Once the winter had passed
and spring 1917 had arrived in Hamilton. In the downtown core of the city,
particularly in the vicinity of John and King streets.
Towards the south-east
corner, the Royal Connaught Hotel, towards the north-east corner, the Loew’s
theater, both had been projects which would bring Hamiltonians into a much more
modern age than was the case just a few years earlier.
After the construction of
the Loew’s theater was completed and the official opening ceremonies were being
planned, the Hamilton Times carried an extensive article about the new addition
to Hamilton’s theater scene:
“Marcus Loew’s new $500,000
vaudeville and feature photo-play theatre, King street east, will throw open
its doors to the people of Hamilton and vicinity on New Year’s Eve. On the same
day, Hamilton will go on record as having the largest theatre on the North
American continent in proportion to population. A delve deep into the annals of
theatredom has failed to bring to light any vaudeville theatre as large,
located in any city with a population near the size of that of Hamilton.
“The opening night will be
one long to be remembered. For that one occasion all box seats will be
reserved. Starting January 1, only box seats can be reserved. Among the stage
celebrities to accompany Mr. Loew and his staff to Hamilton will be the famous
and beautiful Kitty Gordon, known through her admirable work in the comic opera
world and more recently in screen life. Miss Gordon will be the guest of honor,
having accepted the personal invitation extended by Mr. Loew to be the sponsor
for the new link to the vast chain of Loew theatres throughout Canada and the
United States. Miss Gordon, Mr. Loew and other notables of the moving picture
and dramatic stages, will probably reach Hamilton on Thursday, when the seat
sale will start at the theatre.
ADDING A LINK
“Adding a new link to the
gigantic Loew chain is an event – promising a most excitable, pleasurable and
interesting evening. For weeks in advance the entire working force of the New
York offices of the Marcus Loew vaudeville enterprises, are planning the most
unusual events. Actors and actresses of renown, and the most famous of screen
artists manifest the greatest interest, and in many cases have been known to
cancel their engagements, to be among those ‘present.’ ” 1
1 “Loew’s
New Theatre Opens New Year’s Eve : Hamilton Now Boasts of Largest Theatre, In Comparison to
Population on the Continent of North America : Seats Reserved for Opening Night Only – Sale to Start
Thursday Morning at Theatre – Description of Ontario’s New Amusement Palace and
Work of Art”
Hamilton
Times December 22, 1917.
The Times
reporter was given a tour of the as-yet unopened theater :
“All Hamilton will fail to
realize the beauty and artistic construction of their new theatre until a visit
has been made. A chat with a representative of the firm of P.H. Secord &
Sons, Ltd., will do much to convince many of the size of Loew’s new palace of
enchantment. Giving all at what he termed a conservation estimate,
approximately 20,000 sacks of cement, were used in the building; 1,500,000
bricks; car loads of hollow tile blocks and brick; 400 tons of steel and
thousands of feet of copper wiring.
ARCHITECT PRAISES WORK
“Thomas A. Lamb, a prominent
theatrical architect, who has designed many of the larger theatres, lauded the
Hamilton structure. Mr. Lamb, during a recent visit, declared that although the
Hamilton playhouse was naturally not as large as some of the Loew’s enterprises
in larger cities, it is decidedly one of the most artistic and best-constructed
in Canada and the United States. To bear out his statement, he pointed out the
fact all floors and roof were made of solid concrete. Another remarkable
feature cited was the plentiful supply of exits provided for, 20 in number, and
all within easy access of all seats. The equipment, in Mr. Lamb’s opinion, is
unsurpassed. When installing this equipment, as in the construction of the
building, it was pointed out that the danger from fire was literally
eradicated. The stage and auditorium are practically two separate vbuildings,
and each fire-proofed to their greatest capacity.
VARIETY OF STONE USED
“In the long and spacious
lobby leading into the theatre from King street, a varied and costly assortment
of stone was used. The lobby floor is of Terrazzo. The walls have been finished
in Caenstone, with marble mosaic borders with a marble base. The front of the
lobby was built of carved Indiana limestone. Tall plate-glass mirrors have been
placed generously in the lobby, which will undoubtedly prove an exceptionally
attractive feature to many of the fair sex. Several modernly-equipped ticket
booths, in the lobby, will do away with congestion, no matter how large the
crowd may be.
ALL LIGHTS HIDDEN
“The extremely-attractive
lighting system has been the source of much favorable comment from experts on
this particular form of the building trades. Although many thousand lamps have
been used, the visitor will never see them. Behind ledges, strips and through
lattice work, these myriads of high-powered bulbs will throw their soft, amber glow
into the lobby and auditorium. Mounting a double marble staircase, one comes
upon the most magnificent marble rotunda, unlike anything constructed in most
of the larger theatres in the world. Alcoves of marble are fitted out with
inviting fireplaces, lounges, easy chairs, wall seats, writing tables, books
and pamphlets. With the exception of the marble lobby, the entire flooring of
the playhouse has been covered many large rugs. Off the rotunda, one finds six special
and comfortable smoking rooms. From the two main entrances, one on King street
and the other on King William street, there are two broad staircases leading to
the orchestra, mezzanine boxes, and three more to the mezzanine floor and
balcony.
