Exhibitors Herald (Oct-Dec 1920)

Reported by "Mac" To murmur that the new Rivoli theatre of W. D. Burford's, which opened at LaCrosse, Wis., Sunday, Sept. 19, got away with flying colors is putting it much too tamely. First of all, this popular exhibitor of the Central West showed the very qualities that stamp him the success he is. Up to a late hour on the Saturday preceding the opening, this 1,500-seat cinema palace resembled a faint idea of what a film theatre should be, but Exhibitor Burford called his peppery brigade to "attention" and with characteristic Western "go" they pitched in and completed their tasks with a finesse that greeted the crowds of LaCrosse with a theatre second to none in these parts, on scheduled time to the minute Sunday eve, with the Norma Talmadge feature, "Yes or No." The interior lobby reminded one of the Minneapolis film colony. They were all there from the popular Manager Cubberly, of First National to the witty Celt O'Toole of Selznick enterprises. Manager Burford's executive quarters presented a veritable botannical garden with the many beautiful floral offerings that had been tendered from the various film companies, and that floral horse-shoe given by the citizens of La Crosse augurs well for a long and happy life for the Rivoli. We understand that many interesting festivities preceded the debut of this architectural beauty spot, but will have to refer you to the many happy film lights who were in attendance. Although we might infer W. E. Steffes, president of the U. P. T. L., had 'em all envious with his terpsichorean maneuvers. Lest we forget, all the boys were well cared for with Jules Freas, chauffeur de luxe of the "water wagon" in attendance. * * * ' Art Straus and Nic De Lorenzo of the Magnet theatre, Milwaukee, gave the new "Badger Flyer" a tryout last week, spending the day about the local exchanges. * * * B. A. Lucas, manager, and his assistant, L. A. Rozelle, are being kept busy the last few days explaining the new post-card system being installed throughout the R. C. sales forces. It may be all right but watch Charley Miller wreck the Chicago postoffice with carloads of post cards. Tough on Uncle Sam just as things were beginning to go nicely at the Federal building. * * * Archie Spencer has been seen busy along motor row the past ten days or so striving to purchase a "mouth muffler." Must be something new, Archie ? C'mon, old top, let's in on the mystery. Who is to be decorated ? * * * Max Cutler hastens to us this week with the info, that he is to join the sales organization of the local Vitagraph exchange. All right, Max, go to it with our best wishes. Beach Nut Ii. Y. CRI MP Feature sales manager for Pathe, Chicago, giving a correct imitation of a film salesman on vacation. Irving Mandei., manager of the Security Pictures exchange, is being kept busy with that one reel scenic. "In the Holy Land of Today," which they control in Illinois and which is being played in conjunction with the big Famous Players feature, "Humoresque." * * * B. T. Phelps, remembered as a former Hallmark representative, is to take hold with the Unity Photoplays. Sept. 27, covering northern Illinois and Indiana for this enterprising independent exchange. * * * Max Levey is back again with his former company. Max will cover city and country accounts for the local Robertson-Cole exchange. * * * Hank Peters, who just received a lengthy communique from his pal "Chub" Florine, now sojourning in balmy Los Angeles, which informs us that "Chub" has completed his arranged plans and will soon be with us, arriving some time about Turkey day, at which time the "big spill" will become news. Will Dufoe, New theatre, East Moline. 111., was in the city last week with the ol' grip and fountain pen. Ran out of ink and departed homeward with the grip full of . Looks like East Moline will be well taken care of during the next month or so with the best the film market offers. * * W. Johnson, Parkway theatre, RoselandChicago, if distance means anything, is sure entitled to "visitor mention." At any rate W. J. was noted leaving Chi's extreme southern environs as old Sol was seen creeping up over the eastern sky-line, arriving in the film mecca along about 2 p. m. the same date. Talk about "magnificent distances," will Washington, D. C, please arise to note? Ahem! * * * Les Bamberg, who has been associated with the Interstate Film exchange for the past several months at the home office will make his debut as a knight of the grip, Sept. 27, covering Illinois accounts for his company. With the able coaching of Lee Herz and representative Ed Bricketto this youngster should get away to a flying start, not to say a word with regard to the thrills many of Illinois' pretty theatre cashiers will experience upon gazing at this affable Adonis-like chap. * * * The week's best "jolt" is that flock of deluded local exhibitors gathering about the Selznick telephone switchboard under the impression that they are chatting with Elaine Hammerstein. Just a moment, men, and listen. The young lady in question has all her mail addressed Miss Marion Ferriss and with those blue eyes and dark tresses, we have every reason to assume her ancestor's correspondence was received in County Galway or one of the other big metropolitan centers of the Emerald Isle. * * * That's a smart boy, that H. R. Phillips of the local Robertson-Cole exchange. Someone the other day alluded to the prospective rise in the cost of tonsorial maintenance causing Phillips to rush downstairs and get a hair cut, which perhaps was the direct cause of so many R. S. clients wondering what become of H. R. P. during the past week. * * * H. A. Gundling, manager of the Bryn Mawr theatre, was painfully injured when an automobile driven by Ludwig Schindler of the Mickey Film exchange ran over his foot at Adams and Dearborn street. The accident appeared unavoidable. Gundling has his foot in a cast. * * * R. C. Seerv, Sam Katz and E. J. Eichenlaub of the First National Exchange, left on Tuesday to attend the convention of Illinois franchise holders in Springfield, 111. The meeting was scheduled for Sept. 29-30 at the Hotel St. Nicholas and in commemoration of the presence of the First National officials in town the Princess theatre had as an attraction "Forty-Five Minutes From Broadway." — * * * Joseph Charles Wahlen, well known Chicago boy, has left for Los Angeles to tan, TO EVERY, .WOMAN'l DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES