Nebraska Newspapers

    --
Bank Roll
Gage
Belasco Measures His
Drama on Boxoffice
Basis and Wins Point.
v—-----_/
By PERC Y HAMMOND.
New York, Feb. 51.
IT IS said of Mr. Belasco that his
losses last year In such worthy
pursuits as “The .Merchant of
Venice’ were upward of $300,000.
These, of course, are Broadway fig
ures and are therefore not certified.
Ilut It is known that the master's
savings were considerably If not ruin
ously depleted, and that at three score
and 10 he heard snarls of the wolf
at his door.
That unhappy condition is now
amended, and the hollow cheeks of
Mr. Belasco's neediness have become
dimpled with prosperity. Abandon
ing what are called “the better
things'' he turned his attention to en
terprises less haughty. First “The
Harem" replenished his vacant coffers
and then “C.adles of the Evening.”
While increasing his fortune these
ventures subtracted from his pres
tige. Accustomed to praise, he found
himself an object of curses. One
prominent New Y'ork journalist re
ferred to him editorially as “a cheap
skate on Broadway.” Mr. Belasco,
1 hough wounded in Ills feelings, dis
regarded the epithets as merely one
of the disadvantages of thrift. The
jingling of the guineas healed the
hurt that honor felt.
Few of us are qualified to censure
Mr. Belasco in the circumstances. The
temptation was great, and showmen,
through their contact with theater
goers, become cynical. So I shall re
frain from scolding Mr. F.elaseo. I
even suspect that some of the holy
ones who scourge him might them
selves do as lie does In a similar pre
dlcament. An odd feature of the cam
paign against Mr. Belasco is that the
New York newspapers which are most
indignant at his misbehaiior print
advertisements of his harmful plays.
They share with him the revenues
of his shame. From every baleful
action that occurs on Mr. Belasco's
stages the crusaders get their bit.
Again T suspect myself incompetent
to sit in a court of denunciation.
Mr. Belasco's newest argosy is "The
Dove," a lively circus by Willard
Mack, emphasizing the vividness of
night life on the Mexican frontier. In
it HolbrooTt Blinn with unerring de
tail performs as a lecherous raballero,
rich beyond the dreams of avarice, and
ambitious to possess the person of
Dolores (Miss Judith Anderson), a
chaste singing girl in the Purple
Pigeon cafe.
Opposed to his lustful quest is
Johnny Powell, a young and upright
Yankee gambler (William Harrlgan).
Though a crap-shooter, Johnny Powell
has a mind above what he calls “the
Memphis tennis courts." He is fond
of Dolores and Is anxious to make her
his wife—an aspiration In which she
f is an accomplice. But Don Jose, the
evil caballero, the owner of govern
ments and fertile oil wells, intervenes.
Until the final moments of the play
he has them in his power.
Few things can thrill my primitive
sensibilities more than to see William
Harrlgan Vhlp out his gun and kill a
noisy actor In a role entitled Pancho
Gonzales. I envied him the other
night his aptitude for cold sarcasm, his
ability at eloquent, honest insult and
Ids quickness upon the trigger. "The
loud words, the bang! liang! the quiv
ering corpse, the hushed crowds ill
Bravfield's gaming house and the po
lice filled me with pleasant tremors.
There, thought I, is the Ideal exist
ence. For I suspected that Dolores
would try to make the ultimate sacri
fice for Johnny and would promise to
give herself to Don Jose In exchange
for ljer lover’s safety. Kven when,
near the end of the play, they backed
Johnny up against a wall and pre
pared to shoot him T had a drama
lover’s confidence that they would not
do so. and that as the curtain fell Dove
would prove itself. a« usual, omnipo
tent.
The play, as Mr. Blinn described it
in hl» curtain speech, is a return to
the old "theater”—romance touched
with realism, it is a good show, and
Mr. Belasco may add its receipts to
his income without blushing.
Other violent melodramas of the
week are "Gape Smoke" and "Thg
Rat.” both of which are full of loud
exciting noises. "Gape Smoke” de
picts some wild episodes taking place
on the South African veldt, with na
tive witchdoctors putting the curse
nn white men and venomous reptiles
inserting their fangs into quivering
humah flesh. Involved In Us troubled
romance are James Rennie as a
charming oil man from Texas, and
Miss Ruth Shepley as a beautiful
Knglishwoman, to whom, at the end,
lie became betrothed. You should
see Mr. Rennie when. In a crisis, he
dashes off a check for a hundred thou
sand pounds!
