Variety (Jun 1941)

46 TTednesdaj, Jane 25, 1941 Erie Canal, Renton had been a field exploitation man with the Keith cir- cuit for some 20 yeara before Joining Comerford, FBEDEEICK B. PONTT Frederick H. Ponty, 67, retired film exhibitor and amusement park operator, died o£ a heart attack June 19 at his home in Rye, N. Y. Prior to becoming a theatre operator In 1900, he had managed several travel- ing minstrel shows. The Arcade theatre, Rye Beach Amusement Park's first film and vaude house, was opened by Ponty «hortly after the turn of the century. Thereafter, in association with Joseph Haight, he operated Paradise Park, near Rye Beach Park. When the Westchester County Park Com- mission developed Playland in 1927, the resort was condemned as a site for the project. Ponty and Haight received about $672,000 In 1929 for the land and equipment under terms approved by a White Plains, N. Y., supreme court justice. Until his re- tirement about 10 years ago, Ponty had operated Woodcliffe Amusement Park a few miles north of Pough- keepsie, N. Y. He leaves a sister, Sophie Ponty. of Rye, the nearest kin. VEBLING D. (BUDDY) WELKEB Verling D. (Buddy) Welker, 43, jprominent for years in theatre work in San Antonio, Texas, died sud- denly after suffering a stroke while playing golf last week. At the time of his death, Welker was manager of the Empire theatre, San An tonio. He had been associated with theatres in San Antonio since 1921, when he joined the staff of the old Majestic theatre. Welker subse- quently became treasurer and later assistant manager of the present Majestic, was transferred to the Uptown as manager and became manager of the Empire iii 1938. Was one of the oldest Interstate em' ployees In years of service. At time of his death he was play Ing In a twosome with Jack Silver- thorne, manager of the Prince thea' tre. Survived by widow and sister. home in University Heights, O., after an illness of seven months. Coming to America from Russia when he was 12, Kauffman entered the film business as a salesman for Universal at the Pittsburgh branch, selling for eight years until being appointed its manager. While hold- ing those positions in the Smoky City he won sales awards. Two years ago he was transferred to Cleveland. Survived by widow, Anna V., two sisters, two brothers and mother. ELLIOTT DEXTEB Elliott Dexter, 71, retired vaude performer who had also acted in many silent pictures, died June 23 at the Brunswick Home, Amltyville, L. I., where he had been ill for sev- eral weeks. Previously he had been a guest at the Percy Williams Home, East Islip, I. Dexter, whose first wife was Marie Doro, noted stage comedienne, appeared in Cecil B. de MiUe's silent version of "The Squawman.' He also had roles in 'Capital Punishment' and 'The Fast Set.' A member of the Lambs, Dexter was divorced from Miss Doro and a subsequent marriage to Nina Chis- holm Untermyer ended the same way. She was the former wife of Alvin Untermyer, son of the late at- torney, Samuel Untermyer. CABL G. MILLIGAN Carl G. Milligan former Pantages vaude booker who retired from the amusement business about a decade ago, died June 17 in Fort Laudel- dale, Fla., where he had been Uv- ing for several years. Milligan, associated with the Pan- tages circuit ■ in the western states and Canada, was also a buyer of acts in the Panteges New York office. He also conducted a literary agency in New York some years ago. From 1930 to 1938 he was engaged In the newspaper and publishing business at his home in Bradford, Pa. NOBAH LEE ■ Mrs. Norah Lee Barstow, 42, who wrote music under the name of Norah Lee and long was a member of ASCAP, died June 17 at her home near Norfolk, Conn, after a linger Ing illness. Mrs. Barstow contributed part of the score for 'A Wopaan of Paris,' directed by Charlie Chaplin In 1923. She also was .noted as the composer of 'The Rainbow Division