Paramount Pep-O-Grams (1930)

Inaugural Dinner A Huge Suecess Pepsters to the number of 1142 partook of the sumptuous repast prepared by the skilled chefs of the Hotel Astor on the evening of Thursday, October 16th. The occasion for this glorious turnout was the annual inaugural dinner at which time the newly-elected officers were inducted into office. The genial A. M. Botsford, who glories in making other people happy by the things he says and the way he says them, had complete charge of the situation in his happy role as Toastmaster. In passing, it might be said that AMB cancelled his trip to Oshkosh which he says he takes about this time every year, just to 1)3 at the banquet. ~ The toastmaster, in his own inimitable style, introduced each speaker to the assembled gathering with a witty discourse. Adolph Zukor, Honorary President of the Paramount Pep Club, and Jesse L. Lasky, Hpnorary Vice-President, responded with speeches that were of especial interest to those present. Nearing the close of his address, Mr. Lasky introduced three Paramount screen idols — Mary Brian, Stuart Erwin and Fredric March who in turn arose and made their bows to the gathering. Other speakers included E. A. Brown, the out-going President; Lou Diamond, the new Vice-President, and Fred Metzler, the newlyinducted President. A surprise act was put on for the edification and jollification of those present. The ExPresidents, costumed in robes and wearing long flowing chin whiskers and sideboards, marched directly to the toastmaster. Judge G. B. .1. Frawley, the spokesman of the tribe, demanded the immediate release of the out-going Prexy — Eddie Brown. However, before releasing him, Eddie was presented with a beautiful wrist watch as a gift from his friends. Again, upon the demand of ex-Prexy Frawley, demanding the release of Eddie Brown, Toastmaster Botsford said, “Be Gone.” No sooner had the words been uttered than two brawny hands had nestled in Eddie’s shoulders and he was on his way “out” followed closely by the tribesmen. It’s a mystery what happened to our 1930 President hut it’s quite certain he was vested with all the knowledge that a member of the Past Presidents Association should know. Many guests of the Pep Club members arrived around 10 P. M. to help swell the attendance and to enjoy the entertainment and dancing. Many thanks go to Charles Schmertz of the Publix Production Department who was instrumental in furnishing high-class acts for the entertainment program as well as the Paramount Recording Orchestra which rendered selections during the dinner as well as providing the music for dancing. Chris Beute, Chairman of the Entertainment Committee, is deserving of a lot of praise and thanks for the able manner in which he conducted the affair. In fact, the entire Entertainment Committee is deserving of a great big vote of thanks. Inaugural Dinner Sidelights If you weren’t at the Inaugural Dinner, Mortimer Cohn will be glad to explain to you how he and Polly Mahoney danced on a dime. Irene Sweeney complained that the hotel silverware was too heavy — it made holes in her pockets. Reward of 1000 peanuts will be paid to the person or persons who can give information as to the whereabouts of Eleanor Gallagher between the time the dinner ended and the playing of “Home Sweet Home” on October 16th last. Amy Press and Ida Sonis couldn’t agree on which orchestra they liked best. Cab Calloway made Amy’s feet uncontrollable, whereas the Paramount Recording Orchestra could not have been any better for Ida’s style of dancing. From the continued visits of a certain lighthaired young man to the 12th Floor, we certainly are under the impression that the Fortune Teller told Dot Silver! the truth. Talking about fair-haired boys from the 11th Floor visiting the 12th Floor — we now know Marjorie Minscher’s weakness. Blond hoys from the 11th Floor just can’t keep away from the Sales Statistical Department. What is this power Dot Mansfield has over men? Molly Cohen has invented a new and original story for black eyes and she certainly is standing by it. Patents are pending, boys! Mae Weissherg exerted all her wiles on the waiter attending her table and her reward was the largest portion of ice cream imaginable. They may talk about our Organization being “hard boiled’’ but it was a revelation to see the way the people crowded around Mary Brian, Stuart Erwin and Fredric March, to secure their autographs, at the Inaugural Dinner. Had it not been for a few individuals who dispersed the “mob,” there is no telling what might have become of our precious “stars.” The New York Public Library is assembling a collection of Pep-OGrams for their files. Any Pepsters who have Volumes 1 to 4 (published 1925-1928) in their possession are urged to send them to E. H. Anderson, Director of the New York Public Library, Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, so that the library files may be completed. PEP-O-GRAMS THREE PAGE