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

Page 78a

DIGBY BELL. On at 9:51, 18 min. In one. Advance hand. A lot of amusing patter, much of it fungus-grown, some of it new, but the audience seemed fairly pleased and gave him a good reception principally on his name. More than half his talk was recognized as Vintage '04 his last visit here. if he keeps on, some day he ought to be worth $100. to any house.
HOUDINI. On at 10:09, 21 min. Full stage. It is evident that the Hand-Cuff stunt has seen its day in Philadelphia, as it has been done by performers of both sexes all the way down the line to the Dime Museum. For that reason Houdini received very scant applause for his Hand-Cuff work. His can-trick, however, is one of the greatest things ever seen on any stage. It had the audience' gasping, and the papers to-day are full of it. With his challenges, bridge-jumping and other spectacular surprises that will come later, he will surely draw us the money this week and next.
KINETOGRAPH. 10:29.
"The Haunted House". Funny and grotesque.
"Yourthful Hackenschmidts". Fair comedy.
"The Pirates". Melodramatic but holds interest.
"Airship Thieves". Burlesque crime.
KELSO & LEIGHTON. On at 6:46 13 Min. Full stage. A fair sketch that has not improved since last appearance here. The finish is one of its chief virtues.
LEWIS & YOUNG. On at 6:59, 15 min. In one. One straight, one dutch comedy. Only a mediocre three-a-day act. Hands off for four years to come.
GENERAL REMARKS.
The bill is very shy in comedy. Digby Bell as a headline running-mate with Houdini falls lamentably short of requirements. The latter however, with sufficient booming, will hold the bill together. He jumps off a bridge into the Schuykill Thursday noon, and other feats are in preparation.
CUTS.
Keeley Brothers. Reference to boxing a corpse.
Digby Bell. Reference to gentleman going to hell.

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DIGBY BELL. On at 9:51, 18 min. In one. Advance hand. A lot of amusing patter, much of it fungus-grown, some of it new, but the audience seemed fairly pleased and gave him a good reception principally on his name. More than half his talk was recognized as Vintage '04 his last visit here. if he keeps on, some day he ought to be worth $100. to any house. HOUDINI. On at 10:09, 21 min. Full stage. It is evident that the Hand-Cuff stunt has seen its day in Philadelphia, as it has been done by performers of both sexes all the way down the line to the Dime Museum. For that reason Houdini received very scant applause for his Hand-Cuff work. His can-trick, however, is one of the greatest things ever seen on any stage. It had the audience' gasping, and the papers to-day are full of it. With his challenges, bridge-jumping and other spectacular surprises that will come later, he will surely draw us the money this week and next. KINETOGRAPH. 10:29. "The Haunted House". Funny and grotesque. "Yourthful Hackenschmidts". Fair comedy. "The Pirates". Melodramatic but holds interest. "Airship Thieves". Burlesque crime. KELSO & LEIGHTON. On at 6:46 13 Min. Full stage. A fair sketch that has not improved since last appearance here. The finish is one of its chief virtues. LEWIS & YOUNG. On at 6:59, 15 min. In one. One straight, one dutch comedy. Only a mediocre three-a-day act. Hands off for four years to come. GENERAL REMARKS. The bill is very shy in comedy. Digby Bell as a headline running-mate with Houdini falls lamentably short of requirements. The latter however, with sufficient booming, will hold the bill together. He jumps off a bridge into the Schuykill Thursday noon, and other feats are in preparation. CUTS. Keeley Brothers. Reference to boxing a corpse. Digby Bell. Reference to gentleman going to hell.