Variety (April 1953)

Wednesday, April 15, 1953 P35zIETy OBITUARIES EDGAR WALLACH Edgar Wallach, 68, theatrical manager, agent and publicist, died April 10 in N.Y. During his show biz career, which began in 1903, he had been associated in a business capacity with such legit perform- ers as Katharine Cornell, Peggy Wood, Rose Stahl and Fredric March. At one time he was a theatre manager in N.Y. and other large cities and had also worked as a publicist for Warner Bros. In recent years Wallach's work was divided between films and the theatre. In the latter category he had recently managed the "Briga- doon” touring company. Wallach had been active in forming the Theatrical Press Representatives of America, forerunner of the Assn, of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers union, of which he was a former officer. Wife, two sons, three sisters and a brother survive. DURWOOD HYDE Louisville’s WAVE and WAVE- TV announcer Durwood Hyde, 29, and his fiancee, Mrs. Elizabeth H. Cooper, were killed April 10 when Hvde’s auto left the road and hit a tree near Galena, Ind. Mrs. Coop- er was driving the car which Hyde bought a few months ago. Hyde, a native of Birmingham, was a graduate of the Academy of Dramatic Arts, N.Y., and last year played opposite Patricia Morison in a network radio drama. Last IN FOND MEMORY AL WILSON PHIL GRAE gan, now at the U. of Pennsylvania His second wife and a daughter by his first marriage survive. CYRIL VON BAUMANN Cyril von Baumann, 61, explorer, lecturer and radio producer, died Apnl 10 in N. Y. In radio he ’had produced such shows as "Cross roads to Mystery,” "Cross- roads to Adventure,” "Vagabond Ro/nance,” "That’s My Story” and An Explorer Explores N. Y ” He was also active in films as a prod* ucer-director for Trekolog Films, for which he turned out "White Gods” and "Over the Andes.” He had also written children’s books and had done the stories for some kiddie records. Noted k primarily for his explorations in South Amer- ica, Africa and Indo-China, he was most recently active as an exec of Personnel Associates, a placement bureau for ad agency executives. Wife survives. year he won the Louisville Little Theatre award for the theatre’s best performance of the year. A World War II vet, Hyde orig- inated a disk jockey show, "Sack Rat Serenade,” on the Marine ra- dio station at Guam. He did air stints on WGRC and WKYW be- fore joining WAVE last November. Survived by his parents. FRED ,R. ZWEIFEL Fred R. Zweifel, 87, theatrical manager who had handled Ed Wynn's shows for 20 years, died April 10 in N.Y. Zweifel had been in show business for over 50 years and*had managed over 150 per- formers and more than 40 shows. He started in the theatre as a sec- retary and bookkeeper and worked for the Sam Shubert org for 11 years. Zweifel had managed a number of road shows and was in charge of the cross-country playdates of "The Birth of a Nation.” In 1919 he joined Wynn and was associated with him spasmodically until 1945, v-hen the comedian closed his N.Y. office. Wife, the former Grade Russel!, v.'.io had appeared in the "Perfect Fcoi’’ with Wynn; a son and a daughter survive. MRS. VERA K. NIRELLA Mrs. Vera Kaighn Nirella, 63, wife of Danny Nirella, veteran Pittsburgh bandleader, died in that city April 8. Her death ended a 34-year marriage during which the couple wrote a colorful chapter in the music history of Pittsburgh. Nirella’s band has been a civic fixture in Pittsburgh for more than half a century and Mrs. Nirella, a church soloist, sang with it on most big occasions. She had opened every baseball season at Forbes Field since 1920 singing the na- tional anthem and the Nirella band has been playing for the diamond teeoff since 1909. Besides her husband, she leaves two sons*. GEORGE GUISE George Guise, 63, veteran Min- neapolis Star news editor and for- mer theatre manager, who began his newspaper career in 1908, died April 10 after a long illness. From 1918 to 1927 he was actively en- gaged in show business, managing theatres in Detroit for the Miles circuit and in New England for Publix. In his younger days he had been a vaude performer. Guise interrupted his newspaper career a second time to manage the may- oralty campaign of the late Minne-i apolis showman A. G. Bainbridge! and after the latter’s election be-! came his secretary*. Wife and son survive. 