Inside facts of stage and screen (November 22, 1930)

NOV. 22, 1930 INSIDE FACTS OF STAGE AND SCREEN PAGE SEVEN SAN FRANCISCO HAROLD J. BOCK, Manager, Phone DOuglas 2213 KRESS BLDG., 935 MARKET ST., Office Suite 504 FILMS WEAK; GROSSES LOW SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 20.— Holding over of two pictures and opening of three weak ones brought down the general average of local picture houses for the past week. Second week of “Min and Bill” at Loew’s Warfield found that house with what was still the most satisfactory intake of the town, while Orpheum with “Cat Creeps,” St. Francis, with “Truth About Youth” and Fox with "Re- mote Control” were not raising the roof with cheers. “Min and Bill,” after a record- breaking initial seven days, held up nicely and drew around $25,000, staying on for still longer. Cali- fornia had Harold Lloyd in “Feet First” for a second week and did but $12,000, while “Lincoln” with Walter Huston is now in and do- ing well. Universal’s “Cat Creeps” (better known as “Cat and Canary”) did a mediocre $7500 for the Orpheum which gets Columbia's “Tol’able David” on Saturday for an expect- ed run. Publix’s St. Francis did $7000 on “Truth About Youth,” while Fox with “Remote Control” and Walt Roesner in concert grabbed off about $35,000, not av- erage. “Just Imagine” is current, with El Brendel in person the opening day. Paramount with Bancroft in “Derelict” and first New York stage show drew $18,500, best in weeks. “Tom Sawyer” is now in. Embassy at the bottom of the thermometer with a forced week of “Life of the Party” following a veiy poor second week. Market St. Gleanings IRONS PUT PIERCE INTO CAPITOL SHOW SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 20.— Warren B. Irons, Irons and tClammage, arrived here this week to look over his troupe at the Cap- itol and to confer with Manager John Goldsmith. While here Irons effected several changes. Harry Kelly leaves the Irons company as character and straight man. Freddie Pierce suc- ceeds. Silent pictures being used as fillers at the house, may be junked in favor of talkies. It is possible that open- ing day for the theatre may he set back from Thursday to Sunday. SELLS HER SONGS SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 20.— Kamie Belfils, young song author- ess, has sold two of her numbers, one “Dreamy Rocky Mountain Moon,” to Feist; the other, “Where Are You Now” to Sherman, Clay. WITH COLUMBIA SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 20.— Hugo Strickland, former Tiffany exchange manager, has joined the sales force of Columbia Pictures, handling the San Joaquin territory. VERY SPECIAL Guaranteed Permanent Wave A Wave you can care (or yourself. $ 9-50 Complete Only at Mode- art ia this ex- clusive wave obtainable. A bargain offer no woman can a f fo r d to miss. 20 years’ Including shampoo 4b e x p e r le nee, act* Small additional and remember charge for long hair, there is no substitute for experience. Mareel Wave* 75c. Medicated Shampoo, including finger wave. SI. MODEART Permanent Wave Studio 1007 Market St., at Sixth. Entire 2nd Floor Telephone HEmlock 6873 Open 9 to 9 with or without appt. SAN FRANCISCO Dick Parks’ colored walkathon at National Hall ... 14 couples tread- ing the boards ... a crash of hot music and they snap into a char- acteristic dusky strut . . . it’s a show in itself . . . Bob and Mrs. Olsen there incognito . . . A1 Sather drops in for a brief peek . . . Goodwin Goldie also . . . George Sperry working the remote control system. Re-opening of Tivoli was a big social event . . . with Irv Ackerman and Dick Marshall as hosts . . . among first nighters being Louie Macloon, Sid Goldtree, Helen Wills, Alex McCausland, Frederick Pymm, Dutch Reimer, Henry Pincus, Lew Serbin, Paul Bissinger . . . who, by the way, has dropped out of show business since his “Hi There” went phfft . . . Mike Rosenberg, Walter Barusch, Bill Abrams, Frank Hill, George Warren, Fred Johnson, Lloyd Thompson, Sam Harris, Harry Bush, Leonard Levinson . . . and enough others to pack the house. Tommy Harris is very much that way about