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TAL NET PAID CIRCULATION OF THIS ISSUE EXCEEDS 23,000<br />
otJm rloiuyn IMwin Jndawuj<br />
<strong>Modern</strong><br />
Theatre<br />
Presents<br />
LUMINOUS DISPLAY<br />
COVER STORY ON PAGE 16
"/S B<br />
,:-»-'<br />
\\xts<br />
WAS IT JUST<br />
A SUMMER<br />
ROMANrp ?
A<br />
"^<br />
^ev 9<br />
7Wbon't worry, Miss Box-Office! Your sugar daddy Leo<br />
ihas just had a new shot of Vitamin M-G-M and<br />
Ihe's rarin' to go. You haven't seen anything yet!<br />
Look<br />
what's cominp- from vour all-vear-'round Santa Claus:<br />
'iOpER GARSON<br />
«|ITER PIDGEON in<br />
j'.UA MISBEHAVES"<br />
PIER LAWFORD, ELIZABETH TAYLOR<br />
b,AR ROMERO, Lucils Watson, Nigel<br />
biica, Mary Boland, Reginald Owen<br />
T Enterprise Studios present<br />
XU ANDREWS, LILLI PALMER<br />
m LOUIS JOURDAN in<br />
"10 MINOR VICES"<br />
Wii Jane Wyatt<br />
"IE SECRET LAND" (Tec/imWor)<br />
Sring<br />
»•* AND SHIPS<br />
CTho U. S. NAVY<br />
Nration By<br />
Ciidr. ROBERT MONTGOMERY, U.S.N.R.<br />
mOBERT TAYLOR, U.S.N.R.<br />
ll/AN HEFLIN, A.A.F. (Ret.)<br />
"LLS OF HOME" (Tecdnico/or)<br />
Sring<br />
EAUND GWENN<br />
|)NALD CRISP, TOM DRAKE<br />
/
*it/<br />
4^-<br />
^i^^•<br />
vo^*^"^<br />
» 'f. i
'^: Y/h7AimZ^.<br />
first<br />
theatre to show it,<br />
is playing to the greatest<br />
attendance ever seei^<br />
here at any time! This<br />
record in the face of<br />
record<br />
t^i:<br />
^i.'P*,'
il<br />
I<br />
THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY<br />
PDBLISHEO IN NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS<br />
BEN SHLYEN<br />
Editor-in-Chief and Publisher<br />
JAMES M. JERAULD..— Editor<br />
NATHAN COHEN Associate Editor<br />
JESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor<br />
IVAN SPEAR _ Western Editor<br />
FLOYD M. MIX. Equipment Editor<br />
RAYMOND LEVY General Manager<br />
Published Every Saturday by<br />
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS<br />
D<br />
OXOFFICE<br />
LET'S KEEP IT<br />
GLOWING<br />
ip\<br />
jgiigpiitl<br />
Editorial Ollicos: 9 Rocketeller Plaza, New York 2Q,<br />
N. Y Raymond Levy, General Manager; M. James<br />
lerauld, Editor; Chester Friedman, Editor Showmandiser<br />
Section; A. Stoclcer, Eastern Representative.<br />
Telephone Columbus 5-6370, 5-6371, 5-6372. Cable<br />
J.<br />
address: ^'BOXOFFICE, New York."<br />
Central Offices: 1327 South Wabash Ave., Chicago<br />
5 Jonas Perlberg, Manager; Donald Maggart,<br />
111<br />
Central Representative. Telephone WEBster 4745.<br />
Western Offices: B404 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood<br />
28 Calif. Spear, Ivan Manager. Telephone GLadslone<br />
1186.<br />
Washington Offices: 302-303 International Bldg., 1319<br />
F St., N. W. Lee L. Garling, Manager. Telephone<br />
NAtional 3482. Filmrow: 932 New Jersey, N. W. Sara<br />
Young.<br />
London Offices: 136 Wardour St., John Sulhvan, Manager.<br />
Telephone Gerrard 3934-5-6.<br />
Publication Offices: 825 Von Brunt Blvd., Kansas City<br />
Mo. Nathan Cohen, Associate Editor; Jesse Shlyen,<br />
1,<br />
Managing Editor; Morris Schlozmon, Business Manager.<br />
Herbert Roush, Manager Advertising Sales<br />
J,<br />
and Service. Telephone CHestnut 7777-78.<br />
Other Publications: BOXOFFICE BAROMETER,<br />
published in November as a section of BOXOFFICE,<br />
THE MODERN THEATRE, pubUshed monthly as a<br />
section ol BOXOFFICE.<br />
ALBANY—21-23 Waher Ave., M. Berrigan.<br />
AILANTA— 163 Walton, N. W., P. H. Savin.<br />
BIRMINGHAM—The News, Eddie Badger.<br />
BOSTON—Frances W. Harding, Lib. 9814.<br />
BUFFALO— 157 Audubon Drive, Snyder, Iim Schroder.<br />
CllAKLOTTE—216 W. 4th, Pauline Griffith.<br />
CINCINNATI— 1634 Central Parkway, Lillian Seltzer.<br />
CLhVELAND-Elsie Loeb, Fairmount 0046.<br />
DALLAS^!525 Holland, V. W. Crisp, J8-9780.<br />
DENVER— 1645 Lolayelte, Jack Rose, TA 8517.<br />
DES MOINES—Register & Tribune Bldg., Russ Schoch.<br />
DETROIT— 1009 Fox Theatre Bldg., H. F. Reves.<br />
Telephones: RA 1100; Night, UN-4-0219.<br />
HARTFORD- 109 Westborne, Allen Widem.<br />
HARRISBURG, PA—Mechanicsburg, Lois Fegan.<br />
INDIANAPOLIS—Rt. S, Box 770, Howard M. Rudeaux.<br />
MIAMI—66 S. Hibiscus Island, Mrs. Manton E. Harwood.<br />
2952 Merrick Rd., Elizabeth Sudlow<br />
MEMPHIS—707 Spring St., Null Ad«ms, Tel. 48-5462.<br />
MILWAUKEE—529 N. 13th, J. R. Gahagan, MA-0297.<br />
MINNEAPOLIS—29 Washington Ave. So., Les Rees.<br />
NEW HAVEN—42 Church St., Gertrude Lander.<br />
NEWARK, N. J.—207 Sumner, Sara Carleton.<br />
NEW ORLEANS—Frances Jackson, 218 So. Liberty<br />
OKLAHOMA CITY—216 Terminal Bldg., Polly Trindle.<br />
OMAHA—Omaha World-Herald Bldg., Lou Gerdes.<br />
PHILADELPHIA—4901 Spruce St., J. M. Makler<br />
PITTSBURGH-86 Van Braam St., R, F. Klingensmith<br />
PORTLAND, ORE.—David Kahn, 7722 N. Interstate.<br />
RICHMOND—Grand Theatre, Sam Pulliam<br />
ST, LOUIS-5I49 Rosa, David Barrett, FL-3727.<br />
SALT LAKE CITY—Deseret News, Howard Pearson<br />
SAN ANTONIO—309 Blum St., San Antonio 2, L. I. B.<br />
Ketner.<br />
SAN FRANCISCO—25 Taylor St., Gail Lipman "pman.<br />
ORdway 3-4812.<br />
SEATTLE—928 N. 84th St., Willard Elsey.<br />
TOLEDO—4330 Willys Pkwy., Anna Kline.<br />
IN CANADA<br />
CALGARY—The Alberlan, Wm. Campbell.<br />
MONTREAL—4330 Wilson Ave., N. D. G., Roy Carmichael,<br />
Walnut 5519.<br />
ST. JOHN— 116 Prince Edward St., Wm. J. McNulty.<br />
TORONTO—R. R. No. I, York Mills, Milton Galbraith.<br />
VANCOUVER—411 Lyric Theaire Bldg., Jack Droy.<br />
VICTORIA—938 Island Highway, Alec Merriman.<br />
WINNIPEG—The Tribune, Ben Lepkin.<br />
Member Audit Bureau op Circulations<br />
*^ T FREQUENTLY has been said that, like th.<br />
weather, everybody talks about "a return to showmanship,<br />
but nobody does anything about it. Of course, that's ai<br />
exaggeration. For there have been many good evidences c<br />
something being done to restore the brand ol showmanshi)<br />
that developed this business from the folding-chair nickel<br />
odeon to the multi-comfort palatial edifices of today. Perhap;<br />
what is meant is that the lack has been in consistency onr<br />
continuity of the effort.<br />
The lush war period had more than a little effect in mak<br />
ing showmanship effort spotty, to say the least. It wasn't mucl •<br />
needed. But it's quite a different story now in the postwa ole-f<br />
period. So, in addition to the individual exhibitor efforts tho<br />
will be made. National Screen Service is going "to do some<br />
thing about it" in an attempt to stimulate an over-all industry ttilmsbei<br />
effort to start and keep the ball rolling.<br />
skly torn<br />
'<br />
The<br />
Back to<br />
their wares<br />
keynote of its drive<br />
Showmanship."<br />
and try to<br />
to honor<br />
Naturally,<br />
impress upon<br />
George Dembow is "Ge<br />
NSS salesmen will shov<br />
exhibitors the value ii<br />
Hi<br />
^<br />
aJealolF<br />
,<br />
greater use of newspaper space, one-sheets, three-sheets, win ^<br />
^^|<br />
dow cards and even 24-sheets, as well as other lobby an(<br />
picture-seUing materials. And, of course, not overlooking the<br />
job that the screen itself can do to sell the public on what tht<br />
theatre has to offer in entertainment, comfort and all else tha<br />
it means to the community.<br />
Few, indeed, are the pictures that sell themselves. Ne<br />
exhibitor needs to be reminded that the bigger the picture<br />
the bigger the campaign called for. But therein may lie the "'»<br />
fallacy that has somewhat contributed to the failure of so mam 5'<br />
of the smaller or in-between pictures. They need rr.OTe sell<br />
ing than the bigger ones; yet they seem to be given the brusl<br />
off, not alone by exhibitors, but also by the producers anc<br />
distributors. There's many a so-called little picture with fair;<br />
to-good entertainment qualities and even middling star-appeal<br />
which, given a bit more than the "usual" promotion, will draw<br />
and please substantial patronage.<br />
Every picture can't be great. But too many people in thit<br />
industry have let themselves get unsold on just what is gooc<br />
entertainment. And too much of the public—for too longhas<br />
been permitted to think the same way. A distributor can'<br />
enthuse exhibitors and exhibitors can't enthuse patrons b^<br />
passiveness and headshaking that keeps good average picture<br />
entertainment a secret. Many a little "B" has saved the hide<br />
of many a so-called big "A." But the "A" got the selling<br />
Great pictures are essentials to this business. They are the<br />
magnets and the prestige builders—and not without profit<br />
But it is the "just good" picture that is the regular stock-in<br />
trade that must be depended upon for the regular Hne of pa<br />
tronage that keeps this business going.<br />
The industry has learned that business doesn't come automatically—as<br />
it did in the war years. It knows that in il£<br />
shown<br />
lei-and<br />
Jomuc<br />
I<br />
JOBS,<br />
hi<br />
We hope<br />
liisilwill<br />
kUspai:<br />
^jjjjj<br />
th<br />
eiH^ cily<br />
tSB,<br />
opi<br />
synt<br />
m ol tl<br />
Here<br />
i<br />
liJtwilh<br />
Entered as Second Class matter at Post Office, Kansas City, M«.<br />
SictioMl Edition, $3.00 per year; National Edition, $7.50<br />
SEPTEMBER 11, 1948<br />
Vol. 53 No. 19
eal growth in the 50-odd years of its existence showmanship<br />
as played a most important part. It is going to take that<br />
ame showmanship, though perhaps more of it, to revitalize<br />
lagging public interest and to meet newer and stronger cometitive<br />
factors.<br />
Starting at the point-of-sale, which is ai, the theatre, that<br />
ihai 1> s 1<br />
Uelj;,;<br />
raansU jare of showmanship which gives color and life, from screen<br />
street—and beyond through other means of public contact<br />
, .ijjjjjj j_will do much to build better business. Enthusiasm is consvuuiusiii<br />
jigious. ^^'^ once it catches on it should be kept going.<br />
We hope National Screen's campaign is a huge success,<br />
)r thus it will be providing the industry with what it takes to<br />
lency m ght that spark—and to keep it glowing.<br />
Mlniiii<br />
leposta<br />
sill<br />
riple-Front Job<br />
!<br />
J,<br />
«i<br />
Companion to picture selling is public relations, a term<br />
has been much used and about which there has been<br />
il induilft'hich<br />
)0 little done by this business. Speaking thereon and, parcularly<br />
from the viewpoint of the poor press which the inustry<br />
'Owis"G<br />
and Hollywood has been receiving, Elmer C. Rhoden,<br />
resident of Fox Midwest Theatres, told a meeting of the mangers<br />
and executives of his circuit that there was "need for a<br />
istincl change of attitude by the public press." As a means<br />
bringing this about, Mr. Rhoden advocated that theatremen<br />
lobby<br />
i<br />
every and town work toward a more<br />
ookiiigl<br />
1<br />
ivorable<br />
iekl<br />
city the building of<br />
opinion of the industry by newspaper editors and<br />
niters.<br />
When the Theatre Owners of America launched its public<br />
elations campaign, much stress was laid on the value of efselves,<br />
>rt of this kind at the local level. By and large this may be<br />
bepicli<br />
rorking well. But where the industry gets its ivorst drubbing<br />
lay lie<br />
oisoui<br />
3 through the wire services, over the air waves and from<br />
mcest<br />
ther sources with which Mr. Mainstreet Exhibitor has no conict.<br />
The syndicates and columnists are principally responsible<br />
ilhelic<br />
31 some of the most vicious attacks that have been made on<br />
luceis<br />
lie motion picture industry. And the commentators pick up<br />
villi<br />
,„ J lost of their -wild flashes from them.<br />
mlilvl<br />
With Hollywood as the principal feedline for much of this<br />
f»ad publicity and with New York next, the job to be done calls<br />
ax action on three fronts—East, West and in-bet^wreen.<br />
fltlSJl<br />
Where newspapers have been most harmful is in the<br />
J lisdain with which many film critics have been vie^wing picures.<br />
They sneer at and ridicule the product the industry has<br />
offer. But we don't see in these same papers such comaents<br />
Jjjjjjj<br />
as, "Brown Bros, shirts are of low quality; despite cut<br />
brice, this merchandise is not as adveriised; save your time<br />
md money, go without a shirt." That sort of thing calls for<br />
special handling."<br />
\-^TA^<br />
Pcd4eSeaU<br />
Ascap Wants Added Time<br />
To Formulate a Decree<br />
Robert P. Patterson, attorney for the music<br />
society, will ask that September 14 deadline<br />
be pushed back; ITOA has prepared decree<br />
based on Judge Leibell's decision.<br />
Johnston's Russian Trip<br />
Stirs Up Speculation<br />
May also visit other Iron Curtain countries;<br />
reported to have some connection with possible<br />
cabinet post if Governor Dewey wins the<br />
presidency.<br />
Internal Revenue Demands<br />
Tickets for the Drive-Ins<br />
Use of cash registers barred by official<br />
order after development of practice in several<br />
areas; permits non-taxable free youngsters<br />
admissions.<br />
Equity Begins First Move<br />
Toward Merger of Unions<br />
-K<br />
Committee named to formulate plans for<br />
joining Equity and Chorus Equity and AFRA:<br />
hope to speed one group for all types of<br />
players.<br />
Nine Film Distributors Insist<br />
Unions Flaunt Communism<br />
Eight firms join United Artists in refusing<br />
to negotiate with CIO, SPG, and SOPEG until<br />
officers sign non-Communist affidavits<br />
under Taft-Hartley law.<br />
MPEA Asks EGA to Assure<br />
Funds From Korea, Japan<br />
American firms already have made similar<br />
request for payment of expenses incurred in<br />
German distribution, but to date no action<br />
has been taken.<br />
*<br />
French Political Crisis<br />
Delays Signing of Pact<br />
Final signature of the FYench-American<br />
film agreement probably will have to wait<br />
until a new French cabinet has taken office,<br />
according to State department officials.<br />
FCC 'Giveaway' Hearing<br />
Now Set for Oct. 19<br />
The time for filing extended from Friday<br />
aoi at the request of the American<br />
Broadcasting Co.; FCC opposed to prizes in a<br />
way suggestive of lot or chance.<br />
Ginecolor Gross Gains,<br />
But Net Profit Drops<br />
Gross sales for the first nine months of<br />
1948 amounted to $2,090,991, as compared to<br />
$1,417,995 for the similar 1947 period; consolidated<br />
net before taxes totaled $130,030,
-<br />
I<br />
TOM CLARK SAYS HE IS WILLING<br />
TO TALK OVER CONSENT DECREE} ^<br />
No Offers Have Been Made,<br />
He Says, and He Doubts<br />
Defendants Can Agree<br />
BULLETIN<br />
New York—The Department of Justice<br />
will serve the defendants with proposed<br />
amendments and additional findings to<br />
the existing antitrust decree on or before<br />
October 1. An attached memorandum will<br />
disclose the government's position on<br />
existing theatre holdings and operations.<br />
This memorandum will be a form of answer<br />
to the questionnaires sent by the<br />
theatre owing defendants to the government,<br />
asking for names of theatres and<br />
corporations regarded by the Department<br />
of Justice as monopolistic. The Department<br />
of Justice acknowledged the receipt<br />
of the questionnaires September 8. They<br />
had been sent out the end of August.<br />
By WALTER WALDMAN<br />
NEW YORK—Hopes for a consent decree<br />
settlement of the Paramount antitrust case<br />
were revived during tlie past week in New<br />
York and Washington.<br />
From the capital came word that Att'y<br />
Gen. Tom Clark was willing to discuss<br />
consent decree proposals submitted by the<br />
defendants. He said this in reply to questions<br />
put to him by a spokesman for one<br />
of the major theatre-owning companies.<br />
NOTHING DEFINITE OFFERED<br />
Clark said no definite proposals have been<br />
made and that he doubted whether the defendants<br />
would submit any satisfactory to<br />
the department because he and the defendants<br />
are miles apart in their approach to the<br />
issues. He said he would consider any consent<br />
decree offers.<br />
In New York attorneys for the the big five<br />
reacted cautiously to Clark's statement. J.<br />
Robert Rubin, vice-president and legal chief<br />
for Loew's, said it was entirely possible the<br />
defendants would submit consent decree proposals,<br />
and the results would depend largely<br />
on the attitude of the government.<br />
A spokesman for RKO said he had maintained<br />
all along that the defendants and the<br />
department of justice could work out a satisfactory<br />
settlement. The only thing that<br />
could block such settlement would be fanaticism<br />
or obstinacy on the part of either side,<br />
he said. The 20th Century-Fox reaction to<br />
consent decree talk also was favorable.<br />
NO WARNER, PARA COMMENT<br />
There was no comment from Warners or<br />
Paramount on a settlement. Louis Phillips,<br />
general counsel for Paramount, said he was<br />
bu.sy preparing for the hearings scheduled to<br />
begin here before the three-judge statutory<br />
couit October 13. The hearings may be postponed<br />
a day or two because Yom Kippur, the<br />
Jewish Day of Atonement, falls on October<br />
13. Phillips plans to ask for a postponement.<br />
Attorneys for the little three—Columbia,<br />
Universal and United Artists—took Clark's<br />
statement calmly. Thomas T. Cooke, U-I<br />
counsel, pointed out that consent decree talks<br />
Ned Depinet Is Elected<br />
RKO's New President<br />
NEW YORK—Ned E. Depinet, executive<br />
vice-president of Radio Keith Orpheum Corp.,<br />
was elected president at a meeting of the<br />
board of directors Septembsr 8. Depinet replaces<br />
N. Peter Rathvon, whose resignation<br />
of July 23 was accepted at the board meeting.<br />
Inasmuch as Depinet was the choice of<br />
all members of the board, it follows that he<br />
will be re-elected at the stockholders' meeting<br />
scheduled for October 18. This meeting<br />
will be for the purpose of electing officers by<br />
a reconstituted RKO board.<br />
Paul Hollister, national publicity director<br />
and eastern studio representative, resigned<br />
September 7 to engage in public relations<br />
work. Neither post will be filled, according<br />
to Depinet. PeiTy Lieber will continue as<br />
studio publicity director in Hollywood and<br />
Rutgers Neilson as New York publicity manager.<br />
Depinet entered the film business more<br />
than 40 years ago as a booker and salesman<br />
with Imported Film & Supply Co. of New<br />
Orleans. In 1910 that company became a part<br />
of General Film Co. with Depinet taking on<br />
marketing duties throughout a large part of<br />
the south. From 1911 to 1924 he was southern<br />
division manager of Universal. In 1926 he<br />
moved over to First National as a top sales<br />
executive in charge of the southern territory<br />
and later he became general sales manager<br />
in charge of all domestic sales. Later, when<br />
Pathe was taken over by RKO, Depinet moved<br />
into an executive position and, in 1932. he<br />
was named a member of the board. In 1934<br />
he was elected president of RKO Distributing<br />
Corp. and moved up to vice-presidency of<br />
RKO Radio Pictures in 1936. In 1937 he was<br />
elected president of Pathe News. Inc. Depinet<br />
also served a.5 vice-chairman of the board<br />
of RKO Theatres, Inc.<br />
Floyd Odium, who is president of Atlas<br />
would revolve around theatres owned and<br />
operated by the Big Five. If, however, the<br />
discussions should affect the little three, these<br />
companies would be interested.<br />
The general attitude of the little three<br />
toward the consent decree talks and the forthcoming<br />
hearings is that of Interested spectators.<br />
Attorneys for these defendants are resigned<br />
to the fact that theatres and charges of<br />
monopoly regarding acquisitions and operations<br />
will dominate the hearings.<br />
The legality of franchises, methods of selling<br />
and arbitration will be subordinated to<br />
the issues revolving around theatre ownership<br />
and operation, they said.<br />
The five majors are now busy answering a<br />
Department of Justice questionnaire covering<br />
joint holdings with independents. Some<br />
NED E.<br />
DEPINET<br />
Corp., which sold its controlling interest ini<br />
RKO to Howard Hughes last June, has been<br />
conferring with Rathvon on plans to formi<br />
an independent producing unit to make the<br />
projected Frank Ross film, "The Robe." Thepicture,<br />
which was originally to be made by:<br />
RKO, might be released by the company, aC'<br />
cording to Doremus & Co., Atlas Corp. rep<br />
resentative here.<br />
Odium will continue as chairman of the'<br />
RKO board until the stockholders meeting.<br />
It is expected that Howard Hughes will be:<br />
elected to the board at that time but whethen<br />
Odium will continue as chairman is a mat<br />
ter of speculation.<br />
replies already have been submitted listing<br />
these holdings and officers of jointly-operated<br />
corporations.<br />
In the meantime the majors have sent<br />
questionnaires of their own to the department<br />
asking for lists of theatres and operations<br />
regarded by the department lawyers as monopolistic.<br />
While both sides are seeking information<br />
to be used in court, numerous shifts are being<br />
made in the Big Five theatre map. Warners<br />
has recently dropped leases in California,<br />
Ohio, Milwaukee. New Jersey and Massachusetts.<br />
Some replacements are being made.<br />
These moves are being made in accordance (<br />
with the provisions of the antitrust decree, 1<br />
according to company officials.<br />
The Dof J would like to freeze all theatre<br />
transactions pending a new decree.<br />
BOXOFFICE :; September 11, 1948<br />
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6 \20TH'FOX UPS 1948-49 OUTPUT<br />
m WITH 30 FEATURES IN LINEUP<br />
Zanuck Reveals Season's<br />
Production Plans as<br />
Sales Chiefs Gather<br />
HOLLYWOOD—On the eve of<br />
the company's<br />
annual sales meeting which opens<br />
here September 14 Darryl F. Zanuck, 20th<br />
Century-Fox's production chief, disclosed<br />
the company's 1948-49 schedule will comprise<br />
30 features, six of which will be made<br />
abroad. The slate reflects an increase of<br />
eight over last season's 22-picture output.<br />
Hollywood faces a "grave challenge to deliver<br />
the goods on account of the present<br />
economic situation," Zanuck said. "This is<br />
especially true in the preparation of scripts<br />
and the advance preparation of pictures before<br />
going on the stages. We must produce<br />
economically but never will quality be sacrificed,<br />
and perfection will be the keynote."<br />
1949-50 PLANS UNDER WAY<br />
At the same time Zanuck revealed the studio's<br />
1949-50 production program is well under<br />
way with writers currently assigned to 20<br />
scripts ranging from musicals to mysteries,<br />
romantic comedies and dramas.<br />
The 20th-Fox executive described himself as<br />
"completely optimistic about the future as<br />
far as our company is concerned. We have<br />
never had a richer backlog of story material<br />
to choose from and this will keep us in a<br />
position to deliver to the exhibitor a very<br />
diversified program which always has been<br />
the goal of the 20th-Fox banner."<br />
Awaiting release are: "Apartment for<br />
Peggy," which stars Jeanne Grain and William<br />
Holden; "Cry of the City," a drama;<br />
"When My Babes Smiles at Me," a George<br />
Jessel production with Betty Grable and Dan<br />
Dailey: "That Wonderful Urge." starring<br />
Tyrone Power and Gene Tierney; "Road<br />
House," a Cornel Wilde-Ida Lupino vehicle;<br />
"Unfaithfully Yours," a Preston Sturges production<br />
with Rex Harrison, Linda Darnell<br />
and Rudy Vallee; "The Snake Pit," which<br />
stars Olivia DeHavilland; "Chicken Every<br />
Sunday," with Dan DaUey, Celeste Holm and<br />
Alan Young; "Sand," an outdoor Technicolor<br />
drama with Mark Stevens; "The Fan," with<br />
Jeanne Crain, Madeleine Carroll and George<br />
Sanders; "Yellow Sky," a super western starring<br />
Gregory Peck; and "Letter to Thj-ee<br />
Wives," with Linda Darnell, Jeanne Crain<br />
and Ann Sothern.<br />
SHOOTING GRABLE STARRER<br />
Now shooting are "Mother Is a Freshman."<br />
which is to star Loretta Young, and "Down<br />
to the Sea in Ships," a remake of an old favorite<br />
film story.<br />
The six to be filmed abroad include "The<br />
Affairs of Adelaide," starring Maureen O'Hara<br />
and Dana Andrews; "The Prince of Foxes,"<br />
with Tyrone Power, and "I Was a Male War<br />
Bride," a Cary Grant starring film, and three<br />
others not yet selected.<br />
More than 300 delegates including homeoffice,<br />
exchange and studio personnel, were<br />
on hand for the sales meeting, the first to be<br />
held on the west coast since before World<br />
War II. The conclave opens September 14<br />
end is slated to run through September 17.<br />
EL to Have Film a Week<br />
For Next Seven Months<br />
NEW YORK—Eagle Lion will release 17 A<br />
pictures, ten of them in color, and 18 additional<br />
program films<br />
for the period from<br />
September 1 to May 1,<br />
1949, William J. Heineman,<br />
vice-president in<br />
charge of distribution,<br />
says. This will mean<br />
that EL, which began<br />
production only two<br />
years ago, will have a<br />
weekly release.<br />
An increase in revenue<br />
of at least 50 per<br />
cent for the 1948-49<br />
William J. Heineman selling season over the<br />
past season is predicted, he said, because his<br />
distribution machine has now been reorganized<br />
and is today comparable to any in the<br />
industry. He also emphasized the progress<br />
made by EL studios under Arthur B. Krim,<br />
EL president, saying that facilities have been<br />
improved, employe-management relations are<br />
the most harmonious in Hollywood and the<br />
quality of the product will challenge the top<br />
attractions of any studio.<br />
Heineman went into detail describing the<br />
J. Arthur Rank Technicolor film, "Red<br />
Shoes," saying it is so outstanding that EL<br />
will not permit it to be shown in any but top<br />
Examiner Lists Paramount<br />
Holdings in DuMont<br />
WASHINGTON—Paramount owns all of<br />
the Class B common stock in Allen B. Du-<br />
Mont Laboratories and is the second largest<br />
holder of Class A common stock, according<br />
to a report submitted to the Federal Communications<br />
commission. The report was submitted<br />
to FCC for the hearings to determine<br />
whether the film firm controls DuMont.<br />
Allen B. DuMont ovms 81.800 shares, Clarence<br />
W. Alexander, Paramount nominee,<br />
owns 38,200; Leo Spitz, chairman of the<br />
board of Universal-International, owns 16,-<br />
310 shares and Abe Lastfogel, executive of<br />
the William Morris agency, has 11,885 shares.<br />
Holdings of another Paramount nominee<br />
bring the company holdings to over 42 000<br />
shares, according to Jack Blume, FCC examiner.<br />
Johnston's Mother-in-Law Dies<br />
SPOKANE—Mrs. George Hughes, mother<br />
of Mrs. Eric Johnston, died September 8 at<br />
her home in Spokane, Wash. She was 96.<br />
She had been ill for a long time. Funeral<br />
services were held in Spokane September 9<br />
Mrs. Johnston attended.<br />
theatres for a year and for not less than<br />
$2.40 and $1.20 admission. Arrangements are<br />
almost complete for a New York theatre for<br />
it. It will be released about October 15 and<br />
show first in New York. Boston and Washington,<br />
and open the following week in Philadelphia,<br />
Chicago and on the coast. He also<br />
praised "Tulsa," a Walter Wanger Technicolor<br />
film, saying it would gross along with<br />
the best. "Alice in Wonderland," he also<br />
would be a hit.<br />
felt,<br />
EL A films will get higher rentals, wider<br />
distribution and higher grosses than in the<br />
past, Heineman said. The negative cost for<br />
the 17 is between $18,000,000 and $20,000,000.<br />
Titles of the other 14 follow: "Northwest<br />
Stampede," "Hollow Triumph," "Adventures<br />
of Gallant Bess," "Olympic Games of 1948,"<br />
"He Walked by Night," "Blanche Fur>-." "Let's<br />
Live a Little," "Scott of the Antarctic,"<br />
"Reign of Terror," "The Big Cat," "The<br />
World and Little Willie," "Twelve Against the<br />
Underworld," "Red Stallion in the Rockies"<br />
and "Catch Me Before I Kill."<br />
Heineman stressed that all of these films<br />
either have been completed or are nearing<br />
completion. He saw no danger of any boycott<br />
on British films affecting any really<br />
good pictures. He is holding "Oliver Twist"<br />
for a more suitable later date.<br />
Grad Sears Denies Rumor<br />
He Will Leave UA Post<br />
NEW YORK—Gradwell L. Sears denies<br />
that he has any plans for leaving the presidency<br />
of United Artists. He also states emphatically<br />
that he has not discussed any<br />
change with anyone and has been embarrassed<br />
by the publication in a trads paper of<br />
a rumor that he might go over to RKO.<br />
In a formal statement Sears said: "I wish<br />
to deny with all the vehemence at my command<br />
the completely baseless and whollyconcocted<br />
story wliich appeared in a motion<br />
picture tradepaper that I was considering<br />
leaving United Artists Corp. for another<br />
position. I have had no conversations toward<br />
this end and have no intention of having any<br />
such conversations. I have a firm and binding<br />
contract with United Ai-tists which has<br />
several years to run. It is my desire to serve<br />
the full term of that contract. I can only<br />
decry again the irresponsibility of certain<br />
sections of the tra depress, which continue<br />
to print as fact unfounded stories that can<br />
only prove embarrassing to United Artists, to<br />
me personally and to the other parties<br />
mentioned." Sears met Howard Hugh's several<br />
weeks ago to talk over an RKO-UA<br />
film deal, which may have started ths report.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
•<br />
effect<br />
CLEARANCE PICTURE CHANGING<br />
RAPIDLY ACROSS THE NATION<br />
New Systems Introduced<br />
In Milwcmkee, Memphis<br />
And the Twin Cities<br />
By NATHAN COHEN<br />
The country's clearance picture is changing<br />
rapidly. The multiplicity of antitrust<br />
suits, implications in the supreme court<br />
decision, the effort of some distributors to<br />
slice availabilities in order to get increased<br />
rentals and thus offset loss of foreign market<br />
income—all these have apparently had<br />
an effect on the distribution system. From<br />
all sections of the country, BOXOFFICE<br />
correspondents are reporting changes in<br />
clearance.<br />
CLEVELAND PLAN EXTENDED<br />
The clearance idea introduced by Andy<br />
Smith and 20th Century-Fox to make pictures<br />
available to a group of de luxe neighborhoods<br />
in Cleveland on a 21-day second run basis<br />
has been expanded to other cities, and adopted<br />
by other companies. The trend toward<br />
shorter clearances definitely is on. New<br />
clearance plans were revealed this week in<br />
Milwaukee. Memphis made public details of<br />
a new clearance setup, resulting from settlement<br />
of a $3,378,000 antitrust suit. In<br />
Minneapolis independents began accepting an<br />
offer by MGM, 20th-Fox and Warner which<br />
cuts second run availability from 56 days to<br />
28 days.<br />
Several of the clearance plans have now<br />
been in existence for a sufficient number of<br />
months to indicate their effect on both exhibition<br />
and distribution. BOXOFFICE correspondents<br />
have drawn these conclusions<br />
from reports given to them by both theatre<br />
owners and branch executives:<br />
1. If only one company offers to make pictures<br />
available at an earlier date, it is difficult<br />
for an exhibitor to establish a house policy<br />
of "earlier availability." There isn't enough<br />
product. In other words, he can't get his<br />
patrons to identify the theatre as one playing<br />
product earlier than other second run<br />
and neiehborhood competitors. The earlier<br />
availability must be a week-in and week-out<br />
proposition to pay off.<br />
2. A smash picture played at 35 days after<br />
first run will still do bigger business than a<br />
"good" picture at 21 days after first run.<br />
LITTLE EFFECT ON FIRST RUNS<br />
3. Making product available at earlier<br />
dates has, for the most part, had no serious<br />
effect on business at downtown first runs.<br />
This has been the experience in Memphis.<br />
4. Earlier availability has helped business<br />
at neighborhood theatres, generally.<br />
5. Rentals on product have increased with<br />
improved clearance, and distributors are earning<br />
more on pictures played off on earlier<br />
availability schedules.<br />
Substantial cuts in clearance are going into<br />
a number of communities. For example, this<br />
week the distributors put a new schedule into<br />
in Milwaukee. Whereas second runs<br />
in the past played 41 days after downtown,<br />
with an additional 21 days at de luxe neigh-<br />
Availability Comparisons<br />
City<br />
Atlanta<br />
Second<br />
Ron<br />
Third<br />
Run<br />
10
at least some parts of the agreement.<br />
Both agree this is the way clearances are<br />
now handled:<br />
Neighborhood theatres are divided into<br />
groups.<br />
The first group—known as de luxe second<br />
run theatre.s—receive earlier clearances than<br />
ever before. The other groups must wait<br />
longer than this group, according to their<br />
cla.ssification.<br />
The deluxe group consists of Memphian,<br />
Idlewild. Luciann, Rosemary, Linden Circle,<br />
Park. Lamar and Airway theatres.<br />
These eight theatres are divided into two<br />
groups of four:<br />
Group A gets the odd-numbered pictures<br />
(No. 1, 3, 5. etc. I 39 days after the last day<br />
of first run engagements and the even-numbered<br />
pictures, 2, 4, 6, etc.i 46 days after the<br />
last day of the first run engagements.<br />
Group B gets the even-numbered pictures<br />
(2, 4, 6, etc.) 39 days after first run engagements<br />
and the odd-numbered il, 3, 5.<br />
etc.i 46 days afterwards.<br />
Then the groups are swapped—A becoming<br />
B. and B becoming A.<br />
Formerly, the minimum clearance time on<br />
any first run picture was 60 days. (However,<br />
it was charged in the monopoly suit that some<br />
of the theatres had to w'ait 104 days after<br />
first run engagements to get pictures.!<br />
There are three other classifications of<br />
neighborhood theatres who receive clearance<br />
after 53 days. 60 days and 70 days on<br />
first run pictures. These clearance times<br />
have all been shortened, it is claimed, but<br />
film distributors and neighborhood operators<br />
refused to name theatres in these classifications.<br />
How are these classifications arrived at?<br />
"It was part of the settlement of the lawsuit,"<br />
said a branch manager of one of the<br />
film exchanges when asked this question.<br />
"There are 25 or 30 factors that enter into<br />
the classifications."<br />
"It depends on what kind of job the theatre<br />
is equipped to do with the picture," said<br />
one of the de luxe theatre group in answer<br />
to the same question.<br />
MINNEAPOLIS<br />
By LES REES<br />
MINNEAPOLIS—A break came within the<br />
last week in the holdout against the offer<br />
of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and 20th Centurj'-<br />
Fox to cut second run availability from 56<br />
to 28 days to a group of independent theatres.<br />
The move was designed to aUow independents<br />
to meet availability given to the<br />
Uptown Theatre, a Minnesota Amusement<br />
Co. situation.<br />
For some days, there was an apparent<br />
inability of Twin City independents—members<br />
of North Central Allied—to agree between<br />
themselves on the revised schedule.<br />
And even now, it is reported, there is danger<br />
of a split in the membership over the<br />
issue.<br />
However, this week, the Varsity Theatre,<br />
a Nate and Sol Fischer neighborhood operation,<br />
accepted the 28-day availability plan,<br />
and the Homewood Theatre, operated by<br />
Martin Lebedoff, successfully bid for "Easter<br />
Parade" on a 28-day basis. The Fischers also<br />
revealed that they had made deals for "Key<br />
Largo" and "Life With Father," indicating<br />
that Warner Bros, also was offering the earlier<br />
availability.<br />
The new 28-day deals call for percentage<br />
rentals which will boost the cost of product<br />
to exhibitors. The theares will be required<br />
Cleveland Evaluates Benefits<br />
Of the 21-Day Smith Plan<br />
By ELSIE LOEB<br />
CLEVELAND—The 20th Century-Fox<br />
plan which cut clearance from 35 days to<br />
21 days for a selected group of de luxe<br />
neighborhood theatres has now been<br />
adopted here by Warner Bros., Universal-<br />
International and United Artists and accepted<br />
by 15 theatres. After nearly a<br />
full season of operation, il is possible to<br />
estimate the benefits accruing to the exhibitor<br />
who has taken advantage of the<br />
plan.<br />
Here is the consensus of theatremen<br />
who have accepted the 20th-Fox proposals:<br />
"Given two competitive theatres, in one<br />
of which a fairly good picture is shown<br />
21 days after availability and in the other<br />
a smash boxoffice attraction is playing<br />
on the 35th day after first run. the smash<br />
hit will draw the bigger business—regardless<br />
of the fact that the other picture<br />
is newer. But given a smash hit on the<br />
21st day, it will do more business than<br />
the same film would do on the 35th day."<br />
In other words, it still takes a good<br />
picture to do the good business.<br />
"One of the great difficulties with the<br />
plan," one important exhibitor said, "is<br />
also to boost admissions from 40 to 60 cents<br />
and book the pictures five to seven days<br />
instead of their present two and three<br />
changes a week schedule. This is required<br />
in order to meet the policies of the Uptown<br />
Theatre which has held exclusivity.<br />
The exhibitors accepting the deals are all<br />
NCA members, although Benny Berger, the<br />
association's president, has urged members<br />
not to accept the proposals and to fight for<br />
"fairer" clearances without rental increases.<br />
Meanwhile, the trade anticipates a noticeable<br />
patronage swing to neighborhoods where<br />
the earlier availability is accepted. Lebedoff<br />
and the Fischers have a problem in their<br />
juvenile admissions policies. With the prices<br />
now upped to 60 cents, they anticipate intoducing<br />
a junior admission scale for the<br />
12-17 age group so that teen-agers will not<br />
have to take on the 20-cent price rise. They<br />
are considering a compromise at 45 cents.<br />
Minnesota Amusement Co. theatres all operate<br />
on a junior admission basis.<br />
PITTSBURGH<br />
By ROBERT P. KLINGENSMITH<br />
PITTSBURGH—Except for several "sore<br />
spots." which have festered for as long as a<br />
decade in some cases, the clearance situation<br />
in the film territory served from Pittsburgh<br />
has been on an old-established basis<br />
for a score and a half of years. Exhibitors<br />
in the old days were fighters and they worked<br />
out a 25-mile "zone" with a 28-day break.<br />
National release date figures on availability<br />
for theatre situations outside the city zone,<br />
and such key territory areas as Erie. Altoona.<br />
Johnstown. Uniontown, Wheeling. Morgantown.<br />
Clarksburg, etc.. offer "first run" film<br />
attractions, holding clearance over subsequent<br />
run theatres in the respective zones. Such<br />
clearances vary on a more or less uniform<br />
established basis.<br />
There are. however, exceptions to the rule<br />
that there are loo few pictures available<br />
to us on the 21st day. Our policy is confused<br />
and. consequently, the public is<br />
confu.sed. As a result the public Is not<br />
"availability' conscious. But if we had a<br />
steady flow of product so we could establish<br />
a 21-day house policy, it would be<br />
a definite advantage to us."<br />
When Andrew Smith jr., 20th-Fox"s<br />
sales manager, proposed to reduce clearances<br />
last season, there were many skeptics<br />
in the field. For more than 15 years,<br />
first runs had had a 35-day protection<br />
and second runs had 14-day protection<br />
over third runs. Smith made a trip to<br />
Cleveland, inspected a number of new<br />
deluxe neighborhood theatres and decided<br />
to make a group of top product available<br />
on the 21st day. This meant that the selected<br />
houses could play day and date<br />
with the affiliated .second runs, .such as<br />
Loew's Park and Granada and Keith's<br />
East 105th Street Theatre.<br />
At first exhibitors were cautious about<br />
accepting the offer. Gradually, however,<br />
independents one by one accepted until<br />
there are 15 today, and three other distributors<br />
began offering the same availability.<br />
It is now an accepted practice.<br />
(which does not exist on paper or by master<br />
agreement). They are undefined: just "established."<br />
Protection held by prior run theatres<br />
include 21. 14 and 7 days.<br />
A number of ticklish situations have developed<br />
recently and there are ssveral exhibitors<br />
negotiating for earlier availabilities.<br />
That's the catch. With fewer film productions<br />
and with fewer prints in circulation<br />
than in prior years, and with circuits and<br />
booking combines grabbing these on the nose,<br />
many film accounts have to wait long after<br />
availability for playdates. Any number of<br />
exhibitors have complained that regardless of<br />
his film licensing contracts, he is not receiving<br />
what he purchased because of late<br />
and later availability. Some exhibitors report<br />
they do not receive availability notices<br />
from the distributors.<br />
Here are a few typical cases:<br />
1. A city neighborhood theatre was sold<br />
to a new owner. This new account wishes<br />
to present earlier and fresher attractions,<br />
but he is told he cannot break "established"<br />
clearance. He points to other situations and<br />
declares favorites must be played or that<br />
something's wrong. He states he will fight<br />
for an earlier i-un and that he will negotiate<br />
to pay more for the license. He threataes<br />
suit if an agreement is not reached within<br />
a reasonable time.<br />
A subsequent run theatre has a certain<br />
availability following another situation in the<br />
particular zone. The theatre which has the<br />
first run rights is loaded with product and<br />
has been paying off slowly for years, according<br />
to the protesting exhibitor who found<br />
the condition when he purchased his theatre<br />
several years ago. He is asking the legal<br />
departments of the film companies to hurry<br />
up playdates to the theatre holding the first<br />
license by establishing a date whereby the<br />
product must be cleared or else forfeit this<br />
(Continued on page 12")<br />
BOXOFFICE :<br />
: September 11. 1948<br />
II
clearance Reports (Cont'd)<br />
I<br />
Continued from preceding pagei<br />
product to the subsequent-run theatre which<br />
he declares he needs. Product a year old<br />
still is not available to him because the first<br />
run account has not cleared it.<br />
2. An investment was made in construction<br />
of a theatre in a small commimity outside<br />
of the Pittsburgh city zone. In bringing<br />
film entertainment to this political subdivision<br />
for the first time, the investors negotiated<br />
a 14-day clearance with film companies<br />
when the theatre was opened more<br />
than a year ago. Only one company negotiated<br />
a clearance which doubled the 14-day<br />
clearance in favor of the first run theatres<br />
in that zone. Now, according to the investors<br />
and managers, other film companies are<br />
endeavoring to double this clearance which<br />
their representatives negotiated and agreed<br />
to in written contracts.<br />
3. A certain "last rim" is really in that<br />
classification alone. The theatre next in line<br />
holding protection books many months after<br />
availability as a house policy.<br />
4. A city's newest and finest neighborhood<br />
theatre couldn't get open for months for<br />
lack of film availability in keeping with the<br />
new situation and the investment, which the<br />
owners state they were encouraged to make<br />
by representatives of the distributors. Several<br />
large theatre interests stood in the way,<br />
according to investors, who declare there is<br />
no actual competition. The new theatre has<br />
been playing a "bad" run at "gilt-edge" prices<br />
under "temporary" arrangements.<br />
Other established theatres having late<br />
clearances, have to contend with 16mm film<br />
exhibitions of the identical product as competition<br />
in mine halls, fire department rooms,<br />
schools, churches, tap rooms, restaurants, gas<br />
stations, outdoor fields and back yards.<br />
No litigations on clearance have developed<br />
here in recent years although several cases<br />
entered in the courts a number of years ago<br />
remain unsettled. As for arbitration, exhibitors<br />
shimt it, and although the motion picture<br />
AAA office remains open here no case<br />
of any type has been filed in more than<br />
1% years.<br />
DALLAS<br />
By V. W. CRISP<br />
DALLAS—There is no second-run downtown<br />
theatre here, but five de luxe neighborhood<br />
hou.ses are designated by distributors<br />
to have that run. Film is made available<br />
to them 45 days after first run. These<br />
houses are the Village and Lakewood owned<br />
by Interstate circuit, Phil Isley's Granada<br />
Theatre, R. B. McLendon's Casa Linda and<br />
Robb and Rowley's Texas Theatre. When<br />
Isley opened the Granada about a year ago,<br />
he was able to get day-and-date bookings<br />
with the Interstate Village Theatre. The<br />
Texas Theatre had seldom played day and<br />
date with the Interstate houses until the<br />
clearance plan went into effect.<br />
With the trend toward shortening clearances,<br />
RKO in the past few weeks has narrowed<br />
availability for all five theatres from<br />
45 days to 38 days.<br />
12<br />
Third run is available 52 days after first<br />
run at Interstate's Esquire and Inwood theatres,<br />
Hanley & McClain's Arcadia, Isley's<br />
Crest and Major, R&R's Rosewin, the Capitan,<br />
owned by Mitchell, Lewis and Adelman<br />
and Sach's Delman Theatre. The Arcadia and<br />
Capitan, five blocks apart, sometimes bid<br />
against each other for an advanced date and<br />
the Etelman and Esquire, a mile apart, do<br />
likewise. Isley is making a current fight to<br />
get earlier dates for the Crest which is one of<br />
the top houses in the city, and Adelman and<br />
Sachs have gone into the courts to win earlier<br />
play dates.<br />
Fourth run goes to a group of circuit and<br />
independently owned theatres with availability<br />
of 59 days, or more. Pressure for earlier<br />
play dates is becoming stronger in both this<br />
group and the third runs, and distributors<br />
admit privately that the fight has become a<br />
headache to them.<br />
DETROIT<br />
REVES<br />
By H. F.<br />
DETROIT — The position of independent<br />
subsequent run operators in this city has<br />
been little, if any, helped by recent changes<br />
in clearance, it is indicated by a check of<br />
the field here. In striking contrast to the<br />
situation in nearby Chicago and less strongly<br />
in other cities, changes in clearance here<br />
have been negligible of late, and no measure<br />
of their possible effects can be effectively<br />
gauged.<br />
Typically, Samuel Carver, past president<br />
of the Michigan Independent Theatre Owners,<br />
said that "Not only has there been no<br />
reduction in clearances in Detroit, but, in<br />
fact, the situation has become worse. Key<br />
or third run—houses are now playing pictures<br />
up to six months behind first runs.<br />
"Yet we have to pay the same price<br />
whether the picture comes 30 days or six<br />
months later—in the latter case, long after<br />
the value of first run publicity has worn<br />
away." Carver cited specific pictures booked<br />
six months after downtown showing, in support<br />
of his position.<br />
Pointing out that "a shortening of clearance<br />
between first and second runs is necessary,<br />
where there are three, four or five runs<br />
involved in a local situation, is necessary to<br />
be consistent with current trends and legislation,"<br />
Joseph P. Uvlck, a director of Allied<br />
Theatres of Michigan, pointed out that there<br />
has been some improvement in the upstate<br />
situation.<br />
Uvick's own house, the Burton at Flint,<br />
currently involved in an arbitration case, has<br />
been cited by upstate exhibitors as an example<br />
of a house securing reduced clearance,<br />
but the situation is quite confused there.<br />
The house secured a reduction of clearance<br />
from seven days to one, well over a year ago,<br />
and a reduction in the houses involved by<br />
being given clearance over it from four to<br />
one, but Uvlck pointed out that little resultant<br />
increase in business could be attributed<br />
to this reduction, because, in line<br />
with his original contention, the other houses<br />
were not actually competitive anyway.<br />
Some reduction of clearance is reportedly<br />
being given in upstate situations by at least<br />
two exchanges, but no comments from exhibitors<br />
affected was available,<br />
Breakdown of<br />
Clearance System<br />
Detroit's<br />
DETROIT—The Society of Independent<br />
Motion Picture Producers in its antitrust suit<br />
filed two weeks ago against United Detroit<br />
Theatres and Cooperative Theatres, buying<br />
and booking combine, alleged that Detroit's<br />
clearance system was controlled under a system<br />
which automatically listed theatres as<br />
"second rim," "pre-key run," "key run," "second<br />
week" and "third week" theatres.<br />
The SIMPP contended that under the socalled<br />
double feature system the circuit and<br />
combine selected features to be paired and<br />
then would agree to run them in the labeled<br />
theatres on the same days and dates. The<br />
SIMPP, in its press release, presented the<br />
following report on Detroit's clearance setup:<br />
SECOND RUN—This block consists of eight<br />
theatres in the metropolitan area of Detroit.<br />
United Detroit Theatres owns four—Riviera,<br />
Fisher, Cinderella and Madison. A fifth, the<br />
Royal, is owned by a member of the Cooperative<br />
Theatres of Michigan jointly with<br />
the United Detroit Theatres. Two others, the<br />
Roosevelt and the Hollywood, are controlled<br />
by the Cooperative. Pictures are eligible for<br />
second run 28 days after first run if first<br />
run lasted a week, and 42 days if longer.<br />
PRE-KE'V RUN—Into this run pictures are<br />
slotted a day following second run. "Prekeys"<br />
are theatres located in the suburbs.<br />
There are eight in the Detroit area. Six belong<br />
to the Cooperative buying combine.<br />
KEY RUN—The "key runs" are neighborhood<br />
theatres. They are assigned pictures<br />
seven or more daiys after the second run.<br />
They are the largest and best neighborhood<br />
houses in the city. There are 29 key run theatres<br />
in the Detroit area with UDT and Cooperative<br />
controlling all but eight.<br />
SECOND 'WEEK RUN or "Sub-key run"—<br />
There are 18 second week run houses. They<br />
play pictures seven days or more following<br />
the key run opening date. Ten are members<br />
of the Cooperative Theatres.<br />
THIRD WEEK RUN—There are 39 third<br />
week run theatres in the Detroit area. They<br />
are allotted pictures seven days after the<br />
"key run" closing date. Cooperative has 29<br />
of the 38. United Detroit controls three more.<br />
John Balaban Takes Over<br />
Chicaao Video Helm<br />
CHICAGO—A new era in television showmanship<br />
was promised Chicago last week<br />
with an announcement<br />
by the Balaban & Katz<br />
Corp. that John Balaban<br />
will supervise the<br />
operation of Chicago's<br />
pioneer station WBKB.<br />
Balaban will be assisted<br />
by John Mitchell,<br />
veteran of 26 years<br />
in theatre business.<br />
The B&K executive<br />
said: "Television has<br />
become a matter of<br />
organized showmanship.<br />
We intend to<br />
John Balaban<br />
throw all our resources and experience gained<br />
in 31 years behind this new medium. We also<br />
intend to explore every possibility to give<br />
television fans the same high quality of entertainment<br />
they have come to expect in<br />
Balaban & Katz theatres."<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948<br />
I&IK
AnSWBr to SIMPP Suit<br />
^"°*^^'' circuit invades Milwaukee:<br />
Due in Two Weeks<br />
5^ cioud Chain Gives<br />
DETROIT—An answer to the SIMPP suit<br />
brought in federal court against United Detroit<br />
Theatres and Cooperative Theatres of<br />
Michigan is expected to be filed in about<br />
two weeks, although formal service of the<br />
complaint has not been completed.<br />
David Newman, legal and public relations<br />
counsel for Cooperative, said his company "In<br />
all its dealings with the plaintiffs always<br />
conducted itself in a legal manner" and expressed<br />
confidence in a complete vindication<br />
of the charges.<br />
He said the SIMPP made "some false<br />
charges with relation to Cooperative," and<br />
cited two examples, indicating the line of<br />
reasoning Cooperative is likely to take:<br />
1. "It is false that Cooperative has an<br />
option to purchase back the theatre of any<br />
member who withdraws." He said that Cooperative<br />
had never had such an agreement<br />
with its members, pointing out, "Cooperative<br />
does not own any theatres and has never<br />
owned any."<br />
2. "They claim that no exhibitor can come<br />
into Cooperative if any one member objects.<br />
Lots of new members get in over the opposition<br />
of other members. A majority of the<br />
board of directors governs in the case of the<br />
admission of new members."<br />
Dual Biller Shutdown<br />
Seen in SIMPP Case<br />
DETROIT—The suit filed here by SIMPP<br />
against United Detroit Theatres and Cooperative<br />
Theatres of Michigan drew marked<br />
editorial interest because of its possible effect<br />
upon theatre programming from the<br />
"Michigan Catholic," organ of the Detroit<br />
archdiocese, which sees it as bringing "some<br />
hope of deliverance from the bane of identical<br />
presentations In chain theatres."<br />
This policy, to which Detroit long has been<br />
accustomed, drew sharp criticism from the<br />
religious organ: "We are afflicted with double<br />
bills in dozens, perhaps scores, of neighborhood<br />
theatres on the same days. The double<br />
bills are an imposition on the public, since<br />
the identical billing practice forces the patron<br />
to see a second-choice program or forego<br />
the evening's diversion."<br />
Referee Named to Study<br />
20th-Fox Suit Terms<br />
NEW YORK—Justice Ferdinand Pecora of<br />
the New York supreme court has appointed<br />
a referee, Jacob S. E>emov, to examine provisions<br />
of the settlement proposed in the<br />
stockholders suit against National Theatres,<br />
20th Century-Fox and officers.<br />
Hearings on the settlement offer were held<br />
here August 3. The settlement provides for<br />
payments of $1,800,000 by Charles P. Skouras;<br />
payments of $198,000 each by Frank H. Rlcketson<br />
jr. and Elmer Rhoden, and $40,000 by<br />
Harold J. Fitzgerald. Skouras also is limited<br />
to future profit-sharing takes of $360,000.<br />
Objections to these provisions were made<br />
by a few stockholders controlling a total of<br />
less than 500 shares.<br />
The plaint'ffs were represented by Milton<br />
Pollack, who had been appointed by the court.<br />
Fox, WB Competition<br />
MILWAUKEE—This town has its first major<br />
competition to the entrenched Fox Wisconsin<br />
and Warner circuits, and it has come<br />
from an eastern theatre chain which has<br />
been adding new properties with considerable<br />
speed in recent months.<br />
are rich dairying country where life is peaceful,<br />
railroad trains are scarce and the Saturday<br />
shoppers like a western.<br />
Nobody paid much attention to the St<br />
Cloud circuit until it began to expand several<br />
months ago. It branched out into Pennsylvania<br />
cities several weeks ago Now it has<br />
Entering the local field is the St. Cloud<br />
Amusement Co., a New Jersey circuit which, 18 theatres. One of the new towns in which<br />
during the week, acquired the 2,880-seat Oriental<br />
Theatre and the 1,580-seat Tower The-<br />
is only across the Delaware river from New-<br />
the circuit has ventured is Easton, Pa., which<br />
atre from the Annenberg estate of Philadelphia.<br />
In effect, however, the St. Cloud than the Jersey situations.<br />
Jersey but is a different type of operation<br />
circuit takes over two Warner Theatres as Now, with the jump half way across the<br />
these two situations were under lease to the country to Milwaukee where the former Warner<br />
theatres were acquired for $1,900,000,<br />
Warner Bros. Circuit Management Co. to<br />
Aug. 31, 1948.<br />
there is considerable conjecture as to the<br />
The Fox and Warner circuits have been nature and extent of the Newins operations.<br />
dominant in this area for many years and Before it was revealed that St. Cloud had<br />
have received little competition other than taken over the Milwaukee houses, reports were<br />
that of the smaller independents. Warners current that Ted Gamble, TOA president, who<br />
operates seven theatres in Milwaukee and 16 is rapidly expanding his circuit, was interested<br />
in the Milwaukee deal.<br />
additional houses outstate while the Fox circuit<br />
operates 60 theatres in Wisconsin with There is interest in the deal because of<br />
half of them in Milwaukee.<br />
Newins' many financial ventures and his past<br />
Not a great deal is known about the St. relationships in financing projects. Newins<br />
Cloud Amusement Co., which in the last .several<br />
months has grown from a minor opera-<br />
he bought the Opera House in New Bruns-<br />
became an exhibitor for the first time when<br />
tion into one which has theatre men asking wick, N. J., a theatre which he operates<br />
questions about the source of its backing and separately from St. Cloud through the SMN<br />
other operational features. It has its headquarters<br />
in a farming village called Washing-<br />
deals with the Skouras brothers over a period<br />
Corp. He has had a number of big financing<br />
ton. N. J. ( Pop. 4,643 1 . Its president is Harvey of years, especially around St. Louis.<br />
B. Newins, who, however, is no Warren The $1,900,000 paid in the Mihvaukee deal<br />
county farmer. He is a financier who knows reportedly came from St. Louis. Robert E<br />
how to dig up money for theatre deals, and Hannegan and Sid Solomon, owners of the<br />
has an office at 1270 Sixth Ave. which is the St. Louis Cardinals, were looking around for<br />
RKO building in New York's Rockefeller an investment and called Newins, according<br />
Center.<br />
to reports. Hannegan is a former postmaster<br />
St. Cloud Amusement Co. was organized in general and former chairman of the Democratic<br />
National committee. When Solomon<br />
1936. In the intervening years it has acquired<br />
theatres in farming communities of bought the Cardinals, it was after newspapers<br />
western New Jersey—Belvidere, Blairstown, had carried reports that Charles Skouras was<br />
Clinton, Flemington, Franklin, Frenchtown, going to acquire the team. Skouras and Hannegan<br />
are well acquainted, but this Is proba-<br />
Hackettstown, High Bridge, Lambertville,<br />
Mllford, Newton and Sussex. All these places bly a mere coincidence.<br />
Action Filed in Los Angeles to Decide<br />
Patent Rights to Drive-ln<br />
Theatres<br />
LOS ANGELES—Long-brewing, an action<br />
to determine patent rights to drive-in theatre<br />
systems was filed in U.S. district court<br />
here by Park-In Theatres, Inc., which claims<br />
ownership of the basic drive-in patent<br />
against Seth D. Perkins, George E. Mitzel,<br />
the LaVere Co, and the Drive-In Theatres of<br />
America, charging patent infringement.<br />
A party to the action is C. A. Caballero.<br />
president of California Drive-In Theatres,<br />
Inc.: Pacific Drive-In Theatres, Inc.. and<br />
United States Drive-In Theatres, Inc. Under<br />
Park-In licenses, Caballero operates eight<br />
houses in this area.<br />
Park-In, headed by W. W. Smith of Camden,<br />
N. J., contends Caballero is the only<br />
person licensed and having the right to build<br />
and operate drive-in theatres in the southland<br />
area. Caballero operates under Hollingshead<br />
Patent No. 1,909,537.<br />
Perkins and other defendants have built<br />
under the Josserand improvement patent,<br />
which Caballero and the other plaintiffs contend<br />
is "definitely an infringement." Perkins<br />
currently operates seven houses in this area.<br />
Commenting on the suit in a statement to<br />
BOXOFFICE. Louis P. Josserand denied his<br />
device is an infringement and claimed he is<br />
the "sole owner of the Louis P. Josserand<br />
Patent No. 2,102,718 and the reissue. No.<br />
the drive-over ramp now in use<br />
22.756 . . .<br />
by most of the drive-in theatres, is my invention<br />
and is covered by Patent Pending No.<br />
301,713. The United States court of customs<br />
and patent appeals has ruled me the prior<br />
inventor of this invention."<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 13
•<br />
harry CAREY, jr. •<br />
There is<br />
nothing<br />
with business<br />
that a "^<br />
cant cure!<br />
Wonterey Productions presents<br />
HOWARD HAWKS' "RED RIVER" sva,.„. joHN wayne- Montgomery clift-walter brennan<br />
JOANNE DRU w,ih harry CAREY, Sr. • COLEEN gray • JOHN Ireland NOAH beery, jr. PAUL<br />
Chisholm Trail", by Borden Chase Screenplay by Borden Chase and Charles Schnee Execui„e Producer, CHARLES K. FELDMAN<br />
•<br />
fix From the Saturday Evening Post story. 'Ttie<br />
•<br />
DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY HOWARD HAWKS
0^^l<br />
^^^vv:^"^<br />
#^S^Xti
NSS Sales Drive Starts<br />
In Tribute to Dembow<br />
NEW YORK—After weeks of preparation<br />
the George Dembow Tribute, sales drive honoring<br />
George F. Dembow. National Screen<br />
Service vice-president in charge of sales,<br />
will start Monday, September 13, with all<br />
salesmen in 31 exchanges participating.<br />
NSS exchanges are elaborately decorated<br />
with pennants carrying the slogan "Do It<br />
For Dembow!" Herman Robbins, NSS president,<br />
says there is plenty of business to be<br />
gotten if greater concentration is placed on<br />
away-from theatre advertising, through<br />
larger newspaper ads, spot announcements<br />
on radio, increased bill posting, greater use<br />
of window cards, heralds, programs and exploitation<br />
stunts.<br />
"Renew the razzle-dazzle that has always<br />
been the lifeblood of our industry," he urges.<br />
In paying tribute to Dembow, his company<br />
is honoring a 35-year veteran in the film<br />
industry. He started in the business in 1913<br />
with the William Pox organization. The company<br />
then was known as Greater New York<br />
Film Attractions. Later it became Boxoffice<br />
Attractions and finally the Pox Films Corp.<br />
He was with Fox for 11 years, then went<br />
to the Goldwyn organization and to Metro-<br />
Goldwyn-Mayer, which he served as eastern<br />
distribution manager. Leaving distribution<br />
for a number of years, he was an exhibitor,<br />
production supervisor for First National, and<br />
then air conditioning engineer for the same<br />
company.<br />
In 1933, he joined National Screen Service<br />
and, in 1940, was named to his present post<br />
as vice-president in charge of sales.<br />
In the final steam-up before the start of<br />
the drive, regional sales meetings were h;ld<br />
in Chicago and Los Angeles on September 7.<br />
Attending the Chicago meeting were William<br />
Bein, eastern drive captain; Harris SUverberg,<br />
Chicago branch manager; Henry<br />
Porter and Irving StacU, Chicago salesmen;<br />
Arthur Manheimer, Cincinnati branch manager,<br />
with William Pilger and Derek Sydney,<br />
salesmen; R. T. Leibtag, Indianapolis branch<br />
manager, and Herman Booth and Abe Madison,<br />
salesmen; John Mednikow, Milwaukee<br />
Metropolitan Discussing<br />
Filming Operas in Color<br />
NEW YORK — The Metropolitan Opera<br />
Ass'n has been conferring with executives of<br />
three major producers "in regard to the possibility<br />
of filming some of our operatic productions<br />
in whole or in part," according to<br />
George A. Sloan, chairman of the board.<br />
Sloan, who refused to divulge the names of<br />
the film firms, said the operas would preferably<br />
be made in Technicolor.<br />
Sloan said that he and Charles M. Spofford,<br />
president of the association; S. Sloan<br />
Colt, treasurer, and Edward Johnson, general<br />
manager, had conferred "both here and<br />
on the Pacific coast."<br />
Doubts about the continuance of the<br />
Metropolitan Opera during the 1948-49 season<br />
because of union's demands were dispelled<br />
when the management came to terms<br />
with the unions early in August. The regular<br />
season will open late in November and the<br />
Saturday afternoon broadcasts will continue.<br />
GEORGE F. DEMBOW<br />
branch manager, and Frank Fisher, salesman;<br />
Herb Washburn, St. Louis branch manager,<br />
and Ben Lass, salesman.<br />
At the Los Angeles meeting, in addition<br />
to Ben Ashe, western drive captain, were:<br />
Bernard Wolfe, Los Angeles branch manager,<br />
and Al Blumberg and Joe Hartman, salesmen;<br />
Jack Marpole, San Francisco branch<br />
manager, and Bernard Brady and Izzy Wolfe,<br />
salesmen; Jack Flannery, Seattle branch manager,<br />
and Herb Cass and Tony Hartford,<br />
salesmen.<br />
ON THE COVER<br />
Ben Ashe, Los Angeles branch manager for National<br />
Screen Service (left), and William Bein. central<br />
division manager, who are captains of the George<br />
Dembow Tribute drive toe the mark in the race<br />
between the two divisions. Standing by with the<br />
starter's gun is Dembow, the company's vice-president<br />
in charge of sales, in whose honor the drive<br />
is being held.<br />
Plan Six 'My Pal' Films<br />
NEW YORK—A minimum of six<br />
in RKO's<br />
"My Pal" series of two-reel dramas will be<br />
released during the current and 1948-49 season.<br />
"Pal's Adventure," second in the series,<br />
has been set for September 24 release, according<br />
to Harry J. Michalson, short subject<br />
sales manager, and again offers the dog<br />
"Flame," with Ted Donaldson and Sharyn<br />
Moffett. Gary Gray will play with "Flame"<br />
in "Return of Pal," set for holiday release,<br />
and also in a fourth, as yet untitled film, due<br />
some time in February.<br />
Bowes Left $3,641,112<br />
NEW YORK—The late Major Edward J.<br />
Bowes left a gross estate of $3,641,112, according<br />
to papers filed in surrogate's court<br />
September 4. After 61 separate charitable<br />
bequests, including $2,874,765 to St. Patrick's<br />
Cathedral in New York City, the estate shrank<br />
to a net of $648,304.<br />
To Hear 'Curley'<br />
Case<br />
In Memphis Sept. 28<br />
MEMPHIS — Chancellor Larry Creson<br />
this week set September 28 as the date<br />
for hearing motions in the United Artists<br />
and Hal Roach fight against the city<br />
board of censors which banned the film<br />
"Curley" from Memphis.<br />
The two motions to be heard are the<br />
censor board's motion to dismiss the petition<br />
for a writ of certiorari (if this motion<br />
was granted, the case would be<br />
thrown out of court), and the petitioners'<br />
motion to require the censors to certify<br />
to the court a transcript or proceedings<br />
during which the picture was banned.<br />
The petitioners asked the court to review<br />
and reverse the decision of the censors.<br />
Await Rank Advice<br />
On 'Oliver Twist'<br />
NEW YORK—Eagle Lion and the J. Arthur<br />
Rank office here are awaiting word from<br />
J. Arthur Rank in London as to the future<br />
of "Oiiver Twist" in this country.<br />
Robert Benjamin, president of the American<br />
Rank organization, has cabled Lonaon<br />
cei,ails of the recent blast againsc the film<br />
by the Anti-Defamation League of tiie B'nai<br />
B'rith. Arnold Foster, dii-ector of the civil<br />
rights division of the league, issued a statement<br />
over the weekend criticizing the picture<br />
on the groimds that it would encourage<br />
anti-semitism through its portrayal of the<br />
character of Fagin. As Dickens originally described<br />
Fagin, he was a Jew. The picture<br />
passes over the Jewish angle, but Fagin's<br />
makeup follows the Cruikshank original illustration<br />
which shows a hooked-nose, longbearded,<br />
shabby character.<br />
According to the league "the movie Fagin<br />
is a stereotype of the Jew which Julius<br />
Streicher and the Nazis tried to impose on<br />
the world. It is our conviction that the picture<br />
may do serious harm."<br />
Foster said that when he heard the J.<br />
Arthm- Rank organization was planning to<br />
produce "Oliver Twist," he pointed out to<br />
Jock Lawrence, Rank's U.S. publicity chief,<br />
the danger of following the original Dickens<br />
version in a film. These talks were held during<br />
August 1947.<br />
Foster saw the film about five weeks ago<br />
in this country at a private screening. After<br />
he and other league officials objected to the<br />
Fagin character, Benjamin is reported to have<br />
promised to hold up the release of the film<br />
pending league approval.<br />
Since then Eagle Lion officials have been<br />
quoted as saying the picture will be shown<br />
here when the time is ripe, and not until<br />
then.<br />
Foster said that if "Oliver Twist" is shown<br />
without changes, the league will not picket<br />
the picture. Picketing is against its policy.<br />
It will, however, publicize its objections<br />
through its agents and newspapers throughout<br />
the U.S.<br />
The film was scheduled to open at the<br />
Odeon Carlton Theatre, Toronto, September<br />
10. Eagle Lion, Ltd., Is the Canadian distributor.<br />
if<br />
16 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
To that memorable list<br />
of superb romantic comedies<br />
in every exhibitor's<br />
recollection of long runs,<br />
record-smashing<br />
grosses<br />
and huge profits.<br />
Now Add...<br />
JAMES NASSf S<br />
WatWURR^'' .<br />
c^R^o^^<br />
that delv.a iebtiul,<br />
ROGERS<br />
'BUDOr ^^^^^^<br />
CHARIES<br />
r/^i?/ ;?^z^^; ///J-/<br />
r/^^^ thru UA
THe^t €utd S
LOS ANGELES' FOUR MUSIU HALLS UKOSS fftSl<br />
WEEKEND BUSINESS IN THE PAST SIX MOMHS<br />
,\VV4\*^^<br />
4<br />
^HKS*-'<br />
u-„r.ptl type show-<br />
R,„,e.doz.le, o'^'-^;:,,, „,e .he oldmanship?<br />
These b.o ig<br />
rashioned<br />
big type- '°°'<br />
opP°^'>'°"<br />
HOT FROM THE TRADES!<br />
FOR THE FIRST TIME Ihe<br />
cannibal<br />
fish-the terrible piranba-inlesting<br />
evety spot of jungle water-able to<br />
tear a man's flesh from his<br />
in seconds!<br />
bones<br />
FOR THE FIRST TIME the savage<br />
Chauantes Indians never before<br />
photographed by any while man!<br />
The most awful death that stalks<br />
the Matto Grosso at night-the<br />
blood mad black laguar!<br />
Jungle warfare as poison arrows<br />
and venomous darts battle man's<br />
most modern weapons!<br />
The smart money's on "Urubu" thru UA
Let's Quit Economy Talk,<br />
Wanger Advises Industry < <<br />
NEW YORK—Walter Wanger was in top<br />
form as an industry critic last week. While<br />
in town to see about distribution details for<br />
his $4,600,000 production, "Joan of Aic,"<br />
which RKO will release, the veteran producer<br />
got off some emphatic views on public<br />
relations, the majors, the British situation,<br />
international relations and business men.<br />
He said that industry executives who play<br />
up studio economies and less expensive pictures<br />
are selling Hollywood short. Now that<br />
the boxoffice is off from wartime peaks this<br />
is a poor time to tell the public that pictures<br />
are not being as expensively made as formerly.<br />
This sort of talk will keep them away<br />
from the boxoffice, Wanger pointed out.<br />
REASONS FOR CHEAPER FILMS<br />
He said the present trend toward cheaper<br />
pictures has been caused by the following<br />
factors: hysteria over the foreign market;<br />
lack of cooperation among producers, distributors<br />
and exhibitors. In the old days the<br />
three branches of the industry worked more<br />
closely together in planning product, playmg<br />
up stars and talent. He attributed the present<br />
lack of cooperation to the fact that the<br />
talent and creative forces on the coast are<br />
far removed geographically and temperamentally<br />
from the dollar-minded executives In<br />
the east. Wanger said this sharp break came<br />
when the eastern studios were shut down.<br />
The talent went west.<br />
It takes more than a banker, lawyer, statistician,<br />
distributor and exhibitor to make a<br />
Walt Disney or create a fine film, he said.<br />
On the other hand, highly paid directors and<br />
writers on the coast have little concept of<br />
some of the problems that have to be overcome<br />
in getting back the cost of a film and<br />
making a profit.<br />
He suggested that both groups—the businessmen<br />
and the creators get together and<br />
swap ideas. This sort of exchange will help<br />
the industry, and the lawyers and bankers<br />
may stop trying to become showmen.<br />
Wanger then discussed the industry situation<br />
with respect to the foreign market.<br />
MISTAKE IN FILM EMBARGO<br />
As for England he thought that the American<br />
companies made a mistake in shutting<br />
off films to that cotmtry when the 75 per<br />
cent tax crisis broke last year. We should<br />
have continued to send films to England under<br />
protest, meanwhile negotiating with the<br />
British authorities. He attributed the present<br />
quota troubles to our embargo. The British<br />
retaliated. He had no comment on the<br />
SIMPP-MPAA dispute over current talks in<br />
London.<br />
Wanger said American films should be regarded<br />
by the state department as its ambassadors<br />
abroad. Films, more than any other<br />
medium of communication, can sell the<br />
American way of life. Scenes o€ typical<br />
American streets, homes, factories do more to<br />
promote our ideals than any message.<br />
He kiddlngly suggested that the U.S. parachute<br />
16mm films and projectors into countries<br />
that bar our product through regular<br />
channels. Wanger said that General Dono-<br />
\<br />
APARTMENT FOR PEGGY (20th-Fox)—<br />
If this isn't hailed as one of the season's<br />
outstandingly popular celluloid successes,<br />
with grosses in proportion to such acclaim,<br />
that will only be because everyone with a<br />
heart, soul, conscience and ability to laugh<br />
and cry has suddenly gone underground.<br />
The film's assets are numerous—among<br />
them Technicolor photography, a heartwarming,<br />
down-to-earth and honest story,<br />
and skilled direction by a recent Academy<br />
award winner, George Seaton, who also<br />
contributed the script. Jeanne Crain, William<br />
Holden, Edmund Gwenn.<br />
BEHIND LOCKED DOORS (EL)—Herein is<br />
displayed a noteworthy example of how a<br />
comparatively low budget can be stretched<br />
to the point where the finished product<br />
bears the stamp of a big-league effort.<br />
Adroitly written, well cast and directed<br />
with brisk efficiency by Oscar Boetticher,<br />
it's a fast-paced melodrama that should<br />
be a cinch to please. Lucille Bremer, Richard<br />
WALTER WANGER<br />
Carlson, Douglas Fowley.<br />
BLANCHE FURY (EL)—A moody and depressing<br />
van, head of the wartime OSS, had kicked<br />
period piece which benefits by the<br />
this idea around himself.<br />
vivid acting and the splendid Technicolor<br />
Wanger also thought that Washington officials<br />
photography. This J. Arthur Rank produc-<br />
should get a better idea of what films tion is best suited to art houses and a few<br />
are doing and can do toward furthering the selected first runs. The sordid and unhappy<br />
American way of life. He didn't criticize the tale has an illegitimacy angle which makes<br />
MPAA or TOA public relations program, but it strictly adult fare. Stewart Granger,<br />
indicated that much has to be done in selling<br />
Valerie Hobson, Walter Fitzgerald. Marc<br />
the value of films to legislators and local Allegret directed.<br />
officials.<br />
CODE OF SCOTLAND YARD (Rep)—Far<br />
He suggested trips to Hollywood, special<br />
above the average of programmers produced<br />
screenings, brochiu-es similar to those put out<br />
by the well-known English cousins, this import<br />
is amply endowed to give a sterling<br />
by the broadcasting companies and other industries.<br />
support to any program. As the title indicates,<br />
it is a cops-and-robbers yam but it<br />
Then, going back to Hollywood, Wanger<br />
rapped the majors for failure to cooperate<br />
resorts to the more modem story technique<br />
with the independents. He said better product<br />
in which the slayer is known from scratch<br />
by independents would help the majors and<br />
and the suspense hinges upon when and<br />
Hollywood in general.<br />
how he will be captured. Oscar Homolka,<br />
He said the majors could help the independents<br />
by making available their idle<br />
Derek Farr, Muriel Pavlow. Produced and<br />
directed by George King.<br />
writers, actors, directors and studios to the<br />
independents. As it now stands the independents<br />
JOHNNY BELINDA (WB)—Among the in-<br />
have to go into the open market to numerable assets which earmark this as<br />
bid for talent while considerable idle talent one of the season's most distinguished pictures,<br />
is tied up by major contracts.<br />
probably the most noteworthy is the<br />
He wound up his talks with news about his performance of Jane W'yman. Her delineation<br />
of the deaf mute around whom the<br />
own productions. "Joan of Arc." he said, will<br />
be roadshown. Excluding print and ad costs, play is built—a role of extraordinary difficulty—is<br />
so ingratiating that it is almost<br />
the picture totals nearly $5,000,000. He said<br />
he has two other Technicolor pictures, "Tap certain to win her another Academy awards<br />
Roots" and "Tulsa," ready for release.<br />
nomination. Lew Ayres and Charles Bickford<br />
Production plans call for a picture with<br />
also star. Jean Negulesco's direction is<br />
Greta Gaibo to be made in Rome or Paris excellent.<br />
next spring. Others are "Ballad and the<br />
Source," "Blank Wall" and "Reign of Terror."<br />
KIDNAPED (Mono) —Youngsters of all ages<br />
will have nothing but praise for this mas-<br />
RKO<br />
Monogram Names de Silva<br />
NEW YORK—Randolph A. de Silva has<br />
been appointed Trinidad representative for<br />
Monogram by Norton V. Ritchey, president.<br />
His territory also includ'^s British Guiana.<br />
He was until recently United Artists' Trinidad<br />
representative.<br />
terfully concocted version of Robert Louis<br />
Stevenson's classic yarn of swashbuckling<br />
adventure in the days of Bonnie Prince<br />
Charlie. It's a triumphant personal hit for<br />
Roddy McDowall. In support are Sue<br />
England, Dan O'Herlihy, Roland Winters.<br />
Directed by William Beaudine.<br />
These reviews tvill appear in full in<br />
a forthcoming issue of Boxoffice.<br />
20 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
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IrOPS IN SHORTS!<br />
IW-G.M's 1948.'49 PROGRAM!<br />
16 M-G-M CARTOONS<br />
(In<br />
Technicolor)<br />
Includes those box-office<br />
favorites Tom and Jerry!<br />
•<br />
4 GOLD MEDAL<br />
REPRINT CARTOONS<br />
Proven hits!<br />
•<br />
10 PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES<br />
Undisputed leader of<br />
live action shorts!<br />
*<br />
6 PASSING PARADES<br />
From the inimitable<br />
story-teller, John Nesbitt.<br />
4 M-G-M 2-REEL SPECIALS<br />
Accent on action!<br />
*<br />
8 FITZPATRICK TRAVELTALKSI<br />
(In Technicolor)<br />
For the lure of far-off places!<br />
*<br />
104 Issues a year<br />
"NEWS OF THE DAY"<br />
The NEWSreel that tops<br />
'em all!<br />
Honestly, Mr. Exhibitor, aren't we right<br />
in assuming that you want M-G-M to<br />
continue the high standard of our Short<br />
Subjects? We genuinely feel that your audience<br />
resents inferior shorts as an insult to<br />
their intelligence.<br />
Exhibitors put M-G-M<br />
Shorts up on the marquee because they are<br />
top quality, created with all the skill and<br />
studio resources of M-G-M's finest feature<br />
productions. As a result, M-G-M Shorts<br />
on your program bring in extra revenue<br />
in addition to giving extra satisfaaion<br />
to your show. M-G-M Shorts rank high<br />
among Academy Award winners. Ask<br />
your M-G-M Branch to serve you with<br />
our entire line-up of sparkling Shorts.<br />
Youll be glad you did it all year long!
. . Clyde<br />
. . Robert<br />
. . Joan<br />
. . Over<br />
. . Brian<br />
. . Paul<br />
. . Michel<br />
.<br />
.<br />
^oUcfcmod ^e^tont<br />
Story Market Progresses<br />
With Sale of Six Yarns<br />
The story market looked brighter than for<br />
many week past, what with the sale of six<br />
properties, of which Metro acquired a brace.<br />
Leo popped for "Ambush," a Luke Short yarn<br />
about a rugged, heroic frontier scout employed<br />
by the army to capture the last<br />
notorious leader of the Apaches in New Mexico<br />
in the 1880s. It's due to appear serially<br />
in the Saturday Evening Post. Also going to<br />
MGM was an untitled original by Marshall<br />
Neilan jr., son of the famous director, and<br />
himself a film editor. Young Neilan's story<br />
is a comedy concerning the antics of an ama-<br />
. . . Universal-International<br />
.<br />
teur photographer<br />
acquired "Showdown," an original by<br />
Ramona Stewart and Allen Marple, and assigned<br />
it to Leonard Goldstein to produce.<br />
The story about gambling racketeers is being<br />
scripted by Herbert Margolis and Louis Morheim<br />
... To Republic went "Renegades of<br />
Sonora," an original screenplay by M. Coates<br />
Webster. Gordon Kay will produce it as an<br />
Allan "Rocky" Lane sagebrush starrer<br />
Hal Wallis purchased "The File on<br />
. .<br />
Thelma<br />
Jordon," by Marty Holland, as a starring vehicle<br />
for Barbara Stanwyck. She will appear<br />
as a murderess, a small-town gal who becomes<br />
involved with a young assistant district attorney;<br />
during the trial he throws the state's<br />
case in order to save her .<br />
Andrews'<br />
original script, "'Wyoming Mail," went to<br />
Eagle Lion, where the story based on the<br />
founding of the U.S. secret service will be<br />
produced by Aubrey Schenck.<br />
Al Lichtman to Leave<br />
MGM Studio March 1<br />
Second member of MGM's higher executive<br />
echelon to depart the company's ranks within<br />
the past few weeks, Al Lichtman has settled<br />
his contract with Leo and is slated to check<br />
out March 1, 1949. Earlier Sam Katz also<br />
washed up his deal with the studio and also<br />
will check out at that time.<br />
Lichtman had been with MGM since 1935.<br />
Per two years he was executive assistant to<br />
Nicholas M. Schenck, president of Loew's,<br />
Inc., in New York. He came to the coast in<br />
1937. One-time sales manager for Famous<br />
Players and distribution chief for Famous<br />
Players-Lasky, Lichtman held, among other<br />
industry posts, the presidency of United<br />
Artists.<br />
His future plans are indefinite, but Lichtman<br />
indicated there is a possibility he may<br />
go into independent production.<br />
. ,<br />
,<br />
Ne'w 'Red Ryder' Series<br />
To Star Jim Bannon<br />
A new "Red Ryder" is gonna be headin'<br />
thataway in a series of sagebrushers projected<br />
by Producer Jerry Thomas of Equity<br />
Pictures. Set to portray the redoubtable<br />
cowpoke in the film version of the comic<br />
Jimmy<br />
strip character is Jim Barmon .<br />
Stewart will step up to the plate to portray<br />
the title role in MGM's baseball opus, "The<br />
Story of Monty Stratton," to be megged by<br />
Sam 'Wood Beatty and his brood<br />
of wild animals will provide competition<br />
By<br />
IVAN SPEAR<br />
for the Abbott-Costello brand of comedy in<br />
Producer Edward Nassour's "Abbott and Costello<br />
in Africa" .<br />
Evans, 14-year-old<br />
screen newcomer, will co-star with Farley<br />
Granger in Samuel Goldwyn's upcoming<br />
"Roseanna McCoy" . at RKO Radio,<br />
Robert Ryan was booked for a top spot in<br />
"Operation Malaya" Donlevy,<br />
.<br />
Charles Coburn and Helen Walker will costar<br />
in "Impact," United Artists release to<br />
be produced by Harry Popkin . . . Producer<br />
Sig Neufeld set William Lundigan and 'Virginia<br />
Bruce for the top spots in "File 649,<br />
State Department.'' It's for Film Classics<br />
release ... On loan from Universal-International.<br />
Dan Duryea has the lead in "The<br />
Man Who Stole a Dream," to be produced by<br />
the Pine-Thomas unit for Paramount.<br />
MGM Lists 17 Features<br />
To Be in Technicolor<br />
One thing is for sure—there'll be no paucity<br />
of color in MGM releases for the next year or<br />
so. Leo's lair out Culver City way has already<br />
completed eight Technicolor vehicles and has<br />
another trio before the cameras, the heaviest<br />
schedule of tinters in years. Additionally,<br />
six other films in color are slated for early<br />
starts.<br />
Metro decided to step up its tint program<br />
after Technicolor announced that its expansion<br />
program, now more than half completed,<br />
would double the print capacity by the end<br />
of the year from the 1946 volume of 165,000.-<br />
000 feet.<br />
First of the trio of rainbow-hued offerings<br />
to hit the sound stages on the MGM lot<br />
will be "The Secret Garden," to be followed<br />
by "Annie Get Youi' Gun," "Greyfriars<br />
Bobby," "Neptune's Daughter," "The Shop<br />
Around the Corner" and "It's a Date."<br />
Now before Technicolor cameras are "Take<br />
Me Out to the Ball Game," "The Barkleys<br />
of Broadway" and "Little Women." Ali'eady<br />
ill the vaults are "The Three Musketeers,"<br />
"Luxury Liner," "Hills of Home," "The Secret<br />
Land," "The Kissing Bandit," "Sun in the<br />
Morning," "Words and Music" and Argosy's<br />
"The Three Godfathers."<br />
Ten Features, 4 Shorts<br />
Being Edited at RKO<br />
RKO Radio, which hasn't been doing too<br />
much productionwise since Howard Hughes<br />
took over, doesn't have to worry too much<br />
about the flow of product for the next several<br />
months despite the fact that its output<br />
of new footage is, for the time being at least,<br />
somewhat retarded. Currently in various<br />
stages of editing at the Gower street plant<br />
are ten featm-es and four shorts, which certainly<br />
.should be sufficient celluloid to keep<br />
the exchanges humming for a while.<br />
Under editors' shears are "Weep No More,"<br />
"Blood on the Moon," "The Long Denial,"<br />
"Baltimore Escapade," "Mr. Joseph Young of<br />
Africa," "Every Girl Should Be Married,"<br />
"Interference," "Brothers in the Saddle,"<br />
"Rustlers" and "Gun Runners." In the shorts<br />
division are "Pal's Adventure," "The Return<br />
of Pal," "Wrong Party" and "Backstage<br />
Follies."<br />
Betty Hutton to London<br />
For Stage Engagement<br />
NEW YORK—Betty Hutton, Paramount<br />
screen star, arrived here via TWA from Hollywood<br />
with her husi-^^W^^W^^<br />
band, Ted Briskin, en<br />
^^^C'^^Kw^Bau-^* route to England for a<br />
two-week engagement<br />
at the London Palladium.<br />
Accompanied by<br />
her mother, the comedienne<br />
sailed on the<br />
Queen Mary. After her<br />
London engagement,<br />
which starts September<br />
15, Miss Hutton<br />
will fly to Paris and<br />
later visit Scotland. In<br />
London she will headline<br />
and act which<br />
will include the Mello-<br />
Larks quartet who appeared<br />
on her recent<br />
The Ted Briskins<br />
record-breaking theatre engagement in San<br />
Francisco. The balance of the act will be<br />
assembled in London.<br />
After a month's absence Miss Hutton will<br />
return to Hollywood to start preparations for<br />
her next starring picture, "I'll Never Love<br />
You," which Mitchell Leisen will direct and<br />
Richard Maibaum produce.<br />
. . .<br />
.<br />
Henry Koster to Direct<br />
'Come to the Stable'<br />
Set for the directorial assignment on 20th<br />
Century-Fox's "Come to the Stable" was<br />
Henry Koster .<br />
Green, Pulitzer prizewinning<br />
playwright, is developing "Roseanna<br />
Mega<br />
McCoy" for Samuel Goldwyn<br />
phonist on Metro's "Big Harpe" will be Richard<br />
Thorpe . Kraike has been assigned<br />
to produce "Sierra" at Universal-<br />
International. It will be in Technicolor<br />
"Zamba," a jungle story, is next on schedule<br />
for Fortune Films, headed by Bert Stearn,<br />
Maurice Conn and Harry Handel. Nate Watt<br />
will direct for an as-yet unset release.<br />
Matthe-w Rapf to Make<br />
'Silhouette' for FC<br />
After making his initial plunge into production<br />
in partnership with Gerald Briskin—<br />
son of Samuel J. Briskin—young Matthew<br />
Rapf, offspring of MGM's Harry Rapf, is<br />
taking a solo fUght with the organization<br />
of his own production unit. The younger<br />
Rapf's kickoff venture on his owai will be<br />
"Silhouette," a murder mystery from his original<br />
screenplay, which will be released by<br />
Film Classics.<br />
Earlier this year Rapf and Briskin turned<br />
out "The Adventures of Gallant Bess" for<br />
distribution by Eagle Lion.<br />
Screen Guild Signs Trio;<br />
AUied Casts Gale Storm<br />
.<br />
Gale<br />
Set for featured spots in Screen Guild's<br />
"Thunder in the Pines" were Michael Whalen,<br />
Vince Barnett and Lyle Talbot<br />
Storm will have the femme<br />
.<br />
lead<br />
.<br />
opposite<br />
Rod Cameron in "Stampede," upcoming<br />
ChamiDion Productions film for Allied Artists<br />
release. The new casting results in Miss<br />
Storm's withdrawal from a role in "When a<br />
Man's a Man."<br />
22 BOXOFFICE<br />
:: September 11, 1948
RKO Rushes Bookings<br />
On Mitchum Picture<br />
NEW YORK—RKO wiU open "Rachel iind<br />
the Stranger," in which Robert Mitchum is<br />
co-starred with Loretta Young and Wilham<br />
Holden, at the Mayfair in mid-September<br />
ahead of the previously booked "Mom-nins<br />
Becomes Klectra."<br />
The picture has also been booked in the<br />
Hillstreet and Pantages theatres. Los Angeles,<br />
to follow the current "Good Sam," and RKO<br />
is rushing out the "Rachel" trailer to theatres<br />
in other parts of the country.<br />
RKO has another completed Mitchum film.<br />
"Blood on the Moon," in which he is costarred<br />
with Barbara Bel Geddes, tentatively<br />
scheduled for release early in 1949. Republic<br />
has no definite release for a third Mitchum<br />
film. "The Red Pony," a Lewis Milestone<br />
production in Technicolor and co-starring<br />
Myrna Loy. This has been completed for<br />
nearly a year.<br />
Lippert Adds 16th Film<br />
To Screen Guild List<br />
NEW YORK—Lippert Productions will<br />
make "Branding Iron," an original cattle<br />
story, as an addition to the Screen Guild<br />
1948-49 program, according to Robert L. Lip-<br />
Kreisler's Foreign Film<br />
Study Nears Completion<br />
LONDON—Bernard B. Kreisler has returned<br />
to the Savoy hotel after visiting 16<br />
of 17 European countries on his schedule, in<br />
connection with his research assignment for<br />
the Harvard School of Business Administration<br />
into motion picture conditions abroad.<br />
He expects to sail for the U.S. October 6 on<br />
the Nieuw Amsterdam.<br />
During Kreisler's 11-month tour he got behind<br />
the iron ciu-tain at Budapest and Prague<br />
and reports that the experience was "quite<br />
eye-opening."<br />
Ruder and Finn Organize<br />
As Publicity Partners<br />
NEW YORK—WiUiam Ruder, head of exploitation<br />
for Samuel Goldwyn Productions<br />
for the past several years, has resigned to<br />
form his own publicity and exploitation firm<br />
in association with David Finn, formerly with<br />
the American Artists group.<br />
The new organization has opened offices<br />
at the Hotel Lombardy, New York, and plans<br />
to have field representatives in 30 key cities.<br />
Among the Ruder & Finn clients are: Perry<br />
Como, Pioneer Pictures. Pioneer Telefilms<br />
and Telespots. Inc.<br />
THIS<br />
L'affaire Mitchum and comparably sordid<br />
situations of the immediate and more distant<br />
past again make it rather obvious that<br />
Hollywood is the logical starting point for<br />
the efforts of those who are sincerely inter-<br />
will ruin me!"<br />
According to the public prints, so .spoke<br />
ested in bettering the public's opinion of film<br />
folk.<br />
Robert Mitchum when the local constabulary<br />
so rudely terminated his rendezvous<br />
After three days, during which the Los<br />
Angeles dailies—and presumably newspapers<br />
with reefers and a trio of venturesome playmates—one<br />
a .screen glamor<br />
throughout the rest of the country—had<br />
gal.<br />
made the Mitchum narcotics case their page<br />
one piece de resistance, a joint statement<br />
In his evaluation of the outcome of the<br />
.sorry soiree. Blatant Bob was guilty of a<br />
by RKO Radio and the Selznick studio, who<br />
sizable understatement.<br />
share Mitchum's acting contract, raised a<br />
The ruinous ramifications extend far beyond<br />
voice on behalf of the actor. It pleaded:<br />
the actor's own career. They materially<br />
"All the facts about the case are not yet<br />
and disadvantageously affect the producers<br />
who have millions of dollars invested in current<br />
and recent pictures tophning Mitchum. dustry and the public to withhold its judg-<br />
known. We urgently request the press, the in-<br />
Caught in the squeeze also are the exhibitors ment until these facts are known. Both studios<br />
who book those pictures and the entire industry's<br />
feel confident that the American peo-<br />
badly-battered public relations.<br />
ple will not permit Mitchum's prominence<br />
in the motion picture industry to deprive him<br />
of the rights and privileges of every American<br />
Having the nation's newspapers blazon in<br />
stud-horse type "Movie Stars Arrested in<br />
Dope Raid" is bad enough, especially when<br />
such headlines are supported by alleged statements<br />
by Mitchum that he regularly smoked<br />
marijuana. Then the situation was made<br />
doubly disastrous through the ironical inci-<br />
pert, pre.sident.<br />
dental information that the star was scheduled<br />
Of the 15 Lippert productions already announced,<br />
to appear as a speaker at a National<br />
"Return of Wildfire." "Jungle Goddess"<br />
Youth month rally shortly after the time<br />
and "Last of the Wild Horses" are com-<br />
when he was apprehended in the marijuana<br />
pleted. "Thunder ir, the Pines." with George melee.<br />
Reeves, Ralph Byrd and Greg McClure; "Shep<br />
It<br />
Comes Home," a dog story with Robert Lowery,<br />
and "I Shot Jesse James." based on the the motion picture industry with character-<br />
might be recorded, parenthetically, that<br />
istic<br />
American Weekly story by Homer Croy, are<br />
public spirit has been giving all-out cooperation<br />
to Youth month, which celebration<br />
scheduled for September shooting. The others<br />
are: "Grand Canyon," "Gringo." "Emergency<br />
was primarily designed to combat juvenile<br />
Ward." "Rimfire." "Ti-ail's End," "Po-<br />
lice Woman," "Return of the Saint," "Banana<br />
delinquency.<br />
Hollywood always has had, and probably<br />
Fleet," "The Blackmailers" and "Three Alarm always will have, its Mitchums. Periodically<br />
Fire."<br />
their vagaries and their vices fiu'nish field<br />
days for journalistic sensation-seekers. The<br />
fortunate fact that they represent but a minute<br />
percentage of filmdom's executive and<br />
Thespic elite renders their headline-making<br />
shenanigans all the more deplorable. Thousands<br />
of decent, law-abiding toilers in the<br />
celluloid vineyards suffer socially and economically<br />
because the few offenders are not<br />
intelligent enough or appreciative enough to<br />
realize that they owe a great debt to a generous<br />
industry and an equally generous public<br />
who make it possible for them to enjoy<br />
princely fame and fortune.<br />
Just what might be done to improve the<br />
situation is anybody's guess. Currently many<br />
of the trade's best and most conscientious<br />
minds—and they represent all branches of the<br />
motion picture business—are concentrating<br />
on ways and means of improving the industry's<br />
over-all public relations. Their efforts,<br />
naturally enough, are spurred by declining<br />
patronage of motion picture theatres, those<br />
troublesome dwindling grosses that have put<br />
on the unemployment lists thousands of film<br />
colony workers just as deserving as Mitchum<br />
and his ilk: persons who have never subjected<br />
the industry to one iota of scandal<br />
or criticism.<br />
citizen to receive fair play."<br />
Regardless of how the press and public<br />
react to the RKO-DOS keep-an-open-mind<br />
request, much of the harm has been done<br />
beyond repair. Resultantly it is entirely possible<br />
that the Mitchumian "This-will-ruinme"<br />
observation will wind up in the archives<br />
as famous last words.<br />
Apparently Gene Autry has definitely decided<br />
the airplane will never replace the<br />
horse. The title of his latest starrer for Columbia<br />
was switched from "Wings Westward"<br />
to "Ridin" the Old Pine Trail."<br />
From the George Brown-Paramount blurbery,<br />
intelligence that "Margaret Brain of<br />
Prince Rupert, recently selected 'Queen of<br />
British Columbia,' paid her first visit to<br />
Paramount studio yesterday."<br />
If Miss Brain visited the publicity department,<br />
she must have been a lonesome lass.<br />
.And Alex Evelove reveals that Milo Anderson,<br />
Warner Bros, designer, concocted a lightweight<br />
plastic bustle for Alexis Smith to<br />
wear in "Montana."<br />
That's one way of not getting too close to<br />
those horrid, hard saddles.<br />
"Bill and Coo." parakeet stars of the Republic<br />
fUm of the same name which won a<br />
special Academy award, have been given to<br />
the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and<br />
Sciences by Ken Murray, the film's producer.<br />
The blue and gieen birds, in an elaborate<br />
gilded cage, are now ''at residence" in the<br />
Academy library.<br />
Now the Academicians of the creative<br />
and or Thespic variety can always feel at<br />
home—getting the bird.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948<br />
23
Released thru RKO RADIO PICTURES, INC.<br />
BENNY GOODMAN • TOMMY DORSEY<br />
•<br />
LOUIS ARMSTRONG • LIONElI! '.<br />
.1 "
i<br />
please<br />
W IS «4K/j<br />
Says the TRADE PRESS!<br />
'4k<br />
"Big boxoffice comedy . . . No<br />
question that it will chalk up<br />
hefty grosses in all situations."<br />
—VARIETY<br />
"The greatest jam session of<br />
them all . . . The show stands<br />
solid. . . Swell entertainment."<br />
—FILM DAILY<br />
"Undiluted entertainment,<br />
practically guaranteed not to<br />
provoke a serious thought."<br />
—M. P. DAILY<br />
"Mirth and melody which will<br />
. . . top money in all<br />
bookings." —BOXOFFICE<br />
"Company of musicians probably<br />
beats any other combina-<br />
go with everything, and hepcats<br />
should have a field day."<br />
—M. P. HERALD<br />
"In eye appeal this is up to<br />
the best standards of the producer<br />
who makes the classiest<br />
pictures in the world — Samuel<br />
Goldwyn."<br />
—SHOWMEN'S TRADE<br />
REVIEW<br />
"Brilliant<br />
star-studded tune<br />
film . . . Lavish and spectacular<br />
. . . Mighty appetizing offer<br />
for exhibitor whether deluxe,<br />
neighborhood or main<br />
street."<br />
—HOLLYWOOD<br />
REPORTER<br />
"Another Kaye, another buck<br />
. . . glittering boxoffice bait . .<br />
Enough jazz greats to cause<br />
shutdown of 52nd Street hot<br />
spots." -DAILY VARIETY<br />
"Has more than its share of<br />
modern music . . . hilarious<br />
sequences . . . feature cast and<br />
musicians . . . plenty of merchandising<br />
opportunity."<br />
—THE EXHIBITOR<br />
"Big boxoffice<br />
comedy with<br />
music . . . loaded with names<br />
of sure-fire drawing power . .<br />
A money maker."<br />
-INDEPENDENT<br />
FILM JOURNAL<br />
tion ever on screen. They let<br />
m- CHARLIE BARNET • MEL POWELL • ?H"fGo%^".'^G^AUJ^R^^f.^'u1?r.1HVsT^<br />
THE GOLDEN GATE QUARTET • RUSSO & THE SAMBA KINGS
. .<br />
. . "We<br />
Theatre Collections,<br />
Yes or No?<br />
Here is an argument for a return to the industry's wartime community service<br />
By NICK JOHN MATSOUKAS<br />
eiNCE the war ended we of the motion picture<br />
theatre business are facing a dilemma.<br />
Should we intensify our efforts on<br />
behalf of community service undertakings or<br />
shall we stay put, embracing the "business<br />
as usual" attitude?<br />
Do you like to stage collections in your<br />
theatre? Would you embark again on a<br />
mighty theatre campaign to sell U.S. Security<br />
bonds just like you sold U.S. war bonds?<br />
Do you feel that it is your duty as a theatre<br />
operator to join and stage drives to help<br />
combat cancer, polio, arthritis, heart ailments,<br />
etc.? Then there is the Red Cross, the Salvation<br />
Army, the American Overseas Aid for<br />
Children, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, recruiting<br />
campaigns for the army and other units of<br />
our armed forces. Must we help them all?<br />
A DEMOCRATIC DUTY<br />
I, for one, favor collections in theatres.<br />
I know I am putting myself on a spot when<br />
I say this, but so is the somber minority that<br />
shares this view. Now don't say it . . . you<br />
did something for this or that campaign .<br />
You did it. But how about the theatre industry<br />
as a whole, united in action, repeating<br />
that wonderful job we did during the war<br />
years! Let's admit it ... we did not do it<br />
together. You did alone.<br />
We brag about our war record. We say<br />
we were Uncle Sam's cash register. We did<br />
it then because we convinced ourselves that<br />
if the enemy had won we wouldn't have had<br />
theatres to operate today.<br />
But is that crisis over? From a military<br />
standpoint, yes. From a social point, from<br />
the point of a virile democracy, the danger<br />
is never over. In a democracy it is everybody's<br />
duty to function in a communityminded<br />
manner.<br />
It is at this point that the theatre is needed<br />
most. The church and the theatre are two<br />
community centers that the people recognize<br />
and love. The church offers salvation<br />
to the soul, the theatre entertains the soul.<br />
Being sectarian, a particular church draws<br />
only from its adherents. The theatre, answerable<br />
only to dictates of the boxoffice,<br />
welcomes all. That is why I feel that the<br />
responsibility of the theatre to the community<br />
is in many respects greater than some<br />
other social and spiritual institutions.<br />
GOOD PUBLIC RELATIONS<br />
The institution that serves the community<br />
best is the stronger one. The church as an<br />
institution is doing fine with collections. That<br />
is the reason why many leaders in the industry<br />
have discovered that collections in<br />
theatres, judiciously planned and executed,<br />
are an asset to the theatre. It is good public<br />
relations. And the good public relations check<br />
is cashed in at a later date at the boxoffice<br />
in dollars and cents.<br />
Here is an example of what I mean. Recently,<br />
just a few months ago, one New York<br />
City theatre chain alone collected for the<br />
Heart Campaign some $30,000. The check was<br />
presented at a gala premiere on Broadway<br />
where a report of the city-wide amount of<br />
money collected was announced. The grand<br />
total was $180,000. Of this total the theatre<br />
chain's collection claimed $30,000. It is a good<br />
percentage for one unit to bring in. And it<br />
War Efforts<br />
Matsoukas'<br />
Brought Fame to Him<br />
Nick John Matsoukas became famous<br />
during the war years as director of the<br />
community service department of Skouras<br />
Theatres Corp. He still heads that<br />
department and also is director of advertising<br />
and publicity.<br />
He had weekly radio programs; he<br />
helped produce films to explain rationing;<br />
he induced famous speakers and artists<br />
to lend the aid of their names to<br />
his efforts.<br />
He was in the midst of all the discussion<br />
about theatre collections which developed<br />
in the last year of the war as a<br />
result of the WAC activities.<br />
BOXOFFICE herewith presents his<br />
views on theatre collections as a service<br />
to its readers. It takes no stand on either<br />
side of the discussion.<br />
was noticed by the people. It was a swell<br />
piece of public relations. The theatre chain,<br />
as long as it continues on that policy, will<br />
never go broke. People are funny. They do<br />
not forget those who do good work for the<br />
many, for the community.<br />
But let us suppose that the entire theatre<br />
industry had made collections for the Heart<br />
Campaign. Several millions w-ould have been<br />
collected. The radio industry is going in big<br />
for helping charitable drives. The radio men<br />
are smart. Their tomorrow is not crystalgazed.<br />
It is viewed right in broad daylight.<br />
They see what it is to do community work.<br />
It is their future.<br />
Now what is the matter with us?<br />
We know that we are stronger than any<br />
other institution. We know that we appeal to<br />
some 90,000.000 people a week. Then why<br />
do we forsake our greatest opportunity to he<br />
of community service?<br />
I don't know what to write here. I guess<br />
I am just a small fry and don't know much<br />
about this business. But every day I see the<br />
need for such work, just as you see it. Sure,<br />
I know . are in the show business,<br />
Matsoukas." But this is the biggest show<br />
we can put on for the people. They will love<br />
us for whatever we do for the commimity.<br />
Our reward will come both in our hearts and<br />
at our boxoffices.<br />
This problem of conmiunity work is not<br />
just the problem of one or two theatres in<br />
each town or one or two chains. It's big.<br />
Made to order for everybody to handle it as<br />
a unit. It's the greatest show package that<br />
is left at our front door. But small fry like<br />
you and me cannot solve this problem. Our<br />
leaders—those tycoons, those pioneers who<br />
brought his business up to its present preeminent<br />
position—it is for them to sit down<br />
and thresh this thing out. Then they should<br />
tell us—the not-so-smart ones—as to why<br />
it benefits us as well as them, to have organized<br />
collections, join in national drives for the<br />
common good, and, as an industry, do the job<br />
together and not spasmodically and independently.<br />
Then they might convince us, the<br />
small fry, and we might decide to change our<br />
minds and go along with them and vote 'YES<br />
for collections and a double "YES, YES for<br />
national drives. We might even decide to pui<br />
the theatre back with the community as we<br />
had it during the war years.<br />
Those big boys, those tycoons, are mighty<br />
smart salesmen. They might convince every<br />
one of us small fry.<br />
Then that 90,000,000 Americans will not be<br />
wrong in thanking us from the bottom of<br />
their hearts.<br />
Then we may find out what was the matter<br />
with us.<br />
Skouros House Conducts<br />
Youth Month Ccmipaign<br />
BERGENFIELD, N. J.—Eugene R. Edwards,<br />
manager of the Palace Theatre, a Skouras<br />
Theatres Corp. house, is conducting a campaign<br />
for public support of Youth Month<br />
which has the backing of Bergenfield and<br />
Dumont, the latter a mile and a half away.<br />
The campaign started September 1 when<br />
the mayors of both towns proclaimed Youth<br />
month in the local papers. The tw-on officials<br />
and youth officials held meetings at the Palace<br />
to organize activities in and outside the<br />
theatre. Exhibits showing youth work were<br />
placed in the Palace lobby and will be<br />
changed each week by different organizations<br />
including Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies,<br />
Campfire Girls and others.<br />
The highlight of the month will be a display<br />
of youth on parade September 18 when<br />
nearly 1,000 boys and girls from organized<br />
groups will march from Bergenfield to Dumont<br />
where they will compete in games.<br />
Local bands and two national guard units,<br />
comprised of young men over 17, also will<br />
be in the parade. Because September 18 is<br />
also Air Force day, a bomber group has consented<br />
to fly over the town in recognition of<br />
Youth Month and a local photography shop<br />
will make motion pictures of the event. Tliese<br />
will be shown at the Palace at a future date.<br />
On September 16 the St. Mary's band of<br />
Dumont, which consists of young people, will<br />
participate in a half-hour program on the<br />
stage of the Palace.<br />
26 BOXOFFICE :: September 11. 1948<br />
1
)?<br />
.ce<br />
It's<br />
'ma<br />
rhe Most Famous Short<br />
JWllU;<br />
IS is ,;<br />
leatis<br />
Subject Ever Made!<br />
ailie it<br />
s<br />
illlrjliii<br />
ilea<br />
On<br />
Mi Jii:<br />
esent piti<br />
iit diR<br />
leyslioij<br />
s to tlj<br />
ive orjai'<br />
Kfortdothejc<br />
H0*'„5rt TIB' '"<br />
mi iJif-<br />
l\ i<br />
I3r.«e c<br />
voieTC<br />
YIS It:<br />
iletopi;<br />
Sensational return of the<br />
best loved, biggest-money<br />
short on record! Booked for<br />
pre-release showing in<br />
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL<br />
and already set for 200 other<br />
majorfirstruns in its first release<br />
week! . . . Bigger boxoffice today<br />
than ever— with new and old<br />
audiences to attract! .. .Sell it<br />
like a top feature attraction<br />
and CASH IN!<br />
YOUTH MONTH<br />
SALUTING<br />
irOUNG AMERICA<br />
Re-Released by RKO RADIO PICTURES, Inc.
