The Billboard 1916-02-05: Vol 28 Iss 6 (1916-02-05)

FEBRUARY 5, 1916. The Billboard 23 ——— A popular advance agent said, several months past, that somebody business in the pants, that particular and too bealthy anatomy ought to kick the poor Swatting the bus ness in specific part of its none is what has made it so poor, Which reminds us that the remark is second cousin to the one which reads: ‘You ean drive a horse to water, but a pencil has to be lead." What the poor business needs is a nerve tonle in the form of honest endeavor, and some occasional brain exertion. Fred J. Dailey, ahead of the High Jinks Company for Arthur liammerstein, was called back to the show the other night in Richmond, Ind., to manage the organization when the union mu siclans, who travel with the show, went on strike llowever, the management “saw it com ing’’ and had made the necessary arrangements for other musicians. Miss Paula Temple directed the orchestra, and Charles D. Wilson, the versatile company manager, played the drums in an accomplished manner. High Jinks was not handicapped in the least, and the Richmond ics and theatergoers voted it the best pro jon of the kind seen there in a decade— Ben H. Atwell has been engaged as director of publicity at the Kaickerbocker Theater, New York, to succeed P. Powers, who has been reealled to the general offices of the Triangle Company Mr. Atwell has tendered his resigna tion to Samuel Rachmann, to take effect at the earliest possible moment. This will characterize his first honest-to goodness professional engagement on Broadway, with the exception of a brief stay at the Metropolitan Opera House, for, through a stran e combination of circumstances, the numerous big attractions with which Mr. Atwell has been associated were quartered at the Manhattan Opera House, Hippodrome and establishments off the “Gay White Way."’ Sometimes it is easy to fool others—but have you ever neticed how remarkably easy it is to fel yourself? Willle Wilkins seems to have frozen up early this season, with not a chance to thaw out until the road shows are called in. Where art thou, Wilkins? We would fain hear from your direction The largest sheet of paper ever hung in a window in Texas was displayed in the city of Temple recently, when George B. Moxley, second man in advance of Twin Beds, aided W. E. Booker, advertising agent of the Temple Theater, in exhibiting a twenty-four sheet stand in a store window. They were so well satisfied with the flash that they stepped out in front and told the photographer to shoot. Harry Sweatman is business manager of this particular company presenting Twin Beds. H. A. Shallcross has terminated a season of one hundred and eighty weeks (count ‘em) as general agent of the KaDell-Kritchtield Show, and is now booking some of his feature pictures through Alabama. Jack L. Winn drifted into Louisville, Ky., last week, ahead of On Trial, and the very next day after his arrival a tornado hit the town, Jack donned bis famous St. Louis overcoat and started down the street to locate the cause of the wind storm, and everyone he met addressed bim as “Colonel.” This made him s peeved that he decided to go far enough south that the offending ulster may be discarded, and immediately after letting everyone in Louisville know that On Trial would soon arrive he departed for Alabama, with Louisiana to follow. On Trial made a big hit with the theatergoers of Cincinnati, and without a doubt got the best send-off in the papers of any attraction appearing in the Queen City this season. Bill Roddy—Your silence is a matter of deep concern, Haven't you had time thus far to break all New Year resolutions? A line will be welcome. Picking up a dally paper from the exchange desk—said paper being published at Derry, N H.—our one good eye glimpsed the following Paragraph: “J. E. Francke, agent of The Birth of a Nation, is some boy. He asked for everything in the shop except the press, and then went away without leaving the usual passes, but he will return, as he wants more publicity in The News."’ Something decidedly uncanny about that item is the fact that Francke did not seek to requisition the aforementioned instrument of printing. Maybe be was not feeling well. However, he took his departure even though he did not take the press, Harry LaBreque, who has been advance agent of various attractions for the past five seasons, and who more recently was tn charge of one of the Zone features at the P.