Inside facts of stage and screen (December 6, 1930)

PAGE TWO INSIDE FACTS OF STAGE AND SCREEN DEC. 6, 1930 TRICK NAME BOOSTS GROSS OF RKO SPECKS GRAB GRID BLOCKS Despite efforts of school authorities to halt ticket specu- lation, the specs were reported to have blocks of 25 and 50 seats for the USC-Notre Dame game. System employed is that ticket purchasers send in their checks with orders, and that only two tickets be issued to one buyer. So rigid was the school in enforcing this mandate, that it is estimated $100,000 was re- turned to the fans, because individuals wanted more paste- boards than the school rule permitted. How did the specs manage to grab off their blocks of seats, is the question now agitating some of the fans. Gittleson agency, despite high prices offered, held to their policy throughout by charging only the usual fty cents premium, although they could have more than doubled their dough on most of the seats. On top of the scandal occasioned by the large blocks in hands of certain speculators, it is estimated 2000 phony tickets were printed by gyps, and thrown on the market to sucker fans. PARTY CELEBRATES DAYLIGHT DEFEAT OAKLAND, Dec. 4.—As a ges- ture of appreciation of anti-daylight savings efforts Theatre Managers’ Association threw a party at the Hotel Leamington on Monday night for theatre employees. Entertain- ment included dancing and a buffet luncheon. In charge of the affair were Frank R. Newman of the Fox Oakland: C. A. Tompkins, Fox T and D; Charlie Carroll, Fox Grand Lake; Willard Welch, Orpheum. NEW CAFE DUE Sedal Bennett will open the “Cel- lar Door” cafe at Seventeenth and Grand in the basement of an apartment house. U. A. GETS WINNER “Street Scene,” Pulitzer prize play will be the first by Samuel Goldwyn for United Artists. OFF TO N.Y. Having finished directing Doug- las Fairbanks’ latest “Reaching for the Moon,” Edmund Goulding will leave for New York to direct Nancy Carroll in “Up Pops The Devil.” MARY A STUDENT Mary Alden owns one of the best libraries in Southern California, containing countless first editions, many of them autographed and with unique bindings. ^ TIF SIGNS FAWCETT George Fawcett has been signed for “Drums of Jeopardy.” RAY COFFIN INTERNATIONAL PUBLICITY 6607 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, Calif. Phone GLadstone 3201 WALL STREET TO OPEN PURSE FOR PICTURE INDUSTRY Wall Street, which has cur- tailed pictures considerably in the handling of nance, is reported to have arrived at a general plan of giving the men in the industry, who know the picture racket, or ought to, a chance to have some leeway. Indication is that Wall Street is going to be less drastic in the paring of bud- gets in the coming year. Complaints lodged against pictures have been answered by studio execs, with state- ment they didn’t have suffic- ient working fund to do what was needed. Wall Street, after a year or so of tight purse strings, is about ready to spend money to make money. UNIONS NEAR SETTLEMENT SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 4. — Final settlement of the theatre-mu- sicians union dispute is looked for on December 11 when Albert Greenbaum, local secretary, returns from an A. F. of M. executive board meeting in New York. Conferences were under way all last week be- tween theatre and labor heads in an effort to clear up the question, which has been hanging fire since September 1. Labor leaders are holding out for a definite contract, while picture houses want the privilege of dis- continuing orchestras wheneve- they desire upon the customary two weeks’ notice. Current basis of ne- gotiations calls for possible elimina- tion of bands at Loew’s Warfield Orpheum, Publix’s California and St. Francis and the Fox T. and D.. Oakland. Speaking for RKO, however, Mort Singer declared that firm would place no further burden on the eunemployment situation by firing men. Every effort will be made to keep all present musicians, Singer said. While nothing has been definitely mentioned during the last several months, it is kown that Publix con- templated building up its band at the Paramount, using men from the California and St. Francis, if they can be eliminated from those lat- ter houses. Vaude Notes Tom Patricola is back in RKO vaudeville for a short stay. Beth Beri also has returned to RKO vaudeville, within the past week. * * * Tom Smith and Helen Ely have formed a partnership for presenta- tion of a singing comedy of the suburbs, “A Cottage For Sale.” * * * William Gaxton returns to vaudeville in one of his best ve- hicles, “Partners.” in which he is supported by George Haggerty formerly office bov in the execu- tive offices of