: September<br />
.doHcU^t ^efront<br />
"PHE JOHNSTON VISIT is now over and<br />
Eric Johnston himself has left for the<br />
continent to discuss the problems of American<br />
fUm producers in European countries,<br />
and the only concrete result of his visit seems<br />
to be a considerable amount of publicity in<br />
the British press. He has obviously not been<br />
able to get the quota lowered, nor to make<br />
any arrangements for a wider showing of<br />
American pictures.<br />
As you will have read by now, the announcement<br />
he made before leaving was<br />
that in future the major American distributors<br />
will not sell one picture at a time to<br />
exhibitors, but will insist on the whole bill<br />
being American. This is to overcome the plan<br />
which Rank is reputed to be following of<br />
buying American films at cheap rates and<br />
booking them into his circuits as second features.<br />
Eric Johnston himself, when receiving<br />
the press before he left, stressed the fact<br />
that there were no instances as far as he<br />
knew of this policy having been followed, but<br />
that the agreement had been entered into<br />
between the distributors in case it should be<br />
followed. Since Rank's distribution deal with<br />
Universal-International and Eagle Lion still<br />
stands it is difficult to see how this new arrangement<br />
materially will affect him. Something<br />
like 70 per cent of his year's program<br />
is made up of his own pictures and those<br />
of the two American firms mentioned, and<br />
he will presumably be prepared to book American<br />
product for the remainder of his program.<br />
In attacking the quota, Johnston pointed<br />
out to us that last year our output was comparatively<br />
small, about 40 first feature films,<br />
and that this year Britain proposed to make<br />
By JOHN SULLIVAN<br />
90 or 96, thereby more than doubling her<br />
total production. He asked how this could be<br />
done without sacrificing quality. The answer<br />
is one that should have been obvious.<br />
Last year we were still in the throes of the<br />
great "prestige at any price" movement and<br />
pictures were taking as long as six or eight<br />
months to make. This year the accent is on<br />
quality at a moderate cost, and there are very<br />
few pictures taking the floor in England<br />
today which are scheduled for more than<br />
13 weeks shooting. Also, a large proportion<br />
of this year's films will be shot on outdoor<br />
locations with perhaps only six or seven<br />
weeks studio work after the location is finished.<br />
We have yet to see whether the program<br />
that British producers have set themselves<br />
will be fulfilled, but from the way<br />
pictures are coming along at the moment<br />
this seems very probable.<br />
One interesting point that Johnston made<br />
was that pictures made in England by American<br />
companies would, under the new arrangements,<br />
be treated as British and would be<br />
booked out to exhibitors with a British second<br />
feature to accompany them. Since British<br />
second feature production has been badly<br />
hit recently it looks as though, with the<br />
Americans buying British second features to<br />
support their own British product, the smaller<br />
producers here may find conditions improving.<br />
TRADESHOWN LAST WEEK was "The<br />
Winslow Boy," which Anatole de Grunwald<br />
has produced for London Films, his first<br />
picture under that banner. The film stars<br />
Robert Donat, Sir Cedrlc Hardwicke and in-<br />
troduces Korda's new star, Margaret Leighton.<br />
It is rare that we make a flat prophecy<br />
of what a picture may or may not do at the<br />
boxoffice, but of the appeal of this one there<br />
can be no doubt at all. It appears to be<br />
made to measure for really big takings<br />
wherever It is shown. The film is based on<br />
the popular stage play by Terence Rattigan<br />
which did standing-room-only business here<br />
and which is at the moment touring America.<br />
The play in turn was freely adapted<br />
from a famous court case of some 30 years<br />
ago when a child of 13 was accused of stealing<br />
a postal order for five shillings and his<br />
father spends thousands of pounds on proving<br />
the boy's innocence. The late Alexander<br />
Woolcott immortalized the story for American<br />
readers in one of his radio broadcasts<br />
which was later reprinted in book form. At<br />
first sight, a story such as that briefly described<br />
above may appear to be unsuitable<br />
for the screen, but the script of "The Winslow<br />
Boy" is so well written that drama has been<br />
substituted for action and the intensity of<br />
some of the sequences had a sophisticated<br />
tradeshow audience sitting on the edge of its<br />
seat. Robert Donat and Sir Cedric Hardwicke<br />
both give performances which will increase<br />
enormously their already very great<br />
standing with audiences, but the sensation<br />
of the picture was the performance of Kathleen<br />
Harrison as the Cockney maid. This<br />
actress first jumped into the public notice<br />
when she was seen in "Holiday Camp" and<br />
"Bond Street." but her acting in "The<br />
Winslow Boy" is even finer than that which<br />
earned her critical applause in those two pictures<br />
mentioned.<br />
In one scene in the film Miss Harrison has<br />
to bring the news of a favorable verdict to<br />
Hardwicke who is waiting at home, and she<br />
has a solo sequence which the tradeshow<br />
audience applauded her for several minutes,<br />
an event which your correspondent has never<br />
before experienced.<br />
Taken on its star value, story value and<br />
production, "The Winslow Boy" seems to be<br />
the first really big winner to come out of the<br />
Korda stables for some time.<br />
BRITISH HONOR SELZNICK-Leaders of British films, stage, arts, journalism<br />
and the government paid tribute to David O. Selznicks "Gone With the Wind"<br />
on the occasion of the film's record 3,000th performance. In the photo above Selziiick<br />
(left) receives a parchment scroll bearing the names of many noted Britons.<br />
Making the presentation are Robert H. Hadow (center). British consul general in<br />
Los Angeles, and Sir Aubrey Smith, veteran actor. Selznick was honored for "the<br />
achievement of his most distinguished film production which, after entertaining<br />
millions of Britons through the blitz years of the war, has now returned to continue<br />
its success as the foremost entertainment of the present age."<br />
THE TRADESCREENING of "The Winslow<br />
Boy" marks the second Anatole de Grunwald<br />
film this year, the first being "Bond Street"<br />
which was distributed by Pathe, and his present<br />
program means that de Grunwald is Britain's<br />
largest independent producer. As explained<br />
before every nominally independent<br />
producer in this country is, in fact, tied to a<br />
circuit for distribution, but de Grunwald<br />
varies this procedure by making pictures<br />
alternately for London Films and for ABPC.<br />
The odd situation arises that although in one<br />
case the films are distributed by British Lion<br />
and in the other by Pathe, they still end<br />
upon the same circuit—ABC. With the two<br />
already shown, another, "The Queen of<br />
Spades" (ABPC) in the cutting stage and<br />
"The Last Days of Dolwyn" (Korda), currently<br />
in production, he has four films to<br />
show so far this year and is slated to do two<br />
more. An output of six films in one year Is<br />
a fairly creditable record for any producer,<br />
but a particularly good one for an independent.<br />
With his two partners, Terence Rattigan,<br />
the playwright, and Anthony Asqulth,<br />
the director, de Grunwald made his name<br />
with the record-breaking picture, "The Way<br />
to the Stars" (titled in the U.S. "Johnny in<br />
the Clouds") which won the first I>aily<br />
Mail film award for the best film made In<br />
Great Britain during the war years.<br />
28<br />
BOXOFFICE :<br />
11, 1948
CHESTER FRIEDMAN<br />
EDITOR<br />
OKOffICi?<br />
HUGH E. FRAZE<br />
Associate Editor<br />
SECTION<br />
]<br />
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN<br />
f[o<br />
f^JLetdiown<br />
Eight Managers Join Bonus Winners<br />
With Exceptional Summer Exploits<br />
Through the summer months, the<br />
continuous flow of mail to this department<br />
gave no indication that<br />
exploitation, particularly the promotional<br />
kind, had slowed down<br />
even a little.<br />
Considering the frequency with<br />
which theatremen wrote and, told us<br />
about rigid economies being practiced,<br />
it is surprising that business<br />
has held up. In many quarters<br />
where circuits usually used a little<br />
sail trimming during the hot weather<br />
months, the order this past year was<br />
changed to a more drastic "get down<br />
to essentials" basis.<br />
That put the burden squarely on<br />
the manager's shoulders and, as<br />
usual, he did a grand job.<br />
It is while working on the job of<br />
indexing and cross-indexing all the<br />
fine campaigns which have appeared<br />
in the Showmandiser section<br />
these past months that one can<br />
fully understand, and appreciate just<br />
how much theatre promotion has increased<br />
and its quality improved.<br />
There is a feeling in the industry<br />
that business is slated for an upward<br />
trend. The beginning of the traditional<br />
new show season is an annual<br />
signal for theatremen to explore<br />
their showmanship experience for<br />
ways and means of getting their<br />
proper share of extra business.<br />
We cannot overlook this opportunity<br />
to point out that filed and bound<br />
copies of the Showmandiser are a<br />
real treasure chest of practical ideas<br />
for selling seats by practical showmen—for<br />
every showman.<br />
An imaginary phone conversation<br />
between a patron and the cashier of<br />
the New York Paramount Theatre.<br />
Cashier: "Good evening."<br />
Patron:<br />
Cashier:<br />
"What's playing?"<br />
"Sorry, Wrong Number."<br />
Patron: "Excuse me." BANG.<br />
CifAia* ^MadmoM<br />
Fred Leavens Glenn Schwartz Olin Evans OUie Bales<br />
During August the names of eight more<br />
theatremen made the growing list of winners<br />
of BOXOFFICE bonuses, awarded for out-<br />
ognition and a bonus for Fred Leavens, manager<br />
of the Circle in Toronto.<br />
In the general tieup classification, Fred<br />
Putnam, Strand, Port Arthur, Tex., scored<br />
top honors for a tiein with a city golden<br />
standing promotions in behalf of the theatre<br />
boxoffice submitted to the Showmandiser<br />
section. Two repeat winners were named. jubilee celebration.<br />
Each will receive a $10 bonus and a citation Others who joined the long list of those who<br />
of honor for their achievements.<br />
have earned bonuses are OUie Bales, Dixie,<br />
Leo Haney, manager of the Lido, Maywood,<br />
111., and Elmer Hecht, manager of the son, Pecos Theatre. Roswell, N. M., lobby dis-<br />
Abbeville, La., window display; Tom Ander-<br />
Park, Tampa, Fla., were the repeaters. Haney play; T. W. Hanlon, State, Bridgeton, Me.,<br />
was cited for a public relations promotion newspaper ad; Glenn Schwartz, Times Theatres,<br />
Waukegan, 111., program; Olin Evans,<br />
in connection with the Maywood Safety Patrol<br />
which he organized earlier this year. He Broadway Theatre, Reidsville, N. C.<br />
staged a picnic for the group which resulted During September, promotions submitted<br />
in special distinction for the theatre among to the Showmandiser in behalf of Youth<br />
the adults and youngsters in Maywood. month, will receive full consideration in the<br />
Hecht's skillful exploitation of the southwest<br />
premiere of "Mr. Peabody and the Mer-<br />
bonuses. An additional $25 bonus wiU be pre-<br />
monthly BOXOFFICE award of $100 in<br />
maid" was considered<br />
sented for the best Youth Month campaign.<br />
the most outstanding<br />
ballyhoo stunt of the<br />
month.<br />
A full-page co-op<br />
ad, developed on a<br />
short subject, won a<br />
$10 bonus for George<br />
Cameron, manager of<br />
the Norwalk Theatre.<br />
Norwalk, Ohio.<br />
A unique marquee<br />
display in which he<br />
used luminous paint<br />
to silhouette cutouts<br />
received special rec-<br />
Elmer Hecht<br />
Tom .\nderson<br />
Co-Ops for 'Dream Girl'<br />
S. Todorov, assistant manager of the State<br />
Theatre, Harrisburg, Pa., tied up for numerous<br />
window and newspaper co-op ads in<br />
conjunction with "Dream Girl." Tiein copy<br />
line used was "The Keynote for Fall Is<br />
Black for That 'Dream Girl' Expression."<br />
—643—<br />
Where? Here? Yes!<br />
Handicapped though he is by an unusually<br />
small marquee. James Tuffy, manager of the<br />
Crown Theatre In Hartford, managed to announce<br />
two Tarzan revivals by using one word<br />
on each of the three letter rows. The result<br />
was, "Leopard Woman" . . . "Tarzan" . . .<br />
"Huntress."<br />
29
.<br />
A Al ^*'<br />
^>
TOApNGEG-lST<br />
'^^^DS «/<br />
COLUMBIA PICTURES presents<br />
/<br />
Louis HAYWARD • Dennis U'KEtht<br />
..K<br />
n^oy by George Bruce<br />
LOUISE ALLBRITTON<br />
CARL ESMOND<br />
An EDWARD SMALL Production 1,<br />
L<br />
^^ Mil<br />
• Directed by CORDON DOUOIAS • deduced by GRANT WHYTOCK i^»
Pepsi-Cola Hi-Ho Fun Show Draws<br />
Big Summer Crowd to Kid Show<br />
M. E. Hammond, owner-manager of the<br />
Shastona Theatre, Mount Shasta, Calif.,<br />
writes in to tip other exhibitors off on a<br />
tieup which has proved highly successful for<br />
him.<br />
Hammond has a Pepsi-Cola Hi-Ho fun<br />
show going as part of his regular Saturday<br />
program. This is a half-hour broadcast from<br />
the stage which precedes the regular screen<br />
show.<br />
The local Pepsi bottler furnishes the radio<br />
time, several cases of pop and other small<br />
Record Sketches Used<br />
In 'Homecoming' Gag<br />
In promoting "Homecoming," Charles<br />
Daniels, manager of the Paramount in Glens<br />
Falls, N. Y., got one of the local radio stations<br />
to use a 15-minute platter of sketches<br />
from some of Clark Gable's old pictures.<br />
He built a contest around this, in which<br />
listeners were asked to send in the titles of<br />
past Gable films, with passes awarded to those<br />
submitting the longest lists. All this air time<br />
cost the theatre nothing.<br />
Tied in with the above, Daniels made up a<br />
40x60 of stills from Gable's old pictures showing<br />
him with Norma Shearer, Garbo, Joan<br />
Crawford and other feminine stars. The sign,<br />
which carried information on the radio contest<br />
as well as plugs for "Homecoming" and<br />
playdates, was planted in a store window in<br />
the center of town, all accomplished through<br />
the judicious use of a few passes.<br />
Merchants Buy Page Ad<br />
Promoting 'Red River'<br />
E. B. Buffington, manager of the Palace<br />
Theatre, Wetherford, Tex., didn't have the<br />
services of a distributor's exploiteer to help<br />
him sell the day-and-date area premiere of<br />
"Red River." Buffington got a number of<br />
local businessmen to sponsor a page ad announcing<br />
the opening. Each merchant received<br />
equal billing in a small one-column<br />
ad. About 85 per cent of the page was given<br />
over to the theatre, picture announcements<br />
and illustrations. Stunt cost nothing.<br />
gifts as prizes. Only cost to the theatre is<br />
the salary of the master of ceremonies and<br />
a piano player, plus a few boxes of candy<br />
which are tossed among the audience.<br />
Three amateurs are presented each week.<br />
The kids in the audience select the winner by<br />
applause. Every fourth week, the winners<br />
compete for a grand prize which merchants<br />
supply. It's lots of fun for the kids, reports<br />
Hammond, and business has been up over<br />
200 per cent throughout the summer at the<br />
Shastona.<br />
Another Co-Op Garnered<br />
By Assistant on 'Union'<br />
Ernest Martin, assistant at the Rivoli in<br />
Winchester, Term., came through with another<br />
full-page co-op newspaper ad recently<br />
to help exploit "State of the Union." Martin<br />
has been instrumental in cementing the<br />
theatre's relationship with merchants<br />
through several such tieups in recent weeks.<br />
For "State of the Union" he promoted 1,000<br />
circulars, which were also paid for by a<br />
cooperating businessman, and distributed 59<br />
window cards throughout the area.<br />
Palms Dress Up Front<br />
For Jungle Reissues<br />
An atmospheric front was part of the exploitation<br />
devised by Norman Lofthus, manager<br />
of the Mission in Santa Barbara, Calif.,<br />
during the presentation of two reissues,<br />
"Africa Speaks" and "Goona Goona." Regular<br />
outdoor display panels were completely<br />
surrounded with huge palm fronds. A large<br />
head of an idol was placed over the boxoffice.<br />
Lofthus reports business was well over<br />
average on the combination.<br />
Store Ad Plugs 'Emperor'<br />
In Cologne and Records<br />
The engagement of "The Emperor Waltz"<br />
at the Malco Theatre was exploited by a<br />
quarter page co-op ad promoted by Elliott<br />
Johnson, publicity director for Malco Theatres,<br />
Memphis. Ad was paid for by a department<br />
store which tied in DuBarry cologne<br />
and recording of song hits from the film.<br />
Every Minute 58 Free Announcements<br />
Is Result of Phone Service Tieup<br />
Jack Frost, manager of the Armview person selected from the phone directory<br />
Theatre, HaUfax, N. S., has established a each day. If the person called can identify<br />
any of the sponsors, they receive a<br />
unique tieup which gets the theatre a<br />
free plug several thousand times daily at letter and two theatre tickets from the<br />
a net outlay of two passes per day.<br />
service company. The pass recipients also<br />
Residents of Halifax have a correct time become eligible to win a radio promoted<br />
service at their disposal by dialing 29 on from one of the sponsors in a drawing<br />
the telephone. From 12 to 14 thousand conducted on the Armview stage once<br />
calls are received daily. Advertising sponsors<br />
receive a plug just prior to the time Over-aU idea was a good Institutional<br />
each month.<br />
announcement by a recorded voice.<br />
promotion for the theatre, getting widespread<br />
comment among the residents of<br />
Frost hooked up with the service for a<br />
contest in which the company calls one the city.<br />
Style Show for Girls<br />
Highlights Buildup<br />
For 'Big City'<br />
Enlisting the cooperation of MGM studio<br />
publicists, Margaret O'Brien, star of "Big<br />
City," and Nau's department store in Green<br />
Bay, Wis., resulted in a topnotch promotion<br />
for Ross Leddy, manager of the Orpheum<br />
Theatre in that city.<br />
Leddy sold the store on a children's style<br />
show which was presented on the Orpheum<br />
stage opening night. All fashions were<br />
modeled by live mannequins. The show was<br />
built around vaudeville acts and an orchestra.<br />
The city observed Margaret O'Brien<br />
week in honor of the young star and that<br />
Hollywood personality forwarded a letter addressed<br />
to all girls in Green Bay. The letter<br />
with attendant publicity was published in<br />
the Press-Gazette.<br />
In addition to providing the talent and<br />
wardrobe for the style show, the store used<br />
large co-op ads in the newspapers to build<br />
up interest and used full window displays<br />
designed around Margaret O'Brien clothes<br />
styles.<br />
Leddy booked a screen circus film to augment<br />
his matinee program. This was well<br />
exploited in and around the theatre and<br />
through special newspaper advertisements.<br />
Visit by Danny Thomas<br />
Is Basis for Campaign<br />
When Danny Thomas returned to his<br />
home town of Toledo for a vacation recently,<br />
the presence of the MGM comedian was made<br />
the basis for some effective publicity campaign<br />
obtained by Abe Ludacer, manager of<br />
Loew's 'Valentine there, in advance of "The<br />
Big City," which features the Ohio comic.<br />
An interview with Thomas by Mich Woodbury,<br />
Toledo Blade columnist, and special art<br />
in the Toledo Times rounded out extensive<br />
newspaper coverage. Thomas also was interviewed<br />
by Woodbury during one of his weekly<br />
broadcasts. Disk jockeys featured tunes from<br />
the film.<br />
Several thousand copies of the RCA-'Victor<br />
consumer house publication, In the Groove,<br />
containing scenes from "Big City" and comments<br />
on music featured in the picture, were<br />
distributed by various Toledo record shops.<br />
Assistant Sells Co-Op<br />
On Reading 'Blandings'<br />
Alton McHan, assistant to Manager Larry<br />
Levy at the Colonial Theatre in Reading,<br />
Pa., sold a full-page cooperative newspaper<br />
ad to nine local merchants in conjunction<br />
with the engagement of "Mr. Blandings Builds<br />
His Dream House." An attractive lobby display<br />
also helped to publicize the picture in<br />
advance of opening.<br />
Napkins for 'Dude'<br />
Napkins imprinted with playdate information<br />
on "The Dude Goes West" were used by<br />
Alca Hopper, manager of the Humota in<br />
Humboldt, Iowa, a week in advance and during<br />
the showing. They were distributed in<br />
drive-ins and restaurants. Hopper also had<br />
two of his usherettes dressed as dudes stroll<br />
around town, cari-ying signs with theatre<br />
credits.<br />
I<br />
32 -646— BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Sept. 11, 1948 1
jJ!!?!en^<br />
First Line<br />
Of<br />
Setiing<br />
Jfmonths in a row<br />
with ^Jerichor<br />
M. P. HERALD BOXOFFICE<br />
CHAMPION FOR AUGUST**<br />
n<br />
THE WALLS<br />
OFJERICHO<br />
CORNEL WILDE, LINDA DARNELL, ANNE BAXTER, KIRK DOUGLAS in "THE WALLS OF JERICHO" with ANN DVORAK<br />
Marjorie Rambeau, Henry Hull, Colleen Townsend, Barton MacLane,-Griff Barnett, Willianrj Tracy, Art Baker • Directed<br />
by JOHN M. STAHL- Produced by LAMAR TROTTI • ScreeiPlay by Lamar Trotti-Bt^ed on thf Npvel by Paul Wellman<br />
TiiP'!^^'<br />
%The record to date in '48! 20th leads the industry in boxoffice<br />
champions... more champions than any other company.<br />
. . the only company to make the list every month!<br />
Boxoffice ehampions cowning up!<br />
THi LUCK OF<br />
THE IRISH<br />
fint tac fint-mii at rcfidar^prices!<br />
FOREVER AMBER<br />
TECHNfCOlOR<br />
APARTMENT<br />
FOR PEGGY<br />
TKMMCOLOt<br />
CRY OF<br />
THE CITY<br />
%.<br />
September Is LUCKY MONTH at L ^^ A ...YOUTH MONTH All Over America!<br />
CENTURY-FOX
The James Boys Were Plain Amateurs!<br />
This One Robs His Competitor Blind<br />
Most exhibitors are familiar with tent<br />
revivals, that old traveling bugaboo which<br />
plays havoc at the theatre boxoffice.<br />
Recently when a revival pulled in at Buford,<br />
Ga., and established business in the<br />
city square, C. O. James, manager of the<br />
Allen Theatre realized he had a problem<br />
on his hands. The opposition had some<br />
pretty good entertainment with singers<br />
and musicians from the WSB Bam Dance.<br />
James was worried about his own business<br />
with "Grand Old Opry," which he<br />
had booked as opposition to the revivaL<br />
He began to wonder where he could dig<br />
up enough extra business to fill the Allen.<br />
He rejected the most obvious place, Buford,<br />
because after counting out his average<br />
theatre patronag:e and the revival attendance,<br />
only the cemetery was left, the<br />
inhabitants of which could hardly be expected<br />
to have the admission price no<br />
matter how anxious they might be to attend.<br />
No doubt the notorious reputation of his<br />
famous namesakes had something to do<br />
with his next decision, for James made<br />
up his mind to steal the thunder—and<br />
business right out from under the opposition.<br />
First he promoted a truck after promising<br />
to pay for the gasoline. Then he<br />
made signs for the truck announcing,<br />
"Grand Old Opry Night at the Allen, etc."<br />
Next he rounded up a gang of youngsters<br />
who owned and performed with musical<br />
instruments, loaded them on the truck<br />
disguised as hillbillies and made wheel<br />
Stores, Clubs Boost<br />
'White Collar Girl'<br />
Ed May, manager of the Lincoln Theatre,<br />
Miami Beach, developed special interest in<br />
"White Collar Girl," March of Time release,<br />
by sending special letters to all members of<br />
local women's professional clubs.<br />
Society editors as well as the reviewers<br />
and editors of the women's pages for the<br />
Miami Herald, Daily News and Miami Beach<br />
Star, used special features and art layouts to<br />
boost the film.<br />
Two department stores cooperated with<br />
window displays and newspaper ads built<br />
around wearing apparel for the "Whi:e Collar<br />
Girl" with fuU theatre credit. Both stores<br />
also distributed small announcement cards<br />
in pay envelopes, and displayed 11x14 cards<br />
in elevators and on counters.<br />
Radio plugs were promoted over WKAT,<br />
WGBS, WINZ, WBAY and WMBM. An advance<br />
trailer, lobby display and marquee copy<br />
helped to exploit the playdates.<br />
Toy Drums to 25 Kids<br />
To help exploit the reissue program of<br />
"Drums" and "Four Feathers," Fred Greenway,<br />
manager of the Palace Theatre in Hartford,<br />
tied up with a local toy store and promoted<br />
toy drums which were given to the<br />
first 25 kids who showed up on opening day.<br />
36<br />
tracks for other parts of the southland.<br />
Places with names like Shake Rag,<br />
Pecker Wood, Sleepy Vale, Suwanee and<br />
Daniel's Town may sound like something<br />
out of an Octavus Roy Cohen novel. To<br />
the determined Allen manager, they are<br />
real rural communities with live potential<br />
patrons. These were his destination.<br />
Right where traffic was heaviest, the<br />
entourag:e stopped while the gang entertained<br />
in real hillbilly style. James, meanwhile,<br />
quietly circulated among the crowds<br />
passing out luuidbills announcing Roy<br />
Acuf f, the Weaver Brothers and Elvira and<br />
the Allen playdates.<br />
The entire stunt set the theatre back<br />
seven passes to the show for the talent, a<br />
dollar for gas and $4 for handbills.<br />
The night "Grand Old Opry" opened, the<br />
citizens of Shake Rag. Pecker Wood,<br />
Sleepy Vale, etc., literally besieged the<br />
boxoffice at the Allen. This so provoked<br />
the curiosity of the Buford townspeople,<br />
that many abandoned the idea of attending<br />
the revival show and joined the Allen<br />
ticket line. The net result was a packed<br />
house for James.<br />
All of which proves once again, that a<br />
resourceful manager even in a town of<br />
3,000 population and against the toughest<br />
kind of opposition can put on a "purty<br />
good" exhibition of showmandising. Even<br />
the operators of the revival show admit<br />
that James came through with a "slick"<br />
piece of ballyhoo.<br />
(Editors of Shake Rag Advocate,<br />
Sleepy Vale Courier-Express and Pecker<br />
Wood Financial Journal, please copy.)<br />
Party for Soapbox Kids<br />
Builds Public Goodwill<br />
Bill Porter, manager of the Avalon Theatre,<br />
Minneapolis, has been having tough<br />
sledding getting publicity through most of<br />
the sununer because he has t)een on three day<br />
advance notice of his bookings.<br />
With the Minneapolis soapbox derby hitting<br />
the news columns regularly, he decided to<br />
cash in with a bit of extra publicity by entering<br />
three contestants under theatre sponsorship<br />
.<br />
The Star Journal came through with<br />
stories. Porter threw a party for all the contenders,<br />
gave them ice cream, popKJorn, a free<br />
show and built up goodwill with the families<br />
which he feels is bound to reflect in future<br />
business.<br />
Streets With No Names<br />
In Contest at Newark<br />
Fred Herkowitz, publicist for Proctor's,<br />
Newark, N. J., promoted a lobby contest which<br />
helped to build advance interest in "The<br />
Street With No Name." Blowups of a map of<br />
the city with the names of several streets<br />
ommitted were placed on display. Patrons<br />
were asked to identify the streets and passes<br />
and cash prizes were offered for the correct<br />
solution. A sidewalk display depicting scenes<br />
from the film production also served as an<br />
effective traffic-stopper.<br />
—650—<br />
Good Tieup for 'Sam'<br />
Is Described for<br />
RKO Managers<br />
Inspired by a manual which Harry Mandel,<br />
national advertising and publicity director<br />
for RKO Theatres, has developed around an<br />
idea for "Good Sam," RKO theatre managers<br />
are preparing to sound out local news editors<br />
on a contest which should prove stimulating<br />
when that film is played.<br />
The idea briefly, is to have the paper<br />
sponsor a contest in which readers will be<br />
asked to baUot on their choice for the citizen<br />
in that city who is popularly recognized as a<br />
"Good Sam."<br />
In Leo McCarey's production, the title role<br />
is filled by Gary Cooper who portrays a man<br />
going through life doing good deeds. A natural<br />
for a newspaper tieup, such a contest<br />
has terrific human interest value and editors<br />
should literally "eat it up." Balloting will also<br />
take place at the theatres with civic and<br />
service clubs expected to lend full cooperation.<br />
Mandel's manual includes a comprehensive<br />
campaign easily adapted to any theatre in<br />
any community.<br />
The chamber of commerce would come in<br />
on the promotion after the mayor had declared<br />
a "Good Sam" day following announcement<br />
of the winner, with the city and merchants<br />
participating in a luncheon, parade,<br />
special round of honor activities and the final<br />
presentation of donated prizes on the theatre<br />
stage, presumably on opening night.<br />
Of course in return for its cooperation, the<br />
newspaper would be properly exploited at the<br />
theatre through a trailer and lobby display.<br />
Daily announcements in the paper and at the<br />
theatre on standings of the various nominees<br />
would help sustain interest. Everyone in the<br />
city above a certain age would be eligible to<br />
vote by means of a ballot printed each iay in<br />
the paper and ballots distributed to theatre<br />
patrons.<br />
The chamber of commerce would help<br />
through the distribution of window cards and<br />
other advertising accessories promoting the<br />
contest.<br />
Window tieups, car bumper strips, taxi<br />
stickers, co-op newspaper ads plus strong<br />
radio promotion would give extra stimulation<br />
to the contest and help to exploit "Good<br />
Sam."<br />
Norwegian and English<br />
For 'I Remember Mama'<br />
Direct mail (one-cent postal cards) helped<br />
focus extra interest on the Majestic engagement<br />
of "I Remember Mama" at Beloit, Wis.<br />
John Falco, manager of the Majestic had the<br />
cards imprinted with copy in English and<br />
Norwegian. These were sent to all residents<br />
of the community and rural sections who are<br />
of Norwegian extraction.<br />
Fire Prevention Short<br />
Gets Half-Page Co-Op<br />
"Going to Blazes," a short featurette dealing<br />
with fire prevention, was the subject of<br />
a half page newspaper co-op ad promoted by<br />
Bob Wade, manager of the Playhouse in Canandaigua,<br />
N. Y. The ad included a photo<br />
of local fire department members who were<br />
guests of Wade on opening night. Six insurance<br />
firms sponsored the advertisement.<br />
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :; Sept. 11, 1948<br />
I<br />
^
17<br />
^^.".ut comingr WilJ it help or hurt?<br />
131<br />
If<br />
ililUtI<br />
^r^ we in the courts for life f<br />
Wedilm<br />
'i<br />
Can exhibition live under 20/<br />
^<br />
CAN THEATRES CAPITALIZE ON TELEVISION?<br />
sized asi<br />
e title<br />
What is th e answer to the ASCAP problem?<br />
*, Ama<br />
tonia<br />
iDdeditoii]<br />
i?nlala<br />
ilTiC 11^'<br />
1 CMpeij.<br />
HOW CAN 16 MM. COMPETITION BE MET?<br />
Can ^aAf<br />
'^^ANSI^<br />
What of the drive-in th eatres ?<br />
uoiu-l<br />
'ORTat_ ION ^^Tes BE CUT,<br />
ajiiiilit'<br />
Utiaralil'<br />
MATIONAL # CONVENTION<br />
•lid ilrll<br />
tardiuil<br />
ips, HI<br />
n rreil<br />
Theotr^nmeisofMmriea<br />
m ^^r TED R. GAMBLE W M<br />
•^<br />
Drake<br />
Hotel, Chicago—Sept. 24-25<br />
'Ooi<br />
Every exhibitor, regardless of affiliation—every industry<br />
leader, from whatever branch of our business<br />
—is cordially invited to participate in what prorhises<br />
. . . with nationally known<br />
to be the largest, most important gathering of theatre-men<br />
ever held<br />
speakers expressing their views along with yours.<br />
FOR RESERVATIONS, WIRE OR WRITE<br />
JOHN BALABAN, General Convention Chairman,<br />
Chicago Theatre Bldg., Chicago 1, Illinois.
It<br />
. thf week 1<br />
if<br />
Pen^Patience and<br />
Perseverance<br />
—distinguish the efforts of theatremen who strive for something<br />
new or original in their newspaper advertisements. In<br />
the smaller communities, many showmen, handicapped by the<br />
limitations of their local composing and press rooms, have<br />
learned by experience to make capital of whatever resources<br />
and services are at their disposal. The illustrations which appear<br />
on this page are the result of this technical experience plus<br />
individual creativeness. They reflect the unusual—the attractive—the<br />
type of theatre ad which is a little different in appearance<br />
and more effective in catching the reader's eye.<br />
CENTC'R MAIN ST<br />
ONCE UPON A TINE John Sarrymore worked a show In<br />
Boston . . . while there he received j<br />
wire from his superiors in N. Y. I . . .<br />
Mr. Borrymore was ordered to have<br />
his show back in N. Y. the neit morn-<br />
«-. .-,..._ ..»_-..M.. '"9 '>y "'"C o'clock and was told<br />
TO MOVE HEAVEN and Earth" if necessary to bring the<br />
move about. John wired back to his<br />
FOLKS, WE HAD TO<br />
"HEAVEN<br />
& EARTH"<br />
boss, "Heaven and earth not available<br />
raising cain, we'll have the show there<br />
in the morning."<br />
raise a lot of cain to bring Spencer<br />
Tracy in "Sky Devils/' Don Ameche<br />
and Dana Andrews in "Wing and a<br />
Prayer ' and "G. I. War Brides" back<br />
yi, to the Center, so we hope you'll mov«<br />
to see them. We know you'll enjoy the<br />
show.<br />
Centered in his competitor's larger ads which are<br />
Below, a 15-year old usher at the dH illustrated, this novel type-design was pagead<br />
for stealer for Mike Piccirillo at the Center. Hartford.<br />
Bibb, Macon, Ga., drew this<br />
Manager Leslie Swaebe. It's good.<br />
lylF'^<br />
THE WHOLE TOWN<br />
\i, mm>i$<br />
with ENTERTAINMENT<br />
/<br />
SPUI<br />
MOVIE<br />
VtUTHM<br />
Below, quick booking forced Bob Hynes to develop<br />
this clever layout for the Missouri in St. Joseph. It<br />
was made without benefit of artist or engraver.<br />
^^1<br />
DOORS<br />
OPEN 12:45<br />
1:00— 3:81— S:l ft—7:20—:!#<br />
HERE'S REAL LAUGH NEWS!<br />
IT STARTS TODAY!!<br />
Others Tell<br />
of Strange<br />
Sky Lights<br />
ATLANTA. «-
t<br />
Builds<br />
Latest Design, Films,<br />
Keynote of Campaign<br />
On New Roxy Policy<br />
Last fall when the Roxy Theatre reopened<br />
its doors in Kansas City. Mo., it had all the<br />
refinements and refurbishings of a new.<br />
modern picture house. Everything about the<br />
house had the "new look" with the exception<br />
of product. Both in age and quality, the<br />
caliber of the Roxy screen attractions failed<br />
to match its pretentious appearance.<br />
Recently, th? Roxy was launched on a newpolicy,<br />
with early release pictures which it is<br />
hoped will rectify the uphappy situation of<br />
the past year.<br />
Tom Wolf, manager of the newest and<br />
largest independent first run theatre in Kansas<br />
City, decided something had better be<br />
done to inform local theatre patrons of the<br />
new Roxy policy.<br />
City editor Bud Lewis oi the Los Angeles<br />
The first step of his campagin was to inform<br />
Times receives a press release announcing the<br />
1.400 members of the Chamber of Com-<br />
premiere of "Urubu" at the four Music Hall<br />
merce about the lineup of good product which Theatres in that city. The messenger boy is<br />
was booked. This was done by personal letters<br />
to each of the businessmen.<br />
a ballyhoo dreamed up by publicist Auriel<br />
Macfee of the Music Hall Theatres.<br />
A special newspaper campaign listing the<br />
coming attractions was devised to reach the<br />
general public. A saturation campaign in addition<br />
Banner 'Mickey' Front<br />
to promoted spot annoimcements<br />
reached radio audiences with the good tidings.<br />
Trailers and lobby displays and a 24-<br />
Set Up in Birmingham<br />
shjet on the rear wall of the theatre brought<br />
Although, as a rule, the Empire Theatre in<br />
the announcement to the attention of other Birmingham, Ala., does not go in for special<br />
Kansas<br />
theatre fronts.<br />
Citians.<br />
Manager J. A. Jackson decided<br />
to<br />
A cocktail party for members of the<br />
go all-out<br />
press,<br />
to exploit "Mickey." Banners<br />
city officials and businessmen garnered extra and special displays were placed outside and<br />
space In the newspapers which helped to promulgate<br />
helped to get plenty of extra attention for the<br />
news of the new picture during its current run.<br />
policy.<br />
Wolf tied up several downtown windows<br />
Jackson opened his campaign by screening<br />
with displays featuring posters and art on<br />
"Mickey" for PTA groups, sorority officers,<br />
.some of his coming attractions. In<br />
clergymen,<br />
a reasonably<br />
short time, he had sold everyone in and radio contacts. Following the screening,<br />
school officials and newspaper<br />
the city on the Idea that the Roxy now provides<br />
good entertainment as well as comfort<br />
comments of the guests were broadcast over<br />
the air from the theatre.<br />
and<br />
Radio promotion included the use of the<br />
service.<br />
Father Goose record on disk jockey programs<br />
heard over WSGN and WJLD. Paid spots in<br />
Reissue Bill, Packaged<br />
addition, were used to advertise playdates.<br />
Window displays with music shops, sporting<br />
As Laff Show, Goes Big<br />
equipment stores and local five-and-tens also<br />
helped to exploit the picture.<br />
James Steppello, owner-manager of the<br />
new James Theatre in Utica, N. Y., reports<br />
he had success with a special program booked<br />
recently during a period when business normally<br />
might be expected to be off.<br />
Steppello booked an old Laurel and Hardy<br />
feature with an Eddie Cantor film of early<br />
vintage. He distributed several thousand heralds<br />
playing up the "Laff" angle.<br />
Only complaint offered by the Utica exhibitor<br />
is lack of seating space during the threeday<br />
run of the program.<br />
During the summer months a Komedy<br />
Karnival on Wednesday matinee each week<br />
has proved moderately successful with the<br />
small fry. Steppello books a number of comedies<br />
and cartoons which are run in conjunction<br />
with a serial.<br />
Own Displays<br />
Jack Musclow. manager of the Capitol in<br />
Kitchner, Ont., reports that he has been getting<br />
extra attention for coming screen attractions<br />
by building his own displays. Musclow<br />
uses three-sheet and six-sheet cutouts<br />
set against specially constructed backboards<br />
which can be used several times.<br />
More Ways Than One<br />
To Plant a Contest<br />
Ever}' time Boyd Sparrow, manager<br />
of Loew's, Indianapolis, asked the local<br />
dailies to run a newspaper contest, the<br />
request was answered with a loud "No."<br />
Sparrow finally made the pages with<br />
a contest by getting a local jeweler to<br />
sponsor the stunt in his regular display<br />
ad. Tieup was hooked up with "The<br />
Time of Your Life."<br />
The jeweler displayed a watch in his<br />
window plus an invitation to guess the<br />
number of parts in the timepiece. Entry<br />
blanks were provided at the store and<br />
tiein copy gave picture and theatre<br />
credits. Winner received a Bulova<br />
watch.<br />
Two quarter-page ads in the local<br />
Times and the News on successive days<br />
which incorporated the theatre dates<br />
and a large star cut. boosted the contest.<br />
Saroyan Party Helps<br />
Cancer Fund, Boosts<br />
'Time of Your Life'<br />
Several original lleups by Jack Sidney,<br />
publicity manager for the Century Theatre,<br />
Baltimore, were instrumental in garnering<br />
extra publicity breaks on "Time of Your Life."<br />
Noting that Coast Guard days was to be<br />
observed three days before opening, Sidney<br />
took five attractive models to one of the<br />
coast guard ships open to public inspection.<br />
The crew voted on its choice for "The Time<br />
of Your Life Girl." This netted a two-column<br />
art break in the hard-to-crack Baltimore<br />
Morning Sun.<br />
Sidney located a waterfront saloon similar<br />
to one depicted in the picture. He tied up<br />
with the owner and the Cancer society to<br />
stage a Saroyan cocktail party at the bar<br />
with all proceeds going to the cancer fund.<br />
Baltimore socialites were contacted by mail<br />
and asked to attend in behalf of charity and<br />
having a good time. This stunt also cracked<br />
the papers and radio newscasts.<br />
The pinball machine addict in the film<br />
gave Sidney an idea to spot half-sheet cards<br />
with tiein copy in all stores and penny arcades<br />
which have machines. Willys cars were<br />
promoted to serve as outdoor ballyhoo with<br />
banners reading: "For "The Time of Your<br />
Life' Ride the new Willys and see etc."<br />
Sidney lined up plenty of advance newspaper<br />
and radio publicity through a screening<br />
for reviewers and commentators. Merchant<br />
tieups resulted in extensive window<br />
displays nad radio plugs on sponsored programs.<br />
Station WSID made a recording of<br />
the Saroyan party which received a 15-<br />
minute airing gratis. Contests were promoted<br />
over WSID. WCAO and WBMD getting the<br />
picture profusive plugs with full theatre<br />
Visitors Receive Heralds<br />
On Vancouver Tioliday'<br />
Jack Randall, manager of the Strand In<br />
Vancouver. B. C. tied up with hotels and<br />
operators of local sightseeing tours to reach<br />
out-of-town vacationists with his playdates<br />
on "Summer Holiday."<br />
Randall had attractive cards Imprinted<br />
with a cut and theatre playdates and topped<br />
with the query, "Are You Enjoying Your<br />
•Summer Holiday'?" Arrangements were then<br />
made to have these placed In the mail boxes<br />
of all hotel guests. The company which<br />
operates the tours in Vancouver granted<br />
permission to conductors of the tours to distribute<br />
the cards.<br />
An attractive display was set up at the<br />
Tourists bureau and another full window<br />
was promoted with a firm merchandising outdoor<br />
equipment.<br />
Theatre in River Rouge<br />
Tries Midweek Matinees<br />
Midweek matinees have been adopted as a<br />
summer experiment by Leonard Salsbery.<br />
manager of the Rouge Theatre. River Rouge,<br />
Mich. One feature, a western, plus comedies<br />
and cartoons, are offered at special admission<br />
of 25 cents. Regular admission scale is<br />
higher. While aimed primarily at attracting<br />
juvenile trade. Salsbery is also getting many<br />
adult patrons who enjoy the "horse opry"<br />
type of action pictures.<br />
BOXOFFICE Shovirmandiser :: Sept. 11, 1948 —563— 39
Sweet Ballyhoo and<br />
Army Tieup Exploit<br />
Tap Roots' Date<br />
a talented artist to paint pastel scenes from<br />
the picture during peak hours. This drew<br />
favorable comment and helped to spread news<br />
of the opening via word-of-mouth comment.<br />
The army recruiting service placed posters<br />
on 50 boards located throughout the city with<br />
tiein copy and credit. Whelan drug stores in<br />
the area featured a "Tap Roots" sundae, with<br />
coimter and window posters carrying the<br />
playdates.<br />
Outdoor Exploitation<br />
Corrals Business<br />
For 'Wildfire'<br />
Adapting the world premiere campaign to<br />
local level, Jerry Sager, publicity director<br />
for the Criterion Theatre in New York, employed<br />
all angles to exploit "Tap Roots."<br />
For street ballyhoo, an attractive woman<br />
was dressed in period costume and assigned<br />
to the Times Square area distributing cards<br />
and packages of Charm candy bearing tiein<br />
copy and theatre dates. The woman also<br />
distributed heralds outlining a contest asking<br />
recipients to submit a list of five buildings<br />
which have become identified in history as<br />
"Tap Roots." Passes and copies of the book<br />
were prizes.<br />
As an advance lobby stunt, Sager engaged<br />
Reader Attention Drawn<br />
By Upside-Down Poster<br />
Tom Leonard, manager of the Majestic,<br />
Rhinelander, Wis., uses a steady flow of exploitation<br />
to keep his attractions in the public<br />
eye. For "Date With Judy," Leonard had<br />
cards imprinted with an ad cut, cut a slit in<br />
the circular and inserted a paper match in<br />
each. Copy across the top read: "You Can't<br />
Match, etc." Playdates appeared in bold<br />
type across the bottom.<br />
To promote interest in "Buck Privates<br />
Come Home," Leonard used a headless doorman<br />
ballyhoo with a sign reading:<br />
Laughed My Head Off . . . "; stenciled downtown<br />
"I<br />
cross walks and had the billposter paste<br />
up a house 24-sheet in upside-down position.<br />
'Black Arrow' Cards<br />
Are Right to the Point<br />
Die-cut cards in the shape of an arrow<br />
were used as directional signs to exploit "The<br />
Black Arrow" by Jack O'Rear, manager of<br />
the Colonial in Harrisburg, Pa. Window cards<br />
also were imprinted with black arrows and<br />
spotted to indicate the direction of the theatre.<br />
Window tieups were arranged in which<br />
large painted arrows pointed to special sales<br />
values with theatre imprint included.<br />
IN COOPERATION WITH THE INDUSTRY'S<br />
COMMITTEE FOR NATIONAL YOUTH MONTH<br />
A<br />
BOXOFFICE Will Present<br />
YOUTH NOITII BOIS<br />
$25 plus an Honor Citation<br />
To the theatreman submitting the most outstanding campaign on<br />
Youth month. Window displays, tieups, special promotions and ideas<br />
in all phases of Youth month, as well as general exploitation, are<br />
eligible for the monthly BOXOFFICE Bonuses of $100.<br />
Outdoor exploitation was the major point<br />
of Manager Vince Paskan's campaign for<br />
"Return of Wildfire," at the Pelican Theatre,<br />
Klamath Palls, Ore.<br />
Paskan had a cowboy, appropriately costumed,<br />
carrying signs, ride about town for<br />
five days prior to opening. A motor-scooter<br />
with signs on both sides was another effective<br />
ballyhoo.<br />
Outside the theatre, a hitching post was<br />
erected so that patrons attending on "horseback<br />
could park their nags. The theatre<br />
front was converted to simulate a corral<br />
and blowups helped to carry out the idea.<br />
Cutout letters spelling out the title were<br />
placed across the stage apron a week in advance.<br />
They were illuminated during intermissions<br />
and while the trailer was being<br />
screened.<br />
Paskan made a recording of the trailer<br />
sound track and used this to advertise the<br />
program on radio spot time.<br />
He promoted a special morning kid show<br />
on two successive days, sponsored by local<br />
merchants who paid for the tickets. At each<br />
of these shows a 15-minute radio program<br />
was broadcast from the theatre with the<br />
children being interviewed. "Wildfire" was<br />
plugged continuously through the broadcasts.<br />
Recruiting Services Join<br />
'Tap Roots' Promotion<br />
Army and air force recruiting services in<br />
Asbury Park, N. J., were quick to cooperate<br />
when Manager Bud Heck of the Mayfair<br />
approached them with a suggestion for a tiein<br />
on "Tap Roots." Army trucks were bannered<br />
with cards carrying copy, "Plant your<br />
'Tap Roots' where you have a future. Join,<br />
etc., etc. See 'Tap Roots,' etc." The officer<br />
in charge also dispatched two soldiers with<br />
walkie-talkies around town who delivered a<br />
personal message and picture mention.<br />
Address Entries:<br />
Showmandiser Section<br />
BOXOFFICE<br />
9 Rockefeller Plaza<br />
New York 20. N. Y.<br />
24-Sheet Flash Assists<br />
Seattle Ticture' Date<br />
Clyde Strout, manager of the Coliseum<br />
Theatre, Seattle, erected a 24-sheet board<br />
over the marquee canopy to exploit the first<br />
run showing of "Pituri" in that city. A flash<br />
front also helped to catch the eye of motorists<br />
and pedestrians at one of the busiest corners.<br />
40<br />
—654— BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Sept. 11, 1948
. . the<br />
. . EXTRA<br />
$750,000 Ad Campaign<br />
To Aid 'Song Is Born'<br />
NEW YORK — Samuel Goldwyn's new<br />
Technicolor film, "A Song Is Born," starring<br />
Danny Kaye, will benefit by a $750,000 local<br />
assist newspaper campaign, backed up by<br />
extensive local radio time buying in support<br />
of specific engagements. The plan will cover<br />
74 key city runs, many of which will play of<br />
simultaneously during the national release<br />
November 5.<br />
The local assist campaign will start with<br />
nationally-placed ads in Sunday supplements<br />
breaking one in each newspaper beginning<br />
the first week in October and, after four<br />
Sunday insertions, the local cooperative campaign<br />
will begin. Newspaper advertising will<br />
be augmented by local radio support using<br />
the special material of Benny Goodman,<br />
Tomniy Dorsey, Louis Armstrong, Lionel<br />
Hampton and Charlie Barnet, who star in<br />
the film with Kaye. Five sets of open-end<br />
interviews and 15-minute diskings of the jazz<br />
men acting as their own disk jockeys will be<br />
available.<br />
The merchandise tieups which will supplement<br />
Goldwyn's national ad schedule include:<br />
Sigfrid Lonegren wallpaper designed<br />
around musical motifs of "A Song Is Bom";<br />
Onondaga Silk, which has a jacquard with<br />
musical instruments woven into the pattern;<br />
Signet Ties, with the five jazz men in the<br />
neckwear patterns; Ideal Toy and Novelty<br />
Co., which has a set of five plastic musical<br />
instruments in a package with a photograph<br />
of the entire "Song" cast; Karu Jewelry and<br />
Puritan Knitting Corp., with a "Song Is<br />
Born" polo shirt.<br />
The Monroe Greenthal agency is handling<br />
the national campaign.<br />
United Nations to Show<br />
Two-Reeler at Elysee<br />
NEW YORK — "Searchlight on the Nations"<br />
film to receive general release in the<br />
U.S., win be .shown at the Elysee Theatre<br />
for an indefinite run beginning Monday,<br />
September 6. Later it will be released to other<br />
New York theatres and then throughout the<br />
country by Siritzky International Pictures<br />
Corp. It is already being released In the<br />
United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Australia,<br />
Denmark, Norway and Sweden.<br />
The two-reel film shows the dramatic role<br />
that modern communications play in world<br />
affairs. It will appear at the Elysee along<br />
with "Private Life of an Actor," new Sacha<br />
Guitry film.<br />
Latest British Catalog<br />
Lists 94 IBmni Films<br />
NEW YORK—The latest film catalog Issued<br />
by the British Information Services office<br />
here lists 94 black and white and color<br />
productions for 16mm. exhibition.<br />
They cover health, politics, geography. Industry,<br />
education, child welfare, art and literature,<br />
agriculture, labor and international<br />
relations.<br />
Rental charges range from $2.50 per day<br />
for black and white to $10 for color films.<br />
The films also can be bought outright for<br />
$37.50 to $200. The catalog contains names<br />
and addresses of commercial firms handling<br />
the pictures as well as locations of British<br />
consular and Information Services outlets.<br />
Let Alexanders<br />
Work For<br />
YOU<br />
Films Ready for Showing<br />
On United Nations Day<br />
WASHINGTON—Observance of United<br />
Nations Day October 24 will be aided by the<br />
showing of special motion pictures before<br />
educational groups, according to the MPAA.<br />
Roger Albright, director of the MPAA educational<br />
services department, says 21 subjects<br />
are available. These films are distributed<br />
through several sources, including Teaching<br />
Film Custodians, non-profit affiliate of the<br />
MPAA.<br />
Because October 24 falls on Sunday this<br />
year many schools and community groups<br />
probably will want to show the films dtiring<br />
the preceding week, Albright says.<br />
Some of the films may be obtained through<br />
the United Nations Information Office, 610<br />
Fifth Ave., New York; Films of the Nation,<br />
Inc., 55 West 45th St., or Teaching Film Custodians,<br />
25 West 43rd St. Albright will furnish<br />
further information at the MPAA Washington<br />
office, 1600 Eye St., N. W.<br />
9,000 theatres are profiting by screening Alexander short length<br />
advertising films for their local merchants. A few seconds screen<br />
time will bring you dollars in return . PROFITS for your<br />
theatre.<br />
Alexanders .<br />
world's largest producer-distributor of short<br />
length theatre screen advertising . . . have served more than 250,-<br />
000 advertisers in its 29 years in business. Many leading Independents<br />
and Chains have been screening Alexander service for<br />
15, 20 years and longer. They like Alexander's top quality productions,<br />
excellent color, and those EXTRA PROFITS.<br />
We'd like to tell you how Alexander's Theatre Partner Plan will<br />
benefit you. Write now!<br />
Dudley N. Y. Office Moves<br />
NEW YORK—Carl Dudley, Dudley Pictures<br />
Corp. president. Is here from the coast to<br />
move company offices from Madison avenue<br />
to 18 East 50th St. Part of his trip will be<br />
devoted to promoting "Traveltips," an associate<br />
operation. These are color films on<br />
travel and transportation subjects, shown in<br />
cabinet projectors owned by the firm.<br />
Chicago Oiiice<br />
Wrigley Building<br />
COLORADO SPRINGS,<br />
COLORADO<br />
New York Office<br />
500 Fifth Ave.<br />
BOXOFFICE : : September 11, 1948 41
. . Joseph<br />
. . Texas<br />
Fred Stein to Sell Rank<br />
Product for Eagle Lion<br />
NEW YORK—Fred Stein<br />
has been named<br />
as special Eagle Lion representative to handle<br />
J. Arthur Rank's "Red Shoes" and other<br />
Rank productions by William J. Heineman,<br />
vice-president in charge of distribution. Stein<br />
will work under the supervision of Heineman<br />
and L. Jack Schlaifer.<br />
Stein has had long experience both as an<br />
exhibitor and salesman. From 1922 to 1928<br />
he operated four Brooklyn houses and then<br />
joined Fox Metropolitan Playhouses as assistant<br />
to Sam Rinzler. Later he was head<br />
booker and in 1931 he was transferred to<br />
Milwaukee as head buyer and booker for 60<br />
Fox houses. He founded Peerless Pictures in<br />
1933 and operated exchanges in Milwaukee.<br />
Minneapolis and Chicago. Later he held important<br />
posts with Fox West Coast Theatres.<br />
TOP-POP<br />
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profits through extra popping volume.<br />
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• Strong attractive boxes<br />
• Popcorn Seasoning<br />
• Complete line supplies<br />
• Popcorn machines<br />
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* Overnight Service On All Orders<br />
FROM THE FILES OF<br />
f^ECIL B. DeMILLE says that home movies<br />
by radio will in no way replace the professional<br />
motion picture. This is because the<br />
psychology of seeing a performance in company<br />
with a large number of persons heightens<br />
the emotional reactions, as well as the<br />
undoubted superiority of a professional presentation<br />
in the theatre . Guinan<br />
will make her debut as a film star in a Vitaphone<br />
all-talking picture. "Queen of the<br />
Night Clubs."<br />
At the signing of the treaty of Paris, outlawing<br />
war, motion picture news agencies, for<br />
the first time in history, were given choice<br />
positions near the signers. Ray Hall, editor<br />
of Pathe News, says, "This seems a high<br />
compliment to the importance of the newsreel<br />
as an impartial observer. Governments of<br />
the world recognize as never before the vast<br />
influence of newsreels as can-iers of information<br />
to the public."<br />
Arrangements are well under way for the<br />
convention of Motion Picture Owners of<br />
America to be held in Toronto, in which practically<br />
evei-y state in the union and all parts<br />
of the Dominion will be represented. John<br />
Eberson, one of the best-known theatre architects<br />
in the world, will address the convention.<br />
George White announcrs that he will<br />
Lionel Barrymore<br />
produce a "talkie" . . .<br />
says that new techniques will be necessary<br />
for picture actors formerly on the<br />
Eve Le Gallienne has signed with<br />
stage . . .<br />
MGM to<br />
John Considine,<br />
appear in talking pictures . . .<br />
head of UA, says television pictui'es<br />
are five years away . M. Schenck<br />
brands "talking" pictures as a short-lived<br />
novelty.<br />
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CLEARING HOUSE<br />
(Continued from Inside back cover)<br />
THEATRE SEATING<br />
Several thousand used upholstered opera chairs<br />
on hand. We are headquarters for the cream of<br />
the used chair crop. We pick the lots that we<br />
think yen will like. We furnish proper slope and<br />
fit sections desired to your theatre. Our many<br />
years experience in the seating husiness is your<br />
guarantee. Write for exact photo and price. We<br />
have parts for all makes of chairs. Also, leatherette<br />
25x25 in. all colors, 55c ea. Good quality.<br />
Chicago Used Chair Mart. 829 So. State St..<br />
Chicago 5, III.<br />
Our chair factory can make 'em new. Here's<br />
qtiality and price. 288 Andrews fully upholstered<br />
back, boxspring cushion, good, as it, $4.95; .^50<br />
.\meric-m panelback, box-spring cushion, rehuiit.<br />
$5 25. Plenty others. Oct Chair Bulletin 15.<br />
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp.. G02 W. 52nd St..<br />
New York 19<br />
Parts for all chairs. Send sample for quotation.<br />
I'Vnsiti Sfatirit; Co.. Chicago 5.<br />
Patch-0-Seat cement. Patching cloth, solvent,<br />
fliv Ft-risin Seating Cn., Chicago 5.<br />
1.600 streamlined spring cushioned full uphol-<br />
Rlered modern theatre chairs, like new. Reasonable<br />
for immediate delivery. Jesse Cole, 25fi5 McCIellan<br />
Ave. Phone Valley 23445. Detroit, Mich.<br />
Chair supplies. Everything for theatre chairs.<br />
Fensin Seating Co., Chicago 5.<br />
Used chairs, guaranteed good. Advise quantity<br />
wanted. Photographs mailed with quotation. Fensin<br />
Seating Co., Chicago 5.<br />
Theatre Chairs. 3.000. $1.50 each up. Used<br />
full spring cushioned part upholstered hack and<br />
part Insert panel back with spring edge and box<br />
clialrs, spring cushions. 1.000 veneer 800 good<br />
backs, 500 spring cushions and hinges. Write<br />
for prices and photographs. Immediate delivery;<br />
advise how many you need. We export chairs<br />
anywhere. .liN^e Coli-. 2565 McCIellan Ave..<br />
Valley 23445. Detroit. Mich.<br />
American and Heyuoud upholstered back, spring<br />
cushions, $3 each. All chairs guaranteed. Special<br />
prices will be offered for lots of 500 chairs.<br />
Convenient terms can be offered. Write, wire or<br />
call .lack McGrath. 1946 Broadway, Albany, N. V.<br />
Theatre chairs, projectors, screens, 16mm<br />
1.000 extra cushions. Trade your veneer;<br />
cushion chairs. Lone Star Film Co., Dallas.<br />
20,000 American chairs, velour back spring<br />
like ea., all cushion seats, new, $3 or part. Now<br />
located in New York City. Boston, Providence,<br />
R.I. A-1 condition guaranteed. Call, write, wire<br />
Albany Theatre Supply Co.. 1046 Broadway.<br />
Aubany, N. Y.<br />
Canadian Exhibitors! Advise us now of your<br />
future chair requirements. Our warehouses near<br />
Canadian border have thousands of choice theatre<br />
chairs at $3 ea. when present restrictions end.<br />
Contact Albany Theatre Supply Co., 1046 Broadway,<br />
Albany. N. Y.<br />
Artificial leather. All colors, 50 in. wide,<br />
at $1.25 yd Samples on request. Commercialeather.<br />
116 Merrimac St., Boston, Mass.<br />
Theatre chairs at prewar prices. Large stock,<br />
write for photos. Bodelson Co., 10-38 Jackson<br />
Ave., Long Island City, N. Y.<br />
800 good veneer seats, complete. .Available immediately.<br />
Southern Tlieatre, 3153 W. 25th St.,<br />
Cleveland. Ohio.<br />
SIGNS<br />
Easy Way to Paint Signs. Use letter patterns.<br />
Avoid sloppy work and wa.sted time. No experience<br />
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MORE CLASSIFIED ON<br />
INSIDE BACK COVER<br />
PRODUCERS and OlSIRIBUlOliS ol 'MOM AND DID' • IHS BiSI IS Vfl 10 COMf • CHASM Of SPASMS' • And in Produclion. ONE 100 MANY'<br />
42 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948<br />
'
1<br />
Big Parade to Climax<br />
Youth Month Events<br />
PHILADELPHIA— Fifty civic leaders, responding<br />
to telegraphed invitations, met<br />
Tuesday in Mayor Bernard Samuel's reception<br />
room ill the city hall to discuss plans<br />
for Youth Month, which is being celebrated<br />
throughout the nation during September.<br />
"Our hope in the youth movement is that<br />
we may bring a new accent on youthful opportunity<br />
in combating juvenile delinquency."<br />
said Gael Sullivan, executive secretary of<br />
the Theatre Owners Ass'n of America, sponsors<br />
of Youth Month. Sullivan is a former<br />
executive director of the Democratic national<br />
committee.<br />
"Youth must have the feeling that our<br />
democracy exists for them," he added, "that<br />
they belong to it. We must open new opportunities<br />
for them."<br />
Municipal Judge Nochem S. Winnet. chairman<br />
of the mayor's citizens' committee for<br />
Youth Month, said that the liabilities of<br />
Philadelphia have been well published, but<br />
not the assets. "Philadelphia is one year<br />
ahead of the rest of the nation in work for<br />
youth," he declared. It was explained that<br />
there are nine different panels now in operation<br />
handling special phases of juvenile delinquency<br />
problems. These are a counterpart<br />
of the city planning commission, so that the<br />
moral aspects as well as the physical are<br />
being dealt with.<br />
Lewen Pizor, president of the United Motion<br />
Picture Theatre Owners in this area, announced<br />
that the climax of the local celebrations<br />
would be a youth parade September<br />
25, with several famous athletes scheduled<br />
to participate. Mayors and theatre owners<br />
and managers of surrounding communities<br />
have been invited to attend the September<br />
25 festivities, Pizor said.<br />
Skouras in Kearny Deal<br />
Gets Lease on Lincoln<br />
KEARNY. N. J.—Skouras Theatres in partnership<br />
with Murray Stahl has taken a 21-<br />
year lease on the Lincoln Theatre here upon<br />
the expiration of a Warner Bros, lease. The<br />
new management announced that the Lincoln<br />
would undergo major alterations soon,<br />
including installation of air conditioning, new<br />
seats, lounges and a new sound system.<br />
The changes will be made when equipment<br />
is available. The Lincoln will be operated as<br />
a community playhouse and special matinees<br />
for children will be continued, according to<br />
James Mullen of New York, manager of the<br />
Lincoln. Mullen formerly was connected with<br />
theatres in Red Bank, Freehold and Asbury<br />
Park.<br />
The new operators jointly control the<br />
Regent here and the Rivoli and Rex in<br />
Rutherford. Berk and Krumgold, theatre<br />
realty specialists, handled the Lincoln deal.<br />
youth Month' Gets<br />
Grand Sendoff<br />
In New York at Academy of Music<br />
NEW YORK—Youth month got off to a<br />
good start in New York early September 7.<br />
Nearly 4,000 children representing 87 child<br />
welfare and educational agencies took part<br />
in ceremonies held at 9:30 a. m. at the<br />
Skouras Academy of Music on East 14th<br />
street.<br />
The youngsters marched from Cooper<br />
Union square to the theatre. They were led<br />
by Lois Butler, star of "Mickey," the current<br />
feature at the home. See above photo.<br />
An added attraction was "A Friendly<br />
Story." a special short co-produced by the<br />
Skouras Irheatres and the Herald Tribune<br />
and written by Nick John Matsoukas and<br />
Harry A. Fuchs of the Skouras advertising<br />
%'<br />
and publicity department.<br />
The short will run at all Skouras and<br />
Walter Reade houses until Sepember 14.<br />
The children were greeted at the Academy<br />
of Music by license commissioner John M.<br />
Canella and Bud Colyer, who plays the role<br />
of Superman on the radio. Also present<br />
was Lou Little, football coach of Columbia<br />
university.<br />
In the photo below is shown the display<br />
used in the lobby of the Skouras Academy<br />
of Music to compare what the youngsters<br />
do on the streets of New York on hot summer<br />
days, and how they spend their time<br />
in fresh air camps sponsored by the Herald-<br />
Tribune Fresh Air fund.<br />
ksk Sa\ttH *°"\0V|^ MOTiTH* -^^W 4r«ixrMV ^ MUSIC<br />
*IR P\JND<br />
City Investing-Lopert<br />
Negotiationg a Deal<br />
NEW YORK—City Investing Co., operator<br />
of the Astor. Bijou and 'Victoria theatres plus<br />
several Isgitimate houses, may soon be in the<br />
foreign film distribution business.<br />
Negotiations are now underway with Lopert<br />
Films, Inc., distributor of foreign product,<br />
that would give City Investing a substatial<br />
interest in Lopert. Terms of the<br />
deal will be announced soon.<br />
In addition to its distribution activities,<br />
Lopert also has a share in the operation of<br />
the Avenue Playhouse, 55th Street Playhouse<br />
and Fifth Avenue Playhouse in New York<br />
with Sam Baksr. It also has an interest in<br />
theatres in Washington and the midwest.<br />
Among the foreign films recently released<br />
here by Lopert were: "The Room Upstairs."<br />
"Shos-Shine" and "Beauty and the Beast."<br />
"Beauty and the Beast" was shown at City<br />
Investing's Bijou Theatre on West 45th St.<br />
This house will probably continue to be used<br />
as an outlet for foreign films when it is reopened<br />
this fall. It has b:en closed all summer.<br />
Warner Club to Tee Off<br />
NEW YORK—The first annual golf tournament<br />
of the Warner club since the war<br />
will be held Friday, September 17, at the<br />
Vernon Hills Country club, Tuckahoe, N. Y.<br />
BOXOFFICE September 11, 1948 N 43
. . . Louis<br />
. . . Lena<br />
Paul<br />
. . Walter<br />
.<br />
. .<br />
. .<br />
. . . Manning<br />
. . HeUn<br />
. . Paul<br />
. .<br />
. . Kirk<br />
. . David<br />
. . William<br />
BROADy\/Ay<br />
'liriUiam F. Rodgers, MGM vice-president<br />
and general sales manager, is due back<br />
from the coast September 15 after two weeks<br />
of studio conferences .<br />
Wanger has<br />
left New York and is back on the coast . .<br />
J. D. Trop has flown to Hollywood for talks<br />
on "The Double Life of Ezra Jones," first<br />
production of his new company, J. D. Trop<br />
Productions. The film will be shot in the<br />
east . . . Rudy Berger, MGM southern sales<br />
manager, has gone to Dallas from Washington<br />
.. N. Lazarus jr.. United Artists<br />
executive assistant to President Gradwell<br />
L. Sears, is back from Chicago and Milwaukee<br />
. . . Jules Lapidus, Warner Bros, eastern<br />
and Canadian division sales manager, visited<br />
Cleveland and Pittsburgh last week .<br />
Deborah Kerr, MGM star, recently back from<br />
England, leaves September 15 for the coast.<br />
accompanied by her husband, Anthony<br />
Hartley.<br />
Frederick Brisson, executive producer of<br />
Independent Artists' "The Velvet Touch."<br />
arrived for distribution conferences . . .<br />
Frank<br />
Buck is at his home in San Angelo, Tex.,<br />
after making personal apearances in St.<br />
Louis with his film, "Bring 'Em Back Alive."<br />
He will do another African safari film soon<br />
Blumberg, assistant sales manager<br />
of Prestige Pictures, and Fred Meyers,<br />
eastern division sales manager of Universal,<br />
are visiting Albany and Cooperstown, N. Y.<br />
Home is here for MGM personal<br />
apearances in<br />
MGM eastern<br />
John P. Byrne.<br />
the east . . .<br />
sales manager, is moving his<br />
headquarters from the New York exchange<br />
New parents<br />
to the home office building . . .<br />
are John Healy, assistant to George Bowser,<br />
Fox West Coast general manager, and Mrs.<br />
Healy, and Edward Finney, Screen Guild<br />
producer, and Mrs. Finney. Both of the new<br />
arrivals are daughters.<br />
Arthar Greenblatt, Screen Guild eastern<br />
sales manager, is expected this week from<br />
Hollywood conferences with Robert L. Lippert,<br />
president, and Francis A. Bateman,<br />
general sales manager . . . Norton V. Ritchey,<br />
Monogram International Corp. president, is<br />
at the Atheneum Court hotel in London .<br />
Bernard J. Gates, Monogram's Latin America<br />
supervisor, has arrived in Sao Paulo from<br />
Rio de Janeiro. He was accompanied by H.<br />
Alfredo Steinberg, Monogram's Brazilian gen •<br />
eral manager, and they were met by Juan<br />
Bautista Carralcasaz, Sao Paulo manager.<br />
Returning from Europe: on the Queen<br />
Elizabeth September 7—Rita Hayworth, Jack<br />
Buchanan, London stage and screen star, and<br />
Mrs. Alfred Hitchcock, wife of the producer.<br />
Sailing: on the Queen Elizabeth—Mrs. Martin<br />
Arrouge, the former Norma Shearer, and<br />
WINS LOEW'S CONTEST—Finale<br />
of<br />
Loew's city-wide batfiing beauty contest<br />
to select "Miss New York of 1948" were<br />
held on the stage of the Loew's 175th<br />
Street Theatre, with the title going to<br />
blonde, blue-eyed Irma Hansen, 19, of<br />
Brooklyn. Jim Grady, Loew division manager,<br />
pins the ribbon on Miss Hansen,<br />
who was chosen through a series of bathing<br />
beauty contests held at 30 Loew<br />
theatres.<br />
her children. Catherine and Irving Thalberg;<br />
Cornel Wilde, actor, and Stephen Crane,<br />
producer.<br />
B. G. Kranze, Film Classics general sales<br />
manager, has been visiting circuit theatre<br />
heads in Albany and Gloversville, N. Y. . . .<br />
Additional arrivals from Europe during the<br />
week were Joseph Harris. Realart president,<br />
tack from a month's business trip, and Anita<br />
Colby. Paramount studio executive, from a<br />
vacation. Miss Colby is scheduled to leave<br />
September 13 for Hollywood . . . Lois Butler,<br />
Eagle Lion teen-age star, has returned to the<br />
coast after radio and Youth month appearances.<br />
After leaving here she stopped off in<br />
Cincinnati . Tamiris. choreographer,<br />
returned September 6 from a summer vacation<br />
Doris Mishler. secretary to G. E.<br />
. . . Blackford of Warners' home office publicity<br />
department, has become engaged to Jerome<br />
Black.<br />
.<br />
William E. Osborne, Monogram's far eastern<br />
and middle eastern representative, is<br />
making a business visit to Singapore<br />
Maurice Groen, director of Films of the Nations,<br />
is expected back about September 22<br />
from a three-month tour of European capitals<br />
J. Post, Gibraltar vice-president,<br />
has arrived from Beverly Hills and is stopping<br />
at the Waldorf-Astoria . Graetz,<br />
producer, is due this week from France for<br />
talks with William Shelton. in charge of<br />
Graetz's American distribution company,<br />
about the release of "Le Diable Au Corps"<br />
THE IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS<br />
JOE HORNSTEIN has them<br />
. . . Victor Volmar. Monogram International<br />
publicity director, is leaving for two weeks<br />
in Hollywood . Griesdorf, International<br />
Films, Ltd., general manager, has<br />
come from Toronto for conferences with William<br />
J. Heineman and Max E. Youngstein<br />
Gf Eagle Lion. From here he will go to Hollywood<br />
. Douglas, actor, has returned<br />
from a Bermuda vacation and will leave soon<br />
for Hollywood . C. Gehring, 20th<br />
Century -Fox assistant general sales manager,<br />
and Clarence Hill, branch operations<br />
manager, are in Los Angeles.<br />
TOA Officials Wrapping<br />
Up Convention Plans<br />
NEW YORK—TOA convention plans are<br />
just about completed.<br />
Robert W. Coyne, special<br />
consultant and former executive director,<br />
and Stanley Prenosil, publicity contact here,<br />
left for Chicago Thursday, September 9, to<br />
wrap up the program with John Balaban,<br />
convention chairman. They will return to<br />
New York next week.<br />
The convention will be held September 24.<br />
25 at the Drake hotel, Chicago. Approximately<br />
600 TOA members are expected to attend<br />
this second annual session of the organization.<br />
It will be highlighted by a talk on antitrust<br />
legislation by Robert L. Wright, assistant<br />
attorney general who has been prosecuting<br />
the Paramount case, and a discussion of<br />
television problems by Wayne Coy, chairman<br />
tf the FCC.<br />
Taxes, censorship, public relations, 16mm<br />
competition, and the costs of film can shipments<br />
also will be discussed.<br />
First Prize to New York<br />
In PC's Product Drive<br />
NEW YORK—George Waldman and his<br />
local branch has won the first prize of $1,750<br />
in the branch managers' new product drive<br />
conducted by B. G. Kranze. Film Classics<br />
vice-president and general sales manager.<br />
Other winners and their exchanges are: Second.<br />
$1,250, D. J. Edele. St. Louis: third, $850,<br />
Robert P. Abelson, Los Angeles: fourth, $650,<br />
Sam Sobel, San Francisco, and, fifth, $500,<br />
B. A. Slaughter jr., Charlotte.<br />
A new sales drive named for Joseph Bernhard,<br />
FC president, has gotten under way.<br />
There will be eight prizes and the leading<br />
division manager will receive a special award<br />
of $500.<br />
Gotham Holds 'Ruthless'<br />
NEW YORK—The Gotham Tlieatre is<br />
holding over "Ruthless," Eagle Lion film, for<br />
a second week. It stars Zachary Scott and<br />
was directed by Edgar G. Ulmer.<br />
WANTED<br />
First Run Independent House<br />
Experienced and Able to Handle<br />
Publicity, Personnel, etc., for<br />
Pittsiield, Massachusetts.<br />
Write to BOXOFnCE<br />
Hotel Vendome, Boston, Mass.<br />
I<br />
14 BOXOFFICE<br />
:: September 11, 1948
FC)<br />
Xarmen' and 'Sorry'<br />
Lead on Broadway<br />
NEW YORK—Two new films,<br />
"The Loves<br />
of Carmen" at Loew's State, and "Sorry.<br />
Wrong Number" at the Paramount, both with<br />
strong name values, did near-record business<br />
during the Labor day weekend despite the<br />
customary f xodus of New Yorkers to vacation<br />
spots. The films which held up well despite<br />
the heat included "Rope." in its second week<br />
at the Globe: "That Lady in Ermine." in its<br />
third week at the Roxy. and "A Date With<br />
Judy." which continued to attract out-oftowners<br />
to the Radio City Music Hall.<br />
"Sofia" also had a good opening week at<br />
the Rialto but most of the others were just<br />
average or below. "Luxury Liner" at the Capitol<br />
was the week's lone major newcomer.<br />
(Average Is 100)<br />
Ambassador— Gallant Legion (Rep)<br />
50<br />
Astor—The Babe Ruth Story (Mono). 7th wk<br />
Capitol—Pitiall (UA), plus stage show, 3rd wk 1<br />
Criterion-Tap Roots (U-I), 2nd wk 1<br />
Globe—Rope (WB), 2nd wk<br />
J<br />
Gotham—Ruthless (EL) 1<br />
Loew's Slate—The Loves of Carmen (Col) 1<br />
Mayfair—Race Street (RKO), 3rd wk<br />
Paramount-Sorry, Wrong Number (Para), plus<br />
Park — Quiet Weekend (Distinguished).<br />
stage<br />
Avenue<br />
show<br />
3rd wk<br />
Radio City Music Hall—A Date With Judy (MGM),<br />
plus stage show, 5th wk<br />
Rictllo—Sofia (FC)<br />
Rivoh—The Velvet Touch (RKO). 2nd wk<br />
-That Lady in Ermine (20th -Fox), plus stage<br />
sho 3rd<br />
Strand—Twro Guys From Texas (WB), ph:<br />
show. 2nd wk<br />
Winter Garden—Larceny (U-I)<br />
'Tap Roots' Second Run 155 Top<br />
In Philadelphia Grosses<br />
PHILADELPHIA — An unusual event occurred<br />
when the Boyd pulled "Mr. Blandings"<br />
in order to make room for a Sunday afternoon<br />
opening of "Luxury Liner." Although<br />
no figure was available for the weekend<br />
showing of "Luxury Liner," long lines of<br />
standees indicated that it got off to a fine<br />
start over the holiday. William Goldman's<br />
Keith packed them in again, this time with a<br />
second run of "Tap Roots."<br />
Aldine—Melody Time (RKO). 2nd wk 70<br />
Arcadia—Key Largo (WB), 2nd run 120<br />
Boyd Luxury Liner (MGM).<br />
3 days No figure reported<br />
Earle-Pitfall (Col), 2nd wk 80<br />
Fox—That Lady in Ermine (20lh-Fox) 1U5<br />
GoIdman^A Foreign Affair (Para), 3rd wk 75<br />
Karlton Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein<br />
(U-I), 3rd wk 85<br />
Keith—Tap Roots (U-I), 2nd run 155<br />
Mastbaum—Two Guys From Texas (WB) 115<br />
Pix—A Date With Judy (MGM), 2nd run 115<br />
Stanley—Good Sam (RKO), 2nd wk 80<br />
Stanton—Canon City (EL), 3rd wk 65<br />
'Judy' and "Roots' Are Buffalo<br />
Leaders; "Ermine' Flops<br />
BUFFALO—"A Date With Judy" at the<br />
Great Lakes and "Tap Roots" at the Lafayette<br />
led in a good week here. "That Lady in<br />
Ermine's" flop has started the Row wondering<br />
about Grable's popularity.<br />
Bulfalo—Beyond Glory (Para) IOC<br />
Great Lakes—A Date With Judy (MGM) 110<br />
Hippodrome—Dream Girl (Para). Return of Wildfire<br />
(SG) 85<br />
Lafayette-Tap Roots (U-1). Campus Sleuth<br />
(Mono) -<br />
110<br />
Teck—That Lady in Ermine (20th-Fox); Fighting<br />
Back (20th-Fox), 2nd d. t, wk.. moveover 80<br />
20th Century—Good Sam (RKO). 2nd d. t, wk 92<br />
"Judy' Has Big Date<br />
In Baltimore<br />
BALTIMORE—The weather finally cooled<br />
off somewhat and downtown business increased.<br />
Although the Labor day weekend<br />
was warm, business showed improvement<br />
over past holiday weekends. "A Date With<br />
HONOR MOKKIS E. LEFKO—A testimonial dinner lo Morris L. Lcfko, neHly<br />
appointed RKO district manager, brought the above KKO executives together for<br />
handshakes. Left to right: Dave Silverman, Pittsburgh manager; Lefko: Nate Levy,<br />
eastern division manager, and Robert Kolliard, eastern district manager.<br />
Judy" was the leader and "One Touch of<br />
Venus" and "Good Sam" knocked at the door<br />
for second honors.<br />
Century—A Date With Judy (MGM) 148<br />
Hippodrome—The Black Arrow (Col), plus stage<br />
show 118<br />
Keiths—One Touch of Venus (U-I) 13P<br />
Maylair—Four Feathers lO:'<br />
(<br />
Town—Good Som (RKO) 137<br />
New—That Lady in Ermine (20th-Fox), 2nd wk... 95<br />
Stanley—Two Guys From Texas (WB) 115<br />
Valencia—The Paradine Case (SRO), 3rd wk 98<br />
English-Dubbed 'Carmen'<br />
Opens at Ambassador<br />
NEW YORK—The English-dubbed<br />
version<br />
of "Carmrn." starring Vivian Romance,<br />
which opened at the Ambassador Theatre<br />
September 10, is the first foreign film to be<br />
presented in this country without subtitles<br />
and the entire dialog in Engl sh. In 1947,<br />
RKO released a French film. "Man About<br />
Town," in which the French sound track was<br />
subdued while the star. Maurice Chevalier,<br />
spoke in running commentary in English.<br />
The French language version of the Vivian<br />
Romance "Carmen" was presented at the<br />
same Ambassador Theatre in 1947 and played<br />
for several weeks. The dubbing techniquH<br />
is the same as that formerly utilized by Hollywood<br />
for making Spanish-dubbed Versions<br />
of Hollywood product for the Latin-American<br />
market.<br />
"Carmen" is playing a double bill with another<br />
French feature, "Lucretia Borgia,"<br />
starring Edwige Feiullere, with English subtitles.<br />
MGM Field Men Will Start<br />
Training Course Sept. 16<br />
NEW YORK—The seven MGM sales<br />
personnel<br />
Selected for the home office training<br />
course, who were originally due to arrive from<br />
the field September 13, will not congregate in<br />
New York until September 15, ths day that<br />
William F. Rodgers. vice-president and general<br />
sales manager, returns from the coast.<br />
The training course will begin September 16.<br />
The men scheduled for the course are:<br />
Michael J. Ford, salesman, Chicago; Louis<br />
Formato, branch manager, Philadelphia;<br />
Philip E. Gravitz, office manager and head<br />
booker. New Haven; H. Russell Gaus, salesman,<br />
Oklahoma City; Louis Marks, salesman,<br />
Cleveland; Ansley B. Padgett, assistant branch<br />
manager, Atlanta, and Louis J. Weber, salesman,<br />
Dallas.<br />
WHN Shifts to WMGM;<br />
Opens New Quarters<br />
NEW YORK—WHN, pioneer radio station<br />
which first went on the air nearly 30 years<br />
ago, will change its name to WMGM when it<br />
inaugurates its new miUion dollar quarters at<br />
711 Fifth Ave,, September 15. The station,<br />
which is affiliated with MGM through common<br />
ownership by Loew's, Inc., has operated<br />
atop Loew's State theatre building, 1540<br />
Broadway, for more than a quarter of a century.<br />
When WHN first went on the air its power<br />
was 250 watts and its broadcasting schedule<br />
was 50 hours weekly. Today, it is a 50,000<br />
watt station operating 139 hours each week.<br />
WHN was origin-illy billed as "Loew's Radiophone<br />
Station."<br />
WMGM will occupy approximately 36.000<br />
square feet of space on the 13th. 14th, 15th<br />
and 16th floors of the Fifth avenue building,<br />
which was formerly occupied by the National<br />
Broadcasting Co. The rent for the new quarters<br />
will be in excess of $1,000,000 for the<br />
ten-year period of the lease. The four floors<br />
will contain six studios specially designed for<br />
AM and FM transmission, artists' quarters,<br />
news rooms, library, audition, recording and<br />
sponsor rooms and other office space.<br />
John McNamara, New York architect, designed<br />
the studios and the Rheinstein Construction<br />
Co. were the builders working under<br />
the supervision of Harry Moskowitz of<br />
the Loew's, Inc., construction department.<br />
Studio and master control room equipment<br />
was custom built by the RCA engineering<br />
products department with Paul Fuelling, chief<br />
engineer, supervising. Frank Marx, vice-president<br />
of ABC. was the consulting engineer.<br />
Prank Roehrenbeck. general manager of the<br />
station, will coordinate the switchover from<br />
Loew's State building to 711 Fifth Ave.<br />
Bell Given Defense Post<br />
WASHINGTON — J. Raymond Bell, local<br />
branch manager of the New York advertising<br />
fnin of Donahue & Coe. has been appointed<br />
chairman of the publicity advisory committee<br />
for the economic mobilization course for reserve<br />
officers, to be conducted here by the<br />
Industrial College of the Armed Forces.<br />
BOXOFFICE September 11. 1948 45
. . . The<br />
. . Lou<br />
. . Alfred<br />
. . Late<br />
. . Jerry<br />
. .<br />
Along New York's Film Row<br />
TRYING DOLLINGER, Wilbur Snaper and<br />
Lou Gold will report to the board of directors<br />
of Allied Theatre Owniers of New Jersey<br />
Tuesday, September 14, on their talks with<br />
two distribution chiefs . . . The first report<br />
will cover their recent meeting with Andy<br />
Smith jr., general sales manager for 20th<br />
Century-Fox, on the prospects of setting up<br />
a conciliation system for New Jersey similar<br />
to the one now in effect between 20th-Fox<br />
and North Central Allied for Minneapolis<br />
second report will tell of the meeting<br />
held with William F. Rodgers, vicepresident<br />
and general sales manager of MGM,<br />
on percentage terms for "Easter Parade."<br />
Members of the New Jersey unit had objected<br />
to terms asked by MGM.<br />
Myron Battler's New York branch is getting<br />
ready to make a big showing in the<br />
36th annual Paramount drive that began<br />
September 5 and will end December 4. Pep<br />
talks were delivered during Paramount week,<br />
September 5-11. It is hoped that the recent<br />
resumption of relations with Skouras Theatres<br />
will help put the drive across locally.<br />
News of the Will Rogers Memorial Hospital<br />
drive: Nat Furst, Monogram branch<br />
manager, who is coordinating the sale of<br />
books in the New York area, reported that<br />
25 000 books are in the hands of salesmen,<br />
bookers, exhibitors and other industry personnel.<br />
At $10 a book, this represents a total<br />
value of $250,000. The sales deadline is December<br />
1; the drawing will be held December<br />
William Murphy, Republic branch<br />
15 . . , manager, and drive captain for the Long<br />
Island and upstate New York area, held a<br />
campaign meeting September 7 in the MGM<br />
screening room. Territory salesmen present<br />
were: Bob Ellsworth and Howard Levy of<br />
MGM, Meyer Solomon of Monogram, Harry<br />
Fellerman and Phil Winnick of Universal-<br />
International, Bob Fannon of Republic and<br />
Dave Burkan of United Artists . . . Meetings<br />
of the New York, Brooklyn and New<br />
Jersey captains were held last week.<br />
Jack Garden and Hamilton Weissman, projectionists<br />
at the 20th-Fox exchange, were<br />
dropped last week when the company closed<br />
down the screening room. All trade screenings<br />
will be at the home office . . . Meanwhile<br />
Local 306 and the companies are negotiating<br />
a new contract to replace the twoyear<br />
pact that expired September 1.<br />
Reunion on 44th street—Moe Kurtz and<br />
Abe Blumstein of 20th-Pox ran into their old<br />
boss Tom Connors the other day. They discussed<br />
the weather, sunburns and the state<br />
Gulistan Wilton Theatre Catpot<br />
JOE HORNSTEIN has it I<br />
^ SX CLASS DISTRffiUTION FOR<br />
* THE ENTIRE SOUTH — thru<br />
JdOHNl O f^ (O. E.)<br />
ENKINS &BOURGEOIS<br />
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY<br />
HARWOOD & TACKSON 3TS.. DALLAS I, TEX.<br />
By WALTER WALDMAN_<br />
ATTENDING BROADWAY PREMIERE<br />
—Independent Artists' Broadway premiere<br />
of "The Velvet Touch" at the Rivoli<br />
Theatre brought out such notables,<br />
as: left to right, Harold Holt of Foote,<br />
Cone & Belding; S. Barret McCormick,<br />
RKO national director of advertising,<br />
shown talking with Montague Salmon,<br />
managing director of the Rivoli.<br />
of each other's health .<br />
vacation<br />
items: Nat Harris of the Island circuit just<br />
tack from Quebec with an interesting story<br />
as to how he got hotel accommodations after<br />
"all the rooms were taken" . . . Jerry Sager.<br />
press agent for the Criterion, is also home<br />
after a 2,300-mile trip through New York<br />
state, Canada and New England . . . Bessie<br />
Dove, manager of the Criterion and only<br />
woman manager of a first run Broadway<br />
house, will be out of town taking things<br />
easy for the next two weeks . Frankel.<br />
Paramount booker, will wind up the vacation<br />
schedule for the exchange.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
. . . Harry<br />
Dick Seidlitz has resigned as a publicist<br />
for Loew's Rachlin and Milton<br />
Adler have been promoted to publicity apprentices<br />
by Ernie Emerling, Loew's press<br />
chief. They were formerly office boys<br />
Jack Price will soon announce the names of<br />
the new tenants for the second floor of 353<br />
West 44th St. The space was foiTnerly occupied<br />
by Screen Guild, Allied Center Porter<br />
exchange and Reliance Films<br />
Brock has renovated the Tower Theatre, the<br />
Bronx . Goldberg, Staten Island district<br />
manager for Fabian, back at his desk<br />
Tony Ricci, Republic<br />
after a long illness . . .<br />
salesman, has closed his summer home at<br />
Hathorn, N. Y. Tony raises white turkeys<br />
and pheasants commercially.<br />
Shuford Succeeds Bergman<br />
As Head of MPAA Ad Unit<br />
NEW YORK— Stanley Shuford, advertising<br />
manager for Paramount, was elected chairman<br />
of the advertising and publicity directors<br />
committee of the MPAA at a meeting<br />
held Thursday, September 9.<br />
He succeeds Maurice Bergman, eastern advertising<br />
and publicity director of Universal-<br />
International.<br />
Ridge Pike Drive-In<br />
Opened by Wininers<br />
PHILADELPHIA—Tne newest drive-in ill<br />
this area, the Ridge Pike, was opened Friday<br />
night at Ridge Pike above Roxboro. It is<br />
operated by the Wintner brothers of Cleveland,<br />
pioneers in the outdoor theatre business,<br />
who operate both drive-ins and indoor<br />
theatres in their home territory.<br />
The Ridge Pike is considered to be one of<br />
the most beautiful drive-ins in the country.<br />
It covers an area of 40 acres and has a capacity<br />
of 1,000 to 1,100 cars. Among its features<br />
are continuous music until show time,<br />
individual adjustable speakers for each car<br />
and an observation window built into the<br />
modern snack bar so that the patron can<br />
watch the film while getting refreshments.<br />
Each "first nighter" was given a package of<br />
candy.<br />
J. Hickey was brought from his last berth<br />
in Rochester to be the manager.<br />
Reade's First Drive-In<br />
Opened in Woodbridge<br />
WOODBRIDGE, N. J. — The long-delayed<br />
opening of the first Walter Reade Theatres<br />
drive-in took place here September 4. It will<br />
remain open as long as the weather permits.<br />
The 950-car outdoor theatre was originally<br />
scheduled to open last June, but heavy spring<br />
rains and several summer cloudbursts made<br />
the 20-acre site too soggy for final construction<br />
operations.<br />
Due to the recent blistering heat wave, the<br />
theatre was able to open Labor day weekend.<br />
It was filled to capacity 15 minutes before<br />
the start of the first show at 7:30 last Saturday<br />
evening.<br />
Hundreds of cars were turned away.<br />
Patrons who were admitted received free<br />
refreshments during the two complete shows<br />
opening night. The feature attractions were:<br />
"A Prince of Thieves" (U-I) and "Hit Parade"<br />
(Rep I.<br />
Julius Daniels, city manager for the circuit<br />
in nearby Perth Amboy, is general supervisor<br />
of the drive-in and Samuel Shumar is<br />
manager.<br />
Reade plans to build 26 other drive-ins during<br />
the next few years.<br />
Directs 'Great Sinner' Music<br />
Bronislau Kaper has been set as musical<br />
director for the Metro picture, "The Great<br />
Sinner."<br />
Bennie Berger Wins<br />
His Ascap Suit<br />
Washington — A. F. Myers, general<br />
counsel for National Allied, received a<br />
wire Friday (10) that Bennie Berger,<br />
president of North Central Allied, had<br />
won the suit brought against him by a<br />
music publisher member of Ascap for<br />
failure to pay a fee for performance<br />
rights. The suit was heard in federal district<br />
court in Minneapolis.<br />
"While I have not seen the opinion,"<br />
Myers said, "its obvious meaning is that<br />
a copyright owner himself cannot sue for<br />
public performing royalties so long as he<br />
is a member of Ascap. This is the complete<br />
answer to those who have gratultiously<br />
advised exhibitors to pay Ascap."<br />
.<br />
46 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
I;<br />
. . . The<br />
. . Carter<br />
. . Ralph<br />
. . Emily<br />
. . Hope<br />
. . . Monogram's<br />
. . . Branch<br />
. . Maurice<br />
WASHINGTON<br />
Wariety Club Notes: Tent No. 11 is looking<br />
forward to the Ezzard Charles-Jimmy<br />
Bivins fight on September 13 at Griffith stadium.<br />
It looks as though this will be one of<br />
the most important fights of the year and<br />
the proceeds go to the Variety Club Welfare<br />
fund . T. Barron held a meeting<br />
in the Variety Club on August 31 to go over<br />
planning details for the mid-year conference<br />
and humanitarian award dinner to be held<br />
in Washington. Attending the meeting were<br />
Sam Galanty, Frank Boucher, Arthur Jacobson.<br />
Sol KuUen, Lou Janof and Jack Foxe<br />
tent held a very successful golf<br />
tournament and dinner-dance at the Manor<br />
Country club on September 3. Carter Barron<br />
acted as master of ceremonies and a number<br />
of very valuable and beautiful prizes<br />
were awarded the lucky winners. The ladies<br />
also came in for their share of lovely door<br />
prizes . . . New resident member is Marshall<br />
R. Worcester, television director for the C.<br />
D. Ferguson, Inc. New associate members<br />
include Al Wasserman, Al's Motors; George<br />
N. Jacobson, Larimer's; Seymour Mintz,<br />
Hogan and Hartson; David Silberman, Jandel<br />
Purs; Max Wall, patent attorney; Samuel<br />
Felker, Valley Forge Distributing Co.; Albert<br />
Small, Godden and Small; Oscar Fetterman,<br />
Fetterman How Co.; Moe Marcus, Wales Decorators;<br />
Dr. Jack Alexander; Is A. Hofberg,<br />
merchant; Albert W. Lewitt, public relations;<br />
Dr. Herbert Diamond; Harry Merkin,<br />
insurance; AJ Marine, New England Raw<br />
Bar restaurant; Sol Grossberg, attorney;<br />
Saul Greber and Joseph Zamoiski, Columbia<br />
Wholesalers, Inc.; Samuel Cohen, Mid- Atlantic<br />
Appliances.<br />
.<br />
. . . Evelyn Feinman was guest<br />
.<br />
Twentieth Century-Fox: Branch Manager<br />
Glenn Norris and exploiteer Bill Michalson<br />
left for sales convention in Los Angeles<br />
on Friday Watts was delayed in<br />
returning from her vacation by a death in<br />
the family<br />
of honor at a surprise bridal shower in the<br />
office on Wednesday. Refreshments were<br />
served and Miss Feinman was the recipient<br />
Connie Mahaffey<br />
of many beautiful gifts . . .<br />
is the new booker's clerk LaBonde<br />
has been transferred to the cashier's department<br />
to replace Evelyn Feinman who takes<br />
Connie Freedlander's job as E-50 clerk . . .<br />
Eilleen Olivisr has returned to the office and<br />
will work part-time until she fully recuperates<br />
from her recent operation.<br />
Many exhibitors from Maryland and Virginia<br />
came in to attend the Variety Club<br />
golf tournament, among whom w'ere Vernon<br />
Nolle and Bill Allen from Baltimore: Tom<br />
Pitts and Roy Richardson came from Virginia<br />
Roy Sutherland opened his new<br />
. . . Potomac Drive-In Theatre, located six miles<br />
from Cumberland between Cresaptown, Md.,<br />
and the National highway on Winchester<br />
road, last week. Attending the opening were<br />
N. C. Haefele, National Theatre Supply Co.,<br />
Baltimore; E. B. Barnett, district Altec engineer;<br />
Kenneth Baker, manager. Edgar<br />
Growden, member Local 258, is projectionist.<br />
Ray Bell, formerly head of publicity for the<br />
local Loew's theatres, has returned to Washington<br />
as manager of the office of Donahue<br />
& Coe, Inc., New York advertising agency.<br />
Office will be located in the National Press<br />
Grimes, Apex Theatre, has<br />
returned from a vacation in Nantucket, Mass.<br />
Ed Hinchey, Warners' home office play-<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948<br />
Profits on British Films<br />
In the U.S. Go Into Pool<br />
NEW YORK— Earnings from British<br />
films<br />
distributed in this country by companies<br />
which signed the agreement settling the 75<br />
per cent tax dispute are to be shipped to<br />
England, put into a common fund, and<br />
shipped back again after deduction of certain<br />
expenses. Presumably American companies<br />
will take out their distribution fees before<br />
transmitting the receipts to Great Britain.<br />
When Eric Johnston came back from London<br />
last March it was generally understood<br />
that $17,000,000 of American company receipts<br />
in Great Britain would be remittable<br />
and that all receipts of British films in this<br />
country would be retained here.<br />
The control commission in London is still<br />
