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 58

Boston Show, Week of Feb. 15, [1909]. Carl D. Lothrop.
(Monday, Feb. 15th--Afternoon Show)
Overture. 1.41, 11 minutes.
Amy Butler & Company. On at 1.52, 9 minutes full stage. Could work in two, if necessary. A rather pretty girl, who dresses well, but whose voice is not good and who lacks magnetism. Assisted by a young chap, who is a very good pianist, she tries to do an act a la Franklin and Green, but it will not do, at least for Boston.
The Bison City Four. On at 2.01, 16 minutes in one. Once is enough for this bunch. Their comedy is distressing and their singing is not much to brag about.
Cartmell and Harris. On at 2.17. Open full stage 12 minutes, close 4 minutes in one, 16 minutes in all. These people always score with us. While their sketch does not amount to much, their neatness, extremely good dancing and Miss Harris' daintiness always win them very favorable recognition.
Mary Sanders & Co. On at 2.33, 20 minutes full stage. Mary Sanders, Herbert Yost, Rose Morison and Walter Walker, four of Boston's best known stock company players, each one a favorite, presenting a condensed version of "Nance Oldfield." As a local attraction it will get us the money, but it would not do anywhere else. The playlet is played well, but it is talk and lacks action, also a good finish.
Zinka [Panna?]. On at 3.02, 15 minutes in one. Held this spot very satisfactorily this afternoon, opening with her cymbal playing, which is something of a novelty, followed by a short violin solo, after which she introduces a big French poodle that plays a hand-organ, closing with two cute little dogs that do "The Merry Widow" waltz in a way that gets a roar of laughter. Would not play her as far down the programme as this ordinarily, but Laddie Cliff's illness forced the issue and we were indeed fortunate to have her in the bill. Unless the time is needed it would seem better to me to have her play but one selection on the cymbal, "The Hungarian Rhapsodie," and cut out the "Medley of American Airs."
Mirza Golem Troupe. On at 3.17, 11 minutes full stage. 2nd and final week. I can only repeat what I said about this act last week--"It is one of the greatest acrobatic turns we have ever played."
Niblo's Talking Birds. On at 3.28, 12 minutes in one. One of the best novelty acts of the season. Scored a bonafide hit and will cause a lot of conversation. I wish that we had this act for a second week.

Kinetograph. On at 4.31. "The Earthquake in Italy."--This is the Gaumont film and it is the best I have seen, largely for the reason the gruesome element is almost entirely lacking, and the scenes are interesting. "Postage Stamps"--A corking good colored film. "A Persistent Suitor"--A comic that is above the average.
Cuts. Bison City Quartette--Comedian instructed to clean up in his make-up. Requested to substitute a song in place of the dreary dirge about "John Brown's Body Lies a Mouldering."
Comment. It is a bitter disappointment to lose Laddie Cliff out of this bill through illness, for he is a great local favorite, and would have strengthened the bill very materially by picking the show up with a rush following Miss Sanders. We hope that he will be able to work to-morrow or Wednesday. Every act on the programme, excepting Amy Butler and the Bison City Four, can be scored as an emphatic hit. In saying this the local conditions are considered in connection with the Sanders sketch.

Saving...

Boston Show, Week of Feb. 15, [1909]. Carl D. Lothrop. (Monday, Feb. 15th--Afternoon Show) Overture. 1.41, 11 minutes. Amy Butler & Company. On at 1.52, 9 minutes full stage. Could work in two, if necessary. A rather pretty girl, who dresses well, but whose voice is not good and who lacks magnetism. Assisted by a young chap, who is a very good pianist, she tries to do an act a la Franklin and Green, but it will not do, at least for Boston. The Bison City Four. On at 2.01, 16 minutes in one. Once is enough for this bunch. Their comedy is distressing and their singing is not much to brag about. Cartmell and Harris. On at 2.17. Open full stage 12 minutes, close 4 minutes in one, 16 minutes in all. These people always score with us. While their sketch does not amount to much, their neatness, extremely good dancing and Miss Harris' daintiness always win them very favorable recognition. Mary Sanders & Co. On at 2.33, 20 minutes full stage. Mary Sanders, Herbert Yost, Rose Morison and Walter Walker, four of Boston's best known stock company players, each one a favorite, presenting a condensed version of "Nance Oldfield." As a local attraction it will get us the money, but it would not do anywhere else. The playlet is played well, but it is talk and lacks action, also a good finish. Zinka [Panna?]. On at 3.02, 15 minutes in one. Held this spot very satisfactorily this afternoon, opening with her cymbal playing, which is something of a novelty, followed by a short violin solo, after which she introduces a big French poodle that plays a hand-organ, closing with two cute little dogs that do "The Merry Widow" waltz in a way that gets a roar of laughter. Would not play her as far down the programme as this ordinarily, but Laddie Cliff's illness forced the issue and we were indeed fortunate to have her in the bill. Unless the time is needed it would seem better to me to have her play but one selection on the cymbal, "The Hungarian Rhapsodie," and cut out the "Medley of American Airs." Mirza Golem Troupe. On at 3.17, 11 minutes full stage. 2nd and final week. I can only repeat what I said about this act last week--"It is one of the greatest acrobatic turns we have ever played." Niblo's Talking Birds. On at 3.28, 12 minutes in one. One of the best novelty acts of the season. Scored a bonafide hit and will cause a lot of conversation. I wish that we had this act for a second week. Kinetograph. On at 4.31. "The Earthquake in Italy."--This is the Gaumont film and it is the best I have seen, largely for the reason the gruesome element is almost entirely lacking, and the scenes are interesting. "Postage Stamps"--A corking good colored film. "A Persistent Suitor"--A comic that is above the average. Cuts. Bison City Quartette--Comedian instructed to clean up in his make-up. Requested to substitute a song in place of the dreary dirge about "John Brown's Body Lies a Mouldering." Comment. It is a bitter disappointment to lose Laddie Cliff out of this bill through illness, for he is a great local favorite, and would have strengthened the bill very materially by picking the show up with a rush following Miss Sanders. We hope that he will be able to work to-morrow or Wednesday. Every act on the programme, excepting Amy Butler and the Bison City Four, can be scored as an emphatic hit. In saying this the local conditions are considered in connection with the Sanders sketch.