Exhibitors Herald World (Jan-Mar 1929)

March 16. 1929 EXHIBITORS HERALD-WORLD 49 ganizations, it is understood that they will all more or less specialize in pictures and stage talent. It is safe to state that under the new ownership the present policy of vaudeville will be revamped to meet the general public demand in motion picture theatres. If this happens and there is a very good possibility that it will, there will be no such a thing as vaudeville any more, as all stage entertainment in picture theatres from then on will be referred to as presentation. When this happens, Radio-Keith-Orpheum will have to inaugurate a new stage policy in order to stand an equal chance with the other theatres, and when that time comes the well known brand of Orpheuni and Keith Vaudeville will pass out and make room for the more popular demand, and its new trademark will be Presentation. When all these things come to pass, and they are bound to in the course of a few more months, there will be only one other major circuit presenting vaudeville, and that is Pantages. There is no telling, but that even he may consider making this move and if Pantages joins the ranks, there will just be the independent theatres that will still class themselves as picture and vaudeville houses. It Means More Work for All All this means more work for acts, longer routes for units, bigger and better theatres for amusement and better conditions for the public. It also means a demand for more ■musical directors and organists, for the William Fox organization is a firm believer of class programs, and in spite of the fact that it may have considerable talent on the screen in sound and dialogue, it will not jeopardize the future of its theatres by robbing them of the human element. 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: This is the first time I've written you, however. I read the HeraldWorld each week, as it is sent to me. and enjoy especially the notes of different organist*, what they are using for their "specials." I used as my solo this week. Irving Berlin's special, called "Closeup and Snapshots." featuring songs. "I'll Get By." "Marie." "How About Me." "I'd Rather Be Blue Over You." This is a very entertaining novelty, which was well demonstrated by the audience in their splendid singing, their generous applause which was still being heard after feature had started. You may print any part of this in your organ column if you choose. I think it would be fine if more organists would let us know what they are using for specials, and how they click. Very sincerely— Edna Merle Bain. Parmont theatre, Nebraska City. Neb. Playing Return Dates for Balaban & Katz After proving that comedy dancers can be as entertaining on a high class program as well as the popular type, the Lassiter Brothers are now making their fourth tour of Balaban & Katz houses in a new Chicago unit. The boys recently scored a hit at the Chicago Theatre in the new stage policy and previously completed their third tour of Publix as a featured attraction. The type of dancing that the Lassiter Brothers do is a combination of eccentric and athletic routine intermingled with much clean comedy. Before enterting stage work the boys were members of a theatre staff. Chicago's Favorite Entertainers Centuries ago every king had his favorite clown and the jester found himself as important in the king's court as any member of hLs kingdom. It seems that that same tradition has passed from one generation to another and even in our present day amusements we select our favorites and almost worship them as in the days of old. Helene Heller and .George Riley who scored their first hit in a picture house about five years ago are probably the most liked presentation team in the entire field. This capable couple of funsters has played several engagements over the Publix circuit and have appeared in Chicago deluxe houses so manytimes that we have lost track of the engagements. Chicago has practically adopted them as her favorite entertainers and this week they are featured in "A Melody Menu" now playing the Paradise theatre with Mark Fisher. Roy Detrich Makes "Whoopee" While Wife Is Away Mrs. Roy Detrich, wife of the popular southside singing bandleader is enjoying an extended vacation with her mother and brother. Dr. Harry Griff of New York City. Three nephews, one who is also a doctor, has joined the family in the reunion, and. according to Roy. Jr.. Mrs. Detrich's son, a good time is being had by all. Roy Detrich, who is now entering his second year as master of ceremonies for the National Playhouses, rotates with his band between the Capitol and Avalon theatres. •This week his stageshow is called "Whoopee" and features the Rodeo boys with Born and Lawrence. STAGE SHOWS (Continued from preceding page) daring and novel adagio team, intermingled with many acrobatic twists and turns. At first the black uniforms of the men with wing sleeves caused snickers but as the routine progressed the act soon had the audience in their control and they were given a tremendous ovation for their splendid efforts. The finale showed the male singer introducing the best things in life such as pleasure, joy. etc.. while one of the ballet girls portrayed each part in novel attire. To keep the continuity of the show. Clem Dacy. as Dad Dearborn, sang another chorus of "In 1933" as the rest of the cast assembled around the beautiful setting while the orchestra and organ struck up the tune of "Sweet Mysteries of Life" as the curtain slowly descended. A point worthy of mention is the original lighting effect and coloring that were played on the staircase set during the ballet routine. Atlanta Howard Week Ending March 2 With Arabiac atmosphere enveloping them Louie Lowry and his Merry Musical Men offer the Emmett Roger's production. "Oh. Pshah." at the Howard this week. Lowry and his Men went over in good style, saving the show from an absolute flop. The show opens with the Gould Girls offering a routine, slow, draggy and unquestionably amateurish. They seemed to possess only fair dancing ability. Following was a distinctly novel band number, which drew a good hand. Art Dickson, baritone, sang. "Me and the Man in the Moon" and "My Blackbirds Are Blue Birds Now," to fair approval. Next in line three tumblers, a la Francis Trio, held the stage. They brought some laughs, but failed to be the high class act Howard audiences require. The Gould Girls returned to present a fast stepping number and went over better than on first appearance. Detroit Fisher Week Ending March 1 The Publix' spectacle "Zig-Zag Follies" was on the stage at the Fisher this week, and a very nice little stageshow it turned out to be, too. Paul Leash is the master of ceremonies at the Fisher now. He is a good looking young man. has a nice way with him and the audiences seem to like him. With a title like "Zig-Zag Follies." the setting for the piece, of course, couldn't be anything else but in the futuristic manner. And that's just what it was, with jagged streaks of color, like streaks of lightning, shooting across the drops. A group of ten little girls in vivid blue costumes, ornamented all over with silver spangles, were doing a routine dance as the curtain went up to the tune of "Don't Be Like That." Assisting them were four young men, who later were introduced as the Edgecomb Four. This quartet, while they opened as sing You Can't Go Wrong .With Any FEIPT' Song* (51 SO A<*5 e? N<5 VP at ■sU it 1-H l! v) at H lie