Variety (Oct 1941)

84 PAriett Wednesday, October 15, 1941 OBITUARIES ] HELEN MOBOAN Helen Morgan, 41, died late Wed- nesday (8) night in b Chicago hospi- tal, two weeks after being operated upon for a kidney removal Further details In Legitiniat* sec- tion, SAM rOSNEB Sam Posner, 59, who, as Kelth- Albec and later BKO receptionist tor 41 years, knew mora vaudeville performers and agents than anybody else in the business, died Oct 10 of * heart attack. He passed away at his desk In the RKO BuUding, Radio City. The previous day his family had given him a small, private party celebrating his SSth birthday. Posner was the oldest employee with RKO. He joined Keith-Albee when the corporation was located in tiie St. James building on Broadway. Subsequently he moved with K-A to the Putnam Building, now the •ite of the Paramount Building, then tf> the Palace Theatre Building and finally with RKO to Radio City. The morning of his death, Posner, fearing he would be late, rushed to work by cab. An hour later he suf- fered the heart attack and was car- ried into Major L. E. Thompson's of- fice by Charley Wobdley, colored porter, who. was the late Martin Beck's confidante. Posner died within a few moments^ before medi- cal aid could reach him. A bachelor, he's survived by his father and a sister. of the largest American circuses be- fore it was placed with others un- der the Barnum & Balley-Ringllng Bros, combined shows, died' at his home in Des Moines, Oct 10, fol- lowing a stroke several weeks ago. His paternal grandfather was Sam Stickney, founder of another circus bearing his name. Stickney's wife was a member of the DeMott equestrian troupe. Their son, Robert Stickney III, had a stilt- dancing and patter act that played bigtime vaudeville in the U. S. and abroad. After rr»hy years with cir- cuses, and later In vaudeville, the deceased worked on WPA recreation programs with his trick ponies. JOHN F. MOBBISSET John F. Morrssey, 98, legit actor, died Oct. 6 in New York. He began his career in 1902, supporting Fred- erick Warde in Shakespearian reper- tory. Among some of the Broadway plays in which he appeared were ■The Whip,' 'Everywoman;' 'Salt of the Earth" and 'Alias the Deacon." He supported the late Berton Churchill in the latter. More recently Morrissey appeared in. 'Pagan Lady" and 'Hold Your Horses.' Survived by widow, pro- fessionally known as Pliyllis Ray, (his mother and two sisters). Burial in Kensico cemetery, West- chester County, was under Actors Fund, auspices. SAM BABTON Sam Barton, 46, veteran 'tramp"^bl- cyollst, who. had appeared on Euro- ran and American stages, died Oct after a heart attack following his ^rst t>erformance in 'It Happened on Joe' at the Center theatre, New York. Barton was - to have joined -ttic •how as a regular member of the cast Oct. 9, and was breaking in bis act at the matinee perfortnance when seized wih th^ attack immedi- ately following his turn. He sue- cumlied in his dressing room 10 minutes later. It was Barton's first time in an ice ■how and one of his infrequent ap- pearances in other fields but vaude. Ills act closely paralleled that of Joe Jackson and there were frequent eontroversies as to who copied Vrhom, with Jackson getting the edge 'because of seniority, although much of Barton's stage business was dlS' tinctly unlike that of Jackson's. A few years ago Barton gave a com- fnand performance for the King and Queen of England. Widow and two children survive. the Strand theatre. Iowa City, with his father, Tom Brown, was a widely known independent theatreman in the state.. WILLIAM LINCOLN BUSH William Lincoln Bush, who In 1901 founded the Bush Music Temple, famous as a music center in Chicago, and former president of the Bush and Gerts Piano Co., died in Chicago Oct 13. Bush also sponsored the South- western . Conservatory of