a little girl named Ann . . . looks very serious . . . Lilli Segrena, star of “Paris in Spring” is the wife of Everett Marshall. Metropolitan opera luminary and feature of “Dixiana” . . . Jack J. Gross is very near sighted . . . the Westerners rehearsing a tune and doing a mighty fine job of it . . . Larry Yoell claims the mint is the only place making money. Boswell Sisters meeting the folks . . . in his Camel Hour orchestra, Mahlon Merrick has one of the best musical organizations on the ether waves . . . Walt Roesner is a crank at bridge . . . while Joe Sinai is a cinch to double the bidder in spades. WHITMER GOES TO HOUSE AT FRESNO SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 20.— Closing recently as m.c. at the local Paramount, Ken Whitmer has been signed by Fanchon and Marco and opened this week as m.c. at the Fox California, San Jose, batting for Jack Souders in the latter’s absence. From San Jose, Whitmer trans- fers to the Fox Wilson, Fresno, where he will hold down the head man’s job. BETH BERI SAILS OAKLAND, Nov. 20.—Mrs. Mark Hanna, known professional- ly as Beth Beri, has sailed on the President Polk for Shanghai where she will join her husband who is far western representative for Par- amount. STOCK REORGANIZES OAKLAND, Now. 20.—George Ebey and Ed Hogarty will darken the Fulton for two weeks beginning December 6, when they will re- organize the stock company in time for a Christmas day re-open- ing. STUDIO of DANCING 577 Geary St. San Francisco Franklin 2562 Acrobatic, Stage, Tap, Rhythm, Ballet and Ballroom Dancing ROUTINES FOR THEATRICAL PEOPLE Private Lessons by Appointment Children’s Classes Saturday at 11 Young People’s Classes, Eves., 8 to II. STAGE PULLS IN BAY CITY SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 20.— Starting out with a nice attendance and building up throughout the week Irving Ackerman’s and Dick Marshall’s idea of low priced drama seems to have caught on at the Tivoli where “Ladies of the Even- ing” opened last Wednesday night. While not large, the initial gross, $5000, was quite comfortable and indicates a number of customers have attended the show at a 75 cent top tariff. “Ladies” holds on for a second week to be followed by a stock production of “Front Page.” Mrs. Pat Campbell opened Sun- day night at the Columbia in Ibsen’s “Ghosts” and play drew a lot of broad-A trade but not too much cash. Second week of Lillian Albert- son’s “Paris in Spring” at the Cur- ran did about $14,000 and continues. Duffy fared better than usual, third week of “Stepping Sisters” at the Alcazar indicating still another pickup in business over the first and second weeks. Figure was $6500, very satisfactory. President with second week of Fred Pymm and “Dracula” got $7200 and that, too ;s very good. Charlotte Greenwood in “Parlor, Bedroom and Bath” underlined to follow “Dracula” in about two more weeks. “Apple Cart” opens Monday night at the Geary, now dark, for two weeks. Sid Goldtree’s production of “Ex-Mistress’ is rolling merrily along at the Green Street. RED IN LONG RUN SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 20.— Clyde “Red” Lockwood and his or- chestra are hanging up a long run record at Topsy’s Roost, this city’s largest night clubs, where they have been featured for about two years. Members of the group are Frank Lockwood, drums; George Meyers, reeds; Lloyd Webb, bass; Charlie Ballou, banjo; Harry Miles, banjo; and Red himself as sax and direc- tor. ORPH LINE-UP OAKLAND, Nov. 2 0. — Nick Sturiale’s newly organized RKOli- ans at the local Orpheum are Max Firestone, violin, assistant director; Jack Scott, piano; Mickey Lazarus. Lindsey Roberts, saxes; Charles Weiner, Ellis Kimball, trumpets: Bob Misner, trombone; Jack Dow- ney, drums; Bill Sewell, bass, and Sturiale, director. SOLDIERS SEE KIDS SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 20- Pearl Hickman, head of the local and Oakland dance studios bearing her name, presented about 100 of her pupils in a benefit performance last Tuesday night for ailing sold- iers at the Presidio. MILLER DOUBLING SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 20.