working out details. None of the $17,000,000<br />
has been remitted and none is expected before<br />
the end of the year. And no film receipts<br />
are being shipped from this country to<br />
England.<br />
Within a few weeks after details of the tax<br />
settlement agreement were announced some<br />
American distributors indicated that if they<br />
bought title to films in England and distributed<br />
them here as their own property they<br />
thought they were entitled to all the receipts.<br />
Some of them still think so.<br />
The division of British film receipts here<br />
will be the same as in Great Britain. It will<br />
date head, paid a visit to the local exchange<br />
branch manager Jack<br />
Safer has returned from New York where he<br />
spent a week visiting the home office. New<br />
clerk at Monogram is Gloria Gearhart.<br />
National Screen Service soon will abandon<br />
Filmrow and move into its new headquarters<br />
THE SIDNEYS IN EAST—George Sidney<br />
(left), producer of MGM's "The<br />
Three Musketeers," and his wife, Lillian<br />
Burns, former actress, on their arrival<br />
for a vacation in New York, are greeted<br />
by Marvin Schenck, vice-president and<br />
eastern studio representative. "The Three<br />
Musketeers" is scheduled to have its world<br />
premiere at Loew's State on Broadway<br />
soon, continuing the long-run policy inaugurated<br />
by "Easter Parade."<br />
be worked out on the basis of billings, each<br />
company getting a percentage.<br />
James M. Mulvey, president of Samuel<br />
Goldwyn Productions, who helped negotiate<br />
the agreement in behalf of the SIMPP, confirms<br />
that the American earnings will be<br />
pooled, shipped to England, added to the<br />
$17,000,000 remittable and divided according<br />
to the billing formula.<br />
Universal-International and Eagle Lion<br />
split most of the J. Arthur Rank product<br />
in this country. They have a pre-selection<br />
plan for the choice of films.<br />
When the details of payments have been<br />
worked out the money may be remitted quarterly.<br />
John Warren, accoimtant of the British<br />
Control committee, says the first quarter<br />
ran from July 14 to September 14, but nothing,<br />
was remitted.<br />
The American companies must furnish<br />
audited accounts of rentals received in this<br />
country from British films. They probably<br />
will do this early next year.<br />
Current releasing schedules on British<br />
films in this country call for 33 during the<br />
1948-49 season. Of these, 20th Century-Fox<br />
will have five, 24 will be split between Eagle<br />
Lion and Universal International, and the<br />
remainder will be released by MGM, Monogram<br />
and Columbia.<br />
at Ninth and L streets, N.W. Part of the personnel<br />
will move with the office and several<br />
of the folks in the office will find positions<br />
elsewhere.<br />
At Universal, Ike Ehrlichman has been<br />
promoted from the booking department to a<br />
salesmanship with assistant shipper George<br />
Trevett moving into the booking department<br />
manager's secretary. Bertha<br />
Durst, is honeymooning . Levin<br />
replaces Milton Lindner in the National<br />
S;re2n Service sales force.<br />
. . . SRO's Elmer<br />
Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Lichtman are taking a<br />
cruise to South America<br />
McKinley's son Stanley, who is a student at<br />
Dartmouth, came to Washington on his vacation<br />
Dorothy Bond is the new booker<br />
. . . at Teddy Shull's Peerless exchange ... In<br />
from Lovingston, Va., came E. McLellan to<br />
This week's Filmrow<br />
do a little booking . . .<br />
visitors included Dan Atkin, Sam Mellits,<br />
Jack Levine, Joe Grant. Louis Cohen. Harry<br />
Vogelstein, Joe Walderman, Harley Davidson<br />
and Harley jr.. Mike Leventhal, Julius Levine,<br />
Harry Gruver. Paul McDaniels, Henry<br />
Hiser. Frank Boucher and Ray Gingell.<br />
"Voice of Theatre Speakers"<br />
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!<br />
Features — Westerns<br />
Serials — Comedies<br />
KAY FILM EXCHANGES |<br />
912 Third St.. N W. Washington. D. C. ><br />
47
. . The<br />
. . Ray<br />
lie<br />
:<br />
PHILADELPHIA<br />
n feather in the cap of a very fine guy.<br />
Max Miller. Eagle Lion publicity director<br />
here, has been doing such a fine job in<br />
exploitation of EL films that the local folk<br />
. . .<br />
no longer refer to such and such a film as<br />
being made by Eagle Lion. "You mean that<br />
An<br />
Max Miller production?" they say<br />
out-of-the-ordinary tieup has been arranged<br />
for "One Touch of Venus." which opened<br />
this week at the Goldman. Venus Girdles,<br />
made by the Venus Foundations Co.. is the<br />
kingpin of a contest to find the gal who most<br />
nearly has the proportions of the statue of the<br />
Anatolian Venus, which is on display now at<br />
Gimbel Bros. The winner, who has to meet<br />
specifications set forth in the AA film, gets<br />
a $100 fashion wardrobe plus a year's supply<br />
of girdles. National winner gets a week's<br />
trip to Hollywood.<br />
One of our town's favorite bits of local<br />
color is the pretzel vendor outside the Family<br />
Theatre. The quaint old gentleman, who<br />
is about 70. is not a very good businessman.<br />
He is always set up with two large baskets.<br />
When he feels a nap coming on. he curls up<br />
in the other one and sleeps. If a customer<br />
wakes him to make a purchase, he is very<br />
angry, and chases the offender away. All<br />
this much to the arnusement of Family Theatre<br />
patrons, most of the time.<br />
.<br />
Another food item in the theatre business:<br />
After the city has tried so hard to get rid of<br />
its pigeons, it has found that scores of the<br />
birds are hanging around theatres. Reason—<br />
the popcorn Princess will resume<br />
its foreign policy September 22, after a summer<br />
of Hollywood product, with the Italianmade<br />
"AngeUna"<br />
.<br />
Thompson had a<br />
taste of small-town life in California when<br />
he was in the navy. So now Thompson, who<br />
is manager of the Ogontz Theatre, is moving<br />
with his wife and children to Millville.<br />
N. J., to manage two small theatre there.<br />
Theatre owners are always worrying about<br />
various stars' boxoffice appeal. Well, this<br />
week, the stage show "For Love or Money"<br />
opened at the Locust. Simultaneously, the<br />
Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pa.,<br />
opened the same show as a part of its summer<br />
Little Theatre season. Despite the inconvenient<br />
location, a poorer theatre, and<br />
all the well-known tribulations of a summer<br />
theatre, New Hope is packin' 'em in. Reason?<br />
Ths Little Theatre production feature film<br />
stars John Loder and Joan Caulfield.<br />
The city's probe of thefts in its amusement<br />
tax division was given new life by the appointment<br />
this week of a new assistant. He<br />
is George P. Williams II, who was chosen<br />
for the job by Governor Duff. Since July 3,<br />
he had been assisting in the technical preparation<br />
of material for presentation to the<br />
special grand jury. Williams, who makes his<br />
home in Drexel Hill, takes over the tasks<br />
formerly assigned to Harrington Adams, deputy<br />
attorney general, who has been recalled to<br />
duty in Harrisburg.<br />
Services were held Thursday afternoon for<br />
Mrs. Elizabeth Stiefel, who died in her summer<br />
home in Atlantic City at the age of 74.<br />
She is survived by her husband Michael, retired<br />
owner of one of Philadelphia's first motion<br />
picture theatres, a son and two daughters.<br />
Blandings House in Albany<br />
Nets $1,000 for Tent 9<br />
ALBANY—About $1,000 will be netted from<br />
admission fees to the exhibition house erected<br />
here in connection with the showing of "Mr.<br />
Blandings Builds His Dream House."<br />
Aproximately 5,000 persons paid 25 cents<br />
each to inspect the house, according to Harry<br />
Lamont, chief barker of Variety Tent No. 9.<br />
The John G. Myers department store<br />
donated $500 in merchandise for a drawing<br />
on the Strand Theatre stage following the<br />
six-week inspection period set aside for the<br />
house.<br />
Schuyler Seattle, SRC area representative,<br />
and Charles A. Smakwitz, Warner zone manager,<br />
arranged details of the inspection.<br />
Bingo Charges Dropped<br />
BUFFALO—Charging violations of state<br />
lottery laws in connection with staging of<br />
bingo games, six indictments against 14 individuals<br />
and a corporation have been dismissed<br />
in county com-t on recommendation<br />
of the district attorney's office. Two of the<br />
true bills were reported in 1939 and 1941<br />
against Old Vienna, Inc., operator of a downtown<br />
motion picture theatre of the same<br />
name. The jury disagreed in one of the cases.<br />
Harry Hellman Dies;<br />
Pioneer Exhibitor<br />
ALBANY—Funeral services were held here<br />
for Harry Hellman. pionser motion picture<br />
exhibitor and showman, who died last Tuesday<br />
(7i at the Albany hospital. Burial was in<br />
Mount Hebron cemetery. Long Island.<br />
One of the last connecting links of modern<br />
theatre operation and early Albany nickelodeon<br />
days was broken with the passing of<br />
Hellman. He opened the Fairyland on South<br />
Pearl street in 1908. Several years later, he<br />
opened a small open air theatre one block<br />
east of the Fairyland, a forerunner of the<br />
modern drive-in.<br />
Early experiments is synchi'onization of<br />
sight and sound on film were conducted by<br />
Hellman at the Fairyland. He employed<br />
actors who were stationed behind the screen.<br />
He often commented that he might have<br />
perfected talking pictures if he had only had<br />
more capital at his disposal.<br />
He operated the Orpheum on Clinton avenue<br />
several years, and later with his son Neil<br />
built the Paramount. About 25 years ago, he<br />
erected the Royal near the Fairyland. Later<br />
the Palace at Ti-oy was added to his holdings.<br />
In 1941 he built the Saratoga Drive-In.<br />
A pooling agreement was entered into by<br />
Hellman and his family with the Fabian interests,<br />
covering the Saratoga and three other<br />
houses built in 1946 and 1947.<br />
More recently, Hellman spent winter<br />
months at his home near Miami, Fla. He<br />
returned to New York for an operation last<br />
winter. One week ago he entered Albany<br />
hospital for another operation.<br />
He was a member of Variety Club Tent 9.<br />
Surviving are his wife, his son, a brother,<br />
five sisters and two granddaughters.<br />
Dignitaries Visit Gains<br />
Publicity for Theatre<br />
WINCHESTER, VA.—An observant cashier<br />
paid off in a good publicity break for Herman<br />
Hable's Palace Theatre here.<br />
Mr. and Mrs. George C. Marshall drove 35<br />
miles from their home at Leesburg to see<br />
"The Street With No Name" and Mrs. Lorraine<br />
Donald, the cashier, recognized the secretary<br />
of state when he purchased his tickets.<br />
She signaled doorman Charles Keeler. who<br />
relayed the news to Hable. When the first<br />
showing was over quite a few people had<br />
gathered in front of the theatre, including<br />
newspaper representatives.<br />
Marshall's visit made the first page of the<br />
morning paper and was developed into a<br />
larger story for the afternoon paper. Both<br />
stories mentioned the Palace and the name<br />
of the film.<br />
POWELL IN NEW YORK-Dick Powell, durins a visit to RKOs New York exchanse<br />
for a showing of "Station West." took time out to pose with Phil Hodes. branch<br />
manager (left), and Len S. Gruenberg, metropolitan district manager<br />
Half British Exhibitors<br />
Exempted from Quota<br />
LONDON—More than half of the British<br />
exhibitors have obtained exemptions from<br />
the new quota law which will go into effect<br />
October 1, according to the board of trade.<br />
Under the law. British exhibitors must devote<br />
45 per cent of their top-feature playing<br />
time and 25 per cent of their supporting feature<br />
time to British-made pictures unless<br />
given legal exemption.<br />
The board points out that a large number<br />
of independent exhibitors would not be able<br />
to fulfill the new quota requirements.<br />
48<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
. . Before<br />
. . Marshall<br />
. . . Ray<br />
. . . Arthur<br />
. . The<br />
. . Ralph<br />
. . Moore<br />
.<br />
BUFFALO<br />
A fter all-time high temperatures for August<br />
and early September, which held business<br />
to a minimum, boxoffices perked up here.<br />
Product is better, too. The sultry spell, however,<br />
proved a bonanza for area drive-ins.<br />
W. E. J. Martin, theatre reviewer for the<br />
Courier-Express, now lists offerings of community<br />
houses in alphabetical order in a new<br />
Sunday feature for theatregoers. In another<br />
column titled Look Ahead, he lists filmfare<br />
on its way to town. The idea has gone over.<br />
If someone wants to see "The Fugitive," for<br />
instance, he looks imder "T" and finds it is<br />
playing Basils Broadway on the 8th and 9th<br />
and at the Marlowe and Senate on the 10th<br />
and 11th.<br />
The regular fall competition has set in<br />
College and professional football is under<br />
way. Buffalo has a team in the Ail-American<br />
football conference. The Buffalo Philharmonic<br />
orchestra has started a new series and<br />
the legitimate season is under way at the<br />
Erlanger . MGM's "The Search"<br />
went into the Teck here, it was given an invitational<br />
showing in the 20th-Fox exchange<br />
at 290 Franklin St.<br />
Mayor Bernard J. Dowd and other city<br />
administrators, representatives of businessmen's<br />
associations and the American Legion<br />
were called on for speeches at recent reopening<br />
ceremonies at the Lafayette Theatre.<br />
The program was held in the flower-decked<br />
lobby. Theatre President Constatine J. Basil<br />
and General Manager George H. Mackenna<br />
were the theatre's representatives. Patrons<br />
were invited to inspect the remodeled house,<br />
which had been closed for the refurbishing<br />
job since July 7.<br />
MGM's "Going to Blazes" was given a special<br />
preview tor members of Buffalo's fire<br />
department before it went into the Great<br />
About $1,500 in bills<br />
Lakes for a w-eek . . .<br />
of small denomination w'ere stolen from a<br />
cash box in the rear of a parked truck in<br />
the plant of the Tri-State Automatic Candy<br />
Corp., 254 Franklin St., according to a report<br />
made to police by Morris Kravitz, manager.<br />
The thief apparently hid in the building and<br />
left by way of a self-locking garage door.<br />
The cash represented collections from automatic<br />
vending machines in Buffalo area<br />
theatres.<br />
A small blaze which started in an electric<br />
motor in the basement of Keith's Theatre<br />
caused about $50 damage. The theatre was<br />
empty at the time . G. Taylor.<br />
former Buffalo newspaperman and once publicity<br />
director for the Great Lakes Theatre,<br />
died last week in Albany after an illness.<br />
He was 59. When he retired two years ago.<br />
he was managing editor of the Watertown<br />
News.<br />
As a contribution to community safety,<br />
the Greater Buffalo Advertising club presented<br />
to the Western New York Safety council<br />
a 16mm sound projector and a film library<br />
valued at more than $700. The projector was<br />
used for the first time to show a new- safety<br />
picture, "Miracle of Paradise 'Valley."<br />
Buffalo girls are competing for the title of<br />
Teen Queen in a contest being sponsored<br />
by Shea's Great Lakes Theatre and E. W.<br />
Edwards & Son, downtown department store<br />
in cooperation with actresses Elizabeth Taylor<br />
and Jane Powell, who are hunting a national<br />
Teen Queen. Contestants must fill out<br />
a questionnaire at either the .store or theatre.<br />
It's all tied up with "A Date From Judy,"<br />
MGM vehicle now at the Great Lakes.<br />
Fifteen film comedies and cartoons comprise<br />
the Carnival of Laughs which opened<br />
this week at Dewey Michael's Mercury Theatre,<br />
downtown. Families First, a film produced<br />
by RKO Pathe for the State Youtli<br />
commission, was previewed at the Great<br />
Lakes for members of the permanent committee<br />
on public decency, the police department<br />
youth bureau, the Erie county probation<br />
office and the Council of Social<br />
Agencies.<br />
In show business 55 years and now 74 years<br />
old, Fred C. Taylor still holds forth at the<br />
Lafayette Theatre, where he is a projectionist.<br />
He helped organize Branch 4 mow local<br />
2331 of the Moving' Picture Machine Operators<br />
union. About 14 years ago a gold life<br />
membership card was presented to him.<br />
EL Flies Olympics Print<br />
To Opening in Chicago<br />
CHICAGO—"The Olympic Games of 1948,"<br />
the J. Arthur Rank feature released in the<br />
U.S. by Eagle Lion, opened at the Apollo<br />
September 10, less than 48 hours after the<br />
first Technicolor print arrived in this country<br />
from England.<br />
The first print, which arrived at La Guardia<br />
Field September 8. was rushed through<br />
the customs and screened for Eagle Lion<br />
executives in New York. It was then put on<br />
an American Airlines plane to Chicago where<br />
it was screened for Chicago area Olympic<br />
officials and the local press.<br />
Italian Actor in 'The Night'<br />
Rossano Brazzi, an Italian actor, has been<br />
cast for a role in SRO's "Tender Is the<br />
Night."<br />
GET 20th-FOX STATUETTE—Marie<br />
Bryant of the Fox Theatre in Philadelphia<br />
is shown presenting "Happy-Go-<br />
Lucky Horace," 20th Century-Fox novel<br />
statuette, to Bill McCahan (left) and Joe<br />
Coleman, Philadelphia Athletic pitchers.<br />
Coleman was at his best on Labor day,<br />
breaking his team's seven-game losing<br />
streak. The presentation was given extensive<br />
coverage by Philadelphia papers,<br />
crediting the opening of the Tj-rone<br />
Power-Anne Baxter feature, "The Luck<br />
of the Irish." at the Fox Theatre on<br />
Wednesday (15). Exploiteer Mike Weiss<br />
cooperated with Publicity Manager Harry<br />
Freeman and Managing Director Harold<br />
Seidenberg of the Fox Theatre in the<br />
stunt.<br />
ALBANY<br />
•Phe .Strand will stage a fall fur fa.shion show<br />
In a tieup with a local furrier for the engagement<br />
of "That Lady in Ermine" .<br />
Herb Jennings, manager of the Madison,<br />
spent .several days of his vacation in New<br />
York City. He said he saw Harry Estes of<br />
the Motion Picture A.ss'n publicity staff while<br />
there . Evangelist, official publication<br />
of the Albany Roman Catholic diocese, announced<br />
that Clare Booth Luce would deliver<br />
the opening lecture in a series it is sponsoring<br />
at the MadLson Theatre October 15.<br />
Other lectures will be given from the auditorium<br />
of St. Ro.se college.<br />
Fred Meyer, eastern division manager for<br />
Universal-International, Dave Miller, district<br />
manager, and Louis Blumenthal. sales manager<br />
for Piestige Pictures, visited with Manager<br />
Gene Vogel, Warner Zone Manager<br />
Charles A. Smakwitz and Max Friedman,<br />
buyer-booker for Warners upstate.<br />
Forest D. "Dinty" Moore, eastern district<br />
manager for Warners, and Ray Smith, local<br />
manager, called at the Schine circuit headquarters<br />
in Gloversville to talk with J. Myer<br />
and Louis W. Schine . reported<br />
while here that business was generally better<br />
all over the country.<br />
The Strand attracted substantial weekend<br />
business with "Two Guys From Texas."<br />
Sunday matinee trade was surpri-singly good,<br />
as was Labor day business.<br />
Summer situations which closed Labor day<br />
included Kellett's Strand, Woodburne;<br />
Strand. Loch Sheldrake: Max Cohen's Academy,<br />
Liberty, and Kallett's Rex. Bolton Landing.<br />
The first three are in the Catskills and<br />
the last on Lake George in the Adirondacks<br />
Smith, general chairman of the<br />
Albany area Will Rogers Memorial hospital<br />
campaign, said that the sale of tickets for a<br />
giant giveaway "is progressing steadily." The<br />
drive will be climaxed by a dance at the Ten<br />
Eyck hotel the first week in November. A<br />
goal of $10,000 is sought for this territory.<br />
The new lessee of the Regent. Cohoes. reportedly<br />
is planning a relighting of the house.<br />
He has installed new sound at the Regent<br />
and is preparing also to reopen the Family<br />
at Watervliet ... "A Date With Judy" played<br />
to strong weekend business at Schine theatres<br />
in Amsterdam and Watertown. It<br />
opened at Fabian's Palace here September 8.<br />
Herman L. Ripps. eastern division manager's<br />
assistant for MGM. visited the New<br />
Filmrow reports said a<br />
York offices . . .<br />
small fire occurred at Hellman's Palace.<br />
Troy . Ripps. MGM salesman, and<br />
his wife were among spectators at the Albany-<br />
Hartford Labor day doubleheader. played before<br />
9.014 patrons, the season's largest crowd<br />
Newman. Republic manager, attended<br />
the final series with Utica. The<br />
Albany ball club has been considered strong<br />
opposition to local theatres at night and on<br />
Sunday.<br />
NEWMIRROPHONIC SOUND<br />
JOE<br />
HORNSTEIN, Inc.<br />
630 Ninth At*., N»w Y*rk air<br />
BOXOFFICE :; September 11. 1948 49
Philippines Leading<br />
16mm Film Market<br />
NEW YORK—The Philippines has developed<br />
into the greatest 16mm market in the<br />
world, according to Bert W. Palmertz, RKO<br />
manager there. The country has 240 theatres<br />
showing 16mm films, not including<br />
homes, and 350 theatres showing 35mm films.<br />
The 16mm industry there, which was pioneered<br />
by RKO and MGM, has increased until<br />
Columbia, Paramount. 20th Century-Fox,<br />
Universal-International and Warner Bros.<br />
are now also in the 16mm business in the<br />
Philippines. All of this product is shown in<br />
English, without subtitles, as most audiences<br />
understand the language, Palmertz said. Between<br />
30 and 40 local films in Tagalog (native)<br />
dialect are produced in the Philippines<br />
yearly, but less than half a dozen French,<br />
Italian or Spanish pictures have been shown<br />
there in the past few years.<br />
While the theatres in Manila and one or<br />
two other cities are modern, the majority of<br />
the lermn houses are little more than cockpits,<br />
with bamboo seats and roofs. These are<br />
not direct competition for the 35mm houses.<br />
Palmertz said. Of the 18,000,000 people in the<br />
Philippines, at least half go to the films.<br />
Business, which is off 35 per cent in 1948<br />
from what it was in 1946, is still far ahead<br />
of the pre war years, according to Palmertz.<br />
While the people like the lavish Technicolor<br />
musicals, they really prefer action pictures<br />
with shooting or fighting. "Back to Bataan,"<br />
the RKO picture about the Philippines, is still<br />
the biggest grosser there. "A Thousand and<br />
One Nights" (Coli, "The Black Swan" 20th-<br />
Fox) and "Spanish Main" iRKOi were the<br />
next most popular films.<br />
Palmertz, who Is Swedish, recently made<br />
his first visit to his native land in 22 years.<br />
He is on his first visit to the United States.<br />
He was scheduled to leave for the west coast<br />
Sunday (12 1 and will fly back to the Philippines<br />
early next week.<br />
NBC Television Newsreel<br />
To Move to RKO-Pathe<br />
NEW YORK—The NBC television<br />
newsreel<br />
department will move into new headquarters<br />
in the RKO-Pathe Studios at 106th St. &<br />
Fifth Avenue about October 1, according to<br />
Sidney N. Strotz, administrative vice-president<br />
in charge of television. This move from<br />
the present quarters at 630 Ninth Avenue has<br />
been timed to coincide with the completion<br />
of the reel's reorganization by Jerry Fairbanks<br />
Productions, according to Strotz.<br />
The entire job of editing, processing and<br />
storing of the fOms will be performed in the<br />
new studios, which were leased from RKO-<br />
Pathe last May. The newsreel will be integrated<br />
within NBC's news operations and<br />
will continue to be supervised by WiUiam<br />
Brooks, vice-president in charge of news and<br />
international relations. Fairbanks cameramen<br />
will continue to shoot the reel, as they<br />
have done since August 1947. NBC now produces<br />
and broadcasts three newsreels weekly<br />
in addition to a weekly ten-minute review of<br />
the news.<br />
Barrymore as Sea Captain<br />
Twentieth-Fox has borrowed! Lionel Barrymore<br />
from Metro for the role of a sea<br />
captain in "Down to the Sea in Ships."<br />
Advertises for Pickets<br />
And Makes Headlines<br />
New York—Two Harvard boys picketed<br />
the Gotham Theatre at the opening of<br />
"Ruthless" and broke into the papers. It<br />
was a gag—probably the first time that<br />
a theatre had advertised for pickets. Fifty<br />
replies were received in response to the<br />
want ad in the New York Times and<br />
Max E. Youngstein of Eagle Lion hired<br />
them.<br />
Their signs read: "Eagle Lion Films<br />
'Ruthless' to Harvard Undergraduates."<br />
The pickets explained to reporters that<br />
Zachary Scott's role as a tycoon ruining<br />
his associates was bad for their institution<br />
of learning and culture.<br />
UOPWA Votes Against<br />
Taft-Hartley Affidavits<br />
NEW YORK—A nationwide<br />
referendum<br />
by the United Office and Professional Workers<br />
of America, CIO, parent union of the<br />
Screen Publicists Guild and the Screen Office<br />
and Professional Employes Guild, has rejected<br />
the non-Communist affidavits called<br />
for under the Taft-Hartley act. The membership<br />
voted 36,297 in favor of continuing<br />
the union's policy of not signing the affidavits<br />
and 6,055 against, according to the UOPWA<br />
administrative committee.<br />
Refusal to sign the affidavits means that<br />
the union will not be able to take advantage<br />
of National Labor Relations Board services<br />
in jitfisdictional disputes. SPG and SPOEG<br />
members also recently voted not to sign the<br />
non-Communist affidavits.<br />
King of Egypt Receives<br />
Griffis in Splendor<br />
CAIRO—Stanton Griffis presented his credentials<br />
to King Farouk of Egypt as U.S. am.-<br />
bassador in a setting that would do credit to<br />
Cecil B. DeMille.<br />
Griffis, who is also a member of the Paramount<br />
board of directors, and 20 of his embassy<br />
aides made the trip to the king's<br />
palace in eight royal Cadillac limousines<br />
painted crimson. The entourage passed<br />
through crowd-lined streets.<br />
At the palace morning coats, striped pants,<br />
gaudy uniforms were the costumes worn by<br />
the local officials and U.S. diplomats. Griffis<br />
and his aides bowed tliree times and shook<br />
hands with the king when the letters of credentials<br />
were presented.<br />
Loev7 Executive to Study<br />
Film Conditions Abroad<br />
NEW YORK—Samuel N. Burger, Loew's<br />
International sales manager, will leave September<br />
10 for a tour of 22 countries on three<br />
continents that will take about four months.<br />
After a first stop at Tokyo he will visit all<br />
MGM offices in the Far East. Edward O'Connor,<br />
far eastern regional director, will accompany<br />
him as far as India. At Istanbul<br />
Burger will be jomed by David Lewis, regional<br />
director of continental Europe, north Africa<br />
and the middle east, for a tour of those areas.<br />
Burger will return here about Christmas time.<br />
To Screenplay 'Roseanna McCoy'<br />
Samuel Goldywn has signed Paul Green to<br />
work on the screenplay of "Roseanna McCoy"<br />
for RKO.<br />
Company Heads Sell<br />
23,200 Film Shares<br />
WASHINGTON—Sales of film stock by<br />
top executives in four companies for the<br />
month prior to August 10 totaled 23,200 shares,<br />
with the sellers retaining 474,087 shares and<br />
warrants for 12.500 shares, according to a<br />
report by the SEC.<br />
Maj. Albert Warner sold 6,500 shares of<br />
Warner Bros. $5 par common, retaining 434,-<br />
500 in his own name and 21,000 in a trust.<br />
Daniel Sheaffer sold 7,500 shares of Universal<br />
common, retaining 5,307. and Preston Davie<br />
200 shares of the same stock, retaining 5,209.<br />
N. Peter Rathvon sold 5,000 shares of RKO<br />
dollar common, retaining 1,500. W. Ray<br />
Johnston and Norton V. Ritchie each sold<br />
2,000 shares of Monogram dollar common,<br />
the former retaining 2,617 shares and warrants<br />
for 12,500 and the latter retaining<br />
3,954 shares.<br />
The SEC said additionally that Loew's, Inc.,<br />
has acquired another 75 shares of Loew's Boston<br />
Theatres $25 par common, bringing its<br />
holdings to 123,179 shares.<br />
The stock holdings of Jay Emanuel, Lee<br />
Shubert, Jacob Starr and Lee and J. J. Shubert<br />
of Trans-Lux dollar common at the time<br />
they became Trans-Lux officials in June,<br />
according to the SEC, were respectively 6,000,<br />
3,500 2,000 and 3,000 shares. Harry Brandt<br />
held 88,665 shares in his own name and<br />
17,100 in other accounts.<br />
Settle Argentine Union<br />
Dispute by Telephone<br />
NEW YORK—Radio telephone conversations<br />
between film executives here and Argentine<br />
film men representing American firms<br />
averted a paralyzing strike of 1,000 employes<br />
on Wednesday. Start of a strike had<br />
been set for Thursday.<br />
While foreign managers of member companies<br />
of the MPAA were in an emergency<br />
session with John G. McCarthy, associate<br />
managing director of the international division<br />
of the MPAA, a similar meeting was<br />
held in Buenos Aires. How to meet the situation<br />
created by demands of the Argentine<br />
ti'm union was discussed at length. Under<br />
the terms of the settlement Argentine film<br />
workers v/ill receive a 28 per cent maximum<br />
increase while the film companies retain<br />
their managerial rights.<br />
Six Warner Features Set<br />
For Release in England<br />
NEW YORK—Warner Bros, will release six<br />
features in England during the balance of<br />
the calendar year. They are: "Silver River."<br />
co-starring Errol Flynn and Ann Sheridan;<br />
"The Unsuspected," a re-release starring Joan<br />
Caulfield and Claude Rains; "Life With<br />
Father," starring Irene Dunne and William<br />
Powell; "The Voice of the Turtle," starring<br />
Ronald Reagan and Eleanor Parker; "My<br />
Wild Irish Rose," starring Dennis Morgan,<br />
and Alfred Hitchcock's "Rope," starring<br />
James Stewart.<br />
Draws Buffalo Patrons<br />
BUFFALO— By placing ads in Buffalo<br />
newspapers and booking big name bands and<br />
other celebrities for stage shows, Batavla"s<br />
Mancuso Theatre, some 35 miles from the<br />
city, is making a considerable draw from<br />
here these days.<br />
fee.<br />
50 BOXOFFICE<br />
:: September 11, 1948
hy<br />
I<br />
NEWS AND VIEWS THE PRODUCTION CEINTER<br />
(Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear, Western Manager j<br />
CSU Charges Xockoul'<br />
In Insurance Suit<br />
HOLLYWOOD—Some 2,000 film technicians,<br />
claiming an estimated $800,000 in unemployment<br />
insm-ance, are key figures in a<br />
hearing before the state employment appeals<br />
board in Sacramento involving the 1946 studio<br />
strike. Attorneys representing the carpenters<br />
Local 946 of the striking Conference of<br />
Studio Unions filed charges that producers<br />
had "locked out" members of that union,<br />
making them eligible for unemployment insurance<br />
payments.<br />
The filmmakers, it was alleged, "conspired"<br />
with the lATSE and thus were branded "lawbreaking<br />
industrial outlaws." Producers' legal<br />
representatives reiterated their stand, however,<br />
that the CSU-IATSE argument "is<br />
clearly a case of a trade dispute ... as to<br />
who should do work on the stages." The<br />
filmmakers claimed they merely followed an<br />
arbitration decision handed down by a threeman<br />
AFL executive committee, which awarded<br />
certain stage work to the lATSE.<br />
John W. Boyle and Charles Rosher have<br />
been named a committee of two by the American<br />
Society of Cinematographers to participate<br />
in the industry-wide public relations<br />
campaign. They will cooperate with Grant<br />
Leenhouts and Wells Root, respective producer<br />
and writer of the projected short subject<br />
in which directors of photography will<br />
be featured.<br />
Preliminary negotiations on which a new<br />
contract between the American Federation<br />
of Musicians and independent producers will<br />
be based got under way as the old AFM<br />
agreement just expired. The new deal when<br />
settled will be retroactive to September 1.<br />
Representing the AFM in the meetings are<br />
C. L. Bagley, Herman Kenin and J. W. Gillette,<br />
while the independent producers are<br />
represente 1<br />
I. E. Chadwick of the Independent<br />
Motion Picture Producers Ass'n, and<br />
Don Blair, Bonar Dyer, Bob Sterling, Ted<br />
Nasser, Ted Cain and Anthony O'Rourke<br />
of the Society of Independent Motion Picture<br />
Producers.<br />
Eastern Air Line Films<br />
HOLLYWOOD—Filming of a color training<br />
picture designed for showings to pilots and<br />
airline employes has been scheduled by Jerry<br />
Fairbanks Pi'oductions. In addition to more<br />
than 20 television spot announcements, the<br />
picture will be the third in recent months to<br />
be turned out by Fairbanks for Eastern Air<br />
Lines.<br />
Ed Rickenbacker Debuts<br />
In 'Air Power' Premiere<br />
HOLLYWOOD— Film indu.stry representatives,<br />
aviation executives and military and<br />
state officials were guests of Capt. Eddie<br />
Rickenbacker, president of Eastern Air Lines,<br />
at a world premiere showing of "Air Power<br />
Is Peace Power," semidocumentary produced<br />
for his aviation company by Jerry Fairbanks<br />
Productions. Rickenbacker makes his screen<br />
bow in the film, portraying himself and<br />
calling for powerful American air forces and<br />
strong commercial air lines capable of forming<br />
a coordinated striking force to repeal<br />
aggressor nations.<br />
The picture will not be shown to the public<br />
through regular exhibition channels but is<br />
being made available without charge to civic<br />
groups, military and veteran organizations,<br />
business and fraternal clubs and schools.<br />
Honor Goldwyn, Selznick<br />
For Work on Charities<br />
HOLLYWOOD—To David O. Selznick's collection<br />
of kudos was added a gold medal presented<br />
by Pi-esident Aleman of Mexico as a<br />
"testimony of gratitude" for Selznick's contributions<br />
to Mexico's national fund in its<br />
fight against tuberculosis. Selznick donated<br />
the proceeds of the Mexico City premiere of<br />
"The Paradine Case" to the campaign.<br />
Samuel Goldwyn, who as president of the<br />
United Jewish Welfare fund of Los Angeles<br />
just concluded a $10,000,000 fund-raising<br />
drive, has been named chairman of the west<br />
coast division of the Urban league, organized<br />
to find jobs and. in general, to better the lot<br />
of the American Negro. It is Goldwyn's second<br />
consecutive year in the post.<br />
Big Construction Job<br />
Starts at U-I Studios<br />
HOLLYWOOD—Taking advantage of a<br />
lengthy production layoff, Universal-International<br />
is completing extensive construction<br />
work imder the supervision of L. J. Ward, the<br />
studio's chief engineer. More than five miles<br />
of studio streets are being excavated to lay<br />
separate pipes for a high-pressure fire system<br />
and a domestic water supply. New fire<br />
hydrants also are being installed. Another<br />
project involves the filling of a four-acre<br />
area washed out in the 1938 flood. This land<br />
will be utilized as a 600-car parking lot and<br />
additional storage space.<br />
Curtiz Slates Romantic Comedy<br />
HOLLYWOOD — Added to the Michael<br />
Curtiz Productions slate for Warner release<br />
was "Scandalous Behavior," romantic comedy<br />
which will be produced by Jerry Wald and<br />
directed by Curtiz.<br />
Charity Nets $175,000<br />
At Benefit Premiere<br />
HOLLYWOOD—More than $175,000, earmarked<br />
for St. John's hospital in Santa<br />
Monica, was raised when several million dollars'<br />
worth of Hollywood talent appeared as<br />
guest stars at a benefit premiere of the<br />
Ringland Bros.-Barnum & Bailey circus. With<br />
John Farrow, Paramount megaphonist, in<br />
the directors' chair the gala show featured<br />
virtually every top Thespic name, including:<br />
Burt Lancaster<br />
Bob Hope<br />
Harry James<br />
Dennis Day<br />
Jeanette MacDonald<br />
Nelson Eddy<br />
Bing Crosby<br />
frank Sinatra<br />
Gene Kelly<br />
Gregory Peck<br />
Mickey Rooney<br />
Van Johnson<br />
Marx brothers<br />
Boris Karloff<br />
Jack Norton<br />
Gary Cooper<br />
Buster Keaton<br />
Elizabeth " Taylor<br />
Miranda<br />
Danny Kaye<br />
Walter Pidgeon<br />
Maureen O'Sullivan<br />
Celeste Holm<br />
Committee in<br />
Lex Barker<br />
Esther WilUams<br />
Ann Miller<br />
Robert Cummings<br />
Claudelte Colbert<br />
Barbara Stanwyck<br />
Virginia Mayo<br />
Lucille Ball<br />
Ray Milland<br />
Gene Raymond<br />
Michael O'Shea<br />
Robert Stack<br />
Irene Dunne<br />
Loretta Young<br />
Dorothy Lamour<br />
Ruth Hussey<br />
Valli<br />
Jenniter Jones<br />
Cathy O'Donnell<br />
Alan Ladd<br />
Barry Fitzgerald<br />
Peter Lawford<br />
Lee Bowman<br />
Rosalind Russell<br />
charge of the event included<br />
Charles P. Skouras, Dick Dickson, John Beck,<br />
David Butler, Leo McCarey, Jerry Wald, Herbert<br />
Coleman and Ernie Byfield jr.<br />
Enterprise Will Fight<br />
To Use 'Racket' Title<br />
HOLLYWOOD—Despite the Motion Picture<br />
Ass'n of America's oft-reiterated allergy to<br />
film titles of such nature. Enterprise has<br />
squared off for a fight to the finish on behalf<br />
of the tag for its upcoming John Garfield<br />
starrer, "The Numbers Racket."<br />
Joseph I. Breen's department in the John-<br />
.ston office banned that handle for the R. B.<br />
Roberts production — because it contains a<br />
verboten word "racket."<br />
The studio contends, however, that use of<br />
that word in connection with playing of numbers<br />
is justified, and has so maintained in<br />
written appeals to editorial writers all over<br />
the U.S.<br />
Screen Guild Negotiates<br />
For Own Studio Space<br />
HOLLYWOOD—Increased production activities<br />
have caused Screen Guild Productions<br />
to bsgin negotiations for the acquisition of<br />
its own studio space. A picture-making program<br />
calling for five films every two months<br />
necessitates studio space in order to avoid<br />
production delays, it was disclosed by Robert<br />
L. Lippert, SG president.<br />
BOXOFFICE September 11, 1948 ^l
: September<br />
Cleifers<br />
STUDIO PERSONNEUTIES<br />
Columbia<br />
Four composers assigned to current productions<br />
included GEORGE ANTHEIL, "Knock °n Any DooQ<br />
GEORGE DUNING, "The Lovers"; ALEXANDER<br />
LASZLO, "Song of India," and ARTHUR MORTON,<br />
"The Walking Hills."<br />
Enterprise<br />
Composer DAVID RAKSIN has begun the recording<br />
of his original score for the John<br />
^--'--i-i<br />
starrer, "The<br />
Metro<br />
musical director<br />
RKO<br />
DON RAYE and GENE DePAUL were commissioned<br />
to write the title song for Samuel Goldwyn's<br />
"Enchantment."<br />
20th-Fox<br />
DR. EDWARD KILENYI will compose and conduct<br />
the musical score of Edward L. Alpersons "Belle<br />
Starr's Daughter."<br />
Loonouts<br />
Paramount<br />
From Universal-International comes DAN DURYEA<br />
to portray the top spot in Pine-Thomas' "The Man<br />
Who Stole a Dream."<br />
Republic<br />
DAN DURYEA was borrowed from Universal-International<br />
to star with Lizabeth Scott and Don DeFore<br />
in the Hunt Stromberg production of "Too Late for<br />
Meggers<br />
Columbia<br />
EDWARD BERNDS was assigned to<br />
"Blondie's Big Deal," which Ted Richmond producing.<br />
The megging assignment on S. Sylvan Simon's<br />
production of "Bonanza" was handed GEORGE<br />
MARSHAa.<br />
Independent<br />
The third picture on Fortune Films' program,<br />
"Zamba," a jungle bcfckground production, will be<br />
directed by NATE WATT. Bert Stearn, Maurice Conn<br />
and Harry Handel head Fortune Films.<br />
20th-Fox<br />
Set to direct "Come to the Stable," an original<br />
story by Clare Booth Luce, was HENRY KOSTER.<br />
Sam Engel is producing and Loretta Young and<br />
Celeste Holm have been signed for top roles.<br />
Universal-International<br />
MICHEL KRAIKE was assigned to produce "Sierra,"<br />
Technicolor top-budget production which will be<br />
filmed in the High Sierras.<br />
Options<br />
Columbia<br />
JEROME COURTLAND was handed the male lead<br />
in "Make Believe Ballroom," which Joseph Santley<br />
directs for Producer Ted Richmond.<br />
The femme lead opposite Johnny WeissrauUer in<br />
"Jungle Jim's Adventure" goes to ELENA VERDUGO.<br />
GLORIA HENRY was assigned the femme lead in<br />
Wallace MacDonald's production, "Air Hostess."<br />
PEDRO ARMENDARIZ will portray a top character<br />
role in the John Garfield-Jennifer Jones starrer,<br />
"Rough Sketch." WALLY CASSELL and DAVID<br />
BOND have also been added to the cast.<br />
Eagle Lion<br />
JIM BANNON was inked by Producer Jerry Thomas<br />
of Equity Pictures for the title role in "Red Ryder,"<br />
based on Steve Slesinger's comic strip character,<br />
Producer-Director Arthur Dreifuss cast PEGGY<br />
RYAN in the top starring role of "Enchanted Hill,"<br />
based on a short story by Arthur Hoerl and<br />
Dreifuss.<br />
Enterprise<br />
Portraying a psychiatrist in a<br />
"Caught" will be ART SMITH.<br />
key sequence of<br />
Film Classics<br />
WILLIAM LUNDIGAN and VIRGINIA BRUCE drew<br />
the starring roles in Sigmund Neufeld Pictures' "File<br />
649, Stcfte Department." which Peter Stewart will<br />
direct.<br />
Metro<br />
FRANIC FERGUSON, GEORGE BOYCE and JOHNNY<br />
ALBRIGHT were added to "The Borkleys of Broadway"<br />
company which features Fred Astaire and<br />
Ginger Rogers.<br />
The top spots in "The Story of Monty Stratton,"<br />
Jack Cummings' production, were set for JAMES<br />
v/AHT and JUNE ALLYSON. Sam Wood will<br />
direct.<br />
FRANK MORGAN, CLINTON SUNDBERG and WILL<br />
WRIGHT joined the cast of "Big Horpe."<br />
Monogram<br />
GALE STORM was set for a starring role opposite<br />
Rod Cameron in "Stampede." The assignment will<br />
necessitate her withdrawing from Windsor Productions'<br />
"When a Man's a Man," due to conflicting<br />
schedules.<br />
Paramount<br />
P\UL STADER, GORDON ARNOLD, ERICA STRONG<br />
and SALLY RAWLINSON were added to the cast<br />
of "A Mask for Lucretia."<br />
RKO<br />
Fourteen-year-old JOAN EVANS was selected to<br />
portray the top femme spot opposite Farley Granger<br />
in Samuel Goldwyn's "Roseanna McCoy."<br />
Republic<br />
BUSTER 'WEST was signed for a specialty dance<br />
number in "The Missourians,"<br />
Screen Guild<br />
ROBERT LOWERY and MARJA DEANE joined the<br />
"Shep Comes Home" company which is under<br />
Ford Beebe's direction.<br />
United Artists<br />
CLYDE BEATTY and his wild animals were signed<br />
by Producer Edward Nassour for the Abbott and<br />
Costello starrer, "Africa Screams."<br />
A veteran of the Foreign Legion, PETER ORTIZ,<br />
was signed by Samuel Bischoif for a supporting<br />
role in "Outpost in Morocco."<br />
Warners<br />
JOAN BLONDELL checked in for the<br />
feminine role opposite Danny Kaye in<br />
leading<br />
"Happy<br />
Times." NESTOR PAIVA was set for a character<br />
role. EDDIE ACUFF, ART DUPOIS and LESTER<br />
SHARPE were signed for roles.<br />
DAVID COTA was cast in a featured role in<br />
"Montana," Technicolor adventure drama starring<br />
Errol Flynn and Alexis Smith.<br />
RALPH LITTLEFIELD was added to the cast of<br />
"Two Guys and a Gal," the Dennis Morgan, Jack<br />
Carson and Doris Day topliner.<br />
A character role in "Somewhere in the City" was<br />
set for IDA MOORE. Handed a featured spot was<br />
PHILO McCULLOUGH.<br />
Scripters<br />
RKO<br />
PAUL GREEN was signed by Samuel Goldwyn<br />
work on the screenplay of the forthcoming production<br />
to<br />
about the Halfield-McCoy mountain feuds,<br />
"Roseanna McCoy." Irving Reis will direct with<br />
Farley Granger and Joan Evans toplined.<br />
Universal-Intemational<br />
CLARENCE GREEN and RUSSELL ROUSE were<br />
pacted by Producer Robert Arthur to develop the<br />
screenplay for "Abbott and Costello and the Invisible<br />
Man."<br />
Story Buys<br />
Eagle Lion<br />
"WYOMING MAIL," semidocumentary based on the<br />
founding ot the U.S. secret service, was purchased<br />
from Author Robert Andrews and placed on Aubrey<br />
Schenck's production slate.<br />
Metro<br />
Marshall Nielan jr., a cutter in the editing department,<br />
sold his original untitled yarn about an<br />
amateur photographer to the studio.<br />
Paramount<br />
Wgllis purchased Producer Hal<br />
'<br />
'The File on<br />
Thelma Jordon," a dramatic original by Marty<br />
Holland, and slated the picture as a Barbara<br />
Stanwyck starrer. Ketti Frings will prepare the<br />
screenplay.<br />
Republic<br />
"Renegades of Sonora," on original screenplay<br />
bv M. Coates Webster, was set as the next Allan<br />
"Rocky" Lane western on Gordon Kay's production<br />
schedule.<br />
Universal-International<br />
"Highway Patrol," an original story by Maiden<br />
Grange Bishop, was purchased for Jerry Bresler's<br />
Droduclion slate. Bishop will collaborate with D.<br />
D, Beauchamp on the screenplay.<br />
Technically<br />
Metro<br />
JAY MARCHANT was set as unit manager<br />
"The Secret Garden." The art directorship was<br />
assigned to URIE McCLEARY.<br />
The art directorship on "The Gamblers" goes<br />
to HANS PETERS.<br />
JOSEPH RUTTENBERG was assigned as cameraman<br />
and SERGEI PETSCHNIKOFF as unit manager<br />
for "Great Sinner."<br />
Art director for "Big Harpe" will be RANDELL<br />
DUELL.<br />
Paramount<br />
Production posts on Pine-Thomas' "El Paso" were<br />
assigned to L. B. 'DOC" MERMAN, production<br />
manager; ELLIS CARTER, cameraman, and HOW-<br />
ARD PINE, assistant director.<br />
ARTHUR ROSSON is the second unit director on<br />
Cecil B. DeMiUe's "Samson and Delilah,'<br />
Staff assignments on "A Mask for Lucretia" went<br />
to MARY GRANT, designer; GEORGE HARRINGTON,<br />
wardrobe; AL MANN, assistant director, and HILDA<br />
GRENIER, technical consultant.<br />
Republic<br />
PEGGY GRAY, head of the studio's hairdressing<br />
department, has had her option lifted for another<br />
20th-Fox<br />
JOSEPH 'WRIGHT has been set as art director for<br />
Sam Engle's production of "Come to the Stable."<br />
Warners<br />
Art Director TEL SMITH was assigned to "Colorado<br />
Story."<br />
FOLMAR BLANGSTED drew the fikn editor assignment<br />
on "Flamingo Road."<br />
Title Changes<br />
Columbia<br />
will be released "Loser Take All" as LEATHER<br />
GLOVES.<br />
"Superstition Mountain" is now called BONANZA.<br />
Eagle Lion<br />
Equity Pictures will release "Parole" under the<br />
title of PAROLE, INC.<br />
Monogram<br />
TROUBLE MAKERS is the release tag on the<br />
Bowery Boys picture filmed as "High Tension."<br />
RKO<br />
The title of the Tim Holt western filmed as "Outlaw<br />
Valley" was switched to RUSTLERS.<br />
United Artists<br />
ABBOTT AND COSTELLO IN AFRICA is the new<br />
,<br />
tag for "Africa Screams."<br />
Premieres Scheduled<br />
For 'Moonrise/ 'Mile'<br />
HOLLYWOOD—'World premiere of Republic's<br />
"Moonrise" was staged September 9 at<br />
the Downtown and Hollywood Paramount<br />
theatres. The Charles K. Feldman Oroup-<br />
IVIarshall Grant production toplines Dane<br />
Clark, Ethel, Barrymore and Gail Russell.<br />
Due for world premiere treatment at the<br />
Orpheum in San Francisco September 16 is<br />
"Walk a Crooked Mile," produced by Edward<br />
Small for Columbia release. Louis Hayward,<br />
Dennis O'Keefe and Art Baker, who appear<br />
therein, will make personal appearances at<br />
the Orpheum opening, which will be followed<br />
by mass day-date openings in more than 100<br />
spots in the Bay area.<br />
William Laughlin Is Dead;<br />
Former 'Our Gang' Actor<br />
LOS ANGELES — Funeral services were<br />
held here recently for 16-year-old 'William<br />
Laughlin, former actor in "Our Gang Comedies."<br />
Services were conducted at the Pierce<br />
Bros. Alhambra mortuary and interment was<br />
at Rosedale Memorial park. Laughlin was<br />
born in San Gabriel and lived with his parents,<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Robert 'V. Laughlin, at<br />
Puente.<br />
SPEARHEADS<br />
Appears on Page 22<br />
52<br />
BOXOFFICE<br />
:<br />
11, 1948<br />
[§
i<br />
'I<br />
Studio Employmeni<br />
Lowest Since 1940<br />
HOLLYWOOD—Studio employment during<br />
July dropped to its lowest ebb since 1940,<br />
according to the California labor statistics<br />
bulletin. Index for tlie month slumped to<br />
77.2, a sharp drop from the 86.4 recorded In<br />
June and well under the rating for July,<br />
1947, of 102.6. Weekly average wage for July<br />
was $97.85, compared to $98.24 for June.<br />
Resumption of negotiations for a new contract<br />
was slated to get under way the latter<br />
part of the week between major producers<br />
and the Screen Publicists Guild. The huddles<br />
were recessed soms weeks ago when Charles<br />
Boren, labor liaison executive for the filmmakers,<br />
headed east to sit in on contract<br />
negotiations with the American Federation<br />
of Musicians.<br />
Members of the Screen Writers Guild will<br />
attend a general meeting September 13 at<br />
the Beverly Hills hotel to discuss propcsed<br />
amendments to the organization's constitution<br />
and bylaws, including one proposal to<br />
eliminate the use of proxies in voting.<br />
Two Theatres in Denver<br />
Open After Remodeling<br />
DENVER—Two remodeled neighborhood<br />
theatres, the Civic and New Coronet, owned<br />
by the Civic Theatres circuit, reopened recently<br />
after reconditioning jobs which included<br />
installations of new projection equipment.<br />
Civic Theatres, owned and operated by<br />
A. P. Archer and Joe H. Dodder, improved<br />
the cooling system at the Oriental and redecorated<br />
the interior. At the New Coronet<br />
other improvements included a new screen<br />
and remodeling work.<br />
Over 300 Attend Outing<br />
Of Denver Screen Club<br />
DENVER—More than 300 attended the annual<br />
picnic and golf tournament of the Rocky<br />
Mountain Screen club at Park Hill Country<br />
club. Claude Newell and Walt Ibold finished<br />
first and second in the golf tournament.<br />
The exhibitor-distributor ball game was a<br />
The distributor women beat the exhibitor<br />
tie.<br />
women in their annual ball game 13-3. Fred<br />
Zekman and Tom Robinson won at horseshoes.<br />
The dining room was overcrowded,<br />
and many tables had to be set elsewhere.<br />
Fred Brown won the Chrysler.<br />
Leon Goldberg Replaces<br />
Rathvon on AMPP Board<br />
HOLLYWOOD—Leon Goldberg, RKO studio<br />
manager, has been appointed to the board<br />
of directors of the Ass'n of Motion Picture<br />
Producers. He replaces N. Peter Rathvon.<br />
former RKO president, as that company's<br />
representative on the board.<br />
New Sound at Paris Novelty<br />
PARIS, IDA.—A new Motiograph sound<br />
system has been installed at the Novelty Theatre<br />
here, according to Mrs. M. G. Price<br />
manager of the house.<br />
West: Herbert J. Yates, president of Republic,<br />
and his executive aide William Saal<br />
trained in from New York after a ten-week<br />
tour of England, Ireland, Scotland, Belgium,<br />
Italy and France. They conferred with producers<br />
and exhibitors in each of the countries<br />
visited.<br />
East: Arthur Greenblatt, eastern sales chief<br />
for Screen Guild, planed for Manhattan after<br />
attending west coast sales meetings and home<br />
office conferences.<br />
West: Due in over the weekend for studio<br />
huddles was Spyros Skouras, president of<br />
20th Century-Fox, who was slated to confer<br />
with Darryl F. Zanuck anent the company's<br />
fall production agenda.<br />
East: Frederick Brisson, president of Independent<br />
Artists, headed for Chicago to attend<br />
the opening of lA's "The Velvet Touch," being<br />
released by RKO, thence to New York<br />
for parleys with Robert Mochrie, eastern<br />
RKO executive.<br />
East: Nate J. Blumberg, president of Universal-International,<br />
checked out for Manhattan<br />
for home office huddles. He is due<br />
back here early in October.<br />
West: Producer Ralph Cohn checked in<br />
from Manhattan to begin casting "Kingsblood<br />
Royal," film version of the Sinclair Lewis<br />
novel, which he will produce in New York<br />
for Pioneer Pictures.<br />
West: Gradwell Sears, United Artists president,<br />
arrived from Gotham for huddles with<br />
UA west coast executives and talks with<br />
Howard Hughes concerning the transfer of<br />
three Hughes pictures from UA to RKO<br />
Radio.<br />
East: Henry Ginsberg, Paramount production<br />
chief, planed to New York for home<br />
office conferences, planning to remain east<br />
about a week.<br />
West: Walter Wanger returned to his headquarters<br />
at Eagle Lion after huddles in<br />
Gotham with RKO distribution toppers on<br />
plans for releasing "Joan of Arc," produced<br />
by Wanger in association with Ingrid Bergman<br />
and Victor Fleming.<br />
Partners Ordered to Pay<br />
In Palisade, Colo., Suit<br />
PALISADE, COLO.—Harold J. Johnson and<br />
his wife Eleanor have been ordered to pay<br />
a total of $1,683.71 to the former Johnson-<br />
Waite partnership which operated the Elberta<br />
Theatre here until the recent dissolution of<br />
the partnership.<br />
Judge Paul L. Littler's findings in the<br />
court case further ordered the Johnsons to<br />
pay the U.S. government internal revenue<br />
department the interest and penalties assessed<br />
on delinquent admissions taxes, or to<br />
make a settlement satisfactory to the revenue<br />
department. The court retained jurisdiction<br />
in the case for the purpose of entering the<br />
judgment and enforcing it.<br />
Manager Earl Smith<br />
In Business 41 Years<br />
SUNNYVALE, CALIF.— For a man who has<br />
been in the motion picture bu.siness 41 years,<br />
exhibition still possesses a great thrill. At<br />
iea^t that's what Earl D. Smith, manager of<br />
the Sunnyvale Theatre, contends.<br />
Smith has been in the industry In one capacity<br />
or another for 41 years. He's been<br />
exhici-or, manager, traveling representative,<br />
.supply company representative and has even<br />
retired. But after each vacation from the indu.stry<br />
Smith returns to exhibition.<br />
He has been manager of the local house<br />
since 1907. Smith began his carer in 1907<br />
in Sterling, Colo., operating one of the first<br />
motion picture theatres in that community.<br />
"What a theatre that was," Smith recalls.<br />
"The old store building type, just a regular<br />
bu.lding with double doors in the center. A<br />
rai.sed floor was put in to give a slope to the<br />
ttage and upon this floor were installed regular<br />
kitchen chairs, fastened together with a<br />
piece of wood attached to the bottom of a<br />
section of four chairs each."<br />
"Our prices in those days were five cents<br />
for children and ten cents for adults," Smith<br />
said. Running time for the full show was<br />
rarely more than 30 minutes.<br />
After the Sterling Theatre, Smith for a<br />
time was associated with several theatres in<br />
Trinidad, Loveland and Pueblo and at Sidney,<br />
Neb. Then he went with the traveling<br />
company of "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under<br />
the Sea." From 1917 until 1923 he managed<br />
theatre equipment supply houses and<br />
later went into business for himself. When<br />
a nationwide supply house purchased his company<br />
Smith built the Tower Theatre at Salt<br />
Lake City and operated it from 1928 until<br />
1944 when he sold his interests and "retired"<br />
to California. He rested for more than<br />
two years and then took over the managerial<br />
job at the Sunnyvale.<br />
New Screen Guild Films<br />
Include 30 Features<br />
SAN FRANCISCO—Screen Guild Productions'<br />
forthcoming product includes 30 features<br />
and 18 reissues, 12 of which are Hopalong<br />
Cassidys, their western exchange group<br />
was told at a fifth and final weekend regoinal<br />
sales meeting here August 27-29. Topping<br />
the new season's program will be "Harpoon,"<br />
"The Mozart Story" and "I Shot Jesse<br />
James." The first two have been completed<br />
and the last enters production this month.<br />
Package selling will be stressed. Among<br />
combination programs will be "Return of<br />
Wildfire" and "Jungle Goddess," "Harpoon"<br />
and "SOS Submarine," "Last of the Wild<br />
Horses" and "Shep Comes Home," and "Son<br />
of Billy the Kid" and "Son of Jesse James."<br />
Francis A. Bateman, general sales manager,<br />
and Arthur Greenblatt, eastern sales<br />
manager, presided. Jack Leewood, advertising<br />
and publicity director, also spoke.<br />
Apache Changes Cost $G,000<br />
PORTALES, N. M.—Orin J. Sears, manager<br />
of the Apache Theatre here, said that<br />
remodeling of that house had cost approximately<br />
$6,000. Work done at the Apache included<br />
new projection equipment, new curtain,<br />
installation of a new floor, repainting the<br />
interior, installation of new seats and an air<br />
conditioning unit.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 53
$200,000 Lancaster, Calif., Antelope<br />
Open; Other Construction News<br />
Motorena Drive-In in Denver." The ozoner<br />
will be located half a mile east of the city<br />
limits, according to General Manager Irving<br />
Gillman of Greeley. Cartwright & Wilson,<br />
Salt Lake City contractors, have the construction<br />
contract.<br />
Illi<br />
LANCASTER, CALIF.—The $200,000, 800-<br />
seat Antelope Theatre was formally opened<br />
here recently by Manager Dave Roach, as<br />
workers completed details of a blacktop offstreet<br />
parking area for patrons of the theatre.<br />
Glen Artiz, local contractor, was in charge<br />
of construction at the Antelope, which was<br />
begun last November but suffered setbacks<br />
because of current building problems. Policy<br />
at the new theatre calls for a two-changeper-week<br />
schedule and showing of only first<br />
run pictures.<br />
Roach said the other local theatre, the<br />
Valley, which he also manages, would be<br />
remodeled soon.<br />
$100,000 Camakis Project<br />
BAKERSFIELD, CALIF.—A theatre will be<br />
erected at California avenue and Haley<br />
street here by the Camakis family, operators<br />
of the downtown Virginia Theatre, it was announced<br />
by Manuel J. Camakis.<br />
The new theatre, to cost approximately<br />
$100,000, will seat 689 persons and will provide<br />
a cry room to accommodate 25 mothers<br />
and their babies. Equipment will include the<br />
latest in air conditioning, projection and<br />
soimd equipment. The building will have a<br />
stran-steel circular roof.<br />
Designed by Peacock and Belongia, architects,<br />
the new structure will be started September<br />
15, and completion is expected in<br />
about fojir months under the direction of<br />
W. A. Croft, contractor.<br />
Corp. Off street parking will be provided<br />
at the new theatre, according to plans approved<br />
by the building department. The<br />
building will be of gunite, frame and stucco<br />
construction.<br />
Van Nuys Plans Completed<br />
VAN NUYS, CALIF.—Plans have been completed<br />
by architect William O. Brock of Sherman<br />
Oaks for construction of a new theatre<br />
building on Ventura boulevard here for P.<br />
Lang. The reinforced concrete block structure<br />
will measure 50x120 feet and will be supported<br />
by concrete columns and beams. No<br />
information as to cost of the project is yet<br />
available.<br />
Remodel White at Fresno<br />
FRESNO, CALIF.—A renovating and remodeling<br />
program is in store for the White<br />
Theatre here. It will include a new entrance,<br />
marquee, boxoffice and lighting system. Cost<br />
of the renovation will be $26,000.<br />
—DRIVE-INS—<br />
$500,000 Plant Nears Finish<br />
EL CERRITO, CALIF.—Spokesmen for the<br />
Fairmount Developing Co. said that the drivein<br />
being built on Fairmount avenue here<br />
was near completion. The ozoner will accommodate<br />
more than 400 cars and will cost<br />
nearly $500,000.<br />
Work Under Way at Yuma<br />
yUMA, ARIZ.—W. P.<br />
Wickersham, Phoenix<br />
contractor, is constructing a new drive-in<br />
here and expects to open it early in November.<br />
The showhouse, to be called the Mesa<br />
Drive-In, is being built on a 15-acre tract on<br />
the Yuma mesa, west of Route 80.<br />
Included in plans for future development<br />
of the site is a children's playground, with<br />
a carousel, miniature train and other amusement<br />
rides.<br />
Construction and equipment costs for the<br />
700-car drive-in are estimated at $130,000.<br />
Building East of Cheyenne<br />
CHEYENNE — Construction work was<br />
scheduled to begin immediately on the new<br />
drive-in to be built just east of the city limits<br />
by the Motor Vu Theatre Co. of Green<br />
River. The drive-in will be located on a<br />
14-acre site and will accommodate about<br />
500 cars.<br />
Plan Fort Morgan Airer<br />
FORT MORGAN, COLO.—John H. Roberts,<br />
manager of the Cover and U.S.A. theatres<br />
here, says that a site has been purchased<br />
and construction will start soon on<br />
a drive-in one and a half miles east of the<br />
city limits.<br />
Bh Ji<br />
ink"<br />
lite<br />
IliiE^<br />
S150,000 Project at Davis<br />
DAVIS, CALIF.—Davis Theatre Inc. has<br />
signed papers purchasing property on Second<br />
street here and has begun plans for<br />
the construction of an 800-seat theatre at<br />
an approximate $150,000 cost. The deal was<br />
consummated by James Stephens of Livermore,<br />
business manager of Davis Theatre<br />
Inc. Plans call for completion of the structure<br />
some time this fall. When the theatre<br />
is completed the Varsity, now operated by<br />
the circuit building the new house, will be<br />
discontinued.<br />
Theatre for Farm Market<br />
COMPTON, CALIF.—Plans have been<br />
drawn up for the construction of a theatre<br />
and farmers' market development here that<br />
will cost an approximate $550,000. The addition<br />
will be known as Eugene Rector's Community<br />
Center and will include 52 shops. The<br />
theatre will have a 999-seat capacity and will<br />
be operated by Rector Theatres, Inc., a concern<br />
operating for the Rector family of Los<br />
Angeles.<br />
Start Sherman Oaks Theatre<br />
LOS ANGELES — The theatre and store<br />
building being erected at 15,052 Venture<br />
boulevard for Philip Lang in the Sherman<br />
Oaks district will measure 50x120 feet and<br />
will cost $50,000.<br />
Permit to Ralph Wilmont<br />
CORONA DEL MAR, CALIF.—A building<br />
permit was issued here recently for the new<br />
$50,000 theatre to be built by Ralph WUmot<br />
and to be operated by the Perkins Theatre.<br />
Start at Tucumcari<br />
TUCUMCARI, N. M.—Construction has<br />
begun here on the County Drive-In, a 400-car<br />
airer being built by J. H. Snow of Hinton,<br />
Okla. The new ozoner is located on highway<br />
66.<br />
Snow, a native of Oklahoma, has been in<br />
the theatre business only three years. He<br />
owns and operates two theatres in Hinton.<br />
Snow said the Tucumcari ozoner would be<br />
opened about October unless construction<br />
work is delayed by material shortages. He<br />
plans to operate the airer nine months out of<br />
the year.<br />
Early Start at Albuquerque<br />
ALBUQLTERQUE—Construction was slated<br />
to start in mid-September on a drive-in to<br />
be built here by Albuquerque Theatres circuit,<br />
according to Manager George Tucker.<br />
The new ozoner will<br />
be located near the airport<br />
road and will accommodate 750 cars<br />
Opening is planned for next spring.<br />
Skylight Open in Idaho<br />
CALDWELL, IDA.—The Boise valley's newest<br />
open air theatre, the Skylight, opened recently<br />
on Highway 30 one mile east of the<br />
College of Idaho. J. F. Knuth of Meridian is<br />
manager of the ozoner, the third of a group<br />
of K&K drive-ins in the area.<br />
Start Work at Boulder<br />
BOULDER, COLO.—Construction got under<br />
way here recently on a $50,000 ozoner to<br />
be operated by the Boulder Drive-In Theatre<br />
Corp., a company understood to be composed<br />
of the "same people who operate the<br />
Remodel at Midway, Wash.<br />
MIDWAY, WASH.—Work was completed<br />
recently on remodeling the Motor-In Theatre,<br />
pioneer ozoner in the northwest area. Improvements<br />
made to the drive-in included a<br />
new boxoffice, new entrance and exit, new<br />
fence and a large neon sign. The boxoffice,<br />
finished in sheet alumium, was constructed by<br />
the National Blower and Sheet Metal Co. of<br />
Tacoma, according to Tom Jones, manager<br />
of the Motor-In.<br />
Nevada Theatre at Reno<br />
Completely Remodeled<br />
RENO—The only<br />
Fox West Coast theatre<br />
in the state, the Nevada, is scheduled for<br />
reopening upon completion of a reconstruction<br />
job which includes enlarging the lobby,<br />
new display cabinets, installation of a refreshment<br />
bar, enlarging the balcony and rebuilding<br />
of the projection room.<br />
Henry Pine, manager of the Nevada, said<br />
that when completed the house would seat<br />
650. Only the walls remain of the original<br />
structure after the complete renovation of<br />
the theatre. All other fixtures were new. Pine<br />
said. Work has been imder way since June<br />
28 when the theatre was closed for the job.<br />
Incorporation Papers<br />
Filed for Star Theatre<br />
STAYTON, ORE.—Aiticles of incorporation<br />
have been filed with the county clerk's<br />
office here for the Star Theatre, Inc., by<br />
Lawrence E. Spraker, Mae Spraker, Marcel<br />
Van Dreische and Ruth Van Dreische.<br />
I<br />
I'm.'<br />
54<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948<br />
U
I<br />
'<br />
Holiday Helps Out<br />
Angeleno Grosses<br />
LOS ANGELES—Brisk first run business,<br />
aided by the Labor day weekend and good<br />
weather, kept the turnstiles clicking at an<br />
above-average tempo in most outlets. Sharing<br />
top honors for the week, each carding<br />
150 per cent, were "Good Sam" and "A Date<br />
With Judy," while place money went to<br />
"Tap Roots," which rated 140 per cent in its<br />
opening stanza.<br />
(Average is 100)<br />
BelraonI, Culver, El Rey, Orpheum, Vogue-<br />
Northwest Stampede (EL); Behind Locked<br />
Doors (EL) 125<br />
Chinese, Lovola, State, Uptown, Carthay Circle—<br />
The Luck ol the Irish (ZOth-Fox),- The Shanghai<br />
Chest (Mono) 115<br />
Guild, Ins, Ritz, Studio City, United Artists-<br />
Top Roots (U-I) 140<br />
Downtown, Hollywood Paramounts Beyond<br />
Glory (Para); Eyes ol Texas (Rep), 2iid<br />
Egyptian, Los Angeles, Wilshireludy<br />
(MGM)<br />
Date With<br />
Four "Music Halls—Pitlall (UA), 2nd wk<br />
Panlages, Hillstreel—Good Sam (RKO)<br />
Four Star, Palace—The Pearl (RKO), 3rd wk<br />
Warners, Downtown, Hollywood, Wiltern—Two<br />
Guys From Texas (WB); Embraceable You<br />
(WB), 2nd wk<br />
'Tap Roots' Is Standout<br />
As Grosses in Frisco Drop<br />
SAN FRANCISCO—Grosses at the first run<br />
theatres generally were below recent levels.<br />
After a spectacular opening, "Tap Roots"<br />
registered a husky 150 per cent day-date at<br />
the Esquire and the Orpheum. "Mr. Blandings<br />
Builds His Dream House," with "Who<br />
Killed 'Doc' Robbin?" in a second round at<br />
the Fox, still pulled nicely.<br />
Esquire and Orpheum—Tap Hoots (U-I) 150<br />
Fox—Mr, Blandings Builds His Dreom House<br />
(SRO); Who Killed 'Doc' Robbin? (UA), 2nd wk. 110<br />
Golden Gate— The Velvet Touch (RKO); The<br />
Arizona Ranger (RKO), 2nd wk 90<br />
Paramount—The Crusades (Para); Partners in<br />
"'<br />
Time (RKO), reissues<br />
Francis—A Foreign Affair (Para),<br />
-Tower of London (U-I); The<br />
5th wk<br />
Mon Who 90<br />
St.<br />
Stat.<br />
claimed His Head (U-I)<br />
.100<br />
Artists—Pitfall United (UA), 2nd wk 100<br />
United Nations—The Walls of Jericho (20th-Fox);<br />
Here Comes Trouble (UA), 2nd d. t. wk 100<br />
Warlield-Escape (20th-Fox), Out of the Storm<br />
(Rep) 90<br />
Seattle Trade Is Spotty;<br />
'Jericho' Tops New Films<br />
SEATTLE—Trade at the first run houses<br />
here was spotty. "The Walls of Jericho" at<br />
the Paramount topped the newcomers.<br />
"Easter Parade," in its third week at the<br />
Liberty, continued to lead the holdovers,<br />
while "A Date With Judy" at the Music Hall<br />
and a dualing of "Key Largo" and "Fabulous<br />
Joe" at the Music Box, still were pulling well.<br />
Blue Mouse—That Lady in Ermine (20th-Fox):<br />
Fighting Back (20th-Fox), 2nd d. t. wk 60<br />
Fifth Avenue—Life With Father (WB); Wallflower<br />
(WB), 2nd wk 120<br />
Liberty—Easter Parade (MGM), 3rd wk 175<br />
Music Box—Key Largo (WB); Fabulous Joe (UA),<br />
6th d. wk 135<br />
t<br />
Paramount—The Walls of Jericho (20th-Fox); Lady<br />
at Midnight (EL) 100<br />
Orpheum—For the Love of Mary (U-I); Jassy<br />
65<br />
(U-I)<br />
Music Hall—A Date With Judy (MGM); Shaggy<br />
(Para) 4th wk -150<br />
,<br />
Palomar—The Black Arrow (Col); I, John Doe<br />
(Rep) - - -<br />
Roosevelt—The Search (MGM), 3rd wk<br />
95<br />
80<br />
'Judy' and "Parade' Still Lead<br />
Trade at Portland Theatres<br />
PORTLAND—Rain and cooler weather bolstered<br />
business at the first run theatres here.<br />
"A Date With Judy." paired with "Lightnin'<br />
in the Forest" in a second week at the Broadway,<br />
continued to lead the city. "Easter<br />
Parade," playing a third week at the United<br />
Artists, still pulled well.<br />
Broadway—A Date With Judy (MGM); Lightnin'<br />
SIGNED AND SEALED—Audie Murphy<br />
(right) most decorated American soldier<br />
in World War II, is the interested observer<br />
while Steve Broidy, president of<br />
Monogram and Allied Artists, places his<br />
name on the contract whereby Murphy<br />
will sUr in "Bad Boy." The juvenUe<br />
delinquency drama, sponsored by 'Variety<br />
Clubs International, will be produced by<br />
Paul Short, to whom Murphy is under<br />
personal contract.<br />
in the Forest (Rep), 2nd d. t. wk<br />
United Artists—Easter Porade (MGM),<br />
160<br />
3rd d. I<br />
150<br />
Mayfair—The Se( ch (MGM); The Shanghai Chest<br />
(MOTIO)<br />
Paramounl-Retu. 1 of the — Badmen (RKO); the<br />
Hunted (Mono) • 100<br />
__, ;<br />
Orpheum and Oriental—A Foreign Affair (Para);<br />
(Col):<br />
Key Witness (Col)<br />
Music Box—Sahara Destroyer<br />
-^ --<br />
(Col), 2nd<br />
.130<br />
Playhouse—Life With Father (WB); Wallflower<br />
(WB), 4th d. t. wk<br />
'Beyond Glor'y' Scores 170<br />
To Lead Trade in Denver<br />
DENVER—"A Date With Judy" and "The<br />
week<br />
Arkansas Swing," holdovers after a big<br />
at the Orpheum. "Beyond Glory" appears to<br />
be headed for an indefinite stay at the Denham.<br />
Other business ranged from fine to<br />
poor.<br />
Aladdin—Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House<br />
(SRO), 3rd d. t. wk ,;-,;; '^''<br />
Broadway—Another Part of the Forest (UA),<br />
2nd wk ^<br />
,S<br />
Denham—Beyond Glory (Para) ^;,-;-''0<br />
Denver and Esquire—The Walls ol lerieho (ZOth-<br />
Fox); Train to Alcatraz (Rep) 125<br />
Orpheum—A Date With Judy (MGM), The Arkansas<br />
Swing (Col)<br />
Paramount and Webber — Feudin', Fussin and -J10<br />
a-Fightin' (U-I); Secret Service Investigator<br />
(Rep) 100<br />
Rialto—Ufe With Father (WB); Wallflower (WB),<br />
4th d I. wk. 1'5<br />
Yakima Patronage Booms<br />
At Selah, Wash., Drive-In<br />
SELAH, WASH.—Yakima is enjoying its<br />
sister-city's new theatre, the Selah, located<br />
on the highway just south of the city limits.<br />
With this fast-growing town booming at an<br />
imprecedented rate since the war and necessitating<br />
the location of a modern theatre and<br />
with the giant new cloverleaf highway between<br />
Yakima and Selah shortening the already<br />
short distance between the two municipalities,<br />
Yakimans will enjoy the few minutes<br />
drive to attend the Selah Theatre. Many<br />
Yakimans are making their homes here and<br />
commuting to work in Yakima.<br />
Jefferson Theatre Sold<br />
JEFFERSON, ORE.—Bob Halliday of Albany<br />
has purchased the Jefferson Theatre<br />
from M. E. Weeks and has announced plans<br />
for remodeling the house, including newseats<br />
and screen equipment.<br />
Evergreen Increases<br />
Admission Prices<br />
SEATTLE—A foui- to five-cent increase In<br />
admission prices has been made in five<br />
Washington cities by Evergreen theatres.<br />
National Theatres circuit. In Seattle night<br />
prices were boosted from 80 to 84 cents, the<br />
first increa.se in several years. Prices in the<br />
first run situations went to 50 from 45 cents<br />
1)1 lor to 1 p. m. and from 55 to 59 cents from<br />
1 until 6 p, m.<br />
Second runs were raised from 34 to 40 cents<br />
prior to 1 p. m., 45 to 50 cents from 1 to 6<br />
p. m., and 59 to 65 cents in the evenings. In<br />
Bellingham, Everett, Wenatchee, Spokane<br />
and the Seattle university district a general<br />
five cent increase was made, bringing first<br />
run night prices in most situations up to 70<br />
cents.<br />
Locally, beginning time for night prices was<br />
set back from 5 to 6 p. m. There was no<br />
indication as yet as to whether other circuits<br />
would follow the Evergreen price increase<br />
lead.<br />
New Evergreen Managers<br />
Named at 3 Theatres<br />
SPOKANE—James O'Connell, city manager<br />
for Evergreen circuit theatres, .said recently<br />
that he would manage the Fox Theatre<br />
in addition to his other duties, succeeding<br />
Oscar F. Nyberg, who was transferred<br />
to Portland.<br />
James Leslie, house manager at the Orpheum,<br />
was named house manager at the Fox<br />
in other managerial shifts in the three local<br />
houses. Warren Butz, house manager at the<br />
State, was named manager there and Kenneth<br />
Patterson moved from the Fox to the<br />
State as house manager.<br />
Vernon MacLeod, concessions manager for<br />
Evergreen Theatres, was named house manager<br />
at the Orpheum.<br />
Denver Grand to Feature<br />
Stage Shows and Films<br />
DENVER—The new Grand Theatre, located<br />
on East 26th at Humboldt, was opened<br />
recently by owners Robert Patrick and Larry<br />
Sandler, operators of several other local motion<br />
picture theatres. The Grand has a 560-<br />
seat capacity and will feature occasional<br />
stage revues in addition to its film program.<br />
for<br />
YOUR<br />
I Count on u^ lot Quick .Action!<br />
InCAIKb<br />
THEATRE EXCHANGE CO.<br />
201 Fine Arts Bldfl^ Porttand 5. Oregon<br />
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BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948<br />
55
. . Gerry<br />
. . The<br />
. .<br />
SEATTLE<br />
XJ H. Wheeldon has opened his new Rosalia<br />
Theatre in Rosalia, Wash., to replace<br />
the structure razed by fire months ago.<br />
Wheeldon operates three other theatres in<br />
eastern Washington and two in Idaho .<br />
Irving Barry was guest of honor at a cocktail<br />
party and dinner given by the Evergreen<br />
home office on the eve of his leaving as<br />
Seattle booker . Peterson, with the<br />
B. F. Shearer Co., and Mrs. Peterson are the<br />
parents of a baby daughter.<br />
Bin Forman said his huge wooden screen<br />
of the Auto-Vue Drive-In south of Tacoma<br />
was destroyed by fire, believed to have resulted<br />
from defective wiring . . . Chilt Robinette,<br />
branch manager, and Murry Lafayette,<br />
exploitation representative, attended the 20th<br />
Century-Fox sales meeting in Los Angeles<br />
Frank Graham, former<br />
September 14 . . .<br />
exhibitor at Auburn and widely known in film<br />
circles, is recovering from a serious illness<br />
in Tacoma General hosiptal where he has<br />
been the past two months.<br />
All of which are offered by and are immediately at<br />
your service from the four Pacific Coast offices of the<br />
A JT. Shearer Company<br />
ENGINEERING: Starting with the selection<br />
of the site through to screen satisfaction for<br />
your<br />
patrons.<br />
MOTIOGRAPH SOUND EQUIPMENT: Sound<br />
is the most important single item of any<br />
Drive-in Theatre. Let us demonstrate the<br />
Latest and Best.<br />
MOTIOGRAPH IN-CAR SPEAKERS: The newest<br />
improved speakers with concession service<br />
signal<br />
light.<br />
MOTIOGRAPH PROJECTION EQUIPMENT:<br />
Experience proved to properly provide maximum<br />
illumination and picture definition.<br />
HALL-HART ARC LAMPS: Specially designed<br />
to handle high amperage.<br />
ROBIN-IMPERIAL STEDY POWER MOTOR<br />
GENERATORS: Built specifically for Drive-ln<br />
Theatre operation.<br />
CONCESSIONS: Revenue producing merchandising<br />
equipment designed for greater<br />
profits.<br />
CRETORS POPCORN MACHINES—BEVER-<br />
AGE DISPENSING EQUIPMENT and SUP-<br />
PLIES.<br />
Mrs. Ray B. Lehrman, wife of the Sterling<br />
circuit's head booker, is vacationing in Minneapolis<br />
with their two children . following<br />
changes in Hamrick-Evergreen assistant<br />
managers here were made: James<br />
Kendall to succeed Scott Morris at the Fifth<br />
Avenue, who resigned; Robert Turner to replace<br />
Kendall at the Coliseum, and Robert<br />
Tullis to take over the latter's place . . Herbert<br />
.<br />
Kaufman, SRO's western district man-<br />
ager, conferred here with Max Hadfield,<br />
branch head, and with exhibitors on campaigns<br />
for "Duel in the Sun" and "Mr.<br />
Blandings Builds His Dream House."<br />
L. O. Lukan celebrated his birthday and<br />
served coffee and cake the same night the<br />
Green Lake Theatre, which he operates, reopened<br />
after several days of alterations . . .<br />
B. F. "Bud" Shearer jr. was wed September<br />
4 to Jaunita Ekholm of Montevideo, Minn.<br />
Sierra Theatre Is Sold<br />
SAN FRANCISCO—Bruce Prater has sold<br />
the Sierra Theatre. Loyalton, Calif., to Ross<br />
E. Jones of Bieber, Calif., for an undisclosed<br />
sum. J. D. Arakelian, San Francisco, handled<br />
the transaction.<br />
Council Changes Zoning<br />
HOLLYDALE, CALIF.—The south gate city<br />
council and planning commission has recommended<br />
clearing the way for construction<br />
of a 1,000-seat theatre on Garfield avenue.<br />
The petition which was approved will permit<br />
establishment of a parking zone on property<br />
previously used for residential purposes.<br />
Lack of proper parking facilities had delayed<br />
construction of the theatre.<br />
From a carbon to a Complete Theatre Installation<br />
You will find<br />
SERVICE AND SATISFACTION GUARANTEED BY<br />
B. F. SHEARER COMPANY<br />
LOS ANGELES: 1964 South Vtrmont . ROchtster 1145 • PORTLAND: 1947 N. W. Kearney<br />
SAN FRANCISCO: 243 Golden Gate »ve. . UNderhill M816 • SEATTLE: 2318 Second tve.<br />
• ATwater 7543<br />
. Elliott B247<br />
56 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
. . . John<br />
. . Ralph<br />
. . Earl<br />
. . Also<br />
. . Bill<br />
. .<br />
. .<br />
. .<br />
. . Paul<br />
. . Barbara<br />
. . Roland<br />
. . FWC<br />
. . Don<br />
. . Ken<br />
. . Pat<br />
. . Cy<br />
LOS ANGELES<br />
fusic Hall Theatres has moved its offices<br />
M"<br />
the downtown Orpheum Theatre<br />
Norma Muhhnan, secretary to<br />
Bldg. . . .<br />
Jerry Geissman at Music Hall Theatres, resigned<br />
to move to Tucson, Ariz. . . . Freddy<br />
Stein. Vinnicof circuit film buyer, resigned<br />
to go with Eagle Lion as special representative<br />
. . . Harold<br />
under William Heineman Whitman, head booker at U-I, retui-ned from<br />
a Yosemite vacation.<br />
. . . Dorothy<br />
Evelyn Tourse, U-I booker, was back on<br />
the job following her vacation<br />
Yelland is the new typist at U-I . . . Bleeker<br />
& Jones opened a new showcase at La Mesa,<br />
. . . Foster<br />
Calif., called the Helix Theatre<br />
Blake, U-I district manager, was on a tour<br />
of exchanges . . . Bill Alfred, film buyer, and<br />
Mason Siler of the Newport and Balboa theatres<br />
were on the Row.<br />
Bea Kanter, secretary to G. E. Gailbraith<br />
of Associated Theatre Advertisers, resigned<br />
to return to her home in Duluth, Minn. .<br />
The New Aladdin Theatre in Indio, Calif.,<br />
will open September 14 with RKO's "Good<br />
Sam" heading the bill. Judge LeRoy Pawley<br />
is the owiier of the New Aladdin with Cooperative<br />
Theatres booking and buying for<br />
the house . Carmichael, Republic<br />
manager in San Francisco, was here for talks<br />
with James Grainger, Republic vice-president<br />
and general manager.<br />
George Landers, former manager of the<br />
Huntington Park Theatre, left on a tour of<br />
the entire United States via plane, through<br />
the courtesy of Joe Venable, theatre owner<br />
Healy, aid to General Manager<br />
George Bowser of Pox West Coast, is the<br />
father .of a baby girl. Mrs. Healy is the<br />
former Bette Geisser, one-time secretary to<br />
Charles P. Skouras, FWC president.<br />
.<br />
The Crest Theatre in Reno was opened by<br />
Fox West Coast after a complete remodeling<br />
job. Journeying to Reno for the premiere<br />
were Charles P. Skouras, R. H. McCuUough,<br />
W. H. "Bud" Lollier, Eddie Zabel, Oscar Oldknow<br />
and Seymour Peiser Porter,<br />
head of the Allied Artists-Monogram west<br />
coast contract department, returned from a<br />
two-month tour of the company's midwest<br />
exchanges.<br />
Alex Schreiber, Detroit exhibitor, flew in<br />
for conferences with his architects concerning<br />
his two new valley theatres . . . Morton<br />
Allen, Hygienic Productions representative,<br />
left for Australia and China where he will<br />
negotiate bookings for "Mom and Dad" .<br />
Sid Welder, booker and buyer for the Rogers<br />
circuit in San Diego, was on the Row.<br />
.<br />
Vacationing in southern California, where<br />
he visited his many friends on the local<br />
Row, was Ralph Golbert, Omaha, Neb., theatre<br />
circuit booker Calvert. Lompoc<br />
Theatre in Lompoc, visited along Filmrow<br />
. . . Rusty Lehnert, secretary to Harry Nace<br />
jr. and sr., vacationed at Balboa and Newport<br />
beaches, and was shown the town by<br />
Mason Siler, owner of the Lido and Balboa<br />
theatres.<br />
.<br />
Back from a New York business and vacation<br />
trip was Frank A. Rice, vice-president<br />
of Standard Films back from his<br />
vacation was Don<br />
.<br />
McLaren of the Filbert<br />
Mack Lunt, also of the<br />
supply outfit . . .<br />
Filbert Co., was to vacation in Utah<br />
Dode Samuels, Carlsbad Theatre, Carlsbad,<br />
N. M., was booking on the Row . . . Ralph<br />
Dostal, fomierly a Los Angeles booker and<br />
recently a theatre owner in San Francisco,<br />
visited the Row . Smith is the new<br />
office manager at Ihe Paramount exchange.<br />
He comes from Paramount's Minneapolis office.<br />
Ken Derby, former office manager at<br />
Paramount, was upped to the sales department<br />
. Walsh, Eagle Lion salesman,<br />
resigned to enter the radio business in San<br />
Bernardino.<br />
The Million Dollar Theatre here has booked<br />
the Louis Jordan combo to topline the stageshow<br />
the week of December 31 . . . Bob<br />
O'Donnell, Interstate circuit's operating chief,<br />
and Mrs. O'Donnell returned to Dallas after<br />
winding up their two-week honeymoon in<br />
Arthur Greenblatt,<br />
southern California . . .<br />
Screen Guild's eastern sales manager, planed<br />
in from San Francisco for home office sessions<br />
with Robert L. Lippert, president, and<br />
Francis A. Bateman, general .sales manager.<br />
Greenblatt will spend a week on the coast<br />
before returning to his New York headquarters.<br />
Among the Fox West Coasters: Vernon<br />
Brown was named temporary manager of<br />
the Baywood in San Mateo, replacing Jack<br />
Foley . Stewart, usherette at the<br />
State in Pomona, is now Mrs. Michael padford.<br />
The new bride and groom honeymooned<br />
at Carmel.<br />
Duncan "Cisco Kid" Renaldo, a longtime<br />
resident of Encino, was the emcee when the<br />
Lee Theatres organization broke ground for<br />
its first house in the San Fernando valley.<br />
Renaldo turned the first shovelful of earth<br />
for the Encino Theatre, being constructed by<br />
Jules Seder and Howard Goldenson . . . Allan<br />
"Rocky" Lane and his stallion Black Jack<br />
were guests at ceremonies launching national<br />
Youth month on the steps of the city hall,<br />
with Mayor Fletcher Bowron and Charles<br />
Skouras, head of the southern California<br />
committee, leading off the inaugural ceremony.<br />
In from an eastern business trip was<br />
Charles P. Skouras, president of National<br />
Theatres and Fox West Coast. He was accompanied<br />
by NT executives including John<br />
Bertero, Harry Cox, George Bowser, Dick<br />
Spier and Tom Page . held its annual<br />
golf tournament and dinner dance recently<br />
at the Riviera Country club. The<br />
home office closed down tight at 1 p. m. to<br />
permit employes to participate in the festivities.<br />
Circuit Managers Meet<br />
RATON, N. M.—Five managers of Gibraltar<br />
Theatres in New Mexico and Colorado<br />
joined the managers of the two local circuit<br />
houses in a meeting here recently with Tom<br />
Murphy.<br />
NLRB Orders Producers<br />
Quit Anti-Machinists Acts<br />
Washington—The National Labor Relations<br />
Board in one of the first orders of<br />
its kind Friday (10) ordered the Ass'n of<br />
Motion Picture Producers to stop advising<br />
member producers to "discourage membership<br />
in the American Association of<br />
Machinists." It specifically ordered<br />
Loew's, Universal, RKO and Warners to<br />
stop discouraging membership in the<br />
union.<br />
DENVER<br />
prank H. Walte has bought the Elberta at<br />
Palisade from Harold Johnson . Lee<br />
of Poppers Supply Co. has expanded his Albuquerque<br />
warehou.se . Tibbs, Monogram<br />
manager in Salt Lake City, was here<br />
a few days conferring with Lon T. Fidler,<br />
franchi.se owner, who is recuperating at home<br />
from an illne.ss . . . Walter Mclnto.sh, Paramount<br />
auditor, is here looking over accounts<br />
at the exchange.<br />
. . Al Hoffman, Metro salesman,<br />
Irene Gardner, ca.shier, and Norma Tomlins,<br />
biller at Paramount, spent a weekend<br />
with their relatives in Kan.sas . Reefe<br />
has resigned as clerk at U-I to return to<br />
school . . . T. J.<br />
booker at RKO .<br />
Davey is the new student<br />
has resigned to enter private business.<br />
He is succeeded by Jerry Banta. booker.<br />
H. B. Williams, Krohler seat division salesman,<br />
was here with his family as guests of<br />
Kenneth MacKaig, UA manager, and together<br />
all attended the Rocky Mountain Screen club<br />
picnic ... Ed Urschel, N. Y., Metro auditor,<br />
was at the local exchange . MacKaig<br />
headed a UA sales meeting attended by the<br />
salesmen William Sombar, Howard Metzgar<br />
and Robert Riddle.<br />
James Dugan, 20th-Fox manager, attended<br />
the national sales meeting in Los Angeles . . .<br />
Jack Wodell, manager of the West Drive-In,<br />
has temporarily taken on the management<br />
of the North Motorens Drive-In, just taken<br />
over by Wolfberg Theatres. This gives Wolfberg<br />
three drive-ins in Denver . . . Kenneth<br />
MacKaig has bought a horse, together with<br />
a bridle and saddle for $50. Saddles are worth<br />
more than that. Ken says his family has had<br />
more than $50 worth of fun out of the horse<br />
already, but other horsemen on Filmrow tell<br />
him it's not the initial cost, but the upkeep.<br />
George Smith, western division manager,<br />
Paramomit, and Harold Wirthwein, his assistant,<br />
were here for a sales meeting . . .<br />
Hugh Rennie, Monogram salesman recently<br />
operated on, is recovering at home . . . Robert<br />
Selig, assistant to the president of Fox<br />
Intermountain, vacationed in Honolulu.<br />
A pass racket has been uncovered. Magazine<br />
salesmen have been given cards having<br />
PRESS in large letters. Some of the salesmen<br />
have been using them in an attempt to<br />
Phony $10 bills<br />
get into theatres free . . .<br />
are being noted in this territory. They are<br />
green-seal bills on the Chicago Federal Reserve<br />
bank, with F339 or B388 in small print<br />
in the lower right corner. Plate numbers oi:<br />
the back will be either 1177, 1157 or 1098.<br />
Alexander Hamilton's hair appears unusually<br />
white, red ink lines have been drawn on the<br />
paper to simulate genuine threads, and the<br />
steps on the treasury building are missing.<br />
Virgil Odell, city manager for Fox Intermountain<br />
at Nampa, Ida., is a busy man, and<br />
is constantly being drafted for chairmanships<br />
of important civic committees. Among the<br />
chairmanships now or recently held by him<br />
are those of Idaho Youth Month, Red Cross<br />
campaign. Children's Crusade, advertising and<br />
publicity Snake River Stampede la chamber<br />
of commerce activity which enjoyed the<br />
largest attendance in history^, and campaign<br />
for Community Chest. His activities have<br />
rated him a story in state newspapers an<br />
average of every other day since the first of<br />
the year.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 57
. . Charlotte<br />
. . Ron<br />
. . Manager<br />
. . The<br />
'<br />
SAN FRANCISCO<br />
Deports around town have it that the Orpheum<br />
Theatre is being sought by other<br />
interests . . . Some say that the remodeling<br />
job at the Golden Gate Theatre is costing<br />
Hedda Hopper,<br />
$200,000 more or less . . .<br />
Hollywood columnist, on September 13 will be<br />
commentator for a fashion show which will<br />
be given for the benefit of guide dogs for the<br />
blind . . . Actress June Lockhart and actor<br />
Bill Bendix were aboard the plane which<br />
flew to Oakland from Los Angeles, initiating<br />
a new fleet of planes ready for service.<br />
The first commercial film in the history of<br />
the resort city of Capitola occurred when the<br />
Oapitola Theatre opened its doors for the<br />
first time. Owners are Arthur Meyer of San<br />
. . . The<br />
Francisco, who has been going to Capitola<br />
during the summertime for the past 20 years,<br />
and Joseph Jacobs of Burlingame<br />
Verdi Theatre here is holding a four-week<br />
contest in which some youngster will win a<br />
bicycle. Local merchants all are cooperating<br />
on the contest.<br />
.<br />
Wesley Rosenthal, salesman for B. F.<br />
Shearer Co.. is getting along nicely following<br />
a serious auto accident Leipzig,<br />
receptionist at Affiliated Theatres (Lippert-Mann<br />
combine!, will take a two-month<br />
leave to visit in Europe.<br />
George Lewis has been named manager of<br />
the Midtown Theatre. He was assistant manager<br />
at the Irving ... In South San Francisco,<br />
Lester Immerman at the State has<br />
been transferred to management of the Daly<br />
City. Ben Stevensen has been transferred<br />
from the Daly City to the Parkside and Art<br />
Kloth. manager of the Parkside, has been<br />
transferred to the Irving. Matt Knighton<br />
moved from the Irving to the State.<br />
The San Francisco division of Golden State<br />
Theatres is holding a special back-to-school<br />
campaign for the local managers. For instance,<br />
one of the campaigns planned by Bud<br />
Sears, manager of the Noe. is to have Frankie<br />
Albert, football star of the Forty Niners and<br />
favorite with the children, come out and autograph<br />
The holiday weekend<br />
footballs . . . took a large toll of business out of San Francisco<br />
and the bright sunshine didn't help.<br />
Many of the exchange personalities were<br />
among the missing for the weekend.<br />
"California's Golden Beginning," the first<br />
Be Glad!<br />
Stay Glad!<br />
Buy<br />
MANLEY<br />
W. H. TDBPIE. Western Diviaion Manager<br />
ISU Sa. Vemonl. RE 7S38 Lee Angeles 7, Calil.<br />
THE MODERN PHOJECTOR<br />
'NEW EAGLE LION OFFICES—Shown<br />
above are the Eagle Lion offices in Salt<br />
Lake City after remodeling. Manager<br />
Arthur M. Jolley is shown in the background<br />
in front of his private office.<br />
official Centennial film produced by the<br />
California Centennials commission, will be<br />
distributed free to schools throughout the<br />
state after October 1, as well as to service<br />
clubs, historical societies and other organizations<br />
for noncommercial showings. Filmed<br />
in Cinecolor. the picture covers the events<br />
in the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill,<br />
January 24, 1848. The commission plans another<br />
picture next year dealing with the gold<br />
rush era and signing of the state constitution<br />
and another film in 1950 on California's admission<br />
to the union.<br />
The Presidential penny poll is part of the<br />
Telenews Theatre service. Votes may be cast<br />
for presidential hopefuls in the lobby of the<br />
Telenews. Each coin di-opped into the container<br />
under the name of each candidate represents<br />
one vote. All monies collected are<br />
given to the Variety Club's Heart fund for<br />
blind babies.<br />
Charlie Wolfe Is Manager<br />
CLOVIS, N. M. — Charlie Wolfe, former<br />
theatre manager at Abilene, Tex., has been<br />
named manager of the Yucca Drive-In on<br />
the Portales highway near Clovis.<br />
Denver Rialto Remodeled<br />
DENVER—The Fox Rialto Theatre here<br />
was to bow for inspection at a gala preopening<br />
night after complete redeooration<br />
which included new draperies and carpeting,<br />
new modern lighting, sound and projection<br />
equipment, a convenient new mezzanine and<br />
new seats in the loges and main floor.<br />
"Bob' Nelson Returns From Vacation<br />
LEADVILLE, COLO.—Robert C. Nelson,<br />
manager of the Fox Theatre here, returned<br />
from a two-week vilsit in Seattle, Wash.,<br />
with his sister, Mrs. Edith Nordeen.<br />
ATTRACTIVE POPCORN BOXES<br />
Printed in Red and White<br />
$7.50 per thousand<br />
Complete Popcorn Supplies<br />
ARTHUR UNGER CO., INC.<br />
105 Golden Gate Ave. San Francisco 2, Cal.<br />
PORTLAND<br />
pen Babb, Selznick field representative, was<br />
here for conferences with Jack Matlack<br />
of the J. J. Parker circuit on "Mr. Blandings<br />
Builds His Dream House," which will open<br />
soon at the Broadway . Newsreel<br />
Thetare was sponsoring a presidential candidate<br />
popularity poll, patrons listing their<br />
choices and making a penny donation, with<br />
proceeds going to the Shrine Hospital for<br />
Crippled Children.<br />
Mrs. J. J. Parker, president of the Parker<br />
circuit, entertained Edward Walton, Republic<br />
assistant general sales manager . . . Herb<br />
Kaufman, SRO western district manager, and<br />
Max Hadfield, Oregon and Washington<br />
branch manager, were visitors. The SRO<br />
production, "The Paradine Case," will open<br />
simultaneously at the Broadway here and at<br />
22 Oregon houses October 15.<br />
June Lockhart, film star, visited here as<br />
Miss Western Airlines aboard a new Convair<br />
plane en route to Seattle and Tacoma , . .<br />
Lowell Pulls of U-I returned to work following<br />
his recent mariage and honeymoon at<br />
Delake . Nelson was a new assistant<br />
booker at the U-I exchange.<br />
Frank H. White Will Buy<br />
His Partner's Interest<br />
PALISADE, COLO.—The Palisade Theatre<br />
case, involving ownership of a local theatre,<br />
has been settled amicably with Frank H.<br />
Waite, one of the owners, taking over compete<br />
control of the Elberta, and buying out<br />
his former partner Harold J. Johnson, who<br />
will retire from exhibition here.<br />
From the BOXOFFICE Files<br />
(Twenty Years Ago)<br />
•THE AUDITORIUM of Limon, Colo., furnishes<br />
a free show every Saturday afternoon<br />
