“It’s pretty bad taste,” he criticised. “It will take with a certain element, but it won’t help in getting the good people and the stayers.”
The flood film was widely advertised and put on that Thursday night. The posters made a fine show in the various store windows of the town. A private school came en masse to the first evening entertainment. A ladies’ charitable association, active in raising a fund for the flood sufferers, was among the audience Friday night.
“It’s a go,” voted Ben Jolly, as Randy reported over a hundred people turned away from the doors. “If I were you, Durham, I would wire the Exchange for a thirty days’ contract on that film.”
This was done. A big house was expected for Saturday night and it had been decided to run two matinees from three to five beginning Monday. This crowded a little but not to any noticeable discomfort.
Pep, always on the scent for information regarding their competitors, came in with a new bulletin at supper time.
“Things are getting sort of mixed down at the National, I hear,” he remarked.
“How’s that, Pep?” questioned Jolly.
“They had a rough crowd among the audience last night and there was a fight. Two women fainted and several had their pockets picked by some fellows from that new Midway they started last week outside of the concession belt.”
“I noticed Jack Beavers with a couple of hard-looking fellows yesterday afternoon down at the Midway,” said Vincent. “That won’t pay them, I can tell you.”
“If the rough crowd have begun their work at the National we may expect them to make the rounds,” said Jolly. “Keep a sharp eye out, Pep.”