higher than for the same period in

1944. Any real drop is expected to
come later, possibly in the last quurter
or early in 1940.

Economists now predict ai business
decline in 1946 followed by a sharp
rise in 1947, if the Japanese war ends
in 1946.

Unemployment is not expected to
rise rapidly as result of the end of
the war in,- Europe. An estimate of
3,000,000 unemployed by the end of

1945. docs not take into account (1)
around. 1,000,000 always unemployed,

(Continued' on page 16.> " ., .

SEE 20WfD4ANCD4G
ANEW IN NEXT 6 M0S.

Increase of about $5,000,000 in its
inventory at the end of 1944 as com-
pared to a year ago, and the amount
of funded debt, may result In some
new financing by 20th-Fo'x- in the
next six months, according to reports
in Wall Street. Such additional
financing, whether via a loan or ad-'
ditional stock, likely would be tied
up largely with the current high in-
ventory setup plus the fact that it
takes longer to amortize costs on
certain high-budget films when they
go out on pre-release or special ad-
mission dates.

At present, 20th subsidiaries have
outstanding funded debt of around
$8,000,000 while 20th-Fox has a total
of $9,800,000 of prior preferred and
856,126 shares of no par preferred
shares outstanding. Current- assets
are slightly over $89,000,000 includ-
ing , more ' than 42,000,000 in . cash
item's and around $40,000,000 in in-
ventories, as of end of last year. Cur-
rent liabilities then were listed at
approximately $46,800,000. Corpora-
tion's earnings arc running at a high
level, showing $0.04 pet common
■share in 1944.

Nathanson Back to Can.
To Meet Rank's Party

Paul Nathanson, head of Odcon
Theatres, Canadian circuit, is back in
Montrcal_after a brief two-day visit,
in N. Y.. to meet with .J. Arthur
Rank. British film company chief.
He's due to arrive-there on Saturday
(19).

Rank is accompanied by John
Davis, head of Odeon's parent cir-
cuit, in' Great Britain, and his per-
sonal attorney Woodham Smith,
Barrington Gain. Rank's financial
adviser, will join him in Montreal
later. ..." -

Rank will survey his Canadian
mill industrial holdings until June 2,
when he is due to arrive in N. Y.
for two weeks. He will then pro-
ceed to Chicago and Minneapolis,
where he has American milling
holdings, and finally will spend one
week in Hollywood for conferences
witli American film chiefs.

Ed Raftery East

Hollywood, May '15.

Fid Raftery is leaving Thursday
(17) to return to hbf N. Y: oflice.

Raftery . has been here three
weeks, conferring with George Bag-
nan and United Artists oroducers.

Jimmy Allen Dne East
For WB Press Relations

James Allen will probably be
shifted east soon by Charlie Einfeld
to take charge of Warner Bros.' pub-
lic relations' out of the New York
office, Allen, who was brought to
Burbank by the WB. pub-ad~ v':p.
from a Washington post, would thus
also be nearer the capital.

Allen would work under Mort
Bluemenstock, eastern director of
advertising ' and publicity. Larry
Golub at present is the publicity
chief.

U.S. Distribs Hit
Brit. Film Cut

Prohibition ot export of processed
prints by U. S. distributors from
England to European countries
through curtailment of raw stock
supplies there, is being strongly op-
posed by U. S.. film reps. "

George J. Schaefcr, liaison for the
U. S. film industry to the War Pro-
duction Board, who last week dis-
cussed the problem with WPB offi-
cials, slaved that the British action in
curtailing allocations for U. S. films
released in England by some 20-25,-
000,000 feet "circumvents the orderly
process of WPB allocations in this
country." Schafer states that "Amer-
ican companies are willing to take a
cut to give military agencies priority
bnt not for the benefit of private en-
terprise. I am certain that the Brit-
ish Board of Trade doesn't under-
(Cohtinucd on page 16)

WB Would Up Releases
If Raw Film Available

Reported that Warner Bros, may
step up releases if sufficient rawstock
can be obtained. This will be dis-
cussed on the Coast by Ben Kalmen-
son, general sales manager for the
company, and Mort Blumcnstock,
eastern advertising-publicity direct-
or, who accompanied Kalmenson
west Thursday (10).

While the present pace of releas-
ing and tentative plans would end
the current season (1944-45) for
Warners with only 19 or 20 features,
reported that 'if feasible "and practi-
cal the number may be jumped by
Sept. 1 to around 30. Also, under-
stood -tbe r e may be ,sorr>e reissue?-

Discussions on the Coast will also
concern lcadoff pictures for the com-
ing (1945-46) season;

En route to Hollywood, Kalmenson
and Blumenstock stopped off for a
day in Chicago to huddle with local
Warner execs.

Easing of the raw . film yquccze
permitting more flexible operation
by the ' motion picture industry
(possibly providing also for some in-
creased output by Independent as
well as major producers), is re-
ported undci consideration by the
War Production Board.

Raw film allocations, it is stated
by industry reps, for the third quar-
ter of. 1945 will likely be increased,
with .'further' improvement . in the
cards within the next few months.

More abundam supply of film is
likely to be made available through
shelving of requests' for raw stock
from foreign countries.

Russia, ainonn others, is unlikely
to get any raw film. Argentina,
which has asked for raw stock, will
not gel much, if any. There is al-
ways the possibility, also, that Brit-
ish raw film demands, may be
trimmed. ._■'.'"
■-. Army-Navy requirements may or
may not be trimmed, although if the
military services require less film a
much larger increase than now con-
templated in raw stock for enter-
tainment films is certain to follow.

More film will be made available
for newsreels a*s well as feature film
production in view of the importance
of the public-information job being
done by the reels and the volume of
(Continued on page 18)

Rawfilm Problem May
Force Todd to Produce
His Pix for 20th-Fox

Strong possibility exists that Mi-
chael Todd, will produce his fllnw
for 20th-Fox on bis return in couple
of months from a Special Services
overseas assignment. The legit show*
_man would like to produce pix inde-
pendently, for distribution through
a major company, but due to the
film rawstock shortage he may be
forced tp accept the deal with Fox.

Leonard Goldstein, Todd's Holly-
wood representative, is currently in
N. Y. . laying the grqundwork for
Todd's film activities. The Edna
Ferber novel, "Great Son," probably
will be the first Todd film to roll.

Strike May Cause 'Duel*
Revamp by D. O. Selznick

As: a result of the shutdown on
production of "Duel in the Sun," due
to the studio strike, David O. Selz-
nick may. rewrite part of the script
and. possibly eliminate some scenes.
Understood that plan is to keep the
budget from mounting too far above
the $2,000,000 level.

"Spellbound," meantime, may be
held back from release until around
the end of the summer, according
to present discussions.

'Selznick is now in New York on
business.

KEIGHLEY'S FAB PACT

Hollywood, May 15.
William Keighley, back in pictures
after three, years in the Army, inked
a deal with Paramount to .direct me
picture a year for three years.
. Paramount pact will not interfere
with Keighley's recently-signed indie
production contract with Sam Blsch-
off.

Trade Marie Rcglstorcd
FOUNDED BY SIMH Stl.VRKM AS

rubllilird WMkl- bj VARIETY, lac.

bid (illvci'inan. Froaldoul
HI West 46lhflt.. Now fork 19. N. T.

SUBSCRIPTION

Annum. .

. . . »i u ' ~ ■ r-orcitfn .'. . .r.TH)

Slnflo Co

,!(■« £6 CcnlB

Vol. 158

No. 10

INDEX

7th War Loan. ...... 10

Bills 50

Chatter .' . 55

Film Reviews. 8

House Reviews 49

Inside Legit................ 52

Inside Music. . .... . 40

Inside Orchestras. 40

Inside Pictures. 20

Inside Radio. 27

International 18.

Joe Laurie. . 20

Legitimate 51

Literati 54

Music '. .. 40

New Acts 50

Night .Club Reviews. . ... . . . . 43

• Obituary ... 55

Orchestras .40

Pictures . 3

Radio '.-..".......;.'....,..'...'.. 23

Radio Reviews 24

Frank Scully 2

Television ...... 28

Vaudeville . .' 47

War Activities 4

' PAIIA VARIETY

(I'ubllnhfld In Hollywood l»y
Dally Variety. "Md..»
tit a Tear — SI '» Ponlcn

WAR ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

Pacific Now Show-Wise, Says Kazan;
Q Program Gets MacArthur Nod

An official program of entertain-*'
merit by and tor soldiers has been '
set up. in the Pacific tor the first time
In this war, as a result of a recent
visit by Elia Kazan. Heretofore an
informal activity, relying on. the per-
sonal inclinations of the command-
ing off icer in each area, the soldier-
show program; has now received of-
ficial- recognition from General Mac-
Arthur himself, His chief of staff lias
set up a separate Special- Services,
detachment of 20 officers, several of
them from show biz.- and headed by
Major Lanny Ross; ex-sihger, whose
full-time responsibility .it will be to
see that a soldier-show program is
broadly enacted throughout the Far
East lUSAFE). .

Kazan returned to New York, last
■vveek after two and one-half mouths
In New Guinea and the Philippines,
the first civilian consultant to be sent
out by Special. Services to help on
the soldier-show setup. (More arc
expected to go to ■ different .-areas,
Mike Todd having left last week oh
a similar mission to the European
theatre.) Purpose was to stltmilatc-
Jntcrest among the military as lb the
need of self-entertainment, and to
cope with the problems presented, by
the war's shift of emphasis, to the
Pacific, and the forthcoming switch
of 3,000,000 .soldiers in Europe to the
Far Eas* to add lo the imposing
force already there.

Entertainment in USAFE is more
Important than food, says Kazan. The
military are now aware of it. The
need is greater than in Europe be-
cause the area is vaster,, there are
more lonely places, and soldiers have
no diversions,' no* towns to visit, no
girls to see, A too-steady diet of
Alms palls, and professional enter-
tainment (USO-Camp Shows) is in
sufficient Self - entertainment,
through-soldier shows, is the answer.
All Set Up
Special Services in.'. New ' York
sends out scripts, sketches, lighting,
props, costumes; everything to help
GIs put on shows. But it can't send
officers to push a program, unless the
CO. of an area requested them. The
■soldier-show -program therefore was
informal and spotty, Kazan found,
In some areas there was a good deal
of soldier shows; in other areas, very
little. Organizationally, Kazan found
the soldier-show setup at fault, on
a voluntary instead of ah official
basis with local Special Service of-

| Soldiers m Greasepaint i

Rep's Lew Ayres Biog

Hollywood, May 15.
Life story of Lew Ay res. former
film star, is the basis of ' The Con-
scientious Objector," which William
K. Howard will produce and direct
for Republic.

Filming starts when Howard
washes up his' current . production;
A Guy Could Change!"

laj. Melvyn Douglas'
EPU Unit in CBI Zone
BmldslO-Show Circuit

, Calcutta, May 9.

Priding itself on being the busiest
soldierrshow setup in service is
Major Melvyn Douglas' Entertain-
ment Production Unit here in the
China-Burma-India war theatre.

The Army's only organization that
.egularly, supplies GIs with live
shows, vaudeville, skits, music and

fleers absorbed in other duties than
entertainment. Everyone in USAFE
realises that the war and fighiing
come first, but not enough heads re
alized until recently how important
a fighting factor .entertainment was
for morale and rest. Kazan found
■some' show-wise Special Services of
fleers putting on shows against va-
rious- odds,' deviously, begging, bor
rowing or stealing t -.'cnt and equip
ment.

Working with soldier-show groups,
Kazan made recommendations
headquarters which have been em
bodied in a new, official program
These include officers being assigned
specifically to soldier-shows; officers
to oe picked where possible from
show-wise people; more such officers
to be aligned: In Jhe jn.h...Morp.mis-
sionary work still has lo be done
among certain brasshals on the in-
dispensabilily of .soldier entertain-
ment.

As lo the GIs themselves, Kazan
found they had matured a lot.
They're smarter than civilian audi-
ences, he says: you can't kid them.
They're being "sold a little short" on
certain entertainment in films and
pro shows, with their taste for the
theatre underestimated,- he said. On
the other hand, he says, it's not true
that GIs don't like war films. They
merely see through the superficial or
•Hollywood versions. When a good
realistic film, like Warners' "Objec-
tive Burma," came along, GIs, he
says, ate it. up. It was a true film Of
what they themselves had gone
through.

But soldiers prefer their own
allows to anything else. Kazan found.
■It's one of' the few svays of express-
ing themselves. Even men just cut
of. the combat areas arc most eatfer.
to piit on soldier-shows. There's a
"positive hunger' 1 for. soldier-shows,
. reiterates Kazan.

other entertainment staged exclu
sively by its own soldier personnel.
EPU now has 10 shows on the road
and several more in rehearsal.
Shows travel by primitive railroad,
on dirt roads,- in bullock carls or
jeep. They live in tents and bashas
when on the road, stand, in line for
chow, and get as close to front lines
as commanding officers permit; En-
listed men fix the scripts, select the
music, stage the shows, act in them,
and take them into jungle or mon-
soon country, to forward combat
areas. '••

Major Douglas, ex-film star, set up
his new organization in Sept., 1944,
when morale here was pretty low
He interviewed, : auditioned and
talked with hundreds of men. sifting
for talent. He borrowed .Kate D
Lawson, ex-legit writer-producer
from the Red Cross to assist

Other show biz vets helped. S.'Sgt,
Marion Grimes, vet vauder, took
over as. director and as actor, with
Sgt. Jack Syddw and Cpl. Buddy
Lewis, ex-vauders, as assistants. Cpl
Saul Adelstein became production
manager, with Cpl. Rocque Dom-
inick, formerly with Charlie Barnet
and Mark WarnoW,. as musical di-
rector. Cpl! Larry Carr and Sgf.
Selus Allbritton, ex -Coast niterics,
assist the latter.

Sgt. Hal Belfor, ex- Warner Bros,
dance' director, handles dance rou-
tines. Sgt. Joseph Barron, also from
films! became prop man. Sgt. Teddy
Reinhart, stock director, became di-
rector of EPU's radio program, "On
Stage." Writers include Sgt. Syd
Goldberg, ex-radio scripter, and Cpl.
Stan Kaplan. Publicity is handled
by Pfc. Phil Wasserman.

Marine T/Sgt Dick Jurgeris, ex-
maestro, will take his service, band
and all-Marine stage troupe for a
15.000 mile entertainment lour of
advanced Pacific bases. Trek starts
this month, troupe to do 10 per-
formances daily.

Pfc. Francis La Chette, with 497th
AFA Battalion, Third Army, now in
Germany, . has been signed by pto-
maine Productions for post-war
films. La Chette, recently credited
with the capture of three enemy
snipers, was "discovered" by Pfc.
George West, ex-Hollywood scout,
who is in same battalion.

Chief Yeoman Bill Watters. USNR,
x-pix publicist and now editing a
daily news sheet somewhere in the
Pacific, writes that he's planning a
postwar all-yet musical revue for
Broadway, using overseas personnel
only.

Walton & O'Rourke, puppeteers
now somewhere in Germany, are
due back in June, Ben Galli. vet
circus sideshow-man, is now in Italy,
doing his glass-eating, sleight-of-.
hand, sledge-hammer act under Red
Cross auspices for GIs. Real name
is Pfc.; Oley B. Barboure.

LI, Gerald J. Cameron, ex-Gary,
Ind., Civic theatre" director, is pro-
ducer of "Once Over Lightly," GI
evue now touring thc-Persian Gulf
Command. 'Music and lyrics are by
Pvt. Clifford Pampel and Cpl. Ray
Rolfe Raino, former orch leaders.

Flight Officer Thomas Melio,' for-
merly with S.O.SI Cinema Supply
Corp, reported killed in action
last month. Melio was a glider pilot
and participated in several airborne
nvasions of France, Holland and
Germany. His wife survives him.

Broadway Mob Wmds Up Playing
In the Times Sq. of the Marianas

FIRST H'WOOD STAR
CONTINGENT OVERSEAS

■ Hollywood, May 15;
Hollywood's first contingent of
players to. g^o overseas for post-V-E
Day entertainment tours is expected
to leave before the end of this week
according to the Hollywood Victory
Committee. All available players
who have enlisted since victory was

Pix Give $500,000 to JWF

Hollywood, May 15.

Film Industry has contributed
more than $500,000 to the Jewish
Welfare Fund to date, according to
William Goetz, chairman.

This, year's drive has already
passed last year's quota and is near-
ng the 1945 target of $750,000.

Hal Sherman Stresses
Great Need and Value
For Hosp Circuit Comedy

Memphis, May 6.
Editor, "Variety":

: I write you to suggest that/through
•Variety" you urge every standard
and headline comedy act to give sev-
eral months to the hospital circuit.

I have put in six months out of the
last seven. Nothing in the theatre
can touch the thrill of hearing; these
terribly battered, men, .minus limbs,
eyes and parts of their faces, and
shock patients, roar with laughter.- .

These, fellows must be kept, laugh-
ing and laughing out loud. They en-
joy the variety acts very much, but
their one big kick is comedy. If you
could hear these fellows roar with
laughter as I have, and see them
come up to you in wheelchairs and
on crutches and thank you from the
heart for giving them a great time
—rough guys, polite guys, and. timid
ones — you would understand why I
write this letter to ask; every com-
edy act in the business to pitch in
aild keep these fellows laughing so
that they never lose their sense of
humor.

It the powers that be Would be
just a little more sensible in what
they elimnate as "unfit" gags, I'm
sure more acts would be happy to
do this work. Some, in fact most
of the cuts made are downright silly
and even stupid. I've never done a
dirty act, as you well know, and
after years Of playing Boston and
Washington and Philadelphia I feel
that jokes that I did in these theatres

announced have been cleared by the

War Dept. and dates now being \ to women and children, are sufely

scheduled.

fit for these men who certainly are

Added to the list over the weekend neither imbeciles nor babies. Many

Texas Network Carries
Seventh Drive Teeoffs

Dallas, May 15.

Three state-wide broadcasts her-
alded the official opening of the
Seventh War Loan in Texas. Ted R.
Gamble, national director of the
War Finance committee, spoke to
drive leaders and workers on Satur-
day (12) on a Texas Quality Net-
work program, sponsored by thc"l0-.
cal war loan leaders.

The Showman's Seventh was for-
mally opened Sunday <13) -with a
half-hour broadcast from the stage
of the Palace theatre. Highlights of
the program were a dramatic tribute
to Gold Star Mothers and premiere
presentations of Bing Crosby's new
bond song and the Cass County Kids
original bond tune. Cass Kids are lo-
cal radio favorites.

R. J. O'Donnell, southwestern
cl.airmar of the War Activities Com-
mittee of the. Motion Picture Indus
try,- made the keynote address on
behalf of. 'Texas showmen.

were 'Philip Dorn, Ann Dvorak,
Sonja Henie, Walter Huston, "Fibber
McGee & Molly and Garry Moore.
List of 24 stars who have enlisted
was forwarded to the War Dept.. and
they will participate in the program
in the next six months.

Spencer Tracy to Go Overseas .

Spencer Tracy has inked to go
overseas and is standing by for
orders. Goes over as solo, accom-
panied only by his manager. Sonja
Henie and Katharine Hepburn simi-
lar jaunts are still in the talking
stage.

Block and Sully, vet vauders, also
primed to go offshore, as part, of a
variety unit.

2 RK0EES KILLED IN ACTION

Private James H.: Lundgren, for
' mcrly assistant chief of staff at the
RKO, Rochester, N. Y.. was killed
In action on Iwo Jima March 3.

Vincent J. Carrozza, former RKO
studio employee, killed in same ac-
tion.

Tom FarrelTs OWI Spot

Tommy Farrel), sales for Metro
for 15 years and brother-in-law of
William F. Rodgers, v.p. in charge
of distribution for Metro, has joined
the OWI from which he : is awaiting
word momentarily io shove off for
the other side. His first stop will
be London! Farrell is going across
on special assignment in connection
with film distribution activities.

He doesn't know where he'll be
assigned after getting to London.

L. A. to N. Y.

S. James' Andrews.
Nicholas Beln.
Charles Beldcn.
Constance Bennett.
Jim Conk ling.- *
Howard da Silva.
Howard Dietz.
Irene Dunne,
Harry Grey.
Florence Vidor Heifclz.
Jean Hersholt.
Arthur Hornblow, Jr.
Susan Ingold.
Sam Jaffc.
Lee Loeb.
Diana Lynn.
Harry Meyerson. ■
Dick Nelson.
Bert Prager.
Ed Raftery.
H. M. Richey.
Stella Roach.
Warner .Shelly.
S. W. Singer.
Martha Sleeper. -
Sidney N./Strotz.
•Oscar Turner.

comedy acts don't want their acts
cut to ribbons till Ihey have nothing
funny, left lo say. Why not let these
men who need it so very much have
the kind of .entertainment that we
give in the first class Paramount,
Warner, RKO and Other theatres?

I regret to say that too many one-
aiid two-day stands, which mean
needless back-breaking luggage-
hauling top many times a week, could
and should be corrected. These
jumps should be limited to not more
than two a week. Besides the labor
involved, the tipping on five or four
jumps in a week is rough, especially
on the low-salaried, acts. But I do
hope more of this work is done and
will be glad . to give my services
as long as there is a GI in the hos-
pital that wants and needs a laugh.
I've givtn many months each year
lb Camp Shows arid have never been-
reprimanded for. any material I've
done, and hope to give many more
months whenever possible and
physically fit.

Sf, again I'd like to Urge every
comedy act to jump in and do his
bit, and ask the powers that be to
be a bit more sensible in their cen
soring, and much more considerate
in the laying out of itineraries, and
above all keep these men in hos
pilals laughing.

Yours sincerely,

Hal Sherman.
P. S.— You can use this as an
open letter if you wish, arid by the
way. a word of commendation lo
the Win. Morris Agency for refus
ing commissions from, acts doing
Camp Shows. A grand gesture!

By T/ Sgt. HAL KANTER

In the Marianas, April 23.
This place is the crossroads of the
world now, it seems. Last night I
did a ' blow-by-blow description of
the island championship fights, and -
Jack Mahon, Mutual's man in the
Pacific* and formerly of the N. Y.
Daily News, did between-the-rounds
gumming -with me. In the audience,
were: Gertrude Lawrence, John
Hoysradt, Nancy Gates and .Georgic
Tapps. They start swinging around
the local circuit today, doing two
shows per.- Just like the Palace,
but With breadfruit

Only, a day or so ago, another
troupe (servicemen) wound up a
lengthy . tour: Chief Claude Thorn-
hill, Ensign Dennis. Day and swab-
bies Jackie Cooper, Tommy Riggs,
Max Arnold and the Gratziano Bros..

While they were on the island, we
also played host <o the USO-Camp
Show version of "Three's a Family," '
headed by Charlie Butterworlh, Lu-
ella Gear and Ann Mason. They
were a -very cooperative gang;
played to large arid enthusiastic au-
diences all over the island, paid so-
cial calls in the hospitals and did •
half-hour play version on our radio..

Into our - studios, the other day,
breezed well-fed Capt. Claude Bin-
yon, ex-" Variety" mugg, ex -Para-
mount scripter, now wearing Signal
Corps flags on his collar, the same
mustache as of yore. He grabbed
a few- "Varieties" we. had lying
around and said they were like let-
ters from home, which they are
to all of us here. He was looking
for Bob Welch, who's supposed lo be
eri . route overseas with an AFRS
crew on some sort of radio mission.

Nelson Pringle, CBS man from.
H'wood, was in one night to look
over our fabulous new studios; Jim-,
my 'Vanderveer, formerly of Coast
radio and now a j.g. in the sea-
going department, is around fre-
quently, Paul Monroe, .also a j.g.,
was in for a while, but is out for
another while. We've got enough ra-.
dio and agency men iii this ; area to
run a few networks. But very tew
sponsors.
Bobby Riggs, little tennis champ,
doing a Sunday .quarter-hour-
sports stint here on our powerful
50-wattcr. We're doing a number
of Jive shows, with some . really ex-
cellent bandsmen. One Sea Bee out-
fit is headed by George Libciacc,
former Orrin Tucker tiddler. Tiny
Hill's ex-sax man, Don Dalen. is
with the group, as are Tommy Nel-
son, formerly of Ronnie Kemper's
crew; Charlie Hrud.icka, former' T.
Dorsey trombone man; Charles Mc-
Connell, former staff arranger at
WGN; and Harry Babbitt's brother.
Bob, who vocals with the crew. One
of the sockiest music groups, in Hie
Pacific are the Merry Men of 'he
Marines— about 15 guys who do
everything and do them all well.

Richard Monroe, former . concert
baritone, starts a series of twice
weekly quarter-hour shows here
soon; two Negro quartets, neither of
them pros, do three shots a week-
two shots are a jive group and one
spiritual-singing combo. Very,
tasty stuff.

Capt. Jack Wormser, former NBC
H'wood and New York, is the of-
ficer in charge here, and he's clone
a fine job building the new studios
which are the finest of. any ■ AFRS
station anywhere, and in building a
lick program schedule.
And how about getting out a <b-
gesl-size, V-mail edition of "Variety
for those of us' -overseas'? You'd be.
surprised how many hands one copy
of th sheet goes through before its
lop tattered to read!'

N. Y. to L. A.

Mort.Blumenstock.
Henry Ginsberg. .
Theresa Helbur'n.
Stan Joseloff.
Leonard Joy.
Ben Kalmenson."- .
Lawrence Langner.
Harriet Parsons.
Ed Stevenson.
Martha Tilton. '

Ev-Pa. Exhib Starvation
Victim hi Native Greece

Word has just reached Pittsburgh
of the death in Greece of James
Vclas, veteran Wheeling, W. Va., ex
hibilor, under the Nazi occupation.
He was said to have died of starva-
tion. An old-time theatre man, Ve-
las was one of the original franchise
holders in First National Pictures..

Ill for some years, he returned to
his native Greece in 1936. Recup-
erating, Velas later married there.
When he left for the old country, he
turned over his State theatre in
Wheeling to a nephew, Chris Velas,
who has operated the house ' ever
since.

U.S. Witness in Griffith
Case Stalls; 2d Trial Wk.

Oklahoma City, May I 5- .

Testimony of Fred G. Vincent,
former operator of the Petly theatre.
Hominy, Okla., a Government wit-
ness in the anti-trust suit against the
Griffith theatre interests, backfire*-
here Monday (14) as the second
week of the trial opened. '

However, Robert L. Wright, special
prosecutor for. the Department ot
Justice, did manage to get over, a bit
of damaging testimony during, the
initial week in the Government s er-
fort to prove that the circuit is op-
erating monopolistically in alleged
violation of the Sherman Anti-Trust
Act. Trial is expected to be a lo"8
drawn-out afflair.

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

PI&ilETr

PICTURES

V-E CUES MUCH NEW AMUS. BLDG.

Foreign Market's Breakdown-

Here's. ho w the foreign market for U, S. .Aims (now estimated at
$170,000,000-$180,000,000 annually! is 'figured in terms of territorial per-
centages. Some of the figures may vary slightly with different dis-
tributors, depending on. special concentration on a given area. Thus
20lh-Fox, for instance, through its interest in the Gatirnont-Brilish
' circuit in England and in Hoyt's In Australia, might show a relatively
higher percentage in those territories. On the whole, however, this is
, how it shapes up: .

Great Britain 50% (around $90,000,000*.

Australasia 10-12% (approximately $20,000,000)..

Europe 10-12% (approximately $20,000,000).

South' America 12-14% (approximately $22,000,000).

Near East 3% (approximately $5,000.0001.

Far Kasl 10% (approximately $17,000,000).
Far East includes. India, Cli'nia, Dutch East Indies, Malaya, Philippines,

elr.t

STUDIO, THEATRE

Many New B'way Highs Hit in 1944-45
But Roxy's 'Cockeyed World' Still Tops

By ROV CHARTIKR

World War II has rolled up an
imposing number of new highs in
grosses for leading picture ■theatres!
.in. N'. Y. as well as throughout the
country, down even to the smallest
of opcrations..i>ut the $164,600 regis-,
tered' by the Roxy; N. Y. : in August.
1929, with "The Cockeyed World"
Still ■stands -as a figure that is away
ahead of anything else show busi-
ness has ever known. It will prob-
ably never be equalled.

What the present war and pros-
perity has meant to the boxofllce is
pointed up by the facl that a survey
of -the highest grosses ever struck by
15 downtown N. Y. (ilm theatres,
only four, including the Rosy, .still.,
resl on the laurels of pic-Poarl Har-
bor records in . weekly, receipts.
Oddly enough, as many as live
Broadway houses' tune ■ established
new highs already in 1945. while
1944 saw six theatres do their best
in history. One of the high for this
. year was sel only- two weeks ago
when "Dillinger" grossed $35,800 at
the Victoria on its first seven days.
15 Grossed $1,948,800
The totals of the highs sel for the
15 downtown N. Y. film emporiums
adds up to $1,048,800. Theatres, their
all-time ; records, pictures, distribu-
tors and dates, are listed in alpha-
betical order:

Aslor. $45,000. "Princess and Pi-
rate" (RKOJ, February, 1045.

Capitol. $109,300. "Anna Christie"
(M-G), March. 1930.

Criterion. $54,500. "Can't Help
Singing" (U). January. 1945.

Globe, $38,000. "Three Caballeros" j
(RKO). February. 1945. I
Gotham. $20,000. "Summer Storm" '
(UA), October, 1944.

Hollywood. $50,800. "Pussage to
Marseilles" (WB). Felwuary. 1944.

Palace. $45,000. "North Star"
(RKO), November. 1944. I

Paramount. $123,000; "Lady in
Dark" (Par), with Xavier Cuijal 1
orch on stage. February. ■ 1944.

Music Hall, $141,000. "National
Velvet" (M-G). January. 1945.

Riallo. $17,800. "House of Frank-
enstein" (U), December. 1944.

R i v o 1 i, $72,801). "Frenchman's
Creek" (Par). September. 1944.

Roxy, $164,600. "Cockeyed World"
<Fox\ August: 1929. I
State. $50,300, "It's a Wonderful \
World" (M-G), with Eddie' Cantor j
in person, July. 1939. |

Strand, $81,200. "The Circus
(UA). Janpary, . 1928.

Victoria, $35,800, "Dillinger'
(Mono), April, 1945.

Lasky Moves to RKO

Hollywood. May 15.
Jesse L Lasky and his associate.
Walter MacEwen, moved into RKO
studio to produce their first picture
under a new releasing deal.

Film is "Thanks. God. I'll take It
From Here," starring Claudclle Col-
oerl and starting early in August.

'Greatest Pvt. Charity
Show Ever Held in Chi'
Vote on Hal's Memorial

Chicago. May 15.
Hal Halperin Memorial Show, put
on by Variety Club at the Opera
House ' here Sunday, May 6, was'
described last week by Richard J.
Finncgait. publisher of the Clri Daily
Times, as the. "greatest private char-
ity show ever held in Chicago, and
one that received more radio and
newspaper publicity than any such
affair ever put on in my 30 years in
the business here."

For the record, also, actual take
to date, with nearly all returns from
club members' in. reported in "Va-
riety" of May 9 as "slightly over
toO.000:" is $55,283.40, which repre-
sents a sizable down payment on a
new wing for I. a Rabida Sanitarium
postwar.'

Release ot hitherto critical war
materials such as steel, copper and
aluminum by. the War Production
Board, plus easing of manpower con'
trols. scheduled July 1, are expected
to quickly bring long-delayed mo-
tion picture industry plans into op-
eration as follows: ''-.:'

1. A $20,000,000 theatre-remodel-
ling program.

2. New theatre conduction in the
U. S.

3. Theatre construction by U. S.
film interests in foreign countries.

4. A $20,000,000 studio remodeling
program.

Theatre remodeling plans by ma-
jor circuits and independent theatre
operators throughout the U. S„ in-
volving an estimated $20,000,000. are
expected to get _ under way more
quickly than new theatre construc-
tion. .

Paramount and National Theatres
circuits . have extensive theatre
streamlining plans which, have been
approved for some lime, with other
chains and independents also plan-
ning renovations.

Paramount, as previously reported
in "Variety," has okayed plans by a
Chicago, firm of architects for
streamlining its Broadway flagship,
the Paramount,- with other deluxers
on the circuit to follow.

Large-scale theatre remodeling is
expected to be under way within . six
to 12 months throughout the U. S.
250-39* New V. S. Houses
At a much slower pace, of course,
new theatre construction wjll also
be brought out of the drafting rooms.
Plans for some 250 to 300 new the-
atres in the U. S.. involving'an out-
lay of approximately $30,000,000,
most of which were scheduled for
construction several years ago but
shelved during the war, are now
likely to get under way. (National
Theatres alone had some 20 new
houses on the drafting boards in
1941).

Widespread construction . of new
theatres, however, does not appear
likely for another 12 months. Talk
of building 1.006 or" more hew the-
atres in the Un S. will likely await
the ending of the war with Japan,
although new theatres will go up in
some areas much sooner.

All new construction planning
must, of course, be tempered by cur-
rent steel availability for civilian
uses which indicates that the full

_,. ,„ ... _..„ . swing to new theatre construction

The 16 pictures which Paramount s bp until late 1946

• or 1947. Estimates are that the rate
| of steel deliveries for civilian uses
during the . last quarter of 1945 will
1 not be much more than at a 30,000.
000-ton annual rale. The rate may

U. S. Majors Now Foresee Struggle
To Maintain $170-180m000 Film
Exports;

Dark cloud over, the bright for-
eign market for U. S. pictures, dealt
with, in an .exclusive reporl on do-
mestic and. foreign picture business
aspects in "Variety" anniversay issue
Jan. 3. 1945 ("Films' $480,000,000
Year"), has taken definite form dur-
ing the first quarter of 1945., Indica-
tions now are that, contrary to
soothsayers and miscellaneous self?
appointed non-film industry experts
and analysts of the Aim industry,
there is unlikely to be any increase
in foreign film rentals within the
next year — possibly' longer.

As matters stand now, with an-
nual foreign rentals ranging from
$170,000,000 to $180,000,000. most
U.S. majors foresee a -struggle to
Ci i D J l U os 1 maintain the current high level of
Otart iTOQUCt «iay «J1 ! trade, let alone <m increase to take

100% Bonus Worth It

Maurice Bergman recalls that
when he was pub-ad director for
another film company whose au-
ditor habitually questioned press
luncheon expense vouchers, he
admitted that the (ab was twice
what it should be.

"But I always add on 100"; for
time and boredom" the Universal
ballyhoo exec admitted as reason
for the extra items.

Par-Loew's, Deadlocked
Since Last Oct. in N.Y.,

PAR'S 27 THIS YR. COST
$33,500,000— GINSBERG

'Most UA Producers
Members of SIMPP,'
Hence Resign Hays Org.

Hollywood. May 15.
"United Artists Corp. has resigned

own studio has scheduled for pro-
duction by ihe end of this year will
run about $26,000,000 in cost, ac-
cording to Henry Ginsberg v. p. and
general manager of production,
while the two to be turned but for
Par by Buddy DeSylva, the three
to come from Hal Wallis and six
Pine-Thomas low-budgelers will
probably run another $7,50Q,000 or
so.

This wilt bring Par's producing
schedule from January last to Dec.
| 31 to a total of 27 pictures for a
j lolal cost of approximately $33,500.-
! 000.

Citing (hat additional pictures are
not necessarily needed, Ginsberg
doubts that the releasing schedule
will be. stepped up. Company plans
ending the current season (.1944-45)
Sepl. 1 with only 29 pictures, in-
cluding reissue of "Sign of Cross"
The 27 that will be turned out dur-
ing the . calendar year is close to
this figure- b.ift does not take into
account various films in the back-

be upped to 45.000.000 tons next year
This compares with normal civilian
requirements of around 80.000,000
tons annually.

Carpeting and other materials, too.
may prove a bottleneck in plans to
speed new theatre construction, al
thpugh projection and refrigeration
equipment is to be released.

Theatre construction in foreign
countries also promises to loom
large in U. S. industry plans.
Chinese government has been mak-
ing inquiries for 500 to 700 new the-
atres to be built in China. U. S.
producer-distributor chains are also
planning new theatre construction in
Latin-America: South Africa and
elsewhere which would call for some
pre-fabriealed parts from the U. S.

In Hollywood, Paramount. 20th-
Fox. Republic. Universal. RKO.
Metro and other studios^ are long

Loew theatres in the Greater N.Y.
area on May ' 31 start picking up
lorig-beached Paramount pictures
following settlement Thursday (10)
of one of the toughest product deals
in the history of the 1 : industry. On
that date Loew houses will begin
playing, two Par films on a double
bill, being "Here Come the Waves"
and "Dark Mountain." giving them
the long half of the week.

Par having been blocked in ; the
metropolitan N. Y. and surrounding
territory since last October, Loew's
plans to play off the accumulated
product immediately, thus making
the pictures available at an early
date to many, subsequent-run houses
playing pictures behind Loew's.,'

From the start, insisting on terms
which Loew's regarded as too stiff.
Paramount at one time recently was
reported toying with idea of taking
a licking by selling away from
Loew's rather than give in to the lat-
ter. This nearly occurred three sea-
sons ago when Neil F. Agnew. then
v.p. over distribution for Par, rec-
ommended that Loew's be by-
passed even if it would cost the
company considerable money. At
that time, when Par. had gone so far
as to figure, out what its- approxi-
mate loss would be. Loew's finally
capitulated. Reported that in the
deal made last week. Par obtained
terms that are regarded as "wholly
satisfactory." Company has. always
been tough with respect to terms, in-
cluding with its own partners.

A total of 23 pictures are Involved
in the Par deal for exhibition in 62
Loew houses. Par has had ho trou-
ble with out-of-town Loew theatres,
which right along has been playing
its pictures.

Final negotiations covering the
Greater N. Y. Loew circuit were
concluded by Charles M. Reagan,
v.p. over distribution for Par and
Hugh Owen.. company's eastern divi-
sion manager, while representing
Loew's was C. C. MoskowiU, v.p. in
.charge of N.Y. operations and Eu-
gene Picker, head of the buying-
booking department.

up a possible dip in U. S. domestic
grosses.

Foreign film rentals have obvious-
ly reached their .current high levels
because of the wartime boom, plus
lend-lease aid from the U. S: Once
war spending declines and eventu-
ally terminates, a decline in foreign
theatre .grosses and rentals is re-
garded as inevitable. This dollar-
volume decline in itself is not the
only adverse factor in the foreign
trade picture, however. The arti-
ficial trade barriers being raised
against American films in' many .
countries, reported in "Variety"
within the past few weeks, com-
bined with currency restrictions and
virtually certain postwar .currency
devaluation, unless counteracted, are
the powerful forces which will
hinder U. S. film trade most.
Talk of New Foreign MarkeL
There is. of course, the prospect
of so-called "new markets." that is,
the reopening and development of
old markets in Europe, France, Bel-
(.Continued on page 20)

from the Hays office..- effect \vi on log that were made prior to: Janu- I cramped for space, awaiting the
or about Sept! 21. This -action is ! ary last.' .■■'_' _ | green light lo proceed with extcn

taken in view of the fact- that" most
the producers associated with
United Artists have joined the So :
ciety of Independent Motion Picture
Producers, therefore the owners of
UA have authorized its affiliate..
United Artists Productions, to be-
come a member of SIMPP. and
carry on trade activities through
that organization."
■This statement was issued this
(lues.) morning by UA Corp., Ed-
ward C. Raftery president

Ginsberg plans leaving for the t ' s j v -- e expansion programs.
Coast . Saturday (19). An addition to
the studio staff will be made around
Ihe .first of June when. Norman
Siegcl.who conducts a radio-amuse-
ments column for the Cleveland
Plain-Dcalci.- takes up .a post as
assistant to George Brown. Par's
'publicity-ad director at the studio.
He will specialize fn player conlact-
iiiK and syndicate work. Siegel will

Wilbert Upped at 20th

Hal Home, pub-ad chief of 20th-
Fox Film! has named Christy Wil-
bert assistant advertising manager
under Charles Schlaifcr.

Wilbert. was recently honorably
discharged, from the Navy and until

... _ _ this week held the position of copy

leave Cleveland for Hollywood on \ chief. He 'siicrrcHs Jonas. Roscnfleld

May 28.

I Jr., who last week entered the Navy.

Split-Up 3-for-l Loew's
Shares at $26 to $26.75

Initial trading in new Loew com-
mon shares, on the 3-for-l sblit-up
basis, last week and first two days
this week found the stock hovering
between $26/ and $2fe.75. Bulk of
trades were around $26.50 or -about
one-third of closing price of $78.50
for the old shares when transactions
in this slock were halted 'ast Wed-
nedsay. New Loew common started
to be traded in on the big board
last Thursday (10 J.

If Loew's follows usual- pattern for
industrial shares, when split lip. it.
will gradually work up from the
current 3-for-l price quotation, par-
ticularly if earnings of the corpo-
ration maintain present: normal
rale. Under outlined plan, stock-
holders would receive $1-50 in an-
nual dividends, but thus far directors
have voted no divvy on the new
shares. This would be equal to $4.50
on spiit-up basis. The split-up was
okayed by Mock holders about- a
monlli ago.

Skouras, Other Officers
Reelected at 20th-Fox;
5 Get Stock Options

Spyros Skouras was reelected
president of 20lh Century-Fox Film
and all other officers were Tenanted
by the new board of directors al the
annual stockholders' meeting 'of the .
corporation yesterday (Tues.) in
N. Y. Meeting also elected 15 direc-
tors to serve until l948. stockholders
also okaying the slock options plan
which enables five corporation ex-
ecutives to, buy 20lh common at slip-:
ulated figures. Thoso given this op-
tion privilege were Lew Schreiber,
William Perlberg. Harry Brand,
Fred Mctzler and Ray Klune.

W. C. Michel, executive v.p.. pre-
sented the annual report in the ab-
sence of Skouras, row on his way
lo Greece. Ot the 2.800.000 shares
of common outstanding, there were
1.650,404. shares represented at the
meeting In person or by proxy.'

Besides Skouras other officers re-
named by the di -ectors included
Michel,' executive v.p.: Darryl Za-
nuck! v.p. in charge of - production;
Tom Connors, vp. in charge of sales;
Murray Silverstone. Joseph Mosko-
■witz," .vice-presidents; Donald A.
Henderson, treasurer: Wilfred J.
Eadie, comptroller and assl. treas.,
and Felix A. Jenkins, secretary..

Directors elected were L. Sherman
Adams. Robert L. Clarkson. Con-
nors, John R. Dillon, Eadie. Daniel
6: Hastmgs, Donald' A. Henderson,
Jenkins, Robert Lehman. Michel,
William P. Philips. Seton Porter,
Silverutone, Skouras and Zanuck.

Also announced that a 50c cash
quarterly dividend had been de-
clared on the common and a quar-
terly cash divvy of 37'ic on the con-
vertible preferred. Both are payable
June 30 to stockholders of record
May 31. Corporation also declared
a quarterly cash divvy of $1.12'.: on
prior preferred, this being payable
in June .'15 to stockholders of record
May 31.

Wednesday, M»y 16, 1945

f

BILLY ROSE'S

DIAMOND H

IN TECHNICOLOR

ERNST LUBITSCH'S

A ROYAL SCANDAL

BETTY SMITH'S

A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN

MARY O'HARA'S

THUNDERHEAD son of fuck*

IN TECHNICOLOR

FRANZ WERFEL'S

THE SONG OFBERNADETTE

WJZ^jMt ALWAYS FROM

CEMTURY-FOX

• FILM REVIEWS

f&RiEfr

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

Pillow to Fast

Warner Hvos. rplenrtc nt Alex (*otlllpl> pro-
4llli-tlim. Slurs I Oil Lupino. William I'rha'e,
U> •lllv'y (..'roenatreol: I'onliirfH stiitut Ki-wln,.
Johnny. Mlti-hell. lltnli Donnelly, fauna
Armali-onKN oivh. Dlre^'ieil by Vhtrt-iH Slui-
limn. S^-rer-nnlay, i.'hurlrs ll»r r man. ri«im
plate Hay by Ho*e Slnmn Kulin; iMiun-,
Alan t.'rosland. .Ir. ; 'imihIi'. I'ledi-i i.-k 1 1
lamlpr:_ iituMc dlrrfloi. l.eo r\ l*'«ii'lmirin.
) , r#«vlt'\\"ril X. T. May Jl, i:>. ItiJlllililK linv.
• I .MINN.

Jr.m I lownjd . ... . .

«'ol. Oiiry

J >->■) Miillnr\

4'npl. .Iiu-I; Komi.:'.

Kllm t'lark .... '.

Mrs. WinKale

Mrs. KalP Olio . ..

•hurt DrU.T

Mrs. .\l-.illory

I.u.-IIIp .

Mr. Ilouard

I-iMlllt

V llliur. . . '.

Mi-h. llrumley

>Vlll>iu » .Mnihir. ..

<'llllllllllf- .Mill)'.....

Ji'rry .Mi:rlhi

DurlM Wilson,'

Aivhla

<jv]-liude Wlhutl. .

.. ......'. ..Ida I.iiliilio

.swm*v < ;r»'pnniii'i-i
. . . William I'riili e

Sinarl Krwln

. ...Julliiiiy Mlli-tirll
. ....Kiith Donnelly
, .... Marhara rtroivn

... ..e'rank Orlh

ptejeina Wallore

..■.Willi* Unit

...'.... I'aul UyrveV
. . . .i'hi-iiI 1 1 n ulioii

. Ilohljv lilnke

Ami. o'N<HI.

...... ..Marie. : Hlalie

. . ... . . Vienna H.ir'n

.... I It T.vli-r

Slie ,M«iin'c

......Din Ali-rjulri-

...li>> yr t 'miilMon

.I.OUJH Arliihtniuif t)i.:ln'>ll;d.

Rose Simon Kohn's comedy about
Army marital manners, which' Brock
Pcmberton -produced briefly on
Broadway a season or so ago. has
been given an extensive treatment
lor the screen by Warners; The re-
sult is not nearly as imposing; as the
film's budget would indicate. "Pillow
to Post" (the "Pillow" was' originally
"Pillar" in the play) has the benefit
o£ some good performances headed
by Ida Lupino. William: Prince and
Sydney Greenstreet, but its box-
office prospects should reach only
moderate proportions because oC an
uncertain story based oh a weak
premise.

This is. the yarn of the gal. who, in
order to get lodging at a camp cater-
ing exclusively to servicemen and
their wives, must first, naturally, se-
cure a husband. She picks on a
young lieutenant as her mate oC the
moment, her intention being., of
course, to use him as a decoy in
order to get admittance to a bunga-
low dwelling, where >he intends, to
rest from an arduous t.<"»k as a sales-
woman for her father's oilwell-sup-
-ply flrin.. Her scheme with the lieu-
tenant is a desperate effort after all
other means for lodging had been de-
nied her elsewhere. And circum-
stances that, follow their initial meet-
ing, when he gives her a lift in his
car. necessitate his goiqg through
with the plan, though t all winds
up with a- ncar-courtmartial and. the
usual • misinterpretations' whim it's
learned they aren't husband and
wife.

Miss Lupino. stresses her flair for
comedy as the girl; William Prince is
the lieutenant. Greenstreet is the
colonel around whom much of the
story revolves; Willie Best, as a col-
ored porter, contributes some of the
funny moments. Stuart Erwin, as an
army captain who becomes a father
of quads, and. Ruth Donnelly con
tribute to the comedy fol-de-rol.

Direction emphasizes speed all the
way, and there isn't much more that
the scrcenwrights could have, done
with the original play. In fact, the
original title, "Pillar to Post," is at
times more appropriate. The ■■tory
that way. Ktthn..

That's the Spirit

(MUSICAL)

KnivPi-snl. release of .Mirhapl K.V.«iPr-
Krnp.vl CiiRuilo lii-Oilu.'llon .if iheir iju'ii xlory.
flat* .lurk Oakie and J'i'pkt Mynn: ri'uun-p»
-Johnny \*.oy. (.Imp r.-n-Miail.' Andy Dfriup;
Arthur 'Crea'-lUT, June S/inrent; Irene Ryan.
Hunter Kpr.lni). Vlt-lnrja Hocne. Dlwcltrt by
ChRi-lea Lamonr. Songs, Inevt Jamr-H. Sid-
ney Millrr. .lark tli-ooks. KIrhard Wagner.
Hans J. Snlt«r; rdltor. Fred R. Kellhaiul,
Jr.; I'nmfru, rharlea Van Knifer Mnl Jf4in
P. b'ulioli: t]uli<*' , N. . I'nrtiift HnniPi-n. Tvp-
vIpwpiI In X. Y. M:iy II. ItunnliiK lilliP.

S3 MINS.

KliPlin. . . : . ,

Klrvp

l-iniyy ;,. ..."

Jnv.pPr , . ;

Mai I In. Ii

Ihirlin

Mhni^i-h

Illls, in. .

I,. .\l

J'rtl irnrP.

AbiRnil

body except Peggy Ryan, his off-
spring. This spirit angle provides
many interesting and amusing mo-
ments in between the various song
and dance numbers.

Johnny Coy, a dancing typhoon,
and Miss. Ryan are paired roman-
tically and do several snappy dance
numbers together. On first coming
before the camera. Coy executes a
hardshoe tap single that is terrific.
He also sings one number, the oldie
"How Come You Do Me Like You
Do." , "Baby, Won't You Please Come
Home" is another from an old catalog
that's used, this being a solo for Miss
Ryan,

New songs are "Fella With the
Flute," "Oh, Oh, Oh," "Evening Star"
and "No Matter Where You Are."
Tops among these .is "Star.'' Excep-
tional among production numbers is
the- Rockettes-like^ dance routine,
done in silhouette fashion against a
black backgrounds •

Miss Ryan dominates all scenes
in which she ap'pcars and scores
strongly. in her song and dance num-
bers. Oakic, how plenty corpulent,
(its into the proceedings niccly-while
the girl he marries, Miss Vincent, is
a highly sympathetic and appealing
type. Lockhart, the straighllacod
banker, is a'sd well cast! Others, all
giving good performances, include
Arthur Treacher, a butler; Irene
Ryan, housemaid; Miss Home, part
of the Lockhart household, and Andy
Devinc; also how plenty obese, who
is the operator of the Majestic the-
atre. Char.

The Big Show-Off

(SONGS)

lUinihlic rrlrrtHP of .Sy<lnpy W iM.iiiriiS
ItroilllrUiin.- Slnra Arlhnr l.iil.p. I>:il* Kyiins:
fpulurp.s: IJnncl SlnndPr. llwiBf .Me*-k»»l-.'
AnKnii .Wprltn' ifri'h; JHiti-ipiI l»y Unwiirtl
iji-f'lliprtun. ' 0'rinlnnl jfrrf/'iinUiy iiy Lir^lio
Viulnuy iinO Illrlianl \V«'I1: ,-:iini-m. .Iin'k
OiPunhalKli. At Hrnoklyil- Ki>!f, X. V.. «>ok
of Muy 14. 'V>. UunlllK lin.p. (10 MIXS.

Snndy Klllnlt An Inir I.:i kp

June A(nyHPld. : . . . I'iiIp KVuiis

Jo« TIOKlPy '.,...... .'. .I.I'iiiiH SninilPr

Wull'y Porter ; : . AJt-oi Mp«-Ui>r

Th» Devil .. I "mi I IIuibi

MtUI. ■ ■ Uttrjiicl*: Munnrts

Borlfl tb* BulKar .Sammy St«>ln

.Miipkenfnn. . lunula A«llun

Annminrcr I i:in 'I'liliy

ilOUO. IClllllll'lt f .viuip

Dr. Dlnw IdillP . . I>imii.-I:i.-< Wnml

-An.son Week* iiiwI .Ills Oi-'li'-wn-.i .

Ppcjtv nvnn

. . . , . ..1'ni k Oxkl

IllKI 1 ' Villl'^llt

. .i^i-ni' l.<h-klMirc
. . . ..Inlinny I'ny
. . . . Amlv llrvili
..41-111111' 'l'i'p.1i;lli-i'
. . . . ..Iri'.in' U'yiill

. . Ituvli'i' KPnlnn
.. . \'lh'liii'i:i llnriip

. . .I-Miih IIiit-rPlL

"That's the Spirit" is a breezy,
diverting musical with a story of
somewhat different cast, several good
songs, a couple eyeful production
numbers and a group of troupers
who move with ease and impressively
through the -85 minutes it takes to
wind the works up.

A foreword which immediately
plants the time of the story during
the mauve decade says cutely, "This
is New York when a little flower was
a petunia and. not a mayor." Getting
into the story, Gene Lockhart is
quickly typed as a pious banker with
terrific local pull who rules: his
household with an iron hand. A
rebellious daughter, played by June
Vincent, induces her cousin iVicki
Home) to dare the dangers of going
into the Majestic, a vaudeville of the
cheaper type. Here Jack Oakic. with
his flute, is doing a novelty turn and
singing "The Fella With the Flute.

In. what amounts to a shotgun
wedding due - to circumstances in-
volved, Oakie marries the banker's
daughter but about the lihie he is
about to become a father, he's wafted
away and turns up in HcavCn where
Buster Kea ton i.s in charge of the
complaint department. After, serving
many years there, Keaton permits
Oakie to go . back to earth to see his
daughter, now 18. His spirit moves
through the picture from there on,
being un.secn and unheard by every

Arthur Lake teams up with Dale
Evans in this tale of a night-club
pianist who tries to score with the
gal by stating he is the unknown
masked, wrestler.- "The Big Show-
Off" is a briefle that has its moments.

Three tunes in this pic are not
weighty, but help , to liven the pro-
ceedings. Anson Weeks and his orch
supply the musical background for
the vocals of Miss Evans, who has a
nice voice and handles ' her role in
neat style, also. Lionel Slander is
seen as the nitery owner . for whom
both Lake and Miss Evans work, and
who is instrumental in bringing them
together; Remainder of the cast go
through their chores in good fashion.

Settings, while not lavish, suffice,
and the cameraworlc is average. Of
the tunes* "Clco From ftio" and
"Hoops My Dear" were written, by
Dave Oppcnheim and Roy Ingra-
ham. while Miss Evans gets credit
for composing ''Only- One You."

Sleii.

Miniature Reviews

"Pillow to Post" (WB). Ida
Lupino - William Prince-Sydney
Greenstreet in moderate boxof-
flce comedy.

"That's the Spirit" (Musical).
(U). Breezy and entertaining
musical with a different story
background. ■

"Bljr Shbw-Off" (Rep). Light
budget comedy with niusic, star-
ring Arthur Lake ' and Dale
Evans.

"Bells of RosarlU" (Songs)
i Rep.). Well-produced western;
looks . like good b.o. for its class.

"Scarlet' Clue" (Mono). An-
other fair Charlie Chan whodun-
it with Sidney Toler.

"Goranssons Pojke-' (Swedish).
Good drama with English titles.

"Like All Mothers" (Mexican).
Lightweight yarn, about mother
love, not for U. S. except in
Spanish-language spots.

The Searlet €loe

Mtinnxrnin ■ rplrn^e of Junwa S. Iturkell
IMiiiturliiin. Slhrs, SUInpy TotPr: . rpiiturrN
l',fii»iil' 1-VnV. .Manran AKnvltlliil. Htrleu
it- vi'i'oaux. . pirccKsl liy -rhll Kohcii. i.irlir-
inal sj-rrPiipluy; (IijorKP Ciilluliun. hiineil on
■ll.-H-ilrip'r liy Kali Dc-rr HlKRcrH: rnmrrii,
Wlllinm a: si.-krier: e.lUnr. Kluhard (rurripr.
Al Urooklyn Strand. X. Y., wpek uf Muy
III. dual. Kiiiinlns lime. 0,1 MINX.

liwrllc I'hall Slilnpy 'I'olPr

rittiimy Chun. Mpn.Mon Fnnk

IlirmlnKliam Hi'uWn ...MalUon Mor'fland

l»iaup Hall .-. Helen Devoreaux

iipt. I^lynn ....llobprc Hoiuami

\l!«. Mursli VlritllilA nrlnnn<:

Itnlldl Hlflt .Stunfina Jnllpy

Wlllim Clicsioi- Ilclil K IIPHlllirk

Wllllo ItnnJ. ..'. ..Jack Norton

s»vkI. 'M.Cimr.. ....0h:'i8. Sherlock

(Unrln:' Itayne:..- . .Jniiei Shaw

lleVlien .Slni:l«lr. ...Milt Klkbe*.

Bells of Rosarita

(SONGS)

H< |iuI»I|p.. relPaw of l-5ili|y Whilp |irn,lnp-
ilwu. Suirn Hoy Hoi;*™; fpuiuret i;t*i,rH«
"UMbhy" Hayes, .Dale Kvaint. AUrle Mara;
Xirant Withers. Janet Martin. Kolwi i MU. h-
elt . Boyouolr. '■ Bob Xotan ami Sona o( the
Pioneer*. Wild Dill EUloit. All«n l.anr>.
Donald Barry. Robert r.lvlnKntnn, Sunset'
ramun. Directed by Krnnlc Mi'Dnualil.
Si'reenplay, .lark Townley: mm*lf dlrpi-lnr.
.Moi-liin S<-oll; t-nniprn. Ki-n^-M Miller. 'I'ra.li--
iliouii X. Y., >ray II. 'i\ liiiiiniiii: lime.
<W MINN. ~->.

IInV nrxd:*

.(JeoiKe "Kahli.v" llayt'S

llnlP l^ralls.

A.lele M:,i:.

<H-.*illl Willieis

.......... ..laiK-1 .Marlill

'. A-liliw.ll lli. h.'ii'.ls

It.iv llaiiinri

Kolirrt Jlll. lM'll Hnyi hoir
'I'lipm^elvea. .nob Nolan an«i ih*; Smw uf the

I'imieiM-a

Reptihllc Guest Star": WN.l Hill Klli..il.
Allan f^ine. Donald Harry. Il>ilitn-t l.hini;-
.^lon. SuilKOt raruon, anil .'J'rluu'-r'.

Somewhat on a better plane than
pribr attempts by Monogram to cap-
italize on its Charlie Chan series,
The Scarlet Clue" is a whodunit
that should please fans of this type
film fare.

Picture actually has suspense, and
the. well-written script keeps viewers
guessing as to the actual murderer.
Acting, too,- is better than average,
probably because main members of
the cast have better material than in
several previous pix. Sidney Toler.
as Chan, plods along to a successful
solution of the killings, with able
support from Benson Fong, in the
role of his. son, and Mantan More-
land;, who. supplies the comedy relief.
Helen Devereaux handles her role
capably as do the other supporting
actors.

Yarn deals with plot to steal -radar
plans from the Government, causing
the death of several people by re-
mote control. Chan, and his aide
center their activities in the radar
plant which is also in the building
where a radio, station is located. Film
gathers momentum and the denoue-
ment actually catches the viewers off
guard. Sten.

G*rM«»M« P#Jke

("Gannota'i Boy")
(SWEDISH-HADE)

. St'.indla -'-t"llaia reteas* of. Weyler. Tlilile-
hranil limduptlon. Ktara Weyler lltlilrVranil.
Tom Ohoton; feaiurea Emmy' Hatpinm.' Krlc
Ahr.iliittison'. Dircutcd and written hy HII-'
dehraud. bused on Charlie A'lthplln'a "The
Kid": .enmera. J. Julhin: qettlnfra. Arne
ALrrmark. At <8th St. Playhouse. N. Y..
\reek of May 11, '4.~>. ItunnliiK time, 84
MIXS.

lioraniaon Weyler IllldPhiotwl

L'elle. .'... Turn OIkhoii

Anna .f^imy llaanian

Sudden . , iSrlc Abrahaniaon

Aunc Hi Ink .Hilda Boristrolii

Karln Uahy b'tenbertc

Junk-John. .Sluie Kurat

Snol)hen. . . .Macnus KeaXtcr

Halalalka.... Kolll (have

i 'Iprityiniin. , <'«r( Slrom

liny ftOKei-s

tlnlil.y WtiittokPi-.
Sue Karnum . . . . . .

I'atly I'lillllns

William Itipley. ..

Hoparlta

Slim I'lillilDs. . . . .

Maxwell

Th>'msPlve».

Republic has thrown the works
into this western, and the result is
kind of fare that should be eaten up
by fans of tTiis particular (ypc of en-
tertainment.

The daughter of an ex-circiis man
is about to be cheated out nf her in-
heritance by her dead dad's former
partner (Grant Withers)!: To the',
rescue come Roy Rogers, and Bob
Nolan, two Republic stars playing
themselves in.;. a Republic picture be-
ing produced , on the gal's ranch.
Rogers rings in a lot of other Repub-
lic stars, who play themselves and
show that the guys who make a liv-
ing out of the westerns -can. help a
dame in distress in "real" life.

Out of this "play-within-arplay".
comcs-a melange i of fast ritling. quick
shoptirig,. the pursuit and capture of
the gang, and the usual crop o( well-
done songs by Rogers. Dale Evans.
Bob Nolan and the Sons of the Pi-
oneers. The Robert Mitchell boy-
choir is. an extra attraction, doing
sonic nice havmoniziiifl. Production
is somewhat more elaborate than
most pix of kind, and direction meets
the demands of the situation. Rogers
is as. nimble and pleasant as usual.
George "Gabby" Hayes looks cleaner
than in most of his pix, but is still
the same trite but well-grooved char-
acter. " Curs.

:ln Swedish; English Tides)

A' high-class production in line
with other recent Swedish films
which have reached these shores
from that nation, "Goranssons Pojke"
embellished with English titles,
should do well in class houses.

Yarn, based on the old Charlie
Chaplin pic, "The Kid," deals with
the hard life faced by a junk dealer
and. a waif whom he shelters, only
to lose him to his mother who claims
him after the junk dealer had learned
to love the youth.

Weylar Hildebrand, of course, is
no Chaplin, but he nevertheless gives
a convincing performance in the role
of the vagabond-at-heart, while Tom
Olsson, as the abandoned youngster,
is excellent in his portrayal of the
role created by Jackie Coogan. Re-
mainder of the cast does right by
Hildebrand's writing and direction.

Settings are fairly impressive. The
film is in surprisingly good condi-
tion, and the camerawork is far
above par. Steii.

Like All Mother*

("Como Todos Las Madres")
(MEXICAN-MADE)

Cr-iv-it.i ipi'u.lu<-llon and releuse. Slara Sa-
■sr*r Ulo. KeVnando Soler, .loatiuin I'ar-
dav». Dh'P.-iPil by l-'ernnndo SolPr. At lli-l-
monr. X. Y.. week .May 11.. ItunnliiK
ilnie. IDS Ml. VS.

•I'M* ' I" • • ; . .Soirr.-l Del Rio

t'oiimel Itivera. I'Vinando Soler

Dun 1-Vllcinno \i loaqtlln I'nidave

norm ea r*UUi Ca marl llo

Auroi-.i.......... ...t'ltuka de (•'ornmlu

'-'I" .Alnnollii r>»l)ie K ni<

KiiriMiie. ... ..... . ....... . Victor ■ Velasquey.

(In Spanish; No English ritles)
"Like All-Mothers" is supposed to
be a story, of mother love, and one
of Mexico's 1944' prize plays, but it
cerlainly/doos not measure up to the

latter classification. . Its mother-love
angle is badly mangled before the
conclusion is reached. Film won't
create much of a boxoffice ripple
oven at Spanish-language spots de-
spite Hie cast which includes Fer-
nando Soler and Sagra Del Rio. Big-
gest drawback is its wordiness.

Entire production crew of picture
appears to be wrapped up in the de-
light of having the actors talk. It be-
comes a 6-cyllnder monolog. with the
mother-love- Ihcme lost in the welter
of chatter. The mother of this opus
i Sagra Del Rio) is a widow with two
boys and one daughter. She passes
up Fernando Soler, an -Army colonel,
because she fears her children would
not be happy with him around the
house. That probably was the worst
mistake tlic producers made — keep-
ing Soler out of most , of the' story.
Soler directs with an even, if unorig-
inal pace, but apparently his direc-
torial chores' kept him away from do-:
ing much before the cameras. '

Plot is the familiar one About the
good son and the erring one, except
that , there is loo much unessential
claptrap, and it's hard to tell when
to laugh, and when to be serious.
Maybe a literal translation into Eng-
lish titles would have helped.

Sagra Del Rio as the mother looks
more like a cafe hostess than a par-
ent in earlier footage, wearing one
of those off-the-forehead coiffs. Later
she looks like a worn-out dressmaker,
which she is, with the final scenes
forcing her into a goshawful looking
wig.. She's, remarkably comely' but
shallow histrionically, Soler is okay
while in the yarn, which is not
enough. Joaquin, Pardavc. tries hard
to be funny, and sometimes is. Lolita.
Camarillo in a lesser role looks prom-
ising if given proper direction and
makeup. Wear.

Nothing Harvey-ish

m ^^ mm COBtlMed from pigs I

tion when, before her marriage, she
was a crack sob-sister.

It wash't surprising that some
critics and showmen were at odds
with the choice; that has happened:
with other- Pulitzer selections.. An-
toinette Perry, staunchly defends
the choice, saying that "Harvey" is
spiritually imbued, despite the fact
that its hero is either psychopathic
or usually imbued with good cheer
collected in a favorite gin-mill where
he invariably "meets" ah invisible
six-foot rabbit named Harvey.

Recalled that when the play pre-
viewed in Boston before an audience
of GIs last fall, a guy dressed in a
rabbitskin costume walked across
the stage lale in the performance.
Pemberton and Miss Perry argued
until dawn with Mrs. Chase before
she consented to dropping the rab-
bit from the play. It's generally con-
ceded that making Harvey invisible
was the trick that made it one of the
most talked about plays in many
years. Miss Perry states that .despite
reports, she has only a small interest
in "Harvey", also that Pemberlon's
failh in the script never ' wavered.
There are-.a number of backers.

Mrs. Chase is Pemberton's find. He
first noticed her work through a play
she wrote for the Federal Theatre
Project, called "Me . Third", later
produced in New York by him un-
der another title, but although the
show railed he encouraged her to
keep writing. Pointed out that."Har-
vey" was hailed at its Boston tryout
and at least one scribe picked it as
qualified for prize honors. Same
thing applies to "The Glass Menag-
erie", which Chicago's critics rated
as a suce'ss. It is running next
door lo "Harvey", at the Playhouse..

Goebbels' Stooges

- Continued from page 1 ^ =

.carefully screened by Army .intel-
ligence. .

; One name on the rosier is that of
Edward Delan.e.v, alias E. D. Ward.
He's known on Broadway, was at one
lime director of Loew Theatres pub-
licity and advertising.

Others are Robert Best, former
wire serviceman at Vienna; Douglas
Chandler of Baltimore, who used the
hom ;de' voix of Paul Revere; Jane
Anderson, who's well known in some
theatre -and- musical circles; Florence
Drexel, who claimed relationship to
the prominent Philadelphia family of
that name; Otto Koischwitz, former
N. Y. college prof.; lowa^s former
school teacher, Fred Kallenbach; and
Chicago's gift, Donald Day.

When, as and it some of these are
brought back, and evidence is
needed, there is plenty of it ready.
Shortwave listening posts in the
U. ; S. have been piling up huge dos-
siers, on the- Nazi "and fascist propa-
gandists, FFC and OWI have also
kept propaganda, analysis experts in
various European and mid-east spots
throughout the war, gelling the ac-
curate score on what these people
said when they were on Joe Goeb-
bels' payroll.

Envision Public

— Continued from page 1 ^J J

up. An outstanding example are
two old ones from 20th-Fox which
are being sold -together, "Jesse
James" and its sequel, ''Return of
Frankie James." The little Squire
on Eighth avenue, N. Y., is now in
the sixth week, with this doubleton.
On the first Ave weeks the house,
which has operated under a cheap
grind policy, playing - anything it
could lay its hands on, grossed $21,-
468i The Siritsky Bros., who also
have the old Majestic, Brooklyn,,
opened the James dual there May 3
end on the first week grossed $6,149, .
also an amazing figure.

Ward Scott's Idea

Digging up the two James pictures
(or sale by 20th was one of. those
things. Ward Scott, midwester'n dis-
trict manager for 20th, found him-
self hard up for pictures in his ter-
ritory and hit upon the idea of fill-
ing holes with, the James films. They
went. over so well, other parts of the
country started taking spot bookings
on them.

William J. \Kupper, general sale.i
manager for 20th,' is among those
who leans to -the opinion that the
market may be. ripe, just now for
pictures of the gangster .type, add-
ing that the public is keyed up and
wants outlet for a state of excite-
ment. In this connection he cites
the popularity of the radio stuff in
the gangster or murder mystery
class. So far as. gangster films are
concerned, Kupper notes that there
never was one of any.* value that
didn't do big.

Another tradesman points out that
the public has proved it loves mor-
bid stuff and that there's no reason
why gangster pix should not be in
demand, particularly as relief from
war material. ■ "Doesn't, a; guy al-
ways run to see who's been hit by a
car instead of running away from
if.'", is the way he sums it up. .

Reissues Pay Off

According to Bob Savini, president
of Astor Pictures, which deals in re-
issues, "Scarface," originally made
by Howard Hughes for UA, is Mill
making a lot of money. At present
Savini is teaming this one up with
"Lady Scarface," also made by
Hughes, this time for RKO. He has
an "arrangement with RKO under
which he sells "Scarface" to an ac-
count at 25%, with the cost of RKO's
picture deducted from the percent-
age due Astor on the engagement.
Savini adds that two others he has
no' trouble selling are "The Last
Mile'* and "Let 'Em Have. If," latter
made by Edward Small for United
Artists. It also deals with Dillinger.
Film Classics, which like Astor spe-
cializes in reissues, has made a lot
of money with an old Sam Goldwyn
gangster item, "Dead End," accord-
ing to an official of that company.
Meantime, Warner Bros., which last'
season reissued "Frisco Kid" and
■'Crime School," picking up plenty
of coin with them, is still getting
dates on the two pictures.

Republic, which has two gangster
items coming up, "Chicago Kid" and
"Gangs of the Waterfront," is plan-
ning a picture on the notorious Kar-
pis brothers and another built
around ''Pretty Boy" Floyd.

There have been a representative
number of pictures this season deal-
ing either directly or indirectly with
gangsterism such as Paramounl's top
budgetcr, "Salty O'Rourkc." how at
the N. Y. Par, "Scared Stiff" an"
"One Exciting Night." WB earlier
had "Crime By Night" and is com-
ing up with "The Big Sleep" and
"Nobody Lives Forever." ■ Universal-s.
"Frisco Sal" was strictly of the
gangster stripe/ Twentieth some
while back had "Roger Tbuhy. Gang-
ster"; but it did just /air. Metro has -
shied from gangster stuff but earlier
in. the season released "Main St.
After Dark;" based upon its "Crime :
Doesn't Pay" shorts scries.
• RKO recently' released "Murder,
My Sweet" and will make (wo more
along the. ^same lines with Dick
Powell. Coming up . in the gangster
class is : "Johnny . Angel," PRC, which
made "Crime, Inc." and has booked
it into the Rialto, N. Y„ first run, to
open in two or three weeks, also has
"Phantom of 42d St.", which has a
gang background. Gangster elements
figure in certain of the Boston
Blackic and Whistler series, tinned '
out by Col.

Rialto, N. Y;, which playcd^'Gcntle
Annie" last week, a Metro film deal-
ing with early western train robbers,
billed the picture as "The Female
Jesse James". and did well, albeit not
big, with it.

Wrddrsday, May 16, 1945

PICTURES

Curfew Off But Chi Exhibs Like Eve.
B.O. Prices to Remain Starting 5 PJM.

Chicago, ^lay 15
II isn't slrielly a matter of milk-
ing thai extra nickel out ot the cus-
tomer, theatre circuit execs here ex-
plain. The reason they're not chang-
ing matinee prices from present 5
u m time back to pre-curfew 6 p.m.'
change is because in the 72 days the
curfew was in effect payees became
educated to coming earlier, some-
thing circuit execs had been aiming
at for years in order to get a belter
tunmver.

Originallv inaugurated when cur-
few started so that houses wouldn't
be filled up between 6-6:30, with eu-
dieiice staying on to the bitter end.
it s admitted it was a matter of busi-
ness acumen, toc^-in other words
getting higher take at the head end
because losing an extra hour towards
closing lime. B.ojs used to be open
till 10 P-in-, theii, when the curfew
came along, they closed at 9 p.m.

Warner's de luze nabe house, the
Stratford, which is on vaudfllm pol-
icy weekends, is a good example.
Last stage show went on at 10:45
pre-curfew, at, which time the b.o.
folded, but when they started obey-
ing the Byrnes order they had to put
the last stage show on at 9:35- -an
hour, and 10 -minutes earlieiv-which
hint biz. inasmuch as there's always
a good play late Saturday night at
the south side house, because or. all
the stores in' the neighborhood.

One circuit head -sums it up best,
perhaps, with the remark. "We feel
■■ now that as long as people are ac-
custom V. to it we might as well
keep it up "

KAUFMAN SURRENDERS
SELF FOR 7-YEAR TERM

•Louis Kaufman, former business
aiient of Local 244, Motion Picture
Operators Union. Newark, yesterday
(15> surrendered to U. S. Marshal
James E. Mulcahy to begin serving
a seven-year. term, imposed by Fed-
eral Judge John Bright on Dec. 31.
1943.

He was out on bail after being
convicted. with six other defendants,
of conspiracy to extort more than
$1,090,000 from the motion picture
industry. Other defendants are al-
ready serving their terms.

Dieterle on U Loanout

Hollywood, May 15.
Universal borrowed William
Dieterle from David O. Selznick to,
direct the Merle Oberon-Charles
Korvin starrier, "As .11 Was Before,"
starting early next 'month.
■ Dieterle recently pulled out of his
director chore on "Young Widow,"
after a disagreement with Hunt
Stromberg, producer, about handling
the story.

Candy a Sweet Biz
For Fox-WC Chain

San Francisco, May 15.

With Fox-West Coast houses in
California alone merchandising $'i0.-
000 in candy and popcorn a week,
Charjes P. Skouras, prexy ot Na-
tional Theatres, is looking ahead for
Relaxation of sugar products and
wants to buy interests in several
candy factories. Skouras was here
la-t week and made an offer to buy
an interest in Blum's. 'topflight candy
manufacturing ' content:, which did
not jell on ■'first meet. He already has
large stock holdings in the Cardmet
Candy Co. here, and is looking to
round up two or three more plants
to lake care of servicing all Nal'n-n-
al Theatres. Figured that the com-
bined houses in the setup could sell
around $5,000,000 a year in candy and
popcorn, which necessitates the cir-
cuit's own production planls.

Skouras ' also looked at var'ous
properties for future building dur-
ing his three-day slay here. After
entertaining.' the. Greek delegation at
dinner, he len for New York via
Los Angeles.

SPU Toppers Resign
Oyer Coinless Sec't'y

Hollywood, May 15.

Harry Mayo, president. Roy Brent,
veepee, and Lee Powell, secretary of
the Screen Players Union, resigned
after an argument with the Board
of Directors over its refusal to create
a paid office of secretary -treasurer, a
job calling for approximately $6,000
a year.- '•

Mike Jeffers. business representa-
tive, declared the board took (he po-
sition, that SPU is not in a financial
position to support another paid of-
ficer at this time.

Larry Williams was named acting
president of SPU to fill the berth
vacated by Mayo. Eddie Nunn re-
placed Roy Brent as veepee and
Don Wayne became secretary to.
succeed Powell.. Jack Paul is the
new treasurer, succeeding Jeff ers,
who resigned to devote his' full- time i
to his chore as business . repre- '
sentative.

CaL Solons Demand End of Strike;
Strike Leaders in Rap at NLRB

'Sailor' Vice 'Countess'

Hollywood, May 15.

Nunnally Johnson's next produc-
tion for International will be "Home
Is the Sailor," replacing the Sonja
Henie starrer, "The Countess of
Monte Crislo," which has. been de-
ferred for an autumn start.

Reason for' the postponement is the
lack of an ice rink required for six-
weeks of rehearsals for skating se-
quences.

Jackson Park, Chi,
Decish in Month

Chicago, May 15.
It'll be another 30 days or so be-
fore the. far-reaching decision of last
year's Federal jury verdict of guilty
against the five major distribs and
Chi's two leading theatre circuits is
'declared final. Such, at least, are
prognostications, following oral ar-
guments Wednesday (9) in U. S.
Court of Appeals to determine
whether the grant of $360,000 triple
damages to plaintiffs in the Jackson
Park Theatre case against RKO,
Loew's. 20th-Fox, Paramount and
Warners, together with Balaban &

SPU Submits New
Scales for Extras

Hollywood. May 15.
After checking to see whether the
less than _ 500 members of Screen
Playe.rs Union who showed up at the
meeting, last night (Mon.) consti-
tuted a quorum, the group approved

a proposed contract for submission:, , . ... ... .

to the producers. Inasmuch as no i Katz alld WB Theatres, will be upset
constitution and by-laws have been j O''" 0 .'- Outcome is anybody's guess,
adopted as yet, ruling held that ■ . Plaintiffs charge, made by Tom
number was sufficient to approve : ° Connell. attorney for Jackson
series or demands to be made .on j thal , cl V release system )s part
producers for. extra work. ] a.id pareel of a pnee-flxing scheme

Minimum of $16,50 per day sought

'Wilson' Aug. Release At
Pop Prices; Roxy Repeat

Twpntielh-Fox. which sold ••Wil-
son'': last fall at advanced admission
prices and 60% of the. gross, will
bring it back as a regular release
in August at established scales. It
will be thrown into a "block that
month and in all probability will be
the top-bracket film in the package.
What the other pictures to go with
It will be remains to be determined.

A 20th advanced-price fihii which
preceded it. "Song of Bernadette."
is now being sold at regular prices
but singly. "Wilson" at pop-prices
will begin at the Roxy. N. Y„ some-
time in July with powerful support
from a stage show topped by per-
sonal appearances of Dick Haymcs
and Helen Forrest. This is the second
appearance of this film at this house,
previous run having been made at a
$1.50 top.

The Roxy deal with H-«yrnes i.<
result of an old commitment wiih
Sammy Ranch, house talent booker,
which was postponed when Hay mes
: wcnl to the Coast to make pix for
20lh-Fox. Haymes and Miss For-
rest will sandwich in the Roxy en-
gagement between dates on the USO
hospital circuit and will do their
Tuesday night radio program from
various Army institutions. So far it
appears that they'll be able (p stay
two weeks only at that house. If*
not yet known whether "Wilson"
will .leave simultaneously wjth them..

LABOR CONTROL EASE
TO HELP SHOW BIZ

Washington. May 15.

All of show biz is expected to bene-
ftt by the relaxation of manpower
j. controls" .announced. Friday 111) by
I Paul 'McNult. WMC chairman.

McNult set up the period until
July 1 as a transition -'period. -which
feeds into a greatly relaxed period
after that dale:

In group 3 and 4 labor areas, such
as New' York, a'rea control directors
can lift al| controls prior to July 1,
if local management-labor commit-
tees approve. After July 1. controls
will be completely eliminated in
those areas.

In group 1 and 2 areas. 'which in-
cludes Hollywood, area directors
may allow unemployed to lake any
jobs it real -unemployment begins to
appear. Tbe '48-hour week is to be
maintained in the group 1 and 2
areas prior to July 1. In addition, it
the problem loosens up considerably.
! area directors can recommend re-
classifications of- these sections to the
less critical groups.

Arter July 1. all manpower con-
trols will remain in group 1 areas
and will, be optional in group 2
areas. However, the 48-hour week
will be' knocked off 'in the case of in-
dividual planls if they prove no need
for it.

McNult said that, according to
present indications, there will not be
more than 21500.000 unemployed at
the end of 12 months. The . figure
now stands at 1,000.000.

abolition of 300-mile zone, and guar
jantee of three days' work per week
for all members. Union also aslts.
j right to have supervisor in Central
1 Casting and other casting agencies
las weir as establishment of - western
land racial divisions at Central to be
operated by persons approved
SPU. Stated SPU would seek re-
troactive pay to at least June 1. 1942.
with possibility of going back to
1939.

.Proposed minimum for dress ex-
tras would be $19; dancers, swim-
mers and skaters, $20; rates foi
specialties, up to $90 and higher:
minimum for cowboys would start
at $25 for plain saddle riding, rang-
( Continued on page 201

and therefore illegal under Sherman
Act, was challencged by Myles See-
ley, defense counsel, who argued
that system is necessary for distribs
to. gel most for their money by renU
ing to theatres with largest capacity.
It wouldn't be possible for producers
to ryake the epics they do. without
bv j this method, he asserted, although
Judge Major tossed this back to him
with the remark. 'This doesn't ex-
cuse the fact that smaller exhibitors
are barred from choosing product."
(Continued on page 16)

U Stock on Big Board

Universal Pictures soon will '.be
on the Big Board, only the approval
'of the N. Y, Stock Exchange board
of governors being needed before
the switc'h from the N. Y. Curb is
made.- U has applied for listing on
the Stock Exchange and it now is
strictly a matter of getting the offi-
cial nod. U has been on the Curb
*oi years. *

Moveovcr will not necessitate is-
suance of any additional shares or
changes in the company's capital set-

Metro's Decision' Sold
Singly; Three in June

Metro will sell "Valley ot De-
cision." which opened at the. Music
Hall. N. Y.. last Thursday (3 >, singly.,
with availability for June but no
date set.

| This will bring the total ot re-
leases during June to three instead
of the two per month which nvas re-
ported as Metro's future policy. The
company -will place -pictures on re-,
■tease as they are available.

The other June release's are
"Dorian Gray" and "Son of Lassie."
These have been added to the block
>t three which are now on sale, be-
ing "Without Love," "Gentle Annie"
and "The Clock."

Studio Contracts

Hollywood. May 15.
-Elaine Langan, actress. 2()lh-Kox.
Johnny Sands, actor.^Vanguard.
Gale Sondergaat cl. renewed. U.
Bonnie Ba'nnon. actress. 20lh-Fnx.
William Kcighloy. director. Par.
Clyde dc Vinna. cameraman. 20lh
Peter Loire, renewed. -Warners;
Clem Brvans. actor.. 20t'h -Fox.
Lex Barker, actor. 20lh-Fox\
Marina Kosh. I*, songstress; Metro.
Victor Fi.mccn. renewed. Warners:
Marek Lipkov. prod.. reiVd Rep.
Lee Strasberg. wri.er.. 20th-Fox.
■Paul Stewart, director. Paramount.
S. '/.. Sak.tll. actor. Warners.
Robert Clarke, actor, RKO.'

Picture Pioneers Plans
■ Nat'l Setup, Coast Branch

; Jack Cohn's Picture Pioneers this
' year will be revitalized by. an ad-
I ministrative .-committee comprising
! Bill Brandt. Tom Connors/ Jack Ali-
. coale, George Dembow. Hal Hnrne

and Hal Hode with a. view to making

the organization national. Cohn. cx-
1 ecutive veepee of Columbia Pictures;
! has been solo sparkplugging the PP
' for five years, and this year decided

he wanted some help.
There's a Chi branch of PP but the

Canadian Picture Pioneers, head- ,

quartered in Toronto, is evert b.igger j
: than the parent organization in N. Y. i
i It has the unofficial blessing of the
j Canadian Govt.'s film agency;,
f A Hollywood branch jivill be -spear- ■'.
1 headed by Arthur Ungar ("Variety")- .
.who was to- have had the help of the :
' late Loii Metzger, When Cohii gets

10 the. Coast the west coast PP will

get: under way. >

12-Year-0ld Canadian
Actress Gets M-G Pact

Detroit, May 15.
A Windsor. Ontario, family, just
across the river from here, is pack-
ing up . for Hollywood a little be-
wildered al what happens in pix-
land.

The family is that of 12-year-old
Joan Elmes who has Decn signed to
a Metro contract. The youngster was
signed after a 20-minute audition in
New York Without the preliminaries
of a screen tesl.

Joan has been a pretty active ama-
teur in these parts. She has been
featured in the Children's theatre
broadcasts via WXYZ for several
years. Youngster also worked in pa-
triotic ventures including a six-
weeks lour for the Canadian Army
in a recruiting trip, which wound
up in her being given the title of
"The Sweetheart of Troops" She
also has appeared in "Lone Ranger"
broadcasts.

As a result the whole family is
going to Hollywood except the
father. He's a foreman in a war
plant and says he won't go until
the war's over.

Popular Plans UN Pic

Hollywood, May 15.

Hollywood, May 15.
Stepping into the .studio strike sit-
uation yesterday (14), eight Calif-
ornia congressmen demanded that
the local WLB, NLRB and Mayor
Fletcher Bowron of Lbs Angeles take
action immediately to end the labor
struggle. Congressional ' group also
took a stand, against ballots being
allowed to men who replaced
strikers in the forthcoming NLRB
election of Set Decorators to desig-
nate a collective bargaining agency.
Congressmen Gordon L. . McDoriough,
Jerry Voorhis, Cecil R; King, Chet
Holfled. Ellis E. Patterson, Clyde
Doyle, Helen Gahagan Douglas arid
Ned R. Healcy, in letter to Dr. Harry
A. Mullis, chairman of NLRB, de^
clared:

■ "The undersigned members of the
Congress of. the United States
urge that immediate action be taken
in regard to the current strike in
the motion picture industry. The
strike has gotten out of control and
is causing disruption and disunity
in its spread throughout the indus-
try."'

Labor Leaders' Beef

There was considerable talk among
Strike leaders "last night of asking
delegation to sponsor Congressional
investigation of NLRB. especially •
since that board Ignored recom-
mendation of congressmen by orders
ing that strike replacements, most of
Whom were furnished by IATSE
from other union crafts, be per-
mitted to ballot along with bona fide
decorators who have been on strike
for. nine , weeks. Proposal to allow
replacements to ballot will be taken
up at 10 a: m. today (Tues.) .al an
informal conference called by Mi-
chael Komoroff. chief field examiner
for the NLRB here. Herbert Sorrell,
prexy of Conference of. Studio
Unions, has announced he will op-
pose any but bona fide decorators
(Continued, on page 22)

U'S DISTRICT CONFABS
MAP OUT FUTURE PLANS

Series of. Universal district sale3 :
confabs, announced by William A:
Scully, v.p. in charge of sales, teed
off. with a meeting of eastern ;
branches in Cleveland last week
(May 1>, conducted by Fred Meyers.
He also held sessions in Boston and
Philadelphia for his eastern division.

F. J. A. McCarthy, southern sales
maliager. opened his meetings with
one in Atlanta. May 9. He also "held
sessions in New Orleans. May 12,
and Cincinnati. May 14. A. J.
O'Keefe. western sales manager,
opened up with his meeting in Chi-
cago, May 12-13. and will follow
up with confabs, in K^-C. May 18-19,
Salt Lake City. May 24-25,. and L. A^
May 28-29.

Scully explained that the meetings
were called for»lhe purpose of ac-
quainting I he sales force of prob-
lems on future releases. Despite the
Tact (hat U had mapped oifl its pro-
gram for nexl season, he explained
that Universal, like all studios, will
be subject -to risks and limitations
as long as "our major Interest is to
continue full-hearted cooperation in
doing our part In prosecute the war
against Japan." He also staled that
the confabs were arranged so that
the whole sales staff would be made
aware of the many uncertainties still
confronting the 'whole industry be-

cause of the continuance of the na-
tional emergency. Scully said, "We
are just as anxious that our men .
know that responsibilities to the'
community and to our Government
. . . as they know their rcsponsibili-
Inlentational security theme is the j ties to the industry and, to Univer-

basis of '-United Nations 1945,-' to
i)e produced by Popular Pictures.!
1 which recently washed up "And
' Then There Were None."

Barry -Fitzgerald, and Walter Hus-
ton, who appeared in "None!', and
have commitments with Popular, are
slated, to . work in "United," which
goes into production', in September.

REP STABS FRAZEE

Hollywood. May 15.

Republic hands star billing 10 Jai.e
Frazee in the forthcoming. South Set
musical. "Down Tahiti Way."

Wally Vernon and Chick Chandler
will be teamed as a new comedy duo^

'WAYFARER' CULLS 75G PLUS

' Hollywood, May 15.
Paramount laid $75.(100 on the line
for Darv Wickenden's unpublished
novel. "The Wayfarer." withv addi-
tional payment of' $75,000 in the
oflliiK.

Total amounl . of purchase price,
depends on book sales. > with a
$130,000 ceiling. -Paper, shortage
may restrict book sales somewhat,
with a lotal of $100,000 now con-
sidered likely.

sal."

: If the ban on travel to conventions
is lifted. Scully said thai some cen-
tral meetings may be held late, this
summer. '

19-70^ Tilts for Soundmen

■ . . . Hollywood. May 15. '

Sound technicians had wage in- -
creates, averaging from 10 jo 70"'o,.
put irilo effect yesterday 1 at the.
major studios, with the pay hikes re-
troactive to Jan. I. 1944.

Har6ld V. Smith; .busj'ncs)!.' rep/ of •.
Sound Tt-'chnicians Loc'itl '695/ nyjjQjv,
tiated the deal with the produiers. .
He secured WLB' approval without
Form 10. after IATSE prexy Dick
Walsh had objected because the local ,
would not .sign: the contract cover
sheet - without surrendering its au-
tonomy.

10

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

"•"•""•Clock'

to

^ etr< l« t" at tVve

IS?« and

With All
Your Might !

MIGHTY
7«h WAR

LOA N I

"THE
CLOCK''

"WITHOUT

lOVE"J

Greer Garson,
Gregory Peck
off to long-run,
R. C. Music Hall.

Judy Garland,
Robert Walker-
Capitol, N. Y.,
sweethearts.

Tracy and
Hepburn—
nationwide
happiness!

W cdaewfay, Why 16, MSS&ft «

— "™ ^™ ™ . . ' —J; -.- ' ■

I

12

PICTURE GROSSES

Wednesday, May 16, 1915

LA. Biz Better; 'Attack' 36G, 2 Spots;

v 'Guest' 50G in 4, 'Navy' Modest W$ :
For 3. Co-Pilot' Boff 54G in 3. 2d Wk.

Los Angeles, May 15. ■
Br/, is up .slightly here with lifting
©f curfew but operators figure it
will lake lime to re-educate the pub-
lic to late shows and swing-shift per-
formances. Three new bills currently
enly are near average, while hold-
overs continue strong, •'Counter-
Attack - ' locks best with $36,000 in
two houses while '.'Guest in llouse".
Is heading for $50,000 in four spot's.
"This Man's Navy" sights only. ^-27,-
800 in three theatres.

Second week of "God Is My Co-
Pilot" still is powerful at $54,000 in
three houses, 'with "Sally O'Rourkc"
equally strong-' with $35,000 in two
for sstoiul .session..- •

Estimates for Tills Week
Carlhay Circle (F-WC) (1,518; 50-
$1)— "Guest, in House" (UA) and
"Bullfighters" »20th). Okay- $C,500i»
Lust week. "Royal Scandal" i20th)
and "Molly and Mo" (20th), excel-
lent $7,500.

Broadway Grosses

Estimated Total Gross
This Week ............ $593,000.

(Based on 15 'theatres)
Total Gross Same Week
Last Tear,. ... $556,700

(Based on 15 theatres)

'Unseen Upped By
Jones, $1,000, Pitt.

Chinese (Grauman-WC) ' 2,048; 50-
$1)— "Guest in Jloust" (UA) and
"Eulllighler.;" (20lh). Average $12.-
ortO. Last week, "Royal Scandal''
(20th) and "Molly and Me" '20th)
(2d wk). smooth $10,300.

Downtown iWB) (1.800; 30-$l)—
"God Is Co-Pilot" (WB) ( 2d wk);
Stout 524,000. Last week, great
$28,500.

Egyptian iF-WO 1 1.538: 50-511—
"Without Love" (M-G) <4lli wk).
Closed at S7,500. Last week. $8.80.0.

Four Star (UA-WC) (900; 50-S1)
— "Wulhcring Heights" iFC) i reis-
sue) ( 2d wk). Nice $3,000. Last
week. stout. $5,800.

Guild (F-WC) (908: 50-$l )— ''This
Man's Navy" (M-G) and '-Gentle
Annie" (M-GK Slow $5,500. Last
week, "Frisco Sal" <U> and "Honey -
inoon Ahead" (U), $4,800.

nawall ( G&S ) < 1.100; 50-S1 )—
"Body Snslchers" (RKO J and
"Brighton Strangler" (RKO). Hefty
$8,500. Lart week, "Phantom .Speaks"
<Rcp) and "Vampire's Ghost" (Rep)
(4th wk-6 day,<0. closed at $2,400.

Hollywood iWBI (2,756; 50-$l)—
"God Is Co-Pilot" (WB) 2d wk).
Steady $17,000. Last week, strong
$20,(100.

Ms Angeles (D'town-WC) (2,097;
80-$l )— "Without Love" ( M-G ) 1 4th
wk). Good $12,009 near. Last week,
smooth $15,800.

. Orphenm (D'town) "2.200; 65-85)—
"Forever Yours" (Mono) with Allan
Jones, Connie Haines on stage. Neat
$22,000. Last week. "Docks N. Y." I
(Mono), with A. B. Marcus revue on 1
stage, okiiy $21,000.

PanUges (Pan) ' 2.C12; 50-.$D— '
"Counter-Attack" (Col> and "Sunn
Sarong" (U). Nice $10,000. Last
week, "Having Wonderful Crime','
(RKO) and "Tarzan and Anuizans"
(RKO), light $12,600.

Paramount (F&M) <3.389; 50-$l)
—"Salty O'Rourkc" iPar) xnd
"Hitchhike Happiness" 'Rep) <2d
wk). Sturdy $23,000. Last week, big
$32,100.

Paramount Hollywood (F&M)
(1,451; 50-$l) •- "Salt- O'Rourke"
(Par) (2d wk). Smooth $12,000. Last
week, solid $15,000.

Ilillstrret (RKO) ( 2.890: 50*80)—
"Counter-Attack" (Col) and "Song
Sarong" .(UK Okay $20,000. Last
week, "Having Wonderful Crime"
(RKO) and "Tarzan Amazons"
(RKO), $18,200.

Rltz (F-WC) (1,370; 50-$l >—
"Without Love" (M-G) (4th wk).
Finished at $6„ r )00. Last week, excel-
lent $8,500.

State (Loew's-WC) '2.404: 50-$l)
— "Guest in House" (UA) and "Bull-
flahtcrs" (20th). Average $23,500.
Last week,- "Roval Scandal" (20th)
and "Molly and Me" (20lh> (2d
wk ). moderate $14,800. .

United Artists (UA-WC) '2.100:
B0-.i)D— "This Man's Navy" (M-G)
and "Gentle Annie" (M-G). Robust
$14,000. Last week, "Frisco Sal" <U)
and "Honeymoon Ahead" (U >,$!!,-
300

Uptown (F-WC) (1,790; .50-$])—
"Guest in House" (UA) and "Bull-
fighters" ('20th i. Okay $8,000. Last
week. "Royal Scandal" (20(h) and
"Molly and Me" (20th) (2d wk), nice
$6,100.

WHshlre (F-WC) (2,200: 50-$l)^—
"This Man's Navy" (M-G) and "Gen-
tle Annie" (M-G). Good $8,000. Last
week, "Frisco Sal" (U) and "Honey -
moon Ahead" (U), $6,500.

Wiltern (WB) (2,500; 50-$l)—
"God Is Co-Pilot" ( WB) (2d . wk).
Strong $13,000. Last week, boff,
117,800.

RKO's Joan Bennett

Hollywood. May 15.
RKO inked .roan Bennett to star
• psycho-murder, mystery, "None So
Blind,"' to he produced by ValLew
ton.

Screenplay is based on a recently
. .purchased yarn authored. by -Mitchell
Wilson.

Pittsburgh, May 15.
Biz 'still on the beam ' here, wjth
Stanley whamming 'em again with
Spike Jones band and "The Unseen'-
and Pcnn pulling surprisingly well
with "Belle of the Yukon."

Estimates for This Week
Fulton (Shea) (1,700; .40-65)—
"Hangover Square" (20th). Should
insure around $8,500 at ' least, not
bad' here. Last week, "Sudan" (U)
<2d wk), nice $5,000.

riarrls (Harris) (2,200; 40-65)—
'Salome, Where She Danced" <Ui
1 2d wk). Okay $5,000 in 4 days. La f t
week, . big $14,000.

Vtnn (Loew's-UA) (3,300: 40-65)- i.
"Belle of Yukon" (RKO): Nice S17.- I
000. Last week, "3 Caballeros"!
(RKO). $10,000. ... i

Ritz CWB) (800; 40-65)— "Between 1
2 Women" (M-G). Mbvcovcr. Trim
$3,800. Last week, "Be Seeing You"
(UA), swell $5,000 on m.o.

Senator (Harris) (1,750; 40-65)—
"Royal Scandal" (20th). Second
week here after m.o. from Harris.
Not over $1,800 in 4 days. Last week, i
okay $4,100;

TLAME' BRIGHT 18G
IN 2 DENVER SPOTS

Denver, May 15.
"Fk'ino of Barbary Coast," at Den-
ver and Enquire, will land top coin
here this week. "Having Wonderful
Crime," only other new entry, is n'ot
lerriilc. but nice.

K>tlniates for This Week
Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 35-74 WBer-
nadetle" (20th). Good $6,000. Last
week, "Royal Scandal" (20th) and
"House of Fcnr" (U), after week at
each Denver, Esquire, fairish $5,000.

Denhnin (Cockrill) (1,750; 35-70 )-r
"Sally O'Rourkc" (Par) (2d wk).
Fine $10,000, and holds again. Last
week, smash $16,000. .

Denver (Fox) (2,525; 35-74)—
"Flame Barbary Coast" (Rep) and
"Eve Knew Apples" (Col), day-date
with Esquire. Robust $15,000 or over.
Last week, "Horn Blows" (WB) and
"When Lights Go On" (PRC), also
Esquire, thin $7,000. , „,

Kfqulre ( Fox ) (742; 35-74)— "Flame
Barbary Coast" (Rep) and :'Eve
Knew Apples" (Col), also Denver.
Good $3,000. Lust week, "Horn
Blows" (WB) and "Lights Go On"
( PRC), also Denver, low $1,500.

Orphenm (RKO) (2,600; 35-74)—
"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO) and
"Fashion Model" (Mono) (2d Wk).
Okay $9,000; Last week, smash
$19,000.

Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 35-74)—
' Having Wonderful Crime" (RKO)
and "Bullfighters" (20th). Fine $8,-
000 or. near. Last week, "Can't Take
With You" (FC) and "Ragged An
gels'' 'FC) ''reissues), good $7,000.

Rialto (Fox) (878; 35-74)— "Youth
on Trial" 'Col) and "Dead Men's
Eyes" < U). Nice $3,500. Last' week,
"God Is Co- Pilot" (WB) and "Song
Sarong" (U) '2d«wk) f after week at
each Denver. Esquire, Aladdin, gnod

s;:,ooo. ■■

Dei Mad Albeit Xo-POot' Sturdy
$28,000, 'Attack' Fast 32G; "Navy I7G

Mpls. Still Tame Bat
'Burma' Hot 9G; 'World'
7G, 'Love' Big 10G, 2d

■ Minneapolis, May 15.
Three newcomers here this ses-
sion wilh "Dillinger" and '"Objective
Burma" looking standout. Biz tame

Key City Grosses

Intimated Total Gross
This Week. ... .. . ... .$8.7*8,400

(Based tin 24 cilies, 10(1 theri-

frcs, ofiicfl]/ i"/s« runs, r)tcli«li»u

N Y.) '; .

Total Gross Sane Week

Last Tfear .,'. . ,«,85:,5M .

(Based on 20 cities, 165 theatres)

Stanley (WB) (3,800: 40-85) -"The ! all around

Unseen" (Par) and Spike Jones orch
Band is boosting this combo to strong
830,0.00, fine. . Last week, "Experi-
ment Perilous" (RKO) plus Ink
Spots, EJla Fitzgerald, Cootie Wil-
liams orch, new house record at wow
."41,000, and way. over hopes.

Warner (WB) (2,000; 40-65)- "3
Caballeros" (RKO). Moveover.
Okay $7,000. Last week. "'Between 2
Women" <M-G), wham $10,000 on
m.o.

O'ROURKE' SMASH 16G,
L'VILLE; TOWDER' 12G

Louisville, May 15...
News (hat racing will be resumed
and date set for Kentucky - Derby
have given local trade a new im-
petus. Couple nice gros.-eis this
week, "Keep Powder Dry" at Loew's
State and "Salty O'Rourke" at the
Rialto, latter being especially Miong.
"Horn Blows at Midnight." at Mary
Anderson, is a winner... too.—
Estimates for This Week
Brown (4th Ave.) (Loew'sl (1.100:
40-60)— "Enchanted Cottage" tRKO)
and "What a Blonde" (RKO). On
m.o., mild $3,000. Last week, "Sudan"
(U) and "Remember April" 'U)
(m.o.). $3,500.

Kentucky (Swilow) (1,200; 30-40)—
"Music Millions" (M-G) and "Miss
Bobby Socks" (Col). Okay $1,800.
Last week, ''Experiment Perilous"
(RKO) and '.'Blonde Fever" (M-G >.
$1,700. .

Loew's State (Loew's) (3.300; 40-
60)— "Keep Powder Dry" (M-G > and
"Crime Doctor's Courage" (Col).
Okay $12,000. Last week, "Song Re-
member" (Col), $14,000.

Mary Anderson (People's) (1 .000;
.40-60)— "Horn Blows" ( WB ). Okav
$0,0.00. Last week; ."Delightrullv
Dangerous" (UA), $6,000.

National (Standard) (2,400: 50-75)
-^"Twilight on Prairie" <U) and
"Birlh of Star". (Par), plus Vic H>de.
others, on stage. Slowish $4,000 i)i 3-
day weekend. House now going to
three-day v<\ude, balance of \\*ek
films. Current Week Government
War films, used 4 days, will follow
week-end vaiide: Last. week. "Man
Alone" (PRC) and stage show, 1>-im
$11,000.

Biallo (4th Ave.) (3.400: 40-60)—
"Salty O'RourJce" (Par) and "High
Powered" (Par). Racing theme of
first is made to order for local pa-
(rons. Smash $16,000. Last week.
"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO) and
"What a Blonde" (RKO), betler than
expected at about same,, and move-
over.

Strand (Fourth Ave;) (1.400: 40-00)
—"Cowboy fc.Lady" (FC) and "Bur-
bary Coast" (F-C) (r'eissucs). Okay
$5,000. Last week, "Having Wonder-,
ful. Crime" (RKO)- and "Great Fla-
.marion" (Rep),- $5,000.

Kstlmates for This Week
Aster (Par-Singer) - (900; 15-25)—
-Rough. Tough" (Col) and "Eadie
Lady" (Col). Oke $2,000 in 6 days.
Last week. "What a Blonde" (RKO)
and "Docks N.Y." (Mono), split with
"Man Alone" (PRC) and "Song Miss
Julie" (Rep),. $2,300 in 8 days.

Century 'P-S) . (1,600; 44^60)—
"Song Remember" (Col) (2d wk).
Moveover. Strong $7,500. Last week,
"Saltv O'Rourkc" (Par) (m.o.),
$5,500.

Gopher < P-S) (1.100; 40)— "Dillin-
ger" 'Mono). Big $0,000. Last week,
'Earl Canoll's Vanities" (Rep), $3.-
700.

Lyric i P-S) * 1.100; 44-60)— "Thin
Man Home" (M-G) (m.o.). Mild $4,
500. Last week, "Enchanted Cottaue"
' RKO). big $4,400 for third down-
town week.

Orpheum 'P-S) (2,800". 44-60)—
"'Objeclive Burma" (WB). Solid
$9,000. .Last week, "Thin Man Home"
iM-G), $8,000.

Radio tltv ( P-S) (4,000; 44-60)—
"Without Ijove'' (M-G) (2d wk)-.
Fancy $10,000 after big $15,000 first
week. .
- State >P-SV (2.300; .44-00)— "To-
morrow Hie World" (UA). Not aided
by noud exploitation aiid ad 'cam-
paign. Looks a light $7,000. Last
week. "Song Remember" (Col), nice
$11,000.

Uptown (Par) (1.100; 44-501—
"Bring on frills" 'Par). First nabe
showing. Fair $3,000. Last week.
•Tluiiidrihcad" (20th), $3,500.

'Affairs' Great
31G in Philly

Philadelphia. May 15.

With many Philadelphians spend-
ing Mother's Day (Su.n.) Ht home,
weekend grosses took a sliari) .(lip.
But this didn't touch the smash
Earlc biz, where combo of Inkspots,
Cootie Williams band. Ella Filzgcr-
ald and ""House of Fear" went to
sock total. Also getting plenty of
sheckels are "Affairs of Susan" and
"'The Unseen."

' Estimates for Thin Week

Aldine (WBV (1,303: 40-H5 >— "Song
Remember" (Col) (7th wk). Potent
$12,800. Sixth week, husky $15,500.

Arcadia (Sablosky) <ti00: 40-85)—
"God Is Co-Pilot" (WB) (2d run).
Fairish $5,500. Last week. "Hotel
Berlin (WB),. about the same second
run.

Boyd. (WB) (2,560; 40-851 - "At
[airs of Susan" i'Par)-. Bringing tliem
■in. to the tune . o[ bright $27,000 in
addition to big $4,000 for one-day
Earle stand. Last week, "Royal Scan-,
.dal" (20lh ) (2d wk ), S14.500.

Earle (WB) 1 2.760; 50-95)- 'House
of Fear" (U) with Four Inkspots,
Ella Fitzgerald and Cootie Williams
orch. Socko $40,000. bust week
"Gentle Annie" (M-Gi with Gracie
Barre, Johnny Morgan: Hartmahs
and Milt Brittoli orch. okay $20,000.

Fox (WB) (2,250; 40-85)— "Prac-
tically Yours" (Par) (2d wk). Soiuid
$17,500 on heels of torrid $29,000
opener.

Kurlton (Goldman) 'l.OUO: 40-85)
— "Bring on Girls" ipan '2d run)
Oka $7,000. Lasl week, "'rrec
Grows Brooklyn" i.20lhi. iriin $9
000 second run.

Keith's (Goldman i '2,2(10'. 40-851
—"Tomorrow World" (UA' (2d
run).' Okay $6,500. Last week. "Sign
of Cross" (Pari > reissue i '2d wk).
$5,800. .

Mastbaiini 'WB' •i4.(192: 40-K51-
"Horn Blows" iWBi. Thin Sl.l.ilOII.
Last week. "It's a Pleasure ' 'RKO),
-good' $17,300 for second sesh.

Stanley (WB) '2,760; 40-85)—
"Keep Powder Drv" iM-G) '2d wk).
Placid S14.000 after hangup S24.500
opener plus $3,800 for' Earle Sab-
bath showing.

Stanton (WB) '1.475: 40-B5> —
"Unseen" (Par). Sweet $17,500. Last
week. "Suspecf (U> (2d wk), nice
$10,0:10.

Detroit, May 15. :
After the brief spurt occasioned by
V-E Day crowds' who had no other
place to go, biz has settled back to
so-so basis. "Counter-Attack," at the
big Fox, and "God Is My Co-Pilot,"
at the Michigan, are standout. Pic-
lures are coming in more frequently,
but that docs- little to. bolster the
boxofflce.

Ettlmatee for This Week
Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 60-85) —
Thunderhead" (20th) arid "Sing
Song Texas" (Col). Former moved
from Fox, good $11,000. -Last week.
"Sudan" (U) and "I Love Mystery"
(Col), $9,000.

Broadway Capitol (United Detroit)
(2,800; 60-85)— "Dillinger" (Mono)
arid "Bring on the Girls" i Par). Fair
$14,000. Last week, with "GI Honev-
moon" (Mono), thin $15,000.

Downtown (Howard Hughes) (2.-
800; 60-85)— "Man Alone" (PRC)
and Jerry Wald orch. Modest $21.-
000. Last week, "Utah"- (Rep) and
Cab Calloway orch, strong $33,000.

Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 60-85)
— "Counter-Attack*" (Col) and "Eadie
Lady" (Col). Good $32,000. Last
week, "Thunderhead" (20th) and
"The Bullfighter'? (20th), ditto.

Madison (United ' Detroit) (1,800;
60-85)— "Have, Have Not" (WB) and
Dark Waters'" (UA). Neat $6,000.
Last week, "Can't Help Singing" (U)
and "Loriely Heart" (RKO), near
same.

Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000;
60-85)— "God Is Co-Pilot" (WB) and.
"Earl Carroll Vanities" (Rep):.
Sturdy $28,000. Last week. "Bring
on Girls" (Par) and "Mr. Emmanuel"
(UA), $22,000.

Palms-State (United Detroit) (3.-
000; 60-85)— "This Man's Navy" (M-
G) and "Cisco Kid Returns" (Mono).
Trirn $17,000. Last week, "Hotel
Berlin" (WB) and '.'Fashion Model"
(Mono), $13,000.

United Artists (United Detroit)
(2,000; 60-85)— "Without Love" (M-
G) and "Scarlet Clue" (Mono). Stout
$15,000. Last week, $1!),()00.

Grable Lofty $20,000,
Buff.; 'Salome' Fancy 13G

Buffalo, May IS.
.- Biz is not loo good this weeje. niily
"Diamond' Horseshoe" measuring
close to hopes.

•estimates for This Week

Buffalo (Shea) (3.500; 40-70)—
Allairs of Susan" (Par) arid ''Lights
Go on Again" (PRC). Cheerful $15.-
000 or over. Last week, 'Practically
Yours" (Par) arid. "Scared Stiff"
(Par), strong $25,000.

Great Lakes (Shea) (3.000; 40-70)
—"Diamond Horseshoe" (20th i.
Lofly $20,000 with Betty Grable the
lure in this opus. Last week, "God Is
Co-Pilot" 'WB) (2d wk), $13,500,

Hipp (Shea) (2.100; 40-70)— "Prac-
tically Yours" (Par) , and "Scared
Stiff" i Par) (moveover), Good $9.-
000. Lasl week, "Bernadctte" (20th)
stoiil $10,000. .

I.afiiyette (Basil) (3,300; 40-70)^-
"Salome" (U) and "Lucky Night' 1
(U). Rousing $13,000. Last week.
''Rough. .Tough" (Col) and "Eve
Knew Apples" (Got), trirri $10,000.

20th Century ( 20th Century, Inc.)
(3,000; 40-70 )^ 'Betrayal From East"
(RKO) and "Pan-Americana" (RKQ).
Oke $8,000. Last week, "Enchanted
Cottage" (RKO) and "Oh. What
Night ' (2d . wk), strong $12,000.

'Cottage' Loud $17,000,
'Co-Pilot' 16G in Prov.

Providence. May 15.

It's hot b.o. Ihls week with "En-
chanted COtlage." terrific at RKO
Albre. Loew's State's "National Vel-
vet" and Majeslic's "God Is My Co-
Pilot" riding high.

Estimates for This Week

Albee (RKO) < 2.100: 44-60)— "En-
chanted Cottage" (RKO.) and "Eve
Knew Apples" (Col). Playing to
standing room at $17,000. Holds.
Last week, " Patrick the Great" (U>
and "Escape in Fog" (Col), solid
$14,000.

Carlton (Fay-Loew) • 1,400 : 44-55)
—"Salome. Where She Danced"- (U)
and "Remember April'' iU) (2d
run). Snappy $5,000. Last week,
"This ' Man's Navy'-' (M-Gi; and
"Blonde Fever" . ( M-G i- '3d down-
town- wk>. about same.

Fay's (Fay) (2,000: 44-55)- "Bells
of Rosarita" (Rep) and vaiide on
stage. Nice $7,000. Last week. "3
Caballeros" (RKO) (2d run) ' and
vaudc, good $6,500.

Majestic <Fa» '2.200: 44-60)--
"God Is Co-Pilot" i WB). Strong
$16,000, Last week, "Salome, Where
She Danced" (U) and "Remember
April" (U). ditto.

.Metropolitan (Snider) (3.100; 44-
55) —- "Hitchhike to Happiness"
(Rep) and vaudc on 3-day weekend
run. Fair $5,000. Last week. "Jim-
my Steps Out" (Mono) and vaude.
same."

Stale (Lot w) (3.200; 50-IM) ^—"Na-
tional Velvet'' ( M-Q). Fine $17,000.
Last week, "Be Seeing You" (UA)
and "Unwelcome Guest" (M-G) (2d
wk). $14,500.

Strand' (Silverman) '2,000: 50-60)
—"Salty O'Rourke'' (Par). Opened
Monday il'4), Last week, "Bring on
.Girls" (Par) (2d wk), so-so $9,000
after solid $14,500 opener.

'Dorian Gray' Tall 22G,
Top Newcomer in D.C.;
'Patrick' Sockeroo 12G

Washington. May 15.

Top coin goes to "Picture of Dori-
an Gray" of the new entries, but.
strongest showing is being made by
"Patrick the Great" of new . Dims,
Estimates for This week

Capitol . (Loew) (3,434: 44-72 > —
"National Velvet" (M-G) and vaude
(2d wk). Fine $25,000 after boff $32.-
000 initialer.

Colombia (Loew) ' 1.2.14; 44-72)-
"Tree in Brooklyn" (20th) (2d wk).
Looks $9,500, after smash, $10,600
opener.

■ Earle (WB) (2,278; :!0-00)— "Horn
Blows" (WB) with vaudc. Mild $21,-
000. Last week, VBring on Girls"
tPar) (2d wk), big $18,600.

Keith's (RKO) (1,800: 44-661—
"Patrick the Great" (U). Strong
$12,000. Last week, "Belle of Yu-
kon" (RKO), $17,000 in 9 days.

Metropolitan (WB) (1.800: 44-72)
—"God Is Co-Pilot" (WB) '3d wk).
Oke $9,500 after nice $12,700 on sec-
ond frame. ~

Palace (Loew) < 2,778: 44-72) —
"Dorian Gray" (M-G). Rousing $22.-
000. Last week, "Here Comes Waves"
((Par) (2d wk), strong $16,000.

This Is the Period When
Seasonal B.O. 'Dips' Occur

Another "surprising" dip in box-
office grosses, starling as ii.sua.fe in
May and ending .as 'usual' in Au-
gust, is anticipated. -

As one indtistry exec, ■ with . the-
atre b.o. statistics for the. past 15-20
years at hand, stated: " Every -year
in May there is a dip and : every year
everybody is surprised. All sorts of
reasons are given for the 'unprecer
dented' drop. In August, almost
every year for 15 years or more,
the figures begin to go up again.
This usually elicits such comment as
'returning confidence, increased
purchasing power,' etc., etc."

There are exceplioas which prove
the rule, of course, although May^
August, 1943, is riot cxpeeled to
differ greatly from: the customary
developments.

Santell's Rep Takeoff

Holly wood,. May 15. •
. Alfred SanteU rolls his first .trior*
as producer-director at Republic this
week in "Mexicana," a soulh-ot-lhc-
border musical.

Tito Guizar and Constance Moore
draw co-star billing, with Leo Cai-
riilo and Jean Stevens featured.

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

PICTURE GROSSES

13

Chi Up; Horseshoe' Bright 30G, love
Botfo 26G, 'Sal'-Vaude Staunch 30G

Chicago, May 15. t

V-E Day and lifting of the curfew
has given biz a healthy boost here.
Of new films, "Diamond Horseshoe,"
at State-Lake, looks strong - $30,000,
and "Without Love" should garner
healthy $26,000 at the United Artists.
Grand brought back "Strange Death
of Adolph Hitler" on strength of cur-
rent news, but it will do only about
$9 000. "Flame of Barbary Coast"
continues steady at the Woods

Chicago. holding "Practically
Yours" and stage show, looks like big
$48,000.

EMImates tor This Week

Apollo (B&K) (1.200; 55-95)—
"Song Romember" (Col) (5th wk).
. Slick $1 6,000.' Last week, bright
S1U.000. «

Chloaco (B&K) (3,900; 55-05)—
"Practically .Yours" (Par) (2d wk),
with Louis Jordan 'and Willie Shore
on stage. Big $48,000. Last week,
socko $5B,000.:

Gurrrck (B&K) (900; 55-95)— "This
Man's Navy" (M-G) (2d wk). Good
S10 000. Last, week, sweet $13,000.
■ Grand (RKO) (1,150; 55-95)—
"Strange Death Hitler" (U) and "Es-
cape in Fog" (Col). Nice $9,000. Last
week, "Prisoner Zenda" (Indie) and.
"Garden Allah" (Indie) (reissues), 6
days, and "Death Hitler"' and "Fog"
1 day.'ditto. ■ .

Oriental (Iroquois) (3,240; 44-951—
"Frisco Sal" (U) and June Havoc,
others, on stage. Staunch $30,000.
List week, "Strange Illusion" (PRC),
with Bonita' Granville, and Tommy
Tucker orch on stage, steady $29,000.

Palace (RKO) (2,500; 55-95)— "En-
chanted Cottage" (RKO) (2d wk).
Pert $19,000. Last week, "Enchanted
Cottage" (RKO) and "Song Sarong"
tU), fancy $23,000.

Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 55-95)—
"Be Seeing You" (UA) (2d wk).
Solid $20,000. Last week, bono
$33,000.

; State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 55-95)—
"Diamond Horseshoe" (20th). Strong
$30,000. Last week, "National Velvet"
(M-G) (4th wk), 6 days, and "Horse-
shoe" (20th), 1 day, snappy $17,000.

United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 55-
95)— "Without Love" (M-G). Boft
$26,000. Last week, "Music Millions"
(M-G) (2d wk), nifty $18,000.

Woods (Essaness) (1.200; 55-95)—
"Flame Barbary Coast" (Rep) (3d
wk). Solid $17,500. Last week,
$16,000.

'Sudan' TaD $13,500 In
Seattle; Towder' Ditto;
'Song' 19G, 2 H.O. Spots

Seattle, May 15.

Lifting the curfew is lifting biz all
over this session,, some houses actu-
ally running ahead of first week on
flcst holdover, stanza.

"Song to Remember," playing at
two spots, is doing rousing biz to pace
holdovers. Best newcomers are "Su-
dan" and "Keep Powder Dry."
Estimates for This Week

Blue Mouse (Hamrlck-Evergreen)
(800: 45-60— "Here Come Waves"
•Par) (4th wk) and "Murder, My
Sweet" (RKO ) (3d wk). Strong
$5,000 after $5,900 last session.

Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2,349; 45-80)
—"Keep Powder Dry" (M-G) and
Double Exposure'' (Par). Big $13,-
500 or near. Last week, "Enchanted
Cottage" (RKO), fair $9,700. .

Liberty (J&vH)-,. (1,650; 45-80)—
'Song Remember" (Col) (2d wk).
Great $11,000 after swell $12,500 last
week.

Metropolitan (Beckct) (1,500; 45-
80)— "Song Remember" (Col) (2d
wk ). House leased for this run by
Jensen & Von Herberg. BufT $8,000
after $7,090 last week. •

Music Box (H-E) (850; 45-80)—
Enchanted Cottage" (RKO) (2d
wk-i. Swell $5,700. Last week. "Na-
i' on ?J Velvet" (M-G) (3d wk), okc
$4,500 in 0 days.

Music Hall (H-E) (2,200; '45-80 )—
Between 2 Women" (M-G) and
*9-W c . Annie" (M-G) (2d wk ). Bi«

$12000'" 5 daJS - Lusl week - e i ' eal

,,„ 0r >h«>um (H-E) (2,000; 45-80)—
,,. L ! da " '. <U) and "Remember April"
<U). Big $13,500. Last week. "Horn
I 0WJ W ,J WB) "Man Walked

Alone" (PRC), moderate $8,700.
"ni ,0 H ar (stel- l>ng) (1,350-, 30-$l w-
p?«"«S^'f' (PRC) and "Bullfi !; lit-
t , s „ <20th). plus vaude. Okav $9,000.
.V?* 1 weclc, "Jeannie" (Indie) and
yay so s revue on stage, nice $9,700.
"dT r ? mo ,Y n * (H-E) (3,039; 45-80)—
-™*ticany Yours" (Par) (2d wk)

*?n rJ? hai i tom 42d st " (PRC). Stout
'{"• t> °0„ .Last week. "Yours," solo,
nice $12,000.

»M« ST 1 ' 14 (Sterling) (800: 45-80 >-
B "? rn 5?°Ty* (WB). From Orpheum.
:{?i' sl ? *t> 0Q0. Last week, "Rouchly

P w, k i nf! JWB) (2d wk), fair $4:300.
>n W Tf, r - 6arden (Sterling) (800; 25-
50)-."Th,n Man Home" (M-G) mid

Hearts Young, Gay" (Par) (3d run).
All-iueht shows helping to good $4,-
«fl0. Last week, "Now Tomorrow"
Y an , d " L <M>ely Heart" (RKO) (3d
>«n), only $3,100.

Grable Wham 11G, CoI.

Columbus, O., May 15.

Woody Herman band is' boosting
"Bullfighters" to smash 3 days at
Palace, where. "Diamond Horseshoe"
scored sock- 4-day weekend. They
like Betty Grable here.

Estimates for This Week

Broad (Loew's) (2,500: 40-85)—
"Tomorrow World" (UA) and "Es-
cape in Fog" (Col). Thin $6,500. Last
week. "Guest in House" (UA) and
"Eve Knew Apples" (Col), $7,000.

Grand (RKO) (1.140; 40-55)—
"Roughly Speaking" (WB) (2d run)
and "Man Alone" (PRC); Mild $5,-
000. Last week, "Objective Burma"
(WB) and "Docks N. Y." (Mono),
$15,500.

Ohio (Loew's) (3,074; 40-65)—
"Thunderhead" (20th) and "Booked
on Suspicion" (Col). Trim $12,000.
Last week; "Salty O'Rourke" (Par)
and "High Powered" (Par), brisk
$13,000. ■ ■ .

Palace (RKO) \ (3,000; 40-85)—
VDiarriond Horseshoe" (20th) and
"Circumstantial Evidence" (20th).
Terrific $11,000 for 4-day weekend,
and "Bullfighters" (20th) , plus
Woody Herman ■ orch on stage, 3
days, wham $12,500. Last Week,
"Zombies Broadway" (RKO) plus
Bert Wheeler pn stage, strong $8,000
for 3 days.

'Horseshoe Wow
21G, Leads Cincy

Cincinnati, May 15.
Lifting of curfew and brownout is
helping this week. "Diamond Horse-
shoe" is town's topper. "Escape In
Desert" is oke also.

' Estimates for This Week
Albee (RKO) (3,100; 44-70)— "It's
in Bag" (UA). Thin $8,000 in 6 days,
and pulled in favor of advanced
opening on "Affairs of Susan" (Par).
Last week. "Without Love" (M-G),
wham $24,500, one of best to play
Cincy.

Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 44-70)—
"Without Love" (M-G) (m.o.) Sock
$10,000. Last week, "Salty O'Rourke"
(Par) (2d wk), boffo $8,500.

Grand (RKO) (1,430; 44-70)— "Es-
cape in Desert" (WB). Good $7,000.
Last week, "Enchanted Cottage"
(RKO). third downtown stanza, big
$5,000.

Keith's (United) (1,500; 44-70)—
"Brewster's Millions'' (UA), h.o.).
All right $4,500 after stout 8,000
kickofT.

Lyric. (RKO) (1,400; 44-70)— "Pris-
oner Zenda" (Indie) and "Garden
Allah" (Indie); (reissues). Sharp $6,-
000. Last week,' "Tarzan Amazons"
(RKO) (2d run), $4,500.

Palace (RKO) (2,600; 44-70>^"Dia-
mond Horseshoe" (20th). Smash
$21,000. Last week, "Horn Blows
Midnitlht" (WB), season's low, $8,000.

Shubert (RKO) (2,100; 44-70)—
"Salty O'Rourke" (Par). Third main
stem sesli. Pleasing $4,500. Last
week. "Co-Pilot" (WB), third week
downtown, $3,500.

'FLAME' PACES PORT.
AT SMASH $13,500

Portland,. May 15.

"Flame of Barbary Coast" is the
busiest screen spot in town, being
outstanding new entry currently, at
the Broadway. Holdovers in most
other spots.

Estimates for This Week

Broadway (J. J. Parker) (1.900:.
40-80)— "Flame of Barbary Coast"
(Rep) and "Earl Carroll Vanities"
(Rep). . Strong $13,500. Last week.
"Patrick 'the Great" (U) and "Song
of Sarong" (U>. stout $12,500.

United Artists (Parker) (900: 40-
80)— "Without Love" (M-G) (2dwk).
BiK $10,000. Last week, great $10,-
700.

Mayfalr (Parker - Hnmrick - Ever-
green) (1.500; 40-80)— "Suspect" (U)
and "Gets Her Man" (U ). Hefty $8,-
500. Last week. "Between 2 Women"
(M-Oi (2d wk), healthy $5,500 in 6
days..

Paramount (H-E) (3,000: 40-80)—
"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO) and
"What a Blonde" (UKO). Sock $13.-
000. Last week, "Song Remember"
(Col) and "Dangerous Passage" (Par)
(2d wk), fair $0,500.

Oriental (H-E) (2,040; 40-80)—
"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO) and
"What a Blonde" (RKO); Good $6,-
000. Last week, "3 Caballeros"
(RKO) and "Town Went Wild"
(PRC), average $5,500.

Orpheum (H-E) (1,800; 40-80) — "3
Caballeros" (RKO) and "Town
Went Wild" (PRC) (2d wk). Smash
$9,500. Last week, good $10,000.

Music ..Box (1.000; 40-80)— "Song
to Remember" (Col) and "Main St.
After Dark" (M-G). Brisk $8,000.
Last week, "Hotel Berlin" (WB) and
"Leave : to Blondle" (Col), steady
$4,500.

Misic' Load 13G, Mont'l

Montreal, May 15.
Mostly holdovers here, all sturdy.
"Music for Millions" tops new-gen-
tries.

Estimates for This Vfeek

Palace (CT) (2,700; 35-62)— "Mu-
sic for Millions" (M-G). Solid $13,-
000. Last week, "Roughly Speaking"
(WB), fairish $8,500.

Capitol (CT) (2,700; 35-62)—
"Practically Yours" (Par) and "Dan-
gerous Passage" (Par) (2d wk). Nice
$9,500 after strong $13,000 opener.

Loew's (CT) (2,800; 35-67 )^"Have,
Have Not" (WB). (3d wk). Near
$10,000 after sock $13,500 on second..

Princess (CT) (2,300; 30-52 j—
"Blonde Fever" (M-G) and "Lucky
Night" (U). Strong • $7,000. Last
week, "The Unseen" (Par) and
"Body Too Many" (U). $6,500.

St. Louis OK; 'O'Rourke'
Smash 23G, *Navy' Lusty
17G, 'Horn' Modest 13G

St. Louis, May 15. .

Biz is on the upbeat - here with
"Salty O'Rourke" and "I'll Remem-
ber April" the best boxoffice draw.
Estimates for Tills Week

Loew's (Loew) (3,172; .30-60)—
"This Man's Navy".(M-G) and "Gen-
tle Annie" (M-G). Solid $17,000. Last
week, "Dorian Gray" (M-G) <2d
wk), $10,000.

Orpheum (Loew) (2,000; 30-60)—
"Dorian Gray" (M-G). Good $6,-
000. Last week, "Forever Yours"
(Mono) and "Jade Mask" (Mono),
$5,000.

Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 50-Cfr)
—"Salty O'Rourke" (Par) and "Re-
member April" (U). Sock $23,000.
Last week, "Bring on Girls" . (Par)
and "High Powered" (Par), $17,500.

Fox (F&M) (5,000; 50-60)— "Horn
Blows" (WB) and "Three's a Crowd"
(Rep). So-so $13,000. Last week,
"God Is Co-Pilot". (WB) and "Big
Show Off" (Rep), stout $21,000.

Missouri .(F&M) (3,500; 50-60)—
"Bring on Girls" (Par) and "Hotel
Berlin" (WB). Neat $8,500. Last
week, "The Unseen" (Par) and
Molly and Me" (20th). limp $6,000.

St. Loots (F&M) (4,000; 40-50)—
"Phantom Speaks" (Rep) and "Vam-
pire's Spirit" (Rep). Nice $7,000.
Last week, "More the Merrier" (Col)
and "Sister Eileen" (Col) (reissues),
$3,000.

Laurel-Hardy Upped By
Herman, $18,500, Indpls.

Indianapolis, May 15.

Biz is only moderate here this
week. "Bullfighters" is being lifted
by Woody Hermun's band to strong
session at the Circle. "Picture of
Dorian Gray" at Loew's and "Three
Cabclleros" at the Indiana are 'top
straight Aimers.

Estimates for This Week

Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,800; 55-70)
—"Bullfighters" (20th) and Woody
Herman orch on stage. Bangup $18,-
500, band boosting Laurel-Hardy
comedy. Last week. "What a Blonde"
(RKO) plus Jimmy Dorsey orch on
stage, terrific $20,000.

Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3,300; 32-55)
—"3 Caballeros" (RKO) and ''Iden-
tity Unknown" (Rep). Oke $11,500.
Last week, "Bring on Girls" (Par),
$10,700.

Loew's (Loew's) (2,450; 35-55)—
"Dorian Gray" (M-G). Fairish $11.-
500. Last week "Keep Powder Dry"
(M-G). $12,700.

Lyric (Katz-Dolle) (1.600; 32-55)—
"Cowboy and Lady" (FC) and "Bar-
bary Coast" (FC) (reissue). Nifty
$6,500. Last week, "God Is Co-Pilot"
(WB), fine $7,000 on m.o.

Towder'Hot 15G, Balto;
'Horseshoe' Strong $8,000

Baltimore, May 15.

Trade continues fair here with
"Billy RosfV Diamond Horseshoe"
at the New and "Keep Your Powder
Dry" at Loew's Century leaders.
Estimates for This Week

Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 20-
60)— "Keep Powder Dry" (M-G).
Attracting some biz at $15,000. Last
week. . "Between 2 Women" (M-G)
(2d wk), $11,300.

Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240;
20-741— "Tarzan Amazons" (RKO)
plus vaude. Fairish $16,000. Last
week, "What a Blonde" (RKO) plus
Spike Jones orch, hit jackpot at wow
$22,400. ■

Keith's (Schanbcrgcr) (2.460: 20-
60)— "Salty O'Rourke" (Pan. Open-
ing today (Tucs.) after 10 days of
"Salome. Where She Danced" (U),
which drew smash $17,800.

Mayfalr (Hicks) (980: 25-55)—
"Eadie Was Lady" (Col). Average
$4,000. Last week. "Mr. Emmanuel"
(UA, healthy $5,800.

New (Mechanic) (1,680; 20-60)—
"Diamond Horseshoe" (20th), Betty
Grable lure bringing strong $8,000.
Last, week, "Royal Scandal" (20th;
(2d wk), big $5,400.

Stanley. (WB) (3,280; '25-65)—
"God Is My Co-Pilot" (WB) (3d wk).
Steady $12,000 after bright $15,-400
on second week.

Valencia (Loew's-UA) (1,840; 20-
60)— "Between 2 Women" (M-G)
(moveover). Continuing good at $5,-
000. Last week, "Delightfully Dan-
gerous" (UA), mild $3,400,

Curfew's M Helps B'way; Desert,'
Busse Hefty 47G, Unseen' Nice 21G,
'Seeing -Fields 28G,TaBey 125G, 2d

"Velvet' High IOC, Omaha

Omaha, May 15.

Afternoon business is still off but
nights arc better here. Best bet in
town is "National Velvet" at- Par-
amount.

Estimates for. This Week

Paramount (Tristates) (3,000; 10-
60)— "National Velvet" (M-G). Ro-
bust $10,000. Last week, ."Music Mil-
lions" (M-G), $9,200.

Omaha (Tristates) (2.000; 16-60)—
"This Man's Navy" (M-G) and
"Swing Out, Sister" (U). Fine $9,-
800 or better. Last week, "Ha\c,
Have Not" (WB) (2d wk). smash
$10,000, near first week. .

Brandeis (RKO) (1,500; 16-60)—
"Dillinger" (Mono) and "G. I.
Honeymoon" (Mono).. Surprisingly
good $6,800. Last week, "Enchanted
Cottage" (RKO) and "Eve Knew
Apples" (Col) (2d wk), above aver-
age at $6,200.

Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 16-60)
—"Brewster's Millions" (UA) and
"Bullfighters" (20th). Oke $9,500 but
not good for this house. Last week,
"Hangover Square" (20th) and
"House of Fear" (U), $9,000.

State (Goldberg) (865: 16-50)—
"Thunderhead" (20th) and. "Nothing
But Trouble" (M-G). Only around
$3,000. Last week, "Flame Barbary
Coast" (Rep), big $4,200.

'Affairs' Socko
16G, K.C. Topper

Kansas City, May 15: '

"The Affairs of Susan," at the
Newman, is the top money-getter
currently with sock session at this
comparatively small-seater. . . ..
Estimates for This week

Esqnlre, Uptown and Fairway
(Fox-Midwest) (820, 2,043 and 700;
40-60)— "Tom Sawyer" (UA) (reis-
sue). Sturdy $13,000. Last week,'
"House Frankenstein" (U> ' and
"Mummy's Curse" (U), $12,000.

Midland (Loew's) (3,500; 45-65)—
"Keep Powder Dry" (M-G) and
"Power of Whistler" (Col). Lusty
$14,000. Last week, "Song Remem-
ber" (Col) and "Leave Blondie"
(Col) (2d wk). mild $10,500.

Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 46-
65)— "Affairs of Susan" (Par). Sock
$16,000. Last week, "Practically
Yours" (Par) (2d wk), tall. $14,000.

Orpbeom (RKO) (1,500; 46-85) —
"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO) (2d
wk). Cozy $10,000. Last week, with
"Rough, Tough" (Col), lush $14,000.

Tower (Fox-Joffee) (2,100; 39-60)
—"Bullfighters" (20th) and "Rockin'
in Rockies" (Col) plus vaude. Nifty
$11,000. Last week, "Ministry of
Fear" (Par) and "Body Too Many"
(Par) with stage show, $10,500.

HUB STRONG DESPITE
H.0.'S; UNSEEN' 21G

Boston. .May 15.

V-E Day definitely loosened purse-
strings at b.o. windows here. Biz is
strong despite number of holdovers.
"Enchanted Cottage" is best of films
in second week. "The Unseen" is
nice at Fenway, and Paramount, lone
new entry..

Estimates for This Week

Boston (RKO) (3,200: 50-$1.10> —
"Betrayal From East" (RKO.) with
Larry Flint orch, Gypsy Rose Lee,
Pat Homing, others, on stage. Bang-
up $28,000. Last week. "Rough.
Tough" (Col) with Guv Lombardo
orch. others, big $33,000.

Fenway (M-P) (1,373: 40-74)— "The
Unseen" (Par) and "Man Alone"
(PRC). Fine $7,000. Last ■ week.
"Roughly Speaking" (WB) and "G.I.
Honeymoon" (Mono), $6,500.

Majestic (Shubert) (1.500;. 40-74)—
"Brewster's Millions" (UA) (3d wk).
Satisfactory $5,600. Last week, $7,-
000.

Metropolitan (M-P) (4,367: 40-74)
—"God Is Co-Pilot" (WB) and
"Scared Stiff" (Par) (2d wk). Oke
$19,000. Last week, great $25,000. 1

Memorial (RKO) (2,900: 40-75)—
"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO) and
"Song Sarong' (U) (2d wk). Strong
$24,000. Last week, boffo $30,000.

Orpheum .(Loew) (2.000; 35-75)—
"Music Millions" (M-G) (2d wk).
Good $26,000. Last week, hot $25,000.

Paramount (M-P) (1,700; 40-74)—
"The Unseen" (Par) and "Man
Alone" (PRC). Solid $14,000. Last
week, "Roughly Speaking" (WB)and
"G.I. Honeymoon" (Mono), $10,000.

State (Loew) (3,200: 35-75)— "Mu-
sic Millions" (M-G) (2d wk). Great
$17,500. Last week, $17,000.

Translux (Translux) (900; 20-74)
—"Vampire's Ghost" (Ren) and
"Phantom Speaks" (Rep) (2d wk).
Fair, $4,000. Last week. $3,100.

♦ End of the curfew last Wednesdav

(9) , when most houses immediately
revised schedules to play late shows
has helped brighten the situation in
downtown N. Y. area. It especially
helps lesser straight-Aimers which
grind well past midnight such as Ri-
alto which stays open until 5 a.mr,
Globe, Gotham • and some others.
Larger houses all returned to mid-
night shows Saturday (12) and on
the. night averaged close to 10%
better than for prior Saturday. Nabes
were also stronger by about 10%.
Sunday (13) was very good, all over
town.

Only four new shows came in dur-
ing the past week, headed by "Escape
in Desert," at the Strand, with the
Henry Busse band, Helmut Dantine
and Andrea King in person. Initial
week looks strong $47,000. Globe
ushered in "Unseen" Saturday (12)
and should get a fine $21,000 initial
week. "The Bullfighters," at the lit-
tle Rialto, is doing nicely at $8,000
but can't be held , due to prior book-
ings. Second-run State on Thursday

(10) opened "I'll Be Seeing You,"
with Benny Fields and team of Mario
and Floria on stage. House should

do a stout $28,000 or over.

On top among holdovers is "Val-
ley of Decision" which, aided by a
very big weekend: should get ; the
Music Hall a sock $125,000 this week
(2d) same as the first. Late shows at
the Victoria has meant much to
"Dillinger," which ended the third
week there at a terrific $28,000, com-
paring to $27,800 for the second.
Other holdovers range from okay to
very, strong.

Estimates for This Week
Astor (City Inv.) (1,140; 60-$1.25)
—"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO) (3d
wk). Holding up stoutly, this week
appearing $33,000, while second was
$36,000. Continues.

Capitol (Loew'sr'(4,820; 60-$1.20)
—"The Clock" (M-G), with Jane
Froman,' Willie Howard and George
Paxton orch on stage (2d wk). Re-
mains very strong at $08,000 and
sticks third week. First was excel-
lent $79,100.

Criterion (Loew's) (1/700; 60-
$1 .25) — "Counter-Attack" (Col)
moves inhere today (Wed.). "Salome,
Where She Danced" (U) went two
weeks, turning a very nice profit.
Blowoft was satisfactory $18,000, in-
itial week a robust $26,000.

Globe (Brandt) (1,416; 60-$1.20)—
"The Unseen" (Par). Off to smart
start, first week looking fine . $21,-
000. Holds. Last week, "Tarzan and
Amazons" (RKO) (2d wk), stronger
than expected at good $16,500.

Gotham (Brandt) (903; 00-$1.20)—
"Col. Blimp" (U A) (7th wk). Re-
mains steady, looking $8,000, near
sixth's $8,500. Holds.

Hollywood (WB) (1,499; 50-$1:20)
—"Corn is Green" (WB) (7th wk).
Will be about $15,000 this stanza, fair
profit, while last week was better
at $18,500.

Palace (RKO) (1,700: 60-$1.10>—
'It's a Pleasure" (RKO) (2d wk).
Good enough at indicated $17,000 to
hold another week. First was fairly-
good $24,000.

ParamoBnt (Par) (3,604; 60-$1.20)
—"Salty. O'Rourke" (Par), Charlie
Spivak orch, Jo Stafford and Dean
Murphy (4th wk). Finished third
week last night (Tues. ) at strong
$70,000. Second was rousing $83,000.

Kadio City Mule Hall- (Rockefel-
lers) (5,945; 60-IMO)— "Valley of
Decision'* (M-G) and stageshow (2d
wk). Very big weekend, including
Saturday midnight showing of fea-
ture, taking this to smash $125,000,
same as initial week. Holds a third.

Blalto (Mayer) (594; 40-85)—
"Bullfighters" (20th). Nice $8,000.
Last week, "Gentle Annie" (M-G),
good $7,000.

Blvoll (UA-Par) (1,092; 76-$1.25)
—Affairs of Susan" (Par) (8th wk).
Ended seventh frame last night
(Tues.) at good $23,000.' Sixth .was
nice $29,000. Stays, a couple weeks
or longer.

Boxy (20th) (5,886; 60-$1.20)—
"Diamond Horseshoe"- (20th). Count
Basie orch end Jerry Lester (3d wk).
Continues a snappy gait, second week
having ended last night (Tues.) at
$84,000, while initial scsh. was big
$100,000.

State (Loew's) (3,450: 43-$1.10) —
"Be Seeing You" (UA) (2d run),
with Benny Fields and Mario and
Floria on stage. Looks, brisk $28,000
or over. Last week, "See My Law-
yer" (U) (1st run), with Harry Sa-
voy and Larry Douglas, in person,
slow$19,000.

Strand (WB) (2,756; 60-$1.20)—
"Escape in Desert" (WB), Henry
Busse orch, Helmut Dantine and An-
drea King: Opened well and should,
do strong $47,000, holding. Last
week, "Horn Blows" (WB) and
Vaughn Monroe (3d wk), . $35,800.

Victoria (Maurer) (720; 70-$1^0)
—"Dillinger" (Mono) (4th wk. Big
take Saturday night (12) pushed thia
one on third week ended yesterday
(Tues.) to $28,000, *a little over the
$27,800 struck on the second. Re-
mains. .

14

JSARIEft

Wednesday, May 16, 1915

0

WE-

Slows

WrriiieRtlayv Way, 16, 19*5

1.1

oejeem

V

is m Qe&er

JACK L WARNER, Executive Product

Wednesday* May 16, 1945

More Bond Preems, Kid Matinees And
Free Movie Days Set to Bolster 7th

Spurred by the desire to help* — -
fcring total victory, the nation's 250,- 1 mon

The first or a scries of free
000 film industry workers arc put- j daily shows boosting bond sales
ling forth their strongest effort lb : stalled shortly afterward
exceed the $4,000,000,000 sale of "E"
bor.ds, set aa their goal during the

Seventh War Loan 'drive which
opened Monday (14) and continues
lor six weeks through June 30.

Every indication, from reports by
•late exhibitor chairmen to national
headquarters, points to a new high
in showmanship during the present
campaign. On the basis of tele-
graphed reports late . last week to
national distributor chairman Tom
J. Conners, branch managers report
the following partial list of events
to be held: 2,463 War Bond- Pre-
mieres, -against a total of 4,575 in
the Sixth; 986 Children's Matinees,
against 1.000; 4,305 Free Movie Days,
against 9.703. Conners has asked for
n 25% increase over the Sixth in all
these events, and indications are that
the next report, covering informa-
tion from the field this week; will
•show a marked increase in the num-
ber of events to be staged.

Two exchange territories are out-
standing. Oklahoma City has al-
ready exceeded its results of the
Sixth with 154 bond preems against
126; 11 kid shows against 59, and 220
Free Movie bays against 200. Omaha
is also .showing strength with 108
bond preems against 171 in the Sixth;
18 kid shows against 36, and 169 Free
Movie Days against 160. ^

Started Off by the tour of screen
star Walter Pidgeon throughout the
state of Ohio which started Monday
(14), nine other pic personalities
have been made associate regional
chairmen of the Seventh for terri-
tories they will cover during their
tours to stimulate the sale of war
bonds. Six tours have been set up
through the film and special events
unit of the War Finance division
under J. Edward Shugrue. Handling,
of the tours is under the direction
of Tom Bail'y, film industry consult-
ant to the Treasury Dept
Other Stunts
■ With an all-time record of 1,200
prints available, the national com
miltec has requested the nation's
16.000 theatres to exhibit "All-Star
Bond Rally" at every performance,
because of its popular appeal. • ■Spe-
cial all-community vaude shows
staged by cxhibs and embracing tal
ent from little, theatres, dancing
schools, singing, musical and -dra
matic schools can prove a' strong
bond-selling device, according ^to
Samuel Pinanski, industry- chairman
for the Seventh, who received-' the
suggestion from Daily/' House or
gaiis and employee publications of
all major film companies and cir
cuits are featuring "Showmen'
Seventh" war loan material, with
stories and art concerning the na
tionwide industry drive.

In the N. Y. metropolitan area,
besides the ceremonies being held
daily at the Statue of Liberty i..
Times Square, the territory's 700
film houses have all become official
bond issuing agents. On the open
ing program in Times Square last
Monday (14) Jane Froman, Willie
Howard, George Paxton .and his
orch, Franchot Tone and Arthur
Margelson were presented.

In Boston, a parade of wearers o
the Purple Heart teed off that city
Seventh last Sunday (13), while a.
Uline Arena in Washington, Bob
Hope and his radio troupe gave
three-hour, in-person show to a jam
packed bond-buying audience the
same night teeing oft the drive i
that city.

A- .mass

memorial service for. hero dead also
was an appropriate feature of the
inaugural day. Iwo heroes unveiled
a reproduction of the flag statue.

The Metropolitan Theatre takes
first honors (or special bond displays
with a 60-foot stretch, .30 feet high,
covering the entire marble wall of
the lobby and . depicting : ..the" Iwo
teal, with fide displays featuring
America's -lop naval and army com-
manders.

The Paramount and Fenway start
e first war bond premiere May 21
ith simultaneous showing, for bond
uyers, of Joan Fontaine's "Affairs
of Susan."
Big doings in the Hub inspiring
11 New "England'' to put over this
ar drive., .' ■

II. I. Marshall's Hypo

Harrisburg,- Pa., May 1.5,
Henry I. Marshall, who has been
directing a series of stage programs
at Wilmer &. Vincent's Rio, has put
together a ' special 7th War Loan
show/ "Cavalcade of Youth," to be
presented throughout, the Harrisburg
area for purchasers of War Bonds.

Members of the cast include high
school pupils who have appeared on
Marshall's. "High Schools on. Parade"
show at the Rio during the past 20
weeks. Marshall, an old vaudeville
performer and songwriter, acts as
masto of ceremonies for the show.

Akron B»nd Shews

Akron, May 15.
Akron's four first-run houses have'
made arrangements for Seventh War
Loan bond shows May 29-June 26.
They are Strand, Colonial, Loew's
and Palace.

Hub's Big Bond Bally:

Boston, May 15

With parades featuring Hollywood
slais, free shows boosting bond sales
and general festivities attractint
half-a-mi)lion people, the Mass. Mo
tion Picture Industry's WAC staged
a mighty preamble Sunday (13) to
the official opening of the 7th Wa
Loan campaign. Thjs followed
precedent set by the Committee fou
years ago and represented effective
planning by motion picture manage
ment and staffs,'

Stars Who appeared Sunday in
eluded Joan Fontaine, Jane, Wyman
Cesar Romero, William Eythe, Ri
Bros. Three survivors of the Iwo
Jima flagraising led the procession
with. Purple Hearts from, all services
in line. Jay Wesley, former WEEI
announcer, who ' marshals Bob
Hope's summer show, was emcee of
• big ceremony inaugurating the
Movie Bondstand on Boston Com

Bond Block Party

Midtowii, N. Y., jewelry row will,
run its own War Bond show next
Tliesday i22), staging a block party
and auction, beginning at noon, on
West 47th street, between 5th and
6th avenues.

The entire block will be roped
off, the Treasury Dept. will furnish
o band, speakers, and entertainers,
and $5,000 worth of merchandise
will be auctioned in front of 42 West,
47th street by Percy A. Joseph and
Louis M. Simons.- Watches, rings
and other jewelry for the auction
are being donated by merchants in
the neighborhood. •

Affair is under sponsorship of
Jewelers Square' Club, of New York
City and Uptown Jewelry Exchange.

5 GOV'T WAR MS
FOR 7TH BOND PREEMS

Five Government war films dis-
trbuted through the WAC have been
made available to the motion pic-
ture War Loan committee for Bond
preems, it was announced yesterday
by Sam Pinanski, national chairman
of the campaign.

Group, including one feature, one
three-reoler and three two-reelers,
will supplement feature • release
available from national distributors
for Bond premieres. ,

Feature is titled "War Comes to
America". <RKO), three-reelcr is
"San Pietro" (WAC release), while
two-reelers are "Fight for the Sky"
(WAC release), "To the Shores of
IwO Jima" (UA) and "Target Tokyo"
(RKO). '

NT'S $7,000,000 BOND
BUY DURING THE 7TH

Los Angeles, May 15.

National Theatres will purchase a
total of $7,000,000 in war bonds dur-
ing the Seventh.

This was revealed by -Charles P,
Skovras, prexy of the company and
regional director for 11 western
states during the current., bond drive:

Drive Starts for Show

Biz in Hollywood

Hollywood, May 15,
Show business kicks oft the Seven-
th War Loan drive at the Warners'
Willern theatre tomorrow (Wed.)
with a 1 % k hour show headed by
Bing Crosby. Admission is by bond
purchase, anything from $100 to $5,
000, or up.

Among the volunteers are Abbot
& Costello, Rise Stevens, Paulette
Goddard, Andrews Sisters, Roches-
ter, Carl Hoflt and his 30-p'iece band
and .Don Wilson as emcee. Sherrill
Corwin is producing, with Harold
Hackett and Cecil Weddefleld as ii-
rectors.

War DepL's Posthumous
Award to R. B. Murray

Washington, May 15.
For the "successful maintenance
and operation of the largest motion
picture chain in the world," the late
Raymond B. Murray, former chief
of the U. S. Army Motion Picture
Service, has been awarded the Em-,
blem for Exceptional Service post
humously, by the War Dept.

Decoration was presented, to his
widow by Maj. Gen. Joe N. Dalton
Director of Army Personnel, with
Maj. Gen. J. W. Byron, director of
the Special Services Division, and
civilian heads of the Army Motion
Picture Service looking on.

Murray, who died last January,
was with the unit for 25 years. He
handled the expansion from 90 the
atres in 87 Army posts in Sept., 1940,
to the' peak of 1.188 theatres in 629
posts, camps and stations in this
country. Peak . annual attendance
was at the rate of 240,000,000 yearly.

Liberty Ship Cruises
For 100*000 Bond Buyers

N. Y.'s 700 metropolitan area .film
houses will begin distribution this
week- -of- --10©.*Oft-.-.-ii<)k»t*/"-ecrtiWi«g.-
holders to a conducted tour of i .ther
of two 10,000-ton Liberty ships. Tix
are being given to purchasers of war
bonds in ' connection with the. film
industry's Seventh War Loah drive,
which began last' Monday " (.14) and
continues through June 30.
*. One of the ships will be^ticd to
pier at the Battery, Manhattan
while other will be docked at Pier
4, Brooklyn. Purchasers of $1,000
bonds in theatres- will take a bond
cruise aboard one of the boats on
Long Island Sound Sunday (27).

Should Hypnotize Some
Dopes to Make 'Em Buy

Ralph 'Slater, who's been using
hypnosis as a form .of therapy for
wounded GIs in Army hospitals in
Florida, will give War Bond buyer
a break at a special demonstration
in Carnegie Hall the night of May 20,

At the demonstration, Slater wi
permit civilian members of the au
dience who've bought bends to get
themselves hypnotized.

Jackson Decish

=j= Continued from page 9

Post V-E Pix Outlook

Continued from pace 1

'However,' all evidence shows that
the system has existed here since
1927, Seeley argued, "when Warners
had ncf theatres here and when
B4 K, which had affiliated with Par-
amount only two years previously,
had only, a few theatres; It has, in
reality, been developing, since 1918,
being brought oh because newer and
better theatres were - being built
right along."

Seeley also said there was nothing
wrong, as charged, with 50% of the
large Loop and outlying houses run-
ning pix on percentage deals, rather
than fiat rental. "Is it indicative of
conspiracy when a distributor de-
sires to make more money?" he
asked. "On the contrary, it would
seem to be a perfectly proper busi-
ness motive.".
'"Ki this" point Judge Major again
interrupted to ask, "Wouldn't the
fact that an. exhibitor is part of a
distributing system indicate, he'd get
a better break on dates? Seems to me
there'd be a pretty strong inference
here of unlawful design, because lie
naturally - would prefer his own
house or houses to that of a com-
petitor," to which Seeley replied no
evidence of such preference had
been introduced.

The' Jackson Park was deprived of
the right to buy pix on competitive
basis, free of conspiracy; he said,
All the Jeffrey, a neighboring WB
house, had that was. better, it was
argued, was^ better product. "They
got them a week ahead of us, and
they made $266,000 in the same pe
riod in which we lost$125,000. Figure
that out. Prior-runs went up during
that period, and the ' subsequent?
went down. Why shouldn't a half
way intelligent jury draw inferences
from these facts?"

Circuit Judges Sherman Minton,
J. Earl Major and William Sparks
refereed.

even in times of peak labor demand;
and (2) the real need for labor in
civilian goods industries which wul
likely absorb most of those 2,000,000
others able to fit into jobs.

Unemployment problem, with its
direct Jocaring on motion picture
theatre grosses, Is expected to loom
large after the Japanese war.

Relaxation of the job freeze In
many areas, scheduled for July 1, is
meantime expected to lower cost of
111m production, help physical dis-
tribution' and exhibition. (About
50,000 film industry employees are
n the armed forces while thousands
of others are in war plants.)

Film industry, does not look to an
early reduction in film production
costs, but a gradual decrease is
likely and certainly no increase.
This does ...-not mean a reduction in
hourly or~weekly wage rates, which
may be increased, but rather im-
proved and speedier production be-
cause of the return of skilled labor
from the armed forces and war
plants; elimination of long '.waits in
production when labor is unavail-
able.

Bulk of the increase of from 60%
to 100% in film production costs
since 1941 is attributed largely to
less proficient personnel at the stu-
dios and- delays.. The return to the
40-hour week, reducing labor costs
because of overtime savings,, may
also help some. :

Hollywood's estimated $250,000,000
annual production budget in 1944
and 1945 may be cut 10-15% by next
year without any cut .in quality of
production.

Foreign filni trade (reported else-
where in this issue), is expected to
contract somewhat as- exports of
lend-lease aid decrease and artificial
film trade restrictions .-. abroad in
crease.

Corporation earnings, generally
speaking, are expected to decline in
1946 because of reconversion as . war
work is first cut and then eliminated
altogether. Earnings cannot be
maintained during reconversion for
most industries.

However, the motion' picture in-
dustry has no reconversion problem
Following reconversion, according
to industrial and Government econ
omists, most corporations will show
greater net income, than during some
of the war years because taxts will
be loioer.

The film industry is thus fortu-
nately situated where it can begin to
show greater net income, immedi-
ately following the transition period
after the Japanese war.

In calculating postwar effects on
picture business, the real national
income and purchasing power rather
than employment statistics will likely
provide the clue. With a postwar
annual budget of some $25,000,000,-
000 expected, national income would
have to be maintained at $U0-$120-
000,000,000 level.

The wartime labor force of some
64,000,000 includes around 3,000,000
persons of .65 or over, and abou'
5,000,000 from 14 to 19 years of age
It includes housewives, school chil
dreh and older people who would
not normally be in the' labor pool.

A lo.wer number of employables
need not . necessarily mean- a lower
real national purchasing power
though a lower national income ac-
companied by lower taxes an V lower
prices may eventually result in po!>t
war years. Dr. Emerson P. Schmidt
research director of the U. S. Cham
ber of Commerce, has pointed out
that the labor force is not a fixed
quantity. The labor force may de

000,000,000 budget for a postwar.
Army-Navy-Air Force is x in the
cards. '

Meantime, the near-term outlook
for picture business continues to be
governed largely by (1) 1945 war
production during the second quar-
ter is at or near the wartime peak;
2) war plant cutbacks, thus far,
have been mainly in orders, not in
deliveries; (3) expected decline in
war. goods deliveries around the final
quarter of 1945.

Film Ban

Continued from, pace 1

stand the situation over here and
haven't all the facts before them."

The prohibition of export of proc-
essed prints from England in effect
hits U. S. Technicolor product ear-
marked for Sweden. England has the
only Technicolor ."' plant' abroad.
Sweden, France and Italy can do
their own black-and-v<hite proces-
sing. Sweden has been about the
only market for Technicolor prod-
uct in recent times, however.

It is pointed out' by U. S. trade
reps that the U. S.. film base sent to
England for finishing provides film
for all English as well . as U- S.' pro-
duction-distribution there. Thus ah
arbitrary reduction of supplies for:
U. S. distribs in England is regarded
unwarranted when . considered
that the Aim base is an American
product without which! 'all British
production - distribution could be
stymied.

WPB, meantime, has referred
British requests for an additional
20,000,000 feet of stock back to in-
dividual companies through which
British producers have been releas-
ing in the U. S. WPB officials say
that the request cannot be consid-
ered outside of the regular alloca-
tion channels. Thus, j. Arthur' Rank
interests which released two films in
the U. S. last season woul d be a U
lotted film for two more features
next year and could not release any
new Alms during 1945 unless Aim is
made available by the British
Board of Trade for printing in Eng-
land and subsequent shipment to the
U. S. It is possible, of course, that
Rank might set a releasing deal with
a n ot h e r distributor instead of
United Artists for the Ave pictures
for which UA has no raw slock. UA
deal with. Rank was for the dis-
tribution of seven Alms.. "Col. Blimp'*
and "Mr. Emmanuel" are in distribu-

tion.

prosperity level, Willi more .school-
ing for youngsters and earlier re-
tirement for older people under a
healthy national economy.

Apart from the retirement from
the labor, market of millions now
working in war plants, which re-
duces the- number • of employables,
there is a strong possibility that the
Government will maintain a military
establishment of from 2,000,000 to
3,000,000 men in the Army, Navy
and air forces after the war-
several times the. prewar strength. :

Available spending money, which
has determined b.o. levels lb a large
extent, promises to be plentiful dur-
ing the reconversion period. In ad-
dition to the $5,700,000,000 shovtly to
be made available to various indus-
tries .via tax relief in 1946, money
in' the hands of individuals, has risen
over the $100,000,000,000 mark. It is
estimated, also, that some $3,000,-
000,000 is to. be paid to demobilized
veterans of World War II. Veterans'
aid will likely cost from three to Ave
billion, dollars annually. And a $5.

Curfew's End

as Continued from pace 3 -

liable estimate of the loss from
elimination . of midnight shows can
be made, but pointed out . that only
an approximate 500 theatres were
involved and that the loss could not
have been so great since distribu-
tors were not bombarded with ad-
justments or revision of deals. There
were some cases but they were iso-
lated. V-E Day Is believed to have
had as much to do with hypoing
business as the end of the curfew.

During the curfew it must also be
remembered that theatres, forced to
close by midnight, saved on oper-
ating costs, notably overtime for
personnel and mostly, in this con-
nection, on operators, stagehands
and other, labor.

It's a question what unfreezing of
jobs July 1 by the War Manpower
Commission may mean. However,
.ojljnted put that if present help
lea'ves for other posts, in theatres
as well as homeoflices' and ex-
changes, the large number of men
let out of the Army may he filling
them on their return to civil life.

L. A. Filmeries' Boffo
Hypo As Curfew Hoisted

Los Angeles,' May 15. .
Lifting of the midnight lid means
a heavy boxof flee increase for about
25 local Aim houses,, some of which
had a 24-hour policy and some op-
erated after midnight on Saturdays
before the curfew was tolled in Feb-
ruary. Biggest relief goes to Loew's
State, and the Los Angeles theatres,
which lost. t about $14,000 a -week
through midnight closing. Both
houses resumed around-the-clock
operation as soon as the 'good .news,
came from Washington.
. Fox-West Coast resumes its swing-
shift policy in 16 houses in the Los
Angeles area, while three' Warners :
theatres have gone back to their
late Saturday night shows.

Wednesday, May 16 t 1945 .

17

AN

MEMORIAL DAY . . . May 30

MAJOR GLENN MILLER DAY .

June 5

■ D « DAY • • June

Special Days

To Sock The

These are the days when history will
be made in your theatre . . the days
when your Bond quota will surge
over the top! By applying the Show-
men's 1% Inspiration and 99% Per-
spiration you can make them really
count in Bond Sales!

EXHIBITORS-PLEASE!

Upon termination'^/ two weeks' use of your War
Bond trailers, return to National Screen Service
Exchange so it can be used by another theatre.

THIS MESSAGE IS SPONSOREQ AS PART OF THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE WAR LOAN CAMPAIGN BY COLUMBIA,
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER, PARAMOUNT, RKO RADIO, 20th CENTURY-FOX, UNITED ARTISTS, UNIVERSAL AND WARNER BROS.

IS

INTERNATIONAL

TAmrrrr xomsm omen ..

• It. Maifla'o rise*, ftatataav Bqmn

French Pix From German Company
Slated for Distribution in U. S.

With available prc-Nazi French'*
features fairly well culled over by '
American distributors and new pro-
duction likely not to be ready for at
least six months, foreign-language
and arty theatres in N. Y. expect to
Set their best French- made product
in the next few months from . UFA.
Although originally a German com-
pany, UFA had subsids in other
countries ^and turned out a group of
typically French productions prior
\o the war.. All-French', casts, di-
rectors, scripters, etc.. were used.

Understood that several . foreign
picture dislribs recently were .in
Washington attempting to get prior-
ity on the best of these French sub-
jects. There are about six so-called
UFA French features now in this
country, but they haven't been
cleared by Washington officials for
showing in the U. S.

As soon as the Government' Is con-
vinced it will not be liable for any
damage actions or reparations, be-
cause of demanding authors, direct-
ors, and scripters, it is expected that
these French dims will be released.

INDIA QUOTA DOESN'T
HURT, PAR CHIEF SAYS

S. Ganijuli, Paramount'* - sales
manager in India and Burma, who's
in N.Y. for homeofftce huddles on
his first visit to U.S... said picture
biz is booming in India, witli pres-
ence of many Allied troops in his
territory helping swell attendance.

He claimed that the quota regula-
tions there do not harm U. S> dis-
tributors today, the device of a sup-
plementary quota allowing Ameri-
can companies to import nearly all
Hollywood-produced pictures. Pre-
viously, when number of imports
from U. S. .was cut down, dislribs
simply picked out their strongest
tare, and the actual revenue loss was
practically negligible.

Paramount Resumes
Operations in Hungary

Paramount's branch' in Budapest
has resumed operations. The ex-
change building has been destroyed,
the. N. Y. office was advised, and sev-
eral employees still , are missing.

Part of the Par assets have been
saved, U was decided to resume op-
erations last week.

Aussie Fire Gut
2 Hoyts Houses

Melbourne, May -15.
: Fire which swept the Regenfc arid
Plaza theatres here, has left Hoyts
circuit minus two ace spots.. Ernest
Turnbull, circuit's topper, expressed
his appreciation towards U.-S. dis-
tributors who have cooperated by
agreeing to raise the takeoff .(clear-
ance) .figure covering the Capitol
and DcLuxe cinemas now playing
the Regent and Plaza policy.

This arrangement will permit pic-
tures to come off the screens quicker
oh longruhs. thus preventing a ter-
rific product bottleneck as a result
of the loss of these two key houses.

Tornbull Due to Visit
U. S. for 20th Huddles

Sydney, May 15.

Ernest Turnbull, head of Hoyts
circuit here, will visit the U. S.
shortly for a series of huddles with
N. Y. executives of 20lh-Fox. Latter
company holds big interest in Hoyts
via National Theatres. It's reported
here that Hoyts and AVarner are
Hearing finalizalion of a long-term
product deal as, Wolfe Cohen. War-
ner Bros, vice-president in charge of
Australia, also prepares to shove off
for America. ,

This Would terminate the long
product shutout for much of Warner
fare in big key spots. If deal is
made, it would /definitely shelve
plans Warners may. have ■ had for
constructing enough theatres for a
circuit of its own. in Australia.

Aussie Exhibs Squawk
On Lengthy U. S. Films

Sydney, April 15.

Latest squawk, from Aussie ex-
hibitors is against long U. S. features.
Because so many Aussie houses are
clualcrs, exhibs say pix should not
run more than 90 minutes.

Majority of shows in this zone
start around 7:30 p.m., which makes
a twin bill wind up at 11:30 o'clock.
City shows with pit bands' have a
struggle to get in' four shows daily.

London Stripper Tries
Playing; Lady in Farce

London. May 8.
Ranking as the only actress-man-
ager it the West. End. stripper Phyl-
lis Dixcy now is trying to be an
actress.

Starring herself, at Whitehall the-
atre for life night shows. Miss Dixcy
is u.s'in.5 Commandev Anthony Kim-
lnins' farce, ''While Parents Sleep,"
produced first in 1932. For earlier
shows, she's still doing her undress
"opera." .

Opinion here is that whatever the
legit attempt amounts to. Miss Dixey
will always have a following in Lon-
don for her takeoffs.

G. U. House Goes Long-Run

Sydney, April 15.

Greater Union's Capitol, formerly
operating a weekly-change policy,
switches to long-run early in April,
with Universalis ■"Can't Help Sing-
ing" the Hist- in under new setup.

Policy chenge is seen by Hie trade
as a move by Norman Rydge,. cir-
cuit head, to open up bottleneck
on acc product It's the intention "of
Hydge to switch the Lyric, now sec-
ond-run, to weekly-change house.

Miggins Back in Paris

Bon ' Miggins,- European, manager
for ■ 20th-Fox, is due in. Paris this
week to set up headquarters for
future film operations.
'"' Murray Silverstone, v.p. in charge
of foreign distribution for 20th, pre-
ceded Miggins a couple of weeks
•so.

Moss Empires Seeking:
British Vaude Circuit

.. London, May 1'.

Variety ' Theatres Consolidated,
comprising Chelsea Palace. .Empress,
Brixton, Walthamslow Palace, Met-
ropolitan, South -London. Palace, and
East Ham Palace, popularly known
as Syndicate Halls, are being bid-
for by Moss Empires and Prince Lit-
tler, on behalf of Sloll circuit. Com-
pany has- $1,500,000 in $2.50 share--.

Block of shares, which eanic en
the market recently on the death of
Frank Gleiiister, a director of the
company, is being sought by Moss
Empires and Prince- Littler. Also
bidding arc Hyams Bros.

WB UpT Kopel

Joseph S. Hummel, Warner Bros.
International' v. p. in charge of
Europe, North Africa .and other
overseas markets, has named Bern-
ard Kopel. as supervisor for North
Africa. Kopel has been Warner
manager in Algiers for years. He
how is in Paris, where he'll head-
quarter.

Serge Goutmann succeeds Kopel
in charge of Algiers office.

Current London Shows

London, May 15.
"Another Love Story," Phoenix,
"Arscnie A Old Lace," Strand,
"Blithe Spirit." Duchess,
"Desert Bats," Adelphl. -
^"Gaieties," Seville.
"Gay Rosalinda," Palace.
"Happy * Glorious," Palladium.
"Honeymoon," York's.
"Irene," His Majesty's.
"Lady Edinburgh," Playhouse.
"Laugh Town Loach,? Stoll.
"Love In Idleness," Lyric.
"Madame Louise," Garrick;
"Night Venice," Cambridge.
"No Medals," Vaudeville.
"Panama Hattie," Adetphi.
"Feek-A-Boo Parents," Whitehall.
"Perchance to Dream," Hipp.
"Private Lives," Apollo.
"See How They Run," Comedy.
"Shop Sly Corner," St. Martins.
"Strike It Again," Wales.
"Sweeter Lower," Ambassadors.
: "The Assassin/* Savoy,
"Three's Family," Winter Gdn.
'.'Three Waltaes," Princes.
"Tomorrow World," Aldwych.
"While Sun Shines," Globe.
/'Wind of Heaven,? St. James.
"Years Between," Wyndhams;
"Yellow Sands," Westminster.

Despite Boff Biz For
Mex. Road Shows, Slow
Travel Annoys Actors

■ Mexico City, May 15.
The few remaining road show
companies in Mexico have hew head-
aches now that they are enjoying
better times, thanks to the country's
.prosperity wave. . Their. Jumps are
longer, Not that good show towns
are any farther apart, but slow run-
ning schedules of trains, produces
this condition.

It causes troupers much grief,- in-
cluding more expense, for food en
route and a frantic scramble for re-
hearsals, stage setting and hotel ac-
commodations when, they do reach
towns they play. Express trains now
are ah average of eight hours late
from terminal to. terminal, with
corresponding delays at way points.
Biz is not yet good enough to justify
plane travel;

Radio, Press Blitz Censors

Continued from page 1

Abbott and Costello

. Condoned from page 1

LAPDJERE TO PARIS FOR PAR

. Elias Lapinerc, new ad-publicity
chief for Paramount in Europe,
North Africa and Near East, is due
to .arrive in Paris this week to take
charge of his new activity. He re-
ports to. Robert Schless, division
head, who arrived in France nearly
three weeks ago..

Lapinere formerly did similar
work for Metro in Europe.

Canada. Newsreel Rep. to Aussie

; Ottawa, May. 15.

Ralph. Foster, former graphics
chief of National Film Board, and
later NFB newsreel exec, goes to
Australia to set up an Aussie office
for the board.

Foster will supervise Canada's
newsreel distribution in Austrilin
and co-ordinate the exchanges be-
tween the Commonwealth and the
Dominion.

FIRE III HEX. CITY STUDIO

Mexico City, May 15.

When 'ifirc of undetermined origin
ruined a studio at . radio station
XEOY (Radio Mil) here, nobody was
awake enough to bulletin the blaze
oVer on the mike.

Station is carrying on despite the
damage.

Pier, Atlantic City, and the RKO
Boston. ^

Team^-has been under Sherman's
management for nine years, and
were together before that for live
years in burlesque., For the pust
several- years they have been the
top money makers for Universal,
and the highest paid comedy team in
pictures. Estimated that they have'
earned close to $300,000 per year,
each, during the past few years for
their film work alone, besides .get-
ling $17,000 per weeli for their
Camels program package.

The duo, along with Deonna Diir-
bin, have been largely credited for
the financial success within the past
Ave years of the dim company, one
of their earliest pix for Universal
reportedly having gotten more book-
ings in the nation's film houses 'than
any prior U pic.

Booking Rift

Booking switch of the Carman
theatre, Philadelphia, and the Royal
theatre, Baltimore, from the Eddie
Sherman to the Arthur Fisher office
tipped the vaude industry on the rift
between Sherman and Sam Stiefel,
operator of those houses.

Sherman and Stiefel have long
been intimates and have often been
partners in many enterprises. Shcr T
man *t one time was .president of
Fays theatre, Philadelphia, another
Stiefel property. It has at various
times been reported that Stiefel had
a- financial interest ' in Sherman's
office here, and that Stiefel similarly
owns a piece of Lou Abbott & Bud
Costello, under personal management
to Sherman.

. Passing of the Carman and Royal
to the Fisher office now makes that
outfit the largest indie booker in the
field. This niche was previously held
by the Sherman office. As it now
stands, the Sherman outfit retains
the booking of the Hippodrome,
Baltimore; ' Adams, Newark; Circle,
Indianapolis;- Steel Pier, Atlantic
City; Majestic, Palcrson; Tower,
Camden, and a few'fesser stands..

officers to whom they must go for
that news. Predictions are being
freely made that once free of cen-
sorship the boys will "pay oft" cer-
tain high officers with the worst
pasting on record.

the radio industry was, quick to
note that at least one ex-radio ex-
ecutive had already gotten caught
in the European cross-fire. He was
Harry Butcher, formerly CBS
veepee in Washington, where he met
and became fast friends with Gen.
Eisenhower, to whose staff he is now
attached with the naval rank of
captain. When radio and press re-
porters remonstrated with Butcher
in France last week upon the ar-
rangements in connection with the
surrender of Germany, he (as
quoted in the New York Times)
was put on a tough spot and was
forced to state that he would '|not
debate decisions, already made."

roiitics

The war- long . complaint of the
radio and press correspondents has
been that political considerations,
personal whim and sheer stub-
bornness by generals have too often
governed censorship. The public
relations officers, who are under
military , discipline and could be
broken; for helping _ the news-
gatherers beyond the scope of their
orders, get the full brunt of the
reportorial spleen. They arc
charged with everything from
stupidity and incompetence to dis-
courtesy and inconsideratipn.

Radio men in Washington as well
as in. New York think it inevitable
that military and. naval public rela-
tions practices will have to be re-
vised, drastically for. the Japanese
war, and for several reasons. ' Firct,
there will be less disposition anion"
news-gatherers to withhold .criti-
cism, voluntarily, of the officers
they don't like personally or don't
admire professionally* Secondly, the
wire- services have been .ribbed raw
by the cancellation of credentials,
which is the military way of penal-
izing. . "over-aggressiveness" by the
correspondents. Thirdly, the .mood
of the country will almost. certainly
change now that the two-front days
are over; The people will demand
the unadultrated truth, they'll want
the lowdown without delay as to
losses, they'll feel it their right and
privilege not to be kept in the dark
as to the whys and wherefores on
all developments, for no longer will
it be easy to hide behind the screen
or military .security.

Lid Blown Sky-High

A boom in books exposing "mili-
tary publicity"' is already indicated
for the earliest possible moment
after V-J Day,- and mnvbe well. be-
fore. The lid was blown sky-high,
and the high command itself may
have to step in. In a democracy
the goodwill, of reporters is em-
phasized . as being essential to the
successful prosecution of a war; it is
deadly to the personal prestige of
colonels and brigadiers not. to stand
in with the boys. And la.it week'.-v
vehement blasts agaiiist various
public relations officers proved that
to be: the case.

In the days following the V-E
fiasco, comment on American radio
newscasts and editorials in Ameri-
can newspapers used terms of un-
paralleled severity. "The greatest
double-cross in journalistic history"
was one. "Brasshat-isrn at its
worst'' was another.

Ferguson, pres. of Acme Newspic-
tures — both of whom wanted to
know-whether AP had discarded the
old custom of .being honorable about
keeping confidences until news js of-
ficially released. But Cooper didn't
seem too contrite. He declared that
the AP would, as always, observe all
obligations "voluntarily" assumed.
His use of the. word "'voluntarily"
was an obvious attempt to white-
wash Kennedy.

Kennedy's explanation of what
had happened made it clear that he
had mental reservations when he
was ordered by SHAEF public re-
lations chief Allen to keep the story
of the surrender quiet until it could
be released officially. Kennedy had
been one of 17 reporters flown by
SHAEF to the seat of the surren-
der ceremony at Reims, Franco.
The N. Y. Times editorial charac-
terized the Kennedy "beat" as hav.
ing been due to the fact that Ken- ,
ncdy's "sixteen colleagues chose to
stand by their commitments."

But the mos't forthright indict-
ment, against AP as well -as against
Kennedy, came from 54 accredited
correspondents, in Paris. They
adopted a resolution which declared
that the news agencies and corre-
spondents-, who had • respected
SHAEF's confidence s u fl' e r e d .
through the actions of Kennedy and
AP, "the most disgraceful,, deliberate
and unethical double-cross in the
history of journalism." "'.,

There was much criticism, also,
of the way in which .SHAEF public
relations and the army censors han-
dled this entire episode.

Six writers were . suspended for
pulling a real beat. They had got
through the Russian lines, and into
Berlin, while SHAEF was still nego-
tiating for American correspondents
to get to the old German capital.
SHAEF didn't like such spunk, and

j look the press cards from the
writers. Latter are: Virginia Irwin,

ISt.: Louis Post-Dispatch; Andrew

j Tully, Boston Traveler; John Groin,'
American Legion Weekly; Seymour
Freidin, N. Y. Herald Tribune: Kin-

I est Leiser, Stars & : Stripes; Mack

I Morris, Yank.

Raw Film Quotas

55; Continued from page 3

Milan Agent Freed

Word has been received here that
Kurt Rosner, Milanese talent agent
in pre-war days, lias been liberated
frdm an Italian concentration camp
by American troops.

He's now recuperating in Rome. .

AP Still on Hot Spot
Over Kennedy's 'Beat'

A week after the AP crowed-
loudly about its "greatest newsbcat
in all history," the wire service was
still on the hot spot over Edward
Kennedy's . dispatch announcing
Germany's unconditional surrender.

The, N. Y. Times had called the
whole, thing "a disservice to the
press." Editor & Publisher ediorial-
ized: "Now we have Kennedy's state-
ment . . . and we consider it inade-
quate. If that is all he has to say in
his own behalf, no other verdict than
'guilty' can be pronounced."

AP prez Robert McLean had is-
sued a statement which infercntially
rapped the home management by
expressing "profound regret" at the
distribution of- the Kennedy story.
Journalistic hepslcrs noted that
McLean's statement said nothing in
exoneration of Kennedy, although it
did try to soften the blow' as far as
executive director Kent Cooper was
concerned.

Cooper^ issued his own statement,
after he had got kicks from Mrs.
Helen Rogers Rcid, vice prez of the
N. Y. Herald Tribune, and Fred S.

footage recently devoted (o national
and international developments.
Pix Strike's Carryover

The overall stockpile of unused
raw film has mounted during the
Hollywood studio strike. Dining
April alone, it is estimated, the in-
dustry has carried over some 9.000.-
000 feet of raw film because . of the
slowdow,n in production, ■ wilh a
total of around 18,000.000 feet cal-
culated .unused since the strike be-
gan. Studios will likely be per-
mitted to carry over this footage
into I he subsequent quarter.

With some of" the major compa-
nies planning increased output as
soon as more frequent changes of
program are called Tor in picture
houses, increased allotments would
permit gradual adjustment of
stepped up production-distribution
operations.

More raw film is to be made avail-
able for Sweden, according to pres-
ent WPB plans it is reported. This
footage will likely be earmarked for
printing of American films over
-there.

Film industry representatives have
lakcn the view that while Army-.
..N.a,vy requirements must be given
the right of way for raw film allo-
cations, the motion picture industry
should be second in line and ahead
of foreign governments or film inter-
ests seeking raw stock here.

Indications arc, on the whole, that
the WPB will not pursue a previ-
ously stated inflexible policy to-
wards the motion picture industry.
WPB officials stated during the past
year tlAt the film industry could not
look forward to any increase in allo-
cations alter V-E Day.

'Hopalong' Has Lotsa
. Livestock, No Raw Stock

'. - Hollywood,: May 15.

Return of Bill Boyd to the saddle
in, a revival of the "Hopalong Csis->
sidy" series is held back by the
shortage of raw film.

Harry Sherman, producer, de-
clared everything is set for a new
scries of gallopers at the California
Studios as soon as the film comes in.
Several other indie prSducers arc up
against the same problem.

Wednesday, M«y 16, 1945

19

jot pl

EDW. EVERETT HORTON
GLADYS GEORGE

m RUTH TERRY
ROBERT LIVINGSTON

•

JACK La RUE • LOLA LANE
ISABEL JEWELL -FRANK JENKS

Directed by Alexander Esway

Miptititi art ScrmfUi kj IraJfiri Rips
tuti a Niitl by Mwcil Anne

20

PICTURES

WednrMlay, May 16, 1945

Laurie's Notebook

U. S. Majors

Continued from paie S

gium, Holland, Italy. -Czechoslovakia,
Poland, Austria, ele;. have been

By JOE LAURIE, JR.

Just finished reading two swell books by two swell troupers: "Rolling
Stones," by my old friend Fred Stone, and "Some Of These Days," by
juc old gal friend. Sophie Tucker. They bring back golden memories to
the old tinier* and make the younger generation of the theatre realize
thai they have a cinch today against the hardships the pioneers had in
show business years ago. land aid for

It seems that a lot of actors- are going into this writing racket, Is it j an pa .
_ecause they have just learned to write, or have the stories they've stored | . ^^e. vhe wa ^ w »Jf. %

tip for years Anally broken the dam of the inkwell? Eddie Cantor, J. G. , best* *5 "Op.OOO 'e'»>W'> U ' f ~
Nugent. Gypsy Rose Lee. Ilka Chase. Georgie Jewel. Paul Whilema... W. C. ! f ^ ™e « ho ^ 0 '
Handy. Peggy Hopkins Joyce, Bob Hope. Peggy Wood. Joe E. Brown and . : " J!f I l nl | v with differtiit dis*
Elsie Janis have -written books; brides there were those by the old stars, h«£* A £J& ^ m £ c
now gone, like DeWolf Hopper. Weber and Fields, Otis. Skinner. George • JJilM. A^^uUme U S e < U
M. Cohan. John Drew. Will Roger,. Doug Fairbanks. Sr.. and Nat Goodw.n. ! ^

just to mention a few. who have taken up space, which I can t Man> of leased to SIO.000.000 or
then, arc. or have been. C.las>' A wnlers and, of course, some of tliem had , ^ ^ ^ vnlil . e ' Eul:o .
« ghost guide their typewriters. • pe an terrilorv could be raised' 100', i
Of course, turnabout is fair play, although- book writing is a writer s wjlh , Me ' ■ ■

FLA. MAKES ANOTHER
PITCH TO FILM STUDIOS

. Tallahassee, Fla., May 15.
In another bid to bring Cali-
fornia's multi-million dollar movie

pointed out as potentially good mar- : """ViV-.'^^.'"" ■""""■/"^il.Vr ! i»dustry to Florida, a resolution was
kels always, of course; Voviding i^ 1 ^ ^ the State Senate here

that U. S.. films are freely admitted ■ ° ld '™ 0 a .| plavef/^^ie.V' F) i{,ay IU ' ea, ? ,,,K for •PP«i"lment

; quest. Baseball piayeis, < noflcaiiieis. { a ,. mOt | 0n p j cture industry com-

; pallbearers, etc would receive mm- \ f fl ,. lo ( £ (o : p ersUiu V „ , n ,

.mum of $20;^ fencers, jockeys, clc Q . c u • loca 4 , he f r sllldi '/ ' m

; $25; . bareback riders, motorcycle ; 1
riders, etc., $35; hazardous doubling.
' $50 up.

half for players whose call started
| at 3 p.m. or later. Work day would
i end at 12 midnight, wilh ra'e after
jlliat calling fSV double time. Play-
!crs would receive $8 additional, for
I special makeup, nr. $2 additional for
: sideburns, mustache, etc. Dress ex-
; Iras would receive $8 additional for

because they have just learned to \vi _ „

"' " " " I Florida.

|. Sponsored by Senator Waller B.
Fras'er of St. Augustine, the resuln-
I lion said location of studios in
j Florida would bring an added inllijx
, of tourists, "Oder an opportunity for :
' the '.youth of our stifle to develop
their talent for stage and screen,

. „ ^ . , 'bring great wealth lo the stale and

'-reopening of shutttered j 'or Sunday (131 but called off - by be a source of advertising of the

' : ' - ■uii- advantages of the Stale of Florida."

Senator Fraser declared that
. Florida had' lhe advantage of tropi-.
Among the newsmen ruined playwright are: Jack Lait. '-Ring Lardner. ' i' n0!ie . European territories "with : tit;it>- in the dailies. Dinning trio's ;

Probe Drama

Continued from. page 1

job. Slili a lot o( newspapermen: got into the show business via the quill, j lhea lres and improved showmanship j station execs because of pad s
I'm afraid thev have done a much better job at show business than meas- . _ lhe increase in rentals would nbt.|' d «' raW «-.»«' v « rt,s "»«'' Hnct "l».vmenl
uring pica^. Some of our great plays have been written by newspaper- : make up (or the potential dip- in : in advance" clauses. folloW/ing pub-

men.

Adolph Klauber. Ben Hecht. Charlie McArthur, Gene Fowler. Charles 1 sxvo)len re ntals due to the war.

i singing career had already been

Emerson Cook. Bayard Veiller. Arthur Hopkins, Eugene O'Neill. Glen j „ ul _ frbln 'Britain ''a* «n"eii'- Sund»y. .May «. jii the-flrst pf

McDonough. Ralph Kettering. Paul Armstrong. Dorothy Kilg.llen. M.urine ! a J5E'fa&2id from around $40.- : lhe se,,es ,ald 01,1 by Ta " nt St0llts -
Watkins, Edna Fcrber. Dorothy Day. Arthur Brilliant, Mai k Hellinger. . Q00 ^ Jn 1940 to approximately
Sam Hoffenstcin. Montague Glass. Nat Dorfman, Wilson Mizner, Gl !>ce i jon'noo 000 in 1944. A

cal. scenery; climate, access lo the
large population centers of I he
United Slates and proximity to Cen-
tral and South American countries.
Under the resolution, the commil-

Dayton. Mary Chase. Damon Runyon, Bide Dudley, George S. Kaufman.
Channing Pollock. Maxwell Anderson. Marc Connelly. Laurence Stallings,
Max Lei(. Bart Cormack, Deems Taylor, Morrie Ryskind. Russel Crouse.
Ward Morehouse. Allison Smith. Fulton Oursler, Rennold Woolf, Irvin S.
Cobb, Bozeman Bulger, George Ade, John Anderson, Gilbert Gabriel,
Alexander Woollcolt. Charles Washburn, Gladys linger,. Booth Tarkington.
Jack Kirklahd, The Spewacks, arid so many many more Fourth Estaters.

Every actor (eels he has a book, while almost every newspaperman feels
he has a play. Some of them just never seem to- just get around to it.
It seems the style, nowadays to have "actor columnists" write, for our daily
papers. Will Rogers was one of the most successful to do this work. Eddie
Cantor wrote a box for a while, now We have Bob Hope, Orson Welles
and Gracie Allen doing very well with their columns. j

"Variety" was the first to give the writing boys in the profession a
chance to talk in terms of ink. Such as J. C. Nugent, Fred Allen, Jack
Osterman. Billy Gould, Milton Berle, Billy Jerome, Leo Carrillo. Bill Halli-
gan and Adam Sowerguy Murphy were just a few who graced the "Va-
riety" columns through the years. I believe an actor really writing his
own stuff gets just as big a kick but of appearing in print as he does on
the stage. ' Anyway, its' more lasting, if you paste it in a scrapbook.

We have had many actors' who have written fine plays. Playwriting
actors have included George Abbott, Eugene O'Neill. Hyman Adler, Roy
Atwell, David Belasco; Eleanor Robeson, Charlie Blaney, Earl Carroll.
George M. Cohan. Jane Cowl, Frank Craven, Harry Delf, Paul Dickey, Leo
Dilrichslein, Phil Dunning, John Emerson, Sam Forrest, Grace George,
James Gleason. John Golden-. Albert Hackett. John Hazzard, Sidney How-
ard, John B.' Hymer. Bert Kalmar, George Kelly, Howard Lindsay. Clara
Lipman, Edward Locke, Lester Lonergao, Jack McGowan, Gilbert Miller,
Clyde North, Jack Norworth. J. C. Nugent and his son Elliott. Basil Rath-
bone, George Rosener, Edward Milton Royle, Mary Ryan, Cornelia Otis
' Skinner, Peggy Wood, and so many mVc could write as well as they could
act, ancr even sometimes better.

Writing a book today is a cinch. All you need is a publisher to ask
you, especially one who has some extra paper laying around.

30.000,000 annually in ill
alone could not be made up through
increased revenues from the Western
European territory. Theu^ there, are
other areas, such as Sweden. Spain.
Egypt, North Africa, the Far East.

Girls -who filed complaints with
'dip-™ 0 ' ' "$20- •Tuohy's office following the expose j tee to. be appointed would include
liis' territory '" "Variety" were Jane Nielsen. Vir- the governor, and representatives 6(
ginia Gleva. Kathleen O'Brien and {the judicial arid legislative branches

Mable Sandstrom, who claimed
they'd been lured into schools with
promises of fat slage contracts or
stardom in' Dims when they grad-

Australasia, where rentals have in- ua *«J- Tee^s, they said, ranged from

Inside Stuff-Pictures

creased from 100 e ; to 400 r i during
the war. Can U: S. distribs expect
to hold those gains? -

In regard to Britain, one non-Aim
industry research outfit recently
issued a pamphlet stating that Eng-
land represented 75% of all foreign
film rentals. In thw event, rentals
from Britain would be' $127,500.-
000 annually instead of approxi-
mately $90,000,000 estimated by "Va-
riety". Official British Board of
Trade estimate is also around $90,-
000,000.

There is some, prospect of course,
that the Far East (including India
and China) can be raised from a
10% territory (around $17,000,000
annual rentals) to a 12-15S- territory
as the emphasis swings more forcibly
to the war in the Pacific. But India
is' regarded as in the British sphere
of influence and British film interests
plan to dominate the picture field
there.

Germany . remains the important
unknown quantity in Europe. Some
foreign department heads estimate
that film rentals from this territory,
if and when U. S. films can be shown
there, would range from $15,000,000
to. $20,000,000 annually. For lhe time
being the German market will re-
main closed, according to latest re-
ports from Government sources, and
may not be opened io U. S.' Aim in-
terests for many months, perhaps
years. Most theatres in Germany
have been destroyed except in by-
passed towns such as Heidelberg.

The foreign film outlook, however,
does not remain without its favor-
able aspects: A more forceful inter-

$170 to $350. with schools and loan
companies involved advising them
their credit would be ruined it they
t ried to back out of contracts. -

'I paid all but $40." Miss O'Brien's
complaint read, "because I never
learned anything at the school. They
put both popular and. classical sing-
ers together in a class of SO, and we
appeared before the. school mike
only twice."

Miss Sandstrom charged she be-
came ill and couldn't attend classes,
but the school refused to refund any
of her money, arid Miss Gleva said
the chool obtained money under
false pretenses, since there was ho
radio equipment, no stage, no class-
room. Promises that classes would
be placed on a weekly metropolitan
radio show and appear in a Loop
theatre were never' filled, she said,
adding. "I spent $300 before I
smartened up."

H-A's Expose Series

Herald-American, m e an w h i 1 e ,

of slate government aiid private citi-
zens.

Warners Builds Contract
list m Past 5 Months

Hollywood May 15.

Total of 15 thesps have been added
10 Warners' contract payroll since
the first of the year, raising the
roster .16 27 stars and 47 featured
players. ,

Newcomers to the regular, salary
list are Ramsay . Ames; Robert
Arthur, Bruce Bennett, Barbara
Brown. Pat Clark, John Coinpton,
John D'Andrea, Wanda Hendrix, Art
Kassel. Joe Kirkwpod. Jr., Peggy
Knudson, Robert Lowell. John Miles,
Helen Pender and Martha Vickcrs,

C. P. Skouras to N. Y. On
National Theatres Biz

. Hollywood, May 15-
Charles P. Skouras left last night
1 14). for a. business stay of several,
weeks in N. Y. While there he'll
attend a board meeting of National
Theatres and huddle on other cir-

Eric Johnston's future participation in film industry affairs still remains
a bit indefinite with the present U. S. Chamber of Commerce head ill last
week. He had been re-elected a fourth-term head of the Chamber, an
unprecedented thing, but this apparently is held.no stymie to his swinging
over to any post with the Motion Picture Producers & Distributors Assn.

Picture officials know that he has expressed a desire to carry out his
Labor Management Charter, his pet project with the C. C, before leaving
that organization. It's been okayed by the CIO and now is up lo the
A. F. of L. stid the National Assn. of Manufacturers for approval. Both
are expected to fall in' line which would speed completion of Johnston's

P1 j7s?now the belief in the trade is that he won't sign up as a MPPDA j "ompanie^'as' i nd'iclrteoM n^*' Va i-ie ty"

exec until he cleans up affairs in Washington. Johnston has been prof- !.,„,,.,„,,"',„„,.,. Tt _ '_.,-,

. , . . .. . r . ... ., , " , . • ■ , — , r « ) last week ( Withdraw U. S. Films in
ferred a definite contract with all angles agreed in principle. Formality of i c _« ; _.., „„„ .-..j u„,.„ ,„ J; „„
., ... . , . • a " * ~ * Spain ), may yield belter trading

aign.ng awaits adjustment of his affairs wtth the C C Generally under- lerms f Amei . ican p.oducer-distri-
stood that Johnston would divide h|s time between N. Y. and Washington, butorS 0nce ^ ad barrj are he , d
much the same as he does now with the Chamber. l0 a minimum and CUI . rency manip .

ulation is also curbed (combined
with the reopening of long-closed
markets), there is a strong chance
for maintaining a very high level of
film export trade. That current for-
eign trade levels can be increased,
however, to a point where the in-
crease would make up for any sub-
stantial decline in U. S. dgmeslic
grosses, is considered doubtful, for
the next year or two at any rate.

cuit matters.

Accompanying Skouras were Ed
SCabel, in charge of -film buying for
NT. and Sam Shain, aide to Spyros
Skouras- Latter has been here sev-
eral weeks on Seventh War Loan
business.

posing schools, and Better Business
Bureau warned prospective students
to investigate records of schools in
their offices before signing up, with
following data— including names and
dates — printed in H-A's series.

Of- the Metro school, one of those •
named in complaints. Bureau was!— , _ Mil A ' T

quoted in H-A as staling it's owned h KeO LrOSS . W OfCr lOP

The overall picture of how the Nazi atrocity newsreels . fared is that
•Veeing is believing," and that the newsreels did a dignified story of a
gruesome one. In the back of most people's minds also was that- Geh.
Eisenhower wanted the American public to see the films and be convinced
that the newspaper and radio accounts were not exaggerated.

Checkup of theatres around the country reveals that exhibitors played
ball in handling the atrocity newsreels about 90 'i. Also that with the
react Ton at hand, exhibs would treat future releases on Japanese atrocities,
es they arc brought to the light of the camera, in like fashion.

Checkup on the Universal - lot discloses: 151 employees who have been
with the company 20 years or more. List includes two, Maurice Pivar,
editorial department head, and Charles. Van Enger, cameraman, who have
been there 33 years.:. C. A. DeFrancis. grip, has a 32-year record. Four
others, Martin Murphy, studio' production manager; Ford Beebe, associate
producer: Waller Kirkpatric. props, and E. J. Cunningham, electrician,
started at Universal in 1914, 31 years ago. Grand- total of the 151 amounts
lo 3,585 years of work.

How old cartoon comedies, which at limes get out to U. S. armed forces
overseas, cause unfavorable reaction among some servicemen, was illus-
trated recently in a GI complaint from the Pacific Southwest fighting zone.
"Sunday Go to Meeting Time," a Merrie Melody carloon. allegedly made;
the Negro look ridiculous at a. tiirie when many people are working to
bring around a better understanding between the races. Warner Bros.,
-which originally distributed the cartoon,, explains that the short was made
ever five years ago. -

SPU New Scales

Continued from page 9 s

ing up to $75 per day tor racing,
trotting horses, etc. Rate for In-
dians would start at $18.50, ranging
up to $300 aiid over. Proposed
agreement specifies waivers must be
pftid only $10.50 per day, and that
none may be hired until all available
SPU members arc. employed. Can-
cellation of calls and issuance,, of

Eddie Cantor's job as producer at RKO will be hampered during Iho
month of 'June by radio commitments, including those of Kddie Cantor,
Joan Davis arid Harry Von Zell. These players in producer -Cantor's
forthcoming western musical, slated to start June 4, will require one day
off pei- 'week for airshow. chores, gumming up the filming schedule. . Ab-
sentee .problem will be, solved inMUly when all go oft the air;

by Morris Dreyfus, also known as
Maurice Dreyfus, identifying him as
having formerly been connected
with four aviation and air-condition-
ing firms, three of which are now
out of business. In 1942. Bureau re-
ports show, Dreyfus and a partner
approached a man operating a small
school of voice, dancing and music
in Detroit. !

"Dreyfus propsed that the ; man •
was working for peanuts," record
reads, "and that with extensive sales
promotion they could all clean up.
Promises were made for interviews
with influential people along with
screen tests. Students of the school
became suspicious after six months,
since the work was all schooling —
no interviews or teste, following
which warrant for arrest of princi-
pals was obtained and owner was
fined $50 for operating a trade school
without a license."

Bureau also has report of Talent
Scouts showing one of its 'incorpo-
rators, James J.' Donegal!, was for-
merly associated with three aviation
schools,' all of which have gone out
of business; that a prospective stu-
dent stated a salesman for TS told
her she would be on Station WBBM
in four weeks after signing up; and
that WBBM informed the Bureau it
had no connection with the school.

Film Row and radio execs were
out on a limb on the deal, inasmuch
as exchange flacks had spent weeks
working on 13 TS scripts with
Howard Keegan. WCFL staff writer.

Final returns from only 16 o( lhe.
40 areas covered on the Red Cross
War Fund Week campaign for 1945
now show a total of $6,834,753 as
compared with a grand total of $6,-
054.212 in 1944.

N. Peter -Rath von. RKO prexy,
chairmaned the drive for' the film
industry.

Pressburger's New Aide *

; Hollywood. May 15.

Theodore W. Baumfeld has been
appointee! successor to Henry Brash
as N. Y. sales rep for Arnold Press-
burger. He will leave the Coast at
the end of this week to set up of-
fices in N. Y.

Baumfeld has been Pressburger's
executive assistant for past three
years. Brash had resigned his post
to lake a producer's job with PRC.

PAR ANNUAL MEET JUNE 19

Parainoulit's annual stockholders
meeting will be" held in New York
at the Par building June 19. Usual
reelection of directors, and statement
of Barney Balaban, as prexy. to the
shareholders are. two things .to.
come up.

Full details of session will be out-
lined to stockholders in a proxy
statement to be mailed out this
week.

While producers are kicking about the shortage of celluloid, Warners'
statisticians are bragging' about six cameramen, now on the lot, who have
shot 15.000,000 feet of film oyer a total of 165 years of service. Arthur
Edeson has been aiming a camera for 35 years, Sol Polito and Ernie Haller,
SO; Sid Hickbx and 1 James Wong Howe, 25, and Peverly Marley, 20. Their
total uumber of pictures is 1,502.

'.'weather 'permitting" calls would be j but cha , ked up 'i ini e wasted lo ex- >
abolished. I perieiice when station execs phoned

It is proposed that all callbacks j Donegaii to tell him the series, set
must be posted not later than 3 p.m., i on 4-4:30 p. m. slot Sundays on
with proviso (hat it not posted all | WCFL, was off because "the heal's
players on call will report back. ion."

"for

.. Proposed' ' minimum for nou»re-
cording- singers - doing,, rehearsal or-
mouthing to playback would start
at $25, ranging upward to $75 for
soloists. Weekly conversions would
call for six times daily .rate, instead
of five times as currently; Overtime
would start after eight hours, with
minimum calling for time and one-

School, -which was on WIND with
a similar format previously, but got
knocked off by summer .baseball
schedule, hasn't any recourse, ac-
cording to station execs, because it
hadn't, paid- in advance and because
station's contract reads, they don't
broadcast in behalf of businesses
that are questionable.-

□

R. R. Travel

— Continued from pais*

moved to the Coast to .complete the
war in the Pacific.

Chicago is still the botllcneck;
since . there are over 20 trains daily
from New York lo thai town, while
a considerable lesser number' travel
westward from : Chicago.

At the same time, rail accommo-
dations from Hollywood are not ex-
pected to become better because
trains will be moving from that point
with convalescent and furloughiug
servicemen.

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

★ The BIG JOB of the Motion Picture Industry ,
is the SHOWMEN'S SEVENTH ...the War Loin
Drive to Speed Total Victory I

* 3 "sock" TRAILERS... to help you put over this
tremendous campaign... have been produced
by your industry... and are being distributed

to all theatres by NATIONAL SCREEN SERVICE!

★ RAW-STOCK SHORTAGES have limited the
number of prints available,.. so 50% of the
theatres will run one trailer.. .while the other
50% run another. The trailers will then be in-
terchanged through National Screen exchanges

Okrfob is to see that all theatres run all s trailers!
d/etefr ze/^ete ute aee*/ Tfoirt 4efr/

* Please RETURN YOUR TRAILER IMMEDIATELY after its scheduled run!
... to your NATIONAL SCREEN EXCHANGE ... so that EVERY THEATRE
RECEIVES ITS PRINTS! * DON'T DELAY! * YOUR COOPERATION IS"

ESSENTIAL! A missout on a trailer may mean
UNSOLD BONDS. ★ The RETURN of WAR
LOAN TRAILERS is an IMPORTANT PART of
your BIG JOB in the SHOWMEN'S SEVENTH!

nflTionftLjGpS00£ service

1,/Mnf mmmnmmmnam

22

PICTURES

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

Silent Partner Takes Over Detroit *
Theatre; Briefs From Distrib Centres

Detroit, May 15.
The "silent partner" has taken
«ver in . one of the recent theatre
deals here. Joseph Johann and Vic-
tor Retty have taken possession ol
Midway theatre in Dearborn, from
Joseph Stoia, who continues to oper-
ate Tiis Circle house in this West
Side suburb. Johann was the silent
partner in the house and Retty, for-
mer owner of Fordson theatre,
makes his return to show business
In the new set-up.

Exhib Hit for Child I-«bor

St. Louis, May 15.

J. Goldfaib, owner-operator of the
Uptown, Alton. 111.., near here, was
tine of five Alton business men in-
dicted last week on charges of vio-
lating the child labor law. The war-
rants were the result of a statewide
campaign being waged by Attorney-
Genera) George T. Barrett to en-
force the Illinois slate child labor
laws. A total or 35 minors allegedly
■were employed by those indicted in
Alton. , , .

Barrett said, 'The war has left vir-
tually all employers short of help.
At lhe same time youngsters have
been attracted bv high wages. Many
employers are flagrantly violating
the State laws bv employing children
under 14 vears of age and imposing
Hlega) duties- or hours upon em-
ployed children between 14 and 18."

Herman Goldberg Upped -at WB

Herman Goldberg, with Warners
more than 25 years and at present
handling maintenance matters in-
volving branch offices, promoted to
take over the duties of the late C. C.
Byan as purchasing agent for ex-
changes and head of the advertising
accessories department. Goldberg
also will continue his activities in
the maintenance end..

t'bl M-G W% Retroactive

Chicago, May 15.
Metro was first of the exchanges
to pay off on 10% increase to serv-
ice department employees (film in-
spectors, shipping clerks and postal
clerks) last week; raise being retro

active to Dec. 1, 1942, with other
exchanges eNpected to kick in within
the next two works. Increase af-
fected employees of exchangs, in Chi,
Minneapolis, Milwaukee and In-
dianapolis.

Raises have also gone through for
front office employees in many ex-
changes, from Dec. 1, 1944, it was
learned, although this deal wasn t
negotiated by Sam Lemanski, busi-
ness rep of IATSE Local B-45 iFilm
Exchange E-.npIoyees' Union) and
organizer of F-45 i front office union ),
but rather by international IATSE
headquarters, in N. Y.

Meantime, Lemanski also wound
lip negotiations with Irving .Mandel.
Mono chief, here, with Mandel and
union making joint application to
War Labor Board for front office in-
creases, same as mujors. Mandel is
first of the indies here to come
through.

Jack Mercer a Hub Lotw "Mgr. .

Boston, May 15.

Jack Mercer, who .started with
Loew's in N. Y.. made manager of
Loew's Orpheum here, succeeding
George Kraska, new publicity man-
ager of Loews in the Hub.

Sparklnr Kcp'" 1#lh An "'

In connection with Republic s 10th
anniversary. May 27 -July 27, Ed-
ward L. Walton. Republics assistant
general sales manager, and Waller L.
Titus, Jr., executive' assistant to prez
and general sales manager James R.
Grainger, left Saturday U2). Wal-
ton is visiting branches in St. Louis,
Kansas City, Omaha. Des Moines,
Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Chi-
cago. Titus is making stopovers at
branches in Pittsburgh, Cleveland,
Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Buffalo.
Both return to Home Office June 1.

Good Bally for 'Boaghly Speaking'

. Chicago, May 15.
Unique screening for Warners'
"Roughly Speaking" at Marshall
Field department store Monday (14)
was strictly a hen parly, with 10 of
Chi's big industrial' firms sending
along their most outstanding career

jjirls to represent them at preview
and luncheon. . ,

Publicity gimmick on gals' who
spoke roughly lb failure," to tie in
with pic's title and Rosalind Rus-
sell's portrayal of successful busi-
ness woman, which cracked all
dailies here, wax dreamed up by
Lucia Pcrrigo, WB flack. Among
firms represented were Illinois Bell
Telephone, Carnegie Illinois Steel.
" BC, International Harvester. West-

rn Electric and Commonwealth
Edison. _

Pic is skedded to follow "1 11 Be
Seeing You'" into B&K's Roosevelt
early in June.

Theatre Owner's 2oG Estate

Harrisburg. Pa.. May 15.

An estate of $20,000 was left by
Mrs. Emma E. Miller, late proprietor
of Miller's theatre, according to
terms of her will probated here last

eekv Two sisters, five nieces and
four nephews share the estate.

Rep's Sales Confabs

Sales reps from Republic's eastern
and New England districts met yes-

rday i.Tues.) with Janu's.R. Grain-
ger, company prexy, for a general
sales confab and to discuss the forth-
coming 10th anniversary drive.

Maxwell Gillis, eastern district
sales chief, heads his group while
Jack Davis heads the New England
group.

Billiard ReOfenlnr; House

McKinney, Texas. May 15.
The old Pope expected to open
here May 22 following remodeling.'
House recently purchased • by Ship-
man Bullard of Durant, Okla. Town
has two other houses owned and
operated by W. G. Underwood and
Roy Brbckman, the Rttz and Texas.
A second house has been, opened
Pasadena, Texas, by J.' G. Long
ircuit, which already operates the
Pasadena. Long theatre marks 55th
nk. in the chain.

T. L. Richey purchased the Rilz,.
Linden, Texas, from B. R. McLen-
don. heud of. Tri-Stal.es ; Circuit.

ickey formerly operated the Texas
at St. Jo, Tex. McLendon plans to
make his headquarters in Dallas,
moving office from Atlanta. He has
opened the Beverly there and soon
plans to open a second nabe house.

Sehrelber New RKO Cleve.' Mgr.

Chicago. May IS.

Harry Schreibec assistant to
Frank Smith, head of RKO Theatres
here for the past year, to Cleveland
to assume- job as city manager, over
RKO's -three, theatres there.

Schreiber succeeds Clem Pope,
who resigned. Smith will handle
the office here solo.

BETTE DAVIS

In Woth Ire*. Hit!

"THE CORN IS GREEN"

Jota DALL • Jooa LORRlNG
Nlf^MUCE • Hay. WILLIAMS

rw* HOLLYWOOD

RADIO

CITV

MUSIC HALL

"THE VALLEY
OF DECISION"

Spectacular Stag* Production!

♦ h TEfiRIFIC WEEK
MA— NEWS

C*tiue:30*. m. VICTORIA 6L B w ' y

ON 6CRBKN

pTlmiB., Mny 17

'6u*sfr in
Hi* Houst"

AniM .
. BAXTKR
_HmI|>Ii

IN FIUON

LORRAINE
ROGNAN

IRVING
CAESAR

B WAY &

4 7th SI.

PALACE

SONJA HENIE

"IT'S A PLEASURE"

with MICHAEL O'SHEA

ALL STAR CAST
IN WARNER RROS. NEW HIT
"ESCAPE IN THE DESERT"
lav fir m
HENRY IUSSE
AM His Orchestra
HELMUT DANTINE
ANDREA KING
I'way 4 47th St. STRAND

mmt ft mM i
AIM LADD - • ©«H RUSSELL

"SALTY O'ROURKE"

In
P«rwB:

rHABi.iE

SrlVAK

PARAMOUNT

MfiTAFFOBl?
DKAN MtRI'tlY
Timet B*ju»r*
■uy Mere Btfld*

Joel MeCREA - Call RUSSELL
HERIERT MARSHALL la

"THE UNSEEN"

' A rat-amount I'iclura .
floor* Opto f» ■ ABE Hruidway
S:30 A. M. WLWNB * 4Mb M.

Dorothy r McGUIRE • Robert YOUNG
Herbert MARSHALL

'THE ENCHANTED
COTTAGE'

Ooeri Open A CTfiP Bw«y 4 A
8:30 A.M. Popular I

Continuous

MUG HANDOUTS DEFUNCT

Hollywood, May 15.

Major studio stars and featured
players are no longer handed . arm
fuls pf still ph6tos of themselves for
their own private use, as a result
of the paper shortage.

Metro, 20th-Fox and other lots
have Issued, orders to keep the print-
ing of stills down to minimum actual
needs.

Palisades' New Gimmick

Continued tram p«t« 1

a quarter of a "million bucks is ex- 'show at the Motorcade, get well-
actly what it cost to rebuild the I deserved palm-whacking.

Embassy, Newark, Chanies Hands

Embassy theatre, ' Newark, N. J.,
an 650-seat house, has been leased
to Joseph and Arthur Reitano for
the Udee Holding Co.* It had been
operated for .the last 10 years by
Sidney Seligman and Emil F..
Ulicney. New lessees plan extensive
improvements as soon as material is
available.
Berk & Krumgold handled deal.

place, make it spick and span and
fancy as a peasant -bride.

If you happen to be among the
40'i of the park's visitors who come
from the New York side, you think
first of all of taking the 125lh street
ferry. You probably don't know
Ihere is a bus going directly from
the Capitol hotel, oft Times Square.

It's twilight as the ferry crosses
the Hudson, and the lights atop the
Jersey crags have just been turned on.
Through the haze on the starboard
side you see the thin, graceful lines
of the George Washington bridge.
Rusty, tired Liberty ships rest in
the river. A soldier at the tailing
next, to you mentions George Wash-
ington, and involuntarily you be-
come an eavesdropper. He's telling
his girl about the Revolutionary War
battles fought all around the site of
the park to which he is taking her
tonight.

He's not the only service m a u
aboard. There' are dozens' o/ them,
each with a doll. Lay their cam-
paign ribbons end lo end. they spell
global war. Look at this soldier's
ribbons: Worth Africa, ttalg, Bel-
gium, a Presidential citation'. But
he's telling her about, battles /ought
in another war, more than a century
and a half ago. " !

There's a sturdy little bus at the
ferry slip on the Jersey side, and
you don't mind the crowd, and jostle
as the machine climbs those, moun-
tains to the park. There's fun in the
air.

"Yep, 1.000,000 lights here— 1,000,-
000 light bulbs." It's the press agent's
job to answer your questions, when
you've reached the park, and he's
full of blarney, good will and sta-
tistics: At the main- restaurant, the
filet mignon melts in your mouth,
and the Scotch is undiluted. The
Starlight Revuers (four girls, only
three working tonight) put on a
good show as aerialists. Shep Fields'
orcli is tops, and socko is Lhe word
for his vocalists: Meredith Blake.
Tommy Lucas and Gene Martin.

Fortunately, you have a youngster
to help you case the joint. The cer-
rulean blue, bright reds and soft yel-
lows decorating the framework all
around, the countless neons, those
1,000,000 light bulbs, impress her,
and there's contagion in the atmos-
phere.
Lined tip at one of

Curfew shall not ring until 2 a. m. (
and by 1:30 the park is almost empty.
A couple of kids are trying to act
drunker than they are, but . en the
whole it's been a well-behaved
crowd. The park's 500 employees,
the 1,000-odd people working at rides
and concessions, are preparing to
fold for the night. .

The late ferry across the river -is
half full. You wonder if you'd ever
see that' soldier again. You remem-
ber his. little lecture on history. You
remember seeing him — and his neigh-
bors—enjoying themselves, hugely.
You, think of him as symbolic of the
evening.- He talked: war — but a dis-
tant, one. He had come here to have
a good time, and apparently got what
he sought.

Your young companion asks: "Did
yoii see any gimmicks there'.'' 1

You saw no gimmicks, tripped no
shills, faced no cons. This is a mod-
ern park, new in its conduct as well
as its exterior, modern as LSMFT or
a bazooka. But it has its gimmick.
And the gimmick is the happiness of
a people who've earned it.

Studio Strike

C en tinned from pace 9

H.

L. Ratner to Confidential

Pittsburgh, May 15.

H. L. Ratner named branch man-
ager here tor Confidential Reports,
Inc., new distrib checking service.
Replaces Paul Buechler, who goes
to N. Y. for new assignment.

Mr. and Mrs. James B. Christy ac-
quired .Palace, in Conneautville,
from Nick Kategianes. The Christys
also own the Tidioute, Pa., theatre.

Phyllis Andrachick picked as the
winner in talent search held by Col
Pix and Harris theatre in connection
with "A Song to Remember."
Judges were town's three critics,
Harold -V. : Cohen, of Post-Gazette:
Karl Krug, of Sun-Telegraph: Kap
Monaban,. of Press, and Robert Gill,
director of Pittsburgh Playhouse.

Connor Buys Into Hamrlck

Taconia, May 15.
Will J. Connor, theatre manager,
acquired interests of the late Ned
Edris in the John Hamrick theatres
here. These include the Roxy, Blue
Mouse, Music Box and Temple, best
houses in city. ' Connor has been
with Hamrick-Edris chain for years.

Metropolitan Gets L." A. House

Los Angeles. May 15.

Metropolitan Theatres took over
Million Dollar theatre, 2.145-seater,
here, on long-term lease through a
deal with Harry Popkin, who owns
the building and land. Acquisition
partly makes up for the loss of the
Tower, a 900-seater, sold to Joe
Blumcnfcld, San Francisco operator.

Million Dollar will be renovated
and will assume Tower's second-run
policy for present. Metropolitan is
a partnership consisting of Charles
P. Skouras. Mike Rosenberg, of
Principal Theatres, and Sherrill
Corwin. Combo also operates the
Orpheum, Rialto, Ncwsreel and
News Palace theatres. Understood
Popkin will devote less time to ex-
hibition and more to production.

Interstate's Latest

y Dallas, May 15.
R. J. O'Donnoll, general manager
of Interstate Theatres, announces
that as soon as materials are avail-
able construction will start on the.
Preston to be bllilt'Th the neighbor-
hood bearing that name. Properly
owned by Interstate since 1940.
Plans call for small nabe house, one
floor, 700 seats.

rides, you see that nolriier again.' You
hear him talking about the lights. . .
The lights are on again tonight in
London. . . In the harbor of Sevast-
opol, a lighthouse glows proudly. . .
There aren't many mnrdaj in Btiis.-
selr, since, ship-space stilt u-'ns scarce
a month ago when flour had priori-
ties over incandescent bulb*. But
this soldier has been through all
that. Tonight he's here.

The guy at the nearest concesh
yells hey, hey. Wheels clatter, ball-
games' nourish, customers walk - off
with cartons of cigarets, dolls, bric-
a-brac — enough to clutter a thousand
parlors in Hackensack, Paterson,
Passaic and New York.

FtTBaals Works
You remember the old outdoor
showman's rule of thumb: "YoXi'll
double your nut, if they spend at
the concesh." Tonight, they're spend-
ing. The cockeyed circus is jammed.
Bingo hall is crowded, they're lined
blocks deep in front of all the rides
on every one of the six midways;
The Teaser has a line-up of 400 peo-
ple, by actual count. The traditional
Ferris-wheel is doing as much as the
shiny, new, .metal-cased, imitation-
aluminum B-29 or Super fori. Even
the Cricket, an old dilapidated joint,
remainder of pre-flre days, where
the little lady in the boxoffice is
honest enough to admit' fc nothin'
happens here, you just take a wulk"
-^even that draws the trade.

The midways are' 5.0% wider now
than they were a year ago. Owners
Jack and Irving Rosenthal have done
a swell job of renovation. It's u-gay.
lovely, not gaudy town they've built
up.here on the Jersey perch.

These seruicemen have seen the
rubble in the streets of countless
other toiuiis. They've seen smashed
bodies, and sojne of them frnoui what
Buchenwnld means. . . . Dnieprope-
trous/c and Manila are in ruins. . . .
But V-E Day is past and gone. . . Wo
one forgets the J«p, but this is Pali-
sades Park.

War workers who've worked hard
are here lo relax, and high-school
kids, and the people from all around
the countryside, and; they all feel
they're entitled to their ' good time,
and they're having it. —

It's past midnight, and the 100 at-
tractions are still going strong. Ethel
Purcll and her lion put on a swell

casting ballots. IATSE will be rep-
resented by Hoy Brewer, interna-
tional representative, attorney Mir
chael Luddy, B. C. Cappy Duval,
business agent ot Local 44, and prexy
Richard Walsh, if latter returns from
New York in time for hearing.
Attorney Frank Pestana and Ed
Mussa, business representative of
Screen Set Designers, Illustrators A
Decorators Local 1421, will represent
strikers. •

Ability of Technicolor to continue
operations without the services of 87
machinists is said to. have' been sur-
prise to strike tops. Predictions had
been made that company could not
continue operation for two weeks. It
is understood that temporary repairs
are being handled by plant superin-
tendents who do not belong to union,
with studio heads of photography
giving once over to cameras. Several,
machinists are reported to have re-
turned to jobs in studios, particular-
ity part of a group from Mitchell-
the riyHer Camera Co. who were forced off

their jobs for failure to pay. $5 strike
assessments.

Producers announced new increase
in production, with 29 features be-
fore cameras on Saturday and three
under way Monday. Two others to-
day and six tomorrow.

NLRB Orders Election

Washington, May 15.
A secret ballot election for the -
Hollywood set decorators by June
9 at the latest has been ordered by.
NLRB. Ruling came down Wednes-
day 1 9) in the jurisdictional row
between Local 44, IATSE, and' Local
1421, of the Painters & Decorators.

All strikers and replacement
workers will be eligible to vote sub-
ject lo challenge on whether <1)
the strikers were validly discharged;
and (2) whether new employees are .
permanent replacements.

In the other case on which NLRB
also heard argument April 26 last,
the one involving set estimators and
set controllers, the Labor Board
threw out a petition for an election
and . ruled that the unils in the
various studios shall remain where
they are now.

"Although it does not appear,"
said the ruling, "that the set control-
lers and set estimators would improp-
erly be included in the group of
employees which the Painters cur-
rently represents, as the Painters re-
quests, since their duties' in part are'
of a clerical nature and in view of lhe
long collective bargaining history
during which time these employees
were included in the. broad, estab-
lished clerical units, we are of the
opinion that with respect to those
employees the units petitioned for
by the Painters are not- appropriate.
We shall therefore dismiss the peti-
tions insofar as they relate to the
set controllers and set estimators"

In -'the IATSE-dccora tors row,
NLRB said:

"Wc are of the opinion that the
questions of representation which
have arisen can be most expeditious-
ly resolved by directing immediate
election. We shall direct immediate
elections in which both the set dec-
orators who struck' on March 12' awl
any replacement workers will be
presumptively eligible to vote, sub-
ject to the right ot challenge."

Wednesday, .May 16, 1945

RADIO

23

MBS' $1250,000 PROGRAM HYPO

Edgar Bergen-Fred Allen 1-Hr. NBC
Parlay for Standard Brands Set

ri's all over but the signed-sealed-<
end-delivered blowoft as far as Fred
Allen is concerned next fall, with J.
Walter Thompson copping the come-
dian for Standard Brands. With vir-
tually the whole agency-sponsorship
field making a bid for Allen, the
payoff was the 8:30-9 Sunday night
spot on NBC currently occupied by
the Eddie Bracken show. .La Iter. is
skedded for an induction call soon
but the eventuality of Bracken being
turned down by his draft board has
cued speculation whether the show
will either scram out of the picture
or be moved to another time.

-Parting or Alien by Standard
Brands gives the sponsor and NBC a
full-hour comedy parlay, with the
comedian spotted back-to-back -with
Edgar Bergen. It's a $20,000 a week
deal, although it was the time ractor.
rather than the money, that cinched
it so far as Allen is concerned. In
recent weeks the bidding even at
the top-coin' figure dangled by the j
William Morris office,, had multi- j
plied itself and the John Reber-J. j
Walter Thompson clincher ■ came as |
a blow to more than one agency, not j
to mention CBS, which had high, j
hopes or getting Allen back into the
fold via •Texaco" or some other ;
account. I

The AUen-Slandard Brands wed- j Blue " network" for two V-E Day
ding -isn't resting any too well with j'brojidcasLs last week has cued plenty

4-F Vice V-E

Literally, figuratively and any
other way you look at it. Adrian
Sami.sh, the Blue's veepee, was
caught with his pants down on
the one day he had been looking
forward to and for which he had
been making hectic preparations.

Together with Hub Robinson,
the web's programming topper,.
Sami.sh had spent considerable
time mapping the network's V-E
Day sked. And when Der Tag
filially rolled around, it found
Samish. stripped to his shorts,
making the rounds from medico
to medico at the N.Y. induction
center.

P.S.— He drew a 4-F but he's
still plenty burned.

Rumors Fly After
Kate Smiths V-E
Blue Programs

Appearance of Kate Smith on the

DIRECTDRSTRfPLE
F

in particular, where a

of subsequent comment in the trade
as to whether or not the network
isn't attempting to woo the long-
time General Foods salesman-song-
stress into its told and to pave the
way for. future negotiations. Actu-
ally, Miss Smith's appearance on the
Blue— her first on an opposition net
HI. • Q I since her GF-CBS association—

nUnnff KP|f>2)CPQ / stems from a longtime friendship
TTfUlllg IlUravtv * between Hub Robinson, the Blue's

programming veepee (he handled
the Smi.th'GF show in his ex-ca-
pacity as radio topper at Young &
Rubicam) and Ted Collins, the sing-

, ..Lerts- manager, with Robinson mak-

Advent of Fred Waring and 69 : ills lne p j, cn . t0 have Miss Smith go
Pennsylvanians to the NBC slock | on , ne BUie f0| . , he V . E occasion .
company at a reported $18,500 j The facl remains, however, that
a week, although hailed by veepee I ;he Blue would t . ons jder it quite a

one agency

close friend and associate or the
comedian had been put on the pay-
roll, with little else to do except
wait until the papers were delivered
for signaturing. More than one lace
is red at. the agency.

Releases"
26 NBC Tooters

Clarence Menser and other high web
strategists as a programming tri-
umph, has turned out to be far from
a triumph for staff musicians at the
network.

To date. 26 of the 802ers have been
notified they'll be at liberty as of.
June 1. Replacement of "Finders
Keepers," the Happy Feltou emceed
program using a house band, by
Waring with "Keepers" not finders
of a new network niche, is the ex-
planation. Another house band cur-
rently playing the Ed East & Polly
.9 a.m. "Fun and Folly" cross-the-
boarder also is being greatly re-
duced, with result that tab for musi-
cians will comprise only union scale
for a handful of men.

Actual financial saving by cutting
loose the 26 men can only be esti-
mated, since . their weekly assign-
ments fluctuate according to rehear-
sal times, etc. However, observers
feel weekly lake of $100 per man is
a fairly accurate mirror, giving NBC
approximately $2,600 to help make
"P that $18,500 bonanza Waring
grabbed for himself and crew.

feather in its cap if it could snare
Miss Smith. Since her switchover
into the CBS opposite Jack Benny.
Sunday night spot, the ratings
chalked up by GF variety stanza
hasn't exactly caused handsprings
and although Benny's rating, ton. has
dipped, the overall, seasons picture
would indicate that the Blue's Drew
Pearson has been the principal bene-
ficiary in increased audience pull.

There's been a lot of unofficial
comment as to the possibility of the
Smith stanza going to a half-hour
next season or possibly checking out
of the opposite-Benny spot and the
thing's come up for off-the-record
discussions around Y&R. it's known.
But thus far the Sept.. picture still
appears to be in a slate of flux.
Thai's why the Blue wouldn't mind
"breaking the ice" even at this early
date to pave way for possible future
negotiations.

Coke Turns $3,000,000 Spotlight' Off
Blue, Mutual Gets $2,000,000 Beam

KING SISTERS MOVING
IN WITH OZ & HAT?

Owie Nelson and Harriet Hilliard
and (he agency on their International
Silver Sunday night show. Young K:
Rubicam, are currently mulling the
hypoing of their stanza next season.

COAST TREK BRINGS
BRING TO RCA SHOW

The RCA Sunday afternoon show
oil NBC moves from N. Y. to the
Coast for a 13-week period next
month. When show hits Coast it's
expected, that the Lou Bring orches-
tra will lake over the musical spot.