The Rialto at Cheyenne WeUs,<br />
. . . Colo., puts on a free dance for its patrons<br />
after the show each Saturday night . . . "Fhe<br />
Paris Theatre, Santa Fe, N. M., featured a<br />
stage production, singing Spanish songs, in<br />
the production of "Ramona."<br />
Carl A. Porter, manager of the Paramount<br />
Empress in Salt Lake City, fs vacationing in<br />
Los Angeles . George E. Carpenter<br />
of the Capitol Theatre, Salt Lake City,<br />
is on a vacation trip to California . . . Clyde<br />
Blasius has been appointed as manager of<br />
the Tower in Salt Lake City.<br />
Seen on Denver Filmrow: George A. Loveland,<br />
Strand. Colorado Springs; Steve<br />
Roman, Billings, Mont.: Paul Hoppen, Majestic,<br />
Pueblo; Giles Masters, Strand, Gallup,<br />
N. Mex.; Phil Monsky, Liberty Film Exchange,<br />
Omaha.<br />
Seen on Salt Lake City Filmrow; John Miller,<br />
Cameo, American Fork, Utah; S. H. Rich,<br />
Rich, Montpelier, Utah; I. H. Harris, Burley,<br />
Ida., and William Markland Rupert, Ida. . .<br />
T. M. Derrick has taken over the Liberty, Salt<br />
Lake City . . . Manager Clogston of the Playhouse,<br />
Salt Lake City, announces outstanding<br />
reservation sales for the opening.<br />
58 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
Shopping Center Plan<br />
Includes Big Theatre<br />
INDIANAPOLIS—A variance permit application,<br />
submitted by Joseph Guidone for a<br />
$200,000 motion picture theatre as part of a<br />
half-million dollar shopping center, will come<br />
before the Marion county zoning board on<br />
September 14.<br />
Guidone said the shopping center would<br />
include eight business houses and would be<br />
located at East JOth street and Arlington<br />
avenue. Richard Lochry is associated with<br />
Guidone in the project and will operate the<br />
theatre.<br />
Lochry will purchase land from Guidone<br />
for the motion picture house if the permit is<br />
approved. Theatre plans call for air conditioning<br />
and seating facilities for 1,100 persons.<br />
A parking lot for 500 cars is planned at the<br />
rear of the building. Construction of the<br />
theatre probably will not begin until spring<br />
and it will be a six-month project.<br />
Casper Chouinard Ncaned<br />
UA Milwaukee Manager<br />
MILWAUKEE—Caspar J. Chouinard has<br />
been appointed manager here for United<br />
Artists, it was announced by Fred M. Jack,<br />
western division sales manager. He replaces<br />
Robert Allen, who resigned.<br />
Chouinard, one of the original Golden Circle<br />
winners, symbolic of meritorious sales<br />
achievement, joined UA as booker and office<br />
manager of the Minneapolis branch in 1934.<br />
He was promoted to salesman in 1936, a post<br />
he held until the present except for an interval<br />
last year when he served as buyer<br />
for Associated Theatres of Minneapolis.<br />
Ivan Cooper Transferred<br />
To Kewanee, 111., Castle<br />
KEWANEE, ILL. — Ivan Cooper, former<br />
manager of the Castle Theatre at Bloomington,<br />
has been transferred to the local managerial<br />
job with Publix Great Staes Theatres.<br />
Cooper will be in charge of both the Peerless<br />
and Kee theatres here succeeding B. T. Ely,<br />
who resigned to enter business in Princeton.<br />
Prank Vollbracht will remain as house manager<br />
at the Kee.<br />
At Bloomington Cooper was succeeded by<br />
Albert Tovey, manager of a South Bend theatre.<br />
Guy Bove Will Supervise<br />
Fairmount, Ind., Palace<br />
FAIRMOUNT, IND.—Guy Bove, manager<br />
of the Hi-Way Drive-In, will supervise the<br />
management of the Palace Theatre here for<br />
Ralph and Tom Marcuccilli, owners of the<br />
two theatres. House manager at the Palace<br />
is Jack Allen. The theatre, closed for the<br />
last two months after its purchase by the<br />
Marcuccilli's, reopened recently after a complete<br />
face-lifting. The interior of the theatre<br />
was cleaned and redecorated and new sound<br />
equipment was installed.<br />
Bob Carlson to Galva, 111.<br />
GALVA, ILL.—Robert Carlson of Virginia,<br />
Minn., has assumed new duties as manager<br />
of the Galva Theatre here, replacing acting<br />
manager Will Schneider.<br />
St. Louis Youth Month<br />
Proclaimed by Mayor<br />
LouLs—Mayor .\lo.vs I*. Kaufmann<br />
St.<br />
has proclaimed September as "Youth<br />
Month—Saluting Young America" and<br />
called all citizen.s to St. LouLs to cooperate<br />
with the motion picture ihcatremen<br />
in their effort to arouse the interest of<br />
the young persons of St. Louis in whole-<br />
.some actvities that will appeal to them,<br />
including clean shows that are truly descriptive<br />
of American life at its best.<br />
Eddie Arthur, assistant general manager<br />
for Fanchon & Marco, and Fred<br />
Wehrenberg, president, Motion Picture<br />
Theatre Owners of St. Louis, Eastern<br />
Missouri and Southern Illinois, are the<br />
co-chairmen for Youth Month activities<br />
in this section, with Louis .\nsell, Russell<br />
Bovim, Clarence Kaimann, Arthur<br />
Kalbfell, Tommy James, Henry Halloway,<br />
Fred Joseph and Herb Washburn as<br />
committee members.<br />
Clifford Cowley Buys<br />
Theatre at Washburn<br />
WASHBURN, ILL.—Mr. and Mi's.<br />
Clifford<br />
Cowley of Elmwood have purchased the<br />
Washburn Theatre here from Mr. and Mrs.<br />
Joe Fererro. The Fererro's will leave for<br />
California w^here they will enter business.<br />
They acquired the Washburn in December,<br />
1946 and following a two month's period when<br />
the house was closed for redecoration. operated<br />
the theatre continuously until its<br />
recent sale.<br />
E. E. Baker New Manager<br />
At Onargo, 111., Mode<br />
ONARGO, ILL.—Earle E. Baker of Chicago<br />
has been named manager of the Mode<br />
Baker<br />
Theatre here replacing Cecil Carlock.<br />
formerly was with the Kerasotes Bros, in<br />
Springfield and worked as assistant manager<br />
at the Rantoul Theatre.<br />
Frisina Managers Shifted<br />
EFFINGHAM, ILL.—Joseph Pedrucci of<br />
Decatur, who has been managing the Varsity<br />
Theatre in that city for the Frisina<br />
Amusement Co., has been transferred to this<br />
city to manage the circuit's Effingham and<br />
Heart theatres. Kenneth Rought, formerly<br />
in charge of the two houses here, has gone to<br />
Decatur to manage the Varsity.<br />
S. M. Leseritz Is Manager<br />
DES PLAINES, ILL.—Stanley M. Leseritz<br />
has been named new manager of the Des<br />
Plaines Theatre replacing Warren Keil who<br />
is on an extended leave of absence. Leseritz<br />
lias been with the H&E Balaban Corp. in the<br />
home office and in various midwest theatres<br />
for the last 12 years.<br />
Stepfather of Actor Dies<br />
MILWAUKEE—Charles Dubuque. 67, stepfather<br />
of Donald O'Connor, the actor, a Milwaukee<br />
resident for 25 years, died at St. John's<br />
hospital in Hollywood. He moved to Milwaukee<br />
from Racine in 1879 and was a stage<br />
manager for early local vaudeville theatres.<br />
Sullivan Will Speak<br />
At MPTO Banquel<br />
ST. LOUIS— Oat 1 Sullivan, fcxeculive director<br />
of Theatre Owners of America, wiU be<br />
the principal speaker at a banquet September<br />
27 closing the annual meeting of the Motion<br />
Picture Theatre Owners of St. Louis,<br />
Eastern Missouri and Southern lUinois. Fred<br />
Wehrenberg, president of the regional group,<br />
announced selection of the speaker after a<br />
meeting of the board of directors at the Variety<br />
Club here recently.<br />
Tlisre is a possibility that Ted R. Gamble,<br />
president of TOA, may come here for the<br />
regional gathering, which will witness the retirement<br />
of Wehrenberg from the presidency.<br />
Wehrenberg also is chairman of the executive<br />
committee of OA.<br />
Herman M. Levy, general counsel for TOA,<br />
will be chief speaker at the business session<br />
earlier in the day. He wiU speak on "The<br />
True Facts of Ascap and the Industry Case,"<br />
and it is anticipated that he will answer to<br />
attacks made on TOA by other exhibitor<br />
groups for its position on litigation involving<br />
music copyrights and royalties.<br />
Registration for the meeting will get under<br />
way on the mezzanine of the Jefferson hotel<br />
about 9:30 a. m. the day of the meeting. Between<br />
that time and the luncheon at noon<br />
exhibitors and others in attendance wUl have<br />
a chance to view exhibits at the annual<br />
meeting of TESMA to be held in the same<br />
hotel September 28-30. After the luncheon<br />
the regional TOA group will take up the business<br />
portions of its program and the selection<br />
of a new president and other officers and<br />
du-ectors for 1948-49.<br />
Further details will be announced within<br />
a week or so, Wehrenberg said.<br />
Lacon, 111., Shafer, Leased<br />
To Ralph W. Talfinger<br />
LACON, ILL.—The Shafer Theatre here,<br />
owned and operated by B. F. Shafer. has<br />
been leased for a five-year period to Ralph<br />
W. Talfinger of La Salle. The Shafer was<br />
built in 1939 as the successor to the old<br />
Lyric Theatre which operated for many years<br />
in the American Legion building. The theatre<br />
seats 400 persons.<br />
William Eddy Quits WBKB<br />
CHICAGO—William C. Eddy, who pioneered<br />
television in Chicago, has resigned as<br />
executive director of television station WBKB<br />
to devote his time to Television Associates,<br />
a firm he foimded in Michigan City where<br />
he lived during the war. Eddy built station<br />
WBKB for the Balaban & Katz Corp. in<br />
1941 after serving as chief of video effects<br />
for the National Broadcasting Co. in New<br />
York. During the war he commanded the<br />
radio and electronics school for the navy here,<br />
turning out thousands of technicians a month.<br />
He devised the famed Eddy test to screen<br />
applicants. He is credited with devising hundreds<br />
of gadgets now in wide use in television<br />
and allied electronic fields.<br />
Youth Month Film Shown<br />
ST. LOUIS—Members of the exhibitor-exchange<br />
men's committee who are working for<br />
the success of National Youth month attended<br />
a screening of "Children in Trouble" at<br />
the Fox Theatre screening room on August<br />
25.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948<br />
59
^J<br />
MILWAUKEE<br />
pay Schneider was winner of the first flight<br />
in the lATSE golf finals, and Phil Trampe<br />
was victor in the second flight . . . Johnny<br />
Black, Varsity projectionist, was ill . . . The<br />
Mid-City, formerly the Whitehouse, adopted<br />
a second-run policy following an increase in<br />
its admission scale . . . Offices of the Independent<br />
Theatres of Wisconsin and upper<br />
Michigan have been moved to 1027 West Wells<br />
street . . . Max Roth, Film Classics division<br />
manager, was a visitor.<br />
Bonnie Bruders, former Wisconsin treasurer,<br />
now is Secretary to Sol Gordon, Fox<br />
Wisconsin district manager . . . Earl Perkins,<br />
SOUNDHEADS • AMPLIFIERS<br />
TWO-WAY HORN SYSTEMS<br />
COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEMS<br />
PROJECTION BASES<br />
AVAILABLE<br />
OUT OF STOCK FOR<br />
Immediate<br />
Installation<br />
THEATRE EQUIPMENT<br />
& SUPPLY CO.<br />
G41 North Seventh St.<br />
Milwaukee, Wisconsin<br />
Minneapolis, has been substituting for Norm<br />
Berringer. Warner salesman, on an extended<br />
Joe Reynolds,<br />
leave because of illness . . ,<br />
Oriental manager, will manage that house<br />
and the Towner for the circuit until Octobsr<br />
1 . . . Casper Chouinardo, former UA salesman,<br />
Minneapolis, succeeded Bob Allen as<br />
local UA branch manager.<br />
Nick Meuren, shipper at MGM, was on a<br />
vacation trip . . . Hoagy Carmichael will bring<br />
his variety show here September 25 . . . Wisconsin<br />
exhibitors seen on Pilmrow included<br />
Joe Malits, Eighth Street, Milwaukee; Barney<br />
and Dave Sherman, Douglas, Racine; Bill<br />
Ainsworth, Fond du Lac; Sid Margoles, Regal,<br />
Milwaukee; Nick Berg, State, Sheboygan, and<br />
Nick Johnson, Strand, Manitowoc.<br />
Alien Property Bureau<br />
Handles German Film<br />
CHICAGO—The U.S.<br />
government, through<br />
the alien property custodian, has gone into<br />
the motion picture business with the German-made<br />
musical, "The Life and Loves of<br />
Tschaikovsky," currently at the World Playhouse.<br />
The fOm features Tschaikovsky's most popular<br />
music, including the sixth symphony.<br />
The alien property custodian confiscated<br />
prints of the picture when the U.S. entered<br />
the war and is distributing it through Classic<br />
Pictures of New York for a percentage of the<br />
profits.<br />
To Pan-American Council<br />
CHICAGO—The Pan-American council has<br />
received educational films relating to other<br />
American republics through the courtesy of<br />
the Pan-American union in Washington.<br />
They are sound films portraying all phases<br />
of Latin American life, history and geography.<br />
The films are available on loan to<br />
established schools, clubs, colleges or churches<br />
without charge, provided users return them<br />
promptly. Some of the films are in color,<br />
but most of them are in black and white,<br />
and run from 28 minutes to 44 minutes.<br />
New Sound in Roxy Theatre<br />
FLORA, ILL.—RCA sound equipment has<br />
seater.<br />
780 SEAT THEATRE<br />
Oklahoma county seat town 8,000.<br />
been installed in the Roxy Theatre, a 400-<br />
Territory<br />
50,000. Century. Western Electric.<br />
Brenkert. Fountain bar. Black light and<br />
mural interior.<br />
Ten-year lease with tenyear<br />
option at $250 per month; $2,200<br />
Loop Business Good<br />
Despite Heat Wave<br />
CHICAGO—Loop theatre business was<br />
pretty good considering the hot weather<br />
which chased people to the beaches, parks<br />
and outdoor amusements. The town was<br />
packed with visitors to the Railroad fair,<br />
county fair, and conventions. Air conditioned<br />
theatres got a good play, especially the Chicago<br />
with "Dream Girl" on the screen and a<br />
third week of a show headed by Toni Harper.<br />
Other new entries, "Tap Roots" at the Palace,<br />
"Hollow Triumph" at UA and "Two Guys<br />
Prom Texas," bowed in to average business.<br />
"Easter Parade still was a strong holdover<br />
at the Woods, and the World Playhouse had<br />
another fine week with "Life and Loves of<br />
Tschaikovsky."<br />
(Average Is 100)<br />
Apollo—Haw Deal (EL), 2nd d. t. wk 95<br />
Chicago—Dream Girl (Para), plus stage show.. ..120<br />
Garnck—Blood and Sand (20th-Fox), reissue;<br />
Tlie Hot Scot (Col) -...<br />
Grand—Man-Eater of Kumaon (U-I). 2nd wk<br />
90<br />
90<br />
La Salle—Return of Kit Carson (Dezel); The<br />
Return of the Mohicans (D), reissues 90<br />
Oriental—That Lady in Ermine (20th-Fox), plus<br />
stage show, 2nd wk 110<br />
Palace—Tap Roots (U-I), plus "Superman"<br />
- serial 100<br />
Rialto Ahbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein<br />
(U-I), 3rd d. t wk 100<br />
Roosevelt—Two Guys From Texas (WB),<br />
Chicago the Beautiful (FitzPatrick travelog) 100<br />
State-Lake—The Walls of Jericho (20th-Fox),<br />
2nd wk 90<br />
Studio The Human Monster (Mono): Chamber<br />
of Horrors (Mono), reissues, 2nd wk 95<br />
United Artists—Hollow Triumph (EL) -....105<br />
Woods—Easter Parade (MGM), 3rd wk 125<br />
World Playhouse—Life and Loves of Tschaikovsky<br />
(Classic), 3rd wk 110<br />
Polio Ban Downs Milwaukee Gross<br />
As First Runs Break Even<br />
MILWAUKEE—All houses felt the boxoffice<br />
drop resulting from the polio ban<br />
keeping children under 12 from theatres and<br />
other public gathering places. This ruling,<br />
coupled with heavy shopping for back-toschool<br />
togs kept most grosses down. A mounting<br />
trend in night clubs angling dollars with<br />
name bands snatched a smattering of patronage.<br />
Alhambra—Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House<br />
(RKO); Perilous Waters (Mono), 3rd d. t. wk 100<br />
Palace—Beyond Glory (Para)i Gentleman From<br />
Nowhere (Col) 95<br />
Riverside—Good Sam (RKO); Stage Struck (Mono.. 96<br />
Strand—Invisible Man (U-I); The Invisible Mon<br />
Returns (U-I), reissues 90<br />
Warner—Two Guys From Texas (WB), 2nd wk.;<br />
Train to Alcatraz (Rep) - 100<br />
Towne—A Foreign Affair (Poia) 100<br />
Wisconsin—That Lady in Ermine (20th-Fox);<br />
Fighting Back (20th-Fox) 100<br />
Business Run About Normal<br />
With Cooler Weather<br />
INDIANAPOLIS—Business was about normal<br />
at first runs here although cool nights<br />
kept many patrons at home. "The Paradine<br />
Case" at Loew's was the week's leader with<br />
115 per cent.<br />
Circle—Ruthless (EL); Shed No Tears (EL)<br />
Indiana-The Street With No Name (20th- Fox);<br />
100<br />
The Winner's Circle (20lh-Fox) 100<br />
Keiths—Life With Father (WB), 2nd wk<br />
Loew s—The Paradine Case (SRO); Blondie's<br />
110<br />
Reward (Col) 115<br />
Lyric Tap Roots (U-I); Superman" serial,<br />
2nd d t. wk 95<br />
net per month per owner. Price for<br />
equipment and business is $80,000 cash.<br />
Exclusive w^ith Claude Crockett, 1505<br />
First National Bank, Dallas, Texas.<br />
R-9230.<br />
VmATENcTNEERING<br />
CO. j<br />
• —THEATRE BUILDERS— •<br />
2 10741 Avenue F Chicago 17, HI.<br />
J<br />
• Phone ESSex 2552 •<br />
60 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
. . Forest<br />
. . . William<br />
. . Margaret<br />
. . Salesmen<br />
. . Harold<br />
. . Abe<br />
. . The<br />
. . The<br />
. . Amusement<br />
. . "The<br />
INDIANAPOLIS<br />
TUTilton Ettingcr, head booker at the U-I exchange,<br />
resigned to join the Eagle Lion<br />
staff. Ettinger has been associated with U-I<br />
for the last nine years. He will cover northern<br />
territory. Jack Benson, who has been<br />
with U-I at the Atlanta, Ga., exchange, returned<br />
here to fill the post vacated by the<br />
resignation of Ettinger. Benson was formerly<br />
on the booking desk here and was transferred<br />
to Atlanta.<br />
H. L. Hancock, salesman at 20th Century-<br />
Fox, has been granted a leave. He has been<br />
James Haney,<br />
with the company 27 years . . .<br />
operator of the Milan Theatre, spent several<br />
days in Cincinnati on business' . . . Roger<br />
Wright, operator of the Madrid in Akron,<br />
Ind., is touring the west . . Clayde South,<br />
.<br />
operator of the Dream here, reports that<br />
renovating and redecorating are in progress<br />
Songer, operator of the Westside<br />
Drive-In, and his family were on a Lake<br />
Erie cruise.<br />
Guy Hancock, who has lived in Florida<br />
several years because of asthma, returned<br />
here to rejoin United Artists as a salesman<br />
McGovern, operator of the Ritz<br />
at Loogootee and the Ritz at Odon, Ind., re--<br />
turned from a fishing trip in the lake regions<br />
of Wisconsin .<br />
Miceli, inspector<br />
at Columbia exchange, was vacationing.<br />
Samuel Perk, Gar-Bar, Inc., reports his<br />
mother Anna died after a heart attack August<br />
23 . . . Arthur Keyes, file clerk at National<br />
Screen Service, was spending a vacation<br />
Tom Dillon, Columbia<br />
in Chicago . . . booker, was spending his vacation improving<br />
his golf game . covering Kentucky<br />
report the tobacco crop in some sections<br />
to be very poor because of too much rain.<br />
Old Trails in Greenup, 111.,<br />
Open Alter Renovation<br />
GREENUP, ILL.—The Old Trails, a 250-<br />
seater owned by Paul Musser, has been playing<br />
to nice business since it was reopened<br />
August 29 after being closed to undergo an<br />
extensive program of renovation, redecorating<br />
and the installation of new equipment.<br />
The improvements include new projection<br />
equipment, high intensity lamps, upholstered<br />
Irwin seats in red leatherette, new Alexander<br />
Smith carpeting, a large plate glass mirror in<br />
the lobby replacing the old mural that originally<br />
was in the center of the wall, a complete<br />
exterior paint job, new drapes and a<br />
beautiful turquoise stage setting, heating<br />
equipment that will provide heat from three<br />
separate automatic gas furnaces and improved<br />
cooling by a giant York system.<br />
Work Near Completion<br />
CUBA, ILL.—Russell McConkey, manager<br />
of the new theatre being built here, said recently<br />
that construction work was progressing<br />
rapidly and he hoped to have the house open<br />
for business sometime in October.<br />
For the Best Buys in Theatre Supplies<br />
Phone Lincoln 1727<br />
GER-BAR INC.<br />
442 N. Illinois St. Indianapolis. Ind.<br />
Airline Is Opened<br />
By Army Veleran<br />
WINCHESTER, IND.—The Airline Auto<br />
Theatre, built here by a group of former army<br />
enlisted men, opened recently to capacity<br />
crowds. The ozoner is located three miles<br />
east of Winchester and has a 500-car capacity.<br />
The Airline was backed by a huge<br />
capital investment made by a group of former<br />
GIs, and will be managed by part owner<br />
Mike Make of Dayton.<br />
Installs In-Car Speakers<br />
VEEDERSBURG, IND.—The Joe Million<br />
drive-in here, the Outdoor, has installed 100<br />
RCA in-car speakers. They were obtained<br />
from the Midwest Theatre Supply Co.<br />
^;\#«oM«i?i<br />
EVERYTHING for<br />
the<br />
THEATRE<br />
RCA BRENKERT<br />
BX-60-80 PROJECTORS<br />
ENARC-RADARC LAMPS<br />
"CENTURY-<br />
MOTOR GENERATOR EQUIPMENT<br />
RCA-6 TUBE RECTIFIERS<br />
"RCA"<br />
DRIVE-IN THEATRE<br />
EQUIPMENT<br />
"MOHAWK"<br />
TRAFFIC TRED CARPET<br />
"INTERNATIONAL"<br />
THEATRE CHAIRS<br />
Theatre Supply Division of<br />
Vic.<br />
Manhardt<br />
Co. Inc.<br />
1709 W. Ciybourn St., Milwaukee 3, Wis.<br />
Telephone Di. 2-8344 Emergency Sh. 4-6930<br />
Use Our Convenient Adjoining Parking Spoce<br />
CHICAGO<br />
T abor day weekend throngs pushed attendance<br />
at the Railroad fair past the 2,000,000<br />
mark . Cook County fair at Soldier<br />
Field also drew record crowds .<br />
Babe<br />
Ruth Story" at the State-Lake registered<br />
capacity business the opening days of its<br />
Filmrow was closed from Friday<br />
run . . .<br />
night until Tuesday morning, and workers<br />
left for nearby resorts.<br />
The matinee price at the Oriental was<br />
increased to 98 cents after 1 p. m. . . .<br />
John<br />
Dromey, head booker for Great States, together<br />
with Frank Standel and Jack Wohl,<br />
contributed to the Heart Fund of the Variety<br />
Club in memory of Mrs. Edith Mandel, mother<br />
of Irving Mandel, Monogram franchise<br />
holder, who died last week . . . Terry Turner,<br />
RKO exploitation chief, was here from New<br />
York.<br />
Ludwig Sussman Allied director, returned<br />
to his home after illness at the Sacred Heart<br />
sanitarium, Milwaukee rates<br />
.<br />
have been advanced by the Chicago Sun-<br />
Times and the Chicago Daily News . . .<br />
"Miss<br />
Tatlock's Millions" was previewed for the<br />
trade by Paramount at the Esquire Theatre<br />
Perlman, who left Filmack to<br />
handle RKO pubUcity in New Orleans, returned<br />
to the trailer company as advertising<br />
manager.<br />
John Balaban, B&K executive, reported<br />
that the community fund goal of $8,679,000<br />
was near attainment ... A bandit took $150<br />
from Miss Patricia Cotter, cashier at the<br />
Avalon Theatre .<br />
annual installation<br />
of officers and directors of Chicago Cinema<br />
B'nai B'rith Lodge 1619 will take place September<br />
9 in the Congress Hotel. Dr. Preston<br />
Bradley of Peoples church will be the guest<br />
speaker.<br />
The Devon Theatre, which tried out single<br />
feature bills, returned to double feature programs<br />
. . . M. Kreuger, UA booker at Indianapolis,<br />
was a visitor . . . Charles Nesbit, State-<br />
Lake manager, was back from a vacation<br />
The J. Arthur Rank film depicting the<br />
1948 Olympic games had its U. S. premiere<br />
here September 10 at the Apollo Theatre . . .<br />
Lou Lipstone, musical director for Paramount<br />
Pictures, was here en route to California<br />
. . . John Balaban, Elmer Upton and<br />
Arthur Goldberg have incorporated to operate<br />
the Rio Theatre. Chicago Heights.<br />
Rube Levine, theatre builder and architect,<br />
has left Karline-Levine, Inc.. and now<br />
will operate as R. Levine & Co., specializing<br />
in the building of drive-ins and theatres<br />
Brussell. attorney for the plaintiff,<br />
announced that the De Luxe Theatre antitrust<br />
action has been postponed to September<br />
27 before Judge William Campbell.<br />
GIVES<br />
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WEST 55<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948<br />
61
. . Eddie<br />
. .<br />
ST.<br />
LOUIS<br />
piU Thomas jr. has returned from Louisville<br />
" to join the sales staff of the St. Louis<br />
Theatre Supply Co., Arch Hosier, genera<br />
manager, reported. He is a son of Bill<br />
Thomas, who has been a booker for 20th<br />
Century-Pox for 18 years.<br />
Lester Bona, manager for Warner Bros.,<br />
has been named distributor chairman of the<br />
local committee that is cooperating m the<br />
plans for the annual meetings of TESMA and<br />
the Equipment Deals Protective Ass'n to be<br />
held at Hotel Jsfferson from September<br />
27-30.<br />
James E. Darst has been named manager<br />
of the new local office of Wilding Picture<br />
Productions, Inc., producers of motion pictures<br />
and television commercials for industry.<br />
Its main offices are in Chicago. Darst,<br />
former newspaperman and onetime manager<br />
of the Kiel auditorium, spent several years<br />
in Chicago and New York in the motion picture<br />
field as editor and producer of theatrical<br />
and commercial short subjects, and was an<br />
editor of Fox News.<br />
Russell Mortensen, booker for Fox Midwest<br />
here, has returned from a ten-day vacation<br />
in Chicago, where he visited with his mother.<br />
He was accompanied by Mrs. Mortensen and<br />
their young daughter Christina . . .<br />
Virginia<br />
KEEP YOUR HOUSE 15<br />
DEGREES COOLER<br />
IN SUMMER<br />
Insulate with success, save up to<br />
40% on fuel, 30% ol the cost of<br />
alectricity for Cooling system.<br />
Arthur Benjamin Brenton. manager oi<br />
BRENTON CO., INSULATION-ROOFING<br />
6S25 S. Harvard Ave., Chicago 21, 111.<br />
Natural water repellant, fireproof material<br />
For ire* •timota, phone: WENtworth 4277<br />
The Beautiiul<br />
MANLEY<br />
• EASY TO CLEAN<br />
• EASY TO OPERATE<br />
• EASY TO OWN<br />
R. D.YON ENGELN<br />
Manley Representative<br />
3138 Olive NE. 7644<br />
ST. LOUIS 3, MO.<br />
Lacey, also of the Fox Midwest office staff,<br />
. . . Mrs. Mary A. Riordan,<br />
vacation is on<br />
mother of Mike Riordan of the St. Louis<br />
Amusement Co.'s staff, died recently. Riordan's<br />
brother Bob died about five weeks before<br />
the mother.<br />
Frank Buck made personal appearances<br />
at the St. Louis Theatre in conjunction with<br />
the showing of "Bring Em Back Alive."<br />
John Fiorino, State, Du Quoin; Tommy<br />
Illinois exhibitors on Filmrow: E. Butler,<br />
Toledo; Herman Tanner, Pana; Clarence<br />
Denny, Roodhouse^ Forrest Pirtle, Jerseyville:<br />
Bloomer, Belleville; Joe Katz, Grand, Benld;<br />
Ted Coleman, Mount Carmel; Leon Jarodsky,<br />
Paris; Gus Boemler, North Alton; Rani<br />
Padrucci, Springfield; Lavy Spaulding, Flora;<br />
Ed Clarke, Mattoon; Dale Turvey, Joy; Pawnee;<br />
Charles Beninati, Ritz, Carlyle; also<br />
Val Mercier, Perry ville; "Buck" Lewis, general<br />
manager, Carney Theatres, RoUa, and<br />
Martin Operle, Orris, Ste. Genevieve, all Missouri.<br />
Tommy Bloomer, Belleville, recently returned<br />
from a vacation in the south .<br />
Tilden Dickson, Crystal City, Mo., and St.<br />
Clair, Mo., theare owner, is spending several<br />
weeks with his wife in Phoenix, Ariz. . . ,<br />
Bernie Palmer, head booker for the Columbia<br />
Amusement Co., Paducah, started on<br />
his vacation September 6.<br />
The Municipal Opera which closed its 30th<br />
season recently set thi-ee new records with<br />
160,011 attendance in the final two weeks<br />
of "Up in Central Park," an 80,110 final week<br />
attendance, and a single performance attendance<br />
of 11,935 set June 26 at "Rio Rita."<br />
Boxoffice receipts were up this summer by<br />
8 per cent because of increased admission<br />
scales.<br />
Tex "Kacques" Morris, a member of the<br />
International Ass'n of Showmen, died in<br />
Omaha, Neb., recently and the funeral and<br />
burial were held here Rosecan,<br />
owner of the Rialto at annibal. Mo., on vavation<br />
at Detroit Lake, Minn., hooked a big<br />
mouth bass that weighed 6 pounds 8 ounces,<br />
landing Rosecan the prize for the week and<br />
putting him out in front for the sea.son's<br />
honors.<br />
Matt Sullivan Is Named<br />
FC Milwaukee Manager<br />
NEW YORK — Matt Sullivan has been<br />
named manager of Film Classics' Milwaukee<br />
exchange, replacing Max Mazur, resigned, according<br />
to B. G. Kranze, sales head. Sullivan<br />
has been UA's Buffalo manager for 18 years<br />
and has also been an MGM traveling sales<br />
representative.<br />
Two Theatres Join Allied<br />
CHICAGO—Jack Kirsch, president of Allied<br />
Theatres of Illinois, reports the Elm<br />
Theatre in Elmwood Park., 111., and the Montclare,<br />
Chicago, joined the Allied buying and<br />
booking organization. These two theatres are<br />
owned and operated by Basil Charuhas, who<br />
is an Allied director.<br />
Mrs. Edith Mandel Rites<br />
CHICAGO—Services were held last week<br />
for Mrs. Edith Mandel, 82, who died at her<br />
home after a long illne-ss. She was the<br />
mother of Irving Mandel, Monogram franchise<br />
holder.<br />
Jefferson at Goshen, Ind.<br />
Renamed by Indiana Co.<br />
GOSHEN, IND.—The Indiana Corp., owners<br />
of the Jefferson Theatre here, have announced<br />
that a new marquee would be installed<br />
at the theatre and that the name of<br />
the house would be changed to the Goshen.<br />
The theatre was built in 1905 and named<br />
for Joseph Jefferson, famous actor of the<br />
early 1900's. The corporation which owns<br />
the Jefferson also owns 15 other theatres in<br />
northern Indiana and Illinois.<br />
Improved Melrose Park<br />
Theatre Is Reopened<br />
MELROSE PARK, ILL.—The Melrose Theatre<br />
reopened here recently after a four-day<br />
closure for redecoration and renovation.<br />
Manager J. G. Landfield said improvements<br />
to the house included decoration of the auditorium<br />
and general freshening of equipment<br />
and furnishings.<br />
Harold Marshall Resigns<br />
INDIANAPOLIS—Harold Marshall, MGM<br />
exploition man here for several years, has resigned<br />
because of illness. J. E. Watson, Cincinnati<br />
exploiteer, will absorb his territory.<br />
John Hodiak in 'Big Harpe'<br />
One of the toplines in Metro's "Big Harpe"<br />
has been assigned to John Hodiak.<br />
RCA<br />
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MID.W€ST TH€ATR€<br />
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BOXOFFICE<br />
:: September 11, 1948
\y<br />
Junior Admissions<br />
Rile Competition<br />
MINNEAPOLIS—Martin G. Lebedoff and<br />
Sol Fischer, who now have 28-day availability<br />
deals for their Homewood and Campus theatres<br />
respectively, and who were considering<br />
instituting 45-cent junior admission prices<br />
along with their boosts from 40 to 60 cents,<br />
were warned by fellow neighborhood and suburban<br />
independent exhibitors that an admission<br />
price war would follow if they went<br />
through with the junior admissions plan.<br />
The fellow exhibitors served the warning<br />
on the two at a North Central Allied meeting.<br />
Following the meeting, Lebedoff and<br />
Fischer decided to start their new policy<br />
without the junior admissions and "see what<br />
happens."<br />
A 28-DAY THEATRE<br />
The Minnesota Amusement Co.<br />
ace neighborhood<br />
house, the Uptown, which has had<br />
and will continue to have the 28-day availabiUty<br />
deals, offers the 45-cent junior admissions<br />
along with its adult price of 60 cents,<br />
44-cent matinee and the regular children's<br />
prices.<br />
Junior admissions have been persona non<br />
grata as far as the local independents are<br />
concerned. Unmoved by the establishment of<br />
jimior admission prices for the 12-to-17 year<br />
old group, the independents have refused to<br />
follow the big circuit's lead.<br />
Even though neighborhood and suburban<br />
houses must be losing some business to MAC<br />
situations with junior admissions, the exhibitors<br />
have stood pat. Those independents<br />
who won't have the 28-day availablities are<br />
somewhat miffed and they're fearful that the<br />
Lebedoff and Fischer theatres will grab away<br />
some of their patronage.<br />
SHIFT TO NEIGHBORHOODS<br />
The trade feels sure that a n'oticeable<br />
swing in patronage to the neighborhoods and<br />
suburbans is sure to be given momentum as<br />
a result of the slicing in two of availabilities<br />
from 56 to 28 days for some neighborhood<br />
situations. It means that there'll be less<br />
revenue coming to the distributors from the<br />
downtown houses that have been providing<br />
the bulk of it, and that the neighborhood and<br />
suburban situations will have to come across<br />
increasingly with larger film rental payments<br />
to help offset the Loop decline, in branch<br />
managers' opinion.<br />
There are further clearance revisions impending<br />
to give other neighborhood and suburban<br />
theatres here, in addition to those offered<br />
the 28-day deals, earlier availabilities.<br />
This will increase their ability to pay larger<br />
rentals, the branch managers say.<br />
The higher living costs started the swing<br />
of patronage from the downtown first runs<br />
' to the neighborhood and suburban houses, it<br />
is pointed out. Parking difficulties downtown<br />
and increased costs together with higher<br />
street car fares also are doing their part to<br />
divert trade to neighborhood houses which<br />
offer free parking.<br />
Reopen Villa at Lovilla<br />
LO-VILLA, IOWA—The Villa Theatre here<br />
has resumed operation after being closed for<br />
the summer months. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond<br />
Nichols, owners, say two changes will be made<br />
each week, with one feature Sunday and<br />
Monday, the other Friday and Saturday.<br />
charies Potter to Buiid<br />
Ottumwa, Iowa. Airer<br />
OTTUMWA, IOWA—Ottumwa will have a<br />
drive-in next .spring. Neal Funk of Kansas<br />
City, representing Charles Potter and associates<br />
of that city, has purchased 22 acres of<br />
land north of the city and work on the theatre<br />
will begin this fall. The Potter group is<br />
spending $25,000 for the land, located at an<br />
intersection on highway 63. Funk said $100,-<br />
000 will be invested in improvements and<br />
equipment. Probable opening date will be<br />
May 15.<br />
The drive-in will accommodate 600 cais,<br />
however, FMnk .said, "We have enough property<br />
to enlarge the theatre to 1,000 cars."<br />
The new theatre will operate two shows a<br />
night with three on Saturday. Funk had<br />
been attempting to lease ground for the theatre<br />
at the former naval air station here but<br />
the plan fell through.<br />
Central States Reopens<br />
Palace at Burlington<br />
BURLINGTON, IOWA—The newly remodeled<br />
Palace Theatre reopened here recently<br />
with several Central States Tlieatre Corp. officials<br />
present. The theatre had been closed<br />
since June. Attending the reopening were<br />
A. H. Blank, Central States president: his<br />
son Myron, general manager; L. G. Wedener.<br />
assistant general manager; Harry Winograd.<br />
designer of the new lighting fixtures in the<br />
theatre, and Roland "Tip" Harrison, one of<br />
the architects, and liis wife.<br />
All projection and sound equipment in the<br />
Palace is new and two air conditioning units<br />
have been added. The basement has been<br />
converted into office and storage space, and<br />
three redecorated offices will be for the use of<br />
Jerome Greenebaum, district manager for<br />
Central States; L. A. Miller, Palace manager,<br />
and a secretary.<br />
Sumner Sunset Near Completion<br />
SUMNER, IOWA—A new theatre, the Sunset,<br />
is nearing completion here. Owner is<br />
Harry Pace.<br />
THEATRE MANAGER MEETS STAR<br />
—Shown above are Mr. and, Mrs. Willis<br />
Shafer of Atchison, Kas., visiting with<br />
Brian Donlevy on the set of Amusement<br />
Enterprises' "The Lucky Stiff," a United<br />
Artists' production. The Shafer's stopped<br />
in Hollywood on their way to Honolulu.<br />
Shafer manages the Orpheum at .Atchison.<br />
Grover DeNune Dies;<br />
Dewilt Exhibitor<br />
DEWITT, IOWA—Grover L. DeNune, prominent<br />
DeWitt business man and one of Iowa's<br />
pioneer motion picture theatre operators, died<br />
last week in Jane Lamb hospital, Clinton,<br />
after a six-month illness. DeNune, son of<br />
the late David and Mahala DeNune. was born<br />
September 4, 1888, in Belle Plaine. He entered<br />
the theatre business there and then came to<br />
DeWitt -where in 1916 he began operating a<br />
theatre on the site of the present D.Witt<br />
bakery.<br />
He later purchased and remodeled the old<br />
DeWitt Opera House which became the Majestic<br />
Theatre, of which he was owner and<br />
operator until a few weeks ago when he sold<br />
a half interest to an Iowa syndicate. He was<br />
said to have been one of the oldest theatre<br />
operators, in point of service, in the state,<br />
having managed a theatre continuously for<br />
32 years in this city.<br />
One of his most prized possessions was a<br />
plaque presented him by Adolph Zukor for<br />
the first presentation in the United States of<br />
the picture, "Queen Elizabeth." For many<br />
years he was host to DeWitt children at an<br />
annual Christmas party in his theatre. He<br />
is survived by his wife, a sister and brother.<br />
Thealreman in Kansas<br />
Heads Housing Project<br />
MANHATTAN, KAS.—According to Harry<br />
Wareham, president of the Manhattan Supply<br />
and Development Co., Inc.. College Court,<br />
this city's newest apartment development, will<br />
have its final FHA inspection September 15.<br />
Wareham is the owner of the Wareham Theatre<br />
and partner in Commonwealth Theatres<br />
operations here.<br />
College Court, Wareham said, was built at<br />
the request of Kansas State college officials<br />
and local civic organizations to aid in the<br />
acute housing shortags of college personnel.<br />
It is leported that rents will be in the neighborhood<br />
of $80 a month.<br />
Each apartment will have its own utilities<br />
'<br />
m a "package plant which includes a furnace<br />
and hot water heater. Other furnished equipment<br />
includes a refrigerator and gas range.<br />
The apartments are grouped in units of four,<br />
each unit with its own front and rsar entrances.<br />
lowan Heads Film Section<br />
At UCLA Arts Center<br />
DES MOINES—An lowan, John Ross Winnie,<br />
formerly of Des Moines and Clear Lake,<br />
heads the first university training school in<br />
the motion picture field. Winnie, former<br />
director of the Kendall community playhouse<br />
here, is director of the motion picture division<br />
of U.C.L.A. new arts center. A student interested<br />
in a motion picture career, as a camera<br />
technician or an actor, may obtain a bachelor's<br />
degree from the school in four years,<br />
with a major in his special field. The ichool<br />
produces educational and documentary film.<br />
New Wareham Manager<br />
MANHATTAN. KAS.—M. B. Smith, district<br />
manager, and Dick Orear of the Kansas City<br />
office of Commonwealth, were here to confer<br />
with Jack Stephenson, newly appointed<br />
manager of the Wareham Theatre.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 MW 63
. . Remodeling<br />
. . James<br />
. . Construction<br />
. . Among<br />
. . R.<br />
K A N S A S<br />
ry. A. H. Morton, New York, director of television<br />
for 20th-Fox, was here to speak<br />
at the 17th annual fall convention of Pox<br />
Midwest theatre managers. Climaxing the<br />
gathering, which was attended by more than<br />
100 house managers from 55 cities and towns<br />
in five states, Elmer C. Rhoden, Fox Midwest<br />
Theatres president, entertained the visitors<br />
with a dinner at his Starlane farm in<br />
Johnson County, Kas.<br />
Ralph C. LiBeau. former Paramount manager,<br />
returned from a trip which took him<br />
to Canada, Maine and other eastern states<br />
. O. F. Sullivan, Wichita, president of<br />
. .<br />
the Kansas-Missouri Allied unit, was here<br />
for a meeting of its board of directors .<br />
•<br />
.<br />
Tom Edwards, Eldon, Mo., operator and a<br />
past president of the Kansas-Missouri Theatres<br />
Ass'n, was a visitor on Filmrow.<br />
Don Doherty was appointed student assistant<br />
manager at the Orpheum . . . Joseph<br />
""<br />
Satisfaction — Always<br />
Missouri Theatre Supply Co.<br />
L. I. KIMBHIEL. Managei<br />
Phone GRond 2864<br />
— lis W. 18lh Kansas City 8. Mo. S<br />
CITY<br />
Lopez, at the Dickinson-owned Tampico<br />
neighborhood house since it began showing<br />
Spanish-language features, was promoted to<br />
manager . B. Killian jr., for more<br />
than 14 years with the Exhibitors Supply Co.,<br />
St. Louis, Mo., joined the staff at the National<br />
Theatre Supply Co. branch here.<br />
Gladyce Penrod, Kansas-Missouri Theatres<br />
Ass'n office secretary, returned from a vacation<br />
at International Falls, Minn. .<br />
R.<br />
"Tommy" Thompson, Selznick Releasing Organization<br />
branch manager, was visiting Kansas<br />
territory . . . Lee Dm-land, Film Classics<br />
branch manager, retui-ned from brief visits<br />
in St. Joseph, Mo., and other points in the<br />
northwest part of the state.<br />
J. T. Chosen, operator of the Uptown, Sedalia.<br />
Mo., signed a long-term lease on a<br />
15-acre tract on Route 50 near there as the<br />
site for a 500-car drive-in . . . J. R. Keller,<br />
foi-merly of Junction City, Kas., succeeded<br />
Ted Huntsman as manager of the Chief,<br />
operated by Theatre Enterprises at Hiawatha,<br />
Kas. . of the front of the<br />
Electric, Lamed, Kas., is nearing completion.<br />
.<br />
Construction of the new Shawnee Drive-In<br />
being built by the Dickinson Operating Co.<br />
near Shawnee, Kas., was being rushed to<br />
permit an opening about October 15 . . . The<br />
front of the Gem, operated by J. W. Speilman<br />
at Baldwin City, Kas., was being modernized<br />
of a 250-car drivein<br />
was started by Francis Rodenbeek on a<br />
site one mile south of Scott City, Kas.<br />
Costumes of Film Stars<br />
At Sorority Style Show<br />
KANSAS CITY—Costumes once worn by<br />
several leading film stars and other Hollywood<br />
celebrities will be featured during a<br />
fashion show, "Style Headliners," which<br />
Theta Sigma Phi, journalistic sorority, will<br />
sponsor next Tuesday (14) in the Little Theatre<br />
of the Municipal auditorium here. Among<br />
the costumes will be evening gowns worn by<br />
Jane Powell and Prances Gifford in the MGM<br />
production, "Luxury Liner," which will be<br />
shown at the Midland here late this month.<br />
A sarong contributed by Dorothy Lamour,<br />
and a hat sent by Hedda Hopper, also will be<br />
among the articles to be worn by models from<br />
the Patricia Stevens agency and other Kansas<br />
City girls.<br />
Commonwealth Managers<br />
To Annual Convention<br />
KANSAS CITY — Commonwealth circuit<br />
theatre managers will gather here for an<br />
annual fall meeting next Tuesday and<br />
Wednesday (14, 15 1, and approximately 60<br />
are expected to attend the two-day conclave.<br />
The first day of the gathering will be devoted<br />
to cricuit and theatre business matters,<br />
beginnmg at 9:30 a. m. Sports events will be<br />
featured during the second day, which the<br />
visiting managers will spend at Star Lane<br />
farms.<br />
The out-of-town managers will be quartered<br />
at the Pi'esident hotel during the convention.<br />
Robert Shelton, vice-president and<br />
general manager, will preside.<br />
POPCORN SACKS Printed, very at- Jigg<br />
tractive. 3/4 lb. size, per thousand . I<br />
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tractive. I'/j lb. size, per thousand L<br />
13/4-Oz. BOXES attractively printed,<br />
per thousand<br />
J15Q<br />
I<br />
POPCORN SALT. Eighteen 3 lb. JO20<br />
packages, per case t.<br />
Sk<br />
All<br />
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l/tna irt THEATRE SUPPLY<br />
W t?C/cJ • COMPANY •<br />
Missouri theatre owners and operators seen<br />
on Filmrow included Earl Douglas, Uptown,<br />
Carrollton; George Crooks, Electric, Browning:<br />
Francis Meyers, Civic, Brookfield, and<br />
C. L. Fisk, Fisk, Butler . Kansas<br />
exhibitors seen were Jess De Long, Ute,<br />
Mankato: Dan M. Blair, Blair, Smith Center:<br />
Clarence Kirby, Drive-In, Independence,<br />
and Mrs. C. S. Andrews, Andrews, Olathe.<br />
Charles Dayton in 'Lucretia'<br />
A top characterization in Paramount's "A<br />
Mask for Lucretia," will bs portrayed by<br />
Charles Dayton.<br />
They Write Title Song<br />
Don Raye and Gene DePaul have been commissioned<br />
to write the title song for Samuel<br />
Goldwyn's "Enchantment" for RKO.<br />
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY<br />
We Cover the U. S. Market<br />
A diiferent service of long<br />
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64 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
'Red River' Gross<br />
Tops Kansas City<br />
KANSAS CITY — Trade at the de luxe<br />
houses here generally was at its highest peak<br />
in many months. The pre-Labor day weekend<br />
bolstered grosses at most of the first<br />
runs. "Red River," dualed with "Blonde Ice"<br />
at the Midland, chalked up a pace-setting<br />
total and was assured a holdover. "Good<br />
Sam." paired with "Dragnet" at the Orpheum,<br />
also rang up an impressive take and held for<br />
another round. "Beyond Gloi-y" at the Paramount<br />
was exceptionally strong and earned<br />
another round.<br />
(Average Is 100)<br />
.<br />
Esquire—The Babe Ruth Story (Mono), 2nd d. t<br />
wk. 95<br />
Midland—Red River (UA); Blonde Ice (FC) 220<br />
Orpheum—Good Sam (RKO); Dragnet (SG) 190<br />
Paramount—Beyond Glory (Para) 160<br />
Roxy—Mickey (EL) 80<br />
Tower, Uptown, Fairway That Lady in Ermine<br />
(20lh-Fox) - 110<br />
Strong Product Bolsters Trade<br />
At Theatres in Minneapolis<br />
MINNEAPOLIS—The Labor Day holiday<br />
helped business that has been feeling the<br />
adverse effects of extreme heat. Lineup of<br />
attractions was strong, including "A Foreign<br />
Affair," "Good Sam," So Evil. My Love,"<br />
"Fighting Father Dunne" and "The Babe<br />
Ruth Story." There was only one holdover,<br />
"The Search," at the World.<br />
Ester Secret Service Investigator (Rep);<br />
Hawaii Calls (RKO), reissue 90<br />
Century—So Evil, My Love (Para) 110<br />
Gopher—Wings Over Honolulu (U-I); Corvette<br />
K-225 (U-I), reissues .. 100<br />
Lyric—Rose of Washington Square (20th-Fox),<br />
reissue 100<br />
Radio City—A Foreign AHair (Para) 130<br />
RKO-Orpheum-Good Sam (RKO) 125<br />
RKO-Pan-Fighting Father Dunne (RKO) 100<br />
Stcfte—The Babe Ruth Story (AA-Mono) 115<br />
World—The Search (MGM), 2nd wk 175<br />
'Babe Ruth Story' Tops<br />
Omaha First Run Trade<br />
OMAHA—The heat wave continued and it<br />
helped air conditioned theatres in registering<br />
above average at most spots. The top local<br />
draw was "The Babe Ruth Story," with the<br />
"Winner's Circle" at the Orpheum. "Life<br />
With Father" did nicely in its return to the<br />
Omaha.<br />
Omaha—Life With Pother (WB), Where the North<br />
Begins (WB), reissue 110<br />
Orpheum—The Babe Ruth Story (AA-Mono); The<br />
Winner's Circle (20lh-Fox) 135<br />
Paramoum—The Walls of lericho (20th-Fox) 100<br />
RKO Brandeis—Four Feathers (UA); Drums (UA);<br />
split with Bring 'Em Back Alive (RKO), reissue;<br />
Secret Service Investigator (Rep) 90<br />
State—The Pirate (MGM); The Daring Young Man<br />
Col), reissues, 2nd wk 110<br />
Town—Silent Conflict (UA); Best Man Wins (Col),<br />
2nd run; Little Men (RKO), reissue; split with<br />
A Game of Death (RKO), reissue; Law and<br />
Order (EL), reissue 105<br />
•k<br />
k<br />
k<br />
*
. .<br />
D E S<br />
MOINES<br />
IWrayo Beatty, former Monogram manager,<br />
gave the girls of his office staff a dinner<br />
party at his home shortly before leaving the<br />
. . . Lucille<br />
exchange. Beatty has spent the last week<br />
on a fishing ti'ip in Minnesota<br />
Wesp, A. H. Blank's secretary at Tri-<br />
States, spent the Labor day weekend at her<br />
home in Predricksburg, and Norma Tilden of<br />
the Tri-States publicity department journeyed<br />
to Calona for the three-day holiday.<br />
Zora Fmi, Monogram, and Helen Clark,<br />
Republic, have departed for their vacation<br />
on a dude ranch in Colorado . . . Columbia<br />
held a screening Thursday night at Paramount<br />
of the new Rita Hayworth picture.<br />
Representatives of press and radio were invited<br />
. . . Tri-States held a special showing<br />
of "The Babe Ruth Story" for 46 crippled<br />
children who were brought to the Des Moines<br />
Theatre in taxicabs as the guests of Manager<br />
Harold Lyon. The Wilson Sporting Goods<br />
Co. added further enjoyment by passing out<br />
baseballs to each child.<br />
Final reports of the net proceeds of the<br />
Variety Club dance staged September 3 are<br />
not yet available, but officials reported a<br />
turnout of almost 2,000 persons. Money will<br />
go to Arlington Hall, boys' home here. Several<br />
prizes were awarded. They were won by<br />
Dick Grant, H. C. Wilson, Charles R. Blazek,<br />
LucOle Wesp and L. E. Bartlett, all of Des<br />
Moines. Grant drove off with a bi-and new<br />
Dodge and Wilson's gift was a Philco refrigerator.<br />
The others received radios.<br />
Reports from the golf stag party held at<br />
Hyperion indicate a good time was had by<br />
all. Harris Wolcott, son of Leo Wolcott of<br />
Eldora, won the prize for low score for the<br />
day. In second place was Bob Sandler of<br />
Des Moines. "Ole" Olson, Universal salesman,<br />
and Jean Post, SRO manager, tied for<br />
honors in the handicap tournament. Don<br />
Hicks, Paramount manager, was awarded the<br />
prize for the longest drive. Bob Leonard,<br />
Paramount Theatre manager, won a special<br />
prize and the door prize went to Charles<br />
Johnson, Omaha's manager for Universal.<br />
"Tip" Harrison, Tri-States architect, and M.<br />
E. McLane, Central States district manager<br />
in Nebraska, also were among the prizewinners.<br />
Filmrowcrs learned of the recent death of<br />
C. L. DeNune of Dewitt, la., an exhibitor in<br />
this territory for more than 30 years .<br />
Friends of Jerry Gerbracht, former manager<br />
of the Grand in Estherville, learned of his<br />
fame as a fisherman on the west coast, where<br />
he is credited with landing a 32 V2 -pound<br />
salmon in Elliott bay near Seattle.<br />
Small Business Hearing<br />
In Kansas City Sept. 15<br />
KANSAS CITY—The current bulletin of<br />
the Kansas-Missouri Allied unit informs<br />
members that Congressman Walter C. Ploeser<br />
(Rep., Mo. I, who is chairman of the house of<br />
representatives small business committee, will<br />
be in Kansas City next Wednesday (15 1 at<br />
the Muehlebach hotel to hear complaints<br />
from exhibitors on unfair trade practices.<br />
Ploeser is making a 12-city investigation of<br />
the motion picture industry and the problems<br />
of the small independent exhibitor.<br />
O. F. Sullivan, Allied unit persident, conducted<br />
a board meeting last Wednesday and<br />
discussed plans to send a delegation to the<br />
national Allied convention in New Orleans<br />
November 30.<br />
SIMPP Action Feared<br />
MINNEAPOLIS—Members of several of the<br />
buying-booking combines here are known to<br />
be apprehensive that the Society of Independent<br />
Motion Picture Producers will bring<br />
suits against their groups similar to those<br />
filed in Detroit, asking treble damages and<br />
dissolution. There are four large combines<br />
here in addition to the Minnesota Amusement<br />
Co., Paramount circuit, and the RKO<br />
Theatres that could be targets for SIMPP.<br />
Two of the combines have been thorns in the<br />
sides of the distributors.<br />
Stockholders Get $120<br />
DAVENPORT, IOWA—Stockholders of the<br />
Third and Brady Street Liquidation Trust<br />
will receive about $120 a share as a result of<br />
the recent sale of the Mississippi Hotel-Orpheum<br />
Theatre Bldg. to the Singer-Davenport<br />
Corp. for $1,232,000. Par value of the<br />
units is $100, but it was said many holders<br />
acquired the stock at distress prices years<br />
ago, some paying about $25 a share.<br />
Distributor-Volk Suit<br />
Continued Third Time<br />
MINNEAPOLIS—Another continuance has<br />
been granted to the major distributors in<br />
federal court suits against Bill and Sidney<br />
Volk,, local circuit owners, for alleged failure<br />
to make true returns on percentage pictures.<br />
At the distributors' request, the trial, scheduled<br />
for September 13, has been set forward<br />
to November 8. It marks the third continuance<br />
of the action. Each has been at the<br />
request of David Shearer, counsel for the<br />
plaintiffs.<br />
Ben Deinard, counsel for the Volks, contending<br />
that the contracts involved are rendered<br />
void by clauses dictating admission<br />
prices to be charged for the pictures, is seeking<br />
an injimction to restrain the distributors<br />
from examining the Volks' books.<br />
Minneapolis Situations<br />
Step Up Double Billing<br />
MINNEAPOLIS—Double featuring is becoming<br />
more aggravated and making bigger<br />
inroads among the independent neighborhood<br />
situations. The general policy up to this time<br />
has been to confine the twin bills to a few<br />
nights a week and to combine only lower<br />
bracket pictures or one A film with a low<br />
bracket picture. More houses are using the<br />
twin bills frequently now, however, and tossing<br />
in two A pictures together. The Homewood,<br />
neighborhood house, on Labor day, for<br />
example, double featured what it called "two<br />
smash hits." They were "Lady Prom Shanghai"<br />
and "Another Part of the Forest."<br />
Good Boxofiice Receipts<br />
On Televised Reissues<br />
MINNEAPOLIS — Televising of pictures<br />
over KSTP, Twin City station, apparently<br />
hasn't damaged their boxoffice value for<br />
theatres so far. At least, two televised reissues<br />
have turned in good grosses here.<br />
"Elephant Boy," recently televised over<br />
KSTP, is now playing the downtown Pix at<br />
50 cents admission and doing well.<br />
A few weeks ago "Four Feathers" was<br />
televised by KSTP, which has made a deal<br />
for a large number of Alexander KorJa reissues,<br />
and the RKO Pan Theatre played<br />
it at 70 cents at the same time it was being<br />
televised. It did well at the Pan.<br />
COMPLETELY NEW<br />
HORKY'S CAFE<br />
Bigger and Better Than Ever<br />
— Featuring 'Delish' Steaks<br />
1202 High St. Des Moinea. Iowa<br />
"Where Filmrow Friends Gather"<br />
Open Daily at 4 p. m.<br />
Back From Summer Home<br />
MANHATTAN, KAS.—Harry Wareham,<br />
owner of the Wareham Theatre and partner<br />
in Commonwealth Theatres operations here,<br />
returned from his summer home at Bay Lake,<br />
Minn. Mrs. Wareham and children accompanied<br />
him.<br />
Sister Dies in Los Angeles<br />
MANHATTAN, KAS.—Word was received<br />
here this week of the death in Los Angeles<br />
of Sydney Russell, sister of Mrs. Jane Tomkins,<br />
secretary to TEI City Manager Dave<br />
Dallas.<br />
Theatre Fountain Opens<br />
McGregor. IOWA—The fountainette in<br />
open for<br />
the Strand Theatre building here is<br />
business with ice cream, soft drinks,<br />
popcorn, cigarets and candy being served.<br />
The building housing the fountainette has<br />
been remodeled and redecorated and a new<br />
front is near completion.<br />
Theatre Cashier Is Teacher<br />
HILL CITY, KAS.—Mrs. Betty Jackson,<br />
former cashier at the State in Manhattan,<br />
has just accepted a position with the public<br />
school system here.<br />
66<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948<br />
ir
Booth Men in Detroit<br />
Ask Major Changes<br />
DETROIT—Contract negotiations between<br />
lATSE Local 199 and approximately 200 theatres<br />
in the Detroit area have reached a<br />
temporary deadlock although operators continued<br />
working with the understanding that<br />
any contractual change will be made retroactive<br />
to September 1, expiration date of the<br />
old pact.<br />
While avoiding a general demand for wage<br />
scale increases the union made three demands<br />
which it is estimated would amount to a 40<br />
per cent over-all salary increase in houses<br />
where all conditions become effective. They<br />
demanded:<br />
Six-day week, in contrast to the present<br />
seven-day week, with the exhibitor to assume<br />
full salary for the seventh day.<br />
Twenty minutes a day preparatory time<br />
deemed necessary to get the booth in shape.<br />
Equalization betw'een shift house and night<br />
house scales, by raising the scales of houses<br />
which operate only at night as much as 60<br />
to 80 cents an hour in individual instances.<br />
N;gotiations are being directed by Roger<br />
M. Kennedy, lATSE vice-president.<br />
New Owners Take Over<br />
HOLLSOPPLE, PA.—Tlie Rex, formerly the<br />
Knapp, recently transferred from Catherine<br />
Knapp to Joseph and Steve Yantus, owners<br />
of a market in Central City, has been withdrawn<br />
as a member of Cooperative Theatre<br />
Service. The new owners, also operators of<br />
the Co-Op theatre at Schellsburg, will sign<br />
film contracts and transact all other business<br />
for the theatre.<br />
Charles Anderson Expected Home<br />
WELLSBURG, W. VA.—The Alpine is being<br />
modernized with remodeling, decorating<br />
and installation of new fixtures and equipment.<br />
The work will be completed within<br />
a week. Charles Anderson, who heads the<br />
Alpine circuit, is expected home soon from<br />
his vacation in Scotland.<br />
Laura Eve London Dies<br />
DETROIT—Mrs. Laura Eve London, 62,<br />
died recently in Mount Carmel Mercy hospital.<br />
She was the wife of Israel J. London,<br />
former well-known Detroit circuit operator<br />
who converted his Beacon Theatre into a<br />
bowling alley several years ago.<br />
Harold Russell to Speak at Johnstown<br />
JOHNSTOWN, PA.—Harold Russell, who<br />
won two Academy awards for his part in<br />
"The Best Years of Our Lives," will be the<br />
Beth Zion Forum speaker here January 13.<br />
The handless veteran will discuss "The Fears<br />
in Our Lives."<br />
Publicize Local Girl in 'Mary Lou'<br />
McKEESPORT, PA.—Columbia's "Mary<br />
Lou" exploitation at the Liberty was directed<br />
to local actress Mary Ann Bock, featured in<br />
the musical comedy.<br />
Booking Job to Louis Hanna<br />
CHESWICK, PA. — The new Cheswick,<br />
scheduled to open about November 1, will be<br />
booked by Louis E. Hanna, according to Joseph<br />
Mulone, manager.<br />
Allied Leaders to Speak<br />
At Ohio ITO Convention<br />
COLUMBUS—Executives of exhibitor organizations<br />
and producers' representatives<br />
William Ainsworth<br />
Benny Berger<br />
will attend the convention of the Independent<br />
Theatre Owners of Ohio September 14. 15 at<br />
the Deshler-Wallick hotel here.<br />
The list of those who have accepted invitations<br />
to address the convention includes<br />
'Uncle Jim' Will Retire<br />
On His 90th Anniversary<br />
PITTSBURGH—Col. James A. McGowan,<br />
"Uncle Jim of Pilmrow," now is a carnival<br />
barker. He joined Prell's Broadway Shows<br />
recently. Eighty-nine years young, McGowan<br />
is the uncle of James H. Alexander, theatre<br />
supply distributor here. Designated "Grand<br />
Duke of the Open Road" by Jeff Davis, king<br />
of the hoboes. Colonel Jim has appeared with<br />
the tent show in Butler, Carlisle and Uniontown,<br />
and is moving into Indiana and Ebensburg<br />
and then into West Virginia.<br />
Well known for many years on Pittsburgh's<br />
Filmrow, Uncle Jim claims he has traveled<br />
more miles by hitch-hiking than any other<br />
living man. Born at Prospect. Butler county,<br />
in 1859, he was in public office and was an<br />
auctioneer for 45 years.<br />
He said recently that he would retire from<br />
the open road when he celebrates his 90th<br />
birthday at Butler on November 8. Uncle<br />
Jim says he plans to stay home and "be good"<br />
after that date.<br />
Negro Castle at Detroit<br />
Bought by Saul Korman<br />
DETROIT—Saul Korman, circuit operator<br />
specializing in the operation of houses<br />
catering to colored clientele, has taken over<br />
the Castle, east side house, from the Jack<br />
Broder circuit. Joseph O'Donnell has been<br />
put in charge of the house. Korman plans<br />
to remodel the Castle at a cost of $25,000,<br />
and shift to all-night operation in contrast<br />
to the former 3:00 a. m. closing.<br />
Walking Cafeterias Added<br />
WASHINGTON, PA.—Three walking cafeterias<br />
were introduced here at the Route 19<br />
Drive-In. The "Walky-Teria trio" carry<br />
such<br />
stainles steel electric heat units and sell<br />
things as steaming hot dogs.<br />
William Ainsworth, president of National Allied:<br />
A. F. Myers, counsel for National Allied:<br />
Benny Berger, president of North Central<br />
Allied: Trueman Rembsuch, president of<br />
Allied of Indiana; H. M. Ritchey, exhibitor<br />
relations, Loew's; D. H. Palfreyman, of the<br />
Eric Johnston organization: J. W. Spiselman,<br />
vice-president of the Air Purification<br />
Service, Newark, N. J. Other industrj-ites are<br />
expected to be among the speakers.<br />
Gov. Thomas J. Herbert and Dr. Clyde Hissong,<br />
chief Ohio film censor, have accepted<br />
banquet invitations.<br />
P. J. Wood, ITO secretary, is hoping for a<br />
good attendance at the special meeting 'oif<br />
small town exhibitors to be held at 1 p. m.,<br />
Monday, September 13, preceding the opening<br />
of the two-day convention. Business sessions<br />
will be held at 1 p. m. Tuesday and<br />
Wednesday, with the banquet at 7 p. m.<br />
Tuesday. Door prizes and special awards will<br />
be distributed at the banquet. Wood said.<br />
Delay on New Manos Adds<br />
At Least $200,000 to Cost<br />
MONESSEN, PA.—The Monessen Amusement<br />
Co. plans to open the new Manos here<br />
October 15, according to Michael M. Manos,<br />
who heads this organization, Indiana County<br />
Theatres Co., Manos Enterprises, Inc., and<br />
Elkins Theatres Co.<br />
The newest and finest theatre in the Monongahela<br />
Valley, the de luxe modern city<br />
hou.se, seating 1,200, is one of the tristate<br />
area's most beautiful and important theatres.<br />
Delay in construction has added at least $200,-<br />
000 to the cost of the project.<br />
Three to Ohio Service Corp.<br />
CLE'VTJLAND-Tony Stern and Lou Ratener<br />
of Ohio Theatre Service Corp., which<br />
they formed last spring, have acquired the<br />
buying-booking contract for Triangle Theatre<br />
Corp. Triangle was organized recently<br />
for the joint operation of the Yorktown,<br />
Parma and Broadvue theatres. The 1,600-seat<br />
Yorktown was built in the last year by Ted<br />
and Albert Vermes; the 1,200-seat Parma,<br />
about two years old, was built by the late<br />
John D. Kalafat and associates and is operated<br />
by Jinmiy Kalafat, while the 1,800-seat<br />
Broadvue is owned by Frank and Roy Gross.<br />
The deal brings to 30 the number of theatres<br />
in this area serviced by Ohio Theatre Service.<br />
Jail Sentence for John Perry<br />
UNIONTOWN, PA.—John Perry, burgess of<br />
Belle Vernon and proprietor of the Ritz Theatre<br />
there, has been sentenced by Judge H.<br />
Vance Cottom to a term of not less than six<br />
nor more than 12 months in the Allegheny<br />
county workhouse. Perry was convicted of<br />
assault and battery upon George Syabosol,<br />
former bartender. In addition Perry was<br />
fined $250. Perry, who stated he was protecting<br />
himself, was convicted in June of hitting<br />
Syabosol, a former employe, on the head<br />
with a pool cue.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 ME 67
. . . Local<br />
. . Tom<br />
2nd<br />
COLUMBUS<br />
pemard O'Dea, former manager of several<br />
local neighborhood houses and now living<br />
in Jacksonville, Fla., was here during a<br />
vacation trip . . . Theatre cashiers here have<br />
been warned that counterfeit $10 bills are in<br />
circulation locally, and some merchants were<br />
reported to be refusing to accept bills of that<br />
denomination . . . Bert Charles has been<br />
named program and sports director of<br />
WVKO-FM, which will brgin operating here<br />
in October.<br />
Charles Sugrarman, World manager, reaped<br />
the benefit of special promotion for the<br />
March of Time subject, "White Collar Girl,"<br />
cooperating with the Lazarus department<br />
store which staged style shows and arranged<br />
window displays . . . Tod Raper of the Dispatch<br />
editorial staff has been substituting<br />
for Samuel T. Wilson, drama editor, who has<br />
been ill . . . John Yoimg is temporary theatre<br />
editor of the Journal during the absence of<br />
Mary McGavi-an, who was to be married September<br />
11 in Cadiz, Ohio to Harold Koebel,<br />
also of the Journal staff.<br />
Pat Wilson, Cincinnati, drama student at<br />
Ohio State university, won the James Cagney<br />
award for her reading of a speech from "The<br />
Time of Your Life" over WBNS in a contest<br />
sponsored by United Artists and Loew's Ohio<br />
... In another contest, sponsored by Loew's<br />
Ohio and the Citizen, Pat James. Worthington,<br />
Ohio, was chosen Columbus Teen Queen<br />
support of the drive for funds for<br />
the Will Rogers Memorial hospital was discussed<br />
at a meeting here.<br />
The Gayety, biu-lesque house, opened for<br />
the fall and winter season under new management.<br />
A 5-year lease on the theatre has<br />
been taken by Jack Kane, Youngstown, who<br />
operates the Grand there and the Mayfair<br />
in Dayton. Jay McGee is the new house<br />
manager ... A new blacktop driveway has<br />
been laid at the CCC Auto Theatre, operated<br />
by Prank Yassenoff and Harold<br />
Schwartz.<br />
Tom Paskell, former chief of service at<br />
Loew's Ohio and now with the air corps in<br />
Japan, was here while on furlough . . . An<br />
exhibit of paintings by Frank Tibbits, Ohio<br />
lobby artist, will be displayed at the Southern<br />
Hotel gallery . . . Neil Collins was named<br />
a sales manager and promotion director of<br />
the new local radio station WVKO-FM.<br />
Mary McGavran, theatre editor of the Ohio<br />
State Journal, will be married September 11<br />
to Harold Koebel, a member of the editorial<br />
staff in Cadiz, Ohio . Smiley. MOM<br />
salesman, was ill . . . Harry Sheeran, assistant<br />
MGM branch manager, Cincinnati, was<br />
a visitor . . . Walter Kessler, Ohio manager,<br />
was vacationing with his wife in Florida.<br />
Steal $3 During Crime Short<br />
COLUMBUS—A crime prevention short was<br />
being shown at a local theatre, but it failed<br />
to impress at least one patron. WiUiam P.<br />
Groves reported his wallet containing $3 was<br />
stolen during the showing of the short.<br />
Smiley Burnette in Johnsto'wn<br />
JOHNSTOWN, PA.—Smiley Burnette appeared<br />
at the Park Theatre September 2.<br />
DRIVE-IN and THEATRE<br />
EQUIPMENT<br />
Drawings, specifications, blueprints to fit any expenditure<br />
for the simplest to the most complex theatre.<br />
Sheldon Theatre Supplies has a Complete<br />
Building Service Available<br />
*The NEW "12,000" DeVry Projectors and<br />
Amplifiers<br />
* DeVRY "In-A-Car" Speakers<br />
* ALTEC LANSING Amplifiers and Speakers<br />
* STRONG Rectifiers * NATIONAL Carbons<br />
* NEUMADE Accessories GOLDE Supplies<br />
TIFFIN Draperies and Scenery<br />
* mWIN Seats * STABILARC Generators<br />
GENERAL Register Machines<br />
"Before You Buy, See and Hear DeVry"<br />
Complete Booking Service • Complete Factory Service<br />
SHELDON THEATRE SUPPLIES<br />
Office Phone: ADams 9644 — Nights and Sundays: TAylor 7511<br />
1415 AMBERLY DRIVE DAYTON, OHIO<br />
'Executioner' Has 15Q<br />
In Cleveland Heat<br />
CLEVELAND—A record heat wave kept<br />
many people home and conversely drove others<br />
to the downtown air cooled theatres<br />
where some managers reported patrons stayed<br />
over for a second showing. Best draw of the<br />
week was "Mine Own Executioner" with 50<br />
per cent better than average attendance at<br />
the Lower Mall where it stayed for a second<br />
week. "Mr. Blandings" held to a strong 110<br />
per cent in its second holdover week at the<br />
Palace while "Man-Eater of Kumaon" pleased<br />
the Ohio audiences.<br />
100<br />
(Average Is 100)<br />
Allen—Canon City (EL), 2nd wk 90<br />
Hippodrome—That Lady in Ermine (20th-Fox) 100<br />
Lower Mall—Mine Own Executioner (20th-Fox)....150<br />
Ohio—Man-Eater of Kumaon (U-!) 105<br />
Palace Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House<br />
(SRO), 2nd d. t wk no<br />
State—The Time of Your Life (UA) 100<br />
StiUman—Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein<br />
(U-I), 2nd d. t. wk<br />
Improved Weather Brings Gross Up<br />
For Mild Detroit Recovery<br />
DETROIT—The week started off at the<br />
tailend of a heat wave, but a break over the<br />
weekend helped local receipts considerably.<br />
Last-minute matinee attendance by the<br />
youngsters before they headed back to school<br />
was also a factor in a mild recovery.<br />
,<br />
Adams—Easter Parade (MGM), 7th wk 75<br />
Broadway Capitol—Bring 'Em Back Alive (RKO),<br />
reissue; plus Frank Buck in person 100<br />
Cinema Specter oi the Rose (Rep), reissue;<br />
90<br />
Beauty and the<br />
Downtown—The<br />
Beast<br />
Invaders<br />
(Lopert).<br />
(Col);<br />
2nd wk<br />
Commandos<br />
Strilce at Dawn (Col), reissues 85<br />
Fox—The Return oi the Whistler (Col); Canon City<br />
(EL) wk iOO<br />
Michigan—Beyond Glory (Para); Big Town<br />
Scandal (Para) 105<br />
Palms-State—Panhandle (AA-Mono); Smart<br />
Woman (AA-Mono) _ 100<br />
United Artists—The Time of Your Life (UA),<br />
2nd wk 95<br />
Cincinnati Grosses Swing Upward<br />
With All at 100 or More<br />
CINCINNATI—There was a vast improvement<br />
over recent preceding weeks with good<br />
business reported in every one of the downtown<br />
houses. Four pictures remained for additional<br />
engagements: "Luxury Liner," "The<br />
Walls of Jericho" and "Key Largo" in the<br />
same houses, and "The Paradine Case," moving<br />
to Shuberts.<br />
Albee—The Paradine Case (SRO) 140<br />
Capitol-Kev Largo (WB), 2nd wk 120<br />
Grand—Luxury Liner (MGM) 150<br />
Keiths—The Walls oi Jericho (20th-Fox) 110<br />
2nd d, t. Lyric-The Velvet Touch (RKO), wk.;<br />
split with Gung Hoi (U-I): Eagle Squadron<br />
(U-I), reissues 100<br />
Palace—Coroner Creek (Col) 110<br />
Shubert—Tap Roots (U-I), 2nd d I, wk 100<br />
Abbott and Costello Gross 130<br />
For Pittsburgh High<br />
PITTSBURGH—"Abbott and Costello Meet<br />
Frankenstein" was tops at the local boxoffices<br />
with "The Paradine Case" and "The Velvet<br />
Touch" also making good showings. "Easter<br />
Parade," in its fourth week, again scored<br />
and won a fifth session.<br />
Fulton-Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein<br />
(U-I) 130<br />
Harris—Texas, Brooklyn and Heaven (UA),<br />
5 days 80<br />
Penn—The Paradine Cose (SRO) 120<br />
Stanley—A Foreign Affair (Para), 2nd wk _.... 80<br />
Senator—The Black Arrow (Col). 2nd d. t. wk 8b<br />
Ritz— Easter Parade (MGM), 4lh d. t. wk 115<br />
Wai-ner—The Velvet Touch (RKO) 110<br />
Mrs. Notarianni Is Owner<br />
KNOX. PA.— Mrs. Angeline Notarianni is<br />
the new proprietor of the Knox.<br />
68 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
. . . The<br />
. . George<br />
. . Point<br />
TOLEDO<br />
pddie Cantor will confer with local leaders<br />
on Jewish problems n Europe and the<br />
Republic of Isra 1 when he comes to Toledo<br />
September 12 in connecticn with the local<br />
$1,000,000 drive for the United Jewish fund<br />
neighborhood Westwood Theatre was<br />
the scene of a free meat-cutting demonstration<br />
sponsored by the Kroger Co.. food chain,<br />
in connection with the opening of a new supermarket<br />
near the Westwood.<br />
Paramount Theatre changed its time schedule<br />
to usher in tlie fall and winter season,<br />
and did not open the house until 5 p. m. The<br />
theatre had booked Phil Spitalny and his allgirl<br />
orchestra for that week, and plans another<br />
stage show for the week of October 7.<br />
a revue headed by the Ink Spots.<br />
Ralph Edwards and his entourage have<br />
been booked for the Sports arena Saturday<br />
September 11 and his weekly NBC radio show<br />
will be aired from there . Place film<br />
house had this sign on the marquee recently<br />
—"Esther Williams 'On An Island With You'<br />
in Selected Shorts" . J. Yakobian,<br />
public relations man and member of the<br />
Variety Club, and Leila A. Lee recently obtained<br />
a marriage license.<br />
1,2C0, prior to its opening September 8.<br />
Vincent J. Alderd has returned to Pittsburgh,<br />
after substituting for Abe Ludacer,<br />
manager of Loew's Valentine. Ludacer returned<br />
from h^s vacation recently.<br />
New Owners Redecorate<br />
Norwood, Ohio, Theatre<br />
NORWOOD, OHIO—Maurice A. Chase and<br />
Herman H. Hunt held a formal opening of<br />
the redecorated Norwood Theatre here recently.<br />
Many innovations were added, including<br />
a new plastic moimted screen. Symphonic<br />
four-star sound and Electro air conditioning.<br />
Chase and Hunt recently leased<br />
the theatre and booking and buying will be<br />
done by Theatre Owners Corp.<br />
To Dream House in Thecrtre Cars<br />
TOLEDO—Abe Ludacer, manager of Loew's<br />
Valentine, had cars waiting outside the theatre<br />
to take patrons who just viewed "Mr.<br />
Blandings Builds His Dream House" to the<br />
local dream house in suburban Ottawa HUls.<br />
THREE COMPLETELY<br />
I EQUIPPED PLANTS<br />
nn<br />
CHICAGO<br />
1327 S WABASH AVE I<br />
Minor Smoke Scares<br />
In 2 Schwyn Houses<br />
TOLEDO—Two minor smoke scares hit Toledo<br />
theatres recently. Esther Williams in a<br />
bathing suit competed successfully with a<br />
smoking wastepaper basket in the State Theatre,<br />
a neighborhood house, when employes<br />
went down the aisles and told the spectators<br />
what the trouble was. Only a few patrons<br />
left. The film was not interrupted. Manager<br />
Edward Bu.sh said, and it was not nece.ssary<br />
to call the fire department.<br />
A passerby thought there was a real fire at<br />
the bottom of the smoke he saw coming from<br />
the Paramount Theatre downtown. When he<br />
turned in an alarm, firemen found only burnt<br />
popcorn. Deputy Fire Chief Walter Ringger<br />
said employes attending a popcorn machine<br />
in the basement let the corn burn, causing<br />
smoke to pour out of a vent which leads to<br />
the marquee. There was no damage.<br />
Both the State and Paramount are operated<br />
by the Carl Schwyn circuit.<br />
New Educational Films<br />
For Use in Ohio Schools<br />
COLUMBUS—The slides and films exchange<br />
of the Ohio Department of Educa-<br />
Milt Tarloff, operator of the Toledo Sports tion, which supplies films for schools, has<br />
and Home show, annual spring event in the<br />
acquired a large group of new films, according<br />
to Freda Bauer, chief booker for the ex-<br />
Civic Auditorium, also will opsrate the Ti'ianon<br />
ballroom this season, retaining Lou change. However, the normal number of approximately<br />
4,000 titles remains unchanged,<br />
Bruno as manager. Tarloff had managed<br />
the ballroom for six years until going into<br />
since when new films are acquired, old outdated<br />
materials are discarded.<br />
the army in 1942. He spent approximately<br />
$20,000 in refurbishing and remodeling the Among news films acquired are those deal-<br />
ballroom, doubling the seating capacity to<br />
ing with literature, geography, vocational<br />
training, health education, mathematics, and<br />
nearly every other subject of study. There<br />
are 42 new March of Time films, numerous<br />
Encyclopedia Britannica films, mostly for<br />
elementary grades, a Young America series<br />
for home economics classes, a Coronet seri;s<br />
for high school commercial classes, and many<br />
others.<br />
Some of the films are for use by Ohio colleges.<br />
A McGraw-Hill film on di-sciplining of<br />
children, understanding of children, and<br />
teaching methods has been acquired for<br />
teacher training classes. A catalog, listing all<br />
the new films, will be sent to schools early<br />
this faU.<br />
'Mom and Dad' 16mm Bow<br />
Sept. 13inWellsburg<br />
CLEVELAND—A world premiere of "Mom<br />
and Dad" on 16mm film will take place September<br />
13 in Wellsburg, W. Va. The thi'eeday<br />
engagement, complete with lecturer and<br />
nurses, is being presented imder the auspices<br />
of the local chapter of the American Legion.<br />
Present at the opening will be Paul Bonaiuto<br />
and Herman Deutschman, heads of Major<br />
Films of Cleveland, national distributors of<br />
the 16mm edition of this educational feature<br />
produced by Hygienic Productions of Wilmington,<br />
Ohio. An extensive advertising campaign<br />
is preceeding the opening, covering a<br />
radius of 50 miles in all directions.<br />
Let Our Years of Experience Plan<br />
and Build Your Theatre<br />
VOGEL BUILDING CO.<br />
Liberty Theotre BIdg.<br />
Wellsville, 0. — Phone: 74<br />
A K R O N<br />
r^arl Ferrazza, as.sistant manager at Loew's<br />
here for more than two years, has gone<br />
to Cleveland where he will work for the East<br />
Ohio Gas Co. He came here from Cleveland<br />
after starting in the theatre business in<br />
Washington . . . Don Maxwell, assistant manager<br />
at the Strand, has moved to Bryan, Ohio,<br />
where he will manage two theatres for the<br />
Skirball chain, which also operates the Forum<br />
here. He previously worked for Warners for<br />
five years and served in the air corps for<br />
three years.<br />
Ron Gamble, manager of the Palace, recently<br />
returned from the west coast, where<br />
he visited his mother, who was ill . . . Akron<br />
will have a new legitimate theatre group with<br />
the recently organized nonprofit Akron Theatre<br />
Enterprise, Inc. The group will present<br />
"Room Service" as its first play about the end<br />
of October. Most of the persons forming the<br />
unit attend Kent State univeristy in nearby<br />
Kent. A theatre has not yet been .scheduled.<br />
The group will pay actors and technicians,<br />
rather than operate on an amateur basis, according<br />
to Edward Shelton. Akron, president.<br />
The old Spicer Theatre at 450 E. Exchange<br />
St., has been razed, and a modern theatre,<br />
the Vogue, is being built.<br />
nearly $100,000.<br />
The project will co.st<br />
Enlarge Mendon Theatre<br />
MENDON, MICH.—Louis Danley, owner of<br />
the Mendon Theatre, has completed enlargement<br />
of the lobby and installation of a new<br />
boxoffice and popcorn machine.<br />
COMPLETE EQUIPMENT<br />
for THEATRES and DRIVE-INS<br />
Lowest Prices<br />
24-Hour-a-Day Service<br />
FIRST IN THE COUNTRY<br />
IN DRIVE-IN SPEAKERS<br />
• Ideal Choirs<br />
* First witii acirc<br />
u i t arrangement<br />
for minimizing<br />
outages.<br />
»< First with<br />
Fiberglas acoustical<br />
insulation.<br />
« First with theft<br />
r e s istan t<br />
cables.<br />
• Strong Projection Lamps<br />
• Kollmorgen Lens<br />
• Century Projectors and Sound Systems<br />
• Do-Lite Screens<br />
• Neumade Products<br />
Write lor FREE LITERATURE<br />
THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.<br />
Al Boudouris. manager<br />
TOLEDO 2, OHIO— 109 Michigan—AD. 8107<br />
CLEVELAND, OHIO—921 Guordian BIdg.<br />
SU. 4680<br />
BOXOFFICE<br />
k<br />
:: September 11, 1948 69
Church and Theatre Live in Harmony<br />
For 8 Years on Censorship Right<br />
DETROIT—History of the amicable relationship<br />
between the Mercury Theatre, operated<br />
by Saul Sloan, and a neighboring church<br />
since the opening of the theatre eight years<br />
ago throws an interesting light upon an exhibitor<br />
in the role of a "good neighbor." It<br />
has given another proof that good community<br />
relations for the exhibitor pay off at the<br />
boxoffice.<br />
In this instance there is a solid foundation<br />
of goodwill in a real estate pact providing for<br />
joint use of property for the theatre parking<br />
lot<br />
Ẇhen the Mercury was built, the neighboring<br />
Precious Blood Catholic church had considerable<br />
property adjacent, located between<br />
the theatre on one side and the church and<br />
school on the other. Sloan wanted some of<br />
the property for a parking lot.<br />
FREE PARKING TO CHURCHMEN<br />
So an arrangement was reached providing<br />
that members of . the church congregation<br />
would have the right to use the lot for all<br />
church services. This was to be maintained<br />
as a free right, even if Sloan should later<br />
decide to charge a fee for parking on the lot.<br />
Another provision gave the church the right<br />
to use underground public utilities running<br />
across the property.<br />
Of outstanding significance from the exhibitor's<br />
standpoint, however, was the inclusion<br />
of a special clause giving the pastor<br />
of the church, Father William L. Hermes,<br />
the right to insist that no offensive pictures<br />
be shown in the theatre. This is probably<br />
the only case on record in which a legal right<br />
to censor films has been granted to a church<br />
or religious organization by an exhibitor<br />
catering to the general public.<br />
The clause has never actually been invoked<br />
because it has not been necessary under the<br />
yifed<br />
Can Now Show You The<br />
NEW 1948 "£NCO/i£" & "AIRFLO"<br />
HEYWOOD-WAKEFIELD THEATRE CHAIRS<br />
Call or Write<br />
A/ed 0
. . . Nat<br />
. . Jack<br />
. . . Laura<br />
. . Harris<br />
. . That<br />
Community Leases<br />
Lake in Cleveland<br />
CLEVELAND—The Lake Theatre. 1630<br />
Euclid Ave., for the past 18 years operated by<br />
Warner Bros, as a first run moveover house,<br />
has been leased to the Community Theatres.<br />
500 Great Lakes BIdg. for ten years. Henry<br />
Greenberger. president announced. The lessor<br />
is the Gund Wynn Realty Co.<br />
Under the lease, a guaranteed total rental<br />
of approximately $225,000 will be paid, it is<br />
said. During a complete remodeling period,<br />
estimated to cost in excess of $50,000 and to<br />
include complete new equipment and a new<br />
marquee, the house will remain closed. Greenberger<br />
said that a change of name for the<br />
theatre is being considered.<br />
The Lake originally was lea.sed to the late<br />
Louis Israel, pioneer Cleveland exhibitor who<br />
relinquished the lease because he had trouble<br />
getting suitable product.<br />
The Community circuit operate a chain of<br />
17 theatres in the greater Cleveland area, including<br />
five downtown subsequent run houses,<br />
not including the Lake. These are the Embassy,<br />
Mall, Lower Mall, Carter and Strand.<br />
The Lower Mall plays a foreign film policy.<br />
Patrons Prefer Comedy,<br />
Perlmon Survey Shows<br />
CLEVELAND—Rube Perlman, representative<br />
for Edward Small Productions, on a<br />
survey tour of the country, stopped here recently<br />
and said the motion picture going<br />
public was demanding "comedies, comedies<br />
and more comedies!"<br />
Perlman is not confining himself to the<br />
large cities or the large theatres. "I stop<br />
wherever I see a theatre, be it large or small,<br />
and ask what kind of pictures the patrons<br />
in that particular location want to see," he<br />
said.<br />
"People want to laugh when they go to the<br />
theatre today." That's what theatremen<br />
have told him from coast to coast. They<br />
have enough problems outside the theatre.<br />
All they want in the theatre is entertainment.<br />
Light entertainment. Comedies with<br />
laughs in them. Society comedies are all<br />
right, too, but most in demand, according to<br />
Perlman's survey, is slapstick stuff, with guffaws,<br />
and even belly laughs.<br />
Another thing the theatre owners are telling<br />
Perlman is that they want short features.<br />
No more of those three-hour affairs.<br />
People are restless, tired and imeasy. They<br />
don't want to sit in one place too long.<br />
Air Races and Baseball<br />
Hurt Cleveland Shows<br />
CLEVELAND—Local exhibitors report they<br />
are having a hard time to stand up imder the<br />
heavy competition of night baseball and the<br />
National Air races. Night baseball, they report,<br />
is keeping their female as well as their<br />
male patrons away from the theatres. Interest<br />
in the closing chapter of the season is<br />
razor keen. When the Indians play in Cleveland,<br />
record crowds amounting to 80,000 attend<br />
the games. When the players are outof-town,<br />
the fans stayed glued to their radio<br />
or television set. Add the National Air Races,<br />
opening September 4, to the baseball fans, and<br />
what's left for the theatres? But being good<br />
sports, they are looking forward to a long<br />
winter, with fairly clement, but not too clemment<br />
weather, to compensate for their siunmer<br />
losses.<br />
CLEVELAND<br />
Tim Scoville, retired member of the Scoville,<br />
E.ssick & Reif circuit, has returned to his<br />
home in Tucson, Ariz., more firmly convinced<br />
than ever that he is allergic to the Cleveland<br />
climate . . . George Stevens, well-known<br />
theatre manager and pilot trainer at the<br />
Cleveland airport during the war, again was<br />
timer for the National Air races which started<br />
September 4. It's his 20th year as timer<br />
Charnes, Toledo circuit owner, and<br />
his wife drove east to enroll their daughter<br />
in the freshman class of Connecticut college.<br />
Edward Salzberg, associated with Al Dezel<br />
as part owner of the Screen Guild exchange<br />
in Cincinnati and who has acquired an interest<br />
in the Cleveland exchange, was conferring<br />
with local Manager Edwin R. Bergman<br />
. Sogg. MGM manager, just<br />
received a Christmas card, 1948 model, from<br />
an exhibitor in Rio de Janeiro, proving that<br />
Argentine-American relations are friendly<br />
in the long run.<br />
Harry Walders, RKO manager, was called<br />
to Chicago last week by the death of his<br />
father-in-law. Leo Grace . . . While most of<br />
the film colony planned a quiet and restful<br />
holiday weekend, several sought a change of<br />
scenery. Jack and Mrs. Gertz of Theatrical<br />
Ei^terprises, took off for Chicago, not retm-ning<br />
until Wednesday, while Alex Scliimel,<br />
U-I salesman, visited liis relatives in New<br />
York.<br />
Mrs. William S. Shartin turned the keys<br />
of her home over to its new owners last Friday<br />
and left to join Bill in Seattle where he<br />
now is Film Classics branch manager. Their<br />
daughter Gerry, in the flooring business, has<br />
taken up residence in the Lake Shore hotel<br />
BROWNI.Nd Till I'lG—President Phil<br />
Chakeres of the Chakeres Theatre, Inc.,<br />
casts a critical eye on this barbecued<br />
porker at the annual managers party held<br />
recently in the gardens of the Chakeres<br />
home at Springfield, Ohio.<br />
Kovach, secretary to U-I District<br />
Manager Peter Dana, and Margaret Macsay,<br />
Republic booker, have broken up their joint<br />
housekeeping partnership. Macsay left to live<br />
with the parents and, for the time being,<br />
Laura will carry on alone.<br />
Ed Wise last week resigned as manager<br />
of the Fairview Theatre, severing a 21-year<br />
relationship with the Associated circuit. He<br />
plans to take a month's vacation before deciding<br />
which of several irons he will pull out<br />
of the fire. Sid Holland, former manager of<br />
the Clinton Theatre, Port Clinton, succeeds<br />
Wise at the Fairview. Holland left the Clinton<br />
a month ago to open a Los Angeles<br />
branch of Theatrical Enterprises in partnership<br />
with Julius Lamm, but severed the partnership<br />
soon after his arrival on the coast.<br />
Union Square Theatre 1,600-seat Associated<br />
circuit house, under the management of<br />
Nester Auth, has been completely remodeled<br />
with new stage curtains, carpets, seats. The<br />
restrooms have been entirely rebuilt and a<br />
new refrigeration plant installed. The work<br />
was done by Henry Hellriegel, local building<br />
contractor . Dudelson, Film Classics<br />
Cincinnati manager, was in town to see Warner<br />
head booker Ted Minsky about dates for<br />
Warner theatres in southern Ohio.<br />
Bob Richardson, former RKO salesman<br />
salesman who now is Eagle Lion manager, has<br />
set aside a two-week period, October 5-18,<br />
in honor of Milt Cohen, former RKO district<br />
manager and now Eagle Lion eastern division<br />
sales manager. Object is a shot in the arm<br />
for the current Bill Heineman sales drive<br />
. . Gilbert Lefton, president of Academy<br />
.<br />
Film Service, Inc., has named WajTie Hartman,<br />
formerly of New York, as sales manager<br />
of the company's industrial department in<br />
charge of equipment and promotion and incentive<br />
films.<br />
Nat Barach, NSS manager, attended a<br />
meeting in Pittsburgh last week called to<br />
map plans for the 13-week George Dembo<br />
drive. Before leaving Barach supervised office<br />
decorations for the event, including banners,<br />
photos and gaily colored placards . . .<br />
J. S. Jossey of Hygienic Pi-oductions, producers<br />
of'Mom and Dad" and the forthcoming<br />
"One Too Many," was in Wilmington to<br />
attend the premiere of the company's monthly<br />
stage shows, "The Best Is Yet to Come."<br />
I. J. Schmertz, 20th-Fox manager, and<br />
Harry Weiss, publicity director, left to attend<br />
the 20th-Fox convention in Los Angeles . . .<br />
Sanford Gottlieb, Film Classics manager,<br />
thinks his company has another "King Kong"<br />
boxoffice success in "Unknown Island," first<br />
drama of prehistoric animals made in color.<br />
It'll be along within a month . swanky<br />
new Chrysler convertible you see in the parking<br />
lot on Filmrow belongs to Gilbert Lefton<br />
of Academy Film Service . . . Bill Fabbri.<br />
who was born with a yen to be in the film<br />
business, has joined Major Films, 16mm film<br />
distributors and national distributors of<br />
"Mom and Dad" on 16mm.<br />
Mrs. Jack Sogg, wife of the MGM manager,<br />
arrived in Santa Pe. N. M., to visit their<br />
son-in-law and daughter. Dr. and Mrs. Fred<br />
Soldow. just in time to exchange greetings<br />
with their son Alan, who was returning to<br />
Cleveland after spending the summer in<br />
Santa Fe .<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 ME 71
'<br />
LOU<br />
I<br />
. . Rodger<br />
Chairmen Appointed<br />
In Will Rogers Drive<br />
CINCINNATI—Allan Morltz. chairman of<br />
the Will Rogers Memorial hospital drive in<br />
this area, has appointed five sub-chairmen<br />
to aid in meeting the $75,000 local goal. Irving<br />
Sochin, U-I manager, was named chairman<br />
of the Huntington area: J. J. Grady,<br />
Paramount manager, chairman of the<br />
Charleston area: Jim Abrose. Warners Dayton;<br />
Joe Rosen, 20th-Fox, Columbus, and<br />
S. C. Jacques, RKO, Lexington, Ky., area.<br />
Exhibitors in the respective areas were<br />
asked to meet with the chairmen on specified<br />
dates. Sochin met with exhibitors in<br />
Huntington Thursday i9\ Grady met with<br />
Charleston area exhibitors Wednesday (S),<br />
Abrose called a meeting in Dajlon Thursday<br />
as did Rosen in Columbus on the same date.<br />
Free Pony Rides for Kids<br />
BEAVER FALLS. PA.—Free pony rides are<br />
part of the regular program at the Spotlight<br />
88 Drive-In every Thursday, Friday, Saturday<br />
and Sunday from 7:15 to 9:15 p. m. Children<br />
under 12 are admitted free and adult<br />
admission is 60 cents, tax included. Ralph M.<br />
Felton is manager.<br />
Ask New Bids at Canton<br />
CANTON—In the hope that the city will<br />
receive some "substantially higher" bids.<br />
Mayor Carl F. Klein has asked the city council<br />
for authority to readvertise the old Auditorium<br />
Bldg. site. The city received a bid<br />
of $226,100 for the property July 30.<br />
Buys Changeable Letters<br />
CLARKSBURG. W. VA.—The Robinson<br />
Grand Theatre, one of the two first run<br />
houses here, has purchased new Wagner<br />
changeable letters from Lovett & Co., local<br />
DeVry distributors. Madge Stout manages<br />
the Grand, owned by Claude Robison, veteran<br />
West Virginia showman who also operates<br />
Moore's Opera House, a local second run.<br />
DETROIT<br />
. . . Roy<br />
. . . Edward<br />
gernard L. Kilbride, Thomas J. Kilbride and<br />
Leland G. Hillier have incorporated as the<br />
Hillier-Kilbride Co., with a capitalization<br />
of $100,000, to operate the Globe<br />
Ruben, secretary of local 199. was back at<br />
work after an illness in Cleveland<br />
Jazdyk, assistant manager and treas-<br />
urer at the Fox, is leaving to study law at<br />
the Detroit Institute of Technology . . . Ruth<br />
Burwell, former ca.shier at the Broadway-<br />
Capitol, now is office manager for local B179,<br />
replacing Arlene Koch, now a UDT assistant.<br />
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS<br />
The Showmen's Drug Store<br />
_ a • Cosmetics * Prescriptioii<br />
Personal Service from T^j^o Showmen<br />
MAX BERNBAUM<br />
JACK GALLAGHER<br />
Ma<br />
CLiiford 1527, CUitord 3694<br />
^^^^^^^^^^^^ki^^^m^k^^^<br />
LONG SIGN CO.<br />
MARQUISE SIGNS<br />
MAINTENANCE SERVICE<br />
840 W. Baltimore, Detroit — TH 1-5477<br />
FLOWERS for<br />
Every Occasion<br />
LORENZEN'S<br />
DETROIT'S THEATRICAL FLORIST<br />
TOwnsend 8-6232<br />
16457 Woodward Ave.. Detroit 3, Mich.<br />
Sam Ackemian was convalescing after a<br />
recent illness . . . Jake Sullivan, general man-<br />
.<br />
. . . Arthur<br />
ager of the Bellnsky circuit, also was convalescing<br />
after an operation Secrest,<br />
night manager at the Loop, sold his<br />
candy concession business in New York . .<br />
.<br />
William M. Clark is launching the Clark Theatre<br />
Service in the Donovan Bldg.<br />
MacCoUis now is manager of the Downager<br />
Norman Meyers, Adams manager,<br />
town . . .<br />
returned with his wife from a vacation at<br />
Wisconsin Dells.<br />
Hazen Funk of the Great Lakes was managing<br />
the state fair . . . Dick Holtz of the<br />
Century was vacationing at Ludington . . .<br />
(Continued on next page)<br />
ERNIE<br />
FORBES<br />
214 W. Montcalm<br />
Detroit 1, Mich.<br />
Phone CAdillac 1122<br />
TheatrpSign and Marquee Maintenance<br />
(fkTr^—.<br />
Our Specialty<br />
^kJHorstman ^ Co.<br />
WOodard 5-4050<br />
2821 BrooklTn<br />
EXfflBITORS — PARK FREE AT<br />
EQUIPMENT<br />
McARTHUR THEATRE<br />
COMPANY<br />
454COLU,MBIA ST. WEST - DETROIT I. MiCH<br />
MOTIOORAPH SERVICE<br />
Phone: CAdillac 5524<br />
Renovate Parkersburg, W. Va., Strand<br />
PARKERSBURG, W. VA.—Warners Strand<br />
has been remodeled and renovated. Features<br />
include new comfortable seats, cement floor,<br />
new carpet, sound and projection, and a hivisibility<br />
screen. Policy and prices remain the<br />
same.<br />
For All<br />
The Better Theatre Equipment<br />
RINGOLD<br />
Theatres Up Prices Nickel<br />
VANDERGRIFT, PA.—First bite of the<br />
new 10 per cent community amusement tax<br />
and coin machine license ordinances were<br />
felt recently. The theatres have upped their<br />
prices five cents for adult admissions and<br />
absorbed the tax for youngsters.<br />
Theatre and Alleys to Open Soon<br />
GLADSTONE, MICH.— Emil DeBacker said<br />
recently that he hoped to have the new local<br />
theatre and bowling alleys opened this month.<br />
Only minor finishing work remained to be<br />
done.<br />
Students View Free Exhibitions<br />