March,' official march of the AEF's Rainbow Division In the World War. Among her other compositions are •Pickaninny's PigtaU,' 'Woodthrush,' 'At the End of a Lane' and 'I'll Get You Some Day.' She leaves her husband, Dr. Richard Barstow, and a sister, Mrs. Clifford O. Hogland, of Chicago. SETH CLABK Seth Clark, 77, dean of western New York musicians, who taught Rose Bampton, Met soprano, died June 19 in Buffalo. He had been ill two years. Privaite funeral services were held the following' day. Clark, besides Individual voice work, was an organist, composer and conductor who led most l^rge Buffalo chon^es, including the Guido Chorus which he formed in 1904 and directed until his retire- ment by illness two years ago. He was known for his piano and organ compositions. Chief among these were a musical setting for Steven Bon's "Requiem' and choral arrange- ment of Kipling's 'Recessional.' Surviving are his widow and two daughters. FRANK E. KELLS Frank E. Kells, 56, teacher of voice, who was credited with having In- structed such screen and radio per- formers as Don Ameche and band- leader Kay Kyser, died June 17 at his home in Aurora, 111., after a six- week Illness. A native of New York, Kells leaves his widow and a son. JOHN P. JENNINGS John P. Jennings, 51, former busi- ness manager of the lATSE in West- chester County, N. Y., died in Grass- lands hospiUl, Eastvlew, N. Y., June 18. A resident, of Peeksklll, N. Y., Jennings leaves his widow, a son and three daughters. Mrs. Lauro Lorimer Hay-Chap- man, 80, former concert pianist, died June 20 in Los Angeles as result of injuries in a motor accident. Barnett Cohen, owner of the Wis- sahickon theatre, Philadelphia, died June 16, in that city. William technician, geles. Erratt, 38, Pathe studio died June IS in Los An- Wallace P. Smith, 50, director of the Bronson, Mich., city band, died June 18 in that city. JOE DAN MXLLEB Joe Dan Miller, 84, boss porter for the Ringling circus, died June 20 in Sarasota, Fla., after a short Illness, He had been a circus employee for more than 50 years. Some 20 years ago Miller pur- chased an ornate bronze casket at a Jackson, Tenn., funeral home, and it was assumed that services and burial would take place at that establish- ment. He was noted for his annual pilgrimages to the mortuary chapel where it was said he often took off his shoes and tried out the coffin for size. New Hope's Street Fair Philadelphia, June 24. Street fair will be promoted Friday and Saturday (27-28) by the sum- mer colony at suburban New Hope, art and theatre center. Everybody pitching in to make an attractive midway replete with fortune tellers, pitch games and side shows. Highlight will be outdoor dancing to the music of the South Street Syncopators, unique Negro instru- mental trio of sidewalk swingsters discovered by Fred Ramsy, Jr., piping for pennies on South Street here, heart of the. town's Harlem. Ramsy, a New Hope resident, is a swing authority and co-author of 'Jazz Men,' swing encyclopedia. PHILIP M. PLANT Philip M. Plant, 39, former hus band of film actress Constance Ben- nett, died of a heart attack June 18 at the Polyclinic hospital. New York. A sportsman and big game hunter. Plant was once well known to the Broadway fraternity, but since 1934 bad led a more or less sheltered life at his Connecticut estate, raisiaig poultry and rare fowls. Divorced by Miss Bennett in 1928, Plant was reported to have settled $1,000,000 on her. His second mate wa^ Edna Dunham, sportswoman. This marriage resulted In divorce in 1938. He married Marjorle King, who survives, shortly afterwards. Plant's mother, Mrs. William Hay- ward, also survives. Funeral serv- ices were held in New York Satur- day (20 and burial took place in New London, Conn., Monday (23). JACK UNEBTL John T. (Jack) Unertl, 39, chUd leglt star of three decades ago, play- ing in stock company productions