Inside facts of stage and screen (October 18, 1930)

PAGE TWELVE INSIDE FACTS OF STAGE AND SCREEN OCT. 18, 1930 TUNING UP Billy Hamer .aOVER THE CLEFF^r By Will Davis LOS ANGELES GRAND OPERA ASSOCIATION has just closed the most prosperous season in its history. Night after night the immense Shrine Auditorium has been filled to capacity. On several nights hundreds were turned away. Philharmonic Orchestra, under direction of Arthur Rodzinsky, starts rehearsals Tuesday. This season, the usual big seat sell- ing campaign has been dispensed with, and the subscriptions are a good many thousands of dollars ahead of last year at this time. One of the chief reasons for the popularity of, and the demand for good music, is the broadcasting of high class music by the radio stations. * * * ♦—— — Robbins’ tune, “Here Comes the Sun,” has taken a tremen- dous spurt in sales. The num- ber was decidedly a dark horse until this week but has come through a winner. * * * Thought I saw Chess Gillette, president of local No. 47, at the organ console of the Boulevard Theatre. If it wasn’t Chess, he has a double. * * * Garnett Marks, local songster, has departed for St. Louis to join a radio station there. * * * In last week’s issue, we men- tioned a new publishing firm known as “D. & W. Songs,” but have now been informed that the company will be known as “George Waggner Songs.” With either title on the bottom of the page, we are still picking “It Must Be True” to make a big impres- sion on the profession and public. * * * Ran into Mickey Hester in the wee sma’ hours the other day, and upon being asked what he was doing out at that hour he retorted “Just out for a midnight adven- ture.” That seemed like rather a smart remark for a song-plugger who is devoted both to his family and his job, and the next morning’s mail brought me a copy of a new NADEJINES REMAIN IN TALENT CENTER Nikolai Nadejine, Russian bari- tone, and his wife, Nell Tritten, English poetess, have decided to re- main permanently in Hollywood. Their original intention was merely to visit the film city enroute to Eu- rope from Australia, where Nade- jine had just completed a success- ful concert tour. “Nowhere, in all my travels,” the Russian said, “have I found in one city the artistic atmosphere, and the appreciation of the arts, which ex- ists in this inspiring locality. “Here one finds leaders in music, painting, sculpture, acting and lit- erature. Names which would create a sensation, anywhere else in the civilized world, are passed by as of small consequence here, because of the plentitude of talent.” CAN’T GET LYMAN Reported Roosevelt Hotel man- agement has been trying to book Abe Lyman and his orchestra for the Blossom Room. Lyman’s con- tract with Fox West Coast The- atres made this impossible, however, because orchestra would have to double between the Carthay Circle and the Blossom. To this proposal, Roosevelt management turned the stony ear. SANTREY ON SCREEN Henry Santrey and His Soldiers of Fortune have been brought to the audible screen in a novelty mu- sical revue on the Vitaphone Vari- eties program. Witmark tune called “It Was Only a Midnight Adventure.” * * * If the vaudeville field throws your talents carelessly to the four winds, try radio. Example—Billy Van, miking from KGER, has just invested in a new Cord, and we don’t mean a tire. * * * Carl Lamont is all hopped up, and lawfully, too. “Moon- light on the Colorado” is perch- ed on top, the new “Black- birds” opens on the 20th with two Shapiro-Bernstein tunes, “You’re Lucky to Me” and “Mem’ries Of You”, “By All The Stars Above You” and “Loving You the Way I Do” are selling nicely. * * * One of the neatest music libraries in local picture studios is at the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer lot. George Schneider is the librarian there and deserves credit for its condition. * * * Jack Scholl, writer of “Lov- ing You the Way I Do,” has two numbers with Sherman, Clay & Co., from the picture “The Oklahoma Cyclone” called “Song of the Range” and “Let Me Live Out on a Prairie.” * * * Jack Stern, of Irving Berlin, Inc., has a nice lineup of plugs. “Confessin’ ”, “My Bluebird Was Caught In The Rain” and “Just A Little While” are among ace sell- ers. TIOMKIN SHOCKED AS DRIVER EXPIRES Dimitri Tiomkin, celebrated Rus- sian composer, has been ill for the past few days, as the result, of a shock sustained last Sunday even- ing. While riding with his old friend, Boris Vavitch, Russian singer and actor, at the wheel, the latter died instantly from a heart attack. Tiomkin was unhurt, but the ex- perience affected the composer seri- ously. He is now able, however, to continue his duties at Universal Studios, where he is originating the musical settings for Edwin Carewe’s “Resurrection.” HAS PLATFORM LONG BEACH, Oct. 16.