Fallon and Brown

Singing and comic dialogue.

Both boys were recently mustered out of service, and both were overseas. Jimmie Fallon was formerly known on the stage as Harvey Brooks, but is using his own name, as many other returned professionals are doing. Russ Brown drew attention as a lead in the soldier show, "You Know Me, Al." The boys seem possessed of the spirit of fun that distinguished the American soldier in France, and their routine holds considerable good natured kidding relative to their service. Fallon declares that the war was over a woman inquiring "who is this Alice Lorraine they are talking about." That was one of their first laughs, but they scored often enough afterwards. Brown displayed a rather good voice with "Don't Cry, Frenchy," Fallon kidding him on the chorus, saying he'd exchange two little cooties for one big one. He also said that if the shine on Brown's hair was on his shoes he'd look better in the one-flight-up outfit. The house was tickled with the talk, especially those servicemen present, and there is bound to be an increasing percentage of ex-service men in theatres who will enjoy fun poked at their experience. Fallon, in a sort of nut-nance character, is a good comic. One of his laughs came when he explained he had bought a pair of shoes in a "Hygrade" (liquor) store which was rehearsing for after the first of July. Then he gave a clever imitation of Bert Fitzgibbon, announcing it as such. Brown had another number at the close. It was "Mammy o' Mine," and was cordially received. The boys essayed a dance, which wasn't so good. But they sent over a parting laugh from the entrance, while the boy was changing the cards. A voice back stage remarked, "You have a very good act, Fallon and Brown." Answer, "Thank you, Mr. Proctor." It's a likable turn and ought to make good on the better bills.

Variety, 54:11 (05/09/1919)