The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-01-16

Suing His Partners for Fourth
Interes1in Profits Of Flo
rnd0ra Production

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One OF the most popular actors who
plays in Richmond is genial John Dunno,
the managing director of the Rijou Mus-
cal Comedy Company. A more modest,
whoIe-souled actor and manager it would
be difficult to find, and, although he has
seen flfty-two summers and several
sleigh rides he Is to-day the youngest
member of his company. And yet he mas
seen enough trouble to make even
young man old. However, time changes
alt things, anG it now seems lillefy that
the Supreme Court OF New York city
will render a decision that will bring to
Mr.. Dunno one-fourth of the profits of
"F'lorodora.''
It is now pretty generally known that
..Ilorodor;L'' is the most successful musi-
cal comedy OF recent years. and perhaps
of ali time. AT any rate. estimates OF
the profits run from S24o,~.O to 100000,
and it will be seen that Mr.. DUNES one
fourth interest will net lin Il Goodly
sum if the suit is. decided in his favor.
No theatrical suit has ever attracted so
much attention, aud the final decision
of the court will be looked for with much
in terest.
The story OF this contest is a long and
interesting one. Some years ago John w.
Dunno and Thomas w Ryley formed
partnership. Tue new firm of managers
made money with a, .h..,A White Flag,
but lost on Hotel Topsy Turveys and
THE Night of the Fourth" Mr.. ,Jlmne
was on tho road and Rvley was in New
York. One day a telegram came to Dunno
from Ryley, stating that they had an op-
s ton on THE American rights to 'fJoro-
dora Dunno telCgrarhed him to secure
the piece. So Ryley went to England,
and as he only had enough cash to pur-
chase 50 per cent Of the rights, John c.
Fisher bought the other 90 per cent u
the money paid by Dunno and Ryley for
their one-half interest $500 was Dor
rowed by Dunno from Joseph L. EttinSer,
of San francisco.
The musical comedy was first produced
in New Haven, Con-, November 9th ana
10th. 1900, and on the 18th it was brought
to the Casino in New York. For some
time it seemed to be a failure. Then
Dunno, Eyley and Fisher were known as
the owners. The contract for the Casino
was signed by Mr.. Dunno. and he en-
gagged most of the members of the conf
rany. Everything looked blue. receipts
were paltry, and frost seemed TO De
in the air. III one night the situation
changed, the business took big jump
and a record run was inaugurated. In
the meantime Mr.. Dunno had again gone
out on the road to manage the attrac-
lions Of Dunno and Ryley. leaving Ryley
to look after the firms interest in
''Florodora. After the piece began 70
prosper, Dunno noticed that there was
peculiar silence on the part Of the New
York end of the partnership, but for i
time he was contentedly serene as to the
situation Later on. when all his efforts
to obtain a statement We're futile. ne
went to New York. and there he was
coolIy Informed by his partner that he
was not in any way interested in the
profit of "Florodora-
Mr.. Dunno at once brought suit for the
protection Of his share in the property.
Judge German directed that Fisher and
Ryley give bond in $4,000 to protect
DUNES possible interest pending tire
trial of the case. More recently a mo-
ton was made before Judge DuSro ask
lug: for a dissolution of the partnership
of Dunno and Ryley and the appoints
mcnt of a referee. Howe and Humnlel,
famous divorce lawyers, argued the
case in behalf of Thomas ". Ryley.
According to DUNES attorneys, it was
an attempt to forestall the latters suit
against Fisher and Ryley. Judge Dugro
denied the motion. so point number two
was decided in favor Of Air. Dunno. 1t
is said that an offer OF $1,000 was made
to Dunno if he would compromise. but
he refused to compromise what was
fight for principle on his part. His law
yers also assert that they will apply to
the court for another bond III addition to
the $4,000 bond already furnished by
Fisher and Ryley through Frank w
Sanger ard the American Surety Com
pany There are two companies on the
road playing "F'lorodora." The original
company Will shortly leave New York
for tour. The final decision of the
court is expected in February, ana Mr.
DUNES friends and admirers in Rich
rrond will rejoice if the decision is in
his favor.