Exhibitors Herald World (Jul-Sep 1929)

92 EXHIBITORS HERALD-WORLD July 20, 1929 STAGE SHOWS (Continued from preceding page) featuring Miss Lane who sang "Spell of the Rose" and Miss Dean gave a rather pleasing dance number. The Seaman Brothers then cut a few capers. The finale consisted of the entire ensemble. Miss Lane sang "Spell of the Rose," Miss Dean danced and the Granada ballet appeared decked out in electric lighted floral wreaths. The entire ehow was good, each act received a big hand and Benny graciously accepted considerable applause. New Orleans Saenger Week Ending July 12 Despite the street car strike which has tied up traffic for the past eleven days the Saenger has no reason to complain of bad business, but on the contrary seemed to have done a little better than the week before owing to the extreme warm weather and the excellence of the performance, both on the screen and the Publix Unit "Southern Belles" as a company overshadowing its predecessors, inasmuch, perhaps as the presentation struck home to the native of the south who recognized in the scenic effects the old southern mansion with its massive columns, belles and beaux of long ago, the hanging moss — and you could almost 6cent the fragrance of the magnolias when the four Dictators assisted by the Albertine Rasch Girls again and again rendered the catchy air. The Dictators are great ; sing well, dress their parts — and are good looking. No Southern scene would be complete without the traditional Colonel, and he was present in the person of Eddie Matthews, who gave the manuel of arms that would even put a West Pointer to shame. Not alone, that but he danced, and did it well. Matthews was a Confederate vet, with the time-honored suit of grey, but the act could have been improved if he dressed the part of the Colonel with the frock coat, the slouch hat and the wardrobe by which the goneforever gentleman is remembered by, suh. The Ormonde Sisters, good vocalists and steppers received several hands for their clever work and got only what they deserved — honest appreciation. Billed as the comedian of the company Will Aubrey got away with it as most of his class do. Taken as a whole his work was clever but not sufficiently heavy enough for the booking agents of the elite East to flood his hotel with wires offering a life engagement; but even at that, he earned his salary. The ballet, the Albertine Rasch Girls danced well, new steps with perfect unison, and wardrobe that must be seen to be appreciated — and was the best of its class seen on the Saenger stage in many a week. Coming down to the local end of the entertainment it was fully as satisfactorily as that of the Publix, with Castro Carazo leader of the orchestra gave as his overture Von Suppe's "Light Cavalry" followed by Wesley Lord on the organ with "I Get the Blues When It Rains" who was voluntarily assisted by the audience who insisting on singing the choruses thru all performances. (Naturally that makes the organist mad.) Ray Teal the personality leader, sings, and wiggles, while Johnnie DeDroit punishes the sax to the great delight of the audience. The film is Broadway Babies, one of the best talkies in recent months, due perhaps to the perfect acoustics of this theatre. Detroit Michigan Week Ending June 27 That traffic congestion you saw in front of the Michigan theatre this week was just caused by the crowds trying to get in to see Davey Lee, latest of the child film stars. Davey's act started out with an organlogue played by Arthur Gutow, the Michigan's organist. Art called his offering "Modern Mother Goose." This was a series of rhymes founded on the old fable and all of them leading up to the introduction of the child film wonder. Such rhymes as "kids back in the olden times played jacks, but Davey worries about his income tax." « Davey worked in one before a black curtain, with the orchestra in the pit and with a runway out over the pit where Davey could do his stuff a la Al Jolson. Davey was attired in a white sailor suit with long trousers and a flowing, black tie. When Davey first came out, he answered a lot of questions put to him by Al Evans, conducting in the pit. Davey told all about Al Jolson, whom he calls Uncle Al. and sang "Mammy" as Uncle Al would sing it. Davey exaggerated the song so much he was awfully funny. Next, Davey put over that newest of heart jerkers, "Sonny Boy," and answered some more questions, this time about the new picture he is working in with Jolson. Davey was all through after that, and walked off stage nonchalantly blowing kisses to the audience. Despite a storm of applause, Davey had decided he'd had enough and wouldn't come back. The regular Publix stage show was billed "Say It With Music." and featured Charles Irwin, that popular young man who has appeared here several times as master of ceremonies. At the back of the stage was a gigantic library table on which sat four enormous books. At each end of the books were bookends — chorus girls of (Continued on page 93) Music and Talent 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. MUSIC AND TALENT— To the Editor: Herewith a little infor picked up along the way out in the "great northwest." Just arrived here after three very pleasant days in the Twin Cities. Several important changes in the Twin Cities, which will be of vital interest to your publisher readers. After seventeen years association with the Metropolitan Music Company, Mr. William Kregness has severed his connections with that firm and is now allied with the J. W. Kelly Piano Company of Vancouver, B. C. His place is filled by Mr. A. Hill who is doing the buying for the Metropolitan. Mr. A. J. Simon continues with the company as generalissimo in charge of the sheet music department. Metropolitan Music Company moved into their new quarters at 10th street and Nicollet avenue, Minneapolis, on July 1. Mr. Ernest Dahlquist, the well known composer, still handling the sheet music end at W. J. Dyer & Brothers