“The Mobilization of the Green Troops for the Front.” There is so much difference between the ordinary motion pictures and the Kinemacolor that it is hard to make a comparison. However, we are convinced that they are amply worth the difference in the cost.
“Behind the Scenes.” They open in bare stage where they do some talking and make-up, both blackface. Then they come down in one with a plush drop and sing a couple of coon songs, both of which are good. We are well satisfied with this act and it is making good in this position.
Monologue on “Inside Baseball.” 10 min. in one. Big advance hand both Sunday performances. McGraw tells numerous amusing stories of his career on the diamond, and his talk throughout is interesting and attentively listened to. McGraw has a pleasing stage appearance and address, and seems to be thoroughly at home in addressing the audience. His style and delivery are in pleasing contrast with the work of “Mugsy” McGraw on the ball field. No question about his being a hit and a drawing card.
Just previous to Mr. McGraw’s appearance we are throwing on slides of Chance, Sweeney, Huggins, Hoblitzel, Bescher, Matthewson, Garry Herrmann, Joe Tinker, Frank Bancroft, “Brownie” Burke and McGraw himself, followed by a three minute moving picture of a baseball game on the Polo Grounds between New York and Boston. This plan works up the audience to a receptive attitude for McGraw, which becomes very manifest when McGraw appears. We are receiving more newspaper publicity on account of McGraw than for any other act that ever appeared at the house. NEW YORK.
Musical instruments and singing. 15 min – open 12 min. F.S. and close in 3 min. in one, own set, and a wealth of beautiful costumes. The best act these men have ever given us. Five rapid changes of costumes, making a good act without the music; the music is also good. A splendid act throughout, and a big hit. (Akron, OH)
Singing and talking. 24 minutes in one, with special drop. Two local boys who are always going to pack the Hippodrome everytime they get booked in Cleveland. They made good in a way, but I doubt if they could much further down on the bill. They had a number of friends in the audience both Monday afternoon and evening, but we did not have to stand anybody up at either performance. The act is good value for the money, but never can cause a riot or create any unusual disturbance. (Syracuse)
With Arthur Hoops. Four men and one woman, 20 minutes, C.D.F. I was lead to believe that I had to work my head off about Daniel Frohman in order to make this sketch go. Want to say that the sketch has enough merit with the cast that is presenting it here in Cleveland this week, to go most anywhere on a bill. The act is full of surprises and Cleveland audiences will like it and talk about it. (Baltimore)
Tramp comedian. 18 minutes in one. Makes one think of Nat Wills. He does not use Wills’ stuff but has some good stuff of his own. I think he could do down as far as number five or, six and make good. The audience was immensely pleased with imitation of songs. (Springfield, Mass)
“In the Barracks.” 39 minutes f.s. Special set. In some respects this is one of the best acts Lasky has put on, particularly in the matter of music. If I may have the hardihood to say it, the act is too good for vaudeville, and needs to numbers and voices of a two-dollar show. The act went over in very good shape to-night, and Miles McCarthy got quite a few laughs. For those who want “class,” it is all right, although the comedy is not in a class with the music.
21 minutes f.s. Special sets. This is an A1 dancing act, full of life and ginger from start to finish. It seems to me that under the circumstances something should be done to have them secure scenery that makes some sort of a show in a first-class theatre. They carry four sets, three of them very good, but the fourth one in its incompleteness decidedly mars the others.
25 minutes in two. Special drop. I am afraid this act has about worn itself out. Although it is two years or more since we played them, the audience seemed familiar with it. While it got some laughs, it did not add any speed to the show.