-P. I. E., is booking 4 travelogue out of San Francisco for Goodrich & Snyder. Harry Bonnell, who was acting as business manager of Mahatma, closed at Chico, Cal., and is now negotiating for a pesition in advance of a brace of attractions which are preparing to open out of San Francisco. Mabatma has been booked In vaudeville, Bonnell says Frisco is all right, but be is “sorta longing for a look at Broadway." Speaking of the Coast reminds us that Ben Kraus was very much surprised when a cold spell swooped down and destroyed hie beautifal dreams concerning the beauty of the California climate. He stra ghtway purchased a card upon Which was a likeness of Mount Hood, in Oregen, covered with snow, and journeyed to Portland to mail it. Ben agrees that it also gets cold in Oregon, but it will have to get some colder before it freezes out The Bird of Paradise. Greetings, Ben; Kreetings, Have you noted any improvement in the one night stand situation? Neither have we George Alabama Florida is doubtless making an oil painting from his etching entitled Almost Asleep in the Ohio Waters, or Can | Drink the Kiver Dry, as his whereabouts seem to be un khown even to the most ardent devotee of the weed known as the stogie. If we do not hear from Alabam shortly we will abandon the idea of putting out a water show this summer, as he is the only agent who can successfully ad vance in a row beat or scow. _ Frank T. Kintzing, representing the Boston Grand Opera Company and the Anna Pavlowa Ballet Russe, passed through Cincinnati the other day, on his way South. He reported phenomenal business everywhere, excepting Boston. Kintzing will return to Norfolk, Va., at the end of the season, where for several years he manag the famous Virginia Beach Park below Cape Henry. It is said he will promote the erection of the new Princess Ann Hotel, replacing the hostelry which burned down several years ago. It is not amiss to inquire about the health of Jobn Harley, who became ill in Albany, N. Y., just as he began the season Later, we understand, he let's have a line, Harley. ahead of Trilby. went to Chicago. Jimmie Grainger is doing a wonderful business with his stock company at the Strand Theater, Cedar Rapids, la. Jimmie ran into Chicago a few days ago and purchased the State rights for lowa aml Nebraska of the big war film, On the Firing Line With the Germans. Tom Diggins and Jimmy Martin are handling the film for Grainger. Fred Reichelt, Jack Boshell, Jack Francis and Fred Loerber are with Tillie’s I'unctured Romance and Silver Threads for Jimmie tesides looking after his features and running the Strand Theater Jimmie is also general manager of the string of picture houses controlled by Diebold & Ford, the Western theater owners. Jack Brehaney is now general manager for Filiott & Sherman, of Minneapolis, who own the State rights for sixteen States of The Birth of a Nation Jack is remembered as the capa ble agent ahead of one of the Peg o’ My Heart companies, which formerly played in the East. Dick Herndon was seen in Cedar Rapids, Ia., net long ago, with the Only Girl Company. As Iowa is a ‘“‘dry’’ State he looked up Jimmie Grainger. There's a reason, although we hope we have net mentioned any names. Dave Ramage, ahead of A Pair of Sixes, spent two or three days in his home town, Vinton, Ia., telling the natives of the virtues of his show. Brightly Dayton, manager of the Palace Theater in Vinton, got so excited he billed Dave Ramage instead of the show. Brightly Dayton is continuing his good work at the Palace, but can not resist the appeal to run over and ‘‘Sunday’’ in Cedar Rapids now and then. Figure it out for yourself. Willis Jackson was also seen in Cedar Rapids a few days ago, ahead of one of the ‘‘Nation”’ films. Joseph H. Dillon finally piloted The Only Girl into Bosuton, where the attraction has been enjoying a long run. Dillon is some press representative. Bill Jessup, in Walla Walla, was almost of the opinion that all shows had quit the road, when in flitted Sid DuChien, piloting The Shepherd of the Hills Company. Sid said that business had been very good for his show, especially in the Northwest. Aside from the 600 pounds of paper Sid left with Bill, and the hearty good wishes which Jessup gave him in return, the week was very quiet in Walla Walla. Tom Kane and Dan Shea, the former in advance and the latter manager of one of the *‘Nation”’ films, are doing their work in a manner to make the whole country sit up and take