Variety (Dec 1942)

54 f^EBff Wednesday, December 2, I942 OBITUARIES BOSTON FCBE VICTIMS Names of all identified show biz /atalities in Boston fire on page 24 0/ this ime. FBEEMAN BERNSTEIN Freeman Bernstein, 74, died Tues- day (1) in Hollywood, after a heart attack. (Details l:t vaude section.) DONATO O. LsBANCA Donato G. LaBanca, for 30 years director of St. Charles, Mo., mu- nicipal band and composer of many inarches, including the 'Spirit of St. Louis,' commemorating the Lind- Itergh trans-Atlantic flight, died Nov. t2 at his home in St, Charles, after ■ long illness. Born 69 years ago in Palermo, Sicily, LaBanca cam» to the U. S. in 1B02 as a trumpet«r In the Hagenback Circus band, which was on* of the features of the St Louis World's Fair in 1904. Eight years .later he became diiactor of the St. Charles band. His compositions in- cluded a special maroh number for the Lindenwood College centennial celebration in 1927, and also a march. 'Shrlner's Kospltal,' still played at many Masonic functions. He was a 32d-degree Mason and member of the Moolah Temple band of St. LoDis. He leaves two sons, Arthur and Vito, of St. Charles, and a daugh- ter, Marie, believed living in Italy. SAM L SLADE Sam I. Slade, 79, former basso pro- fundo of the musical stage, died Mon. (23) at his home in Franklin, Mich. Death followed a long ill- ness. Slade was a graduate of the U. of Michigan's law school in 1867, but soon turned to the stage. After playing in amateurs in Detroit, he was engaged by Fred C. Whitney to star in the light opera 'Brian Boru.' It 'took him east where he appeared in musical shows with Lillian Russell, Delia Fox, Jefter- •on de Angeles, Ada Rehan and ethers of that era. When he returned to Detroit, flade frequently entertained visit- ing stage stars. He was one of the prime movers of The Players Olub and for 20 years was Its pres- ident. He leaves a son and two daughters. HENBT W. KIEL Former Mayor Henry W. Kiel, prez of the Municipal Theatre Assn. of St. Louis, which sponsors alfresco entertainment in the Forest Park theatre, died last week at his home. While Mayor of St. Louis in 1919 Kiel conceived the idea of the open air playhouse and nursed it through the dark days when It was a ques- tion whether the idea would survive. Through his aid the project became Internationally known and Is now considered one of the best coin makers of its kind In the U. S. He was prez of the organization during 22 of the 24 years It has been In existence. Kiel Is survived by his widow, one daughter and two sons. Me was the only Mayor to serve three terms in St. Loula. of many years, and at one time she was premiere danseuse at the old New York Hippodrome. She was the the sister of Dorothee Bates, who survives her, and the late Dixie Lof- tin, dramatic stock and film actress. She was buried in the Show Folks, Inc., lot in Oakwood Cemetery, Chicago. EDITH SINCLAIB FAVOB Edith Sinclair Favor, 86, actress and widow of the late Edward M, Favor, character comedian, died in New York Nov. 27. Among her Broadway appearances were 'Ship Ahoy,' 'Dorothy' with Lillian Rus- sell, 'The Silver Slipper,' 'Just One of the Boys' and 'Mme. Sherry.' She played vaudeville with her husband and daughter in 'The Mac- Guires,' and was last seen as a mem- ber of the Whitney Oper^ Company. EDWABD SHATNE Edward Shayne, 75, retired indie booker and former member of the Western Vaudeville Manager's Assoc., died in Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 16. Earlier, he appeared in vaudeville with his wife as 'Eddie Shane and Mae Worden.' His book, 'Down Front On the Aisle,' was published in 1929. Surviving are a daughter and granddaughter. FULTON WATSON Fulton Watson, 63, tailor and de- signer of clothing for motion picture stars, died in Hollywood of pneu- monia, Nov. 28. He came to Holly- wood 18 years ago and since then his shop had turned