STATE COLLEGE, PA.—College Post-Session<br />
students have been attending free evening<br />
outdoor double features in the campus<br />
amphitheatre.<br />
• Motiograph "AA" Projectors<br />
• Motiograph Sound Systems<br />
• Irwin Chairs<br />
• Strong Projection Lamps<br />
• U. S. Air Conditioning<br />
• Wagner Changeable Letters<br />
• Strong Rectifiers<br />
• Robin Imperial Motor-Generator Sets<br />
• Da-Lite Screens<br />
• KoUmorgen Coated Lenses<br />
Distributors for Michigan<br />
• Altec-Lansing Speakers<br />
• Royal Chrome Furniture<br />
• Star Popcorn Machines<br />
• Super-Service Vacuum Cleaners<br />
• Coinometer Change Makers<br />
• Strong Reflectors<br />
• Curtain Controls and Tracks<br />
• GoldE Automatic Enclosed Rewinds<br />
• Neumade Film Cabinets and Tables<br />
• Notional Projector Carbons<br />
Twenty-four hour projection and sound service<br />
RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT COMPANY<br />
106 Michigan St., N. W. Grand Rapids 2, Mich.<br />
Telephone GLendale 4-8852 Nights and Sundays 3-2413<br />
it<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September U, 1948<br />
73
Dave<br />
. . W.<br />
CINCINNATI<br />
fJTTS. Mary Semelroth installed new RCA<br />
projection equipment in her five houses<br />
in Dayton and in the Ohio Theatre at Franklin<br />
.. .<br />
Litto, salesman for Screen<br />
Guild, resigned to handle film sales for<br />
Eagle Lion . . . Irving Sochin, manager for<br />
U-I, was elated with reaction to the sneak:<br />
preview of "One Touch of Venus" at the<br />
Palace. Invitations were given only to newspaper<br />
critics and radio representatives. Maurice<br />
Bergman, vice-president in charge of<br />
advertising, and his assistant Charles Simonelli,<br />
were here from New York for the occasion.<br />
Bergman plans to attend the ITOO<br />
meeting in Columbus, September 13-15.<br />
The Eden Theatre near Peebles Corner,<br />
Walnut Hills, is being remodeled and when<br />
reopened October 15, will be operated as an<br />
art house. Vance Schwartz of Louisville,<br />
operator of the National Theatre there, is<br />
head of Distinctive Pictures, Inc., which will<br />
operate the Eden . G. Carmichael resigned<br />
as sales manager for Eagle Lion and<br />
assumed the branch manager's job at SRO<br />
here.<br />
. . .<br />
.<br />
Dale Elleman, operator of the theatre in<br />
North Lewisburg, Ohio, expects to open his<br />
new Bellefontaine drive-in in two weeks.<br />
The<br />
Midwest is equipping the ozoner<br />
new drive-in at Bluefield, W. Va., an operation<br />
of Max Matz, Bluefield, and Sam Switow,<br />
Louisville, was opened formally recently.<br />
National Theatre Supply installed equipment<br />
. . Mrs. Catherine Taylor, secretary at<br />
Paramount, celebrated her 25th birthday recently,<br />
Edward Salzberg, former manager for<br />
Screen Guild here, has been named district<br />
BANQUET<br />
BRAND
. . . New<br />
. . Mrs.<br />
. . Perry<br />
. . The<br />
. . Don<br />
. . William<br />
. . The<br />
. . Arthur<br />
. . Burt<br />
. . The<br />
. .<br />
. . . Smiley<br />
. . George<br />
. . Fred<br />
. . . The<br />
. . . Lew<br />
. . Eagle<br />
. . Gerald<br />
PITTSBURGH Showboat Cuts River Town Grosses<br />
. . . Park,<br />
Chea's, Bradford, is treating kiddles to free<br />
Superman comic books in connection with<br />
the exhibition of the Columbia serial based<br />
Meadville,<br />
upon the heroic character<br />
presented souvenirs contributed by three<br />
merchants at last Saturday morning's cartoon<br />
carnival . Como, resting at his<br />
home in Canonsburg, paid a surprise visit to<br />
a teen-agers dance in the Canonsburg Eagles<br />
ledge, held under the auspices of the Youth<br />
Guidance committee. He sang several popular<br />
songs and had a good time. Perry recently<br />
completed work in a super musical at MGM<br />
and he will tiu'n up there again for "Annie<br />
Get Your Gun."<br />
.<br />
The Max Arnold family is home after vacationing<br />
in Atlantic City and New York. He<br />
operates theatres in Verona and Pitcairn . .<br />
.<br />
Mark, son of the David Kimelmans, has enrolled<br />
at Penn State Max i Crown)<br />
Shulgolds spent the Labor day weekend on<br />
a motor tour in Canada Prank<br />
.<br />
Thomas family vacationed in New York and<br />
Canada. Frank is the veteran Filmrow projectionist<br />
The Harris circuit is slugging<br />
. . . display advertising with "September-<br />
Greater Movie Season" markers.<br />
Joe Murdock of the Penstate Amusement<br />
Co., Uniontown, has lined up a number of<br />
radio and bicycle giveaways . Redfoot,<br />
Windber and Central City exhibitor, enjoyed<br />
a visit with his elderly mother on the<br />
west coast . . . Jackie, daughter of the Hymie<br />
Wheelers, has been assisting her papa in recent<br />
weeks at the Film Classics office . . .<br />
F. D. Moore, Warner eastern district manager,<br />
was here over the Labor day weekend.<br />
F. P. "Reel" McCoy, lATSE Local 444 secretary,<br />
vacationed at Myrtle Beach, S. C,<br />
with two of his sons Edward 11 and Junior 9<br />
poster clerk at the Pittsburgh Poster<br />
Exchange is Joseph Golanty . . . Bill Walker<br />
jr., son of the Crafton exhibitors, will resume<br />
law schooling at Pitt September 15 . . . Irwin<br />
Zeltner was here exploiting "The Babe Ruth<br />
Story" . Jay Williams, wife of the<br />
Ligonier exhibitor, is home after being hospitalized<br />
at Somerset . . . Mr. and Mrs. F. E.<br />
Hasley, East Pittsburgh exhibitors, will attend<br />
the Allied convention in New Orleans .<br />
Marty Rothenstein presented "Fighting Father<br />
Dunne" at the Baden, Baden, as a benefit<br />
for St. John's Catholic church building fund.<br />
Spotted at the opening of the Victoria,<br />
Wheeling, were James H. Alexander, Michael<br />
Manos, George Purcell, Tom Anas, William<br />
Demas, Chris Velas, A. G. Constant, Saal<br />
Gottlieb, Irving Jacobs, Milton Brauman,<br />
Frank Hamre, William Jones, Gus Priel,<br />
Welden Waters, Charles Baron, George Zeppos,<br />
James Hendel and others . family<br />
of James Sippey, Screen Guild salesman, is<br />
vacationing in Miami . Zoellner<br />
of the MGM reprints and short subjects office,<br />
was here on business.<br />
Capt. Gerry Algier has returned here after<br />
two and one-half years in Germany. He and<br />
Anita, daughter of the Paul Krumenackers,<br />
have been engaged for some time and a fall<br />
wedding is planned . Schultz, manager<br />
of the Lee, Fairmont, and his wife, who<br />
adopted an infant son several months ago,<br />
have been vacationing . . . Abe Weiner, Monogram<br />
manager, spent last weekend at his<br />
home in Boston as did Howard Crombie,<br />
Monogram salesman here . F. Mor-<br />
GALLIPOLIS, OHIO—A 400-seat showboat<br />
has been causing competition of fairiy<br />
serious proportions to theatremen along the<br />
Ohio and Kanawha rivers this .summer but is<br />
about due to close.<br />
It is the showboat Majestic, operated by<br />
Kent State university with a cast of 24 college<br />
students. They present such classic<br />
melodramas as "Ten Nights in a Barroom,"<br />
"Bertha, the Beautiful Sewing Machine Girl,"<br />
and .such comparatively modern fare as "Arsenic<br />
and Old Lace."<br />
rone of Superior Supply has been resting at<br />
Mercy hospital for two weeks. He suffered<br />
an abdominal illness more than a decade ago<br />
and to a certain extent this condition has<br />
reoccurred.<br />
Russ Zebra's trick shoulder acted up on him<br />
Friday last week and he has been carrying<br />
an arm in sling at the Franklin office . . .<br />
a<br />
Phil Sullivan, billing clerk at the Exhibitors<br />
Service office participated in a football game<br />
and broke his coUar bone . . . Sam Fineberg,<br />
Variety Club's chief barker and partner with<br />
Jim Alexander in the theatre supply business,<br />
is visiting his family in Phoenix, Ariz.,<br />
for several weeks . Zeppos of the<br />
Rex, Wheeling, is back on the job after vacationing<br />
at Chataqua . A. Beedle,<br />
Canonsburg exhibitor, is attending to business<br />
as usual after recuperating from an illness<br />
and an operation . . . Archie Fineman,<br />
city exhibitor, is ailing and is in Presbyterian<br />
hospital.<br />
Charles Kalmenson, son of Abe, eldest of<br />
the Kalmenson brothers, and Shirley Brinn<br />
will be married here September 19 . . Paramount's<br />
.<br />
"Miss Tatlock's Millions" was sneak-<br />
previewed Thursday evening at the Harris<br />
Jack Marks, pioneer<br />
Denis, Mount Lebanon . . .<br />
exhibitor at Clarksbui'g, W. Va., is va-<br />
cationing at the home of his sister in Indianapolis.<br />
New barkers of Variety Club Tent 1 include<br />
Dan Mallinger, James D. Mooney, William<br />
Lloyd Watt jr., C. A. "Gus" Notopoulos, Louis<br />
E. Hanna, Joseph L. Fecheck, James B. Harris,<br />
Joseph Kaliski, Joseph F. Zitelli, Louis<br />
B. Fordan, Ralph H. Freeman, George K.<br />
Moffett, John A. Scarry jr. and Kenny Kenfield.<br />
Among new associate members are<br />
Nicholas J. Kelly, Dr. TTiomas R. Wilson.<br />
John Lyerly and Harry Widom.<br />
Bud Freeman and Irving Yates were in the<br />
territory representing Johnny Mack Brown,<br />
who is here playing one-day stands at Warner<br />
theatres with his All-American Entertainers<br />
Burnette was appearing at local<br />
area theatres with Bill Russell, harmonica<br />
Ray and Irma Jean Woodard of<br />
star . . .<br />
Franklin vacationed recently in Canada.<br />
Two pioneers in the industry took a bow at<br />
the Morris Lefko testimonial dinner last week.<br />
They were Jmes B. Clark and Albert P. Way,<br />
who remain active in exhibition, an industry<br />
Other former local<br />
they helped cradle . . .<br />
film men here to visit were Art Goldsmith of<br />
old Pathe and Jim Sharkey of Columbia, both<br />
Capacity crowds have greeted the Majestic<br />
in its stops at river landings in Ohio, Pennsylvania,<br />
West Virginia and Kentucky towns.<br />
Complete in atmosphere down to shrieking<br />
notes of the calliope and the loud, colorful<br />
parade by the entire cast announcing its arrival,<br />
the Majestic has caught the fancy and<br />
support of a score of towns.<br />
The experiment in river tradition is a<br />
project conceived and carried out by Prof.<br />
G. Harry Wright, recognized as the leading<br />
American authority on showboat history.<br />
The showboat is an all-day routine for its<br />
cast and backstage crew. Besides rehearsing<br />
and performances, the students pitch in on<br />
housekeeping, shifting scenery, ushering, ticket<br />
selling and arranging for the parades.<br />
Then classes are held for the students every<br />
day.<br />
Stops on the schedule for the latter part<br />
of August and early weeks in September include<br />
Gallipolis, Glenwood and Huntington,<br />
W. Va.; Athalia, Ironton, Portsmouth, Buena<br />
Vista, Ripley, New Richmond and Cincinnati,<br />
Ohio.<br />
managers here a score of years ago, and Herb<br />
Greenblatt, RKO, now that company's district<br />
manager at Chicago.<br />
Father Vincent Brennan, one of the Variety<br />
Club chaplains, in addressing the Morris<br />
Lefko testimonial dinner, revealed that his<br />
father opened the fu-st nickelodeon in the<br />
state of Indiana in 1907 . . . Midshipman Carl<br />
C. Jaffurs. son of Mr. and Mrs. James J.<br />
Jaffurs of Wilkinsburg, city area exhibitors,<br />
was his father's guest at the Lefko dinner.<br />
George Prostinak, before closing the Marsh,<br />
Wheeling, exhibited his 16mm color films of<br />
the Wheeling flood. Film credits read: "Produced<br />
by George: directed by George; photographed<br />
by George; presented by George"<br />
Skyway at Butler gives loUypops to<br />
children attending.<br />
Jack Ellstrom, 20th-Fox salesman, was resting<br />
at his home in Dormont because of a<br />
nervous condition . . E. M. Stuve. former<br />
.<br />
local Paramount salesman, visited here from<br />
Florida . . . Leo Wayne resigned sales duties<br />
with the Pittsburgh Poster exchange . . Tire<br />
Pittsburgh Film Salesman's welfare fimd<br />
campaign closed September 11.<br />
Ace Stuckey, former Everett exhibitor, was<br />
married recently. Stuckey operates the Dreamland<br />
Drive-In between Mercersburg and Mc-<br />
Connellsburg . Lion employes staged<br />
a corn roast at Clairton . . . Angeline Notarianni<br />
managed the Knox at Knox while her<br />
husband Pat was on leave of absence . . . Dr.<br />
Harry C. Winslow, Meadville exhibitor and<br />
radio station operator, addressed the Northwestern<br />
Pennsylvania Firemen's Ass'n convention<br />
at Conneaut Lake Park.<br />
Ernest Stem has named Lawrence Crawford<br />
of Kittanning as manager of the newly<br />
opened Community Drive-In at Kittanning<br />
Hepinger planned to enroll his Orpheum.<br />
Clarion, with the Louis E. Hanna<br />
booking agency . Shay will open a<br />
drive-in theatre near Rowlesburg. W. Va. . . .<br />
(Continued on next page^<br />
Pittsburgh Poster Exchange<br />
— Complete Service—<br />
No Contract Necessary<br />
308 Van Braam St. GRant 0114<br />
Pittsburgh 19, Pa.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 75
. . May<br />
Fortune<br />
. . John<br />
. .<br />
RKO<br />
Harry<br />
PITTSBURGH<br />
(Continued from preceding pagei<br />
Exhibitors attending the tradeshowing of<br />
"Rope" were requested to give a short written<br />
report on the picture Lena Leuch of Acme<br />
. .<br />
Distributing Co. vacationed sneak<br />
.<br />
previewed "Race Street" at the Warner.<br />
Sam Finebergr, Variety Club's chief barker,<br />
and Tom Troy and John McGreevey were<br />
checking the progress of the car giveaway<br />
fund . . Alice Zeigler at the club headquarters<br />
.<br />
listed all returns and the committee<br />
planned an aggressive cleanup campaign . . .<br />
C. L. Sutton, Thomas, W. Va., exhibitor, took<br />
his yoimgest son Don, a polio victim, to Baltimore<br />
for special examinations.<br />
BiU Nesbitt has resigned from his post as<br />
Eagle Lion office manager but has not announced<br />
future plans . . . Leo Isaacs, a Columbia<br />
representative for five years until recently,<br />
has joined Alexander Theatre Supply<br />
as sales representative ... A special Mardi<br />
Gras will be presented at the Melody rink,<br />
Uniontown, September 15, for the George D.<br />
Silver Memorial fund C. Friburg,<br />
Johnsonburg<br />
.<br />
and Union City exhibitor, was<br />
recuperating in the Community hospital,<br />
Kane, where he was taken after a heart<br />
attack.<br />
Julius Navari and his Flamingo Roller Palace,<br />
East Liberty, were hosts to 60 members<br />
of the Amateur Roller Skating Ass'n from 48<br />
states. Julius and brothers Rudy and Sam<br />
own and operate Navari Amusements, including<br />
the de luxe Eastwood in Penn township<br />
and the New Penn, Universal Tony Kalas<br />
has been named manager of the new 'Victoria,<br />
"Ruthless." Other Eagle Lion offerings licensed<br />
for the Steve G Manas house include<br />
"Hollow Triumph," "The Spiritualist" and<br />
"Northwest Stampede "<br />
Recent stase offerings included Ken Griffin,<br />
Columbia, Warren and Latonia, Oil City;<br />
Ken Curtis and Shug Fisher, Baden, Baden;<br />
Johnny Mack Brown, Majestic in Johnstov/n,<br />
Manos in Greensburg, Prince in Ambridge,<br />
Majestic in Butler. Washington in Washington;<br />
Tommy Dorsey, Columbia, Sharon<br />
Welden Waters, 20th-Pox manager, was<br />
in Los Angeles attending a company sales<br />
convention . Films, headed by<br />
Harry Hendel and Bert M Steam of Pittsburgh<br />
and Maurice Conn, Los Angeles, has<br />
announced a production program of four pictures<br />
annually.<br />
Sunday School week will be observed September<br />
19 to 26 . . . Walter J. Little, 59, projectionist<br />
at Altoona, died at his home there<br />
East St. Louis Imposes<br />
Bans on Bank Night<br />
From Central Edition<br />
EAST ST. LOUIS—One of<br />
those pre-election<br />
morals baths for which this metropolis<br />
is noted, has resulted in the suspension of<br />
bank night operations for three local motion<br />
picture theatres. Simultaneously with the<br />
"cease drawing" orders for the theatres. Police<br />
Commissioner John T. English announced<br />
that his investigation had disclosed "there is<br />
no gambling in the city."<br />
Chief of Police Henry C. Bishop said two<br />
officers had appeared at the Publix Great<br />
States 1,800-seat Majestic Theatre the night<br />
of August 19 prior to the regular bank night<br />
drawing for tlu-ee prizes, two for $1,000 each<br />
and the thii'd for $900, and had warned Vincent<br />
O'Leary, the manager, "to cancel the<br />
drawing or else."<br />
However, O'Leary's version was different.<br />
He said, "We decided to cancel the drawing<br />
ourselves." He announced from the stage that<br />
night that "due to circumstances beyond our<br />
control, we find it necessary to cancel the<br />
drawing tonight," and informed the patrons<br />
he didn't know when the cash awards would<br />
be made.<br />
The Majestic had been conducting bank<br />
night drawings regularly for 14 years.<br />
Two other local theatres, the Roxy and Esquire,<br />
both operated by the Frisina Amusement<br />
Co., with Tommy Tobin as their local<br />
Gloria Henr'y to Femme Lead<br />
The femme lead in Columbia's "Air Hostess"<br />
has been assigned to Gloria Hem-y.<br />
Labor da.y weekend must have established<br />
a cartoon playing time record in this area. manager and business associate, also decided<br />
There wasn't a cartoon reel in the film exchange<br />
vaults here Lige Brien. former In the meantime, temporarily at least, the<br />
to call off their joint bank night pool of $300.<br />
manager of the Enright in East Liberty and handbooks and slot machines and dice games<br />
for several years eastern exploitation director are on vacation.<br />
for Eagle Lion, finally has settled into an<br />
apartment in New York and has removed his<br />
furniture from Pittsburgh .<br />
Rees, 'Locked Door' Deaf Short<br />
UA city salesman, was absent from his -desk<br />
for several days due to the death of his uncle Filmed in Pittsburgh<br />
Beegle concert dates of interest at<br />
PITTSBURGH—Meridian Films Corp. of<br />
Syria Mosque include Lauritz Melchior, November<br />
20: Tagliavini. January 22, and Nel-<br />
this city has produced an excellent pictui-e in<br />
"The Locked Door," which accurately pictures<br />
the work being done at the DePaul Inson<br />
Eddy, April 19.<br />
stitute for the Deaf, Castlegate avenue. This<br />
film runs 17 minutes, is comprehensive, well<br />
scored and photographed. The Stanley will<br />
present "The Locked Door," September 16-22,<br />
and the Warner, Harris and other circuits<br />
have booked the reel for early showing. Independent<br />
exhibitors are urged to find playing<br />
time for the subject. Franklin Film Exchange<br />
is handling the subject.<br />
Meridian officers and technicians, including<br />
John Berdan, president; E. P. DeNinno,<br />
vice-president; J. F. Hedding, secretarytreasurer,<br />
and Don Redinger, technician,<br />
screened "The Locked Door" for members of<br />
the industry.<br />
Circuit Returning Leases<br />
PITTSBURGH—Warner circuit executives<br />
are endeavoring to dump local area theatres<br />
to former owners. The circuit's real<br />
estate department hopes to have certain<br />
leases canceled with former owners and<br />
operators resuming exhibition.<br />
Transfers His Booking Chores<br />
CLARION, PA.—Lewis V. Hepinger, pioneer<br />
exlubitor and experienced showman before<br />
the introduction of silent moving pictures,<br />
plans to take it easier in the future. His<br />
Orpheum will be represented by Louis E.<br />
Hanna for film licensing and booking after<br />
September 15.<br />
Ohio Valley Board<br />
Hits Wheeling Tax<br />
'WHEELING, W. VA.—The Ohio Valley<br />
Board of Trade opposing the proposed increase<br />
in the Wheeling gross sales tax rates,<br />
enacted last year, declares that its protests<br />
"may well prove to be the spark needed to<br />
provide momentum to any movement to get<br />
rid of this obnoxious tax as well as to force<br />
a reduction in the state rates. There was<br />
never any valid reason for the enactment of<br />
a business and occuption, or gross sales, tax<br />
for municipalities and a united front by those<br />
subject to it could well bring about its repeal<br />
at the session of the legislature next winter,<br />
at the same time compelling the state to cut<br />
materially the excessive and unnecessary rates<br />
in the state tax."<br />
Franklin School Tax in Force<br />
FRANKLIN. PA.— School board's 10 per<br />
cent amusement tax was effective here September<br />
1. EstabUshed admission prices are:<br />
Kayton, matinee 35 cents; 7 cents federal tax,<br />
3 cents school tax, total 45 cents. Evenings,<br />
47 cents, taxes 9 and 4, total 60c. Orpheum,<br />
evenings, balcony 39 cents, taxes 8 and 3. total<br />
50 cents. Children, 20 cents at all times, including<br />
taxes.<br />
Owners Lack Support on Antitax Drive<br />
CHARLEROI, PA. — Theatregoers were<br />
urged to protest increased amusement taxes<br />
but theatre owners stood alone in their fight<br />
with no response from the public. On September<br />
1 the conmiimity theatre tax will be<br />
increased from 2 per cent of the gross to 5<br />
per cent of the gross.<br />
School Board Levies Tax<br />
CONNELLS'VILLE, PA.—Bullskin township<br />
school board has imposed a 10-cent amusement<br />
tax, a $50 tax on juke boxes and pinball<br />
machines, and a tax of 10-cents per ton<br />
on all coal mined in the township.<br />
Bradford Tax on Bowling, Too<br />
BRADFORD, PA.—The 10 per cent amusement<br />
tax will apply to all bowling alle- s and<br />
pool rooms, city council notified the Bradford<br />
Bowling Ass'n. The ordinance covers all kinds<br />
or any game and all theatre admissions.<br />
Lamberport Tax Soon<br />
LUMBERPORT, W. VA. — Ltmiberport's<br />
two-cent amusement tax will become effective<br />
September 19. Children's admissions will<br />
not be taxed.<br />
McArthur Installs Seats<br />
At Ecorse, Mich., Harbor<br />
DETROIT—McArthur Theatre Equipment<br />
Co. has made the first installation of Ideal<br />
slideback chairs in this territory at the Great<br />
Lakes Theatre for the Fimk family. McArthur<br />
currently is installing seats at the new Harbor<br />
at Ecorse for Andrew and Daniel Bzovi.<br />
Other installations at the Harbor include<br />
new porcelain enamel vertical and marquee<br />
signs from Edward A. Long of the Long Sign<br />
Co. Similar sign equipment was installed<br />
earlier by Long at Art Narlock's new Empire<br />
at Bay City.<br />
,<br />
76<br />
BOXOFFICE<br />
:: September 11, 1948
.1<br />
Ask $1,750,000 From City<br />
For Erie War Memorial<br />
ERIE, PA.—The Veterans Memorial auditorium<br />
committee lias requested that the city<br />
council include in the proposed city bond<br />
issue an item of $1,750,000 to meet the costs<br />
of constructing an all-purpose auditorium.<br />
This amount is a decrease of $1,600,000 from<br />
the original figure and eliminates a 2,000-<br />
seat theatre planned as a feature of the<br />
project. The arena, as now planned, would<br />
have 4,000 permanent seats and 2,000 portable<br />
seats, special lighting, heating, ventilating<br />
units, refrigeration equipment for ice<br />
skating, fully equipped stage, memorial<br />
plaza, 18 bowling alleys, veterans rooms and<br />
offices.<br />
Benjamin Fain Stricken<br />
At Cleveland, Aged 53<br />
CLEVELAND—Benjamin Fain, 53, partner<br />
of Charles Gottlob in the firm of Gottlob &<br />
Fain, operating the Milo and Mount Pleasant<br />
theatres, died Sunday at his home here following<br />
a heart attack. He has been active<br />
in motion picture exhibition here since 1915,<br />
when he came to Cleveland from Mexico City,<br />
where he had lived since he was 15 years of<br />
age. Surviving him are his wife Rose, whom<br />
he married in Mexico City in 1933, and three<br />
daughters, Mrs. Sidney Roberts, Charlotte<br />
and Sandra Lynn.<br />
Crescent Asks Permits<br />
To Build in 8 Cities<br />
NASHVILLE—The Crescent Amusement<br />
Co. has filed a petition in district court here<br />
asking permission to build motion picture<br />
theatres in eight Kentucky and Tennessee<br />
towns. Because of a previous antitrust ruling,<br />
the court must okay the company's plans<br />
to build any theatres outside Nashville.<br />
Drive-ins are planned, according to the petitions,<br />
near Hopkinsville, Ky., Clarksvilie<br />
and Decatur, Ala.<br />
Readies Upstairs Theatre<br />
SHINNSTON, W. VA.—George Rice, who i.s<br />
opening the new second-floor theatre here at<br />
an early date, has purchased Brenkert projectors<br />
and lamps, RCA sound system and<br />
other booth equipments and screen from<br />
Alexander Theatre Supply.<br />
When Texas Exhibitors<br />
Move They<br />
Take Theatre Along on Truck<br />
From Southwest Edition<br />
FOREST HILL, TEX.—When Mr. and Mrs.<br />
J. Clarence Wilson decided to move from<br />
Burleson to Forest Hill this summer, they<br />
took their Dixie Theatre along with them,<br />
lock, stock and projection machines. They<br />
hoisted it atop a truck and had it moved<br />
14 miles to this suburb of Fort Worth, probably<br />
the first time an exhibitor has ever<br />
trucked his theatre from one town to another.<br />
The 250-seat theatre went up on wheels as<br />
i.s—seats, projection and sound, popcorn machine<br />
all set for operation. There was no<br />
'f^liliiMQ<br />
Church Holds Outdoor Shows<br />
MONONGAHELA, PA.—Couples club of<br />
the First Methodist church is sponsoring outdoor<br />
film exhibitions at Valley Inn school<br />
grounds, with admission at 35 cents for adults<br />
and 10 cents for children. Refreshments are<br />
sold on the grounds.<br />
New RCA Sound at^lkton Star<br />
ELKTON. MICH.—Clinton McBride, manager<br />
of the Star here, has installed a new<br />
RCA sound system.<br />
Now Theatre Game Started<br />
NEW CASTLE. PA.—Super Castle inaugurated<br />
a drive-in theatre game August 30<br />
known as Wahoo Quiz.<br />
highway difficulty. Along stretches where<br />
there were no wires, the truck went at a 40-<br />
mile clip. The state highway patrol cooperated<br />
by accompanying the truck over the<br />
14-mile route to direct traffic where required.<br />
The moving job was done by C. A. Snow of<br />
Weatherford, Tex. Four steel beams, each<br />
weighing 7,000 pounds, were u.sed to hold the<br />
building. In Forest Hill the house will be<br />
reseated and redecorated and reopened within<br />
several weeks under the name. Forest Theatre.<br />
Meanwhile, the Wilsons are vacationing in<br />
the west and planning the new theatre they<br />
will build soon in Bui-leson.<br />
The accompanying photos show the Dixie<br />
Theatre as it was, and as it appeared whUe<br />
being moved.<br />
Jim Methner Is Builder<br />
Of Coleman, Mich., House<br />
COLEMAN, MICH.—Jim Methner, Beaverton<br />
businessman, is owner of the new Coleman<br />
Theatre now being constructed here under<br />
the direction of Art Harsh. The theatre<br />
will measure 40x90 feet and will be built<br />
of cinder blocks.<br />
Main Opens September 15<br />
ST. MARYS. W. VA.—The Main Theatre is<br />
scheduled to open September 15. Thomas H.<br />
Piatt and Lester Gault have leased and will<br />
operate the Main, one of two new theatres<br />
being erected here.<br />
Renovate Altoona State<br />
ALTOONA, PA.—Fabian State was closed<br />
for two days for renovation and reopened<br />
September 4 with "A Date With Judy." New<br />
seats, carpets, lighting and stage draperies<br />
were installed.<br />
Memorial Planned at Wheeling<br />
WHEELING, W. VA.—Elm Grove residents<br />
plan a war memorial sports arena and convention<br />
hall which will be constructed at<br />
Wheeling park.<br />
Merchants Give Back-to-School Show<br />
BELLEFONTAINE, OHIO—School children<br />
were guests of Bellefontaine merchants at a<br />
free back-to-school motion picture at the<br />
Hqlland Theatre recently.<br />
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM<br />
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Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 of which contain<br />
The MODERN THEATRE Section).<br />
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THEATRE<br />
STREET ADDRESS<br />
TOWN<br />
NAME<br />
STATE<br />
POSITION<br />
» 1BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948<br />
77
. . M.<br />
. . The<br />
are<br />
Total of 45,500 Seats<br />
In 55 Theatres<br />
COLUMBUS—Recent opening of the Old<br />
Trail, 1,200-seat indoor theate of the Academy<br />
circuit, brings the local total to 55 allyear<br />
theatres and points up the fact that the<br />
capital city has more theatre seats per capita<br />
than most others of comparable size. The<br />
55 theatres have a total of more than 45,500<br />
seats.<br />
In his financial colurmi in the Ohio State<br />
Journal, Justin Henley points out that this<br />
figure of total seats is greater than that of<br />
several states and averages one seat for every<br />
nine persons in the metropolitan area. The<br />
total does not include the city's six drive-ins,<br />
with a capacity aggregating 3.000 cars.<br />
By comparison, the entire state of Ohio has<br />
about 1,000 theatres with a total of approximately<br />
630,000 seats, an average of about one<br />
seat for every 11 or 12 persons. Among the<br />
larger cities, Cleveland has about 115 theatres<br />
with 130,000 seats; Cincimiati, 86 with<br />
65,000: Toledo, 32 with 35,000: Aki'on, 31 with<br />
24,000: Dayton, 30 with 21,000 and Youngstown,<br />
17 with 16,000.<br />
Aris in Erie Brightens Up<br />
ERIE, PA.—The Aris Theatre at 16th and<br />
Peach streets, was closed for four days for<br />
complete redecoration and installation of new<br />
fixtures and equipments. Thomas Fahrs is<br />
manager.<br />
Free Bubble Gum to Kids<br />
WILKINSBURG, PA.—The New Pittsburgh<br />
Drive-In on route 22, east of here, gives bubble<br />
gum to the kiddies.<br />
From the BOXOFFICE Files<br />
(Twenty Years Ago)<br />
IJ M. RICHEY, manager of the Michigan<br />
. . . Mr. and Mrs.<br />
Exhibitors Ass'n, attended a conference in<br />
Chicago . Harlan Starr, well known in<br />
Michigan film circles, was named Detroit<br />
manager for Educational<br />
Ezra Dodge, pioneer exhibitors in Michigan,<br />
operate the Montauk at Hudson and act as<br />
hosts to film people at their summer home at<br />
Manitou Beach . Colonial at Detroit<br />
will open with a policy of stock burlesque<br />
under Lew and Ben Cohen. Jack Hubb is in<br />
charge of productions.<br />
Penn Polls Patrons<br />
PITTSBURGH—Loew's Penn lists about ten<br />
coming attractions and is polling patrons<br />
to determine which picture they , most<br />
anxious to see.<br />
Youngstown Theatre Editor Vacations<br />
YOUNGSTOWN—Fred Childress, theatre<br />
editor for the Youngstown Vindicator, was on<br />
his vacation.<br />
Huntington Girl Crowned<br />
MOUNDSVILLE, W. VA.—Jane Ellen Queen<br />
of Huntington, 19-year-old voice student at<br />
West Virginia university, has been crowned<br />
"Miss West Virginia 1948."<br />
Radio Newsreel Plugs Feature<br />
HOLLIDAYYSBURG, PA.—Manos Theatre<br />
exploits attractions Monday, Wednesday and<br />
Friday at 5 p. m., on the WJSW Hollidaysburg<br />
Newsreel program.<br />
Sales of Video Receivers<br />
Doubled in 3 Months<br />
CLEVELAND—Television marched on here<br />
as a survey revealed that the total number<br />
of video receiving sets in operation to date<br />
had more than doubled in three months. Result<br />
of a survey taken on May 1 showed 3,400<br />
sets in operation. A July 1 sui'vey raised this<br />
number to 7,100 while the latest survey<br />
brings the total to 8,500. A breakdown shows<br />
that about 6,100 sets are in homes with the<br />
remaining 2,400 in taverns, hotels and other<br />
public places.<br />
The sudden jump in the sale of television<br />
sets was attributed to baseball since interest<br />
locally is at fever pitch. Attendance at<br />
locally played games is record breaking, hitting<br />
over 73,000 at Sunday and night games.<br />
Admission tickets are sold out weeks in advance.<br />
Theatres locally have done nothing to<br />
incorporate television in their policies and<br />
apparently have no plans for adapting television<br />
Into their entertainment patterns.<br />
Drew E. Kolb to Town Board<br />
MILLHEIM, PA.—Drew E. Kolb, veteran<br />
exliibitor, has been elected president of the<br />
newly organized Millheim recreation board.<br />
Air Cooling Unit at Rex<br />
CURWENSVILLE, PA.—<strong>Modern</strong> air conditioning<br />
has been installed at the Rex by<br />
Atlas Theatre Supply.<br />
'Outlaw' Breaks Record<br />
PITTSBURGH — Super 30 and Super 71<br />
drive-ins broke records right and left with<br />
"The Outlaw," each outdoor theatre playing<br />
return extended runs.<br />
Is Selling Seats a Problem?<br />
BOXOFFICE<br />
Tells you how!<br />
Every issue has a<br />
wealth of ideas.<br />
Actual experiences in exploitation, regular advertising and keeping<br />
the public sold on the theatre are reported with profuse illustrations<br />
in BOXOFFICE each week. This section on practical<br />
ideas on merchandising the motion picture is alone worth the<br />
price of a year's subscription.<br />
Keep at the head of the procession and make more money. Read and use the numerous<br />
features in BOXOFFICE to improve your showmanship and your earning power.<br />
78 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
Drive-In Is Firsl Unit<br />
In Big Park Project<br />
PITTSnELD, MASS.—The opening of the<br />
Sunset Park Auto Theatre, Berkshire county's<br />
third drive-in. is only the beginning of a large<br />
recreational park to be developed on the 40-<br />
acre site in Lanesboro in the next few yfars,<br />
according to W. Wendell Budrow, president<br />
of the park association.<br />
A large swimming pool will be built next<br />
spring along with a public pavilion for more<br />
than 500 people, he said. Sunset Park also<br />
will have a large picnic area and playgrounds<br />
for children by next summer.<br />
The development will present outdoor<br />
vaudeville and bring in name dance bands for<br />
evening events. A series of band concerts is<br />
already being launched for Saturday nights,<br />
preceding the movies.<br />
Other members of the recently organized<br />
Sunset Park Auto Theatre, Inc., are Fred P.<br />
Cloutier, treasurer, and Frederick M. Myers.<br />
secretary.<br />
Demonstrations of BX60<br />
At Boston Next Week<br />
BOSTON—Kenneth R. Douglass, head of<br />
Capitol Theatre Supply Co., and his staff will<br />
host a series of demonstrations next Tuesday<br />
and Wednesday (14-15 1 of the new<br />
BX60 Brenkert projector. "Dutch" Benham,<br />
Brenkert factory engineer, will be present.<br />
On Tuesday morning New England exhibitors<br />
are invited to attend the showing to<br />
be followed by a buffet luncheon. At 11:30<br />
p. m. that evening a demonstration will be<br />
given for projectionists of Local 182, lATSE,<br />
followed by a midnight snack party. Wednesday<br />
morning at 11, the Knights of Labor, another<br />
projectionist group will be given a<br />
chance to view the workings of this new<br />
mechanisms, followed by a light luncheon.<br />
Drive-In License Renewal<br />
Depends Upon Speakers<br />
HARTFORD—Edward J. Hickey, state police<br />
commissioner, has granted Vincent Youmatz,<br />
general manager of the Peoples' Forest<br />
Drive-In between Hartford and Winsted. a<br />
license renewal for 1940 provided individual<br />
car receivers are installed.<br />
A number of drive-in area residents, protesting<br />
the noise of loudspeakers as well as<br />
car noises caused by patrons honking horns,<br />
petitioned the commissioner for a hearing, at<br />
which they agreed that the Installation of individual<br />
receivers would eliminate the principal<br />
objections.<br />
Bay State Minimum Pay<br />
Rates Effective Oct, 1<br />
'Buck Privates' Marquee<br />
Faces Drait Board<br />
Fitchburg, Mass.—As draft registrants<br />
left city hall, they were reminded vividly<br />
of what lies ahead, for many of them. The<br />
title on the marquee of the Lyric, across<br />
the street, was "Buck Privates." Manager<br />
George Cote said it was only a<br />
coincidence.<br />
Youth Killed in Uptown<br />
Theatre at Gardner<br />
GARDNER, MASS.—The basement of<br />
the<br />
Uptown here was the scene of a fatal accident<br />
when Robert E. Nowak, 12, received a<br />
skull fracture from a falling pole.<br />
The boy was in a storage room with several<br />
other boys, and had climbed the cement-filled<br />
steel pole when it pulled away from a ceiling<br />
beam, crushing the boy beneath it.<br />
Police said the boys were admitted to the<br />
theatre to see the show, and later went downstairs<br />
without the knowledge of theatre attendants.<br />
Nowak was climbing the pole to<br />
turn on an electric light when the accident<br />
occurred.<br />
At Racebrook Golf<br />
BOSTON — The Massachusetts minimum<br />
wage commission has approved the highest<br />
minimum wage schedule ever set in the commonwealth,<br />
affecting more than 10,000 employes<br />
of amusement and recreational occupations.<br />
Effective October 1 and becoming<br />
mandatory on Jan. 1, 1949, the new wage<br />
.schedule gives regular employes a minimum<br />
of 62'- cents an hour, casual employes 55 cents<br />
an hour, experienced caddies $1.25 a round<br />
and inexperienced caddies $1. The commission<br />
also ruled that tips carmot be considered<br />
as wages.<br />
At a public hearing held on the proposed<br />
schedule August 24, a large group of theatre<br />
owners, spearheaded by Independent Exhibitors,<br />
Inc.. and M&P Theatres, protested the<br />
schedule, maintaining that ushers in motion<br />
picture theatres were a special and transitory<br />
type of worker. The commission ruled that<br />
ushers will be considered casual employes,<br />
and therefore coming under the 55 cents an<br />
The commis-<br />
hour minimum wage bracket.<br />
sion ruled that employes cannot be made to<br />
buy their own uniforms, that deductions cannot<br />
exceed more than 25 cents for breakfast.<br />
40 cents for lunch and dinner and that not<br />
more than $3.25 can be deducted for lodgings<br />
furnished by the employer.<br />
Tournament<br />
Mrs. Parkhurst Dies<br />
GLOUCESTER, MASS.—After an iUness of<br />
several months, Adelia Etta Parkhurst, 57,<br />
died August 27 at Addison Gilbert hospital<br />
here. She was the mother of Pearce Parkhurst,<br />
theatre manager in Norfolk, Cleveland<br />
and New England cities at various times.<br />
Other survivors are a daughter. Mrs. Priscilla<br />
Marshall, and a son Hugh.<br />
Manager Harrison Entertains<br />
SPRINGFIELD, MASS.—Edward Harrison,<br />
manager of the Parkway I>:'ive-In here, is<br />
doubling in brass as an entertainer at the<br />
ozoner. For an hour each evening, before the<br />
films begin. Harrison entertains the customers<br />
by playing the theatre's Hammond<br />
organ.<br />
The sun shone bright on the annual<br />
Connecticut MPTO golf tournament held<br />
at the Racebrook Countrj- club near New<br />
Haven. First honors went to Al Fitter,<br />
Paramount booker, with 39-37 for a total<br />
of 76, followed by I. J. Hoffman, Warner<br />
Theatres zone manager, with 38-40 and a<br />
78 total; Maurice Bailey. 39-41 for 80<br />
Max Salzburg, 38-42 for 81. Top photo,<br />
left to right: Barney Pitkin, RKO manager;<br />
Henry Germaine, Paramount manager;<br />
George Wilkinson, Wallingford exhibitor<br />
and chairman of the tournament,<br />
and Al Pickus, Stratford Theatre. Lower<br />
panel: Hoffman receives his prize from<br />
Ted Jacocks. Brantford Theatre. The<br />
others in the photo are Sam Weber,<br />
Rosen Film, and Herman Levy, MPTO<br />
executive secretary.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 NE 79
. . Harry<br />
. . Sam<br />
rMOVIE HOUR<br />
W<br />
SEASONING J<br />
NATIONAL MOVIE HOUR<br />
HYBRID POPCORN<br />
•<br />
POPCORN MACHINES<br />
BOXES •SALT 'BAGS* SCOOPS<br />
NATIONAL<br />
CEIZID<br />
BOSTON • NEW HAVEN • ALBANY<br />
BOSTON<br />
•pjominic Turturro, Elms, Millbury. was on<br />
Filmi'ow telling how well his infant<br />
daughter Cheryl Pamela stood the five-day<br />
heat wave. Dominic treated the outside of<br />
his house to a daily thorough hosing to help<br />
cool the inside . . . When word spread around<br />
the district of Monogram salesman Nate<br />
Levin's good fortune in hitting the jackpot<br />
everyone said it couldn't happen to a nicer<br />
guy . Smith, RKO booker, retm-ned<br />
from his vacation in time to greet the heat<br />
wave but dashed off again to his summer<br />
place at New Gloucester, Me., for the weekend.<br />
Joe Sehmuck, New England agent for Hygienic<br />
Pi-oductions, Inc., producer of "Mom<br />
and Dad," wants BOXOFFFICE readers to<br />
know that he can be reached at his permanent<br />
address at the Irvington hotel, 8 Irvington<br />
St., or at his business address, 38 Church<br />
St., at the office of Harry Germaine . . .<br />
Robert Wheeler of Richmond, Me., who has<br />
been operating the Riverside Theatre, has<br />
started construction on a new theatre to replace<br />
the one by the river's edge. It will be<br />
an attractive Colonial structure seating 350<br />
and should be ready for a Christmas opening.<br />
The inside is to be finished in knotty pine.<br />
Joe Mansfield, EL publicist, got a nice<br />
break by screening "Canon City" for the national<br />
convention of prison wardens here. Roy<br />
Best, who plays himself in the picture, was<br />
host to 35 other wardens from all over the<br />
country at the screening . Horenstein,<br />
New England district manager for Manley,<br />
underwent a minor operation at the Waltham<br />
hospital. He has recovered from a virus pneumonia<br />
attack which laid him low for a month<br />
this spring.<br />
Many industryites attended t h; funeral of<br />
Harnett Daytz of Brookline, father of Al<br />
Daytz of Affiliated and Mickey Daytz of Warner<br />
Bros. . . . Ai'thur Howard of Affiliated<br />
chose the hottest week of several years to<br />
take his vacation, which was spent at his summer<br />
place in Ridge, N. H. . . . Visitors at 20th-<br />
Fox included Howard Minsky, assistant eastern<br />
sales manager, and Seymour Florin,<br />
branch manager at New York, who presided<br />
at sales drive meetings with the local staff.<br />
E. X. Callahan, local manager, will attend<br />
the Los Angeles sales convention, accompanied<br />
by Al Fowler, publicist.<br />
Bob Warner, vice-president of Manley, Inc.,<br />
and Roy Guettler, general manager, visited<br />
San Horenstein, New England district manager<br />
. . . Phil Engel, UA publicist, arranged<br />
a screening of "Pitfall" for a group of prominent<br />
jurists, sociologists and psychologists<br />
... Ed Pollard, Mexico Theatre, Mexico, Me.,<br />
made one of his infrequent visits to the Row.<br />
To Post at Loew's Poll<br />
HARTFORD—Pied Greenway, manager of<br />
Loew's Poll Palace, reports the appointment<br />
of Larry Gendron of Meriden, as student assistant<br />
manager. Gendron, a marine corps<br />
veteran of World War II, replaces Joe Gittelman,<br />
who is now relieving in various Loew<br />
houses for vacationing men.<br />
BANKNIGHT GOODWILL<br />
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Many theatres are using these advertising plans again with the same large<br />
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weeks for registration.<br />
Act now!<br />
GOODWILL ADVERTISING COMPANY<br />
22 Church Street Liberty 2-9305 Boston, Massachusetts<br />
80 BOXOFTICE September 11, 1948
. . William<br />
. . Lloyd<br />
. .<br />
...<br />
Grosses Hit Boltom<br />
In New Haven Heat<br />
NEW HAVEN— All business was knocked<br />
Into a cocked hat by a stifling New England<br />
heat wave, which closed many stores halfdays<br />
and sent droves to the beaches. "Anna<br />
Karenina." opening feature of the new downtown<br />
450-seat Crown Theatre, was the only<br />
picture to schedule a possible holdover of<br />
three days, although the heat wave kept<br />
this house under capacity at most shows.<br />
' -<br />
(Average Is 100)<br />
Bijou—The Invaders (Col), The Commandos Strike<br />
Dawn (Col), reissues 65<br />
at<br />
College—The Pirate (MGM); A Night at the Opera<br />
(MGM), 2nd d. i wk<br />
Loew Poll-Melody Time (RKO), Fighting Back<br />
fiS<br />
'3<br />
(20th-Fox)<br />
Paramount—Tap Roots (U-I), 2nd wk 80<br />
Roger Sherman—Embraceable You (WB); Ruthless<br />
(EL) '0<br />
Terrific Heat Wave Dints<br />
Grosses at Boston<br />
BOSTON—A terrific five-day heat wave<br />
here was a killing blow to downtown business<br />
with "A Date With Judy" at Loew's State<br />
and Orpheum and "Hamlet" at the Astor<br />
the only pictures to do better than average.<br />
Both were held. Attendance at "Hamlet"<br />
continued strong in the air conditioned Astor<br />
with the draw coming largely from the "longhaired"<br />
legitimate set. "Henry V" at the<br />
Old South also held although the heat wave<br />
definitely hit business.<br />
Aslor—Hamlet (U-1), 2nd wk 170<br />
Boston—Feudin', Fussin' and A-Fightin' (U-I);<br />
I Wouldn't Be in Your Shoes (Mono) 80<br />
Memorial—The Babe Ruth Story (Mono), Devil's<br />
Cargo (FC), 3rd, Imal week, 6 days 85<br />
Metropolitan—Life With Father (WB); Daredevils<br />
of the Clouds (Rep) 80<br />
Old South—Henry V (UA), 3rd wk 8b<br />
Paramount and Fenway The Walls of Jericho<br />
{20th-Fox); Michael O'Halloran (Mono),<br />
State and Orpheum—A Date With Judy (MGM);<br />
Closeup (EL)<br />
12b<br />
NEW HAMPSHIRE<br />
pjue to a change in his band's itinerary Guy<br />
Lombardo will be unable to bring his<br />
famous Tempo V to Lake Winnipesaukee to<br />
compete in the big motorboat races there in<br />
September. In a letter to the Weirs Chamber<br />
of Commerce, the orchestra leader said:<br />
"However. I am reserving two days for next<br />
year and will make every effort to be there<br />
then" .<br />
Bunton White, 75, who<br />
established the Chase Barn summer theatre<br />
in Whitefield after his retirement in 1935 as<br />
music editor of the New York Times, died<br />
August 25 in Morrison hospital.<br />
New Hampshire's motion picture and summer<br />
stock theatres are on the map ... A<br />
vacation guide to the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee<br />
region, issued by the Dartmouth-Lake<br />
Sunapee Region Ass'n, includes a large map<br />
showing roads, lakes and other physical features<br />
of the section, together with a list of<br />
recreational spots, including the homes of<br />
stage and screen attractions.<br />
Raffling: of automobiles and various items of<br />
merchandise, which has been quite prevalent<br />
in Nashua this summer, appears to be doomed.<br />
There have been reports that the licensing<br />
committee plans to stop issuing licenses for<br />
these ticket sales on Main street.<br />
"Life With Father" drew large audiences<br />
when shown at regular prices, both matinee<br />
and evenings, at the Scenic in Rochester .<br />
David Mack, director of personnel for RKO,<br />
has accepted an invitation to speak at the<br />
New Hampshire industrial supervisors conference<br />
at the University of New Hampshire<br />
in Durham September 11, 12. The conference<br />
theme will be "Human Relations. Today's<br />
Challenge to the Foreman."<br />
Frances Eldridge, an employe of the candy<br />
bar at the Scenic in Rochester, was injured<br />
when her bicycle collided with an automobile<br />
on the Meaderboro road. She was treated at<br />
Frisbie Memorial hospital for shock, contu.sions<br />
and abrasions . . . Fire destroyed the<br />
Grange Hall in Middlebury, Vt., location of<br />
the Green Mountain Playhouse, forcing cancellation<br />
of its final production, "January<br />
"<br />
Thaw A series of motion picture shows<br />
is being held in New Boston by the New Boston<br />
Playground Ass'n to raise funds for a<br />
projector which the group has purchased tc<br />
aid vi.sual education in the local schools.<br />
An earlier generation which remembers<br />
Billy B. Van when he was a top comedian on<br />
Broadway imdoubtedly would have been<br />
pleased to see his recent performance in a<br />
musical revue, "Startime," at Lake Sunapee.<br />
His daughter Mary Ann also appeared in the<br />
production . . . Actress Bette Davis and her<br />
husband WilUam Sherry, who have been vacationing<br />
at the star's .summer home at<br />
Sugar Hill in the White Mountains, attended<br />
the performance of "An Inspector Calls" at<br />
the Chase Barn in Whitefield.<br />
Dr. Bryce D. Smith and his wife, Helen, a<br />
member of the University of Denver Civic<br />
Theatre, have moved from Denver to Manchester,<br />
where Mrs. Smith was at one time a<br />
teacher.<br />
POPCORN<br />
MACHINES<br />
Tops for all showmen!<br />
Ask the theatre that has one!<br />
'Foreign Affair' Is Leader<br />
As Heat Strikes Hartford<br />
HARTFORD—Heat continued to affect<br />
grosses at the first run houses. "A Foreign<br />
Affair" at the Allyn chalked up a hefty 140<br />
per cent to pace the city.<br />
Allvn—A Foreign Affair (Para); Shaggy (Para). .140<br />
Center-The Spoilers (Realart); Son of Frankenstein<br />
(Realart), reissues 70<br />
E. M Loews—The Black Arrow (Col): Thunderhoof<br />
(Col), 2nd wk 90<br />
Poll—A Date With Judy (MGM); The Goy<br />
Intruders (20th-FQx) 85<br />
Palace—Deep Waters (20th-Fox); Fury at<br />
Furnace Creek {20th-Fox) 7b<br />
Regal—Embraceable You (WB); Silent Conflict<br />
(UA) 60<br />
State—The Babe Ruth Story (Mono); Music<br />
Man (Mono), 2nd wk 80<br />
Strand-Two Guys From Texas (WB); Mystery<br />
in Mexico (RKO) 70<br />
Ralph E. Morris, manager of the Colonial.<br />
Laconia, was one of the judges who selected<br />
Marian Johnson of Dorchester, Mass., as<br />
"Lady of the Lakes Region" at the Winnipesaukee<br />
Gardens. The Weirs . Br.dgham,<br />
proprietor of the Broadway, Dover, was<br />
one of several residents mentioned for a vacancy<br />
on the Dover school committee . . .<br />
Vmcent Ferninando's orchestra, which occupies<br />
the pit at the Palace in Manchester,<br />
was featured in the stage program at Pittsfield<br />
Fair.<br />
SAM<br />
HORENSTEIN<br />
New England Repr^smntativ<br />
Genuine Manley Supplies<br />
Office and Showroom . . 45 Church St.<br />
Hancock 6-7419<br />
Botton<br />
Jn (Ae Htart of tha Film District<br />
Edits 'Happy Times'<br />
The film editor's post on Warners' "The<br />
Happy Times" has been given to Rudi Fehr.<br />
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Many theatres<br />
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BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 SI
Heart Award to Tent 23<br />
In Boston September 20<br />
BOSTON—R. J. ODonnell of Dallas, chief<br />
barker of Variety Clubs International, will<br />
formally present to Tent 23 of New England<br />
the Variety heart award at a banquet in Hotel<br />
Statler here September 20. The award was<br />
voted to the local tent at the Variety International<br />
convention in Miami last spring for<br />
Tent 23's inaugui-ation of a children's cancer<br />
research foundation in 1947 was an initial<br />
contribution of $47,000. The tent has pledged<br />
$100,000 for the foundation this year.<br />
The presfntation banquet, which is being<br />
arranged by the local club, also will mark the<br />
kickoff of Tent 23's annual charity drive,<br />
which is being combined with the campaign<br />
for funds for the 'Will Rogers Memorial hospital<br />
in Saranac Lake, N. Y. Because the<br />
capacity of the Imperial room in the hotel is<br />
limited, the committee in charge is asking<br />
that reservations be made well in advance.<br />
Tickets are $15 a couple.<br />
Distributor co-chairmen for the drive are<br />
Benn Rosenwald, MGM, and Harry Rogovin,<br />
Columbia, while Louis Gordon, Lockwood &<br />
Gordon circuit, and E. Harold Stoneman, Interstate<br />
Theatres, are exhibitor co-chairmen.<br />
Springfield Poli Changes Opening<br />
SPRINGFIELD, MASS. — Loew's Poli has<br />
switched its opening date from Tuesday to<br />
Monday, according to Manager George E.<br />
Freeman.<br />
'Miss Bishop' Screening<br />
Slated for lEI Meeting<br />
BOSTON—The first fall meeting of Independent<br />
Exhibitors, Inc., of New England<br />
September 14 will have an added social touch<br />
along with its business discussions. Ray Feeley,<br />
business manager, has planned a screening<br />
for members at the MGM screening room<br />
at 11 a. m. that morning of the Astor reissue,<br />
"Cheers for Miss Bishop," a UA original release<br />
for which Eddie Klein of Bay State<br />
Films has the New England sales rights. Following<br />
the screening, the group will be the<br />
guests of Kenneth R. Douglass of Capitol<br />
Theatre Supply at a buffet luncheon and<br />
demonstration of the new Brenkert model<br />
BX60 projector by "Dutch" Benham of the<br />
Brenkert company.<br />
The business meeting will open at 2:15 at<br />
the rooms of the organization with Daniel<br />
Murphy presiding.<br />
Footings for New Theatre<br />
Ready at Meriden, Conn.<br />
HARTFORD—The foundation of a 1,000-<br />
seat theatre in nearby Meriden has been completed,<br />
according to Paul Pm-dy, manager of<br />
the Newington Theatre. The house is being<br />
constructed for the Nick Kounaris-Paul Tolls-<br />
George Ulyssis interests of Newington and<br />
Other awards will be presented at the dinner.<br />
Individuals who contributed to the success<br />
of the "Jimmy" drive for the cancer research<br />
foundation will receive tokens of appreciation.<br />
Awards will be presented to the<br />
Boston Braves Baseball club, Jjm Britt, radio<br />
announcer, Joe Cifre, John Dervin, Ralph New Britain.<br />
Edwards, William Sullivan and Georg; Purdy said that a contest will be conducted<br />
Swartz.<br />
to determine a name for the new house. The<br />
At a recent meeting held at the MGM exchange,<br />
Rosenwald, Gordon and Bill Koster, for some 500 cars.<br />
theatre grounds will provide parking facilities<br />
business manager for Tent 23, discussed plans<br />
for the drive with publicists from the distributors<br />
and exhibitors. Said Koster, "The<br />
entire industry is well aware of the importance<br />
of this drive and we must all work<br />
together to make the 1948 drive the greatest<br />
of all our efforts. Tickets are now being<br />
printed and 50 prizes are to be offered. Topmost<br />
among them are a Cadillac sedan, a Ford<br />
sedan and a $4,000 I. J. Fox mink coat. Prizes<br />
will be given to individuals selling winning<br />
tickets and there will be special prizes<br />
awarded to sellers of tickets. The enthusiasm<br />
already shown leaves little doubt that this<br />
drive will be the greatest in the history of<br />
the Variety Club."<br />
Palace at Middletown,<br />
Dark 10 Years, Opened<br />
MIDDLETOWN, CONN.— Salvatore Adorno<br />
September 4 reopened the Palace Theatre<br />
here, which was leased and kept dark by<br />
Pouzzner Enterprises of Boston for the past<br />
ten years. Reopening attractions were "The<br />
Babe Ruth Story" and "Music Man." The<br />
house was taken over last month and renovated<br />
for Adorno.<br />
Natick Hearing October 5<br />
NATICK, MASS.—An application for a zoning<br />
alteration to permit construction of a<br />
drive-in on the Worcester turnpike near<br />
North Main street will be heard at a special<br />
town meeting October 5. In the meantime a<br />
hearing will be held by the planning board on<br />
the proposed zoning change. It is understood<br />
that four GIs have requested the permit to<br />
build and operate the ozoner.<br />
WILLIAM RISEMAN ASSOCIATES<br />
162 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS<br />
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNERS<br />
Many Pay Tributes<br />
To DiPesa Memory<br />
BOSTON—'The St. Ignatius chapel of Boston<br />
college was filled with city and state dignitaries<br />
and prominent industryites for the<br />
funeral services of Joseph A. DiPesa, beloved<br />
dean of Boston publicists who died August 30.<br />
Mayor Curley, city officials, newspaper executives<br />
and critics and citizens in all walks<br />
of life paid tribute to DiPesa's memory. He<br />
had been with Loew's, Inc., for 37 years and<br />
was well known in this city for his many<br />
charitable efforts. From Loew's in New York<br />
Oscar Doob and Gus Emmerling attended<br />
the services. Jim Shanahan succeeds DiPesa<br />
as publicity director for Loew's.<br />
Barnum at Bridgeport<br />
Enlarged to 900 Seats<br />
BRIDGEPORT—The renovated and enlarged<br />
Barnum Theatre were reopened by Lou<br />
Anger last Saturday (4) with Republic's<br />
"Springtime in the Sierras," and Warner's<br />
"The Big Ptnich," after a dark period of a few<br />
weeks, and several months of intermittent<br />
repair work. The capacity has been increased<br />
from 600 to 900 seats, and new booth equipment,<br />
and carpets have been installed by<br />
National Theatre Supply of New Haven, with<br />
Bill Hutchins in charge.<br />
Refuses to Issue License<br />
SPRINGFIELD—Until such time as he is<br />
convinced that public opinion favors the establishment<br />
of a drive-in on Page boulevard,<br />
Mayor B. Brunton will decline to issue a<br />
license for the drive-in sought by Edward and<br />
B. J. Wiatrowski, World War II veterans.<br />
The mayor based his refusal on a formal<br />
recommendation from Fi-ancis M. Gallagher,<br />
deputy police chief, that the application be<br />
denied. The deputy said the entire community<br />
in the vicinity of the proposed site was<br />
canvas.sed, adding it was determined that<br />
"twice as many of the neighbors were opposed<br />
as compared with those who approved" the<br />
estabhshment of the drive-tn.<br />
To Hold Public Hearing<br />
NORTH ADAMS. MASS.—Northern Berkshire<br />
county may have its first drive-in if<br />
Clarksburg's selectmen act favorably on a<br />
petition from Earl Sweeney of Pittsfield for<br />
a license to operate an auto theatre on River<br />
road.<br />
Chairman William H. Anderson of the<br />
Clarksburg board of selectmen has disclosed<br />
that the application has been filed, but that<br />
the selectmen have decided to ask residents<br />
to express their opinions at a public hearing,<br />
to be held shortly.<br />
Incorporations<br />
— HARTFORD —<br />
New England Theatrical Agency: 949 Whalley<br />
Ave.. New Haven: amount paid in cash,<br />
$3,200: president, Morris Wasserman; vicepresident,<br />
Hannah Wasserman: treasurer,<br />
William F. Booth: secretary, Tlielma V. Birdsail.<br />
Group 20 Players, 263 Beaver St., New<br />
Britain; $2,900: president, Betty Ann Metz;<br />
vice-president, Elbert R. Smith: treasurer,<br />
Mary Ryducha : secretary, Stephen A. Wilson.<br />
82 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
Film Education Group<br />
To Convene Sept. 25<br />
NEW HAVEN—Dr. Mark A. May, chairman<br />
of the commission on motion pictures of the<br />
American Council on Education, has called<br />
the final meeting of the commission for September<br />
25 at New York.<br />
The commission was established in 1914<br />
under a grant made by the Motion Picture<br />
Ass'n of America, of which Eric Johnson is<br />
now president, for the purpose of developing<br />
plans and specifications for films needed to<br />
meet postwar challenges to American education.<br />
Headquarters of the commission have<br />
been at Yale university, where Dr. May is<br />
director of the Institute of Human Relations.<br />
The final meeting will see the release of<br />
research materials and educational specifications<br />
to be used in developing films in the<br />
fields of democracy, music, art and high<br />
school mathematics, with 10 to 15 topics<br />
proposed in each of the fields. These materials<br />
are to be made available to film producers<br />
without charge.<br />
Each specification to be released for classroom<br />
film production contains a statement<br />
of the educational problem to be dealt with,<br />
the audience for whom the film is intended.<br />
the objectives to be attained, and the subject<br />
matter to be covered. The commission itself<br />
does not engage in film production.<br />
Members of the commission are Mark A.<br />
May. chairman, director of the Institute of<br />
Human Relations, Yale university: Wallace<br />
W. Atwood, president emeritus, Clark university:<br />
Mary D. Barnes, principal, William<br />
Livingston school, Elizabeth, N. J.: George<br />
S. Counts, director, division of the Foundations<br />
of Education, Teachers college, Columbia<br />
university; Frank N. Freeman, dean,<br />
School of Education, University of California:<br />
Willard E. Givens, executive secretary. National<br />
Education Ass'n: George N. Shuster,<br />
president. Hunter college: A. L. Threlkeld,<br />
superintendent, Mont
. . Howie<br />
. . Warren<br />
. . Harry<br />
. . Elihu<br />
. . Joe<br />
. .<br />
. .<br />
. .<br />
. . . Jean<br />
. . Congratulations<br />
. . Jim<br />
. . The<br />
. . Michael<br />
. . Bids<br />
. .<br />
d,<br />
HARTFORD<br />
Tommy Grasso of the New Colony, Sound<br />
View, was a visitor . . . Bob Martlneau,<br />
formerly with WTHT. Hartford, and WKNB,<br />
New Britain, radio stations, was here .<br />
Patsy Silverio, formerly with Glackin & Le-<br />
Witt theatres in Connecticut, was reported to<br />
te managing a theatre in the midwest. His<br />
last G&L spot was at the Strand in Sound<br />
View.<br />
.<br />
Lou Franciose, manager of the State, Jewett<br />
City, was back at work after a vacation in<br />
Massachusetts . Richardson, partner<br />
at the State, New Britain, left for Cape Cod<br />
with his family on a vacation . Matarese<br />
and Pete Banfield of the State, Hartford,<br />
returned from a fishing trip . . . Johnnie<br />
Polka, projectionist at the Chesire. Chesire,<br />
was vacationing in Sound View . . Charlie<br />
.<br />
Atamian, chief of staff at the Strand, will<br />
be married soon Hill, formerly<br />
with the Allyn, will leave soon for Miami.<br />
. . . Phil<br />
Elaine Baehand is the new cashier at the<br />
State in Jewett City . . . Marge Sullivan is<br />
the new cashier at the Palace, succeeding<br />
Irene Moquin, who is recovering from injuries<br />
sustained in a riding accident . Glass<br />
of the Majestic, West Springfield, and Herb<br />
Brown of the Victoria, Greenfield, were<br />
among western Massachusetts exhibitors 'n<br />
Boston on business the other day<br />
Engel, regional exploiteer for UA, was married<br />
to Miss Marian Herbert.<br />
Al Schuman and Ernie Grecula of the Hartford<br />
Theatre Circuit were in New Haven on<br />
booking and buying duties . . . Jim Tuffy has<br />
redecorated the marquee at the Crown .<br />
Pete and Sperie Perakos of Perakos Theatres<br />
visited circuit installations in East Hartford,<br />
Thompsonville, and Jewett City . . . Harry<br />
Shaw of the Poll circuit was in Hartford.<br />
Vic Morrelli, manager of the Warner Bristol,<br />
Bristol, is building a new home, according<br />
to Estelle OToole, executive secretary to District<br />
Manager Henry L, Needles . Borenstein<br />
of the Strand and Joe Miklos of the<br />
Embassy, New Britain; Vic Morrelli, Bristol,<br />
and Denny Rich. Cameo, Bristol, were among<br />
New Britain area Warnerites attending the<br />
regional managers' meeting last week at Racebrook<br />
Country club, Orange.<br />
Paul Purdy of the Newington was in New<br />
Haven on Kournaris-Tolis circuit business . . .<br />
John D'Amato of the Perakos Palace has<br />
been using extensive newspaper and lobby<br />
advertising to plug its cooling system .<br />
Jack Sanson is supervising the Circle, Manchester,<br />
during the vacation of Fred Raismo.<br />
Fred has been visiting northeastern Massachusetts,<br />
his former territory with the Warner<br />
circuit.<br />
Deny Drive-In Permit<br />
EASTHAMPTON, MASS.—The board of<br />
selectmen has unanimously denied the request<br />
of Ralph Leveille of Northampton for<br />
a permit to construct a drive-in theatre on<br />
Northampton street here.<br />
The board had previously<br />
received a petition signed by residents<br />
of the area objecting to the open-air movies.<br />
Keye Luke to Former Role<br />
Keye Luke, original "number one son" of<br />
the Charlie Chan films, has returned to his<br />
former role under a new long-term contract<br />
for Monogram.<br />
Arrow Street Markers<br />
Plug Regent Feature<br />
SPRINGFIELX) — John Huffman, Regent<br />
Theatre manager, came through with a real<br />
opening day business booster for "The Street<br />
With No Name."<br />
Black arrows with white lettering were<br />
tacked on poles and spaced around the downtown<br />
business area the day before the opening.<br />
All the arrows pionted to the Regent<br />
and said only "Street With No Name."<br />
FALL RIVER<br />
Uerman Duquette will become the new assistant<br />
manager at the remodeled Strand<br />
Theatre and will serve with Manager Norman<br />
Zalkind. Duquette was replaced as assistant<br />
at the Capitol, under James Mc-<br />
Namara, by James Knight, formerly of the<br />
Strand.<br />
The Yamins theatres, through General<br />
Manager Canning, were co-sponsors of the<br />
Kiddie circus held here recently with 800<br />
children from various playgrounds participating<br />
in a program viewed by over 20,000<br />
persons. The children presented a typical<br />
circus parade with caged "animals" horses,<br />
freaks and other attractions. The substantial<br />
proceeds which the event netted went to the<br />
Jimmy cancer fund being raised by Variety<br />
Club.<br />
Crown to Get Glass Front<br />
And Other Improvements<br />
HARTFORD—Renovations on the Crown<br />
Theatre here started recently with the installation<br />
of new blue glass fronts on the<br />
retail stores in the building. A local glass<br />
theatre, put in a new lobby and boxoffice.<br />
New advertising display frames will also be<br />
installed. James Tuffy is manager for Crown<br />
Management Corp.<br />
To Holyoke Theatre Post<br />
HOLYOKE, MASS.—W. Richard Martin<br />
has joined Western Massachus'tts Theatres,<br />
Inc., as assistant manager of the Bijou here.<br />
He formerly was associated with the Holyoke<br />
National bank.<br />
'Superman' to Loew First Runs<br />
HARTFORD—The E. M. Loew's circuit<br />
has<br />
booked the Columbia serial, "Superman,"<br />
into two area first run houses, Loew's in<br />
Hartford, and the Court Square in Springfield.<br />
The serial is being shown at both theatres<br />
during matinees only.<br />
A Bloomiield, Conn., Ozoner<br />
HARTFORD—Philip W. Mahe~ of .'uhrr.<br />
ban Bloomfield will build an open air theatre<br />
there. He has made application for a permit<br />
with the office of state police commissioner<br />
at the state capitol here.<br />
Sam Shouboui Fills in at Norwich<br />
NORWICH, CONN.—Sam Shoubouf, manager<br />
of Loew's Poll Lyric at Bridgeport, which<br />
was closed during the summer, managed the<br />
Broadway here during the vacation of Joe<br />
Boyle in Syracuse.<br />
NEW HAVEN<br />
Duy your tickets for the Will Rogers memorial<br />
fund drive and the Variety Club dance<br />
jamboree. You'll be the winner all around.<br />
There was big doing on 'The Babe Ruth<br />
Story" as Mayor Celentano received an autographed<br />
copy of the story and an autographed<br />
baseball from Han-y Goldstein, Allied Artists<br />
exploiteer; John Pavone, Monogram manager;<br />
John Hesse. Warner Theatres district manager,<br />
and Edgar Lynch, manager of the Roger<br />
Sherman, where the show opened Sept. 8. The<br />
mayor proclaimed "Babe Ruth" week, and the<br />
Register took a picture in the mayor's office,<br />
while the sports columns gave the announcement<br />
that local home run winners would receive<br />
passes to the picture a real splash.<br />
John Pavone's grandson, Jackie, age 7, is<br />
proud of being the first kid to see "The Babe<br />
Ruth Story" in Connecticut, where he was<br />
wideeyed at the screening, while John himself<br />
proudly displays his Babe Ruth desk set<br />
... At the new Crovra, "Anna Karenina"<br />
finished a ten-day run, and gave way to Allied<br />
Ai'tists "The Dude Goes West" and<br />
"Climbing the Matterhorn" . are out<br />
tor complete rebuilding of the West End,<br />
Bridgeport "from the rail out to the street."<br />
Work will start as soon as contracts are<br />
signed.<br />
The sales meeting at the 20th-Fox office<br />
August 30 featured talks by Howard Minsky,<br />
assistant eastern sales division manager, and<br />
Seymour Florin, New York exchange manager,<br />
on the quarterly drive in honor of Spyros<br />
Skouras . to Tom Donaldson,<br />
who has been promoted to the district<br />
managership supervising Buffalo and Albany,<br />
in addition to the Boston-New Haven territory<br />
. . . Sidney Lax, Minneapolis Columbia<br />
salesman, was here on a vacation visiting his<br />
parents.<br />
Mark Silver, assistant to Ed Schnitzer of<br />
United Artists, visited Frank Meadow .<br />
Both Ben Simon, manager, and Bob Kautmann.<br />
exploiteer, will attend the 20th-Fox<br />
sa'es meeting in Los Angeles September 12-<br />
18 . . . Carl Goe. Warner manager, spent the<br />
Labor day weekend motoring to Maine and<br />
New Hampshire . Langero of Metro<br />
and Charles Doll of 20th-Fox returned from<br />
two weeks of maneuvers with the national<br />
guard at Camp Edwards.<br />
irike Daly, who sold his interest in Hartford<br />
and Plainfield theatres as of September<br />
1, was around the film district . . . Mary<br />
O'Brien of UA vacationed at Atlantic City<br />
Wallace of the same office, rushed<br />
to her Wisconsin home because of illness in<br />
her family . Mem-ry, Loew-Poli artist,<br />
was back from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.<br />
Bill Heineman drive . . .<br />
Max Salzburg, back from a day in Boston,<br />
reported his staff was in second place in the<br />
Grace Bruenelli,<br />
lithesome Columbia booker, was off duty for<br />
two weeks . lowdown on West End,<br />
Bridgeport, doings has it that cashier Doris<br />
Chapman eloped with Harry Costes of Bridgeport<br />
September 11 . . . First theatres lined up<br />
by Sam Farber for Encyclopedia night include<br />
the Crown, Hartford: Empire, New London;<br />
Liberty, Bridgeport; Adams, Quincy;<br />
Central, LawTcnce; Rialto, Lowell; Grand,<br />
Taunton; Keith's Fairhaven, New Bedford;<br />
Laurier, Woonsocket; Arcadia, Portsmouth.<br />
84 BOXOFFICE September 11, 1948
.<br />
Miles,<br />
. . . The<br />
. . Pauline<br />
. . Johnny<br />
. .<br />
. . . Charles<br />
. . Peggy<br />
. . Raymond<br />
Camera Hobby Adds<br />
To Thealre Profits<br />
From Mideast Edition<br />
EMINENCE. KY.—An exhibitor who has<br />
turnsd an enjoyable hobby into a profitable<br />
business is A. N. Miles, owner of the Eminence<br />
Theatre, Eminence, Ky.<br />
Many years ago Miles, who travels rather<br />
extensively, purchased a motion picture outfit<br />
A. N. Miles is shown narrating one of<br />
his 16mni films over the sound system of<br />
his Eminence Theatre, Eminence, Ky.<br />
strictly for his own personal use. After taking<br />
many films at home and during his travels<br />
and showing them to members of his<br />
family and a few close friends, he concluded<br />
that other people in the community would be<br />
interested in seeing the pictures.<br />
As a result a special show was held in the<br />
Eminence Theatre, advertised as a local newsreel<br />
together with a travelog. Attendance was<br />
so far beyond expectations that Miles continued<br />
to develop the project. The local newsreel<br />
and travelogs now are just as much a<br />
part of the show in Eminence as the feature<br />
pictures themselves.<br />
Included in the local newsreel events are<br />
school activities, picnics, fairs, beauty pageants,<br />
baby shows and local places of interest<br />
and personalities. The local events are taken<br />
stricty as a newsreel and shown in conjunction<br />
with the regular feature programs. Then<br />
about four times a year, usually after an extensive<br />
tour, a travelog with all the newsreel<br />
films are grouped together for a special show.<br />
A regular library of film is maintained by<br />
and now and then a program is compiled<br />
from the older highlights. In fact, only<br />
recently a program was advertised as a review<br />
of the old family album, and highlights<br />
were taken from films dating back to the<br />
origin of the local newsreel. This was extremely<br />
interesting to the townspeople because<br />
some of those shown in the films had<br />
died or moved away.<br />
While the Eminence is a regular 35mm<br />
theatre, local films and travelogs are shot<br />
on 16mm film. The theatre is equipped with<br />
a 16mm projector, complete with turntable<br />
and microphone, so that Miles may explain<br />
the happenings in the films or supply a musical<br />
background. The projector is set at the<br />
front end of the balcony to cut down the<br />
length of the throw.<br />
When photographing a travelog, Miles endeavors<br />
to make the pictures as much of local<br />
interest as possible. In most cases either he<br />
or Mrs. Miles is included in the scene photographed.<br />
Some of the films shot by Miles have had<br />
such an appeal that they have been borrowed<br />
by clubs and civic organizations to be shown<br />
to their memberships.<br />
WORCESTER<br />
Qeorge Gravel, projectionist at the Warner,<br />
has returned from a vacation on Cape<br />
Cod . Burns, cashier at the Park,<br />
went to Buffalo for a vacation . . . Johnny<br />
Murphy of Loew's Poll was stricken ill shortly<br />
after returning from his vacation and was<br />
hospitalized.<br />
John Matthews, manager of the Warner,<br />
attended a district meeting in New Haven<br />
Plymouth in Leominster conducted<br />
an amateur talent show for children ... A<br />
columnist in the Sunday Telegram points out<br />
there's nothing permanent about the names<br />
of Worcester theatres. The Warner used to<br />
be the Strand, the Poll was the Palace, the<br />
Elm Street was the Poll, the Regent was the<br />
Steinberg and the Family was the Palace.<br />
Nate Goldberg, manager of the Plymouth,<br />
was sorry to hear of the death in Rye, N. H.,<br />
of Kay Byrne, famous golfer, as she had appeared<br />
in vaudeville at the Plymouth a couple<br />
of seasons ago as a singer. She was in vaudeville<br />
before she ever became famous on the<br />
Tom McGauley, operator at the<br />
links . . .<br />
Park, went to Indiana for his vacation.<br />
George Flynn of the Warner backstage<br />
staff went to New Hampshire on vacation<br />
... A television crew from New York came<br />
up to the Westboro Red Barn for two days,<br />
shooting scenes of "the typical summer theatre"<br />
for a short to be televised later. Ann<br />
Sorg, film starlet, accompanied them and appeared<br />
in many of the scenes.<br />
When Jane Russell was here for personal<br />
appearances, the crowds harassed her so that<br />
she moved from her hotel to suburban<br />
Framington, then to Waltham, outside Boston,<br />
and finally back to Grafton, nearby . . .<br />
Edmund Lowe of the films was in town .<br />
Edward Murphy, chief operator, is back at<br />
the Greendale after a vacation.<br />
. .<br />
A visitor was Edward T. Estabrook, a native<br />
of Worcester, who has charge of all portrait<br />
and still pictures in Hollywood for U-I.<br />
It was his first trip here in 28 years<br />
Dion Allen of the Playhouse staff left for<br />
New York, where he will join Margaret<br />
Webster's touring Shakespearean company.<br />
Right in the midst of the year's most terrific<br />
heat wave, the Plymouth brought in<br />
"Sahara"! . Cummins of the Warner<br />
left with his wife for Hampton Beach,<br />
HANDY<br />
N. H., where they observed their 40th wedding<br />
anniversary. They were united in Newton.<br />
Johnny, who plays the cymbals in the<br />
state guard band, is one of the city's indefatigable<br />
paraders, having been marching for<br />
30 years.<br />
A group of Loew's, Inc., officials, including<br />
John Murphy of New York and Harry<br />
Shaw and Lou Brown of New Haven, were<br />
in town to look over the Loew Poll houses<br />
here . . . Richard Barrett and Kenneth Bassett<br />
of the Park have returned from Hampton<br />
Beach. N. H. . A. Mangaudis,<br />
manager of the Champ in Spencer, and formerly<br />
with the Warner in Worcester, was<br />
married in Spencer to Lorraine B. St. Denis,<br />
a nurse, the ceremony taking place in St.<br />
Mary's church.<br />
Mary Thomas, cashier at the Greendale,<br />
went to Cleveland for a visit . . Renovations<br />
.<br />
in the Park's lobby have been completed . . .<br />
The vacation season is closing at the Warner,<br />
but Mary Rafferty. assistant manager, is<br />
looking ahead to that week off in October<br />
Bang joined the Playhouse<br />
temporarUy.<br />
Mrs. Arthur Kinder, assistant manager of<br />
the Marlboro in Marlboro, has returned from<br />
a vacation . Villnave subbed as assistant<br />
manager of the Poll during vacation<br />
time.<br />
Bank Figures Explain<br />
Upturn of Boxoffice<br />
MINNEAPOLIS—Minneapolis Federal Reserve<br />
bank figures, showing mounting bank<br />
debits reflecting increased business activity,<br />
may help to explain the apparent arrest of<br />
the downward boxoffice trend and its upward<br />
climb again, as attested by gains in internal<br />
revenue department admission tax collections<br />
over the corresponding 1947 period.<br />
The Federal Reserve figures, covering July,<br />
reveal an 18 per cent jump. Bank debits for<br />
the most part check against the accounts of<br />
individuals, firms, corporations and all government<br />
levels. Thus they represent payments<br />
for goods, services and debts during<br />
the period. In this instance they also reflect<br />
higher prices.
..:=«««Wt**l«W^-<br />
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86<br />
BOXOFFICE<br />
:: September 11, 1948
Oscar Ray, Ex-Mgr.<br />
At Dallas, Stricken<br />
DALLAS—Oscar Ray, 57, former manager<br />
of the new Capitan Theatre here and a resident<br />
of the city for 51 years, died recently<br />
in a local hospital after illness of more than<br />
a year.<br />
Ray formerly was in the jewelry business<br />
before becoming associated with amusements<br />
and the theatre industry. He was interested<br />
in and manager of the Capitan until his illness.<br />
Ray was a 32nd degTee Mason, a Shriner<br />
and a member of Variety Club.<br />
He is survived by his widow, two daughters,<br />
Mrs. George Roth and Gloria Ray, and<br />
a son Gayle, all of Dallas. Pallbearers were<br />
Julius and George Schepps, Herman Waldman,<br />
Clarence Linz, Albert Susman and Ike<br />
Sandler.<br />
Jim Donohue Becomes a Real Texan<br />
In Kickoff of Paramount Week<br />
Russell Birdwell Visits<br />
Dallas, Analyzes Films<br />
DALLAS—Russell Birdwell, former publicist<br />
for major film companies who later<br />
handled such films as "Gone With the Wind"<br />
and "The Outlaw," was back home for a<br />
brief visit after an absence of 27 years. Birdwell<br />
was born in Coleman, Tex., and attended<br />
the old Bryan Street high school. His home<br />
now is in Beverly Hills, Calif., and his offices<br />
are in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles,<br />
although he said he might open a local<br />
branch.<br />
Birdwell was interviewed by several newspapers<br />
during his visit here and was quoted<br />
as saying: "The motion picture industry is in<br />
financial difficulties because it has not been<br />
supplying the kind of pictures people want to<br />
see. People are tiring of motion pictures that<br />
plead causes. You cannot put a preacher in<br />
vaudeville nor vaudeville in the pulpit. The<br />
only purpose of films is to entertain. If the<br />
industry continues to plead causes it will<br />
fail."<br />
September 14 Meeting Set<br />
OKLAHOMA CITY—About 90 per cent of<br />
the trade in the metropolitan Oklahoma City<br />
area now is represented in the reorganized<br />
association for managers and theatre owners.<br />
The group held its second organizational session<br />
recently and decided to meet the second<br />
Tuesday in each month at the Variety Club.<br />
The first regular session will be held September<br />
14.<br />
NTS Salesman Resigns<br />
OKLAHOMA CITY—Howard Wortham,<br />
National Theatre Supply salesman for the last<br />
six years, has resigned effective September<br />
15 but has not announced future plans.<br />
Wortham, in show business for about 40 years,<br />
formerly worked for the Warner Bros. Theatre<br />
circuit as projectionist for the Midwest<br />
Theatre here.<br />
r~
. . . Frank<br />
. . Jack<br />
. . Actors<br />
. . The<br />
(JOHN)<br />
D<br />
HSttE<br />
Mutes s<br />
- -UllOE<br />
itorimiDi<br />
tot slisi<br />
Tes.<br />
itei<br />
by Iitti<br />
Cnhon<br />
' Jesiis," 1<br />
amiav<br />
div-at-<br />
OS<br />
ill<br />
Fred Putman of Strand,<br />
Port Arthur. Wins Bonus<br />
Fred Putman. manager of the Strand Theatre<br />
in Port Ai-thur. Tex., wa.s one of the<br />
ten .showmen chosen to<br />
receive a BOXOFFICE<br />
Bonus of $10 for<br />
meritorious exploitation<br />
submitted to the<br />
Showmandiser section<br />
during August. The<br />
accompanying photo of<br />
Managn- Putman arrived<br />
too late for inclu.sion<br />
among the<br />
photos of other Bonus<br />
winners appearing on<br />
the first oage of the<br />
Fred Putman Showmandiser.<br />
Putman tied in with the Port Arthur<br />
Golden Jubilee cel;bration to obtain outstanding<br />
publicity for the Strand and its<br />
current attraction.<br />
BUSINESS<br />
Then Book<br />
Red River Dave<br />
and<br />
BAD?<br />
His Western Show Gang<br />
In Person<br />
Katharine Reeve Signs<br />
MENARD. TEX. -Katharine Reeve, daughter<br />
of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Reeve, has signed<br />
a contract to appear in a new musical comedy<br />
this fall on Broadway. The comedy Is<br />
entitled "Where's Charley" and is based on<br />
"Charley's Aunt."<br />
Miss Reeve graduated in 1947 from Texas<br />
Write, Phone or Wire<br />
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RED RIVER DAVE<br />
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FULL<br />
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At<br />
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a member of a dramatic company last year<br />
at the Cleveland Pla> house. Her father owns<br />
the Mi.ssion Theatre here and is president of<br />
Texas Theatre Owners, Inc.<br />
Art Smith as Psychiatrist<br />
Art Smith will portray a psychiatrist in a<br />
key sequence of Enterprise's "Caught."<br />
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BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 89
. . . Ben<br />
. . . Ernest<br />
. . Buddy<br />
DALLAS<br />
f^arl Johnson, owner and operator of the<br />
Arcadia Theatre in Floresville, wrote in<br />
for more fillers for his BOXOFFICE Picture<br />
Guide, which he has used diligently for the<br />
last few years . . . Dan Hulse, his wife and<br />
Dan jr. cut short their west Texas vacation<br />
by one week. The McDonald Observatory<br />
near Fort Knox and the Big Bend was closed<br />
and the Hulse's couldn't see it. They plan<br />
to try again later.<br />
Mrs. C. W. Matson of Rockdale was happy<br />
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY<br />
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HAROLD SCHWAHZ<br />
302yj S. Harwood St. Dallas 1, Texas<br />
Phones C-7357 and R-3998<br />
over increased business in her four theatres<br />
with early showings of "Red River," and was<br />
combing the market for another film which<br />
might do a comparable amoimt of business<br />
Ferguson was here on a regular trip<br />
from his Campus Theatre at College Station<br />
Rockett of the new Tower Theatre<br />
at Itasca, was doing his booking and<br />
some figuring on the "Red River" deal.<br />
Albert Seawall jr., representative of Griggs<br />
Equipment Co., has become a reader of the<br />
National Executive Edition of BOXOFFICE.<br />
He maintains a Filmrow office and travels<br />
over Texas and adjoining states . . . L. W.<br />
Watts of the K&W circuit in western Louisiana<br />
and eastern Texas planned to open his<br />
new Bowie Theatre in New Boston about the<br />
middle of the month. He has operated the<br />
Strand there for some time.<br />
Claude Ezell and his wife were vacationing<br />
in California . . . Phil Isley and his wife spent<br />
a few days in Hot Springs . Harris<br />
of his circuit and C. V. Jones, R&R Theatres<br />
official, were up Celina way for the<br />
opening of the dove season. Buddy winged<br />
the first one that came over and had no<br />
more shots. He said birds have left this<br />
country and that two years protection by law<br />
might get them back.<br />
The Harley Sadler tent show was destroyed<br />
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT<br />
lOth Fl.. 2nd Unit, Santa Fe Bldg. BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO., INC. Dallas, Tex.<br />
by fire as it opened a three-night stand in<br />
Littlefield where Bill Chesher has operated<br />
three theatres for many years and now a<br />
drive-in. Sadler had a reputation for having<br />
a first class traveling show and got along<br />
well with motion picture houses. He recently<br />
was elected to the state legislatm'e and is a<br />
member of Variety. During the war Sadler<br />
was interested with Phil Isley Theatres.<br />
Ringling Bros, will make a long jump from<br />
El Paso for September 25, 26 engagements<br />
here. From here they will go to Wichita<br />
Falls, then up into Oklahoma before returning<br />
to Fort Worth on October 11 . . . W. D.<br />
Cowan, Paramount shipper and booker for<br />
several years who lately has operated his own<br />
auditing service for small business, returned<br />
to the exchange temporarily to help out in<br />
getting prints to theatres for Paramount<br />
week, high spot of Paramount's 36th Paramount<br />
Year di'ive now under way. Cowan, an<br />
agriculture graduate from A&M college, was<br />
a captain in World War II and has just renewed<br />
his subscription to BOXOFFICE.<br />
Eddie Joseph, owner of three drive-ins and<br />
a downtown subsequent run house at Austin,<br />
was up for a two-day business visit . . .<br />
E. L. Harris and his family were vacationing<br />
in the central west and far west ... Ed<br />
Wilson was thinking about repeating his trip<br />
of the past few summers into western Colorado<br />
with his wife and other family members.<br />
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and Supervision.<br />
There is no job too large or too small tor<br />
^^so^e^ MODERN THEATRE EQUIPMENT COMPANY<br />
214 SO. ST. PAUL ST. Phone R-5009 DALLAS, TEXAS<br />
lexms to Suit<br />
COMPLETE THEATRE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES<br />
30 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
. . . The<br />
. .<br />
. . . "Song<br />
HOUSTON<br />
/^klahoma!" the New York Guild's wonder<br />
show which broke records here last year,<br />
will return October 7 for a second run at the<br />
Music Hall under the sponsorship of the Interstate<br />
circuit. Last March, the Rogers-<br />
Hammerstein musical played eight performances,<br />
the longjst engagement for any roadshow<br />
on that stage. Every house was packed<br />
to capacity. This year the show will be presented<br />
for four performances. Mail orders<br />
are already coming into the Interstate office<br />
and the roadshow boxoffice at the Majestic<br />
will open September 27. Interstate circuit<br />
will present a series of Theatre Guild shows<br />
this winter on a subscription basis. "Oklahoma!"<br />
is a seperate offering.<br />
Market Street Drive-In, Houston's newest<br />
ozoner, had a gala opening recently with<br />
capacity attendance. The theatre is owned<br />
and operated by the Mitchamore brothers<br />
Civic Theatre began its season activities<br />
with work on a series of puppet productions<br />
and radio programs, according to<br />
Winnie Mae Crawford, managing director.<br />
The principle interest of the theatre is<br />
dramatic productions for children. The Civic<br />
Theatre is the official city of Houston theatre.<br />
The first giant television set in Houston<br />
was received last week by Pete Lout and F.<br />
W. Spivey, owners of the Town Lounge cocktail<br />
bar. It has the largest self contained<br />
screen manufactured and is of the projector<br />
type. Television broadcasting is expected to<br />
bsgin in Houston after the first of the year,<br />
when radio station KLEE is scheduled to<br />
Vic Kelley, formerly with the Will Horwitz<br />
estate, is new manager of the Stude Theatre<br />
Larry Kent, who has been with<br />
. . . Loew's State, now is manager of the Plaza,<br />
newest addition to the R. Z. Glass chain.<br />
Glass now has three in Houston and although<br />
he has no definite plans for acquiring more,<br />
says he may if the opportunities arise. D. L,<br />
Murray is still general manager of the State,<br />
Stude and the Plaza.<br />
Glenn McCarthy, on his return from Hollywood<br />
to Houston, announced that his initial<br />
film will be released through RKO. The contract<br />
was signed by the two Houston oilmen,<br />
McCarthy and Howard Hughes, at a conference<br />
with other RKO executives. The release<br />
of other McCarthy productions was also said<br />
to have been discussed. While in California,<br />
McCarthy visited company's location in the<br />
Feather River Canyon.<br />
Speeding up of traffic downtown since a<br />
new double alternate traffic light system has<br />
been introduced will probably also have some<br />
effect on downtown theatre business, as will<br />
the many new parking meters recently installed<br />
Conrad Brady, former advertising<br />
. . . man for Interstate in Dallas, has been appointed<br />
publicity director for Interstate Theatres<br />
in Houston, it was announced by Al<br />
Lever, Interstate city manager. A native<br />
Texan, Brady has been with Interstate for<br />
the past six years and prior to this was associated<br />
with the Crazy Water hotel in Mineral<br />
Springs as advertising manager. Brady<br />
succeeds Bill Johnson, who resigned to return<br />
to New York.<br />
Nick Stuart, publicized as "the man with<br />
the band from movleland," now is playing at<br />
the Plantation . . . David Westheimer, former<br />
assistant amusement editor for the Post and<br />
author of the novel, "Summer on the Water,"<br />
is back with the newspaper as columnist .<br />
According to the newspapers. Director Ralph<br />
Mead of the Little Theatre is .so anxious to<br />
get started on the season, that he wired the<br />
papers from St. Louis where he and his wife<br />
are stopping en route home, giving the go<br />
sign for tryouts for the new plays. Scheduled<br />
thus far this season are: "Dream Girl," "I<br />
Remember Mama" and "The Merchant of<br />
Venice."<br />
According to Councilman Pliil Hamburger,<br />
president of the League of Texas Municipalities,<br />
among the bills to be introduced in the<br />
next .state legislature to increa.se sources of<br />
revenue for Texas cities, will be an admission<br />
tax to supplant the federal tax. A number<br />
of state officials expect this repeal next year<br />
0^''^'-<br />
of My Heart" had Its first Houston<br />
showing at the Delman last week . . . "Four<br />
Feathers" was held over at the River Oaks.<br />
Willie, of the "Uncle Willie and Patsy"<br />
team, known to prewar Houstonlans as the<br />
juvenile stars of Abe and Pappy's sepia revue,<br />
will be here next month for a show during<br />
the food exhibit, according to Paul HochuU<br />
. . . Bill Roberts, in his daily column, quoted<br />
Majestic's Eddie Bremer as saying, "When a<br />
girl gets a screen test, she should wear a<br />
filmy dress" .<br />
Lucille Ball Stars in 'Richmond'<br />
Lucille Ball has been set to .star in "Miss<br />
Grant Takes Richmond." w'hich S. Sylvan<br />
Simon will produce for Columbia.<br />
780 SEAT THEATRE<br />
Oklahoma county seat town 8,000. Territory<br />
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equipment and business is S80.000 cash.<br />
Exclusive with Claude Crockett, 1505<br />
First National Bank, Dallas, Texas.<br />
R-9230.<br />
Sacte 25% ON YOUR POPCORN!<br />
Bee Hive Popcorn is grown and processed for extra volume. We urge you to<br />
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. . "So<br />
. . . Texas<br />
. . Mr.<br />
. . The<br />
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OKLAHOMA CITY<br />
T Rudolph Smith - of the Royal Theatre m<br />
* Mountain View will drive to the TOA parley<br />
in Chicago September 24, 25 . . .<br />
Also<br />
going to the TOA meet is Johnny Giffin of<br />
Freeman,<br />
Miami and his wife . . . Charles<br />
general manager of C&R Theatres here, also<br />
plans to make the trek to Chicago and other<br />
delegates will include Pat McGee, Denver,<br />
Ralph Ayer and Bob Livingston, both of Lincoln,<br />
Neb., all Cooper Foundation officials.<br />
The Blamdings Dream House, built here by<br />
Steve Pennington, will remain open to the<br />
public four days longer than originally scheduled<br />
with admission prices reduced to half.<br />
All proceeds go to a civic group for the development<br />
of a 42-acre children's playground.<br />
The house had been visited by 18,000 persons<br />
as of September 7 . . . "Tap Roots" was held<br />
for a second week at the Midwest . . . "Key<br />
Largo" opened at the Tower.<br />
Bruce Cabot of Hollywood was here for<br />
several days . Lowenstein, Ardmore,<br />
was here on business . Evil My<br />
Love" opened at the Criterion, "Embraceable<br />
You" showed at the Warner, "Deep Waters"<br />
was at the Home following a two-week showing<br />
of "That Lady in Ermine," "Good Sam"<br />
did good business at the Center and "Red<br />
River" stayed for a second week at the State.<br />
Joe Tonti, publicized as a strong man extraordinary,<br />
made personal appearances at<br />
R. Lewis Barton's 77 Drive-In<br />
Roller and Sam Ridgeway of<br />
. . . R.<br />
Maysville<br />
E.<br />
installed<br />
new Griggs seats in the rebuilt Granada<br />
at Maysville. The Granada was destroyed<br />
by fire earlier this year and Mrs.<br />
W. A. Labarthe of Pond Creek also have installed<br />
new seats in their Pond Creek Theatre,<br />
which has been recently remodeled.<br />
Mrs. Mary Neal, 19-year-old farmer's wife,<br />
won the Mrs. Oklahoma City contest staged<br />
at the Criterion Theatre. Mrs. Neal, mother<br />
of a six-month-old son, will represent the<br />
city in the Mrs. America contest at Asbury,<br />
N. J. She won an all-expense ti-ip and several<br />
additional prizes, including a radio and<br />
some furniture.<br />
From the<br />
BOXOFFICE FILES<br />
• • «<br />
(Twenty Years Ago)<br />
QHARLES A. HENNECKE, formerly of Columbus,<br />
Tex., has bought the Happy Hour,<br />
Weimer, He sold his Columbus Theatre to<br />
Rubin Prels of Victoria . . . Adam Caperton<br />
and J. R. Brown opened a new theatre in<br />
Shamrock with admission price of 10 and 20<br />
cents . . . John Smith, manager, has changed<br />
the name of the Rigg Theatre at Monahans<br />
to Monahans. Smith also shows pictures at<br />
Grand Falls . . . Francisco Alderete, who with<br />
his father conducts several theatres in the<br />
Mexican district of El Paso, made a trip to<br />
Los Angeles.<br />
-low<br />
prices<br />
ONE BAG ..or<br />
ONE CARLOAD..<br />
Best popping golden yellovif South American popcorn^<br />
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the famous RB Hybrid brand corn is a quality popcorn<br />
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we offer a full line of supplies at these special low<br />
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f.0.»-<br />
RB Golden Yellow Liquid Seasoning<br />
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Market Prices<br />
Popcorn Cartons,<br />
1% ounce $8.05 per M<br />
1,000 to 10,000<br />
10,000 or over 7.95 per M<br />
Vj-lb. Brown Pinch<br />
^Bottom Bag<br />