Switch is necessitated due to Coast
commitments 'Of Tommy Dorsey. who
recently bowed in as emcee, isans his
orch i on the show. Dorsey has been

■K'l(h likelihood that the King Sisters ^icled Tor a full 26 weeks, reluming
fnay join the show in the fail, i to N\ Y: for the latter 13-wcck
( ' c . ou Ple go off for the summer will) < semester.
Silver Summer Theatre" filling in ' — : -

for , ne sponsor ! Max Factor Off 8 Weeks

riaii is lo drop the midwav band ■ i*r • » /\.

number with the King Sisters doinu i With VOlCe Overseas
their turn a f the halfway mark. Frank Sinatra checks off the Max

Factor Wednesday night CB'S show

'VOICE OF NATION' FORUM

"Voice of the. Nation." a radio
Jorum, has been sold to the William
Weintraub agency by United Ra-
dio and Television Productions, new
Wckage producing Arm headed by
«y Faggen and Harry Sobol. ,

after the May. 30 broadcast'. for 13
weeks! He goes overseas.-

Sponsor will put in a replacement
show, currently being sel, for a five-
week period, with the remaining
eight weeks' lime reverting back to
the network.

. It's becoming increasingly evident
to the trade that Ed Kobak's initial
entreaties lo his board of directorate
that he's "gotla have a network" if
his regime as president of Mutual, is
to mean anything, and his subse-
quent resolution, that he's "gonna
have a network." is gradually near-
ing the "I got a network" stage.
There's new evidence that the Mu-
tual directors are underwriting their
faith in Kobak and are convinced
that he's the guy who can land the
web on its two feet as an up-and-
going concern on its own.

The directors. "Variety" has
learned, have voted Kobak an un-
precedented operating budget of
several million dollars, of which up-
ward of $1,250,000 has been ear-
marked for Phil Carlin's program-
ming dept. Latter figure more than
triples the amount the programming
boys were permitted to play around
with during the past year. The new
budget means, as well; a hypo for
the sales and- station relations divi-
sions of the network and. on the
basis of plans already blueprinted,
the next .'few months will be marked
by a' concentration of activity that
should pretty well tell the story.

Aimed at making the network an
entity unto itself and erasing the
stigma of its heretofore "runner up"
status to such key stations as WON
in Chicago and WOR in New York,
as well as domination from the Don
Lee Network on the'Coast. Kobak *
Associates are moving in the follow-
ing directions:

Having already inaugurated a
script division as part of the pro-
gramming setup. Carlin is now
scouting around for a head of pro-
duction, with probability that a cou-
ple of assistants will also be brought
in. The guys will, of necessity, be
brought in from outside the organ-
ization.

i/ferb Rice moves over from the
NBC production dept. on June 1. it
was learned yesterday ITues.l as the
initio! step toward development of
daytime and -'nighttime allows.')

The Jong-promised continuity ac-
ceptance dept. fup to now WOR.
WGN. etc.,. passed judgment on
scripts of network programs emanat-
ing from key stations) is about to be
unfolded. Kobak and Carlin have al-
ready found their man. but are
keeping his identity under wraps Tor
the present.

For the first time Mutual is set-
ting up an engineering staff. Up to
now it's been nobody's responsibil-
ity to keep the network in tune and,
as was the case in other aspects of
operation, it evolved upon the in-
dividual station.

Expansion of the sales dept. calls
for the opening of a Detroit office,
and possibly one in Pittsburgh. The
network's satisfied with, the Chi sales
operation and persumably. the same
applies to the Coasf representation
as handled via Don Lee. Meanwhile.
Mutual ii getting ready to spring
its new sales policy and its new' rate
card which will be timed for the
June IS switchover of stations into
the Mutual fold.

The network's on the lookout for
a station relations gliy 'to cover the
south from Atlanta, with probability
thai a couple more will be brought
in to the N. Y. office.

Network now has a personnel of
230. and while there's only been an
addition of about 30 since the Kobak
regime, for the most part they've
been key men.

Meanwhile. Kobak visualizes new
horizons for radio merchandizing!
with the freeze orders about, to lift,
and by the same token he states!
MBS is in for expansion as soon. as,
building ■ permits become cased, new ;
wattage possible, plus possible move- '
overs of certain outlets lo the Mu-
tual network.

Television-wire Koba!; has always
favored a central video studio for all
ijetworks in New: York akin to the
General .Service. Studios in Holly-
wood,, which film producers use. Be-
cause of really values midlown. he
foresees telcvish studios shifting to
Long Island, much as San Fernando
Valley will probabiy house the video
studios attached to Ihe Sunset Blvd.
radio networks, in Hollywood.

Cost Radio Plenty

The Associated Press' .Bun-
jumping' beat on the Germans'
surrender last week cost the net-,
works and stations of America
hundreds of thousands of dollars
in unnecessary cancellations of
commercial programs.

Arnold Hartley, program man-
ager of WOV. New York, in this
connection wrote a congratu-
latory letter to United Press de-
claring "your caution saved this
station a substantial loss in bill-
ings." (Station gets UP service,
no AP.1

Another comment heard around
N. Y. was that the AP break was
an added strain upon gorfd Yank-
Soviet relations but thai was dis-
counted. More to the point were .
the production losses from war
workers going on celebration
binges.

life of Riley
Scrams in July,
May Go to NBC

Blue network billing losses
mounted this week. In addition to
the blowouts of "Spotlight Bands"
and "Miss -Ha Hie" (see separate
stories) it's learned, that "Life of-
Riley", Sunday nighier from Holly-
wood sponsored by the American
Meat Inst., scrams from the web
July 8.

Spotted at 10 o'clock, opposite
Phil Baker's CBS quizzer and NBC's
"Hour of Charm". "Riley", in two
seasons, was never able to reach
astronomical rating brackets but was
considered one of the Blue's "solid"
shows. Its loss will be a distinct blow
to the web programwise as the Wil-
liam Bendix stanza was considered
in the trade to have a strong au-
dience-building potential.

"Riley", a William Morris pack-
age, has been offered to the Fitch
Co. as a possible, replacer next tall
for the NBC "Bandwagon" Sunday
night program, aired at 7:30 between
Jack Benny and Edgar Bergen. De-
spite reports in N. Y. that "Riley"
was set for. the Fitch spot. W. J.
Henderson, of the L! W. Ramsey
agency in Chicago, said the sponsor
was anxious to latch onto a program
with a high current rating rather
than a potential audience grabber.
This, it would seem, eliminates
"Riley" arid Fitch Is known to have
several other programs under con-
sideration.

Clarence L. Menser. . NBC pro-
grams veepee. is said to favor "Riley"
in the Fitch spot to constitute a two-
hour (7-9 p. in.) comedy parlay
comprising Benny - Bergen - Bendix
and Fred Allen (latter in for Stand-
ard Brands— see separate story).
Fred Waring. Ginny Simms and
others also have been mentioned
for the hair tonic bankrolled

"Bandwagon'' will be replaced this
summer with a whodunit. "Murder
My Sweet:" starring Dick Powell
i from the picture of the same
name). Lalter's been emcceing
"Bandwagon" for past few months.
Maurie Lipscy. Music Corp. of
America, is scouting around for
seripters. direclor and cast for
"Murder":

PREP JEAN SABL0N AS
FALL AIRSH0W FEATURE

Jean Sablon. French musical com-
edy fave who made a rep in Ameri-
can niterics; is having show, built
around him by the William Morris
agency for fall pi escalation.. .Pack-
age, built along' romantic lines, will,
include guests. .

Bbine-T^ompson has an option on
the show for one or its clients.

Sablon, currently in South Amer-
ica, is expected to return to this
country by early fall. '

y Loss of the Coca-Cola ("Spotlight
Band") account by the Blue network:
to Mutual, with the switchover go-
ing into effect on June 18, comes as
anything but a surprise to the trade,
for the move, had been widely an-
ticipated for. some time. .Since sev-
eral months ago the Coca-Cola-Mor-
ton Downey stanza had taken .the
Blue-to-Mutual trek, it was thought
inevitable that , the whole radio ac-
count would shift over to Ed Kobak
fc-Co, before the fall.

Cancellation of the crpss-the-
board 25-minule nighttime show-
adds. up to an approximate $3,000,000
loss in gross billings for the Blue, by
far the biggest single dent encoun-
tered by the Chet LaRoche regime
i Coca-Cola's previous switchover of
Downey hikes the total to an esti-
mated $4,000,000 in gross billings)
while for Mutual, where "Spotlight
Bands" will become a three-nights-'
a- week half-hour show (Monday,
Wednesday and Friday— 9:30 to 10)
the night show ' represents a
$2,000,000 gain- in gross billings..
However. , the switchover . poses a
problem for Mutual, since it means
yanking "Double or Nothing" but ef
the Friday night segment. While
Feenamint, sponsors or "Double"
has. according to Kobak. expressed
willingness to cooperate, the fact re-
mains il wants ah equally desirable
time niche.

While the Blue makes no bones
about losing such a healthy chunk of
billings, nevertheless the scramming
of the Coca-Cola show, which was
spotted in the 9:30-9:55 "heart ot
the evening" niche, has brought in. ■ _
its wake a viewing-with-relief at-
titude about the whole. business, par-
ticularly in the programming dept.
wher,e for some time it's been felt
that "Spotlight," occupying such a-
valuable time segment, frustrated
the boys in developing a nighttime
programming structure. It's known
that there's no love lost between the
sponsor' and network, with the feel-
ing mounting in recent months, and
that "package rate" contract clause
didn't help matters any, either. The .
Blue feels it can now giye a produc-
tioa hypo to the "heart of the eve-
ning"' slot and feelS equally confident
it will attract bankrollers with . an
eye toward bigtime programming.
Its known, too, that the Blue's Sta-
tions Advisory Committee has for
some time been pressuring the net
to clear the 9:30 to 10 strip on the
contention lhat it was 'hurting them
both on ' local programming and
otherwise. Thus far the web has
received six "feelers" from bank-
rollers currently not on the Blue.

Format of "Spotlight" under the
Mutual tag will remain the same, at
least through the summer.

Ethel Barrymore
Off Blue June 10

"Miss Hattie"> Aluminum Co, ol
America Sunday afternooner on the
Blue Btarring Ethel Barrymore,
winds Up its current season with two
Coast broadcasts, June 3- and 10.
Present plans, according to the Blue,
call for Alcoa to return to the web
in the fall although it's understood
sponsor must negotiate a new con-
tract with Miss Ban-ymore before
it's certain she'll be back on the
program.

Last N. Y. .broadcast is skedded
May 27 immediately followed by Minn
Barrymore's departure for the Coast
and her "Miss Hargreaves" pic as-
signment ai RKO. Cast for farewell
Hollywood programs will be re-
cruited from radio, talent available
there. • "Miss Hattie" was originally
skedded as a 52-week propositi,
but star's desire for a summer hiatus
forced cancellation at the 39-week
mark.

LIGGETT BUYS SWING

Boston, May 16.
Liggetl's Drug • Co. will sponsor
Raymond Cram Swing when WCOP
joins the Blue network, June .15.
Same company has contracted for 780
chain breaks with station.

24

RADIO REVIEWS

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

Corwin's V-E Day 'Note of Triumph 9
Is Hailed As Milestone in Radio

Ever since the Norman Corwin
60-minute V-E Day show "On a
Note of Triumph" first went oh the
air last Tuesday 18), |he. high
moguls at CBS have been talking in
terms of getting out the brass band
to meet Corwin at the station when
he gets back from the Coast.
They've been- doing plenty of hat
tossing and chest thumping over at
CBS hdqs., and with justification.
Nor has the trade in general been
stinting on adjectives, for the boys
know well enough what it means to
have a show that's the epitome of

rrfeclion on paper and yet- to have
"play" just as well, if not better.
Which is exactly' what happened the
night of V-E Day. Wisely, CBS top-
pers lost no. lime in arranging for
a re-broadcast of this Corwin
"dream'' show cit went on again
coasl-lo-coast Sunday night in the
11-12 segment*, for while the pro-
gram itself was months in prepara-
tion, the uncertainties of V-E Day
and the last-minute reshuffling of
skeds obviously prevented any pre-
hcraiding of the show ("Triumph,"
too, was released in book form
yesterday 1 15) under the Simon &
Schuster banner).

Without equiVocatiom chalk this
up as one of the high-wafer marks
in radio listening, a fitting, joyous
climax to a memorable day in his-
tory. For here was Corwin the
fashioner of beautiful prose, Corwin

come, he recalled, via a "reversible
mike" technique, the nature of the
Fascist enemy, he evaluated the cost
of the battle, made clarion clear the
demanding . qualities of peace
("Peace is iieuer .granted ouIri(/fti: it
is lent and leased ... Pence lias a
mind of its own, and doesii't lollow
victory around), and embodied all
the hopes and lessons, all the en-
treaties and thanks into a climactic
prayer that merits, a repeat from
every pulpit in the. land. Rose:

"ON A NOTE OF TRIUMPH"

(Special V-E Day Program)

With Raymond Lawrence. Alex Hart-
lord, George, Sorel. Dick Nelson,
Bab Brace, Joe Worthy, Elliott
Lewis, Lurene Tattle, Ludwlg De-
natb, Reglna Wallace; June Foray,
Pat McGeehan, Horry Bartell, Jim
Nasser, Peter Witt, Fred Easier,
Norbert Muller, Ramsey Hill, Lu-
cille Meredltb, Merlon Koplln,
Irene Tedro, Enla Beal, Jobnny
Bond, Lod Gulskln and erch

Narrator: Martin Gabel

Writer - Producer - Director: Norman
Corwin .

Original Score: Bernard Herrmann

CO Mlns.; Tues. (8), » p.m.

(Repeat Broadcast Sun. (13) 11 p.m.)'

Sustaining

WABC-CBS, N. Y.

the exponent of realistic ideals, the
Corwin who can make words sing,
the poet who glorifies the common
man and above all the Corwin who
Js the master of radio and its. as-
sorted techniques. TWoreV (he pity
then, that radio has not found the
•way to keep alive its finest lobvi
ously a re-broadcast js not the
answer). 'Triumph'' in book form,
•while putting into black and white
the message and beauty of Corwin's
•words, fails to vest il with the two
dimensional qualities of a radio
production. Corwin is the first to
prove lhat radio ran inspire great
■works of art and, by the same token,
he disproves the theory that writ-
ing for the medium fetters and
binds creative talent. But when a
"Triumph" comes along il becomes
apparent thai in spite of the fact it
can command an. audience of mil-
lions as a "one shot," it should also
take its place in the halls, of fame
accorded literary, dramatic and can-
vas creations which maintain their
laurels because of the permanence
of their form.

Hermann's Dandy Score

Production-wise. "Triumph" was
flawless! Bernard Herrmann com-
posed an original score, which was
more than able to stand on its- own
yet, , when interwoven with the
script, intensified and heightened the
value of the work and became part
of the perfect whole. Interspersed
at dramatic climaxes were the vari-
ous verses of the Almanac Singers'
old lave, "Round and Round Hitler's
Crave," which leveled the serious
pitch of the, Corwin V-E paean
Needless to say. even great prose
can - become meaningless when
spoken without the value of in
spired understanding and able ren
dition. Thus, any appraisal of
"Triumph" must include' the just
share of credit due Martin Gabel as
narrator. The restraint exhibited
when overdramatizalion; might
have lessened the impact, the voice
of a timbre so well suited to radio,
the understanding Interpretation- of
the lines that vould have resulted
only from heartfelt* conviction
these were the qualities that Gabel
brought to a role that made great
demands on a performer.

Yet all of' these • were more or
less "runner up"' attributes in pro-
viding the perfect setting and en-
hancing to the fullest what may
■well be considered Corwin's great-
est opus. For this, unquest'onably,
was Corwin's show— Corwin the
writer-producer-director. Chosen to
commemorate by .thanksgiving a
notable day in history, he sat
down and wrote 'Triumph." And
in doing so he epitomized the reali-
sation ol the shape of things to

"THE QUEST"

(Seventh War Loan Show)

With 'Edward G. Robinson, Robert

Walker, Selena Royle. Dane Clark,

others

Writer: Bernard C. Schocnfeld
Producer: Bob Lee (AFRS); Walt

Humphrey (BlueY.
25 Mlns.; . Sun. (13),] 8:30 p.m. /
Sustaining /
WJZ-Blue, N. Y.

Blue network's Seventh War Loan
program,. aired Sunday night (J.')> iit
same hour competing webs were
pitching their leeofl contribs, got its
message over okay but seemed to
just miss being the dramatic smash
it might have been. Bernard Schoen-
feld's script' job was based on a Pa-
cific fighter's furlough home seeking
to discover what Americans were

"REMEMBER THIS DAY" .

Cast: Josno Hernandes, Alexander
Scourby, Staata Cotswortb, Karl
Swenson, Lola Van Rootcn, Arnold
Mom, Muriel Klrkland, Joan Alex-
ander, Betty Garde, Betty Calne,
Norma Chambers, Kate McComb,
Edgar Stehll, Norma Lynn, Owen
Jordan, Jean Gillespie, announcer
Robert Denton, NBC Symphony
Orch.

Writer: Arthur Hopkins
Producer-Director: Wynn Wright
60 Mlns.; Sun.. May 13, 5 p.m.
GENERAL MOTORS .
WEAF-NBC, N. Y.

. (Arthur Kudner)

NBC started planning its V^E Day
program last October. Arthur Hop-
kins had come up with a Biblical
theme, Dr. Frank Black, had scored
special music, and rehearsals had
been under way for some time. When
President Truman proclaimed last
Sunday Q3). as clay of victory
thanksgiving: the day became a nat-
ural for the Hopkins piece: General
Motors, which got nothing but an
opening [ identification for. its spon-
sorship, provided its regular hou'r
from 5 p.m. Sunday for the presen-.
tat ion of this extraordinary show.

The central idea of- the show was
so simple that it. was beautiful in it-
self. Hopkins went for his material
to western civilization's prime source
of inspiration: the Old and New Tes-
taments of the Bible. In the. words of
(he Bible only (not, however, used
chronologically, but with sock ■ dra -
nvatic effect) he recreated humanity's
experience to date,
in the beginning there was the
and God's world created for

i Word .

thinking of the Japanese war in the i peace and fruitfulness. Prophecies
wake of victory in Europe. lof disaster followed. Then came the

Device used was dramal bnefles | w ar and the suffering, the atrocities

reporting conversations and view-
points of civilians in San. Francisco

cab drivers, bartenders, cocktail
sippers, etc.— and the hero's quest
added up to a unanimous opinion
that the nation is united behind its
far-flung battatlions in the Pacific.
As an afterpiece Schoenfeld introed
a foregn delegate to the Frisco con-
ference and his secretary, who' rcas- .
sured the GI that the world has . not
and will not forget his fallen com-
rads in arms. .

Edward G. Robinson kicked in the.
outstanding performance spotted as
narrator. He tied things together
nicely and pointed up the allegori-
cal aim of "Quest" which, unfortu-
nately, failed to come through as
well as. it might have. Chief weak-
ness seemed to be the abrupt switch
from scenes of action in the Pacific
to the U. S., the hero's burning de-
sire to reach home and the fact that
he never got there.. The idea of the
kid wandering, around San Francis-
co, unable to get a hotel, having no
friends, to talk with, and explain his
problems and question to, lacked
something.

Producer made. full use of sound
effects, music cues, etc.. even going
in for a troubled dream sequence.
Cast likewise played "Quest" for all
that was in it— but that wasn't quite
enough. Ernest Gill and .orch .took
care of musical burden. .

Treasury Sec. Henry Morgenlhau
was piped in at close for sober, to-
the-point explanation of why the
Seventh Bond drive has to be suc-
cessful and reasons why U. S. citi-
zens cannot permit it to be anything
else. Don ii.

"MEN AND MONEY"
(Seventh War Loan Show)
With John Garfield, Agnes Moore-
head. Major Knox Manning, Web-
ley Edwards, Arthur Q. Brvan.
Fred Shields, Jerry Moore, Frank
Graham, Bill Davidson
Director-Producer: LI. Col. Charles

Vanda
Writer: Sgt. Paul Pierce
Music: Wilbur Hatch
Announcer: James Matthews
30 Mln.; Sunday (13), 8:30 p.m.
Sustaining
WABC-CBS, N. Y.

and the tyranny. Men and women
wept, prayed. Then their God of
vengeance led them in battle, their
wrath ''grew, the enemy was defeat-
ed. And they sang Hallelujah, and
praised and thanked their God.'
That's all there was to it.
It took tremendous imagination
and understanding of dramatic writ-
ing, . built with music that, was at
times absolutely majestic, and fault-
less direction of a large cast of top
actors, to bring the Bible to the air
meaningfully, to make of the Biblical
passages a memorable radio, stanza
that was perfectly timed and beau-
tifully molded.

Dr. Black's music was superb
.throughout. His scoring of the Apo-
calypse, Lord's Prayer, and the
chorale, "How Long, Oh Lord. How
Long?" lifted the listener, out of his
seat. His arrangement made ' On-
ward Christian Soldiers" a song of
hope ' and terror— hope for our side,
terror for the enemy.

When the show closed the listener
felt he had lived the thanksgiving.

There were some weaknesses. As
intro to the show, the announcer's
spiel was much too long and much
too pedestrian. A short prayer, quite
in order, was offered by Brig. Gen.
Lulhrr D. Miller, chief of chaplains.
U. S! Army. From that point on the
musico-dramatic presentation was
perfect? When it was over, there was
the wish that Hopkins might have
thought of paying a bit more atten-
tion to the. problems facing the world
now that victory over the Nazis had
been achieved.- The Bible could have,
helped there too.

However, these are afterthoughts.
There wasn't a moment dining the
show itself when the listener had the
slightest desire to wish anv part of
it had been done differently. Any-
body can write a postscript. Nobody
without vast imagination and top
competence could have done this
program. The people who did the
show had what it took, and gave it.

•:• Car?.

"IT HAPPENED IN CHICAGO"
WMh Arnold Robertson, Florence
. Ravenal, Arr Hern, Clare Bauro,

Jonathan Cole
Dlreotor: Larry Kurlie
Writer: John Barnes
IS Mlns.; Frl„ 6:15 p m.
GASSMAN & CO.
WBBM, Chiragq

(Afeicby 4 Peron)

Based on people and events thai
have Rone down in Chicago's history
as having contributed ureal ly to the
city's . growth and personality,- this
scrips gels off lo a fine start with
"Mr. Slreeter Defies Chicago." lnt-
lialer. a dramatization of the shipV
captain whose vessel - was ship-
wrecked on the sandv wastes of Chi-
cago's near north-side in 1886 and
his troubles over the "vear.in laying
claim to land he had created from
Lake Michigan sand, was excellently,
told in a well-written script enacted
by a top-notch cast and narrated in
dramatically fine form by Jonathan
Cole .

Cole will be the regular narrator
of the proRiam with casts changing
as the scripts. demand. Future Chi-
cago stories 'will include tales of
| "The Columbian Exposition." "The
Iroquois Fire." "The Carl Wanderer
Murder Case" and others. Whoever
is .responsible for the series came
up with a good idea and if the first
show is .any criterion Chicaao lis-
teners are in for a weekly early eve-
ning treat. Larry Kurtze keeps the
action and drama moving with a
deft hand, and Fred Beck supplies
appropriate organ background mu-
sic. Unbroken continuity by the
elimination of a middle commercial
adds further lo the dialer's pleasure.
Onlv two brief . commercials, at the
beginning and end of ' the program
are used. , Aforo.

"PAGING MIKE McNALLY"
IWilh Walter Klnsella. Joan Alexan-
] der. Hope Emerson, Alan Bunce,
I others

CBS chose the 'hardest assignment Producer: Roger Bower

of all the nets as its contribution to
the bond drive opening Sunday night
(13) — to dramatize facts, figures and
statistics in a documentary show por-
traying the cost of war in terms of
lives and money. By its very nature,
the program was at times a bit dry
and catalogish. But it had sufficient
dramatic content, and some affecting
highspots, to be generally effective,
to put it down as a success. If not
inspired, it was real workmanlike.

Its message, commendably enough,
was honest, frank and to the point.
•'We bring you no good news on this
program," said narrator John Gar-
field, "just the news that : we'i'e- on
our way." As accountant of the prof-
its and losses of World War II. Gar

Writers: Howard Merlll, Peggy Mayer
30 Mlns.; Mondays, 10 p.m.
Sustaining
WOR, N. Y.

This, new stanza, starring Waller
Kinsclla, which teed off Monday (6 1
won't give "The Life of Riley"' any
stiff competish, which may or may
not have been the purpose.

Opus format is laid in department
store and woven around McNally.
well-meaning Celt who gets himself
embroiled on the wrong end of things
without trying.

Succeeding scripting will have to
do better than the corny setup pro-
jected on its first, wherein McNally
nearly loses his gal through inability
10 snag new dress when a socialite

"WOR'S MAN ON THE STREET"

Emcee-Director: Bob Dixon

15 Mlns.: Mon, Wed., Thurs., Frl.,

S:1S p.m.
Sustaining
WOR. N. Y.

Old vox pop Is back on the air
again. Security regulations having
eased, and censorship, guards lifted
considerably, WOR, lost no time at
all getting back to the street lo in-
terview Joe Q. Citizen about his
ideas of the way to run the, world.
It's a good gimmick and has poten-
tialities as ah example of genuine
democratic expression of citizen
opinion — if conducted sensibly and
with good taste.

WOR started its first "Man on the
Street" program (14) with the re-
quired good taste. It took several
swilcheroos to get the show on the
air. First. Dick Willard. skedded as
show's emcee, and rapporteur! got
himself an infected tooth, which lost
him the assignment and shoved it
into Bob Dixon's lap. : Secondly, the
Idea seemed so good that, the Rus-
sel Seeds Chi agency immediately
got at least one potential sponsor
I lined up. That meant a change of
time, and the show was quickly put
into the 6:15 spot instead of the 1:15
as previously planned. However,
since Standard Brands has the Tues-
day time iii the early evening slot,
with the OPA dramatic stanza. "Sol-
diers With Coupons." that meant a
.four-time-.a-wc.ek stint for "Man on'
Street", instead of cross-the-board.

Having got all these knots un-
tangled. WOR simply set up its mike
at the corner of 40lh street and
Broadway, N. Y., in front of WOR-
MBS h.q.. and Bob Dixon went to
work- Monday evening (14).

Dixon's question was: "What
should be done with Germany and
the German people'.'" Consensus of
answers: Make them rebuild what
they had lorn down. Dixon picked
a sensible cross-section from the
crowd around his mike: there were
a couple of civilian government em-
ployees, a Texas Coast Guardsman,'
a woman defense worker, a Norway-
born American.. He paced his show
nicely, didn't clutter it with too
many opinions of his own. In short,
the first posl-V-E-Day vox pop show
on the air slarted out of the right
side of the .mouth. Cars.

field iqcited the figures in dollars j beats her to it in the bargain base
?P*nt. m casualties mounted, year by me „t. He tries to retrieve the gar-
. ™m- n aV V P n n , ^"T 5 I 1 d0 J' ment but upon finding thai said so-
Sft K"^' 6 *' &«* r dX cialite,is ifn P ex-wrestler a bad ca

said, and there's more to go.. .The
Seventh war loan, he said, vvas "an-
other payment on our new world."
The snow built its dramatic high-
lights in whisking off to Pearl. Har-
bor, to have Webley Edwards there
describe his impressions of lhat day
in 1941, "the day that will live in in-
famy"; in having Major Knox Man-
ning, who was there, describe the
landings at. Salerno, the beachhead
making, the fight to hold it against
counter-attacks, and in having a
woman. (Agnes Moorehead) read a
letter a GI would write to his Mom'
for Mother's Day.

Major Manning's description was
sharp and incisive, with his story
of the brave, blinded corporal of

of timidity sets in.. When he later
finds the dame was to be a prospec-
tive stockholder in store where he's
employed— that's all, brother!

Kinsella and cast were badly hand-
icapped by weak script which miti-
gates against favorable appraisal of
future chances. They did their best
with the material at hand. . Edba.

powerful, sobering effect. Miss
Moorehead read the GI's letter viv-
idly and well,, only its excessive
length; spoiling the effect slightly.
Wilbur Hatch worked his music in
briefly and effectively, and the cast
of 10 did a One job. ■ '

flrort, ■

"OPEN HOt;SE AT THE HEALY'S".
With Captain and Mrs. Tim Healy
Producer-Director: Vernon Radcllffe
30 Mlns.: Mon.-Sat., 1:30 p. m.
Participation
WMCA. N. Y.

, Captain Tim Healy is an old- hand
at the chatter game, and Mrs. Tim
makes a good partner for him in
their new show. Frame is similar to
the type done at breakfast time and
for Sunday brunch by the Fitzger-
alds (WJZ) and Dick Kollmar' and
Dorothy Kilgallen (WOR I. But the
Healys make no pretense at being
sophisticated or smart. They're just
homey folk.

When heard on their preem (14),
Mrs. Healy was inclined to beat her
husband to the mike somewhat too
often, but production on the whole
was smooth.. Subject matter includ-
ed recipes, care of the children lof
which Mr?. Healy has four herself),
good-natured bariler between hus-
band and wife, a plug for war bonds,
a gflest appearance by a naval flier
who told of life in the Aleulians and
Fiji Islands, and a bow by, the -house-
hold pet— a' cocker spaniel.

WMCA had skedded the show
cross-the-board as a sustainer. but
picked up a sponsor. Dime Savings
Bank, right off the bat. Healy
brought the plug into the show neat-
ly, without hitting it too hard.

Cars,

"THE SPARROW AND THE HAWK"
With Donald Boka, Michael Flu.

maurlee, Joseph Julian, Mary

Hunter *
Writer: Carl A. Bum
Producer: Richard Sanvllle
Supervisor: Robert J. Landry
IS Mint.; Mon.-Frl, 5:45 p.m
Sustaining
WABC-CBS, N. Y.

It looks as though CBS has picked
itself a tough job trying to lure'
young America away from the base-
ball diamonds and playing fields
now that spring is here, but in
"Spa mow and the Hawk" they've got
what shapes up as an appealing late
afternoon strip that should pay off
in audience ' response. Opener (14 )
served mainly to set the characters
but. nevertheless, gave evidence of
forthcoming e.x cite men t which
should be right, down juve. aUey as
the series progresses. Most encour-
aging sign was that the program
played believably with no "Super-
man" or "Mandrake" overtones.

"The Sparrow" is Barney Mallory
16-year-old California flying enthu-
siast, played by Donald Buka, and
"Hawk," .is his uncle. Spencer Mal-
lory, and Air Force lieutenant colo-'
nel discharged because of combat
injuries. Michael Fitzmaurice is cast
as the latter. Joseph Julian plays
Tony,, the Hawk'.s pal, and Mary
Hunter is the ex-Army flier's moth-
er. Cast measured up in every re-
spect with minor defect being a lit-
tle too much effusiveness, on Miss
Hunter's part.

. Chief action was at an airport
where young Mallory zoomed in
alone in his plane, endangering 1
Hawk, Tony and Mrs. Mallory. Kid
meets the Hawk, and, not knowing
who he is, makes a few cracks about
his uncle's medals and exploits over-:
seas, all info he's picked up from hia
father, a recent crash victim. Spar-
row moves into the Hawk's home,
where he's wised up as to latter's
real identity and welcomed royally.

First stanza closed on note of sus-
pence with Hawk and Tony sum-
moned to rescue a plane in distress
and the youngster sneaking out later
headed for the airport and his own
crate. Organ up and out, announcer
in and tune in tomorrow to see what
happens. Chances look good 'for this
newcomer. Donn.

"QUEEN FOR TODAY"

With Dud Williamson, Bob Bonce,

guest*
Producer: Bad Ernst
Writer: Dud Williamson
30 Mlns.; Mon.-Frl., 2:30-3 p. ra.
Sustaining .
WOR-Mutual, N. Y.

An audience-participation show for
the ladies, "Queen for .Today" has
the type Of format that has rating pos-
sibilities, and could become one of
the popular afternoon shows.

Stanza deals with interviews of
women in studio audience, who. on
the basis of the answers to personal
queries: are given a chance to be a
"queen" for one day— enjoy the hos-
pitality of the city, visit the belter
niteries, legit shows backsage, meet
topflight film stars in N. Y.. eat at the
best places, stop at the best hotels,
shop at the most exclusive, depart-
ment stores, get beauty treatments at
the most famous Fifth Ave. salons —
all for nothing, if they are chosen by
the 'six judges, who are also picked
from the audience.

It's as simple as that. Dud Wil- .
liamson m.cs in capable fashion and
keeps the program moving right
along for the full 30 minutes it's on
the air. Bud . Ernst, producer, is I he
gent who makes the tieups with the
stores, niteries, et al., at which "her
highness" jjpes. the town. There Is
also an outside ""queen"" chosen by
the spin of a wheel on which the 48
stales are listed. She is named .by a
member of the studio audience Bnd
receives a $100 wristwatch.

Program is heard Mondays through
Fridays. It has strong commercial
possibilities, but its. rating potential
is worth the high price the package
would cost. SI en.

eerie.* of
on a ro-

"UNCLE SAM'S MEN"
30 Mlns.; Sat., 7:30 p.m.
Sustaining
WGY, Schenectady

WGY has launched i
service-produced shows,
tating basis, from Lake Placid Re-
distribution Center^ Rome Army Air
Base, and Sampson Naval Training
Station, under title - "Uncle Sam's
Men." Sub-caption is "Meet the Re-
turnees." GE outlet furnishes time
and. engineers; the bases put on their
own programs, using in many cases
professional talent from the ranks.
Lake Placid and Rome, first two to
make originations, have crack dance
bands', batoned by men who played
with name orchestras. Sampson also
boasts a topflight orchestra and
other talent. That Navy center in
Western part of state has produced a
number of transcribed broadcasts,
turn tabled ' over various stations.
Rome has previously been on WGY
and WRGB (television), sending its
personnel to Schenectady. New
series originates at the bases.
. Lake Placid opener was superior,
from listening viewpoint, lo the first
Rome effort; From swank Lake
Placid Club in the Adirondacks, a
fine orchestra led by Bud Snyder
( who was with the. late Ben Bernie)
entertained, with two vocalists. Men
(Continued on page 38)

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

25

WAR BABIES' SEEK RADIO CHANCE

State Dept Checks Ail Gabbers But
No Knuckles Rapped at Frisco Yet

. By JACK UELLMAN

San Francisco, May 15.

Radio will get a clean bill of health
from the State Dept. on "protocol
behavior" if the second halt of the
United Nations Conference on Inter-
national Organization produces no
overt acts of diplomatic transgres-
sion So far the stater's haven't had
to call anv of the commentators on
the carpet but there have been some
narrow squeaks.

Two or three of the boys (it isn t
hard to pick them) has gone off
the reservation but not far enough
to call for knuckle-rapping. They've
been watched with hawk-like vigi-
lance and their scripts flne-combed
for hidden meanings but aside from
arched eyebrows and furrowed
brows there's been no real criticism
of the craft. The cutaway boys know
as well as the radlorators that the
expected pyrotechnics failed to de-
velop more than an occasional fizzle
and that meant digging and digging
deep. The few problem children
among the commentary crew tried
to keep their copy live and suc-
ceeded, after a fashion, and it was
along these lines that monitors were
posted. . ." .

Each commentator's broadcast was
put on paper and subjected to mi-
nute scrutiny but the policing didn't
disclose any cause for real alarm or
a suspension of credentials. Under-
stood there were a few gripes at
what some of the lads microphoned
but they never tame to official light.
The nets were careful* in making
their position clear on the reporting
of UNCIO and caution was advised
at all times so as not to bring the
chain or the industry under criti-
cism for sensationalizing the news.

Only a few of the name commen-
tators are still around, it being gen-
erally agreed that now that the dele-
gates are down to paper work to lay
the foundation for world security
there will be little grist for their
mills and the regular newscasters
can handle the trickle of news and
handouts. Now that they have the
picture in their minds they can
draw their own' conclusions from
what pours out of .the printers just
• (.Continued on page 36 >

Fast Furlough

If a serviceman is AWOL in
N. Y. he is hereby advised to
stay away from WNEW's "Fel-
low on a Furlough" Sunday pror
gram because the N. Y. outlet is
well lislened-to by Army brass
hals.

Not long ago, one of the soldier,
guests on the show was awarded
two tickets to a Broadway play.
After, stanza went oft air Fort
Monmouth, N. J., Army officer
called and wanted to know num-
bers of house seats soldier was
given. He was absent -without
leave, but not for long.

WCAU Aqua Pnra Crusade
Has PhiUy Press, Public,
Industry All Het Up

Philadelphia, May 15- *
WCAU's crusade for better drink-
ing water for Philadelphia— first time
any local station has taken a flier
into this controversial subject— is
stirring up plenty of irtterest on part
of newspapers, public and industry
here.

Radio speech two weeks ago by
I. D. Levy, station . v .p., brought of-
fers of assistance from listeners.
Members of engineering and chemi-
cal firms have offered help in mak-
ing analysis of water for presentation
to people of -.'hilly.

In his speech, Levy gave an ulti-
matum to the Mayor's newly ap-
pointed Water Commission, slating
that unless, the group did something
definite' .within a "reasonable time"
the station would bring the problem
to Philadelpnians by sending a
''caravan'' around the city with huge
bottles made of magnifying glass
showing the impurities in the drink-
ing water.

Nexl week a series of posters will
be put otit showing the amount of
silt, dirt, rust, etc., accumulated in
one week's drinking water supply of
a family, of six.

Levy also plans to enlist aid of
show biz to put on entertainment on
"water caravan" to attract crowds.

This is the first time a radio station
here has taken an "editorial" stand
on a controversial subject. Up to
now only opinions expressed have
been by individual commentators.
Stations — as such — have steered clear
in taking sides. The water problen
has been a political hot potato with
anli-administration newspapers at-
tacking the water, and Republican
sheets defending it

Blue Labor Memo
Followiip to CBS?

On the heels of recent circulation
among CBS employees of a handout
protesting current wage scales for
office workers and others, Mark
Woods, prexy. of the Blue networK,
last week (11) distributed a memo
to all web payrollers announcing
that Joseph McDonald, Blue's gen-
eral attorney, henceforth will handle
all labor negotiations at the network
with the assistance of Charles C.
"Bud" Barry, national director of
program operations. :

As far as is known there have
been no inner rumblings in the Blue
organization to prompt such a memo
and much wonderment- was ex-
pressed by employees as to why
•Woods, at this time, saw fit to. put
forth such instructions. Employees
were directed to refer all problems
of any kind relating to union mat-
ters to either McDonald or Barry.

Blue payrollers were warned to
make no arrangements or commit-
ments, on behalf of the company,
with unions ot union reps or any
other employees without an okay
from McDonald or Barry. .

Issuance of Woods' memo is taken
as an indication that efforts have
been, or are being, made to line up
web workers for collective bargain
ing 'purposes. ' However, such moves
are being kept under cover and, to
date, no open announcement of such
a campaign has been made, as was
I he case at CBS.

JOBS AVAILABLE

An announcement by one N. Y.
station manager last .week that he's
in the, market for three or four good
radio engineers cued a situash which
shows that the radio industry will
soon have to find room, . somehow,
for much new engineering talent
.developed by the war.

The announcement came from
Morris Novick, manager of WNYC,
New York City owned outfit. Novik
said he's looking for the people he
heeds among service returnees.

Engineers who are available to the
industry now, and will be available
in ever-increasing numbers as de-
mobilization speeds up, come from
three categories.

Some are former radio engineers
who left their jobs to go to war.
These, it is taken for granted, will
get their jobs back, throwing onto
the employment market other men
(and some women) who had filled
their old places.

Second category is made up of
those people who worked for coffee-
pots and one-lungers before the war,
but have grown in experience and
stature during the war, There are
dozens, perhaps scores, of such peo-
ple. One former engineering hand
for a small station in the prairies is
how chief engineer for one of the
most important Allied radio outlets
in Europe. . There are many others.
These guys will never return to
their old jobs, and can't be blamed
for having raised their sights.

Third category includes many peo-
ple who didn't know the difference
between a megacycle and a mega-
phone before the war. But they;
have worked for the armed services,
for OWI, for CIAA, and other war
agencies. Some of them— former
newspaper writers, professors, and
plumbers — have learned about radio
and think it's here to last awhile!
They intend to stick with it.

The War's Still On

The following is a copy of a" let-
ter . sent by Howard L. ChernoIT,
managing director of the West Vir
ginia network to the group at CBS
who circularized all employees at
the web's N. Y. hdqs. to join a "salary
raise committee":

Dear- Folks:

The May 9 issue ot "Variety"
states that while you love the Co
lumbia Network you are not satis
lied with your salaries and are
seeking increases. Although the
West Virginia Network would not
attempt to undermine Columbia, yet
I should like to direct your attention
to the fact that we have several
vacancies in our organization and
that only last week we employed a
WABC " : transmitter engineer who is
leaving New York to come to West
Virginia,' because he' claims our
salary scale is higher.

If you are unsuccessful in your
attempt 'to secure increases you
might communicate .wilh me and
you might also tell John Kniol that
we have a position open for a good
sales manager.

Hotoard h. CHemoff.

Chas. Althoff's Radio Jobs

Charles Althoff, old-time Panlages
vaudeville circuit hcadliner, is ap
pcaring currently wilh the NBC : sus
ta'ining show, "Finder's Keeders,'
doing a comedy routine as Grandpa
Fid. "He works with Happy Fcllon
the. former orchestra leader.

Althoff was also on CBS' "Time
to Remember" last week with Millon
Bacon.

Maj. G. F. Eliot, Win. L Shirer, Others
Map Radio-Press Foreign Legion'

Family Parly

Evidence of the. network mo-
guls' enthusiasm over the Nor-
man Corwin hour-long V-E show,
over which . they're still doing
handsprings, was the unprece-
dented move last Thursday when
all the CBS employees at N. Y.
hdqs. were given an opportunity
to • hear the show (.while at
work).

Transcription of the Corwin
program went out over the CBS
audio at 485 Madison -avenue
with all the employees invited
to "relax for an hour."

Hooper Explains
Rating Jitters

New York, Mafl 11.
Editor, "Variety":

What timing! "Variety" scores
again! "How to Go Nuts with a
Hooper" hit Hooper's when net-
works, press associations, radio and
advertising 'press were hanging on
the telephone learning that Truman
had rung up an all-time daytime
high with his proclamation broad-
cast, learning that radio listeners
had experienced their third consecu-
tive day of the most sustained and
attentive listenership in radio's his-
tory and when you could smell
scorched" insulation all over our
office from our Western Union WUX
station which had been playing out
interviewer records for 108 hours
without a break in its cadence.

But after, the last V-E percentage
had been checked, the last network
researcher, trade paper reporter and
government bureau head had gasped
at the size of the biggest radio audi-
ence Vhich will assemple before V-J
Day, somebody said, "Hey, what was
that crack in Variety?" Then wc
really read it.

As your article points out, it is the
programs which lead in audience
size which take the roughest bump-
ing around during periods of cli
rhactic changes in radio audience be
havior. At such a time Joan Davis
must -understand that a six-point
drop has nothing to do with her fu
ture as a radio entertainer, and Jack
Benny must write off the three-point
spurt just like he . treated the drop
a couple of weeks ago. Both person
alities are such big parts, of radio
and radio is so prominent iii people's
lives that they must be completely
unconcerned with the superficial os-
cillations of the seismograph. Ac-
tually what has happened to radio
lately is nothing short df earth-shak-
ing. '

So. you've got to wait for 1 your
answer with confidence that it will
turn up if enough "statistics arc'
stirred with slip-sticks' because radio
,is so closely tied to people's lives
I (Continued on page 34)

35G Corwin Show
Grabs Tributes

, It's estimated that it cost . CBS in
the neighborhood of $35,000 to put on
the Norman Corwin "On a Note of
Triumph" V-E Day program, plus the
Sunday night (13) repeat broadcast,
but in terms of prestige the inner-
sanctum boys at the web have sub-
sequently reaped multiple dividends.
That $35,000 tab takes in the costs for
actors, singers and music, rehearsals,
Corwin's salary over the peVlod of
preparation, the refund involved in
the Tuesday night cancellations of
commercial shows, cancelling out the
commercial repeat- at 11 Sunday
night to clear time for the Corwin
reprise, plus the usual "hidden"
costs. ■ ~

Considered unusual have been the
tributes pouring into CBS from no-
tables in all walks of life following,
both the V-E Day performance and
the Sunday repeat. Paul Porter,
chairman of the Federal Communi-
cations Commission, hailed it as- a
"grand symphony of triumph and
challenge . . . a great moment in'
broadcasting. Nowhere has the story
of today been - told with such bold
and sensitive artistry."

CBS hdqs. was tipped yest. (TUcs.)
that Sunday night's repeat broadcast
brought vin 1,600 telephone calls to
KNX on the Coaut, where the show
originated. That's an all-time .high
switchboard deluge.

Corwln'i V-E Recording?

Decca p'rez Jack Kapp is mulling
how he can record Norman Corwin's
"On a Note of Triumph" in tabloid
form. The full-hour V-E program,
obviously, would be too heavy for a
normal album, Decca, too, is faced
with other production demands but
the public interest, as manifested in
letters to the company, soon after
•last Tuesday's broadcast via CBS
has. given him food for thought.

. Decca's "'Lonesome Train" by Earl
Robinson and Millard Lampell was
recorded under Corwin's direction

Formation of a War Correspond-
ents' Assn. is currently being mulled
by a group Of veteran radio corre-
spondents. Idea would be to. embrace
in its membership not only men from
radio but press correspondents as.
well, although as tentatively pro-
posed it would have a nucleus mem-
bership of originals who were issued
war coverage credentials in the fall
of 1939.

Veteran correspondents who start-
ed covering the war long before the .
United States got into it arc behind
the move for the formation of such
an association, it being pointed out
that no such organization up to now .
exists. Motive is not aimed at foster-
ing or developing social contacts as
such, but many benefits are seen ac- .
cruing to the correspondents in fur-
thering their welfare as the result of
such a move. War correspondents,
it's pointed out. tfren't eligible for
American Legion membership, even
though the .casualty percentage has
been higher than in the armed forces.

Idea has been under discussion
during the past week by a group of
veteran radio, war* correspondents
currently assigned to the San Fran-
cisco Conference, among them . Maj. .
George Fielding Eliot. Eric Sevareid,
Bill Henry and William. L. Shirer.
Meanwhile, . vet battlefront corre-
spondents now in Washington and
N. Y. are being approached with the
idea.

Tenney Tied Kper
In Raymer Exit?

Chicago, May 15.

Dick Kopf has succeeded Walter
Tenney, resigned, as manager of the
local Paul H. Raymer office, post he
has held for the past year and a
half. Tenney has returned tempo-
rarily to his ranch at G rover, Colo„
for a rest before announcing new
affiliation. With the change, Gar
Packard has been transferred from
the N. Y. office as assistant in the
Chi area'.

It's pretty generally understood
in the trade here that Raymer might
be facing a general exodus of his
key execs due to his flat refusal to
up salaries. Raymer in the past has
admitted that various of his men
were .worth considerably more than
he was paying them, bnt when
pinned down by these men turned
thumbs down on the request-. .Ten-
ney handed in his resignation fol-
lowing Raymer's refusal to make a
satisfactory financial adjustment-
Same held true with Alan Schroc-
der. who left to join the local WOR
office several weeks ago.

American Tobacco Has
Mark Warnow Exclusive

Mark Warnow. CBS musical di-
rector at WABC, N. Y., is giving up
all of his conducting activities ex-
cept ilie Lucky Strike "Hit Parade."
He has signed a flve^car contract
with George Washington Hill, presi-
dent of American Tobacco, sponsor
ot "Parade!" calling for his -exclu-
sive services. This agreement will
apply, of course, to any other shows
Hill might sponsor in addition to the
Saturday sOng show.

Warhow's ■ agreement with Hill
'a|lows him a four-week vacation
each: year. In the event Hill decides
(o cancel the agreement. Warnow
must receive 26 weeks' notice.

AFRA, CHI'S CLASS B
STATIONS, SIGN PACT

Chicago, May 15.

Final accord between AFRA and
managements of seven class "B"
stations was reached last week and
new contract is being drawn up to
continue 'in effect until Oct., 1946.
New pact, retroactive from April 1,
1945. gives , announcer, singers and •
actors an additional 5% increase on
their basic pay over a 10% increase
granted a month ago by the War
Labor Board, and 5°,l being subject
lo WLB approval.

Basic pay for announcers will now
amount to $63.60 for a 40-hour, fiye-
day week. Stations involved are
WIND, WJJD. WAIT. WAA-F,
WCES, WSBC and WCFL.

DINAH SHOEE'S DAS DIES

. Death of tJinan t> Shore, , s / / father'
Sunday (13)' hi Nashville ;may result
jn Frances Langford taking over Jier
General Foods NBC show tomorrow
(Thurs.) night. ;

It all depends on wKfetheis. Miss
Shore gets back to the Coast in
time.

'This Is W0(F)V

/Those WOV (N. Y.) switchboard
gals have reason to wish it were all
over hi Japan. It wasn't so bad
greeting callers with "WOV. for Vic-
to/y,'" but that post-V-E Station ul-
timatum to switch over to £W0V for
Victory after Japan" was beginning
to get in their collective hair.

Gals were going ,nuts until man-
agement relented and compromised
with present tag: "WOV lor Final
Victory."

26

TKUEYISION-RADIO

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

Television 'Matinee Idol' Requisite
New Routine for Blue Announcers

With the Blue network using tal-t
«nt and format of several of its radio
shows in its television operations,
program and production execs at the
web currently are casting their
«hows with both eyes and. ears open,
entertainers being required to have
toth video and voice qualities.

Tceoff of this new "looking to the
looks" policy at the network is the
deal made between Ray Diaz, su-
pervisor of Blue announcers, and
video chief Paul Mowrey, whereby
tiny announcers hired by the net-
work, or even sent to affiliates for
grooming before being brought up,
must get the approval of the latter
ns to their photogenic qualities, as
well as the okay from Diaz, diction-
wise.

Other departments are expeclcd lo
follow, and it is expected to reach
the point where actors and actresses
with stage and film experience will
get the nod from program person-
nel hirers before long. Also thesps
-with dramatic school background
will have that much more of a check
on the right side of the ledger when
auditioning for jobs a*t the Blue.

Cincinnati.— "The. Food Magician,"
Osborne Putnam Stearns, has been
added to the staff of WCKY. His 15-
minute culinary travelog will' be
'.heard five days a week.

SMPE Opens 57th Meet
In H'wood; Eyes Tele

Hollywood, May 15.
Technical end of film-making gets
a heavy play this week at the 57th
semi-annual convention of the So-
ciety of Motion Picture Engineers.
Not only pictures but television will
be discussed in the five-day session.

Committees for the conference arc
headed by H. W. Moyse, C. R. Daily,
Barton '• K.reuger. ' E. O. Blackburn,
Julius Ilaber, William C. Kunzinann,
Emery Huse, L. L. Ryder, C. W.
Handley, R. II. McCullough and
H. W. Rcmerscheid.

Chapman's Tele Series

John Chapman, N. Y. Daily News
drama critic, will begin a 15-minute
tele show over WABD, N. Y., Sun-
day (20), at 8:40 p.m. titled "Broad-
way at 8:40." Program will include
comment on current drama scene,
as well as' interviews with, current
stage favorites. It's for 52 weeks.

■Guests on opening program will be
Hilda Simnrs and Frederick O'Neal,
leading actors in "Anna Lucasta,"
and John Wildberg, producer.

Steno Steps Up

Probably the most excited
stenographer in radio last week
was Joanne Meyer, of the CBS
program writing division in New
York. Not only was a script she
wrote, "Look to the Eust," ac-
cepted for V-E Day production
by Douglas Coulter and directed
by Earlo McGill, CBS dean, but
\iiss . Mrjer's boss, Robert J.
Landry,, agreed to promote her
later this '.summer to the status
of an apprentice writer.

P.S.— Yes, she had recordings
made of her show.

ValleeV 10% Pay Hike
In New 44-Week Deal

Chicago, May 15.

Riidv Vallce has been re-signed by
Procter «t Gamble to continue selling
Drene shampoo over the National
and Canadian Broadcasting net-
works for another 44 weeks begin-
ning Aug. 30. Contract, which went
through Kastor agency here, is said
to call for an approximate 10% sal-
ary, increase for Vallce. Summer
hiatus will be taken by the show
from June 28 to Aug. 30, with no re-
placement.

Vailee returned to the air on S^pt.
9, 1944, after being discharged from
the Coast Guard. Show's format will
remain the same. Only decision to be
made is who is to play role formerly
done by Monte Wool ley and current-
ly, by Adolphe Menjou.

20th-Fox Taking Over
Tele Station in Boston

Boston, May 15,
Boston Will be . one of the three
cities having new television stations
on the air by late summer, Paul L.
Chamberlain. General Electric sales
executive, told the Advertising rlub
at a luncheon here. Other new sta-
tions will begin operation at Ja-
maica, I-. 1:. and Indianapolis.

Twentieth Century-Fox movie
company will operate the new local
station, he said, explaining that the
company has taken over and is re-
modeling what was formerly experi-
mental station WIXG. of the General
Television Corp. at 70 Brookline ave.

Chamberlain also revealed that
Filcne's, local department store, has
requested u television license from
the FCC.

Sponsor Mulls Sergio

Chatter Cross-Board

Impressed with the audience pull
of Lisa Sergio on her Monday morn-
ing Blue network stanza, her spon-
sor. Botany Worsted, is planning
bankrolling the feinme commcntato."
cross-the-board,.

Expanded program will probably
wait until WPB gives its okay on
release of textiles. Meanwhile Miss
Sergio also: continues with her
WQXR <N:Y.1 program. Her Blue
"One Woman's Opinion" session has
a current Hooperating of 4.2.

THE ^2
"TELEVISION OFFERS

SAY:

PERFECT SALES PROPINQUITY"

You will agree with these diminutive stars*:
Television offers advertisers an ideal sales
opportunity— an invitation to demonstrate the
merits of their products or services right within
the intimate home circle. The keen interest of
today's Television looker-listeners convinces us
that DuMont Television "air time*' will prove
the most potent mass marketing tool in your
sales kit. You can prepare now to use it. .

''Appearing Sunday evening: on the Blue Networf-

AllEN ». DuMONT LABORATORIES, INC.; GENERAL
OFFICES AND PLANT,' 2 MAIN AVENUE; PASSAIC,
N. J. TELEVISION STUDIOS AND STATION WA1D,
51S MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK 22, NEW YORK

DuMont's pioneering Television Station
WABD has shared its facilities with pros-
pective peacetime clients for the past two years
, . . cooperated in testing their ideas for. com-
mercial shows . . . helped them weigh the poten-
tialities of this magnificent new medium! You,,
too, are welcome. Why not get acquainted by
visiting Station WABD? Write our Guest.
Relations Department for" appointment,

' Copyright 1945, Allen B. BuMonl lobofotoiies, Ine."^

TELEVISION

STAT

WAS

Larson, SMPE, Optimistic
On FCC's Final Decish
For Theatre-Television

While the actual showdown be-
tween radio and film interests on
proper television allocations is not
imminent, the Society of Motion Pic-
ture Engineers apparently has been
given sufficient encouragement by
the FCC to believe that film theatres
will not be cold-shouldered too dras-
tically on sight-sound broadcasting.
Paul Larson, SMPE rep of the rtadio
Technical Planning Board, who made
the plea for theatre allocation in ihe
higher frequencies, appears to have
been given enough assurances to reel
that theatre interests will not be
made an orphan by the FCC when
television actually arrives.

Theatre officials are convinced that
television for film houses would be
badly handicapped' unless separate
allocation Is granted in these higher
frequencies. Without this it's a felt
that wide-screen tele in the theatre,
would be sadly handicapped.

Arthur Levey, prcxy of Scophonv
Corp. of America, one of the few
companies to actually test wide-,
.screen television in the theatre in a
practical manner, wholeheartedly
approves the SMPE attitude, lie
explained this week that he was
hopeful that the FCC would give the
SMPE plea serious consideration
when the proper time comes. His
Scophony Corp. holds basic patents
on this wide-screen tele.

It's known in the trade that many
picture company officials are feartul
of the effect of television on theatre
business although not apparently, ex-
tremely anxious to launch ti'lc in
their houses, at least for the lime
being. Also the rash to gel suffi-
cient number of sets to handle tele-
vision in film theatres apparently
was shaping up in the picture indus-
try. Just what film companies will'
get Ars't crack at suitable sets for
theatre use; and how'lonx it will be
before competing theatres will be
able to get them is another <|iiex(i<ui
up in the trade.

LT. COL JOHN HAYES
RECEIVES BRONZE STAR

Lt. Col. John S. Hayes. .American
director of Troop Broadcast inn Serv-
ice, SHEAF, has been awarded the
Bronze Star for his services, mark-
ing the first time a radio figure lias
been so honored for his work in ra-
dio in the European theatre nf op-
erations.

Col. Hayes, former Mutual ex-
ecutive, has been head of .American
Forces Network since before D-Day,
servicing GIs in England and on
continent with entertainment and
news.

No WBYN Turf Marathon,
Late Summaries on Indies

Resumption of racing at horse
trucks in Rhode Island and Illinois
last Saturday (12) apparently caught
K. Y. radio .by surprise inasmuch
as, to date; no station 'w latched .
onto the Armstrong service for the
customary weekday afternoon mara-
thon program of results, prices,
scratches, jockey changes and other
info' that looms so important lo "im-
provers of the breed."

Before the ban, this turf panorama
was aired by WBYN. Brooklyn, in-
terspersed with spot announcements
and other sports data, but the sta-
tion will not resume this year. Un-
derstood conditions surrounding the
imminent sale of the outlet to the
Newark News have something to <lo
with the decision. Also reported
that Washington circles, presumably
the FCC, thought it. unwise for
WBYN to. contract Tni- the "pool
room" service at this time.

Station, instead, is broadcasting
live-minute result summaries each
hour during the afternoon with a
complete recap . from all tracks at
5:45 p.m.

Nathan Straus' WMCA also car-
ries a turf report, skeddjug a J. 5-
minute results and odds stanza by
its sports expert. Sieve Ellis, at 6:'M
p.m. Adams Hats is bankrolling ami
the program teed off .Saturday 1 12>
the day the tracks opened. Other.
N. Y. indies also are spotting race
results but only on a final summary
basis late in the day.

Undecided yet whether the Arm-
strong feature will get a metropoli-
tan station to air its full- ''report al-
though negotiations biive 1>«V»
started with several.

Wednesday,: May 16, 1945

RADIO

21

Inside Stuff-Radio

Despite a technical pout between Warner Bros, and the Blue network,
which dates back to the film company's frown on Jimmy Fidler, Paul White-
man of the network Is doing an all-out plug for WB's forthcoming "Rhap-
sody in Blue." This is the George Gershwin film biog and yesterday
(Tues.) at the Hotel Astor, N. Y„ the Blue network's maestro, Whlteman,
hosted music men as a prelude to a national salute to the memory of Gersh-
win. This ties in with the film's preem at the Hollywood, N.Y., June 29.
A special screening of the pic followed the lunch. Whiteman's committee
includes Walter Damrosch, Richard Rodgers, Irving Caesar, Leonard Bern-
stein, Alexander Smallens, Jane Froman, Hazel Scott, James Melton, Frank
Munn, Gladys Swarthout arid pop bandleaders Henry Busse, Charlie
Spivak, Benny Goodman, Ruby Newman, Paul Baron, Paul Laval, Morton
Gould, et al.

Bennett Cert lashes out against radio humor in the last (12) issue of
Saturday Review of Literature,' sideswiping radio execs, sponsors and bbwd-.
lerizers in passing. Gripe originates from his comment on Jack Gaver's
."Liuighter in the . Air." Cerf . finds most of radio's humor stale, built
around stock situations like insulting the star, and lacking fire even at best
except when delivered by some stars. - What radio today "desperately"
needs, he says, is new writers, sponsors, advertisers and execs who are
not afraid of ratings that kill ingenuity and send all concerned back to
tired routines. Cited by Cerf as good examples in their fields are Norman
Corwin. Arch Oboler, Walter Winchell, William Shirev and Cecil Brown.

Writers' War Board, in its April appraisal of radio shows dealing with
subjects related to the war (maximum load is five bombs) tosses out four
bombs to Lyman Bryson as moderator of the CBS "People's Platform"
Show for /'combining a fine sense of public responsibility and fairness
with a knack for bringing enlightenment out of the discussions."

Board chalks up four duds to the Abbott & Costcllp program pointing
out "recent use of a slanderous comedy stereotype on this variety pro-
gram, sponsored by Camel cigarets, spread anti-Semitic bigotry."

Maybe WRDW, Augusta (Ga.) CBS outlet, dislikes Arthur Godfrey.
But. whatever the reason, station took space recently (6) in Augusta Chron-
icle to announce: "We feel obligated to inform the listening public that
we do not accept the responsibility for what goes on during the Arthur
Godfrey show...". . The musical portion of the program makes for good
listening. . . . It's just too* bad the Godfrey has to clutter it up." But since
notice takes pains to mention twice exact hour of Godfrey's cross-the-
board stanza (9:15-9:45 a.m.), maybe' it's a gag.

WHN, N. Y., which is putting the Brooklyn ' Dodgers' games on the air,
is advertising that fact on 175,000 shirtbands furnished to Chinese laun-
dries, 800 Fifth Ave. buses and 70,000 pieces of mail a month sent by the
station's office, as well as by the offices of two film distribs. Promotional
gimmicks were worked out by Bob Anthony.

Heat(ter) Wave

Gabriel Heatter copped . a
Hooperating of 21.7 the night of
May-1.

Just what the reason for the
score is anybody's guess. But
Mutual says it's the second high-
est rating by a regularly skedded
commentator chalked up since
Pearl Harbor. Highest is still
Walter Winchell.

Wrigley Mulls Switching
One CBS War Show To
Discharged Vet Theme

Chicago, May 15.

P. K. Wrigley is currently mull-
ing the idea of changing one of his
three CBS network shows from a
straight war theme to one of re-
habilitation of returning vets. Gum
tycoon sent Less Weinrott, his ace
producer, to Washington last week
to gather all possible material on the
subject. Wrigley's idea is that with
millions of men due to be discharged
in the coming months it would prob-
ably be one of the most timely pro-
grams on the air today...

Trial program is being set up by
Weinrott, based on this idea with
possibility that it will hit the air
wthin 30 days. Reaction to the ini-
tial show will decide whether or -not
it will become a series. In the mean-
time Wrigley is studying the possi-
bility of bringing back "Scattergobd
Baines."

With all Wrigley's war theme
shows due to be replaced shortly
after V-J Day— literally, every agent,
writer, and producer of a. package
show, including experts, novices, and
what-have-you, are currently hound-
ing Wrigley's doorstep in hope that
he'll give their stuff a look-see.

Frisco, Mississippi Tuners Tell
Sponsors Bad Plugs Mean Bad Will

San Francisco, May 9.
Editor, "Variety":

I was very interested in. your ar-
ticles ancnt commercial and non-
commercial radio programs.

However, I do not think the three-
day mourning period was a very
good standard for judging this ques-
tion, due to the limited type of pro-
gram permitted on this'tragic occa-
sion. Naturally, a steady diet of
just one type of sad, reverent pro-
gram ' begins to pall in a relatively
short time, no matter what the rea-
son therefor, and whether sponsored
or unsponsored. '■.

To me the big. question is the type
of radio commercials.

I think the average fair-minded
radio fan who enjoys entertaining
programs, will admit that we must
have commercial interludes in each
program in order to receive the ben-
efit of expensive talent.

But, deliver us from those ever-
increasing, moronic singing commer-
cials that breach the gab between
each program, on the big nets, as
well as on the little, struggling local
stations; and

Deliver us also from commercials
that are in bad taste and definitely
objectional— for instance, I will
listen to NO Colgate - "bad-breath",
radio shows, no matter WHO is the
star of such shows. Why doesn't Col-
gate get wise to the Bad will it is
storing up for itself?

Another pet peeve of mine is the
unnecessary length and frequency of
commercials in otherwise good "pro-
grams. For instance, I never tune
in Jack Benny until about two min-

utes have elapsed so as to miss some
of that extra' . "yata-yata-yata."
Lucky Strike is. also storing up bad
will for itself with the ridiculous
number and /variety of commercials
in one program. They used to have
the mumbling, tiresome tobacco auc-
tioneers; then LSMFT was added;
then the ' historical tie-in in the
middle of the program; plus the "so
round, so firm, so fully packed"; of
the staff announcer; plus several in-
terpolations by Don Wilson. Now, I
ask you, with fell this advertising on
one program, plus the . annoying
"shrewishness" of Mary Livingstone,
isn't it a wonder that Jack Benny,
one of the best himself, has any lis-
teners at all?

But getting back to the worst
feature of all, those sickening, sing-
ing commercials— can't 'Variety' do .
its good deed to suffering humanity
by serving as a sort of clearing
house on this question', so that the
powers that be in radio will realize
just what they are doing to the pub-
lic, and in reverse, to radio in gen-
eral, by the continued use of this
cheap type of advertising. Let sta-
tion announcers' just read simpl«, and
varied, sensible statements of adver-
tising matter, instead of those ridicu-
lous, transcribed singing blasts.

Auita E. Isaacs.

Here's Another

Jackson, Miss., May 4.
Editor, "Variety": '

I hear that Jack Benny can't
understand why people are not lis-
tening to his program these days.

Does the possibility exist that
there are no small numbers of po-
(Continued on page 38)

A Horrible
way to
sell a

From the gifted mind of WOR writer -producer -director Jock
MacGregor have come such chiller-dillcrs as "Nick Carter," "The
Mysterious Traveler" and a string of other blood-curdling WOR
audience-builders.

Horror, the strange and weird ; adventure that leaves WOR listeners
relaxed and enjoyably receptive, are Jock's specialties. But so, too,
is his rock-sound ability for. hammering into every one of these
WOR shows the simple but effective gimmicks that make people
say "Gimme."

Long aware of this action-arousing combination was the Buchanan
Company, alert advertising agents for Adam Hats.. Said they:

"Up to now, Adam Hats has done only sports broadcasting. But if
you can cook up something-that has the MacGregor touch . . . well . . .**

THE RESULT: "THE STRANGE DR. WEIRD," a once-a-week,
fifteen-minute combination of slick radio drama by WOR's Jock
MacGregor and powerful commercial writing by the Buchanan
Company. Launched only late last Fall, it was an immediate hit,
and has reached an average of'225,400 radio homes per broadcast
ever since.

Says William A. Pludb, vice-president of Adam Hat Stores; Inc.:

"For many years, the Adam Hat Company has been interested in
radio as an advertising medium, but we had not been able to find
a completely satisfactory program. 1 know you will like to know
that WOR's "the St range Dr. Weird" has proven to be an effective,
ivell-broadcast series that does a fine selling job for us."

"The Strange Dr. Weird" is aftother example of WOR's carefully
clocked programming. WOR deliberately plans to create moods
that, in turn, send listeners trotting off merrily to pay cash for
things on dealers' shelves.

If you would like to take advantage of the advice of skilled show-
men, who are also skilled salesmen, it would not be A bad idea
. to do what the Buchanan Company did ; i.e., pick up your phone and
dial PEnnsylvania 641600, or write ...

.at 1440 Broadway, in New York

I W H E R E SHOWMANSHIP S E L L S

2S

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

Solelit

Binq Crosby.

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Kenny Bolter...

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Nelson Eddy '■; "'

Grade Fields... M i

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Simms lead
f ive of the i

NKW VOHK. NJ
boxoffice, n»0V«f
the air-sWUvolt
eis ht moiilhs- Oft
, f „r C.roaner « *

",.k in -l-h« Bi!Jk
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if he started, '

with the first

projecting W I

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as biff *" aU< '

sines. 11^.'
scH-taKeC|f

the rest. 1/

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SIGNING OFF FOR THE SEASON JU

We.lue&daj, May 16, 1945

29

(1 Shore big-
Sinatra in W.
,ir voices

the ^ ^tl i dW,

»B*0**\ 'Ur and "

seventh , " s *„- t»

really «« tth, ^ ,H p 11 i, s , ho»-
toer-b-t ^ t that

ever, r ^"> ,M,S

the IM»'» 0nc .la?

en. wake »»

they ^ ««t«« d e S „ M e

soMi «he^w« « HI land

re»l »'* dr 'V^ tr..e inde*
ln ,hei»d«M'> M? , TlM ,

Killl.""'' 1 »»""'

^nL-ted h* »• £ » dmitted thaVthe P*
gram itseii « ^ fl 2 ... BOO , ti even

. . ■ . . • ... KuliltlC

,_That P«»se oC theirs
1 tabs the -»« of n«»t rf

' U there leading the

.«r >ifht-monlh ,,oop
art eign Qver

-* ^ t oo! -der and

:<didlhe t-n; ^t carried

mke. The * .
Utorthepen«dtro.n ^

did some ot the » .

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lt point »r ,lC ; l ; uvers jU st
, Many voice ^*£ songh «
lcet o his disks and to th

Ui^D^ ^ of corn , is

*tlb^

Wilh a d that double rat.ng. *«* ^ frank
NB C helped that ^ to ne. °

j the audience " ... Given tne
f Max-" Ho«s« show « next se ason
and M«en *ho>v ahead O h points
BU,US VnthatPinHhR^^ 16 " 1
-.should mean «J b B
in nest years u d a bit this be - ng

w as sold nowii Gen eral Fooas » av eraee

landC h ■> Jus time. She t.«d JWJ aS far as
and an »••> *J« ( „ e in the Sm'th sUrt , n

the "Fitcn houV .

h er second hail w .

\|t this -^ aUn Jr«f '44 »nd^en -th ^ ^
July. AugUS l ie „ee to draw on she rat t

s on ^dd>s i despite tne e because of

ne averaged »«• ets nis a«d.e«ce |n „
petition. JW*^, consistently

Eddy w.th .'VJ^owonbothsJ" ^ gathers
better than the sn r vo.ce ^n nis

Charles Thomas ^ better audienc fc

him his ^ n »; d a nd better ^^^seldom a se*

around t^ n 0,C th e maior.pul^ tabbed^«»

bUt u th the r oicl a-y «7 S'U?*^.** 1 ^
Ta4 ! e h\he Hypers droop^fo

• .i«<l /r»»n ■ ^^^sssssiraiiffi^^

. |l,.|»rin«« >rt ''__ 5 - s - i ^^

us. »" — . »

t Hold Sinatra

WARDE'S RAWGH *00M

tiop 15 * • • •

SPONSOR:

Maker* ol

JOSEPH STEIN ^ ■ ,

^ 5— RETURNING SEPTEMBER 12

so

RADIO

Wednesday, May 16, 191;

t*+* ************************ *********************

From the Production Centres

********************************** * ** »++++^

l<\ HEW YORK CITY ...

,G,agging comment around town thai Robson-Shayon-Teltord-Leader
junket to Europe just in time lor t lie V-E international cocktail parties. . . .
Jim ( Sauter of Air Features looking for an editor for daytime serials oft
tli? I Ium'mcrl assembly belt. . . .Bernard Schubert peddling "Time for
Crime" with Warden Lawes in the package. .. .Radio writers who have
.seen those Germtm atrocity films of the Signal Corps come away hopping
maci."' Worst things ever seen by mortal eyes, they declare.... Fayette
Krum, of , CBS program writing staff, off on an early vacation next week
....Norman Burnside, the writer, in San Francisco. .. .Independent Citi-
zens Committee. radio committee mei last week (9) at Hotel Astor to mull
means for helping dramatize Bretton Woods, economic key. to Dumbarton
Oaks success. .. Bob Trout, of CBS news stall', was "on" more often than
an act in an old beer hall when the premature V-E popped. .. .Nobody
ever 'talks about Owen D. Young any hi ore. ■: . Look Magazine's biggest
radio spread thus far (in current issuei illustrating what a GI does with
the $04 question "take" adds up to a honey of a break for the Phi) Baker
stalua and CBS Jim Kane of CBS publicity still undergoing blood trans-
fusions and it looks like a long hospital siege with medicos still trying to
trace source of trouble.

It's time the boys laid off speculating on how soon that network press
chief is scramming out of the picture. liens' pot only solid with the boss
but 41)0 latter recently matched his faith in him with a pay hike....Huth
Gilbert and Fred Barton added to "Valiant Lady" cast.... Dick Spencer,
_ former photo editor at NBC press dept. and an NBCcr for 14 years, re-
signed to return home to Colorado. .. .New on "Front Page Farrell" are
Joe Boland, Louise Lorimer, Ken Daigncau and Grace Keddy... .The
Fitzgcralds teed off a Sunday 11-11:30 a.m. gab-with-brunch stint via WJZ
last week (13) In addition to their Mon.-Sat. breakfast stanzas on the same
outlet. . . .Arnold Moss checks in as commentator on the CBS-Philharmonic
Sunday broadcasts next week (20 k. ..Nat Mark?, formerly with the
Greenwich. Conn., Times, a newcomer to the NBC press dept's copy desk
crew. :. .Dsn Buka has joined "Lora Lawton" thesping' crew and Dorothy
Sands ditto for "Evelyn Winters". .. .Ray Morgan, Los Angeles radio pro-
ducer, in Gotham. .. .Francis De Sales now in "Lorenzo Jones", lineup.

Katherinc McGrattan, administrative asst. in CBS education division,
married the boss last week (11). She became the wife of Dr. Lyman
Br.vson~ web's director of education. .. .New announcer at NBC, William
Malcolm; is said to be youngest web spieler in the business. He is 17....
Ima Phillips, who scripts four daytime serials, coming in from Chicago

May 2G to work out new gimmicks for some of her soapers. ...Charlotte
Keane now member of "Our Gal Sunday" cast. .. .Under Mildred Fenton'g
expanded package-talent production setup, new additions to her staff in-
clude Gloria Thompson, formerly of the NBC program dept., and Claudine
Shannon, who's checked out of the "Truth or Consequences" production

staff Ed Barnes, ex PMcr, now with Blue publicity It's twins lor

the Stan Josclofl's (Bjow agency) born Sunday (13).: lie's skedded for
month's Coast trip this week.

Croix de 0uerre has been won by 2nd Lt. Philip Wellman, now in Ger-
many with the 33rd Special Service Co., for "a little something that hap-
pened in France, 1 ' according to a letter recently received from him by his
family. Before the war Weltman was in radio with the William Morris

agency Norm Sicgal, retiring Cleveland Press radio columnist, in N. Y.

preparatory to jumping off for the Coast and a Paramount pix publicity
berth June 1. Stanley Anderson has taken over the Cleveland radio
chores switching over from book editor. .. .John Brooks McCormack, Cel-
anesc Hour tenor, has been signed for lead roles with the Chicago Opera
Co.. debuting in October. . ' . (

Society . for the Prevention of Disparaging Remarks About Brooklyn will
launch a new radio show shortly under direction of Jay Kashuk and Sidney
Ascher, president of society. It'll be a half-hour variety program with
the locale being at a meeting of the SPDRAB.

JiV CHICAGO . . .

Large chunk of th> Blue net moved from the Merchandise Marl to the
Civic Opera buildingdast week where the net took over better than. 5,000

square feet Still plenty of rumors that Rux.se] M. Seeds agency will

Ijavc a major sliakeup for personnel in spite of Freeman Keyes denials. . . .
Mac Schoenfeld. asst. general manager of the Blue Central Division,
serving, as road tour manager of the Don McNeil "Breakfast Club" show
during two-week trek for the 7th War Loan drive Tom Dclhaven re-
cently discharged from the Army after four years' service joined the staff
of the WGN continuity derailment last week.
Marion Mann, Blue "Breakfast Club" singer added lo the cast of "Today's

Children" Fran Allison has joined the cast of NBC's KC Jamboree

Stu Dawson, radio chief of Foote, Cone & Belding here, is launching the
most elaborate radio press setup in town in the next few weeks ... . Ross
Melzger, of Ruthrauff & Ryan, leaves for the Coast next month on a still'
1 unt for some new show ideas.. ..Lou Harrington, of the Wriglcy res-
taurant, is about to be enrolled in the Army Air Corps as a technical
expert on reconverting pilots of fighter planes to flying the slower ships.
Crackups of flyers have reached alarming proportions with the result that
expert technicians such as. Harrington are being enlisted.

Ken Nordine, announcer at WBBM-CBS; being considered for the lead
in a musical show to be launched locally in the early fall. . . .Eleanor
Smith, local radio indie agent, plans to move east in the fall following her
marriage, to Alfred Kendrick of World Broadcasting.

Shcp Chartoc of MCA threw a party over the. weekend for Victor Borge,
whom he signed as a summer replacement for Fibber McGee. . . . John
Livingston of the William Rambeau office is skedded to join the New"
York office of John Blair organization. . . .Doris Keane. co-owner of WHIP,
will find out next week whether the FCC will allow her a license to re-
open' the station. ..'.Al Chance, Chi freelance producer, was the father of
a baby boy last week. . . .Bill Ware, former manager of :KWFC, Hot Springs,

joined the North Central network last week as a salesman Pat Burton

rejoined the WBBM "hewiS staff after a sojourn in California.

Morris Silver, head of the Chi William Morris office, leaves for New
York the 18th for a series of confabs on bolstering the midwest radio setup
ot the agency ... ."Hymns ofvAU Churches" celebrated its 11th year on the
air last week.... Ed Smith oTGencral Mills in New York this week to talk
over some new show ideas.

Comics Also Can
Put You to Sleep

Chicago, May 15.

Use of music as a therapeutic de-
vice, while still in its early stages of
experimentation, is proving very
successful in soothing and relaxing
patients subjected to painful opera-
tions under local anesthetics, Violet
Kmely, program director of Zenith
Radio Corp.'s FM station, WWZR,
told a session of the National
Music Week Conference here last
week. An FM station that special-
izes in broadcasting serious classical
and semi-classical music, uninter-
rupted by commercials, is particular-
ly suited for the purpose, she said.

Miss Kmety stated that WWZR
hasbceji cooperating for many years
with' local surgeons and dentists and
the therapeutic value of soothing
music has proven of great value in
casing the pangs of childbirth; quiet-
ing the nerves of donors at the Chi-
cago Blood Bank and keeping, pa-
tients from becoming frightened
when under local anesthesia. Ip most
cases patients are 'fitted with two
car phones similar to those used with
hearing aids, which exclude all un-
wanted-sounds.

"It is only in recent years that
miisic has been adopted by medical
science as a specific aid to healing,"
she said. "It is now employed in
many government hospitals to speed
the recovery rate of patients by pro-
viding the desired type of emotional
stimulus, and its war use in factories
has maintained morale and prevent-
ed fatigue. Apparently the same
emotional lift that prevents fatigue
in a healthy, worker tends to cause
more rapid recovery for a convales-
cent."

Hoagy's Show Re-Inked

Hollywood, May 15.
Hoagy Carmichael's sponsor, Nu-
Made Mayonnaise, renewed ; his
"Something New" airsh'ow over NBC
for 13 weeks.

Also renewed were Sweeney Sc
March, comics; Jimmy Higson, and
the "Teen-Agevs," . band and Ken
Peters, announcer.

Mary Hunter's B way Play

Radio actress Mary Hunter, who
has done occasional legitimate thea-
tre producing, will direct a new folk-
lore play with music to be financed
by George Stanton, newcomer to
Broadway. Kathryn Dunham will be
starred.

Music is by Jane Froman's former
accompanist, Baldwin Bergersen, and
book by William Archibald, a young
hoofer, from the Caribbean now with
"Laffing Room Only." Rehearsals
arc skeddct) to get under way around
Aug. 1.

Miss Hunter for years appeared in
the "Easy Aces" air show and
checked in Mon. (14) on the CBS
"Sparrow and Hawk" show.

Ted Malone's Shift

Ted Malone, sponsored by West-
inghouse three nights a week on the
Blue, is being shifted to a cross-thc-
board morning slot (11:45-12) effec-
tive June 6, on the same '-network.

Move is cued to Westinghouse
preparation in opening up ot home
products market and reaching the
femme consumers.

Fields W J JD, Chi,
Ups Public Service

Chicago, May 15
In line with the policy of owner
Marshall Field to make radio time
available to worthy organizations
WJJD has increased its public serv-
ice broadcasts approximately 73%"
Licensed to operate on limited time
Hie station was allowed 103^ hours
of actual broadcast time during the
month of February, of which nearly
1C% was scheduled for public serv-
ice programs, a percentage probably
the highest of its kind in Chicago
and vicinity.

WJJD has established a policy of
working very closely with the vari-
ous organizations that request radio
time and assists them in develop-
ing and producing public service
shows comparable lo commercial
productions. Station, also allots the
same availabilities lo public service
programs' as they do to commercial
shows.

Two Blue Jovers To

Stay Sans Sponsors

Two cross-thc-board kid show
sponsors on the Blue take their sea-
sonal departure from the network
late this month.-

First is General Mills, which
leaves "Jack Armstrong" on fiis own
beginning May 21 and returning
Sept. 3, while other is the Sweets
Corp. of America (Tootsic Rolls),
which drops its 'bankrolling of the
"Dick Tracy" series on May 25. re-
turning Sept. 7. Both programs con-
tinue through the intervening
months sustaining.

Cleveland. — The "WJW Bureau"
has been organized as a separate or-
ganization from station WJW, with
Gene Carroll, famous for his por-
trayal of "Jake and Lena." as presi-
dent. He will direct the hiring and
developing of all types of talent.

Ne'.onol Sol. 1 ft.pf.i.nl«i;*f • F«v> H. loyotr Conp.'f

lm »<*»y<»unl fee cigar*, but I'm nuu about Wheatks."

Wednesday, May 16, 194S

RADIO

Canadian B cast Corp. Wins Praise
From Ohio State Institute Judges

EDGAR GRUNWALD OKAY

Columbus, May 15.

Judges ot the ninth exhibition of
.durational radio programs spon-
sored by the Ohio State U. 10th In-
stitute for Education by Radio r.n-
jiounced their findings today after a
five-day period of intensive listening.
Final consideration centered around
115 programs in 24 classification
troops. Several hundred shows had
been eliminated in prior sessions by
a screening committee, of which
none of the judges was a member.

Judges' report reflected "special
plaudits for programs entered by the
Canadian Broadcasting Corp.; called
them Hie finest .programs submitted.

Generally however, "no . great
surge of pride" was felt for the work
of The industry as represented by
shows submitted in the compctish.
Judges blamed this on lack of (a)
freshness of approach; tb) imagina-
tion; (c) virility; (d) objectivity in
both writing and production. Judges
admitted being influenced by
"knowledge of the standards set up
by many fine other programs not
entered in the competition."

Awards are broken down Into two
groupings, with Judith Waller, C" /-
tral division of NBC; Edwin F. IIcl-
man, Cleveland Board of Education
ulation WEOE; Mark L. Ila.ss, WJR,
Detroit, as the judges. The winners
follow:

Group 1

(Regional network, regional or
clear channel slation. or national or
regional organization):

Religious Broadcasts, first award,
"Salute lo Vafor," WE-AF, New
York, cited for "excellent writing
and production of . . . dramatic biog-
raphy highlighting religious experi-
ences and projecting spiritual values
common lo all religions nnd creeds
. . ." Rev. TimolJ.iy J. Mulvoy, author;
Herbert Rice, production director. .

Honorable 'mention, "Pulpit in a
Foxhole." WNEW, New York, for
"originality and timelines.'; o[ the
idea only.'' Milton Robertson, author;
Ted Colt, producer; Jack Grogan,
director. •

Honorable mention, "Victorious
Living," 5-min. transcriptions for lo-
cal and regional .stations. Jerry
Walker, author; Beverly Dean, 'pro-
ducer.

Agricultural Broadcasts, ito li si

award. Honorable mention', "Ohio
Farm and Home Hour." WOSU. Ohio
State U„. Columbus. Bill Zipf, di-
rector.

Honorable mention. "Farming
With Kenneth Yeend." KIRO. Seat-
tle, Kenneth Yecud, author, director,
speaker.

Women's .'Programs, first award,
"Consumer Time.'' WRC. Washing-
ton, Tor "informative, entertaining,
especially good script and produc-
tion." Cri.stine Kcntplon. author;
Ken French and Cri.stine Kcmpton,
producers. First award. "Martha
Deane programs," WOR, New York,
for "stimulating presentation of ideas
and information." Marion Young,
author and speaker.

Cultural Programs, three 'first
awards to the Canadian Broadcast-
ing Corp. /or dramatic scries and
programs as represented by: "Stage
45," CBL. Toronto. Lister Sinclair,
author; Andrew Allen, producer.—
"Montreal Drama," CBM. Montreal.
Mac -Shoub, author; Rupert Caplan,
producer.— "Mulrooncy's New Year's
Party," (special program). CBL.
Toronto. Len Peterson, author; 3.
Frank Willis, producer.

Citation. "For their (CBC) astute-
ness in presenting lo.the public, au-
thors and producers who, through
their apparently unhampered abili-
ties, are enabled lo create and pro-
ject radio drama of originality, emo-
tional appeal and intellectual in-
tegrity."

Honorable mention, "Words at
War." Now York, for >"e/recliveness
• • • and for . . . courageous and
forceful presentation . . ." Richard
McDonagh and Gerald Holland, au-
thors (of scripts considered); Anton
. M. Leader, director.

I'libllo Discussion Programs, first
award, "America's Town Meeting of
the Air," WJZ, New York, for com-
bination or three good public-dis-
cussion methods: i.e.; prepared
speeches, ad lib rebultal and audi-
ence questions." George V. Denny,
Jl '., producer and continuity. First
award, "University of ■'. Chicago
Round Table," WMAQ, Chicago.
John Howe, production director.

Honorable mention, "St. Louis
Speaks." KMOX. St. Louis. Ellen
Lee Brashear, director and con-
tinuity.

Personal and Family Life Tro-
fcrams. "first award, "Our Children,"

WHA, U. of Wisconsin, and WLBL,
Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Donald J.
Voegeli, producer.

Honorable mention, 'The Baxters,"
WMAQ, Chicago. Mrs: Joseph C.
Moore, author; Albert R. Crews, pro-
ducer.

Special mention, "Alcoholics Anon-
ymous," WW.f, Detroit. Margot
PfeiTer, author; Walter Koste, pro-
ducer.

Newa Interpretative Prpgrams,

first award, H. V. Kaltenbprn, WEAF,
New York, for "incisive presenta-
tion which clearly differentiates
news fact from commentary." H, V.
Kaltenborn, author and speaker.

Programs In Furtherance of the
War or the Peace, first award,
"American Unlimited. - '. WGN, Chi-
cago, for "hard-hitting, smoothly
produced program . '. . emotional ap-
peal blended with excellent show-
manship." First award, "The March
of Minnesota," WCCO. Minneapolis,
(Continued on page 34)

Former "Variety" Staffer lias Been
C'l'td Twice In Germany

Edgar A. Grunwald, former mem-
ber of the "Variety" radio staff and,
subsequently editor of the whilom
"Variety" Radio Directory, is reported
well and safe in Germany after serv-
ing for 18 months with the American
medical corps.

Grunwald has received two official
citations.

Quaker Oats Seen Set
For 'Ladies' Bankrolling

Quaker Oats is reported ready to
pick up lab for the last lS-minutcs
of the Blue network's "Ladies Be
Seated" audience participation show
beginning early in July. Program is
heard five-limcs-per-wti-k from 3:30
to 4 p.m.

Sponsor currently has a fivo-niln-
ute morning musical show on the
Blue, contract for which expires at
the end of June. " Ladies" is m.c.cl by
Johnny Olson and his wife Penny.

SI

CCNY Radio Awards for Creative

Skill Precda First Annud Confab

• .. •. -,_■.•'"

Preliminary to theCrsl annual ; "Hie )niost effective, radio pro.j am
Conference on Radio and Bushies to (levcloped'tiy an advortis'113 agency."
be held May 22-23 at the CNly.Collc^c I'Hilflnan-Sriane-Breyer of Los Ange-
oT New York," annoi'mccmcjit^Jins i lcs. is lionbred for 'This Is My St»rj-^

. ■ Kudfler CnSps Kudo , *

^s the advertising agency pepform-
'ijig "tlic mosP £fl'ective!mcrehaiKiis-
ji\g directly to the ' plib.lic," ^Arthur.
■Kudnc'r . Co. " '"' '

been made of National Awards of
Merit for outstanding/sHiU and crafts-
manship in the effective creation ot
radio programs and promotion .pi a ills
for the year 1944. TJr. John 'Grayy
Peatman, associate dean of CQNg.*
served as chairman of the commit-
tee on awards, and judges ' incliicled
George Rosen, radio cdiloi' nf "Va-
riety"; Bruce Robeilson, of Broad-
casting; M. H. Shapiro, of RaOio
Daily, and Lou Frankcl ot Billboard.*.
1 N. W. Ayer receives the award- for
''thc most, effective merchandising .to
and through a dealer or sponsor or-
ganization of a radio program-'by ai>
advertising agency," for "Report to
the Nation" during its utilities com-,
panics' sponsorship. "Let's Pretend"
on CBS wins the award for "the most
effective commercial program'dcvcl-
oped by a national network." For

received tbc c ;rward (or
-its. promotion of the "General Motors'
Symphony ot the Air." KIRO. SeVi- '
lie," ..wins the award with its "Swap
V Shop," for *lhe, most cfVectn e
direct-selling commercial program
developed by a clear channel ra'dio
slation." ■ . .

"Highlights bf 'thc Rockies." "devel-
oped by KLZ, Denver, w;is judged is
"the most effcctive^yins'ljtulioiiul,
commercial radio program."

WDWS, Champaign, ID., for Its
''Sorority Charm" program, received
the award fo# "the most effective
.direct-selling- commercial program
developed by a local channel radio
(Continued 'on page 36)

32

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

• NBC Newsroom goes into action after days of constant alert . . . and Division, operating closely with OWI and OIAA, spreads victory news
the official word speeds across the whole country. NBC's International in eight languages, helps inform peoples and U. S. fighting men abroad.

• NBC newsmen in the Pacific send back reactions of Armed • NBC's television station, WNBT, begins first full-day broadcasting. Cameras are
Forces there to victory in Europe ... are already reporting set up at Times Square, and elsewhere, to record crowd reactions. Television viewers
the intensified battle of the East, now the scene of undivided watch throngs from Broadway marquee ... actually see NBC commentators broad-
Allied action in the war against Japan. casting from studios ... view historic scenes of war ... and special programs.

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

as

k N'MAY 8, stirring news, inspiring victory
programs — and sober reports on the war
lot yet finished went out on the NBC air.

By sound radio, by television and short wave,
ludiences heard and saw the historic day unfold.
NBC covered the global story
ompletely— accurately,
[peedily and graphically.

i.THE RIGHT MEN
IN THE RIGHT PLACES
AT THE RIGHT TIME

Archinard
PARIS

Roy Porter

PARIS

Grant Parr
HOME

Robert Magidoff

MOSCOW

... tiCK£8j£l <

• NBC alters its regular broadcasts, presents a full day and night
of special distinctive programming to mark the occasion. Typical
is the stirring music of Arturo Toscanini, Lauritz Melchior,
Artur Rubinstein, Fritz Kreisler and Helen Traubel.

• NBC's illustrated documentation of 337 days— the march of

events since D-Day as heard over tb,e network— is available on

request, while the supply lasts.

* * *

NBC has brought to America the end of but one conflict—
from inside the shell of the vanquished Third Reich— from ex-
cited cities and busy factories of the victorious Allies— and from
grim Pacific outposts where May 8 was simply another fighting
day in the war. NBC's news coverage goes on from front lines
of the war— as it will from the front lines of peace.

^-RADIO'S 25lh ANNIVERSARY-PLEDGED TO V/CTORY/

roadcasting lompany

America's No. 1 Network

A Service of Radio
Corporation of Am«rk«

at

RADIO

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

Ohio State Awards

Continued from page 31

Philip Gelb, author; Harold McGee.
producer. First award. "Russian War
RcIieC Presents," transcriptions. An-
nemarie Ewing, author; member.-; of
Radio Guild of NYC, producers.

Honorable mention. "Voice of the
Army." transcriptions to 807 stations.
Syl. Louis Pelletier, T/S . Jacques
Anson Finke and T/5 Donald Agger,
authors:' George Lowther, director.

Children's Programs tor Mslening
Out or School, first award. "Books
Bring Adventure," transcriptions.
Helen Piatt and Katberine Lockharl,
authors: Claude Morris and Gloria
Chandler, producers.

Honorable mention, "Story-Book
T'mve^_WkB,_U^J^&Jjnnesota. Betty
Girling, author and director. *

Programs for Primary School
Children, first award, •••Your Story
Parade; Texas School of the Air."
WBAP, Fort 'Worth. Delia West
Decker, author; Gene Reynolds, pro-
ducer.

Honorable mention, "Old Tales and
New." WLB. U. of Minnesota, Belly
Girling, author and producer.

r roe rams .for Elementary School
Children, first award. '•Standard
School Broadcast," KPO, San Fran-
cisco. Adrian F. Michaelis. author
and director; John Ribbe, producer.

Honorable mention, "Exploring the
News; Wisconsin School of the Air."
WHA, U. of Wisconsin. Rome Krule-
vilch. author; Roy C. Vogelman,
speaker. Honorable mention, "Once
Upon a Time in Ohio; Ohio School
or the Air," WOSU, Ohio State U.,
Margaret Tylor, author; Edgar
Sprague, producer.

Programs for High-School Pupils,

first award, "Conserving Canada,"
CBL, Toronto. Tommy Tweed, au-
thor; Kay Stevenson, director.
GROUP II

(Local stations or organizations)
. Religious Broadcasts, no awards.
Agricultural Broadcasts, no awards.
Women's Programs, no awards.

Cultural Programs, first award:
"WNVC American Musicai Festival'
—1945," WNYC, New York. Morris
S. Novik. producer.

Special Mention, "New World A-
Coming. - ' WMCA. New York, to
WMCA for "its courage and initiative
in presenting the problems of race
prejudice." Roi Ollley. Mitchell
Grayson and Michael Sklar, authors;
Grayson, director.

Public Discussion Programs, first
award. "Free Speech Forum."
WMCA, New York. Joseph Gottlieb
and N. Y. Newspaper Guild, pro-
ducers.

Personal and Family Lift Pro-
grams, no first award.

Honorable mention. Let's Talk
About Children." . WEEI. Boston.
Julie Kirlin, author; Frank Scho-
rield. producer.

News Interpretation Programs,
first award, History in the Making."
KVOD, Denver. Jacob Van Ek, au-
thor and speaker.

Honorable mention, "News Parade."
WNEW, New York. Ted Colt." pro-
ducer; Jack Grogan and Milton
Kaye, directors.:

Programs In Furtherance of the
War or the Peace, no awards.

Children's Programs for Listening
Out of School, first award. "Story
Time," KLZ, Denver. Margaret

A

23 TODAY.
AND THEY
STILL LOVE US !

WDAY i» jtie eldeal broadcasting sta-
tion in the Northwest — twenty-three
years! — but senility ain't set tin' in yet!

Proof? Well, the latest Conlan Rating
gives WDAY 69.3% of the Fargo-
Moorhead audience (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.,
Monday through Saturday — 4 p.m. to
10 p.m., Sundays) wild all other sta-
tions combined totaling the short end
for 30.7%!

Want a hunk of our' cake for yourself?

WDAY, wc

NBC

FARGO, N. D.

Affiliated With I lie. Fvrgo Forum
910 KILOCYCLES ... 5000 WATFS
FREE & PETERS, INC., National Representatives

Blackburn and Jack Weir Lewis,
authors.

Prorrams for Primary School
Children, no awards.

Programs for Elementary St-hool
Children, no first award.

Honorable- mention, "News Tod.-iy-
History Tomorrow," WHAM, Ro-
chester, N. Y. C. Raymond Nara-
niore, author and producer.

Programs' for High School Pupils,
first award, "Our America." WBE-Z.
Chicago public schools. Leonard C.
Brown, author; Robert R. Miller,
protiucer.

Honorable mention, "Behind To-
days News," WIP, Philadelphia.'
Alexander Grifliii, author .and
speaker.

WGN SHIFTEROO CUES
CALL FOR BLUEPRINTS

Chicago, May 15.

With the reshuffling of the WGN
sales and publicity offices last week,
visitors familiar wiih the previous
layout are calling for blueprints to
find their way about. Sales has
moved up three floors in Tribune
Tower and the bally department,
which stays on the same floor, shifts
to larger offices adjacent to the pro-
gram department. Changes will al-
low the staff of WGNB. WGN'sFM
sister station, to occupy offices next
to its studio on the 11th floor.

These offices, now in the process
of remodeling, will provide private
offices for Miss Marion Claire, direc-
tor of WGNB, and Lewis Jame^
production mgr.. with adjoining of-
fice for Estelle Barnes, program di-
rector, and her staff.

Kyser Kollege' Kloses
For Two Hot Months

Current plans call for the Kay
Kyser "Kollege. of Musical Knowl-
edge" show to check off during July
and August, with Colgate, sponsors
of the- program, shopping around for
a two-month replacement program.
Kyser's sub last year (when he was
still working for George Washington
Hill) was Phil Harris.

Colgate is keeping its "Can You
Top This?" airer intact during the.
hot months, with still some doubt
night show will lake a summer
the Judg Canova .Saturday night
show will take tf summer hiatus.

Hooper

^s^m Continued from pace 2~>

that it reflects their very thoughts
and emotions: Radio is society's
most sensitive Index to changes in
the public's behavior. So. maybe 1
can get you to help. Will you' start
turning this one over in that fertile
thought machine of yours?

What form of abnormal bchavio.
of the radio audience would look
right to you:

1. After listenership had shot up
300% within 40 minutes following
the announcement of the death of
the late President Roosevelt.

2. When the nation's emotions and
minds were also dominated by the
crescendo of the Allied sweep across
Europe and the hope and expecta-
tion of peace and soon.

3. After commercial programs
(which heretofore have been, the
public's prime reason for listening)
had been off the air for three solid
days— with no indication of when
they would start up again.

4. When our firm's measuring, of
the programs your timely treatment
referred to. started up the first time
commercials were- back on the air?

Or maybe you think that radio's
statistics are so remote from radio
that they should behave different
from people. They ain't: The only-
changeless thing about ' radio and
people is change! And if you find
somebody sitting up all night stir r
ring a steaming cauldron of statistic-
stew — you leave • him afoije. He's
discovering something tha't will be
used as a part of standard radio pro-
gramming practice a monlh from
now;

And start now on your V-J
Day piece because it will take 10
years to explain to everybody's satis-
faction what is going to happen to
program rating then!

C E. Hoover.

VITTES BACK ON 'CLUE'

Louis Viltes. original scriplcr of
l he General Foods "Two On A Clue"
daytime show on CBS,-, who was
forced to check off some", time ago
because of ill "health (he's been on
i he Coast.), resumes the writing stint
June 1.

Harry Ingram. Young & Rubicam
director, was given a leave, from the
agency during the interim period to
laky over the scripting job.

CBS SEGUES NEWSERS
FROM EUROPEAN BEATS

CBS is starting to bring back to
the U. S. several of its topflight
newscasters from the European
Theatre of Operations for a brief
furlough, followed by reassignment
to the Pacific.

First to come back will be Bill
Downs, Larry Lesueur and Bill
Solemn. Jr., latter returning lo his
post as the web's special events di-
rector and co-author with Margaret
Miller of "Report to the Nation."
Following shortly will be Bill Shade!
and Charles Shaw.

Staying overseas will be Edward
R. Murrow and Douglas Edwards in
London: Charles Collingwood, Paris;
Richard Hol.lelot. with the occupa-
tion forces ill Germany; Winson
Burdell. Rome; Farnsworlh Fowle,
Moscow,' and Howard K. Smith, on a
roving assignment.

Eric Sevareid and George Moorad
returned to this country about a
month ago rrom Europe to cover the
San Francisco conference-

Would Widen Scope Of
Chi Radio Mgrs. Club

Chicago, May 18.
Proposed amei.dments to the con-
stitution of the Chicago Radio Man-
agement Club, to be voted on at to-
morrow's meeting (16), will allow
application, for membership to any
person engaged in radio research,
provided that such membership is
limited to persons in a managerial
capacity with advertising agencies
oi> with independent research organi-
zations and will also open the doors
lo any person who is an owner, op-
erator or management for an inde-
pendent producer of radio programs.

Another amendment would 1 extend
the privileges of non-resident mem-
bership to persons engaged in a man-
agerial capacity in radio research
but located outside the corporate
bounds of Chicago.

Inside info on Celebs
Packaged by Dan Kantpel

"Celebrities Are People." new rialf-
hour extemporaneous program with
a group of w. k. personalities dis-
cussing the foibles, eccentricities and
idiosyncrasies of celebs, is being
gandered by several agencies as a
possible fall entry.

Initial platter features Clayton
Hamilton as moderator-emcee. Clara
Lipman. Emily.. Hahn. Jacques
Wolfe. Mac Nurm>erg and Gus
Blum. Stanza is first solo effort of
Dan Kampel. former asst. radio di-
rector of Gale Associates, who left
recently to operate on his own,

WGY for War Bonds

Schenectady. May 15.
WGY, as an aid to War Bond com-
mittees in neighboring counties will
originate, during the Seventh Loan,
a series of remote programs in the
largest village of each county. Tal-
ent will come from the villages, in-
cluding school pupils. Weekly news-
paper publishers are included in the
tieup.

WGY is launching its Seventh War
Loan campaign with a broadcast of
"Singing Parade." in which 1,800
high and junior high school students
participate. Pickups of the dozen
musical organizations, vocal groups
and bands will be made at a re-
viewing stand in the business section
of Schenectady.

WLW BUYS A.NETA

Cincinnati. May 15.

A tiein last week with Aneta. the
Netherland and Netherland Indies
news agency, gave WLW Its fifth
service for world-wide coverage.
The other services are AP, UP, INS
and Reuter.

Additional dispatches reach the
Crosley station's newsroom via its
own -staff correspondents. Maj. Gen.
James E. Edmonds in Europe and
Milton Chase in the Pacific area, and
from special correspondents in 10
foreign countries, plus Gordon Gra-
ham, another stalfer. ailing daily
froin the Washington front.

C'oi-hran Wt'OP News F.d

Boston, May 15.

Ronald' V. Cochran, news director
at WHOM. N. Y.. has been trans-
ferred to WCOP for similar duties
at the local Cowles' outlet.

Cochran handled news al Cowles"
Des Moines station ;KRNT and at
KWK. St. Louis, before joining
WHOM.

Wisconsin U. Disputes i
KDKAs 'Pioneer' Claims
WithWHA's 26th Annl

Chicago, May 15.
While the radio industry in gen-
eral is observing the 25th anniver-
sary of broadcasting this year, dat-
ing the start of commercial broad-
casting from election reports sent
over KDKA. Pittsburgh, on Nov. 2,
1920. the U. of Wisconsin station,
WHA. at Madison, celebrated Its
261 h anniversary last week by, call-
ing itself the oldest station in the
nation.

First clear scheduled broadcast!)
were made by the Badger outlet in
February. 1919; under the carl let-
ters 9XM after experimental work
by WHA pioneer, . Prof. Earle M.
Terry.' Working with Terry wera
Malcolm P. Hanson and C. M. Jan-
sky, Jr.. now an FM authority. Sta-
tion lays claim to being the oldest
educational radio station, and to
have, been the first to broadcast a
farm service program. Station's
"School of the Air" programs are
broadcast twice daily to a registered
audience of more than 315,000 chil-
dren in elementary schools through-
out the state. WHA has won 22 com-
petitive programs and awards in tha
American Exhibition of Education by
Radio Programs from 1937 to 1944;
received the George Foster Peabody
award in 1943 and the "Variety"'
award In 1938. •

Columbus, O. — Miriam Fellz, for
the past year with. Wheeling stations,
has become home economics radio
editor of WOSU.

— — — ■

(lARKET

This Minor with taawaadt Ilka Ma daf
10.8SS.45! ton af fold, allvar. cap-
•or, load aad alac ara aat • af Utah
mlaai latt yaa*. Valaa af thaw,
natali wat SI Ot, 881 ,440 irafOjia a ,
mora ffeoa (2.000,000 • woafc.

Utaa'i principal Natal niatai town
ara within ■ radial af 90 inllat af Sat!
Lata City, wall mtlda KDVL't primary
oraa.

Local AdvrHfrs K— w
KPYl Urirngt *tnH*

I* taMta faatft ta mlalag mum aad
tfcelr famlllat, aad ta. all athar wa«a

aoriaaal Una* bava
faaaaV by aipart-

jj^yyjfi^io" aaca that KDVL

"55= " afcawmamhlp fata

raultt. la Utah,
tkli it tha stotlaa

N'altonal K<>|»re*«atallve:

JOHN BLAIR » CO.

——rOK SALE — —

BOCKS COUNTY! PENNSYLVANIA

WASHINGTON CROSSING

2'jxUrjt lioiito bulll if nillvf i(«nt. orlglanlly
built about ISIO. r«lt«red 1934, rtwOndilloriM
(944. 2-eif stonf firaft, about i ■ t«, oM
burner, h»l wator tViltm. ImUntanedus tlBii •
Irlr hnl walf>r hiatar; houm has 7 roam*,
balft. ohower, atlle. Servant*' Qiiartrrt In
tarage. Hanro p.nd a*rcli cpntploltly «rean»d.
•term wladawi and doori. van«tlan blladt.
Far mi | fUwr/ f Arilrni. fruit treei. I arts ituio
barbeMip. iaoodili«d. chicken too.u. Artatian
well and natural veil. Prlrr S23.S00. Can
bo sein by aupohitment.

GEORGE I. LIEBERMAN

I AIM) WiiImiiI SI.. I'lillHllrlnliiii. Pn.
I'lloMn IVnii>p«rkrr OtM
N*w Vorfc. Itiomi KKKtrnt 4-0IM

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

I leadership like this
is no accident. . .

The School of Business and Civic
Administration of the College of the
flL^HpV^jB City of New York recently opened a
n«Vj» new fie]d of reward of merit in the spe-
cialized area of radio s methods of pro-
gram creation and promotion.
The awards of its impartial and authoritative jury,
for distinguished performance in 1944, have just been
announced.

Eight awards went to individual stations; six of these
went to stations on the Columbia Network— of whom 5
are affiliated stations, and one company-owned.

Four honorable mentions weiit to individual stations;
three of these went to stations on the Columbia Nettcork
-rtwo of them affiliates, one compajiy-owned.

One award went to a network. Columbia was the
network.

(One award went to N. W. Ayer & Son for its admir-
able promotion of the highly promotable CBS news
program Report to the Nation.)

And Hillmari-Shane-Breyer, Inc., received an award
for "the most effective radio program developed by an
advertising agency"— the program being This Is My
Story— now playing on KNX, CBS in Los Angeles.

The specific station and network citations:

AWARDS:

KIRO(CBS affiliate in Seattle) for its pro-
gram, Swap'n Shop, "the most effective direct- selling
commercial program developed by a clear channel radio
station."

-\V D WS (CBS affiliate in Champaign ) for its
program, Sorority Charm, "the most effective direct-
selling commercial program developed by a local channel
radio station."

*WHCU (CBS affiliate in Ithaca) for its pro-
gram, Let's Make a Dress, "the most effective radio
program developed for the purpose of increasing the
station's share of the local audience."

*WJR (CBS' affiliate in Detroit) for its pro-
motion of Victory F.O.B., "the most effective sales pro-
motion of a locally produced, public - service network,
program by a radio station."

KLZ (CBS affiliate in Denver) for its pro-
gram, Highlights of the Rockies, "the most effective
institutional, commercial radio program."

"WEE I (CBS in Boston) for its promotion of
Food Ffl/r,"the most effective sales promotion of a local
program by a radio station."

CBS — for its notable children's program,
Let's Pretend, "the most effective commercial program
developed by a national network."

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

KDAL (CBS affiliate in Duluth) for its pro-
gram, Open House, "an unusually effective program
developed to increase the station's share of the local
audience."

•WHAS (CBS affiliate in Louisville) for its
program, Renfro Valley Gatherin, "an unusually effec-
tive commercial program."

'WTOP (CBS in Washington) for its pro-
gram, Let's Learn Spanish,"an unusually effective sales
promotion of a local program."

So into the Columbia trophy roqm go these new and
welcome honors. To the City College, and to the
august members of the jury, our respectful gratitude
for their recognition. To the stations, to N. W. Ayer fit
Son, and to Ilillman-Shane-Breyer, Inc., our heartiest
congratulations.

And to members of the radio industry, another gentle
reminder that the nation-wide leadership of the active
Columbia Network in making first-class radio .most effec
iive is not an accident!

this is CBS. . . .the Columbia Broadcasting System

S6

RADIO

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

Romantic 'Round Table'
From, But Not In, N. Y.

Martha Rounlrec's show, "Round
Table ot Romance" starring Elissa
Landi.with Dorothy KilBallen, Flor-
ence Pritchctt. Eloise McEllione and
Robin Chandler, is heard on. many
MBS stations but. while it originates
in New York, it has no. N. Y. outlet
as yel. because the Wednesday 10:30-
11 p.m:' time can't, be cleared.

Show debuted three weeks ago
and features one male guest, teeing
off with Arthur' William Brown,
thence Bennett Cert, Joe Laurie, Jr.,
Home Croy; Houston -Peterson. John
Mason Brown and Christopher Mor-
ley. Each ad libs on some single
topic.

Illinois FM Bids ,
Now Number 23

Chicago, May 15.

Eight Chicago organizations, and
15 in other parts of the state, are
listed among the 400 applicants be-
fore the FCC for permits to estab-
lish FM broadcasting stations as soon
as green .light- is given on materials
and when manpower becomes avail-
able. Two FM stations are in
operation here at present, WWZR.
by the Zenith Radio Corp, and
WONB, Chicago Tribune outlet.

Chicago applicants include WJJD;
Agricultural Broadcasting Co.
(WLS<: United- Auto Workers. CIO:
Chicago Federation of Labor

iWCFL'u Raytheon Mfg. Co.; Drov- Ilolb'wood, Ma> 15.

ers Journal Publishing Co. (WAAF) : As resull of lire Friday 111) winch
NBC (WMAQ). and Oak Park j swept through From Building, pro-
Realtv and Amusement Co. Out-of- j posed site ot KGFJ s new Holly-
town' applications include two each j wood studio, plans for move into
from Peoria. Quincy and Springfield ; location have beeii temporarily
and others from Bloomington, : halted. _ .

Champaign. Decatur, Harrisburg. I Considerable damage to building
Hen in F.:.st St. Louis, Rockford, \ at Sunset and Vine was caused by
Rock Island and Waukegan. I flames. No estimate yet as to value

J of property destroyed.

Boston. -Virginia Davenport has j

lert WBZ to join WCOP as traffic I Salt Lake City— Thornc-Lce Co.,
mar . succeeding Mrs. Edward Mur- I of Los Angeles, makers of Topacold
pity, who held the post for four | ha. ' -n«»n/.«»,
years. Mrs. Murphy leaves for

pre Stymies KGFJ's

New H'wood Studios

State Dept.

Continued from pile 25 !|

Houston. Texas; where her husband
is training a.< an air cadet.

begun." sponsorship of afternoon
news on KSL twice weekly. The
13-week contract' was placed by R.
W. Webster Co.. of Los Angeles.

Meet KWK's tosh Hughs—
Heard Twice Doily on Kansas City's WHB

Out here in Missouri, where people
have to be "shown", folks know •
food thing when they see and hear
it! That's why Rush Hughes, with
his "Song ana Dance Parade", has
a 4.9 Hooperatin'g, mornings in St.
Louis ... and has already earned a
4.7 in Kansas City with the same
type of show, afternoons. And he's

? citing more popular every week!
hey Me him in Missouri ... and
out in Kansas, too!

WHB exploited his programs with
extensiye"plug"announcements^nd
a two-month showing of 24-sheet
posters throughout Greater Kansas
City. In six months on the air over
WHB Rush Hughes has become a
"top name" throughout the Kansas
City area, producing spectacular re-
sults for sponsors such as General
Baking (Bond Bread). Let us tell
you more about it, and about avail-
abilities on these two WHB shows.

You'll like doing
business with
WHB, - "the;
sotion-with-agen-
cy-point-of-view",
where advertisers
are clients who must
get their money's
worth in results.
If you want to sell
the Kansas City
market, WHB is
your/>«r/^vmcdium

For WHB Availabilities, 'Phone DON DAVIS
at any of thes* "SPOT SALES" offices:

KANSAS CITY . . . . . Scarrltt luHding ..... HArrlton 1141
NEW YORK CITY . . . 400 Mojiton Av.nu. . ~: HdMa4o 5-S040

CHICAGO ... . '. 3f0 North Michigan FRAnklin MJ0

HOUYWOOD . . Hollywood Blvd. •» Coimo . . Hollywood Mil
SAN FRANCISCO . . . . 5 Third Srr«t ..... EXbroek 353S

KEY STATION for th« KANSAS STATE NETWORK

Kansas City • Wichita ■•' Solina • Or«a> Bond • Emporia
MUiourl Kanioi Konsai Kantat Kantat

as easy back on the home grounds
as on Market street in this dateline
capital ot the world.

Slllt No Spangles
The natiorfal . mourning period
over, the town is not bedecked in
snangles as was popularly to be sup-
posed. Even before the President's
death it had been decreed by the
State Dept:. which is running this
show, that there be.no pageantry or
outward show of festive spirit. The
problems before the august body of
delegates are loo serious to admit of
the usual fuss and feathers that ac-
company such a gathering of world
figures.' Only a few flags around
Civic Center, where the meetings are
being held, give evidence of the re-
strained pomp and circumstance
within the delegate chambers.

NBC found ilself in a precedent-
breaking mood last Tuesday (8'
when one of those short -noticed
events was plopped into its lap. Not
only once but twice did the chain
play records across the nation. Mrs.
Eleanor Roosevelt's talk on V-E Day
called for a transcribed repeat and
later McKcnzie King of Canada was
put through the wax works.

The latter case was one of those
things ttjat NBC couldn't very well
duck. They had King scheduled to
follow King George wheii up pops
the State Dept.. oh two hours' notice,
with a pool broadcast or Surrender
Day talks by Edward Stettinius,
Anthony Eden, Wellington Koo and
George Bidault. Molotov begged off,
saying that Stalin would have to
speak first. NBC asked the olner
nets to postpone the pool program
until after Canada's King had been
aired. This was voted down and
NBC had to record King's address
for later broadcast.

It is believed to be the first time
that NBC, and twice on the same
day, played a record of a domestic
event across the network. It has
been done before oh war front spe-
cials but the extenuation there re-
quires no apology.

The cost sheet for radio on this
super-dooper event will top any-
thing ever before covered. There's
no way of approximating the final
tab but some guesses have placed the
total figure at $250,001). This is said
to be. both low and high and must
represent added expense beyond ac-
tual operations. Some insight into
the auditors' headaches may ' be
gained from the layout by a couple
of indies, KFWB, Hollywood, and
KYA, Frisco, which linked up for
the Conference. Their bill will run
better than $10,000.

Also- a Badlo Blueprint
Covering this conference has pro-
vided a liberal education to all of
radio.' The entire operation has been
blueprinted to serve as a guide for
such future events and engineering
genius was never before put to such
an acid test. In the matter ot a few
days complete studios were set up
in the Veterans Building by all nets
and the pooled indies. Some days-up-
to 20 programs were broadcast from
the makeshift booths, with the dial-
ers little the wiser that the remotes
came out of rooms enclosed with
compo board.

Never before in history has an
entire universe been kept in such
close touch with an event of such
momentous importance. For this far
flung service the bows must go to
Office of War Information, Armed
Forces Radio Service and Office of
Inter-American Affairs. They were
all on the ball from the opening
gun and kept the shortwave beams
active 20 hours out of each day. The
GI in a slit trench on Okinawa was
as well informed of every move of
the confernce as the city dweller
CIAA's Latin-America trick was per
haps the fastest account on record.
No sooner did one of the delegates
of a southern republic come out of a
session than he was trolled up to
the mike to lell his countrymen
about what transpired. OWI kept
the civilian populace of the world
posted while AFRS, saw to it that the
boys on the battle fronts were kept
hep.

History will record radio's part in
the conference as the greatest single
contribution in the transmission of
news— never more than a few hours
delayed .in any . corner of the globe

ED ABBOTT TO BURNETT AGCY.

Chicago, May 15,
Capt. • Edmund Abbott, recently
discharged from the Army Air
Corps, has joined the Leo Burnett
agency as assistant: to Frank Ferrin,
v.p. in charge of radio.

Before joining Air Corps about
three years ago Abbott was a staff
producer at WBBM-CBS here under
Waller Preston, program mgi\

Mike Barkway Shifts To
Toronto As BBC Rep

Ottawa, May 15.
Michael Barkway, one-time news-
man with British Broadcasting
Corp., latterly deputy chief of the
radio section, phychological warfare
division, SHAEF, shifts to Canada as
BBC Can. rep. .

Barkway succeeds S. J. de-
Lotbiniere, who heads for England
as director of outside broadcasts for
BBC. Barkway, who will base in
Toronto, was in New York and
Washington in 1943 as BBC news-
man.

Pitt's 'Radio City'

Pittsburgh. May 15.
Pittsburgh may soon have its own
"Radio City" on the crest of Ml.
Washington, overlooking the Golden
Triangle. KQV, recently bought by
a group of four local businessmen,
is considering the erection of a mod-
ern plant in that section. It would
include a tower, an auditorium to
seat 2,400, an observation deck for
sightseers, studios, ' offices and ex-
tensive parking and recreational
facilities.

Zoning Board has already held a
hearing on the proposal, but no de-
cision has been handed down yet.

CCNY Awards

Continued from page 31 ;

station." For "the most effective
sales promotion of a local program
by a radio station," WEEI. Boston, is
honored for its promotion of "Food
Fair." The program, "Let's Make a
Dress." wins for WHCU, Ithaca, the
award for "the. most effective radio
program developed for the purpose
of increasing the station's share of
the local audience."

WJR, Detroit, received the award
for "the most effective sales promo-
ion of a. locally produced, public-
service network program by a radio
station, with "Victory F.O.B." For
'the most effective sales promotion
of a network program. WOWO. Fort
Wayne earns the award with its han-
dling of "America's Town Meeting ol
the Air."

WLW, Cincinnati, receives the
award for "the most effective sales-
promotion of a locally produced,
sponsored network program" with
"The World's Front." F. W. Ziv Co.,
with "Calling All Girls." wins the
award for "the most effective radio
program developed for syndication
by. a transcription producer."

WBBM 'No Double' Policy
Yanks Nordine From WGN

Chicago, May 15
Ken Nordine, WBBM staff an.
nouncer and narrator, was pulled
from "Calling All Detectives," heard
over WGN-Mutual, last week,, by the
station's production department in
line with policy instituted sometime
ago which prohibits any of its staff
announcers from spieling on com-
petitive outlets. Nordine, who is. be-
ing built up by WBBM as narrator
of the "Michael Scott" and "Melody
Lane" series, was narrator of the
sleuth show, on which he has been
succeeded by Vincent Pelletier.

Ruling does, not apply to staffers
doing acting jobs on other stations
so will not affect Everett Clark, who
acts under the name of William
Everelt or Jonathan Cole, who takes
acting assignments as Jonathan Hole.

NBC Preps Bob Merrill
For Summer Replacer

NBC is building a summer re-
placement sustaining musical show
around Melopera auditions winner
Robert Merrill, who's under web
contract.

Singer currently guests at vari-
ous times on the network's flve-
times-per-week early-evening "Ser-
enade, to America" show, but is
headed for a big buildup. Reported
forthcoming show will fill the Thurs-
day night 8-8:30 slot when Frank
Morgan and his Maxwell House Cof-
fee sponsor vacate the niche, for .the
hot weather months.

Boston.— Sgt. Carleton "Sandy"
McVarish, of the Army Air Corps,
former Yankee network research di-
rector, now assigned to the Office of
Strategic Service as asst. to the ed-
itor of confidential documents in thu
research and analysis division at
Washington, D. C.

M-t-M't "Mmlc far Mllllom

C JOT ED BEXAI.T, DRUG CO.
Friilnj— CBS— 18 p.m., EWT

II U.i LOU CLAYTON

It*

\

\- ********

roi»><*

\

oW***'

ly .„ to

'»■»>*»

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

*

Hooper day-time ratings
prove the popularity
of KWK personalities

c.

RUSH HUGHES • RAY 6ADY • ED WILSON
. SHADY VALLEY FOLKS • EASY LISTENING

THE SMOOTHIES • CARL HOHENGARTEN
COON CREEK BOYS

ffWff W» SEsr' « r „

O ^ ''AT/ON

c 0

HOTEL CHASE

ST. LOUIS

*C. E. HOOPER DAY-TIME RATINGS «:00 A. M. TO
7:00 P.M. DAILY; OCT. 1944 THRU FEB. 1945

PAUL H. RAYMER CO.. Representative

38

RADIO

PfinFETr

WrilursdHjr, May 16, J91R

Radio Reviews

Continued from pate 24

returned from European and Pacinc
areas told absorbing combul stories,
In one instance, a service man's wife
was interviewed (there are quarters
at Placid for wives I with her hus-
band. This angle might be ex-
panded: it's a little unusual. Through
interviews and announcer comments,
a picture of life al the Redistribution
Center was presented. Broadcast
originated before large service audi-
ence in Center's theatre. Snyder s
unit which includes a number of
former sidemun with big dance com-
binaiiims. played in a fashion coin-
p;:rin« ravorably with many on the
networks. A minor flaw was that it
sounded a little too "tight." Arrange-
ment of "Just a Prayer Away, was
top-drawer. One CI sang two pops:
at:o;her. with a trained baritone, did
one number. Baritone possesses the
belter voice. Interviews were gen-
erally inlerestinrj. although script -
inn was not as facile as it might
be. A smoother and lighter touch
would help. Sergeant Bennett Korn
wrote and produced show.

Rome broadcast was disappointing
in view of past performances. Little
attempt was made to picture life at
this gianl base, tabbed as one where

important developments on the B-!9 < 0 W c ' e ic *'? ,'d John B;
originated. This was '--nlcd. but not <] d « nct m ° m q P

much more. Half of . ? 30-minules ! ^ji 0 ' ■,}'»*. * r ™™ ^
was devoted to a skclcii with a mes-
sage: fact that workers slackening al
home are or were responsible tor
the •'murder*' of fliers'' in the Pacific
who did not receive necessary equip-
ment on time. There may be a
strong point in this connection, but
It seems far-fetched lo present; a
"murder -trial" with an accused,
under present law. Courtroom scene
was not too authentic, cither.

.Jaco.

• PltKSKNTlNG MICHAKI. SCOTT"
Willi WIIHard Walvrmaii, Harry
Elders, Nannette Sargent, Herb
Rullerlleld, Art Van Harvey, Ar-
nold Robertson
Wrller-Produe;r: John Barnes
IS M'ns.; Mon.-Krl., 2:11 p.m.
Sustaining

WBB.1I-CBS. Chicago

Aired locally for a time last year,
this deluxe soaper has been revived,
with ureal promise, as a network
sustaiuer. Serialized dramatizations
of ihe world's great novels is a slop
in the right direction toward im-
proving daytime radio. However,
building an audience for this type of
show may be a hard, slow climb.
The scries is running in opposition
lo strong competition in "Ma Per-
kins." which has a long-established
listening public, so it may be neccs-
sarv for "Scott" to seek an entirely
new audience. If the series is suc-
cessful in weaning a few dialers
from the compelish the crucial lesl
wiH'come in keeping them sufficient-
ly interested to slay, tuned in. It
will not be the easiest thing to main-
tain suspense and action for 30 epi-
sodes i the time scheduled to tell a
complete story > from the pages ot
' " ' Barnes, .writer-
sized job on his
hands. If he can overcome this an-
gle il has a good chance.

First dramatization is of Charles
Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities."
Opening episode planted- several
characters and dealt mostly with the
meeting of Mr. Lorry ( Art Van Har-
vey) with Lucie'Manelte (Nannelte
Sargent) al a London tea house to
inform her. about her father. Pre-
vious scenes, the ride on the Dover
mail coach, brought in several well-

done sound effects. Chapter was
well written, capably -acted and flne-
lv directed with special organ back-
ground music composed and played
bv Herb Footc. Morg.

after

Safe*-*-!**, KSWt rWfly* tab* <«r« «l rn«nu#lw >< net

$<»t Kapn«(nta>M«.lhat KSTP ltittneritiip « increasing steadily ...
t :vS*??. In rural Mlrtn«oJo_Oi yfell : o« In <hi Metropolitan Twin Citi*t Market,
i For. many yAfterdayt: and many yaMeryeart, wt have had :

i an ay* lo Ih* tan ei tomorrow. The lar-jloKted oworenei* »< effective

programming and promotion . . .the determination and -the know-how

■ ■ ■■ . .. .,. -.. ' v ......... .

lo do a comp;ehenilv» job of both -. . . the continuity ol our ilele-wide ,■
ogdienw promotion lor th« poit four yean
! machinery we toll Plnnatyud Promotion

"TWO-TON BAKER"
With Dick Baker, Hal I.ansinf
15 Mlns.; Mon.-Sat.. 8:IS a.m.
IIIRSC1I CLOTHING CO.
W(iN, Chlranu

iScliin'mmei- & Scoff)

"Man Mountain" Dick Baker,
a vear of early morning broadcasts
here; has bitten himself off a goodly
chunk of Chi's riserand-shine listen-
ing oopulalion 'with his light-hearted
songs, whistling, piano playing and
banter with announcer Hal Lansing.

Off-the-cuff ' dialler is refreshing,
comoared wilh some of the more
serious-minded local ayemers. with
Baker heckling Lansing during skin-
ny guy's commercials and Lansing
vlce-versaing during fal guy's daily
song trilogy and reminiscences pf. his
years in vaude and niteries.

Good sample of aircr was that of
Thursday HOI. in which Twu-Ton.
as usual, gave the lime end of the
program nice balance by slamming
over two less well-known numbers.
"When 'You Walk Into the Room"
and "Beneath the Moonlit Sky." to-
gether with the more familiar "Be-
ginning to See the Light." latter in
sepia style. In between. Lansin" un-
loaded iwo .short, lo-the-poinl plugs
accompanied by such remarks as
"Hear, bear" and "Ain't it the
truth?" from Baker. Latter handled
the middle plug himself, accom-
panied bv piano arpeggios.

"We try to dig you wilh painless
commercials." Two-Ton remarked at
one time "We mix 'em all up with
our other stuff so vou don't know
where they come, in."

And danged if they don't and
Hanged it you do. Milte.

Radio Followop

Jerl Sullavan joined the Jimmy
Duranle-Garry Moore troupe for
Rexall drugstores Friday UT> on
CBS and handled her one assign-
ment, "Anywhere." okay, although it
might have been better lo inlro the
newcomer wilh a song more familiar
lo listeners. Chuckle element of the
stanza remained at high point wilh
biz of bringing on a femme stooge
giving out wilh Schnoz' buzzsaw
chatter, followed by her "brother"
and then . Moore, talking the same
way. proving effective.

Television Review

Danny Webb took over the rii.c.
chores from Peter Donald on WOR's
(N.Y.) "Guess Who'.'" stanza la.st
Saturday (12) night, and it's obvious
that it will require lots of work on
his part to take up where Donald
lert off. Recently discharged from
the Army, Webb still lacks the easy-
going versatility which distinguished
Donald from the run-of-the-mill
quizmaster. Newcomer may attain
that goal with hard work, but as
things stand now, he has a long way
to go.

Can. Correspondent Speer
Killed in London Crash

Toronto, May 15.

Clifford Speer, 42.' war correspon-
dent wilh CBC, died in a London
hospital Sunday (13) after the CBC
mobile unit in which he was riding
collided wilh another motor vehicle
according to word received by his
wife today.

Speer had served in Britain. Italy
and other European fronts. He is
survived by his wife and a son
Ronald, 17, serving with the Royal
Norwegian Merchant Marine.

Bad Plugs

Continued from pane 2;

the exdunve. merchonditlnp, .- •
theM'rhlngt . «*JMf*visioifte „

30.000 WATT* -CLEAR CHANNE1 j

NORTHWEST'S LE*D1NG HUOIO STATION '
EXCLUSIVE H»C AFFILIATE FOR THE IW|M CITIES

9*pr«t*Mmd IVpffQAWV **/ tdword P4»iy t C«.'

CBS GOI.F FEATCRK
With Henry Ransom. Del Sharbull,
V.rtgf Rice. Mrs. Ransom, Marcla
Ran.Hom :
Direcler: Ren Kelner
Cameras: Ralph Warren, Howard

Hayes. Mark Slelnberc
15 Mlru.: Tun. (May 1), 8: IS p.m.
Sustaining
WCBW-CRS, N. Y.

Diverting quarter-hour depicting
an expeii's methods of playing the
oyal and ancient pastime proved
another interesting experiment by
CBS aimed at devising methods lo
get into the televised sports Held
which everyone agrees will be
among the top b.o. features when
video grows up.

Marred somewhat by Del Shar-
butt's ' peachy-gee whizz" comments.
Tuesday night's (1) presentation was
made on a manufactured Tom
Thumb golf course in the CBS stu-
dios with Henry Ransom, sub-par
playing pro from Texas, rifling golf
balls into a sheet of canvas h: ng
against a wall and also demonstrat-
ing chip shots and putting technique
on an artificial green. Sharbutt and
Ransom kept up a running barrage
of ad-lib chatter throughout and
paused at one point for a dialog
background of Ransom's links
achievements, including his best
nine-hole. 18-hole and 72-hole scores.

The pro looked very impressive as
he. executed various strokes and Also
handled his chatter routine natur-
ally and without bombast. Sharbutt,
on the other hand, being an experi-
enced radio announcer, pulled out
all the famihar stops and just
couldn't refrain from whispering
."Beautiful!" each lime ' Ransom
cuffed the pellet.

Director Ben Feiner. wisely real-
izing that 15 minutes of golf lesson
would prove boresoinc to many
viewers, introcd the golf pro's come-
ly missus and four-year-old daugh-
ter Marcia. along with track star
Gregg Rice, lo provide a little va-
riety. Rice, attired in regulation
running attire, looked a little out-of-
place on a golf course, but excuse
was that he was doing some cross-
country training with the femme.
who looked very fetching In shorts
and sweater.

Rice provided laughs wilh an ex-
aggerated "duffer" bit trying to
smite the golf ball, and little Marcia
Ransom came very close to stealing
the show, appearing just before sign-
off to talk briefly and take a couple
of swipes at the ball.

Both Ransom and Rice are physi-
cal instructors in the Merchant Ma-
rine, stationed on Long Island, and
Sharbutt lives in the neighborhood,
making the CBS golf feature very
much a community affair. This, ot
course, made for informality. And
informality is going to be a valuable
asset in television productions aimed
at home listeners. Hamming it up fs
bad enough in a theatre, but when
it takes place right in your own liv-
ing roon, it'll be "bad news tonight"
for both artist and sponsor.

Feiner's golf "short" successfully
hurdled the difficulty of staging an
outdoor feature in the studio and
suggests thai similar shows might be
staged dealing with tennis, baseball
and even swimming, if they can gel
a portable pool into the Grand Cen-
tral studios. Camera work and di-
rection were smooth and effective.

Dorm.

Kddle Cantor, on his program
from Hollywood over NBC (9),
pulled a timely and laugh-provok-
ing gag pivoting on the Associated
Press' "scoop" of Germany's uncondi-
tional surrender. Comedian was
grilling a gangster, and as he wrung
a confession from him, a newsboy's
v>oice in the background started lo
shout "Extra! extra!" — Socko Dolan
surrenders unconditionally lo Can-
tor!" Quipped Canter: "That Asso-
ciated Press gets things fast." ■ Stu-
dio audience indicated by laughter it
knew that AP angl<:..

Two minutes before, Canto had
ad-libbed a remark that didn't sound
too good, although of the type sev-
eral slar fun-makers recently have
been using. One of the supporting
cast fluffed badly, whereupon Can-
tor observed, 'kiddingly on the
square. "Ynu had only one lousy line
to read and you did not read il
right." Bop Hope several times on
broadcasts during the past six weeks
has "needled" members of his cast
who "kicked" lines around or failed
lo be sharp on timing, One or two
comments when Mary Bryant, a
USO overseas trouper, was guesting
wilh him 1 6 > would have been belter
left unsaid.

lenlial listeners .who, while they
appreciate his admitted ability, and
who have in the past enjoyed his
progra^nsv now do not look upon his
present program with favor simply
because they do not like the funda- .
mental radio advertising policies ol
his sponsor?

I am one. And finding myseir not
listening as in the past, wondered if
there might be others. In the past
several days I have found other
people who have, had the same reac-
tion. They simply dislike the blatant
plugs of the sponsor: his product
may not irritate, but he sure does.

"He" is, of course, not J." Benny,
but the sponsor.

, A. J. Wilson.

Bine Crosby from Holywood Sun--
day (13) on Mulual's "Chapel of the
Air," after Archbishop Francis J.
Spellman had spoken on "The Fam-
ily Rosary" and the parents of the
five Sullivan boys who lost their
lives in the sinking of the cruiser
Juneau, had led in its recitation,
made a plea for daily family prayer
by all failhs, creeds- and races. Cros-
by said that the Family Rosary was
recited in his. home every day; that
he wanted his four boys to love their
country, God and their home; that
he wanted them to. believe in the
efficacy and practice of prayer, both
at home and in church. Through
daily family prayer, continued Cros-
by, all children and all adults will
come closer to God. Crosby had a
simple but perfectly phrased script,
which he read superbly.

Mrs. Frank Sinatra made a simple,
sincere, moving plea thai parents
teach their children tolerance, in a
talk from Hollywood ill), an inter-
esting Blue network matinee sym-
posum titled. "Mothers Can Win the
Peace." The young wife of the
crooner was traveling in fajt com-
pany—Mrs. Rutli Bryan Rhode and
Congresswoman F.mily Douglas im-
mediately preceded her. and Fannie
.Hurst was one of those following —
but she handled herself splendidly.
Mrs. Sinatra, introduced by George
J. Hecht. in New York, as the mother
of a small girl and boy. said she had
often wondered, "How can I measure
up with some of Ihe great women
like Florence Nightingale. Madame
Curie and Mrs. Roosevelt'.'" Actu-
ally, the biggest jobs are done by
ordinary people like me... each one
of us is essential — that is the essence
of democracy. At home, in our own
backyards, we can give our children
their first lessons in how to live
with other Deople— and that is the
most valuable lesson of their lives."

The second national induction
ceremonies of the U. S. Cadet Nurse
Corps were aired over Mutual last
Saturday* afternoon (12) and the
proceedings lent themselves to a
fairly fast-stepping broadcast. Edgar
Bergen and Charlie McCarthy were
heard from Hollywood, while Ginny
Simms delivered two tunes in N.Y.,
where remainder of program origi-
nated, backed by Mitch Ayres and
his band arid Jeff Alexander's cho-
rus. A monolog by Jane Cowl titled
"Remember Tomorrow" was . the
highlight of. the stanza, which also
featured speeches by Lucile Petry,
nurse education topper, and Dr.
Thomas Parran, surgeon general of
the U. S. Public Health Service Jim
Ameche m.c.'d in capable fashion.

THE TIME lo atari Ihe wheel) or
inriiielry la Indicated by the wreecb
of factory wbUllet. . . and Ihe kiwi
of lime thai beep* the wheels of
Induelry going ■dvertialng lime — l»
what orrapiea Weed A CompaBY,
full lime.

\\ I ' I .D

Overseas for USO Since Jan.
'43— Now in New York

Washington. — F. W. Borton, presi
dent of the Miami Broadcasting Co.,
operating WQAM, has been chosen
NAB director for the 5th district for
a two-year lerm beginning July 1.

FRED LIGHTNER

Dir.) PHIL COSCIA

RADIO SCRIPT WRITERS

(nnanlt fleorf* llavla. Traehri 1 of

MUSIC-CUEING for
RADIO-DRAMA

ISIO Hlllh At'*., Sow York 19. N. Y-
CO. B-4SIS

author of comedy

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

Aussie Airnews
Cues Breakaway

Sydney, May 2. ■
A- major radio battle has started
between Acissie commercial radio
stations and the/ labor government
here. Since 1942, commercial sra--
Hons- have been taking news service
from the nationally operated Au-
stralian Broadcasting Commission.
Service was. free with the govern-
ment furnishing free telephone land-
lines to country commercial stations
for news.

" This fight over the relay service
began when ABC quit providing the
free service and asked $36,000 an-
nually from the commercial stations.
Result was that 00 stations decided
to break away from ABC and
hooked up with major local news-

1

BADIO

19

Insurance Gyps Theme
Of New Air Package

Arnold Michaelis, director of
"Amanda" on CBS, and Frank Kane,
writer of many "Gangbuster" scripts,
have produced a new drama package,
titled "Claims Agent," based on the
character played by actor Edward G.
Robinson in the Paramount pic,
"Double Indemnity."

Pair have access to flics of many
of the leading .insurance companies
using actual cases as basis for the
stanza.' Several clients reported in- j
terested in the package which is be
ing agentcd by Walter Swerlfager.

Double Duty

Earle McGlll, CBS producer''
and director, says he is now sell-
ing both tin cans and the stuff
that goes in them. On Satur-
days, he does "Report to the Na- •
tion," sponsored by Continental
Can.

M'Gill has now taken over the
direction of "Radio Reader's Di-
gest," sponsored by Campbell's
soup.

NSC Safety Awards

Chicago, May 15.
In an effort to encourage safe farm
practices the year round, the Na-
tional Safety Council will present its
highest wartime award, "For Dis-

Mo give the commercial .stations Ihe
necessary landlines, ' claiming 'hey _._
can be provided only if the stations' "a tes
continue with ABC.- The stations
claim they don't want the free land-
line service offering to pay the usual
telephone rates. -. ,

A. Paddison, president of the Fed-
eration of Commercial Broadcasting
Stations, stated that Hie govem-
• ment's move is undemocratic in
. principle and that the radio stations
would continue their independent
service to country station outlets,
pending out- news via telegram for
re-airing.

It now looks like a big political
battle is in the making on this treat-
ment of radio stations, with the
Labor government headed by Acting
Prime Minister Chiefley and Liberal
party opposition leader, Robert Men-
zies,

Blekford Back (o YNN

Boston, May 15;
. Leland C. Bickford, former chief
-warrant officer in the Coast Guard,
has returned to the Yankee Network
news service at his previous job as
editor-in-chief.

He was for 34 months In the Pa-
■ ciftc as a combat correspondent and
on a submarine patrol in Die At-
lantic.

national and regional network and
the individual station which origin-
and presents the best safety
program in connection with National
Farm Safety Week, July 22-28.

Awards will be based 75% dn ET's
or scripts of actual broadcasts which
take place in July, 1945, in connec-
tion with -the National Farm Safety
■Week .with the remaining 25% based
on safety broadcasts which took
place beginning at the close of last
year's week, July 29, 1944, and end-
ing July 1, 1945. Judges will be Wal-
lace Kadderly, chief of radio section,
U. S. Dept. of Agriculture; John J.
Lacey, director of information,
American Farm Bureau Federation,
and Maynard H. Goe, director of the
farm division! National Safety Coun-
cil.

WWJ TO VETERANS

Detroit, May 8.

WWJ began "Veterans' Advisory,"
a new public service program on
Saturdays at 6 p. ni., featuring the
Detroit News expert Louis Tendlcr.
He has also started a daily news-
paper column by the same name.

Tendlcr's radio show and column
will dovetail to help local returned
servicemen make the change from
military to civilian life.

ALBANY CHARTER CUES
SPEC ON WOKO FUTURE

Albany, May 15.
Fort Orange Broadcasting Co., Inc.,
has been chartered to conduct a gen-
eral radio broadcasting business in
Albany. Capital stock is 3,000 shares,
1,500 preferred at $100 par value^
and 1,500 common at no par value.
Directors.^ are: George Myers and
Kathryn M. Lasch, of Albany; Stan-
ton Ablett, of Cohoes. Myers and
Ablett are lawyers in the office of
lOie filing attorneys,' O'Connell &
Aronowitz, one of the : city's leading
firms.

No information as to the reason
for the company's formation has
been given. Some observers surmise
it might have something to do with
the WOKO situation. The present
operators are scheduled, under an
FCC ruling a few days ago, to lose
their license latter part of the month:
WOKO is expected to appeal -this
decision to the courts. WOKO a big
money maker, is a CBS outlet.

Fort Orange is the second broad-
casting company chartered recently
to do business in Albany. The first
had as directors three prominent
Albany business men: Wilson Sul-
livan, head of a realty company and-
now a Navy lieutenant at Sampson,
N. Y.; William J. Popp, of Fort
Orange Chemical Co., and Michael
J. O'Brien, of Interstate Plumbing
Supply Co.

NAB Can't See Spotlight On Station
Ownerships; Will Argue Before FCC

Schneider, Out of Army,
Chief Gabber at WWSW

Pittsburgh, May 15.

Lieut. Col. Raymond F. Schneider,
recently returned from, overseas
duty and just placed on Army's in-
active list, resumes this week as
chief announcer at WWSW, the post
lie held at local indie stations be-
fore going into the service three
years ago..

Schneider spent 14 months with a
rank destroyer outfit in Ireland, Eng-
land and France.

Cleveland.— New series of pro-
grams for kids up to sixth grade
level, known as "Golden Keys," has
started over WJW at - 1:15 p.m.,
Saturdays. Rosemary Spraguc .bviiiji.--
a quarter-hour of stories about
authors and illustrators of famous
books.

OHIO STATE SKEDS FM
WORKSHOP FOR SUMMER

Columbus, May 15.

Ohio State U. planning first edu-
cational FM-station workshop to be
held June 18 to July 27. Program
designed to provide practical train-
ing and experience in FM field for
class of 150, will have cooperation
of downtown Columbus stations.
Columbus has pioneer FM station,
WELD, which has been in operation
several years.

I. Keith Tylor, directing radio
orientation which will cover ; basic
engineering, program policy, -radio
regulation, public' service respon-
sibility, and relationship of FM edu-
cational studios to commercial sta-
tions. Network' bignames (unan-
nounced) are expected to guest at
lecture's.

Staff to include Edwin F. Helman,
broadcast coordinator WBOE Cleve-
land public schools; Walter Krule-
vitch, program director U.' of Wis-
consin's WHY; James F. MacAn^rew;
New York Board of Educ. radio pro-
gram coordinator; Paul Wagner,
former news editor WHAS and now
assist, prof- journalism Ohio State U.
Sixth week of enrollment to be held
at- Cleveland in Board of Education
station WBOE.

► Washington, May 15.

NAB Friday (11) filed with the
FCC a brief opposing the commis-
sion's projected rule requiring full
publicity to all station ownership
records. The proposal does not ap-
pear to "serve any useful purpose."
NAB counsel John Morgan pavis
wrote, in a brief preparatory to oral
argument next Monday (21).

The commission has failed to show
the benefit of such a rule, . Davis
maintained. Extension of the public
inspection rule now applied to com-
mon carriers into the broadcast field
is unjustified, he insisted. "So long
as the commission has full knowl-
edge of such matters," he wrote, "it
is inconceivable to us how any use-
ful purpose will be served by mak-
ir.g this materia) available for public
inspection."

Davis pointed out that the Treas-
ury adheres to a rule of secrecy in
regard to income tax returns, and
suggested that, if the FCC were to
adopt its proposed, rules, broadcast-
ers as a class would be denied the
protection afforded by the Treasury
rules. -

"In addition," he wrote, "it would
enable competitors to obtain infor-
mation which might be used to the
great disadvantage of- the licensee.
It would seem highly advantageous
to' the commission to have the in-
formation it needs supplied- freely,
without fear on the part of the li-
censee' that such information , may
be used against it.Jjy its competi-
tors."

Carolyn Francke In For
Script Trial on 'Aldrich'

With Clifford Goldsmith now off
his "Aldrich Family" scripting chore
(last Friday's (11) broadcast was the
initial non-Goldsmith script), .Young
tc Rubicam, the agency, is currently
testing Carolyn Francke as a pos-
sible successor.

Miss Francke wrote laft week's
show with the assistance of Milton
Wayne and she stays on pending a
definite deci-ih.

Qrady's Green Acres. . .

Grady cole's domain stretches for 300
miles down the Piedmont plateau,
through the center of Dixie -29,666,560
acres* of rich radio real-estate. And Grady
farms every inch from the studios of WBT.

How he does Jt is no secret. Cole com-
mands a listener loyalty that few. radio
personalities can match: Over half of the
Piedmont's rural folkt plant and harvest at
his direction . . . 5,000 farm-owners are bed-
rock members of the "Grady Cole Farm
Club". His fans send him 4,000 letters a
month; his homely philosophies have
become Piedmont folklore. Listeners name
barnyard pets, even 350 of their own off-
spring for WBT's friendly farm editor— and
swear diey'd back him for the governorship
of either Carolina.

Another big group also finds Grady's
acres exceptionally verdant— sponsors who
rhapsodize over Cole's uncanny sales-
power. Typically eloquent is Charles G. Fox
of Fox System Chicks in Charlotte -."Eigjit
programs .. .3,184 inquiries... 320,000 baby
chicks sold outstanding job... you can
understand now why I'm so enthusiastic."

Despite this double-headed popularity—
listeners and sponsors both had a complaint.
'they didn't get enough of Grady. So, to the
'330 'minutes of good-humor, news, music
aiid information that Grady Cole Time
brings \VET- audiences each week, there's
been added the midday Dixie Farm Club.
It combines faun facts' with pole cajolery
and guest visits by other favorite WBT
talent. And it's available for sponsorship,
12:00-12:15 every weekday.

.Planting acceptance for your product or
service in the profitable Piedmont would be .
a pleasure for this Southern gentleman
whose persuasive accent brightens the buy-
ing mood of his listeners. For an early sales
harvest from Crady's green acres, call us
or Radio Sales today.

* Acreage of WBT's 107 -county primary area.

\S4.B% of WBT's listeners hear Grady at leust one*
a week. (CDS Listener Diary.Study).

CNMIITTE* 51,101 Watts
Ik Snti's tot Satan

COLUMBIA OWNED

4§

ORCHE8TBAS— MUSIC

Wednesday, May 16, 194I>

Inside Orchestras-Music

When Harry Sosnil; composed "Who Are Wr to Say'.'", lyrics by Charlie
Tobias, he frankly told Herman Slavr. head of Music Publishers Holding
Corp., that the tune was a popular variation of Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Va-
riations on a Theme' by Paganini." Probably 'JO', of the Russian composer's,
works are in the public domain in the U. S. ami Stair admitted he could
easilv have checked but somehow he just published the song. Ilildegarde
recorded for Deeca (Sosnik is both hoi radio conductor and a Dccea hou.-e
maestro), and it was only then that Charles Foley came to Starr protesting
the tune infringement. Foley calmly cxiVainecl he understood the natural
error that Rachmaninoff's tunc was in I he public domain; he didn't want
any trouble, wasn't looking, for damages 01 suiis. All her wanted was to
have the song withdrawn for the .sim ile reason that he (Foley) had
pledged the late Russian composer never to permit, any distortion of his j
original melody. In fact. Frit/. Kreisler, Foley explained, was denied the |
privilege to ivfako a special violin arrangement oi Rachmaninoff's "Varia-
"lions on a Theme by Paganini" for the same reason. It was as simple as I
thai and. considering that Foley also publishes KreislcrV. music in America,
along with such works by RachinaninolV as ;mc protected in the Western
Hemisphere, this compelled Starr to acquiesce. The song was quickly
withdrawn from the market; certain top ra'o'io plugs were wired not to
air it: Dccca withdraw its Hildegarcle disk, issuing a new backup for that
plaller. Sosnik and Tobias meantime curtailed their "Who Arc We to Say?"
tille to "Who Can SayV". with a new in.Oocly by Sosnflc. which Starr just
sent out to Warner Bros.' studio for possible inclusion in a film.

RCA-Victor has been increasingly using an uptown N. Y. studio set in.
the banqucl hall of the Lotus club, on 57th street.. N. Y. Much larger
than any ol the company's regular studios downtown, the Lotus space
was firsl" taken by Victor for longhair recording exclusively. Lately, how-
ever, it h?s begun cutting pop banc's there. Tommy Dorscy made sides
there for his waltz album Monday * 13 < . using 18 strings, four French
horns, flutes, oboes, etc.

Columbia Records for some time has ufed the large Leidcrkranz Hall
studios in N. Y. for both longhair and pop band recording. ,

'Laura' Composer Gets
ASCAP Membership

David Raksin. write of the mu-
sic fivni which the current hit,
"Laura." was fashioned, was among
the recent batch of writers admitted
to American Society of Composers,
Authors' and Publishers membership.
Raskin is a writer and arranger on
the 20th-Fux lot in Hollywood.

Ersl'.in» Hawkins, bandleader, and
Paul Wcslon, arranger-musical di-
rector for: Capitol Records and a co-
wriler of the current, hit "1 Should
C;:rc," also drew cards. Others ad-
mitted, both pop and standard writ-
ers, are: Solon Alberti, George An.
tl'.cil. Loon Car)-. John M. Elliot,
Ray John Heindorf. Robert M. Mi-
ketta, Helen Scnrles Westbrook.

Among publishers admitted to the
Society is Freddy Martin's new Mar-
tin Music Co., which replaced his
Maestro firm: Viking Music and
Crescendo Music.

Spec- 3 Willard Scheff, director oi the Sampson. N. Y., Naval Training
Station band, now being heard every third Saturday over WGY, Schenec-
tady, in a series titled "Men of Uncle Sam." was with Fred Waring's Pcnn-
sylvanians for five years.

Pat Rossi Sues Joke
Film Co. for Alleged
Dubbing of His Voice

Pat Rossi, also known as Ross
Leonard, singer, filed suit in N. Y.
federal court last week (14) against
Soundies Distributing Corp. of Amer-
ica. Inc. Action see us an injunction
and an accounting of profits from the
alleged fraudulent and unlawful use
of Rossi's voice in the distribution
and production of a soundies film
called "Something to Write Home
About."

According to the complaint filed
by George Luttinger, attorney for
Rossi, the defendants obtained and
unlawfully used a. recording of
Rossi's voice, which he had made for
the writer of the song without charge
on January 7, this year.

Defendants, Rossi alleges, adver-
tised in the "soundies" that the voice
was that of one Robert Lenn. By
misrepresenting and deceiving
public, Rossi further alleges,
earning ability and reputation
being injured.

Besides the injunction, Rossi asks
that the "soundies" be' impounded
during pendency of the suit and also
asks for $25,000 puntive damages.

the
his
are

Spade Cooley reorganizing His
musicrew to replace Deuce Sprig-
tins and Eddie Bennett, who have
[ormed their own band.. -

LARRY CLINTON PLANS
FOR POSTWAR OUTFIT

CrTpt Larry Clinton, in the U. S.
air force as an instructor for the
past three years, last week, prior to
shipping overseas on his first com-
bat assignment, huddled with RCA-
Victor. for which he recorded pre-
war, and an understanding is said
to h;ive been reached for his return
to that company when lie rebuilds
his band postwar.

Clinton also has made agreements
with four key musicians, it's said,
around whom he will build a new
band. During his three-year Army
service, he has been doing occasional
arranging with a view toward the
postwar outfll. All of his effort, of
course, has been on standard works,
which are never outdated.

Bertha Tallman
In Muzak Bowout

Bertha Tallman has resigned as
exec vcepee of Muzak after an as-
sociation of about five years. Her
exit has created considerable specu-
lation in the trade, with some re-
ports that there's becn^ an inner-
sanctum conflict ever since ex-FCC
chairman James L. Fly stepped' into
the Subscription Radio picture. Pre-
viously there had been reports that
Bill Lenlon was divorcing himself
from his Muzak interests with some
now inclined to attach significance
to Miss Tallman's bowout and the
Benton rumor.

Nevertheless, execs of the outfit
still cling to a categorical denial of
^Benton's . purported withdrawal or
any existing conflict within the or-
ganization and, that Miss Tallman's
resignation was cued strictly by per-
sonal reasons.

Bands at Hotel B.O.'s

(Presented fiereiettJi at a weekly tabulation, <• the estimated cover
charge business being done by na?ne bands in various Neio York hotels.
Dinner buriiiess (7-10 p.m.) not rated. Figures a/ler name of hotel give
room capacity and cover charge. Larger amount designates u>ce):cnd and
holiday price. Compilation is based on period from Mondau to Saturday.) .

„. . Tom

nwM Piisl t'livrr*

Huntl Hiil»l . I'liiyrd \V«el< On Unix

Hal Aloma* Lexington (300; 75c-$1.50; 30 1,625 53,075

Sonny Dunham. . New Yorker (400, $1-$1,50) ] 1.950 1.950

Glen Gray Pennsylvania (500; $1-$1.50) ..... 5 2,750 11.300

Nat Bran'dwy nnc. Waldorf (550; $2) 1 2,875 2,1175

"Erskine Hawkins. Lincoln (275: Sl-51.50). .. : ... 1 875 1.450

Eddie Stono. ..,. .Roosevelt (400; $i-$1.50) 1 2,725 3.925

Note YorUer has ice s/io

* Asleriuls iwtirfllr n supporting floor show.
Lexington, on Hntroiinii )loor sJioilv '

Chicago

Jimmy Horsey (Panther Room. Sherman hotel: 950: Sl.50-S2.50 min.).
Dorscy and Dinning Sisters, opening Friday (11), split fine G.000 with Stan
Kenton, who closed.

Buddy Franklin (New Walnut Room. Bismarck hotel; 4C5: $1.50-S2.50
min.). V-E Day festivities helped build to 3,100 for Franklin and Enriea &
Novello.

Dick LaSalle (Mayfair Room, Blackstonc hotel; 4G5: $2.50 min ). Fair
2,100 for LaSallc-Gali Gali-Ellsworth Si Fairehild combo.

George Olsen (Empire Room. Pahjier House; 700; $3-$3.5.0 min.). Barring
rainy weather; V-E Day would have meant even bigger crowds for Olsen,
Hcnny Youneman, Lathrop 4: Lee, et al, but 7.G00 wasn't bad at all.

Ted Weeius (Boulevard Room, Stevens hotel: 650; $3-$3.50 min.). Best
biz in town for increasingly popular Boulevard Room, with 7,700 on lap
for Wccins. Harris. Claire 4: Shannon;. Masters & Rollins, elc.

Jukes Can Blare After
Midnight Despite Curfew

Detroit, May 8.

The juke box can do it where the
orchestra can't.

Rescinding a previous ruling, the
War Manpower Commission ruled
here last week that music boxes can
be played in after-midnight eating
spots without breaking the curfew.
An appeal had been made to Edward
L. Cushman, chairman of the com-
mission, by the Michigan Automatic
' Music Box Owners Association.

Los Angeles

Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $1-$1.50). Curfew lifl. V-E Day nor
anything else disturbed solid 4,100 tabs.

Joe Relchman (Biltmorc; 900; $1-$1.50). War news kept patrons away
early, but end of the week brought it back to 4.000 covers, .

Location Jobs, Not in Hotels

(Chicago)

Gay Clarldce (Chez Paree: 050; $3-$3.50 niin.l. Clariclge. Sophie Tucker,
Arthur Lee Simpkins drew sock 5,500.

Del Courtney (Blackhawk: 500: $2-$2.50 min.).: Imagioators followed
Vic Myde, who closed Tuesday (C); Courtney and Marjoric Lane h.o.
Beauccuip 4,200.

Ted Lewis (Latin Quarter; 700: $3-$3.50 min.). Final count. 5.000. smash
pickup. Lewis followed Irving Kostal orch, Lou Hollz, Jackie Heller,
Mulcays. who closed Thursday U0>.

Leeds Music Setting
French Branch in Paris

Leeds Music is in the process of
setting up a French branch of its
publishing holdings. Headquartered
in Paris, the company will be run
by Raoul Breton, French music glib;
Usher who has been in this country
for some time. Breton was to have
pulled out of N. Y. lor Paris yes-
terday (Tues.).

Exact name of Leeds' Paris branch
has not yet been settled. Legal pro-
cess of selling up the office is now
being covered by Leeds in Wash-
ington.

Jimmy Pupa. Jr., trumpet, and
Ollie Kirschbaurii, sax, rejoined Bob
Rhodes orch at Vogue Terrace, Pitt.
Another sax newcomer is Ronnie
LaVelle. recently playing in band at
N. Y.'s Diamond Horseshoe.

(Los Angeles)

Tony Pastor (Palladium. B, Hollywood, 2d week). V-E Day closing kept
the customers away but still hit 24,000, which is way o(T.

Shorty Sberock (Trianon, B, South Gate, third week). Closing for one
night kept this dancery at 8,500 customers, which is solid.

Leighlon Noble (Slapsy Maxie's, N, Los Angeles. 22d week). Hit its
usual 3,200, despile concentration on the war news.

Carlos Molina, King Cole Trio (Trocadci'O, N, Hollywood, 8th week).
Both rooms of this nitcry keep 'em coming for good 4,000 tabs.

Bill Green Sets Reisman

Pittsburgh, May 15.
Name banc! policy for Terrace
Garden at Bill Green's Casino this
summer, which has been hanging
fire for some time, will be carried
out. First band in will be Leo
Reisman's. opening May 25 for , two
weeks. Ted Weeihs had originally
been booked but he's being held
over in Chi and bowed out of Ideal
date.

Big dance spot is being operated
now by Mrs. Bill Green and a
sister-in-law since Green himself
was inducted into Ihe Navy several
weeks ago.

Navarro a Maestro

Boston, May 15.
Al Navarro, featured saxisl with
several local bands until a recent
Navy sojourn, is out and is now be-
ing groomed as a band leader by
Jack Marshard, mentor to Vaughn
Monroe.

. Navarro is currently at the Copley
Plaza, where he took over the baton
from Harry Greene; recently induct*
ed into the Army.

Ilershcy Park Ballroom, Hcrshey.
Pa., will open its 31st season May 12,
with Tommy Dorscy 's orchestra.

Zooming HITward;

YA H ™ YA H

TALK, TALK, TALK)

Lyrics oy JOHNNY BURKE tfusic bv JIMMY VAN HHU3IIN

"13 U R K {-I iiu: «\H HE USE- . f.ljr , BAv Son - P:«t 1 G 1 9 Broadway York s8

■TATA

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

ORCHESTRAS—MUSIC

41

Re 'Lili Marlene'

Songstress Margaret Scott was heckled recently by Lady Dover-
dale and Mary Hoyt Wlborg because she chirped "LIU Marlene"
at the Hotel Pierre's Cotillion Room, N. Y., and their dudgeon
resulted In the titled widow moving out of the hotel. They ob-
jected to "Lili" because of its Nazi origin.

A U. S. Army major arose to explain that the German-
originated "Lili" had been "adopted" by 'Allied troops In Europe,
which is the prime reason for its acceptance by anti-Germans.

When "Variety" (Abel) reviewed Miss Scott as a new act
("songs with concertina"), it observed that the songstress'
"repertoire is in the conventional class cafe Idiom, some of It a
bit dated, such as 'LJli Marlene,' which even HUdegarde couldn't
make the U. S. public believe 'was the soldier's real song of this
war.' Somehow it is misguided sentiment . .

Despite "Lili" being, a big seller in Britain, the average Yank
audience when faced with the song couldn't accept a Nazi-
Inspired sentiment, and, of course, the feeling has always per-
sisted that no Kern, Berlin, Friml, Gershwin or kindred time
could ever have been aired in the riow-defunct Reich, even with
Nazlfled lyrics, so why should we turn a sympathetic ear to one
of their tunes'.

Great songs help make great singers, but no song'is worth even
a casual untoward incident, and "Lili" falls in that category. It's
no major patriotic crisis, because of the very casualness of the
whole thing; but by the very nature of show business— especially
on the chanteuse circuits — where a prime function is escapism
and divertissement, here's where good judgment should obtain.

Abel.

James to Open at N. Y. Hotel Astor,
Backing Down on Bonus Demands

Harry James, who served the ♦
Astor hotel, N. Y., several weeks ago
with notice that he wouldn't open
in the hostelry's Roof unless he drew
a (1,500 bonus each week, apparently
has backed down on his stand. He
opens on the Roof June 11 and is
definitely not getting the extra coin
he demanded over and above the
.price called for in the contract he
signed for the spot . while here last
year. He's said lo be drawing a flat
$3,500 weekly, with no percentage
privileges.

James' withdrawal of his demand
is supposed to be due to the attitude
of Bob Christenberry, Astor manag-
ing director. Christenberry flatly re-
fused to grant the extra coin and
told James he would take the
maestro to court to force him to
abide by the agreement. Christen-
berry, after receiving James' de-
mands, wired the leader that he was
expected to open as per his . con-
tract. Copies of the wire went to the
American Federation of Musicians
and Music Corp. of America, the
• band's agency.. '»

James seemingly based his move
for more coin on the ruling the AFM
made last winter, which allowed any
maestro under option to play a loca-
tion to nix such an agreement upon
appeal^ to the union in the event
Playing the date meant a financial
.loss.

Before opening at the Astor, James
will play two one-nighters in New
England. He works June 9 at River-
side Park, Springfield, Mass., and the
10th at Pleasure Beach Park, Bridge-
port

James is coming into the Astor (his
time with a full string section of 14.
He^had strings with him during his
last date at the Astor last summer,
nut had dropped them when he
Played Frank Dailey's Meadowbrook,
Cedar Grove. N. J., last fall.

WOW, OMAHA, APPEALS
Nffi. ASCAP VERDICT

Though the Nebraska legislature
«2l tly kil|ed the state's anti-
■ ASCAP law, station WOW, Omaha,
owned by the Woodmen of the
world, and Joseph Malec, owner of
feony Park, also Omaha, last week
appealed a recent decision against
= n !i m mJi,. a suit: Vs - ASCAP. Malec
s™^* had sued the Society for
IrV'J™ 0 lr, P le damages to recover
royalties paid for use of its reper-
3J^tween 1937 an «l 19«- Suit
*as brought 'in 1941 and dismissed
8 few months ago.-
.Louis Frohlich, ASCAP attorney,
made the trip from N. Y. last week
io .defend ASCAP's interests upon
nung of the appeal. State Supreme
*-ourt reserved decision.

Woolerjr Upped at Big 3

Ed McCauley, recently stricken by
•neart ailment, but now recovered,
.j^Y. dili ector of the standard and
durational departments of the Big
^nree (sales distribute* for.Robbins,
«'Jtj,nd Millef Music); & •
. SJcCauleyrs . aide,- C, . W* ; Woolery,
been upped to sales manager.

$21,600 Net Revealed
For Contacters' Benefit

FiRal returns on the benefit affair
run at Carnegie Hall, N. Y., couple
weeks. ago by the Music Publishers
Conlfct Employees union, reveal a
net profit of approximately $21,-600.
This total was left after all expenses,
including printing of a journal, Car-
negie rental, etc., were deducted
from gross' of approximately $29,300.

At an MPCE Council meeting
Friday ill) winners, of the MPCE
raffle were pulled out of a hat.
Rocco " Vocco. partner in Bregman,
Vocco ii Conn, corraled the^ $500
bond first prize; Joe Whelan, BVC
Chicago rep, copped the $300 bond
second prize, and third and fourth
awards of a $100 bond each were
taken by Harold Richards, a musi-
cian, and Jack Lee, Morris Music
contact man.

Metro Pays 200G

US1C

Metro is set to buy Variety Music
from Arthur and Hugo Freed for
$200,000. This is an independent
Coast music house, which the former
Freed, a Metro producer, financed.
Some time ago lie paid $35,000 for
the Jacobs Music Co. (Boston) cata-
log of marches, but it has not been
particularly active. However, it is
Metro's intention to utilize it as. an-
other outlet for. the many filmusical
scores it has on the agenda. In ef-
fect it would become a subsid of
Feist, which specializes, in M-G pic-
ture songs, whereas the parent Rob-
bins Music Co. and its affiliated Mil-
ler Music absorb other publications.

Odd part o( the deal, as presently
constituted, is that Metrcn-not Rob-
bins-ris paying the 200G. Hereto-
fore. Bobbins Music funds paid for
Feist, Miller, Sherman-Clay and all
other music subsid acquisitions.

Waxed by Bing Crosby for some
months is a Variety Music tune writ-
ten by Major Meredith Willson titled
''Iowa-." Crosby and Judy Garland
also ' recorded "Connecticut" from
the same catalog, likewise as yet un-
released.

Tommy Dorsey Dropping
Strings From His Band

Tommy Dorsey is dropping the
string section from his orchestra.
Move, which may be temporary, is
due to the heavy cost of operation
plus the coin involved in transport-
ing, the nine-man addition, to his
regular ; eight - brass, six . sax,' five
rhythm instrumentation.

AI Bella, who headed the strings,
will remain with Dorsey after the
section .quits. Bonnie Lou Williams,
vocalist, is also leaving, relucting to
California.

.Wantow Places 1st

Song With Publisher

Mark Warnow, conductor of the
Lucky Strike "Hit Parade," who is
ajso a CBS, N. Y-, musical director,
has placed his first song, with Martin
Block's music publishing company.
Warnow wrote both music and lyr-
ics to the tune, titled '-Two Down
and One To Go."

Warnow, who has wril!tri com-
positions for some time without ever
attempting to have them published,
has "another tune, done with m.s,
Bob Russell (formerly.at New York-
er hotel, N. Y.) titled "Happy Little
Song." It has not been placed with
a publisher.

'Song Shark' Case
Dismissed by Ct.

Portland, Ore.. May 15,

A directed jury verdict of not
guilty on all 10 counts of an indict-
ment charging Sylvester L. Cross,
and Stephen. Janik, Portland and
Hollywood music publishers, with
using the mails to defraud was re-
turned in Federal District. Court
here Tuesday (8).

Evidence had been offered by the
Government to show that Cross had
collected approximately $300,000
from more than 6,000 amateur song
writers under contracts of from $45
to $60 for each song. It was charged
that Cross had failed to live up to
a single contract.

Defense brought out that fewer
than 10 per cent of the -more than
6,000 "customers" had expressed dis-
satisfaction and that the overwhelm-
ing number of "co-writers," many of
whom had submitted more than one
song, had expressed approval, of the
work done, by Cross in editing, re-
vising and exploiting their lyrics.
• In "handing down his order for the
directed verdict of innocent on all
counts, Judge Claude McColloch
said: "This is not an easy case to
decide! Besides the heat engendered
in the trial, almost every day I have
received one or. more letters— some
quite intemperate _ in character:
These letters have come from points
suspiciously far apart.

"Nothing remains in the case other
than the inherent lack of merit of
some of the lyrics offered by com-
posers who were c< lied in as wit-
nessess. The other charges have
been satisfactorily explained. Ten or
11 good people but of 2,500 or 3,000
who contracted with the defendent
have testified that they were im-
posed upon. I feel that some of them
were. But is that evidence to take to
the jury the government's accusa-
tion that the entire plan and system
of operation was dishonestly , con-
ceived? I am sure that it is not.

"If 'the production of 10 dissatis-
fied, even defrauded, people, out of
a total of 2.500 or 3.000, were suf-
ficient to taint criminally defendant's
entire operation, which covered a
period of five to six years, almost
every business operation dealing
with the public at large would be in
jeopardy under the mail fraud
statutes.

"Under the rules of criminal law,
which put a heavy burden on the
prosecution, I do not feci that there
is a question here for submission to
the jury."

Long Court Fight Over Taper
DolT Royalties Settled; 2 Widows
Win Shares; Marks Awarded Rights

VALLEE, MURRAY LAZAR
INVEST AS PUBLISHERS

Hollywood. May 15.,
Underwritten to the tune of $100,-
000, Rudy Vallee Music Co. has been
formed here to start operations June
4. Firm replaces the Vagabond
Music Co. Vallee had set up recently
on a. much smaller scale under one
of Broadcast Music's usual deals with
bandleaders.

Both Vallee and Murray Lazar,
who recently resigned as .profession-
al manager here for Crawford Music,
put up a substantial' amount- of the
coin going into the new company.
Lazar will general manage the house
for which branches will be set up in
Chicago and N. Y. •'■''•'.

Vallee* company is one of the more,
ambitious efforts of BMI, along with
Charlie Spivak's firm, Stevens Music,
operated by Jack Osfeld, and Repub-.
lie Music, now run by Mike Nidprf
and' Jim Peppe. Each represent a
substantial investment by BMI.

Shep Fields orch signed for Strand
theatre, N. Y., opening -May 25. Date
precedes band's overseas . trip for
USO-Camp Shows.

'Lights' Hot Again

Chicago, May 18.

Jukebox ops here were caught
With their platters , down when,
curfew and brownout were
lifted last week, with more de^
mands for "When the Lights Go
On Again" than they could pos-
sibly fill. Fred Mbrelli, Century
Music Co. .prez, which has more
than. 500 of the machines in the
Loop and. vicinity, reported al-
most every tavern owner re-
quested the disk, but that he had
only 128, so most of his clients
had to settle for "When Johnny
Comes Marching Home," of
Which he had a-plenty.

Other concerns also reported
similar demands for "Lights.",

WPB lifts Ban On
Instrument Mfg.

Washington, May 15.
The lid went off production and
repair of musical instruments last
Thursday (10) except in so far as it
is restricted by a shortage of a few
critical " materials such as tin and
nickel. WPB formally announced
the revocation of Limitations order
L-37-a, which, controls musical in-
struments and accessories. Produc-
tion had been restricted on Feb. 17,
1942.

Steel and iron may now be used
for musical instruments, except for
production of chimes, bells and
music stands. While rubber is also
restricted, WPB says it will listen to
any hardship case.

Film-Masic Publishers
Vitally Interested In
Appealing Marks-BMI

Back, from Hollywood, where he
went on special film copyright busi-
ness, attorney Julian T. Abeles is
now . stepping into the Edward B.
Marks-BMI appeal from the adverse
decision handed it by Justice Fer-
dinand Pecora in N. Y. Supreme
Court last week. ASCAP emerged
victorious, in the action begun by
BMI-Marks, the Society being de-
clared the owner of small (perform-:
ing) rights to songs written and
published by its members.

Abeles has a more than passive
interest in the appeal on behalf of
Marks (Sidney M. Kaye represent
BMI) because he also 'is attorney for
the Metro and 20th Century-Fox
Film music interests. It becomes im-
portant, especially with an eye to
television in future, to see whether
the copyright owner (meaning the
publishers like Robbins, • Feist and
Miller whom Abeles speciflca'.lly
represents) controls all licensing
rights; or whether. .songwriters can
sever' the licensing rights, and retain
a special interest therein. This is
what Judge- Pecora held, in effect,
when deciding against Marks-BMI.

Heidt Bids $280,000 But
Ballroom Mgr. Wants 300G

Hollywood, May 15.
Horace Heidt's bid of better than
$280,000 for the Pacific Square Ball-
room in San Diego has been nixed
by- Wayne Daillard, Teirpalace
owner.

Daillard has the dancery up for
Sale, but reportedly wants over
300G for the spot. The place in the
Southern California city is - in com-
petish with Larry Finley's Mission
Beach and Trianon Ballrooms.

1st Long-Runner At
Palisades by Richards

Johnny Richards' orchestra inau-
gurates the first long-run band pol-
icy . Palisa'des' Amos. Park, Fort Lee,
N. J., has ever attempted Richards
opens May 26 for four weeks, .with
Mutual network wires.

Heretofore, Palisades, has adhqred
clSsely to a policy of name bands on
■weekends arid medium level outfits
<liinng the week.

Edward B. Marks Music. Corp. ob-
tained a complete victory' in the
'■Paper Doll" case; in a decision just
handed down by Judge Edward H.
Conger in N. Y. federal court. The
estate of Johnny S. Black, and his
widow Sally Black Waldo, from
whom Marks acquired the renewal
copyright in the song, did not fare
so well when Judge Conger held
that Black's previous wife, Mattie E.
Shanks, was entitled- to half of their
royalties.

The song was -registered by Black
in 1915 in his name as the sole writer.
However, Judge Conger foUnd that
the major part of the song was writ-
ten by Mrs. Shanks under the title of
"My Doll," prior to her marriage to
Black; that it was registered by Black
under ah agreement with Mrs.
Shanks for the benefit of both, and
that the copyright was held by Black
in trust for the interest of Mrs.
Shanks as co-writer.

Black, who assigned the song to
Marks in 1924, died in 1936. The
tune never came to life commercially
until . 1942, and vThen the Original
copyright expired in 1943, Black's
"'swan song"- had become a second
•■Dar'danella." Then came the claim-
ants, one and all. Black's father, his
stepfather, his three ex-wives (all
since remarried), and an adminis-
trator on behalf of sundry relatives.
Marks Co. was in quandary. If it
'did not obtain the renewal .-rights .
from the rightful owner, it would be
the infringer of well over a million-
copy song, with one of "the greatest
disc sales in many years.

Marks' Moves

Upon the advice of its. attorney,
Julian T. Abeles, Marks acquired the
rights from Black's third wife, Sallie
Black Waldo. While she had ob-
tained a divorce . from Black, the
final decree had never been entered, .
hence Abeles contended that she was
his widow. Then came the' deluge.
The first wife sued jn N. Y. supreme
court, the second wife in an Ohio.,
court, the administrator in N. Y.
federal court, and the third wife
threatened suit in the Ohio federal
court. Abeles then countered wiih
an action by Marks in N. Y. federal
court in which he obtained an injunc-
tion against the prosecution of all. .
other suits, and an order bringing all
claimants into the Marks' action as
party defendants.

Charles H. Tuttle tried the case
of Mrs. Shanks, and Ohio attorneys
for the either defendants. Judge
Conger held with Abeles, that Mrs.
Waldo was the ' lawful widow o?
Black, and that Marks "is the sole
owner of the renewal copyright of
the song, 'Paper Doll.'" But Mrs.
Waldo contended that, as she had
only quitclaimed her rights to Marks
without warranty, she should be paid
the full royalties under her agree-
ment- with Marks regardless of the
rights of any other claimant.: Judge
Conger likewise held with Abei'es,
that as the widow of Black she had
undertaken to transfer his interest
in the song to Marks, so that she and
the Black estate, rather than Marks,
were liable for payment to Mrs.
Shanks as co-writer.

Differs From "MM Stream"
In deciding that Mrs. Shanks was a
co-writer, Judge Conger distin-
guished the recent "Down by the Old •
Mill Stream" decision, saying that
the testimony of Mrs. Shanks and her
other witnesses was sufficient to
overcome the presumption of the
copyright certificate of sole author-
ship in Johnny Black. In the "Mill
Stream" case (Foster v. Vogel), At-
torney Abeles, who, by -coincidence,
had appeared for Foster in that suit,
had offered the copyright certificate
showing sole authorship in Tell Tay-
lor,, and the court then sustained his
objection to the introduction by Vo-
gel of the testimony of Earl K. Smith
to establish his co-authorship. The
judgment for 'Foster, was offered' by
the Circuit Court, the court saying
that 'the testimony of Vogel's other-
witnesses was insufficient to overcome
the presumption of sole authorship
in Taylor. When' translated from
the Greek, it all -means that Marks
was still standing at the bell, Solo-
mon and the seven wise men bad
nothtngtfoh - Judge Conger, and One
■ex-wlfe was left, cutting paper dolls.

Harry James orchestra recorded
"Oh. Brother," and "If I Love You'"
for Columbia.

42

ORCHESTRAS— MUSIC

Wednesday, May 16. WiTt

ASCAP Board Considers Rough
Draft of New BPRS Reciprocal Pact

INK SPOTS-ELLA-COOTIE
SET 41G PITT RECORD

Pittsburgh, May 15.

Hough draft of an agreement re-
newing the performance rights al-
liance bet\veen the British Perform-
ing Right's Spcietv and the American
Society of Composers. Audio)'* and
f'tiblishers has been received by Hie
laltev in N. V. This agrcemenl,
when polished up and llnally sig-
iialui-cd by both- parties. ' will suc-
ceed the current reciprocal agrec-
incnl between die -two - tint 11 Is. which
expires Dec 3'1. 1945.

Since John CI. Paine, general
manager of ASCAP, and- Herman
I'inklostein. Society attorney, 'left
this country for England several
weeks ago, ii has been consistently
denied lhal the trip was for Ihe pur-
pose ol renewing the agreement be-
tween the two societies. Junket was
explained as being for the purpose

of ironing out many problems
; which arose since the start of the
: war. when all business with PUS

had necessarily been severed. Paine
:.and Fmklestein also went into
[ France during the current trip, pre-
> .-■-uniably for talks with /SACHEM.
! French performance group, with

■ which ASCAP also has a reciprocal
ideal.

: ASCA'P's headquarters in N. Y. re-
'ceiitly received writer shares of
'.PUS performance royalties. II is
now being processed for payment to
I writers here.

A- special ' board meeting has been
j called for today iWed.) during which

■ ihe Society's Foreign Relations Com-
! millc.c. composed of Dick Murray.
| Merman Starr and Gene Buck, will
' explain and mull over - with the
! board. Hie terms of the BPRS.

I All-lime house record at Stanley
I for flc:j>h was broken lasl week by
'•Ink Spots-Klla Fitzegerald -Coolie
| Williams when unit did $41,000 to
lop such past attractions as Jack
I Benny, .Eddie Cantor Mickey;
| liooney, Judy Garland, and K ;■■
IK.vser. Picture - "'w as "Experimen 1
j Perilous * (RKO).

Figure was lor six days since there
was no show, only the pic jure, on :
Sunday. It was \VB deluxei's first :
pre.-entation in almost five months ,
and had the advantage of V-E Day j
celebrations "when clubs and bars!
were closed. Billy Kenny, of Ink j
Spots, was so tickled with breaking !
ihe mark that, in addition to usual !
backstage larqcss. he also bought 48 !
pounds of candy and dislrlhiiled it
among Ihe usherettes: ^

Charles Frevin assigned as nnisical
director on "Two Sisters From Bos-
ton" al Metro. 1

10 Best Sellers on Coin-Machines

(Records below are grabbing most nickels, tills week fn Jiil.cbn.rpv
tli'-oiiglioiit comitry as reported bv operators to "Variety." Nam ol
more than one band or vocnltst alter the title indicates, in order ol popn-
laritn. whose recordings are being plai/cd. Figures and names in poicn-
t/iesis indi'rflrc I lie nil7iiber ol- tec.?),-.') each song lias been in tlie listitKjj
and .rcxprclii'u publishers.) '

1. My Dreams Getting Belter (12' (Sanlly)

2. Candy i8>. I Foist ■

,1 There I Said 11 Again C»i (Valiant).
4. Just Prayer Away t5> (.Shapiro I. .

5 Dream 15 1 (Capitol)

6. Laura <3> iHobbins)

.7: Sentimental Journey (IP (Morris)

8. All of My Life (3> (Berlin ) ...

i). I'm Be

VLcs Brown

\ Louis Prima

\ Dinah Shore

I Jo StafTord

Vaughn Monroe . .
Bing Crosby ..,'..
( Freddie Martin.'. .

j Pied Pipers.;.

1 Freddy Martin.:. .
( Dick Haymcs. . . . .

t Les Brown

j Hal Mclntyre . . .
Bing Crosby

, „ ,, r - j. I Harry James . ;.. .Colin

ginning to See. Light (11 . (Grand-, j rj^ E11 , ngl011 .... . v

Columbia
..... Hit
. . . . Victor
Capilnl

. . . .Viclor
. .. .Dcrra.
. - .Victor
.. .Capitol
. .-. . Victor
. ... Dccca
Columbia
. .Victor
. Decca

Columbia
ietor

10. More and More " 10 1 IT. B. Harms)..

I Bing Crosby.
( Perry Como.

. Decca
. Victor

MARTIN MUSIC

STARTING A NEW PAGE IN MUSIC HISTORY

WITH

ft

A SONG TO REMEMBER

if

FROM

COLUMBIA'S "A SONG TO REMEMBER"

Recorded by FREDDY MARTIN
Victor No. 20-1 655

It

LILY BELLE"

INTRODUCED BY

EDDIE CANTOR

WEDNESDAY, MAY HTH

RECORDED RY

FREDDY MARTIN and His Orchestra

"HUBBA HUBBA HUBBA"

INTRODUCED RY

CONNIE HAINES

MARTIN MUSIC 1 515 N. Vine St. Hollywood 28, Cal.

CHEZ PAREE OUSTED
FROM ITS 13-YR. SITE

Chicago. May in
Chez Paree. top nitcry which h is
been run for past 13 years at .same:
spot by Mike Frilzel and Joe J;i-
cobscn. has received notice to vacate:
by .July 31. Edict came from ' Ab,-
Teiialbaum. attorney for. Ceneiat
Aniline &: Film Corp., who advised
the bistro operators quarters an'
needed and lease will not be re. ■
nc wed-.

Teitclbaum recently bought It's
Fine Arts Bldg, on Michigan ave-
nue, which houses the Sludebakcv
theatre (leased by the Sliubert:-.)
and the Playhouse, film liou.se leased
by Abe Tcitcl (no relation to the
attorney). Teitclbaum has renewed
ilio Playhouse lease but has noli-
Mcd the Shuberts that he 'wants- pos-
session -of the Sludebaker within llii;
next 10 months.

Dickering to take over Ihe lease of
the Sludebaker are Mike Todd -Kid
Italph Kittering.

| Hamid's, Steel Piers, A.C.,
! To Run Decoration Day

• Hamid's Million Dollar Pier. Al-
I lanlic City, will unveil May 26 for
! Ihe Decoration Day period with a
bill topped by Vaughn Monroe's or-
chestra and Ann Corio. Pier will
. Iheii close after Decoration Day and
reopen for the season June 30.
Opposition Steel Pier is also plan -
; nine a show over the holiday, but as
; yet hasn't decided whether to open
j for the weekend prior to Decoration
Day or on the holiday ilself. Sea-
son's opening for this spot will lake
place July 1, with name act and name
band policy.

Brooks' Decca Pact

Randy Brooks' new band has
come to an agreement with Decca on
m. recording deal, with contracts to
be signed within the week. New
band, which has excited consider-
able comment since debuting in the?
IS'. Y. area at Frank Dailey's 'J>rrac«
Room, Newark, several weeks ag».
will make its first sides within the
next couple weeks. - .

Mills Reminders

Of Good All-Timers

- •

Ain't Misbcha viii'

Sophisticated Lady

Girl of My Dreams
•

MILLS MUSIC, Inc.

1619 Broadway. New York

SUCCESSFULLY INTRODUCED IY

DORM

"THE IIT OF ERIN" PROGRAM

THE IRISH TENOR

CKtW. DETROIT AND WINDSOR

WHEN A COLLEEN FROM KILLARNEY

(MET A LAD FROM OLD TRALEE)

W«d< by RICHARD w. PASCOE. ASCAP PNblisfctd by FRED FISHER MUSIC CO M lnc M Hlf Rroadway. N«w York CHy Made ky HAZEL H. HA»Z

W*«ln«*<tyt May 16, 1945

VTSSIETr

49

Gttaut tit from 206 "&t9Mt

DON'T CARE WHO KNOWS IT

v.-

****** ~~~- 0 ~

76* *Mt tvuOlfcit 4*t? (« ye***-** *** ««9 '* *** ** V*

LAURA

Them* melody from 20»h Century-Fox'* louro
lyric by JOHNNY MERCEtf - -Music by DAVID RAKSIN

ROBBINS MUSIC CORPORATION • 799 Seventh Avenue, N. Y. 19 • JERRY JOHNSON G«n. Pro

44

ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC

10 Best Sheet Sellers

(Week Ending May 12)

Just a Piayer .Shapiro

Laura Bobbins

Bell Bottom Trousers Santly

There I Said It Again. .. .Valiant

Dream ....Capitol

Dreams Getting Better. . .Santly

Candy ......Feist

Sentimental Journey ....Morris

All of My Life..... Berlin

Sweet All My Dreams. . .Shapiro

Wednesday, May 16, ■■ 1943

One-Niters, Location Spots in Remote
Areas Look to Ease of Gas Curbs

Advice from Washington over the
weekend to the effect that gas' ra-
tions might be increased to all
classes of car owners made various
location and one-night operators sic
up and begin mulling renewed oper-
ation. However, since nothing is yet
concrete concerning extra mileage,
no definite moves have been made.
Several operators who hadn't ex-
pected to run this summer have been
talking with agents about bands
available in the near future.
, Glen Island Casino, the immedi-

ate future of which was very in-
definite, probably will resume oper-
ation if transportation problems
ease. ■ It might not have if current
conditions* were maintained. As a
rule, the spot opens around this
time of the year. Last season Bob
Strong's orchestra occupied the spot.
Another N. Y. roadhouse which may
open earlier than contemplated if
extra gas is forthcoming, is Frank
Dailcy's Meadowbrook, Cedar Grove,
N. J. Dailey didn't expect to re-
open until mid-August with Harry
James.

Louis Zlto goes to work for
Charlie Spivak next week as road
manager. Zlto replaces Max Schall,
who severed connections with the
band recently. Schall was Spivak's
personal manager, however.

PALLADIUM, HOLLYWOOD
At y OPENING JUNE 12

TOMMY TUCKER

and His OuUesfoa

on COLUMBIA RECORD No. 36799

AIA

(Ha Baixa Do Sapateire)
ANOTHER "BRAZIL" BY THE SAME WRITERS

SOUTHERN MUSIC PUB. CO., Inc.

FRANK KELTON, 6en. Prof. Mgr.

1619 Broadway, Now York

NBC, CBS, Bhie, Mutual Plugs

Following is list o] the most played popular tunes, on the networks /or the
week beginning Monday and through Sunday April 30-May 6,' from 5 pm
to 1 a.m. List represents the first approximately 25 leaders in alphabetical
order (In tome catet thete are ties, accounting lor a longer list) The
compilations embrace the NBC, CBS, Blue and Mutual Network, as repre-
$ented by WEAF, WABC, WJZ and WOR, N. Y H and are based on daia
provided by Accurate Reporting Service, regular checking spiirre ol the
music onhlisliiiig industry.

TITLE PUBLISHES

A Friend of Yours— t"C.reat John L." .Burke

All At Once .ChappeU

All Of My Life . : ' Berlin

Anywhere— t"Tonighl and Every Night"..,,. ....Bourne

Baia— 1"3 Caballeros" Southern

Candy .Feist

Close As Pages In a Book— '"Central Park" Williamson

Dream — — Capitol

He's Home For a Little While . , Famous

I'm Beginning to See the Light .Grand

1 Should Care— t'Thrill of a Romance" .Dorscy

I've Cot a Locket In My Pocket ..... .FamoiV

Just, a Prayer Away .Shapiro

Laura— t"Laura" . . . .• Robbin.s

My Dreams Are Celling Better ...... Santly

My Pel Brunette t - Marks

Please Don't Say So— fThrill of a Romance" Feist

Sentimental Journey Morris

Someday Somewhere . .-. . tvChelsea

Sweetheart of My Dreams— 1"30 Seconds Over Tokyo" ...... Shapiro

The More I See You— t' Diamond Horseshoe" ..... .BVC

There Musi Be a Way ...ttStcvons

Tico Tico— -("Bathing Beauty" . .Southern

While You're Away . RcmicU

You Belong to My Heart— t "3 Caballeros" Harris

You're Not Foolin Anyone But Yourself. Viking

t Filmusical. * Legit Musical.

tv B.M.I. Affiliate.

Dismissal Asked in Song
Suit Vs. T. D., Sinatra

Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne,
songwriters, and Tommy Dorscy, in
answers fiied last week in N. Y. fed-
eral court, asked for dismissal of the
Myron Pallant $250,000 damage ac-
tion for alleged infringement and
piracy of the sons;. "Come Out,
Come Out, Wherever You Arc."

Dismissal is sought on the ground
that complaint failed to state a claim
against the three defendants among
oihers and thai the .plaintiff is not
the original composer of his alleged
song, the music of which for many
years prior lo alleged use was in the
public domain*

Other defendants are Frank Si-
natra. RKO Radio Pictures. Rob-
bins Music Corp.. Harms. Inc.: Dccca
Records. N.B.C. and C'^B.S. Pallant
charges that all defendants through
an alleged conspiracy, appropriated
his song for their own mut»yil bene-
fit, after he had submitted it in an
amateur song contest, conducted by
Tommy Dorsey. In 1940. called the
"Fame and Fortune" program.

Harold Borne and JamUlan Ilerpin
sold their tune, "My Heart Sings,"
for use in the Hunt Stromberg pic-
ture, "The Young Widow."

Ligon Smith to Head
Muzak Office in Dallas

Dallas, May 15.
Ligon Smith, local pianist-band-
leader, will head a new office here
for Muzak. Franchise for Dallas and
Fort Worth, the first in the south-
west, has been bought by Business
Music. Inc.. of which Alex Kcese
and O. L. Taylor of Amarillo are
officers.

Taylor is member of the Taylor-
Howe-Snowden combine operating
several radio stations throughout the
southwest. Sniilh plans to retire
from the music biz to manage the
office.

YOU WAS RIGHT, BABY

Recorded by PEGGY IEE
(CAPITOl)

TAMPICO — NovtHy 6uoradio
•RING ANOTHER DRINK

Recorded by KING COIE TRIO
ICAPITOl)

WHAT MORE CAN A WOMAN DO

Recorded by PEGGY IEE
(CAPITOl)

GEE BABY,

AIN'T I GOOD TO YOU

Recorded by KING COlf TRIO
(CAPITOl)

DELTA RHYTHM ROYS
(DECCA)

MOONLIGHT IN VERMONT

Recorded by tlllY RUTTERFIELD
(CAPITOl)

mm

14 V. iMtttt
MOtCUMON

in YOU MOLirWOM
RIO We UOt Viu

MVI HUM NIRR RIM

MS

KAY KYSER

10 P.M. EWT NBC COAST -TO -COAST

NO SQUEEZA DA BANA

By LOUIS PRIMA • JACK ZERO • BEN JAFFE
Recorded by LOUIS PRIMA (Majtstic) • TONY PASTOR (Victor) • MILT HERTH and Hi* Jetton (Decco)

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

P^RiEfr

45

OSVALDO FARRES

CUBA'S FOREMOST COMPOSES

INTRODUCED BY

KATE SMITH

With

XAVIER CUGAT

And His Orchestra
On The

JELLO-SANKA
PROGRAM

Sunday/May 13 -CBS

BOGAT MUSIC CORP.

799 SwMrth Jlv«., N«w York 19, N. T.

Senor ABE BLOOM, Prof. Mgr.

46

OECHE8TRAS~-MUSIC

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

Clyde McCoy Mustered

Out of Navy After 3 Yrs.;
New Band Set in June

Chicago, May 15.

After three years in the Navy,
Chief Petty Officer Clyde McCoy
was mustered out Friday (11) in
Memphis, where he spent his entire
service career as morale officer. Mc-
Coy, according to Gus Edwards,
manager, will have a completely ne
band ready about the middle of June.

W. It. maestro, whom Edwards dis-
covered when he was : a trumpet
player with Walter Davidson's orch
in Louisvildle about 18 years ago,
brought his whole band into the
Navy intact, but they're not all be-
ing discharged at once, Edwards
said, which explains the new band
deal.

While' in Memphis, McCoy, whose
home is in Chi, played dales at near-
by camps, booked acts and movies,
and arranged entertainment in gen-
eral at the base.

McCoy's first big-time dale was in
Chi. at the old Gold Coast Hoom of
the Drake hotel.

'WASHIE' BRATCHER
CONVICTION UPHELD

. Richmond, Va„ May 15.
An opinion affirming a four-year
prison sentence and $1,000 fine im-
posed upon Everett "Washie" Bratch-
er. former Washington orchestra
leader, on a charge of violating the
selective service acl, was handed
down here Wednesday (8) by the
Fourth Federal Circuit Court of Ap-
peals.

Bralcher had^eeri found guilty by
the Federal District Court at Alex-
andria on charges of unlawfully
evading military service in present-
ing himself for examination while in
an abnormal condition resulting from
the use of benzedrine.

Phil Harris will double as maestro
and warbler in Columbia's "I Love a
Bandleader," singing his two signa-
ture tunes. "That's What I Like
About the South" and "Darklown
Poker Club."

A bV * *

•«ttO<*° c bcV

, t 0H

. . and more to follow

British Best Sheet Sellers

(Week Ending April 26)
London, April 26.

Fond Affection Dash

Together .Connelly

Ever Go to Ireland. .Cincphonic

Rosanna .....Cincphonic

Accentuate Positive.. .'. . .Victoria
Can t Help Singing.'. .. .Chappcll
Ever Dream Tomorrow'.' . Maurice
My Guy's Come Back. . .Maurice

Thais Irish Lullaby Feldman

On Lonely Side. B. Wood

Len Joy Permanently
To H wood for Decca,
Meyerson's Shift East

■ ■ Leonard Joy is packing up his
family and shifting to Hollywood,
where he will headquarter perma-
nently as the Coast recording di-
rector, for Decca. He succeeds the
lale Dick Voynow. . Joy, since conv
ing over to Decca from RCA Victor,
has been commuting to the Coast on
waxing junkets until deciding to hq
out there.

Harry Mcycrson, another Victor
alumnus, is reversing the process,
shifting to N. Y. from Hollywood to
assume a recording exec post with
Decca.

Incidentally, Decca proxy Jack
Kapp leaves for the Coast end-June
for his usual summer session there.

Hal Roach to Peddle
Radio, Tele Sets, Discs

Hollywood, May 1 5.

Hal Roach bought the wholesale
distribution rights for. Majestic
radios, records and television sets
for 11 counties in Southern Califor-
nia. Nevada and Arizona for a price
estimated between $200,000 and
$300,000. Lcland H. Driver will func-
tion as general manager of the new
firm and Herbert W. Anncar will
handle disc sales.

Meanwhile, Roach is waiting to
resume film production, whenever
the War Department moves out of
his studio.

T. Dorsey Set For

Fall Return to 400

Tommy _ Dorsey's orchestra has
been signed for a fall return to the
400 Club, N. Y. He'U open the first
week in October, following Gene
Krupa. who opens the spot for the
"45-'46 season. Dorsey is in for eight
weeks, with an option for the next
five, at coin said to be identical with
his first shot' at the spot, which he
unveiled as a name band operation
last Feb. 16. He then drew a $3,500
guarantee, plus the first $3,000 in
covers and 50% of all covers there-
alter.

Following the 400 date. Dorsey
will play out* four weeks for Frank
Dailey, probably at the latter 's
Meadowbrook, Cedar Grove. N. J.,
which resumes operation Aug. 17
with Harry James. Between now
and the fall, Dorsey plays his own
Casino Gardens, Ocean Beach. Cat.,
and a run at Larry Finley's Mission
Beach, San Diego,. Cal. Picture he
was supposed to film with Jimmy
Dorsey, based on the life of the two
brothers, has been deferred until
after the first of '46 due to the re-
cent drop in film stock quotas for
independent producers.

Music Notes

Dave Dexter, Red Nichols and
Paul Weston lecturing at the Uni-
versity' of California, Los Ancglcs,
on the history of modern music.

MORE NAME LEADERS
SOUGHT FOR OVERSEAS

USO-Camp Sliows, Inc., last week
renewed its efforts to get name band-
leaders to go overseas. Wires were
dispatched to a numbea of maestros
advising them that the time require-
nionls for offshore entertainment
duly had been cut from six months
to three and asking for earliest pos-
sible departure dales.

Hal Mclnlyre's orchestra is cur-
rently on the verge of doing over-
seas duly for the USO. with Shop
Fields soon to follow. "Sweethearts
of Rhythm" all-girl band is also on
tap.

■♦♦»»♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦ ' ♦• «♦♦♦♦»♦♦■■

Band Review

SHORTY SHEEOCK ORCH (16)
With Gene Walsh, Dorothy Rae
Trianon Ballroom, South Gate, Cal.

Given more time in which to de-
velop some style and to tighten up,
Shorty Shcrock's new musicrew can
succeed. As it stands, the outfit has
only had four weeks together and
shows remarkable compactness for
such a short period.

Composed of five saxes, four trum-
pets (including Sherock's), four
trombones and three in the rhythm
section, band is brassy and bouncy
with enough decibels left over to
strain the ears slightly. Floor crowd,
however, seems to be pleased with
the emphasis on the rhythm rather
than the tonal qualities. .

Sherock has four men from the
old Horace Heidt gang and enough
new men to cut sharp corners on the
brass work, with his own horn am-
plifying the trumpets. He needs
more poise at fronting the orchestra,
but that should conic with experi-
ence. His style brings to mind Ziggy
Elman's early operations.

Vocalist Dorothy Rae is leaving
band in another week to double with
Fred Lowery. who is also guesting
for Ihe stanza with Sherock. How-
ever, she and Walsh do their turns
well, with the band giving them
smooth backgrounds.

Upbeat

Joe Sailta, sax player with Johnny
Long, sunk a hole-in-one during a
round of golf on a Butler Course,
Pittsburgh, recently. .

Gerald Wilson band moving into
the Rainbow Rendezvous, Salt Lake
City, for six weeks.

Ray Eberle-Dave Matthews musi-
crew opens at the Casa Manana, Cul-
ver City, May 18, for four weeks.

Bcrnlr Cummins band booked into
Vogue Terrace, Pittsburgh, for two
weeks beginning May 21. He'll be
followed on June 8 by Ray Kinney.

Phil Harris band canceled his sum-
mer tour because of transportation
difficulties.

Dud Bascomb band signed to re-
cord exclusively for De Luxe Rec-
ords.

Jerry Wayne has signed with Cos-
mopolitan records for four sides with
options for four more.

Paneho's rumba orch will play its
first theatre date since his release
from the Army, at Loew's State,
N. Y., starling May 24.

Warners will revive "Cuddle Up
a Little Closer" for the picture,
"Manic Gets Married."

M. K. Jerome and Ted Kochler's
'The G. I. Song," will be featured
in "Janic Gets Married" at Warners.

Frank Sanucci appointed musical
director on the next Jimmy Wakcly
starrer at Monogram.

Famous Music has signed Gordon
Jenkins (conductor-arranger) to do a
series of original instrumental.

Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn Inked
to do songs and background music
for Samuel Goldwyn's "Kid from
Brooklyn."

Meredith WlllsonV latest sym-
phony, "Missions of California,"' will
be published by Leeds Music.

Frank DeVoI arranging music for
"On Stage, Everybody," at Univer-
sal.

»mny Beckner's new band held
over at the Aragon dancery, Los Kn :
gelcs.

Art Farar. Philadelphia maestro,
organizing a band to open on the
West Coast.

Carlos Molina band renewed for
eight weeks at the Trocadcro, Los
Angeles.

Benny Carle:- band moved into the
Casa Manana, Culver City, for four
weekends.

Bun Gobbcl, with medical dis-
charge from Navy, rejoins trombone
section of Bob Rhodes' WCAE, Pitt,
staff band.

Sft. Davis O. Kaonoht (Johnny
Pinneapple) is now with AAF's
467th Bombardment Group in Eng-
land.

Catallno's Latin orch into Green
F.oom of the Edihon hotel, N. Y.

Bill Steven took over manage-
ment of Merl Lindsay's Barn Dance
band.

Andy Perry Ordered
To Post $1,000 by AFM
In 2-Bahd Date Snarl

Andy Perry, operator of onc-
nighlers at AUentown, Pa., was told
by the American Federation of Mu-
sicians last week (8) to proceed with
arrangements in -the date he had
booked for Tommy Dorsey last Fri-
day (11). However, due to the squab-
ble with the William Morris agency
over a conflicting booking of Hal
Mclnlyre's orchestra, Perry was or-
dered by the union to first post a
bond of $1,000 before he was allowed
to proceed with Dorsey. The coin
is being held in escrow pen'ding
claims against him by Mclntyre and
Morris. The $1,000 represents Mc-
lnlyre's normal guarantee.

Perry got into the situation via
circumstances surrounding the death
of President Roosevelt. He had Dor-
sey booked for April 13; Mr. Roose-
velt died on the 12th and the book-
ing was deferred. He was in ' the
process of negotiating for Mclntyre
for May 11 when Dorsey became
available for that dale and ■ he
-sought to- cancel negotiations with
Mclntyre. Confliction resulted
when Morris wouldn't defer the
dale.

3»i

Top Tones let Yooi looks

An All-Time Favorite

CUBAN
LOVE SONG

Music by...
JIMMY McBVGB

Published by

BOBBINS

BOURNE, Inc.

799 Scvcnih Ave. Sti. Vorkn s *

■ERT SHEFTER
Mnitcal Director of WINS
Aid Moil Radio
Miilcal Director!

C«e this RsS VISUAL recor*
of nan* IiIIh of over 130 pub-
MhTitm, pIiir old favorltei. In-
cludes lead alieetn and lyrlci
or chorus. SAMPLES PKEE.

1«1»
Broad traj
New Vorfc 1*

TUNE-DEX

Wednesday, May 16, 1945 .

PTBBEfr

VAUDEVILLE

47

Fingerprinting of N. Y. Bonifaces
Held Slap at Legitimate Business

••When will they realize that the
nightclub business by and large is
— m legitimate as any other business,
^Xi let us alone." . . .

That's a typical reaction to New
York -Police Commissioner. Valen-
tines General Order No. 13, which
calls for the fingerprinting of N. Y.
bohitaces along with other restric-
tions.

Order came through during the
past week, and is another conse-
quence o£ Mayor ia Guardia's ef-
forts to harass "tin-horn" gamblers,
whom he believes to have chunks
of several niteries in town. Operators
M y that the order came 10 years too
late. The business is no longer an
outgrowth of prohibition, that gang-
ster elements have left the field long
ago for more lucrative operations.

Its an open secret that the Mayor
suspects Big Frank Coslello and Joe
Adonis dough to be behind a couple
of clubs and his efforts to get them
out of the local scene is proving har-
assing to every operator in the city.
As a result, the new order calls for
the fingerprinting and registration "of
all owners of any particular estab-
lishment, no matter how small a
piece they own. The order also bars
persons of questionable moral char-
acter from frequenting or owning a
tpot, bars indecent entertainment,
and 'persons engaged in questionable
enterprises. ■

This sort of heckling is not new to
• (Continued, on page 50)

At TRACE

Art HI*
SILLY lYMPHONISTS
HEADIN' SOUTH

FOR A TOUR OF
THEATRES

STARTING HAY 1ST

Dir.! STAN ZUCKKM

GAGS! JOKES! GAGS!

FATTER I WISE-CRAX! STORIES!

Fir vllrit-nlU illibf. rldU M.C.'l, llmltl,
dHklii, ipnounttn. tnimtt. dlu lockeiri,
llralm. bund lt«d«r«. wuhcri. twlci.
«(MfU. migklHl, vcRtrllQi, ctmmintttlrl.
vrlttrt, tHtMnlir), etc.

Fm-Maittr Gaq FIIm No*. 1 TV" 10
$1.05 Per Script, Potto?* Prepaid

Each HI* Contain. Over 100 Sack
Gaas ! !

- Mnke Checks rnynlile lo
I'Atl.A SMITH
.Mull to "Faii-Mantcr"
800 W. mill St.. $r.w Y«rk City l». N.T.

Anything Can Happen

HANLON ".
CLARK

"TWO CRAZY PEOPLE"
Over*ea$ for USO

Dir. t - HARRY C.RKBRN
I'ma: DICK RICIIARItS

i4niericn's fore-
most restaurant
features Ameri-
ca's foremost at-
tractions.

DE MARCOS, TITO CUIZAR. LIIRY
HOLMAN ft JOSH WHITE. DANNY
RATE, JOE E. LEWIS. CARLOS
RAMIREZ. VELOZ ft YOLANDA.
CARMEN CAVALLARO. EMIL
COLEMAN. XAVIER CUGAT.
OUKE ELLINGTON. HENRY KING.
PHIL OHMAN.

H. D. HOVER

Ms 3 .SllBMl Boulevard, "Lou .ingrleii

AL w " yi Whu.; 8 ROBERTS

>"i>lluiii«l TlifHlrv, Richmond. V«.
i\. . *'" v <>"«" Tlif>«..' Norfolk
«. 'J'"* '" " ""Wfc tar bolh Ihmtrn)
24, '.'II. •>«, S!hI« Thru., BHltlmiiro
Mny '.'K, i9, nu, flynioulh Thcnlra,
Worrmtrr, Mam.
M«y SI, Junr I. t, s. I'ourl Sq. Thru.,
» , 8prln«fl«lil

« *««. »t«rl Junr. *, tilrnn HomlrvmiH
Nrwporl, Ky,

Al Mercur Out of Ptsbg.
Nitery Field After 25 Yrs.

Pittsburgh, May 15. .

Half of the two Mercur Brothers,
nitery operators around here for
quarter of a century , or more, is
definitely out of that field for keeps.
Al Mercur has gone into Mexican
importing business in Miami.

Other brother, Lew Mercur, isn't
sure. He's back in Pittsburgh again
after a winter in Florida scouting for
a possible location. If he doesn't find
one here, he's going to try in Florida.
"Mercurs early last winter disposed
of their local Music Bar and went
south to make their homes.

Carnival, N.Y., Educating
Future Check-Grabbers
With Diaper Matinees

the help scarcity is set to deprive
a few hep New Yorkers of one of
the best audience shows to be found
anywhere. The Carnival Room, re-
cently opened spot in the Capitol
hotel, N. Y., al its Saturday matinee
shows gels an audience of the diaper
and lollipop set accompanied by fond
mammas that often puts on a better
show than the performers. Unfor-
tunately Emii Ronay, head of the
Ronay hotel chain, operating this
spot, may fold the matinee policy by
Saturday because of inadequate help.

Attracted by the $1 dinner, fond
parents have started breaking in
their youngsters to cabaret life early
here with the result that an over-
whelming part of the audiences each
Saturday afternoon consists of tots
from three years and up. - It's prob-
ably the only night club in the coun-
try where milk is the predominantly
popular beverage. /

Best part of the show comes dur-
ing Louis Prima's band sessions,
when mamma takes precious onto
the dance floor and . waltzes her
around. It's not uncommon to see n
couple of four-year-olds trying out
steps learned at the. nabe-dancing
school. Occasionally a couple of
mammas do a few twirls. A man
and woman dancer were even seen
at session caught (12), but that, the
management assures, is an oddity.

A three-year-old walked up to the
bandstand this show, conducted one
number and sang "Hilsiim Kitsum."

The youngsters are pretty familiar
with Prima's repertoire. When
crowding around the bandstand,
they besiege the maestro with calls
for every oiie of his late recordings
and ask him to "play prelly for the
people." That's his own slock
phrase. Fortunately, the band plays
loud and can be heard above the
din.

The kids are a good audience loo
for the regular fioorshow. They
liked the Winnie Hoveler aerial
ballet, the.- knife throwing act of
Ihe Gibsons, Ullaine Malloy. work-
ing overhead rings,: the Four Mor-
rocans, and Ihe juggling act of KaV
and Karol. It's stuff that's easily
understood.

Perhaps Ihe other niteries in town
should send over their experienced
help to the Carnival for the matinee
session in order to keep it open.
There's nothing better for future
business than to educate "em to nite-
life while they're young. Jose.

AGVA After Basic Pact
With Copa, Versailles, N.Y.

American Guild of Variety Artists
this week began to negotiate for basic
agreements with Copacabana and
Ihe Versailles. both /N. Y. niteries.
Pact had been in the making some
lime ago, but was. stymied by the
incoming of the curfew.

Reason for talent union requiring
■basic agreements on the two class
niteries does not particularly stem
from the remunerative angle, since
both spots pay talent well in excess
of the AGVA minimums. Real reason
is to pact them under regulations
such as obtains in other class spots
that would limit rehearsal periods
and other advantages lor its mem-
bers.

Pact will classify, them as Class A
Deluxers. Under such a pact, spots
would be /egulated on rehearsal
period to one week free, two weeks
at half-salary, and full pay after
that/ It would also limit . brush-up
periods lo six hours weekly, with
$1 per hour compensation beyond
that period.

Nicholas Bros. Head Unit
Playing Southern 1-Niters

Nicholas Bros, and Dizzy Gilles-
pie's band are heading a pack-
age show to play one,-nighters in
the south, starting around July 1.
Tab is labeled "Hep-Salions of 1945."

Others in the lineup include Pat-
terson & Jackson and June Eck-
stine, sister of maestro Billy Eck-
sline.

Chi Class Eateries
Hit by OPA Action

Chicago, May 15. .

Several ot Chi's best known hotels,
night spots and eating places were
among eight local defendants sued
by OPA for uneslimaled treble dam-
ages and permanent injunctions in
Federal Court here Thursday '10).
Charges are based on claim menu
prices were well above the legal
maximum.

Among those named are Pump
Room, Butler, Weclgewood and main
dining room of Ambassador East ho-
tel, with '■first-named, celeb mecca
accused of. getting $2 more than the
legal $8.70 for a bottle of "Cham-
pagne de France, Vintage Clicquot"
and the Yar, fashionable Russian
drinkery. who allegedly charged $10
for a $650 whole roast pheasant for
two. '

Win. Morris Submitting
Andy Russell Despite
Gen. Amus. Agreement

Despite controversy between Gen-
eral Amus. Corp. and Andy Russell,
singer, who recently switched over
lo the William Morris Agency re-
gardless of the GAC pact, the Mor-
ris Agency has been lining Up vaude
and radio dates for their new client.

Meanwhile, Milton Krasny, of
GAC. has filed complaint oh
Russell's move with the American
Guild of Variety Artists' which has
ruled that Russell is contractually
obligated to GAC; and that the tal-
ent union does not recognize the
Morris representation.

Russell, who had. a long-termer
pact with GAC. some weeks ago no-
tified that agency that he was
switching over to WM. Latter stated
they would hold him to his contract
if having to take the matter into
court. AGVA was then called in and
maintained that contract would re-
main in force as far as it was conr
cerned until such time as subse-
quent arbitration on the matter
might deem otherwise. Russell, who
is currently on the Coast on pic as-
iignment in "The Stork Club" film,
was notified on AGVA stance in the
matter last week and wired that he
would like a couple of weeks to for-
ward his side of the matter.

As things stand now, GAC remains
his agent as far as AGVA is con-
cerned and the Wiljiam Morris
Agency has been notified to that ef-
fect.

Russell's loUr is scheduled to start
at the RKO theatre. Boston. June 28
land will continue with RKO houses
i in Columbus and Cleveland.

Customers, Performers, Even Nitery
Ops, Had Begun to Like Curf ew Time

It's considered a good thing for
the niteries that the curfew ended
when it did. Otherwise, the conse-
quences might have been dangerous
to the industry, it's held. As it is,
bonifaces are reporting that too
mai'iy of the before-curfew stayups
have seemingly gotten to like the
comparatively healthy hours forced
upon them by the Byrnes blitz, and a
few more weeks of such an "abnor-
mally sane" life could have forced
the industry to adjust itself lo small-
er operation. This would have af-
fected talent and operating budgets.

As it is, -.nitery ops report that
during the first week of the lifting
of the lid, trade hasn't resumed nor-
mal proportions. Post-midnight busi-
ness during weekdays has been pret-
ty weak to date. But percentage of
late business has been gelling belter,
and it's figured that in two weeks or
so the b.o. will again assume usual
proportions. Weekend business.
however ( was reported heavy in all
spots queried.

Operators thmselves can't blame
(he public for not taking to Ihe old
ways immediately. A few courage-
ously point out that- they themselves
had started to like the increased
home and social life and they're now
going to miss it. Performers, too,
got too accustomed to the ease of
two shows nightly and many, in the
higher priced brackets, would prefer
to have the curfew continued on a
permanent basis.

meanwhile (not to mention the hoss
parlor set), hastily rearranged their
schedules to take advantage, of lift-
ing of. the curfew, with most night
spots back on the old routine quick-
er than you could say Wednesday,
May 9.

Theatres', all back' to the old grind
by the end of the week, were slower
than niteries, which started the pre-
curfew routine instanter, despite the
fact that many ops reported they
had enjoyed the early closing hours
because it gave them a chance to
lead "normal lives."

On the whole, bonifaces were sat-
isfied with first performances of
their rather rusty late-hour clien-
tele, claiming it won't be long till
vet payees get back into their full
after-midnight stride.

St. L. Biz Big

St. Louis, May 15,
The lifting of the curfew has
hypoed biz in St. Louis niteries and
(Continued on page 48)

Chi's Union Anrle

Chicago, May 15. {
Least noticed angle of suspension
of curfew and dimout here is that
union aggressiveness. . dormant the
past few months, is expected to re-
sume momentarily, now that things
are back to normal. American Guild
of Variety Artists, though, with exec
secretary Jack Irving, has made a
cautious statement to the dailies
here that "entertainers are going
back on regular scale of pay. instead
of minimum scale under which they
worked during the curfew."
Chi niteries and picture houses.

Conilr-Satlrlut

Signed
For Return Engagement .
TO CAPITOL, NEW YORK
After U.S.O. Tour

M.C.A.

"Th«y nobbid food rotpomo."

THE BILMIOAHII

THE MACK TRIPLETS

On Tour With Phil etltilny

. FTji-Ih. Material Pcrcoiixl Mjcl.

HARRY COHEN PHIL FARRELL

1697 BrU^wty ISJ0 Br«M».y

NAT KALCHE1M ARA
TREAS. VICE KRASNY

Nat Kalcheim, theatre department,
head of the William Morris agency,
has been named to succeed Milton
Krasny as treasurer of the Artists
Representatives Ass'h. Krasny, sec-
retary-treasurer of General Amus.
Corp., leaves at the end of this week
to move lo GAC's Coast office.
, Krasny was given a farewell din-
ner at Toots Shor's Monday night
(14) by ARA which was attended by
50 people. Speakers were Art
Weems, K irony's successor al GAC;
Bernie Miller, attorney: Cpl. Mike
Vallon. former theatrical attorney
and manager of Woody Herman's
orch; I. Robert Broder^ ARA coun-
sel and Bob Weitinan, managing di-
rector of Ihe Paramount theatre.
Krasny was gifted with luggage.

Soph's Brother Dies

Sophie Tucker returned Sunday
M3) lo the Chez Paree. Chicago,
after three days' absence lo attend
the funeral of her brother, Phil
Abuza, who died in Hartford, Conn..
May 6. She (lew in on Thursday for
the funeral the next day.

Willie Solar filled ' in for Miss
Tucker during her absence.

First Broadway Appearance

THE CHORDS

Presenting Their Original

"Parade of Spotlight Bands"

Currently

STRAND, New York

- Tkaakt to HARRY MAYER

Personal Direction: .
EDDIE SMITH. 1501 Rroadway. New York

48

VAUDEVILLE

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

Night Club Reviews

Terra*-!' Iloom. \!V. V.

(NEW YORKER HOTEL)

"Skyway Express" Ice SUow, star-
vriiip Jonn Hi/ldo/t, with Arnold
^liodo. Terry Brent. Pliil Romayne.
and Sky Skatin' Starlets, Joyce \
Brou'Jiell, Nona McDonald. Ruth
Davis. Judy Camay. HarrieiyKen-
iiedw. Clara May Kennedy. Caroline
Hariwig, Neil Fontaine. Sonny Dun-
- ham Orch CI 6 > U-it/i Moriniine.
Tommy Randall; ho "minimum, cow
$1 u-eekdnysy $1.50 weekend*. ■

New Yorker's new "Skyway Ex-
press" ice lavout. replacing a blade
show that had worn itself and repeat
customers thin after a nine-month
• run. is one of the hotel's most am-
bitious efforts. Extravagantly cos-
turned, which alone is 'said to have
cost $7,000. and well produced by
Donn Arden, it is fine entertainment
from end to end. Coupled to. Sonny
Dunham's band, playing perhaps the
best brand of commercial music il
has ever come up with, the combi-
nation should do well at the b.o.

In producing the 40-minule show.
Arden followed a pattern of weaving,
a story of sorts into the proceedings"
which has stamped his past efforts.
With all new line and principals to
work with, he has fashioned a fan-
tasy that purports to whirl patrons
around the world by air. various
scenes denoting stopovers in differ-
ent countries. Nicely tied • together,
by familiar and original music
scored and written by Elliot Eber-
hard, original lyrics by Maury
Lewis.' the whole thing is w«U done.

Joan Hyldoft, cute blonde blade
headliner, is in this show, probably
her first shot at the New Yorker's
ice. She looks .good on the ice. but
is not as able a skater as she could
be. Terry Brent and Phil Romayne:
a team that also is fulfilling its first
. date here, is an unusually good pair-

ing. Thev have several solo spots,
demonstrating in each a bag of
tricks that niake them stand out.
Arnold Shoda also clicks solo and
in line parts.

Arden gives girls from (lie line
solo spots in this show. It's done
due to the demands of the script
rather than a desire to spotlight
I hem. but nevertheless they, get a
chance and make the most of it.
Judy Camay and Harriet Kenny
and Joyce Brownell shine in this
way. the two latter, cute blondes,
doing a really good job in a Scot-
tish bit.

Neil Fontaine m.c.'s proceedings.
Nice-looking and possessor of a good
voice, he handles the show well and
keeps it moving swiftly.

Dunham's orchestra, made up of
six. brass, five sa.\i four rhythm, aug-
mented by his own trumpet and
'trombone. 'do' a right smart job be-
hind the show and for dancing. He
has come down oft the jazz perch he
has been on for the past couple
years and. as. mentioned above, is
dispensing a good brand of -dance-
able and listenable music. Particu-
larly good is the band's beat. Mari-
anne, willowy blonde formerly with
Will Osborne, is with Dunham, and.
turns out neat vocals. Tommy Ran-
dall does ballads, also very accept-
ably. Wood.

"original" lyrics, sung straight, but
wishy-washy material. Otherwise,
bofto'.

Alice Strickland, conlribs some in-
volved acrobatics. Including splits,
handstands and cartwheels that, are
definitely nol run-of-the-mill. Lynne
Manion's Debutante* work hard, but
their routines (peasant gazotska.
boogie-acro turn, and boomps-a-
riaisv and plrrtieipalioncr) are trite.
Duke Yellman's orch is okH.v. but
the bandshcll. which needs insulation
and is loo low. docs them dii'l.

Mike.

Havana-Madrid. X. V.

Flores It DeCordolxi. Jimmy Sut-
ton. Senor Mnrdo. Myrtill * Pdcmid.
M«rin Louisa Lope:. . Guy Miirfin
Line 1 6 > . Curios Vnreln Orch; $2.50
win.

With this display. Havana-Madrid
reverts to the production-type show,
.having resumed with a Guy Martin
Ifne and a heftier percentage of Latin
acts. It's primarilv » layout for the
Spanish trade, but there are several
items here that will click with the
general run of nitcry patronage.

In the lalicr category are Myrtill
and Pacaud. torp twain imported
.some years ago bv Clifford C. Fischer
for the International Casino. They've
been out of the busines* Tor soiiie^
lime, male having gone brick to Eu-
rope and subsequently been in a con-
centration camp. They've only re-
cently resumed dancing and this is
their first important date. They
make a novelty appearance at their
entrance, with both of them sporting
irride-sceht and spangled paint on

5 in© ( tub. < hl

Chicago. May 3 . _

Jan Murray. Coudos Bros.. Viola j their bodies, but it's their sock bal
Layne. Alice Strickland. Lynne j let terps which tie the house into a
Manion's Debtilaitfes (6J. Duke Yell- knot. Duo are extremely graceful
man Orch (6i: $1.25-$1.50 win. land display sonic sock tricks.

I Also applause-winners arc Flores

Continuing big-name policy, spot anc | DeCordoba (New Acts), excei-
segues from the Willie Howard & | en t mixed flamenco team. Rest of
Co. layout to >vhat should prove an- 1 t)le D jil comprises Maria Louisa Lo-
olher moneymaker. New show is j pcz sm g e r: Senor Mardo. magicb.
laughlined all the way, from Jan jj m my Sutton singer, all reviewed
Murray's tapstint with the Condos I i m der New Acts.

N. Y. Nitery Followups

Ceoi-Kle Price, for delivery, savoir
falre and all. the accoutrements that
go for veteran showmanship, re-
mains among the topflight enre en-
tertainers in America today. But like
all entertainers, he can be only as
good as his material. It's a tribute
to the diminutive performer that
much of his stuff at the Copacabana,
NY. is sold 'because of his know-
how; the fol-de-rol he's dishing here,
by and large, is not up to his stand-
ard either because or age. question-
able lasle (namely, that Hitler take-
off, particularly at this time" or just
plain ineffective material. Which is
not to sav that all of it fits into any-
one of the. latter three categories,
because some of it does belter than
jusi get by.

It might not be remiss lo mention.,
—in fact, it's downright important—
that Price was a fast booking, being
set here only the night before he
unofficially opened on Friday til).
The quick lifting or the curfew
was responsible for the quick shift
in the Copa's plan lo bring in an-
other name to share the headline
billing with Xavier Cugafs band;

Some of Price's -standards, such as
his lakeoffs oil Jolson and Cantor,
are still funny, but one that's prob-
ably- his best— the one on Jessel—
was ignored by him at this catch-
ins;. That income-tax report is basi-
cally sound, but he could point it
up better with better pacing.

Rest of the show that' reopened
the spot several weeks ago holds
over. Kuhn,

The

Drunkeriest
Drunk You
Ever 8aw.
The

Laughingest
Laughter

You Ever

Heard.

Put

Together

STEVE
EVANS

PROVIDENCE

Aad
WORCESTER

MGT.— MATTY KOSKN

brothers- to Viola Lay he's bofto new
iinpresh of Hildcgarde.

Murray emcees amiably, hacking
his own material in favor of other
acis because of the curfutilily of it
all, Lanky gagsler cracks some neat
adlibs wilh' ringsiders, gags on mike
in "Laugh, Clown. Laugh," and docs
"Time." saga of a soldier on leave
with time originally intended to be
spent wilh his wife hogged by. rela-
tives instead, lo some furious palm-
whacking.

Steve and Nick Condos' full-shoe,
noisy, intricate hooting is showcased
j in stint including the one with drum
| accomp only; sitdown tap;" steps to
1 "Honeysuckle Rose." most of which
, is devoted to Steve's sliding taps: and
| a "production number" entitled
; "Condos Bros. St Murray," which
1 leaves the latter limp, to say the
I least.

Martin's line, six lookers, provide
some color to the proceedings with
their Latin routines. However, their
oriental number is out or sorts for a
Latin nitery. Carlos Varola's orch
does okay in the showbacking depart-
ment. Jose. :

Terraee HttOnt. on

(STATLER HOTEL)

Boston. May 11.
Car| Brisson. iritli Dick- Leu-is ac-
companist: Garwood Van 'Orch (101.
and Nancy blanks; no minimum,
cover $1 alter 9:30 p. in.

Romantic Carl Brisson'. breaking
all records in . the Sutler's handsome
Terrace Room with a four-week run,
equalled neither by a single nor a
whole troupe, is answer lo nitery
manager's prayer in a town where
biz has been 20 percent off through
curfew and offering of generally poor
shows.

From his whiz opening, a hop down
Miranda-'Rum and Coke" turns, and i two flights -of -stair's to the theme
wows 'em. Only kick here is her song, "You're Just the One I Wanted
opener, "Anything Goes," wilh < (Continued on page 50)

1 Miss Layne, held over, adds Hilde-
I garde to her standard Bonnie Baker-
I Virginia O'Brien-Baby Snooks "I
Wanna Get Married" and Carmen

The class Monte Carlo (N.Y.)
nitery preemed last night (Tues.)
for the summer and the headliner is
—of all things— "the sensational de-
cor designed by Franklin Hughes."
to quote the establishment. Oh. yes,
Dick Gasparre and Alberto's Latin
bands are there for the dansapation.
holding over, but Ihe headlined fea-
ture is the motif.

