The Cincinnati Enquirer from Cincinnati, Ohio • 74

Till; ENQUIIUJR, CINCINNATI, SUNDAY, NOVLMiJEIl 13, 11)27 if fl fT? a- A-W Wry i 1 Aw Tom 'PhWNQTOK 7 Patqicoia mtt Vhite5 Scandals .3 vi rnl -Li a dashing Yankee officer. Its musle Is by Slgmund Romberg, composer of: "The Student Trince" and "Blossom Time." "The French Doll," a sparkling comedy, in which Irene Bordonl starred successfully some seasons agf, has been chosen as the final offering of. the National Players at the Cox Theater, previous to their short de parture, caused by the booking of the itGitO Opal nrLYMwe 'HJ Palace FOLLIE5 01 3LMPRK5 II nett hails from Bennett's Mills, a little settlement named after his family, who wer engaged In the milling business, and the scenes of his new play are just across the border in the state of Illinois. The Nicholson play is said to be one of th most realistic dramas of the theater that have been written around life in the circus tents, not fantas ylike "Ho Who Gets but honest-to-goodness melodramatic comedy. We shall see! A romance of the theater that is more exciting than the wildest dreams of fiction writers is the professional life story of George White, who brings the.

eighth edition of his far-famed "Scandals" to the Shubert Theater tomorrow night for. a six-day visit to Cincinnati. The tale is too long to recount, but It is fraught with thrilling adventure every step of the way, from a humble birthplace In New York's East Side to Cincinnati where, it is said, he "danced on the streets" to get money wherewith to purchase a ticket for his return to his home town. Then he slipped on the train and rode all the way without paying his fare by the simple expedient of sitting untier the seats. Back in New York he worked as a messenger boy, won a dancing contest in a Bowery hall, "hoofed" in all the Bowery cafes of the day and experienced the ignominy of1 being "brushed out of one popular place" by an obedient waiter to whom the the task had been assigned the waiter's name was Irving Berlin.

Steve Brodie helped-him along, introduced him to a dancing partner named Ryan and together they danced over the entire country in vaudeville. Charles Dillingham gave White part in "The Echo," in which the Dolly Sisters made their debut. The ambitious lad got a berth In the first Winter Garden show along with Al JolBon and was "fired" by the Shuberts. Zlegfeld hired him and fired him. But the intrepid dancer refused tcJ be discouraged.

Later came another fiasco with the Shuberts, an alliance with the late Marcus Loew, a season at Rector's, the "Red Widow" with Raymond Hltchock, a show In which Ann Pennington, now a White Scandals star, was a chorus girl; vaudeville at the highest salary ever paid a dancer, and finally a flyer in the production game. These are only the high spots in a career of adventure In the theater, but they serve to demonstrate that a stout heart which will not admit di- feat is bound to carry on to succos.) The current edition of the "Scandals" has the reputation of being th3 most costly and lavish musical revue production 3ver staged and the claim has not been disputed. Once spurned by the Shuberts who thought he wasn't good enough to retain, George White now brings the product 'of his own producing studios into their palatial theaters, a welcome uest who is depended upon to transact thJ proverbial land-office business. Lovers of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas may take heart, for Wln-throp Ames is planning to send on tour th-3 same company that has be.) making stage history in New York, presenting "The Mikado." Mr. Ames long- has had the idea of establishing a permanent Gilbert and Sullivan com pany In America and he feels that tho organization should not b-3 confine 1 to New York, but should make regulai visits to the chief cities of the country.

In the repertory for the pro posed tour will be included "The Mikado," "Iolanthe" and "The Firats of Vv'- J' Grand After 200 performances at the Blackstone Theater, Chicago, the longest run of any play in that theater with the exception of Frank Bacon's "Lightnln'," "The Barker" will come to the Grand Opera House tonight for a week's engagement. "The Barker" Is a starring, vehicle for Richard Bennett, who hallsfrom Bennett's Mills, Indiana, a little settlement named for his family, who were engaged In the milling business. His first fame in the theater came when he played with Maude Adams In "What Every Woman Knows." "The Barker" Is a melodramatic saga of life under the big top. Charles L. Wagner, producer of the play, has provided the star with an excellent supporting cast, which includes Mar-Jorle Wood.