— Herman Miller’s concert orchestra is now at Clinton’s Powell street cafeteria and broadcasts over KYA by remote control. SURVIVOR SOUGHT SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 20.— Negotiations are under way be- tween several competing theatres and backers of Jorgen M. Grevc seaman and sole survivor of the recent Brooklyn sinking in which 18 men lost their lives. Greve has been front paged since his rescue last week and was just released from the hospital. CASHIN AT PEKIN OAKLAND. Nov. 20.—Leo Cashin is now m.c. at the Pekin Cafe. He was formerly at the Man- darin, San Francisco. HIRSCH - ARNOLD BALLET MISTRESSES created and costumed all dance numbers now en tour Fox Circuit with ST T»mO_S4S sutterV M -* THE HOME OF ALL THEATRICAL PEOPLE PLAYING SAN FRANCISCO SPEC,AI - RATES TO PROFESSIONALS JACK WOLFENDEN. Prop. FRANK RATCHFORD, Manager Vaude and Presentations (Continued from Page 5) ceived a nice hand for her rendition of “Maybe”. Pose number, with Eddie Page singing “I’m Yours,” went over big. Principals handle their parts O. K., hings moving along in a swift man- er, with laughs comign fast and furious. Fanchon Milton gave them a nice song, but her usual hoofing was missed. Fearless Four went over big with several good harmony numbers. Buster Graves was called back for his splendid vocalization of “Sing You Sinners” and “Moaning Low.” A nifty eccentric dance by Tony Yale ending their Frolic. Dusty. FOX OAKLAND OAKLAND (Reviewed Nov. 18) Record breaking capacity busi- ness at this ace cinema palace with Metro’s “Min and Bill” the rea- son. On a generally ordinary Tues day night, the lobby was jammed with customers and a healthy hold- out waited outside. Ably supporting the screen fea- ture, was another of the recently inaugurated production overtures directed by Hermie King. Musical comedy selections, old and new. used. Played up, were the string and brass sections and p)d O’Mai ’ey in an xylophone solo. Billv Knox was at the c-gan. Offering crught on. Stage show was Fanchon and Marco's “Doll Follies,” which wa' almost entirely dancing. In the “idea” were LaSalle and Mack -omedy acros; Les Klincks, with his illuminated marionettes; Bebc Gherman, vocalist; Ramon and Virginia, dance team, and Roy Loomis dancers. —Bock. CAPITOL SAN FRANCISCO (Reviewed Nov. 15) Almost a completely new lineui of principals in Warren Irons crew of burlesouers including j pair of comics, Frank O'Neill am Jack Grecnman; June Rhodes good straight and specialty worn in; Myers and Verdon, harmom team, with Miss Myers primaim and a hot dancer. Peggy H : ll Tames Yoman, Harrv Kelly George Grafe, Millie Pedro am other favorites continue. O’Neill and Greenman caught on •with a lot,of comedy material tha gave each plentv of opportunity t( do his best stuff, while Grafe pu oyer the vocal solos assigned k him. In a strip number, Peggv Hi! was the hit of the show so far a ’he stage were concerned, draw : ng down a flock of encores. Jame Yoman produced and d : d stra : gh in this show, while Lillian Hun was responsible for the chorus of r ei ings. AI Beatty’s orchestra held fort! : n the pit, providing more that okay musical support. —Rube. WESTLAKE T.OS ANGFLES (Reviewed Nov. 16) Things got going with Dion Ro- mandy, leader and m.c., offering O’CONNOR, HISTORIAN Johnny O'Connor, magazine and trade paper exec, is paying a brief visit to this end of the country. O’Connor now is planning to write the history of “Variety,” he says, for a prominent eastern popular mag, as soon as he returns to the East. For many years, he was a big feature on "Variety’s” staff. STAR OF SCOTLAND DRAWS MOVIEDOM Movie folk are flocking to Cap- tain Arnold's boat “Star of Scot- ’and” located off Ocean Park. The -hip is comparatively new, and in first-class shape, it’s santiarv condi- ‘ions surpassing most of the local fi'hing boats. Besides excellent fishing, there is good food at rea- 'onable prices, dancing, and cabins for those desiring over-night stays The boat has an interesting history according to the log books of the merry owner, Captain Arnold. MURPHY