Music, Dallas. Widow survives. CLABA THOMS Clara E. Thoms, 78, former opera singer, died Oct 0'in Los Angeles after three years of Illness. In her early career Mme. Thoms sang be- fore the crowned heads of Europe and later conducted a vocal studio in New York. She moved to California three years ago for her health. Bills Next Week sContlnued from paf • 46; XIABBETT HOBABT PBICE Garrett Pobart Price, 47, burles- que comedian, died Oct 6 .in New York. Survived by widow Frances White, dancer and his vaudeville partner. Funeral and cremation Oct. 8 at the Ferncliffe Crematory were handled by the Actors Fund. CHABLES A. HOKEB . Charles A. Hoxie, 74, often called the 'father of the presentday talking picture,' and inventor in tiie fields of talking pictures and radio com- munication, died in Alplaus, N.Y., Octr 13. He had been receiving a pen- sion from the General Electric Co. According to GS, it was Hoxie who first devised the process of turning sound into light and recording it on transparent film. He developed the Poxie machine for recording sound on the identical film that carried the picture. This method is generally in use today and differs from the older method by using the synchronization of disks with the film. Surviving are a widow, daughter and two sons. JOHN J. O'NEILL John J. O'Neill, 50, veteran Roch- ester theatre manager, died at his home in Rochester, N. Y., Oct 6, of • tieart ailment. He was house man- ager of the Eastman theatre, Roch- ester, in the ' lush days when the theatre was the pride of George Eastman. In the shakeup which fol- lowed lease of the Eastman, Regent and Century to Publix, he became manager of the Century and later the Regent. Two years ago he helped organize and became president of the Ticket Treasurelrs Union, aflill- ated with the Stagehands. He "had charge of reserved seat sales at the Auditorium and Rochester Baseball Club's stadium. O'Neill went to Rochester in 1915 from Camden, N. J., his native' city, as assistant manager of the Avon' theatre, operated by W. B. McCal- lum. Then he became manejser of the Gordon and later Fay's. He leaves his widow, son, daugh- ter, sister and brother. EUGENE 6CHNEIDEB Eugene Schneider, Montreal viola player and teacher, dropped dead at his stiind during the inaugural concert of Bruno Walter's symphony season in Montreal, Thursday (9). Schneider's collapse '. went un- noticed by the aud^ce. Two mu- sicians carried him backstage and a doctor, summoned from the audi- ence, pronounced him dead. De- ceased wa$ widely known in local music .circles, hayinj:_ been a mem- ber for 10 years of the Dubois String Quartet. CLARENCE H. WILSON Clarence Hummel Wilson, 64, char- acter player on stage and screen, died Oct. 5 in Hollywood. An actor for 45 years, he began his stage career in Philadelphia with a stock company in 1895 and spent several years touring the United States and Canada with road shows. In New York Wilson played under the man' agement of Charles , Frohman, William A. Brady and Klaw & Er- langer In support of such stars as James K. Hackett 'Virginia Harned, Marguerite Clark, Amelia Bingham, Charles Cherry and Wilton lackaye. In Hollywood Wilson played silent pictures as far back as 1020. Among his "recent film appearances %eie 'Angels With Broken Wings' (Rep> ^oad' Show' (Roach), 'Our Gang' <i<I-G) and 'You're the One' (Par) BOBEBT D. STICKNEY Robert D. Stickney, 69, grandson mt - John Robinson, founder of one GEORGE MABION KYLE George Marion Kyle, Los Angeles ad agency lead, succumbed in 'Vet- erans' Hospital, San Francisco, Oct 7 from, head injuries received in. an auto crash Aug. 22. Kyle was a World War* I ace and engaged in various combats with Baron von Richthofen, the German ace. . Kyle was in Frisco on business at the time of the accident, in which Gene Grant NBC salesman, also was injured. Latter has recovered. WILL LESLIE Will Leslie, 74, vet vaude star, died in Melbourne, Australia, recently. Leslie, with Us brother, Fred, played the Keith Orphetmi loop for a number of years, spending time in Europe's top houses, then replaying Australia tor Harry Rlckards and Sir Ben Fuller. ' GUS KAHN Gus Kahn, 54, lyric writer, died Oct. 8 of a heart attack after a lin- gering illness in his Beverly Hills, Calif., home. Further details In the Music sec- tion. JOHN DBUBY John Drury,. 