Exhibitors Herald and Moving Picture World (Jan-Mar 1928)

48 EXHIBITORS HERALD and MOVING PICTURE WORLD March 10, 1928 The Great American Desert . . . such is the appearance of Broadway every morning until almost noon-time. . . . Hardly conceivable yet true. . . . Stores have not yet opened . . . restaurants are empty . . . and the music publishing firms are deserted. * * * Eut slowly and surely, with the coming of twelve o'clock, a marked increase in activities is discernible. . . . The various restaurants begin serving breakfast . . . shops assume the appearance of business . . . and employees of the music business reach their destinations. * * * From one-thirty in the afternoon, the activities of Broadway actually commence . . . actors are noticed going to their work (?)... musicians hustling to their various theatres . . . shoppers gazing in at window displays . . . matinee crowds bustling hither and thither. * * * Around three and four o'clock there seems to come a lull which covers the entire district, symbolizing the fact that everyone has reached his destination, and seems settled for the time being, at least. * * » Comes five o'clock . . . the theatres are letting out, and audiences, actors, musicians, shoppers, stenographers, and bootleggers ( ?) seem to make a grand dash for subways, taxicabs and other means of public conveyance which ultimately, I presume, takes them home. * * * Once more, until seven-thirty in the evening, there comes a lull over the Great White Way; but alas! 'tis not the end. . . . The rush starts all over again. . . . Ten limes worse than in the afternoon. . . . * * * From the kiosks of the subways, from the stairs of the elevators, from the steps of the street cars, from the confines of taxicabs, pour countless thousands, bent on going to the many playhouses, for which, the Great White Way is so famous (you should see the "Great American Desert" now). ... I can very well imagine this sight from an aeroplane. ... It must look like millions of ants pouring out of a thousand ant hills. ... At this time it is well-nigh impossible to travel the sidewalks any faster than at a snail's pace, for the throngs are 6o deep and in such a carefree mood, walking arm in arm, that were you in a hurry you would have to apologize twenty times for every block you travel. * « ♦ At around eight-thirty, this tremendous throng seems to have dwindled and sort of melted away . . . and now the "late-comers" make their appearance. . . . They hurry from corner to corner, looking for a certain theatre, their tickets in their hands, and they care for no one as they try to reach the show, before the curtain arises. * « » And now the music business seems to come into its own. . . . Song-pluggers, band and orchestra men, act-getters, orchestra leaders, etc., have the freedom of the pavement . . . but not for long. . . . * * <■ At a few minutes before eleven o'clock, from side streets, both east and west, comes the onrush of the theatre-goers, to once more surge and overflow the "sidewalks of New York." ... It is nearly onethirty in the morning before they have entirely disappeared, leaving behind them in their places, bootleggers, gamblers, tramps, and hundreds of taxi drivers awaiting a stray call. * * * The end of a perfect day brings the "stay-outs," emerging from restaurants, cafes, and chop suey places. Some sober, and some otherwise, but all of them much lighter financially. . . . They have decided it is time to go home, so the hundreds of taxicabs are once more put into use, until daybreak ; and again the most famous 6treet in the world takes on the appearance of The Great American Desert. Presentation LETTERS In this open forum those interested in presentation may discuss important matters bearing upon this phase of theatre entertainment. Only signed letters will be published. PRESENTATION ACTS — To the Editor: In the February issue of the Exhibitors Herald and Moving Picture World I note what you have to say about songs. I was away from the game for twelve long years and only recently back at it again. Have the largest gang of Juveniles in America today. 143 in all. Each week take ten of them and put on a little playlet "On the musical comedy order" and introduce all the late andj popular numbers. The reason I'm writing you is that I note a lot of new publishers, and I'd like for you to get me on their mailing list. Lot'6 of those you mentioned in the issue of Feb 11th sound real good. Am I asking too much to have you do this? Can't write to some of them because I haven't their addresses. Tell 'em too that I'll run slides and tell the public where they can get them. I'll appreciate it very much. Very truly yours. — Jimmie Rcnncr, Theatrical Agency, Jerome, Ariz. PRESENTATION ACTS— To the Editor: You will undoubtedly be surprised to know I'm at the Publix house in Houston, it's their largest house in Texas. Opened last Saturday and they say I got the biggest ovation of any organist that has ever been here, using a number called "At Your Service" including effects of different kinds it sure goes over great, the stage unit is Dixieland. I will send you my Solo each week, write me soon. Best wishes for your many favors to me. — Cornelius Maffie, Organist, Metropolitan theatre, Houston, Tex. PRESENTATION ACTS— To the Editor: "Vim, Vigor and Valentines" was the