Variety (Oct 1942)

54 Wednesday, October 28, 1942 OBITUARIES RALPH BAINGEB Ralph Rainger, 41, hall of the eongwriting team of Robin-Hainger, was killed in a plane crash last ■week in the west. Further details in Music Section. ADDIE CHEBBT Addie Cherry, 83, of the Cherry Sisters, died Oct. 26 in Cedar Rapids, la. Details in vaude section. GEORGE N. ABMSBT George N. Armsby, 66, a director and chairman of the finance com- mittee of Loew's, Inc., died Sunday (25) in Mt. Sinai hospital, N. Y., fol- lowing an operation and illness of a few days. A member of Ijoew's di- rectorate for many years, he also was a director of the Capitol Theatre Corp., General Outdoor Advertising, Transcontinental and Western Air Co., and numerous other big cor- porations. He was chairman of the Curtiss-Wright Corp. directorate and served as president of the Ban- camerica-Blair, this being formed |rom a takeover of Blair Sc Co., N.Y. banking institution. Armsby served in the First World War as a member of the Priorities Committee of the War Industries board. He went to Europe as a board member in 1918 and while there was named director of tin supplies for this board. Survived by widow, the former Collette Touzeau, ex-actress, and by son and daughter of a former mar- riage. Funeral was held yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon from St. Bar- tholomew's, N. Y., with top Loew's (Metro) officials and other film ex- acutives attending. property man with the Jack Haverly minstrel show. He had been out of show biz for many years at the time of his death. No immediate survivors. MABK MABGOLIS Mark MargolLs, 48, ' in the film business 30 years, died in Indian- apolis Oct. 21 after a brief illness. Margolis was with the Art Craft Picture Corp. from 1914 to 1918 and was studio manager for Roberston- Cole from 1918 to 1920. After four years with First National, he went into the exhibition end of the busi- ness and operated a chain of theatres until 1937. He was the owner of the Rivoli theatre, Indianapolis, until his retirement two years ago. CHABLES VAN NOBMAN Charles Van Norman, 53, who as 'The Great Van Norman' had toured the world a number of times as a stunter, died Friday (23), at his home in Milwaukee. He was born John Bennett in Saginaw, Mich., be- came a trapeze performer, then an elephant leaper and a balloon para- land Reed, E. S. WiUard, BilUa Burke, among many others. Survived by son, three grand- children and seven great-grandchil- dren. HABBT HANSON Harry Hanson, veteran tradepaper newsman and for more than 25 years the 'Variety' correspondent In S'>uth Africa, died unexpectedly last week in Capetown, South Africa. 'Variety' has assigned his son, Joe Hanson, to continue representing it in South Africa. WILLIAM L. HABT William L. Hart, SO, former thea- tre owner in Akron, O., died Oct. 17 at Saranac Lake, N. Y., after an ill- ness of several years. He went to Saranac a few years ago when his health failed. Survivors include widow and brother. EDWABD SAINT Edward Saint, (Sesrad), archivist and business manager fOr Mrs. Harry Houdini, died Oct. 22 in Hollywood. He was former president of Los Magicos and a prominent member of the Society of American Magicians. EBNEST L. FINLET Ernest L. Finley, publisher of the Santa Rosa (Calif.) Press Democrat HABBT GOODWIN Harry Goodwin, 62, one of the original members of the Avon Com- edy Four, topnotch vaudeville turn for more than 20 years, died Satur- day (24) of a heart attack at St. Luke's hospital. New York. In 1901 Goodwin, Charlie Dale, Joe Smith and Irving Kaufman, all of whom had been amateur come- dians on New