Other players are Walter Law, Donald Macmlllan, Tom Blake, Snnford McCauley, Edith Arnold, Gwen DeLany, Adelaide Kendall and the Hawaiian Trio. The scenes of the play are laid In Illinois, 'f CiJttortal By William Smith Goldenburg. IT IS Evident that theatrical producers of today either '-S'J never "t'ara oi me ineory of a well-known politician of the late nineties who Insisted that -it is a policy of wisdom to let well enough alone, or they have no faith lin it. In order to provide a temporary home for an attraction that has been an outstanding success of the New York theater world, "Broadway," a popular stock company known as National Players Is to have Its interrupted at a time when patronage is growing steadily and capacity attendance Is' becoming the instead of the exception. The ways of the theatrical manager are dovious and not easy to fathom.

much as Cincinnati theatergoers relish the idea of being privileged 'to. witness fine representation of "lAroadway" before it has become ob-! -eoletc it Is doubtful if a poll of regular patrdns of the Cox Theater would "indicate a willingness to part, company with their favorite players even ft 'few' But the magnates dictate and devotees dance attendance upon their 'Vhims. Consequently, the National. Players will move to another Jctty, Detroit It la said, on Sunday, jNovember 27, bidding a temporary to their followers the Saturday night preceding. "Broadway," the rage of New York town and a decided hit wherever It has been shown, will move into the Cox bag and baggage and 'proceed to conquer the Invading hosts who are expected to besiege the box office daily.

The length of the lease on the Seventh street house by the visiting company -will depend upon the vol--ume of business transacted. the arrangements are for three weeks, but of course this may "Amateur Night" Gave Wilson Boys Start in Theater Villon 'Sbos. Time has wafted Its dismantling scepter over the famous old Peoples' Theater at Thirteenth and Vine, but 'this same time has been generous to Wilson brother Joe and Frank theatrical products of the Over-the-Khine bailiwick. It was at an amateur night engage--nnt at old Peoples' "Theater, then little tots, that Joe and Frank first warbled and yodeled their way into favoritism and they have been doing it ever since. Musical burlesque and vaudeville have served as lucrative fields of their footllght endeavor, the boys registering firmly in each.

-For the past half doien years they have tried hfen rated one of the best male duos on the stage. 1 4 They return to the Palace Theater this week In a new mirth-laden play-' Jet, styled "Hello Emma." P.1 ir: lis mi ycy f4 1 Comment be prolonged if attendance warrants it, in which case the National Tlay-ers, now greatly beloved by all Cln-cinnatlans who relish sound, wholesome drama well performed, will continue to be nomads, as ull actor folk once were, untll( such time as the Cox Theater again is at their disposal. After considerable experimentation through making changes in the personnel of his Cincinnati company, D. Woodward, general director for National Players, now has or ganized a playing unit of undisputed strength. The return of Don Burroughs to the company was a master stroke, for Burroughs enjoys a popularity comparable only to that recorded for every matlneo idol of the days of the old Pike stock company.

His firm hold on the affections of his followers has been won by his high artistry, his obvious capacity to give a gool account of hlm-Belf in a wldo ranset of roles, and his unswerving determination to put his best erfort Into each part that he is called upon to portray. Another capable actor of pronounced ability and great versatility who has Joined the local stock company is Raymond Brown, who came to Cincinnati when the Kansas City organization managed by O. D. Woodward closed its short-term season due to controversy over union demands that an orchestra be installed in connection with the presentations there. Mr.

Brown has had only one opportunity to parade his artistic gifts before the admiring gaze of the Cincinnati public, but his portrayal of the role of Mr, Huber, genial proprietor of the humble tailoring establishment In "A Tallor-Made Man," was so amusing and so faithfully drawn that his conquest of discriminating play patrons was complete. Can an entertainer rise above his surroundings and make a success of a production that is basicly mediocre? T.enn TCrrnl has' done so in "Yours Truly," which has been on view in the Shubert Theater the past week. He Is a convincing example of the power of a single personality. Leon Errol is the peer or contem porary comedians al lof them. No-hndv Is funnier than he Is.

