Exhibitors Herald (Sep 1920)

Reported by "Mm We understand that Johnny Balaban-, directing genius of the B. & K. Central Park theatre, was given the thrill of a hold-up while driving through Lincoln Park the night of Aug. ::»>. It seems that "'Essanay" Balaban was most anxious to obtain a light for his Camel and stopping the big Stutz bearcat he hailed a chap sauntering leisurely along the pathway and asked him for a match. Upon completing the ignition of the Camel and thanking the kind donor most profusely, •'Essanay" was urged to "stick 'em up" being the loser of 115 iron men on the deal. Moral: Always have the "01' fag" burning while dashing through our parks. * * * Understand HENRI Ei.lmax of the Keelcraft Pictures Corporation was initiated as a full fledged "Hello Bill" a few weeks ago becoming a member of Lodge No. 4. Upon being requested for a speech the modest and quiet young Fllman arose to the occasion with a burst of oratory that would make "Grape juice" Bryan or Billy Sunday pink with envy. Copies of the speech are now being printed and can be obtained at the info, desk of the Reelcraft office. * * * I. P. FRENCH, road representative for the Lea-Bel Company, handling the "Custer's Last Fight" 'film feature in conjunction with the personal appearance of big Chief Buffalo Bear and squaw, returned to the City completing a remarkable cycle of runs throughout the territory and is now preparing to present this entertaining act to some of the Chicago film theatres. * * * During a casual trip to 11 X. LaSalle street the other day we overheard hlmdom's veteran exchange manager, Gene Clink, discussing the rent and lease proposition with Morris Kline, Beware — sort of looks like the Southsidc is to have another film building announcement. * * * R. (). Campbell of the Associated Producers exchange was quizzed the other day as to how's business. "Fine — never was or could be better" was the murmur registered. "Positively couldn't alibi if I lied !" Next ! The iron pansy is hisn. * * * "Hank" Peters, now of the Celebrated Players exchange slipped the pecan magnates of Pas Robles another healthy flock of greenbacks for some more acreage. Looks like "Hank" must be running neck and neck with the "Old Roman" Comiskey of the White Sox whose property closely adioins. * * * Will Tom Mitchell get on the 'phone and give "Lieut." Billy Martin a call? He tells us a new load of ordnance has arrived and he wishes "Mitch" to report / for "survey" and certify some sample shots. * * * V. DeI>orenzo. who in days gone by was 'the "intrepid" Milwaukee scribe for Exhibitor's Herald and for the past several months affiliated with the Celebrated Players exchange, wishes to state for the benefit of his many Milwaukee friends that he is still a bachelor, notwithstanding all stories to the contrarv. * * * With that gang of filmmen scattered about Benton Harbor, Labor Day looked much as though Chicago's film lights were all A. W. O. L. for the big mill. Have been unable to get any detailed info, on the go, so will have to forego the correct version of the fistic feature offering until our next blare. * * * Well, with the "big fight" now over its up to the boys to turn the orbs toward Comiskey's ball yard out South and get the little ol* pencil and sheet and get busy for the forthcoming World's Series. The way the tailend cellar champs are now slipping the skids to the big teams, we might announce the first game is to be played at St. Louey. Come on you "Senators." Batter up ! * * * For Maury Salkix's ease of mind, 'tis rumored the stock market remains listless. * * * The sob squad of Marion, Ind., is now on the job with the shower stuff. 'Tis murmured that the popular Dolly Spurk has disposed of her theatre interests, the Indiana. Lyric and Royal to the well known Hoosier magnate, Frank Rembcsch. The local railroad ticket agent positively refused to give any news as to the destination of those tickets purchased recently, so we shall have to pull the old slide, "Good Nite-Call Again Soon." * * * With R. H. Haufield, owner of a string of theatres through Minnesota and Wisconsin, hitting the trail in behalf of the Superior Screen exchange's sales department on a special sixty-day agreement, we sort of anticipate the announcement of pal Hadfield grabbing off another cinema palace just as soon as manager Weiss can check his sales. Best o ' Luck R. ( '. "('HI H" FLOR1XE Who 1> id hi* friend* nlon«r Chioni;o's film rim goodbye on Wednesday. September Si and departed for Low Anirele* on n very *eeretlve mlnslon. iyj !Ui ill i ! i j in i d ji l m i i i : li. ■ . < : i [ i ui > : luui i h l l jiii^u^i: ni i tuuiill t liiiililiii iiiui i l i ituiu 14 it n 1 1 1 j t ni n t l i tu i mui_^ | Chicago Contributes To Assist Sick "Pal" J I Exchange employes and ex I | hibitors are contributing gen § | erously to a fund which is aimed f I to save, if possible, the life of a | 1 film salesman who is known to | | almost everyone in the Chicago | | district. i Stricken seriously ill by the | | White Plague, the boy — he is | I scarcely out of his teens — is not in | | a financial position to obtain the | I medical aid and hospital attention | | which will give him an even chance | | in his fight for life. | W. A. Aschmann, manager of the | | Chicago Pathe Exchange, is cus | I todian of the fund and will receive | | any contributions. ^!iiiiiuiiituit]tLUJiii]iiiiiiiiuiii'iuiiiitiiiii[iiii::i:tiiiiiiiiiii]iiiiiiiiiiiiJitiiiiiiuiiii4iit:Mi: tifTtmiiHiiir;i:iui^ A. H. Blank, of Des Moines. Iowa, controlling extensive theatrical interests through the Central West is reported to be seriously ill. having been rushed to the Des Moines hospital Aug. 30. * * * The Williams theatre, Hillsboro, 111., has been taken over by exhibitor Fellis, which now gives him, with the Fellis theatre, two rather busy money-makers. * * * Listen fellers — here's a secret! You know what we mean, not a breath to a soul. Friend Schwartz of the Hamilton theatre is now honeymooning at Mackinac Island, having signed up with the benedict armv Aug. 30. * * * "Chick" Lundgren was spied the other day carrying a flock of regular "I am not saying much just now, but WAIT!" Looks like the new Doll-Van exchange will have some features to offer the Illinois exhibitors upon the return from New \ork of D. M. Vandawalker, Jr. * * * We heard Louis Bloom raving the other day as to who the best of all was in handling the shipping service for the local exchanges. Louis could not be bribed to change his mind, though. We refrain from further comment but honestly Louis, why not slip the info, to his boss. * * * R. C. Florine, notoriously known as "Chub" in these parts and down around the Gulf of Mexico, left Chicago on Wednesday, September 8, for the so-called "filmopolis" of the universe — Los Angeles. There is every hope that "Chub" won't sink into obscurity, either in the brim deep or otherwise, but there is a possibility, for his departure was clothed in mystery. A question as to his contemplated activities on the Coast brought the ambiguous answer: "I've bought up several pool tables and some rugs. Now, use your own judgment." His associates at Celebrated Players and his friends along film row will wait anxiously for some word that will clear the air.