AMERICAN PRODUCERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20387, 16 October 1929, Page 13

AMERICAN PRODUCERS.

TIRADE BY OSCAR ASCHE.

VIOLENT ATTACK ON METHODS

(Received October 15, 5.5 p.m.)

United Service. LONDON, Oct: 14. The well-known Australian actor-man-ager Oscar Ascho is " on tho warpath against American theatrical producers in England. In tho course of an interview with a representative of tho Star he said:—

" I want to shout that they are nothing but Bowery toughs. They havo not brought a single beautiful production here and havo never staged anything in England comparable to ' Chu Chin Chow' or ' Kismet.'

" They bring vulgarities, indecencies and noise to the stage. Their manners and their dreadful language off tho stage aro as bad as their characters on it. If they could sco themselves eating they might get material for real comedy. " They mado their financial position secure by entering tho war late. Then they stabilised it by coming hero and insulting English actors." Mr. Asche has written to tho Daily Mail demanding that joint action bo taken to prevent some American producers from insulting tho English language in the theatres. Ho told tho Star representative that his blood boiled when he heard and saw American producers. " They havo no idea of music except ' pep* stuff, of which everyono is utterly sick," said Mr. Ascho. " They demand large salaries which are paid—goodness knows why. They stay at tho best hotels, smoke big cigars and talk with horrible, raucous voices.

" It is .all bluff to cover their incompetence. All their work I havo seen was childish rubbish. Many of them are stone deaf. They thought that if they could make the American actor drop slang his English would bo suitablo for an English play."

Asked when ho contemplated going to America Mr. Asche exclaimed: " Never. I was there 27 years ago, but there has been no gentleman among their producers sinco Charles Frohmann."