Iowa
Old Press
Iowa Recorder
Greene, Butler, Iowa
Wednesday, September 17, 1930
CASS PLAYERS IN LAW SUIT
Sumner Gazette: The trial of a suit for $10,000 filed by
the Hazel M. Cass Players' Company against the Obrecht Sisters
and Johnnie Sullivan, which was to have been heard in District
court at Waukon, Monday, has been dismissed, according to Clem
McNally, manager of the Cass Shows. McNally indicated Tuesday
that the next move of his organization would depend on the action
of the Actors Equity Association which will review all the facts
in the dispute and render a decision in the near future. Equity
is capable of either fining or suspending or doing both to actors
and actresses guilty of unprofessional conduct and as the
association controls approximately 98 per cent of the shows in
the mid-west it is a potent influence in a disciplinary action,
the Sumner theatrical manager explained. The A.E.A. is a national
organization affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and
among its members number not only actors and actresses but stage
hands and musicians as well. Vaudeville players, who have an
organization of their own, are not included in the roster of
Equity members. The original petition filed by the Cass Players
against the Obrects and Sullivan charged that Julia and Sarah
Obrecht and Johnnie Sullivan contracted to furnish performers and
plays to the Cass Company during the 1930 season for which they
were to be compensated on an income percentage basis, and failed
to carry out the provisions of the contract. The petition also
alleges that the Cass Players loaned the Obrecht Sisters and
Sullivan $400 with which to pay royalties on "Abie's Irish
Rose." It is claimed the money has not been repaid.
[transcribed by C.J.L.; February 2005]