70, Shakespearean actor, died Oct. 11 In Cincinnati. He had originated the role of the priest in The Rosary' when It was first produced in New York in 1910 and had appeared in David Belasco's 'Girl of the Golden West' DOBOTHT DBAKE Dorothy Drake, WEEI (Boston) publicity director sliice 1934, died in Wakefield, Mass., Oct 3. Known in private life as Mrs. James L. Ma- guire, she started in radio in 1929 with WNAC, Boston. Sn> LAMB . Sid Lamb, 69, Negro performer, formerly of Hurley's minstrels and the Bert Cline shows, and a former champ cakewalker, died Oct. 6 in Flint Mich. Juno Canon Danclnff Ul«trlclis Uerrltt I.iiiub Ore -Morocco *aay Nlnotlea' R«v Buddy l>ui'ay Joe Fodor Oro Madalon Baker Neblolo'a Fay & Andre Johnny Policy . I.aiikey SJa Olem Hawklna Leonard Seel Oro Norlhwood Inie Anita Jacob! Wooda Ic Bray Harry Bchllllnc lloshee ft Lee Ray CarilD Oro Olds IVajM Olob Charlea Coetello Ore McColl 61a Palm Baach Hal & Dolly The Barclaya Bert Herman Hoslnda Carlofl Vesta Don Pablo Oro HHck'a Bedford lu Mao McGraw Oro Boyalo , Peter HlEglna The aunaetta Kurtla Unrlonettea Marilyn Stuart Jimmy Ray TaCt-Kretlow Gli Dick WorthlnstoB Don McOrane Oro sutler Hotel Enrlo 'Madrliruora Tava & Tanya Sake Ann Boland e TIp-Topa Buddy Loater JloaalltanoK J.ohnny Hale Couort tt Reed Karl Spaeth Oro San DIeco . Radio jostera Jimmy Durant Leola Taylor Neaaley & ^sorman. Mary Janta Paul Uordon Oro Blevadora Svorolt & Conwayi Bill Harrle Roland & Rlto Irene Burke Tiny Oornian Jack Thomaa Ore The Treijlca Chico The DuanoA BUI Oxer (3) Linda Garcia - Hal Wayne Oro Vera* Rorera St Pruce Jean lAcaaky Hill Tracey Hon Driaty Whitder Hotel (Uold Cub Room) Herman Fine U'onder Bu . Pat Naflh VocAllons Oro Sammy DIberl Oro . S09 Club bale Rhodoo Dl Giovanni ' Claire Wlllama Good St Goody Chnney & Harley . uapt Kranke Julie Hewitt Juno Hart Horace Bouck- Oro CLEVELAin) Alplna Vlllago Harry Deeaar Co Fantino Family C Lucky Glo ^ Bob Copter Francea Auer Otto Thurn Oro Kl ihimpo Bob M4nnera Oro Sammy Llpman Jean March Hal Hoeney BeeC Trust .Gle KIdomdo Clab Asgle Auld J Mackonsle Oro Goarmet Club Royal Hawallana O Bill Lochman Bote! Allertoa Joe Baldl Oro Hotel Curler Thixton Sprenaer Ambassadors Ore Charles Wick Hotel Clevclaiid Henry KInK Ore Hotel VenirnT Hall Johnny Cowglll Grant Wilson Hotel HoUendea Gall-Gall Roily RoUei Barbara. B Loslla Woody Wilson - Souchernalrea Ore Hotel Blatler Ray Morton* Oro Jose Perez Oro Brnle Taylor La Consa Clab Freddie Carlone Oro LIndaay'a Skjrbar Maurice Rocco Hal Simpson Pearl do Lucca Monaco's Cafo Juan Makula Oro Jullanna Makula Zoi-a Canon ' I.es Scott Gale Soxtct MouDdH Club Gene Kerwin'e Oro Jane Pickens . . Rriml CiDb Ducky Malvin Oro 3700 Club Art West S Aristocrats Hal Hall Shirley Burke Do'n Walsh Oro Jean Carle Don Huckol CInb Maylalr Ranny Woeka Oro Beriile Bennett O George LIbby Rev MItil Mayfalr Don John Fisher Allen' Carney Doris Abbott Club Vnnlty Fair Farren Bros Oro Stella Ray Qlnnlo O'Koefe Betto Claire Cocoaant OroTO Mickey Alport Oro Don Rico Oro Wally Wangef Rev Billy Pnlne Marianne Francla Amapola Lopes Stuart & Lee Callahan Sin Uathea Merrylleld (Melody Louage) Marjorlo Oarreuon Herb Lowla Copley PIbkb (Sheratoo Room) Ruby Newman Oro Julia Barbour (Merrr-Oo-BonBd) Mark Gilbert S Crawford Heusa . Ray Colllnn Ore Sally Keith Jacqueline Hurley Harriet Walker