Year: 1912

Presenting “A Regular Business Man”. Mr. Fairbanks portrays the character of a young lawyer, who on account of his weak business ability—his stenographer and fiancée decide to resign—he begs for time—six months, three months and one month and finally an hour is granted, he gets busy and by good luck makes $50, 000 in an hour. The sketch is full of good bright up-to-date lines, with many laughs, exceptionally clever and well played. Twenty-two minutes, full stage. At every performances the two former Co-Stars Tom Wine and Douglas Fairbanks join hands, their appearance is the cause of spontaneous applause from all parts of the house, which necessitates both making genuine first night curtain speeches. The publicity given the two Co-Stars in all the papers has been tremendous with the result of S.R.O. at every performance.

Presenting “A Chip of the Old Block” by Byron Ongley. “The scene of this skit is laid at the Actors Fund Home an Staten Island, with Mr. Wise as an inmate who in his younger days was an old favorite old Bowery Tragedian and was about to become famous as a Tragic Star, grew fat and funny and was forced to take the comedy roles, the public not taking him seriously, ruined his life, he separated from his wide and become a cranky old man. After years travelling with medeocre [sic] companies, comes to the home to spend his declining years. His ray of hope is his son who he has not seen for many years and knows he is a leading man with a repertoire company. The boy notifies his Dad that is coming. The Father is excited, making preparations, but to the old man’s horror, when the boy arrives, he is fat as himself. A scene of comedy and pathos follows. The curtain falls with the old man gazing at the picture of his grand-son who he thinks will surely be a Tragedian.” A splendid sketch, rather novel in construction, with good comedy and a wee bit of pathos. Received a rousing hand on the finish. Twenty-three minutes, full stage.