RKO, who has had featured roles in several Broadway musicals. * * * “MW" Auditions for Staged Talent every Wed. at 11 a.m. Children’s au- ditions, every Sat., at 11 a.m. SCHOOL OUTAGE DANCING' __ „ 1747N. LU MLMAS *X.LyWOOD.PHOHEUtW86 Frances Uoton, late feature of Ziegfeld’s “Follies” and “Whoonee.” has fashioned a new act for RKO, called “On My Own.” * * * Frank Richardson has also re- turned to RKO vaudev’lle after cons-'der-’ble success in talking pic- tures. He is remembered for par- ticioation in such hits as “Sunnv Side Un.” “Let’s G~ Places.” “Happy Days” and “Masquerade." THE INTERNATIONAL TRIO Iris Luncheon Trio—1 to 1:3Q—K. F. I. MARION FRISCH, Piano; VIRGINIA ROSE, Virfin; HERBERT KLEIN, Cello RADIO—STUDIO—CLUBS For information call—HOllywood 0237 Mexican Party Moves To Hotel Just how solid the hotel institu- tion may be, as compared with the chances taken by a cale in these prohibition days, was indicated re- cently. A party of high Mexican officials visiting the city"is understood to have contemplated a banquet served in true Mexican style. With this in mind, some tentative arrangements are said to have been made with Olsen’s cafe. Somebody tipped the Mexican party, according to the story, that it’s always open season on cafes, as far as the prohi hunting season is concerned. So, to be safe, it is said, the affair was switched to one of the big hotels. Several persons identified with the cafe industry are said to have remarked the curious angle that hotels of prominence have been particularly fortunate in escaping prohibition interference. CHILDREN’S THEATRE HOLLYWOOD STUNT A Children’s Theatre at the Ralph Herman Play Shop, Holly- wood, for producing plays for chil- dren and to give professional screen youngsters stage training, is launch- 'd under direction of Miss Jay Stan- wyck. One member of the cast is Doro- ‘hy Gray, known to radio-land as “The Good Humor Girl.” Donald Haines, Theo Ramsey, Lorraine Hubbell, Jane Muller, Artie Folz, Jane Slater, Dorothy Shearer, Mary Jo Ellis, Jane La Follette, Renee Unger and George Darneille are in cast of first show. Night Pre-Views Qolden Qate Try SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 4. — RKO has successfully inaugurated a Saturday midnight preview of the ensuing week’s picture for the Golden Gate starting it off last week with Universal’s “See America Thirst.” Customers can attend the last Saturday night show and stay on for a peep at the next flicker. Pre- view runs competition to midnight operas. at the Fox, Paramount, St. Francis, California and Capitol. George Boles, manager of the house, believes the project a big business getter. It works two ways. Stimulates Saturday night biz, and starts early “word of mouth” ex- ploitation for the new pic. TAKES DENVER HOTEL DENVER, Dec. 4. — William West.has taken over management of the Regent Hotel, Denver. Mr. West has been identified with Colo- rado Hotels for many years, both as owner and as manager. He caters to performers. JOIN BEAUDINE Eddie Baker and Jack Duffv have been added to the cast of Harold Beaudine’s next Vanity comedy. Educational-Christie at Metropoli- tan Studios. GOODRICH ASSIGNED General Manager E. H. Allen, of Educational, has assigned William Goodrich to direct the next Ideal comedy at Educational Studios. WALLY AT TIF. Wallace MacDonald signed for “Drums of Jeonardy,” Tiffany-Stahl. George Seitz directs. DAPHNE AT RKO Daphne Pollard in “Children of the Streets,” at RKO, under George Archinbaud’s direction. ’Wenatchee Pippins Don Olson eating at Polison’s Lucille Radway refusing candy. Ike Rogers looking at his n»w snats, walks into Neon sign at Vita- phone. Twelve feet of Neon tub- ing missing. Bob Stembridge winning choco- lates. Leaders Sales are still light, and a few changes in the line-up. Witmark’s “I’m Alone Because I Love You" hopped into the leaders, and “It Must Be True” displaced “Three Little Words” for the ace-spot, but leaving the latter a close second “Little White Lies” perked up suf- ficiently to again vie with the leaders: LOS ANGELES 1. “It Must Be True,” Wagg- ner. 2. “Three Little Words,” Harms. 3. “Moonlight on the Colorado,” Shapiro-Bernstein. 4. “If I Could Be with You,” Remick. 5. “Beyond the Blue Horizon,” Famous. “I’m Yours,” Famous. 6. “Here Comes the Sun,” Rob- bins. 7. “I’ll Be Blue,” Feist. . 8. “You Are the Melody,” De Sylva, Brown & Henderson. 9. “I’m Alone Because I Love You,” Witmark. 10. “Little White Lies,” Donald- son. SAN FRANCISCO 1. “It Must Be True,” Waggner. 2. “I’ll Be Blue,” Feist. 3. “Still I Get a Thrill,” Feist. 4. “Kiss Waltz," Witmark. 5. “Moonlight on the Colorado,” Shapiro Bernstein. 6. “I’m Yours,” Famous. 