Variety (Sep 1942)

54 Wednesda^t September 23, 1942 OBITUARIES WILMA HORNER Mrs. Max Davis Gershen, 32, known professionally by her maiden name, Wilma Horner, died of asphyxiation lasl week in New York. Body was sent to Young- wood, Pa., near Pittsburgh, the family home, for burial. Miss Horner started in show siz as a chorus girl in tabs and later went into burlesque as a featured dancer, playing several long stretches in her native city, Pittsburgh, at the old Variety theatre. Three years ago she toured Australia in a Harry Howard unit, for which her hus- band, who went under the name of Mack Davis, was the orchestra con- ductor. He retired from theatre work some time ago to go into manufacture of naval uniforms ■with his family. Miss Horner's f^sl and only ap- pearance in a Broadway show was in 'Crary With the Heat,' in which she was Willie Howard's straight woman. She later played the deluxe film houses with Howard in a con- densation of 'Heat.' That was her last job although she had been up for a spot in the new Vinton Freed- ley show. In addition to her husband, she leaves her father, four brothers, William, Frederick, Layton and Carl, the latter a Chief Petty Officer In the navy, and two sisters, Irene and Kay. PETER GORMAN Peter Gorman, 77, old-time thea- tre manager and hoofer, died in Ot- tawa, Canada, Sept. 17. With his brother, the late Jerry Gorman, he had' formed a dancing team that was well known in Canada and the U. S. between 1879 and 1891. Born in London, England, Peter Gorman was the son of Johanna O'Brien, champion jig and reel dancer of Ireland. He and his brother toured with the Gibbons English company, E. A. McDowell dramatic troupe, Holman Opera Company (1877), Pullman and Hamilton circus and others. In 1900 he became manager of the old Russell theatre, for years Ot- tawa's main stage. Among those to play there under Gorman's manage- ment were Lillian Russell, Sir Henry Irving, Sir Charles Wynd- ham. Sir Charles Hawtrey, Sarah Bernhardt Blanche Walsh, E. S. Willard, Sothern and Marlowe, Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson, Robert Mantell and Paderewski. Daughter, Nanine, is the sole sur vivor. BARTLETT CORMACK Bartlett Cormack, 44, screen writer and former actor, died Sept. 16 in Phoenix, Ariz., following a long ill- ness. His introduction to show busi- ness was a series of acting roles in Maurice Broune's Little theatre In Chicago, where he played for two years. Later he became a company manager and press agent in New York, where he wrote The Racket,' produced on Broadway in 1927. Among his screen plays were Gentlemen of the Press,' The Laughing Lady,' The Green Murder Case,' The Spoilers,' The Front Page,' 'Kick In,'- 'For Men Only,' 'Buy Your Woman,' 'Phantom of Crestwood,' Thirteen Women,' 'Half Naked Truth,' 'Pursuit of Happiness.' 'We're Only Human,' 'Fury,' 'Vessel of Wrath' and The Beachcomber.' GEORGE T. HOOD George T. Hood, 62, vet Seattle showman, died in Seattle Sept. 10 after being ill for the past few years, A native of Seattle, he entered show business at age of 20 as treasurer of Seattle's old Grand Opera House opened In 1900 by the late John Cort, for whom Hood was private secretary and representative for many years. Hood became house manager of the Grand and later, when Cort opened the Moore theatre, Hood managed that, too. For over 20 years Hood ran the legit Metropolitan theatre, Seattle, operated by Klaw U Erlanger. For a time he was with thr Henry Duffy interests and Fan- chon & Marco in California, and later became stale director of the Federal Theatre Project. Widow, daughter, two sons and a brother, Frank P. Hood, also well known in Seattle theatre circles, survive. JAMES F. MoCABE James F. McCabe, 67, veteran showman, died Sept 18 in New York. McCabe's activities had embraced circus, rodeo and. vaudeville. Early in his