Billy Byrd Crawfordottes Fox A HoDDda Milton George Oro Irene Donahue David Ballentino (Rhvmba Casino Boom) Charles Wolk Oro Lea HabanerOB (6) m-IIat Peto Herman- Oro Luollle Qrey Frank Petty nolo! Bradford (Clrcu Room) Warren St Bodee Hot«I Bnuawlck (BormodaXftrrace) Ella Fitzgerald Ore Babe Wallace Hotel Kisei Ken Travera Ore Jack Manning Oro Billy Kelly Frost ft Uolene PITTSBUBGH ANTONY GILDES Antony Gildfs, 85, vet French actor, died Oct. 6 in Paris. ELISHA H. CALVEBT Elisha Helm Calvert 78, pioneer film acto'r and director, died Oct. S in Hollywood. A stage player in his early days in the midwest, Calvert became a film director for the Essanay Studio, Chi- cago, in the silent era and piloted Gloria Swanson, William Farnum and others who later became stars in Hollywood. For the last 10 years deceased played character roles in films. Surviving is his widow. NORMAN J. NOBMAN Norman J. Norman, 70, former European manager for the Shuberts and one of London's belter 4cnown theatrical manager^, died Oct. 10 in London. An American by birth, he received his start at the Casino the- atre, New York. Norman went to London in 1898 as manager for 'The Belle of New York' at the Shaftesbury theatre there and remained there ever since. CHARLES V. BBOWN Charles V. Brown, 43, Iowa the- atreman, died at Mercy hospital, Iowa City, Oct, 9. Death was due to a cerebral hemorrhage. Brown, who owned and managed Ray Davldsqp, 43, press agent for civic, theatrical and musical organi- zations on the Coast and correspon- dent for the London Daily Mail, died Oct. 7 in Hollywood after an illness of three weeks. Mrs. -lobn NIebes, 71, died at her home in Detroit from a heart ail- ment She was the wife of the vet- eran Detroit film theatre owner. Husband and daughter survive. Wife of Joe Burke, songwriter, died Oct. 5 of a heart ailment after a lingering illness in her Philadel- phia home. Son and daughter also survive. Emit Forest, 72, father of Frank Forest of the 'Double Or Nothing' program on Mutual, died Oct. 11 of a heart attack at Redlands, Cal. Thomas W. Symons, Jr., 52, co- owner in stations KFPY, Spokane; KXL, Portland, and KGIR, Butte, Mont., died at Newberg, Ore., Oct 2. Mother of Kathleen Coghlan, Paramount fan magazine editor, died Oct. 11 in Los Angeles. 20 Hnrt in Theatre Collapse Mexico City. Oct. 14. Fourteen patrons, including five women, three children, plus six players were injured, four of them' seriously, ,.when the roof of the Maria' Victoria theatre at Atcella,. Guerrero state, collapsed recently under torrential rain during a per- formance. Ancboras* Hugh Morton Oro Maynard Dttana Arllaiton faods* Phil Cavesza Oro Buddy Carlaon Ore ■ Bill GpMD's Baron Elliott Oro Mary Krleg BlUy Cover Michael StraoKO Jack WnilRma Dick Mack Blue Rldffe Ino I.ou Lucky Oro Bobby CarllalQ De Mllo & Marr 3 Mutte Denny AuAtIn Booicle-Wooglo Club Boor Shemnao Maxio yimoD Harry Coinorada Tubby Miller 3 Dixie NutH Chick -WHIIania Club PelMe Piccolo Pcto Ore Ltnore Tropp Cork and llotiU Nelson Maplcn Colonial Art Parror Ore Jerry Tae Eddie Peyton'! Art Schamberff Ore Mildred Segal Kddio Peyton ■ Sandy Mccllntock Marlon Kluller £1 Cbico ^rarlo Ore Virginia Ramos Peplio & CJarnien 01 Club Rita Ray i KInifs Ifotel Fort 'Pllt Ken Batley Oro .Tohnny Mitchell Hfcrry Walton Jessie Wheatley . Hotel Henry (Slli-er tirlll) M Onntreraa Ore Conchlia (Oay ftO'fl) Dorothy NowbUt Hotel Hh Armue Bovf flaundore Ida lola Evftrolt HaFdn Betty Donahoe Al Devln Hotel RooacTelt Skyllners. Botol Schcnler Billy Hinds Oro Joy Llnd Hotel Wm Penn (Continental Bar) Wanda liUcorta Merry-Go-Ronnd Bubbles Becker O Frances Stone New Pena Ralph Alien Ore l^avnlo St Cora KNir.