DIY History | Transcribe | Keith-Albee Collection | Keith-Albee managers' report book, September 4, 1905 - April 23, 1906

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Keith-Albee managers' report book, September 4, 1905 - April 23, 1906

Page 198a

Houdini, 2 shows, 30 min. full stage--This man was easily the cause of our filling every seat in the house and also considerable standing room. Several volunteered to go on the stage to handcuff him; Three of the handcuffs he got out of very readily but the fourth kept him in for about 22 minutes, the audience getting uneasy, although I think Houdini was simply leading the people to believe he couldn't get out. After the above elapsed time he shook off the handcuffs and of course got a big hand. His trunk trick, I believe, caused more of a stir than the handcuff work. Tonight he will do the straitjacket. We were unable to have him break jail here today on account of the Superintendent of Police, but we will get at it tomorrow or the day after. I have all the newspaper men in line, who are perfectly willing to take the subject up at length, and I expect some good matter in that way.
Searle and Violet Allen, 2 shows, 20 min. in 1--In "The Reporter". Simply an expansion in number of people is the only difference from their old act. Much to my surprise, they held the audience very well in this spot today. It has action that keeps people expecting something all the time and holds them to their seats.
Four Colinis, 2 shows, 8 min. full stage--Two men and two women, in acrobatic dances. Neatly costumed, but their work is not as good as Les Auberts. Still I think it is the best act for this spot as it is pleasing and many of the people leave before it is on.
Kinetograph, 3 shows, 20 min. in 1--Showing the following list of interesting motion pictures:
1. The Pea Shooter. Fair comedy
2. Prize Winners at the Dog Show. Excellent picture, timely and handsome photographically.
3. Moose Hunting in Canada. Another capital picture, although it has been somewhat scratched.
4. Ski Running. Good film
5. A Shave by Installments. Good comedy
Grace Leonard, 3 shows, 11 min. in 1--In vocal character changes. Very poor spot we were obliged to use this act in, but she went very well and I will try to shift her up the bill for the balance of the week.
The Weavers were dissatisfied with their position and canceled
Comment:- The show with such an attraction as Houdini would be quite bad. There is altogether too much dancing in the bill with the Garrity Sisters, Post & Russell, Harmony Four, Searle and Violet Allen and the Four Colinis.
I gave Houdini big space in all of today's papers and have him billed practically everywhere.

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Houdini, 2 shows, 30 min. full stage--This man was easily the cause of our filling every seat in the house and also considerable standing room. Several volunteered to go on the stage to handcuff him; Three of the handcuffs he got out of very readily but the fourth kept him in for about 22 minutes, the audience getting uneasy, although I think Houdini was simply leading the people to believe he couldn't get out. After the above elapsed time he shook off the handcuffs and of course got a big hand. His trunk trick, I believe, caused more of a stir than the handcuff work. Tonight he will do the straitjacket. We were unable to have him break jail here today on account of the Superintendent of Police, but we will get at it tomorrow or the day after. I have all the newspaper men in line, who are perfectly willing to take the subject up at length, and I expect some good matter in that way. Searle and Violet Allen, 2 shows, 20 min. in 1--In "The Reporter". Simply an expansion in number of people is the only difference from their old act. Much to my surprise, they held the audience very well in this spot today. It has action that keeps people expecting something all the time and holds them to their seats. Four Colinis, 2 shows, 8 min. full stage--Two men and two women, in acrobatic dances. Neatly costumed, but their work is not as good as Les Auberts. Still I think it is the best act for this spot as it is pleasing and many of the people leave before it is on. Kinetograph, 3 shows, 20 min. in 1--Showing the following list of interesting motion pictures: 1. The Pea Shooter. Fair comedy 2. Prize Winners at the Dog Show. Excellent picture, timely and handsome photographically. 3. Moose Hunting in Canada. Another capital picture, although it has been somewhat scratched. 4. Ski Running. Good film 5. A Shave by Installments. Good comedy Grace Leonard, 3 shows, 11 min. in 1--In vocal character changes. Very poor spot we were obliged to use this act in, but she went very well and I will try to shift her up the bill for the balance of the week. The Weavers were dissatisfied with their position and canceled Comment:- The show with such an attraction as Houdini would be quite bad. There is altogether too much dancing in the bill with the Garrity Sisters, Post & Russell, Harmony Four, Searle and Violet Allen and the Four Colinis. I gave Houdini big space in all of today's papers and have him billed practically everywhere.