12 in Pasadena. Marr, who was also assistant secretary of CBS, Inc., joined the net in 1945 after four years in the Navy. He had previ- ously been with the district attor- s in Hollywood. Marr nad undergone a complete physical checkup three weeks ago which 1 ai « G -* to s ^ ow any organic disorder. Wife, four, children and his mother survive. McNAIR ILGENFRITZ McNair Ilgenfritz, pianist-com- poser, died April 12 in N. Y. He wrote two operas, "Phedre” and "Le Passant,” in addition to several songs and waltzes. Pop tunes in- cluded "As We Part” and "Blow, Blow thou Winter Wind.” He also composed two ballets,'“Burma” and "La Princess Enchantee.” A number of years ago he made recordings' of his waltzes for player pianos. GANO DUNN Gano Dunn, 82, a member of the board of directors of Radio Corp. of America since 1938, a director of NBC and president of the J. G. White Engineering Corp., N. Y., died April 10 in N. Y. He had been prexy of the White org since 1913 and while in that capacity di- rected a number of projects, in- cluding the construction of 13 transoceanic radio stations. Surviving are two brothers. GEORGE FISHER George Fisher, 59, former vaude- villian, died April 9 in N. Y. He had been in vaude for a number of years and for a long time was partnered in an act with Harry Green (Fisher & Green)* Prior to his retirement about four years ago he had managed a number of USO shows. His wife, the former Lillian Watson, who did a single in vaude, survives. day broadcasts over CBS and was r an organ soloist with the CBS Symphony Orchestra. Joseph W. Golfer, 60, engineer at Warners’ Madison in Albany for many years, died April 5 In St. Peter’s Hospital there. Mother, 86, of Jane Gibson, who airs women’s programs over KQV, Pittsburgh, died at her home there April 4. Marie Brennan, 65, formerly of the O’Briens, song and dance team, died in Richmond Hill, LI.. April 10 . 'Star Circuit Continued from pare Father, 67, of Dale Evans, pix- TV-rodeo star and wife of Roy Rogers, died in Italy, Tex., April 11. Father, 84, of Herman Fialkoff, president of Celebrity Concerts Corp. died in New York April 9. Ross Donald Butterfield, Pathe film technician, died April 6 at his home in La Cresce'nta, Cal. Harry W. Schumm, 75, stage and . screen actor, died April 4 at his ! Hollywood home. Wife survives. ART FOWLER Art Fowler, 51, actor, died April 4 in Suffem, N.Y. He had appeared in a number of low-budget Holly- wood westerns and had been on radio and TV in Oklahoma City. He had also done some TV shots in N.Y. His wife was the late Em- ma Haig, musicomedy and \*aude performer. A brother and two sisters sur- vive. eral Motors or Coca-Cola chain. It' 1 Is envisioned that hundreds of now defunct film theatres will be able to relight and the WM-CM plan, will be able to provide shows in any town from one night to four weeks. It will create a direct forum for sales pitches with en- tertainment trimmings, and one which agency heads envision prob- ably as effective as radio and tele shows. Also envisioned are full-scale musicals. In the case of the travel- ing vaude shows, admission will be free. Lobby Displays It’s likely that desirable the- atres to hold these soonsored 35,! events will have to be equipped with sufficiently large lobbies or display space outside the main au- ditorium. This will be a major factor in deciding which theatres shall be used for these gratis shindigs. Another factor in the Morris- Cappel, MacDonald tie will be the staging of sales conventions by video, whereby one centrally staged show can entertain in many cities along a closed circuit. Cappel,- MacDonald, headquar- tered in Dayton, has 11 branches throughout the country and four offices in Canada. They represent a reported 3.500 concerns, most of whom can afford heavy advertis- ing outlays. Last week, about 35 reps of that firm metat the Wil- liam Morris Agency in New York and discussed means of using show business to advance sales. The Cappel, MacDonald staff will be further schooled in integrating in-person entertainment as a key- stone in the sales-picture. One of Mother, 97, of John Thoma, legit • the prime movers in this field is ressagent, died in Chicago April 1. William Mullen, who wrs c Father of Don Lesser, member of the Harmonicats, instrumental trio, died in Chicago April 6. Father of James Wassel, Ansco Film Co. midwest* manager, died in Springfield, 111., April 6. Wife, 66, of vocal coach Jack Stem died of a heart attack April 7 in Hollywood. Nat Newman, 60, notary public w.k. in show business, died April 10 in N.Y. • Mother, 85, of John Charles Thomas, baritone, died April 12 m Baltimore. once with '[the Morris office radio and tele MAIDEL TURNER Mrs. Maidel Turner Thomas, 72, retired actress, professionally known as Maidel Turner, died April 12 in Ocean Springs, Miss. Sne had been in both films and legit. Her most recent appearance in pix was in the Bing Crosby starrer, “Here Comes the Groom.” Others included "It Happened One *V?ht” and "State of the Union,” aiso appearing in the stage version of the latter. Site retired from the theatre a number of years ago after having pfren seen in such N. Y. produc- tions as "The Book of Charm,” •lommy.” "Apron Strings,” "Kick JT- ‘Angel Island,” .