The Washington times., 1919-04-24

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MI who have been partners in the
IVA theatrical business for thirty
years, and at one time were virtually
cEars Of the entire profession, because
of their control of the Syndicate
Booking Agency, will not do business
together next season. One OF the
partners probably will retire from the
Arm in the near future-in all likel-
hood about. the end of June.
The trouble between the partners
has been common gossip for many
months, but an authentic statement IF
the outcome has never appeared until
now.
1t was a year ago last Saturday that
bitter quarrel took place between
the two men. because Erlanger had
discharged KIaw,s son. Joseph Kllw,
as auditor of the firm. during the ABB
sence of the elder Klaw. Since that
day the partners have never spoken,
hut have transacted all their busi-
ness through Intermediates.
Counsel were engaged by each side
in the controversy to guard II in the
untangling of the doVetailed interests
in theaters. real estate. plays. royal
ties, scenery. and other theatrical
properties. Many difficulties still ie-
main to be adjusted. Charles z.
Hughes has represented Mr.. KlaW, and
Levy Mayer. OF Chicago. has acted for
Mr.. ETlangeT.
story has IL that Erlanger offered
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offered ErlanEer $500. 900 for his
interest. In view Of their holdings
in theaters all over the country, these
figures appear conservative.
II Is still unsettled which OF the
partners will withdraw from the firm
and which will remain to carry on the
booking business. There is consider
able speculation regarding this point
and IL is widely believed that Mr..
KlSw will be the one to leave the
firm to become an independent pro-
dueer. The reason for this belief is that
he Is getting four new productions
OF his own ready for next season.
Among them Is q musical comedy
adapted from the 'DeFe MabIe" war
letters. He also has . play by Rich
ard Barry.
In case Mr. Klaw becomes an in
dependent producer. an interesting
situation may develop in his booking
arrangements. He will hardly give
his bookings to Mr.. ETlanReF, The
only other agency Is the ShOberts,
who broke the X. & Z. monopoly fif-
teen years ago, and have been their
deadly rivals ever since. NeVerthe-
less. Mr.. Klaw will probably book
with the Shuberts. and so will his
son, who entered the producing field
last fall, after the fight with Err
LANCER.
Retaining control OF the booking
agency. Mr.. Erlanger. il Is expected.
will organize a new syndicate" find
ing his allies among the present X.
& +. faction, including David Belasco,
Cohen & Harris, Henry Miller. George
c. Tyler. +. Ziesfeld, jr., and Charles
3. Dillingham;. Ziegfield and Dilling-
ham are counted on az two OF Err
lAngeT's best cards, because OF their
success with girl-and-musio shows,
Ziesfield is the producer Of ''Follies"
and "FFolies." Erlanger formed a new
alliance with Dillingham; and Zieg-
field for producing musical shows
shortly, after his row with Klaw
Friends OF Erlanger say there is not
the slightest chance that he will give
Up the booking company. lEey say
he holds the larger share and has
every detail OF the business at his
fingers tips. while Klaw has devoted
himself largely to the larger aspects
of financing their various enterprises
Since the break with klaw, Err
langer has repeatedly told friends.
some OF them say. that he would
never give up the business. but would
'die- chained to his desk" Although
he is of the domineering, brusque
type, quick to anger. he is credited
with having made advances toward a
reconciliation. especially during his
partners recent illness, but il is said
that Klaw has refused to consider any
healing of the sore.
Klaw is of a quiet. but determined
character. He was at first expected
to retire from business altogether, but
his son. to whom he is devoted, infiu-
eaced him to keep his hat in the ring.
it is said.
The trouble between young klaw
and Erlanger took place during thS
absence of the elder Klaw on a bust
ness trip. The young man had just
succeeded to the post of auditor in
the company. and the quarrel rose
from his attempts to institute new
business methods. Erlanger took an
opposing stand, and threats were