career he was associated with the Walter L. Main Shows and for a number of years with Buffalo Bill. In burlesque, he was once featured with Phil Peters. He appeared in vaudeville with his wife as a team (McCabe & Vogel). At the World's Fair in Chicago in 1933, he was with the Wings of a Century show and later with Railroads on Parade. For several years, during summer sea- sons, he was a member of the J. Allen Darnaby Exposition staff. HUGO VICTOR Hugo Victor, 69, who operated the Oriental theatre, Hongkong's largest film house before its destruction by Japanese bombings, was killed last Dec; 22 in Hongkong during an air raid, it's just been revealed in New York. Victor, in association with his brother Charles, had been the first to open vaudeville theatres in Bur' lington. Cedar Rapids and Waterloo, Iowa. They had also operated the Hugo Bros. Circus and sent several American shows around the world. Survived by widow, who recently arrived in the U. S. from Hongkong on the exchange ship Gripsholm Brother Charles also survives. CARROLL PIERCE Carroll Pierce, 54, died in N. Y. Sept 20. For a number of years he was assistant' to the late Walter Kingsley when the latter was press agent for the Palace, N. Y., during its two-a-day vaudeville hey-day, After Kingsley withdrew to handle publicity for Flo Ziegfeld, Pierce remained with the Keith-Albee press department. Later he was with the WPA Federal Theatre Project's pub- licity group. He had been ailing of recent years. HUBERT LABADIE Hubert Labadie, 76, who trouped the midwest before the turn of the century, died Friday (18) in Brigh- ton, Mich., hospital following a stroke. The Labadies, Hubert and Oliver, direct descendants of the old Ottawa Indian chieftains, carried the drama to innumerable towns in the mid- west, with 'Faust' their masterpiece. They played Deadwood and the Da- kota Black Hills in the '80's, when the Blackfeet Indians were on a rampage. During the early days of the films, the Labadies established e studio at Labadie Lake, Mich., named for their families, and made several outdoor Alms but the com- pany failed to expand. After he quit touring. Labadie was dramatic director for nearly 20 years for the Scottish Rite Order in the Masonic Temple, Detroit, where he kept up his large contacts with friends in show business. Survived by brother, Oliver. ISRAEL GORE Israel Gore, 54, pioneer indie chain exhibitor, died Sept 12 in the vet- erans' hospiul at Sawtelle, Cal., after an illness of several months following a major operation. For years he was associated with hi.' brothers, Abe and Mike, in indie theatre operation and other amuse- ments. More recently he ran the Golden Gate theatre, Los Angeles, in partnership with Fox-West Coast. polls recently. He had worked at most of the Minneapolis loop thea- tres and for the last 10 years was stage manager for the WCCO radio station artists' bureau. Widow survives. WALTHER LIEBLER Walther Liebler, 43, for years with the Lord & Thomas advertising agency in New York, as contact with RKO, one of its accounts, died Sept 21 of a kidney ailment from which he had been suffering for some time. About a month ago his eyesight be- came seriously impaired. Leaves widow. JAMES LOWNDES James L-owndes, 65, died Aug. 18 in Cape Town, South Africa. Lowndes was musical director at the Tivoli Music Hall, Cape Town, for about 25 years, until it closed and was demolished in 1931. Widow, daughter and two sons survive. TONT ZIMHEBS Tony Zimmers, widely known musician, was killed in action with the Marines in the Solomon Islands recently. Further details In Orchestra sec- tion. GEORGE W. ROBERTS George W. Roberts, 62, former Al- bany theatre proprietor, died Sept 10 in New York. A sister survives. John B. McMahoD, 54, Toledo at- torney and former i>art-owner of the Temple theatre there, died Sept 7, leaving widow, parents, and a brother. Mrs. Sarah Jessie Swssey Bsrnet, 86, widow of playwright Robert Ayers Barnet, died Sept 16 in Bay- side, N. Y. Herbert Conrad, 19, trombonist with Al Day's orchestra, died Sept 8 in Akron. O., after a brief illness. 