“Rounders of Broadway,” the late Bobby Matthews’ old act, to which his widow now has the rights, while missing the originator, still retains enough interest though the display of the four types used with the “rounder” as the introductory character, to hold its own and should be as strong as ever out of town. The singing of “Chinatown” is no more in the act, and it sis a bit that is missed.
Byron and Haig, third with “The Book of Vaudeville,” passed with the familiar singing skit. Betty Byron, who has replaced Miss Jason, does very well with the doubles. She looks cute and adds to the value of the act by her appearance. The grand opera travesty got something and the minuet of grandma’s day also brought good returns.
Arthur and Morton Havel (Morton formerly was simply designated as the “Co.” in the former skits) have a bright little conception in “Suits,” suitable for either “one” or “two.” Arthur does a $14 hand-me-down suit model and the immaculate Morton is the {$55?} dandy. They step out of their positions in the windows for a line of chatter preceding the old standby, the boxing scene with the “cissy” turning on the “tough” Arthur. The finishing song is weak and should be replaced. There’s less of the knockabout and more of the studied artistry in Arthur’s style now than of yore.
11 Mins.; Full Stage. Man and woman do a series of caryon sketches, warbling the while. The man’s voice is the more agreeable and the girl’s sketching the more interesting. The Indian heads at the opening are the best subjects of a commonplace collection. The pair class as worthy small timers.
Charles Fargo and Dolly Richards in third position got laughs from the start with a telephone conversation. “That’s Different,” followed by good cross talk for big laughs and unexpectedly finishing by playing saxophone while dancing. Solid applause.
“The Kremlin of Moscow,” with Maurice Golden headlined, appeared second following a stage wait filled by Peggy Lehay with song plugging. “The Kremlin of Moscow” appeared handicapped in an early position, going through the routine od singing, instrumental and Russian dancing indifferently. Golden’s individual efforts drew the only solid applause.
Eddie Vogt in “Love Shop,” with Harry and Grace Ellsworth (holdover), placed as closing, held the spot strongly lending distinction and sharing honors with Emma Haig, assisted by Richard W. Keene, in “Playtime,” the current headliner. Miss Haig’s dances, artistically and prettily presented, capably assisted by Richard Keene, a handsome juvenile and Mildred Brown at the piano, making a happy and refreshing youthful combination. Fine appreciation.
Middleton and Spellmeyer are back in big time, offering “Lonesome Land,” a western sketch which they used in the smaller houses for some months. This couple were standard for splashes of western color for a few seasons ago and they are just as welcome now. Mr. Middleton interpolated his usual vocal solo, but his voice was off Monday night. Yet “Lonesome Land” is interesting throughout its 23-minute length, with a stirring pistol play finish.
The show closed with the “Lingerie Shop.” The scene is a lingerie shop, with a few pieces of lingerie in a showcase. Six chorus girls, a man and a girl as principals. That’s all. The act is far from being a feature attraction.
“Havana Bound,” a tab employing old script, has neat musical numbers. A good comic struggling for laughs with poor material, though cleverly delivered, scores individually on excellent eccentric dancing. The straight man, impossible, has a good-looking ingénue and chorus four in rube characters displayed only fair voices with quartet singing. Mildly received.