out distinctive sportswear and dinner attire cred- ited with setting styles for the rest of the nation. Surviving is a son. PAUL O'TBEE Paul James Ocheltree, 43, former Daveneport, la., radio and concert singer, who appeared under the' name of Paul O'Tree, died of a heart attack Nov. 29, in Des Moines. Death occurred two days after he passed his physical examination for the Army. VERNE PORTER Verne Porter, 53, author and mag editor, died Nov. 28 in Hollywood. He was former editor for the Hearst's Cosmopolitan and Inter- national, and served as editor on many western dailies. For some time he was a film writer and also authored several books. PIERRE COHEN Pierre Cohen, 81, London the- atrical manager, died at his home in Cheshire, England, recently, after several years' fUness. Originally a scenic artist, Cohen became a vaudeville manager be- fore the first World War, in which he served, after whloh he joined Moss Empires, Ltd., and managed different theatres in that company. He Anally became supervisor for the entire circuit and General Theatres Corp. FREDERICK HAHN Frederick H. Hahn, president and (jllrector of the Zeckwer-Hahn Philadelphia Musical Academy, died in the Graduate hospital, Philadel- phia, last week. He was 67. A native of New York, he came to Philadelphia as a child and be- came one of the city's foremost authorities* on music. He studied at the Leipsig Conservatory and oc- cupied the chair of first violinist of the Boston Symph for many years before opening a conservatory In Phlla. THOMAS O'B. McCOT Thomas O'R. McCoy, member of the old vaudeville Fitzgibbon-Mc- Coy trio, died Nov. 24 in Salem, Mass. McCoy, his wife. Alice, and the latter's brother, Bert Fitzgib- mon, played the top vaudeville cir- cuits for years. Widow and daugh- ter survive. EDGAR SIMONIS Edgar Simonis. 50, district man- ager of Comerford theatres in Leb- anon area, died Nov. S9, in Leb- anon. Pa., of a heart ailment after an illness of several weeks. He came to Lebanon two years ago from Wilkes-Barre and leaves his widow and two children. HELEN VON DeLUBE Helen Matthews, 67, knowii pro- fessionally as Helen Von DeLure, died Ur.Jjia Angeles Nov. 23. Her theatrical life covered a span ELMER E. Mcdonald Elmer E. McDonald, one of the old-time song pluggers in the St. Louis area, died at his home in Col- linsville. 111., last week from a. com- plication of diseases. McDonald, 58, operated a music store in Collinsville, his home town. His widow, a son, father and brother survive. GEORGE MONTGOMERY George N. Montgomery, 51, inde- pendent Aim distributor, died Nov. 22 at his home in Hollywood after a long illness. During his 22 years in the industry he had been connected with various enterprises, last of which was All-Star Pictures. theatre in Pittsburgh, died at her home in that city last week. Father, 75, of Al and Lew Mercur, Pittsburgh and Miami nitery (Nut House) operators, died at his home In Pittsburgh after a long illness. Body was taken to Detroit, where a daughter lives, for interment. Thelma Keep, 36, wife of George Keep, treasurer of the Selwyn Thea- tre, Chicago, died in Chicago, Nov. 24 after a long illness. Father also survives. Father, 71, of Abe and Joe Fein- berg, Comerford Circuit vaude bookers, died Nov. 20 In his home in Peekskill, N. Y. MARRIAGES Janet Dessau to Sgt. Harold Berkowitz, in New York, Nov. 29. Groom, formerly of the Warner Bros, legal department, is now in the Army. Jeannette Owens to Yeoman, 2d class Alun Jenkins, Nov. 28, in Washington. Groom former an- nouncer at WHK-WCLE, Cleveland. Bea Kaiser to Dave Betcher, in Pittsburgh, Nov. 26. He's a cafe or- ganist. Ruth Gordon to Garson Kanin, this week in Washington, D.C. He's the producer; she's the actress. Paula de Marco to Corp. Leo Gagnon, in Boston, Nov. 29. He's in 'This Is The Army.' Harvey Lemm to Gloria Alexander 1. Seattle, Nov. 14. Groom was