OVER 2,000 SEATS
The total number of seats,
including the twelve boxes, will exceed 2,900 and will probably be on the
nearest end of the 3,000 mark, when the building equipment plans have been
completed. The chairs and their spacing are exceptionally roomy and
comfortable.
“The lighting system in the
main auditorium, aided greatly by the stained glass, is one that will illicit
much praise from the people of Canada. The central portion of the huge dome in
the center of the ceiling has been finished off in a curious golden-bronze effect,
which certainly original in its conception. From the center of this dome is
suspended a huge candelabra.
“Arthur Brounet, famous
decorative artist, who had charge of the work at Loew’s new Hamilton project,
is responsible for the remarkable blending of rich color schemes throughout the
building. Mr. Brounet recently gained an exceptional amount of publicity at the
hands of the New York dailies for his wonderful work in the house of the steel
magnet, Charles M. Scwab on Riverside drive. The decorations in the Schwab home
alone is said to have involved an expenditure of over $1,000,000. Beginning
with Mr. Brounet’s work in the main lobby, the color scheme is of gold and a
delicate blue of the Delia Robia period, which is very rich. The inner
vestibule is molded after the Italian period and ornamented by handwork in the
Raphael style. The same style has been closely followed in the inner lobby,
while all the woodwork of this particular section has been finished in Circassion
walnut. In the first mezzanine, the color scheme is old gold, grey and ivory.
Following the same style in the woodwork, the finish has been waxed. All panels
along the promenade and stairways are covered with heavy brocade silk of an old
bronze color. The dome is finished with a mass of gold leaf, ivory and grey,
with the faintest touch of Italian blue, which, when subdues, bring out the
general lines of the handsome architecture. Various parts of the ornamentations
have also been finished with a cameo effect. On the top of the proscenium arch
is a magnificent piece representing the charm of genius listening to its
beautiful music, with accessory ornamentation of Raphael style which has been
charmingly executed by hand. Each side wall of the orchestra has been finished
in real French Caenstone. The panels of the balcony walls represent one of the
most artistic bits of work in the playhouse, having been rounded off with
Italian tapestry. All draperies in the interior are of silk velvet with a
separate color scheme of red and gold. Mr. Brounet volunteered the remark that,
when opened, Loew’s Hamilton theatre will be in the front rank of file of
genuinely artistic theaters of the country. To bear his statement, he brought
to light the fact that ten specialists in decorative art had been imported for
this special work. The salary of these men alone to men initiated or fully
acquainted with this particular branch of work will suffice in establishing Mr.
Brounet’s statement.
“When fully completed, the
theatre will be a master triumph for Hamilton labor and Canadian building
material. At least 90 per cent of the labor engaged by James R. Miller, the
superintendent for Thomas Lamb, was from Hamilton, and a great percentage of
the building used bore the Canadian stamp. Mr. Miller is a Canadian, and has
been on the scene since the breaking of the ground early last April. With the
opening of the theater on New Year’s Eve, it will be found that almost without
exception, the employees have been drawn from Canada.”1
As the day of the opening
neared, Hamiltonians were heartened to learn that “one of their own” would be
among the entertainers who would be on the Loew’s stage on opening night : “When
the curtain ascends for the first time in the new Loew’s Theater, King street
east, on New Year’s Eve, it will not only mark the opening of the new palace of
amusement, but the homecoming of a Hamilton girl.
“Miss May Bowes, one of the
leading dancers with the opening act, the ‘Kincaid Kilties,’ a Scotch song and
dance revue, is returning to her birth place for the first time in several
years. A host of her childhood playmates and schoolmates, hearing of her
return, are planning many novel and pleasant surprises for the opening week.
“An effort is being made in
the New York offices of the Marcus Loew Vaudeville Enterprises to make the
Hamilton opening one of the notable events of the season. Various scouts in the
theatrical field have being working diligently for the past week, gathering in
celebrities of the screen and speaking stage to attend the opening. Kitty
Gordon will make the opening address of the evening.
“So great has been the
demand for seats that the box office will be opened tomorrow afternoon at the
theater. Telephone calls from as far as Toronto, with their heavy demand for
seats, have made the early opening necessary. While all seats will be reserved
for the opening night, only box seats will be reserved, starting with the New
Year. On that day also, the performance will start at 1:30 and run continuously
until 11 o’clock in the evening.”2
2Local
Girl in Scotch Song : Miss Bows Returns for Opening of Loew’s : Sale for Great
Event Opens Tomorrow”
Hamilton Spectator December 26, 1917.
The biggest social event of
New Year’s eve, December 31, 1917, in Hamilton was the opening of Loew’s. As
described by a Times reporter, it was a glittering occasion :
“The most beautiful theater on the North American
Continent – a half million dollar monument to the progressiveness and sound business policies
of Marcus Loew, king-pin of the amusement world – threw open its inviting doors
on Monday evening to a critically keen and expectant Hamilton.