'Abie' and 'Rose' Contlnned from pa(e t MARRIAGES Ginger Dinning to Harry Lutke, Sept. 19, in Chicago. Bride is mem- ber of the Dinning Sisters, harmony trio; groom is with Advertising Re- search foundation of Chicago. Michele Morgan to Bill Marshall, In Hollywood, Sept. 16. Both are screen players. Doris Fair to Charles B. Koren, In Beverly Hills, Cat, Sept 11. Groom is on the Charles R. Rogers publicity sUff. Annette Robin to Harold Gold- stein, in Pittsburgh, Sept 9. Groom's head of WCAE continuity depart- ment; bride is a sister of Jack Robin, private secretary to Mayor Scully of Pittsburgh, and a cousin of Leo Robin, songwriter. Margaret Dunnett to John Car- sella, Sept. 19, in Lake County, III. Groom is tiBC staff musician. Alice Neilson to Howard Christie, in Las Vegas, Nev., Sept 13. Bride is a screen actress, groom an as- sistant director. Margaret Jacobson to David Emer- ton Williams, Sept 10, in Salt Lake City. Bride is in KSL traffic de- partment he's non-pro. Bonnie Luthy to Lieut, Albert C. Nagle, in San 'Antonio, Sept 10. Bride is legit radio actress. Ida Josephine Balaban to Jean Aberbach, Sept. 19, in New York. Bride is daughter of A. J. Balaban. Mertice Ashby to Dave Rublnoff, Sept. 21, in Bangor, Me. He's vio- linist and orchestra leader now on a concert tour of New England. signed a contract for a new 'Abie' picture, she received several offers after the radio version clicked last spring, and she intends accepting one. She may produce the film herself for a major studio release, but if not will almost certainly insist on retain- ing an active say on script casting, etc. Paramoimt made a film of 'Abie' some years ago, but under the con- tract the rights then reverted to Miss Nichols. Possibility of a revival of 'Abie' as a stage play is still alive. It was re- vived in New York In 1937 and failed, but Miss Nichols figures it might go on the road now. Clip Joints continued from page t ELIOTT TOBIAS Eliott Tobias, 20, songwriter, died Sept. 16 in Santa Monica, Cal., after several months hlness. Before he was confined to the hospital he had collaborated on a number of tunes with his father, Harry Tobias, veteran composer and lyricist. His uncles, Charlie and Henry Tobias, are also songsmiths. BOB YOSCO Bob Yosco, 70, vaudevillian for- merly of Lyons and Yosco, died in Brooklyn Sept. 19. He had been in- active for the past 10 years after some 35 years in vaude. Among songs he wrote were 'Wish I Was in Dixie.' 'Rose of Italy,' 'Macaroni Joe' and 'Marguerite.' Widow and five children survive. FELIPE LLERA Felipe Llera, 65, dean of Mexican folk-music composers and stage and radio songwriter, died recently in Mexico City. JOHN A. KILMARTIN John A, Kllmartin, 67, in show business 40 years and was one of Minneapolis' oldest stage employees In point of service, died in Mlnnea- padded checks. The hooferies are not the better-known spots. One specific instance was brought to the attention of Lester Stone, the Mayor's secretary. It concerned a Times Square dancehall, whose sidewalk barker lures foreign serv- icemen in by claiming everything is free for them. Three British seamen recently took the invite, danced with the girls a couple of times and then sat out a few. Some beer was ordered and the boys thought they were getting a real taste of Ameri- can hospitality until they got up to leave about an hour later, when they were presented with an $8 bill—$6 for sitting-out time and $2 for the beer. The type of characters hover- ing around the table made it obvious to the sailors that they would have to pay—and pay they did. The sidestreet bars and