with National Screen Service, and is now in the Army. Joan Allison to Ensign Howard T. Barnes, Nov. 27, In New York. Bride is radio actress; groom, until joining the Navy, was a CBS staff director. Corky Corcoran to Betty Pastore, Nov. 28, In New York. Bridegroom Is Harry James' sax player. Sarv) Marowitz to Lynne Richards, in Brooklyn, Dec. 1. Bride for- merly sang with Harry James; groom now plays in James' band. BIRTHS Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dorraine, son, Nov. 21, in New York. Father is music publisher. Mr. and Mrs. David A.Llpton, son, in New York, Nov. 26. Father is di- rector of advertising, publicity and promotion at Columbia Pictures. Mr. and Mrs. William Kennedy, daughter, in Hollywood, Nov. 24. Father is Aim actor. Lieut. Commdr. and Mrs. John Farrow, son, in Hollywood, Nov. 27. Mother is screen actress Maureen O'Sullivan; father is the Aim di- rector, now with Royal Canadian Navy. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn C. Jackson, son, in Toledo. Nov. 21. Father is announcer at WSUD. Toledo. Mr. and Mrs. George Curry, son, in Pittsburgh, Nov. 24. Father plays viola with Pittsburgh Symph and for long time was member of Stan- ley theatre house orch. Mr. and Mrs. William Shea. Jr., son, in San Francisco. Nov. 23. Father is publicity director of KPO- NBC in Frisco. Mr. and Mrs. Lou Frankel. daugh- ter, in Brooklyn, N. Y., on Nov. 29. Father is a 'Variety' staffer. Mr. and Mrs. Elirier Rice, son, in N. Y.. Nov. 29. Father is the playwright; mother Is Betty Field, stage and screen actress. FRANK E. MCDONALD Frank E. McDonald, 58. singer and former music contact man, died last week in Collinsville. 111. MRS. DONALD McBRIDE Mrs. Donald McBride, 41, wife of the fllm comedian, died Nov. 28 in Hollywood following a heart attack. BRENDA H. LANE Brenda H. Lane, 32, actress-writer, died in New York Jlov. 30. Mother of Harry Grelle, pioneer fllm man and manager «f Broughton I Grable, Lamour || Continued from page 1 ^Sol the arty features, or those which send the metropolitan critics into rhapsodies of joy, don't hit in the camps. Thus the 'Mrs. Minivers' can't compete with an Abbott & Costello or a frothy musical at the boxotflce. Army Motion Picture Service says if producers really want to hit the buUseye with soldiers, recipe is simple. Just make a picture built around some arm of the service and, if possible, trim it with song and dance. Service pictures have all done well with men In uniform. 'Wake Island' will be Paramount's No. 1 Ananclal grosser in 1942, with 'The Major and the Minor' as the runner-up. That's the way they ran in the camps. Camp theatres have no intention of following up Lowell Mellett's sug- gestion about dropping double fea- tures. It was stated unofficially that when the circuit and chain operators show they mean business and elim- inate dual programs. Army may fol- low the trend. But they don't ex- pect it. Bills Next Week Contlaoed from page 48 j Jean Taylor Murray McEkreo SmiM* imm Charlla Davig Bunda A Jacksoo Trianon Jan Qarber Tnavllle Olak Ray Bourbon Loumel Trio Loranu Flennoy Or PHILADELPHIA (Alpine Maalral Bar) airia of Notei (3) RIfC RobbJna Benny the Ban'a Warren Thomae Alma Anita Chandler Club Ball Alan Cule Barbara Lee Bulllovellea Karl Denny Ore Sluarl & Lee Helen Denlzon Luis Fernandez Ore UlBcham Hoaeo Rulii Roy VocalQirea Stratlord Garden (Bellevoe Stratrord Hotel) Walter Miller Orcb Den franklin Belle Wharton Nina Korda Claire SImone Bob Duffy Mnry Ann McCall Billy Marihall Oro Cadlllao Tavern Harry Dobba Ore Henrique & A Dee Kelly Joe Cainpo Roy Kla Cadillac («) Carmen'e Mualcol liar Dong Elliott Bobby .Mcnill Raa Pnrker Cnrroll'a Henna (3) SUHan Carol Area (3) AInn ^tone Qalnee Oro Tvonettea Collece Inn Bob Tolley Eloljto Mui-h ffle Orace Kvans Lynn Crawford Sunny Rae viola Klalas De Gorcoe Cafe .Toe Hclnaley Billy MclCee Oeina (3) Dl PlDlOi l^tanley Evana Lewla & Van Eddie Blum GadiA I.anv Kaye & Grey Margie WInlcre Pedro Blanco Oro Embviy' Dorothy Knapp >jourbon & llalne K.mbuasyephfl ClHwaons (3) Krlck llhumba Oro Lynn Raynolda Geo Clifford Pal Sherlln Oro Germantoira Bar Sam Price i Bluea (H Walton Roof) Rose Oallo Frakson Lorene Rhoda .Jerry Borsen Bubbleii Shelby Ruth Clayton Kay I.ttverly Hie C.lrnrdoa Olamour GIs Eddie De Liica Ore Caney Rhumba Oro Hopklne'Rntliakeller Bernnrdcttea Pat Bernard Claire Evaiia Johnny Cahlll Uua.H L.'illeau Ruth lliiney I.R Vodlfi Tony Bennett Oro Hotel rhiladelphlaa Don Masaey rietty Johnson Jon Artliura Lexinctou Caalna Duke .McIIale Marty Bohn Jei-rl Miircclla I.ee Dolni Box Baxter Ruth .Martin Billy Bock Ted Oliver Ore Utile Halhikeller Marion Powers Carney & Kiesa Eilith Dol.mey OInKer .Snaps (4) Ann Howard Victor Hugo's Ore I.oo's Chancellor Bat Cain ^- riddle TonI Earl Minstrel Tavern Ed McGoldrIck Sally Koy Joe L.anlftan Anita Thoma Sissy Oinnle Loftus Moravian Bar Kenny Shaffer (3) Vnn Bon Buddies Mttrraj's Rhytlun Bar Fay Wray Doity KIna Mary Love Shirley Ames Oens Marshal Dotty KIns'a Oro NeU DIeahan** Jean Merldeth Clair Raye Qls Serenaders Frank Murtha Geo HarchettI Ore 'Old Falls Tavern Martjn & Lee Jack Hutchlnsoa Peggy Martin Billy Hays Ore Frank ralnmba'a Don Renaldo <3t Heat Waves (3) Gloria Mann Dorothy Johnson Paatlnes (3) Lewis & Van Roy Davis 3 Wiles Remington 01s (8) Don Angelino Ore Fonelton Cafe Madeline Shearden Dolly Bruce Cy White Charlie Ray Joe Jorenelll Nan O'Rourke Bendesvoua Cookie Williams Wendell Mason Rlit Carlton Joa Stern Ore Roman nrtlla Pepper Garat Frank PontI Maeto & Tlierese Dotty Frederick Marty Devlne urcta Sam's Cnfa Lillian Rusao Doc Smith Louise Ayres John Seuno Kings of Rhythm Mike Ray Oro Sclolla'a Joan Coray Al Fisher Sid Golden Marie LaTill Eddie Neff Grace Hewaon Gertie Taylor Oro Shaag-BI-La Judy Kayne Oro Myrn Jennno Grace & E Story Flo NecUerson Frances Wayne Ben Yost Co-Eds Joan Brandon Nick Jerret Ore Silver Lake Inn Mario & Maria Audrey Sears Col Geo Reed Alice Lucey Mickey Fomllant O Son Ray Oardena Earic & Frances Judy Shaw Kitty Hemllng Ore Rita Zane Beatrice & Danny Agnes Willis Tpirn Tavern Len Parker Oro Gene Ware Lenny Roafl Georglnnn I.ee Gypsy Rollta Helen Jerrli'o eath St. Rathakellet lA>rralne King Jnek Ryan Lamon & Baker Mnrlla Betly Campbell Harry Adar Oro Swan Clob Belle Baker Milady Sweethearin Vincent Rlzxo Ore Jimmy Huson Alice Purcell Brown Twins Trans Atlantic L'mt Sally LaMar Richard Bocb ZOtli Century Club Ruth Stevens t Men of Rhvthm .Mike Pedacin 3 Tones Venice Grill Antone Bove Bill Richards Nora Wllllama Mary Seville Don Nicholas Ore Weber's Hot Bran Camden Nathane Bros, ^flldred Benson Wlleys <e) Jules Flacco's Oro Ratlia'r Eldoradlanr Wilson's Brown Twins Joe Hough Marlon Long George Dexter Gerard Ream Carol Joyce .Tenn Meredith Geo Baquet Oro Eddie Blum Judy Shaw New Torkera Calh Berney Gle Tacht CiDb • Jeannette Dare Reggie Van Anne Talley Harry Holly Victor Nelson Ore PITTSBUB6H Alpine Lodge Wnliy .Sineffler Oro Eilyihe Wray cheaney Ik Wertb Alien ■& Ravel Bert Nagle Co tleorce Moore Kiizak Arlington I.o4g« Psil Ailwes Oro Helen Foster Balconadea Earl Rckler Oro am OrMB't Baron Billot t Oro Mai-y Krelg Babe Rhodea Bill Blckel Blue BIdce Inn Lou Lucky Oro Cornell Cooper Boogle-Woogle Club Cozy Harris Maxle Simon Dancing Buddy Boog Sherman Joey Brown Gladys Mason Harry Gomorado . Olab Petite Jack Peck Oro Molly Paplle Eddie Bhairner Ralpb Sorlnger Calanlal Jimmy SplUlny Or Cork and Bottle Nelson Maples Eddia Payton'a Bddla Peyton Marlon Mailer SI Olob Max Tarabls Pat HcCauley Unda Cotta Sally Rice Bddle KruahlnskI Hotal Fort PIU Ken Bailey Oro Jobnny Mitchell Harry Walton Jessie Wbeatley Hotel Henry Dorothy Matthews (HMD Jeaiis) Esquires tOay M'a) Dorothy Nesbltl Hotel 7tli Avenae Frank Andrlnl Argentlnlana Hotel