Which is no idle whim of the.
shrewd Sam Salvin-Dick Flanagan
management, because this boite has
been grossing over $1,000,000. and
last year netted $270,000, even after
manv lavish improvements and the
frequently changing interior deco-
ration.

lent musical support helps plenty
both for Miss Pickens and balance
of the lineup, which is. holding over.

Mori.

The Starlight Roof of the Hotel
Waldorf-Astoria. N. Y.. is notable
for the brevity .of its current show,
Ihe three acts comprising the Her-
manos Williams Trio for top billing,
Victoria Cordova (New Acts) and
Cantu the magician, in addition to
the orchs of Nat Brandwynne and
Mischa Borr. Its all under 20 min-
utes. .

The Williams unit of two males
and one gal, wilh their always -sock,
classy tango acrobatics, done so that
the two males' carefully groomed
hair doesn't riffle a bit, is invariably .
a strong supporting act. Here they're
top-billed. The commercial values
are there on -performance, but this
bill needs more name power.

Cantu, more recently at the Ha--
vana-Madrid on Broadway, has
made amazing progress in the New
York nitery mart wilh his leap to
the Waldorf. And he rates the ele-
vation. His magico tricks, wherein
everything he does results in the
emergence of pigeons — probably to
the complete ■ bafflement even of the
OPA — are toptate all the way. He's
dressed in his native Mexican cabal-
lcro manner to give the act an au-
thentic touch.

As usual. Nat Brandwynne's orch,
with the maestro at the black-and-
whites. plays a neat accomp for the
show, and Mischa Bon's crew is
sock for the Latin dance rhythms.

Kalni.

HEADLINING THE

CHICAGO THEATRE

CHICAGO

WILLI SHORE

1st Week Gross $60,000

HELD OVER FOR SECOND WEEK

P. S. Many .hanks to NATE PL ATT

and his associates

Personal Manager: AL BORDE

of Central Booking Office)

Exclusive Booking: WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY

.lane Pickens, who bowed into the
Versailles. N.' Y.. last week, follow-
ing Kitty Carlisle as the headliner.
is, of course, an established cafe
songstress in the sophisticated motif.
She remains a charming, refreshing
performer. Yet there is perhaps
more- than a hint that all of her
poise and graciousness are not quite
sponUneous but. rather, the result
of hard, careful training; that she's
still working at it.

Customers at the Versailles re-
spond readily to Miss Pickens. She
has a well-balanced repertoire of
commercial tunes, both in the lively
and nostalgic vein. And. with the
exception of ''My Heart Sings." one
of the two numbers self-accom-
panied at the piano, she sells for
handsome returns.

Miss Pickens is at her best with
such numbers '. as "June Is TJustin'
Out," "Can't Say No." "In My Arms"
and "I'll Be Seeing You." She deftly
weaves straight dramatic lyrics into
a special version of '.'Last Time I
Saw Paris." Delivery is good, air
though dialog n.s.h. in this number:
Stirring tieup is "La >Marsellaise,"
used for the .windup to save.it.

Miss . Pickens does much belter
with the special material , of "In^ My
Arms." which is delivered with an
international flavor, via light com-
edy dialect in Chinese, Russian, boo-
gie-woogie; etc.

Maximilian Bergere orch's excel-

Wtlllam Lava preparing a. special
symphonic score for the Government
film of fighting on Iwo Jima; now-
being edited at Warners.

Curfew

Continued from pace 4"

even in East St. Louis, across the
Mississippi from here. Gambling ca-
sinos dusted off their paraphernalia
and are in full swing for the first
time since January 3. Handbooks
also are prepping for a surge of ac-
tivity..

The War Manpower-' Commission's
local representatives said compli-
ance in St. Louis with the curfew
was excellent and full co-op Was
given by enforcement officers. Only
23 violations of the curfew were re-
ported during the. entire period it
was in effect.

•roadway Apaaaraaca

MARIA s EYR1IP

Foment Saaalth Daacert

Eitraordiirary

NOW IN 7TH WEEK AND
HELD OVEI AT

JACK HARRIS'
LA CONGA, New York

"Meal Hflleja* aad otrrftaaaflaa.
dancer*— a teatatioaol toe-
ce» at LA CONGA."
JACK HARRIS

Frisco's Spot

•San Francisco. May 15.

There's no dice on lining the mid-
night curfew on liquor sales along
with Ihe V-E Day - relaxation, on.
Iheatre curfew, although the state
'liquor control bojly directed Liquor
Administrator George-Jtl. Stout to
contact' Army and Navy to~that^end.
I The opinion is- that a bad siiuafiou
yrould. develop if scrt'ice. men were
ousted from bars at'midnighl while
civilians kepi on drinking.

Some local nileries are taking ad-
vantage, of the curfew by selling
drinks to midnight, then staging
their last floor show-, thus getting
the advantage of nearly an hour's
extra business.

PERFORMERS NOW IN
ARMED FORCES

If yim are In Npertal Serviri* w not —
fur immrdlnU UH er pout-war rrlurn
lo ahnw biinlnmg. '

Hero It a Service Yoa'll Alwort

Waat

FUN-MASTER GAG FILES

Onlnln Modrnt Comedy Malarial Tvi
. All 'fyiw IVrr«irmi*ra
Kni li fe-rlnt < ooImIiii Ovrr 100 .
Hiire-t'lro <!■(» — *I.O:, Karll

Not. 1 Thru 10 Now Ready

Mnkr < h'ik» I'oyahle la
TAI L A SMITH
' Mall lo "Kiia-Maaler"
tW Vf. Mill St., Nrn York t'lljr I*. N.V

FOR RENT

SI Off hihI hI:iihI niiikv hvhUiiIiI* 1 »"
iHmrtlwnlk. lfiu<oli*Hl . miniiiifr rn»r*
mi flir AllNn.lt' <'ohj<«I.-

HUNT'S THEATRES. INC.
Wlldwood. New Jwtoy

Dancer Wanted

CWrnlmtle,. rnpxlilr* ut «lvlnr imlnnr
Tiill or purl -time.

•oi No. 1846. Variety

131 W. 4 Bill Klrrrl
New YirU 1». N. V.

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

HOUSE REVIEWS

49

with
Willie

Capitol, X.Y.

George Paxton Orch (19)
Alan Dale; Jane Froman;
Howard with Al Kelly: Tommy
wmder; "The Clock" (M-G) re-
viewed in "Va riety," March 28, '45.

Jane Froman's courageous come-
back just about reaches its climax
with her current appearances at the
£aoitol «bill now in its cecond week)
Jritl she demonstrates without ques-
tion her ability, to win this type of
audience as easily as she captured
ihe customers in the more intimate
■ surroundings at the Copacabana re^
cently> La Froman uses a nice mix-
ture of special material and stand-
ards socking over the timely "Let's
Keep It That Way" for the finale.

She stands during the entire stint
after making her way. with assist-
ance onto the darkened stage, while
maestro George Paxton makes with
her announcement. Exit presents no.
problem, with singer standing along-
side Paxton while the stage does its
submarine descent. Miss Froman
jives no visible evidence, pf. her
handicap, once in the spotlight, look-
ing and acting the picture of health.
Opens with "Sweetheart of All My
Dreams." does a special GI globe-
trotter number, and then into a clicko
medley comprising "I Should Care,"
"Locket in My Pocket" and 'Night
and Day." The Froman voice and
delivery spell quality and class, and
she can turn the volume on when
required. Response was unanimously
1 good.

Willie Howard's on hand with his
well-known ."PTof. Ginsbourg" rou-
tine., with tlie double-talking Al
Kelly present to tide . him over the
rough spbtsr-latter consisting of Ex-
Lax gags and a closer based on a
not too subtle allusion to birth con-
trol. Items win laughs, but so does
the cleaner stuff, making it a bit. of
' a mystery why Howard keeps the
Balzac-slanted stuff in the act for
this house. His cracks about French
and Chinese "maquis" also offend on
grounds of taste.- Howard encores
solo with Jolson, Jessel, etc., im
preshes.

Paxton crew, the up-and-coming
band on the Broadway scene, fits in
to perfection, paced by the person-
able young leader, who kicks in tenor
ssx and trombone instrumental bits
now and* then. Band is well drilled
and boasts some topnotch arrange-
ments ranging from jump, stuff to a
gagged-up "Yo-Yo Concerto" which
develops into a spec with luminous
paint effects spotlighting the pianists'
money-earners and yo-yos manipu-
lated by ' the footers on darkened
stage. Paxtonites, however, show to
best advantage in Berlin-Rodgers it
Hart-Kerh-Gershwin medley, wrnp-

Siag together "Alexander's Ragtime
land,". "All the Things You Are."
This Must Be Love" and "The Man
I Love," during which brass U01
reeds (5) and rhythmasters all get
their chances to shine.

Alan Dale, pleasant baritone croon-
er, bandies orch vocals, scoring best
with "Laura." ' Tommy Wonder's
flash terping rounds out the strong
bill. After Cakewalk, with cane and
topper, to "St. Louis Blues." Wonder
returns with life-sired doll dancing
partner to score with ballroom rou-
tines done, straiglht and for laughs.

Donu.

Apollo, N. V.

Hot Lips Page Orch (15); Tab
Sntiih Orch (6) with Betty Mays,
Gladys Bentley, Ralph Cooper,
Bobbie .Goinee. Kenneth Harris,
Broumskin chorus U2), "Identity
Unknown" (Rep).

Patchwork bill at the Harlem
home of vaude this week has two
bands, buxom Gladys Bentley and
Ralph Cooper, featured with the six-
piece hot combo fronted by Tab
Smith, voted most solid by the stub-
holders. Vet alto tooter is flanked by
tenor, trumpet, piano, drums and
siring bass, with songstress Betty
Mays, a Jookcr. not a bjt of hin-
drance To the turn. She zings over
"Didn't Know About You," among
others, and stays on for a batch of.
torso slinging during Frank Hum-
phries' sock trumpet-vocal feature,
"After You've Gone."

Band goes it alone on "Sunny
Side of .the Street'Vand "Riff in' the
Bass,'' . with leader's horn grabbing
top honors. Smith crew and Hot Lips
Page's larger (15) outfit joins for
finale, with line (.12) also partici-
pating.

■ Debut of Miss Bentley at the
Apollo, after years of peddling blue
ditties in' downtown and uptown
boitcs catering to. the littering and
leering element, is far . from a tri-
umph. Her oversize white satin top-
per and tails seem as out of place
as her material, with latter definite-
ly not grooved - tor the house. Ob-
lection isn't that its Muc— that
never bothers Apollo patron.sv-it
just isn't the right shade of blue
evidently.

Bentley routine consists of a "Fa-
ther Divine" ditty which registers
. enly fair, and "I Want a Two-Fisted
Papa," gist of which can bp. imag-
ined, She closes with a polite lap
nance and applause that's even po-
uter.

Page crew sounds brassy, noisy
and confused. Leader plays - good
trumpet and sings blues acceptably,
but, the arrangements for the whole
band, Ave reeds, three trombones,
lour trumpets (with Page) and three
gass, don't let anything happen.
Tune* used Are "Caldonia." "Save

It, Pretty Mama," "I Got Rhythm"
and a couple that can't be distin-
guished, Young drummer is best solo
material.

Cooper's back after an extended
absence and cashes in okay as em-
cee, gagstcr and a zoot suit sharpie
bit working with Kenneth Harris
and Bobbie Goincs.

Brownskin line helps out on three
production numbers, none loo intri-
cate or spectatcular. Domi.

Adams, Newark

Newark, May 10.
Les Brown Orch (18), with Butch
Stone, Doris Day, Dick Shanahan,
Jimmy Zito; Lenny Gale, Lane ft
Claire, Frank Paris 'ft Co.;. "Cisco
Kid Returns" (Mono).

Stale, X. Y.

Benny Fields, Mario .& Florin,
Caurisixilh Bros., Ruth Hughes
Anrons. Lewis & Van; "I'll Be Seeing
You" i(M).

Back to commercial swing for sea-
sonal final curtain, the Adams has
whacked together a fair-to-middling
entertainment. Brown puts it across
with solid showmanship and a band
that is currently in high gear.

This 68-minute seminar, therefore,
centers mainly on the orch. A good
idea, too, this outfit having won sev-
eral awards: this year from jive rags.
Its style is smooth, verging toward
the sweet, with plentiful, tonal beau-
ty piled aboard a . forthright tempo
beat. Brown must be proud of his
drummer, Dick Shanahan, and spots
nim for a long drum solo midway
through routine.

Brown really has something in
Doris Day, a dazzling blonde, who
gives out in a pleasant manner with
Candy," "Fellow from Poughkeep-
sie." "My Dreams Are Getting Bet-
ter" and Brown's co-authored "Sen-
timental Journey."

Jimmy Zito's free and easy trum-
pet solo, "In My Reverie," is a stand-
out. . Butch Stone, husky comic-sax,
draws a good hand with . "A Good
Man's Hard to Find" and "Slender,
Tender and Tall," besides doing
crazy jitterbug.' dance with a trom-
bonist.

Lenny Gale, featured act, doesn't
register ' with hep audience, who
seem to have heard all his imperson
ations before. Frank Paris has
several handsful of puppets, (.tango
dancers, ostrich ballet dancer, ice
skater), which move amusingly,
Lane, and Claire, on early, are rea-
sonably bright in a comedy routine!

Bran.

Tower, K. C.

■ ' . Kansas City, May 11.
Rudy Horn, The Quiutanes i5), St.
Clare ft O'Day, Carl Thorson, Ginger
Ebert, Tower Orch \6Y with Norma
Werner; "The Btitl/fohters" (20th)
and "Rocfcin' in the Rockies". (.Col)

One of . the smoothest bills of the
season is on tap at the Tower this
Week, with four standard acts com-
bining with the house orch and a
"Discovery Night" entry to round
out a 40-minute show which is top
entertainment.

House band tees off with a torrid
arrangement of "Victory Polka," and
Norma Werner takes the vocal for
good returns. Rudy Horn clicks as
m.c. in addition to his smartly-paced
comedy and terp act.

St. Clare and O'Day open with
their familiar cycling, routine, deftly
mixed with clever patter. Ginger
Ebert six-year-old contest winner,
registers with a chorus of "Is You. Is
or Is You Ain't" and a bit of tap-
ping.

' Carl Thorson, juggler, handles the
Customary plates, balls and other
props with dexterity to win heavy
mitting. Horn, next-to-closing, is
standout with his gab, comic biz and
hoofing. '

The Quintones close with some
nifty harmonica work. After such
old and new pops as "Blue Room"
and "I Dream of You." they continue
with "Fire Dance." For a getaway,
they pipe some torrid straight-eight
boogie. Earl.

Oriental, Chi

Chicago. May 12.
June Hduoc, Harmonica Rascals
(7). Ray English, The Herzogs (5)
Ray Lang Orch U2); "Frisco Sal"
■ U).

These days bonkers discard usual
practices to lineup a playable show.
Of the five acts on the current State
bill,. two are novelties, which would
ordinarily be too heavy for a pro-
gram this size. However, it works
out nicely and bill runs smoothly.

Current layout had to be abbrevi-
ated one act because of the last-
minute inclusion of the Government-
issued 31-minute short, "Two Down,
O'n'e to Go," which necessitated clip-
ping of Patterson and Jackson from
the bill. They'll play the house at a
later date.

Top entertainment vitamins come
at the close of the bill, starting with
Mario and Florin, a top ballroom
pair -whose opening waltz, tango and
turkey trot have elegant dance de-
signs and are skilfully -executed.
Chief reliance is On terping, they do
a minimum of acrobatics. They take
the audience for a heavy mitt. They
played this .house only two months
previously.

In the closing spot. Benny Fields
does his usual masterful song-selling
job. He's performed here some 20-
odd times previous to this and has
always gotten top hands. In his 24-.
minute stand he knocks off some
oldies, gets the house to do a com-
munity sing; has the. missus (Blos-
som Seelcy J take two bows. A solid
closer.

In the novelty department, the
Gaudsmith Bros, and their two
trained poodles turn in a workman-
like job- getting laughs and a good
hand in the process, while Ruth
Hughes Aarons. assisted by Chuck
Burns, in a fable-tennis, turn, slows
up the show considerably as exhibi-
tion: match seems too stagey, and
announcer, Lou Perry, fails to keep
up the gab with the game.-

Opener, Lewis & Van (New Acts),
warms up the house nicely with a
tap turn.
Fair biz when caught, Jose.

RKO, Boston

Boston, Mat) H.
Gypsy Rose Lee,. Pat Henning,
Paul Remos and Toy Boys, Miiig,
Ling Is Hoo Shee, Miller Bros, ft
Lois, with Larry Flint's Orch (15);
Betrayal from East" (RKO).

through with some fair music on
occasion, loo, although their forte. is
the nonsense and the bedlam. Red
Ingle, long a Ted Weems standby, is
head man among the assistants and
wows 'em on- every appearance
while Carl Grayson. Giggie Royce
and George Rock, latter doing some
first-rate 'trumpet impressions, like-
wise smack out .-sock sessions for
themselves.

Ttirce acts arc carried with unit
and they're all solid. Black Brothers,
who sit on stand ostensibly as musi-
cians at the beginning, have a smash
acrobatic session that packs, a lot of
laughs and Judie Manners sells a
couple of songs her own way and
then whams over vocal . impressions
of Beatrice Kav and Judy Garland.
For. an opener. Mavis Mimms de-
livers a vigorous . tap session arid
turns. up later in a couple of side-
play bits.

Bjz big at getaway.' Cohen,

Earle, Phllly

' Philadelphia, May 11.
Cootie Williniiis' Orch (14)- 'with.
Eddie Vinson. Ella Fir.gerald, 4 iu/c
Spots, Coke * PoU-e, Ralph flroum;
"■Mouse o/ Fear" iUf.

Making her first vaudeville ap
pearance here. Juhe Havoc, fresh
from her musical comedy successes,
is just, what the doctor ordered as
far as the clientele here is con
cerned.

The Herzogs, gals of the. flying
trapeze, "give the bill a fast start
with swings find iron jaw stuff by
four of ; the girls who then: call upon
someone from ' the audience to par-
ticipate in the act. Other member of
the group lakes the center trap for
comedy antics; awkward gyrations
and talk to turn the session into a
comedy. mixup that has the payees
howling. A hit.

Ray English starts off with gags,
some of which.have seen better days.
He reaches white heat, however'
with his falls, a dive in the pit and
other sundries and manages to chalk
up a. success after doing the girdle-
boogie-woogie bit to heavy palming.

June Havoc (.New Acts) mixes
talk with .burlesque dramatics, a
couple of songs and ' some dance
steps that stop the show.

Harmonica Rascals (7) are then-
usual rough-house selves. Between
the horseplay, led by little Johnny
Puleo, an exceptional pantoist, gang
manages to put across some good
harmonics, including "I . Walk
Alone," "Tico, Tico," and "I Love
You." Morg.

' There's probably a heart of gold
under that black lace facade of
Gypsy Rose Lee, but it was definite-
ly not red hot at an opening in
which; the "Belle of the Take-off" re-
lied more upon grapevine twisting
than her well-known art. Tall, wil-
lowly, hourglass - shaped Gypola
weaved but to the tune of cheers
and yells in nifty black velvet, black
fox" and' black and ' white striped
blouse and underskirt, which she
divested but once.

There is very little reminiscent
of burlesque in Miss Lee's deliv-
ery, although she put over some
tuneful patter about education and
brought laughs -down from balcony
with question period in which
naughty queries were, parried with
"Not that one." Her song, "I Could
Die," got good mitting.
: Pat Henning. got closer to popular
taste with his battered hat arid-but-
tered patter. His impressions of fa-
mous movie stars are delightfully
irreverent, to the tune of hoss-
laiighs, particularly Edward G. Rob-
inson mimicry* and he put across his
gags with a ba*g.

A new, note in international rela-
tions was struck by three Chinese
hillbillies, Ming. Ling and pretty
Hoo-Shee. Mimicry of Frank Sinat-
ra and Bing Crosby, along with a
little fake juggling, some hoofing
and -guitar and accordion brought
friendly response.

Paul Remos and his Toy Boys,
contrib amazing acrobatic tricks,
with little Stanley and Lester out-
doing themselves on balancing bar.
A short,-, snappy dance act, with ex-
traordinary precision on flve-foot-
high boards, is offered by Miller
Bros. & Lois, all attractive.

Larry Flint and his crew provide
adequate musical background for
acts. Dame.

. It's sepia time at the Earle this
week and this means six-a-day to
take care of the huge crowds that
respond whenever the lop Harlem
crews hit Philly.

Lineup this week is of the sock
variety with showing teeing off at
top speed and keeping pace through-
out.'

This is the first appearance of the
revamped Ink Spots and although the
new quartet doesn't stack up with
the original ''Spots," they still know
how to sell their wares in a fashion
which nets them flocks of .kudoes
from the audience.

In the closing spot the Spots,' paced
by elongated .Bill Kenny, polish off
"Making Believe," "How Many Hearts
Have You Broken?'. "I Lose a Friend
Tomorrow" and "Into Each Life Some
Rain Must Fall." They're joined in
the latter tune by , Ella Fitzgerald,
with combo proving plenty ear-pleas-
ing-

Miss Fitzgerald, spotted midway on
the bill, 'whoops things up with
"Saturday Night;" "Candy" and her
old standbye, "Tisket-a-Tasket."

Cootie Williams' hot trumpet is in'
rare form and that means solid. The
band keeps the customers bouncing
in their seats with items like "Roll
Em/ "House of Joy" (an. old-fash-
ioned rocker), and "West End Blues"
with Williams and his horn taking
the hot licks.

Coke and Poke are also in the.
groovey meter snaring plenty of. ap-
plause and laughs with their comic
hbofology. Ralph Brown has a Swift
tap routine, while Eddie Vinson,
bald-headed saxophonist, steps down
from the bandstand for a tussle with
the mike, with "Things Ain't What
They Used to Be."

Standees were , five deep In the
lobby when reviewed ; (Fri. after-
noon). Shal.

■lop, Balto

Baltimore, May 12.
Joey Adams, Tony Cauioiieri,
lamaiiuicj (6), Felice Itila House
Helen Parrish,. Mark Plant,. Bal-
Orch il2): "Tarzau and the Ama-
zons" \RKO).

Strand, ST. Y. .

. Henry Busse Orch U7) irith
Roberta; Andrea' King. Helmut Dan-
tine, Lew Parker, Hartnells <2),
Cords (2), "Escape in Desert," re-
viewed in "Variety," April 25, '45.

. 'Strand threw a lot' of acts In front
of the Henry Busse orchestra this
time, including two film personali-
ties, Andrea King and Helmut Dan-
tine, both from the Warner studio
(Dantine is prominent in "Escape").
But not much happens. It's a fair
show at best.

As usual in the p.a.'s of Hollywood
notables, the act laid out for Miss
King and Dantine is .nowhere, ex-
cept at the finale, when Dantine
solos with a beautifully delivered .
talk supposedly from a former
teacher of "An American soldier." It
was good; and drew strong audience
response, but at its beginning the
emphasis placed on killing and
maiming seemed in bad taste with
so many patrons possibly vibrant
with >- fresh memories. ■ When . this
vein of words was spilling from the
actor's lips, the audience could ac-
tually be' felt tightening up.

As for Miss King, she was beau-
tifully gowned and ' coiffured, but,
unfortunately had nothing but a
"happy to be here" routine. Comic
Lew Parker does his best to relieve
the situation with gags. He arouses
a few* laughs after Dantine joins him
with Miss King and they go through
a familiar "how to kiss" bit that
seemed embarrassing to both the girl
and Dantine.

Parker has his own spot up for-
ward. It's okay, mostly on the :
strength of a bit wherein he demon-
strates the eating manners of various
characters. . His other gag material
is in and out in effectiveness.

As- for Busse's band, the briefest
comment suffices. Here's another
example of a sweet bandleader going ;
in for a jump style, with the usual
vengeance. This is a loud outfit, a
fault that characterizes all sweet-hot
switches. On top of that, the only
arrangement used here that shows
any taste or imagination is a new
one of the leader's standard, "When .
Day Is Done." It's built on a choral
idea by the whole band.. Busse him-
self plays trumpet only in this and
one or two other spots, confining
himself to leading. This latter chore
should be revised in view of the
band's new style. Turning cart-
wheels in front of a jump band may
be . all right for a young leader, but
not for one of Busse's girth.

Roberta, formerly with Jan Savltt
and several other' top bands; is Bus-
se's lone vocalist. She's an . attrac-
live gal and . gets to the audience
easily enough with "I'm Gonna See
My Baby" and "Candy." She sings
in a monotone, however, that be-
comes quickly uninteresting.
' Two other .acts are oh the bill.
First; Fred and Sally Hartnel), is a
tap learn that works hard and fast,
each member taking , a solo shot.
They're fair dancers, their main-
trouble being a lack of pacing. Each-
routine is at a whirlwind pace;

Cord Twosome are musical In-
strument imitators. They ape vocal-
ly, the musical mannerisms of Kay.
Kyser. Guy Lombardo, Tommy Dor-
sey, Henry Busse, Harry James; etc.
They work hard and go over 'big.

Wood.

This is a badly selected and not
too. smartly routined pickup of a few
acts, all singles except one, the Bal-
lamaniacs, six dancing gals whose
particular routine has been cut in
two to divide the succession of the
one actor appearances which is in
evitable.

Adams takes hold es emcee and
seems to be on all the time. .This
may be okay on a nitery Boor but
it's not vaude. Opening by three of
the Ballamaniacs. a travesty on an
Egyptian dance is okay but not
enough to sink in for any kind of
impression

Mark Plant is next for a session of
vocals. Has appearance; pipes and
good presence and lie should stand
out there and give with the voice
rather than attempt some clowning
which makes him little more than a
stooge. Does "Too-ra-lov-ra" and a
■Gershwin medley from "Porgy and
Bess" and they are both bellringers
waiting only for a smash clincher to
send . him in for the limit, but instead
lie does "Sonny Boy" with Adams
Dcrchcd on his knee. It didn't click
,„„ . , j v.i » at all . when caught- Stubholders

WB deluxer rmg.ng down hrlcf want€<Mo - hear ^ 6t Ws sinftin*
Iwo-weck return to stage shows with ™ _ . ^ . .. . ...... .

Orpkeum, L. A.

Los, Angeles; May 6.
Allan Jones, Connie Haines, Jack
Marshall, Edna Covey, Ross Sitters
(3). Anita Aros; Al Lyons Orpheum
Orch (15); "Forever Yours" (Mono).

Stanley, Pitt

Pitfsbtiroh. May It.
Spike ' Jones' City Slickers, Red
Ingle, Judie Manners, Black Bros.
(2), Mai'is Mimms, Carl Grayson,
Giggie Royce, George Rock; "The
Unseen' • Par). .

a solid entertainment. The Spike
Jones crew packs 60 minutes of good
fun-in which their practiced musical
hari-kari' tumbles out in steady veins
'of rich comedy.

Jones, dressed in a plaid mon-
strosity, plays something that resem-"
bles a siiper-Rube Goldberg inven-
tion and leads the bedlam with a
pleasant nonchalance. Band sticks
chiefly to specialties it's, done in
movies and on records but those who
have- seen and heard their celluloid
stuff may be a little disappointed in
the in-the-flesh re-creation. "Chloe"
was a- side-splitter in Par's "Bring
On the Girls": here, without the
multiple' props and settings, it's not
nearly so amusing.

However, for the most bart the
Jones repci'torv is excellent corn and
big opening-show crowd ate it up
all the way. Boys actually lebme

To break the business of bringing
on another singer, this time Helen
Parrish, the Ballamaniacs return
with all six on hand in a sailor flir-
tation and challenge which is. cute
enough if not sock. Miss Parrish ob-
liges with "I'm Beginning to See the
Light." "While He's Home" . and
"Accentuate the Positive." She is
followed by Tony Canzoncri. who is
okay , in his brief bit with Adams
which garners some laughs and
serves well enough to wind up this
doings.

Biz just fair. Burnt.

Mose Gumble Back

Vet music man Mose Gumble is
back at his desk with Harms-
Remick-Wilmark after a long illness.

He was paralyzed' for a time, but
has recuped in Atlantic City.

Allan Jones and Connie Haines
are offering diversity in the vocal
department this week, with added
acts taking care of the standard
vaudeville fare. Jones knows how
to handle himself on stage and,
while certainly not the type of singer
that usually sells big In this home of
hepcats, held close attention with
five tunes, two of which were well-
earned encores.

. He opens with "Cosl Cosa," follows
with "Evalina" from the "Bloomer
Girl" score, and then wraps up
"Amor." He encores with "The
Donkey Serenade," one of his stock
songs, and closes with "More and .
More." Jones is one of the few male;
singers who has appeared at the
Orpheum in years that doesn't need
the house mike to be heard.

Connie Haines does a top-notch
chore with four numbers, her
ballading being more in the Or-
pheum style. Singer's personality
and figure are no handicaps, either.
Very listenable is her work on
"Every Time I Fall in Love," "Clos*
As the Pages in a Book." "Sunny
Side of the Street" and "Dreams Are
Getting Better All the Time." .

Jack Marshall, mad comic, is socko
with his . topical gags, take-offs on
commercials, nursey rhyming and
his. antics, with a grceri felt hat. brim.
Ross Sisters, three acrobats, please, '
as does Edna Covey, comedy bal-
lerino. •

Al Lyons orch opens show with
"Star Spangled Banner" for a VrE.
Day touch and then plays a badly
arranged Rudolph Friml medley. Pit
crew has been augmented with three
femme violinists for the week. One
of them. Anita Aros, takes, solo spot
for vocals of classical number and
also for violin of "Gypsy Air." She
gets plenty of palm-pounding for
her contributions. Brog.

50

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

Variety Bills

WEEK OF MAY IS

NameraU la mmiwbM— trllh Mil* below Indlcale apeala* 4mj •!
vkelbrr Call or aplll mk

Loew

Cabaret Bil

NCW VOKK CITY

(Mi>it»i <n>

J a lit* Fntinrtii
r.iUnn Orr
MMIlli- llvivnrd
Tammy Wundp]
DTATK (17>
M-t Hi II
('Ni'Pin-n Stroud
I.-* »ell Morgan S

Ballot M.inl.i(-.s
Jrylng C'afji'
Lorraine KukO^ii
AVASIIIMiTON

Cttphoi (in

Guy Lomhnrd Ore
Trumpet 2 . .
Eslrlle & .l>Ro>
Jean Carroll

Paramount

NKtV VOKK (ITV
l*»ranimnit (19)

Clma .SiiI.kIi .ft ttd
.1» Slaflronl

I >— :< fi ..\1liV|>ll.V
Tip. T:l|> ft- Toe'
CIIICAM*
CliiiiaKii (Id.

W.i„,l> ft UfU>
K-ii Kn-i

t»'AitK0li. ft Yanya

jn \ mi

4>l>ill|ll:l (IS)
(|.-,. I'l.i.fll/.

Ken Clark
WaMcr Nilsson
Cy Reeves
Tucker Trenirilne
OMAHA
Orplieum . (16> .
Max'lc. Ro«enblm,Mt .
Mcr'arland Oivli

TOI.KItO .
raramounl (19-'! 1 1
Spike Jones ft Mil
Black Bro.«
Judy Manner*
Mar. I? Minim*

NEW TOM CITY

RKO

Hill'* Clay We

ftlhei Ullbei i

Iternle Crwiinr

Ita'ruhl Willaid

.i;n l; Ky:tn

Cli:u -\pa Si i Irklnnd

rnniny Uin-iu

Bill Uelsey

Clay Imi'b OunrielU

II lite An***.
.Mllilt-Vd" l.:t-ili>y-
Kiltho M.ijVlinff
tirt.- K.H.Inllt
Hohl»> Slutrl
I'liKiisun Trio
rnl> StM-lf iy

.1 i lit in > ijji vii
U -n iif'i li S|»eiiri'r
l-:-.. Krjifi
Hfiie J'ielil (f.)
I'liil Moon* Ore

< l>m%it.ow »)

l.i>|< U W.i,-
Mil. I. ihi \Viiu
I'liir .lacUxMi

IM»STO v
Kuititn (17*
I>..K l>i»l Kern?

M:.Im<u.
R...M* Mi l 'owall
Hilep Field*. O'C

M.dw'ienv Knvritlr:
HO( IIESH-.K
Temple < lM-*iii>

Tom Reynolds (tc
Marva l.ewift ;
Jack I v Glea.^on-

K.I 11.. 1 1 Cue

< uritit :il
\Y llov. hr l».i*
4 Morriii-:in.H

'I'll.' (.llll.SHI^

l'l;uur Al I li. v
Ki. .V- K:ntd
Wl,ii iwin.ls
Itnii S\> (luiiif Oic
I .out* \'i i ni:i 1'iv
I'tmiilii Runs*
Ol2:i HnVl.niovn
A<ii:i K ii^iici^.Oir
Simeon KurxaeH
('miolban On
Chili IR

Hotel rinzd

\\<>\i UlMlll Oic

HiuU-tfavde

Hnli*i Knoarvcll
tlililif Sione Oiv
1 1 « i ; r : v o y I * Hi ei 1

)\ iy Tvimbpv

'r:iiNi>. ciemenie Ore

■\'ariia

Molrl 91. Rvcl<
.1o.iv|>)ilttg llniision
itt-:iirh-e & Gomez
i-'.cd Miller Ore
r IJrnokA Orfcau
I'urnlhy Shay
i'-iul Spnrr Oro
L^iii/Ui Ore

Hotrl Tufi
Vlnrenl I-onrz Or*
Mu|t«l \Vnlclnrr-A_
(l-iin'vs AVitlianii*
( ••inin

\"i.-ri»i'i:i Coi'dovp
\ MriiiMlu yinie Ore

leditud
Fi:t iiUp Mnrlou*
ah\ n 'J'nntnin
dii .Mri'Iiu Ore
ill m toy Kelly'i
l.n Kuiiio
l«-:in Cplvlna
>:niiyA !•> nn
.h» Ann Colbor
Alpin:i
llonre
Austin
IXnne Ptiep
("ruler & Hoai
Juo (':i|iellft Ore

l.n * nnjrt
Oi»lly JHiwu
lln I l-'isher ,
.AN'alliiceb

BOOKING THE NATION'S LEADING INDEPENDENT
VAUDEVILLE THEATRES

EDWARD SHERMAN AGENCY

NEW YORK

PARAMOUNT BUILDING

BEVERLY HILLS. CAL

CALIFORNIA BANK BLOB.

(:<M.HMIIB|IS
ralure

I'om Jleynultlb Ore
Uuy KililM'P
Marva Lewift
jHi'icle Clenson
K.o CmitluH
(15-11)

Eve Condon
HAN FRANCISCO'
Golden liate M«>
T. Plamen
The All.lns
Irene Manning
Morey An.HteriUin.
I'eter Loire

Warner

HEW VOKK riTV
Minimi (18)

H^nry Bub.i« Ore
L,** parkeir
Hrtlniut Uantfne
Andrea Klii^
Tlirt HarlnellH
The Chords

t>wu.\f>*xriu\

Karie (llli

J.ch Brown Ore
Kenny Gale
I.ane Sc Clnlre
Frank Pails

Earle (tft>

Rexyelten
(OUiera to flin

Independent

NKW YORK CITY
Muw Hall (11)

Aiicliiiiltia

Win Dollur

hMv/ard Itnlrhelt

Bernard lirlfflli

Win .ludd

T.my Cukaa .

Uei> f'roj.ln.

Bid ( lilyaiiale
Hoit (I8>

Conni Kaale Ore

R:iy Sax

Tim :t r.ockels

Tim SwIiih R

Jerry l.ealer
Apollo (IA>

Coleman C'laik Co.
I.ONU ISI.ANO
Jamaica (11-30)

Jimmy l.cedft

OI»«*ii Si Joy

Hlinrnii T>evrlen

"Wayne ft Marlin
Jack Sliea

Barbara lieeda
Caii'n Kiii)iii'!i Pc
Jed Dooley Co

3 Mearta
'EL1ZABKTH
IJbertjr (17-»»)

T.ou Brown Co

Bob Sr Maxlne Galea

The Olympics

Elaine Boyd

Bohn A Malihewi
HABTFORD
Slat* (18-SU)

Vaughn Monroe Ore

Guy Klbbee

4 Norton -'Sla
ZiffSV Talent
Jeanne Blanche

Capitol <30)
Mildred Way.<«
Vance Sc Ronnie
Van Sloan
Argo ft l.ee
(Two to nil)
rHII.AUEI.PHIA

A*MrIca'i LtaaSaf MapMafeat

EDDIE SMITH

1501 Broadway
N*w York

Dun J.r»wi.i
C'lmrlei* Carloi
WattiH't SIh
(One to All)

B VI /TIMOR*
Hippodrome {XT)
(;»iiih Krupa Ore
S WelN
Bl>I> Dupont

Hi Hie <17-19>
qIukhi Rae ft Kill
Marsha Carrol)
Pu.himi A Gordon
Kuthleon Ryruo 3

Cens Poylo
TJirt Blglim '
BOHNU BROOK
Brook (19-20) .
CHaileN Carler
Alan Reno
"Wkiynpir Bin
I*al IfOuto
<One to Oil)

CAMDEN
Tower* (16-2*>
Jim Peninau

(urmon (17)
Pat Mill & .loan
Harry SicfTon
KIhIiot ft Willie
Montana Kid
Willow Grove l»k

(20 In only)
Glhper Rao * Kill
Vat I11JI-* .loan
Harry, yioflen
Tinner Sc While
Kathleen Byrne .1
VROVIDKNi'K
Metropolllao
(Jg-20)
Phil & Mlld'd Crane
H. Boyd -ft JiKuawn
Jean Parker '
Steve Kvqiis
Pegffy Taylor S
NFAINtiribl.U
Coari 8q. (11-^6)
Tommy Dov, d
Hylton Sin
Betty Keun
2 Klnga

Sid ft .Bonnie Dean
Charles, ft Barbara

Al II I x on

Jue Mann
Ann DeulM

M;n i la -Kent
ViiK'Piit Bernon
Oordcn Andit-wa <

f.'opM*'HTt:itlM

Xaviei- t'ltK"! Ore
Gforfjie Trive
(•arriuM

I. uii in Ufe] ("ainpu
Hihl;i Rimini
l>on Of mi l.i
,loc) lierroii

Con R»ug«
Dick WHafn OrcB
I Ht* moo 1 1 Ronealio*
Uub Han
Lionel Kaye
Kmuia e'r^iiclji
iljxfl AlanRfHii A
AUnria D;i)«
t><il I.ewln
Gloria I.enoy
P.iJIy Bnnhn
Bill . Quenlmeyer
Milrhell Brother
Michael Kdwaidi
.Moil. Reid Ore
Vincent Ti/iv*tbj Ore

40O Club
H»nny (ioodiuan Ore
MHChllo Bd

Hitvana-Madrlf)
■VI ore?* & PfM'ordoba
.liiniuy Suiion
S»nor Mardn
Aluria l.oui^n T.opez
CjiIoh N'aiela Ojv
Hotel AmbanKitilur
l.ouia Belancouri O
J ulc* T.ande Oi c

Hotel Adtor
SHiuniy Kaye Ore
Joku Morand Ore
lion Pevry Or.c
Hotel RrlmoBt

G;ile Rnbprl*
.lay Sr>ll**r
Bill R 1 1. iff 11
Kiiihryn lniTiy Dora
Niiin Morales Ore
J'uysnn Ite Ore

Hulrl Bllln^ire
Muriim f'arler
Ann Warreii
Candy Stewart.
Kay Behfon Orr
Hntel 1'hMimoflinre
\liahr-l (Jornen Orr

Hotel Dlila
Don 'Baker Ore

HolW KilhOD

('ai:i)lini Orr -

KkicX HtiUH* .
Skin Keller Ore
Kuih GJeary

licit**! J^iincleB ,
Muh. I K'aI
Th i>u ICiiita
Tali ma ,
Maii«.
MnJ;ihnha
Harold Alnnm Ore

H«»lel I.Iim-uIm
K.r^Uine 1 1 ' Ki iiH Orr
Motel Nrn Vorhrf
.!<»:« li lit hloTt
Trrry Tliciil
I'liil Tt.oinalMe
Neil Von(aine
Arnold Shoda
Ht>n n> nunliHiii .Ore
Hniel rVnnavlVHitli*
Glen Cray- "Ore
HoUl rierre

l)i 411 I-m mix .
Sj;i)iloy MpMih OrO .

WmIJ.% Boa*

New Acts

JUNE HAVOC
Comedienne
it Mlns.

Oriental, Clilcato

Blonde looker, who lias spent most
of her time lately in musical comedy
and films, is taking a ".vcr in vaude
ville and wJicn caughl here had been
out two weeks. She still must pol-
ish up the beginning of the act, her
talk being pret'y weak in spots,
some of it being familiar stuff, but
when she starts gyrating in that
white two-piece, short-skirted, va-
cant-midriff outfit, which hardly
leave anything to the imagination,
she has 'em where she wants 'em
Miss Havoc, incidentally, is a sister
of. Gypsy-' Rose Lee. "

Comirig on stage with, an informal
"Hi Folks." she goes back to make
a grand entrance, in burley strip
fashion, and dramntizes the singing
of "One Meal Ball" and then into
her chatter. Il's nol until she sings
"So What Do I Care" and "Caldonia"
that she warms them up with gener-
ous shaking of . the torsp and a few
boogie-woogie steps. Slopped the
show and had to beg off! .

Some tightening up on the talk is
•ill the act needs to make it socko all
the way. Morg.

VICTORIA CORDOVA
Songs
Mins.

Hotel Waldorf-Astoria, N...Y.

A dark, atlractive Lalin-American
songstress. Victoria Cordova, does
tunes of Latin genre. She has a
sturdy voice that's well suited' to the
type of song she docs, though she
could learn to project better. But
she's a youngster who will acquire a
greater selling flair w ith experi-
ence.

Senorita Cordova seems somewhat
out ol her me tier , here: the Latin-
American cafe is more her type. -
Knlni.

Night Club Reviews

Continued from page 41 ,

Maria ft Enrique
.1 llarl-.cll CIS
ilafliko Bd

l a Mtirllnlnne.
Ilrn-ry Klchmni.
I.IUIan Moore
l-lnrria 'rrlo
nanny Daniel J
NncasRrs Ore
l>icli Rhodes Ore

l.nllo Ouurlti
Tminny Dlx
M»7.y.one-Abbatt D
«lorla Cilborl
Ko.is ft i,a rierre.
Don Saxon
llninld Ik Lola
Hudson Wondara
Ben Liova
Wlni Walsh
Mm ly Bed; Oro

l.o Kuban. DIra
-Mrryyn Nelson
L>een Klver Boya
Aloliic.l Boyar
li»a Mellla
CeOric Wallace S

l.eon aV Rildle'e
KJdle. Dnvls
l.oi-kwellji . .
i-'lora I..ra1<e ■
Heidi liayden
Ounny Itnherls
Sherry Brllton
.Vri Waner Oro
Mont* Carlo
Dlcl; Oaanarre Ore
Jean F Murray
I.iidy Anne .
Alberto Ore '
Oetjen'a
(Hrookljro)
Helen Kano
Iian Uealy
.ii'iry Bal;er
Kileen I.a- Marr
Pm-is Da\7son
Jiiriiiiy O'Bnaa
Billy Crlftltll
Will WRld
Klena- Kino*
Don Cabilleio Ore

Olfl ftnillllHIllllO

Olsa Woylova
Sadie Banka
Mliul Carller
Joe t,aPoria Ore

Rogers Corner
Hairy Lefcourl On
Chnii'a llnwallans
Harold Green
P'jeslimeii
Jlars 'lilo
Kni-n ■ Kohblers
Sij Sella I x Ore

Hpivj'a Koof
Spivy

I'ai ler & ' Bo.vle
.'a.Miw Manneia
Nlorlt C lub
Morales Ore
1'linle llnlal Ore
Sian Keller Oro
Venwltlea
.lane Pickens
Cuiiaey Ac. Ay era
hub Ilophlna
Bob Douglas
Alnrlnn Nilcs
»l Bergere Ore
7,n07.lb*r .
.1, Hamilton Ore
Son A' Sonny
MHUi-fce rtocro
Buell Thomas
Teewee Maro.uello
Telera Sla ■
Olio Kason
3 1'eppers
Clauda Hopkins Orr

LEWIS 4 VAN
Danre
7 Mlns.
State. N. Y.

This male pail' exhibits a well-
contrived set of tap routines. .They're,
well dressed, sporting tropical blue
evening wear with eton jackets.

Most of their routines are on a
pair of miniature stairs and they
later alternate in a series of singles
on a wooden mat. They're good, for
several earned bows. Jose.

Ray Varney, trombonist, who 'has
been with Ray Kinney, Randy
Brooks and Mai Hallett bands re-
cently, has joined Bob Poolcy's orch
at The Moors, nitery just outside
Worcester.

Saranac

. By Happy Benway

Saraii^.- Lake, N. Y.. May 15
Vilmos Gymes.. ex-boniface of the
Femiiia. Vienna, leaves for Santa
Barbara. Cal., where he'll continue
the "cure." •

Eugene Platzmdn. music arranger,
and his wife back after a short fur-
lough in Jackson Heights, L. I.

Pvt. Francis McLean planed 'In
from Texas to visit his sister, Jordie
McLean, who is flashing good re
ports.

Helen Grupp has been upped for
meals and mild exercise.'

Margo Meredith received her O.K
papers and left for New York City

Marie Gallagher will spend her
10-day furlough in New York.

John Eaton, who graduated from
here, now connected with a Scran
Hon. Pa., radio station.

Ben Schaffer and Frank Kaplan
are caretakers of the Rogers victory
garden.

Write to those who are III.

Caruso Biog

S Continued from page 2

raphy. It runs the gamut from in-
timate letters with Caruso's very
bad spelling but deep love for his
wife and intimates. It is replete
with anecdota about the loyal litlle
German Jew, Schol. who was an
umbrella-maker by day and king of
Metopera claque at night. The almost
fanatic cleanliness of Caruso (two
baths daily, scents, etc.) and his
frankness in telling a certain French-
man' in his theatre box to "go home
and brush your teeth" because of
halitosis. His life at the old Knicker-
bocker hotel al Broadway and 42nd
street (It was nearest the Met), his
refusal lo accept a suite on the cuff
al the Billmore but went to the
Vandcrbilt because it was nearer the
Met; his faithful manager, and the
time the Kaiser toasted his valet; the
$1,825,000 in royalties . the Victor
company paid Caruso for his record-
ings from 1903-1920; lhe«$2,500 limit
he placed on himself as a Metopera
star but the $15,000 per performance
he got at the Mexico City Opera;
the Maffia and other crank letters;
the lime bomb at the Havana Opera;
the stolen jewels al their Long Is-
land home, etc.,. punctuate the
volume. *

This book is more than a biog. it's
a closeup on an immortal, and in its
casual presentation, because Mrs.
Caruso .deliberately refused to make
it chronological, It makes for very
interesting reading.'

Tprraee Room. Boston

to See Tonight," through a flock of
original numbers including a French
Victory Song patterned-' after "La
Marseillaise," Brisson makes every-
one think he exists only for the in-
dividual. Boston needed a tonic of
this kind, full of expert showman-
ship, some cleverly concocted Euro-
pean heart-pulls and amazing vital-
ity.

Two years ago Brisson wowed
Ihem at the Copley (his second nitery
appearance) but he didn't seem half
so gay and fresh then. His magic
smile, his grace' and rhythm, his per-
sonal approach and general appeal
keep the house as quiet as a church,
not a glass tinkling.

At opening, his medley from "Nor-
way" was partly in Norwegian, ap-
propriate to V-E Day sentiment, while
•All of a Sudden My Heart Sings"
and "Just Around the Corner" were
hits that gave the heart a. lilt. With
the aid of Dick Lewis, personable
pianist, he puts over an old version
of "An Irish Lullaby," from "Going
My Way," proving- that Brisson's way
is seeking new modes of doing things.
"Maka Dee Le" and a Danish song,
Sim Sala Bin,"', which are practically
Brisson trademarks now. actually
found patrons who could sing with
him. in native tongue. In fact. Bris-
son's use of the mike, dragged from
table lo table for fans' solo -effects.,
enhances his terrif appeal.

Encores included improvisations in
Danish oh "Mairzy Doats" and a stir-
ring rendition of "The Last Time I
Saw Paris." betraying artist's emo-
tions as France turned on the lights
again. A new Gerald Marks song,
Today Is the Day," also wowed.

Brisson's agility, gliding, sitting on
chair-backs, doing other stunts re-
flecting his athletic past, has been
kept up here by 10-mile walks with
winsome Mme. Brisson every day.
looking over new song hits as they
hall. His routine is just as agile,
changing largely every night.

Garwood Van and sWeet.band.ad-
mirably background Brisson's sing-
ing and Dick Lewis accompaniment.
Nancy Hanks is orchestra's own good
chirpev. Biz is sell-out every night
in advance. bflwe.

falass Hai. IV V.

(BELMONT-PLAZA HOTEL)

Kathryn Duffy Dancers (10). with
Woiia Lee. Clarice Daley, Eileen
McBride, Gayle Robuins; Jay Setter,
Bill Russell, Payson Re's Orch, Nino
Morales Rlnimba Baud; $2 jntit.
weekdays, $2.50 weekends.

The Kathryri Duffy Dancers are
back at the Glass Hat for what is
practically their annual sojourn.
Flanked by two outside acts— Jay
Seiler; comic, and Bill- Russell, radio
baritone making his initial nitery
appearance— it all adds up to an
hour of diversified entertainment.

Gayle Robbins, personable brunet,
emcees the show and keeps it rolling
at lively pace. Duffy Dancers tee
off with colorful south-of-the-border
fiesta number spotlighting Clarice
Daley in nifty solo dance, to which
ensemble gives good support, while
Miss Robbins does all right by Vocal
of "Lady of Spain." .Costumes are
colorful and the gals are lookers
who can also dance. Phosphorescent
effects give additional wallop to the
number. Alice Moore, from the
group, scores with a nifty aero solo
and offs to a good hand. Bill Russell
(New Acts) clicks in next stanza
with his robust bariloning.

Duffy gals return for. "Ballet of
Roses," attractively costumed in the

rose motif and projecting Wana Le*
for some top-drawer ballet. Ensem-
ble work in this one again accent-
uates ability of gals. Eileen McBrid.
follows in a neat toe dance that set*
over.

Seiler practically knocks himself
out with, an admixture of liberies
dancing, buffoonery and, of course
his sock stuff on the skis, Comic
(formerly with brother as Jay and
Lou Seiler) has converted former
(urn to informal stance of the
niteries and cashes in plenty His
psuedo magic stuff and Nelson Eddy
satire send him away as show-stoo-
pcr. ■

Duffy gals, close with their by-now
standard "Maypole Dance." in which
eight males from the audience are
brought on by the gals, who deck
them out in. rose wreaths and have
,them roll up their trousers for a
whirl around the maypole for
hilarious results.

Payson Re's orch does nice back-
grounding on the show and for cus-
tomer dansapalion,' with. Nirio
Morales' combo alternating for the
Latin rhythms. Edba. .

Fingerprinting

; Continued from page 47 -

the cafe operators. Some years ago
an order came through ordering fin-
gerprinting of all cafe employees.
As a result, everybody from per-
formers to operators had to get their
hands smudged at locaf police sta-
tions. ■ This order hasn't been en-
forced in regard to all spots in sev-
eral years.

Another bout with nitery owriera
by the city came with Ihe license
crackdown about a year ago. when,
the Stork Club, Copacabana and La
Vie Parisiciine (now defunct) got
jammed on varied tax raps, and
their licenses were held up. Effect
of this bout with the city, was that
all cabaret licenses were put on a
temporary basis, subject to momen-
tary revocation.. This situation still
exists.

The fingerprinting section of the
order is regarded as not applying to
too many operators here, as discre-
tionary powers are placed with the
police commissioner. Many, especial-
ly in Greenwich Village, were fin-
gerprinted some years ago, and it's
likely that the police department
won't ask for another take.

Another section of the order for-
bids palmists, astrologers and for-
tune-telling in niteries. This is pret-
ty brutal on the seers in most of the
spots, whose wartime ' take was
pretty heavy, as most questions dealt
with safety of loved ones in the serv-
ice. The operators also lose some
dough on this score as the prophet
usually paid concession rates to the
operator.

Arthur Garfield Hays, counsel for
the Allied Food and Entertainment
Industries of Greater New York,
characterized the order as "petty
tyranny." He declared that H'a
usually advisable to consult with an
industry before action is taken af-
fecting them. With bonifaces or-
ganized he thinks there should hav*
been some discussion with industry
leaders. There may be an appeal of
the fortune-telling aspect of the or-
der, he said.

— — — - — —

\M«es<1»y< May 16, 1945

PSSiEFf

LEGITIMATE

51

Summer Musical Sked Ironed Out
On B 'way; 'Memphis' in Quick Shift

Spotting of musicals oh Broadway*—
lor the summer appears to have been
arranged:

'•Memphis- Bound" remains, in Bos-
Ion this week and is slated to open
at the Broadway, on . Thursday (24)
, o[ nex t week, but according to pres-
ent plans will be there only two and.
one-half weeks, after which it must
move because "Up in Central Park"
is booked into the Broadway June
11 its present berth at (he Century
being untenable for summer. Deals
for installing a cooling system at the
Century were cancelled after a year
of dickering, owners of the plant
asking reputedjy exorbitant/ terms
which the Shuberts rejected more
than once.

Idea of moving •■Park" to the Win-,
ler Garden was called off and the
current "LarTing Room Only" in
dated to stay there, a, new edition
of the revue being readied. "On the
Town" will -move 'from the AdelphT,
which also is minus a cooling plant,
to the 44th Street, which has "Fol-
low the Girls" moving" from there
to the much .smaller Broadhihst on
June 4. "Memphis" will switch
from the Broadway and may land at
the Barrymore; where the revived
"Barretls of Wimpole Street" will

Actors Fund Gets Share
From Store K^ir's Estate

The Actors Fund. of America will'
receive 1 16th the estate left by the
late- Richard C. Arnold. descendeM
of one of the founders of the Arnold
Constable store in New York, under
■the terms of his will, filed for pro-
bate in Surrogates Court, N. Y,, last
week. *

Arnold. 33, died in a blazing 'flat
|n a N.-. Y. tenement building last
April 22. His body was found on a
smoldering bed, .believed to have
been ignited by a . cigar.

Estate, declared rover $10,000,
hot yet been appraised.

'Sense-Memory*

"The Bourgeois Gentleman,"
to be staged by Chaim Briiman for
the Library Theatre, promises to
be something different. Brisman
says the play will be given . a
"stylized - realistic treatment"
and will introduce "sense-mem-
ory for the actors," no props to
be used.

Sense-memory is described as
a method used by Stanislavsky,
the Artef and Habima Players,
also foreign language groups,
with whom Brisman was asso-
ciated. .

has

Jacobi Ousted As
N. Y. LA Biz Agent

Success of ExpermiefltaJ Ubrary
Showings Proves B'way Surprise

4- Development of the so-called Li-
: brary theatre, operated by an Equity
committee headed by Sam Jaffe, has

Set Name Singers For

C* X Al Vraafn Hwaiin ] proved one of the season's Broad.
Dl. Lj. Al rrefctO OCdSUIl . way Sulpl .- L<es .; if s a n offshoot of th<

Union Strike
Threat in Chicago

ay surprises. It's an offshoot of the
St. Louis, May 15. ■ Experimental theatre, designed as a-
Lucille Manners, Mirni Benzell, ' showcase for talent, performances
Norma Terris. Rosemarie Bruncato. being given -in- small neighborhood
Martha Errolle and Dorothv Sandlin ' public . libraries, sans admission, sal-
are among songstresses who will ap- : alv and very little in the way of
pear at the al fresco theatre in For- - ( scenery, props or costumes. How-
est Park- during the 194S- season that ev01 '- more than 30 players among
lees off with an ll-night run of lhe Library group have gotten reg-
"Jiibilee". on June 7y Misses Man- , ulAl ' i obs . after such appearances. ;
ners and Benzell will be making !: Some managers and a' number of
• their initial now here. '.talent scouts have been attending

; Four warblers Mack Harrell and ' the performances, which accounts for
! Norton Bowe of the New York Met..- several Coast placement aild others
Upset election of - the New York , William Home and George Brilton i ln *\*f* a " d iatl'0. jobs, several- h-
stagehands local i.No. 1, IATSE) |.„u 0 w ,u ma |<e their first p.a. in lhe : brary. people also going into US.O-
. Sunday 1 13 1 ousted Vincent Jacobi j outdoor playhouse. Ampng others Camp Shows outfits. Further indi-
ias one of the business, agents arter;; w i 10 vv i|| p i a 'y lead roles during the
| he held the job 11 years. There are j seasol , are Edward Roecker, John
two agents in the union, the other ; Gurnev and Cabor Carelli.

:having been Solly .Pernick, who is
.also out. not having been nominated 1
because he was absent overseas With ■'•
the USO "Oklahoma!" though .he's |
' reported on the way back. ]
i There were three candidates for
Chicago, May 15. , (| ie jobs. I^juis Yeager; who subbed
There was a possibility early to- ' for Pernick; got 618 votes, his new?
day U5) of a general strike being running mate being Johnny Good-

called tonight at the Civic Opera

son, who got 539.; while Jacobi ran
i third, 31 votes behind.: Jacobi's de-

terminate June 9. There's a chance > House and the Civic 1 theatre. Unions [el , t A vas surprising in stage union

it will move to the National, cur
rently lighted with Martha Graham
and' her dancers tone week), but the
new "Marinka;" a musical in re-
hearsal, is the more likely possibil-
ity. "Hollywood Pinafore" will ar-
rive at the Alvin at scheduled at the
end of the month, about which time
Billy Rose's "Concert Varieties" is
due into the Ziegfeld.

Toronto Stimmer Stock
Kg Despite Early Start;
fabnerton Opens May 29

Toronto, May ' IS

were, in a huddle and expected to circles, in which his re-election was j bers in the services last week,
issue an ultimatum to J. C. Thomp-
son, operator of the two houses, the ;

cations of the effectiveness of the
movement is. the amount of pub-
licity accorded the Library theatre
in the dailies, especially in recent
weeks. The free performances will
be continued next season when spe-
cial admission cards will be issued
to scouts because sometimes the
seats supposedly roped off for such
purposes have been occupied by
others. .,

So far this season Library; has
i-iven around 185 performances, 37
Ballots for Equity's election June' : different plays having been used, the
I were mailed out to senior mem- "revivals" being given on an aver-

Equity Ballots |
Go Overseas

. age of Ave! times each. Most of the

elusive

taken as. a- matter of course

Jacobi is reported to have, eyed
the IATSE chieftainship when
result of which was undecided when George Browne was jailed with Wil-
"Variety" went to press late tonight, lie. Bioff. bill the boom was nipped
If strike '.was called, it will have ^ lhe bud on the way to the annual
crimped the slimmer operetta season ' convention. Both Jacobi and Pernick
here, which only opened last night were inclined to be. militant when
with the Shuberts'. "Madame. Dii- > dealing with managers and in that
Barry." J. J. Shub'ert is in town and ■ wa - v built up a following in, the
watching the situash. i union.

Argument is between ATA M and : Four top officers of the union re-
Thompson, who refuses to sign basic .'••••V their P°^ s > being unopposed,
agreement. with union, insisting thai |'They are Joe Dwyer, president;
he has the right to. hire his own m«n ' George Fitzgerald, v.p.; John C. Mc-
agers whether they belong to union > Dow.cll. recording secretary, and
or not. Herb Carlin. who joined the : J° h » Garvey, secretary-treasurer,
union only two weeks ago as man- i Board of. trustees for the coming
■ . lager of the Civic- Opera theatre. J' 6- "* '"elude Bernie Quatrochi in-
Maybe it s a misnomer to . label it j w here "DuBarry" teed off the sea- ! cumbent, and two new members,
summec theatre, the calendar being* | son> was ca lled off the job by the ' William Noon and Tom .Fitzgerald, headed by Philip Loeb,
whatil is, but early start of stock at I union last night, and Thorn pson took '. J '*
Royal Alexandra hero is chalking I ms p | ate .

up boxoffice rcceipls Ihalany road j -j at . k - Mahley, former Chi Arena
company might envy. Current at- I manager now out of the Navy and
traction is "The Merry Widow." for manager of the Opera House, has not

■been accepted by the union yet.
^Oliver S.ayloi:,_ business agent of
ATAM. N. Y. local, is here and says
that unions are not bluffing and will
call general strike if Thompson

of players in . USO-Camp ! plays were one-time Broadway suc-
Shows, legiters . playing the war [ cesses. Shakespeare is also included ■
fronts. Members here are due to ; in the repertory, '•Hamlet'* having
receive their ballots this week. Six- ■; recently been performed. It wit.
teen candidates are running lor 10 ' originally ' intended that .casts be
council places, not counting two re-, made up of young Equityites, mostly
placements. I junior members, but seasoned play-

There are over 1.200 members j*w' h ».»« been gradually attracted,

overseas, about one half 'l^iS^S^^^-^^^SSSSX^
qualified to vote. but. whether there .

Beef On Similarity
Of 'Harvey' Title To
Colored Army Show

Army's Special' Services blueprint
colored, show, with the announced

_ _ title of "Watch Harvey," designed

Early start of summer theatre up I House from Ralph Kettering "and i for colored GIs. attracted the atten-
tion of those interested in the Pul-

which the advance sale was $12,000
at |2.50 top plus that 20*^ (ax— a
pretty stiff UrifT for summer theatre,
but the* public is still piling* in. Piece
is definitely pencilled for a fortnight
and business will warrant its stay- j doesn't sign"up;
ing a third week. I Thompson took over the Opera

is much interest jn the election
among the service people is not
known.

More details about the recent un-
precedented special general meet-
ing to discuss the candidates have
cropped up but it is definite that if
there was any determined opposi-
tion to the independent ticket,

it was;

mostly silent. There will be no of-
ficers- elected this year. Election
will be by secret ballot, which has
been the method for some years.
Members signature sealed envelopes

both morally and professionally.

At first Equity was but midly in-
terested in the idea but the demand
among members, for some way in
which , they could display their tal-
ent, became so insistent that a com-
mittee was appointed to operate the
library showings. Dramatists Guild
and Equity teamed for the Experi-
mental theatre, which didn't pan out
for some reason, but the authors
readily, assented to plays being
shown in the libraries without roy-
alty. .

There are some costs attendant to
the library performances. A fund
was raised, mostly by donations,.

holding each ballot, the. names Mmf . coming from managers/ When
j being checked by tellers before the n „ money is available, however,
'vote is counted. Ballots are. to be ./pinycr.s in the shows have paid for
i marked by an X beside the names

here— earliest in the history of the i seems intent not only on running
Royal Alexandra— came about be- ! both houses in the "Civic" group but

cause of the dearth of road attrac-
tions and the determination of Ernie
Rawley, house manager, to keep his
1,525-seater lit. Back from a trip to
New York, .where he made his sev-
eral deals, Rawley has unequivoc-
ably nailed his name to lhe' mast-
head for the first lime and it's now
"entire productions supervised by
Ernest Rawley." He's going, to pre-
sent musicals, modern and classics,
. including Ibsen to Shakespeare to
Shaw 1 , summer season to run to Sep-
tember.

r>lmcrtens Worcester Bow

Worcester, May 15.

Slrawhat season opens here May
29. with Guy Palmerlon in town pre-
paring to open again in Auditorium
Playhouse with his Worcester Drama
Festival. Lid will be taken off with
( Blithe Spirit." To follow will be
JKiss and Tell." "3 Ts a Family."
• Wallflower," "Angel Street," "The
Perfect Marriage." "George Wash-
ington Slept Here" and one or two
musical comedies.

Returning from last -rear's cast will
be Marcel Dill, Bruce Brighton,
trank Lyon,, Isabel Price and Gar-
rett Lowe. Newcomers are Elsbeth
Hofmann, Jrraldine Dvorak and
Dorothy Steele.

"Palmerlon

on fighting the unions as well.

STARTS SUIT VS. SINGER
ON MENAGERIE' SHARE

Brandt, play brokers', contacted Lt
Col. Marvin Young of Special Serv-
ices, who was reported saying the
•Watch Harvey" label would be

Arter refusing to arbitrate a dis- j changed. • . .

-.11 • i c- _ . . . Friedman advised the officer that

pute with Louis J. Singer over what .,. ■ . ., _ ,.,„,,

he claims is his right to a ION share ! s ;' uc '-' e -* s hiriv"

of "The Glass Menagerie." Play- ! -I^ed over here and P'ftaWy J.irly
house. N. Y.. Joel Schenker. through ! we " k » 0 "'" evc " 111 the l ^* U " m ° f
his a.tornevs, Wiseman & Grant, has | ^TjLTtZtol
started suit. Understood that ■ . .■ l ^ e , ™« ht be . mm '"! n l °'^
Michael Halperin. counsel for P'»- v - " W " tch Hal ve * ,s sup , pos ' ? ' 1 to

Singer, accepted service in the com- * be- a Negro expression.

plaint yesterday i Ti:csdavt. 1
Complaint sets forth three causes

of those voted for, with ample warn-
ing to be given against invalidation
of votes.

There were vague reports that
.Frank Fay, starring in "Harvey"
ilzer prize-winning "Harvey." 48lh.i,48th Street. N. Y.>. had injected
Street. N. Y. Brock Pemberton. who ! himself into the campaign at the, re-
produced the hit, did not prblest but ; cent special meeting. He is a can-
Harold Friedman, of Brandt- & ] didate but his address appeared to

necessary props and costume : ren-
tals, and it's anticipated that Equity
will make financial provision for the
library performances next season oh
the strength of this season's results-

be more in the way of re-introduc-
ing himself to the membership.

'Cauliflower' to B'way

i

Hollywood. May 15.
Jo Eisinger and Agnes dc Millc

is undecided as- yet

of action and is returnable before
Judge Morris Edei - in lhe t N:. Y
Supreme Court next Monday <14i

Court is asked to enjoin Singer from will stage "Rose Into Cauliflower," a
inserting "extraneous" items on the- drama with music, on Broadway in
show'*, payroll. An examination September.

before trial is sought, also an ac- - Eisinger recently bought dramatic
counting of receipts and. expendi- ! rights to the yarj). published in Es-
lures since the play opened in Chi- . quire. Currently h'e is screenplay-
ca go ing his novel, "The Walls Came

Papers set forth an arrangement Tumbling Down." for filming at
whereby Schenker and Singer ; Columbia,
booked the Civic theatre, Chicago.!
for "The Passiohale Congressman."
which was to have' been produced !
by Eddie Dowling. Because script

FRANK FAY MUSICAL

5G Award to Kninmer
Remains Unsettled On
'Retnrns' Changes

Dispute over an arbitration award
| of .$-'*. 000 to Clare Kummer against
; Harry Bloomfleld, in the matter of

BUDGETED AT $225,000 ^

Frank Fay is aiming 10 become .a | starred Mary Astor and Neil Hamil-
producer, with "Sweet Surrender. "; ton, was a fast spring flop. Miss
e musical budgeted for $225,000. with ■ Kummer alleged that Bloomfleld had
a book by Claude Binyon. formerly ' made script changes without her
of "Variety." and William Crozier "consent, in violation of the Drama*
Walsh, both being Hollywood writ- ( tists Guild regulations. After tes-
ers Score is bv Dmitri Tiomkin. ! timony from a dozen witnesses, ar-
husband of Alberlina Rasch. she be- • bitrators Saul Abraham, Philip Dun-
ing slated to direct, the dances. ! ning and Sherman S. Krellbe.rg

Musical was announced by the I r-.ilcd that the authoress should get
Shuberts but the latter gave up the ' damages.

rights. Top femme names are. Betty
Kcahc and Ginny Simms, latter to
make her legit debut on Broadway.

Magyar-Latino Musical ^ ^

FOlf Shtlbert On B'way , can ^was made after the hearings,

Manager Went into court and suc-
ceeded in getting the award nulli-
fied on the ground that one of the
arbitrators had telephoned John
By ram of; Paramount and learned
that the company had no interest in
the picture rights to "Returns." The

"Intermezzo on the Circus ", origi- .*: Sidney R. Fleisher, counsel for
'naiiv rfnnp in Himearv and latterlv Miss Kummer, has appealed the de-
COAST CASTING FOR 'MAN' f ^^S y ^ucc^ !n cision. contending th^t it was merely

Los Angeles; May 15. | South America, may be produced in : a. casual; phone call made after the
. Hall Shellon is lining up a West ; , he U. S. under the aegis of Lee ; am0 " n l ot the award was agieed

.... ^.changes were needed "Menagerie ' Coa st cast for his legit whodunit. ■* Shubert: Metro scripter Dailey Pask- ; l, P° n - ... .. „,,„

whether to operate again lhe ™ substituted but Schenker was „ The Miin who Tjiv ed Twice." for eman is' east, to discuss it. New title • B /°° m il u f" 1 "-' HZ » L? - -tf,.
Whalbm theatre in Fitchburg. near overseas and was not named in the I snowiMg j n California and New York. ; W0U ld be "Allez-Oop". • called Foxhole in the Parlor, oue

"We. He ran the resort, house, last [deal for that play, which turned into ; Troupe will trek eastward after
■fnson along with the Playhouse.

the

cast rehearsing here and eom-

•"Mting to Wha lorn. »-

Bob Daggett is expected io re-
JjPen .the Westboro- Hed Barn, about
miles from here, after a year's
Watus due id gasoline and manpower half of Singer's share pv
shortage. . " **■ ' ' -

Right now, only two other stravv-
natterr

N. Y. critics prizewinner. - /runs in Los- Angeles and San Fran-
Wheii the play opened in Chicago, ei.-cu.
Dowling and Singer were billed as . \. , — -~- —
corproducers. Latter has the major j Harry Coehrell Bedded

called

William A"'DVa^who dramatized i in to the Boo th next week.
I "Grand Hotel" has doiie^the libretto. 1
.James *3<asser, .west: coast theatre
jowncr and backer of Ben But-caus
I film productions, . has about 50.* *• of
! the. necessary coin to be put . up.

'Front Page' Fall Bow

Los Angejds, May 15.

s- are scheduled for Massar
Phusetts— B»irtf le Hall, Cambridge,
ana Mountain Park, Holyoke.

interest' in- "Menagerie:" Schenker i Omaha. May 15. . , ... , ,. .

aimtending that he is entitled to. one- j- Hairy Cockrcll. 80, oiie of the old j- Pask man did the Richard Harding I James B. Cassidy will produce 1 a
jer's share over" 'arid \ guard ot theatre men of this section, Davis biog for Metro' and is due back v*»a«e revival of the newspaper play,
above 50"r. that percentage being I j S bedfast at Fonlcncllc Home here, j to ready it for filming .with*. -Waller i "Front Page," starting Labor Day
given the defendant in exchange for I Cockrcll was treasurer of the old i Pidgeon as ' the i famed war cones- j on the West Coast. •.]•• • .

' Boyd theatre in lhe Ws and later I pondent and either Greer Garson of | Play* vvill fiperi with a. Hollywood
the I was treasurer of the Burwood the- I Ginger Rogers as, "The Yama Yama - cast and shift eastward -after a -tour
aire Which played stock. '.Girl", Bessie McCoy Davis. , of California and the Northwest.

financing the production.

Dowling is not named in
action.

52

LEGITIMATE

W<Mln«K<1ay, May 16, ]91. r >

Mamoulian Sees Past Years' Sock
Dramas As Library for Musicals

By ARTHUR BRONSON

Success or "Carousel," Broadway's
tie \ est hit. 'disproves, once and for
al! ihe widespread fallacy thai.-. von
can't make a good musical out of a
gund play, according to Rouben

lit Europe after the war, says
Mamoulian.

.Mamoulian thinks these produc-
: lions need a new name, "opera"' be-
ing wrong, "musical comedy" too
>iandai'di/.ed: and ■•musical play"

Mimoulisin. who staged the hit. Any | not quite right. "Opera'' is foreign

theme, lie says, whether high, coin-
edi. drama or tragedy, is open to
musical treatment.

furthermore, he says, there is no
"tampering" with a tried, ■successful .
play, as many maintain,- if you re- ■
place dialog or incident with good ;
music or dance. Naturally, you have
t.i cut oiit some dialog and book to;
link* way for the music. But you ;
luven*l tampered with the subject..'
h< says: you've merely changed the
medium of expression. ;

He's staged several musicals made ,
out of straight plays, including.!
"Pnrgy a,nd Bess" out of "Porgy.".:
"Oklahoma!'' out of "Green Grow
the Lilacs," - "Carousel'' out .of
"Lilioui." and. "Sadie Thompson" out
of "Rain." In. each he used* a form- '
uU of integrated song-daiice-and- ,
drjma. All these shows; Mamoulian :
says, were experimental.' The oiie 1
that flopped; "Sadie Thompson,' - did :
so because the integrated elements 1
weren't blended right. But . that ;
doesn't hurt the principle that a ;
good play can make a good musical. ;
"Rain" still can make a good musi-
cal. .says Mamoulian. |
In doing all these shows, he says. >
he was always conscious of the dan- j
gei or a flop, because of , the subject |
matter. When "Oklahoma!" tried j
out originally in New Haven under j
the name of "Away We. Go." it was
considered a flop, New Yorker* who .
sa a it there calling it neither fish ;
nor fowl. You. couldn't have a mur-i
dei. or a sinister' villain, in musical ;
oomedy. Ihey told him. But "Okla- ]
li.inia!" showed that stark drama hact
no bad cITect in musicals.

Integration Necessary |
Tncse integrated song-danee-
drama musicals are the blueprints of
the future, says Mamoulian. They're 1
not "high art," he says: they're
strictly commercial. They're a new
road in the theatre, as is shown al-
ready by such ensuing productions
as "Dark of the Moon" and "Bloomer
Girl." In addition to being truly
authentic musical theatre, these in-
tegrated musicals are as essentially
American, as the skyscraper. They're
one of the best things to send back

sounding anyway, as is "ballet" for
the dances in these allows. "Ballet"
.'is '.misleading. It's iuM dance, says.
Mamoulian: and such dance will
continue to be an integral part of
these production.-, he thinks.: The
dance is just breaking into drama,
he says: it has a long interesting way
to go yet. .' .

In connection with "Carousel, ''
Mamoulian pays..' high credit tp
others involved in the, production.
.They all recognize that the play's
the thing, he says. Composer Rich-
ard Rodgers. who .-also did the music
for "Oklahoma!". -wrote h lovely song
for that musical.- Bui Mamoulian
pointed put thai the song didn't be-
long, and .'Rodgers 'admitted it. and
the .song c'anie out'. Oscai- Hammer-
siein. says Mamoulian. is mbre than
a lyric writer: he's a writer and poet.
Quick, flexible and sensitive, he
couldn't have done .-o fine a job
otherwise, As to Agnes de Mille,
who staged the dances; if. she didn't
have a feeling- for drama w ithin the
dance, all her dance interpolations
would have hurl the story, rather
than carry ; il along, as it does.

'TURTLE' NEARS MILLION
FOR TWO COMPANIES

"The Voice of the' Turtle." com- ■
plcliug ils second season al the Mo-
rosco. N. Y.. is taking form as oiie ;
of llie biggest money makers on rec- ;
ord. Tolal profit; including the New,
York and Chicago tSelvvyn) com-
panies, is approaching the $1,000,001)
mark. Net earnings of the Iwo out-' ,
(lis of the three-person "comedy are .
around $1-1.00(1 weekly, and profit j
cheeks amounting: to $50,000 monthly j
are going out regularly lo producer
Alfred de Liagre. Jr.. and others in- ,
lere'stcd in the play, including Elliott -
Nugent, co-starring-wiih Belty Field, j
: End of I lie "Turtle" run is nol in |
sight. It will lay off this summer, as';
it did last year, since the Morosco ,
has no cooling system. Then, loo.;
the players want . a .'vacation., show '!
starting a third season ' hv late j
August. It's possible that the picture ,
rights will bring as : much added J
profit as the stage showings, film i
coin to be spread over a period of ■
years up to 1951. Understood that \
the Morosco!s profll is around $5,000 i
weekly. '-'"..'. j

LEASES PA. STRAWHAT j

Reading. Pa.. May 15. |
Crelna theatre. Ml. •Gretna, sum-,
incr colony -28 miles from here. will
reopen next /.month after being closed
three seasons because of Die' war.

The Pennsylvania Chautauqua,
owner of the properly, gave a lease
to Chiirles F. Cogh'lan. producer, for
a 10-week season -this year, with an
option of renewal for 10 years.

Inside Stuff-Legit

Mike Todd, who planed to Europe last week on a War Dept. mission in
relation lo soldier amusement, has copped plenty of publicity in the maga-
zines lalely. A feature story in Collier's (May 12 issue) by John Chapman,
drama critic of the N. Y. News, was headed "Platinum-Plated Pitchman"
and decorated with color pictures, including one of the showman and'
scenes from his "Up In Central' Park" iCenluryi. John K. Huteheus profiled
him for the Sunday ti:t> Times mag, titled "The Mike Todd Legend Grows
Apace."

Chapman's story was brightened with gags. Writer identifying To'dd as
"the most colorful producer since Florenz. Ziegfeld' and Morris Gest." also
that -"he has the soul of a pitchman and the ambition of a . Napoleon."
Damon Runyon is quoted saying thai Todd is one of the greatest natural
gamblers alive, joe E, Lewis also tabbing the guy as one who -"definitely
belongs on a runaway horse." Chapman also mentions the rivalry between
Todd and Billy Rose, whose $24 champagne premiere of "Seven Lively
Arts" (closed Saturday at the Ziegfeld > was lopped by Todd's lavish party
at the Tavern on The Green the -night "Park' 1 opened. Revealed tliat
Todd's right name is Abraham Gpldbogeii. he is 37, and was born in Min-
neapolis, although it's understood his birthplace was a tank town nearby,
population 400. Rivalry between Todd and Rose . started at New York
World's Fair, where" the latter had the Aquacade and . the former "Gay '
New Orleans" and "Hot Mikado." Stilled that Todd's idea of his success
in show business is: "I'm a lucky bum."

■ Hulchens' story has some of llie same . material as Chapman's, Times
slory quotes the producer as saying he'd rather be lucky than smart, but
"he is. of course, both." Telling of Todd's lake-a-chan'ce angUv there is
mention of the time a year ot so ago when he told his general manager to
get a safety deposit box so he would be able lo get cash anytime he
wished. Actually the depository Was al the St. Moritz hotel, where hi*
late aide, Joe Click. Lived. Todd I tuned over lo Click racetrack and gin-
rummy winnings one Saturday night, amount being variously estimated
and said to have exceeded $35,000. .Click died the next day and lhc : coin ■■•
is still tied up.

Plays Out of Town

Hollvwood I'liiafore

■ .Baltimore, May 8.

. M.is 1 Cm-dmi j in. it. hi i mi iisvurinllon

with \l. ■>••<■ i>) .,i i:.i-..,-m SulUnin'R
'.-j-lii ifoiv." ^ K,m,u int.J Ij i i.',s . I'M-lsoil by
i i*/ S l\:Mifniiui. Si..'.> A" j>-i • Moor 6

• ii. i rt Wiiiiji im i ;;iMi.n ; ifi.i t.i Aminninry

I >ii-kfi , ( I.'iu it- Km-lt-i . i :tl|.* i.i . HllSAPll.
Shi i Mm it h. Ic n>>" Hi cw n ; Si nK«?'l hy-

K inriiiiMi . |H >t'iiit-i imii f.ui>^t * >c,i' \'\- Arnold
.•in in i Sniii^fi . >-i i ink;. .'«■ Mj»*lv,iiiri-: en-.
xf*ini»l>* i in ii*-* 1 ** ii> 1 1 in in i;^ i "nil ill '; modern

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K'thn.
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PLAY PUBLISHERS

. . . tl 'Am* ami ma»y
oIHt JitlitguUhtd play
SONG 0 / ' BERNADETTE
TOMORROW THE WORLD
lOST HCRIZON- HIGHLAND
FUNG • EVE OF ST. MARK • >EST
FOOT FORWARD • FEATHERS IN
A GALE ■ MRS. MINIVER • GREAT
BIG POORSTEP • KITTY
FOYLE • HOUSE WITHOUT A KEY

THf iMAMATK PUMISHM6 CO.

Incorporotsd '
S» E. VAN BUREN ST,CHICAGO 5

l>TUHl COH*

■ o ml net or;
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top.

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:Cill» IL UU39Cl|

ill in in (iaxton
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. . . Shirl' y Uooth
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I'iiin.i (*or<tay
t i- me i; Randall

.Klin Mnyi'r

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Ifi u. r-!l;i Strain
' :«t:n -i .y. . Ki m*-m Taylor

H:iJI-l I HI-, In. I.-.- . . . \ lohl I'JflSOIl

■Snm-i.": s.i M> itillniic*. Klm^nf* (Teoruc,

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ii»*i I . M-* m^'tri M'*K«*nii: . i '. mini'" . Monl-

t"iif o. .ii*j('niif N 'i ii., .\» S(.t*-ll. Mary

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ANGELS

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m.lfil iii prcvloaa pluja. Tli« Hr»i
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tll^iifiinwUIr lo producer*.

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Sf.'.'S Per Volom*
1>T(> SUTJIX, Editor
MVki 4Hlh Street, New York It

fleorjje S. Kaulnum ha.- 'undertaken
a reu i ile of the W: .S. .Gilbert book
and lyrics of "Pinalui-e" and left the
original Sir Arthur Sullivan score
| intact. The book is a smart job
i wrapped . around the Hollywood pic-
ture-makins! Tunarouiui. The lyrics,
too. have their moments in spite of
some forced ihymiiij; hVre and there,
but then Mr. K. was up against one
of the best in thi.- particular depart-
ment. He does be's'i of all with the
slaving stint, and upon his further
| activity in this departmenl will de-
| pend the Broadway- run of this lav-
l ish efTort under the combined aegis
!of Max Gordon and Meyer Davis.
I There's about a halt hour >o be ruth-
llessly 'trimmed ant: considerable
^speeding and brightening up. partic-
' ularly in : the second set. when the
-novelty of the whole, business begins

lo wear a bit thin. It all Shows coiW
sidcrable promise nevertheless.

Story line deals with the making
of Kipling's "If" by Pinafore Produc-
tions headed by Joseph W. Porter
(Victor Moore I. He's a slow-witted
tllm mogul. Upon this characterisa-
tion is tacked the rest of the familiar
story, with William Gaxton as Dick
Live-Eye. a conniving axenl: Ralph
Backslraw. a lowly writer instead of
a tar. and the heroine, a movie, star.
Brcncla Blossom, Little Buttercup
has become a '.columnist. Louhedda
Hopsons. referred ti) as Little Miss
Builcr-up and played to the hill by
Shirley Booth. It pokes some comic-
jibes at the business of picture mak-
ing and lands a telling spot of sharp
satire here and there, but there's
nothing really vicious and should
give no cause for anxiety on Ihe part
of the industry.

Dialog follows the old-fashioned
style of the original, asides and all.
This helps in pointing the intended
kiddiiig. bul there is a lendencv
toward verbosity. ' Business of dress-
ing the writer and the rest of the
scribbling cohorts in convict stripes:
lo be led in and out of their. barred
work-shop, is a funny spot, and the
studio conference wrapped around
the projected production of a. "pres-
tige" picture is good for an extended
howl.

Acting and. singing are tops. Legit
vocalizing of Sullivan's tunes, par-
ticularly by the romantic leads of
Annamary Dickey and Gilbert Rus-
sell, proves a standout, and sharp
diction of all ensemble singing is an-
other credit. Moore and G^xtoh do a
number lifted Irom "Pirates of Penz-
ance." and a potpourric of other G &
S tunes is also used for a." inter-
polated ballet by Viola Essen and a
group of dancers sla«»d by Anthony
Tudor and which hung up a legiti-
mate showstoppcr in its preem here.

Gaxton and Moore have become an
established clicko coin bo on Broad-
way and in this one they have ample
opportunity lo continue their suc-
cess. There are considerable makings
here, and in the lianas of the show-
wise people .involved here, il should
all turn otil well by the time il un-
wraps ilself on Broadway: General
scenic investiture and costuming are
of the best and the- supporting cast of
players is completely big time.

. Burnt.

There has been. a rash of profiles on Broadway "characters" lately, not
the least being a dissertation about press agent Dick Maney in the current
issue of "Life tMay 14) by Russel I Buck ) Grouse, one of the many legit
producers who employs him around the edges. C rouse was once a press
agent himself for the Theatre Guild, etc. He also mentions being teamed
with Howard Lindsay as co-author of "Life Wilh Father" (Empire), pro-
ducer of "Arsenic and Old Lace" and the current "The Hasty . Heart"
• Hudson*, but "slanders' 1 Lindsay by claiming to be the "prettier" mem-
ber of the duo. It's conceded that his schnoz/.le rivals Duranle's. Says
Crouse about Maney: ■•■'■_ , }

"He. has corrected Gilbert Miller's English, questioned Orson Welles'
\ veracity, blithely deflated Jed Harris and. publicly derided Billy Rose—
' all while being paid by them . .'. he is the most successful, highest paid

■ and . the most sought-after theatrical press agent in America" . . . despite
: "Maney 's vicious, vituperative, almost sadistic honesty . . . from lime to

time he acquires a hangover which is a masterpiece . . . he's 52. borii in
Chinook, Montana, described by the guy as a nesl ot mangy Cree.s' . . .
Jack BleeckV Artists and Writers club ia ban is his second office ...
| Maney has worked for lop producers and has treated them with equal dis-
dain and temper ... . he has often spoken harshly to Mr, Lindsay and rue,
but: we found a simple way lo curb his barbs . . . before he has a chance
to open his mouth we Say: "Maney. you're llred' .. . . he probably makes a
i tidy. ?30,000 a year and for him anything tidy is a novelty . . . physically
j he resembles a boiled leprechaun . . .in his country home a I Weslport,

■ Conn., he does all of his country reading. and drinking in his pajamas,
; rarely ventures into Ihe strangeness of fresh air," exccpl when trying to
'•be. a politician. '

| Theatre Guild hosted a big party in ils mansion offices on 53rd. sheet
.near Fifth avenue Sunday tl.li. The event was supposed lo be in cele-
bration of "Oklahoma!'' having passed the two-year' mark, which it did
. some weeks ago al the St. James. N. V., but also to toast the success of the
Guild's newest musical click, "Carousel." parked across the street from
"Oklahoma! ", at the Majestic, and to honor Richard-. Rodger* and Qscar
Hammerslcin. 2d. the composer-writers of both hits. Guild produced. both
hits. . Lawrence Langner and Theresa Helbnrn hosted for . the Guild. On
Monday at noon a condensed version of "Oklahoma!" was given in coslume

• in front of City Hall in aid of the start of the 7th War Loan.

Rodgers and Hammerslein are profiled in current Collier's under title
"Words and Music" as the duo who 'triumphantly survived the ordeal ot
competing with their own outrageously successful 'Oklahoma!' . They,
didn't fall flat on their faces, the way a lot of envious people half hoped
they would." Article, which stales they're "even able to commit ail and
' get away with il," also calls this team "a marriage made In heaven. Tivu
'■ more unlemperamenlal artists never graced a theatre." Article discusses
- hard, work thai goes with their talent, the amount of research put in for
"Carousel." and ends by recalling Hamnierslcin's now famous "humble". ad
in""Variety," recalling his flops.

| "The Two Mrs. Carrol Is." which scored a great run on Broadway re-
! cently. was originally done in London in 1935 and was presented out of

• town over here two years later by the late Leonard Bergman and F.ddie
'. Plohn but because it got only $1,800 during a New- Year's week Iryout. llie
; drama was scratched. One of Ihe dales played in the tryout was Washing-
ton, with Elena Miramova, Frances Starr and Earle Larrimore heading

• the cast.

! Recently the drama with Elisabeth Bergner starred visited the capital
at the National which Plohn manages and grossed $22,000 plus $7,000. re-
i funded for two cancelled Saturday performances on the day of President
! Roosevelt's funeral services (April 14). Pittsburgh is another stand where

• the original trybut was shown but since the present company was an-
nounced, the Nixon boxoffice has been averaging 200 mail orders daily.
"Carrolls" was presented iii Scarsdale. N. Y.. in August, 1942, by The
Olneys, wilh an entirely different cast, however.

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Grievously handicapped by a slory
that fljes apart in all directions, a
cast including some competent, actors
fails to make the. grade- in • ''Merely
Coincidental.'- The piece seems be-
yond repair'.

Author attempted a satire of the
publishing business 'which actually
fell somewhat short of burlesque.
(Continued on page 64)

Edna Skinner, one of the principals in "Oklahoma!". Si. James. N. Y..
was evidently.' intent On suicide last Thursday 13) evening when, just
before curtain time, she was found hanging in her dressing room. She
had attached a scarf around her throat lo a steam pipe, but was cut down
by Ted Hammerslein. show's: stage manager. Reported that she was moody
after a. terminated romance. wilh a Naval off icer, and she also was worried
about the possibility she was being let out by the show. Vivien Allen, also
of the cast, replaced on Ihe night' of the "accident. - '

Miss Skinner appeared lo have snapped out of it the following night,
was back In the show, and she attended a party given by the Theatre
Guild Sunday (13) in celebration of "Oklahoma!" having passed the two-
year run mark.

Uniled Booking Office reports that the Nixon. Pittsburgh, had the biggest
season in the history of the theatre. II had three weeks during which the
gross topped $40,000, the attraction* being "Oklahoma!",. "One Touch of"
Venus" and "Winged Victory," first named playing three weeks. House
also had two other attractions which drew $30,000 or better, shows being
"Harriet" (Helen Hayes> and "Othello" (Paul Robeson).

During the season just ending the Nixon had but one red week/attrac-
tion being "The Searching Wind," highly regarded during Its Ions run on
Broadway at the Fultou.

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

LEGITIMATE

S3

'Ruth' $M Near SeDout in Chi,
Turtle' Off to 19G, OtlieUo' Neat 23G

Chicago, May 15. ♦
V-E Day, it would seem, ought to
have signalled a boost for the three
legiters left in town, but trend was
downward for two and status quo
for one. Rainy weather was blamed.

"Dear Ruth," with $20,200, was
only $300 off capacity, .'same as pre-
vious stanza, and "Othello," in next-
to-closing, dropped $2,000 to $25,000.
Town's long-termer, "Voice of the
Turtle," which played its ..250th local
performance Friday lit), dipped to
$19,000.

7 Shuberts' "Mme. du Barry," skcd-
ded to open at Opera House Satur-
day (12), .was shoved over to Mon-
day U4) for more rehearsals, to
clash with "Jacobowsky and the
Colonel," which relit the Blacltstone
after three weeks' darkness the same
night.

Estimates for Last Week
"Dear Ruth," Harris ( 4th week)

(1.000; $3.60). Biz fine, with $20,200.
"Othello," Erlanger 1 5th week)

(1,500; $3.60). Closing Saturday (19),

got nice $23,000.
-Voice of the Turtle," Selwyn (32d

week) (1.000; $3.60). Only $1,600

off capacity in 32d frame at $19,000.

Memphis' 26G In
1st Full Hub Wk.

Bo stort. ■ May_15.
Extended one week' for repairs to
second act.. John Wildberg's "Mem-
phis Bound" continues to be the sen-
cation' of the town, with sellout also

: extended. Ship's carpenters have
been burning midnight whalcoii,
making new post-intermission' ve-
hicle for Bill Robinson, Avon Long
and their gallivanting crew, with
what looks like notable success to
backstage buccaneering spies. This
hep-hep version o( "H.M.S; Pina
fore" definitely, leaves Colonial for

. Manhattan May 19 with goodly stock

- of bullion in her hold. Take for
the full Boston. run should be a V
bomb $55,000. Opened May 3.

V-E Day itself didn't help business
a bit in_ other legit theatres, but

. "Kiss .and tell" and "Good Night
Ladies.'', swiftly pulled themselves
up. "Student Prince" is going

.''strong. Advance sales for ."Merely
Coincidental," opening at Wilbur last
Friday ill), after two postponement's,
spotty.

Estimates for Last Week
"Kiss arid Tell," Plymouth- ' 1,400
$2.40). Satisfactory $10,500 in fourth
week.

"Good Night, Ladles," Shubert i'l,-
500; S2.50). Socko $17,000.

"Memphis Bound," Colonial (1.500;
$3.60). Stingo $26,000 for fust full
■week, plus $13,000 for first four per-
formances week before.

"Student Prince," Opera House
(2,966; $3). Biffo $24,000 for first
week.

'Sing Out' Nifty 38G

In Week at Wash.

Washington, May 15.
"Sing Out, Sweet Land" got a good
$31,000 in eight performances at the
National theatre last week. First
and second balconies are sold Out
for the third week and orchestra is
being pushed.

'Snafu" comes in at $2 top on May
21, to be followed by the San -Carlo
Opera Co., direct from the Center
theatre, N. Y.

"Marinka,": a new musical com-
edy, bows in June. Hassard Short
is staging the revue for Jules' tev-
enthal and Harry Howard. Jerry
Wayne and Joan Roberts are star-
ring in the musical .arid, Ethel Levey
will appear.

Story is founded on the legend of
"Mayerling."

'VENUS' GOOD $33,500
IN WINDUP AT CINCY

Cincinnati. May 15.

"One Touch of Venus." with Mary
Martin ai'd John Boles, .'Lugged a
good $33,500 on eight performances
last week in the 2,500-seat Tafl the-
atre at $4.20 top.

It was the windup for the musi-
cal's 16-week .tour, each stand a
winner. Engagement also ended
Cincy's legit season, which was the
best in several. years.

Hayes-'Harriet' Big

$24,000 in Frisco

San Francisco, May 15.
Capacity crowds continue at Geary
theatre, where Helen Hayes' "Har-
riel" chalked up another $24,000
week in a 1.550-seal house at $3.60
lop. Five-week run ends Saturday,
May 19.

Adjoining Curran theatre was
dark.

'CarrouY-Bergner

Sock $17,500, St Lop

St. Louis, May "15.

"The Two Mrs. Carrolls." with
Elisabeth Bergner in the lead role,
'wound up a successful one-week
stand at the American theatre 'Sat-
urday (12) to ring down the. curtain
on the . 1944-45 season - here. Two-
day celebration of cessation of hos-
tilities in Europe slowed- down biz
for the engagement!

The 1,700-sttit house was scaled
to $3.55 and the gross was approxi-
mately $17,500.. C'x dished out gobs
of posies for the cast and piece. Sea-
son was the second best, in - take,
since 1925-26.

Monte Carlo Ballet Big
$8,500 in 4 at N. H.

New Haven. May 15.
Ballet Russe de MOnte Carlo
wound up ils season here at the
Shubert last weekend , i 10-12 V
Troupe got excellent notices and
drew a satisfactory gross at an ap-
proximate $8,500 on four perform-
»ances at $3 top. Company disbanded
here, and is due to resume rehear-
sals for next season sometime in
July.

.Current last, half offers "Soldier's
Wife" Tor four shows (17-19). Fol-
lowing week is dark, then break-in
of "Marinka" holds the boards .lor
three days beginning May 31. ■

'Widow' 16G, Toronto

Toronto, May 15-
With a sellout for latter half of
. the week, plus turnaways. Ernie
Rawley production of Lchar's "Merry
Widow" grossed a very big $16,100
at the Royal Alexandra herCj' with
1,525-seater sealed at $2.50 top.

For second . week, there was an'
advance sale of $6,500 in the till by
Saturday tl2) night. For the first
time in the house's hLstory, a musi-
cal -will hold over for three' con-
secutive weeks,

Current Road Shows

(Period Covering May 14-26) .

"Abie's Irish Rose"— Lyric. Allen-
town (14); War Mem. Aud.. Trenton
1-151: Lyric, Bridgeport (16 >: Metro.,
Providence '17): Lyric, Fitchbiirg
il8); Aud., Lowell (19); And., Wor-
cester (20); Bushnell And.. Hartford
i21); Court Sq., Springfield (22);
Colonial. Pittsflcld (.23); Eric, Schen-
ectady (24-26)..

"Blackouts of. 1045"— El Capilan.
Hollywood (.14-26).

"Carmen Jones"— Ha nna, Cleve.
■ 21-26).

"Catherine Was . Great"— English.
Indianapolis (14-16); Harirriair, Co-
lumbus (17-19).
"Dear Ruth"— Harris.. Chi (14-26).
"Doll's House"— Shea's, Bradford
(14); And., Rochester (.15-16 ); Shea's.
Erie tl'7); Shea's, Jamestown (18);
Park. • Y.ourfgstown (19): Orpheum,
Davenport (21); Mils. Hall. Kansas
Cily (22-23): Melba, Dallas (25-26).

"Foxhole In The Parlor"— Wilson,
Detroit (14-19).

"Good Nile Ladies"— Shubert, Bos-*
ton (14-26).

•Harriet"— Geary. Frisco (14-19);
Civic And.. San .lose (21 •'; Aud..
Oakland (22); -May-fair, Portland (24-
26). .

"Hollywood rinafore" Shubert.
Philly (14-26).

"Jacobowsky and the Colonel" —
Blaclislonc. Chi ( 14-26).

"Kiss and Tell" (2d Co.)— Plym-
outh. Bost. (15-26).

"Life Willi Father" (2d Co.l—
Parkway, Madison (14-15); Bijou.
Battle Creek (16); Michigan. Jack-
son (17): Empire, Syracuse (18-19);
Capitol, Binghamlon (21); Masonic
temple. Scranton (22); Capitol,
Wilkes Barre (.23); Lyric, Allenlown
(24); Rajah, Reading (25);. War
Mem. Aud., Trenton (26).
: "Memphis Bound"— Colonial. Bosl.
(14-19). . : : -

"Merely Coincidental" — Wilbur,
Bost. (14-19).

'•Oklahoma!!' (2d Co..) — Forrest.
Philly (14-26)-:
"Olhelio"— Erlanger, Chi (14-26).'

"Round Trip"— Locust St., Philly
1 14-26). .

"Snafii"— Ford's, Ballo. (14-19);
Nat'l.. Wash. (21-26).

"Soldier's Wife" — Lyric. Bridge-
port. ( 14); Bush And.; Hartford (15-
16); Shubert, New Haven ( 17-19):
Wilbur, Bost.- (21-26).

"Student Prince" — Opera House,

Bost: (14-19):

"Ten Little Indians" (2d Co.)—
Cass, Det. (14-26).

"Two Mrs. Carrolls" — Hanna,
Cleve. .(14-19); Nixon,. Pitts. (21-26).

"Voice of TurUe" (2d Co.)— Sel-
wyn, Chi (14-26).

'Song' Garners 41G As
L. A. Legits Stand Pat

Los Angeles, May 15.

Even though V-E Day cut into
other entertainment fields to a cer-
tain extent, legit grosses held up
well last week. Second stanza of the
"Desert Song" at the Philharmonic
Auditorium went up. to $41,200.
Slight dip was registered by "Blithe.
Spirit" in its second and final frame
at the Biltmore with $11,000. Total
for the fortnight stand was $22,500.

El Capitan filled to capacity for
the 150th Week of Ken Murray's
"Blackouts of 1945," garnering usual
$14,800. A little . drop off nit the
book's of "Honey .in the Hay" at the
Musart, bringing the coin to $2,800.

'Okla.!' $34,300
In2dPh0ly Wk.

Philadelphia, May 15.
With "Oklahoma!" again grabbing
all the spotlight, there wasn't much
else to headline the local legit situa-
tion here last week, although the un-
commonly coolish weather, as well as
the . removal of the curfew, might
easily have resulted in a widespread
uptrend. " : .

The Forrest ("Oklahoma!".) and the
Locust ("Abie's Irish Rose" ) were the
only two local legiters lighted. The
Shubert had a vacant week sand-
wiched in between the three weeks'
.stay of "Blossom Time" and the open-
ing (last night, 14th) of Max Gor-
don's "Hollywood Pinafore." At the
last minute, Maurice Schwartz was
announced for a single session a,t the
Walnut (starting last night), and a
new comedy, "Oh, Brother," with
Hugh Herbert, is now announced for
May 30/ Other bookings listed for
the house as long as weather con-
tinues cool.

With "Hollywood -Pinafore" . bow-
ing in last night at the Shubert with,
a terrific advance, Schwartz in "Hard,
to Be a Jew" starting a week's stay
at the- Walnut, "Oklahoma!" continu-
ing at the Forrest' and tryout of
"Round Trip," Clifford Hayinan com-
edy production, at the Locust tonight
(15). Philly's legit quota, except for
the indie (and seldom lighted) Er-
langer. is entirely filled, up.

"Oklahoma!".in its second and last
week under ATS subscription aus-
pices turned in a capacity week at
the Forrest . with better than $34.?00.
From now on, With all seats at regu-
lar b.o. scale $4.34 top), show will
hit close to. $38,000. • "Oklahoma!" is
sold out solidly for next four weeks,
with seals going fast for later July
dales.

• "Abie's Irish Rose" return at (he
Locust ended two weeks' engagement-
with an okay $7,800 in last -.stanza.

Nothing's on lap next week, but on
the 30th the Locust gels ■■■Snafu" for

Bway Sloughed by V-E Rain But Biz
Spurts Later; 'Carousel' Tops $44,000,
'Ground' 6G, 'Carmen V Center Record

With the two V-E Day celebra-
tions, plus plenty of rain, Broadway
business eased off further last week,
but with cool weather later in the
week, theatres were again strongtly
patronized. In the coming weeks
there will be a flock of closings, but
some - shows not figured strong
enough to span the summer plan to
.slick into June and the hot weather
lineup may not be set until close to
July 4.

Declines have hot been' marked,
but have been progressive, which is
normal at this time of the year. Un-
i usual situation of the first day of
the- V-E celebration saw agencies

with unsold tickets in excess of the T^The-Ha-styTTeart," Hudson (19th

percentage of permittable returns,
and the brokers asked boxofflces to
get rid of that portion of allotments,
theatres readily complying. No new
shows last week.

Estimates for Last Week

. Keys: C (Comedy), D (Drama),
CD. (ComedyrDrama), R (Hemic),
Af (Musical), O (Operetta);

"A Bell for Adano," Cort (23d
week) lD-1,064; $4.20). Some of the,
boxes were not sold out several
limes last week -because of the gen-
eral excitement, but takings were
close to $22,000.

"Anna Lu'casta," Mansfield (37th
week) (.D-1,041; $3.60). Cinch into
next season and may span it: colored
cast drama continues, to clean up;
$20,000 and more.

"Bloomer Girl," Shubert (32d
week) (M-1.382; $5.40). Musical hit
sold out all times last week, but one
performance; $33,000. .

"Carousel," Majestic (4th week)
(M-1,681; $6). Newest musical
smash is another sure thing through
summer and away into next season:
more than $44,000 and nearly tied
with "Up in Central Park T ' for lop
gross honors.

"Common Ground," Golden (3d
week) lC-789; $3.60). Moved here
from Fulton after weak start; some-
what belter last week, around $6,000,
but must improve to stick.

"Dark of the. Moon," 46th Street
(8lh week) (.D-1,319 $4.20). Fig-
ured to make the grade and is. doing
so: has good chance through sum-

when warm weather sets in; $7,500
approximated.

"Song of Norway," Imperial (28th
week) (0-1,427; $6); For first time
some unsold tickets early last week,
but operetta click got around $40,000.

"Ten Little Indians," Plymouth
(45th week) (D-1,075; $3.60). One
of the exceptions; business improved
to $11,500 with aid of two-for-ones.

"The Glass Menacerle," Playhouse
(6th week) (CD-865; $3.60). Critics
prize play playing next to "Harvey"
and across the street from "A Bell
for Adano"; still another attraction
that will be on next season's list;
$18,600.

week) (D-1,094; $3.60). Slated to
play into late June; off with field
last week, but still making money
both Ways; $9,500,

"The Overtons," Forrest (14th
week) (CD-1,060; $3.60). Not sure
61 staying after end .of month'; doing
(airly well with cutrate aid; $8,500.

"The Voice of the Turtle," Morosco
(66th week)' (C-939; $4.20). Was
somewhat .affected last week, but
fortune-maker due to start another
season after layoff; around $18,000.

"Too Hot for- Maneuvers," Broad-
hurst (2d week) (C-1,1.60; $3.60).
Lowest grosser; $2,000; persistent
backers only, explanation of it stay-
ing.

"Up In Central Park," Century
(14th week} (0-1,713; $6). Definite-
ly booked into Broadway next
month;' no cooling system here; not
much changed from previous week;
$45^500.

VADDE-BEVUE

"Blue Holiday,". Belasco (1.077;
$3.60). Presented, by Irvin Shapiro
and Doris Cole; number of special
songs for colored variety show; saine
goes for. dances sets and costumes;
opens Friday (18).

REVIVALS

"The Barrets of Wlmpole Street."
Barrymore (7th week) : ip-1.096;
S3.C0). Another three weeks, .finale
.being announced for June 9; still
very good; $18,500.

"Carmen Jones," -N. Y. City Cen-
ter (M-2,963; $2.40). Leaving Satur-
day .< 19) .for the road after 21 per-
formances; claimed house record of

mcr; more than held ils own.. mak : : $31, 584 last week; got $8,500 on Sun-

ing it an exception; approached
$19,000.

"Dear Rulh," Miller (22d week)
(C-940: $4.20). Very little difference
for this hit. either with estimated
taxings around $18,500.
"Deep Mrs. Sykes," Booth. Final

a two- weeks' slay. Shubert expects and. Bih -week: disappointing busi-

a musical on the same date

'H wood Pinafore' Nice
$21,000 in 7 at Balto

Baltimore. May 15.
■George S. Kaufman's -new version
of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta,
now titled "Hollywood Pinafore,"
1 was presented by Max Gordon and
' Meyer Davis at Ford's here last
wc<#: with Victor Moore and Wil-
liam Gaxlon sharing starring honors.
In ils pie-Broadway unveiling,
promising musical got nice $21,000
for seven performances, only mat-
inees showing some weakness.

In currently is "Snafu," with only
fairish action chalked up in advance.

day (13);
week.

"Othello" follows next

Play on Broadway

Slice 11 Thin!

r.l':n-Mi i:u-j* (illilil )Mi)(]url lull ' "f f:ti .-

tin*.. 1 ttilll m'iiIIKS. I>V 1.1. Ktl\\:i.'l N.

lh'cliiiii:Mi-. I SNH, toij At .Mni-il/.. Hi l-

i.,i t.\ Il-lini:. (.illlllry. - Al )llu<*kfl-i:ilH (/.nilil
|-liryh.,urii'. N. Y.. .Mny 1.0, tl.KH n.|..

<';,nil < -i>Ii:iiiiiii .' -. . M li hiiii • 'i-.i 1^

l(i-n (',.lriii:in. . »■■'! -Uilfi'i-

'•lli'l-tii:i»r Coli'inuil ' Jo:in t-'u-lil

KlviKi ll";iui'lllllll|> • ■ . . .Sililin Id.ii.l

.r„Iii>in- I-'ruynu'. . .Sidney \\'<-lrh. (-.s.\.n;.

.I:iiii(-m' \\':iv« Tly. . .' W1l.-">il l:ni..ki

I 'li.u tv:iiik:i ■ -. -Icjhi I'IiiikIIi'

"\Ur/;/.M-" .\l:i'-KiiiKhl. . .'.Di'Iukm- X'i' i/.iii.*u

ll.-h'-NK.I- l)l>r"ll»y Mntl-i^iiil

I'm. -IkjII Jolin li'wm

'Twas a pity the Blackfriars
couldn't have selected a more potent
Ibill for seasonal bowout than "Slice
It Thin!"

Joiiii Field plays the mother of a
songwriting son (Ncal Miller) and a
stage-struck' daughter (Miriam
Craig) who is about to strut her his-
trionics at a college graduation play.
Mother thinks it would be swell to
invite an old flame, Wilson Brooks,
who has made his niche in Hollyr
wood but is hammy on and off. It's
all fixed that the actor-friend might
come in handy in furthering the am-
bitions of the offsprings. From then
on it's anybody's guess.

Al Morilz is credited for the five
songs, mostly handled by Sidney
Welch, gob vis-a-vis of the stage-
struck gal, most of them with her.
Sole piano accomp on the numbers
is okay for the small house. Rest
did as well as could be expected,
i £dba.

ness: aroun<t'.$5.000; "Foxhole in the
Parlor" follows next week.

"Follow the Girls," 44th Street
(57th week) (M-1,362; $3.60): Not
materially affected and finished week
i strongly with very good $28,000.
' "Foolish Notion," Beck (9th week)
i CD-I. 214; . $4.20). Theatre parties
were in good steSd last week, and!
there was little variance from pre-
vious week: $21,000.

"Harvcv," 48th Street (28th week)
iC-925; $4.20). Getting the Pulitzer
prize couldn't better all-out attend-
ance, but will count some time in
the future on 7 tour: $19,000.

"Hats Off to Ice," Center (R-2.944;
$1.98). Laying off until end of month
after playing 48 weeks; San Carlo
Opera opens tonight (.16) and plays
until May 27.

"Hope for the Best," Royale (C-
1.084: $4.20). Final and 15th week;
did moderate business: most of en-
gagement played at Fulton; dipped
under $9,500: "Oh. Brother" follows.

"I Remember Mama," Music Box
< 30th week) (C-940; $4.20). Promi-
nent in the hit parade and anothci
! sure thing well into next season at
least; $22,000.

"Kiss and Tell," Bijou (112th
week) (C-614: $3.60). Doing fair
business; bit off last week, but over
$7,000, which probably meant some
profit.

"Kiss Them for Me," Fulton (8th
week) (C-946; $3.60). Moved here
from Belasco; rather mild business
to dale, with indicated pace around
. $7,000.

I "Lafflng Room Only," Winter Gar-
den (20th week) (R-1,522; $6).
Dipped to around $32,000; definitely
I'slatcd to slay here with a summer
! edition in work.

I ' "Late George Apley," Lyceum
!<25th week) (C-993; $4.20). Another
of the season's good things; bit un-
der $16,000.

"Life With Father," Empire (284th
week) i C- 1.082; $3,60). Has weath-
ered many slump' periods and figures
lo go into another summer; but uu
der $9,000. ,

"Oklahoma," St. James (J 11th
week) <M-1.509; $4.80), Champ op-
eretta capacity, draws standees re-
gardless of conditions, registering
around $31,000-

"On ihe Town," Adelphi (20lh
week) (M-1,426) $5.40). Eased off
further, with takings figured around
$31,500: moves to, Broadhurst soon.

"School for Brides," Ambassador
(41st week) (C-1,117; $3.60). Little
change here, may -call It * season

PhUly U Scab 50G

For 6 Operas in Pitt

Piltsburgh, May 15..

Third straight season for Philadel-
phia La S. Ma Opera Co. was biggest
yet, six operas playing to more
than 21.000 persons and a gross of
over $50,000. Backed by local citi-
zens committee and a flock of guar-
antors, for the first time latter
weren't asked to shell out to make
up deceit. La Scala got a guarantee
of $45,000 .

Last two seasons weren't profit-
able, but losses weren't great, Pitts-
burgh guarantors having had to put
up only $80 each last year. Direct
management was* that of Tom Bec-
gle, local concert impresario, ul-
though he actually served in an ad-
visory capacity,* the committee tak-
ing care of the details.

Indians^ Slow $11,000
In 1st of 3 Pet Weeks

Detroit, May 15.
"Ten Little Indians" opened fair
for a three-week engagement, but
failed to build in the first stanza at
the Cass. It had to be content with
$11,000.

Blacltstone closed a three-week
stay at the Shubert Lafayette with
a very satisfactory $9,000. House is
dark indefinitely.

"Foxhole in the Parlor" premiered
at the Wilson May 10, to mixed re-,
views. Opener -was boosted by a
veterans' party sponsored by Ford
Motor Co. Fair after that, with slow
build. Show moves to New ."(tork
May 20. . -

'Doll's House' to Test
Dallas Summer Date

Dallas, May 15.

"A Doll's House," which Interstate
Theatres Circuit has booked for the
Melba stage on May 25 and 26, is
more or less in. the nature of an ex-
periment by the local theatre man-
agement to test reaction to warm
weather road show policy. The pro-
duction is scheduled for three, per-
formances.

Cast . is composed of . Frederic
Tozere, H, B. Warner, Dale Mel-
bourne, Jane Darwell, Lyle Talbot
end Kevin McClure.

S4

LITERATI

Wednesday, May 16, 1945

L iter at i

Soands Like a Beal Break

Twenty-eight paper mills, in good
■working order, have been located to
dale inside Germany, according to
reports received in N. Y. this week.
In addition, 9th Army forces of the
USA have found a large warehouse
slocked with paper.

These discoveries may be of con-
siderable help toward casing up the
paper situation in the USA. Ninth
Army propaganda organs will not
have to lap the stock at home, leav-
ing more paper here for dome tic
consumption.

History of Broadway

Rodman Gilder is under contract
with Whittlesey House for a book on
Broadway. Historically the book
will cover Broadway, from the early
Dutch-- days. Geographically it will
Include the New York street from
the Battery, at the southern tip of
Manhattan, to the Kings Bridge on
the Harlem river.

Cilder, son of the former editor of
the Century, is secretary of the N.Y.
Society Library, and trustee of the
City History Club.

Negroes Live, Too

American Home Magazine's issue
of April is remarkable for an article
on the creation by an American cou-
ple of a small apartment, .which re-
flects excellent taste, ingenuity and
intelligence. The text never men-
tions what the photographs accom-
panying the article establish, namely
that the couple are Negroes.

This is thought to be typical of a
slight tendency of magazine editors
to be more liberal in recognition of
America's largest . and much kicked-
a round minority.

— of Talking Nags and Lions

Return of racing recalls the be-
lieve-it-or-not story by . Morton
Thompson called "My Brother Who
Talked With Horses" which ap-
peared in the American Mercury and
was reprinted in condensed form in
last January's Reader's Digest, the
yarn being part of Thompson's book
"Joe, The Wounded Tennis Player."
Writer's brother Lewis M. Thomp-
son, 11, was killed in the war Inst
year. Amazing feature of the story
is that "Lewie the Horse" would

name six winners out of an eight
race card. Stated that Sam Wood
the Hollywoodian asked the kid
what horse would win a race al
Santa Anita and Lewie named (j'erro
a 30 10 1 shot. Wood put $100 on the
horse to win and it did. Another
cilcd instance was when the lad told
Jock Whitney that a '12 In. 1 * shot
would win. Whitney didn't believe
him but that proved correct; too.
Boy lost the allegedly strange power
to talk to horses when he was lli.

A more fantastic slory is "Mr.
Wilmer" by Robert W. Lawson a
short volume published by Liltlc, ;
Brown AT Co. It's a slory about ,a
Milquetoast guy who got fired as li
clerk' in an industrial insurance
company office. Wilmer mooned
around the zoo and was startled to.
hear a roaring lion ask what lie was
gloomy about. He had heard a
policeman's horse talk to him and
knew he could understand them. So
when the keeper asked why he was
lurking around, the little man said
the ailing beast only had a bad tooth.
The way that was proven correct
and how Mr. Wilmer went on to
fame and fortune is one of the
screwiest and amusing stories in
years. J lire.

. Winnahs' Names Defrrrrd

Judges in the New.' -Writers Con-
test being sponsored jointly by 2(ilh-
Fox and Doubleday. Doran. i"ill
postpone announcement of selections
as result of the large number of
entries:

Originally expected that winners
would be announced in March or
April, but it is now slated tna't
awards will not be known Tor several
weeks more. More than 1,400 entries
were reported.

"Reprint" Right*

A new angle which possibly may
revise the so-called "standard'' book
contracts, has cropped up. In the
old contract the publisher and au-
thor split 50-50 on "reprint", rights,
these being cheaper editions for
stores, mainly, and the paid circu-
lating libraries. Now, however, the
publishers are selling what was once
"serial" rights— magazine printing —
after book publication and calling' it
"reprint" rights, and gelling from

She's WAC-KY
WINSOME
ONKRFUl!

Cpl.VIC
HERMAN'S

1M MUKXtM
IIOT0W CaltOONt

Foreword by CAROLE UNDtS

Here she is! — the gal whose dizzy, delightful antics
have kept the whole Army in stitches. "Pulchritu-
dinous, pert, pin-upy," sayi Carole Landis — and a
riot of laughs besides! Run - don't walk! - to the
nearest bookstore - so you know what your friends
are laughing about! At ' your bomitore $1 .00

DAVID McKAY COMPANY * Millodolphl*

the mags 50% of the intake. Many
authors, therefore, who believe
"serial" rights in a mag are just
that, either before or after book pub
are writing in a clause in contracts
that magazine intake 'is the author's
exclusively. Since the mag cash is
often very much more that the book
royalty, this . becomes important.

Cert's New Pocket Book

Bennett Cerf, whose two previous
Pocket Books have sold over a mil-
lion copies each — "Pocket Book of
Jokes" and "Pocket Book of Wat-
Humor" — has done it again. This
time it's the "Pocket Book of Jokes,"
an up-to-date "Joe Miller" 6£ more
than 500 jokes, "with whiskers that
drag on the floor, others as new as
penicillin:"

Understaffed Mags

For some reason, despite V-E Day,
some of the more popular magazines
are slower than when the European
war was young in getting niss. read
and acknowledged. Drain on man-
power seems to be scraping the bot-
tom of the barrel at this moment in
a . number of publications' offices,
with result that authors- and their
agents are not getting the qufck ac-
tion as formerly.

Olln Clark's New Aide

Lucile Sullivan, formerly motion
picture editor for. the Indianapolis
News, has been . appointed assistant
to Olin H. Clark, eastern story edi-
tor for Metro.

Miss Sullivan, who has also been
on 'the editorial staff of Harper's
Bazaar, succeeds Janet Wood, who
recently joined Columbia as eastern
story editor.

Hy Gardner Back On Broad way

Capt. Hy Gardner, ex-Broadway
columnist and publicist, out oi" the
Army this week. Recreation officer
in Special Services, Gardner is now
mulling a musical revue on Broad-
way enlisting new talent he dug up
in service.

His last Army job was organizing
a two-week "package show" GI pro-
gram, consisting of eight different
shows performed by same cast, for
use nl Lake Placid to returned vet-
erans. Previously produced the
Army blueprint show, "Hi, Yanks",
at Fort Dix; produced first Negro
opus based on colored fighters, and
staged first conference to teach Gls
how to entertain each other.

CHATTER

Hume Cronyii wrote a profile. on
Alfred Hitchcock for Reader's Di-
gest.

Oscar Lewis has been named Coast
representative for Alfred A. Knopf,
with headquarters in Frisco.

New play going the rounds, "Bub-
ble Bent," authored by Walter Cajcy.
is satire on public opinion polls.

Former vaudcyillian Al Friend
(it Downey) has written a book of
shbwbusiness memorabilia, "Hams
Are Well Fed."

Ashton Stevens, vet Chi critic,
bedded with bad cold, and planning
to leave for Minnesota farm for the
summer, as soon as able. "

Gracie Allen, Ona Munson and
Orry-Kelly guests of honor at the
annual dinner of Thela Sigma Phi,
honorary journalistic sorority.

On a sabbatical from Metro, Harry
Kurnitz is trying to complete his
third whodunit for Dodd Mead. "The
Shadowy Third." Now east, lie re-
turns to Culver City June 3.
■ Bill Ornstein's short story, "Today
I'm a Man," appears in the anni-
versary issue of Negro Story, now
on the stands. Ornstein is" Metro
publicity-ad aide in the N. Y. office.

Cleveland Press radio-amusement
columnist . Norman Sicgcl, now in
N. Y., back to his hometown to clean
up his affairs and move to Holly-
wood as first aide to George Brown,
Paramount studio publicity chief.

Lawrence Dame,„"Variety" mugg
in Boston, art editor and editorial
writer of the Herald-Traveler, ex-
N. Y. Times and Herald Tribune, au-
thor of two books, has started a
monthly column in the Hub -for
"Newspaperman:"

M. L. Ernst, lawyer-author of "The
Best Is Yet," states he was tired of
having an authoress (his wife) in
the family and decided to give her
competition. With James Thurber,
she wrote "Words" for Knopf some
10 years ago and it' was a 'bestseller.
She's an alumna of the New. Or-
leans Timps-Picayunc.

Four , editors from Iran, guests ot
the Dept. of State, are getting their
first glimpse of motion picture pro-
duction this week on a tour, of the
Hollywood studios. Journalists in-
clude Abal Ghassen Aminl, Abbas
Massudi, Dr. Mostafa Masbah-Zadeh
and Majid Movaghar, publishers of
the four leading Iranian newspapers).

Plays Out of Town

s Continued from pace 52 ,

Merely Coincidental

Book is confused, but apparently the
central idea was to put a zihg-pro-
molion man, Bill Hatch (David Jor-
dan), into a staid old publishing
house run by Nelson Partington, Jr.
(Wells Richardson). Bill hazards the
autobiog of a strip teaser (Choo Choo
Johnson) whereas his partner wants
to concentrate on life of Rutherford
B. Hayes. Out of the sticks comes
Jim Hanford (William Becker),
whose love-fall with a stenog (Sol-
veig Da hi) inspires idea of writing a
book about a prairie farmer's life.
Jim Loveridge (Will Gear) competes
with Cyrus Wheelock (James Mac-
Coll) to ghost-write the thing, and
it all ends up with a proofreader, Ed-
gar Crump (Horace Cooper), taking
pen in hand surreptitiously.

Life in n publisher's office is often
madder, than this, but also can be
more amusing, sophisticated, realis-
tic. Much substitution of exaggera-
tion for satire, many corny lines
("You can only bury people when
they're dead"; A bartender can tell
a bjrlly six bars away"; "Scotch is
literary tea"), too many exits because
the author seemingly could think of
nothing else for his characters to do,
and a confusing good deal of extra-
neous business, as well as comedy
based upon mistaking a rake for a
hoe, turn the whole piece into much
ado about little. "

Bostoiirpopular Will Ceer (whose
mother died in Chi just before open-
ing) struggles valiantly with inept
part, breaking loose once in a mag-
nificent portrayal of a drunk. It must
betray his real feelings. MacColl does
a crisp rendition of an author; Cozy
Halo lias some of the wooden his-
trionics of the model she used to be.
but looks good arid has warmth, and
Richardson is properly befuddled by
modernism in his publishing house.
Miss- Dahl, instead of being a sweet
young thihg, could have given life
lo the play if she had been cast as
a wisecracking stenog softened by
bucolic allure. Good bit parts are
played by St. Clair Bayfield and
Horace Cooper. The others just get
by, and the play won't go much
farther. Obviously a first effort, or
its approximation, by producer and
writer. Splendid set. D«»ie.

Foxhole in the Parlor

Detroit, May 11.

Hurry P.lnoinn-lil • production of drama l.c
KUn. Sl.clli-y. Directed hy .lolin Hiikkou":
mllhiK d...il K ncl by I^f Slnionson. Opened
ac Wilson, Detroit. May 10 ••).-,

. , 1 ;* my ; Ri-Klimld Beone

I'".'! ■ A ,"." w " Riwsoll Hardin

lie!.! lvintr Ami Lincoln

Ann Austen. vi ora rumnbeii

r,«' n!, .' nr «■»»«'■■' Raymond Greenlenf

■»»niil» Pmtoi-aon MonlKomoi-y Cllft

hale Mitchell..... ... ■'. .Brace Connln

In . "Foxhole in the Parlor" Elsa
Shelley sets out to project the prob-
lems of rehabilitating Gls who are
coming back from the battle hell
emotionally upset, and insuring a
pence that will be lasting. It is a
brave aUeinpt. Unfortunately, with
the good writing that marks the
slory, tfie piny soon becomes so dif-
luse in its attempts to handle both
topics that, it ends inconclusively,
with the mental redemption of the
central aharacter very much in
doubt, as he is hustled off to the
ban francisco Conference by n sen-
ator to serve as an example of need
lor lasting peace.

The story is of a young pianist,
back- from service in Europe, anxious
Jo resume his musica.1 career, but
borne down by memories of a buddy
who was killed and the message tie
len with his dying breath. An artist
and Ins wife, next-door neighbors,
renew the old friendship. The wife
particularly is solicitous as to his
welfare, and they strive to bring him
hack' by little attentions.

A strong-willed sister comes on
f'-om Oregon to take him back to the
Imp fields he detests. The clash of
wills starts with the first meeting,
when she ridicules his religious
leanings and the assertion that a re-
turn to God is the only real assur-
ance of a better world, he seizes a
paint knife, but is saved from further
violence by the interference of the
artist.. Failing in her attempts to take
lum home, the sister arranges to have
him committed to an insane asylum
without apprising him of this 'deci-
sion as she leaves. Her blood re-
lationship gives her the right to act,
biitbefore-this-can result lie is spir-
ited away by the senator father of
the artist's wife, who has become
imbued with some of the suggestions
put on paper by the young man. This
leaves the sympathetic couple, and
the attractive model who came
briefly into his life, in satus quo, with
nothing very definite revealed re-
garding, the future of the cause of
all this.

Miss Shelley has written pleasantly
in the main, although there are de-
pressing moments as the mental ail-
ment flares, The situations are well
devised up to the final scene, and
John Haggctt has given it under-
standing direction.

Montgomery Clift as the returned
GI offers a compelling performance
that should result in his stardom.
Flora Campbell as the sympathetic
neighbor and Grace Coppin as the

misunderstanding sister, are excel-
lent. So are the other players.

Producer Harry Bloomfleld has
given the show a Lee Slmonson set-
ting that is something about which
to rave, as neighboring livingrooms
in New York are moved from side to
side of the stage to accommodate the
action of the story.

"Foxhole in the Parlor" drew
mixed reviews. The consensus was
that it will require considerable re-
writing in the latter passages before
it meets Broadway standards.

Hound Trip

Wilmington, May 11,

flln-.trd llnyman production ot comrdv } n
lint-*) ueu (tour hccmoh) by Marv 6rr and
Ki-irlnnlil Dcntiaui. SUiRed— by Dcnlium;
ActlltigH, Hum l,nvc. Al PtayliourtC. Wil-
mington, "el.. Mny 11-12. «: ti.iO lop.

Sidney BI.K'l;n\ er

FldKin- AllnlKliI
Virginia Albright . ■
Donald McDcruiotl

.Sarah . Alhrliihl

Jane I>anlrl.s

Olive Dclafldil

ClrlKClda

Arum Wilde

Tommy Holls

T.linlu Marble

Tingle. ri|»pln

Hof.-de Vlppln'.

, ..rolilcla Klrkland

Paul Marlln

.lime Wnlker

...... . .Kdilh Mofwr

M.u-lln Lamont .

Angela Jay*

...... Klulno 'J'emuls

...Robert Woddliuru
Vhyllln Krookn
.. . Khtncho OIq(Ihioii»
.r.yiine Carter

.lesslo 1'lppiu Ruth Ollborl

llorlcnsc. Vlnlu DcallA

Jack Atuiir.itl .Ktlwai'il tlowlcy

I.lo>d W'iMc Morion ),. yicventi

The new Mary Orr-Reginald Den- .
ham comedy abounds in smart rep-
artee and double-entcndres but ap-
parently the authors paid; more at-
tention to witty dialog than fashion-
ing a play, Al present "Round Trip"
doesn't look sturdy enough to giva
established Broadway successes seri-
ous competition.

This is the oft -told tale of a
wealthy middle-aged couple's mar-
riage going on .the rocks, it 'being
a case of mutual boredom. The wife
is attracted to a second-rate Broad-
way actor who shows iip in her mid-
westem town as director of 'a' worn-
an's clnb play. The actor puts on the
wolf act. hoping she'll angel a Broad-
way play. Of course, the husband
objects and the. couple clash in a
verbal battle [or the play's funniest
scene.

The wife, smarting under hubby's
accusation she lacks. guts and pas-
sion, follows the actor to New York
to prove she has both. There she
clashes with the actor's sweetheart
but cvcrythiim ends happily when
the plot switches baclj to the middle
wesl.

An A-l cast keeps this play moving
even when the plot doesn't. June
Walker plays in just the right com-
edy key as the smalltown wife who
is convinced she was meant for more
romantic things than a comfortable
home and a boxfull of diamond
bracelets. As the husband, Sidney
Blackmcr is convincing as a vacuum
cleaner tycoon who is less successful
as a husband.

The inevitable precocious teen-
age daughter who makes possible
the happy ending is enacted with,
verve and dash by Patricia Kirkland.
Martin Lamont, as the actor, and
Phyllis Brooks, his modern-minded
girl friend, give smooth "perform-
ances, and additional fun is provided
in minor roles by Edith Meiser,
Morton L. Stevens and Viola Dcane.

Co # uthor Dcnham directed with
the emphasis oh speed, and Sam
Love's two settings, an attractive
den and seedy New York apartment,
are especially well done. Blanca
Stroock has provided an attractive
wardrobe for the feminine members.
Of the tasl. Klep.

Awan's Distant Chore

Hollywood, May 15.

Adrian Awan. producer of out-
door shows, will handle six operet-
tas, to be staged by remote control,
in the Malkin Bowl, Vancouver, B. C.
Designs and blueprints for produc-
tion will be made by Awan in Holly-
wood and shipped to Vancouver.

Operettas will start July 2, run-
ning one week each, with three get-
ting later play dates in Seattle and
Portland. ■

People say this book would make
v the most fascinating movie!

Written by popular
Caryl Bergman,
famed dancing star
of "Rio Rita" and
other. Broadway
smash* successes.,
Praised by Walter
Winchell^ as "tht f ro*
mance"tvhich ft"-
viewers rmbrdctd."

by CARYL KRGMAN

Derrance * C», PWUdelphia t&M

Wednesday, May 16, 194S

VARIETY

55

CHATTER

Broadway

■•I is a Family" back after playing
, n ln e South Pacific for USO.

rack Gould ot the Times at home
wilii of all things, th,e mumps.

Allen Lester of Ringling press
stfff in agony with ulcerated tooth.

Walter Reade beaten for Asbury
Park, N. J.. councU in election last

W (?scar and Dorothy Hammerstein
off for Mexico City, and then to the

C Music publisher Jack Robbins
plans a Johns Hopkins heglra. Ear

*' Soon as racing was. announced to
resume, town flooded with tips, but

^Another "Oklahoma!" for the war
fronts is being cast, Ted Hammer-

■ "GSl.'Ted Goldsmith, cx-legit flack,
back from overseas and In town
from Lake Placid depot.

Ed Stevenson, RKO fashion de-
signer, back lo the Coast next Tues.
<22) after a fortnight in N.Y.

De Marcos set for the Roxy on.
show with Roddy McDowell and
Jackie Cleason, starting around May
30

Herb Yates hosted two of his sol-
dier-sons, home on leaves, last Fri-
day ill), before he returned- to the
• Coast. ' .-; ..-

Dave Slrumpf.- 18 years art direc-
tor at RKO homeoffice. resigned to
become art director of Buchanan ad
acency

Uorothy ( Mrft Dick) Rodgers
sporting a silken blouse . with - the
verses of Omar Khayyam painted
■thereon.

RKO's annual spring golf tourna
ment next Tuesday (22) at West
Chester C.C.. with Ned Depinet, per
usual, presiding.

Drag out that old Mark Twain gag
again. Collier's last week referred
to John Chapman as "assistant to
the late Burns Mantle."

Matt Allen, whose El Capitan the-
' atre, Hollywood,' has housed Ken
Murray's "Blackouts - ', for nearly
three years, visiting here.

Hal Barrows, art director for
Metro, will have an exhibit of water
colors at Grand Central Art Gal-
leries the next two weeks.

"Everybody wants to get into. the
pact'' is a popular paraphrase now
on the Durante calchphrase, in re-
ferring : lo the Frisco conference.
. Moe Gale, Lou Walters, Mickey
^Aldrich. Ann Miller, et al., starting'
the showbiz bunch's trek to Walter
Jacobs' Lake Tarlcton Clu,b, N. Y.

Many Broadway neons are fouled-
iip is j result of disuse during the
brownout. Comparatively few signs
have all the letters in workiug or-
der.

. Martha Graham's classical dance
unit opened Monday U4) for a week
to a $12,000 advance at the National.
Opening night intake was $2,600,
with over 60 standees.
- A completely equipped stage built
and donated by Emil. Friedlander
and George Feinberg (.Dazian's) will
be dedicated to memory of Charles
' W. David, Jr., Negro sailor hero, at
U. S. Naval Hospital, Seagate, Brook-
lyn, tomorrow ( 17). .

A harbinger of trans-Atlantic
plane travel to come stems from a
hush-hush report- that one film exec
new in from Londpn a weekend ago,
and thence oi.it again pronto. When
space became available the flight lo
visit his family was deemed "a good
idea."

^ Col. E. R. Bradley's Embassy Club,
Palm Beach, sold.lo Dan Shalleck,
for delivery on Sept. 15. Horse
breeder is gelling rid of more Flor-
ida properties, as dismantling of his
42-year. 0 ld Beach Club Casino starts
the same date and site will be
donated lo the city.

Last night's U5) opening of the
Tom Rutherford "Hamlet" produc-
tion at Klein Memorial Auditorium,
Bridgeport, attracted unusual atten-
tion for a stock production, this be-
ing the closest the production has
come to Broadway, and it being an
open secret that the Bridgeport
booking was set by producer Theron
Bamberger to sound out New York'
opinion for : a Broadway showing
nexl fall.

where her daughter graduates from
choo).

Faye Emerson injured . three fin-
gers on her leTft hand.

Olga San Juan volunteered for the
Los Angeles Police Show.

Mrs.. James Hilton, wife of novel-
ist, filed suit for divorce.

Bill Forman, radio announcer, in-
ducted at Fort MacArlhur.

Jimmy Wakely returned to 1-A
and- waiting for induction.

Roddy MacDowall eastward on an
eight-week tour of theatres. .

Carole Landis to. San Francisco for
the Seventh War Loan drive.

Johnny . Clark making his film
debut in "The You nt Widow."

Hale B. Streeter appointed . press
agent for Screen. Actors Guild.

Dr. Herbert T. Kalmus returned
from eastern business confabs.
. Paul Cox joined the August Nar-
doni agency as general manager.

Ted Stanhope in town after seven
months of USO touring overseas.

Dale E-vans to Las Vegas to reign
as Queen of the Heldorado Fiesta.

Ann Lehr's Hollywood Guild Can-
teen celebrated its third birthday.

Oscar Morgan in town for sales
talks on Paramount short subjects. .
> Lieut. Gen. Sir William Dobbie
ganderlng film-making at Warners.

John Leroy Johnston to Dallas on
business for International Pictures.

Carl. Kent checked out of RKO
and into uniform at Fort MacArUpur.

Dore Schary returned, from Two
weeks in Washington, and New York.

Glenn Vernon returned lo work
after one week out with eye trouble.

Bob Hope to emcee the 1 1th .an-
nual Lbs Angeles Police- Show in
June.

John Burke, Republic exec, re-
covering from emergency appendec-
tomy.

Gregory LaCava won a lawsujt
ousting tenants from his Malibu
home.

Hugh Fa rr.- .of the Sons of the
Pioneers, recuperating from major
surgery. ' '. .

Ben Kalmenson. Warners general
sales manager, in town for ' studio
confabs.

Jimmy Wakely and Lee "Lasses"
White shoved off on a six-week thea-
tre tour.

William Meikleiohn celebrating
his fifth year as Paramount talent
director.

Carl Leserman and Barry Buchan-
an in town for United Artists sales
huddles.

Irving Rubine resigned from Mu-
tual .Productions, lo run his own
flackery.

Bill Pine and Bill Thomas re-
turned- from business pilgrimage to
New York. ...

Jack Melvin and Al Racktn dis
solved their flackery lo work in-
dividually.

Richard Dix wound up . with a
charley horse showing his kids how
to play ball.

Henry Blanke guest of honor at a
Warners luncheon, celebrating his
new contract.

Akim Tamjroff re-elected brexy of
the Russian-American Actors Mu-
tual Aid 'Society-

Rita Johnson laid up with ■ I
broken toe while "Pardon My Past"
is shot around her.

Kaarcn Verne and Peter Lorre an
nounced their intention lo marry
May 25 in Las Vegas.

Leonard MacBain in from New
York as technical air. on B. G. De
Sylva's "The Stork Club."

John Krimsky. Buchanan & Co.
exec iii New York, to take over film
clients in the company's new Bev-
hills office. ■ . . V,

Dr. Frank G. Back in from New
York to deliver a technical lecture
before the Society of Motion Picture
Engineers. '

Charlie Chaplin demanding a new
trial of his paternity suit, claiming
the recent verdict was not supported
by evidence.

the large enlisted men's club at Ft.
Shatter.

Lt. Don Budge and Sgt. Frankic
Parker, two of the top tennis rack-
eteers, are here. Ditto Navy Lt; Art
Jarrett, ex-band leader.

Navy Lt. Orrin Tucker emceed Ine
opening of the new Furlong Pool
and subsequent Aquacades, starring
Duke P. Kahanampku, ex-Olympic
champ.

Birtg Crosby. Jimmy Durante,
Gary Moore, Van Johnson, Frank
Sinatra, and. James Cagney are -the
names the GIs daily are asking; how
long before they will show here? '

Lt. Bob Crosby. USMC. will head
the roster lb produce stage, screen,
and radio shows exclusively for the
Marines.^ Crosby and Jurgens have
Just returned from an extended tour
from Down Under.

Boris Karloff, with the local lend',
Mary Adams, gave the lads at Mid-
way the thrill of a lifetime in "Ar-
senic and Old Lace!" Karloff started
the 7th War Loan off with a tre-
mendous sale in Honolulu.

Ensigns Dennis Day, Claude
Thornhill, Tommy Riggs, Jackie
Cooper and the Graziano brothers
all had a tough time at Tarawa
between illnesses and accidents, but
the last news from all of them at
Guam was the show was .together
again.

HoDywood

Ann Dvorak bitten by a neighbor's

■ «oe..

Pal O'Brien to Chicago for an air
show.

, Jon Hall checked in at Fort Mac

■ Arthur. .-.-'.

- Robert Young sunning at Pain
Springs.

Edward Arnold laid up with eye
Infection.

Sol Lesser seeking sunshine at
raim Springs.

Arturo de Cordova to Mexico City
wr two weeks.

_ Mayo Melhot divorced Humphrey
Bogart in Reno. 1 .
■ Donald "Meek celebrated his 57th
year as an actor.

To m Powers celebrating his 35th
year of thesping. .

. Veronica Lake bedded again with
a reaurreht illness.
Ann Harding to Pebble Beach

Chicago

Carl Bri.sson- returns to the May-
fair Room of the Blacksfone hotel on
June 1.

Warner . Bros, have signed Art
Kassel. Jr., 19-year-old , son of the
band leader, to an acting termer.

Nate Slott, owner of the Madlin,
Century, Park and Lindy theatres, is
In Wesley hospital following an op-
eration.

Ted" Weber; Chicago Sun amuse-
ment advertising manager, has his
right foot in a cast, the result of aii
accident.

Sonny Tufts stopped over oiv way
lo extensive tour of service hospitals
in the South, after which he'll vaca-
tion until October.

Carter Blake, . eastern casting di-
rector for Columbia Pictures, spent
four days here last week giving local
talent the once over.

Harriett Smith, manager- of Bourne
Music Co., and the city's only female
song glugger. will wed Lt. Lee Savin,
an attorney, on June 3;

Frank Smith, RKO theatres dis-
trict manager, will stage the unity-
behind-Truman show to be held in
the Chicago Stadium May 27.

Rinald and Rudy had to by off
two nights from the Boulevard Room
show at the Stevens hotel when one
of the boys dropped, the other on his
head during a rehearsal.

Dinah Shore and Jeanette Mac-
Donald to concert at. Soldiers Field
this summer for Harry Zclzer and
Fortune Gallo. Dates are June 21
and July 28, respectively.

James Ascher, of Ascher Bros.,
oldtime exhib. family here, recently
released from the Army, has been
named assistant to Chick Evans,
local United Artists publicity head.

George W. Busch, RKO Pictures
booker here, was robbed last week
while in his car, of a wallet contain
ing $110 in cash and checks for
$88.50 and a watch valued at $110.
. Patsy Kelly, Barry Wood, Eddie
Peabody; with Eddie Oliver and his
Orch follow Henny Youngmah and
the George Olson Orch into the Em
pire Room, Palmer House, on June
28.

. Warren Sice. M-G exchange flack,
has. been awarded a special Treas
ury Dept. citation for activities "be
yond the regular line of duly" in
various War Bond drives and other
war aclivities.

Honolulu

By Mabel Thomas

Lt. Tyrone Power a stopover visi
tor on his way Down Under. .

Lt. Al Vanderbilt taking on i
tough assignment as Radar School.

Honolulu Community Players
touring with "A Bell -for Adano.'

Gertrude Lawrence and John
Hoysradt were . slop-over visitors on
way Down Under.

It's Major ' Ken McKenna of the
Signal Corps. House guest of the
John Hallidays at Kahala. ..

"Shape Ahoy." revue, opened here
recently. Going directly Down Un- ;
der and will togr Hawaii later.

Moss Hart and his beard, with
"Man Who Came to Dinner" troupe,
getting much of Waikikl's sun.

"Variety - ' mugg in ' Boston, Rudy
Elie, was Honolulu visitor while on
navy war correspondent's survey, .

Comedian Joe E. Brown arrived
Very, late: • just changed planes and
headed for Mat-Arthur in the Philip-
pines. ' .

Navy Bob Tapllnger. a three-day
visitor here, had a reunion with
Navy LI. Milton Shubert.and Lt. Bob
Singer. . .

Mrs. M. Pcler Rathvon, wife of
the president of.. RKO, has change of

MARRIAGES

Susan Ingold to Charles Belden
Las Vegas, Nev., May 7. Bride is a
film player; groom a.screen. writer.

Estrellita Rodriguez to Chu Chu
Martinez, Los Angeles, May 14,
Groom is vaude-nitery singer; bride
is dancer under, contract to Republic
pix.

Jean Frances Rathvon to Ea=ign
Shaw Mudge, U.S.N;R., Miami. May
13. Bride is daughter of N. Peter
Rathvon, prexy of RKO.

Patricia Bright to Steve Blumbcrg,
New York, May 11. Bride is an im-
pressionist, groom is in the legit de-
partment of the William Morris
Agency.

OBITUARIES

ACHMED ABDULLAH

Achmed Abdullah, 64, playwright
and novelist, died after a heart at-
tack in N. Y., May 12. Considerable
mystery always surrounded the au-
thor and adventurer, his autobiog-
raphy, "The Cat Had Nine Lives,"
published in 1933, Stating lie was
born of a Russian father and an
Afghan mother, but his real name
always' was kept a secret. He has
referred to himself as the "devoted
son of the late Grand Duke. Nicholas
Romanoff and Princess Nourmahal
Dtirani.'' .

Abdullah, who came, to the U. S.
in 1924; tried at first to gain millions
as a gold miner but -wound up deal-
ing faro in Nevada. Then he turned
to writing. His best known work
was for motion pictures, having
written "The Thief of Bagdad" and
"Lives of a Bengal Lancer" for the
screen. His best known plays that
became .hits were "Toto," with Leo
Ditrichstein, and "The Grand puke,"
with Lionel Atwill.

Among his- best known books were
"Steel' and Jade," VDclivcr Us From
Evil" and "Shadow of the Master."
He and William Almon Wolff wrote
the, play,. "Broadway Interlude," pro-
duced in 1934, and adapted from the
npvel of the same title by Abdullah
and Faith Baldwin. He is credited
with having written 27 books.

He married twice, his first wife.
Jean Wick, author's agent, having
died.- He married Mrs. Rosemary A.
Doland in 19-470. ;

ntic) ac;oi°s| dipd May 6 at a resort
town ,in Nagano Prefecture, accord-
ing to a dispatch recorded ■ by the
Federal .Communications Commis-

'sio'n. He had appeared in Europe
during his long career iii show busi-
ness' after making his initial stage
appearance at 8. '
He had" been playing romantic

I roles until recently despite his agg..

MTRTLE GLASS

Mrs; Jimmy Conlin, 48, known . pro-
fessionally as Myrtle Glass, died May
13' at French hospital, Los Angeles,
after a brief illness. She and her
husband, Jimmy Conlin, had been
ricadliners on the Keith-Orpheum
circuits during the 27 years they ap- '
pearcd together.
Survived by husband and sister.

CATHERINE BEDFIELD

Catherine Redfleld, 43, vaude and
concert artist, died May 10 in Brook-
lyn. She had been on the stage, in
vaudeville, opera and concerts both
in the U..S. and Europe.: During the
WPA Federal Theatre project, she
assisted in directing, the Gilbert &
Sullivan operas. Miss Redfleld had
been teaching music and art in a
Hollis. L. I., school most recently.

Her father was William Redfleld,
orchestra conductor and arranger.
Her brother, Henry, who died, sev-
eral years ago, was an arranger for
radio shows.

Survived by her mother arid a
nephew. Billy Redfleld, recently in
"Snafu," who went into the Army
this month.

LT. ROBERT W. BISCHOFF

Lt. Robert W. BischofT, 46, U.S.
N.R., former 20th-Fox film editor,
died May- 12 at the Bethesda Naval
Medical Center, Bethesda, Md.

He was taken ill suddenly at his
office in the Anacostia Naval Labr
oratories and was removed to the
hospital,, where he died. He. was
commissioned in the Navy in 1943,
and served in Anacostia as editorial
officer in the photographic science
lab. Bischoff had edited films at Fox
since the days of "The Covered
Wagon." Survived by a widow, his
mother and a sister, both of Los An-
geles. Burial will be in Los An-,
geles.

ALBERT C. SWEET

Albert C. Sweet, 68, former band
leader and composer of several
marches, died In Chicago May 12.
For years he was staff cornetist for
the Edison Phonograph Co., in later
years heading the band for Ringling
Bros.' circus, for which he composed
the "Ringling Brothers Grand Entry
March."

' Sweet also was comooscr of "Wild-
cast Victory March" for Northwest-
ern University. For A Century of
Progress exposition in Chicago he
conducted the band for "Wings of a
Century" pageant. More' recently he
taught for the Lyons Band Instru-
ment Co. and Chicago schools.

RICHARD H. HALL

Richard H. Hall, 60, retired actor,
died at Pound Ridge, N. Y., May 12.
He started his career in show busi-
ness in Boston and went to N. Y. in
1914, playing juvenile role in "The
Love of Mike" with Clifton Webb
and Peggy' Wood.

Survived by a brother.

LT. STANLEY SHENK

Lieut. Stanley SheriR, 21, formerly
n Universale publicity department,
was killed on' his 62nd flying mission
over Germany, according to 'word re-
ceived by his parents in North Holly-
wood. Universal Studios now has 10
gold stars in its service flag.

ELMINA MALOTTE

Mrs. Elmina Malotte, 41, wife of
Albert Hay Malotte, organist r.nd
composer, died May 12 in Los .An-
geles.

She is reported to have taken
poison.

CHARLES SPRINGER

Charles Springer, 39, Pittsburgh
musician, died there last Week.
Springer for years was with staff
orchestra at WCAE and had been
with nearly every dance outfit in'
the city.

H. M. Warner

— Continued from pace 1 s

fore German audiences. lo therpoint
where : they would realize these
things once and for all. It would
also emphasize the benefits of
democracy," he Said.

Warner disclosed that he originally
broached the idea to. Ihe late Presi-
dent Roosevelt, who had strongly
approved the idea and had .asked
him lo investigate the' matter. Those
attending the session explored the
idea' by firing questions at Warner
for additional information. They le-
portedly came away .with a grcutly
improved understanding of the
power and usefulness of films.

MRS. LILA OTTO DEIS

Mrs. Lila Otto Deis, 64, singer,
wife of Carl Deis, music editor of G
Schirmer, Inc., died May 11 in New
York. Mrs. Deis, who was a con-
tralto, sang with the MacDowell
Club Chorus, which later became the
Schola Cantpr'um, arid with the choir
of the Temple Emanu-Eh

Survived by husband and three
sons.

MBS. ISRAEL ZANGWILL

Mrs. Edith A. Zangwill, 70, widow
of .Israel Zangwill, English play-
wright and novelist, died in London
May : 8. She was the author of sev-
eral-novels,, including "Rise of
Star" and "The House." Survived
by- two sons and a daughter.

UZAEMON ICHIMVRA

Uzacmon Ichimura, 72, head of
Japan Actors' Assn., and one of
Japan's best known kaburi roper-

DOLORES CASEY WYNN

Dolores Casey Wynne, 28. screen
actress, died May 11 in Hollywood.
Interment in New York.

T. D. Kemp, father of the late Hal
Kemp, orchestra leader, and also of
~ D. Kemp, Jr., manager of South-
ern Attractions, Inc., booking agency
of Charlotte, N. C, died in that city
last week.

Philip Aboza, 59, brother of Sophie
Tucker, died May 9 in Hartford. Be-
sides Miss Tucker, he is survived by
his widow, two sons, daughter,
brother and a sister.

Solomon Aaron Shore, 66, father
ot Dinah Shore, screen and.. ladio
singer, died in Nashville, Tenn.. May
13. His daughter arrived in that city
shortly after his death.

John F. Koenlf, 60, former musi-
cian in the orchestra at the Keith,
Hartmah, Old Colonial, Lyceum, and
old Broadway theatres In Columbns,'
O , died in that city May 7.

Harry S. Alejainder, Jr., 19, son of
Albany branch manager for 20th-
Fpx, died in the crash of an Army
plane in Kansas.

Fattier, 87, of Charlie Wllkens,
talent agent, died in Washington,
D. C, May 8.

' BIRTHS

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sheridan,
daughter, Hollywood, May 6. Father
is a Hollywood studio correspond-
ent. - '- ', ■■

Mr. and Mrs. James fRip) Collins,
son, Albany, Ni Y., May 5. Father
is manager of the Albany Eastern
League ball club and a professional
broadcaster; mother is a former- film
and' stage actress.

Mr. and Mrs. Lenny Sussman, son,
Pittsburgh, May 7. Father is with
Marty Gregor orch. .

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Maynard,
daughter, Hollywood, May 11.- Father
is talent buyer for BBDO office in
Hollywood,

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Kronman,
son, Hollywood, May 13. Father li
radio, writer.

Lieut and Mrs. Walter I. Lillie,
daughterj New York, May 8. Mother
is daughter of. Gltz: Rice,

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brovda, son,
New Rocheile, N. Y. May 14. Father
; is a member, of the Paramount legal
i dept. in'N. Y.

56

J * . ■ :

9 out of 10 Screen Stars use it-

►♦♦♦♦♦♦♦-♦♦♦♦-♦■♦♦4

2 DOWN AND 1 TO GO - - ON TO TOKYO!

Let's Hit 'Em With War Bonds

TiililiHliftil Weekly at )M Wont 46tlv -Street. New Voilt 15, N. y., by Vnrlel'v, Inc. Annual piib."crli>llon. HO. Sinjln i-oplos. !S ceiitn.
■Y.nlerel] «» •ei.olid-cla.S3 uiaUiM- December 2:'. liiOt, M llm I'usl Officii :<l New Yui'U, N. If., under ttin «ct of Murcli a, 18TV.
CO!" V RIGHT, 1D1S. BY VABIETY, INC. ALL lEKiHTS RKSEnVED

VOL.158 No. 11

NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1945

PRICE 25 CENTS

RADIO AS POSTWAR JOB-GETTER

_ : — ; — : — ; : . — ♦ • '- ■ ♦ • — - — : — ■ — : ; — • •

1st Quarter This Year Hit New High

Victory Over Nips Will Likely Mean
Final Curtain for Most News Gabbers

One ,ot . radio's most lucrative*
branches.— the gab industry — has
passed its peak. Before the year is
out, and certainly alter V-J Day. a
lot of news analysisls and 'com-
mentators may have to go back to
more humdrum, and lower paid,
work like pounding newspaper type-
writers or peddling stuff on the hoof
instead of airwise.

Certain big-timers will, of course,
continue to hold their audiences.
But these are few.. And even in
these instances, 100-G contracts are
likely to be considered very care-
fully ' by sponsors faced with re-
newals. .

The middleweight*— those who
now get $750 to $1,000 a' week — are
certain to be dropped. There simply
won't be any audiences for them on
the air.

When the shooting's over. I he en-
tire news and commentary picture
is- likely to contract, and there will
probably be only a small handful of
highly-paid men at the top — like
Walter Winchcll and Raymond Cram
(Continued on page 1,1* '

Ringling Circus Sets
$1,600,000 N. Y.Mark,
Discrediting Fire Effect

By JACK PULASKI

Ringling, Barnum & Bailey circus
filiated at Madison Square Garden,
N. Y., Sunday (.20) after breaking all
N. Y. records as to gross and attend-
ance in the history of the outfit.
Statistics from the time the Ringling
Bros, became a major big top in 1802
have indicated that this season's en-
gagement topped last year's record
date at the Garden, takings then hav-
(Continucd on page 25 >

'VIOLET OF THE AP' GETS
FILM BID FROM H'WOOD

Washington, May 22.

William Rankin,' screen writer
formerly with Metro, has grabbed
rights lo "Violet of the AP" which
appeared a couple of issues back in
Life and_ has invited Violet Gibson.
18-year-old AP copygirl in the House,
"f Representatives press gallery to'
Hollywood for a screen test.

Yarn, by Mary Hornaday. of
Christian Science Monitor, told
about the glib, gabby kid who has
become a minor tradition on Capitol
"ill with her wisecracks and mala-
Propisins that outdo Sam Goldwyn.

D. C. papers fell on the story with
8'ec, giving it plenty of advance
buildup. Violet and her mother ex-
pect to leave for the Coast in the
next couple of --weeks.

When the youngster, who 'is "defi-
nueiv in the Olsen & Johnson tradi-
tion, received Rankin's wire, she
dashed through the House press
gallery waving ' it and shouting:
'Hey, Charlie /Chaplin and Krrol
Flyiin. hpre I" Artie."

Joe Howard's Film Biog

Joe E. Howard; the Gay 90s enter-
tainer-songwriter, has sold his screen
aulobiog lo 20th-Fox for $100,000 in-
cluding rights to such of his w.k.
tunes as "I Wonder Who's Kissing
Her Now," "Honeymoon." "Hello
Ma Baby," etc. Latter song will
serve as the filln's title.

Considering the split-up rights to
the variegated catalog of the vet
songsinith, and his four ex-wives,
l he clearances presented no small
problem for HaTry Fox. exec or the
Music Publishers Protective Assn.
who handled the deal for Howard.

T

Lotsa Lovin Comin' Back
From War, Sez Mae West;
Asks Adjustment by Gals

Columbus, O., May 22.

Mae West thinks sex is here to
stay. So docs.. her press agent—
though it's common knowledge that
Miss West is her own best p.a.

"A lot of loving is coming back
from the war," according to Miss
West, "and America's female popu-
lation is going to have to make big
adjustment as a result thereof.

"American men are going to .re-
turn to the states sexier than they've
ever been before," she continues,
"because their impulses have been
speeded up by the atmosphere of
war. Many wonderful men are al-
ready on the way home to their
wives and sweethearts, and the lady
who has been stepping out had best
begin to polish off her low talk and
shifty ways -before he arrives."

Miss West, who appeared here in
"Catherine Was Great," also advised
affection-hungry women to develop
tact, patience, kindness and affec-
tion, adding, "especially affection;''

Miss West, it seems, is very affec-
tionate.

Organized labor has joined forces
with l>ig business in an ambitious
program utilizing radio's resources
aimed at helping to win the peace
by creating 7 to 10 million more
peacetime jobs than in the peak year
of 1940. Object of the post-V-E pro-
gram is 57.000,000 U. S. jobs as part
of the nation's peacetime economy.

Wrapped'up in terms of showman-
ship, six package shows tabbed
"Creating New Jobs'' have just come
off the transcription belt of the
Committee for Economic Develop-
ment as the initial step in the V-E
and V-J interim of .starting the job
ball rolling. Prepared and produced
by Laurence Hammond, ex-producer
of "We, the People," and currently
head of radio for the CED, the tran-
scribed 15-minule shows Will be
spotted on radio stations throughout
the nation through the 2.800 local
CED committees. It represents the
efforts of the lop CIO and AFL lead-
ers, plus many U. S. industrialists,
to build up a "job consciousness."
apprise the people of the multiple
/Continued on page 27)

In B O. Profits for 5 Major Chains

ODT Oks Fairs This Yr.

Washington. May 22.

Senator William Langer (R., N.D.)
announced last week . he had re-
ceived word from ODT that county
fairs can be held this summer with-
out permits.

Opening up of the rural fairs
means the return of full summer
engagements for the hundreds of
performer-; who normally play the
lair circuit from end to end of the
country.

GI Crap Games Facing
Severe Competish From
Monte Carlo Furloughs

GI's in Europe may well gel a
chance lo break the bank at Monte
Carlo, according to plans for fur-
loughs to be accorded men on occu-
pation duty or awaiting redeploy-
ment. Army's Technical Information
Branch in New York has announced
that word from Headquarters,. Com-
munications Zone, over there, is
that: "International high society's
prewar, playgrounds— the Riviera,
Biarritz, Chamonix and others — will
entertain American soldiers . . . in
the smartest hotels on the Continent,
(Continued on page 55 >

GI 'Hamlet' for B'way

It is proposed to presc-nt. a GI. vcr-_.
sion of "Hamlet" on Broadway with
a cast of the current war veterans,
including people discharged from
the' services, ^xvhich would include
WACS; WAVES and SPARS. Idea
includes the use of weapons,, includ-
ing machine, guns.

Burgess (Buzz) -Meredith, is men-
tioned for the lead, plan for soldier
"Hamlet" being credited to Sgl. Rob-
ert .Breen. recently honorably dis-
charged from the Army. No definite
details have been set.

When Basil Sidney appeared in a
modern-dress version of the Shales**
penrcan drama, recalled that revoj->
vers were used early in the show in
place of swords.

COCHRAN SETS BRITISH
AUTOBIOGRAPHIC PIC

London. May' 22.

After several months Of negotiat-
ing. CharIes"B."' Cochran has closed
deal with J. Arthur Rank for filming
lii.s biography. Deal originally
started with F.'.Dcl Giudice, manag-
ing director, of Two Cities Films, but
fizzled because Cochran insisted on
okaying script. 'English impresario
finally talked with Rank on the deal,
and it was set directly -with him.

Although pact terms were not rc-
"veaipu\ understood. Jhat Cochran re-
ceives $100,000 for his life story, on
the condition that the film will be
budgeted at not less than $1,000,000,
It will be made by#Two Cities Films,
with shooting to s'lavl this year.
Cochran is anxious to see John Mills
in the lead.

German-Speaking US0
Legiter, Ned Glass,
'Captures' Nazi Town

How a USO-Camp Shows wcior
"captured'' a town in Germany, was
revealed last week with the return
of the "Three Men on a Horse"
legiter to New York after a nine-
month tour of France. Belgium and
Germany. The company, headed by
Sam Levene. was playing near (he
front with the First Army at time
of the incident.

Ned Glass, one of the troupers,
got permission one day to ' accom-
pany a road reconn outfit up to-
wards the front lines: In the jeep
were a Lt. Phil Dale and Pvt. Nor-
man Tokar (radio's/Henry Aldriclil.
The -jeep lost its way, and pretty
soon the outfit found itself in a town
named Helmeroth. The town Was
strangely quiet, with no military in
sight. Glass was the only one of the
group who could speak German.
They drove up lo the City Hal) and
Glass asked for the Burgomeister.

When Glass learned that Ihe Ger-
mans had just evacuated the town,
he told the Burgomcistei' that the
(Continued on page 25)

Major chain theatre operators,
who hit the jackpot in 1944. con-
tinued to maintain and in some in-
stances exceeded the record-break-
ing b.o. take of '44 in the first
quarter of the current year.

First three months of 1945 showed
perhaps the largest operating profit
(approximate annual ra.le of SI 30,-
000,000 before taxes p ever recorded
for the five major U. S. theatre cir-
cuits, although not all the chains
improved over 1944. Wartime taxes
(if that's news) of course take a
much larger bite out of income than
pre-war and not all the circuits are
in the same position with regard lo
writeoffs for depreciation on proper-
ties.

Paramount circuit, which has been
earning at the rate of approximately
$50,000,000 annually in 11)44. during
the first, quarter of 1945 hit a pace'
which, if maintained for the balance
of the year, would yield around
$52,000,000 before taxes and split
with partners or operating affiliates.

Par partners, of course, get a sub-,
slantial slice of the profits (estimated
(Continued on page 27)

Night Club Salary Pays
Ballet Dancer's Tuition
At Theological School

Pittsburgh, May 22.

Studying for the priesthood, Tom-
my Smith, local ballet dancer cur-
rently in .show at Villa Madrid, is
paying for his theological training
at St. Vincent's College nearby with
work in clubs. Now in his sopho-
more year there, Smith has also
danced on Broadway, in last "Zieg-
feld Follies" with Milton Berle and
at Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe.

Villa Madrid booking is his first
local engagement.' He gets through
work around 2 a.m. and is in the
classroom the next morning at'9.

I OH 1 1 I i:\ IMO\

MISCELLANY

Wednesday, May- 23, 1915

Army-Navy Abuses Occasionally Hurt
Overseas Talent, Say Baker, Lightner

Isolated instances of .stupidity on/f
the part of Navy or. Army Special
Services officers overseas, which
hurt the services as well. as USO^
Camp Shows, were cited by Benny
Baker, who returned recently from
a six months' tour in the leglter,
"Nothing but the Truth." The in-
stances, he says, were not the gen-
eral rule... But the few he ran up
against were important for the effect
they had on GIs and gobs in erro-
neously blaming the performer, and
for creating a prejudice against
USO-CS generally,

Units are routed, abroad by the
Army through Special Services, with
Special Services officers or Navy
personnel on each base handling the
setup. In one South American base.
Baker says, sailors had been sitting
for an hour and a half waiting for
(Continued on page 55)

'Cass' as Book Club
Choice Means Added
HOG for Red Lewis

Through the choice of "Cass Tim-
berlane," Sinclair Lewis novel,
which has been purchased by Metro
for filming, as the Book of the
Month Club selection for October,
the author will be enriched at least
an additional $110,000,

Extra book sales through such a
selection are valued at from $50,000
to $75,000, or around $00,000 aver-
age. Further, under the escalator
deal with Metro. Lewis was sched-
uled to receive $50,000 over the price
of $200,000 if the "Timberlane" be-
came a Book of the Month choice.

SAXIE DOWELL AMONG
USS FRANKLIN HEROES

Columbus, O., May 22.
Musician I/C "Saxie" Dowell, for-
mer bandleader and composer of
"Three Little Fishes" and "Play-
mates," is among the survivors of
the U.S.S. Franklin, carrier almost
destroyed by Jap bombs March 19.
Musician Dowell was at bis battle
station when the attack came, and
helped four sailors to safety on huge
girders. ' One then grew frightened
and jumped overboard, and though
he could not swim, Dowell threw
his own life-jacket to him. Later,
another of the four was wounded by
a rocket that just missed Dowell as
it sped along the deck.
■ Musician Dowell entered the Navy
in May, 1942, and, as member of a
morale unit, formed the band of
former "name" players that eventa
ally was stationed on the Franklin.
It was that band, using dishpans,
saucepans, and a few garbage cans
in place of the lost instruments,
which kept up the morale on the
carrier on its long journey home.

Favorite selection was "Big Ben,
the Flattop,", which Dowell composed
as the ship's song.

Nipt On 'Hit' Parade

Songwriter Benny Davis has
coined a new slogan for the
bond drive:

"The Jap is No. 1 now on our
Hit Parade. Let's hit him from
every angle!"

Squeamish Exhibs Who
Nix Horror Camp Reels
Blasted by Chi Editor

Chicago, May 22.
Just returned from a tour of Nazi
concentration camps. E. Z. Dimit-
man, exec editor of Chicago Sun,
harshly criticized exhibitors such as
Gus Eyssell. managing director of.
Radio City Music Hall. N. Y., for
refusing to show atrocity newsreels
because, of their policy of not want-
ing to foist gruesome. pix on their
payees.

Dimitman. only ,Chi newspaper-
man included in Gen. Eisenhower's
invitation to Congressmen and news-
men to inspect the horrors left be-
hind at Dachau and Buchenwald.
said the; whole thing was the ulti-
mate in man's inhumanity to man,
and that it was the duty of every.
American citizen to view the results
of the Nazi hierarchy's policy of
' work-star ve-degrade-kill."

"We had to view the stuff . first-
hand," he commented, following an
(Continued on page 55)

JOLSON'S OBSERVATION

Crinoline Clicks on B'way— Baek
To Columbia June 16

FIRST TELE THEATRE
TO BE BUILT IN ILL

Building ot the first television
theatre in America will be started at
LibertyvUle. "111., as soon as materi-
als are available, by Fred W. Dobe,
an industrial engineer, heading a
syndicate in association with A. J.
Balaban^ general manager of the
Roxy theatre, N. Y. House will seat
1,500 and will be the. first theatre
designed exclusively for video. Cost
cannot yet be estimated since final
designs are not completed, but. a
site 155x250 has already been ac-
quired for that purpose.

This is the second project which
Balaban has in association with Dobe.
Other is the Liberty theatre in that
town .owned by Dobe and operated
by Balaban.

Site is regarded as ideal for an
operation of this kind since it's
located within a short distance of
Chicago and can get the benefit of
urban patronage while having bet-
ter reception than a city location.

This project is not connected with
the Roxy nor 20th-Fox's tele plans.
Film firm has television plans of its
own. having -recently acquired
WIXT, Boston, and will probably
take on more properties of this kind.
•Theatre is being built along ex-
perimental lines and, according to
Balaban, will contain a number of
innovations new to theatre as well
as video operation.

Al Jolspn, cast with his bride on
a holiday, returns to the Columbia
studio June 18 to complete Aiming
his autobiog, "Minstrel Boy." Sid-
ney Skolsky, the film columnist, is
still polishing the <.yarn and will
supervise it. He is also aiding War-
ner Bros, in launching its Gershwin
filmbiog in N. Y.

Jolson meantime observes that
Broadway seems to be an era of
crinoline and lace; citing "Central
Park," "Oklahoma!," "Carousel" and
"Bloomer Girl" as four shows he
has seen, all vith 19th century
locales.

Star is nixing all guest-shot radio
bids. He also nixed Billy Rose's
"Concert Varieties," which still needs
• star.

John Wexley's New Play
For Lunt and Fontanne

Hollywood, May 22.
Proposed as an Alfred Lunt-Lynn
Fontanne starrer, John Wexley
yesterday i21) sent' the N. Y. Thea-
'tre Guild the* second in a., series of
three plays he contracted to write.
Titled "Laughter Without Tears,"
legiter is a story of ' postwar Nazi
attempts to form cartels in ' this
country.

Wexley's first opus for the Guild
was "They. Shall Not Die." .

STOKI TO BATON FUND,
'MUSIC FOR WOUNDED'

, Hollywood, May 22.

Titled "Music for the Wounded,"
and headed by Leopold Stokowski,
plans are being formulated for or-
ganization to raise funds to send mu-
sicians to service hospitals and rest
homes of war vets. Sam Stiefel is
managing director of the group
which proposes to raise funds with
concerts in Hollywood Bowl in Sep-
tember and possibly a radio show
featuring top bands and vocalists.

Taking active part in founding of
organization are officials of the mu-
sicians union.

Bogart and . 'Baby' Wed

Chicago, May 22.

Newlyweds Humphrey Bogart and
Lauren Bacall are due back in Chi
tomorrow (23), following their wee-
ding al Louis Bromfleld's farm at
Mansfield, Ohio. While here Sun-
day (20), when they appeared on
the "I Am an American Day" pro-
gram at. Soldier Field,-; Mrs. Natalie
Bacall, who accompanied her daugh-
ter, announced the wedding would
be private, witnessed only by herself,
Bromfleld and his wife and three
daughters, and Bromfleld's secretary.

Couple are returning to Holly-
wood, where Bogart begins work in
Two Mrs. Carrolls."

153rd WEEK!

• KEN MURRAY'S

"BLACKOUTS OF. 1945"
El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, Cal.

"fioorire thinks 'Blackouts' is co-
lcissul, ".but he's always so conserva-
tive."

GRACIE.
(Burnt and Allen)

Hungarian Literary
Goulash Poses a Story
Problem for All Studios

One of the major studios has been
toying with idea of posting a-notice
saying: "It's not enough to be a Hun-
garian — you've got to have a second
and third act also."

Flock of real or pseudo-Hungarian
writers . (."every Other writer now-
adays calls himself Ladislaw," gags
a Hollywood production exec) have
been trying to sell studios story ma-
terial based on a single act. When
asked what about the middle and
end of the story the stock answer is:
That we will work out after you
put me on the payroll.".

Another plaint heard about deal-
ings in Continental story material is
that much of it turns out to be lifted
from Works. Studio production reps
say they can't read every story that
gets into print.

The peddling of lifted material
has become so frequent .that current
reaction in buying European ma-
terial is that it must- be compared to
the recipe for Hungarian strudel —
"Steal four apples."

Garfield, Ladd and Baker
Into GI; Jim Ameche?

■Hollywood, May 22.

John Garfield, Alan Ladd and
Kenny Baker doffed their civilian
clothes this morning at Fort Mac-
Arthur and became GI Joes. Trio
went down on same train with other
inductees and were shipped to their
respective branches of service.

Garfield went into Navy blue,
while Ladd and Baker entered the
Army. Jim Ameche, also up for - in-
duction, was given a 30-day stay.

BERLIN'S CASA PARAMOUNT

Film Studio's Privately Owned Home
In Bevbllls to Ilotue Berlin Clan

When the Irving Berlin family
joins the songsmith on the Coast this
summer they will occupy the private
home adjoining the Beverly Hills
hotel. Which is colloquially known
as Casa Paramount. This is the
house utilized by Par for its vis-
iting executives in an emergency
when theytre unable to get into the
always crowded first-rank hotels.

Situated virtually on the Bevhills
Hotel's gardens, including a private
walk to the main house, it was orig-
inally erected by the builder of that
hostelry for private use. Par ac-
quired it and split it up into apart-
ments with a caretaker always pres-
ent to whip Up the coffee in the
morning, but that's all.

Caretaker's name is Tom, so that
it wasn't long before Casa Paramount
also became known as a deluxe
Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Berlin, of course, is readying "Blue
Skies" at Par.

Hope's lOGGuestar Nix

During Bob Hope's quickie east
last week with his air troupe to help
launch the Seventh War Loan drive,
Biow agency made a . pitch for the
comedian to appear on the Milton
•Beile "Let Yourself Go" CBS stanza
and reportedly dangled $10;000 as
bait for a guest shot. That's prob-
ably a new high for one-shot
guesting.

Hope, however, said no dice; he
was east to help sell bonds and
wasn't interested, '. . »

SCULLY'S SCRAPBOOK i

By Frank Scully ♦■«

Smorgasbord, May 17.

Joe Laurie, Jr.,
"Can You Stop This?"
La Guardia Air Field, .
New York.
Dear Joe (j.g.):

Today is Norway's independence day, and since my slightly shopworn,
albeit 0 beautiful, bride is such a patriotic Scandinavian that she even rends
"A Doll's House" on skis, I was trying to catch up to her by listening in a
short-wave program in authentic smorgasbord from Oslo when your latest
obit on vaudeville, arrived and yanked me right back among the layoffs.

I tell you, Joe, if this vautopsy keeps up we will have to correspond
in a dead language: How's your Latin, Joe? You know, instead of paying'
any attention to why vaude went I ought to pay attention to why . guys
like you and Goethe didn't. Was it because; like Liza, you used, the ice
to get across? It seems that those who used the Palace as a terminal in-
stead of a transfer point went out of sight, not. vaudeville. The others
kept ahead of the bloodhounds by bopping on to radio,' or pictures, ;md
now even USO-Camp Shows and Special Services.

It has been pointed out that hardly a top name in radio had its begin-
ning there. All of them got in on a sic-transit-gloria-mundi pass, not
good Tuesdays. You can go from A to C picking but programs costing
$22,000 or singles at $2,500, and. they all hopped over from vaude,

In this sense Lady de Vaude was a protean artist herself and probably
is smart enough to make another quick-change, if television blacks out
radio as sound-on-fllm killed the Sun time. One of my public (Jack Lea-
sing) takes issue wlth'you, too.

■ Familiar Faces and Routines

But if he'd go around . the block he'd see vaude turns wherever he turned.
The interims, radio, pictures— what are they if not some of the old familiar,
faces and the even more familiar routines? Even the women's clubs will
give you Draper, Skinner and Sales. These are protein artists who are
skilled enough to stretch a bit into an evening.

Virginia Sales, who is Chic's sister; has terrific stamina. -She did eight
years in NBC's serial, "Those We Love." .She played more than 300 picture
parts. Virginia Wright credits her. with being the first trouper to volun-
teer to tour the Army camps. That was before Camp Shows and ot ne-
cessity had to be done on the cuff. Her career being split six ways now,
she has six agents. She does everything from Chic's "Old Man. With a
Tuba" to a schoolma'm number.: She keeps moving. She has ho wails,'
No waits, plenty of variety, plenty ■ of action— what is that if not vaude-
ville? Even at the women's club. « ■

Only the other day Jack Carson told of playing 45 roles while a nobody
at RKO and once made 15 changes in a day. A Warner star now with a
weekly radio program on the side, he can afford to unload. And what do
you suppose he unloads? Sure, vaude props. Plnchback coats, outsize
pants, derbies, strawhats and candy-striped nightgowns. But he may wish
he had them back when television arrives.

For you never know when you might need a vaude prop as long as you
stay in show biz. I never saw better proof of this than in San Francisco
when an; old song-and-dance man got hold of a hot mike and couldn't
afford to let go.' He was waiting for Stettinius to come to the mike and'
buy a Seventh War Loan Bond. The guy with the hot mike gave several
explanations as to what was delaying the State Department's well dressed
man and, finally began telling us about getting stuck like this once before.

Skillfully he built a two line gag into a routine that could be stretched
to a half hour, or finished on a second's notice. And if you don't think
what he was talking about was more interesting than what Mr. Stettinius
would have said if he had got there, then you're the kind of guy . that
killed vaudeville.

Yours for less morpheum and more orphcum,

Frank Scully,
(The Poor Man's Goethe.)

* Note lo desk: If you kill that word, albeit your ear off!

Hitler Loses— Again

San Francisco, May 22.

Adolph Hitler showed up at
the San Francisco peace con-
ference over the weekend— but
he was only a character in a
script. ■

The San Francisco Press Club
on Sunday (20) put on a rewrit-
ten version of "The Front Page" .
and for current purposes called
it "Friskiana." In it Hitler,' in-
stead of the original comedy
. murderer, escaped . from jail,
with Dei Feuhrer landing here
from a sub to make a pitch at
breaking up the conference.

COVERAGE CONTINUES
TO DROP IN FRISCO

San Francisco, May 22.
The scenario of the biggest co-
operative production in history —
"Peace Unlimited"— was being ham-
mered into shape here today by
committees of 49 nations in an at-
mosphere of concord that sent news-
reclers and radio aces home in
droves.

The goodwill job .delegated to
newsreels was all but done today.
Camera crews had been whittled
down to a standby miniiYiiim, with
nothing but a crisis, an assassination
or a sex murder capable now of
electrifying the blase . boys. News-
reelers, in short, have settled down
to routine job of shooting. . .

Radiomen are watchfully waiting.
Most ace commentators have long
since planed off while coverage
generally doesn't exceed' one-third
of original network allocations.
Pressmen remain in, larger force, of
course. " . 'i

Niven Expects to Be Back
In H'wood by End of '45

London, May 22.
David Niven expects to be . de-
mobilized from the British Army in
November. Aged 35, he has flve-and-
one-half years service. Since last
June he has been overseas except
for a couple of flyng trips of 48
hours to London in the course of his
duties.

Niven joined the original volun-
teer company of the Commandos.
After two years he commanded a
squadron! in "Phantom," a branch of
the Army, whose activities have
never been fully revealed.

He expects to return to the U. S.
before the end of this year to play
in "The Bishop's Wife" for Sam
Goldwyn.

PAT XIBW00D IN U. S. 6

' Washington, May 22.

Pat Kirwood, signed by Metro for
"No Leave, No Love," reached
Washington with her mother last
weekend enrpute to Hollywood.

The British stag* star flew in
from London,

Soph's Gift in Honor
Of 'Jolo,' Geo. Black

London, May 11.
Jack Rubens, London accountant,
has received check for $50 from
Sophie Tucker to be donated to the
Variety Artists' Benevolent Fund
iBrinsworfh Home).
. Check is in memory of Joshua
Lowe (Jo(p),. late London tiureau
head of "Variety," and George
Black, late managing director, of
General Theatres Corp. Check* was
sent lo Harry' Marlowe, secretary
of V.A.B.F. .

Lt. Van Heflin Out

Hollywood, May 22.

Following three years service with
Army Air Corps, Lieut. Van Heflin
was mustered out of -uniform at
Camp. Beale after recent discharge
from-' Pasadena Regional Hospital-'
Heflin participated in the Normandy
invasion with the Ninth Army Air
Force and also the invasion of Ger-
many. •

He relumed to Metro immediately,
where he is still under contract.

Wednesday, May 23, 19i5

■7^

PICTURES

PLAN PIX POOL FOR ABROAD

Pix Vitally Concerned in Reciprocal
Trade Pacts Now Before Congress

Washington, May 22. >
Film industry has a real stake in
the bill to extend the reciprocal
trade agreements which are up in
Congress this week. Trading power,
of the agreements is a formidable
weapon which the State Department
can use to break down barriers
against"' Hollywood and other na-
tions.

Now that the government for the.
first time really understands the im-
portance of American films as am-
bassadors of good will and as a
salesman for other U. S. goods, Jt is
understood that the agreements
would be used more widely than in
the past to break down barriers and
to prevent new ones from . being
erected. Since the agreements must
be renewed periodically, pictures
can be helped to enter countries in
which ■ reciprocal trade has been in
effect for . some years, one State
Dept. official pointed out;

Reciprocal trade treaties have been
in operation for 11 years. In only
two cases, with France and Czecho-
slovakia, were specific motion pic-
ture agreements incorporated into
the treaties. The Czech agreement
-was canceled by this country after
the Germans took over.' An en-
tirely new one will have to be nego-
tiated and is expected to continue
its protection of our films for export.
Same is true in France.
. There were other cases, however,
in which the State Dept. throuKh
its bargaining power, was able 1o
prevent quola and other restrictions
from being set up. The new bill
would extend the treaty-making
power for an additional three years,
present law expiring June 12. It
permitted the State Dept. to cut
duties oh imports by 50',V in bilal
eral deals in which the U. ■ S. ' re-
ceived- trade considerations to help
oiir export business.

New bill also gives the State Dept.
the right to reduce by another 50"-;
the duties in effect on Jan. 1. 1945.
Republicans arc strongly. ■ against
this last provision which is ex-
pected to pass the House, but be
licked in the Senate. If, however.
State Dept. should get this added
power, it would have a very .power-
ful weapon which could be used to
aid the export of Hollywood product.

PAR THEATRE PARDS
IN CHICAGO POWWOW

A meeting to discuss current op-
erating matters, problems and plan-
ning as concerns Paramount theatres
opened in Chicago Monday (21 ■ and
will probably last several days.
Various ^partners expected to attend
include Karl Hob'lizelle, E. V. Rich-,
ards. A.-H. Blank, John J. Fricdl.
and M, A. Lightman, in addition to
local Balaban & Katz officials.

Leonard H. Goldcnson. v. p. of Par
in; charge of all theatre operations;
Leon Ncttcr, under him in super-
vision of southern, states, and Eddie
Hyman, in charge of the northern
and far southwestern houses, left
N. Y. Sunday (20) to attend the
Chicago meeting. From there Gold-
cnson and Hyman will make a tour
of a portion of the Minnesota terri-
tory, while Ncttei- may drop down
to Memphis before coining back to
the h.o. - . .

Meantime. Max Fcllerman.- aide to
Hyman, lert N. Y. Sunday (20 1 for
Cincinnati to confer there with
Harry David, who has charge of
Par's Ohio and Kentucky theatres.
Last week' another assistant to Hy-
man,. Joe De itch, left for Phoenix to
huddle with Rickards & Nace. Par
Partners, and Salt Lake to see Tracy
Barham. g.m. of Publix-Sali Lake-
theatres.'

Canada Ahead, Too

Business above the border is
running substantially ahead of
Jasl year, with the first quarter',
in 1945 having . run approxi-
mately 10% ■ ahead of the cor-
responding period in 1944. ac-
cording to Gordon Lightstone.
' general manager of distribution .
for Paramount in Canada:

In N. Y. last week to confer
with- Charles M. Reagan, v.p.
oyer distribution for Par- and
other officials, Lightstone re-
turned to Toronto, where he
makes headquarters,' on Sun-
day (20 r.

Rank After NW
Theatre Chain?

Minneapolis, May 22;

Although he says it's in connection
with his milling interests, the visit
here this week of J. Arthur Rank,
British magnate, is being linked by
the trade with acquisition by a
Bonnie Bcrger, local, group, of a
downtown site for a new theatre to
be built after the war.
' Trade members here-' have learned
that Rank is interested in acquiring
and building theatres in the U. S.
and that Minneapolis is one of the
cities he is considering "invading."

Bcrger himself Refuses to confii'm
that he has been iri touch with Rank,
but they're getting together here in
Minneapolis. An announcement re-
garding fhese conferences is anti-
cipated. Bcrger owns one of the
largest and most prosperous inde-
pendent theatre . circuits in this tor
rilory.

Rank Arrives In Canada

Toronto, May 22.

J. Arthur Rank. British lilm ; in-
cliiitry leader, arrived Monday i21 ).
in Toronto by plane. He was ac-
companied by G. I. Woodham Smith,
legal adviser, and John Davis, man-
aging director of the British Odcon
Circuit, owned by Rank. They were
due in Saturday (19.i blil were
grounded in Newfoundland.

They were met by Paul L. Nathan-
son, managing director or the Ca-
nadian Odeon Circuit, and Leonard
W. Brockjnglo.n, member of the
board. Rank owns SO', or the
Canadian firm.

Lehman Bros, and Goldman, Sachs May
Help Refinance WB to Retire 4%ers

By MORI KRUSUEN

Best American pictures. will be
selected from a pool of all U. S.
product for expoi't to foreign coun-
tries where there are quota, limits
on U. S. films, under plans now be-
ing shaped for the organization of a
film, export association. Under this
plan, for areas where legislation
makes it difficult to do business on a
competitive basis! not all U. S. film
companies can be given representa-
tion on foreign screens, and this has
given rise- to talk of abolition of
U. S. company trademarks on pic-
tures sold abroad.'

Division of proceeds from foreign
markets among all. members of the
proposed export association, possible
elimination of individual company
trademarks (as in other industries
where group exports are in effect)
and basis on which product is to be
selected, are among the knotty prob-
lems which have arisen in forming
the U. S. motion picture export as-
sociation. '

While in other industries individ-
ual trademarks are sometimes sub-
merged in selling bulk output, ques-
tion whether film companies, whicn
have diverse merchandising ap-
proaches and are concerned about
prestige as well as commercial re-
turns, would find such" a plan ac-
ceptable.

On the other hand; if trademarks
arc not submerged, some U. S! com-
panies might get representation on
foreign screens only infrequently.
How It Might Work

If the major Objective of an ex-
port association is to get the maxi-
mum return for product tfcen only
the top pictures would be selected
from the pool of U. S. product for
distribution in a given territory
Where quota or other restrictions
(Continued on page 19)

Just to Give an Idea

Hollywood, May 22. .

"It's easier to negiotatc for.
the surrender of 'the Nazis than
to dicker for some of the prima
donna writers around New York
and Hollywood", said one east-
ern story editor.

.No wonder it's the heyday of
the writer.

Gibson Due Back in N. Y.

^Harvey Gibson, a. member of Par-
amount's board of directors, may be
back in New York soon to resume
his banking activities arid more ac-
tively participate in the affairs of the
»lm company. He's now a Red Cross
executive In England.
. Understood that Gibson plans giv-
ln fi up his R. C. Job.

C. M. REAGAN'S 25 YRS.
WITH PAR SIGNALIZED

Charles M, Reagan, vp in charge
of distribution for Paramount, who
started selling film in the mining
cpuulry of Kentucky and made some
jumps on the back of a mule in
order to make backwoods towns,
celebrates his 25th anniversary in
sales, all those years with Para-
mount, next Thursday (31 V.. Oh that
occasion he will be tendered . a
'luncheon at the 21 Club. N: Y., by
associates in Paramount.

Graduating from # N(ilre Dame.
Reagan chose a film selling career
to the hotel business in which hi*
father was engaged but' with sonic
misgivings/ He began in 1020 with
Par as an apprentice salesman cov-
ering mining areas close to Cincin-
nati, oui of which oflicc he worked
Moving rapidly, he was made sales
manager of the Cincy branch 18
months .later and in 192.'! became
exchange head at Indianapolis. In
1927 he was' promoted, to district
riianagcr over that office. Cincinnati
and Louisville. He later was' ap-
pointed district manager over Chi-
cago. Milwaukee and Detroit. In
19:)4, Reagan was. moved to. the liomc-
ofllcc as western division sales man-
ager and seven years later was made
assistant sales manager under Neil
F. Agncw. When latter resigned
early last year. Reagan moved up
to the vice-presidency in charge, of
distribution.

WB Building Copy
Of Hays Setup

Hollywood. May 22. .
Warners is forming its owii organ-
ization 'to. carry out most of the
functions formerly 'filled by the Mo-
tion Picture Producers and Distribu-
tors of America, from which the
Burbankf studio will withdraw on
June 1.

Special staff, headed by Ted Todd,
former Warners' Chicago publicity
rep. will represent the studio in
Washington. Another group, work-
ins out of exchanges, will handle
exhibitor relations In every state
and will keep in touch with theatre
legislation in all the slate capitals.
Idea is to ^anticipate legislative
trends and act on thorn before they
get out of hand. Another. department
will handle labor relations.

Studio figures it can get better
results by making its o\<-ii agree-
ments With guilds and unions, rather
than relying oh the Hays outfit to
arrange blanket deals covering all
the lots regardless of their individ-
ual needs. Some of tiie Hays office
services, such as the purity seal and
the handling of sltidjo correspond-
ence-; will' be retained".-

28th Plans 30th
Anni (or Skouras

Special plans arc under discussion
to appropriately commemorate the
30th anniversary in show business
of Spyros P. Skouras, president of
20th-Fox, who started out in 191-3
by taking Over the Olympic in SI.
Louis, a 500-seat nickelodeon. What
shape the' celebration of the anniver-
sary may take remains indefinite: cs-.
pecially with Skouras still away.

The 20th-Fox proxy first visited
England last month to see J. Arthur
Rank, thence to Greece to' study
heeds and conditions of that country.
He is expected back shortly, prob-
ably early in June. Skouras is na-
tional president of the Greelc War-
Relief and from the start has been
very active with that organization.

Starting out with the^ Olympic in
St. Louis, Spyros Skouras, in asso-
ciation with hjs brother, Charles,
expanded holdings gradually until
in 1926 they had 37 theatres in that
city and were associated with the
old Paramount-Publix company iiS
Kansas City and Indianapolis, .

In 1929 Spyros Skouras joined
Warner Bros, as " circ.'"* ^"^d; two
yeari later swinging to Par in charge
of operation of certain eastern-
theatres. Subsequently, with Charles,
he joined National Theatres (20th-
Fox), becoming head of that chain,
and in 1942 was elected president
of 20th following death of S. R.
Kent.,

Coincidchtally, this is 20th-Fox's
30th year in the business, company
(dating from old Fox Film Corp.)
having - celebrated it with a sales
push during April.

Lehman Bros., who iri 1943 stepped
into 20th-Fox via a $13,000,000 refi-
nancing operation, are now reported
in group banking interests with
whom Warner Bros, have been ne-
gbtiating for a new term loan. Leh-
man Bros, also have a substantial,
interest in RKO via stock .holdings.
Goldman, Sachs, and the First Na-
tional Bank of Boston also have been,
mentioned along with Lehman Bros,
in connection with the new. WB re-
financing pfcm. No deal has' yet
been reported consummated, how-,
ever. . ' ' ' ,

If terms arc considered favorable,
WB may borrow from $15,000,000 to
.$20,000,000, using the new loan to re-
tire the company's outstanding 4%
debentures and 254 ?{• bank loans.
Company's last financial statement
lists outstanding debentures as $7,-
000,000 and bank loans at $10,000,000.

If terms offered by banking
houses are not acceptable. WB may
continue to take up short-term banic
loans via- cash payments, as previ-
ously. A new term bank loan, how-
ever, would likely result in a savinft
in interest charges to the company,
in line, with WB policy in refinancing
obligations.

OHIO SENATE RESOLVES
ON 'RICK'S' FILM PREEM

Columbus, O., May 22.

The Ohio Senate - has adopted, a
resolution urging that the premiers
of "Life of Capt. Eddie Ricken-
backcr"' (20th-Fox) be held here-.
Film will be released late in August.
Columbus* City Council had earlier
unanimously taken similar action. -
Backers of the move feel-that this,
city., where Capt. Rickenbacker . was
born, educated; and received his
early training, is. the most logical
city to see the film first.

Other cities making overtures to
have the film premiered there are
Omaha, Sioux City, Atlanta, Indian-
apolis and Miami. ' .

Par Beckons Give Brook

Hollywood. May 22.

Clive Brook, currently in London,
is pencilled in for a top spot in the
forthcoming Paramount picture. "To
Each His Own." to be directed by
Mitchell Leisen and produced by
Charles Brackctt. -

British star- once under ..Para-
mount, contract, has not appeared in
a Hollywood production- since the
war starlet'.

AMONG 1ST RUSS JOBS
IS TO REBUILD STUDIOS

Hollywood, May 22.
First Of postwar tasks of Russia
will be to rebuild its motion pic-
lure studios. Before the Germans
came into the land of Stalin by air
and land, there were 14 motion pic-
ture studios operating in Russia.
Studios in Moscow and Leningrad
were badly damaged, while at
Kiev they .were destroyed entirely.
Uiulestroyed equipment from Mos-
cow was transported to spots' in the
Ural mountains for safe keeping.

However, the Russians protected
themselves in making 'films by hav-
ing studios in oul-of-the-way spots
turning oiit entertainment and prop-
aganda films that were not affected
by invasion or attack. These studios
were in Alniaata in Central Asia;
Tashkent. .Central Asia; Tiblisi, in
! the Caucasian mountains, and in
| Sverdlovsk in the Urals..
!' '"'Russian group will be iu Holly-
j wood this week to endeavor to pur-
| chase immediately about $2,000,000
; .equipment consisting , of speed cam-
: (Continued on page 25 1

Bucqnet Given 'Years'

Hollywood, May 22.
Metro, assigned Harold S. Bucquet
as director of the film version of the
A. J. Cronin novel, -"The Grccri
Years," to be produced by Leon
Gordon.

Studio scouts are hunting a boy
for the key role in thp story.

CARROLL BACK AT. M-G

•. Hollywood, May 22,
John Carroll, out of Ihc Army
since ..last November, returns to his
home lot, Metro, for the firsi time
in three years as male topper in "A
Letter For Evic,"

Film is slated for a June start with
Jules Dassin directing.

Maggie O'Brien Granted
12iG Bonus Per Pic

. Hollywood. May i'J.
M;.-r«ai (!t 0;Briciv cif.h -yi-v.---<ld
moppet, will draw a bonus of $12,-
500 per. film in. addition to her 5S0U
weekly salary, under a new Metro
contract approved by' Superior
court.

Court also approved the purchase
of a home for the child star and the
invcs inenf of 20% of her earnings
in War Bonds.

Trafio Mark Boglutorcd
FOUNDED lit SIMM SILVERMAN
Pulillnlied WtrM.r bj VAHIETT. Ibc.

Sid Silverman, President
114 Wcol 40th St., Now Torli 19. N. T.

SUBSCRIPTION .

Annual. ... . .110 Foreign Ill

Single Copies.. 25 feme

Vol.158

120

No. 11

INDEX

Bills. '■:...

.... 50

Chatter

. :.'. 55

Film Reviews.

19

House Reviews

..,.22

Inside Legit. . .'.

52

Inside Music.-.

. , . 40

Inside Orchestras. .

40

Legitimate .

. ... 51

Literati

;...'. 54'

Music

.. ; 42

New Acts. . . . ...... . . .

..... 50

Night Club Reviews. . .

50

Obituary

. . . . . 54

Orchestras

42

Pictures

t

. . • it

Radio

.... 28

Radio Reviews

... 34

Frank, Scully,

Vaudeville .........

....... 47

War Activities

'.'....' 25

(fulillnlieO In Hi.llyu-i,r.<l by
Dally Varloly. I.td.l
tlO a Tcor— J12 I'orelRo

4

Wednesday, May 23, 194,">

ifeai

M5 ,

I

* Til

BUY

WAR BONOS

AT YOUR FAVORITE
MOTION PICTURE
THEATRE

Wednesday, May 23. .1945

This is the BILLION TIME Bond Message That
will cover the Nation Like a Tidal Wave!

"Buy Bonds At Your Favorite Motion Picture Theatre!

Always Open for Bond Sates, Including Sundays, Evnhgs and Holidays!"

48 million Americans will read it in 32 national magazines!

460 million is the total listening audience for the top network programs and regu-
larly scheduled O.W.I, spots that will carry the message!

560 million is the total movie-going audience that will see it week after week in
newsreels and 3 special trailers, plus the "ALL-STAR BOND RALLY"!

100 million will read it on 4500 Railway Express truck signboards!

520 million will be the total reading audience to see it in cartoon strips . . . national
syndicated columns . . . national motion picture reviews . . . motion picture page
mastheads ...

The Slogan will be carried by the three major press wire and photo services!

Sent to Every Exhibitor. Practical Portfolio containing 77 best bond selling aids
and ideas.

National Tie-Iip$ with American Legion . . . Boys' Clubs of
America . . . and other youth organizations.

Arrangements with Treasury, War and Navy Departments
to man your Bond Booths with returned wounded veterans.

Plus all the promotion 16,000 energetic showmen will put in
their own theatres.

That is why the American public will make your theatre its
bond buying headquarters in the MIGHTY SEVENTH!

'A

This message is sponsored as part of their contribution to the War Loan I
(Campaign by Columbia, Metro-Gold wyn -Mayer, Paramount, RKO Radio]
20th Century-Fox, United Artists, Universal and Warner Bros.

V

SHOWMEN'S 7th

UYdtifsday, May 23, 1915

Top Showmanship Methods Evidenced
By Overall Reports on 74 Bond Drive

The "grassroots" plan of organiza-*
Hon of the "Showmen's "Seventh"
war loiin drive has resulted in more
Intensive preparation, greater coop-
eration within the" industry and
more effective campaign setups, ac-
cording to national chairman for the
film industry's participation in the
campaign, Samuel Pinanski.

Wired reports from state chairmen
to Pinanski at headquarters in N.Y '

Army S.S. Needs
Thesp Talent

$1^000 of Broadway Par s H000,00a
Bond Show on Jane 6 Already Sold

That the Army is now in show ] — : — : ^

. business, and not just indirectly, was i twnfk rxc « . II Q^t I

Show Biz ExplortaboD . j^^efr^

f A _ liL ILumI fiwivA -dcr of the Secretary of War. Ses-
■TOl .fill. DODU IMITC. sion was held at quarters occupied
m . 1 COA AAA AAA by llle Special Services Division at
lOUtiS JjU,WU f UUw 521 Fifth ave.. N. Y. Also indicated
Washington. May 22. I^M lnor « £alent is necessary, and i

To Tram Own Dancers
_ For Various Grants

„„., _. , , .. USO-Camp Shows has set up a

tn «„ RAnH R-iiv orincioal lf Professionals are not to be had, , dancin g school at its 39th st. Work-

„ r..™ «. ..c-M-. ~ A St t * v ( •""" • J^ '• scmi -P ros »«? 10 used. i'Aop in N. Y.. to answer ft. pressing

reveal the greatest demonstration of [ Hollywood contribution to the rln | Orders from Washmglon are to set pro blem for dancers for its hospital

showmanship by the industry tor
any drive to date. Typical reports
from chairmen follow

All-Star bond *ho\v "at Warners' WiT-
tcrn. Los Angeles, was tremendous
wilh Bing Crosby. Abbott & Costel-
lo, Paulette Goddacd. Rochester. Ah

War Loan, will -play 1o the largest up a vast amusement pool for enter- ! units variety shows and/ musicals,
audience of any short subject in : tainment, now that V-E Day has ' School has been set up by Miss
. hIi4 „_,- T ««v-'ll»iK- ' • WAC-" Moilv '•' been acnieved. as a must for hos.- : Fanchon (& Marco*, who arrived
.history, Tom- Bail}. WAt. noiiy . Jha| . m redeplovment ^ ■ Hollywowi reoeiitly to

Gus Metzger. Southern California; ! . . . .. , M _.

. - - : >. . ■ • — • 1 wood coordinator for Treasury, re

centers are to be established here , spe nd eight '.weeks helping Abe Last
ported last week. . for rehabilitating GI's destined for ! fogel coordinate a musical program.

Baily, who addressed a luncheon the Japan war ■ fronts. USO-Camp ' Camp Shows estimates it . needs 50
of - government film workers, said ' Shows outfit has over 200 entertain- dancers a month for its various

drews Sisters: Carl Hoff arid his the film would be shown in virtually 'merit units over here and overseas. '| units.

orch. and others taking part. Lead-
ing theatres sold bonds for this
show, and for the next one coming
up on May 25 fiom the Pantages the-
atre stage, with Danny . Kaye broad-
casting from coast-to-coast, plus

every tlieatrical house in the U. S. | including a grow : ng legit contingent ' Dancing school project came about
and Canada, would be screened for j and many vaudeville groups, all sup- when Miss- Fanchon spoke long-dis-
Army and Navy overseas, and is j posed to be made up of professional tance to Hedda Hopper and men-
also slated for full 16 mm. dislribu- | talent ; .' ; tioned her need for dancers. The

tion in connection with the War | xh 0 ( the bottom of the pro talent syndicated columnist ran the item
Loan. '. j barrel', may have been reached ac- (as Winehell did briefly later 1. Re-

preeming his newest' -picture, "Won- j R. Gamble, head of the Treas- -counts for leaders' of the National yponse was so' terrific, according to

' ury War Finance Division, told tiie i Theatre Conference and oilier com- | Camp Shows, with thousands of let-
luncheon that the measurable ex- Inutility' theatre 'groups having been ; iers coming in.. that three girls were
ploitation given to the campaign by. I -invited to the Special Services hud- hired to handle the mail. Mail came
Alms, radio, press and: outdoor ad- Idle. At the conference Broadway in mainly from nonprofessionals—
vertising amount- to about $30.000.-. | showmen were distinctly in the m\- J stenogs, secretaries, salesgirls, etc.
000, of which pix are. donating up- ; nority. wilh few theatre peopje pres- ! Fifty to a hundred leltels still come
wards of $10,000,000. Radio will ' ent. Invitations to them, carrying the '. in daily. Camp Shows will offer a
have a larger shai'e. : name of J. A. Ulio, Major General of I two-week course with classes after-

Gamble bore down heavily 'on' the j the Adjutant General's staff, stated noon and evening, for two hours
growing importance .of 16 mm; . He ; that': •■Reimbursement for transpor- ] cach.-

said this field is producing ' the ! taiioh ... and for actual and tieccs- } — — 7— " '

great single effort", ot-lhe drive from 1 sary expenses, for subsistence while ' JAA I|C1 D II'lVAilli DANH

attending the conference is author- '! 4vW US&Jl U fl wUIl DUIw
ized. Subsistence expenses include - _ vnn ._ irmmrTI itiav

all charges for meals all fees and j DRIVE (jfcT UNUfcK WAT
lips to waiters and dining room

der Man.'

George Mann and R. V. Harvey,
Northern California: Fox. San Fran-
cisco, will have the three Iwo Jima
flag- raising survivors as attractions
for bond prcem June 11. Paramount,
same city, had first bond preem last
week wilh capacity house of "E"
bond buyers!

Rick Ricketson, Colorado: In addi-
tion to statewide free Movie Day
June 6. theatres will also observe an
"Ernie Pyle -Day." and "Here's Your
Infantry" show is touring state's 10
largest cities currently . on bond- ]
selling spree through June 3.

Ray Branch. Michigan: As part of
drive, a School for Charm will be
staged at the Michigan; Detroit, June
23. Ticket to Charm School will be
given with each bond purchase, with
full coterie of experts present to
give lessons in charm.

Frank L. Newman, Sr., Washing-
ton: Following successful initial
bond preem at the Music Hall. Seat-
tle, with a $5,210,146 sale of "FT
bonds, other theatres throughout
state jumping on bandwagon . to fol-
low suit.

Harry C. Arthur, Jr.. Eastern Mis-
souri: American Legion' is cooperat-
ing with local units throughout
drive. Besides running bond booths
at the Fox. St. Louis, Legion com
mander bought $250,000 in bonds
opening day. and pledged sale of $5,-
000.000 in "E" bonds at booth.

These are typical of the reports
received from state chiefs through
out the country, including: Harry L.
Nace, Ariz!: Homer LeBallister, Ne-
vada; C J. Lalta, Albany, N. Y.
area; Max Yellen* Buffalo; Meyer
F'ne. Ohio; H. F. Kincey, North Car
olina: Don R. Rosslter, Indiana; R.
J. O'Donnell, Texas; Ed Fay, Rhode
Island; Herman Levy. Conn.; Har-
old J. Fitzgerald, Wisconsin.
Mere Stub
Children's bond shows set for the
Seventh now total 1,687. 50% more
than during the Sixth, Tom J. Con-
nors' national distributor chairman,
declared early this week, despite
fact that totals are incomplete. In
additioii, 4.378 war bond preems will
be held in theatres, and 8.558 Free
Movie Days are pledged. He added,
however, that much more will have
to be done in order to reach the
objective of a 25 r « increase in all
event categories.

First week of the film industry
drive registered sales amounting to
$1,087,150. Purchases were con-
fined to individual workers in the
studios and allied industries and
consisted chiefly of "E" bonds, sell
ing at $18.75. Corporate purchases
by studios, business companies and
the treasuries of workers' organ iza
tions will start this week and con-
tinue until June 30, the end of the
campaign

Trade Press division of the War
Activities Committee hosted Sam
Pinanski. general chairman of the
industry's Seventh War Loan Com-
mittee, at the Astor hotel; N. Y., last
Thursday' (17). Plans for Pinanski's
"grass rools" campaign, to. reach War
Bond buyers in the hinterland, were
discussed.

N. Y. Journal-American Bond Pitch

The New York Journal-American,
New York's biggest afternoon news-
paper, will take, over the Motion
Picture -Industry's Statue of. Liberty
today (Wednesday) between 12 and
2 p.m. for its "All-Star" Bond Show
sponsored jointly by the newspaper
and the New York Area War Ac-
tivities Committee. This Bond show,
one of the most highly publicised
promotions of the Journal-American
in rec.eht 'yeats,

the picture business.

RADIO DOING A REAL
JOB FOR MIGHTY 7TH

stewards and transportation (taxi)
between
are. tiiken

In chiirj;e of the - conference were
Lf. Col. Marvin Young. Maj. John
Shubert and Capt. Frank McMullcn.
. latter formerly associated wilh col-
been definitely allocated: on the air I lcj , c and' community llieatie activi

Hollywood. May 22.

Washington, May 2-2.
Treasury estimates that, more than
222.000 bond messages have already

for the 7th War- Loan, and figures j lScK USO officials sat in on the ses- i ] ' ed «*"«™*~- . F.hn mdusliy slaits
that the number.will be substantially sion and whl|e the new . entertain: j ^ eu'^l dr '^-' W . rt ^^^ fi

J " ment group will be financed by the ]& 3 ™ m -Z°*^L^ .„

Army, the shows will, probably be workers and companies 1 tin ec
routed hv USO ' ' years of campaigning. Fust object

4- A total of approximately $1,500,-
000 in 7th War Loan bonds' has al-
ready been sold by the Paramount
theatre, N. Y., for the mammoth
show to be given on Gleiin Miller
Day at the theatre the evening 0 f
June 5. It is estimated by Robert
M. Weitman, who ; originated the
idea of Major Glenn Miller Day on a
national basis, that the theatre of
which he's managing director will
sell around $4,000,000 in all. He
hesitate' to make even a. rough
guess for. the country but in add U
tibn . to: special shows such as the
N. Y. Par will give, various theatres
throughout the nation will put on
special premieres, augmented by lo-
cal talent. Legionaire bands and
radio people where stations arc Jo-
cated.

The N. Y. Par is scaled to realize
the $4,000,000 estimate by Weitman it
eyery seat is sold. Seats-, all re-
served, include locations for pur-
chases of $25 up to $1,000, $5,000, and

$10,000 bonds. . ^

Already seats covering bonds up
to and including $500 have been 'sold.
Theatre - will close down .June .Vat
around ,1 p.m. and open its bund
benefit performance at 8:30. We.il-:-
man says it will run to midnight or
a little beyond.'

■ The all-star show and soldier
pageant, in addition to 300 officer's-
and enlisted men of Mitchel Field, .
L. I., plus the 50-piece , Air Force
bHiid from that base,' will include
Charlie Spivak; Count Basie, Benny
Goodman, Louis Prima and Fred
Waring . bands, in addition to such
prominent leaders, sans their bands,
as Jerry \Vald, Gene Krupa, Paul
Whiteman. Guy LombardC, Xavier

lodgings or where meals ' Motion picture industry got under j Cl , Ki)t Cab. Calloway and Sammy
and places of service." . I.^'J' in n l n M l } h War Loan campaign K ^ c ;

'\0ith 400 - volunteer salesmen going
1 into action in all branches of the-
i local film business, with a minimum

goal .of one eicV' a bond to be sold to
: ea'- | i wage earner in studios and aU

before the. drive ends '

increased
June 30.

Among the programs staled to dale ] rol it ec i by USO.
are included 296 commercial shows. "limrvcv- riearnl

and 370 sustaining programs on na- '
tional webs which will run 1ft
minutes or move. Also sched

^^T V^ZVrZTZrbe^'^ E ile *n" was' cancelled after
on 875 local stat ons. There will be , ,

more than 48,000 broadcasts of lhe ! setting was bu.lt and the show

flve-to-15-minute transcriptions pre-

cunei's will be. Eddie Canlor. Mil-
ton Beile. Perry Conio, Morton
'Downey, Marion . Huttoti, Johnny
Johnson. Allan Jones, Gil Lamb, The
Modernaires. Dean Murphy, Jo
Stafford, Ethel Waters and Tip, Tap
& Toe.

l is to pass the $100,000,000 mark be-
fore the end of May

Relations between USO and Spe? j . Hollywood's first bond premiere,
uled 1 cial S« l vic es have been strained at slaged at the Paramount theatre,
icnts various times, starting when "My „ losS ed $325,000. House was a com-

pared by Treasury.

These figures do not include the
number of times that local stations
will air the special kit of 188 bond
messages by screen, radio and stage
stars, as well as by other prominent
figures. . .

Han Dsoce Sellout For
Clefe. Canteen Benefit

Cleveland, My.y 22.

From the viewpoint" of profit" and
cooperation, the "National Barn
Dance" troupe's show held at '.he
Arena last Saturday (.19) was one of
the most successful performances
ever held here for the benefit of the
Stage Door Canteen.

Donated by Alka-Seltzer, the com-
pany of 50 from WLS in Chicago
rang up a sell-out, grossing nearly
$20,000, at $5 top for patrons' tickets.
After traveling and hotel expenses
were deducted, the canteen netted a
reported $14,000. Figure may go
even higher after accounting of
ticket sales is completed.

After broadcast, troupe put on a
two-hour show for estimated audi-
ence of 12,100. Guest stars were El-
ton Britt. Bluebird singing cowboy;
Eddie Peabody, banjoist rrom Hol-
lenden's Vogue Room, and Gene
Carroll, of WJW. Al Siilphin do-
nated his Arena to the Cnn'.ecn for
its show. Lee Repp, head of local
musicians' union, headed' the pro-
gram' committee which included
Charles Raymond, Carl Le/.ius and
D'Arve Barton. '

BON VOYAGE BING, V0ICE|

USO-Camp Shows completed ar-
rangements for Frank Sinatra's over-
seas tour with a GI show troupe
consisting of Phil Silvers, Fay Mc-
Kenzie Bhd Betty Yeaton. Cast will
be assembled at an embarkation
point for early departure.

Meanwhile, Bing. Crosby wound
up his chore in "The Bells of St.
Mary's" at RKO and left for an en-
tertainment tour.

ready to play-. the camps. More re-
cently it was reported that "Harvey"
had been delayed tor overreas.

Because' t,he play kids a psychi-
atrist it was thought that some Army
medicos may be miffed over the
prize- winning play (48th Street,
N. Y;>. However, after ' "Har-
vey" was performed al St. Al-
bans' Naval Hospital, L. I., the com-
mandant wrote Brock Pemberton.
the show's producer, to the effect
that no play could have surpassed
the performance's benefit to the
wounded men, both morally and
otherwise. Early this .week "Harvey"
was cleared by USO.

CAPT. LANDIS' SHIFT

Detroit. May 22.
Capt. Cullcn Landis. fo r m e r
screen star, was home here on leiive
prior to returning to Astoria, L. I.,
for reassignment. He returned here
from Leyte where he had directed
filming of ihe infantry in action dur-
ing the invasion.

plele sellout before the performance
began, with customers buying bonds
for seats during the six previous
days at Hollywood Blvd. stores, the-
atres and banks. On Die screen was
"Affairs of. Susan" and from the
stage Basil Rathbone . and Nigel
Bruce broadcast "Sherlock Holmes"
over KHJ- Preem was the first of
seven to be held during the seven
weeks of -the drive. Next will be
at the Pantages, with Danny Kaye
starring.

Away from Hollywood, Waller
Pidgeois opened the drive in Akron,
i O.. and followed with rallies in
Milwaukee and Chicago. Kaye ap-
peared in Buffalo and Bill Elliott al
Delano, Cal., the first American
town to go over the lop in the sixth
War Loan drive.

L. A. to N Y.

'Morris I. Davis.
Helen Ferguson.
Bcrnie Fincman.
William Fincshribcr
Barry Gray.
John Harvey.
Kim Hunter.
Sol Hiii«k.
Sam Jade.
Fra hk : King,
Morris King.
Carl Lcscrmun
Ida Lupino.
Lillie Messinger.
Bert Pragcr.
LeRoy Prinz.
Edward C. Ra fiery.
Shorty Shcrock.
Don Stauffer.
Eorl Wilson.

N. Y. to L. A

Lester Gottlieb.
William Licbliqg.
Louis B. Mayer.
Edward Stevenson. .
Dorothy Stewart
Howard ,Strick)ing.
Jesse Zunser!

'Here's Your Infantry'
Touring N. Y. State

. Schenectady. May 22.
Lieut". Tom Shanahan. former
Milwaukee announcer, is one of the
top men in a "Here's Yodr In-
fantry" troupe touring- New York
State in the interests of the 7th.-
War Loan. Three decorated, combat
men were interviewed over WOKO.
Albany, last week by Lieut. Shan-
ahan. .

WGY will carry the show, in
which 37 veterans give a realistic
demonsli'Elibn of infantry, weapons
and tactics, when i't "s presented
Thursday 1 241, in Central Park..
More than 1,000 different items,
from, bullets' to. radio sets, are dis-
played. Flame throwers are used in
flushing out a Japanese, pill box. A
crowd of 15,000 watched the show
in the Albany Municipal Stadium.

"Here's your Infantry," of which
there are 25 companies traveling
around the country, is a joint offer-
ing of the Anny and the Treasury
Dept. It is designed to show -civil-
ians the expensivehess of war and
to hypo, the sale of War Bonds.

Seallle'i, »5,206,0M Sales

Seattle, May 22.
. Bond rally, at the Music Hall iHairi-
rick-Evergreen, 2.200-seater, netted
sale of $5,200,000 in bonds, which is
considered good, coming so early in
Ihe- drive; Former record was over
$10,000,000. but that' was toward the
end of the last drive, when the sTtua T
lion was hot?

M. H. had show from' local Port of
Embarkation, tilled "Bonds' of Free-
dom."

' Next Thursday the Orpheum will
be given over to bond admish. with
Ft. Lewis soldiers putting on show,
"Kapers in Khaki."

Ohlo'i Bangup Bend Pitch .

Columbus, May 22.

More than 500 war bond pre-
mieres, over. 1,100 free movie day
participations, and 729 children's
matinees have been scheduled by
Ohio theatres for the 7lh War Loan
campaign, - announced Pete J. Wood,
secretary of the Independent Thea-
tre Owners of Ohio. On the basis
of pledged events, sales in theatres
will be in excess of $150,000,000, he
estimated.

In Akron, O.. during the first 24
hours of the current drive, the "Fox--
hole", downtown bond headquarters,
sold $135,000 in bonds. All bond
buyers received free admissions to
local bond premieres; The: "Fox-
hole" has numerous attractions, in-
cluding many Japanese war trophies.-

Adams, Newark, Sellout

The- "'Salute to Glenn Miller" .show
put on by A. A. Adams, last night
(Mon ; ) at his Adams theatre..
Newark, was a sellout. Gross in sale
of bonds Was close to $1,000,000.

RKO GOLFEHT'S BOND fSIZES

War bonds were given as prizes
in the 10th annual golf tournament
held yesterday -<Tues.) at the West-
chester Country Club.

Over 300 RK(T employees and
guests attended.

Theatres to. the Rescue
Rochester, N. Y., May 22.
Jay Golden, city manager of the
five . RKO>Par-C6inerfird theatres,
exhibited the goodwill engendered
by the War Bonds drive by coming
to the rescue of 'B. Formanls store
after the newspapers turned down a
page ad publicizing a- $1,000 bond
giveaway. The War Bonds, selling
stunt came , under the newspapers'
ban oh gambling copy; -
' Manager Golden placed - huge
cards publicizing the Forman stunt
in all five theatres and it went over
with tremendous success. First time
anything like this done when the
theatres didn't have an angle in the
deal. However, it's pretty certain to
help in future exploitation efforts.

Wednesday, May 23, 1945

PICTURES

Metros Literary Blueprint For
Europe; Intensive Story Hunt

Metro is
for Britain

preparing a blueprint*

and Europe geared for
an intensive literary treasure hunt
to aid in providing suitable material
for the roster- of some 33 stars which
Ihe studio will have when all of its
male b;o. toppers are back from
the wars. Finding material for
stellar names, has become one of
the most troublesome problems in
production.

A concerted effort is to be made
to ferret out writers driven under-'
ground, in 'Europe, during the . years
ot oppression and those who have
been in the armed, forces of Britain,
and other countries.

Problem, according to Voldemar
Vetluguin, executive editorial as-
sistant to Louis B.. Mayer, is how
to find these writers and some of
the material which may have been
written and taken underground dur-
ing the war years.

"There is much talent there."
stated Vetluguin. "but we don't
know how much. England remains;
the white hope, although there is
much to be done on the Continent
also: But while there are lots of
brilliant writers in England there
are not very many who write good
material for the screen,"

In addition to the stars already
listed, there will also be the new
crop of stars currentliy in the mak-
ing to be provided for.
■ Plan of action to line '.up story
material now revolves about the
following: i. European survey. 2. old
properties owned by Melro but
thus far unproduccd, and 3. current
new properties.

Among properties which Melro is
dusting off for early production are
Arnold Bennett's ''Sacred and Pro-
fane Love,'' bought in the '20s. and
"Nutmeg Tree," by Marjorie Sharpc.
purchased about seven or eight years
ago. "Postman Always Rings Twice"
was on the Metro shelf for about
.10 years before it was produced, as
was "National Velvet," currently in
release. . " .

In planning for production, in Eng-
land, Vetluguin believes that scripts
should be prepared in the. U. S.
and then sent over for shooting be-
cause of the more adept handling of
screen material by American-trained
writers. He cited ''Good-bye Mr.
Chips," where Sidney. Franklin su-
pervised the scripting, as an ex-
ample.

Plans for sending American film
stars to England for production there
of British yarns With British sup-
porting casts, is still a live issue in
Metro councils.

Scouts Gander Thesp

Talent in Colleges

Hollywood, May 22,
Major league baseball scouts, who
used to gander, the. collegiate field
in spring, are superseded now by
major studio scouts, whose job is to
induce photogenic students to sign
on the dotted line.

Stacy Reach. Universal lost di-.
rector .'and exec in charge of iiew
talent., shoved off on a two-week
tour of Texas, where Ann Sheridan,
Brenda Marshall and other, film stars
were discovered.

RKO Will Finance
4 Legits on B'way

RKO will finance four Broadway
productions next season, partially or
wholly, stated Bill Dozier.' assistant
to. studio v.p. Charles Koerner. in
N. Y. 'Monday (21). If shows are suc-
cessful, company then garners screen
rights to them at little cost: as in
the case of current smashevoo, "I
Remember Mama."

Among the shows which RKO will
help finance for Broadway produc-
tion are "Alice Blue Gown." mod-
ernized musical version of "Irene."
by; James Montgomery, and Harry
Tierney, which Charles Casanave
will produce; ''Legend of Sleepy
Hollow," the: Washington Irving
classic, which will be set to music
and produced by Oscar SerMn, with
(Continued on page 19)

GOLDMAN'S POSTWAR
PHILLY BLDG. PLANS

- Philadelphia, May 22.

William Goldman, operator of an
Indie chain of Aimers, including three
in midtown Philly, is reported looking
at possible sites for new houses to be
built after the war.

Among the places Goldman is said
to be interested in is the site df the
old Kuglers Restaurant, 15lh and
Chestnut, considered one of the
choice locations in downtown Philly.

Goldman operates the Keiths and
Karlton, both formerly part of the
Stanley-Warner chain,, and the News,
an all-nighter which features re-
issues and newsreels, He also op-
erates several houses in nabe loca-
tions in Philly and in several upstate
. cities.

Goldman, a former zone manager
for Warners, is currently engaged in
litigation against Warner Bros, and
the major distribs, claiming thev had
conspired to prevent him from ob-
taining first run product for the Er-
langcr; a former legiter, which he
has under lease, The case is pending
in the U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

To Examine Selznick In
'Rebecca' Story Suit

David O. Selznick is scheduled for
examination before trial in connec-
tion with the plagiarism suit brought
oy Edwjna MacDonald, author of the
novel, "Blind Windows." Notice for
|nc examination was filed last week
m N - Y. federal court. Aclion
dirges that the film, "Rebecca.'-'
Produced by Selznick, was copied
irom her novel.

Co-defendants are Selznick Inter-
national, Selznick Productions,
united Artists and Dalphne Du Mau-
ser, author of the alleged infringed
novel, "Rebecca."

Some Execs Oppose
B.R. Legits Unless
Sure of Pix Rights

Growing opposition . is reported
among motion picture production
execs to financing of plays unless
studio can also acquire the screen
rights at the same time. Understood
that Louis B: Mayer, Metro produc-
tion head, is among those strongly
against investing in a play if the
company, cannot secure the . film
rights outright. (This Is contradic-
tory to RKO's William Dozier here-
with.)

View among some production ex-
ecs, is that play financing is riot
undertaken by film companies for
the financial profit to be derived
from the run of a legit piece but
rather to secure a suitable vehicle
for screening. ■ Since , play financing
remains highly speculative, view is
thai ir a vehicle cannot be bought
for pictures then, the studio might
just as weir gamble with the ponies
or in the stock market. '

Also, if the studio invests in a play
and is subsequently obliged to bid
Tor the screen rights on the open
market against all comers, then the
company can often as conveniently
bid tor a. property without prior
bankrolling. In many instances, of
course,- there have been arrange-
ments for sale of screen rights to
compenics financing ley i t produc-
tion.

Mayer, it is reported, has told
Metro production personnel that the
main question in purchase -of- .the
screen rights to a- play is whether
it has n part for one of , the studio
stars. It jt has. price is no object:'
otherwise, no deal.

Metro still remains closed to per-
centage deals, either for literary
properties or production units.

Could It Be Necking Has
Something to Do With It ?

Rochester, N. Y:. May 22.
Gradon Hodges, manager of the
Driv'en-in, is wondering '. why ■ he
closes for the. winter. The evening
of Rochester's worst May snowstorm
in 50 years he drove put to the
theatre expecting to make a routine
inspection and 'head' back for. his
fireside.

Instad. he found customers already
wailing and by the lime the show
opened there were 50. cars in the

lot. '' .- ,

All remained to see the show
through despite Ihe chilly, miserable
weather. Manager Hodges was so
surprised and pleased that he handed
out passes so they'd be sure to re-
Turn oii a balmy night and enjoy it
more. . >

l(hYr.-0ld 'CaO of Wild'
(Gable) Finally Okayed
For Reissue By ^Oth-Fox

Following tiff between Metro and
20th-Fox, which was finally ironed
out by attorneys for the tw-> com-
panies. 20th is releasing "Call of
the Wild," Clark Gable starrer, June
15. Metro has a Gable production
under way and, from accounts, had
twice previously objected to reissue
"Call of the Wild."

Understood that 20th. and Metro
had reached an agreement for the
release of the film once previously,
but when 20th announced plans -it
was obliged to withdraw the reissue
when Metro objected.

More recently 20th again began
to press for a decision and. when
Metro raised objections, turned to
the legal department for aid- in ad-
justing the problem. 20th, from ac-
counts, was twice' prevented from
releasing the .film within a year.
Understood that 20th execs took po-
sition that, aside from other ques-
tions, the picture had been an-
announced for release and could not
be brushed off - lightly.

According to a statement by Tom
Connors! v.p. in charge of distribu-
tion for 20th-Fox, Metro claimed
that certain restrictive provisions in
the agreement for the loan of
Gable's services by Metro for "Call
of the Wild" had been violated.

Film was. produced around 10
years ago by Joseph M. Schenck and
Darryl F. Zanuck under the 20th
Century . banner and was brought
into 20fh-Fox when the merger was
effected.

Spyros. Skouras, 20th-Foic prexy,
and . Nick Schenck, Loew's prexy.
originally discussed the matter.
- What 'Variety' Said

Reviewed in "Variety" Aug. 21,
1935. with Clark Gable-Lorelta
Young-Jack Oakic co-starred (89-
minules). "Variety" said: "The lion-
hearted dog that was. Jack London V
creation as the leading character
in 'Call of the -Wild' emerges now
as a stooge for a conventional pair
of human lovebirds. Changes hav j
made the canine classic hardly rec- |
ognizablc, but they have not done
any damage, for this 'Call of the
Wild', rewritten and produced as
a talker, is strong entertainment.
Both on merit and castings it will do
business. This is the second trip for
the London novel to the -screen.
Palhe made it in 1923."

L000 Pickets Per Studio Threat
To Force Production Shutdown;
Move to Scuttle Sorrell Nixed

Decorators Election Set

Hollywood, May 22.