York's east side, teamed as the Avon quartet. They were an immediate success. For over two decades they were stars of all the vaudeville circuits. In 1914 they gave a command performance before the King and Queen of Eng- land, at the Royal theatre, London. The team broke up in 1922, with Goodwin going his own way in vaudeville, while Smith and Dale bscame a twosome. They're still among the star vauders. Married twice, Goodwin's first wife died and his second marriage ended in divorce. Two sisters survive. Bills Next Week Contlnaed from page 4S ; Boman OrtlU Don & Dores* Ue« Wayn* Jewel Ello Danny Richards Dave McHarrlH Marty Oavlne Urch timm't Car* Hcleno Martin La Vodia Allen Sher Billy Richards Kings of Rbytbm MIka Ray Oro Sclolla'a Frankle HIchardaop Little Skeeter Kaye & Grey MurgIc Smith Bob Karl aertio Taylor Ors Shang-RI-La Barney Itapp Oro Julie Lynn Jack Millard Roddy Stewart Shirley Wyatt Barbara Cole Mort Donis Oro Rossi Sis John Langdon Diana Qray The Blanchards Harmony Sextet Floradora Girls Silver 1j>k» !■■ tinrlo & Maria Audrey Sears Col Geo Used Alice Lucey Mickey Fomllant O Bod Bay Oardens Blackle Johnson Kitty Hcmllng Oro Dawn Lovely Dolorea & Rossini Beatrice & Danny Agnes Willis Town Tavern Len Parker Oro Jerry Marcclla Rlla Zane Geo Vogt Thunderbolts Syd Golden esth St. KathakellM Jack High chute jumper. But in 1903 he became and Santa Rosa Republican, and a bicycle stunter, which he remained until 1935, when he retired, after having survived accidents that hospitalized him 86 times. Widow, Nelda, survives. DON ALLEN Don Allen, 33, production manager for Standard Radio of Hollywood, died there Oct 23 after a lingering illness. Deceased started In radio nearly 19 years ago as guitarist with a singing group and shortly after joined the announcing staff at KFWB. Six years ago when Jerry King resigned as manager of KFWB to organize Standard Radio, Allen went along with him as production manager, which post he held up to his illness. Surviving are the widow and three chlldron by a former marriage. EBNIE VAN ZANDT Ernie Van Zandt, for 14 years musical arranger for the Weaver Brothers, died Oct. IB following a heart attack at his home in Forsyth, Mo. He first became associated with the Weavers in 1930, and had worked owner of station KSRO, died Oct, 24 in Santa Rosa, BRUCE SYDNEY Bruca Sydney, S3, screen actor, died Oct. 18 in Hollywood. Mrs. Mary Albanese, mother of Nick Albanese; owner-operator of the Showboat, Canton, O., night club, and formerly of the executive staff of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus and other shows, died Oct. 20 in White Cross hospital, Columbus, O. Two other sons also survive. Frank Beddy, 68, receptionist at the Motion Picture Producers & Dis- tributors Assn. New York office for 20 years, died Oct. 22 after a brief illness. Will Hays and his staff at- tended the funeral services Satur- day (24). Survived by widow. Juanlta Ruth Haney Qracs Heuaon Jacqueline Herman Tvonns Harry Adar Ors Bwaa Olnb Frances Carroll Vincent Rlzzo Or* PuBsy DeCarmo Flaah Lane Grace Huson Duke McHale Dorothy Mann The Merrymen Armand Camp Marty Doha Lea Bohn Trans Atlanlle L'te Sally LaMar Richard Boch MHh Cenliiry Clnb Dorothy Johnson Don Crist 3 Men of Rhythm Venice flrill Anions Bove Bobo Cansino Harry Nichols Don NIcholaa Oro Weber's Hot Bran Camden Ray O'Day Blair & Dean Guardemen 8 Saxons . MnfTon Jules Flacco's Oro Ratha'r Eldoradlana Wilson's Art Mathues Jos Hough Geo Baquet Oro Helen Lane Joanne Kendall Ginger Harris Oath Berney GIs Yacbt Cinb Joan Corez Pen Raymond Ann Tally Helen Jerrico Harry Holly