FOR ‘CART’ SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 20- Miles Murphv is here as advance man for “Apple Cart,” whieh opens next week at the Geary. House is no longer u^der Curran and Belas- co banner, that pair having dropped it several weeks ago. C. and B. cur- rently operates only the Curran here. "I’ll Be Blue Thinking of You” by the band. McCune Sister’s blue harmonies and hot dancing clicked with the crowd. Ed Kube, acrobatic dancer, put across two tricky num- bers with plenty of snap and got a great big hand. Arch Woody whamed ’em with a b'g personality and line of chatter. He can get mighty sweet music out of a cigar box, saw, and a baby broom, and how he makes those in- struments talk. Esther Campbell’s whistling nov- elty was good. “Gianina Mia” be- ng especially well received. Selamanoff and White Trio pull- ed off a burlesque adagio with all the tricks on the calendar, in great style. Those boys can dance and clown with the best. Dion Ro- mandy’s band closed .with "Light Cavalry Overature,” a good change from the usual pop number. Picture was “Those Three French Girls.” Vi. “LADIES OF THE EVENING” TIVOLI, S. F. (Reviewed Nov. 12) Dick Marshall assembled a pip of a stock crew for this initial show. Despite one or two minor mechanical difficulties, show ran off smoothly and was exceptionally well received. Walter B. Gilbert staged and directed, handling his cast with remarkable ease. Cast honors were pretty evenly divided between Jo Wallace and Jeanne Kent, portrayers of the two leading fern roles. Miss Wallace •rave to her characterization of Kay Beatty, a sincerity and shading of merit, while the numerous punch lines of Dot Miller aided Miss Kent considerably. Earl Lee and A. S. Byron as two rubes from the country, walked off with the com- edy honors in one brief scene. Irving Mitchell did the part of Jerry Strong, an artist, and cud it well. His pals were Charles Bart- lett and Earl Dwire, and both were satisfactory. Remainder of cast in- cluded Allan Ryan, Florence Grim- “s, Barlowe Borland and Segna Potter. Herb Meyerinck provided entre’ act entertainment with a group of musical numbers. —Bock. RKO GOLDEN GATE SAN FRANCISCO (Reviewed Nov. 13) Night frolic, playing to capacity house, started off by Claude Sweet- en’s RKOlians, featuring Walt Sul- livan in another dialect characteriza- tion. Plenty good. Bill was not quite up to snuff, leaving considerable to be desired when it came to a big punch. Joe Marks carried off top honors. Whams away with every ounce of energy to show stopping results, aided by Mae Leonard, Eddie Ryan and Leo Fellows. Remaining three acts didn’t qu : te balance up the scales. Vercell Sis- ters, pair of plenty neat looking gals, had a dance act that was more or less highlighted by the six male hoofers. Bert Rome and Henry Dunn harmonized on three songs and a parody on “Rigoletto.” Archie and Gertie Falls opened with a knockabout routine of acrobatic work and pratt falls, most of which they did about five years ago. Screen features included “East Is West” Bock. Harriet Qeorge Will Wed Tectd SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 20.— Despite their best efforts to keep the affair a secret, Phil Tead and Harriett George were discovered making application for a marriage license at San Rafael Monday. Miss George is playmg in “Dracula” for Duffy at the President, and Tead, musical comedy comedian, came up from Hollywood to join her. SHIFT IN FILM ROW SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 20.— Consolidation of the Warner and First National distribution head- quarters here has eliminated Morgan Walsh as local manager of W.B. with Charles Muehlman, First Na- tional chief, handling both jobs. First National exchange has moved to the former Warner offices on Golden Gate avenue. ORGANIST TO MANAGE Cy Graves, former organist at Alhambra theatre, Sacramento, who has been in Los Angeles for some months as song writer for Fanch- on and Marco Ideas, and to score Snooky” comedies for distribu- tion, has returned to the same hou-e as assistant manager and publicity director.