National L a b o r Relations
Board designated May 24 as
election day for Studio Set Deco-
rator:,: Ballot will select a col-
lective bargaining agency for
that craft and may settle the
strike that has been pestering
the motion picture industry for.
10 weeks.

Striking decorators, as well as
'those who have taken their
places in the studios, will decide
whether they want to be repre-
sented by .the Screen Set Design-
ers. Illustrators and Decorators
Local 1421; the lATSE Local .44,
or by no union.

306 AND N.Y. THEATRES
STARTING ON NEW PACT

A meeting between representatives
of major N. Y. theatre operators and
representatives of Local 306, Moving
Picture Machine Operators of N. Y.,.
will be held tomorrow (Thursday)
in the office of C. C. Moskowitz, v.p.
of Loew's, to discuss, renewal of the
306 contract which expires Sept. 1
next. Though the operators will ask
Tor increases and improved working
conditions, Herman Gelber, presi-
dent of 306, did not think it fair to
the circuit operators to reveal de-
tails prior to holding of tomorrow's
get-together.

Meantime, 306' is battling with
major distributors for a new contract
to cover operators in preview rooms
in homeofflces and exchanges retro-
active to last September, when the
old deal ran out. A two-ye^r con-
tract is sought. While 306 is asking
an increase from $77 to $100 weekly,
in view of the fact there is a dis-
pute over the limitations of the Lit-
tle Steel formula, the operators'
union may be willing to settle for an
additional 5% boost, providing the
-difference in demands is. made up
'through extra vacation time with
pay. sick leave and other benefits.

Since the projection rooms ops re-
ceived a 10% increase under the
contract which expired last Septem-
ber, another -5% now would bring
them up to Little Steel.

Eastern Labs Will
Probably Settle

A walkout of laboratory techni-
cians employed in N. , Y. ( Long
Island and northern New Jarsey
labs, which would tie up pictures,
badly since the bulk of printing is
done in the east, will probably be
averted following notice of intention:
last week by the union to strike.'
Locat 702. Motion Picture Labora-
tory Technicians of the IATSE, ex-
pects that a settlement may be
reached by the end of this week.
.For its 2,000 members, Local 702
is asking for increase which vary
considerably in addition to boosts
under reclassifications. Lab work-
ers are now getting a top of $90 a
week.

Pointing out that Ihe union has
been battling with employers for
six months, John Francavilla, presi-
dent and business manager of 702,
slated that all counter-proposals of
lab operators were considered' un-
desirable and. as a result, last week
a . vote to strike within 30 days if
a final deadlock was reached was
taken. This 30-day intention to
strike is known as the "cooling-off"
period under the Smith-Connolly
law. The intention to. strike within
that period of time was filed with
the Secretary of Labor, and with
the National Labor Relations Board.
Strike vote was 93% of the member-
ship, according to Francavilla.

Members of the Labor Techni-
cians, some part-time, others full-
time, are employed in IB eastern
labs. Except for all Technicplor
printing. Columbia's pictures and
some printing for other distribs, all
labor work is done in the east.

4 Pix in Final Paramount
Block; 29 Entire Season

Scheduling only three pictures
for its sixth and final block this
season, and selling aside one picture
to be sold singly, Paramount will
wind up the current season (1944-
45) with only .29 pictures, including
reissue of Cecil B. DcMille's "Sign
of Ihe Cross." In prewar days Para-
mount delivered as- many as 60
pictures a season.

Pictures to go out under separate
contract is "Incendiary Blonde.''-
Block of . three, on whicli trade
screenings are now being planned,
are "You Came Along," "One Ex-
citing Night" and "Out of. This
World.' : "Came Along" is the sec-
ond delivered to Par by Hal Willis.

NW Product Shortage
May Force Some to Open
Only Fridays-Sundays

Minneapolis, May 22.
Because of the product shortage,
which threatens to become even
more acute, some Twin City nabe
and suburban exhibs arc planning to
curtail summer operations to week-
ends/Fridays to Sundays. It would
be the first time that Minneapolis
and SI. Paul showhouses went off a
seven-day sked.

Before taking such a radical
course, the exhibitors say they'll
probably try to operate the full
week with fewer changes. Boxofflce
results will determine (heir final
course, they assert.

Because , of the frequent tack, of
"A" pictures, there is more double
featuring in the Twin City independ-
ent negihborhood- situations than
ever before, the procedure being
j to link up two of the "B" or lower
'classification films. For the first
! time some of the neighborhood
j houses are running double features
o,n Saturdays and Sundays. Hitherto'
this always has been one of the
strongest single-feature territories.

-.'... • Hollywood, May 22.

Roy Brewer, IATSE international
rep, stymied a peace move for set- .
tlement of the 11- week-old film
strike yesterday (21 ) when he re-
portedly insisted that Herbert Sor-
rell, Conference of Studio Unions
prexy, step but of the picture and
that the CSU be scuttled.

Sorrell agreed to quit immediately
if^ a satisfactory settlement was
made with the strike strategy com-
mittee. . However, Sorrell was told
he should hot step out by W. P.
Lihdelof, Painters Union's interna-
tional president, in a call from the
east. William Hutchinson, Carpenr
ters chief, and other labor toppers
are said to share this attitude with
Lindelof. Painters Union commit-
tee, which accompanied' Tom Ran-
ford, prexy of the Central Labor
Council and "head Of the district
council of- painters, to the meeting,
also gave the axe 16 the proposal: to
do away with the CSU.

At a general mass meeting of
unionists Sunday night (20), a
strategy change was proposed where-
by strikers will throw a line of 1,000
pickets around a single studio - in-
stead ot splitting up forces at differ-
ent lots. Stated any studio thus
picketed would close within five or
six days. Proposal will be voted on
by the strategy committee some time
this week. ■

Plans for a national boycott ot
films have been hustled along with
letters being sent to 1,500 Painters
locals throughout the country, and
other unions will have letters mailed
to them. Sorrell was notified yester-
day by Willis Hill, biz rep of the
downtown carpenters, that he had
forced the Metro location unit of
"She Went to the Races" to vacate
shooting at the Hollywood Park
racetrack. Sorrell declared Willis
had advised him the track manage-
ment was notified the carpenters and
building service employees would
walk out. if the company was al-
lowed to shoot.

Little other activity was registered
with both sides preparing for the
election of the Set Decorators
Thursday. (24) at the National Labor
Relations Board,

Richard Walsh, IATSE president,
and his International officials were
handed a legal setback in Superior
.Court when Judge Emmett Wilson
issued a temporary injunction re-
straining them from interfering with
regular meetings and business of
IATSE Local 44. Order also halted
the proposed International trial of
four members of Local 44 for re-
fusing to work outside their juris-. v
diction.

Injunction is effective until May
29, when Judge Wilson will hear the
application of 21 members of the
Local 44 for a permanent order to
restore the union's autonomy, which,
they charge, was seized by the In-
ternational on March 30 because the
local passed a resolution refusing to
work as strikebreakers.

Four members of Local 44, re-
cently ordered to trial by Walsh
lieutenants for t'acting against the
best interests of the IATSE." are
Jesse Sapp, Irwin Hcntschel, Gene
Ames and Robert Anies. They had
gone on record as refusing to: take
over jobs of studio strikers.

M-G Scans 'Soldier's Wife'
For Prod., by Geo. Haight

Screen rights to "Soldier's Wife,"
bought by Metro for $75,000 guar-
antee plus 15% of the b.o. for the
run of the play up to a total ceiling
of $200,000. is being scanned for
production on- the lot. Rose Franken
wrote it.

32 WBSCRIBS BANGING
OUT 32 SCREENPLAYS

Hollywood, May 22.
Script mill at Warners Is running
in high gear, with 32 writers work-
ing on thai number of story prop-
erties for summer and fall, produc-
tion.

Typewriter battery includes Cleve
Adams,' Leopold Atlas, Graham
Baker. James Blopdworth, W. R.
Burnett, John Collier, Eugene Con-
rad,; Tom D'Andres, Roger. Denny,.
I. A. L. Diamond, Saul Elkins,
Barney Glazer. Harold Goldman,
Christopher Isherwood, James Grif- ■
fin Jay; Gordon Kahn,, Howard
Koch, Emmet Lavery, Bert Law-
rence, Alan LeMay, Barre Lyndon,.
Ranald MacDougall, Richard N.
Nash, Eliot Paul, Tom Reed, Jack
Scholl. Charles Tedford, Leo Town-
send, Catherine Turney, Lionel Wig-
-gsm and'THames 'Williamson.

Wednesday, M»y 23, 1945

9

W/rtf ALL VOW! MIGHT! THE MIGHTY 1th WAR LOAN I

,0 * IUPiho? n '» o bjective

Wcttsu$Ayf

' '"df| C f • r i III ' f U M rr nji » » r m

10

PICTURES

Wednesday, Slay 23, 1945

Indie Film Producers Seek Own Czar;
Must Have 'Stature,' Says Selznick

The Society of Independent Motion/
Picture Producers is ^determined to
set up an organization, with an in-
ternational figure as Us president,,
"to whom no doors are closed, so
»s not to be caught in Hie middle,
a.s several- of its members were in
the current studio strike, according
to David O. Selznick.

"The indies are taking a beating
because of the attitude of the, big
studios toward the strike,", the Him
producer told the trade press in
jj; Y. "They, of course, are in a bet-
ter position to hold put because of
their manpower and material pool.
■ than we are." He .'hopes that a lop ex-
ecutive for the SlfylPP will be an-
nounced within a fortnight.

Selznick revealed that he has had
preliminary discussions with S. Ar-
thur Rank concerning a production
and distribution deal between : him-
self and the British film chief, but.
nothing tangible had come out of the
exchange arid he will not see Rank
until the latter arrives on the Coast
next month. He denied any possi-
bility of a . distribution partnership
with Samuel Goldwyn, pointing out
that he has enough of a production
organization among his own' con-
traclees to lake over, or start a new
distrib organization arid keep it busy
selling his own product. Selznick
also denied any thought of getting
into exhibition, slating that his
partnership deal with Goldwyn for
showing of their pix at the Astor,
N. y:, Will 'riot necessarily. spread to
other cities, unless the situation war-
rants, and then it may not . be
in partnership with Goldwyn, but
others.

Fix Plans .......

Pointing out that "Spellbound," his
latest, goes into the Astor around
Labor -Day, with four or five open-
ings elsewhere prior to that : date.
Selznick revealed that he plans to
make possibly five pictures in 1945-
46, but is not striving for any par-
ticular quantity. "Rather," he said,,
"we'll make as many pictures as we
think we can do justice' to." Raw-
stock for production is not a prob-
lem, he added, but rather for dis-
tribution, so that if he makes a pic-
ture and roadshows it, or exhibits
the film in pre-release engagements
for six months, : the rawstock crisis
may become alleviated and thus not
hinder the production of more than
five pictures. His organization pre
views pictures. until, they are edited
down to as near perfect audience
approval as possible, Selznick re
vealed, adding that the running time
of a picture is not ah important fac
tor in its ultimate, gross, pointing
to his two greatest successes, "Gone
With the Wind," arid "Since You
Went Away," both of which rah far
longer than the average picture

In talking about the Breen censor-
chip code for pictures, the producer
declared, "I believe that the 'industry
should have, a standing committee
to' revise the code every couple of
years with the changing limes. The
code," he added, "is' a healthy one,
and should be enforced, which
Joseph Breen's job, and neither
nor the SIMPP, have any intention
of departing from the Breen organi
zation."

Selznick sounded a warning lo the
film industry, in its dealings with
foreign governments, stating that
this situation in the next six months
"will require farsightedness," and
the appointment of a "secretary of
Btate," for pictures to deal with. this
important revenue, source. The ex-
tent to which the film industry can
expect freedom in its dealings with
other nations depends upon the in-
dustry representation abroad, he
pointed out, : adding, ' "the situation
calls for a little less . ego. fewer
statutes and more statesmanship."

J. K. Henry, 37, Dies As
Result of Auto Accident

J. Kenneth Henry, district man-
ager over the East Bronx. N. Y. and
Woslehcslcr county for the Skouras
circuit, died Sunday ■ 20) a I Ford-
ham hospital, N. Y., from injuries
received in air aulo .accident in the
Bronx , early Friday morning 1 18).
His auto collided with a truck. II
is believed he fell asleep at the i
wheel. . I
^Originally an assistant manager J
for the old Fox Metrolopitaii chain. '
Henry had been a district .manager
ror . Skouras for the past three years.

lie was 37 years old and leaves a
widow and two daughters. Funeral
is being held today (Wednesday).

J»ix Diwy», 194S

Washington; May 22.

Picture industry dividends
are running behind figures for
last year, according to the lal -st
study o£ : the Department of
Commerce.

For .the .first four months of
1945 the cut to stockholders
totaled $5,000,000, as contrasted
with $3,700,000 for the. some pe-
riod a year earlier. Reason for
the dive' was April. Melon cut
during this month amounted to
only $400,000 which, ran well be-
hind the $1,600,000 for April,
1944. Up to Inst month, 1945 was
slightly ahead.

WB/HoytsEnd
Feud, Set Deal

Mono's 'Dillinger' Gets
Major Studio Analysis,
Also Readjusted Terms

.; Grossing power of a? $200,000.
budgeier. such as "Dillinger" (Mono-
gram), which now looms as $1,000.-
000 domestic rental, grosser, has
"alerted" major studios where 37
showings of the fllrri have already
been . reported held for production
taffs in an effort lo analyze its b.o.
values. (There have been eight .staff
screenings, at one studio alone).
Film has two stock players, borrowed
from RKO (Lawrence Ticrriey and
Anne Jeffrey) for its leads.
Curiously enough, Steve Broidy.
p. in charge of sales for Mono-
gram, told "Variety", last week that
he does not; consider "Dillinger" the
opening guri in any "cycle" of gang-
ster films and does not plan another.

Broidy, like many, produclioi. ex-
ecs, does not believe in the theory of
gangster film cycles," although he.
ike others, is aware of the steady
market for action pictures" of all
ypes which, as reported in "Variety"
several months ago, production de-
partments believe will be in even
greater demand ' as a result of the
war psychosis.

Monogram, which moved in fast
when some of the majors dropped
smaller-budgeted action pictures, is
counting on such forthcoming pic-
tures' as "Divorce," "Black Market
Babies" (dealing with sale of illegal
babies), "Allotment Wives'" (about
women married to several service-
men and collecting service pa\).
rather than gangster themes, for big
revenues.

Meantime, following strong opon r
ings in New York (where "Dillinger"
grossed approximately $92,000 in
three weeks at the 720-soat Victoria
theatre) and other spots across the
country, selling terms.for "Dillinger'
have been readjusted. Film started
off with some 4,000 accounts, has
about 6,500 bookings currently arid is
expected to reach 10,000. Some ex-
hibs, despite prior deals, have moved
the film to better houses and made
.new deals with Monogram, according
to Broidy. Film has been given holi-
day, playing time over the

Sydney, May 22.
Warners and Hbyis circuit have
finally pactcd a new long-term doal
covering the entire chain of the lat-
ter in Australia with the exception
of Perth. In that. city, Warner piod-
i.'ucl goes to. Fullers. Contract lakes
in Warners' current season's produc-
tion.

Cowan Nixes Running to the Gov't
On Beefs; No GI Joe' Roadshow

"Don't make a hero out of me,"

| was Ernie Pyle's repealed reminder

™ L i , r< • I to Lesler Cowan regarding the fllm-

Tabll Oil GI Joe Cussing i in(5 : of .. G i j oe ... Pylei whose invm

Cowan Challenges Hays

Lester Cowan, producer of "Stb.ty
of G, I.- Joe.'" film based on writings
of the late Ernie Pyle, war corres-
pondent, may- either appeal or take
oilier action if he would retain the
swear words which the Hays office
has suggested be deleted. Cowan in-
tends discussing the mailer willi
newspapermen who knew Pyle well

able .response to- various matters
which Cowari submitted to him for
approval in making the film was "I
trust you," .lo the end kept advising
Cowan to "Remember,, this is to be
a picture about the dl's, not about
me." .

Cowan, in a: press interview in

and it they think it would be un- N. Y. last Monday «21), slnlcd that
fair lo the late war correspondent he has not reached any decision

Pact gives Warners entry into 140
picture theatres of Hoyls and ends a
long-standing feud here between the
film theatre circuit and the' U. S.
company. Wolfe Cohen, Warner v.p.
in charge of Australasia and Latin-
Americas, signatured for WB, while
Ernest Turnbull, Hoyts managing di-
rector, signed for the circuit.

Turnbull now is on his way to
N Y. for confabs .with Spyros Skou-
ras and other '20tn-Fox" executives.

Chi Crime Historian
Revives a Few Names

BY MIKE CONNOLLY

Chicago, May 22.
As- lorig-asTscenarists'are going to
be put to work instanter turning out
epics on the lives of gangsters, per
report in -"Variety," May 16, on the
theory that the public is "ready for
a cycle of this type of film fodder as
relief from war stuff," it is hereby
respectfully suggested that the boys
drop everything and get them to Chi
in a hurry, because if it's material
they're after the police station blot-
ters here are full of it.
■ Why stop at v Chi's own John Dill-
inger, Al Capone, Roger Tuohy
Pretty Boy Floyd, and the Karpis
Kids'? There's a lot of melodramatic
food for thought in careers of the
following, some of whom are dead,
others alive (although there isn't a
libel suit left in those of the battered
characters listed who are still alive
and kicking in this land of the G . and
the- knave). Step right up, boys, and
get 'em while they're hot:

Jalie the , Barber Factor, phony
stocks and bonds; Bugs Moran. who.se
gang was wiped out in the St. Val-
entine Day massacre a couple of
years ago, while he was standing on

to tamper with material taken from
Pyle's newspaper column, he will
contest the purported deletions. If
not, he will simply make the cuts
asked via the. Hays office PC A.

Only one word in one line in one
scene is involved.

'Actually, no part of "G. I Joe"
has-been banned or scissored by the
Ways office. Cowan revealed last
week that the MPPDA informed him
certain dialog was regarded as pro-
; fane under PCA regulations, and
] suggested that changes be made.

Skinner-Kimbrough No
'P&P' or 'Katzenjammer
Kids'; Appeal Vs. Par

Albany, May. 22.
Cornelia Otis Skinner, actress-au-
thor, and Emily Kimbrbugh have
carried to^he Court of Appeals the
dismissal- in a lower tribunal. of their
action .against Paramount Pictures
for an injunction forbidding use of
their names in "There Hearts Were
Growing Up." The playwrights sold
Par the film, rights to their clicker.
Our Hearts Were.. Young' and Gay."
They contend that use of their
name* in the sequel "will make of
the plaintiffs serial ' Characters such
as, 'Potash and Perlmuller' and 'Kat-
zenjammer . Kids.'". The' brief de-
clares: "The story is wholly objec-
tionable to plaintiffs." The book on
which- Paramount made a picture
was based, on their actual experi-
ences during a trip to Europe, the
two women say.

The feature Paramount is now
producing is described as one on
alleged boarding school experiences
featuring the same names and char-
acters. Paramount claims that the
$50,000 paid for the film' rights gave
the company the future use of the
"characters" in the book. The com-
pany has spent about $500,000 on the
second picture, it Is said.

Puerto Rico Chosen As
'Guerrilla' Lens Site

Hollywood, May 22.
Filming of "An American Guerrilla
in the Philippines," based on the
exploits of Lieut. I. D. Richardson

a corner somewhere waiting for a on the Island of Leyte. will be done
streetcar; Dion O'Banion, who hid : enlii-ely on location in Puerto Rico
Ihe hooch behind the "Rest In Peace" j by. 20th-Fox.
RKo i n o r al offerings and wound up a] Original plan was to shoot the

Lloyd Drops Criminal
Phase in His Suit Vs. U

Lps Angeles, May 22.
Harold Lloyd withdrew criminal
complaints in connection with his
$1,800,000. copyright infringement
suits against Universal,' although the
civil action will continue. Criminal
charges were withdrawn, according
to Lloyd's counsel, because'; they
would cause indefinite delay and
prevent early decisions of the civil
suits.

Plaintive declares three Universal
pictures, "Her Lucky Night," "She
Gets Her Man" and "So's Your
Uncle," were lifted from the: Lloyd
productions, "The Freshman,"' VWel-
cdme Danger" arid "Movie Crazy."

film because of the OWI ban on the
export of such films. With only the
domestic market to be counted on the
company set up a budget, on this
basis. The day "Dillinger"' was re-
leased, Broidy noted, the ban on the
export of gangster pictures lo Eng-
land (which represents about '50'».
of all foreign revenues) was lifted.

metropolitan circuit, going in July 4 j corpse in the street in front of Holy Picture in the Pacific area, but Henry
as (he top feature for the lorn; half. Name Cathedral, one of his best ac- Kin* who will direct, recently re-
Monogram, it was pointed out. was counts for flowers; Baby Face Nel- ul »«> rrom Puerto Rico, where he
at first afraid to make a gangster son. child stickup wonder; Genua ; [oul,d suitable backgrounds without

brothers, west side hotshots. ! venturing into the war /.one.

Terry Druggan, Joe Saltis «f.nd > " ~ —

Spike ODonnel), beer runners de- \ n rp. Atrave l~ CI IT«:„c' a Picture might "be banne
luxe: the fabulous Martin Durkin 6 A wvVS er » in til Unies i countries. He has askee

fan Film< ?A'ifiNrt TM<)< Soling syndicate boss
VOIk.rUim £0«>U HCl, J H10».j e6l0f . im0i wh0 ran a gangster's. hang-

put; -Midget F?rnekes, slickup man
extraordinary; Yellow Kid Weil, con

and Terrible tommy O'Connor, auto.. Stick Up Mgr. "fo'r $3,750
bandit and ' gangster, respectively; ; r- , ■ ... -„~ .' -i, •

Russell Scott, drugstore band it. who I. ' .Louisville. May 22.

strung himself up in the County Jail I T v0 uniformed teen-aged bandits
after fighting the . death sentence for j held up Erie Newton, assistant man-
years: Frank McErlane, gangster. \ ager of the National, and snatched a
Not to rneiition Dennis Cooney. fsslchel containing $3,750, the day's
Big Jim b°' receipts. Newlon, who was
the Pacific, was taking

a boot, joining Ihe Society of Inde- .
pendent: Motion Picture Producers.
"I don't believe matters can be. im-
proved by running to' Ihe Covcrn-
menl," said Cowan.

Producer declared that the main
reason for the SIMPP appeared lo
be to get people to go to the "De-
partment of Justice' on divorcement
proceedings. He challenged the value
of the organization to independents .
because of its lack of . a program. .
. "I'm., not saying.... there aren't
abuses," stated. Cowan. - "A major
company can unload a weaker pic-
lure to better advantage than an in-
dependent. But independents have
certain advantages also. For one
thing they can make a picture
cheaper;

"Abuses: can be corrected if the
independents get together, but only
if they -are willing ■■ to help Ihe
smaller producers. There could be
collective strength In the use of
studios, talent and in the withhold-
ing of product where unfair, theatre
situations exist."

Cowan, suggested that an organi-
zation of independent producers
should have a constructive or help-
Tul program; that SIMPP is proceed-
ing, along lines called for only av
a last resort, when all else has failed.
He pointed to the currently f avpr r :,
able conditions for good independent
pictures as an argument . against
such a theory.

"We have- means for correcting
the situation without going to the
Government," said Cowan. He also
warned that too much Government
intervention ; within the industry
might backfire on independents, par- .
licularly. where the latter had any
current or future plans for gelling
into exhibition.

George J. Schaefer, chairman of
the board of Cowan Productions,
slated that it had been decided riot
to " roadshow • "GI Joe" or call for
advanced admissions. Picture will
be sold on percentage' basis for
single-billing only. Picture opens
in N. Y. Aug. 2 to 9. It preems iri
Indianapolis July 6, with opening
night receipts to be turned over to
the. Pyle Memorial Fund. About 150
prints are to be made available for
showing lo. troops in June before
the film is shown to the public.
Prints will also be made available
in all theatres of war.

Cowan related that as a result of
his confabs with newspapermen,
syndicate heads and publishers on
"GI Joe," he had decided lo pro-
duce a- film tilled "Free Press" as
his next.

Since "Press" is lo glorify Ameri-
can newspaper tradition of giving
the people all the news. Cowan
said there was possibility that such
d in ■.many
asked for and

Consolidated Film Industries (Re-
public) net profit for three months
ended last March 31 totalled $285.-
<02 as against $249,628 in correr
sponding period of 1944 This is
equal to ICc on Ihe common agaiiist
9c a year ago.:

Corporation's profit before deduct-
ing Federal taxes was t $492.590'. Esti-

man; Big Tim Murphy, labor racket-
eer: arid plenty others.

City fathers aren't going to like
this, but it's all yours for the taking,
fellers.

mated Federal
$206,887.

taxes .-amounted- lo

LUND COASTS FOR OWN'

. :' Hollywood,; M:«y 22,
John Lund, of the "Hasty Heart"
legit cast, draws top male role op-
posite Olivia, tie Havilland in "To
Each His Own" at Paramount.
. A,clor has orders to start for Hol-
lywood June 4. Charles Bracked
will produce.

Kim Hunter to England
On Lend-Lease Pact

Hollywood, May 22.
Kim Ifiiiiier shoved 6ft for London
lo play lop femme in "A Mailer of
Life and Death," the Powcll-Prcss-
burger production, slated to start
May 29.

Con'.racl calls for actress to make,
two pictures a year iri E-.iglaiid, with,
the privilege of working in Holly-
wood the rest of the time.

wounded in

the money, escorted by an iisher. to
the bank, when the two boys raced
up with their pistols leveled. The
.uniformed boys snatched the satchel,
one of them making a lateral pass to
the other who ran up an alley and
disappeared. It was later learned
thai the boy checked the satchel' al a
local hotel, changed clothes and left
for ■ Lexington; Ky., where has was
apprehended. Bandits had pur-
chased Iheir -service clothes at an
Army store.

Later in the week four youths
were arrested in connection, with the
robbery, and all but $100 of the cash
wa.< recovered. A considerable
amount of checks are still missing.

Newlon made good use of his war
training as he tackled one of the
youths who carried a gun arid held
him until lie could be. placed under
arrest.

secured the support of leading syn-
dicate and newspaper groups in get-
ting a promise of aid from Ihe U. S-
Department of Stale in' the event
thai the film is held up in foreign
countries after it is. produced.
. Dale Belmont's Claim

Dale Belmont, - nitery 'singer, if
entering suit in the N. Y. supreme
court for $50,000 damages, charging
Lester Cowan, producer, with breach
of contract.

Miss Beimonl charges Cowan re-
neged on ' a verbal agreement to
have her appear in the role of Axis
Sally in the Ernie Pyle. film, "GI
Joe.''.

Consolidated Pix Formed

Hollywood, May 22.

Edward Nassour, manufacturer
and inventor of animated film fig-
ures, . has organized Corisplidated
Pictures, new corporation, for. inde-"'
pendent production of feature's and
fealurelles.

Company has' purchased studio
and office property on Sunset boule-
vard.. Firm's bqard will be an-
i nounced next week.

WcdnemUy, May 23,, 1915 , ,. U&RM2Tr 11

THE BIG ONES
COME FROM

MGM

"Keep plenty of time open like Musk Hall is doing! 3d Week tops 1st and 2d!"
GREER GARSON • GREGORY PECK • 'THE VALLEY OF DECISION"

DONALD CRISP • LIONEL BARRYMORE • PRESTON FOSTER • MARSHA HUNT • Gladys Cooper • Reginald Owen
Dan Duryca • Jessica Tandy • Barbara Everest ..Marshall Thompson • Screen Play by John Meehan and Sonya Levien • Based on
the Novel by Marcia Davenport • A Metro-Gold wyn-Mayer Picture • Directed by Tay Garnett • Produced by Edwin H. Knopf

With ill your might! - ^J^jjtA
MIGHTY 7th WAR LOAN 1 \*§5!/

11

Wednesday, May 23, 19(5

IKS

The exhibitor has spark-plugged
every War Loan Drive

SMASHING quotas left and
right— during every drive,
keeping everlastingly at it in be-
tween—there's no overestimating
the part played by motion picture
exhibitors in selling War Bonds
and War Stamps . . . and now it's
the Mighty Seventh.

In this most important drive

of all, appeals — in theaters— are
being made for larger and larger
subscriptions . . . and successfully.
That's because movies make the
war real, show fighting "American
dollars in action, show the need
for each new drive. No wonder
every War Loan Campaign leans
heavily on the exhibitor.

Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester 4, N. Y.

J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., Distributors, Fort Lee, Chicago, Hollywooc

a d v e r 1 1 , ,.. t, f , r .

KODAK te,hf„n;,

the achievenie--'
the m o v i e > 3 '

OFFICIAL U. S. COAST GUARD PHOTO— ON KflCW

Wednesday, May 23, 1945

PICTURE GROSSES

13

Salome' Torrid 25G, Chi; '2 Women.'
Vaude Fat 50G, love' Brisk 22G on 2d

Chicago, May 22. ♦
Business was a little spotty dur-
ing the past week due to' the con-
stant rain but the stronger attrac-
tions held up well "Enchanted Cot-
tage" and "Song of Sarong," on
moveover- to Grand, Is headed for
swell $10,000 tor third stanza in
Loop. "Diamond Horseshoe" is solid
$25,000 in second sesh at State-Lake.
Oriental, with "Brewster's Millions"
and John Boles heading stage show
under hopes at $25,000. "Chicago;
with "Between Two Women"' and
vaude, looks solid 950,000.

Estimates for This Week
Apollo (B&K) (UOO; 55-95)—
"Song Remember" (Col) (6th ,wk).
Snug $12,000. Last week, slick
$15,000.

CUeage (B&K) (3,900; 55-95)—
"Between 2 Women" (M-G) and
stage show headed by Pierre D'An-
eelo and Vanya. Solid $50,000. Last
week. "PracUcally Yours" (Par)
with Louis Jordan and Willi* Shove
on stage (2d wk) r firm $44,000.

Garrlek (B&K) (900; 35-95)—
"This Man's Navy" (M-G) (3d wk).
Neat $9,000. Last week, good $10,000.

Grand (RKO) (1,150; 55-95)— "En-,
chanted Cottage" and "Song Sarong"
(U) (third week in Loop). Swell
$10,000. Last week, "Strange Death
Hitler" (U)and "Escape in fog"
(Col ).' 6 days, and "Enchanted Cot-
. tage'' and "Song Sarong," 1 day, mild
$5,000.

OrlenUl (Iroquois) (3,240: 55-95)
—"Brewster's Millions" (UA) and
John Boles heading stage show.
Medium $25,000. Last week, "Frisco
Sal" (U) plus June Havoc, others,
on stage, ditto.

Palace (RKO) (2,500; 55-95)—
"Salome" * (U) and "Honeymoon
Ahead" (U). Fancy $25,000. Lest
week. "Enchanted Cottage" (RKO)
and "Song Sarong" (U) (2d wk). 6
days, and "Salome" and "Honey-
moon," 1 day, pert $19,000.
: Roosevelt (B&K) (1.500; 55-95)—
"Be Seeing You" (UA) '(3d wk).
Very good $22,000. Last week, su-
perb $25,000.

State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 55-95)—
"Diamond Horseshoe" (20th) .(2d
wk). Solid $25,000: -Last week,
strong $30,000.

United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 55-
95)— "Without Love" (M-G) (2d
wk). Brilliant $22,000. Last week.
bofT $26,000.:

. Woods (Essaness) (1,200; 55-95)—
—"Vampire's Ghost" (Rep) and
"Phantom Speaks" (Rep). 4 days,
and "Flame Barbary Coast" (Rep).
3 days. Fine $17,000. Last week.
"Flame Barbary Coast" (Rep ) (3d
wk), nice $16,000.

'Flame'-Vaiide Bright
22G, D. C; Lombardo
TilU HloDy' to Big 27G

Washington, May 32.

Guy Lombardo's orchestra will
pull the Capitol up to top hole this
week. But comparatively as strong
is "Flame of Barbary Coast." with
vaude at the smaller Earle.
Estimates for This Week

Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 44-72 f-
"Molly and Me" (20th) with Guy
Lombardo orch oh stage. BolVo $27.-
000, with band rated the draw. Last
week, "National Velvet" (M-G> with
vaude. comfortable $23,000.

Colombia (Loew) (1,234: 44-72)—
Here Come Waves" (Par). Modest
$6,500. I'xst week, 'Tree Grows
Brooklyn" (20th) (2d wk): lino
$9,000.

^ Earle (WB) (2,778; 30-00 >— "Finnic
Barbary Coast". (Rep) with vaude.
Solid $22,000. Last week. "Horn
Blows" (WB) with vaude. $21,000.

Keith's (RKO) (1,800; 34-06)— "It's
a Pleasure" (RKO). Neat $14,500.
Last week, "Patrick the Great" (U>,
$12,000. , . " .

Metropolitan (WB) (1,800: 44-72 1
—' God Is Co-Pilot" (WB) (4th wk >.
Near $5,000. Last week, fine $8,800.
Palace (Loew) (2,778: 44-72 )—
Dorian Gray" (M-G) (2d wk'). Will
get $14,000 after first weeks boflu
$22,000.

$17,000. Last week, "Have, Have
Not" (WB) (3d wk), great $10,000.

Prlnoess (CT) (2,300; 30-52)—
"Rough, Tough" (Col) and "Eadie
Was Lady" (Col). Neat $7,000. Last
week, "Blonde Fever" (M-G) and
"Lucky- Night" (U), ditto.

'BernadetV 17G, Mont'l.

, Montreal, May 22.

Song of Bernadette" is the sen-
sation here this week, with "Hotel
Berlin' nearly as big.
' ' . Estimate* for This Week

Palace (CT) (2,700; 35-62)— "Mil-
%?.J°*.- Millions" (M-G) (2d wk).
Still big at $12,000 after solid $13,000
opener,

i«i°",? il01 <CT> ' (2,700; 35-62)— "Ho-
OfrWn - W * B) and -" Big Snow

»ice $0,500.
,,.,¥««'.'? (CT) (2,800; 35-07)— "Bcr-
'udette' (20th). Sowing to wow

'Affairs Hotsy
19G, Tops Cincy

Cincinnati, May 22;

General trade, for major stands is
on the rise for the fifth straight
week. "Affairs of Susan" is front-
ing currently by a wide margin.
"Counter-Attack" and "Picture Do-
rian Gray" are in winning stride.
Estimates for This Week

Albee (RKO) (3,100; 44-70)—
"Affairs of Susan" (Par). Hotsy $19.-
000. Last week, "It's in Bag" (UA),
$8,500 in 6 days, season's low.

CapHol (RKO) (2,000; 44-70)—
"Dorian Gray" (M-G). Dandy $11,-
000. Holds. Last week, "Without
Love" (M-G) (2d run), swell $8,500.

Grand (RKO) (1.430; 44-70)— "Dia-
mond Horseshoe" (20th) (m.o. 1 );
Sharp $9,000. Last week. "Escape in
Desert" (WB), okay $6,200.

Keith's (United) (1,500; 44-70)—
"Delightfully Dangerous" (UA). NO
dice at $4,000. Last, week, "Brew-
ster's Millions" (UA) (2d wk), $4,-
200.

• Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 44-70)— "See
My Lawyer'.' (U) and "Zombies on
Broadway" (RKO). Dull $4,000.
Last week. "Prisoner Zenda" (Indie)
and "Garden Allah" (Indie) (reis-
sues), slick $6,000.

Palace (RKO) (2,600; 44-70)—
"Counter- Attack" (Col). No com-
plaints a.t $11,500. .Last week, "Dia-
mond Horseshoe". (20th), smash
$21,000.

Shnberl (RKO) (2,100; 44-70)—
"Without Lovel(M-G). Second m.o.
for third downtown sesh. Nice $5,-
000. Last week. "Salty O'Rourke"
(Par), third round on main line,
$4,800.

INDPLS. OFFISH BUT
'O'ROURKE' SALTY 14G

Indianapolis, May 22.
. Boxoffice here remains only at a
moderate level this week, with a
couple of low grosses at other houses
offsetting the dandy biz of "Salty
O'Rourke," bellringer at the Indiana.
"Guest in the House" at the Circle
is sb-so. Loews will jerk "Tomorrow
the World" after six days to start
Wednesday openings.

. Estimates for This Week
Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,800; 32-55)
— "Guest in House" (UA) and
"Thoroughbred" (Rep). Slow $9,000.
Last week, "Bullfighters" (20th) and
Woody Herman orch, oke $17,500 at
70c top.

Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3.300; 32-55)
—"Salty O'Rourke" (Par). Dandy
$14,000. Last week, "3 Caballeros"
(RKO) and "Identity Unknown"
(Rep), nice $12,000.

Loew's (Loew's) (2,800: 35-55 >—
"Tomorrow World" (UA) and "Eve
Know Apples" (Col). Tepid $9,000
in 6 clays. Last week, "Dorian Gray"
(M-C), $11,700. .

, Lyric (Katz-Dolle) (1.600: 32-55)
—"3 Caballeros" (RKO) and '•Iden-
tity Unknown" (Rep). Mild $4,500
on m.o. ■ Last week. "Cowboy . and
Lady" (FC) and "Barbnw Coast"
(FC) (reissues). $7,000.

'Horseshoe' Socko 25C
For 3 Denver Houses

Denver. May 22.

"Diamond Horseshoe." playing at
three houses this week, is easy win-
ner, with coin at Denver alone giv-
ing it best showing in town. "Keep
Powder Dry" is nice at Orpheum but
not big enough to hold. Tabor, Fox
theatre, is first-run- with stage lay-
out this week, Marcus stage unit lift-
ing "Silent Barriers" to record total.
Webber also firs-run this week for
"Horseshoe."

Estimates for This Week

Aladdin. (Fox) . (1,400; 35-74 1—
"Flame Barbary Coast". (Rep) and
"Eve Knew Apples" (Col), after a
week at each Denver. Esquire. Gooci
$6,000. Cast week. 'Bernadette"
(20th). good 56.000.

Denham (Cockrilli (1.7f>0: 35-74)
—"Salty O'Rourke" (Par) Clci wki
and "High Powered"' (P«r). Mild
$6,500. Lost week, "O'Rourke" solo,
good SIO.OOO.-

■ Denver (Fox) (2,525: 35-74 i— "Dia-
mond Horseshoe" (20th) and "G.I.
Honeymoon" (Mono), day-date with
Esquire and Webber. Big $17,000.
Last week, "Flame Barbary Coast"

(Rep) and "Eve Knew Apples"
(Col), also Esquire, sturdy $15,000. .

Esquire (Fox) (742; 35-74)— "Dia-
mond Horseshoe" (20th) and "G.I.
Honeymoon" (Mono), also Denver,
Webber. Boff '$4,000. Last week.
"Flame" (Rep) and "Eve Apples"
(Col), also Denver, good $2,700.

Orpheum-ARKO) (2,600; 35-74)—
"Deep Powder Dry" (M-G) and
"Zombies on Broadway" (RKO).
Nice $15,000, but not holding. Last
week, "Enchanted Cottage" (RKO)
and "Fashion Model" (Mono) (2d
wk), okay $9,000.

Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 35-74)—
"Alcatraz to Berlin" (FC) and
"Crazy Knights" (Mono). Fair $6,-
500. Last week, "Having Wonderful
Crime" (RKO) and "Bullfighters"
(20th), nice $8,000.

Webber (Fox) (750; 35-74)— 'iDia-
mond Horseshoe" (20th) and "GI
Honeymoon' (Mono), also Denver.
Esquire. Socko $4,000. Last week,
was subsequent run.

Tabor (Fox) (1,950; 50-74)— "Si-
lent Barriers" (FC) plus A. A. Mar-
cus" "La Vie Paree" stage unit. Mar-
cus stage layout taking bows for rec-
ord $12,000. Last week, house was
subsequent run.

'Horseshoe' Wow
24G in St Louis

St. Louis, May 22.
• "Diamond Horseshoe" currently is
grabbing top' coin with a socko $24,-
000 at the huge Fox. "Keep Your
Powder Dry" and "Mr. Emmanuel"
is second best with a hefty $18,500
at Loew's.

Estimates for This Week
Loew's (Loew) (3,172; 30-60)—
"Keep Powder Dry" (M-G) and
"Emmanuel" (UA). Swell $18,500.
Last week, "This Man's Navy" (M-
G) and "Gentle Annie" (M-G),
$15,000.

Orphean (Loew) (2.000; 30-60)—
"This Man's Navy" (M-G) and "Gen-
tle Annie" (M-G). Good 7,200. Last
week, "Dorian Gray" (M-G), only
$5,200. V

Ambassador (F&M) (3.000; 50-60)
—"Salty O'Rourke" (Par) and "Re--
member April" (U) (2d wk). Neat
$1 1,500 after sock $23,000 opener.

Fox (F&M) (5,000; 50-60)— "Dia-
mond Horseshoe" (20th) and "Bull-
fighters" (20th). Smash $24,000. Last
week, "Horn Blows" (WB) r.nd
"Three's a Crowd" (Rep), $11,000.

Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 50-60)—
"Having Wonderful Crime" (RKO)
and "Pan.-American" (RKO). Fine
$9,300. Last week, "Bring on Glils"
(Par) and "Hotel Berlin" tWB),
$8.00Q.

SL Lonls (F&M) (4,000; 40-50)—
"Objective Burma" (Rep) and
"House of Fear" (Rep) . So-so $4,000.
Last week, "Phantom Speaks" (Rep)
and "Vampire's Ghost" (Rep), hctty
$7,300.

'Salome/ 'World' Strong
Leaders in L'viHe At
14G Each; 'Desert' 5iG

Louisville. May 22.

Town is practically back— to-nor-
mal, with gee-gees running at
Churchill Downs, and downtown il-
luminated again. Flock of new strong
product also is helping. 'Tomorrow
World" at o Loew's State and "Sa-
lome" at Rialto will be toppers.
Estimates for This Week

Brown (4th Ave.) (Loew's) (1,100:-
40-60)— "Salty O'Rourke" (Par) and
"High Powered" (Par). Brisk $5,-
000 on m.o. Last week, '•Enchanted
Cottage" (RKO) and "What a
Blonde" (RKO), $3,000.

Kentucky (Switow) (1.200; 30-40)
— "Bambi" (RKO). and "Here Come
Co-Eds" (U). Fairish $1,700: Last
week, "Music Millions" (M-G) and
"Miss Bobby Socks" (Col), $1,800.

Loew's State (Loew's) (3,300: 40-
60)— "Tomorrow the World" (UA)
and "Let's Go Steady" (Col). Good
$14,000. Last week. "Keep Powder
Dry" (M-G) and /'Crime Doctors
Courage". (Col), medium $12,000.

Marv Anderson (Pco')lc'.<0 (1.000:
40-60)— "Escape in Desert" (WB).
Moderate $5300. Last week. "Horn
Blows" (WB), $6,000.

National (Standard) (2,400: 50-75)
—"There Goes Kelly" (Mono) and
vaude headed by Connce Boswcll.
Looking for only $10,500 or near.
Last week. "Twilight on Prairie"
(U> and "Birth of Star" (Pari (re-
issues), plus Vic Hyde, others, good
for $4,000 in 3 days. Balance of week,
co-operated with war plants show-
ing Government war films.

Klalfe (4th Ave. ) . 13.400; 40-60.)—
"Salome" (U) and "House of Fear"
(U). Reaping benefit of solid halfy
Tor fancy '$14,000. Last' week. vSally
O'Rourke" (Par)- and "High Pow-
ered" (Par), smash $16,000 and m.o.

Strand (Fourth Avenue) .(1.400:
40-60)— "Belle of Yukon" (RKO ) and
"Three's Crowd" (Rep). Given
brushoff by crix. but going- for trim
$6,000. Last week. "Cowboy and
Lady" (FC ) and "Barbarv Coast"
(F-C) (reissues), $5,000. ,

B'way Spotty; 'Attack' Sturdy 32G
But Guest -Vaude IWUd 20G, -Valley'
Wow 125G, 3d Wk 'Cottage' 30G, 4th

While some houses on Broadway
are off a little, others are holding
up very, strongly, with shows that
arc on extended rims in several in-
stances being nearly as good or same
this week as last. Weather has been
generally favorable.

Only three new bills, came in dur-
ing the past week, headed by
Counter- Attack" at the Criterion,
which finished its first seven days
last night (Tues.) at an excellent
$32,000. Bandbox Rialto, current
witn "Brighton Strangler," isn't .do-
ing well enough at $7,500 to warrant
a holdover. On second-run at the
State is "Guest in the House." a be-
lated arrival here. It has as stage
company Lorraine Rognan, Arthur
Caesar and others but is disappoint-
ing, at only about $20,000.

Music Hall remains smash with
"Valley of Decision," now in its
third week there and pacing for
$125,000, same as for second. Holds
over indefinitely, no date yet being
set for "Bell For Adano" which the~
Hall has iust bought from. 20th-Fox.
"Diamond Horseshoe," at the Roxy
with Count Basie band: and Jerry
Lester in person, continues a very
steady gait third frame through last
night (Tues.) having been a strong
$81,000.

■ Paramount show of "Salty
O'Rourke," Charlie Spivak band, Jo
Stafford and Dean Murphy, is an-
other that's maintaining a snappy
gait Fourth week ended last night
(Tues.) was fine $63,000. "Enchanted
Cottage," now in fourth ' session at
the Astor. looks strong $30,000, only
$1,000 behind that 'scored on the
third. Victoria, with "Dillinger." is
still big, fourth wecll ended last
night (Tues.), being $11500. *
An opening today (Wed.) Is "A
Medal for Benny," which docks at
the Rivoli after a highly remunera-
tive eight-week run with "Affairs
of Susan."

Estimate* for This Week

Astor (City Inv.) (1.140: 60-$1.25)—
"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO) (4th
wk). Very steady, this week looking
fine $30,000, after last frame's $31,000.
Holds over.

Capitol (Loew's) (4,820: 60-$ 1.20)—
"The Clock" (M-G), with Jane I'ro-
man. Willie Howard and: George
Paxton orch on stage (3d wk). On
the blowofl will be good $60,000.
while last week was $67,400. "Thrill
of Romance" (M-G), Guy Lombardo
orch, June Havoc, Joey Adams, open
tomorrow (Thurs.).

Criterion (Loew's) (1.700; 60-$1.25>
—"Counter-Attack" (Col) (2d wk).
Started out strongly, with first week
throueh last night (Tues.) hitting big
$32,000.. Second week for "Salome"
(U) was okay $18,000.

Globe (Brandt) (1.416: 60-$1.20)—
"The Unseen" (Par) (2d wk). Drop-
nin? to $13,000. but fair enough,
while first week was fine $20,000.
"Flame of Barbary Coast" (Rep)
opens Saturday. (26).

Gotham (Brandt) (900; 60-$1.20)—
"Col. Blimp" (UA) (8th wk). Goes
but on suitable gross of $7,800. Sev-
enth week was $8200. "Molly and
Me" (20th) opens Friday (25).

Hollywood (WB) (1.499; 50-$1.20)
—"Corn Is Green" (WB) (8th wk).
In lower brackets but steady, 'his
week appearing near to $15,000, while
seventh was $15,200. fair profit. No
date set for opening of "Rhapsody in
Blue" (WB).

Palace (RKO) (1.700: 60-S1.10)—
"It's a Pleasure" (RKO) (3d wk).
Will wind up at about $14,000, on
lissht side. Second week was okay
$17,000. "China Sky" (RKO) moves
in tomorrow (Thurs.).

Paramount (Par) (3,664: 60-S1.20) —
"Salty O'Rourke" (Par). Charlie Spi-
vak orch. Jo Stafford and Dean Mur-
phy (5th wk). Holding up very ein-
aerly. fourth week havine finished
last nieht . (Tues.) at $63,000. Third
was $70,000.

Radio Citv Moslc Hall (Rockefel-
lers) (5.945: C0^$1. 10)— "Valley of
Decision" (M-G) and stageshow (3d
wk). Looks another sensational
$125,000, same. as garnered last week,
and holds.

Rialto (Mayer) (594 : 40-85)-^
"Brighton Strangler" (RKO). Not
Hood enough at $7.")00 to hold over.-
Last week. "Bullfighters" (20th),
$8,000.

RIvoll (UA-Par) (1.092: 76-S1.25;
—"Medal for Benny" , (Par) opens
here today. Final (8th week) for
"Affairs of Susan" (Par) was an okay
S20.000. seventh $21,500.

Roxy (20th) (5.BB6: (50-S1.20 1 —
"Diamond Horse?hor" (20lh). with
Count: Basic orch and Jerry Lester
Ir person (4).h wk). Remains. very
stron". $81,000 having bccif regis-
tered on third frame, ended last
night (Tues.), clo.«e to 585,000 hit on
second.

SUte (Loew's) (3.450; 43-S1.10)
"Guest in House" (UAi (2d run),
with Lorraine Rognan and Irving
Caesar' heading stageshow. Disap-
pointing at only about $20,000. Last

week, "Be Seeing You" (UA) (2d.
run), plus Benny Fields and team Of
Mario and Floria, in person, stout
$28,000.

Strand- (WB/ (2.756: 60-$1.20) —
"Escape in Desert' ! ■'. (WB), Henry
Busse orch, Helmut Dantine and An-
drea King (2d wk) . Down to $38,000
on blowoff, but satisfactory profit,
while first week was robust $48,000.
"Pillow to Post" (WB), Shep Fields
orch, open Friday (25).

Victoria (Mauier) (720; 70-$1.20)—
"DlUlnger" (Mono) (5th wk). Doing
exceptionally well, fourth week
through last night (Tues.) striking
strong $21,500. Third was $28,200.

Pitt. Off Albeit
'Susan' Trim 16G

i Pittsburgh, May 22.

Biz slipping off a bit despite better
break in the weather. "Pillinger" is
holding a top figure at the Fulton.
"Affairs of Susan," however, will get
the best coin in town.

Estimates for This Week

Fnften (Shear (1.700; 40-65)—
"Dillinger" (Mono). Good campaign
helping to near $11,000, top dough
here. Last week, "Hangover Square"
(20th), $8,000.

Harris (Harris) (2.200; 40-65)—
"Counter-Attack" (Col). Considering
crix mild notices, Paul Muni starrer
isn't doing badly at $9,200! Last
week, "Salome" (U) (2d wk), 'nice
$4,000 in 4 days.

Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300: 40-65)—
"Affairs of Susan" (Par). • Leader in
town this week at fancy $16,000 or
near.. Last week, "Belle Yukon"
(RKO), disappointing $12,000 in 6
days.

BHi (WB) (800; 40-65)— "3 Ca-
balleros" (RKO). Moveover." Only
$2,500. Last week, "Between 2
Women" (M-G), sock $4,900 in 6 days
of m.o.

Senator (Harris) (1,750; 40-65) —
"Gaslight" (M-G) and "Nothing But
Trouble" (20th). Getting some nice
dough for this spot at better . than
$3,500. Last week, "Royal Scandal"
(20th) (3d wk), in 4 days, big $2,000.

Stanley (WB)- (3,800; 40-65)— "Ex-
cape in Desert" (WB), Back in rut
again after two terrific stage-show
sessions. Sluggish $10,000. Last
week, '.'Unseen" (Par), plus Spike .
Jones orch, sock $33,500. -

Warner (WB) (2,000; 40-65)— "Belle
of Yukon" (RKO). Moveover. Okay
$5,500. Last week, "3 Caballeros"?
(RKO), big $7,000 on m.o.

7elyet' Smooth $14,000,
Mpli; Horseshoe,' Same;
'Musk Millions' $4,000

Minneapolis, May 22.

"National Velvet* and "Diamond
Horseshoe" are out in. front this
week, with the former making t{*e
best showing*. "It's in the Bag" is
doing poorly at the Orpheum.
Estimates for This Week

Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25) —
"Double Exposure" (Par) and "Scar-
let Clue" (Mono). Okay $1,700 in
five days. Last week. "Eadie Lady"
(Col) and "Rough, Tough'' (Col),
$2,000 in 6 days.

Century (P-S) (1.000: 44-00 ) —
"Without Love" (M-Gi. Moved here
from- Radio City. Okay $5,000. Last
week, "Song Remember" (Col),
$7,000.

Gopher (P-S; (1.100: 40)— "Di'.lin- .
ger" (Mono) (2d' wk). All right S3,- ■
000 after .terrific $5,500 first week.

Lyric (P-S) (1.100: 44-60)— "Ob-
jective Burma" <WB> (m:o.). With:
help of Saturday midnight preview
of "Affairs of Susan" (Par), okay $4,-
000. Last week. 'Thin Man Home".
M-G) (m.o.) SV.500.

Orphenm (P-S ) - (2.800: 44-00)—
"It's in Bag" (UA). Rather poor.
$6,500 in sight. Last week, "Object -
tive Burma" (WB). $8,500. .

Radio C:ty (P-S) (4.000 ; 44-00)—
"Diamond Horseshoe" (20th). Heavy
bally for Betty Grablc starrer help-
ing this. Solid $14,000. Last week,
"Without Love" (M-G I (2d wk). big
$11,000 after smash $15,000 initiator.

State (P-S) (2.300: .44-60)— "Na-
tional Velvet" (M-G). Big 814,000
indicated: La.st week.' "Tomorrow
World" (UA ). thin >57.500.

Uptown (Par) (2.300; 44-50 1— "Mu-
sic Millions" (M-G k Good $4,000.
Last week. "Bring on Girls" <Par),
fair $3,000.

World (Par-Stcftes) (350; ,44-80)—
"Wathering Heights" (UA) (reissue)
(2d wk). Okay $2,000 after stout
$2,800 first week.

The RKO organization is indeed proud of its asso-
ciation with BING CROSBY. INCRID BERGMAN
and LEO McCAREY, and io voice its continuing
high regard for their deserved achievements in
winning Hollywood's most coveted honors,

Wednesday, B'ay 23, 19i5 P^RlEff M

Once in a lifetime
it could happen . . . the three top

current Academy Award
Winners combining their talents
for one great picture!

BING CROSBY • INGRID BERGMAN

before the cameras . . . in

LEO McCAREY's Rainbow Production

Tbe» of ^Mary's

LET'S TOP THEM ALL IN THE MIGHTY 7th WAR LOAN

PICTURE GROSSES

Wednesday, May 23, 1945

Horseshoe Sockeroo 61G, 3 Spots, In
Mildish L. A.; Clock' Steady 58G for 3,
Andrews Sis Boost 'Youth' Great 37G

Los' Angeles, May 22. '

New entries are fairly .steady to
Strong here, but holdovers, currently
in most locations, arc average to
poor. "Diamond Horseshoe" is prow
Ing a strong money-contender on its
initial week in three theatres, with
possible $61,000 to pace flrst-n-ns..
"The Clock" is ticking steadily, but
not loudly at $58,000 in like number
of spots. Opening of Santa Anita
track is blamed by some for decline,
but bangtail running did . not nick
weekend biz of "Horseshoe."

Andrews Sisters, topping vaude
layout with "Youth on' Trial," are
boosting the Orpheum to terrific
$37,000, best here in weeks.

Estimates for This Week

Cartway Circle (F-WC) (1,518; 50-
W)— 'Guest in House" (UA) and
"Bullfighters" (20th). <2d.wk). Okay
$4,000. Last week, $6,300,

Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2,048; 50-
$1)— 'Diamond Horseshoe" (20th)
nnd "Escape in Fog" (Col). Great
$18,000. Last week. "Guest in House"
(UA) and "Bullfighters" (20th), light
$11,100. -

Downtown (WB) (1.800; 50-$D—
"God Is Co-Pilot" tWB) (3d wk),
Nice $15,000. Last : week, under
hopes, but still excellent at $19,500.

Egyptian (F-WC) (1,538; 50-$D—
"Clock" (M-G). Below average at
$14,500. Last, week, "Without Love"
(M-G) (4th wk), closed at $7,400.

Four Star (UA-WC) (900; 50-$D—
"Sign of Cross" (Par) (reissue).
Only S4.000. Last . week,- "Wuther-
ing Heights" (FC) (reissue) (2d wk),
okay $3,000.

Guild (F-WC) (968; 50-$D— "This
Man's Navy'! (M-G) and "Gentle
Annie" (M-G) (2d wk). Light $3,500.
Last week, slow $5,600. ■

Hawaii (G&S) (1,100: 50-$D—
"Body Snatchers" (RKO) and
"Brighton Strahgler" (RKO) (2d
wk). Good $6,000. Last week, neat
$8,000.

Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 50-$D—
"God Is Co-Pilot" (WB) (3d . wk'),
Okay $10,000. Last week, slipped to
$13,100.

Lor Angeles (D'town-WC) (2,097
50-$l)— "Clock" (M-G). Good $31,.
000. Last week, "Without Love" (M-
G) (4th wk), nice $14,400.

Orpheum -(D'town) (2,200; 65-86)
—"Youth On Trial" (Col) with An-
drews Sisters, on. stage. Great $37. :
000. Last week, "Forever Yours"
(Mono) with- Allan Jones, Connie
Haines on stage, neat $22,000.

Pantages (Pan) (2,812; 50-$D—
"Counter-Attack" (Col) (2d wk) and
"I'll Tell World" (U). Okay $11,000
in 6 days. Last week, with "Song
Sarong" (U), fair $15,000:

Paramount (F&M) (3,389; 50-S1)-
"Salty O'Rourke" (Par) and. "Hitch
hike to Happiness" (Rep) (3d' wk).
Closing with $14,500. Xdst week,-
big $21,500.

Paramount Hollywood (F&M) (1.-
451; 50-$l )— "Salty O'Rourke" (Par)
<3tl wk). Finales at $8,000. Last
week, okay S10.000.

Illllstreet (RKO) (2,890; 50-80)—
"Counter-Attack" (Col) (2d wk)
and "Tell World" <U). Oke $14,000..
Last week, with "Song l Sarong" (U),
k modest $19,000. ■
1 Ritz (F-WC) (4,370; 50-$D—
I "Clock" (M-G). Near average $12,-
" 500. Last week. "Without Love" (M-
G) (4th wk). fine $6,600.

Slate (Locw's-WC) (2,404; 50-$l)—
"Diamond Horseshoe"' (20th) ' and
"Escape in Fog" (Col).. Great $31.-
000. Last 'week, "Guest in House"
(UA) and "Bullfighters" (20th), be-
' low average $22,300.

United Artists (UA-WC) (2,100;
B0-*l)^"This Man's Navy" (M-G)
and "Gentle Annie" (M-G) (2d wk).
Only $8,000. Last week, good $13,400.

Uptown (F-WC) (1,790; 50-$D—
"Diamond Horseshoe" (20th) and
"Escape in Fog" (Col). Solid $12,000.
Last week. "Guest in House" (UA)
and "Bullfighters" (20th), light $7,-
400.

Wllshlre (F-WC) (2,296; 50-$D—
"This Man's Navy" (M-G) and
"Gentle Annie" (M-G) (2d wk).
Slow $4,500. Last. week. $7,700. ,

Wiltern (WB) (2,400; 50-$D— "God
Is Co-Pilot" (WB) < 3d wk). Closes
at $8,000. Last week, smooth $12,500.

Broadway Grosses

Estimated Total Gross .
This Week ............ $554,8««

(Bnsed oit 15 theatres)
Total Cross Sam* Week
. Last Year. >.......,.:. .$525,7*0

(Based on 15 theatres) ,

'Affairs' Snappy
236 Leads Oeve.

Cleveland, May 22.
"Affairs of Susan" is the big news,
with boffo session at State this week.
"Diamond Horseshoe," held over 5
days at Palace, still is strong. Other-
wise! -city is way off. '
Estimates for This Week
Allen (RKO). (3.000; 44-65)—
"Horn Blows" (WB). ' Good $7,500.
Last week, "God Is Co-Pilot" (WB),.
strong $10,000. ' .

Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 44-65)—
"Escape in Desert" (.WB). Good
$16,500. Last week, "It's a Pleasure"
(RKO), $13,000.

Lake (Warners) (800: 44-65)—
'God Is Co-Pilot" (WB). Moveover.
Fine $5,000. Last week, "Roughly
Speaking" (WB). $3,300 on m.o.

Ohio (Loew's) (1,200; 44-65)—
'Salty O^Rouike" (Par) (m.o.). Swell
$7,500 on third week downtown. Last
week, "Keep Powder Dry" (M-G),
$4,800 in 6-days of m.o.

Palace* (RKO) (3,700; 45-65)—
"Diamond Horseshoe" (20th). Held
over 5 days, for great $13,000. Last
week, boff $18,500. Openings being
changed from Friday to Wednesdays,
with "Sudan" (U) penciled in to
start Wednesday (23).

State (Loew's) (3,450; 44-65)—
"Affairs of Susan" (Pav). Profitable.
Fine word-of-mouth for this. Boffo
$23,000 to pace city. Last week,
"Flame Barbary Coast' 1 (Rep), $13,-
000 in 6 days. ■

StIUman (Loew's) (2.700; 44-65)—
"Flame Barbary Coast" (Rep) (m.o.).
Oke: $6,500. Last week, "Salty
O'Rourke" (Par), excellent $9,000 on
m.o., 6 days.

BUFF. SAGS BADLY BUT
'PATRICK' NEAT 12iG

Buffalo, May 22.

Biz is u;ay off currently, only "Dia-
mond Horseshoe," on scton4<weck at
Lakes, and "Patrick the Great," at
Lafayette, showing up to hopes.
Estimates for This Week

Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 40-701—
••Royal Scandal" (20th) and "Bull-
fighters" (20th). Modest $13,000.
Last week. "Affairs of Susan" (Par)
and "Lights On" (PRC), strong
$17,500.

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000: 40-70)—
^Diamond Horseshoe 1 (20th) (2d

'Girls' Rousing J 17,000
In Balto; 'O'Rourke' 14G

Baltimore, May 22.
Strong lineup of product is paying
off here this week, with healthy fig-
ures being mounted, for "Bring on
the Girls" at the Stanley and '.'Salty,
O'Rourke" at Keith's.

Estimates for This Week
Century (Locw's-UA) .(3,000: 20-
60)— "Dorian Gray" (M-G). Fairish
$1-5,000.' Last week, "Keep Powder
Dry" t.M-G), steady $14,400.

Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2.240;
20-74 >— "Leave to Blondie" (Col)
plus Gene Krupa orch. Leaning on
flesh fOr biz. but only mild at $16.TK)0.
Last week! "Tarzan Amazons" (RKO)
plus Vaude, $14,800.

Keith's (Schanberger) (2.460: 20-
60)— "Sally O'Rourke" (Par). Strong
$14,000. Last week. "Salome. Where
She Danced" (U), big $17,800 in 10
days.

Alayfalr (Hicks) (980; 25^55i—
"Flame Barbpry Coast" (Rep). Fancy
$5,000. Last week, "Eadie Was Lady"
(Col) $3,700.

New. (Mechanic) (1,680: 20-60)—
"Diamond Horseshoe" . (20th) (2d
wk). Holding very well at $6,500
after solid $8,600 initialer.

Stanley (WB) (3,280; 25-65)—
"Bring on Girls" 7 (Par). Topping
town at robust $17,000. Last week,
"God is Co-Pilot" ( WB) (3d wk), all
right $10,900. ■ • ■ * . ■ ■

Valencia (Loew's-UA) (1,840: 20-
60— "Keep Powder Dry" M-G)
(moveover). Holding well at $4,500.
Last week, "Between 2 Women" (M-
G), $4,800 on m.o.

'CO-PILOT' SOARS TO
GIANT 19G, SEATTLE

Seattle, May 22.

Curfew -lifting Is helping the all-
night theatres, but biz is spotty here.
Leaders are "God Is My Co-Pilot."
"Diamond Horseshoe" and "Royal
Scandal."

Estimates for This Week

Blue Mouse (H-E) (800; 45-80)—
"Practically . Yours" (Par) (m.o.).
From Paramount. Good $6,000. Last
week, "Come - Waves" (Par) (4th
wk ), strong $5,500.

Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2,349; 45-80).
—■'Royal Scandal" (20th) and "Molly
and Me" (20th). Solid $11,000 or
near. Last week, "Keep Powder
Dry" (M-G) and "Double Exposure"
(Par), $13,900.

; Liberty (J «s vH) (1,650; 45-80)—
"Song to Remember" (Col) (3d wk).
Okay $6,500. Last week, very fine
$8 500 ' '

Metropolitan (Bedket) (1.500; 45-
80)— "Song Remember" (Col) (3d
wk). Around $5,500. Last week,
nifty $6,400,

Music Box (H-E) (850; 45-80)—
"Keep Powder Dry" (M-G) (m.o.).
Good $6,000. Last week, "Enchanted
Cottage" (RKO.) (m.o.), $5,500.

Music Hall (H-E) (2.200; 45-80)—
"In Bag" (UA) and "Lights On"
(PRC). Good $7,500 in. 8 days. Last
week, "Between Two Women" (M-
G) and "Gentle Annie" (M-G) (2d
wk), good $6,600 in 5 days.

Orpheum (H-E) (2,600: 45-80)—
"God Is Co-Pilot" (WB); Giant $19,-
000. Last week, "Sudan" (U) arid
"Remember April" (U), great $13,-
500. ,

Palomar (Sterling (1,350: 30-$D—
"Big Bonanza" (Rep) plus stage,.
John Calvert, magic, others. Big
$11,000! Last week, "Bullfighters"
(20th) and "Bluebeard" (PRC) plus
stage, so-so $8,800.

Paramount (H-E) (3.349: 45-80)—
"Diamond Horseshoe" (20th). Brisk
$14,000 or near. Last week, "Prac-
tically YOuis" (Par) (2d wk), great
$10,000.

Winter Garden (Sterling) (800; 25-
50)— "Tonight, Every Night" (Col)
and "Suspect" (U) (3d run). Good
$4,500. Last week, "Thin Man Home"
(M-G) and "Hearts Young. Gay"
(Par) (3d run), ushered in. come-
back of all-night shows, $5,000.

Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 40-80)—
"Sudan" (U) and "Remember April"
(U). From Orpheum. Stout $5,500.
La.st week, "Horn Blows" (WB) (2d
wk.), $4, 600. t

'AFFAIRS' STOUT 13G,
STANDOUT PIX IN COL

Columbus, May 22.

"Affairs of Susan" at the Ohio ap-
pears standout currently outside of
the combo Palace, which- has a spliU-
week policy. . ;

Estimates for This Week

Broad (Loew's) (2,500: 40-65)—
"Brewster's Millions" (UA) and
"Emmanuel" (UA). Light $6,000.
Last week, "Tomorrow World" (UA)
and "Escape in Fog" (Col), $6,500.
. Grand (RKO) (1,140; 40-85)— "Dia-
mond Horseshoe" (20th) (2d run)-
and * "Circumstantial Evidence"
(20th). Solid $8,000. Last week,
"Roughly Speaking" (WB) and "Man
Walks Alone" (PRC), $5,000.

Ohio (Loew's) (3,074; 40-65)—
"Affairs. of Susan" (Par). Stout $13.-
000. Last week, "Thunderhead"
(20th) and "Booked oh Suspicion"
(Col ), trim $12,000.

Palace (RKO) (3.000; 40-85)—
"Murder My Sweet" (RKO) and
"Frisco Sal" (U). Fair $8,000 for 4-
day weekend. "Swing Out Sister"
(U) plus "WLW Midwestern Hay-
ride" on stage, 3 days, profitable $8,-
500. Last week, "Bullfighters" (20th)
plus Woody Herman orch on stage,
wham $12«500 in 3 days.

Del Spotty But 'Scandal' Robust 32G;
'Burma Bangup 22G,;Co-Pilor 19G, 2d

Key City Grosses

Estimated total Gross
This Week. ... . . . . , . .$2,698,10»

(Hnserf on 24 cities, 189 thea-
tres, chiefly prst runs, tucludiliff

N. y.)

Total Gross Same Week

Last Year. $2,269,7M

(Bnsed on 20 cities, 167 theatres)

wk). Stout $15,000. Last week, sock
$20,000.

Hipp (Shea) (2,100: 40-70)— "Af-
fairs Susan" (Par) and "Lights Go"
(PRC) (m.o.) Robust $10,000. Last
week, "Practically Yours" (Part and
"Scared Stiff" (Par) (2d wk), oke
$8,000.

Lafayette (Basil) (3.300:, 40-70)—
"Pal rick the Great" (tj) and "Song
Sarong''; (U). Neilt $12,500. Last
week. -Salome" (U) and "Her Lucky
Night" (U). rousing $13,000.

201h Century (20lh Century. Inc.)
(3.000: 40-70)— "Vanities— H Rep) and
"Great Flamarion" (Rep). Okay
$10,000. Last week, "Betrayal East"
(RKO) and "Pan-Americana" (RKO),
soft $7,500.

Wolly'-McFarland Plus
Maxie 13G in Sad Omaha

Omaha, May 22.

Heavy rain Sunday and Monday is
blamed for current slow week.
Every theatre is way off. • .

Estimates for This Week .

Paramount (Tristates) (3,000; I8-
60)— "Between 2 Women" t M-G.).
Okay $9,500. Last week, "National
Velvet" (M-G), fine $10,200.

Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000: 20-70)
—"Molly & Me" (20th), plus McFar-
land Twins orch, Maxie Rosenblooin,
others, on stage. Off with rest of
town at thin $13,000. Last week.
"Brewster's Millions" (U A) arid
"Bullfighters" (20th), at 16-60c,
$9,400.

Omaha (TnslatesV. (2.000: 16-601—
"National Velvet" (M-G). Moveover,
good $8,500.- Last week, "This .Man's
Navy" (M-G) and "Swing Out Sis-
ter!* (U). $10,000. -

Brandeis (RKO) (1.500; 16-60)—
"Counter-Attack" (Col) 'and "Zom-
bies on Broadway" (RKO). Nice
$6,000. Last week, "Dillinger"
(Mono), and "G. ■ I. Honeymoon"
(Mono); $7,000.

Stale'-tGoldberg) (865; 16-50) —
"B»:rnadette" (20th). Return at pop
prices will do only $2,500. La.st week.
"Thunderhcacl" (20th) and "Nothing
But Trouble" (M-G), $2,900.

O'Rourke M
33G, PhiHy Ace

Philadelphia, May 22.
"Salty O'Rourke" is leading at the
Stanley wickets this week. Also in
the top money class are "Diamond
-Horseshoe" and "Enchanted • Cot-
tage."

Estimates for This Week
Aldlne (WB) (1,303; 40-85)— "Song-
Remember" (Col) (8th wk), End of
terrific «run, , fine ■ $B,500. SeVenlli
week, husky $12,500.

Arcadia (Snblosky) (600; 40-85)—
"God is Co-Pilot" (WB) (2d run)
(2d wk) (5 days). Fair $4,500. Last
week, nice $6,000..

Boyd (WB) (2,560; 40-85)— "Af-
fairs of Susan" (Par): (2d wk). Trim
$10,500. Opener was bangup $26,000
phis fine $4,000 for. Sabbath showing
st EstIc * *

Earle ' (WB) (2,760; 50-95)— "De-
Jightfully Dangerous" (UA) with Les
Brown orch. Lenny Gale, others on
stage. Good $22,500 but not in same
league with torrid "$42,000 ot "House
of Fear" (U) plus Four Ink Spots,
Ella Fitzgerald and Cootie Williams
orch last week — near the house rec-
ord.

Fox (WB) (2,250; 40-85)— "Dia-
mond Horseshoe" (20th). Great $28>
500. Last week, "Practically Yours"
(Par) (2d wk), fine $17,000.

Karlton (Goldman) (1,000; 40-85)
—"Murder, My Sweet" (RKO) (2d
run). Mediocre $5,000. Last week.
"Bring On Girls" (Par), $7,000, sec-
ond run. -

Keith's (Goldman) (2,200; 40-85)—
"It's a Pleasure" (RKO) (2d run).
Fairish $6,000. Last week, "Tomor-
row World" (UA), $6,500 second run.

Mastbaum (WB) (4,692; 40-85)—
"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO). Brisk
$27,000 or 1 over. Last week, "Horn
Blows" (WB), thin $14,500.

SUnlev (WB) (2.7B0; 40-85 )—
"Salty O'Rourke" (Par). Nifty $29.-
000 in addition to handsome $4,000
for Sunday at Earle. Last week,
"Keep Powder Dry" (M-G) (2d wk),
mildish $14.t>00. .

Stanton (WB) (1.475; 40-85)— "Un-
seen" (Par) (2d wk). Dipping to $8,-
000 after fine $14,000 opener.

'O'Rourke' Smash 35G In
Hnb; 'Scandal' Wow 25G,
'Women' 44G, Two Spots

Boston, May 22.
"Sally O'Rourke" is a sensation at
the Metropolitan. "Between 2
Women" also is boff at Orpheum
and Slate.- "Royal Scandal" is
nearly comparatively as big at the
Fenway and Paramount despite lim-
ited capacities of these two houses.
Estimates for This Week
Boston (RKO) (3.200: 50-S1.10)—
"Patrick the Great" (RKO). with
Roddy MacDowall, Shep Fields orch,
Gil Maison, others, on stage.- Zoom-
jitg to $27,500. Last week. "Betrayal
from East" (RKO) with Larry Flint
orch, Gypsy Rose Lee, $28,000.

Fenway (M-P) (1,373; 40-74)—
"Royal Scandal" (20th) and "Hitch-
hike to Happiness" (Rep). Boff
$9,000. Last week, "The Unseen"
(Par) and "Man Alone" (PRC),"
$7,000.

Majestic (Shubert) (1,500; 40-74)—
"Brewster's. .Millions" (UA) (4lh
wk). Thin $3,000. Last week. $5,000.

Metropolitan (M-P) (4,367; 40-74)
—"Salty O'Rourke" (Par) and "Bull-
fighters" (20th). Terrifflc $35,000.
Last week, "God Is Co-Pilot" (WB)
and "Scared Stiff" (Par) (2d wk),
fine $18,000.

Memorial (RKO) (2.900; 40-75)—
"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO) and
"Song Sarong" (U) (3d wk). Satis-
factory $15,000. Last week,' big
$24,000;

Orpheum (Loewl (2,900; 35-75)—
"Between Two Women" (M-G) and
"Power of Whistler" (Col). Boffo
$28,000. Last week, "Music Millions"
(M-G). $26,000. '

Paramount (M-P) (1,700: 40-74)-
"Royal Scandal" (20th) and "Hitch
hlke> to Happiness" (Rep). High
$16,000. Last week, .''The Unseen"
(Par) and "Man Alone" (PRC)
$14,000.

State (Loew) (3,200: 35-75)— "Be-
tween 2 Women" (M-G) and "Power
Whistler" (Col). Fine $16,000. Last

Detroit, May 22.
Three fresh bills in the loop this
week are doing solid biz but hold-
overs aren't coming up to hopes. Top
spot probably will be the Fox. with
"Royal Scandal." Downtown, with
a combination of short subjects and
vaude, also looks big, "Objective,
Burma." too, is on the boom side at
the Palms-State. '

Estimates for This Week
Adams (Balabah) (1,700; 60-85)—
'^Counter-Attack" (Col) (2d wk) and
"Tliunderhead" (20th) (3d wk). For-
mer switched from Fox to pair with
the continuing topper for fine $9,000.
Last week, "Thunderhead" (2d wk)
and "Sing Song Texas" (Col), $11,000.

Broadway-Capitol (United Detroit) '
(2,800; 60-85)— "Thia Man's Navy"
(M-G) and "Cisco Kid's Return"
(Mono) (2d Wk). Moved over from.
Palms-State for fair $9,000. Last
week. "Dillinger" (Mono) and "Bring
On; Girls" (Par) (2d wk), $11,000.

Downtown (Howard Hughes) <2,-
800; 60-85)— "Birth of Star," "Bo-
hunks" and other shorts with Har-
monica Rascals plus other acts on.
stage. -Surprise $28,000 sighted. Last
week, "Man Alone" (PRC) and Jerry
WalU osch, modest $19,000.

Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 60-A5)
—"Royal Scandal' T (20th) and "Es-
cape in Fog" (Col). Robust $32,000.
Last week, "Counter-Attack 1 (Col)
and "Eadie Lady" (Col), good $26,000.

Madison (United Detroit) (1.800;
fiO-85)-* Winged Victory". (20th) and
"One Body Too Many" (Par). Back
in loop at fine $6,200. Last week,
"Have. Have Not" (WB) and "Dark
Waters" ( UA), returned to loop for
$6,500.

'Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000:
60-85)— "God Is Go-Pilot" (WB) and
"Earl Carroll Vanities" (Rep) (2d
wk). Okny $19,000 after first week's
sturdy $26,000. .

Palms-State (United Detroit) (3.-
000; 60-85)— "Objective, Burma"
iWB) and "Trouble Chasers"
( Mono). Bangup $22,000. Last week.
"This Man's Navy" (M-G) and
"Cisco Kid Returns" (Mono), trim
$15,000.

United Artists (United Detroit)
(2.000; 60-85)— "Without Love" (M-
G) and "Scarlet Clue" (Mono) (3d
wk). Fair $11,000 after last week's
stout $15,000.

'Horn' 24G, Best New Pix
In Frisco; 'Flame' 28G

San Francisco, May 22.

Swing shifts from the shipyards
are boosting totals at all-night houses
with a surprising pickup after cur-
few lifted, but it's still not the old
gravy days. Standout is the sensa-
tional session of "Affairs of Susan,"
moveover, at the small St. Francis.
Estimates for This Week

Fox (F-WC) (4,651; 55-85)— "Flame
Barbary. Coast" (Rep) and "Earl Car-
roll Vanities" (Rep). Fair $28,000.
Last week, "Affairs of Susan" (Par),
arid "Forever Yours" (Mono), wcak-
ish $26,000.

Paramount (F-WC) (2,646; 55-85)—
"Horn Blows" CWB) and "Three's a
Crowd" (Rep). Good $24,000. Last-
weeK. "This Man's Navy" (M-G) and
"Nothing But Trouble" (M-G),
$17,000.

Warfleld (F-WC) (2,656: 55-85)—
"Without Love" (M-G) and "Identity
Unknown" (Rep) (3d wk). Fine
$21,000. Last week, below average
$24,500 second week.

Slate (F-WC) (2.133; 55-85V—
"God Is Co-Pilot? (WB) and "What
a Blonde" (RKO) (3d wk). Nice
$14,000 or near. Last week, $15,000.

Golden Gate (RKO) (2,844; 60-95)
—"Body Snatchers" (RKO) and stage
show starring Peter Lorre. Nice
$29,000. Last week, "Enchanted Cot-
tage" (RKO) and Earl Carroll "Vani-
ties", unit (2d wk). fancy $26,000.

United Artists (Blumenfeld) < 2,448:
40-85)— "Blood on Sun" (UA) (3d
wk). Good $15,000. Last week, wow
$19;000.

Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2.448: 40-
85)— "Salome" (U) and "Her Lucky
Night" (U) (2d wk). Good $15,000.
Last week,: sturdy $21,000.

SI. Francis (F-WC) (1,400; 55-85)
—"Affairs of Susan" (Par) and "For-
ever Yours" (Mono) (m.o.). Except
tional $17,000. Last week, "Gentle
Annie" (M-G) and "Between 2 Wom-
en" (M-G), above average $14,500.

Skouras Due Back

Spyros Skouras, 20th-Fox prcsi-.
dent, returns from Greece the -first
week in June.

Been over for past several weeks
on Government business.

week, "Music for Millions" (M-G),
$17,000.

Translux (Translux) (000: 20-74)
—"Great Flamarion" (Rep) and
"Black Dragon" (Mon). Good $5,500.
Last week, "Vampire's Ghost"
(Rep) and "Phantom Speaks" (Rep),
$4,000. ■ .

Wetlumlay, May 23,1945

IT

JOHNSON

SAYS PUBLISHER
GEORGE T. DELACORTE, Jrj

"The May Issue of Modern,
Screen sold mpre than
1 ,000,000 copies in a week,,
making fan magaiine history:,
We feel that Van Johnson
on the cover did it!"

1,000,000 COPIES SOLD IN
A WEEK! NEVER BEFORE IN
HISTORY OF FAN MAGAZINES!

He's cleaning up in

"BETWEEN TWO
WOMEN''

Van Johnson • Lionel Barrymore
Gloria De Haven • Marilyn. Maxwell

He's coming soon in)

"THRILL OF
A ROMANCE''

{In Technicolor)
Van Johnson ' Esther Williams

He's in the Giant §how

"WEEK-END AT
THE WALDORF"

Ginger Rogers • Lana Turner
Walter Pidgeon • Van Johnson

IT'S GREAT TO BE AN M*G*M SHOWMAN!

With all your might !
MIGHTY 7th WAR LOANl '

11 P4B&EF? Wednesday, May 23, 1915

Wednesday, May 2.1, 19 to

PfiEfEfr

PICTURES 19

M h«*r*> Ho H> <p«> From , Thrill ol a llomaure

Here?

(MUSICAL; COLOR)

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■ iMiir

Miniature Reviews

• 't\Yhrrr Do We do From
Here?" 'Musical: Colon - i20lh I.
■ Tiptop fiinlasy willi MacMnrray-
Leslie-IIavei- for big^b.o.

"Tlirlll of a Romance" (Musi-
pal: Color). Van Johnson. EfljuT
Williains wrapped up in • box-
oll'icp boffwoo.

"They Mel In Ihe Dark" Bi il.),
Exciting 'British; spy ..mellcr,
stout for. (win bills in U. S. ..

"A Place of One's Own"
( Easle-Lron>. B r i t i s h-ni a d c
about. spiriLs. haunted iloiiie.
looms thin for U. S.

woild. Margaret Lock wood does her
Ijost with a . difficult role. Support
is excellent:

Production is all that could be
desired, but doubtful if film will en-
joy popular appeal. • Cleni.

Plan fix Pool

Continued from page 1 ,

4 B'way Legits

Continued from, pace 7

Metro pulled no punches in tryijig
to score a boxofl'ice knockoiil with
this one. It's not everything a lavish-
'musical shoiild ■ have .— ■ delightful

When Morrie Ryskind and Sig .
^•r^i" ■■contrived their highly irhag- .songs gprscous Technicolor onoiit h
» tale: whereby; a . 1945 4K is a **eU. ^"WXll!

vh ked back., through the medium !-lh«, proceedings and Va.V Johnson,
of a so i "l genie out of r.n Aladdin's 1 amon ?, tll(> 1 . , , olte . sl 9Uractipns.

lariV into the periods of Washin.;- J' 1 .*'" •» 0 ^ .« ca " 1 ""^ doing big

Joii ' Columbus imd Nieiiw : Amsler- ( .. '
a" iftV augured well for possibly A*. if. Johiwon wasnl enough to get
n.in . ii. uw..r i i j , em „, Esi ver Williams is to-.

8 ' r "n& » ill d-,V off I I Marred, with Tommy Dorsey and his

7'^ .f^.W 5 f rom mamuee to ' o'X'h having plenty to do: and Uuii ll/.
bulcls loo V'"^ ,0 ^ ol W ? o , ^,Ji IMeJchior. t^e MelVopolilan star in his
production values »?> ■ j. 1 " s »>*"».«■ «rrt film role/flitting in. and out with
a«:..nsl any boxofflce p.tral .v ,y l|i is , bom bastic vocal gymnastics'
The. "iT" in this soitiewhiit -^quah- i( |, VS sed lip to please the masses. Be.
fled review is the pity that it doesn I ; s iHes. Metro has invested a barrel of
guile ring the boll all Ihe .way. Per- Irfongh in giving the production added
hans. the idea, thrice-repeated, null- vMues S i,ch . as beautilul costuming
tales against a wholly .■■.satisraclory | f01 . lhe enl i,. e t . nst decor that is eve- !
sum total. More likely the short- niling , to say the least, plus a lot of <
.cumins liv's in the sameness or the , | iule n,i,,g s like camera tricks point,
comedy. jing^ \ip "'.Miss "Williams' chassis and I

Fi'imI Mac-Murray is the At. Stuck swiinmiiii! ability,' as well as Ihe:-!
bii khaki-wacky June Haver . and ; ciiiucd.v spots ' built around Viucc '
blind' to Joan Leslie's charins. It's j Barnelt.. ; i
a USO CaiMecn selling and lhe best Richard ."Thorpe's direction of the
patriotic job he can dp. arter gum- original screenplay, by Richard Con-

'niing up' the dishwashing, is to col- » -' -

led junk. -One. of ! the contributed
' pieces to the scrap drive is ah an-
tique from- which cmerges-lho geiiie.
. eapitally done by Cene Sheldon.
Thus, in a series of wishes. Mac-.
Murray is whisked back to the V a| -
Irv Force USO where George Wash-
ington Cotfce. Martha Washington
CandV. etc:, arc served. The 18th ci.'n-
tui-v USO hostesses go through their
cotillions but the ,20th century Mac-
■Murra.s^-lhinking in. the present dc-
soile the powdered- wii>, .erit— breaks
'it up will) a jitterbug routine.

. Punctinlions of the modern .with,
the historical make for a pleasant
si'(|uence. especially will) the sundry

■ bits of busineys/ Throimhoul. Mae-
. Murray keeps recalling -what hi.-' hi.--

ton- .'teacher. Miss Hoclchgimer of
the Bronx High School, had taught
him and thus he knows that, when
he assured Washington .a! Valley
Fiitigc thai he will beat tlie Hessians
and warns htm of Benedict Arnold:
nr. tclis Columbus that Dial's Cuba
(not America) he's discovered: or
goes' through the. $24 "badaer natiie"
sale. with a not sj honest Injun for
the purchase of Manhattan island,
he's -'merely encoring the history he
had learned.

In all three episodes, whether he's
making teepee with the Indian
maiden: or the Cuban con:: a line,
when Columbus finally sights land

■ in the western.' world: pr the hoci's-
pocus wild" the nol-so-dunib -Duteh-
tnan who give him the real-c'slale

. works, the same fenime \i.--a-vis
appear. Misses - Leslie and Haver
play virtually the same rounler-
parls in the triangle .throughout -al-
beit under different names and dif-
ferent eras. The genie' is- also con-
venient in the clutch.

The finale is a fantfi'sy cfiecl of
"you are' now leaving the 17lh cen-
tury .".then the 18lh, 19th arid luially
Inlo ''you are now entering the 20th
• cenlury." and for an extra fillip une.
cloud ■' -effect transplant.-! Iticm inlo
"2011.1 Century-Fox."

Finale wish, ot course, has Mac-
Murray granted his desire to be wc-
ceplOd for GI service, and the topper
see< Ali. the genic. marching along
with him.

Gregory Ratoff has' directed
"Where Do We Go From Here" with
B"od humor and intelligence, well;.
. torlilled by a lavish production U'i-
der Bill. Perlberg's expbrt aegis. The
Ira Gershwin lyrics to iCuit -Weill's
pleasant melodies are literate and
enhance the - stpry.' at no .time in-
. truding on .the Ryskind script.

: MacMurray handles, himself well,
as. do the Misses Leslie and >Iavei

| Ray Bolger. as star; ''Anything Can
Happen," autobiographical- bestseller
I by- George and -Hcleii Papashvily.
I which: will be adapted for the stage
| bj S: N. Bchrman. produced by. Max
; Cordon and' direeled by George S.
' " ; Kauln a i*.. \ and "The Play's- , the

... . ,.\ . ... , . ; Thing.'' by Fercnc '-. 'Molnar. 'which

hideout of the gang— a nightclub and r i„j ...m Ai..^i •«»•««• „:..j„.„

an adjoining, dincing school for sail- j J< * ,r h - wl 1 d>^oel and pioduce
ors. 11 also brings Joyce Howard, ! ^ KO ' >lans 10 invest from 25-50';,,
Jiew arrival, from Canada to join Hie :, of lhe production costs in .these
British WRENS, into his life, as she ' 'shows, except the Washinglon Irving
neciden'tally stumbles onto lhe ring's ^ musical, which, if book and niusie
latest femme victim. There's a hyp- meet approval, will be financed
nolisl .who strangles his victims i00";. by the film company. .
when, lie gets the needed info from ' • ."_ .. •..,'-. • .'„'

Iheiii. a magico, and a theatrical : Dozier revealed that RKO will

booker who uses his aeehev as a . xlislribulc 40 piclu'res- next year.: nv.e . . . .. . . - . •

bund f for ° P y ^ opera. i«^ There's ' n.ore than the present seasp,,: .Eight .! c ' a " 0 " ,^ ethei ' '« " ol P'^uel from
the inevitable-. pay-ofT wilhoul a "! will be top-budget . productions . a11 of lne members is sold in that

\ ranging jn cost from- $1,000,000 to territory. .
: $:).000.000: eighl will be "A" pictures, : ,. Tn J l!: -. a . Producer or distributor
budgeted from $750,000 to $1,000,000, ! member. niighl. not have any product
: and 24 will range in cos( from $200;- j ■ < «! e ?; , f d ... f ?5 ! '.! he : p ??L f " 1 ':!- i'.." 16 ^" 1
; 000 (o $600*000. ror . an overall budget
I with a $22,000,000 minimum; This

prevail. If, for instance. 60 pictures
arjiually are selected f|»r sale in say
France by the' entire Industry' and 20 •
of these were fi-om one major com-
pany, 20 from another and 10 froni a
third, the qlher distrlbs would have
no screen representation in that ter- .
ritory as long as the qttota: jeslric-
lions cohiiriue. : .

-Elimination of all company Irade-
'murks and selling only. one brand ot
product— American pictures— as .ex-
plained by ' one foreign -.department
exec might smooth objections- from,
smaller distribs but would likely
■rou.-e slrong opposition from the
large companies,

■ Whether with or without company
trademarks, the plan calls: Tor selec-
tion of top product for export to re-/
slricled areas abroad. The proceeds
would;' then be divided among the
various members' of the export i.sso- .

single' war scene as Mason finally
rounds up spies.

Director La mac has kept his sus-
pense al high pitch without leiling
the. lUimcrous -characters' ; clutter up
the main thctne.

James; Mason, a cross between .
Clark Gable and John Gar Held. 'i includes lllms to be made by produc-
plnys the dishonored commaridcr to 1 crs outside the organization, aj j '.well'

lhe hilt although the audience, sus- ! bs the company's own product,
pects all along. that_ British navy Three of these pictures will be in
headquarters' "breaks him to help j' TecMnicol ' or , ineludine "The Fabu-
ealch the spies: Joyce Howard ap-

■liel.l arid Gladys Lehman allows for
enough of a -plot - to saunter, in and-
out of lhe produclioiv numbers with-!
out permitting it to. spoil the light-,
ness of the 'entertaining aspects.

Miss Williams, or course, displays
her abilities as a swimmer, a diver
and. a teacher with a musical back-,
ground of lilting melodies. Mclchior.
in the role of the chaperone who
.does. his best to keep the romance
between! the soldier (Johnson) and
the' gal alive, Rives 'forth with several
appropriate light -opera' tunes, backed'
by a small combo and Dorscy's full
.crew.; as 'well. "Please Don'! Say
No." already recipient of a big radio
plug, is given several renditions in
this picture, including the llnale
Where Johnson moves his. Hps. but
Melehior actually;, does the singing,
resulting in .a funny sequence and
the final .clinch between the voun?
star arid his vis-a-vis. Georgie Stoll's
musical adaptation and direction is
especially commendable, but it scorns
Chul he tor the cutters) could have
found lime to give the 'song "I.Should
Care!' more footage arid sound.

i'leit.

pears a find as the frightened Cana-
dian fenui'ie who becomes involved
iii the spy chase.. Phyllis Stanley, a
nightclub singer- on the. other side,
is cast as the nilcry. warbler, doing
the lone- song: "Toddle Along" with }
polish although tunc is far froni
smash.

Tom Walls, as the heavy, portrays
the spy gang leader, but Karcl. Slep-
aiiek. as his gunman.: steals the vil-
lain laurels. David Fai-tar. Pat Me-
dina. Edward , Rigby arid Ronald
Ward head . me strong supporting'

Technicolor, including "The '.Fabu-
lous. Invalid." starring Maureen

would receive a share of the pro
cecds because he could otherwise sell
independently in that territory. By
keeping his product put of the mar-
ket the way is. paved for the orderly
marketing. ot the top b.p. or' prestige
pictures for the American industry
'•as a whole. . '
O'Hara. .- - i. ■■ ... Problems

The company, foreseeing, a gradual : . Matter : .ot . regulating the division
decline in grosses during the forlh^ . of. the . proceeds among the; various
coming reconversion -period of ..in- j members of the' association, if the
i diistry, has already '..notified its pro- ] plan is adopted, may present diffi-
j dueers: to cut down . on production ' cullies.

' .costs wherever possible. Dozier de- 1 : Some formula, based cither, on -the
clared. He added: "The key (o coil- pro rata standing in relation lo U. S.
servative filming is Ihe.script writer, domestic rentals, or rentals frorii
because .in lhe writing of a screen- i some 'other territory, would have to
play costs can be cut by shifting be' evolved which would prove sat-

- ,, . i locales and situations, wherein set-

casl^of English, players, all slrangcrs i (j d - s - j,, not require group: Maximum

lo American audiences. . , 6 _ . . „ .

The Anatole- de Grunwald-Miles I la V» e -budget*...
•Malleson. screenplay is a ■ skillful I Dozier also
adaplation of Anihony Gilbert's : 0 f new' story
story: Camera job by Otto Heller is'
lopnotch. While. Terrence Fisher's
ediliiiR probably fils British theatre
needs, part of earlier roolape could
be Irinimed for .American, houses and
make for a lighter film,. ' 'Wear-

A I'laiT of <»n«**N On ii

(BRITISH-MADE).

London. May 5.

l-:.-'Uli--I.lini r- l.-;i.-i.. i::iinsli(ii-i>ii:!|i
I in Sliu;. .>l:ri-x:i.n'l I.ih.^m'ihhI. H-iiIi:ii:h
Alu H*>||. .hum's M.-i'niiii. ■ I ki i-.-.-l i-*T . |iv Hi-i--
m:M.I J< iinm Ii'M.- Aft:il.t.'il Ity- lll'.M-k -'\Vi.lli;illl>
Jvni-i ki..i-\ Ii..- Sil l Isln-i'l f<ll IV.-II. ■ Al I'l.-r

TIm»v in ill*- Dark

■ . (One Sohj )
(BRITISH-MADE)

Kii-.:ii>1i KILmh iiO-a:?- »f >>l "Vt-l I Iflj'ii'i u

in <iili|i l luii. -fii-ii h .l;«mi> AJ.t-; l"><- *

I Istn-iM-il :.-fi*:i I in «•» Tniii Wall.-*. l')iyH'-< Slan-
|i*>. Iiiviil (-'in i :ir. Kui.'l. ' S?lMi'tHtn*l!.
i •■ -l f>.l . Iii i\'aifl l.riiuac. Sii— :iinlay li>
Adilolr Hi ii ti Wit lit ai|il Mil".-* .Mnlti'j'na
fi i*in simi .v liy Aiuliiiny CillVrl : i ;immm:i.
Oi|.» llrlii'i; clii'ii. T- 1 1 1'lit'P KIj'Ii-'t: illalnii
.Iti.-.t In.. H.isll S\0ii.-.\: yniiu. M.»ii;i ll<:illl:
l'.-«n ' I'l.-iiiK^I. f , iv\ '•■w.'tl In N. V.. My>
'SJ. ').">. Illumine llnif. BH MINS,

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l.a'i.a Vi'i \iy '.,..'..

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.It-: »• l»* I'.vil.^

. . .I*:"! M<"1li»:«
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. , . M-r l I

, , . .. i-ii-n !■-.■« \ ;. ih ;

. . . .-riiili"! I .S'.:.tt'i|M
-.'i . . . .' Alvtn l.iaVH

sees ■ the opening up
facels for' films trom
authors who have been in the Euro-
pean holocaust, and were unable to
do any writing during the past sev-
eral yeari. RKO plans to make only
one other rehabilitation picture be-
sides the- present success, "Exchant-
cd Collage." Us title is -'Tomorrow
Is Here."' based oh an oiiginal
screenplay by Pamela Harris, which
is budgeted at $450,000. *

I .oiiiliin. -M »y 4. ItiiiiniM'

A.i.hii-1'^ ..\l(i

Ml-- Smi-illim-H'

Slvj*. Sim-:iIIiiii^i

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.Miijoi* .\l:.MMilnjc 'rillliiii ii'. .
S|i ii> Ii.'. :.

llui.-. o: MINX
rs;n-.-l' l.n,.|;v.-ii-irl
. . .Jhiiv-m Ma-«'i|i
Uih'Ii-iiii Mullen
... I l.-n 11 i v I'l Ii-- 1

11-I.mi llij,.

Mi, li-."l ^Iii.ii|,.\-

... I)iiK-i- iii-.i;

For lovers of the occult, this will,
prove iutcresling-enlertainitient; olh-
ers probably will scoff- tolerantly.
F>ric story from the pen of Osbcrt
Silwell of a house haunted by the
spirit of a' young girl, who takes 'pos-
session. ofMhe body of another and
almost causes a repetition of .her
own tragic end. Despite Margaret
Lock wood's presence in cast, it
looks mild for U.S. market.

James Mason is splendid as a re-
tired tradesman, who buys an old
riiansiori.. empty for' 40 years, ignor-
atrt of its' sinister -reputation. His
wire, nicely portrayed by Barbara
Mullen, engages a girl as eomnanioh
who soon "becomes betrothed lo a
local doctor. She is apparently
psychic and the personality of the
unquiet soirit (n-adually. invades her
being until she is at death's door.
And she is only saved by the visita-
tion from another guest of the .other

Victory Oyer Nips

- — - Contlnutd. from par* 1 --' s=

Swing — arid smallfry at the bottom. '
eking out just ordinary weekly pay- i
checks as hetwprk. staffers. The bulk. ■
of the -.coin, .which now goes to the ,
middle section, will- be withheld- by ;
sponsors and either-taken away from i
iadio or spent on entcilainmenl

I i.slati ry to all the memo'.'? .' of the
participation' by
: U. S. producers and distributors in
the export 'association would, of .
course, strengthen- the position of
the . film Industry in dealing with
troublesbme foreign areas.

N.: Peter Rathvon. chairman of the
committee for the U. S. film industry
studying the export situation, last,
week .announced that presidents of .
the major companies had. met with
foreign managers (o consider draft .
agreements covering the formation
of ' an, export association Under the
Webb Act.

Rathvntv stated: 'Formation of the
Export: Corporation is considered as
a protective measure in order that
the.indus'Oy might be ready lo func-
tion in any territory where legisla-
. lionYha's been or. may be enacted
which makes it impossible or loo
difficult to do. business on a com-
pctilive basis.: The- Association will,
be set up in a manner to perrriit all -■
American picture exporters to be-
come members.";
Continuing pressure on U. S. pic-,
business by foreign interests

Th.e.story is evident from Hooper ,
statistics over a four and one-half- ; '"^ ■ ■

year period, from January. 1940. to throughout the world is promplins
May. 1945. .inclusive. | speedier action among the U. S.

The Hooper statistics show spon- ; companies. ;
sored broadcast hours; share of audi- I Italy and Spain

ence. listening to the gabbers, and Meantime, whilc^ the Italian B.ov.

This "mellcr of wartime Enaland is
British screen Intrigue at its !>•.•<
Des'piie' an all-British . cn«l. little
known to U. S. audiences; '-They Mel
in the Dark" is- palatable fare ; for
niosl American audiences. It needs
srllins by lhe . average exhib. and
will find its top' income on twin bills.

„^ particularly' circuit houses. Picture.

bul (he oulslarider is Gene. Sheldon, l is a surefire pleaser fpr those who
rorincr 'deadpan vaudeville pan';)- like llieir ■ melodrama piled on Ihn-k
banjoist who SDems to have finally and put across in: slick marines by
foupd himself for pix. A Harry j a ca liable cast and via superb pn>-
I.anydbnesquc coi-riic. he cseltews • dui'lion, :

the panto for dialog and handles the r Producer Marcel Hellmon ancl di-
omriipoleiit genie iole with iiulli.n-- \ rector .Karcl Laniac have laken a

. ity and a fine sens? or roinerlv iiol-too-novel -.story or enemy -agents
valises. The rest arc adequ-ile biil r Ihellhig British admirallv ■ sailing
not loo impressive save far Herman j orders arid punched it up. i" 1 " exeil-
B.i rig's characteristic ('.ermaii-'-omie in'g ypy-sleulh action. Yarn spots
ini|)iession or a Hcssi-in colonel: James Mason ns the- Bntish: iwival
Alan Mowbray as WasliliirtlVin: For- , oll'ieer who's bilked by the spy ring,
tunlo Bonojiovit as Chris Ciiiunihu.-: '■ iiitd di.Miiissid froi" the. service Avhvn
and. Carlos Ramirez whn tenors "The I shiiis are suiil: -..b(*au«P -of leak on

- Pinta. the Nina', the Snrila- Maria" to ! sailing date 1 '. He decides to unr-ive!
i!Ood results. The Tcehnieolor. ••>■ r | llv t'lysli ry and break up the Nazi
usual, is lavish and soiiie or ll-.e i- ! spy. ririu. . ■
lens en'ects above par. Abel. ',' His veiilurc lakes him into the odd

Best Combat Pix Yet

Epic story of U.S. carrier-Frank-
lin's successful battle lor. iis sur-
vival, after hit in the Southwest
Pacific, makes the most vivid
newsreel story of the present
war. Ail American riewsreels
have the Navy camermcn's story/
going to theatres late this week.
Perhaps outstanding one is that
of Movietone, shown yesterday
iTues.) in the proocclion room.
Hi: ihe most breath-taking fea-
ture .picture footage yet. com-
pressed into about nine minutes,
only it's the real McCoy, and
takes no wordaae to quickly
glimpse why aii'J are dead or
missing and '^"0 injured of the
3:000 aboard the U. S. battle\
wai'.on. •

Soectacular explosions and
flames ;u one end ol the huge
carrier were filined'trom nearby
naval boijb=. Other N:\v.y lens-
iifeii got ctoscups tif heroic sail-
ors Irving to. put out the bl.ize.
rescue the injured and bviilg.
oiiiers to safely. Thftre .arc alMi
awe-compelling scenes, of men.
being rescued from the end or
the .carrier \ >n a boat lhalcanie
in close to succor>lhc men:
- , . Wear.

average Hoope.ratings. for' the class. ■'
It is interesting to note that in ;
February. 1940. when only three- |
quarters of aii hour of evening time j
was sporisorcd for the analysts and'!
commentators, both the "share of ,
audience'' and Hoopetalings were :
highest. i
Peak, in number of sponsored
broadca'sl hours was reached in De-
cember. 1943. wlien.it totaled 1.4.25";
of • all sponsored broadcast time. -
There was a steady decline, down;
to March of this year. Then tflere |

crrimcnl monopoly on film business,
which came into effect- under Benito
Mussolini, has been abolished by lne
U. S. Government, relief is limited
by Die size of the territory (pre-war
around $2,500,000 annually for all
U. S. companies).

. Repoi ted, afso. that the U. S, De-
pariment of State has filed a pio-
■ lest with the Spanish government
I against the recently' enacted, law
( first . reported in "Variety" two.
; weeks ago) which' prohibits U. S. re-
mittances for pictures which have
been in release in Spain for five

was a pick-up., due to the war de- ; yM| . s pl . Ion g er . u. S, companies had

previously taken action to. wilhdravv
i all such fllms from distribution, in
■ Spain,

The'ic moves point to way. as pre-
. vjously indica ted, in ".Variety"
! ("Withdraw U. S.' Films in Spain"—
May 9). to a. more vigorous inlerna-

velopmcnls on the European front.;
Die death of President Roosevelt, .and
linally the imminence of V-E Day. I
Still the 11.5 "sponsored hours" for
May. .1945. is far below the peak fig-
lire of December, 1943.

Some news analysts arid com :
mutators : .might gel .comWr't Jul i 1 ■ - , t . d plic w , licn is appar .
or'lh«2».3.'?b.are of .audienee mark | c| bei ' n ,.' p , raU J, cd . |)y - u. S. C*v-
,or May. 194.-). But in reality there is j c) . nmcnl s ol 7 c

| little consolationMrcre Reason^ is • Thal fi j m , lrjide mav be de .

| ,-unple. in a period of top interest. • vc , 0 d carlier tnaiV e xpecled. in.

l PP-^» ,n ^ ( v 1 'n S1,, |^ Z "■ Germany is- also a possibility jiow
'» vcrv n '« h share of . lhe listening : 0lil t he Qovcrnmetit views on coni-

i munications in that, country have
I been clarified..

share bf the listening
audience., pne XWaller ' Wjnchell ».
i of the 22. people on May's list, 'was
J heard by alioiil 55".' of the audience.
^Thc lowest in that grottp h^ad a per-
i rentage of only 12-. Naturally, the
. ! Sa'i guy. with Ihe .'help of a few
' others who came; close (bul not loo
' close i lo him. pulled up the average,
■I making the -picture look prettier for
all.

Trend spotters could do many,
other things wi'lh the statistics. But
'Ihe- important, fact is clear; the big
subtest is on the way out.

DISNEY'S QUIXOTE'

Walt Disney is rerouted interested
ill* a ' cartoon short on- the Spanish
wiridmiH-tiltcr. "Dbn -Quixote."- set
lo lhe musiu. of Richard Strauss*
lone-poem.

R,epor(ed'dickcring with the cellist
Grcgov Piatigorsky to play for it..
The S,trauss, work was composed for
solo cello and orchestra. •

fO

Weduoeday, May 23, 1945

Qres The True St

J^irst 5

"»> ««. wo, wiM>

"«en that wonderful

Ul engagement with n„k .

"My date with Herman Kersken at the SAN FRANCISCO Fox was re

the book. It outgrossed 'Practically Yours'!"

She's Got

^aramount's

Prize-Wi nning Ways

SAY IT WITH
SHOWMANSHIP I

Wednesday, M«y 23, 1945 P&ZlETY . 21

DON DeFORE • RITA JOHNSON • WALTER ABEL

Directed by WILLIAM A SEITER

12

HOUSE REVIEWS

^Blue Holiday (Ethel Waters) Mistitled;
It s No Holiday, and It's Doe for the Red

By NAT KAHV ♦

The name of Ethel Waters has in
better times been sultieicribto excite
huzzahs from 'the -critical fraternity,
end it's no small pity that the line
dramatic intonations of the great
performer have born wasted m an
all-colored vaudeville revue in
•which she's being headlined. "Blue
Holiday" is the name of the Irvm
Shapiro-Doris Cole presentation;
which had its origin on the Coast.

Here is a badly paced melange
whose most notable talent is ; fre-
quently losj in the. shuffle. It hasnt
enough nam*, power for the mar-
quee, the lop supplementary, name
being that of guitarist-singer Josh
White. It is a colored entertainment

Blue Holiday

Irrin Slinpiro mid Doris Cole pro-
duction, of nnudeuille revue. Stars
Ethel Wntcrs; features Josh White,
Willie Br»aiit, Tiinmie Ropers,
Kat/ierinc Dunham Dancers (.minus
Miss Dunham), Hall Johnson Choir
end Mary Lou Williams. Staged by
Monroe B. Hack. ■ Songs, Al Moritz,
'Duke Ellinotbn, Morey Amsterdam,
E. Y. Harburg. Earl Robinson; pro-
duction, designed and supervised by
Perry Wat/cins; choral direction/Hall
Johnson; costumes: Kasia: orchestra
■under direction of BUly Butler.
Opened in Bclar.co. . N. Y., .May 21,
•45.

Slate, 31, ■ V.

Ballet Maniacs <6), Cl«rence
Stroud. Afel Hall. Loutiicll Morgan
Trio, Irving Caesar, urromt Rotf-
nan; "Guest in the House \U A).

•'Something old, something
new

that loo' frequently strives for the
esoteric; its people are often sub-
merged amid the welter of inferior
material; it is a unit that, for a col-
ored show, is particularly surpris-
ing by its void of comedy; and added
•to this is the fact, that most of the
numbers are much too prolonged,"
particularly the production pieces.

While Miss Waters remains. one of
the fine saleswomen of the theatre,
there is the growing and omniscient
impression- that this now remains her
greatest selling factor. She still has
the dramatic depth that 20 or more
years ago sent her soaring. to the
crest, and if there are some who
-would point to the loss of timber in
Miss Waters' voice, there is no gain-
saying that her dramatic intensity
In either selling a script or a blues
song remains sock all the way.

Miss Waters appears twice, once
in each of the show's two parts. In
the initial act she reprises— with
Willie Bryant, Evelyn Ellis and Mil-
dred Smith— a- scene from 'Mamba's
Daughters," the Dubose and Dor-
othy Hcyward hit drama of some
seasons ago in Which she was
starred. The bit lacks proper pacing
but that's comparatively insignifi-
cant. Miss Waters' performance di-
minishes the importance of the
scene's lag.!

The reprise, incidentally, for this
show is typical of hqw scanty is the
material, overall, for "Holiday." At
$3.60 top for a vaude show an audi-
ence merits original material. Miss
Waters closes the show, of course,
with a medley of blues songs, most
of which have by now become stand-
ard with her. I
White, appearing in the first part
of the layout, is doing blues that
have become closely linked with
him, including a couple of se-lf-
written tunes. '"One Meat Ball" and
"The House I Live In" still are
among his best; At .that, he could
do at least one number less; since
the show is so overboard anyway.
He- rates the billing: a performer
■who possesses all' the nuances that
So towards proper shading of a tune.

Of the supporting performers,
Bryant has a faculty of keeping the
show as well knit as could be done
under the circumstances. He's been
around for years, in vaude; niterles
and the legits, and shows it. Timmie
Rogers, a. breakaway hoofer and
•houter, has a penchant for loud
costumes; but generally Rogers is
more, of a roisterer than this revue
would indicate, and it's his best
metier. . There are the Katherine
Dunham Dancers i minus Miss Dun-
ham) in a couple of production
numbers that lack the lustre that
undoubtedly would be present with
the presence of their excellent star.
The routines are staged by Miss
Dunham.

The Hall Johnson Choir con-
tributes some One ensemble work,
and their standard "St. Louis Blues"
is a show-stopper., Mary Lou Wil-
liams boogies at the black-and-
whites; presentation at her turn,
from a lighting standpoint, could be
better, though the audience was
highly responsive on opening, night.

'Lesser performers who acquit
themselves well are the Three Poms,
femmes, with standard legwork. and
Jqsephine Prcmice,. in native Haiti
dancing. and singing.

• There • are certain suggestions
that this was no cheap show to put
cn, though the scenery comprises
mostly backdrops. The costumes,
appear new and fresh, and they're
certainly colorful. But, by and large,
•how's title is highly fictitious. It's
no holiday, certainly, and it's due for
the red.

Well, maybe not so old and not so
new, but there's at least an attempt
to create the aura of veteran quality
and refreshing youth about the cur-
rent State layout It's an attempt to
gain something more tangible than
general booking conditions permit in.
these uncertain limes of name talent
scarcity. The results may be some-
thing else again.

Heading the current bill is Lor-
raine Rognan (new- Acts), doing
practically a single since her hus-
band and partner, Roy Rognan. was
killed in the Lisbon Clipper crash.
Irving Caesar, the songwriter, is
Benny Davislng V. • ... and then I
wrote") to good returns. .Mel Hall
is still getting plenty of laughs and
response with his expert unicycling.
And Clarence Stroud. is telling faded
jokes to bad delivery.
That would be the old.
The new? They would be the. Lou-
mell Morgan Trio and Ballet
Maniacs, also reviewed under New
Acts..

Stroud, recently out of the Army,
has a weak turn of mild gags and
uncertain delivery. He introduces
the other turns rather haphazardly..
His exchange with an unbilled girl
in his act is marked by what is seem-
ingly, inadequate rehearsal. And he
foils for' Miss Rognan in much the
same manner- (though not the same
results) as Roy Rognan.

Hall, decked out as usual in tails
and topper, doesn't scimp on the
toughies, and he makes them look
easy at that on those one-wheeled
rideabouts. Caesar remains all hoke
and a mile wide, though there's no
doubting the commercial, values of
his turn for the lay audience in his
mike-ing of tunes for which he's
written the lyrics. ' Kahn.-

Orphean, L. .%.

Los Angeles. May 18.
Andrews Sisters and their "8-To-
The-Bor Ranch" show, with George
"Gabbu" Haves, Foy Willing and
Riderx of the Purple Sage <5),
Dewey Marjcham, Vic Schoen Orch
(.19); "Youth On Trial" (Col).

Oriental, Chi

Chicago, Afny 18.
John Boles, Mnrdoni fc Louise,
Will & Gladys Ahem, Vic Hlldv,
Sleepy Williams * Dnrt. Ray. Lang
On* (12); "Brewster's Millions"
it/A).

It's unusual for an opening act Jo
stop, the show here but that's exactly
what Sleepy Williams and- Dad did
at the first show today. Strictly a
sleeper so far as the seat-holders
were concerned, the payees were
quick to realize the merits of the
sepia duo. Headed by John Boles
and emceed by Vic Hyde, current
bill is entertaining throughout.

Williams duo tee off with Sleepy
doing one of the neatest sessions of
acrobatic taps , with back flips and
other do-dads for top returns. Brings
on his dad (68 'years old) for' a . boo-
gie-woogie stanza to "One O'Clpck
Jump" that rocks the house and then
the pair demonstrate some- smooth
challenge stuff to "Linger Awhile"
with fast stepping for exit and sock
hit.

Mardoni and Louise get underway
with a triple-trick during which a
stack of colored checkers turns to a
bowl of rice:' an orange, changes into
checkers and turns up on the pedes-
tal where , the rice was. Couple of
boys from audience are then used
for flim-flam scsh of thumb2. tying
and pair reaches comedy climax
when Negro boy from audience goes
through the guillotine trick for- big
laughs. Register big.

Will and . Gladys Ahcrn never
work up much lather with their easy
going routine but manage to, please
most of the folks out front with
Will's gab while fooling with a lariat
and the dancing by Gladys. Fair re-
sponse'.

Vic Hyde clicks, as he has been
doing in other spots in town, with
his one-man band; trumpet' playing
and band: parade finish and does a
fairly good job of emceeiilg. John
Boles (New Acts) draws generous
response in the closing niche with
a well selected repertoire of songs.

Aforg.

RKO, Boston

Boston, May 18.
Roddy AfacDowall, Gil Maison &
Co,. Meredith Blake, Dick & Dot
Remv, Bob Stewart, with Shep
Fields Orch : (14); "Patrick the
Great" (RKO).

The Andrews Sisters have concoct-
ed a nifty package- of stage enter-
tainment to show off their talents
and the talents of performers on the
"8-lo-the-Bar-Ranch" radio show.
Pace is swift and the stars are on
often to wrap up the songs. Patti
Andrews, lead sister of the trio, also
takes care of the m.c. chores.
. Show, tees off with the themer,
''Apple Blossom Time." played by
Vic Schoen's orch, which brings on
the Andrews Sisters- for *'Boogic-
Woogic Bugle Boy" and "Don't Fence
Me In." Dewey Markham, Negro
comic tagged Pigmeat Alamo on the
air show, works in a few tall tales
and some eccentric stepping for a
change of pace.

Schoen's band, well-rehearsed and
I musically on the rhythm- beat earn
hefty applause with arrangement of
"I'm Beginning to See the Light."
Show then goes western with Foy
Willing - and .Riders of the Purple
Sage playing "Texas Blues" and
"San Antonio Rose." They close
with "Nobody's Darling," with Patti
Andrews joining in. George "Gabby"
Hayes, bewhiskcred film sagebrushcr.
is on for chatter and gags about
picture personalities, and then joins
the sisters on a "Sonny Boy" parody.
Andrews close show with "Every
Time," a medley of their ton record
ings. and "Rum ano Coca-Cola," '

Show's lineup of leaving the An-
drews Sisters' spotted throughout
program gives audience a better
break than is usually true of name
act stage shows. -With star 'spots
usually' limited to hext-to-closing.
anything that goes ahead necessarily
falls into warmup classification, but
the singing sisters have taken care
of that with a high -gear package
for film-vaude houses. Brog.

Enrlo, Wash.

Washington, May 17.
Fanny & Kitty Watson. St/inia &
Christian, Gene Barry, - The Roiu-
ettes, Jo Lomba'rdi's House Orch;
"Flame of Barbary Coast" (Rep).

Fanny and Kittly Watson are the
headliners of current stage show.
They are surefire laugh-getters that
keep the aud amused throughout
with chatter and songs.

Sylvia & Christian, who rate high
among dancers, contribute some- in-
tricate ballroom terping for good re-
sults. Gene Barry, with a robust
baritone, contribs a budget of tunes
from "Oklahoma!" and "I Should
Care."

The Roxyettes are In out and out
as usual . to the advantage of the
goings-on'. Jo Lorn bard i's musicians
open this show, with Doris Taylor,
as vocalist, In a number of Hit Pa-
rade tunes. ■ Arke.

Roddy MacDowaU. youngster from
films, has developed an impromptu
act of nifty appeal which should
continue indefinitely. Seems the lad
■left Hollywood without much idea of
what to do at opening. But he re-
membered advice sought from Bob
Hope, Bing Crosby and Monty
Woolley, among others, and wcye
their random ideas into a medley of
mild British wisecracks, mimicry
and song.

Youngster tees off with "You Be-
long to My Heart," which plants him
nicely, scgueing into "Ah American
Prayer," recitative stanza. Then com-
edy chatter stuff that registers.

Gil : Maison showers stage with
xjoches, ranging from what look
ike blends of Chihuahuas with hot
tamales to a huge English mast iff
that bays a song with the orch. A
monkey solemn as a Harvard prof
helped, too,- and the whole is a fine,
amusing animal act.

Meredith Blake, wh< put over
The Last' Chord," is very weak in-
deed. Dick and Dot Remy. relying
largely tor humor on Dot's rubber
legs, redeem themselves with nifty
acrobatics, including dual crocodile
crawl on hands.

As vocalist with orch. Bob Stew-
art, hits pace through "My Dreams
Are Getting Better" and "I Should
Care;". Margaret Ncal, harpist, en-
hances opening band number with
"Temptation." Band gives a taste of
its old technique in "Rippling
Rhythm," and makes use of unusual
lighting effects from opening to
finale, 'Trying Home." Dame,

Bell Bottom Trousers," "I'm Be
ginning to See the Light" and
"Goodnight Sweetheart" with the
band joining . her for a glee club fin-
ish. '.'■'-..

Bon Bcrl is solid hit with his
magic ■drolleries. Whether he. is
tossing priiund balls. Indian clubs or
tambourines, he docs it with a pol-
ish and flourish, accentuated by
comedy touches that marks him a
class performer. • -

■ Pierre D'Angelo and Vanya. who
recently closed at the Chez Pu-
ree here, .-are' introduced to the
strains of "Warsaw Concerto" and
then: go into a nifty set of dance vig-
nettes patterned, to lUncs from
"Oklahoma!" all done cleverly and
gracefully. D'Angelo swaps places"
with Breese for the next number,
leading the band as Breese dances
a Chopin Minuet with Vanya: ■ A
routine without music - follows- -with
pair doing samba to "Tico Tico" tor
bowoff lo healthy- returns ■ Alorg.

.Xalional, l/vllle

■ Louisville, May 18. .
Corinee Boswell. Peter. Chan, Lif-
tlejohns. Sieve £ Salty Phillips. Dick
Leslie. Enrle Keller's Orcli; "There
Goes Kellu" (Afoiio).

Vaude is back oh a full week basis,
at least this week, after a three-day
weekend session, balance of week
preceding Ailed by- war film in co-
op with war plants and Government
agencies. Spotting of Cornice Bos-
well looks like a fortunate booking,
and gal is giving 'em her usual solid
performance. . She closes the show
in grand style, and paces through a
nicely blended routine of hew and
old tunes: Opens with "Sentimental
Journey." then "Little On, Lonely
Side," "Dream, Dream, Dream,"
"Stormy Weather." "Beginning to
See Light'.'' and gets swell coopera-
tion from Earle Keller's pit crew on
"Dinah." which she really- sells to
the limit.

. Littlejohns. acrobatic jugglers,
are atop large balls with Imbedded
brilliants. They work dexterously
with Indian clubs.' plates, and vari-
ous other articles; both male and
femme are equally skillful at the
manipulations. Nice opener on any
bill.

Steve and Sally Phillips, dance
toanv arc personable : and work
energetically for good returns: Clos-
ing dance is iinprcsh of sailor in a
flirtation with a French gaL plenty
okay.

Petei Chan, Chinese tenor, had
'em with him all the way. He gives
out with the high notes which Indi-
cates that he could do more singing
if he wanted to. Opens with "Irish
Eyes Are Smiling," then a novelty
tune with talk "Ain't Got a China-
man's Chance." "Don't Fence Me In,"
hoked with Chinese lyrics. He then
brings, on accordion which he plays
very well, to warble medley of "I
Dream ot You" and "Good Night
Sweet Dreams." Off to a big hand
Dick Leslie, m.c. keeps the. acts
moving briskly, and wows audience
with his own special stint; a chatter
routine, ribbing radio commercials
ind the like. Guy takes off an in-
ebriated announcer extolling the vir
lues of a certain brand of gin. It's
all good clean fun and the guy prac-
tically knocks himself but to register
for a Hock of laughs.

Biz good al show caught Friday
night (18): Hold

Wedne sday, May 2>, 19 45
Apollo* X. Y.

Dud nnd Paul Bnscomb Orch (It)
with Kenneth. Preston; Pete Diyys,
Kitty Murray, Coleman. Clark & Co.
(3), Sandra Lee, Peg Leg Bates,
Ralph Cooper; "Girl Who Dared"
(Rep).

Management of this Harlem
vautlcry had to rush in a sub orch'
and re-routine its entire show at the
last minute this week when Billy
Eckstine. slated to. play the house
with his band, underwent an emer-
gency throat op In Pittsburgh and
couldn't make the date. Result
doesn't add up to a good 90-minnle
runoff.- mainly due to the backing
or acts by the Bascomb brothers'
musical aggregation.

Comprised of four rhythm, three '
trombones, live saxes and Dud Bas-
comb tooting the horn out front: this
midwest crew needs lots more sea- :
soiling and better arrangements- to
compote, with other sepia bands hv
a highly-competitive and limited
Held. Boys, like majority of - other
Negro musicians, can really ride a ■
jump tune, as they d6 with opener,
"Let's Jump." .and next-to-closing
"Victory Bells.'' but when playing
behind Kenneth Preston's two bal-
lads, who does 'em in fair style, and
blues singing Sandra Lee, tliey
falter.

Pete Diggs, who plays a vlbra-
haip with excellent musicianship but
little showmanship, bangs out "Lime-
house Blues," "Little on the Lonely
Side" and finales with "St. Louis
Blurs." Here, too, band doesn't help
matters any.

Killy Murray, the gal with the
derriere extraordinaire, who leaves
little lo the imagination, has been
around 'for years with the same sing-
ing, dancing, shouting and sashaying
turn. Winds up the act in a, brief
byplay with m.c. Ralph Cooper that
definitely is not for the family trade.
Coleman Clark's table tennis act is
the only while unit on the bill, and
well received..

Peg Leg Bates has- dressed lip his
standard but nevertheless breath-
taking dancing routines with some
good comedy dialog anent his ap-
pearances at Army camps and hos-
pitals that is well received. He's the
highlight of this.show. S(en.

Capitol, Wash.

Washington, May 17.
Gup Lonibardo's Royal Canadians,
Rosemarie Lombardo, Don Rodney.
Estelle & Le Roy, Trumpet Twins;
Jean Carroll; "Mollw fc Me" (20HO.

Chicago, Chi

Chicaoo, May 18
Pierre D'Angelo & Vanya, Ben
Beri, Barbara Blaine, Criss Cross,
Lou Breese Orch <1S) with Jean
Williams, Rudy Wagner, Mario; "Be
tween Two Women" <M-Gh

With Pierre D'Angelo and Vanya
topping the -bill; supported, by three
splendid acts, current layout shapes
up as lively and satisfying fare. Lou
Breese and his orchestra start things
off with a rendition of "Caldonia".
that features Mario doing the .vocals
and the nifty keyboarding of pianist
Rudy Wagner.

Barbara Blanc rcploccd Woody and
Betty when Woody tore a ligament
while limbering up and couldn't
open. The curvacious Miss Blaine is
tops on the one-leg control stuff and
dishes out a slick line of acrobatics,
high kicks and taps to "Meditation'
from "Thais" and ; "Embraceable
You" lhat brings heavy, palmwhack
ing. ,

Criss Cross, using three ventro
dummies,' is a hit with clever chat-
ter, songs and manipulation. First
dummy, a fresh guy. Is . used for
comedy chit chat and song "Home
On the Range"; second one. is small
radium-treated character that Cross
voices on the cute side and last is
sepia, also radium-treated, used for
"If I Didn't Care" done a la Ink
Spots for clicko close.

Breese crew take the spotlight
again with Jean Williams singing

"Palaw, Columbus

Columbus. O., May 17,
"WLW Midwestern Hnj/ride" with
Lillle Jiiiimi/ Dickens, Harpo & Tiny
Dolly Good & Buccaneers <3).C«l For
tune. Brown's Berry 4. Roy Lauhaiu
Louis funis. Mike Wilson, Penny
Woodford. Johnson Twins, Lee Mor
(/«n. Bill Fold, "Swing Out Sisler'
\U).

Gene Ford has dressed up the.
stage for the Royal Canadians, with
Rio Rita foliage, bay trees, benches
and two elavations for the musicians.
Trailers part on a well-censored
version of "Bell Bottom Trousers,"
with the four Lbmbardos in the out-
fit collectively speaking. Rosemarie
Lombardo lends her vocalisms to
"I'm Beginning to See the Light."

Dance team of Estelle & Le Roy
lend their artistic evolutions to the
tune of "Tico, Tico." The Trumpet
Twins, who play the cornets with
skill, conclude their imitations of
famous band leaders with a novel
Harry James-Betty- Grable duo.
, ' Jean Carroll has an original script
which sounds like fresh material.
She is an attractive comedienne and
with this routine scores heavily.

Band numbers, ably led by Guy
Lombardo, include special arrange-
ments of "Coquette;" "Sweethearts
on Parade," "Snuggled on Your
Shoulder," "Bob-Hoo," "Sailboat in
the Moonlight" and "Oh. Moille."
Overture by Sam Jack Kaufman's
musicians features a bit of Tschai-
kowski. Arke.

It's hillbilly lime al the Palace this
week, which means the bobb.y.soxers
vacate for a rural trade drawn from
surprisingly distant places.

Lineup is' unique in lhat genuine
billy music is peppered with some
streamlined orchestrations. Entire
cast are WLW i Cincinnati) morning
radio' regulars, and combine for Sat-
urday night showcase with "Hay
ride" moniker.

Palace opening marks the first
stage appearance of: this rustic offer-
ing which, for the most part is made
up. of western ballads and folk songs
with yodeling and mountain pigs
thrown in. ...

Little Jimmy Dickens emcees sat-
isfactorily and takes spotlight later
to win audience kudocs for warbling
of "Smoke on the Water" and "Look
What Those Blue Eyes Did to Me."
A solid hit.

A comedy skit by Harpo & Tiny
in authentic yokel vein is another
clicker. Dolly and Buccaneers pro-
vide some of the better vocal and
instrumental arrangements, "with
Bill Fold, of the' act. copping comedy
honors ii\ a batlered hat and bom-
bastic mugging routine that rocks
the house with laughter. Buccaneers
do best with "Gee You."

Johnson Twins are good-lookers
with pleasant singing voices. They
do nice job with "Have I Told You
Lately That I Love You?" Lee Mor-
gan also , registers on vocal of
"Thumbs Up."

Cal Fortune yodels. Benny Wood-
ford plays accordion. Lanhnm, Wil-
son and Innis appear as guitar trio
and also individually. Lee Morgan
apd Brown Berry Four, score with
their songs. Slua.

Tower, K. C

Kansas City. May 18.
Mnrtells & Miguon (4), Dick Scott,
Leon Cephas, Burvedcll Sisters (2),
Pat Flanagan,. Tower Orch (9) wilh
Norma Werner; "The Cowboy and
the Lndw" (ludie) and ■ "Topper"
(Indie) (reissues).

Layout is a smooth playing bill of
four diversified standard acts blend-
ed with the usual "Discovery Night"
w inner and hotise band.

Proceedings get underway as Ihe
orch. swings out with "I'm Beginning
lo See the Light," Norma Werner
handling the vocal assignment ef- ,
fcclivoly.' Dick Scott,, guitarist and '
gabber, is m.c.

Leon Cephas, sepia hoofer,, is on
first with some nifty footwork which
clicks. Pat Flanagan, husky "Dis-
covery Night" tenor, warbles "When.
Irish Eyes Are Smiling" to good re-
turns. . '■».-■

Burvedcll Sisters, xylophone duo.
hammer out such tunes as "The
World Is Waiting for the Sunrise."
"Dinah" and "Who?" on the wood- .
pile. For a getaway they go all out
with n patriotic medley.

Dick Scott next to closing, opens
with a long comedy spiel which gels ;
laughs easily, and winds up with
two- songs. The Martells it Mignon,
adagio team of three men and n girl,
close, with a routine which they sock
across 'with expert timing. £(irl.

Billy Catltone's four-piece band
has returned East again after 14
months of West Coast bookings, but
won't .-return to its Pittsburgh lo-
cation again for some lime, moving
into Toledo this week for an engage-
ment at Hillcrcst 'hotel.

Wed««fr7» M»7 23, 1945

23

ANDREW STONE presents °

Bedside Manner

[ifte picture with tine, Boxoffice Manner)

JOHN CARROLL- RUTH HUSSEY-* CHARLES RUGGLES • ANN RUTHERFORD

ESTHER DALE • GRANT MITCHELL • FRANK JENKS • From the SATURDAY EVENING POST Story by
Robert Carson • Screenplay by Frederick Jackson and Malcojm Stuart Boylan • Directed by Andrew Stone

- Released Thru —
UNITED ARTISTS

Wednesday, May 23,

1945

^++»+» MM *********** * MM » » > ♦»>»>>>♦♦♦♦♦

United States Rollcall

-♦ ♦ ** M ******** * **** ** ** * **** * ** +++++++ » »+4H*

Sgt. John L. Toohey, ex-flack son
of legit P-a- J° hn Peter Toohey, now
in Germany, in War Psychology
Bi anch, in control oi censorship over
enlcrtainment'in occupied territory.

LI. Ross P. Mendell, Jr., onetime
ginger with Xavier Cugat.. now a
14lh Air Force fighter pilot in China.

Sgt. Jos. J- Thomas, ex-mgr,
Chascn's Uptown theatre, Sedalia,
Mo., now a tank commander with the
775th Tank Battalion on Luzon.

Pianist Araparo .Iturbi, after play-
ins Ave months In Europe fords,
has extended her stay and gone to
the Persian Gulf to perform.

Sgt. Max Magnus, one-time
"Variety" Berlin correspondent, ran
into Pvt. Mickey Kooney recently
somewhere in Germany, where the
ex-film star is entertaining troops
as part of a jeep show unit. "Arc
you going home soon, now that V-E
Day is here?" asked Magnus. "No,"
said Kooney; "our work, is just
beginning now, entertaining the
. GIs sweating it out -on the conti-
nent' .<

Doc Day Killed In Action

Pittsburgh, May 22.

Harry (Doc) Day, former local
theatre manner, was killed in
action in Gomany on April 8, his
brother, Bill Day, the veteran pro-
jectionist here, has just been noti-
Aed. ■ '

Wounded and hospitalized in
France is Lt. H. L. Goodman, son-
in-law of M. A. Rosenberg, Pitts-
burgh theatre owner and head of
Allied Exhibitors. Goodman has
been, awarded the SilveY star for
bravery in action.

Al Katz, who managed WB's Cen-
tre theatre before going into service,
has won the Bronze Star Medal for
meritorius service in Belgium. An-
other recent Bronze Star winner, in
European theatre was Major
Eugene S. Cohen, who in civilian
life headed sales for Victor records
in-' this territory. He's a brother; of
Harold V. Cohen, "Variety'' mugg
here.

Fleck of Flit. Induction!

Pittsburgh, May 22.

Week of V-f". Oay took a big toll
out of local show world via the in-
duction route when Ave wel.l-knowns
either shoved off for the service or
got their notice to stand by. One
o( them was Alton Rea. father of
three children, who has been a WB
manager in this zone for years and
was at the Smoot in Parkersbitrg,
W. Va. ,when he was tapped. Tommy
Carlyn, bandleader, got a navy sum-
mons, and so did his piano player
Tommy Fitchett.

George Youngling, musician and
arranger with KDKA staff orch. left
for the Army. He's married to Faye
Parker, radio singer, and they have
two children. Last was Leonard Ja
cobs, son of Sid Jacobs, district man
ager for WB. He^ also father of
two children.

28 Features Phis 16
Westerns From Mono
Next Year, Chi Conv.

Chicago, May 22.
Tiienty'-eight features, in addition
to 16 westerns, will be released by
Monogram during 1945-46 season,
Steve Broidy., v.p. and gen. sales
mgr., announced at the company's
sales meeting here at the Blackstone
hotel, which is jointly presided over
by W. Ray Johnston, prexy, and
Broidy. Features Will be produced
by Scott Dunlap, King Bros , and
Jeffrey Bernard, and Westerns will
star Johnny Mack Brown, two of
them to be high budget outdoorers.
Total of $14,000 in prizes awarded
to winners of the^.recent 26-week
sales and collection' drive. First prize
of $1,000 went to the Omaha- office;
second prize, $750, Kansas City
branch', and $500 to San Francisco :
for combined sales- and collection ef-
forts. Balance divided between
Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, Pitts-
burgh, Cleveland, Detroit,- New Or-
leans, Memphis, Portland and Den-
ver offices.

Broidy reported that -there has
been an overall improvement in 1945
against last year in -both sales and
collections. "Dillinger," Broidy said,
is proving one of the biggest money r
makers the company , has ever had:
The Esquire and Tivoli, San Fran-
cisco, on a dual run, have held it
over for a third week and the Ful-
ton, Pittsburgh, is .holding it over for
a second week.

Fifty-two Mono reps attending
confab, besides Johnston and Broidy,
including George Burrows, treas-
urer; Trem Carr and Scott Dunlap,
veepees over production; Franklin
and Maurice King, producers; John
Harrington, film and accessory man-
ager; Ed. Morey, assistant sales man-
ager; Morey Goldstein, eastern sales
manager; and Art Greenblatt and
Sol Francis, : district managers, also
branch heads and franchise holders..

Now MaJ, Jack Granara

Boston. May 22.

Maj. John A. "lack'' Granara has
been promoted from captain at
SHEAF in France. Granara enlisted
as a private in March, 1942, and has
seen service in Hawaii and England

He was formerly Boston RKO The-
atres publicity director.

'Iwo Jima'PicDueJune7
After 'On to Tokyo' May 31

"To the Shores of Iwo Jima,"
Technicolor two-reeler, produced by
the U. S. Navy, Marine Corps and
Coast Guard, will be released to the-
atres June 7.

Film was edited at the Warner
studios and is being distributed by.
United Artists for the OWI.

Following request from the War
Dept.. the War Activities Commit-
tee is rushing "On to Tokyo" Into
release May 31. Universal is dis-
tributing. Film answers questions
regarding the demoblization plan,
the redeployment of troops, and
plans for stepping up the tempo of
the war against Japan. "Tokyo" was
Produced by the Army Pictorial
Service for the Army's Information
and Education Division.

Name Harmon To CIA

Francis Harmon, co-ordinator of
Aim industry's WAC, was elected a
member of the >board of trustees of

t China tastltutc to America.

This. is a widely known organiza-
tion with some of outstanding Amer-
ican, public figures on th,e board.

SCREEN STARS FLOCK
Ta HOSPITAL CIRCUIT

Twenty-one Hollywood celebrity
tours are now set to visit domestic
hospitals for USO-Camp Shows, for
the largest number of stars out at
one time since the beginning of the
war. Units consist ol a star alone,
or with one or two accompanying
screen figures. Some are already on
tour, others about to go.

The ' list includes Irene Dunne,
Jane Wyatt, who started three days
after close of her Broadway legiter
"Hope For the Best"; Basil Rath-
bone, Ida Lupino, Joseph Cotten.
Dinah Shore, Sonny Tufts. Virginia
Weidler, Edgar Kennedy, Lynn Mer-
rick, Harold Peary, Gail Russell,
and others.

No V-E Slackoff For
Signal Corps Showmen

The many Hollywood and Broad
way showmen in the Signal Corps
service foresee- little relief post V-E
Day because they, of ail Army men,
know the great value achieved by
visual training films, . celluloid pro-
ductions of all battles for the Na-
tional Archives, etc. And with our
occupation of reconquered EWope,
veteran rehabilitation, the home-
front, the Jap front, etc., it's, felt
that Signal Corps film production
must not be permitted to relax.

Considering . that training films
alone cut down 60% of the trainees'
time, that is but one of the more
impressive aspects of this branch of
the Army.

Mono International

Corp. for Europe, S.A.

Hollywood, May 22,
Distribution of Monogram product
in Europe and South America will
be handled • by Monogram Interna-
tional Corp., a newly formed sub-
sidiary, with W. , Ray Johnston as
chairman of the board.

.Other officers of the company are
Norton V. Rilchey, prexy; J. P.
Friedhoff, veepee; George D. Bur-
rows/ treasurer, and N. Witting,
secretary.

WAR ACTIVITIES

25

I Ringling . II

L^- Cuntinhed from paic 1 ssil

ing approximated $1,500,000. This
season's take has been figured to be
$100,000 ahead of that .high -mark,
established when the RBB show
played 10 days longer- than the pre-
vious year.

New record Is considered, remark-
able because. there was no indication
whether attendance would be af-
fected by the Ringling's Hartford
fire disaster last July. Playing time
was the same as 1944, starting with
a war bond premiere that ■ was
strongly attended. Booking was to
have been one day longer but be-
cause of the first night and the mat-
inee cancelled on the. day of Presi-
dent Roosevelt's funeral, the date ran
46 days. Understood that the RBB
show started reaching the $1,000,000
level in 1942.

Loges and some arena tickets
were- higher priced this . season but
that did not materially figure in the
show's increased . boxoffice, since
some less, desirable sections were re-
duced. Week ending April 21 scored
the biggest seven-day gross, the
amount not being specified, but it is
known that the ' final week was
almost as big, which was another
record for the last week of the Gar-
den e n gag em en t. Performances
which were noticeably under capa-
city saw the gallery light, most of
the bigger -priced locations being
tenanted.

Circus was accorded as much if
not more space in the dailies as ever,
and three_ accidents which; marred
the engagement may have been a
partial factor, (especially the fatal
fall of Victoria Torrence), Believed,
however, that the. press favored the
show, not being .' in sympathy with
the drastic punishment meted out by
the Hartford court, which sentenced
five heads to. jail in connection with
the fire, although Judge William
Sheehan reduced the terms. No di-
vidends are to be paid until the. fire
claims are liquidated.

RBB show, is currently in Boston,
after which it plays the first date
under canvas in Washington, week
of June 4, new fireproofed canvas
being used for the first time. After
(he show opens there, George W.
Smith, show's general manager, will
report in .Hartford 'arid start serving
a year's sentence, which, with ,time
off . for good behavior, will permit
his release in a little more than
eight months. James A. Haley,
RBB's -vice-president, started serving
a similar sentence in February.

1st Russ Jobs

; Continued from pace 3 ;

eras, projectors and sound equip-
ment that they want despatched to
Russia as expediently as possible.
They will also seek arrangements
with Technicolor for cameras and
equipment in studios they plan
building for . color Aim-making ex-
clusively in Crimea. Damages suf-
fered in the Moscow- and Leningrad
studios was about 50% of equip-
ment.

Russians state that the USSR has
no intention of competing in the
entertainment market with Ameri-
can films. They will continue- malt-
ing mostly dramatic subjects, which
have been of heavy entertainment
substance, and will also go heavily
ph making Alms that will be in-
structive in rehabilitation work in
their own and Slavic-speaking coun-
tries. Russia has sufficient tech-
nicians at present to continue opera-
tion of its sudios, but it is .likely
when all have been reconstructed
that, many technicians will -be im-
ported from Germany.

German-Speaking

— - Contti ncd from page 1 ss

town was being taken over in the
name of the American army. (They
learned later that the Yanks were
still several miles back and hadn't
moved up yet). Then Glass got the
townsfolk together in the square,
and made them a speech, giving
them an earful of democratic prin-
ciples. On Glass' return to his outfit,
the GIs "decorated" him with vari-
ous medals they had earned or col-
lected, and henceforth called him
Commando.

Glass was in the original Broad-
way legit production of "Counsellor
at Law," and since then has been
a Aim freelancer. . His wife, Kitty
McHugh (sister of Frank), was also
in the USO-CS unit

Need for Drafting British Talent
SEAC Fib Shortage, Cited by Dean

Camp Shows Adds Four
To U. S. Hospital Loop

Four new shows will be added to
USO-Camp Shows' domestic hospital
circuit July 1, to bring total of units
on that loop to 24. There had been
some talk in the-trade about USO-CS
cutting down on its domestic Victory
circuit, as it did last week with its
Blue, or tabloid loop, but ho cut is
contemplated.. Army is still draft-
ing plenty men, and the Victory cir-
cuit is needed to help entertain at
domestic training camps.

It was believed thaTa" cut™ In the
Victory circuit would free some of
its performers^ for needed overseas
trips.

IRVING MACK'S THREE
'PURPLE HEART' SONS

Chicago, May 22.
Joseph Mack, eldest son of Irving
Mack of the Fllmack Trailer com-
pany, has been wounded in action
while fighting on Luzon, according
to word received from the War
Dept. last week. .Report indicated
that he has been flown to a hospital
base where his condition is said to
be "satisfactory."

Joseph is the third of Mr. Mack's
three sons, who have been awarded
the Purple Heart. Bernard Mack is
in the O'Reilly General Hospital,
Springfield, Mo.,' recuperatiing. from
wounds received in Germany. Don-
ald Mack was decorated for injuries
received in France:

'■ — _ •

Grace Moore, Martini
Sked USO Overseas Tow

Several topflight concert . names
signed- to ." go overseas in _ re-
sponse - to USO-Camp Shows' call
for musicians to entertain GIs. Grace
Moore and Nino Martini. Metopera
stars, will head a unit of four
singers, signed from May 20 to. Sept.
1. Another quartet headed by Leon-,
ard Warren, Met baritone, will, be
across from late May to June 21.
The Serge Jaroff Don Cossack
Chorus of 26 voices his signed for
May 31 to Sept. 1.

Two prominent symphony con-
ductors -will also go . overseas this
summer to conduct GI bands, Efrem
Kurtz of the Kansas City Symphony
signed for July 1 to Sept. 15, .and
Vladimir Golschmann, St Louis
Symphony head, available June -15
to Sept. 1. Latter has given up
his usual American slimmer com-
mitments, Lewisohn Stadium, N. V.,
Robin Hood Dell,' Phila., etc!, for
the purpose.

Alec Templeton • went overseas
April 30 as a solo attraction, to re-
turn July 1. Stephan Hero, violinist,
will head a unit of six going over
shortly. Activity is in line with
Army's recent request of 'USO-CS
for 10 additional concert units for
Europe (ETO) and nine more to the
Far East. The Foxhole Ballet,
headed by Grant Mouradoff, which
completed its .six months' stint In
Italy (MTOUSA) , has decided to stay
overseas another three months, and
is now in France.

FC'» Chi Buyout

L. E. Goldhammcr, v.p. and gen-
eral manager for Film Classics, lias
announced the outright purchase of
Film Classics of Illinois exchange
from John L. Jones, previous owner
of the franchise. Film Classics now
owns 30% of its exchange system
throughout the U. S. *

A. H. Fisher, formerly city sales
manager in Chicago for United Art-
ists, has been appointed branch
mannger for FC in Chicago.

LT. HEMINGWAY FREED.

Chicago. May 22.
It's "farewell to arms" for Lieut.
Jack Hemingway, son of Ernest
Hemingway, recently, liberated from
a German prison camp, where he
was interned following capture at
St. Die, France, last Oct. 28. Lieut.
Hemingway's mother, now Mrs.
Paul Scotl Mowr-y.-, received the
news at her home in suburban Lake
Bluff. Her husband is in Paris
and Mrs. Mo.wrer is preparing to
join him -there soon.
Lieut. Hemingway has been ' in
| service since February, 1943.

► ■ By ART LIDDLE

South East Asia Command
Basil Dean, ENS A chief, has re-
lumed to Britain after a look-see to
And out what's holding up show biz
in the South East Asia Command. He
aebnits that improvements are still
necessary.

In December, 1944, the R.A.F. in
S.E.A.C. had 15 static cinemas show-
ing so-so flickers. In the Army the
infant D.SJC. (Director of Services
Kinematography ) was n.s.h., either
having only 28 mobile cinema units,
and. the Alms were stinko. "

Estimated number of projectors
now required to give troops their
film fare is approximately) 1,700, all
of which number would have ' to
come from either England or the'
U. S.. No immediate solution to this
problem is offered. Dean promises,
however, to put redifftision vans,
carrying libraries of programs re-
corded by the. BBC and ENSA on
the jeep-opened trails until the: de-
mand can be met.

Transportation remains the biggest
problem and although* Dean is mak-
ing demands . for special JENSA
transport it is generally appreciated
that his requirements will not- be
fully met. Present setup is reminfsr
cent of way back vaude's hit-and-
miss, arrangements, and will continue
that way until the people who really
know show business are called' in to
pilot, the. already tired craft.

In. most cases shows are too cum-
bersome for the type of grass-hopper
staging that is required of them. 'Orte
show carried 12 actors, stage man-
ager, electrician, two native , ser-
vants,, scenery, curtains, equipment,
and with entertainment organization '
as it Is right now, the crew Worked
itself to a standstill. Show cWed"
after -24 weeks ip the • sticks with
every actor, wanting to get back to
regimental duties.. •

Dean is bitter on the subject of
actors- .who came out here for just
as long as is necessary to garner tbe
publicity they would not otherwise,
receive, and is just as bitter. about
those Who prefer to stay back home
in the United Kingdom. Suggests
that . stringent measure is necessary
in order, to get them out and give. the
khaki clads the entertainment* to
which they are ''entitled. ■ ' •

He considers that whefl riecssary,
elusive thespians should be drafted
into the Army and it is possible that
something of the sort will happen, for
it is estimated that entertainment
will be needed out here for at least
12 month's after the. Japanese. War's
end, and that is real heartening news /
to all lotus-eating actors,- for .- this
corner of the globe was never, ex-
actly boffo for the profesh. '

Lieut.-Geticral Sir Oliver Leese,
Commander of 'the Allied .Land
Forces in & E. Asia.'bas invited seyr
erai English variety and radio stars
to come to this command to enter-
tain khaki-clads. .Among' those in-
vited are Tommy Handley, Gracic
Fields. Anne Sheltori; Florence Des-
mond, Flanagan it Allen, Vera. Lynn,
Tommy Trlnder and Revnell A: West.

Singer Vera Lynn -has already '
made one, tour of SEAC -with con-
siderable ' success.

Sonja Heme Leads Way
For OVeas Trooping

Hollywood, May 22.

Sonja Hcnle is the' first "Holly-
wood name to answer General
Eisenhower's request for volun-
teers to entertain American troops
in. Europe. Skating star left for a
six-: week tour of hospitals overseas.

Arrangements were made for
Bette Davis and Charles Buggies to
head : two USO-Camp Shows com-
panies in the European sector, with.
Miss Davis in "Holiday" and -Bug-
gies in a comedy still to be selected.

Meanwhile the Hollywood Victory
Committee is rounding up the big-
gest volunteer entertainment of the
war for a summer invasion of PaciAc
fronts. Among the players signed
are Walter Abel, Amos 'n' Andy;
Jack Benny, Jerry Colonna, Jinx
Falkenburg, Ed Gardner, Bob Hope,
Kay Kyser, Garry Moore, Ella '
Raines, Frank Sinatra and Danny
Thomas. Currently, Joe E. Brown is
entertaining in the Philippines.

In addition, sixmonth commit-
ments for USO-Camp Shows stage
companies have been signed by
Matthew Bolton, Karen Morlcy,
Roger. Pryor, John Roache, Vernon
Steele, Brad Taylor, Constance Dowl-
ing and Thelma Schnee.'

VARlttY

Wednesday, Muy 23, 1945

Motion Vet-ore M^2ihe

Was

in

/9/f

What were m
30-some years ago 1

Running the first nationalizations made from scenarios
furnished by the studios of the time— Kalem, Edison,
Vitagraph, Lubin, and the forgotten rest of them . . . 8 to 10 stories
an issue averaging 5 pages apiece.

Publishing the first interviews with screen players . . . called
In 1911 "Chats with Players" then.

Carrying the first questions and answers department . . .
24 pages called "The Answer Man," a title Motion Picture
originated for screen magazines.

* iq/A Establishing the first "screen gossip department". . . called .
n 17 T "Greenroom Jottings— Little Whisperings from Everywhere

in Playerdom."

in 1^/4 *-*' v ' n 8 ' ,s readers the first "Diary of a Star"— the diary of
' Edith Storey in the June, 1914, issue.

i iCMli Taking the first backward look at "what stars were doing
II iv/7 then". . . this department started in 1914, when Motion Picture
was only 3 years old !

* IQIA P a yi n S 'he " rsf v ' s >t '° a studio ever made by a film magazine

• • • a write-up about the old Edison studio 'way up in the
Bronx appeared in 1914.

If) IQlfo Printing the first reviews of movies.

was orange groves!

' //V/i Starting the first screen contests . ... Motion Picture's "Fame
ffl lyiy and Fortune Contest" discovered Clara Bow in 1919 and gave
"It" to the world.

Beginning the first Los Angeles column . . . when Holly wood
.»

Cover portraits ot men stars (Dougies Fairbanks, Sr
. Valentino, lot instance) . •

Galleries ot star pictures

\AdIfotJ
V/CTURZ

This parade from our past has a purpose: we thought
you would like to know facts. We are proud of the things
rted in Motion Picture Magazine, because so many
patterns we planned away back have helped give
screen magazines the big importance they now have.
Motion Picture Magazine will go right on setting the pace.

MOTION PICTURE

Fiwc«tt MRcitliM, 1st. WtrM's lit|nt MUikm if Mistily Mi|tikMi
II J MultM Ayttw, few Ytrk 17, N. V.

rifOTOcMrus coum'sr or musium or mocumi am

Wednesday, May 23, 1945

PICTURES

27

More Medical Dischargees in Albany
As Bookers; Other Exhib-Distrib Briefs

Albany, May 22.
The number of medicallyrdis-
charged men serving as bookers in
Albany exchanges has been in-
creased, through the appointment of
John Mohan, veteran of combat ac-
tion in Africa, Sicily and Italy, as a
date-setter at Paramount. Mohan
was transferred here from the Bos-
ton office to replace Harry Wyckoff.
resigned. Wyckoff came to Albany
from Boston In 1944 when G. Schuy-
ler Beattie was promoted from chief,
booker to salesman, via Weldcn Wa-
ters who went with 20tl> Century-
Fox in the south. Beattie recently
left for the armed forces. The name
of his successor not yet disclosed.
There are two other ■ medical dis-
charges on Filmrow. One, Bennett
Goldstein, is a Metro booker.

Lieut. Francis C. Hicks, former
doorman at Palgce, Albany, and
later asst. manager of Fabian's St.
George, Staten Island, has left Ma-
guirc hospital, Richmond, Va.. after
being treated for loss of right arm
and otrfer injuries suffered in the
battle for Germany. Lieut. Hicks.
: 2(5; had served with the famed
Spearhead Division of General
Hodges' First Army from the in-
vasion . of Normandy. Following a
brief rest, which will include a slay,
a I the Albany home of his brother-
in-law, Larry Cowen, upstate direc-
tor for Fabian, 'he will: go to Eng-
land General hospital at ' Atlantic
City.

Metro's New Promotions

With creation , of a new Metro sales
division and three hew districts in
the field, Ave homeoffice assistants
to sales managers have been given
new assignments by the company.

Paul J. Richrath, formerly assist-
ant to John J. Maloney, central sales
manager, is now assisting E. K.
O'Shea, eastern sales manager. He
succeeds Leonard Hirsch, now assist-
ant to Rudolph Berger, new south-
ern sales manager. Irving Helfont.
western sales manager, now is assist-
ant to George A. Hickey, west coast
supervisor.

Under new setup, Richrath will
.cover Boston, N. V., New Jersey.
Albany, Buffalo, New Haven and
Philadelphia. Charles Deesen, who
continues as homeoffice assistant to
Maloney, will have Detroit, Cleve-
land, Indianapolis, St. Louis. Wash-
ington, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh,
while Bezahler takes 'over Chicago.
Minneapolis, Milwaukee. Des Moines.
Denver, Omaha and Salt Lake City,
llirsch supervises Atlanta. Charlotte.
Now Orleans, Dallas, Kansas City.
Oklahoma City and Memphis, while
Helfont will have Los Angeles. Port-
land, San Francisco and Seattle.

Metro has created two new posts
in the field, bringing to 10 the num-
ber set up in recent weeks. Jack
Goldberg, salesman in Washington
office, becomes sales manager there
under the supervision of John S.
Allen, and Michael Cramer, Denver
seller, moves up to like post in that
exchange, where Henry A. Fricdcl
is branch; manager. Goldberg has
been with Metro 17 years. Cramer 14

with stimulation of organization's
war activties in the film biz high-
lighted.

Among the organization topics to
be taken up will be consideration of
charters from four exchange cities.
Expected that six months after the
war every exchange city in U. S.
will have a Variety Club Tent.

Chl'i 92«,M0 Mazda Bill

Chicago, May 22.
Town looks its old self with all
the lights on again, after 72 nights
of curfew, but it's cost Chi's 200-odd
picture houses alone something like
$20,000 to get it looking that way.
according to the closest estimates of
exhibs and electrical service com-
panies.

Rough weather during the last few
months has played particular havoc
with outdoor signs, according to Tom
Flannery, head of White Way Signs,
who said last week that 90% of the
signs are back, and that they'll all
be back in the old swing within a
week. >

Variety Clubs' Aug. Confab in K. Y.

Plans have been set for holding
the 10th National Business meeting
of Variety Clubs of America in New
York City, Aug. 16, 17 and 18. All
sessions will be held at Waldorf-
Astoria hotel, with banquet to be
given the night of Aug. 17 in the
grand ballroom, according 1o an-
nouncement by R. J. O'Donncll. na-
tional Chief Barker, and John 11.
Harris, national Big Boss. -

Before the general biz sessions
there will be a meeting, Aug. 15. for
national canvassmen and national
officers. As with the other two re-
cent national meetings, this year's
will be streamlined, wartime affair

Exhib's Civic Election

Memphis, May 22.
Jim West, owner of the nabe Hol-
lywood here, elected unanimously
president of the town's Civitan Club
for. 1945.

Screen Guild Co. Set in Chi

Chicago, May 22.

Screen Guild Productions, Inc.,
newly organized national distribut-
ing company, opened local offices
with Ted Levy as manager.

Johnny Jones, president, and
holder pf franchise in this territory
with Jack Kirsch, Allied Theatres of
Illinois prexy, arranged screenings
of company's first release, "Wild-
fire."

theatre operated as the Texan by
J. F, Hightower. Several years ago
Hightower and the Interstate The-
atres built a new house several
blocks from the site of the Texan
and gave up the Texan lease.

The Temple Lumber Co. People's
theatre, Pineland, Texas, has been
opened by Walter B. King, with Joe
Sample of the lumber company as
manager. House completely remod-
eled and rebuilt.

The Rio; Collinsville, Texas, pur-
chased by Mrs. W. S. Graham from
JL. C. Dennis. Dennis purchased the
house last fall on the strength of oil
activities and influx of war workers
and military perseonnel near here.
The Grahams operate a farm here.

NW Variety's Hospital

Minneapolis, May 22.

Northwest Variety: club this week
mapped plans to raise funds for its
most ambitious charity project, the
construction . and equipping of a
heart hospital on the University of
Minnesota campus: ' The project in-
volves several hundred thousands of
dollars as a starter. The club also
has pledged itself to contribute to
the institution's support.

Chief Barker Art Anderson re-
vealed the architect's drawings, jusl
completed, which received the club's
approval. \

Joe linger on Coasl.

Hollywood, May 22. .
,T. J. Unger, United Artists western
sales manager, arrived yesterday
(21 J from New York for huddles
with W. E. Calloway, company's
western district manager. Unger will
remain for several days.

1st Quarter

Continued from page 1

F-WC Moves 9 Mgrs. In S. Calif.

Los Angeles, May 22.

Fox -West Coast shifted nine house
managers in the Southern California
division as a result of the opening of
the new Loma theatre in San Diego.

Andrew Krappman, in charge of
that sector, announced the follow-
ing changes: Morgan Anies to Loma;
Oscar Peck, Cabrillo; Louis Grim,
Fox Beverly; Leonard Howard,
Boulevard; George Henderson. Em-
bassy; Paul Steinmueller, Larch-
mont; Catherine Orr, Belmont: Man-
uel Abrams, Marquis, and Alvina
Peers, LaBrea.

Crow"* Encore Fire

Leonard, Texas, May 22.

L. B. Crow was again beset by a
loss when his new Victory theatre
was totally destroyed by fire. Blaze
originated in a warehouse across a
back alley. The flames, fanned by
a brisk north wind, were out of con-
trol and several buildings also in
the area were destroyed.

Early last year Crpw lost his Azlec
by fire. A temporary house was
built. Following his failure to be
inducted, he built the Victory. The
loss was reported covered by insur-
ance. Crow plans to lease a nearby
vacant building and open a tempo-
rary showhousc within several
weeks.

Rlggs' Dallas Buy

Dallas. May 22.

The Gay theatre, local nabe, pur-
chased by James Riggs. owner of the
Texan at Mcsquite, front Bernard
Galitzki, now a sergeant in the Air
Corps, stationed - at Long Beach.
Calif. Sgt. Galitzki, who returned to
.the city to make the sale, will re-
turn to the air station with his wife
and daughter. Mrs. Galitzki. has
been operating the house since her
husband has been in'service.

Another theatre being planned by
A. M. Morgan of Grand Prairie to
be housed in the Riverside addition
in Fort Worth. Site was a former

at 38°i). Par circuit, which either
owns or has operating affiliations
with 35 subsids representing over
1,550 theatres, is earning . (before
taxes) around twice as much as any
of the runrierup chains.

RKO Theatres (approximately 110
houses including the Mort Singer
houses) operating profits have
dropped from the $G-$6,500,000 rate
in 1944 to around $5-*5, 500,000 an-
nual level currently. In 1943 operat-
ing, profit for the circuit was around
$7,750,000. Dip in profits began to
show around June 1944.

National Theatres and WB

National Theatres (20th-Fox sub-
sid), representing around 560 thea-
tres, is earning at the rate of ap-
proximately $24,000,000 annually be-
fore taxes, holding above the 1944
rate pf $23,000,000. During 1943 op-
erating profit for National Theatres
jumped to $20,000,000 from around
$13,000,000 in 1942. Loew's (approx-
imately 140 theatres) is estimated at
around the same level as NT. '

Warner Bros, circuit (460 houses),
with operating reported at over $20,-
000,000, is showing as high or higher
income during 1945. Indicative of
the wide gap between net income
and net profits after taxes and
writeoffs is the Stanley Co. of Amer-
ica, wholly-owned Warner circuit
subsid. Stanley Co. showed a net in-
come in 1944 of $10,681,000 before
writeoffs of losses on fixed assets,
depreciation, sundry reserves, etc.
Net profit, after writeoffs and taxes,
is shown at $1,400,000.

ihe principals of this firm have been established in
die diamond business on Fifth Avenue for over
twenty years. We try to receive everyone courteously,
to appraise as accurately as we know how, to make
offers as generous as the market can possibly allow.
The result— to us - is a reputation of which we arc
proud. To you, we hope, ic suggests a firm in which
you can repose your iO//'i/-
fullest confidence. /]), 4 _ JiW**

Radio Job-Getter

— Continued from page I

Despite Big Dip in Operating Profit,
Loew s Shows $6,768,469 Net in 28 Wks.

'Control' Test Suit

Supreme court Tuling in N. Y.
last week that it was improper
for a legit producer to buy
tickets to a show, in order to
circumvent stop-limit provisions,
poses the question of what's the
position of a distributor who
does the same in order to strike
a stipulated control figure, forc-
ing a holdover.

Cases where a distributor may
do this in Order to hit a control
figure or gain an "advantage
where sliding-scale deals, calling
for rentals up or down based on'
business done, are known to
exist but are believed to be con-
siderably isolated, especially in
more recent years when busi- .
ness has been generally big.

WB Protests Dave Loew
'Casablanca' Film Tag

Hollywood. May 22.

Use of the title, "A Night in Casa-
blanca." by David Loew, producer
of the forthcoming Marx Brothers
starrer, was protested by Warners
in a complaint to the Motion Picture-
Producers and Distributors Asso-
ciation. ■

Burbank studio declares the tag
will conflict with its own production,
"Casablanca," and Loew says it
won't. Question will be arbitrated.

problems confronting the country,
with open-end transcriptions per-
mitting especially for an up-to-the-
minute picture of home-town situa-
tions.

In addition the CED will launch
a Blue network weekly show in mid-
summer to supplement the local sta-
tion activity.

Appearinr. on the various shows
will be, among others, Paul G. Hoff-
man, CED chairman; Dean Donalds
K. David, of the Harvard Graduate
School of Business Administration;
William Benton (of Muzak), vice-
chairman of the CED; Beardsley
Ruml, president of the Federal Re-
serve Bank of N. Y.: Marion Hedges,
research director of the Intl. Broth-
erhood of Electrical Workers; Her-
man Hettinger, director of editorial
extension for Crowcll-Collier; Ma-
son Britton, Surplus 1 War Property
.Administrator; Ted F. Silvey, chair-
•man of the CIO Reconversion Com-
Vnittee, etc. Bill Slater, the sports
jinnouncer, is doing a show on the
tax problem, and Milo Boulton, of
"We, the People." is emceeing the
package productions.

'D0BIAN' FOR ADULTS ONLY

Springfield, Mass., May 22.
"Dorian Gray" is adult fare only.
Springfield Motion Picture Council
voted this week after preview. It
opens Wednesdov_ (23 ). _at .. .Loew's
Poli. \

WAYNE BACK TO EEP

Hollywood, May 22.

John Wayne returns to his home
lot this week for the first time in
eight months to star in "The Plains-
man and the Lady."

Actor recently finished his chore
in "They Were Expendable" at
Metro.

* Despite a decline of more than
$2,500,000 in, operating profit, before
taxes and reserves, Loew's, Inc., net
profit for the 28 weeks ended last
March totaled $6,768,469, or approxi-
mately $674,000 below comparable
period a year ago. Report issued last
week reveals operating profit to be
very definitely off for the -first half
of the corporation's fiscal year as
compared with a year ago (company
reports for 28 weeks at start of each
fiscal year rather than for 26 weeks
or the first six months).

After giving effect to the recent
3-for-l stock splitup, Loew's earn-
ings for the first 28 weeks of cur-
rent fiscal year amounted to $1.34
per common share against $1.47 on
the common for the same period a
year ago if a like number of shares
had been outstanding. . ■

Loew's operating profit after- sub-
sid preferred dividends, but before
reserves and Federal taxes, amount-
ed to $16,700,201 as compared with
$19,209,840 in comparable 28 weeks
a year ago. Corporation wrote off
$2,600,000 as reserve for contingen-
cies as' a year ago, but slightly in-
creased reserve for depreciation to
$1,958,018 as aginst $1,871,289 a year
ago. .

With reserves running about the
same, Loew's was able to show an.
appreciable reduction in outlay for
Federal taxes, being $5,373,714 for
the -28 weeks this year as against
$7,295,853 a year ago, or a cut of
about $2,000,000. In view of this,
financial circles were pondering
whether further decline in the net
profits would be shown in the 39-
week period ending . next month.

BETTE DAVIS

la Woriwr Brat. Hit!

"THE CORN IS GREEN"

, ' With

John DALL • JoonLORRING
NUjfl IRUCt • Rhyi WILLIAMS
I way at 51,. St. HOLLYWOOD

OX SCREEN

fThuin., May 24

■INC

crosit

Alt) NUTTON
fCrny TUFTI

"Hera Com*
the Wove*"

IN FEHSON

PANCHO
eee ORCH.

Kim
CARLISLE

PAT MUSIC HALL

'THE VALLEY
OF DECISION"

Spectacular Stage Productions

B WAY &
47(h Si.

PALACE

9TAHTH TOMORROW

PEARL RUCK'S

"CHINA SKY"

llmidiflpli Srott. Rutli Wurrlrk

An KKU Httdlo .Picture

Ida Uplao • Sydney Greeattreet
WIIDaa Priac*

In W«mer Bron, Hit!

"PILLOW TO POST-
IN person
SHEP MELDS

AND HIS ORCHESTRA

EXTRA
BORRAH MINEVITCH'S
HARMONICA RASCALS

B'way & 47tfi St. STRAND

Pamnaouot PivmiiI*
Al«n LAD0 - ■ Gall RUSSELL

"SALTY O'ROURKE"

In
Perww:

CHARLIE ,10 8XAFFOIIO
SFIVAK DEAN MIRPIIV

PARAMOUNT .WiT*

Jotl McCREA • Gall RUSSELL
HERBERT MARSHALL la

"THE UNSEEN"

A Vaminoui): Dclufc
Doom Ojh-u i> I A ■ C HrouiIw»>-
S:S« A. M.. SlOlt * mh,

CINNY SIMMS m 'EBMINF ,

Hollywood, May 22.
Universal signed Ginhy Simms to
co-star with Robert Paige and
Charles Coburn in the tunefllm,
"Alibi in Ermine."
. Picture goe9 ' before the lenses
June 4, George Waggner doubling as
producer-director.

Dorothy McGUIRE • Robert YOUNG
Herbert MARSHALL

'THE ENCHANTED
COTTAGE'

astob i:;a,t t w„r *•■«—

■ tn TERRIFIC WEEK

>***— NEWS ' THRUX

picTiua

Nldaltht Ittt EM« NliM
OptMSSO A. M. VICTORIA 4Mlt>'«V

as

Wednesday, May 2.V IMS

NBCs Menser Assails Summertime
Bmsheroo at CCNY Conference

Radius treatment' of slimmer pro->
gramming as " a stepchild was !
severely criticized yesterday iTucs. i I
by Clarence L, Menser, NBC's -y-P- .j'
Jn charge ol programming.

Speaking at the City College of
New York first conference. On "Ad-
vancing Business Through Radio,"
Menser hit out at the summer- pro-
gram sUedS which, he- declared! often,
place the advertiser on a parallel
■with an ice cream dealer who would
lower I lie quality , of his product in
winier time . because; his business'-
drops.-

"We should quit compromising j
Willi expediency." said hlenser, ' and :
present programs which are adv.- ,
qualrly :ind expertly prepared. This
is :is H ue of sustaincrs as it is of I
comiiK Trials.'' ■ :

The size and quality of lhe sum- ,
im-r audience,' he insisted, warrants ;
lop programming. "Even If .the sr/.e i
ef-lhe audiciioe-drops by ' MKf .'" he I
puinted out. "the listeners-are still. 1
numerous. 1 don't blame- the Vtars '
for laying ofr after working hard: for j
39 weeks. But there is no' reason, i
from a program point of v iew, no I
justification for an interior. .program.- j
We should do all we .'can to hold that
pai I of the. audience that wc have. !
and to give it the very best.'" »;.; ■

Menser hit out at thocc ill radio-- I
meaning, sponsors, without saying so I
— who delay planning their sii'mmerj
skeds. He pointed out that, though j
the matter of a summer replacement'
is known a year ahead of lime, fre- j
qucntly nothing is done , about it ,
until a week, or even less, before (he I
jiew show is to go on the air. ;
Farewell to Soapers

In his talk, titled' '■Programs are
lor People." Menser look several
tacks. Before speaking out in. favor •'
of higher quality on summer shows.'
he denounced experimentation over
the radio which, he held, often
leaves the audience far behind a
conductor or dramatic writer putting
on new material.

Menser argued that, too often, cer-
tain music, or a dramtic show, is put
tin- merely because they please the
composer, conductor, author or ac-.
tor— and ■ not because . the audience
cares about the . innovations. ' ..

Finally winding up with, his plug
lor better hot-weather programs,
Menser touched briefly on the day-
time serial situation. From here on
in, he said, daytime serials ; will
(Continued. oh page 38) "■•;

YbuVe Aaking Me!

. At the. Waldorf hotel, N. V.,
. luncheon last week (18) to an-
nounce decision by Blue net-
work to label mikes-.., with a
single "A," for pix. and promosh
purposes, after -network assumes
tagline of. American Broadcast-
ing Co:. June 15, vice-chairman
Chester J. LaRoche drew an un-
scheduled laugh on his way out.
.LaRoche, formerly one .'of the
head guys at Young Si. Ruhieam
ad -agency, before dipping into :
the network picture, had lo , beg
'-. olf during; a. <\. and a. period fol-
lowing the luncheon explaining
he had a very vital .appointment.
Oil liis way out of the dining
room LaRoche glanced al liis
watch and. realizing he was laic
for the appointment, walked to a
telephone prepared to . explain
his delay. When the operator
plugged in. the Blue's vice-
chairman cogitated a 'minute,
hesitated and then t u r n c d
around to ask for. help':
' "Does anyone know the phone
iiumbe.- at V&R7'"'

New 'Agony* Twist

A t. S. Co,, program package
producers, have readied an audience
participation; show, "My Advice to
You," a satire on the ••Agony" type
stanza, which is ".currently making
the agency rounds.

Latter program is a half-hour,
once- weekly show with people in'
the audience relating humorous an-
ecdotes dealing- - with, personal and
family relations.

Larry Lowman In

Chesterfield In

Marathon Run

To Head Up Tele

Lawrence W. . Lowman.. former
vcopce of CBS in charge of opera-
tions .and now a colonel ; in the Of-
lice of Strategic Services, is relum-
ing to the Columbia fold to head up
t he network's '': television operation.
Lowman checks in with CBS about :
J ill y 1,. with his release from-. ''the
service how definitely set. , : : .

Lowman 's entrance into the CBS'
television picture -thus cues specula-:,
lion as to how and if. Tony Miner.,
who now directs the net's video set'
up, will henceforth hi into
operation

Arbiter Called In to Untangle
Langford's CAS Summer DeaJ

Browder Terrif Draw

They're still arguing at
WMCA, N.-.Y., whether Frankie
Boy (Sinatra) or top Commy
Earl Browder created the big-:
gest traffic Jam in front of the
studios when appearing for
broadcasts on the Nathan Straus
indie. ■■''" ,

Browder, was a participant last
week (Tucs.) oil the Newspaper
Guild forum over WMCA and
proved terrif at the b.o. The
station distributed 320 tickets for
the program but well oyer twice
this number showed up hoping
to get a glimpse of Browder.
There were no bobbysoxers ih
the crowd, however.
■■■■ ''Same s'ituash. develop several
weeks - ago when Sinatra aired
via WMCA and his juve ad-
mirer's swarmed to the place like
bees.. ' •' ' ' ' '■

GinnySimmsTo

Kate Smith-CBS
v Could Explode

From all indications the rift is
-widening between Ted Collins. 1 gen-
eral factotum of the Kate Smith
programs, and Paul White. CBS
news boss, over the censoring , of
Miss Smith's noontime commentaries.
True, that Collins-While .conflict has
developed into an old story, hut
lately the tension's been mounting
over the censorship snarl- and 1, has
fed the rumor flames that the. Gen-
eral Foods, noontime strip • and the
Sunday night 60-minli.te show may
desert the CBS . fold after inauy
years.

Nevertheless, there seems .-little,
likelihood, it's fell, of any . segue
to the Blue fold, despite ; Ihoso V-E
Day appearauces of Miss Smith' oh
the Noble network. For one thuig.
it's not thought' likely that Genera)
Foods would yank its star daytime j
salesman out of (he 'ong popular
midday spot and as for the nighttime ,
ahow it's one of those "all or noth-
fug'' contracts that binds ; the two
packages together.

On the other hand,- nobody ap-
parently is very happy about that
Sunday night audience pull and /it's !
cued li.e thought that a switchover
to another net might opeii up a
choice, lijne segment that she could
have for the asking— it GF is willing
to go along on transferring the day-
timer, loo. ■ .

Another eyebrow-raiser, to- the
trade was tiie full page ad. appearing
in Sunday's i20) N. Y, -Times maga-
zine section plugging JDuMont tele-
vision with Miss Smith's video in-
sert and testimonial. Blue's tieih
•with. DuMont, of-, course; has occa-
Bioncd the new -speculation. .

The fact remains the trade has its
eyes glued on the GF-CBS-Colliiis-
Whitc situation -with expectation
that "something" : is bound- lb pop
sooner or later, ■"-•:

■ -•Following on the heels of George-
Washington Hill pulling in the
Lucky Strike coin reins and drop-
ping the Kay Kyser 'show and R. J.
Reynolds calling it quits ;oiv Jimmy
Durables-Garry : Moore for Camels,
Chesterfield has now served notice
on CBS that it's dropping, the. '-Mu-
sic That Satisfies". 15-mimite show
1.7:15-7:30) with the June 19 broad-
cast. . Program is heard Tuesday.
Wednesdays and Thursdays ahd when
it scrams it'll mark the first time since.
1835 that Chesties has been, divorced
from sponsorship .via CBS after a'
652-week run. The ciggie outfit,,
however, is- clinging to that 15-min-
ute .cro»s-the-board NBC show in
view of the. almost institutional,
character of- ''the; strip due to the
long-time Fred . Waring association
with the show.

... Procter 4. Gamble, which shares
the half-hour, early evening GBS
segment with Chesties with its 7-
7:15 Ja,ck Kirkwood. show, will grab
the other 15 minutes, P&G -having -
had a long time option oh the slot.
However, ivs not thought likely fhal
it will expand to'.a half-hour format.-
but will insert another 15-minutc
strip.

Scramming of Chesterfield doesn't
come bs a surprise, in view of" the
squeeze, including increased costs of
tobacco leaf, the '.'establishment of
price ceilings, the civvie famine
necessitated .by the overseas ciggie
shipments and the other contribut-
ing factors that led io the Lucky and
Camel advertising retrenchments
hot only in radio but even more. so
in olhcr media. And there's been
programming , difficulties as well.
;with the. CBS shows.; among them
the '- recent - Johnnie J o h n s l o n
scramcroo, •

tlic

(Gilbert Scldes stays pin
oii- programming.) Similarly. -Oiosc
with knowledge of Lowman\s plan try
return' to the CBS fold have ex-
pressed speculation as to- whether it.
will mean. a reversal in the network's,
''lone Wplf" television . policy dn
higher -frequencies. The' CBS inner.
sanctum boys are maintaining strict
iilehce on this score.

M,$lliOI)eal

, Borden's grabbed d'iimy Siinnis
over the weekend, signing her to h
tlve-year contract at $12:000 a week.
She'll head up as emcee-singer, tier
MCA package, with guest comics
weekly and an orch. latter still to be
set but probably •'Cokie". Fa'irchild.
Her Gl talent gimmick will he
restricted on her hew' show to. .one
a week. Young.-. St Rubicam, agetn'.v
oh the account, will direct.
• Miss Simms joes into the. Friday
•night 7::l0-8 CBS slot, which Anacih
("Friday oh Brpadway") is is giving
up. Borden's is moving its Jeri'y
Wayne show over from the Blue to
CBS oh July 6, with the Wayne show
slicking through . the summer', and
until Miss Simms bows in either
Sept .-28 or Oct. 5.

Meanwhile thereV a possibility
that Borden's, in relainiiig " the. 3luc
Sunday night slot until its contract
runs out later in the season, may
hbw much slbck Kobak held nor experiment with a new type show
how this had been split up among 1 «'«?«• <>'. i?* _ lw» . °m

Statement by Chester J. LaRoehe.
Blue .network vice T cliairman.-: last
week (Fri.) that 15 executives at the
web have acquired slock in the com-
pany means that former veepee J5cT-
gar Kobak, : now head man at Mu-
tual, has disposed of his holdings
n tlte outfll. It was,, hot disclosed

Hollywood, May 22! '

Question of whether Frances Lang-
ford, "jumped the gun" in signing ;
for the Chase St Sanborn summer
show or proceeded on asserted ver-
bal consent of Hope, will be decided
by an arbitrator, Judge Isaac Pacht,
formerly of the L.; A, superior- cotin-
bench. His ^appointment was agreed
upon by counsel for Hope and the
singer. " ;

Dispute was touched off « hen
Miss Langford signed a contract.with
J. Walter Thompson to head up the
hiatus entry with-Spike Jones for a
lour of hospitals. Her 1 agent. Ken
Dolatl; says . he was given the go.
ahead by Hope, Who - holds Lang-
ford's exclusive, personal cbiUrnct.-
Hope charges that she was iold
clearance must first be had from the.
client IPepsodent), but. that she hiid
committed herself in the meantime.
When Charles . Luckman, headman
of the dcntriiflce outfit, was ap-
proached on the outside -show for
Langford he ruled it out .011 the ;
ground (hat: it would conflict with''
the product's identification' with
whichfihe . singer had. so, long been
identified.

Contracts were drawn by the
Thompson agency on the assumpiion
that : Hope's^' permission had been
i granted and inasmuch 'as- he holds 7
j Hie sihger's contract il ' would not
be necessary to-;obtain client's au-
thorization. There had been earlier
talk Uiat if Langford. took the siiin-
incr show she would be replaced in
Lhe tall: by Hope with Marilyn Max-
.well. Luckman is said to have I old-
Hope- that/if Langford was released
for the coffee jetanza it would mean
she would uol be 'back in the fall
for Pepsodent. ' ,.

Judge Pacht left for New York
after taking tesliniony here and will
likely . make his decision in the east,
where he will be transacting oilier '
legal biz. C. & Sr.- summer show" is
slated for June 3 takeoff and other
talent is being lined up' in the event
that -the Langford deal wilh JWT is
tossed out.

the new owners.

Report is, however, • that the deal
went through at the seller's price
and that Kobak did' all ' right for
himself in (.hie i . transaction.'

LaRoche also, said there's a likeli-
hood some network stock will some-
day be parcelled out to affiliated
stations. He declared that officials
had nixed several outside bids, one
from a Ulin company, to ac((uire
stock in the network preferring, to
hold lo lhe status quo with holding;

fiprden agencies. Doh'erty, Clifford &
Shenfleld or Kenyon '& Eckhardt.
Latter agency, it's reportcd.'is prep-
ping a .comedy show. "County Fair,"
which, may be bought for the- Blue
network time being 'vacated' by
Wayne. '"'.'■

The Siinms sweepslalies w;is run-
ning at high pitch' when Borden's
suddenly snared the star on Friday
1 18), with Ballaiitine. Philc'o ■ and
Campbell's Soups putting in bids
and Biow on behalf of her present
sponsor, Philip Morris, trying to

confined to members of the Blue , .
family and: Henry Luce's Time-Life : gl " llb her al PM.; terms.,
organization. LaRoche scotched -a ' • * - — ~~ ~

^^ ^°^ rc ™* ' ' Textron Switch to CBS

Ukk Hess lipped

Dick Hess steps up as supervisor
of research for CBS-owned stations,
post formerly held by £haries
Smith.. ' .

Latter is : now in- John {Carol's ex-,
CBS market research slot

avdrs
For Non-B'

A luncheon , was held -at lhe , Town
Hall Club. New. York, last Wedues-.
day 1I6) to discuss W/orld Freedom
of Speech and Press" under ihc aus-
pices of the American Civil Liberlics
Uition... About 200 , persons heard
short talks by Francis DeWo'if, of the
Slate Dept., Arthur PeBra, of the
Will Hays office and . Will^TTcwtoii
of the American Newspaper Pub-
lishers' Assn. Last 25 ini.nutes went
on the air with James L.. Fly, for-
mer chairman of (he FCC and now a
member of the ACL.U's radio com-
mittee, as speaker. . Assorting that,
toils were (00 high. Fly ! advocated
the creation of one American corpo-
ration lo have » monopoly by law
in '.'..world communications, lie ap'-.
parenlly referred ; only to radio

Global Coverage

telegraphy, .radio-telephone and
cables and not to; radio broadcast-
ing. Yank- networks have ' always
competed overseas fori special pick-
ups, news scoops, features.- end so. on.

Morris. Jirnst. counsel . for 'the
ACLUi. renewed his familiar, pica
for inore, newspapers, more diversity
of pwiiciships in all, coniniunlcatidns.-
He. also opposed censorship in any
form- and declared he thought ^Gov-
ernment should keep its divly hands
off the minds of the people."

Meeting was held '..'particularly to
"memorialise". Sec. ' of .State Slet-
Unius and other delegates al the
San Francisco Security Confereijee.
Net of meeting was that trying to
get international "free speech'' when
very few .single nations have' it, is
fliuite a job. '-.-'

French 'Mes Amis'
Pitch on Indies

Ail effort lb bring closer under-
standing between the French people
and Americans will be made through
effective programming being- formu-
lated by radio- officials' in France
through their French Ministry- of In- .
formation. . "
. Plan' is lo shortwave, to the U. S.
for airing on Indie stations Ihrotighi
out Hie cpiin'try' syndicated recordings
of lhe stanzas - with each outlet ab-
sorbing part of the cost, nia'k-.
ing the endeavor-' equitable all
around. Programs .would , be.
sliortwaved through Press Wireless,
in a similar setup which the British
Broadcasting Corp. originated .-early -
in the war and used through-
out the conflict when, point-to-point
broadcasling was out of the queslion.

Slanzas would theoretically (It into
I wo basic categories: first, -ii . *'us-
lained series of shows; second, spe-
cial events airings. Contemplated
are several. regularly Scheduled shows
containing Paris interviews . with
seryicemen who saw action in differ-
and will expand to « ^half-hour. I en t areas. -There'll also be a feature

series giving-, display to the lalesL
activities in FranceT— songs that lire
popular, entertainers who arc im-
portant, latest fashion news, visits to
famous French restaurants, nil ein-
bodietl in -a coinprehen.sive Paris
newsreel feature.

Entire plan Is farther ahead than
lhe formulative stages; with IT. ;S.
ihdi.es having : already, been can- .
vassed oh their rcactibns -to (he *ft-
vp by officials aeht 'inlo Hie field by
the French embassy in Washington.
Several of these men have returned
to- France and are going ahead w ith
plans for: the programs.

Sat 7 p.m. Half-Hour
Helen Hayes Exit Cue?

: The Ifeleh Hayes Sunday night 1S-.
'minute show l on Mutual switches
over to CBS at the -end of August

Program moves, into toe 7-7:30 Sat
urday evening niche formerly oc-
cupied by "Mayor of the Town"'
'.now heard 8 o'clock) and in the
interim by lhe Xavier Cugat orch.
Sponsors of . the Hayes show. Tex-
tron, although satisfied With the pro-
gram itself, particularly in view of
the manner in .which ' Army nurse
appeals, have-paid off in ehlistmeiilK.
haven't been, any- too happy about
the : current 10:i5-10:30*Sahbath -slot.

Desire Tor the better nine slot,
however, jhay lose Textron its star,
with the client; currently -making. a
pitch to retain Miss Hayes. Howr
ever lhe legit star, currently -lour- j
ihg iiVHarriel," hasn't as. yet fallen '
in .with the SalCfrday botween-
mafinec L and-night show ., air lime
and may cheek off for Tcxlion alto-
gether. . -

.1. Waller Thompson is the agencv
on the account. ' ' ' .

San Francisco— D M. 'Dave"
Greene has been upped to' KQW
'CBS affiliate j sales manager;
: -Mary Ella Maguire steps into traf-
fic manager, post vacated by Muriel
Durand, resigned to go to N. Y.

DTJNNINGEE F0H A.&A,

puniiinger, mentalist. is. set as lhe
summer replacement ten-- the Amos',
ii' Aridy stanza for Rlnso. beginning
Jtiiic 8 fo.r ,13 weeks. Program" is
heard over NBC 10-10:30 Friday .
nights. : '• ' ' ' .

Rutlirauff 8c Ryan. Lever Bro<v
agency, -is a.wailing tlic client's okay'
this week for the Phllco Vance, ttlw-.
dlinit as a summer replacement .for
the CBS Bob Burns Thursday night
program, ■/

Wedue«foy»-M*7 23, 1945

RADIO 29

NBG^CBS-Z

The approximate 5 to 2 ratio that shapes up hi NBC's favor for next
season can be traced- principally to the : following iiigin-by-»igh( ; pro-
gramming breakdowns:

Sunday: This Is ; Strictly a walk-away for NBC on the. basis of the
forthcoming four-show parlay with .lack Benny to'-' open., and Fred '
Allen to close with- the new Filch comedy-, slio'w i maybe "Life of
Riley") and Charlie McCarthy sandwiched in between; At' 9 the
Blue's Walter Winchcll gels the piny. '-..';;

Monday: This, is the night. CBS ■ has its- innings.- w.ilh its I wo top?'
rating shows. Lux "Radio' Theatre" aiid Lady Esther "Screen Guild
Players." Add, loo; Joan Davis next fall, who moves into, the Swan
Soap H:30-9 slot. . '.'■'.- .. . '

'Tuesday: .This for year.'! (and it looks like it'll go- on for many
hiore) '.hit's been NBC's "smash, hit'' iii.uhf. with Bob Hope ai^l Fibber
McGee Si Molly sliil haying the light' all' to themselves for No. 1
.rating position and Hildegarclc's ppst-llppc show now up there in the
top IS.

Wednesday: The Eddie ,Canto.r-''Mr. District Attorney" one hour
Brislol-Mycis parlay and ihe Kay Kyscr 60-minule show wraps this
night up for NBC.

■ Thursday:, NBC again, w ith the '4. r »-'46 layout embracing such top-
notclicrs as Burns & AMen, Dinah Shore, Bing Crosby^ Rudy. Valleo,
Abbott & Cosicllo.

Friday: CBS gets .'ihe edge, here .with 'Aldrich Family.": Ihe comedy
parlay .of Moorc-Durante and Danny Kaye and Gilmy Simms moving
into the Borden's early evening. 7:30 siol, ..■'...
. Saturday: With Ihe' exception of the VI lit Parade'' 45-niiimie shelrli
on CBS it looks like NBC cops (he laurels. .

To lords at War' (See Page 28)

No Housing Shortage at Blue, Exits
Leave 12-Plus V?-Hr. Nite Vacancies

As a result of the new whiff of*
cancellation gas sustained . by. the i
Blue network iGoca-Cola, American
Meat Institute.' Aluminum Corp.il
'■plus -other .'''factors such as night-
time-to-daytime. switchovers, etc.. t
that time-vacancy sign posted by
'.the .web for potential spoi»sofs is be-
ginning (,o cover, a lot of territory.
•Actually, here's how Ihe thing
shapes up: the network has. 1? half-
hour nighttime slots on Ihe •market,
plus three 15-minute i periods "-being
vacated by Weslinghouse switching
Ted Malone to - an across-the-board
morning stanza, in addition to .the
Sunday a fternoou half-hour being
forfeited by Alcoa, which is dropping
the .Ethel ' . Barrymore show. Those
multiple half-hour segments are

Miles Drops St John

"''.•■■'.,. Chicago May 22.
Miles laboratories failed to lift
Robert St..- John's. option for another
13. weeks on NBC and! -newscaster
winds, up :bis stint for the company
with the June 22 .'■ broadcast. SI.
John has been on the air 15 minutes
daily, Ave times, a week, - for 65
weeks for Alka-Sellzer.: •••'«.

Miles gives reason for dropping (it
St. John as ..shortage 'of materials fof
ihe manufacture of : A I ka -Seltzer.
Until the material, situation has' been,
relieved they don't want to push a
product they cannot make deliveries
on. There is a possibility .that St.

By GEORGE ROSEN

' Tlie-cliips are already down so far j
as- the 1945-'46 broadcasting season is
concerned and; ^program- wise, it's
NBC- practically all the way. If any-
thing, the. network's No 1 position on ".'.
audience pull hot only remain's un-
disturbed but, - if anything, will be-
come strengthened next fall, particu-
larly in view of its acquisition of the
Fred Allen Sunday night ''program".
Whereas last year's prc-seasoh Sun-
day night "Battle of the Hoopers"
predictions at least suggested that
some coiiipetish was in the oiling
i feeling at that lime was that Kate
] Smith would give Jack Benny a run
j for his money ). ' cvci) from 'this' early
| vantage (joint it's a cinch Ihal NBC
; will cop tlie Sabbath, night laurels
| hands, dowii. Fo\- one '. thing, thai
, Benny-Edgar Bergen-Allen parlay. j.
,' not lo mention Hie new Filch rc-
i placement for ••Bjaudwagon." adds tip •
| lo one of those, naturals that can't be ]
i beat,' '

In terms of snaring top Hooper;
laurels (and since .those audience ;
: measurement yardsticks .continue as
i the be-all and' end-all ) it' shapes -up
■ -s NBC's party next season, not only
j Tor Sunday night, but Tuesday.
) Wednesday and Thursdays as well.
I along -with Ihe , edge oil Saturday
I ("Hit Parade's" .first ISTInoper stain's
Igivp.o CBS the edge for lh<?'.9-9:4. r >

■ Even-Steven

It's even-Steven in the CBS-
NBC realignment of star shows :
for next tall.

.While Joan Davis moves, to
CBS to take oyer the Swan ■
Soap . half-hour, a n d Git.ny
Simms moves into ihe Friday
Borden spot. NBC gets Bums
Si- Allen for the Thursday night
Maxwell House show aiid Fred
Allen lor the Sunday . night
Standard Br-nds, program.. While
Allen's been olf'the air this sea-
'sun ;is a regular, nevertheless
lie's been more or less, consid- ;
ercd a CBS ."baby" hi view ot
his long lime Texaco associa-
tion, and. with the network still
using his web- show 'promotion
discs;. ■:■' ■'.-'■''■

r

Just In Case

Thiil switchover hi sponsor-
ships Involving, two nighttime
shows, with the two top net-
work* n#apptnf; sturs, already
finds one of the webs all pre-
pared with an alibi In anticipa-
tion uf a rating dip. -.''.';=

John w ill retiu'ii. to the air. for Miles
strictly out of the commercial show- : in the Fall.'

case and donT -include the list .of | -■ •- — i — -— — !-''■■"

sustaining shows that are up:for sale, i t

Yet in spile ot the fact that, the I
noii-spoiisored time segments being ;
thrown open have taken on the sem- |
blance of tho.se 1938-39 charts when'.! \
NBC had plenty of comniercial time
available on the Blue, that feeling I
of .confidence still, keynotes the web j
activity and, as pointed out last week, ' f
the throwing open of Ihe. "-hcali of I
the evening" segment occupied by j
"Spotlight Bands" is 'regarded' by I ,

the Blue mdguls as a. ••break" in! After 20 weeks asnarr.a i or on the.
terms of. programming that thev feel ! * e *? er * T , Sl,nd * y

will attract big coin spenders. . : .""Rhl CBS show. Quent.n Reynolds
,, . ,; . . . ■ , ; quit the program last week -when

In addition It. the six half-hours j , )e ,^1,^' tb fall in . with the spon-

' vacant by the switchover of Coca
Cola to Mutual, here's ihe Blue's
commercial availability lineup:

On .-Sundays: Borden's is giving
up:the H::i0-9 slot when the coniracl
runs out i Jerry Wayne moving to
CBS) ahd_ American Meal- Institute

segment. I, but the rest of Saturday
eVening looks like NBC's. CBS cops
the Monday night laurels without
question, and appears to have, the
overall edge on Friday night. (See
adjoining breakdown.)-" As for the
Blue : ap.d Mutual, with Ihe excep-
tion of that mass dial switch to the.
t Walter Wincheir Sunday night Jer-
j gens show and the . ambitious at-
j tempt pt' prexy Kd Kobak to lift
] Mutual out of cellar position and
I strengthen the programming siruc-
I lure, the faci remains that neither
! next season or the season following 1
I will find either of ihe two latter
j webs.-'' offering much strong iiiglyl-.
! time oppiibish. I I

; While the trade is '.quick . to ac- !
;. knowledge that: when, it Comes to !
aggressiveness, the CBS operation is j
tough to beat, it's equally cognizant
that the final payoff lies in the (
listener '--pull, -and it's conceded that
I'iT'i", ■• v ^— r"' j the only way to counter those NBC

1 that he also plug the product. - When , buhvarks lhat Viave long since
Ward Wheelock, agency on the ac- ■ | i?lclli ^ „ a bits, particularly

in the- peak 9 to 10 p.m. listening
time, is only by matching it Willi
more of the same. That Tuesday
night Boh Hope-Fibber McGee &

Edward Pctiy &. Co.. the staljon
reps., are setting Up plans for- ex-
panding into Die radio research field
to service the upward of. 40 stations
on the- Pelry; catalog. Understood
lhat the Peiry organisation has al-
ready put iii. a bid to the stations it
represents to drop but of the C. E.
liobper' ; organization on the city.'
audience nica.st.remcnt service it's |.
now, gelling, with Petry all set to I
pick lip' the lab and lunjish them (
with a. like service. ^ It's doubtful,
however, that there -will be a whole-:
sale exodus from the Hooper" service.

Matthew Chuppell, one of Hooper's
key men in the research setup and
who's also currently identified with
the Canadian research outfit of
Elliott- jiaynes,' Ltd.; lias been wooed
over to" the Petry organization to
head up (he sertice. He goes on the
Petry payroll June 1 on qualitative
research. The Petry management,
it's claimed, originally made .over-
overtures to. Charles Smith, at CBS,
to step in and run the research end

♦•; NBC is taking one of its ace 'sus-
taincrs. "Words at War'" off the. air
—and the result- is a war' behind the
scenes. ' ■ ; - . '

Ituinprs that have. been circulating
fpr.'a few (lays were conflrnied for
"Variety" yesterday (22) by the.
web's v.p. in tharge of programming,
Clarence 'L. Measer, who said it is
I rite that " Words" is - folding with
the, stanza of Tuesday, June S.

Also, closing ; that week, said
M.eu;:er J _.,will be "Author's Play-
iiouso," ' Music, tor Tonight," ' and
"Music of the New World." All four
arc ll::ai. p;m. shows, ''Playhouse"
going out from Chicago Mondays,
"Words' 1 from New York Tuesdays,
aiid ll/e two others filling the pre- \
niidiiight slots on Wednesdays and
Thursdays.

■Replacements for all four! said
Menser,' will be dance niusic. He
made it a point to ,'cmphasi/.e lhat
Ihe shifts are for siunmcr skeds—
but he did not add "only."

The .'battle around "Words"— con-
sidered an- outstanding- war con-
Irihulion by "Variety" showmanage-
nient awards and ciiatiOus from
Wrilqrs War Bpard— has been brew-,
ing since April 3, when the pro-
gram aired a dramatization of '.Sir
Williahr-lir-BeVeridge'iT boAk. "Full
Employment in a Free Society."*.

Immediately, spokesmen for big
industry, .• including the Natiohul
Assn. of Manufacturers: and , Ralph
Robey, a top editor of . .Newsweek
mag. descended like a ton of bricks
on NBC, claiming foul. '.Industrial-
ists wanted - the-cotmter side pro-
jected, against full employment: and
social security plans, ' NBC started
putting a hedge on the>ir,: disclaim^
i Continued on page 41) "

Corwin Series In

■ CBS will spot the Norman 'Corwin
simiiner series in the 7-7:30 Sunday •
night niche being vacated for the hot
months by . Kate Smith. Ill addition,
CBS plans to utilize th,e remaining
7:30-8 half-hour of the regular-sea^
son General Foods stanza for an-
other of its prize snstainers, but
there's no definite decish yet-

of the biz and that, in view of wage „ Qorwin.ris' doing; a; : l^week cycle.

I this summers starting either in late
June qr July, with the first seven

j.sor's i Campbell's Soups i jnsislencc ]

■count, notified Reynolds of the cli-
oiit's. demand lhat' he- begin his nar- !
ration with "Campbell Soups now!
■ presents the siory of. efc, etc.." •
{s^W»''f{ "Life of\ Riley/' In addi-.j ReyiioWs co.,i,le.-ed " ft ill, a quick ; j counterpart on

on- m , e ^ S i, ,iowi, <° * l»U-,mx.. contendmK'. lhal for the n a - . ■ » .,„. ,„ NBC in

o .Mondays: From 10:- lo, I0::«l. ,ra tor to .-mention the product would , WBll " Uial one \ vho | es:i | c '. swlu . h
with Guy Lombardo moving over .only over-conimci'cial:ze a prp*r«m- • ... • : :v. , ,'•• <ctl b -.
Km that x lf i* Tuesdays to that ^ already loaded with com- I ^ J,^' » k J ? t !?^«Z*X

luiisday and Wednesday tlie status i mercia.ls. . , 'no 1 icv ' '

quo prevails, except for the coke j . It was pointed, oul by Reynolds. 1 ' •' . _
bowout. On Thursdavs. there's' an ! lhat in an .ordinary Sunday night. i .nnnmr n««riB.iri <B*n W A *
additional half-hour to be sold with, program the "Campbell's Si.iip" ■ JtKK I UtVINt- MK. D.A.

is used on an average of six or.. seven :
times, in addition lo its use in 1 he \

the Fred: Waring-Owens Illiuois JO.
10:30 show scraihhiing at the of
hie month. On Friday there's an-
other half-hour in addition to the
Coca Cola exit, with Ford bowing
out oMhe 8-B-.:!0 sjot at the end or
May. Gillette llghlcasUs go into the
J angee-vacaied 10-10:30 segment.

ARMY CLOSES-DOOR ON
'RAYMOND' (JOHNSON)

f Raymond Johnson, the "Rnymoi.ul"
of CBS'. '■Inner Sanctum:" heard.
Tuesdays at II p.m. lor Liplon's Tea.
was inclm-led into the' Arnrv last
Monday i21).

; Hi .Brown, dwiicr Cr tlie "Sanctum"
Package, hasn't set permanent re-
placement, for Raymond, who por-
trayed the character ever siiiec show
wont on air fpur-iind?one-halt years
ago.. WiJI use different actor each
week until. he finds the right olie. '

DIVORCE IS ABSOLUTE

Bi i.-tiil-Myers has been making ,

IwO long coinnicrcials aiid 'ihat any
additional nieiftion by him of the

product would only' add In the an- . . , . _ .

Itoyance „f the listeners; weaken ll.e ' overtures lo: Jerry Dey.ne. urging
impact. of ).he draiiiafized -slorios and ' him to slay put as a scripl.tr on the
would hin t the program as.'' a' whole.- . !'Mr.-bislrivl .Atiorney"'«how des|)ile
Reynolds, in checking out. took the hjs bowollt as dii-ector to make -wa>-

snags, the network had more than
a little difficulty persuading Smith
to. remain i.lalter has since been
upped 'to' John 'Kami's ex-sales spot
on (he web). .

. Petry "s. proposed entrance into re-
search reporledly stems from Hoo-
pers' throwing on the open market
for sale to agencies, etc., his cities'
study- service, with the Pelry or-
ganization registering a squawk .and
claiming that 'such nialevial, for
which the stations were paying the
Hooper outfit, should be confidential i
and not- made available to anyone. ;
It's claimed that when Pelry called |
a meeting of station reps to enlist |
their support in . opposition lo the |
Hooper practice, there- was. a vari-
ance.' of expression, with some siding
with Petry in maintaining that
•'that's what we station reps are here
for." while others expressed , belief
lhat the wider distribution such ma-
terial received for an intelligent ap-
praisal of audience 'reaction would
■b'cnefil ihe industry as a whole. .

shows skedded. to emanate from the
Coast." ' Feeling at the network js
that, with the opposition NBC Jack
Bjmny. show going off, Corwin can
'garner .'a- larger listener pull thsni in
his previous Tuesday night <op-
posite Bob Hope) 10 o'clock slot.
There's a division of the opinion,'
however, some contending that the
July-August outdoor, audience pull
for the early Sunday evening hour
is even .sliffer cohipetish .than a
Beiiny.

' position thai it : s not the duly or a |
I narrator or .commentator io nienlioii i r ° 1 '
i commercial, products- and that Mt I program.
:. would ."Weaken- his. position con _
siderably. ' | with . "D.

While Heynolds' ".contract >iill had
four weeks to go! ; llic agency, at
at the behesr of Reynolds, tool; ad-
vantage of an added clause volun-
tarily inserted iii the pad by Rey-
nolds, lhat ilicy -could ucloasc iiini on
24 hours" npiice.

Maj. - Kd' Byron's return to' the j
pc-viiie, however, has def- :
'. iiljilely nixed Hie idea of -remaining j

A." Iii devote, full lime to
pacl'.age prdduclion outfit
F, B. I." .progran.i (in the

his new
and his
Blue: ■'-'

biu ii,ig Byron's scart'h for a new
wril(-r. Dcviiie. has agreed -lo do a
couple nmre scr ipts and tor., ■ his
blowoff heV- planning to let out all

nevn'old-i' tiein with the show was ; Hie stops, showing how,' under-, .the.-
considered a natural and the writer Fprotcclive lifting ot |he enemy alien
only recenllv passed up a European: clause, the Ralzis are beginning to j
assi«nnient for Collier s to slick with] come out. of their- holes to. stir up .
i the program. ,a new mess. , : |

HAROLD STOKES INTO
CHI BLUE PROD. DEPT.

Chicago. May 22.
■ lliirold Stoki!.--, who retired; ^ from
radio almost two years ago to oper-
ate a chicken farm near IlilJsboro,
111;, has mixed his last batch of feed
mash, turned the incubators and re-
turned to Chicago to join the. Blue's
central. division production dept.
'."Pjan.ncd to use Stokes- not only as
a producer, bill as .an idea man. ac-
cording to B: R. Boroff, veepee, and
one of his • first jobs will be the
resurrect ion of- some of the earlier,
more successful, shows such as orig-
inations' than arp nbw being heard
from -tlie Blue studios here. .

CBS Maps Replacer For
f Assignment Home' Aimed
At Overall Postwar Pic

CBS Is currently mulling a suc-
cessor show to "Assignment Hoipe"
willi u'i« series, put on iu cooperation:
with the A'r.ny Service Forces,
skedded to wind up this" summer.
Although Hie show, produced by
Bob Heller, and . .scripted by Sgt.
Arthur Lauronls, has 'been the re-
cipient ot wide praise and accolades,
including a "Variety" special citation
plaque, nevertheless it's the net-
work's feeling that, with the 'mass'
"pi:nce.--.sing" of -soldiers- already
started, ihe pilch must now be made
in* a different direction, v .
While rehabiUlation will be the
general theme, new show\s spot-
light, lljs felt, must' now be lrained
on the. large numbers with tti aver-
age :is the prototype and overall
general problems -presented. "A.s-
signuicht Home" has deait - princi-
pally with : conditioning the. home
fron.t to the many and various emo-.
tioiial and physicial adjuslinents
confronting the Gl returnee.

so

RADIO

PftRtEfY

Wednesday, May 23, 1945

Uncle Sam, USSR Dummy Up on DX
International Plan, Britain Acts

Two of the "Big Five"' delegations*-
«I the United Nations Conference on
Interna tional O rganization, at San
""Francisco, are Koldtng up the works
in regard to plans for establishment
of an international policy on short-,
wave broadcasting.

The two recalcitrants, in this re-
gard, are the United Slates and the
Soviet Union.

Other member of "Big Three.
Great Britain, has taken the lead on
the DX matter, France is backing
London, and China is a. bit cagey,
but apparently -willing to go along.

But the Soviet and American dele-
gations arc not buying tlie BBC line
—not yet. at any rate. So important,
is the radio matter considered by
those in the know at Frisco that this
situation is pointed to as one which
would cue the possibility for full
agreement on broad, political inter-
national problems.

BBC has circuited a request for
statements on DX policy among all
the delegations at Frisco. The So-
viet Union is simply .keeping silent.
It hasn't replied to the BBC plea
for a statement, ostensibly because
its delegates arc busy with other
matters.

It s no secret that Russia doosn t
want anybody muscling in on its ter-
ritory via . shortwave. And the United
States is not anxious to grapple .with
Moscow, on this matter. One clue
to U. S. policy ol kefcping out of
anv DX argument with the Soviet
Union is the fact that OWI shoit-
wave operations have never used the
Russian language. Even at San Fran-
cisco, where OWI multi-lingual cov-
erage has been very broad, not a
single Russian' platter was prepared
by the government agency for beam-
ing overseas.

Sec. 6t State Edward R. Sietlinius,
Jr.. finally came through with an

Stettinius T -Sez= — K —

Id reply to a request from
BBC for an official V. S, state-
ment 'on the formulation of an
International radio policy at the
United Nations Conference In
Sao Francisco, Sec. of, Stale Ed-
ward R. SteUinlns. Jr- made a
reply which included the follow-
ing relevant to radio:

"Radio Is making s treat contri-
bution to the winning of the war.
Radio and television have an
even greater obligation to the
fc future In the winning of the
peace. The homes of tbe world
must be made into one (Treat,
common living room for the
family of nations. The challenge
Is a great one. Bet I am certain
that the men and women respon-
sible tor the fancttoninf of the
great medium of communication
are equal to the task."

answer to the BBC's request for a
statement. But he did not speak up
until all other major nations had
gone on record. And when the Ser.
did come through — it was with a
very good statement on radio (arid
video's) part in general, but not a
word about the matter which inter;
ests BBC. i.e., an international ra-
dio policy.

BBC lias nothing to lose in the
matter because it is out : and-out gov-
ernment-owned and controlled, and
frankly represents British govern-
ment policy. France is backing Great
. (Continued on page 40 i

Kobak Kudoes Kesten

On the conicniiou that good
prosramiriing reflects not only
to the credit of the network
originating the show but to the
radio industry as a whole. Ed
Kobak, Mutual prexy, last week
sent Paul Kesten. exec vccpcc
of CBS, the following message
anent the recent Norman Cor-
win V-E Day- -"Note- of Tri-
umph" show:

'This letter is to express bur
appreciation and congratula-
tions on doing an outstanding
job. You are entitled to all of
the kudos available but I want
you to know when a great job
is done it helps the broadcasting
industry and we share in your
glory. We will do our best to
do ,our bit toward belter pro-
grams to back up your fine ef-
fort. 'i

ALLEN'S NBC BOW-IN
SKEDDED FOR OCT. 7

Oct. 7 is the dale set for Fred
Allen's bow-in ori NBC under the
Standard Brands .-banner, the come-
dian signaturing the $20,000 a week
contract over the past ^weekend. It's
reported to be a "mutually cancell-
able" contract, Allen wanting it that
way in view of his health.

It's strictly an Allen package as
to production, writing, casting, etc..
although the J. Walter Thompson
tie-in as the agency on. the account is
said to reflect Allen's long standing
opinion of Jotin Reber as a show-
man.

i. . That Edgar Bergen-Allen back-to-
back Sunday night. programming re-
calls, that several seasons ago both
-Bergen and Allen were mulling the
possibility of splitting up a Stand-
ard Brands show between them,
each to take over a half a season
■nd allow them to work at leisure.
The idea fell through bul at least
they're parlayed lor the "45-'46 sea-
son.

Mich. Radro Comm.
Points the Way
In Selling Bonds

Detroit, May 22.
Nearly 7,000 spot announcements,
newscast insertions, and five- to 15-
minute talks on 30 Michigan radio
stations during the 6th War Loan
Drive is the amazing record of the
Michigan Radio Committee. This
committee, co-chaired by Edwin K.
Wheeler, asst g.m. of WWJ-De-
troit and Tom F. Gessncr, publicity
director; of Detroit Edison Co., has
been asked to serve again to exceed
this record for the current 7lh War
Loan Campaign.

The success of ■ this committee,
which wangled a conservative. $150, :
000 radio time from Michigan sta-
tions, is 1 attributed • to three major
fact's. First, each Michigan station
is represented oh the committee:
second, a direct mail campaign fol-
lows up promises to give radio time
and stimulates war bond selling ef-
forts; and third, a corps of radio
specialists provides local copy and
arranges availabilities.

Among those specialists serving
again for this 7th War Loan Cam-
paign are Don DeGroot. WWJ's pro-
gram mgr., in charge of speech ma-
terial: Kelvin Doming, of Campbell
Ewald, providing local spot an-
nouncements; Rita Tarrier, of De-
troit's War Chest, handling direct
mail stimulation; Richard W. Ouder-
slupys, of Commercial "Services,
Inc.. contacting Detroit radio ad-
vertisers; Dave Abodaher, of W. B.
Doner agency, checking retail Tadio
advertisers/, Fran Harris, WWJ
newscaster and' publicity director,
contacting newspapers; Glenn
Kyker, of Detroit Edison, distribut-
ing transcribed appeals: . Stanley
Altshuler of WJBK . Mitchell Ja-
chimski of "WJLB, and Edward
Kroth of WEXL, arranging special
foreign language programs; James
Riddel), commercial mgr. of
WXYZ, and Marie Margai-et Win-
throp of Tech. Agency, clearing
availabilities: Eric DeRoss of CIO
and Frank Ford of AFL. working
out labor pleas for bond -buying;
William J. Jory, of Michigan Muzak,
placing bond appeals in war plants
with p.a. systems: Owen F. Uridge,
asst. g.m. of WJR-. compiling re-
sults and statistics; and Edwin K.
Wheeler, co-chairman, contacting
all agencies with radio accounts.

BLUE SNARLED IN CHI
ASUjLTAPSSUTPHDi

Chicago, May 22.

Drafting of Carl Sutphin into the
Army last week leaves the central
division sales promotion dept. of the
Blue network here without a head
and no one in line to move up.
Sutphin succeeded Mike Huber. sev-
eral weeks ago when Huber was
sent to New York to head, the net-
work's advertising dept.

In the meantime. Ed Boroff. cen-
tral division v.p, is making efforts
to bring Huber back temporarily at
least until a replacement can be
found for Sulphin. ,.

Honor' Snag May Cost
Buloya $1,000,000 Price
Tag for Disposal of W0Y

Ardc Bulova, principal owner ot
the N. Y. indie WOV. who must sell
that station because he is also tied
with WNEW, can get at least $300,-
000 more than the price he has
agreed to take. But he is honor
bound to stick to the present price
—unless the FCC gives Bulova's cus-
tomer a definite nix.

Bulova had agreed to sell the sta-
tion to Mestcr Bros.i olive, oil deal-
ers. Competence of latter to run a
radio station is being questioned by
the FCC, and a hearing is skeded to
be held before the commission in
Washington on this matter todoy
(23).

Having pledged himself to Mcster
Bros., Bulova's reported ready to go
through with that sale, if FCC scz
okay.

But, meanwhile, about 25 or 30
other prospective customers have
put in bids for the. station. Among
them are reported to be the N. Y.
World-Telegram; Generoso Pope,
owner of II Progresso Italo-Amcri-
cano, leading Italian-language.'daily
in N. Y.; a large educational organ-
ization which intends to go into edu-
cation by radio in a big way as soon
as It acquires an outlet of its own;
and, reportedly, the Marshal Field
interests. _.

Sale to the Mester Bros, was
agreed upon at a figure which would
total between $350,000 and- $400,000.
Offers from the new bidders are said
to have gone no lower than $650,000,
with one of the oufits talking about
being ready to go as high as
$1,000,000.

Package' Links
S. F. CaD-KYA In
N. Y. Post Plans

Ted O. and Dorothy S-. Thackrey,
owners of the N. Y. Post and of the
N. Y; indie WLIB. are trying to
wedge into the Coast newspaper-
radio set up in a big way by dicker-
ing for a package deal which would
involve both the San F rancisco Ca ll
and Station. KYA at Frisco.

In addition, there is a report that
they may be interested in spreading
out still further by taking over
KMTR in Hollywood.

Thackrey refused absolutely either
to confirm or deny the Coast report
on any of the deals, and all other
members of his New York organiza-
tion referred queries to him. But at
San Francisco, it was indicated
clearly a deal was under way, with
Bartlcy Crum. local lawyer for the
Thackreys, set to handle the legal
angles-

The Thackreys had made one offer
ior the' San Francisco Chronicle,
-were turned down, and are under-
stood to have raised their ante, with
no specific sum being mentioned for
public information. But the Call,
which owns more than 50% of
KYA's stock, is understood to have
asked at least $550,000 for KYA
alone. KYA is licensed to use 5,000
watts daytime, 1,000 at night.

Ticin with the Hollywood station,
also a 1.000-wattcr. is said to be
through Don Fedderson. general
manager of KYA. who's, been re-
putedly offered the job of running
both stations under, the . new owner-
ship. KMTR's price tag is said to be
$450,000, bringing the total radio end
of . the Thackrey plans up to a cool
$1,000,000.

. While the Call-KYA deal would
come in one package, there is the
possibility that, if the Hollywood
station is taken', by the Thackreys,
a separate corporation would handle
the two. stations under Fcdderson's
management, while still another
firm would be delegated the. respon-
sibility for the Coast .newspaper
property. Money is no object to the
Thackreys. Mrs. Thackrey has
plenty of moola from the estate of
the late Jacob Schiff, and could get
adequate financing from the banking
firm established by her ancestor.
Kuhn, Locb & Co. - ;

By acquiring the two: stations, if
the deal goes that far, and placing
them under Fedderson, the Thack-
reys would have as general manager
one of the liveliest radio men on the
Coast. KYA was bought for a song
several years ago, the price having
been reported at only $50,000. The
station was deep in the red and, un-
der Fedderson, has turned Into a
profitable operation.

Dept of Graceful Verbiage

Inter-office memoranda sent by CBS executive vice-president Paul
Kesten often attract comment as samples of prose-writing. One dated
May 16 and addressed to the whole organization is of this description.
Wrote the boss:

"I haven't any words left to reflect proper credit, to the CBSorgani-
zalion for the way it stepped into a. second news crisis without even
time tiTrccovcr its breath from .the first one.

"Within the span of a'few weeks this network had to deal with great
loss and great pain; with national tragedy and international victory-
sweeping from one extreme of human emotion to the other, but with
an equally transcendent heed for saying the right thing and doing
the right thing through scores of hours of continuous and special
broadcasting.'

"That the same wonderful bunch of people, big and little, meas-
ured up to. the second challenge as splendidly as ! hey did to ihe first
should be a source of unforgettable pride and satisfaction to. all of us
at CBS."

Morency Nixed As Permanent NAB
Head; Boss Says W to 1-Yr. Leave

Sgt. Dick Dudley Upped
To AFN Production Mgr.

In keeping with its program of
postwar expansion and readjustment,
Sgt. Dick Dudley, former NBC
(N.Y:) announcer has been, named
production manager of the American
Forces Network in London, accord-
ing to Lt. Col. John S. Hayes, officer-
in-charge.

Bringing to his post a background
that includes five years at WSM,
Nashville, where he starred on the
'Grand die Opry', and NBC where
he conducted many of hisiown "per-
sonality" shows. Dudley has been en-
trusted with the program manage-
ment of the net in its vital postwar
service ft the occupation troops re-
maining in the European Theatre
of Operations.

While at AFN. Dudley: has emceed
the three most popular record shows
on the network and is one of the
most familiar voices to the men in
this military zone.

Chi Dept. Stores
Falling in Line

. Chicago. May 22.

Local advertising agencies and ra-
dio stations who have had a long,
tough grind in convincing Chicago
department stores that radio should
be included in their advertising
budgets, were given a list last week
with the purchase by Goldblatt ..Bros,
of 312 hours of time a year over
WGN. Closely following' Carson.
Pirie, Scott's sponsorship of a three-
times weekly 15-minute shot over
WMAQ and t he Wioboldt stores'
bankrolling of an elaborate half-
hour show , over WBBM every
Monday, execs' are convinced" that
the tide has finally turned and de-
partment stores are beginning to get
the real feel of radio and its im-
portance as an institutional builder.

The Goldblatt contract calls for
a full hour a day, six days a week
on WGN for 52 weeks, starting yes-
terday (21). and involves approxi-
mately $150,000 a year. . Biz was
placed by the Schwimmcr tc Scott
agency. Four quarter-hour programs
will be used daily, including "Rec-
ord Reveille,'' 7-7:15 a.m.. conducted
by Bill Evans: "Meet the People,"
12-12:15 p.m.. a new series to be em-
ceed by Bill Anson: "Musical Mcrry-
Go-Round," a 4:15-4:30 p.m. recorded
program, and "Your Girl Friend."
10:45-11 p.m.. With Angel Casey, a
program of sweet talk for the GIs.

Highlight of the series will be
"Meet the People/ a variety inter-
view program along the lines of
"Breakfast at Sardis." which will be
conducted from the Terrace Room
restaurant in Goldblatl's State street
store with a total of $500 in hard-to-
get merchandise given away each
week.

* Omaha, May 22.

With Paul W. ^lorency, manager
of WTIC, Hartford, now out of the
picture as interim president 6f the
National Ass'n of Broadcasters to
succeed J. Harold Ryan, who steps
down on July 1, the NAB directorate
is starting from scratch in its quest
for a top man. Failure of L. Ed-
mund Zacher, president of the Trav-
elers' Insurance Co., which owns
WTIC, to grant Morency a year's
leave of absence to step into the
NAB post pending a permanent se-
lection leaves the NAB exactly
where it was before. (Zacher re-
fusal is predicated on fact that, am-
bitious postwar FM and television
plans makes him a vital part of the
WTIC operation.)

■ As far as. Morency is concerned,
the boss' decish is believed to co.ne
as a disappointment. It's known, too,
that Morency would have liked the
NAB post on a permanent ' basis.
When he was broached with the idea
he left his candidacy open, asserting,
it was okay to put his name hefore
the directors.. The latter, however,,
rejected the proposal of Morency
stepping in as permanent prexy. In
the e.vent of his getting an okay, it
was regarded as certain he would
have checked out of the WTIC
operation.

Problem of finding a man. now
rests with a new committee headed
up by Commander T. A. M. Craven,
of the Cowles interests, and also
comprising Frank Stanton, CBS vee-
pee; John J. Gillin, Jr., of WOW; J.
Leonard Reinsch, of the Cox sta-
tions; G. Richard Shafto, of WIS.
Columbia, S. C, and William B. Way,
of KVOO, Tulsa. Committee, in ef-
fect, has a blank check in finding a
way to maintain an operating staff.
It can recommend a man on a pro
tern basis, a permanent prexy or
even set up a managing directorship
much; in the manner of an AP or
ANPA news operation.

Selection- of Omaha for (he two-
day NAB directors' confab (16-17)
was seen healthful,- at least, from
one respect. As one of the directors
put it: "Get these guys away from
broadcasting as it's known in the
key centers, let them listen to local
programming, and they'll realize
soon enough the need for a hard-
hitting, functioning NAB aimed at
improving the standard's of radio."

Life Preps Airer

Life magazine will have a once-
weckly half-hour night-time pro-
gram of its own on the Blue next
fall. Its sister publication, Time;
has long been a standby with
"Mart* ol Time."

Format ol Die new picture mag
program is currently ■ being drawn
up and will include, among other
things: movie of the week, play ol
the. week, feature of the week, etc.

Chi AFRA Sets
Fund for Ex-Gls

Chicago. May 22.

Fund, which will provide financial
assistance to Chicago AFRA mem-
bers returning from the service who
find themselves in temporary finan-
cial straits while seeking re-employ-
ment in the radio industry, was set
up at a recent meeting of Ihe local
AFRA branch. Regulations govern-
ing its control, as drafted by ' the
Service Fund committee and the
board of. directors, were unani-
mously adopted by the membership.

Fund will be administered by a
committee of seven members and
sums.to.be advanced will be at the
discretiojT. of the committee and de-
pend on 'the circumstances involved
in each case. ' ■■

IES GOTTLIEB TO COAST

Lester Gottlieb, radio publicity
chief at Young & Rubicam, leaves,
for the Coast this week for a Uvo-
week stay. »

Hc'U liDe up the fall flack routine
in connection with the flock of Y&R

Coast-originating shows.

Wednesday, May 23, 1945

RADIO

SI

FCC Fixes Channels, But Holds Up
FM and Video Bands Pending Tests

'Breakfast Club' Wows
N.Y. With Corn Payoff

The corn is here and it's mellow!-
I New York', citadel of the wise
! Ruys. turned out -to- be the softest
I touch Don McNeill and his Blue nel-
i •■ n„,i !■..„„,.„,„„., I work "Breakfast Club" troupe have

^•'"f^^/^r tiFCC Would Add 540 KC. ; - ^ W

Washington, May 22.

flllOC'ltK" 1 -

sDCttniiii between 25 mc.and 30.000
n , c _ ; ,ll except the most important
„ nl 't Lett open for action in the fu-
ture arc the locations to he assigned
to FM and to television, for immed-
iate post-war operation.

The area with the question mark
around it is from 44 to 108 me. The
Comin'W' 0 "'* failure to act is
chalked up here as a victory for the
pm broadcasters, who bitterly, fought

Band to AM Spectrum

Washington-, May 22.
. FCC yesterday (21) made public
its proposed allocations of radio fre-
quencies below 25,000 kilocycles;
which includes the area of standard
broadcasting. Highlights:

Industry Leaders Line Up Solidly
Vs. Giving Finance Info to Pub'ic

Washington, May 22. ent had any objection to making
Hadio indu.-liy spokesmen, ap- station ownership public, but scv-
...... p C ;„i, lu before FCC vestcrdav « 21 > oral fell that Ihey should not have

cross-country li ck for Ihe Seventh -, raj: . 0£| ' ull4l „j molls objcctioivlo throw- ' lo tile the exact make-up of cor-
War Loan ui ive. , _ „ „ ing open for public inspection l'i- poralions owning less than 25' .' of a

Requests for tickets for - B,C. j nancial' reports and contracts. Died \ slnlion. Spokesmen for CBS and

'" | with the commission. | NBC said they would be glad to file

FCC has proposed a rule for giv- | the names of stockholders owning as
ins-' move information to the public 1 little as 1 '•«'., but thought it an u'n-
and this angle is a highlight. necessary bu.den to list those oWn-

At ; the hearing . on" the proposal. , h, S l^s than that figure.
■Tohn Morgan Davis, counsel for |

broadcasts in N. Y. via the Blue as-
sumed such proportions, ■ guys in
guest relations, publicity, sales, etc.,
started checking' up with the pro-
gram department to see whether
some fast action had resulted in
"Oklahoma!" landing on the net

lueniieiii,-,. . ; "Oklahoma! landing on the net-; ^ . .«»..,«.. .... , . nnro f I\ I

1 . An additional channel for AM ; work. But it was only the "Break- ] NAB - «KUwd that tax reports are JJjyg |JJJ^ j ^Q-OD UCal

t r..... ■<•■!.. i. •• not made miblic. He. said the data — r

would .be opened at 540 kc., but there i fast Club

Ihoir -tentative, allocation of 84-102 js |y> ^ islon whcl |, er this would be
mc. ''■'■■... ... ', : used for local, regional or . clear

FCC announced that it will work , ch;uin(H statt0ns . About 54% of ex-'
with the industry on a. sens of tests i S ti,ig radio receivers would be able

to tune in on 540. Standard now
operates from 550 lo 1G00 kc.
;. 2. Commission suggests 120 chan-
nels for direct international broad-
casting on a worldwide basis. Some
but not all of these would be avail-
able for the U. S,

this summer to determine in which
of the following three bands FM
should be placed: 50-68 mc; 08-86
inc.; or B4-102 mc. The FM people
generally favor 50-G8.