Victor Nelson Oro Ethel Mason : I Mohameds Dnow Bdmonds Trsloa Joey Reynolds Freddy Ross Bddls Meyers Taoht Clnb R Middleman Arthur Blake DeSlmone Dancers Josepblne Delmar Kirk * Madeline CblQUlta Sby-Tos • Swing Arlstocrates LOS ANOiXES Mrs. Dora H. Edwards, 57, wife of Jesse R. Edwards, owner of Edwards Carnival, died in Webster, O., Oct. 22. Dora A. Edwards, wife of J. R. Ed- wards, owner-manager of the J. R. Edwards Shows, died Oct. 21 at her CHARLES DOBIAN Charles Dorian, 49, assistant and cecond unit director at Metro for 16 years, died Oct. 21 on a train near Albuquerque, N. M., following a heart attack. He was on his way home from Des Moines, la., where he had filmed backgrounds for 'Women In Uniform." Former vaudeville actor, Dorian entered pictures in 1917 and later be- came assistant to Clarence Brown. He was rated as one of the best as- £istants in Hollywood and turned down numerous offers of full direc- torship. Among the stars he helped to direct on the Culver City lot were Greta Garbo, John Gilbert, Lon Chaney, Joan Crawford, Ramon No- varro, William Haines, Lionel Barry- more and Clark Gable. JULIUS SINGEB Julius Singer, 62, an associate of Carl Laemmle in the early days of the film industry, died Oct. 24 in a film theatre on upper Broadway, N. Y., following a heart attack. At one time Singer was shorts sales manager for Universal and in recent years has handled the 16-millimeter and no-theatrical departments of the company. Most recently, he has been manager of the Little Car-negie thea- tre, N. y: Survived by Widow. Funeral held Monday (26) night. Ralph Rainger A Grand Guy MILTON BERLE with them during their tours over the RKO and other vaudeville cir- cuits. ELVAN 'FUZZY' COMBS Elvan 'Fuzzy' Combs. 29, clarinet- ist and vocalist In Henry Busse's orchestra, died Oct. 19 in a San Francisco hospital from pneumonia. He was stricken several days earlier. Before joining Busse's orchestra three years ago. Combs had been with Herbie Kay's band for eight years. Surviving are widow, Jean Webb, a singer, and an 18-month-old son. THOMAS HABPEB Thomas Harper, 84, former circus showman, died last week in Lansing, Mich. Becoming interested in show biz ^: a boy, Harper soon afterward Joined the Barnum and Bailey cir- ius. He became a boss camvasman %nd continued in that position when, show became combined with the oiitflt He had also been a ^^^^^ FBANK M. KOONTZ Frank M. Koontz, former minstrel man, died Oct. 20 in Elmo, Mo. As a youth, Koontz appeared with various minstrel companies in the middle west, but later he abandoned the stage to become a travelling salesman with a wholesale grocery company in Kansas City, Mo. Survived by a daughter, Mrs. Alice Bain. home in Wooster, O. She had been secretary-treasurer of the shows for several years. Husband survives. Mrs. Nina ScottI, wife of orchestra leader William Scotti, died in Rock- ville Centre, L. I., Oct. 25. Two sons, daughter and sister survive, besides her husband. Enos W. Btchardson, 67, for 20 years a flutist in Greene's Opera House orchestra, Cedar Rapids, la., died at his home in Cedar Rapids following a long illness. A. S. Schleslnger, 76, died of a heart attack. In Des Moines, Oct. 18. Father of Dorothy Berke,' dancer now retired in Des Moines. JUAN BdSELLO CLAR Juan Rosello Clar, 44. pic critic and press agent for Jesus Grovas & Co., producers, who conducted a thrice-weekly film chronicling pro- gram over station XEOY, died In Mexico City, Oct. 19. HARRY BABFOOT Harry Barfoot, 88, oldtime stage actor, died recently at his home in Brooklyn. He had. performed with Otis Sklnne^ ^^^^^^^^ln, Ro- Jacob A. Wagner, 78, former pres- ident and charter member of the Circus Fans of America, died Oct 20 at his home in Des Moines. Brother Steps In Youngstown, O., Oct. 27, Carmine Ficocelli, who with his brother, Michael, is co-conductor of the Youngstown Symphony Orches tra, will report to Fort Hayes, Columbus, for Army duty on Oct. 21. He is the 13th member of the orches tra to enter service. 