from coast to coast in 'Little Lord Fauntleroy' and "The Littlest Rebel,' died June 15 at his home In Mil- waukee, where In recent years he had practiced law. He was a brother of Peggy Unertl, one time Ziegfeld 'Follies' beaut, who married Pete Michon (Michon Bros., vaude), now operating a live- stock farm in Racine county. DONALD W. BABTLETT Donald W. Bartlett, 65, former script writer and .editor for Para mount, Warners and Universal, died June 20 in Bellevue hospital. New York, after a long illness. Since 1938 he had suffered from heart disease, A former newspaperman, Bartlett had been connected with papers in New York and Washington and In recent years was associated with Electrical Research Products, Inc. He leaves his widow, Edna, and three sisters. . JOSEPH B. KAUFFMAN Joseph R. Kauffman, 41, branch manager of Universal Film Exchange In Cleveland, died June IS at his COBPOBAL DOUGLAS E. CBAIG Corporal Douglas Earl Craigt 24, of Saskatoon, Sask., together with five other Royal Canadian Air Force men, was killed When their .plane crashed, near Sable Island, off the Nova Scotia coast. He was formerly with CFQC, Saskatoon. Survived by parenta and a brother at Saskatoon and a sister at Van' couver. Burial was in Saskatoon. BIRTHS Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Jansen, daughter, June 10 in Tacoma, Wash. Father is general manager of Tacoma Broad- casters, Inc. Mr. -and Mrs. Nat Turberg, daugh- ter, in Hamilton, O., June 13. Father is manager of Northlo Paramount, Hamilton. Mr. and Mrs. Enric Madriguera, daughter. In Port Clinton, O., June 15. Father is the orch leader; mother's Patricia Gilmore, the lead- er's former vocalist. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Kerr, daugh' ter, June 20, in Hollywood. Father is a writer on the Lux radio prO' gram. Bills Next Week SjContlnned from page 4U^^ ROT E. BLEDSOE Roy E. Bledsoe, SO, one of the own- ers of the Bledsoe's Beach dance pavilion and -resort at Lake James, near Angola, Ind., died June 16 of heart trouble. EDWABD BENTON Edward Renton, 66, associated with the Comerford circuit as. a theatre operator for the past 10 years, died June 20 in Waverly, N. Y. Onetime showboat manager on the Marlon Uuller El Chico Frank Andrlnl Ore Virginia Ramos Talovera Tr Hotel Fort PIM Ken Bailey Ore Johnnr Mitchell Jessica Wheatley Hbrry Walton Irma Outtarell Hotel Henrr (Hllver Grill) Stan Rucker i (Oay M'b) Dorothy Neabltt Hotel 1th Aveaaa Ue4s Saunders Ida lola Bi-erett Havdn Betty Donahos Al Devin ETersreen GordeBi Revelers Sam Sweet Alice Sone Zelda Wicked WlUles Hotel Boosevelt. Johnny Kaaihue Royal Hawllans Hotel Ocbenley Billy Hinds Ore Rita Seaman Buzz Mayer Jack Calhoun Hotel ICm Ttm (Continental Bar) Wanda Escorts Kenoywood Park Brad Hunt Oro Jeanle Regal Billy Carmlchael Merry-Oo-Bonnd Joe Hart Oro Dick Harter New Penn Qay Carlisle Oro Teddy Ryan King Sis Penny Qray MIxnii Cafe Al Marlaco Ore Bob Carter Roshee & Lee Stewart & Lee Kretlow Gls Nut House Sherdlna Walker Ted Blake Joe Klein George Gregg Evelyn Nellls Kay Balfe Mllly Bradley Pat Burns Charley Adams ' Oasis Joe Vlllella Oro John Conte Joe .Connolo Stu Braden Berry Anne Fine* Howard Becker Ore Treloa 4 Aces Mav-Tarshls Plo Parker George Weber Yacht Club Archie Tarshls Ore Gus Van Singer Sis Line (6) Shirley Heller Bky-Vne Fran Elchler Oro Union Otill Art Tagello Frank Natale Mike Sandrelto Villa Madrid Etzl Covato Oro Mark Lane Jon Tlo Kollette & Seane Marcla Wayne Harriet Brent 3 Jerks Webster HaU Billy Merle Oro West View Park Jimmy Gamble Ore Jay Lorlng Chuck Miller Aerlalettes Willow* Art Farrar Oro Coastmg in Last 3 Rds. Woold Have Giyen Crown To Conn, Writers Agree By JACK PULASKI As Jim Dawson of the New York Times so aptly put It, Billy Conn of Pittsburgh was within two rounds of what appeared a victory over Joe Louis In their thriller for the world's heavyweight boxing