The tests, will be conducted under
George P. Adair, FCC chief en-
gineer, lie meets tomorrow <Wed.)
morning with industry execs to ar-
' range for the experiments. > . ..
Among those who have been in-
vited lo sevyc. on the committee are
Major Edwin H. Armstrong, father
of FM; Dr. W. R. CJ. Baker, vicc-
pi-exy of OE; Dr. T. T. •Goldsmith, of
DuMonl Laboratories; Dr. C. M:
Jansky; David B. Smith, of Philco:
Harold 1L Beverage, of RCA Com- j
Tiuinications: Frank Marx. Blue; G. ■
F. Leydorf. Crosley Corp.: Raymond j
Guy. NBC: and Cyrus T. Read, the i
Hallicralters Corp.

Meanwhile., video, which eon-;
sidercd its channels till set, inus^
now wail for linal '-locations until |
after the FM position is determined.
FCC assured television that it will
still gel its 12 channels in the 44-1011
mc. region. As a sort of special
bonus for being patient, television,
will also draw a 13lh channel at 174-
180 inc.. in addition to the experi-
mental areas given to video much
higher in the- spectrum.
Other highlights of the report;
Number of channels assigned to
film companies for location lo studio
conversations is whittled lo 18, from
the 2H listed in the January pro-
posals. The channels will be shared
with other services as was originally
proposed. In the 25-28 mc. band.,
there will be six to be shared .with
relay press. From 152 to 102 inc..
12 channels will be shared by the
film companies with geophysical and
forestry-conservation services.

Jusl as in the January proposals. -
nothing definite is provided for the- j
aire video. i
Number of shared channels for re- j
lay broadcasting has been upped
from 2H to :t(i. .

FCC said (he. delay will not hinder
postwar development of KM and
television. The Commission said it
had been notified by WPB that, short
of a speedy collapse by the Japa-
nese, "the radio industry will not re-
sume production of new AM, FM,
and television transmitters or re-
ceivers in 1345 or even in the
first part of 1940" although it
is possible that a very few may be
produced before then.

The region 44-108 mc. will be
finally allocated as follows: 3(5 mc.
to video: 18 mc. to FM; 2 mc. lo fac-
simile; 4 inc. to amateurs: and 4 inc.
to non-govrrnmcnt fixed and mobile
services.

Mi . and Mrs. Forbes I

Virginia Forbes, cafe editor of the
N. Y. Sun. and husband, Ray Forbes,
sports writer, are starred in a new
program making the agency rounds.

Mrs. Forbes digresses on "good
living" while friend hubby spiels
about fishing, angling and the out-
door life in a 15-minute format.
Max Ernest Hill isxgenting.

' not made public. He., said the data [
was of little or no interest to the ! British Broadcasting Corp. has
general public. On the other hand. ima<le a deal. with- the Blue network,
he contended, competing broadcast- : whereby broadcasts of Paciiic area
ers would use it tor their selfish happenings as aired by Stanley
interest.;. IMaxted, BBC war correspondent,

•'• '.Commissioner Clifford Durr argued 'will be recorded by the Blue and
that what radio has been demand- ishorlwavcd to England for rebroad-
ing is less control by FCC and more icast.

by the public. He said this was a
step in that direction.

None of the broadcast reps prcs-

Maxled is switching from the Eu-
ropean theatre o( operations to cover
Ihe PmciIIc for -tl* BBC.

WJW SELLS FRO GRID

Cleveland. May 22.

Bryant Heater Co., sporfsor last
season of the championship hockey
playoffs with . Earl Harper at the
mike, has contracted for pro foot-
ball games on the Cleveland Rams
schedule next fall to be aired via
WJW with Harper handling the
chatter chore.

Sports series starts Sept. 2 with
14 games skedded on the WJW grid
exclusive.

i vm:i> dim «; co

FriilMy— Cits — III p.ni.. KMT

Hal.: LOU CLAYTON

•ADVERTISING MUST PACE PROGRESS

Diogfiics must have smiled - when, in I9U, farsighted
Advertising men endorsed the Model Statute framed by
'Printers' Ink. Subsequently adopted;^, 23. ..slates, this
Statute led to tlic establishment of Better Business
Bureaus throughout the country, and pioneered censor-
ship from within the advertising business. More than
this, liy making Truth a selling standard, public confi-
dence in advertising was established, and the upgrading
of advertised prniliu-ts stimulated.

ANY PERSON, FIRM, CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION WHO,

WITH INTENT TO SELL. OR IN ANYWISE DISPOSE OF
MERCHANDISE, SECURITIES-, SfRVICE OR ANYTHING OFFERED
BY SUCH PERSON, FIRM, CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION
...MAKES, PUBLISHES, DISSEMINATES, CIRCULATES, OR
PLACES BEFORE THE PUBLIC ... IN A NEWSPAPER OR
OTHER PUBLICATION . '. . AN ADVERTISEMENT" OF ANY ^ORT
... WHICH CONTAINS ANY ASSERTION, REPRESENTATION
OR STATEMENT OF FACT WHICH IS UNTRUE, DECEPTIVE -
OR MISLEADING, SHALL BE GUJLTY OF A MISDEMEANOR.

In the

DISTRIBUTION DECADE

Advertising Must Continue To Inspire Confidence!

Advertising has a man-sized job to do in the Distribution
Decade! After peace, in order lo prevent an economic
depression, our nation must consume :»l least 40% more
than in the pre war era.

Money, manufacturing facilities, .manpower and male-
rials will be abundant.. Willi Advertising functioning at
its unhampered best, the big task of rapid, efficient, eco-

nomical distribution am be done! But. ' in the doing,
\dveiiising must zealously guard its established stand-
ards of integrity, for lo be eflVdive, Advertising must
inspire . a>nfi<lenca!

At The Nation's Station, we .will- he. striving to elevate
slill further in the Distribution Decade, those high stand-
ards of honesty in advertising long advocated by WLW.

WLW

DIVIS(ON OF THE OtOSltV COBPOSAf IOM

THE NATION'S MOST MERCHANDISE-ABLE STATION

Wednesday, May 23, 1945

BOX SCORE

Acid test

of Network Leadership

The daily flow of audience toward a network is ordinarily weighted by a few exceed-
ingly popular programs broadcast on certain regular evenings of the week.

Thus top; Monday night listening ordinarily "belongs" to Columbia. Tuesday leans
to another network . . .

But Monday, May 7 and Tuesday, May 8 were not "ordinary" days. The crisis, espe-
ciaPy on Tuesday, swept aside familiar programs and their established "ratings". . .
made each network stand squarely on its own feet ... thus put relative network
performance to the acid test.

Hooper measured audience intensively throughout those two days in four great
and widely-dispersed urban areas: New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and San Francisco.
The balance of physical facilities in those cities, taken as a group, was by no means
slanted to favor CBS. Here are the Hooper findings:

Wednesday, May 23, 1945 P4SrIETy M

Throughout the white heat of the climax
of war in Europe, CBS swept ahead of all other
networks -and stayed there!

Any seasoned appraiser of radio's values would perhaps have predicted that CBS would
lead naturally on Monday night. It did. CBS led by. a margin of from 22% to 128% over
the other three networks* Maybe that was just because people followed their regular
Monday night habits of listening. Maybe. But on V-E Day itself:

THE CBS AUDIENCE
LED BY A MARGIN
RANGING FROM . ...

ABOVE THE COMPETING NETWORKS

There never was a_nipre significant demonstration of the confidence the audience
places in everything that CBS stands for and delivers. This confidence, though it was
demonstrated in a turbulent crisis, is no accident, no caprice of individual rating.

It is the direct product of years of unrelenting effort to build a service which
delivers the best in radio... and listeners proved they knew it when it counted most!

The Columbia Broadcasting System

*' .'

\

11 RADIO REVIEWS

Wednesday, M«jr 23, I945

CONSTANCE BENNETT m

With George Ansbro, Announcer

Writers: Miss Bennett, Prunella Wood

Producer: Wiley Adams.

15 Mills.. Mon.-Frf., 1:13 p.m.

Co-operative

W.IZ-Bluc. N. y.

Latest addition to thp Blue's co-
co .string is Constance Bennett, aired
ci'oss-lhe-board with a quarter-hour
of femmr chatter, embracing. fHi-
ions. make-up problem*. New York
shops and ihc Gotham scene, films,
the sta.no and any number of topics
calculate;! to arouse milady "s und
the housewife's i interest.

Mis.-- Bennett's '.'lainor background
Undoubtedly will prove' a magel.
and. although, her-voice doesn't ex-
actly dri|5 glamor, at least it'.- an
improvement over the v. ishy-w.'" hy
delivery spoi led by soinc of her net-
work contemporaries. Air of infor-
mality' results from occasional ■ex-
changes, wilii announcer George
Ansbro revealing Miss Bcnnclt as a
good-numorod. dowii-lo-carlh t>l - e
gal.

Tccofi stanza (21.1 consisted of
-some makeup hints, references to;
bev ers!whi ; e .Hollywood rivals. L.-n-i
Turner and -Virginia Ernie chin
music about sprim: liats anil a clos-
ing segment on a .»rrious note cued
to V-E day. the v. ar in Japan.' Scv-
enlh War Loan. etc.

Mi:s Bciineit -shapes up ..nf salable
air fare, and shoui'.i prove a profit-
able item for the Blue's co-op di-
vision. Doiih.

turn home the same natural, unin-
hibited selves who left.

Monday's (21; aircr, however,
seemed drawn out. and occasionally
naive and sentimental. Perhaps each
point should not have, been slressed
at such length, but clone more briefly,
for a better effect. But. on the
whole, the project i.- soo worthwhile
as to offset minor objections^

Program was presented in a dra-
matic form for 25 minutes, with a
typical American family discussing
how to greet their returned hero,
showing the comic as well as serious
mishap*. through misguiled blunder-
ing. Last five minutes contained a
sensible talk by Prof. Franklin Fear-
ing, professor of psychology' at U. ot
Cal.. staling that basically there is
nothing to worry about in most te-
lur'ncd cases. Psycho-neurosis, any-
way, is a problem for the specialist,
not the bungling amateur: the Army
isn-i iikol.v to release. One without
medical' attention or warning. The
average returnee hasn't got it.

. Broil.

"REUNION ..I'. S. A."

Willi Harold ("Gililerslccve") Peary,

Prof. Franklin Oacin;. and others
Writer: Abraham Polonsky
rrodiicer-direrlor: Calvin Kuhl
30 Mir '..'vMon.. 10::i0 p. m.
Sustaining .
WIZ-Blne. X. Y.

The Blue-, in "Reunion USA." U
addressing itself to the problems of
the rcturnin;.' serviceman, its series
opener Mnntfay <21i night tilled
"Man from the Moon.". -studying the
Simple pvolvpm of the first welc.imc
a family will g ; ve a warrior returned
from tv.n or three years of blood,
death and destruction. The point,
though simple, is an important one.
and the Blue, is wise in devoting -a
half-hour to its study. People at
home, filled with scare stuff from
newspapers and magazines, antici-
pate their - returning vet* to be
Warped, embittered, even psycho-
neurotics. They fancy all .sorls. of
affected, hysterical, abnormal -treat-
ment as necessary in readjusting
their boys ' to .family lite. . Govern-
ment' authorities are worried about
these misguided home-bodies and
anxious to point up the dangers of
amateur-, psychologists spoiling a
natural welcome home. The Blue
has aided wilh this program, showr
ing up the misguided amateurs, and
pointing out that mist boys will rc-

"TELI. IIS A STORY"

With I'loienre Sanford. others

15 Min.; Sal., 9:^0 a.m.

Sustaining

WGY. Sclieneclady

This new series of condensed,
streamlined children's classics, by
Eiurcll Smith. WGY wrilcr-produc-
cr-announcer. is being presented on
a block which the station long has
'reserved for juvenile programs. Mrs.
Sanford. who has handled other kid
shows, serves as a narrator and Iclc-
scoper of stories, while a small
group from the WGY players acts
Out the dramatizations. It's a com-
mendable effort in the growing
movement to broadcast "betlei type"
programs for youthful dialers, even
though they '- may., nol be able to
ropVpele in listener pull with the
cliff-hangers.

Smith gives a different' and fresh-
er twist to long-familiar yarns. II
would be interesting to learn
whether his unorlhodoxy is more
appreciated by the kids than the
orthodox formal to which they, have
become • accustomed. Noliceable in
The telling of "Puss in Boots" was
a clever tie-in with a health mes-
sage (advice to chew food thor-
oughly).

Program bears obvious evidence
of careful preparation and thorough
rehearsing, even on sound effects.
Mrs. Sanford. possessor .of a pleasing
voice, handles her assignmenl well.
Capable easl includes: Phyllis Car-
ver (Smjth's wife arid daughter of
WGY's one-time musical director,
now a well-known arranger i; Byron
Keller and Dave Krpman. Smith
produces the show before a juvenile
audience in studio. Names and ad-
dresses of children who request cer-
tain stories are read after the sign-
1 on. Feature is nicely spotted. Jaco.

"I AM AN AMERICAN DAY"
With Mayor Florellp. II. LaGuardla,
Ex-Gov. Herbert H. Lehman Ma-
rian Anderson, Jane Froman, Iror
Gorln, City Center Opera Co.,
Wilbur Evans, Maurlne Cannon,
Betty Bruce, "Up in Central Park"
ensemble, others
129 Mlns.: Sunday (2t) 2:30 p.m.
WNYC, N. Y.

Impressive ceremonies of the an-
nual "I- Am nn American Day." held
Sunday (20) on the Mall in Central
Park. N. Y., were piped over New
York-Is own station and provided a
graphic listening account of what
some 1,500.000 spectators were j ; el-
tihg a close gander at in the park.

It was all handled well with every-
one participating, and those setting
up the radio relay rating their share
of the Undoes. Those who preferred
Id stay, al home rather than mix with
the throng waiv amply rewarded by
a snap-bang continuity thai, rorriocd
through the two-hour session in jig
time.

From a spectacular, talent angle,
the group from Mike Todd's musical.
,"Up in Central Park." stole the show.
Parading in from the 5.9th street gate
in their colorful costumes of 80 years
ago. with principals ensconced in*
yesteryear onc-hoss shays, the weU
come was tumultuous.

Mayor LaGuardia chairmanned
and cmceed the session. Hizzoner
was in line fettle throughoul. and
especially al the lag. when lie told
the crowd: "I'll be with you as usual
next year— but silting down there."
meaning as a spectator. Ifs also re-
ported he selected the numbers given
by the Todd . troupers, caiilipus of
letting ..any songs of "political signifi-
cance'' creep in, since "Up in Cen-
tral Park" deals with Tammany Hall
in its salad days.

After the Mayor's word of wel-
come; Jane Froman sang "Slar-
Spang'led Banner." alter which' Msgr.
Francis X. Shea, for Archbishop
Spcllman. read the invocation. It
was the latter's "Prayer for' Ameri-
ca." impressively delivered. Regina
Resnick followed with "America the
Beautiful." The mayor then read a
message from President Truman,
which said: "I am sure the great
meeting to be held in Central Park
will symbolize the very spirit of "I
Am an American" Day. Then fol-
lowed two violin selections, arid the
incomparable Marian Anderson sing-
ing "Ave Maria" and "Let's Break
Bread Together." Rabbi Stephen S.
Wise read the first-eight, and' the last
three verses from the 40ih chapter of
Isaiah. Then ex-Gov. Lehman took
over, citing what his new ager.cy.
UNRRA had accomplished! what il
hopes to do in Ihc future, and the
gigantic task ahead. He also, paid
I tribute to the accomplishments of
I our late President. Franklin D.

WOV'S HILL BILLIES HAVE MADE A BIG HIT IN NEW YORK

||If;iI brow?. Maybe not. Hut the Till!

■('minify Jamboree on WOV nightly. Mpn.
Hun Sal., has sli-nck a .responsive c"i<l wilh
New York's' radio listeners. Anil the experi-
ence .of sponsors indicates lljtii the. large,
audience thai tunes in this popular program
Is made up of people who are buyers a k' well
as 'listeners. A few parllelpal inp periods, are
avallaMe. three or six days a week,
fltlph N. Well, Gin. Mir. • l«ho E. Ptjrion C».. Nal'l tin.

Roosevelt, and his part in hastening
the peace in Europe. *

The Mayor then set the stage ior
the Todd production numbers, an-
nouncing they would now be given
a replica of a picnic held on the
same location eight decades ago.
This cued the "Up in Central Park-
ers." led by brass band accomp on
"Big Back Yard" tune from the show.
Wilbur Evans and Maureen Cannon
look over for "Fireman's Bride."
Couple then dueled "Close as Pages
in a Book," with same duo Hanked
by Betty Bruce and ensemble going
all out on "Big .Back Yard." Com-
bined Police. Fire and Sanitation
depl. bands look over, after which
group from City Center Opera Co.
contributed sextet . from Lucia."
Judge Learned Hand; of Circuit
Court of Appeals read pledge of al-
legiance to the flag, followed by Igor
Gorin's singing of "Unjted Nations
on the . March." Benediction was
read by Rev. Eugene' West, substitut-
ing for Bishop Manning.

It. was an impressive program thai
should have held every dialer.

Edba.

Radio Followup

"CALLING ALL DETECTIVES"
With Vincent Pelletler, Herb Butter-
Held, Carl Kroenke, Beryl Vauc-
han, John Barclay, Jonathan Hole,
George Watson. Cheer Brenlsoo,
Geraldine Kay
Writer: Kenneth Houston
Director: Alan M Flshbiirn
Supervisor: Waller Schwlmmer
:(0 Mlns.; Sal., 8:30 p.m.
Sustaining \
WGN-MBS, Chicago

Mutual has a sweet gimmick in
this nationwide audience, participa-
tion murder myslery program which
nol only gives the listener an oppor-
tunity for armchair delecting bul to
win war bonds for guessing the
killer. A different mystery is pre-
sented each week, with varying
casts, except for a central "crime
guide" character known as Robin,
who acts as narrator and is played
by Vincent Pcllelier. As the drama-
tization progresses he points out
clues besides bein;f an integral part
in the unfolding of the story. Near
th^ conclusion of the story the net-
work bows out for five minutes and
listeners in each area hear the local
announcer call the. contestant. -who is
picked from postcards sent in by the
listeners! Contestant is given ail op-
portunity to solve the crime and
name the killer and then stations re-
join the network for ihe concluding
scene which reveals the murder's
identity.- Contestant doesn't know
until then whether or nol he's won.

7/ he has. guessed right he receives
an award. In the case of WGN the
prize is a $100 War Bond, with a $25
War Bond given as a consolation
prize it unsuccessful. About 75 sta-
tions on MBS are carrying the series
al present and amounts of awards
vary according lo the outlet. In
cases where guesses are incorrect.
Ihe reward pyramids from week lo
week until some lis'.encr supplies a
correct solution. ' .

Show caught, was "The Case of the
Cross-Eyed Cat." Though of a famil-
iar pattern. Kenncllv Houston's script
was well-knit and managed to sus-
tain interest to the end. Alan FiSh-
burn directed in a suspenful manner
and got the, most from his cast, all ot
which turned in good performances,
Vincenl Pellelier's narration was
particularly good and Dick Plait's
special organ music added measur-
ably to the general listening enjoy-
ment. Morg.

Television Review

"ABE LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS"
(Acl II)

WKb Stephen Courllelfh. Wendel
Phillips; Grandon Rhodes. Ralph
Chambers. Vinton Hayworth, May
Collins, Viola Frane, "Lucille Fen-
ton. Earl McDonald. Dorothy
Emery, Kay Renard, Harrv Bel-
la ver •

Writer: Robert E. Sherwood
Producer-Director: Edward: Sobol

(Don Darcy, assistant)
Technical Director: Albert Proliman
Scenery: Robert Wade
49 Mlns.: Sun. (20); X:36 p.m.
Sustaining ' .
WNBT-NBC, N. Y.

NBC's television department has
been engaged in an extremely in-
teresting experiment that may cue
fruitful discussion about program-
ming and writing phases of the new
ail. A month ago. the web's tele-
vision outlet. WNBT. put on Act I of
Robert E. Sherwood's "Abe Lincoln
in Illinois." 'Last, Sunday (20). Act II
was produced. '.,

A series of questions "arises im-
mediately. Act I look an hour; Act
H lasted 49 minutes. A month
elapsed between the two acts; and
another month, presumably, will
pass before the telefan can find out
how this play ends. Could the entire
play be given in one session? Will
television programming be so flexi-
ble that it will be able to put on an
entire drama, regardless of irreg-
ularity of lengths that do not divide
themselves neatly into 15 or 30-min-
ule segments'.' Will the telefan sit
through an entire, three-act drama
at one session?

If the answers to all three ques-
tions—and to many others that could
■ be asked along those lines— are
i (Continued oir'pajff 38;

Addition df Bert Wheeler lo Seven
Up's "Fresh Up" cast on Mutual last
week (10) as permanent star (Barnev
Grant remains for stooging pur
poses) is a step in the right direction
but-OW— those gags! Show desper-
ately needs bolstering' in the scrint
department. It's all verv well io E et
a bunch of actors with strange-
sounding voices on the air, but Hint
aloiie won't provide solid laugh pay
offs. There's a little matter . or gacs
and witly material. Wheeler did okay
with whal was handed him. but un
fortunately, that wasn't much. '

Dud Williamson emcees -''What's
the Name of That Song?" in expert
manner Sunday afternoons over Mu-
tual, but those frequent and verbose
cut 7 ins back lo Hollywood for the
commercials get in the way. Pop
song quiz originated on the Coast
when it first hit the air, and is how-
airing out of N. Y. Bui what's so
special about those commercials lhat
cutbacks to Hollywood are neces-
sary, and sometimes' delayed? Inci-
dentally, unlike some pop pianists
(lie ivory-lickler oh this program
knows how to project the melody
without confusing either the at-home
listener or Ihe contestants. William-
son, is always an affable confeien-
cier. and while generoslily is the
keynote of most every quiz show, he
makes wilh the good-cheer so con-
vincingly lhat il minimizes the curse
when the quizzees fumble.

The rross-tlie-board "Service Time'*
scries over CBS al 5 p.m. changed its
Fridav title last week < 18 ) when the
stanza became known as "AAF
Scrap Book" instead of "First in the
Air." New title was supposed lo cue
new formal, wilh hint that Air
Forces were ready now lo reveal
stories that couldn't be told before.

Actually, there >was nothing par-
licularly new about the format.
Show consisted of 'dramatization of
airmen's experiences, music by Ihe
Arniv Air Forces orch. and vocaliz-
ing by Sgl. Bob Carroll.
. The ^dramatizations were punchy,
well directed and well acted. Hie or-
chestra was lops, and Carroll saiig
very well. All in all. it was a good
program, providing pleasant listen-
ing and creating a healthy respect
for the Army Air. Forces. Only'
gripe is that there whs no reason for
calling il new. Il was a good show
before title change, and it is still a
good show — even if the format is old.

LATHROP MACK'S SWITCH

Lalhrop Mack. NBC guest relations
chief, joins Ihe web's spol sales slaff
shortly.

William Erviii. his assistant, moves
UP lo succeeed Mack as head of the
dept.

THE TIME to start the wheel* of
Indbjtry It Indicated by the (rreecb
of factory whhllei , . . and llie ,kioJ
•f lime thai keep* the -wheel*
loduilry going — advertising lime— i*
whal ocrupie* Weed St Company*
full lime.

v\ i :i ;d

\\|) (

TOP AIRIRUSH ARTIST WANTS
PERSOMAb CONNECTION. WILL
MAKE SAMPLE OF WORK ON
REQUEST.

PERRINE

707 N. Color. Urbtjaa. Illlaoli

WedncsJ«y> May 23, 1945

RADIO

as

Tony Leader Couldn't Find Single
Radio in 22-Day Italy, France Tour

(The following teas written bv*
ronv Leader, the NBC. director, who
..turned to this rountrv on Salur-

(19) «'<»"« with Frank Tel 1° rd -
TyrT Vouiip & Rubicom director.
William Rfrbson «nd Robert
Louin Sltai/o». of CBS, u>ho com-
oHicd tlic quortel nuikmo the trip,
remained' ouersefls, movirip on to
Berlin.)

Editor, "Variety :

As one of a group of four from the
radio industry invited by the War
Debt to gather information and
luckground. I could not help look-
hie about for radio in the two coun-
tries I visited— for '-radio and its
olacc in the scheme of things. In
the 22 days I spent in Italy and
Greece during which lime I visited
countless civilian homes, pretentious
snd otherwise, I didn't find a single
radio. That's right," not a single

radio! _ ,

It may be that the Germans and
their collaborators had requisi-
tioned or destroyed civilian radios.
It may be that the inflationary cost
of repair parts and electricity pre-
cluded the general use of radio as
we in America know it. Whatever
the reasons, the civilian populations
of Italy and Greece have no radios.
And more important: they don't
seem to mind. No, they seem much
more pre-occupied with the busi-
ness of obtaining food and clothing—
eminently understandable in the
light of my observations; But, and
the following must not be over-
looked, the prime lack in both coun-
tries is transportation which reacts
not only economically but educa-
tionally and informalionally. . In the
same way that much food grown
only 20 miles outside of Naples rots
for lack of transport, so information
vital to the rebirth of the nation can
only trickle in mostly , by word of
mouth and its inevitable distortion.
Although ANZA. a news service, and
the OWI and PWB news bureaus are
striving valiantly to gather and dis-
seminate information, they Tall far
short of the need because their em-
phasis is mostly on international
events rather than national. In re-
construction limes like the present
it can be readily appreciated how
necesssaiy is the development of
strong political leaders, in Italy par-
ticularly, which has been so long
Fascist-dominated. There is a cry-
ing need that Italy should' know
who are the men who organized and
led the Partisan forces in the hert>ic
and strategically-vital harrassnient
of the enemy. Instead we find that
Eduardo, for instance, the well-be-
loved commander of the Pavia Par-
tisans who captured, tried and ex-
ecuted Mussolini, comes into Milan
only' 22 miles away virtually un-
known — a political nonentity. And
■s the distance grows greater so
diminishes his renown. As a mat-
ter of fact, America knew Eduardo
by name and deed before Italy did.

I give this example 1o show the
desparatc need of communication in
these countries. Theii' development
politically and economically (both
irrevocably linked in these items)
cannot help but be arrested in pro-
portion to the lack of proper facili-
ties -for the dissemination of news
and propaganda. And radio, it can-
not be denied, in this day and age
is the nonpareil medium. And I
.found no radios in Greece and Italy
Transmitters'.' Yes. And also one
Public address system in the Central
Squnre in Athens. But the ordinary,
average citizen had no radio.

Tony Leader.

Mary Burnham's CBS Post

Washington. May 22.
Mary A. Burnham has been named
assistant director of agricultural
Programs for CBS and will operate
■t WTOP, the web's D. C. station.
She will assist Charles A. Worcester,
CBS agricultural program director,
"v turning out "Country Journal."

Kobak Snares WLW

For MBS Part-Time

Mutual has lost- its regular Cin-
cinnati outlet but seems to have hy-
poed its Ohio .status by gaining time
over one of NBC's prime affiliates,
WLW.

MBS prez Edgar Kobak has an-
nounced that his web has sold three
shows to the Crosley station in Cin-
cinnati. Kobak said that another of
Cincy's transmitters, WCOP, will
also be used by his net. .

In both instances, the arrangement
is on a "dual station" basis, neither
of the stations becoming a regular
outlet for Mutual but each tying in
on a show-by-show level, depending
upon customer's choice, station's
agreement, and web's idea in the
matter. ■ '•■ .

the fact that WLW is going to use
MBS shows will', it is believed, cive
that net a stronger position- in Ohio
IHriv it has held until now. WKRC
is bowing out of the Mutual fold on
May 31.

Roosevelt Tex. Stations
Set for Network Deal

Washington, May 22.

FCC received applications yester-
day to transfer stations at Ft. Worth,
Austin, Waco, and San Antonio to
the Texas State Network.

The stations are controlled by
Brig. Gen. Elliott Roosevelt his for-
mer wife, Ruth G. Roosevelt Eidson,
and their three children. Roosevelt
and Mrs. Eidson are also heavy
stockholders in the web. They urged
the transfer to obtain more efficient
and economical, management of the
properties.

It appeared here that this might
be a first step by Roosevelt in line
witli reports that he planned to get
out of the radio business and con-
centrate on pictures after the war.

KF.fZ-KAAD-KEGT, the Tarrant
Broadcasting Co., Ft. Worth, is' 99%
controlled by Mrs. Eidson who
would switch for $101,400. She re-
ceived the property from Roosevelt.

Frontier Broadcasting Co., which
has KNOW at Austin and WACO at
Waco, would transfer the Roosevelt
interests to the web for $34,000.

Alamo Broadcasting Co., KABC,
at San Antonio, would have a $26,-
784 price lag for the 69.9% of Roose-
velt stock.

Foil Wayne— Norman C. Widen -
hofer, known professionally as Norm
Carroll, has joined WGL,. Fort
Wayne, as sales promotion manager.

WLB's Final Slapdown on WMAL In
'Area Pattern Decish on Announcers

Walter Yust Leaves
'Adventure,' Corey In

Chicago, May 22.
Stephen M. Corey, consultant in
education to the Encyclopedia Brii
tannica and professor of educational
psychology at the U. of Chicago, re-
places Walter Yust as host on "The
Human Adventure" over Mutual, ef-
fective with Imorrow's 1.23) broad-
cast.

Yust, editor of the Brilannica, has
been ''Adventure's" commentator
since the show started on MBS Sept.
23, 1943. He will henceforth devote
himself fully to the. editing of the
Britannica. Format of the series will
remain unchanged and continue to
be produced by Sherman H. Diycr
from WGN studios here.

Boston. — Stephen James, asst.' pro-
duction mgr. and newscaster at
WEEI, has been transferred to sales
as account executive. Harold Miller;
lays aside his sax with Frank Bell's
studio orch to replace James in pro-
duction.

The .War Labor Board, Monday
<21), turned down WMAL, Wash-
ington, in its appeal for reconsidera-
tion of a WLB decision against them
which favored the American Feder-
ation of Radio Artists. Dispute orig-
inally arose out of a new contract
between WMAL and AFRA, when
AFRA insisted that staff announ-
cers who were used oh occasional
commercial programs during their
work-week should be paid a com-
mercial fee in addition 'to their sal-
ary.

Dispute had gone to an arbitrator,
who held for AFRA. The station
then appealed to the WLB, who re-
versed the arbitrator. AFRA then
appealed to the WLB, who reversed
itself. Whereupon the station- ap-
pealed again to the WLB, only to be
turned down this week finally.

Decision has a further importance
bejiond Its specific benefit to WMAL
announcers. By its action the WLB
holds that it will follow an "area
pattern" in these cases. In other
words, if comparable radio stations
in the Washington area pay a special
commercial fee to staff announcers
then every station, on renewing con-
tracts, must fall into line. Decision
is thus doubly important,

Overseas for USO Since Jan.
'43 — Now in Now York

FRED LIGHTNER

Dir.: PHIL COSCIA

"LANNY AND GINGER" GREY, Guild Recording
Artists otto ntord ovor the Mutual Broadcast:
ing System — 203 stations — for Four Way
Cold Tablets and Defender Vitamins. Monday,
Wednesday, Friday, 11:55 A. M., E. W. T.

For exclusive tights in your territory, write, wire or phone Wm. Morris Agency, New York, N.Y. $.NC-A $eNTtNCI is av ail.bleoa wilor-

' ' ' - ■ made transcriptions. ■■ •

Sfrcia! San Francisco Peace Conference
program. Joseph C. Crew.

/.■ the u at breaking Own mora! stand-
ard.? "}>..."■ <<jv.r Irene Dunne.

Dot. V. S. prosperity iff end on doubling
lore i n trade? "Yes!" ' > a id Eric Johnttoa.

Should ui: .hang.- Germany from an
industrial 10 an agrtcullvra na'ion?
"Yes!"..saul Rex Stout.

Mind if we do a little talking
about Town Meeting, Mr. Denny ?

You can't imagine how gratifying the recent
popularity of Town Meeting has been to us at
the Blue.

We've had a lot of people try to tell us that so-
called "prestige programs" aren't popular with the
public. There's a feeling that they have to be dull
or they're not service programs. We've never lis-
tened to that talk. We've always believed that the
American people want the best that radio can give
them in every field — and that a program has no
excuse i r being dull, even if it does set out to
do a good job of informing the public.

In America's Town Meeting we felt that we had
a program that more Americans should be listen-
ing to. We thought of it as an obligation on the
part of all of us to the American public-^to keep
them informed in these critical times about both
sides of the issues facing our country. We saw
that, more than ever before "Tn its history, there
was a greater need for Town Meeting and what it
stood for. Ben Gross of the New York Daily News
put it pretty well. He said: "No one who is
interested in what's happening can afford to
miss the Town Hall broadcasts."

Should all Germans be punished for
Nar.i crimes and atrocities? "Yes!" said
Major Erwfh tessner.

Special San Francisco Peace Conference
frog-am. Senator Tom Connelly

Should we lei ore man commit U. S. to
use force? -'.'Yes!" said Senator Joseph
Ball.

Is the war breaking down moral itaiuh
ards? "No!" said WHI DuranL

•V

Wednesday* May 23, 1945

17

J there it sal:
fruli moik'?
Thomas.

tfacforv
"Yes"

iiths.'iime for the
■ aid Norman

Should all Germans he putt shed 'or
A'fn crimes. a::d alrmilitt'f "Xo.'" aid
Dorothy Thompson.

hxaclly :t ha s America H fining 'or.'
Senator Claude Pepper.

Is the utii hreakiitf. down moral rlttid-
ardsY ••)>//" .«,'</ Rev. I. Herbert
Smith.

4

When The Reader's Digest, looking for a pro- .
gram that would be timely and of real service to
the nation, decided to sponsor Town Meeting, we
had another helpful hand in the job of improving
and promoting the show. We all had one aim in
mind: to make -Town. Meeting mote interesting tr
more people.

What happened."' Well, frankly, we are still Jdnd
ol amazed at the* results. The average audience for
America's Tote it Meeting has been more than doubled,
once reaching .a Hooper high of 7.8. We have
more than a sneaking suspicion that no other
forum in radio history- has ever had anything
like the listening that Town Meeting has been
pulling down" in' recent, months.

This popularity is due to show improvement —
and good promotion. Just last week the Collegeof

the City of New York made an award to Station
WOWO, our affiliate in Kort Wayne, Ind., for the
sales promotion job they did on America's Town
" leeting.

We are proud of the several programs we have
which rank first among all the programs of their
type: America's Town Meeting . . . The Boston
Symphony . . . The Metropolitan Opera . . ..The
Herald Tribune Forum . . . The March of Time
'. . . the Road Ahead . . .The Army Air Force
program . . . Meet. Your Navy . . . and several
others. They are helping to prove that public serv-
ice shows can be good shows if they are approached
with the determination to make them listenable
as well as effective. .

That's one of the things we are doing over here
■—and making good progress too.

AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANY

Does V S. prosperity depend on daulling
^reiftt rade? "Xo."' jaid Dr. John LtO
Coulter.

J j there a -ati. •factory .-itb.il II Hie for the profit
naive? '.'Xo}" said H. W. Prcatts, Jr.

Should ui change Germany <rom an
industrial 0 tin agricultural nation?
"AV" .'«••'•< Dean Christian Gauss.

Is Dnmicracy 'hrea ened by Gorernmtnt
cor.irul? "AV" :a d Marshall Field.

RADIO

Wednesday, May 23, 19|j;

From the Production Centres

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦ t ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦■<

l\ ISFJf YORK < IVY

Parade of ingenues. Mary Rn'f. Terry Rice. Micharlann Tr.ivcrs. I'iinl;i
Victor. Miriam Wnlle. Mary Hull. Amzic Slricklund. 'I'ini Faber. Charlotte
Lawrence and AllO.il 1 .' Frederick auditioned lasl week for ingenue on
"Sparrow and Hawk" at CBS. Miss Frederick won....L. W. Reddick.
the Negro educator, ga-ve his summing up al Harlem Library' Saturday
U»> on race relations. Lectures dealing with Negro and radio, films, arts,
press, church, ct rd.. allraclcd considerable attention downtown. ... Father
Mulvey back doing "Catholic Houi'» drr.mns on NBC. He drew much -fa-
vorable comment year ago when di do;: shows were innovated for six
««ks....Lym,ni Brysons marriage lo his secretary. Kay McGrallan. a
sensation at CBS lasl \tc_el; .... Kdnuind Chester host to third anni parly
of CBS Cadena de las Americas' at Waldorf-Astoria Saturday (I9». In-
cluded was special broadcast of "Viva America" . .. ."Casey, Press Photo-
grapher" supervised by Bob Landry due to act early evening spot for
summer on Columbia web . . .Speculation in radio circles aboul future
of Morris Novik and WNYC now that Fiorello LaGuardia is retiring as
mayor ...Al Lehmann of CAB. moving to country for summer ... .

Waller Winchell and Erskine Johnson won top awards from Ihc Radio
Appreciation League of New York lor the third consecutive year, WW
for his interpretation of Ihc world scene, .lohnson for Hollywood coverage
. ..Mai. Leslie Pearl, formerly with BBD&O. lo take over soon as chief
of Technical Information Branch. Army Special Services, in Now York....
Dorothy Stewart has bought radio rights lo ■"farmer Takes A Wife" for
the MaeQuarrie 'Broadcasting Co.. Sydney. Australia. Also a series of
H4 "Hilltop House" scri|)ts from Ed Wolf for;3AW Broadcasting Co..
Melbourne. . . .The two Kay Barretts "one the WEAF newscaster, other
the Special Services ronsiiltanli setting together as result of the two
names crossing in "Variety."'

C.lenhall Taylor, manager of the YAH Hollywood offices, moves cast next
week for a six-week period lo look over the N. Y. operation .. °. Dinah
Shore- pacled for a concert date al Lcwisohn Stadium with N. Y. Philhar-
monic this summer. . . .Bob Trout's been dignified at CBS. It's now

Hubert Troiil on his news progj ams. . . .Dieli Connelly leaving NBC trade
' news editor posl to join Les Gottlieb's publicity crew al Y&R June 18....

frank flcadick and John Hamilton join "Valiant Lady" cast Arline

Blackburn and Roland Winters added to respective casts of "Stella Dallas"

: and '."Lorenzo Jones'' Mandel Kramer. Larry Haines. Waller Vaughan

and, Dorothy Eaton new ''quartet on "Front Page Farrell" Louis Sorin

; and 'Michael Dreyfuss additions to "Young Widder Brown" while Florida
i Fricbus and John Graham join "Our Gal Sunday."

Tedd Colt. WNEW program director: Max Novik. of WNYC; and Jim
Mi-Andrews'.- of N, Y.'s . FMer WNYE. comprise a panel which will speak
on radio before ' the N Y. As.s u of Teachers of English' at' New School
June !l. . . Jim Fleming, former CBS Moscow correspondent, in the Army

Herb Polcsie new .director of Mutual's "Fresh Up" show ... .Larry

j White; for seven years with the Leland Hayward office, left his job as
; agency's tinman for radio last week. His future plans are not set yel...
. Mtiik Warnow heard lasl week thai his 19-year-old son. Morion, who had
been a prisoner in a Nazi camp since July, is recuperating in -a hospital
In, England, will be sent home as soon as conditions warrant.

Lefty Gomez. ex-Yankee mound .slar. has been classified 1,-A by his
"neighbors" so a contemplated spoi ls chailer show on WINS has been side-
tracked for the lime being. .. .Gcneroso Pppe. Italo-Amcrican publisher,
.reported shopping around for suitable programs to sponsor in effort to
build good will for self and his paper. Dicker for sponstirship of News-
'paper Guild forum on WMCA gor nowhere. . . ."Cavalcade of America"
I takes summer siesta from NBC for firs! lime in several" years. Bows out
June 2f> until Aug. 27.

I !\ HOLLYWOOD ...

Benlon & Bowles is moving "Glanuiur Manor" back lo Hollywood when
Cliff Arquelte returns from tin eight-week vacation in August. If the old
audience problem crops up again the show goes back . to New York. Move
west is in deference to Arquelte's wishes lo broadcast from the Coast....
The Charlie McCarthy show will "barnstorm" through Texas for two weeks
of broadcast and personals at camps and hospitals. .. .Ex-Senator Gerald
Nye's boy. Bob. now producing two Coasl shows for Foote, Cone St- Beld-
ing. He took over "Count of Monic Cristo" from Thomas Freebairn-Smilh
lo double over from "Main Line" . . . . AFR A stockers. who organized as
"The 12 Players Club" . for their own packaged productions, have been
given sustaining time on CBS. They are the dozen most favored for sup-
porting roles on the bis commercial programs. .. .Bud Abbott changed his
iConltciucd on page 40 1

Eckels*— a Baltimore ice cream of quality — wants
to sell ice cream all the year round. But nature sells
more Eckels from May thru October. So Eckels spon-
sored a full hour on WFBR, Baltimore's home town
station, Sunday afternoon— May thru October. *

WFBR got behind the program ; -Eckels got behind
the program; the public got behind the program and

. . Year-Round Success Story

Eckels ice cream. Result— one hour on WFBR all the
year round.

Remember the above facta when people start
talking about RESULTS in Baltimore! Yes, if you
want to know what to buy in Baltimore . . . buy what
the successful home town boys have always bought
and are buying today . . . W . . . F . . . B . . . R . . .
•Agency: Catherine Mahool Advec'/sng

MEMBER — MUTUAL BR0A0CASTIII6 SYSTEM • NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE - JOHN BLAIR i CO,

WFBR

Menser Assails

= Continued from page 28 _

probably decline in number. "They've
hit their peak." he declared.

Afler a month's delay and in sp i (e
of the radio industry's initial cool-
ness to the project, the CCNY con"
ference opened successfully yester-
day 122).

With a registration 01 more than
200, and a number of lop radio peo-
ple 011 the program as speakers and
panel discussants, the confab got off
lo ils start at the college auditorium,
in N. Y.. with a discussion on radio
program building. Leading address
was given by Menser. Others par-
licipaling in thai session were Rob-
ert T. Col well, v.p. of J. Waller
Thompson Co.; Mulual's vice-pies
Philip Carlin and Ted Coll. program'
director for WNEW.

"Measuriiig Selling EiTectivenesj
of Radio" was the subject of the first
afternoon session, participants in-
cluding: Dr. John Gray Peatman,
associate dean of CCNY: C. G. Mor-
timer. Jr., v.p., General Foods Corp.;
Frank Stanton, vp.. CBS: S. E, Gill]
research director for Biow; Herschell
Deulsch, Grey ' Advertising: C. E.
Hooper: F. J. Knittle. or Colgate-
Palmolive-Peel: Vincent J. Main,
Rulhrauff & Ryan; and A. C. Niel-
sen. Hugh Feltis. |ircx of BMB,
went into the details of the new
measurement plans to date.

Radio advertising and television
were skedded for the session today
1 Wed. 1.

Little of the opposition flvsl heard
to the coiifercpce was voiced be-
tween sessions around the . confer- -
•nee. and none at all openly. Many
hi radio had fell trial the conference
was ill-limed and fell that some
is.-ues that .arc bugaboos ' might be
raised. "

Tele Review

Ci>ntiiiMt*d fi'itin pa ^ e 34 ^—

positive. -what of television's lack of
original .dramatic writers".' In this
instance, television borrowed from
the legit stage a Pulitzer I'rize play,
one of the very best in tin- 'American
dramatic kit. by a lopllighl pl.iv-
wright. Could a Sherwood be per-
suaded lo do a play of "Lincoln",
stature for television alone'.' Would
Hie serious drama lover 'be satisfied
with seeing such a play on television,
if given- the choice between sucli
treatment, and liTc-aud-blood per-
formance on a llnev-dinicnsional
Broadway stage".'

Obviously, the very possibility of
so inany questions arising out o! this
production indicates that the pro-
duction of a play like ••Lincoln" has
not met. the writing and program-
ming, needs of television as an art
that could stand on ils own two feci.
Stephen Cuurlleigh is a splendid
Lincoln, the supporting cast was on
I lie whole CM-ellenl icven though
Wendcl Phillips was somewhat un-
even, al times too prea.rhy. in his
role as' Bill Hcrndon '. Production
and direction were good, scls were
okay, camera work and lighting
gave the play everything needed -in
those departments. But the audi-
ence was still w.ilching only one a-t
— and the weakest act al lhal--of a
play seen before.

The very tact fnat Act II «< Ihis
play is weak when seen without the
emotional impact of Act I., and minus
Ihe climactic hypo of I he third
stanza, indicates that Broadway
plays cannot be moved to Ihe tele-
vision studio without some adapta-
tion.

NBC's courage in choosing this
vehicle, its' initiative in providing
Ihe play with an excellent cast -and
tine production, are praiseworthy
and creditable. The production it-
self .shows that television is a grow-
ing art seeking solution lo its many
problems. But the answers have not
yet been found. Car*.

Akron— Akron Radio Corp. has
asked the FCC for authority to oper-
ate an FM station in Akron, on
48.100 kilocycles. C. Blake Mc-
Dowell. Jr.. is president of company-

Another HIGH HOOPER
from WTAG
9:30-10 p.m. Tuesday

f::'J City Avernj;* \:i I i . ■ 1 j :< I 1

CBS— Thl« It My Beit— 7.*

(I Ity Znii,- AiiM:im- w .<i.-tV

WTAG — This Is Mv Best— 19.7

MARK WARNOW

1940 .... 1945

NEW yORK PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

STADIUM CONCERT— FEATURING PAUL
ROBESON IN "BALLAD FOR AMERICANS"

WESTINGHOUSE PROGRAM

JOHN CHARLES THOMAS— NBC

BLUE VELVET SERIES

. CBS AND PARAMOUNT SHORTS

HELEN HAyES THEATRE OF THE AIR-CBS
VICTOR AND SONORA HIT PARADE RECORD ALBUMS
NEW YORK PARAMOUNT - 5 "w«cL
MARCH OF TIME— NBC
WE THE PEOPLE-cbs

II. S. TREASURY TRANSCRIPTIONS
"Music For Millions" "Treasury Salute"
and "Sing For The Seventh'

\ PuUkity-DAVID O. ALBER ASSOCIATES . M*na g ement—h\\\S\C CORP. OF AMERICA *

40

RADIO

Wednesday. May 23, 1915

From the Production Centers

Continued from page 38

mind over night and went on with Lou- Costello last week after George
Baft had been announced as 'replacement. The breach between the Iwo
comics is widening and a complete break may come long before the an-
nounced separation. . . .Francis Van Ilartesveldt has left Young & Rubicam
after nine years to become assistant to Frank Pittman. radio head of
Ncedham, Louis & Brorby. and aide on production o.' "Fibber and Molly"
and "Gildersleevc" Ethel Barrymore will do two "Miss Hattie." broad-
casts from Earl Carroll's hitery and call it a season. . . .F.ddie and Ida
Cantor were saluted on Don Lee's "Sweetheart Time" on the occasion of
their 31st wedding anniversary June 9. . . .Stan Joseloff in town' to name a
successor to Cal Kuhl as director of the Ginny Simms show. Client refused
to go for Kuhl's coin demand on a freelance basis. He exits after next
week's airing. .. .Standard of Cal. moved Jim Doyle into the newscast strip
find handed Lowell Thomas the pink slip. . . .Walter Craig here from N. Y.
to audition the Cass Daley show.... Don Stauffcr and Earl Wilson sat on

J heir packed bags for two days waiting for . train space east I. Walter

Thompson called Dave. Greficovy east to take over the scripting chores of
Joe Bigclow, who is here with the RCA show. . . .Blue put Don Norman on
the street with a walkie-talkie as soon as the ban was lifted on street
corner' interviews. Tabu had been in . effect since Pearl Harbor as a
security measure.

IV CHICAGO ...

General Mills hour, aired over NBC five times a week, was renewed last
week. . . .Mis. Al Chance, wu'e of the Mutual director, presented her hiibby
with an heir last week. .. .Mutual board of directors meeting lecd oft
here today (22 > with all the net's brasshats in attendance. .. .Campbell

Arnoux of Norfolk in town Dinning Sisters just completed a new sol of

recordings C eorjc Bauer, formerly of KXOK, St. Louis, has joined the

WGN announcing staff.. . .Ed Boroff, of the Blue, threw a eoeklail party to
celebrate the opening of the net's new space in the Merchandise Marl with

Bill Widdell of NBC as guest'of honor Mrs. John Holbrook, wife of the

WGN newscaster, gave birth to a daughter last week. . . .Deloies Gray, the
eingcr, back in town for her new radio show sporting a- new nose, result
©f plastic surgery operation.

No Official FCC Stance
On Race Result Airings

Washington, May 22.
Reports that FFC is nixing per-
mission for broadcast stuiiuns to
carry racing results, scratches, etc.,
such as arc reported in the daily
press, was denied today by. a com-
mission official.

i "We have never at any lime taken
! a formal stand in this mallei", he
said. "In- general we have no au-
thority over programming. Wo have
not specifically approved o 1 ' disap-
proved of that type of program lot-
any station,

"There is a prohibition against
lotteries on the air u.'Ul we would
step in only if a lottery angle were
involved."

Hint that FCC had warned sta-
tions not to carry racing informa-
tion came because WBYN, Brooklyn,
which carried the service last year
has not resumed il since the racing
ban was lifted. Word here is that
, WBNY has not made any request to
the commission on the pialtcr.-

FCC officials have no information
of whether other metropolitan sta-
tions anywhere are now carrying
the results.

Most Air Drug Plugs
Denounced as 'Noise*

Washington, May 22.

Radio advertising for some drugs
and medicines were rapped last week
by Rep. Ellis E. Patterson (D.,
Calif:) at a hearing of a House Labor
subcommittee.

"Cut two-thirds of radio adver-
tising in medicines and drugs." he
said, "and you will do a greal serv-
ice to the public. Most of it sounds
phoney."

Richard P. Whiteley. assistant
chief counsel of the Federal . Trade
Commission, said FTC didn't have
the funds to police medicine adver-
tising properly. He said a lot of
work in that direction was being
done, however.

"You don't seem to be making any
headway from the noise we hear
over tiic air,'' commented Patterson.

Telegraph, sport? publicalion. set to
co-sponsor 15-minutc evening sum-
maries of racing results. Trev
Adams, sales mgr. of the outlet, had
deal all scl, but William Shradcr.
station mgr., turned it. down.

Incidentally, WHN, N. Y.. will, air
the major event each night of the
trotting race meet at the Roosevelt
Raceway, Westbury, L. I.-

WINS Backs Out

Latest instance of an indie tinn-
ing down racing business is WINS.
N. Y., which Manhattan Ponliac
auto distributors ai.d the Morning

; Akron— Akron Radio Corp.. has

| filed an application with Hie FCC for

I an FM station here on 48,100 kilo-
! cycles.

Tom Hossey,
■ Yankee's Ace
Sporrscasrer

PLAY-BY-PLAY

a „d American Uagu^

BASEBALL

itional

BOSTON BRAVES

BOSTON RED SOX

Co -sponsored by

The Atlantic Refining Co. The Narragansett Brewing Co.

7th Consecutive Year Sponsoring
Play-by-play Baseball and Football

. 7th Consecutive Year Sponsoring the News
1st Year Play-by-play Baseball

rfptttfot It&i&ee PtvttneM&fy fa 1945

THE YANKEE NETWORK, inc.

U.S.-U.S.S.R.

S Continued from pace 30 —

Britain on the mnttcr .because it is
so much a part of Britain's "sphere
of influence", airwise that it has lit-
tie choice in the matter. China en-
dorses the idea in principle, but is
careful because it is not sure how
shortwave would affect domestic
conditions in China, once the bars
are lifted and Russia's powerful Si-
berian transmitters could, open up.
No Policy Here

But even Russia's policy of silence
on the matter is more eloquent than
the position of the United States.
Here, alone, among all major na'-
lions, there simply is no shortwave
policy. ' .

The government has spent over '
$250,000,000 on shortwave transmit-
ters, but no one knows at this point
who Will own those transmitters
afler the war, who will run them,
who'll pay the bills, who'll call the
turn on programming, etc. .
' Civil liberties groups in the U.S.,
organziations plugging international •
educational efforts, and other outfits
on the fringe of radio have spoken
up in favor of a San Francisco policy
on DX. But the organizations chiefly
concerned haven't been able to get
together. There are a dozen pet
plans. The Army' and Navy, the
TState Dept.. the OWI, each of the big
networks, not to mention various
volunteer organizations, have their
own idea on how the U'. S. might
rim its shortwave show Mlcr final
peace. ,

But until one plan Is agreed upon
.for the American side of the opera-
tions, the U. S. cannot become part
ot an international.' 'radio, organiza-
tion.

That's where BBC is much better,
off. Its campaign at Frisco was
dubbed by many in the know as
"stealing a march" on the U. S. and
the Soviet Union. True, the move
lias brought BBC no closer to an in-
ternational radio organization.
Nevertheless, the statements made
by Frisco delegates from foreign
countries, in answer to BBC. have
their own significance. Here are
some of the comments: •

Minister of Foreign Affairs itid-
ault, of France: "Who can deny Ihat
broadcasting will not be less neces-
sary for peace than il proved tor
victory"''

China's delegation: "In the closely-
knit world of tomorrow, interna-
tional broadcasting can be one of
the effective forms of education and
cultural cooperation among the na-
tions."

Field Murshal Jan ('. Smuts, of
South Africa: "In the new da into
which we are now entering, radio
has a duty and a responsbility . . .to
keep the world informed so that all
men may have access to- truth... to
protect truth."

Other nations that have approved
the . BBC proposal are: Australia,
Belgium, Czechoslovakia. Ethiopia,
Haiti, Liberia. Luxembourg, Norway,
.the Philippine Commonwealth, and
Syria.

But the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. are
keeping mum. And, since only on»
veto in the Security Council could
gum the works, il doesn't look as if
an effective international radio or-
ganization will result at Frisco, un-
less these two nations decide to act.

Victoria, Texas— KVIC this week
becomes -a Mutual network affiliate
Jerry Fisher is station manager.

Member of the Mutual Broadcasting. System

II BROOKUNE AVENUE, BOSTON 15, MASSACHUSETTS

Reprsuntod Nationally by EDWARD PETRY I CO, INC

M,i.«l s.it- -in.,,. • II. fyp" C«»P»V

Detroit News Bangtail
Editor Shows Early Foot
Setting Up WW J Stanza

Detroit, May 22.
Maybe some of these horse guys

^Several* weeks before the national
Hack-but on horse racing was lift-
ed George Krehbiel, turf editor of
thi Detroit News, launched a weck-
5 radio program via WWJ called
••Tales of the Turf."

Originally the program .was. de-
rimed to reminisce about "the good
„id days," adhering strictly to an-
ient history and nostalgia, But the
«ries now is in a pretty spot to start
calling the turn on the Derby and
other stuff pertinent to the present
veneration of bang-tails. Nor can it
be overlooked that at the present
moment arguments are to be heard
before the Michigan Supreme Court
on whether race-track betting comes
under the state ban against lotteries.

Columbus — WBNS marked the
official closing of local blood donor
center with hour Sunday (20) show
titled '.Honorable Discharge." Co-
lumbus' Mayor, newspapermen, and
returned war vets publicly aired ap-
preciation to those who donated
more than 250,000 pints of blood
during life of center!

ANNOUNCER

Now York City station do-
tires man who can adit
now* and also go to two
microphone whan occasion
demands.

$50.00 WEEKLY

• Day*. 40 Haara '
Write Ut M*. VarWty. fH WM
4ata.Straar.~Naw Yark If. N. T.

Radio personnel will
rfease desist from citmq
roodin all NBC studios.

QUEBEC GOVT/SBC AST
PLANS RUN INTO DELAY

Montreal, May 22.

Quebec's Premier Duplessis has
revealed the province's plans to en-
ter the broadcasting Held will await
the end of the present legislative
session, probably by June 1.

Mr. Duplessis said the government
was already authorized to acquire
by agreement or expropriation any
stations it wished to use in its net-
work but the setup will not be de-
cided until the session ends. Sta-
tions will feature French-speaking
programs.

Premier was silent on reports de-
cision bad been made to expropriate
several private stations in the prov-
ince.

Blue's Navy Air Show

The Navy will produce and di-
rect a 26- week scries of half-hour
programs on the Blue this summer,
explaining Ihe activities of rir.val
aviation. This is in line with the
Navy's' idea of publicizing its par-
ticipation in the war, wita this pro-
gram as the first step.

It's also the first network program
to get the Navy's ok. Time and open-
ing date haven't been set yet.

Show's available for sponsorship
with Grumman Aircraft and others
reportedly interested.

N. H. Bill Would Slice
Take From Politico Ads

Concord, N. H., May 22.
Radio stations and networks, also
newspapers, would be prohibited
from charging political advertising
rates higher than for commercial
advertising of similar character
under a bill passed Tuesday (15)
by the New Hampshire House of
Representatives. Approved earlier
by the State Senate, the bill now
awaits Gov. Charles M. Dale's ap-
proval.

One of the unsuccessful oppon-
ents, Rep. Edmund '"W. Ogden of
Holclerness, charged that the bill
violated "freedom of enterprise, the
right of private enterprises" or of
the small businessman to conduct his
busincss^without government inter-
ference and dictation, includlng'thc
right to charge what he deems
proper for services offered.

"This bill," he asserted, "does all
the things we have criticized our
Federal government in Washington
for doing during the last 12 years."

'Words at War 1

— Continued from pae* J* ■

ing responsibility for books drama-
tized.

Council on Books in Wartime,
which has been real sparkplug be-
hind the "Words" show, having 8rst
suggested it to NBC two years ago,
didn't like apologizing for contents
of books made into air shows.
Council exec committee held » meet-
ing and voted not to permit such
action in future, and not permit use
of its name behind any books which
it does not consider as "weapons" in
war.

Result: NBC decided to drop the
works.

While Menser said that dance
music is for summer replacement,
there was widespread opinion that
web has no intention of putting
"Words" back in the fall.

There is disagreement between the
network and Council of Books on
who owns the title "Words at War."
Council believes it owns name. Al-
ready, one web exec is reported to
have jumped at opportunity of tak-
ing the show away from NBC.
. Radio people in general were dis-
concerted by the NBC move against
"Words." Stan* writers on the show,
for' instance, had no knowledge of
the planned cancellation even after
the Council had been informed of-
ficially. Furthermore, Council execs
could not see Menser to discuss the
matter on yesterday (Tues.).
. The idea of putting dance music
on, in place of a show like "Words,"
was rapped by NBC staffers who
said it was merely an indication that
the web thinks the War is over and
reconversion on the psychological
front is unnecessary. Rex Stout, of
the Writers War Board, was quoted
by a- friend as saying: "lis too bad
the Japs don't put music on the air
now, instead of bombs. . Then it

Single Standard Rules Radio-Press
Censorship as Price Unzips Wraps

Webs Seen Back
In 1ER Family

Columbus, May 22.

Indications are that networks will
resume participation in the annual
competition conducted by Ohio State
U.'s Institute for Education by
Radio. N'BC, which cued the webs'
exit from the Instiute three years
ago, is known to have expressed a
desire to be "included in" next year.

Webs, jt's understood, have been
requested to huddle for a policy
agreement after which the "no net-
work" ruling by the Institute, im-
posed after NBC scrammed, -will be
lifted.

In the meantime, rival networks
have been doing a burn since IER
awards were announced last week
on the basis that impression was
given NBC . had walked off with a
good- share of the prizes. Actually,
awards went to organizations back-
ing the programs, not the stations,
or webs airing them.

Thus in religious broadcasts, first
award went to National Council of
Catholic Men for "Salute to Valor";
honorable mention to International
Council of Religious Education for
"Victorious Living."

In women's programs, fltst award
went to War Food Administration
for "Consumer Time." Council on
Books in ' Wartime received honor-
able mention for "Words At War,"
in .cultural program group. Under
public discussion programs, first
awards went to Town Hall Inc., lor
'Town Meeting of the Air," and to |
U. of Chicago for "U. of C. Round
Table." In the personal and family
life group, honorable mention went
to National Congress of Parents &
Teachers, for "The Baxters." Pure
Oil got the first award in news in-
terpretation class for "H. V. Kalten-
born."

First awards in programs in fur-
therance of the war went to Minne-
sota Resources Committee for "March
of Minnesota," and to Russian Wai
Relief for "Russian War Relief Pre-
sents." Honorable mention went to
U. S. Army Recruiting Publicity Bu-
reau onGovernor's Island for "Voice
of the Army."

Iri the children's programs for lis-
tening out of school, the Association
of -Junior Leagues of America copped
a first citation for "Books Bring Ad-
venture." Programs for elementary
school children gave first award to
Standard Oil Co. of California for
"Standard School Broadcasts."

In the local stations group, first
award in news interpretation went
to U. of Colorado and the Rocky
Mountain Radio .Council for "His-
tory in the Making."

In children's programs for listen-
ing out of school, the Colorado State
College of Education and Rocky
Mountain Radio Council received a
first award for "Story Telling." In
programs for elementary school use,
Visual Education Department of
Rochester ' Public Schools received
an honorable mention for "News
Today — History Tomorrow."

CBS Opens Campaign
To Snare Dept Stores

Washington, May 22.
CBS launched a big-time drive
here yesterday to break down the
resistance of department stores to
radio advertising at a luncheon at
which sales officials of leading
Washington stores got an earful of
what radio has to offer them.

Paul Hollistcr, CBS vice-prexy, and
Prof. C. H. Sandage of Harvard and
Miami Universities, discussed the
angles and' answered questions in an
open forum.

Hollistcr plugged for more pro-
grams as against spot announce-
ment. He pointed out the value of
programming to build up g( 1 1 will
and name for a department store.
He declared merchants were over-
looking the institutional angle in
their advertising, and claimed that
"radio can do better and cheaper
what any other advertising medium
can do."

Sandage, a marketing specialist,
said the big factor in getting re-
sults from radio advertising was for
the department store to spend a
larger percentage of its budget in
radio. He also declared that more
money should be spent for programs
and less for brief spots. This partic-
ularly interested the merchants. -

Washington, May 22.

Office of Censorship pried off the
lid Friday (18) of most censorship
of radio and press news. Only real
exception covers the Pacific- Asiatic
area, with tlje Atlantic region virtu-
ally on a peacetime basis once more.

Byron Price advised broadcasters
and editors to scrap the previous
elaborate press and radio codes, and
issaed.a combined radio-press code
for the first time. This is boiled
down to barest essentials. Hereto-
fore, radio was under more stringent
wraps than the press because it
could be speedily monitored by the
enemy. v . . .

In general, radio and the press
can now tell of the physical set-up
or technical details of shipyards;
movements of diplomatic exchange
ships under direction of the State
Department; movements 61 merchant
ships in the Atlantic as soon as the
military high command -declares the -
Atlantic free of enemy submarines;
ship launching dates well in ad-
vance; weather information; infor-/
mation sbout war prisoners, except
those from the Pacific-Asiatic zones;
and one or two other matters.

Beston.--George Graves, on the
staff or the Mass. Horticultural So-
ciety and associate editor of its pub-
lication, "Horticulture" is WCOP's
new agriculturist spotted on "Victory
Garden News" from tf:45 to 7 a.m.,
Monday through Saturday.

"My only fame wn Gin Rummy until I atartcd. eating Wheat lea.*

Waiblnctan— Kathryn Cravens, of
WOL, Cowles D. C. outlet, has gone
overseas as the first woman radio
correspondent. She will transcribe
two shows weekly, specializing in
interviews with Gl's from the Wash-
ington area. In addition, gal will
seek to interview world figures in
Europe, and also try a scries of
.interviews with European children.

42

ORCHESTRAS— MUSIC

Wednesday, May 23, J 01 5

Slipup in Unionization Movement
By Contactmen on Legal Technicality

Something' slipped during the
dispatch of letters last week to mem-
bers or office forces employed by
music publishers for the meeting
they were asked to attend in N. Y.
Friday (18) 'evening for the purpose
of organi/.ng a union especially for
them. Letters were sent out -by the
Music- Publishers Contact Employees
union, which for some time has har-
bored the idea of setting up a union
for pubs' office employees. MPCF.
was said to have received' jurisdic-
tion over those people from the
American' Federation of Labor.

However, between.. the sending of
the letters to prospective : ,uuion
members and the meeting, it is as-
serted, that MPCE heads determined
that for them to inaugurate a new
union as a subsidiary or auxiliary
to the MPCE was a violation of U. S.
laws covering union activity. And
so when 'more than 100 office work-
ers showed up at the meeting place
they were told by Johnny O'Connor,
president of MPCE, and Joseph
Brodsky, AFL attorney, that they
themselves' were not there to organ-

ize the attendee-, but to suggest that
the latter get together and roll up a
union among hemselvcs.
, Dissatisfied with the whole proce-
dure, and unable to see advantages
.in unionizing that they were not al-
' ready receiving from their employ -
■ers. the attendant office workers
■ turned thumbs down on the idea of
. unionizing and the whole matter has
been dropped.

| Fact that the meeting had been
called last week by the MPCE was
! supposedly a secret, so that CIO
j unions didn't get wind of it and try
to muscle in; however, several lim-
bic publishers were advised by CIO
people during the week that the lat-
ter was aware of the situation and
: would do nothing until the office
I workers were organized. Then they
| . \youlcl step in and break it up under
: I he Government's laws.

British Best Sheet SeDers

(Week Eiidiiifl, May 10, '•»!>>
London, May 10.
Dreams Gelling Belter. Connelly

Lonely Side B. Wood

Rosunna ' - .' .Cine-phonic

There Goes Thai Song... FDIl

Little Fond Affect ion Dash

Together Connelly

.Sweelhearl Valley ....... Dash

Can't Help Singing. . . .t.'happell

Ever Go To Ireland. .Cinephonic
Thai's Irish Lullaby Feldman

Autry's Col. Pact

Gen« Aulry signed a new long-
term contract with Columbia Rec-
ords last week.

PALLADIUM; HOLLYWOOD
OPENING JUNE 12TH

TUCKER

and his Orchestra
In His lAiient Release

on COLUMBIA RECORD No. 36799

SOMEWHERE

(WI WILL MEET AGAIN)
PITER DOiAINI. Gtn.rol Moa«a*r

Chelsea music corporation

1650 BROADWAY

NEW YORK 19. N. Y.

Tavern-On-Green
May Be Name Spot;
Mull 150G Rejuve

Plugs'' have been drawn under
which',. I h e Tavern-On-lhe-Green.
Central Park. N. Y. dining and danc-
ing spot, will move into a name hand
policy next October or November.
Owned by the city of N. Y.. the
building will be altered, the entire
interior removed and rebuilt so thai
what is now a scries of rooms will
become one large room.- Building
was formerly a sheep run, buL some
years ago it was made over into a
clinir.g and dancing spot.

It's expected that the changes in
construction will cost in I lie* neigh-
borhood of $150,000, Pari o[ this will
be underwritten by Arnold & Selilei-
fer. who now operate the spot on
lease from the city, with the re-
mainder covered by city funds. Spot
also has an outdoor garden which
seals 1,000 patrons.

10 Best SeDers on Coin-Machines

(Records belotu are grabbing most nickels this tree/; in iukeboxes
throughout Die coiiiiln/ as reported by operators to "Variety." Names of
i/i ore 111 nn one band or vocalise after flie title indicates, in order of pop«.
fnrifj/. whose recordings are being plai/cd. Figures and vnincs in. -parcti>
diesis indicate (lie number o/ uwjes each song has been in (lie listing,
and rcspcclire publishers.)

1. There I Said It Again. (4 i iValiann Vaughn Monroe.

( Lcs Brown . . . . ;
I Hal Mclnlyre . .

I Freddy Martin...
. j Dick Haymes. . . .

4. My Dreams Gelling Better IW iSuntlyj. | Lothf 'pdma ' '. *. !

5. .In*! Prayer Away i6> (Shapiro V, ...... , Bing Crosby ....

'„.„.,..- ( Dinah Shore

Candy »*«■"«» » • • |. Jo Stafford......

_ -w . ,.-■'',- . . . ( Freddie Martin. .

7. Dream .... .Capitol ................ .. ( picd pipcrs

8. In, Beginning to See Light U1> ^-i.]^^';

2. Scnlimenlal Journey <9> iMorris'*

3. Laura i4 1 iRobbinsl

Finley, Dorseys In

Coast Ballroom Deal

Larry Finilcy, operator of the Mis-
sion Beach Park and ballroom. San
Diego, Cal., has become a third part-
ner in the operation of the Dorsey
Bros.' Casino Gardens, Ocean Beach.
In a deal consummated last week.
Finley bought a one-third interest in
the. spot formerly held, by Wayne
Daillard, who at- one time operated
the spot for the Dorseys. This piece
had been bought back by (he broth-
ers last - fall.

Finley will assume the post of
managing director of the Casino,
meanwhile continuing to operate
Mission Beach, which . he has on
lease from the city of San Diego.
Bernie Cohen, who was managing
the Casino for the Dorseys, con-
tinues in that capacity.

Ironically enough, Finley now op-
erates the Pacific Square Ballroom,
San Diego, which is. opposition to
Finley's Mission Beach. Because of
an exclusive booking arrangement
between Daillard and Music Corp. of
America, Finley is suing the agency
for $3,000,000 under the Sherman
anti-trust act.

Basle West This Summer

Count Basie's orchestra goes west
again this summer.

Band has been booked into the
Casa Manana, Culver City, for three
weeks opening July 3.

y. All (.[ My Life i.4 i I Berlin i ....... :

10. Boll 'Bottom Trousers ill (Santlyi.

BILLY ECKST1NE ILL
CANCELS APOLLO, N.Y.

Milly Eckstine was downed wilh a
bad throat in Washington recently,
and. unable lo find a vacant hospir
lal room in the Capitol, was flown
hack to - Pittsburgh, his homeslown.
to recuperate. As a result, his band
played the week ot May 11-17
without him at the Royal, Baltimore,
and was forced to cancel out a
scheduled week at the Apollo. N. Y..
starting last Friday ( 18 1. Paul and
Dud Bascom 'replaced:

Well cm the. mend. Kcksline re-
joins li is crew Friday (.25 ) in llarris-
burg. Pa., where they start on a
week of bne-nighlers prior lo open-
ing for seven days al the National,
Louisville. Ky.. June I. This is Kck-
sline's first while theatre dale.

Heidt Reported Taking
Loss on Sherock Orch

Horace Heidt is said to be unoer-
writing the $900 or so il will cost
Shorty Sheroek'-s orchestra to stay
the season al Glen Island Casino,
N. Y. That amount is the difference
between Sheroek's $1,350 salary -at
the spot and his cost of operation.
Sherock, a -trumpeter,— was with
Heidi's orchestra when latter . re-
cently broke up due 16 the leader's
contractual argument with Music
Corp. of America.' He built his own
band soon after.

Sherock opens at Glen Island June
14. preceded for two yveeks by Les
Klgarl's orchestra, opening May 31.
It. was figured last week, when addi-
4i#ial gas rations ' were cited as a
possibility, that the spot would op-
erate this, season. Until that time,
however, it looked like il would re-
main closed.

Sherock is coming east with only
four key men from his Coast outfit.
It will.be rounded out in N. Y. and
goes into rehearsal May 28.

Bing Crosby .

( Jesters

/ Tony Pastor.

• ■ Victor
Columbia
■ • . Victor

. • . .Victor

• • . Dacca-
Columbia

Hit

■ - . • Dccca
. . . .Victor

• - - Capitol
Victor

• Capitol
Columbia

■ •Victor
- ... . Dccca
. . . - Dccca
. - Victor

Mickey Kat*. is breaking in n i s
ilew comedy orchestra, which he or-
ganized in Cleveland under Hie
supervision of the Slim ZucUcr
Agency, al the Aquarium CaTo. N. V.,
starling Juno 12. '

Top Tones loi Yoor Books

An All-Time Favorite

I Feel A
Song Comin' On

Music by . .
JIMMY McHVCB

Published by

ROUBLNS .

REG D MARSHALL

ARMSTRONG if EDDIE |§LLANTINE • CLAUDE IARTJL • JAff IERCg|^* ^OSE IIT-

»^ 111 mii

DA

AYES «

COLEMAN

XAVIER CUGAT • RUSS DAVIS • UNCLE DON • IEN FELD • CHARLES HALE • HORN & HARDART • JIMMY MILLIARD

OGE

• FREDDY IIMTIN ♦ CURT NASSEY • JEAN II McKl
1SEN • fDMPEUJSO + RAWONA • AL 1&TH •

'''5 iV» K&i'i* ~z$fv ^ij'

■Ol STANLEY • JERI SULLIVAN

JEAN TIGHE • MIGUELITO VALDEZ

FRED WARING • YOUTH ON PARADE

W«ln«8«1ay, May 23, 1945

ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC

49

Shaw Gets Network Hotfoot on Tones,
Coast Remote Pulled After Wrangle

Artie Shaw and Columbia Broad-*
casting got into a dispute last week
which resulted , in the pulling of re-
mote wires "by the net from the Ca-
nine Gardens, Qcean Bead), Cal..
where Shaw is playing. It asserted
that never again would it allow
■ihe leader the opportunity for a
remote broadcast on its facilities..
Dispute began, it's claimed, when
Shaw insisted on turning in lists or
songs to b*e performed too late, for
proper clearance procedure; then.,
to top it on*, when .he was informed
that certain' luncs would have, (o be
replaced because others had already
cleared, them, he answered he would
play them or not go on the air. CBS
took him. at his word and 'yanked
the wires.

Boll) shots token from Shaw were
turned over to Charlie Bo met at -the
Trianon..- near L. A. -When Shaw
moves out and is replaced by -Tom my
Dor>ey June 1. CBS wi(j move the
pickups back into the Casino Gar-
dens.

PAINE HAVING TROUBLE
RETURNING FROM ENG.

John G. Paine, geftcral 'manager of
American Society of Composers, Au-
thors and Publishers, and Merman
Finklestein, ASCAP. attorney, arc
having considerable trouble return-
ing to this country from England.
They went overseas several weeks
ago to .'arrange a new reciprocal par-
forming rights deal with the British
Performing Rights Society, and have
not yet been able to secure return
passage.

Because the Army is- returning
men to this country in great num-
ber.'-', using all available space on
ships and -pianos, it's possible Paine
and Finklestein will be quartered in
England tor weeks yet.

Stale Dept. -.here,- when graining
applicants permission to trek to
England, also informed them that
transportation back /might not be
.available for four months or more. ■

Dorseys May Again Play
Consec N. Y. Cap Dates

The Tommy and Jimmy Horsey
orchestras may pull the same stunt
of following one another into the
Capitol theatre, .N. Y., again next
fall. This lime, however, T.D.'s
band ' may precede that of his
brother, opening early in September
prior lb his October dale at the 400
Club, N. Y.

Last fall Jimmy opened at tile
Cap in November, with Tommy
following^

Manpower Ease
Among Bands

There has been a noticeable eas-
ing of the manpower situation
among musicians .in past weeks, it's
claimed by bandleaders who are and
have been 'acutely conscious of the
problem. Not only do there seem
to be more men available for ba'nds
of varying degrees of bo: power, but
asking prices, which went .sky-high
during the critical period when
good men could be had only by the
bigger bands that could afford the
st infest salaries, have begun to lower.

With the manpower problem of
the business easing, il's probable
that: more new bands will be
launched this summer. Many pros-
pective maexlros have long been de-
ferring plans for new bands, until al
least the war in Europe, was -com-
pleted. . Since, it 'has been, however!
there has been no concrete action
taken on .new bands. If musicians
become more plentiful ihey will
probably- proceed.

I*ee Castle has agreed to a man-
agerial contract with Music Corp.
of America, lie formerly was with
General Amu.s.

20th-Foi and WB File
Amended Answers In
2 Infringement Suits

Warner Bros. Pictures ■ and 20th
Century-Fox Tilm Corp., defendants,
in two . separate, song infringement
suits, asked for dismissal in amended
answers riled last week in N. Y. fed-
eral court. Actions are by Laurence
,T. Hirsch, executor or. the .estate of
the composer of the tunes. Louis A,
Hirsch.

In the WB action, damages of
$100,000 is asked for alleged in-
fringement of. Hirseh's song, 'The
Love Nest," used-', in 'the WB film
'Yankee Doodle Dandy." Other de-
fendants are Music Publishers Hold-
ing Corp.. Harms, Victoria Publish-
ing and Otto Harbach, who wrote
the lyrics for "Nest."

In the 20th-Fox suit, an account-
ing of prollts is asked for the alleged
infringement of the song. •Hello
Frisco: I Called You Up to Say Hel-
lo,", .used in the 'dim. "Hello Frisco,
Hello." Other- defendants are Music
! Publishers Holding, Wifmark, pub-
1 lisher. and Gene Buck, writer or the
j lyrics. Hirsch claims that the 55,000

■ paid for the use of the song in "Hello
' Frisco" was not a fair valuation, of

the song and wants the license
. voided.

Warner Hros.. in its defense -of the
. first action, asserts that the Harms
; license was properly granted, also
' that the sonyfs tise in the film
!:was 'rightly.- granted by ASCAP. be-
cause the estate of Hirsch, as a
i member or the . Society; had con-
veyed these rights to .(he. Society.
| Under the agreement made by
I Harms. Inc:! with Hirsch. only .the
j stage performing rights were with- '
; held riom the music publisher. j
J 20lh and the other defendants, in ;
its defense, asserts that under a 1!K17
! agreement granted Wilmark, all ■
I rights,' title and interest to the song
| was granted by the. writer, together
! with the ri^ht " to synchronize and ,
license to (i)ms. In . 1942, upon re- J

■ tiewal of cpyright. in the nanie of. |
J plaintiff and'- Gene- Buck, and as-
I signed it to Witmark. it also save

the publisher the right to license for
• Rim .use.

ASCAP Board Approves Draft Of
New Accord With British Society

Schreiber Checkup

Due at Mayo Clinic

Taft Schreiber, Music Corp. of
America v. p. in charge of film sales
out of the Beverly Hills office, came
into N. Y. last week for a lew days
before going to the Mayo Clinic,
Rochester, Minn., for a checkup. .

Schreiber came east with David
(Sonny): Werblin, head or. MCA's
N. Y. headquarters, who had been
on the Coast two weeks for talks
with Jules Stein, MCA president.

Payola Situation
Due for Climax

Payola situation in the music
business, which was the object of a
sharp investigation last summer by
Music Publishers Contact Employees
authorities, will soon be brought to
a head, it's claimed. Last year, fol-
lowing Ihe MPCE's probe into the
then rampant practice of paying for
plugs, a number of music publishers
donated a substantial amount of cash
to finance an investigation. Methods
used in this procedure were kept
secretive by MPCF. officials.

Now. however, it's said that Ihe
union is ready to move in against
certain -parties.'- Iiv a few weeks the
opening gun will be. fired.-

SCHALL JOINS BOURNE

Max Schall, formerly personal
manager of Charlie Spivak's orches-
tra, is going into the music publish-
ing held starting next Monday (28).
He joins the staff of Bourne! Inc.,
under professional manager Bobby-
Mellin.

Schall's position at Bourne will
be (hat of a contact man. but his
arrangement with Saul Bornslein,
owner of the company, is said to be
much more extensive for the future.

> Board of divectors of the American
Society of Composers, -Authors and
Publishers last week approved the
draft of a new reciprocal agreement
between ASCAP and the' British Per-
forming Rights Society. This does
not solidify the arrangement; - it
simply places an official okay on the
terms agreed upon between BPRS
on one hand, and John G. Paine and
attorney Herman Finklestein on the
other. Paine and Finklestein made
the trip to England lo arrange the
deal. „

EPHS contract with ASCAP is for
live years effective next Jan. 1. It re-
places the current:, pact which ex-
pires Ihe end of the year. With the
n.-w I ten p virtually completed.
ASCAP men here arc breathing a bit
easier since Broadcast Music, Inc.,
people have been on Ihe English per-
forming' rights .scone endeavoring lo
replace ASCAP with BPRS.
| Paine and Finklestein are now in
: France, in the process of ..arranging
j another new deal' with SACHEM, Ihe
i French performing rights group.
| This deal is said lo be virtually com-
plete on the same five-year basis, as
! the BPRS 'agreement.

SKIDMORE SLATED TO
BECOME ACTIVE AGAIN

Skidmore Music Co., owned by
Shapiro-Bernstein, will become an
active publishing house this summer
or fall. S»B executives are current-
ly in .the throes of digging up a staff
to man the company, which will be
operated completely independent of
the parent organization.

Skidmpre has been owned' by Sha-
piro Tor years. Catalog, consisting
mainly of hillbilly, race and nov-
elty pop- song material, was es-
tablished more, than 25 years ago by .
the roan whose ha. ic it bears. In
past years it his been the copyright
owner or such hits- as "My Prayer"
and "There Goes. That Song Again."
'although it was the S-B staff that
worked them.

3 HITS - HEADED FOR TOP POPULARITY

Featured by Frank Sinatra in M-G-M's "Anchors A weigh

Lyric by Sammy Cahn • Music by Jole Styne

The Season's Best Rhythm Hit

KISS GOODNIGHT

By Freddi* Slack, Floyd Victor, R. N. Herman

LLCR.

A Really Great Ballad From 20th Century-Fox's "Nob Hill

WALKED I

Lyric by Harold Adamson • Music by Jimmy McHugh

SBC €®(^®^A¥H®N 1619 BROADWAY N. Y, 19

44

ORCHESTRAS— MUSIC

pfatttifr
10 Bestfheet Sellers

(Week Ending, May 19)

Bell Bottom Trousers. Santly

Dream Capitol

There I Said It Again.... Valiant

Sentimental -Journey Morris

.Just Prayer Away Shapiro

Candy Feist

Dreams Getting Bcl.lcr. . .Santly

All of My Life. .. .Berlin

' Laura Itobbins

I'm Beginning See Light... Grand

Wednesday, May 23. 1945

Contacters Council Completes Deal
To Insure 550 Members for 1G Each

Music Publishers Contact Em-
ployees Council in meeting Monday
(21) evening completed the purchase
ot insurance which will cover every
member of the union up to $1,000.
There are 550 members of the or-
ganization holding cards currently
from N. Y. to California and the
premiums covering all of them will

scl the MPCE back $C,000 annually.

Agreement to insure each member
of the MPCE for $1,000 was con-
tained in the original negotiations
under which the union and the Pro-
fessional Music Men. benevolent
organization, were merged last year.
PMM retains its identity though it
was absorbed by the MPCE. It is
now the custodian of benefit funds
of the larger outfit.

In Addition to Our Current BIG HIT

THERE MUST
BE A WAY

We Are Now the Publishers
Of the Sensational Ballad

A STRANGER
IN TOWN

ly MEL TORME

Already Recorded By
MARTHA TILTON— Capitol MEL TORME— Decca

STEVENS MUSIC CORP.

JACK OSTFELD • ALLEN BEST • MURRAY MASSEY
1619 BROADWAY. NEW YORK 1». N. Y.

Jot Draeca, Chicago • Al Friedman, Hollywood

CG Ordering Shore
Based Bands to Sea
Duty on Transports

In response to the growing need
for bands on transports bringing GIs.
back from Europe or taking them to
the Pacific, the Coast Guard is as-
signing its land lubber bands to sea
duty. There will be between 15
and 25. of these bands afloat soon.

Most of these b;>nds were or-
ganized to play at shore stations,
but the demand for salt water
musicians necessitated the change
Need has been so great that many
bands have been organized aboard
ships, some using men not in serv-
ice as footers. Orre. recently at-
tached to"thc USS Leonard Wood,
is made up of 18 men who served in
nine major invasions, all on active
battle stations as landing boat cox-
swains and bowmen, gunners, phar-
macists' mates, radiomen and sca-
inen. None holds a musicians' rat-
ing. This: band is now touring Illi-
nois and New York state for the
bond drive.

Band from the CG show, "Tars
and Spars," is now aboard a trans-
port in the Pacific. Also at sea in
that area is a group of 25 formerly
attached to Manhattan Beach Train-
ing Station, directed by C/M Bill
Schallen, ex-trombone and vocalist
with Alvino Rey. The lllh Naval
District CG band, under Lt. (jg>
Jimmie Glier. has just returned
from the Pacific.

Musician 3d class Dino Cortez
heads a 30-piece dance and concert
band from Philadelphia's Fourth
Naval District now headed for
transport duty, C/M Ken Hopkins,
former Whiteman arranger is form-
ing a band for a CG-manned ship.
Other CG musicians who have seen
action or transport service include:
Allan Cole, ex-Ted Fio Rito vocal-
ist; Sam Rubinowitch (Jimmy
Dorsey); Johnny Drake (Glenn
Miller); Warren Covington (Horace
Heidt); Bernie Savodnick, N. Y.
radio trumpter; and Andy Fitz
gerald, sax. and Lew Brown, piano,
both Dick Stabile alumni.

Alfred Newman led a 102-picce or-
chestra to record "St. Louis Blues,"
with Har James as trumpet solo-
ist, for "K .tteii on the Keys" at 20th-
Fox.

NBC, CBS, Bk, Mutual Plugs

Folloiulnp is list oj the most played popular tunes on (he networks for tht
week beginning Monday and through Sunday May 14-20, from 5 p, m
(o .1 a.m. List represents (lie first approximately 25 leaders in alphabetical
order (in some cases there are ties, accounting for a longer lift) . Th t
compilations embrace the NBC, CBS. Blue and Mutual Networks, as repre-
sented by WEAF, WABC. WJZ and WOR, N. Y„ and are based on data
provided by Accurate Reporting Scruice, regular checking tource oj thr
music tmhlishitig industry.

TITLE . PUBLISHES

A Friend of Yours— f'Grcat John L." . . . . .Burke

A Little On the Lonely Side ..... Advanced

All Of My Life .... ......Berlin

Bell Bottom Trousers ...Santly

Candy ; . . .- ■ • .'Feist

Can't You Read Between the Lines'.'. Shapiro

Counting the Days '....Santly

Dream ■ .' • .Capitol

Ev'rytime ABC

He's Home For a Little While v Famous

If I Loved You— ""Carousel" T. B. Harms

If You Are But a Dream...... ffBarlon

I'm Beginning to See the Light...... Grand

I Miss Your Kiss .Republic '

1 Should Care— t"Thrill of a Romance" ...Dorsey

I've Got a Locket In My Pocket . . . .v. Famous

I -Wish I Knew— f'Diamond Horseshoe" . BYC

June Is Bustin Out AH Over— ""Carousel" T.-B. Harms

Just a Prayer Away. .i". .. .Shapiro

Laura— i"Laura" .Robbing

My Dreams Arc Getting Better Santly

Please Don't Say No — ♦"Thrill of a Romance" .Feist

Saturday Night Is Loneliest Night In Week... n Barton

Sentimental Journey .Morris

Someday Somewhere ..• tfChelsea

Stars In Your : Eyes— 1 "Pan .Americana" .....Southern

Sweetheart ot My Dreams— ,"30 Seconds Over Tokyo" . Shapiro

The More I See You— f'Diamdnd Horseshoe" ,..BVC

t Filmusical. * Legit Musical. tt B.M.I. Affiliate.

'See Light' as No. 1
Cues Parade' Stir

Many publishers who have fre-
quently complained bitterly about
the rating of songs on the "Hit Pa-
rade" program have now gotten to
the point where they look upon the
program's listings as a big joke. This
attitude was caused by the past
week's (19) program, which flabber-
gasted those interested and uninter-
ested, depending upon whether or
not they had a candidate for the
"first 10." II listed "I'm Beginning
to See the Light" as No. 1. This song
has been among the best sellers and
most played on the air for 20 weeks
or more and is just about hanging
on.

Between laughs at the citing of
"Light" as No. 1 those publishers
not connected with either "Bell Bot-
tom Trousers" or "There I Said It
Again" impartially ask why these
two aren't listed on the show. The
publishers of the tunes themselves
have a lot more to say. Both songs
have been high on the list of "best
sellers," the only way the music
business gauges a hit. for four or
more weeks. Week before last "Just
a Prayer Away," also high on best
sellers, was dropped off the show
only to bounce back on in No. 5
position last week.

JIMMY DORSEY

has a brand now record that may be his biggest yet!
W It's DECCA # 18676 and of course it's

NEGRA CONSENTIDA

JtMs spectacular foxtrot-rumba version (vocals by TEDDY WALTERS and JEAN CROMWELL) will be for dance lovers what

CAPITOL # 189 is for song enthusiasts and what

ANDY RUSSELL'S

JOSE BETHANCOURT'S

MUSICRAFT # 321 is for Latin-American music devotees

EDWARD B. MARKS MUSIC CORPORATION

RCA 3 U ! L D ! N G RADIO C ! T Y NEW YORK 20. N. Y.

P.'S. Sojtm p«opt* colt for fMs Mexican smosh Wt uwdr it's EnofohTiH* "MY PET BRUNETTE" Tod* your choiost It's a grand song oifhor way!

Wednesday, May 23, 1945

45

/7 «7Wp 7*wW? iSa^

1

l§ttll|il

COUNTING THE DAYS

•p MY ZAftET
And At»x Kromw

f Recorded

WCIO*

GEORGE PAXTOM

O0IL0

ART KASSEL

ASSO. HAMS.

OOL'NT-ING THE DAYS .

un - til to - niof - row, .

Count- ing the nights.

_ till 1'mwith you'.

Slow-ly they hur- ry by, No need towor- ry I

IP

tell

my heart, We're 'on - ly a few lone-^ly nights

IV, *\ ' f --'> ' , h ->i
m-\' ,'f, "f

Count - ing the sta rs 1 hea r you whis-per,

"Dar-ling,

count on my love to see you through'.'.

Blue are the skies a-bove,

v A' f ; _

Sweet are my thoughts of love; It's just a nut- ter of time/Till I'm COUNT-ING THE DAYS

■ ' " : ■ —

with

you

Copyright 194$ by SANTLY-JbY. Inc.

/ ■> 'ft *- {■S,v«!«8p

The

BELL

Tfee Request Song
BASED ON CHOPIN'S POLONAISE

TILL THE
END OF TIME

ly igOOY KAY I -4 TID MOSSMAN

il

A Standard

I "AO A LITTLE

talk with the

LORD

SANTLY-JOY, Inc

TOMMY V ALAN DO, Prof cj r

New York. VICTOR P t L L E MAC KOOPER LEO JACOBS — Boiton, JACK FAY Chicago BENNY MiLLER Hoiiyxood DAVE BERN,E

ORCHESTRAS— MUSIC ,

<t7T<

Wednesday, May 23, 1943

Bands at Hotel B. O.'s

(Presented herewith, as a we'ehly tabulation, Is the estimated covei
charge business being done by name bands in various New VoW. liotels
Dinner business (7-10 p.m.) not rated. Figures after name of hotel give
room capacity and cover charge. Larger amount designates weekend and
holidau price. Compilation is based on period from Monday to Saturday.)

Cam* ToUl
fTeckt Fml Cover*

Hand Hotel PUjrrO W«rU On,l»Hl<i

Hal Atoma*...,.. Lexington (300; 75c-$1.50>

Sonny Dunham., New Yorker (400, $l-$H3(r>

Glen Gray ..... . . Pennsylvania (500: $1-$1.50). ...... .

Nat Brand wynne. Waldorf (550; $2). .. .

Erskine Hawkins. Lincoln (275: $]-$1.50). . ..

Eddie Stone. . . . . .Roosevelt (400; $i-$1.50).

Sammv Kayc Astor (750r $1-$1.50) . . . . .

31
2
6
2
2
2
1

1,875
1,875
2,600
3,100
950
2.625
4.250

54,950
3,825

13,900
5,975
2.400
C.550
4,250

" Asterisk indicate a supposing floor show. New YorUer hns ice show;
Lexington, an Hawaiian floor show. ' : •-

Chicago

Jimmy Dorse? (Panther Room, Sherman hotel; 950; $1.50-$2.50 min.V
Rained most of the week but il didn't, wash the customers out.- ■ Dorsey
and show got 6,000 again.

Buddy Franklin (New Walnut Room. Bismarck hotel; 465; $1.50-$2.50).
Off a little, with 2,900 for Franklin and Enrica & Novclio.

Dick LaSalle (Mayiair Room. Blackstone hotel; 465; $2.50 min.l. ODT
apparently doesn't know it. but there's a -big convensh here, hoisting La-
Salle, Ellsworth & Fairchild. and Gali GaliUo 2,400. Other spots .benefiting
too. , "

George Olsen (Empire Room. Palmer House: 700; $3-$3.50 min ). Nudg-
ing record held by Hildcgarde. Olsen. Hcnny Youngnian, Lalluop ic Lee,
etc., drew boffo 8,200.

Ted Weems (Boulevard Boom, Stevens hotel; 650: $3-$3.50 min.l. Up-
ward is the story here too. Tabs for Weems, et al, total 7,800.

a. ...

Los Angeles

Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $1 -$1,501. Move than plenty of cash
flowing in here with standard 4,200 tabs.

Joe Betehmah (Biltmore; 900: $1-$1.50). Right back at peak, business
with sock 4,200 covers. . ■-.

Location Jobs, Not in Hotels

(Chicago)

Gay Clarldce (Chez Paree; 650: $3-$3.50 min.). About 5,300 for Sophie
Tucker, Claridge, et al.

Del Courtney (Blackhnwk: 500: $2-$2.50 min.). ' Fancy 4,000 for Court-
ney, Imaginators, Marjorie Lane.

Ted Lewis (Latin Quarter; 700: $3-$3.50 min.).. Built steadily to 5,200
for Lewis.

. (Los Angeles) , •

Tony Pastor (Palladium, B. Hollywood, 3rd week). Back up to good
crowds and better cash at 26,000 admishes.

Shorty Sberock (Trianon, B. South'Gale, 4th week). Final' stanza for
this new outfit held to 8,500 tickets. Charlie Barnet follows.

Lelfhton Noble (Slapsy Maxie's, N, Los Angeles, 23rd week). Every-
body comes early and stays late for two shows and 3,200 customers.

Carlos Molina, King Cole Trio (Trocadero, N, Hollywood, 9th week).
Besides the musicrews, Chucho Martinez packs 'em in for 4,000 tabs.

TEDDY WEATHERFORD
DIES IN CALCUTTA

Calcutta. May 22.
Teddy (Theodore) Weatherford,
colored- American pianist-bandlead-
er, died of cholera in a hospital in
Calcutta, aged 43, April 27 during an
epidemic of the disease, which swept
the city.

Weatherford was fronting his out-
fit at the Grand- hotel. CaU-uUa. up
to the time of his death. Band, which
was recruited locally, will continue
under the direction of the hotel.

Weatherford was born in Blue-
Held, W. Va., and is known profes-
sionally in Chicago. He shares, with
another colored Amreicnn, Leon Ab-
bey, the distinction of personally
bringing swing music 1o India, in
which country, until 1935. all im-
ported bands of any standing were
from Europe.

He left the States to come out to
Shanghai and other points. east with
n colored band in 1924, arriving at'
Bombay in 1936, where at the Taj
MahaThotel he and a handful of col-
ored American musicians established
themselves as firm favorites, both -as
a band and with the novelty vocal
act. Plantation Quartet (Weather-
ford. Crickett Smith, Rudy Jackson
and Roy Butler). Butler, who dou-
bled as the band's business manager,
is now bacX ■ in the States. Jackson
and Smith are with separate outfits
in India.

After a short spell in Europe,
Weatherford returned to the Taj
Mahal hotel's intimate Harbour Bar
with Evelyn Dove, a colored Ameri-
can songstress, and then rejoined his
band in the hotels' ballroom. ■■

In conformity with the Taj's pol-
icy<«of changing a band every year,
Weatherford and his outfit checked
out at Bombay and booked in at
Galle Face , hotel, Colombo.

A difference of opinion, while in
Colombo in 1941, resulted in Weath-
erford leaving the band, which re-
mained. at G.F. hotel under the lead:
ership of Louis Moreno, and joining
the Grand hotel, Calcutta, as leader
of an outfit already under contract
to the hotel.

He married Pansy Hill (non-pro)
in Calcutta in 1942, and settled in
that city.

George Joy broke two small
bones in his right fool stumbling out
of a sand trap at Lakeville C. C,
N. Y., last week.

Words and Music by
ROBERT SOUR

*

*"Ten years from now—
You'll be thankful
You've got that beautiful bank-full . . ."

Written •ip*cially far the
7lh War loan Drive
al tfw requeit of th« Troaivry Department

NOW BEING FEATURED ON*

"MUSIC FOR MILLIONS"

A transcribed series of 15 minute program* heard coast to
coast on every radio station in the country.

Mary Small and the Mark Warnow Orchestra present
YOUR POT O' DOUGH on Record* #5.

•CtpfHM IMS to IraaoiM.Moik, Ik.

BROADCAST MUSIC, IMC.

/ 5M mm Avmuff, new yomx i», »*. y.

WtwYeA. <W ca i » » H eWy w e <

Inside Orchestras— Musk

There Is some discussion as to whether Harry James actually did get'
the $1,500 weekly bonus he was asking from the Astor hotel, N. Y., before
he would agree to fulfill his six-week contract there, Last week it was
said that James had okayed the date without being given the extra money
he demanded; that he desisted when Bob Christenberry, Astor head, threat-
ened court action.

There are those, however, who Insist Christenberry gave in to James
and that he is getting the extra coin; that the fact is being carefully hidden
by all' concerned so- that other bands don't get similar ideas. James is now
due at the- Astor June 11, He's getting $3,500 flat weekly. He opens
Frank Dailey's Meadowbrook Aug. 11 ,

San Diego is in the midst ot a battle of ballrooms, between Larry Finley'g
Mission Beach hoofery and Wayne Daillard's Pacific Square, with heavy
advertising barrages o,i both sides. Finley publicizes his spot as "San
Diego's New Home of Big Name Bands," and Daillard comes back with
"Don't Be Confused. Pacific. Square will continue to present 90% of all
name bands." Daillard Y list of maestros, supposed to be contracted for his
dancery, contains ,27 top names, some of which, according to several baton-
eers, do not belong there. One of the names, listed as "Coming During
Ensuing" Weeks," is Eddie Duchin, now a lieutenant in the Navy and re-
cently reported on I wo Jima, a, long way from San Diego.

Deal whereby Benny Goodman will secure his long-sought release from
Music Corp. of America-has not yet been completed. But Goodman is not
being booked by the agency meantime, having gotten Mark. Hanha as his
new personal manager. Leader closes at the 400 Club, N. Y., June 3, and is
uncertain of his plans afterwards.

Arrangement with MCA under which Goodman will . get his contract
back (it has only about seven months to go) calls for. the agency to re-
ceive full commissions from the maestro on all work he performs until
the .expiration date of the agreement though it doesn't book him.

Jim Peppe, manager of Sammy Kayo's orchestra, who. has been ill and
out of action for almost a year, is returning to N. Y. where he'll remain
ndeflnitely. He's resuming activity on a modified scale. Since becoming
11 Peppe has spent all of his time at his home in Columbus, O., or in
Florida. During his recent stay south he set up the deal with Mike
Nidorf whereby the latter co-manages Kaye and handles other properties
recently taken on by the two.

Paul Whitcman's musical trailer for Warned Bros.' fllmusical blog of
George Gershwin, -Rhapsody in Blue," is bearing fruit fast, judging by the
cavalcade of the composer's works starting to get. aired anew. It's a pre-
lude to the film's debut on Broadway next week. Whiteman chairmaned
a musical committee to do honor to the late American composer and Pops
himself devotes the entire hour of the Philco Hall of Fame next Sunday
(.27) to Gershwin's music.

: r : : — ♦

CoL Signs Philly
Dell Orchestra

Despite previous denials by Co-
lumbia Records, the latter signed,
last week with Robin Hood Dell, Inc.
of Philadelphia, to make recordings
with their orchestra, as reported ex-
clusively in "Variety" a few weeks
ago. Inking was done after differ-
ences between the Philadelphia Or-
chestra Ass'n and the Dell corpora-
tion were ironed out.

Philorch and Dell tangled because
both have the same players, the Dell
using all' Philadelphia Orchestra
men minus a few first-desk players
for its summer al fresco concerts.
Dell group agreed not to infringe on
the Philorch repertory and to submit
its list of recordings 14 days in ad-
vance for approval.

Columbia witt record the Dell
orch under Andre Kostelanetz for
pop classics, akin to the Boston
"Pops" Orchestra selections on Vic-
tor, and use the orch under Dimitri.
Mitropolous (Dell's summer music
director) for more serious work.
Mitropolous angle Isn't scl yet, there
being some confusion over his con-
tract with the Minneapolis Sym-
phony, which he conducts during the
winter.

It's known that the Philadelphia
Orchestra Ass'ri, whose orch records
for Columbia under Eugene Or-
mandy, isn't happy about the Dell
signing with Columbia. It's felt in
Philadelphia, however, that the
Ass'n officials were caught napping;
that they should have signed their
musicians to a full-year contract and
done the lighter recordings them-
selves as does the Boston Symphony.

The Dell signing, with royalties
going to them* (a separate group
from the Philovch), will pull the
Dell out of a baft yearly deficit, and
save them fromftoing to the public
every spring J>r $20 to $30,000.
Records will befcul out under name
of "Robin. Hoc! Dell Symphony,"
with first reconng. sessions slated
for July iii vnelkcademy of Music,
Phila. *JB •

')Ulf I0R0AN

Chicaqo IB4KI (3,.
900: 55-95) — "Prac-
tically Yours" (Par)
(2d wk). with LOUIS
JORDAN and Willie
Shore on itaae. IIG
$48,000. Last week,
socko $50,000.

A New National Novelty

THE

BLOND
SAILOR

MILLS MUSIC, INC.

1619 Broadway, New York

And Other FomoM
■aed leaden

One tills 3x5 VISUAT, rocord
ot hoiik. lilts of oicr 150 pub-
lishers, plim old favorites. In-
clude* lend nlier.tR mid lyrics
of chorus. SAMPLES FREIS.

Broad. tTH7
Mew York IB

TUNE-DEX

Music Notes

Shapiro-Bernstein has taken for
U. S. release the song, "Just a Little
Fond Affection," currently the No. 1
sheet seller in England.

Arthur Freed and Harry Warren
defied five tunes for "Yolanda and
the Thief at Metro..

Enel Gamer, songwriter, signed
to two-year contract by Capitol
Songs.

»•••••••••••• •••••• •**■'

'MViNONE'S GIVING HER A PUV

Wednesday, .May 23, 1945

Uniform Thurs. Opening for AH
Vaude Houses in Nation Sought

VAUDEVILLE

47

An attempt is being made to re-
vise the opening days of vaude thea-
tres throughout the country. so that
' all" will debut new shows on Thurs-
day. Tnis i<lea " as been . broached
to theatre bookers of all major
chains and various indies by Johnny
nugan, ■ head ' ol Music Corp. of
America's theatre department, and
in it he has the backing and. . co-
operation of agents with all other
agencies. ' ■

So far, i)0 definite action has been
taken by bookers in endeavoring to
arrange the changes, but those
whose attitude was checked are all
)n agreement. . Whether they can
push the idea through with lose in
charge of theatre operation isn't

known. . • _.

' j] ol only would a uniform Thurs-
day opening aid the booking of acts,
which could then close at one thea-
tre on a Wednesday and make a
■date at another house reasonably
close by next morning, but it would
help business, it's claimed. Opening
on Thursday would " not only
strengthen that night,, normally
weak, but it- would allow additional
■lime 'for word of Jr.oulh to help the
weekend take of a good show (and
vice versa). Closing oh Wednes-
days, normally a good night, would
probably add additional revenue,
since it would be the last oppor-
tunity lo see a. particular show;

As it stands now, acts either have
to lay off a day between houses
whose opening days vary, or do a
split week while wailing to go into
the next house. For example, if the
first week of a tour is at a house
opening on Friday and ending on
Thursday and the following booking
Js at a house opening on Thursday
and closing on Friday, it's obvious
the two cannot be consecutive. A

layoff, club-dates or ■ split-week
stand must fill-in. Uniform open-
ings would clear this up.

.Currently, Warner Bros. Strand,
N. Y., Earle, Philadelphia, open
Friday's whereas the WB Earle,
Washington is a Thursday opening:
For RKO, the Palace, Cleveland, is a
Friday opening ' while the chain's
RKO Boston is a Thursday debut.
Par's Chicago, Chicago, opens Fri-
days, so does the Chi Oriental, on
indie, and the Riverside, Milwaukee.

PAUL
REGAN

Comlc-SatlrUt

SigMd
For Return Engagement
TO CAPITOL. NEW YORK
Afttr U.S.O. Tour

M.C.A.

AGVA Rules Prohibit
Continuance of Mats
At Carnival Room, N.Y.

Looks like the lifting of the cur-
few has snafued the Saturday mati-
nee sessions at the Carnival, N. Y.,
which had built up to boff biz dur-
ing the interim. This followed a
decision lale last week to continue
operating the mats after a previous
announcement they would fold.
. American Guild of Variety Artists,
which gave this spot and others
clearance for Saturday afternoon
shows during the curfew era, has
ruled them out in N. Y. and na-
tionally.

When taboo on matiriees^Nirder
was issued late last week by Matt
Shelvey, national administrator of
AGVA, the management of the
Carnival staled that, unaware of the
order, they had advertised and pre-
pared for the matinee for last Sat-
urday 1 19) and felt that a lot of
bad will for the spot would be cre-
ated if it didn't come off. Upon that
premise Shelvey gave>- them the
green light for last week and that's
all.

This week it's reported the Capitol
management tried for a concession
from, the talent union by agreeing to
close. Mondays if the matinees
would be permitted, but this was
nixed, too.

Copa, N. Y., Stymied
By Cugat's Pic Pact

Copacabana, N, Y:, doesn't expect
lo sljutlcr for the summer despite
the fact no talent has been set for
that period as yet. Monte Proser,
Copa's operator, left yesterday
.iTu.es-.) for Chicago to talk to. Ted
Lewis at the Latin Quarter there,
for a possible July opening, earliest
dale he's available.

Meanwhile Xavier Cugat orch is
set to leave Ihe'Copa June 30, hav-
ing been called by Metro for work
on "Holiday in Mexico." This leaves
lire Copa without an attraction. Jane
Froman will probably headline un-
.til Lewis reports.

Word had . been circulating that
Proser would be forced to shutter
because of the shortage of names.
However, closing of the Copa
would ■ constitute an expensive
proposition since many fixed charges
would continue. It's felt that would
be cheaper to operate, even if no
headliner shows up.

Joe E. Lewis is the only nr.me
signed^ by Proser in advance.. He's
to start in September.

• ^ DURING
THK ENTIRE
SKVKNTH
WAR 1.0* N VKIVK

ARTHUR

*BORAN

MASTER OF; CEREMONY OF THK

(INITIO STATIS
TREASURY BONDMOBILE

Touring the j Horflngha of .New Vork

*lw> Broncl.Uhllilr Hl« Comic Ihiptr-
MiMHlloiii. on thr Hadlo for

GIBBONS ALE

Dir.: Nat l Concert ArrliN Urea*

AGVA Forces V-E Day
Coin From 5 Philly Spots

Philadelphia, May 22,
Five niteries last week agreed to

pay for V-E Day — when the spots-
were closed — following threats by

the American Guili

Artists that they woul

the .unfair list.
The recalcitrant s

Philly and two in Che:

only ones in this are

lertainers for the one

The operators claims*

forced lo close

eminent" and

liable for the wages of employes

Union maintained thai the Gov-
ernor's V-E Day proclamation only
forbade the sale of liquor and did
not prohibit sale of food ef holding
of entertainment. More ttban halt
of the Philly niteries -wemained
open under these conditions^ despite
sharp dropping off of busirte&S- Ma-
jority of places closed paid lop help,
however.

of Variety
[be placed on

ts — three in
er — were the
to dock en-
y shutdown,
they were
by an+act of Gov-
therefore were not

ess.

MARDONI

AND

NOW

ORIENTAL, CHICAGO

•'

JUST COMPLETED 8 WEEKS

COLLEGE INN. CHICAGO

R«pre<«n*td by

LEO SALKIN. 20* North Wabash Ay«nu«. Chicago

■EN JANE

ROCHELLE and BEEBE

NOW OVERSEAS FOR
U.S.O.-CAMP SHOWS, INC.

- Mill.: KOItlR SMITH. Paramount . Klilc. X«w. Tork

'Unfair' lookout
House, KY., Defies
AGVA: Show Bows

Despile American Guild of Variety
Artists having declared the Lookout
House, Covington, Kentucky, un-
fair, investigation" disclosed lhat
Jimmy Brinks, operator of the nitery,
gave the ruling of Ihe talent union
a tin ear and booked in new show
last week.

New line-up has the Juvelys,
Ruloff Trio. Gloria Lee Dancers and
Berry Parks,

When the national office of AGVA
communicated with Frank Serines
agency, Cleveland, and Music Corp.
of America, bookers of the acts,
anent the unfair action, agencies
claimed the bookings predated the
AGVA action 'and therefore they did
not feel they were committing a
breach by fulfilling the date.

Matt Shelvey, national administra-
tor of AGVA, Ihen ruled that the
acts can stay-in until tomorrow '24)
to complete a week unless both
agencies can produce proof of the
r.cls having been booked in advance
of Ihe unfair listing. . If such cannot
be substantiated, both agencies and
performer^ will be cited for infrac-
tion of rules by the talent union,
with former having their franchises
suspended and performers suspended
from membership, with fines levied
in all cases.

$1000,000 Buys Steel Pier, A. C,
For Abe Ellis and George Hamid

Curfew a Habit

Adrian, Mich., May 22.

Believe it or not. bat tavern opera-
tors .in -Adrian will continue the
midnight curfew, though stale regu-
lations permit ..'taverns- to remain
open until 2 a.m.

Proprietors of practically every
Adrian drinking spot have agreed to
follow the former curfew regulation,
contending that midnight is suf-
ficiently lale lo serve customers.
All-night ' restaurants which serve
beer will stop such sales at midnight.

Hamid Slaps Summons
On Dave Fox in Forfeit
Of Bond on Circus Act

George Hamid, agent and booker
of circus acts, slapped a criminal,
action summons on Dave Fox, head
of the N. Y. local of American Guild
of Variety. Ai'tisls, as the first gun
in a campaign lo retrieve $1,200
posted as bond and forfeited when
circus .dale' for 'which act involved
^was to have played was cancelled.
Summons is returnable today
(Wed.) iii Jefferson Market Court,
N. Y. and charges Fox with "unlaw-
fully withholding property.",.

According lo Fox, the matter
stems back to last January when
Hamid reportedly booked the Zavat-
tas, bareback . iders and equilibrists
s feature, attraction for the Hainid-
Morton Circus, which had been
booked for Hartford week of April
9. Frank Wirlh, former partner of
Hamid and now operating on his
own, had also approached the act for
similar date for belter coin. Con-
tract with Hamid had been verbally
okayed but not actually signed.
Hamid took Ihe matter to AGVA.
which ruled that act would have
to- fulfill Hamid's contract but also
insisted the latter post $1,200 cov-
ering the act's salary, which he did.

It later developed, according to
Fox, that the parting of the Zavaltas
was the detrminiiig factor as to who
would get Ihe date. Something
slipped up and the H-M circus was
cancelled out. Hamid wanted his
dough back, but since he had signed
a play or pay contract AGVA ruled
the act should be paid the money
posted and it was.

Hamid, according to Fox. has been
harassing him about the return of
the money ever since. . The sum-
mons was the' climax, with the court
taking it from there.

RI0BAMBA, N.Y., TO BE
KNOWN AS M0CAMB0

Although deal for the Riobamba
N. Y., has not yet been set, Bill
Miller and .Murray Weinger, opera-
tors of the Copacabana, Miami
Beach, Fla.. who are buying the spot
from Abe Ellis,' concessionaire who
holds a mortgage on the Riobamba's
furnishings, are readying to change
the name to the Mocambo. Miller
said that a deal will be made with
Charlie Morrison, operator of the
Mocambo. Hollywood, for use Of
that name.

Change of name is necessary so
that new owners will not be liable
for any debts left unpaid by previ-
ous management. Recently the New
York Supreme court awarded Sol
Hurok. manager of Carmen Amaya
$4,800 for reneging on a four-week
contract at $1,750 per week.

SCAA-AGVA Agree On
New % Arrangement Deal

Southern California Agents Assn
has parted agent agreements with
American Guild of Variety Artists,
as of this week, under the clause B
agreement which allows 10 r ; com
missions to. .agents and an additional
W, tor bookers. This applies where
a bona/ide booker is involved in
obtaining an engagement, but -it
nixes bookers operating in dual ca-
pacity of agent and booker. If such
a condition obtains, a straight 10':i
overall only will be allowed.

The SCAA embraces 34 active
agents in that territory , which
handle most of the vaude and nitery
bookings. Franchises will 'be issued
this week by the/national office, of
AGVA in N. Y.

Competition between Atlantic
City's Steel Pier and Million Dollar
Pier was ended Thursday i'17) when,
George A. Hamid, operator of the'
Million Dollar Pier bought the com-
petitive Steel Pier in partnership
with Abe Ellis, N. Y. concessionaire.
Purchase price is reported to be
$1,000,000 of which $400,000 was paid
in cash and the rest in mortgages.

With the Hamid-Ellis purchase of
the Frank P. Gravalt property, com-
petitive booking will be ended as
Hamid, who has been placed in com-
plete charge of the operation by
Ellis, will probably do 'he -talent-
buying for both spots although the
Arthur Fisher olfice will tempo-
rarily continue to book Ihe Million
Dollar Pier while Frank Elliott,
talent supervisor under the Gravalt
regime, will continue buying for Ihe
Steel Pief under Hamid's super-
vision. -

In taking, over (he new properly,
Hamid says that talent commit-
ments made by Gravatt will be con-
tinued, unless' it interferes with some
of the ideas he will inaugurate. Al
Gordon, booked for the season for.
one spot on the pier has been can-
celled with an aquacade replacing.

Hamid has been attempting to buy
this property for four years but has
never been able to come to terms.
He came pretty close last year when
purchase price was agreed upon, but
Gravatt wanted a piece "of the
Trenton, N. J., track, operated by
Hamid, in return. The deal then fell
through. Odd part of the current
deal is the. fact that until two weeks
ago, "Hamid was not in on the pic-
ure,- but came in wiien some of the
prospective money-men lined up by
Ellis reneged. Hamid then went in
on a 50^50 basis.

New Frisco Spot

San Francisco, May 22.
Nick Andros has opened the Dom-
inic Club— swanky spot with a line
of girls and three acts — as an addi-
tional night entertainment resort for
this city, jammed to overflowing
with Mare Island Navy Y a r it"
workers.

AL TRACE

An4 Nil

$ILLV SYMPHONISTS

OPENING MAT 2*
SURF CLUR
VIRGINIA I EACH, VA.

Dir.: STAN 7XCKE* '

PERFORMERS NOW IN
ARMED FORCES

If you nr< lo Special Vrrleca or not —
fur Ininirdlate tin or imftt-war rtturn
lo nhow buillictt.

H«r« li a Strvict Yoa'll Alwayt
Want

FUN-MASTER GAG FILES

Contain Modem Comedy Material fof
All Type I'erforiiirra
Each Script Contain* Over 10O

Miire-FIre Gain— 11.65 Each
Not. I Thru 10 Now R«o4y
Mak* Clirrki Payable to
rAlXA KMITII
Mall to "FilD-Mantfr"
•Ml W. Mth St.. New Vork Clly I*. N.J.

4S

VAUDEVILLE

.Wednesday, May 23, 1915

All Mex. City Legit, Vaude Theatres
Shut Down by Actors' Assn. Walkout

Mexico City. May 22,
Theatres playing stage attractions,
just gelling ol " ° r the red - 1,ave
suffered a big set-back with all
seven shuttered because the Na-
tional Actors" «Ass"n lias barred alt
members from working in them.
The houses hit by. the closings are
the Ideal, Fabregas and Arbeu. legit
theatres, and Follies. Lirico. and
Colonial, vaude-revue spots, as well
as the Iris, in-and-out as revue house
and. then a* a filrii theatre. Hence.
Mexico City is without ' live laletii.
shows Tor first time in years except-
ing those playing opera and conceit.

Result is an upbeat at picture
houses, With Iris no, v.. back as film
theatre for best biz in its history.

Theatre shutdown slems from con-
flict between two rival film labor
unions, its believed. Theatres be-
came involved when Jorge JS'cgr.ele,
a leader of the newest picture work-
ers union, actor ''and singer, cancelled
a dale at the Iris. Actors' union.'
taking umbrage at film people for
making it tough for an actor to work,
called out all -its members as a pro-
test against the ''bigness'' of film
labor. Actors are feeling the pinch
of the "war," since strike pay is only

The

Drunkenest
Drunk You
Ever Saw.
The

Laughingeit
Laughter
You Ever
Heard.
Put

Together
It's

STEVE
EVANS

PROVIDENCE

And
WORCESTER

MKT. — MATTY BOSKS

$2.10. Not a unionized player caii
work anywhere, Long-hairs a--e
allowed because its performers don't |
belong to the actors' union. U. S. '
troupers also arc forced lo remain
idle, excepting for stints- in niteries.

Ella Fitzgerald Fails
To Show Up Opening
Day at Howard, Wash.

Washington, May 21.

Ella Fitzgerald, advertised co-
headliner at Howard theatre hero,
was removed from the bill when she
arrived on Saturday, one day tardy.
Songstress is part of the Ink Spots.
Cootie Williams orchestra. - Coke
and Poke. Ralph Brown unit. .

Moe Gale office, which handles- the
star, said she came into N. Y. after
playing the Earle. Philadelphia.
Billy Kenny of the Ink Spots said
that she had been delayed in. train
accommodations. proTiised her for
next show. Patrons held their seats
for two shows, disrupting entire
opening day's schedule.

In the meantime Abe Lichlman,
operator of the . theatre, had con-
tacted Savannah Churchill, working,
in a night spot, and she doubled at
the Howard.

Miss Fitzgerald was cancelled
when she showed up for the sec-
ond show on Saturday.

Andrews &18G Tike'
Ii Record San Diego Wk.

Andrews Sisters earned the larg-
est amount of money for one week'i

theatre work that they have ever
corralled -at the Orpheum theatre,
San Diego, last week. Trio look
just under $18,000 for their end of a
record $35,800 grossed by. the house.
They were in on i 50-50 split basis.
Above gross topped the house's pre-
vious high-water mark of $21,000 by-
more than one-third.

Show led by the Andrews . con-
sisted of their "Eight to the Bar"
radio program for Nash-Kelvihalor,
all people concerned working in cos-
tume. Same unit is booked into the
Paramount theatre. N. Y.. later in
the summer at $20,000 weekly.

AGVA Benefit at N. Y.
Imperial Sunday Night

Second annua! benefit of the N. Y.
local of the American Guild of
Variety Artists will be held at the
Imperial theatre. N. Y.. next Sunday
night (27>.

Show is being lined up by James
Sauter, of War Activities Committee,
who will chairman the affair, and
Max Wolf, of M-G-M. Stars from
shows and niteries currently ap-
pearing in N. Y. will comprise the
bill. Proceeds will go to the welfare
and members in service funds.

GAGS! JOKES! GAGS!

PATTER! WISE-CRAI! STORIES!

Fer mieVnHi data, ra^T* M.C.'t. tlmta,
dtubUi, aawuiK«r« f . Bretfuctri. 4iu Jockiw.
rtirarUrt, kind IttfW*. iMkvi miles.
iltMti. mhIvIbbs. ' vmtrltflt. csmnMtatfn.
writers, tw-UMlitf, tU.

Fna-Matrer Gag Rial Net. 1 Thru 10
$1.0$ Per Script, rentage Prepaid

Each File Certain Oyer 100 Seek
Goat!!

M»k« Chttlui Fajabl* (•
rAUI.A SMITH
Mali «• "raa-Maatrr" .
20B W. OttU St.. Nrw Tarfc VUj I*. N.V

Rochester Making Theatre
Rounds Again at $6,500

Summer shutterings of radio shows
are adding to vaude's availability
list.

Among those set is Rochester, of
the Jack Benny show, who starts
June 14 at the RKO theatre, Boston,
and continues with Philadelphia.
Hartford. Columbus. Cleveland and
Detroit-. He's getting around $6,500
plus percentages.

Another is Joan Merrill, or the
Charlie McCarthy show, who starts a
round of vaude rs at the Chicago
theatre. Chicago. .Htne 1.

Jerry Lester-Ciro's, L.A.,
Salary Dispute Due To
Curfew, to Arbitration

Herman Hover, -operator of Cirote;
Hollywood, escaped having show
pulled this week by American Guild
of Variety Artists, by placing $9,000
in escrow with the Los Angeles lo-
cal' of AGVA to coyer a salary
claim of Jerry Lester, comedian, who
played the spot some weeks ago
and refused lo accent a short pay-
off.

Lester had been booked into the
Hollywood spot for four weeks at
$2,250 per week when the curfew
hit. Hover wanted to cancel him
out immediately'.' but AGVA main-
tained the spoL would have to play
or pay the comic or his contract or
it would be declared unfair.
- Lester played the date, but still
Hover wanted him to take a cut,
handing the comic a . check for
$7,600. which was not accepted.
Comic then filed his claim with
AGVA. Nitery. ther asked arbitra-
tion of the claim.: which was con-
sented to by Lester and AGVA. but
only on condition that Hover get
another $1,400 up' prior lo arbitra-
tion, which \vi|l be held on the
Coast. He put . up the additional
-Monday 121).

Lester, who is currently at the
Roxy. N: Y:, with other dates to fol-
low, had dispatched his attorney.
Lou Mandell. to the Ceast, to repre-
sent him at the arbitration. Latter
left this week.

Russell Replies On Agent Switch
But AGVA Holds Him to G AC Pact

Andy Russell, singer, who is try-
ing to vamp from his seveu-year ex-
clusive contract with General Anuis.
Corp. to the William Morsis agency,
was wised up last week by Mort H.
Rosenthal, counsel for AGVA, that
his attempt to dismiss GAC was not
in regular procedure' as obtains In
AGVA contracts. It was further
pointed out that if Russell had just
cause for a change the matter should
have been submitted to., the talent
union for advisement.

Russell's reply by telegram yester-
day (Tues.) stated that he believed
he "was justified in changing . agents,
which he would prove at the proper
lime. Despite this, Rosenthal insists
Russell must file charges against
GAC, and, it they stand up, the tal-
ent union would probably give him
permission to arbitrate.

Russell's stance seems to have
been, according to previous reports,
'that he would be in the clear on the
swap if he continued, to' pay .commis-
sions, to GAC. as well as Morris, on
all dates gotten for him by the latter
agency. Malt Shelvey. national ad-
ministrator of AGVA. said this could

CLARENCE STROUD

announces

personal managtment
MATTY ROSEN

Currently. LOEW'S STATE
in N*w York* City

Guett Appearance (May 211
GINNY SIMMS PROGRAM
NIC

OPA Posts Victory Over
Rochester Spot on Points

Rochester. N. Y.._ May 22. •
The Chateau, one- of the town's
lop nightclubs, has been ordered by
the OPA to stop serv'-ig all rationed
roods, effective May 28. because or
misstatements on applications for,
allotments.

Order provides for suspension as
long as the Government rationing
program is in effect. Harold Mi-
chaels, operator, claimed in defense
that he had left the bookkeeping to
employees and didn't know of any
discrepancy.

Billy Rose Protests
To Mayor LaGuardia
On Fingerprinting Order

Billy Hose, president of the Allied
Food & Entertainment Industries of
Greater New York, organization of
nitery owners, in a letter to Mayor
LaGuardia charged,, discrimination
against a legi'iimale business because
of the recent, police order which
orders nitery ops to be fingerprinted
if the police commissioner asks it.

Rose declared that if all citizens
and all business men had to be
fingerprinted in order to gel- a
license then there would be no ob-
jection, but the demand for finger-
printing makes bonifaces look like
either actual or potential criminals.

Rose declares, that tjie section of
the order forcing owners lo prohibit
entrance to persons of questionable
character is in violation of the
Stale's civil rights law which bans
restaurant and hotel men from dis-
crimination. Rose said that niteries
cannot, employ psychiatrists, to
determine a patron's moral char-
acter.

He also told the Mayor that he
feels that industry leaders should be
consulted just as other industries are
contacted when legislation affecting
them is promulgated.

LaGuardia in his reply stated that
he is looking into the matter and
will write Rose at a later date.

not square matters as there was the
prestige angle and others involved.
Shelvey opined that a contract is .
contract, and is binding; And, ■ u.ntR
AGVA has threshed out the matter
Russell is considered still under con'
tract to GAC.

Should Russell continue lo handle
the affair his own way and not u
AGVA insists, the uiiipn, according-
to Shelvey. could suspend the singer
for conduct unbecoming a member
which would bar him from appear.!
ing in AGVA-pactcd vaude houses or
niteries. Union lias told Russell this,
and is awaiting singer's next move,
• Agent members of the Artists Rep-
resentatives Ass'n in N. Y. are con-
cerned iii the outcome of the fracas.
They feel thai if such a switch can
be made sans substantial grounds,
the exclusive contract isn't worth the
inking.

Madernalres, vocal group former- v
ly with .Glenn Miller, secured a re-
lease from, a contract wild Wm.
Morris agency, which ran until Sep-
tember. '46. and signed with Gen-
eral Amur Corp.

"HOW TO MASTER THE CEREMONIES"
JQ 00 . (T*a Art or SscceuM Eaaceelaql %%W

**' ty IILLY GLASON V

"Out «r tlw (mint UC'i In llie lmilr.nr
(Mrk Ktjiiir.)

"...•in Sf»<lfr «' OrrinnDlei . . . It*"

Isn't • Uellrr out.- •unrtirrtl"

' (WAI/TKK WJM'HKI.l. 1 ,
HittlVrlu ItyaMa la raala MaiUh. CM W.MIh M.. Nev Vara 1», M. V.

J i r

Saranac Lake

By Happy Benway

Rose Goldstein, after a too-long
faithful service here, was handed
her go-home papers from the Rogers.

James Wotton. Warner construc-
tion engineer from Albany, has
{ progressed so well he's ogling his old
job.

! Inez Dclores Liverpool sporting

j good reports since her arrival from
Boston, where she sapped up a 10-
da.y furlough.

Harry Martin, comedian and m.c.
weekending and fishing here, in be-

] tween treatments for laryngitis;
Helen Grupp. Republic secretary.

jail hot and. bothered over the fact
she was moved from the infirmary
to be with the upped patients on the

! Ilrst floor. ...
Sally Marshall vacashing for the
summer with her father, Jimmv
Marshall, at his Gabriel. N. Y..
o/.oning cottage. He has recuperi
from a bed routine handed to him
via pleurisy.

Joe Anderson making a fine come-
back.

Muriel Shcedel back to the. Rog-
ers after a try in the Big Town.
Needs a little more rest.

Stella Pcbbler has progressed: so
much she's taking up nursing at the
Will Rogers in hopes of being added
to the staff of the hospital.

Alice Farley added to the shopping
team that docs the downtown buying
for the bedders.

Pauline Russell, who took too
many years to make the. grade, is
now on the general hospital staff
six days a week and lea'dit in the
ladles bowling league.
, „|VrJie U. those wh» are III.

GEO. TYSON RESIGNS
AMA, JOINS 'VANITIES*

George D. Tyson, general manager
of "Ice-Capades" and executive di-
rector of the Arena Managers Assn..
resigned this week to take over as
general manager of "Skating Vani-
ties" lo supervise production, man-
agement and promotion.

Tyson will sLay at his present post
until John Harris-, AMA— president,
returns from the Coast, where hc*s
working on the new edition of the
ice show.

AFEI to Supply Shows
For Returning Soldiers

Allied Food and Entertainment
Industries of Greater New York,
cafe opertdorsLorganization. will at-
tempt to provide daytime entertain-
ment for* nfcwly returned GI's. Or-
ganization has been asked by mili-
lary authorities to get shows Tor re-
assignment centers in this area for
men who have just gollen off the
boat.

Organization will attempt to book
around 30 . shows monthly since
servicemen arc being rclutyicd'from
the European area at an iiicrcasing
rale. '

AFEI will not sel any evening
shows since that time will be taken
tare of by USO-Gamp Shows

Chicago
Discovers

FERRUARY

EDGEWATER REACH
HOTEL
CHICAGO

MARCH
ILACKHAWK CAFE

CHICAGO

APRIL
CHICAGO
CHICAGO

CURRENTLY

ORIENTAL

CHICAGO

M.tNAf'KMtf.N'T

New Yerfc
STAN ZUKOR
Chko^a
DAVIP P. O'MALLEY
Cleveland
FRANK SCNNiS

GRACE DUFFY

HK.VI' KK<i\HI>S

"HIM'KIIKI.V VOfKS

IRVING SHAPIRO

iUt» H>ll Illli Nlrt-rl
. MriHikl.vii S4. Ktw Vork

"DELIGHTED THE AUDIENCE"

Hrtty M'lnlrr. tVuxliiiielon liiilli'

THE MACK TRIPLETS

On T.ur With plill S»lt»ln»

EkIii. Man-rial IVwiiol »«.

HARRY COHEN PHIL FARRELl

IM7 BrM*w»y H30 Btninn

TOMMY LYMAN

KMOH HArtmlOAN AMI HAHT TO ItODtlKNX AMI HART
Apfwarinc NlUIr at
JIMMY RYAN'S EAST SIDE
. M Kn»l Milt Hlwt. »w Tork (Nmr rark Arrnnr)
NiMirhil Matarial hr MIV.T FNANt'lH

WeJnetwhy, M»y 23, 1945

mi

49

OT JUST A DROP
IN THE BUCKET

doh

Biggest day's business in the history of the Big
Show occurred Saturday, April 21st, 194$. An
all-time, record-breaking day, exceeding all pre-
vious box-office triumphs by several thousand
dollars. AND NO WONDER ... . . these first-line
drama critics and reviewers called the shot.

Here's a toast to the circus. Bigger'n better than ever.
Courageous, indomitable. And where can you find
more wonderful entertainment for Your money?"

ROBERT COLEMAN
New York Daily Mirror

* * * *

"This year, the circus has everything . . . the most en-
tertaining I have ever seen."

ROBERT GARLAND
New York Journal-American

* * * *

"Lovely, imaginative and humorous . . something for
everybody • . • sumptuous . . . but the old familiar circus
is still there . . .greatest clowns on earth ..."

JOHN CHAPMAN
New York Daily News

> * * *

"The applause from a packed house proved it was still
the Big Show . . . 'Alice in Circus Wonderland' is a revo-
lution . . . expertly balanced for all ages . .

IRVING SPIEGEL
The New York Times

* * * *

"The Greatest Show on Earth . . . Singling Brothers and
Barnum & Bailey Circus. It still is, right from the first
vendor's call . . . it's all wonderful."

THE NEW YORK SUN

* * * *

"Three hours of dazzling spectacles, splashed with span-
gles and buckets of gold paint ... as much to be seen as
any one pair of eyes can accommodate."

NEW YORK HERALD TRIBUNE

* * * *

"A thumping/ walloping, old-fashioned circus . . ..the
dream of every small boy multiplied . . . nostalgic."

NAOMI JOLLES
The New York Post

-* * * *

"Innovations and new features gaolre . . . 'Alice in Cir-
cuit Wonderland' breathlessly beautiful ..."

PINCUS W. TELL ;
Bronx Home News

"The circus is still on its toes . . . Ringhng Bros, and
Barnum & Bailey Circus is back, imaginative, rich in
dress and color, extravagant in talent and as crazy as
ever . . Kvw Yorkers are assured of their money's
worth."

FREDERICK WOLTMAN
New York World-Telegram

* ★ # *

"Costumes stunningly gaudy ... a good, deal of stylo
. . . splendid Deems Taylor music ... swell, superb and
colossal ..."

KRONENBERGER

PM -

* ★ * ★

"Many incredible spectacles . . . gaudy splendor . . .
. neither snow nor rain nor sleet nor gloom of night shall
stay The Greatest Show on Earth . . . extravaganza su-
preme."

WILL GORDON
The Morning Telegraph

* ★ * ★

"Vast and spectacular circus with all the splendor,
thrills and hilarity so dear to the hearts of the American
people."

N. Y, ENQUIRER

* * * *.

"Beauty, thrills, whimsy and laughter ... Something
to suit every taste . . . terrific applause for all . . ."

KELCEY ALLEN
Women's Wear Daily

* * * *

"Madison Square Garden ablaze with excitement last
night for the event of the year ... no parallel so far as
popular entertainment goes . . . dressed and staged by
Robert Ringling with consummate skill . . ."

ETHEL COLBY
The Journal of Commerce

Opening Under New, Flameproof Canvas at Washington, D. C, June 5 „

RIMNIi BROS. AID BARIM & BULGY CIRCUS

so

Ptiutltftr

Wednesday, May 23, 1945

Variety- Bills

WEEK OF MAY 25

N'Bmrral. In rn'nim'tlaa wllb bills iMlovf Indicate opening- -da* ol' allow'
whrlhrt fall or tplll wvrk

Loew

SKIV .Y.ftHK <'ITV
f'Hiillvl C-D •

Cllly ] jitulin l-ilo Oil-
June. l(ii\.iic

> "H Hi KOIlHil
Jftt»> ' AlltttiiK

M.i i (; 1'lnm

Slulf (•!!)

Killy C«l-linU*

10 j M.i'il Wiigs

Miller & .li-iie
Jt'.ill.v Hull.-,
ram-hfi (in--

WAMIINOTON ■
< ii|illiit ('.'I)
IVm |iursf>
\\ i'HH»l, livoj, .
,lo:tn I'fti-li'i-
■ I' I H' SiiiKnir J'mhm-s

( I'iiui- in /111)
HI'HI.MirlKI.O
t'tmrl Hq --il »
I I I Hn.Ml* ,11km:, « H

I'oi:k\ TRylur 3
l.m> IihvI.i .
Kim-iiU-iv Knle.v
\V K J Jlrun ii

Paramount

NWV YORK CLTV.
VMrutiloiint (113)'
fliRM .Sl>lvnK Uil _
]>oimi Slnr|ili\
.In SinfTonl
Ti|>. Tim'* Toe
CHICAGO.
ClilrilKl) CisV
Pa\e A:iollon-.Ci» /

NiU N>lsoli
('Million Bru?

Kr«iil :<f.i>
I)ul;i- Kilhicuiii Bd
.li-v- * .lahii'M .
CuiiWay * I'arlis
.MIAMI
(>l.) ilililn (5S).

Till* 1 **.Hl (M'H . . ,

.'{ - J|Hrii)0)ik-a Rpi*il8
l'rtiHSfnll .Mull n't;
l.nn' \ - uk'i* ■ '

IHU cn. Ji> ill &. l*Ji

RKO

HOSTON
ltOMluii ('Ml
Coup Kiujih On-
» Writs.
Hob l>u|iout ■

W WTON
1IKO (SI)

Vaughn Monroe Ore
<:ny Kllilic-c

.>t*:u) JfluiK-lie

Uuxi M i I II I

tVASIipNCTON
• llmviir.l (Sll)
llnild) .Itililltiini Ore
lioii. snip n- .luni|i
Tin* 3 Kh)K*
lt:ti-|piii lIlKlilnnili-K
1'nl ifrniii) & .liti-Kau

Cabaret Bills

NEW I0KK CITY

ItiH'e On.* 90'*
Gllicl Giluerr
lie rule Crnuer
Harold Wlllard
.inch Kyo'n
Charles Kirlekland
Jimmy Li urn*
flill Kctaey-
Oay Do's Quartette,

- Blue AobH
.Milflrcd Unllry
KUrile Mayclioff
Irene Bordoni
Bohliy Short
Chlttlbon Trio
Cafe Society
(L'ptuwo)
Jimmy Savo •
Jioloivn Mfiriln
"K k mie ( h Spencer
1-tc.i Kl-Rfl .

Cene Field (3)
1*1) j I AIoqi c- Ore

<'rtfe .SriH'irfv
(Dowolovrn)

.Tosh While
Mary I.ou.Wms
CIUT VFnrUsbn
lino^ne Cora'
KO tJall Ore

. Hotel l*l»xn _^
Mnli CihiiI Oiv
Ilikl4-Hur<le

, little* Itooarvell

HiWIlr tflOJie .Ol'C
llurr: n.ivnji Clou
•K:i>. KiiH^ei

jsi»y tvx bu

(iiift 'f'C'lcinenlo Ore

llolrl Si. R*kI»

.1o^e;i1ilne Unualon
ItOHirlce St Gomez

AMUer Ore-'
T Uroolib Orc.in
Dot itilty Shay .
Tuiil S|>nn Oi'fi
XmbyAo Ore

lintel Trtfl
Vlnreut T.onez Ore
llnlrl U'nMnrr-A
llri'nt'u!i'.A\'ll)l;uiUi 2

A'n-un ia f'onlovn .■-
N" Liiainl Wynne Ore

leelnnil
Fra nlile Mm low*
T;i l i.i n T.ntnat'A
l.on Mnrtln Ore
. Jlinni> Krllv**

BOOKING THE NATION'S LEADING INDEPENDENT
VADBEVILLE THEATRES

EDWARD SHERMAN AGENCY

NEW YORK

PARAK0UN1 . BUILDINO

BEVERLY HILLS. CAL

CALIFORNIA BANK BLOO

coi.iMBrs

1'alHi'f .(MII-XI)
T'.i iiny i.lio J lorn*
Millar' Muiloi*nuire»
7'n)il» Kelly
Ben Beii

Asy luni of llorrory

RAX I HANCIM'O
(iiililpii Uulr C!X)

R.'iyinuiiil W'illieii

J'eleli A' Deiiuvllle .

J!lll>. fiill.eil ■ .

Kl.iiK Si«

l.»lnl-erU

KKW YORK CITY

Slriiiid .'(«)■
Shei) Kielilp Oreli
Mnnivlleli HrhcmIs
Tile fontalnei*

rHII.AKRI.PHIA
Karle C~Bj

Boyd Rneburn pre .
t)i) Iiaillb

Helmut liunlitic
Amli-pu King:
Boh Ciiffny.

WANMI.S«iTON
Karle C!.1)
JlOTyelieH
Shu Rynn
Snudrn Barrel!
t'lipjiior UDtphln
alary J.ou Brcivcr

VEW YORK CITY

Muale Hall (SI)
Aticliulhia
Win Dollar
Fdwaid Bololielt
Bernard (irlfllu
Win .luild
O'oiiy .('iiliaa
Gei) C'ronlli
8ld C'ldeanalft

Rniy (S3)
C ount Ba9le Ore
P.uy Sax • ' ■
The 3 Roclielu
Tlio f>Wll)K S
Jerry J.ealer

I.ON(; ISLAND

Jamalea
Keith ( lurk
4 I'll. Vii Clrlj
Ai-nle llartninn
Meliler * Harriet
(One lo nil)

DM-25)
BusiiiflHiiin leliyilini
<Tliie« to nil)

ATLANTIC. CITV
Million nnllnr I'ler
(SO-SO)

Whiter Roberii

(ST-SO)
J. & B Blancr
BOSTON
Bradrrri Hotel (24)
Al;irly Drake
Mildred .Wayne
'J'he linarioH
HII(.M) BROOK
Brook («r<St)
Bolv & M Ciatea
l.niiia St C'lierrle
Deede Darnell
CAMDKN
Totrera (25-'^")
r.il Hill St .loan
H:irry HlelTcn
ArniHIld St I'nllelle'
l'-|Mlicr & White
Munl.ina Kid
KI.I'/.ABKTII
Liberty (ZW,)
I'Yed I'.ookle
'riiinmy Dow'd '
.Inp >lay
MnrriH & Morrlii
(One lo All)
. HARTFORD
Slnle C!5-27) .

AMerico'i Laadlsg laoVpeadeHt
Aqenr '

EDDIE SMITH

1501 Broadvfray

New York

Ann C'orio' ,
■Sieve Kvunu

3f > ItOll Sir! _
JlHl HllIHls (.lil'lM

l,0\i\» I'linin Ore
6 J>oAlnrco Sin
I'hwh Utollieis
3 Dale SIh
Lew I'nrlter

BriUhnorn 4

UALTI.MORK
UllMXHlromn (21)
Tho Oroyson«
Plil) & M Crane
C.*y Keeves
QauLlfir's Brleltlayr.s

Royal <23)
Ceorgle Auld Ore.
. Dorothy Donegun
Fay'B Boxing ,C*al« '
Ciiuck & Chuckles

SUt« (MM)
t Shades RliylJnn'
Jluiniy .lamer.son
Jules & TiU

The lukHpoln
( "utie Willluiii.it Or
Ml In r'itZK'erii'ld
' uke tft'Vuktt
llnlph Hrn'wti

rinrADKi.riiiA

rn r niu ii (MR)

T /ii fry A l-yiin
.Mnr.i On i MNWovt Ii
Slo\fns Jii-o fh Hour
H'lllou' (iruve I'ark

(n only)
^ Sliatlen Kii.Mhni '
Julen A- Tllk

.lnnuiy .lainerM'i
yteveiiM Hro * Bear

(.HO only) .
The Texann
Sid fie Uonnie Denn
Arinand &, Pallelle
3J6 Cohs '

PBOVIDENC'R
Mfitropolll'n UfU27)
.Ionian St. Pai-vIh
Ilodrty Mr«'J)ovvb]1
Four Klgins

(amlvnl

\V .Hovrler L>er»
. 4 - .Mun ociinji ■
The CibHOiia
I'luInO Mnlloy

W'lilrlwjndH
I »on Mc<trnne Oic
An Mooney Ore
CmmIbo Runi*
Olga Hnclnnova ■
Adla KuznoUoff
Simeon KarzaefT
Codolbnn Ore
Club IB

A1 IHson .

Joe Munn
Ann Denis.
Cave Dixon
M;«rela Kent
Vineent Btvnon
Gordon Andrew* C

Copneat»HitM
Xavler OrK^l Ore
(ictiiKie Price
CarciuH

I.oiils Del C'ntnpo
)iilda Uttinos ■ .
])on Dennlfl
Jbel Jierron

Con R*'uc»
Dlclt Wilson Orcb
IHkunoari Bom«aliM
Bob Hall
•Tohniiy Purke
lilonel K:iye *
Emma Francis
Hazel Man gran 4
Marc la Dole
Cecil Lowln
Gloria I.eRoy
Billy Banks
Bill Ciuentmeyer
Mitchell Brother
Michael Kdivaidi
ilorl ncld Ore
Vincent Travcra Ore

400 Clob
J5enny Good man Ore
Murhllo Ud
' Havuna-Sladrld
F I ores £• DeCordubn
.IJmmy Stilton
Hi'iior Mardo
Maria J/Otilfir T.ope?.
C-niloH Varela Ore
Hotel A mbti»HH(lnr
l.oiiis Bclnncouri O
Jules loirido Ore

Hotel A nl or
Snnnny Kaye Ore
Joho ■ Morn nd Oru
lion Perry Ore

- llOlel Dl'lllHlDt

I'lnui

C.j\e Roberta
.1h % v teller
Kill lluwll
K'ailnyn I >iiiT\- Pcrx
Mno Morale."* Ore
'f'uynon lie Ore

Hotel HIKmure
Mmum Curler
Ann U'nrreh
Unndy Stewart
.l.iiiy Me n son Ore '

Hotel Cdrtimfllllirc

Mi:<)n-I OoineM Che.

Ilnlol OlTle .
Don JJnker Ore

Ihil rl • Kdlniin
C'n i :t lino Ore. ■

Ksst'X IlintiKe .
Sinn Keller Ore
Colli Cleary

Hotel l^nlfuflun
Mom l Knl ,.
Tanu Kaua.
Tali ma
Malle
MoklhunA
Wni-old Aloma - Ore

Holel l.lneoln
Kr.sklne TJ'klna Ore
Hotel New' Ywlirt
.Toon Hyldoft -
Terry Brent .
T'lill Hotna hie
Noll Fontaine
Arnold Shoda
Sonny Dunham Ore .
Hotel rrnntvlviHiin
CJleh Gray Ore
Hold Pierre

T>i lilUllOB

Slnplpy Melba Ore .
W nll> Boafj.

I.n Uublo

Jen ii Culvlna

Kud> n L> nn

Jo Ann Collyei"

Aloifi:«

JJci.ee

Tiouiin

THnno Pope

Carter & llo.it

Joe Cu;<cllo Ore ■

1 4 'on* it
Dolly Dhwii
3 Wiie.s

S*TValHlO!1 ,1

H :i n m__4u: W e r n a y

Al:i ii Slune

Maehtto Bd

Iji Marllnlque

Harry Hlchman
Lillian Moore
Karri* Trio
Danny Daniels
N'M-asjiea Ore
Dick Ilhodea.Orc

IjiIIh Ouiirtei

Tommy Dix
MH/,zone-Abbott D
Clurfa Gilbert '
Hoaa & ],a Pierre
Don Saxon
Harold £• l.ola /
Hudson Wonders
Ben Dova
Wml Walsh
Marly Beck Ore

l e Rubnn Bleb
Mervyn. Nelson
D«ep River Boya
Monica Bovai-
.toae MeDIa
C'odric \\ allaee t

I mb A Riiaie'e

Rildla Da via
l.iM'Kwelln
Flora J nake
H*i-dl Hayilen
J>H»ny Kuberla
Sherry Briiron
Art Waner Ore

Monte Ctirlo

Hick (joNimrro Ore

Jean F Murray

l.:nly AOne

Alberib Ore.
. Oetjen'n
(HriMiklyo)

HMcii Kane

Dan llculy

JiTiy KuNer

KMeen I.r Marr

IkmIn Uau'itoii

J ihi my O'l.frteB

»iii> c.ijrriUi
Will \\ nrd
Kli-na . Fiii to*)
I'un C;i ballei o Ort
Old (t«<iim:ifiliiii
Ol^a Wo.wovu
S;i(flo Itnlil.a
Mlmi. Cniilcr
J iic l.dl'iMie Ore
iingvr» Corner
Han i l.crt otirt ;oi »
Clarl.'a I1nu*aiian» .
I In i old C.i ceo
Freshmen
M;i i'H Trio
K»t ii KoOblcrs
4>i.8 Schnly (»tc.

Splvy'a Kimi(
Sl.lv >

_ A IJou'lo
Ja> no Manners
. siuih Club
"Mnrrilc." Ort
Y'ii)\-6 -Hoist Ore
Slun Keller Ore

Veranllie*
.In no Pfekenn
Cor»aey S. Ay era
Hob Hopkins
Bob Douglas *
Marian Nilcs '
il Bergero Oro

Zanzibar .
C.|h Calloway. Ore
t.'oiinl l.e Ko'v
Du">, Drwii & Dusk
J'earl Bailey
Bill ..alley
Peewee Murottelle
Cook ,v Brown
Imrnlhy S;iiilleVa
Clnutln Jlopkitii Ore

LORRAINE ROGNAN 1
Comedy
10 Mlns.
SUte, N. V, f

Lorraine Rotjnan is still stru.^^Hhg
to And a happy medium for her ex-
cellent comodic talents: Hoi- pres-
ent choice is certainly not that me-
dium. .

Since the Lisbon" Clipper craiih. in
which she lost her husband rind part-
ner, Roy Rognan. the conii'diomie
has been hard-pressed in conLjmui.g
thc.same typo of turn in which Ru^.
nan was her straight. There have
been few foils who had the casual
charm of Roy Rojinan. And his nifty
way of throwing lines at his partner.
It's tough for anyone to try and
follow him.

W fiat Miss Rog nan is .doing on cur-
rent dates is enlisting the services
of whatever emcee happens Tci be on
the bill for the straighling: the re T
suits arc invariably nsg. Clarence
Stroud (ex-Stroud Twins) is per-
forming that chore here, and he's, not
sufficiently facile to dart those lines
at Miss Rognan.

Miss Rognan has the talent and the
propelling force to sock home in any
visual medium, but what she had best
do now is concentrate on doing a lit-
eral single, instead of picking up
someone wherever she happens to be
playing and using him as a stooge!
That's where special material comes
in. There invariably is too little time
Jor rehearsal between the comedi-
enne and her partner of the moment,
and the results in some cases are
apt to, be downright disastrous. As
a result, Miss Rognan's hig-hly novel
contortive personality too frequently
is lost amid the shuffle of what be-
comes a carelessly projected or in-
sufficiently . rehearsed piece of busi-
ness. , Kd/nt.

Night Gob Reviews

BALLET MANIACS (fi)
Dancing .

8 Mins. '
Stale, N. Y. .

The Ballet Maniacs ai:c a scxlei
of gals who go through sonic novel
dance turns, including ballet and
comedy, none spectacular. They
open the. bill here, which may be a
mistake; since they're no bon*. and
the general tenor of a State layout
requires a strong opening to set the
pace for the rest oJf the setup. .

They're a good-looking btttlit and
generally okay for modestly budg-
eted niterics and vaudc. . Knliii.

LOUMELL MORGAN TRIO .
Instrumental
8 Mlns.
State, N/Y.

The Loumell Morgan Trio- com-
prises a colored male group of piano,
guitar and bass, and they interpolate
their harmonizing with instruaipn-
tals. They're not yet strong enough
for vaude, being too similar in type
to other and better-known units.

They're nice-looking, however,
but their work makes them better
bets for the intimacy that a cocktail
lounge naturally affords them. And
that goes for radio, too. Knhn.

BEBDI HAYDEN

Danoer

4 Mins.

Leon It Eddie's, N. Y.

Blonde tapster' leans heavily on
nicely executed twirls . to put her
across. Most" other steps are stand-
ard, but she appears a strong fu-
ture entry. .

Further impresses, because of
general trim appearance Wear.

LOCKWELLS (2)
Boiler Skaters

7 Mlns. .

Leon & Eddie s, N. Y.

Obviously this combo lias been
around- for some lime. Besides the
usual whirling on skates, plus the
swinging of the femmc. male cleans
up with his iron-jaw feats wherein
he swivels gal from hi.s teclh.

Clever novelty for modest I v budg-
eted, niterics and vaude. M'eiir.

DANNY ROBERTS
M.C.-Sln?er

4 Mlns.

Leon & Eddie's, N. Y.

Good-lookiii); emcee iniprcsscs a.--'
a singer despite material.

Okay as m.c, and wijl shape tip
as. warbler once he yets oilier tunes.

Wen r. ■

FLORA DRAKtv
Singer

5 Mins.

Leon & Eddie's. N. Y.

Aub'urn-trrssed. pc-i-.Minable vvar-
bler has much above avci-aso- pipes
for a nightclub singer. Sells tunes
well, too.

Using a "Birth or -'Blues", medley
and "Every Doggone Time" lo lead
off, and could do belter or. chorus.

UY«r. •

Paalher Hoani. Chi

(HOTEL SHERMAN)

Ghicapo, Af«v 11;
Jiilinii; Dorsey Orch (19), with
JeaJi Croiiiwiell, JVria Rosu and
Teddy Walters: Dinning Sisters (3),
Bob Crtmi, Derbv Wilson & Frencnv.
Carl M nr.v; $1.50-$2.50 mi H.

Panther "Room's welcome- home
"greeting to the pre-enrfew schedules
is another one of those jive packages
that vibrates the silverware and lines
up the hepcats clear out. to Randolph
street. It s jump stuff, all the way
down the line, with Jimmy Dorsey's
potent outfit winning riiosl of the
adulation.

Familiar trademark. "Conlrasls."
In open segues into an uninhibited
"King Porter Slump" goodly por-
tion of which is devoted to leader's
slick clarinet.- to the delight of the
customers. Following which Jean
Cromwell, band's pciitc . chirpcr,
who's going it alone since breakup
Of Cromwell Sisters trio, gives a good
account of herself with "Beginning to
See the Light" and "I Dream of You"
Muni Morrow trombones a sweet
■'Lover," helping vary the. tempo of
a mostly breakneck swing sesh; and
Nita Rosa, Colombian inaraca shaker,,
who isn't top heavy vocalwise. per-
force sells "Caramba" and "True,
Mon. True" via the wiggle-ogle route

Nine brass-6 reed-4 rhythm, gang
take over again with vibracious
John Silver," in which Cliff Leeman
beats the skins limp, not to mention
the and. Derby Wilson and Frenchy,
mixed sepia duo, give with patter
and taps, distaff member proving
more ornamental than useful and guy
really selling the act with taps to
"Moonlight on. the Ganges" and vo-
cals to. "Sweet Georgia Brown" while
she highkicks.

Teddy Walters, male vocalist, reg-
isters with "I Should Care" and "It
You Are But a Dream." and saxes
prove boffo substitutes for strings in
band's closer, "Holiday for Strings '
Dinning Sisters register '; as minor
league Andrews Sisters again, in "Pig
Foot Pete." "Candy." "My Blue
Heaven' 'and "You're a Character
Dear.", latter proving most likeable
of the run-of-the-niine quartet .of
tunes. Bob Crum. h.o. 8Ber. runs the
gamut from classics to boogie, and
Carl Marx' mazda nose startles cus-
tomers as of yore.. Mil.-r,

.lack Lvnrli N. Phlllv

(HOTEL WALTON)

Pliilndelpltin. Mat; 18.
Jackie Miles, Paul DuUe, Marylin
Day, Line' (8), Eddie DeLnca Oich
(6) : .no cover or tniii . dinners $2.50
up. - .

Quite a contrast between the
smooth, subtle mannerisms, of Jackie
Miles, current comic at Jack Lynch's,
and the booming, punchy delivery
of his predecessor, . Buddy Leiler.
Jackie's humor, though of the quiet
variety, is nonetheless plenty enter-
taining.

The guy has added a couple of new
routines to his already voluminous
stock. When caught he rang the bell
with his hilarious . rendition' of
"Honeysuckle Rose" and takeoff on
a refreshment salesman in a burley
house. Added is a trick arrangement
of "You Made Me Love Yon" and a
wide variety of gags.

Paul Duke, magician, is ano'Jier
smooth operator. His forte is pick-
ing lighted cigarettes out of thin air,
cutting paper into bewildering de-
signs and manipulating cards in
mystifying fashion.

Marylin Day is new in these parts.
A chantcuse. she has a refreshing
youthful charm and knows her song-
selling. ,—

Line consists of an octet of charm-
ers, bedecked in new coslumes and
well routined. Music chore is han-
dled with eclat by Eddie DeLuca's
band. Room capacity— jammed when
reviewed (Fri. midnight).

Shal.

Marino Room. Chi

(EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL)

■ Chicnj/0, May 5:
Arthur JVelson, Terry ■ O'Donnell.
Dorothy Hild Dancers- ■ (\0), Emil
Vandas . Orch (17) icifli Trudw
Marsh and George: Devron; $3-$3.50
?)ihii?»mii.

Morey Amsterdam 111

Morey Amsterdaiiii, .co-f oiriposer of
"Rum and Coca-Cola" who started
at the- Golden Gale theatre, San
Francisco, Wednesday (16), fell out
of the program the following day
because of a hernia 'and *vas re-
moved lo a hospital.'

He will play the house, at a later
date.

Management, in deviating from its
policy of no holdovers, has made- a
wise move in retaining Terry O'Don-
nell for the current revui- as the
robust tenor steals and stops, the
show with his excellent vocals. For-
merly of "Oklahoma!" and "Student
Prince" companies. O'Doiincll socks
over such numbers as "Same Old
Shillalagh," "If You Are But a Dream"
and a medley of "Oklahoma!" tunes,
rncoring with. "Trees" to terrific
palmwhackiftg.

Arthur Nelson and Marionettes
score also. Nelson manipulates the
strings so the characters seem al-.
most lifelike. These, include a Chi-
nese juggler: a monkey doing acro-
ba tics on a trapeze and a drtmk go-
ing through all the motions.

Dorothy . Hild's dance numbers, as
usual, are lively and colorful. Out-
standing is the "Mexiconga" with six
of the girls in Carmen Miranda set-
ups and the other four girls in
hooped -skirts and lade headgear,
Number closes in fiesta fashion, the

girls parading with lighted lantern,
as O'Donnell sings a Mexican tun?
Other of th.e eye-filling numbers arc
to Chopin's "Fantaisje Impromptu"
"Dance, of the Trios" ah'd the "Ball>»
in Blue," all nicely done. 1
Emil Vandas' Orchestra, which Is
being taken over as the nucleus of
Wayne King's new outfit this sum-
mer, mixes poptunes with numbers
thai show off . his flddle section of
four, and please the dancers besides
playing the .show. Vocals arc neatly
done by Gcorce Devron. oiie of the
violinists. and Trudy Marsh. Morg.

Mavfalr Bloom. Chi

(BLACKSTONE HOTEL)

V Chicago. May 2

CalirGnli. £llsu>orlh & Fnircfii'ld
Die): LaSalle Orch (9); $2.50 i/iiiii.'

tlllD'l.

Spot, which usually has onlv 0 ne
outstanding act as its Moor show, has
a double-feature, in the combination
of Gali-Gali.and Ellsworth and Fair-
child.

Gali-Gali, magician, is standard
with his routine of corks and baby
chickens manipulated in and out of
brass -. cups. • Works fast and his
sleight-of-hand never fails to baffle
the payees. His. card tricks are
amusing, as is his $5 bill-in-the-
orange gimmick- and draws plenty
of laughter when he produces numer-
ous chicks from the clothing of men
from, tjie audience. Registers big. '
. Ellsworth and Fairchild are differ-
ent than the usual dance team seen
here. Using ballet technique tha
team docs "Slaughter . On Tenth
Avenue." a flirtation , story in danc»
and panto, combining toe work, bal-
let leaps and precision, wlin graes
and finesse and following with , a
modern Apache stint along, same
lines for good results.

Dick LaSalle and his .orchestra
continue to furnish excellent dance
rhythms, mixing the old tunes with
the new,' the modern, wilh Latin
numbers and keeping the postage-
slamp, floor crowded at all times.

Morg.

Little Tommy Dix is the current
headline click at the Latin Quarter
N. Y. With Dix (on leave from the
Metro lot ), and Shea and Raymond
added within the past week, Lou
Walters maintains his' long-estab-
lished strong commercial . tempo
here.

Shea 8c Raymond who came In
from a booking at Earl Carroll's in
Hollywood, .have been. at the Latin.
Quarter before. They continue to
impress as one of the best male
comedy dance teams in the busi-
ness.

It's difficult to reconcile Dix's
height and youthful, appearance
with that strong baritone, and he's
a sock, of course.

Balance of the show, holding over,
includes the furnilure-s m a s Ii i n g
Mazzone & Abbott apache dancers—
an excellent terp aggregation who
apparently go with the lease by now:
Harold & Lola, by now also a* fixed
asset With their snake-dance routine;
Ben Dova, vet drunk act; Geraldina
Sc Rae Hudson,, femme aero-tum-
blers; Don Saxon, vocalist: Gloria
Gilbert, ballerina; Marly Beck orch
with Wini Walsh, singer. And, of
course, the nifty line in sundry
gorgeously-costumed dance routines.

Mori. •

Max Gordon and Herbert Jacoby
put over a show-manly coup in
coupling Irene Bordoni and Mildred
Bailey in their swank eastsidery.
With these attractions the Blue
Angel. N. V.. has sufficient pulling 1
power to gel patronage from all over
town, wilh Eddie Maychoff.'s co-
medics providing added insurance
for heavy business. .

Miss Bordoni is still a lop per-
former whose present . song rendi-
tions enhance her top musical-com-
edy rating of some years back. She's-
.a personable singer whose chanteus-
ing of Gallic. Waltzes and a medley
.of . songs she introduced provide
plenty ■ cur-nppc:;l: In addition she
puts over "Love Is Sweeping the '
Counli-y" and :: >' \v and blue ver-
biage tp "Let's iJo It." She takes
several earned bows.

Miss BailcyV faculty of pulling
subtle indigo connotations into the
most innocent of numbers is still
bolt. Mayehoff Ivas been an East Side
fixture for years. His sk'richcs are
pretty familiar by now. but llicy've
lost none of their punch. lie gets .
top mitts for them.

Completing the lineup arc the
Herman Chittison Trio, plenty ca-
pable in the showbacking and musi-
cal .departments', and Bobby Short,
colored singing pianist, who at-
tempts smart : song . delivery but
hasn't acquired the nacessary savvy
for it. His ivorying is much bctlcr.
Jose.-

Enoch Light's orchestra follows
Johnny Richards al Palisades Park,
Fort . Lee, N. .T., June 9 for three
weeks. Richards opens a new long-
run policy at the spot May 20 with
Mutual wires.

* e ,lnos<lny, May 23, I<H5

LEGITIMATE

51

Wilder's Skm of Our Teeth' Looks
Like Big Click on London Preem

London, M;iy 22.

Ti,6vnion wii.dy's -The Skin of <i?5 r pk rani i» Production

Our Teelli." which a couple of sea- 1 r irCDrana r rUQUCllOR

sons ago won the Pulitzer prize in
America, came to the West End last
week, the Phoenix, and was criti-

Boiight for Aussie

The entire production of. "Hie
Firebrand of Florence."' Max Goi>

clly acclaimed. With Vivian Leigh .- cent sMortv , lved Broadway

being .notably hailed in the lead. i mu . <ical has been' bought by Dorothy
and Laurence Oliver producing awl ' S1eWi)I . t fol . , he j C . Williamson
directing, the chances are for good j lhe(lll . es of . Australia.' This -w.iir.be
boxoffice. It did sock bi* in _ [|,. st time an entire production
previous , eight weeks before w m " :j, MS been bought to be shipped Down
jnj? to town. Under.

Fredric "-March, talluliih Bank- r Purchase does not include the play,
head and Florence' Heed had the , as yet. script,' however, being under
leads ii) the'.' Broadway version, consideration.

which, was produced by Michael ; _ , —

Myerbeig. ■!

•Gay Pavilion," William Lips-.,
comb's historical play, came into 1he
Picadillv May IS. was. well received
and is eiven an even chance of suc-
cess. It stars Mary Ellis. .

"Night and the Music," which
preemed at the ': Coliseum May 17.
got o IT to a' rousing start and is
-'.-assured-' of success. Critics were
lavish i

Taxi With a Fringe

A stew down front fit "Okla-
homa!" (St. James, N.Y.) last
week, started to doze, but opened
his eyes when Harry Stock well
started singing "Surrey With a
Fringe on Top." He gave out
with an unearthly yell. „
• Guy then climbed wer the
legs of halt a dozen peoqte, went
to the orchestra rail, Olossed a
l'umpled dollar onto /he stage,
yelling: "Go get a taxi." Ushers
were at his side by then and he
was hustled out of the theatre'.

N. Y. Court Rules Producers Can't
Buy Tickets to Reach, 'Stop' Limit

4 Justice Bernaid. Slieintag in N. Y.
supreme court handed down a de-
! cision last Friday (18) that may

Closing of "Merely Coincidental"

Big Legit Sked
For 7th Loan

Most expensive schedule of le« i t
I performances in support of the Sev-
! enth War Loan has been mapped,
i it including attractions on Broadway;
and out of town, but the start has
been delayed because of an unex- •
' peeled block. Actors and the stage j
( unions, with - the: exception, of. the •
; stagehands; have assented to partici-
. pate gratis. Explained that the mat- [
ler was not decided by the deck- j

News: McCoy 'Pinafore'

Plovino- at "NT Y 'Haiis* •: P«» v «- important to Broadway.- Rul-
ria^mg.ai x. xiuusi ing jn effcct make . it i mpr0 per f or a

With two musicals based on «:l-.j producer to buy tickets so that the

bert & Sullivan's "H. M. S. Pina- |g ross will equal or exceed the slop

fore" on the veige; of Broadway , , imit st i pi ,i a ted in the contract, so

openings, the original Pinafore" ih a t- a • level would be - reached

is also being played here. ••Memphis j -whereby the sharing terms are in

Bound", opening Thursday. i24l at CIC asod or decreased in favor of the

the Broadway, and : the Kaufman- !- theatre or show

Moore-Gaxlon musical. "Hollywood!

Pinafore," is due little later; \

il". ., ' in Boston, Saturday (19); after 11 i ....
n -their; pra.se. It is Em.le | , t was acconl . , hands union, because of its recent

election, when new officials were ! u looks i ike the only w ay it'll ; come ' action

. . . . . tryout performances, was acconi- 1

Liltler's most pretentious musical p,,,^,, b y a clash of lempe; amenls.

It has been common practice in
»»■/-.-■ . r^- , .. j j show business for managers of

McCoy 'Pinafore opened Friday ) and lheatl . es to buy tickets

it the box ifTices for such purposes,
i but the Sheihlag decision will rule
l out such procedure if upheld.
I Decision W3< handed down in the
] ca.-c of Luc Sabinson. producer of
i "Trio.'' and Max. .1'. Jeiin. who last
| fall operated- the. Belasco, N. Y. To
prevent receipts ot the show falling
below the $10,000 stop, limit. Sabin-
son bought enough tickets to reach
(mil fie u re, but Jeiin gave the show
Chicago;- May 22.'-- | closing' - notice. Former secured a
i Union vs. management stew at the j temporary stay and the court ruled
|Opera House is still bubbling. *nd;°n that injunction, dismissing the

(18) at the Proviheelown playhouse j
for limited run.

See Arbitration
OfChiATAMRow

years, utilizing, three revolving. The actors were' involved only inci- 1 pUt L lnto ,' °" ice: Matter is expected ; 0llt rig ht.is through arbitration, with

. ■ i . a ~ t ]Q0 i 1a Kja nlQi*vAa/1 K\r 4 Via nnt/iii e o v _ ...... « ' .... ' _

stages and has a cast of o«r

K,T Stevens-Marlowe
At Odds WHh Lawf ord

I dentally, but there were Wordy bat
ties between. Don Appell, young ac-
tor-producer; Charles Haddock, who
wrote the play, and Maxwell Rud-
dock, his brother, one of the priji-
■ cipal backers, all being new in legit.
- Author's brother publishes labor
III fill frt hi. Tnrtlft . trade P a Pe ls . and in on the argu

in uu- u>. ui- luiuc ; menls t00 were olher

Chicago. May 22. [eluding Sid Bloom and
AfteK eight months in. the same | but it's principally a tainuy anair,;. u| , der . simitar auspices during the
: show, K.:t. Stevens and Hugh Mar- j doused with recriminations. Sixth War Loan drive. Stated- that

lowe aren't speaking to Betty Law- Differences arose before the show; WHdbel ; g did not "beat the barrier-
ford, and vice versa, except onstage. , went into rehearsal. Appell saying , but enter€d int0 the p] an with the
They're the cast of the Chi company , that it was agreed that he - rewrite ; specia |t y - ,'tbre" before being notified
of "Voice of the turtle." - i the script.. When the Hub^dale fiz- ., Qf the genei . al p | an b y the League

It's just another one of those 1 f lcd ^ V 1 ?. bac ^ r f blamed the direc- \ of New York Theatres, through
actors' .squabbles, with MUs Stevens i to''- . st f l,n K h » l .writer • Haddock,* ! wh j ch the bond performances were
and Marlowe signing up for run-of- 1 " W'f script should have been vc- ■; - schedu l e d.

the play last week and Miss Lawtord j - . ^ t «** " h« ; -

Inked only till the show closes here, d f b >'«- Appell resigned, there being
which will probably be in the early P ^ ot shouted imprecations from
Fall. 'Then it's skedded for the f hands. "Merely was produced
Coast and Miss Lawtord goes to N. Y. i by Leslye Karen who ,s Mrs: Max-

; _ ; well Raddock and who is reported

: having gone to the Coast with the
PAP APEP. A rAK RIH ' idea of getting Dore Shary to direct
IWI VI Ltin WLO D1U ; the play, whi^h is slated to go into

IN N. Y. MET AREA 1 day"" sal agaiM in " four : r flve

Grand, opera has'fared well in the • Miss Karen was connected with

possibility of . complete revision of
lne clause in Assn. of Theatrical Agents
and Managers contracts governing
hiring of house managers seen if op.

i to be clarified by the union s ex
• ecutive board at the end of
■ week.- .[
r Meantime. John Wildberg has an-

; nounced ' a bond performance ol ; e ralors win their point. Here's the j uring in another phase of the show'a
i "Anna Lucasta." Mansfield; N. Y. v wav , t . lines u'p to dale:- ' . , stormy engagement: After the

next Sunday (27i. For the second . j c Thompson, operator of the •' ouster. Moss refused to transfer the
lime a deal to dispose of. tickets by nu g e backer Bldg., which houses ! Belasco license to the owners unless

There- were a number of "inci-
dents'.' during the stay of "Trio."
which terminated after Jeiin . was
dispossessed, from the theatre, with
License Commissioner Paul Moss fig-

r backers in : the -. P urch,8e ' of bonds through the ,' both Opera House and Civic theatre, j "Trio" was taken off, which it was.

Ted Ruskin Arn0,d Constable store V»s. ar " j is sticking to his guns in: refusing to 1. That immediately excited a charge
famiiv »«■=.;. ' i ,,!ntted ' "Anna" gave a bond show : s j gn t | ie basic agreement with ATAM.^ that Moss was acting as a one-man

because he insists on hiring whom-
ever he wants to manage both houses
--not a manager from the union's
unemployment pool; ATAM is. just
as firm in its stand that he sign. £.0

man

censor, and that Mayor LaGuaidia
had . impelled the commissioner to
fori ■!< the play off on the grounds
that the theme was lesbianism. Lat-
ter charge was ' hotly denied by

Metropolitan area of recent weeks; j the Yiddish stage and so w ; as Ap,-
. ■ , , . :[ pell, who previously staged Career

Fortune Gallo* champ touring j ^ Ange , which . had a briet existence,
troupe of pop-opera warblers opened . 6, c kers declare there is

— — last

at ' the Cctjter. Radio^ City..
Wednesday (.16 ) with 'an advance
sale of $35,000 .at $2.40 lop. a rec-
ord for the outfit, which plays the
same spot . each spring. Opening
night saw plenty of standees and .the
same appliei. Sunday (20) night.
San Carld company lakes off for
Washington after this week, "Hats

Oft to Ice" resuming at the Center flve ot the original cast are to be re-
next Wednesday arternoon <30). The. '
'-showing «f-lhe-Gallo outfit is partic-
ularly exceptional because it foilows
closely the pop opera at the nearby
City Center.

.' Newark was reported having fared
excellently too -with opera at the
Mosque, some Metropolitan Opera
Co. singers being in* the lineup.
. "Butterriy" was given for the first
time in years within this area, at-
traction having been sold out 10
days before performance. Mosque
has opened a season of operettas un-
der the management of Sam H.
Grisman. current attraction being
"The Merry Widow." .

With 11 of its 17 legilers already
in: rehearsal, USO-Camp Shows has
put its European legit program into
| amazingly quick effect! thanks to the
assistance of Broadway producers
and managers who agreed to do the
producing, directing and casting for
the overworked Camp Shows legit
dept.

"Blithe Spirit." with Karen Morley.
and "Personal Appearance." with
Dorothy Eaton, went into rehearsal
yesterday i Tuesday). "Springtime
For. Henry,"- 'with - Soger Pryor, and
"Dear Ruth" started Monday < 211.
Others of the 11 now rehearsiug arc
"Our Town" with Raymond Massey;
"Arsenic and Old Lace.", with Ruth
McDcvitt; "Double Door," with
Hilda Vaughsn; "3 Is a Family":
engaged, provided the idea of re- j •wight Must Fall"; "Kind Lady/'
opening is okayed by Equity. . ! with Joanna Roos. and . "Meet the

Wife," wiih Betty Garde. Miss

ing so far as to pull Herb Cailin— a . Sabinson and the play's authors,
unionist but also Thompsons choice j Censorship matter it -still pending,
for. the Opera House manager— ofT i combined Broadway groups plan-
Ihe job. v . ;»iing to introduce legislation barring

Thompson, who insi.sLs he's not a. j Hie commissioner from censoring
"union hater." told his side pf the ■; a,iul preventing forced closing unless'
story to "Variety" last week: > the producer is convicted by jury,

rnn AVCDCFtC TDriT^ " rm perfectly willing that all fin- j- Sabinson charges that Jeiin still
rllK UYtlwtAj IKtRi P ,0 .vees join a union, as is attested j owes him $9,000, alleging that the

by the fact that our press agent, box- : i h^riye failed .to pay off several
office men, elevator operatovs. stage- 1 1 — when the weekly settlement

11 SHOWS REHEARSE

i "plenty of money" to gel the play
onto the boards again and plan to
finance an expansive publicity cai>v
paign. Originally it was figured the
show would cost $18,000 but it's said
to be in the red for around $32,000. '

Will' Geer, Solveig Dahl. James
MacColl and Choo Choo Johnson
played the leads. Backers sajvthal

.1

'CARMEN JONES' RECORD (Mr IS

_ . ... „ — 'bow out when failing to pass her

$M,000 IN N. Y. REPEAT h „ ,„»„, w .„ «

Final Week of "Carmen Jones."
which ended Saturday (10) at the
N. Y. City Center, is credited with-

a gross of over $34,000 at $2.40 lop. now being cast, "What a Life," by its

rehearsal later thus week. "Late
Christopher . Bean" and "Night, of
January 16" Two more shows' are

little WomeD r Dae

In Fail as Operetta

"Little- Women" in operetta form
with the title "A Girl Named J6," js
among the musicals promised for
next season. Charles G.'Sleworl be-
ing the producer. Clients. and.' others
connected with (lie Wall Street stock
brokerage! of David Van Alystene,
Jr.. are expected to be the principal
backers. The score has been audi-
tiorcd uptown several times, with
prospective invcslers enthusiastic,
and while it 'is slated llial expectant
backers have offered. to remit checks,
no money is said to have been de-
posited to the show's credit.

Vivian Palmerie. Don Lamb and
Pwight Ellis are the downtowners
mentioned as heading the promo-
tional coterie. Show is budgeted for
$125,000 and Stewart says he will
not proceed until all the coin' is in
the bank.

Music for; "Jo" is by . Geoffrey
O'Hara, lyrics, by Frederick Howard
and book adaptation by John .Ravold.

Figure is claimed lo be- a . new rec-
ord for . the municipally-operated
house. Previous week a -new Center
record was also claimed: for "Car-
men," takings then being quoted at
more than $31,500.

Previous high at the Center was
scored by the Ballel Theatre,- which

director, Rusty Lane, and "Room
Service." by director Jack Weiser.

In its musical ..dept., headed by
Harry Krivit. Camp Shows has
added three shows lo its schedule.
One is an all-Negro musical, "Shuf-

hands— nearly everyone. on the pay-
roll of not only theatreis bul the en-
Ure building— is union. But I refuse
lo accept a man appointed by the
union for an executive gob such as
Carlin held."

Carlin. meanwhile, who was or-
dered off the job May '14; the night
"Mme. du Barry," jointly produced
by Opera Housie and the Shuberls,
opened, is the goat- in the case. He
got his union card two weeks before
the show teed off. and then gol
orders to stop working;

HEARINGS START THURS.

<i>.ie. Amount claimed also In-
cludes $3,500. posted by Sabinson
guaranteeing the house for the final'
week ot the engagement, but the
producer has not' yet taken legal
steps in an attempt to collect the
money.

Jelin't Teaches

Jeiin. who was a Jersey picture
exhibitor, bounced onto Broadway
as lessee of the Belasco early, last
season, and during the "Trip" date
there were arguments which landed,
him in night court several . times,
there being charges of assault and
j counter-charges in. addition to some
i bouncing checks. Jelin's first pro-
! ducing try lost him . $80,000, play
TO TOT 'CTUAni ' RAHf FT : being "Lower North," early this
III till iJLIlWL lY/U/IlEil I se^on. . His later manipulations
Chicago, May 22. j amazetl Broadway, two seasoned

u • _ „„,.„ .....j.,,,, ,„ . showmen being nicked for advance.

Hearings in cases ot students ac- . _, , , . .

cusing Chi voice-and-drama-school i fuaranlces or the Playhouse, which
operators of running rackets are . !'c claimed to have leased, too. ■
skedded 16 starl in Slate's Attorney i S-ibmson has a pending suit
William J. Tuohy's office in the , akainst the City of New York and
Criminal Courts Bldg. heie Thurs- I Moss, claiming $1,000,000 because
day (24), at which time ops have j "Trio" was forced to close. That
been subpoenaed to answer com- '. vase is due for hearing in the fall,
plaints filed by the students. Among but as the show cannot prove it
those called in are James J. Done

gan, head of Talent Scouts and
Broadcast Productions School, and
Morris Dreyfus, Metro College of
Drama, Voice and Radio Arts exec
other

earned profits, chances of gctling a
big award are doubtful. The pro-
ducer, however, is hopeful of re-
covering the show's cost, . around
$55,000.

leading figures from the original

Dailies and other publications. \ It. is proposed to reopeu "Trio"
i m --_,,,v,:i„ „,.'„ irwsninff ihp hop-anri- '.in Los Angeles, Sabinson to stage the
fie Along." with Iwo or the four meanwhile, aie Keeping_Uie nue-ana .. - b iit he will hot be on the

- cry astir; and Belter Business Bu- (| iaina. put ne_ will noi oe on me
reau. in a brief report on "how lo rhanageiial . end. Alfred Grossman
avoid the pitfalls of the educalionai brplher. of agent-producer Paul
racketeer." staled. "Beware of the , Small, will present the play, accord-
salcsmah who employs high-pressure 10 P'csent plans, with Emmett
s Be sure vou know what ' Callahan being company manager.

got $33,600 during its best week bul j Broadway production conce/ned
there were' nine performances. Noble Sissle (and Blake) staging it.
whereas "Carmen'.' was on an eight-. an d Flournoy E. Miller (and Lylcs)
performance weekly basis. " ^ playing a role. Ted Haininei'sleiii is

"Othello'' opened at ' the Center ; staging a second "Oklahoma!" unit
last- night >22) with an . excellent ! aud Krivit a third "Girl Cany" corn-
advance sale. : pany.

— r ■' Krivit. who returns today .(Wed.)

■' ■ ' . , fiom a five-day trip to the Coast on |.

New races .lOin Ulfl a hunt for -talent, is now staging : iicA f> an Trnnno (let*

for S>t..L(. muny lneaire ■ { Crai , d ., Good

i

St. Louis. May 22. .. NewS- - Four of the dept. 's musicals
faces, to be seen at the al

Bid for Manila Return

A repertory company headed by

Billie Worth/ Ann- Andre. Margaret
Spencer, Richard Smart. Charles
Collins; Jack .Blair. Romney Brent.
Lee Fairfax and Robert Cosden. :

Faves of past seasons to return in-
clude Sibyl Bowan. Doris Patson,
Helen Raymond. Jack Good, Wil-
liam Lynn and Jack Sheehan. The
season opens June 7 with an 11-night
run of "Jubilee."

Styne-Cahn oh 'Brodie'

Julie Slyne and Sammy Cahn have
been signed by John Wildberg to
score "Belle Brodie,"' musical lo be
produced this fall. ■ . '

Martha Raye and Phil Baker have
the leads. Book is by Cy Howard,
with Harry Delmar staging.

method:

you are signing. Remember that

reliable ihstilutions . will welcome Hurolt Wins Dismissal

investigation^ Again of 750 GSuit

i ■ ■ . ■ -

Sol Hurok, Hurok Attractions,

Inc.. The Ballet. Theatre, Inc.,_ and
German Scvaslianov, managing di-
rector ot the Ballet ;Theatre, won a
last week of the
Russet Ltd., .suit for
.damages; Action was Ois-
wct'k by Federal Judge

it reopens. j.Iohn C. Knox in New York for lack;

The USO-Camp Shows troupe. ;,1- i of prosecution,
lernaling with "Petticoat Fever" and Action, which has been ponding
"Personal Appearance," left New ; since 1941, had charged the deferid-
York in November for the Pacific, j anU« with alleged conspiracy lo ruin'.
Having completed its six-month i its ballet business by inducing cer-
rcquirements. it's been asked -by the lain .of the plaintiff's featured artists
Army -to extend its stay three !lo break their contracts and sign
months. '■ up with the Ballet Theatre.

52

LEGITIMATE

WrdiiendaT, May 23, 1945

Extensive Plans Get Under Way
For Washington's Muny Theatre

Washington. May 22, ♦

Mix. Harry S. Truman, wife «f the.
President, with Mrs. Franklin D.
•B'H'.-ovolt head the 'list' of sponsors
for I he Washington Municipal thea-
iro. In . addition. Mary Margaret
Truman, the President's daughter,
has accepted the vice-chairmanship
of ihe Junior Metropolitan commit-
if;-. -for the project.

The Municipal project has the sup?
port of District Commissioner John
Russell:- 'Young, 'chairman of the
board, which runs the city. The
Water Gate has been 'made' ayialnble -
for the first production and frum
Ail.::. 1 to Sept. i). Sponsorship,
'which includes college and society-
groups, is now financing 100.000
subscriptions at $1 each. The Muny
.theatre plans' four productions dur-
ing the 1945-46 season! ■ ,

Outstanding directors, -playwrights'
and thef.lrical craftsmen will be
brought here when the occasion de-
mands. Some visiting sl'ugeslars will
be-- invited (6 head the casts.

Rev.. Gilbert V. Harlke of Catho-
lic 'University, executive bead of the
undertaking, with Harry Anger, pro-
duction manager of ihe. £arle thea-
tre, are knee-deep in' plans. The
Rev. Harlke explains: "Wc hope -and
think that it will be to the people
or .Washington - that the 'Moscow- Art
Theatre is to Russia, and the Abbey
Theatre is to Ireland." He is di-
rector ot speech and drama at -Cath-
olic University, in charge of the
little theatre group which tvas pro-
duced a number of piays. which
later w ent to. Broadw-i. .

A function of the ii.eatre will be
to divert profits to provide, through
the slasc. a speech re-education
clinic for underprivileged children,
establish a rehabilitation center for
returning servicemen and women,
provide scholarships for students of
exceptional jncril.

Boston Stock Co. To

End Season Satdce

Boston'. May 2:'..
■ /Villi "Papa Is All" current this
week for its 38th consecutive weekly
production, the Boston Slock -Co.
will close its season Saturday l2(i> ' of

1- tTi

Inside Stuff— Legit

'Diamond LiF Revival

'at Brattle Hall. Cambridge. All
I'Kquity group, managed by Kranklin
iTiask. had good biz all season, anil
itf'i' m ' • lir l\ Mia's already signed for another 38
With MaP WPQt lllll 1 ' w *«ks starting in, September...
If- Illl IfMC " f»l « piay^rs included Marly. -O'Brien
,M Rosen, company manager of j j a .iiies. .Baker. Frank' Cassid.v. Bill
•'Common i Ground." current at the j story .' Ann Cone, Constance "Copper
Golden -theatre. N. Y.. is set to pro- ; and Alison 1 law-ley. Irene Marmein-
duee a .revival of "Diamond Lil" i AV as director, •■'

wiih Mae West in the lead. Rosen 1 - '-- .'.. . —

returned Monday 1 21 1 rrom a trip to
Columbus- O.. whore Miss West' is
appearing in Mike Todd's "Catherine
Was Great.'' with Miss West's con-
tract. She's to gel a guarantee and
■perepnla'Ke of profits.

Rosen plan-., to open the show on
the Coast sometime in August and
bring the show cast.

Some agencies. Mackey's in particular, indicate on their Broadway at-
tractioji board the. hits lor which tickets are not available to casual cus-
tomers. Louis Schoehceit. head of the Mackey oiiltll. has his own method
lettering the success, a. blunt "No" appearing beside each .hit's title, but
"lcre are varying degrees o( the negatives. For instance, there arc'lfour

Play Out of Town

Recrni
The;: ire.
in the U

change.-'
the No.

in setup of B;:lle'.
1 ballet company

.llomenl of - Important:-**

Buffalo. May IB.

Vi^l'ii l*;iyiii«-.l,.unili>r-.- It Illl I'Yiinl* M'-I'i-.V
|ii-n.Iil>.| i.in iiv' iiim'ii.Ii :i ■ i lit in four ai.lj* lt\
■ \\ iilliiii.-. I-"*-:* I •! i'r ft l>i\in Xoilnii hii.I
M.-iikim-im, f 1 .1 ;. tvllll -1 "«i>- f.1."-'. I-..IM-
liaiiv. Dii-i'i'-l.'-.l hy Mtl , .i>: K-lliHi;-'. I'l:ttlil-
l.-tM'-. -Al Ki'l.iii^t-i. UtiAiiUi. .\l;i> I.*.. -*r..

of "em. for "Harvey" (4811) Street), one having been added when the play
copped the Pulitzer prize last week. o'

Agency lists eight shows for which all tickets for weeks to coine will
have been sold, to regular customers on', advance order. There are three
"No's" for "The Glass. Menagerie'' 'Playhouse 1 cile'd as the season's VbesJ,"'
by the Critics Circle. "1 Remember Mama" (Music Box i is honored with
a : double negative, as arc "Carousel" (Majestic i and' "Dear h'iil'KJ* (Miller),
the singletons being "Up in Central Park" (Century i; "The Late George*
! Aplcy" ("Lyceum) and "A Bell For Adano" iCorl i. while "Oklahoma!" (St.

Jamesi is still S^R.O /'
' Clerks in Mackey's complained that they were steadily becoming screwy
' because of the constant -jingling of telephone bells, so a system of lights '
indicating incoming calls has been installed.

Collier's recent story, by John Chapman, on Mike Todd was (he second
profile oh the showman in that magazine, first yarn having been used about
three years ago by Joe Bryan. 3d. Mention; was made in a Todd story about
money supposed to have been in the St. Morilz hotel (N, Y.'i safely box
i which his' late general manager. Joe Glick. was holding for the producer,
J coin being in contest since there is no 'Written proof of its rightful owner.
! At the lime Todd said- the amount might have- been -$50,000 more, but
ho bought war loan bonds foi his wife when a drive, was on in a nightclub
the evening before Click passed away. .'
Life offered Russet Crouse $750 for his recent profile on Dick Maney. but
; the offer was first declined. Crouse said since Maney 'was a lop press agent,.

S.i.ave being watched with
interest or, apprehension in the trade.
,J. Alden Talbot, independent engi-
neer anil personnel director, has re-
signed as 'managing director; to be ,. ,. „ ... . ,
replaced by Llich, Chase, millionaire ■; » e «S««M top renumeralion-$U00-and he got

dancer and ballet "angel," and
Oliver. Smith, -. co-producer of the
legit musical hit, "On the Town
Questions revolve, about

Having hit . the jackpot consistently
Having hit the jackpots consistently'!
i "Abie's Irish Rose." "Can't Take II
With You," etc. i.. Frank McCov is
now riding the range of maverick-
scripts in search of a new. Golden ]
Fleece. This first' -of his —discover- |
ies." presented by his highly mic; j
cestui summer, slock, is a melodra- :
mat ic melange dotted with ambiva- ;
lent momenls of slack and lautucss.
with the former 'predominating.
McCoy has done a competent jot> of
direction and. despile obvious mis-
casting, the opening performance
showed

A committee of managers was slated to huddle with Equity's council
. 4«st week in reference to the one-eighth salary matter for the matinee
Miss j-«>'icelled on the afternoon of President Roosevelt's funeral. Instead, the
Chases ability Id be ballet compaiiv I League of New York. Theatres asked that an .'Equity' committee heap-,
manager, which invol ves'selection of i Pointed to talk it over. Latter was named. ■ - . ; ". .- ;

ballets their casting, etc;, while con- : 'Equity ruled that there must be no deduction for: the skipped pciTorm-
'tinning to dance. Miss Chase dances i ance but some managers appear to believe that the association will reverse
several lead roles 'with Ballet Thea- j itself. Even though there was some difference of .opinion among actors
tie now . and plans to continue danc- I «'cll as managers over the right of the latter to make a. deduction, such
of what ! sentiment was'stated to have been in a distinct minority .among- those

inc. leading to questions
other roles she might want to lake. :
possible ''friction, -with other bailer- |
inas. etc.

Miss Chase has been a I odds with
Talbot on policy matters, which un- \
doublediy led to his resignation, In;,
heritor of carpel millions. Miss,
Chase has been Ballet Theatre's

surprising smoothness- andj hi • - illlgcl - sinL , c - its f 0und ing four
pace. But the play won t do for ■ 6

BRIDGEPORT SEASON
ENDS IN THE RED

Season of stock at the Klein
Memorial theatre. Bridgeport, con-
ducted by Therph Bamberger, was
to have been for six weeks- but ends
oh Saturday i26>, when the. firih
week will have been complete^.
Business w.-s not so hoi. "Spring-
lime for 'Henry"'. was- 'slated- as the
final attraction, starting next Mon-
day. (28 1. It was cancelled .because
a star reportedly could hot be se-
cured. Understood an offer was
made to Edward Everett Hoi tou. ;
who toured to big takings iiv "Henry"
a couple of seasons' ago. buf that
actor was otherwise engaged. 1

Bamberger invited"" New York,
critics to cover Tohi Rutherfurd in
"Hamlet" at the Memorial last- week,
and several attended, but were no:
impressed. His idea was to bring
the revival to Broadway next season
but that project is now in 'doubt.
Blowoff attraction is "Too Many
Husbands." with Nancy Carroll,
which opened Monday (21V;

Bamberger stands to lose no dough
O" the venture, the' city, of Bridge-
port financing the season, w-ith Bam-
berger in on salary and percentage
as Ihe producer.

metropolitan audiences.

Aside from the incredibility of its
first act. the chief fault of the script
is its complete dramaturgic switch
from rampant, melodrama of- the fa-
miliar courtroom genre in its Itrsi
ait to a documented character- study
of a maniac-depressive killer, much
in the style of "Night Must Fall"' but
'without the pitiless' dissection of
split -personality which marked that
thriller

years ago, in its Hist year contribu-
ting over $500,000.- in its second year
paying put 'another $250,000. and in
pasl Iwo years paying out about
S50.000- each year. In last two sea-
sons Ballet Theatre has'bec'n opera-
tionally self-sustaining, that is. cov-
ering its running expenses, the oxM-a
monies being needed solely for pro-
duction of new ballets.
Currejit New York season at' Ihe

Story is concerned With the men- Metropolitan- Opera House hasn't
. tal disintegration of. a colorless, un- been the expected boxoflice wow.

important meglomaniac who devel- though successful. There is also
; ops a homicidal complex because of ilUpl . . CO)llpanv disputes between
his desire to occupy the limelight, j - t .| assiti ,,-- all d -modern" tactions.
: Opening curtains' spots a d.stricl at- ; • ... .... . . . ,. . ■

' torncv "summarizing a iirst-degree ; f adl «-»»'»>S ^eir type of ballet to
murder case before a jury and segues i 1>c stressed. "Modern faction is led
into the - judge's charge, with both by Antony Tudor, who is actually
1 officials obviously riding Ihe hapless the company's artistic director, his

defendant as a whipping-boy for a
politically . dictated conviction.

From'thc poinl of authentic court-
room procedure, the dramatic treat-
ment is miles from reality or plausi-
bility. . Jury returns verdict of not
guilty, following which defendant \
asks leave to address the court and. ■
in a long tirade, also a strain on
credulity, announces that he really
is the guilty killer. Legal principle
of double-jeopardy, of course, pre-
vents further prosecution.

A complete overhauling of char-
acterization and story, more plausible
motivation, a surer choice of and ad-
herence to a single dramatic genre.
: and a closer integration of both
I structure and plot are needed to heat
| this one into pliant pilch. It has

litlle or nothing lor pictures,
1 Burton.

JACK KIRKLAND and HARRY H. OSHRIN Announce thaf
AFTER A SEASON'S RESPITE -

WILL GO ON TOUR THIS COMING SEASON
WITH

JOHN BARTON

AND A NEW YORK CAST

rid* I.nrjfer ; Turiil|M ( Three T«nh «f. Rlt-li (•nirRlii 8oH, Nf,w Witrilrulip, Ktc.

BOOKINGS NOW AVAILABLE

For Information Write or Wire

MICHAEL GOLDRETER
1501 RroadWay
New York

AUGUSTUS PITOU
OR IDAS WEINSTOCK

Uelted lookleo Office
'■■234 Wert 44th St.. New York

Paul B*hma» fleas* Nat*

influence being predominant in the
company by virtue of the succcss-of
his ballets,' such- as "Pillar of Fire,"
"Romeo and Juliet."' eic..

Sol Hurok. who is booking manager
of the company, has them signed -f pi-
next season (1945-461. He has until
end of month to. decide whether
to keep them on for Ihe following
1 1948-47): season, and there is. some
question whether he will pick up
the option. As No. 1 ballet im-
presario, his aid is needed. Ques-
tion lias arisen due , to Miss Chase's
attitude towards continuing sub-
sidizing the, company on new ballets.
It's believed the Chase-Smilh cli-
| rectorial setup is temporary, await-.
! iug return of Peter Lawrence next
| fall from overseas USO duties lb
| take, over in Talbot's place.

involved, so.it is indicated to be a dead issue.

'•Kiss Them For Me." when at the Belaxco. N. Y„ was $3.fi0 lop., but
when it moved to the' Fulton last week the stale was $4.20. That, was the
top for "Common Ground," which suddenly .shifted from'lhe Fulton In the
Golden, and as there were several weeks' ticket* on hand for the Fulton,
it was decided to use the higher price. However, there wasn't much dif-
ference in the takings because "Kiss" is using two-for-oncs.

"Cround." in shitting to the Golden, curiously enough adopted the $3.80
lop. usual rale for straight plays sans stars.
' - *

In skiiie union circles the surprise defeat of Vinc.cnl Jacobi. who failed
in his re-election as business agent of the New. York stagehands, is still
talked about. Deckhands frankly say (hat not a few 1 members of the
union were annoyed over a .testimonial dinner during .which Jacobi wai
"materially benefited." He was presented vv ilh a $1,000 bond and his wife
given a diamond studded watch.

Crews, loo, queried a souvenir program, ad rale fur- which 'was $150 per
page, said to have been gotten oul by people outside' the union whose
business is to solicit for copy at. a liberal commission. Deckhands seemed
to feel that if manager.? took space in ■ the.' program th.-y would expect
favors from Jacobi.

o - : —

Box office of the Ziegfelrt. N. Y.. was kepi open last week, although
"Seven Lively Arts' closed there May 12. purpose being to make refunds
on lickels. Out-of-town would-be. pitrons were nolitled by inail (o ; send
back tickets, which' is not usual. <<..d such refunds were niade by check.
Several persons who anticipated seeing ''Arts"' before May 2(i. which was
Ihe first announced dale of closing, reside as far. away as Seattle,
the first announced date of closing, reside as far away as. S.-atlle. Thi*
.week refund window moved to the nearby Adclphi lhcalr».

Peggy ^ood returned to N. V. from Europe by plane last Thursday
H7i. a .month later than the rest Of the "Blilhe .Spirit" cast which USO-
Camp Shows had sent over to England. When the troupe finished its six
months' .stint in England. Miss Wood went to Paris to join another USQ-
CS "Blithe Spirit" company headed by Annabclla. to play opposite' the lat-
ter.^eplaein? Leonia Maricle, who was ill. Miss Wood, stayed an extra
six weeks in France:

Funds to support the Equity-Library Theatre, described in ''Variety**
last week, were contributed solely by John Golden. No fund was raised
by donations or receipts from other managers, as previously indiealed.

CASSIDY BUYS 'LAURA'
FOR COAST, N.Y. LEGIT

Kaufman Has to Do Fast '
Rewrite on Tinafore'

Book of "Hollywood Pinafore."
new Max Gordon musical, had a bit
1 of fast rewriting - in Philadelphia
last weekend by George S. Kauf-
man. Seems Ihe story partly deall
with a pic producer- (Victor Moore)
Los Angeles. May 22. i who wanted to Him Kipling's "If."
Stage rights to "Laura." -drama: , When told Darryl Zanuck had beat
ti/.ed from the Vera Caspary novel. |,1nv to it, he dec-fried instead that
have been purchased by James B: ■ he'd film Kipling's "When" or "Bui."
Cassidy.- for un opening at the .Bill-
more theatre here in September, to
be followed by a Coast lour and a
Broadway showing in November.
George Sklar collaborated with

. Gag ran in the show; during the
j tiyout week in Baltimore and for
| most of a week iii Philly. when- sud-
idenly producer Gordon was in- i

Miss Caspary on ^T^uJi^^^^^ ™™***\
of Ihe book. Stage production will I h ' ghl * ' e ^'^fd- Whereupon. Kauf-
have no connection with 20?h'-Fex "T t A- ^ sly ll , ' e ^!" e of some , 20
which made the film. s ' dos of dli,loR ,' ^ he P'°' ""«'. center- [

; ; ] mg on : a filming of Poe's "The :

Raven."

Enjoy thai "box-,
office" anthology.

S.R.0.

(ITANOINO lOOM ONIY)
mmm Ihe M imm lucwnful pUr<
of ibe American Mile, from Until
Tam'i Ctbin 10 OtUhomt. Com-
piled by BENNETT CKRF tni
VAN H. CARTMELl: 900 P"*«-
At jour iaatilllrr'l, $^.^f
DOUBUOAT. DOUN

Village to B'way Move

Dramatic Workshop of the New
School. ~iri Greenwich Village, is
looking for new quarters near the
Times Sq. theatre district. Has an-
nounced summer courses for 10
weeks,; with Herbert Bcrghof hand-
ling acting technique; Nathan M.
RuMi. the radio workshop; Gorham
MwBfcn, professional writing; Leo
• Ke6»_ stage design; Hans Sond-
heHjifer, lighting: Maria Ley. dance,
and.J5fflrian Rich, voice.

Workshop, under Erwih Piscator.
is Celebrating its fifth anni this year.

'Snafu' Folding

A road .'company version of ''Sup-
fu.'.' George Abbotl |f road way com-
edy of this ' jjeason, •••'which Jiiles
Leyenthal recruited for a short 'east-
ern ruii and then a long Chicago
sLaj£_.vdll fold this weekend iii Wash-
ington. ■■with nexl week's 'Philadel-
phia date and subsequent Chi run
cancelled. Comedy played a week
in Baltimore and three days in
Hartford, wilh.bi/. in both places so
bad, and Washington advance so
poor, lha.1. Leventhal decided to fold.

ANGELS

'l:lm Imrkf-r-t ill Hnmilwn}- »li«M-«-
Nimrt, m)ilr»KP». anii>inil« 1 •■•■>

In prevlon* itlHVK, Tim nrnl
iiini|»lrlV rr.oi-Hi-cli In IliU DpIiI. •"-
illi«|H'iliiHl»lr in' |»rmlm-i«rt». ,

Howard Cullmin nyi: "I «oi hop«ful l»"
iMOk will attract additional capital t« ■
laillimale Indutlry thai ilranld han a
-aradl Inlluence on our democrvllc . way ol
Ilia; • • .-

$•!<! IVr Volllilif
I.KO SHI 1. 1., Klllliir
)'!H Wi-NI ' 4Htla itlrrt-l. Nvw Vork 1»

SAMUEL FRENCH

SINl'K 1830 -

Play Brokers and
A'ulliors' Kepresenlalivcf

ta W«»t *!".|l. Wool, Maw V»'*
■11 Wcwl 1th Btnwl, Loa AB*elM

Wednesday, May 23, 1945

LEGITIMATE

5S

'Jake Big $17500 in Chi Opening;
Ruth' 20^ 'OtheHo' 24G, Turtle 19G

Chicago, May 22. *
Biggest disappointment. .in. months
is shubcrt-Opera House Corp. pro-
duction. "Mme. du Barry," scaled at
158 829, which did a very weak $15,-
OOO' in . first seven performances.
First in projected summer operetta
layouts, it wasn't designed to be
more than a. leadoff, but nobody
thought it would tumble that hard.
Rainy weather; didn't help .much

1 « ithCr: . ■ .., ,. ' ,

Other opener was "Jaoobqwsky
and me Colonel,!' pulling : im neat
S17 500 in ilrst eight performances.
"Othello" closed successful six-week
stand Saturday ( 19) i with great $24 .-
000 leav me. the Erlanger dark till
Stay 29. when 'Life With Father"
•makes third bow here,

Twin theatres, Selwy.ft and Harris,
are clicking right along with $19,000
for '-'Voice of the Turtle" and $20,500
c'aDai'i'ty ('first lime it's hit that flgr
Tire) for "Dear Ruth." -- Still shut-
tered are the Great Northern, Stude-
-baker and Civic, but there's plenty
of redecorating- activity at the Shu-
bert-ieased Majestic, which has been
dark 11 vears, - to cue an opening
next U U, if hot this summer. '■;.
Estimates for Last Week

"Dear Rulh," Harris (4th' week!
(1000; $3.60): Hit capacity for the
first time, with $20,500.

"Jacobowsky and the Colonel."
Blackstone (1,200; $3.60). Did $17.-
500 in (list week of Theatre Guild
subscription series.

"Mme. du Barry," Opera House
(3600: $3.60). Miserable $15,000 for
teeoff of Shubert-Opera House, spon-
. sored summer operettas.
: "Othello." Erlanger <6th week')
(1.500; $3.60). Closed big with
$24,000.

"Voice of the Turtle," Sclwyn.(33d
week) (1.000; $3.60). Still going
strong, with $19,000 on lap this lime.

'CATHERINE' S0CK0
$13,000 W 4 AT INDPLS.

Indianapolis. May 22.
"Catherine Was Great" -was round-
ly panned by the critics, but played
to capacity in four performances at
•the English 1 1.500), May 14-16, for
season's record take .of $13,000 at
$3.60 top. Show closed biggest legit
season here in 15 yea's, despite
dearth of spring attractions. On the
split week •Catherine ' got $9,500 at
Columbus.

- English housed 21 dramatic and
musical plays; with Mitral, active
again after long layoff; chiming in
with two. Prospect is that -Mural
will be used extensively for book-
ing of independent'-, attractions by
Sidney Page and Cecil Byrne next
season. It's the old Shubert house
here. -

'Sing Out' $26,000

In 3d Wash. Week

Washington, May 22.

"Sing" Out, Sweet Land," on its
third week at the National theatre,
grossed $26,000. VSnafu" comes in'
at $2 Jop, but there is a lack of in-
terest at the boxoffice until the
critics report. 1

After two weeks of, the San Carlo
opera company jri repertoire,
"Marinka" copies in' at $4 top..' This
is the dramatized musical com-'
posed about the legend of -'Mayer-
ling." with ...Terry Wayne and Joan
Roberts as principals. Ethel Levey
plays an inn-keeper in this offering,
without anv songs. Piece is pre-
sented by Jules Leventhal and Harry
Howard, staged by Hassard Short.
■ with dances by Albertina Rasch,

'Soldier's Wife' OK

$6,500 in New Haven

New Haven, May 22,
"Soldier's Wife" did okay on an
estimated $6,500 at Shubert last
weekend (17-19), Four performances
at $3 top had to battle an unfavor-
able "weather break, Frieda Inescort
due to leave cast following current
Boston run.

House has pix this week. ("Great
Handel"), then shoot back to -legit
wilh break-in of "Marinka" on May
31 T Juue 2. At $4.20 top, advance in-
terest, in this new musical is perking
■up.

Summer plans not yet definite for
(his spot, but indications are that
house will shutter following a couple
of local talent shows in June,

'Kiss' IHGm Fifth,
'Ladies' 13G, 'Memphis'
$20,000 in Boston

Boston, May 22.
Flop of "Merely Coincidental" and
smash .finale of ''Memphis Bound"
after 17 -day run, featured Boston biz
lust week. The. first., produced by
Lcslye Karen at Wilbur theatre,
lasted .10 performances. New York
pl;ns ditched after promise of re-
pairs. On other, hand, Johil Wild-,
bcrg's pscudo-Pinaforic opus carried;
On alterations at Colonial with ho
>iarm to b.o.. opening Thursday (24)
in Manhattan. ■.-•.-■■

Kiss and Tell" at the Plymouth

End in Philly

Philadelphia, May 22. •
Right now it looks like a much
earlier folding of the 1944-45 legit
theatre season here than had. been
generally figured. Of course, "Okla-
homa!." now settled down to a ca-
pacity gait at the Forrest and set
that way for the summer and longer,
might naturally be expected to take
the edge off other entries especially
as Forrest is city's only completely
air-cooled house.. However, failure
of- the Shubert to get another attrac-
tion to follow ' Hollywood Pinafore."
which, winds up its two weeks' stay
hole Saturday night (26), has been
something of a surprise, especially
since , the. Max Gordon musical
smashed through to a very strong
$34,500 in its first week heie. That
was garnered despite one adverse
and one lukewarm notice; the other
two were raves, as were the radio
commentators. Opening and weekend
'performances were What turned the
and~Good:Nign't: Ladies'' a! Shu^t ,triek..'W as if tins week ^vould
still running 4ilhbul visible_sign Of | *^,f*J.. 11°^%^.^

B'way Up; 'Groind' Looks to Hike,
M in 4th; Kiss Them'
Overtoils' OK 8^ Barretts

male. Advance sale for ' "Soldier's
Wife." at Wilbur, opening last night
i21 >','•' promised extension ■ beyond
normal fortnishl run.
! "The Wind Is 90:" scheduled for
May 28.' pin' oyer till June 2 because-
of "scenery irpiiblc." ■

: Estimates for Cast Week
"Kiss and Tell," Plymouth i J.400;
$2.40). Good $11,500 in fifth week.

"Good Night, Ladies," Shubert
1 1 .500: $5.50). Slipped down; around
$13,000.

"Memphis Bound," Colonial < 1.500;
$3.60). Fairly good $20,000 consider-
ing unexpected extension of one
week through May 19.

"Merely Coincidental." Wilbur
tl.241: $3). Tragic $2,000.
. "Student Prince," O-pera. House
(2.966: S3). Sensational $26,000 for
second week.

Dramatists Play Service
. Sues Chi Am Outfit

Chicago, May 22.
. Up'lown Players Corp.! north side
amateur group, was charged Thurs-
day (17) in a Federal-Court ■action-
brought by Dramatists Play Service.
N. Y., with producing three plays
for profit during 1943-44 without
consent of copyrights owners. Dam-
ages were asked in .amount to be
determined through accounting re-
ceipts derived from the- productions.

Also sought is an injunction
against further presentations of the
plays. "George Washington Slept
Here," "The Land Is Bright" and
"Heart of a City:" Named in the sui!
were J.- Bradley '.Griffin, protege of
Dr. Preston Bradley, head of the
Peoples Chinch, of which Uptown
Players is a pari, and Mary E. Clarke
and A. Darlington, other- officers.'.-

Current Ko?d Shows

i Period Covar'nl<!j r M ay 21-Jime 2)
•"Abie!* Irish Rose" — Bushriell

Aud.. 'Hartford

Springfield

week. Belling is
house will get anothcr_Jattraction
especially with cool weather con-
tinuing. ' ' *

"Oklahoma!" . went to what will
probably be its normal pace last
week following two weeks on ATS
subscription. Big Guild musical got
$37,400 and for some time from now
on will vary only in regard to
standees..

"Round Trip.'-' whichitponcd here
Tuesday 1 15) after a' brief break-in
in ■Wilmington, wpsn't liked a great
deal by the elix and must be marked
down as another of Vh'e Locust's dis-
appointments this season. Gross
(seven performances) was scant $5,-
000. estimated.

In addition to the' failure of the
Shubert to gel another booking as
figured.. one show lias been definitely
cancelled and another .(just an-,
noiinced > as out. First-named was
"Snafu." booked at the Locust next
Monday 1 29 > but out entirely, and
other was "Oh, Brother." listed to

_ . + ,-pr'ecm next Wednesday (30) al the
(2D: Court ; v/alnul but now uncertain.

(22)- Colonial. Pillsficid < — . :_:

123.); Erie, •Schenect ? dy-.^.24.26) ' 'Widow' Fine $14,700
'Blackouts of 1945 —El Capitan ^ »

XarroUs' Boff 18G, Cleve.

Cleveland. May 22.
Elisabeth Bei-gner's "Two Mrs.
Carrolls" gave the Hanna last we.(>k
one of this season's highest, grosses
for a straight drama. -Despite a-
steady' downpour ot rain during
star's first appearance here, her play
clocked an excellent $18,000 for
eight performances at $3.30 top.
• Dr. Paul Czinnei',- her. husband--
producer, trained in to spend a 'week
with Miss Bergncr conferring on-
scripts. One being considered for.
her autumnal vehicle, he said, is
an old English play called "Duchess
of Malta."

'Snafu' 4G, Balto

■ Baltimore, May 22.

, Road version of "Snafu," spon-
scored by Jules Leventhal, closed the
legit season at Ford's here last wecR
and on a sour ndte.' Given lukewarm
reception by local crix, comedy had
trouble reaching $4,000 for the week.

While not up to previous year; sea-
son here was highly profitable, 'with'
reason tor drop in lake attributed lo
smaller number of bookings.

Hollywood i21-2>.

"Carmen Jos.es" — Hanna, Clcvc.
(21-26): Russ Aud.. Sail Diego U-2).
"Dear Rulh"— Harris,' Chi (21-2).
"Doll's House"— Orpheum. Daven-
port (21): Mus. Hall. Kansas City
.(22-23): Melbn. Dallas 1 25-26): i Ma--
j jestic. Fl. Worth (28); Mus. H.. Hous-
| ton '(29-30): Paramount. Austin (31);
; Texas. San Antonio i]-2).
I "Good Nile Ladles"— Shubert, Bos-
ton (21-2).

"Harriet"— Civic Aud.. San Jose
(21): Aud.. Oakland (22); Mayfair.
Portland' <24-2fii; Metro, Seattle
(28-2).

••Hollywood Pinafore"' — Shubert.
Philly (21-26).
"Jacobowsky aiid the Colonel" —
I Blackstone. Chi i21-2>.

"Kiss and Tell" (2d Co.)— Ply m-
' oulh. Bosl. >2'l-2).
i "Life Willi .Father-? (2d Co.)—
Capitol, Bingliamion (21); Masonic
Teiri|ilc. Scranlon (22); Capitol,
WilkesrBarre (23); Lyric, Allcntown
(24); Rajah. Reading (25): War
Mem. Aud., Trenton '20): Erlanger.
Chi (29-2).

"Marlnka'VShubcrl. New Haven
Cjl-2).

"Oh Brother"-/-- Walnut, Philly
(28-2). ■ .

.'.'Oklahoma!" i2d Co.) — Forrest.
Philly (21-2).

"Round Trip"— Locust St:, Philly
(21-26). ■

San Carlo Opera Co.— Nafl, Wash. !
(28-2). I
•■Snafu"- Nafl.. Wash. i2i-2B). . |
"Soldier's Wife" — Wilbur, Bosl. j
121-2). !

••Ten I.itlle. Indians" (2d Co.)-^|
Cass, Del. (21-26): Aud.. Denver i 28-
30): Capitol. Salt Lake Cily (1). . •

'•Two Mrs. Carrolls"- Nixon. Pitts,
(21-26): Cass. Dot. (28-21. .

"Voice of Turtle" (2d -Co.)— Sol-
wyn, Chi < 21-2).

"Wind Is 90" — Colonial, Bost
<28-2).

Iii 2d Week, Toronto

Toronto, May 22.
Second week of Ernest Rawlcy's
production or "The Merry Widow" at
the Roval Alexandra saw 1.525-scatcr
grossing a line $14,700 and going i".to
its Ihird stanza' with good advance.

First week grossed $16,100. Only
cast change has Diana Adams of the
Ballet Theatre replacing Janet Reed
as the dance specialist, with .John
Taras. Mi.«s Reed trained to N. Y.
for Rose's concert varieties.

Current London Shows

London, May 22.
"Arsenic & Old Lace," Strand.
"Blithe Spirit," Duchess. .
"Desert Rals". Adclphi.
■■Gaitlies," Saville.
"Gay Pavilion," Piccadilly.
"(;ay Kosalirida," Palace.
"Happy St Glorious," Palladium
"Honeymoon,". York's.
"Irene," His Majesty's.
"Lady Edinburgh," Playhouse.
"Laush Town Laugh," Stoll.
"Love in Idleness," Lyric.
".Madame Louise," Galrick.
"Night and Music," Coliseum.
.'"Night Venice," Cambridge
"No Medals,'' Vaudeville. .
•Tanama llatlie," Adclplvi.
'Teek-'A-Boo Parents," Whitehall.
."•|>e reliance lo Dream," Hipp. .
"Private Lives," Apollo-
"See How They Run," Comedy.
"Shop Sly Corner,'? St. Martins
"Skin of Our Teeth,"' Phoenix.
"Strike It Again," Wales.
"Sweeter Lower," Ambassadors.
"The Assassin," Savoy.
"Three's family,'' Winter Gdn.
"Three Waltites,'.' Princes.
"Tomorrow World," Aldwych.
"While Sun Shines," Globe.
''Wind of Heaven,'* St. James.
"Years Between," Wyndnams.
"Yellow Sands," Westminster.

Business Went upward last week
on Broadway "after having tapered
earlier in month. More rain and un-
usually chilly weather for May fur-
nished favorable break for nearly all
attractions. . Number of shows still
.operating is unusual for this/time of
season, despite four closings .last
Saturday.-

"Blue Holiday," colored vaude-
rcvue, was postponed from Friday
until Monday (21). "Memphis
Bound." another colored musical, ar-
rives Thursday, and. "Hollywood
Pinafore" is due in late next week,
both the latter shows having varia-
tions of Gilbert and Sullivan's "H.
M. S. Pinafore."

Estimates for Last Week

Keys: C (Comedy), D (Diama),
CD- ( Cdmedv-Diama) ,- R (Revue),
M (Musical). O "(Operetta).
j:A Belt (tt Aiaiio," Cort (24th
week) i.D-1.064; $4.20). SRO every
performance for war play, which
will lay off after June 30 and resume
despite ; release of picture version
made from novel of same name
which won PuliUer award; over
$22.000. :

"Anna Lucasta," Mansfield . (38th
week) (D-1.041; $3.60). Packed 'em
in all performances last week, when
gross approximated $20,500.

"Bloomer Girl," Shubert (33d
week) (M-1,382; $5.40). PlayJng for
nearly eight months and still selling
out. with takings around $33,500..

■•Carousel," Majestic (5th week)
. (M-1.681: $8). Another musical
success of recent arrival: $44,500.

"Common Ground," Golden (4th
week) (C-789; $3.60). Underesti-
mated previous week at Fulton,
where takings approximated $7,500;
last week in new location about the
same and .management expectant of
climb.

"Dark of the Moon," "6th Street
(9lh week ) i D-1.319; $4.20). Doing
very -. well but may be moved, as
hew house owners want possession;
over $18,500 claimed.

"Dear Ruth." Miller (23d Week)
<C-9"40; $4.20). Rated number one
; laugh '.play of the new season, gel-
ling all house will hold; over $18,-
500.

"Follow the Girls," 44th Street
(58lhweek) (M-1,362: $4.80). Perked
to $30,000. which indicates continue
ing popularity: but moves to smaller
BrdarihursL .Iiine 4.

"Foxhole in the Parlor," Booth
(D-7I2: S3.60). Presented by Harry
Bloonifield: written by Elsa' Shelley
-opens- tonight (23).

"Foolish Notion," Beck OOlh
week) (CD-1.2,14; $4.20). One of

i Theatre Guild's winners that com-
mands excellent attendance besides

I parties: rated- over' $20,000; goes: of!

' June 16. .

j "Hiirvey." 48lh Street^ 29th week)
(C-925: S4 .20-1 . Smash comedy slated
lo play into next season without a
vacation; sold out months in ad-

] vancc: $19.000..

"Hals Off to ice.". Center (R-2,944;
$1.98). After 48 weeks, laying .off

i until Memorial Day "(30); current
San Carlo Opera drawing great
business.

"I Remember Mama," Music Box
r3lst week ) (C-940: $4.20). Another
sock success slated to'continue with-
out summer layoff; nearly $22,000
cverv wee):.

"Kiss and Tell." Bijou M13lh
woekl iC-614; $3.00). Slightly better
last week, when long slayer went to
around $8,000; may play another
summer.

"Kiss Them for Me," Fulton (9th
week) 'iC-946: $4.20). Business fair
' lor this one. which moved over from
i-Bclasco last week; approximately

; $7-.ooo.

"LalTing Room Only," Winter Gar-
den (21st week) (R-1,522; .$C). Im-
proved, as did all other musicals:
gross around $33,000, which provided
goodly profit.

"Late George Apley." Lyceum
1 26th week) (C-993; $4.20).. Up
sljghliy last week, '■ with takings
around $16,000; still very strong, es-
pecially on lower floors.-

••Life With Father." Empire (2B5th
week ) iC-1.082; $3.60). Run . leader
lully expectant ot spanning the sum-
mer again; Wallis Clark and Lily
Cahill will replace Arthur Marget-
son and Nydia Westman June 4:
slightly Up: over* $9,003.

"Memphis Bound," Broadway 'M-
l.tlOO: S4:80 i. Presented . by John
! Wildberg in association with Vinton
1 Fi ccdiey: . colored cast for adapta-
I lion of ' Pinafore"; opens Thursday
j (24): okay in Boston.

"Oklahoma!" St. James (112.Ui
, week )- (M l ,509; $4.80) . Every pcr-
; formaiicc has quota of standees, true
since show opened: $31,000.

"On the Town," Adelphi '21st
week) (M-1.42fi; $5.40). Picked up.
as did most others last- week; count
yoing to' nearly $33,500, but moves'
lo 44th Street, June 4.

"School for Brides," Ambassador
(42d week) (C-l, 117; $3.60). Around
$8,000: has modciate nut; will start
two for ones with idea of playing
into summer.
"Song of Norway/' Imperial (20th

week) (0-1,427; $6). Back to capac-
ity and standees most times, gross
being $41,000; one of season's best
musicals. : , •■■•.'•■

■ "Ten Little Indians." Plymouth
(46th week) (D-1,075; $3.60). Picked
up 'further,' takings . going to $12,-
500 with cutrate aid.

"The Glass Menagerie," . Playhouse
(7lh week) (CD-865; $3.60), Another
good thing- that will span the sum-
mer without laying off: getting elose
to $18,600; capacity.

"The Hasty Heart," Hudson (20th
week) (D-1,094; $3.60). Somewhat
better last week, when gross was
around $10,000; rated with the sea-
son's hits. ^

"The ''''Overton's," Forrest (15lh
week) (CD-1,060; $3.60). More lhari
held its own last week, with gross
close to $8,500; due to wind up soon.

"The Voice of the Turtle." Moros-
cp (67 th week) (C-939; $4.20).
Bounced up nicely last week, gross
approximating $20,500; thrccTperson
play still cleaning up. '

"Too Hot for Maneuvers," Broad -
hurst.. Taken off Saturday after two
and one-half weeks. "Follow the
Girls" will . move here from 44lh
Street Julie 4.

"Up In Central Park." Century
(15th week) tO-1,713; $6). Went up
last week, when takings were close
lo $46,500; tops all; with "Carousel"
runner-tip. .

VAUDE-REVUE
"Blue Holiday," Belasco (1-077:
$3.60). Postponed from Jast week;
opened Monday (.21); doubtful no-
tices. . -

REVIVAL'S
"The Barretts of Wimpole Streel."
Barryinore (8th week) (D-1.096:
$4.20>. -»s**t 4*m*mmm—c*a*mim

the number one revival of season;
$18:500.

"Othello." N. Y. City Center rD-
2.693; $2.40). Back after great tour:
\yill olay two weeks, with Paul
Robeson, Uta Hagcn and Jose Ferrer
starred. .- ■

NEIGHBORHOOD
"Chicken Every Sunday," Flatbush,
Brooklyn.

"Ramchackle .. Inn," Quecnsboro,
L. I.

INDIANS' OK $11,000
IN 2D WEEK AT DET.

Detroit, May 22.
Slimmer season here seems headed
for the doldrums, despite past three
years, whjch saw the rialto operat-
ing through the hot spells. Only oiie
house currently stays lit, presaging
little activity for the months ahead.

"Ten Little Indians" continued, at
the same pace in its second week at
the Cass with another $11,000 gross
at the .$2.50 top. Mystery continues
for another week before Elisabeth
Bergner comes in with the "Two
Mrs. Carrolls" for a two oi* '.three-
week slay.

"Foxhole -in the Parlor "■ which
premiered at the Wilson May 10,
wound up its 10 days. Last week's
pace around $9,500. Play has been
under considerable rewriting, with
the three acts now moved into two,
before moving into the Booth, N. Y.
House goes dark, following the La-
fayette', which turned them off a
week ago:

'Desert Song' Leaves
LA. With 124G Gross

Los Angeles. May 22.

With the advent of "The Red Mill?
into the Philharmonic, light opera
season went into the second quarter
with hopes of a record boxoffice.
"Desert Song" closed a three-week
run Saturday night <19), (mailing to
$42,500 and a gross of $124,000 for
Ihe stand.

Ken Murray's "Blackouts of 1945"
at El Capitan hooked another ca- '■
pacity $14,800 for the 151st week.
"Honey in the Hay" did $2,800
through its 21st week at the Musart.

Hayes-'Harriet' Big

$24,400 in Frisco

San FTancisco, May 22.
Consistent sellout biz at 1,776-seat
Curran theatre at $3.90 top pulled
a smashing $30,000 for San Francisco
Civic Opera Company presentation
of modernized, comedy-packed "Bed
Mill." 40-year-old Victor- . Herbert
opus.

Helen' Hayes' "Harriet" rolled up
$24,400 for the week in the 1,550-scut
i Geary al $3.60.'

Forms Omaha Group

Omaha, May 22. "
^Berne Enslin, who split with
Omaha '.'.-Community Playhouse, an-,
nounccs formation of new civic the-
atre. Starts with summer group. •

Enslin was a Playhouse^ director
up to last 'production; " ■ ,

OBITUARIES

,£AJRL 'LINDSAY

Earl Lindsay, 51, stager of danc.\
n umbers for vaude, legit and films,
died after a heart attack in his hotel
at Miami Beach May 12. Despite
having lost -his sight some 14 years
ago, after ah illness while directing
musical films in Hollywood, he had
continued his staging work, with the
aid of his wife, Lucille, and had re-
cently staged the floor show at the
Five O'Clock Club, Miami Beach.

Lindsay was born in Philadelphia
and made his stage debut as n child
actor at the age of four and con-
tinued as an .actor until reaching his
majority, when' lie diverted toward
producing nitcry floor shows , and
flash production acts for vaudc. He
had staged shows, for Bercy Elkeles
at the once famed Mafci'm's, N'.-'Y.,'
which .spot was said tq have. been
the first to attempt a ^production,
rather than a few disjointed acts, as
a .floorshow. Between such ■ assign-
ments he staged the dance numbers
in several' Winter Garden shows for
the Shuberts and other productions
for Arthur Hammerstein andCharles-
B. Dillingham, He later, went to
Hollywood where he staged a num-
ber, of filmusicals. His career' there
was stymied by loss of sight

Survived by his widow and a 17-
year-old son. Earl Lindsay. Jr.

EDITH CAMPBELL FAVERSHAM

Mrs. Edith Campbell Faversham.
61. retired legit actress and widow
of the late William Faversham. for-
mer legit star, died May 20 in New
York. Faversham died in »1940. ;

Born in Phoenix. Arizona, she

stage training via a stock company
in Los Angeles. She later appeared
in Shakespearean repertoire with
Robert Mantell. making her Broad-
way debut with Blanche Ring in
"Nobody's Widow." After that she
successively appeared in '"Mind the
Paint Girl.'". "The Lady of • the
Camilliax," starring Ethel Barry-
more, "Cinders," "Leah Kleschna.''
'"Mask and the Face," "Foot -Loose"
and "Follow Thru." Her last .stage
appearance was in 1943 in '"The
Skin of Our Teeth" at the Plym-
outh. N. Y.