No one works more industriously in the theater, none accepts the principal burden of a show more willingly. Charlie Chaplin's feet became famous in the movies. Leon Errors fickle legs have become famous in the field of musical Neither could have won enduring success through a ingie eccentricity, natural or cultivated. Charlie Chaplin was an excellent pantomimist. Leon Errol is a prime comedian, illustrious potentate in the realm of the musical theater.

He has the attributes of the legitimate actor, for his skill as entertainer is based upon fundamental principles of histrionic art. The only difference between the comedian and the tragedian is a difference of cause and effect. The one strives only to entertain, the other to impress. Leon Errol has had more effective vehicles than "Yours Truly." He will have them again for his star still is in the ascendency. But in whatever environment he comes before his Cincinnati public, Leon Errol will be cordially welcomed, for the commodity that he has to sell is In demand and he In variably gives full measure so far as he, personally, Is concerned.

"A vivid melodramatic 'saga of life in the tented cities," is the terse de--scrlption a resourceful press agent has given of "The Barker," In which Richard Bennett is to open at the Grand Opera House tonight. "The Barker" is a play in three acts by Kenyon Nicholson and was produced by Charles Wagner In association with Edgar Selwyn, at the Biltmore Theater, New January 18, 1927. It had 172 performances along Broadway, but Richard Bennett's names does not appear in that cast. During the Chicago run of the piece, however, he is credited with having achieved an outstanding success as the tent show spieler, a role radically different from that in whlph Cincinnati playgoers last saw him when he played in "He Who Gets Slapped." i Richard Bennett has done many fine things in the theater sinoo he Flayed John Shand in "What Every Woman Knows," with Maude Adams. In "The Barker" he moves In familiar surrojundinga, for Richard Een- "Spieler" of Traveling Circus Is Richard Bennett in "Barker" Steppe, internationally- known comedian, and Lola Pierce, captivating singer and dancer, are tho principal players In "At the Supper Club," a romantic farce to behead lined at tho Palace Theater one week beginning today.

The plot is said to be ingeniously unfolded by songs and quips, interspersed with bits of terp-sichore. Steppe and Miss Pierce are assisted by Gborge Robbins, Rudy Seybert and the Zeigier Sisters. Other new variety features are: "The Debate," songs and dialogue; Frank and Joe Wulson, former Cin cinnatians, in "A Padded Cell," pre senting "Hello Franklyn d'Amore, Jack Lane and Ethel Trues dale, In "A Vaudeville Surprise;" Nor ma Leslie artd Monte Vandergrift, "The California Poppy and the "Loll.vpops," by Duffy and Gleason, and W. D. Pollard, "Uncommon Non sense." The photo feature is "Alias the Deacon," a human, interest drama telling of a muoh censured card sharp who nurtures a worthy romance of two young people.

Jean Hersholt, June Marlowe and Ralph Graves are the stars. Olympic "Bare Facts." a show nf p-iriioh charms not quite so startling In its. disclosures as its title mis-ht inrii cate, is the offering this week at the Olympic Ed E. Daley has again produced a successor to the mi merous productions he has made in past seasons for the Columbia "Wheel." He has provided plenty of scenery, costumes and electrical effects. Having provided from an abundant market the embellishments of girls, Daley has also emnlnveri array of talent that makes hs iine-up or principal men and women impressive to those who keep posted on the passing show.

Jack "Smoke" Gray will be tho principal comedian; Harry Feldman and Joe Yule provoke laughs eccentrically; Biuey Morey will be the leading man: Ollle Nelson will ev- pound the twanging banjo, and Frank Mcuonvuie will typify an Irish tenor. Lena Daley, who has starred on the Columbia Princess Wantura, a native Indian girl, the Drima donna: Tessie Sherman, an effervescent sou- brette; Gladys Dale and Ruth Rosen, sensational dancers. Empress The J928 edition of "Follies oi Pleasure," with Clyde (Ketch On) Bates as the featured comedian and Opal Taylor as the leading feminine principal, will be the attraction at the Empress Theatej for one week, beginning this afternoon. Since last seen In Cincinnati, many changes have been made in this attraction and new faces have been added to the cast of principals and chorus. Clyde Bates will havo new comedy bits and burlesque scenes, to Introduce.