7. “Don’t Tell Her,” DeSylva Brown and Henderson. 8. “Three Little Words,” Harms. 9. “Bloom Is on the Sage,” Preeman. 10. “You Are the Melody,” De- Sylva, Brown and Henderson. NORTHWEST 1. “Three Little Words,” Harms. 2. “Kiss Waltz,” Witmark. 3. “I’m Yours,” Famous. 4. “Just a Little Closer,” Rob- bins. 5. “I’ll Be Blue,” Feist. 6. “Here Comes the Sun,” Rob- bins. 7. “What’s The Use,” Feist. 8. “Little White Lies,” Donald- son. 9. “If I Could Be With You,” Remick. 10. “Blue Bird Caught in the Rain,” Berlin. Film Row Cuttings By VI HEGYI Bert Lentz is off to Arizona for a couple of months on business. Joe Wolfe, former salesman, is back from Pittsburgh. Bill Martin is in from Hemmet, and can be seen shopping along the Row. Mel Klein of Columia says that “Criminal Code” is going over great with critics and public alike. * » * “Doc” Shaw at Educational al- wavs has a news flash. For in- stance: Buck Buchanan has gone from First National to work for Metro. Rue Harris came in from Salt Lake and is looking over Film Row. Walter Calvert of Lompoc came to town for a few days. Harry Fields. San Francisco salesman . for Universal, stopped here on his wav from Yuma, where he was married. * * * According to Allan O’Keefe of Pathe, J. N. MacIntyre, division manager, is expected ack this week from Salt Lake. Pathe has closed w’th Fox for entire production, features and short subjects. * * * Gradwell Sears, assistant to Ned Depinet. ■—""—>1 western s~1e r manager for Warner’s and First Nat’onal r>”'d the Los Angeles Ex- change a visit. * * * Joe Wolfe, former salesman for TT nm e rsal, has returned from Pitts- burgh and was seen along Film Row. * * * Allan O’Keefe. Pathe’s ce"etm1 manager, announces that C. J. PROHIBITION ANGLE WINS A trick name, exploitation and the prohibition angle man- aged to put RKO, with “See America Thirst” and vaude- ville, into the $17,700 class this week, a remarkable increase for this house, which has not been doing any too well. This gross gives RKO one of its nest weeks of the year. Here are grosses for the week: Loew’s State (seats 2418, 35c- 65c) Edmund Lowe in “Scotland Yard” and F. & M. Idea, $30,726. Paramount (seats 3596, 35c-65c) “Tom Sawyer” and stage revue, did well. United Artists (seats 2100, 35c- 65c) Harold Lloyd in “Feet First,” good for long run. Warner Bros. Downtown (seats 2400, 35c-65c) “Doorway to Hell,” $28,000. Warner Bros. Hollywood (seats 3000, 35c-65c) “Doorway to Hell," $24,000. Cathay Circle (seats 1650, 75c- $1.50 twice daily) “Min and Bill,” $21,208. Orpheum (seats 2750, 35c-65c) “Sin Takes Holiday,” $16,500, end- ing Frid’v. Pantages (seats 3000, 40c-65c) “Virtuous Sin” and F. & M. Idea, $13,490. Criterion (seats 2000, 35c-65c) “Jenny Lind,” $10,650. Grauman’s Chinese (seats 2030, 75c-$1.50 twice daily) “Morocco,” $6442—two days. KEN McGAFFEY OUT Kenneth McGaffey is out as bus- iness manager and publicity for the Curran and Belasco producing or- ganization at the Belasco theatre, here, and Fred Calvin has been brought from a simi'ar capacity in San Francisco to fill the vacant post. PURCELL QUITS KGER Jerry Purcell, KGER’s chief an- nouncer the past two years, leaves the Long Beach station and his olace is taken by Jack Strock, day- time announcer the past year or so. KGER MUSICIAN DIES Freddie Harrup, the past six months flute soloist with KGER’s concert orchestra, passed away this week in his Long Beach home. PIOTTI IN NEW JOB M. Witmark and Sons announce that Prince Piotti, pioneer of radio broadcasting, has joined their pro- fessional staff. GRIFFIN ON FOURTH Frank Griffin will finish the fourth of the Chester Conklin two- reelers this week at Metropolitan. Scollard, executive vice-president for Pathe is in town. * * * Charles Rosensweig, general sales manager for RKO is touring the country and was welcomed to Los Angeles. * * * Theatre changes: Union Square, Los Angeles, taken over by Francis C. Quinn. University taken by Heiser and Jocelyn. Huntington, at Huntington Park, formerly Shelly’s taken by K. C. Many and J. G. Venable. Hidalgo, Los Ang- eles, taken by Ruth and Harry Ewing. New policy of Spanish talkies only. Arcadia, at Arcadia, now under L. L. Eisenberg. Yeager Theatre at Watts taken by Ray Robbins and Jack Berman. * * * Richard Barthelmess in “The Lash” opens December 26 at both Warner houses. Vi. OSTERLEE, MGR., AT THE MAJESTIC In a recent issue, “Inside Facts” stated Roy Reid, for- merly of Strand and State Theatres, Long Beach, would manage the Majestic, here. Mr. Reid is Jack Russell’s company manager, with man- agement of the theatre re- maining in the hands of Lew Osterlee. well known man- ager and exploitation expert.