%-lb. Printed Pinch<br />
Bottom Bag<br />
1.50 per M<br />
1-lb. Plain White Flat<br />
Bottom Bags 1 .60 per M<br />
2-lb. Glassine Bags 2.95 per M<br />
Popcorn Cones<br />
2.25 per M<br />
Popcorn Salt,<br />
1.10 per M 24/2-lb.<br />
2% discount cosh with order or net 10<br />
WRITE. PHONE or WIRE<br />
$2.40 per case<br />
SOLIDATED POPCORN COMPANY<br />
DUCERS AND DISTRIBUTORS<br />
5 South Ervay Street Dallas 1. Texas<br />
Seen on Dallas Filmrow: J. E. Hufford,<br />
Whitesboro and CoUinsville: C. H. Niece,<br />
Hubbard; George L. Holderidge, theatre owner<br />
at Welasco, Donna and Pharr, who attended<br />
the Kiwanis club convention . . . Raphael<br />
Calderon. head of International in El Paso<br />
and Chihuahua, vacationed in Los Angeles<br />
scenery along the Rio Grande is<br />
being taken for "Russ Farrell, Aviator" stories,<br />
according to F. A. Tomes, manager of Educational<br />
and distributor of the pictures.<br />
Seen on Oklahoma City Filmrow: Mrs.<br />
L. T. Rhodes, Art Theatre, Gotebo: William<br />
Redfearn, Dixie, Tulsa: M. E. Woolridge,<br />
Empress. Hollis: Sol S. Shelton, Mecca, Rocky;<br />
Edward G. Kadane, operator of several<br />
theatres at Frederick; E. W. Johnson. Orpheum,<br />
Tulsa, and his brother-in-law, C.<br />
Miller; Sam Fringer, owner of the Empress<br />
and Nusho, Mangum, and Manager Jess Hale<br />
. . . Dr. R. Mitchell has purchased the Rialto<br />
at Seminole from N. A. Dickinson . . . R. B.<br />
Campbell of the Majestic and Wa.vnoka at<br />
Waynoka has recovered from injuries suffered<br />
in an automobile accident . F.<br />
Morris has purchased the New Theatre at<br />
Konowa from Mrs. O. F. Moore . Little<br />
Theatre company in Oklahoma City, which<br />
has created much interest due to its highclass<br />
work, announces it will present more<br />
and better plays this season.<br />
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY<br />
Your Deal Handled Personally<br />
27 years experience<br />
Wo Cover the U. S. Market<br />
Arthur Leak<br />
Theatre Sales Exclusively<br />
3422 Kiiunore Dallas 10. Texas<br />
Phone T3-2026<br />
92 BOXOFFICE September 11. 1948
I<br />
EL<br />
PASO<br />
•The new Valley Theatre, seating 900, opened<br />
Monday evening . , . Latest wrinkle at the<br />
Texas Grand—double features . . . The most<br />
recent theatre through whose halls wafts the<br />
delicate aroma of popcorn is the EUanay.<br />
The lobby has been enlarged to include a confectionery<br />
and popcorn fountain.<br />
Sign of something or other: Two city policemen<br />
were suspended from the force recently,<br />
when they were found "patroling" a<br />
pair of theatre seats instead of the sidewalks.<br />
Birthday card: Manager Oakes of the Del<br />
Norte Drive-In who has done much to win<br />
the goodwill of the members of his community<br />
is doing it again. A joint celebration of the<br />
first anniversary of the theatre and that of a<br />
small neighborhood newspaper was to be held<br />
September 11. The theatre grounds will be<br />
opened at 4 o'clock and a picnic supper will<br />
be served to subscribers. The Sierra Sun,<br />
with the help of advertisers will furnish the<br />
food, the Del Norte will provide a pleasant<br />
"oasis" in the suiTounding desert for the<br />
gathering, and will invite those who attend to<br />
remain for the picture, "The Senator Was Indiscreet."<br />
It is hoped that this get-together<br />
of "northeastenders" will become an annual<br />
event.<br />
When "El Paso" is released, it will have its<br />
premiere at the Plaza here . . . New cashier<br />
at the Del Norte Drive-In is Mrs. Arthur Davis<br />
.. . The annual southwest championship<br />
kids' redeo opened Friday with a colorful parade<br />
through downtown streets.<br />
SEATING<br />
FORMAL OPENING CELEBRATED—Pictured above are exhibitors and theatre<br />
men at a cocktail party which featured the formal opening of the Houston Popcorn<br />
and Equipment Co., recently organized there by Charles E. Darden of Dallas and A. J.<br />
Sehmltt to serve theatres in this area. Seen above, left to right: Dick Bier, manager<br />
of the Boulevard Theatre; Mary Kennely and Wilma Arnett, company employes;<br />
Frank Wilke, owner of the Boulevard; C. C. Porter, concessionaire for the Hall circuit<br />
in south Texas; Mrs. Ernest Forsythe of the Don Garden Theatre; A. J. Schmitt,<br />
manager of the popcorn company; Ernest Forsythe; Charles E. Darden, partner in<br />
the venture, and Billie Vasser of the Springtown Theatre at Springtown.<br />
IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT OUT OF DALLAS STOCK<br />
STRONG LAMPS<br />
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Thumb Taclcs<br />
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Record Ledgers<br />
COMPLETE WEBER Fire Extinguishers<br />
Film Splicers<br />
SYNCROFBLM<br />
Photo Electric Cells<br />
SOUND EQUIPMENTS Exciter Lamps<br />
and<br />
Admission Signs<br />
Goldberg Reels<br />
WENZEL PROJECTORS Westinghouse Rectifier<br />
Bulbs<br />
and<br />
Film Tables<br />
STAR POPCORN<br />
MACHINES<br />
PROJECTOR PARTS<br />
Simplex and Powera<br />
LAMPHOUSE PARTS<br />
Strong, Peerless,<br />
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REFLECTORS<br />
Strong, Peerless,<br />
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CARBONS<br />
For all lamps<br />
PROJECTION LENSES<br />
AH sizes in Coaled<br />
Series I & IL Also<br />
Used Lens<br />
Complete Projection<br />
and<br />
Sound Equipments<br />
and<br />
Screens<br />
BERBER<br />
Rewinds<br />
Perfumes & Deodorants<br />
Ticket Machines<br />
Ticket Boxes<br />
Sand Urns<br />
BROTHERS<br />
"Fair Treatment and Adequate Service for 25 Years"<br />
408 S. HARWOOD DALLAS 1. TEXAS<br />
HANDY<br />
GRIGGS<br />
EQUIPMENT COMPANY<br />
We will see you at the TESMA SHOW in<br />
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Box 630 Belton, Texas
NY TIME is a GOOD TIME<br />
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BOXOFFICE<br />
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94 BOXOFFICE<br />
:: September 11. 1948
New Etowah Theatre<br />
Open in Attalla, Ala.<br />
ATTALLA, ALA.—The 1.077-s-'at Etowah<br />
Theatre, newest in the chain of nine operated<br />
by Amusement Enterprises. Inc.. held<br />
its formal opening here Monday i6i. The<br />
dedication ceremonies, conducted by the Attalla<br />
Civitan and Exchange clubs, followed an<br />
open house on Sunday afternoon.<br />
Jack Brown, who has been manager of<br />
the circuit's Liberty here, will manage the<br />
new house.<br />
Features of the place included a 14-seat<br />
"bawl room," a 100-ton air conditioning unit<br />
and 36-inch spacing between rows.<br />
Col. Thomes E. Orr of Albertsville is president<br />
of Amusement Enterprises.<br />
Fire Damages to $50,000<br />
At Moore Haven Theatre<br />
MOORE HAVEN, FLA.—Fire damage to<br />
the Glades Theatre and the adjoining<br />
Schroeder building here has been estimated<br />
at $50,000, according to civic officials. Both<br />
buildings were owned by Lake Theatres, Inc.<br />
of Clewiston and the theatre was leased to<br />
Jack Burkette. also of Clewiston.<br />
Flames broke out in the projection booth<br />
of the theatre and the fire was not brought<br />
under control for several hours. An explosion,<br />
believed set off by paint fumes, caused<br />
the walls of the theatre buildiiig to collapse.<br />
Two persons were injured in the fire.<br />
New Magnolia Theatre<br />
Opens in Albany, Miss.<br />
MEMPHIS—The Magnolia Theatre, new<br />
Flexer house at New Albany, Miss., was scheduled<br />
to open Thursday night i9i. David<br />
Plexer said the 900-seater was equipped for<br />
television and would be ready to show telecasts<br />
when they are started in Memphis next<br />
month.<br />
FOR GREATER LISTENING PLEASURE<br />
DIXIE THEATRE SERVICE<br />
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Albany, Georgia "Serving the South"<br />
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BIRMINGHAM. ALABAMA<br />
Preopening Mafinee for<br />
Children<br />
Featured at Coral Gables Trail<br />
Receipts Up in Memphis<br />
With School Opening<br />
MEMPHIS—Memphis first run business is<br />
hitting normal again, a survey of attendance<br />
shows. There has been a late summer slump<br />
which now seems to have disappeared. All<br />
city and county schools are open and families<br />
with children have returned from vacation<br />
resorts.<br />
Better Films Council and the Parent-<br />
Teacher Ass'n have begun to stress kiddy<br />
matinees on Saturday afternoons in suburban<br />
theatres. Peabody. Airway. Rosemary and<br />
Memphian theatres are showing only councilapproved<br />
pictures at these matinees. PTA<br />
ladies are serving as hostesses and help take<br />
care of children while they enjoy the pictures.<br />
All are showing double features.<br />
Fred Curd Named Head<br />
Of RKO Memphis Office<br />
MEMPHIS—Fred Curd, booker at Paramount<br />
for nine years and for the past 18<br />
years active in the film business, is now<br />
the new RKO office manager here. Curd<br />
succeeds another weU-known Filrmow executive,<br />
Glenn Calvert, who has been office<br />
manager at RKO for the last four years. Calvert,<br />
who formerly was on the road as a company<br />
salesman, will return to selling.<br />
Theatre Damage Is Light<br />
GUNTERSVILLE. ALA.—A fire in the projection<br />
booth of the Ritz Theatre last Tuesday<br />
131 1 caused only minor damage. The<br />
blaze occurred only five minutes after the<br />
theatre opened for the day and the few patrons<br />
inside escaped without injury, as did<br />
Charles Burgess, the projectionist. The<br />
flames, which started in a box of film clippings,<br />
were extinguished quickly by the automatic<br />
sprinkler. The projection equipment<br />
was not damaged. That night the picture<br />
scheduled for the Palace on Wednesday and<br />
Thursday was shown. The Ritz did not open<br />
Wednesday because of the damaged film. C.<br />
W. Woodall ow^ns both theatres.<br />
Howard Waugh a Visitor<br />
MEMPHIS—Howard Waugh. former<br />
theatreman<br />
here, returned for a visit. Waugh<br />
for several years was manager of the Warner<br />
Theatre zone with headquarters at the Warned<br />
in Memphis. Later, he was manager of<br />
the Fairgrounds here. Now with United<br />
Artists, with headquarters in Miami. Waugh<br />
was here with "Pitfall." which was scheduled<br />
for opening September 8 at Loew's State.<br />
USED THEATRE CHAIRS<br />
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Albany. New York<br />
MIAMI—In a salute to national Youth<br />
month. Claughton theatres preceded the formal<br />
opening of their new Trail Theatre with<br />
a matinee for children. This marked the<br />
first time that Miami youngsters had been<br />
treated to a theatre opening in advance of<br />
adults, officials pointed out.<br />
On opening day. children under 12 years<br />
of age were admitted free and were shown<br />
a revival of Shirley Temple's early film,<br />
•Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm." There were<br />
candy and gifts for all the guests. According<br />
to preceding advertisements, children<br />
were admitted "as long as we have seats for<br />
you." Besides the feature picture, cartoon<br />
and short subjects were shown. Matinee admissions<br />
for adults were 40 cents.<br />
For the formal evening opening, "Green<br />
Grass of Wyoming" was presented in its first<br />
Coral Gables appearance.<br />
Claughton preceded the opening of this<br />
newest house of the circuit, with a gradually<br />
accelerated advertising program, beginning<br />
some time before opening date with a line<br />
or two at the bottom of the regular space<br />
forecasting the coming debut of the Trail.<br />
Additional space was devoted to the announcement<br />
of the opening as the date drew<br />
near, culminating in a splash ad headed:<br />
"Claughton Theatres inaugurate September<br />
as national Youth month. Special preopening<br />
matinee for children."<br />
Besides the new Trail. Claughton interests<br />
operate the Royal, Embassy and Variety here.<br />
Other theatres are being added to the circuit<br />
in various locations in greater Miami.<br />
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BOXOFFICE September 11, 1948 SE 95
Consistently<br />
. Top<br />
. For<br />
Give<br />
. .<br />
. .<br />
. . . Jimmy<br />
. . William<br />
. . Ray<br />
. . Herman<br />
. . Jim<br />
MIAMI<br />
Chirley Modell wore the mermaid costume<br />
created by Universal-International for<br />
"Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" as a featura<br />
of a swimming pool opening at a downtown<br />
hotel. The outfit was the one used by Ann<br />
Blyth in the film. Technicians made it of<br />
sponge rubber. The picture is due for a mid-<br />
September opening at the Lincoln and Miami<br />
theatres.<br />
Author Philip Wylie, whose wilting commitments<br />
have kept him in Hollywood for<br />
the past few years, is building a home here.<br />
His former home on DiLido island was purchased<br />
by playviTight Larry Schwab . . . Wometco's<br />
Center Theatre was the scene of a<br />
Miss Edison Center beauty contest in which<br />
the winner received a trip to Cuba. A stage<br />
show and a fashion show were added attractions<br />
to the theatre's regular performance<br />
and there was no increase in admission.<br />
Paramount Enterprises has been running<br />
a series of original headings for their newspaper<br />
advertising, including: "Sunday guests?<br />
Family, too? They'll enjoy a Paramount hit<br />
show . fine entertainment<br />
carefully chosen for your taste . a safe,<br />
stay-in-town weekend here's your choice of<br />
fine shows . off 'back-to-work' day<br />
with an entertaining Paramount hit show .<br />
Entertainment you'll enjoy, in cool, refreshing<br />
comfort"<br />
Guy Kibbee, popular film actor who recently<br />
filled an engagement at Paramount's Olympia,<br />
vacationed here and was pictured frequently<br />
in the newspapers sampling all of<br />
.<br />
Miami's best known restaurants . . . Wometco<br />
lead off recent ads in newspapers with special<br />
art and the following statement in large<br />
type: "Wometco Theatres Salute Young<br />
America! The Nation's Youth Is the Nation's<br />
Strength Them Better Guidance<br />
by Doing Things as a Family Unit .<br />
Go to Church as a Family ... Go Fishing<br />
as a Family . . . Select the Proper Picture<br />
and Go to the Movies as a Family. The Family<br />
That Plays Together—Stays Together!"<br />
Sidney Meyer and family have been enjoying<br />
the mountain breezes of Colorado .<br />
Herman Reade, Wometco air conditioning<br />
engineer, gave praise to the Miami Theatre<br />
staff members who have been instrumental<br />
in predetecting and avoiding faults in the air<br />
conditioning equipment Alert and interested<br />
house and equipment checking done by the<br />
theatre's Raymond Nye, J. M. Hodges, Zeb<br />
Blanton and Leon Leonard was cited for<br />
commendation.<br />
Phil Masters, manager of the Ilosetta, called<br />
upon Susan Shearer, owner and director of<br />
a riding school here, to furnish a stand-in<br />
for a personal appearance of "Thunderhead,"<br />
when 20th-Fox's "Green Grass of Wyoming"<br />
opened at the neighborhood house. The handsome<br />
gray, "Melody of Love," substituted<br />
nicely thrilling children and adults before<br />
and after the film opened.<br />
Tax $25 Per 100 Seats<br />
ST. PETERSBURG—Tire new ordinance<br />
regarding occupational taxes recently passed<br />
by the city council sets the tax on motion<br />
picture theatres at $25 per 100 seats or fraction<br />
thereof. Drive-inns pay a flat tax of<br />
$100 regardless of size.<br />
ATLANTA<br />
/"•harlie Clark, Jackpot Quiz sales manager,<br />
left for New Orleans . Ziebell has<br />
taken over the Swan at Norcross, Ga., from<br />
Mr. and Mrs. William Aiken ...CD. Spence<br />
is the new Alabama representative for the<br />
Southern Automatic Candy Co. . . . O. C,<br />
Lam of the Lam Amusement Co., Howard<br />
Schuessler and P. L. Taylor were visitors.<br />
Joe Hackel, owner of the Hackel circuit of<br />
Georgia and Florida theatres, visited briefly<br />
on his way to Jacksonville . . . Pete Rosian,<br />
southern division manager, and Jimmy Fi-ew,<br />
U-I branch manager, left for Florida . .<br />
Mr. and Mrs. William Thornhill, Alabama<br />
theatre owner, and Mrs. W. K. Smith visited<br />
here . Richardson, Astor Pictures<br />
president, left with Mrs. Richardson for a<br />
vacation in Dallas.<br />
Jimmy Hobbs, local Monogram manager,<br />
was back from Tennessee . Silverman,<br />
buyer for the Wometco theatres in<br />
Miami, visited on Filmrow . Partlow.<br />
former U-I branch manager here, opened a<br />
drive-in near Orlando, Fla. . . . Robert Howell,<br />
Astor Pictures, returned from a visit with his<br />
mother in Montgomery, Ala. . . . Jim Wilson.<br />
Wilson & Moore Enterprises, left for Florida.<br />
S. T. Maugham, owner of theatres in Patterson<br />
and Fort Screven, Ga., was confined<br />
to his home in Patterson because of illness<br />
Wilson of Wilson and Moore Enterprises<br />
was on a trip to Florida as was<br />
J mmy Hibbs, Monogram manager.<br />
PROJECTORS<br />
SOUND SYSTEMS<br />
Licensed under Western Electric Co. Patents<br />
Now being installed for<br />
SOUTHERN<br />
EXHISITORS<br />
^Ut^iUuied i4i. tlie South Ixtf . . .<br />
Standard Theatre Supply Co.<br />
215 East Washington St.,<br />
Greensboro, N. C.<br />
Tri-State Theatre Supply<br />
318 S. Sacond St.<br />
Memphis 3, Tenn,<br />
Queen Fea'.ure Service, Inc.<br />
19121/2 Morris Ave.<br />
Birmingham, Ala.<br />
Joe Hornstein, Inc.<br />
714 N. E. 1st Ave.<br />
Miami, Fla.<br />
you/? INDEPENDENT SUPPLY DEALERS<br />
SERVING SOUTHERN SHOWMEN WITH SATISFACTION<br />
96<br />
BOXOFFICE ;: September 11. 1948
. . . W.<br />
. . C.<br />
. . Birmingham's<br />
. . Leo<br />
. . Ralph<br />
. . Buying<br />
. . John<br />
. . Charles<br />
. . Keen<br />
. . Henry<br />
. . Milton<br />
Atlanta Grosses Up<br />
As Weather Cools<br />
ATLANTA—Local business picked up with<br />
an influx of cooler weather and a decline in<br />
sports events. Topper of the week was "The<br />
Babe Ruth Story" with 125 on a moveover to<br />
the Roxy from the Fox.<br />
(Average Is 100)<br />
Fox—A Foreign AHair (Para) 110<br />
Loews Grand—A Date With Judy (MGM) 112<br />
Paramount—Dream Girl (Para) 106<br />
Roxy—The Babe Ruth Story (AA-Mono), moveover<br />
125<br />
Tower-Wolfman (FC); The Hairy Ape (SG) IOC<br />
BIRMINGHAM<br />
T A. Jackson, Empire manager, flew to Jacksonville<br />
last Friday (2i for a weekend visit.<br />
He returned Monday . Ted<br />
Saizis, covering the Alabama tour of Henry<br />
A. Wallace for Telenews. was treated to an<br />
egg shower on the outskirts of Guntersville.<br />
Saizis' car was directly behind that of the<br />
Progressive party candidate for president<br />
and was struck by several eggs.<br />
The Woodlawn Theatre, Community Theatres<br />
and Harry M. Curl, general manager<br />
and booker for the neighborhood chain, were<br />
named defendants in a $5,000 damage suit<br />
filed in circuit court here. E. L. Moody, a<br />
patron, claimed he was injured June 5 when<br />
he stepped into a hole in the aisle where<br />
some repair work was being done . A.<br />
Root jr., son of the business agent for MPMO<br />
Local 236, visited his parents here during<br />
the vacation between the summer and fall<br />
terms at Georgia Tech. Root is also a member<br />
of the local.<br />
A. H. Borisky, former Birmingham and<br />
Chattanooga theatre owner, is recovering in<br />
Columbus. Ohio, from an industrial accident<br />
recently at Marion, Ohio, according to word<br />
received by friends here. It was learned that<br />
Borisky has been dismissed from a Columbus<br />
hospital, but is remaining in a hotel there<br />
until treatment is completed on an arm which<br />
was broken.<br />
OIlie Haynes, Lyric manager, entertained<br />
about 100 carriers for the Birmingham Post<br />
as one of his promotions for national Youth<br />
Month. The screen attraction was "Tarzan's<br />
New york Adventure" . Nation, Alabama<br />
projectionist and vice-president of<br />
MPMO Local 236, is vacationing in Ai-kansas<br />
H. Neal, Temple projectionist and<br />
relief operator during the vaudeville off-season,<br />
is recovering after a recent operation in<br />
Atlanta for a jaw ailment ...CM. Trent,<br />
Ritz projectionist, has returned from a vacation<br />
in Florida. His son Jimmy, North Birmingham<br />
operator, is entering Georgia Tech<br />
this month.<br />
.<br />
"Canon City" was the only film to rate a<br />
second week in downtown theatres during<br />
the week of September 2. The EL release<br />
moved to the Capitol after a week at the<br />
Empire L. Gaston, Empire projectionist,<br />
is vacationing in Florida.<br />
NEW ORLEANS<br />
T eonard Duckworth, Manley, Inc., sale,sman,<br />
has assumed the position of office manager<br />
here in conjunction with his sales activities.<br />
Wilson Miramon, former office manager,<br />
has resigned. Lin Barker has been employed<br />
as secretary to Duckworth . . . J. F.<br />
Saunders, Manley district manager for Arkansas,<br />
Mi.ssissippi, Tennessee and Louisiana,<br />
flew here in his private plane. From New<br />
Orleans, he proceeded by air to Manley's<br />
Memphis office and on to the Kansas City<br />
home office, returning to his home in Winnsboro,<br />
Tex.<br />
The theatre at St. Mary of Pines, Chatawa,<br />
Miss, has reopened . Lamantia of<br />
NSS has purchased the TU Theatre at<br />
Jeanerette. La. . Jarvis jr. of Atlanta<br />
has taken charge of the local Kay Films<br />
office, a position which he held until his<br />
transfer to the Atlanta branch a few months<br />
ago . and booking for the Star<br />
Theatre, Crowley, La., will be done by J. G.<br />
Broggi of Broggi Booking Co. . . . Booking<br />
Service Co. is the name of the new Joy Theatres<br />
booking service.<br />
Visitors on the Row included E. Boehringer<br />
of the Monte Sano Theatre, Roy Pfeiffer of<br />
the Tiboli, Avenue and Istrouma: Gordon<br />
Ogden of the Ogden and Chimes, and Joseph<br />
Barcelona, Regina, all of Baton Rouge: Jeff<br />
Rebstock. Rebstock. Golden Meadow, La.; Ira<br />
Phillips. Bordelonville and Moreauville. La.;<br />
Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Randall, Fern, Woodville,<br />
Miss., and Center, Centreville, La., and A. M.<br />
Riley, Castle, Logansport, La.<br />
Gaston Dureau of Paramount Richards<br />
Theatres returned from an extended vacation<br />
trip which included visits to Boston and Bar<br />
Harbor. Me. He was accompanied by his<br />
Herbert Hargroder, who operates<br />
wife . . .<br />
the Beverly Drive-In at Hattiesburg. underwent<br />
an eye operation recently . . . The Rio<br />
Theatre, 316 St. Charles Ave., has a new<br />
The Para-<br />
onyx glass front and marquee . . .<br />
mount building on South Liberty has undergone<br />
a facelifting.<br />
As though combining; their efforts to combat<br />
the prevailing slump in business, downtown<br />
theatres offered a better-than-usual<br />
lineup. The Saenger presented "That Lady<br />
in Ermine." Loew's State did well with "A<br />
Date With Judy." "Lulu Belle" was at the<br />
Joy. The Orpheum showed "Good Sam," and<br />
"Coroner Creek" was moved over to the Liberty<br />
for a second week. The Center's attraction<br />
was "Green Hell," while "Key Largo"<br />
was showing at the Tudor and the Globe<br />
showed "The Emperor Waltz"<br />
J. G. Broggi of the Broggi Booking agency<br />
said that his young son Pal, who underwent<br />
a major operation recently, is out of danger<br />
and well on the road to recovery. A fine<br />
southpaw American Legion pitching prospect.<br />
Pal is anxious to get back to his sophomore<br />
duties at St. Pauls college in nearby Covington<br />
.<br />
disappointment was felt by<br />
Filmrow employes as they began their long<br />
Labor day weekend. The traditional weekend<br />
trips and picnics had to be canceled, or postponed,<br />
due to hurricane weather.<br />
Bobby Blake, the Little Beaver of the Red<br />
Ryder series of westerns, delighted young<br />
audiences here when he appeared at the<br />
Strand Theatre in person. After his appearance,<br />
Blake left for Moss Point and Pascagoula,<br />
Miss., for appearances at the Joy theatres<br />
in those towms . Dureau, Film<br />
Classics manager, flew to Pensacola on business<br />
. . . Willis Houck, Joy Theatres, and<br />
Don Kay of Don Kay Enterprises, flew to<br />
Alexandria Glover, Monogram<br />
.<br />
manager, and his wife are the parents of a<br />
baby boy.<br />
Will Produce 'Sierra'<br />
Michel Kraike will produce "Sierra," to be<br />
filmed in the Sierras for Universal.<br />
FOR FAST, THOROUGH THEATRE CLEANING<br />
G.E. Model 175-A "MASTER-VAC"<br />
HEAVY DUTY CLEANERS<br />
A light weight vi^et or dry pickup<br />
easy to use—economical to operate<br />
—low in cost. The motor unit can be<br />
used as a separate portable cleaner<br />
and blower.<br />
Phillip Turnipseed<br />
CARPET LAYING CONTRACTOR<br />
li you want it dona right, let us sew and lay it light<br />
530 E. Cambridge Ave. COLLEGE PARE. GEORGIA<br />
Phone CAlhoun 3642 (in suburban Atlanta)<br />
CHARLOTTE, N. C.<br />
ATLANTA, GA.<br />
"Everything for the theatre except film<br />
BOXOFFICE September 11, 1948 97
. . M.<br />
. . Leonard<br />
. . Johnny<br />
.<br />
.<br />
MEMPHIS<br />
Vay SUIT of Memphis who has sung hei- way<br />
to the top of the radio, record and night<br />
club world and is now about to launch her<br />
film career, came home to announce her engagement<br />
to Harold Stanley, Los Angeles<br />
businessman. Miss Starr and her fiance later<br />
left for Hollywood where she will be featured<br />
in the Columbia film, "Make Believe<br />
Ballroom" . A. Lightman sr ,<br />
presidnt<br />
of Malco Theatres, tied in the doubles bridge<br />
play of the Tennessee Bridge Ass'n at Memphis.<br />
Lightman will serve on the committee<br />
for the Bear Creek Lake bridge tournament<br />
September 24-26 at Marianna, Ark.<br />
Memphis Federation of Musicians gave the<br />
first of a series of free concerts at the Over-<br />
Ready for October<br />
msry<br />
LUCKY ArtlLLINDER OWU.<br />
BULL M0Q5E JACKSON<br />
f<br />
Tht 'ILove You, Yes I Oo" 3for)<br />
JACKIE AAABEIV<br />
UNA MAE CARLISLE<br />
BERRY BROS.<br />
MARIE COOKE<br />
Direchd b(/Jaek Binnei^flSTOR<br />
PICTURES CO,<br />
OF GA., mc,<br />
163 WALTON ST.<br />
ATLANTA<br />
MAIN 984S<br />
ton Park Shell . . . Malco Theatre Scheduled<br />
"The Babe Ruth Story" for opening September<br />
9. according to Manager Jack Tunstill<br />
Mary Lou Stone, better known here as<br />
Mary Louise Repult, daughter of Mr. and<br />
Mrs. F. C. Repult, is scoring a hit as Kitzi<br />
Kranz in "Blossom Time" at the Paper Mill<br />
Playhouse in Millburn, N. J.<br />
C. E. Hilgers, district manager for Eagle<br />
Lion in Dallas, and Tom Guinan, home office<br />
representative, were visitors at the local<br />
exchange Gannon, U-I booker,<br />
.<br />
and his wife are parents of a baby boy, James<br />
W. Gannon, born at St. Joseph's hospital.<br />
Pete Dawson, U-I manager, was on a business<br />
trip to Cleveland, Miss., and Pine Bluff,<br />
Floyd Harvey, office manager for<br />
Ark. . . .<br />
Universal, was vacationing at Virginia Beach,<br />
Va. Andrews, auditor for U-I<br />
for<br />
.<br />
14 years and now owner of a di-ive-in<br />
at Miami, was a Filmi'ow visitor.<br />
. . .<br />
N. B.<br />
. . . S.<br />
L. W. McCUntock, on leave as manager of<br />
Paramount because of illness, visited here<br />
after spending several months in California<br />
and North Dakota ... Mr. and Mrs. Bob<br />
Davis, Griffin Amusements Co., Dallas, visited<br />
the Paramount exchange<br />
Blount, manager for Monarch Theatre Supply<br />
Co., made a business trip to New Orleans<br />
and Blytheville Harry M. Paul,<br />
. . .<br />
southern district manager for RCA, Dallas,<br />
M. Perrin,<br />
was here to see Blount<br />
company salesman at Little Rock, was here<br />
for a few days.<br />
Mississippi exhibitors booking in Memphis<br />
included J. F. Adams, Tate, Coldwater; J. A.<br />
Thornton, Bruce, Bruce: Henry B. Furr, jr.,<br />
Booker T., Cleveland; Bem Jackson, Delta,<br />
Ruleville; W. A. Rush, Houston, Houston;<br />
Mrs. C. H. Collier, Globe, Drew; Mrs. Vallery<br />
Burke. Benoit, Benoit; and C. J. Collier,<br />
Globe, Shaw.<br />
C. A. Gilliland, Cooter at Cooler and Steele<br />
at Steele; Bill Kroeger, Shannon and Maxon<br />
at Portageville; John Mohrstadt, who operates<br />
theatres at Palmer, CampbeU and Hayti,<br />
and Lyle Richmond, Missouri and Richmond<br />
at Senath, were among Missouri exhibitors<br />
seen on Filmrow.<br />
From Arkansas came W. L. Moxley, Turrell,<br />
Turrell: Gordon Hutchins, State and<br />
Dixie, Corning; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Cochran,<br />
Juroy, North Little Rock; Mrs. J. D. Lowrey,<br />
Lowrey, Russellville; Pat Fleming, Gale,<br />
Round Pond; K. H. Kinney, Hays and Beale<br />
Street, Hughes; C. W. Tipton, Tipton circuit,<br />
Manila; F. R. Watson, New, Elaine; E. H.<br />
Snaders, Ken, Marshall; Gene Higginbotham,<br />
Melody. Leachville; Emma Cox, Gem and<br />
Joy, Osceola; J. E. Singleton, Hyro, Tyronza:<br />
and Roy Bolick, Kaiser, Kaiser.<br />
Tennessee exhibitors included Guy B. Amis,<br />
Princess, Lexington; G. H. Goff, Rustic, Parsons;<br />
W. F. Ruff in sr.. Ruff in circuit. Covington;<br />
Amelia Ellis, Mason, Mason; W. H.<br />
Gray, Rutherford, Rutherford; M. E. Rice,<br />
Rice, Brownsville, and R. B. Gooch, Ritz,<br />
Selmer.<br />
MONARCH<br />
THEATRE SUPPLY, Inc.<br />
492 Sc. Second St.<br />
Memphia, Tenn.<br />
CHARlOllE<br />
XT B. Meiselman of the Meiselman circuit returned<br />
from New York where he negotiated<br />
with home office officials for first run<br />
product for his new Center here. Meiselman<br />
will open the Center when the polio ban in<br />
Mecklenburg county is lifted . . . The Dreamland<br />
Drive-In at Lincolnton, N. C burned<br />
recently. The owner is Roy Chapman.<br />
Drum's Drive-In at Hudson, N. C owned<br />
by R. D. Drum, also burned but the loss was<br />
covered by insurance. The Drum will reopen<br />
as soon as equipment can be replaced .<br />
A party was planned in honor of U-I Manager<br />
James V. Frew, who was transferred<br />
to the Atlanta branch. The affair will be<br />
held at the Mecklenburg hotel and Jimmy<br />
Greenleaf, who succeeded Frew here, will be<br />
in charge.<br />
George Roscoe, Atlanta Columbia manager,<br />
and his family spent the Labor day<br />
weekend here . . . J. E. Holston, manager<br />
for 20th Century-Fox, will leave Sunday (12)<br />
for a sales conference in Hollywood . . .<br />
Ed J. Haley of Haley Theatres, Raleigh, has<br />
taken over operation of the Carver in Rock<br />
Hill from Jesse Cox.<br />
Mrs. Charles H. Arrington, Cameo, Rocky<br />
Moimt, was a patient at the hospital there,<br />
where she underwent an operation . . .<br />
It's<br />
a baby girl for Columbia salesman Paul<br />
Hargett and his wife. The baby is their<br />
first<br />
child.<br />
"Skinner" Williamson, Columbia manager,<br />
says he really labored Labor day. He spent<br />
three hours in line to get his car inspected<br />
Visitors on the Row included "Sonny"<br />
Baker and Charley Bergin, Colonial Theatres,<br />
Valdese; Ben L. Strozier, Stevenson, Rock<br />
Hill; W. D. McGowan, Joyce, Spring Hope;<br />
E. J. Haley, Lincoln, Raleigh; E. L. Hearne,<br />
Alameda, Albermarle; W. R. Ai-mstrong,<br />
Warsaw, and John M. Kime, State, Roseboro,<br />
N. C.<br />
Among those planning to attend the Theatre<br />
Owners of America convention at the<br />
Drake hotel in Chicago September 23-25 are<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Ben L. Strozier, Stevenson,<br />
Rock Hill; Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Long, Pastime<br />
Amusement Co., Charleston; Mr. and Mrs.<br />
H. E. Buchanan, Carolina, Hendersonville;<br />
Lyle M. Wilson, Peoples, Roanoke Rapids;<br />
H. F. Kincey, H. H. Everett and H. D. Hearn<br />
of Charlotte, and Mr. and Mrs. George D.<br />
Carpenter, Colonial Theatres, Valdese.<br />
Allec and Wometco Sign<br />
MIAMI—Altec Ssrvice Corp. has renewed<br />
its contract with Wometco Theatres, Florida<br />
chain of 52 houses.<br />
THOS. F.<br />
WALSTON<br />
Architect<br />
THEATRES<br />
AUDITORIUMS<br />
— Phone 57 —<br />
Gunnell BIdg., Catlettsburg, Ky.<br />
MILES S. McDowell, office Manager<br />
i»A<br />
98<br />
BOXOFFICE<br />
:: September 11, 1948
PALATIAL $2.000W0 ODEON<br />
TORONTO THEATRE IS OPENED<br />
British Screen Stars Join<br />
With Public Dignitaries<br />
In Gracing Unveiling<br />
TORO^^^O—Tlie magnificent new $2,000,-<br />
1 9 1 .<br />
000 Odeon Toronto Theatre, construction of<br />
which was started more than two years ago.<br />
was opened last Thursday night .<br />
A capacity<br />
crowd, present by invitation at the<br />
unveiling of the ace unit of the Odeon circuit,<br />
saw "Oliver Twist."<br />
While the public portion of the modernistic<br />
theatre, including the auditorium, stage, foyer.<br />
promenades, lobby, entrance and street<br />
facade were completed for the opening night,<br />
the office suites, to accommodate the Canadian<br />
Odeon head office, were yet to be finished.<br />
The new theatre opened with a blaze<br />
of colorful and unique lighting just in time<br />
because only four days later the power restrictions<br />
for such exterior illumination were<br />
to go into effect throughout Ontario.<br />
OLIVER TWIST PREMIERED<br />
Gracing the formal ceremonies were Patricia<br />
Roc and Trevor Howard, English screen<br />
stars who flew the Atlantic for the occasion,<br />
and many public dignitaries. The opening<br />
performance was the North American premiere<br />
of "Ohver Twist." Following this initial<br />
engagement will be the first regular-priced<br />
showing of "The Best Years of Our Lives,"<br />
which was roadshown at the Odeon Fairlawn<br />
in north Toronto a year ago.<br />
The Odeon Toronto, with its 2,400 seats,<br />
Indiana buff limestone facade, towering pylon<br />
bearing the ten-foot blue letters "Odeon" on<br />
each side, the sweeping marquee around the<br />
entrance corner and the imposing staircase<br />
inside, was the creation of the late Jay I.<br />
English, staff architect, whose work was taken<br />
up a year ago by Leslie H. Kemp from the J.<br />
Arthur Rank Organization in England. The<br />
structure virtually stands as a memorial to<br />
English, who was drowned in August 1947<br />
while on vacation.<br />
While the public had watched the progress<br />
of construction and had learned of various<br />
details of its fabrication, there were interior<br />
features which were breath-taking to the<br />
first-night crowd.<br />
MURAL ADORNS STAIRCASE<br />
One surprise was the grand organ which<br />
pealed ma'e'tically as the fingers of Al Bollington,<br />
im;"0 -ted from England, danced over<br />
the three keyboards. The auditorium lighting,<br />
effected through a Thyraton electronic<br />
mood system, the first of its kind in Canada,<br />
brought ecstacy to the audience as the<br />
changing colors were reflected from the great<br />
curved curtain, the neutral-toned wall panels<br />
and even from the carpeting which covered<br />
all of the flooring including the seat space.<br />
Prom the first sight of the brilliantly illuminated<br />
126-foot pylon and the glass expanse<br />
of front entrance to the eye arresting<br />
mural painting which adorned the great staircase<br />
and the kaleidoscopic color treatment<br />
in the lofty auditorium, the opening night<br />
guests had reason to be both gay and thrilled.<br />
The striking mural, with its film industry<br />
theme, was the design of a youthful Canadian<br />
artist, Bernard McLoughlin of Fort William,<br />
Ont., who had served overseas with the<br />
Canadian air force. The mural, which resulted<br />
from an art competition, was actually<br />
painted by four ex-.service men comprising<br />
McLoughlin, the winner: Fred Armitage, formerly<br />
of Australia and now at the Ontario<br />
College of Art in Toronto; Kenneth Gee of<br />
Montreal and J. D. William.son of Winnipeg.<br />
They were present for the unveiling on the<br />
first night.<br />
For the comfort of the patrons there is the<br />
atmosphere control system with its 31 units<br />
and 86,000-gallon tank in which the water is<br />
kept at 40-degree temperature by a pair of<br />
60 h.p. refrigerating machines and a battery<br />
of Tm-boflow chillers. There will be the restaurant<br />
seating 110 persons on the mezzanine,<br />
with kitchen in the basement. Dunlopillo<br />
chairs are available throughout the auditorium,<br />
with a reserved seat section in the<br />
loge circle of the balcony.<br />
Other features include a special promenade<br />
for art exhibitions, an information desk in<br />
the main lobby, two checkrooms, plenty of<br />
retiring rooms and general facilities and a<br />
complete stage measuring 90 feet to the grid,<br />
an opening of 60 by 40 feet and depth of 26<br />
feet. The projectors are the Gaumont-<br />
Kalee 21 model, and practically all of the<br />
equipment, including the seating, was supplied<br />
through Gaumont-Kalee. The general<br />
contracting firm is Jackson-Lewis Co.. Toronto.<br />
The manager is W. C. Tyers who was<br />
promoted from the Odeon Capitol at Niagara<br />
Falls. Ont.. and has been with Canadian<br />
Odeon since the start of the circuit.<br />
Among the guests was Lord Winterton, a<br />
member of the house of lords and a veteran<br />
British parliamentarian. Lord Winterton.<br />
who has been a guest of J. Earl Lawson.<br />
president of Odeon Theatres of Canada, is a<br />
director of the J. Arthur Rank Organization<br />
in Britain.<br />
Three Toronto Houses<br />
Feature Organists<br />
Toronto—With the opening- September<br />
9 of the magmificent Odeon Toronto, key<br />
house of the Canadian Odeon chain, Toronto<br />
has three theatre organists on a<br />
permanent basis, indicating popularity of<br />
organ recitals at local cinemas. The musician<br />
at the new Odeon Toronto is W<br />
Bollington, who came from J. Arthur<br />
Rank's theatre organization in England<br />
to preside at the console of the three<br />
manual instrument.<br />
For years Famous Players' Shea's was<br />
the only Toronto theatre to feature the<br />
cipe organ as a supplement to film offerings.<br />
Quentin Maclean, who arrived in<br />
Canada just prior to the second world<br />
war, is organist there.<br />
The Odeon Fairlawn in the North End<br />
came forward with John Mack as the artist<br />
at a Wurlitzer organ which has been<br />
installed for a nightly program.<br />
Various other local first run theatres<br />
have Ion8:-silent pipe organs which are<br />
masked by ornate fronts but the trend<br />
has led to a belief that they nil! be dusted<br />
off for regular use as added attractions.<br />
Free Softball Hurts<br />
Theatres in Halifax<br />
HALIFAX- In.stallation of lights at the<br />
city ball parks brought added worries to the<br />
owners and operators of local theatres where<br />
attendance was feeling the brunt of free<br />
night Softball games providfd under the<br />
auspices of the city.<br />
Further worries were brought on by the<br />
fear that once the softball season is over<br />
soccer and Canadian football may replace<br />
the summ;rtime sport in the lighted ballparks.<br />
The current games do not start until dusk<br />
and have been drawing attendance of from<br />
1.500 to 6.000 in this first season in which<br />
the city has given official sponsorship to<br />
night softball. Games are held practically<br />
every night on the city common, and currently<br />
city fathers are discussing plans for<br />
a stadium on the common.<br />
Every theatre in the city and suburban<br />
houses at Dartmouth. Spryfield, Armdale<br />
and Bedford have reported a drop in receipts<br />
since the advent of the night games. Halifax<br />
is the first city in the maritime to establish<br />
a lighting system for baseball or softball and<br />
to promote the game.<br />
Harrison Howe to Manage<br />
New Paramount, St. John<br />
ST. JOHN—Famous Players has appointed<br />
Harrison Howe manager of the new Paramount<br />
Theatre here, expected to be opened<br />
before the end of September.<br />
Former manager of the Capitol, where for<br />
several years he was assistant to the late<br />
Walter Golding, Howe now is assembling the<br />
staff for the new theatre. Jack Mitchell,<br />
assistant for several years to Jack Butler<br />
at the Imperial, Moncton, N. B., has been<br />
named manager of the Capitol.<br />
Bill Gates, who has been assistant manager<br />
at the Capitol about three years, has succeeded<br />
Mitchell as manager of the Imperial.<br />
Whether the Capitol will remain a first<br />
run house or be reduced to a second run<br />
following the new Paramount has not yet<br />
been decided.<br />
FPC Parley in October<br />
At Niagara Falls, Ont.<br />
TORONTO — Famous Players Canadian<br />
Corp. will hold its 1948 convention in October<br />
at the General Brock hotel at Niagara Palls,<br />
Ont., when plans and policies for the coming<br />
year will be discussed.<br />
The circuit is returning to the scene of its<br />
most spectacular meeting, the 25th annual<br />
celebration of the company staged there in<br />
August 1939. a few days before war began<br />
in Europe.<br />
Many things have happened since that<br />
gathering, including the deaths of three<br />
principals, N. L. Nathanson. then president;<br />
Clarence Robson, the general manager, and<br />
T. H. Bragg, who wa3 the secretary-treasurer.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 99
. . H.<br />
. . Romeo<br />
. . "Hamlet,"<br />
. . Paul<br />
. .<br />
. . . Two<br />
MONTREAL<br />
Ted Atkinson, Montreal manager of Cardinal<br />
Films, reports that his office is ready<br />
to release the first two Screen Guild productions<br />
for the 1948-49 season, "Return of Wildfire"<br />
and "Jungle Goddess." Atkinson visited<br />
John Dufort, owner of the Crystal Palace<br />
here, who is a patient in St. Justine hospital,<br />
and found him well on th3 way to recovery . . .<br />
Empire-Universal held a two-day sales meeting<br />
at the Mount Royal hotel, conducted by<br />
A. W. Perry, president, and M. J. Isman. general<br />
sales manager. Besides the Montreal<br />
staff, L. Michaelson, manager of the St. John<br />
branch, attended the meeting.<br />
Holidays are nearing an end, but there are<br />
still some vacationists from Filmrow. Mrs.<br />
Bertrand, owner of the Princess at Riviere<br />
du Loup, returned from a cruise to the<br />
Saguenay. F. Jansen, stenographer at 20th-<br />
Fox, took a two-week cruise on the Great<br />
Lakes. Arthur Larente, manager of Peerless<br />
Films, was on vacation. Francois Beland.<br />
booker at Peerless, returned from a vacation<br />
at St. Gabriel de Brandon. Ray Pellatt, cashier<br />
at Empire-Universal, spent a week at<br />
Atlantic City. Eugene Venne, assistant booker<br />
to H. Hurteau at Monogram-Eagle Lion, took<br />
a holiday. Maurice Duhamel, supervisor of<br />
the Auclair circuit, returned from a vacation<br />
at Banff . Ginsler, salesman at the<br />
head office of Astral Film, Toronto, visited<br />
Filmrow on business.<br />
The Amos Theatre at Amos, Quebec, was<br />
opened by Maurice Magny with the French<br />
color picture, "Ramuntcko" . . . Marcel Bessette<br />
sold the National, Marieville, to Jacques<br />
Venne of St. Donat . Cardinal<br />
has sold the Canadian Theatre here to A.<br />
Grimaldi, owner of a trans-Canada circuit.<br />
Pierre Madore, Rimouski, has opened his<br />
new Cartier Theatre, replacing the Rimouskois<br />
which burned . with Sir<br />
Lawrence Olivier, will open September 20<br />
. . . His Maje.sty's will reopen September 19<br />
with a color feature of the Olympic Games,<br />
"The Glory of Sport."<br />
H. Cass, MGM manager, was a patient at<br />
the Jewish General hospital . . . Charles<br />
Chaplin, manager of United Artists in Toronto,<br />
was here on business, as was Armand<br />
Champagne, who is constructing a new theatre<br />
m Sherbrooke, Que. ... An addition to<br />
the office staff of International Film is<br />
Lorraine Ratelle, steiiographer . . . Phillis<br />
Hamer, cashier at International, is leaving<br />
and will be replaced by Renee Porlier, at<br />
present a stenographer.<br />
Arthur Bahen, manager of the new Champlain<br />
Theatre, and Mrs. Bahen are parents<br />
of a son ... A birthday gift in the form of a<br />
brown leather wallet with gold initials was<br />
presented by the staff of RKO to Johnny<br />
Bastien, booker<br />
. Goudreau, Paramount<br />
salesman, was on a business trip to<br />
Val d'Or northern Quebec gold mining center<br />
.. . Exhibitors in town: R. A. Baillargeon,<br />
St. Sauveur Theatre, St. Sauveur, Que.: D.<br />
St Jacques, Capitol, Thurso, and Maurice<br />
Simard of the Central, Ste. Julienne .<br />
Jim F. Pearson, 20th-Fox salesman, left for<br />
Gaspe peninsula on business.<br />
To Toronto House Opening<br />
CALGARY — Jack Barron of the Grand<br />
Theatre here, left to attend the official opening<br />
of the new Odeon Carlton Theatre in<br />
Toronto.<br />
Waltz' Leads Trade OTTAWA<br />
At Toronto Houses<br />
TORONTO—The de luxe houses moved into<br />
the new season with strong product but they<br />
faced plenty of competition from the Toronto<br />
fair, which was expected to attract<br />
new record attendance of at least 2,500,000.<br />
The Labor day holiday also pulled trade<br />
away from the boxoffices. In its 14th week<br />
at the Biltmore. "The Mating of Millie" still<br />
was good. "The Emperor Waltz:" topped the<br />
newcomers.<br />
(Average Is 100)<br />
Biltmore—The Mating of Millie (Col<br />
Danforth and Fairlawn—The Dud<br />
(Mono); Smart Womon (Mono)<br />
Eglinton and Tivou—Escape (20th-r.<br />
Imperial—Forever Amber (20th-Foy)<br />
- - With ludy (MGM~<br />
115<br />
Loev/'j<br />
Nortown and Vict Two Guys From Texas<br />
(WB)<br />
Shea's—The Emperor Waltz (Pi<br />
Uptown—Tap Roots (U-I), 2nd vk<br />
Cooler Weather Welcome<br />
To Vancouver Managers<br />
VANCOUVER—First run managers were<br />
more pleased with boxoffice business than a<br />
few weeks ago. A stretch of fairly cool evenings<br />
and rain sent many pleasure seekers<br />
to picture palaces instead of to outdoor<br />
places. "The Best Years of Our Lives," in<br />
its fourth week at the Vogue, was still doing<br />
capacity. "Feudin'. Fussin' and A-Fighttn'<br />
was above average at the Plaza. The Orpheum,<br />
with its first twin bill in a year, was<br />
away off with "Silver River" and "The Big<br />
Punch."<br />
Capitol Beyond Glory (Para) Average<br />
Cinema—To the Ends ol the Earth (Col); I Love<br />
Trouble (Col) Fair<br />
Orpheum—Silver River (WB); The Big<br />
Punch (WB) Moderate<br />
Porc^dise The Loves of Joanna Godden<br />
(EL); The Sign of the Ram (Col) Poor<br />
Plaza—Feudin', Fussin' and A-Fightin' (U-I);<br />
Trapped by Boston Blackie (Col) Good<br />
Strand—Deep Waters (20th-Fox) Average<br />
Vogue—The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO).<br />
'High Seas' Leads Trade<br />
At Calgary First Runs<br />
CALGARY—With the opening of another<br />
school term, downtown shoppers helped to<br />
maintain average business at the first runs.<br />
"Romance on the High Seas" at the Capitol<br />
was very good. There were no holdovers.<br />
Capitol-Romance on the High Seas (WB)....Very good<br />
Grand—Are You With It? (U-I), split with<br />
A Woman's Vengeance (U-I) and Holiday<br />
Camp (U-1) Fair<br />
Palace—Woman in While (WB), split with<br />
Arthur Takes Over (20th-Fox) Good<br />
Theatre in North Country<br />
Closed Because of Polio<br />
CALGARY—With an increase in the number<br />
of polio cases in the north country, theatres<br />
in all towns and hamlets in the Peace<br />
River area have been closed.<br />
More than 20,000 students in Edmonton,<br />
the capitol city, enjoyed an extended holiday<br />
as all schools remained closed.<br />
School openings here and in South Alberta<br />
have been normal, since the southern district<br />
has not been hit by polio.<br />
Double Chance to See 'Superman'<br />
MONCTON, N. B—Something super about<br />
the booking of "The Superman" serial by<br />
Odeon in Moncton is that this chain screens<br />
the chapters in the Capitol on Wednesday<br />
and Thursdays and the Empress on Piidays<br />
and Saturdays. The two Odeon theatres adjoin<br />
each other and use the same entrance.<br />
n pproximately 1,000 civic and police officials<br />
attended a screening in the Capitol of<br />
"Drug Addict," a National Film Board picture<br />
dealing with the narcotics traffic. The<br />
story is told that one of the addicts hired to<br />
appear in the picture was missing when he<br />
was to appear before the camera. He was<br />
found in jail under the name of the NFB<br />
"talent scout" who had secured him for the<br />
film. A stand-in was used.<br />
The Capitol at Smiths Falls is using a popular<br />
stunt in the form of lucky marquee<br />
numbers corresponding to those on advertising<br />
literature. The winners are entitled to<br />
two free tickets when their numbers appear<br />
of the alleged burglars who made<br />
a getaway in a gunfight with police after<br />
robbing the Elmdale late at night have been<br />
captured in the sister city of Hull. Officers<br />
of the two cities surrounded a house with<br />
revolvers drawn to arrest the suspects but<br />
there was no more shooting.<br />
Harry Ginsler, Ontario salesman for Astral<br />
Films, Toronto, spent several days here to<br />
check with exhibitors on new season bookings<br />
The entrance of the Mayfair in<br />
. . . south end has been torn out for the construction<br />
The Nelson<br />
of a modern front . . . and Somerset, neighborhood houses, combined<br />
for a Saturday morning cartoon show,<br />
admission for which consisted of ten coat<br />
hangers in good condition.<br />
Casey Swedlove celebrated the first birthday<br />
of the Linden, in the New Edinburgh<br />
section of the Canadian Capital, with a September<br />
anniversary month of special pictures<br />
... In the next picture for its Canada Carries<br />
On series, the National Film Board has produced<br />
a two-reeler on the Dr. Leslie Bell<br />
Singers, outstanding Canadian women's choir.<br />
The vocal numbers are relieved with comedy<br />
touches.<br />
. . .<br />
Manager Henry Marshall of the Regent<br />
took a September vacation after the return<br />
of Nick Trembley, assistant manager<br />
Manager Gordon Beavis of the Centre was a<br />
visitor at his old home in Peterborough for<br />
a reunion with relatives.<br />
Odeon Building Project<br />
Reported to Start Soon<br />
ST. JOHN—Odeon circuit reportedly has<br />
decided to end the delay in starting two theatre<br />
building projects, one in Charlottetown,<br />
P. E. I., and the other in FYedericton, N. B.<br />
A site at Charlottetown, close to the Famous<br />
Players-Spencer Capitol, was taken<br />
over several years ago and a lot at FYedericton<br />
was acquired in 1947. At Charlottetown,<br />
the Spencer chain, unopposed for 30 years,<br />
had exhibition .sewed up with the Capitol and<br />
Prince Edward and the Empire, currently<br />
under lease from the city.<br />
At Predericton, W. W. O. Fenety, who opperated<br />
the Capitol and Gaiety on his own,<br />
linked with Famous about two years ago. He<br />
had operated the Gaiety about 35 years and<br />
took over the Capitol from Spencer about 12<br />
years ago.<br />
Odeon is said to be convinced that there<br />
is an opening in both towns for new theatres<br />
despite the two and three competition.<br />
100 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
. . Ivan<br />
. . Harry<br />
. . Comedy<br />
. . Maynard<br />
n,|<br />
J''\<br />
i<br />
Kiddy Days al Fairs<br />
Tax Free in Ontario<br />
TORONTO—The Ontario government has<br />
granted a sweeping concession on collection<br />
of the new 20 per cent amusement tax for<br />
fall fairs and exhibitions. An order in council<br />
provides for the exemption of the tax on<br />
the admission charges for juveniles on the<br />
midways for designated children's days the<br />
prices reverting to the even amount for the<br />
occasion. The exemption applies to the Canadian<br />
National exhibition here and the fairs<br />
at London. Belleville. Renfrew, Lindsay,<br />
Leamington and Kingston.<br />
Theatre proprietors had asked for a similar<br />
tax exemption for Saturday morning shows<br />
including Movie club performances but their<br />
request was turned down. The theatres may<br />
make a second application for this concession.<br />
Ross McLean to Attend<br />
Edinburgh Film Festival<br />
MONTREAL—Canada is sending Commissioner<br />
Ross McLean, head of the National<br />
Film Board, to the International Film Festical<br />
which forms part of Edinburgh's International<br />
Festival of Music and Drama.<br />
Canadian films at the festival will reflect<br />
the wide range of work done by the National<br />
Film Board. "Hungry 'Winds" is a challenging<br />
report of intellectual starvation in countries<br />
scourged by Nazi occupation, "Tlie Home<br />
Town Paper" shows the relationship between<br />
the weekly newspaper and the community,<br />
and "The Feeling of Hostility" dramatizes<br />
the factors producing resentment and hostility<br />
in personal relationships.<br />
Norman McLaren, the young Scottish artist<br />
whose experimental films aroused enthusiasm<br />
at last year's festival, is to be represented<br />
by a reel of film which includes several<br />
examples of his w^ork. He made this reel<br />
without a camera, drawing and painting with<br />
a brush and pen directly on the film. The<br />
soundtrack is also drawn on the film without<br />
the use of musical instruments, microphone,<br />
or sound recording apparatus.<br />
Union Reaches Agreement<br />
With Drive-In Operators<br />
TORONTO—The projectionist union has<br />
effected an agreement with the operators of<br />
drive-ins in Ontario.<br />
One operator may be employed when the<br />
capacity of an open-air theatre is limited to<br />
500 automobiles, but for a greater number of<br />
cars two operators must be in the booth.<br />
One proprietor of a drive-in has restricted<br />
the capacity to 500 automobiles so that only<br />
one projectionist is employed, it is reported.<br />
Appoint A. H. Newman<br />
OTTAWA—Archibald H. Newman, newly<br />
appointed government film liaison officer,<br />
is expected to help encourage film production<br />
in Canada by Hollywood studios. Newman<br />
is a product of the rubber industry in the<br />
Dominion, having been a promotional representative<br />
with the Polymer synthetic rubber<br />
plant at Sarina, Ont., before his appointment<br />
to the liaison post by the department of trade.<br />
VANCOUVER<br />
T^ouK Redgrave, former Oak Bay manager al<br />
Victoria, is acting as relief manager at<br />
the Marpole. Dorothy Clark from the Rio,<br />
is looking after the Circle while Manager<br />
Jim Adams holidays. Agnes Gray is a.ssisting<br />
Al Mitchell, Hastings manager, until<br />
Odeon appoints an assistant to replace Paul<br />
Lambert, who resigned recently . . . Polack<br />
Bros, circus played seven days at the Pacific<br />
National exposition and enjoyed capacity<br />
business, requiring extra performances.<br />
VacationLsts: Fred Robson and Mai"vin<br />
Thoreau, Gaumont-Kalee: Jim Patter.son and<br />
Ted Ross, 20th-Fox; Jim Adams, Circle;<br />
Frank Marshall, Marpole: Jack Brent, Film<br />
DelivEry; Sydney 'Walker and Pat Patterson.<br />
RKO; Roy McCloud, 'Vogue; Gordon Munroe<br />
and Bette 'Wynee, Odeon district office;<br />
Frank Brown, Odeon, Abbotsford, and Elliott<br />
Brown, Odeon, 'West Vancouver.<br />
Canada's new coordinator of films working<br />
under the Department of Trade and<br />
Commerce was given his first tests in the<br />
location shooting of "Candian Pacific" scenes<br />
in Alberta and British Columbia. His efforts<br />
resulted in a 20 per cent time saving, according<br />
to Lou Rachmil, production manager,<br />
which included handling custom clearance<br />
for the "Canadian Pacific" troupe, arranging<br />
for the use of national parks, and also<br />
provided polic3 protection from the RCMP,<br />
Rachmil said.<br />
Playing: local night clubs here are the King<br />
Cole Trio at Palomar, and Spike Jones at the<br />
Cave Supper club. Both are doing capacity<br />
business even at increased tariffs, while the<br />
film palaces are having tough going even<br />
with ace bills on their screens . Allan<br />
son of Harry Allan, president of Cardinal<br />
jr.,<br />
Pictures, who has been in charge of the<br />
Cardinal British Columbia branch, has left<br />
for Montreal where he will be with the National<br />
Film board.<br />
All downtown theatres held midnight shows<br />
Sunday night prior to Labor day (6i, launching<br />
ace attractions booked to open the fall<br />
season . Ackery, manager of the<br />
Orpheum, received a four-day Hollywood trip<br />
as the escort of Margaret Brain, 17-yearold<br />
Prince Rupert lass who was crowned Miss<br />
PNE. Local papers gave the event front page<br />
space.<br />
Progress on the new downtowTi Studio Theatre<br />
being erected for Toronto interests is<br />
far behind schedule. It was supposed to be<br />
open in July, then put back to Labor day.<br />
It now looks as if it will be the end of the<br />
year before it is operating . . . A. B. Sterling,<br />
who is building a new theatre at Port<br />
THE FINEST IN<br />
Moody, B. C, had tough luck when hard-toget<br />
building supplies were stolen over a recent<br />
weekend. Lumber, etc., were hauled<br />
away in a truck.<br />
Cecil Black, who is in charge of SRO sales<br />
activities in the Vancouver. Calgary and Winnipeg<br />
territories, has returned to his Vancouver<br />
headquarters from a tour of the three<br />
prairie provinces. "Duel in the Sun" is doing<br />
big business in all key towns. Black reported<br />
. and outdoor action films<br />
are ringing the bell at boxoffices in this section.<br />
Heavy dramas, with a few exceptions,<br />
have slipped into a secondary position from<br />
the boxoffice standpoint.<br />
Joan Wiltsher, secretary to Earl Hayter.<br />
Odeon supervisor, has resigned and returned<br />
to her home in Victoria. Violet Hosford,<br />
former school teacher in Saskatchewan, succeeds<br />
her . Joiner, Famous<br />
Players supervisor, was on a two-week holiday<br />
in the Cariboo district, fishing and hunting<br />
. . . Douglas Peacock has resigned from<br />
the National Film Board to go into private<br />
business. He was well known among British<br />
Columbia exhibitors as director in charge of<br />
theatrical distribution for NFB 16mm and<br />
35mm product.<br />
The Oak Bay district of Victoria will have<br />
a second theatre, a 450-seater, which is being<br />
built by A. B. Nixon, who formerly was in<br />
the show business in Alberta and Calgary . . .<br />
Canadian's Thanksgiving will be held this<br />
year on the second Monday in October ill)<br />
. . . Formidable opposition to local theatres<br />
has been the new Digby speedway which<br />
holds automobile racing three nights weekly,<br />
playing to large crowds. It is only a fewmiles<br />
from the city limits. It now is reported<br />
that a move is under way to have dog racing<br />
in this section, which also will cut into theatre<br />
boxoffices.<br />
SUPPLIERS OF<br />
Roy MeLeod, Vogue manager. Is back on<br />
the job after a two-week holiday spent south<br />
of the border. Roy said business in general<br />
in Seattle and other spots is holding up well,<br />
but the show business is not as good as it<br />
was a year ago.<br />
Morning Shows During Fair<br />
TORONTO—To attract the many visitors<br />
here for the Canadian National exhibition.<br />
Manager Tom S. Daley of the big Imperial<br />
ran ads on "Forever Amber" which invited<br />
out-of-town people to attend a morning performance<br />
before going out to the fair. The<br />
shows were started at 9:30 a. m. each day.<br />
PROJECTION AND SOUND EQUIPMENT<br />
New equipped 'with increased space and facilities to provide better than<br />
ever repair and rebuild service for all types of Projectors, Arc Lamps and<br />
Sound Systems.<br />
Perkins Electric Company, Ltd. Perkins Electric Company, Ltd.<br />
2027 Bleury Street 277 Victoria Ave.,<br />
Montreal, Que.<br />
Toronto, Ontario<br />
Consult Us for Complete Theatre Equipment and Service.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11. 1948 101
. . Martin<br />
. . The<br />
. . The<br />
. . Mrs.<br />
TORONTO<br />
TUTrs. James R. Nairn, wife of the advertising<br />
manager of Famous Players Canadian,<br />
spoke at the women's Press day luncheon<br />
of the Canadian National exhibition. She<br />
is national secretary of the Canadian Women's<br />
Mrs. Robert Doyle has<br />
Press club . . . resigned as manager of the Hollywood, top<br />
Toronto unit of Allen's Premier Theatres<br />
The motion picture department of the<br />
Toronto Daily Star, edited by Jack Karr, was<br />
missing for several days while he covered the<br />
annual meeting of the Canadian Bar Ass'n in<br />
Montreal.<br />
Attending the opening of the Odeon here<br />
September 9 were Manager Tom Pacey of the<br />
Winnipeg Odeon and Carmen Gentile of the<br />
Odeon, North Vancouver, both of whom won<br />
trips to Toronto in the Canadian Odeon<br />
showmanship contest last season . . . Former<br />
manager of Toronto units for 20th Century<br />
Theatres, Nat Bresver, proprietor of the Oak<br />
at Brandon, Man., was a visitor on Filmrow<br />
. . . R. C. D. Main, president of the Motion<br />
Picture Theatres Ass'n of Ontario, has purchased<br />
the Roxy at Grimsby from Sam Fingold<br />
of National Theatre Services. This is<br />
Mairis' third rural theatre.<br />
More Than 200 Compete<br />
In Film Golf Tourney<br />
TORONTO—Dark horses ruled the links at<br />
the Rouge Hills Golf and Country cuub in<br />
the fifth annual motion picture championship<br />
golf tournament. More than 200 enthusiasts<br />
crowded the course.<br />
Seeded golfing stars of the industry took<br />
a rear seat as comparative newcomers walked<br />
off with the principal trophies and, for some<br />
reason there was restraint in the matter of<br />
proclaiming the scores generally.<br />
The new champion is Fred Gross, a projectionist<br />
at the neighborhood Vogue in the<br />
east end here, who shot a 73 to capture the<br />
Famous Players trophy held by Dave Rom-<br />
Manager Harry Rosenberg: of the Centre, berg of the Toronto Metro for the past year.<br />
St. Catharines, was credited with preventing Tied for second place with one point higher<br />
a panic among 500 children at a matinee were H. Wren, usher at the Bonita, another<br />
when smoke was noticed in the theatre. He local neighborhood theatre, and J. Jacobs of<br />
told the children it was a fire drill and the B&F Theatres, Ltd.<br />
house was cleared quickly. Firemen could Al Bollington, the new English organist at<br />
find no trace of flames and the kids, plus a the Odeon, Toronto, won the Canadian Film<br />
number of extras, filed back into the Centre Weekly trophy for low net in a draw after<br />
for a resumption of the show . . . Bill Stewart,<br />
former local theatre manager, is booking<br />
being tied with five other shotmakers. Tlie<br />
vaudeville acts for old home weeks and fall<br />
fairs around Ontario.<br />
runnerup was A. E. Cauley, manager of the<br />
Capitol at Peterborough.<br />
For the third straight' year a Famous Players<br />
foursome won the N. L. Nathanson trophy<br />
for team play. The 1948 winning team was<br />
captained by Jack Arthur, district manager,<br />
and the members were George Georgas of<br />
Owen Sound, Larry Bearg, western division<br />
Paul Henreid is scheduled to star in a<br />
screen version of "Jack Hammer Song" for<br />
Canadian Screen Productions. The actor also<br />
will be co-producer Simpson of<br />
.<br />
the Century, Hamilton, has been appointed manager, and Harold Wilson. In the runnerup<br />
spot was the Premier Theatres four, com-<br />
manager of the Downtown, shortly to be<br />
opened by 20th Century Theatres in Toronto. prising Martin Bloom, Raymond Allen, Gurston<br />
Allen and David Axler.<br />
Mel Jolley of the Marks, Oshawa, goes to the<br />
Hamilton Century and Bill WOliams of Sudbury<br />
will go to Oshawa. Twentieth Century nual trophy offered by Toronto lATSE Local<br />
In the B flight for low gross for the an-<br />
Theatres, headed by Nat Taylor, also has 173, another draw was necessary because three<br />
taken over the Rex in suburban Mimico. had tied for first place. F. H. Booth of Odeon<br />
Vancouver Rentals Levy<br />
Reduced to 9 Per Cent<br />
VANCOUVER—The proposed 11 per cent<br />
city tax on rentals, strongly opposed by business<br />
interests here, has been reduced to 9<br />
The reduction will mean a big sav-<br />
per cent.<br />
ing to the Odeon and Famous Players Canadian<br />
circuits, which operate 32 theatres<br />
here.<br />
Hospital Tieup for Film<br />
TORONTO—A special tieup was effected<br />
with the Ontario Hospital Ass'n for the<br />
showing of "The Case of Mrs. Conrad," a<br />
March of Time release, at the Tivoli and<br />
Eglinton, two local first run units of Famous<br />
Players Canadian Corp. The fUm was publicly<br />
endorsed by Dr. F. W. Routley, secretary<br />
of the association, and J. H. W. Bower, chairman<br />
of the board of the Blue Cross plan<br />
for hospital care. Large cooperative newspaper<br />
advertisements were used by Famous<br />
Players.<br />
called the toss for the cup against Harry<br />
Lester and T. White. In the C flight the<br />
winner was A. E. Robinette of Odeon, with<br />
Sam Fine of Bloom & Fine a close second.<br />
There were more than 70 golfing and luckynumber<br />
prizes which were presented at the<br />
big dinner by A. J. Laurie. T. S. Daley, manager<br />
of the Imperial, was tournament manager<br />
and he was highly praised for the success<br />
of the outing.<br />
Big Austrlaian Circulation<br />
For Canadian-Made Films<br />
MONTREAL—Besides extensive theatrical<br />
circulation of Canadian motion pictures in<br />
Australia, nearly a million and a quarter<br />
Australians saw Canadian film during the<br />
past fiscal year outside the theatres, according<br />
to a National Film board report from that<br />
country. In addition, there was a wide distribution<br />
of displays, photomurals, photographs,<br />
oil screens and similar visual media<br />
on Canadian subjects.<br />
The million and a quarter figure, representing<br />
an increase of nearly 81 per cent over the<br />
previous year, included more than 90 shows<br />
in an NFB theatre at the Sydney Royal<br />
Easter exhibition and Canadian film featured<br />
at the Adelaide exhibition and similar events.<br />
Capac Wins $102 Verdict<br />
VANCOUVER — The Canadian Ass'n of<br />
Publishers, Authors and Composers has won<br />
a judgement for $102 against Sam Karby of<br />
the Strand Theatre. Meadow Lake. Sask.<br />
Capac sued Karby for copyright infringement<br />
when he ignored letters from Capac warning<br />
him to take out a license.<br />
ST.<br />
JOHN<br />
fJumphrey Swingler, producer-director, left<br />
for London after having completed filming<br />
of "The Island Story." Shooting of the<br />
film required three weeks longer than the<br />
time estimated at the start. Three of the<br />
technical crew, Paddy Carey. Peter Plaskitt<br />
and George Still, remained to make a short<br />
on local fisheries.<br />
Double bills are being featured at the Regent.<br />
Summerside, P. E. I., with matiness<br />
Fridays and Saturdays, while single biUs are<br />
being run at the Capitol there . . .<br />
Hugh Parker.<br />
Ottawa Stage Society producer, proposed<br />
a revival of the legitimate theatre in Nova<br />
Scotia next summer with outdoor houses for<br />
Halifax and other cities in the province.<br />
Henry Deveau who recently reopened the<br />
Garrick Halifax for Odeon was vacationing at<br />
St. Margaret's Bay "The Fourteenth Olympiad."<br />
in Technicolor, has been booked for<br />
the Casino, Halifax, andi will open about<br />
September 15. It will be the maritime premiere<br />
of the production . . . Although the<br />
Paramount here may be opened about September<br />
15, the Paramount in Halifax may not<br />
be opened until November or December.<br />
WUliam EUiott of Halifax has organized an<br />
all-girl orchestra and will play at theatres<br />
and dance halls in Nova Scotia. Besides playing<br />
dance music, the leader and six girls wUl<br />
present floor shows Cameo at Kensington.<br />
P. E. I., now is changing its bills<br />
.<br />
three times weekly Katherine Bourque<br />
was the winner of $240 in Foto-Nite at<br />
.<br />
the Capitol. Yarmouth, a record to date . . .<br />
Manager Syd Wyman of the Community at<br />
Yarmouth, used a novel ballyhoo for a double<br />
bill showing on "Congorilla" and "Borneo."<br />
A local youth in gorilla costume and makeup<br />
was paraded through the city in a cage.<br />
Paul Muni, film star, was vactioning at<br />
Grand Bay, N. B. He was recognized by Mrs.<br />
Phyllis Mclnnis, who succeeded in getting<br />
his autograph . . . Father Murray of Codroy<br />
Pond, Newfoundland, has been showing sound<br />
films after regular Sunday services . . .<br />
Doug<br />
Borden, driving a soapbox automobile bearing<br />
the name of the Dundas Theatre, Dartmouth,<br />
won third place in a recent competition.<br />
Ivan Haley, manager, and Avard Whitman,<br />
assistant, handled the promotion.<br />
FORT WILLIAM<br />
'Business generally has been good because of<br />
a greater number of tourists in the lakehead<br />
region .<br />
new Odeon Theatre here<br />
probably will be opened about September 15.<br />
according to Don Gauld. district supervisor,<br />
while a date for the opening of the new house<br />
at Port Arthur has not yet been announced.<br />
A new marquee has been installed at the<br />
Royal, operated by Famous Players, and a<br />
new candy bar and boxoffice are nearing<br />
G. Seabrook was temporary<br />
completion . . .<br />
. . .<br />
assistant manager at the Capitol while<br />
Bea<br />
F.<br />
Tickell, manager, was vacationing<br />
Hucker of the Capitol staff was vacationing.<br />
Acquires Rights to 'Uncle Wiggily'<br />
Producer Samuel Goldwyn has acquired<br />
the screen rights to "Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut"<br />
for RKO release.<br />
102<br />
BOXOFFICE<br />
:: September 11, 1948
M<br />
!<br />
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of versatile fabrics, saran provides the ultimate in public seating upholstery.<br />
This batically different textile material resists dust, dirt, stains, abrasion<br />
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For the finest in fabric beauty and performance, it pays to rely on saran!<br />
it Be sura to visit us—Booth 249 Southern Textile Exposition, Greenville, 5. C.—Oct. 4-9.<br />
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O D E N T O N .<br />
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SARAN BY NATIONAL denoles monofilament, rattan<br />
and tape manufactured by The National Plastic<br />
Products Company from Dow's saran, and supplied<br />
to mills, weavers and other fabricators.
i<br />
A theatre operator's report<br />
on BODIFORM performance<br />
es a letter from Mr. B. Wortli Dittrich of the Stote The<br />
Endicolt, N. Y. It's typkol of many in our files. Rer<br />
ind you'll know why Americon BODIfORM Chairs are II<br />
Id's<br />
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AMERICAN<br />
orm<br />
C eV. r^„ff^f- '"'<br />
-^noico-r<br />
:&"'<br />
Patrons prefer them...<br />
*B«,i=f, 5„S; Stre.t,<br />
Syracuse,<br />
and so do theatre owners!<br />
the "^^SIm"<br />
in ^ concert<br />
:" major<br />
ago "'. "irour<br />
e-csalis-<br />
EnavcoJ^<br />
of tne 1<br />
' .v.. ^5c ^^"...tion ot<br />
""^^<br />
.call raU "l"-" •"" "'^, sevS ll^ff"roMDly «>«<br />
offered ny .. ^<br />
,ere «^*1mq1ji6 ^<br />
"at Ite^ wi— - u\ tlrially "l'"<br />
alsdOOt "_..te cUflJ-^^'<br />
faCl*!^^' --. _. «f-l<br />
,„ »v,* t"*=^ .... four '•"^t liWna»=« „BYivten ^lor. l^'f 4'rs ot «"".<br />
:olorei ..-- ^15<br />
rVTll as fairly ne"- ^^ ^^^ ^^les-a^^f" -<br />
•CiU appear - '<br />
„ yo^V^rBy'tii '""'vOuTk<br />
4<br />
Patrons like them for their easy-chair comfort and eyepleasing<br />
beauty. Theatre owners like them for their<br />
long, trouble-free service, with negligible maintenance<br />
costs. Different reasons, all leading to the same conclusion:<br />
It pays to have American BODIFORM Chairs<br />
in your theatre!<br />
°^>'t r„rtn"»"-c-/S a»uxe. oJ/-u,r in ^^^^^^^<br />
in^rnet io*^__„ f° vou ciav "_ „ore r® . r.v,„r, proi^<br />
„„*. you i^^, „s nore '*:: ,h(m the prop<br />
Ihea<br />
c^mmcanSeaiinff (oniony<br />
uOXOFFICE :; Septembei- 11, 1948
National Carbon Company, Inc.<br />
presents:<br />
CARBONARC<br />
AfMeeting of Theatre E^uipirieiit<br />
and Supply Manufacturers ... and<br />
Theatre Equipment Supply Dealers<br />
"<br />
/^ JEE "Carbon Arc Projection<br />
X^ ^ moving Technicolor— the first movie ever produced to show the<br />
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Or write for our colorful folder, "Carbon Arc Projection," which<br />
spotlights the high points of the picture and explains how to obtain<br />
35mm and I6mm prints for special showings! See address at right.<br />
NATIONAL<br />
CARBON COMPANY, INC.<br />
Room 1328, 30 East 42nd Street<br />
New York 17, N. Y.<br />
Unit of Union Carbide<br />
and Carbon Corporation<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
HERE'S HOW TO BEAT A FULL HOUSE<br />
lounge<br />
olstered in<br />
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m<br />
"There will be a short wait for all seats!" may be music to your earsbut<br />
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Choose from a wonderful varietv of jewel-bright or pastel-muted<br />
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See your supplier today. Be sure you ask for Firestone Velon<br />
for better looks and longer wear.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948<br />
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Refrigerated Kooler-aire is smart economics<br />
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same duct system channels healthful, comfortable<br />
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Available in 9 sizes ranging from 3 to 40<br />
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Refrigerated Kooler-aire is a pre-engineered<br />
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that make a balanced cooling system . . .<br />
compressor, de-humidifier conditioner, and<br />
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For cool weather heating a special coil is<br />
Cooperative engineering counsel is always<br />
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Plan to install now. This is 'year-round<br />
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The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
'<br />
THE STRONG ftfCTR/C CORPORATION<br />
ANNOUNCES<br />
A NEW,<br />
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A variety of sizes and capacities for every<br />
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"Trouper" model for night clubs to the<br />
large, versatile "Big Top" lamp for stadiums.<br />
These new spotlamps employ as a light source tho<br />
proven high intensity reflector-type lamp used universally for<br />
motion picture projection. This high intensity reflector principle<br />
results in a snow-white light in such tremendous volume<br />
as to make the presentation fairly sparkle.<br />
The use of this highly efficient light<br />
source and an ingenious two-element<br />
variable focus projection lens system results<br />
in uniform lighting efficiency and<br />
clean, sharp edges from a head spot continuously<br />
through to a full flood. Light<br />
weight construction and delicate balance<br />
permit one hand control and make for<br />
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For complete delails and prices, and<br />
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These spotlamps are equipped with a<br />
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The low power requirements reduce<br />
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THE STRONG ELECTRIC CORPORATION<br />
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Please send Iree literature on Strong spotlamps.<br />
Se* our exhibit at the TESMA<br />
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L<br />
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BOXOFFICE :: September 11. 1948
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION<br />
i<br />
Do You Know. .<br />
What 129,700 Architectural Readers Know About Formica for Theaters?<br />
In beautiful full color this Formica<br />
Theater story is being told in current<br />
issues of architectural magazines.*<br />
You'll want the latest information on<br />
how Formica can make your "show-place<br />
a go-place".<br />
Write for color reprints of this advertisement<br />
together wi,th pictorial<br />
story of Beauty Bonded Formica-"At Home<br />
With People". Formica, 4Bl6 Spring Grove<br />
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SEPTEMBER II. 1948<br />
Vol. XV No. 10<br />
o n t n I<br />
Where Lighting Is a Boxoffice Asset 10<br />
New Sources for Theatre Lighting W. R. Wilson 12<br />
TESMA Trade Show Offers Much to See<br />
and Hear Floyd Mi 14<br />
Slimline<br />
Fluorescent Lamps — New Lighting<br />
Tool With Varied Theatre Uses R. T. Dorsey 17<br />
Prestige In a Soda Fountain H. F. Reves.<br />
On Cue — A Non-Technical Discussion of<br />
Projector Soundheads<br />
Gray Barker<br />
No Letup in Drive-Ins 36<br />
Spectacular Lighting — a Big Drive-In<br />
Draw<br />
Check and Double Check That Heating<br />
Plant George F. Frantz 42<br />
How Do We Go About Using Color<br />
Scientifically? Hanns R. Teicbert 44<br />
New Ideas and Materials Help Cut<br />
Corners in Building Costs 48<br />
Meeting the Unwelcome Guest 49<br />
With Standby Power the Show Goes On 50<br />
DEPARTMENTS<br />
Lighting<br />
Refreshment Service<br />
Cine<br />
Clinic<br />
21<br />
30<br />
38<br />
.12 Air Conditioning 42<br />
21 Decorating 44<br />
-- New Equipment and<br />
Developments 52<br />
The Quiz Pot 32 Literature 62<br />
Drive-Ins 36 About People and Product 64<br />
Advertising Index 66<br />
ON THE COVER<br />
Our cover photo sJiows the attractive and unusual front of<br />
the Famous Players' new Nortoivn Theatre of Toronto. Ont. A<br />
unique feature is the marcruee and sign which tend to lead the<br />
eye by design and movement of light to the theatre lobby interior.<br />
The smart new theatre which has been a success from opening<br />
day, introduces many features unique in modern theatre designing<br />
ajid lighting. For further details, see pages 10 and 11.<br />
I HIS issue of MODERN THEATRE<br />
spotlights a subject of vital importance<br />
to every exhibitor, "Luminous Display."<br />
In today's theatre, Planned Lighting<br />
(providing illumination of correct<br />
quantity and quality where and when<br />
it is needed) plays an ever-increasing<br />
part in gaining attention and in creating<br />
atmosphere.<br />
Because profits and patronage depend<br />
so much on atmosphere — the<br />
sum total of all the things which determine<br />
the public's reaction, it deserves<br />
careful attention. Many of the<br />
things which help to influence human<br />
reactions such as the general contour<br />
of the building, structural size and<br />
shape of the lobby, auditorium, etc.,<br />
are fixed. Planned Lighting con do<br />
much to subdue the "defects" and enhance<br />
the architectural beauty of a<br />
theatre. It opens up a multitude of<br />
v/ays to attract patrons.<br />
Brilliant and novel external lighting<br />
attracts attention and creates desire. In<br />
the lobby, effective lighting accommodates<br />
traffic; it focuses attention on poster<br />
panels; refreshment service counters,<br />
helps induce more patrons to take<br />
advantage of these facilities; and at the<br />
same time imparts a feeling of interest<br />
and cheerfulness.<br />
In the auditorium, where the patron<br />
spends most of his time, and has an<br />
opportunity to form on impression,<br />
modern lighting can do much to make<br />
that impression a desirable and lasting<br />
impression.<br />
In lounges where people relax and<br />
wait for friends, proper lighting can<br />
be made to add a comfortable atmosphere.<br />
<strong>Modern</strong>izing with Planned Lighting<br />
offers exhibitors an effective way to<br />
give their houses eye-appeal and atmosphere,<br />
at comparaively small expense,<br />
and without closing while the<br />
work is in progress.<br />
It's a thoroughly tested first-aid treatment<br />
that should be applied to many<br />
ailing houses . . . NOW!<br />
FLOYD M. MUC. Managing Editor<br />
HERBERT ROUSH, Sales Manager<br />
Published 13 times yearly by Associated Publications every fourth Saturday OS a section<br />
of BOXOmCE and included in all Sectional Editions of the AP group. All editorial or<br />
general business correspondence relating to The MODERN THEATRE section should be<br />
addressed to the Publisher, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
J^^<br />
*«2?
Fig. 3. Front of the auditorium, showing novel treatment of the proscenium<br />
and side walls. At each side of the proscenium opening there is a vertical<br />
blue neon tube concealed in a trough.<br />
cent tube placed on the outside of the supports so there are<br />
no shadows.<br />
The rotunda lighting is repeated in effect, in the main<br />
lighting of the foyer ceiling, FHg. 2. A free-form lighting<br />
trough is so designed that it appears to have a different<br />
contour from every angle producing a scintillating, sophisticated<br />
atmosphere.<br />
The auditorium. Figs, 3 and 4, is illuminated entirely by<br />
indirect neon tube lighting except for sixteen flush-type<br />
fixtures in the ceiling, which are used only for cleaning or<br />
when a high-level lighting is required,<br />
Sidewall lighting consists of four fluorescent tubes on each<br />
side. These are all of soft, golden color, are recessed behind<br />
breaks in the wall at the ceiling line and have been fitted<br />
with longitudinal shields which can be revolved in order to<br />
obtain the exact amount of illumination required.<br />
Above, Fig. 4. Auditorium looking toward the rear. Ceiling consists of five<br />
transverse plaster troughs which conceal neon tubes. Below, Fig. 5. Lounge<br />
area with manager's office at the left, as viewed from the foyer. Note podded<br />
leatherette wall. Main point of interest from lighting angle is free-form<br />
ceiling coffer with floating trough.<br />
The ceiling consists of five transverse plaster troughs. Fig.<br />
4, which serve a dual purpose—concealed air supply and concealed<br />
neon tube lighting. The four rear tubes are blue and<br />
the one nearest the screen is yellow.<br />
At each side of the proscenium opening. Pig, 3. there is<br />
a vertical blue neon tube concealed in a trough. This is used<br />
in conjunction with the curtain lighting. All other curtain<br />
lighting is from the top and consists of sixty 100-watt lamps<br />
with color screens on three circuits—red. blue and amber.<br />
At the rear of the auditorium, below the projection ports<br />
there is a decorative feature consisting of a plant trough<br />
about 25 ft. long. Fig, 6, This is lighted in an unusual manner<br />
by neon tubing in multi-colors.<br />
Off the auditorium are the foyer and lounge areas. Fig. 5.<br />
The lighting here is vei-y subdued with the main point of interest<br />
being the free form ceiling coffer with a floating<br />
trough inside. This is lighted with neon tubes in white and<br />
pink. Directional signs are specially designed plastic letters<br />
with fluorescent paint on the back activated by black light.<br />
Fig. 6. Rear of the auditorium showing the aisle entrances from the<br />
foyer and the interesting use of an illuminated floral display, to camouflage<br />
the projection ports.<br />
The ladies' cosmetic room has all specially designed fixtures,<br />
the most interesting feature being the lighting at the<br />
powder bench. There are three mirrors with opal-glass inserts<br />
between the mirrors and at the ends. Behind the opal<br />
glass are recessed boxes with lamps. The lighting gives a<br />
clean cut and very attractive appearance to the room. Both<br />
men's and women's toilets are equipped with germicidal lamps.<br />
The Nortown Theatre was designed by the office of A, G,<br />
Facey, architect, and built under the supervision of Jules<br />
Wolfe, Famous Players supei'visor of theatre construction.<br />
William Falls is the resident manager.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
NEW SOURCES FOR THEATRE<br />
LIGHTING<br />
by W. R.<br />
WILSON<br />
Commercial Engineering Dept.<br />
Westingbouse Electric Corp.<br />
X HE THEATRE, of all<br />
Commercial enterprises,<br />
is among the most progressive in<br />
architecture, design and lighting. But in<br />
these days when everyone is competing for<br />
a share of the dollars which the consumer<br />
will spend for recreational purposes,<br />
it becomes more necessary than ever<br />
for the theatre operator to not only "keep<br />
up with the Joneses," but to stay a little<br />
bit ahead of them.<br />
Competition today is not between theatre<br />
and theatre, but between theatre and night<br />
baseball, between theatre and television,<br />
radio, night harness racing, and a host of<br />
other evening sporting events.<br />
One way in which the theatre operator<br />
can make his house a more pleasant place<br />
for his patrons, is by the use of light in<br />
connection with lobby decorations. Just as<br />
surely as the overture to an opera creates<br />
the mood for the action which follows, so<br />
lighting can create a mood for your patrons<br />
as they enter the theatre. It would be a<br />
wonderful thing if we could change the<br />
whole character of our theatre lobby with<br />
each change of program. For example, if a<br />
roisterous, slapstick comedy were being<br />
shown, we should give the impression of<br />
gaiety and movement in our lobby and theatre<br />
entrance decorations. This could be<br />
done by a series of wavy lines and whorls<br />
of light, and with large splashes of color<br />
a regular Coney Island atmosphere.<br />
LIGHTING IS FLEXIBLE<br />
On the other hand, if our program includes<br />
a psychiatric thriller, a more somber<br />
mood should be created with totally<br />
concealed lights and darker colors.<br />
We cannot of course change our lobby<br />
decorations with each program change, but<br />
we can create a restful and pleasant atmosphere<br />
in accordance with each particular<br />
theatre operator's ideas. Since managerial<br />
conceptions of "atmosphere" differ,<br />
there is no single prescription for creating<br />
mood or atmosphere.<br />
Lighting is perhaps the most flexible tool<br />
available to the owner and architect. Almost<br />
any effect can be achieved by the<br />
judicious use of lighting. Light for advertising<br />
and for attracting potential patrons,<br />
light for seeing, light for safety, light for<br />
decorative purposes—all are readily available<br />
for your use.<br />
FLUORESCENTS IN NEW FORMS<br />
Besides the regular line of incandescent<br />
filament lamps, new longer-lived fluorescent<br />
lamps in many new forms and wattages<br />
can be utilized in an economical manner<br />
to add new beauty and charm to the-<br />
atre interiors.<br />
Among these newer lamp types is included<br />
the 18-watt Circlarc fluorescent<br />
The Circlarc is in the form of a<br />
Fig i ) .<br />
half-circle and two of them may be joined<br />
in simple sockets to form a perfect 13 inch<br />
circle. Or, they may be joined end to end<br />
to form wavy lines of light for decorative<br />
purposes. Circlarcs, which utilize quite inexpensive,<br />
simple choke ballasts may be<br />
used at several places, from the outside<br />
marquee. Fig. 2, on through the lobby and<br />
foyer. In powder rooms, a unique touch can<br />
be achieved by mounting them behind a<br />
circular mirror with a simple trough to direct<br />
the light onto the user's face. Fig. 3.<br />
Fig. 3. A unique method of lighting patron's<br />
face before a mirror. Light from the circular<br />
source leaves mirror in darkness, providing a<br />
startling<br />
effect.<br />
Since no light falls on the mirror itself<br />
and all the light is on the patron's face,<br />
the effect is both startling and pleasing.<br />
A further advantage of the half-circle<br />
shape is that the lamps may be placed<br />
around a pole or beam, which is not possible<br />
with the older Circline type lamp.<br />
Fig. 1. Here's the newest addition to the fluorescent lamp family, the<br />
18-watt Circlarc lamp in a half-circle shape. Two lamps may be joined<br />
to form a circle, or they may be joined end to end to form wavy lines.<br />
Fig. 2. Circlarc lamps in half-circle shape provide an economical means<br />
of securing unusual marquee lighting. These lamps, which utilize quite<br />
inexpensive choke ballasts, find numerous uses in the lobby and foyer.
suntan<br />
Another new lamp is a onc-watl fluorescent<br />
glow Nite Lite. This little fellow,<br />
which has an average useful life of<br />
3,000 hours, can be used to illuminate corners<br />
of dark stairways, and with a simple<br />
shield, they can be utilized to mark the<br />
aisle seats at the end of each row. The<br />
one-watt fluorescent glow Nite Lite requires<br />
no ballast, starter, or other auxiliary<br />
equipment, and operates on either AC or<br />
DC at 105 to 125 volts.<br />
Slimline fluorescents are still another new<br />
and most useful type. Slimlines are long,<br />
Blender fluorescent tubes and are available<br />
in four lengths, ranging from 42-in. to 96-<br />
in. long. They will provide a line of fluorescent<br />
lighting which can be adapted to<br />
streamlined architecural designs, or they<br />
may be used in coves where they will supply<br />
long lines of continuous light of low<br />
brightness without any scalloping shadows.<br />
FIRST IMPRESSION<br />
It is at the ticket window that the patron<br />
receives his first impression of what<br />
your theatre is like on the inside just off<br />
the sidewalk, and learns from your posters<br />
of coming attractions. Special lighting must<br />
be applied at the ticket window, both for<br />
the cashiers and for the patrons because<br />
of the necessity of seeing and counting<br />
money. Here the Circlarc lamp lends itself<br />
to a new installation. Pig. 4, throwing<br />
light directly on the area where money and<br />
tickets are exchanged. The accompanying<br />
sketch will show how this light may be<br />
applied.<br />
The lighting for posters should be considerably<br />
brighter than the general over-<br />
Fig. 6. For lighting lobby mirrors, the Circlarc<br />
may be used in a simple fixture The new<br />
shape lends itseli to a variety of novel effects.<br />
all illumination in order to attract people<br />
to them, .so that they may read quickly<br />
and easily. Fluorescent lamps are perfect<br />
for poster frames, and the new poster<br />
sheets which utilize fluorescent inks may<br />
be brilliantly and colorfully illuminated by<br />
means of ultraviolet light, usually called<br />
"black light."<br />
LOBBY<br />
LIGHTING<br />
Lighting in the lobby is no longer just a<br />
means of making it possible for people to<br />
see. It is also a means of creating beauty,<br />
charm and atmosphere. It is in the lobby<br />
and foyer areas, that patrons are most conscious<br />
of the attractiveness of their surroundings,<br />
due to higher levels of light.<br />
Nearly all interior lighting in lobby areas<br />
in theatres today, is indirect or semi-indirect,<br />
and is supplemented by purely decorative<br />
lighting. Of course, almost all the<br />
lighting in the theatre is essentially decorative,<br />
but the most decorative of all per-<br />
Fig. 5. A simple method of lighting a medallion<br />
of translucent material. Two Circlarcs mounted<br />
back of the panel add a clever touch to lobby.<br />
haps, is the lighting employed to illuminate<br />
medallions and other devices on walls<br />
and ceilings. Figs. 5 and 6. or to add color,<br />
beauty and life to special decorations without<br />
regard to lights supplied for seeing<br />
purposes. Here, again, it is that the new<br />
Circlarc lamp can be used to great advantage.<br />
FUTURE TRENDS<br />
What are future trends in theatre interior<br />
lighting? There will undoubtedly be<br />
increased use of luminous elements, not<br />
merely for lighting but as a part of architectural<br />
and decorative schemes. There<br />
will be an increased use of color and colored<br />
lights in theatres, as our general knowledge<br />
of the proper uses of color is increased.<br />
From a health standpoint also, it may be<br />
possible for future theatre patrons to acquire<br />
a gentle suntan while enjoying their<br />
favorite movie. Ultraviolet in the erythe-<br />
Fig. 4. Outlining the ticket aperture, the Circlarc<br />
lamp puts light where it's needed, and<br />
not in the eyes of the cashier or the patron.<br />
mal<br />
< > band will be applied in a very<br />
unobtrusive manner and new type sunlamps<br />
may be installed over mirrors in powder<br />
rooms.<br />
BLACK LIGHT<br />
One of the most intriguing methods of<br />
achieving decorative distinction, and one<br />
which is also a most subtle means of directing<br />
traffic, has not had the acceptance<br />
in theatre interiors which it deserves. This<br />
unusual combination of lighting and color<br />
involves the use of completely safe ultraviolet<br />
"black light." From concealed blacklight<br />
lamps beautiful murals can be made<br />
to glow with unsurpassed brilliance of<br />
color. Strips of carpet with woven designs<br />
colored with fluorescent dyes may be made<br />
to become beautifully lucent under the<br />
ultraviolet of blacklight. These fluorescent<br />
carpet strips are frequently used in<br />
theatre aisles, but a strip which can be<br />
unrolled and laid over the regular carpet,<br />
may be used to guide patrons from the<br />
lobby to a particular aisle. No carpet ever<br />
unrolled for the feet of royalty can equal<br />
the almost magical radiance of blacklight.<br />
In this article we have discussed primarily,<br />
the usage of the newer light sources.<br />
The accompanying sketches may suggest<br />
some methods of applying them. If you<br />
have a problem in making your theatre<br />
more attractive, pleasant and comfortable,<br />
why not call on your local public utility<br />
for help? Practically every electric utility<br />
company maintains a staff of competent,<br />
trained lighting specialists. You will be<br />
surprised at the amazing unbiased nature<br />
of the help which you will be given.<br />
: SECTIC<br />
BOXOFTICE :: September 11, 1948 13
. . everything<br />
TESMA TRADE SHOW OFFERS<br />
MUCH TO SEE AND HEAR<br />
by<br />
FLOYD MIX<br />
At will soon be show time again!<br />
Manufacturers, supply dealers, theatre owners,<br />
managers, purchasing agents, architects,<br />
builders, projection and maintenance<br />
engineers are planning to attend the big<br />
Theatre Equipment & Supply Manufacturers'<br />
Ass'n Show at the Jefferson Hotel,<br />
St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 28-30.<br />
The show this year will be of particular<br />
interest to theatre owners. There will be<br />
displays of all that is new in drive-in<br />
equipment, theatre television, refreshment<br />
service equipment, in addition to equipment<br />
and supplies for the standard type<br />
of theatre . required frcm the<br />
street to the screen.<br />
The TESMA Show is<br />
important, net only<br />
because it provides a common assembly<br />
9:00 A M.<br />
1:00 P. M.<br />
9:00 A. M.<br />
10:00 A. M.<br />
12:30 P. M.<br />
2:00 P. M.<br />
7:00 P. M.<br />
9:00 A.