notice. In Nashville, Tenn., no circus that has played the city in the last decade has been billed more extensively, and no star of the musical comedy or legitimate stage has been given more vigorous press-agenting, than The Kirth of a Nation. We almost forgot to mention that this is Company B, conceded to be one of the best handled of the dezen now out. Shea is remembered as manager for many seasons of the Honey Boy Minstrels, and Kane is well known for his former connections with the Brady and Morosco offices. Roy Sampson, ahead of The Million-Dollar Doll Company, reports that excellent business has been the rule in Pennsylvania for his attraction. We might take occasion to mention that Sampson is doing great work in advance of this show, of which Harvey D. Orr is man ager. This is Sampson's second season with this company. M. F. Coughlin, ahead of W. B. Patton, has experienced some bad weather during his career, but none quite so bad as that encountered recently. Coughlin manages to slide through when the weather is icy, wade through when it is raining. and plough through when the mud gets deep, and the show is still moving regular. Harry Rice is now ahead of Halton Powell's Fer the Love of Mike Company, and is doing good work. Jim Wallace, who closed recently with E. C. Wilson’s The Divorce Question, is resting in Chicago. Frank Mahara, who is doing the advance for his own Tipperary Company, is meeting with much success through Iowa. Frank is one of AUSTRALIAN VARIETY The only weekly paper devoted to Vaudeville at the Antipodes. The accredited organ of the Variety profession. other branches of the Amusement Also briefly dealing with World. Acts playing Australia may have their letters addressed to “Variety” office, which ensures a prompt dispatch over the various circuits, as we have a representa tive in every city and town that carries a theatre. Advertising rates on application to The Billboard. All communications to MARTIN C. BRENNAN, 250 Pitt St., Sydney, Australia. POSTAGE, FIVE CENTS. DELIVERIES OF COSTUMES, TIGHTS QUICK JACK WEBER’S A Big Hit. AND WIG We rent the above mentioned articles for all occasions. Sent for 25¢e, postpaid CHICAGO COSTUME WORKS ..; Send 10c for Finely Illustrated Cata.ogue. MINSTREL JOKE BOOK We carry a Complete Line of Stein's Make-up. "North “Dearborn st. CHICAGO, ILL. North Dearborn St. FOR SALE--THEATRE LEASE In city of 28,000 with five suburban towns within three to eight miles connected by trolley; drawing population of over 60,000. Cheap rent. Heat free. Long lease. Address “B,”’ care The Billboard, Cincinnati, O. $12 $15 ROOM week SUITES Light, airy, Five minutes from all the Theatres. Overlooking Central Park. & BATH FOR 2 PARLOR, BEDROOM & BATH FOR 2 with all modern Hotel Improvements. REIS ENWEBER’S HOTEL COLUMBUS CIRCLE, N.Y. 58TH STREET AND LANKERSHIM HOTEL, FIFTH, NEAR MARKET STREET. CATERING TO THE PROFESSION Green Room for Free Use of Members of Profession. ::*:: SAN FRANCISCO FIRE PROOF. SARATOGA HOTE E. D. CUMMINGS, President RATES, $1.00 PER DAY AND UP THE SHOWMAN’S HOME CHICAGO, ILL. the real ones, and knows the receipts for busi-ness. Harry Sweatman’s brilliant sentences in last? week's column made such a hit that we have decided to repeat the dose. We can do this as long as Harry’s wit and humor hold out. GE(R)MS OF THOUGHT By Harry Sweatman Some one-night stand managers would make good light house keepers. The expense accounts of some advance mem read like a novel—pure fiction. When one advance man tries to borrow money from another even the ‘‘angels’’ smile. An advance man should never go to a palmist to have his hand read. Before the palmist ishalf through with the reading he may send out for a policeman. The register of q taxicab has an agent's expense account skinned a mile. The planet Mars is like some one-night stands—we are always guessing if the place is really inhabited. If you think that the advance man’s expense account is not on the level, please examine thesworn statement of some of the recent can didates. Art G. Keene—Our greetings just for good luck. Sickness side-tracked your letter and we missed you at Claremont, N. H. Give us route to catch you, and will advise in the affirmative in regard to your recent question. Harry C. Bradshaw, manager of the Grand Opera House, Tulsa, O«., has just wired that it will be advisable for Harry Sweatman to return to Oklahoma this summer to begin drilling for oil on the Sweatman lease. Brad. says