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 86a

Hite and Donlin. On at 3.32, 20 minutes full stage. I was considerably in doubt as to what this act would do in Boston, but this afternoon's audience removed the doubt most effectually. We had one of the biggest Monday matinees of the season, both Miss Hite and Mr. Donlin were very warmly received, the turn scored an unquestioned hit, and will undoubtedly be a big drawing card throughout the week. If Mike will only play a good game of ball this season he should repeat well next season, but if he doesn't play ball, I feel that he will surely lose his prestige. Of course, Miss Hite's acknowledged talent is a great factor in making the act a success, not only through her own cleverness but through the manner in which she makes Mike appear almost an actor.
Empire City Quartette. On at 4.12, 23 minutes in one. The ideal act for this spot. Harry Cooper has a great chance to do some effective burlesquing of Donlin. The quartette has an entirely different repertoire of songs from the one they used last August and the act went about as well as I have ever seen it go.
Martinetti and Sylvester. On at 4.37, 8 minutes full stage. Well known acrobatic comedy act which is about as valuable to-day as Rice and Prevost. Salaries considered I had as soon have them, for when Rice and Prevost were here with the Cohan and Harris Minstrels recently, I heard many remarks to the effect that they had gone back a whole lot.
Kinetograph. On at 4.45, 22 minutes in one. "Calling Day."--A very fair comic. "Scenes in Lapland"--Extremely interesting.
Hill and Hill--On at 5.07, 10 minutes in one. Three shows. Fairly good coon act. O. K. for the three show section, or for the No. 2 spot in the smaller houses.
Cuts--Emil Subers--"For God's sake."
Jones and Mayo--"Three Weeks" verse.
Comment. While not a really great show, this week's programme seemed to please this afternoon's audience, although it was a little slow in getting started and ran about fifteen minutes too late. A re-arrangement through which the Allyn Girls will not appear in the first section of the afternoon show and will not have a chance to slow up the action at night, should help a lot both in speed and smoothness.

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Hite and Donlin. On at 3.32, 20 minutes full stage. I was considerably in doubt as to what this act would do in Boston, but this afternoon's audience removed the doubt most effectually. We had one of the biggest Monday matinees of the season, both Miss Hite and Mr. Donlin were very warmly received, the turn scored an unquestioned hit, and will undoubtedly be a big drawing card throughout the week. If Mike will only play a good game of ball this season he should repeat well next season, but if he doesn't play ball, I feel that he will surely lose his prestige. Of course, Miss Hite's acknowledged talent is a great factor in making the act a success, not only through her own cleverness but through the manner in which she makes Mike appear almost an actor. Empire City Quartette. On at 4.12, 23 minutes in one. The ideal act for this spot. Harry Cooper has a great chance to do some effective burlesquing of Donlin. The quartette has an entirely different repertoire of songs from the one they used last August and the act went about as well as I have ever seen it go. Martinetti and Sylvester. On at 4.37, 8 minutes full stage. Well known acrobatic comedy act which is about as valuable to-day as Rice and Prevost. Salaries considered I had as soon have them, for when Rice and Prevost were here with the Cohan and Harris Minstrels recently, I heard many remarks to the effect that they had gone back a whole lot. Kinetograph. On at 4.45, 22 minutes in one. "Calling Day."--A very fair comic. "Scenes in Lapland"--Extremely interesting. Hill and Hill--On at 5.07, 10 minutes in one. Three shows. Fairly good coon act. O. K. for the three show section, or for the No. 2 spot in the smaller houses. Cuts--Emil Subers--"For God's sake." Jones and Mayo--"Three Weeks" verse. Comment. While not a really great show, this week's programme seemed to please this afternoon's audience, although it was a little slow in getting started and ran about fifteen minutes too late. A re-arrangement through which the Allyn Girls will not appear in the first section of the afternoon show and will not have a chance to slow up the action at night, should help a lot both in speed and smoothness.