Booth<br />
Firms<br />
No.<br />
Ace Electric Mfg. Co - 51<br />
Adler Silhouette Letter Co 75-76<br />
Ashcrolt Mig. Co 69<br />
Autocrat, Inc. * 2<br />
Automatic Devices, Inc. 38<br />
Auto-Vend, Inc 11<br />
Bolder Electric Co 66<br />
Ballantyne Co 70-71<br />
Bausch & Lomt Optical Co 3<br />
Brenkert Light Projection Co 49<br />
Columet Coach Co. , 15<br />
Century Projector Co. 45<br />
Champion Moulding Mig. Co 44<br />
Coinometer Corp 53<br />
C. Cretors & Co., Inc 79<br />
Da-Lite Screen Co., Inc 29<br />
Dozions, Inc. 35<br />
Fi<br />
DeVry Corp.<br />
-In Theatre Mig. Co<br />
Elizabeth Iron Works<br />
Jay Emanuel Publications<br />
Essannay Electric Mig. Co<br />
Forest Electronic Corp.<br />
Forest Mig. Co<br />
General Register Corp.<br />
Globe Ticket Co<br />
GoldE Mig. Co<br />
Gordos Corp.<br />
Griggs Equipment Co.<br />
Heywood-Wakefield Co.<br />
Ideal Industries, Inc.<br />
Ideal Seating Co<br />
International Seat Corp.<br />
Irwin Seoting Co<br />
Kneisle<br />
Knoxville Scenic Studios<br />
EoUmorgen Optical Corp.<br />
Krispy Kist Kom Machine Co<br />
Kroehler Mig. Co.<br />
LaVezzi Machine Works<br />
Lawrence Metal Products. In(<br />
Thos. L. Leedom Co.<br />
Manley, Inc.<br />
Mohavrk Carpet Mills<br />
Motiograph, Inc.<br />
Motion Picture Machine Co.<br />
Murch Electric Corp<br />
National Super Service Co.<br />
Neumade Products Corp.<br />
Poblocki 4 Sons -<br />
Pronto Pop Corn Sales. Inc.<br />
Beotb<br />
Firms<br />
No.<br />
Radiant Lamp Corp. 63<br />
Radiant Mig. Co. 46<br />
Radio Corp. of America 49-50<br />
Raytone Screen Co. 9<br />
Robin Inc. 52<br />
Star Mig. Co. 23<br />
Strong Electric Corp. - 54<br />
Superior Electric Co 19-20-21<br />
Theatrecrait Mig. Corp 80<br />
Theatre Specialties. Inc. - 55-56<br />
Tol-Pak Co 22<br />
Typhoon Air Conditioning Corp 77-78<br />
Universal Corp - 81<br />
Vallen. Inc 57<br />
Wagner Sign Service, Inc. 47-48<br />
Wenzel Projector Co. 1<br />
Edward H. Wolk Co. 32<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11. 1948<br />
15
. STREET,<br />
air conditioned<br />
theatres that have<br />
JNENOSrATS<br />
II<br />
raftlels<br />
comfDrt<br />
here's why:<br />
P''") air o?'"*"'"".-;<br />
ic;<br />
;.>»PO»ATION OF AMERICA<br />
NEW YORK 16, N. T.<br />
idjtioning system is better than its air distribution'
SLIMLINE<br />
FLUORESCENT<br />
LAM PS- A New Lighting Tool With Varied Theatre Uses<br />
by R. T. DORSEY<br />
Lamp Department,<br />
General Electric Co.<br />
X HEATRE OPERATORS loiow Well the powcr<br />
of lighting to get attention, to create an<br />
appropriate, distinctive appearance and<br />
mood, and in many other ways to help "sell<br />
the show." They know, too, that integrating<br />
light and architecture to perform specific<br />
functions is more effective than putting<br />
in a few scattered fixtures which may<br />
become obtrusive and cause discomfort.<br />
Today the lighting industry can serve the<br />
theatre operator better than ever before<br />
with new light sources, new equipment,<br />
more complete design data, and competent<br />
lighting engineers.<br />
SLIMLINE
NEW METHOD FOR ILLUMINATING<br />
LUMINESCENT MURALS<br />
Fig. 6. A combination of incandescent lamps<br />
and slimline give attraction panels greater attention<br />
value when incandescent lamps are<br />
flashed or dimmed for color and brightness<br />
changes.<br />
important area such as the candy counter.<br />
It might well be used also as a continuous<br />
element from the marquee through to the<br />
foyer.<br />
In decorative units slimlines operated<br />
at high brightness improve the<br />
effectiveness of edge lighted glass or plastic,<br />
and by virtues of the smaller diameter<br />
make possible lighter-appearing, less bulky<br />
designs.<br />
(A particularly useful lamp for creating<br />
distinctive luminaires is the Circline.<br />
Twelve inches in diameter, it offers innumerable<br />
combinations with slimline<br />
lamps. It also serves to light rhedallions,<br />
signs and other decorative elements, and<br />
can be used around spotlights to reduce<br />
contrast with the ceiling. These uses are<br />
in addition to applications in floor and<br />
table portable lamps.<br />
SLIMLINES ARE A "NATURAL"<br />
Slimline lamps are a "natural" for marquees<br />
and other lighted panels. Their high<br />
efficiency and light output, and their easy<br />
replacement are big advantages. Through<br />
choice of three currents and light outputs,<br />
the same basic design may be used in<br />
downtown districts where 300 milliamperes<br />
can help to meet high competition and in<br />
suburban areas where 200 or 100 milliamperes<br />
may be sufficient for a small<br />
house. Slimline and incandescent lamps<br />
may be combined iFig. 6) for brightness<br />
and color changes to create additional attention<br />
value.<br />
Many other light sources are available<br />
to aid you in "selling the show." For<br />
example, spotlighting of poster panels, features<br />
and decorations; down-lighting under<br />
the marquee, in the foyer and auditorium;<br />
border lighting for the curtain are but<br />
a few of the jobs the PAR-38 and R-40<br />
spot and flood lamps can do effectively<br />
and simply. These lamps have a reflector<br />
sealed inside the accurately formed bulb<br />
so it will never tarnish.<br />
Decorating auditoriums with fluorescent<br />
paints and illuminating these murals with<br />
ultra-violet blacklight, is finding ever increasing<br />
applications in motion picture<br />
houses. The softly glowing luminiscent<br />
colors lend beauty to the decorations, and<br />
combined with the low level illumination<br />
create a pleasing and restful atmosphere.<br />
While various improvements have been<br />
made in fluorescent colors, the illumination<br />
technique left much to be desired.<br />
There was a need for U.V. lighting equipment<br />
which is simple in installation, satisfactory<br />
in operation and economical in<br />
maintenance. The ultra-violet blacklight<br />
units used in the past, did not fulfill these<br />
requirements. They consisted of high intensity<br />
mercury bulbs operating from<br />
rather heavy transformers, which made<br />
their installation cumbersome, and the<br />
high percentage of lamp failures considerably<br />
increased the cost of maintenance.<br />
Very satisfactory lighting units have been<br />
presented in the fluorescent type ultra-blue<br />
lamps. The light source of these units is<br />
a special fluorescent tube, which differs<br />
from the ordinary fluorescent tube, in that<br />
the radiation obtained is very high in ultraviolet.<br />
This special U.V. tube also emits<br />
some visible wliite light, therefore the clear<br />
U.V. tube is placed in a channel housing<br />
equipped on one side with a removable<br />
blue U.V. filter glass, which eliminates<br />
most of the visible white light.<br />
The channel housing contains a reflector,<br />
also the auxiliary for operating the<br />
tube, and the ultra-blue lamp is completely<br />
wired, ready for installation. The tubes<br />
have a life of over 1,000 hours, and burned<br />
out tubes can easily be replaced.<br />
There also are available U.V. black tubes,<br />
which consist of the clear U.V. tube, over<br />
which a tubular purple U.V. glass filter<br />
is sealed. Black tube can be used advantageously<br />
where fluorescent fixtures already<br />
are installed, but on new installations<br />
the ultra blue lamps are preferable.<br />
Mention should be made here of the<br />
various attempts to do away with the U.V.<br />
filter glass, by coating the clear tube with<br />
a deep colored plastic. This has proven<br />
unsatisfactory because, due to its organic<br />
nature, the coloring gradually fades out,<br />
ultimately leaving a clear tube behind.<br />
Standard ultra-blue lamps are available<br />
in 15-watt and 30-watt sizes. They operate<br />
on 110-120-volt. 60-cycle alternating current,<br />
but DC lamps also can be made. The<br />
lamps are concealed in troughs built beneath<br />
the murals. If the mural is less<br />
than 6 ft. high, bottom illumination is<br />
sufficient. For higher murals top and bottom<br />
illumination is recommended, or the<br />
lamps are placed in suitable coves.<br />
Above. Mural in lounge of the State Theatre, Jersey City, N. J., pointed with Stroblite fluorescent<br />
colors by Rau Studios and illuminated by Stroblite ultra-blue lamps. Below. Same mural photographed<br />
in white light. Architect, John Eberson. Photos courtesy of Stroblite Co.<br />
18
. . Ballantyne<br />
VISIT BOOTHS 70 AND 71 AT THE TESMA NATIONAL TRADE SHOW AND SEE<br />
/<br />
SOUND AND<br />
PROJECTION<br />
EQUIPMENT<br />
h<br />
Again . engineering, research, and<br />
experience leads in the development of new, improved<br />
theatre sound and projection equipment.<br />
Among the additions to the famous Royal Soundmaster<br />
line are the new Lightmaster High Intensity<br />
Arc Lamps, Model 8 streamlined Soundheads,<br />
Model "R" Projectors, Model 1800 streamlined<br />
Projection Bases, "Hi-Tilt" Bases for drive-in<br />
theatres, and all-new Two-Way Horn Systems and<br />
Complete Sound Systems. Royal Soundmaster<br />
now offers equipment to meet every need of good<br />
sound and projection . . . yet costs less than any<br />
comparable equipment.<br />
NEW FEATURES—The most advanced principles of<br />
projection and sound reproduction have been incorporated<br />
providing nevi' features . . . exclusive features that<br />
mean better sound and better projection for every<br />
theatre.<br />
NEW QUALITY— Both in workmanship and in reproduction<br />
Royal Soundmaster equipment has reached a<br />
new high in quality. <strong>Modern</strong> machinery in modern factories,<br />
and the use of advanced engineering techniques<br />
have combined to give Royal Soundmaster an enviable<br />
reputation for outstanding quality.<br />
NEW DESIGN — <strong>Modern</strong> designing provides unrivaled<br />
beauty, simplicity, and convenience in operation. In<br />
beauty, quality, workmanship, and performance Royal<br />
Soundmaster is outstanding. Before you buy, see and<br />
compare Royal Soundmaster.<br />
. , . AHD<br />
STILL LOW IN COST!<br />
THE BALLANTYNE<br />
COMPANY<br />
1707-11 Davenport St.<br />
Omoho, Nebroska, U. S. A.<br />
Coble Address "Baler'<br />
'ith the T£SMA<br />
of all Bolla ityne Deale<br />
the Unite<br />
Canda.<br />
Export Office<br />
K, STREUBER & LoCHICOTTE<br />
1819 Broodwoy, New York, U.S.A.<br />
Coble Address "KASTREUBER"<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 19
i<br />
FOR THEATRE SEATING THAT INCREASES PATRON ATTENDANCE!<br />
Buy the new<br />
INTERHATIONAL<br />
W}<br />
model 1000<br />
kv^^^<br />
J^(^^<br />
e*" lV*** !**<br />
cCOMFORT CUSHION" is an INTERNATIONAL<br />
CHAIR exclusive. Wide arch-type of band spring<br />
with more resiliency than any other spring<br />
construaion. It lasts longer. It's equipped<br />
with the finest grade of padding and a<br />
"wire-on" cover. Here's a comfortable cushion<br />
seat that your patrons will long remember.<br />
SEE THE NEW INTERNATIONAL CHAIR AT YOUR<br />
INDEPENDENT RCA THEATRE SUPPLY DEALER'S<br />
v-^<br />
Visit the RCA Bool<br />
—49 and 50<br />
TESMA Trade Show<br />
St. Louis, Sept. 28-30<br />
i'fc<br />
THEATRE EQUIPMENT<br />
RADIO CORRORATIOM of AMERICA<br />
EMGIMEEttlMG PRODUCTS DEPARTMENT. CAMDEN. N.J.<br />
In Canada: RCA VICTOR Company Limited, Montreal
.MeMM^<br />
ADDED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROGRESSIVE EXHIBITORS<br />
PRESTIGE IN<br />
A SODA FOUNTAIN<br />
Detroit Exhibitor Finds It a Source of Goodwill and Profits<br />
by HAVILAND F. REVES<br />
MoLost exhibitors today have a candy<br />
concession, either operated directly by the<br />
house or by some outside organization or<br />
individual concessioner, which is normally<br />
a very profitable part cf the operation.<br />
Extending this idea a little further, the<br />
natural next step would seem to be the installation<br />
of a soda fountain right in the<br />
theatre for patrons only—just as the candy<br />
department is usually operated.<br />
There have been a few moves in this<br />
direction in theatre design, but most exhibitors<br />
have stayed away from the idea<br />
because cf the complications that would<br />
be added to theatre management. Perhaps<br />
the most familiar idea, tried out in<br />
some older type theatres incidentally, was<br />
a lobby or foyer section with fountain seats,<br />
accessible to theatre patrons, while another<br />
part of the fountain was open to the general<br />
public. Some type of barrier was<br />
usually necessary to keep the latter from<br />
entering surreptitiously into the theatre.<br />
This type of layout is actually merely an<br />
adaptation of the familiar soda fountain<br />
or earlier "ice cream parlor" found near<br />
almost every theatre, so that patrons had<br />
a chance to come out from the show to the<br />
fountain, and then return. A type of passout<br />
system has also been adopted in cooperation<br />
with the fountain operator in<br />
some instances—a system developed to a<br />
much greater extent by legitimate theatre,<br />
sports, and stadium operators than<br />
by motion picture exhibitors. Where conditions<br />
are suitable, such a system offers<br />
an opportunity to give an added service to<br />
patrons that can be worked into standard<br />
operation without much difficulty.<br />
however, a Detroit suburban theatre has<br />
served as an excellent testing laboratory<br />
for the idea for the past seven years.<br />
The Carmen Theatre in Dearborn. Mich..<br />
was opened June 27. 1941. by Philip Gorelick<br />
and his son Oscar, the latter of whom<br />
is active manager of the house. It is a<br />
1,500-seat typical modern neighborhood<br />
theatre, attractive, spacious, architecturally<br />
interesting, and carefully managed for<br />
a clientele in an upper working class neighborhood.<br />
While it is on a main highway,<br />
it is half a mile from the main shopping<br />
center, where another theatre—on the same<br />
street—is located, so that it primarily is<br />
a neighborhood type house.<br />
The soda fountain is located in marked<br />
isolation on the second floor, reached by<br />
crossing the lobby from the entrance and<br />
ascending a very wide, handsomely carpeted<br />
and trimmed stairway of the type<br />
one would expect to lead to a de luxe house<br />
balcony. It winds in three or four breaks<br />
in the grand staircase manner around two<br />
sides of the balcony, to the restrooms. and<br />
to a sizable open space, then to a circular<br />
foyer about 25 ft. in diameter w'here the<br />
fountain is located. dowTi three steps from<br />
the balcony level. It should be noted that<br />
there are no spectator seats in this balcony,<br />
which houses only the restrooms. fountain,<br />
and service departments.<br />
This circular design is the outstanding<br />
architectural feature of the building. Lx)-<br />
cated on the corner, it has a circular-type<br />
marquee surmounted by this huge castlelike<br />
alcove housing the fountain. The ceiling<br />
is about 30 ft. high from the balcony<br />
Soda fountain at the Carmen Theatre, Detroit, Mich. About /5'^r ol theatre patrons visit the<br />
fountain, which gives the house a distinctive individuality, both for the unusual design and<br />
the unique service.<br />
The idea of installing a fountain right<br />
in the theatre to serve patrons only is a<br />
more radical departure, however. A year<br />
or so ago. when a new theatre in the west<br />
was opened with this feature, it was hailed<br />
as a brand new development. Actually,<br />
BOXOFFICE September 11. 1948
The<br />
f<br />
hiv<br />
floor level, and is emphasized by ten narrow<br />
windows running practically the entire<br />
height, each giving a different outlook<br />
because of the curved wall. This curved<br />
design, incidentally, resembles and was<br />
probably suggested by the famed Ford<br />
Motor Co. Rotunda Bldg., located a mile<br />
and a half down the street.<br />
The fountain itself, about 15 ft. in diameter,<br />
in the center of the alcove foyer,<br />
has 25 stools for patrons, in maroon<br />
leather, trimmed with chrome. The serving<br />
counter is covered in a mottled maroon<br />
linoleum-type surface; the lower part is in<br />
alternate maroon and cream colored marble.<br />
Chrome fixtures are used throughout,<br />
with some black trim. The floor is covered<br />
with a multi-colored carpet repeating<br />
the general lobby pattern.<br />
OPERATED YEAR ROUND<br />
The fountain is operated by the theatre<br />
management, and treated as an integral<br />
part of the house operation. That fact is<br />
important in evaluating the interior soda<br />
fountain, because it has become apparent<br />
that the outstanding value of such a department<br />
is its prestige and advertising<br />
value t3 the house.<br />
It is operated the year around, except<br />
around the Christmas season when it is<br />
closed on weekdays for a few wesks, being<br />
open only on weekends. An important<br />
lesson learned from operation is that the<br />
fountain should be kept open as much as<br />
possible, regardless of business conditions,<br />
for the sake of public convenience and<br />
the attendant publicity value. Hours of<br />
operation are the same as for the theatre,<br />
except that the fountain closes about an<br />
h:ur earlier. In that way. the necessary<br />
cleanup work can be performed during theatre<br />
hours, and there is no extra problem<br />
created by customers who like to linger<br />
over their sodas after the house is ready to<br />
c'.ose. Demand for fountain service is actually<br />
vei-y light during the last hour, experience<br />
has shown.<br />
STANDARD MENU<br />
The menu is a standard cne—sodas, sundaes,<br />
plain ice cream, carbonated drinks,<br />
"malted" and milk shakes, root beer, and<br />
phosphates. Prices are at the same level<br />
as the average soda fountain in the area<br />
no attempt is made to charge extra because<br />
it is an internal concession, nor to charge<br />
less to get extra business.<br />
Purchasing for the fountain is not a difficult<br />
problem—standard brands cf products<br />
are used, and the regular suppliers<br />
make deliveries daily or as required, the<br />
same as to any confectionery or drug store.<br />
With the janitor around the house during<br />
the day, delivei-y is no problem even though<br />
the theatre is technically closed. Deliverymen,<br />
who make a commission on their<br />
routes, are usually ready to give the extra<br />
service required in taking the cases upstairs<br />
to the fountain.<br />
This department is operated as a soda<br />
fountain and not a food counter, strictly.<br />
No sandwiches, no coffee or hot drinks, no<br />
fancy sundaes are served. Even the favorite<br />
banana split has been discontinued<br />
—because of the high price of bananas.<br />
In this way, numerous extra problems are<br />
minimized and operation simplified.<br />
A very important rule is that all drinks<br />
must be consumed right at the bar—patrons<br />
are not allowed to take anything from<br />
the fountain into the theatre or the lobby.<br />
The stairway is an important factor in discouraging<br />
people from carrying anything<br />
downstairs to the house level. All soft<br />
drinks are served in cups or glasses—none<br />
in bottles, to further discourage any such<br />
tendency. The important effect upon neatness<br />
of the house maintenance is obvious.<br />
A total of 4 to 6 girls, depending upon<br />
the amount of business being done, is employed<br />
by the house to run the candy concession,<br />
located at the foot of the stairway<br />
in the lobby, and the soda fountain together.<br />
The girls are shifted between the<br />
two departments as the nightly flow of<br />
business dictates. If the fountain has a<br />
slack period, one or two girls may be<br />
brought downstairs to help out where the<br />
traffic is greatest.<br />
About 15% of theatre patrons go up-<br />
Blevins Popcorn Available<br />
In 50-Pound Bags<br />
Here's Miss Betty Ann Blevins holding<br />
one of the new Blevins 50-lb. bags of popcorn.<br />
According to a company announcement,<br />
this size bag has been brought out<br />
in response to numerous requests from<br />
concession operators. The 50-lb. bags are<br />
available from their Nashville, Tenn. and<br />
Atlanta branch offices now and other<br />
warehouses will be stocked soon.<br />
stairs to the fountain, it is estimated. (No<br />
exact bookkeeping has been kept upon the<br />
fountain as a separate operation, since it<br />
is treated as a general part of the house<br />
I<br />
business. average check during the<br />
war was found to be about ten cents, and<br />
this is still believed to be apprcximately<br />
the average. While sodas cost 22 cents<br />
recently advanced from 20 cents—the more<br />
popular drinks, carbonated types and root<br />
beers, cost only a nickel and bring the<br />
average unit of sale down to a dime.<br />
Peak business comes at the break of the<br />
show—and this 25-seat fountain has been<br />
found about adequate to handle the average<br />
crowd in this 1,500-seat house. The<br />
crowds can be averaged out, and theatregoers<br />
themselves get the idea of "staggering"<br />
their patronage of the fountain so<br />
that they will not be caught in the crowd<br />
if<br />
they are in a hurry.<br />
ADVERTISED BY TRAILER<br />
The fountain is advertised internally<br />
by a trailer mentioning it, run at most<br />
shows, but occasionally taken off the screen<br />
to avoid monotony, and by lobby signs directing<br />
patrons to the fountain. It is not<br />
mentioned in regular theatre advertising,<br />
in newspapers, heralds, or in other advertising<br />
in which the theatre participates.<br />
An important advantage of the balcony<br />
location is that the fountain is quietly at<br />
one side where only those who definitely<br />
want to patronize it are likely to go—there<br />
is no casual loitering problem to face, such<br />
as met by the average neighborhood fountain<br />
today. Patrons are there chiefly to<br />
see the show, and come to the fountain<br />
only secondarily. The upstairs location is<br />
a slight disadvantage, because of the necessity<br />
of climbing stairs, but it assures a<br />
better quality of patronage.<br />
The final important question is. Was it<br />
worth while? To this, Oscar Gorelick answers<br />
a clear affirmative. The fountain has<br />
carried itself from a financial standpoint,<br />
being run by the exhibitor himself, ^t is believed<br />
that operation of such a fountain by<br />
an outside concessioner, whether company<br />
or individual, would not prove too profitable<br />
because of the extra overhead involved;<br />
but carried as an extra department<br />
cf house operation, it fits in very neatly<br />
and performs its function without loss.<br />
HAS PRESTIGE VALUE<br />
In conclusion, Gorelick believes the outstanding<br />
importance of the fountain is not<br />
profit—but the prestige value it gives<br />
the house. People who have ever been inside<br />
are unlikely to forget "the theatre<br />
with the soda fountain." It achieved some<br />
national recognition during the war, when<br />
it was a favorite spot with sailors at tlie<br />
nearby naval barracks, and word of the<br />
unique design was carried by word of mouth<br />
from coast to coast. It has without question<br />
given the house a distinctive individuality<br />
of character, both for the unusual<br />
design and the unique service provided patrons,<br />
which makes it memorable.<br />
jKOWli<br />
He<br />
s«<br />
In<br />
iw<br />
hi.<br />
%<br />
%1<br />
22<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
'<br />
"PAYS FOR ITSELF WHILE IT PAYS YOU"<br />
SHOWING<br />
• -•--«<br />
THE DRINCOLATOR<br />
# Counter height to fit into your candy stand.<br />
Height 42", width 26 1/2", depth 28".<br />
# Small installation cost— just plug into wall<br />
socket and connect to city water<br />
MOTION<br />
HOUSES<br />
OF ALL<br />
PICTURE<br />
Mil LOSING MONEYl<br />
Only 20' < of all Ikjuscs satisfy the public's demand<br />
for carbonated drinks such as Coca Cola and Root<br />
Beer. The 80% who don't serve carbonated drinks<br />
are losing money. This 80S claim handling bottled<br />
beverages is too much trouble. We agree. Other theatres<br />
have automatic dispensers. BUT living clerks do<br />
4 to 5 m.ore business than machines! The DRINCO-<br />
LATOR is the answer to your prayers—the way to<br />
make real money!<br />
# EVERY CHAIN THAT HAS ORDERED THH<br />
DRINCOLATOR HAS AT LEAST TRIPLED<br />
ITS ORIGINAL ORDER!<br />
# MANY CHAINS HAVE RE-ORDERED 10<br />
TIMES OVER!<br />
# DO YOU LIKE MONEY? WHAT ARE YOU<br />
WAITING FOR?<br />
"Correction, please. Approxim.icely 20 'i have already installed<br />
the Drincolator.<br />
# In seconds, the DRINCOLATOR carbonates^,<br />
refrigerates, flavors and dispenses an authentic<br />
drink of Coca Cola, Root Beer or any other<br />
two flavors desired! By simply pulling the<br />
handle, the New High Speed DRINCOLATOR can<br />
dispense 25 to 30 drinks per minute under 40 degrees.<br />
# 500 drink capacity<br />
# Takes less than a minute to refill<br />
DRINCOLATOR'S syrup tanks<br />
MAKE FROM 250% TO 500% PROFIT<br />
;;:<br />
|3f 5c per cup— for each $3.60 you spend on 2 gallons of syrup<br />
and cups, you receive $12.50. Your profit:<br />
$8.90 -approximately 250%<br />
at 10c per cup—your profit $21.40— almost 500%<br />
For full information on obtaining the Drincolator for your theaters,<br />
write to DRINCOLATOR Corporation, 342 Madison Avenue,<br />
New York 17,N.Y.<br />
drincolator
J<br />
Announce Name Change<br />
And New Models<br />
The Taylor-Hunt-Melcher Co. is the new<br />
name of the firm which manufactures Hollywood<br />
Servemaster popcorn warmers, forsupply<br />
business in Seattle until entering<br />
the partnership with Taylor.<br />
The firm also announced the introduction<br />
of advanced models. A principal feature<br />
of the new Hollywood Servemaster is<br />
a motion display in the front which uses<br />
actual popcorn to give a realistic simulation<br />
of the popping process in continuous<br />
operation.<br />
A Romance That Began<br />
At the Candy Bar<br />
"He sold her more than a candy bar"<br />
might well be the caption of this photo<br />
of Billie Warden, former refreshment bar<br />
Victor Hunt Reuben Melcher Harry Taylor<br />
merly Taylor-Hunt Popcorn Equipment Co.<br />
The change of name was announced by<br />
the three principals following the sale of a<br />
full partnership interest to Reuben Melcher,<br />
as reported in <strong>Modern</strong> Tlieatre last<br />
month. Factory and sales headquarters of<br />
the firm are in Los Angeles. Melcher is<br />
president of Poppers Supply Co., Kansas<br />
City, and a resident of that city. Harry<br />
Taylor and Victor E. Hunt, who founded<br />
the company in 1947, are both residents of<br />
Los Angeles. Taylor has been connected<br />
with motion picture distribution and audience<br />
promotion enterprises most of his<br />
life. Hunt operated his own popcorn and<br />
Inexpensive Soda Fountain<br />
Offered by Hudson<br />
A soda fountain which is only 53 '2 in.<br />
long. 66 in. high and 18 in. deep, has recently<br />
been placed on the market by the<br />
Hudson Soda Fountain & Refrigeration<br />
Co. of Ai-lington, N. J.<br />
The fountain is equipped with 4 syrup<br />
pumps, 3 syrup wells, 2 draft arms and<br />
an electric mixer for milk drinks. Construction<br />
is chrome and stainless steel<br />
throughout.<br />
The new Hudson unit is designed to use<br />
a complete line of Dixie cups for soda,<br />
sundaes and milk drinks. Cabinet dispensers<br />
for fountain Dixies are available<br />
as extra equipment and there is a waste<br />
disposal bin for used paper cups.<br />
The Auditorium Theatre of Roanoke,<br />
Ala., recently made a deal with the Grapico<br />
Sales Co., whereby a free bottle of Grapico<br />
was offered to all persons attending the<br />
theatre between 10 a. m. and noon.<br />
attendant at the Orpheum Theatre, Portland,<br />
Ore., who recently married his pretty<br />
"customer," also a theatre employe, head<br />
usherette at the Paramount. Whatever inducements<br />
Billie used to sell smiling Cora<br />
Jean Reggear the candy he holds in his<br />
hand, or whether or not she accepted the<br />
confection, she is now Mrs. Billie Warden.<br />
After a honeymoon along the beaches of the<br />
Oregon coastline, both have returned to<br />
their respective theatres, the groom having<br />
been promoted to assistant manager of the<br />
Orpheum.<br />
I<br />
IN<br />
COOPERATION<br />
YOUTH MONTH<br />
HENRY HEIDE<br />
INCORPORATED<br />
New York, N. Y.<br />
24 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION h
I<br />
ONLY ^fLLU/LUi^if DELIVERS THE<br />
"COMPLETE PACKAGE"<br />
Success is the sum total of "man/ little things<br />
Manley popcorn macliines, for a (|iiarter of a century. Iiave been the outstanding<br />
choice of profit-wise exhibitors everywhere. DependabiUty, big<br />
capacity, and sturdy construction are all important sales features in a<br />
popcorn machine, but, Manley adds another. .."EYE APPE.AL." Manley's<br />
"Eye .-Vppeal " means extra profits for the operators of Manley machines.<br />
Remember, too. Manley is not only a manufacturer .. .they are suppliers<br />
as well. From Manley youll get the finest popcorn, the type that pops out<br />
bigger, fluffier, more delicious. You'll get better Seasoning — the kind thai<br />
gives the popcorn that freshly buttered look. And don't forget the special<br />
Manley Salt and their famous candy striped Bags and Boxes... together<br />
they mean bigger profits for you, per hundred pounds of corn popped.<br />
And, now, in addition to these "profit pluses," Manley is building tremendous<br />
consumer demand for Mauleys Hi Pop Popcorn with 72.240.437<br />
individual advertising messages in national magazines during 1948 and<br />
1949. Popcorn is a national habit and you can cash in on it. but be sure<br />
to use Manley's "complete package." Mail the coupon below tor our new<br />
booklet, "How to Make Big Profits from Popcorn."<br />
1948 MANLEY INC.<br />
OINERAl orricisi<br />
192 Wyandett* Slrcat. Kpniat City •, MliMurl<br />
ME IN POPCORNI'<br />
Indionopolil, )nd.<br />
Kontai City, Mo.<br />
Los Angttlvi, Co
IT TAKES EFFECTIVE DISPLAY<br />
TO INCREASE CANDY SALES<br />
H,LuGH Campbell, manager of the Central<br />
Theatre, West Hartford, Conn., with 35<br />
years experience in the motion picture industry,<br />
passes along some helpful ideas on<br />
operating theatre candy stands successfully.<br />
Says Campbell: "You've got to keep an eye<br />
continually on more efficient display. I've<br />
found that by studying your trade you're<br />
more certain of having the most soughtafter<br />
candy bars. Now, if you have stock<br />
TheV CH'»'""ti;tt> Theatre Model<br />
OUTSTANDING FEATURES<br />
• NO BOTTLES I<br />
• QUICK SERVICE OF ANY DRINK<br />
COMBINING SYRUP AND CAR-<br />
BONATED WATER.<br />
• HIGHER PROFIT PER SALE.<br />
• EXCLUSIVE FAUCET REGU-<br />
LATES MIXTURE.<br />
• COMPACT, SPACE-SAVING,<br />
SMART APPEARANCE.<br />
• MADE OF HIGH-POLISHED<br />
STAINLESS STEEL.<br />
• ENTIRELY SANITARY.<br />
• ALL PARTS GUARANTEED.<br />
the customers don't want, you're apt to<br />
find that sales will drop. Therefore, it is<br />
to the theatreman's advantage to check<br />
continually with his candy-stand aide as<br />
well as patrons as to their preferred candy."<br />
SOFT DRINKS are<br />
the<br />
The simplified, automatic Carbonelte provides<br />
a welcome and tiigtily profitable service<br />
to theatre patrons. Your regular candy counter<br />
attendant serves cold carbonated drinks in any<br />
flavor with a flip of the handle!<br />
Carbonation, cooling and mixing are entirely<br />
automatic. Patented faucets deliver up to<br />
16 delicious 6-ounce drinks per minute.<br />
It's the fastest, most efficient, most easily<br />
maintained dispenser on the market. And the<br />
moderate cost makes Carbonette practical for<br />
theatres of any size.<br />
Please check the features to the left.<br />
SEND FOR DETAILED, FULLY<br />
ILLUSTRATED LITERATURE<br />
carbonette corporation<br />
317 penn avenue, Pittsburgh 22, pa.<br />
manufacturers of carbonated beverage dispensers<br />
Another trick of the trade Campbell has<br />
noted: "Slow-moving candy bars can be<br />
placed on the candy stand's top display<br />
frames to push sales. It's an amazing<br />
thing, but some people who would otherwise<br />
neglect such items will grab the slowmoving<br />
bars when the latter pieces are on<br />
the top shelf. They seem to feel that they're<br />
getting their money's worth—after all, top<br />
shelf means top goods!"<br />
The Central Theatre is "surrounded," so<br />
to speak, by drug stores, candy stores and<br />
soda shops. According to Campbell, no<br />
comments of "unfair competition" have<br />
been voiced by businessmen who operate<br />
these stores.<br />
Campbell offers this explanation:<br />
"There's plenty of candy trade for both<br />
the theatre and drug stores in this town."<br />
The Central is the only motion picture theatre<br />
operating at present, although other<br />
projects are under way. "Drug stores,"<br />
Campbell adds, "have countless items we<br />
don't carry."<br />
Ohio Popcorn Company<br />
Purchased by Blevins<br />
J. V. Blevins, General<br />
Manager of the<br />
Blevins Popcorn Co.,<br />
Popcorn Village, Nashville,<br />
Tenn., announces<br />
the purchase of the<br />
buildings, plant, equipment<br />
and cribs of the<br />
Ohio Popcorn Co. of<br />
Arcanum, Ohio. The<br />
plant is undergoing<br />
complete renovation<br />
Stallings and all the exclusive<br />
processing principles employed by the<br />
Blevins' Nashville plant have been installed<br />
in the Arcanum, Ohio, operation.<br />
C. A. Stallings has been appointed manager<br />
of the Ohio plant and states that the<br />
company has already moved carloads of<br />
cocoanut oil, popcorn, boxes, bags and other<br />
supplies into Arcanum and that they are<br />
ready to ship these supplies along with the<br />
corn the company processes at the new<br />
plant.<br />
Stallings was formerly an executive of<br />
the Missouri Popcorn Co. and has had<br />
wide experience in processing anu distributing<br />
popcorn and supplies.<br />
The Arcanum, Ohio plant will serve as<br />
a distribution center for the northern and<br />
eastern areas and several additional warehouses<br />
to be operated from this plant will<br />
be announced later.<br />
7U^ ;4wzi(4Me,,^<br />
ALUMINUM<br />
POPCORN<br />
SCOOPS<br />
J0S^
STAND AT DALLAS AIRER IS 'BIG BUSINESS'
'<br />
'EYE CATCHER' AT CALGARY HOUSE<br />
. . . costs less than substitutes<br />
because Seazo<br />
keeps indefinitely . . .<br />
won't go rancid in<br />
the<br />
container . . . and pops<br />
corn that stays fresh<br />
longer.<br />
• For /hose stales where<br />
colored oil is not sold<br />
-use SIMKO brand.<br />
This new candy bar, located at the Capitol Theatre, Calgary, Alto., makes a striking addition<br />
to the furnishings of the mezzanine floor. The confection display is in natural wood finish,<br />
with white metal trim and has plenty of glass mirrors. The candy sales persons shown in<br />
the photo are Grace Northcott (left), Jacqueline Wait.<br />
7^ PERFECT POPCORN SCOOP<br />
Manley Trailer to Boost<br />
Outgoing Popcorn Sales<br />
A new "minute movie" designed to boost<br />
exhibitor's popcorn sales was introduced<br />
recently by Manley, Inc., the Kansas City<br />
manufacturer of popcorn machines and<br />
wholesaler of popcorn supplies. It was the<br />
Manley company's intention that the 70-<br />
second sound trailer should increase outgoing<br />
and "take home" popcorn sales to<br />
the level of the large volume of popcorn<br />
sales made by incoming patrons. A print<br />
of the popcorn film is sent at nominal cost<br />
to requesting exhibitors. It further exemplifies<br />
the increased interest in extra profits<br />
illustrated by recent three minute popcorn<br />
intermissions where vendors hawk popcorn<br />
in the aisles. Information concerning the<br />
"minute movie" can be had by writing<br />
Manley, Inc., 1920 Wyandotte St., Kansas<br />
City, Mo.<br />
NMIONM THEMRE<br />
SUPPLY<br />
Simonin of<br />
Philadelphia<br />
SCASONING SPCCIALISJi TO IHl NA1I0N<br />
OUTDOOK<br />
REFRESHMENT ^<br />
CONCESSIONAIRES<br />
from Coast to Coasti<br />
Now Specializing<br />
in Refreshm»nt<br />
Service for<br />
over y^ Century il<br />
RIVE-IN theatres;<br />
pSPORTSERVICE, Inc. Jacobs bros.<br />
tlHURST 8tPG. BUPFALO, N. Xij<br />
IV10RE<br />
PROFITS<br />
FOR YOU/<br />
AMERICAN POP CORN CO.<br />
SIOUX CUT, IOWA<br />
28 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
vm<br />
Good lighting— a fundamental to good theatre— is<br />
probably one of your major budget items.<br />
Good lamps<br />
are fundamental to good lighting. That's why you<br />
naturally want the best lamps you can buy.<br />
Westinghouse Lamps are a quality product, subjected to<br />
486 tests and inspections from raw material to finished<br />
product. With 10,000 types and sizes to choose from,<br />
you'll find a Westinghouse Lamp designed specifically for<br />
every lighting requirement. So for every theatre lighting<br />
need, specify Westinghovise—the name you know in lamps!<br />
Send for free booklet A-4S75<br />
"Wesf/ng/iouse Lamps for Theatres"<br />
GENERAL SERVICE<br />
^stinmou<br />
PLANTS IN 25 CITIES CES EVERYWHERE<br />
•Reg. I'.S. I>al. or.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 19*8 29
UN L U t -a non-technical discussion of projector sound headf<br />
by GRAY BARKER<br />
When we unleashed these writings<br />
upon the projectionists of this land the<br />
past month, we promised to investigate the<br />
mechanical components of a motion picture<br />
projector, throwing in a word here and<br />
there about care and adjustments. The<br />
writer waxed so verbose, however, we got<br />
only a little way down the machine, making<br />
this continuation necessary.<br />
Maybe we can all identify a magazine<br />
and base, and can even explain decibels,<br />
acoustical curves and Lana Turner<br />
at the drop of Eddie Dean's sombrero,<br />
but nevertheless let's carry it a little farther<br />
this month.<br />
It seems we got past the intermittent<br />
and shutter with no compound fractures<br />
—so cast a critical eye downward to the<br />
soundhead, take a swipe at that oily spot,<br />
and peer closer,<br />
i Never mind that top reel<br />
you hear clanging. It never more than<br />
breaks the film.)<br />
THE SOUNDHEAD<br />
Although there are dozens of makes and<br />
models of soundheads that allow Johnny<br />
Mack Brown's lightning draw to be heard<br />
as well as witnessed, most of them sworn<br />
by if you start running them down in front<br />
of their operators, the majority of those<br />
now in operation are pretty doggone good<br />
ones.<br />
All consist of an exciter light source,<br />
focused to a narrow slit on the sound track,<br />
and a photo-electric cell to interpret the<br />
pulses of light in form of a weak voltage<br />
fed into the amplifier system.<br />
This P. E. cell voltage may be fed<br />
through pre-amplifiers before entering the<br />
power amplifier bank, or may not, and<br />
Sherlock Holmes would find the path of<br />
this elusive signal, in some large installations,<br />
more tortuous than the tracks of<br />
the Baskerville Hound. But let's get back<br />
to the subject.<br />
All soundheads have some kind of loop<br />
and sprocket arrangement to filter out the<br />
vibrations given the film by the intermittent<br />
and other moving parts.<br />
SOUND DRUMS<br />
It is accepted in the trade that to remove<br />
flutter most efficiently, the film must be<br />
wound around a rotary sound drum, attached<br />
to a flywheel, to impart to it an<br />
even motion as it passes the scanning point.<br />
Since the sound drum turns freely, the<br />
film giving it its motion, it is virtually isolated<br />
from other film-moving mechanisms.<br />
Because it preserves even motion through<br />
inertia, film moves around it, theoretically,<br />
at an exact and uniform speed.<br />
The first heads utilized a stationary<br />
sound drum, around which the film was<br />
Operating side of De Vry 12000 series projector<br />
showing closeup of soundhead. All soundheads<br />
consist of exciter light source, focused to a<br />
slit on sound track and photo-electric cell to<br />
interpret pulses of light.<br />
drawn. Many of these units are yet in<br />
operation, although it is obvious vibration,<br />
or flutter content, is greater than in the<br />
rotary type; for the film is merely pulled<br />
around a curved surface, where it meets<br />
surface resistance and added possibility of<br />
scratches.<br />
When these units were designated, the<br />
low range sound tracks (not exceeding 5.000<br />
cycles) made fine distinctions relatively<br />
unnecessary, especially since amplifiers<br />
and speaker systems were also in a primitive<br />
state of development. Audiences were<br />
less critical too.<br />
Surprising enough, stationary drums are<br />
still being made, with a few improvements,<br />
although it is generally accepted in 35mm<br />
circles that they went out with the dime<br />
novels.<br />
One good point, mechanically, remains<br />
evident, though: the stationary drum had<br />
no moving parts, consequently little to get<br />
out of whack. One 16mm manufacturer<br />
still retains the stationary drum, presumably<br />
because of this mechanical advantage,<br />
utilizing an effective system filtering before<br />
and after.<br />
With the rotary sound drum the flywheel<br />
must be balanced perfectly to assure the<br />
best reproduction. So particular care must<br />
be exercised when for any reason the fly<br />
wheel is removed, necessary, in many cases,<br />
to reach other projector parts. It should<br />
be replaced carefully, with correct degree<br />
of tightness and trueness.<br />
A careful listening check will reveal any<br />
mis-alignment, especially on prolonged musical<br />
notes where any variation in pitch<br />
or "wow," should be a signal to get out<br />
your pliers or your service man.<br />
You will find flywheels of diversified<br />
types, from solid metal scientifically<br />
weighted, to those filled with special fluid<br />
unaffected by temperature changes. All<br />
such flywheels should be handled like eggs,<br />
if their appearances do belie their weaknesses—<br />
for dropping one can easily throw<br />
it off balance and consequently your sound<br />
off keel.<br />
Most modern soundheads meet standard<br />
SMPE allowances for flutter content,<br />
usually reduce it to 0.25 per cent of the<br />
mean operating speed, a level below aural<br />
perception ito Joe Doakes: this means so<br />
little flutter you can't hear iti. Since<br />
soundheads usually are on the plus side of<br />
requirements in regard to flutter, the problem<br />
in purchasing new equipment resolves<br />
to what make can best be coupled to the<br />
existing projection head, requires the least<br />
maintenance, and gives the longest service.<br />
OPTICAL AND ELECTRONIC ELEMENTS<br />
The optical system of the soundhead<br />
needs little adjustment, is best handled,<br />
when such is required, by a sound engineer<br />
who knows his way around in this respect.<br />
An engineer we know was torn from the<br />
arms of Morpheus (Morpheus is the god<br />
of sleep—this series is not off-color) one<br />
night by a phone call from a drive-in theatre,<br />
asking him to come at once to fix<br />
the pre-amplifier, becoming weaker and<br />
weaker on one machine. When he arrived,<br />
replete with meters, spare condensers and<br />
what not, he found the projectionists simply<br />
had been fiddling with the sound lens<br />
and got it out of focus.<br />
So limit your optical adjustments to<br />
sanitation, a bit of lens tissue, incidentally,<br />
being one of the first things to bring out<br />
of the tool chest when the sound becomes<br />
weak.<br />
Exciter lamp types vary in voltage and<br />
amperage, but most of them in use today<br />
have prefocused bases, giving little trouble,<br />
except for becoming microphonic in<br />
rare instances, transmitting the projector<br />
vibrations into an audio voltage, and<br />
broadcasting the noise of your museum<br />
piece in gargantuan exaggeration to your<br />
irate audience. A sagging filament may<br />
cause this effect, is easily remedied by a<br />
new lamp, but if this is not the cause, it<br />
becomes a matter of checking how the vibrations<br />
are being transmitted.<br />
Photo-electric cells are varied also, but<br />
all work on a light value principle, allowing<br />
the voltage applied to them to pass<br />
through in varing degrees, dependent upon<br />
the amount of light transmitted through<br />
the film.<br />
You'll have bad exciter lamps, photoelectric<br />
cells, tubes, resistors, and so on,<br />
(Continued on page 32<br />
30 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
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I Continued from page 30)<br />
THE<br />
Qu iz<br />
POT<br />
as well as lemon prints. Just keep a nice<br />
supply of spares and learn the symptoms<br />
so you'll know just what to replace when<br />
the time comes.<br />
EXCITER SUPPLIES<br />
Most modern sound systems employ a<br />
special exciter lamp voltage of two types:<br />
D. C. supplied a small rectifier, or a high<br />
frequency current above auditory perception,<br />
the latter generated by an oscillator<br />
within the regular amplifier system. The<br />
D.C. rectifier may be installed in the base<br />
of the projector or mounted somewhere<br />
in the booth.<br />
Older systems employ a straight A.C.<br />
supply, with which the sixty cycle "hum" is<br />
audible, and obviously undesirable. With<br />
modern sound tracks, ranging from the<br />
lowest bass notes to 8,000 cycle tones, this<br />
equipment cannot provide adequate reproduction.<br />
It is easy to convert such a system to<br />
utilize a D.C. supply, which involves little<br />
more than adding a proper rectifier, and<br />
should be the subject of that next conversation<br />
with the boss, after he's made a killing<br />
on a Roy Rogers pix, if you're an unproud<br />
possessor of an A.C. supply.<br />
BUILT-IN SOUNDHEADS<br />
A discussion of soundheads would be incomplete<br />
without mention of the new builtin<br />
soundheads now on the market and in<br />
development.<br />
Such a unit is an integral part of the<br />
projector mechanism, in the same threading<br />
chamber, with no conventional coupling<br />
arrangement involved. Due to the<br />
coupling factor, it appears, without reference<br />
to any other make, the integral<br />
soundhead is a great step forward.<br />
Because silent projectors, many in excellent<br />
condition were in operation at the<br />
advent of sound, it was expensive to discard<br />
them: so soundheads were simply<br />
added below the projection mechanisms.<br />
As time went on this practice was adhered<br />
to, and basic features of neither unit needed<br />
much changing.<br />
FILL UP FIRE EXTINGUISHERS<br />
Well, the old projector still hasn't been<br />
taken care of completely, but we'll get<br />
back to it from time to time, especially<br />
after we've had time to hear how you boys<br />
are liking this series. Everyone has an<br />
opportunity to get a word in—at least<br />
edgewise.<br />
Better fill up that fire extinguisher, for<br />
next month we plan to slip into your bocth<br />
and drop a match among all that exposed<br />
film lying around. We'll be talking about<br />
booth safety, and promise to spare no<br />
punches, so give us a glance next month<br />
and don't throw too many pliers!<br />
32<br />
A CAULDRON FOR COOKING UP ANSWERS TO OTHER PEOPLES' PROBLEMS<br />
Address The MODERN THEATRE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.<br />
Conducted by GERALD BOEN<br />
Paul Beck, projectionist of the Heart<br />
Theatre. Effingham, 111., writes: "If the<br />
man in the booth is so near blind that he<br />
can't see standard cues, he shouldn't be<br />
in the booth without aid. If nothing else,<br />
use a telescope. I use one to get a sharper<br />
focus than my eyes could get on a picture.<br />
Whenever standard cues are missing, I<br />
still think my solution is the best. A<br />
twenty-five cent jar of 'opake' obtainable<br />
at any photo supply house, and a ten-cent<br />
pen and point. You put the cue where ycu<br />
want it, applying it to the non-emulsion<br />
side of the film, and remove it when you<br />
are through with it by moistening the<br />
finger and rubbing it off with one swipe."<br />
Sounds good. Paul, and thanks.<br />
J. W. TOLER<br />
Proj. J. W. Toler of the Santa Maria<br />
theatre, San Maria, Calif., has passed<br />
along some ideas, emphasizing that they<br />
are not necessarily his own but are worthy<br />
of distribution to others who may not have<br />
come across them. Mr. Toler comments:<br />
"I'm net lazy, fellows, but stooping gets<br />
me down. Picture 'A' should interest those<br />
using Universal Base Western Electric<br />
still<br />
equipment or other makes where the flywheel<br />
or turn-over knob is in a hard place<br />
to reach. By painting a line at four po-<br />
PICTURE A<br />
sitions on your upper sprockets, as in the<br />
photo, so that each mark points to the<br />
stripper plate mounting stud just as the<br />
intermittent has ceased pulling down, you<br />
can immediately determine if you have to<br />
stoop and reach for the handwheel for<br />
'turn-over' before tlireading up. You can<br />
use fingernail polish to mark the sprockets.<br />
I found that about seven out of ten<br />
times I was able to thread without any<br />
hand-wheel adjustment. Not only that, but<br />
you can determine if it is not going to<br />
stop right and use tlie foot brake on Universal<br />
bases to stop the machine at the<br />
right spot. While I now have Simplex<br />
sound heads with the turn-down knob<br />
within easy reach, I still use the marks instead<br />
of feeling the intermittent sprocket<br />
will soon find that it is possible to thread<br />
as I turn down with the hand knob. You<br />
will soon find that it is possible to thread<br />
with the movement in any position except<br />
on the actual pull-down. This is possible<br />
because the threading leader frame lines<br />
can be—and should be—placed on the<br />
sprocket in relation to the marks on it.<br />
If you practice this, it would be well to<br />
also mark the lower mechanism sprocket<br />
so that you will not have to judge these<br />
loops and take a chance on getting them<br />
wrong. While this idea is not particularly<br />
helpful with modern sound heads and front<br />
drive motors, those with older types of<br />
equipment will find that it saves a lot of<br />
stooping or reaching. Missframes in<br />
threading constitute very poor projection,<br />
and this idea serves as a reminder if you<br />
have forgotten to check on the intermittent<br />
position before threading.<br />
"You can build your own foot dowser<br />
switch using automobile starter switches,<br />
Conduit junction boxes 3 in. or 4 in. with<br />
blank covers are procured, and holes drilled<br />
in the covers to mount the auto starter<br />
switches. Cost is comparatively low. Use<br />
'2 in. Greenfields and '2 in. connectors to<br />
wire boxes to the correct dowser circuit<br />
wires. The boxes can be either fastened to<br />
the projector bases or allowed to stand on<br />
the floor beneath each observation port.<br />
Since the switches are good for 100 amps,<br />
or more, there is no need to worry about<br />
their sticking or burning up. I find them<br />
ideal for change-overs when I run both<br />
lights and curtain."<br />
RAY S. HANSON<br />
Ray S. Hanson of Fertile. Minnesota,<br />
writes: "EInclosed you will find two photographs<br />
of my Simplex projectors where I<br />
have installed Strong rectifiers into the<br />
bases of these projectors. This is quite a<br />
(Continued on page 34)<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION<br />
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The Quiz Pot<br />
(Continued from page 32)<br />
bit of work but is worth it as we gain a<br />
lot of room in my small projection room."<br />
The accompanying photographs indicate<br />
not only a lot of uwrk but S07ne very fine<br />
workmanship and careful pla7ini7ig. We note<br />
the grill work on the "operating" side and<br />
a triple row of perforations near the top<br />
of the base on the "nonoperating" side,<br />
undoubtedly for the purpose of ventilation<br />
which is very essential. We predict that<br />
equipment manufacturers will take heed<br />
of Ray's idea since it represents a very<br />
practical use for what has long constituted<br />
waste space.<br />
Projector bases are usually designed for<br />
universal purposes, i. e.. for use with any<br />
and all types of current supply and lamp<br />
equipment. Frequently, generator equipment<br />
is used, and when it is, the DC is<br />
broken by the large switch mounted on the<br />
base.<br />
Since relatively heavy amperage at low<br />
voltage is involved, the large Knife type<br />
switch is needed. On the other hand, with<br />
a specialized set-up like Ray's, using a<br />
single-phase 220-volt 9 amp. rectifier ivith<br />
the switch breaking the AC, we tvould be<br />
in favor of a much smaller switch, permitting<br />
a tnore compact installation, although<br />
it should have at least a 30-amp.<br />
rating as the "inductive kick-back" of the<br />
primary winding is a bit rough on contacts.<br />
Or, using the same switch, in the<br />
process of manufacture, provision could be<br />
made for the wiring to run directly from<br />
the inside of the base into the switch,<br />
thereby concealing all switch wiring. One<br />
popular type of base houses the sioitch<br />
which is operated by an external lever.<br />
With the thought of one manufacturer<br />
producing a complete base, rectifier, and<br />
lamp unit, we can go a bit farther and<br />
suggest extension of lamp ventilation into<br />
the base, affording a degree of forced draft<br />
for further tube cooling efficiency.<br />
Congratulations on a very fine streamlining<br />
job, Ray!— G.B.<br />
Here's a space-saving idea for the small projection room— installing rectifiers in the base of<br />
the projector. Submitted by Ray S. Hanson, Fertile, Minn., this indicates not only a lot of work<br />
but some fine workmanship and planning.<br />
different acceptance of almost any weird<br />
effect brought to his attention. Therefore<br />
we offer no apologies for our gullibility as,<br />
mopping our receding hairline, we studiously<br />
explore the possibilities of the described<br />
effect, finally emerging with our version of<br />
an explanation:<br />
Since the advent of theatre sound, it has<br />
teen generally conceded that a direct current<br />
source of excited lamp supply voltage<br />
is preferable to alternating current for the<br />
reason that there are certain disturbances<br />
present in the reproduced sound when 60<br />
cycle AC is used, although in recent years<br />
advances in engineering have largely overcome<br />
the disadvantages. Some equipment<br />
manufacturers have solved the problem<br />
through increasing the frequency of the<br />
current supply, through the use of an oscillator,<br />
to approximately 20 kilocycles, and<br />
this type of exciter is rather widely used in<br />
16mm equipment. Since a 20 KC note is<br />
"super-sonic"—beyond the range of hearing—whatever<br />
disturbances may arise<br />
therefrom may generally be disregarded,<br />
and exciter lamp operation on "raw AC" is<br />
thereby achieved with no detrimental effects.<br />
Moreover, the thermal lag of the<br />
exciter filament tends to eliminate photocell<br />
excitation at this frequency by the light<br />
source.<br />
Nevertheless, tests of such equipment<br />
have indicated that it is entirely possible<br />
for a 20 KC note to be introduced into the<br />
amplifier circuits through induction, and<br />
very strong signals at this frequency have<br />
been found to be present in the output circuit.<br />
It is entirely conceivable that current<br />
of this frequency, sufficiently amplified,<br />
could radiate a considerable distance<br />
under favorable atmospheric conditions<br />
perhaps with the speaker line acting as an<br />
antenna.<br />
With the oscillator and amplifier operating<br />
from a common power supply, we<br />
ponder the possibility of oscillator modulation<br />
resulting under which circumstances<br />
we come up with the thought of a "modulated<br />
carrier," a condition duplicating regular<br />
radio broadcast.<br />
And until someone proves our ex-GI a<br />
prevaricator or fabricates a better solution,<br />
we are doggedly clinging to our version as<br />
we have figured it out. In the meantime,<br />
we'll be looking for mail from our licensed<br />
radio amateurs of whom there are many<br />
among the projectionists.— G.B.<br />
EX-GI OPERATOR<br />
A story passed along by an ex-GI operator<br />
of a South Pacific island locale has<br />
plagued us no end for a possible solution.<br />
In all sincerity, the boy tells of operating<br />
16mm sound equipment in the open air.<br />
and a public-address system several hundred<br />
yards away picked up and reproduced<br />
the sound.<br />
The phenomena of theatre sound equipment<br />
picking up and reproducing sound<br />
from regular radio broadcast stations is<br />
not new. but the idea of a motion picture<br />
sound system broadcasting to a public address<br />
system seems a bit fantastic. However,<br />
a couple of decades of association<br />
with the fantastic science of electronics<br />
would resign even the most dubious to in-<br />
Meeting recently to discuss the peculiar problems of acoustical design and theatre service in<br />
floating theatres, were the officials and engineers of the RCA Service Co. and the Grace Lines,<br />
pictured on the promenade deck of the latter's "Santa Rosa." Left to right are Josh Billings jr.,<br />
RCA Service Co., Inc.; Frank Quinn, marine paint division of DuPont Company; O. B. Hanson,<br />
vice-president and chief engineer, NBC; Godfrey MacDonald, general traffic passenger agent,<br />
Grace Lines; Richard Carnis, RCA Service, and John Sullivan, purchasing agent, Grace Lines.<br />
34 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION i
INVE5V<br />
DON'T INVITE TROUBLE<br />
Be sure the lamps you buy have a proven performance record . . . will stand up without<br />
constant, expensive replacement of parts. Investigate the reputation and integrity of the<br />
maker. Be sure that he will be there to furnish parts and render service when you need<br />
them. Demand a list of users and then ASK the men who own them.<br />
FOR DRIVE-INS & LARGE THEATRES<br />
THE STRONG MOGUL<br />
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It is wasteful, as well as futile to burn more than 70 amperes<br />
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NO LETUP IN<br />
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60 NEW PROJECTS IN TWO WEEKS<br />
Indiana Tops the List With Eight Outdoor Theatres Added<br />
X HE DRIVE-IN boom is moving ahead<br />
with no apparent let up in sight despite<br />
warnings from some exhibitor sources of the<br />
dangers of overbuilding. In the last few<br />
weeks, more announcements of new driveins<br />
were made by prospective operators than<br />
in any previous 2-week period. Altogether,<br />
theatre men in 24 states announced plans<br />
for drive-ins to be constructed within the<br />
next six months or to be ready for operation<br />
this fall.<br />
Included in the announcements were 60<br />
theatres with an estimated capacity of 30,-<br />
000 cars and to be built at a cost of approximately<br />
$3,000,000,<br />
Topping the projects was an $850,000<br />
drive-in to be built as part of a $3,500,000<br />
amusement center adjacent to Chicago.<br />
Edwin Silverman, president of the Essaness<br />
circuit. Chicago, is one of the top executives<br />
associated with the project.<br />
Indiana was the boom state of the week.<br />
Eight drive-ins were included in announcements<br />
coming from Hoosier theatremen<br />
Two of these were scheduled for Hammond<br />
—one to be built by the Manta & Rose circuit<br />
and the other to be constructed by a<br />
corporation headed by Joseph Finerty, a<br />
former mayor of Gary.<br />
Following is a list of the week's drive-in<br />
projects:<br />
ALABAMA<br />
Oxford—Articles of incorporation filed<br />
by Skyway Drive-In Theatre, Inc. for construction<br />
of drive-in by Anniston, Ala., interests.<br />
Decatur—Crescent circuit to build here,<br />
if court approval can be obtained for 600-<br />
car project.<br />
Tuscaloosa—L. W. Worthington, operator<br />
of drive-in at Bessemer, to build new<br />
drive-in at Eutaw highway near here, for<br />
554 cars.<br />
ARIZONA<br />
Phoenix — Garfield "Andy" Anderson<br />
opened this city's second open air theatre<br />
in west Phoenix in late August.<br />
CALIFORNflA<br />
San Bernardino—Highland Theatre Co.<br />
building $40,000 project at Baseline and<br />
Cunningham avenue.<br />
San Francisco—Starlite Drive-in to be<br />
opened in September by Rex Stevenson,<br />
Dave Bolton, Thornton Howell and James<br />
Howell jr., with 650-car capacity,<br />
INGLEWOOD — Pacific Drive-In Co. will<br />
build a $300,000, 900-car open airer to be<br />
ready in five months.<br />
36<br />
COLORADO<br />
Greeley—New 550-car drive-in opens<br />
Hammond Ordinance<br />
Dps Operating Costs<br />
The city council of Hammond, Ind., has<br />
enacted on ordinance which will up the cost<br />
of operating drive-in theatres here considerably.<br />
Under provisions of the ordinance, drivein<br />
operators will be required to hire OS many<br />
off-duty police officers as required to control<br />
traffic,<br />
with the scale set at $10 per week night<br />
and $15 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.<br />
The license fees were set at $100 for driveins<br />
of 500 cars or less; $150 for the 500-750<br />
capacity and $200 for the larger theatres.<br />
this week. Built by Motorena Corp., which<br />
also has an ozoner in Denver.<br />
Greeley Drive-In Theatre, Inc., formed<br />
by Emmett Savard and Rudolph Meyer to<br />
build 400-car theatre north of Greeley.<br />
La Junta—Work is nearing completion<br />
for September opening of 350-car theatre<br />
by J. W. Barton and C. M. Alderson.<br />
FLORIDA<br />
Miami—Despite objections from owners<br />
of the Tropical racetrack, county commissions<br />
have approved building of drive-in on<br />
site overlooking track. Project will cost<br />
$150,000.<br />
Coral Gables—^Branscombe circuit is<br />
building the Coral-Way drive-in, to be<br />
ready for November operation.<br />
IDAHO<br />
Lewiston—Naturvue Drive-in, north of<br />
here, is opened by P. S. Daughtery.<br />
ILLINOIS<br />
Chicago—Edwin Silverman, president of<br />
Essaness circuit, is announced as associate<br />
in $850,000 drive-in to be part of $3,500,000<br />
amusement and recreation center to be<br />
known as Starlite Gardens in nearby Worth<br />
township.<br />
East Alton—National Outdoor Corp. of<br />
St. Louis to build a 1,000-car drive-in costing<br />
$150,000. Company now operates driveins<br />
at Lincoln, Neb. and Rockford, 111.<br />
Herrin—Opening this month will be 600-<br />
car Egyptian Theatre owned by Harold<br />
Gear, Wayne L. Smith and Hazen Coleman.<br />
1,000-car capacity.<br />
Tamaroa — Frank J. Glenn announces<br />
opening of 500-car Melody Drive-In, south<br />
of Tamaroa.<br />
Danville—Construction of 800-car drivein<br />
announced by Castle Amusement Corp.<br />
of Bloomington, Ind.. to be ready late September.<br />
Champaign—John Barr, general manager<br />
i<br />
of the Willistin circuit, and Joe Barr are<br />
building a 500-car ozoner here,<br />
Urbana—John Barr opened the Twin City<br />
Drive-In here last week.<br />
INDIANA<br />
Hammond—Manta & Rose circuit to build<br />
Hammond 41 Outdoor Theatre, Route 41,<br />
A company headed by Joseph Finerty,<br />
former Gary mayor, will build a 1,000-<br />
car drive-in at cost of $100,000 on 70-acre<br />
tract of land.<br />
Gary—Manta & Rose reveals construction<br />
started on drive-in here, with completion<br />
scheduled shortly.<br />
CoRYDON—A 700-car Sky Park Drive-In<br />
under construction by local group of businessmen,<br />
to be opened soon.<br />
Michigan City — Local airport recently<br />
sold to Crescent Drive-In Corp. of Chicago<br />
for theatre site.<br />
New Castle—Air Drome Theatres, Inc.,<br />
newly-formed group, has acquired site on<br />
|<br />
new highway No. 3 for $75,000, 600-car theatre<br />
to be opened late in fall.<br />
FouTJTAiNTOWN — East Side Drive-in to<br />
open shortly. Theatre is being erected by<br />
Irving Tamler, former Indianapolis exhibitor.<br />
Goshen—A drive-in for 600 cars is being<br />
built on Highway 33, four miles northwest<br />
of here.<br />
IOWA<br />
Miuord—H. A. Parrott is building a 275-<br />
car drive-in to be ready in September.<br />
Cedar Rapids—J&M Enterprises of Minneapolis<br />
to build $100,000, 800-car drive-in<br />
this fall. Firm recently opened drive-in at<br />
Madison, Wis.<br />
Carroll — Cecil Crouse, local cement<br />
dealer, early this month opened 300-automobile<br />
theatre here.<br />
Ottumwa—J. J. Lewis and F^-ank Miller<br />
of St. Louis announced drive-in here, with<br />
500-car capacity.<br />
KANSAS<br />
Shawnee — Dickinson circuit revealed<br />
plans for 800-car drive-in at Shawnee, near<br />
Kansas City. Mo.<br />
Liberal—Ben Adams, Eldorado exhibitor,<br />
to build 400-car open air theatre, slated<br />
for late fall opening.<br />
KENTUCKY<br />
Elizabethtown — Robert Enoch, presi-<br />
( Continued on page 40)<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION( ioiofj.
WHY<br />
V^J<br />
WAGNER LETTERS and FRAMES<br />
ARE PREFERRED ABOVE ALL OTHERS<br />
DOUBLE<br />
©©OL^ymn<br />
BILL<br />
ROBT CUMMINGS<br />
T#llf«HT<br />
CHASE<br />
THE<br />
MICHELLE MORGAN<br />
NEWSHOUNDS bowery<br />
IRIVE IN THEATRE<br />
CAPTAIN FROM CASTILE<br />
TYRONE JEAN ^^<br />
POWER PETERS<br />
TECHNICOLOR<br />
IN<br />
boysI<br />
WAG N E R<br />
TRANSLUCENT<br />
PLASTIC LETTERS<br />
exclusive Patented slotted method of mounting<br />
prevents ireezing to sign, assures complete<br />
saiety.<br />
Shock-Proof. 60% stronger.<br />
Wide range of sizes, 4", 8", 10", 17", permits<br />
doubling effectiveness of display.<br />
Gorgeous, deep, jewel-like colors . . . red.<br />
green, blue, omJber, black ... go all the<br />
way through.<br />
No maintenance.<br />
WAG N E R<br />
WINDOW-TYPE<br />
FRAMES<br />
Permit openings of any dimensions in ONE<br />
panel, make it unnecessary to join together<br />
a series of small signs.<br />
Most economical maintenance. Lamps, neon<br />
and glass replaced in any section without<br />
disturbing other portions and without removing<br />
frames.<br />
z^-<br />
T^^<br />
MIBT OPEN All<br />
B^HEATRE<br />
I NQWi<br />
OPEN<br />
ERROL FLYNN'ANN ShERIDAN<br />
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WAGNER SLOTTED ALUMINUM LETTERS<br />
More sizes than offered by any other line. 4". 6". 8". 10".<br />
12". 16", 24", 30". Many styles and colors.<br />
WAGNER LOBBY DISPLAY UNITS<br />
24". 36", and 46" sections combine to make any length.<br />
WAGNER LETTER MOUNTING STRIP<br />
Stainless steel.<br />
No wiring required.<br />
WAGNER TRANSPARENCIES AND FRAMES<br />
Full colored photos of all stars, in any size, for marquee<br />
or lobby.<br />
;, f.l|<br />
TVcu^^te/i Su^ Senjuicc. ^nc.<br />
218 S. Hoyn* Av*<br />
CHICAGO 1 ], IlL.<br />
WAGNER SIGN SERVICE,<br />
218 S. Hoyne Ave.. Chicago 12. 111.<br />
Inc.<br />
SEE OUR<br />
EXfflBIT<br />
3t<br />
the<br />
TESMA SHOW<br />
Jefferson Hotel<br />
St. Louis, Mo.<br />
Sent. 28-29.30<br />
Booth Noi. 47 & 43<br />
ase send big free<br />
nt. the largest Hi<br />
italog on Wagner Theatre display equ<br />
No<br />
Theatre<br />
-M.<br />
Street<br />
'£ht<br />
City and State.<br />
rSECtlC<br />
BOXOFFICE September 11, 1948 37
1<br />
THEATRE<br />
Progressive operators are making drive-ins attractive and inviting to passing motorists by the use of spectacular electric signs. The Super 30 Drive-In<br />
Theatre on Lincoln Highway near Irwin, Pa., is good example of new technique. Photo courtesy of West Penn Power Co.<br />
SPECTACULAR LIGHTING A BIG<br />
DRIVE-IN DRAW<br />
Brilliantly lighted sign at the Family Drive-ln, New Kensington,<br />
Pa., helps stop the motoring public and pull in the<br />
customers. West Penn Power Co. photo.<br />
It's easy to see what's playing at the Drive-ln Theatre, Daytona Beach, Fla., owned<br />
by Costal Drive-ln Theatres, Inc. The sign is 36 ft. high and 20 ft. long; employs<br />
976 ft. of neon tubing and 1,170 incandescent bulbs. Wagner red and blue plastic<br />
letters are used in the changeable copy board.<br />
38 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION<br />
I
Tall, slender tapering, esthetic lines that<br />
"iHOm-li<br />
See the<br />
PREFAB<br />
All-steel<br />
SCREEN TOWER<br />
IN<br />
Booth No. 24<br />
TESMA<br />
SHOW<br />
Th,<br />
most IMPORTANT development<br />
for Drive -In<br />
PRE- FAB<br />
Theatres<br />
SCREEN TOWER*<br />
IMPORTANT for 8 hi<br />
I Exclusive—"SEE-LIKiF" \/:.:^„<<br />
Sloped right, for correct sight! Maximum<br />
nght angJe sight Une eliminates •keystone".<br />
2. Erected in 6 Days?<br />
No construction bugaboos. No guesswork.<br />
Erected on location in 6 days or less.<br />
3. Dependoble Construction!<br />
All steel rigid frame, engineered and designed<br />
to withstand a 100 M.P.H. galel<br />
4. Streomlined and ."^turriy i<br />
g reasons<br />
JEFFERSON HOTEL<br />
ST. LOUIS<br />
SEPT. 27 . 28 . 29 . 30<br />
harmonize with<br />
tive marquee.<br />
any landscape. A disKnc<br />
5. Costs Less!<br />
Compare! All steel, permanent construcUon<br />
more 13 economical. No rotting or warping<br />
parts to be replaced.<br />
s^S?rtin^g'<br />
m^l\et1\!?''X1<br />
?o°nl^.;u^«'ol!-°''-"'"'"'^-'^^'''-''°^«
''<br />
JVo Letup in Drive-Ins<br />
(Continued from page 36)<br />
dent, Elizabethtown Amusements, Inc., to<br />
build 500-seat theatre. 3 miles from town,<br />
in spring of 1949.<br />
Bardstown—Firm of Hahn and Burnette<br />
to open a new drive-in here within the next<br />
30 days.<br />
LOUISIANA<br />
BOGALUSA—Chester A. Knight, operator of<br />
drive-in near Biloxi, has new $50,000 drivein<br />
under way here.<br />
MICHIGAN<br />
Detroit — Alex Schreiber of Associated<br />
Theatres circuit announces the circuit's<br />
second drive-in in Detroit area, to have<br />
1,000-car capacity and cost $300,000.<br />
NiLES—Manta& Rose circuit of Chicago<br />
has a drive-in under way here, to be opened<br />
early in fall.<br />
Lansing — Second drive-in for area,<br />
opened by American Education Film Ass'n,<br />
at Milett; with 300-car capacity.<br />
Garden City—New K&M drive-in opened<br />
by Joseph Klein jr. and Don Mento.<br />
MISSISSIPPI<br />
Biloxi—Chester Knight begins construction<br />
of $50,000 theatre near here.<br />
MISSOURI<br />
Columbia — Commonwealth circuit will<br />
start a new drive-in within the next 30 days<br />
in this university town.<br />
Meet your demand for<br />
HIGH INTENSITY PROJECTION and<br />
UNIFORM SCREEN ILLUMINATION<br />
HERTNER Type CPT<br />
^ «<br />
Drive-in and deluxe theatres, large auditoriums and<br />
halls must have plenty of light on the screen with<br />
uniform illumination. That's why the Hertner CP<br />
Transverter is so popular with such operators. This<br />
Transverter gives you these advantages:<br />
1. Range of capacities 3. High intensity<br />
2. Close voltage regulation 4. Uniform screen illumination<br />
Demand equipment that gives you these advantages.<br />
Specify the CP Transverter. For complete information<br />
consult your nearest National Theatre Supply dealer.<br />
-*%!»•<br />
Ditlribuled by<br />
NATIONAL THEATRE<br />
SUPPLY<br />
In Canoda: GtNIRAl THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY<br />
THE HERTNER ELECTRIC COMPANY<br />
12690 ELMWOOD AVE. • CLEVELAND 11, OHIO<br />
A General Precision Equipmenf Corporation Subsidiary<br />
MOTORS • MOTOR-GENERATORS • GENERATOR SETS<br />
NEW JERSEY<br />
WooDBRiDGE — Walter Reade circuit<br />
open drive-in here August 28,<br />
capacity.<br />
to<br />
with 950-car<br />
NEW MEXICO<br />
Lovington — Griffith Theatres to build<br />
600-car drive-in, with opening scheduled in<br />
12 weeks.<br />
Clovis—Yucca Drive-in erected by John<br />
Sands, W. M. Goates and John Blocker at<br />
cost of $60,000, with 600-car capacity.<br />
Roswell — Valley Drive-in theatre<br />
started near city limits at cost of $125,000<br />
for 600 cars by Griffith interests.<br />
NORTH CAROLINA<br />
LiNCOLNTOWN — Albert E. Miller announced<br />
the opening of a drive-in here.<br />
Still under construction is elaborate concession<br />
stand on highway opposite theatre.<br />
Newton-Conover — Announcement has<br />
been made of new drive-in to be built near<br />
here.<br />
PENNSYLVANIA<br />
Baden—The ABC Drive-In opened late<br />
in August, with Gabe Rubin of the Art<br />
Cinema, Pittsburgh, as manager and coowner.<br />
Bridgeville—John Ridila, who recently<br />
opened a drive-in at Lathrobe, announced<br />
a 600-car theatre for this town. Construction<br />
has been started.<br />
Kittaning—Community Drive-In, with<br />
400-car capacity, opened early in the<br />
month; Norbert Stern and Ernest Stern,<br />
are the owners.<br />
OKLAHOMA<br />
Muskogee—O. F. Sullivan, Wichita, Kas.,<br />
president of Kansas-Missouri Allied unit,<br />
announced plans for 600-car drive-in four<br />
miles from Muskogee.<br />
Bartlesville — Griffith circuit starts<br />
work on $100,000 theatre, four miles east<br />
of here.<br />
RHODE ISLAND<br />
Cranston—Columbia Amusement Co. announced<br />
opening of a 700-car project near<br />
this city.<br />
SOUTH DAKOTA<br />
Yankton — Max Slaughter and T. B.<br />
Butler have 400-car drive-in under way.<br />
TENNESSEE<br />
Nashville—Crescent Amusement Co. announced<br />
opening of 750-car drive-in near<br />
here.<br />
Memphis—H. H. Roth to build $125,000<br />
drive-in in Shelby county next spring.<br />
TEXAS<br />
Corpus Christi—C. A. Richter is building<br />
the Texas Drive-In near here to replace an<br />
older outdoor project.<br />
WEST VIRGINIA<br />
Blackville—A 300-car drive-in opened<br />
late in August by Guy Pauley, service station<br />
owner who has operated 16mm theatres.<br />
WISCONSIN<br />
Madison — J&M Enterprises held early<br />
September opening on new theatre. Same<br />
interests recently opened at Rochester,<br />
Minn., and have new drive-in slated for<br />
Cedar Rapids, Iowa.<br />
40 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
Brfgh+en up,<br />
EVERYBODY!<br />
WH-for the first time everyou<br />
can get all the<br />
G-E fluorescent lamps you want<br />
t<br />
HOORAY! Now you Can fill those empty sockets, replace<br />
blackened or burned out lamps, go ahead<br />
with lighting modernization. Because, for the first<br />
time since General Electric introduced the fluorescent<br />
lamp 10 years ago, G-E fluorescent lamps are<br />
available in quantity—everywhere!<br />
Wi'VE BEEN WORKING at top Speed to build new factories,<br />
expand production to catch up with the evergrowing<br />
demand for the world's newest kind of<br />
light.<br />
SO NOW — at last— you can have all<br />
the G-E fluorescent<br />
lamps you need to increase box office receipts<br />
by making your theatre the best lighted, most attractive<br />
place in town. (Only slimline and circline<br />
fluorescent lamps are still in limited supply.)<br />
WHY NOT SEE your G-E lamp supplier today ?<br />
can really greet you with a great<br />
big smile and an armful of those<br />
G-E lamps — the lamps that most<br />
people want most!<br />
ALWAYS INSrST ON<br />
GE LAMPS<br />
GENERAiaELECTRIC<br />
Now he<br />
BOXOFFICE September 11, 1948 41
ii<br />
CHECK, AND DOUBLE CHECK<br />
THAT HEATING PLANT!<br />
6y GEORGE F. FRANTZ*<br />
In last month's article we covered a<br />
broad field in a general way but some of<br />
the factors are so essential that they warrant<br />
special emphasis. Getting the heating<br />
and air-conditioning system in shape to<br />
operate efficiently is especially desirable at<br />
this time, in view of increased fuel and<br />
operating costs.<br />
\J<br />
Have you checked the flues?<br />
X^ Clogged or dirty flues can cause<br />
much grief, such as poor draft, wasted<br />
fuel, and even a hazard by causing gases<br />
to back up and accumulate in the furnace<br />
room. A coating of Va in. of soot on the<br />
flue surfaces can increase your cost of fuel<br />
an appreciable amount. This applies to<br />
any furnace, be it steam, hot water, or<br />
hot air. Many installations using stokers<br />
will find an accumulation of fly-ash in the<br />
flues which also forms an insulation preventing<br />
the best efficiency from the coal<br />
burned. Even in some types of hot air<br />
furnace using gas for fuel, dust will collect<br />
in the flues and reduce the efficiency.<br />
The flue or smoke pipe between the furnace<br />
and the chimney should also be<br />
checked and cleaned thoroughly at the<br />
start of the season, and if you use a stoker,<br />
the checking should continue periodically<br />
during the heating season.<br />
To keep the accumulation of fly-ash<br />
from a stoker to a minimum, adjust the air<br />
supply to just the amount necesary to provide<br />
complete combustion, and keep a fairly<br />
deep bed of fuel over the fire pot or tuyere.<br />
This will tend to keep the fine ash particles<br />
from being blown around and eventually<br />
picked up by the furnace draft and<br />
deposited in the flues and smoke pipe.<br />
And while we are talking about flues, don't<br />
overlook checking the flue from a gasfired<br />
hot water heater. While you would<br />
hardly expect any difficulty from such a<br />
source, they have been known to become<br />
clogged with lint thus preventing the<br />
proper escape of the burned gases.<br />
ODoes<br />
your furnace room have a vent to<br />
the outside?<br />
42<br />
*A To burn any fuel such as coal, gas, or<br />
oil, an ample supply of air is necessary<br />
and a source for this air supply should<br />
be incorporated in every enclosed furnace<br />
room. It may be a window which can be<br />
opened, or a special vent built into the wall<br />
or a duct which leads to the outside. Such<br />
an arrangement will provide the supply of<br />
oxygen so necessary for proper and com-<br />
plete combustion of the<br />
fuel used. Without<br />
such an arrangement<br />
the furnace will have<br />
to depend upon such<br />
air as can leak through<br />
cracks and this is usually<br />
inadequate and<br />
unreliable. In situations<br />
lacking such a<br />
provision it frequently<br />
happens that the use<br />
of exhaust fans causes<br />
George F. Frantz<br />
the fire to burn poorly,<br />
or even smoke and gases to be drawn from<br />
the furnace into the auditorium.<br />
^J Is<br />
the furnace room ready?<br />
x\ Tliis may sound like a silly question<br />
but after you have looked at quite a few<br />
you will realize that the condition of the<br />
furnace room is generally a reflection of<br />
the condition and operation of the heating<br />
system. Regardless of what kind of fuel<br />
you may use, there is no reason why the<br />
furnace room should not be as clean and<br />
orderly as your foyer. If the room is dark,<br />
dingy, dusty, dirty, damp and full of trash<br />
no one will go into it unless he has to<br />
and then only for the shortest possible<br />
time. On the other hand if it is well lighted,<br />
painted and readily accessible it will be<br />
easier to keep it clean and there will be<br />
a natural tendency to keep it that way, and<br />
the rest of the equipment, too.<br />
The furnace room should not be allowed<br />
to become the storage room and graveyard<br />
for those spare seats, old displays and<br />
what not that you think you will use again<br />
some day, but probably never will. It<br />
should be entirely free of all storage, both<br />
for safety's sake and from the damage that<br />
might happen to material stored in case<br />
of an accident to the boUer or water,<br />
steam, or oil lines that are usually present.<br />
Wet floors will cause excessive rusting of<br />
the furnace base, stoker, gas or oil burner<br />
units, causing frequent repair bills and<br />
greatly shortening their life. Whatever the<br />
cause of any water on the floor, have it<br />
corrected. If you have a problem of seepage<br />
which may be difficult to overcome,<br />
install a pit with pump near the source of<br />
the seep so that it will not keep the entire<br />
floor wet.<br />
If your furnace room is one of those<br />
having a maze of steam, water and gas<br />
pipes and valves, and only the plumber<br />
knows what they are and where they go,<br />
you should get busy and place a tag the<br />
size of a shipping tag on each valve and<br />
pipe stating what it controls and where<br />
it leads to. This will save time in future<br />
repairs or changes and may be of inestimable<br />
value in case of an emergency.<br />
1 J How about those safety devices?<br />
£\ Safety devices will provide as much or<br />
more protection to you and your investment<br />
as they will to your patrons so give<br />
them a lot of consideration and attention.<br />
Every steam boiler must have a safety or<br />
pop-off valve that will release the steam<br />
when it reaches a pre-determined pressure,<br />
but have you ever checked yours to see if<br />
it will work? As a rule these valves are<br />
very seldom operated and as a consequence<br />
have a tendency to rust and stick which<br />
cffsets their intended purpose.<br />
To play safe, operate the valve by hand<br />
to free it of any tendency to bind, the first<br />
|<br />
time each season that you get steam up<br />
in the boiler. There is another device for<br />
steam boilers that provides cheap protection<br />
for your investment and that is a lowwater<br />
cutoff. This device will shut off the<br />
burner whenever the water in the boiler<br />
becomes too low and prevent the cracking<br />
of sections or the distortion and loosening<br />
of plates and tubes in steel boilers. Of<br />
course such a device won't be of any benefit<br />
if the boiler is hand fired, but in that<br />
case you should install an automatic filler<br />
which will keep the water up to the proper<br />
level. Where a boiler or furnace is fired<br />
by gas it should be equipped with a safety<br />
control that will positively shut off all<br />
gas in case the pilot light should go out,<br />
even during a time of power failure. Many<br />
of the motor-operated valves now in use<br />
will not function in such an emergency<br />
should it occur during a period of power<br />
failure.<br />
Oil burners can be equally as hazardous<br />
as gas if not properly protected. The most<br />
potential hazard is that of oil continuing<br />
to flow although it has failed to ignite.<br />
There are several devices on the market<br />
that will provide ample protection under<br />
such conditions and it should be a "must"<br />
on your program if your system lacks such<br />
a device. There are many other varieties<br />
of protective devices for various types of<br />
automatic burners but the above described<br />
devices will furnish essential protection In<br />
their relative fields.<br />
•President and general manager of Frantz Service<br />
Company, Denver, Colo.<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
iiij<br />
%mm>N$<br />
No other item of theatre equipment is winning<br />
patron approval that compares with that accorded<br />
IDEAL<br />
CHAIRS<br />
The deep spring cushioned comfort, the convenience<br />
of easy retractability, and the safety features of<br />
this pre-eminent chair are appreciated by everyone.<br />
So far ahead mechanically . . . offering so many<br />
EXCLUSIVE advantages, the Ideal Slide-Back chair<br />
affords more than six inches of smooth, effortless,<br />
horizontal retraction with no humps, jarring or disturbance<br />
to those behind—provides 100% more<br />
passing space, with conventional spacing, 32" back<br />
to back. Eliminates necessity of standing to permit<br />
passing.<br />
There ore no sharp edges to bump shins, no pinching<br />
hazards. Full length die formed steel back<br />
panel entirely covers seat cushions.<br />
The Ideal Slide-Back is the only chair of ANY TYPE<br />
that affords 100% soiety in emergencies. Unoccupied<br />
seats automatically silently slide back, risa<br />
and lock into position; automatically disengaging<br />
when lowered for occupancy.<br />
The Slide-Back is also extremely popular with maintenance people. No adjustments or<br />
lubrication are required and there is no understructure to hamper cleaning.<br />
Easily installed without specialized mechanics, the Slide-Eack is adjustable to all conditions<br />
and inclines.<br />
CONVENTIONAL TYPE SEATING FOR BALCONIES WITH HIGH RISERS SUPPLIED ON<br />
THE SAME ORDER WITH SLIDE-BACK CHAIRS.<br />
See Exhibit at the<br />
TE5HA Show<br />
Jefferson Hotel<br />
St. Louis, Mo.<br />
Sept. 2S-29-30<br />
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BOXOFnCE :: September 11, 1948 43
HOW DO WE GO ABOUT USING<br />
COLOR SCIENTIFICALLY?<br />
by HANNS R. TEICHERT*<br />
VV E HAVE LONG been used to the idea<br />
that the understanding and usage of color<br />
is in the realm of the arts. But is it also<br />
a science?<br />
Many times during the course of our previous<br />
articles, we have had occasion to refer<br />
to such terms as "functional color,"<br />
"color engineering," "color control" or<br />
"colcr conditioning." These may seem like<br />
very abstract terms to the average theatre<br />
owner or manager. He is usually apt to<br />
think of color as possessing only esthetic<br />
qualities, and these in a rather toowide<br />
range causing confused and diverse<br />
personal preferences among his patrons.<br />
Perhaps he has followed some of the many<br />
fine writings on modern color research so<br />
that he sees it reaches into the psychology<br />
of association, and so into emotional reaction.<br />
Perhaps, also, he has read something<br />
of the wonderful new applications of<br />
these scientific color principles to the treatment<br />
of patients in mental or children's<br />
hospitals. But we very much doubt whether<br />
he thinks of these principles as being applicable<br />
in the most<br />
practical way to his<br />
own business conditions.<br />
In case question<br />
marks are arising in<br />
your mind, let us make<br />
the point here that inasmuch<br />
as businesses<br />
as large and unrelated<br />
as the Caterpillar<br />
Ti-actor Co., the Pepperell<br />
Mfg. Co., the Hanns R. Teichert<br />
New York Trade School<br />
and countless others too numerous to mention,<br />
have considered it a necessity to colorcondition<br />
their plant to improve production<br />
and increase employe efficiency, the<br />
question marks may well be discarded.<br />
These established, conservative and successful<br />
enterprises do not indulge in largescale<br />
whimsies, esthetics or artistic personal<br />
preferences.<br />
How much more important this whole<br />
subject is to you, then, as a theatre owner<br />
OFFICE BUILDING-THEATRE FOR NEW YORK<br />
01 mat, iger who wants not only efficiency<br />
in he maintenance and operation of your<br />
"plant," but who also has the public to deal<br />
with in a much more intimate way. With<br />
you it is not a matter of simply pleasing<br />
your employes so that they will work with<br />
more efficiency and ease, although as a<br />
good employer you are interested in that,<br />
too. But it is rather a matter of pleasing<br />
people who will pay to come and spend<br />
their time in your "plant" rather than<br />
your paying them for that purpose. There<br />
is quite a difference<br />
COLOR-USAGE PRINCIPLES<br />
We speak of the scientific status of color<br />
research on which rests the claims of<br />
"functional color," "color engineering,"<br />
"color control" or "color conditioning," and<br />
you do well who investigate the usage of<br />
that word wherever it appears. It is one<br />
of the most abused terms in our modern<br />
vocabulary, being employed as a "come on"<br />
for everything from a "scientific new principle<br />
for hair oil," to a "new scientific<br />
Indian Rheumatic Snake Oil." In most of<br />
these cases, anyway, it's neither new nor<br />
scientific but just "the old oil." For that<br />
reason we want to take a paragraph or<br />
two to explain, as simply as we can, the<br />
principles upon which the truly scientific<br />
usage of color rests.<br />
Perhaps the most direct explanation is<br />
to start at the beginning . . . the human<br />
eye. It is this organ that is the control for<br />
what is perceived, registered, thought<br />
about mentally and reacted to emotionally.<br />
Eye doctors agree that it is remarkably<br />
like a camera. Light, carrying color, enters<br />
the cornea, then, controlled by the<br />
iris as a kind of camera shutter, it goes<br />
through to the pupil and comes to focus<br />
on the retina. This latter is a kind of photographic<br />
plate composed of a mass of optic<br />
nerves which transmit impulses to the<br />
brain which, in turn, interprets them in<br />
terms of form, detail, brightness, motion,<br />
and, of course, color.<br />
New Paris Theatre which occupies first three stories of a sixteen-story office building on 58th<br />
St. just west of Fifth Ave. in New York City. This theatre, believed to be the first of its kind<br />
in New York City, was made possible by a change in the building code which permits offices<br />
above auditoriums seating more than 299 persons. The Paris will seat 571. It will be operated<br />
as a first run foreign showcase by Pathe Cinema of the U.S.A., and is scheduled to open in<br />
September. Architects: James M. Munro and Warner-Leeds.<br />
GOOD<br />
SEEING<br />
That's the scientific physical and organic<br />
start. Now let's see where it goes from<br />
there.<br />
Good seeing requires certain definite<br />
conditions, such as the elimination of glare<br />
from any source (usually bare windows,<br />
(Continued on page 46)<br />
•Theatre Decorating Specialists; Decorative Consultant<br />
to The <strong>Modern</strong> Theatre Planning Institute.<br />
44 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
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Go<br />
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find that the theatre that's "all dressed<br />
lip"— that's smart, modern, good looking— is<br />
the one that's "going ])laces." For the appearance<br />
of a theatre is very much like that<br />
of a person—either it catches your eye and<br />
attracts you favorably or you pass it by without<br />
a second glance. And hundreds of operators<br />
have taken advantage of this fact to<br />
build better businesses.<br />
How? By modernizing their theatres— in-<br />
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Consult an architect. This will assure you<br />
a well-planned, economical design—a real<br />
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BOXOFFICE ;: September 11, 1948<br />
45
Using Color<br />
Scientifically<br />
(Continued from page 44)<br />
lamps or shining light areas) which causes<br />
the vision to fog. Good seeing also requires<br />
the reduction of extreme contrasts within<br />
the range of vision, inasmuch as the iris<br />
has trouble adjusting for both. And a third<br />
condition of good seeing is that the eyes<br />
shall not be tired by being required to<br />
view both far and near distances constantly,<br />
for the same reason as above, in that<br />
it causes continual adjustment. Lack of<br />
the foregoing three conditions ultimately<br />
produces eyestrain, which brings on body<br />
which will interest you spe-<br />
fatigue . . .<br />
cifically at this point because fatigue in<br />
your theatre patron leads to boredom, lack<br />
of interest, fidgeting and general loss of<br />
enthusiasm for the evening he has spent<br />
in your auditorium. And he is apt to remember<br />
that feeling the next time he is<br />
in the position of deciding whether to go<br />
to your show or remain in his comfortable<br />
home listening to the radio.<br />
FAVORABLE CONDITIONS<br />
Now how do we go about it, scientifically,<br />
to bring about the most favorable conditions<br />
of light and color for any specific<br />
purpose?<br />
Bearing in mind all of the foregoing<br />
physiological processes of seeing, we add<br />
to them the knowledge of the physical<br />
natures of light and color. For these two<br />
are impossible to disassociate. We now have<br />
a body of research to draw upon in this<br />
fairly new field through the pioneering<br />
of such authorities as Albert H. Munsell<br />
and William Ostwald; while Faber Birren,<br />
Louis Cheskin and many others have tested<br />
these theories and principles and reduced<br />
them to practical commercial scope. Without<br />
lengthening this into a whole library<br />
for the body of literature on this subject<br />
is now vast ... let us just enumerate<br />
.<br />
some of the things now proved about color.<br />
To begin with, we know that color is<br />
light, and that light and the various pigments<br />
which are in the earth are related.<br />
We know that color is illumination, in that<br />
darker ones absorb light while lighter ones<br />
reflect it. We know that colors are temperature,<br />
in that they absorb or reflect heat<br />
as they do light. We know, from research<br />
in color blindness, that color is in the eyes<br />
and that red, green, yellow and blue are<br />
the physiological primaries. We also know<br />
that, through association, color is psychological<br />
and affects man's emotions. And<br />
we know that color is symbolic to man,<br />
also through association and tradition.<br />
A RESEARCH BUREAU<br />
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for MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS<br />
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9-11-48<br />
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU to receive information regularly, as<br />
released, on the following subjects for Theatre Planning:<br />
n Acoustics<br />
D Air Conditioning<br />
D Architectural Service<br />
n "Black" Lighting<br />
n Building Material<br />
D Carpets<br />
D Coin Machines<br />
G Complete Remodeling<br />
Decorating<br />
n Drink Dispensers<br />
n Drive-In Equipment<br />
n Lighting Fixtures<br />
n Plumbing Fixtures<br />
n Projectors<br />
Projection Lamps<br />
n Sealing<br />
n Signs and Marquees<br />
n Sound Equipment<br />
Television<br />
n Theatre Fronts<br />
Vending Equipment<br />
We know, through the latter two facts, that<br />
color shades, tones and tints each have<br />
their own personality and produce their<br />
own measurable and predictable effects.<br />
And we know that these effects vary measurably<br />
and predictably with varying geographical<br />
and cultural groups, races, ages,<br />
climates and other conditions. Last, we<br />
know that color is beauty, and that that<br />
beauty is also understood, like "the universal<br />
language of music" all over the world<br />
by both the individual and the social group<br />
in a universal manner.<br />
It is a temptation to enlarge on the above<br />
general statements to show, for example,<br />
how color affecting the emotions can act<br />
either as stimulant or depressant. Or how<br />
it can and does affect your appetite. And<br />
how purposeful all of the above can be<br />
made when they are harnessed, through<br />
knowledge or experience, to work for you.<br />
(And in passing don't forget that the lack<br />
of knowledge or experience in this field can<br />
cause these principles to work against you<br />
just as quickly and thoroughly) .<br />
But tieing<br />
down each one of them to a particular illustration<br />
would be another article in itself.<br />
Furthermore, we are hoping, as you<br />
read this, that you will see where in all<br />
of our previous articles we have tried to<br />
demonstrate these principles in specific<br />
and individual examples of theatre decorating.<br />
Making this great general body of<br />
color and light knowledge a practical force<br />
working for you in your own theatre is<br />
what we mean as "scientific color control,"<br />
••functional color," "color engineering" or<br />
••color conditioning."<br />
When the above principles are enlarged<br />
through the knowledge and use of the right<br />
type of color for the right place, the right<br />
surface for the specific need, the right application<br />
for the right result, the right colored<br />
lighting to enhance the effect and the<br />
right handling of all co-related factors,<br />
well ... the result may be art but it's first<br />
and foremost a science.<br />
Atlanta Theatres to<br />
Install Sprinklers<br />
Owners of eight neighborhood theatres<br />
in Atlanta, Ga., are taking steps toward<br />
compliance with city and state building and<br />
fire safety laws in receiving bids for<br />
sprinkler installations in their theatres.<br />
Properties of the Community circuit listed<br />
as being involved in the sprinkler installation<br />
project were: The Cascade, Euclid,<br />
Gordon, Little Five Points, Plaza, Sylvan,<br />
Techwood and West End Theatres.<br />
D Other Subiecis<br />
Addrass<br />
City<br />
Seahng Capacity<br />
State..<br />
Fox Safe's Sale<br />
The Fox Theatre of Montrose, Colo., has<br />
a new Diebold three-part safe, installed<br />
in a concrete base. The safe was buried<br />
to a depth of about three feet in 500 pounds<br />
of concrete. It is further protected by<br />
having a combination opening, below that<br />
a door unlocked by a key, and below that<br />
a third door also unlocked by a key.<br />
Signed..<br />
(Ovruw-McnooM)<br />
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BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 47
, the<br />
NEW IDEAS AND MATERIALS HELP<br />
CUT CORNERS IN BUILDING COSTS<br />
W,HEN Walter L. Morris started out<br />
to plan his new Tower Theatre in Knoxville,<br />
Tenn.. he wanted to build on a modest<br />
budget yet get a theatre which adopted<br />
modern achitectural lines, included enough<br />
innovations to attract added patronage and<br />
make use of new, modern materials which<br />
some exhibitors have neglected.<br />
Morris got his theatre, at a cost of<br />
under $150 a seat for a 1,000-seat house.<br />
But he worked closely with architects, contractors<br />
and designers in planning the<br />
house. He searched through architectural<br />
and construction magazines for ideas, discussed<br />
new ideas and materials with the<br />
planners, and he found out that it paid cff<br />
—both in economical constnjction and<br />
attractiveness of the theatre.<br />
For example, as far as Morris knew,<br />
no theatre had ever used a fibre glass cloth<br />
ceiling, for acoustical treatment and decorative<br />
effect. He was willing to experiment.<br />
The result is "the finest acoustics<br />
in any theatre in the south," as Morris<br />
tells<br />
it.<br />
The fibre glass cloth is suspended on steel<br />
wire, and woven into a diamond shaped<br />
pattern. The ceiling has a tufted effect<br />
which seems to give the theatre its unusually<br />
good acoustics. The tufted effect was<br />
created by the weight fibre glass cloth itself<br />
plus a five-inch layer of blown fibre<br />
glass insulation.<br />
The ceiling was installed in approximately<br />
10 days, and could have been finished<br />
within a week if first-time bugs had<br />
been anticipated. By comparison, points<br />
out Morris, conventional plastering with<br />
metal lath, etc., could not have been<br />
done in a 1,000-seat theatre in less than<br />
three or four weeks. "The ultimate result<br />
couldn't have been as effective nor as reasonable<br />
in cost of workmanship and materials<br />
plus the added saving by being able to<br />
open so much sooner," Morris said. The<br />
ceiling is fireproof and vermin proof.<br />
However, other ideas also went into the<br />
planning and construction of the theatre.<br />
The masonry consists of Super-Rock<br />
Blox, manufactured by the Knox-Blox Co.<br />
These blocks are a modified coping block<br />
with a hollow core, and are laid so the<br />
ribbed face ( interior ) of the block produces<br />
a continuous rib from foundation to ceiling<br />
line. The core likewise is continuously<br />
hollow and is filled with vermiculite insulation.<br />
The exterior walls have a stucco<br />
finish of gunite topped with a white Restocrete.<br />
For the front trim, Morris merely<br />
used a brick red enamel.<br />
Economy in maintenance also was<br />
planned. In the foyer and lounges, floors<br />
were treated with Truscon brick red dye,<br />
thus eliminating the necessity for tile or<br />
carpeting. The walls and ceiling were treated<br />
acoustically with vermiculite plaster to<br />
reduce noise. Use of vermiculite, which has<br />
been the subject of several magazine articles<br />
recently, was extensive. It was used<br />
for lobby insulation. Vermiculite plaster<br />
was used in the booth and other fireproof<br />
chambers, and loose-fill vermiculite was<br />
used in the core of the sidewall blocks for<br />
added insulation.<br />
For lighting effects isee auditorium<br />
I<br />
photo streaks across the sidewall panels<br />
come from concealed spots with motorized<br />
color wheels. These spots operate both<br />
6e/ow, left: Inside of Tower Theatre, showing fibre glass ceiling, and seating arrangement;<br />
also windows to party and cry rooms. Right: View of side wall showing streaks of light crossing.<br />
Lights change color as motorized color wheel turns.<br />
Tower Theatre of Knoxville, Tenn., was built<br />
on modest budget, yet made good use of new<br />
ideas and materials.<br />
from the booth and the first floor, and are<br />
used during trailers and intermissions.<br />
Like a number of theatres recently constructed,<br />
the Tower is not neglecting the<br />
possibility of added income through stage<br />
attractions. Tlie stage in the Tower is 18 i<br />
feet deep, and can easily be adapted to<br />
serve most stage attractions which would i<br />
be offered. The theatre also includes a<br />
cry room and a party room for special<br />
theatre parties.<br />
The office has been situated so that the<br />
manager has easy access to all sections of<br />
the theatre. It is in the rear of the boxoffice<br />
so that it is accessible to the boxoffice,<br />
the candy shop and the sweet shop,)<br />
and a storage room where supplies are<br />
kept for the boxoffice, confections and the<br />
theatre itself.<br />
All in all, the project proves that it pays<br />
to plan ahead in conference with professional<br />
architects, builders and supply people—and<br />
that for the exhibitor who is willing<br />
to try new materials and architectural!<br />
trends, there is much to be looked for in<br />
less expensive construction costs, simpler<br />
maintenance and physical attractiveness of<br />
the house itself in newer materials.<br />
BiK-i<br />
Sitjaa<br />
fflfiOD<br />
M<br />
irfofra<br />
Papci<br />
"Si is<br />
. \V\''V-.
MEETING THE UNWELCOME GUEST<br />
Fire Protection in a Theatre Is a "Must"<br />
' VERY EXHIBITOR PLANS ahead to meet<br />
the customers he wants—and, if he is at<br />
all far-sighted, for those he hopes will<br />
never come—and that goes for the most<br />
undesirable guest that any showman can<br />
meet— the alarm of "Fire." Being ready<br />
in advance will do much to keep the visit<br />
of short duration—and the damage at a<br />
minimum.<br />
Some things can be done in advance to<br />
plan how to meet a catastrophe before it<br />
occurs—and the wise showman has taken<br />
his precautions well in advance. There are<br />
two important phases—fire prevention activity<br />
and the handling of the crowd in<br />
a theatre—which do not come within the<br />
scope of this article, but deserve fullest<br />
study by every exhibitor and manager. Our<br />
attention will be centered upon the availability<br />
and necessity of fire-fighting equipment.<br />
SELECT EQUIPMENT CAREFULLY<br />
Probably every exhibitor has a minimum<br />
of such equipment around his theatre<br />
usually in the form of the various types<br />
of conventional fire extinguishers. These<br />
are of various types according to both the<br />
contents used and the manner in which<br />
they are operated, and there are sound<br />
reasons for choice of one or the other type,<br />
as the salesman of each well know. The<br />
individual exhibitor will make his choice<br />
in accord with what he conceives to be<br />
the need of his house for protection at a<br />
given point, and the ability of his staff to<br />
handle it quickly in an emergency. The<br />
heavy type of extinguishers to be inverted<br />
would be of little use where the average<br />
girl ushers would be the ones to have to<br />
lift them In an emergency, for instance.<br />
Some lighter, more easily-directed type,<br />
would be better.<br />
Exhibitors and the average member of<br />
the general public alike learned a lot about<br />
fire-fighting equipment for a brief period<br />
during the war, when new types were<br />
brought to the attention of the public, notably,<br />
the widespread use of the stirrup<br />
pump, in connection with air raid protection,<br />
which was at one time well developed<br />
throughout the country. Most of this experience<br />
has long since been nearly forgotten,<br />
but some lessons can be learned<br />
from it.<br />
Perhaps the desirability of having easily<br />
portable equipment which can be rushed<br />
to the spot where a fire occurs and used<br />
before damage has spread seriously is one<br />
lesson we can learn from the war experience.<br />
To the professional fire-fighter, mobile<br />
equipment tends to mean the larger units<br />
designed for big installations, used outdoors,<br />
and some of these have a definite<br />
use in the new extension of the theatre<br />
field—in drive-ins. These huge show<br />
"houses" can utilize the same type of equipment,<br />
mounted on trucks, which have<br />
proved valuable to all types of outdoor<br />
show world enterprises, including circuses,<br />
amusement parks and carnivals.<br />
Any good showman will provide an adequate<br />
supply of extinguishers at or near all<br />
points of probable hazard—and see that<br />
the right people are trained in their use,<br />
and that they are kept properly inspected.<br />
A hazard in theatres where there is considerable<br />
juvenile patronage has been found<br />
to be the habit of some youngsters of playing<br />
with the extinguishers, even emptying<br />
them into toilets, and this can only be<br />
checked by systematic inspection of every<br />
unit at frequent intervals.<br />
Routine inspection of all known points<br />
of danger is equally important. Electrical<br />
and mechanical equipment are obvious<br />
sources of special hazard. Little need be<br />
said about projection booths—in any properly<br />
inspected and constructed theatre, this<br />
portion is fairly well protected, considering<br />
the inevitable danger of fire at any<br />
second. Inspection of safety links, enforcement<br />
of safety rules, such as the absolute<br />
ban on any obstructions that would prevent<br />
instant closing of all opening in case<br />
of fire, and the obvious interest which the<br />
projectionist himself has in maintaining<br />
maximum safety conditions, must be relied<br />
upon to assure relative safety here — fewbooth<br />
fires, despite their regrettable frequency,<br />
have spread beyond the booth.<br />
DISPLAY HAS ADVANTAGE<br />
An inconspicuous but definite display of<br />
fire-fighting equipment has an advantage<br />
from the standpoint of consumer reaction<br />
—it is an assurance to the public that<br />
they are properly safeguarded against the<br />
obvious hazards when a crowd is assembled.<br />
The average theatre designer and<br />
operator today works upon the opposite<br />
theory—that the equipment should be kept<br />
out of sight—and so out of mind, as it<br />
may create a reaction against going to the<br />
show on the part of the public, by reminding<br />
them of the possible danger. It<br />
is to be taken for granted that, even where<br />
no such equipment is visible, concealment<br />
has not meant its relegation to some spot<br />
difficult to reach in a sudden emergency.<br />
But it is also doubtful whether this psychology<br />
is 100 per cent sound showmanship,<br />
though the point is clearly debatable.<br />
The presence of visible proof of protection<br />
has a definite favorable influence for the<br />
average theatregoer too.<br />
Improvements in house hygiene should be<br />
made regularly to insure best possible conditions.<br />
Sanitary maintenance must be<br />
carried on continuously.<br />
Aichitectural<br />
Advisory Staii<br />
THE PLANNING INSTITUTE is conducted in<br />
collaboration with the following theatre<br />
architects, structural designers and engineers<br />
who have agreed lo act as technical advisers<br />
to the Institute and editorial text contributors<br />
to The MODERN THEATRE section of BOX-<br />
OmCE from th»ir respective localities.<br />
ATLANTA, GA.<br />
Tucl(er & Howell, Rfiodes-Have-ly Bldn.<br />
BOSTON, MASS.<br />
W. Chester Browne, 184 Boylston St.<br />
CHARLOTTE. N. C.<br />
M. R. Marsh, 509 Builders Bldo, 2<br />
CHICAGO. ILL.<br />
Roy B. Blass, 30 N. La Salle. Chicago 2<br />
Erwiii G. Fredrick, 225 N. Michioaii A»e. 1<br />
Edward Paul Lewin, 134 N. LaSalle St. 2<br />
Raro & Ranp. 230 N. Michigan Ave. 1<br />
CINCINNATI, OHIO<br />
Grunkemeycr & Sulll.an, 3717 E;istern Ave.<br />
CLEVELAND. OHIO<br />
George A. Ebeliiig. Colonial Arcade 15<br />
DALLAS. TEX.<br />
Jack Corgan. 200g Jackson St. 1<br />
DECATUR, ALA.<br />
Albert R. Frahn<br />
DENVER, COLO.<br />
Charles D. Strong, 416 C. A. Johnson BIdg.<br />
OES MOINES, lA.<br />
Wetherell & Harrison. 506 Shops BIdg.<br />
DETROIT, MICH<br />
Charles N. Agree, 1140 Book Tower 26<br />
Bennett & Straight. Schaefer BIdg., Dearborn<br />
HENDERSONVILLE, N. C.<br />
Erie G. Stillwell. Inc.<br />
JACKSONVILLE. FLA.<br />
Kemp, Bunch & Jackson, 402 Fla. Theatre BIdg<br />
KANSAS CITY. MO.<br />
Robert 0. Boiler and Dietz Lusk Jr..<br />
Associated Architects, 7332 Brooklyn Ave.<br />
KNOXVILLE, TENN.<br />
Fred Manley Associates. 216 Twelfth St.<br />
LOS ANGELES, CALIF.<br />
S. Charles Lee, 1648 Wilshire Blvd. 14<br />
Paul R. Williams, 3757 Wilshire Blvd.<br />
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.<br />
Liebenberg & Kaplan. 710 McKnight BIdg.<br />
MONTREAL, QUE., CAN.<br />
Henry E. Greenspoon, 1434 St. Catherine W.<br />
NASHVILLE. TENN.<br />
Marr & Holman, 701 Stahlman BIdg. 3<br />
NEW LONDON, CONN.<br />
Arthur Deimel, Mohican Hotel BIdg.<br />
NEW YORK, N. Y.<br />
Michael J. DeAngelis, Paramount BIdg. 18<br />
Wm. I. Hohauscr, Inc., 1841 Broadway 23<br />
OMAHA. NEB.<br />
H. A. Raapke, 1611 Davenport St.<br />
PHILADELPHIA. PA.<br />
David Supowitz. 246 S. 15th St.<br />
PITTSBURGH, PA.<br />
Victor A. Rigaumont. 5471 Coral St.<br />
PORTLAND. ORE.<br />
J. W. DeYoung, 730 S. W. Salmon St.<br />
ROCHESTER N Y<br />
Micnael J. DeAngelis. Cutler BIdg., 42 Cast Ave.<br />
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH<br />
Paul K. Evans. 246 E. First South St.<br />
SAN ANTONIO. TEX.<br />
Spillman & SpiUman. Chandler BIdg.<br />
SAN FRANCISCO. CALIF.<br />
Vincent G. Raney. 233 Post SL<br />
TORONTO. ONT. CAN.<br />
Kaplan t Sprachman, 305 Dundee St., W.<br />
NOTE: The Institute does not undeilok* th><br />
proiesaional iunctions oi an architect or designer.<br />
Its service is intended m&re>v to<br />
place our readers in touch with reliable local<br />
ouroea of preliminary injormation and advice<br />
on thoatre planning and structural problems.<br />
BOXOFTICE September 11, 1948<br />
49
WITH STANDBY ELECTRIC<br />
THE SHOW GOES ON<br />
POWER<br />
Jt\ LL MODERN THEATRES ai'C dependent<br />
upon electricity. Whether it be for the<br />
purpose of attracting customers to the theatre<br />
via the brilliance of the marquee or<br />
for identifying exits by means of tiny red<br />
lights, the entire function of the theatre<br />
revolves upon the use of electric power.<br />
And when this power is suddenly curtailed,<br />
the show is over. Until power is restored<br />
the theatre manager is responsible,<br />
more than ever, for the lives and safety of<br />
his customers. With no emergency lights<br />
to illuminate aisles, stairways and exits,<br />
the theatre is darkened beyond the point<br />
of safety. If the emergency continued for<br />
any length of time and patrons began leaving,<br />
serious consequences could result from<br />
the lack of illumination.<br />
PROTECTING GOODWILL<br />
The small-town theatre owner is aware<br />
that his theatre is particularly vulnerable<br />
to interruptions of the local electric power<br />
supply. Too many times in the past few<br />
years he has had to experience the humiliation<br />
and helplessness that comes when he<br />
sees his screen suddenly flicker and go<br />
black, when his customers wait wonderingly<br />
and patiently at first, then line up at the<br />
ticket office demanding refunds.<br />
No theatre operator likes to make refunds<br />
to patrons, especially under such<br />
conditions. Not only is the loss of revenue<br />
hard to take, but also the prestige and<br />
community goodwill, built up by many<br />
months of careful showmanship, suffers<br />
irreparably.<br />
Since it is inevitable that a dependable<br />
source of electricity is needed for modern<br />
theatre operation, many owners and operators<br />
of show houses are turning to electric<br />
power-generating units, not only for<br />
standby protection, but also for security<br />
against voltage drops and other power line<br />
inadequacies. The comforting awareness<br />
of complete protection against electric<br />
power failures is but one of the many advantages<br />
of these units.<br />
The initial cost of such emergency equipment<br />
may. at first glance, seem out of<br />
proportion to the theatre operator who<br />
contemplates installing a standby power<br />
plant. However, a careful perusal of the<br />
accompanying survey of electric power requirements<br />
by seating capacity will enlighten<br />
the prospective buyers considerably.<br />
Taking into consideration the fact that an<br />
emergency electric power plant is just that,<br />
he can then estimate the essential requirements<br />
of his particular theatre and purchase<br />
the size and type of unit that fits<br />
his needs.<br />
Normal essential requirements would<br />
consist first of all, of adequate electric<br />
power for all exit and aisle lights. Electricity<br />
for the projection booth is necessary<br />
if uninterrupted showing of the motion<br />
picture is desired. The power for<br />
sound amplification must be considered:<br />
Survey of Theatre Lighting end Electric Power Requirements
Hoff.<br />
SIX ADDITIONS TO BALLANTYNE LINE<br />
TO BE INTRODUCED AT TESMA SHOW<br />
X^ NEW STREAMLINED SOUNDHEAD, neW<br />
45-70 amp. high-intensity lamp, a complete<br />
new line of Lightmaster high-intensity<br />
rectifiers, a new streamlined projector<br />
base, a new projector, and an all<br />
new two-way horn system will be introduced<br />
by the Ballantyne Co. at the TESMA-<br />
TEDPA trade show in the Jefferson hotel<br />
in St. Louis, September 28-30. according<br />
to J. R. (Bob<br />
I sales manager.<br />
All of these items will be making their<br />
debut simultaneously in Ballantyne dealer's<br />
show rcoms in this country and in<br />
Canada. Export distribution is handled by<br />
K. Streuber & La Chicotte of New York<br />
City.<br />
NEW MODEL 8 SOUNDHEAD<br />
Ballantyne has added a Model 8 soundhead,<br />
a streamlined model of the Royal<br />
Soundmaster soundhead. Pi'oduction en<br />
the lower priced standard Model 6 soundhead<br />
will be continued.<br />
The outstanding feature of the new<br />
Model 8 soundhead is a novel gyro-filter<br />
developed by F. C. Largen sr.. design engineer<br />
at the Ballantyne Creighton. Neb.,<br />
plant. Possessing alleged perfect gyroscopic<br />
action the filter is composed of alsteel<br />
units, ball-bearing mounted and permanently<br />
sealed, assuming a life time of<br />
trouble free operation, and smooth film<br />
travel over the rotary scanning drum.<br />
Tests show it to as completely as possible<br />
eliminate all flutter in operation. It is<br />
claimed to be positively foolproof, and<br />
will not get out of balance nor leak oil.<br />
Other features include the following:<br />
The motor is enclosed in a well- ventilated,<br />
streamlined housing that is attached directly<br />