"The Rat," which hails from Tam
flon, may best he described by its
scenario. The time Is today, the
place is the Paris of the apaches.
Thus—The Rar of the White Coffin
. . . The Rat’s lodgings, three weeks
later . . . The baron's study . . .
The apartments of Zelle de Ghaumet
. . . In the lamp light ... A
oorrldor. The characters Include
Alphose. a waiter, and Mou Mou,
Paulette. Marcel and Gaby, habitues
of the Parisian underworld.
The knowing ones soy that "The
Dark Angel" Is the work of Guy Hol
ton, operating under the pseudonym
of “II. R. Trevelyan.’ It Is rather
an Ingenious soldier story told in nn
old-fashioned way, with long refer
ences to Mah Jong and other obsolete
atmospheres. What, it propounds,
will a Rritisb captain do when, re
turning blinded from the wars, he Is
confronted with a problem In ro
mance? Will he ask the woman who
has loved him to share his dusk
misery or will he pretend to he dead
upon the battlefield, as reported, and
permit her to marry another, com
pleter man? With two such pleasant
I performers as Mr. Reginald Mason
and Miss Tatrica Pollings imitating
the principal roles, It Is not easy
to forecast the conclusion. The blind
koldier renounces his rights to the
lady and she marries the other man.
Blow, shifting nt^ carefully worded.
It la at least p1effia.ntly sad.
In addition to playing leads In
rhiletle comedies, Jlmrnie Adams Is
■ song writer of considerable pupu
lerity In California.,
^Heaters
7 oecoudsMn
^languevag'
coming to
flrazicUi?
^-eor*)ie fee Tlal*
in U^dLitt'
Braudei?
I
“J*et'.« Go," this week’s twice daily
attraction at the Oayety theater, Is
said to he one of the snappies, fun
niest and most colorful revues pre
sented this season on the Columbia
Wheel. Chief comedy responsibility
lies lightly on Manny King, who,
when he Is not getting roars of
laughter from his comedy line* and
droll mannerism*, 1* making his
trusty "fiddle" do It for him. Then
there are songs by Nan I’alon, dances,
songs, pulps and what-not by
Arnette Creighton, Fay Tunes and
Helen Flynn—wiih interludes by one
of the most gorgeously costumed
choruses Fred Clark ever assembled.
Among the vaudeville acts is Walter
(I’epi Smith in a song and story.
Harry Peterson, robust vocalist, will
be present. Today's matinee start* at
U. Tuesday occurs the customary
“surprise night," which doesn't
mean a thing except a new, long
laugh that should make you roll off
your seat. Friday w II b» “Garter
night,” during which festivities the
pretty choristers will distribute a
total of $ IS cash to lucky patrons.
f
Why Burlesque
Managers Lose Their
Beaulv SU>ep
v_—I-/
“Patience la not only a virtue In
whipping a burlesque show into
shape—It's almost kk ppr cent of the
requisite qualifications,” says Fred
('lark, producer of "l*el's Go," now
at the Gayety theater. That such Is
a fact Is easy <to understand, espe
cially when one considers the chorus.
Any man who h«s been in the army
can tell you just how difficult It is
to teach or learn even the simplest*
drill movements—even to keep In
step while marching. Imagine, then,
■ CLEAN “L-TwieeDailyw^,,
*J|| t-adias' Bargain Mat., 2:111 Wk. Days
81 Original Summer Run Sucrrn Direct
■ From Columbia Theater, Broadway
I i«r‘Let’s Go!’
9 With
■ MAMMY KINS (“loLoitk")
g And an Aaaiating Cotarla of
Ml CTavar Funmakara
ffl arc THE FUNNY HROADCAST
INC STATION.
9 THE MARCH OF THE WOODF.N
■ SOLDIERS.
■ TUES —“SURPRISE NITE”
9 Saw Cut-Up Stuff tn Malta l.augha
9 FRI—“GARTER NITE”
ilk S1S Caah ItUtributad to l.urhy
||k Patron, by Pratty I horHtara
9 SEE THE PRETTIES ON
■ THE TWIN RUNBOARDS
Jmj Hondrada of 25c A Site Aaata Nightly
Today’s Bargain Mat. at 3:00,
P BoatSaat^0^£^j£r
trying to get a couple of dozen tern
peramenta I young ladles to dance ac
curately “In step." However, thatV
what must l»e done, or your chorus
will look like Coxie's army after a
hard day's hike. And when it cornea
to training a group of girls who do
the most difficult dance movements
in perfect unison, you’re up against
a proiKjsitio’n that means many tedi
ous hours of drilling. And if you
should be unfortunate enough to lose
one of the members of the group—
you have to start tlte whole thing
over from the beginning.”
r---- *
Orpheum Of fires Hill
Made Up of Many
Forms of Amusement
---'
The 1'. H. S. Leviathan orchestra
will he the headline attraction at the
Orpheum theater this week, under
personal direction of Nelson Maple;
and with the well known tenor, Km
mett O'Mara, as features soloist. Mr.