—Fred Carter, one of the big atractions as a dance director and who is respon- sible for doubling crowds at the Majesitc Ballroom, has a new plat- form with unique lighting effects for his band. GAGEL BAND NEWS LONG BEACH, Oct. 16.—New- ell Chesterton, featured pianist with Gus Gagel’s orchestra, was married recently. Two new sax men, Pat Hogan and Hal Johnston, open with Gagel’s aggregation today. JOE DOING WELL LONG BEACH, ct. 160.—Joe Lindenbaum and his orchestra re- port good business at the local Coconut Grove and look forward to a big winter. Leaders No change in the lead-offs this week, “Little White Lies,” the Don- aldson tune, still heading the ten best, with the Witmark “Kiss Waltz” in the deuce spot with “Moonlight on the Colorado.” “Here Comes the Sun” stepped up into the best ten this week with effectual plugging, together with De Sylva, Brown, Henderson’s “Gee But I’d Like to Make You Happy,” which is closing in on the leaders. A new tune that’s meeting with outstanding favor is the Shapiro, Bernstein song, “By All the Stars Above You.” Public favorites are much the same as the previous week, accord- ing to reports from the leading iobber and retailer, with the final line-up as follows. jjC 3j{ jJ; LOS ANGELES 1. “Little White Lies,” Donald- son. 2. “Kiss Waltz,” Witmark. “Moonlight on the Colorado,” Shapiro, Bernstein. 3. “I’m Yours,” Famous. “If I Could Be With You One Hour To- night,” Remick. 4. “Gee But I’d Like to Make You Happy,” De Sylva, Brown, Henderson. 5. “Here Comes the Sun,” Rob- bins. 6. “Confession,” Berlin. 7. “Go Home and Tell Your Mother,” Robbins. 8. “River of Golden Dreams,” Feist. 9. “Bloom Is on the Sage,” Pree- man. 10. “It Seems to Be Soring,” Famous. “Just a Little Closer,” Robbins. * * * SAN FRANCISCO “If I Could Be with You” and “I’m Yours” were newcomers to the ten best list which was headed bv “Go Home and Tell Your Mother” with “Little White Lies” skidding to - second position. Top notchers ate: 1. “Go Home and Tell Your Mother,” Robbins. 2. “Little White Lies,” Donald- son. 3. “If I Could Be with You,” Remick. 4. “Confessin’,” Berlin. 5. “Kiss Waltz,” Witmark. 6. “Here Comes the Sun,” Rob- bins. 7. “Betty Co-ed.” Feist. 8. “Bluebird Was Caught in the Rain.” Berlin. 9. “I’m Yours,” Famous. 10. “I’ll Be Blue Thinking of You,” Feist. Robbins Sailing To Tie Up Songs J. J. Robbins, head of the Rob- bins Music Corporation, exclusive -'ublishers to Metro- Goldwvn- Mayer, sailed for Europe October '0 on the Majestic, for an approxi- mate six weeks’ stav abroad. While 'n Europe, Mr. Robbins expects to mter into new associations with music publishers in England and ‘'he Continent, in behalf of his firm’s catalog. MUSICAL FOREIONS VOGUE OF PATHE IS BEING ADOPTED Following decision of Pathe to film pictures in silent form for for- eign release, with music accompani- ment only, comes the announce- ment from Abe Meyer, head of the Meyer Synchronizing Service Ltd. ‘■hat many of the producers aligned with him are preparing to follow suit. Main reason given the producers ; s that foreign dialogue pictures Produced here, do not contain the stars the neonle are most anxious to see, because stars well-known to '■inertia world are unfamiliar with manv lammao'es. As a result, the service will shortly begin synchron- izing with music a batch of the re- cently completed larger independent productions. Ray Paige and his 35-piece or- chestra over station KHJ have led the way in good radio music. Ray has the largest staff orchestra in radio. This versatile organization assisted by a male chorus, and a femme ensemble, play varied pro- grams of symphonic music, operas, and latest popular fox trots. Near- ly all of the music is specially ar- ranged by a staff of three expert arrangers. Ray says a new contract has been signed for 5 2 weeks of one hour presentations of light opera, with dialogue and music. * * * GEORGE COX, orchestra man- ager at radio station KGFJ, reports a very successful season. Through good management of owner Ben McGlashan, Cox has been able to build the orchestra entertainment from a trio up to a twelve piece concert orchestra, since the first of the year. Orchestra is composed of Jerry Joyce, violin; Chas. Silliman, violin; Red Smith, Les Schroeder, and Ber- nard Stumph, reeds; Jess Clifford, bass; Wm. Sabransky, piano; S. Royce, flute; Ross Hodgkinson, trombone; Geo. Mayes, trumpet; George McMasters, drums and tym- pani; and George Cox, Cello. Allan Fairchild is chief announcer, and has one of the finest speaking voices on the air. Arch Fritz, or- ganist, broadcasts nightly from his studio in the musicians club. This is the only 24 hour station, and all of these people should be given credit for furnishnig continuous en- tertainment. * * * RAY BAILEY, pianist-director, and his orchestra, at station KMTR are a busy bunch. Sunday, its sym- phonic jazz at 6 p.m.; “Old Music