Notes

Robert C. Benchley, literary buffoon of the brightest motley, is deserting the third row, aisle (critic's seat) for the opposite side of the footlights. It became public property last week that Life's theatrical commentator has accepted an engagement with the forthcoming Music Box Revue.

Mr. Benchley's metropolitan theatrical experience includes brief appearances in No, Sirree and The 49ers. Both were melanges stirred together by the critics for the benefit of themselves and their friends. His act "in one" (all by himself) where he comes before the curtain and reads the Treasurer's report of finances, is rated as supreme burlesque. He will repeat it in the Music Box and do a bit with Frank Tinney, as well.

Mr. Benchley has long been known as the brightest contributor on the staff of Life. He is the author of a number of books of humor, of which Love Conquers All is the latest and best. He is a Harvard graduate, class of 1912.

Charles Dillingham announced that a new Fred Stone show (the first in three years) would be entitled Stepping Stones and that the comedian's daughter, Dorothy, would make her debut in the cast. Despatches from Rome indicate that the filming of The Eternal City (from Hall Caine's novel) is attracting masses of curious natives. The cast transported by Goldwyn for this ambitious venture includes Barbara LaMarr, Richard Bennett, Lionel Barrymore, Montague Love, Bert Lytell. A particularly interested spectator is Irene Fenwick who, about to marry Lionel Barrymore, accompanied the expedition to Italy.