Roosevelt Marjorie Hyams Jerry Bleecker Bob Robe John Tatuin Hotel Srhenley Billy Hinds Oro Joy LInd Hotel Wm Penn (Chatlerboa) Arthur Ravel Oro June Bobbins Ualente ft L«onarda Tung Pin Soo (Continental Bar) Billy Catlzona Lenox Gordon Deno Belli John Fritz Merry-Go-Ronnd Howdy Baum Oro Lenter Oman >[nffmnn Sla Al Ferguson Muslo Bar nilly Yates (t) (^harlotte Morris l.urille Malniiey Dale Harkncss .11m Maloney Alice Gerber N'en Hlllcreat Marty Schramm Ore Nlion Cafe Al Mnrsico Oro Bob Carter Juno Tnylor Olrls Marco ^. Rnmola Golden Pair '•»»• Almore Co. Mat Bonis Piccolo Pete Ora Hal ft Dolly * Jimmy Huzza Tiny Millar Ted Blake ' NIta Canrt Rny Dunn Pat HcQowan Murray Ross Joey Klein Tiny Gorman Jerry Tagress Tommy Handres Otebard Inn Benny Burton Ore Oaala 1 Aces Louise Hamilton PlnsB Don Rutter Bill LeRoy Ore Jacques La Bells B«]d's Cats Rudy Paul Oro Tommy Meehan Bddle Dalley Molly Malone _ Bqalrrel Cosp Oothory Maaon Bd Margo Price Ethel Mason 2 Moliameds Snow Edmonds Trelon Joey Reynolds • Freddy Rose Bddle Meyers Root ft La Monte Jack McCarthy Tacht Clnb R Middleman Ore Georgia Tappa Dorothy Dare Hlldeno Buddy Lester Sky-Vae Jimmy Gamble Ore Dirk Ross Prof Jovel Union Grill Sammy Walters Frank Natale Mike Sandretto Vnin Madrid Etzl Covato Oro Star ft Jackson Mark Lane Harry Manning Adele Parrish Jeanne Blanche Johnny Gnlloa Sylvia Starr Victory Lonngs Victory 3 SAN FBANCISCO Pulare Hotel (Rose Room) Henry Busse Ore St. Francis Hotel (Moral Room) George Olson Ore Mark Hopkins Hotel (Peacock Court) K Dunham Dncrs Herble Holmes Ore Sir Francis Drake Hotel (Persian Room) Chick Gandell's Ore Bal Talwrln Caria ft Fernando Hermanns Williams Tito Ouiznr H Hughes Dncrs Maddy Madaan Oro Coparabann Joaquin Garay Antarliia cnrlOM Valndez 1':nrl<iue & Raquel Blonca Escalante Edunrdo Al Wallace Oro Flamingo The Vagabonds Geo Beatty Mary Gilbert White ft Manning Flamingo Amorettes Don Ferrara Oro Lido Club Donald Novis H Paysee Dncra Roland Drayer Oro RIchellea Coalno H'wood Sweater GIs Benito Moreno Ynii Kriston Peplta De Cordoba Hurtadn Bros Oro Ruth Craven Billy Lyons tSeraldlne Ross The Ounaetts s«s riDb Esquire GIrlii B. S. Pulley Continued from pate 3 presence of a 'Variety' mugg in the Joint over the weekend. So the wraps weren't on aftd the only things Pulley was eliminating were some of the more obvious four-letter words. And this was at the early perform- ance—he must have really been steaming around 2 a.m. There's no subtlety about Pulley or his material. His version of 'Kala- mazoo' down at the Frolics wasn't double entendre—just doubly dirty than anybody else could possibly do it. At the Zebra, he's leaving very little to the imagination in his pa- rodies of 'Somebod;' Else' and 'Johnny Doughboy.' Pulley ribs the Zebra's operators about their tendency to pay low wages. His definition of that remark^ is something to embarrass even sea- soned S2nd streeters. Postal regulations forbid repeating some of his other gags. It not pos- tal regulations, then just common decency. There's been dirt on 52d street be- fore, the swing street not hitting all its blue notes in the jazz music, but Pulley probably represents a new low for the sector. He's at No. 18, next door to the popular Club 18 (which is really 20 W. 52d) and vir- tually across the street from; the swanky Jack & Charlie's Club 21. Another established spot on the same street is Leon 8c Eddie's, which in the long run, might And a Pulley even more damaging than the cur- rent American Guild of Variety Ar- tists strike. The Zebra Club is in a long, nar- row room on the groundfloor of a brownstone house. On one end Is the bar, and the other is the band- stand. Other performers are spe- cialists. Honey Ames, Toni Mitchell and Elaync Polly, all femmes and one of them doing a semi-strip to leering remarks by Pulley. Other two are singer and hoofer, respec- tively.