His hilarious soda water scene has been completely revamped, with the result that' advance noticos have declared it funnier than ever. Miss Taylor Is prepared to sing new songs and exhibit new dancing steps and attractive costumes. Others In the cast are June Conrad, Jean Gaskell, Buddie Nichols, Frank Mack, Lew Petel, Jess Mack and an attractive chorus. As an extra attraction Manager Lantz will present Tangara, a dancer new to Cincinnati burlesque patrons. Underlines With the presentation of the Messrs.

Shubert latest and most pretentious operetta, "My Maryland," at the Shubert Theater, on Sunday evening, November 20, local theater patrons will have an opportunity ef witnessing what is being hailed as a distinctly American operetta. Its book, by -Donnelly, is based upon one of tho most renowned legends of the Civil War, and tells the story of gripping lovo of a charming young Southern maid and Shubert George White's "Scandals" begins week's engagement at the Shubert Theater tomorrow night. A year in New York and six months in Chicago, where four weeks Is considered run, the "Scandals" hold out to, play patrons something considerably more than the entlrement of Just another show. The new production is the eighth of the series. Tho cast includes Ann Pennington, dancer; Willie and Eu gene Howard, comedians; Harry Rich man, singer; Frances Williams, blonde song-and-dance lady, who made the Charleston famous and who Is known to thousands as "the best dressed woman in the United States;" Tom" i-atricoia, dancing demon; Buster West and John Wells, eccentric dancers; Williams Sisters, singers and dancers; Rose Perfect, prima donna; Jane Sols, premier danseuse 76 beautiful girls and the George White Ballet.

hind the railroad tracks into a little city of gayety and excitement when; amusement of doubtful quality Is sold piecemeal. "Mud showman" these carnival peon pie call themselves and their trade "the racket." During the summer months there are more than a hun died of these organizations in the United States. They range from the more pretentious car shows, which have a hundred or more employes, to the "giley outfits," travel by trunk and are operated by a handful of men. inere are a nunarea thousand or more of these dry land troupers who can not be classed as vagabonds since they do work, yet they can not be classed as workers because1 of their propensities for travel. Almost every carnival man, and woman, too, for that matter, is an incurable victim of wanderlust.

His itchy fen have made it impossible for him to hold a job in one place or a length of time, and the restlessness, of these men is so great that they actually Jump from one carnival to another Just to keep moving. The picturesque life of the mud shows Is quite different from that of a carnival. Even their argot is peculiarly their own. The following are some of the terms used exclusively by this class: A' particularly profitable week Is called "a red one," while "a bloomer" expresses the opposite. A "dukie" is a meal ticket.

All townspeople are called "suckers," "fish" or "towners." If for any reason the town officials close the showthe calamity is called "sloughihg." A "fixer" is a ready tongued person whose business is to get people out of trouble. "To get a plaster" means that th3 show has been attached by the Sheriff. "Jail-bait" is a term applied to girls under the age of legal consent. "A ding-dong man" is a fat, witty, lazy person. The list might be continued lndifl-nltely, but the above Is enough to indicate that the showman has a patois lof his own, which is not shared with tlie clrcug mani tho ghow boaU or the "rep" show, actors.

way," for a series of pertctaXW "The French Doll," which ina Its week at the matinee next Sundasu is one of those chic Parisian comedies, which has been Anglicized without losing any of its breeziness ind savour. Cecil B. De Mille's photodrama of the -life of Christ, King of Kings," will return to the Grand Opera House for six days, beginning Monday, November 21. Two screenings will be given dally, afternoon and evening. Passing Applause Is Not Sute Sign of Enduring Fame 0 i' i Mary VJesto National Does the applause given actors and actresses always carry witlrit the conviction to the recipients that this spontaneously expressed adulation is evidence of a permanent recognition or does it merely mean a momeijjf appreciation, to be oroiily dimly remembered In the years to come? While not directly answering this question, Mary Newton, the talented leading lady of the National Players.

at the Cox Theater, shed some light on this subject several days ae-n. while commenting upon the meager' notice given the resent death of ElfU Fay, a real personality on the stage a quarter of a century ago. "As a child I had heard of Elfie Fay as one of the cleverest and most original eccentric comediennes of her time, observed Miss Newton, "yet the only record saw of her passing away was in a monthly publication which records current events, and which chronicled the demise of this once famous entertainer with this line ''under the head of beptember 18, Elfie Fay, comedienne. "ThafWas all. Shorter even than the 'short and simple annals of the which the pen' 'of Grey.