O'Mara has appeared with the Boston
Symphony orchestra, the Boston
Opera company and the Metropolitan
Opera onmj>any, as well as on the
conceit stage. The Lev lath An or
chestra scored a. tremendous success
in this theater last year and has been
tendered ovations in every city on its
return engagement this season.
Another stellar attraction will be
celebrated little Italian prims donna.
Mine. Kiunia Trentlnl, and the end
nent oonoejrt pianist. Eric Zarde.
Mme. Trent ini will be remembered as
the star of “The Firefly," “Naughty
Marietta" and “The Peasant Girl."
Since her last Appearance In thlf
country three years ago, tlie famous
soprano has been singing in grant!
opera In Milan, Italy. Krtc '/.ardo Is
knuwn from coast to coast as a con
cert pianist of genuine ability.
A1 and Harry Klyln are funny men.
Howard Kyle, an actor of long and
wide experience, will Is* seen In e
dramatic playlet entitled "The House
at the Crossroads Bert (Jordon and
Alice Knowlton have a musical skit,
introducing a line of comedy, fun and
good music. Helene Heller and
Heorge ltlley have good voices, per
sonalltles and a knack of getting
things over. Althea Lucas and com
pany are superior gymnasts. They
perform their feats artistically and
dextertously,
f-—-■ s
Last Time Hound
Come Durable Comics,
McIntyre and Heath
v_I-J
James McIntyre and Tom Heath
have decided that It Is about time to
bid fsrewell to the scenes with which
they have been so closely associated
for so long i time. So this famous
blackface leant is making Its final
tour of vaudeville, and for their last
appearance at the Orpheum theater
next week they will give "The Man
From Montana,” one of the better
known of their many comedy sldte.
Last season McIntyre and Heath
celebrated their golden anniversary of
stage partnership on the Orpheum
circuit. Their tour was a regular
tslumplml procession. This, their
last appearance In the twoaday.
should prove an even more signifi
cant engagement.
Event Extarordinary!
FIRST TIME IN HISTORY
Meet Them Dance With Them
Pernonal Appearance of
12-Movie Stars-12
Cosmic Production Corp.
-- -.. Prawn18 z
Phyllis Haver
Wanda Hawley Bryant Washburn
Cullen Landis ‘Anna Mae Wong
Helen Holmes Kathryn McGuire
Carl Milled Ruth Stonehouse
C Ena Gregory Jack Daugherty
Joe Murphy Harry Tighe
Shrine Movie Ball and Revue Tickets I
Revue 8:30 to 9 P. M. $2.00
Informal Dance 9 to 12 P. M. __
Muni - Auditorium
* •
f-X
Mitze in “The
Mafic Hinf" at
Brandeis Tun l)a\s
v___/
The American stage offers less
than a dozen popular feminine musi
cal comedy stars nt the present time.
Ami nf this few. igi better liked mem
ber can he found than the Inimitable
little Mitzl Th<^ announcement of
her forthcoming engagement in this
city nf -the Brandeis fur three per
formances on Tuesday and Wednes
day next in "The Magic Ttlne," her
latest musical play success, is theie
fore an event. "The Magic King"
best described as a fantastic comedy
with music. ■ » said to be the most
pleasing starring vehicle roughlsh
Mltzi has ever had to display her
rare entertaining talents. it is by
Zelda Seam and Harold I<evey. well
remembered as the authors of "lately
Billy,” Mitzl* last stage offering, and
It Is declared to even excell that ex
reliant work. Mitzl and her splendid
company come to this city closely
following their triumphant engage
ments In New Tork, Boston, Bhlla
delphta and Chicago. The cast is oT
the metropolitan variety with Boyd
M arshall, Sidney CJreenst ret. Jean
nette Mm !lonnld. Carolyn West, and
others prominently displayed.
Jack White, producer and super
vising director of Kduratlonal Mer
maid comedies, Is in New York con
ferring with K. W. Hammons, presi
dent of Educational Film Exchanges,
Im ., and looking over the field for
comedy talent for next year's produc
tion.
