Exhibitors Herald World (Oct-Dec 1930)

42 EXHIBITORS HERALD-WORLD December 27, 1930 W MUSIC AND TALENT "Clemmer's Folly" Then; Feature Now Organ 's Path 20 Years Ago Was Dubious Oliver Wallace, Veteran Organist Recalls Those "First Days"— 10 Cents Was Too Much Looking back some 20 years, when the installation of an organ into a moving picture theatre was unheard of, and when the idea of paying 10 cents for admission to a picture show was a grave problem among the patrons, is a most interesting pastime, according to Oliver Wallace, veteran organist, who at the present time is engaged at the Fox Broadway theatre in Portland. Comparing the early struggles of both organists and the owners of the moving picture "palaces" of those days with what is to be found in the world of amusement of today is somewhat of a revelation. Changes do occur, and the metamorphosis that has taken place in the realm of the organ as the theatre knows it is rather complete, as things go. About that time (20 years ago), when James Clemmer, pioneer showman, announced that he would install a pipe organ in his Dream theatre in Seattle, and would raise his prices from five to ten cents, the townsfolk were truly startled. The organ, which cost the immense sum of $2,500, was the cause of some controversy with churches and churchmen. Many of the latter considered that organ music in a theatre, particularly a motion picture theatre, was nothing less than outright sacrilege. Incidentally, according to Wallace, the organ that was installed in the Dream theatre is reputed to be the first installed in any picture house in the country. Wallace was engaged to play "Clemmer's Folly," as the instrument was called, but he quickly proved its worth as an aid to the theatre program, and it became very popular. In comparison with his early efforts, Wallace has but recently returned to his present location, having played in theatres in Los Angeles. One instrument on which he played cost $72,000, which compared to the cost of "Clemmer's Folly," gives a short story on the rise to popularity of organs among theatre patrons. (Continued on page 45, column 1) Three Songsters Tom, Dick and Harry are not as irresponsible as their names would lead one to believe, that is, if one recaNs that old adage, and if there is such a suspicion aroused by the title, just "twist" the instrument so that it gets in their way, and presto! You'll be delighted. Harmony, dulcet and scintillating, personalities that trickle through the air and land with gusto in the circle of enraptured listeners that cluster about the radio. And now please turn to Bobby Mellin's column, and read a bit more about these three boys. We should be happy to continue, but that "Before the Mike" would complete it more fittingly. STAGE SHOWS Omaha Orpheum Week Ending December 18 This week's bill opened with selections by the R-K-Olians orchestra, directed by "Eddie" Perrigo, from Victor Herbert's "The Fortune Hunter." Paul Remos and hie Toy Boys, midgets, opened the stage performances, Paul entering with a traveling bag as though coming in to a hotel, where two uniformed Toy Boys, as bell-hops, salute him and offer to take care of his baggage. The bag is set upon a chair and opened. A flask of what would be liquor is taken from it and presently from out of the same bag a third midget appears, in the uniform of a policeman and at once taking Paul in charge with his bottle. This brings a second round of applause, the first when the bell-hops appear. The Toy Boys carry on the major portion of the act, except for the balancing stunts of Remos, in one of which a boy stood on his head at the top of a long pole that Remos balanced upon his own chin. In another stunt a Toy Boy played a xylophone while balancing atop a similar pole held balanced by Remos. There were also other balancing novelties requiring considerable skill. Danny Small and Harry Mays, colored, in an act called "Taking It Easy," give the audience a spell of clowning. The one comedy hit of their act probably is when one plays a mandolin and the other sings in Yiddish, using the language unmistakeably. Both tap-dance, and while one dances the other clowns at the side of the stage. The act closes with a song number, "Sweetheart, Don't Leave Me Alone in My Dreams." "Bomby" and his radio gang present a musical treat and his is the heavy number of the stage program. They open with "Hello, Everybody." The stage is arranged as a music room, a large French window looking out upon New York skyscrapers, among which is plainly visible the radio sending antennae. In the room, the furniture includes davenports, overstuffed chairs and numerous lamps. The theme song from the "Vagabond King," a quartet selection from "Rigoletto," "Song of Songs," and also from Victor Herbert's "Italian Street Song." are favorites on their program. JULIA DAWN The Golden Voiced Organist STILL DOING NOVELTIES FOR DELUXE THEATRES NOW AT PARAMOUNT'S PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE SYDNEY AUSTRALIA P Philadelphia Mastbaum Week Ending December 26 "Merrie Christmas," the lively Yuletide stage show at the Mastbaum this week, possesses all the elements of entertainment to amuse grown-ups as well as children. The length of the stage show caused the omission of the orchestra overture, which has become such an important feature at this theatre. The Fred Evans Girls in black and silver did a combination toe and tap dance that was full of rhythm and pep. Teddy Joyce and his stage band were in fine form and the burlesque aesthetic dance of three members of the band to the strains of "Spring Song" was excruciatingly funny. This was followed by a ghost scene when a very realistic ghost in long white garments pursued the chorus across the stage as weird green and yellow lights flashed on and off. Gus and Will's tap and acrobatic dancing was above the average, but there was nothing particularly outstanding about their act. Herschel Henlere is a musical genius who mixes comedy with his musical efforts. He appeared first (Continued on next page column 1) UNIFORMS FOR HOUSE ATTACHES COSTUMES FOR STAGE PRESENTATIONS BROOKS 1437 B'way N. Y. City