-ilita Glnici^r t'oia Juanica Buddy Birch Nixon Cnfe AI Marlsco Oro Bob Carter Bob Rlpa Kvelyn Farney Kay Vernon Manor A Mlgnon Nat HODM Sherdtna Walkar O Ted Blake Oeorge Gregg Harry Frank Jao Klein Chuck ^Vllaon Wafson Onala Frank Shean Oro Fines Don Rutter Bin I,.oRoy Ore Trelon Ralph Groves Oro Aclol© Pain Ralph Springer Ray yttles Maricle Allen Le Bary 8t Latlna Yacht Club H Middleman Oro Lionel Kayo Sylvia. Starr Pierre & Andrea inide Simmons Sylvia Hart Shirley Heller Sky-Vno Johnny Martone Ore Allen Tr^nt Union Qrlll Snmmy Walter* Frank Natale Mike .Sandretto Villa Madrid Bf/.\ Covato Oro Mark J^ane (ilovannl Arturo gi Evelyn Joan Hopo Manhaltancttea BOSTON Beachcomber Harry Morrl»iw-y Lu-Collta Choena de dimone Pnncho .& Dolores Elaine Jordan Busteir Kolm Itov niiDfii/iii>*a Karl Bolide Ore Harry Stockwell Lodzia & Artini Ctirrlla t Coral Ada &. Her Pals Cuba Monona AI Tory Ore Harrlaim Aulgor Joyo Martin Tom Brown Kathyrn Fortenor Loutso Sherwood ?:Hrl Grogfi Jane Glddlnga Roberta Hlnes Conga Toreaa Jean Hontl Hotel Gardner Burt Shaw Evalyn Harvey Hotol Ulaerva Harry Bay Ore Barbara Oouglass Hotel Bomemet (BaUn«a« Room) Harry "Marahard O Hotel atatler (Terrace Room) ■ Howard Jones Ore Jack Edwards (Cafo Houfo) 9alvy Cavlechlo Or* Hotel Wmtmlnvter (Blue Room) Jimmy HcHale Or« Bhllatores Una Cooper Tom Barry International Cat* Ted Crowley Oro Ralph James Marie "^'ayne Johnny Bove Ken Club Stuff Smith Oro RuHs Howard latla Quartw Anthony Bruno Or« Khumbolters Oro Sammy Walsh Harriet Hoctor Fred Keating Gomez & Minor Mimic Men Buster Kelm Efna Helen Carroll (Lonnge BAr) Hum Strum Eacudero & l^aPlata Rio Caaino Georgo Harris Oro Harry Spear Wally Wanger Rev Cherl & Tamaclta Garon & Bennett 3 Bidder Boys Stenben'a (Vlonna Room) Lew Conrad Oro Boyd Heathen Chester Dolphin Atmetrong & Stark Barry & English Dolorea Reed The Chto Don DIBona Oro jACk VIsher Taniara Dorlva Currlto & Carol Phil Barry Tic Too Joe Nevll Ore MARRIAGES- Jean Peterson to Jerry Cady, at Circle Z Ranch, Ariz., Oct. 7. He's a-screen writer at RKO. Dorothy Eisele to Tee Casper in Dallas on Oct. 11. Casper Is KGKO sportscaster. Beth Renner to Robert Splane, In Beveri^ Hills, Oct 11. Bride is a film actress; he's a former picture stunt man. Gloria Dickson to Ralph F. Mur- phy, in Reno, Oct. 10. Bride is Aim actress; he's a director at Para- mount. Norma Lindbloom to Arthur Wilde, In liss Vegas, Nev., Oct 11. She's in the J. Walter Thompson radio di- vision, Hollywood; he's in Warners' publicity department, Hollywood. Kathryn Pumilia to F. Paul Sylos, In Las Vegas, Ney., Oct. 12. He's art director at Paramount. June Payson' to JacK Lowry, in' Las Vegas, Nev., Oct 11. He's pub- licist at Paramount Myrtls Jackson to John Dodson, Sept 25, in Yuma, Ariz. He's a member of King's Men quartet; she's a radio singer. Rita Hackett to James Cassidy, Oct 18, Ih Cincinnati. Bride i> WSAI (Cincy) women's commen- tator; he's WLW (Cincy) special events rep. '' BIRTHS Mr. and Mrs. Jan Savitt daugh- ter, in New York, Oct 8. Father is the bandleader. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stark, son, in New York Oct 3. Father is radio announcer. Mr, and Mrs. Jean Meunier, son, in Santa Monica, Oct 7. Father li film studio musician. • Mr. and Mrs. Pat McGowan, daughter, in Pittsburgh, Oct. 8. Father Is Pittsburgh night club com- edian. Mr. and Mrs. William Winter, son, in Hollywood, Oct. 6. Fatlier is sliU photographer at 20th-Fox. Mr.'and Mrs. Robert Saudek, son, Oct 9, in New York. Father is as- sistant sales head of NBC-Blue. Dr. and Mrs. C. C. Doherty, son, Oct. 9, in Cincinnati. Mother is Bernardine Flynn, who plays Sade in 'Vic and Sade' serial. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Jahnke, son. in Detroit, Oct. 9. Mother is Dorothy Mason, former singer with the Del Delbridge orch. Mr. and Mrs. Melville Shyer, son, in Hollywood, Oct. 11. Father is a film director. Mr. ana Mrs. Arthur Elmer, son, Oct.y 6, in Brooklyn. Father is • radio actor.