“And there
were no disappointments.
“The new
on the Marcus Loew chain – the 218th link, to be exact – is,
architecturally and decoratively. A gem of artistry and human handicraft. Its
broad, sweeping lines, its soft, subdued tones and harmonizing appointments
brought spontaneous gasps of delight from those first-nighters privileged in
the possession of admission pasteboards. Everywhere one looked, there was an
eye-pleasing surprise – a cozy, restful nook here, a denny, inviting smoking
corner there; a chummy, beckoning fireplace just yonder – all beautiful, yet
‘homey,’ all in keeping with the Loew policy of ‘comfort first.’3
“In the boxes and logues were glittering light
of the theatrical and screen professions, personal friends of Mr. Loew, who
make it a point to be present at every christening. Miss Gail Kane, for several
years with Famous Players, and now brightest in the Mutual firmament, was first
to be presented by his worship, Mayor Booker. And this dainty film sweetheart
of the world, blushingly responded to the ovation accorded by the audience.
“To Countess de Cippico, better known to stage
and screen admirers as Rita Jollivet, was accorded the signal honor of
dedicating the new palace of amusement. It was the Countess de Cippico who,
aboard the torpedoed Lusitania, was standing with the late Charles Frohman,
when he, knowing he could not survive, uttered that now-famous truism : ‘In
Life, the greatest adventure is Death.’ The Countess de Cippio is now at work
in a vivid and spectacular screen reproduction of the sinking of the Lusitania.
In happy, charming vein, she expressed her pleasure at being in Hamilton and in
complimenting the city upon the acquisition of such an amusement house, said it
was just in keeping with the desires of Mr. Loew to provide the most pleasing
pleasure at the lowest cost to his patrons.
“ ‘The profit that he makes
here, he will spend in the erection of other theaters that laughter and
enjoyment may be multiplied,’ said Countess de Cippio, who concluded with a
facetious little recitation, Billet-Doux, which one could not help but think
was a a playful prod at Hamilton’s mayor. And the count, a gallant military
officer of Italy, seated in a box, enjoyed the little joke hugely.
“In other boxes were Nicolas
M. Schenck, general manager of the Loew’s Enterprises; N.T. Granlund, director
of publicity in chief; Arthur Brounal, noted decorative artist, and wife;
Charles W. Lamb, world-famed theatrical architect, and wife; and numerous other notables whose names are intimately
entwined with big theatrical enterprises.
“From all over the continent
came messages of congratulation and best wishes, also numerous floral tributes.
One of the prettiest of these was a flower-studded horseshoe, the favor of the
Famous Players’ Film Exchange.”3
3 “Loew’s Theater Opens Its
Doors : Inaugural Performance a Brilliant Event : Noted Stage Celebrities As
Guests of Honor : Playgoers Flocked to Beautiful New Palace”
Hamilton
Spectator January 02, 1918.
The
entertainment provided at Loew’s during its inaugural night was first class, a
combination of live performers and photoplays :
“With all the grandeur and eye-appealingness, however, the
theater can be no better than the quality of amusement and divertissement with
which its patrons are provided. But if the bills of the future are within
shouting distance of that of opening week, the success of this new Loew venture
is assured.
“Jointly topping it are Mary
Pickford, most-loved girl in filmdom, and the Kincaid Kilties. The feature
film, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, is little Mary’s latest release, and wherever shown is pronounced the greatest
success of her wonderful screen career. The whimsical, appealing story of
Rebecca, too well known to require a review, takes on an added charm in the
characterization accorded it by Mary Pickford.
“The Kincaid Kilties –
twelve of ‘em – do a little of everything, and in gud Scotch style. They sing,
dance and squeeze the pipes, and present vaudeville’s most eccentric
laugh-yanker. It’s a lively, peppery, gloom-killing offering that will grace
any bill.
“There may be speedier and
more talented singing comediennes in vaudeville than Daisy Leon, but Hamilton
hasn’t seen them. This little bundle of
‘pep,’ always an attraction at Loew openings, is the possessor of a true and
pure soprano voice, a winsome personality and brand new material – a
combination harder to beat than the well-known landlord.
“Burns and Foran , two boys
with nervous feet and a sure-fire arrangement of songs, steps and patter, fit
snugly into second spot and win themselves a welcome.
“Regal and Mack present a
novel and dainty song and dance offering, the Book Shop,, which is long on
ability; Andrew Kelly, inimitable narrator of Irish stories, goes big in next
to closing position, and Rose and Ellis, sensational barrel jumpers, get the
vaudeville portion away from the barrier with a breath-taking snatching
offering.
“A Mack Sennett comedy, The
International Sneak, in two hilariously funny reels, completes the program.”3
After all was concluded at
the Loew’s many of theatre-goers crossed King and went to The Royal Connaught
for a reception :
“Immediately following the
inaugural ceremonies at the theatre, Mr. Schenck, general manager, played host
to the visiting and local notables at a midnight supper at the Royal Connaught
hotel, where old friendships of the stage folk were renewed and new ones welded.
No comments:
Post a Comment