Company of St. Paul. Mr. Jack Chantler enjoying a healthy increase in the popular music department at the Paul A. Schmidt Music Company, Minneapolis. Received right royally in Minneapolis and made to feel at home by those regular fellows, Frank Novack and George Getsey, who so ably represent the Leo Feist interests in the Twin cities. Two live wires these, who have their catalogue right up on top in their territory. Arrived in Omaha today and find the Riviera theatre reopened under the new name of "The Paramount." Stage band policy and organ solos back in vogue with my old friend from Chicago, Al Morey, wielding the baton and little Herbie Koch back on the console again. Could not close without a word about my own catalogue and am happy to state that all around these "parts" I find, "Pagan Love Song," "You Were Meant for Me," "Broadway Melody," "If I Had You," "The One in the World," well up on all the sales sheets with Benny Davis' newest, "Where Are You. Dream Girl ?" coming along by leaps and bounds. With kindest regards and hoping to see you in Chicago about August 1, I am — Phil Wilcox, Omaha, Neb., General Midwestern Manager, Robbins Music Corporation. July 14-18, Mayfair Hotel, St. Louis, Mo. WJ% RUSSELL * jq SAYS I MUSIC a** TALENT I CHICAGO bSHHIHHHI GREETINGS! . . . What is going to be the outcome of all these strikes? . . . Equity says they will call out every branch of the organization and the musicians say they will do the same. ... If the operators are called out then it will make it hard to run sound pictures. ... Of course film producers can close down their studios for a long time and keep every theatre closed until this matter is settled but will that be the right way to settle? . . . The best way to settle any dispute is the fairest way. ... If theatres are closed many thousands of stage people would be thrown out of work. . . . Besides the public would be without amusement. . . . The big corporations can afford to do that but can members of the A. F. L. in all its branches afford to be out of work for months? . . Think twice, folks, before you make a move. . . . Someone has to be reasonable and beggars are not always choosers. . . . This is a motor age and men are at its mercy but fighting fire with fire never puts it out either. . . . Think it over. . . . Well let's go in with our weekly review. ... In the latest report from Broadway we hear that Jack Pepper formerly of picture houses and recently a hit at the New York Palace has been given the comedy lead in "Keep It Clean" a new Broadway revue. . . . Pauline Gaskins, another presentation artist, has a feature role in this show also. ... If Will Morrissey gets a new laugh the show might become a hit in the next few weeks. . . . Speaking of shows we understand that "Sketch Book" the Earl Carroll revue written by Eddie Cantor and now playing at the Carroll theatre on Broadway is a fast hit. . . . Will Mahoney is the star comedian and George Givot and Nancy Decker have important parts. . . . Rudy Vallee has his own night club and is doing a great business. ... In spite of the press stories printed about him as a song pirate we hear Vallee is still the best Broadway bet today in any popular amusement. . . . Roxy has returned to its former policy of high class stage shows and Lew Holtz is now rehearsing for a new revue to be produced by Morris Gest. . . . And from the West Coast we understand Laural and Hardy the famous film comedians are making personal appearances in a playlet for the West Coast theatres. . . . Al Short formerly general musical director for Publix on the West Coast is now with Fanchon and Marco. . . . Vince Silkis now acting as Master of Ceremonies for the Fanchon and Marco shows at the World theatre in Omaha. . . . Now for the local news and the best news, received word from the Chicago Fox theatres that they will reopen the Chicago Sheridan theatre August 2, that's on a Friday, with the famous West Coast Fanchon and Marco stage shows. ... A new show will open each Friday. . . . The Woods Building has been rather deserted, everybody seems to be on their vacations, Bob Mellin was away for a week. . . . Sid Wormser able associate of Sam Herman left last week for California. . . . Billy Mills, producer for National Playhouses has gone home for a vacation. . . . Irving Ullman has been in New York for a week and Sid Lorraine left last week for the big Burg with Tommy Leahy leaving this week. . . . When you are ready for those pictures drop around and see Mrs. Howard at the Bloom Studios, she will sure make you feel at home. . . . Art Kahn is now broadcasting from WBBM thru the ABC Columbian Broadcasting Chain on the Sonatron Hour. . . . This national broadcasting hookup allows Art an opportunity to broadcast thru 45 radio stations. . . . Margaret Felch is now booking the Western Canadian circuit and last but not least is now a Grandmother, her son Stanley Felch assistant manager of the Paradise theatre is the proud father of a baby girl. . . . Mrs. Rose Robbins wife of Jack Robbins the Music Publisher passed thru Chicago last week on her way to the west coast to join her husband for a vacation together. . . . Harry Robinson formerly on the staff of the Remick music company and more recently of Berlin's is now in business for himself writing Organ novelties and solos for organists in and out of town and believe me his mail is getting bigger each week. . . . Van and Schenck are being held over for the third week. ... It seems that R K O are running short of good talent with b. o. names. . . . Henri Keates has proved to be a box office attraction so B & K have transferred him to thee Norshore during the summer policy of all talking picture at that theatre — a wise move without a doubt. "THE TAPPING FLAPPER AND THE TWISTING FLIPPER" PAUL and FERRAL IN PUBLIX "RADIO ROMANCE" UNIT THIS WEEK STANLEY, JERSEY CITY NEXT WEEK — BRANEORD, NEWARK FORMERLY WITH SHUBERT'S "NIGHT IN SPAIN" "NIGHT IN VENICE" THANX TO WM. MORRIS