joints, some of them making the clipping more glamorous via hostesses, pos- sibly helped inspire Mayor LaGuar- dia's speech on Monday (22) before the 40th annual convention at the Pennsylvania hotel of the Interna- tional Assn. of Chiefs of Police. LaGuardia sounded a warnihg against excessive drinking during wartime, saying that 'decent people of the country' would not tolerate 'debauchery and reckless drinking' in the cities. Especially, he pointed out, if they became convinced that such practices were impairing the health of the men in the armed serv- ices, those on the home front and tended to increase crime at the same time. He stated that he had ordered the N. Y. City police to crack down on such joints habitually patronized by gamblers, prostitutes and criminals. BIRTHS Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sager, daughter, in Pittsburgh, Sept. 17. Mother's a former KDKA, Pitts- burgh, hostess. Mr. and Mrs. William Wymer, son, in Pittsburgh, Sept 15. Mother's the former Jeanie Bushey, who used to dance with her sister, Doro- thy Bushey, in Pitt film house lines. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Levin, son, in Hollywood, Sept 16. Father is assistant producer at Metro. Mr. and Mrs. Al Parmenter, daughter, in Hollywood, Sept. 16. Father is on Warners publicity staff. Mr. and Mrs. Lee Sweetland, son, Sept. 14 in Los Angeles. Father Is NBC singer. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Baker, daugh- ter, in Pittsburgh, Sept. 17. Father is with Max Adkins' Stanley theatre orch. Mr. and Mrs. William Thompson, daughter, in Hollywood, Sept. 17. Father is theatre manager in Santa Monica, Cat. Mr. and Mrs. 'Gston Pace, daugh- ter, in San Antonio, Sept. 12. Father is announcer on KTSA, San Antonio. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Thomas, daughter, in Milwaukee, Sept. 8. Father is announcer for 'WTMJ- W55M, Milwaukee. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Rapisff, daughter. Sept 16, in Bridgeport Father is announcer at WICC, Bridgeport. Mr. and Mrs. Bert Prager, son. Sept 19, in New York. Father is talent buyer of the Benton & Bowles agency. Mr. and Mrs. Chester Hale, son, Sept. 14, in N. Y. Father is the stager; mother formerly chorus cap- tain in Hale's troupe at Ben Mar- den's Riviera. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Seaman, daughter, New York, Sept. 21. Father is organist at WBNX, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Notkins (Ruth Wilk), son, Sept. 20, in N. Y. She's daughter of Jake Wilk, eastern story head for Warner Bros.; he's asst U. S. d.a. in N. Y. Film Education Continued from page 3 s:> than it real bullets were used. Trainees now take a major por- tion of the practice course via films with sound-tracks which include scund effects and comment by an oft'-screen Instructor as well as an in.structor In person. Sound tracks are available in many languages. Widespread use of films for actual training purposes, the use of huge quantities of areo stock for recon- naissance purposes, added to other films being made for various Gov- errment services such as the Office of Civilian Defense, the Office of War Information, etc., accounts in part for the huge quantities of raw stock which must be shunted from normal entertainment and commer- cial channels to the Army and Navy. Bills Next Week Continued from page 4< ; Columbua A Corroll Betty Jane Smitli Pecsy liOeb Olamonr Qle Bddle De Lnca Ore HopUnCBadukaUer Tvonettee Johnny Cahlll Kay Hamlton Kaye & Qrey Tony Bennett Oro Leilnxton Cailao Caalnettea (B) Harry Weinberg Walter '^'altera Sddy KInloy Walter Behr Betty-Ann Jordan Lenore Jaxon Lanny Valo Ted Oliver Oro Utile Bathakeller Glngor LAyne Grace Bdwarda Johnny & Oeorge Eddie Schatrer Victor Huso'a Oro Loo'a Chancellor Bar Gloria Mann Boyd & Dmith Don- Renaldo 4 Mlaalrel TaTara Tvonno