Exhibitors Herald (1927)

& IMPPP gear to 111 “ Bigger Year,” — Is 1928 Outlook ORGAN SOLOS Milton Charles (Chicago Oriental) “Merry Christmas” was the title of the organ solo for this year’s annual holiday show, and it opened to some introductory slides to the tune of “It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More,” “Baby Your Mother,” “Give Me a Night in June,” and “Just a Memory,” with a Christmas motif, sung by a Santa Claus, who appeared in a spot. The music of “What’ll You Do?” was used for humorous slides, asking the audience what they would do with the unnecessary gifts they reeieved on Christmas. The solo closed to the music of “You Don’t Like it. Not Much,” as a slide was shown reminding the audience of the needy poor folks in town. Henry B. Murtagh (Chicago Chicago) presented Murtagh’6 “Christmas Jingles,” and used as the basis of his parodies the refrain, “What Do We Do on a Dew Dewy Day." The thought, and mighty appropriate, was “What Do We Do on a Christmas Day,” and naturally, we give presents. A splendid solo arrangement. During his presentation he played "Silent Night,” of which there is no more appropriate Christmas selection, and “Everywhere You Go,” with a parody on Santa Claus. He closed with “Blue Heaven,” with the parody still appropriate for the Yuletide. Jesse Crawford (New York Paramount) played “I Can’t Believe that You’re in Love with Me” and Irving Berlin’6 “The Song Is Ended” on the organ. Mr. Crawford is no doubt very popular with the public as is shown by his well-received offering. Mrs. Crawford presided at the stage console. Arthur Hays (Kansas City Midland) organist, offered a solo, illustrated by clever slides. Since opening at this theatre Hays has become quite popular with hi6 selections. Arthur Richter (Milwaukee Wisconsin) at the organ offered for his number "Jingle Bells” with the words flashed upon the screen in cartoon form which pleased the audience much. One can always expect a fine stunt from Richter on any Holiday. Herbert Lee Koch (Des Moines Capitol) that clever organist, played a medley, “Christmas Shopping,” which seemed to touch a responsive chord. He played some appropriate music for the homemade film, “Romeo’s Romance.” Dick Liebert (Pittsburgh Penn) offered “Xmas Suggestions” as his organlogue this week. Opening with slides of “For My Baby” after the first chorus he is interrupted by a messenger boy delivering a lot of presents. Messenger boy (Abe Blum) unfolds a pair of silk stockings good for a laugh. After more chatter Abe sings two chorures with slides. George Lee Hamrick (Atlanta, Howard) at the organ played a special Christmas number. This fellow has always got something novel and clever up his sleeve for an organ solo. Arthur Martel (Boston Metropolitan) organ concert was entitled “Romantic Rivers,” and consisted of famous river songs, including the "Blue Danube,” "On the Banks of the Wabash,” “Swanee River,” “Blue River.” and others. A Jekyll & Hyde Above we have a likeness of an enterprising young man known as CHAUNCEY HAINES — by night a featured organist of the Norshore theatre, Chicago, and by day a student of photography— that is he conducts a studio at home for his own amusement and is also the staff camera man for the B. & K. Service Book. Haines loves his art so much that he has even rigged up a small “dark room’* in his dressing room and it was there that your erst-while reporter first put some “light” on this “dark” subject. N. V. A. Gives Xmas Party An annual occurrence fostered by the National Vaudeville Artists which is better known as the N. V. A. again took place this year on Monday evening, December 26, in the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Sherman, Chicago. The affair was a Christmas party given to the theatrical profession in general but mostly for the vaudeville artists belonging to this organization. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hawley, manager and hostess of the Chicago Club rooms must be credited with the wonder ful staging and arranging of this affair which has surpassed any former events. Fred Stone president of the organization was the guest of honor as was also Leo Carrillo the vicepresident. Both happened to be playing an engagement in town. The musical program was supplied by James Henschel, musical director of the State-Lake Theatre orchestra. In addition to entertainment and a well prepared Christmas dinner, the affair was honored by the presence of many notable artists of the stage and screen. Better Year Expected By Film Houses Deluxe Picture Theatres Report Doing Good Business During Christmas Week By A. RAYMOND GALLO One of the most widely known sayings in show business during the Holiday seasons is the expression “That business is terrible.” But in spite of these sayings and unfounded rumors it is our privilege to say that from personal observation we have noted that attendance at the theatres during Christmas week has been a great deal better this year than last and perhaps a little more since the presentation policy has been installed in deluxe picture theatres. Although many houses have played to a small capacity during the week before and on Christmas week, it has been learned that the actual business on Christmas day including Monday, was one of the most profitable of any holiday show during the year. As a rule exhibitors and other members of the theatrical profession claim that certain holidays especially Christmas puts a dent into their box office. This is not always a fact for in the past few years it has become a general household necessity to shop for amusement on holidays as well as on ordinary week-days. This fact has become even more so in the last three years since stage-presentations and bandshows have become the vogue of the deluxe picture houses, especially when it is all possible to the average wage earning patron at a popular admission price of twenty-five to seventy-five cents top. Bright Outlook for 1928 According to other reliable reports exhibitors from all over the country including those now running a presentation policy of some form look forward to a very prosperous New; Year. Some even expect it to surpass the net profits of previous years. If we may say so ourselves the outlook for 1928 in show business and that covers the entire field of amusements looks very bright and may even be one of the best