DIY History | Transcribe | Keith-Albee Collection | Keith-Albee managers' report book, March 9-December 14, 1908

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Keith-Albee managers' report book, March 9-December 14, 1908

Page 16a

(2)
Albert Whelan. On at 3.28, 17 min, full stage. His first appearance in this city was a decided success. He is one of the classiest entertainers ever seen in this house. He has an easy, natural way that seemed to make an instant favorite of him this afternoon. Would that there were more Whelans, as far as Boston is concerned. It is my opinion, however, that there are not a great number of cities on the circuit where his welcome would be as warm as it was here.
Hyams and McIntyre. On at 3.45, 17 min full stage, 5 min close in 1, 22 min in all. Made their customary hit and held this place acceptably. They are constantly adding new bits to their old framework, which prevents it from becoming stale.
Redford and Winchester. On at 4.07, 14 min, full stage. Was virtually forced to use this as the closing act, for I was unable to find anything in the market any stronger available for this week. It is due to them to say that they made good quite emphatically. The comedy is highly amusing, while the juggling expert of the team is much above the average.
Kinetograph. On at 4.21, 24 min. "A New Way of Travelling"; a very good novelty comedy film, handsomely colored. "Northern Venice"; a fine travel picture, highly interesting. "Betrayed By One's Feet"; fair comic.
Rice Brothers. On at 4.45, 9 min, full stage, 3 shows. These old reliable horizontal bar humorists again proved their worth. In any town where they have never been seen or have not paid annual visits for the last twenty years, if such a town is in existence, they could either open or close the show and give abundant satisfaction.
Josephine Davis. On at 4.54, 10 min, in 1; 3 shows. A petite and rathe pretty brunette, who dresses becomingly, has a pleasing singing voice and dances gracefully. As I have said before, I would rather play her than play Waltzinger. Could hold an early spot in our 2-a-day section. At that, I see no reason why she should not do three shows in the continuous houses.
The Berkes. On at 5.04, 16 min in 1, 3 shows. A man and boy in songs and dances. The youngster is quite clever, particularly as a dancer. Gives an impersonation of Sousa at the finish that would undoubtedly go well if he was placed where he would get the orchestra, instead of the lone piano.
Comment. The most unsatisfactory show of the season, lacking a headliner with any drawing power, shy of comedy and novelties. The only change that I have found it possible to make is to transpose the places of Terley and the Rice Brothers, which gets a little more action and comedy in the first of the show. With Hyams and McIntyre in Millward's place and a real feature act in their position, the show would look altogether different.
MEMO. In the review of last Monday's show it was stated that Nat Wills did not make his customary hit. I might state that from Monday night on Mr. Wills got back into his old form and was a riot at every show. His introduction of W. C. Fields and the double stunt they did, with Wills' remarks about Victoria and Tanguay, was one of the funniest things ever pulled off in this house.

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(2) Albert Whelan. On at 3.28, 17 min, full stage. His first appearance in this city was a decided success. He is one of the classiest entertainers ever seen in this house. He has an easy, natural way that seemed to make an instant favorite of him this afternoon. Would that there were more Whelans, as far as Boston is concerned. It is my opinion, however, that there are not a great number of cities on the circuit where his welcome would be as warm as it was here. Hyams and McIntyre. On at 3.45, 17 min full stage, 5 min close in 1, 22 min in all. Made their customary hit and held this place acceptably. They are constantly adding new bits to their old framework, which prevents it from becoming stale. Redford and Winchester. On at 4.07, 14 min, full stage. Was virtually forced to use this as the closing act, for I was unable to find anything in the market any stronger available for this week. It is due to them to say that they made good quite emphatically. The comedy is highly amusing, while the juggling expert of the team is much above the average. Kinetograph. On at 4.21, 24 min. "A New Way of Travelling"; a very good novelty comedy film, handsomely colored. "Northern Venice"; a fine travel picture, highly interesting. "Betrayed By One's Feet"; fair comic. Rice Brothers. On at 4.45, 9 min, full stage, 3 shows. These old reliable horizontal bar humorists again proved their worth. In any town where they have never been seen or have not paid annual visits for the last twenty years, if such a town is in existence, they could either open or close the show and give abundant satisfaction. Josephine Davis. On at 4.54, 10 min, in 1; 3 shows. A petite and rathe pretty brunette, who dresses becomingly, has a pleasing singing voice and dances gracefully. As I have said before, I would rather play her than play Waltzinger. Could hold an early spot in our 2-a-day section. At that, I see no reason why she should not do three shows in the continuous houses. The Berkes. On at 5.04, 16 min in 1, 3 shows. A man and boy in songs and dances. The youngster is quite clever, particularly as a dancer. Gives an impersonation of Sousa at the finish that would undoubtedly go well if he was placed where he would get the orchestra, instead of the lone piano. Comment. The most unsatisfactory show of the season, lacking a headliner with any drawing power, shy of comedy and novelties. The only change that I have found it possible to make is to transpose the places of Terley and the Rice Brothers, which gets a little more action and comedy in the first of the show. With Hyams and McIntyre in Millward's place and a real feature act in their position, the show would look altogether different. MEMO. In the review of last Monday's show it was stated that Nat Wills did not make his customary hit. I might state that from Monday night on Mr. Wills got back into his old form and was a riot at every show. His introduction of W. C. Fields and the double stunt they did, with Wills' remarks about Victoria and Tanguay, was one of the funniest things ever pulled off in this house.