Burlesque Girl Murder

On the morning of Sunday, February 1, 1920 a couple of kids playing found the body of Frances Altman in a lot at 2258 East 55th Street. Altman had been in the chorus of a touring show, French Frolics, which had closed on January 31 at the Empire Theatre. For unknown reasons Miss Altman didn't travel to Detroit with the rest of the cast, but remained behind in Cleveland. Eventually Frank Whited was arrested, and confessed to the murder.

From the New York Clipper, February 4, 1920.

From The Plain Dealer, January 30, 1920. The Empire Theatre was at 750 Huron Road.

 From The Plain Dealer, February 2, 1920.

From The Plain Dealer, February 2, 1920.

 From The Plain Dealer, February 3, 1920.

 From The Plain Dealer, February 3, 1920.

From The Plain Dealer, February 3, 1920.

From Variety, February 6, 1920.

 From Variety, April 2, 1920.

 From Variety, January 14, 1921.

From Variety, March 25, 1921.

Empire Theatre, 750 Huron Road. This theatre was demolished to make way for the new Ohio Bell building in 1925. Photo from Cinema Treasures.