She had been the actor's third
wife, having ' married him in 1925.
His second wife. Julje Opp Faver-
.sham, mother of his two sous, died in
1921.

eral Paris playiiouses^including the
Opera. Comique.

The war cut heavily into the
brothers' finances, but despite their
age. they resumed their conjurr
ing act.

GREAtf'LAFAYETTE

Bernard H. Paris, 50, magician and
mentalist who had been' known pro-
fessionally as The Great -Lafayette,,
died in Seattle, May 14. ;

Under' his .professional tag he had
loured legit and vaudc for a num-
ber of years, using a tab version of
hi:; magico and illusions, culled from
his longer legit production.

Starting his stage career as on
acrobat, he had studied magico- and.
illusionists who appeared on vaudc
bills with him and for a time' toured
as Illistro, hypnotist/ until he finally
conquered the hocus-pocus routines.

■Survived by" widow and son.

. JUAN DE JABA ALMONTE

Juan de Jara Almonte. 65. assist-
ant- to Niles Trammel, of the Na-
tional Broadcasting Co.. died 411 New
York May .19. '

Almonte, a former newspaperman
and well known to diplomats the
world oyer, came to NBC in 1927 as
a member of the sales department.

Almonte was named night sales
representative of NBC, later night
general manager and finally the posi-
tion he held before he died, assistant
to the president.

the F. E. Gooding Co., Columbus,
as manager. Son survives. ■

. EDWIN LEE FROST

Edwin Lee Frost, 55,- once a tenor
in light opera, died May 11, in Mem-
phis, Tenn.

Frost, had star billing with Billy
House and Walter Catlelt in the old
Milton Schuster road shows, but
quit the road about 15 years ago.

His widow, Mrs. Minnie Frost,
also was a trouper. A daughter and
two sons survive.

J. KENNETH HENRY

J.; Kenneth Henry, 3?r died May
20 at Fordlvam hospital. N. Y., from
injuries received in a car collision
early Friday morning (18). .
'.-.' Details in Pictures section.

LESTER D. COHN

Lester D. Cohri, N. Y. exhibitor
for 30 years, died after a heart at-,
lack in New York, May 18. He had
been operator of the Arcade theatre
most , recently, 'but retired from ac-
tive business, about six months ago.

Survived by widow and daughter.

nENRY VICTOR

Henry Victor, 03,. screen actor,
died May 15. nr. Hollywood.- Death
resulted from a brain tumor; report-
ed aftermath of an injury sustained
while playing in a picture. 20 years
ago.

ALEXANDER JULIAN

Alexander Julian. 52. film char-
acter actor, died in Hally wood, May
18.

Survived by his widow. ;

EDWARD M. DOWLING

Edward M. Dowling, 60, Holyoke,
Mass., theatre manager', died May 20, home, Beverly

the theatre business, he had been
advance publicity man for Barnum
Si' Bailey - circus and .Pawnee Bill's
Wild West show.

Dowling had been an assistant to
the late Tex Rickard when he was 1
active at the Madison Square Gar-
den. He had been manager of the
Holyoke Victory theatre for about
three years.
Survived by widow and daughter

HUGH A. SAXON

Hugh A. Saxon, 76. screen actor
for 29 years, died May 14 at his
home L Beverly HillvCalif.

Father, 75, Of Frank P. Rosenberg,
Columbia Pictures ad-publicily. di-
rector, died in N. Y., May 19. Besides
his son, Frank, he is' survived by
three daughters, two sisters and two
brothers,

REGINALD HALSTEAD

Reginald Halstead, 52, legit and
vaude actor, died of pneumonia at
Llandudno, North Wales, last week.
He was associated with theatrical
productions in England and on the
Continent over a long term of years.

Originally was with. "Brownies
Concert Parly" which later became
well-known "Co-Optimists." Had.
been general manager for the late
Fred Karno when latter was at the
height of his fame, and later became
general manager for Wylie-Talc Pro-
ductions.

He wrote and -produced several
shows, among them "Splinters."
"Bran Pic," with Odette Myrtil, and
"'Come Again," with Jose Collins.
Also staged pantomimes and wrote
music and material for many -West
End shows. .

Survived by a son, John, now
with Firth Shephard, London,, and a
daughter,. Betty Elaine, profession
alh»» known as Karen While, who re-
sides in New York City.

ROBER'l COLLIER

Robert Collier, 51, former
West Coast publicity director.
May. 19 in Hollywood followi
heart attack. Stricken in San
cisco, where " he reprcscntci
Ford Motor. Co. at the SecurhY Con-
ference,' Cbllici - was trnnsfrfred to
a Hollywood hospital for . treatment
but suffered a relapse.

With F-WC for five years. Collier
vas associated for a time with
Farnsworlh R,adiO, television pio
neers, and later with Hudson Motors
before joining Ford two years ago,
Surviving is his widow, who- for-
merly sang and danced for Far chon
&. Marco'as Jeanne Gore.

DAVID CLYDE

David Clyde, .60, screen character
actor died in Hollywood May 16. He
portrayed many butler roles in films.
Clyde and . his wife, actress Fay,
Holdcn, who played in many "Andy
Hardy"' pictures, would have cele
brated their 31st wedding anniver-
sary next June 24. He played char-
acter parts in "Cardinal Richelieu,"
"Hard Rock Harrigun" and "Man On
the Flying Trapeze." .

Among his recent pictures were
"The Lost Weekend." "Molly and
Me" "Love Letters" and "Salty
O'Rourkc."'

WALTER JACOBS

Waller Jacobs, 77, retired Boston
music publisher, died in West Som-
crvillc, Mass., May 14. Jacobs started
career in Boston as a music pub
lisber in 1894 and for 20 or more
years carried on this business there.
In 1943 hfe sold out to his old firm
which is still operating in Holly
wood, under the name of Walter
Jacobs. Inc. He was the publisher
of. the marches "National Emblem"
and "Our Director." .

Survived" bjF widow, a sister and
two brothers.

KMILE ISOI.A

Emile Isola. 85, veteran French
■ vaude performer, died in Paris, May
17. after a long career on the stage.
Teamed w,ilh his younger brother,
Vincent, the . duo was as famous in
France as Weber and Fields in tjiis
country. .

Starting with a conjuring act,
which" they played for years, they
amassed a sizeable fortune. Later
- they took over management of sev-

HARRY SHANNON

Harry . Shannon, Sr.. "76,
In to two generations of Ohio
c-goers as owner of the Shan-
Players., a. traveling show com-
fort years; died at Larue. O
ay 14. He retired /four, 'years. -ago.
c Shannon shows . played nearly
every town,, village, or hamlet in
Ohio.

The Four Shannons consisted of
the Colonel, his widow, a son and. a
daughter, all of whom survive.

JOE SULLY

Joseph'. Silverman. 50. former
vaudc performer ■ who had been
known professionally as Joe Sully
died at. Glen Ridge, N. J.. May 16.

Sully:'had spent most of his stage
career in vaude, appearing with
divers partners and for several years
toured in Jesse Lasky's "Hoboes."

Survived by three sisters and two
brothers;. -. ••

Literati

Joe Kamp Complleates W.W-Time

A complicating factor entered the
Walter. Winchell-Time * feud last
week. The columnist and the Luce
outfit have been tiffing last tew
weeks since. Time finger-pointed at
Winchell's, along with other column-
ists' .antics, at San Francisco United
Nations confab. W>nc".ioll came back,
on air and in print, citing Time
being "wrong about a number of
things a number of times,

Last week,: Joseph P. Kamp, no-
torious as one of the accused sedi-
tionisls in. the mass trial of this al-
leged breed in Washington last year,
published a pamphlet entitled "With
Lotions of Love." Whole thing is a.
bald Winchell smear, in best America
First style. But oh inside front cover
Kamp reprinted a page from Time,
of Jan. 11, 1943, reporting on Win-
chell's trip to Brazil. There's noth-
ing anti- Winchell on that page. But
intention is obvious to use Time
prestige to bolster Kamp's smear.

Eric Hodgins, Time v.p., immedi-
ately wired' Winchell disclaiming
any association with Kamp and hint-
ing that Winchell exonerate ' Time
from- such suspicions. To date Win-
chell hasn't answered Hodgins. .

To back up its disclaimer/ Time
started suit in N. Y. federal court
against Kamp on Monday (21), seek-
ing an injunction against Kamp and
asking court to impound all copies
of the booklet and. order them; de-
stroyed.

Film
$3\ illus-
bv Darryl
by Walter

Arthur S. Arnold, 77. former legal
rep for Nixon-Nirdlingcr theatrical
interests in Philadelphia, died May
12 in. that city. Also was attorney
at one time for Theatrical Managers
Association.

Jqles V. Jack. 70. retired show-
man, died May 1 1 in Los' Angeles
after a. long illness.. At one time, he
managed an American tour for Anna
Held.

Brother, 47, of Alan Dalzell, ad-
vance agent for Theatre Guild, died
at Newark, N. J., May 21.

Father of Bob Donley, now with
WINS in N. Y„ but until recently
chief announcer at WCAE, Pittsburg,
died last week in Carmichaels, Pa.

Wife of Johnny White, profes-
sional manager of Remick Music Co.
in N. Y., died May 10 in N Y.

MARRIAGES

Gwynne Pickford to George Orn-
stein, Hollywood, May 18. Bride is
niece of Mary Pickford.'

Lauren Bacall to Humphrey Bo-
gart, Mansfield, O., May 21. Bride
and groom are screen stars.

Mrs. Barbara Failander Spencer
to Glenhall Taylor May 21, Las
Vegas. '■ Groom is associate director
of radio, for Young & Rubicam and
manager of the Hollywood office.

Francia While to Capt. Biunoltc
Thompson, Rosarita. Cal., May 16.
Bride is opera singer.

Gassner-Nichols' Anthology

John Gassner, formerly Theatre
Guild play editor, now with Colum-
bia Pictures, and Dudley Nichols.

gdl>d~aiunoiog>^. "irr\h¥n ;
Plays 1943-44" (Crown,
tra ted, with a preface
Zanuck and a survey
Wanger. This is the first of an an-
nual series whereas their previous
"20 Best Film Plays" was a sporadic
affair. Gassnci' also edited a "20
Best Plays of the. Modem American
Theatre.". Newest volume includes
"Wilson." "Purple Heart." "Going
My Way," "Miracle of Morgan's
Creek." "Watch on the Rhine." "Dra-
gon Seed.'' "More the . Merrier,"
"Ox Bow ' Incident." "Hail the
Conquering -Hero" and "Casablanca."

Abel.

John Hersey Freelancing

John Hersey will freelance hero*
after, having resigned from the
Time-Life staff during which per
riod he authored the Pulitzer prize-
winning novel, "A Bell for Adano,"
also current on Broadway as a play.
Hersey. however, ^ will fulfill cer-
tain assignments for the Luce publi-
cations.

Lewis' Grant Tome

■ Lloyd- Lewis, who resigned as as-
sociate and drama editor of the Chi-
cago Daily News on April 1, has
signed a contract with Little, Brown
Si CO. for his forthcoming biography
of Ulysses S. Grant, which he is now
writing.

When Lewis was writing "Sher-
man. Fighting Prophet," about 12
years ago, he became increasingly
interested in Grant, but had to
"throw him out of the Sherman
book every few pages lest lie run
away with it." From that time he
■has collected Grantiana and the new
book will be the result of that rer
search.

ELMER WEAVER

Elmer W. Weaver, theatrical agenl
and outdoor showman, died April 20,
in . Columbus, O. He piloted many
repertoire and one-night stands In
the middle west before turn -of the
century and then became interested
in outdoor shows. He operated his
own company, St. Louis Amusement
Co., for years. Recently he was with

BIRTHS

: Mr. and Mrs. Russell Stewart, son.
N. Y.. May 20. Father with Metro
homcofficc publicity department.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Yuhasz. Son,
Glendale, Cal.. May 15. ' Father, is
a screen writer.

• Lt. and Mrs. Adrian Goodman,
daughter, Hollywood, May 18. Moth-,
cr is daughter of Jim and Marian
Jordan (Fibber McGce and Molly):

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Do Millc,
son, Hollywood, May 18. Father is
son of Cecil B. De Mille, producer.
Mother is daughlcr of George Shaf-
fer, publicist. :

' Mr. and Mrs. Rhys Williams, son,
Hollywood, May 20. Father, is screen
and stage actor;

• Mr. and Mfs, Sid J./Dickler, son.
Pittsburgh, May, 15. Father, is man-
ager of WB's Beimar theatre and
former band-leader,

Lieutenant (jg) and Mrs. Gray
Carpenter, son, Pittsburgh, May 12.
Father . was a legit actor before , go-
ing into service.

Bob Casey's Citation
Medal for distinguished service in
journalism was presented Bob
Casey, newly appointed drama critic
of Chicago Daily News, by Univer-
sity of Missouri last week, because
of his "long career as a brilliant re-
porter in virtually all the fields, of
news and features" aiid for "his suc-
cessful record of books' and of ex-
ploration, travel and fiction."

Citation spoke of Casey as "dean
of American reporters."

to signalize annually N. Y. City
newspaperman for the best editorial
accomplishment of the year. Choice
is to be made . from nominees sub-
mitted by editors of the city's
papers. Latter may submit from his

newspaper's record of the year

either a story, editorial, photo', art
Work or headline, identifying it as
the creation of a staff member. An
inscribed plaque will be given to the
nominee selected by the committee
at the fall dinner of the Silurians.

Bill Ori- was formerly city cd ot
the old Trib, gravitating to Albany
as scc'y to the newly-elected Gov
Whitman. His committee members
are John H. Gavin, Henry II. Cur-
ran, John W. Rainey, Robert J
Kennedy, Einil Sholz and Alfred
Reeves. . . «■

'Variety'— GI Fashion

There's a "Variety" out In. the
Marianas — only, it's a two-page
mimco sheet published by a Special
Services group to give GI's the low-
down' on forthcoming USO-Cainp
Shows, local dramatics, chitchat and
film hews. ' Sheet apes , "Variety"
with its page of film "comihent,
headed "Pic of the Pix." Sheet is:
edited by T/5 J. D. Fletcher and
managed by Capt. J.. S. McEntoe.
' . The Sporting News -of SI. Louis
is likewise aped.

y C'HATl'ER

Jerome Wcidman now headquar-
tered permanently in Waslunglon.
D. C.

Gordon Fields writing the life of
Sidney Toler for fall publication in
book form. ■
!Wl lSWr1f?e1^W'p^
ing another novel, based on early
California land grant!.

Aris Angclopolua i and Mahos Mc-
galqkonomos, Athenian editors, gan-
dcring fllni production at Warners!
. Muriel (ex-Mrs. Harry) Kurnilz,
divorced wife ot the Metro film
writer, is now' on the N. Y. Post citv
staff; ■ '

Al Brimmer, picture editor for
Tune-In. is going overseas as a USO
company manager in about four .
weeks-
Victor Perry Alcxandrov. screen
story analyst, has a hovel coming out
this month, tilled "Journey Through
Chaos."

Earl Wilson. Broadway columnist,
relieved his nostalgia by gandcring
the "Stork Club" set on the Para-
mount lot in Hollywood.

Charles Hu.rd, N. Y. Times starter
and author of "The Vclcran"'<olumn,
doing a book oil the problems of the
returned soldier for Whittlesey
House.

Grossnt & Dutilap appointed Hilda
Livingston advertising aiid pub-
licity manager. Miss Livingston w.-is
for the past two years associate edi-
tor of .Tide. \

AM, new daily newsmag, 'will fea-
ture trade press news as regular de-
partment, with page titled "Trade
Press' Parade," lo give trade journals
full coverage.

Sally Benson has been given a whirl
in Boston at midnight purtics, thea-
tre .gatherings and women's clubs.
Her salty wit has floored many
grande-dames.

Despite paper rationing. Pocket
Books has managed to sell 2,000.000
copies of the three anthologies edited
for them by Philip Van Doren Stern:
"The Pocket Reader,". "Pocket Com-
panion" and "Pocket Book of Mod-
ern American Short Stories." . The
25c publishers have. .-for this month,
a.fourth title edited by .Stern. "Pock-
et Book of Adventure Storiot."

Cert's Brush to Lyons

No secret about Bennett (Random
House) Cerf's fetid with Leonard
(N. Y. Post) Lyons, since the latter
criticized' the "Try and Stop. Me"
author 'for allegedly miscrediting
gags— 63 of 'cm, to quote the column-
ist— so Corf is getting even.

He issued an intra-company memo,
"Don't throw- any more good litera-
ture to the Lyons," meaning take, him
off the free (press) list.

Silurians Press Award*
William A. Orr, of Metro pub-
licity, heads the Awards Committee
of the Silurians, formed at the so-
ciety's dinner Saturday night (19)

People say this book would moke
the most fascinating movie!,

Written by popular
Caryl Bergmam
famed dancing star
of "Rio. Rita" and
other Broadway,
smash, successes.)
Praised by Walter
Winchell as "the rv
mance which rr*
viewers embraced.

nee On,
gane'

by CARYL BERGMAN

Dorrance 4 Co., Philadelphia

Wedpcsday, May 23, 1945

CHATTER

55

Broadway

■7«b Mostel added to Billy Rose's
.Concert Varieties." ; ; ■
Sam Friedman has joined the Dick
Maney press agency. ^

Tommy Lymnri now warbling at
jimmT^' 18 ' East 54th street.

Walter Greaza did a bit of spring
cleaning by shaving off mustache.

Owen Murphy arountt after hos-
pitalization, but ordered to. take it

"'ilise Chisholm joined John Peter
i-oohey to help pressagent "Holly-
wood Pinafore." .

Harry Fromkcs, operator of Play-
house N Y-. weekending at his sum-
mer home near New London. _

Set Ezra Stone back on the Main
stem'after three mores' hospitaliza-
tion -following a major operation.

Lawrence Langner and Marc Hei-
man chturnianing United Jewish. Ap-
peal at Hotel Astor tomorrow

(T Franic ' Menke rushed wads of
printed copy to sports editors .as
Joon as Kentucky Derby was elated
for June 9. ■ ' ' . . j

Eddie Cantor- bondstorming east, I
ami will -wind up on the N. Y. Par-
amount stage for the Glenn Miller
(J.-hc 5) Day. ^ .

His charge. Sonny Tufts, having
rciirned to the Paramount lot/Hol-
lywood agent Leo Morrison continu-
ing his stay here another week.

Charlotte Jablons leaving the cock-
tail department of the William Mor-
ris agency to become secretary to
Earl Wilson, N. Y. Post's saloon
editor.

RKO director L. Lawrence Green's
20-year-old son back from Europe,
with injured arm and leg. but will
be OK. . He was with the. First

A Wal'ly Downey, back from Rio; and;
BA., reporls "Native Son" and
"Voice of the Turtle" with . local
casts are the dramatic hits in those
countries.

Al Jolson reportedly cashed in $500
worth of win Ux on Easy Spell . in ihe
first race at Jamaica opening day.
(21) for profit of $13450, according

Averre foursome on accordion, re-
placing Ann Judson.

Lois Andrews in town waiting for
transportation when her coast-bound
plane was forced down.

Sgt. Gabe Rubin home from Tam-
pa, FJa., on 15-day furlough. He
owns Art Cinema theatre.

Lieutenant ijg) Ed Brown, former
exhibitor, home oh leave. He hit
Paris on last trip abroad.

Wayne and Martin, Barbara Bel-
more and Mary Martha Briney head
new lineup at Terrace Room.

Tommy Carlyn's saxman. Ken Mil-
ler, will take over management of
band when Carlyn goes into Navy.

. Lt; Jack Mitchell, pilot-son of
Johnny Mitchell. . the organist,
wounded on his 15th mission over
Germany..

Florence Sando back on WjAS
after some time in hospital getting
additionally patched up after auto
crack-up last fall: ■'

..Enoch'- Rauh Club brought Myron
Cohen. Broadway raconteur, here for
"Night of Mirth, Magic and Melody"
at Carnegie Music Hall.

Army-Navy

Cenllnned from pace 2

London

WB's Jake

. the second time. Daughter Ruth
Wilk (Mrs. Marvin Notkins; he's an
asst. JJ. S. attorney) was former legit
: producer. Her previous a son.
Billy. Diamond, booker in the Ar-
thur: Fisher office, been notified that
his son, Sgt. Billy, Jr.. has' been
awarded the air medal for his work
in a B-29 in 'the air raids over Japan.

Leonard Spinrad, of MOrt Blumen
stock's pub staff at WB home office
before going to the Army, promoted
to first lieutenant. Attached to
Army Pictorial ■ Service, Signal
Corps, N. Y.

Donald Flamni now sole owner of
that 161 W. 54 apartment : house
which he and Morris Sai'hoff (David's
brother! bought recently. Latter
now concentrating on the Jersey
agency for Schenley's.
..'■'A Salute to Show Business at
War" dinner, proceeds to Spanish
Refugee Appeal, Hotel Astor, N. Y.,
June 10 at $7.50 per head. Margaret
Webster. chairman, Max Gordon ond
Eddie Cowling co-chairmen.

Lt. Herb Golden, USN, ex-"Va
riety," writes from the Pacific that
"after lining up for that dubious
beer and Australian gin at the Of-
ficers Club; here, there's little sym-
pathy about the curfew back home."

Kenneth Spencer, . basso-baritone
at Cafe Society Uptown, recently, re-
turned from six-month USO tour of
South Pacific, won a Julius Roscn-
wald Fellowship for one year's ad
vanced musical' study- with a stipend
of $2,500.

S/Sgt. Edmund Kennedy, former
. accountant in RKO-Radio foreign
department, released from German
prison camp. He is reported on his
way home according to word re-
ceived by Jack Kennedy, also of
HKO-Radio foreign department.

Jane Hansons "Contact Unlim-
ited, recipient of one of five awards
by the Mational Theatre Conference
ftew Play Committee of 1944, will
be presented by Tamara Daykar.t
nanova, actress, director and drama
teacher, at the Finch theatre next
Sunday and Monday.

his show". Five minutes before cur-
tain time an officer ordered gobs in
the first six rows to move out, to
make way for officers. Whereupon
all the sailors walked out. Call for
barracks was sounded, and the' men
were marched back under orders to
the theatre. ' "1 couldn't 'start the
show," says Baker. "There they sat,
hatred burning those kids up. I
went out. in .front of the . curtain,
and talked to them for 15. minutes to
thaw them out, before we dared to
ring the curtain up."
. At another Latin base, according
to Baker, the gobs were all set' to
come and see 'their show, but be-
cause they were given orders to slay
on the base and not go. into town
(this was pay day) the gobs boy-
cotted the show, so that the unit per-

a grandpop for lw n

David Marks again' in hospital un-
dergoing operation for lung trouble.
.Gladys Sherkot in Paris trying to
get permit to bring her husband's
mother into England.

Daily Express horror pictures ex-
hibition of German camps in Re-
gent street, drawing capacity biz:

Bernard Delfont dickering tacrine
to West End "Once in a Million,"
musical, show now playing. RAF sta-
tions.

Leslie Bcrcns. formerly with Eal-
inp Film Distributors, has replaced
Alfred Kulncr as London, branch
manager for Columbia Pictures. ;'

Frederick Carter, secretary to As-
sociated Theatre Properties, hob-
bling on crutches after 10 weeks at.
London clinic due to having been hit
by truck.

Grand National^ictilres signed
George Mooiv and Burton Brown for
film, with shooting to start .middle
of June. Also in film are Harry
Parry and his band.

Jack Hyltpn . is augmenting his
Stoll's theatre . show, "Laugh, Town,
Laugh," by addition of 16 gals and
eight boys. Also releasing Billy Reid
band and Dorothy Squires.

Tawny Neilson, head of British
Broadcasting Corp.'s dance band
programs, off to France with Henry
Hull and band, who will entertain
servicemen for four weeks.

Sax Rohmer has written new
whodunit: titled "The Body Is Up-
stairs" for D. A. Clarke-Smith, just
discharged from British Army.
Charles L. Tucker negotiating for
West End rights.'
-Daphne du Maurieij's "The Years
Between," currently at Wyndham's
theatre, bought by 'Sydney Box Pi-b-
ductions for filming, to be released
by J. Arthur Rank. Heading cast
are Valerie Hobsori and John Clem-
ents.

the Executive's Club at the Hotel
...-Jj Sherman on May' 25. ,
Eddie Silverman, Essahcss head,
partied committee . who helped put
the Hal Halperin-Variety Club me-
morial show together, at Gibby's
Monday ■ 21 >.

Fred Evans, former dance director
"of the Chez Pares, is here interview-,
ing chorus girls for USO units. Gals
are offered $70 a. week and six-
months' contract.

Al Fuller, Palmer House ad and
publicity chief, working only part
time since re'.urn in Febraury from
long illness, back on full time and
has again taken over Empire Room
publicity from Alan Edelson, who
pinch-hit froin Bismarck hotel.
. Ralph Berber of the Latin Quar-
ter and Sclma Marlowe, his show
director, are pacting dancers for
shows to be produced at the St.
Francis hotel. San Francisco.

Hollywood

Australia

- By Erie. Gorrick
Sir Ben Fuller is looking for more
cinemas in Newcastle industrial area

By Hal Cohen

Sain Nixon lo New York to catch
"P on .the shows while the Nixon is
dark. . ..

Catholic Theatre Guild here doing
Courtnay Savage's "Home Is the
Hero."

Capelia and Patricia come back to
«lxon cafe this week for four weeks.

pinty (WB) Moores' lad, Lieuten-
* n V<iB> D. F. Moore, Jr., home from
Okinawa. .

f Roland Gray, engineer at WCAE
jor last three years, has gone with
the OWI.

Martin Sapik, radio actor, Do/rio-
a , lc nominee for tax collector in
Ambndpe, Pa:

Jackie' Heller, at Lee V Eddie's in
Detroit after 12-week run at Chi's
Latin Quarter. . •

Izzy Belnhsky, trombone player
with. Marty Gregor, has passed his
•Wjjny physical. .

. T *d and . Derinie Peters into snow
-« Vogiie Terrace after four- week
run at Nixon Cafe.
_. T /Sgt. Nick Hyman, bomber ongi-
* nd former asst. mgr. for War-
ners, ni from Europe.
■ Wm ; Trimarkie Returning lo Dick"

ian friend!!!

In several North African cities,'
Baker says, they ran. up against
hard-headed Special Services offi-
cers. One, in Cairo, wouldn't even
talk to the unij, and when . ap-
proached for assistance in setting up
the show, acted very rudely. This
occurred in Dig cities: In small posts,
says Baker, the officers couldn't do
enough for the troupe. "There are
too many volley ball experts in. Spe-
cial Services," says Baker. . "They
don't know show bjz. They can't un-
derstand a legit unit's needs for
props and stuff, when they come
along." A unit's cjmpany manager
is helpless under the circumstances.
Baker suggests that a [ show-wise
Army .'officer go Out. with each USO-
CS unit, who'll know what to ask
for at each post, and where to get it.
Mthtner's Finding
A belter picture of show condi-
tions abroad, although citing various
instances of abuse, is given by Fred-
die Lightner, who aiso returned to
New York lHst week after 3.'.4 years
overseas for Camp Shows.'

The average .G.I and average per-
former have developed a healthy re-,
spect and liking for each other as. a
result of show businesses part in this
war, according to Lightner. There,
have been abuses by individual tal-
ent and by certain Special Services
officers, he admits, but these are the
exception. On the whole, he says,
the Army" has leaned over backward
to assist visiting talent; the GI has
welcomed sh/.v people warmly, and
the actor" has reciprocated by giving
all he had.

The GI, Lightner found, likes al-
most everything.' He may prefer tal-
ent to a pretty face, but in the.
main ' he's grateful for whatever he
gets. .

Sbme Special Services officers.
Whose job is to route and present
talent, aren't as appreciative.' A tew
don't know show' biz and- don't like
it. They fall down hi preparations
t>:y make for talent and for per-
formances. :■'"■"•

; Lightner ' also admits that both
Special Services, and the performer;
sometimes made mistakes by. having
visiting shows eat with officers in-
stead of the men: It was only . human
for talent to prefer the improved ac-
commodation*, given" officers, but
they should have alternated, he says.
The GIs reseiitcd performers mess-
ing with officers, he i found.

Lightner found, too, that" GIs re-
sented film and stage slais who came
over for brief personality appear-
ances. They, wanted to see them all
right. 'But when, a stair came oyer
for six' weeks/ and was announced
in "Stars and Sfvipcs" as coming;
and only appeared in certain areas
because of limitations of lime. GIs
in the neglected areas griped, even
lo taking it out on other USO units'
that showed up. If a star can't. for-
get his contracts for at least a six-
month period, says Lightner. echoing
GI opinion, he ought to slay home

address before a group of 500 civic
leaders plus press and radio reps
at a luncheon in the Grand Ball-
obm of the Palmer House, "and i
fail to see any. reason at all why an
exhibitor would ba|k at showing the
newsreels. If they don't, they're
making, a fatal mistake, because the
public must be made to realize by
every' means possible what a hor-
rible fate awaits those who let thr
Germans rise to anything approxi
mating former - power." ' '
"' Vets LMk to V. S.
Dimitman told the crowd he had
spoken to Gen. Eisenhower, to many
other officers, and to soldiers by the
hundreds, and that they, are all
looking to the United Nations, to
San Francisco, to find an answer to
what should be done with Germany
not in revenge, hot on the theory,
of an eye for an eye, not to even
things up, just to insure the world
that there will be no repetition of
such horrors.'

Eric Walquist, Brisbane
for Hoyts, resigned to join the Kcr
ridge New Zealand loop.

Edgely and' Dawe, British comics,
are playing an extended air season
for . the. Australian Broadcasting
Commission.

Columbia expects to get "Smithy"
before cameras late this month. Ken
Hall will direct. Casting has been
major headache,

Noel Coward's "Blithe Spirit" will
be given Melbourne preem this
month via Williamson-Tail, with Ed-
win Styles in lead.

Williamson-Tait have click in
.'Kiss and Tell" al Royal, Sydney
Show ran in Melbourne for a year
prior lo shifting to Sydney.

"Rio Rita" is pulling top piz In
Brisbane for Williamson-Tait. Gladys
Moncrieff has the lead. Platter sales
very, good in this zone presently,
U. S. tunes most popular.

Chips Rafterly has been- signed by
Harry Watt for top male role in "The
Overlanders." Pic, wholly financed
by Ealing, is now before the cam-
eras, with Watt directing.

Roland Walton, co-director of
Whitehall Productions, running the
legit Minerva. Sydney, leaves for
London soon lo arrange for new
plays and players to come here.

Gracie Fields is due for Aussie
lour late next month. Public per-
formances will be handled by Wil-
liamson-Tait, with the British au-
thorities in charge of khaki run
around.

Biz holding up nicely for Dave
Martin wilh vaude-revue at Tivoli,
Sydnev. Acts include Roy Rene
i "Mo"). Mike Connors. Kitty Tracey,
Desmond Tanner. ' Wallhon & Dor-
raine. Riley & Huntley and Gloria
Dawn.

Anticipated that with the arrival
of Wolfe Cohen, Hoyts and Warners
will set a long-term product deal.
Hoyls. via Ernest Tiirnbnll, recently
signatured for eleven Warner pix.
thus ending a two years' product
shutout.

Clem Whilcly. advertising direc
lor 20lh-Fox, has been ordered to
take long rest following nervous
breakdown. Stuart' Coddc is seeking
release from Navy to lake White
ley's place. He had post prior to go
ing into service.

Chicago

Squeamish Exhibs

Continued from page 2

Foster Gross joined RKO Hackery.

Diana Lynn cast on a hospital
lour.

John Carradinc laid up with bron-
chitis.

Irving Rapper to Mexico City on
film business.

Dick Powell bought a new home
in. Brentwood, . 4

Gracie Fields doing a Red Cross
short at 2flth-Fox.

Alan Ladd reported foi' induction
at Fort MacArthur.

Ruth Warwick, screen actress, su-
ing Erik Rolf for divorce. :

Dick Foran divorced by Carole
Gallagher in Los Angeles.

Col. Jimmy Stewart awarded the
French Croix de Guerre.

Al Ttockett sold his ranch and
I moved into Beverly Hills.
1 Steve Dunn, RKO sound/chief, re-
covering from spinal surgery. ;
. Judy Canov§_ returned ' to work
after a vacation. nT~L<is/ Vegas.

J. M. Ruddy, three. years...in the
Army, 'joined Warners flackery.

Cole Porter checked in ot Warners
to supervise his screen biography.

Lawrence Tibbett trained to Salt
Lake City on singing commitment.

Herbert J. Yates returned to his
Republic desk after two weeks in' the
east ' .

Pat O'Moore laid up with recur-
rence of malaria contracted over-
seas. -

Pep's Hollywood eatery, damaged
by fire last winter, reopens this
week.

Sylvia Fine arrived from New
York to. rejoin her husband, Danny
Kaye. ■',-.'•

Morris I. Davis, .Metro's South Af-
rican manager, in town for studio
huddles/

Frances Farmer ailing again, with
her mother filing another insanity
complaint.

Pamela Blake out of the "Club
Havana" cast at PRC because of sud-
den illness.

Madge Bellamy making a come-,
back in "Northwest Trails," indie
production.

. Mine. -Henri Bonnet, wife of the
French Ambassador, entertained on

Dimitman said, told him of a solu-
tion that was impracticable, but in-
sisted it was Uie best solution. This
was to put to death every member
of the. S. S. 1. Elite . Guard) and the
Gestapo, every official of the Nazi
army, and every member of the Ger-
man general staff.-

"Finally,'' Dimitman quoted this
official, "we must take all Gentians
between the ages of 10 and 30 and
put them - in concentration camps.
All these have been poisoned beyond
rehabilitation. All of them feel they
are supermen; Since we can't do the
obvious, my personal recommenda-
tion is that Germany be occupied
and policed carefully for a long,
long time — at least 10 years, possibly
20 years, or even longer."

Speaker added, "The GIs feel the
same way."

More Nazi Atrocity Clips

Latest newsrecls which went to
exhibitors yesterday (Tues.> con-
tain additional atrocity pictures but
bulk of footage from European war-
front .covers a closeup of inside Ger-
many, as it now. exists.

Atrocity scenes are limited to only
two or three minutes by most of
reels, attitude of most newsreelcrs
being that this is the more effective
way to handle material which is
more or less a retake of the original,
lengthy story carried about three
weeks ago. Also that it serves as. a
reminder of the original footage.

GI Crap Games

- Continued from page I

where once only the fabulously rich
frolicked their time away ." :

Also set forth: "Skiiing in the
Alps, sun-bathing on Mediterranean
beaches, sightseeing in France, Eng-
land and Italy are among the choices
offered furldughing soldiers."

Hotel accommodations for. 150,000

liirneYee"
Valley , home and moved into a Hol-
lywood apartment.

John Ford, director, laid up with
a leg injury, following a fall from
a platform, at Metro.

Bing Crosby and his four sons
played in a Father's Day short for
the War Loan drive.

Richard Sokolove, recently wilh
Columbia, shifting to Metro as as-
sistant to Al Lichtman.

Capt. Richard Macauley, now on
the inactive list, returning to his old '
writing Job at 20th-Fox.

Winfield Sheehan returned- to
work at 20th-Fox after recuperating
from scries of operations. :

Herbert J. Yates showed high
Mexican government officials how
films are made at Republic.

William Z, Porter, traveling audi-
tor for Monogram, returned from a
five-month, tour.' of exchanges.

Bud Abbott laid up with a
strained back, sustained during a
scene with Lou Costello at Metro.

Claudetle Colbert returned to
work in "Tomorrow Is Forever" at
International after 10 days out wilh
flu.

Mary Pickford entertained the
wives Of the' French, Belgian arid
Greek ambassadors at her Pickfair
home.

Walter H. Liobman in town to
confer with W. Horace Schmidfapp
on the Jan Kiepura musical, "Polon--

nai.ee."

Maurice Costello, Eva Novak and
Sluart Holmes, onetime stars, play-
ing in "Sunbonnct Sue" at Mono-
gram. ' ,

Louis de Rochemont returned
from "New York, where he had been
shooting "Now It Can Be Told" on
location.

Brig. Gen. William O'Dwyer, exec-
utive director of the War Refugee
Board, in town for huddles with
William Goetz.

. Gary Cooper, released from the
hospital after minor surgery, will
rest for two weeks before resuming
producer chores at International.

St Louis

By Sam X. Hurst .

Willie Shore, Blair and Dean and
J . - , , „ Sully Mason'_s band,at Chase Club. '

doughboys on leave have ah eady Helcne and Hayes, dansapators. a

Stan Kcnldn, now playing at the
Panther- Room, reports for induction
soon. •

Ethel Shutta and Benny Rubin will
ro-slar in the new 5100 Club show
opening Friday i-25). .

The Blackhawk has picked up Del
Courtney's option for another eight
weeks which will keep him. there
until July 9. ■

Emilc Petti, -with' his augmented
orch, will supplant. Buddy Franklin
'crew in' the Walnut Room, Bismarck
hotel. June 8.

Bill Hollander. Balaban St Kalz
ad chief, off on. his vacation to visit
his son. Lieut. Marshall Hollander,
al Crane, Indiana.

Elm theiitrc,

been, arranged by the Army, which
will pay all travel expenses. .GI's
are entitled lo 30 days leave per
year,' and initial leaves- will be for
seven days plus 'travel time. .

Arrangements have been, made for
all resort towns to provide their pre-
war sports and entertainment faci-
lities for the use of soldiers: Troops
outside of Germany are not permit-
ted to- visit that- country on leave
or pass, while those within its boun-
daries may have but 48-hour pusses
in leave centers to be set up within
American-occupied territory ( 'where
they are independent of the civilian
population. Around 15.000 men at
one time will be able; to have two
day furloughs within such leave ccn

hciilrc. Elmwood Park, was i ci . s , it is not necessary for GI's on
last week, tvft gunmen W'*; - i caV e outside of/Gcrmani- to use
,„.K.fv0.51<-from. the cashier and . Al , my . 0 ., cl . atcd h 6\.c\s and *it is ex-

Force's Radio Sciwice, will address - spend their leaver in private, homes.

h.oi at Club Continental, Hotel Jef-
ferson.

Peter Frye appointed stage direc-
tor for the Municipal Theatre Assn's
forthcoming season.

Jerry Behner, booking manager
for Paramount, back at his desk aft-
er llissle with pleurisy.

Carl E. Roessler, Jr., manager of
Hotel Jefferson, elected chairman of
the Municipal Auditorium Commis-
sion of St. Louis. " •.

Bill to put a $25 to $50 apnual tax
or. all coin machines in the; state has .
been recommended for passage by. a
Lc'cislative committee:

More than $155,000 advance for
the forthcoming season, of the Mu-
nicipal Theatre Assn. at Forest Park
playhouse, Season tecs off June 7
with '-'Jubilee." .

Out-of-town exhibs shopping in
• film row include Herschel -Eichprn,
Mounds. - UK; Joe Goldfarb. Upper
Alton. 111.; George Karsch, Fnrming-
fon, Mo.; and John Rees. Wellcsvillc, -
Mo. -■■■<■•.

Wednesday, May 23, J<)1">

Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q 0 Q Q Q Q

Q

We BAND THAT PLAYS FOR FUN!

Q
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Jones

AND HIS

CITY SLICKERS

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9

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ON

"CHASE AND SANBORN PROGRAM"

with FRANCES LANGFORD

Beginning SUNDAY, June 3rd over NBC
8 to 8:3Q P.M. EWT

RECORD 8REARERS RECORD MAKERS

IN PERSONAL APPEARANCES

Jonei ii about as nimble and daffy a band maestro as you'll ever meet.

-Hortense Morton/ SAN FRANC/SCO EXAMINER

His nonchalance gives the show a wonderful air of freedom and
spontaneity. -Boyd Martin, LOUISVILLE COURIER-JOURNAL

Spike Jones can only be described as the rnaddest, drollest, and
funniest stage show the RKO-Boston has had.

— R.F.E. Junior, BOSTON HERALD

Weird, wacky and wonderful! -Len G. Shaw, DETROIT FREE PRESS

Spike Jones and his band are an institution of contemporary American
entertainment. —WORCESTER EVENING GAZETTE

Spike Jones is. undoubtedly a liberal education in music.

—WASHINGTON STAR

. . . even the dyspeptics in his audience find .themselves under his spell.

—Gilbert Kanour, BALTIMORE EVENING SUN

Spike is to music what Disney is to the cartoon film.

-W. Ward. Marsh. CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER

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9

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PUBLIC RELATIONS

MAXINE THOMAS >t

DON'T MISS THESE WACKY WAXINGS . . . ON VICTOR

COCKTAILS FOR TWO
LEAVE THE DISHES IN THE SINK

"• -
CHLOE
SERENADE TO A JERK
•

Soon to be released . . .

HOLIDAY FOR STRINGS
A GOOSE TO THE BALLET RUSSE

One of the most amusing novelties in recording: Spike Jones' version
of "Cocktails For Two." Very comical. -Wolfer Wincfcell

Jones and his band have become an institution with their lany,
popular recordings. -FORT WAYNE JOURNAL GAZETTE

Spike Jones' comedy-recording of "Block Magic" is likely to become
a collector's item. -George Holland, BOSTON AMERICAN

Currently Featured in

The Paramount Picture "BRING ON THE GIRLS"

PERSONAL MANAGER

BEAUREGARD LEE

Q Q Q Q 0 '<?

<?

Q
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Q

2 DOWN AND 1 TO GO - - ON TO TOKYO !

Let's Hit 'Em With War Bonds

Ilk

Published Weakly at 1E4 West 40th Street, New Tork 19, N. T., by Variety, Inc. Annual subscription, tin. Single copies, 25 cent*.
Entered us aecoiul-claaa mailer December 22. 19116, at (lie Post OfClca at New Yorkj N. T., under the act of .March, t, 1879,
COPXRIGHT, IMS. BY VARIETY, AU. ItlGHTS RESERVE!*

VOL. 158 No. 12

NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, MAY 30,

PRICE 25 CENTS

LEGIT CRITICS PICK

FAY

American Servicemen in the Pacific
Pnt Ceiling On Sex— for USO Shows

By RUDIf ELIE, JR.

Guam.

Sex in the Pacific is out. definitely.

Any USO show flaunting it in any
shape or manner will get the dim
view, and any femme, no matter
how big a number she may be or
what the cut ot her torso, who gives
the boys the bumps, the grinds, the
smirk or the sexy rejoinder, will get
a freeze that will make hei teeth
chatter.

It's happened plenty of times and
it's happening now, in every Pacific
ocean area base where USO shows
have played and are playing. It's not
the fault ot USO shows or the gals.
citlKV. They naturally think the
men out here want something on the
daring side, and insofar as is com-
patible with the strict regulations
concerning such displays, they knock
themselves out trying to give it to
the boys. What they do would wow
them in the U. S. — and of course
does. But these men out here, some
of them having clocked 50 months on
(Continued on page 55 1

Sab Gum Jive, Oriental
Cousin to Spike Jones,
Features Chinese Legit

By DON WAH L'SII

The Sub Gum circuit (New York
style i lust week (22) moved in on the
Barbizon-Plaza Theatre (58th street.
N. Y. ) with three one-aeters staged
b\ and featuring Miss Wang Yung,
a very tasty Chinese dish (Chung-
king style— a la carte only •. Play-
lets, from pens of Chinese play-
wrights, were performed by Chinese
casts speaking English but wearing
Oriental costumes. Also on tap was
sonic Shanghai jive during intermis-
sions when Ying Hsu troltecl out
some instruments that would make
Spike Jones absolutely livid.

These included something resem-
bling a stuffed briefcase, wired for
sound, which the artist attacked
w ith chopsticks; a Chinese flute with
laryngitis, and a two-stringed banjo-
like affair Ying Hsu played with a
violin bow. Latter gadget produced
some mighty sweet music, earning
(Continued on page 52 i

NITERY B.0. NEARING
PRE-CURFEW FIGURES

New York niteries are now feeling
the beneficial effects of the curfew's
repeal for the first time. Business-
took an appreciable lift in the last
week and bonifaces envision clear
sailing from here on in. -It's now
only io c i off on an average,

Until last week, the public .ap-
peared to have been too accustomed
t<>, the healthy curfew hours with
the result that late shows were off
pie-curfew levels. Simultaneously,
exnenses increased as bands and
ads returned to pro-curfew salary
levels.

Boost St. Paul

Minneapolis, May 29.

Determined that St. Paul hence-
forth shall be "well 'treated in the
matter of entertainment," its Retail
Merchants Assn. has appointed an
amusement project committee to put
the town back on the show map and
outdistance its larger twin, Min-
neapolis, which has been getting
much the better break.

Committee includes newspaper
and businessmen.

Eye So. America
As Talent Source

South America, as an increasingly
major source of talent supply, is en-
visioned for the States. Arrange-
ments are already being made by
V. S. agents to comb, Brazil, Argen-
tina and Chile for acts, and since
few performers have been imported
from that area for several years the
wartime accumulation of acts will be
considerable.

Current turn to Sotrlh America is
partially the result of the Nazi
atrocity revelations. Showmen feel
that no one will want to submit or
play a German act for many years.
The .laps arc in the same boat.

The outdoor field will be hardest
hit as 80';. of the thrill acts came
from Germany prior to the war.
There isn't much hope that the other
F.uropean countries will be able to
fill this void during peace.

There is, however, the possibility
that Europe will be able to augment
the talent supply for other fields,
including vaudc and legit, but it's
not likely to come about for many
years as those countries are already
deficient in manpower.

OTHER BESTS' IN
'VARIETY' POLL

Laurette Taylor ana Frank Fay
are the best actress and actor on
Broadway this year. Stars respec-
tively of the prize-winning hits,
"The Glass Menagerie" and "Har-
vey." the two were chosen "bests"
of .the 1944-45 Broadway legitimate
season in "Variety's" annual poll of
the savants who size up the New
York dramatic scene.

The poll this year not only in-
cluded the Nine Old Men of the
daily newspapers, but took in the
lull roster of the New York Drama
Critics' Circle of 19. with three ab-
senting. It included the "bests" in
various categories of the theatre,
and listed a new classification, that
of "best dance-director or choreog-
rapher." The poll for the first time
also gave the critics a chance to ex-
press a "second best" as well as a
first.

The 16 savants, blanketing the
field with their selections, were,
nevertheless, unanimous on two
choices, all picking Miss Taylor as
best actress, and Oscar Hammerstein
II-Richard Rodgers as best lyricist-
composer team. Next largest in ma-
jorities received were Agnes de
Millc, with 14 of the l(j votes as best
(Continued on page 50)

'America Firsters Seen Forcing
Johannes Steel Off Hub Newcasts

LaG's $1,250 Guest Shot

. New York's Mayor, Fiorello H.
LaGuardia, shares guest honors
with Bob Burns and Hildegarde on
the Blue's "The Road Ahead" show
at 9 tonight (30) .

Stanza will originate from SI.
Albans Naval Hospital, just outside
New York.

LaG, will get $1,250 for bis guest
shot. He's giving to it all to Army
and. Navy Relief.

Average Songwriter
Worries Over H'wood,
Bandmen's Dominance

The average popular songwriter is
worrying about the manner in which
Hollywood and the band business
run Tin Pan Alley, nowadays. The
worry is born simply over the
growing concern for their own
future.

If fllmusical excerpts and band-
leader-songwriters, with special ex-
ploitation "angles" favoring them,
continue to dominate most of the
"most played" songs on the air, it
leaves little avenue for the average
freelance songsmith's exploitation
possibilities, A film song springs
from the screens of scores of picture
houses, and bandleaders who plug
their own compositions — and also
record them— are too tough to buck.
, . JCoqtinued nn .page 53> . „ - .

You'd Think Some Angels
Would Play Safe— And
Bet Only on the Horses

Plenty of coin has been tqssed
around among Broadway spring pro-
ductions, as for example on two
straight shows that represented in-
vestments of nearly $110,000— plus
headaches to the backers, some of
whom were outsiders.

There was doubt whether "Round
Trip" would debut on Broadway,
after a doubtful tryout. but it opened
at the Biltmore. N. Y.. last night (20)
as scheduled alter the bankroll was
secured at the last minute. Clifford
Hayman presented the play, in
which Metro has a $10,000 stake,
while Renee Carroll. Sardi's red-
headed hatcheckeiy represents a
similar share.

"Trip" was budgeted for $45,000,
which was figured ample, but a road
loss of $18,000 stymied the financial
(Continued on page 27)

No Meat Balls

New York ticket broker got
into trouble the other day, but
in an unusual' way.

He had put aside tickets to a
hit show for a special customer
but his clerks sold them a few
minutes before the patron ar-
rived, it being close to curtain
time. Asked why that was so
serious, he replied:

"The tick<\s were for my
butcher— -and I haven't told my
wife yet.". ,

Del World's Fair
May Beat Chi, LA.

Detroit. May 29.
It looks like this industrial center
might beat Los Angeles and Chicago
to the punch on the World's Fair
business.

While much isn't being said in
these parts yet. it is understood that
with the quiet nod from the city,
the automobile and other big indus-
tries have got together on a project
to get a World's Fair underway for
Detroit ahead of ' the other cities
dreaming of similar projects.

From what can be gleaned of the
project which has the interest of
| General Motors. Ford, the Dow and
| Reichhold chemical interests and
other huge corporations in this area,
the Detroit World's Fair would be
I ready to go within six months after
the end of the war with Japan.

Setting would be the huge Belle
Isle park here with an additional
bridge to be. built across to the island
(Continued on page 54)

Abbott-Costello Pals
Again and Set for 20G
Personal at N.Y. Roxy

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello made
their reunion complete 7 by signing
for a personal at the Roxy theatre,
N. Y..' to head a package show con-
sisting of talent from their Camel
radio program. Pact with the comics,
who were slated to split at the end
of their current Universal contract
in 1947, was concluded Monday (28)
by Sarnmy Rauch. Roxy booker, who
is shelling out $20,000 weekly for tire
unit, .-.. ».' . "

The pair will go in either July 3
or 4 and are signed for two weeks
with an eight-day option. "Nob Hill"
(20th-Fox) is their film .acqompani-
ment. Previously Rauch was dicker-
ing for a unit to be headed by Lou
Costello which was being submitted
at $15,000 arid contained the same
talent (Connie Haines. Bob Mat-
thews. Joe Kirk and Milt Bronson)
along with the Four. Step Bros, who
were dropped when the comics
■ (Continued on page 22>

Despite denials, reports persist
that the Washington Jewelry Co.,
Boston, dropped news commentator
Johannes Steel last Monday (28) on
that city's WHDH because of pres-
sure by America First groups.

Steel broadcast on the Hub outlet
flve-times-per-week "at 6 p.mi on a
direct wire from the WHN studios in
N. Y. He continues to be heard
nightly on the latter station for Par-
ker Watch Co. at 7:45. Parker, too,
paid part of the cost of the Hub air-
ings in cooperation with the retail
jewelry outfit and reportedly did it.t
best to have the Boston sponsor con-
tinue the Steel airings, despite re-
ported protests from "pressure"'
groups who practically threatened to
boycott the chain of stores unless'
the commentator was dropped.

Hyman Segal, manager of the Hub
firm, reportedly told reps of Par-
ker's agency, .'. Sterling Advertising
Co., that the outfit could not afford
to' get mixed up in "controversies
• (Continued on page 52 )

A C. Doing So Well Now
It Fears Any New Hotels
Would Bring Prices Dowiv

: ■ Atlantic City, May 29.

Atlantic City this year is short of
rooms, gasping for, bed-space and
slated to make dough hand -over-
fist. But there's a fear in the hearts
of the town's best bankers and top .
hotelmen,

With the priority situash on
building materials likely to ease
soon, the boys with the bankrolls are
afraid some war. profiteer, not know-
ing what else to do with his bundle,
may come in here to gum the works.
One' new, 1,000-room hotel- here
would lift the lid sky-high.

Here are: the circumstances: 5,000.
rooms arc occupied by the armed
services here— Army, Navy, Coast
Guard. The biggest hotel combo in
town. Chalfonte-Haddon Hall, with
1,000 rooms, is part of Thomas M.
England General Hospital. This hos-
pital has also the Traymore, Co'.tort
Manor, and the Warwick group of

' '". ; ( Continued oh page 55) ;': : .

LIFE OF WILL ROGERS AS
WILLARD ROBISON SONG

Will Rogers' life will be immor-
talized in words and music by. Wil-
lard Robis:pn. He has been commis-
sioned by the Will Rogers Memorial
Assn. to construct a biographical
tone poem arranged for piano and
orchestra to be titled, "Will Rogers,
American.'"

Piece will be six ' minutes in
length. It will start its stoyy, with
Rogers' boyhood in Oklahoma and
.progress through to his love for fly-
ing, which led to his death in Alaska
with Wiley Post. Robisoii will also
include:, a narratives Burke-Vwn
Heusc-n will publish.

MISCELLANY

Wednesday, May .10, .19 IS

Garfield, Ladd, Baker Nixed by Army
As Over Age; Enlist for Europe Tour

Hollywood, May 29.

John Garfield, Alan Ladd and
-Kenny Baker, film notables who
were draft-deferred at the last mo-
ment by General Hershey's 30-or-
over ruling, immediately enrolled
with the Hollywood Victory Com-
mittee for the army of entertainers
to be sent overseas by {be motion
picture industry. Trio bad actually
reported for induction at Fort Mac-
Arthur when the new edict arrived
and they were sent home.

Other actors on the verge of in-
duction but deferred indefinitely by
the Hershey order were. Eddie
Bracken, Jack Carson and Barry
Sullivan, who announced their will-
ingness to join the overseas enter-
tainment caravan as soon as they
have carried out their current film
and radio commitments, from which
they could secure releases only in
case of military induction.

In the next eight weeks approxi-
mately 20 Hollywood players will
take off for various war fronts, in-
cluding Europe, the -Pacific, Panama,
Caribbean and Alaskan outposts,-
Before the end of this month, Sonja
Heme. Frank Sinatra, Fay McKen-
zie.Phil Silvers, Allen Jenkins and
his troupe of five will be covering
hospitals and combat circuits.
June Takeoff s

June schedule calls for departures
- of Amos *n* Andy, Judith Anderson,
the Jack Benny-Paulette Goddavri
troupe with Larry Adler and Mar-
tha Tilton, Ella Logan and Rosita
Morena, Ed Gardner with Jinx
Falkenburg and a supporting com-
pany. Bob Hope and Jerry Cotonna
and their troupe,

July contingent includes Bette
Davis and her dramatic company,
the Andrews Sisters, the H cosier Hot
Shots, Allan Jones • with Irene
Hervey and George Marm, Ella
Raines, Danny Thomas and his
group, and Charles Buggies with a
dramatic production.

Meanwhile arrangements are be-
ing cleared through the War Dept.

to schedule tours for Hollywood
volunteers who will be available as
soon as they wash up their current
commitments. .

'Rochester's' USO Tour
Stalled hy a Carious
Yen for Ofay Mnsikers

Hollywood, May 29.
Eddie ("Rochester") Anderson has
offered himself to USO-Camp Shows
for eight weeks overseas, but the
trip is stymied by a curious impasse.
Rochester wants to take two white
musicians from PfcH Harris' band
along. Camp Shows is reported ob-
jecting, preferring two Negro musi-
cians instead.

Originally Camp Shows -wanted to
send Rochester out in a unit of Ne-
gro girls, thinking this would appeal
to Negro GIs most, but Rochester
held out for white bandsters. Even
though there have beeii 3orne mixed
units in this country, and the treat-
ment afforded Negro units overseas
is above reproach, Camp Shows pre-
fers sending all-Negro units abroad.
For one thing, the Army in its
requisitions asks for Negro units,
although Rochester might be classi-
fied as a personality tour and be in
a special category.

There's no question of deprecating
race equality here, it's understood,
but simply the practical matter of
two Negro musicians getting the job
instead of the whites. Negro talent
Js aware of and grateful for the
opportunity Camp Shows has afford-
ed for equal pay and recognition,
and simply wants to take .full ad-
vantage of the situation by filling
all the jobs available.

Borge's Carnegie Concert

Victor Borge has been set for a
concert at Carnegie Hall; N. Y.,
Oct: 13 with a 25-piece orcb.

He's been active on the longhair
circuit this year, but this will be his
first date at this important house.

Add. 7 USO Sepias
USO-Camp Shows now has 14 Ne-
gro units, entertaining GIs, with
seven more units comittg up shortly.
Eleven are overseas, two more are
on the Victory circuit, and one on
the hospital loop;,

•Five' more overseas units (all
■vaudeVs) have beem retp»isition«d for
June- A musical, "Shuffle Along,"
isi.'also being prepared, white » sec-
ond hospital unit,, headed 'by Peg-
Leg-.eaXes^. jwJU .he. AdBeii Jute J. __

Look for More Looping
On Loop as Gl's Trek
Through on Way to Tokyo

Chicago, May 29.
Loop is holding its breath in prep-
aration for the expected onslaught
on amusement places by Pacific-
bound fighting men. For reasons of
security, no figures on troops pass-
ing through are available, but there
are more than the usual number ol
European, African, etc., service
stripes noticeable in the night spots
already, to cue fact that this rail
center of the "nation is in for a boom.

It's figured conservatively that at
least 80% of the East-to-West battle-
fronters will stop over here. And
Chi, which has come to be known
among members of the armed forces
as much more than just another
layover spot because of. its habit of
throwing out the red carpet for
servicemen at any and all limes, is
now in the process of giving fighters
a royal sendoff.

Atmosphere in the bistros since
the curfew was lifted, it's noticed,
has much more of the pre-curiew
spirit of goodwill between service-
men and civilians about it. Things
were kinda rough during the mid-
night closing period, it's admitted by
Capt. Jim Cowhey, commanding of-
ficer of city section Military Police,
in charge of city patrol and crim-
inal investigations. The boys in uni-
form greatly resented having to
leave at midnight while guys in
mufti stayed on to enjoy the hos-
pitality of curfew-ignoring boni-
faces. , ' V- •

More Stews Around
"Now," Cowhey said, "we're pick-
ing up more drunks than we did
during the curfew, but it's still much
better this way because we're not
caught between guys who're justi-
fiably scire at the mockery many
nitery owners made of the curfew
and the owners themselves, among
whom a tendency to 'keep the serv-
icemen out' was beginning to de-
velop. However, all in all, we had
excellent cooperation from nitery
operators."

And this spirit of cooperation is
improving, he added, as is evidenced
by growing numbers of calls from
ops to report, among other things,
that a serviceman below voting age.
is getting too persistent in demands
for drinks; or that a slightly tipsy
guy with a row of medals and an
overseas, oversize roll that's aching
to be spent is being eyed specula-
tively by some characters with a
penchant for rolling servicemen.

MP's are anticipating a larger
number of military personnel to pass
through than ever before, and are
therefore asking for an increase in
staff — not so much because. of-the
tumult that's expected but to make
sure those having to change trains
for the Coast^ get on the right one
and not on the Dixie Flyer or Capi-
tol Limited.

Guys laying over anywhere from
a half-hour to 24 hours, many of
them vets of Hodges' 1st Army, will
be assisted in getting around towti—
"although if some of the units are
on special trains they may have to
go -right through without a stopover.
I doubt, however,,-' ■ Cowhey con-
cluded, "that any C 0. would be
that cruel. . Anyway, we expect a
lot of kicking up from the guys who
fought one war and. are on their
way to another, and we're going to
help them have it." " ;-".'.'

Metro O K V 8 Radio
Shots for Marg O'Brien

Metro has given its okay to Mar-
garet O'Brien doing an air series for
J. Walter Thompson. Deal report-
edly calls- for the moppet star to
make eight appearances on JWT
shows with four of them set for Lux 1
"Radio Theatre."

There's a reported $4,000-a-shot
,jirice tag affixed. •

454th WEEK !

KEN MURRAY'S

"BLACKOUTS OF 1945"
El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, Cal.

"If you never see another stage
show, drop in on Ken Murray's
'Blackouts' and you've seen the tops
of the- entertainment field since the
days of Barnum's first 3-ring circus."

JOE E. BROWN '

U.S. Okays MCA s
Retirement Plan

Hollywood, May 29.

Jules Stein's profit-sharing and re-
tirement plan for more than 300
employees has been given final con-
firmation by the U. S. Treasury
Dept. Plan includes employees of
Music Corp. of America, MCA Art-
ists and Management Corp. of
America.

A similar proposal will be made
to the Treasury Dept. in behalf of
employees of the Leland Hay ward
agency of New York, and Hayward-
Deverich, Inc., of Beverly Hills,
which recently merged with MCA
Artists.

Plan, on which Stein has worked
for several years, provides that the
employing corporation contribute to
a trust fund 15% of the payroll earn-
ing of each employee, without any
contribution by the latter. Included
are employees now in the Armed
Forces. Retirement benefits start at
the age of 55 tti all who have been
employed by the organization six
years or more. In addition, it pro-
vides payments for incapacity and
benefits immcdiatley after' the death
of an employee. Retirement age is
the lowest in any industry. Most cor.
porations retire their workers after
the age of 60.'

Trust funds will be put into di-
versified investments and enter-
prises. " - .'■ /

Grade Fields Pays Own
Freight for Cuff o Tour

Hollywood, May 29.

Grade Fields left today (29) by
plane on a seven-month Pacific camp
tour, accompanied by Monty Banks,
her husband, and Dorothy Stewart,
accompanist-manager. Unus.ual angle
is that Miss Fields is paying ex-
penses of trip T$1.100 each for three
people) despite this being a non-
commercial tour.

Singer will do 10 weeks in Aus-
tralia for Aussie Amenities, then 10
weeks in the Pacific lor USO-Camp
Shows (who will assume expenses
for that part of trip), and eight
weeks in CBI for ENSA. Snag on
transportation arose out of con-
fusion about mixed sponsors. Hitch
also developed when R.A.A.F: ad-
vised they had no flying facilities for
women. Miss Fields' party "going by
ATC instead. . . .

Hepburn, Tracy Tours For
Gl's Off Due to Illness

Illness has stymied overseas tours
of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer
Tracy, • „,._.; '■•

Word was /received yesterday (29)
from Honolulu that Hiss Hepburn
had to cancel a skedcled tour of
Pacific hospitals. Tracy, in New
York- recently prepping for an over-
seas , jaunt, contracted pneumonia
and had to be shipped home to
Hollywood last week.

BARNEY ROSS INTO VAUDE

Barney Ross, former welterweight
champ and Guadalcanal hero, re-
cently discharged' from "the Marines,
is being submitted for vaude dates
by Frederick Bros. He'll be teamed
with, a comic in the manner - of Joey
Adams and Tony Canzoneri. .

Price will' be contingent upon the
selection of the comedian.

SCULLY'S SCRAPBOOK

■♦ ♦♦«♦♦♦ ♦♦ . »»♦+♦♦+ By Frank Scully ♦♦■» ' ■♦ > ♦♦♦■» • •

" Palooka Lake, May 26.

Going to be in the swim this summer?. Jones Beach or Hollywood? I
mean, water or 16 mm. film? Either way, better consult Lifesaver Scully.
I've just seen some of these narrow gauge pictures. They could be tilled]
. u OaM.Noi.iaJSxdxnJnJJ^]^USi^. U&O&k? The lessons are for loo,,
000,000 Americans who don't know how to swim, not to stress 95% of the
rest of the world which doesn't know either. Gosh, 82% of our Navy in
the first world war- didn't even know how to dog-paddle. Now every gob
at least knows how to keep afloat,

I not only know all this, I know a breast stroke, a side stroke and a side
stroke from a double over-arm Trudgeon. I even know when the'Austra-
lian crawl came in and when, by adding leg action at six beats to every
full revolution of the arms, mediocre swimmers were speeded Into cham-
pions. Thus Americans using the American crawl were able to break
every known swimming record, and Johnny Weismuller, Buster Crab'be
and Esther Williams were able to become picture stars.

I learned all this looking at 16 mm. pictures and listening to the sooth-
ing instructions of Ken Carpenter, who had 1 time on his hands and no
Kraft cheese in his arms. The producer of the pictures turned out to be
Norman Sper, the director none other than Fred Cady who has developed
more champions than Wheaties.

The pictures were shown in Hollywood before an audience of school
teachers and sporfswriters. Much of this Visual Education is performed
by an unbilled star, a national swimming champion, but I spotted .him as
the 17-year-old son of the late Winona Winter and grandson of Banks
Winter, the minstrel who wrote "White Wings" before Joe Laurie, Jr., was
even a junior. The 'teen age national diving champ in the film .js really
Norman Sper, Jr., so he was working for his pop on the cuff and for a very
good cause. > ' .'• '. ' .

Know How '•'.-..';■.•.:.■''■•

The pictures certainly .-how kids how to go from trembling fear to
splashing success in practically no lime. Educators catching the preview
said they were the best pictures made so far in the V-E field. And
though you don't bear- much about it yet, this is quite a field. Strictly
speaking, V-E's are not war babies, but their greatest growth has come
since Jappo the Monk pulled his Sunday sneak. V-E pictures had been
bumping along for years on improvised equipment and meagre product.
Then the armed forces took over the production and distribution end.

The Navy's boot camp with the aid of V-E was reduced from 13 weeks
to six. Army training, which in. some specialized fields took years, is
now checked off iri months. In fact it would not be staking out too large
a claim to say V-E Day on. the continent came years faster thanks to V-E
on the screen. ''

Greatest scholar in the field has been Walt Disney, and he learned so
fast he soon became the nation's No. 1 prof. John Grierson, head of
Canadian government pix, taught Disney and then ducked his head as the
master of Mickey and Minnie whizzed by on high. Grierson had started
this work in England'«where they had few projectors but ample film. Over
here cities like L. A., Santa Barbara, Oakland and Rochester had a pro-
jector in every, school. Some schools had several. Scattered over the
country were 25,000. But product was meagre. What the Disneophytes
did 'was to step the whole field up in tempo, humor and enlightenment.

All 16 MM.

Most all of the service educationals were done on 16 mm. So. loo, were
the entertainment reels. Feature pictures had to be reduced from 35 to
16 mm. before being shipped overseas for front-line projection. Thus many
world-premieres were on narrow gauge. But coming the other way, the
opposite was true. Any pictures shot iinder battle conditions had to be
caught with 16 mm. cameras or not at all. This was true of such piperoos
as "Memphis Belle," "Battle of Midway" and the top of the flatops, "The
Fighting Lady." They were shot on 16 mm. color film. and then stepped up
to 35 mm, which means a quadruple pickup, for the theatres. Oddly, 16 mm.
in color when ballooned up to 35. and even in black and white, shows no
grain. The 16 mm. film is so pliable and' generally superior to 35 mm. that
were it not for the fact that the studios are equipped and keyed to work
with 35 mm., you'd probably see post-war Hollywood production swinging
over almost completely to the narrow-gauge.

In television, too, where film transcriptions are used, 16 mm. has the
edge. Authorities like Dr. Lee DeForest hold to the belief that the best
video results 'for some time to come will be transcriptions from sound-
films rather than direct shots, and point to 16 mm.'s war record as ample
proof of how well the midget camera can take care of tomorrow's tele-
vision. ' • .

AH of which gets back to these first civilian 16 mm. pix to be released since
V;E Day. The Spers, pere- et fils, are certainly in the swim with this trio.
In school and sport, America should be able to make up for lost, time
through this medium at record speed. It is even possible that we can re-
build a ruined world as fast as we had to wreck it, via the military, with
films of this sort.

Lombardo Pic Forces
Him to Cancel Theatres

Guy T jombardo was able to cancel
all stops in a theatre tour booked
for him by Music Corp. of America
with one exception, in order to be
on the Coast for a Metro film by
Aug. 6. Lone house which refused
to cancel him out is the Palace,
Cleveland. This house is closing for
six weeks soon and will reopen with
Lombardo. It is already advertising:
that fact. .

Lombardo cancelled out Detroit,
Toledo, Columbus, Chicago and Mil-
waukee. He's currently at the Capi-
tol theatre, N. Y, '

Leonard Bernstein To

Stress Maestroing

Composer - conductor L e o n a r d
Bernstein will concentrate on his
maestroing, hence won't continue
with Betty Comden, Adolph Green
and Paul Feigay, who with Bern-
stein were responsible for "On the
Town," current N. Y. musical hit.
Instead, Morton Gould will collab-
orate on the score with Miss Com-
den and Green for the new George
Abbott musical next fall. Reported
Arthur Schwartz, now a Warner
Bros, producer, was approached to
replace Bernstein,- but he refused.

Bernstein wants to continue with
his serious music and, having proved
himself with a "popular" score, he
will focus his batoning in concert
and also on a new Blue network
radio series. Also plans writing an-
other symphony.

GABLE AS 'ULYSSES'
PLUS 2 M-G FEMMES

Clark Gable is being sought for
'.'Homecoming of Ulysses," an orig-
inal written for Metro by Sidney
Kingsley which Sidney Franklin is
scheduled to' produce.

Franklin, it is understood, plans
to cast three top Metro stars in the
Altai, flanking Gable with two femme
names. . - ■ _ •

L.A. Really Set to Hail
The Conquering Heroes

Hollywood, May 29.
Los Angeles will have a big tw6-
day celebration June 9-10" when
General George S. Patton and Lt.
Gen, Jimmy Dooliltle hit town.
Mayor Fletcher Bowron is lining up
a big celebration with entertain-
ment, speeches, luncheons, dinners
for the two California warriors.
Patton is coming on visit to his
family whom he has not seen since
leaving desert training to go to
Africa, while Doolittle will sojourn
with his family prior to heading for
Pacific duties. "*< .

Lastfogel Abroad

Abe Lastfogel leaves some time
this week for Europe on a quickie,
to inspect arrangements for the re-
cently expanded USO-Camp Shows
post V-E Day program.

Will fly across, going alone. Slay
overseas will be limited. . ■

Wednesday, May 30, 1945

PICTURES

PIX "ALERTED" TO RECONVERSION

Rank-Nathanson's Own Can. Distrib;
British Tycoons Film Plans for U. S.

. -,v . Toronto, May, E9. ♦
J. Arthur>Rank and his ©jieon
Theatres of Canada'^artner, • Paul
Nathanson, today announced for-
mation of a new Canadian film dis-
tributing organization for all films
handled by the Rank interests. Ex-
changes will be established through-
out the dominion.

Besides handling Rank productions
made in England, new company will
«iso distrib in Canada films made by
French Gaumont and other produc-
ing units in France; :

Rank confers today (29) with D. C.
Coleman, president of the Canadian
Pacific Railway, who is a director of
Associated Screen News, , and to-
morrow (30) goes to Ottawa to con-
fer with the Hon. Malcolm Mac-
Donald, British High Commissioner
to Canada. •

Rank's Toronto Confab

Now in Toronto discussing the
building of a studio near there in
asociation with Odeon Theatres for
the production of educational shorts
and others having definite juvenile
appeal, as well as for discussions re-
garding postwar construction of film
theatres above the border, J. Arthur
Rank • is expected in New York on
Monday (4).

For his huddles in Toronto with
Paul Nathanson, president of the
Odeon chain of 110 theatres in
which Rank is interested, the English
film tycoon flew from England in a
British bomber, accompanied by G.
I. Woodham-Smith, .legal adviser,
and John Davis, managing director
of British Odeon .Theatres.

In a statement , concerning his ar-
rival in Toronto last week Rank ex-
plained that lie would have come
over before to meet Nathanson and
talk with him at length but that he
could not leave England until the
war in Europe was over.

"It is my desire, as it is the desire
of my Canadian associates and the
directors of Odeon of Canada, Ltd.,"
the English showman stated, "that
we shall all be privileged to con-
tribute to Canadian national life by
giving to Canada the best pictures,
wherever they are made, and by re-
ceiving from Canada for distribution
in Britain and elsewhere a reflection
of Canadian life and the Canadian
scene. ' .-'

''It is our proposal to produce edu
cational and children's films 1n
Canada and do whatever we can to
help build up a truly Canadian
motion picture industry. At the
same time, I hope to use my re
sources to make feature pictures
with a Canadian background."

In an interview in Toronto last
week Rank stated that only shorts
(Continued on page 22)

HAYS, U, 20TMTHERS
PLAN RANK FETES IN N.Y.

Members of the Motion Picture
Producers & Distributors of Amer-
ica are planning an industry 'dinner-
reception for J. Arthur Rank next
week, possibly on Monday (4) when
he gets into New York from Toronto.

Directors of Universal Pictures, of
which Rank is a director, are plan-
ning to host the British film mogul
a few days later, likely June 7. Rank
owns about 25% of the Universal
stock through his General Film Dis-
tributors, Ltd. 20th-Fox also plans a
shindig for the Britisher. Spyros
Skouras previously, hosted his reps
in. N. Y. last year.

Rank leaves for the Coast after
confabs east with U. S. industry
leaders. . . • . .

'", Pix Shares Hold Up

Picture company shares with-
stood' the selloffs on several
days of the stock market last
week, with the recent high
levels reached for the year be-
speaking favorable sentiment to-
wards film issues. The fact that
Lqew's new common, allowing
for the 3-foivl splitup, recently
was higher than it was in 1929
looks good to traders because
it's the bellweathcr of the amuse-
ment shares. : :

Ability of Paramount to hold
close to its recent high marks
also was taken to be a favor-
able sign.

Curfew OK With
Many, Say Mgrs.

From what theatre managers and
others can gather, a possible good-
sized segment of the public would
just as well have seen the midnight
curfew continued.
'.-Under- the enforced closing of the
aires at 12 o'clock at night, folks
wore able to get out of shows at an
earlier hour and home, this especial-
ly being true in neighborhoods
where lengthy double bills run to
past midnight and, frequently, to'
around 1 a.m. In downtown sections
of many cities theatres also grind
well past midnight, with the bed
hour later for those who want to see
the last complete show from the
beginning.

People with families also favored
the midnight curfew because sons
and daughters got home from the-
atres, dances and other amusements
at an earlier hour. Late and exces-
sive drinking could- not be indulged,
also, including by the grownups.

In the hinterland very, few thea-
tres were running by midnight so
were not affected by the 12 o'clock
deadline on operations. Innumerable
smaller towns and communities^ also
are open only at night, giving* two
shows ordinarily. Some play a mat-
inee and close down until early eve-
ning, around 7. or a bit later.

By MORI KRISHEN

■Reconversion period ahead, to
which Government and industrial
planners have been alerted, finds the
motion picture industry in what is
considered by trade analysts the
strongest financial position in its;
history.:

Braced for a possible revers'l in
the trend of ever-rising b.o. grosses
and rentals (though no steep decline
is expected) cash position of major
film companies, strengthened by
boomtime earnings, will be further
bolstered, along with other indus-
tries, by the proposed Government
tax "relief" measures "slated to be-
come effective around Jan. 1, 1946.

Total excess profits -tax refund
credits alone, estimated at more than
$15,000,000, will be accruing to six
major film companies by 1946 , as a
result of the five-point tax relief
legislation now being drafted by the
Joint Congressional Committee on
Internal Revenue Taxation. These
credits total $11,743,448 at the end
of the fiscal year 1944 for Para-
mount, 2'0th-Fox, Loew's, Warners,
Universal and RKO— small when
compared with $5,700,000,000 tax re-
lief plan being set up to strengthen
cash position of the nation's busi-
ness; but important in keeping film
business on a solid basis.

Industry leaders, recalling the de-
pression of the early 1930s, when the
bottom dropped out of picture busi-
ness, along with others, see no paral-
lel ihead. Comparing film business
structure today with conditions pre-
vailing during and after the boom
in the late twenties, industry plan-
ners are confronted with an entirely
different set of factors.

Instead of " over-extension there
has been a tremendous reduction in
funded and other debt during the
past few years.

Interest rates, except for some in-
dependent film production, are low.

Theatre properties have been writ-
continued on page 22)

Indie Releases Fail to Offset RKO
Pix Profit Dip; $2,409,902 Below '43

No Meg Dictators

Hollyjwood, May 29.

Secretary shortage suddenly
hit every director on" the War-
ner lot, by order of Jack L.
Warner, himself. Large and
small, the film pilots found
themselves without amanuenses
and wondered thereat, but loud
enough to be heard in the front
office. ;• -

There was no explanation.

Ml

year

RKO,
show
its

End of June to Find
Studio Execs in N. Y.

'.' Towards the end of June is when
the Hollywood studio heads con-
verge on New York preparatory to
visiting the NeST concentration camps
and other European war centres,
"kin to the American newspaper
editors' junket recently, at General
Eisenhower's request,

Film moguls will have a direct
mission, to perform iot U. S. govern-
mental worldwide strategy, that of
prod uc i n g certain type of pix which
will help shape postwar Europe
along Allied objectives.

RAW STOCK SITUATION
BETTER, WPB MEET OFF

Meeting of the film industry ad-
visory committee to the War Pro-
duction Board, scheduled June 7 in
Washington, has been called off.

War Production Board will send
out raw stock allocations without
any further huddles. Understood
that confab has been cancelled be-
cause of the improvement in the cur-
rent raw stock supply situation.

Statistics

Washington. May 29.'

After all Government and other
"must" claimants are taken care of
on 35 mrn\raw stock, there will be
about 342.<K)0,000 feet left for the
picture people for the 3rd quarter, it
is tentatively figured here. Of this
about 9.000,000 feet would go to the
producers of industrial and adver-
tising films, leaving Hollywood and
the 'newsreels 333,000,000 feel.

In the current (second) quarter,
the studios received a total of 261.-
000,000, plus 15,000,000 feet for spoil-
age. In addition, the reels were
granted 53,000,000 feet. This was a
total, of 329,000'.000 feet. Thus; on the
surface, the industry looks to be
about 4,000,000 feet better off for the
third quarter. _ However, a number
of factors could intervene in the
next month to change this a little
one way or another. Some experts
are guessing that when the scramble
is all over, the industry will prob-
ably be allotted just a shade less
than' during the second quarter.

Tom Clark as Atty. Gen'I
Seen Having No Bearing
On Consent Decree Cases

Washington, May 29.
No change in the handling, of the
Big Five Motion Picture Consent
decree case and other theatre chain
cases by the Anti-Trust Division is
seen here as a result of the shift in
the Justice Department. Substitu-
tion of Tom C. Clark for Francis
Biddle as Attorney General is not
expected to rock the boat despite re
ports here that some companies
think they now have a better chance
to do business on the antitrust
cases. :•

Claik. who has been heading the
Criminal Division, formerly was As-
sistant Attorney General in charge
of the Anti-Trust Division. It was
he who negotiated with the Big Five
companies from the middle of 1943
until early in 1944, when he reported
to Biddle that another decree could,
not be worked out. He then recom-
mended the current court suit in
New York. Any switch of front
would. mean that Clark was revers-
ing his own judgment ';. '--' . •

The new A.G. has not yet com-
mitted himself. He will not make
any policy statements until after he
takes the oath on July 1. However,
the above is what his close asso-
ciates in the Justice Department say
can be looked for,

Outgoing Attorney General Fran-
cis Biddle, when asked at a press
conference today about the Big Five
(Continued on page 50> -

Rally Vs. Studio
In Making Stars

Spirited controversy has arisen
among film production execs as to
whether a studio, through careful
coaching and "right" roles makes a
motion picture star, or whether a
star can be solidly established by
skillful public relations alone.

Some production execs operate on
the theory that the public usually
recognizes a star only after the play-
er has been properly developed and
cast by the studio in an appropriate
vehicle. Another group has taken
stand that a star can be quickly built
and established through all-out first-
class exploitation. ...

One Metro productiorlfeexec, who
believes that a studio can make a
star through proper handling, points
to Van Johnson as the most recent
outstanding example in support of
his theory.

Reported that Van Johnson's auto-
mobile accident during the filming of
"A Guy Named Joe" cost Metro
around $400,000. Johnson was con-
sidered "ready" when "Joe" went
into production. He was away from
the lot for about 10 or 12 weeks.
With Spencer Tracy and Irene Dunne
in the cast, each at around $6,000
weekly, and other costs mounting,
studio execs, preferred to gamble on
the additional cost rather than junk
the footage already shot (Johnson
was in too many scenes to be shot
around) and write a new script for
another player.

"Joe" turned out to be a $4,000,000
domestic grosser. "If another player
had been substituted there would
have been no Van Johnson," Metro
exec stated, "and if there had been
no Johnson there would have been
no picture titled "Between Two
Women." which cost around $350,000,
and will gross $1,500,000 or better."

Results of sharp increase in RKO
Radio production costs during 1944,
ith costlier negatives showing no
oportionate return at the b.o. (sit-
uation previously reported in "Va-
iety" under a close checkup by RKO
administration execs) were reflected
the RKO financial statement for

ending Dec. 31, 1944.
Despite high grosses from inde-
pendent product released through
the picture subsid- in 1944
ed a drop of $2,409,902 in prof-
(beiforc taxes) from the $7,595,834
profits in 1943. -'' :":",-'-
As 'previously reported in "Vari-
ety," deals with outside producers
such as Samuel Goldwyn. Interna-
tional Pictures, etc., give RKO only
small distribution return.For Gold-
wyn it is around 17% %. Internation-
al, deal is on a sliding scale, based
on total gross, which brings distrib-
ution fee down to around . 20%. on.
the average.. Further, as a result of
these advantageous deals for these
two producers, Walt Disney last year
asked for a readjustment of his dis-
tribution charges on feature product.

Thus, while RKO total rentals
have been mounting as result of 'in-
dependent releases (for the first
quarter of 1945 rentals were at ap-
proximately $10,000.00, or around 9%
over the same period in 1944) the
net profits for the film company havs
been declining.

RKO execs have been considering
plans to step into still costlier type
of production on a partnership basis
(as in "Bells of St. Mary's" and "Th« .
(Continued on page 25) •

Skouras Due Back Mon.
Coincidental With Rank

Return of Spyros Skouras from
Greece next Monday (4) is ex-
pected, coincidental with the arrival
of J. Arthur Rank, British film ty-
coon, and' his party, from Toronto
in N. Y., same day. .•■ - ■

Skouras has been overseas past
few weeks on business. ■

Charles Skouras, Fox-West Coast
chief, and his aide, F. W. (Rick)
Ricketson, left N. Y. for their Coast
headquarters Monday (28).

6 BANKS TO REFINANCE
WB'S $17,000,000 AT 2%

. Following negotiations with vari-
ous banking groups Warner Bros,
has set deal for refinancing $17,000,-
000 in obligations over approximately
a seven-year period at a 2% interest
rate. . . ';'- ;

Warners has called for redemption
on July 29, 1945. of all of its V
serial debentures ($7,000,000) and
also plans to call for payment on
June 28 all of its 2?,i%- term bank
loans ($10,000,000;.

New bank loan will be payable in
semi-annual instalments, payments
ending May 1,1952.

Banking group which ""was finally
awarded the financing, headed by
the New York Trust Co., includes
the First National Bank of Boston,
Guaranty Trust of New York, Con
tinental Illinois National Bank
Trust Co. of Chicago, Pennsylvania
Co. of Philadelphia, and the Union
Trust Co. of Pittsburgh;' ' " ■ , , ;• .

Lehman Bros, and Goldman, Sachs
and First National ©f Boston were
originally interested in handling the
WB refinancing, from accounts.

The WB refinancing accomplished,
prexy Harry M. Warner returns to
Hollywood this Sunday, June 3.
Jack L. Warner is due east later in
June, as is Charlie Einfeld, latter
to set the "Rhapsody in Blue" preem
on Broadway. . ' . -.. ',. -. ..* ,

, . 1.

36 Film Theatres Open
In Berlin; Russ, German
Pictures But No Yank

Washington, May 29.

Russians, restoring Berlin to a
semblance of normal, report - they
now have 36 film theatres operating
to capacity in the city at all pcr-
fermanccs. In addition to Soviet
films, "selected" German pix are now
permitted.

The German State Opera orchestra
is playing in the Charlottenburg dis-
trict, least damaged area of city; and
the Schiller theatre is slated to re-
open witli Friederich Schiller's play,
"Die Raeuber." The Light Opera
theatre is also planning to reopen
soon.

Trade Mark Registered
FOUNDKD BY 6IME SILVERMAN
Published Weekly by VABIEITT. Inc.

Sid Silverman, Prceldunt
154 West 46th St.. New York 19, N. T.

SUBSCRIPTION

Annual ..... .»!•" Foreign. . . . . .«»

SinRle Copien. . . . 26 Cente

Vol. 158

ISO

No. 12

INDEX

Bills .49

Chatter 55

Film Reviews 16

Foreign . . :.y . 22

House Reviews ... . : . .-. . . ..48

Inside Legit ....... . ...... 50

Inside Music . . . . i . . . 44

Inside Orchestras' .... . . . . . : . .. 44

Inside Pictures ...... ... 25

Inside Radio .............. . 38

Joe Laurie '...-. W

Legitimate .-.-' • • • 50 ';.

Literati ........ . :,. .'. .'.'....- 54

Music-:" ...40

New Acts 40

Night Club Reviews 49

Obituary . .'. :.'..;. ... 54

Orchestras ................ 40

Pictures .".'-. .3

Radio ..28

Radio Reviews .... . .-. .-' ... 32

Frank Scully ............... 2

Vaudeville \ .'. .:..', • 45

War Activities ... .., ; ■ 1"

DAI1,* VAKlKTK

(Puhllubed In Hollywood by
Watty Variety. I.td.i
$10 a Year — »1Z Korelrn

Wednesday, May 30, 1945

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Wednesday, May 30, 1945

P^RIETY

"A highly-geared, brightly dialogued, cleverly-contrived farce. Results are
breezy, highly satisfactory and should more than please the large audience

*

the film is equipped to attract/' Boxoffice

"Bats an easy homer in the field of hilarious farce comedy. A gay and
mad comedy ." Hollywood Reporter

"Showmen can accentuate the positive assurance that all an<J sundry custom-
ers who can sit through it without laughing will be given double their money
back. Audiences will knock themselves out laughing." M. P. Daily

"Laughs for everybody. Here's one to set the cash registers ringing from coast
to coast. A comedy chock-full of chuckles; a picture for every member of
the family to see and enjoy." M. P. Herald

"Breathless comedy will provide
plenty of fun for audiences."

Film Daily

10

With All Your Might!
The Mighty 1th War Loan!

6 p j&SjnSff Wednesday, May 30, 1915

Wednesday, May 80, 1945

0. 0. DISTRIB COST,

PICTURES

Capt. Merle Potter Says Germans
Not Too Sorry About Atrocity Camps

Minneapolis, May 29. •
Capt- Merle Potter, for many years
• leading drama and film critic here
and general manager of the Berger
theatre circuit before ■ entering the
army, is in the Paramount and Fox
newsreels currently. He's shown
■helping in his capacity as public re-
lations officer for the Allied Military
Government in Europe to direct
burial of the Buchenwald torture
victims.

In a letter to a friend here, pub-
lished in the Star Journal, tells in
detail of the German barbarism un-
earthed by Third army in Neurenberg
and how he attempted, without much
success, to bring a sense of compas-
sion to villagers for their passive
approval.

Potter received permission to take
charge of the burial 'of 161 bodies
taken from three pits in the Neuren-
berg woods and 43 taken from the
village cemetery. He ordered the
burgomeister to prepare for a mass
funeral of the victims, all Polish
Jews. German villagers themselves,
including women, were forced to
carry the coffins.-

."I told the guards," wrote Potter,
"thai if anyone laughed or smiled to
slap him or her with all possible
force. I don't know that any guard
slapped anyone. I did — as hard as I
could. I scrubbed my swollen right
hand afterward."

St. Louis Mayor Sponsors
Free Atrocity Pix Shows

St, Louis, May 29.
An uncut and unedited Army Sig-
nal Corps film showing Nazi atroc-
ities will be shown, cuffo, in the
Henry W. Kiel (muncipial) auditor-
ium Thursday and Friday (31 and
June 1) under the auspices of a
citizens' committee appointed by
Mayor Aloys P. Kaufmann. The six-
reel film presents evidence not only
of concentration camp atrocities but
also of the mass murder of 87 Amer-
ican GIs following their capture in
battle.

The film will be shown in conjunc-
tion with a documentary pix entitled
"know Your Job in Germany"
which was made by the Signal Corps
for instructions to American troops
assigned "to police Germany. The
double-feature, to be presented six
times on each of the two days, runs
two hours. Children under 18 are
barred.

Joseph Pulitzer, editor of the St.
Louis Post-Dispatch, who was one
of the- American newspaper editors
invited to make a personal inspec-
tion of conditions in German concen-
tration camps, was instrumental in
having the films shown here. Pulit-
zer wrote a series of stories of his
trip under his own byline.

Sydney's Atrocity Sensation

1 :> Sydney, May 29. '

Nazi hbrror camp newsreels are
creating a sensation in all Australian
film theatres. -'■.'

They are being shown with no cen-
torship cuts at tiic request of the
government, •

STEVE BROIDY EXEC V.P.,
NEW POST, AT MONO

Chicago, May 29.

Newly created post of executive
veepee in charge of operations for
Monogram Pictures went , to Steve
Btoidy at company's semi-annual
board of directors and sales-product
confab here last weeky New post is
in addition to Broidy's duties as gen-
eral sales.manager.

Also named to an exec post was
Paul Porzelt. member of Emanuel &
Co., N. Y. brokerage house which
floated recent offer of Mono •pre-
ferred shares, to fill vacant director's
berth created by resignation of
Alton Brody. De Luxe Laboratories
exec, fie Luxe handles some Mono
work.

A Label Fable *

Hollywood, May 29.

Film title. "The Woman Who
Came Back," is getting a lot. of.
pushing around at Republic,
where it once was assigned to
the Michael O'Sh'ea starrer, now
labeled "That Man of Mine."

Now comes back as the tag of
the Walter Colmes production,
formerly "The Web."

Par Preps 26 Pix
To Shoot Soon

Hollywood. May 29.
Heavy summer and fall produc-
tion at Paramount is indicated by a
list or 26 films in preparation. Of
these. Hal Wallis is readying five,
Pine-Thomas three and B. G. De-
Sylva^bne.

Wallis productions are "The
Searching Wind," "The Life of
Tschaikowsky," "The Crying Sisters,"
"The Perfect Marriage" and "Dis-
honorable Discharge." Pine-Thomas
trio is "Hot Cargo." "Swamp Fire"
and "They Made Me a Killer." De
Sylva is prepping "An Honest
Woman."

Others set for shooting are "Blue
Skies." "To Each His Own." 'Cal-
cutta," "Dear Ruth." "Monsieur
Beaucaire," "Alice," "Immortal
Wife," "California," "The Sun Field,"
"Third Avenue," "Lady Seventeen,"
"The Wayfarers," "Blaze of Noon,"
"Break-Up," "The Forgotten Friday,"
"June Bride" and "Scruffy."

CUTBACK BLUES

WALLACE'S 'LAST' CHORE

Hollywood, May 29.
Universal signed Richard Wallace
to direct "Catherine the Last," a
comedy co-starring Deanna Durbin
■not Charles Laughton..

Here's How One Chi Prof
Dopes Out Pix for Fans;
H'wood Sure to Nix Him

Chicago, May 29.

If Hollywood thinks it's been do-
ing the masses a favor all these
years by providing relaxation, it's
off the beam. Such is the studied
opinion of Dr. Nathaniel Kleitman,
professor of physiology at the Uni-
versity of Chicago, who's been con-
ducting a series of experiments to
prove his thesis that films aren't re-
laxing; on the contrary,- they raise
the blood pressure.

Dr. Kleilman's research shows that
a long sitting in a movie house will
cause the average spectator to be-
come slightly feverish, and that the
rise in body temperature will be
almost as much as that caused by
the common cold.

His experiments were made in
male and female. Special note was
paid two typical moviegoers— a
young woman, in her early twenties
and a teen-aged gal. Th.ey were
checked while doing nothing but re-
laxing in a laboratory for a rouple
of hours, following which it. was
noted their temperatures had fallen.
But when they watched movies thejv
temperatures, taken by clinical ther-
mometer at two-hour intervals, rose
above, normal'— a surprise indeed,
according to Dr. Kleitman, in view
of therapeutic • effects attributed to
films in the past by ad-writers. ■

Normal human body temperature,
it. seems, is 98.8, but the teen-aged
gal, whose average was 98.59, showed
temperatures ranging from 99 to
100.15 in 55 movie readings, and the
older woman, in 22 movie readings,
showed an average rise of 0.47 above
her laboratory readings.

How does this apply as an argu-
ment against double features'.' It
doesn't, the scientist said. Second
feature has less effect than the first,
he reported, because after the
payee's temperature goes up he gets
sleepy, as a result of which the
tendency is to doze later in the eve-
ning. And that's When he's really
in a relaxed mood. First feature, in
other words, is the bludgeon, and
the second is the soporific. Moral
seems to be: exhibit the lesser ef-
fort in the dual bill first.

Film distribution execs, with cost
of maintaining a national film dis-
tribution system ranging from
$80,000 to $125,000 weekly, are scan-
ning current operating costs in rela-
tion to b.o. effects during the transi-
tion from a two-war to a one-war
economy and, eventually, a peace-
time economy. No important reduc-
tion in operating costs appears like-
ly in the near future, despite pos-
sibility of sharp temporary ups and
downs in the national employment
situation'. ' v y -'.'■ ' • ■ ;-■ '

Reconversion is not expected to
affect all exchange territories with
equal severity, and duration pf re-,
conversion jitters is expected to
vary in relation to civilian goods
manufacturing potentials in . each
sector. •

Much of the calculation revolves
about labor supply and demand dur-
ing the transition ". period. An
operating cost of $80,000 ..weekly- or
approximately $4,000,000 annually
lor a distribution system (taking
one of the smaller, major companies)
calls for billings of around $16,000.-
000 annually to stay in the black.
Some execs believe that there may
be a difficult period, though likely of
short duration, at some point dur-
ing the changeover'.

Cutbacks Vary

With b.o. returns and. subse-
quently, rentals strongly linked with
employment potentials. industry
execs find no uniform formula ap-
plying to all exchange centers. Cut-
backs in war orders will affect the
Pacific and Atlantic coast stales
more severely than the western and
southwestern territories. But sever-
ity of such unemployment will vary
with the demand for labor by civil-
ian goods industries in various sec-
tors.

Thus, while immediate cutbacks
in war contracts in the New York
area, estimated by regional WPB
director Lewis S. Greenleaf, Jr.. at
about 10%, may reduce war. orders
in this sector by some $3,000,000,000
within the next nine months, much
I of the labor supply can be readily

absorbed by other non-war indus
tries. A similar situation will,
sooner or later, likely prevail in
other heavily industrialized states as
Michigan, Illinois, etc.

Coast U.S.G.
West Coast sector, however, pre-
sents less favorable aspects. Decline
in war production finds no other
heavy goods industries established
there to provide for an estimated
3.000,000 population influx resulting
from war-industry:"

States such as Montana, Idaho.
Arizona, etc., will also be affected
by cutbacks in war orders, but these
areas produced only a relatively
small portion of total national out-
put in terms of dollar volume.

On the whole, it is expected that
the unfilled demand for civilian
goods, spurred by the hew high
level of money supply in 1945, will
take up much of the surplus labor
due to war plant cutbacks. Some
civilian goods manufacturers have
enough orders on hand to keep run-
ning at full blast for five years after
both wars end, if given men and ma-
terials. . ... • •..

Films Lauded for Fine
Job During War Export
Period; End Censorship

Richard S R. Smith. : U. S. Govern-
ment wartime motion picture censor,
in announcing the end of film export
censorship June 9, yesterday fTues.)
in N. Y., complimented the film in-
dustry for its cooperation on censor-
ship during the "national emergency.

Smith said that motion pictures
had done a fine job in aiding the
Government on censorship mallei's,
that there had been very little fric-
tion and very few appeals.

Result will be that the industry
will be definitely on its own. -and its
handling of the export problem will
be an indication of just what may be
expected in the way of voluntary co-
operation between Hollywood and
the State Department.

Union Attorneys File Unfair Labor
Practice Charge Against 9 Studios

llth Week of Strike

Hollywood, May 29.

Eleventh week of strike wound
up in tangle of votes, with NLRB
faking 112 ballots of members of
Set Decorators Local 4421 and
strike-breaking members of
AFL Local 44, to decide which
group will represent set deco-
rators. Last ballot, only one un-
challenged, was sealed by NLRB.
Otherwise, situation is un-
changed.

Strikers were assured of finan-
cial support, with Word that
$30,000 was on way from-Studio
Carpenters' international body.

Minn. Exhibs Fear

Vets^^

Minneapolis, May 29.

Local exhibitors, successful even
before the war. in preventing addi-
tional theatre construction by induc-
ing the city council to refuse new
permits on the ground that city is
over-seated, now are worrying that
the bars will be let down during the
postwar period for war veterans
anxious to become theatre owners.

With a city election .campaign now
under- way, aldermanic candidates
approached by prospective theatre
builders are being asked to favor
permits for war veterans. Industry
leaders here feel that aldermen may
find it embarrassing to turn down
the veterans.

A similar situation is said to be
shaping up throughout the rest of
this area.

Despite $228,800 Wage
Cut, L. B. Mayer Still
'44 Tops With $908,069

Philadelphia, May 29.

Louis B. Mayer took a $228,800
wage cut last year, according to a
report filed last Thursday (24) with
the Securities & Exchange, Commis-
si on here. Despite the wage cut,
amounting to $4,400 a week. Mayer
still remained the nation's highest
wage earner. His total pay for the
year amounted, to $908,069.95.

The wage cut was in the form of
bonuses which Mayer didn't receive
this year. Of his total earnings,
$105,000 was in the form of his guar-
anteed yearly salary and $752,069.95
in bonuses. In 1943 his bonus
amounted to $1,034,492.

The next highest paid employee at
Loew's was Nicholas M. Schenck,
president, who received $391,860 in-
cluding a $261,860 bonus. In 1943
Schenck was paid a total of $512,391.
.,' The consolidated profit and loss
statement of 48 wholly-owned sub-
sidiaries disclosed $14,517,255.79 in
net income transferred to earned
surplus during the year ended last
August.' Operating revenues were
reported at $145,120,673.88 with $29,-
579.224 of net profit before taxes.

The report showed that Loew's
paid $18,532,411 to 297 studio execu-
tives, producers, supervisors, direc-
tors, . actors, actresses writers, and
cameramen. - ,

Among the highest -salaries re-
ported were; ."

E. J. Mannix, $300,726 including
$142,126 in bonuses; J. Robert Rubin,
$175,755: David Bernstein, $181,906;
Sam Katz, $114,126; Al Lichtmah,
$112,084, and Ben Thau, $109,144.

4- ''■'•■•■ Hollywood, May 29.

Attorney for Screen Set Designers,
Illustrators and Decorators Local
1421 yesterday (28) filed unfair
labor practice charges against the
nine major studios with National
Labor Relations Board. Attorneys
charged that 326 studio employees
affiliated with Local were discharged
because of their union activities.
Assertedly these activities were in
connection with action of members
in affiliating set directors who for-
merly were connected with inde-
pendent society.

Notices of dismissal were received
by members in walkout of machin-
ists, janitors, painters, carpenters re-
fusing to cross picket lines. Proba- '
bility that other charges may ba
filed because hundreds of other
workers have since received dismis-
sal notices..

Union claims dismissal of workers
was in direct violation of the Wag-
ner Labor Act.

Meanwhile, War Manpower Com-
mission meets today (29) to take up
question of job referrals for new em-
ployees in motion picture industry
and issuances of availability certifi-
cates to strikers .and 'workers who
are refusing to cross picket lines.
Hearing before WMC panel is on
appeals for rule that no referrals or
availability certificates would be ap-
proved. '

Strikers claim job referral ruling
is being violated by studios hiring a
man for specific work and then
switching him to a job vacated by a
striker. ■ ' i

Studio heads claim that under
strict interpretation, outsiders can
be referred to studio jobs for dura-
tion of walkout. It also insisted
availability slips should be issued to
men who left jobs irrstudtos-since—
notice of dismissal has been served
on them by the various companies.

There was little other strike ac?
tivity yesterday, other than moves
by the Strike Strategy Committee
in an effort to halt delivery of lum-
ber and other supplies to the lots.
Members of the IATSE General Ex-
ecutive Board, with the exception of
Felix Snow, were reported to have
left town, although five of them were .
subpoened to appear in a Superior
Court injunction hearing next Mon-
day. It is understood they made an
agreement with the defendants to
give, depositions on 10 days' notice at
some point in the east.

Ernie Pyle's 'GI Joe' Pic
Preem June 9 in Okinawa

Arrangements are being com-
pleted with the Overseas Motion Pic-
ture Services of the U, S. Army for
the pjeem of "Story of G. I. Joe" on
Okinawa.

Film is scheduled to be shown on
Okinawa, June 9, first screening
anywhere, following an agreement
between Ernie Pyle and producer
Lester Cowan that the film be first
shown "wherever Ernie Pyle hap-
pens to be.''

MARCH TAXES REFLECT
DIPINAMUSEMENTM

Washington, May 29.

Attendance at niteries, theatres
and other places of amusement fell
off somewhat in March on the basis
of admissions- tax collections just
announced by the Bureau of Internal
Revenue. .-■' .

The nation's total for the month
was $29,076,970, which was below the
$30,645,244 of February, although
February is a shorter month. How-
ever, the March figures were stilt
high above those for March, 1944,
when cheaper excise rates were in
effect. The March, 1944, take amount-
ed to $14,907,919. About 90 percent ot
the amount comes from picture
thealrts. '

Broadway, however, reversed the
field and jumped up in March. Taxes
for the 3d Revenue district of New
York,' all of Manhattan, above 23d
sf., were r $4!774.234 for the month,
contrasted with $3,935,078 during
the previous -month. In March, 1944,
the figure was $1,964,279.

Lesser to Head for Paris

Hollywood. May 29.

Sol Lesser shoves oft" for France
June 4 -to line up players and pro-
duction details for "Paris Canteen,"
part of which Will be filmed in. the
French capital and the rest in Holly-
wood. Part of the profits on the pic-
ture will be distributed among
charities over there. :. ' . v

Filming will start in Hollywood
about Sept. 15, itnd in Paris about
Dec. 1. Lesser expects to be gone
about six weeks, with a stopover in
London. -

Wednesday, May 30, 1915

2J2 WEEK,

(Beats 1st Week)

Wednesday, May 30, 1945

9

3^ WEEK.

. W"" «.kNO,t l

And still the honors come! ^ ^

GREER GARSON M

wins the TOP. Award in the £ ^
|^ Woman's Home Companion Poll v £

10

PICTURES

Wednesday, May 30, 194$

Riskin Says Voluntary Export Film
Censorship Being Studied by U.S.

Voluntary form v ,of film censorship t
designed especially for pictures in-
tended for export must eventually
be adopted by American companies,
according to Robert. Riskin, retiring
chief of the OWI Overseas Motion
Picture Bureau.

Informal discussions have been
held on plans for self-imposed film
censorship on product intended for
showing overseas. Riskin said that
a censorship code might be applied,
via the export' association now in
process of formation, or be set up as
separate office handling exports only,
possibly along the lines bf the Hays
office system for domestic distribu-
tion,

Riskin belives that censorship for
export would be in the interest of
the American industry; that each
foreign market would be examined
and given individual attention. ',

Former OWI film exec, prior to
departure for Hollywood from New
York last week, also warned against
rigid treatment of German people in
use of strictly propaganda films. Re-
education of the German people
through motion pictures, he declared,
.could be accomplished in the long
run "only if we supplement docu-
mentary films with entertainment
films."

Riskin said that propaganda films
might be allright for a period but
that the time will come when the
Germans will be allowed to shop
around for entertainment, when they
will not be forced to see pictures.
Then pictures will have to attract
them.

Can't Ovei'-l'ropagandize
While Riskin agrees that Germans
should be forced to see documen-
taries now. he stated that eventually
entertainment films will have to be
used as bait. He pointed out that
the Germans are very wary of prop-
aganda. Having been led on it by
•the Nazi regime for so many years
they would be skeptical of
shown by the occupying forces

Golden's 2d Radio Show
For Film Production

Golden Productions has optioned
the film rights to ' Queen For a
Day," radio package show produced
by Raymond R. Morgan over Mutual
Broadcasting. This 30-minute pro-
gram, originating in New York, goes
out five days a week over 260 sta-
tions coast to coast with Dud Wil-
liamson m.c,

. Morgan is associated with "Break 1
fast in Hollywood;" the Tom Bren-
aman radio show which will be pro-
duced by Golden as its next release
through United Artists, "Queen For
a Day" probably would follow.

9 RKO DIRECTORS UP
FOR ELECTION JUNE 6

RKO has sent notice to stockhold-
ers of its annual meeting June 6 at
Dover. Del. Election of nine, direc-
tors, and naming of independent
public accountants will be the prin-
cipal objects of the session.. Notice
was acompanied by a proxy state-
ment setting forth salary and busi-
ness data on the nine nominees of
the management for whin it will
solicit proxies.

Ned E. Depinet, Harry M. Durn-
ing, Frederick L. Ehrman, L. Law-
rence Green, L. Boyd Hatch. Floyd
B. Odium, N. Peter Rathvon, George
H. Shaw and J.' Miller Walker are
the nine nominated to the direct-
orate to serve one year.

Proxy statement reveals the high-
est paid of these are Deoinet, with
$104,690 paid by the corDoration* and
subsids, and Rathvon, with $104,760.'
Next highest paid is Walker, secre-
tary of company, with $25,476. Rich-
ard C. Patterson, Jr., who was a di-
rector and vice-chairman of the di-

Saphier-Fizdale Out Of
Myron Selznick Agency

Hollywood, May 29.

Martin Gang attorney for Saphier-
Fizclale, has submitted a proposed
agreement for a termination ar-
rangement to take over the late My-
ron Selznick's agency to Judge
Lester Roth, attorney for the Selz-
nick estate.

No action yet on the washup with
Sapbicr-Fizdale already moved out
and in its. own Bevhills quarters.

Laurie's Notebook

By Joe Laurie, Jr.

Glancing through some old Clippers brought the smell of fresh grease
paint, you know the kind 1 mean, the red-for the nose, the Juvenile num-
ber 4, Hero Flesh Number 7, not the water-and-sponge make-up of today.
And the grease paints of the early 1900's and of today are symbolic of
show business. The old grease paint was thick and heavy. . .it took a good
turkish towel and lots of rubbing and cold cream (lard sometimes when
you couldn't afford cream) to take it off. What beautiful shades of make-
up towels there were, especially in "a burly show or rep co... where a
character man put on a half dozen make-ups during a show. The yellow
pages of the old Clippers breathed memories ... it told of a vigorous, hus-
tling, restless, enthusiastic, intense show business. One where managers
were in direct contact with the actors, house owners advertised for at-
tractions, actors told of their abilities, weren't ashamed or bashful to tell?
the world how good they were, not via press agents but in direct advertis-
Republic, whilch is celebrating itsYing in the "Old Reliable" as the Clipper was called by showmen. Bur-
10th anniversary through July 27. i lesque, lusty and strong was going big, vaudeville was beginning to hit its
will produce two pictures this, year stride, circuses, (airs, rep shows, medicine shows, dramas and musical
in Technicolor, first time in the j comedies, all pushing their way for patronage from an entertainment seek-
company's history, l ing country. II was rough and tumble, catch-as-catch-can show business

First will be ."Concerto." an orig- j j L , s t about getting organized, : '. .

! inal by Borden Case, to be produced j The adg in « the clippers' of the 1900's reflect the times. Here are a couple
and '••'■directed b> Frank Borzage. I o{ oxamp j es-

Republic Celebrating Its
10th Anniversary By
Planning 2 in Color

,„t,;Uvt ic oolpVirnt itip its

Frank Borza,
Other will be>a -pusical, "Mexicana."
i, starring Constance Moore, Tito
Guizar and Leo Carillo, produced
i and directed by Alfred Santell.

"This year we plan to establish
I the necessary equipment for Tech-
I luCdlor," Herbert J. Yates, president
j and founder of Republic, stated in
I announcing the two pictures. "This
i equipment, consisting largely of
lighting, generators" and air condi-
tioning will cost about $180,000."

films I rectorate before his appointment late
" Ar| y I in 1944 as U. S. ambassador to Yugo-
attempt to force propaganda pictures | slavia, is not a nominee for reelec-

on the Germans will not meet with
success, particularly owing to their
pyschological frame of mind," said
Riskin.

Best method for reeducation of the
Germans by means of films, Riskin
added, would be to also use films
made in Germany by Germans un-
Ber Allied editorial supervision.
Such a plan has been informally dis-
cussed by the Allied Powers.

Riskin foresees confusion, how-
ever, until there is agreement on
what should be shown and said on
the screen. He has remcommended
an interchange of films and ideas
among the major powers occupying
Germany. He has also suggested the
formation of a new film company, to
be subsidized by major companies
for the production and distribution
of documentary-information films
abroad, showing the American way
of life. Such a corporation could be'
launched on a $500,000 investment
i and would be aimed for the non-
; theatrical field for a starter.

tion because his new post takes him
far afield from the film business.

WILCOX'S BRITISH FILM
TO PREEM IN B'KLYN

Herbert Wilcox, British film pro-
ducer, just landed in New York,
proposes to preem his latest film. "A
;Yank Lived in Grosvenor Square."
in Brooklyn.

"Yanked" (which opened in Lon-
don this month, under the title "I
Live in Grosvenor Square" and is
reviewed in this issue) is, according
to Wilcox, primarily the story about
a GI who hails from Brooklyn.
Starred are Anna Neagle, Wilcox's
wife; Rex Harrison, Robert Morle.v.
Dean Jagger and Pfc. Elliott Atluck
of the U. S. Army.

"Arluck is the real nub of our
story," says Wilcox. "He is genuine

John M. Whitaker, who is not a He was loaned to us by the U, S.
nominee for election, served as di-" Army. He is a sensitive boy who

rector for one year but resigned, and
became a vice-president of the>cor-
poration on Nov. 14 last year.

Under the pension plan, approved
at a special stockholders meeting in
March, 1944, Depinet would receive
$18,279 per year at normal retire-
ment age, Rathvon would get $13,-
746 and Malcolm Kingsberg, v.p. and
treasurer, $13,380. Kingsberg's sal-
ary is listed as $52,850 annually.

WB Not Cutting Shorts

Understood that Warner Bros, will
not chop its shorts schedule for the
coming (1945-46) season despite the

eads poetry, knows music* loves art
as well as life, does not speak in
'dese-dem' manner — and is an ex-
cellent soldier."

Wilcox insists that the film is "not
a war picture, nor propaganda." BTlt
it shows what happened when the
GIs took, over Grosvenor Sq.. in
London, where General Eisenhower
had his billet. It show Britishers and
Americans misunderstanding one an-
other, and learning to like one., an-
other. "And," he said, "it has a good
love story.

This one from a guy who must have foreseen the present war, reads:
''For Sale— Cash. Japanese costumes. Mikado cast and chorus complete.
Also props: H.-S. Cande, Cairo, 111." V
There was no housing shortage for mothers-in-law:

"For Sale— Double Lions' Dens irTgood condition. Sebastian Wagon Co.,
224 E. 44th St., X.. Y." . . ''""-.:.•.." ,

Here's a guy certainly wasn't lazy — and a professor, too: • •'.- "
"At Liberty No. 1 Lecturer and strong Office Worker, niiie years' ex-
perience, sober and reliable. Also do Straight, put on acts, have Comedy
Specially Club act and talking clown pantomime. —Must send tickets to
join. Prof. Mauritius." .7 ••

Showing that they had fun in those days too: V ' • '

"For Sale— False mustache and goatee, 10 cents in silver." .
Stage struck: ."> ' ,

''Wanted position as traveling comedian in new troupe. Never was on
(he stage as a professional but have had 1 experience in home entertain-
ments. Wages no object. What I want is a chance. I am no drunkard or
masher. Topsail, Pa." ; '. •-.
This couple had no dime to argue-

"Man and wife contortion, trapeze, Roman rings, magic, singing and
dancing, monologs, juggling and acrobats. Musical acts and eight talking
acts. Care of Gen. Del., Pittsburgh." .'.■"■•

Here a guy comes right out with it:

"Who wants me? Bill poster, programmer and lithographer. Also black-
face comedian.. Dardenell, Oklahoma."

Ill het this manager had a hard time getting performers:

"Wanted performers of all kinds. Drunkards, swell heads, ladies men
and tired boys please don't write me as I have no use for you at any
price. Salary sure. Oregon Indian Medicine Co., Mound City, Mb."

They had aviation those days too:

"Aeronaut Leo Stevens, leading balloon builder of America. Largest
list of aeronauts in the world. Airships, passenger balloons, parachusets,
divers tanks. Send two-cent stamp for prices. 250 Third Ave., N. Y. C."
•Here is an ad that started many a showman to fortunes:
" Attention Doctors. Medicine People and Showmen! Why handle rocky
goods when you can Handle goods that will sell themselves? Electric Belts
from a dollar a dozen to $48. We also make other styles of appliances
and medical batteries. One-third cash required 1 . Hot Springs Sulphur Co."
Shapiro. Bernstein and Von Tilzer were taking page ads reading:
"We have six pianos and six pianists always waiting for you. Special ac-
commodations for companies, an entire floor at your disposal. Pianos and
all conveniences free of charge. Our last season's songs are still big hits.
"Mansion of Aching Hearts," "A Bird In a. Gilded Cage," "Where the
Sweet Magnolias Bloom." "I'd Leave My Happy Home For You." Send
credentials and we will send you professional copies. Orchestrations 10

Wilcox said he expected to spend cenU . for mamng ..
r^Xr^ZH«r«f ,°h * a '" I Arnheim, the theatrical tailor's ad, read:

rangmg for distribution of the new I .. Ncxt , ime y0u around Broadway and 9th street, come in and ask the

lift' man to run you up to see our workshops. You will then better appre-

film. While he would not name the

rawstock shortage and will turn out distributor, Warner Bros, presum- l '." " l " f ■ " "« 'Y 7 . T***"?T 17 .
II S u"°«„. g *"„ „ W ' L tu . r " °. Ut ahlvh«.« »n insM* trark „„ : , Cli,,e lne nlent and absolute perfection of Arnheim makings.

Producers Tentatively
Agree to Up Bay Players
And Freelancers' Rates

•V ■ Hollywood. May 29.

Major producers reportedly have
a tentative okay to the Screen Actors
Guild for substantial raises in wage
minimums for day players and free-
lance actors. Understood, scale would
be hiked from $25 to $35 per day,
although new rates are subject to
. agreements being reached on other
demands.

Freelancers, if present ratio is kept
between them and day players' rates,
would be hiked to $140 per week".
However, some execs feel the pres-
ent ratio ckIIs for too wide a spread
between the day players and free-
lancers and may ask for a cut to
tome extent. ' ..>...

Cromwell Shifts to 'Siam'

Hollywood, May 29.

John Cromwell's first director
chore under his 20th-Fox pact will
be "Anna and the King of Siam," to
be produced by Louis D. Lighfon.

"Cluny Brown," on which Crom-
well was originally assigned, has
been postponed because of the un-
availability of Jennifer Jones, who
is tied Up with David O. Selznick's
"Duel in the. Sun;" which is- tied up
by the strike,"

86 of the briefies, same as this season.

So far Gordon Hollingshead, shorts
producer for WB" on the Coast, al-
ready has completed 17 subjects that
will be applied to the '45-'46 sched-
ule, according to Norman H. Moray,
shorts sales manager for the com-
pany.

Tone Back to Pix

..' '•• Hollywood. May 29.
Franchot Tone, who deserted the
films to play "Hope For the Best
on the Broadway stage, returns to
films next .week as a co-star in the
Universal production, "Once Upon
a Dream."

Susanna Foster and Louise AU-
britton are the other stars in the
musical, starting June 4. •

L. A. to N. Y.

Harojd Adamsoii; .

Ralph Bellamy.

Lucille Bremer.

Barry Buchanan.

Frank Bull.

Buster Collier.

Howard Da Silva.

Jerry Dale.

Dan Duryea.

Irene Hervey.

Rulh Hussey.

Allan Jones.

Sidney Kingsley. ■

Dr.' Paul Koretz. . (

Doris Lilly. •

Danny Morton. ' :.

Edward C. Raftery.

Oliver- Sabin.

Winfield Sheehan.

Lewis Allen Weiss.

ably has an inside track on "Yank, i
WB helped Wilcox on the pic, shoot-
ing a couple of spots for it in Holly-
wood. WB is also a 50% partner in
Associated British Picture Corp..
with which Wilcox is tied up. | War-
ners has not penciled in the picture
for U. S. distribution thus far, it was
learned late yesterday, Tues.l

After his New York visit, Wilcox
goes to Hollywood for about 10 clays.
He has several scripts in mind for
early shooting and will pick the
script that would be most suitable
for whatever stars he signs up on
the Coast.

Asked about the raw film stock
situation in England, Wilcox said he
thought, that situation should ease
considerably in the very near future.
He saw the possibility of substantial
improvement in the stock situation
due to the fact that the RAF will use
less film, now that Germany has I
been licked. .■•■'. '■•'•. •

"The entire film industry is due !
for rejuvenation," he said. "Studios :
are now being turned back to private j
interests. More films being made, i
distributed and seen than ever be- I
fore iil' British history."

N. Y. to L. A.

Ann Edison.
Irving Lazar. ,';;' •"■'
Howie Mayer..
Katina Paxinou.
Rick Ricketson.
Robert Riskin.
Robert Rossem
Charles P. Skouras.
Fan! Small.
Lionel Stander.
Harry M. Warner,
John Wiltlberg.

Sack suits,

double or single breasted, made to fit right, choosing from 250 imported
fabrics, to order, $20. Send for samples, measuring outfit and set of
fashion plates." ,

J I. Miller*Ads

I. Miller was on 23rd street and' advertised: "Boots and slippers made
on premises and ballet shoes always in stock." ,

"New bright light for Magic Lanterns. Also electric, Calcium.' Acetylent
Magic Lanterns. Illustrated stories and songs. Williams, Brown and Earl.
Phil.. Pa." .

"Silver and Lawrence the Eminent Hypnotic Funmakers! 26 people.
Biggest hypnotic show on the road. 15 in band, all silver-plated instru-
ments, bright green uniforms trimmed with silver. Carrying five high
class vaudeville acts, traveling in their, own private car, bought for them :,
last week by Dr. H. L. Anderson, the hypnotic book publisher who is now.
sole owner of the S. & L. Hypnotic Show. Regards to Knowles and the
Flints and Harry Houdini."
And they had these guys in those days too:

"Wanted a Manager or Manageress with SMALL CAPITAL for a new
comic patriotic American Opera, ready for in ■ mediate representation. Ad-
dress FIRST FLOOR. 596 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y."

Items like these "pepped up" the paper (and sold extra copies for the
scrap book): '• .'.;'.'■ - ''.'",.-' ■

"Jeanette- Dupre Watson while playing Lyceum Theatre, Boston, was
presented with an English bull terrior by Harry Tremajrie the : stage man-
ager of the Theatre." ;. .. .. ./ '' '' •" ■''■ '

"Frank Harcourt, of Harcourt and May, was the guest of Conneaut
(Ohio) Lodge o( Eagles. 123 members were there and 1 all had- an' en-
joyable time until late in the evening. FrankTripp, pianist at the Empire
Theatre, Ashtabula Harbor/furnished the music for the occasion;"

"James J. Corbett has signed to play a part in 'Around N, Y. in 80 Min-
utes.' which will shortly 'be produced at Roster Sc Bials Music Hall. He is
quoted as saying that he hopes to continue in burlesque and rise in that
department of stage diversion." ' "

In 1903 Nat Wills advertised he was forsaking vaudeville to star in "The
Son of Rest." Eddie Leonard announced he was considered an up and -
coming singing comedian and also a songwriter. Besides being one of
the best dancers in the country and was signed to go with the Lew Dock-
stadter Show. Rice and. Pievost advertised that.it was their- third week
at Hammerstein's and signed 1 for four more. Pat'and Mattie Rooney "two
chips off the old block," said they were the Premier Eccentric Dancing Act
of the business. BAR NONE. Both play parts and are at liberty for the
coming season.

There were ads for the McGovern-Corbett fight at Frisco. "Fight pic-
tures taken by electric light showing the knockout. 723 feet at 15c a foot.
American Mutoscope and Biograph Co."

S Wednesday, May 30, 1945

11

f33s3&

ACKSON DAILY NEW

lags

*2nH

»v-». .••«;

The Time s Record

times

12

Wednesday, May 30, 1945

8 OUT OF 10 PATRONS PRE-SOLD
BEFORE THE NATIONAL

CAMPAIGN HAS EVEN STARTED!

In*

To 22,000,000 readers of more than 700
• \ newspapers! To 1,900,000 readers of Ernie
Pyle's hooks, "Here Is Your War" and "Brave
Men"! To the countless millions who have

seen, read and remembered the stories fea-
turing Ernie Pyle in every national magazine
in America! To millions of radio listeners
through hundreds of Ernie Pyle tributes!

ft . ft

ft

•A- ft

ft

ft

ft

ft

ft ft

This newspaper and magazine campaign will

make it 10 out of 10 as it announces
Ernie Pyle's "Story of G J Joe to your patrons !

tin, June 25th . . . TIMi, June 25th . . . LIBERTY, June 23rd . . .
mt STORY, July . . . FAN MAGAZINES, July . . . SUNDAY COMICS, July 22nd and 29th issues

FOR A TOTAL CIRCULATION OF 44,100,000!

^ it

RELEASED THRU UNITED ARTISTS

Wedue

>m& May 30,-1945

WAR ACTIVITIES

13

Pinanski Pleads for Extra Bond
Sales Hypo to Offset V-E Letdown

Despite encouraging reports from
several territories throughout the
country, Samuel Pinanski, national
chairman for the film industry's
participation in -the Seventh War
Loan drive, yesterday (29) again
urged exhibitors to fully cooperate
with state chairmen and local War
Finance Committees to stage even
more bond-selling events than ever
before.

"There is bound to be a letdown
among' bond buyers all over the na-
tion, following V-E day," said Pin-
anski, "and it is up to the showmen
of this country to double their efforts
with bond preems, kid shows and
special events; to make their audi-
ences conscious' of the crisis in the
Pacific, and instill in them the desire
to continue to buy bonds."

In the first week of the Seventh,
a grand total of 66,202 bonds were
sold in Southern California theatres
for a total of (6,613,016, a terrific
gain over the Sixth. Eleven bond
preems held during the first two
.weeks of the campaign in Northern
California by Fox- West Coast thea-
tres found 29.747 "E" bonds sold for
a total of $3,613,247.

Hartford's $638,000

Outstanding bond prcem was held
at the Chicago theatre, Chi, last
Thursday, night (24) when $3,500,000
worth of bonds were sold. This was
the first preem for the 7th in the
Windy City territory, and was the
most successful of all bond shows in*
any drive to date.

A similar event at Bushnell Aud,
in Hartford, Conn., same night re-
sulted in a sale of $628,000 in bonds.
More tli an 2,500 "E" bonds were sold
for a bond preem at the Wilson,
Fresno. Cal., for a "gross" of $271,-
500, with other theatres on the Coast
holding bond preems also reporting
record results. Even greater co-
operation will . be realized by ex-
hibitors in Richmond, Va., where the
entire city will be mobilized for
seven days starting June 3 in "Movie
Industry Week."

In one of the most ambitious
bond-selling projects undertaken by
any industry, the N. Y. area War
Activities Committee of the film in-
dustry will launch a series of bond
preems in 119 met area theatres to
assure the sale of 214,708 bonds dur-
ing June. Total compares to 73
which took part during the Sixth.
For the first time in drive ■ history,
four Broadway houses, Roxy, Rivoli,
Paramount and Palace, will partici-
pate in the bond preem event,
augmenting their films with stage
shows.

Ralph Bellamy left N. Y. Friday
(25) and Ruth Hussey left Holly-
wood same day to open a six-day
tour of Pennsylvania in the interest
of the Seventh. They will then go to
Tulsa, Oklahoma City and New
Orleans, as well as other Louisiana
cities to take part in bond shows in
those cities as well.

Chairman Sam Pinanski last week
announced that the Army Ground
Forces have requested the industry
to cooperate in promotion of Infan-
try Day, June 15. The national
committee suggests that exhibs
should endeavor to have "Here's
Your Infantry" touring units make
appearances at their houses on that
day.

plus nifty stage layout including
Henny Youngman, John Boles, Con-
dos Bros., Jan Murray, Barbara
Blaine, Lou .Breese and orch, Jean
Williams. Chris Cross, Ben Beri,
Arthur Lee Simpkins and Pierre
d'Angelo & Vanya, with Breese em-
ceeing. • .•'

Guest of honor was 21-year-old
Coxswain Gene Oxley. who was
awarded the Silver Star for gal-
lantry on D-Day. Show teed off with
concert by Arsene Siegal's Chicago
theatre orchestra, following which
colors were posted by four South
Pacific Marine vets, and Marine Sgt
Francis J. Coleman, holder of Silver
star, Purple Heart and Presidential
Citation with two stars, in initial ap-
pearance in a large theatre, led in
singing of the National Anthem. Les
Lear, Treasury Dept. rep, announced
the record $3,500,000 take.

Besides Free Movie Day, on June
6, plus Children Bond Shows, July
23, Warner Bros, staged projection
room preem of "Thrill of a Ro-
mance" and "Blood on the Sun" for
employees last week, grabbing off
$60,000 in this single industry pitch.
"All Star Bond Rally," of course, is
booked in all Chi theatres, and one
WB theatre, the Avalon, is expected
to do better than its record $235,000
take in the Sixth.

RKO's shindig will be held at the
Palace June 5. Preem of "China
Sky" has been tied in by district
manager Frank Smith with Chinese
consulate, newspapers . and tongs
here, in cooperation with Treasury
Dept. Planned to use Chinese girls
in native costumes as usherettes,
with Chinese servicemen ushering.
All will participate in Chinese Boy
and Girl Scout parade before the
show.

It's Dr. Ted Gamble Now

Ted R. Gamble, Seattle' exhibitor
and currently chairman of the War
Finance Committee of the Treasury
Department, was presented with an
honorary Doctor of Law degree by
the University ol Portland (Ore.)
last Sunday (27).

The Rev. Charles C. Miltner, pres-
ident of __the_ university, made the
presentation. •..'/'•':,.';■"

Worcester's S1M,SM

Worcester, Mass., May 29.

An all - bond - buying audience
added $106,550 in E bond purchases
toward Worcester's quota via
"Salty O'Rourke" at Capitol last
week. Admission was . a bond pur-
chase 'at one of the city's 13 thea-
tres, Elmer H. Daniels, Cap manager,
chairmaned

Use of the house, all flesh talent
and time of musicians and stage
help donated. In addition to furnish-
ing a 30 -piece orchestra, the Wor-
cester Musicians' Association, Local
143, purchased a $1,000 bond.

t hi s f 3,SM,Mfl Take

Chicago, May 29.

First boffo War Bond pitch in the
Showmen's 7th dug $3,500,000 out of
Chicagoans' pockets at Balaban &'
Katz's Chicago theatre Thursday
(24th>. with over 100 bond sales
turned down at the door because of
the sellout.'

It was a. capacity house* — 3,900
right on the button — fulfilling
prophecies made when 4,000 bonds
were sold in two days after being
put on sale in six B&K Loop houses
that they'd jam the Chicago for mid-
west prcem of "Valley of Decision"
and "To the Shores of Iwo Jima,"

So. Cal. Houses Grab

$6,613,016 in Bonds

Los Angeles, May 29.

First week of the Seventh War
Loan drive among Southern Cali-
fornia theatres brought -in $6,613,016,
representing 66.202 bonds. Total for
the first week of the Sixth War Loan
was 23,141 bonds and $2,637,644. Gu s
Metzger, chairman of the theatre
war finance committee for this area,
reported that bond premieres and
other special shows in theatres are
rolling up unprecedented sales of
"E" War Bonds.

Armed Forces Radio Service pro-
gram, - "Command Performances,"
hitherto reserved for servicemen,
will make its first public appearance
at Grauman's Chinese theatre June
14, in a joint radio-film premiere for
the Seventh War Loan. Preem is
one of the seven arranged for Holly-
wood Blvd. theatres to promote bond
sales. Admission is by bond pur-
chases only.

GIPix Equipment
Bid for by Mex.,
S. A. Producers

Holly wood, " May 29.

Mexican and South American film
producers have entered bids for sur-
plus equipment and material, for-
merly used by the Motion Picture
Section of the. Signal Corps, but
largely idle since V-E Day. Chief
items are $5,000,000 worth of labora-
tory and camera paraphernalia at
Wright Field, Dayton, O.; where
there has been practically no pro-
duction for months. \

Wright Field, plant, one of the
most complete in Government, be-
came secondary after the Truman
Committee investigation about two
years ago, when the Astoria studio
became the main production centre
for Army films. Understood the
foreign film companies had inside
info on the dismantling. of. the Day-
ton plant and put in their offers,
with the help of their government
officials, before American film
people learned about it.

It is figured that the sale of the
Wright Field equipment will bring
the U. S. Government around $1,-
000,000, while the purchasers will get
materials and. properties still on the
priority list. *

SINGLE CHARITY DRIVE
UP FOR H' WOOD BALLOT

Hollywood, May 29.
• Streamlined welfare is the object
of a mail ballot, sent "to 25,000 work-
men, artists and executives in the
motion picture industry by the Per-
manent Charities Committee. Idea
is to combine all charity drives into
one campaign, with one pledge, elim-
inating confusion and overlapping
pay deductions.

Consolidated drive, slated for next
fall, is recommended by most of the
guilds, unions and independent
groups in the film industry. Funds
would be distributed to the War
Chest. Red Cross. Infantile Paralysis
Foundation and other welfare groups
which have benefitted in the past.

'Army/'Hayride/'Hellza;
USO Legit Units, Click
With Yanks in Pacific

. Sydney, May 5.

Word has beer, received by Her-
schell Stuart, USO rep here, that
three of their shows. "Mexican Hay-
ride," "This is the Army." and "Hellz-
a-Poppin'," all are scoring with
the troops in the Southwest Pacific.

No more USO shows will be
routed to New Guinea now that the
big war scene has shifted further
away, and there's no chance that
any will move to Australia In the
future.

Understood that Brilish authori-
ties, following the movement of U. S.
forces up closer to the front and in-
flux of British sailors will arrange
with English performers to tour this
zone. First star to kick-off is Grade
Fields, due next month.

'HARGROVE' MOVES UP -

Hollywood. May 29.

Private Hargrove is upped in mili-
tary rank by Metro in "Wiiat Next,
Corporal Hargrove," second of the
''Hargrove" scries.

Richard Thorpe will direct and
George Haight produce, starting in
early July.

Merrick Joins USO-CS

Duff Merrick has been appointed
head of publicity at USO-Carrip
Shows. N. Y.. replacing George Ross,
who resigned recently to go on a
consultant retainer basis. •

Merrick, former asst. drama ed of
Washington Times-Herald, more re-
cently has been doing ad work with
D'Arcy. Hannagan and Campbell-
Ewald agencies.

Camp Shows Sure Vaude Is Dead,
Gets No Response to Talent Calls

Major Mike Cnllen

Pittsburgh. May 29;

It's now Maj. Mike J.'Cullen. Al-
though his promotion from captain
had been reported couple of months
ago, it came through only the week
following V-E Day. Former man-
ager of the Perm here and a division
manager. for Loew's at the time he
was commissioned, Maj. Cullen is
presently in charge of more than
200 GI theatres in France and Ger-
many and also the several exchanges
servicing the houses.

He's been overseas for nearly two-
and-a-half years, having previously
done special service in North Africa
and Italy before being shifted to
France. -

Olivier, Richardson And
Thorndike Top Old Vic
ENSA Toor of France

London, May 18.

ENSA has arranged for Old Vic
company to tour France and Ger-
many. Cast will be headed by Laur-
ence Olivier, Ralph Richardson,
Sybil Thorndike and Nicholas Han-
nen. Tour will last eight weeks, with
last fortnight at the Comedie Fran-
caise, Paris, for the civilian popula-
tion. Repertoire Will include* "Peer
Gynt" and "Richard III."

In reciprocation, French stars of
Comedie Francaise will appear in
London for at least two matinees at
; the New theatre, und may play at
another West End house.

For the last fortnight in Paris, the
Old" Vic company will appear under
aegis of the British Council.

USO-CSI BOARD AVOIDS
SOME FINGERPOINTING

Chicago, May 29.

Because of request of Abe Last-
fogel, USO-Camp Shows chief, that
the Chi office be organized so that
it wouldn't look too much like the
Wm. Morris Agency and the Charles
Hogan office had a monopoly over
what talent should be employed,
three', new committeemen were
added' last's week by .: .co.-chaii'men
Morris Silver of WM and Hogan.
Besides Leo Salkin of WM (ap-
pointed previously ), Silver and
Hogan. six-man brainstrust now in-
cludes Danny Graham. Music Corp.
of America; *Warnie Jones, Balaban
& Katz. and Sam Roberts, Boila &
Roberts. *'

■Coincidental wjlh announcement
of new members, who are on a vol-
unteer basis and cannot accept com-
mission on their own . acts, Tom
Ryan, paid-secretary, said that more
shows are going to hospitals in the
midwest legion than ever before —
one or two a .week, at least, to each
hospital. Hypoed : activity in this re-
gard is the result of increasing num-
ber of casualties returning from the
batllefronts. .

USO Sets 15 Legits In
1 Month, a Record

The trade is talking about the un-
precedented job USO-Camp Shows'
legit dept., headed by Franklin
Heller, has done on the special legit
program for post V-E Day in Europe.
In one month's time, Camp Shows,
working with Broadway producers,
has put 15 legit shows into rehearsal.
There's never been anything like it
before, according to several man-
agers.

On April 20 last, Army Special
Services and USO-CS called a meet-
ing of producers at the Booth the-
atre, N. Y., to discuss the program.
On April 25 those producers who
volunteered to help met at Camp
Show's headquarters. Thirty days
later saw 15 shows rehearsing. Al-
though individual Broadway produ-
cers share credit for undertaking the
assignments of casting and directing,
the trade is aware of the terrific
amount of detail work these shows
involved for Camp Shows' legit dept.
details included having sets and
props built, wardrobes designed and
made, rehearsal arrangements to be
made, trouper fitted for uniforms as
well as wardrobe, actors being proc-
essed for overseas, with shots, phys-
icals, etc.

Within next three weeks, all 15
shows Will have been previewed at
Camp Shows - W. 39th st. Workshop.
Two have been shown, others being
"Night Must Fall" tomorrow <3D;
"Kind Lady" (June 2); "Meet the
Wife" (8); "Our Town" (9); "Double
Door" (11); "Springtime For Henry"
(12); "Personal Appearance" (13);
"Arsenic and Old Lace" (14): "Dear
Ruth" (15); "Blithe Spirit" ■ (18);
"Late Christopher Bean" (20); "Boy
Meets Girl" (21); "Night of January
16th" (22). •. , ..

♦ With Army hospitals in the United
States now caring for 300,000 pa-
tients, and with 40,900 more sick and
wounded coming in from overseas
every month. USO-Camp Shows is
in desperate need of talent for its
domestic hospital circuit.

Average vauders, legiters, novelty
and miscellaneous talent are play-
ing in hospital units. Hollywood
stars have volunteered for guest
personality tours. But in one trade
category, according to Camp Shows
officials, talent has definitely laid
down on the^job. And that's the
vaudeville headliner.

Of the 101) standard acts who are
considered j toppers, —says Camp
Shows, only 20, or one-fifth of the
total, have given their services to
work the Sickbay circuit. USO-
Camp Shows has been in existence
three and a half years now, and still
there is some talent that hasn't done
a sickbay stint yet. There -was a
concerted drive on for headliner tal-
ent last fall, when a committee con-
sisting of Marvin Schenck, Mike
Todd and Ed Sullivan was formed
for the purpose, but results were
hardly satisfactory. : •

Several headliners did sign and
worked the hospitals. But several
more who promised to go out when
their winter or spring -commitments,
were filled have reneged or not
shown up. .„

Camp Shows says the. vaude head-
liner category has the worst show-
ing of any branch of the amusement
industry in regards to its response
to hospital work. These artists,
they say, have been approached time
and again. There isn't a performer -
who works, who hasn't some avail- -
able time, they feel. Every standard •
variety actor, in Camp Shows' belief,
should have as part of his record the
fact that he played at least one hos-
pital tour.

Camp Shows is satisfied to take
headliners for short two-week, four-
week or eight-week ^ours. They put
part of the blame for lack of per-
former response on the agent, whose
cooperation is needed, whose help
has definitely not been forthcoming,
twho has been too busy booking dates
and making dough for his client and
himself to worry about hospital
tours.

Camp Shows admits that certain
topliners have played spot dates,
making lone individual appearances
at some hospital in a big city where
they had a cdmmercial date. But the.
need is in isolated hospitals away
from the cities, in the hinterland,
where a tour of some weeks is nec-
essary. Camp Shows calls their need
critical, and are asking headliners
to come for.ward for the wounded
GIs. After all, says Camp Shows,
they'll be giving up nothing but a
little time.

SGT. GENE AUTRY, EX-GI,
OVERSEAS FOR USO

Sgt. Gene Autry, about to be re-
leased from the Army, will' almost
immediately go overseas for USO-
Camp Show* in a vaude unit.

Incident is unusual, representing
first time talent coming out of uni-
form is going right into entertaining-
GIs offshore. Known that several
times when actors in USO Units
abroad took sick, thespian GIs step-
ped into the breach temporarily.
This is the reverse twist.

Autry's destination, though not re-
vealed, is known definitely not to be
Europe.

Shain'* War Loan Chore

Sam Shain, assistant to Spyros
Skouras, 20th-Fox head, takes over
the trade paper publicity duties for
the 'film industry's participation in
the 7th War Loan tomorrow (31)
from Al Fincstohe.

Latter : returns to his publicity
post at Paramount. .

MORE SET FOR H0SP. TOURS

Jamesfbunn and Edna Rush (Mrs.
Dunn), Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Toler,
and Alan Curtis and Henry O'Neill
are. set for hospital guest tours dur-
ing June.

Harold Peary (The Great Gilder-
sleeve) will go out in July.

Dimes May Hit $5,800,000

Total collections for the 1945
March of Dimes campaign as of
Monday (28) are reported at $4,-
736,919.

With states of New York and Il-
linois still to complete reports/ total
of $5,800,000 is now expected. This
compares with 1944 . collections of
$4,667,000.

REDMOND VICE WOOD

Hollywood, May 29.

Walter Redmond; labor leader,
succeeded Sam Wood, film producer,
as president of the Motion Picture
Alliance for the. Preservation o£
American Ideals.

Other new officers are Mischa
Auer, first veepee; Norman Taurog,
second veepee; Leonard Smith, third
veepee; Lela Rogers, secretary;
Clarence Brown, treasurer, and
Morrie Ryskind, board, chairman.

ROBERT YOUNG »LARAINE DAY

it

IN

ose

t7 I

earing

oung

a

with

ANN HARDING

and

Introducing

BILL WILLIAMS

. . . Terrific in his
first important
RKO comedy role!

arms

Produced by BERT GRANET Directed by LEWIS ALLEN

Wednesday, May 30, 1945

:

:

* fg^ top-of-the-season
romantic success ... reaching a
new summit in spice and sparkle
as a Iriss-and-run pilot dares
the heart-hitting flak of a lovely
who gets his range! A big-time
attraction for big-time crowds!

Screen Play by Jerome Chodorov

SPEED TOTAL VICTORY!
THE MIGHTY 7th WAR LOAN

FULL PAGE NATIONAL
ADS. TO 25,150,475
CIRCULATION!

—in Life— Ladies' Home Journal—
Woman's Home Companion— True~ Story-
Liberty— Pic— Look and Fan List.

16 FILM REVIEWS P^rIETy

Xoli Hill

(COLOR; SONGS)

' Hollywood, May 29.

20lh Fox release- of Andro Dnven produc-
tion. Stars Genrire Haft, .loan Bennett,
Vivian lilaiue, Peggy Ann Garner; feu'turos
Alan «0-d, H. N. Fully, Emll Colemuo,
'Kdgti,. Biirriev. Directed by Henry Hatli-
-suvay. Screenplay, Wanda Tuchoek and
Nortnnn Itellly ltalne from story by Elea-
nor, UrMTln; camera, Edward .(.rohjngcr:
aong-, Jimmy Me-Hugh and Harold Adi.ni-
aou; dances, !Xick (Castle: incidental music,
David DuUo.uh; arrangements, Gene lte,i-e,
editor, lfnrrrinn Jones. Traileshoivn May
SSer'-o. Running time, 05 M1NS.'

TUonv A nisei .. .George Han

Harriet «>n itinera. J"an. Bennett

Sally ToinplctQn .Vivian Ijlame

Km lie' Miinlsan Peggy Ann Garner

V-appir .luek llarrignn .

Alan "Faliitaff Openshaiv" liecit

Joe. - .n. S. Vully

At ili« piano. .'• •• ...:... ..Gmil Coleman,

I.aH( i'iirrtilhcrn'. ; ■ Edgar Barrier

Specially. ..-. ..'. .Joe Smith * Charles Dale

jiaifei i c . George Andetron

FiKlitiMK' IUtrl«t»_.rVi ..Don Costrllo

Heajtvoiltei ...... ... Joseph J. Greene

Cabin, . . . ■ ...J. Fnrrell MacDonahl

Specialty ... .Th» Three. Swifts

Big Tim. .:./.....-'-..."••> •WUWm audi
Chinese Sirvinits..Bcal Wong, George T. Lee

j„se Frank McCown

Butler Robert Orel*

t.liiiw Coiilbn../ ....ClMtrloa Cane

Sla.w iiii.h. ... Helen O'Hara, Dorothy Ford

LiHti. .......... .. .Nestor Palvu

HnU^-kei tier. . ... .Anita Bolster

Huhy Jane Jones

Sn . ifislr Sailors— ':... '

Otto Keieliow; Hugo Borg, George Blagol

Miniature Reviews

"Nob Hill" 1 20th) tColor; Mu-
sical). Production, lavishiiess
doesn't overcome lightweight,
familiar story. Moderate b.o.

"Back to Bataan" (RKO).
Solid . war drama paying tribute
to Filipinos. Sturdy commer-
cially.

"Twice Blessed" fM-G). Light-
weight "B."

"Blonde Ransom" t Songs) <U).
Well-paced piece based on trite
tale but resulting in acceptable
product for some houses.

"Chlna Sky" iRKO). Mild
version of Pearl Buck's novel;
ditto boxpffice.

"I Live' In Orosvenor Square"
(Brit.). Timely British-made
story of U. S. troops in wartime
London; okay for U.S.

"We Accuse" (Indie). Atrocity
'Documentary showing Nazi's
brutal treatment of Russians;
mild for most spots.

"Det Brlnner Kn Eld" ("There
Burns a Fire") (Swedish). Fine,
stirring invasion story. English
sub-titles. i f'

is about to lose his joint. to a group
of gangsters who had taken him for
$G3,000 with the aid of. a phoney
deck. When the gal fails to inter-
est the uncle in buying a piece of the
hitcry, she fakes a kidnapping. Old
fellow comes through, the bad boys
are trapped, and the wedding at the
end is a double feature, including a
pair of stooges who had sung and
cavorted through the piece. Latter
are Pinky Lee, whose "Hinky Dinky
Pinky" number is not only screw-
ballish but really funny, and flashy
Collette Lyons.

Undistinguished and lightweight
production is given direction that
moves the trite story along afc. good
tempo, and all the principals acquit
themselves as well as the unhefty
material demands. Cors.

China Sky

RKO .release of Maurice Geraghty pro*
ducllon. Wars Randolph Scott, Itulh War-
rick, Ellen Drew: feature* Anthony Qulnn,
Carol Thurston, Kietiard Loo. Directed by
Ray -.nright. Sereenplny by Brenda Wein-
berg, Joseph Hoffman; based on novel oy
['carl Hark; camera. Nicholas- Musnraca;
editor, tlcne Mllford: technical adviser.
Wei Kan Hsiirh. At Palace, N. T.. start-
ing May I'l, '45. Itunning time. 78 JIINH.

Thompiron ...... .Randolph Scott

■Sara. ...... i, .-... J .,.'*. '.Ruth Warrick

I.ouIho. ... A .Ellen Drew

I'hen Ta ...Anthony Qulnn

Mitt Mel..:........'... Carol Thurston

Col. Yasuda. ...... .. v ....Rlcbard Loo

"Little (loaf. .. 'Ducky'' Louie

Dr.' Kim ...I'hlllp Ahn

chung. . . . * Ilenson Fong

Magistrate..,.. II. T. Tslang

Charlie... ........:. -Chin Kuans Chow

Too much attention paid to the
love affairs in "China Sky" and too
little to the actionful story from
Pearl Buck's book militate against
its boxofflce potentialities. Moderate
boxofflce indicated.

Miss Buck's tale of the tenacity of
Chinese guerrillas who: harass the
Japanese advance, and the American
medico who runs the hospital in the
key Chinese village, turns out far
from the spectacular production it
might have been. The guerrilla and
righting angle is played down, while
stress is laid on interior sets and
romantic conflict. As often happens,
this lack of action wears the interest
thin.

Scripters and director are so con-
cerned with the triangle between
Randolph Scott, as the American
doctor, his devoted hospital co-
worker, Ruth Warrick, and his wife,
Ellen Drew, that they neglect the
story's movement. There Anally is
a hangup battle at the end between
Jap paratroopers and the guerrillas
as a wounded Jap officer wangles
jnf.o_.out to. his forces, but __it's_ too
late.

Ray Enright's direction is never
especially inspired, although he helps
bring out several excellent charac-
terizations of Chinese natives. Best
of these is by Philip Ahn as the Chi-
nese doctor, who aids the wounded
Jap when angered by his fiancee,
Carol Thurston. '• Latter is okay as
the native nurse. The role of guer-
rilla leader, which one might ex-
pect to be outstanding, is slutted off
by the story. Anthony Quinn does
well by what lines are given him,
but, given a better chance, he'd have
registered even stronger.

.Randolph Scott is routine as the
hospital head. Ruth Hussey is su-
perb, but her role of the doctor's
assistant . is not sufficient to carry
the whole load. Ellen Drew makes a
satisfactory portrayal of the wife,
albeit a distateful one. Richard Loo
is villainous enough' as the wounded
Jap colonel. Wear.

I Live in 4p_.osv4.iior S«f_

(BRITISH-MADE)

London, May 16.

Patbe Picture* release of Associated Brit-
ish Picture, SUar* Anna Neagle,' Dean
Jagger, Hex Harrison, ftobert Alorley. Di-
rected by. Herbert Wilcox, Screenplay,
Maurice Cowan. At Palace theatre. Lon-
don, May 1.-,. ISunnilig time. 114 MINM.

Lady Patricia Fairfax Anna Neagle

Sergeant .loht_.Patte.Min Dean Jagger

Major David Bruce ...Kex Harrison

Duke of Kxmoor. Kobert .Motley

Mm. Catchpnle. ........... Irene Vanbrugb

Lieut. Lutyen*.. ....... ...Michael Shepley

Mrs. Wilson ..Nancy Price

Vicar ... Walter Hudd

Sgl. BenJ. (Ii-eenburgh...pfc. Elliott Arluck
John's Mother Jane Darwell

Every G. I. who visited Piccadilly's
Rainbow Coiner will want to see
Grosvenor Square. In fact, every
Yank who's ever been in London
likely will try to see this. It is the
best bet on Anglo-American relations
buildup the screen has yet offered.
Timely story of U. S. troops in war-
time London looks okay for Ameri-
can market. : with names of Anna
Neagle, Robert Morley :and Jane
Darwell giving picture a boost. [No
U.S. distrib set although director
Herb Wilcox, now in N. Y., has men-
tioned WB.J

Anna Neagle gives her most con-
vincing performance to date. Dean
Jagger's love scene.*, though a trifle
long, were played with the subtlety
one would expect in an Ameri-
can sergeant's diffidence towards a
duke's grand-daughter. Rex Harri-
son as the major looks sure to im-
press American femmes in the serv-
ice, even though the heroine jilts
him. ,

Story by British newspaperman
Maurice Cowan is based on the real-
life events— that of the Air Corps
crew sacrificing themselves to save
inhabitants of an English village.

Of the olher players, Jane Darwell
gives a lesson in how to play a bit
part .so it won't be forgotten. Her-
bert Wilcox's direction is perfect.
Even the Rainbow Corner hostesses

'The Way Ahead'

"The Way Ahead,"' British-
made Two Cities Film produc-
tion, which is being released by
20th-Fox in U. S., was Keviewed
by "Variety" in London, June C,
1944.

The review, in part: "At last
somebody has dared to blow his
own horn ... No soft-pedalling
here, no understatement of Brit-
ish guts, but unashamed glorying
in a nation's girding up its loins
to go and conquer its enemies.
David Nivcn as star and stout
story may make it okay at the
American boxofflce. . . . shows
how a totally unprepared, peace-
loving people was suddenly cata-
pulted into war; how a score of
widely different individuals re-
acted to it." '

Film's running time has been
cut, H minutes from original
115-min. lengln. Also a brief
foreword by Quentin Reynolds
has been added.

look like real Rainbow. Corner hos-
tesses, and the: girls the troops dance
with do not look like extras.

An outstanding scene is that of
Private Elliott Arluch, as the Brook-
lyn Sergeant, explaining to the Duke
(Robert Morley) the difference be-
tween being a Dodger fan and mere-
ly a baseball game spectator.

It's to Wilcox's credit that he has
screened Maurice Cowan's intelli-
gent story in such a way that it
comes through as a vital phase of
American life in wartime London.
It is paradoxically terrific boxofflce
because yarn never tries to be com-
mercial. ". ■ .

We Acense

Irvln Shapiro production and release.
Narration by Everelt Slosne from errlirt
by John Bright; editor, Joseph Uln.k: su-
pervised by Joseph H. '/.aiovlcl:. ftuiining
time. 71 MINI..

Originally submitted to the Hays
office in rough-cut version as "Atroc-
ities," this fails to measure up to its
advance bally. "We Accuse" tries too
hard, needs pruning — not necessarily
of»the gruesome scenes, if the pro-
duction staff wants to repeat — and
lacks the continuity of its predeces-
sors in the documentary field. As a
feature, even in that classification,
this film looks only a mild entry.

Alongside the powerful job done
by all five American hewsreels in
covering the Nazi murder mills and
brutal treatment of prisoners re-
cently, this suffers by comparison.
And "it fails ' to " hammer' home-its-
point as the newsreels did.

Main theme is the trial of three
German officers and a traitor to
Russia at Karkov, which the narra-
tor describes as "one of the cities
dominated longest by the enemies."
It was here, he further narrates, the
Soviets saw the "foulest deeds of the
Master Planners." The four are
found guilty, condemned to death
and hung simultaneously as the
climax to the film. Details of this
trial, which of necessity require
translation from the Russian and
German (by the narrator), are pro-
longed and the most tiresome part
of the picture-
It is when action on the battle-
field or of the marching Nazi min-
ions are shown that the pace quick-
ens. Some of the battlefront scenes
are thrilling although most of them
appeared previously in newsreel and
Russian-made Alms, and are marred
by murky photography. The whole
idea of the master race, brutality of
the Nazis and how the marching
Germans planned to dominate the
world has been done previously in
other documentaries and U.S. fea-
tures. Here it's called the "master
plan," with the story development
pointing up the enslavement and
bestiality of the Nar/is as final stages'
of this proposition.

A seemingly never-ending string
of dead bodies, including women and
children, in various postures after
they have met death by every con-
ceivable .means provides the grue-
some portion. Constant repetition of
the same gruesome scenes at different
parts of the picture seem uncalled
for, as do the repeat shots of the
persons on trial. Nearly 20 minutes
could have been trimmed from the
production to snap up its entertain-
ment value. No fault can be found
with the gruesome scenes, since im-
portant to the story. The most judi-
cious scissoring is needed on the
dull scenes and repeats of certain
battle stuff.

John Bright's script is a bit trans-
parent although it gains strength
from constant repeating of the same
idea. Everett Sloane's narration is
forthright and fits the wordage
nicely. Credit is given to Artkino
Pictures for scenes of the. Karkov
trial and the Soviet army included.
Apparently, the trial portion of the
production originally was made into
a picture released in Great Britain.

The picture has no Hays office
code. seal, and probably won't have
until the completed version is passed
on. ' Wear.

'MARINES' FOR PHILLY?

' Warners may hold a special world
preem of "Pride of the Marines" in
Philadelphia.

Ted Schlanger, WB's zone manager
in Philly, was in N. Y. yesterday
(Tuesday) discussing the possibility
with homeoffice execs.

Wednesday, May 30, 1915
Det nrinner En l

("There Burns a Fire")
(SWEDISH)

Scandla Films release of Svenslc Fllinin-
Otistt'l production. Stars Victor, Seaarr-Otii,
tnira T.ldblad, 'Lars Hanson. Directed by
tluataC .inlander. Story by Kail- ltu_n>U'
illerow. At 4Sth St. theatre, week May in,
'«. Running time. HH» .M1NS.

Theatre Manager..... Victor Senslrnm

Harriet ..lnga Tidblad

Col. Lcmmerlng. . ....Lai's Hanson

Herd flagman, Laurlt_ Fallt, Tollle Zell-
man, Erik Faustman, Slig .land, }lu_o
UJorne, Oeor* Funqulst, Oabrlel Alw.

(In Swedish; English Titles)
"Det Brinner En Eld" ("There
Burns a Fire") is a fine, stirring
drama of a peaceful country invaded
by . a bullying foreign power.
Swedish-made, and reportedly a big
hit' at home, it has a universally
attractive theme as jyell as a fine
production to be a big draw in the
foreign-film houses here. Yet, ex-
cellent Aim that it is, it is also sus-
pect.

Although no names arc given or a
swastika shown, the invaded country
is undoubtedly Norway, and the"
rttthlesg invader Germany. The
peaceful, idyllic life of a simple
northern folk is limned beautifully,
and the unannounced attack of the
oppressor is Shown in its stark bru-
tality. Yet because the film was
made during the war, and by a neu-
tral Sweden evidently careful not to
rile the diplomatic feelings of an all-
powerful neighbor, it hits one bad,
dangerous note.

The story centers about a reper-
tory company at the National theatre
that is doing a Shakespearean cycle,
and a foreign attache who is a warm
friend of the group and in love with
the leading lady. When invasion
comes, the attache takes over the
city as commandant and tries to
have the theatre continue its activi-
ties as a sign of collaboration. The
attempt fails, as do other such en-
deavors, the people resisting, fighting
back in hopes of regaining their
freedom.

The cast is uniformly good, with
Inga Tidblad a poignant figure a.s the
actress, Victor Seastrom a noble fig-
ure as the theatre manager, and Lars
Hanson in a fine performance as the
attache.

The film is persuasive because it is
so well played. It has a good deal
of quiet charm and appeal, with no
false heroics. The contrast between
the days of peace and war is effec-
tively set forth. Yet the film, has the
same failing as the American John
Steinbeck's "The Moon Is Down."
It paints the commandant as a sym-
pathetic figure, in love with the peo-
ple and regretful of having been a
party to the invasion, a gentleman
whose family and military traditions
go back 500 years, and who therefore
presumably couldn't be at heart a
ruthless, traitorous Nazi.

And that's dangerous propaganda
these days, when the Nazi military is
being corralled left and right, and all
claim to be German gentlemen, not
Nazis, If that point of view gainst
strength, the military who pl.-nned
the wars of the last five centuries
will be around for the next one.

Bron.

They Were Slstera

(BRITISH-MADE)

London, May 18.

Oeneral Film Distributors' release of
Ciaitiabornngh production. Stars Phyllis
Calvert, James Mason. Directed by Arthur
Crabtree. Adaptation from novel by Dor-
othy Whipple, by -Catherine SI rune: screen-
play, Roland Pertwee. Camera, Jack Cox.
At Uaumont theatre. London, May 17, '4IS.
Running time, IBS MIN8.

Lucy Phyllis Calvert

Charlotte Dtilcie ilray

Vera, , . . . , Anne Crawford

Geoffrey _ lames Mason

Brian Barrio LHesey

Margaret Pamela Kelllno

I'erry.. , : .thigh Sinclair

William Peter Murray 11 i II

Judith. , ... , . , Ann Stephens

Stephen. .John (litpln

An efficient adaptation of Dorothy
Whipple's book. Could do with a
little judicious cutting, but is well
produced. Whether 'the ultra-Eng-
lish accents will be palatable to
U. S. patrons is another story, but
Ms success on this side is undoubted.

Interest centers on the devotion of
three sisters in the middle-class
midlands. Their marriages, joy* and
tragedies form the background of the
yarn. First to wed is Charlotte, the
meekest, who takes on a swaggering
show-off who so humiliates her that
she takes to drink and is killed by
an automobile. This portrayal by
Dulcie Gray is picture's tops with
ho over-dramatics.

Vera, the haughty beauty of the
family, reluctantly marries an ador-
ing husband and then acquires a
string of lovers. She is convincingly
played by Anne Crawford while ■
Phyllis Calvert portrays feelingly
the only happy one of the trio, with
a comfortable understanding hus-
band;

James Masoh is thoroughly at
home as the brutish, persecuting
husband who is finally denounced by
his avenging sister-in-law at the In-
quest following his wife's death.
Pamela Kellino handles skilfully the
difficult role of the adolescent
daughter who is the only person for
whom the father evinces . any real
allection. Supporting cast is ex-
cellent. Ctc. 'it.

, 20th-Fox has lavished considerable
production coin on "Nob Hill," dress-
ing it up with musical numbers.
Technicolor and other elegant appur-
tenances.' The fascinating San Fran-
cisco's colorful history seems to have
for lictioneers is evidenced by the
v frequency with which yarns of the
T^Barbary Coast and birth pains of
early Pacific slope society hit the
screen. Hence "Nob Hill's" script
bears a familiar stamp; despite at-
tempts at new twists.

Three new tunes and three oldies
are spotted through the score, and
•II are oresented in music hall style
as befits' the picture's period. Musi-
cal portions have been given the
usual 20th-Fox lavishness, and regis-
ter interest. Plot tells of a Barbary
Coast saloon operator (George Raft)
with a heart of gold who falls for a
Nob Hill society girl (Joan Bennett.)
while overlooking the qualities of
his star entertainer (Vivian Blaine).

The well-worn story groove leads
him to fancy -a society marriage, he
apurned. takes to the bottle to forget,
and is finally rescued from despair
by Miss Blaine. Peggy Ann Garners!
role of a little Irish girl taken in by
Raft when she comes to the States
looking for her uncle is a tear-jerker
— which. ..adds . something new to_the
plot. Cast: toppers are uniformly
good, but can't make any of it be-
lievable.

Miss Blaine vocals the McHugh-
Adani^on tunes, "I Walked In," "I
. Don't Care" and "Touring San Fran-
cisco." as. well as the older numbers
In the score. She reprises "I Don't
Care" twice.. Numbers are all easy
listening, and the incidental back-
ground music by David Buttolph is
fine. .|

Technically,- all departments, in-
cluding photography, music, settings,
etc., hit a high standard. B.rog.

"They Were Sisters" (GFD).

Fine British-made version of
Dorothy Whipple's book looks
dubious U. S. boxoffice.

contact for the band._6£, heroes who
does Nip propaganda broadcasts to
get her information out. Quinn does
a particularly outstanding job, as
does- Miss Franquelli. Wayne makes
a stalwart leader for the guerrillas,
commendably underplaying the role
for best results. J. Alex Havier, as
a Filipino .scout; Beulah Bondi,
American school teacher; "Ducky"
Louie, Paul Fix, Vladimir Sokoloff,
Richard Loo, Philip Ahn, Leonard
Strong, Abner Biberman — last four
seen as Japs— are among others
whose playing is a measurable aid.

Edward Dmytryk's direction is
strong on action and maintaining of
interest. Photography and special
effects are major factors in the pro-
duction values. Brog.

Twiee Bleased

Metro release of Arthur L. Field produc-
tion. I'Vatnres Preston Foster, Gall Pat-
rick. Lee W ilde. Lyn Wilde. Directed by
Harry jjcflitiniint. Screenplay, Ethel Hill:
camera, Ray June: editor, Douglas Biggs.
Keviewed in projection room. .N. X., May
JU. 'Ait.. .Bygnlng lime, 7* .WINS.
TelT Turner ...'.?; .7..": Preston- Foster-
Mary Hale .....Gail Patrick

ry Turner...- face Wilde

Stephanie Hale Lyn Wilde

Senator John Pringle Richard Cainea.

Kilty ." Jean Porter

limniy. Marshall Thompson

Mickey IN-inale..' Jimmy Lydon

Alice Gloria Hope

Ethel. Smith at the Organ

llnek to Bataan

TWO release of Robert Fellows prodtip.
•.Won", Suu-s John Wayne; features Ambon.
Cluinn. Beulah Bondl, Fell Franijuelll.
BioluH-d l.oo, Philip Ahn, J. Alex Havier,
Hire, hi! by ttdward Dmytryk. Screen-
play, B«n Ibu-zman and Richard II. Lan
dan: story by Aeneaa MacKenzle anil Wil-
liam Gordon: camera, Nicholas Mosura
■liefl'nf clT*et», Vernon J,. Walker; mu.'ie
Roy Webb: editor, Marston Fay. Trade
■ ahftwn nr l.os Angeles, May 25, '48, Bun
nintc time. Its M1.NS.

Colonel Madden John Wayne

aprajn Hohifaelo Anthony ttultlo

AllSK VJariieH...
JJallyay.

Major riitata. .... .. ., ,

Colonel Km nlil

Ski. Itlcrnesi

]_a_imn ,

J.t. C-nhnnn mice* WaUci

General .H.unnia

Jackson

Jap- Capiafn . . ,* ; .

Kenoi- Hello.

Beulah Bomll
...Fely Franqurll

I Richard Loi

.Philip Ahn

....J. Alex Havie
..."Ducky" Loub
.Lawrence Tlerney

Leonard Stron_

....Paul 1-

Abner Hibernian

. Vladimir SokolulT

. 'Back to Bataan" is a sturdy war
film that lends itself to lots of ex-
ploitation. It emphasizes deserved
> tribute to the fighting history of the
Filipinos throughout, particularly the
part played by native guerrillas in
aiding the return of General Mc Ar-
thur to the islands, without overlook-
ing any of the aspects that pay off at
the boxoffice.

: Events that transpire are based on
fact, according to foreword, and clips
of several U. S. fighting men released
from Jap prison camps with the re-
turn of MacArthur's army are used
both at beginning and end. Plot
spans time from fall of Bataan and
Con egidor to the Yank landings on
Lcyte. and depicts adventures of i
John Wayne as a colonel leading !
Filipino patriots in undercover sabo- I
tage against the islands' temporary I
conquerors,

The desperate deeds of men, worn- j
€ii and children, fighting against
overwhelming odds to hold the peo-
ple together and harass the Jap.
gamer big attention as they unfold.
.Wayne is detailed to organize guer-
rilla warfare after the fall of Bataan
and- takes to the jungles to carry on
the work. Lacking arms, food -and
other equipment of war, the little
band sustains itself and Carrie.s on its
objectives despite Jap propaganda
snd bullets, paving the way for Mac-
Arthur's return.

Love interest is given over to An-
thony Quinn, portraying the de-
scendant of 1he Filipino hero. Boni"
fscio. and Felv Franquelli, Manila

The Wilde twins have been play-
ing small parts in Metro musicals
for the past couple of years but this
is their first opportunity to display
their .straight acting ability. But
their effervesence doesn't help this
lightweight "B."

. Yarn finds the gals, offspring of a
divorced couple, cast as twins with
directly opposite personalities, Lee
as a normal teen-ager, while Lyn
has the highest I.Q. in the nation
five years running. Each parent has
one child, and the kids, looking so
much alike, change off from one
parent to the other merely by trad-
ing clothes. It's not very confusing
because the writing of the screen-
play keeps the thing clearly defined.
Naturally, the twins accomplish
ttheir goal of bringing their pop and
mom together again.

Preston Foster and Gail Patrick,
as the parents, perform their roles
in rather stilted fashion. On the
other hand, the twins work hard
throughout. Jimmy Lydon, in his
first role for Metro, briefly but
capably plays one of the boyfriends,
along with Marshall Thompson.

Why Ethel Smith is in this film is
hard to ascertain. She does one
number on the organ, a Brazilian
samba. "Lero, Lero," localed in the
dancehall where the jitterbugs head-
quarter. It's an incongruous bit.
Settings are substantial, but far
from outstanding. Direction lacks
even pace. sten.

Ill4»nde Hansom

(SONGS)

.T'niyerstf! release, of Gene Lewis produc-
tion. Features Donald Cook, Virginia Grey.
Directed by William Reaudlne. Screenplay,
-M. dales Webster from story by Robert
'I'. Shannon:- songs. Jack Brooks. Norman
lli iens. Al Sherman: iniislc. Prank Skinner;

Maury Gerlstnan. Previewed N.V.
'4.\ iRunnlng time. OK WINS.

.Donald Cook

..; Virginia Grey

•:• ■ • *. Pinky Lee

...... .collette Lyons

; . George Itarbier

....... Jerome i 'owan

. , . .. . .George Meeker

'. lan Wolfe

...... .-. .... .Joe I-lik

.. — i tttirles Delnney
Krank Urteher

..... Bill Davidson

Chester Cltife

. . . .'. .Janlna l-'rostova

Willi.

May
I 111 lie

Vlek;

I'iilliX

SliCl,,

I'm.-le

Lar-oil,

Fori**.

I Mil c r

Render .'-,;

Metlailv.

.Indue. . . .

Police' Captain.

nitre

Gypsy Dahcer

Based on a familiar story, this pic
nevertheless has good pace, some de-
cent if unexciting singing, and will

lik t ly find itself acceptable on bills
that don't mind some tinseled mecfi-
octily. • . .

The featured talent, - Doncid Cook
a-d Virginia Grey, are resp_-. lively
the owner of a Broadway b'sho and
ti.'oce of a rich, crotchety old fraud
with a heart of gold. The bonlface

t

Wednesday, May $0, 1945

will soon releasors year's

has the crowd-drawiw * from America's

best-loved book ?

owns

SPEED TOTAl VICTORY! THIl MIGHTT 7th WAR lOANf

It

PICTURE GROSSES

Wed^esdiy, May 30, IMS

N.Y. Down: ThriU -Lombardo Big 81G,
Tost -Fields Stout 47G, MedaF Okay
29G, 'Flame Ditto at 18G, China' 25G

Broadway is rather spotty this
week, but a substantial lift is ex-
pected from the Decoration Day
holiday today (Wed.) which falls
in the current frame for some the-
atres and the* next for others. While
the past weekend was strong gen-
erally, it was held below normal
due largely to a rainy Suniuy.

Among new shows is the Capitol's
which tonight (Wed.) winds up the
first week with "Thrill of Romance,"
Guy Lombardo band, Joey Adams
and June Havoc. Aided by holiday,
a big $81,000 is anticipated. Strand
js not sensational with "Pillow to
Post" and the Shep Fields band, but
may hit a rather strong $47,000.

There were five openings at
straight- filmers. Tops, though not
so potent, is "A Medal For Benny,"
which ended its first week at the
Rivoli last night t Tues. ) at $29,000
and begins second today (Wed.).
Palace brought in "China Sky" and
is doing tolerably well at about $25,-
000. "Flame' of Barbary Coast," at
the Globe, looks to do near $18,000,
pretty good. "Molly and Me," at
Gotham, is -'disappointing, at $8,500.
The Rial to's "Body Snateher"'is on
way to £11,000, sturdy for this small
house.

Following settlement of Loew deal
for Paramount product in Greater
N. Y.. second-run State on Thurs-
day (24) brought in "Here Come
the Waves." with Pancho band and
Kitty Carlisle on - stage. Appears
- only about $23,000. just fair.

Far in lead among holdovers is
"Valley of Decision." now in fourth
%eek at Music Hall where a huge
$128,000 is likely, topping third
frame's $122,000.

Estimates (or This Week

Astor (City Inv.) < 1.140: 60-$l 25)
—"Enchanted Cottage" iRKO) (5th
wk). Looks to get about $29,000,
while last week was very strong
$30,000. "Wonder Man" (RKO) is
—slated .to open June 8. -

Capitol (Loews) (4.820: 60-$1.20)
—"Thrill of Romance" tM-G), Guy
Lombardo orcb, Joey Adams. June
Havoc. Off to fine start. First week
should hit big $81,000, holding. Last
week, '"Clock" iM-G >. Jane Froman,
Willie Howard and George Paxton
orch (3d wk). substantial $59,000-

Criterian (Loew s) (1.700; 60-$1.25)
— Counter- Attack" (Col) (3d wk).
Though strong £32.000 initial seven
days, on second week ended last
night (Tues.) fell to $22,000. albeit
satisfactory. Goes tWo more days
with "That's the Spirit" (U) opening
Friday (J). . « • ™

Globe (Brandt) i 1.416: 60-$l. 20)—
"Flame Barbary Coast' (Rep). Looks
around $18,000, pretty good, and
holds. Last week. "Unseen" (Par)
(.2d Wk;, fair enough $12,700.

Gat ham (Brandt) (900; 6O-$1.20)—
''Molly and Me" (20th). Disappoint-
ing $8,500, but stays over. Eighth
week for "Col. Blimp" tUA) was
$7,800.

Hollywood (WB) (1,499;. 50-$ 120)
— "Corn Is Green" (WB) (9th wk).
Holiday should bring this to okay
$15,000, same as on/'eighth.

Talace (RKO) (1,700; »>0-$1.10) —
"China Sky" IRKO). Doing tolerably
well at probable $25,000 and goes
second week. Last week, "It's a
Pleasure" iRKO) (3d wk), in lower
brackets at $14,000.

Paranoant (Par) (3,664; 60-$1.20)
—"Salty O'Rourke" (Par). Charlie
Spivak orch, Jo Stafford and Dean
Murphy (6th-finat wk). Finished
fifth week last night (Tues ) at okay
$50,000, while fourth was robust
$60,000.

Itadia City Music Hall (Rockefel-
lers) (5,945: fi0-$1.10) — "Valley of
Decision" iM-G) and stageshow (4th
wk). Holiday boost should take this
week to sensational SI 28,000, beating
third's $122,000. Remains over.

RiaHa (Mayer) (594: 40-85)— "Body
Snatcher" (RKO). Doing strongly
here at $11,000 or close. Holds. Last
week. "Brighton" Strangle*" (RKO),
tike $7,400.

Rival. (UA-Par) (1.092; 76-$1.25)—
"Medal For Benny" (Par) < 2d wk).
Short of big but good at $29,000 on
initial seven days through last night
(Tues.). and holds. Last week. "Af-
fairs Susan" (Par) (8th wk), solid
$20,600.

Roxy (20th) (5.886; 60-$1.20) —
"Diamond Horseshoe'* (20th), with
Count Basie orch and Jerry Lester
(5Ui-final wk). Off a bit at $63,000
on fourth week ended last night
(Tues.). though nice. Third week was
strong S80.000.

Sta« (Loew's) (3.450: 43-$1.10) —
"Here Come Waves" iPar.) (2d run),
with Pancho orch and Kitty Carlisle
on stage. Looks only around $23,000,
just fair. Last week. "Guest in
House" (UA) 1 2d run), with Lor-
raine Rognan and Irving Caesar,
light $20,000.

Strand (WB) (2.756: 60-$1.20)
"Pillow to Post" (WB) and Shep

Fields orch. This side of sensational
but rather substantial $47,000 looms.
Holds. Last week, "Escape in Desert"
(WB) and Henry Busse orch. Helmut
Dantine, Andrea King (2d wk). okay

$39,700. ' -

Victoria (Maurer) (720; 70-$120)
—"Dillinger" (Mono) )6th-final wk).
Holding up stoutly, the fifth/week
having ended last night (Tues.) at
$17,500. Fourth was $22,000. "Way
Ahead" (20th) opens Saturday (2).

•Susan Bright
14G, L'ville Ace

Louisville. May 29.
Overall total here is nothing to
shout over. While the class of prod-
uct looks okay, wicket traffic is on
slow side. "Affairs of Susan" at the
Rialto will be one of leaders, and
sturdy . :

Estimates for This Week
Brown (4th Ave.), (Loew's) (1.100:
40-60)— "Salty O'Rourke" (Pail and
"High Powered" (Par) (3d down-
town week). Solid at $3,500 alter
neat $5,000 chalked up last week.

Kentucky (Switow) (1,200: 30-40)
—"Fighting Lady" (20th) and "Sun-
day Dinner" t20th). Oke $1,700.
Last, week, "Bambi" (RKO) and
"Here Come Co-Eds" (U), ditto.

Lmw's Stole (Loew's) (3.300; 40-
60)— "Dorian Gray" (M-G). Plugged
on local radio stations with tran-
scriptions but looks only ,okay $13.-
000. Last week, "Tomorrow World"
(UA) and "Let s Go Steady" (Col),
$14,000.

Mary Aaaersan (People's) (1,000;
40-60)— "God Is Co-Pilot" ( WB ). Re-
turn date for this, trim $5,000. Last
week. "Escape in Desert" (WB),
$5,500.

Natienal (Standard) (2,400; 50-
75 >— "Singing Sheriff" (U) and Ra-
dio Betels on stage. House may
shutter after- next week. Start on
this combo was slow, but now looks
good , $10.000-— Last week; -"There
Goes Kelly" (Mono) and vaude
headed by Connee Boswell, only
$10,500. .

Kialto (4th Ave.) (3,400; 40-60)—
"Affairs of Susan" (Par ). Sturdy
$14,000 or over. Last week. "Sa-
lome" «U) and "House of Fear" (U),
about same.

Strand (.4th Ave.) (1.400: 40-fiO) —
"Betrayal from East" (RKO) and
"Pan-Americana" (RKO». Mild $4,-
500 or near. Last week. "Belle of
Yukon" (RKO) and "Three's Crowd"
(Rep), $6,000.

'Without Love' Hot 31G,
Philly; 'Flame' Rousing
14G, 'Horseshoe 25G, 2d

Philadelphia, May 29.

Plenty of holdovers currently, with
"Flame ot the Barbary Coast." at
small Stanton, and "Without Love."
at the Boyd, appearing best of new-
comers.

Estimates far This Week

A Mine (WB) (1.303; 40-85)— "For-
ever Yours" (Mono). Not so bad
$10,500. Last Week. "Song Remem-
ber" (Col) (8th wk). bright $9,000.

Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 40-85)—
"Keep Powder Dry" <M-G) (2d run).
Fairish $6,000. Last week. "God Is
Co-Pilot" (WB), $4,500 in 5 days-
second run.

Boyd (WB) (2.560: 40-85)— "With-
out Love" (M-G). Nice $27,500 phis
good $3,500 for one-day early show-
ing Sunday. Last week,. "Affairs of
Susan" (Par) (2d wk.). bright, $15.-
500

Earle (WB) (2.760: 50-95)— "Molly
and Me" (20th) with Helmut Dan-
tine. Andrea King. Gil Lamb and
Boyd Raeburn orch onstage. Big
$25,000. Last week, "Delightfully
Dangerous" (UA) with Les Brown
orch,' Lenny Gale, others. $18,500.

Fox ( WB) (2.250: 40-85) — "Dia-
mond Horseshoe" ( 20th ) (2d wk).
Still hot at $25,000. Last week, bang-
up $31,000.

Karlton (Goldman) (1.000: 40-85) —
"Royal Scandal." (20th) (2d ruhl.
So-so $6,000. Last week. "Murder.
My Sweet" (RKO) sad $4,800 for
second run.

Keith's (Goldman) (2.200: 40-85)—
"Here Come Co-Eds" (U>. Pale
$4,000. Last week, "It's a Pleasure"
(RKO).. fair $6,000 second run. >

Mastbaura i WB) i 4,692: 40-85) —
"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO) (2d
wk). Mildish $16,500 or over! Opener
was brisk $25,500.

. Stanley ' (WB) (2.760; 40-85) —
"Salty O'Rourke" (Par) (2d wk).
Fine $18,500 after hefty $29,500 open-
er in addition to husky $4,000 for
Sabbath at Earle.

.Stanton (WB) (1.475: 40-85)—
"Flame Barbary Coast" (Rep).
Bright $14,000 or near. Last week.
"Unseen" (Par) (2d wk). light $8,000.

Horseshoe' OK 11G, Omaha

Omaha, May 29.

"Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe"
at the Paramount is standout, with
biz still generally slow.

Estimates for This Week "

Paramount (Tristates) (3,000; I8-
60 )— "Diamond Horseshoe:" (20ih).
Very big $11,000. "Last week, "Be-
tween 2 Women" (M-G). $9,400.

Branaeis (RKO) ( 1.500; 16-60) —
"Tarzan Amazons" I RKO) and "Pan -
Americana" (RKO). Go6dnE6.000T
Last week. '-'Counter-Attack" (Col)
and "Zombies '-Broadway" (RKO),
$6 300

brpheua (Tristates) (3.000: 16-60)
—"Naughty Marietta" (M-G) (reis-
sue) and "Man in Half Moon St.*
(Par). Light $9,000. Last week, "Mol-
ly and Me" (20th) plus Maxie Ros-
enbloom. McFarland Twuis orch on
stage, thin $13,000 at 20-70e. scale.

Omaha (Tristates) 1 2.000: 16-60)—
"Between 2 Women" (M-G) (ra.o.).
Strong $9,500. Last week. "National
Velvet" (M-G). $8,700 on m.o.

State (Goldberg) (865: 15-50)— "Be
Seeing You" (UA) and "Circumstan-
tial Evidence" (20th). Bad start
hurtinp here, only S2.200. Last week.
"Bernadette" (20th) at pod scale,
$2,300.

'Clock' Great $21,000 In
OK Det; 'Affairs' fine
23G, 'Salome' Hot 26G

Detroit. May 29.
Warm weather is bringing, live
fresh bills to the loop, and less
moveovers. Biz okay, with strength
in plenty of the new product.- United
Artists with "The Clock." Down-
town with "Let's Go Steady" and
Johnnie Johnston on stage. Fox with
"Salome, Where She Danced.", and
Michigan with "Affairs of Susan." all
are on the sound side.

Estimates far This Week
Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 60-85)—
"Royal Scandal" (20th) (2d wk) and
"Song Sarong" (U). Former moved
here from Fox. Good $10,000. Last
week, "Counter-Attack" (Col) 1 2d
wk) and "Thunderhead" (20th) (3d
Wk). nice $9,500. . .' y

Broadway-Capital (United Detroit)
(2,800; 60-85)— "Murder, My Sweet"
(RKO) and "Having Wonderful
Crime" (RKO). Slightly below hopes
at $12,000. Last week; "This Man s
Navy" (M-G) and "Cisco Kid's Re-
turn" (Mono)-(2J wk); fair $9,000.

Downtown <HowaidJHugb.es) (2.-
800; 60-85)— "Let's Go Steady" (Col)
with Johnnie Johnston, others on
stage. Fine $24,000. Last week,
"Birth of a Star." "Bohunks" and
other shorts plus Harmonica Rascals
and others on stage, surprise $28,000,
Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5.000: 60-85 Y
—"Salome. Where She Danced" and
"Crime Doctor's Courage." Good
$26,000 or over. Last week, "Royal
Scandal" (20th) and "Escape in, Fog"
(Col), robust $32,000,

Madison (United Detroit) (1,800;
60-85) — "Now Tomorrow" (Par) and
"Doughgirls" ( WB). Nice $5,800. Last
week, "Winged Victory" (20th) and
"One Body Too Many" (Par), -$5,300.

Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000:
60-85) — "Affairs of Susan" (Par) and
"Zombies Broadway" (RKOh Fine
$23,000. Last week. "God Is Co-Pilot"
(WB) and "Earl Carroll's Vanities"
(Rep) (2d wk). big $19,000.

Palms -State i United Detroit)
(3,000; 60-85) — "Objective Burma''
(WB) and "Trouble Chasers" (Mono)
(2d wk). Looking for $13,000 alter
first week's bright $19,000. '
. United Ariists (United Detroit)
(2,000: 60-85)— "The Clock" (M-G)
and "Sporting Chance" (Rep). Great
$21,000. Last week. "Without Love"
(M-G) and "Scarlet Clue" (Mono)
(3d wk), nice $14,000.

Chi Perks Up; Girls -Vaude Brisk 54G,
'Dangerous'-Boswell BuTish $28,000

000. Last week, "Tomorrow World
(UA) and "Thoroughbreds" (Rep),
fair $6,500. ■'.. „
- Kialto (Fox) -(878:- 35-74)— "Flame
Barbary Coast" (Rep) and "Eve
Knew Apples" (Col) (m.o.), Fair
$2,500. Last week. "Alcatraz to
Berlin" (FC) and "Crazy Knights
(Mono), sad $2,200. > ' -

Webber (Fox) (750; 35-74)— 'In
Bag" (UA) and "Whistler" (Col).
Also Denver, Esquire. Slim $2,000.
Last week, "Diamond Horseshoe"
(20th) and "GI Honeymoon'
(Mono), also Denver, Esquire, big
$4,000.

'O'Rourke' $33,000
In Better Frisco

San Francisco. May 29.
Biz looks a trifle improved this
week, what with swing shift shows
for shipyard workers picking . up.
There's nothing sensational, but
"Salty O'Rourke" and "Affairs of
Susan" look nice,

Estimates for This Week
Fox (FWC) (4,651; 55-85)— "Salty
O'Rourke" (Par) and "Chicago
Kid" (Rep). Nice $33,000. Last
week, "Flame Barbary Coast ' (Rep>
aha* "Earl Carroll Vanities" (Rep),
$29,200.

I'a.amoant (FWC) (2,646; 55-85)—
"Bring On Girls" (Par) and "Great
Flammarion" (Rep), 5 days 'and
"Horn Blows Midnight" (WB),
"Three's Crowd" (Rep). 2 days.
Fairish $21,000. Last week, "Horn"
and Three's Crowd," routine $17,500.

WaCftela (FWC) (2,656: 55-85)—
"Without Love" (M-G) and "Identity
Unknown" (Rep)). Mild $21,000
after $24,500 first week.

State (FWC) (2,133; 55-85)—
"Flame Barbary Coast" (Rep) and
"Earl Carroll Vanities" (Rep) (m.o.)
Strong $16,000. Last week. "God Is
Co-Pilot" (WB) and "What a
Blonde" (RKO). $13,500.
_St. Francis. (FWC) (L.400^55-85)—
"Affairs of Susan" (Par) and "For-
ever Yours" (Mono). Okay $14,000.
Last week, sturdy $18,200.

Golden Gate (RKO) (2.844: 60-95)
—"Betrayal From East" (RKO) plus
King Sisters, Billy Gilbert, Lam-
berti heading stage show. Mode.-t
$28,000. Last week, '.Body Snatch-
ers (RKO) and Peter Lorre in per-
son, stage show, ditto.

United Artists (Blumenfeld) (I.
207: 40r85)— 'Blood on Sun" (UA)
(2d wk). Fair $11,000. Last week,
good $14,000.

Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2,448; 40-
85)— "Wuthering Heights" (FC) Ire-
issue). Modest $11,500. Last week.
"Salome" (U) and "Her Lucky
Night" (U). $10,000.

Chicago, May 29,
With the return of nice weather
and the addition of Memorial Day
biz this week, exhibs look for healthy
receipts currently. Several new pic-
tures are on tap. "Thunderhead." -at
the Garrick, appears robust $14,000.
"Patrick the Great," coupled with
"See My Lawyer," opened at the
Palace today but isn't likely to ton
3 16.000

"Bi-ing On the Girls" at Chicago
with Dave Apollon heading stage
bill looks like strong $54,000, and
"Delightfully Dangerous," at the Ori-
ental, and Connee Boswell, on stage,
should garner. $28,000.

Estiautes far This Week

Aaello (B&K) (1,200; 55-95)—
"Song Remember" ("Col) (7th wk).
Fine $15,000. Last week.. about same.

Chicago (B&K) (3500; 55-95)—
"Bring On Girls" (Par) and Dave
Apollon heading vaude. Strong $54',-
000. Last week, "Between Two
Women" (M-G) with stage show
headed, by Pierre D'Angclo unci
Vanya, solid $50,000. ■ ■

Garrick (B&K) (900: 55-95)—
"Thunderhead" (20th). Robust $14.-
000. Last week, "This Man s Navy"
iM-G) (3d wk), neat $8,500;

Grand (RKO) (1,150: 55-95)— "En-
chanted Cottage" (RKO) and "Soiig
Sarong" (U) (4th week in Loop').
Pleasing $7,000. Last week, swell
S 10.000. .".

Oriental (Iroquois) (3.240: 44-95)—
"Delightfully Dangerous" (UA) and
Connee Boswell heading stage show.
Sturdy $28,000. Last week, "Brew-
ster's Millions" (UA) and John
Boles on stage, medium $25,000.

ralaee (RKO) (2,500; 55-95)—
'Patrick the Great" (U) and See
My Lawyer" (U), 4 days, and "Sa-
lome" (II) and "Honeymoon Ahead"
( U), 3 days. Trim $16,000. Last week,
"Salome" (U) and "Honeymoon" (U).
torrid $25,000.

■aascvelt (B&K) (1.500; 55-95)—
"Be Seeing You" (UA) (4th wk).,
Stout $22,000. Last week, very good
$23 000

Stato'-Lake (B&K) (2,700: 55-95)—
"Diamond Horseshoe" (20th) (3d
wk). Snug $22,000. Last week, nifty
$24,000. -i

United Artists (B&K) (1.700: 55-
95)— "Without Love" (M-G) (3d wk).
■Firm $21,000. Last week, bright

$22.000. _.i —

Waads (Essaness) ei.200; 55-95)—
• Vampire's Ghost" (Rep) and "Phan-
tom Speaks" tRep) (2d wk). Rous-
ing $17,000. Last week, staunch
$18,000. .-'-'.-

'AFFAIRS' GREAT 15G
BEST BET IN DENVER

Denver. May 29.

Best bet currently is "Affairs of
Susan," at the comparatively, small-
seater Denham, where a great ses-
sion will win a holdover. Top coiii
goes to "Between Two Women" at.
the larger Orpheum.

Estimates far This Week

Aladdin (Fox) (1.400: 35-74)—
"Diamond Horseshoe" (20th.) arid "GI
Honeymoon" (Mono) ' (m.o.).. Big
$8,000. Last week. "Flame Barbary
Coast" (Rep) aiid "Eve Knew
Apples" (Col) (m.o) good $6,000.

Denham iCockrill) (1.750: 35-74)—
"Affairs of Susan" (Par). Great $15,-
000, and holds. Last week, "Salty
O'Rourke" (Par) (3d wk) and "High
Powered" (Par), sad $6,500.

Denver (Fox)' (2,525: 35-74)— "In
Bag" < UA) and "Power of Whistler"
iCof). day-date with Esquire, Web-
ber. Thin $8,000. Last week, "Dia-
mond Horseshoe" ) 20th > and "GI
Honeymoon" (Mono), also Esquire.
Webber, big $17,000.

Esquire (Fox) (742: 35-74)— "III
Bag" (UA) and "Whistler" (Col).
Also Denver, Webber. Sad»$2.000.

Orpheum (RKO) (2.600: 35-74)—
"Between Two Women" (M-G) and
"Escape In Fog" (Col). Big $16,500.
Last week, "Keep Powder Dry."
i M-G) and "Zombies on Broadway"
(RKO) nice $15,000.

Paramount <Fo*) (2.200: 35-74)—
"Delightfully Dangerous" (UA) and
"Docks of N. Y." (Mono). Good $8,-

Pitt. Still Off; 'Powder'
Mild 16G, 'Navy' Slow
13G, 'Patrick' 0 B ly 8G

Pittsburgh, May 29.

Not much of a selection this week
and biz shows it. Takings away off,
right down the line. Neither "Keep
Your - Powder Dry" at Penn nor
"This Man's Navy" at Stanley are
going anywhere. Among the hold-
overs, only "Affairs of Susan" is
holding big at Warner alter its sock
first week at Penn, where it went
way . over estimates.

Estimates for This Week

Fulton (Shea) (1.700: 40 - 65)'—'
"Dillinger" (Mono) (2d wk). Drop-
ping oft sharply but looks fair $6.-
000, or near. Last week, big $11,000.

Harris (Harris) (2.200; 40-65)—
"Patrick the Great" (U). Moderate
$8,000. Last week, "Counter-At,-.
tack" (Col), $9,000.

Penn ( Loew's- UA) (3.300: 40-65)—
"Keep Powder Dry" (M-G). Got a
drubbing from crix, so modest $16.-
000 looms. Last week-, •""Affairs, of
Susan" (Par), went like a house afire
at $22,500. way over original hopes.

Rita ( WB) (800; 40-65) — "Belle of
Yukon" (RKO) (m.o.). Mild $2,000.
Last week, "Three Caballeros"
(RKO) (m.o.), $2,500.

Senator (Harris) (1,750: 40-65)—
"Stage Door Canteen" (UA) (reis-
sue). Will be lucky to get $2,500.
Last week, "Gaslight" (M-G) (reis-
sue) and "Nothing But Trouble"
< 20th). $2,800.

Stanley (WB) (3.800: 40-651— "This
Man's Navy" (M-G). Wallace Beefy s'
not so strong in first-runs here. /So-
so $13,000, not so good for holiciay
week. Last week. "Escape in Des-
ert" (WB). thin $10,000.

Warnei--4WB) (2,000; 40-65)— "Af-
fairs ot Susan" (Par) (m.o). Still
going on momentum of sock show-
ing at Penn. Strong $8,500. or over.
Last week. "Belle of Yukon" (RKO).
$6,500 on m.o.

Biz on Skids in St. Loo;
'WorW'M^WUG

■'■'.'•- St. LOuis, May 29:

Biz is on! the toboggan after a hefty
session last week. "Tomorrow the
World" will reaD the top coin but
is merely okay at Loew's. .

Estimates far This Week
Laew's (Loew) (3,172; 30-60) — "
"Tomorrow World" (UA) and "A
Guy, Gal" (Col). Oke $14,500. Last
week. "Keep Powder Dry" (M-G)
and "Emmanuel" (UA), sturdy $19,-
500.

Ornhean* (Loew) (2,000: 30-60)—
"Keep Powder Dry" (M-G) and
"Emmanuel" (UA). Fine $9,300. Last
week. "This Man's Navy" (M-G) and
"Gentle Annie" (M-G), $6,300.

Aaabassaator (F&M) (3,000; 50-60)
—"3 Caballeros" (RKO) and "Zom-
bies Broadway" (RKO). Average
S 13.500. Last week, "Salty O'Rourke"
(Par) and "Remember. April" (U)
(2d wk). big $11,500.

Fax (F&M) (5,000: 50-60)— "Dia-
mond Horseshoe" (20th) and "Bull- .
fighters" (20th) (2d wk). Nice $14,000
after wow $24,000 opener.

Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 50-60) — '
Salty O'Rourke" (Par) and "Horn
Blows" (WB). Good $11,000. Last
week. "Having Wonderful Crime"
(WB) and "Pan-Americana" (RKO),
neat $9,300.

St. Louis (F&M) (4.000: 40-50) —
"Tobacco Road" (20th) and "Grapes-
of Wrath" (20th) (reissues). Good
$4,500. Last week. "Objective Burma"
(WB) and "House of Fear" cRep),

$4,000. .. :-.'. ' .'•?■•. •

'Tonight' $13,000, Monti

Montreal, May 29.'

"Song of Bernadette" and "Hotel
Berlin" are the biggies this week,
both. in second sessions.

Estiautes far This Week

Palace (CT) (2,700; 35-62)— "To-
night, Every Night" (Col). Trim
$13,000. Last week, "Music Millions"
(M-G) (2d wk), big $12,000.

Capitol (CT) (2,700; 35-62)— "Hotel
Berlin" (WB*) and "Big Show off "
(Rep). Strong $11,000. after smash
$15,000 opener.

Loew's (CT) (2,800; 35-67)— "Ber-
nadette" (20th) (2d wk). Solid $14,-
000 after wow $17,000 first session.

Princess (CT) (2.300; 30-52)—
"Maytime" (M-G) (reissue) and
"Circumstantial Evidence" (20th).
Average $6,500. Last week. "Rough.
Tough" (Col) and "Eadi'e Lady"
(Col), $7,000.

CLARK

LORETTA

GABLE YOUNG

in Jack London's Famous Adventure Story

mmmmmm

with JACK OAKIE

Directed by WILLIAM WELLMAN

ll|p;;lilil

Ill*

*****

. --mm

#11

mm

: ; .v. >,:'

SPKD TOTAL VICTORY!
W6 MIGHTY 7»h WAR LOAN!

20

PICTURE GROSSES

Wednesday, May 30, 1945

H.0.s Jam LA; 'Susan 44^G, 'Cottage
46G, Both Brisk, Best of Newcomers,
< WDrld , Okay 33y2G; < Horseshoe , 47G, 2d

Los Angeles, May 29.

Memorial holiday here is catching
a. majority of houses with holdovers
so no great biz is anticipated, De-
spite this, the outlook is good in most
spots. Biggest .'■■newcomer is "En-
chanted Cottage." going for brisk
$46,000 in two theatres, while "Af-
fairs of Susan." also, in two, is only
a step behind with fancy $44,.i()()
"Tomorrow the . World" in four ,
houses,' two of them small-sealers,
looks okay $33.5Q0.

Actually. ."Diamond Horseshoe"
will register the biggest total al- j
though in second week fur three I
spots; Strong $47,500 is in sight. Sec- I
end frame of "The Clock" sagged
down to $33,000 in three houses; [
Combo of Jimmy Luhceford's band
and Lena Home on stage is pushing .
■"Thoroughbreds" to possible record
$44,000 at the Orpheuhi...

Estimates for This Week

Canhav Circle <F-WCl < 1.518: 50-?
$D— .-Sign of Cross" (Par) (reissue).
Weak $1,500. Last week. "Guest, in
■House" lUA) and "Bullfighters j
(20th) 1 2d wk-6 days i. $3,600.

Chinese (Grauman-WC) < 2,048: aO-
ID— "Diamond Horseshoe" (20lli l
and "Escape in Fog" (Col) (2d . wk>.
Stout $14,000. Last week, great $18.-
100.

Downtown (WB) 1 1.800: 50-$H—
"God Is Co-Pilot" i WB l 14th w'H*
Holdover of 5 days to give new bill
holiday opening. Good $9,500. Last

Broadway Grosses

Estimated Total Gross .

This Week . . . . .'. . . . . $571,000
(Based on 15 theatres')
Total Gross Same Week

Last Year. .$560,000

(Based on 15 theatres)

Salome Hot 15G,
D.C.; 'World' 22G

Washington. May 29.
I Memorial. Day lioliday will up. biz
' this week. Best entries likely will
be "Roughly Speaking." "Diamond
Horseshoe" and "Salome. Where She
i Danced." ';' . .•;

I ' Estimates for This Week
I Capitol (Loew) (3,434: 44-72) —
("Tomorrow, World" '(.UA) with
: vaude. Average $22,000. Last week,
i "M'ollv and Me" (20th) with Guy
! Lombardo orch,- fancy $28,000. with
i bond rally Wednesday lTight cut-
ting in. -'
Columbia (Loew) U.234; 44-72)
National Velvet" (M-G)
Last week, "Her
Waves" (Par). $7,500

To-Pilot' Boffol2G, Col.

Columbus, May »9.
. Biz is spotty this session, hold-
overs slowing down total,

Estimates for This Week
Broad (Loew's) (2,500; 40-65)—
! "Sign of the Cross' (Par) (reissue)
and "Sing Song Texas" (Col). Okay
$5,000 in 6 days. Last week, "Brews-
ter's Millions" .(UA)-. and "Etnman-'
uel" (UA), $6,000.

Grand (RKO) (1,140; 40 - 65)—
"Diamond Horseshoe". (20th) (2d
run) (2d wk) and "Circumstantial
Evidence" (20th). Nice $4,500. First
week, solid $8i000. .

Ohio (Loew'sl (3,074; 40-65)— 'Do-
rian Gray" iM-Gi. Solid $11,000, 6
days. Last week. "Affairs of Susan"
(Par), big $13,000.
, Palace (RKOi (3,000; 40-- 85) —
"God Is Co-Pilot", .(WB) and "Holly-
I wood Vine" (PRC). Sock $12,000 in
! 4-day ' weekend. "Betrayal from
i East" (RKO i plus Tommy Reynolds
I orch, Jackie Gleason, Guy Kibbee.
•. Maiva Louis on stage. 3 days. So-so
i $6,000. Last week. "Swing Out Sis*
iter" t.U> plus "WLW Midwestern
I Hayride" on stage,' 3 days, profitable

i ss.ooo; •

week, neat $16,000, ■ • i >n llM

Efvptian (F-WC) (1.538; 50-$D-
"Clock" 'MG) (2d wk'. Slow $8,000. ^ 30 . 90 >_" C oun

I^st. week, only $H.b0O |lpi ._ AUac| .,, Holi-

Four SUr (UA-WC) (900. o0-$l

Tomorrow Wo, d UA: a nd . Last- week. '"Flame Barbary
"Power Whistler (Lou. iNice »3,.wu. „,:.,, ...... ■ t «••>.>

Last week, "Sign of Cross" (Par) Coast (Rep), with vaude, sock $22,-

Mpls. Slips, But 'Susan'
13G, 'Salome Only 7iG

Minneapolis. May 29.
Seasonal slump has set .in here.
"Affairs of Susan" is the lone new-
comer, to shape up to its possibilities.
Best holdover is "National Velvet."
Estimates for This Week
Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25)—
"Bluebeard" (PRC) and "Leave To
Boffo ! Blondie 1 ' iColi. Okay $2,000 in 5
Come ' days. Last week. "Double Exposure"
! (Par) and "Scarlet Clue" (Mono)
split with "RemembeY April" (U>
and "Escape in Fog" (Col), $2,400
in 8 days.

Hub Hurt by Circus But 'Horseshoe'
Wow 28G; Powder So-So 39G, 2 Spots

Key City Grosses

Estimated Total Grow
Thla Week. ........ .$2,578,900

(Based on 23 cities, 186 ■ thea-
tres, chiefly firs} runs, including

N. y.) •

Total Gross Sam* . Week

Last Year... ........ $2,485,800

(Based on 21 cities, 173 theatres).

-Sudan at $9,500
Tops Sad Indpls.

Indianapolis, Mi.v 29.

Biz here will hit the season's low
this. week. "Sudan," at the Circle, is
leading the town: •'.-

Estimates for This Week

Circle (Kat/.-Dolle > (2.800; 32-55)
— "Sudan" (U) and "Remember
April" i(l).k Fairish' $9,500. Last
week, "Guest -in House" (UA) and
• Thoroughbred" (Rep), $9,000.

Indiana (KaU-Dolle) (3,300; 32-55)
—"Royal Scandal" (2.0th) and "Molly
and. Me''. 1 20th L Thin $8,500. Last
week. "Salty O'Rourke" (.20th), danr
dv $14,000. ;'•

Loew's (Loew's) (2.450: 35-55) —
"Naughty Marietta" (M-G)., i reissue)

Last week, "Sign
(reissue), $3,500 in 6 days.

Guild (F-WC) (968; 50-$D— 'To-
morrow World" (UA) and "Power
Whistler" (Col). Fairish $6,500. Last
week. "This Man's Navy" (M-G> and
"Gentle Annie" (M-G) (2d wk>. dull
93.200.

Hawaii (G&S) (1,100: 50-$l) —
"Body Snatchers" (RKO I and
"Brighton Strangler" (RKO) (3d
•wk). Neat $4,000. Last week, good
#5.500.

Hollywood (WB) (2.756: 50-$l) —
"God Is Co-Pilot" (WBj (4th wk-5 ! '

days). Finales at $6,000. Last week.; ir n n <ti i >

near $7.5oo. - v -.^ K. C. Uneven; Horseshoe

Los Anjeles (D town- WO (2.09i;i - » _

60-$l >— "Clock" (M-G) (2d wit- 1.
Down to $18,000 or near. Last week. 1
Rood $30,700

700.

Keith's (RKO) (1.800; 34-06) —
"Salome. .Where She Danced" (U).
Neat $15,000 or near/ Last week.
"It's Pleasure" (RKO); $13,500.

Metropolitan (WB) ( 1,800; .44-72)—
"Roughly Speaking" (WB). Lively
$16,000. Last week. "God Is Co-
Pilot" (WBl 1 4th wk). fine $6,800.

Palace (Loew) (2.778: 44-72) —
"Diamond -Horse.sl-oe" ( 20th ). Nice
$21,000. Last week. "Dorian Gray"
i M-G) (2d wk). sturdy $14,500.

Orpheum (D'town) (2.200; 65-$D —
"Thoroughbreds" (Rep) with Lena
Home, Jimmie Lunceford orch on
stage. Record $44,000 sighted. Last
week. "Youth On Trial" (Col ), with
Andrews "Sisters, huge $37,400.

Pantages tPan) (2.812; 50-$D— "En-
chanted Cottage" (RKO) and "Two
O'Clock Courage" (RKO). Sturdy
$24,000. Last week, "Counter-Attack"
■ (2d wk-6 days) and "Tell World" (U)
(4 days), dull $7,900.

Paramount (F&M) (3,389: 50-$D —
"Affairs Susan" (Par) and "Threes
Crowd? (Rep). Husky $26,500. Last
week, "Salty O'Rourke" (Pari and
"Hitchhike to Happiness" (Rep) (3d
Wk). closed with $14,500. • . '

Paramount Hollywood (F&M) <!.-
451; 50-$D— "Affairs Susan" (Par).
Hot $18,000. Last week. "Salty
O'Rourke" (Par) (3d wk), finaled at
$7,500.

Hillstreet (RKO) (2,890: 50-80) —
"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO) and
"Two O'Clock Courage" (RKO)

Fast 18G, 3 Spots, But
'World' 14G, 'Body' 9G

Kansas City. May 29.

Biz is spotty at the deluxers this
week. Top coin-getter is "Diamond
Horseshoe." day-date at the Esquire.
Uptown and Fairway. "Tomorrow
the World," at the Midland, is only
okay. Lone holdover. "Affairs of Su-
san." in third week at Newman, still
is hot. .

Estimates for This Week

Esquire, Uptown and Fairway
(Fox-Midwest) (820, 2,043' and 700;
40-60)— "Diamond Horseshoe" (20th).
Strong $18,000. Last week. "Earl
Carroll Vanities" (Rep), mild $10.-
500.

Midland (Loew's) (3.500; 45-65)—
"Tomorrow World" (UA) and "Eve
Knew Apples" (Col). Forte $14,000.
Last week. "Dorian Gray" (M-G),
thin $10,000.

Newman (Paramount) (1.900; 46-
65)— "Affairs Susan" (Par) (3d wk)

Century (P-S) (1.600: 44-60) —
'•Diamond Horseshoe" (20th) (m.o.).
Fairly good $5,000. Last week. ••With-
out Love" (M-G) (m.o.), fair $4,500.

Gopher (P S) (1.000; 40)— "Zom-
bies on Broadway" (RKO). Light $2.-
500. Last week. "Dillinger" (Mono)
(2d wk). okay $3,000.

Lvric (P-S) ("1.200; 44-60)— "In the
Bag" (UA) (m.o.). Sad $3,000. Last
week. "Obiective Burma" (WB) (2d
wk). mild $4,000.

Orpheum TP-S) (2,800: 44-60)- —
"Salome. Where She Danced" (U).
Modest $7,500 is- likely. Last week.
"In Bag" (UA). thin $6,000.

Radio City (P-S) (4.000: 44-60) —
"Affairs of Susan" (Par). Stretching
towards good $13,000. Last week..
"Diamond Horseshoe^-t^OtlTir $13:500T
State (P-S) (2,300; 44-60)— "Na-
tional Velvet" (M-G) (2d wk). Con-
tinues strong at $9,000 alter big
$14,000 first week.

Uptown (Pari (1.100: 44-50)— "It's
a Pleasure" (RKO). Mild $2,500. Last
week. "Music for Millions" (M-G).
$3,500.

World (Par-Steffes) (350: 44-80)—
"Marvland" (20th I (reissue). Pass
able $2,000. Last week

■•■ Boston, May 29.
"Diamond Horseshoe" is wowing
the Hub at Keith. Memorial, but
"Salty O'Rourke," strong last week
at Metropolitan, is way oft. So are
most of others, "Colonel Blimp" at
Majestic especially, and "Horn
Blows at Midnight" at Fenway and
Paramount. Circus and weather are
being blamed;

Estimates for This Week
Boston (RKO) (3,200; 50-$1.10) —
"Eve Apples" (Coi) with Gene Krupa
orch, Bob DuPont. Three Welles,
others, oh stage, Fair $19,000. Last
week. "Patrick the Great" t-RKO),
with Roddy McDowall, Shep Fields
orch, solid $27,000.

Fenway (M-P) (1,373; 40-74) —
"Horn Blows" (.WB) and "Chicago
Kid" (Rep). Slow $6,500. Last, week,
"Royal Scandal" (20th) and "Hitch-
hike Happiness" (Rep), nice $9,000.

Majestic (Shubert) (1,500: 40-74)—
"Colonel BUmp" (UA). Fair $7,000.
Last week, - "Brewster's Millions"
(UA), $3,000,

Metropolitan (M-P) (4,367: 40-74)
—"Salty O'Rourke" (Par) and "Bull-
lighters" -(20th). Thin $18,000 sec-
ond stanza. Last week, strong $30,000.

Memorial (RKO) (2,900: 40-75)—
"Diamond Horseshoe" (20th) and
"Scarlet Clue" (Mono). Hbtsy $28,000
near house record. Last week. "En-
chanted Cottage" (RKO) and "Song
! Sarong" (U), $15,000.
and "Gentle Annie" (M-G). Slug- I Normandi (T. & N.. Inc.) (2.000;
Bish $9,000. Last week, "Tomorrow 144-85 )— "Tomorrow World" (UA).
World" (UA) and "Eve Knew Ap- | Looks good $14,000 for first week on
pies" (Col), $9,200 in 6 days. j first-run policy. Last week, was

Lyric i Kat/.-Dolle >' (1.600: 32-55)— i subsequent-run.
"Salty O'Rourke" (Par). Nice $5,500 , orpheum (Loew) (2,900: 35-75)'-

Oil 111 ,0 T n ct • uiaoV 1 1 - . - . . . . .

i RKO i

Last Week, "3 Caba llerps"
and "Identity Unknown"

(Rep I. dull $4,050 on m.o.

Prov. Moderate Albeit
'Flame' 14iG; 'Suspect'
11G, 'Horseshoe' 8G, 2d

Keep Powder Dry" (M-G) and
"Boston Blackie Suspicion" (Col).
Average $25,000. Last week. "Be-
tween Two Women" (M-G) and
"Power Whistler" (Col). $28,000.

Paramount, (M-P) (1.700; 40-74)—
"Horn Blows" (WB) and "Chicago
Kid" (Rep). Mildish $12,000. Last
week. "Royal Seandal" (20th) and
"Hitchhike to Happiness" (Rep),
trim $16,000.

Si-ale (Loew) (3.200: 35-75)— "Keep
Powder "*Drv" (M-G) and "Boston

Providence. May 29.

Fairly moderate all around cur
rently with- "Diamond Horseshoe" in, Blackie. - ! (Col). Average. $14.000.„Last
second week at Maiestic. and "Salty I wecl;. "Between Two' Women
0 - Rourke" is enjoying a short third | (M-G) and "Power Whistler" (Co'),
week at Strand. $16,000.

Estimates for This Week ! Translux (Translux) (900; 20-74)—

Albee (RKO) (2.100; 44-60)— "Sua- I "Phantom 42d Streel" (PRC) and
pect" (U) and "Song of the Sarong". "•Return of Vampire" (PRC). Oke
(U). Average $11.000., Last week, j $5,500. Last week. "Great Flam-
"Enchanted Cottage" (RKO) and ma'rion" (Rep) and "Black Dragon"
"Eve Knew Apples" (2d wk). swell' <Mon). ditto.

$10,000. - ' Tremont (T. & N.t (2.200: 44-85) —

Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1.400: 44-551 "Tomorrow World" (UA). Okay

Heights" (UA)
okay $1,800.

God Is Co-Pilot" (WB) (3d down-
town \vk>. Nice $4,500. Second week
swell $5,500 on m.o. from. Majestic. |
Fay's (Fay) (2,000; 44-55) — "It's j
Pleasure" (RKO) and vaude on
stage. Good $6.000.. Last week. "Re-
Wuthering I tiifri Frank James" (Indie), (reissue)

$17,000 on initial session on first-run .
basis. Last week, subsequent-run.

(reissue) (2d wk).

Nice $22 000 Last week ''Counter: i Trim $9,000. Last week, sock $12,000
jNice *zi,uuu. L,d.si wee*. v-umm«-» . ni-«hp„ n imrm 1 1 snn- jk.ki;i_

Attack" (Col) (2d wk) and "Tell
World" (U). only $11,600.

Bitx (FWC) (1.370: 50-$D— "Clock"
(M-G) (2d wk). Just $7;000. Last
week, about average $12,200.
' State . ( Loew's- WC) (2,404: 50-$l ) —
"Diamond Horseshoe" (20th) and
"EscaDe in Fog" (Col) (2d wk).
Bright $25,000. Last week, handsome
$30,300.

United Artists (UA-WC) (2 100: 50-
$1)— "Tomorrow World" (UA) and
"Power Whistler" (Col). Okay $12.-
800. Last week, "This Man's Navy"
(M-G) and "Gentle Annie" (M-G)
(2d wk). neat $8,800. '

Uptown (FWC) (1.790: 50-$l) .—
"Diamond Horseshoe" (20th) and
"Escape in Foe" (Col) (2d wk).
Steady $8,000. Last week, solid $12.-

soo.

Wilshire (FWC) (2.296: 50-$l) —
"Tomorrow World" (UA) and "Power
•Whistler" (Col). Stout $9,000. Last
week. "This Man's Navy" (M-G) and
"Gentle Annie" (M-G) (2d wk),
Blow $4,100. >

Wiltern (WB) (2,400; 50-$D— "God
Is Co-Pilot" (WB) (4th wk-5 days),
About $4,500 foreclose. Last week,
food $8,100.

I0WE TO BE 'GREGORY'

Hollywood, May 29.

Monogram inked Edmund Lowe to
■tar in "Gregory," tale of a stage
magician.

Picture will be Louis Berkoff's
first production on the Monogram
let, starting June 4.

Orpheum (RKO) (1.500; 46-65)—
"Body Snatcher" (RKO) and "Brigh-
ton Strangler" (RKO). So-so $9,000.
Last week, "Tarzan Amazons" (RKO)
and "Pan Americana" (RKO), only
$9,500.

Tower (-Fox-Jafiee) (2.100; 39-60)
—'Song of Sarong" .(U) and "Re-
member April" (U) plus vaude.
Average $10,000. Last week, "Cow-
boy and Lady" (Indie) and "Topper"
(Indie) (reissues) with stage revue,
ditto. .

'COTTAGE' WHAM 18G,
BALTO; 'WORLD' 15G

Baltimore. May 29.

New entries are sparking this
week's list here with 'The En-
chanted Cottage" at the Hoppodrome
drawing major coin, and holdover.
Estimates for This Week

Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000: 20-
60 (—"Tomorrow World"(UA). Good
$15;000. . Last week, "Dorian Gray''
(M-G ». $14,400.

Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2.240;
20-74 )— "Enchanted Cottage" ( RKO)
plus vaude. Topping town at sturdy
$18,000, and assured h.o. Last week.
"Leave to Blondie" (Col ). plus Gene
Krupa orch. only $15,200.

Keith's 'Schanbcrger) (2.460; 20-
60)— "Salty O'Rourke" (Par) (2d
wk). Strong $10,000 after fine initial
sesh at $14,300.

Mayfair (Hicks) (980: 25-55)—
"Flame Barbary Coast" (Rep) (2d

Cincy Biz Improved With
'Clock' Lusty $18,000

Cincinnati. May 29.

Returns are. spotty, yet the overall
score currently is above par for sea-
son of year. "The Clock" is the out-
standing newcomer.

Estimates for This Week

Albee (RKO) (3.100: 44-70)— "The
Clock" (M-G). Big $18,080 or close.
Same last week for "Affairs of
Susan" (Par).

Capitol (RKO) (2,000: 44 - 701 —
"Dorian Grav" '.'(M-G) ( 2d wk). All
right $5,000 after strong $8,500 tecoiT;

Grand (RKO) (1,430; 44-701— "Af-
fairs of Susan" (Par) im.o.). Swell.
$8,000. Last week. "Diamond Horse-
shoe" (20th) (2d run), ditto. .

Keith's (United) d.5.00: 44-70)—
"Without Love" (M-G ). Third m.o.
for fourth downtown (ling. Oke $4 -
500. Last. weew. "Delightfully Dan-
gerous". (UA). $4,000.

Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 44-70)— 'Be-
trayal from East" (RKO) and "Pan-
Americana" (RKO), No dice, $4,-
000. Last' week, "See My Lawyer"
(U) and "Zombies on Broadway"
(RKO). $3,500; , :

Palace (RKO) (2,600: 44 - 70)—
"Patrick the' Great" (U). Disap-
pointin" $8,500. Last week. "Counter-
Attack" (Col), so-.so $10,500.

Shubert (RKO) (2.100: 44-70)—
"Diamond Horseshoe" (20(h). Third
round on main line. ' Pleasing $4,500.
Same last week on third week of
"Without Love" (M-G).

and vaude. $7,000

Majestic (Fay) (2.200; 44-60) —
"Diamond Horseshoe" (20th) ,(2d
wk). Stout $8,000 after big $12,000
opener.

Metropolitan (Snider) (3.100: 44-
55) — "Chicago Kid" (Rep) and Rod-
dy McDowall heading stage show.
3-day weekend run. Good $6,000.
Last week, "Scarlet Clue" (Mono)
and Jean Parker topping vaude:
same time. $7,000.

State (Loew) (3.200: 50-60) —
"Flame Barbarv Coast" (Rep) and
"Mr, Emmanuel" (UA). Okay $14,500.
Last week. "National Velvet" (M-G)
(2d wk). strong $11,000.

Strand (Silverman) (2.000: 50-60)
—"Salty O'Rourke" (Par). Third
week started Monday (28). Second
session was big $10,500. '-,

wk). Trim $4,000 after fancy $5,200
opener for (his bandbox.

New (Mechanic) - (1,680; 20-60)—
"Diamond Horseshoe" (20th) (3d
wk). Going well at $5,500 after
steady second heat at $6,700.

Stanley (WB) (3.280; 26-65)—
"Bring', On Girls" (Par) (2d wk).
Holding well at $12,000, mighty $17,-
400 opener.

Valencia ( Loew's-UA) (1,840; 20-
60) — "Dorian Gray" (M-G) (move-
over). Over house average at $6,000.
Last week, "Keep Powder Dry"
(M-G) i m.o.) okay $4,200.

'2 WOMEN' ROUSING
118,000 LEADS BUFF.

Buffalo. May 29.

Only "Betw.een Two Women," at
Buffalo, and "Without Love"are do-
ing well this stan.ia.-

Estimotcs for This Week

Buffalo (Shea) (S.500: 40-70)—
"Between 2 Women" (M-G) and
"Gentle Annie" i M-G). Hefty $18.-
000. Last week, "Royal Scanda)"
(20th) and "Bullnghters" (M-G >..
mild $9,500 in 5 days.

Great Lakes (Shea) (3.000: 40-'. )
—"Without Love" (M-G): Fancv
$17,500. Lasl week. "Diamond
Horseshoe" (20lh) (2d wk). big
$13,000.

Hipp (Shea)- (2 100; 40-70)—
"Royal Scandal'' (20th) and "Bull-
fighters" (M-G) im.o.),. Modest $6.-
500 or near. : Last week. "Affairs of
Susan" (Par) and "Lights Go On"
(PRC) (m.o.). sweet $11,000. \

Lafayette (Basil) (3.300: 40-70)—
"Fighting Guardsman" (Col) and
"Tahiti Nights" (Col). Fairish $8,000.
Last week, "Pal rick the .Great" (U)
■and "Song of Sarong" ■ i.U ),-' snug
$12,500.

20th Century (20th Cent.) ( 3.000'
40-701— "Dillinger" (Mono) and "GI
Honeymoon" (Mono). Bangup $14.-
000. Last week, "Vanities" (Rep)
and "Great Fliimarion"' (Mono).
$10 000. :":'<;■:

'MILLIONS' TALL 12G,
WINNER IN SEATTLE

Seattle. May 29.
Biz has been hit recently by night
baseball and by the crowds attracted
to "Ice Follies." Top newcomer is
"Brewster's Millions" at Liberty..
Estimates for This Week
Blue Mouse (Hamrick-Evergreen)
(800; 45-80) — "Practically. Yours"
(Par) (4th wk) and "Its in Bag"
(UA) (m.o.). Stout $6,000. Last week,
"Yours" solo, first week. $6,100.

Filth Avenue i H-E) (2.349; 45-80)
— "Unseen" (Par) and "Scared Still'*
(Par). Mild $9,500. Last week. "Royal
Scandal" (20th) and "Molly and Me"
(20th). $10,000.

Liberty U&vHV'i 1.650: 45-80) —
"Brewster's Millions" (UA) and
"Doctor's Courage" I Col K G reat
$12,000. Last week. "Song to Remem-
ber" (Col). (3d wk). good $6,600.
. Metropolitan (BeCkct.) iLJOO: 45-
80) — "Song to Remembe™ (Coi),
•I 4th v.'c). Solid $6,000 in 6 days alter
oke $;>.600 last week, v .

Music Box (H-E) , (850; 45-80) —
"Keep Powder Dry" (M-G) (3d wk).
Okay $5,000. Last week. $5,900.

Music Hall' ( H-E) (2.200: 45-80)—
"Having. Wonderful Crime" (RKO)
and "Betrayal From East" (RKO).
Thin $4,500. and yanking after 6
.days. Last week. "In Bag" ( UA) and
"Lights Come On" i PRC ), oke $7,100
in 8 days.

Ornheum (H-E) (2.600: 45-80) —
"God Is Co-Pilot" i WB> (2d wk).
Good $9,000 in 5 days. Last week,
superb $18,000.

Palomar iSterlin") U.;i50: 30-$l )—
"Song of Sarong" (U) bins stage.
Oke $9,000. Last week. "Big Boniin-
za" (Rep) and John Calvert, magi-
cian. $10,800.

Paramount (H-E) (3,349: 45-80) —

'Diamond Horseshoe"; (20th)

(2d

big

wk). Nice $8,000. Last week,
$14,000.

Roosevelt (Sterling) (800: 45-80)—
"Sudan" (U) and "Remember April"

i (U) (3d wk). Solid $4,500. Last week,
good $5,400.

Winter Garden (Sterling) (800: 25-
50)— "Kevs Kingdom" (20th) and
"Gets Her Man" (U) (3d run), Fair-
ish $4.300,. Last week. "Tonight.

I Everv NiPht" iCril) and "Suspect"

I (U) (3d run), blp $4,600.

Wednesday, May 30, 1945

21

The Toughest Fight of the Pacific War!

7b tAe shores

Photographed by combat cameraman of
the Navy, Manna corps and Coast (Suard

In Technicolor

Released by Unitad Artiste tor tha OHice of ,War Information;
through the War Activities committee, Motion Picture Industry

The greatest 2 reel short ever made of the war in the Pacific
...BOOK IT TODAY thru U. A. and hear your audiences cheer
this actidnful. Technicolor account of the battle for I wo Jimal

52

INTERNATIONAL

•VARIETY'S' LONDON OFFICE
• (it. Martin'* I'lrn-*. rr»r«l««r Siiun

Expect More U. S. Indie Distribs In
Australia Postwar; Fuller Interested

. Sydney, May 1.

Additional Yank indie distribs
lire reported looking to Australia and
New Zealand as added markets in
postwar period. Among these is PRC
which recently made a deal with
Hoyts. This circuit reportedly was
'short of minor films to use mostly
in neighborhood houses.

Bill Raynor, former, advertising
director of PRC. now with U. S.
Navy, visited Sydney for a lobksee.
Sir Ben Fuller, ' told ;"V a % i e t y"
■weeks. ago that he intends to open
en indie exchange in .this territory.
Later this will be operated as a
separate unit to Fuller's cinema,
vaude-revue and legit loop under the
direction of his- son, A. Ben Fuller,
end partner, Garnet Carroll. Sir Ben
is said to be in contact with U. S. and
British indie producers..
. Indications, too, are that- Stuart F.
Doyle is. figuring on re-entering dis-
tribution. :

Rose's N Y. Trip

f London, May 29.

David Rose, Paramounl's. manag-
ing director in Great Britain, planes
for N..Y. May 31 on one of his peri-
odical visits. Rose will discuss re-ar-
rangement of Pars British, film. pro-
duction schedule while at the home
office. . ?■

He plans being away about two
months. .

Mex/ City Legit- Vaude "
Theatres Reopen After
2-Wk. Union

British Films In
Canadian Upbeat

Toronto. May 29.
British-made film releases in
Canada have increased nearly 100%
in the past year, according to the
annual report of O. J. Sityerthorne,
chairman of the Ontario Motion Pic-
ture Censorship Board. He lauds
the '•rise of ' the British film to a
prominent place on the screens of
the Dominion" and calls this the
"most important development in
motion picture exhibition 'in
Canada) , in a quarter of a century.'!

In 1944-'45 fiscal' year ending last
March 31, there were 43 British fea-
tures released as against- 24 in pre-
vious 12-month period. Figures in-
clude films shown in first-run metro-
politan theatres'. In other years
! many- British- - films -were -con-
fined to theatres where there was a
marked preference for them. As
compared with the 43 British fea-
tures, the 1,676 U. S. imports in-
cluded 482 features, 166 shorts, 282
hewsreel issues and miscellaneous
subjects.

UA's Far Eastern Rep,
C.H. Core, Escaped Japs

After three years, internment by
the Japanese in Santo Tomas Uni-
versity Prison Camp, Manila, Mr.
end Mrs., Charles Herbert Core ar-
rived in New York yesterday >29).

The Far Eastern representative
lor the United Artists, was seriously
injured while attempting to escape
from the prison camp just prior to
his rescue by American Forces.

When the Japanese learned that an
American force was about to liber-
ate the Santo Tomas internees they
herded Core and a number of others
Into one of the buildings on the Uni-
versity grounds, where they trained
machine guns on them.

Believing that he would be ex-
ecuted, Core, who had lost over 65
pounds during his internment, de-
cided to ■ try some desparate escape.
Removing his shoes, he took advan-
tage of a momentary relaxation of
vigilance upon the part of his captors
end attempted to slide down a rope
from the second story window.

Because of his weakness he was
■unable to retain his grip, and, after
the rope had burned his hands
through to the bone, fell two., stories
to the concrete walk below. Other
internees, who had previously
escaped and hidden in nearby brush,
ran forward and dragged him to the
'shelter of nearby trees where he
was later rescued by the entering
American forces. '

.;■ Mexico City, May 29.
Mexico City's legit-vaude theatres
are open again after a fortnight's
shutdown; caused by the row be-
tween the two rival film unions.

