Exhibitors Herald and Moving Picture World (Jul-Sep 1928)

r August 25, 1928 EXHIBITORS HERALD and MOVING PICTURE WORLD 47 (_C(»ttinued from preceding page) The overture, "High Lights From the Classics," with a colorful stage interpretation of the finale, the quartette from "Rigoletto," by the Milano Concert Singers, was one of the most enjoyable features of th« bill. The Williams Sisters, in striking costumes of orange silk and rhinestones stamped and pranced through "Since Somebody Answered Yes" and "It Won't Be Long Now," in a manner characterized chiefly by noise and ex^penditure of energy, but the audience seemed to enjoy it, judging from the applause. Harland Dixon, creator of Five Step Rhythm, and one of the best dancers on the stage, demonstrated his particular kind of gliding dance as he chatted genially with the audience. He then introduced Theo Van Tassel, who he said learned to be his partner for the five step in four days. These two form a remarkable dancing duo, as they glide through a series of rapid and difficult steps. Miss Van Tassel is a dancer of real ability. Frank De Voe, assisted by James Steiger, accompanist, proved one of the most popular of the entertainere, with his amusing songs and lively conversation. "You Have No Idea" and "I'm Looking at the World Through Rose Colored Glasses" were favorably received but he won his most enthusiastic response for "That's My Mammy." The audience gave him a great hand. New Orleans Saenger Week Ending August 16 "Tick-Tock" the current offering of the Publix Shows presented an innovation this week startling to thousands who visited the playhouse in search of comfort and amusement. The members of the chorus were com.pleteIy clothed, in stockings, tights and all that goes to hide "the sldn you love to touch" — the latter phrase swiped from a soap ad sounds good. "Tick-Tock" probably takes its title from two immense clocks, right and left, with pendulums swinging gently to and fro, as if keeping time to the music of the stage band and later to a catchy song sang by Sonia Meroff who received many hands. The bill opens with the stagehand, this time directly facing the audience, directed by Jack Stanley a newcomer who has to overcome the tremendous lead made by Ralph Pollock who made his first bow August 11, one year ago followed by Ben Black and later by Art Landry. Stanley is young, good looking, an excellent stage presence and makes his announcements in a clear tone of voice which can be heard at the extreme end of the house. Scarce two weeks in the city yet an enterprising soda fountain man has named a new drink, a Jack Stanley Hi-ball which is in great demand among the drug store cowboys and ladies of the lii>-stick. It looks as if Stanley will be as big a hit as any of hie predecessors. There is one thing in his favor, he does not play the saxophone, though he dallies a trifle with the violin and coaxes some sweet music from it. The bill opens with the Albertina Rasch Girls who are prominent throughout the entire entertainment in a series of dances, marches and drills which are marvelous not only in graceful movements but from the wealth of wardrobe displayed, and which the young ladies know how to wear to advantage. An interpretation of the Argentine Tango with Bernard and Rich proved an enjoyable number and showed that both were artists of the first rank. For about the nuttiest pair of comedians seen in New Orleans for some time the biscuit must be passed to Bayes and Speck who lived up to their billing as The Assassins of Sorrow. They were really good. Back with us again are Steve and Mack, members of the stage band who find time to entertain with songs. These gentlemen, have returned from a short trip over the Saenger circuit and have met with appreciation in all houses played. An outstanding feature was the work of Vit Lubowski, pianist of the band who played several exquisite selections. Castro Carazo and the Saenger Grand Orchestra present as their overture "Voices of Spring," supplemented by John Hammond at the organ with the "Venetian Love Song" and Berlin's "Beloved." The Vitaphone had as its feature Anna Chase in the Metropolitan Opera Chorus Spanish Fiesta, while the Movietone presented topics of the day. The sound pictures seem to be going over good in New Orleans. Detroit Michigan Week Ending August 17 If Fred Waring brings his Pennsylvanians to your town pack up your work, your troubles and your cares for the evening and go to see and hear them. The boys are there ! Fred and his merry bunch made their syncopated debut in Detroit six years ago last February or March. Waring had just organized the band and they had but few rehearsals at the time they were booked for a week at Kunsky's Madison theatre. "Plane" Advertising for Stageshow By an unusual publicity tie-up arranged by Dick Powell, master of ceremonies of the Circle Theatre in Indianapolis, it was possible for shoppers of that city to see without cost the new stageshow called "Keep Cool." This attraction, in addition to the film "Hot News," appeared at the Circle Theatre last week and the theatre staff, in conjunction with Powell, conceived the idea of exploiting the program by releasing balloons from an airplane over the downtown district. The balloons contained passes admitting the bearers to the theatre during the entire appearance of the advertised attractions. The airplane which was extensively advertised in the dailies was distinguished by its blue color. weeks ago with "Wanning Up," which was simply an arrangement of music and sound effects, the Riviera last week was graduated into "The Lion and the Mouse," with a more realistic sound arrangement in that is is pai-t talkie. This week the house will show "Lights of New York," all talkie. Radio broadcasting was in its infancy then, and most every singer or orchestra was clamoring to play for the radio audiences to get the publicity accruing therefrom. So Fred and his bunch were booked by Station WWJ, The Detroit News radio station. Your reporter was then engaged in writing radio news for The