'It is at times like this that one realizes the value of two conductors,' the draftee said. 'My brother, Mi- chael^ wUldo^ework of both'. Band Box Billy Grey Mae Brewater Geo Tibbies Ors Billy Lankin Bar of Hoals Ann Triola Bill HolTman Michael Edwards Dick Winston Ore Blltmore Bowl Harris & Shors Penny Lee Donald Novls Marjorle Day Joe Rcichman Oro Casa Manana Ersklne Hawkins O Cocoannt OroTS Freddie Martin Ore EnrI Carrolls Gall Gall Happy Fclton Dorothy Ford Wlore Bros. Beryl Wallace St Clair & Day Aurora Miranda Roily Rolls Shirley Wnyns Al Norman Manny Strand Oro Michel Ortiz Oro FlorentlDS Garden Fred Scott Mills Bros Sugar Geise NTG's 'Army' Gertrude* Nieaen Diamond Bros Francis & Grey Jeanne Foreman M Marcolllo Ore Grace Hayes ixKlf* JImmIe O'Brien Maurice O'Brien Dolores Gay Grace Hayea H Carroll ft Paulina HollTWOod Tropics June 'Kit' Carson Harkers St Dale Paul Neighbors Ore Dick Thomaa Hoase of Mnrpby Beth Reynolds Charley Thorps Larry Burke Bob Murphy Loolslana Al Gale Band Les HIte Oro Hscambo Cafs Phil Ohman Ore Richard Smart Eddie LeDaron Oro rnlladlDm Jimmy Dorsey M Malneck Oro Slnpay Mules Ben Blue Sliaw & Lee Joseph Kirk Lorraine Elliot Tommy Mack Norma Squires Patricia Page Joe Plumer Ore Slrsets of Paris Art Tatum Mead 'Lux' Lcnla Murray McEkron Swaiiee Inn Charlie Davie Ivis Anderson Trianon Ray McKinley Ore Tronvllle Clnb Leo Morgan Ore PITTSBUBGH Alpine Lodge Jimmy Oanibic Ore Jack Leary Adrian & Clintlie Gregoi'y. R & C Helcne & Navarre Floren'-e Hinlow Arlington Lodge Pall Allwcs Ore Helen Foster Bnlronodes Bob Lnznr Oro Dale Spohror Bill Green's Baron Elllud Oro Mnry Krcig Babe Ithodes Bill Bickel Bins Ridge Ian Lou Lucky Ore Cornell Cooper Booglr-Woogis Clnb Cozy Harris Maxie Simon Dancing Buddy Boog Sherman Joey Brown Oinii>.<< Mason Harry Comorado Club Petite Jack PecK Oro Molly Paplle Eddie ShaRner Ralph Springer Colonial Bobby Bergan Ore V Cork and Bottle Lloyd Fox Eddie Peyton's Eddie Peyton Marlon Muilcr 51 Clnb Max Tarahio Pat McCauloy Linda Cotta Sally Rice Mary Steele Carta Moors Hotel Fort PHI ICcn Ballcv Oro Johnny .Miiehcll Harry Walton Jessie Whoatley Rntel Renrr (Silver Grill) Dorothy Matthews Esquires „ (Ony M's) Dorothy Nesbitt Hotel: 71b Avenas Frank Andrlnl Argentinians Hotel Rooasvelt The Kaalhues Sal RecchI Hotel Bchenley Billy Hinda Oro Joy Lind Hotel Wm Penn (Chatterbox) Bob Astor Ore Mnrria Rice* (Continental Bar) Billy Catlzone Lonox Gordon Deno Belli John Fritz Merry-Go-Ronnd Howdy Baum Ore Leon Fields Dcrtay Sis Madeleine Gray Miss Paddy Music Bar Betty Falvo Lillian Morton 2 Jays Tanya Tamarl Dale Harkness Randolph & Garcia Betty Smiley New Hlllorest Marty Schramm Ore Nixon Cafs Al Marsico Oro Bob Carter Lester Ohman De Mar & Dcnise Gum Gulll Nut Honss Piccolo Pete Ore Hal & Dolly Joey Kline Jimmy Muzzo Tiny Miller Ted Blake Kite Court Ray Dunn Pat McOowan Murray Ross Jerry Tagress Tommy Mandres Orchard Inn Benny Burton Or< Oasis J Peppers Pines Don Rutter Bill LeRoy Oro Jacques La Belle Redd's Cafs Rudy Paul Oro Tommy Meehan Peggy Wallace Gloria Lloyd Sqnlrrsl Coop Dothory Mason Bd i&ilUEil Ore Union Grill Sammy Waltsrs Frank Natals Mtks Bandrstto Vnu Hadrti Etal Covato Ors Mark Lans Dlxls Dunbar Jack