Week Starting
Today's Mat
UNITED STATES SHIPPING
Aboard presents the
HOWARD KYLE 60RD0N & KNOWLTON
"TrH«SMHOADi* 1HK !■ “A RECITAL CLA8»IA|fB*
KLEIN BROS. '• »«*««>
HELLER & RILEY |_ ALTHEA LUCAS A CO.
nil I’BLKRSATip LlFro rniM\ iminn a
MME. EMMA TRENTINI
M;ir <n' “lh». llrcflj" "Aniwlily Murid I*"- “Thr IVmmnt (»lrl"
and ERIC ZARDO
isqi-o i Ajfijm rorii s hi i'hk nn rum >» «s
t-\l
b.thrl Harry more
in Pinrro Piny
C.orning to Hrandeis
^ |
The appearance of Ethel Barry-J
more at the Hrandeis theater on
March 6 and 7, when Arthur Hop
kins presents this popular actress in
Sir Arthur Pinero's celebrated play, J
"The Second Air*. Tanqueray’’ will
arouse the keenest interest. The lo- i
cal visit of Miss Barrymore follows
almost Immediately this star's highly
successful performances of the
Pinero play at the Cort theater. New
York, and at the Blackstone theater,
Chicago.
Miss Barrymore combines a genius
for light comgdy wifh a power for
expressing emotion which is very
rare, and in her portrayal of Paula
Tanqueray she Is required to display
all those brilliant gifts which have
previously been revealed in a series
of widely varying and compelling
characterizations. Paula, has been
enacted in America by several fam
ous actresees. notably Mrs. Pat
Campbell, Olga N’ethersole. Mrs.
Madge Kendall, and it will be most
interesting to watch Miss Barry
tuare’s performance in this role, for
slw! Is without doubt the leading
American actress of today.
"The Second Mrs. Tanqueray” Was
written by Pinero when his art was
at it* maturity. Thirty-one years
have elapsed since Its first perform
ance at the St. Janies theater. Con
don, but its story is just as fresh and
moving today as it was then.
Miss Barrymore will bo surrounded
l>y a distinguished cast of players,
including as it does, Henry Banfell,
JJonel Pape, Margot Kelly, J. Colvil
Bunn, William Kershaw. Jane Wheat
ley, Helen Robbins. George Thorpe,
Harold Webster. Oscar Sterling,
Walter Howe and Edna Peckham.
London String Quartet
Si ext on List of the
Tuesday Musical Club
vI/
"The London string quatert lias
brought ensemble playing to about
the highest imaginable point, certain
ly the best on the concert stage to
day," wrote the critic of the Phila
delphia Public Ledger on the occasion
of the last visit of this organiza
lion to Philadelphia. The Jamdon
string quartet. will appear on
here on Thursday evening, February
26. at the Brandeis theater under the
auspi'-es of the Tuesday Musical
club. The critic goes on to say
'There Is a sincerity about their play
ing which Is unique and the sole aim
of the four artists is to give the best
Interpretation possible, without any
attention whatever to personal
achievement, although this very thing
demands playing of the highest type.
It is always more difficult to sub
merge a personality than to magnify
It."
"Rain" ff ill Prevail
Tonight in Extra
Show at Brandeis
v-/
With an extra and final perform1
snee this evening, 'Usin'' will end
Its stay at the Brandeis theater. Oma
ha has greeted this remarkable drama
wilh large attendance and It is safe
to say that the play has lived up
to all expectations that its unusual
reputation had created,
Seldom Is such a ast of players of
high repute and Broadway distinction
assembled In one organization. Much
was promised in advance and it is
agreeable to state that the word of
the producer, Ham H. Harris, has
been lived up to. 'Rain'' can he set
down as one of the really worthy
attractions of recent years.
Orville Caldwell was severaly in
jured during the filming of "Sack
cloth and Scarlet." the Henrj’ King
production, when his horse shied.
The actor's left leg was caught In
the stirrup, wrenching the knee so
l>ad)y that lie I* now wearing a plas
ter cnsl.
a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a •
m m
Bring the Family to
\ THE TIFFIN !