News — putting forth articles on the gentle art of making a radio set out of a bed spring and a hunk of crystal rock — when Fred and his musicians brought their instruments into the radio studio for their final rehearsal. The Broadcasting was a success. Such a success, in fact, that Fred and his boys stayed at one or another of Kunsky's theatres for 10 weeks or more, before going on to other fields. Their fame eventually carried them to Paris where they played during the Summer, and now they are headed for a musical revue. Well, to get back to the present show. Fred and his boys are dressed in white flannels and white collegiate sweaters. Their drop curtain is a gorgeous affair of black with flashing squares of metal plate which reflect the light. Most of the original band still is with Fred, but Tom Waring, Fred's brother, he of the hot piano breaks and the mournful solos on a musical saw, is in Paris studying voice. Fred carries 17 pieces in his band, including two pianos, and the boys can harmonize vocally as well as tease foot seducing sounds out of their instruments. St. Louis Ambassador Week Ending August 10 "Flapperettes" was the title of Ed Lowry's stage show for the week. Prominent in its cast were Billie Gcrber, male impersonator ; Ruth Denice ; Luley, Mealy and Crocker, comedy acrobatic dancers ; the Rio Brothers, collegiate steppers, and the 12 Foster Girls. Dave Silverman orchestra played the overture. A Movietone feature "Warming Up" was on the screen and had its own music accompaniment. Omaha Riviera Week Ending August 16 The second week of sound pictures at the Riviera brought big crowds, which not only enjoyed the talkies, but also the presentation acts "Roman Nights." The feature of this Publix entertainment offered by Paul Spor, stage master, was a chorus of roamin' knights, not of the Appian way, but of the alleys. The hoboes presented comedy stuff, but could dance when occasion demanded. As graceful as the male chorus was uncouth, the Roman girls specialized in a cymbal dance. A chariot race with real sure-enough horses was a climax of the days of gladiators. Acts on the program included Mildred La Salle, "blues" singer and Russell and Marconi, accordion and violin, George Johnson's organ selection was "Write Your Own Lyrics" and the pit orchestra number, under Spor, was "Southern Melodies," which included the Kentucky Jubilee choir in Vitaphone. Opening its Vitaphone and Movietone additions two Chicago North Center Week Ending August 19 This theatre, which has changed hands several times in the past two years, is now presenting the policy of feature pictures and stage shows Saturday and Sunday. Tommy Sacco is the producer and Cecil Davidson is the master of ceremonies and bandleader. The opening band number was a very good arrangement of "Down Where the Sun Goes Down," a popular tune that is fast coming up to the front as a hit song. (And, by the way, Verne Buck, one of our most popular Chicago bandleaders, is the composer.) Davidson directed this arrangement in fine style. Fox and Fox and two children followed next in an eccentric dancing revue which seemed to please some. Audrey Carnes, an acrobatic dancer, was next. She also got her share of the meager applause. Another band arrangement followed, called "You're Wonderful," with die Moe, the first saxophone player, singing a chorus. This chap has a fairly good voice and seems to be popular here. Jack, Joe and Betty were the next speacialty artists who offered a comedy-playlet with a lot of hokum. Four Hi-Lo Merrymakers, a quartet in a series of harmony songs, were next to closing, and they appeared to be the best specialty on the bill, according to the applause. • The finale was the band arrangement of "Down Where the Sun Goes Down" with the entire cast assembled on the stage. Davidson, who is one of the youngest leaders in this town, is now entering his second season at this house under the new management. His popularity induced the new management to re-engage him. Glendale Alexander Week Ending August 11 Sol Lowe, master of ceremonies during the absence of Ted Mack, sponsored a well balanced program, with a small group, but fanciful entertainei-s. The show started with a band number "Fantasy Oriental" which was followed by Ergatti and Herman, in a novelty surprise, the man being small appears to come out of a hat box which the girl carries. He dances and wise cracks and does a few acrobatic stunts, but failed to register with the masses. He appeared to please the younger set. Betty and Uhla, two girls at the piano, opened their number with a piano and song number, "Ain't She Sweet." Betty, the comedian, sang "The Vulgar Boatmen" in character (and what a character). She had the audience laughing constantly with the funny gestures and her original style of comic. She and her partner were very deserving of the heavy hand of applause. Walters and Russell, two fast hoofers and a pair of chairs, with stairs as their background, pleased the crowd. Their taps on the steps, leading up and down, brought out the audience in full. They took two curtain calls. The finale stai-ted with a violin solo from the master of ceremonies, "Dream Kisses," the orchestra joining in. After playing several bits from well known hits, Sol finished with his violin, alone. Taking a great hand for the entire troup. Sol is a master at the violin, but his announcements were rather weak, and not clear enough for this large house. His gags were good and well liked. New York Capitol Week Ending August 25 The Boris Petroff production, "Argentine Nights," featuring Dorothy Berke, and with the inimitable Walt Roesner and the Capitolians, is this week's title for the stageshow at Major Bowes' theatre. Frank Stever opens the show with the song "Chiquita" sung behind a scrim drop. The boys in the orchestra introduce Walt Roesner, who leads a snappy dance number for the Chester Hale Girls, who offer a Spanish tango dance, costumed in beautiful shawls and little else. {Continued on next page) BILLY POND SOLO ORGANIST STATE THEATRE DETROIT, MICHIGAN