Theatres reopened after President
Manuel Avila Camacho intervened
in the squabble and arranged a set-
tlement. The seven houses— three
legit and four vaude-revue did boom
biz after the shutdown. But a new
headache looms: stage hands threat-
en a strike unless they get a 25%
pay hike which the impresarios say
is unreasonable.

Current London Shows

London, May 29,
"Arsenic & Old Lace," Strand,
"Blithe Spirit." Duchess,
"Desert Rats," Adclphi.
"Gaieties," Saville.
"Gay Favilien," Piccadilly.
"Gay Rosalinda," Palace.
"Happy * Glorious," Palladium.
"Honeymoon," York's.
"Irene," His Majesty's.
"Lady Edinburgh," Playhouse.
"Laugh Town Laugh," Stoll.
"Love in Idleness," Lytic,
"Madame Louise," Gariick.
' Night and Music," Coliseum.
"Night Venice," Cambridge.
"No Medals," Vaudeville.
"Panama HatUe," Adelpbi.
"Peek-A-Bee Parents," Whitehall.
"Perchance to Dream," Hipp.
"Private Lives," Apollo.
"See Hew They Run," Comedy.
"Shop Sly Corner," St. Martins.
"Skin of Our Teeth," Phoenix.
"Strike It Again," Wales. ,
"Sweeter Lower," Ambassadors.
"The Assassin," Savoy.
"Three's Family," Winter Gdn.
"Three Waltaes," Princes.
"Tomorrow WerW," Aldwych.
"While Sun Shines;" Globe.
"Wind of Heaven," St. James.
"Years Between," Wyndhams.
"Yellow Sands," Westminster.

U S FILMS SMASH

AUSSIE B0X0FFICE

Sydney, May 1.
Continued good war news, plus
full employment, is booming Aussie
cinema boxoffiee. U. S. Films
dominate. Pix set for long
runs include "Can't Help Sing-
ing" iU), "Bell Tolls" i Par), "Go-
ing My Way" -TPaf-l, "Gaslight"
i M-G), "Greenwich Village" (20th ),
"Abroad With Two Yanks'* (U-A),
"Lonely Heart'' (RKO), "Laura"
(20th), "Two Girls & Sailor" cM-G),
Fanny By Gaslight" iGBD), "Lucky
Stars" (WB>, "Gypsy Wildcat" OJ),
and "Address Unknown" i'CoD.

Best entries in Melbourne include
"Lamp Still Burns" (GBD), "The
Lodger" (20th), "Across Pacific"
tWB), "Casablanca" (WB), (16th
week), 'Till Meet Again" (Par),
"Now Voyager" (.WB), "Double In-
demnity" (Par). "Gaslight" (M-G),
"Bathing Beauty"' (M-G), "Rosie O'-
Grady" (20lh)," "'Phantom of Opera"
(U), and "King's Row" ^WB) (17th
week),

Top grossers in Brisbane are
"Shine on Harvest Moon" (WB),
"Broadway Rhythm" (M-G>, "Phan-
tom Lady" (U), "In This Our Life"
(WB) and "Eve of St. Mark" (20th).

Fuller to 0.0.
N.Y. for Talent

Sydney, May 29.
Sir Ben Fuller, due to reach the
U. S. sometime in July, has plans set
for a major entertainment center in
Melbourne. It will cover almost an
acre and will include an American
bowling alley, ice-skating rink and
a picture house with 1,600-seat ca-
pacity, all under one roof.

The theatre will also be built for
stage presentations.

Sir Ben, who will visit N. Y., will
seek talent and shows for Aussie.
He will go to London after N. Y.

'Alerted' to Reconversion

==Smm Continued fiomj>age 3 s=ss5=55ss^SE5

'Strike It/ With Field
Leaving, Quits in July

London, May 10.

With Sid Field set to make mu-
sical for J. Arthur Rank, which
Wesley Ruggles is to direct, George
Black's show "Strike It Again," in
which he is starring, ends its run at
Prince of Wales late in July.

Next show, to be staged by Tom
Arnold, stars Jack Buchanan, Doug-
las Wakefield i brother-in-law of
Gracie Fields). and gang, and Ethel
Revnell, making her first West End
appearance minus her . partner"
Gracie West... .

Show is set for early August. , .

British May Make Film
Of Can. Navy's Musical

Ottawa, May 29.

Navy here is mulling request
from Elstree Studios in England for
permish to base a production on
Royal Candaian Navy's stage musical,
"Meet the Navy", now playing Lon-
don prior to dates in Europe.

British tour of "Navy" reportedly
saise'd $200,000 for King George's
fund for sailors, merchant marine
and dependents. Show's personnel
■tays intact except for Lieut. Cam-
eron Grant, comedian, who may
tend a Hollywood film pact.

Mex. Directors Union
Bars French Megger

Mexico City, May 29.
The film director section of the
new Union of Cinema Production
Workers notified two Mexican:
studios they would not permit them
to employ French director Pier-re
Chenal. Union said it was acting on
the basis of its collective contract
with Clasa and Fiimadora Mexicana
studios.

The organized directors said they
saw no reason why Chenal could not
be substituted by one of their own
film directors. They accused the
producers of trying to swamp the
Mexican studios with foreign direc-
tors.' .' ;■ '''' ;■ . .' ■' '• '

Growing Par Int'l Unit
Now Takes Entire Floor

Because the corporation now has
a ' batch of division managers re-
quiring homeoffice space, plus a
growing theatre department, is forc-
ing Paramount International Corp.
to take over the entire 10th floor of
the Par building on Broadway.
Work in realigning offces and
moving, the music, short feature, real
estate and television departments off I
the floor to other space in the build-
ing started 1 this week.

Latest in the growing theatre ac-
tivity of Par International is the
Cobian circuit in Cuba and Ptierto
Rica, control of which was obtained
several months ago by Paramount.
Company also has its own offices in
Spain to supervise certain theatre
and distributing interests.

The division managers now
most actively engaged at the N. Y.
office and requiring plenty of office
room include A. L. Pratchelt, for
Latin-America; James E. Perkins, for
Australia, India, South Africa and
the Orient; and Robert Schlcss, con-
tinental division manager. Schless
now is in Paris establishing new
headquarters there but has his own
setup at the homeoffice. David Rose,
inanaging director for Great Britain,
headquarters in London since in
charge of. all Paramount activities on
the British Isles. .

Mex Bank Helps Films

Mexico City, May 22.
Film industry got a big coin hypo
from its own bank, Banco Cinemato-
grafieo, during the first four months
of 1945. Bank accommodated the biz
to the amount of $10,169,038.72, in the
form of loans, credits and discounts.

Par Serenades Latins

Consular reps .from 19 Latin-
American countries were hosted by
Paramount at a spring concert and
fiesta given last Friday (25) night at
Hotel Plaza. They heard Adolph
Zukor, chairman of Par's board,
pledge his company's production re-

ten down and written oft at a rapid
clip.

Bit; Total

Also, in any stock-taking of indus-
try prospects, there .must be taken
into account the excess profits taxes
paid by motion picture companies
during the war, Excess profits taxes
alone for six major film companies
during the war,, including the first
1945 quarter total over $170,000,000.

Any reduction in excess profits
taxes (some Congressional forces are
pressing for complete elimination .of
this tax and a reduction in the 40%
normal-surtax corporate rate) fig-
ures importantly in calculations of
postwar film biz. profits, -v

Tax reduction is being strongly
opposed, of course, by the U.S.
Treasury while the war against
Japan is on. It is noteworthy, how-
ever, that a Securities Exchange
Commission report shows a group of
42 industry groups with advanced
sales during 194.1 -eacning less net
profit thai) in 1942 because of , the'
higher taxes.

If b.o. scales, at or near the cur-
rent national average, are maintained
in postwar years, it is estimated in,
some quarters that net income from
distribution and exhibition will not
drop heavily if the tax structure is,
revamped downwards.

In general, belief within the film
trade is that there is no comparison
with the film industry's position in
the 30's to its fortified structure
today.

f Debt Retirement Credits

Extent of debt reduction by some
of the major companies during the
past few years is partially indicated
I in the debt retirement credits taken.
Warner Bros., which paid $25,250,000
in excess profits taxes from 1942 to
1944. (plus $4,250,000 in the first
quarter of 1945). has postwar excess
profits tax refund listed at $1,135,000.

Under current regulations, corpo-
rations have been allowed to credit
themselves with 10% of their excess
profits tax liability, such credits
convertible from two to five years
after the war. However, the 10%
refund can - be taken ■ immediately,
during any year, to apply against re-
tiiCment of corporate indebtedness —
up to 40% of that indebtedness. The
balance of excess profits tax refund
credits shown accruing to film com-
panies is, thus, after a portion of the
10% refundable has been applied to
debt retirement. .

The "tax relief" . 'not tax reduc-
tion) plans, which President Truman
is reported favoring, are vyiainly de-
signed to strengthen the cash posi-
tion of all industry.

Under such a proposal an esu- i
mated $5,700,000,000 in cahh will be
made available to industry for re-
conversion and postwar expansion
during the next two years. Postwar
credits of 10% of the excess profits
taxes will be allowed to be taken
currently with respect to tax liabili-
ties for 1944 and subsequent years.
This would reduce tax payments in
1945 and 1946 by around $1,500,000,-
000 nationally.

Maturity date of outstanding post-
war refund bonds is to be advanced
to Jan. 1, 1946. This would make
available an estimated $1,200,000,000
to companies which paid excess
profits taxes in 1942 and 1943. Speed-
ing up of refunds resulting from
carry-backs of net operating losses
and unused excess profits taxes
would result in refunds and defer-
ments making available around
$1,000,000,000 to business. Speeding
up of refunds from recomputation of
deductions for amortization of
emergency facilities, covering pay-
ments for taxable years from 1941 to
1945, would add $1,700,000,000 to the
total.

Par and RKO

Paramount excess profits taxes
amounted to approximately $49,000,-
000 from 1942 to the first quarter of
1945 ($5,000,000). Postwar refund is
listed at $3,921,855, not. including
1945. .;. ' '. . '

RKO paid its first excess profits
taxes of $700,000 in. 1943 but used its

amounted to approximately $14,545,.
000 (less refunds) in 1943 and 1944
alone. U shows a refund credit of
$1,241,600 as of Oct. 28, 1944. (Excess
profits tax payments for 1945 and
credits not estimated.)

Abbott- Costello

Continued from page I — -

kissed and made up Saturday (26)
The .$20,000 price equals the high-
est sum ever paid out by the Roxy
lor a package. Fred Waring got that
Sinn at this house late last summer,
but his show had around 60 people.
The all-time high Broadway salary
is still held by Eddie Cantor who
played Locw's State in 1939 and
took out a. shade over $25,000. Con-
tract called for a $15,000 guarantee
up to $30,000 and 50% of gross above
that figure. . ". ..'■■'

However, with the Abbott & Cos-
tello reconciliation, Broadway is
speculating whether Eddie Sherman,
the comics' personal manager has'
made up with Sam Stiefcl, who was
to have managed Abbott. Pair were
reported tiffing over renewal of
their contract to be signed by the
duo naming Sherman as their per-
sonal manager. Abbott is said to
have insisted that Stiefcl's name go
on the pact as part owner of the act.
Consequently the tiff and as a result,
Stiefel took away his vaude houses
from the Eddie Sherman office and
transferred their bookings to Arthur
Fisher.

Fisher says that he has attractions
booked the Carman, Philadelphia,
and the Royal, Baltimore, until Octo-
ber and has received no notification
from Stiefel that the agreement is
voided. .

Sherman has set the unit at the
Hippodrome, Baltimore, and the
State, Hartford. Dales not yet
definite.

A. & C.'s New 5-Year II Deal

Hollywood, May 29.
Abbott & Costello powwowed
Saturday (26) and came to.the con-
clusion that they would be better
off as a team than solo. Decision
was made to sign a new contract
with Universal yesterday (28) for
another five years, until May, 1950,
and their first picture under it will
be "You Hypnotize Mc," starting in
September.

Eddie Sherman, who was reported
to be the cause of their alleged
estrangement, is in good graces
again, and will book them for per-
sonal appearances in the cast start-
esti- | ing in July. Coin from tour will go
to the Costello Junior Youth Foun-
dation, which was set up to combat
juvenile delinquency. Sherman
will also get a participation share in
all contracts made by the team.

Rank's Can.

sources to the task of ..■ iiK-rea.sinjg. ; |jn,% credit, to apply against debt re

understanding between the people
of the Americas;

Actual concert honoring the
American republics was given by
the Par Choral Society. •

LISSIM TO FRANCE FOR RKO

Vladimir Lissim, RKO Radio for-
eign department exec,' is scheduled
to leave N. Y. shortly for France.

Lissim, attorney,' known as: art au-
thority on international law. who
formerly represented RKO in Eu-
rope, - has been handling European
and other foreign distribution out
of the N.' Y. home office.

lircment. In 1944, RKO paid excess
profits taxes of $3,517,000 after de-
ducting credit for debt retirement
and postwar refund, with refund
now listed at $157,159.

Loew's, Inc., with excess profits
taxes of approximately $22,600,000
from 1942 to 1944, lists postwar re-
fund at $929,834, not including 1945
payments and refund credits.

20(h-Fox lists the largest postwar
tax credit, at $4,358,777, exclusive of
$415,000 claimed for the first quarter
of 1945. 20th excess profits taxes
amounted to $46,685,000 from 1942 to
the first quarter of 1945.
Univcrsaj's excess profits taxes

— Continued from page 3 sss

were embraced in the immediate
program but that later on an oc-
casional feature might be made
above the border. Present plans do
not include any Canadian govern-
ment subsidy or public financing.

Postwar intention in association
with Nathanson and associates is to
expand the Odeon chain of 110 thea-
tres by building large modern houses
in key cities and smaller ones in
rural communities. He added that
he might build a showcase in N. Y,
but that this was of the future.

Rank also stated he plans expand-
ing his own producing-distributing-
exhibition enterprises, this to include
theatre interests in Australia, New
Zealand and South Africa. His pro-
duction companies are making
around 30 pictures this year and are
seeking the American and European
markets, but so. far. as the U. ,S. is
concerned, it's still a matter of
terms. Arrangements . have been
made for Frenolv distribution of
Rank product and there has been an
exchange agreement in isolated in-
stances covering British pictures be-
ing shown in Russia and vicc-vel sa.

Eire's Film Imports

. Washington, May 29.

Total of 909 films of .all lengths,
90% of them produced in the U. S.,
were imported and shown in Eire
during 1944.

Of the pix, 312 were more than
2,000 feet in length; 253 were 2,000
feet or less; 205 were trailers; 187
topical films, and 42 were educa-
tionals. There were 90 others shipped
in but they were nixed for exhibi-
tion by the stiff Irish censorship.

Wednesday, May 30, 1915 P &RIETY V 23

14

Wednesday, May 30, 1945

IN WONDER LAND

IS YOUR MIND A JfoUSE? 0

by Cbanning Pollock

Some people's minds are haunted houses frightened by
what may never happen, and wouldn't matter anyway
if it did. Flesh-and-blood misfortunes are less hard to
bear than the shadows they cast before them, and the
only non-existent things that need ever trouble us are
the kind words that we didn't speak, the generous acts
we didn't perform, and the brave deeds we didn't do.

ARE YOU LISTENING, MAMA?

, by Mary Margarat McBridt

With the first money I saved in
-New York I sent for Mama to
come from our home farm for her
first visit to the city. That was the
startling beginning of an amazing
experience. My city friends posi-
tively fought to be with her. Every-
one turned to her for comfort and
strength. She confided to me that
she believed most of them were
downright homesick. It was a great
adventure knowing Mama.

WE ARE READY
TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD

by ALICE KROSS
16-ytar-old DtUgat* to Hit Youth Confertnc*

Lots of people talk about "youth" as
if we were some special kind of crea-
tures who can't think for ourselves.
We're individuals. Deep in our hearts
we are burning to learn, to succeed,
to become wholesome, hard-working
citizens of a democracy, with our
share of those 60,000,000 jobs they
promised after the war— sixty million
good jobs well done.

A Day To Remember

The face that turned toward us when we stopped I Of/TTJWWiy
was very black. Link Potter was a Negro. "Link!" \ 8£FO#£/
Pete shouted, almost jumping out of the car. "Link Potter!
Home on furlough?" Link beamed— -"I'm home to stay.
I kind of forgot to bring my leg back from over there in
Italy, But they gave me a good leg. in swap. Good as new!"...
"You get right into this car, Link Potter," Gram said, and then
she turned to me— "Link's great grandfather is ninety-seven.
He was a slave till Lincoln freed him."
Almost without knowing it, I found
myself saying aloud, "Here is the
whole history of America and
the world, here in this little car,
rolling along a prairie road."

GOOD NEWS FOR THE DEAF

; ^ by Donald 6. Cooley

A relatively hew operation on the inner ear is
working miracle transformations. Deafened '
persons who have got along only with the help
of hearing aids for twenty years have
been given "new ears" they never
dreamed of. About 90% of the

Operations have been successful,

and the hearing restoration is'
probably permanent.

True Confessions tries, in the stories
and articles that fill every issue, to
give much help to many people.
Look at any monthly table of con-
tents—see the wide variety Of prob-
lems importan t to average people
that are always discussed in "Your
Magazine for a Better Life." True
Confessions is a great friend of the
family in the good homes where you
want to be known.

T

Com

rue

Bough! at newsstands by
2,000,000 women a month
/or the living service it gives

EE SSIONS

rAWCETT PUBLICATIONS, INC, 295 Madison Ave, New York 17, N.Y, World's Largest Publishers of Monthly Magazines

Wednesday, May SO, 1915

PICTURES

25

Inside Stuff-Pictures

Status of collaborationist-tainted talent in France at the moment is
discussed by Cpl. Leslie Lieber in current (May) Tricolor. "These men
who did business with Hitler," lie writes, "are living on borrowed time
and may be arrested at any moment." He had been warned away from
Raimu, film comedian, because "il est ties desagreable," which Lieber
put down as embarrassment because Raimu, .he says, is well known as a
collaborators are getting a clean bill of. health— all depending on who does
the denouncing. < •

The French aren't angry with Sacha Guilry, he says. They .h&pe lie
won't be exiled or barred; they need a man of his stature. It was this
eminence that attracted the Germans and that made Guitry act civilly
towards them. "Public opinion," says Lieber, "will 'probably keep him
free from further Criticism." •

The whole thing is mixed up, says Lieber. Artists are angry because
a great dancer like Serge Lifar is purged, they claim, to make way for
•unknowns. Maurice Chevalier defends his collaboration on grounds that
every time he did something for the Germans, he got something in return,
like freedom for some prisoners in Germany. Important Jewish enter-
tainers continued working under the occupation, changing names, dyeing
hair, or paying ransoms.: ~

Robert Weil, Viennese author who writes under pen-name of .Guslav
Holm, advises he is co-author with Ernst Marischka of "A Song to Re-
member" (Col.) and "Spring Parade" (U». on which Marischka got lone
story credit, as well as 30 other screenplays on which the two collabed
between 1932 and 1938. Claims that since most of those pix were produced
by German companies, his name as co-author was withheld to comply
with Nuremberg race laws, he having (o flee Austria when Hitler took
over. States Marischka asked him not to reveal their co-authorship abroad
to save former from Gestapo clutches, but that now he feels no longer
bound by the promise he gave Marischka to do so.

Has arranged that the name Guslav Holm will . appear as co-author
with Marischka on another of their pix, "Zauber der Boheme," to be filmed
soon on the Coast. *•.■■'.' ;.■

U.S. Newsreelers Confab
On French Reel Problem

Heads of U. S: hewsreel companies
met in New York yesterday (Tues.)
to discuss the reel problem in
France where companies several
months- ago stopped individual op-
erations in favor of a single French
government reel.

— A t t hat-time- if was sai d - by - F -ronch-
rep's that this method of operation
was only temporary— a period of 90
days- was estimated.. It was stated
that as soon as possible after hos-
tilities, ceased in Europe the U. S.
reels, would again be given charters
to operate in France.
. Thus far, no official word, has yet
been reported from the French
authorities regarding granting of op-
erating permits to American news-
reel companies although such a
move is now expected.

N. Y. Boothmen Want 25% Wage Tilt
Plus Another 1% for Hospitalization

. Seventy-two percent of Woman's Home Companion readers prefer a
single picture to a double bill, and 60*;c of the women said they'd go to
pictures more often if only one feature were shown instead of two. Mag's
30th poll, taken among 2,000 reader-reporters who are supposed to be a
cross-section of more than 3,500,000 American homes, concludes that 52';,'
of the women said they'd like to see revivals. Among the old pictures listed
most often were: "Gone With the Wind," "Bcn-Hur," "Birth of a Nation"
and "Snow White."

Women under 25 gave a special high vote to Van Johnson, but for all
women's votes the stars stood as follows:- Walter Pidgeonj Spencer Tracy
and Bing Crosby tied for second; Gary Cooper, third.

Releases Fail

Continued from pace 3 g

Robe") in_move- to- line-up product
which will- compare favorably with
that being produced by some of
RKO's independent producers.

Heroic action of a photographic laboratory unit aboard the bombed
carrier U. S. S. Franklin was revealed with arrival Friday (17) of the
ship in Brooklyn Navy Yard. The photographic unit was readying its
camera equipment for action during the March 19 engagement against the
Jap fleet in the Inland Sea, taking shots of planes being launched from
the (light deck, when an enemy dive-bomber scored a direct hit on the
siiip.

. Most of the unit was killed or injured. H. C. Nyby, photographer's mate
first class, one of the survivors, a Warner Bios.' cameraman for 15 years
before joining the Navy, manned a gun for a while, then helped at the
host to light the flames enveloping the ship.

American picture company officials are viewing with considerable alarm
an apparently well-conceived move against film imports in such normally
profitable markets as France and Italy, and pondering whether additional
emphasis on the domestic market might not fit better into the postwar
picture than so much interest in questionable new foreign markets.

Italian and French film officials are planning to revive their native film
business, which is held to be the cause of the moves against the U S.
"invasion.'' . ,

George Jessel will produce Joe E. Howard's filmusical autobiog, "Hello
Ma Baby," which may have George Murphy (borrowed from Metro) play-
ing the vet songsmith-troupcr. Howard himself will not appear in the
film. Fred Finklehoffe, Jr., also last at Metro, is working on the script
which will have only five of Howard's songs besides the title number.
These include "Goodbye My Lady Love."' "What's the Use of Dreaming,"
"Somewhere in France Is the Lily,'' "Honeymoon" and "I Wonder Who's
Kissing Her Now."

Int'I Asks Dismissal Of
v__, $1,105,000 Suit V s. Co.

Dismissal of a $1,105,000 breach of
contract suit is sought in N. Y, fed-
eral court by International Pictures,
Inc., according to papers filed. Suit
was started by Samuel Sager and
Harold Evans Hartney and involves
production of a film depicting the
activities of the U. S. Air Transport
Command. Up until Tuesday (29),
no complaint had been filed by the
plaintiffs attorneys.

International makes no appear-
ance but moves solely for dismissal
for lack of jurisdiction and to quash
Uye summons arid complaint served
on the ground that it is a foreign
corporation (California) and does
not transact business iri. N. Y. state.

New high for a short's film credits is achieved by "Something You Didn't
Eat," Warner Bros, is distributing, but that's a mere fraction of the credits
which follow:

"Office of War Information, through the facilities of the War Activities
Commiltge of the Motion Picture, Industry, presents a Walt Disney pro-
duction made on behalf of the War Food Administration and distributed
by the WB Pictures Corp!, in Technicilor .and copyrighted by Walt Disney
Productions."

Technicolor Motion Picture Corp. is finding it necessary to run half-page
ads in certain trade papers, addressed to editors, asking that Technicolor
be referred to by a large instead of a small "t." Maintains that the word
is their trade-name, designating their product: that the lowercase misspell-
ing is common, and that "such usage is injurious to our property rights in
the trade name." -

Abner J. Rubien, who co-authored "G. I. Honeymoon - ' (Monogram) with
Robert Chapin and Marian Page Johnson, is an attorney, currently v.p.
and account executive with Roche. Williams & Cloary agency. Rubien at
one time handled 1 legal matters for Schwab & Mandel and other legit

producers. ... . ■

Strike situation may release a name femme for Mary Pickford's "One
Touch of Venus" now that Mary Martin is out because of expectant moth-
erhood. Producer Sam Coslow hopes to get. an OK on the star for "Venus''

this week* '-;.'.'•'" '■• \l '■ ,.;."': ' x fi :'■'>'.. ••' : j

Ceremonies Attend U
Moving Onto Big Board

Universal Pictures common was
admilted to trading, ori the, N. Y.
Slock Exchange Monday (28 1 with a
group of U executives and directors
participating in the ceremonies,
marking the elevation of . the shares
from the N. Y. Curb to the Big
Board. It was the first time a pic-
ture company's stock had been
moved up to the Stock Exchange
lrom the Curb in many years.

Since Monday was the first day
the shares were traded on the nevv
exchange, U executives were taken
on the floor of the N. Y. Slock Ex-

change prior to opening of market
and saw tlye first transaction— pur-
chase Of 600 shares at $28, virtually
same price at which the common
wound' tip last week on the Curb.
Erhil Schram, Stock Exchange prexy,
and John A. Coleman, chairman of
board of governors, entertained the
Universal officials at lunch in the
Exchange Building.

Nate Blumberg, Universal prexy.
headed the U official party which in-
cluded C. D. Prulzman. general
counsel and v.p.: John J. O'Connor,
assistant to 'Blumberg: and S.
Machnovilchi treasurer. J. Cheever
Cowdin. chairman of Universal':;
board, was unable to attend. He's
convalescing from a recent opera-
1 tioti. . ; "•>'

Marked Dip

Radio-Keith Orplieum and its sub-
sidiary, RKO Radio Pictures, both
showed substantial declines in net
profit in 1944 as compared with 1943,
while the theatre operating subsids
showed a minor gain. For RKO, the
parent corporation", the report
showed $5,206,378 as against $6,964,-
004 in the previous year. Company
profit before income and excess
profits taxes amounted to $10,751,378,
which was over $2,000,000 lower
than 1943. when $12,964,004 was re-
ported. The decrease in net profit
of more than $1,700,000 for the par-
ent corporation was reported after
a saving of nearly $500,000 in taxes.

RKO parent company net was
equal to about $1.56, per common
share after dividends on the pre-
ferred. . :

RKO Radio, the producing-distrib-
ut.ing subsid. consolidated profit was
$5,185,912 before taxes and inter-
company interest, as compared with
$7,595,834 in 1943, or a decline of
around $2,400,000.

While theatre operating subsids
made a much stronger showing than
the production-distribution subsidi-
ary, net earnings before taxes and
inter-company interest amounted to
$5,454,457, which is about $12,600
ahead of 1943. Report of N. Peter
Rathvon, president, to stockholders
cited that while gross receipts from
theatre admissions "were somewhat
larger than in 1943," the increase
was offset partly by increased oper-
ating costs. He also reported that the
Singer Circuit, operating 14 the-
atres in the midwest, and formerly
50% owned, became wholly owned,
and a number of mergers and disso-
lutions of subsidiaries were effected
to further simplify the corporate
.structure. He also noted that K.A.D.
a sub-holding company which for-
merly controlled the major part of
the company's eastern theatres, was
dissolved^ ,- -

Rathvon pointed out that in-
creased production and distribution
costs cut into the earnings of RKO
Radio Pictures, with no single pic-
ture produced in 1944 showing as
good results as. several made in
1943. He also cited that an important
part of the business of this company
continued to be distribution of pic-
tures made by independent pro-
ducers.

RKO's funded debt Was reduced
around $1,900,000 to $17,062,843.
Rathvon staled that in the five years
since reorganization, there has been
a net reduction . of nearly $5,000,000
in the combined funded debt of the
company - and its subsids. He noted
that, the picture company has bor-
rowed $1,050,00.0 under its revolving
fund credit since last Jan. 1, and
will continue to borrow if the. com-
pany is successful in its effort. to fur-
ther increase inventories of com-
pleted pictures "in order to lend
greater flexibility to our distributing
operations.." > •,

■ Besides, reduct ion ir. funded -debt,
about $5,000,000. including arrears
Of '.dividends, of T.i K-A-0 .'pre : '
[erred, held by the public, was re-
tired iii the last five years. Rathvon
also noted that approximately 75 r c
of the funded debt outstanding on
Jan. 1 .1940, since has been refunded
into new debt bearing lower inter-
est rates. Annual interest charges
on the funded debt are about 50';
Of similar charges as of Jan. 1, 1940.

U.S. VS. GRIFFITH CASE
BOUND OVER TO SEPT. 10

Oklahoma City, May 29.
A breather in the anti-trust suit of
the Government against the Griffith
circuit in the southwest, operating
around 150 theatres, is^ provided
through agreement by attorneys for
both Griffith interests and the. De-
partment of Justice to postpone fur-
ther trial action until Sept. 10 due to
the press of other cases.

Griffith trial opened here May 7
and involves Griffith Amus. Co.,
Consolidated Theatres, Inc., of Okla-
homa City: R. E, Griffith Theatres,
Inc.. and Wcsttex Theatres, Inc., of
Dallas.

D. J. attorneys spent three weeks
in parading present and former the-
atre owners of the southwest to the
stand in an effort to prove that the
Griffith chains are operating in re-
straint of trade. One of the last
witiiesses was Benny McKenna, g.m.
of Griffith Amus. Co., who was
forced to present records of various
Griffith employees over the past 15
years or more.

Negro's $100 Suit For
Alleged Discrimination

Fort Wayne, Ihd.. May 29.

Suit for $100 damages and costs
for alleged race- discrimination has
been filed by James O. Watts, Negro,
against Quimby Theatres, Inc.. Fort
Wayn&; Ind., in Superior Court No.
I. He charges that, accompanied by
a lady, he purchased two tickets to
the Palace but was ordered to sit
in the balcony, although thfire were
plenty of vacant seats on the main
floor. He said the manager told
him it was the ooliey to seat Negroes
in the balcony only, and that he and
his friend left without being seated
and without the return of his ticket
purchase money.

He charged he was deprived of
his civil and legal rights under the
Indiana Civil Rights Law.

In addition to a 25% increase in
salary" for boothmen in major N. Y.
circuit and deluxe theatres, Local
3M,.Moving Pj.ctiu;e._M_achme Opera-
tors is seeking'thc payment by em-
ployers of 2% of booth costs to be
paid to an hisurance company, to
cover hospitalization and sick bene-
fits for its members. These and
other demands were presented to
circuit representatives during the
past Week by a committee headed by
Herman Gelber, president of Local
306. •

A new classification to cover cer-
tain larger theatres of Greater N. Y.
chains, setting them up as medium
deluxe houses, is also wanted by the
union. While these theatres, now
employ six men in their booths, un-
der the new classification- the staff
would be raised to eight. The top
deluxe houses like the music Hall,
Capitol, Paramount and other large
Broadway operations, maintain crews
of 11 men,

Meeting last week was held in the
office 'of - C- C. Moskowitz. v.p. of
Loew's. The theatre committee took
the demands under advisement
pending the holding of another ses-
sion in two or three weeks.

Since the present contract with
306 does not expire until Sept. 1, ex-
plained there is no great rush so far
as negotiations are concerned. A
two-year contract under a new deal,
to date from Sept. 1, is asked.

HORNBLOW IN N.Y. FOR
TALENT FOR HIS M-G 4

Arthur Hornblow, Jr., Metro pro-
ducer, is in N. Y. lining up talent
for several of his forthcoming pro-
ductions.

"Great Temptation." film version
to play titled "Karl and Anna," which
was produced by the Theatre Guild,
is scheduled as Hornblow's next.
Greer Garson is to be starred. .

Other films slated ' to follow oh
Hornblow's schedule are "Yama-
Yama Girl" (Bessie McCoy Davis),
"Cass Timberlane" (Sinclair Lewis
novel) and "Frankie From Frisco,"
Lana Turner starrer.

Lightman's Realty Venture

Memphis, May 29.

M A. Lightman arid the Malco
Circuit, largest in this trade area,
have organized their own Malco
Real Estate Co.

New outfit is headed by Gus
Haase. formerly with local firm of:
Marx & Bensdorf,- but an officer in
the Merchant Marine, the past two
years! . ■ : ■■ '..".'.-■ ', -'cv ,

Setup was announced simultane-
ously with purchase by Lightman
and family of a 36-apartmen,t build-
ing on Madisorr Avenue at cost of
S100.000.

'Flesh and Fantasy' Suit

Asking for an. accounting profits
from the 'film "Flesh and Fantasy,"
Harriet M. Thayer, of -Milwaukee,
has filed suit against Universal in
Cleveland federal court.

She claims that U. incorporated in
the p(cture "substantial parts" of her
original story, "The Mask," which
she ac»s in- her complaint, "was
never [published, but shown to
friendsfand literary agents in Holly-
wood." She wrote the story in 1940,
papers say, and film was produced in
1943.

Manager Becomes Pastor

Harrisburg, Pa.. May 29.

Whitney Church, manager of Pax-
tang theatre here and before "that
asst. to manager Jack O'Rear, of
Wilmer & Vincent's Colonial, will
complete his clerical studies next
month and be ordained as a minister
in the Episcopal Church.

Church has accepted a call to be-
come pastor Of St, John's Church,
Bcllefonte. u.ppn graduation..

Rep's Rogell Deal

. Hollywood, May 29.

Republic has inked Albert S.
Rogell to a new two-year producer-
director pact.

Ticket calls for two films annual-
ly with option for a third film each
year. ' '■'■'-, -

COL. SIGNS CONRAD JAMS

Hollywood. May 29.

Conrad Jariis. 17, has been inked
by Columbia for juvenile lead in
George Abbott's film production of
"Snafu."

Young thesp recently had a role
in the Broadway production, "Dark
of the Moon."

Mealand's N. Y. Prowl

Richard A. Mcalgnd. head of the
Paramount story department at the
studio, arrived in N. Y. from the
Coast over the past weekend,

.- He's here for huddles .with book
publishers and writers.

Studio Contracts

Hollywood, May 29.
Richard Lon. actor, International.
Frank Gabrielson, writer, 20th.
Maurice Ransford, art dir., 20th.
Nina- Ross, actress. Metro.
Jane Barker, actress, Warners.
Linda Christian, actress. -'Metro..
Roy Spencer, writer. RKO.
Harry Ruby, songwriter, 20th-Fox.
Tommy Carr. director. Republic.
Jack Townley, writer, RKO.
Jack Morton, actor. Warners.
Jack McGowan. writer. Paramount.
B. G. Springsteen, director, Rep.
Chill Wills, actor, Metro.
Leland Fuller, art director. 20th.
Sharyn Moffctt, moppet. RKO.
Donna Lee. actress. RKO.
Nanette Parks, actress, Columbia.
Coulter Irwin, actor. Columbia.

"Why do Americans go to the movies?

Because movies are their favorite outside-of-the-home entertainment.
Because they are kept constantly aware of ibe good pictures streaming in
from Hollywood.

This high regard and awareness, we believe, is largely due to the smart,
aggressive promotion done by motion picture companies and their dis-
tributors. Being showmen, movie jjeople know how to
reach" the public mind and prod it'into action. And .. .

Being showmen, movie people also fully realize the result-
producing, economical effectiveness of radio . . . and the ability of
Badio Station Showmanship to sell Motion Picture Showmanship
to large, responsive audiences.

* * '. .. ^ - ..

, WOR is gratified that the executive leaders of the industry appreciate the
flair and quality of WOR's all-over programming. We know they do because
in 1944.45, WOR served as living-room box-office for 169 Motion Pictures,
promoting these pictures to the greatest single entertainment market in
the world . . . carrying more movie spoi advertising than any-other major
station in the nation.

We are pleased, too, that such astute agency time-buyers as Dick Ash of
Blaine Thompson ; Betty Barrett of Donahue and Coe; Morris Kinzler of
Kayton-Spiero ; Le6ter Malleus of Weiss & Geller ; Nat Strom of Buchanan
and Co.; and Ethel Weider of Foote, Cone and Belding, believe in the
power of WOR to sell movies. We know they do because in 1944-45, they
chose WOR to voice sizable spot campaigns for all these outstanding
movie producers:

COLUMBIA PICTURES COM*.
INTERNATIONAL PICTURES INC
* LOEWS INC.
*ME1R0 GOLDWYN MAYER INC
MONOGRAM PICTURES CORP.
"PARAMOUNT PICTURES INC

Member of the Mutual Broadcasting System THAT POWER- FULL STATION AT 1440 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, 1

Wednesday, May 30, 1?45

PICTURES

27

N. J. Indies' 4% Payoff to Film Buying
Service; Distrib Key City Briefs

Theatres embraced in Independ-
ent Theatres Service,-- recently
formed booking combine covering
houses in northern New Jersey
served out of N. Y. exchanges, are
supporting the organization-through
payment equal to 4% of the rental
costs. However, regardless of rental,
there is a bottom of' $10 and a maxi-
mum of $40. ' :

The new combo, of which Lee
Newberry, owner of a dozen houses,
is president, is now buying for 50
theatres, including Newberry's, those
of Harry Hecht, Irving Dollinger,
Dave Snaper and scattered smaller
operators. •

During the past week a New Jer-
sey house, the Embassy at Bayonnc,
swung to an opposition buying serv-
ice. Stiefel Booking Office, instead
of with others in N. J. into Inde-
pendent Theatres Service. This gives
the Stiefel buying combo a total of
16 theatres. :■

Indpls. Gets "G, I. Joe" Preem

Indianapolis, May 29.

Loew's has. been assured the world
premiere of the Ernie Pyle picture
"G. I. Joe," probably July 3, Man-
ager Boyd Sparrow has announced
Event will be sponsored by the In-
diana University Foundation and In-
dianapolis- alumni of Pyle's alma
mater, with proceeds going to Ernie
Pyle Memorial Fund of . the univer-
sity's school of journalism.

Walter Titus, Jr., Republic v.p. in
charge of branch operations, and
Will Baker, Chicago district man-
ager, here last week to talk with Ed
Brauer, local branch manager, on
company's 10th anni. plans.

Charles M. Olson, long-time oper-
ator of Lyric, who died April 12
left stocks and bonds valued at $290.-
489 and other personal property
valued at $29,669, according to inven-
tory of estate. According to will
Ethel C. Olson, the widow, will re-
ceive life income from the estate,
with other relatives also benefiting.
Estate ultimately will go to James
. Whitcomb Riley Hospital for " Chil-
dren. - •

exhibs. Winners for first month are
Dave Thomas, Center, Salt Lake
City: Lester Pollock, Loew's, Roches-
ter, N. Y.; G. S. Eyssell, Music Hall,
New York: James Gavegan, St.
Jamea, Melbourne, Australia: Sam
Gilman, Loew's Regent, Harrisburg,
Pa.; Jack Matlack, United Artists,
Portland, Ore.: M. E. Ferrera. Ma-
rine, Pascagoula, Miss.; Len Worley,
Madison. Peoria. 111.; Dan Murray,
Wisconsin. Milwaukee: Geo. Miner,
Loew's Mt. Vernon. Mt. Vernon. N.
y.. and Rodney Toups, State, New
Orleans. .

Albany Variety's Camp Goal

Albany, N. Y., May 29.
The Variety Club has underwrit
ten the Complete reconstruction of
-the-Albany--Boys-Club summer camp
at Thompson Lake. This is one of
Tent 9's two major projects, the
other being the USO-Vanety Club
Canteen. At a meeting last week,
the Tent arranged to 'borrow- from
the Boys' Club trust fund $6,000, to
be paid back with interest.

Money to finance two weeks' free
vacations for a threefold increase in
the number of needy youngsters at
the camp this summer was raised by
the Variety Club in a Self-Denial
Day promotion last winter. Chief
Barker Herman L. Ripps, who is
district" and branch manager for
Metro, presided at last week's gath-
ering to . arrange the reconstruction
details. .

N. t. MPA's Red Cross Gift

Proceeds of the dinner-dance to
be given by Motion Pictures Asso-
ciates at the Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y.
next Wednesday evening (6), will go
to purchase a station wagon for the
American Red Cross, with any funds
ov er and above the amount required
for that to go into the MPA charity
fund. Nick is $10 per.

Organization, whose president is
Morris Sanders, sales supervisor for
20th-Fox at company's N. Y. ex-
change, is tendering the dinner in
honor of George J. Schaefer, chair-
man of Lester Cowan Productions,
who has been selected for the fust
annual award of MPA of which he's
a veteran member.

Among stars of the stage and
screen who have promised to be on
hand for the affau' are Ida Lupino,
Anne Baxter. Lloyd Nolan, Signe
Hasso and William Eythe.

Stan Sherwin's RKO Post

S. Barret McCormick, RKO Radio
#dvertising-publicity director, has
appointed Stanley Sherwin as art
director. He succeeds Dave Strumpr,
who shifted to Buchanan Sc Co. .as
art director.

Cameron Back in Dallas

" Dallas, May 29.

• P: C. Cameron, vet local theatre
man. purchased the Arcadia, nabe.'
from Lee Handley and Robert Clem-
mohs. His son, "Guy Cameron, will
manage'. The elder Cameron has
operated theatres here for many
years, among them being the Peak,
Airway and Grove until a few
months ago, when he leased them to
the J. G. Long Theatres and moved
to southern California, where he
bought four theatres. Both the elder
and younger Cameron are moving
back to this city, With the elder Cam-
eron planning to retain three of his
California houses and selling one,

Metro's 11 Bally Winners

Initial groun of 11 winners in Me-
tro's new Photos-of-Month service,
in which best shpls of exploitation
stunts, displays, lobbies, theatre
fronts, etc.. arc singled out, selected
by William R. Ferguson, exploitation
director. In nicking winners, special
consideration is • given smalltown

»"••'- Supreme Pix Set in Cbi

Chicago, May 29.

Supreme Pictures Co., distributor
of reissues, is opening offices here
under direction of Mort Van Praag.
Latter resigned last week as assist-
ant to Henri Elman, local PRC fran-
chise holder, to handle sales of Casa-
nave-Artlee pictures locally.

Initial product is "Prisoner of
Zenda," "Garden of Allah," "Adven-
tures of Tom Sawyer," "Uncertain
Feeling'' and "Intermezzo."

Mike Godshaw Quits 'FC for PRC

Chicago, May 29.
Mike Godshaw, : formerly salesman
Film Classics, franchise for which
was sold last week by John L. Jones
to L. E.. Goldhammer, general man-
ager for FC, signed with PRC as
salesman. Jones, Screen Produc-
tions prexy, said the shift wouldn't
affect his setup.

. Ireton's New Aide

Toronto, May 29.
Public relations staff for Canadian
district of Warner Bros, augmented
with appointment of Merryl Lewis
to assist Glenn Ireton, public rela-
tions director. Creation of new posi-
tion is in line with Warners', expan-
sion of field exploitation forces in
U.S.A. and Canada. Miss Lewis has
done promotion work for major film
companies in London. England, and
N. Y. City,-and is w.k. in Canadian
film- circles.-' '

New House for Seattle

Seattle, May 29.
Kemper Freeman given priorities
to build a 600-seat theatre in Belie-
vtte near here, to cost $41,000.

: Frank's Pic Via SC

Minneapolis, May 29.
L. E. Goldhammer, Film Classics
v.p., concluded a deal here with
W. R. Frank, local, independent cir-
cuit owner and Hollywood producer,
for national distribution of the lat-
ter's newest picture. "A Boy, a Girl
and a Dog." excepting the Minne-
apolis area which Frank will handle
himself. ':■' -:'

Poston's Post

Des Moines. May 29.
Leslie J. Poston succeeded Don
Loftus as manager of the Gem thea-
tre. Charles City. Iowa. Loftus was
made manager of Grand, Estherville,
Iowa, to succeed Jerry Gerbracht,
resigned.

Fred Danico. given a medical dis-
charge from the Navy, resumed his
former past as manager of Esquire,
Davenport, la., for Tri-States Thea-
tre Corp.

Youngstown House Sold

Youngslown. O.. May 29.
Wilson theatre here has been
bought by John and Athena Christo-
poulous. Warren, O., from Helen
Steinberg.

Albany Variety Club Honored

Albany, May 29.
Variety Club here was honored
last week for sponsorship of its Boys'
Club at Thompson Lake. This year
about $10,000 will be spent for the
upkeep of the camp.

Chi Allied Adds 72d Member

Chicago, May 29.
Coincidental with takeover of its
lease recently by Nat Fadin and
Leo Kaplan from Simon Sfimanski,
retired exhib, west side Savoy the-
atre was added to Allied buying and
booking circuit here. This makes
three for Fadin. and Kaplan, whe
also operated Avenue and Bcil thea-
tres! Allied, which also took over
buying and booking for Verdi, now
has 72 on its membership list.

Kidnap Mgr., Force Him
To Open Safe, Get $1,979

Detroit, May 29.

Two holdup men, who abducted
Don Kuhn, the manager, robbed the
safe of the New Center theatre here
of $1,979 Sunday night, the weekend
receipts. Kuhn was nabbed in front
of his home by the pair, who forced
him to accompany them, while they
returned to the theatre. The unper-
turbed pair waited untl a police
scout car. which happened to be
drawn up in front to the house,
drove away and then forced Kuhn
inside to open the safe.

He later was released from their
car several miles from the theatre.

15,987 Special Stunts

Exhibitors will stage 15,987
events to raise the total sale of
war bonds during the Seventh
War Loan drive, according to a
report issued by film industry
national headquarters "in N.Y.
yesterady (29). This exceeds the
14,443 events staged by theatres
in the Sixth War Loan.

Broken down into categories, .
4,791 bond preems- will be *
staged, as compared to 4,557 in
the Sixth; 1,831 children bond
shows for. the Seventh, while
only 975 were held in the previ-
ous drives, and 9,365 "Free
Movie Days are set for the cur-
rent campaign, as compared to
8,911 for the prior drive.

Century Chain's Own 43d
St. Bldg. ; Fabian a Tenant

The Century circuit, which some
years ago purchased the eight-story
building at 132 West 43d street, N. Y.,
has moved its offices there and is
redecorating the building, with plans
calling for a widening of the en-
trance and other improvements.

The Fabian chain also plans mak-
ing its headquarters there, taking
two floors. Si Fabian's organization
has been quartered for many years
in the Paramount building, while the.
Century circuit, of which Albert A.
Hovell is president, has been in Ra-
dio City since shortly after its open-
ing. Century operates 36 houses in
Brooklyn and Long Island.

The ground floor of the 43d street
building, owned by Century, has
been vacated by Ricciardi's restau-
rant, which occupied that space for
many years.

N-G Dusts Off Flattop
Yarn to Kudo Franklin

Hollywood, May 29.
Story of Flattop, based on the
career of ah aircraft carrier, has
been taken off the shelf at Metro,
where it had been laid away when
the studio decided to eliminate war
pictures. Now the yarn is back on
the production schedule to cash in on
the exploits of the SS. Franklin
which recently limped into port
after hazardous adventures in the
Pacific.

Warners is another major studio
convinced that war films are still
potent at the boxoffice. Company
reports that "God Is My Co-Pilot" is
one of its heaviest grossers and
looks good for some time to come.
Meanwhile, its "Objective Burma" is
doing heavy business. ,

You'd Think |

— Continued from pace 1 '"
end and it was necessary to raise an-
other $5,000 to bring the production
from Philadelphia.

"Too Hot For Maneuvers," which
opened and closed at the Broadhurst
recently, had a $35,000 budget but
before it could open another $8,000
was required. Show was ready . to
fold after three days when a phone
call came to the company manager,
another investor with the wrong
hunch saying he would hurry over
with $15,000, the amount needed to
keep "Hot" open for two weeks.
Stated that the , unidentified angel
figured that if he lost, he'd charge
it oft on his tax return, but the 15G
was also reported to have been black
market coin. "Hot" was presented
by Jimmy Elliott, young actor.

"Foxhole in The Parlor" cost
around $40,000 before it opened at
the Booth last week. Drama, pre-
sented by Harry Bloomfield. drew
mixed notices, but it's planned to use
$10,000 more for exploitation in the
dailies and on radio.

Bed Holiday.
"Blue Holiday.'' designed as an
elaborate colored vaudeville show,
which opened and closed at the Be-
iasco last week, was budgeted for
$45,000. un'usuai for a variety outfit.
Reported that an additional $7,000
was needed and Donald Flamm put it
up. He is in on the ownership of the
Belasco, along with S. S. Krellberg
and John Wildberg. Latter produced
"Anna Lucasta" (Mansfield), Fiamm
also having large interest in that.
Krellberg is also in on "Anna," and
he also had an interest in "One Touch
of Venns." He plans to produce on
his own next season, slated t o do
"Live Life Again," • pT8jH& Verse
by Doir Totheroh, calling for a cast
of 24. .

M-Foxs First 13 Weeks Net
Profit Dips $330,000 to $2,855,485

Christy Walsh's Trailer
Tour for 'Capt. Eddie' Pic

Tceoff on national publicity and
exploitation campaign for "Captain
Eddie," produced by Winifieid R.
Sheehan and based on the life of
Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, will be a
tour of 15 key cities in the west and
middle west by Christy Walsh, ~w.k.
sports promoter and associate pro-
ducer on the film. It will shortly be
released by 20th-Fox;

The tour by Walsh, possibly to be
followed by similar visits to cities
of the esst, will begin in Oakland,
Calif, on Saturday (2) and wind up
in Lincoln, Neb., June 20. Guests at
the affairs honoring Walsh will in-
clude local leaders in various fields
and newspaper editors and writers.

Squawks on '2 Down'
Followed by Yanking

Metro has withdrawn the soldier-
discharge short. "Two Down and
One To Go," following persistent
squawk by theatre-owner associa-
tions which claimed that antiquated
point system described in the pic
proved confusing to patrons. Dated-
ness of pic was also a factor, since
certain subsequent developments in
the point system precluded its discus-
sion in the pic, made last November.

The OWI, in withdrawing film,
gave as reason the fact that it served
its purpose. "On to Toyko" replaces.

Bader Heads AMPA

David A. Bader, of 20lh-Fox home-
office publicity staff, was elected
president of Associated Motion Pic-
ture Advertisers last week in N. Y.
Directors named are Blanche Living-
ston, long secretary of AMPA; Vin-
cent Trotta, Martin Starr, Ray Gal-
lagher and Charles Alicoate. Jacques
Kopfstein named trustee for a year.

Other officers: David A. O'Malley,
v.p.; Grace Rosenfeld, secretary, and
Melvin Gold, treasurer.

♦ Despite a saving of $2,445,000 in
Federal income and excess profit*
taxes, 20th-Fox and all subsidiaries
consolidated net profit declined ap-
prixmately $330,000 to $2,855,485 for
the first 18 weeks this year as com-
pared with the first quarter a year
ago. For the first 13 weeks of
1944, corporation's consolidated net
amounted to $3,186,302. The earn-
ings after dividends on two pre-
ferred stocks ire euqal to $1.33 per
common share against $1.57 in 1944.

Actually gross income increased
about $58,000, being "$42,028,729 as
compared with $41,970,539 in the
first quarter of 1944. 20th-Fox pro-
vision for Federal income and ex-
cess profits taxes this year in its first
quarter totalled $5,135,000 while in
comparable quarter a year ago it
was $7,580,000. Company does not
break down its quarterly report to
show what portion of profits came
from distribution, and what per-
centage came from theatre opera-
tions. Saving on outlay for taxes is
understood to result .from the fact
that foreign revenue is handled dif-
ferently, although this fs not noted
in the report.

However,, the dip in net profit of
20th-Fox does not differ from other
film companies since nearly every
picture corporation in recent weeks
has reported a decrease in revenue,
mostly covering the first three
months this year, '

Sturges Readies Old

French Yarn for UA

Hollywood, May 29.

Preston Sturges is readying "Co-
lombo," based on a French novel
written by Prosper Merimee in 1840,
for indie production as part of his
two-picture releasing deal with
United Artists.

Tale deals with a family, feud on
the island of Corsica. Meanwhile,
Sturges has completed the script of
"The Saga of Harold Diddlcbach,"
slated to star Harold Lloyd, and is
waiting for his film allotment to
start production.

New York Theatres

BETTE DAVIS

In Warner trot. Hit!

"THE CORN IS GREEN

With

John DALL • Jean LOURING
NiaelMUCE • Rhys WILLIAMS

• way at SI st St. HOLLYWOOD

l'urmnount I'resenU

Alan LADD • - Ml RUSSELL

"SALTY O'RQURKE"

In CHAW-IK STAI1 OKU
I'erwn: SI'IVAH IWK.VS Mt'KI'HV

PARAMOUNT

Ida Lupin* • Sydney Graanstraat
WIMaM Prince

In Warner Hro». lltl !

"PILLOW TO POST"

IN PERSON

SHIP FIELDS

AND HIS ORCHESTRA

EXTRA
BORRAH MINEVITCH'S
HARMONICA RASCALS

■'way & 47«fc St. STRAND

50* S,.

Dorothy McGUIRE • Rafcart YOUNG
Herbert MARSHALL

'THE ENCHANTED
COTTAGE'

l-'o'vM.' ASTOB p*, a „1ar

47tli • Centinttfui
Prices ' .

SCHILDKEAUT'S NEW PACT

' . • • Hollywood. May 29.

Republic revised Joseph Schild-
kraut's starring contract, making it
three pictures a year instead of two.

Original document .called for two
annually, but a rider was added by
mutual consent.

"it""' MUSIC HALL

'THE VALLEY
OF DECISION"

Spectacular Stage Productions

VMM
ESTNER WRLUAMS
/M-CM. "THRILL

of m *omnwJ *ttu mi I

ON SCRKEX

f Thur«., May SI |

Alan I. A»I»
| l.or. tlM VOINC;

'And New
i Tomorrow' 1

IN I'KltMtN

YVETTE

.Kxirn!
DB. MAIM' IS
TUr Mail

PALACE

B W A > &
4 7U- b:

FEARL SUCK'S

"CHINA SKY"

K*ndol»li 8c*tt. Kvth Warrhk

An RKO Badio Plclur*

U . RADIO . ., t

load Ahead' Story Not Complete,

W«:<Ii.«\s<tay, May 30, 1945

WiO Be Written by GIs, Public

By SAUL CARSON

. i I Atlantic City, May 29.

"The Road Ahead," the Blue
"Wednesday nighter (9 p.m.) which is.
produced in- cooperation with the
Army, Navy and Red Cross, and
bankrolled by a different sponsor
each week, originated at Thomas- M.
England General hospital here last
■week (24 )

Jolson For Free

Only radio shot Al Jolson has
gone for on his current New York
visit is strictly for cuffo on the NBC-
BBC international goodwill stanza,
"Atlantic Spotlight," 12:30 p. m. this
i Saturday. l2j« - ; •

,,„ , • , u „» x,.,-. .,,,„ i He'll, serenade U. S. and Anglo

V^^^Z^t 5&32l !*«<>*- with "April Showers" and

"Swanee." Jolson lias ru.xed several
guest star offers, including one for

the middle at the yarn is ..clear— the
part about men who were mostly
h Ids when they still had arms and
'legs where stumps dangle now. The
joad of the story hasn't been written
-yet. and the end is not in sight.:

The lead will be written in the
WodJfV of the" last American boy
whose leg is smashed, by a mortar
shell oil Tokyo's main stem at H-
hour of V-J Day. Or maybe it will
be ready when a sandlot team in
Flatbush, Brooklyn, or R. F. D. 1. Ft.
Worth, Tex., loses its best short-stop
lor awhile because a Nap had nipped
the arm of a kid Mushing snipers out
of an alley somewhere near Fuji-
yama.

The end of the "story? That's
eomewhere "on tlie road ahead.

"The Road Ahead,"' as an air show,
•was reviewed alter its preem in
•"•Variety" (9). It Was a good show
then. It's belter now, which is as it
should be after a month. There are
tome credits due on last week's
.stanza— to .Tim Hart, sparkplug of
the show; Del Crosby, advance man
for the Henry Souvaine agency; to
the team of director Henry Hayward
and writer Eddie Birnbryer; Clifton
Fadiman, emcee; Ann Baxter, in-
Iierson guester; Gary Grant, who
■was plugged in from Holly wood it to
the GIs on the show.

But this time the play's not the
thing. Even the GIs who sung,
-played, talked on the show are only
(Continued on page 34) •

$2,000 for an appearance
Hildegarde ciggie program.

on the

Club Again Ready To
in (f est)

' Chicago, May 29.
Chicago Radio Management Club
■will again lay out the welcome mat
to station reps, producers and others
in the radio industry when it holds
its second joint luncheon-meeting on
June 6 in the Tally-Ho Room of the
Hotel Continental. First open meet-
ing was held some three 'months ago
when Hugh Feltis. Broadcast Meas-
urement Bureau prexy, stirred up
•some excitement in addressing
»:rowd. Added attraction at the com-
ing meeting will be the showing of
''Fury in the Pacific'' Official Navy
film."

At its regular meeting last week
members voted, to amend the. con-
stitution of the club so as to allow
»ny_ person, engaged in radio re-
search to apply lor membership pro r
vided that.- it's limited to persons in
» managerial capacity with adver-
^ tis'ng agencies, or with independent,
research • organizations .and also
•voted the privileges of non-resident
Membership to such persons engaged
in a managerial capacity in radio
, tesearch but located outside the cor-
porate bounds of. Chicago,

FC&B Set Up New
Radio Alignment

Hollywood, May .29. -

Don Belding. board chairman of
Foote, Cone & Belding, announced a
new operational alignment, with the
appointment, of radio managers in
cities where the agency has fully
staffed offices. Radio managers are:
Paul Rikenbacker, New York; Mark
Buckley, San Francisco; David Tay-
lor, Los Angeles.. Their functions are
to coordinate radio activity and
client contact in radio in their re-
spective offices. They will have di-
rect Hollywood facilities earmarked
for them in the agency's Hollywood
operation.

I)i the Chicago unit, Victor Hunter
will handle talent contacts and Al-
beit Capstan" production. Jack Mea-
kin and Bob Nye will supervise
several shows operating from the
San Francisco office. Harry Frazee
and David Taylor will take care of
the Los Angeles accounts. Elliston
Vinson, in his office at RKO studio,
handles the special radio division
for motion picture accounts.

Burt Oliver continues as general
manager of the Hollywood operation.
Bud Spencer as talent buyer, and
Arnold G. Magiiire as television
head. Mary Noble succeeds Bess
Harrison, who resigned as office
manager. *,-'■■ ...

Edmund L. Cashman, agency's vice-
president, has resigned that post
to set up his own independent pro-
duction as a freelance.

Cantor's Showbiz Tribute

In accepting the first Humani-
tarian Award from the projected
General Maurice Rose hospital
to be erected in Denver, in honor
of the' 3d Armored Spearhead
Division hero, Eddie Cantor
. nicely turned the tribute in fa-
vor of show business. NBC aired
tlie function' from Denver and
Washington (.Colorado's Senator
Edwin C. John'son spoke In trib-
ute of his old friend Maurice
• Rose), and as. part of the inaug-
ural dinner at the. Cosmopolitan
hotel, Denver, the -comedian
Stated in pari: "For the thou-'
. sands of theatrical folks, great
and small, whose privilege it has.
been to. bring some measure of
, laughter and song into the grim
lives of our righting men. I thank
you from the bottom of each of
j our hearts." > '

Cantor pointed up that show-
j folk don't segregate which ju'oup
of wounded or well, by race,
color or religion, they , (the en-'
tertainers) prefer to amuse.
And it's likewise flitting that this
son of a rabbi, General Rose,
should have his name lent' to a
great non-sectarian hospital in a
■great city like Denver.

Wheelers European Junket Cues
Speculation, Industry Expects Worst

Ilka Chase's Mutual Show

Berkshire Mills (hosiery ), through
Geyer, Cornell & Newell agency, is
negotiating with Ilka Chase for a
15-mimtte chatter &pot on Mutual
beginning in September.

Stanza will fill the 1:15-1;30 p.m.
niche oil Sundays.

ANNSOTHERN'S'MAISIE' .!
GUNS FOR BERLE SPOT;

■"Maisie." comedy script stanza I
starring Ann Sothern, Metro star, !
may be the Milton Berle "Let Your- j
self. Go" summer replacement. Pro ;
gram package is owned by Larry
White, who > last- week formed, a
package-producing' agency, with. Ami
Marlowe, wife of Martin Strauss,
owner of. trie Eversharp Co., .which
sponsors' Berle. /

Stanza would go into Hie Berle
show 10:30-11 p.m. niehe. on CBS
Wednesday - nights .for 13 weeks, if
bought, but no final decision will be
made until Stan Joselolf, radio head
©t' the . Biow agency, returns from
tlie Coast, June 8.
.-.As for Berle, he goes off. "Let
■yourself Go" .lime 27. and. in August
goes into a Sliubert musical produc-
tion slated for Broadway next fall.
KvfWsbarp has until Aug. 1 to take
tip its radio option on Berle for the
fall. ■';';

Emcee-a-Month Could
Solve Lux 'DeMillemma,'
Hellinger to Do Encore

Decision on permanenl replacer
tor Cecil B. DeMille on Lux 'Radio
Theatre" via CBS next season is still
up in the air with J. Walter Thomp-
son, agency on the show, undecided
whether to spot one emcee for run
of show or split assignment up.
Understood one alternative would be
to have different pilots spotted each
month which, of course, would leave
possibility of repeats Kir those ring-
ing the bell on their four-weeks run.

Mark Hellinger who went in. soon
after DeMille bowed out. for a one-
shot, is being brought back for the
farewell "Theatre'' show this season
a coupla weeks hence. Irving Pichel
also does an encore before .hiatus
time.' ..'...

Report is that Hellihger impressed
agency nabobs to the extent that,
they're receptive to a deal spotting
him on a show of his own, it he's not
tapped by Lux, but there's nothing
official on this and he hasn't been
signed up as ah exclusive property
of JWT for radio.

Set Pattern For
Blue's New Aft.
Strip Technique

Based on recommendations ot the
network's Stations Advisory Com-
mittee, (he Blue is putting the finish-
ing touches to its hew afternoon
strip programming pattern, wjth
June 15 set as the curtain-raiser on
the completed setup. As pre-her-
alded by the Blue, the technique for
the afternoon programming is an ex-
tension of its morning philosophy,
with, emphasis on personalities, an
attempt to inject an elenfei it of fresh-
ness and by working in shows that
already boast a- record of achieve-
ment. Blue programming pattern is
predicated on knowledge that it can't
compete with NBC-CBS soapers/so
it's devising its own formula.

Here's the set up (schedule from
1 to. 3 p. in. represents network pro-
gramming on station time):

l.p.'rn.. Baukhage: 1:15. Constance
Bennett; 1:30, Galen Drake: 2 p. in.,
John B. Kennedy. 2:15, Ethel and
Albert; 2:80, Ed and Pegcen Fitz-
gerald (currently heard network
only on Saturdays) ; 3 p. m., new
Blue-produced package. "Best Sell-
ers" with dramatizations of top
tomes, each extending over a period
of a week; 3:30, "Ladies Be Seated";
"4 p. m.. "Time Views the News":
4:15. Jack Berch, being switched
over from his a. m. spot: 4: SO, "Blue
Correspondents At Home and
Abroad", with tlie 4:45 until (i
o'clock segue into kid shows.

Rousseau Vice
Kuhl for Biow

Bill Rousseau, who resigned from
(he radio department at McCanu-
Erickson last week, is new head of
the Coast office for the Biow agency
and will direct sind produce the
Ginny Simms show for Philip Mor-
ris, until latter "moves over to
Borden's in the fall.

He succeeds. Cal Kuhl. whose con-
tract as head of radio fori Biow ex-
pires June 1 and will not be re-
newed. Kuhl for the past six
months has been head of the' Coast
office for the latter agency, and
radio head in name only. S1.au Jose-
loff being appointed to the job sev-
eral months as°-

Rosseau's McCann-Ericksou duties,
which included supervision of
"Grand Central Station" and all the
agency's spot business mostly for
Stanco and Grueu Watch, will be
taken over by Carlos D'Angelo. Lat-
ter was brought, into the agency by
Rousseau a couple of months ago
and has been supervising several
network shows.

Queen's Univ. Institute
Coming Up Strictly CBC;
' Angus Studied in N. Y. C.

After spending three months in
New York on a Rockefeller grant
William . Angus, professor of dra-
matics, has returned to Queen's Uni-
versity, Kingston, Ontario., to estab-
lish a summer 'radio institute, the
first in Canada. There will be 50
students at a $55 tuition for six
weeks. Angus formerly taught dra-
matics at Queen's.

. Canadian Broadcasting Co. (Gov--
ernment-owned ) will provide the
•guest lecturers for the course. No
commercial stations will be repre-
sented on the faculty.

TK«y.— Bob Genier, wearer of the
Purple Heart for wounds received in
the Pacific, is new announcer al
WTflY. It's .15 if; firsl job in radio. .

Rotating Emcees For
Arquette on 'Glam Man'

Cliff Arquette bows off '•Glamour
Manor" lor eight weeks late in June,
during which time the 12 noon
across-the-board Blue stanza for
Procter & Gamble will become
solely an. audience participation
show. After his eight-week hiatus.
Ar<iuette will again take over.: as
star of the show, which will then
originate on the Coast.
. Meanwhile. Benton Bowles;
agency- for P&G. ijs auditioning pros-
pective emcees to handle the program
by pulling various N. Y. radio. per-
sonalities into the show from time
to lime and in that way showcasing
their abilities for the client. Yester-
day 1 20) Del Sharbutl was on
"Glamour Manor,' 1 with others slated
to follow.

The chore pays $750 -weekly.

CBS Moving 'Assignment'
Into Sat. Night Niche
For Eight Weeks' Run

CBS is moving its prize sustainer
"Assignment Home" into the Satur-
day, night 10:15-10:45 slot being va-
cated by the switchover of "Here.
Comes Elmer" into 'the Monday 9
O'clock segment. It'll continue on a
sustaining basis, although the show
has been up for sponsorship for
some, lime following a War Dept.
okay.

Show will be spotted if! the new j
slot for ; eight weeks effective July '
7; with six of SgC Arthur Laurent's" j
top scripts to be reprised with a re-
write job bringing them up to dale,
in addition to two new scripts":
• In the fall "Assignment Home" is
skedded for » revised format. ,. ;.; '

3 IN SHOW 'CHASE'

"Pick of the- Press." a news digest,
has been packaged as a radio show
by Mary D. Chase productions, item
is. now going the rounds of ad agen-
cies.

Also off the assembly belt in tluYt
office, is a new detective series,'
called "Private Eye," and « program
of story 'telling in tlie style of the
late. Alexander Woollcott. Latter
show is titled "Little Known Faet.-s
About Well Known People."

'DOUBLE' TIME SNARLS
COKE'S MUTUAL DEBUT

Mutual is still having its head-
aches trying to clear one of its old-
est clients, Feen-a-Mint. out of the.
9:30 to 10 p.m. *slot on Friday nights
to make way for- tlie new Coca-Cola
"Spotlight Bands", stanza which is
slated to start on* the web June 18
thrice weekly. . ' .

Coke wants the 9:30-10 p.m. niclie
Monday. Wednesday and. Friday,
with the : first two nights available
now. but. the latter, slot is the cause
Of/all the trouble.' Ed Kobak, MBS
prexy.- reportedly went 10 the Feen-
a-Mint client himself to get the
latter to okay a Sunday night half-
hour «lot for the "Double or Noth-
ing'' show, but he was turned down.

Ruthraulf & Ryan, agency for the
laxative . account, js standing by
waiting for 'Mutual to offer a niche
suitable to everyone, pointing out to
Mutual that- the pad between the
client and the network' does not.
come up for negotiation again until
September.

Observers . report that there isn't
much doubt but that "Double" will
be moved ere long to make way for
the 'ipiporlaut Coca-Cola program,
but in tlie meantime Joss Barnes.
MBS sales chief, and- Kobak & Co..
are - spending uncomfortable mo-
ments trying to iron- the : thing *out
satisfactorily to all concerned;' "■

4- "Watch Wheeler" is a new watch-
word in the radio industry now.
Radio execs are keeping their lingers
crossed, wondering what Senator
Burton K. Wheeler may be up to,
as a result of his visit to Europe.

Wheeler re'eenijy landed in Lon-
don with visits* skedded to the con-
tinent to inspect' the Army's system
of communication. But, being chair-
man of the Senate Interstate •Com-
merce committee and in no way re-
lated to military activities (except
as. an isolationist critic), Wheeler's
eyes may be directed at new legis-
lation affecting radio, That's where
the headache conies in.

When Wheeler pushed his famous
Wheeler-White bill, the radio in-
dustry was happy. At that time, it
was fashionable for radio's top exe.es
to. openly criticize the FCC— .and
Wheeler's proposed legislation would
have affected the FCC.

Now thai James L. Fly is no longer
chairman of the FCC, aiid -radio
heads have had a chance to cool ■
off their forme*- anger agaiust Fly,
it is realized that the Wheeler- While
bill could have done radio no good
whatever.

Nobody responsible in radio now,
for instance. Wants any longer to.
split the FCC into grouplets con-
trolling one phase of communica-
tion each. There is little interest
among radio people now in curbing
the FCC's powers, in legislation that
would be too stringent on the matter
of political broadcasts, in a law that
would' affect sponsorship of news
broadcasts.

As a matter of fact, radio leaders
feel that now is about the worst
possible time for legislation that
would alter the basic law affecting
radio They believe that Congress has
few*er radio hepsters than ever before
They are afraid to let permanent
legislation go through the legislative
mill at, a time when emergency leg-
islation is still on the calendar. And,
what is more important, they are
afraid that any new laws now would
freeze radio just "as it faces great",
new technological developments in
FM and video.

Another •worry is that any new
legislation that may stem from
Wheeler would be directed against
labor, in some way or other. Al-
though once a great liberal. Wheeler
has . a score lo settle with forMor •
labor-liberal colleagues who dropped
him like a hotcake when he tinned
isolationist. . Radio doesn't want to
get into a scrap with organized la-
bor. On the whole, official relations
between Hie big webs and the CIO.
AFL, and Railway Brotherhoods, as;
well as between many local stations
and area labor councils, are better
than they ever have been before.

But Wheeler is studying communi-
cations— and he lias nothing to with
the .Army or with any legislation,
pending or possible, that may affect
the Army. His big stake is in the.
ICC. .And radio is wondering what
Wheeler will be up to when he
comes home.

CERF A PROSPECT

"Bennett Ceff Presents" is title. of
new stanza packaged by Dave
Stanley and Lee Segall.

Program presents Cerf narrating
adaptations of the best humorous
short stories. .-':•

No Action on Winchell
Renewal With Jergens
Until He Hits B way

Hollywood. May 2!>.

Only when he gets back' to New
York will Walter WinchelLdo. any-
thing about his new contract with
Andrew Jergens. As to when that
will be. he isn't sure nor is he defi-
nite that Jergens will accept some
new conditions he has imposed for
tlie start of +iis 14th year with, the
lotion firm. New pact will be hud-
dled, over in New York with -Win-
eliell, his attorney and Robert
Beiieus. .Toi' -en's ad chief, handling
the antdg' > hing. -

Winchell asks option periods lie
spaced yearly and that he retain
right to walkout on fiO-day .notice.
Current ticket expires Dec. 1, 1H45.
with raise of. $2,500 due, hiking the
spieler lo $7,500. That to Winchell
is a minor item, as per annum in-
crease of $130,000 would net him
only $fi,000 after taxes. His season'
finale is Aug. I, with his broadcast
time skedded to be split up among
Ray Henle, Frank Kingdon and
Lout Ha Parsons, latter merely ex-
panding her present five-year spot
for Woodbury.-

Albany.— Go.nrgc Perett- and Lee
Stewart are .new announcers atl
WABY.

W«'<1ii«-s«lay, May 30, 1945

t^KfSfr

RADIO

29

BLUE SURGE OF N EW BUSIN ESS*

Bad Radio Showmanship

' The Fred Allen-Standard Brands deal, via J. Walter Thomp-
son, spotting the ex-Texaco star in the Sunday night NBC slot
next fall, climaxes a year of trade-swapping among sponsors
that only serves to point up one 'glaring -fact: that radio is doing
itself incalculable harm by a shortsighted vision that refuses
to look beyond the next Hooper, that runs a mile -from anything
that suggests newness and that isn't star-labeled,

just about a year ago it was Jack Benny who scrammed from
General Foods on to George Washington Hill's payroll and in -
between Benny and Allen there was that whole cavalcade of
sponsor trade deals that included Burns & Allen, Joan Davis,
Kay Kyser, Ginny Simms, Jimmy Durante-Garry Moore, etc.
The bidding in each case was high, fast and furious, but if
you weren't in the groove with a"n established radio rep, brother,
you didn't— and still can't— rate a look-in, and because the whole
pattern of radio entertainment is built around an ever-narrow-
ing circle of personalities those, come-on prices have zoomed
to ridiculous proportions. . Wave a $15,000-$20,000 price tag before
a star with a package on the market and see how far you get
"unless you got a choice time slot to back it up. A General
Foods wius the Burns & Allen sweepstakes; Lever picks up the
spirale'd tab on a Joan Davis, and Borden dittoes with a 12V 2 G
weekly nut for Ginny Simms. And meanwhile the nets sit back
and reserve those cream segments for the four-star boys and
gals. That's the conditions that prevail and, in the long run,
that's one of the easy ways for radio to cut its throat.

For some day radio's going to need somebody to take the place
of the Bennys, the Aliens, the Hopes and the Cantors. The film
boys have vision enough to realize there's a tomorrow as well
as a today; they spend plenty of time, effort and money to groom
their starlets and potential b.o. draws with an ever-increasing,
stable in reserve. Even the baseball moguls know where to go
when (hey lose a first baseman, for they're training the new
ones via their farm teams.

But What is radio and its bankrollers doing? Only making it
tougher and tougher to spot a new idea or a jiew^personalily
on the air.

Some day they'll have to wake up to the fact that radio is not
all big business— horse trading-- but is show business as well..

Food Shortages Menace Web Incomes
But Sales Staffs Aren't Worrying

The siipply-and-demand situation*
as it affects domestic consumption !
(if food'jproducts is expected to have j
a considerable hearing on the I
amount ot coin such top bankrollers
as General Foods and Standard
Brands will pour into radio coffers
next season. In view of the approxi-

Turns Buys Half Of
'Radio Theatre' Hiatus

With Tunis dropping its Saturday
night CBS 10:15 ' Here . •Comes |
mate $10,000,000 that GF spent last | Elmer" show, the (Sponsor is grab- j
year for air time alone on the four i bing the first half (9-9:30.1 of the Lux
major networks (and this does nor --Radio Theatre" Monday night hia-
include talent-production costs or tils time, effective next week (2)
spots*, just how .far that particular spotting a new show, "Beulall." in I
sponsor will have to pull in trie, the s.lot. '
horns' while hurdling the raw ma- Tunis retains the time until Lux j
terial shortage crisis has occasioned I returns on Aug. 20.

more than mild interest in the trade. I ' *_'_> j

Right now. so far as radio is con-
cerned, the picture is an unpredict-
able one; GF says the amount of
money it. spends next year and the
year after will depend on how much
merchandise it ' has to sell and the
coffee-sugar situation in particular
doesn't bode any too well. Fact
remains,' however, that General 1

Decca Do Corwin?
CBS Says No Dice

Things started looking up at the
Blue netwflrk last Week; in fact, in
terms of year's billings, it looked up
to the extent of several million dol-
lars to help offset the recent wave
of cancellations. The web not only
inherits the Borax Co's "Death Val-
ley Days" show from CBS with its
current 11.7_Hooperating (see sepa-
rate story), but has wrapped up — and
all . set for signaturing — two solid
Sunday night hours of bankrolled
programs. These include a Ford
Symphony Hour in the 8 to 9 slot
(with the Ford Co. pacting the De-
troit Symphony" orch for the 60-min-
ute stanza) . and . the U. S. Steel's
long-pending hour series of Theatre
Guild, legit dramatizations for the
10 to 11 night.tirpj: spot. Latter deal^
was all set tor 'signaturing last night"
(Tues.) following meeting of U. S.
Steel directorate while Ford pacting
only awaits finding suitable shift for
Borden's, currently holding 8:30-9
Sunday option time. ' .

In addition, Philco appears to be
all set to pick up the tab tor 15 min-
utes of the ■ "Breakfast Club," Bor-
den's, which segues to CBS with
Gimmy Simms, now plans to retain
a half-hour slot on the Blue to plug
its Hemo product, although the new
Ford music stanza will snafu Bor-
den's present hold on the Sunday
night segment.

GM Moves Over

The Blue also corrals two General
Mills shows from the NBC afternoon
fold. "Hymns of All Churches" and
the "Betty Crocker" program will be
heard on the Blue effective Monday,
July 2, through a 52-week contract
placed in Chi last week by Dancer-

'Date' Ducks Davis

With .loan Davis* seguetug" to
CBS tor Swan Soap in the fall,
the Blue network found itself
confronted with a jittery spon-
sor occupying the 8:30-9 Monday
night opposition time. Lehn &
Fink,- which bankrolls the Blue's
"Blind Date." was - far from
happy over the pending oppo-
sish, with result* that show .. is
being switched to the 8 o'clock
Friday segment vacated by Ford.

Meanwhile , Bristol-Myers is
putting in a- bid for an addi-
tional half-hour on the Blue to
back up the Alan Young pro-
gram. The Blue wouldn't mind
getting -'Duffy's Tavern". back on
the web and is making a pitch
to reinherit the Ed Gardner
stanza. ...

WOV Gets Kickback on YMCA Cup To
Nazi Kickers, Offers Rebuttal Time

G-Man Devine

In the forthcoming »20th-Fox
FBI pic, '"The House on 93d
Street," currently in production
in N. Y., you'll see an occasional
shot of a man walking down the
street with a little boy. That's
Jerry Devine, writer-producer
ot the Blue net's "This Is Your
FBI," and his five year-old son.

Because Devine knows those
FBI files backwards and for-
ward, thV> 20th-Fox boys felt the
pic wouldn't be complete with-
out Devine at least playing an
extra. (He's an ex-actor, inci-
dentally.) Devine originally
nixed the„idea but his- son talked
him into it— on condition that
the Junior G-Man gets equal
prominence.

-*■ The International YMCA is still
doing a burn over the hard-hitting

Foods, as in the case of many .other ;' Columbia Recordings, not Decca,
big spenders in radio, have de- . will disc the Norman Corwin V-E
vcloped an increasing faith in the | proJ / rairi , '-Oil A Note of Triumph."
medium And just as Lucky Strike i:n| t^ ja-side platter production
then Camel and now Chesterfield, in - • <. .

the face ot the civilian cigarel »nd' is currently in the works. :.
famine, l-etrenclied first "in other j CBS execs put up a howi and did
media before denting its radio bill-. , some masterminding of their own
ing, so, too, is General Food sticking i when it. was learned that Decca
close to the radio picture. For one might bring out an album on "Tri-
• thing, it isn't likely they'll: want to I iunph." It - : was Decca that also got
release their franchise on valuable, the jitinp on the Corwin ''Lonesome
network segments as the waiting list i Train" production last year, although,
for choice time slots is greater than | as in. the case of "Triumph," it was
ever; That's ;wi»y the \veb execs arc ! strictly a CBS- "baby," the Millard
far from disturbed. .In. fact, opli-.j Lainpell ' - E;n-'l Robinsun "Train"
mism keynotes ;the 'sales .boys', feel- j caiitat.a being oii«*:-of ■' CorwihX heti •►
ings and they're confident that.: on
the whole, the picture looks more

than promising for next season. i outfit- should -be allowed to .move in

: Fitzgerald - Sample. Programs now
| occupying the 2:45-3. p.' in. Mon-
' day through Friday slot; on NBC,
will be aired on the Blue chain
! from 9: 30-9: 45 a in., with "Hymns"
i heard Monday through Thursday

and the Betty Crocker program on
Fridays. Sponsor will plug. Chee.ri-
oats on both shows. . I
Blue also inherits from NBC j
(though it only has N. Y. and Phila-.l
delphia outlets on that web) I.
the Bond Bread "F r i e n d s h i p ,
IlaiM'ir program'. ..' it'll . have a 13-1
station hookup, with a big sustaining
pickup as well, with the .'switchover ■;
set for June 13. .The Sunday 2 to. I
2:30 (currently occupied by "Wash- j

program, "Memorandum to Amer-
ica," put on last Wednesday (23) by
the' New York indie WOV. Written
and directed by the: station's pro-
cram manager, Arnold Hartley, the
show -dealt, in part, with the cod-
dling of Nazi prisoners of war in
this country, and specifically with
the awarding by the YMCA War
Prisoners Aid of a loving cup bear-
ing an engraved inscription in both
English and German to. the champion
POW soccer team at Camp Clark.
Framework, for the evidence-: was' a
mimeographed -release sent out sev-
eral days previously by Henrictte
Harrison, radio director for the In-
ternational YMCA, admitting the
presentation of "a .small cup, worth
only a few dollars," but contending
that "by serving the German and
Italian prisoners of war, the YMCA
has been able to save the sanity and
lives of thousands of American
boys." :-• "".

Program further emphasized
YMCA's claim tiiat it has' thousands
of letters to prove that coddling
Nazi war prisoners resulted in better
treatment of American war pris-
oners in .Germany, a statement
which got quite a kicking around
on the show in view of subsequent

revelations: . ■

Hartley says every word in his
script was based on factual data; the
YMCA claims there were inaccura-
cies and the organization was put
in an unfavorable light. But what
probably rankles the YMCA was the
programming insert in which Hart-
ley interviewed (via transcription)
I llle g«y who engraved the cup, with
the subsequent info that instead ' of
coating a couple of dollars, the cup
actually had a worth of approxi-
mately $25 and, rather than being a
small cup, stood 12 inches high and
was made of silver plate. And on
lop of that was the engraver's own
reaction as he worked on the cup
—that he could only think of the
boys in his own family in Nazi
prison camps. Fact ' that Hartley
didn't pull any punches must have
cued 'plenty of squirming at YMCA
hdqs.

YMCA got wind in advance of the
WOV program and demanded !t
be shown a script. Day after the
program's airing it again demanded
it be given a copy of the script, with
Hartley countering with a nix in ac-
cordance with' station policy, ..

Hartley, in turn has offered the
YMCA a 15-minule slot on the sta-
tion to tell its story, in view of or-
ganization's stand that there are
some, positive things, about the in-
ternational organization that have
been bypassed thus far. It's main-
tained that the International YMCA
does not set policy, merely carries
it out, that as an international setup
is-only employs neutrals and that
these facts have been ignored by
critics. '.'..■-. ■ \ ' "

See 'West Point'
Tinge Affecting
Radio Postwar

Return to CBS in the near future
of vice-president Larry Lo\vman
with the army rank ot colonel has
set off speculation in New York
City concerning future social and
personal amenities in
broadcasting business when all the'
"•brass" returns to civilian status
after V-J Day. Whether that's a
year or two years from now. broad-
casting is cerlixiri to be decorated as
few industries'" of such relatively
.small tolal population are with
wearers of oak leafs, chickens aiid
stars. Some of the radio colonels
were big. shots in civilian life, like
William S. Paley, but others, were
of very nominal corporation level
find pay. The usual amount of ad-
justment (and perhaps some heart-
burnings I' i.i predicted upon the re-
I turns.' ,.'.:' ' ;' .' ..,'■ '■'.'.

I "Variety" offers the following
names arbitrarily as a .sampling
only, and not as a complete list, to
illustrate the rank of many ex-radio
personages:

Brigadier General: David Sarnoff.
Colonels: William S. Paley, Larry
Lowman. Ed Kirby, Ken Dyke, Torn
Lewis, Harry Butcher (Capt. USNR).

Lieut. Colonels: Abe Schechter,
Doug Merservey, Jack Harris,
Charles Vanda, Frank Falknor, J. O.
Weaver, Joseph. Burgess, Ed Scovill.
Commander: A. B. Chamberlain.
Lieut. Commanders? Meflord R.un-
yon, Gilsou Gray, James L. Middle-
brooks.

Majors: Ed Byron, Andre Baruch, , .....
Adrian Murphy Albert Warner ; RAY NOBLE SHOW 1ST

Frank Prllegrin.

NAME HAL RORKEXHl

CASHMAN FREELANCER

ingt.on Story," which moves over to.,

3 o'clock) has been sold to La Fen- j Lt. Col. Harold B. Rorke, just out
brick Cigar' Co.. of Ohio, for its . of the Air Forces, will lake over
"Smoke Dreams" show (that was 1 post of radio director of the J.
. -the . first show the : Blue's Pete ' Waller Thompson office in Chicago,
work .series . last season. .To CBS ' Juegei* sold back it. - his '.Chi ', days') He steps into the new berth June
execs itdicbrt add up that the rival i wiill a j unl , 3 bow in skedded. - 15. as successor to. Tyler Davis. .

Blue is .also doing a switch' bit the. Before entering the service Rorke
As an indication. Procter &.:<>" "Triumph" when Columbia was j Lum <„• Abner program starting ; headed up publicity tor CBS on the
Gamble, which spent $18,000,000 last >» possession of the 'master pressing.

year for lime alone on the major

webs, is adding another cool $2,- , . _ - » «■ 1 til

000.000 or so for time and talent in , tOUnterSDV ■ MaKCS WaV

taking over the CBS early evening '
strip begin vacated by Chesterfield.
And for every. GF or other cliferit's

spot vacated, they know that the I Mail Poiich is /dropping its "C01111-
Levers, the Colgates, ' the Sterling , tcivpy" stio.w. • -heard ' Wetlti.escUiy
Dritg b^iys Biid other top spenders nights 8:30 to 9' on the Blue. Pro-
will eTe^eeiid on tricra ''lie a cyclone.

For Ike Walton Show

June 11 show going into the 8 ! Coast and was brought into the N. Y.
o'clock slot, with the present L-& A : office as asst. to Louis Ruppell,, then
8:15 segment to be Used for a news ; publicity: director,
show being developed by 'veepee 1-
Bob Kintner, . . -,, ■

Brightest spot in the. Blue. picture. ,
perhaps, is the. manner in which the
web lccovercd . from the recent

Resignation of Ed Casliman as
head of Coast radio operations for

RADIO niR FOR IWT iFoote Co " i! & Beliiii « »

nftUW I/1IV. lUIV J If 1 I firmed yesterday (29), with the an-

nouncpineui that his first freelance
assignment' will be the production of
the new Ray Noble show for Max
Factor starting June 6 in the Frank
Sinatra CBS spot,' :• V

Besides the Noble show, he . will
service eastern agencies having
Hollywood programs but no Coast
offices, and will also build shivws lor
sponsors. Cashman formerly was
with CBS for nine years before go-
ing with Lord & Thomas as producer
of the Kay Kyser show: When WT
became FC&B. l;e Was made v. p.* in
charge of radio in the- N. Y. office.
Tcxiico. through "Buchanan . &'. Co.. ';. as well its account exec on the
4. .week auditioned an' ..aud.ience- Aincrican Tobacco account. . .

Texaco Mulls Quiz

switchover 0/ the' "-Shirs of the Fu- : U

tiiro" Ford musical show to' NBC 1 participation p'l-ogram titled "Qui/.z
gram, on the network for the past : which' threatened' to- reduce ; Ford biz-; Ball," a John ..Mcblclt Productions ;
thiW years, checks off next mouth. ! on the N<rbie network to "Village package,, .'•• . ■:

»es M«ines.-Keii Lufkin. who lias | Sponsor, however, is retaining the ' Choir" I'M niins Sun., 8 p. in, v and ! Stanza was produced and di rect«f j
resigned as publicity director . tor lime tor- a lujnting.and-fishing. show. | "Early American Dance Music' 130 j by Earl e McGlll alHlleatu.es. J£>n |
KSO, Des Moines, is succeeded bv I at least until the fall, with .be for- i mins.. Sat. 8 p. ■«,. It gives the j '^d^mg ^ J^nNch.e.^ m ; s- ,

Kiiucltiai h (in Const-

Hollywood, May 29.
Dee Bngeiuach pulled in from New
York to produce "The Doctor Fights"

Dcs Moines, is succeeded by I at least until the fall, with the for- i mius., Sat. H p,
Nancy Halsor, formerly of KGLO. | mat built around a quartet of sports- I Blue an l)ovir-aii(i-t!ireer<|uai-.evs of

Mason Citv,

'{ixicii experts who -will swap slortes. Ford-bankrolled lime per week.. | vein and his orchestra.

[••This Is My Best.'

Si

so

RADIO

Wednesday. May 30, 194.

Qeve. Survey Mirrors Big Yen For
Plugs Fore V Aft, But Fibber Wins

Cleveland, May 29.

Radio audiences like their com-
mercials, either at the beginning or
end of a program, according to an
extensive survey made by the
Greater Cleveland Radio Council.

Out of 2,000 responses to an ex-
tensive questionnaire, 95.13% of the
answers indicated preference of the
commercial either at the beginning
or the end. Yet the "Fibber McGee
and Molly" series (with its clever
middle comedy commercial) topped
the list of favorite broadcasts.

Returns also showed that 93.7 %
of those responding don't want their
news broadcasts interrupted by
commercials. ' '

Speaking to members of the Coun-
cil at a meeting (2*1 John W. Hund-
ley,' CBS shortwave expert from
New York, said that although dip-
lomats set Hp machinery to prevent
war it would prove meaningless
unless the public were educated.
And he added that international
radio could play a dominant role in
informing the public .

Hundley said there were 29 short-
wave transmitters operating in the
eastern part of this country and 16
on the Coast. Significant is the fact
that 21 of these were built after
Pearl Harbor.

Off Sidelines

Boston, May 29.
Paul Roland conducted
"Marching to Victory" and
"Time for. Life" programs over
WCOP, exhorting audiences to
help win the war. ■

Now Roland will practice
some of his own preachings on
the other side of the fence
since he left last Friday (25)
for Navy training. .

Wendy Barrie-Fred Uttal
O.G. Quizzer on Trial,
•Parky' in for 'Comedy'

Old Gold's summer replacement
problem got squared away this week
when Lennen & ' Mitchell agency
spotted quizzer, "Detect and Col-
lect," with Fred Uttal and Wendy
Barrie- in the CBS Wednesday night
9:30 slot, replacing "Which Is
Which," and a comedy stanza star-
ring Parkyakarkus Sunday night
(10:30) on NBC in place of "Comedy
Theatre/'

Latter show, tabbed "Meet Me at
Parley's," will feature Opie Cates'
orch and vocalists David Street and
Betty Rhodes. Also prominent will
be several stooges with locale to be
a short-order restaurant presided
over by the Greek dialect come-
dian.

Uttal-Wendy Barvie quizzer is
touted as a new gimmick enabling
contestants to garner $25 by catch-
ing on to five clues at $5 per and
there's a "jackpot" prize as an added
attraction. "Detect." in addition to
quiz angle, also will parade contest-
ants through stunts, funny hats, etc.

"Detect" goes in June 13 with an
orch whose maestro as yet hasn't
been picked. Show will originate in
N. Y. and, if response measures up,
is thought to have a good chance to
inherit the Old Gold spot perma-
nently. "Which Is Which," from
Coast with Ken Murray emceeing,
struck a few snags during past sea-
son, reportedly because Murray's
"Blackouts" revue took up much of
his time with result he was unable
to concentrate on the airer. Then,
too, there was a blowup or two oyer
type of material handed the emcee.

Other O. G. replacement for
"Comedy Theatre," takes over June
17 from Hollywood.

SCHECHTER TO MUTUAL
CUEING SLATER EXIT?

With Abe Schechter, former NBC
chief of news and special events and
currently a Lt. Col. in the Army in
charge of- radio for General Mac
Arthur in the Pacific, reportedly
skedded for appointment as news
and special events chief for Mutual,
Tom Slater, MBS special events
chief now, will probably soon leave
his post.

'Schechter is due back in this
country from .the Philippines in
June, and is expected .to be dis-

. charged from the Army shortly
afterward. John Whitmore, news
Separtment head for Mutual, is ex-
pected to continue under the new

. setup.

GLEN SAMPLE OUT OF NAVY

Chicago, May 29.
Glen Sample, partner of the
Dancer. Fitzgerald, Sample agency,
has been discharged from ..the navy,
in which he has held the rank of
commander and returned to his
desk at the local offices of the com-
pany.

Sample. has been in the navy for
three years, most of which was spent
in the Pacific theatre.

NBC's 'Modern Farmer' Set
For Rabbit Safari; Sez
Frank Mullen Fired Him

Men Emmert, the "Modern Farm-
er" on WEAF-NBC, N. Y„ failed to
show up for his 6 to 7 a.m. chore last
Thursday (24), and efforts to get in
touch with him failed, so Ray Bar-
rett, announcer for the program,
took over that day. and also the next
morning when former failed to show
up again. Barrett continues until
outlet can find another "Modern
Farmer."

Friday afternoon (25), Enjmert
held a press conference at the New
Yorker hotel during which he told
reporters that Frank Mullen, NBC
v.p. and g.m., had fired him, and that
he was "going back to Kansas to
shoot jack rabbits." .

Clarence Menser, the web's pro-
grams v.p., last Friday afternoon is-
sued a statement saying that. Emmert
was not "dismissed or asked to re-
sign, but his failure to reply to tele-
grams or answer queries closes the
matter, as far as I'm concerned."

This season, it will be recalled,
WEAF expanded its farm program
from a half -hour to a full hour each
morning, with Emmert at the helm.
There had been no indication that
the latter was dissatisfied, according
to Menser, until his calling of a*
'press conference" last week. Em-
mert had handled the chore for two
years, having been brought in by
Menser at that lime from the mid-
west.

We Deserved It, Sez
NAB's Ryan to Press

Washington, May 29.

NAB proxy J. Harold Ryan copped
a bow for broadcasting Sunday (27)
in a wire to newspapers in which he
thanked them for their tribute to
radio's V-E Day work. .

"We of the broadcasting industry
wish to express our appreciation to
the newspapers of America," he
said, "for the manner in which they
recognized our performance in the
public interest on V-E Day.

"Truly our facilities and our abil-
ity as broadcasters were faxed to
the utmost on this momentous oc-
casion. Three events of the past
year have called upon our every
resource in the proper discharge of
our public trust. These three events
were D-Day, the loss of Franklin
Delano Roosevelt and V-E Day. .'

"A free radio in its 25th year de-
sires to renew with a free press the
resolution to preserve uncensored
and unimpeded the channels of
communication which are the herit-
age of a f ree people."

LARRY HAMMOND'S
BLUE PROD. BERTH

Laurence Hammond, radio writer,
producer and chief of the radio, tele-
vision and pix departments for the
Committee for Economic Develop-
ment, is joining the Blue production
staff. '. . ••'

Hammond is slated by the Blue to
produce and, the web hopes, hypo
some of its top public service pro-
grams. As a starter, he'll work with
"Town Meeting of the Air" modera-
tor George V. Denny, Jr., produc-
ing that forum which, though com-
mercial now, is still looked upon by
the net as a public service.

Hammond worked with various
government agencies, including War
Manpower Commission and OWI, be-
fore joining the CED. He just got
through wrapping . up six package
shows for CED, tabbed "Creating
New Jobs." which will be aired be-
ginning August 11 in an effort to cre-
ate more jobs in the U. S. A. Les
Haf ner. formerly with OWI and be-
fore that a reporter for War Dept.,
is filling Hammond's slot at CED.

Where's FCC In
Truman Shakeup?

Washington, May 29.

FCC could be merged into another
department or agency under the re-
organization powers for which Pres-
ident Truman is asking Congress.
There is no indication, of course,
whether Truman has any idea of
doing away with its independent
status, and there are only a limited
number of places the Commission
could be put.

Most likely would be in the De-
partment of Commerce, since FCC
regulates not only commercial radio
but also the telephone and telegraph
companies. State Department might
also have a yen for a piece, because
of DX commercial broadcasting,
wireless telephone and the interna-
tional cable companies. Outside of
that, it seems difficult to figure
where FCC could be put, -

Meantime. Congress is pretty sus-
picious of the whole idea. Senators
and Representatives have various
pet agencies which they would like
to protect from any loss of identity.

Bill just introduced in the House
by Rep. Carter Manasco Ala.)
would give Truman pretty much
fc'hat he asks, but would reserve the
right to veto, by a simple majority
of either House of Congress.
Although Manasco put in what is
generally recofnized as the adminis-
tration bill, the veto provision
strongly reflects the fear of Congress
that some favored agencies might be
wiped out. These independent agen-
cies were created by Congress and
were exempt from Presidential tam-
pering even under the war powers
given the President.

Nielson Vice Hurleigh

Chicago, May 29.
Robert Hurleigh, former midwest
bead of Press Association.. Inc., and
for the past year and a half news
analyst On WBBM. has resigned ef
fective at once and been succeeded
by Paul Nielson. Latter was last
heard on the air as commentator on
the "Ford Hour" last August; as suc-
cessor to Earl Godwin, and has been
travelling the past few months in
South Africa. • ! ■ • '

Hurleigh is signing with WGN for
a. series of newcasts Mori. -Sat.; 5-5: 15
p. m., starting June 4 and a 10-10: 15
p. iri. ' Saturday broadcast for the
Salerno-McGown Co. starting June
9. He. will continue his weekly 7:30-
7:45 p. m. newscasts over WIND as

CLIPP, WFIL, ELECTED
PREZ OF POOR RICHARD

Philadelphia, May 29.

Roger W. Clipp, WFIL prexy, has
been elected president of the Poor
Richard Club, one of the oldest ad-
vertising clubs in the U. S.— first
radio man ever to be so honored.

Clipp served as vice-president last
year. Club was founded in 1906 and
membership is made up of men who
create, buy or sell advertising.

Other officers chosen were: Ben-
jamin F. James, 1st v.p.; Harry L
Hawkins, 2nd v.p.: V. Winfield
Chalenger, sec, and James J. D.
Spillan, treas.; board of directors:
Benjamin Rush, Jr., Fred A. Healy,
Peter L. Schauble, and Meriil
Stroble. O'PP succeeds Graham
Patterson, publisher of the Farm
Journal.

ing. now overseas, until Fielding re-
turns. .;.

Boston. — Helen Larson, former
WBZ traffic mgr.. has joined WCOP
to handle continuity.

Radio Praised, Films Blasted By
Philly ParocbiahSchools Officii

$29.33 a Line!

One actor on a Mutual show
recently walked out at rehearsal,
• when on seeing the script, h«
found he had only three lines
to read. .

Others in cast tried to talk
the guy out of walking off, but
he was determined despite fact
that he would have -received
$88 for the brief job.

Two Days of Radio At
Syracuse U. Institute,
Four Consultants Named

Syracuse, May 22.

The U. of Syracuse, which will
conduct a New York State Institute
of. Community Service here July
2-14, has skedded special sessions on'
radio's role in community affairs.
Chairman for the radio section is
Michael R. Hanna, g.m. of WHCU,
Ithaca, who is NAB's District 2
public relations chairman.

Present plans for the radio end of
the confab call for a two-day series
of meetings and informaldiscussions.
Consultants scheduled for this sec-
tion are Morris Novik, of WNYC;
George Rosen, radio editor of. "Va-
riety"; Elliott- Stewart, of WIBX;
and Curly Vadeboncoeur, of WSYR.

BROWN OFF WRIGLEY
SHOWS TO FREELANCE

Chicago, May 29.
Bobby Brown, producer of two
Wrigley shows, "The First Line," and
"Service to the Front," aired over
CBS from here, has resigned effect-
ive immediately. Brown, who has
been successively program manager
and producer for WBBM-CBS for
the past 16 years, plans to move to
Hollywood in the fall to freelance.
Ted Robertson, longtime assistant to
Brown, will take over the two shows
for the time being. In the meantime,
Arthur Meyerhoff. of the Meyerhoff
agency, is readying a five-a-wcek
strip on the old "Seattergood Baines"
series that will replace the Tuesday
night "Service to the Fronf' show in
the fall.

Decision on whether Les Weinrott,
currently Writing-producing "Amer-
ica in the Air," or Robertson will
produce the strip will be decided
upon in the near future.

P. K. Wrigley, who's been casting
about for new program ideas, has
been literally snowed under with
ideas for replacements for the other
two war theme shows with no deci-
sions as yet to what type shows he
will ultimately decide on. It's any-
body's guess as to what he will pick
with the final decision dependent
upon Wrigley's stamina in talking to
writers and producers, each one, of
course, thinking he has the one' idea
that will appeal to the chewing gum
magnate.

Kirby Hawkes B&B Exit
Following Portia Squabble

Kirby Hawkes. head of dagtime
radio for Benton & Bowles, arid di-
rector of the soapera, "Portia Faces
Life." quit yesterday (29) following
a. squabble with scripter Mona Kent.

Leslie Harris, director of "Pru-
dential Family Hour" and "Glamor
Manor" for B&B, takes over the
piloting chores on "Portia" until

ubstitute for Capt. Michael Fields ^ altel . Crai ^ radio ^

find a replacement for Hawkes.

Memphis.— M. J. Vosse, Jr., former
retail store ad manager for local
Sears Roebuck, has joined WMPS as
publicity and promotion director.

i Panel Rules in Favor
Of Ed Allen vs. Vic Brown

Chicago, May 29,
Contractual dispute between Vic
Brown, agent, and Edward 'Allen,
NBC announcer, came to a head last
week when the case was heard be-
fore an arbitration panel of three,
headed by David P. O'Malley, and
decided in favor of Allen. Main
point of- discussion was whether or
not a verbal agreement existed be-
tween Brown and Allen on the mat-
ter of commissions after a contract
release had been given to Allen;-

Testimony showed (hat Brown had
Allen under an exclusive agency
contract from Jan, 20, -1944. until
Jan. 20. 1945. and on Oct. 27, 1944,
gave him a release which legally
absolved Allen from all obligations.
Brown claimed that Allen agreed to
'continue paying' commissions despite,
the release and did so for nine
weeks after the release was issued
and then stopped. Allen denied such
an agreement was made but contin-
ued to pay until the return of ..Ray
Jones, local AFRA exec secy,' from
New York to settle the matter. Be-
cause of the legal aspects of the case
Jones suggested that it be heard be-
fore the American Arbitration Ass'n.
with the result that the panel de-
cided the release had relieved Allen
of all obligations thereunder.

„• u . Philadelphia, May »
High praise for radio's cooperatL
in present-day education wai 2
by Philly school officials at the 2-
annual confab , of the PhihdelZ
Chapter of the Assn. for E £
by Radio held at the Franklin n
stitute on Thursday (241. In "
Kudo for radio was in contrast in
the slap given the film industry b»
one of the speakers, who declared
that Hollywood had missed the boat
when It came to making a contribu
tlon toward educating the public
mind.

Speakers included reps from pub.
lie, private and parochial schools, as
well as execs of the major networks

Dr. Edwin -W. Adams, associate siu
perintendent of' the Philadelphia
public schools, disclosed that the
Philly school system was- making
plans now to equip each classroom,
with high-grade receivers as well as
television reception for each school.
All teachers will be trained to util-
ize radio to its utmost as a teaching
medium.

He said that one of the drawbacks
of radio programming, as far as
schools were concerned, was the fact
that most big shows were on at such'
an hour which made it impossible
for school children to listen in the
schoolroom, Where they could be in-
terpreted by the teacher. The schools
hope to be able to . record these
shows and have them played back
over the p.a. systems during the
school hours, he said,

"The radio will be more effective
than the text book in the school of
tomorrow," Dr. Adams said.

Paul Mowrey, manager of the tele-
vision division of the Blue network,
pointed out the possibilities of video,
in teaching history, current events,
science, etc.

Subjects, such as the making ot
synthetic rubber, for example, could
be graphically taught by a telecast
right from a plant making the prod'
uct, he said.

"History In the making, .for in-
tance, the swearing in of a President,
could be brought right into the class-
room," he said. He also suggested
that physical training could be bet-
ter taught by having telecasts made
by sportiug figures which would add
"glamour" to the subject for the stu-
dent.

Criticizes Films

The blast against'the film industry
came from Rev. Joseph A. Gorham,
S.T.L., assistant superintendent of
parochial schools in Philly.

"The movies haven't done the job
they could do with education." said
Father Gorham. "Radio has done a
much superior job.

"Radio has striven to keep up mo-
ral standards." he said. "No man
need fear his child will be harmed
morally by listening to the radio,
whereas there are many pictures of
doubtful tastes being released in Hol-
lywood today."

He urged that, radio continue its
"great service" to the nation by
keeping up its moral standards.

Gordon Hawkins, program and
educational director of Westinghouse
Stations, Inc., defended radio from
its critics, stating that radio gives the
public "just what it asks for."

"Education by radio means more
than that given within school walls,
he declared. "It brings education to
parents who never had a chance .»
go to school. Radio education is the
greatest force to help rebuild a shat-
tered world." ■''•

Leon Levine. assistant direc-
tor of the division or education for
the Columbia Broadcasting System,
acted as moderator.

At an evening session. Lt. C°»
Harold W. Kent, liaison officer Of the
U. S. Army and the U. S. Office of
Education, and ex-president of the
National AER. said that radio, educa-
tion and the community must be
"partners in progress" for -the w*
ture. He said that Philadelphia ra-
dio- stations were the "leading expo-
nents in this partnership."

"The walls of Jericho which di-
vided commercial radio from
schools have tumbled down," he said.

Other speakers at the confab were
Alexander Griffin. WIP-Mutual com-
mentator; Katherine Clark. WCAU,
Mary Van Doren, WIP: Col. Bill Gal-
toner, KYW. and "Skipper" Dawes,
WFIL Ruth Weir Miller is P« s1 '
dent of the Phillv AER.:

Worcester— WTAG has expanded
its news department With addition oi
Reuter's, British newsservice. Serv-
ice supplements AP wire and W« r "
cester Telegram and Gazette local
service.

Wednesday, May 30, 1945

•C

RADIO

si

CCNY INST. LEAVES TRADE COLD

Directors Guild, Web Negotiations
Collapse; Sit-ins, Salary Grief Snags

Negotiations between the Radio*
Directors Guild and NBC, CBS and
the Blue, in progress for nearly six
months, have virtually blown up,
with the Guild branding as "ridicu-
lous" counter-proposals made by the
webs. Crux of the current snag is
the salary clauses for directors and
gssociate directors as well as NBC
and the Blue's demands on sit-ins. ,

Meanwhile pending the stalemate
the Guild has an election coming up
next Monday (4), with Jerry Devine
stepping down as president, having
already served two terms. However,
he'll continue on the negotiating
committee. Nominees for the prexy
8 re William N. Robson and Ed
Byron. In addition a vice-president,
secretary and treasurer are to be
chosen. . i V

The Guild has turned thumbs
down on the NBC and Blue in-
sistence that all full-fleged directors
be available for sit-ins but the blow-
off came when' the webs put forth
their salary rebuttals.

Whereas the Guild wants a $150
minimum for directors and $75 for
associate directors, the three nets
have countered with a $75 minimum-
for directors and $47.50 for asso-
ciates, with the. Guild contending
that, on the basis of the importance
of a director in the overall scheming
of a production, it makes for an en-
tirely unbalanced setup. -As far as
the Guild is concerned, there's a
principle of prestige involved, of
having directors treated as creative
employees and "not just employees,
as. the webs would like to label
them," in the words of one of the
Guild spokesmen.

fords atWar
Still Wordy War

'With "Words at War," NBC's
sock sustainer, still skedded for the
scrap heap as of next Tuesday (5),
V-Day in the battle raging about

\ that show is still far off.

Meanwhile, however, while verbal
mortars pop in mid-air, an advertis-
ing agency has blandly approached

. Archibald G. Ogden, executive di-
rector of the Council on, Books in
Wartime, with the info that a spon-
sor is interested in bankrolling the
•how. The program had a sponsor
once during its two-year career,
when Johnson Wax used it as a sum-
mer replacement a year ago.

Whether the Council, .which has
backed the- show with its prestige
since the beginning, can use the
title, is still a moot question. NBC
thinks it owns the title. Eric Bar-
nouw, now heading up educational
radio for the Army, contends that he
thought up the idea of the show
(.Continued on page 34) •

Kiss the Boys Goodbye

J. Walter Thompson agency
last night tTues.) did a Bwitch
oh the customary trade practice
of tossing a cocktail party when
a web or agency inherits a new
show or account, the agency
boys tossing a shindig at the
Barberry Room, N. Y., for the
. Fred Waring outfit.

JWT loses the .Waring-Owens-
• Illinois Blue network show, with
Waring moving over to NBC for
a morning sustainer.

Paley's Future
Status Cues CBS
Rumor Exchange

Speculation is again rife within
the industry as to the manner in
which Col. William S. Paley will fit
into the CBS operation upon his re-
turn to civilian status, or whether he
will remain overseas as one of the
Government^ key figures in the
communications setup. On the basis
of his wartime contribution, Paley
would be a "natural" as the U. S.
Government's European kingpin, but
whether or not the .CBS prexy-on-
leave would want to tackle the post-
war job is problematical.

Meanwhile, there are reports (hat,
should Paley return to the CBS fold,
lie would come back in a newly-
created post as chairman of the
board, with the rumor also having it
that Paul Kesten, exec veepee, would
step into the presidency of the net-
work and Frank Stanton take over
as general manager.

Meanwhile there's plenty of spec-
ulation within the trade as to how
the CBS postwar personnel opera-
tion will shape up, it all being predi-
cated, of course, on whether or not
Paley returns to the fold. Paley
isn't due in this country until Sep-
tember and'CBSers say nothing will
happen without his presence, if even
then.

SET T. DORSEY IN FOR
BRACKEN PREMLEN

With Eddie Bracken bowing out of
his Sunday night NBC slot for Stand-
ard Brands J. Walter Thompson

* agency is inserting Tommy Dorsey
into the breach next Sunday <3) un-
til Fred Allen moves in for the fall
season. This means a Sunday
doubling stint for Dorsey, JWT hav-
ing him in as emcee on the RCA
Sabbath afternoon NBCer.

Bracken was offered the opportu-
nity to stay on for SB until Allen
arrived, but said nix. His contract
ran until the end of July but he's
anxious to get started on his GI
entertainment trek, hence the early
exit.

Bracken and Mann Holirier" have

• had three nibbles to start talking
coin for a fall network proposish.

Chandler's GI Ball riatter '

Washington, May 29.'
Senator A. B. "Happy" Chandler,
"ew commissioner of baseball, cut
transcriptions ' at WOL Saturday
(26), explaining baseball plans. The
Platters will be shipped overseas to
R've the CPs a fill-in on what is
ahead in baseball.

WOR's 150G For
3 New Studios

Marking the first large-scale in-
dustry construction in New York
since Pearl Harbor, WOR has been
given a War Production Board prior-
ity green light for erection of three
new studios to be built on the ground
floor ] of the station's hdqs., 1440
Broadway. Construction work starts
immediately.

Project will entail an expenditure
of $150,000 and, on the basis of blue-
printed plans, the new studios will be
a tipoff on postwar studio construc-
tion. Each studio will be 25x40 feet.

Although a WOR undertaking, Mu-
tual network gets top priority on use
of new studios in keeping with sta-
tion-network relationship and cor-
relation" of; activity.

New studios will also ease long-
time housing shortage on both net-
work and WOR-origination pro-
grams.

Zero Mostel Signs For
CBS Monday, Hiatus Spot

Ooal, is. p'ractically set for Zero
iViosrel to ''take over the K.iO-9 Mon-
day night slot on CBS being vacated
for the summer by Swan Soap ( Joan
Davis moves into the slot in the
fall).

Show, being developed as one of
the net's summertime stistainers, is
skedded to move in on July 2 until
Aug. 20.

SEEN REASONS

The first annual Radio ahd Busi-
ness Institute of the City College
of New York noiselessly and with
a minimum of fanfare got itself
transcribed into the CCNY records
last week without creating so much
as a ripple within the industry. And,
as a result, the broadcasting-agency
reps who long before .the two-day
meet clung to the belief that the
whole thing should have been called
off at least for this ' year are now,
after adding up the score, doing an
"I told you so." Preponderance of
opinion appears to be that, though
well intentioned, the Conference
wasn't worth the time, nothing of a
constructive nature was accom-
plished and that the attendance at
some of the meetings reflected the
casual interest displayed. In support
of the latter argument, some who
sat in on one meeting pointed to the
fact it was preponderantly a student
audience.

While broadcasters and agency
people have long felt the need for
such an Institute in the east, it's
known that some of the key pro-
ponents were biased from the start.
Latter felt that such an Institute
merited bigtime auspices, and that
even had the CCNY confab been
productive of more meritorious find-
ings, it CQtild carry little weight.

Efforts were originally made to
call off the Conference on the
grounds that it came on the heels
of unprecedented industry activity
(President Roosevelt's death, V-E
Day, San Francisco Conference, etc.)
and as . a result there was only a
modicum of interest. Also, it got
behind the agency eight-ball some
time ago when a mailed question-
naire from CCNY suggested that the
Conference might spark; some sensi-
tive discussion that agency people
preferred to have remain undis-
turbed. But primarily it's felt the
picture wasn't covered in all its
phases; all the business facets of the
industry weren't represented and
the guys who mattered were con-
spicuous by their absence.

'Schools Out Of
AJB. for Godfrey?

CBS is currently working out a for-
mula whereby Arthur Godfrey will
continue his morning 9:15-9:45 cross-
the-board network show on a per-
manent Basis. However, it entails a
switch in the long-establish "Colum-
bia School of the Air," which has
been fixture in the morning slot,
with Godfrey originally set to oc-
cupy the time for the hiatus period
only.

Plan is to spot "School of the Air"
in the 3:30-4 afternoon segment.
Contention of the network is that
the necessity of a repeat on "School"
has presented a problem in spotting
top people on the show since it tied
them up for practically the entire
day. Thus with a single afternoon
airing eliminating need for a repeat
it's felt that the obstacle can be re-
moved.

If Godfrey stays as a permanent
network fixture, CBS feels it will
have little difficulty in selling him,
probably on a co-op basis. Efforts to
line: up summertime sponsorship,
it's reported, '.met: with little success'
because of the high price tag. •'.. • .

Set Up Radio Course
JFor Hospitalized Vets

Philadelphia, May 29.
The Assn. of Women Directors of
Philadelphia, Philly branch of the
femme division of NAB, are getting
set to teach radio to wounded and
battle-shocked vets of this war now
at the Army's Valley Forge lite-
pita''.":'" '

Initial steps in setting up a course
were taken at a meeting with re-
habilitation officers of the hospital
last week. The gals will each take
turns in teaching radio writing, pro-
ducing, acting, announcing, etc.

Chairman of the Philly group is
Rhona Lloyd, of WCAU. .

Prohibition Rears Ugly Head in Texas
Threat Vs. KRLD Time Sale Nix;
Supreme Ct May Get CBS Test Case

'Little Sir Echo'

Philadelphia, May 29.
Bob Knox, WIBG platter jock-
ey, recently developed^ "double" V
voice on hi.s_show as a gag. He
called his other voice "Sammy."

Now "Sammy" gets more fan
-mail than Knox.

Pacific Borax In
CBS Scram Sends
'Sheriff' to Blue

Pacific Borax Co. and CBS are
parting company after an associa-
tion dating back to July, 1941, with
the sponsor taking .his Thursday
night "Death Valley Sheriff" over to
the Blue. Borax program scrams
CBS, June 21, with the Blue starting
date still to be set. It appears a toss-
up whether ' Death Valley" or Alan
Young, latter currently heard Tups-
days, goes info the Friday night 9:30
segment.

Meanwhile CBS is going through
its option list to determine which,
show, follows "Death Valley" in the
Thursday night slot with the move,
in turn, cueing a realignment of net-
work shows. "Valley" has lately been
garnering an 11-12 Hooperating and,
along withjtoma Wine's "Suspense"
program to round out the 8 to 9
Thursday night programing, has been
giving NBC's rival brace of shows,
Frank Morgan and Dinah Shore,
some stiff opposish in audience pull.
However. CBS wants to build up its
Thursday night structure and whej)
Borax's contract came up for re-
signaturing, the network turned
thumbs down to a full 52-week re-
newal unless it did something to
bolster the halt-hour segment. Net-
work says it ain't* the client or the
product, only the show. Borax said
no dice and called it quits. Several
months back the client revamped the
format and upped the budget at
web's behest, but apparently to no
avail as witness the segue to the
Blue.

♦ .• Dallas, May 29.

A petition has been filed with the
FCC asking that an app)ication_ot_
KRLD (CBS affiliate) for renewal
of license be turned down because
the station allegedly has refused: to
sell broadcast time to advocates of
prohibition.

The Rev. Sam Morris of San An-
tonio and Henry M. Johnson of
Louisville, Kentucky, attorney and
president of the Kentucky Sunday
School Association, were chosen as
representatives of the National
Temperance and , Prohibition Council
to determine if a station which car-
ries beer and wine advertisements
has a legal right to refuse to sell
time to persons advocating absti-
nence from the drinking of alcohol
beverages. Duo filed the petition.

Although the petition is directed
at KRLD here, which is owned by
the Dallas Times Herald, it is also a
test case against the Columbia
Broadcasting System and affiliated
stations, "and will, if necessary, be
carried to the Supreme court," ac-
cording to petitioners.

The petition further declares that
although the station carries advertis-
ments for alcohol beVerages it has
refused to sell time to persons ad-
vocating abstinence from such bev-
erages. This, it was pointed out, is
a violation of an FCC<» ruling that
stations must grant time to spokes-
men for both sides of important pub-
lic questions.

Milt Gross' Top' Cartoon
Spotted After Corwin As
CBS Sunday Sustainer

With Norman Corwin taking over
the first half of the 7 to 8 Sunday
night Kate Smith-General Foods
hour on CBS, the network is putting
a newly-built sustainer into the sec-
ond-half slot. . ; , ,

Show, to. be headed up by Hugh
Herbert,, will be an adaptation of the
Milt Gross "That's My Pop" comic
strip. June 17 is set as the bow-in
dale.

Rev. Morris on WHAS

Louisville, May 29.
Rev. Sam Morris, evangelist and
dry crusader, who has aired at an
early period each morning over
WHAS for years* has asked the
FCC to revoke the license of KRLD,
Dallas, because that station refused
to sell broadcast time to advocates
of prohibition. Henry M. Johnson,
i. Continued on page 34)

'GANG BUSTERS' RETURN
FOR WATERMAN PENS

The Philips Lord-produced "Gang
Busters." off the air since the first of
the year lit Was last spsonsoied by
Sloan's Liniment), is returning to
radio- under the Waterman Pen ban-
ner. Sponsor .is sHli dickering for
network, space," however, with decish,
of course, resting on best lime made
available.

Charles Dallas Reach agency. Jer-
sey City, is the agency on (lie Water-
man account. ,.'"';■.'

PRELATES HOLD RADIO MEET

Hollywood, May 29.

Gler^ymeri representing church
federations throughout the country
arc in conference here this week to
study the details of radio operation.

Meetings are held in cooperation
with major networks with the idea
of improving religious broadcasting.

WHN-BostonLink
Midget Net Cue

Junior networks are in (he making
involving a number of key cities
around the country.

Radio station reps are said to be
interested in tying together two to
four indies for various types of pro-
gramming where regional coverage
is most desirable. In one instance,
a prominent station rep is eyeing
the possible tiein of a N. Y. indie
with several others along the east-
ern seaboard for shows of high pres-
tige value that emanate from the big
town. •_ ..-„••. ... 1 ■

An example of a junior web is the
tie that exists now between WHN,
N. Y., and WHDH, Boston. The
latter station is a Blue outlet, but
goes off the web June 15 when
WCOP takes over.

Commentator Bob Howard, who is
a sustainer on WHN, is sponsored on
the Boston station. Johannes Steel
is sponsored on both WHN and
WHDH. (See page 1.). Geo. H.
Combs, now on WHN alone, is being
sold also to the, Boston outlet. And
there was a . report last week that
WIIN's "Author Meets Critic" show
may also be sold to the Boston out-
let when the latter goes off the Bli'c

Revamping 'Casey' For
CBS Monday P.M. Spot

As part of the CBS summertime
sustainer programming setup, the
network produced show, "Casey, the
Photographer," is being moved into
the choice 9:30-10 Monday night slot,
occupying the last-half of the "Lux
Radio Theatre" hiatus time.

Program, however, will be ex-
panded, with a "name" star taking
over the lead role and a switch in
title pending. '..',/ 1

John Dietz will continue us prr -
diicer of the show.

32

RADIO REVIEWS

Wednesday, May 30, 1945-

Arnold Hartley's Hard-Hitting 'Memo'
On WOV Warns Vs. Soft Peace Terms

By GEORGE ROSEN

Credit the Bulova-owned New
York indie station. WOV, with one
of the real, hard-hitting programs of
the post V-E era, a program that
pulled no punches in scoring an in-
dictment against the "gullible Ameri-
can who is being played for a sucker
by those who favor a forgivc-and :
forgot attitude in dealing with the
defeated Germans. Credit, too. Ar-
nold Hartley, the station's program-
ming director, for turning out a
script that was notable not only for
clear, concise, meaningful, writing,
but that said things that needed say-
ing and cautioned that if we accept
the new, thinly-disguised propa-
ganda line: in effect that the Ger-
mans and Americans are playing a
game of "friendly enemies'' and that
the European continent was only the
"sadistic playground of a few . per-
verted' Nazis," then we're not enter-
ing the peace but the prelude to
World War III.

For 35 minutes last Wednesday
night (23) Hartley's "Memorandum
to America" hit hard; it hit at the
coddling of Nazi prisoners of war In
American camps; it lashed out at the
International YMCA for its award
of an engraved loving cup to a Ger-
man soccer team in a POW Camp
and piled up damaging evidence

"MEMORANDUM TO AMERICA"

(Special Documentary)

With Paul Potter, Paul Mann, Ar-
thur Sayk, Capt. Fierlinger. Thijs
Van Klaveren, William Mandril,
Hans Jacob, Nat Hale, Leo N. Press

Writer-Director: Arnold Hartley

35 Mins.; Wed. (23); 10 p.m.

Sustaining

WOV, N. Y.

against the organization as Hartley
Interviewed via transcription the
engraver of the cup to refute the
YMCA's claim, that it -was. a mean-
ingless, worthless trophy in terms of
dollars and cents: it lashed out at
the "soft Bed and the hand shake."
the "champagne and the. custard" to
which Nazi leaders in the post-sur-
render period responded like "newly-
born cinema stars." It pleaded that
the Allies stand together to punish
the criminals, warned in the words
of Joseph Pulitzer of the St. Louis
Post-Dispatch that unless we ex-
terminate from one to two million
Nazis it will have been all in vain,
and as a "time for remembering'
brought on a group of speakers rep-
. resenting the countries long under !
the Nazi yoke to once more recount
for "the great American sucker" the
extermination factories, the raping,
the murdering and the horrors that
were endured.

From a production standpoint
"Memorandum" gained nothing. It
cried out for direction. It was a far
cry from programming, as it's known
by network standards, for obviously
the indie station operates on a lim-
ited budget. But the programming
defects were unimportant, the mes-
sage in itself too all-engrossing and
conscience-stirring to be weakened
. by lack of dramatization or mitigated
by musical embellishments. The
words that drove home the memo-
randum had something to say. some-
thing miehty important at this time,
and .it did it well.

"FIVE AFTER THE HOUR BY LES
WEINROTT"

With Charles Irvine, Sherman Marks,
Arnold Robertson, Norman Gott-
schalk, Forrest Lewis, Tony Wem-
rott. Herb Butterfield, Nanette
Sargent, Eloise Kummer

Writer-Director: Les Welnrott

25 Mins.; Wednesdays, 11:05 p.m.

Sustaining

WBBM-CBS, Chicago

In turning over this late mid-week
spot to Les Weirirott, one . of Chi-
cago's fee prodtfceivwriter-directors,
WBBMT CBS' midwest key station,
not only hopes- to improve the qual-
ity of" its late evening dramatic
shows but to discover new acting
talent by using the series as a prov-
ing ground for the air thespians of
tomorrow. -'Weinrott has been given
a free hand in producing the new
program with no restrictions placed
on subject matter or technique Tor
the broadcasts. With his known tal-
ent for writing and producing the
unusual.' listeners can look forward
to something new in radio origina-
tions. -

Launching the new series was
"The Man Without: a Face." a fan-
tasy concerning one of Hitler's dou-
bles, a timely and interesting sub-
ject. Story told of how a mild and
humble baker in Munich (Charles
Irving ) with no thoughts of hate,
greed or power, was called upon by
the powers of the Reich to submit to
an operation which made him a Hit-
ler double. In taking der Fuehrer's
place at different affairs and tasting
the respect, honor and glory given
to him, he is transformed from the
quiet baker to one who loves the
power his ...so-called position gave
him. Then he is sacrificed for the
cause by being chosen to die during
the fall of Berlin while the real Hit-
ler escapes by plane. v

Weinrott chose his subject from
the headlines and did a solid piece
of writing, weaving in the many in-
cidents necessary to tell the story
with a skillful directorial sense. Act-
ing for the most was of top-notch
form and an original musical score
by Frank Smith, rendered by a 27-
piece orchestra under Caesar Pe-
trillo's baton, was outstanding.

Morg.

"PARADE OF SONGS ' ■ -
With Stanley St. John and the Good-
veal- Orchestra, Gordon Sinclair,
Alexandra Belugin, Michael Fiti-
gerald, Jack Fuller, the Goodyear
Sinpers— -William Morton, Jack
Reid, John Harcourt, Ernest Berry
Producer: Don Bassett
30 Mins.; Tues. (May 22); 8 p.m.
GOODYEAR TIRES .
CJBC-CBC Dominion' Network, To-
ronto

(J, J. Gibbor»s Aoency)
New musical cavalcade, most
elaborate to-date of the Canadian
summer shows, has nothing novel in
format but registers emphatically on
superior talent and production, with-
no apparent stinting on the budget.
For his augmented orchestra. Stan-
lev St. John has taken the top in-
strumentalists of other radio bands
as these hit the summer layoff and
has welded them into a fine- group
of 28 men. A standout was their
rousing medley of regimental
marches,pf famous Canadian units.

Soloist is Alexandra Belugin, win-
ner of the recent $1,000 "Singing
Stars of Tomorrow" trans-Canada
ether contest sponsored for several
weeks by York Knitting Mills. Essen-
tially a concert singer (with prize
money earmarked for the further-
ance of such studies in the fall),
soprano sluck to the classics and was
in excellent voice. Male quartet
also registers handily,

Only non-musical spot is a four-
minute dramatic narration by Gor-
don Sinclair, current episode dealing
with the torture and killing by Japs
of Albert King, a Goodyear sales-
man in the Pacific, whose wife and
child, however, escaped and were
cared for by natives until rescued:
Heart-tugging narrative saw Sin-
clair, globe-trotting reporter, in top
form. Michael Fitzgerald is a pleas-
ant-sounding m.c. with lots of con-
fidence; Jack Fuller, one of the ace
announcers in Canadian radio,
pointed out in his Goodyear copy
that it will still be some time before
tires are available to the average
civilian motorist, exhorted continued
rubber conservation.

Series tee-off was in rehearsal for
four weeks before hitting the air,
band alone putting in 16 solid hours.
This meticulous preparation key-
noted the production's success.

; •-. McSlay.

"YOUR RADIO REPORTER" .
With Bob Sherry, William F. Brooks,

John Vandercook. Arthur Gary
Producer: Garnet Garrison
Writer: George Wolf
15 Mins.; Sat., 5:45 p.m.
Sustaining
WEAF-NBC, N. Y.

This show is used by NBC to give
listeners highlights of the web's pro-
gram schedule and personalities, via
interviews with persons who appear
or are connected with these .'stanzas.

Program heard on Sat.. Mav 19.
dealt with the news setup of the
network, and featured events chief

"COFFEE WITH CONGRESS"
With Bill Herson, emcee, guests
45 Mins.; Sat., 8:15 a.m.%
Sustaining '
WRC, Washington

This is the first really different
program with a Capitol Hill flavor
to come out of Washington. Program.'
completely ad lib, except for a brief
advance discussion between Herson
and the senator or representative be-
ing interviewed, comes straight from
the breakfast table of the guest of
the day. As a result, a great deal
of variety is oossible, since families
participate. • Women and children
angles develop as well as ideas of
the solons. "

Show got off to a good start with
Senator Kenneth ., McKellar ID..
Tenn.), president of the Senate, who
spoke from his breakfast table in
his room at the Mayflower hotel.
Best oart was his answer to "How
do vou get your recreation?" The
76-year-old splon admitted he spent
every Sal. afternoon at* a suburban
picture house specializing in west-
erns and serials for children.

Senator Theodore "The Man" Bilbo
(D.. Miss.) was on the second week
cooking breakfast himself for the
WRC people at his house. He ere
ated a mild furore by announcing
he was —looking for .a woman" —
meaning a maid. A local sheet picked
up the story and made a feature of
it. against a background of Bilbo's
marital experiences. This type of
publicity has gotten the program off
to a good start. Following Satur-
day. WRC took its mike to Baltimore
to interview Rep. Thomas D Alesan-
dro. Jr. CD.. Md.). who also hit the
oublicitv kitty for WRC by disclos-
ing he was a candidate for the next

Bill Brooks, commentator John Van

dercook and m.c. Bob Sherry. Brooks i mayor of" Baltimore^ His wife and

told the audience what it may expect
in the way of now-it-caii-be-told
stories dealing with the events in
Europe, while Vandercook explained
what the war means to Americans
and Europeans, each with different
outlooks on the same problem.

six children participated,, latter as a
family fife and drum corps.

Only break-in on the show is a
five-minute news spot at. 8:30. Last
Saturday Senator Leverett Salton-
stall iR., Mass.) had his daughter
present. A WAVE, she came direct-
Sherry, who brought out the above ly from hi»ht duty at the barracks
lints in interviews with these men. | to be on the air.- :

pon

then followed through . with straight
inside info on stanzas which are aired
over NBC, and also listed seven a.)
summer replacement shows for ihc
web's more popular aircrs. He has
a breezy delivery, and aided Brocks,
especially, who has faulty • delivery;
to say the least, over the rough spnts.
Of course, Vandercook held up his
end of the show in his usual forth-
right tashion. » ■■•■:}; /.

Scripting by George Wolf was es-
pecially commendable. A- member
of the NBC flack staff', recently dis-
charged from the Army, he does a
neat job with the play on words as
delivered by the guests'' each week.
Garnet Garrison, producer, has little
to do, except possibly ride herd on
Father Time, while Arthur Gary, an-
nouncer, gets the show on and oft the
air properly. Sten.

Lined up for the future are Helen
Gahaghan Douglas. and her children:
Senator Lister Hill <D.. Ala ), the
majority whip; and others. '"Coffee"
tees off with the snappy line. ."Your
host for the toast is Sen. (pi-
Rep.) .''and keeps its pace
throughout..- thanks to -Herson's
smooth questions and patter.

WRC (NBC-owned station , here) is
exploring 'plans -to send platters to
the guests' local communities for re-
broadcast'. Chain broadcast angle is
also being studied. Lowe.

"BETWEEN US GIRLS"
With Elissa Land!, Paula Stone,
Maggi McNeills, Robin Chandler,
Eloise McElhone, Richard Rodgers,
Ward Wilson
Producer: Martha Rounder
.10 Mins.; Wed., 10:30 p.m.
.Sustaining

WCC-MBS, Bridgeport

Acknowledging that love is what
counts, there should be a commer-
cially potent idea in Martha Roun-
tree's romance round-table, airing
the reactions of a panel of w.k.s to
matters of the heart. .Whatever hap-
pens, the show can stand doctoring.

Round-the-board format-is not un-
like the Blue's "Listen the Women,"
except that "Between Us Girls" lim-
its listeners' queries to he-and-she
affairs! and, to vary the sexes, fea-
tures a male guest, composer Richard
Rodgers filling the chair at this
catching. Elissa. Landi sits at the
head of the table and pitches the
questions to the femme board, ,in-
eluding regulars Paula Stone and
Maggi McNellis, John Robert Pow-
ers" aide Robin Chandler, and cover
girl Eloise McElhone. An answer
apiece, and then Rodgers. studio au-
dience obviously counting on him
for laughs as defender of the male
vitw.

Questions cover the normal advice-
to-the-lovelorn range, from "Should
I show him my diary?" to what to
do about Sinatra. As climax, male
guest is called upon to pick the
"pulse-stopper" query, the writer of
which gets $25, and then comes "The
Man Strikes Back" spot, in which
the gent asks the why and wherefore
of what's wrong with the ladies.

Rountree production has not
achieved the quality of spontaneity.
If the participants haven't prepared
their answers ahead, the airing
sounds as if they had. Also, the
round-tabling gets routine after, a
while, with little to break it up.

To the outsrtJe-N. Y. audience the
cast has a Manhattan sameness that
does not help. Main st. is only place
;«ich a show as this can possibly land,
and non - Broadwayites therefore
should be represented.

A big question Miss Rountree will
have to answer herself is how long
the "Between Us. Girls" formula will
work before it loses freshness. That
will depend in large part on her
casting. - ■ - . : -" . . -.-

Ward Wilson handles opening and
close. Show originates in N. Y., but
is not carried by previouslv-com-
mitted WOR. '•"•'•• ■• Elem.

"THE SWEETEST STORY EVER
TOLD"

With Havwood Vincent, Alvln Bean.

Mary Holiiday, Lynn Bigler, Ed

and Jeanne
15 Mins.; Sun . 12 Noon
JOE FRANKLIN MYERS INDUS-
TRIES
WFAA-TQN, Dallas

"That guy named Joe" is down
Texas way in the candy biz. Each
Sunday at noon this opus wends its
wav out on the Texas Quality Net-
work from the studios of WFFA. It
has a nice filling, it's chocolate cov-
ered, but has a hard center.

Program is dedicated to all Who
help make this world a better place
in which to live. To that end a $25
war bond is awarded each week to
the listener sending in a story :of
someone he knows who .has, in his
own way, given unselfishly to help
someone else' on the road of life; be
it with a kind word, a helping hanu
or unselfish devotion to a job.

Music is varied and palatable as
the "candy" that guy Joe dishes out.
At the organ is Mary Holliday, who
gave out with the "Mexican Hat
Dance" in fine style. Songs, by tenor
Alvin Bean, click. Gave out with
two oldies, "Home" and "I Want a
Girl." Ed and Jeanne feature neat
piano chatter. Needed one or two
popular songs. Haywood Vincent,
narrator, handles "sweetest story"
with nice expression and manner of
presentation-. ■'- -V ".

Lynn Bigler acts as announcer and
spiels plugs about the sponsor's va-
rious brands of candy. Handles mu-
sical introductions in good style, also.
Commercials are rather long about
the various vitamins the candy con-
tains and the various types to suit

Take away parts of the commer-
cial, add a little more music, and
folks down here will remember the
"guy named Joe." Andy.

"HOUSEHOLD CHATS"
With. Betty Lenox (Mrs. Clark Pol-
ing)

15 Mins.; Mon.-thru-Fri., 1:30 p.m.
Participating - s '

WGY, Schenectady

A household chat program is nof
one on which drama and heroism
might be expected, but both are
present everytime this particular
feature is signed on. The conductor,
using the long-established "house"
name of Betty Lenox. 1s really Mrs.
Clark Poling. Her husband, Sche-
nectady minister, and son of the
famed preacher, Dr. Daniel Poling,
was one of the four heroic chaplains
who gave up their life preservers
and their lives in the sinking of a
transport off Greenland in 1942.
Mrs: Poling, a young mother, never
mentions the act or hints at her
identity, on the air.

As she makes pleas for the pur-
chase of War Bonds, donation o«
blood; contributions to the Red Cross
and participation, in other- war ac-
tivities, there is no outward indica-
tion, of her stake or her contribu-
tion. She speaks quietly and sin-
cerely, without a trace of dramatics.
Mrs. Poling : has a Ather pleasant
voice, and a nice manner. Her style
is chatty. At times breath control
is a little faulty and diction a bit
cloudy. She handles household chat
stuff, commentary, interviews and
advertising competently. The com-
mentary phase might be expanded
on some broadcasts; also, possibly,
the interviews. Mrs, Poling gives
the impression she may not always
be sticking closely to the script —
which does no harm.

Program, on a spot long reserved
for it, is satisfactory.. Rod Swift
usually announces. Joco,

"BREAKFAST CLUB"
(Blue Network)

With Don McNeill, Jack Owm.
Nancy Martin, Vagabonds Ouart^
Walter Ilerlihy, others ^ u ""*«.

Supervisor: Paul Mowrey

Director: Harvey Marlowe

Writer: Charles Speer

60 Mins.: Fri. (25) . 8 p.m.

SWIFT & to.

WABD-DuMont, N. Y.

In-line with the contention of most
observers of the advancement of :
television programming, Don Mc
Neill and his "Breakfast Clubbers'"'
proved that audience-participation
shows provide sock entertainment
for the video medium last Friday
night (25), when they appeared on
N. Y.'s DuMont outlet.

One of the most popular morning
shows in radio, and one of the oldest
on the air (consistently on the Blue
network for the past 12 years), this
initial appearance on television for
the "Club" provided, through the
performances of McNeill and his co-
horts. professional entertainment all
the way.

As localed, the cameras found
members of the cast around a table
with about 50 members of the studio
audience surrounding them on either
side. McNeill, as m.c, introed the
show and startect the ball rolling by
having everyone: sing the "Breakfast
Club, Good Morning" song. Show
then was patterned after the radio
stanza, with Nancy Martin and Jack
Owens vocalizing couple of tunes
each, backgrounded by records in
the case of Miss Martin; and the
Vagabonds behind Owens. However,
the networks better settle with Pe-
trillo putty soon, now, if they ever
want to get started on ways and
means to provide good music for
television programs. Miss Martin's
chore wasn't helped one bit by the
musical recordings that background-
ed her. '' _ i,

Other segments carried over were:
the daily prayer and poem; the edu-
cational feature: the cruising crooner
routine where Owens sang to women
in the audience, cameras following
him around (one of the best parts of.
the show): Sam and his comical
capers, most of which fell flat, and
the ■ interviews by McNeill ' With
members of the audience.

Technically, -the entire proceedings
were spotty. When certain portions
of the show were carefully re-
hearsed, it was obvious that coordi-
nation between director Harvey
Marlowe and the camera crews had
the situation mastered. But when
spontaneity was required, then Mar-
lowe and his cameras floundered
somewhat and poorly focusscd video
came through. But on the whole it
wasn't a bad job on the technical
end — in fact, one of the best from a
DuMont crew in many a moon.

Sten.

Radio Followup

Washington.— Herb ' Dohlen. an-
nouncer, has switched from WMAL
(Blue) here to- WOL (Mutual). Doh-
len, recently out of the Marines, Was
formerly with KRLD, Dallas, and
WFTL, Miami. '. .-. V;V.

-. ,- ANOTHER NEW ONE

Show with -a new audience par-
ticipation gimmick has been pack-:
aged by John E. Gibbs. Titled "Very
Truly Yours," the stanza will pic-
sent individuals in the news, and
will also bring to mike the writers
of most interesting letters-to-the-
editor. Controversial matters will
be discussed.

Norman Jay. formerly commenta-
tor on the Blue web and on WMCA,
N.Y.. is slated as emcee. Each stanza
will als'i have name guests.

Prudential's "Family Hour"
(WABC-CBS, Sun., 5-5:45 p.m.) went
on summer sked last Sunday (27 1
with Eileen Farrell and Ear) Wright-
son as star vocalists. Jack Smith
stayed on as featured tenor, and the
orch and chorQs direction remained
in the hands of At Goodman.

Baritone Wrightson is a very good
team-mate for Miss Farrell's pleas-
ant soprano. Together, they did sev-
eral pop numbers that were good
listening. Solo. Miss Farrell was
good, too— better, in fact, than she
seems most of the time on her own
twlce-a-week CBS show.

All in all, "Family Hour" should
be nice to take on a late summer
afternoon.

Arch Obolei-'s "Exercise in Horror"
6n Mutual, last .Thursday (24)" ex-
plained in dramatic terms that car-
ried a wallop why the scripter-di-
rector-producer is laying off horror
olays. Through, the simple expedient
of dramatizing a "real life" story
of a German family under the Nazi
yoke. Oboler demonstrated that no
imagination is capable of conjuring
up such bestiality. Oboler's script,
which was given a fine assist from
Peter Lorre. merits spotlighting if
only for the ,facK that it points Up
anew— as should be done . Over and
over again every night via radio-
that the Nazis must pay for their
crimes: (hat we can't go soft and
hooe to mold universal peace.

John Farley, one of WMCA's pub-
licists, went in for creative writing
last week by doing the final (27)
"New World A-Coming" stanza un-
der the all-Negro-theme format. : It
(Continued on page 38)

"UNTITLED"

With Michael Everett, Frances Pal-
lor, Dick Hamilton, Frank Rich-
ards. Warner Leroy, Klaus Kolmar,
Bess McComman, Frank Currau,
Graham Velsey; also John Hersef
Writer: Norman Corwin
Director: Ben Feiner
Co-Director: Paul Belanger
Asst. Director: Fred Rickey
30 Mins.; Thurs. (24), 8:30 p.m.
Sustaining
WCBW-CBS, N. Y.

Norman Corwin's • radio - drama,
"Untitled." aired a year ago last
April over CBS, had pretty much its
full impact when telcvized last
Thursday (241 on WCBW. Certain
production details, because of studio
limitations, caused a lessening effect.
But the force and eloquence of Cor-
win's writing and the punch of his
message are still so rare a thing on
the video ■ scene as to make last
week's program an event. •
The play is still Corwin's, with a
tele production staff adding some
details. The first Corwin work to be
presented on television, it demon-
strated how well suited his writing
and style is to the medium. The
story is that of the dead GI, Hank
Peters, who rises from his resting
place on the battlefield to tell how
he came there. Also used are flasn-
backs to show the home life that
preceded his enlistment and dcatn.
His childhood, his mother and his
girl, his GI buddies who survived,
are all briefly limned. ,

The GI is aware of what he has
fought for, aware of the enemy ai
home as well as at the front, ana
watchful and waiting for the reac-
tions to his and so many of his pua-
dies' deaths. "From my acre of un-
disputed ground." he says, I shin
be listening— for-the password tnai
peace is settling solidly. - ' The pio-
gram was as forceful in video as »
was in radio— and much more umeiy.

The defects were minor and in-
herent in the medium. The appc ar '
ance of a GI rising to talk from »
battlefield dotted with crosses, espe-
cially when the battlefield was ?
painted backdrop, had a stagey, W".
real effect. The switches from grave-
yard to hospital were abrupt anu
unreal, in the Hollywood sense.
They made the play a little static
and preachy.
Michael Everett's performance a 5
'.(Continued on page 38)

SI

RADIO

Wednesday, May 30, I943

Political Economic Signposts

Point Way to Sponsors on BBC

By CHARLES GRAVES

London. May 10.

Unkovvn to the British public, or
"ever, the press, two Parliamentary
Committees are secretly examining
the question of the monopoly of BBC
whose charter expires Jan. 1, 1946.
Bifi names associated with the web.
before the present Director-General
Haley was appointed, are being in-
terrogated, r

Unlike American license holders,
the BBC's license has been renewed
every 10 years. A,t the moment pep
talks are being given by executives
to the emyloyees. urging them to
produce bigger arid better programs
in view of the possible termination
of the monopoly seven months from
now. Simultaneously, a number of
the blighter BBC boys arje openly
telling their friends that they have
been given contracts for commercial
radio by large industrial concerns,
including at least one of the leading
insurance companies. Howard
Thomas, who inaugurated the
"Brains Trust, - ' recently left BBC to
go with the Cadburys, the cocoa and
chocolate manufacturers.

The wording of the BBC charter
is rather curious. It is "to broad-
cast to the satisfaction of the Post-
Master General''; not, it will be
noted, to the satisfaction of the pub-
lic. The Past-Master General is
Capt. The Rt. Hon. Harry Com-
fort Ciookshank, who was educated
at Eton and Magdalen' College. Ox-
ford, served in the Diplomatic Serv-
ice, was elected M.P. for Gainsbor-

ough, later becoming Under-Secre-
tary of the Home Department; Sec-
retary for Mines and Financial Sec-
retary to the Treasury. The re-
cent Gallup Poll in the Daily News
Chronicle can have given little com-
fort to Harry. It showed that 50%
of the readers voted for commercial
radio as opposed to a continuation
of the monopoly, although the read-
ers were judging by the very slap-
dash ' programs from Luxembourg
and Normandy before the war.
'. V. S. Shows Popular
Many of the British public, it is
true, have now heard the Jack
Benny. Bob Hope and Charlie Mc-
Carthy programs which are relayed
from the United States, but without
the nanies of the sponsors. These
programs, and Tommy Handley's
half-hour, are quite the most popu-
lar over here. The British public
also tunes in regularly to the Allied
Expeditionary Forces Program, pri-
marily meant for American troops
on the Continent. ' The excellence
of these programs is being carefully
noted.

One reason for the poorness of
BBC programs is that it cannot af-
ford to pay for the best talent. A
$200 price tag is regarded as very
high for a script lasting half an
hour, and there are only five script
writers who earn this money. First-
class British writers laugh when
they compare this fee with what
they can receive for the same
amount of work from movies. Fleet
(Continued on page 38) - . . '

FOX CASE TO D.C. AS
GAMMONS' CBS AIDE

Washington, May 29.
j Fox Case, in charge of -public
relations for the CBS Pacific net-
work, has been appointed assistant
to Earl Gammons, CBS chief for
Washington. Case is now directing
CBS' UNCIO coverage at Frisco and
reports here shortly after the con-
ference folds..

The Coast vacancy will go to Chet
Huntley, Case's assistant, with Clin-
ton Jones, now KNX news bureau
managing editor, moving up to CBS
Pacific net news chief. Case, a
former L. A. newsman, has been
with CBS in the West for 10 years.

'Words At War'

Continued from page J I

'Road Ahead'

Continued from page

when he was assistant manager of
NBC's script division.

Still in the battle, too. is the Na-
tional Assn. of Manufacturers. In a
letter to "Variety," Ira Mosher.
prex of NAM, explains that organi-
zation's viewpoint.

Objecting to the "Variety - ' char-
acterization of NAM's part in the
matter as amounting to "claiming
foul," the head of the manufactur-
ers' outfit admits that his organi-
zation had objected to the "Words"
stanza that brought the whole thing
to a head — the April 3 dramatization
of Sir William H. Beveridge's "Full
Employment in a Free Society."
Mosher wrote to "Variety" in part:
"The. NAM did not 'claim a foul.'
NAM contended simply that the
Beveridge broadcast included a high-
ly unfair portrayal of industrial
management policies and attitudes
not drawn by Beveridge in his
book. ... We believe that every
point-of-view on an issue as basic
as our postwar policy should be pre-
sented fairly....

"NAM has not asked, and did not
ask. for anything more than a fair
presentation of management's point-
of-view The National Broadcast-
ing Company, in complete fairness,
dramatized Hayek's 'The Road to
Serfdom.' to present the case of
those who are as sincerely concerned
with postwar jobs and security as
the most zealous Beveridge plan
proponent. 'Variety' said 'Industrial-
ists wanted the counter side pro-
jected, against full employment and
social security plans.' NAM does not
oppose social security as such, but it
ha.s urged constructive programs to
accomplish the desirable objectives
of social security, as well as maxi-
mum employment, on a sound eco-
nomic basis rather than on a basis
that, will lead inevitably to collec-
tivism and the end of fundamental
American institutions."

Prohibition

Continued from page 31

local attorney and Sunday School
worker, and Rev. Morris were
chosen as reps of National. Temper-
ance and Prohibition Council to sift
whether station which carries beei
and wine plugs has a legal right to
refuse to sell time to abstinence ad-
vocates who promote suppressing
the drinking of alcoholic beverages.
Johnson first got into the radio time
matter when he said he was refused
the opportunity to air a temperance
lesson under International Sunday-
School auspices over KRLD.
The Johnson sponsored complaint
charges that KRLD was violating an
FCC ruling that stations must grant
time to spokesmen for both sides of
important 'public questions. Brief
states that CBS received $2,047,115
last year for beer and wine broad-
casts on the web plus other monies
for local plugs via CBS licenses.
KRLD's take was 50G, it's claimed.

The petition " cites WHAS as a
CBS outlet which carries CBS plugs
for alcoholic beverages but also
grants time to abstinence advocates,
and accuses WFAA, Dallas, and
WBAP, Fort Worth, . as stations
which have adopted the same policy
complained about regarding KRLD.
Johnson reported that after a con-
ference with CBS execs, he was in-
\ formed that CBS would continue to
refuse to sell time to the abstinence
forces for purposes of countering
the pro-drinking airings carried on
*f*te«jj»^|i%y,v)s SneV,networW s incliicj-
! KRLD. WHAS, CBS affiliate

here, is owned by the Courier-
Journal and Times, and is not bound
by CBS rulings regarding ils sta-
tions.

Philadelphia— WFH, has made ar-
rangements to air BBC's "London
Column" Saturday nights.

incidental. For they are only sym-
bols. They are only a handful of
the legless, armless, • blind, psycho
neurotic soldiers and sailors who are
starting out on that road ahead.
And that's where the story lies.

Forty percent of the 4.500 patients
at this hospital are "amputees." If
you don't like that word, go ahead
and blink. But you've got to take it.
And don't get mushy or sentimental
about the "amputees," or you're
thrown for a loss before you start.

They don't want you to be maud-
lin. They're not. But don't you just
take them for granted either.
There's Kamtel. For Instance

Take Pfc. Leon Kamiel, of N. Y.
He was on that show. He delivered
the gag that got the biggest laugh—
the one about how knocking down
the N. Y. elevated lines is a. hazard
for the poor natives who get sun-
stroke. Now Leo is only 24. In the
ETO he Tost a leg, which isn't bad
because he'll- walk.. But he also lost
an eye, and the sight , of the second
slim is almost gone. And Leo was
a clerk before the war, and won't
be a clerk again. See?

Or take Pfc. George Mot-daunt.
On 52nd street and in Greenwich
Village, where he used to play piano
with various ensembles, Mordaunt
was known for a good right hand.
But that was before his division—
the 92nd, all-Negro — was thrown
into a tough spot in Sicily. That's
where Mordaunt's right hand was
lost. Now, on the snow, with the
backing of a trio *nd an orch led by
David Broekman, he did "Tea for
Two" and came off beautifully. But-
Mordaunt 'is up for his discharge.
And he'll have to convince agents,
conductors, bistro owners, that he
can still play the piano with left
hand atone.

There's private Frank Mallon. He's
the tough. 38-year-old Irishman
who chatted with Cary Grant in the
show's clincher, when one of the
GI's gives the final "message" for
which the stanza is a build-up — a
message about the need of these
men to be considered men instead of
cripples.,

Frank wouldn't take Eddie Birn-
bryer's speech, although it was good.
He wrote,, his own. And he didn't
talk about the fact that he lost his
left arm and his left leg. He made a
plea for sensible, thoughtful par-
ticipation in elections, so that the
people we choose to govern us may
see to it that war doesn't happen
again. And Frank knows something
about war. He started to fight the
Nazis 'way back in 1936. when he
joined the Abraham Lincoln bat-
talion of the International Brigade
in Spain. And he's still fighting.

One legless boy watching the
final run-through of the sho'\v heard
Frank and said: "Hell, he isn't typi-
cal CI: he knows so much more than
most guys." Maybe he does. He
learned it the hard way.' But Frank
and this kid together are typical.
And their common denominator is
not in the hospital's limb, shop
where arms and legs are custom-
made. Nor in the hospital's other
truly wonderful, scientific facilities
for rebuilding these men, making
them capable of using arm hooks
skillfully enough to cut their own
meat, tie their own shoe-laces and

Story 1

■ — J

neckties, write, drive a car, swim
(and clutch a girl's waist).'

Nor is the common denominator
between Frank Mallon and the
youngster to be found anywhere else
jnside this hospital. Here menjeara
quickly to take " their * stumps for '
granted. A one-legged guy i n »
wheel-chair plays ping-pong with a
one-armed fellow, and both are hav-
ing a good time. That little game"
too; is symbolic of the work done at
this hospital under the guidance of
an old Army man, Col. Sidney L
Chappell.

The common denominator is some-
where outside. What's going to
happen to these players when they
get out? That's when the Army
loses them, after nursing them,
bringing them up from the dumps
into which they usually sink when
the first shock of losing an arm or a
leg (or both) hits them. That's
when they go out on the road ahead.

You see why this story has neither
beginning nor end? For the air
show is only incidental, and what
goes on at Thomas M. England Gen-
eral and at any number of other
hospitals like it. run by Army or
Navy— that's only the middle of the
yarn.

For the lead of this story, see the
last casualty list—which may come
even after the final communique ot
the war.

Then follow these guys out on that
road, and write your own conclu-
sion.

THE TINE I* start the wheels of
industry it indicated by the screech
•f factory whistles ... and the kind
of tints that keeps, tin wheels of
industry going — advertising lime — is
what occupies Weed A Company,
full time.

"If it hadn't been for Wheaties, it would have been
• the same old story!"

A candid camera 1 might record a slightly different
picture of what's going on in our studios these days,
but the artist's brush has caught Mutual's busy new
program progress with remarkable realism.

Eleven new shows premiered within a couple of
fortnights. Drama, romance, mystery, music. Origi-
nals by Oboler. Lone males in the argumentative
toils of lovely ladies. Murder solved by listeners in
every Mutual market. An amazing half-hour, five
afternoons a week, that grants a woman's every wish
for the next 24 hours of her life. And. four-star
reserves waiting in the wings.

Novel? Exciting? Sure— but the one word for
Mutual's new programming technique is showman-
ship. Showmanship without the checkered vest and
the nickel segar. Serious-minded showmanship that
deliberately means business.

The man directly in charge of all this is Phillips
Carlin. We could start seventeen paragraphs with
the words: "A man who . . ." But why? To all of you

who agree with us that radio is show business, the
significant fact is that Phil is our man. V-P in
charge of Programs, he's busy lining up the right
showmen and the right shows, putting into action
the plans we have drawn up.

We've made a start, and there's more in store.
Even with all the veteran experience behind this
move, we're likely to come up with a turkey at
times, too. When that happens, off with its head and
on with another right show. Because to us, showman-
sbip means business. It can also mean business to
you ... . \

CATCH THIS! NtW MUTUAt SHOWS AND HtU WHAT WE MIAN

Arch Oboler's Plays . . . by the master of radio drama
Calling All Detectives . a criminologist in every home
Queen for a Day ........ every day a new Cinderella

Between Us Girls . . . one man versus the "weaker" sex

(Executives ivho'd tike to hear these and other new MBS programs at
any given hour will be promptly provided with recordings on request J

Mutual Broadcasting System

W HERE S IT 0 W MAN S H I P MEANS BUSINESS

S6

RADIO

PfiRiEfr

Wednesday, May 30, 1915

V.-P. White of CBS Can't See Union
Ties for Office Help Nor Can Web

Frank White, veepee-treas., of
CBS. believes operations of the or-
ganization would "suffer" if union
representation were "interjected''
between office employees and ad-
ministrative personnel. Such rep-
resentation, in White's opinion,
would upset a "uniquely personal re-
lationship - ' that must exist between
the execs and their secretaries.

White made his, and the web's,
'position clear yesterday (Tu.es.i _ in
a memo to the entire staff taking
fogni/ance for the first time of the
union organizing campaign which
has been directed at the offices of all
webs in N.Y. recently. . .-

In his memo, White summarized
the fundamentals of the net's official
position in three points. One point
stated his opposition. Second chapter
promised there would be no • dis-
crimination against those who join,
whether the union campaign suc-
ceeds or not. Third stanza declared
that, in the meantime, company will

continue "as in past" to "correct in-
equities where they exist" and re-
ward individuals who merit greater
consideration. A

White referred in his memo to
"two competing unions." The CIO
United Office and Professional
Workers of America has been carry-
ing on an intensive, campaign among
radio row office people. Some CBS
people said that the IATSE is also
making eyes' at office workers.

EUGENE WEIL APPOINTED

• v • Raleigh, N. C; May 29.
Eugene P. Weil, of Birmingham,
Ala., has been named sales manager
for the Tobacco Network, which in-
cludes WRAL, Raleigh; WGBR,
Goldsboro: WFNC. Fayetteville;
| WGTC, Greenville; WGTM. Wilson;
and WHIT, New Bern, all in North
Carolina.

Mr. Weil was formerly commercial
manager for WJLD, Bessemer, Ala.

mORE CBS LISTEHinC

n 0 X

COMPARATIVE C. E. HOOKK* FIGURES SHOW
WNOX HAS DEVE10PE0 A DOMINANT
CBS EAR IN THE SOUTH.

CBS PROGRAMS

WNOX

Hooperatinga

CBS

Coverage South
Htmperating$

m- more c

f our Hooper a tings, thc>

all fiw-iv abov

c the. CBS Sou^h five

♦ W.NOX figures — C. E. HOOPER continuing measurement
— Fall and Winter, October-February, 1944-45. CBS
South figures — C. E. HOOPER Motional ratings, Fall and
Winter, October-February, 1944-45.

iOOOO U1PTT5 • 3 9 0 HI ■ HtlOKUIllE lEDH

hqc, rm* ^-c'r.' wmy pernniHcd by ]

IJV 1SEW YORK city . . .

Joe Laurie. Jr.'s "buck and wing" was one of those "put 'em in the
aislers" as he reprised his first vaude turn at the "Can You Top This?"
One Tuosand Club inaugural shindig staged Saturday night (26) in the
Plaza hotel ballroom. . Senator Ford, Harry Hershfield and such vets as
Al Baker, Harland Dixon, elf., also scored at the Colgate-Ted Bates-spon-
sored old vaude revival. ■:',.•' i '

BristoUMyers, Young & Rubicam and NBC,, deluge* with requests for
ducats for the trio .of Eddie Cantor broadcasts on tour east, pleads no dice;
all three shows emanating from service camps.... Dee Engelbach to script

"The Doctor Fights" for Penicillin Tom Harker, salesman, who went

from Mutual to the Blue with the Coca-Cola account, back at Mutual, now
that coke is back, too! .. .Phil Kramer playing the comical cab driver on
"Mr. and Mrs. North"... .Dan Russell, from CBS, is a new director at the
Blue.... King Calder and Geoffrey Bryant join "Valiant Lady 1 -' \v"Hile

Alexander Scourby is added to 'Evelyn Winters" Edna Johnson. Ed

Begley and Helcne Carewe new trio on "The Soldier Who Came Home". . ,-»

Mitzi Gould and Guy Spaull added to "Second Husband" Julie Stevens

and Stacy Harris newcomers to "Stella Dallas" . . , .Elsa Ersi joins "Young
Widder Brown."

John Reed King is doing the commercial chores normally done each
week by Basil Ruysdale on both Lucky Strike's "Hit Paracle" and
Sun. night airers. . . .Latter is ill and will be bedded for several weeks: . . .
Radio and legit actress Dorothy South now member of teaching faculty

at Alviene Dramatic School Vie-Sydell of Walker & Downing agency

(of Pittsburgh) framing new split-web half -hour. .Staffwriter Made-
leine Clark of CBS vacationing. .. Irv Tunick doing some literary chores

for Rich's department store in Atlanta Anticipating more gas, actor

Michael Fitzmaurice invested $700 to perk up his classy chassis Packard
. . . .Are station sales reps still in business?. . : .Contender for politest tele-
phone operator in radio is night gal at WOV. She's Diana Palmer and is

being upped soon to Alan Courtney's secy Folks arc still puzzled at

James L. Fly of FCC memory coming out in favor of a single monopoly in
cables and radio-telegraphy .. . .Milton Geiger. after a sojourn in N. Y.,
back to Li' A. this week to resume writing chores for Biow agency,...
Marion Spilzer doing a job of literary work at Ward Wheelock agency
currently. . . .Edward Bernays' niece Peggy Mann doing radio scripting. . . .
"The Wind at My Back" on WMCA's "New World A-Coming" show Sun-
day was first dramatic piece ever written by staff publicist John Farley.

Charles Butterworth, who did legit for USO-Camp Shows in Asia, and
Sam Levene. who was with a troupe in Europe, will compare experiences

Saturday (2) on CBS' "Report to the Nation" Mrs. Lou Gehrig, widow

of late N. Y. Yankee baseball immortal, will be interviewed by Morton
Downey as "woman of the week" on his Mutual noonday song session to-
morrow (Thurs.) ... ."Unconditional Surrender," new wartome by Ev
Holies, former asst. CBS director of news broadcasts and now news editor
at WBBM, Chi, was reviewed on television by Dwight Cooke via WCBW-
CBS last night (Tues.) .. ..Natalie Bunting, secretary to Allan Kalmus a t
NBC press, leaves shortly to join the War Food Administration radio staff

as a script writer Bob Davis succeeds Dick Connelly as NBC trade

press contact when latter shirts to Young & Rubicam June 18,

Kenny Baker"1ias signed to make-transcribed recordings exclusively for
Frederic Ziv agency. He'll be starred on new intimate musical
series designed for five-times-per-week release, titled "Sincerely. Kenny
Baker," with Donna Dae. ex-Fred Waring vocalist, and Buddy Cole and
his orch, plus Jimmy Wallington, announcer. . . .Rita (Dixie) Dugan, audi-
tion director at Benton and Bowles, who was recently married, has re- •
signed, effective June 29 . . . .Jim Boles in for a spot on the "Tennessee Jed"
strip (WOR) did a deputy sheriff as a comedy stooge. The writers liked
the part so well he has been written in as a "permanent". . . .Tony ("Words
at War") Leader takes over direction of the new half-hour NBC sus-
tainer, "The Adventures of Archie Andrews," Saturdays. 10 a.m., which
preems this week (2i. Doris Grundy has the "girl friend" lead.

IIS CHICAGO ...

Frank Ferrin, radio director of Leo Burnett, readying a new show for
one of the agency's clients. . . .Les Gottlieb, publicity director of Young &
Rubicam, in town on his way to the Coast WTMJ, Milwaukee, estab-
lished another year's scholarship for promising young singers last week. .
Jess Kirkpatrick, WGN announcer, was guest of honor at cocktail party

last week prior to departure for Coast where he will make his'home

Garnett Marks, former announcer and sportscaster at KNX, Hollywood,
joined the WBBM announcing staff last week.

Herb Futran, Chi writer, and Charley Irving, announcer, are throwing a
cocktail party at the Gotham in New York this Friday (1), pair having
a show they are dickering on in the east. .. .Virginia Payne (Ma Perkins)
was featured with Louis Calhei'n in a "Stage For Action" play as. part of
the Truman Day celebration at Soldiers' Field last Sunday (27) ... .Roy
McKee, formerly with WBAP. Fort Worth, has joined the WBBM announc-
ing staff. . . .Dorothy Doty, radio ed or Lincoln (Neb.) Star-Journal, joins the

American Broadcasting central division press dept. June 1 Don Norman,

former Chi'm.e., launched a new show titled "Walkie-Talkie" on the Coast
this week. . . .Merritt Schoenfeld tossed a lunch today (29) at the Tavern

club in honor of Don McNeil's sensational bond tour through the east

Robert Merrill, baritone vocalist, joined the cast of "An Evening With
Romberg" last week.; Show is the summer replacement for the Raleigh
ciggie show. . . . Jay Jostyn, star of the "District Attorney" show, will do

a personal appearance al the Oriental theatre this week Gene Eldridge,

local trade paper rep, will marry Fred Klein, asst. to Jimmy Neal at
Dancer Fitzgerald Sample June 30. . . .Ruth Rati, Forrest Lewis and Harry
Burge have been added to the cast of NBC's "Guiding Light." Gil Faust
has been added to the cast of "Today's Children". .. ; Harold Fellows, man-
ager of WEEI, Boston, in town tor a tew days.

IN: HOLLYWOOD . ... .

Bing Crosby will be initial giiesl in the United- Drug summer .-series-
starting- July.' 6.' Emceeing, during the absence of Jimmy Durante aii'1
Garry Moore, will be handled by Ray Bolger. Holdovers from the regular
cast include Jeri Sullavan and Roy Bargy as musical director. . . .Andrew
Jergens renewed Louella Parsons for the third time on her Sunday Slight
five-minute Hollywood chatter broadcast . . . Roger White, who produced

"Stage Door Canteen" in New York, resting up in Hollywood Fox Case

wound up a six-week chore in San Francisco, supervising CBS coverage of
the United Nations' Conference. . . .Judy Caiiova winds up her Colgate
show June 30 to take an eighl-week vacation during July and August. .. .
Harry Ffannery goes 6verseas in about 10 days for CBS, covering Casa-
blanca, Cairo, Iran, Italy, China and Burma on an eight-week tour. ,..
Nelson Pringle,: back from a 2,500-mile Pacific tour, will handle Flann'.ry's

program Brian Aherne will take oyer the Jack Carson spot l&J the

summer, playing the title role in "The Saint," sponsored by Campbell
soup. .. .Harry Jones, ad chief and radio head for Campbell, due in Holly-
wood this week with Ward Wheelock, agency chief on the soup account,

to huddle with Bill Bacher on the 20th-Fox studio show Ted Baron

replaced Claude Sweeten as maestro on "Everybody's Show."

Ralph Edwards' "Truth or Consequences" war bond touring racking up
new highs in. sales for the Seventh. The guy continues as one of the
Treasury's ace salesmen.

RYAN, REJNSCH, CRAVEN
EARLY NAB WINNERS

Washington, Mav 29
J. Harold Ryan, NAB prex'v, and
■I. Leonard Reinsch, manager of the
Cox stations (WSB, WHIO and
WIOD), have been elected directors,
at -large of NAB for large stations on
the basis of the primary mail ballot
sent out. Ryan represents WWVA,

Only one of the medium station-
at-large posts was filled— by. T. A. M;
Craven, WOL, A second ballot will
be conducted to choose hte other di-
rector from F. Richard Shafto, WIS-
C. T. Hagman. WTCN; and Clarence'
Leicii, WGBF.

• The first balloting failed to give a
majority to any candidate for small
station director-at-large'. Following
four will compete for the two posts
—Matthew H. Bonebrake, KOCY;
Dietrich Dirks, KTRI: Clair R; Mc
Collough, WGAL; and Marshall Pen-
gra. KRNR.

Final ballots are returnable by
June 14, NAB announced.

From 50,000 acres, (agar baett pear
into modern refineries and bring $10..
000,000 a year to Utah farmers end
processors. A cash Income It guar-
anteed to farmers by contract before
they plant a teed— a stabilising In-
fieeace that adds to the continuing
strength of the Utah market. .

Local Advrflf n Know
KPYL Brings Rosutti

Local and national advertisers have '
learned It's "tweet business" to folk
to Utah's sugar beet grewert who. like
all other Utah pet-
pie, look to KDYL
i - — exclusively for NIC
POPULARJ)^ shows— and for lo-
cal features thai
are always of In-
terest. That's why
KDYL gets results
for its advertisers.

SAtr i*<i

National Iteiirescntutive:
JOHN ILAIR & CO.

LOS ANCtttS

7/0 AV -lOOOO*

" . * . the oKh non-network station
to rate in Publicity Survey. "

THE BILLBOARD

Iff

JJL or eight consecutive years, WNEW has been selected a winner
in the Annual Billboard Publicity Awards.

This year, the laurels are even more attractive, for WNEW
was the only non-network station in the country to be so honored.
We extend our thanks to the radio editors whose opinions gave
us such recognition. >

WNEW's flow of pertinent information to newsmen has
always been tempered with an understanding of their wartime
burdens and restrictions.

We like to win awards. They verify the service it is our
privilege to render listeners and advertisers. The rewards of audi-
ence and sponsor confidence are dividends we pledge ever) 7 effort
to maintain. ----- ^

501 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK 22, NEW YORK

TEN THOUSAND WAnS-1130 ON THE DIAL— ON THE AIR TWENTY-FOUR HOURS A DAY
REPRESENTED NATIONALLY BY JOHN BLAIR AND COMPANY ^

S8

RADIO

Inside Stuff-Radio

When President Truman recently presented the Congressional Medal of
Honor to a Mississippi infantryman at a joint session of Congress, he read
his speech from a large loose-leaf notebook which had one sentence typed
on each page.

The stunt, to slow up Truman ami inake him speak more distinctly into
the battery Of network mikes in front of him, was devised by J. Leonard
Reinsch, his radio advisor, who almost became his press secretary.

It is an indication that the President still looks to Reinsch for aid. And
if any more proof were needed, there was the White House announcement
last week that Reinsch will accompany Truman when the latter flies to
Frisco to wind up UNCIO with an address which will be broadcast.

Erik Barnouw, supervisor of the education unit of Army Service Forces
radio, has written an interesting article on ' Radio Programs for Troop
Education.**. Piece ..appeared i rj V r of Pennsylvania's Educational Outlook
for March, and is now available in reprint form, One important point
made by Barnouw is that writers and directors of educational programs
must make audience research ''one of their essential tools' 1 so that they'd
always know: "To whom are we talking'.' What emotional drives must we
take into consideration? Are we running headlong into those emotional
drives'.' Can they be of aid to us'.' What prejudices, must we take into
consideration?"' " : ; '

So many lawyers- now' radio agents or execs thai the William Morris
agency's Martin Goodman has formed the SARAPAPP. yclept the Society
of Attorneys in Radio Activities to Prevent Attorneys from Prostituting
the Professipn. Stanley JoselofT. producer: Bob Sw'e/.ey, the Mutual net-
work's attorney: Nat Letkovvitz, treasurer of the Morris office; Dave Miller
of Young & Rubicam, aiid A. M. Gilbert, w ho represents Benton & Bowles,
Sherman Marquette, et al., are charter members. Goodman, of course,
now reps Milton Bcrle.

Postwar BBC

t'oiitiliiird from pase 34

Greta Keller Prospect
As Gibbs Package Star

Greta Keller is planning an Amer-
ican comeback as songstress star on
her own radio show. Before the war.
she had been featured in clubs in
Paris, Vienna. London and N. Y.

Iu ; a half-hour package being
waxed by the-John Gibbs office. Miss
Keller features Sig Arno, of "Song
of Norway," as comedian, and is be-
ing backed by ah orch conducted by
Norbert Faconi. Script for the show
is being done by Edith Meiser.

I'MTKH RHXAI.I. kIKl'C ro
Fi-lrta.v— CBS— 10 B.ni.. tlVI

Hit.: LOU CLAYTON

Crisco Show Sans Flyjnn
From Chi to New York

■ ■'.'. . Chicago, May 29.,
With the moving of the "Crisco
Radio Newspaper" to New York,
where it will emanate beginning
July 2 without Bernadine Flynn.
who remains here. speculation
again arises on the possibility of
Procter and Gamble bringing back
the "Vic and Sade" series, now be-
ing revamped into a half-hour night-
time show. It's reliably reported in
radio circles here that the soap com-
pany is showing renewed interest
in the series it dropped some time
ago.

Newscast was the only radio show
supervised by Walter Wicker, radio
director of the Coinpton agency
here. Its . removal leaves Wicker
without portfolio. .'so- he is 'leaving
firm as of June 30. Wicker had bis
choice of going with the show to
N. Y. or remaining here on his own.
Since this is' his home town; be chose
the latter.'

Strip will continue to be beard on
CBS. Monday-Friday, 1:30-1:45 EWT.
Here it is being produced by Al
Chance and written by Pete Peter-

Wednestlay, May 30. I945

FRANCES LANGFORD IN Chi Newswriters On
WIN OVER PEPSODENT Verge on NBC, CBS Deal;

1. >

NEW:

Recorded overseas, this program brings
interviews with servicemen from the
Metropolitan area to their families at home.
Their well-being, their experiences, their
hopes: those questions uppermost in the hearts
of New York listeners are answered on

> NEW TORTCERS AT WAR.

6:30-6:45 p.m^Mon. Wed. Fri.

A program series dedicated to assisting
families in the period following the soldier's

return, when me comes home presents
discussion .and advice— by government and
professional experts — on the problems that will
confront almost every family: its attitude just
before the veteran's return . . . his first
impressions ol" home . . . what he expects
. ... how hi3 family can help him.

9:30-10 :00 p.m., Wednesday

PROGRAMS IF DEW VIM Ml HI REN Villi It

wmca

NEW YORK

«w. — » TT i r T Trr rrtMnmm tf

Street and the stage. Even without
its regional stations and television.
I he BBC has had to call on the
Treasury for between $30.0()0.000 and
$50,000,000 to maintain its war broad-
cast services. This is hi addition to
the revenue from • licensees and the
Radio Times,

This money is allocated to cover
all overheads, including technical
equipment and all payments from
the Director-General's salary to the
cost of gramophone needles. The
balance is allocated to each program
department with result that produc-
ers who want to buy 'first-rate
scripts can seldom do so.

The recent announcement by Win-
ston Churchill that the Conserva-
tive Party, is against monopolies
suggests that if. at the next General
Election the Conservative Party is
returned, commercial radio will be
permitted hi' Great Britain. If the
Labor Party wins the election, which
is highly improbable, the BBC will
probably have Ms monopolistic char-
ter extended.

See Compromise

One good reason why the Con-
servative Party might like to have j
commercial radio 'is that this would
enable its party chiefs to buy time
on the air to counteract any left-
wing BBC tendencies wh ich would
be developed by a Socialist Post-
Master General. ' .-;.';

There is a growing consensus of
opinion anions those on the inside
of the political scene, that a typical
English compromise could be
reached. This would involve, con-
tinuing the BBC monopoly for
news bulletins., reporting of big oc-
casions, religion, school broadcasts,
adult education and the children's
hour, in fact all the service broad-
casting done so well by the web. The
BBC would also receive permission
to do. light entertaining if they
wished., while foreign broadcasts
would be lied up with the British
Foreign -Office.- On the other hand,
wave, lengths would be released for
sponsored radio.

This plan would be popular with
all the far-sighted British manufac-
turers who have noted that the U.S.
has committed itself to provide 60
million jobs after the war. They
know this will only be possible if the
U. S. becomes the biggest exporting
'nation in the world. British manu-
facturers are prepared to face com-
petition, but realize that radio is a
tried and proved weapon for their
U.S. rivals, and do not view with
equanimity the wooing of British
consumers by entertaining programs
from overseas. It is quite certain
that., in any event, commercial radio
will come in this country within six
months after American radio pro-
grams are received with commercial
clarity here.

Hollywood, May 29.
Frances Langford and Bob Hope
won arbitrator's decision over Popso-
(tent's Charles Luckman and she goes
on hospital tour this summer tinder
Chase & Sanborn auspices. Hope
had given singer verbal consent to
take summer series with Spike Jones,
and contracts were signed, but Luck-
man demurred on ground own prod--
net: identification would suiter next

fall. Judge Isaac Pacht named arbi-.| tarily, Disagreements Jaised by th
ter for contending sides decided for . broadcasting companies have *
singer in wire from New York. rowed down from 22 sep^e-boi t

Speculation now arises whether j during the first week of pail"-
she will- be back with Hope in fall j (May 141 to the matter of wages and
in view of Luckman's feelings in the . hours. - .
matter, but that's not worrying Miss
Langford. who has lirm otters to

Wage-Hours Sole Snag

Chicago, May 29
Negotiations between the R a d
Writer's; Guild and the National
Broadcasting Co. and CBS for a new
newswriter's contract appear to be
nearing completion with agreement
! expected, to be reached mome „

Present contracts

head own musical show.

which affect
about 15 nowswnteis and expires on
■dune 1. call l'or-a $200 a nio'ntH mm
Imuin scale for 40 hours plus a jta.
increase yearly based on length o"t
service. Guild is asking for the same
scale agreed upon by NBC in New
York and approved by the WLB

a review of its previous position in- ! ~' & B °A a ^f l >' , h . W
volving FM in the radio spectrum. I l 4 !.!'..:?! 50 ..^ Pnd ol ''ie.flrst

FMBI Re-Elects

Chicago, May 29.
Reelection of officers for 1945 and

Tele Reviews

, Continued from pase 32

the Gt had poignancy and conviction,
with the supporting cast up to stand-
ard: Co-directing trio. Ben Feiner;
Paul Belanger and Fred Rickey, was
obviously aware of the drama and
message of the Corwin play and
was able to translate it satisfactor-
ily to their medium. WCBW staged
the play in cooperation with the
Treasury Dept. for the bond drive,
with author John Hersey adding a
bond pitch at the close. Bron.

Television FoNowup

Last week. "Variety" reviewed
NBC television's (WNBT. N. Y.)
presentation of Act. II of Robert E.
Sherwood's "Abe Lincoln in Illi-
nois." The .reviewer wondered
/whether it would be another month
before the telefan would see Act III.
since lour weeks had: passed between
the first and second chapters. How-
ever, Act III came sooner than an-
ticipated. WNBT putting it on last
Sunday \21i. -

There's little to add to the previ-
ous reviews. All the way down the
line, the work was lops on this am-
bitious undertaking. And Stephen
Courtleigh. the man who played Lin-
coln' on the television screen, de-
serves superlative credit. In all three
acts he maintained an even tempo,
rising to ever greater heights— even
as his subject did. When the play
was over, and Lincoln started for his
destinV. one felt that the destiny of
the actor too had been mapped. Just
as tbe legit version ot Sherwood's
great drama will be forever associ-
ated, with the name of Raymond
Massey. so television's greatest play
to date must be tied in with tbe
name of the man who grew before
your eyes and insinuated himself
into youi' . heart— Stephen Court-
leigh. . Cars.

with reaffirmation of its endorse-
ment of recommendations and pro-
posals made by Panel 5 of the Radio
Technical Planning Board, were the
main topics at the FMBI board of
directors meeting held last week.

Also discussed was the possibility
Of increasing board membership
from 9 to 15 and a change in the
by-laws. Next meeting has been set
tor June 19 in New York, Walter
J. Damm. WTMJ-WMFM. Milwaukee,
and T. C. Sireibert. WOR. N. Y„
were reelected president and vice-
president respectively. Franklyn M.
Doolitlle, WDRC, Hartford, resigned
from the board because of ill health
and Cecil D. Mastin. WNBF, Bing-
hamton, N. Y., was elected to serve
his term of two years.

year and $400 al the end of the sec
ond year. NBC here has countered
With an oner of $220 minimum with
a 10"; raise every year to all re-
gardless of length of service. Nego-
tiations are being conducted bv Ben
Meyers, representing the Guild- E
J. McCrOssin for NBC and Richard
Devinc for CBS.

Philadelphia— George L. Suther-
| land, former sports commentator at
| WBEN. Buffalo, has been named
[production director of WIP. He ha:
also been associated with WHK
Cleveland; and WKRC, Cincinnati.

Radio Followups

Continued from page JZ-jh;

was Farley's preem as a writer for.
rather than about, radio, and more
than just a good try. Script was ex-
cellent, had something to say, and
said it dramatically. Story '.was
about a Negro GI on Wewak who
was one of 20 U. S. soldiers sur-
rounded by 100 "Japs. At end, the
hero, is only one of his bunch left
alive, but not until he had done some
heroic work for which he's promoted
in field. Canada Lee and Juano Her-
nandez gave show sock performance.

With this stanza. "New World"
went off air for summer. In tall, it
will be back with same title but with
theme broadened to include all mi-
nority and racial groups, instead of
Negroes alone.

SENIOR
COMEDY WRITER

Successful background. Ex-
tensive credits. Avar able
for East or West.

Write BOX 124. Variety

154 West 46th St.
NEW YORK If, N. V.

General Electric Co.'s "Science
Forum," rated one of radio's out-
standing educational programs, cele-
brated its ninth anniversary Wednes-
day (23 ». Appearing on a special
WGY, Schenectady, broadcast were
Dr. W. D. Whitney. Dr. W D, Coo-
lidge and Dr. Irwin Langmuir. three
top men in GE's world-famed
Schenectady laboratories. "Science
Forum " a half-hour evening fea-
ture, presents guest speakers (usu-
ally from out-of-town), and for the
past year an ad lib question-answer
period in which four GE scientists
do an rinfo Please" on listeners'
queries about science, pure and ap-
plied. Board, which replies to 99.5°{
of all interrogations tossed at its
riiembers. usually consists of Dr
Lewi Tonks, Dr. W. L, Patenode. Dr.
Francis J. Norton and Vincent
Schaefer. •'■:'-'.

WANTED

Announcer*, control room ond
transmitter operators for Rich-
mond. Virginia, station. Write com-
pletely of your ^experience. Ac-
nouncers ploato tend audition plat-
tort.

TOM TINSLEY

7 East Lexington Street _
■altimore, Md.

'1||RA HAR-VE"'

6'ther

ov

FOUND-

Sponsors' Ideal Guest Artist!

■ dynamic new itar of firtt magnitude
; fcarricbnei to, popularity-preeminence :

Available Prior TOWN HALL, New York. Oct. 6 Debut

DAVID BARNEY

PIANISTIC CHARMER

previewing hit own sparkling compositions

(Tnnlmmlra, Mwry f;»rll«n. 9«nstr» l>r»(»n«ll«. Ari-lilpno*" 1 . ''^
.Mnrenlln licnyit. "Mae Went and Kl.-irn KUxhIimI are tans of *'H«>
l»e l'arlimunn" — jnln them!)

Mgr. GEORGE MATTERN 11 Abingdon Soj.. New T** '*

(CHelrna ::-!>H!0)

Wednesday, May 30, 1945

Life With a Gagman's Son

-By Alan Liptcott

Hollywood.
n«or Daddy:

A wonderful thing happened yesterday when grandma, mom and I were
shopping in the Farmers Market for some groceries. Grandma was car-
rying a carton of eggs across the parking lot when a car backed out, hit
her and knocked her down. I immediately adlibbed this joke: "Thank
goodness, the eggs will live!" Mom came back-with a topperr"Pedestrians-
should.be seen and not hurt!" Mom pulled two blank cards out of her
handbag and we wrote the jokes down. Then we picked up grandma. ' As
we helped her inio the car, she was half conscious, but she managed to
mumble: "Mom's topper is an oldie. Senator Murphy used it for years, but
he took it from Nat Wills!" Grandma broke no bones, but she's in bed
from shock, which means that I will have to take over her job of maga-
zine .clipping, which means no baseball for me for three days. How about
adding a buck to my allowance for this week? {

Your agent called and asked about Grandma and mom and me and the
dog and the last four weeks' commissions. He said that now that Santa
Anita is open again, you can send your money orders direct to his book-
maker. Giving commissions to that bum is like feeding oats to a dead
horse (Red Skelton— May 18, 1942). He also said that after a bitter argu-
ment with the agency regarding your billing, he won. From now on,
* whenever-the writers are announced over the air, -you will be billed sixth.

Now that VE Day has come, mom has given up the idea of getting a
house in Beverly Hills. She's worried that when writers like Bill Morrow,
Al Lewis, Jack Rose, Sherwood Schwarts, Charlie Isaacs and others are
released from Armed Forces Radio Service, you might have to go back to
Lemke's drug store window to demonstrate fountain pens and fruit peel-
ers. The dentist has already filed her front teeth down, so she must get
her porcelain caps and she can't stop the baby from coming, which, by the
way, may be your gift for Father's Day. This is all making mom very
nervous in her duties. In my weekly check of the rile, I noticed' she filed
a doEen marriages under motorcycles, seven doctors under divorces and
three politicians under pastries. Gee, will I be happy when summer
conies, so I can listen to "Terry and the Pirates."

■ j , ' Your loving son.

■:>\ ; ". V P/lifO. .

Video Pacts for SAG

Hollywood, May 29.

New agreement, currently under
negotiation between the Screen Ac-
tors Guild and the producers, will
call for a revision of term contracts,
giving players the right to accept
commitments in television.

Understood many players are in
favor of tightening the rules gov-
erning loanouts from one studio to
•another.

WPATs Tele Bid

Washington, May 29.
■ Application for an experimental
video station has been received by
FCC from WPAT, Paterson, N. J.

Station is controlled by Donald
Flamm and James Cosman. .

I. I. FIGHTS ON WINS

Weekly boxing cards at- the
Queensboro Arena, Long Island City,
will be aired over WINS, N. Y., be-
ginning next Monday (4).

Wright Aeronautical Corp., of Pat-
erson, N. J., will sponsor. Deal was
set by Trevor Adams, station's sales
manager. Ted Lawrence will han-
dle the blow-by-blow, while Joe
Tobin will do color on the broad-
casts.

In the Dol(e) drums

Chicago, May 29.

It's been tough enough for
Dave Dole, account exec at
Henri, Hurst & McDonald, to play
straight man to a dog on the
Red Heart Dog Food show (Sat.,
10:15 a. m., NBC) for the last
two-and-a-half years. Now he
has to do it on video.

Nobody, least of all Dole,
knows how it's going to work
-out yet. Red Heart has been -
getting letters from fans saying
the bark isn't right, that it is
right, that it sounds like the.
poor thing isn't getting" the
proper food, that it sounds like
it is getting fed 'properly, etc.
Now the idea is to get a dog for
a tryout tele show on WBKB
that will open its jaws on signal
while Dole barks. Barking dogs
it's learned, • don't sound like
barking dogs on radio, but Dole
does.

So HH&M are looking for such
a dog. ;„.

Pittsburgh.— Indie-station WWSW
will resume its weekly Deshon Diary
series on Sunday (.1) direct from
Deshon General Army convalescent
hospital in nearby Butler, Pa. Pro-
gram was dropped some months ago
because of commercial commitments.

PHILLY HILLBILLIES A
SMASH AT BOXOFHCE

Philadelphia, May 29:
A few months ago the execs of
WFIL decided to put on a weekly
hillbilly show and charge 85c admis-
sion for customers who wanted to
watch. They hired Town Hall on a
long-term contract, signed up talent,
spent a lot of dough on promotion
and opened for business.

Wiseacres around town— as well
as some members of the station staff
—shook their heads. Hillbilly stuff is
for hillbillies, they said, not for big-
city folk. They gave the show;
tagged WFIL's "Barn Dance," a
couple of weeks at best before it did
a foldo.

So what happened? The show sold
out each Saturday night with hun-
dreds, and then thousands, turned
away. It was then decided to give
two shows each night— and both
sold out. ■

A half-hour of the show is broad-
cast over WFIL. Now a deal is being
made for the show to be carried
over, the Blue network, of which
WFIL is Philly outlet. Show is
m.c.'d by Jack Steck, ex-vaudevilli-
an and station's p.a.

TELEVISION-RADIO

59

Ohio Bluenose Routine to Censor AO
Tele Would Spike Network Plans

FCC Trying to Find

— Home for 44408 FM

Washington, May 29.

FCC has named a 14-man commit-
tee to work out the studies which
Will determine, this summer, just
where FM between 44 and 108 mega-
cycles will finally be placed.

Committee includes: Dr. Edwin
Armstrong; Philip B. Laeser, WTMJ;
Paul A. DeMars, consulting engi-
neer; A. Earle Collum, of Harvard;
H.. H. Beveridge, RCA; D. B. Smith,
Philco; George C. Davis, consulting
engineer; Dr. Newburn Smith, Na-
tional Bureau of Standards; Edward
Allen, FCC; George E. Sterling,
chief of FCC radio intelligence divi-
sion; George S. Turner, chief of FCC
field 1 division; Virgil Simpson, FCC;
and Curtis Clummer, FCC.

Tests will involve construction of
a line of recording stations from
New England to Montgomery, Ala.
Recording points will be located in
Philadelphia, Cedar Grove, N. J.;
Laurel, Md.; Roanoke, Va.; Atlanta,
Montgomery, Buffalo, Detroit. Chi-
cago, Allegan, Mich.; and Grand
Island, Neb..

They will monitor and measure
the 50 FM stations now in operation.

Several new transmitters will also
be set lip in the higher frequencies,
with FCC doing most of the record-
ing. Measurements of ground wave
and tropospheric transmissions were
also to be made in the vicinity of
Schenectady, Boston, Milwaukee and
Dallas. "

'Report' Goes Sunday

"Report to the Nation," currently
sponsored Saturday afternoons on
CBS by Continental Can,*!s being
moved into the Fannie Brice-Gen-
eral Foods Sunday night (6:30-7)
hiatus time on the network.

Switch becomes effective June 17,
with program -remaining in slot un-
til Sept. 9.

Columbus, May 29.

A bill authorizing state censorship
of television broadcasts is now
awaiting committee hearing in the
Ohio Senate.

The measure, believed to be the
first of its kind in the nation, was
introduced last Thursday (24) by
Sen. Emil A. Bartunek, Cleveland,
and Sen. Lawrence A. Kane, Cincin-
nati.

Bill would subject all television
broadcasts to approval by the same
state educational department board
that governs censorship of motion
pictures in Ohio. It would require
every program, whether film or
script show, to. be reviewed by the
state board, before television pre-
sentation to Ohio audiences would
be allowed. .

No provision for informal audience
participation shows or news and.
sports event coverage has been
made. As the measure stands, all
programs would have to be predated.
And deemed of "moral, educational,
amusing or harmless character," —
standard that currently governs Ohio
pic censorship.

As yet there are no television- sta-
tions operating in the state, but at
least seven application requests are
now in FCC hands; 3 from Cincin-
nati; 2 from Cleveland; 2 from
Columbus.

s ■

Raytheon's Inside Track

Boston, May 29. .

Raytheon Mfg. Co. is negotiating
with Waltham park commissioners
to lease a site in Prospect Hill Park
for the erection of a television and
FM broadcasting station. This is one
of the highest points in metropolitan
Boston and Gov. Maurice Tobin has
signed a bill atuhorizing the city to
lease certain portions of the park.

Several other companies have
sought the location, but Mayor John
F. Duane, of Waltham, expressed
the opinion that inasmuch as Ray-
theon is the largest postwar industry
in the city, it should be accorded
first consideration.

GLAD TO BE BACK

WAYNE

AND HIS ORCHESTRA

OPENING JUNE 2nd

BEACH WALK

EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL

CHICAGO

VICTOR ,

ON THE AIR STARTING JUNE 3rd
FOR

LUCKY STRIKE

OVER NBC, 7:00 P.M. EWT

RECORDS

!

MANA«IMINT

40

ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC

ASCAP Seriously Considering Tele;
To Ask Members for Right to Rep

•Board of directors of the Amen- ♦
can Society of Composers. Authors
.and Publishers is. beginning to dis-
cuss seriously television, aboui-whteb
there has long been preliminary ar-
guments among individual members,
ilt'.s: quite- "likely that concerted ac-
tion wdl shortly be begun in that di-
rection. ASCAP's first move will be
to solicit all publisher and writer
merobe-s for clear, title to represent
tht'iii in executing television con-
' tract* Borne pubs and writers have
already done so. but 'hey are in.
V the minority. ■ ■" ■

While discussion among board
members of the television field re-.
ifiUns in a nebulous state, there is
one outstanding thought that seei.ris
to be gaining momentum among a
•f<>« major publishers. That is that
all te'evision income be placed in a
fund separate and apart.from income:
derived from radio,' films, night-
clubs, etc., and allocated only to
those publishers and writers whose
works are involved m , video broad-
casts;. :]..

It's pretty generally expected that
. when -and. if the . television ■ rights
question, is settled,, the method used
will be similar to that currently
used in radio, i.e. ASCAP will have
the small, rights and the publisher
and- writer will, retain the grand
right. . j,':'-'y". '

Neighbors Allergic To
Din ; Court Folds Hoofcry

Memphis. May 29. j
Chancer* Court ordered Bob!
While's Central Ballroom, daucehall |
doing .business here opposite Central
High School for 30 years, to close on
complaint of residential neighbors
that it is a nuisance.

White .pointed out the z»;ne was
originally a commercial one. and Ilia,
he was there before the private
homes Also, got the Navy' senior
Shore Patrol Officer: to tesaSy that it
Was run up to. the Navy standard
for its enlisted personnel.

Court still felt neighbors had a
justifiable, squawk.

Doris Fisher-Roberts
Signed to Col. Pic Pact

Harry Cohn, president Of Colum-
bia Pictures, has signed songwriters
Doris Fisher arid Allan Roberts to a
seven-year contract to write for that
studio. Pair leave N. Y. late in July
to report Aug. 1 on the Coast-
Fisher and Roberts are the writers
Of "You Always Hurt the One You
Love/'- "Into Each Life Some Rain,
Must Fall," et al.

Saul Bornstein Shifts
Aide to Bogat Company

Saul Bornstein is activating the
Bogat music publishing house he has
set uo with : maestro Xavier * Cugat.
Abe Bloom, who was on Bornstein's
Bourne, Inc., staff, has been shifted
to that company and his place taken
by George Schottler, who moved
over Monday (28) to Bourne from
Leeds Music.

Schottler's cutaway from Leeds
followed by a few weeks the shift
Of his brother, Olin, from Leeds to
'Capitol Songs.

Chi Courts Decide City
Tax of $50 Annually On
Juke Boxes Too Steep

Chicago, May. 29. .,
Chicago, is collecting too much
dough from juke-box operators, it
was decided Wednesday (23) , by
Illinois Supreme Court, which de-
clared that $50 per platter-player is
out of line with city's enforcement

COStS.. ,'v-V...'V' *.' ';■ ..

City attorneys said that the reason
the tax was imposed originally on
boxes. Of which there are 6,207 in
Chi, was because city's operating
costs were going up during the
period m which machines were, in-
stalled, and indicated they'll ask the
court to reconsider its decision.

Consensus among nitery and tav-
ern ops is that $310,350 a year is
pretty steep. -. V^y'-.?

, Curt Massey opening a new music
publishing company in Holly wood;
with the Roy . Rogers tune, "Mon-
tana," as the first release.

Palladium After
D. of J. Help In
ASCAP Dispute

V. '. ."■ . ' Hollywood, May 29.
Palladium ballroom chief Maurice
M. Cohen has. instructed his lawyers
to engage Washington counsel in
order, to call Department of Justice
attention, to his controversy over al-
leged rate discrimination by the
American Society of Composers; Au^-
thors and Publishers. Cohen wants
Eastern legal bat. cry to present all
facts in case to- Justice men so. that
they -will examine ASCAP books to
determine if Society is violating the
consent decree,

Cohen's battle with ASCAP stems
from raise in rate handed him which
puts his spot, in the. $3,000 annual
fee category. He asserts Aragon and
Trianon terpalaccs in Chicago; are
paying only $2,250 for combined op-
erations. , Increase in rate is not only
discriminatory, he feels, but violates
consent decree and is contrary to
Society's national policy of rate
standardization. Palladium is now
paying rate, but under protest

ASCAP Coast chief Richard J.
Powers has gone over Cohen's case
Several, times and pointed out to him
there was no discrimination in-
volved because he was being charged
in accord with Society's standard
rate schedule.

When Cohen protested to eastern
ASCAP office, he was. told that
matters had to be dealt with by
Coast office, which again resulted in
a deadlock. :

Wednesday. May 30, I 945

Bands at Hotel B.67s

am Hot.* . wA w«l oSffi

Hal Aloma* Lexington (300; 75c-$1.50> .. 32 1,850 5675a

Sonny Dunham. . New Yorker (400, $1-$1.50) 3 1,850 5675

Glen Gray,., ,.;... Pennsylvania (500; $ 1-$1.50 )..,,.,..;. 1 2,575 16475

Nat Brandwynne, Waldorf (550; $2) ............... ' 3 3,200 9175

Erskine Hawkins. Lincoln (275: $1-$1.50) .... .. ,.: 3 850 325ft

Eddie Stone, .5 Roosevelt (400; $**$L50). ., ,. 3 2,275 ' '

Sammy Kaye Astor (750: S1-S1.50) 2 4.275 g'g'S

* Asterisks indicate a supporting floor shoio. Kew Yorker has ice show-
Lexington, an Ifau'attaii flooi show. '

Chicago

Jimmy Dorsey (Panther Room, Sherjnan hotel: 950: $1.50-$250 min)
Dorsey trained, back to the Coast Sunday (27), but band stavs on th
June 7. Okay 6.200.

Buddy Franklin (New Walnut Room. Bismarck hotel; 465; $1.50-$2.50
min,), . Tabs 'way off this time for Franklin and Enrica & Novello Oii'lv

2.400. : >y ''?< - - . •

Dick LaSalle (May fair Room, Blacks tone hotel; 465; $2.50 min, h Down
here, too, with scant 2;000 for LaSalle, Ellsworth & Fairchild and Gali Gali,

George Olsen (Empire Boom, Palmer House; 700; $3-$3.5Q -min.). Olsen-
Henny Youngman-Lathrop & Lee combo drew socko 8,100. ■ J

Ted Weems (Boulevard Room, Stevens hotel; 650; $3-$3.50 min.V Weems
and big show broke all records at room since its reopening last Oct, 4 with

8.000. .".H v: -:X'Vv

Los Angeles

. Freddy Martin (Ambassador: 900;. $1>$1.50>, Right around usual figures
with 4,000 covers. " ■/'/■■: '" '-■.,- :■:.:', .

Joe Reichman (Biltmofe; 900; $1 -$1.50 >. Hitting at the Same old clip,
4.100 tabs. ;:■?-:', -':' : ,-."- v,;V;P ":'■■-. :-; ?v :V ;; .':'■■' ; ,- ■

Location Jobs, Not in Hotels

; Y.^'-'-'', (Chicago)

Gay Claridge (Chez Paree; 650: $3-$3,50 min.). Sophie Tucker and
Claridge packing 'cm in. Big 5,700.

Del Courtney (Blackhawk; 500; $2-$2.50 min.V Steady : 4,000— plenty big
—for Courtney, Imaginators, Mar.iorie Lane.

Ted Lewis (Latin Quarter; 700; $3-$3.50 min 1. Smash 6,000 for Lewis.
Joint's jammed every night.

(Los Anyeles)

Tony Pastor (Palladium. B, Hollywood, 4tb weekV Santa Anita is
crowding Pastor away from the post. Only 24.000 entrees. "

Charlie Barnet, (Trianon, B, South Gate, 1st week). Took a good climb
for the new band at 9,000 payolas.

Leighton Noble (Slapsy Maxie's, N, Los Angeles, 24th week). New shoy?
has kept customers coming to around 3,000.

Carlos Molina, King Cole Trio (Trocadero. N, Hollywood, 10th week).
Good biz and Chuchu Martinez rate around 2,400 covers:

Carmen Cavallaro (Ciro's, N, Hollywood, 1st week). Lotsa piano in th«
right mood fills the spot for 2,500 covers

m

m

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111

: : :^:>

islilllli

w:-:WS:$*

Sv:< r ; : : : ; : ! : ' ; ;': : >; : :v; ::: " : - :: ^

w ■ -

PLEASE :DHT SAY W

Lyric by «KO

Music by SAMMY FAIN

I BEGGED HER

I FALL IN LOVE TOO EASILY

lyrics for bvth by SAMMY CAHN nwsk for both, by JUl£STYl«

Both fu£©rcf«f by SINATRA for Columbia ' >

lAtV MOADWAY.N.Y ^ MM«t

Wednesday, M»y 30, 1945

ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 41

TEE-UP WORLD BAND CIRCUIT

iSCAP, BMI Reach Agreements
With American Hotel Association

Both the

American Society oft

omposers, Authors and Publishers
dd-Broadcast Music, Inc., have come
an agreement with the American
lotel Assn. on new contracts under
(hich the latter's members will be
icensed. In so far as ASCAP is con-
cerned, the new agreements will
pplant contracts now in force as
ihey expire and will be effective for
ive years, BMI's contracts with ho-
ld ops will be all new since that
jrganization is a new entry into the
ield of hotel licensing of music.
ASCAP's method of collection is
,ased on any hotel's expenditure of
he previous year for music and en-
ertainment. It starts at $60 yearly
or disbursements of less than $3,000
in d ends at a $3,000-per-year con-
tact for expenditures of $200,000
nnually and over. For hotels inau-
iurating a music and entertainment
iolicy the charge is based on the first
nonth's outlay for talent, multiplied
1 times. All collections are made
juarterly.

Bill's formula for exacting pay-
nent for-its music is based on a 21-
nonth contract running from last
Lpril 1 to Dec, 31, 1946. It calls for
i percentage of money spent each
:ear by hotels for music and enter-
ainment. Quarterly payments are
omputed on the amount disbursed
i salaries the preceding quarter,
(ate calls for one-half of 1% of the
irst $50,000 and one-quarter of 1% of
ill moneys spent over that amount.
No contract will be cheaper than
140 and none more expensive than
(750. For the period from April 1
to Dec. 31 this year the charge will
be not less than $30 nor more than
$600.

Neither BMI nor ASCAP will
charge hotels for music transmitted
I to individual rooms nor for such
wired services outlets as Muzak, un-
less no live musicians are employed.
ASCAP's rate structure follows:

. Annual
Annual Expenditure. Rate.
Less than $3,000 ....
t 3,000 to $ 4,999...

5,000 to 9,999...
■ 10,000 to
15,000 to
25,000 to
35,000 to
50,000 to
65,000 to
80,000 to
100,000 to
120,000 to
140,000 to
160,000 to
180,000 to

Musicians Fined, Put On
Probation on Dope Rap

St. Louis, May 29.

Two footers, formerly with the
McFarland Twins band, last week
pleaded guilty to charges of pos-
sessing marijuana in the United
States District Court and were
placed on probation for one year
and fined court costs of $100 by
Judge Ruby M. Hulen.

Tooters, Manual Fox! 27, New
York; and Kenneth J. Schmidt, 21,
New Orleans, were nailed by Fed-
eral narcotic agents in a midtown
■hotel last month while the band was
playing an engagement at Tune
Town, a mid'own ballroom. •»

14,999

24.999

34,999........

49,999

«4,999

79,999

99,999........

119,999.. 1,500

139,999 1,800

159,999 2,100

179,999. 2,400

199,999 2,700

200,000 and over 3,000

60
90
120
180
360
480
600
720
900
1,200

Miller Band Return
To U.S. Nixed Because
Of Its Morale Services

An attempt was made a couple of
weeks ago to return "Capt. Glenn
Miller's American Band of the AEF"
from Europe to take part in "Glenn
Miller. Day" ceremonies in N.Y. High
Army and political figures in this
country had okayed orders to bring
the outfit here, but they were vetoed
by top generals in the continental
area who refused to second the mo-
tion on the premise the band was
needed where it was for morale.

Miller's band, now in Paris, was
flown from that city May 17 to Bad
Wildunger, Germany, to participate
with Jast-ha Heifetz and Mickey
Rooney in victory festivities in honor
of high U. S. and Russian generals
and' 3,000 GI's. Band worked at a
victory banquet for Marshal Conrad
Koniev, commanding general of the
1st Ukranian Army, at which were
U. S. Generals Bradley, Simpson.
Gerow, Patton and a group of lesser
U. S. and Russian officers.

T

Contact Union In
Poll on Applicants

Council of the Music Publishers
Contact Employees union took an
musual course last week in attempt-
ng to settle a question of whether
,>r not certain applications, by pros-
lective new members should be ac-
epted. UnNviHing itself to decide
me way or the other on the mem-
bership bids, the Council has cir-
ujarized current card-holders for
'Pinions asking for pro and con

omment on each applicant. Five
lames are cited in the . letters and

ne fate of each will rest with re-
Plies.' .'

MPCE for some time has had a
Jaitly' large backlog of applications.
Council felt reluctant to grant mem-
lership to the majority of these
names because most of them were
'torn musicians, ex-personal mana-
8e -(t and °' ners formerly connected
w tth bands that now seek to become
: °ntact men to avoid road'travel.
Jfs admitted that there is a man-
wwet shortage among the contact
■"en, but the Council feels that to
sccept new members now in any
"umber will lessen the chances of
■ gular members in service getting
•a* their jobs after the war. Coun-
'ts first duty is to these
" e ». However, a number of ap-
"cants were admitted recently.

MO. SENATORS OK BILL
CURBING PETRILL0 IDEAS

St. Louis. May 29.

The Williams bills, designed to
curb the activities of the Musicians'
Union in interfering with the pres-
entation of non-profit and programs
of an educational, civic or patriotic
tinge, has been passed by the Mis-
souri State Senate by a vote of 24
to 4 and now goes to the House for
consideration.

The author of the measures, Sen-
ator H. R. Williams, Cassville, said
they were directed specifically at
the policies of James C. Petrillo,
head of the tooters' organization,
whom he charged with usurping the
powers of Congress to levy tribute
on musical productions and record-
ings, v' ■• ■}'■'■

"The union czar even told the
President of the United States,"
Williams stated, "that he did not in-
tend to be subservient to any man Or
group. He usurped the powers of
Congress. These bills are to let
America know that in Missouri, and
in this country we do not need any
labor czars. They will serve as a
curb on any individual who seeks to
take Over the powers of. the law-
making body of the country."

Plans' are taking shape which-may
turn out to be the beginning of the
world-wide market predicted for
U. S.' bands postwar.

Jack Harris, impresario of La
Conga, N. Y. nitery, and Jack Hyl-
ton, England's top maestro name, are
currently setting up an organiza-
tion which will buy U. S. bands for
routes through England, Scandana-
via, France, Belgium, etc., as soon
as conditions permit. '

Already Harris has had talks with
a couple U. S. leaders. Georgie Auld,
who is said to be widely known
among jazz fans on the continent via
his work as a spotlighted sideman
with various top names like Artie
SMaw and Benny Goodman, will
probably be the first U. S. leader to
shove off. Harris also has had con-
versation, he claims, with Xavier
Cugat. Others will follow.

While everything is still in a nebu-
lous state, it is Harris' intention to
buy bands here at a certain stipu-
lated figure for a stipulated number
of performances, plus transporta-
tion. If the number of performances
contracted for are exceeded the ex-
tra ones will be paid for pro-rata.
Whether top U. S. leaders, who are
accustomed to getting guarantees
against percentage privileges will go
for flat, long-term deals, unless the
money is exceptionally high, remains
to be seen.

It's not expected that any Euro-
pean dates played by bands will be
of a dance variety. Most will be con-
certs of the type played by Cab Cal-
loway, Duke Ellington, Jimmie
Lunceford, Paul Whiteman and
other top U. S. names prewar. Some
theatre work will probably be in-
cluded. .Getting bands into these
countries is not expected to be
troublesome. In many cases the pay-
ment of standby salaries to local mu-
sicians is demanded, similar to
American Federation of Musicians
rules over here in certain situations.

It's probable that the first bands
to go over, when transportation
problems ease and there no longer is
need for physical examinations, etc.,
will be the outstanding jazz combos.
Continental music lovers are vir-
tually all jazz followers of the purest
variety.

Fleisig, 18 Other Defeated Candidates
Of AFM (802) Elections Sue Petrillo,
Rosenberg, Board; Charge Vote Fraud

In the Same Boat

Claude Thornhill, now in the
South Pacific at the helm of a
Navy orchestra, writes that do-
ing showjs for the Navy is not
unlike working as a civilian
maestro.

Instead of playing four shows
a day he now does "four ships ,
a day."

N. Y. Eatery Sued For
Inf ringement of 2 Songs

Bradley's Restaurant, 161 East 54th
street. N. Y.. named defendant in a
combined action filed last week in
N. Y. federal court, by Harms, Inc.,
and Irving Berlin Music Co., for
alleged infringement of their copy-
righted songs.

Complaint alleges that on April
23 last and various other times,
Bradley's publicly performed for
.profit the Harms copyrighted song
"One Alone," and Berlin's "Always,'
without license or permission. Action
seeks a permanent injunction and
damages of not less than $250 for
each publisher for each alleged in-
fringement.

Discharged Vet Gets
Govt Loan to Set Up
Music Publishing Co.

Kansas City, May 29.

M. C. Ferguson, recently dis-
charged war veteran living in this
city, has taken advantage of a Gov-
ernment loan under the "GI Bill of
Rights" to set up a music publishing
company for the purp6se of publish-
ing and exploiting a song he wrote.

Firm is titled Midwest Music Pub-
lishing Co. and is plugging a tune
called "A Dream," for which Fergu-
son wrote the music and collab-
orated with Bert Bartlett. on the
lyric.

Paine Gets Passage

John G. Paine, general manager of
the American Society Of Composers,
Authors and Publishers, and Herman
Finkelstein, attorney, who have
been having trouble returning from
a trip to England and France, are.
expected to finally secure boat pas-
sage, leaving Friday U ». They were
to have been aboard a clipper leavr
ing England Sunday (27), but were
prioritied off.

Paine and the attorney were in
England and France to set up new
reciprocal performance rights deals
with the British Performing Rights
Society and SACHEM, the French
outfit. They shipped rough drafts of
new five-year deals with both, effec-
tive as of next Jan. 1. which were
approved by the Society's board of
directors two weeks ago. It's as-
sumed the two completed signing of
the agreements after being cabled
from here the deals looked okay.

Tommy Dorsey, the Duke
In Reciprocal Deal As
Soloists on Record Dates

Tommy Dorsey and Duke Elling-
ton pulled an unusual reciprocal deal
in N. Y. two weeks ago by record-
ing as soloists wiith each other's
bands. Dorsey and Ellington were
each recording on the same day,
Dorsey making Johann Strauss
waltzes at RCA-Victor's uptown
studios in the Lotus Club and Elling-
ton was downtown in the regular
studios cutting the last of a batch of
23 sides, including remakes of his
"Sophisticated - Lady," "Mood In-
digo," etc., for release in album
form,

Ellington participated on piano in
Dorsey's recording of "The Minor
Goes Muggin' " and Dorsey tromboned
in Ellington's recording of a new
ballad he has written titled "Tonight
I Shall Sleep." They were made
May 14.

.Decca has consistently doubled
artists, even their topmost Ones such
as Bing Crosby and the Andrews
Sisters, and lately Victor has taken
up the practice. Dorsey and Elling-
ton on one platter, however, is de-
cidedly a rarity.

DISC FIRMS TUSSLE
OYER BILLIE HOLLIDAY

Columbia Records and Commo
dore Records, independent outfit
specializing mostly in jazz releases,
got into a slight tussle last week
over Billie. HQlliday. Singer is un
der contract to Columbia Records
and has already made for that com
pany a version of "I Cover the
Waterfront." Despite this, the singer
repeated the performance a few
weeks ago for Commodore's discs
which, of course, haven't near as
wide a circulation as Columbia.

When Columbia became aware of
the Commodore discing of the song
it advised the smaller company that
the rlease of the disc was forbidden
and that legal action might result if
it were marketed.

Calmen Fleisig, defeated candidate •
for presidency of N. Y. local 802 of
the American Federation of Musi-
cians in last December's elections,
and 18 other unsuccessful candidates
have filed suit in N. Y. supreme
court against James C. Petrillo, AFM
president; Jacob Rosenberg, 802
head, and members of the local's
board. They charge that the election
was improperly and ■ fraudulently
conducted and ask for a mandatory
injunction, voiding the election's re-
sults and the ordering of a new
election before June 15, or as soon
as the court may deem proper.

Fleisig, who was a Unity party
candidate against the then and still
incumbent Blue ticket, and his part-
ners in the action claim that the last
two 802 elections were not conducted
according to the bylaws of 802. These
bylaws specifically call for the con-
duct of all elections by the Honest
Ballot Assn., organization of repu- '
table business men, who impartially
collect and count votes in virtually
every important union election in
N. Y. city. Plaintiffs assert that 802's
elections- of 1942 and 1944 were not
held by this outfit, namely the lat-
ter, which they claim was done by
George Abrams, an employee of the
HBA, but without official sanction
of that organization. Briefly, that he
did it on his own hook. '

Pending the court order for a new
election or 802's willingness to make
such a move, the plaintiffs want the
court to appoint a receiver for the
property, monies and records of the
local.

In. . their papers the plaintiffs
charge that Petrillo and his Interna-
tional Executive Board were in-
formed of : the charged derelictions
in the December elections, but that
they failed to do anything about
them. '

Parties to the suit with Fleisig are
Joseph LeMaire, Al Raderman, Ed-
ward Horn, Nicholas F. Vitalo, James
Barton, Maurice Benaventam, Albert
A. Greengold, Joseph Malkin, Victor
Montes, Ray Parker, , Al Stanley,
Thomas J. Connelly, Leo Farberman,
Robert Greenfield, Frank Levinn,
Henri Noel, Gerald Serly and Wiil-
iam Wohlman. .

ASCAP to Ask Members
To Return Neb. Rights

American Society of Composers,
Authors and Publishers will- ask all
member publishers and writers to
return to the Society rights to their
songs in the state of Nebraska. Some
time ago, when the long, drawn-out
fight between music publishers and
music-users began in Nebraska, due
to that state's anti-ASCAP law, the
Society legally relinquished all
rights to tunes in that state so that
pubs and writers could begin in-
fringement suits as individuals.

Several months ago, the suits be-
gun by Warner Bros., Shapiro-Bern-
stein, etc., were successful. This led
to repeal of the state's anti-ASCAP
law. Since the Society can now do
business in Nebraska it wants the
proper assignment of rights from
members. This will follow almost
automatically.

Gilbert Situation
Creates Puzzle

Songwriters' Protective Assn.
Council in meeting last week made
a move that has some writers and
publishers puzzled. Council finally
accepted the resignation of L. Wolfe
Gilbert, offered last year but never
acted upon. At the same time, the
Council tabled for consideration by
the membership committee a subse-
quent request by Gilbert for rein-
statement. Both moves are probably
normal ones in view Of SPA's by-
laws, but nevertheless the contradic-
tory nature of them is difficult to
understand.

Gilbert filed his resignation with
the SPA last year, after he was de-
feated for reelection to the board, of.
directors of the American Society of
Composers, Authors and Publishers.
He quit in a pique over what he
claimet'. was the failure of writers to
support him for the board post, plus .
his charge that some writers con-
spired to defeat him.

Recently, when the Broadcast
Music-Er B. Marks suit against
ASCAP was decided in the latter's
favor, Gilbert wired from the Coa.st
his request for reinstatement.

Ted Fio Rito turns his band loose
for a vacation June 5, reorganizing
June 19 to Start eastward in
Evan»ville, Ind.

ABBAU'SBOWL SOLO

Hollywood, May 29.

Claudia Arrau, Chilean pianist,
will be soloist for Pan-American
Night, July 25, at the ' Hollywood
Bowl, a concert featuring music of
the LatirVAmericari republics. . ..

Musical good-neighbor gesture is
being arranged by the Southern Cali-
fornia Council of Inter-American
Affairs and the Hollywood Bowl As-
sociation.

42

ORCHESTRAS— MUSIC

Wednesday, May 30, 19-15

Joe Glaser to Expand Associated
Booking Corp.; MCA Deal Didn't Jell

Associated Booking Agency, owned*-
jointly by Joe Glaser and Music
Corp. of America, will be expanded
shortly. Plans call for. the company
going into competition, with .the ma-
jor; talent /agencies,:

Glaser set up Associated Mo years
ago, at; lire same time .-.elling MCA's
presidehti Jules Stein, a 50% interest
for a reported $100,000, with Stein
having an- option to buy the remain-
ing 50 °< within. i\vo years. At that
•lime, Glaser wanted to get out of
the booking, -business entirely and
devote all his time to personal man-
agement, which he eoald have done
from his California home. He want-
ed to- live on the Coast.

During ■■ Classic's -recent trip to the
Coast plans tor him to retain con-
trol of the agency and expand its
• activities were activated; He doesn't
plan taking on any more properties
on a personal management basis,
which lie hadn't done, anyhow., tor
approximately the past two years. ..

Andre Koslelanelz has been signed
to conduct three pop concerts at the
Robin Hood Dell this season. Solo-
ists at these concerts will be Dinah
Shore. Eleanor Steber and Alec
Templeton. "'n ,

GREAT POP

AND ARD 1

,= -
»' ■

R.cord.« b ?

for

Paxton's Chi Hotel

Date, Then Theatres

George Paxton's orchestra has
been., signed for, the Sherman, hotel,
Chicago, for: two weeks opening Aug.
24 Prior to that date, one of the
top locations iii the country, the
band, plays the Pennsylvania hotel,
•N... Y.. between June 4 and July 14,
then the RKO Boston theatre and
the Million D611ar Pier, Atlantic

City,/::''?, iv--.,

Pax-ton. is currently at. the Capitol
theatre, N. V. His option: has been
picked lip- by . this house, for four
weeks sometime next December or
January, . ,.> ',-. • : ; '\". .:'■ ■ -'- :

10 Best Sheet Sellers

(WeteJc Ending, May 26)
Bell Bottom Trousers. .Santly
Sentimental Journey ....Morris
Dream .... , . ..- ...,,,..», .Capitol
Just Pray er Away . . . » . . Shapiro

Candy ...Feist

Dreams Getting Belter. . , Santly
There I Said It Again. .-. .Valiant
Laura ... . ... ..... .Robbins

Sweetheart All Dreams . Shapiro
AH of. My Life. . . .Berlin

For new ortiii copw

Stondord ExpteltatW
* Big 3, 16(9 fed
York 19, Gird*

3

Benefit Orgs Tie Up All
Choice Hub Tops' Pews
And Start a Hubbub

.;" ;;. ;..'•''■'■'■,,■■:•»; Boston, May 29.
• Minor scandal is shaking Boston'^,
historic Symphony Hall over the
famous Pops Concerts, now. in their
60th season Large, portion of the
orchestra's regular followers are in-
cenSedVbecaii.se the entire two-
month [series 'was sold out in ad-.
vtm.ee, as Nar as first floor, tables
are concerned to various benefit
groups who muscled. 'm on seats once
availahle to b.p. \pplicants.

Up to a tew. yfcars ago, Harvard,
the Greiilell "Mission and other se-
lected groups were allowed to have
special nights, at which %loes of
seals were sold to their devotees
for benefit purposes. But these spe-
cial nights were few and the' gen-
eral public*, always had a chance at
tickets.;': : '"'

What started as a privilege de-
veloped into a nuisance during the
last year. Every society, sewing
circle and organized group in the
Hub seems to have turned greedy
eyes on Symphony Hall. Groups
which- bought out alt lower floor
space are able to charge $1 above
the normal price of $1.50 for each
seat, and when their members,
friends or one-night devotees are
satisfied, 1 the public can try to get in,
arid usually, in trying,, fails- dismally.

Even worse, each group wants the
orcii to play its own favorite old-tie
: or old -.skirt numbers, with 1 the re-
sult that maestro Arthur Fielder
has become exhausted trying to bar
out school songs, ladies sodality an-
thems and other corn.

Music lovers are- often disgusted
with the fare under such conditions.

Symphony- is not only red-faced
ov<y the clamor which has arisen
but reaps penalties when some bloc
that took on too many seats turns
them back at last second and no new
takers appear. .

Feist Seeks to Control
Release Dates on Discs
To Avoid Conflict Repeat

To avoid such a dispute as that
which recently involved Capitol
Records With Columbia and RCA-
Victor over the release date of disc-
ing* on "Out of This World" and
"Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fey"
Feist. • music: . comp a ny - will hence-
forth , attempt to have all recording
companies adhere , tir a release date
set by itself. This may be done via
the insertion of clauses in contracts
between the publisher and each disc
company, or by the serving of notice
in letter lorm. As a fornr. discers
respect, such wishes for their own
good!' •'. , i--

Dispute between Capitol and Co-
lumbia oyer "Atchison" came about,
when the former scheduled a
Johnny Mercer-Pied Pipers record-
ing of the tune for May 25 release.
Film, "The Harvey Girls," in which
it is used, will not be nationally re-
leased until September or October,
and Columbia became incensed over
what it believed was Capitol's de-
liberate-attempt to beat the market
pn the tune. Mercer is its) author.
Capitol's defense of its actidnj^slib-
stantiated by Feist, is that Boris
Morros' "ARA" recording company
had scheduled a Bob Crosby version
of the tune for release and it didn't
want to be beaten to the punch.

Same sort of situation a few weeks
before involved Capitol with Colum-
bia and Victor over Edwin H. Mor-
ris company's song, "Out of This
^orld," also penned by Mercer.

NBC, CBS, Blue, Mutual Plugs

, Following is list of the most played papuMt tunes on the networks for iht
week beginning Monday and through Sunday, May 21*27, from 5 ~p, m
to 1 ct.ro. List represents the flTSt approximately 25 leaders in alpha peticai
order (in some eases there are ties, accounting for a longer list) The
compilations embrace the NBC, CBS, Blue and Mutual Wetioorlcs, as repre-
sented by VVEAI'V WABC, W'JZ and IVOR, N. Y., and are based on data
provided by Accurate Report ing Service, regular checking, source of the
music MuMishing industry.

TITLE •
A Friend of Yours— 1 "Great John h." ...... . . .

All Of My Life :.. ,

Baia — r*'3 Caballeros"' . ...

Bell Bottom Trousers

Candy . . 7. ....... , . .<„......,..,.,..,.

Close, As Pages In a Book— *"Central Pa rk" ,
Dream .. . . VvVi •';,>". V. t;, .- .;, ,: .;. : ;;;-.:; v.vy .... . .i". .' ,:.y

Kv'rytime . . . ,,VVV ,v;;.','wv : . : .',i'. .v;.v : ,v;v iV

Gotta Be This or That, ,, . . . , . y, ...

I'll Always Be With You ;,.
I'm Beginning to See the Light. . . . . . . .... . . '.'. . . . < . .

4 Should Care— f"f hrijl of a Romance". .....

t Wish I Knew— f"Diamond.Horseslioe'' . . . . . .

June Is Bustin Out All Over— ""Carouser ,. n

Just a Prayer Away. , . . , . , , . .....

Laura: — i "Laura" . , . , ..... . , ; ,

My Pet. Brunette' rrf. ,.....,.,...,:.,.'. . .

Sentimental Journey .', ;

Someday Somewhere ,

Sweetheart of My Dreams^-t"80 Seconds Oyer Tokyo" .Shapiro
The More I See You-^1"Dianiond Horseshoe" .BVC
There I've Said It Again jValiant.

There Must Be a Way , . . ;, , . , . . .tStevena

Whateha Say , ... . :, ...... . . ... . , , , ...... ., . . . ... .Harms '':

You Belong to My Heart— ("3 Caballeros" '.■....,, ....... . , , . .JHarris

Ton Came- Along— f "You Came Aloiig .. .» . , .-. . . ... . ,T. B. Harms

.'■ 'I PUBLISHER

,'. .Burke
. . .Berlin
. .^Southern
...Santly
...Feist ;
. . . Williamsoii
. , .Capitol
% .ABC
. . .Harms
...Broadway
...Grand
. . . Dorsey • ,
...BVC

. . T. B.~flarms
...Shapiro ,
. . .Robbiusr
...Marks
....Morris
... .Chelsea. .

T Filmusieal, " Legit Musical, $ B.M.I. Affiliate.

J. Dorsey Getting a Cut,
But It's From His Doc

Jimmy Dorsey temporarily de-
serted his band at the Sherman
hotel, Chicago, Monday (28) to go to
the Coast for an operation. He has
been bothered sonie time by an in-
ternal ailment which has been grow-
ing worse, and his doctor ordered
surgery.

Dorsey 's . band will remain- at the
Sherman for another week under a
substitute leader, after which it will
follow him west.

Eddie Hey wood band, currently at
Billy Berg's, Hollywood, will record
Jimmy McHugh's "Sunny Side of the
Street" for Decca.

Krupa's Jammed Dates
In N. Y. Complicated
Further By US0 Pledge

Setting back of Gene Krupa's open-
ing date at the Capitol theatre, N. Y.,
two weeks to July 5; for a . four-
week run, has jammed the leader
with a scheduled Opening at the
Astor hotel, N, Y. As jl stands* now,
and there's no indication it will be
straightened out immediately, Kriipa
Will be in the Cap at the time he's
due into the nearby Astor. No ideas
on doubling have been advanced.