Harry is not only a good agent, but is somewhat of a salesman. He tried to sell the Tulsa manager a pair of ladies’ silk hese, but Brad. has not forgotten the pair he seld to Henry Pennypacker some few years ago, and through which deal Hy lost his best girl. Arthur Kellar, one of the most energetic advance agents in the business, arrived in Cincinnati last week to join the forces of Charles Hopkins’ ‘Treasure Island, which opened in Columbus, 0., week before last. Miss Rodney Richmond and Mr. Kellar will handle the advance of the production, which created quite a stir in Cincinnati during its run at the Lyrie. Paragraph writers simply will not let Glenmore (Stuffy) Davis pursue the even tenor of his way without giving him favorable mention at intervals frequent and recurring, But the unkindest cut of all was embodied in the lines of a paragraph in a New York sheet last week which said Stuffy had arrived on Broadway wearing an alpaca hat that looked like it had been stepped on by a Missouri mule. Glenmore was strolling down the street wearing the Kelly when Charles Dickson came along. The latter took one look and hastened away from there. Davis keeps the haberdashers working overtime turning out new and unheard-of styles with which to startle the reserved and formal’ natives of the various cities. But in additiion to turning out an advance agent who sets styles in headgear, New York has laid claim to a poetic publicity promoter in the person of Samuel Hoffenstein, who pute in his waking hours for A. H. Woods. Hoffenstein’s latest poem, entitled She Was Sobbing in the Lobby, is said to be quite as adequate, from an emotional standpoint, as anything the twentieth century has had thrust upon ft. How is this for a suggestion from a down trodden agent? ‘‘I wish the agents and managers would get together to see if they cam persuade house managers to report correctly upon business. If you take the word of the managers in Iowa you will think they are doing capacity all the time, when, to tell the truth, it has been so long since they had a capacity house that they have to go back into ancient history to even find trace of the same. If an agent knew a house was not doing extra good’ he could probably figure out some special stuff for that date that would bring in the coin.”” To be passed upon when “‘agents and managersget together."’ SPECIALS FROM WALLA WALLA The only reason we do not put Bill Jessup’s signature at the head of these notes is becauseall agents and managers who make Walla Walla are on to Bill. They can tell the following: notes are from his fertile brain, for they know his handwriting (1899 model typewriter). We made a serious mistake recently when we said that Ben Kraus had not been Walla Walla since he was with Anna Held. was the Tick Tock Man of Oz, not Anna Held, that Ren was ahead of. We got such a bawling out fom this gentleman that we have advised’ him to go to Europe if he wishes to battle. Doe Crews, the Liberty manager, has been: very sick, but is getting better. We wonder what has become of Walter Messenger. And where. oh where is Walter Duggan? Stanley Michaud is still borrowing laddersfrom the different fire houses. He says he must be high and lofty for those six-sheet rags “he has got."’ We are not sure that next season will not find us “sheeting them high.”” This is one of the resolutions that was meant to be broken. Jim Felts: Hello. Drop us a line and let u® know where you are. Sam Reider: Ditto for you. Golden Fiz and near-beer sessions are the best we can do for the boys now. (Business of weep ing.) . This month has promised a lot of the boys a visit to Walla Walla. Coming: The Bird of Paradise, Wallie Decker, Ren Kraus, Walker Whiteside. The Birth of @ Nation. Robin Hood, and Lorenze, the hypne tist, all in February. How is Los Angeles treating you. Mr. Clif Gullings. at the Lyceum Theater, wrote Stanley Michaud a letter on a three-sheet urging Stanley to buy a box of Pittsburg stogies. Has Alabam been in Duluth? Regards from the Walla Walla Kid. Peck? The Suter Remedy Company is [n its fifth week in Central Pennsylvania, making week stands. Business is <ald to be good. The roster is as follows: Dr. J. Johnson. lecturer; W. 8. Cody, Jr.. manager: Happy Ward, Jr., orchestra leader: Collins Sisters, singing and dancing; Harry Black, novelty man: Harriett Marie Snyder, soubrette: Baby Francis Faust, singing mascot, and Bert Stevens, etage manager and pro ducer. toit ae ed aoe grees