Chest” at 8; Musical Mixture at 8:30; and dance music at 9:30. On week days “Novelties” at 7 p.m.; “Salon” at 8:30; String Quintette at 9:30; Melodies of Years Ago at 10 p.m. Members of the orchestra are Morris Haigh, and Billy Mark- owitz, violins; J. Perluss, cello; A1 Buechner, bass; Lou Marcasie, sax, clarinet and oboe; Fordy Kendle, sax, clarinet and flute; Les Moe, trumpet; Art Ginder, trombone; Preston Lodwick, drums and tym- pani; and Ray Bailey, director. * * * Ray Martinez, director, and Cecil Crandall, orchestra man- ager, are attending to musical matters at station KFWB. Members of the orchestra are Cecil Crandall, Maurice Koeh- ler, and Joe Villin, violins; Wm. Tucker, piano; Nate Letjesky, cello; Frank Pendleton, bass; A1 Mauling, Fred Biebesheimer and Joe Barrett, reeds; Chas. Boynon, flute and voice; Ross Magnus, guitar and vibraphone; and Ray Martinez, director. Jack Joy is production manager. * * * S. W. SMALLFIELD and his new orchestra at the “Million Dol- br” are meeting with great success. Their overture starts the show off with appreciative response, and the lively playing throughout, furnishes *he pep to put over a snapnv show. Orchestra is composed of M. Chas- houdian, and M. A. Pierre, violins: Toe Petrone. piano; A. G. Alfonso, bass; E, E. Eben, organ; Reg John- son, sax; F. Briston, sax; Aime Reinwald, and I. R. Dow, trumpets: E. Pollock, trombone: Danny Cairns, drums; and S. W. Smallfield, director. * * * DENNY DONALDSON is the new trumpeter in Lou Traveller’s band at Casino Gardens, Denny was formerly with Hank Halsteads orchestra. This week, the band is celebrating its first anniversary, plaving to big crowds as usual. Owner Sams is on a three months vacation tour of the U.S. He writes from Philadelphia: “Things in this part of the country are on the bum. You folks out there don’t know what hard times look like.” It may be possible that Mr. Sams bet some cash on St. Louis in the world series. Makes him feel blue. Labor Day is supposed to close the summer season at the beaches, but a look around the crowded ball- rooms will convince you that its always summer in Southern Califor- nia. * * * LA RUE HILLIKER AND HIS DANCE BAND WILL OPEN AT THE RAINBOW GARDENS ON SATURDAY. REPLACING MAURY PAUL AND HIS BAND. * * * TOMMY BOYD; formerly or- chestra director in the San Fran- cisco Orpheum who came to Los Angeles during the gold rush, of the Spring of 1930, found music overcrowded, and, bright fellow that he is, he turned his eyes in other directions. Tommy now has a very profitable business as repre- sentative of H. R. Curtis wholesale radio distributors. * * * PETE PONTRELLI, and his Troubadors are makin’ ’em step hig;h at the Palace ballroom. A ver- satile dance band bubbling over with enthusiasm and pep, and they have several fine specialty numbers. Best among these are, the “Anvil Chor- us,” fox trot done in costume by Pete Pontrelli and Len Mojica with electric anvils; “Swinging In A Hammock,” in which Clarence Rand and Bob Snell do a nifty tap dance; and “Hungarian Dance,” with four boys in a dance specialty. Encores are demanded for all of these num- bers as well as many more. Pete regrets to inform the gang of the departure of Ken Wilcox, drummer, who is leaving for the Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix. Ken has worked hard and faithfully at the Palace, and deserves a lot of credit for the success of Pontrelli’s Troubadors. George Pemberthy is the new drummer. * * * BUNNY BURSON, SAXO- PHONIST, LATE OF THE “TEMPTATIONS OF 1930” ORCHESTRA, HAS GONE TO THE SILVER SLIPPER IN SAN FRANCISCO. * * * ERNO RAPPE returned early in the week from a flying trip to New York City. Hollywood and New York are now quite close together in everything except miles. * * * AL SHORT AND HIS OR- CHESTRA AT THE MAYAN ARE WORKING ON THEIR TWO WEEKS NOTICE. * * * WM. BAFFA’S orchestra at the El Capitan consists of Ernie Stock, trumpet; Clarence Hill, sax; Win Bowles, sax; and Maurice Lemon- ick, pianist. * * * CURLY SCHUTZ, sax and vio- linist at La Boheme cafe has pur- chased an interest in the Park View riding academy. Horses by day, and music by night, will keep Curly pretty busy, but he promises us a lively time if we pay him a visit. * * * DICK WEBSTER, singing violinist, is a new member of Slim Martin’s Pantages orches- tra. * * * MADDIE MADSON, violinist, has gone to San Bernardino to lead the orchestra in the new California Theatre. * * * MAX FISHER is reported leav- ing for Chicago, where he will play an engagement for Balaban & Katz theatres. MURRY SMITH AND HIS ORCHESTRA AT THE Montmavte Ca£e Hollywood AND NIGHTLY OVER STATION KFWB Plays These International ROBBINS Hits. “JUST A LITTLE CLOSER” . . . “SINGING A SONG TO THE STARS” . . . “GO HOME AND TELL YOUR MOTHER” . . . “HERE COMES THE SUN” ROBBINS MUSIC CORP. 799 SEVENTH AVE. NEW YORK CITY