DIY History | Transcribe | Keith-Albee Collection | Keith-Albee managers' report book, December 28, 1908 - October 18, 1909

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Keith-Albee managers' report book, December 28, 1908 - October 18, 1909

Page 28

Boston Show, Week of Jan. 18, 1909. Carl D. Lothrop.
(Monday, Man. 18th--Afternoon Show)
Overture. 1.31, 6 minutes.
The Worthley. On at 1.37, 10 minutes special drop in 1 1/2, close 5 minutes in 1, 15 minutes in all. A clever idea, a fairly clever comedienne, who looks well, but is lacking in voice and grace, and a man who is absolutely bad. The songs introduced are new and quite catchy. The whole thing is a sort of a tin plate copy of Rock and Fulton. The act is certainly not worthy of booking in the big houses. Will just about get by at No. 2 in the small houses, or in the three show section where continuous shows are played. X1.
Reed Brothers. On at 1.52, open 1 minute in one, 16 minutes full stage, 17 minutes in all. One of the best values of the year in the acrobatic line. Will score on any bill. XX1
Frank Whitman. On at 2.09, 10 minutes in one. Whitman opens with some ordinary trick violin work, but gradually starts to dance, and his combination of dancing and violin playing scores very heavily. He must be credited with a hit. Could play him much further down the bill. XX1
"Birdland." On at 2.10, 20 minutes full stage, special set, and a very novel and pretty one it is, too. His act made thoroughly good here to-day. The girls are exceptionally good singers and very attractive in appearance. The costuming is very pretty, and the musical numbers tuneful and catchy. The only fault to be found with the act is that the comedy element is not up to the mark. The comedian who plays the coon character seemed to be almost entirely without unction, while the jailbird is not much better. Two corking good men in these parts would add greatly to the value as well as the success of the act. Even with these possibilities undeveloped, the act did finely. XX1
Nichols Sisters. On at 2.39, 14 minutes in one. Favorites in this house and never went stronger. I have never seen them do a better act. xx1
Brothers Byrne & Co. On at 2.53, 13 minutes full stage, special set. Obliged to play this act here this afternoon on account of Hymack's baggage being delayed. It will close the show the rest of the week, for there is where it belongs. It seemed to please the audience this afternoon, although it slows up a bit in spots. XX1

Mr. Hymack. On at 4.12, 12 minutes full stage, special set. Playing his new act, "Blenkinsop's Bet." Another hit. His turn is an advance on the one he did last season and will cause a vast amount of talk. Am highly pleased that we have him for two weeks. XX1
Kinetograph. On at 4.24. "Paris Seen From a Balloon"--A very unique and interesting film. "The Magic Handkerchief"--Fairly good comic. "One Best Bet"--A pretty good dramatic picture including some good racing bits.
Cuts.--The Worthleys--Business and remark "Where's that sheet?" Remark "I never go near their feet." "Do they wear them as low as that?" "Posing?--No exposing." "Bathtub" verse.
Reed Brothers--Suggestion of "Hell"
Harrigan--Mention of Caruso. "Sounds like "L" "Holds up dress to catch a man" "Pads in front."
Comment. A rattling good show, the Worthleys being the only act that does not deserve the XX1 mark.

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Boston Show, Week of Jan. 18, 1909. Carl D. Lothrop. (Monday, Man. 18th--Afternoon Show) Overture. 1.31, 6 minutes. The Worthley. On at 1.37, 10 minutes special drop in 1 1/2, close 5 minutes in 1, 15 minutes in all. A clever idea, a fairly clever comedienne, who looks well, but is lacking in voice and grace, and a man who is absolutely bad. The songs introduced are new and quite catchy. The whole thing is a sort of a tin plate copy of Rock and Fulton. The act is certainly not worthy of booking in the big houses. Will just about get by at No. 2 in the small houses, or in the three show section where continuous shows are played. X1. Reed Brothers. On at 1.52, open 1 minute in one, 16 minutes full stage, 17 minutes in all. One of the best values of the year in the acrobatic line. Will score on any bill. XX1 Frank Whitman. On at 2.09, 10 minutes in one. Whitman opens with some ordinary trick violin work, but gradually starts to dance, and his combination of dancing and violin playing scores very heavily. He must be credited with a hit. Could play him much further down the bill. XX1 "Birdland." On at 2.10, 20 minutes full stage, special set, and a very novel and pretty one it is, too. His act made thoroughly good here to-day. The girls are exceptionally good singers and very attractive in appearance. The costuming is very pretty, and the musical numbers tuneful and catchy. The only fault to be found with the act is that the comedy element is not up to the mark. The comedian who plays the coon character seemed to be almost entirely without unction, while the jailbird is not much better. Two corking good men in these parts would add greatly to the value as well as the success of the act. Even with these possibilities undeveloped, the act did finely. XX1 Nichols Sisters. On at 2.39, 14 minutes in one. Favorites in this house and never went stronger. I have never seen them do a better act. xx1 Brothers Byrne & Co. On at 2.53, 13 minutes full stage, special set. Obliged to play this act here this afternoon on account of Hymack's baggage being delayed. It will close the show the rest of the week, for there is where it belongs. It seemed to please the audience this afternoon, although it slows up a bit in spots. XX1 Mr. Hymack. On at 4.12, 12 minutes full stage, special set. Playing his new act, "Blenkinsop's Bet." Another hit. His turn is an advance on the one he did last season and will cause a vast amount of talk. Am highly pleased that we have him for two weeks. XX1 Kinetograph. On at 4.24. "Paris Seen From a Balloon"--A very unique and interesting film. "The Magic Handkerchief"--Fairly good comic. "One Best Bet"--A pretty good dramatic picture including some good racing bits. Cuts.--The Worthleys--Business and remark "Where's that sheet?" Remark "I never go near their feet." "Do they wear them as low as that?" "Posing?--No exposing." "Bathtub" verse. Reed Brothers--Suggestion of "Hell" Harrigan--Mention of Caruso. "Sounds like "L" "Holds up dress to catch a man" "Pads in front." Comment. A rattling good show, the Worthleys being the only act that does not deserve the XX1 mark.