title of the special organ concert used by myself the week of February 12th, at the West Side. The solo was a community stunt, cleverly worded and arranged, and "Beautiful," "Everywhere You Go," "After I've Called You Sweetheart," "Gee But I'm Lonesome Tonight" were the featured songs. The solo proved very popular and it's effectiveness for Valentine week was demonstrated by the vocal response by the audiences. Thank you. Sincerely yours. — Clark Fiers, West Side theatre, Scranton, Pa. Sophie Tilden Gets Fanchon & Marco Tour This publication takes great pleasure in announcing a "Find" which was discovered by one of our presentation representatives last year. This find is none other than Sophie Tilden, a cute Chicago girl who made her first stage debut at the Embassy theatre, Chicago one year ago. Since then Sophie has been appearing with Brook Johns, Paul Ash, Mark Fisher and many other well know bandleaders. A report from the West coast states that a recent engagement with Rube Wolfe at the Warfield theatre, San Francisco, won her a contract for a tour of the entire Fanchon and Marco Circuit. Judging from the past performances and her cute mannerisms in singing blues, Sophie Tilden is slated to become another Peggy Bernier. Clyde Hood Stages Plot Bandshow Clyde Hood, production manager for the Capitol and Avalon Theatres, Chicago, is innaugurating a new policy at the Capitol this week in the form of a musical comedy bandshow. Lee Barton Evans former Earl Carroll 6tar and recently of presentation is being featured in the first production called "The Vagabond King" Maxine Hamilton, Ross and Edwards, and a number of other well-known picture houses artists will appear in the first plot story ever presented in this theatre. Buffano Opens Publix House in Seattle Word comes from Seattle, Washington that the new Publix theatre which opened last Saturday has made a tremendous hit with the audience. One of the reasons for this is a splendid orchestra that Al Short, Western musical adviser for Publix has organized for this house featuring Jules Buffano as its band leader. Mr. Short is now in Portland, Oregon, supervising the opening of a new Publix house which will also feature a policy of pictures and presentation. si? ?A songs FIVE BEST SELLERS "Among My Souvenirs" (DcSylvaBrown & Henderson). "Diane" (Sherman Clay) "My Blue Heaven" (Leo Feist). "My Ohio Home" (Leo Feist). "Dream Kisses (Ager-Y ellen & Borstein). I GOT TO GO WHERE YOU ARE CHLO-E — Villa Moret, Inc.) — Reminds one of "Can't You Hear Me Calling Caroline?" A new song that is already showing the ear marks of a big hit. Lyric by Gus Kahn, music by Neil Moret. * # * DOLORES— (Leo Feist, Inc.) — A collegiate fox trot. A very cute lyric with a sweet melody that will be great for the singing orchestras. By Art Kassel and! Marty Bloom. * * » LIP STICK— (Harms, Inc.)— A piano solo that is different inasmuch as two writers put all the intricate stuff in this solo. By Charles Rosoff and Ted Murray. * * * WASHBOARD BLUES— (Jack Mills, Inc.)— This house, famous for its blues, has issued a new idea in blues and how the mechanicals will hop on this number. By Hoafry Carmichael and Fred B. Callahan. * * * HE'S TALL AND DARK AND HANDSOME — (Jack Mills, Inc.) — A marvelous description. Any girl should be glad to meet him. Wonder if he wears a moustache. A low down song written excellently. By Charles Tobias and Al Sherman. * * * LITTLE MOTHER (Mutterchen)— (Sherman Clay & Co.) — "What Price Glory" made "Charmaine," "Seventh Heaven" made "Diane." This new production will do its best to compete with its predecessors. By the same composers — Erno Rapee and Lew Pollack. * * * THAT WONDERFUL NIGHT (And You)— (Robbins Music Corporation) — A pretty waltz about the moon and the stars. The melody writer is one of New York's leading orchestra leaders. Very popular on the radio. Lyrics by Raymond Klages, melody by Fred Rich. * * * BELOVED — (Irving Berlin, Inc.) — Looks like another Gus Kahn hit. A beautiful melody by Joe Sander6 of the Coon-Sanders combination. Alreadyjumping to the front as a 6eller. * * * MEM'RIES (Golden Memory Days) — (M. Witmark & Sons) — A high class song that has become popular through the radio hour of the Philco Company. This song is starting a precedent by being the first son? we have seen restricted exclusively to one radio combination. Lyric by Henry M. Neeiy, music by Harold Sanford. * * * ARMS OF LOVE! — (Henry Waterson) — A verypretty waltz song that is being extensively played by orchestras and looks very commercial. By Bryan Wheeler and Wendling. » * * JUST ACROSS THE STREET FROM HEAVEN — (Foster Music Pub. Co.) — A home song by a combination of writers who are well known to the public and tells all about the roamer who returns to the fold. Words and music by Chas. Newman, HarrjHarris and Larry Shay. * • • I MUST BE DREAMING — (Ted Browne Music Co.) — The lover is taken off his feet when his sweetheart says yes. This song also has a piano solo by the famous Lee Sims which should certainly help its sales. Words and music by Al Dubin, Pat Flaherty and Al Sherman. » * * I JUST ROLL ALONG (Havin' My Ups and Downs) — (Irving Berlin, Inc.) — January brings forth many optimistic songs. Of course later on we lose some of this optimism. This classes with the best of this type of song. By Joe Trent and Peter De Rose.