‘^Welcome to Our City.” "What a tiife,” "Dark of the Moon” and "Another Lan- guage. ’ A brother and sister survive. D & ROLLO F* MAITLAND . pr..Rollo F. Maitland, 68, Phila- o..:..ua organist, teacher and com- Po>e r f 0 r 50 years, died April 7 in 5";* 1V * was head of the organ M.* ,a - rtl J lent Philadelphia --u;>ical Academy and prexy of the American Organ.Players Club. He nuci given concerts throughout this country and abroad. r ,. Fr °ro .1912 to 1925, Dr. Maitland x e< l in Philly theatres, and at Convention Hall, Atlantic City. c‘?'7- es f lnfi only 20% vision, he -uched at the Overbrook School Blind* He developed a hew method of teaching palled "crea- *' e . Pedagogy” and many of his jpils were blind. He designed the i mladelphia Sesqui-Centenpial or- WM. C. F. POSTANCE William C. F. Postance, 78, form er actor-director, died April 14 inj Hoboken, N. J. He began his the- atrical career "as a callboy for Sir John Hare at the Garrick Thea? tre, London, in 1899, later joining Olga Nethersole in Sandou’s "La Tosca.” Postance had been a di- rector for Charles Frohman, Wil- liam Gillette, the Selwyns and George C. Tyler. He was asso- ciated with more than 150 theatri- cal presentations and made his last legit appearance in 1940 in "The Man Who Came To Dinner.” In 1942 he joined the N. Y. Times as a receptionist. A sister survives. MRS. META D. SCHMALE Mrs. Meta B. Schmale, a charter member of the Better Films Coun- ; cil of St. Louis, one of the first of i its kind in the U. S., died in St. [ Louis March 31. j Mrs. Schmale and Mrs. A. F. Burt, founder of the council, are credited with having blocked na-; tional political censorship of mo-1 tion pictures. LOWELL RUSSELL Lowell Russell, 51, secretary- treasurer of Claude Ezell & Associ- ates, drive-in theatre chain, for 20 years, died in Dallas April 7 after a heart attack. Before joining the ozoner firm, he was with a film ex- change there. Survived by his wife, a son, four brothers, two sisters and two grandchildren. PERCY A. BOOTH Percy A. Booth, 49, treasurer of the Sam S. Shubert Theatre, legit house, Washington, was stricken with a heart attack April 10 while driving to the theatre and died shortly thereafter at Homeopathic Hospital. A native of Washington, he was treasurer of the National Theatre from 1938 to 1948. Then, when the old Gayety opened as a legit house, he went there as treas- urer, continuing to serve after it! became the Shubert last year. | Survived by his wife, four daugh- ter and two sons. FRED BRANNON Fred Brannon, 52, film director, died April 6 in Hollywood after a heart attack while preparing for a trip to Honolulu with his wife, Dorothy, to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. Brannon broke into films as a propman for the William Fox stu- dio and later worked on various lots as an assistant director and unit manager. He was upped to full directorship in 1944 at Re- public, where he handled numer- ous features and serials. IRVING KLEIN Irving Klein. 50, cameraman at Columbia for 20 years, died April 10 in Hollywood following a heart attack* His wife, daughter and brother, Mannie Klein, trumpet player, survive. SIMON SIMANSKY Simon Simansky, 82, pioneer film house owner, died in Chioi|o April 8. He was a partner of Jack Miller (Simansky & Miller), oper- ating a string of theatres in Chi- cago and suburbs. Survived by wife and two daugh- ters. MAnniApr-* [department, but is now ~n exec IVlAKKIAAatliS ! with Cappel, MacDpnald. Abe Lillian A. Paulus to John B.' Lastvogel, Morris topper, came in Meany, April 11, Nassau, N. Y. f from the Coast for this m n et which Bride is with Loew’s, Inc., in Al- ■ was held quietly with no fanfare bany. - until some agreement ccvld be Lee Florsheim to Edwin M. Gif- ! concluded. E. F. Mr-cDonald, head ford, Chicago, April 12. Groom is of the merchandise concern, also stage manager for Chi company of attended. MacDonald is setting up ‘Dial M For Murder.” a showmanship d ; visicn to include Jean Mary Walker to Lt. Robert ii ve talent, closed circuit tele and 1 r' ' business films as a ma ; or oart of Wnfkpr tar?n*r B ‘ ‘their operations. Mullen vTl head vvolker, M-G-M Records topper. : f i:v5 e io n nut nf vc W vnrv Mickey Fans to Earl Barton, Las' ttlIS “*'-“ 10n out °* i°*k. Vegas, March 29. Both are dancers, i. The gradual diminution of the Sheila Donald to Michael Elder, | in-person fields because of the