And yet, in her day, so I am told by the few people who recall her, she was enthusiastically hailed in this and abroad, receiving adulation and publicity of the most elaborate kind. "And that leads me to wonder iiJ' una mine fi me present is not SBO turned to Jishcs. From conversations I have new and then with the older generation of theatergoers, I am inclined, to think that great players are remembered more for their ties, ir some personal distinction, than for artistry. jw. Jy i t' Uly fA S1 s1- J' i -4 LUG Cox "Jack in the Pulpit," a comedy heretofore nqt seen in Cincinnati, will be given its! meal premiere byi the National Players at the Cox Theater this week, beginning with the matinee today.

While the title carries with-it the inference thai the, central figure in the piece is" a the fact is that he is only a masquerader, donning the ecclesiastical garments to-hide-a past of iniquity. In other words, the supposed minister is a crook, juat released from prison, who with two fellow ex-con-vlcts, selects a small Connecticut village in which to recuperate from a long incarceration, and incidentally to hatch rtew deviltry. In a spirit of levity and for sheer amusement the bogus parson suggests certain reforms in the town's affairs. To his surprise his suggestions are indorsed, and he quickly finds himself at the head of a "clean-up" that promises to do wonders for the town, particularly as he is wise to wHat. constitutes municipal crookedeness and civic laxity.

Then Romance enters Into the af-v fair and in the end our bogus clergyman and his two friends find greater satisfaction In, being useful citizens than In their former predatory lives. So they all settle down to a somewhat humdrum but police-absent existence. The piece contains the best elements of plays To the Right" and "Alias the Deacon," and in that category has been highly praised. The cast includes Don Burroughs, Mary Newton, Richard Irving, Frederlca Going, Raymond Brown, Adele Bradford, Clare Hat-ton, Freddie Sherman, Florence Golden, C. P.

Egelston and Ralph Morehouse. B. F. Keith's Elliott Dexter, movie star, will appear in person on the new Keith-Albee bill, starting this afternoon. Mr.

Dexter, with a selected supporting cast, will offer a colorful story of circus life, "The Ring Master," which gives Mr. Dexter ample opportunity display his versatile talents. Another leading feature of the bill will be the latest vaudeville comedy hit, Harry and Frances Usher in their futuristic oddity, "Fifty Years From Now." Another big laugh contribution is anticipated in the hilarious offering of O'Donnell and Blair in ft rejuvenated edition of their perennial classic, "The Those wjio like their sensations in powerful doses are recommended to Willie Mauss, champion cyclist, who rides upside down in his thrilling novelty, "The Death Wheel." A pretty girl brimful of talent will be introduced in Madeline Tatrice, who will offer "An Interlude of Melody." Bobby Randall, youthful musical comedy star, will' give characteristic oddities. More fun is promised1 in the smart patter and songs of Medley and Du-pree. One of the outstanding features of the bill will be the program of Miacahua, Brazilian wonder woman.

Pathe News, a new Aesop Fable and Topics of tho Day will be screened. A special feature of the Monday evening's show will be a contest of Cincinnati's leading semi-profession als. If '3 i i Vi RlCHAQD toiNEjr 7 The spirit of summer days on the carnival lot will prevail at the Grand Opera House this week, when Charles L. Wagner presents Richard Bennett "as "Nifty" Miller, the leather- lunged spieler In "The Barker," a new plaiy of American tent show life. riallyhood jabs Its strenuous bawl- Ings Into the drunken calliope, gasoline torches splutter, and flame, -the barkers are in their pulpits and the show is on.

Carnivals are a thing of the coun- that a hundred or more people havo suddenly transformed the bare lot be- 1 .1 iW.