Exhibitors Herald and Moving Picture World (Oct-Dec 1928)

October 20, 1928 EXHIBITORS HERALD and MOVING PICTURE WORLD 47 with more than one proportion, affording a perspective. "The success of the first efforts logically led to elaboration. The search to provide life and color naturally introduced the exotic in presentation, with the result that we now frequently stage 'Fanchon and Marco Ideas', as we call them, presenting near to 100 artists and girls in the most ornate of scenic settings. "We have no quarrel whatever with the motion picture producers, because we do not stage the so-called 'atmospheric' prologues presenting the characters or the atmosphere of the film they introduce. "Each 'idea' is complete in itself and not related to the picture billed with it even in a remote way. We seek motifs for our presentations in something topical, modern and as popular as possible. "Contrasts are sought, rather than relation to film theme. A frozen North 'Idea' may be presented with a South Seas picture that the audience may be afforded a variety of atmosphere as diversified entertainment. "Whenever possible we employ the most famous of stage stars and build 'Ideas' about them introducing exotic and massive scenic settings and pretty girls in striking costumes. For example, a 'Merry Widow Idea' was created for the presentation of Mae Murray, of Follies fame. Al Jolson was introduced with a 'Down South Idea'. Many other famous stars, including Gilda Gray, and the Marx Brothers, have been given similar presentations. Larger Field for Film Prologues "I believe that the stage presentations to accompany films are bound to attain even greater proportions than at present, in the light of their development. I also believe that the future aim of the producers will be esthetic beauty as the paramount feature. "The tendency is turning toward great animated pictures, with resplendent scenic backgrounds as the frames into which to bring life and warmth by the introduction of beautiful girls in elaborate dances. I am also of the opinion that this ieda will eventually remove the vaudeville complexion from the presentation by doing away with the so-called headliners, reducing the costs and making even greater productions possible. "The popularity of the stage presentation with pictures is evidenced by its spread over the country, Chicago and New York not long ago introducing the elaborate stage presentations that have held sway on the Coast. New York's Broadway is turning more and more toward the idea of the coast presentations. "To keep pace with the demand for new 'ideas' on the Pacific slope, it has been necessary for us to organize our own costume company to furnish wardrobes for our artists, as well as to establish our own scene construction plant Until chromatic films are perfected along with the talking movies, I do not believe the public will let us stop producing stage presentations in the light of present day reactions of de luxe motien picture theatre audiences." 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: I have just finished reading your article on a Saturday afternoon Kiddies Club. I am interested in organizing 6uch a club at the Broadway Theatre, Tacoma. and I would appreciate you sending me any available information. Sincerely youre — L. J. Williams, Manager, Broadway Theatre, Tacoma, Wash. for the past few months. Our organist, Henri Monnet, and a very excellent organist too for a city of the size of ours, inaugurated a "Boys and Girls Organ Club." It meets every Saturday at 1 :30 and the session lasts until 2 p. m. when the regular picture program 6tarts. We have been getting them to sing songs, led by our local Radio Station Announcer, who has a very fine personality and voice. His name is Eric Thornton. We run the words on the screen for whatever songs they sing and are particular in the selection of proper song6 to teach them. We try to introduce a new one each week and repeat the old ones that go over the best. And if you think these kids don't sing, you should hear them. At the door, we give them a coupon ticket, putting one half into a box and they retain the other half. These are numbered and just before 2 p. m. we have a drawing. Awards of various prizes are given. Each week 10 passes, good for 1 week, are given, together with one 2-week pass. Every third or fourth week, we have a grand prize, and all tickets from previous weeks are to be held for it. This week the Grand Prizes were 4 pair of roller skates, two for boys and two for girls. Furthermore, every child gets something on their departure each week, such as "Eskimo Pie." "Candy Box." "Tulip Cup." etc. These are secured from local dealers at little or no cost. In spite of opposition, the attendance has held up well. Now if you have any additional suggestions to give us in the matter, please send them, or have Balaban & Katz 6end it to us, as suggested in your column. We are particularly interested in the entertainment idea from the children themselves. We have a small city here and the possibilities are somewhat limited but I feel certain something can be developed. Thanking you for your trouble, we remain. Yours very truly — E. C. Keefe, Babcock Theatre, Billings. Montana. P. S. — I recently sent you a copy of the Newspaper section we printed in connection with our Vitaphone opening, which no doubt you have by this time. Wonder if you got it and if 6o what you think of it. One Theme After Another In keeping with the other film companies, Pathe have made arrangements with the Bibo, Bloedon and Lang music publishers, for a theme song to the picture called "Captain Swagger," featuring Rod LaRocque. The song will bear the same name as the film and is being synchronized effectively by RCA Photophone under the supervision of Josiah Zuro. Holt Has Stock Company Proving that theatre managers can do other thinge besides managing theatres, Nat Holt, former exhibitor from San Francisco, started a musical 6tock company that is now rotating over a circuit of 6ix towns within a night's reach. The players are fitted up in a de luxe motor coach and travel from town to town intact with scenery and costumes, playing one-night stands in picture houses. Detrich Leads Stage Frolic Billy Mills and Billy Biltgen have staged a syncopation frolic stage show this week at the Avalon Theatre, Chicago, featuring Roy Detrich and a cast of presentation acts headed by Sara Ann McCabe. The bandshow is a miniature musical comedy that compares in splendor with a S4.40 show. Hunt Managing Diversey John Hunt, formerly manager of the Rialto Theatre, Chicago, is now managing the Diversey Theatre, also a Chicago house, under the direction of Jones, Linick & Schaeffer. The theatre is presenting a policy of burlesque musical revue and motion pictures, with a permanent stock company. Francis Kromar remains as the featured organist. Ilomay Bailey Featured Ilomay Bailey, one of Paul Ash's finds and well known in picture houses for her golden voice, has just completed a second tour over Publix and stars this week in the "Bowery Blues" stage show holding forth at the Oriental Theatre, Chicago. On the same program appear Al and Gussie Blum, Lytell and Fant, Paul Small, and Jack LaVier. PRESENTATION ACTS— To the Editor: Just read your article in the October 6th issue relative to the "Koo Koo Klub" at the Norshore Theatre. We have been running something similar here Here's That Party For the first time in his career, Paul Ash sang a song that was specially written for his return to the Oriental Theatre, Chicago. "Here's That Party Now in Person" is the title and Jack Ye'.len and Milton Ager wrote it. These boys, who are also the publishers, are wellknown for a number of hits including "Ain't She Sweet." nt Go Wrong '$ .NNINE I of LILAC TIME QUITA EPJDA :S LIKE THIS" UN NY MELODY] L EN OR A THEME SONGof'TWQ LOVERS * "DOWN WHERE THE SUN .. GOES DOWN YOURE A REAL SWEETHEART" "LAST NIGHT I DREAMED YOU KISSED ME MAMMAS GROWN YOUNG, PAPA'S GROWN OLD LEO FEIJTinc 231 w. 4-0T,feT. S •NEW YORK CITY-/