; Omaha's Refined Dining ;
• Room
• m
WELLINGTON HOTEL -
• 1819 Fama in • I
• . m
• SPECIAL SUNDAY ■
DINNER J
m m
12 Noon to 8 o'CIook •
PRICE 75c ;
• 1 “ m
" Phono AT lantic 1601 for "
Rosorvation
• •
• •
I TONIGHT - 8:251
Omaha Join. I
New York in of toe decade— _ I
By a I Al MM I
MX MX M A FLAY THAT THRILLS. |
MX ■ ■ X WRITTEN IN THE I
_ . LANGUAGE that 1
Last Performance reQPLE ^ SPEAK- I
T-O-n-i-g-h-t IDEAL CAST OF PLAYERS— J
Good Seat. Ae.il.bl. .1 50c, $1.00, Sl-50. $2 00 »»•“__ I
Tu^d.y .nd Fe|,ruary 24th and 25th I
„enry W. Sn,.«. Offer. Lh. On. .nd On., Ador.hl. I
In Her Moil Triumphant of All Mu.ic.l Corned... §
I “THE MAGIC RING” 1
| Guaranteed Ori.m.l New York Ca.t .nd Ch.ru. 1
The arrival of the only, inimitable Mitzi in a new musical
production is more than a mere theatrical occurrence, it
is a joyous, momentous occasion. Since this small star who
sings, acts and dances with equal brilliance, first endeared j
herself to playgoers in “Sari,” she has season by season j
increased her following, until today she occupies a unique
position on the American musical stage. There is only
one Mitzi!
“The Magic Ring” is the fantastic title of the new pro
duction in which piquant Miss Mitzi will be sponsored by
the manager who “discovered” her and has ever since guided j
her stage career, Mr. Henry W. Savage. The play is de
scribed by its author. Miss Zelda Sears, as a “fantastic
comedy-with-music”—the music for the occasion having
been composed by Harold Levey. Miss Sears and Mr. Levey
acted as author and composer for Mitzi in her last play, j
“Lady Billy,” and they more recently conquered Broadway
by the sparkling success of “The Clinging \ ine. j
! In these scenes a motley group of picturesque person- j
alities—a shopkeeper, his wife, a young fom poser, * the- j
atrical manager, a career-seeking debutante, with her mod
ern mamma and their coterie—-are vivified by the presence
of Mitzi in the role of Polly Church, an organ-grinder.
Polly's feet are firmly planted in the New York streets,
i but insidefcher golden head lie hopes, adventures, dreams.
The cast surrounding Mitzi in every instance reflects
Henry W. Savage's discriminating and fastidious judgment. >
The ensemble includes singing beauties, a girls' instru
mental sextette, a group of remarkable boy singers, and
bevies of lively dancing girls and boys.
Every detail of the scenic production, the costumes, stag
ing and orchestral effects, has been perfected under Mr.
Savage's persona! supervision.
.
Show Begins Promptly j No One Will Be Seated
Nights, 8:15. Matinee, 2:15 During the Prologue
D D I P C C • Nights, 50c, $1. $1 50. $2. $2.50 and $3 Plus
R I V L V ■ Matinee . . 50c to $2.50 Tax I
NOTE—2d balcony at night: First 3 rows $1.00, 3 to 12 rows 50c
aBnBBHHnnasBniBHS^mHHeHBBnHHnBnBnBBiBHHn
Thursday Night, Feb. 26 at 8:15 O’Clock
l - Theiondon String Quartet
James Levey. 1st violin: Thomas W. Petre. 2d violin;
H. Wdldo Warner, viola; C. Warwick-Evans. cello. j
Public Sale Tomorrow. 10 A. M.—Tickets, 50c. $1, $2 and $2.50 jj
T-o„?r FRIDAY and SATURDAY, MARCH 6-7
Matinaa Saturday
Tha Saaaon'a Suprama Eaanl
Arthur Hopkin* Praaants
thel Barrymore
In Pinero’s Masterpiece | j
“The Second Mrs. Tanqueray”
w . it Prical: Errninga—$1.00, $1.50, $2 00, $2.SO
s'.nnrnc and *3 Saturday Molina*- 50*. $1.00,
ORDt.KS $1.50. $2.00 and $2 50. Saat* on aala Mon
NOW day, March 2.
9
3 DAYS, March 1-2-3
WAGENHAIS AND KEMPER PRESENT
Tb. Biatoat. Meat O.arwhatinia, Dtaaullc Hit In HUIory al Sta,a
“THEr T”
j H> V|ary Rob.it. Rirab.il and A.ais Hapwaod
NIGHTS MH to MOO Pnpvlot MATINEE TVENPAV. *0r I* II W
Wbm (bdfri.1 bv Mall Add 10 P.| t'piit lot W at Ta.