The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-04-23
In New York
By PAUL HARRISON


 New York.-One of the most ex- elusive organizations in the world is the Between-the-Acts Club. which meets informally, irregular ly and very briefly in the second. floor office of a rialto theater.
 Former Secretary of the Treas ury William Woodin is a member. So are Dr Albert Einstein, Sir Will liam Wiseman. Al Jolson and, for that matter, Jimmy Hot-Cha Schnozola Durante. Qualifications for membership, you see, is being some kind of celebrity, and an interesting celebrity at that. When the Music Box theater was built, long ago in prohibition times, a snug little room complete with bar was installed behind a secret panel adjacent to the office. And last fall, when "As Thousands Cheef" began it's apparently inter- minable run at the theater, Sam H. Harris, the producer, and Irv- ing Berlin, co-author of the show, began entertaining a few friends in the office-bar. Then they decided to have the theater manager, a MT Morton, check on the distinguished customers at each performance and invite them up, for liquid and conversational refreshment.
 Members in Good Standing
 So as things stand, Norton is the entire membership committee of the Between-th -the-Acts Club. And he is very uppity in his tastes. Mere millionaires don't count. Mere counts don't count either. It was with some misgivings that he | tapped the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland, and was relieved to learn that they were genuinely in- teresting people. The late Otto Kahn was an enthusiastic mem Der, | Noel Coward came almost every night when he was in town few months ago. Colonel Edward M. House missed most of the second act of the show when Ne made his | first visit to the club.
 Jimmy Durantc and Dr Fin stein were invited to the bar to- gether, and the scientist was de- lighted to meet the comedian. | Durantc taught him some new | words.
 By no means all of the visiting | movie people have been selected for membership, but among those who have are Al Jolson, Franchot Tone, Lionel Barrymore, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Walter Connolly and, of course, the Marx brothers.
 &
 Big Broadway Name
 | Mention of Sam Harris impels me finally, to the confession that dur ing my first few weeks around the Rialto I sometimes sailed under false colors. Unintentionally, to be sure, but certainly sailed into inner sanctums where even theatrical "angels' would fear to tread. and past dour stage door men whose chief delight in life ;s barring the way of any and all vis- itors. When the truth finally dawned, you could have knocked me over with pale pink spot light Some of these people thought my name was Harris, in. stead of Harrison.
 And Harris-nO matter what
 initials are tackled on it--is
 great name in the contemporary
 theater.
 Besides Sam H., there's William Jr, producer who has had some very famous shows, though not re. gently. William Harris, Jr, is tht brother of the Henry B. Harris who was acquiring an enviablt reputation when the Titanic wen down. and he with it. Their fath. CT, William Harris. Sr. was over lord of the Boston theater anS financier' of Klaw and Erianger Jed Harris, no relation to any O the above. is one of the most sue cessful of the younger generation of producers. (Jed really shoult name is Horowitz). isss
 Joseph Harris, grand old actol of couple of decades ago, lef four sons to help perpetuate thu name on Broadway. Julius Harri is associated in the management of a theater where Charles Harril Is general manager. Louis Harri sells tickets. Morris Harris doe publicity. Sidney Harris, a cousin manages another theater. M. Who's Who in the Theater'' list eleven famous Harrises dead ans six living .. 3. The famous Harrisons. however Lean be counted on the thumbs o the left hand.
 occupied by prehistoric Indians The sites chosen were all key sltel \ in connecf7on with nr&- -(oIum B{AI