McCarthy Lola ft Andrs Dors Flo Miller Lord ft Lyon Vlatorr Longs Victory I SAN FEANCISOO Palace Hotel (Boss Boom) Henry Buses Oro St. Francis Hotel (Mnral Boom) Harry Owens Ore Hllo Hattle Mark Hopkins Hotel (Peacock Coart) K Dunham Dncrs Herbis Holmes Oro Sir FranclN Drake Hotel (rerslan Boom) Chick Oandall's Oro Bal Tabaria Chaney ft Alvarei L Cole A His Debs Wlllkle ft Dare H Hughes Dncrs Bill Ciinord's Ors LMo Club Donald Novia H Payaee Dncrs Roland Drayer Ors 8M Clnb The Hackers Vonna Jean Slater Rayburn Girls Chicago Opera Casts Chicago, Oct. 27. Second opera of the Chicago sea- son will be 'Lucia de Lammermoor* with Lily Pons, James Melton, Rich- ard Bonelli and Virgilio Lazzarl, to be presented Wednesday evening, Nov. 11. 'Aida' will be presented Saturday afternoon, Nov. 14, with Dusolina Giannini, Kirsten Thorberg, Giovanni Mertinelli, Lawrence Tibbett, and Virgilio Lazzari. Saturday evening, Nov. 14, ig 'Faust,' with Richard Crooks, Rich- ard Bonelli, Nicola Moscona and Margery Mayer. MARRIAGES Leona Newman to Dave Boxer, Sept. 19, in N. Y. He's a booker for Universal in N. Y. Marriage has been kept secret until now. Barbara Blaise tb John Elliott, in Chicago, Oct. 18. Groom is Juvenile in company of 'Spring Again.' Gloria Ingles to Ensign Laird Dobenspeck, in New York, Oct 21. Bride's in 'Strip for Action.' Ellen C. Glattes to Frederick W. Famoll, in Toledo, Oct. 23. Bride is nitery dancer. Helen Bull to Charles Slagle, in N. Y., Oct. 23. Both are in 'Stars on Ice,' Center, N. Y., groom being one of the Four Bruises. Mrs. Nellie Anderson to Edward Lefleur, in Hollywood, Oct. 24. For years she played mother roles on stage and in pictures. Bride is 72; he's 74. BIRTHS Mr. and Mrs. Berle Adams, daugh- ter, Oct. 18, in Chicago, Father Is booker with General Amus. Corp. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Mandel. son, in Chicago, Oct. 22. Father Js a Warners' exchange salesman. Mr. and Mrs. Larry Schneider, son, Oct. 20. in New York. Father is manager of Columbia Pictures' pub- licity department. Mr. and Mrs. Ken Higgins, daugh- ter, Oct. 20 In Los Angeles. Father is radio writer there. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Danz, daughter, in Seattle, Oct. 21. Father Is a Seattle theatre man. Mr. and Mrs. Billy Cover, son. In Pittsburgh, Oct. 18. Father's with Blue Barron band. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Gould, son, Oct. 22, in New York. Father is in radio department of The N. Y. Times. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Beat, daughter. In Pittsburgh, Oct. 23. Father's for- mer continuity chief at KDKA and now running his own radio adver- tising studio in Pitt as well as man- aging Art Society concert series in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Alton Alexander, daughter, Oct. 26, in New York. Father Is radio producer Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lee, daugh- ter, Oct. 20, in Detroit. He is a booker for night clubs in Detroit. Mr. and Mrs. George Burgess, son. Oct. 21, in Detroit. Father is owner of Club Top Hat, Detroit. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jaflfe. son, Oct. 24, in New York. Father is theatrical attorney; mother is actress Jean Muir. Mr. and Mrs. William Lively, son, Oct. 24, in Los Angeles. Father is film writer; mother the former screen actress, Jeanne Harbor. Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Baker, son, Oct. 26, in Los Angeles. Father is radio singer. Mr. and Mrs. Si Shaltz, son, Oct. 27, Philadelphia. Father is assistant city editor of Philadelphia Record an^Jarle^MsuigiM^**^^^^^^