championship at the Polo Grounds, N. Y., last Wednesday (18). He went on to say that after Louis con- nected with the right smash that started Billy's descent to the canvas late in the 13th round, 'A few sec- onds before he was on the high road to fatne and fortune.' Dan Parker, one of the few writ- ers who thought Billy would win, in the Mirror said that Conn 'was too game for his own good, threw away $1,000,000 by going all-out in the 13th round'—the session that Mike Jacobs, the fight promoter, predicted would be the finale. To Ed Van Every of the Sun, Billy said: 'I tried for a knockout Instead of being satis- fied to win, and I blew my big chance . . .• they begged me not to get too cocky back in my corner ... I guess I've got a bit too much Irish in me and I gambled. Well, I went down fighting.' It was the consensus of opinion among fight writers that Conn could have coasted the last three rounds and copped the title, but that, he made the mistake of trading punches with Louis. Including the 12th round, Jimniy Powers in the News counted six rounds for Conn, four for Louis and two even. Murray Lewin in the Mirror called It six for Conn, .ilve for Louis and one even. Nearly every sports writer predicted that Conn would be knocked out but they figured It would come much earlier. A ton of coin passed hand's when Billy came up for the sixth, yet the Jaffee brothers of Pittsburgh, who have a piece of Conn, layed as high as 5-1 that their boy woiild turn the trick und- those showmen don't wager hay either. Stanley Woodward (Herald Trib) was a dissenter, think- ing Louis was out in front all the way except the 12th. Lonls Knew He Was Beaten Louis knew he' was being beaten until that right hand started to con- nect, end BO did the people in his corner. It was explained later that Joe was stale and therefore sluggish. He had refused to follow the advice of trainer Jack Blackburn and in- sisted on boxing too many rounds daily right up to two days before the match. At the end of the 12th round, when Conn had buffeted Louis around plenty and made him dizzy with left hooks to the chin, the gamblers were betting 4-1 on Billy. That was just the reverse of the odds when the fl^t started. The 12th was a slzzler for the fans, amazed that a sup- posedly light puncher a» Conn could mess up Louis. One hook cut Joe's right ear. According to Caswell Adams (Herald Trib), Louis, with a sense of humor, climbed' down the steps after it was over^d when he spied John Roxbury, one of his man- agers, he asked: .'How many cigars did you swallow?' John Kieran in the Tim^s: "The glory in the fight could be split down the middle. Loula kept his title. Conn gained tremendously in pres- tige. In the outpouring of merited tribute to the game bird from Pitta' burgh. It should not be overlooked that J. 'Shufflln' Louis was magnlfl' cent, too. From the brink of disaster he pounded his way to victory. . A great fighter. A clean fighter. A sportaman'. Joe WilUams, In the World-Tele- gram, said: 'Young William David Conn is a marvel in sev^al respects, For one thing he's the only fighter who ever won and lost the heavy- weight championship the same night . ,' . to the thrilling surprise of a crowd that almost overflowed Polo Grounds the 174-pound Irisher, who has the face of an angel and the fighting heart of a devil actually had the great Joe Louis whipped going Into the 13th round.' Champ was 25% pounds heavier than the amaz ing contender. Talk immedtately started on re- matching tile men in the fall, each to rest up tmtll tralnhig starts for that encounter. Late last week, hoW' ever, Jacobs announced that In Sep- tember Louis would meet Lou Nova, who was figured as the next logical opponent granted that Louis kept the title. He Is the only heavy with something on the ball whom Joe has not licked, and despite the fact that Tony Galento stopped him two