Paramount Pep-O-Grams (1927)

P E P-O-G RAMS Page Nine FIRST OF A SERIES. Due to the initiative of Irene F. Scott, chairman of the Educational Committee, the readers of Pep-O-Grams are to enjoy reading a series of brief but highly informative articles by men and women of the Parajnount organization who are specialists in their respective fields. The first of the series is given you herewith. It was written by Nathaniel Finston, General Musical Director of Publix Theatres Corporation. FEELING THE MUSICAL PULSE OF A NATION — By Nathaniel Finston In connection with the Music of the Publix Theatres, probably the most interesting thing about it is the consideration we must take of the various musical tastes of several sections of the country. Just as a mother indulges the tastes a n d appetites of her children, so must we indulge the musical tastes and appetites of our patrons all over the land. Therefore, it is quite simple to understand that standardization of a musical policy for our patrons would not be feasible. The compilation of our musical needs being based on this idea of variation, our organization is set up to supply these needs as easily and speedily as possible. Most of our work I is carried on from our offices here in the Paramount Building. A tour of inspection will find librarians, arrangers, copyists, musical directors, orchestrators, musical advisors, coaches, all working for a common end, so that Dallas, for instance, may have its special jazz orchestral arrangement, Denver its special music to accompany an illustrated scenic, Boston its overture with a presentation on the stage, Des Moines, its musical accompaniment to a cartoon picture, and San Antonio, the latest operetta musical overture. The staff is ready to serve and is organized for fast action to be taken for the proper copying and reprinting of music parts to have these needs supplied on short notice, to our various centers. We also engage singers and players, coach these, gather their musical material, compile and arrange it so that it is best adapted to their needs — all this that the theatre in question will have finished product. The motto and slogan of the department is — We serve Musifc, be it vocal, instrumental, geographical, racial, symphonic, jazz, comic opera, and multiple moods and temperaments. Nathaniel Finston A LEGIONNAIRE FROM NIPPON We are glad to have with us for a bunch of weeks, Robert E. MacIntyre, who shares with Tom D. Cochrane the multifold duties of conducting the entire Paramount organization in Japan. Mr. MacIntyre has spent upwards of six years as a foremost representative of Paramount in the Land of the Chrysanthemums, and it was in this executive capacity that he went through the i| Japanese earthquake horror of i923. During this holocaust he proved himself a hero, performing deeds of sheer heroism while the walls of the Paramount head office in Kobe crumbled around him. Then, with the traditions of the Para, mount organization foremost in his mind, he walked and, ran the 60 miles to Yokohama | with the only actual film record of the disaster, caught the last steamer out of that stricken port, and so made the vital link in the chain which enabled Paramount to scoop the news reel market of America. . Then, still suffering agonies from the injuries received when the Paramount building crashed, he made his way on foot back to Kobe to assist Tom Cochrane with the i task of straightening out the organization’s affairs and of continuing the supply of films with as little delay as possible. And it was this supply of motion pictures, shown to a disaster-appalled population, which played a mighty part in preserving the morale of the Japanese nation. T,h,®re, is a prevalence of the ordinary cold throughout the City and this is written to draw your individual attention to the fact and to give you a little advice on the prevention of the spread of the common cold. In the first place, and this is vitally important, report to the Medical Department at once in person when any of the first signs of a cold or sore throat are noted, so that you may be advised not only on how to treat yourself, but also on how to prevent the spreading of the condition to others. Disease is spread by careless sneezing, coughing, blowing of noses, breathing into or talking into another’s face, using the common drinking cup and towel, placing things in the mouth or handling articles which others will place m their mouths, carelessly shaking handkerchiefs about and pomiscuous spitting. In order to avoid getting sick vourself, eat good food without over-eating, have plenty of fresh air, but avoid drafts and use your nights for resting. Keeping the bowels regular is an important factor. Keep away from people with influenza, wash hands before eating, make full use of available sunshine. If you cough or sneeze cover your mouth with your handkerchief, get plenty of exercise without becoming over-tired, drink sufficient water. The hygiene of the teeth and mouth is also very important. To sum up all of the above in one sentence would be impossible; but remember them all and be sure to see the Doctor the minute you feel sick. Remember, also, that seeing him is insufficient if you do not follow his advice