Show World (September 1910)

WARREN A. PATRICK, GENERAL DIRECTOR The Show People’s Newspaper CHICAGO, SEPTEMBER 17, 1910. For Jill Kinds of Show People An Epistle “f'TT'P 'PUT? V lNTPlf'VTTVTf' ” “Let’s Live of Friendship LUI 1 XI iL JLllULMllU and Let Live’ In the frequent communications which are printed in THE SHOW WORLD and other amusement papers under the caption of “To the Editor,” those of an observing turn of mind have found and will continue to find that there is general reference to the “knocking” and “knifing” propensities of show people. So frequent, indeed, are these references that it is fair to say that THE GREATEST FAULT WITH THE AMUSEMENT BUSINESS THESE DAYS—AND A FAULT THAT IS GROWING—IS THE LACK OF CHARITY AMONG THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO DEPEND FOR THEIR LIVELIHOOD UPON THEIR ABILITY TO ENTERTAIN, AMUSE, OR INSTRUCT THEIR FELLOWS, FROM THE STAGE. THE GREATEST BENEFIT THE SHOW BUSINESS GENERALLY AND THOSE WHO ARE CONNECTED WITH IT, INDIVIDUALLY, COULD RECEIVE WOULD BE THE ELIMINATION OF PETTY JEALOUSIES. It is asking a great deal to urge that one performer recognize without restraint or restriction the ability of another even though this ability be greater than that yet achieved by the first, or that one theatrical manager admit that the business methods of another are even more productive of results than his own, for charitable thoughts among professional people in other walks of life are not so common that they would put the lack of charity among the show people to such shame were it not for the fact that the whole amusement profession is founded upon publicity and that every little knock is conse¬ quently so evident. When one thinks of it, the lawyers who recognize the superior merit of competing members at the bar and the doctors who think that other physicians are doing something for the good of humanity are com¬ paratively few. Yet, in the face of these facts this plea for charity among members of the theatrical profession is made because just now it seems so timely. If there is any fancied reason for “knocking” or “knifing,” that reason must be that the performer or manager who thrusts at a competitor’s chances of success feels that there is not room in the profession for that competitor and himself. The theatrical season of 1910-1911 is just getting under way and from every department of the business comes the cry for people. The legitimate wants performers to fill the many companies which are being organized for city runs and the road; vaudeville has never before felt so strongly the need for per¬ formers of all classes of ability, and in the business department of the pro¬ fession (where “knocking” is just as common as in any other department) there are all kinds of openings for men who are willing to trade their HON¬ EST services for a good living. THERE IS ROOM EVERYWHERE AND NO PERFORMER OR MANAGER NEED “KNOCK” ANOTHER WITH THE IDEA OF MAKING A PLACE FOR HIMSELF. Although national in its scope, with representatives in every city of con¬ sequence in the country, either east or west, THE SHOW WORLD—probablj because its place of publication is Chicago, the liveliest and most energetic city in the United States in things theatrical as in other lines—has a little deeper interest in conditions which affect the great American West. It de plores the injury which is being done the amusement business everywhere bt the lack of charity on the part of those who are engaged in it. It consider this evil in the east, particularly in New York, where spotlights have beet flashing for many years, so deeply seated that effective reform is next to im possible. But it appeals to Chicago and the west to “Stop, look and listen' with the belief that much can be done for the good of the profession her along this line even yet. The man who has made a living in the east and ha later tried things in the west will invariably say that the great thing about th bigger and wider section of the country is its freedom from petty jealousies “There are not a hundred fellows looking for your job all the time, as is th case in the east,” he’ll tell you. With this reputation established, it would b well for show people to do their share toward maintaining it. THERE IS ROOM FOR EVERYONE THAT CAN MAKE GOOE LEAVING PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF THE PROFESSION TO BE TH1 JUDGES. New theaters are going up everywhere, new departments of th business of entertaining are being established, and there is positive need c people who have the God-given talent of being able to amuse, entertain, an instruct. SHOW PEOPLE SHOULD BE ONE BIG FAMILY. AL1 HAVE THE SAME INTERESTS. ALL ARE “TARRED WITH THI SAME STICK.” NO SINGLE MEMBER OF THIS BIG FAMILY CA1 BE UNCHARITABLE TOWARD ANY OTHER MEMBER OF THI FAMILY WITHOUT PRODUCING AN UNDESIRABLE RESULT UPO! THE WHOLE AMUSEMENT STRUCTURE. Given the ideal condition in the showman’s business life, there are still troubles enough for him. SURE LY A GOLDEN RULE OF “LIVE AND LET LIVE,” IF STRICTL ADHERED TO BY MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSION, WOULD B: PRODUCTIVE OF RESULTS THAT WOULD MAKE EVERYONE’ LOT MUCH EASIER. BANDITTI OR CANADIAN PACIFIC SHARKS .assti*.- FIVE CENT'S THE COPY-PAY NO MORI