Edinburgh, April 2. She’s an ac- j competition of free shows from tress; he’s a thesper with Glasgow television caused the Mor:*i« office Citizens’ Theatre. | to explore the possibilities of spon- Jean Campbell to Jack Irvin. [ sored showings on a bi^tirr? scale. London, March 28. Bride is Scot: Cue \v*s taken from General thrush # with BBC danceband: » Motors for.whom they booked tal- groom is trombonist with Stanley j en t f or a recent session at the Ho- Black orc b. tel Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y. / Iso. in Judy Martin to Ernest Glucks- ► recent months, some nv’nor man, Los Angeles. April 12. She’s ? were us«d r .nctustrial an actress; he s TV producer-direc- Uhows mniniv on a di«trihir.op nnri tor of Colgate's "Comedy Hour.” ' n<ms main,y on a distribu.or and NED MARR Ned Marr, 46. resident attcfrnqy for CBS in Hollywood, died .April WM. R. FAULKNER William R. Faulkner, 64, retired singer, died April 6 in Toledo. | A..er World War I he toured the country with minstrel show's billed as an Irish tenor and later became; a singing waiter at nightclubs. i His wife, a sister and stepdaugh- ter survive. BIRTHS Mr. and Mrs. Phil Booth, son.. Hollywood, April 7. Father directs • the CBS-TV show, *’Our Miss i Brooks.” j Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Schwartz, i son, Schenectady, recently. Father is a salesman for Columbia Pic- tures in Albany. Mr. and Mrs. Glenhall Taylor, daughter, Santa Monica, Cal., April ■ 8. Father is head of the N. W. Ayer Hollywood office. Mr. and Mrs. Norman Krasna, daughter, Santa Monica, Cal.. April 8. Father is a film producer; mother is widow of Al Jolson. Mr. and Mrs. E. D Rivers, Jr.. dealer level. The agreement will attempt to do for the in-person field what has long been prevalent in radio and tele. It will he a re- finement on the ba^ic .medicine show, but with talent on a scale that couldn’t be matched by any theatre operator. ‘Guard’ Godfrey Continued from page 1 LEON SUKLOFF Leon Sukloff, 43, an accountant : with Metro, died April 10 in Culver j City. He had been with the film * company for about 15 years. Body was shipped to N. Y. for burial. i, Wife, mother, a brother and three sisters survive. ARTHUR G. PICKETT Arthur G. Pickett. 68, onetime exploiter of silent films for Para- mount, died April 6 in Phoenix, Ariz., following a stroke. J Jn recent years he had been city manager for. the Harry L. Mace Enterprises in Arizona. Waclav Widra, 75, general man- ager of the Czechoslovak National Theatre in Prague and also known j for his acting, died April 7 in j Prague. area, with press and public ex- cluded from the premises and hotel guests and employees coming and going by only. ^ ^ Plans call for telecasts from out- son, Atlanta, April 3. Father, son of | d° or settings along pool and ocean* Georgia’s former governor, who * f r °bt with cordon of 18 cops, sky owns and operates a string of patrol plane and guard vessel along southern radio stations, is board • the ocean waters to prevent any chairman of the Dee Rivers radio i "intruders.”’ Reason for the ex- stations and also owns and operates f aggerated precautions, it was ex- a radio chain in the south. { plained, is anxiety on Godfrey’s Mr. and Mrs. Jack Dunning, son, j part to prove feasibility of telecasts Santa Monica, Cal., April 6. Father [ f rom this area of live shows, he Is a story editor at Metro. {believes in the idea to extent of daughter, nC * Pittaburg^ApriM: teS* ^ Father is with Artie Araell orch. | t0 Drln 2 ms troupe here. Mr. and Mrs. Tom Ruddy, daugh- Morning simulcasts Will, be ter. Pittsburgh, April 4. *Father is * staged outdoors—weather permit- with Artie Amell orch. Mr. and Mrs. Alan Grahm. son, Hollywood, April 4. . Mother is Ruth Herscher, songwriter; father is a musician. ting. "Talent Scouts" from hotel’s lobby and ‘“Friends” from pool* ocean side with big feature a water show. Incidentally, Pabst Blue ! Ribbon Boxing bouts will also ema* Marr?^'^St a r ff i; S TV I on UI Wednesday 115). Press and civic home economist; father is NBC ad promotion director there. reaction has been on the highly Andrew Tietjen, 43. organist and { choirmaster, died April 13 in Ridgewood, N. J. Founder of the 32-voice Trinity Choir of St. Paul’s Chapel/ N. Y., he directed its Sun- Mr. and Mrs. Joe Finan, son. I ent husiastic side, with heav> front Cleveland, April 11 Father is' P a 8fi play and editorial eulogies WTAM-WNBK announcer. * \ coming tlirough past weekend. As Mr. and Mrs. Ed Meath, son, {topper Bsach city council voted April 4, Rochester, N. Y. Father {$5,000 to help defray any addition* is a disk jockey on WHEC there, i al expenses which might occur.