DIY History | Transcribe | Keith-Albee Collection | Managers' report book, October 25, 1909 - May 3, 1910

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Managers' report book, October 25, 1909 - May 3, 1910

Page 86

86
C. E. BARNS. PHILADELPHIA SHOW.
JAN. 10- 1910.
MARABINI. 15 min. F.S. This is a novel act. The stage setting represents an Arctic scene. He has two elevated frames to set off his ice sculptures, one on each side of the stage and the third one he assembles on a bench at the close. The man makes a good appearance and his sculptures are quite realistic. Has a patriotic finish which helps the closing applause. A fair opener.
WATSON & LITTLE. 15 min. in one. Watson appears in military uniform and sings yodle songs very well. Miss Little makes a pretty picture in stunning gown, and sings well. Act very quiet and line of talk fair. Closed fairly well.
FRANKIE CARPENTER & CO. "The Toll Bridge." 17 min. F.S. Characteristic stage set showing flower-grown cottage and toll bridge. Character of the crusty old man is admirably taken by Jere Grady. Miss Carpenter is convincing in the part of the poorhouse waif who discovers in the old toll gate keeper her own grandfather. Act holds the interest, but could not be advised for a stronger spot. The close was fairly good.
CHARLES LEONARD FLETCHER. 28 min. in one. Too well known on the circuit to need further comment than to say that his impersonations held the audience with their accustomed strength. Opened with Dickens' characters, proceeded to Mark Twain's speech, then to Mansfield's Baron Chevral, and closed with the patriotic veteran. Well applauded throughout.
JUGGLING BANHANS. 7 min. F.S. This is a good act, rapid in work, the three men making a good showing. However, it is by no means a novelty, as we have had club swinging acts far more attractive. Closed fair.
GEORGE AUSTIN MOORE. 16 min. in one. This man is a good entertainer. His dialects include French, Italian, Swedish, coon and German. Songs and jokes went very well, but he is not in the Holmes' class. Closed fair.
ELEANOR GORDON & CO. "Tips on Tap." 22 min. F.S. This is a well written sketch with the motif of domestic deception in which husband and wife try to conceal from each other the fact that they are playing the races. Good lines that bring laughter, and many clever situations. Closed strong.
LITTLE BILLY. 12 min. in one. We billed "Little Billy" pretty strong but he is living up to his paper. His character songs went very well, but his eccentric dancing got the house in great shape. Think he will be a good box office attraction, particularly with the women and children.
TASMANIAN VAN DIEMAN TROUPE. 8 min. F.S. This act was a distinct disappointment. The ground work introduced has absolutely nothing new and novel to recommend it, while the work on the order of the Curzon Sisters, is so far inferior that it receives scanty applause indeed. The act lacks life and finish and in houses where the Curzon Sisters have been seen, is hardly strong enough for a feature. Makes a fair closing act only.
KINETOGRAPH. "Why Girls Leave Home." A very amusing film showing a stage upon a stage. Would go anywhere. Funniest moving picture series of the season.
GENERAL REMARKS. Following up the strong comedy show of last week, this show seems particularly quiet. while each act seemed to get by nicely, there was nothing that aroused any enthusiasm, although it seemed to please. Practically every act is new to this house, and a number of them failed to live up to the criticism from other towns.
Night show pulled up immensely--particularly the Tasmanian Troupe and Eleanor Gordon. Little Billy likewise made good in a gratifying manner. Looks like a winning show for balance of the week.

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86 C. E. BARNS. PHILADELPHIA SHOW. JAN. 10- 1910. MARABINI. 15 min. F.S. This is a novel act. The stage setting represents an Arctic scene. He has two elevated frames to set off his ice sculptures, one on each side of the stage and the third one he assembles on a bench at the close. The man makes a good appearance and his sculptures are quite realistic. Has a patriotic finish which helps the closing applause. A fair opener. WATSON & LITTLE. 15 min. in one. Watson appears in military uniform and sings yodle songs very well. Miss Little makes a pretty picture in stunning gown, and sings well. Act very quiet and line of talk fair. Closed fairly well. FRANKIE CARPENTER & CO. "The Toll Bridge." 17 min. F.S. Characteristic stage set showing flower-grown cottage and toll bridge. Character of the crusty old man is admirably taken by Jere Grady. Miss Carpenter is convincing in the part of the poorhouse waif who discovers in the old toll gate keeper her own grandfather. Act holds the interest, but could not be advised for a stronger spot. The close was fairly good. CHARLES LEONARD FLETCHER. 28 min. in one. Too well known on the circuit to need further comment than to say that his impersonations held the audience with their accustomed strength. Opened with Dickens' characters, proceeded to Mark Twain's speech, then to Mansfield's Baron Chevral, and closed with the patriotic veteran. Well applauded throughout. JUGGLING BANHANS. 7 min. F.S. This is a good act, rapid in work, the three men making a good showing. However, it is by no means a novelty, as we have had club swinging acts far more attractive. Closed fair. GEORGE AUSTIN MOORE. 16 min. in one. This man is a good entertainer. His dialects include French, Italian, Swedish, coon and German. Songs and jokes went very well, but he is not in the Holmes' class. Closed fair. ELEANOR GORDON & CO. "Tips on Tap." 22 min. F.S. This is a well written sketch with the motif of domestic deception in which husband and wife try to conceal from each other the fact that they are playing the races. Good lines that bring laughter, and many clever situations. Closed strong. LITTLE BILLY. 12 min. in one. We billed "Little Billy" pretty strong but he is living up to his paper. His character songs went very well, but his eccentric dancing got the house in great shape. Think he will be a good box office attraction, particularly with the women and children. TASMANIAN VAN DIEMAN TROUPE. 8 min. F.S. This act was a distinct disappointment. The ground work introduced has absolutely nothing new and novel to recommend it, while the work on the order of the Curzon Sisters, is so far inferior that it receives scanty applause indeed. The act lacks life and finish and in houses where the Curzon Sisters have been seen, is hardly strong enough for a feature. Makes a fair closing act only. KINETOGRAPH. "Why Girls Leave Home." A very amusing film showing a stage upon a stage. Would go anywhere. Funniest moving picture series of the season. GENERAL REMARKS. Following up the strong comedy show of last week, this show seems particularly quiet. while each act seemed to get by nicely, there was nothing that aroused any enthusiasm, although it seemed to please. Practically every act is new to this house, and a number of them failed to live up to the criticism from other towns. Night show pulled up immensely--particularly the Tasmanian Troupe and Eleanor Gordon. Little Billy likewise made good in a gratifying manner. Looks like a winning show for balance of the week.