years ago. Nova has greatly Improved, as shown when he stopped Max Baer FAntGEOUNDS TO CMASA Edmonton, Alta., June 24. Edmonton fair grounds have been formally transferred to the Do- minion government for the duration of the war and will be used as an air force manning depot. Summer fair will be held July 14- 10 and grounds will be turned over to the government immediately after. last winter at Madison Squair* Garden. Gate exceeded boxoffice. pre- dictions, gross being 9451,776, at $25 top, but that included taxes, which, when deducted, placed the real take at $386,041. Champ's share was more than. $140,000, while Conn took down $70,000. Jacobs claimed he wouldn't make much, but actually he added much to his heavy bankroll, and the motion pictures that he controls on the fight should clean up. MARRIAGES Amy Lois Tarr to'Alfred Spokes, sportscaster of WJTN, Jamestown, N. Y., ske'dded for June 28. Rose Just to Harry Kaplowitz, as- sistant to Sam E. Mofris, Warner Bros, exec, June 22 In Mineola, L.I. Heidi Vosseler to Paul Draper, In Rio de Janeiro, June 23. Both are dancers. Martha Stephenson Kemp to Vic- tor Mature, in- New York, June 17. Bride was widow of Hal Kemp, the band leader; he's the film ind legit actor. Paula Halpern to Harold Gruber, in New Yorlt, June 15. Bride is on Paramount's h.o. foreign publicity staff; he in a non-pro. E. Carolyn Caulk to Baron Egon Karl von Mauchenheim, in Detroit, revealed on June 18. Bride is man- ager of Hotel Statler's Cafe Rouge, Detroit; he Is a German political refugee. Beatrice Wolfson to Lou Bernstein. June 29 in New York. She Is sister of Lou Wolfson of William Morris agency. Anne Ford to Bob Doyle, in Chi- cago, June 14. Bride is assistant to Columbia web's educational direc- tor in Chicago; he's WGN, Chi, con- tinuity writer. Judy Canova to James Ripley, in Honolulu, June 14. Bride is the film comedienne. Eleanor Barry Ryan to Lawrence W. Lowman, in '■ Stamford, Conn.,' June 21. Groom is a CBS v.p. Marietta D'Allulsio to. John Hurley, in Jersey City, N. J., June 28. Bride is secretary of Notis Komnenos, Jersey City district manager of Skouras' theatres. Radio War Loan sContlnaed from page 29s campaign of the United States Treas- ury to sell U. S. Defense Bonds. But taken together, the keyed-up. drive In Canada and the tentative cam- paign in the States, it Is felt that the pattern of modern radio-stimulated Government financing drives Is ap- parent. American and Canadian ex- perts in fiscal and propaganda mat- ters have been frequently cooferfing in recent months. One-to-Slz (or Badlo Grants by the government ex- penses on these radio programs totaled $100,000 for the whole of Canada as' compared with $600,000 spent in full and half page advertise- ments in the 80 dailies and many of the 500 weekly newspapers of Canada. Sponsored and sustaining pro- grams carried without break or ex- ception spot minute announcements and there Is a possibility that these continued reiterations offset their purpose to some extent by wearying the public. Appropriations from' the Govern- ment r^dlo allotment of $100,000 across Canada for Montreal do not begin to cover value of time on the Involved stations. But there has been complaining, it being felt that it Is a patriotic duty to support the war effort to the limit. It is however pointed out that had sufficient money been allotted, as was the case of the newspapers, there would have been better scope to build up name pro- grams that should have carried greater appeal than speeches by Cabinet Ministers and military men. As the first big War objective to be put before the people of Canada there Is fair reason for congratula- tion on the manner it .was handled by Canadian radio with valuable help from United States sources. It Will also afford a lot of tips on how to handle similar assignmenU that will be coming up as the war con- tinues.