De Michele Bros. topping the billing, placed next to closing, registered heavier than any legitimate headline offering of the season. They topped the show with harp and violin selection artistically offered. The violinist’s comedy efforts featuring falling trousers was overdone when showing the shirt, but otherwise it was cleverly carried out, and drew big laughs.
[New Act] Comedy, talking, singing and dancing. 16 mins; one. Jimmy Fallon (Fallon and Brown) and Marjorie Shirley (Shirley Sisters) in this new combination. Miss Shirley does a clever straight and contributes a couple of solos, one the “Singing Waitress” that resisters cleverly. Fallon does nut and also the Bert Fitzgibbons imitation, which is a faithful copy. The crossfire and gags are a mixture of old and new material, most of which is sure fire. A clever song and dance at the finish rounds out a nice offering that will pass on the early spots in any of the big time houses.
“At Home” 15 Mins.; Five (Special Set). Described progamically as a sequel to Mr. Morton and Miss Glass’ former act, “My Lady of the Bungalow,” “At Home” becomes another chapter in the series that allows of this young couple talking, singing and dancing, each doing a share in a nice engaging manner that firmly sends the turn over. The set is a country cottage, practical so far as a screen door will suggest. Through that door exits and enters both principals at different times. When Miss Glass first exists in that direction, one of the vaudeville surprised of the decade follows. She gives as a reason for leaving the stage, to dress herself for a call. Immediately upon passing from view behind the door, a Victrola is heard playing a “Maxixe.” Mr. Morton displays displeasure at again hearing it, but as he is standing upon a dancing mat and there is nothing else to do, the young man commences a soft shoe dance to the “Maxixe” strains. He goes through with it to loud applause, the house orchestra odd enough to see a dance to Victoria music on the variety stage, but a soft shoe to a “Maxixe” and to get away with it! The opening is also a bit odd. Miss Glass is calling her husband (Mr. Morton).; He appears rolling a lawn mower. Attached to the handle is a small basket, in which is the baby. Some cross-fire conversation on marriage (known as “repartee”) follows, then the “Maxixe,” with a bit of talk, Miss Glass having reappeared by this time, gowned to walk, but seats herself on the steps, playing the guitar and singing. The turn closes with a rag duet, the couple meanwhile pushing a baby carriage to and from, across the stage, mingling in some steps. The act could close in “one” with this number, though it would take them out of the nicely set garden. Mr. Morton and Miss Glass have a worthy successor in “At Home.” They create the atmosphere the title suggests, they are young and they are nice, they are talented and worth the price (to make the rhyme) which should get them time.
[New act] Musical comedy, full stage (Special set) “Dream Stars” first came out a year ago with Charles King starred. It was presented by Laurence Schwab and produced by Hassard Short. Now it carried Harry Murray as the featured member, with Gladys Joye, Jeanne Berkley and Bernice La Rue assisting. The act is a series of old operatic numbers taken in costume by the girls who ascend to the stage through the framework of a piano set to one side of the stage. When Mr. King appeared in this act it at least held a name, his own, but King apparently could not become interested in the playlet. He should not be blamed for that. It was monotonously tiresome then, it is more so now. “Dream Stars” needs a name of a personality to carry it anywhere. Now it has neither, and without either not a whit of value for vaudeville of any kind.
“The Love Shop,” with Harry and Grace Ellsworth, headlining, displayed finer stage hangings, costumes and more talent than the usual girl act, while Vogt’s comedy and Dorothy Sothern’s good voice found ready favor. The applause honors went to Harry and Grace Ellsworth for exceptionally good dancing. The pretty act with a good chorus was well received.
[New Act] Violin, comedy talk, songs; 15 mins; one. The offering of the present male combination is virtually founded on the same comedy lines as the former Phil Baker turn and also carries Baker’s former partner, Jojo, thereby probably accounting for the similarity of routine. Saranoff opens the turn with a ballad selection followed by a few minutes of speech expressions on the string instrument. Jojo finally interrupts his partner’s work from one of the upper box seats with a hearty laugh, followed by comment on his ability as a violin player. Box member then renders several song numbers that were well liked, especially the “Ha, Ha, Ha” comedy selection. Very good for the smaller grade of houses.
12 min. in one. Well known here and held the spot in great shape with some of their old stuff and a good deal that was new and all of it amusing. Pretty hard to follow Bayes & Norworth and get the big laughs, but they did it in good shape. Closed well.
16 min. Olio in One. “The Messenger, The Maid and the Violin.” This is a very good comedy act and just a little different from the usual man and woman, singing and talking. I consider them good enough for No. 4 on any bill. They are really a big hit at every performance for us.
2 men, comedy musical act, comedy is good, large assortment of instruments, 2 man band at finish went big, 18 minutes C.D.F. close in one. Went big.
Eccentric Musical Novelty, 2 men, clown make up, comedy is good and musical novelties O.K. will make good on any bill. 12 minutes full stage went very strong.