Kerr Mary Morrle Margie March Anita Thoma Michael Wayne Slaay Qlnnle Lottoa UoraTlaa Bar Helen Luah Kenny Shaffer (3) Cookie Wllllama NeU fMrchoB's Joe Rankin Ed RIcharda Glrard & Carolina Serenadera Catherine Wolf Ola Frank Murtha Geo MarchattI Oro Old EkIU TaTcia Roie Jorlnelll Jack HutchlnaoB Billy Haya Oro Georgiana Lee Dottle Bruce Opea Door Cafa Day, Dagk, Dawn Eddie Swartz Blolee Mack Conway & Parka Delniara 2 Zola Gray Shallta-Cralg Ore Fraak ralombo't Brown Twine Don Criat ()> Bye aia Iria Wayne Frankle Sehluth Ford Bowie ft Dally Jeanettea Joe & Lou Foweltoa Cafa Joe Jovenelly Lee Rogere Chaa Raye Marty Wayne Nan Orowlke Rendeivoas Anne Lewis Lee Norrls S Belles ft Beau Rlti Carltoa Howard Lanin Ora _ Romaa arlll* Grace Wynne Thunderbolte Frank TontI Kay Carlton uarty Devlne Orch BiTer DrlT* Tea DIok Wharton Or* Sam'a Cafe Paul Rich Rose LaJny Buddy BrVHnt Margie Smiili Mike Ray Ore Sclolla'a Frankle nichardioa Bob Karl Gertie Taylor Oro Betty Keenan Roae Vonull (3) Shannon & Mein BilTer laa La Merita Col Geo Reed Alice Lucey Montez & Adele Mickey Foinllant O Baa Ray OardOM Flying Bcrrya Beatrice & Danny Agnes Willis Berle Wllllama Dot Lull Garden Swingatera Skeeter 68th St. Rathakelht Gale Arden Julia Wayne Peggy Martin Harry Adnr Oro Babe Lalour Valdez & Peggy Swan CInb Vincent Rlzjo Ort Puaey DeCnnno Duke McHnle Ray Sis Armand Camp Flack Lane Marty Bohn Lee Bolin Cookie Mann Trana Atlaatlr I.'sa Penny Serenadera .■tally LaMar Johnny Parrlab Mth Centory Clak Harry McKoy Mike Pedecin Sally La Marr Vealca Grill Antone Bove Louis; Allen WIngQ Wingo Bddy Delan John Sunceo Don Nicholas Ore Weber'a Hof Biaa Camdea Ray O'Day Jerry Gale Rex Owen Martin Florenz Victor, Mac)'. Nova Julea Flacro'a Oro Ratha'r Eldnradlana Tacht Club Ann Taley Janice Relee Gloria Dale Ted Lewie. Jr Harry Hnlly Victor Nelson Oro PITTSBTTBOH Alplaa Lodge K Duffy Rev Mickey Roaa Oro 4 Sldneyd Mailne Turner Muriel Page Gayle Robblna Arlington Lodga Pall Allwea Ore Jenny Leo Balconadea Bob Lazar Oro Dale Spohrer Bill tireen'a Del Courtney Oro Mary Jane Dodd Charlie Broad Dick DIUllne Hherman Hnyee Jack Milton Blue Ridge laa l.ou Lucky Oro Cornell Cooper Bongle-Woogle Clab Cozy Harris QlHdya Mason Dancing Buddy Doog Sherman Racehorse Wllllama Harry Comorado Club Pellle Jack Peck Ore Peka His Cork and Bottle Lloyd Fox Eddie Peyton'* Geo Overholt Oro Eddie Pejton Marlon Muller Francia Renault SI Club Max Tarahia Pat McCauley Linda Cotla Sally Rice Mary Steele Carla Moore Louise Donn Sherry Lane Hotel Fort Pill Ken Bailey Oro Johnny Mitchell Harry Walton Jessie Wheatley Hotel Henry (Sliver OtUI) Marty Schramm i Kings & Queen (Gay M's) Dorothy Nosbitt Hotel 7th Avenao Frank Andrlnl Argentinians Hotel Roosevelt The Kaalhues Hotel Schcaley Billy Hinds Oro Joy LInd Hotel Wm Peaa (Coatlaental Bar) Billy Catlzone Lenox Gordoa Deno Belli John Fritz MerT7-Oa-Roaod Ken Harrla Oro Bob Sherman New Hlllcreol Joey SIma Ore Nlien Cafe Al Marslco Oro Bob Carter Colemnn I'Isrk Dob Anderson Wally Sherwin Honey Murrny Nat HooBO Piccolo Pete Ore Hal & Dolly Tiny Miller Rdrtle Miller Ted Blake Nile Court Ray Dunn Phi McCowan Chuck Murrny Jerry TagreHH Tommy Mandrea Orchard Inn Benny Burton Ore Onala Al Snyder Oro Johiuiy WIlea PInea Don Rutter Bill Leltoy Ore Jacques La Belle Redd-a Cafa Ruily Paul Ore .Mnxine & Oilell* Bobby Norms n Eddlo Palmer Squirrel Coop Dothory Mason Bd Margo Price Ethel Masnn 2 Moliamodn Snow Eilmonda Trelon Joey Reynolde Freddy Hose Bddle Meyers Ted Delmonlco Betty Dsy Vadit CInb H Middleman Ore Eddie Metcalfe Jerry Copper 3 Wiles Leonora Sola Duneillns Sky-Vn« George WpIIs Ore Evelyn Nellie Union Orlll Sammy Waltera Frank Natale Mike Sandretto Villa Madrid Etzl Covato Oro Mark Lano Jack McCnrlhy Arluro * Evelyn Fayne ft Foster Llllyon Wargo Victory Lonnge Victory 3 IVebater Hall Nelson Maplea Ore Foahlonettea