Krupa might; not have played
■cither date, however, due to a pledge
to go overseas for the lISp, which
was also complicated by the refusal
of his Chicago draft board 1 to release
him. Since the over 30 rule, how-
ever, he has been given -a- 2-A classi-
fication; .;' , '"■"■':'..

, Jimmy McIIugh and Harold Adam-
son turned in their seventh and last,
tune for the Eddie Cantor cowboy
musical at RKO. ■

Top Tunes lot Your Books

An All-Time Favorite

EXACTLY
LIKE YOU

Music by ...
JIMMY McHUGH

Published by

SHAPIRO-BERNSTEIN

Plan to Organize Orks
For Indie Producers

Hollywood. May 29.

Lew Forbes, musical director for
Samuel Goldwyn, has presented the
Society of Independent Motion Pic-
ture Producers with a plan to or-
ganize an brchestra^to service indie
pictures. _ ' ■ * " "

Under a recent ruling, musicians
under contract to major studios are
not permitted to work on the scor-
ing of outside films.

BILLY GLASON

And His "Star Dreamers"
Program -

: And Other Ihi'«rn»tloiiall/

Xtomou. Program*
Us» this 3x6 VISUAL retold
•f aoiig hit. of over 186 plib-
HsUeru, plus old favorites. In-
- elude, le&d Bheets nml lyrli-i
of chorus. . SAMPLES FXtElK.

l«19
Broudnray
New York 19

TUNE-DEX

[Li ^USllC C@o eocco wocc®, Pi

MICKEY G A PI L © C

9

HIBi

: lf& ilM iilliliillil

44

ORCHESTRAS— MUSIC

PftRtETY

Wednesday, May 30, 194S

NBC Having Trouble Getting Rf motes
On Bands Due to 13-Week Limitation

NBC, which for some time has--
been out of the business of picking
up orchestra remotes, is said to be
having difficulty in temporarily re-
turning to the field. Starting June 4,
and for 13 weeks thereafter, the net-
work is going in for remotes to fill
in for the late night productions that
have occupied the periods from 11:30
on. As a desirable chain, it figured
to have no trouble acquiring pick-
ups. -

However, the lines it extends to
- all band spots in N. Y. and the
suburbs must be paid for. And since
NBC has not been carrying remotes
for more than a. year, virtually all of
them are tied up with Columbia,
the -Blue -or. Mutual. The spot own-
ers, of course, would like to use NBC
time but to do that they would have
to. drop one of whatever other nets
they use now. Most owners can't
afford to add NBC to current lines.
Neither do they want to give up
either CBS. Mutual or the Blue for
the comparatively brief 13-week pe-
riod NBC will allow them. In that
event they might not be able to get
the temporarily sidetracked net back
again after NBC returns to its non-
remote schedule.

I.»uis Appleaanm returned to the
Canadian National Film Board at
Ottawa after collaborating with Ann
Ronell on the score of "Tomorrow
the World."

BOURNE,

??Q Seventh Ave.. New Yo>-W 19. N. Y.

Spitalny's 3-Day St. Loo
Concert Scaled for 63G

Example of the terrific takes in
the concert field is seen by Phil
Spitalny's three-day booking at the
St. Louis Arena, starting Oct. 5.
Contracts call for scaling the house
for a $63,000 gross which if reached
will net Spitalny $38,000.

Larger Deficit Seen
This Yr. for Concerts
At Lewisohn Stadium

With a $253,000 budget last season,
and a $53,000 deficit which had to be
covered by private solicitations, the
Stadium Concerts at Lewisohn Sta-
dium. N. Y., expects a larger budget
this summer and a correspondingly
larger deficit to make up. Stadium
this year expects to draw more than
the 350.000 attendance of last season,
basing same on such factors as in-
creased • buses and more gasoline
available, as well as on "unusual"
bookings.

Management;..:', headed by Mrs.
Charles S. Guggcnheimer. is trying^
to raise $60-$75.000 from public-'
spirited citweris to cover the deficit,
and has already raised $22,000. Drive
will go on right through the eight-
week season, which starts June 18.

With the acceptance yesterday
(Tuesday) by the Assn. of Theatri-
cal Agents and Managers of applica-
tion of Margaret Hartigan for mem-
bership. Stadium is now fully union-
ized by ATAM, Miss Hartigan hav-
ing been appointed press agent for
Stadium by Mrs. Guggenheimer
several weeks ago.

S.tadium expects to enlarge its at-
tendance by such unusual bookings
as Dinah Shore and James Melton;
two operas, "Boheme," with Grace
Moore and Jan Peerce, and "Car-
men." \with Gladys Swavthout and
Charles Kullman; Platoff's Don Cos-
sacks; and two ballet troupes, one
Mi ensemble headed by Alicia Markova
| and Anton Dolin and the other 51

I group headed by Leonide Massine

II and Irina Baronova.
Season will open with all-Tchai-

kowsky concert June 18 with Artur
Rodzinski as conductor and Nathan
Milstein as soloist. ' .' .

British Best Sheet Sellers

{Week Ending May 17, '45)
London. May 17.
Dreams Getting Better. Connolly

Lonely Side. B. Wood

Rosanna Cinephonic

Together Connelly

There Goes That , Song. .. 'FDH

Little Fond Affection. . Dash

Ever Go To Ireland .Cinephonic
Can't Help Singing. .. .Chappell
"ACcsntuaie Positive—. ^Victoria
Sweetheart Valley ....... Dash

British Sheet
Sales Soaring

English sales of sheet music, which
have been held down during the war
by a much more severe paper short-
age than has bothered this country,
are soaring with the gradual easing
of restrictions. According to advices
here from London publishers, sales
are booming.

English sheet music is, of course,
printed in dimensions approximately
half the size used in this country,
thereby saving considerable paper.

SLACK TO REORGANIZE,
STARTS IN FEW WEEKS

Freddie Slack, who broke up his
orchestra last, fall after a date at
Frank Dailey's Meadowbroek, Cedar
Grove, N. J., is reorganizing again.
He'll begin work in the next few
weeks with a band set up in the east
and which will be booked by the
William Morris agency.

10 Best Sellers on Coin-Machmes

1. There I Said It Again (5) (Valiant).

2. Laura (5) (Bobbins)

3. Sentimental Journey (10) (Morris). .

4. Candy <10> (Feist)

5. My Dreams Getting Better (14) (SantlyXj

6. Dream (7) (Capitol) ;

7. Just Prayer Away (7^ (Shapiro)...

8. Bell Bottom Trousers (2Y (Saiitly ) .

9. I'm Beginning to See Light (13) (Grand)
10. All of My Life (5) (Berlin)..;.........

Vaughn Monroe. ..... Victor

{Freddy Martin victor
Dick Haymes . . , .., . . . .Decca

<Les Brown ...... .Columbia

(Hal Mclntyre .... ..Victor

{ Dinah Shore .Victor

[Jo Stafford.......... Capitol

Lea Brown '. .Columbia

Louis Prima Hit

\ Plied Pipers. . . . . . ... Capitol

J Freddie Martin . . .... .Victor

Bing Crosby ., .Decca

t Jesters^ 7.. ,, ... .Decca

t Tony Pastor. ., ... . , . .Victor
i Harry James .... .Columbia

( Duke Ellington Victor

\ Bing Crosby. ........ .Decca

( Harry James .... .Columbia

Upbeat— Music Notes

Jerry Leivin moved from the con-
tact staff at E. B. Marks to Repub-
lic Music in N. Y. •■>'-:

BaWert Emmett Dolan signed by
Rainbow Productions as musical sup-
ervisor on "The Bells of St. Mary's."

Spade Caaley and Gang booked
for a weekly air show over KECA,
Hollywood, starting June 8.

EMie Hey man- Johnny Green tune.
"Out of Nowhere." will be revived
for the Hal Wallis film, "You Came
Along."

Allan Janes recorded eight Cole
Porter songs for Victor.

Gearge Wells orch. at Don Metz's

Inside Orchestras-Music

Lennie. Herman, whose five-piece orchestra currently is at the Tavern-
On-the-Green, Central Park, N. Y., uses an unusual method of handling
tune requests by patrons. He has printed cards listing every song in his
band's library, each song numbered. On the bandstand is a lighted, glass
blackboard on which patrons are invited to list their requests by number.
Leader's theory in handling requests in this way is that some people arc
too shy to address a leader directly, and so listing them on a' board eases
their situation. It also prevents him from forgetting requests and thereby
offending the requestee. , " •

Herman's- orchestra . is the former Dick Kuhn outfit, which has been
intact 11 years, except for Kuhn's recent abdication as leader. He went
into a small recording business of his own. This is an idea Kuhn had
originated.

The Galaxy of Stars, <V* ,o0* S
featuring LONELY LOVi
continues to grow
Everyone wiH be singing
VJW^ ION ELY LOVE

Bob Rhodes, leader of Pittsburgh dance band and also director of staff
outfit at WCAE there, has a bonafide Ph. D. in his outfit. He is Freddie
Herrick, saxman. who holds that degree from V. of Pittsburgh for work in
the field of ediicational administration. Rhodes is currently playing at
Kennywood Park, Pitt, where the dance pavilion is managed by another
Ph. D. from Pitt. W. E. Mason. Latter, who holds post of elementary
schools principal in McKeesport, Pa.; holds park job just for summer.

Alfred Newman, composer of the score for "Leave Her to Heaven" at
20th-Fox, is trying a new Stunt which he calls "built-in music." Newman
is doing his chore while the shooting is going on, fitting the music to the
drama from day to day instead of waiting until the production is com-
pleted. "We are trying out the idea," he explained, "that music should be
an integral part of a dramatic filin, planned in advance, like everything
else connected with the production. Usually, music is an afterthought."

Glen Island Casino, New Rochelle, N. Y.. which reopens May- 30 with
Les Elgart's orchestra, followed June 14 by Shorty Sherock's new band for
the summer, will increase its use of radio spot announcements this year.
Spot expects to spend over $2,000 on two or three N. Y. stations. Radio is
an annual medium of advertising used by the spot's operators, but the
budget is being increased this year because the place has been closed so
long. t~

Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians would have done $30,000 at the
Capitol, Washington, had. they played a full week. Thev had a split of
$27,000 and grossed $27,665. The musicians gave way to a War Bond
rally on Wednesday night when "Salty O'Rourke" was presented to a
packed house. This gesture to aid the sale of War Bonds cost the Lombardos
a sizable piece of cash.

Not one air plug Ls being solicited on the tune 'Yah-Ta-Da-Ya-Tah-Da,"
which currently is breaking into a solid novelty hit. Song got its start via
the recordings marketed by the various major disc outfits, Bing Crosby-
Judy Garland (Decca), Harry James (Columbia), Fr-eddy Martin-King
Sisters ( Victor "i and is increasingly building as a sheet seller. It's an-
other case of a sheet hit being made via recordings. . . - ■ "

Frankie Carle. . who. was threatening several weeks ago -to bleak Oft
playing relations with the Pennsylvania hotel, N. Y, due to an argument
over the financial aspects of a contract for later this fall, has patched
things up. He has completed an agreement with the hotel on the terms
originally agreed upon between them and will play the spot on schedule.

Tommy Dorsei- has changed his mind about his strings. Instead of dump-
ing the entire string section of nine men, he intends continuing with seven
of the group. Notices to this number have been rescinded and fhey have
accompanied him to California, where he opens at his own Casino Gardens
ballroom, Ocean Beach, June 1.

Plans to rebuild theTavern-on-the-Green, Central Park. ,N. Y., to house
a name band policy beginning. this fall, also call for an outdoor iceskati'ng
rink. This will be accomplished by laying freezing pipes beneath the
ground in the area now occupied by the outdoor dining room. During the
summer the latter will continue to be used as a dining spot.

Censorship on mail with Italy now being off, it is expected that the
Alien Property Custodian will pave the way for more ready clearance
of copyrights to Italian works. Rome and Milan have always been a foun-
tamhead for, musical compositions. for U. S. impresarios, publishers, et al.

Club Casino, Pitts., for last six
months, had optioned .picked up for
six_more.

Faul Funer, Musicraft Records
prexy, in Hollywood to gander Coast
talent.

Chuck Faster band ' into Bill
Green's, Pitts., for two weeks start-
ing June 22. Leo Reisman there now.

MILLS REMINDERS OF

DUKE KIXIXfiTOV
FovarStes '•>■

CARAVAN

SOPHISTICATED LADY
IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD

MOOD INDIGO
•

MILLS MUSIC. INC.

16.19 Broadway. New York

Wednesday, May 30, 1945

VAUDEVILLE

45

Norfolk's Niteries 'Out of Bounds
For All AGVA Talent and Agents

All niteries in the Norfolk, Va.,
area have been declared out of
bounds for talent by the American
Guild of Variety Artists' national
headquarters in New York. Priorto
entraining for the west, Matt Shel-
vey, national administrator- of the
talent union, notified the Norfolk lo-
cal of AGVA and agents servicing
the spots that no performer -members
would be permitted to play the area
until niteries quit their stalling, sign
AGVA agreements and post bonds
guaranteeing salaries of acts.

"Until such time as the Norfolk
operators see fit to conform with
regulations such as obtain else-
where," added Shelvey, "none of our
members will be permitted to accept
engagements in their niteries nor
will any AGVA-frauchised agent be
permitted to book acts in." .

AGVA's crackdown, which affects
30 or more nite spots in that area,
was reportedly precipitated by many
infractions and stalling on pacts and
bonds. He added that the union has
experienced no little amount of
trouble with ops in that territory on
undue cancellations, short payoffs
and 1 other contractual violations.

Hamid's Criminal Action
Vs. Dave Fox Tossed
Out by N.Y. Magistrate

. George Hamid's criminal action
sgainst Dave Fox, head of the N. Y.
local of American Guild of Variety
Artists, charging "unlawful with-
holding of property," was rejected
without hearing by Magistrate James
Fawcett in Jefferson Market Court,
N. Y., last week, with Jatter stating
that since amount involved was over
$500 it was beyond jurisdiction of his
court.

Action involved $1,200 posted as
bond on play or pay contract issued
to an act, The Zavattas, which Hamid
.signed as headliner for a date with
Hamid-Morton . Circus last month.
Act was signatured and bond posted
last January. Subsequently, the date
was cancelled and although act never
played the date AGVA paid off the
bond money after arbitration, ruling
that the act was entitled to it under
regulations of the play or pay con-
tract. 1

When Hamid's attorney insisted
upon being heard, the magistrate did
not change his opinion but suggested
that he consult the district attorney
on the matter.

IRENE BORDONI INTO
STATE, N. Y., JUNE 14

Irene Bordoni, current at the Blue
Angel, N. Y., is set for. her first
Broadway vaude appearance in some
years. She goes into Loew s State,
N. Y., week of June 14.

She closes at the cafe shortly be-
fore reporting to the State.

Patsy Kelly and Barry
Wood to Play Niteries

Barry Wood and Patsy Kelly,
teamed as head of a vaude package
show for the last few months, will
make their nitery bow as a duo at
the Chase hotel, St. Louis, June 4,
for two weeks.

They follow with the Palmer
House, Chicago,-

Pitts. Spot Fined by State
Board for Refilling Bottles

Pittsburgh. May 29.

Mercur_ Music Bar is the second
top-flight "local nitery. to get a 20'-
day suspension slapped on it by the
State Liquor Control Board, and on
the satfte charge, too — refilling
state-stamped bottles. Other spot
«^as Club Casino, owned by Don
Metz, head of Night Club Owners
Guild here: . ' /

Neither place, however, will be
forced to suspend sale of booze since
their offer of a $10 fine for every
«ay of the suspension was accepted
by the Board. Charges against Mu-
sic Bar were originally filed nearly
J « months ago before Mercur Broth-
«s sold out, but was only acted on
«st week. „•.

Carlton Emmy's 'Queenie'
Disappears From Theatre

— "Queenie," one of the pooches , of
Carlton Emmy's canine act, either
took French leave or wa.s spirited
away from his playmates before the
opening show last Friday (25) while
the act was playing at Loew's State,
N; Y.

Emmy's caretaker of the hounds
last saw the dog-when he let the
dogs out.jfox exercise in the yard
adjoining the theatre and she's still
among the missing. Emmy notified
the police and placed newspaper
advertisements, but so far has had
no luck.

It's thought that the pooch may
have mooched into the theatre while
the cleaners were at work and ran
out an open exit door.

No Talent Worries At
Yersaflles,N.Y.,for30Wks

Between Carl Brisson and Dwight
Fiske, the Versailles, N. Y., doesn't
have to worry about headliners for
30 weeks starting Sept. 9. Brisson
starts that date for a nine-week pe-
riod and will be followed by Fiske
for 12 weeks.

Brisson then makes a return date
there star.ting-JMarch 15, and-remains-
until the end -of. -May, 1946. Mean-
while Brisson starts Friday (1) at
the Blackstone hotel, Chicago, for
four weeks.

Taps Wins Compromised
Decision in Dispute Vs.
Harry Prine, M. Block

In an unprecedented decision, an
arbitration held yesterday (29) at
the American Guild of Variety Art-
ists upheld Dave (Taps) Schoren-
stein's contract with Harry Prine,
singer on the Chesterfield show, but
ordered his contract with the artist
cut short, believing that to be best
for Prine's career.

Panel recommended that Taps re-
ceive commissions On Prine's earn-
ings until November of this year
after which time the contract would
be terminated despite the fact that
the pact has two years after' that to
run. Decision is obviously a com-
promise.

Although yesterday's hearing con-
cerned only the AGVA jurisdiction,
AKRA and SAG observers present
will recommend that the same terms
apply to film and radio fields.

Prine, an unknown singer, signed
a pact with Taps last November, and
several months later attempted to
break away and go with Martin
Block. Taps subsequently filed
charges with Artists Representatives
Ass'n, which took the matter up with,
the talent union.

Mark Warnow Just Set
For N.Y. Cap's Next Show

Late last week, Mark Warnow,
CBS musical director now working
exclusively on a five-year contract
with the American Tobacco Co., was
signed for the next show at the Cap-
itol, N. Y., at the head of a 37-piece
orchestra to open June 21 'or 28.
Deal was set too late to insert the
new bill^ on the house program
sheets and the trailers, which is un-
usual in the case of a Broadway
house..

Entire layout will include Jack
Durant, whose last Broadway date
was at the Roxy; Ethel Smith, organ-
ist, and Rose Marie.

Warnow last previously played
N.. Y. house was the Paramount
some years ago.

"Blood on the Sun" (UA) will be
the feature.

Billy Rose, Lionel Kaye
Settle Pact Argument;
Comic Quits 'Horseshoe'

Lionel Kaye, "The Mad Auc
tioneer" currently at the Diamond
Horseshoe, N. Y, and Billy Rose, op-
erator of the nitery, have adjusted
differences based on Kaye's wish to
bow out of the show to play vaude
dates. Kaye had given Rose notice
on the premise that his contract ex-
pired last- month when comedian had
rounded out a year's stay with the
nitery show. Rose maintained that
he was pacted until show folds.

Under American Guild of Variety
Artists contract on nitery shows run
of play contracts mature in one year
But gimmick here was that although
Kaye had gone into the show in May,
1944, Rose had been operating on a
verbal arrangement with the talent
union. He didn't sign an AGVA con-
tract until August. Rose maintained
he could hold Kaye until August this
year as a result.

Kaye, figuring he could quit the
Horseshoe show this month, had
signed for several vaude dates, in-
cluding the Capitol, N. Y.» which
would be playing him now had not
Rose stymied the deal.

Rose and Kaye have gotten to-
gether and, as things now stand, the
comic will remain at the Horseshoe
until July 7. He then takes a four-
week vacation and will start vaude
at the Capitol, Washington, on a two
weeks booking Aug. 9, following in-
to the Capitol, N. Y:, Aug. 29 for
four weeks.

SHELVEY IN CHI FOR
PACT TALKS WITH EMA

Matt Shelvey, national adminis-
trator of American Guild of Variety
Artists, is in Chicago to meet with
the local Entertainment Managers
Assn. Purpose is to sign agents
g r o u p to AGVA ten-percenter
agreements and -discusss further
clarification on Rule B of the con-
tract, 'which defines agent and book-
er status, in two different para-
graphs.

Chi agents have been operating on
verbal agreements and adhering to
regulation terms of AGVA contract
for the past couple of months.
Everything was ready for signing,
according to Shelvey, when the cur-
few hit. Chaotic situation held up
the inking at that time.

Shelvey will also confer with the
Michigan State Bookers Assn., op-
erating out of Detroit, for similar
purpose after pacting the Chi sit-
uation is smoothed.

Eddie Peabody Tees Up
At Chi Palmer H. June 16

Eddie Peabody will play his first
important nitery engagement at the
Palmer House, Chicago, since his re-
cent discharge from the Navy. He
opens June 16. '

Peabody, was a lieutenant-com-
mander performing/morale work at
the Great Lakes Naval Training Sta-
tion, Chicago. '■[':'

Here's a New One

Cancellation of the Ringlirtg Bros.
& Barnum & Bailey performances
dates after the fatal Hartford fire last
seas.on was the cause of a .$0,250
damage action filed by the New Eng-
land Fire Insurance Co. last week in.
N. Y. supreme court.

Insurance company alleges that, be-
cause of the suspension, they were
obliged to pay that amount to Harry
S. Dube, publisher of "The Circus
Magazine." The policy was issued to
indemnify Dube against loss result-
ing from the temporary ' discontin-
uance of the show.

Plans Drawn for New
Chi Theatre-Restaurant

Chicago, May 29.

Plans have been prepared on a
huge new theatre-restaurant on the
lakefront, originally dreamed up
about five years ago by Morris Sil-
ver, boss of Chi William Morris of-
fice, but stymied by the outbreak of
war. Structure will be erected on
the south side, two miles south of
the Jackson Park beach district.

Besides Silver, incorporators in-
clude his brother Joe, manager of
Chi Brinks Express office; Leo Sal-
kin of Morris office; Charles E.
Hogan, I toga n Agency; Harold
Cowan, building manager who's
handling realty end of the deal and
will supervise construction, and sev-
eral Chi businessmen.,

A one-story structure, it will seat
close to 1 .000, according to plans.

Shuberts Opening Vaude-Burley
Circuit to Utilize Old Costumes
And Dark Houses in Three Cities

Books Hit Bed

1 Chicago, May 29.

Small fry talent agent here,
dealing mostly in cocktail lounge
acts, has worked, up a lucrative
sideline based on shortage of
hotel rooms.

Where he sleeps himself is the
big question — although it's known
his office boasts a conunodious
davenport. Anyway, the extra
dough he's flashing around town
these days represents rentals of
anywhere from $15 to $20 a day
from visiting show-biz luminaries
occupying his . $100 - a - month
quarters in a loop Hotel.

Coney Island's Luna
Park Reopens Sat. (2)
Under New Lessees

Luna Park, Coney Island, N; Y.,
previously operated . by Bill Miller
and the Danzinger brothers, which
has been in litigation since, last sea-
son's fire, will reopen Saturday (2)
under new management. Phil Pate,
who had previously been Danzing-
ers' rep at the park, has taken over,
partnered with Abe Seskin, conces-
sionaire at the park for a number of
years. s "

Pate made the deal for the amuse-
ment area with the Prudence "Co.,
N. Y., owners of the property, on a
one-season lease with options. Both
Pate and Seskin plan many changes,
but these will have to come as the
season progresses. Buildings un-
touched by the fire and others slight-
ly damaged have been repaired.
Ballroom will function later in the
season since there's considerable re-
vamping to be done.

Miller and Danzingers were about
to make outright purchase of Luna
last season. They had put up a size-
able sum to clinch deal prior to the
fire. Their status is currently in liti-
gation.

Brandts Mull 2-a-Day
For B'klyn, Bronx Houses

The Flatbush, Brooklyn and the
Windsor, Bronx, operated by the
Brandts, may yet be playing vaude
in the fall despite the fact that a
two-a-day type show planned for
experimental purposes' by George
Brandt has been indefinitely post-
poned. ;.'■"-

The Flatbush was to have housed
revue topped by Willie Howard
and Jackie Miles June 12, which was
to have been shifted to the Windsor
the following week, but Brandt
postponed the proposition because of
unavailability of Miles.

According to Brandt, Milts had
given him a verbal okay, but the
Morris office not knowing of the
agreement, had him booked for the
same period for the Bradford Roof,
Boston. Brandt consequently called
the deal off.

These houses until two years ago
ran regular vaude shows booked by
the Arthur B'isher office. They're
now playing legit shows.

C.C., Miami, to Enlarge

Clover Club, Miami, will close
June 27 until July 18 to renovate and
enlarge the spot. Irving Moss, op-
erator, has bought an adjoining
property and will add 150 seats to
the layout.

Moss expects lo be in New York
shortly to line up some talent.

Kaye, AGVA S.E. Head,
To Solidify Union in N.W.

Arthur Kaye, who has been south-
eastern director of the American
Guild of Variety Artists, left last
week for a tour of northwestern
territory for purposes of solidifying
that territory for AGVA.

Nitery operations have mush-
roomed in the northwest according
to Matt Shelvey, national admin-
istrator of the talent union, who. had
planned to make the trek himself
but found he must remain in N. Y.
because of other pressing AGVA
matters. '.

Kaye's tour will range from Butte,
Montana, to Seattle, Washington.
Upon his return he will resume his
former post, operating out of
Florida..- • ■ 1 :.*,

COOPER INTO VERSAILLES, N.Y.

. Jerry Cooper will head the ucw
Versailles, N. Y., show starting June
13.

No other talent signed yet, but line
has been picked and Boots McKenna
starts rehearsals this week.

4- The Shuberts, who have dabbled
Iff va^deWlle-t)?foreT"are--gmng~In:-
for vaude in a big way. They'll
operate three houses in key cities in
a vaude type review with shows
booked by Al and Belle Dow out of
N. Y. Displays will combine variety
and bur)esque features.

First Shubert house to open on
this policy will be the Lafayette
theatre, Detroit, June 1. Other spots
scheduled for similar operation are
the Great Northern, Chicago, bow-
ing June 8, and the National theatre,
Washington,. June 15. Other key
legit houses will go in for this policy
if it's successful in these towns.

The Shubert flyer into this type
revue is designed not only to cut
down the' vacant time of each house,
but to utilize costumes and scenery
from closed legit shows. The De-
troit display -Hvill use costumes from
the late "Ziegf eld .Follies," for ex-
ample.

It's planned to use a permanent
line of 18 in each house with the
principals rotating. Since it's hoped
that each show, will last four weeks
in every stop, immediate prospect
for talent is a 12-week route.

First show opening in Detroit will
have Margie Hart, Lili St. Cyr, Low,
Kite and Stanley, Frank Paris,
Arnie Hartman, Hal Hope and Jack
Diamond. If show holds then a bill
headed by Lana Barry and Pat
Paree opens in Chicago. If layout is
cut short then they go into Detroit,
while the Detroit combo moves to
Chicago. Georgia Sothern will- cap
the Washington bill.

Each house will run twice-a-day,
possibly a third show if business
warrants, and also a Saturday mid-
night show. Seating will be on a
reserved policy at $1.50 top.

Conn. Law Prohibiting
Gal Performers After
10 P. M. Eliminated

Hartford, May 29.

It is now legal for women enter-
tainers or musicians to work in
Connecticut night clubs after 10
p. m., ending a ban which has been
widely ignored, but has been a con-
stant thorn in the side of nitery
operators for several years.

Bill exempting females over 21
from all state statutes prohibiting
employment of women after 10 p. m.
has passed both houses of the Gen-
eral Assembly. It took effect from
passage on May- 24. - — — -

Waitresses and kitchen help, now
permitted to work after 10 p. m. un-
der emergency war relaxation, will
have to quit when the war ends, but
entertainers are now permanently
exempt.

GERACCI TEMPORARY
HEAD OF COAST AGVA

Pat Geracci, who has been hi
charge of the upper New Yoi'k ter-
ritory for American Guild of Variety
Artists, leaves for Los Angeles this
week to take over as temporary
west coast director of AGVA for-
merly held by Florine Bale, re-
signed.- — -

Geracci. will remain west until
Sept., after which a permanent ap-
pointment for- the Coast area will
be made by . Matt Shelvey, national
administrator of AGVA.

Rose Signs With AGVA
For 'Concert Varieties'

'Concert Varieties," which bows
in at 1 he Ziegf eld, N. Y., Friday
night (1) under aegis of Billy Rose,
comes under the jurisdiction of
American Guild of Variety Artists
rather than Equity since it's classi-
fied as a straight vaude show. Rose
pacted With AGVA this week. .

Lineup comprises Zero Mostel,
Katharine Dunham and dancers.
Deems Taylor m.c, Jerome Robbins.
Rosario and Antonio, Imogene Coca,
Eddie Mayehqff, Amons and John-
son, Salici's Puppets, Walter Harat-
zig, concert pianist; Nestor Cbayres,
Mex tenor. Pembrooke Davenport
will conduct.

46

VAUDEVIUJE

Wednesday, May 30, 1945

Joe Howard and Carl Erbe Seem To
Run Realty Biz, Too; 3 B'way Leases

Three Broadway operations by Joe +
Howard and Carl Erbe within the i
r-next-two. -or _three_ months is now .aj.
possibility because of a decision last
week in the N. Y. Supreme Court
awarding the Howard-Erbe combine
the lease of one of the most import-
ant corners in the Times Square
area: ;•: ■

The court confirmed their hold on
the building at 46th and Broadway
now occupied by a Childs restaurant
on the ground floor and a dime-a-
dance institution above.

The building was acquired by
Howard last summer on a guarantee
and percentage deal from the H.
Adams Ashiorth realty interests.
Childs' people subsequently went to
court to force renewal of their lease,
which expired last summer!

Howard expects the current ten-
ants to vacate shortly and will start
renovating the spot into a cocktajl-
ery on the first floor and a restau-
rant on the second. : \ :}:■'

When alterations start on the 46th
street site, Howard and Erbe will
start refurbishing the old Zanzibar
in the Winter Garden building on
which they've been paying rent since
they vacated last summer to take
over the spot formerly occupied by
the Hurricane. The building won't
be idle much longer, they say.

Saranac

The

Drunkenest
Drunk Vou
Ever Saw.
The

Laughingest
Laughter
You Ever ,
Heard.
Put

Together
It'e

By Happy Ben way

Saranac, N. Y., May 29.

Drive for William Morris Me-
morial Park is on, with Benny Ress-
ler acting as chairman of commit-
tee. Funds raised will be used for
the upkeep of park and salary of
custodian. Park entertained about
100 kiddies daily last summer;

Grant Cane, former operator ot
the Brown Bear, local nttery, here
on a two-week furlough from Navy,

Harry Martin licked laryngitis and
landed, a mess of fish while recuping
here. Also gifted many of the gang
before returning to N. Y. '. ■ ..:

Lillian Mansfield, after a year's
ozoning at her Jackson Heights
home, returning to the colony for the
summer.

Joe Dabrowski, Jerry Sager. Joe j souvenir program.
Bishop. Tommy Vicks and Jerry Ro-
senberg enjoying out-of-the-san rou-
tine and flashing okay reports.

Dick Moore perting up with a mess
of good reports; ditto for Walter
Kirschbaum, who leaves here soon
lor' Sea Bright, N. J. •'

Pat Rooney, Jr., will be a feature
of the War Bond drive show to be
given at Town Hall. He's now sta-
tioned at the Lake Placid Army
Center.

Write te these whe are ill.

'Mansion' Now a Convent

Youngstown, O., May 29.
From mansion to night club to
convent— that is the brief history of
the million-dollar dwelling built
over 25 years ago by Henry K. Wick,
Youngstown industrialist. For a
number of years, "The Mansion," as
it was called, was one of the ritziest
night clubs in eastern Ohio.
- -A little more than a year ago the
building was purchased by the
Youngstown Catholic Diocese and
after Monday Mass (28) , the regal
dwelling was closed to the public.

AGVA's Second Annual
Benefit (27) Racked
Up $10,000 Relief Fund

American Guild of Variety Art-
tists' second annual benefit held Sun-
day (27) night at the Imperial thea-
tre, N. Y.. netted close to $10,000.
Amount represents tickets sales at
$12 top and from advertising in the

STEVE
EVANS

STEEL PIER

ATLANTIC CITY

.mot.— M.vmr BOSKN

New Showboat Debuts
On Lake Erie June 16

Cleveland, May 29. >
William Wingate is giving Lake
Erie a new showboat June 18, when
the steamer Alabama, a remodeled
coastal liner, makes its maiden trip
from Cleveland.

Ship will have an unusually spa-
cious ballroom and a stage for shows..
Al Olivia's orchestra, which has been
playing the local nitery circuit for
past two years, was signed for the
Alabama's moonlight cruises and ex-
cursions to Put-in-Bay, O. Wingate.
general manager of the Islands-Bay
Steamship Line, is drumming up a
kleig-light bon -voyage for ship's ini-
tial cruise.

Benefit was under auspices of the
N, Y. local of AGVA, headed by
Dave Fox. and was chairmaned by
James A. Sauter, head of the War
Activities Committee of the Motion
Picture Industry.

Performers oh hand were Zero
Moste'l. Henny Nadell, Harry Hersh-
field, Tommy Dix, Mary Small, Eddie
Mayehoft, Molly Picon, Dale Bel-
mont, Danny Daniels, Pat Flaherty,
Bill Russell, Jay Seiler, Benny
Baker, Waliy Boag, Josh White, Halt
Johnson Choir, and floor shows from
the Carnival and Havana-Madrid.
Patsy Flick emceed.

Proceeds will be divided between
welfare and servicemen's fund of the
talent union.

EARL CARROLL SUIT VS.
MORRISON H. TO RETRIAL

Chicago, May 29.

A new trial was granted Earl Car-
roll and Hollywood Theatrical Corp.
by U. S. Circuit Court Of Appeals
in their $450,000 breach of con-
tract suit against the Morrison
Hotel Corp. and officers. Case, now
referred to U. S. District Court by
Circuit Judges Kerner, Minton and
Major (although latter dissented In
part), was tossed out of court by
Federal Judge Igoe last year follow-
ing defense pleas that pact was .un-
enforceable because it wasn't ap-
proved by District Court, which had
jurisdiction over hotel's properly,
and that it wasn't executed in a
manner binding on the corporation.

Producer originally sued the hotel,
general manager Leonard Hicks,
treasurer A. E. Bolt, and. assistant
treasurer Frederick J. Best, on
grounds they had reneged on his
lease on the Terrace Room, which
he'd rented for a year and a half to
operate as a theatre-restaurant,
claiming that besides the $26,820 he
was out for talent, publicity, hotel
and transportation costs, etc., he was
also embarrassed financially by not
being allowed to cash in on the ex-
pected $6,000-a-week net planned on.

"DELIGHTED THE AUDIENCE"

iw.y Winter, WaaUactea Dally

THE MACK TRIPLETS

Ot Teur WIU PHII Setttliy
Ruin. Material Perswa! Met.

HARRY COHIN PHIL FARRELL
. - lew •meawr t*s» areaeway

Another Aerialist Falls

Detroit, May 29.

Mary Valentine, a member of ths
Flying Romans, aerialist troupe with
the Barnes Bros. Circus, was in-
jured last week when she missed a
hand-hold on a trapeze during the
climax of the act.

Circus was playing the Olympia
here with a near capacity crowd of
10,000 at the time she fell. A net
broke her fall but she is in a serious
condition:' '.ia .Providence hospital
here with back injuries.

R8B&B CIRCUS SETTLES
IN AERIAUST'S DEATH

Settlement was made last week by
Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey
Circus for the death of Victoria
Tbrrence, aerialist, who was killed
recently in a fall during a perform-
ance "at Madison Square Garden, N.
Y. Sum of settlement was undis-
closed.

No court suit was entered. Frank
Torrence, husband and partner of
the late acrobat, declared that, both
he and his wife were working for
common objective which would have
materialized after 25 more weeks of
work. He said he Wanted to fulfill
that objective despite his wife's
death and asked that sum only. A
meeting of the circus board a few
days later passed the appropriation.

Mortimer S. Rosenthal, associate
counsel ol the American Guild of
Variety Artists, handled the details
for Torrence.

Nitery Op Pays Salary
Claim After Arbitration

Sam Rinsella. operator of the
Brown Derby nitery, Chicago, paid
off a $450 salary claim based on a
breach of contract claim by the
Three Clavert Sisters, as directed
after arbitration by the American
Guild of. Variety Artists last week.

Rinsella had contracted act for his
nitery some weeks ago, according to
complaint of the trio, and would not
permit them to utilize their own
pianist insisting they work with the
house orchestra. Since their arrange-
ments were tricky and insufficient
time was allowed them for re-
hearsals with the orchestra, they in-
sisted their pianist work with them.
After some controversy Rinsella can-
celled act out.

Rinsella asked for arbitration of
the matter, which was threshed out
at AGVA with verdict in favor of
the gals.

Miller Vice Comise
As Chi COA Prez

Chicago, May 29.
Ross Miller, operator of Silver
Palm nitery here, was elected presi-
dent of Chi Cafe Owners Assn.
Wednesday (23), He succeeds John
Comise, operator of Club DeLisa
who resigned a month ago. Latter
bowed out after he was. named iu
three true bills by county grand
jury on April 20, charging him with
possessing a blackjack and gun.
Ralph Berger, of Latin Quarter, and
Jimmy Pappas of Vine Garden, re-
main veepee and secretary -treas-
urer. •

Meeting also planned a member-
ship drive and a campaign for
change in a: city law, which is also'
being pushed for passage through
state legislature, that now allows po-
lice to padlock niteries on order of
Mayor Edward J, Kelly, following
recommendation to do so by police,
without a hearing until a month or
more later. ■

As it stands now, if the mayor
wants to close a place he can-do it
right off the bat, and a hearing is
held anywhere from one to three
months later, during which time a
sizeable gross may.be lost. "We Want
it so that if there's a complaint
against an operator there'll be an
immediate hearing before his license
is revoked," Tom Rosenberg, one of
COA's attorneys, explained.

THE CHAMPAGNE MUSIC OF

400 Club, N.Y., In 3-Week
Extension With Small Band

400 Club, N. Y., which figured to
elose for the summer immediately
alter Benny Goodman's closing June
3, will continue for another three
weeks with a six-piece band. ' Spot
has bought Phil Romano's small
group to open June 5 and close July
1. A big band was sought to follow
B.C. but none strong enough was
available. . •'•

Club reopens Sept. 6 with Gene
Krupa. followed by Tommy Dorsey
Oct. 4.

Hans Lederer Also Plans
European Talent Sortie

Hans Lederer, former European
booker, now with the Clifford Fisch-
er office, plans a trip abroad as soon
as accommodations are available, to
set up a route for Afherican acts.
According to word received from his
Continental contacts, ' Lederer says
about 14-18 weeks in France and
the Scandinavian peninsula are im
mediately available. They're still
blocked off by the transportation
problem, however.

Lederer also plans to import some
acts ta this country. He says a great
number of novelty and musical acts
are available in those parts, and can
be induced to come here.

T. H. ARCHER
President of the Archer Ballroom Co.

Writes: ' 'v ? ; ' ■ ,

"I tint •tied Wet* ami bit ercWe.tr. in If 27, at
which tlm* it consisted ef only tlx men. Then,
«t new, H wot • hlej favorite l» My ballroom!
mm4 hot boeo a eee listen* mosey maker far »e
during all these years.

Probably some of the reasons are:

Good Showmanship

Walk's fine personality

Plenty of Variety

Excellent dance tempos—-—

all wrapped up, making a
great dance combination/'

Very sincerely,
T. h; ARCHER. President.

Management of FREDERICK RROS.
Chicago a Hew York • Hollywood

Congress H., Chi, to Open
July 1; Proser's Bid Fails

Chicago, May 29.

Monte Proser's bid to open a
nitery in the Congress hotel here, as
part of a plan to set up a coast-to-
coast chain of Copacabanas on the
order of his N Y. spot, failed Friday
(25>. Dr. Charles Levy and Sam
Leeds, heads of corporation whiqh
recently bought the hotel; told
••Variety" they'll run the hotel's
three spots themselves.

Hotel, which was shuttered three
years ago- when- the Army took 'it-
over for a radio school, houses the
Casino (former. Josef Urban Room),
Pompeiian Room and Glass Hat.
Plans now are to reopen the hotel,
and Pompeiian Room and Casino, by
July J. and the Glass Hat by Oct. 1.

First-mentioned will be the main
dining room; Casino will be — run-,
somewhat on the order of Blat'k-
stone , hotel's Mayfair Room, with
name acts and bands; and Glass Hat,
which opens off Michigan Avenue,
will be a cocktail lounge, as before,
with six-piece band.

Hotel and nitery renovation costs
will rim in the neighborhood of
$1,500,000. ■ \

Lazar to Coast MCA

Irving Lazar. of Music Corp. of
America's legit department, trans
ferred from New York to the
Coast film dept. of that outfit.

He's been with MCA since his dis
charge from the Army several
months ago where he was a captain
in Special Services. Prior to that he
was in the cafe department of the
William Morris agency. v

PAUL
REGAN

Comk'-Salirtiit •

Signed
For Retiirn Engagement
TO CAPITOL. NEW YORK
After U.S.O. Tour

GAGS! JOKES! GAGS!

PATTER! WISE-CRAX! STORIES!

F«r Vtude-nlti clubs, radio M.C.'f, ilnalas.
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HANLON

And

CLARK

"TWO CRAZY PEOPLE"
Overseas for U SO

IHr.j HARRY ftREBEN
rrese: 1»I«JK RICHARDS

t, America 's foremost restaurant
features America's foremost attractions:

CARMEN CAVALLARO
EMIL COLEMAN
XAVIER CUtSAT
DUKE ELLINGTON
PHIL OHMAN
TED STRAETER

DE MARCOS
TITO GUIZAR
DANNY KAYE
JOE E. LEWIS
CARLOS RAMIREZ
VELOZ and YOLANDA

LIBBY HOLMAN and JOSH WHITE
H. D. Hover-8433 Sunset Blvd. -Holly wood 46, Calif.

$3-00

"HOW TO MASTER THE CEREMONIES'
$3-00 (The Art of SacxoiifMl Emceotnoj)

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"...as a Master el Cerenenles . . . there isn't a aetter'ene anywhere!"— (Waitei ■ Wins-hpHI
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Wednesday, M«y 30, 194S

VAUDEVILLE

47

Minn. Court Reduces
Damages Awarded To
Patron Shot in Nitery

Minneapolis, May 29.

Jury jjeejlci' In. favor of ex-sol-
dier and against the Happy Hour,
leading nigh*: club here, was
ordered reduced by the district
court from $50,000 to $40,000. plain-
tiff has agreed to accept the lesser
gum, but the club still may decide
to appeal to the state supreme court.

The $50,000 was awarded to the
plaintiff, then in the armed services,
■when he was shot by another pa-
tron who later turned out to be a
bandit and was executed in Texas
for a slaying. It was contended the
club was liable for the soldier's in-
juries because it allegedly had sold
liquor to the customer who did the
shooting, until he was drunk.

At the trial the soldier charged
Jie suffered permanent injuries to
his jaw and paralysis of the right
side of his face from the gunshot
■wound in the head.. In cutting the
award, the court said it did so ''with
considerable reluctance," but be-
cause, under the evidence, the plain-
tiff is not completely incapacitated.
He' received a medical discharge
from the army.

Sborebam hotel, Washington,
opened its outdoor terrace Monday
(28) with Carlos Varela rhumba
crch and Raye and Naldi. DiGitanos
follow June 1L

AL TRACE

And His
SILLY SYMPHONISTS

CURRENTLY

SURF CLUB
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA.

. Dir.) STAN ZUCKF.K

PERFORMERS NOW IN
ARMED FORCES

It jou art lii Special Service «r not —
for Immediate un« or |»ONt-war return
to tbow business.

Her* Is a Service You'll Always
Wont

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NEWS

Y.See. Vour Name
Featured In l.lirhla

On BroailHHy Theatre!

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RICK ARB Y

403-V West 115th. New Vork U. S. Y.

AGVA LINES UP ALL
H L CLUB OPERATORS

Rhode Island Cafe Owners Guild
capitulated to the American Guild
of Variety Artists this week (28)
when the talent union threw a picket
line around the Harmony Club,
Pawtucket, and delivery men allied
with the Central Trades Union re-
fused to cross it to make deliveries
of beer, liquor and other commodi-
ties /

AGVA levelled at the Harmony
Club and threatened to follow suit
on the others when representatives
of the RICOA reportedly stalled on
signing regulation contracts with the
performers union. Line was with-
drawn yesterday (Tues.) when com-
mittee came to New York national
office of AGVA and agreed to sign
basic agreements.

However, before AGVA would
halt its offensive it insisted that all
spots, numbering about 34, would
have to employ union musicians and
be 100% unionized in all other de-
partments before AGVA would ne-
gotiate any agreements. Committee
agreed to do this within 10 days
arter which AGVA will issue con-
tracts to the spots, .- ■ , '

MONROE TO RESUME
AT COMM., N.Y., SEPT. 27

Vaughn Monroe will open the
Commodore hotel for the fall season
starting September 27. '

He'll be followed by Charlie
Spivak, Nov. 22.

Flamm Fills Breach

Donald Flamm is reported to have
put up $5,000 at the last minute so
that "Blue Holiday," vaude show
starring Ethel Waters, could open
May 21 at the Belasco,

Possibility of Doused
Lights at Copacabana,
N.Y., Avoided by Proser

Monte Proser solved the talent
emergency at the Copacabana, N, Y.,
late , last week by signing Enric
Madriguera's band, . Mitzi ' Green,
Mario and Floria arid Russell Swann
to debut June 14.

Emergency, at the Copa reared
two weeks ago when Metro notified
Xavier Cugat to report June 20 for
work on "Holiday in Mexico," which
necessitated Cugat's leaving June 13.
Proser originally figured he would
have to shutller because of unavail-
ability of top names, but after a
quick trip to Chicago to talk to Ted
Lewis about a July tenancy of the
Copa, lined up the above talent.

Proser also inked Dorothy Clare,
former Boyd Raeburn vocalist, for
| the show with Joe E. Lewis, which
itar-ts: early September. . / ■ .

Sophie Tucker Signed
For New Small Revue

Sophie Tucker, currently at the
Chez Paree, Chicago, has been
pacted by Paul Small to head a new"
vaude revue which he will open at
the Curran, San Francisco, Sept. 23.

Small returned to the Coast last,
week after a quickie to New York
to sign other acts for the revue. He
left without inking any, however.

No Extra Gas for Acts
Playing War Hospitals

Chicago, May 29.
Performers around town were
plenty burned last week as result of
an exultant announcement by ex-
changes that extra gas rations are
being given distribs and film sales-
men helping theatre managers put
oyer the Showmen's Seventh War
Loan.

Aclors who are called upon to do
benefits, for wounded vets in nearby
servicemen's hospitals still get no
additional gas no matter how far
away the benefit may be.

Jenks Personalling

Frank Jenks, free lance film
player, is coming east for a series of
personals. He's being submitted at
$1,250.

So far he's been set for Loew's
State, N. Y., July 5.

Sherry's Strip to Phila.

^Sherry Britton, stripper, who's
been at Leo*n & Eddie's, off and on
for several years, takes one of her
infrequent outside engagements
when she goes to the Latin Casino,
Philadelphia, June 11.
She's reported getting $750.

WPB HALTS NITERY WORK

Toledo, O., May 29.
Construction on the Gay Nineties
night club, here, has "been stopped
by the Detroit office of the War
Production Board, . wliich declared
club's op, Ed Ease, had violated
rules limiting work to $200.

Netv Acts

THE FONTAINES (3)
Acrobatics *
7 Mins.
Strand, N. Y.

The Fontaines, a two-man, one-
girl balancing combo, rate socko in
any visual medium, class or mass.
The novelty of the act is notable for
the fact that the slim gal is the un-
derstander for most of the stunts,
and most of them are tpughies, too.

There isn't a dull moment; they
look like a million, and they have a
neat flash finish that gets them off to
boff returns. Kflhn.

LOEW

BOOKING
AGENCY

CfNfMi txicunvt officii
Z iOEW BUILDING ANNEX *'

; 1*0 W. 44* St., N.r.C. • My.nt t-7100

'NO

MILLER * JENE
Acrobatics-Comedy
8 Mins.
State, N, Y.

■Here's- a promising boy and girl
aero duo with a good sense of com-
edy and a fairish assortment of
tricks. They're well-groomed and
personable. • However, with more
theatre familiarity, they'll probably
find the necessary speed to improve
their act and insert a trick or two
devoid of comedy in order to set
them off better with their muscle
work, which, incidentally, the audi-
ence is apt lo gloss over because of
the turn's comedy valuesSfa.

Duo can work pic-housjis as well
as. straight vauders because of their
ability to condense space necessary
for their act. Jose.

THE WALLACES
Puppets

9 Mins. V

La Conga, N. Y.

Puoeh-and-Judy layout seems
more suitable for theatres than
niteries, although in the more in-
time confines of a boite they have
enough sight values to put them
over. Operated by a man and
woman pair behind the box, they,
put on a miniature nitery. revue that
provides a high degree of entertain,?
ment. ' •

Major weakness for cafe work is
(he fact that the hand-manipulated
dolls can't be worked as far as lip
movements are concerned, and thus
much of the illusion is lost in the
singing numbers; They manipulate
a ehoius" line, fan-daricer. emcee,
rhumba wriggler and a piano num-
ber. Returns are good. Jose.

BARON A BARN AY

Ballroom

8 Mins.

La Conga, N. Y.

Well-groomed and youthful ball-
room terpcrs haie a strong set of
routines highlighted with some ex-
cellent spins and Jilts that bring out
applause. Their dance catalog in-
cludes an okay edition of the be-
guine. a fast foxtrot and bolero-
rhythm number, all nicely contrived.

One basic weakness can be over-
come with experience. Execution
so far lacks polish characteristic e
top teams. Jose .

It May Be Long Time Between Drinks
If Coast Saloons Don't Get a Break

■ , ' ■• Los Angeles, May 29.

Announcement that California's
midnight curfew on drinking will be
lifted June 1 by both military and
civil, authorities and .that a distillers-',
holiday has been declared for. July
is not bringing any tears Of gratitude
from Coast saloonkeepers. In fact,
t;he dew-dispensers are regarding the
whole proceeding with a jaundiced

They see trouble ahead. With the
advent of masses of Gl's en route to
the Pacific and back again, plus the
lengthening of tippling hours, the
small bars and coektaileries face a
dry spell of no mean proportions,

Ever since Pearl Harbor, Coast
bistros have felt the alcoholic pinch
increasingly. However, through ju-
dicious juggling the spirits continued
to flow. ;.',

'Top Spots Unafraid

Hotels and top niteries. which, or-
der for six months in advance, are
not particularly bothered by the
promise of heavy inroads in their
stocks by Gl's and thirsty civilians.
But the little tavern-owners, who
get a case here and a/case there, are
worried. They have to keep steins
filled as long as possible, if they
Want to stay in business. .'".■'

Unfortunately, all they can offer
in any quantity is rum and brandy,
which they were forced to buy on a |
ohe-for-one or sometimes even three-
to-one ratio, to get bourbon and
scotch. The rum and brandy, for the
most part, was not highly palatable.
So now they're stuck with it.

An idea of what kind of brandy
they were peddled is outlined in
the case of 300,000 cases of Spanish
brandy, which was condemned by
the drug boys. It was discovered that
sediment of ground glass was con-
tained in the booze. -

Business Slumps '

The' only saving grace in the whole
affair is that business in smaller
spots has been way off since V-E
Day. Many bistromen lay this to the
fact that coin is tightening up, now
that the lush war profits seem to be
nearing an end/ Also lay-offs of war
workers have kept the spending
down to a minimum.

But there's still no joy among the
bar boys. They are. not happy about
that 2 o'clock added working and
selling time. They know that there
will- be no -increase -in- proportion
of booze coming west because troops
will have priority over schnapps.
They are going to have to unload
their cargoes of rum and brandy
somehow and they know it's' a long
time to' Tom and Jerry season. Their
advice to the gentry taking Horace .
Greeley's admonition is, "bring your
own bottle." '

ELLA LOGAN SET FOR
NEW OVERSEAS TOUR

• Hollywood, May 29.
After spending 11 months overseas
entertaining the armed forces. Ella
Logan is set for another USO-Camp
Shows tour this summer. Songstress
volunteered for three months in Eu-
rope with Gen. Eisenhower's troops.
The Hollywood Victory Committee
annouhced Miss Logan would leave
for Europe early in July.
' Also slated for hot weather over-
seas junkets are Allan Jones and
Irene Hervey, with George Mann.
The Andrews Sisters will go over in
a separate troupe. Basil Rathbone
will check out June 5 on a three-
week; GI hospital tour.

111! KING

Tin: kntikk

SEVKNTH
WAR LOAN DRIVE

ARTHUR

*HOB W

MASTER OF CEREMONY OF THE

UNITED STATES
TREASURY BONDMOBILE

'fouriiiK the 5 Borough* of New York

m

Also Broadcasting Bin Coi»l« linoer-
MinntionK «n the Radio for

GIBBONS ALE

Dir.: Not'l Concert Artists lurro*

DOROTHY SHAY

Just Concluded S Months' Engagement ot Hi*

ST. REGIS HOTEL
New York

Currently-

STATLER HOTEL, WASHINGTON, D. C.

Opening June 11th
STATLER HOTEL. DETROIT
July 27th 1
CIRO'S. HOLLYWOOD

Returning to the

ST. REGIS in the Fall

Exclusive Management: MUSIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA
VARIETY SAID: ~_ _ : .

"Dorothy Shay is coming along in fine style and looms at-,*
hot hew chantoosey for the class cafe circuit." Abel.

48

HOUSE REVIEWS

Wednesday, Way 30, 1915

Capitol, N. V.

Guy Lombardo Orch (14) featur-
ing Carmen, Leberi, Victor and
Rose - Marie Lombardo. Jim my
Brown, Don Rodney; Joey Adams
with Tony Canzoneri, Paul Remos
and Toy Boys (2), Mark Plant.
June Havoc; "Tlirill of a Romance"
(M-G). reviewed in "Variety," May
23, '45. ■■ ' :

solo of "Meditation" for a solid hand.

Four Step Brother*.- also in the
Horne-Lunceford date year ago. grab
plenty of palm-pounding with their
classy footwork. Strawberry Russell
is the comedy turn on the bill, sell-
ins; bis with tunes on a homemade
one-string fiddle and eccentric
hooting. Brog.

Smooth, well-balanced show at
the Broadway Cap, With Guy Lom-
bardo at the helm and June Havoc
bottomlining. But the real hit is
Joey Adams,. alumnus of the saloon
circuit, who has developed into a
Jack Ostermanesque type of fun-
ster. Of '"cute" personality, well
foiled by ex-pug Tony Canzoheri
and Mark Plant— the trio worked as
a unit at Leon & Eddie's at one time
—he gives the show a strong comedy
lift when badly needed in contrast
to the smooth Lombardo music and
Miss Havoc's rather strenuous s.a.
routine. < ' *

Jimmv Brown and Don Rodney,
featured with the Lombardos, open
with "Bell Bottom Trousers" and
"Dream," backed by four reeds, four
brasses, and six rhythm, latter com-
prising twin pianos, both string, bass
•tuba, drums and guitar. The always
pleasant Lombardo style is especial-
ly adept for straight listening, such
as when that echoing trumpet, the'
twin Steinways and the generally
solid but unobtrusive dansapation
tempos assert themselves. Say what
you will about Lombardo corn,
Benny Goodman once summed it up
best when he finally was influenced
to catch the band at the Hotel Roose-
velt. From frank contempt for icky
music. Goodman conceded that
"never do the Lombardos lose their
sense of rhythm."

The nature of the show doesn't
give them extensive opportunities, but
they make much of it, with inter-
ruptions first by Paul Remos and his
standard midget act. The two pyg-
mies are cute "Toy Boys"— their bill-
ing — but it's a question whether their
Germanic brogue is a good idea right
now. Just as good dumb all the way.

After the band's arrangement of
"Htimoresque," sister Rose-Marie
Lombardo chirps "Sentimental Jour-
. ney" in her now seasoned, manner.
Another intra-family salute later on
Is Carmen Lombardo's pop song
medley. And he has written quite
a lew good ones. Incidentally, Car-
men's tremolo tenor is now part of
the vocal trio and not soloed.

June Havoc next with a diaphragm-
bare, adhering gown which inspires
wolf-calls from the balcony, if noth-
ing else. Her Bacall version of "Cal-
doota" and some &a.- strutting round
out a light but passable specialty.
No mention of Gypsy Rose Lee being
her sister, but there is reference to
her Hollywood work and the late
lamented "Sadie Thompson,"- stage
musical, all of which would indicate
Miss Havoc also needs an author.
. Following the Carmen Lombardo
medley comes Joey Adams, including
the Canzoneri hokum (Edward G.
Robinson imitation, etc.). Mark
Plant solos "Beguine." and a very
funny "Sonny Boy" satire with
Adams makes for the finale. It
may be a canard, but it's Tin Pan
Alley legend that Buddy de Sylva,
Lew Brown and Ray Henderson
wnrte the song as a gag, but were
- -shocked to find it caught on as
a worldwide smash for all its banali-
ty. The broad manner in. which the
pantomimic Bernards (another cafe
act which first did it), and now as
' Adams and Plant render it leaves no
doubt as to its unadulterated hoke.

Abel.

II KO, Boston

Boston, May 25..
Gene Kmpa— Orelh — (21).- -Bob
DuPorit. 3 Welles, the G-Nolers and
Buddy Stewart; "Eve Knew Her Ap-
ples" iCol),

The rhythmical wham-bang boy of
swing. Gene Krupa, wowed flaming
youth with his drums and tootling
orchestra. He can dish out old and
new favorites. •''•■"'...

Band is tough on sensitive ears in
Spots, but is superb in "Bolero in
Jungle." with tom-tom beating and
Krupa at kettles, with special light
effects.

"Leave Us Leap" opened the ap-
pearance in milder manner. G-
Noters. mixed quartet, offer "Senti-
mental," "Bobby Sox Waltz." and
the excellent "Paper Moon" for good
returns. ,

With "Body and Soul" and "Dark
Eyes," Krupa. Charles Venturo with
his sax and George Walters at piano
zip to big hands. Buddy Stewart,
vocalist, clicks with poised renditions
of . "Laura," "Summertime" and
"There Is No You." Tom Pederson
excels in a trombone solo, "Caprice
Viennese." •

Vaude acts include Bob DuPont's
funny, beautifully timed juggling,
and acrobatics by the lively Three
Welles.

The finale is "Drum Boogie," with
orch at illuminated drums and
Krupa sitting high against green
curtain in double spot. The theatre
roof miraculously stayed on.

Dame.

Karl**. Phillv

Philadelphia, May 25.
Helmut Dantine, Andrea King,
Gil Lamb, Bob Coffey. Peggy Mar-
lowe, Boyd, Raebum Orch (15) with
Margie Wood. David Allyn, Hy Man-
del, June Miller; "Molly and Me"
(20tli):

Orphnuiu. L. A.

Los Angeles, May 25.
Jimmie Lwnceford's Orch (16).
Lena- Home. Step Brothers (4),
Strawberry Russell, Nicfc Broolcs.
Kiit Bradford; "Thoroughbreds"
(Rep).

Combination of Lena Home and
Jimmie Lunceford's orchestra seems
certain of repeating its big success of
last dates played at this house. Both
headliners have ■ made noticeable
changes in style — and not for the
best— but this apparently isn't, dis-
turbing Orpheum audiences. They
like them, anyway.

Mjss Home gives her new treat-
ment to four tunes. "Sometimes I'm
Happy." "Nothin' But the. Blues."
"Seein' My Baby" and "Deed I Do."
If was only on the last that she ap-
proached her boff work of a year ago
on this stage. Window dressing for
her stint is furnished by straoless
pastel evening gowns that's plenty
whistleable, but she spoils the effect
-bv twisting her mouth" to the side of
her face -while singing and generally
acting like a skittish jitterbug in-
stead of the fine, adult artist she
actually is. .'"

Lunceford. too. has gone fancy in
his arrangements, departing so far
from basic melodies of standard
pieces that they are unrecognizable.
Emphasis is on torrid, brassy style,
and there's no objection to that as
long as the rhythm section holds it
together. Band is featured on "Bust
Out. "Need a Lift." "Bodv and
Soul," "Song of the Islands," "T'ainl
What You Do" and "For Dancers
Onlv." Nick Brooks, vocalist, sings
;Tl Should Care" and "Didn't Know
About You" for fair results. Kirt
Hradford, ssnc, catches spotlight on

Thanks to Gil Lamb this imposing
layout (on paper) turns out to be
fairly diverting entertainment. With-
out the lanky comedian-dancer it
would have been one of those things.

Lamb coming in on the No. 7 spot
puts a lot of zing in a show which
seems falling apart at the seams and
holds things up neatly for Helmut
'Dantine and Andrea King, who hold
down the finale spot.

Opening show was overlong — al-
most 90 minutes — and ragged. Boyd
Raeburn's orchestra make the mis-
take of trying to introduce a new
tune. "Tru-Mom-Tru" without either
the band or vocalisls knowing what
to do with it. It bogs down the
whole show.

Margie Wood and her "Boy
Friends" do an okay job on -a
dream" medley, while David Allyn
does a croon job on "Laura" that's
fair. . .

Hy Mandel and June Miller fluff
and fumble through the aforemen-
tioned "Tru-Mom-Tru," a new Ca-
lypso tune. '

Lamb and his harmonica-playing
stooge. Bob Coffey, perform niftily
with Lamb adding a new bit of busi
ness to his familiar act — an impres-
sion of famous composers working
out a nursery rhyme. It's hilarious?

Miss King and Dantine are fairly
pleasing with the latter really doing
a credita'ble job oh a dramatic bit of
a school teacher telling his class of
a heroic death ol a former classmate.

Miss King, looking plenty oompish
in a low-cut strapless gown, doesn't
have much prepared beyond the
usual glad-to-be-here routine, but
with Lamb's assistance she does
okay. She essays a song with Lamb
called "Must You Talk -Talk-Talk"
that could better be left out. Both
Miss King and Dantine are well-
received, however. '".

Peggy Marlowe fills the dancing
spot on the bill. * Shal.

Victoria I»alar«'. I.oiiil.

London, May 14.
Bobby Howes. Florence Desmond,
Maurice Colteano & Family. Gas/on
Palmer, Charles Warren & Jean,
Jean Adrienne & Eddie Leslie, Nor
Kiddie. Jose Moreno St Partner, Bert
Nicol & Merrill. The inebriates,
Norman Girls <B> .

This independent house proves
why it is so successful by current
show, fourth 6T series.

Openers- •. are ' «ix Norman Girls,
well-dressed lookers, in a series of
dances that are not new, but well
liked. Two Inebriates follow with
regulation trampoline turn, pointed
lip with comedy drunk antics. Get
away nicely.

Nor Kiddie is a newcomer. Pro-
vincial comic was recommended by
George Dormonde. who spotted him
in Blackpool. He's refreshing, with
a nice sense of comedy. *

Jean Adrienne and Eddie Leslie,
comedy team, are a seasoned combo,
with every trade trick. Chatter,
sing and dance, all to pleasing re-
turns. Playing quick return here.
Gaston Palmer, the juggler, repeats
click of his last visit.

Florence Desmond, still the best of
all mimics, gets a big reception.
Does take-offs of Hollywood stars,
her best being Bette Davis. Only
English stars that she apes are Vera
Lynn and Gracie Fields.

Charles Warren and Jean are ex-
tremely amusing. Male is offshoot
of the American act. Kafka, Stanley
and Mae. trapeze offering. Warren
has developed talking abilities, too
much at times. His partner Jean is a
find, being a looker and an okay foil.
Act has bright prospects.

After intermission. Joe Moreno
and partner click in juggling tricks
on the wire.

Bobby Howes, star of musical com-
edy, has the same disadvantage as
most of his type singles — lack of co-
herent vaudeville material. Disjoint-
ed effort, comprising excerpts of
songs from his former musical com-
edy successes, is hot enough for mod-
ern vaude requirements.

Maurice Colleano and family hold
'em tight with their miscellany of
comedy acrobatics and teterboard
stunts. Act's high spot is still Mau-
rice and Bonar Colleano's bubble
dance to comedy guffaws. Solid click,
although they've been around here
for years. Bert Nicol and Merrill,
comedy cyclists, offsprings of clever
families, hold them in closing spot.

Rege.

Pancho's Orch (12) with Carole
Page & Herman del Toto, Kitty
Carlisle, Roily Rolls. Carlton Emmy.
Miller & Jcne; "Here Come the
Waves" (Par).

Capitol. Wash.

- 'Washington. May 25.
Jean Parker Zarco & Beryl Wes-
son Bros., Don Dorset/; Sam Jack
Kaufman's House Orch, Lynn Alli-
son, Milton Slosser; "Tomorrow The
World" WA>:

Current bill has strong act values
but net effect is spoiled by weak
orch backing of the Pancho rhumba
band, whose outfit is designed pri-
marily for the nitery idiom and has
neither the body nor the routining
for vaude houses. At this house its
rhumba offerings have little effect
and its showbacking doesn't give
maximum sid to acts.

Carole Page, with the band, is a
good-looking songstress whose single
number. "Home for a Little While."
has little audience effect, while Her-
manTJel Toro. vocally okay, knocks
off t..wja. t tunes from "Three Cabal-
leros," with concentration upon the
first few rows. His walkoff milt,
however, was substantial:

Headliner Kitty Carlisle, who. has
always taken the measure of this
house, repeats her fine showing.
She's a fine technician whose diction
and phrasing are tops. Tunes are
melodic, familiar and universally
liked with the result that she has to
return for an encore and later a
begoff.

Another hit here is Roily Rolls,
whose comedy impressions of a
piano virtuoso, along with his work
on a tiny concertina, produce a ncar-
shbwstop. He's pretty adept' at the
ivories, has a strong sense of funny
values and a good sense of show-
manship.-

Rest 'of the bill. Miller and Jene
(New Acts) and Carlton Emmy's
dOTs. also go over nicely.

Single set is tastefully arranged,
along with good lighting.

Fair business . when caught. Jose.

Sam Jack Kaufman's crew ' open
show with a medley of top tunes,
with Lynn Allison vocalizing. Then
Milton Slosser at the organ dips
back to_songs of the gay 90's for
audience. singing,

Jean Parker, 'from"':' fiTBTs," elicits
sensationally. Opens with "1 Love
Hollywood," which has some snappy
lines and is delivered with aplomb.
Then a dramatic recitative about a
soldier romance called "Jane Doe."
Finishes with modified French can-
can. Comes on for an encore with
the Wesson brothers. v.

Show opens with Don Dorsey on
the flying trapeze. Whose routine is
fast and tricks are good. The Wes-
son brothers give imitations, of Hol-
lywood stars and personalities for
good results. Zarco and Beryl's dance
creations run to the Spanish mood
in execution and costumes. Show
is nicely lighted and costumed by
production director Gene Ford.
— ■ ..... A rice.

"Old Feeling" without feeling, and
patrons didn't insist on another num-
ber. Joe Dcntoni WHAS vocalist,
clicks with his smooth singing of
"l Should Care" and "You Made Me
Love You." Off to nice round ol ap-
plause. ..
■Cliff Gross, who heads a hillbilly
combo over WINN, appears sans
band but aided by George Havens.
Gross, with ten-gallon hat and fiddle,
chats with the folks, fiddles a couple
tunes backed by guitar and bass
Jiddle from McMichen's band L and
then brings oh Havens. Latter, "also"
in cowboy rig. gives out with "Too
Late" and "Blue Eyes'" for top rc-.
turns.

Jean Audette. blonde, tall and slim
vocalist from WHAS. qontrjbs "Mad
About Him Blues" and "Mean to
Me," to fair response, Lonnie Gibs-
son and Little Eller. from "Renfro
Valley Folks," fairing over WHAS.
are an okay combo from the hills.
Glosson. plenty clever with the har-
monica, plays "Fox Chase" and
"Mamma Blues." Little Eller. 6-foot
femme. who was with "HeJlzapop-
pin" for a while, sings and dances.
Her grotesque postures and leggy
hoofing keeps 'em laughing.

General pace of show is saggy, and
even though the turns do their best
numbers, judging from audience re-
action it would be better for most
of them to stick to their original
medium, radio. Whole thing was n.
s. h. Biz poor at show caught Fri-
day (25). Hold.

Tttwrr. K. €.

Kansas. City, May 25.
To?»my Haiilon & Jean, Welts St
Gilmore. Miller Bros. (2), Be.WoiU
Bros. (2)„ Val Williams. Carroll
Vogel, Tower Orch (9> with Norma
Werner; "Song of the Sarong" (ID
and I'll Remember April" (17).

With Tommy Hanlon and Jean
topping bill, current layout at the
Tower is a 40-minute cOmbo of di-
versified acts which add up to smooth
entertainment.

House band swings out on "Can-
dy," with Norma Werner taking the
vocal. Val Williams handles the
m.c. chores neatly.

Miller brothers, guitar and banjo
duo, contrib some nifty picking on
"Indian Love Call" to open, and then
shift to torrid boogie, which clicks.
Dance team of Wells and Gilmore
take over for a fast terp routine.
Carroll Vogel. juve "Discovery
Night" winner, does a neat control
number:

Hanlon and Jean, a ■ curvaeious
blonde, are standouts in the next-
to-closing spot with a mixture of
magic and comedy. Hanlon opens
with gab before he intros shapely
partner. The familiar guillotine trick
is worked with youth called up from
the audience. Other effects and ac-
companying patter send pair off to
heavy palmwhacking.

Belmont brothers, in snappy nau-
tical uniforms, close with a fast-
moving juggling routine. They han-
dle hoops and other customary props
with plenty of skill. Earl.

Theie isn't much you can put your
boxoffice finger on this session at the
Strand. Added to this, is the fact
that this is an average 'thill, in its
_play.ing_ with. ...an _occ,asigoaf. except,
lion. Shep' Fields' orch with its
highly novel instrumentation of nine
reeds and five rhythm— including a
girl harpist— plus the leader's occa-
sional sax. is distinguished by an at-
tempt at novelty and some good ar-
rangements. The leader, as always
is quietly "personable and handles
introduction of the other acts with
dignity and no fanfare.

The other acts on the bill lean to
comedy, with the standard Borrah
Minevitch Harmonica Rascals and a
comparative newcomer, Lenny Gale,
handling the laugh score. The turn
with the smallest billing, the Fon-
taines (New Acts), is really the
show's top bofferoo.

The Minevitch troupe, with Johnny
Pulco still a very funny little fellow
with- his shenanigans in being
buffeted around by the others, has
broadened its. comedy touches a lit-
tle too much, but still produces plenty
of laughs in its hillbilly getups and
cu'ups.

Gale has his amusing moments
with impersonations of notables, and
he does them well, though, like in
many cases of mimics, the material
is not up to the standard of the
affected mannerisms. The response
to his turn was strong.

Meredith Blake and Bob. Stewart
are Fields' featured vocalists. Miss
Blake particularly getting over with
a neat style and voice. Stewart
needs schooling.

As usual — and this is particularly
true for this show — Leo Morgan's
staging and lighting of the layout
deserve billing. Kahn.

IVational. l/vlllv

Louisville; May 25.
"Radio . Revels" -whU Bub Abbott:
Clayton McMichen's Georgia Wild-
cats. Little Eller, Lonny Glosson.
Cliff Gross St George Havens. Jinn
Andetle, Lea Burns. Joe Denton.
Earle Keller's Orch: "Singing Sher-
iff-:. <m„~-~~ . '■■ ■ [

It's radio week at the National cur-
rently, with a lineiin of talent from
stations WHAS. WAVE. WINN and
WGRC. Layout is tooped by Bub
Abbott, disc jockey. He introeS the
various turns from, a desk at the
side of the Stage.

"Pappy" Clayton McMichen's Wild-
cats combo from WAVE. With
"Pappy" himself giving out with the
announcements, please with "Copen-
hagen," "Dreams" (vocal by Bcrnie
Smith., steel guitar slayer) and
"Johnson's Mule." Band sounds okay
musically but lacks the zip expected
from a McMichen outfit.

Lea Burns, from WGRC. introed
as a torch singer, wasn't. She essayed

Hipp. Hallo

Baltimore. May 27.
Cy Reeves. The Graysbns (2).
Phil & Mildred Crane, Gautier's
Bricklayers, Felice lula House Orch
1 12); "The Enchanted Cottage"
(RK03.

Rather pleasing layout plays well
enough and scores despite lack of
sock names to lure 'em in. Cy
Reeves is a smooth-working emcee
with better-than-average material,
and he keeps show moving along at
good pace. b ;

The Graysons. mixed hand-to-
hand duo. start matters flashily and
to good response. Phil and Mildred
Crane, songsters, ring the bell- with
' Donkey Serenade." "Mandalay" and
"Sweethearts."

Reeves in own spot contribs a pot-
poliri of gags and parodies that keep
them laughing throughout and sends
him off a solid hit.

Gautier's Bricklayers close and
are standout as always. Educated
pooches are well cued and timed.

Biz very good. Bitrm.

Knrl«», Wash.

Washington. May 26.
Sue Ryan. Chester Dolphin; Son-
dra Barrett, Mary Lou Brewer,
Rox-yelles, Jo Lombardi's House
Orch; "Counter Attack" (Col) ;

Sue Ryan is the sparkplug of this
show. A fine character singer, she
plugs the "Ziegfeld Follies," and
gives several numbers which she did
in that show. Her repertoire con-
sists .of. a. .medley. "Plenty of Mus-
tard" and a song about Her' activities
on the Lockheed line. For an en-
core "You Marie Me What I Am To-
day," as introduced in 1913 and as a
scat singer would warble it. A wow
on the first show Saturday.

Chester Dolphin sells his juggling
tricks with a slick line of patter.
His comely assistant helps out in the
fan. Mary Lou Brewer, who Won
the "Song to Remember" contest
warbles "Candy" and "Saturday
Night" for good returns. Sandra-
Barrett." in a yellow biege gown,
gives out With some lively tap dan-
cing.

Roxyettes open and close the show
with two striking numbers in color-
ful costumes. Arke.

Strand. \. \,

Shep Fields Orch (15) with Mere
dilh. Blake. Bob Stewart. Toruwu
Lucas; Borrah Minevitch Harmonica
Rascals with Johnny Puleo, Lennu
Gale. Fontaines (3);. "Pillotc to Post"
(WBK revieued in "Variety." Man
1C. '45. HB

Chicago, f hi

Chicago. May 25.
Dace Apollon St Co. (5). Coiidos
Bros. (2). Nip Nelson. Lou Breese-
Orch (15) with Marshall Gill;
"Bring On the Girls" {Part.

Current bill, in for two and pos-
sibly three weeks, is practically an
all-male layout, only one on the dis-
taff side beina the girl, in Dave Apol-
lon's act. However, all acts are
show-stoppers.

Lou Breese crew tees off with a
medley of pop tunes during which
Marshall Gill, trombonist of the out-
fit, baritones "AH of My Life," "You
Belong to My Heart." "Laura." and
has to beg oft. Condos Brothers fol-
low and win applause dividends on
their nifty line of hoofing.

Nip Nelson, last of the old Oxford
Boys trio, whams over a number of
vocal and musical impressions in the
next frame, including carbon copies
(some of them not so clear) of Henry
Busse. Kay Kyser, Jack Benny,
Rochester. Crosby. Sinatra, Kate
Smith. Clyde McCoy and others;
Stops show for solid hit.

Dave Apollon has revamped his
act somewhat since his last local
date. He has added an Hawaiian
girl. Tapu Kaua, guitarist, to his trio
of Filipinos with Carman Velez now
doing : the vocals., formerly sung by
Paul Limico. Comedy talk between
Apollon and the gang is practically
the same and goes over big as usual,
with Apollon's showmanship evident
throughout. Musical numbers ara
"Let Me Love You Tonight" by the
ensemble to open; Velez' piping of
"Candy" and "Stardust" for gener-
ous response; the gang's interpreta-
tion of the Ink Spots doing "If I
Didn't Care" with Miss Kaua doing
the lead and the closing numbers,
"Hawaiian War Chant" sung by Miss
Kaua and "Madelon Song" played by
the group with Apollon's balalaika
playing outstanding. A hit. Morg.

l'alaee. Columbus

Columbus. O., May 22.
Tommy Reynolds Orch (16). Guy
Kibbee, Marva Louis; Jackie Glea-
son. Eve Condos; "Betrayal From
the East" (RKO).

Tommy Reynolds orch overshad-
ows the name acts in thus weeks
Palace showcase. The aggregation
consumes a large portion of the hour
allotted to stage antics, ; ,

Selections are not unusual, and
are mostly peppy arrangements on
numbers like "Flying Home." "When
Your Lover Has Gone." -"Who Dat
Up There." But the renditions are
boff.

In the vocal department. Helen
Lynn clicks delightfully- with "My.
Heart Sings" and "Sentimental Jour-
ney." "

Guy Kibbee does what sounds like
a left-over from .an Army camp tour
routine. Many of the gags are geared
at servicemih. Although some ol the
patter is dated, he makes the stmt
thoroughly enjoyable by virtue ot
his jolly personality.

Marva (ex-wife of Joe) Louis has
developed a strange albeit appealing
torch voice. She sings "I Should
Care." ".Together" and "Manhattan
Blues."

Eve Condos dances well. Yet
somehow, somewhere, she misses.
Her endings are clipped and sudden.
(Continued on page 54) .

Wednesday, May 30, 19-15

Pfo&IETY

49

Night Club Reviews

Zanzibar, 3f. V.

Cab Calloway, Peorl Bailey, Bill
nnileu PeeWee Marquette, Count
7.B«i/ Dorothy Sautters, Cook &
SrSSn, Day, Dawn * Dusfc Callo-
So« and Claude Hopkins bands; Joe
Sard wanaoemeiU iCarl Erbe
ZZnriate); Clarence Robinson staged;
*SS Mme. Berthe. Ben Wnl-

minimum.

Carl Erbe has done a tiptop sell-
ing job with this all-colored revue
for boniface Joe Howard, so that
"King Cab the First," in the summer
edition of "Zanzibarbarian Nights,"
along with the new Franklin Hughes
decor, takes on extra values. Funda-
mentally this is a good but no sen-
sational colored show. The glamor
distilled from a good exploitation
campaign comes oft all right but is
militated against by a not sufficiently
compact kneading of all the ele-
• ments.

On their own, the" ingredients, are
better than average but it's a ques-
tion of editing and speeding. It
should start with Day, Dawn and
Dusk who came to attention in a
olush N. Y. bistro, Le Ruban Bleu,
where their neo-operatics apparently
merchandize better than in an al
fresco atmosphere like the Zanzibar.
After the operatic takeoff and a
Negro spiritual they do "EM Bill,"
and while the Hebrew lament seems
to be part of a new Harlem cycle-
Hazel Scott did it at the Roxy re-
cently, and once, before that she un-
corked a comedic Yiddish doggerel-
It's a question for mass consump-
tion. In so cosmopolitan a city like
New York, anything secular of this
calibre verges on "kind applause
from those who genuinely appreciate
it, or cordial tolerance from others
who might fundamentally prefer
their pops straight, without religiose
or racial overtones. In short, DD&D
— an excellent billing by the byer-
make for a slow^teeoffr— They're a
good male trio who would help
themselves by not taking things too
seriously.

Count LeRoy does amazing buck-
and-wing on rollers, perched pre-
cariously on a. small raised platform,
and scores. Cook & Brown do en-
ergetic legmania (one of the men is
shorter than his partner), and Dor-
othy Saulters chirps. Pee Wee Mar-
quete is a cute midget for the in-
tros. Which brings us to the real
headlines:

Pearl Bailey with her unique style
ot songaloging, and brother Bill
Bailey with his excellent taps.. All
paced, of course, by Cab Calloway
as maestro and emcee. Miss Bailey
handles "15 Years," Straight Up"
(with graphic hand business) and
her own modulations on "St. Louis
Blues" with authority and to good
returns. Bailey, looking like Jack
Dempsey and dancing like Bill Rob :
Inson, whom he impersonates, whams
over a good tap routine. The eight
girls are OK lookers, nicely cos
turned. Calloway, per usual, is a vol
atile personality at the helm of his
band and as an emcee. Claude Hop-
Inns is the alternate maestro.

But stager Clarence Robinson
•hould tighten things up a bit. if he
hasn't already done so. Abel.

Itlue Room, O.

(HOTEL ROOSEVELT)

• New Orleans, May 25.

Ray Benson Orel),. Sunny Skylar,
Paul Rostiii, the Drakes (3), Lijda
Sue, Camillia Lane; no cover, mini
mum $1.50 weekdays; $2.50 week-
ends.

but winds up okay. His best offer-
ings are a pair of sophisticated
novelty tunes and a medley of his
own compositions, including "Just a
Little Bit South of North Carolina"
and "Besame Mucho."

Benson's crew keeps the floor
crowded during the dance sessions.

Liuz.

Rio 4 abatiM, 4 hi

Chicooo, May 11.
Frances Faye, Lenny Kent,
Maurice & Maryea, Jerry Abbott,
Rio Cabaim Lovelies .(6), Cee David-
son Orch (.8) ; $2.50-$3.50 min.

Frances Faye and Lenny Kent ad-
dicts, of whom there are many here,
are getting a solid dose of rough-
and-tumble, and loving it, in current
ceremonials at the Rio Cabana, with
Maurice & Maryea and the lush Rio
Lovelies contributing aesthetic move-
ments for a sorely-needed touch of
decorum.

Line tees off with Gay 90's twirls
to "Meet Me in St. oLouis," following
which Jerry Abbott sings such pop
tunes as "Candy," "You Belong to My
Heart." and "Little on the Lonely
Side." Lightweight crooner was oi ig-
nally brought in to provide vocals
for Donn Arden-designed production
umbers, skedded for this show, but
costumes weren't finished in time so
line routines by Dorothy DorbeYi,
now producing Boulevard Room lay-
outs, were held over, with Abbott
potted to pad. things out — and he
does a capable job.

Maurice and Maryea, vivacious
ballroom duo, exhibit some bone-
breaking lifts and twirls in "Melody
in F," "Holiday for Strings," samba;
and a brisk, airy gavotte, for nice
palmwarming; Kent, h.o., slams over
the Latin takeoffs, rehash, of preced-
ing acts for the benefit of latecomers,
gin rummy players, and "Tuxedo
Junction" jabbering; and line, riext-
to-closing, do "Three Gay Caballeros"
Spanish dance, also h.o. '

Using almost as many pin- and
baby-spots as Hildegarde, Frances
Faye is more than ever her rowdy
self in "Ac-Cen-Tchuate," "Show
Boat" medley, "Tico Tico" dished up
with "Donkey Serenade," and "Sere-
nade for Strings" mixed in, the
bluest "Rum & Coke" heard in these
parts to date, "A man Will Alawys
Be a Dog," and "Your Feet's Too
Big." Latter, with Kent stooging, is
fast,- smart, and a natural closer.

:••« Mike.

Nicely routined show, which puts
no strain on the budget, pleases the
customers. All acts provide valid
reason for steady applause.

Making its local bow, Ray Benson's
crew offers a style less frenzied than
some of the bands which preceded it
Benson, personally, impresses, as
modest guy who is a nimble-fingered
pianist. His band is smooth, listen
•ble and capable of satisfying for
dancing or playing for acts. When
leading {he band for the acts, his
•pot. at the piano is taken by Ca
millia Lane, who also doubles as
vocalist and earns her share of
plaudits. -

Benson tees off the show with
_swcll:...arrangcmcnt - of -a -classical
medley. ;'

Lyda' Sue, an attractively garbed
looker, offers intricate dance-spins,
twirls, front and back flips that
click.

Paul Rossini, a smooth showman,
nas the customers with him from
the beginning With his clowning and
constant underplaying of his magi-
cal talents. His egg-in-the-bag trick
"euce-or-spades in a cigaret and
thumb tie", with Chinese linking
rings nets him plenty of applause^

The Drakes, a threesome dance
team, score in next slot. Act is
smartly costumed and their routines
excellent.

Sunny Skylar gets off to slow start

certain- terms. It's all sequins, plus
average juggling, that gets across,
despite the low ceiling. They strad-
dle overgrown sequin-sprinkled
spheres, juggling axes, Indian clubs,
disks, umbrellas, etc. High kick spe-
cialty atop one of the orbs and four
costume changes by gal help. Bar-
bara Blaine does some fast taptwirls,
high kicks and backbend taps.

Line does another h.o. — Russian
number. Rubin slams over a dia-
lect gag that's plenty blue, to finally
get in the old groove, and introes
"Ethel - SlYUtta, always" a : "lave— here,
who tees off with "Cal-I-For-Ni-ay."
Then does Mary Martin's "That's
Him," "Embraceable You," a com-
mercial for girdles; versified sketch
of "On the Town" that's too long,
going overboard on "New York,"
"Lonely Town," "Come Up to My
Place" and other tunes from the
show. Encores with GI version of
"London Tower" and "I Should
Care." Palm-whacking is heavy.

Rubin grinds out Scotch elocution-
ary and sepia GI's recital of his
travels, winding up with oldtime
taps, to click. Line tosses in a samba
as closer, and Duke Yellman's orch
backs it all up admirably. Mike.

Variety Bills

WEEK OF JUNE 1

Nmnrrttli fa connection wllb bills befevr Indicate opening day of show,
whether full or fct>llt week.

Loew

-NEW YORK CITY

<'H|Mtol (31 >

Guy Lombard u Ore
June .IJH.\'oy

JnVy At3ji -.■
Mark i'lHnt

Stole (3|)
Don Dytiy'V
Hairy filefft-n

Doc MarutiK •
Fr;mk Omville . .
Vvet.te ■
Saul t.i-juiniivn
WASHINGTON
Otphol HU)
KhiI. Ja*k A- Belly
.1 liHiitie l.etHls'
A nn ' 'oi'io.
HiiiTij-nu & Fisher

Kl Morocco, Monl'l

Montreal, May 22.
Pauiins, Marion Colby, Doodles
Weaver, Whitney Sisters, Milray
Girls ' (8). Hal Hartley Orch U2);
$1.50 min.

Paramount

>'KW VOKK OT*
t'arMmuiult (30)

•''has Spiva It KU
.10 Stafford ,
l>pft'iv Muri»liy
Ti|j, Tap Ai. Toe
( IIIC V(.<>
C.'llH'HICO Citl)

Diive Apollan Co

Nip Wlxnn
.fnan Men-fll '
Condon Hros
MIAMI
OI» ■»■•!» C<0)
Renrt* A. Knot-
Tommy '('rent-*
UVeie Hurxlman
Ray- English •
Frevlil*s

Current show has a couple of top-
notchers in -Marion Colby; who sings
her songs with charm and vivacity,
and Doodles Weaver, whose clowning
literally has the customers crying
for come and more and more.

Miss Colby was formerly in "Meet
the People." Her voice is solid, her
lyrics are clever and her stage per-
sonality sells her stuff in a solid
fashion.

Weaver, besides emceeing, has
some nifty material, which he uses
to good advantage. A hard worker,
his original stuff sends the customers
in riotous guffaws.

The dance team of the Pauiins
are still going strong, but the Milray
girls, though nicely costumed, could
display more animation.

Whitney Sistejj. incorporate some
sparkling footwork among average
dancing, and Bert Mann continues to
entertain at the bar with his songs
and accordion.

Hal Hartley's crew continues to
work in well with the acts. Laza.

-»♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦»♦♦♦»*♦

Minnesota Ter., Mnls

(HOTEL NICOLLET)

Minneapolis, May 18.
Perry Martin Orch (14), Kurtis
Marionette* (2), Perry Franks b
Janyce, Dorothy Claire; $2.50 min.

Packing into its half-hour run-
ning-time much superior entertain-
ment of the familiar supper club va-
riety, current layout upholds this
class room's fine reputation for qual-
ity shows. Two of the three acts
have played spot before. Each rates
high for merit in its particular field.

Newcomer Dorothy Claire, a
blonde bombshell cutie on the Betty
Hutton order, gets the show off to
a snappy start, with her highly ani-
mated vocalizing. She makes such
numbers as "I'm Just a Girl Who
Can't Say 'No'," "She's Only a
Dream" and "In Between the Devil
and Deep, Blue Sea" plenty lively,
selling heaps of personality and
ginger along with satisfactory war-
bling.

It's a repeat for Perry Franks arid
Janyce, fast-stepping tapsters, offer-
ing their unusual routines garnished
with some acrobatic trimmings.
They're smooth workers whose step-
ping is close to perfection.

Kurtis Marionettes, making their
third repeat, contrib stuff that has
made them a favorite with the
room's patrons. It's an amusing act.
with clever manipulation of the
strings producing astonishing body
gyrations on the tiny figures' part,
The vocal portions supplied by one
of the two male Kurtises are excel-
lently done and the effects attain an
unusual realism. Hatty Harlem, se-
pia songstress, is still the group's
star and her somewhat naughty pat-
ter and numbers garner appreciative
response.

Perry Martin orchestra does its
usual tip-top job, playing the show
and furnishing patrons' dance mu-
sic. Room practically filled for din-
ner show. Rees.

31 Hundred Hub, 4 hi

Chicago, May 25.
Ethel Shnlta, Benny Rubin, Bar-
bara Bluinc. Littlcjohiis (2), Line
(6), Dulce Yellman Orch (7); $1.50
min. -

N. Y. Nitery Followups ::

♦♦♦♦♦+♦♦♦«♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦«

Jack Harris having dispensed with
the usual line for this show, has in-
vested the savings in a strong act
lineup at his La Conga, N. Y. With
Dolly Dawn as headliner, he has an
authoritative and personable singer
equally adept at rhythm tunes or
ballads. The former- bandleader-vo-
calist is a very much improved
singer and her floor deportment is
equally okay. During latter part of
her turn she uses the. portable mike
for a roving assignment on the floor,
and it finds great favor with the
table-sitters. A click here for per-
formance, values.

Show's sole weakness is in the
comedy department. Alan Stone, a
newcomer in this sector although
not new to New York, so far hasn't
the material or savvy for the larger
spots. Stone's antics are in the 52d
street groove and not strong enough
tor either a large or smart spot. Much
of his talk is in bad taste, but he has
some good stuff in the line of im-
personations.

Rest of the lineup has Baron and
Bernvy, the Wallaces (both New-i
Acts) and the Three Wiles, novelty !
dance turn with sufficient commer- i
cial values for nitery work but I
seemingly a better theatre act. I

Jose

Warner

NEW V'OKK CITX
Strand < I)

Shop Firhls Ore

Kurle (I)
Jean ParkYr

WASHINGTON
Kurlf (1)

Gay fl0*a QUiirteU*
Blue AllKtl

AHMveti Bailey
i > e I i 4. Hliy ttrm - Boy s
Jreno Bonlonl
Burton's Birds
Bobby ^Uort
Cliirlison Trio

t'Dfe Soeifty
--. (Uptown)
.limmy Savo
Josh WhHe
Moloi^jj Marjin
Kennfth Spencer
Kf a Km ft
(Jene Field (:3)
I'liil Moore Ore -

f'nfe Sm-iety

(Downtown)
Ann lUix bavvny
Mary T.ou \Vni«
Cliff Jaekson
(mofft'iie Coca
Ed Hall Ore

Carnival
W Hovel.-!* Deri
4 Alorrooitns
T.lie GitaRons ;
lllaine Malloy
K'ay & Karol
Whirlwinds.
Don McGrane Ore
Art Mooney Ore

Osino RudH*
OIkji Baclanbva
Adia Kuzftetzoff
Simeon Karzaeff
Codolban Ore
Club 18
At, Uix'on' ' .
Jo« Mann
Ann .Denis . .
Oaye Dixon »■
Marcla Kent *
Vincent Bernon
Gordon Andrews O

Cop»«;uD;iiia
Xavier Crwal Ore

Glen Gray Oro
Hotel I'lrrr*

Di (.Titanos

.Stanley XX&twXxti ,~
\Va.ily Boa^

Hotel rlaza
Bob Grant Ore
Hildegarde

Hotel Koajtevelft
Eddie Stone Ore
Hate? I'lati
Kay Kimbcr
Boy Vox Bd
Gust'e. Clements Oro
Mai'Ita

Hotel St. Retl*
•fosopliine Hi«u»T«n
Beatrice & Gomez
Fred Milter Ore
Hotel Tuft
Vincent T-opez Oro

Hotel Wnlriorf-A
TIerin'os William* t
Oantu

Victoria Cordova
N Brandwynne Oro

• Icclnntl
Pranlvie Marlo^i
Tanya Tamara
f-ou Martin Ore '
Jimmy Kelly's
La Rubio
Jean Colvlna
Rudya r^nn
Jo Ann Collyer
Aloma
Renee
RoBtta

Dlans Psgs .
Cai-ter &. Ross-
Joe Capello Ors>

La C«n«s> :.-.*■;
Dolly Dawn
:t Wiles
Servandon .1
Baron & Bernay
Alan Stone
Maobilo Dd

BOOKING THE NATION'S LEADING INDEPENDENT
VAUDEVILLE THEATRES

EDWARD SHERMAN AGENCY

NEW YORK

PARAMOUNT BUILDtNS

BEVERLY HILLS. CAL

CALIFORNIA BANK 8L0Q.

Mtnevitcb Rascals
The Fontaines
1 .#»nny Galo
rilll AOKIJ IIIA

: Barry WookI
Patsy Keliv
Paul Sydftll
Roxj'ett*^

Independent

xkw yohk r.rrs

MilHin Mall (11)

Am-liutina
Wm Dollar
Bdward K*i<-ln>it
Kernanl (Iriffin
Wm StiiM
Tony Cul;a«
(Jro Cl'oHiti
Sid «'t<lc»n«le

Hmj (810
r'oulit Jlasic Ore
Rnv Sax
The :! Rockcij!
The SwinK ; i

i.ox« isr.Axn

flamaira (Hl-H)
Te4l l.*'Hi y
Sharkey the ?!fal
(Talherine Harria
:l Cabin GU'la
Harris *. Andera

(31-1)
r. *. 1. Be.rnm-il
.liM'kle Hriiehc
(Two lo till)
ATMNT1C CITS

Steel Wer <*-S>
Gauller'a BrK'klyra
VtKKy Taylor i
Sond rn Barrett
P & M <:ntne

IIIMM.O
Oriental (I)

Johnny 'St-at' Davla
Harry Sfi-wiy
Tha Albina *•".-.
Christine Porpytiie
CI.KVKI.AXD

in.Mh St-

Asylum of ■ Horrors
IUUUKIS
. I'alare (5-7)

Duke Ellington Ore

.tense- & Jam*'*

Chuck sj-Cburklea.
DAVTtlN
RKO (St)

Vatighn Monroe Ore

Guy Kihbee

Jean Hlanehe
HAKTHIKII
St»l« (l-»)

Lionel liampion-Or

The Niahi [ntfalt 1 *

- >£e|)hyi'H

Ml (. IK VI I.I. K

— ' TWall—al '( 1 1 '

Billy Beltmtlne Ore

IJolmee * Jffln

OonWfty * t'arks
Slim Tliitinwt
Hill AIIH I IIH
Carman (I)

In its third stab at the big time, 51
Hundred Club had what looked like
a clickeroo all the way in the blue-
prints. In action, spotty.

Lynn Manion .line opens with
holdover boogie-acro routine that's
much smoother than it was original-
ly, following which Benny Rubin,
who emcees, comes on for some fast
chatter, but throws the hooks into it
with t.ome too familiar material.' '

Litilejohns are a good flash act
who accentuate the flash in no un-

Art Moonev. who opened the Capi-
tol hotel's i'N. Y.) lavish Carnival
nitery just before the curfew, did a
reprise for Frank Law last Thursday
night 124), and while his present
aggregation can't hope to measure up
to the exciting Louis Prima band, in
terms of b.o., present occupants of
the bandstand should do o.k. in way
of pleasing the check-grabbers. Moo-
ney. youthful and bushy-haired,
might do better, though, if he
grabbed an instrument now and
then, instead of .sticking strictly to
the maestro and announcing chores
performed opening night.

Rest of bill is built around the
"carnival" or outdoor theme, with
the Gibsons, knife-tossing act, pay-
ing off Well in mitt returns (duo is a
holdover); June Malloy back for
aerial turn climaxed by trapeze
muscle-grind routine: Max an'd his
Gang, pleasing canine turn which is
new on the bill and has trainer go-
inc through aero routine in unison
with pups for strong closing bit.
The Four Morrocans are in for lively
tumbling and balancing.

Line of eight gals remains and per-
forms okay for what the production
requires. Mooney crew features
mixed quartet, The Silhouettes, war-
bling top favorites of the season.
Band arrangements are standard, for
the most oart. with no unusual ef-
fects sought or achieved. Don Mc-
Grane orch handles relief and plays
the show. Donn

America's LmmKbo, Ht4f#m4— *
Agent

EDDIE SMITH

1501 Broadway
Ntw York

BAI/UMOKK
ll.»|Mr«Jrnme <St)

I'uils Urns & Arline
Dawn Bros
tHmdU'tt WVavcr

3 IJc.Mar<-o« ^ .

Sintr <:.-«)
Mwy's Huxlniif Cuts
:i Smart tiiila
iT«'o to fill)

BOSTON
IWon <«l>;

4 Ink. SnoiB
I'nofio VVMIiams Or

kiu Kiuton*fiti

c«1«e Jfe Poke 1 .
Slim frhoniaa •
BOI Sl> BROOK
Brook (2-3)
Hilly fli<«l •
Ja<*l?i« Bri^lvt
.1 ut«v?* «V- fifo

(Two to mi)

( AMUKS
lowfrti 4 1 -3)

J..irry Kynii
Sid & Bonnt«i Dean
Dor in Kaye . .■ t
rnn'fll &. IJoois
■i Uobti:

Tfytton Sis

Tbe Olyiu pics'

All*?n * Drake

Don Z»*lay»*

K*M MKS I fr fct
Temolo (t-3)

r,ouif« Ai iuj»tr«'OK Or

St«*p.n' ^#>t«-bit

n«l» /fe Curly

Slim * Snwt
SAN f'HAN<JS<!0
<.«l.lrn t.ttt* (30)

Kvory * Doloren

J*i*y Har«lin

Kolleit A". Doiotlifta

%'hivy. <*has« .*

r^ona Uorne

S1K1N4.HM 1»

4'ourt Stiuare 431-3)

XVbilry Uobf-rfH .

V».m«'<' & Horiliio

:* VVftiiK
Wi lcn ParriMh.
The Barr«*( in
(Ono to mi>

WASHINGTON
llowiinl I SH>
RmUly -lohnKtm Or<*
If op. Skip .luntp
The 3 Kii>KN
Hartfhi UiKhlnh^ris
I'ttttrtKOit A -l«*t)

Oeoi*ei« Price
Garctotr

J.ouia Del Campo
Uilda Tlanios. .
Don Dennis
Joel Ilerron ' "

COO K»UK«

Dick Wilson Orch
l>tomoDtl Httnt«frfi««.

Bob 1U11
Johnny Burke
Lionel Kaye-
Kmina Franrft
Hazel Mangcan 4
Mnrria Dale
Cecil Lewln
Gloria LeKoy
Billy Banks
Bill Quenlnieyer
Mirohell Brotiier
Michael Edwardi
Mort lleid Ore
Vincent Tracer* Ore

400 Club
Benny Goodman Ore
Macliito Bd

Hatana-MaUrle)
rioren Si DeCordoba
Jimmy Sutloo
Senor Mardo'
Maria. I.onisa I-opez
i"nrlos Varela Ore
Hotel AaibNMMaatat
Louis Be tun court O
Julen Lande Ore

Hotel A ilar
Sammy Kaye Ore
Joan Mo rand Ore
fton Perry Ore

Hotel Brlmeat
Plata
Gale Roberta
Jay Seiler
Bill Kussell
K"alhryn Duffy Dors
Nino Morales Ore
Pa v Ron fte Ore

Hotel Hilt mora
Henry Bnuxe Ore
Harrys

lintel r*o«tmo.1or*

Mishel Gonte« Oro
Metrl m»la

Don Baker Ore
Hotel Krfnoa

Catalino Ore
l&eex Hoa«a

Stan Keller Oro
lUith Cleary
Hatcl l>ei:iactaa

Momf Kal

Tapu Kaua

Tallnia- . .

Mails

Molclhana

Harold Aloma Ore

Hotel Mat-ait.
Brskine H'klns Ore

Hotel Net* Korfcri
Joan Hyldoft
Terry Brent
Phil Komaine
Neil Fontaine.
Arnold Sboda,
Sonny Dunham Ore

Hotel l'e«HMVlvauH<

Lm Marllalaaa

Harry Richmaa
Lillian Moore
Harris Trio
Danny Daniels
"Soeasse* Ore
Dick Itbodes Ore

latin Quarter
Tommy Dix
MaRKone-Abbott D
Gloria Gilbert
Boss & La Pierre
Don Saxon
Harold ft Lola
Hudson Wonders
Men Dova
«WHI Walsh
Marty Beck Oro

La Kuban BTea
Jane Dillon
litibsiiatr*^
Monii-a Boyar
Joae Mel lis
Cedric Wallace- *
Looa 46 Cil«lle>
Eddie Davia
Lack wells
Flora Drake
Berdi Hayd**n
Dann y Roto**- 1 s
Sherry Urn ion
Art Waner Ore

Meat* Carl*
Disk Gattparre Ore
Jean F Murray
Lady Anne
Alberto Ore

4 Ha ir«*HHtaa9as) -
Olra Woy(o-va
Sadie Banks
Mi mi Carticr
iiM l^t-Porte- Ore
Raajera fTaraer
iTarrT l>t<wTri Oro
<:iark's Hawniians
Harold Greebi
Fre fell men
Mars Trio
Korn Kobbters
Sle S^batx Ore
Sa4»y 's Roof
Rplvy

f;arter A Bow la
Jayne Manners —

Stork (Jlufr
.Morale* Ore

Krnle Hoist Ore

Stan Keller Ore

Versa IH«a
Jane Pickens

«'opsey «c Ayere

Bob Hopkins

Bob DouieUts-

Marian Nilea

M Be rice re Ore
/a a /. I bar

r*ab Calloway Ore

-'^i**nt Roy

Day, Dawn ft Dunk

i*ea**l Bailey •
,«fll Bailey
'Peewee Marquette

^^ook ft Brown

Dorothy Saulters

Claude Hopkins Ori

Cabaret Bills

NEW iosk cm

llili'a Ra> t«

Ktli«l Gllbvf
Hffnli> Ci'nurr
HarolO WillnrO

, IJirk fly»n
ICliarlca Strl<-k!an«
[ itmmv Bunia •
■I- Bill Udwy

New Orleans Symph Set
For Tour Next Winter

New Orleans, May 29.

I. X, Myers, Memphis paper mag-
nate, flew here Thursday (24) and
completed arrangements for the
New Orleans Symphony orchestra
to present a concert in Memphis
next winter,

Negotiations aire also under way
for the orchestra to play dates in
several Louisiana cities as well as ii
Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabama,
George Foster, manager of th«
symphony said. This is the first
time New Orleans symphony will
play other cities.""*" v . '

so

LEGITIMATE

Wednesday, May 30, 194S

Drama Critics' Selections

Tabulation of choices of the N. Y.
drama critics for the various "bests"
of the 1944-45 season follows:
Best Performance by a Featured or

Starred Actor in a. Straight Play
Frank Fay ("Harvey") ........ , , . .10

Leo G. Carroll ("Late George
Apley") . . .. .', .,,».,.. 3

Fredric March ("Bell for Adano"). 3

Second Best
Leo G. Carroll ("Apley"). ...... .10

Fredric March ("Adano") ......... 3

Frank Fay ("Harvey"). ........... 2

Richard Widmark ("Kiss Them

For Me" I ...... ....... ..' 1

Best Performance by a Featured or

Starred Actress In a Straight Play
Laurette Taylor ("Glass Menage-
rie") .•• "....16

Second Best
Mitdv Christians ("I Remember

Mama") . . .12

Ethel Barrymor e ("Embezzled .

Heaven") 1

Joan Tetzel ("Mama") . 1

Josephine Hull ("Harvey")....... 1

Jean Dixon ("Deep Mrs. Sykes") . . 1
Best Performance by an Actor In a

' Supporting: Cast
Frederick O'Neal ("Anna Lu- .

casta") ' .• 10

Richard Basehart ("The Hasty

Heart") .,V. . ; ,..,'.:..'.., 2-.

Oscar Homolka . ("Mama") . 1<

Anthony Ross- ("Menagerie") . . 1

John Lund ("Hasty Heart") 1

Second Best
Frederick O'Neal ("Lucasta".)...,. 4
Anthony "Ross' ("Menagerie") . ... . ,3 j

Everett Sloane ("Adano") . : . 1
Leo C. Carroll ("Apley"). ....... l|

Alexander Granach ("Adano"). .. 1
Paul McG rath ("Common Ground") 1
Lawrence Fletcher (several shows). 1
Tito Vuolo ("Adano'')....... ...,.. 1

Richard Widmark ("Kiss Them"). 1
Best Performance by an Actress in

• a Supporting Cast-
Josephine Hull ("Harvey")....... 5

Frances Hefliti ("Mama"-"Tem-

.' pest") ......'.: . . . .-. . , • .-. 4

Joan Tetzel ("Mama") '. . 2

Judy Holliday ("Kiss Them") .... 2
Adrienne Gessner ("Mama") 2

Second Best
Judy Holliday ("Kiss Them").... 6

Alice Childress ("Lucasta") 2

Catherine Proctor ("Apley")...... 1

Doro Merande ("Hope for the

Best") 1

Catherine Willard ("Deep Mrs.

Sykes") 1

Julie' Haydon ("Menagerie").. 1

Ann Lincoln ("Foxhole In Par- •

lor'') 1

Margaret Phillips ("Apley"). . . . . . 1

Best Male Performance in a Musical

John Raitt ("Carousel") 7

Alfred Drake ("Sing Out, Sweet

Land") -3

Noah Beery ("Up in Central

Park") ....;'... 1

Richard Hart ("Dark of the
Moon") ........................ 1

John Battles ("On the Town"). ... 1

Melville Cooper ("Firebrand of

Florence") . ... , '. t

"Bud Ives ("Sweet Land"). . 1
. Wilbur Evans ("Central Park") ... 1
Second Best •'.-'

Burl Ives ("Sweet Land").. 4

John Raitt ("Carousel") . . . ....... 2

Murvyn Vye ("Carousel")....... 1

Sis Arno ("Norway")............ 1

Anton Dolin ("Seven Lively Arts") 1

Melville Cooper ("Firebrand") 1.

Lawrence Brooks ("Norway") 1

Alfred Drake ("Sweet Land") 1

Wilbur Evans ("Central Park")... 1

Best Femme in a Musical
Beatrice Lillie ("Arts"). . .'. . .... .'. 9

Celeste Holm ("Bloomer Girl") 3

irra Petina ("Norway").. ... 2

Maureen Cannon ("Central Park") 1.
June Havoc ("Sadie Thompson"). . 1

Second Best
Jan Clayton ("Carousel") ........ 5

Nancy Walker ("On Town")...... 3

Sono Osato ("On Town")........ 2

Celeste Holm ("Bloomer Girl") . . . 2

June Havoc ("Sadie"). 1

Helena Bliss ("Norway") , . ... 1

Beatrice Lillie ("Arts"). 1
Nancy Walker ("On the Town").. 1
Most Promising Young Actor '
. Richard Basehart' ("Hasty") . '. . , . : 4

John Lund ("Hasty") .v. . . . . . . 4"

Richard Widmark ("Kiss Them"). . 3

Richard Hart ("Moon")./... 2

Billy Redfield ("Snafu"). 1
Frederick O'Neal ("Lucasta") ..... 1
Donald Murphy ("Common

Ground") .'.■ 1

'•'•..' '■' Second Best
John Lund ("Hasty") 1 . ..; . . . . . . . . . 4

Richard Basehart, ("Hasty")..,... 3
Richard Widmark ("Kiss Them") 1
Anthony Ross ("Menagerie")..... I

Paul Potter ("Hope for Best"). . ... 1

Dennis King, Jr. ("Kiss Them") .. 1
Billy Redfield ("Snafu").......... 1

Dudley Sadler ("Man Who Had All
Luck") 1

Richard Hart ("Moon").... 1

Most Promising Young Actress

Joan Tetzel ("Mama") r. . . . . 6

Hilda Simms ("Lucasta") 2

Carol Stone ("Moon") 2

Virginia Gilmore ("Dear Ruth").. 1

Judy Holliday ("Kiss Them") 1

Frances Heflin ("Mama") 1

Susanna Garnett ("Men To Sea"). 1
Margaret Phillips ("Apley"').

."-'_' Second Best
Virginia Gilmore ("Ruth")...
Frances Heflin -(41Mama") ....
Lenore Lonergan ("Ruth" ). .
Alma Kaye ("Sweet Land")....., 1

Jan Clayton ("Carousel"), 1

Hilda Simms ("Lucasta") ... . . . ... 1

Mary Welch ("Little Women")....

Joan Tetzel ("Mama"). . .

Joan Chandler ("Apley") .. . . . . . . .

Tony Eden ("Moon") . .... ... .....

Best Director ,«
John van Druten (."Mania")......

Rouben Mamoulian (••'Carousel"). .
Antoinette Perry ("Harvey"). . .. . 2

Jed Harris ("One-Man Show")... 1
George S. Kaufman ("Apley"),.. 1
H. C. Potter ('"Adano"-) .......... . 1

Second Best .
George S. Kaufman ("Apley") .... 5

John van Druten ("Mama''). . . . ... 3

Eddie Dowling ("Menagerie")..... 2

Antoinette Perl'}' ("Harvey") . ... . . 2

Rouben Mamoulian ("Carousel"). 1

.. 1

2
2
2

Margaret Webster ("Tempest")
Jed Harris ("One-Man Show") . I . .
Best Dance-Director
or Choreographer
Agnes de Mille t'.'Bloomer"-

'"CarOusei") . .. . . . .... .1

Jerome Robbins ("On Town")....
Humphrey-.W e i d m a n ("Sw e e t

Land") ./.:. •

.- : ,'• Second Best

Jerome Robbins ("On Town")

Helen Tamiris ("Central Park"). .
Agnes " de Mille ("Bloomer"-

"Carousel") : . .'• ......

■ Best Scene-Designer
George Jenkins c'Moon"-"Mama"-

"Ground") , : . . . . s

Joe Mielziner ("Carousel" ). .: .... . .

Howard Bay ("Central Park")....

Second Best
Howard. Bay ("Central Park")...

Jo Mielziner ("Menagerie")

George Jenkins ("Moon"-"Mama"-

"Ground")

Stewart Chaney ("Voice of the

Turtle") . 2

Motley ("Hope for Best"-"Adano") 1

Oliver Smith ("On Town") 1

Best Lyricist-Composer Team
Richard Rodgers-Oscar Hammer-
stein II ("Carousel") ...16

Second Best
Leonard Bernstein-Betty Comden-

Adolph Green ("On Town") 7

E. Y. Harburg - Harold Arlen

("Bloomer") 4

Herbert & Dorothy Fields, Sig-

mund Romberg ("Central Park") 1
Ira : Gershwin-Kurt Weil ("Fire-
brand") 1

Pick Taylor, Fay

Continued from page 1

STANDER TO PRODUCE
BEIN'S 'CENSUS TAKER'

Lionel Slander is - en route to_
Hollywood to close with Albert Bein
for his play, "Love and the Census
Taker."

Standee will produce and direct it
on Broadway next season but will
not appear therein. Leo Rose in his
general manager. ■>.

Tom Clark

Con I inueri from |>:<ge 3

and the consent decree, said "it's
absolutely essential to divorce the-
atres from producers," adding that
"the independents are being pretty
well weeded out."-

He also stated that blockbooking
of Alms, which is continued by the
Little Three (United Artists, Uni-
versal and Columbia, plus smaller
companies') must be eliminated; He.
explained that the Department of
Justice had been unable to work
out a settlement with the companies
and that the suit to divorce theatres
from studios would .go on trial in
Federal Court in N. Y. Oct. 8. .

Thomas C. Clark. Who succeeds
Biddle as A, G., was present at the
conference and agreed with Biddle
that the work of. the anti-trust divi-
sion would continue at full speed.

Since Biddle proved tough so far
as reaching an amicable agreement
on a new decree, it is regarded as
natural that he would make the re-
marks he did at the press confab,
upholding his view, but since he is
going out of office his statement that
the suit to divorce theatres would
go to trial is also regarded partially
as wishful thinking. Whether or not
Clark will push for that remains to
be seen after he takes office as At-
torney .General. Tradewise people
also regard as ridiculous the Biddle
statement that indies are being
weeded out.

choreographer, and Frank Fay and
Frederick O'Neal with 10 votes each
as best actor and best supporting
actor, respectively.

Critics polled included Kelcey Al-
ien (Women's Wear), Howard
Barnes . (Herald -Tribune), John
Chapman (News), Robert Coleman
(Mirror); George" Freedley (Tele-
graph), Robert Garland- (Journal-
American), Wolcott Gibbs (New
Yorker), Rosamond Gilder (Theatre
Arts), Louis Kronenberger (PM and
Time), Joseph Wood Krutch (Na-
tion), Burns Mantle (News 1 , Ward
Morehouse (Sun),- Lewis Nichols
(Times), Arthur Pollock (Brooklyn
Eagle), Wilella Waldorf (Post >, Tom
Wenning (Newsweek).

George Jean Nathan (Journals
American) had to decline because
of his contract with Esquire for a
similar poll. John Mason Brown
(Saturday Review of Literature.)
also begged off because of inability
to make decisions. Burton Rascoe
(World-Telegram), who filed a ques-
tionnaire last season, refused to do
so this year.

Rascoe' Declines
"'Variety' has been very nasty to
me," said Rascoe. "It has- said libel-
ous, untrue things about me that
wejre completely uncalled for.
They've singled me out alone among
the critics. So I don't want to' col-
laborate in its poll."

Brown, in a letter to the editor,
wrote: "I am afraid I am a poor liyt-
maker. Take, tor example, this sea-
son. You ask me to name the best
performance by a featured or starred
actor in a straight play. Suppose my
candidates were Arnold Moss. Frank
Fay, Leo G. Carroll. How. in Hie
name of Cain (mear.ing both the
warehouse and the Bible), dear
Abel, would I be able to choose,
when by intention and in kind each
Of these performances is so difl'er-
erit from the other?"

A few of the other critics were in
quandary over the poll. Some, like
Krutch, by-passed some of the clas-
sifications. Burns Mantle wrote that
"arbitrary selections are tough in a
season that has contributed so much
good acting to the theatre and so
much fine support to the drama."
Miss Gilder called the poll "a brain
twister" and stated, "I'd hate to take
any oaths about this!" Miss Wal-
dorf said she ordered bromo-
seltzer with hers; quarreled about
lumping lyricist and composer to-
gether as a team since one was al-
ways inferior to the other, and she
preferred picking each separately,
and in choosing Melville Cooper for
best male performance in a musical
remarked: "He worked so hard
against such ghastly odds in 'Fire-
brand of Florence.'" (Miss Waldorf,
like John Chapman for his past Sun-
day column, made columnar capital
of the poll.) ,

Several critics, in choosing a de-
signer or director, picked them for a
season's work (when he'd done sev-
eral shows) instead of for one par-
ticular play. Agnes de Mille and
George Jenkins were thus singled
out several times. An actor or act-
ress who played in more than one
show this season was sometimes se-
lected for both instead of a single
play. Richard Widmark's work in
both "Trio" and "Kiss Them for
Me," and Frances Heflin's perform-
ances in "The Tempest" and "I Re-
member Mama" were thus cited.
Lawrence Fletcher won a nod de-
spite appearances "in a variety of

nops." •.-....••'■:, ••

There were a couple of ties in the
balloting, .George Jenkins and -Jo
Mielziner tying with seven votes
each as best^ designer, and Richard
Basehart and John Lund, both of
"The Hasty Heart," having four
votes each as most promising actor.
Miss De Mille, Frederick O'Neal.
Frank Fay, Joan Tetzel, Beatrice
Lillie, John van Druten, Josephine
Hull and John, Raitt stood out prom-
inently in their respective cate-
gories.

O'Neal was picked as best sup-
porting actor by 10 critics, and as
second best by four others, to lead
both classifications. Lund, who tied
as most promising actor, also won
the second-bests in that field.

In the second-best choices, clear
majorities were scored by Mady
Christians, Judy Holliday. Jan Clay-
ton, Leo. G. Carroll, Burl Ives.
George S. Kaufman, Jerome Bob-
bins and the new.songsmilhing team
of Leonard Bernslein-Adolph Green-
Betty Comden.

Coleman, pf the Mirror, picked
Tony Eden . as second-best most
promising actress. Actress is really
Walda Winchell, daughter of Cole-
man's colleague on the Mirror,
Walter.

Inside Stuff-Legit

Reports that Solly Pernick, former business agent for the New York
stagehands' union, who went to the Pacific theatre of war with "Okla-
homa!", was on his way back have been verified. Fact that he joined a$
company manager of the USO show and not as stage carpenter or tech-
nician was a surprise. Understood that Pernick acted "like a business
agent" instead of a manager handling a troupe, and that he ran afoul of
Army officers, head of a command area being said to have ordered him out
William T. Blair, recently back from the Pacific where he handled '3 i s j
Family," is on his way to replace Pernick.

Letters received from players in the USO "Oklahoma!" indicate that
Pernick made himself unpopular among the company as well as Army
people. Complaints started when the company entrained to the Coast for
embarkation, Pernick putting a tight limit on how much could - be spent
for meals in the dining car. He is also said to have questioned the cost
of warm climate clothes, although not supposed to have been so instructed.

One letter indicated that through him a motion picture of the show
was made by GIs but whether sound track was recorded was not certain.
Claimed that the company went before the camera seven hours per day
for three days. •'.

John Golden presented cash prizes to seven winners of a playwrighting
contest for students at Columbia University last Friday (25), the manager
having donated $1,000 for that purpose, one of a number of his moves to
encourage author talent. The winners: Elizabeth Lahgham, Claudia
Stearns, Ellis R, Cochran, Aurand Harris, Shirland Quin. Keith Thompson
and Mariam Young. Selections were made from 35 full-length plays sub-
mitted by the class. ■".' -

At the 1-2-3 club, N. Y., awards were made Monday by the Riverdalt
Children's Assn., a colored organization, to the American Theatre Wing for
its inter-racial policy. Abram Hill of the American Negro Theatre, who
originally staged "Anna Lucasta," and Sgt. Joe Louis, for his morale
building among GI's, were honored- similarly. Participating were Golden^
Fredric March, Helen Menken, Beatrice Lillie and Jimmy Walker.

Theatre Guild has placed a $2,500 fund in trust with the Dramatists
Guild to be awarded playwrights being discharged from the armed services.
Money had been set aside for a contest among young writers., but none of
the scripts justified awards, so the fund was turned over, to the Guild,
which will probably make grants of $500 each to five GI writers.

Early last week, when a nag called The Pooka ran at the Jamaica, N. Y,
track. Brock Pemberton, his staff and the actors, in "Harvey," 48th Street,
played the horse aS a hunch because its name was the hit's original title.
Unlike the play, it ran out of the money. Those in the manager's office,
who know less about the races than average player, wagered "two across
the board," Antoinette Perry, the- show's stager, however, going for $24.
She declared in her secretaries, Helen and Grace Reiliy, also Tom Kilpat-
rick, show's press agent. : " '•' ;

Saturday (26), when they could really have gotten "rich." they wer»
looking out of the window when Harvey's Pal. another skate, won in
first race. Only Harry Goldheart. of the boxofficp. put a deueer on th»
event, play's star, Frank Fay, saying he didn't know about any such
entry. Pooka is described as an invisible Celtic legendary beastie, like
Harvey the rabbit in "Harvey." Miss Perry, who has never gone to the
races, says she has retired from the turf nevertheless.

W. A. Darlington of the London Morning Telegraph favorably reviewed.
"The Skin of Our Teeth" when the Thornton Wilder puzzle-play opened
in London recently at the Phoenix theatre. Writing for the N. Y. Times
last Sunday (27) he indicated that "Teeth" created, audience reaction
similar to that when the show played Broadway (Plymouth), many patrons
saying they didn't know what it was all about. Said Darlington:

"The complaint did not come from nitwits who never understand any-
thing in the theatre except when boy meets girl. It came from intelligent
and experienced playgoers." He also commented to the effect that al-
though "highbrows and middlebrows" didn't like "Teeth" it will click
"though only by the skin of its teeth," principally because Vivien Leigh ii
playing the lead, originated by Tallulah Bankhead, who was credited with
the play's success on Broadway. Critic thinks that some Britishers will
find "Teeth" to be extremely good entertainment.

Billing in Boston for the tryout of "Memphis Bound" had the new mu-
sical being presented by John Wildberg in association with Vinton Freed-
ley. When the show opened at the Broadway, N. Y., last Thursday (24)
billing had-Wildberg the" presenter, but at the bottom of the' credits Freed- -
ley's name appeared in equal-size type, he being credited' with having
personally supervised the production. A program note read that "every-
one connected with 'Memphis. Bound' gratefully acknowledges the inval-
uable aid which Harry Wagstaff Gribble has contributed to every phase of
this production." . . .* '/■ ''.•<??. '. . '

Gribble staged "Ann Lucasta" (Mansfield), the colored cast hit which
Wildberg is presenting. The former's name is prominently displayed on
the canopy too. .■ .". ,

Leslye Karen, who presented "Merely Coincidental,'.' which stopped
after a recent Boston tryout accompanied by a flurry of arguments, sayi
she is recasting it while the author is rewriting the script. She says also
that the show was not in the red lor $32,000, as reported, but "we did lose
$39,000— in solid cash."

Miss Karen claims that the group who backed the play has "set aside
approximately $300,000 for several other theatrical ventures." She states
she's not of the Yiddish theatre (as also reported) but her sister, Judith
Abarbanel, was with Maurice Schwartz in "Yoshe Kalb" and other Yiddish
Art Treatres shows.

A Chicago daily carried a story with a two-column head last week about
Mike Todd's Government mission overseas, giving him the rank of briga-
dier general. He was reported having that rating before hopping off from '
New York, the explanation being that tlje Army accorded Todd that status
in the event he fell into enemy hands. However, he. departed after Ger-
many surrendered. '■'• ••••''"•' ':' ;.''.'' •. •.-,-'..'■'." •■ ■ "

The "general" was in London last Thursday (24), where he was quoted
as saying "the war is just beginning for show business." Manager may
return soon with suggestions from Army headquarters over there, one idea,
being for spectacles which would be staged in the Nuremberg Stadium

for GIs. ■ •::."• .. •; • •:, '

Death in Paris last week of Einile Isola at 85 recalls when the Isola
Freres were topflight theatre owners and producers specializing in Amer-
ican musicomedy hits brought to France. Their Mogador, near the Mont-
mart re,- was a key playhouse and Was regarded as quite a come-uppanct
for the former vaudeville jugglers. With reverses, despite their advanced
years— both in their 80s— they carried on bravely; reverting to their vaiide
theatre juggling act, even during the Nazi occupation, just, to keep going.

Eddie Mendelson; stage manager of "I Remember Mama," Music Box,
N. Y., has been connected with a number of shows in that capacity, but )•
a junior member of Equity. When he did hot receive a ballot for the
election to be held Friday (1) it was revealed that when he became a stage
manager he was of the chorus union and failed to switch to Equity mem-
bership. He transferred las''i year, but will not be eligible to senior Equity
rating for another year and is therefore not eligible to vote until then.

WrtWstluy* May 30, 19 IS

VfiRI&ft

LEGITIMATE

51

Tension High on Eve of Election
At Equity ; No TaHy Until July 11

Tension is high in Equity circles
the eve ol the election for coun-
cil members to be held Friday. U)

a the Astor hotel. N. Y.
« >« conceded that Philip

Although

i7 is conceded that Philip Loeb, over
whom all the shouting is about, will
win a seat, the result will not be
known until on or about July 11, the
deadline for receipt of soldier votes.
All other mail votes must be re-
ceived bv Friday, the ballots to be ,
impounded until the final GI ac- j
ceptance date. ■ .[

Current Equity monthly mag is
nearly all devoted to pro and con
arguments on Loeb, mostly favor-
able to him. the magazine never be-
fore having been so devoted to such
an extent, nor has the wordage been
more blunt in respect to election
•campaigning. There' is only one ar-
ticle opposed to Loeb. it coming from
part of the nominating committee.
There's no doubt that his supporters
are well organized.

The situation of a regular and in-
dependent ticket, could have been
avoided had the nominators included
Loeb. who, judged by Equity stand-
aids and his record on the council, j
is fully qualified. Seven of the com-
mittee of nine sent in a statement
saying that a majority "do not_ be-
lieve that Philip Loeb is best suited
lor the council . . . neither Loeb'S
religion, nor race were introduced
into the committee's discussions . . .
last year he was defeated for . re-
flection." Aline MacMahon sent a
"strongly worded'' protest on the
committee's statement, neither she
nor Raymond Massey, the chairman,
having signatured the latter. Those
who did: Staats Cotsworth. Robert
Shafer, Averill Harris. Walter Davis,
Calvin Thomas, Margaret Douglass
end Jack Whiting.

Members are warned editorially
that "there must be no split in
Equity . . . there is a good deal of
feeling involved in the election . ; .
(which) . . . may be a sign of good
health in an organization . , . and
may arouse an . interest in persons
and policies among members who
might be otherwise apathetic . . . but
feeling carried over into a post-elec-
tion period and working beneath the
surface is a dangerous thing, and
Equity members should have no part
in it.

Cleavage 19 Years Afo

"Ten years ago Equity had such
» cleavage . . . and had it not been
healed in time the association could
not have met the challenge of the
stagehands in 1939 with any hope
of success.''

It was an indirect reference to a
group within Equity known as the
Actors Forum, supposed to have
been dissolved some years ago.
Credit for pacifying the factions was
credited to Arthur Byron, Bert Ly-
tell tcurrent president) and Paul
Dullzell.

"The actor who would endanger
the welfare of the association for
.personal or political reasons assumes
a responsibility for which he should
be required to answer to his fel-
low members," the editorial con-
tinues.

In an article by Ilka Chase ref-
erence is made to the special meet-
ing May 7, when candidates were
discussed, and although there was a
"rather orderly riot," common sense
prevailed. She listed the reforms
within Equity during 10 years of
Loco's presence on the council, say-
ing that while he did not bring them
about singlehandedly . . . "his was
the guiding spirit and many of. the
.most intelligent and constructive
suggestions came from him." Listed
were 16 reforms, which included re-
hearsal pay, raising of minimum pay
twice, replacements in casts to -get
same salary as o predecessors, elimi-
nation of junior minimum, soldier
votes and latters' good standing
without further dues. >■
- ~ Loeb's Race Question
Last year, when Loeb was not
, nominated but was appointed for a
year to the council anyhow, Loeb
stated that opponents had not-named
bun because lie is a Jew. Bruce
Evans, in an article otherwise
strongly supporting' Loeb, said that
such a charge has no place in Equity
~*-or even in this world — now or
5*Ver more.'' As for the charge that

other independent candidates (there ]
are six) indicated that Loeb was not
waging a lone fight for election, and
that it was not a clique against the i
regular ticket nor criticism of it. i
Indie candidates' petitions carried I
the signatures of 654 members.. At I
the meeting Dullzell said that Loeb
deserved renomination, but it was ;
up to the membership whether it
wanted him to continue on the coun-
cil. He concluded with: "Equity
must not be subject to dissension or
strife again. If the association is
divided it will not stand long. Loeb
will, I am sure, accept the decision
of the membership, but there must
be no split again.'! • ..«

Edson-Kane Buy Another

Los Angeles, May 29.

Stage rights to "Two on a Pen,"
authored by Sascha Geneen, have
been bought by Edson-Kane Produc-
tions for showing on the West Coast.

Same company recently acquired
Geneen's "The Unfinished Portrait,"
which opens next month at the
Geary theatre, San Francisco.

'Memphis' Settles
king Snag By
Shift to Belasco

City Investing Co. Acts to Dispossess
'Dark of Moon From 46th Theatre

ATAM Explains
Violations, Fines

Assn. of Theatrical Agents and
Managers has adopted a code so that
the "membership shall have clear
picture" of what constitutes viola-
tions of its rules. Penalties for each
of .them are outlined. The board's
action "will be tempered w ith inercy.
for all sums. "of money (fines) de-
rived will be turned over to the
union's welfare fund," ATAM
stresses.

A list of 15 possible violations is
set forth along with fines. Member
may be fined "at least $100." which
would apply for "wilfully wronging
(another) member" or for using a
non-member, local-area press a.*ent
outside of New York, but it will be
$200 minimum for using a non-
union p.a. within union jurisdiction
or for failure to report employer's
use of same. For signing applica- I
tions for people without personal
knowledge of them, or for failure
to report to ATAM unpaid salaries
or authorized expense accounts
within 72 hours, th» erring one must
pay $50. at least. There are a couple
of violations for which members are
subject to lines of $25.

For a second offense of any kind,
double the penalty goes, at least,
and for a third the same as the
latter nick applies, plus suspension
for three months, at least. .

When "Memphis Bound" was fa-
vorably received at the Broadway,
N. Y., last week, John Wildberg; who
produced the colored-cast swing
version of "Pinafore," huddled with
Vinton Freedley, his associate, on
where to move the musical, which
had a booking Of two and a half
weeks. Jam was occasioned because
"Up in Central Park" is booked into
the Broadway, where it will move
June 18 from the Century, which
has no cooling System. It vvas pro-
posed to move "Memphis" to the
Adelphi, Shuberts promising to in :
stall a cooling system there by
July 1, that house being vacated by
"On the Town," which goes to the '
44th Street, absence of a cooling |
system also being the reason. '

Saturday (26), two days after I
"Memphis" opened, Wildberg de- j
cided to- move it td the Belasco, that |
spot being made available by the. ,
abrupt closing of "Blue Holiday," a J
colored vaude-revue. The Belasco i
is

♦ Action to dispossess "Dark of The
Moon" from the 46th Street, N. Y„
was started Monday (28) by at-
torneys Socolow and Pepper, on be-
. half of the City Investing Co.,
which recently purchased the the-
atre from Maurice Stone. : House
had been operated by Select The-
atres, a Shubert corporation. Lee
Shubert produced "Moon," which
' has a sharing contract stipulating
. a stop-limit of $17,500 weekly. It's
alleged that while the show is doing
I well enough, tickets were purchased
' in recent weeks to ensure the gross
| topping the stop, technically pre-

McCoy, Payne-Jennings
To Encore Tour 'Rebecca'

Frank McCoy is teaming with Vic-
tor Payne-Jennings to lour Daphne
Du Maurier's "Rebecca" for a. second
season. Drama based on the literary
hit had a long, successful road tour
this year before it came into New-
York for a brief, unsuccessful run.
and belief is it will do wall, again
on the road next season.

Payne-Jennings produced show
himself, with Diana Barrymore.
Bramwell Fletcher and Florence
Reed in the leads. Co-producers are

now lining up a new cast for the ; venting the new owners from serv.
second edition. ■- .

West Nets 100G
From 'Catherine'

| Mae. West reputedly got over. $100.-
[ 000 from "Catherine Was Great,"
[which recently closed out of town,
j but Mike Todd, who produced it. was
I lucky to nearly break even after the
show ran a full season on Broadway
j and on tour. Production cost $135.-
[000, which was an overboard outlay
' for a straight play because, in addi-
i tion to the setting- and expensive
I period costume's, antiques, which cost
; $35,000, were used. Antiques are
back in the shop where they were
■ bought, and an anticipated refund of
a much smaller house than the j around . $]5 , 000 , wotlld indicate a
Broadway, but the fact that Wild- sma]1 fit on lne Xotid books
berg is part owner of the first- ; "Catherine" was one of the most
named theatre, along -with S. .S. j unuaual ventures on record. Miss
Krellberg, Donald Flamm and others. . West wno wrote it aild Todd differed
was the deciding factor in the change as soon as , he show opened :i trvout
of plans:

Top for "Memphis" at the Broad-
way is $4.80 but when it moves the
scale will be $5.40 top ($4.50 plus

tax). Show can gross $26,700 weekly
at the latter price and, according to
the demand for tickets Over the
weekend, the new musical should be
a turnaway at the Belasco. Broad-
way has around 1,900 seats and the

ing notice to leave wie house.
J Move by the City Investing to gain
| possession of the 46th s Strcet conn-
i ters the Shubert action to hold the
| property as long as possible. When
j the theatre was sold, City was aware
! that possession was contingent on
the length of time "Moon" re-
I rnained in the spot, Recently re'-''
| ported Shubert attempt to repur-
I chase the house was indicated 10
■ have failed when City filed suit:

By keeping "Moon" in the 46th
there was a booking jam for musi-
cals, the large-capacity house usu-
ally being used for that type ol
: attraction. Because of the situa-'
; tion at least two musicals were lin-
kable to book the house and another
I brace had to seek other quarters.
: Recent court decision was to the
; effect that the purchase of tickets
to prevent the gross from falling
tinder the stop-limit is improper, a
i fictitious gross thereby being regis-'
i tered. Shubert contracts provide
; against that practice but as the firm
i operated the show and the house,
there appeared to be no way to stop
' the ticket-buying stunt.

City, through the purchase " of
Broadway theatres, has become a
contender to' the Shuberts. - With the
p.cquistion of the 46th, City how has
four legiters, the others being the
! Morosco ("Voice of The Turtle" ),

date. It came into the Shubert. N. Y
last summer and after one peek at
the notices the manager ordered a
closing notice to be posted. However,
an intermediary entered into

strange arrangement on behalf of , „
Todd with the actress. New contract ■ B "° u » nd Jell > and Fu ton

<w Mic. w„„t t„ a ,,.»„i Sinn' 1 Kiss Them For Me'). In additjon

called for Miss West to accept $100
salary, but that wasTnerely a token,
because she was paid 50'i. of the

possible gross is around $40,000 but weekly operating profit,
it is claimed that if "Memphis" sells j Whether .royalties were given her

N. Y. GRIPS CO-OP

ON BOND LEGITERS

New York stagehands' union has
okayed participation in special 7th
War Loan matinees, deckhands to
work gratis along with actors and
other stage unionists, so the deck has-
been cleared for the widest coopera-
tion for legit shows with the Treas-
ury Department since the inception
of the loan drives. Expected that 35
bond performances will be given,
more than 20 on Broadway, admis-
sion being only to purchasers of
bonds. Only verification of the dates
from managers out of town awaits
the start of the legit campaign.

There is : only one disaffection
among the stage unions, the Phila-
delphia musicians' local having de-
clined to participate despite the fact
that the New York musicians imme-
diately agreed to play the matinees
when the request was made. Quaker
City therefore will probably be out
of the drive entirely, although it
could' have -figured importantly be-
cause the sock "Oklahoma!" is there.
It is the only show lighted in Pliilly,
and unless there is a sudden booking
the stand must be skipped by the
League of New York Theatres,
which is directing the bond schedule.

out at the 1,077-seat Belasco it can
net a profit of $6,000 weekly. New
show cost around $125,000 to pro-
duce. The Belasco has had" musicals
before, having housed Hit the Deck"
in 1927.

Bookings for musicals have not
entirely been clarified, no house yet
having been provided for "Marinka,"
which opens out of town this week.

City owns the block between 45th
and 46th streets, on the west side o£
Broadway, including the Victoria
(formerly the Gaiety) and Astor,
both being devoted to pictures.
Plans call for a large rebuilding
project on the block, new theatres
replacing those now operating, but
that improvement cannot be started
until after V-J .Day.

also is not clear, but the new deal
explains how Miss West collected the
gravy while Todd tried to win his
investment back. Excellent grosses
were registered at the Shubert and
the Royale. ' to which the play-
was moved, . but ■ with the ac-
tress getting so heavy a slice
it was- evident that it would take a
long time for "Catherine" to climb out
of the red. Todd lost personal inter-
est in the show and went on with
J "Up -In Central -Park" JCentury), a
] smash that almost made him forget
j about "Catherine." Lee Shubert was
said to have 25",. of the attraction,
with Todd being in on "Ten Little
Indians." i Plymouth), a Shubert -
Albert de Courville drama which
has been a consistent money-maker
since early in the season.

Miss West jumped to the Coast up-
on the closing of 'Catherine," but van's "H.M.S. Pinafore." Next sea-
may return to Broadway in the fall, [son is likely to have a similar con-
it being planned to revive "Diamond j diet, two planned operettas being

have the melodies of
Tschaikowsky. On the .Coast, Theo-

he

is a communist, which Loeb ha:-

repeatedly denied. Evans said that
he had heard Loeb make numerous
speeches but "I do not remember
anything that could be construed as
communistic or political in any sense
Stte word."

... 't's recounted from the" May meel-
'hg that Mariy Christians stated

Robeson-Ferrer-Hagen's
'Othello' Due for GI Tour

Paul Robeson, Jose Ferrer, Uta
Hagen and a company of 25 are
going to Europe very shortly for a
14-week tour of GI . camps, playing
"Othello," provided the Army can
bring them back promptly after the
to.au ■'. '• ■' "'■ ; '..

Troupe will alternate with
"Charley's Aunt." Broadway comedy
hit of a few seasons ago in which
Ferrer starred. ' When "Charley's
Aunt'' is the bill, Robeson and an
accompanist will tour hospitals in a
song program.

Company will be part of USO-
' Ci.mp Shows' ,V-E 'legit program.

Pay Cuts Continue
Some N. Y. Shows

Some shows on Broadway are
continuing by virtue of casts accept-
ing salary cuts, a procedure more
or less normal at this time of the
season. However, there are instances

of unusual stipulations which may | Lil/' ln which she'll be 7iaiTid|"alTo -sUted to
favor actors taking the slices, at tne Royale. That plav was pro-
namely, participation . in picture du eed in 1928. with la West as- the
rights money, but such arrangements i sta r, after which she went to Holly-
do not always apply. wood.

"The Overlons,'' Forrest, is one -—

| attraction with that arrangement be-

teL^/'app^S 1 ^ ,2 1 VeS ! PROBE INTO CHI DRAMA

land the players are willing to con-/
! tinue on that ' basis because the
chances of the film rights being sold
are enhanced the longer the' ^how
is oh the boards, it being in the 17th.
week; Amounts payable to the
leads, contingent on the sale of the
rights, are upward of $1,200 each
and are increasing. "Overtons" was
produced by Paul Czlnner. it having
been written by Vincent Lawrence,
who has been writing for the studios.

Soon after: "Common Ground,"
Golden, opened the cast accepted a
cut, except those players' getting
$100 or less per week. The slice
was considerable but business picked
Up. and the cut was reduced.

Conflict on Two
Tschaiky Shows

When "Hollywood Pinafore" open»
at the Alviri, N. Y., tomorrow '3D,
the town will have two musicals us-
ing the same background score,
"Memphis Bound," Broadway, also
being based on Gilbert and Sulli-

dore Bachenheimer heads a group
preparing one, tentatively called
"Song Without Words," while in New
York "The Lonely Heart" is an-
nounced by Lee Shubert and George
W. Brandt,
Latter show is described as being

RAPKFT FNFIS IIINF R »»sed <>" t" e life ° £ Tschaikowsky.
nnVIVCi £111/0 JU'lli O Isaac Don Lev ine has written th«

Chicago... May 29. ■.:;•
Investigation, into voiee-and-dra-
ma-school racket in Chicago will
wind up June 8. assistant State's At- I
torney Ota P. Lightfoot announced
Thursday (241, following hearing in.
his office attended by .girl students
who had filed affidavits claiming
they'd been defrauded. Also present
were several school operators.

Lightfoot reported ops insisted
they had been on the up and up
in their dealings with , students, al-
though they admitted their methods
of advertising and teaching might
be altered so as to eliminate alleged
abuses. Among legitimate methods
YAG, XING' IN TORONTO of doing business that the Stale's At-
Toronto, May 29. io'mcy'.s 'office is aiming for, Light-
Following success of his "Merry foot said,, are those by which stu-
Widow" revival, which ran three dents may pay for lessons as they
weeks at the Royal Alexandra here ! take them, in>tead of j.'ettin" hooked
at $2.50 top, Ernest Rawley will pro- ; on an installment payment plan
duce "The Vagabond King" after his ' from which there'd be no backing

the

book, music from the composer's al-
bum being selected by Frederick
Vajda. Coast bunch produced "The
Waltz King" last fall, and after be-
ing reported as faring very well, t he
operetta suddenly folded in Chicago.

Romeo and Juliet." reurrent).
Edv.i.rd ' Hot < -ker. ol'fj'. Loui.
Opera, \» ill «.ing the 1itle role.

Civic

out. Students should yl.-o 'lis per-
mitted to drop out of ciasres when-
er they vvan'cd to,. Li"htl'<Hii ,s: id.

Shafer, Shubert Dicker
For Coast Operettas

Los Angeles, May 29.
George Shafer is negotiating with
the Shuberts for a series of operettas
to be produced on the West Coast.
His emissary, Paul Trebitsch, has
gone to Chicago to confer with J. J.
Shubert, currently presenting "Du-
! Barry Was a Lady" there. •.'.;.'
i Idea is to ship "Du Barry"
"Countess Maritza," "My Mary-
i land" and two or three others to
• the Philharmonic Auditorium here.
) Shafer has an option on Phii-
' harmonic time recently released by
i Sol Hurok.

52

LEGITIMATE

Wednesday, May 30. 1915

Actors Fund's $8,786 Surplus For
Fiscal Yr.; Gross Income to $231,218

Actors Fund held its 63rd annual ! Monty u Wool)ey; Ralph Polk and

meeting at the Lyceum. N. :Y.. F ; fi,
day t'25 .» afternoon, when a favor-
able financial statement was an-
nounced. ■ . .

The operating surplus for the fis-
cal year was $8,787, gross income
having been $231,218. and the total
outlay $222,431. Receipts from 24
legit benefit performances totaled
$46,099. largest amount ever gotten
from that source since .the Fund
started, while its own annual bene-
fit .show brought in $9,009. Dona-
tions- 'amounted; .to $19,080. coming
from Mr.- and Mrs. Gilbert Miller,
w ho gave $10,000; Katharine Cornell.

the Ziegfeld club, While there were
bequests to the extent of $24,890.

There was an average of 28fi
relief or rha'rity- cases weekly, total
for the year being 11.896. not count-
ing 30 guests at the Fund home in
Englewood. N. J. -Hospitalization
was provided for '35 cases and the
Fund doctor administered lo 260
patients. Fund took care of 71
burials- during the year; at ceme-
teries new New York and various
parts.of the count i-y, v cost being $6.-
235, Amount expended in direct re-
lief totaled $142,134/
■ Re-elected.'. Frank Vincent, presi-
dent; . Harry Ci. Somers and Miss
Cornell. vice-presidents: Vinton
Fr.eedley, treasurer; Robert Camp-
bell, secretary. Trustees: Lee
SrHiberi. Gilben Miller. Chrystal
Heme. Raymond Peck. Edwin G.
Lauder. Jr.. John Golden and Wil-
liam J. Kelly, v

The Mglil ami I he Musie

. KtitHe \At\ Iff prodjit-i inn of, musical revue
in iwii mis »uir^iw(( Vic Oliver; fetitnrhiK
Jill MHtuwra, Wurihy .lau-elt. Betty

f'HUli Hfiyl. Kii.vr, slim Allan. Olympic
\<laj;iit l>Hlic>l'N, .Sine .AxnlOns, Four Pairs,
aixl inst of |0*i. .I^vise'l and Klasred by
Rot«*ri S'e.'-Uin; ilanctfj* und ensembles by
ohm l>avis; sViil"^ Ia -Alec Shanks: oon-
ililclnr. Van Phillip*. Opened at 1.0lKiuil
feu i n. May IT. '4*.

Sub Gum

Continued from pate 1

THE CLASS
MENAGERIE

By TENNESSEE WILLIAMS

(Coming early in June), $2.00

THE HASTY
HEART

By JOHN PATRICK, $2.00

BEAR RUTH

By NORMAN KRASNA. $2.00

OKLAHOMA!

the musical play by

RICHARD RODCERS and
OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN 2nd,

$2.00

THE PULITZER
PRIZE PLATS

20 complete plays, $4.00

THE

This is first big London show since
V-E Day, and is reputed to have cost
$160,000. Lavishly mounted, it looks
it. Starts off with a great opener, a
carnival scene. Kick-off is by Nine
Avalons, three whirlwind skating
acts in one. doing their stuff simul-
taneously, on raised platforms.

Worthy and Jarrett. colored sing-
ers and dancers, were first applause-
getters, with plenty of comedy gab.
High spot of act is Worthy's takeoff
of "Fats" Waller singing "I'm Good
t'orj^othing But Love."

'•Roman Holiday" scene is the set-
ting for Olympic adagio dancers, six
males and three femnies, tossing
each other all oyer the place. Use
of three revolving stages makes this
unusually effective. Entrance of Vic-
Oliver, in a Roman chariot, was
marred by mechanical defect, which
held up proceedings for a few min-'
utes. Oliver finally passing it off
with apologetic grin. Comic's clown-
ing with his stooge. Slim Allan.- is
good for laughs. Some of his mug-
ging wasn't new. but best crack to
ring the bell was anent the Coliseum
which, he maintained, was his favor-
ite house. Said he often used to go
there when there was an air raid on
because it had not been hit for years.

' 'The" CowbelT Sere nacl e",''~scerie~by"
Bob Musel and Eddie Lisbona, serves
to introduce Betty Paul, singer in
Oliver's vaudeville act. She was
formerly chorine Betty Percheron.
in Palladium show, but has since de-
veloped into fine foil under tutor-
age of Oliver. Can sing, has sense
of comedy, and is a looker. *'■'..

Closing first half, is a big scene,
supposedly New York in the '80's.
Was more like the Grand Canyon of
Arizona, unless it has been shifted
recently. ■■• ■

Biggest comedy hit comes in the
second half. It's a slapstick piano
recital -by. Oliver, in which he uses
many tricks made famous by Al
Trahan and Herb Williams, even to
the beer drinking. New twist is his
straight finish, revealing himself an
expert pianist. Oliver's other effort,
later on, of mimicking famous per-
onalities. fell flat,- proving slightly
antiquated.

One of the highspots was Beryl
Kaye, ballet dancer, originally in
"The Jackdaw of Rheims," a big
scene from one of the late George
Black's Palladium revues. Femme
shows potentialities as a great bal-
lerina, and has youth in her favor.
Should go far.

Talented gal. Jill Manners, is han-
dicapped by her numbers, hone of
which are worth remembering.

Show scored on opening night, and
looks set tor a lengthy run.

Rege.

an encore and one curtain call for
which, unfortunately, Ying, or Hsu,
failed to appear.

As for the plays— "The Hangover"
was in the Won Ton soup spot. Writ-
ten by Ding Shi-Ling, it presents
husband jCh'ao'-Li Chi i, wife (Wang
Yung), and houseguesl (Ch'ao-Chu
ChU in a South China living room
after a tippling party. Guests is "hors
de cognac" and spends all but las^
minute of action stretched out on
sort of sofa— blotto (or the Chinese-
equivalent thereof >. He keeps his
eyes closed all the time and thus i.s
prevented ■■ from looking at Wang
Yung. This is" a bad break for him,
and if . there's, such a thing as a
Chinese Equity the 'guy ought to
rate extra money for being penal-
ized like that.

Not So Chinese Yen
Wife evidently has been looking
oil the rice wine while it- was ripe,
because she gets a yen (American
style i to kiss the passotit. She and
friend husband spend most of the
time discussing the project and. she's-'
about to go into action when the
guest (What a dope i wakes up.

That rings down the curtain with
the three of them standing around
cups of tea. There doesn't seem to be
much point to it, does there? -;■ :

The fried shrimp course is tabbed
"Housing Problem" and scene seems
to be Chinese equivalent of a Jack-
son Heights apartment (only larger).
This starts out very promising with
much talk of "mistresses" and one
is lulled into believing author (Ding
Shi Ling again) is going to sprinkle
some Oriental spices a la Noel Cow-
ard. It turns out. though, that the
"old mistress'' is the landlady and
the "young mistress." her daughter.
Latter never appears, ' mores the
pity.

A Little Oriental Spice

Well, the hero (George Khan) is
having trouble finding living quar-
ters and the gal (Anna Kay Lee)

Plays on Broadway

McmphiM Bound

John wiuiiidg pi iwjiifi ion or minim

coini'ilv in two Ht-ts ironl- «oMH»8(, fAliyiit.toJ
rroni Ollupi't * Sultli'aii'.i "i'lnuFuie
Slars bill liobjiison: feature*! Avon 1.011*.
Sonus. Don WalVer ami ( III}' Wnriiii'li;
book bv Albeit ftllllvVl linil. Rally BiNlWrti;

in'oitui'itofi aupvM-visM by .v Mil oil .►'rfHKv;
ulaspd bv. Hobi'i-i llo.w; BeltliiBS (tpi»lt!lii"l
In- UfOlKP .Iwilitlia: • (ttn'i'MI "> At WJille,
,l|',;' ('illll-lea Sanlonl. coinltictnr; o|Koo''l HI
Uro.nlwny, .V. Vo ..May -M,, ' M5; ,*t.SI) top. '•

Herlol'. ........ .: . .-• - .Wlllialn <'. fcioilll

Melissa Cm-let- tAuiit Well ■ • ■ • Knhli Wilson

rhlo?

U/fy ihiKKiitl. . ...

il i-s. I»a ra it i ."p .

Mlly Valentin .-.;e. .*

(Jenny J'aiatlise, .-. , , .

-flenny 1'ai-inlise.

Mr. Kinili.

Winllt'M Oilier i.-WiiiiI.v.i .
I'llot Aleriivellier . il.'opsi .
Tlmhiy. ... . ..... . .*. ... .' .. . . .

SheilfT .\U-I>aniels. . . .-, ... .

Kiiiaiiii;. . ,. ,-..; . ..

Sai'abf'l.lt'. .......... I .... .

Bill. . . ... .;.,'.' ... . .

UHlirie-l

i ■liei.-ubs. :

• 1 1i'oi Ki;' Ann 'I'itnimOi
Delia IHiMlun Jtoyi. •

T.ra vpiw I'l-aivl'oi-.t

. . Ann Ibibinaon

Billy linnli'ls

...... Alia Bl'iHVii

Hli»tl» :(!uy« :

. 1,1a .latin's

'lUiplni-.i fit ipeni-i
. , . ;i"V.altk Wilson
, ; .-. A out I .nilK
. , , ,' BUI llobinson
. . .Timothy , (liiire
.. . ...Osoat- I'latilo

. . ..toy Morrltoio i-

.llHi-iul JaiUann
! . . .1 •bal-li*s Wwloh
! : WiHhllil PMIalM

.Mnt lit'ite Si i-onif

Belie lie Kitijjhl.

Cil'i'l Join's.: Kflsey Chair, bf* llaln.'s

Gilbert and Sullivan operetta is
back on Broadway but in strange
form, and there'll be more of it this
week when "Hollywood Pinafore"
bows in. "Memphis Bound" i.s the
swing version which debuted last
Thursday (24). It's pretty good—
which is the measure of business it
should draw.

Bi\\ Robinson sings and dances
through the colored-cast version of
"H.M.S. Pinafore" and cops most of
the honors, In fact, without the
champ tapper they'd have to wrap
the whole. thing up, but fast, lie re-
marked, on opening night "about two-
thirds of the way through the show,
that it was his 67th birthday and
first nighlers certainly went to town
on the plaudits. Bojangles Bill cer-
tainly must have blushed to the eve-
ning's strongest aude demonstration.

"Memphis" has a good first act.
though not as hot as it could be.
while second-stanza trouble which
was evident in Boston, has been only
partially improved. There are im-
provizations of the "Pinafore" score,
several cleverly done, some not so
effective. There are interpolations
too particularly "Growing Pains."
which is pleasantly sung by Robin-
a looker, i.s in ' the* same junk TchU a SS^'ining little pickaninny

nese for boat). There's a Hongkong at n,s knee ' 11 sll<,uld have been re '

has the Paradise Misses.

"Pinafore Eight to the Bar" about
generally describes the boogie woo
gie version of the G.&S. operetta"
Don Walker and Clay Warnick Inve
done very well in fashioning the
score and revising the lyrics. Dance
direction by Al White. Jr.. has the'
ensemble.? going at a fast clip ' Cos-
tuming and settings contribute tn a
performance that is good but o 0ll ),j
be belter.

Robinson has his pair of. stairs for
the specialty hardshoe number that
has been standard with him, ana the
hoofing clicks, as always, lor the
perennial Bojangles. Robinson in-
spires smiles, yet the show could do
with a couple of bellylauglis. lliee.

Foxhole in lhi> l*»H»r

•'Hurry Hloontllelil proilnt-t ion i,r ilnet-act
th a ota ■ ttiitt! Hl'Cnel. by 1<;isa S|i..||.n. i.- eft .
linos Miitlln'otoery. ('lift, .Sti( t ,.,| )„ ,|„| m
Hns^iill: soll'inu. l.ee . Sioionsioi; i,„enetl
Hoolb, ISV Y'., Mlly 28, '45; fll.iui
I.eroy. ■ . ..... ..... . I i na |,| lv a , m

'I'oln Ansli'li , .., ....... ItiiMSell 1(hi J1»

Vlt'W Kills...;..;...... ..Ann Morula.

Ann. Allslen. . .... , ... ; l-'loi-a 1 '.intnllcU

Sena lni:-1io\ven ........ .itJITflllviol 1 1 1 efiileaf

Dennis l'atlersoli . . Mon I u-.m^i-v . < '11 ft

Kate Mlltllt'li; . .(inne t'0|i|i|a

THEATRE CHILD
ANTHOLOGY

14 complete plays, 53.50

imitation of a Keystone Kop
(Ch-ao-Chu Chi) for laughs but the
whole thing winds up on a rather
familiar note. The guy and gal pre-
tend they're married so they can
rent, the apartment. Curtain falls
with hero asking the filly, "What's
your name?" giving some onlookers
the impression Chinese not only
read backwards but perform their
plays the same way.

Finale, or the Moo Goo Guy Pan
course, was a switch on "Uncle
Tom's Cabin" titled "Put Down That
Whip." from the pen of Tsi T'i-
Ch'uang. Ch'ao-Li Chi. who is made
up like Merlin, the enchanter, has
-his-Xwo_ daughters (Wang Yung and
Chin Chi ) performing before a Chi-
ese street crowd. When the former
collapses from fatigue daddy goes"
to work on her with a whip, but
George Khan, in the latest Nat
Luxenberg double-breasted model,
dashes on the stage and forcefully
imposes a cease and desist edict.
Then comes explanation that the
trio. 14 years before, was chased out
of Manchuria by the Japs and have
been forced to eke out an existence
as tr.veling performers ever since.
Climax is clarion cry. "Back to Man-
churia" (or change your act ) after
wiping out Nips. Strictly propagan-
da and. for that reason alone, praise-
worthy. Dramatically n.s.h.

Troupe did a repeat Wednesday
night (2:1) and is skedded for Brook-
lyn June 1. where the Dodgers shape
up as stiff competition. Then fol-
lows a tour of eastern cities this
summer and a nationwide junket
next fall. East and "West Assn., of
which authoress Pearl Buck is presi-
dent, is sponsoring as a non-profit,
"education through entertainment"
project.

prised al the debut but wasn't

Orchestra pit is too loud. Second
act is supposed to be .entirely
changed from that first seen in Bos-
ton but it appears that most of the
book material is retained, only defi-
nite number tossed overboard being
a ballet staged by Anton Dolin. In
this section of the show a travesty
on "Trial by Jury" is interpolated,
the number participated in by Robin-
son. Avon Long, the springy dancer
who went lo town in "Porgy and
Bess." Edith and Frank Wilson.

Long goes into action with "I Am
the Captain of the Pinafore." but the
showboat that's stifck in the mud on
the Ohio is called the Calliboga
Queen. To raise money so that the
boat can be floated and proceed to
Memphis, a production of "Pinafore"
is started, then' interrupted. The
story is somewhat confused but
Windy. (Long) cops the ticket coin
and lands in jail with Robinson.

"Old Love and Brand New Love"
i.s warbled by Billy Daniels. Sheila
Guys, the show's prettiest pretty, and
Long. Miss Guys with Ida James and
Thelma Carpenter, form a trio lor
several numbers, doing well. One of
the recognizable G.&S. tunes is
billed "I'm Called Little Buttercup"
amusingly sung by Ada Brown, with
the aid of the Delta Rhythm Boys, a
quartet who figure strongly on the
vocal end. Another melody of the
original score that stands out is about
the sailor's hornpipe which is re-
vealed as "The Ruler of the Queen's
Navee." sung by Robinson, Daniels
has "The Nightingale, the Moon and
I" which sounds okay though the
tenor's pipes are anything but lusty.
Ann Robinson gets her chance audi
makes good with "The Gilbert and
Sullivan Blues." Long sings "Fair'
Moon" with the Delta Rhythm Boys d'
then capers sprightly. Robinson and'
Long team for "Things Are Seldom;
What They Seem." "Love or Reason"

Newest Broadway drama deals
with issues of vital importance but
chances of registering are doubtful
because "Foxhole in the Parlor'' is
preachment, if not propaganda.

Elsa Shelley's play seems her best
writing to date, and in script form
it probably is more convincing. She
aims to get a message to the San "
Francisco Peace Conference, an ap-
peal for lasting unity, btit just what
to say she doesn't seem to know. In-
timated in the play that there will
be more. such international huddles.

The play's major proponent, one
Dennis Patterson, has returned from
the war a psychoneurotic. He has
just been discharged from an Army
hospital, where psychiatrists regard
his case as cured, but there are re-
currences of his mental disturbances.

Dennis tells his friends. Ann and
Tom Austen, something of V\e or-
deals at the front. Tom is a painter
living across the narrow court in
Greenwich Village, Dennis often
calling him Henry— for that was the
name of his pal over there, killed at
his side. Henry had told Dennis tha
meaning of the Jewish Passover, the
ideal , of salvation, the empty chair
and wine of the sacramental feast,
lie tells of two other GIs killed on
either side of him in a~ foxhole, ... ^

Tom's uncle, a former senator, is
about to leave for San Francisco, and
to him Dennis tries to explain the
message, that should be presented to
the Conference. It is vague but
there is enough to the young man's
incomplete thesis to have the senator
put Dennis on his staff, and they
leave for the Coast. In that -way the
plan of a flinty-minded sister lo send
Dennis to an asylum is foiled.

There is some tension in the show,
through the direction of John Hag-
gotl. Lee Simonson comes forth
with at. admirable setting, picturing
the yard and the living rooms of
both houses, scene swinging from
one side to the other as the dialog
switches. There are but seven
characters, one being a model who
falls for- Dennis, but romance is buL
a tithe to the returned GI. ,■
Montgomery Clift. w'no gave a
splendid performance in "The
Searching Wind," does an admirable
Dennis, whose partially befogged
mind finally sees the dawn. All
seven characters are played well.
They are Russell Hardie as Tom,
Flora Campbell as Tom's under.'
standing wife, Grace Coppiri. the
too-praclical sister; Raymond Green-
leaf, the senator, Reginald Beam?,
the intelligent colored man of Toms
-house, and Ann Lincoln, the sexy
model. Ibee-

RANDOM HOUSE

20 E. 57 ST.. NEW YOM 22

PLAY PUBLISHERS

of now and many
othir dist'iguithmd playt

SONG 0 BERNADETTE
TOMORROW THE WORID
LOST HORIZON • HIGHLAND
. FLING • EVE OF ST. MARK • BEST
FOOT FORWARD. FEATHERS IN

a gale ■ Mrs. miniver • great
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FOYLE - HOUSE WITHOUT A KEY

THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING CO.

IncDf pcrated 1 887

SI E, VAN buren ST.,CHICAGO 5

America First

Continued from page 1

thank you

JANE COWL

far a breathtaking fifteon mi«»t«
Maritime Day.

madgt pfau kclly
Hollywood. Calif.
1010 Equitable Hag.

of this sort.''. Segal, when queried
by the Boston correspondent tot'
"Variety," said that he does not. dic-
tate' to- -the- station' 'who should be
commentator on the show and added,
"the cost of sponsoring news locally
is too high for this outfit, and so
it may be dropped shortly." ' . '

However, retailer did not drop
news o the station, shifting to the
1-1:15 p.m. slot on WHDH last Mon-
tlay.' (28i . with George Hamilton
Combs, also a WHN commentator,
replacing Steel. Obviously, the Hub
group is due lor another rude awak-
ening shortly, when they find out
that Combs, like Steel, has a "lib-
eral slant" on reporting the news.

Wednesday, May 30, 1945

LEGITIMATE

53

'Ruth' Capacity $20,500 in Chicago,
'Jake' lS^G, 'Du Barry NG $15,000

. Chicago, May 29.
• It's been from one extreme to the
other this week. "Mme, du Barry,"
first in Shubert-Opera House pro-
duced summer operetta series, fin-
ished two-week stretch Sunday (27)
with $15,000, same as opening week,
which is the worst take in the 16-
vear history of the 3,600-seater.
''Dear Ruth," on the other hand, was
In its second capacity stanza, with
$20,500, after that not-too-hefty $16,-
000 opener.

"Life With Father," making its
third bow here, opened with fair
advance sales Tuesday (29), and
"Countess Maritza," second Shubert-
Opcia House songfest on the agenda,
is thrice as good in the advance
dept. as "du Barry," to cue fact
that summer gimmick is finally catch-
ing on. Latter opened big Monday
(28). "Jacobowsky and the Colonel."
which folds here June 9, despite biz'
that's building steadily, hit $18,500
in second Theatre Guild , subscrip-
tion week. "Voice of the. Turtle" still
clicking merrily along with $19,000.
Estimates for Last Week

"'Dear Ruth," Harris (6th week)
(1,000; $3.60). Still doing capacity
$20,500.

"Jacobowskv and the Colonel,"

Blackstone (2d week) (1.200; $3.00).
Folds June 9. despite hefty takes.
Got $18,500 this time. ■ '■. -£

"Mme. du Barry," Opera House
(2d week) (3,600; $3.60). Only $15,-
000, with house scaled at $58,829—
which is the lowest Opera Hou.se
take since it opened in 1929. Did
nine performances, as against last
week's eight, when they also hit
$15,000, to make matters worse.

"Valce of the Turtle," Selwyn
(34th week) (1;000: $3.60). Steady
$19,000, just $1,600 off capacity.

BERGNER HOT $14,500,
CLOSES Pin SEASON

Pittsburgh, May 2!).

Elisabeth Bergner closed legit sea-
ion here last week with satisfactory
$14,500 in "Two Mrs. Carrolls" at
Nixon. That's jitst about 13 grand
more than the show originally .did
here seven years ago when play was
tried out by Elena Mirsmova, Earle
Larimore and Frances Starr.

Play, which came here at $3.60
(including tax) top. got off to very
ordinary start but kept building on
strength of notices hailing Miss
Bergner (play itself was rapped). It
was the first time she'd ever been
«een here on the stage. Wind-up of
aeason found Nixon with 32 weeks
under; its belt and one of the best
total grosses in a long time. ■

'Harriet'-Hayes Socko

$24,300 in Frisco

San Francisco, May 29.

Biz terrific at both legit houses in
this money -loose town. Helen Hayes,
in "Harriet," closing its run at the
1,550-seat, $3.60-top Geary theatre^
chalked up $24,300 for a six-day
week with eight shows.

Sellouts continue weeks ahead at
the 1,776-seat Curran, where the San
Francisco Civic Opera Co. grossed
$31,300 with eight performances of
"Desert Song" at $3.90 top. Season
tickets cut the price lower for the
same seats.

'Sing Out' Still Plenty
Red After Tour Windop

After winding up a tour which
concluded to excellent takings, the
Theatre Guild's musical. "Sing Out.
Sweet Land," proved to be as much
in the red as when it opened, a su.r-
prise except to" the management.
Explanation was that although it had
good weeks on the road, the oper-
ating profit just about balanced the
loss registered for weeks When the
grosses were disappointing, while
transportation costs were high. Show
cost around $130,000. some of which
may be won back through the pic
ture rights and a probable tour next
season.

"Sing" did best in Washington
where in three weeks it got $83,000.
Guild's 12,000 subscribers in the cap
ital, plus 3,000 in Baltimore, were
factors in the engagement. '

'SOLDIER'S WIFE' 18G,
HUB; 'LADIES' 14C

Boston, May 29.
Competition from Ringling circus
should have hurt legit b.o. biz some-
what the past week. However,
"Good Night, Ladies" rolled along
better in eighth week at the Shubert,
and "Kiss and Tell," which closed
Saturday (26) after six fine weeks,
actually picked up at end in the
Plymouth, "Soldier's Wife" has fine
prospects at the Wilbur.

In store for Boston are two world
preems, "The Wind Is 90," opening
at Colonial. June 1, and ' "Oh,
Brother," starting at Plymouth
June 4.

Estimates for Last Week
'Kiss and Tell," Plymouth (1.4O0:
$2.40). Excellent $13,000 for closing
week. Within two years has run a
total of 17 weeks here.

"Good Night, Ladies." Shubert
(1,500; $2.50). Ran up $14,000 plus.

"Soldier's Wife," Wilbur (1,241;
$3). Wow biz of $18,000 under Guild
auspices.

'Snafu'lHWAt"
$2 Top in Washington

Washington, May 29.
'Snafu" in eight performances
grossed $11,000 at the National the-
atre last week. This was considered
remarkable as the play came in at
$2 top. A long line was attracted
Thursday for the San Carlo Opera
compaivy. in repertoire, and $6,500
was in the till at the end of the first
dsiy's snlt\

"Marinka," founded on the legend
of "Mayerling," comes in at $4 top
on June 4. It features Joan Roberts
and Jerry Wayne as the singing
leads. There are some 75 people on
the stage, with Hassard Short direct-
ing, costuming by Mary Grant, and
dances by Albertina Rasch.

'Catherine Great* 9V Z G
In 3 Days, Columbus

Columbus, 6., May 29.
Final curtain on Mac West in
"Catherine Was Great" t$9,500 for
three days) folded 1944-45 season at
Hartman, Columbus' lone legit the-
atre.

Past seven months saw the largest
number of legit attractions booked at
this house since 1931, with all doing
steady to socko biz. Standout, was
"Oklahoma!," which played seven
days to $32,000. Most others did
split weeks.

TTwood Pinafore'
Wow 30G, Philly

Philadelphia, May 29.

"Hollywood Pinafore" gave "Okla-
homa!" plenty of opposition last week
and left the Shubert Saturday night
with everybody agreed that the big
Max Gordon musical could have
lingered here tfi heavy grosses lor a
coupla more . weeks at least. It
achieved a two weeks' mark of be-
tween $62,000 and $65,000 in the face
of one adverse and one very luke-
warm notice; $30,000 last week.

"Oklahoma!'s" only other • opposi-
tion last week, was an also-ran. It
was "Round Trip." straight comedy
tryout which opened at the Locust
on the 15th and completed a very
pale and dismal 2nd week on Satur-
day night with less than $4,000
grossed.

The Theatre Guild's magic-maker
continued on its serene way. and
seat sale for July and August is an-
nounced to start next Tuesday, with
June already sold out. Management
is emohasizing fact in press copy
that show may not linger here after
Labor Day because of Coast commit-
ments, but the betting Jocallv is that
it stavs well through the fall season
if not right up or through the holi-
days. Current pace is $37,600. only
variation being a matter of standees
and amounting to less than a hun-
dred dollars.

Shuberts have aoparently definite-
ly decided to call it a season here
except lor "Oklahoma!'. Walnut.
Locust and Shubert will be shuttered
within a few days unless there's a
sudden change of. mind in New York
— and that- doesn't seem likely. A
cooling-system in anyone of these
houses would almost certainly mean
its staving open, especially in view
of "Hollywood Pinafore's" big fare-
well week. ■

Philly's .season has been extraordi-
narily good on the musical end —
both financially and artistically-
mediocre on the dramatic end artis-
tically but generally profitable and
satisfactory oil both ends.

B way Hotcha, More Shows Than
Year Ago; 'Memphis Fine $22,000
In 1st S, Foxhole^ NG S3,SO0 m 4

'Widow' $42,800 In

3 Weeks at Toronto

Toronto, May 29.
Grossing a satisfactory $12,000 in
its third week at the Royal Alexan-
dra, despite heat wave, Ernest Raw-
ley's , production of "The Merry
Widow" garnered $42,800 during its
»tay at the 1,525-seater and paid
plenty on RawJey's gamble that To-
ronto theatregoers want musicals.
House was scaled at $2.50 top. Raw-
ley's next venture in this line will be
"The Vagabond King."

Average

Continued tram pace 1

Where the bandleader hasn't Ms own
• subsidiary music publishing busi-
ness, as many of them now have, the
average music publisher is only too
eager to accord a No. 1 plug to any
tune authored by' a name musician.
" It's axiomatic that Tin Pan Alley
is a business of resourcefulness and
."angles," but it's now reached the
Jtage where many a songsmith starts
looking for a bandleader to "cui<in"
• 'on the song, as partial insurance for
getting a plug. •

'Doll's House' Good

$4,000 in 2 at K. C.

Kansas City. May 29.
Curtain went down on the local
legit season with two performances
of "Doll's House" in the Music Hall
of the Municipal Auditorium here
last Tuesday and Wednesday nights
(22-23).

Take for the two shows was a good
$4,000, show getting $13,000 on week
of six performances, including Dav-
enport and Dallas.

Current Road Shows

(Period Cocerinp May 26- June 9)

"Blackouts af 1945"— El Capitan,
Hollywood (28-9).

"Carmen Jones"— Russ And-. San
Diecso, ( 1-2): Phil. And , L, A. (4-9).

"Dear Ruth"— Harris. Chi (28-9 >.

"Dolt's House" — Majestic, Ft.
Worth (28);.Mus: H., Houston (29-
30); Paramount, Austin (.31); Texas,
San Antonio (1-2).

"Good Nile Ladies" — Shubert,
Boston (28-95. . •

"Harriet"— Metro. Seattle (28-9).

"Jacobowsky and the Colonel" —
Blackstone, Chi (28-9). •

"Kiss "and Tell" (2d Co.)— Ply-
mouth, Bost. (28-2).

"Life With Father" (2d Co.)—
Erlanger. Chi (28-9 V , .

"Marinka" — Shubert. New Haven
(31-2); Nati, Wash. (5-9).

"Oh Brother"— Walnut, Philly <28-
2): Plymouth. Bost. (4-9).

"Oklahoma!" (2d Co.) — Forrest,
Philly (28-9).

"Red, Hot and Blue" — Shubert-
Lafayette. Detroit <4-9). -

San Carlo Opera Co.— Nat l, Wash;
(28-2),

"Soldier's Wife" — Wilbur, . Bost.

.28-9). .

"Ten Little Indians" (2d Co) —

And,. Denver (28-30); Capitol, Salt
Lake City CO.

"Two Mrs. Carrolls" — Cass, Det.
(28-9),

"Voice of Turtle" (2d Co.)— Sel-
wyn, Chi (28-9).

"Wind Is »•" — Colonial, Bost.
(28-9).

Concert Names Turn
Down Summer Dates

A surprising number of concert
names have turned down outdoor
engagements this summer. The at-
litude is unusual in thai these al
fresco bookings in the past have
been much sought after, usually -be-
ing two or three times more re-
munerative than winter dates and
drawing far greater crowds. A sum-
mer date at Lewisohn Stadium. N.Y..
or Robin Hood Dell, Philadelphia,
means a $2,500 to $3,500 check, as'
against a winter concert date fee of
$1,000 to $1,500. And al fresco audi-
ences run to 10,000 and 15,000 as
against a concert hail's 3,000. Un
one Chicago concert two summers
ago Lily Pons drew a I00,t)00 audi-
ence.) -.-

But the concert biz has been so
good the past couple of seasons that
names are content to pass up the
lucrative summer dates, feeling they
don't ncod the extra money and
have (o give much of it up in taxes
anyway. Heavy winter schedules
have tired some out so that they
want to rest.

For instance, Rudolf Serkin and
Robert Casadesus, both offered the
plum opening night Lewisohn Sta-
dium dale, turned it down. Neither
artist plans any ' summer -engage-
ments.' Zino Francescatti turned the
Stadkim and other parks down.
Jascha Heifetz, always a tremendous
al fresco draw, turned down all
summer bookings to go to Europe
for GIs instead.

The same brushoff to summer
concerts has been given by several
conductors lor similar reasons. .

Russ Play Bows on Coast

Pasadena, May 29.

American premiere of the Russian
drama, ••Immortal," dealing with the
•adventures of a young Red .soldier,
will be staged at. the Pasadena Com-
munity Playhouse, May 30 to June 10.

Carl Heins Roth will direct the
play, authored by Alexei Arbuzov
and Alexander Gladkov.

.V.'-l. Ml ''.!,.' i> r'VI li'.'-- I I.'' 't.'<

Broadway's business Is excellent
considering the time of the season.
There are more shows operating now
than a year ago. Some did shade
off but others improved. Weather
may be a factor but that isn't domi-
nant.

"Life With Father" has topped
"Abie's Irish Rose," as anticipated,
and another set of leads takes over.

Two entrants last week with
"Memphis Bound" an indicated suc-
cess on basis of business first five
tiroes, nearly $22,000. "Foxhole in
the Parlor" appears to have but mild
chance despite a few good notices.
Some shows slated to close are hope-
ful of sticking.

Estimates for . Last Week . \

Keys: C (Comedy), D (Dramu).
CD (Comedy-Drama),. R (Revue) .
M (Musical), O (Operetta).

"A Bell for Adane," Colt (25th
week) (D-1,064; $4.20). Adaptation
from prize- winning war novel
clicked for more than $22,000 again
last week.

"Anna Lwcasta," Mansfield (39th
week) (D-1,041; $3.60). In addition
to cleaning up is helping Harlem's
colored theatre movement consider-
ably; $20,500. -

"Bloomer Girl," Shubert (34lh
week) (M-1,382; $5.40). One of the
.season's favorite musicals and get-
ling more than $33,000, which means
capacity.

ICaroasel," Majestic (6th week)
(M-1,681; $6). Another musical fave
starting at capacity pace, which
should b* maintained well into hew
season; Went up to $45,500; just a
matter of parties, for it's a hit.

"Common Ground," Golden (5th
week) (C-789; $3.60). Further im-
provement claimed last week but
takings, around $7,000, under expec-
tations. ' ■ .

-Hark of the Moon," 46th Street
(10th week) (.D-1,319; $4.20). Said
to have paid off production cost
and profit is now velvet; claimed
$18,000.

"Dear Ruth," Miller (24th week)
(C-940; $4.20). Among the hits mak-
ing great profit here and in Chicago;
pace doesn't vary; over $18,500.

"Follow the Girls," 44th Sireet
(59th week) (M-1,362; $4.80). Getting
very good money, and last week's
pace not much different; $29,000.

"Foxhole in the ' Rarlor," Booth
(1st week) (D-712; $3.60). Opened
last midweek: a few notices dis-
tinctly favorable, others doubttul;
takings first four times around $3,-
500. mostly on first night.

"Foolish Notion," Beck (11th
week) (CD-1.214; $4.20 ). Slipped to
eround $15,500 but well on right s(de
of ledger; another two weeks after-
the current week.

"Harvev," 48th Street (30lh week)
(C-925; $4.20). Denver's (author's
home) contribution to Broadway,
which is really something; all it can
get every week; $19,000.

"Hats Off to Ice," Center (R-2.944;
$1.98). Resumes this afternoon- (30);
played 48 weeks before suspending
early this month.

"Hollywood Pinafore," Alvin (M-1.
357; $6). Presented by Max Gordon
in association with Meyer Davis;
Gilbert and Sullivan book revised
by George S. Kaufman; opens to-
morrow (31).

"I Remember Mama," Music Box
(32d week) (C-940; $4.20). Not a
few in show bix thought this play
would cop a major prize though it
did get some others; nearly $22,000;
capacity.

"Kiss and Tell," Bijou (114th week)
(C-614; $3.60). Again around $8,000,
which means profit for one-setter
and house; still indefinite.

"Kiss Them lor Me," Fulton (10th
week) (C-946; $4.20). Improved
considerably, and with some cutrate
aid gross approximated $9,500.

"Latrine Room Only," Winter
Garden (22d week) (R-1,522; $6).
Did fairly well last week, with tak-
ings approximating $32,000; figured
good summer draw. .v

"Lat« George Apley," Lyceum
(27th week) tC-993; $4.20). With
l^eo G. Carroll giving one of season's
best performances, class hit com-
mands excellent money; off in gal-
lery, but $16,000 and more.

"Life With Father," Empire (286th
week) (C-1,082; $3.60). Has topped
longest comedy run, that of "Abie's
Irish Rose," on Monday f28), when
2,328th lime was played; over $9,000.

"Memphis Bonnd," Broadway « 1st
week) (M-1.900; $4.80). Opened last
Thursday (24); mixed notices with
some reviews highly favorable: got
S22.000 in first five times, including a
$4,000 preview: started this week
with $8,300 Sunday.

"Oklahoma!" St. James (113th
week) (M-1,505; $4.80). New musical
hits have failed to dent the capacity
pace of loiig-runner, which collects
around $31,000 weekly. \

"On the Town," Adelphi (22d
week) (M-1,426; $5.40). One of sea-
son's musical surprises; more than
held its own and was close to $34,000.
"Roona Trip," Biltmore (C-920:
- $3.60). Presented by Clifford Hay-

man; written by Mary Orr and Regi-
nald Denham; opened last night (29)
"School for Brides," Ambassador
(43d week) (C-1,117; $3.60). May
move to house with cooling system,
with idea of summer try; cutrating;
S7.500. -

"Son* of Norway," imperial (30th
week) (0-1,427; $6). Still in high
demand; musical smash holds to vir-
tual capacity right along; $41,000.

"Ten Little Indians," Plymouth
(47th week) (D-1,075; $3.60). Only
a matter of how many two-for-ones
come in: has scored, and last week a
profitable $11,500.

"The Glass Menagerie," Playhouse
(8th week) (CD-865; $4.20). Stand-
out of the spring arrivals due for
long run; capacity $18,600.

"The Hasty Heart," Hudson (21st
week) (D-1,094; $3,60). Picked up
fairly well and approximated $10,-
500: among season's .good things.

"The Overtons." Forrest (16th
week) (CD-1,060; $3.60). May move
to house with cooling system: using
cutrates and bettering even break;
$9,000. , ■

"The Voice of the Turtle," Morosco
(68th week) (C-939; $4.20). Picked
up further; three-person play showed
its class by getting around $21,000.

"Up in , Central Park," Century
(16th week) (0-1,713; $6). Around
$47,000. almost all the top-grossing
musical can do.

VAUDE-REVUE
"Blue Holiday," Belasco. Taken off
Saturday; one week; $13,500 not
enough; "Memphis Bound" moves
here from Broadway June 16.
REVIVALS
"The Barrett* of Wiaanole Street."
"Barrymore (9th wk) (D-1,096; $4,20).
Went up to around $19,000; one moid
week for top revival.

"Othello," N. Y, City Center (1st
week) (D-2,693; $2.40). Excellent
business: -engagement extended to
third week.

NEIGHBORHOOD
Abie's Irish Rose," Flatbush,
Brooklyn..

"Her Cardboard Lover," Queens-
boro. L. I.

"Chicken Every Sunday," Windsor,
Bronx.

LAMBS MARK 3D YEAR
OF SERVICEMEN HOSTING

Last Thursday (24) the Lambs
marked the completion of three
years of weekly dinners and shows
given to allied GIs . and sailors by
the club's Service . Men's Morale
Corps. The Thursday night affairs
are unique in show circles, each din-
ner having a sponsor or host who
pays the check, which is slightly
more than $300. So many sponsors
have come forward to aid the corps'
activities that there 'is a reserve
fund on hand large "enough to fi-
nance the dinners until July, 1946,
one corporation having donated $10,-
000. The events will continue until
then, at least, regardless whether
V-.f Day comes prior to that time.

Schedule calls for the men to'
dine at 6:30, party thereafter ad-
journing to the club's theatre up-
stairs for the specialty shows, which
terminate around 10:30. High-rank-
ing officers of the Army and Navy
are frequently present.

Indians' OK $10,500
In 3d— Final Del Wk.

Detroit, May 29.
'Ten Little Indians" wound up its
third week at the Cass theatre only
slightly off the pace for the first two
weeks. Final week registered $10,500
with $21,000 brought in on ' even
splits for the first two weeks. It
was followed in Mooftay by Elisa-
beth Bergner in "Two Mrs. Carrolls,"
set for several weeks.

Other two houses, the Wilson and
Lafayette, are dark, although the
latter is reported to be working on
a setup of summer variety, using a
regular line with headline acts
brought in.

'Red Miff Heavy 42G,
L.A., ♦Blackouts' 14 '/ 2 G

Los Angeles, May 29.

Even though Santa Anita and a
post-V-E Day letdown hit at some
other phases of the entertainment
industry, legit held up well here this
past week. "The Red Mill" was good
for heavy $42,000 for its first week
at the Philharmonic Auditorium,
with one more week to go.

Ken Murray's "Blackouts of 1945"
at El Capitan went through its I52d
itsmxa with solid $14,800. "Honey in
the Hay," at the Musart, climbed up

54

Wednesday, May 30, 1945

Literati

In Re: Joe Kamp

Last week "Variety" reported
•bout a pamphlet entitled, "With
Lotions of Love," published by
Joseph P. Kamp, and a frank smear
on Walter Winchell. T!ie report re
ferred to Kamp as one of the de-
fendants in the mass trial of ac-
cused seditionists in Washington
last year. Latter statement was in-
correct. Kamp -was not a defendant
in that trial.

Tlie mag Time is involved in the
Kamp pamphlet, since* inside front
cover of booklet reproduced a page
from a 1943 issue of Time, with
Winchell's picture. Time Immediate
ly wired Winchell disclaiming .the
Kamp tiein, applied for an injunc
tion, and got a temporary restrain-
ing order against Kamp. A hearing
on Time's application, which also
asks that Kamp's booklet be im
pounded and destroyed, is to be held
by Junj 22. Meanwhile, by order of
Federal Judge Rifkin, In N. Y., Kamp
is stopped from! circulating the
pamphlet.

Time had asked Winchell, also, to
announce its disclaimer. To date,
Winchell, who's been feuding with
the Luce outfit, hasn't answered that
request.

Cause for Mania Indeed

Dear Mr. Editor:

I'm the guy that represented your
rag "in Buffalo for 25 years— re-
member? You know what kind of a
softie I am for mistakes— like Pu-
laski with "On the Town" or Bige-
low with "Green Pastures" or Ras-
coe with anything. But boy, how I
do object to being fouled up liter-
arily — extra and gratuitously.
. Long time ago I caught a show
for your journal and remarked in
my review that one of the char-
acters was a "manic-depressive."
That one went round and round, and
came out in the next issue on the
stands as "maniac-depressive." I
nearly swallowed my tongue de-
pressor but charged it up to some
dope of a press reader. I was wrong.

Last week, I caught another quiv-
ering dramatic cadaver yclept "Mo-
ment of Importance." Again I re-
marked that a character in it was
a "manic-depressive." Again it went
round and round and in this week's
issue up it comes once more as
"maniac-depressive."- Now I know—
I should have stood in bed!

You see, Mr. Editor, my trouble is
an inferiority complex. When I'm
^galled, what I see looks red. So
listen— the word is "manic." My pet
psychiatrist told me so — and anyhow
it says here in my medical Thesa-
urus. So please, please stop torment-
ing me. A quarter of a century of
that "Variety" double-acrostic talk
has fouled me up plenty. But lay off,
brother, or- you may be -right. Leave
my "manic" alone — it might turn to
be "maniac," and then what?

Hoping you are the same,

Sid Burton.

Takes Over Chi Columns

Adele Hoskins, city desker on Chi
Daily News, takes over film and
radio columns this week from Carl
Guldager, who graduates to con
ducting the sheet's "Here Is Chicago"
gab column, recently run by Ward
Caille.

Miss Hoskins started her news-
paper career as secretary to Mike
Kennedy, Sunday" editor of the Chi
Tribune.

■■' Pageant to Resume Monthly

Pageant, now on stands with a
June- July combined issue, will ditto
with an August-September issue out
July 10,' then resume on a monthly
basis in the fall with its October is-
sue (out Sept. 10).

Aug.-Sept. mag wiil still have
material selected by its old editors,
with masthead listing neither old
nor new staffers, the October issue
being first actually under the Ver-
non Pope-John Hackett editorship.
Sharp departure in makeup and con-
tent is expected under new regime.

Sinclair's 'Bright Path'

Publishers' contracts for his'
"Bright Paths to- Adventure" have
just been signed by Gordon Sin-
clair, globe-girdling reporter and
former "Variety" mugg. The 75,000-
word tome, with 24 fotos and line
drawings, will be brought out Oct.
10 by McClelland & Stewart, To-
ronto, and Doubleday-Doran, New
York.

Consists of straight action stories,
aimed at the older boy, and omits
any love interest, etc. Some of the
yarns are rewrites of his "Today's
Adventure" series , which . Sinclair

has been doing five days a week on
coast-to-coasl Canadian network for
three years with Shredded Wheat
as sponsor. Eaton's and Simpson's,
Toronto's two largest department
stores, have each signed for 3,000
copies of first Canadian edition with
options on subsequent Canadian
editions. '■•;'■■ ;

Dailies Clamor for H'wooit Copy

Newspapers throughout the coun
try are yelling for more Hollywood
news and features, with the slack
ening of war tidings since V-E Day.

United Press bureau in Los An
geles is concentrating heavily on
motion picture coverage and reports
a demand for faster service. It is
good news to the film studios whose
newspaper space has been cut heav
ily since Pearl Harbor.

New Kind of Bible Bally

Frank Ross, producing "The Robe"
for RKO, signed a contract to pro-
vide Consolidated Book Publishers
with color stills from the picture
for use in a New Testament to be
published after the film is released.
Understood the first printing will be
1,000,000 copies. Deal marks the first
time a motion picture has been' ex-
ploited in Bible printing.

I, en Lyons to Europe

Leonard Lyons, N. Y. Post column-
ist, left Tuesday night (29) to visit
London, France, Belgium and Ger-
many on a special mission at the in-
vitation of the British government.
He will be gone four weeks.

Previously, Lyons had been re-
jected for overseas duty as an Amer-
ican war correspondent.

WWB's Permanent Stance

The Writers' War Board has or-
ganized a permanent committee to
combat racial stereotyping in fields
of literature and entertainment, with
Bob Landry as chairman, and Luise
Sillcox and Hobe Morrison assisting.
Committee will follow up work done
in recent survey by Prof . PaulLazas-
field, concentrating for present on
magazines, to single out for praise or
condemnation those mags who avoid
or perpetuate racial stereotypes.

Action is offshoot of Board's fight
against race prejudice as expressed
in its Committee to Combat Race
Hatreds, also headed by Landry; its
endorsement of various documentary
films; its material for radio use, and
its promotion of books on racial ten-
sions, like Gwethalyn Graham's
"Earth and High Heaven" and Lil-
lian Smith's "Strange Fruit."

CHATTER

A. P. Tedesco joined Grosset &
Dunlap as art director on June 4.

Melchior Lengyel will have six of
his film scripts published by -Henry
Holt & Co.

George Jessel wrote "We Shoot at
Sunrise" and "I'm the Star," for
publication by Colliers in August.

Ernest Rogers, Atlanta Journal as-
sociate editor, in Hollywood as guest
ot Vincent Sherman, his former re-
porter.

Frank Gruber started another
series of "Johnny Frelcher"' mys-
tery novels for publication by Far-
rar & Rinehart.

Bud Hutton and Andy Rooney,
editors of Stars & Stripes, have writ-
ten a book by that title. Farrar &
Rinehart will publish.

Major W. E. Hussman, ed of Eu-
ropean edition of Yank, back in
Arkansas as asst. pub of chain of
papers owned by C. E. Palmer.

Ann Thomas completed a novel,
"Child Actress," based on' her early
experiences while attending new
York Professional Children's School.

King Features (Hearst) plans con-
tinuing Bennett Cerf as a syndicated
humor-anthologist, even after the
current "Try and Stop Me" scries
expires.: ■ '

MacKinlay Kantor completed his
screen story, "Glory for Me," for
Samuel Goldwyn and returned to
France as war correspondent for
Collier's.

Don Gillette, tradepaper contact
for!' Warner Bros, at the homeomce,
has an article in the June issue of
Coronet magazine titled "Only 5%
Win in Wall Street."

Marlene Dietrich is profiled in
July This Month by Carroll Carroll,
radio scripter, article praising ac-
tress for remaining in Europe in
'comparative obscurity" to entertain
GIs.

May's a banner month for WHN
Commentator Johannes Steel. His
book, "The Future of Europe," has
just been published; he has an
article in Fact mag, and is doing
two for This Month and Bead, rnags,

BIRTHS

Lieut, and Mrs. Peter Dearing,
daughter, New York, May 24. Father
was London legit producer-director
before, entering British Navy and re-
cently directed London production
of "Three's a Family," current at the
Winter Garden, London.

Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Fensin, daugh-
ter, Chicago, May 19. Father is prez
of Fensin Seating Co,

lilt, and Mrs. Norman Nervig,
daughter, Hollywood, May 20.
Mother is Ardel Wray, RKO writer.

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Lange,
daughter, New York, last week,
Father is with contract dept. of
Warners,

Mr. and Mrs; Les Peterson, daugh-
ter, Hollywood, May 21. Mother is
Eleanor Stewart, screen actress
father is a Metro flack.

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Ludcs, son. Holly-
wood, May 25. Mother formerly sang
with the Music Maids; father
assistant sound manager at NBC.

Mr. and Mrs. F. Beverly Kelley,
daughter, Delaware, O., May 27.
Father is head of Ringling, Barnuin
& Bailey circus press department.

Mr. and Mrs. Ted Cott, son, N. Y.,
May 25. Father is program manager
of WNEW, N. Y.

OBITUARIES

]

House Reviews

55 Continued from page 48 m

Palace, Columbus

And she makes the hoofing look too
much like work.

Jackie Gleason, in closing spot, is
good for plenty of laughs. Outstand-
ing are his brief impersonations of
Charles Laughton, Charles Boyer,
Peter Lorre and Errol Flynn. His
twist is novel and timing excellent.

St <fa.

Oriental, * hi

Chicago, May 25.
Connee BostoeK, Jay Jostyn,
Jimmy & Mildred Mulcay. Keaton &
Arn/ieW, Martells & Mignon (4),
Ray Lang Orchestra (,12>; "Delight-
fully Dangerous" (U) . •:. ... .

With Connee Boswell headlining
and Jay Jostyn, "Mr. District Attor-
ney" of radio, as an extra added at-
traction, current bill stacks up as
entertaining fare. Opening show was
minus an act when the Martells and
Mignon missed train connections.

Jimmy and Mildred Mulcay get
things underway with some excellent
harmonica playing. Both are experts
on the instrument and their mouth-
ing of ' such tunes as "Pagan Love
Song," "Saturday Night." "Tiger
Rag" and topped by a masterful ren-
dition of "Second Hungarian Rhap-
sody" are heavy applause getters. A
hit.

Jay Jostyn is a pleasant surprise
to the audience. After getting off to
a slow start he impresses by his
commanding voice and good appear-
ance and winds up with a timely
dramatic bit that clicks.

Keaton and Arnfield give a touch
of good old-time vaudeville with -the
amusing routine of the ugly duckling
who changes to an attractive young
lady as the man sings "Down By the
Ohio." Preceeded by some funny
chatter, team has little trouble in
rolling up healthy 'response.

Connee Boswell closes the show
and whams them with a well-chosen
repertoire of tunes comprising "Sen-
timental Journey," "A Little On the
Lonely Side," "Dreams," "Candy,"
"Stormy Weather" and "I'm Begin-
ning to See the Light." Encores with
"Dinah" and has to beg off with a
curtain speech. : Morg.

Det. World's Fair

ss Continued from page l —

park to augment movement through
the big parkway.

Industry is Understood to be ready-
to plank down plenty of coin for the
"World of the Future" fair chiefly
on a merchandising basis. On the
present basis of construction this
World's Fair would put a heavy
emphasis on the industrial accom-
plishment and play down the
amusement angle.

The big companies ready to' step
in behind a World's Fair for Detroit
have the idea that the postwar era's
interest will focus on. the mechan-
istic triumphs which will help shape
a better living for the world of to-
morrow. It would be a place for
American and other industry to
spread out their achievements as a
means of spreading hope and en-
couragement for the building of a
better world through, the technologi-
cal progress man has made apart
from war. While an amusement
midway would be a part of the plan
it would be secondary to the empha-
sis on industry.

According to some of the word
that seeps out, Detroit's World's
Fair would be set up to run for two

jw.,-.;..,;/,-:.- ., •.. . .' .„, ' .

FERDINAND MUNIER

Ferdinand Munier, 55, stage, screen
and radio actor, died in Hollywood,
May 27, after a heart attack. He be-
gan his stage career after leaving
Stanford University, where he had
studied law. First he appeared in
stock and then went into vaude, team-
ing with his wife, Charlotte Tread-
way.

Munier headed his own stock com-
pany, which toured the world. He
appeared in "Oh Boy." Then he went
to the Coast as director for the
Henry Duffy Players. He entered pic-
tures in the early '30's, first for Fox,
and had worked both in films and
radio for the last 10 years.

His last film performance was in
"Diamond Horseshoe," and at the
time of his death he was featured
in "Count of Monte Cristo," radio
show, Munier also played in "Clau-
dia," "The Bowery," "Count of
Monte Cristo," "Roberta," "Clive of
India," "Merry Widow," "Gilded
Lily," "China Sea," "Tovarich,"
"White Angel" "Queen Christina"
and "His Family Tree."

Survived by widow and daughter.

matic stock. He last appeared on
Broadway in "Lilly Turner" at the
Movosco tliea'tre in 1932 and the
previous season was in "On th«
Make." . *

JEFFERSON HALL

Jefferson Hall, 70, vaude and legit
actor, died in New York, May 26.
Born in Alabama, he began his stage
career with the Jerry McAuliffe stock
company in Lynn, Mass., in 1899. He
appeared with this and other stock
companies for several years,- later
diverting to vaude, where he ap-
peared in a number of dramatic
playlets.

He later became general stage
manager for Max Gordon's legit pro-
ductions, also playing minor parts in
'Easy Come, Easy Go" and "The
Donovan Affair." Last Broadway ap-
pearance was in "Gypsy" in 1931.

EMMA POLLACK

Emma Pollack, 70, veteran vaude
and legit actress, died of a heart
ailment in New York May 24. She
had retired from the stage 15' years
ago.

Miss Pollock was probably best
known as a member of the vaude
team of Kelly and Pollack, in which
she appeared with John T. Kelly
on most major vaude circuits in the
U. S. and in England, Australia and
New Zealand. She had also played
in several legit productions, includ-
ing "Riley and the 400," with Harri-
gan and Hart, and with Neil Burgess
in "The County Fair." It was in
"Riley" that she introduced "Maggie
Murphy's Home," which became a
hit parader of that decade.

During World War I she toured
the battlefronts with "Overseas
Revue" and remained long after the
armistice.

Survived by three sisters.

MARTHA CONNER Y RICKETTS

Martha Connery Ricketts, 63, re-
tired legit actress and widow of the
late George H. Ricketts, also of the
stage, died at Valhalla, N. Y., May 28

She had played in dramatic stock
for a number of years, later coming
to Broadway to appear in "The
County Chairman," with Henry E
Dixie in "Mary Jane's Pa" and with
Minnie Maddern Fiske in "Erstwhile
Susan."

Survived by brother and nephew,

HORACE B. CARPENTER

Horace Bernard Carpenter, 70,
stage and screen player, died May
21 in Hollywood after a heart at-
tack. An sfctor for more than 50
years. Carpenter entered films as a
member of the Famous Players-
Lasky Co. and later wrote scenarios
for Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.

His last screen role was' in "Belle
of the Yukon" for RKO-Interna-
tional. •

ARTHUR SCHM1TK

Arthur Schmitz, 48, RKO branch
manager in Milwaukee, died sud-
denly in that city, May 22, after a
heart attack. He had been with RKO
since 1923 and was widely known
in the film business. He was a
salesman until 1927, when named
branch manager.

Survived by widow, two sons,
Capt. Raymond, who flew from
Alaska for the funeral, and Lt.- Rob-
ert, now in China; and a daughter.

MORRIS A. MILLIGAN

Morris A. Milligan, 54, former
general manager for Paramount in
Canada, died May 25 in Toronto af-
ter ari operation. Born in Wheeling,
West Virginia, Milligan was grad-
uated from University of Michigan,
and joined Paramount in 1918. He
served as house manager in Cal-
gary, Winnipeg, Toronto and Cincin-
nati, returning to Toronto in 1925 as
g.m. for Canada. Milligan resigned
in 1941 but returned again to the in-
dustry when he bought three houses
in Hamilton, Ontario. Eight months
ago, he opened another independent
in St J John's, Newfoundland,

Survived by nephew, John Milli-
gan, Army Air Corp, at Dallas, Tex,

EFFIE WESTON

Effie Weston, 55, vaude actress,
who : for a number of years had
been teamed with Donald Kerr In
act known as Kerr & Weston, died
in Chelsea, Mass., May 14. Team
had been a featured act on Keith
and Orpheum circuits for years.

Miss Weston for a time had been
partnered with Jessie Brown (Kal-
mar & Brown). She had also been
in several musicals including "The
Passing Show" for the Shuberts and
the first "Music Box Revue." She
later appeared in a series of pro-
duction acts for Lew Cantor and for
awhile had done an act with her
brother, Bert Weston. . ,

Survived by brother.

CLARA WALTON

Mrs, Clara Phillips, 37, known pro-,
fessionally as Clara Walton, former
singing and dancing star on station
WLS' road unit, "Showboat." died
in Coldwater, Mich., May 22. She
got her start in vaude when she
was named "Miss Amarillo, Texas"
in a beauty contest at 18.

Survived by her husband, a
daughter, sister and three brothers.

WILLIAM R. BRANDON

Wm. R. Brandon, 52, vice-president
of the Central Broadcasting Co. died
May 18 at Davenport, Iowa. He had
been in ill health for several years.
He had been with the broadcasting
company and station WHO since No-
vember, 1931.

Survived by his widow, a son, and
daughter. .

Mrs. Marie MacLennan, 43, former
concert singer and composer, died in
New York, May- 27. She was the
widow of Francis MacLennan, op-
eratic tenor, who died in 1935. She
had retired from concert field some
years ago.

Daniel Collier, 93, one of the oldest
exhibitors in the film business, died
last week at Suterville, Pa., after, a
long illness. Collier retired from
theatre business in Suterville only
six or seven years ago.

John C. Hare, 79, former dramatic
critic of old Philadelphia Item, died
in that city, May 23. He also was on
the Philadelphia Public and Evening
Ledger.

Mrs. Paul Iludgin». 45, wife of the
Interstate Theatres city manager at
Corsieana, Texas, died May 22 in
that city. '

William. Schulz, 62. music arranger
for Bobbins Music Co., died May 17,
in New York.. Survived by widow
and two brothers, ■,;

EMMETT SHACKELFORD

Emmett Shackelford, veteran legit
actor, died at Bay Shore, L, I., May
17. In recent years he had been
living at the Percy Williams Home,
Islip, L. I.

He had spent most of his stage
career in legit productions after hav-
ing gotten his early training in dra-

MARRIAGES

Nancy Jacobson to Don McGuire,
Chicago, May 27. , Groom is film
actor. ,•

Kaaren Verne to Peter Loire, Las
Vegas, Nev., May 25. Groom is War-
ner film star; bride is screen player.

Caryl Bergman to Herman Muehl-
stein, New York, May 22. Bride is
former musicomedy actress.

Veronica Fredricks to Ensign
Hugh A. Warden, U. S. M. S.,
N. Y., May 23. Bride is legit, radio
and screen actress; groom a former
musician.

Harry James' scenes in "Kitten o»
the Keys" at 20th-Fox rushed to per-
mit him to leave this week for New
York to open June 14 at the Hotel
Astor. ,;

Wednesday, May 30, 1945

CHATTER

5S

Broadway

Mrs. Ad-Sehulberg to the Coast.

Ann Edison to the Coast to' do sev-
eral m*« chores.

Cheryl Crawford to Akron, O.,
where her mother is ill.

Bill Garski of the Tooker Litho-
graphing outfit seriously ill.

Muriel B. Francis joined Austin
Wilder's radio-music flackery.

Cdr Jack Dempsey planed 55,000
miles during visits to fighting fronts.

David O. SelznicK's Jack Goldstein
to Chi lor special publicity mission.

joe Vitale is out of "Common'
Ground" (Golden) and returning to
Coast. : •'. .

Howie Mayer in and out of town
and back to Hollywood via a Chi
gtopoff. . : ■

Russell C. Alexander new person-
nel and office mgr. at USO-Camp
Shows headquarters.

Sam Shayon, general manager of
the William Morris agency Coast of-
fice, in town for a few days.

Joan Tetzel being taken out of "I
Remember Mama" for role in David
O. Selznik's' "Duel in the Sun."

The' Leslie Harrises' (Rosemary
Cox) fourth anniversary June 9.
Celebrating at their Douglaston, L.I.,
home. He's a radio producer.

Geoi'ge Heller back from Coast,
transportation delay holding him in
Hollywood a week longer than in-
tended,

Frances Hcfiin going back into "I
Remember Mama" (.Music Box) and
Dorothy Schiller has replaced Ottilie
Kruger. '

Arthur Hammerstein sez he's in-
vented a saltshaker that works even
if dunked tsic). He offers to slip it
to the Army.

Fredric March to chairman Inde-
pendent Citizens' Committee lunch-
eon for theatrical profession at Astor
Tuesday (5).

Capt. 'Lloyd T. Goldsmith, ex-
Warner Bros, sound-, engineer now
with Signal Corps, Long Island
tipped to major.

Willard Matthews, with New York
offices, heads the operetta season
which will open at Walbridge Park,
Toledo, June 25.

Ruth Weston back in "Oklahoma!'
(St. James) after being at home a
week with . leg infection. Edith
Gresham subbed.

S: Jay Kaufman putting on two-
hour shows for the U. S. Maritime
Center, in West 44th St., with pro
talent, twice weekly.

Lt. John L. LaSell, former writer-
arranger, has written a war-bond
song, "Don't Make It Click," as part
bond promotion drive.

Herman Bernstein, general mana-
ger of Lindsay and Crouse, slated to
go overseas for the Army on a GI
entertainment mission.

Doc Cook, who retired from show-
business, keeping up to shuff by
staging shows for the Westmont
Sanatorium, near Lake George.

Meyer Davis' daughter, Ginny,
who does playreading for him and
sings in concert on the side, goes
overseas with a USO unit this fall.

Louis B. Mayer and Howard
Strickling having returned to the
Coast, agent Frank Orsatti continu-
ing ' his N. Y. stay another few
weeks, - — — —

Dicker to bring Maurice Chevalier
back to the States is now a cliche
press gag to get this or that man-
ager's or nilery's name into the
papers.

T/Sgt. Ben Schneider, on leave
from N. Y. World-Telegram city
desk, transferred to Press-Radio Di-
vision of Army Ground Forces Hq.

in Washington.

John P. Medbury now an east-
erner. Has sold his Hollywood home
after 17 years, and summering at
New Canaan, Conn., before settling
down in Gotham. •

Richard Simon, formerly of "Life
With Father" (Empire) but latterly
a lieute'nant in the Army, is piloting
a Tactical Air Force cargo plane,
operating out of France.

Mousie Garner has been signed
for overseas edition of "Hellzapop-
Pm." He was recently discharged
from the Army where he served in
the CBI theatre for 30 months.'

Albert S. Howson, who trouped
with E. H. Sothern- Julia Marlowe,
the Frohmans, etc., and is now cen-
sorship director for WB, celebrated
20 years with -the film company.

Harry Stockwell is leaving "Okla-
homa!," going to Coast June 2.
Sereenlestcd for RKO's "Calico Kid,"
now postponed till October, actor is
free to take any other film role
meantime. '

Bonardi, ex-Stork," new maitre
« hotel at Bradley's which Belmont
and Herb Gottlieb, furriers and legit
■backers, have taken over from Al
Keyelson and Ralph Maurice. Joe
iejer continues.

"Uncle" Henry Berlinghoff. of the
William Morris agency, celebrated
P« 74th birthday and his 60th year
m showbusiness last week. He was
the first act signed by that agency,
having been the leader of Berling-
hoff s Brass Band.

Moi t Blumenstock of Warners, in
Bidding au revoir to Henri Bern-
stem, French dramatist, who was on
ms way to the hospital for an oper-
ation last week, cracked: "Like some
°f our bad N. Y. plays, I hope they
°PP» and close you quickly."
.'Eddie Cantor -Hoes his final three
broadcasts, .from N. Y. following his

June 5 appearance at the Paramount

for Major Glenn Miller Day. Last
Sunday (27) in Denver, the come-
dian received a Humanitarian Award
in honor of the late Major-General
Maurice Rose.

Victor Jory is staging Lynn Riggs'
comedy, "Borned in Texas," nee
•Roadside Inn," with which Gus
Schirmer, Jr., opens his strawhat
season at Stamford Monday. (4), with
Jory and Celeste Holm starring.
Latter then goes to 20th-Fox, where
she's under contract.

John Eberson, theatre architect,
has his 51c U. S. Government check
framed and uncashed. It's his pro
rata as a $l-a-year man as a con-
sultant, and D. C. is hollering that
it be''* cashed so as to balance the
books, but Eberson refuses to sur-
render it, for obvious reasons.

Pittsburgh

By Hal Cohen

Connie Baiieau back singing with
Bcrnie Cummins' band at Vogue
Terrace.

Mrs. John P. Harris, widow of
pioneer showman;>jvas 73 on Sun-
day (27). ' . '.- .:. '., ■;-.

Phyllis Sprague, formerly in ad-
vertising and publishing, has joined
KQV staff. /

Allen Sampers is LeRov Brown's
new bass player at the Hollywood
Show Bar. .

Lt. Col. Francis Parke out ef
Army and. returning to Hotel Henry
as manager. . , -

Jack Kluchman.^ ow-ner of Trelon,
out of marines after 14 months with
medical discharge. >•:"

Qick Fortune, Kap Monahan's
drama assistant on the Press, vaca-
tioning in Hollywood,

Peter Gregg, local actor. In from
New York to visit his family before
going overseas for USO.

Variety Club's annual golf tourna-
ment will be held on July 6 at West-
moreland Country Club.

Pfc. Max Silverman, former man-
ager of WB's Ritz, who was wounded
overseas, on his way home.

Showgal Danice Morley home
from New York for couple of weeks
before going to Villa Venice in Chi.

Mary • Morris couldn't pass over-
seas physical for USO tour and will
be back on Tech drama faculty next
fall.

Dorothy Moibit has switched to
singing for Ralph Grove at Oasis
with Everett Neill's departure for
the Army.

Kay Harmon, former little theatre
actress with Red Cross in India, has
been loaned~to. Major Melvyn Doug-
las' special service unit.

London

Pavlowa's jewels sold at auction at
Christie's May 15 brought under
$4,000.

Jack Lister, husband of Pat Kirk-
wood, out of ENSA and back with
the Jack Hylton office.

Abe Aronson, part owner of the 400
and Embassy clubs, expected here
from' Hollywood shortly.

Teddy Brown, after serious re-
lapse while playing Liverpool couple
weeks ago, is now on the road to
recovery.

Film premiere of "Three Caballe-
ros" at the New Gallery May 14
raised $15,000 for Ex-Servicemen's
Club Fund.

Tom Arnold has. new revue, star-
ring Jack Hulbert, lined up to fol-
low "Perchance to Dream" at the
Hippodrome. - ;■'

Sam Eckman, London head of
Metro, purchased house in Little
Bookham, formerly owned by the
Queen of Yugoslavia.

Peter Maurice Music Co. opening
offices in Central Europe, with head-
quarters at Prague, and has ap-
pointed Otto Hein its representative.

Moss Empires are maintaining
their dividend at 5'i-, making 10%
for. the year. This year's profits
were $168,000, against $180,000 for
last year.

Jose Collins reviving "Gypsy Prin-
cess," which starts another provin-
cial tour, opening end of July at
King's theatre, Soutnsea. with 20
weeks on Moss, Stoll and. General
Theatres to follow. : ,

Prewar club formed in honor of
knighthood of Sir Louis Sterling —
the Sterling club— is being revived.
Original founders — Max Milder, Ir-
win Dash and Jack Rubens— are
againits active committee.

Gen. Eisenhower saw "Strike It
Again," the George Black Prince of
Wales revue, when in town recently.
After show he went backstage to
congratulate Sid Field, chief comic,
who introduced him to other
troupers.

A. C. Doing

Continued from page 1

Chicago

heart hospital which it will under-
write as its charity project.

"Professor Backwards" and Pa-
tricia Wymore into Hotel Nicollet
Minnesota Terrace with Kurtis
Marionettes and Perry Martin or-
chestra. 1 ".•.-'

on

Ringling Bros, circus will dis-
tribute 6,000 tickets to purchasers of
war bonds. Performance will be
given June 6.

Mount Vernon Players visited the
Washington Zoo on Sunday as a pre-
liminary to giving their dramatic
version of "Noah."

The Ad Club's jamboree was held
at the Statler hotel on Saturday eve-
ning (26), with all the downtown
theatres cooperating;

Ben McKelway, associate editor of
the Washington Evening Star, will
address the Variety Club on Ger-
man atrocities on June 4. .

National theatre will be cooled
this summer by a water-cooling sys-
tem, pending installation of a per-
manent air-cooling apparatus.

Lester Cowan has decided to let
the National Press Club get the first
peek at Ernie Pyle's "Story of G.I.
Joe." It will be shown June 14. •

John Allen promoted to head of
the Washington exchange territory
for Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer, vice
Rudolph Bcrger, who has gone to
New Orleans.

Fred Kogod, chief barker of Va-
riety Club, has offered cash prizes
for managers who make the best
showing in this territory on the sale
of war ponds.

Ceiling On Sex

i Continue* from pace 1 -

smaller hotels, a block from Chal-
fonte-Haddon Hall.

The Air Force has the Ambassa-
dor, Ritz-Carlton, President and
Columbus. The Coast Guard has
three hotels. And rooms all over
town are occupied by various other
services, not to mention the families
of service people.

That makes Atlantic City look like
an attractive place for some new
investor. The fact that the services
won't occupy their space forever is
balanced by the knowledge that the
hospitals and other installations will
have to be in the hands of the Gov-
ernment for at least another couple
of years. Convention Hall, for in-
stance, is not likely to be given up
by the Army until 1947 at the
earliest.

Wishful Thinking

What the leading old time , busi-
nessmen here hope is that Conven-
tion .Hall. -will get back into city
hands just about the time the trans-
portation problem in the country
really gels organized for large-scale
travel. By that time, too, the local
men hope to get some of the big
hotels back, do necessary renovation,
and go back to work along pre-war
lines. But they feel definitely that,
for some time to come, Atlantic City
will have all the hotels it needs.

A new, big hotel would make sec-
ond-class places out of some of the
leading old hostel lies. The impact
would be felt all the way down the
line. A new hotel would cue innova-
tions, down to the cheaper conces-
sion. Furthermore, the big money
would bring too much new blood
which might alter things all along.

Everybody- here is satisfied with
things as they exist. What', rooms
there are, bring fantastic-: prices.
Nobody is losing by the Army and
Navy being here. If any new build-
ing is to be done hereabouts, the
people in the know hope it will be
confined to a big Veterans Adminis-
tration .hospital somewhere in this
area.

But as for new' hotel building—
none is wanted here. Radar eyes are
peeled on the horizon,' watching
against sop*e' new guy with dough
who mWht come in and crimp the
operation,-, '•/■

Eddie Gordon, manager of the Tip-
Top Inn. convalescing from a heart

Entertainment Managers Associa-
tion of Chicago annual election set
for June 7.

Doraine and Ellis. Mata Monteria
and Emile Petti's augmented orch
open in the Walnut Room, Bismarck
hotel June 8.

Max Sweet, former musician and
vaude performer, is the new Variety
Club steward at the organization's
Blackstone hotel quarters.

Jimmy Dorsey. playing in the Pan-
ther Room of the Sherman hotel,
under doctor's care and may cut
stay short to return to Hollywood.

Following a short vacation, after
"Jacobowsky and the Colonel" closes
here June 9. Louis Calhern goes into
rehearsals for lead in "Cyrano de
Bergerac." w

Ruling on Kedzie Annex arbitra-
tion suit against Paramount, Metro,
Warner, 20th-Fox. Balaban & Katz
and others, expected from arbitrator
Albert McCaleb. July 20.

Julius Goodman, late president of
the Goodman and Harrison theatre
circuit, left an estate estimated at
$150,000 in a petition to admit his
-will for probate filed last week. -

New one-year contracts signed by
K. T. Stevens and Hugh Marlowe of
"Voice of the Turtle." stipulates that
the show must play San Francisco
and Los Angeles before the pact ex-
pires June. 1, 1946.

Latest figures on Hal Halpcrin me-
morial show held at the Opera House
on May 6 have reached $56,752, of
which $3,347.20 goes for Federal tax,
with possibility that it'll hit $60,000
before the final count.

Bing Crosby and Chick Evans vs.
Bob Hope and Jimmy Hines. is the
card to be played at the Tarn o'
Shanter Country Club May 26 for
the benefit of the rehabilitation fund
of the Professional Golfer's Associa-
tion.

Christ Otto, secretary of Film
Chauffeurs and Carriers Union;
Mund Delano, Columbia Pictures of-
fice manager and Max Dry fuss. Mon-
ogram salesman, were re-elected offi-
cers of the Chicago Motion Picture
Bowling League for 1945-46.

Minneapolis

By lies Keen

Bill Winters, RKO salesman, oh
sick list.' ';'■ ..-

Ralph Maw, M-G-M district man-
ager, in from Chicago. ^

Ivan Anderson promoted from
RKO shipper to booker.

Henie Joyce's Kewpie Dojls. top-
ping Andy's floor show.

Minneapolis Musicians' Red Cross
benefit ball netted $1,000. '•'..

"Song to Remember'' set four-year
boxolfice record at Granada. Duluth.

William Mussman, Par salesman,
back on job after three months' ill-
ness.

Hotel Radisson Flame Room hold-
ing over Collette Lyons with Melody
orchestra.

Ray Allison, Altoona. Pa., theatre
circuit owner, at Mayo clinic,
Rochester. Minn.

Eddie Walton. Republic sales man-
ager, here in connection with com-
pany's tenth anniversary drive.
, Northwest Variety club 'approved
plans- for . University of Minnesoftr

these rocks, can't stand it, and they
won't.

Most recent episodes concern the
visits of a distinguished stage and
musical star and a high-pressure
movie star, The stage personality,
who wasn't too well known to them
in any case, overlooked the fact that
to the men she' wasn't a character,
but just another entertainer. Result
was that her act confused them.
They didn't go especially for her
singing as the p.a. systems weren't
so good anyway, and her comedy
routine was overly sophisticated con-
sidering their unfamiliarity with
such a line; And when she did a
grind or two — which everyone rec-
ognized as being an amateur job —
they' let her have it. Even, if they
had been good grinds she would
have cashed in on the boo depart-
ment, and as they weren't so good
the men figured she was patronizing
them,, and that was worse.

The movie star caught an even
more unfavorable reaction through
glib and sexy remarks, and w,as sev-
eral times given the works. It was
rumored amongst the men, more-
over, that she -entertained officers'
messes with really spectacular stuff,
and while this is preposterous, the
men firmly believe it.

— Novelty Acta Click

What they do want, it has been
proven out here time and again, is
good specialty stuff. Acrobats, ma-
gicians, specialty dancers, risley
artists, comedy routines or vaude-
ville routines of any kind are ab-
solutely sock. Plays, either serious
or comedy; singers, either popular or
classical; instrumentalists ditto; any-
thing, in fact, but gal shows. Any
girls coming out here have to be
sweet, demure, modest, reserved and
above reproach generally. They must
never flaunt their sex; to do so is
to invite- a fiasco which includes
everything from catcalls to pennies
tossed on the stage.

The reason for this can only be
ascribed to the complete and utter
isolation of the Pacific ocean areas.
In Europe or even Africa, a short
leave meant a possible visit to a
town or city; somewhere where
there were other than the military,
and where .there were possibilities,
even though remote, for diversion
or female companionship. Nowhere
in the Pacific short of Australia is
this even remotely possible,: and
Australia has long since become as
distant as the States themselves.

AS there is no escape whatever
to even the most primitive civiliza-
tion and as there is absolutely.no
contact with the island natives; the"
men cannot find release in any svay,
and even the search for release is
denieel them. So any display of sexi-
ness only serves to remind them of
their plight, and it infuriates them.

Yet any girl who comes out "here
and puts on a sock, professional act,
who makes no display of herself
either with others in -the .show or
with' 'officers and, who behaves dis-
creetly and normally both ori and
off stage, will achieve the . biggest
beg-off any girl ever got, and Will
be long remembered by the men in
.tbiR.*Fea-.'--B(it--sex- >s-out.-MW'/-y- *

Alfred Drake bedded by .laryngitis.
Tom Drake laid up with laryngitis.
Oscar Hammerstein II in from New
York.

Louis Hayward laid up with bron-
chitis. -'•' ■;' .

Mrs. Irving Berlin in town for the
summer.

Ames Bishop passed his Army
physical.

Marjorie Main hospitalized with
tonsillitis.

Hazel Dawn hospitalized with ap-
pendicitis.

Kay Gorman recovering from an
auto crash.

Martha Driscoll to Texas to sell
War Bonds. -

John Carradine ' hospitalized with
pneumonia.

Mischa Bakaleinikoff planed to
Mexico City.

Robert Montgomery celebrated his
42nd birthday.

Carole Landis establishing resi-
dence in Reno.

Selena Royle celebrated her 25th
anni as a thesp.

James Gleason tossed a party for .
bus 59th birthday.

John Erskine, author,' establishing
residence in Reno. ' '

Turhan Bey reported for induction
at Fort MacArthur.

Fred Astaire vacationing on his
farm near San Diego.-

Eddie Cantor east on four weeks
of War Bond selling.

Tony Muto in from Washington
for 20th-Fox huddles.

Richard Dix is limping yith a
sprained leg. '".-'-■'

Joan Caulfield's sister. Betty, shift-
ing from* stage to screen.

Dick Crane and his wife, Kay.
Morley, laid up with flu.

Daun Kennedy, Paramount actress, •
laid up with poison ivy.
, Vivian Blaine taking two weeks
off under doctor's orders.

Myrna Loy returned from New
York to resume film work.

Hugh Cummings.'screen writer, di-
vorced Mona Raye, actress.
• Carlos Ramirez returning to Brazil
for night club commitments.

John Farrow returned from a mis-
sion for the Canadian Navy.

Connie Bennett filed suit for di- :
vorce against Gilbert Roland.

Janet Martin, Republic actress,
recovering from appendectomy.

Claudette Colbert returned to work
at International following illness.

Gary Cooper returned to his pro-
ducer desk after two-week illness.

Jack Maurice, formerly with Berg
Allenberg. opened his own agency.

Errol Flynn filed suit to revise his
alimony settlement with Lili Damita.

Cecil B. DeMille played himself
in a Raloh StaUb short for Columbia.

Fred Mohrhardt. Paramount comp- •
troller, in from New York on busi-
ness. •

Louis Hayward temporarily out of
the "Young Widow" cast with laryn-
gitis.

Beverly Hills hotel in OPA suit
for alleged $32,593 over-ceiling vio-
lations.

Jinx Falkenburg to San Antonio
to play a tennis match with her
brother, Bob, for soldier entertain-
ment.

Andy Russell cooling and peeling
after a blast of sunshine on the
beach.

Alice Faye reported for lensing at
20th-Fox for the first time in nearly
two years.

Harold A. Belt. Harvey lunchery
exec, playing himself in "The Har-
vev Girls."

Ray Muse elected president of the
National Association of American
Magicians.

Jose Serrato. Uruguayan Minister
of Foreign Affairs, guested at War-
ners studio.

Mrs. Virginia Laurel withdrew her
separate maintenance suit against
Stan Laurel.

Alexander Knox to conduct sum-
mer classes at the People's Educa-
tional Centre. , .

John Hodiak laid up with mumps,
delaying production o£ "The Harvey
Girls" at Metro,

Matt Moore, star of silent, days, re-
turning to film.s in "She Went to the
Races" at Metro.

Walter Lantez bowlers outrolled
Deanna Durbin's team in the Uni- .
versa) tournament.

Bob Hope and Bing Crosby golfing
with Gov. Frank Lausche, of Ohio,
on a War Bond tour.

Nestor Piava pinch-hitting in '•The
Drunkard" for Neely Edwards, who
is hospitalized, for surgery,

Charles Wade out of the Navy and
back with the Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences.

Garrett Leverton in from New
York to gander new plays for Broad-
w-av and London oroduction.

George Blair, Rcmiblic producer,
working at home while his wife and
daughters have chicken-oox.

Lillian Roth granted S150-a-monlh
temporary alimonv from her es-
tranged husband, Edward Goldman.

Frank R. Himrahan apnointed
treasurer for Walt Disney Produc-
tions, succeeding Mrs. Roy O. Dis-
ney. •"••'' -

Botte- Davis. Lena Home and
Eddie (Rochester) Anderson awarded
citations by the Inter-Racial Film
and Radio Guild.

Roger Graham resigned as Cali-
fornia Bank mana"c- iBcvhill?
branch.) to join Mvrt Blum's Busi?

5ft

Wednesday, May 30, 19*5

1

-1

SEGUED INTO A CM

(The Man Says W RE» RIDES" wlili the Lease)

144th WEEK

i

And Continuing World Famous

DOWNBEAT ROOM

JOE SHERMAN'S

G ARR1CK STAGE LOUNGE, CHICAGO

HENRY "RED" ALLEN

AND HIS FAMOUS SEXTETTE

featuring

THE AIJL-AMERICAN TROMRONIST

HIGGINBOTHAM

IIOM SWAil, ; RENNIE MOTEN ALVIN HIJRROIJGIIS WflJLf AM THOMPSON

Mim Smut »»»» nrnwm l*lano

Auociated Booking Gotop,.

745 Fifth Avenuo
New York 22, N, Y. -
Phone ?\aia 5 0078

JOE GLASER. President

8278 Sunset Soulevarc
. Hollywood, Cal.
Phone Hillside- 7464

Scanned from microfilm from the collections of
The Library of Congress
National Audio Visual Conservation Center
www.loc.gov/avconservation

Coordinated by the
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www.mediahistoryproiect.org

Sponsored by

Department of
Communication Arts

*• : University of Wisconsin-Madison

http://commarts.wisc.edu/

A search of the records of the United States Copyright Office has
determined that this work is in the public domain.