to the main frame casting of the<br />
soundhead.<br />
A large handwheel is located at the front<br />
of the motor housing for convenience in<br />
threading soundhead and projector.<br />
NEW HI-INTENSITY ARC LAMP<br />
The most recent development in Ballantyne<br />
hi-intensity arc lamps is a multipurpose<br />
lamp—a lamp which allows the<br />
operator to use a given amount of amperage<br />
for best light in his theatre and yet<br />
have reserve amperage for outstanding contingencies,<br />
such as color film and film<br />
of greater density.<br />
Every feature in a modern hi-intensity<br />
lamp is claimed for the Lightmaster Model<br />
4570. It has a 14-inch Bausch & Eomb<br />
reflector at a 32-inch working distance,<br />
designed for optically perfect performance<br />
with an f/2.0 lens.<br />
From 45 to 70 amps, and at any light<br />
level between, the Lightmaster Model 4570<br />
projects a steady, brilliant light that is<br />
distributed uniformly over the complete<br />
screen area. The projectionist may select<br />
the amperage needed for any given picture<br />
by setting of rhecstat for the proper positive<br />
carbon feed, and by simple adjustment<br />
of the micrometer drive on the negative<br />
carbon if needed, and obtain the steady<br />
light intensity desired.<br />
Obsolete, troublesome electro-magnets<br />
are replaced by a steel loop, mounted on<br />
the carbon guide, which is magnetized only<br />
when the arc is burning.<br />
LIGHTMASTER RECTIFIERS<br />
Lightmaster rectifiers are an economical<br />
and dependable means of converting alternating<br />
current to direct current for the<br />
operation of hi-intensity lamps.<br />
Enclosed in attractive, 16-gauge steel<br />
cases, finished in gray, baked-on wrinkle<br />
paint, the Lightmaster line is complete for<br />
the entire range of 40 to 80 amperes. Included<br />
are the 4-tube, 40-amp. designed<br />
fcr 1 kilowatt lamps, the 4-tube 60-amp.<br />
single phase and 4-tube 60 amp. three<br />
phase for 45-60 amp. lamps, and the 6-tube<br />
80-amp. single phase and 6-tube 80-amp.<br />
three phase for 45-80 amp. lamps.<br />
Compact and streamlined, the rectifiers<br />
require little floor space and can be placed<br />
either directly under the lamp being served,<br />
or operated from a remote corner. The<br />
housing is fully ventilated with a natural<br />
draft escaping through slotted sides and<br />
top. The top is hinged to provide ready<br />
access to tubes.<br />
Full provision is made in all rectifier<br />
types for wide range voltage adjustment<br />
and connector strips and conduit wiring<br />
holes are standard. These rectifiers are<br />
available in 50 or 60 cycles at the same<br />
basic low cost.<br />
MODEL R PROJECTOR<br />
Recently the Ballantyne Company announced<br />
the purchase of the Gardiner<br />
Super Projector from L. J. Gardiner of<br />
Columbus. Ohio. This projector is now<br />
being manufactured under the Royal<br />
Soundmaster name and is being completely<br />
modernized, both internally and externally.<br />
When offered to the market the<br />
new projector will be known as the RSM<br />
Model R.<br />
Many of the outstanding features of the<br />
projector will be retained such as the direct<br />
drive, barrel-type rear .shutter, the<br />
easily removable film gate for inspection<br />
and cleaning, improved rigid gate mounting,<br />
framing knob on both working-nonworking<br />
side of projector, double bearing<br />
intermittent, cast iron main frame, and<br />
alternate steel and fibre gears which assure<br />
quiet service.<br />
Among the changes now being incorporated<br />
are a complete new streamlined<br />
external design, overall enlarging of projector<br />
to provide spacious internal working<br />
room, shock-proof spiral gears, micrometer<br />
lens focusing, full width doors<br />
to provide adequate working space, and<br />
heavy non-warping aluminum doors and<br />
housing.<br />
MODEL 1800 BASE<br />
As a complement to the new Model R<br />
projector and Model 8 soundhead, a new<br />
Soundmaster base is available for immediate<br />
distribution. Attractively decorated<br />
in chrome, the base is modern-styled and<br />
streamlined with a forward slant that adds<br />
^Continued on page 60<br />
Here's a preview of some of the new Ballantyne equipment which will be introduced at the<br />
TBSMA show in St. Louis. At the right is shown model "R" projector with model "8" Royal<br />
Soundmaster soundhead, Model 1800 base, model 4570 Lightmaster high intensity projection<br />
arc lamp. At the left, above: new model 14 two-way horn system. Below: rear view of model 8<br />
soundhead with gear guard removed to show new gyro-filter.<br />
BOXOFFICE :; September U, 1948 51
EQUIPMENT & DEVELOPMENTS<br />
Steamro Prepares 'Franks'<br />
In a Matter of Seconds<br />
Of considerable interest to drive-in theatres,<br />
concessions operators and the refreshment<br />
service departments of many<br />
indoor theatres is tlie new Steamro electric<br />
frankfurter steamer and bvm warmer.<br />
Steamro prepares frankfurters quickly<br />
and it has a capacity up to 200 hot dogs<br />
and 35 to 50 buns, depending on the size<br />
of the buns. An adjustable humidity control<br />
keeps the buns fresh and a scientific<br />
steaming process keeps the frankfurters<br />
from shriveling up and becoming tough.<br />
The Steamro unit has a heavy-duty<br />
heating element with 3-heat control switch.<br />
be fastened at any desired angle up to 45<br />
deg. It can likewise be recessed in sidewalls<br />
for lighting of fluorescent ceiling<br />
decorations.<br />
Model 88 fits between 16-in. centered<br />
joists or studding and requires an opening<br />
just 14 in. square.<br />
Available also from Switzer is a new 250-<br />
watt black light portable model No. 75,<br />
intended for entertainers, lecturers, display<br />
designers and others who have need<br />
for black light equipment that may be<br />
readily carried from place to place.<br />
Additional information on Glo-Craft<br />
black light equipment may be obtained<br />
from Switzer Brothers, Inc., 1220 Huron<br />
Road. Cleveland 15, Ohio.<br />
It uses 715 watts on "high," 358 watts on<br />
"medium" and 179 watts on "low." It is<br />
compactly designed, being only 17 by 20<br />
in. by 16 in. high, and weighs 30 lbs.<br />
Further details may be obtained fi'om<br />
the Star Mfg. Co., 6300 St. Louis Ave., St.<br />
Louis, Mo.<br />
Alumjnex Being Distributed<br />
By Notional Theatre<br />
Theatre Specialties, Inc., of Los Angeles,<br />
manufacturers of Bevelite plastic marquee<br />
letters, have just announced a new line of<br />
poster cases, known as Aluminex. Distribution<br />
will be handled exclusively by National<br />
Theatre Supply.<br />
The new Aluminex display frames are<br />
constructed of extruded aluminum and incorporate<br />
many advanced features. The<br />
line includes wall-type poster cases for both<br />
recess and surface mounting, easel-type<br />
cases, photo cases and insert frames. The<br />
cases are available both lighted and unlighted<br />
and are designed to carry standard<br />
posters, photographs and cards ranging<br />
from 40 in. by 80 in. poster paper to 3 in.<br />
by 10 in. date strips.<br />
Among the new features of Aluminex<br />
frames claimed by the manufacturer are:<br />
Engineered illumination focuses an evenly<br />
distributed light on posters. Extruded<br />
aluminum poster holders on all four sides<br />
entirely mask edges of poster. Poster liolders<br />
snap open and stay open—snap shut<br />
and stay shut. Positive tumbler locks assure<br />
safe, trouble-free operation. Beveled<br />
light shields protect the eye from glare and<br />
give a pleasing appearance of depth.<br />
In addition to poster cases the Aluminex<br />
line incorporates theatre-front hardware<br />
and accessories including push bars, pull<br />
bars, push plates, kick plates and threshholds.<br />
The new Aluminex line is now offered<br />
for sale at all National Theatre Supply<br />
branches.<br />
Switzer "88" Block Light<br />
Now Available to Trade<br />
Illustrated here is Switzer Bros, new Glo-<br />
Craft model 88 black light, which consists<br />
of a 250-watt lamp and reflector unit<br />
housed in a metal cabinet which is hinged<br />
on one side so it may be swung into position<br />
below the ceiling. The lamp may<br />
High-Intensity Spotlamps<br />
Announced by Strong<br />
The Strong Electric Corp. has just announced<br />
a new and complete line of high<br />
intensity reflector-type arc spotlamps for<br />
the amusement field.<br />
The new line includes sizes and capacities<br />
for every requirement from a<br />
small low-priced portable model known as<br />
the "Trouper" intended for night clubs and<br />
theatres, to a large versatile lamp, the<br />
"Big Top" for ice shows, stadiums, circuses,<br />
arenas and convention halls.<br />
The new spotlamps employ as a light<br />
soured the high intensity reflector-type<br />
lamp used universally for motion picture<br />
projection. This high intensity reflector<br />
principle is said to result in a snow-white<br />
light of tremendous volume.<br />
Light weight construction and a delicate<br />
balance permit one-hand control and make<br />
for easy following of fast action. The spotlamp<br />
can be swung through a full 360 deg.<br />
horizontal and compressed to angles of 45<br />
52<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
deg. or more. The lamps are equipped with<br />
color boomerang, fading iris, ultra-violei<br />
filters, and simplified automatic carbon<br />
feed. The masking control has both vertical<br />
and horizontal adjustment blades<br />
which can be angled at 45 deg. planes from<br />
normal.<br />
Literature on the new Strong spotlamp.s<br />
may be obtained by writing to The Strong<br />
Electric Corp.. 34 City Parle. Toledo 2. Ohio<br />
New Fluorescent Diffuser<br />
Strips Available<br />
A new sheet material for use in illuminated<br />
display signs and in lighting fixture.^<br />
has been developed by Extruders. Inc. It<br />
is a lightweight fluorescent diffuser strip<br />
in widths up to 19 in. and thicknesses<br />
ranging from .050 in. to .093 in. The material<br />
makes an ideal shield for fluorescent<br />
lights, theatre marquee panels, and panel<br />
lighting arrangements.<br />
The strip will reduce the weight of lighting<br />
fixtures now using glass diffuser strips<br />
and thereby increase the safety factor involved.<br />
It will not shatter or break.<br />
The plastic strip is available in various<br />
densities of white and colors, permitting<br />
different percentages of light transmission.<br />
It is extruded in flat, angular, semi-circular<br />
sheets or in any desired cross section.<br />
F^irther details may be obtained from<br />
Extruders. Inc.. 8509 Higuera St.. Culver<br />
City, Calif.<br />
Floorsavers by Ace<br />
Are Brand New<br />
Intended for floor scrubbing, polishing<br />
and waxing, the new Floorsavers illustrated<br />
below, have recently been placed on the<br />
market.<br />
WHY?<br />
No, it isn't double talk. Boltaflex wins theatre owners with its unbelievable<br />
wearability . . . the way it can be washed again and again with<br />
soap and water and still look bright and new.<br />
BOLTAFLEX REDUCES MAINTENANCE COSTS!<br />
Cover your theatre seats with long-wearing Boltaflex and watch the<br />
cost of upholstery maintenance fall!<br />
Speak to Your Theatre Chair Manufacturer or Contractor About<br />
BOLTAFLEX Today.<br />
WASHABLE • PERSPIRATION-PROOF • FIRE-RESISTANT<br />
• WON'T CRACK, CHIP OR PEEL<br />
(Choice of over 5<br />
"blended" and two-tone color;<br />
Features include low over-all height of<br />
11 in., properly balanced motor over brush<br />
for easy handling, oversize heavy-duty mo-<br />
(Continued on following pagei<br />
BOXOFFICE ;: September 11. 1948<br />
BOLTA PRODUCTS SALES, Inc.<br />
Factory and General Offices<br />
LAWRENCE, MASSACHUSETTS<br />
New York Office 45 West 34th Street<br />
WHEN YOU SAY BOLTAFLEX ... YOU'VE COVERED EVERYTHING!<br />
53
New<br />
Equipment<br />
And Developments<br />
(Continued from page 53)<br />
tor for long life and trcuble-free service.<br />
There are two models, "S" and "T" the<br />
difference between the two being that<br />
model "T" is equipped with a solution tank,<br />
the feed of which may be automatically or<br />
manually controlled. Model "S" does not<br />
have a tank.<br />
Additional information on Ploorsavers is<br />
available from the Ace Co., 12-40 N. Orange<br />
St.,<br />
Ocala, Fla.<br />
77-Pound Electric Plant<br />
By Onan & Sons<br />
One of the smallest and lightest 4-cycle,<br />
engine-driven alternating current lighting<br />
-^ Sealuxe Theatre Display Systems, Hardware and Accessories<br />
are now distributed through independent supply houses<br />
in many territories.<br />
If you have not been contacted by the new distributor in your<br />
territory write us direct. We will see that your orders are<br />
taken care of promptly.<br />
There ore a few territories in which distributor appointments<br />
have not been made. Supply houses interested in complete<br />
information regarding the distributor arrangement on Sealuxe<br />
Theatre Products are invited to write us.<br />
Mr. Lou Walters, Theatre Division Monoger, will<br />
be in St. Louis at the Theatre Equipment and<br />
Supply Manufacturers Association, Inc., September<br />
28-30. See our display Booth No. 81.<br />
plant ever developed, is the new Onan<br />
model AAE, which weighs but 77 lbs. It<br />
generates 350 watts.<br />
This little power plant makes it possible<br />
to have an alternating current supply<br />
practically anywhere for purposes such asi<br />
sound recording work, portable P. A. systems,<br />
emergency lighting, summer camps,<br />
trailers and roadside stands.<br />
The new power plant is available in both<br />
115-volt a. c. models and in 6, 12 and 32-<br />
volt d. c. battery chargers. Accessories for<br />
all models include carrying handle, mounted<br />
2-qt. fuel tank, muffler assembly, emergency<br />
starting rope, instruction manual<br />
and plywood mounting board.<br />
Further details are available upon request,<br />
from D. W. Onan & Sons, Inc., Minneapolis<br />
5, Minn.<br />
Roto-Beam Circulator<br />
Achieves Near Silence<br />
Designed to move air by induction, thei<br />
Roto-Beam creates twin air beams, one a<br />
fast-moving "tight" current, the other a<br />
large spirally twisting flow. The differen^<br />
ital in pressure between the twin air cur<br />
rents causes the air in the rcom to move,!j<br />
According to the manufacturer, near si-ij<br />
I<br />
iliis<br />
Sou,<br />
J"''"<br />
54 The MODERN THEATRE SECTIONfl
lence is achieved, througn tne use of a<br />
scientifically designed propeller, molded of<br />
high-impact bakelite.<br />
Further information on thi.s product may<br />
be obtained by writing to Roto-Beam, 1955<br />
N. Keller Ave., Chicago 39. 111.<br />
BEAUTY THAT ENDURES!<br />
New Karmelkorn Dispenser<br />
Permits Bulk Sales<br />
Selling Karmelkorn in paper cups at theatre<br />
refreshment service stands is easy and<br />
profitable with this new dispenser developed<br />
by Supurdisplay. Inc. The dispenser,<br />
which stands atop candy-vending cases,<br />
has a stainless-steel serving drawer, large<br />
front display area, plastic cup rack to fa-<br />
Dcrnnitor s Colors<br />
Won't fade or grow dull<br />
Saijf-Rrsistant<br />
Tough — wear resistant<br />
PUnhlc<br />
Toilors smoothly for<br />
lasting beauty<br />
.tfrr- Resistant<br />
Won't crack, split<br />
or chip<br />
// fislmble<br />
spills wipe off easily<br />
Durable<br />
Strong fobric backing<br />
U. S. Naugahyde—the practical upholstery, is adding its<br />
note of color and cheer in the smartest restaurants, hotels<br />
and theatres. Investigate! Ask your supplier, decorator<br />
or upholsterer. Look for the label "U. S. Naugahyde" on<br />
new furniture.<br />
Nationally advertised— Distributors in principal cities<br />
cilitate filling, false bottom in display area<br />
to give illusion of bulk, stainless steel serving<br />
door and a sliding trap door in the<br />
bottom of the serving drawer for easy<br />
emptying.<br />
Additional information on the Karmelkorn<br />
dispenser is available from Supurdisplay,<br />
Inc., Milwaukee, Wis.<br />
Simplex Sound Projector<br />
Type SP Now Available<br />
The Simplex sound projector. Type SP.<br />
which is intended for the small village<br />
(Continued on following page)<br />
MADE ONLY BT<br />
>^^^^^^-^<br />
,S\'A'^<br />
SV"?-^<br />
UNITED STATES<br />
RUBBER company'<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 55
New<br />
"Equipmeni<br />
And Developments<br />
{Continued from page 55)<br />
%iL'^AA
pictured here. The attractive young lady<br />
shown with the thirst quencher is Peggy<br />
Waggoner.<br />
Tlie Drinkmaster is made of stainless<br />
steel. It has a self-contained carbonator.<br />
Oldest U.S. Theatre<br />
Being Remodeled<br />
The Savannah Theatre of Savannah, Ga..<br />
said to be the oldest theatre in the U.S.<br />
is being remodeled. Fred G. Weis, operator<br />
of the house since 1920, said work would<br />
begin immediately on the project.<br />
Plans from which the Savannah will be<br />
remodeled were prepared by R. E. Collins<br />
and Carl E. Helfrich. architects. The plans<br />
call for a seating capacity of about 1,200,<br />
new projection equipment, provision for<br />
television, air conditioning and general<br />
redecorating. The revised structure will be<br />
a combination of brick, rough quarried<br />
limestone, five colors of terra cotta, burgundy-colored<br />
structural glass and Bedford<br />
limestone. The Savannah has been operated<br />
by members of the Weis family since<br />
1880.<br />
Altec's Chicago Office<br />
Moved on September 1<br />
To keep pace with expanded activities in<br />
the middle west, the Chicago Altec Service<br />
headquarters office moved on September 1,<br />
into new and larger quarters in the Transportation<br />
Building, 608 South Dearborn<br />
St., according to an announcement by<br />
R. Hilton, district manager.<br />
compressor and a chipped-ice compartment<br />
with a capacity of 150 lbs. The machines<br />
are being made in Oklahoma City at present,<br />
but plans are being made to open a<br />
larger factory soon in Dallas.<br />
Further information on the Quick-Serve<br />
Drinkmaster may be obtained by writing to<br />
the Beaty-Dunlap Mfg. Co.. Oklahoma<br />
City, Okla.<br />
New Show Rooms for<br />
James Lees & Sons Co.<br />
The new James Lees & Sons Co. showroom<br />
in the Spreckles Bldg., Los Angeles,<br />
is in keeping with the modernization plan<br />
which marks Lees exhibit spaces in New<br />
York. Chicago and San F^-ancisco.<br />
Carpet is the central theme of the decorative<br />
effort. Lees Hooksett. in a new<br />
green tone-on-tone occupies the main office<br />
of both yarn and carpet displays. This<br />
runs through the contract room, which is<br />
gray with textured rose flower.<br />
Walls reflect the bright tones of the carpet.<br />
They include lime yellow, coffee<br />
beige on the exterior with the bay of the<br />
yarn section in oyster white. The back wall<br />
of the yarn section and the entrance frame<br />
are in mint green. The contract room<br />
walls are in cccoa and olive-gray green.<br />
The main carpet display area is done in<br />
lime, oyster white and cocoa. The yarn<br />
section features the newest ball-yarn books<br />
and a reception area. Raymond Loewy<br />
Associates served as architects.<br />
New upholstery materials are versatile<br />
as well as beautiful. And such materials<br />
have other uses such as deccrative covering<br />
for doors, panels, lounge furniture, etc.<br />
EZY-RUG Rubber Link MATTING<br />
• Traps all dirt, keeps it out of sight, and<br />
prevents tracking into the theatre.<br />
• Reduces frequency of redecorating necessitated<br />
by dirt whirled into the air by the<br />
heating and cooling systems.<br />
• Available with lettering and designs.<br />
• Easily handled.<br />
• Eliminates dangers ol wet, slippery flooring.<br />
-ALSO-<br />
CORRUGATED SPONGE RUBBER MATTING<br />
sles<br />
PERFORATED CORRUGATED I^ATTING<br />
for<br />
lobbies<br />
AMERICAN COUNTER-THED MATTING<br />
jse at candy counters and popcorn macbii<br />
For prices and folder. '"A Mat lor Every Purpose"<br />
for promoting safety and sanitation, write<br />
AMERICAN MAT CORPORATION<br />
'Amaricm'm Largmat Matlii<br />
1719 Adams Street Toledo 2, Ohio<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 57
THIS EXHIBITOR KEEPS THE XIDS'<br />
TOWARD THE BACK ROW<br />
./^FTER THREE yeai's of intensified planning<br />
and training, the personalized patron<br />
service at the Colonial Theatre, 1,200-seat<br />
flagship of the Hartford Theatre Circuit,<br />
in Hartford, Conn., is paying off, according<br />
to Ernest A. Grecula, assistant to Al Schuman,<br />
general manager of the circuit.<br />
Grecula, joining the circuit staff in 1945<br />
following army service, was assigned to<br />
manage the Colonial, situated on one of<br />
Hartford's residential section's main thoroughfares.<br />
Taking over the house, he realized<br />
from 20 years of previous show business<br />
experience—that a new manager creates<br />
goodwill more rapidly through efficient<br />
managership and the supplementai-y service<br />
of making patrons feel at home.<br />
WEEKLY DRILLS HELD<br />
And so he started holding weekly courtesy<br />
drills for service staffs. He selected Saturday<br />
afternoons, with running time of the<br />
drills from 1 to 1:45 p. m. In choosing Saturday<br />
afternoon, he felt that the training<br />
would still be fresh in the minds of his<br />
staff for use in handling the Saturday<br />
afternoon kiddy trade.<br />
The theatre has six service-staff aides,<br />
including a doorman, two main floor ushers,<br />
one balcony usher and two cashiers.<br />
The Colonial runs on a policy cf one<br />
matinee and one evening show during the<br />
week and continuous performances on Saturdays,<br />
Sundays and holidays. Because<br />
the theatre has more business on weekends,<br />
Grecula believes that the courtesy drills,<br />
held on Saturday afternoons, have more<br />
effect on the service staff, and, resultantly,<br />
on the patron.<br />
During the 45 minutes devoted weekly to<br />
the drills, Grecula talks informally and<br />
has one or two service-staff aides go<br />
through the motion of handling various<br />
circumstances to be confronted on the<br />
main floor and in the balcony.<br />
Ushers are shown the right—and wrong<br />
ways—of how to seat a patron. "Evei-ything<br />
that goes into making everyone feel<br />
at home is important," says Grecula. How<br />
to handle aged and infirm customers, and<br />
page doctors are also discussed.<br />
Adds Grecula: "The house demands<br />
courtesy. I have found in the past three<br />
years that our plan has paid dividends.<br />
Customers have come to wait for such<br />
service. I have received telephone calls and<br />
letters commending the policy."<br />
"It's not hard. Just tell your service<br />
staff: Handle the patron gently, with no<br />
hurry or slowness either—just hit a happy<br />
medium. As for kids, keep the kids toward<br />
the back row. There we can keep an eye<br />
on them, and also have them available for<br />
parents and telephone calls. You can also<br />
control any potential noisemakers among<br />
the children by keeping them in the back<br />
section. They are near candy, etc., and are<br />
more likely to stay quiet when they know<br />
the ushers and doormen are near."<br />
NUMBER CALLING SYSTEM<br />
In connection with courtesy, Grecula has<br />
devised a number calling system for the<br />
paging cf doctors and other professional<br />
men. The system does not disturb patrons,<br />
however, with the calling of names up and<br />
down rows.<br />
Instead, Grecula gives incoming medical<br />
men, etc., a number upon notification from<br />
the cashier. Wlien a doctor is needed, for<br />
example, a number—anywhere from one<br />
to twelve— is flashed on the screen, and<br />
in this way the doctor is paged with no<br />
noise.<br />
So successful has this paging business<br />
worked that on occasions, the theatre may<br />
get as many as half a dozen doctors during<br />
one evening.<br />
Doctors tell Grecula that the system relieves<br />
them of the practice followed in<br />
other theatres, where ushers or managers<br />
roam up .and down the aisles for many<br />
minutes calling out names.<br />
'f^^ For Screen Images '.<br />
. .<br />
As The Camera Took Them<br />
THE<br />
more you close the gap between the<br />
critically precise camera image and the projected<br />
image on your screen, the better your<br />
presentations, and box office receipts, will be.<br />
That is exactly what the Bausch & Lomb Super<br />
Cinephor projection lens is designed and<br />
built to do. You can retain all the original<br />
beauty of fine detail, subtle tone, and brilliant<br />
color of your films by replacing your old<br />
lenses with Bausch & Lomb Super Cinephor<br />
lenses. Bausch & Lomb Optical Co., 720-V St.<br />
Paul St., Rochester 2, N. Y.<br />
BAUSCH & LOMB<br />
< '<br />
OPTICAL COMPANY ROCHESTER 2. N. Y.<br />
58 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
PERSONNEL QUIZ: Some Timely<br />
Tips on Hiring Competent Help<br />
by<br />
MAC McCALL<br />
Mr. Exhibitor, how's your knowledge of<br />
personnel management these days? Or.<br />
put differently, how good are you at hiring,<br />
firing, and handling people? Test yourself<br />
on the questions listed below and see how<br />
you rate.<br />
1. True or false? If an employe is found<br />
breaking one of the company rules, for<br />
best results he should be disciplined on the<br />
spot so he'll be sure and remember not to<br />
break the same rule a second time.<br />
2. True or false? It is gocd personnel<br />
procedure, when interviewing a job applicant,<br />
to check his references on the telephone<br />
while he is in the room with you.<br />
3. True or false? When running an advertisement<br />
for a person to fill a specialized<br />
job, it is a good idea to tell as little as possible<br />
about the job in the ad.<br />
4. True or false? It is sound management<br />
never to let a subordinate knew when<br />
you have taken a suggestion of his.<br />
5. When interviewing a job applicant, it<br />
is generally a good idea to try and frighten<br />
him ... to see how well he "operates" under<br />
pressure. Yes or no?<br />
6. Is it necessarily true that "long work<br />
hours means greater production"?<br />
7. When a new employe first comes on<br />
the job, should he be taken around and introduced<br />
to his fellow workers ... or is it<br />
better to let him arrange such introductions<br />
by himself without interference?<br />
8. Is it a good idea for a business manager<br />
to tiy to treat all employes just alike<br />
in virtually all ways?<br />
ANSWERS TO PERSONNEL QUIZ:<br />
1. False. If an employe is found breaking<br />
a rule, he should not be disciplined on<br />
the spot. Rather, he should be called into<br />
a private office—out of earshot of anyone<br />
else, and then be talked to about his offense.<br />
Public disciplining serves no real<br />
purpose.<br />
2. False. Never check a reference over<br />
the telephone while the applicant is in the<br />
room with you. To do so is unfair to the<br />
person who gave the reference originally.<br />
Par better to hold the reference and make<br />
the telephone call after the applicant has<br />
gone.<br />
3. False. When ninning an advertisement<br />
for a person to fill a specialized job,<br />
tell as much as you can about the job. In<br />
the<br />
this way, your ad will tend to "select"<br />
sort of persons you are seeking.<br />
4. False. Wherever possible it is desirable<br />
to let subordinates know when their<br />
suggestions have been put to use. Moreover,<br />
it is generally a good idea to encourage<br />
suggestions from subordinates.<br />
5. No. In the great majority of instanceu<br />
it is poor personnel policy to attempt to<br />
frighten job applicants. Far better to put<br />
an applicant at ease and attempt to learn<br />
by careful questioning just what sort of<br />
jobs he is fitted for.<br />
6. No, it is not necessarily true that<br />
"long hours mean increased production."<br />
There is an optional length of time that<br />
each individual can work with good efficiency.<br />
After working so long, every person<br />
begins to slow down, make mistakes.<br />
and so forth. For maximum output, the<br />
to find out what the<br />
thing to strive to do is<br />
best work-period for each Individual is.<br />
7. When a new employe comes on the<br />
Job, it's a good plan to see that he Is properly<br />
introduced to his fellow workers. In<br />
this way. he will become more quickly adjusted<br />
to his job and new surrounding . . .<br />
and will thus tend to become an asset to<br />
the ccmpany sooner.<br />
8. No. It is generally poor policy for a<br />
manager to try to treat all employes just<br />
alike under all circumstances. People differ.<br />
Consequently, for maximum harmony<br />
and best human relations within the organization,<br />
all persons should be treated as<br />
individuals with individual problems, likes<br />
and dislikes, and so on.<br />
Destined to Out-value, Out-perform and<br />
Out-save any other lamp on the market<br />
FOREST<br />
Electronic<br />
\U LIIIP<br />
i^ SEE DEMONSTRATION AT TESMA SHOW, FOREST BOOTH NO. 8<br />
^ See<br />
The Forest Electronic Arc Lamp introduces<br />
a new era in the industry, establishing a<br />
higher standard of quality in brilliant white<br />
screen illumination and projection efficiency<br />
than hos ever been achieved heretofore. Not<br />
just another lamp, but basically superior in<br />
every way — offering many newly developed<br />
advantages found in no other lamp. We<br />
invite comparison.<br />
FOREST RECTIFIERS for all size theatres at Tesma Show<br />
FOREST ELECTRONIC COMPANY, INC.<br />
7A4 BROAD STREET, NEWARK 2, NJ.<br />
BOXOFTICE :: September 11, 1948<br />
59
. .<br />
.<br />
i<br />
Six<br />
Additions to<br />
Ballantyne Line<br />
{Continued from page 51)<br />
to an attractive appearance. The Model<br />
1800 is available in the "Hi-tilt" for driveins<br />
as well as standard theatre use. The<br />
Hi-tilt has an unusual reverse angle tilt<br />
as required for use in drive-ins and eliminates<br />
the need for shoring up as in a conventional<br />
base.<br />
Ballantyne has added one entirely new<br />
"Golden Voice of the Silver Screen" twoway<br />
horn system to its line Und replaced all<br />
baffles in its other two-way horn systems<br />
with a new. acoustically reinforced low<br />
frequency baffle.<br />
According to I. M. Brown, chief engineer,<br />
the new Model 14 two-way horn system,<br />
designed for the smaller theatre, is notable<br />
for its simplicity in design and smooth<br />
high and low frequency characteristics.<br />
Royal Soundmaster Models Nos. 14, 20<br />
and 30 all have large, completely metalcased,<br />
acoustically treated, high frequency<br />
multi-cellular horns with a high frequency<br />
driver unit using an Alnico 5 permanent<br />
magnet. Each of these models also have<br />
"XL" Alnico 5 permanent magnet 15-inch<br />
low-frequency speaker units which the company<br />
claims give a 30 per cent higher efficiency<br />
in the conversion of low frequency<br />
response than any other unit on the market<br />
today. These Improved speaker units with<br />
their extra driving force require a special<br />
acoustically reinforced low-frequency horn<br />
baffle. Ballantyne engineers have met this<br />
problem and there is now offered, at no<br />
extra cost, all models of Two-Way Horn<br />
System with these special baffles.<br />
To assure outstanding performance of<br />
"The Golden Voice of the Silver Screen"<br />
Two-Way Horn Systems, a critically tuned<br />
dividing network is provided with each<br />
system, with a crossover point of 500<br />
cycles. Provision is made for five steps<br />
of high frequency attenuation to adapt<br />
the horn system to the acoustical characteristics<br />
of the auditorium. Standard input<br />
impedance of this dividing network<br />
is 500 ohms.<br />
Other new developments within the past<br />
year by Ballantyne include the PD-56 dual<br />
channel amplifier, and BX "DC" exciter<br />
supplies.<br />
T^^t<br />
HEHMETICALLY<br />
Fine theatres . . . fii»e films . . . fine equipment— they just<br />
naturally go together.<br />
You get your money's worth out of your projectors,<br />
arcs, and screen— only when using the finest of<br />
lenses. Try the f/2.0 Snaplite Series Il-or the<br />
incomparable f/1.9 Super-Snaplite-in your<br />
projectors . . . and see the difference!<br />
ONE-PIECE<br />
MOUNT<br />
COATED<br />
OPTICS<br />
In planning a carpet installation you<br />
can probably effect a marked saving by<br />
calling in a trained carpet expert. Let<br />
him survey your building, analyze the traffic<br />
and make recommendations.<br />
Navy Contract Awarded<br />
To DeVry Corp.<br />
Expanded peace time use of the 16mm<br />
film by the U.S. Navy resulted in the issuance<br />
of a contract for sound projection<br />
equipment to the De Vry Corp., Chicago.<br />
The contract, involving nearly a million<br />
dollars worth of newly developed De Vi-y<br />
16mm motion-picture sound projectors, is<br />
believed to be the largest single peacetime<br />
order ever placed for equipment of<br />
this type.<br />
A Dominant Marquee<br />
The Wometco Biscayne Plaza Theatre<br />
of Miami Beach, Pla., is all "dressed up"<br />
with a new marquee changeable program<br />
rKlirKK-KKAPLIIGSGive You . .<br />
• BRILLIANCE . the fastest lenses made: f/1.9<br />
• CONTRAST<br />
.<br />
• SHARPNESS.<br />
VALUE.<br />
with durable coated optics.<br />
.<br />
that only a six-element anastigmat<br />
can achieve.<br />
. one-piece mount, hermetically sealed to<br />
last a lifetime.<br />
Get full details of all Snaplite lenses in Bulletin<br />
204, from your local theater supply house.<br />
60<br />
2 Franklin Avenue i ^ _^# / ^^^<br />
Brooklyn 11, New York \^^^2liCaC COKPOKATIOK<br />
Visit Us at Booth No. 74 — rfSM4 Show<br />
lepi. 28 29-30 — Jefferson Hotel, St. Louis, Mo.<br />
equipment. The letters shown are 10 in.<br />
Adler plastic letters which are interchangeable<br />
with 16 in. Adler cast aluminum<br />
letters on Adler "Remova-Panel" frames.<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION<br />
i
|uee<br />
Theatres Redecorated<br />
by Eugenia<br />
Antonio Eugenio of Detroit has completed<br />
redecoration of seven houses: The<br />
Wyandotte, for Associated Theatres; Temple,<br />
Detroit, for Korman & Schultz; Oliver<br />
and Jefferson, Detroit, for Auto City Theatres;<br />
Tuxedo in Highland Park, and Piccadilly.<br />
Detroit, for Wisper & Wetsman<br />
circuit.<br />
Code of Conduct<br />
We have seen the item below reprinted<br />
many times, but until recently we didn't<br />
know that this list of rules originated in an<br />
Amboy, Illinois store, operated by the<br />
founders of what is now Carson, Pirie,<br />
Scott & Co. of Chicago, valued Hardwick<br />
dealers for many years. For the benefit<br />
of those who have never seen it, this is the<br />
Code of Conduct for employees—circa 1880;<br />
1. Store must be open from 6 A. M. to<br />
8 P. M.<br />
2. Store must be swept; counters, shelves<br />
and showcases dusted; lamps trimmed and<br />
chimneys cleaned; pens made; doors and<br />
windows opened; a pail of water and a<br />
bucket of coal brought in before breakfast.<br />
3. The store must not be opened on the<br />
Sabbath unless necessary and then only<br />
for a few minutes.<br />
4. The employe must pay not less than<br />
$5.00 per year to the church, and must<br />
attend Sunday school regularly.<br />
5. The employe who is in the habit of<br />
smoking Spanish cigars, being shaved at<br />
the barber's, going to dances and other<br />
places of amusement will assuredly give<br />
his employer reason to be suspicious of his<br />
integrity and honesty.<br />
6. Men employes are given one evening<br />
a week for courting and' two if they go to<br />
prayer meeting.<br />
After fourteen hours of work in the store,<br />
the leisure hours should be spent mostly<br />
in reading.<br />
— Reprinted from Hardwick<br />
& Magee Co.. •Sales Maker."<br />
Pacific Mills' Theatre<br />
Opens in Ocean Falls<br />
Opening of the new Crown Theatre in<br />
Ocean Falls, B. C. marks completion of<br />
one more step in a comprehensive plan of<br />
expansion and improvement in the townsite<br />
and mill operations of Pacific Mills.<br />
The interior of the theatre is tastefully<br />
decorated in pastel tones and green leath-<br />
eretle. Luxurious sponge-rubber seals, and<br />
a modern air-conditioning system guarantee<br />
the comfort of the patrons.<br />
The auditorium is illuminated by indirect<br />
ceiling light using incandescent troughreflector<br />
fixtures. The projection room<br />
OUICKACIION!<br />
THEATRE CLEANING MADE EASY<br />
\vith<br />
TORNADO<br />
THEATRE BLOWER<br />
Concentrates on the lloor, in aisles, betv/een and under<br />
ssats all the lorce ol a blast ol clean, dry wind moving<br />
a\ 235 miles per hour<br />
Sweeps away instantly all boxes, candy and gum wioppers,<br />
trash and litter, dust and dirt.<br />
Acts quickly—covers entire auditorium in briet space ol<br />
time— leaves your theatre Iresh and clean<br />
Cuts maintenance costs. Reduces time and labor Does<br />
a better job than o'.her methods.<br />
Learn what other theatre owners sa-,<br />
Write lor Litetature or Free Demonstration<br />
BREUER ELECTRIC<br />
equipment consists of two modern Century<br />
projection machines with double rotating<br />
shutters. A Northern Electric Master Sound<br />
System with all the latest devices for efficient<br />
and trouble-free operation has also<br />
been installed.<br />
MFG. CO.<br />
5132 Ravenswood Ave., Chicago HO, III.<br />
YOUR ASSURANCE OF THE BEST!<br />
I STROBLITE \\<br />
ULTRA BLUE LAMPS<br />
Fill a long felt need by architects,<br />
decorators and theatre owners, for<br />
a simple, effective and economical<br />
lighting unit to illuminate luminescent<br />
murals.<br />
STROBLITE FLUORECENT U.V.<br />
COLORS<br />
U.V. BLACKLIGHT LAMPS<br />
STROBLITE<br />
For Every Purpose<br />
COMPANY<br />
Dcpt. BO. 35 W. 52nd St., New York 19<br />
WENZEL<br />
"Smooth-Running"<br />
PROJECTOR<br />
You are assured of "Smooth-Running" perlormance<br />
with the Wenzel time-proven projector.<br />
Use Wenzel's precision replacement parts . . .<br />
and your present equipment will do a smoother<br />
running job.<br />
Write lor folder No. WC-19 on<br />
PRO-i projector mechanism<br />
WENZEL PROJECTOR COMPANY<br />
2509-19 S. Slats SI. Chicago IE. m.<br />
Satisfactx°"<br />
in Theatre<br />
Seating •<br />
nOVELTY<br />
II SCENIC STUDIOS, INC.<br />
32-34 W. 60TH ST., New York 23, N.Y.<br />
DECORATORS DESIGN ARTISTS<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948<br />
61
. . booklet<br />
. . catalog<br />
The<br />
S.O.S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP. ^n'ovMrk 19<br />
1941 N. 12th St. Toledo Z Obio<br />
toilet room installations.<br />
following concerns have recently<br />
filed copies of interesting literature with<br />
the <strong>Modern</strong> Theatre Information Bureau.<br />
more than 5,000 major<br />
Readers who wish copies may obtain them<br />
promptly by addressing the firms listed:<br />
theatres in the world use<br />
''Voice of the Theatre"<br />
SPEAKER SYSTEMS<br />
To make the most of the prnduct yuu play —<br />
make the most of the sound on the sound track.<br />
"Voice of the Theatre" is a ten year investment<br />
in "boxoffice", enables you to get the benefits of<br />
future sound track improvements, as well as the<br />
utmost quality from today's sound tracks.<br />
W. L. Stensgaard and Assoc, Inc., 346 N.<br />
ti if i! ii -i! -h<br />
Justine St..<br />
There is a "Voice<br />
Chicago 7, 111. . . .<br />
of the Theatre" speaker system<br />
fall and<br />
for every size theatre. Ask Christmas<br />
your supply dealer for<br />
catalog. Included are numerous<br />
information about modernizing your present<br />
display needs and decorative materials:<br />
system<br />
with "Voice of the Theatre". "Voice of the<br />
Theatre" speaker systems are supplied as standard<br />
also such items as directional signs, illuminated<br />
etched plastic signs, wall murals, etc..<br />
equipment by most leading theatre sound<br />
for use in theatres.<br />
system manufacturers.<br />
Goodall Fabrics, 525 Madison Ave.,<br />
New York 22, N. Y. . . booklet entitled,<br />
.<br />
161 Sixth Ave<br />
1161 N. Vine St..<br />
"On the Spot," which is an outline of spot<br />
New York 13, N<br />
Hollywood 38. Calif.<br />
removal methods, giving the correct solvent<br />
to remove various common spots to be<br />
found on upholstery fabrics and how to<br />
renovate a fabric after the spot has been<br />
removed.<br />
Edwin F. Guth & Co., 2615 Washington<br />
Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. . of fluorescent<br />
and incandescent lighting equipment.<br />
This company, founded in 1902 offers a<br />
complete line of luminaires for both fluorescent<br />
and incandescent light sources.<br />
that nothing but the finest sound Is good enough<br />
Manley, Inc., 1920 Wyandotte St., Kansas<br />
that better sound means better boxoffice . . . that<br />
less sound costs over the years when you install<br />
quality<br />
City 8. Mo. . presenting the<br />
See our<br />
TESMA<br />
Hotel.<br />
exhibit<br />
show,<br />
St. Louis,<br />
at the<br />
Jefferson<br />
Mo..<br />
Story of Manley, Inc. It tells and shoffs in<br />
photos how Manley utilizes 25,000 acres of<br />
September 2S - 29 - 30—<br />
Booths 42 and 43.<br />
growing lands in producing Manley Hi Pop<br />
Nos.<br />
Popcorn: gives information on Manley<br />
processing plant, popcorn machines, merchandising<br />
Designed and built by specialists to<br />
assure long, trouble-free<br />
Two basic sound systems—one for<br />
another for theatres of 2,000 seats<br />
service.<br />
tiieatres of<br />
— the output<br />
1,000 and<br />
of wMeb<br />
and advertising helps.<br />
may. by the addition of power amplifiers, be brought up<br />
111. . . . Tylac Co., Monticello, booklet on<br />
to serve theatres up to 6.000 seats.<br />
"Color Charm." This booklet describes the<br />
Your choice of any model Altec-Lansing "Voice of the<br />
new Tylac high-baked plastic enamel surfacewall<br />
Theatre" or Mollograph loudspeaker equipment.<br />
The Motiograpb sound reproducer is based on designs<br />
covering, now available in four<br />
of Electrical Itesearch Products Diuslon of Western Electric<br />
Company.<br />
designs and 18 colors. The four basic patterns<br />
are furnished in sheets which are<br />
eaily sawed to the desired shape and cemented<br />
to the surfaces of either old or new<br />
MOTIOGRAPH, INC.<br />
4431 W. LAKE STREET • CHICAGO 24, ILL.<br />
walls.<br />
Sanymetal Products Co., Inc., 1701 Urbana<br />
Road, Cleveland 12. Ohio . . catalog<br />
.<br />
of Toilet Compartments and Toilet Ftoom<br />
Reserve Your FREE Copy<br />
Environments. The Sanymetal Co.. which<br />
has participated in over 80,000 toilet room,<br />
The new up-to-date S.O.S. Bargain Catalog Is now In production.<br />
cial tools. It cleans everything Including the screen<br />
wash room and locker room installations<br />
offers a specialized technical service to architects<br />
of to and morel New. Used, Rebuilts Pages and pages of startling good buys Savhigs<br />
—<br />
I<br />
25% 40% Many<br />
and the furniture. Write for data. Ask your<br />
supply dealer.<br />
Government Surplus Materials—all fully guaranteed. Reserve<br />
NATIONAL SUPER SERVICE CO., lao.<br />
and engineers on layout of difficult<br />
your FREE copy<br />
nowl<br />
THEATRE CLEANING<br />
• lliousands of theatres are using the Specialized<br />
Super Theatre Cleaner today because, spe-<br />
vrfth its<br />
Sanger-Punnell, Inc., 60 E. 42nd St.,<br />
New York 17, N. Y. . . . new Screen Chart<br />
for finding the proper focal lengths of<br />
Snaplite or Super-Snaplite lens, for various<br />
combinations of picture size and projection<br />
distance. Devised by Kollmorgen Optical<br />
Corp. Known as bulletin 205, it covers focal<br />
lengths from 2 in. through 7 in., projection<br />
distances from 40 ft. to 400 ft. and picture<br />
widths from 9 to 85 ft. The chart will be<br />
distributed at Booth 74 at the TESMA<br />
Show in St. Louis.<br />
62 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
w<br />
. . . brochure<br />
. . brochure<br />
. . catalog<br />
r^/u^<br />
For Sanitary<br />
Washrooms<br />
Theatre<br />
The reputation of any theatre depends<br />
upon the people who enter its doors.<br />
Therefore, when the public selects<br />
Bradley DUOWashfountains as the<br />
most modern and sanitary wash fixtures<br />
available, it is an endorsement<br />
worthy of consideration.<br />
Thousands of men and women are<br />
familiar with Bradley Washfountains<br />
factory and school<br />
through shop, plant,<br />
installations: the automatic foot-control<br />
which keeps hands safe from contagious<br />
faucet and wash basin contacts<br />
the self-flushing bowl that prevents<br />
contaminating dirt collections—and the<br />
clean spray of running water.<br />
Theatre managements, too, prefer<br />
Bradleys because of valuable economies<br />
in water consumption, maintenance<br />
and installation costs. One DUO<br />
serves two persons simultaneously, replaces<br />
two ordinary single-person wash<br />
basins, and the easily-cleaned DUO<br />
sprayhead taies the place of four faucets.<br />
Nationally distributed through<br />
plumbing wholesalers.<br />
BRADLEY<br />
WASHFOUNTAIN<br />
CO,<br />
2363 W. Michigan St.<br />
Milwaukee 1, Wis.<br />
Write for<br />
Illustrated Bulletin<br />
464-D.<br />
Duo£w^Afoim^m<br />
Nu-Nail Products Co.. Chicago 44, 111.<br />
on using Water Impact to<br />
open clogged drains on sinks, toilet bowls,<br />
drinking fountains, urinals, bar and soda<br />
fountains, and all other waste lines from<br />
'2 in, to 6 in. in diameter.<br />
Research Products Corp.. Madison 3.<br />
Wis. . on Research Air Filter<br />
Banks. Features new Research snap-in<br />
grids and self-seal Research air filters. To<br />
service filter banks the Research way. snapin<br />
grid is pulled from filter cell, dirty filter<br />
pad is replaced with clean filter pad and<br />
the snap-in grid is pressed back into the<br />
frame. There are no hooks, screws or<br />
catches to operate or get out of order.<br />
Royal Metal Mfg. Co.. 175 N. Michigati<br />
Ave.. Chicago 1, 111. . . . new Guide to Interior<br />
Design. It tells the layman how to<br />
establish a basis for making decisions regarding<br />
color, materials, harmony and the<br />
arrangement of furniture in his office, store<br />
or plant.<br />
E. I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co., Inc..<br />
Fabrics Div.. 350 Fifth Ave.. New York 1.<br />
N. Y. . . . booklet entitled "Coated Fabrics<br />
Engineered for Upholstery." This booklet<br />
contains information on Du Pont's Fabrikoid.<br />
Fabrilite and Cavalon coated fabricupholstery<br />
products.<br />
Sperzel Co.. 123 S. 14th Ave., Minneapolis<br />
4, Minn. . No. 400 on<br />
Sanitary Toilet Seats. The catalog contains<br />
full information on Sperzel self-raisint;<br />
seats and self-sustaining hinge types.<br />
Carbonette Corp., 317 Penn Ave.. Pittsburgh<br />
22, Pa. . . . brochure on Carbonette<br />
dispensers for carbonated water and flavored<br />
drinks. Three models are available<br />
including one especially designed for theatres,<br />
with quilted sides and back, bulldog<br />
nose and recessed kick plate.<br />
lievf RCA Sound Catalog<br />
Lists Complete Line<br />
The Engineering Products Dept. of RCA<br />
has just released a new 84-page illustrated<br />
catalog listing the company's complete line<br />
of sound equipment.<br />
The new booklet is divided into sections<br />
dealing with such sound products as microphones,<br />
amplifiers, speakers, program control<br />
and distribution facilities and specialty<br />
products.<br />
Concise descriptions of each model include<br />
such information as special features,<br />
uses and specifications, as well as photographs<br />
and diagrams. New items such as<br />
the RCA wire recorder, the model SP-15A<br />
portable sound system. RCA intercom system,<br />
the 250-watt amplifier and the Bantam<br />
velocity microphone are fully described.<br />
Copies of the new catalog may he obtained<br />
by writing to the Sound Products<br />
Section, Engineering Products Dept.. Radio<br />
Corp. of America, Camden. N. J., specifying<br />
Sound Products Catalog 218-P.<br />
with<br />
STUB ROD<br />
CONTROL BOX<br />
Records what happens between<br />
box office and door— every<br />
every hour, every day!<br />
minute,<br />
Pays for itself in very short order!<br />
AUTOIMATICKE^^e^^SYSTEMS<br />
Co«fr»d br U S Poti and Pad f»n4.<br />
For complete information write to:<br />
GENERAL REGISTER CORPORATION<br />
3S-20 IhirtMliiril StreetLoie Islitd Cltn l,N.T.<br />
01 IHI kUTHOIIZID iurn.1 OCAIEI IN rOUl A>l«.<br />
EVANS SPROTT— General Manager,<br />
Bijou Amusement Company,<br />
Nashville, Tenn.— declares:<br />
"To me, RCA Service is a good<br />
business investment. It pays<br />
for itself by keeping my equipment<br />
free from trouble and my<br />
patrons better satisfied."<br />
To get the benefits of RCA Service<br />
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,<br />
INC., Radio Corporation of America,<br />
Camden, N. J.<br />
FREE CATAIOG<br />
AND TRACKS<br />
VALLENJNC. AKRON, OHIO<br />
BOXOFFICE :: September U, 1948 63
about people/ and PRODUCT<br />
Outstanding Features<br />
• Sturdily Constructed of<br />
20 Gouge Steel<br />
• Cast Aluminum Top Finished<br />
in Block Baked Enamel<br />
(Bottom of Cost Aluminum)<br />
• Steel Ticket Hopper<br />
• Piano Hinge Door<br />
• Cylinder Lock with Two Key!<br />
• Sand Blasted Glass Window<br />
• Chrome Handles<br />
• Scientifically Designed<br />
• Lifetime<br />
Service<br />
Visit us at BOOTH 27<br />
TESMA TRADE SHOW<br />
lefierson Hotel. St. Louis, Mo<br />
September 28-30<br />
GoldE Manufacturing Co.<br />
1220-A W.Madison St., Chicago 7, U.S.A.<br />
HARRY MELCHER — General<br />
Manager, Eskin Theatres, Inc., Milwaukee,<br />
Wis.— writes:<br />
"Patron consideration requires<br />
the finest in sound. RCA Service<br />
insures this quality."<br />
To get the benefits of RCA Service<br />
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,<br />
INC., Radio Corporation of America,<br />
Camden, N. J.<br />
ENCORE<br />
THIAIRE CHAIRS by m^r°Z<br />
84<br />
Theatre Seating Division<br />
G. L. Carrington. president of Altec Service,<br />
recently visited in Hollywood after attending<br />
the wedding, in Lincoln. 111., of his<br />
eldest son. G. L.. jr.. to Harriett Clare<br />
Perry. Carrington's youngest son. Robert<br />
J., was his brother's best man. The couple<br />
will reside in Encino. California.<br />
Paul P. Reich Co.. manufacturers of<br />
Whiz and Pecan Pete candy bars have<br />
produced a one-minute color film advertising<br />
their Whiz candy bar. The film is<br />
said to be done in a manner that makes it<br />
acceptable to large houses that would ordinarily<br />
not handle any advertising.<br />
Buttons are popping off the chest of<br />
Prank Daut. credit manager of Altec Service's<br />
New York district, like popcorn at<br />
a kiddies' Saturday matinee. Frank's son<br />
Jack. 17. all-scholastic high school tackle<br />
of Nassau County has been awarded a<br />
four-year scholarship at Notre Dame starting<br />
this fall.<br />
Oxford Electric Corp., 3911 S. Michigan<br />
Ave., Chicago 15, is now ready to market<br />
a wide range of specialty speakers.<br />
Hanns R. Teichert Co. of Chicago has<br />
recently completed large mural decorations<br />
with fluorescent paint, for the new Lucchese<br />
Theatre in San Antonio.<br />
Carrier Corp. established a new high of<br />
$55,734,519 in completed contracts and<br />
sales during the twelve months ending July<br />
31, 1948. The comparable figure for the<br />
previous similar period was $46,120,771.<br />
McCarthy Theatre Supply of Fargo. N.<br />
Dak. has announced expansion of quarters<br />
and has moved to its own building at 67<br />
N. 4th St.<br />
George E. Koch, for over 12 years with<br />
U.S. Gypsum Co., Philadelphia, has been<br />
named plant manager of American Acoustics,<br />
Inc., manufacturers of Softone noncombustible<br />
acoustical tile and plaster and<br />
Atoz insulation plaster. The appointment<br />
was announced by J. F. Conroy III, presi-<br />
'<br />
dent.<br />
Claude Kenner, theatre manager of San<br />
Pedro, Calif., was flustered when he returned<br />
to his theatre after his wife Doris<br />
had given birth to an eight-pound daughter.<br />
In foot-high illuminated letters on<br />
the theatre marquee were the words:<br />
"World premiere of Janice Lynn Kenner,<br />
original production of Doris and Claude<br />
Kenner." It was the work of some playful<br />
associates.<br />
Mrs. Ora Redford, owner of the 400-seat<br />
American Theatre of Auburn, 111., is having<br />
Carrier air conditioning installed in<br />
his theatre.<br />
Edward Hill Amet, 87, pioneer inventor<br />
of motion picture equipment, died August<br />
16 in Redondo Beach, Calif. Amet invented<br />
the Geneva control for motion picture<br />
camera shutters which is still in use.<br />
Personnuel Changes Announced<br />
By General Detroit Corp.<br />
The nation's mounting<br />
fire losses—a 24^7^<br />
increase in 1947 alone<br />
—could mean that the<br />
public is still not in<br />
possession of enough<br />
fire fighting equipment,<br />
states R. L.<br />
Braden, President and<br />
Treasurer of The General<br />
Detroit Corp. To<br />
meet the challenge<br />
R. L. Braden this situation presents,<br />
his company, which makes portable fire<br />
extinguishers and motorized fire apparatus,<br />
has announced a number of new appointments<br />
in its sales and manufacturing personnel.<br />
E. A. Warren, formerly vice-president in<br />
charge of sales, now becomes executive<br />
vice-president, and the policies of the fire<br />
extinguisher, fire apparatus, fire hose, and<br />
industrial divisions have been coordinated<br />
under his jurisdiction. A. B. Seigfreid. formerly<br />
sales manager of the fire truck division,<br />
assumes the position of vice-president<br />
in charge of manufacturing. Preston<br />
W. Wolf, formerly assistant to the vicepresident,<br />
succeeds to the post of assistant<br />
general sales manager.<br />
Soap Carvings made by Harold Tinker.<br />
Pittsburgh RKO shipper, are being featured<br />
at the Hobby Theatre in that city.<br />
Tinker carves his art figures wih a single<br />
blade of a pocket knife.<br />
Clarence J. Smale. architect of Los Angeles,<br />
is completing plans for the construction<br />
of a 1,000-seat theatre in Trona, Calif.,<br />
for the American Potash & Chemical Co.<br />
Trona is the home of the famous 40-muleteam<br />
borax hauling saga.<br />
Plans for the organization of an association<br />
of drive-in operators in the Carolinas<br />
are under way. Robert O. Jeffress<br />
of Charlotte, owner of the Fort Rock Driver<br />
In between Rock Hill and Fort Mill, is<br />
backing the movement for the new organization.<br />
DICK Kekker, manager of the Salida<br />
Theatre of Salida. Colo., has installed a<br />
new cooling system at the theatre.<br />
New Kroehler Seats have been installed<br />
in the Geneva Theatre, of Geneva. 111.<br />
Elliott S. Phillips, president of Devoe<br />
& Raynolds Co., Inc.. paint manufacturers<br />
with headquarters in New York, announce<br />
the acquisition of the Bishop-Conklin Paint<br />
Co. of Los Angeles, Calif.<br />
Fred Lakewitz has been appointed district<br />
manager of television service in Boston,<br />
Hartford. Portland and Providence<br />
distributing areas for RCA Service Co.<br />
Lakewitz will make his headquarters at the<br />
Cambridge shop where he has been manager<br />
since its inception.<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
f<br />
Dealer Appointments<br />
By General Register<br />
ROY L. COCHRAN— Owner and<br />
Manager. Juroy Theatre, North<br />
Little Rock, Arkansas— says:<br />
"In three years of operation I<br />
haveused RCA Serviceand have<br />
not lost one minute of time.<br />
Equipment is as good as at<br />
time of installation."<br />
To get the benefits of RCA Service<br />
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,<br />
INC., Radio Corporation of America,<br />
Camden, N. J.<br />
Looking for the<br />
<strong>Modern</strong> Curtain Track?<br />
THEN LOOK AT<br />
Besteel<br />
MEDIUM DUTY<br />
CURTAIN TRACK<br />
Fast, smooth and efficient—strong<br />
enough for the majorily of installations.<br />
Look, too, at its many other<br />
advantages.<br />
AUTOMATIC DEVICES CO.<br />
1035 Linden St. Allentown, Pa.<br />
Export Office: 220 W. 42nd St., N. Y. C.<br />
ALERT<br />
Ideal<br />
SHOWMEN<br />
Are Ordering<br />
Slide -Back<br />
Chairs<br />
see<br />
^oe
Millionth Bevelite Letter<br />
OH Production Line<br />
Gordon Thompson, production manager<br />
of Theatre Specialties, manufacturers of<br />
INDEX<br />
OF ADVERTISING IN THE MODERN<br />
THEATRE SECTION<br />
PRECISION MADE<br />
PROJECTOR<br />
PARTS<br />
Once you've used them, you'll agree that the built-in precision<br />
and trouble free perlormance of La Vezzi parts do much to<br />
hasten repair jobs and help you to<br />
deUghts patrons.<br />
the better projection that<br />
Specify U Vezzi SUPER-SERVICE Parte for<br />
all your replacements! Your Theatre Supply Dealer has them<br />
LaVezzi Machine Works ^<br />
J. M. SUTTON— Partner, Galston<br />
and Sutton Theatres, Hollywood,<br />
CaUf.—says:<br />
"Of vital importance to every<br />
theatre owner is the maintenance<br />
of sound equipment. RCA<br />
Sound and Service is the heartbeat<br />
of our business."<br />
To get the benefits of RCA Service<br />
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,<br />
INC., Radio Corporation of America,<br />
Camden, N. J.<br />
Replacement parts for CENTURY<br />
Model K and Simplex type<br />
mechanisms—sold to all service<br />
and supply stores.<br />
CENTURY PROJECTOR CORP.<br />
Bevelite third-dimensional plastic marquee<br />
letters, receives congratulations from William<br />
C. Stahl, sales manager, as the millionth<br />
Bevelite letter comes off the production<br />
line. The 16 oz. injection machine on<br />
which Bevelite letters are made is in the<br />
background.<br />
Introducing Six New<br />
Members of TESMA<br />
The "Tattler," house organ of the Theatre<br />
Equipment Supply Manufacturers<br />
Association, lists new members of the organization<br />
as follows:<br />
Calumet Coach Co., 11575 S. Wabash,<br />
Chicago, 111. Drive-in concession stands on<br />
wheels.<br />
Elizabeth Iron Works, Inc., Green Lane,<br />
Elizabeth, N. J. Pre-fabricated all steel<br />
screen towers for drive-in theatres.<br />
Ideal Industries, Inc., Sycamore, 111.<br />
Electric vacuum cleaning and blowing<br />
equipment.<br />
Theatrecraft Manufacturing Corp., 1878<br />
E. 18th St., Cleveland. Ohio. In-a-car<br />
speaker units for drive-in theatres.<br />
Typhoon Air Conditioning Co., Inc., 794<br />
Union St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Packaged air<br />
conditioning units.<br />
Universal Corporation, 6710 Denton<br />
Drive, Dallas, Tex. Lobby frames, box offices,<br />
marquees, door hardware, etc.<br />
'Babe Ruth' Poblocki<br />
Hits a Homer<br />
The annual picnic for<br />
employes of Poblocki &<br />
Sons and their families<br />
was held at Greenfield<br />
Park. Milwaukee,<br />
August 14. A hot dinner<br />
was served at noon<br />
to approximately 100<br />
people. Of unusual attraction<br />
during the<br />
afternoon was the refreshment<br />
stand where<br />
ice cream, candy, pop and beer were passed<br />
out in substantial quantities. For entertainment<br />
the men played and "talked" a<br />
good game of baseball. Ben Poblocki hit<br />
a home run.<br />
Adler Silhouette Letter Co 47<br />
Altec Lansing Corp 62<br />
American Mat Corp 57<br />
American Popcorn Co 28<br />
American Seating Co — 3<br />
Anemostat Corp. oi America 16<br />
Automatic Devices Co. - 65<br />
Ballantyne Company, The 19<br />
Bausch & Lomb Optical Co 58<br />
Holla Products ...- 53<br />
Bradley Washfountain Co 63<br />
Breuer Electric Mfg. Co 61<br />
Carbonette Corp 65<br />
Century Projector Corp 66<br />
Drincolator Corp - 23<br />
Droll Theatre Supply Co. - 65<br />
Elizabeth Iron Works, The 39<br />
Firestone Industrial Products 5<br />
Forest Electronics Co 59<br />
Formica Insulation Co 8<br />
General Electric Co 41<br />
General Register Corp 63<br />
GoldE Mig, Co. 64<br />
Henry Heide, Inc 24<br />
Hertner Electric Co. *°<br />
Heywood-Waltefield Co 64<br />
Homstein, Inc.. Joe 65<br />
Ideal Seating Co
I!<br />
)XOFFICE BAROMETER • EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY<br />
ITUPE CHART • REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHART<br />
lORTS REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS • EXPLOITIPS<br />
Bookin(fuid<<br />
—--li<br />
— ts<br />
BOXOFFICE<br />
FIRST RUN REPORTS<br />
This chart shows the records made by<br />
pictures in five or more oi the 21 key cities<br />
checked. As new runs are reported, ratings<br />
are added and overages revised.<br />
BAROMETER<br />
TOP HIT OF THE WEEK<br />
The Search<br />
Minneapolis 250<br />
Computed in terms of percentage in<br />
relation to normal grosses. With 100<br />
per cent as "normal," the figures<br />
show the percentage above or below<br />
that mark.
EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY<br />
Aren't We AU? (Col)—Short. After the iirst<br />
show, we placed it back in the can, where it<br />
may rest in peace. Played Saturday. Weather:<br />
Hot.—Ben Brinck, West Point Theatre, Wes^t<br />
Point, icwa. Rural patronage.<br />
Blondie in Iho Dough (Col)—Penny Singleton<br />
Arihur Lake, Larry Simms. Blondie kind ot<br />
short-changed us as we didn't do so well as<br />
on previous ones of this series. Business was<br />
generally oil for Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cool.<br />
-Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury,<br />
Ont. Small town patronage.<br />
yjolson Story, The (Col)—Larry Parks, Eve^<br />
lyn Keyes, William Demarest. I was afraid of<br />
this one because it did so well the first time,<br />
approximately a year ago, for me. I took a<br />
chance on the theory that I'd rather die with<br />
a good one. It is still great and so was business<br />
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Warm and<br />
clear.—Al Hatofi, Ritz Theatre, Brooklyn, N.Y^<br />
Neighborhood patronage.<br />
Rose oi Santa Rosa (Col)—Hoosier Hot<br />
Shots, Patricia White, Eduardo Noriega. This<br />
IS a fair little musical show which failed<br />
to draw more than average business. It<br />
should be double billed as it will not stand<br />
alone. Played Tuesday. Weather: Good.—<br />
E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey^,<br />
Okla. Small town patronage.<br />
with an Eddie Dean western. Played Fri.,<br />
Sat. Weather: Too good.—Ralph Raspa, State<br />
Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage.<br />
* *<br />
Noose Hangs High, The (EL)—Bud Abbott,<br />
Lou Costello, Cathy Downs. This is the best<br />
Abbott and Costello picture in a long time.<br />
It's a laugh from stdrt to finish. Comments<br />
were very good.—L. Brazil jr.. New Theatre,<br />
Bearden, Ark. Small town patronage. * * *<br />
Red Stallion, The (EL)—Ted Donaldson,<br />
Robert Paige, Noreen Nash. This is made to<br />
order for our patrons and it really drev/ them<br />
in. It has rather a simple plot but enough<br />
action to make it interesting and nice color.<br />
We always do okay on a picture which has<br />
a dog or a horse in the cast. Played Thurs.,<br />
Fri., Sat. Weather: Warm.—R. W. Burgess,<br />
Roxy Theatre, McClusky, N. D. Rural and<br />
small town patronage. * *<br />
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER<br />
Bride Goes Wild, The (MGM)—Van Johnson,<br />
June Allyson, Butch Jenkins. Leo did it again.<br />
It is tailored for the family trade and did we<br />
get itl Business was very good and everybody<br />
went home smiling. You can stand in<br />
the lobby and be proud to tell your .patrons<br />
ABOUT<br />
PICTURES<br />
Just as the Barometer page shows first run reporU on current pictures, this<br />
department is devoted for the most part to reporU on subsevaent runs, madehv<br />
exhibitors themselves. A one-star contributor is new. two stars mean the ex-<br />
Mm^ has b!Z writing in for six months or longer, and a three-star contributor<br />
isaTeguTarofone year or more, who receives a token of our appreciation. AU<br />
exhibitors welcome.<br />
goodnight after they have enjoyed themselves<br />
COLUMBIA<br />
like mine did. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:<br />
Good.—C. W. Ritenour, Milford Theatre.^Milford.<br />
111. Rural patronage.<br />
i^Cass Timberlane (MGM)—Spencer Tracy,<br />
Lana Turner, Zachary Scott. This is a well<br />
made story and it pleased all who came.<br />
Spencer Tracy was superb. Played Mon.,<br />
Tues.—W. S. Funk, Star Theatre, St. Stephen,<br />
S. C. Small town patronage.<br />
Fiesta (MGM) — Esther Williams, Akim.<br />
Tamiroff, Ricardo Montalben. This picture let<br />
me down very badly. It had no draw on<br />
Sunday and with a very cool Monday, the<br />
people still stayed away. It pleased those<br />
who came, however. Weather: Warm and<br />
humid first day.—Arthur E. Phifield, Park<br />
Theatre, South Berwick, Me. Small town patronage.<br />
Green Dolphin Street (MGM)—Lana Turner,<br />
Van Heflin, Donna Reed. This is a verygood<br />
story. It is not too deep for small town<br />
and rural people. One thing that helped it go<br />
over here was a fairly large Catholic patronage.<br />
Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Good.—<br />
Jim Mote, Gem Theatre, Sterling, Okla. Small<br />
town patronage.<br />
High Wall (MGM)—Robert Taylor, Audrey<br />
Totter, Herbert Marshall. How, oh how can we<br />
exhibitors tell the producers that our patrons<br />
are all washed up on these iriurder pictures?<br />
No matter how well acted and cleverly unfolded?<br />
They stay away in hordes. Played<br />
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fine.—R. E. Halstead,<br />
Swing the Western Way (Col)—lack Leonard,<br />
Mary Dugan, Thurston Hall. A good musical<br />
western. These are all somewhat the<br />
same, though this one seemed to have a better<br />
story than most. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: small town patronage.<br />
Tri-Town Theatre, Lindstrom, Minn. Rural and<br />
Fair and warm.—Arthur E. Phifield, Park Theatre,<br />
Winter Comes (MGM)—Walter Pidgeon,<br />
South Berwick, Me. Small town patron-<br />
If<br />
Deborah Kerr, Angela Lansbury. This picture<br />
age.<br />
Two Blondes and a Redhead (Col)—Jean<br />
Porter, Jimmy Lloyd, June Preisser. This is High Praise From Raspa<br />
a routine musical show which played to<br />
average business on Tuesday only. Weather: Is Given 'Tycoon<br />
Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, TYCOON (RKO)—John Wayne, Laraine<br />
Day, Sir Cedric Hardwicke. As<br />
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. * * *<br />
BOXOFFICE put it, "hokum but the type<br />
EAGLE LION<br />
that goes over." How right you are. In<br />
Cobra Strikes. The (EL)—Sheila Ryan, Richard<br />
fact, this is an excellent example of a<br />
Eraser, Leslie Brooks. This one flopped.<br />
good, small town picture for theatres<br />
It is a good murder yarn but it was doubled<br />
thriving on family trade. I'm not raving<br />
about this feature because it did<br />
super-duper business for me—it didn't.<br />
It was bucking a carnival, and "Cass<br />
Timberlane" at my competitor's theatre.<br />
"Here's what I'm raving about. It has<br />
an action star, a beautiful lead. Technicolor,<br />
romance action and spectacle. It<br />
shows people going to church; husband<br />
was surprised to see wife smoke and takes<br />
cigs away from her; and it shows being<br />
drunk can be distasteful. If more pictures<br />
were like this and avoided the smoke and<br />
drink fiends, movies wouldn't be condemned<br />
by so many. This small town<br />
alone has three different churches condemning<br />
all movies. It will receive plenty<br />
of raves and you won't even notice it<br />
runs 128 minutes.<br />
"One more good point about the picture<br />
is the fact that the title is but one<br />
word. It is easier for patrons to remember<br />
and it can be printed up big on your<br />
advertisement, especially window cards.<br />
Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville,<br />
W. Va. Rural patronage. * •<br />
This 'Sleeper' Brought<br />
Best Crowds in Months<br />
SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY (20th-<br />
Fox)—(Formerly "Thunder in the Valley"),<br />
ton McCaUister, Peggy Ann Garner,<br />
Edmund Gwenn. This was a sleeper<br />
as we weren't expecting much and it<br />
turned out to be one of our best Sunday<br />
crowds for months. Very fine acting by<br />
Edmimd Gwenn in a colorful story of<br />
sheep dogs in Scotland. It should go over<br />
in any situation. Played Sun., Mon.,<br />
Tues. Weather: Warm.—R. W. Burgess,<br />
Roxy Theatre, McClusky, N. D. Rural and<br />
small town patronage.<br />
is just no good. A wonderful cast but no story.<br />
On top of all this it is one of those showoffdonchaknow<br />
English things that bore the<br />
average Yank to death. Won't these producers<br />
ever get tired of cramming this John Bull<br />
tripe down our neck? I, for one, wouldn't<br />
care if I never saw another picture with English<br />
atmosphere or any other foreign stuff.<br />
Whatever they have over there, we have it<br />
better here—writers, background, production<br />
and the whole works. Let's have good old<br />
American stories and teach our youngsters<br />
there are no pictures like the ones that typify<br />
home and all its surroundings.—Bill Leonard,<br />
Leonard Theatre, Cedarvale, Kas. Small town<br />
patronage.<br />
Little Mr. Jim (MGM)—Jackie "Butch" Jenkins,<br />
James Craig, Frances Gilford. This was<br />
a dandy and drew good crowds in spite of the<br />
fact that the weather was hot, and we do not<br />
have air conditioning. We are always proud<br />
to present features of this type because we<br />
know the patrons will go away pleased.<br />
Played Sat., Sun. Weather: Hot.—E. P. Amundson,<br />
Colton Theatre, Colton, S. D. Small town<br />
and rural patronage.<br />
Tarzan's Secret Treasure (MGM)—Reissue<br />
Johnny WeissmuUer, Maureen O'SuUivan, John<br />
Sheffield. First Tarzan 1 had played, but it<br />
wouldn't have been my last if I hadn't burned<br />
out. It brought out the kiddies and the mothers<br />
and daddies, too. Played Fri., Sat.<br />
Weather: Good. — Jim Mote, Gem Theatre,<br />
Sterling, Okla. Small town patronage * *<br />
This Time for Keeps (MGM)—Esther Williams,<br />
Jimmy Durante, Lauritz Melchior. This<br />
was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Of<br />
course it helps that all the people in the cast<br />
are well liked here, but this would have gotten<br />
by simply on its merits. It was attended<br />
by a large and appreciative audience. Played<br />
Wednesday. Weather: Clear and warm.— J.<br />
E. Rougeau, Club Theatre, Seven Sisters Falls,<br />
Man. Small town and rural patronage. * * *<br />
MONOGRAM<br />
Angels' Alley (Mono)—Leo' Gorcey, Huntz<br />
Hall, Billy Benedict. This is a B picture but<br />
it did more business than lots of A pictures<br />
and had better than average draw.—L. Brazil<br />
jr.. New Theatre, Bearden, Ark. Small town<br />
patronage.<br />
Panhandle (AA-Mono)—Rod Cameron,<br />
Cathy Downs, Reed Hadley. This is another<br />
small town natural and is in color. I bought<br />
it at a price so that I came out fairly well on<br />
it. Played Mon., Tues.—B. J. Green, Marion<br />
Theatre, Marion, La. Small town patronage.<br />
PARAMOUNT<br />
Albuquerque (Para)—Randolph Scott, Barbara<br />
Britton, George "Gabby" Hayes. This<br />
will draw in any small town. If you have not<br />
played it, get on the band wagon. Played<br />
Wed., Thurs.—B. J. Green, Marion Theatre,<br />
Marion, La. Small town patronage. * * *<br />
Desert Fury (Para)—John Hodiak, Lizabeth<br />
Scott, Burt Lancaster. This is a mighty fine<br />
picture that took very well. Not a complaint<br />
fek<br />
r=Oj:<br />
FMg<br />
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Sept. 11, 1948
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Sept. 11, 1948<br />
L<br />
r<br />
and if will do in any situation on a weekend.<br />
W© have had no better picture in weeks.<br />
Played Sat., Sun. Weather: Warm.—W. H.<br />
Swan, Auditorium Theatre, Roscoe, S. D. Rural<br />
RKO RADIO<br />
Fun and Fancy Free (RKO)—Edgar Bergen,<br />
Dinah Shore, Charlie McCarthy. This is a<br />
cartoon feature and this type of picture never<br />
is appreciated here, and especially when you<br />
advertise Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy,<br />
and they only give a sprinkle of the stars.<br />
Played Wed., Thurs.—Ben Brinck, West Point<br />
Theatre, West Point, Iowa. Rural patronage.<br />
Tarzan and the Huntress (RKO)— Johnny<br />
WeissmuUer, Brenda Joyce, Johnny Sheffield.<br />
I never worry when I have a jungle picture<br />
of any kind for the weekend show, but just<br />
tell one kid in town that Tarzan is coming,<br />
and then sit back and wait for the theatre<br />
fill to up. Everyone likes Tarzan, from the<br />
smallest kid to the oldest grannie. This one<br />
had them standing in the aisles. Played<br />
Fri., Sat. Weather; Rainy.—Mrs. Pat W. Murphy,<br />
Queen Theatre, HoUiday, Tex. Oil field<br />
worker patronage.<br />
Tarzan and the Huntress (RKO)—Johnny<br />
WeissmuUer, Brenda Joyce, Johnny Sheffield.<br />
This is an average Tarzan picture which<br />
played to the best weekend business since<br />
May. Double billed with a musical western<br />
from Columbia. 1 wish there were more Tarzan<br />
pictures. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair<br />
and warm.—Arthur E. Phifield, Park Theatre,<br />
South Berwick, Me. Small town patronage.<br />
* * *<br />
Tycoon (RKO)—John Wayne, Laraine Day,<br />
Sir Cedric Hardwicke. This picture should<br />
take well in the small town. We did above<br />
average business with it. Played Mon., Tues.<br />
Weather: Fair.—Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre,<br />
Ont. Small town patronage. • * *<br />
Tycoon (RKO)—John Wayne, Laraine Day,<br />
Sir Cedric Hardwicke. This is probably the<br />
best received offering from this company since<br />
"The Best Years of Our Lives." A few of<br />
the ladies thought it a little too rough but it<br />
was satisfactory at the boxoffice and all the<br />
men liked it. Played Thurs., Fri., Sat<br />
Weather: Good.—C. W. Ritenour, Milford Theatre,<br />
Milford, III. Rural patronage. • • *<br />
REPUBUC<br />
Fabulous Suzanne, The (Rep) — Barbara<br />
Britton, Rudy Vallee, Otto Krueger. Doubled<br />
this with "The Arnelo Affair" (MGM) to over<br />
average midweek business. This is a cute<br />
story, well done, with a number of hearty<br />
laughs mixed in. Good!—Jack Hammond,<br />
Shaston Theatre, Mount Shasta, Calif. Small<br />
town and lumber patronage.<br />
*<br />
Madonna of the Desert (Rep)—Lynne Roberts,<br />
Donald Barry, Don Castle. This is a<br />
fine little picture for a double program. In<br />
my opinion it has one big flaw. I absolutely<br />
do not think a picture should show a man<br />
slapping or knocking a woman around, even<br />
if he is the villain. It seems to me there are<br />
enough wife-beaters in the world withou;<br />
showing the kids how it is done. Some of the<br />
comments of the young fry when Sheldon<br />
Leonard knocked Lynne down were, "That's<br />
the way to treat 'em. That's the way I'm<br />
gonna treat my wife." Now I ask you, is that<br />
the attitude we want our young boys to have?<br />
Heaven knows it is hard enough to raise children<br />
without exposing them to this kind of<br />
thing. Played Tuesday. — Marcella Smith,<br />
Vinton Theatre, McArthur, Ohio. Small town<br />
patronage. • •<br />
On the Old Spanish Trail (Rep)—Roy Rogers,<br />
Tito Guizar, Jane Frazee. This is just a<br />
fair picture. Doubled with "The Return of<br />
Rin Tin Tin" (EL) and this combination paid<br />
off for the first midweek in six months.<br />
Neither picture will stand alone here. I'd say<br />
double this combination and it might work<br />
to good results. Played Tues., Wed., Thurs.<br />
G. B. White, Almo Theatre, Poulibo, Wash.<br />
*<br />
Small town and rural patronage.<br />
20th<br />
CENTURY-FOX<br />
Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox)—George Montgomery,<br />
Nancy Guild, Conrad Janis. We double<br />
billed this with "The Man From Texas"<br />
(EL) and everyone was well satisfied. Played<br />
to above average weekend crowd on Sat.,<br />
Mon. Weather: Good.—S. N. Holmberg, Regal<br />
Theatre, Sturgis, Sask. Rural patronage. * *<br />
Captain From Castile (20th-Fox) — Tyrone<br />
Power, Jean Peters, Cesar Romero. This is<br />
very good and was enjoyed by almost everyone<br />
who saw it except a few who couldn't<br />
take some of the violent action scenes. Wonderful<br />
color, action and scenery but Fox takes<br />
too much of the profit. Crowds good. Played<br />
Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Fair.—R. W Burgess,<br />
Roxy Theatre, McClusky, N. D. Rural<br />
and small town patronage. * *<br />
Iron Curtain, The (20th-Fox)—Dana Andrews,<br />
Gene Tierney, June Havoc. When it<br />
comes to making true story films, then Fox<br />
leads the list. A very fine performance by<br />
Dana Andrews—great suspense. Played Wed.,<br />
Thurs.—James C. Balkcom jr.. Gray Theatre,<br />
Gray, Ga. Small town patronage. * * *<br />
Meet Mo at Dawn (20th-Fox)—William<br />
Eythe, Stanley HoUoway, Beatrice Campbell.<br />
This is a fairly good English picture. The<br />
comedy content is quite amusing and it<br />
seemed to satisfy average attendance. Played<br />
Saturday. Weather: Clear and warm.— J. E.<br />
Rougeau, Club Theatre, Seven Sisters Falls,<br />
Man. Small town and rural patronage. * * *<br />
Mother Wore Tights (20th-Fox) — Betty<br />
Grable, Dan Dailey, Mono Freeman. Here is<br />
a picture they all loved. It is good, downto-earth<br />
entertainment and with family appeal.<br />
Give it extra playing time. Played<br />
Sat., Sun.—Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre,<br />
Tilbury, Ont. Small town patronage. * * *<br />
Scudda Hool Scudda Hayl (20th-Fox)—June<br />
Haver, Lon McCallister, Walter Brennan. Fox<br />
films are certainly on the up-grade. Playing<br />
this and "Green Grass of Wyoming" is all<br />
that any exhibitor could ask for. This is super<br />
for any situation. Don't turn down these two<br />
Fox hits.—James C. Balkcom jr., Gray Theatre,<br />
Gray, Ga. Small town patronage. * * *<br />
Sitting Pretty (20th-Fox) — Robert Young,<br />
Maureen O'Hara, Clifton Webb. Here is a<br />
show the whole family likes and the folks<br />
from near and far to see it. Now why can't<br />
the film companies make more and more of<br />
these humorous, simple and natural stories?<br />
Maureen O'Hara does a great job as an ordinary<br />
woman—a change from her usual roles.<br />
Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Fine.<br />
R. E. Halslead, Tri-Town Theatre, Lindstrom,<br />
Minn. Rural and small town patronage. * *<br />
Sitting Pretty (20th-Fox) — Robert Young,<br />
Maureen O'Hara, Clifton Webb. This is a<br />
really clever comedy which did better than<br />
Idle Thoughts From<br />
An Idle Exhibitor<br />
THE big towns pay the cost of production;<br />
the profits come from the small<br />
towns . . . The westerns, the reissues and<br />
the sex pictures are all that are keeping<br />
my doors open. Wake up, Hollywood . . .<br />
I* takes a brave exhibitor to play Bette<br />
Davis and Joan Crawford in a small town.<br />
After playing his pictures for two or<br />
three years, if the salesman starts to get<br />
tough, it is time to lay him off for about<br />
12 months . . . The producers often make<br />
the small town exhibitors buy "Klucks"<br />
which they won't even play in their own<br />
houses.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount<br />
Theatre, Dewey, Okla.<br />
Blames Present Slump<br />
On Wrong Kind of Films<br />
MICHIGAN KID, THE (U-D— Jon<br />
Hall, Victor MacLaglen, Rita Johnson.<br />
Our troubles would be over If we could<br />
play one like this every week. It was a<br />
natural for us, good western drama, nice<br />
color, some humor and everything it<br />
takes to please young and old. I think the<br />
slump is largely due to the wrong kind of<br />
pictures coming out of Hollywood. This<br />
type will always bring them in. Played<br />
Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair.—R. W.<br />
Burgess, Roxy Theatre, McClusky, N. D.<br />
Rural and small town patronage. * *<br />
average business. Clifton Webb stole the<br />
show as a male baby sitter. All who came<br />
were pleased. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:<br />
Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre,<br />
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. * * *<br />
UNITED ARTISTS<br />
Christmas Eve (UA)—George Raft, George<br />
Brent, Joan Blondell. Here is another picture<br />
rated 6-plus, 6-minus in BOXOFHCE which<br />
turned out surprisingly well on the screen<br />
and at the boxoffice. The story kept them<br />
quiet and interested.—Frank E. Sabin, Ma-<br />
)estic Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Small town patronage.<br />
Dead Don't Dream. The (UA)—William<br />
Boyd, Andy Clyde, Mary Sawdon. This is<br />
a different kind of western with Hopalong<br />
playing a detective looking for men who<br />
robbed the mine and killed the miners. Not<br />
a horse opera, but it pleased here on Fri.,<br />
Sat. Weather: Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount<br />
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.<br />
Ramrod (UA)—Veronica Lake, Joel McCrea,<br />
Donald Crisp. The scenery in this outdoor<br />
action feature was fine, but the action was<br />
just a little too gory—too much blood-letting.<br />
Small town theatre patrons like action, but<br />
frown on too much killing. Played Sat., Sun.<br />
Weather: Fine.—E. P. Amundson, Colton Theatre,<br />
Colfon, S. D. Small town and rural patronage.<br />
Roosevelt Story, The (UA)—Documentary.<br />
This was one of the best biographical films<br />
! have ever seen. It is a film made up of<br />
newsreel shots depicting the 40 years of publie<br />
life of the late President Roosevelt. The<br />
commentary was excellent, both explanatory<br />
and cutting the length of the picture. If your<br />
patrons like newsreels, March of Time, etc.,<br />
this will go over. Average business and<br />
played Saturday only. Weather: Fair and<br />
warm.—"Art" V. Phillips, Haymond Theatre,<br />
Cromona, Ky. Mining and small town patronage.<br />
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL<br />
Exile, The (U-I) — Douglas Fairbanks jr.,<br />
Paule Croset, Maria Montez. The feature was<br />
on its last reel Monday night as I was reading<br />
"Chips Off the Old Blocks" in the July 31 issue<br />
of BOXOFFICE. If this is what I'm to expect<br />
from Fairbanks jr. (he wrote, acted and produced<br />
this one) it'll be the last one I'll play.<br />
He missed his father's footsteps completely.<br />
My dad said Fairbanks sr. was always tops<br />
bo:h in entertainment and as a money-getter.<br />
This was a bitter disappointment to him, for<br />
it failed to do any business and we had<br />
walkouts by the dozens. I guess they couldn't<br />
stand the whole hour of "nothing" which precedes<br />
the action part. This was one of the<br />
many features I had to buy months before<br />
they were released by the newly formed U-I<br />
and like many of the others, it cost plenty and<br />
flopped. That's the .biggest handicap I've found<br />
in being an independent.—Ralph Raspa, State<br />
Theatre. Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage,<br />
* * *<br />
Exile. The (U-D—Douglas Fairbanks jr.,<br />
(Continued on page U)
FEATURE CHART<br />
reuiuxo f^juuu(;uuuii, liait^u u-j (.wuipuuy, la uiaer oi release, iiuznoer in square is naqci<br />
release date. Production number is at right. Number in parentheses is running timall<br />
furnished by home oiiice of distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recommencj<br />
R—is review date. PG—is Picture Guide page number. Symbol U indicotes BOXOFFj<br />
Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Symbol ® indicateB color photography.<br />
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Sent. 11. IM<br />
NOVEMBER 8<br />
(80) Comedj 929<br />
HER HUSBAND'S<br />
AFFAIRS<br />
K—July 26—PG-841<br />
[6] (78) Musical 919<br />
TWO BLONDES AND<br />
A REDHEAD<br />
R— Dm. 27—PQ-885<br />
Reissues<br />
|T| (110) Dr«iii« 735<br />
MAN IN THE IRON<br />
MASK<br />
g<br />
(76) Drama 740<br />
GENTLEMAN AFTER<br />
DARK<br />
[8] (66) Drana<br />
KING OF THE<br />
BANDITS<br />
UUbert Uoland<br />
Angela Greene<br />
Chrls-Pln UartiD<br />
NOVEMBER 15 NOVEMBER 22 NOVEMBER 29<br />
^ (66) g (66) Western 964<br />
Mystery £<br />
|u] (68) Mystery 917<br />
LONE WOLF IN<br />
LONDON<br />
Gerald Mobr<br />
Nancy Saunders<br />
S—Jau. 17—PO-882<br />
(88) Drama 805 (62) Drama 807 (68) Western<br />
im<br />
WHISPERING CITY BLONDE SAVAGE SHADOW VALLEY<br />
852<br />
Paul Lukaa<br />
Lief ErlcksoD<br />
R—Not. 22-PG-876 Gale Sberwood<br />
R—Oct. 11—PO-8e4<br />
Eddie Dean<br />
R—Dec. 6—PG-880<br />
(81) Drama 806<br />
[l6J<br />
LOVE FROM A<br />
STRANGER<br />
B—Not.<br />
16—PQ-873<br />
LAST DAYS OF BOOT<br />
HILL<br />
Charles fllarrell<br />
Smiley Burnette<br />
R—Feb. 14—PG-900<br />
808<br />
jH]<br />
©THIS TIME FOR<br />
(141)<br />
H^<br />
GREEN<br />
Drama<br />
DOLPHIN<br />
(104) Uustcal 811<br />
KEEPS<br />
STREET<br />
Wmiams<br />
Lans<br />
Estber<br />
Turner<br />
Jimmy Durante<br />
Hart<br />
Richard<br />
Laurltz Melcblor<br />
Van Ueflln<br />
Jobnnle Jotmstoa<br />
Donna Reed<br />
R—Oct. 4—PO-861 B—«ct. 18—PO-86B<br />
^<br />
TeS) Com-Dr 625<br />
BOWEBY BUCKAROOS<br />
Gorcey-Bowery Boys<br />
Allied<br />
Artists<br />
(86) Drama AA3<br />
THE GANGSTER<br />
Bellta-B. Bullivao<br />
R—Oct. 4—PO-8«2<br />
(75) Comedy 4704<br />
(JWHERE THERE'S<br />
LIFE<br />
Bob Hope<br />
Slgne Hasso<br />
William Bendli<br />
B—Oct. 11—PG-864<br />
CRIME DOCTOR'S<br />
GAMBLE<br />
Warner Baxter<br />
Mlchellne Cbelrel<br />
Roger Dann<br />
Steven Geray<br />
R— Dec. 13—PQ-881<br />
m<br />
DECEMBER 6<br />
(a«) Comedy 931<br />
IT HAD TO BE YOU<br />
liinntr Rogers<br />
Cornel Wilde<br />
I'ercy Waram<br />
R—Oct. 25—PG-867<br />
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R—Nov. 1—PG-870<br />
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R—Dec. 20—PG-884<br />
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Louise Campbell<br />
Penny Singleton<br />
Patricia White<br />
William Bishop<br />
Arthur Lake<br />
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DECEMBER 20<br />
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R— Dec. 6—P(M<br />
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(66) Drams<br />
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R—Nov. 8— PQ-I<br />
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Reissue<br />
(89) Comedy 864 (60) Weitera 882<br />
MAN ABOUT TOWN BORDER G-MEN<br />
Maurice Chevalier<br />
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Reissue<br />
[l|] (60) Western 883<br />
PAINTED DESERT<br />
George O'Brien<br />
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Cailierlne McLeod<br />
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Robert Paige<br />
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Russell Hayden<br />
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WHERE THE NORTH<br />
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ROAD<br />
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Patricia Knight<br />
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Ruth Warrick<br />
R—Nov. 29—POl<br />
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Kenneth Lynch<br />
Ed Begley<br />
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R—July 12—Pa-8»T<br />
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Pat Starling<br />
(62) Westero New R«l<br />
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(70) Comedy HelHui<br />
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Bob Hope<br />
MUUo Betle<br />
(70) Comedy reissue<br />
LI'L ABNER<br />
Martha O'DrtaeoU<br />
Edgar Kennedy<br />
(67) Musical Uei.ssue<br />
ROAD TO HOLLYWOOD<br />
Bing Crosby<br />
B—Mar.<br />
1-PQ.798<br />
(86) Mu8-Dr Reissue<br />
SECOND CHORUS<br />
Pauictte Ooddard<br />
Fred Astslre<br />
(60) Western New<br />
WESTERN TERROR<br />
Dave "Tci" O'Brleg<br />
Buzxy<br />
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(69) Western Reissue<br />
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Harry Carey<br />
(89) Mijs-Com Reissue<br />
JIMMY STEPS OUT<br />
James Stewart<br />
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(64) Western Reissue<br />
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Harry Care;<br />
(87) Drama<br />
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Kay Francis<br />
Jack Oakle<br />
(183) Drama<br />
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Harris Gaim<br />
It— Aug. 28—PO
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MATING OF MILLIE<br />
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BEST MAN WINS TRAPPED BY BOSTON<br />
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R—Jan. 24—PO-893<br />
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Claire Trevor<br />
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B—Apr. 10—PG-920 Danny Thomas R—Apr 3—PO-918<br />
R—Mar. 27—PG-91B<br />
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R—Mar.<br />
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20—PG-914<br />
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[J] (67) Comedy 912<br />
BLONDIE'S REWARD<br />
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Arthur Lake<br />
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B—June 12—PO-941<br />
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SWORD OF THE CLOSE-UP<br />
AVENGER<br />
Alan Bailer<br />
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17—PO-921<br />
R—May 29—PG-937<br />
[T| (54) Western 4766<br />
RANGE RENEGADES<br />
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R—Aug. 14—PO-959<br />
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DESIGN FOR DEATH<br />
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R—May 15—PG-931<br />
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(89) Musical 827<br />
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ALL MY SONS<br />
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Virginia Bran<br />
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THE INVISIBLE MAN<br />
Claude Rains<br />
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INVISIBLE MAN<br />
RETURNS<br />
Vincent Price<br />
Sir Cedrlc Hardvleke<br />
Dee. (91) Drams 1270<br />
PITTSBURGH<br />
John Wayne<br />
Marlene Dietrich<br />
Dee. (87) Drama 1017<br />
GREEN HELL<br />
Douglas Fairbanks Jr.<br />
Joan Bennett<br />
Jan. (74) Drama 1266<br />
SIN TOWN<br />
Constance Bennett<br />
Broderlck Cirawford<br />
Jan. (80) Myst-Dr 1295<br />
SON OF DRACULA<br />
Urn Chaney<br />
Louise<br />
Allbrlttoo<br />
Jan. (67) Myst-Dr 1212<br />
GHOST OF<br />
FRANKENSTEIN<br />
Lon Ctaney<br />
Evelyn Ankers<br />
Feb. (78) Drama 924<br />
THE STORM<br />
Charles Blckford<br />
Preston Foster<br />
Feb. (61) Myst-Dr 1246<br />
MUMMY'S TOMB<br />
Dick Foran<br />
Lon<br />
Chaney<br />
Feb. (65) Myjt-Dr 1344<br />
MUMMY'S GHOST<br />
Lon Cbaney<br />
Bamsay Amee<br />
Mar. (83) Drama 917<br />
LITTLE TOUGH GUY<br />
Little Tough Guys<br />
Dead End Kids<br />
Mar. (73) Drama 929<br />
LITTLE TOUGH GUYS<br />
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FEATURE CHART<br />
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[Tt] (64) Western 858<br />
THE TIOGA KID<br />
Eddie Desn<br />
Koscoe Ates<br />
R—Mar. 20—PO-913<br />
JUNE 26<br />
JULY 3<br />
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FULLER BRUSH MAN THUNDERHOOF<br />
Red Skeiton<br />
Preston Foster<br />
R—May 15—PO-932 -Mary Stuart<br />
William Bishop<br />
[l] (55) Western 968<br />
R—July 10—PG-949<br />
BLAZING ACROSS THE<br />
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Scott Brady<br />
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DePorest Kelly<br />
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June 26—PQ-944<br />
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SHED NO TEARS<br />
Wallace Ford<br />
June Vincent<br />
Robert Scott<br />
R—Aug. 14—PG-96(<br />
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©CORONER CREEK<br />
Randolph Scott<br />
R—June 5—PG-940<br />
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ARKANSAS SWING<br />
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Esther Williams<br />
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VU-glnla CarroU<br />
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OEASTER PARADE<br />
Fred Astaire<br />
Judy Garland<br />
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(69) Drama 4717<br />
(55) Western 4762<br />
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Leo Gorcey<br />
Jimmy Wakely<br />
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Wallace Beery<br />
R—June 26—PO-948<br />
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THE SHANGHAI CHEST BACK TRAIL<br />
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16 FATHOMS DEEP<br />
RolDiid Winters<br />
Johnny Mack Brown Lon Chaney<br />
Manton Moreland<br />
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Arthur<br />
Raymond Hatton<br />
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Nan Leslie<br />
Pat O'Brien R—May 15—PG-931<br />
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Fredric March<br />
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THE CRUSADES<br />
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Henry WUcoion<br />
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Randolph Scott<br />
Robert Ryan<br />
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Stanley Clements<br />
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Darryl Hickman<br />
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Lynne Roberts<br />
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SANTA FE MARSHAL<br />
William Boyd<br />
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TRAIN TO ALCATRAZ<br />
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Janet Martin<br />
R—July 17—PO-952.<br />
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Ajidy Devlne<br />
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KING OF THE TURF RUNAWAY DAUGHTER THE SHOWDOWN<br />
Adolpbe Menjou<br />
Barbart Stanvyek<br />
Dllllam Boyd<br />
Dolores Costello<br />
Robert Yotmi<br />
Russell Hayden<br />
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ON OUR MERRY WAY<br />
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Henry Morgan<br />
Rudy Vallee<br />
Hugh Herbert<br />
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Burgess<br />
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Meredith<br />
19—PG-944<br />
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Joel McCrea<br />
Frances Dee<br />
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R—May 22—PG-933<br />
(86) Drama<br />
DEEP WATERS<br />
Dana .^drews<br />
Jean Peters<br />
Cesar Romero<br />
Itean Stockwell<br />
R—July 3—PG-94<br />
(77) Drama<br />
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Conrad Nagel<br />
Fritz Kortner<br />
Lyio Talbot<br />
PhUlp Van Zandt<br />
R—June 6—PG-930<br />
(67) Drama 82F Reissues<br />
THE CHECKERED COAl<br />
Tom Conway<br />
(86) Musical 832<br />
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ROSE OF WASHINGTON<br />
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Cornel Wilde<br />
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TIME OF YOUR LIFE<br />
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William Bendli<br />
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Ann Blytk<br />
Dan Duryea<br />
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(87) Musical 662<br />
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(90) Drama 663<br />
(79) Drams<br />
(83)<br />
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BAD SISTER<br />
ABBOTT & COSTELLO<br />
MAN-EATER OF<br />
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M.irgaret Lockwood MEET<br />
nick Haymea<br />
FRANKEN- KUMAON<br />
Hunter<br />
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Vincent Price<br />
Dennis Price<br />
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Bel a Lugosl<br />
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R—June<br />
Corey<br />
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R—July 3—PG-947<br />
(78) Mus-Cnm 665<br />
FEUDIN', FUSSIN'<br />
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Donald •'Connor<br />
Percy Kilbride<br />
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Susan Hayward<br />
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Wayne Morrla<br />
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Jack Carson<br />
Gordon MacRea<br />
Janls Paige<br />
R—May 29—PO-937 Don DePore<br />
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(82) Drtmt 739<br />
FLOWING GOLD<br />
GarfleiaO'Brlen<br />
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GOD'S COUNTRY AND<br />
THE WOMAN<br />
George Brent<br />
(101) Drama 731<br />
KEY LARGO<br />
Humphrey Bogart<br />
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Lauren Bacall<br />
Lionel Barrymore<br />
R—July 10—PG-949<br />
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R—Feb. 14—PG-901 R—Mar<br />
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LAUGH. PAGLIACCI<br />
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(126) Drams<br />
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(81) Drama<br />
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R—Mar. 27—PG-9U R—Apr. 10—PG1919<br />
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R—Apr. 24—PG-923<br />
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(80) Com-Dr<br />
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R— May 1—PG-926<br />
(9») C!oB-Dr<br />
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(87) Dniraa 9'<br />
LULU BELLE<br />
horothy Latnour<br />
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Mbort Dekker<br />
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(79) Western 982<br />
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R—Mar. 6—PG-907<br />
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(79) Western 8;<br />
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HOLD<br />
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THAT GHOST<br />
WIFE<br />
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Bud Abbott<br />
Joan Leslie<br />
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Lou CosteUo<br />
James Craig<br />
Evelyn Ankers<br />
R—July 10—PG-950<br />
Joan Darls<br />
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Warner Baxter<br />
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H—Sept. 4—PG-966<br />
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William Bishop<br />
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Gordon Jones<br />
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Basil Kalhliiinc<br />
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Richard Crane<br />
Gloria Henry<br />
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Jane Powell<br />
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A SOUTHERN YANKEE<br />
Red Skellon<br />
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Roland Winters<br />
Freddie Stewart<br />
Claire Trevor<br />
June Preisser<br />
Charles Bickford<br />
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R—July 31—PG-955<br />
R—July 24—PO-953<br />
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Joe Kirkwood<br />
FJIyse Knox<br />
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Wallace Ford<br />
Pitts<br />
R—July 31—PG-955<br />
Hug. 23-PO-850<br />
(87) Fantasy<br />
g, Lopert<br />
Is BEAUTY AND THE<br />
*', BEAST<br />
)»—May 8—PO-929<br />
(80) Comedy<br />
Duke Infl<br />
(100) Drama<br />
Discina Infl<br />
THE DAMNED<br />
R—May 29—PG-938<br />
(90) Drama<br />
Lopert<br />
ROOM UPSTAIRS<br />
Marlene Dietrich<br />
I<br />
VOYAGE<br />
,<br />
R—May<br />
SURPRISE<br />
22—PO-936 R—June 5—PO-9<br />
(79) M'Drama 821<br />
|T8| (114) .Com-Dr .962 Hi] (66) Mystery 822<br />
Musical 902<br />
(59)<br />
VARIETY TIME GOOD SAM<br />
Cooper<br />
Gary<br />
MYSTERY IN MEXICO<br />
RACE<br />
George<br />
STREET<br />
Raft<br />
Leon Errol<br />
Edgar Kennedy<br />
Sheridan<br />
William Bendlx<br />
Pat Rooney<br />
31—PG-956<br />
Marilyn .Maxwell<br />
Ann<br />
R—July<br />
William<br />
R—July<br />
Lundlgan<br />
3—PG-948<br />
(70) Mystery 905<br />
R—July 7—PG-958<br />
Henry Morg.in<br />
BODYGUARD R—July 3—PG-94S<br />
Lawrence<br />
R—Sept.<br />
Tierney<br />
14—PG-965<br />
(61) M'drama 717<br />
Jl |9] (67) Cufdr-Mus 733 [Tj (90) Drama 7"l9<br />
OUT OF THE STORM ©NIGHTIME IN ANGEL IN EXILE<br />
Jimmy Lydon<br />
NEVADA<br />
John Carroll<br />
Lois Collier<br />
Roy Rogers<br />
Adele Mara<br />
(60) M'drama 718<br />
JH ^ (60) M'drama 713 Barton MacLane<br />
SONS OF ADVENTURE CODE OF SCOTLAND<br />
Lynne Roberts<br />
YARD<br />
Russ Hayden<br />
O'^car Horoolks<br />
[T| (81) Drama 4801 Reissue<br />
THE RETURN OF [H<br />
(62) Western HC23<br />
WILDFIRE<br />
Richard Arlen<br />
HIDDEN<br />
William<br />
GOLD<br />
Boyd<br />
R—Aug. 21—PG-962<br />
Hayden<br />
Russell<br />
|T] (61) Outd'r-Dr 4802<br />
JUNGLE GODDESS<br />
George Reetea<br />
(70) Out'dr-Dr. 829<br />
THE WINNER'S CIRCLE<br />
Jean Wllles<br />
Morgan Farley<br />
Johnny Longden<br />
R—Aug. 7—PO-957<br />
|6] (126) Weat-Dr 585<br />
RED RIVER<br />
John Wayne<br />
Montgomery Oltt<br />
Walter Brennan<br />
Joanne Dru<br />
R—July 17—PG-952<br />
Reissues<br />
(82) Drama<br />
WAKE UP<br />
SCREAMING<br />
(82) Comedy 670 (88) Drama<br />
ONE TOUCH OF VENUS THE SAXON CHARM<br />
Robert Montgomery<br />
Ava Gardner<br />
Sussn Hayward<br />
Dick Ha>'mes<br />
Robert Walker<br />
John Payne<br />
Aug. 28—PG-96<br />
(128) Drama<br />
Slrltzky Infl<br />
MARIUS<br />
R—June 19— PG-944<br />
(100) Drama<br />
Best Films<br />
JEALOUSY<br />
B—June 19—PB-943<br />
835<br />
Betty Grable<br />
Victor Mature<br />
(125) Drama 834<br />
BLOOD AND SAND<br />
Tyrone Power<br />
m (86) Mus-Com 801<br />
©TWO GUYS FROM<br />
TEXAS<br />
Dennis Morgan<br />
Jack Carson<br />
Dorothy Malone<br />
R—Aug. 7—PG-958<br />
(130) Drama<br />
Krlt2ky-Infl<br />
THEY ARE NOT<br />
ANGELS<br />
R—June 26—PO-946<br />
(100) Drama<br />
Schaefer<br />
DAY OF WRATH<br />
R—June 26-PO-945<br />
Reissue<br />
[io] (72) Comedy S-5<br />
FLIRTING WITH FATE<br />
Joe E. Brown<br />
Beverly Roberta<br />
Steffi Duna<br />
(99) Drama 837<br />
THE LUCK OF THE<br />
RISH<br />
Tyrone Power<br />
Anne Baxter<br />
R—Sept. 4—PG-965<br />
(901 Comedy 672<br />
FOR THE LOVE OF<br />
MARY<br />
Deanna Durbin<br />
Edmund O'Brien<br />
Don Taylor<br />
R—Sept. 4—rG-96S<br />
(92) Com-Drama<br />
Oxford Films<br />
FRIC-FRAC<br />
R—July 3—Pa-948<br />
(105) Drama<br />
Slrllzky-Infl<br />
NAIS<br />
B—July 3—PO-947<br />
iS) Drama i<br />
ESCAPE<br />
Rex Harrison<br />
Pegt^y Cummins<br />
William Hartnell<br />
Normal Wooland<br />
R—June 5—PG-940<br />
[n] (DO) Comedy<br />
AN INNOCENT AFFAIR<br />
Fred MacMurray<br />
Madeleine Carroll<br />
Buddy Rogers<br />
Rita Johnson<br />
R—Sept. 4—PG-966<br />
(75) Documentary<br />
Mayer-Burstyn<br />
THE ILLEGALS<br />
B—July 17— PG-952<br />
(88) Drama<br />
DIsclna Infl<br />
BLIND DESIRE<br />
E—July 17—PG-952<br />
Reissues<br />
(108) Comedy S-7<br />
|4J<br />
DUKE OF WEST POINT<br />
Louis Hayward<br />
Fontaine<br />
_<br />
(88) Comedy S-8<br />
MISS ANNIE ROONEY<br />
Shirley Temple<br />
(6S) Comedy 8J0<br />
(139) Drama 838<br />
FOREVER AMBER THE GAY INTRUDERS<br />
Emery<br />
John<br />
Linda Darnell<br />
Wilde<br />
Tamara Geva<br />
Cornell<br />
R—Oct. IS—PG-S66 Leif Erickson<br />
Roy Roberts<br />
(64) Mystery 839<br />
R—June<br />
THE CREEPER<br />
12—PG-942<br />
Eduardo (^elli<br />
|25] (80) Dram* 802<br />
©ROPE<br />
James Stewart<br />
John Dall<br />
Farley Granger<br />
Constance Collier<br />
R— .\ug. 28—PG-963<br />
(90) Comedy<br />
Siritzky-lnfl<br />
PORTRAIT OF<br />
INNOCENCE<br />
R—July 24—PG-954<br />
(81) Drama<br />
fteatlve<br />
FRANCOIS VILLON<br />
R—Ang. 14—PG-960<br />
(91) Drama 673<br />
AN ACT OF MURDER<br />
Fredric .March<br />
Florence Eldridge<br />
Edmund O'Brien<br />
R—Sept. 4—PG-965<br />
(96) Drama<br />
Arlkino<br />
MURDERERS AMONG<br />
US<br />
(105) Drama<br />
Azteca Films<br />
LA MORENA DE Ml<br />
COPLA<br />
R—.*ug. 28—PG-963<br />
S/>nt- 11 1P48 9 ,
REVIEW DIGEST and Alphabetical Picture Guide Index- 1<br />
E<br />
1-
I<br />
1 915<br />
'><br />
An interpretative analysis of opinions deducted Irom the language ol lay<br />
and trade press reviews. The plus and minus signs indicate the degree<br />
of favor or disfavor of the review. This department serves also as on<br />
fALPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title is<br />
^Picture Guide Review page number. In parentheses after title is running<br />
Date following distributor la BOXOFFICE review date. Ustinga cover<br />
time.<br />
current reviews. It is brought up to date regularly. The meaning of the<br />
various signs and their combinations is as follows:<br />
't Very Good; + Good; - Fair; — Poor; = Very Poor.<br />
In the summary H is rated as 2 pluses; — as 2 minuses.<br />
M<br />
Marslial of Amnrillo ( . .<br />
Hep<br />
895 Mary Lou (66) Col 1-31-48 ±<br />
Matins of Millie. 914 The (S7) Col 3-20-48 ±<br />
914 Meet Me at Dawn (89) 20-Fox 3-20-48 -f<br />
934 Melody Time (76) RKO 5-22-48 H<br />
944 Michael O'Halioran (79) Mono 6-19-48 ff<br />
946 Mickey (87) EL 6-26-48 +<br />
944 Mine Own Executioner 6-19-48 ±<br />
(102) 20-Fox<br />
907 Miracle of the Bells, The (120) UA 3- 6-48 +<br />
962 Miraculous Journey (76) FC 2-21-48 -f<br />
917 Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House<br />
(96) SRO 4- 3-48 +<br />
949 Mr, Peabody and the Mermaid<br />
(89) U-l<br />
904 Mr. Reckless (67) Para<br />
7-10-48<br />
2-21-48<br />
-f<br />
—<br />
918 Money Madness (73) FC 4-3-48 ±<br />
879 Mourning Becomes Electra (173)<br />
RKO 12- 6-47 -f<br />
953 Music Man (66) Mono 7-24-48 ±<br />
968 My Dear Secretary (94) UA 9-11-48 ff<br />
925 My Dog Rusty (67) Col 5- 1-48 ±<br />
893 My Girl Tisa (95) WB 1-24-48 -f<br />
in 948 Mystery Mexico (66) RKO 7- 3-48 ±<br />
N<br />
896 Naked City. The (96) U-l 1-31-48 #<br />
B76 Nicholas Nickleby (95) U-l 11-22-47 -|-<br />
951 Night Has a Thousand Eyes<br />
(81) Para 7-17-48 +<br />
874 Night Song (102) RKO 11-15-47<br />
968 Night Wind (68) 20-Fox 9-11-48<br />
+<br />
±<br />
920 Noose Hangs High, The (77) EL 4-10-48 +<br />
950 Northwest Stampede (79) EL 7-10-48 +<br />
O<br />
3-20-48 +<br />
913 October Man, The (85) EL<br />
907 Oklahoma Badlands (59) Rep 3- 6-48 -f<br />
921 Old Los Angeles (87) Rep 4-17-48 +<br />
967 Olympic Cavalcade (57) UA 9-11-48 +<br />
926 On an Island With You (107) MGM 5- 1-48 ++<br />
964 One Touch of Venus (82) U-l S-2S-48 -{-<br />
898 On Our Merry Way (formerly Miracle<br />
Can Happen, A) (107) UA 2- 7-48 -|-<br />
893 Open Secret (70) EL 1-24-48 -f<br />
,'<br />
Out of the Storm (61) Rep<br />
P<br />
'195 Panlitndle (84) Allied Artists 1-31-48 +<br />
888Pvadine Case. The (117) SRO 1-3-48 -H<br />
903 Pearl, The (77) RKO 2-21-48 —<br />
Perilous Waters (64) Mono<br />
Phantom Valley (53) Col 907 3- 6-48 ±<br />
897 Piccadilly Incident (87) MGM 2- 7-48 ±<br />
918 Pirate, The (102) MGM 4-3-48 -f<br />
957 Pitfall (85) UA 8- 7-48 +<br />
923 Port Said (69) Col 4-24-48 ±<br />
879 Prince of Thieves, The (72) Col 12- 6-47 -|-<br />
R<br />
948 Race Street (78) RKO 7-3-48 ±<br />
958 Rachel and the Stranger (92) RKO.. 8- 7-28 -(-<br />
959 Range Renegades (54) Mono) 8-14-48 +<br />
937 Raw Deal (78) EL 5-29-48 +<br />
952 Red River (104) UA 7-17-48 ++<br />
892 Relentless (92) Col 1-17-48 H<br />
934 Return of the Badmen (90) RKO... 5-22-48 -f<br />
962 Return of Wildfire (81) SG 8-21-48 +<br />
962 Return of Wildfire (81) SG 8-21-48 -f<br />
932 River Lady (78) U-l) 5-15-48 ±.<br />
959 Rocky (76) Mono 8-14-48 ±<br />
942 Romance on the High Seas (102 WB 6-12-48 tt<br />
963 Rope (80) WB 8-28-48 ±<br />
Busty Leads the Way C) Col<br />
Ruthless (102) EL 3-27-48 -|-<br />
8<br />
897 Saigon (95) Para 2- 7-48 ±<br />
908 'Sainted' Sisters, The (90) Para. . . 3- 6-48 -f-<br />
967 Saxon Charm, The (88) UA 9-11-4S ±<br />
|908Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hayl (95)<br />
m XK > tZ XQca.aE ZC3<br />
±
SHORTS CHART<br />
title First date is National release, second the date of review in BOXOFFICE.<br />
Symbol between dales is rating from the BOXOFFICE review: H Ve.y Good.<br />
+ Good, ± Fair,<br />
- Poor, = Very Poor. O Indicates color photography.<br />
Columbia<br />
Prod No. Title Rel- Date Rating Re»'d<br />
ASSORTED COMEDIES<br />
9423 Silly Billy (Billie Burke)<br />
(18) 1-29<br />
9424 Two Nuts in a Rut<br />
(Shillmo & Lane) (18) 2-19<br />
9437 Eiglit- Ball Andy (Clyde)<br />
(17!/2) ••• 3-"<br />
9425 Tall, Dark and Gruesome<br />
(H. Herbert) (16). ... 4-15<br />
9438 Jitter Bughouse (J. OeRita)<br />
(IS) "-29<br />
•;<br />
9426Crabhin' in the Cabin (Vernon<br />
& Quillan) (18) 5-13<br />
9439 The Sheepish Wolf<br />
(I71/2) /^.•••- ^<br />
9427 Pardon My Lamb Chop<br />
(17) 6-10<br />
9440 Flat Feat d^'/z) .•• 6-24<br />
194S-49 SEASON<br />
1421 Billie Gets Her Man (17) 9-9<br />
1441 Pest from the West (IS'/s) 9-30<br />
COLOR FAVORITES<br />
(Re-releases)<br />
9604 In My Gondola (71/2) 1-22<br />
9605 Animal Cracker Circus (7) 2-19<br />
9606 Bon Bon Parade (SI/2) . 4- 8<br />
.<br />
9607 House That Jack Built<br />
5- 6 rt<br />
(7)<br />
9608 The Untrained Seal (TVj.) 7-15<br />
1948-49 SEASON<br />
1601 The Stork Takes a Holiday<br />
(8) 9-9<br />
COLOR PHANTASIES<br />
9702 Topsy Turkey (e'/z) 2-5<br />
9703 Short Snorts on Sports<br />
(6I/2) 6- ' *<br />
COLOR RHAPSODIES<br />
9502 Boston Beany (6) 12- * —<br />
9503 Flora (7) 3-18<br />
1948-49 SEASON<br />
1501 Pickled Puss (6I/2) 9- 2<br />
COMMUNITY SINGS<br />
9654 No. 4 When You Were Sweet<br />
Sixteen (Leibert & Baker)<br />
(91/2) 12- * ±<br />
9655 No. 5 Feudin' and Fiihtin<br />
(IO1/2) i-,5 ^<br />
9656N0. 6 Civilization (10)... 2-12 ±<br />
9657 No, 7 I'm Looking Over a<br />
Four-Leaf Clover (91/2). 4-29 -j-<br />
9658 No. 8 Manana (IOI/2) . . ' '<br />
.<br />
9659 No^g'CaliforniaHe'ri I Come<br />
(9) 8-12<br />
1948-49 SEASON<br />
1651 No. 1 Baby Face (9) 9-16<br />
FILM NOVELTIES<br />
9901 Aren't We All? (Stooonagle)<br />
(I01/2) 11-27<br />
9902 The Candid Microphone<br />
(10)<br />
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS<br />
9855 Hawaii in Hollywood (10) 1-22<br />
9856 Photoplay's Gold Medal<br />
Awards (91/2) 5-18<br />
9857 Smiles and Styles (91/2) 4- 1<br />
9858 Hollywood Honors Hefsholt<br />
(8) 5-6<br />
M59 Hollywood Party (9) 6-10<br />
9860 Hollywood Friars Honof Geofge<br />
Jcssel (91/2) 7-8<br />
1948-49 SEASON<br />
1851 Hollywood Holiday (..).. 9- 2<br />
SPECIAL<br />
± 3-20<br />
± 4-24<br />
± 5-22<br />
± 6-26<br />
+<br />
-f<br />
7- S<br />
MUSICAL FEATHRETTE<br />
9451 A Voice Is Born (Miklos<br />
H Gafni) (201/2) 1-15 10-25<br />
STOOGE COMEDIES<br />
9404 Shivering Sherlocks (17) 1- 8 -f<br />
9405 Pardon My Clutch (15).. 2-26 +<br />
9406 Squareheads of the Round<br />
Table (18) 3-4<br />
0407 Fiddlers Three (17) 5- 6<br />
9408 The Hot Scots (17) 7-8 +<br />
1948-49 SEASON<br />
1401 Heavenly Daze (I61/2) 9- 2<br />
. . •<br />
THRILLS OF MUSIC<br />
9955 Charlie Barnet li Orch.<br />
(IOI/2) 1-15 +<br />
9956 Ted Weems t Orch. (lOVz) 3-25 9957 Gene Krupa & Orch. (10) 6-10 ±<br />
9958 Tony Pastor & Orch. (10) 7-22 +<br />
1948-49 SEASON<br />
1951 Elliott Lawrence & Orch.<br />
(..) 9-23<br />
WORLD OF SPORTS<br />
9804 Navy Crew Champions<br />
(10) 12-25 +<br />
9805 Rodeo Thrills and Splllt<br />
(91/2)<br />
9806 Net Marvels (9)<br />
1-29<br />
Ml<br />
-I-<br />
9807 Champions in thi Making<br />
+<br />
(S'/2) 5-13<br />
9808 No Holds Barred (9)... 6-17 +f<br />
9806 Aqua Zanies (9) 7-15 +<br />
1948-49 SEASON<br />
1801 Diving Champions (..).. 9-23<br />
SERIALS<br />
9140 Brick Bradford 12-18 -|-<br />
15 Chapters<br />
9160 Tex Granger 4-1 -t-<br />
Chanf.r.<br />
1?;<br />
9180 Superman (Special) .... 7-lS +<br />
15 Chaptert<br />
-f<br />
+ 2-14<br />
7-31<br />
H 6-26<br />
tt 7-31<br />
S-2Z<br />
5- 8<br />
6-26<br />
4-Z4<br />
Metro-Goldvryn-Mayer<br />
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd<br />
FITZPATRICK<br />
TRAVELTALKS<br />
(Technicolor)<br />
T-911 Visiting Virginia (9)... 11-29 -f 1-3<br />
T-912 Cradle of a Nation (9) 12-13 -f-<br />
1-3<br />
T-913 Cape Breton Island (9) 5- 8 -f 7-10<br />
T-914 Chicago, tha Beautiful<br />
(10) 7-17 -f 8-14<br />
GOLD MEDAL REPRINTS<br />
(Technicolor)<br />
W-921 Goldilocks and the Three<br />
Bears (11) 11-22<br />
W-922The Fishing Bear (8).. 12-20<br />
W-923Thc Milky Way (8) 2-14<br />
W-924 The Midnight Snack (9) 3-27<br />
W-925 Puss 'n Toots (7) 4-24<br />
W-926The Bawling Alley Cat<br />
(8) 6-12<br />
-t<br />
li
•<br />
14,<br />
'<br />
Mighty<br />
,<br />
Title<br />
bnunib unnni<br />
20th Century-Fox<br />
W<br />
Trod<br />
Rel. Date Ratine R«'
;<br />
pioli!<br />
ExMbitOT Has His Say<br />
(Contifnued from page 3)<br />
Paule Croset, Maria Monfez. We just didn't<br />
do any good with this. My folks don't care<br />
ior costumes and sword fights. I couldn't<br />
recommend this for small towns. Played<br />
Tues., Wed. Weather: Fair.—Jim Mote, Gem<br />
Theatre, Sterling, Okla. Small town and rural<br />
patronage. * *<br />
Ivy (U-I)—Joan Fontaine, Patric Knowles,<br />
Herbert Marshall. This is an excellent murder<br />
mystery, excellent acting by Joan Fontaine,<br />
good photography and sound, suspense and<br />
a plot that a child could follow and an<br />
English picture that you can understand.<br />
"Mama" doesn't approve of such and she<br />
stayed away and wouldn't let "Willie" go,<br />
but we played it with "Bear Facts," one of<br />
those wild animal pictures that can't be beat.<br />
Played Sat., Sun. Weather: Cool and pleasant.<br />
— J. C. Vanhouse, Sun Theatre, Kenesaw,<br />
Neb. Small town patronage. * * *<br />
Naked City (U-I)—Barry Fitzgerald, Howard<br />
Duff, Dorothy Hart. This may have been<br />
hot stuff in New York City but in the oil<br />
fields, it is just so many shots of skyscrapers<br />
and a cops-and-robbers chase. The first day<br />
was average, but the second night, we played<br />
"Naked City" to practically a naked theatre!<br />
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Hot.—Mrs. Pat<br />
W. Murphy, Queen Theatre, HoUiday, Tex.<br />
*<br />
Oil field worker patronage,<br />
Naked City, The (U-I)—Barry Fitzgerald,<br />
Howard Duff, Dorothy Hart. This is a swell<br />
picture, well done on the spot and interestholding<br />
throughout. In spite of all this, we<br />
did very poor business. Why? Weather too<br />
nice? Softball games? Picnics? A 14-plus<br />
picture usually knocks them over but Sunday<br />
was below average and Monday fell flat on<br />
its face. Weather: Too nice.—Jack Hammond,<br />
Shastona Theatre, Mount Shasta, Calif.<br />
*<br />
Small town and lumber patronage,<br />
Hide the Pink Horse (U-I)—Robert Montgomery,<br />
Wanda Hendrix, Andrea King. This<br />
did not draw too well. I think the Mexican<br />
angle in the preview frightened people away.<br />
It is a good picture, though,<br />
is superb. Played Sun.,<br />
and the acting<br />
Mon. — Marcella<br />
Smith, Vinton Theatre, McArthur, Ohio. Small<br />
town patronage. * * *<br />
Senator Was Indiscreet, The (U-I)—William<br />
Powell, Ella Raines, Peter Lind Hayes. I<br />
can't find the words for a suitable comment<br />
on this waste of film. The first night an average<br />
crowd of unsuspecting people bought<br />
tickets for what they expected to be entertainment,<br />
and I was ashamed to show my face<br />
when they started coming out. Nobody was<br />
fooled the second night, however. We showed<br />
to about 15 people, most of whom left before<br />
it was over. Anyway, we got to bed earlyl<br />
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair.—Mrs. Pat<br />
W. Murphy, Queen Theatre, Holliday, Tex.<br />
Oil field workers and small town patronage. *<br />
Singapore (U-I) — Fred MacMurray, Ava<br />
Gardner, Roland Culver. It seems that when<br />
a feature is given<br />
trons stay<br />
such a title,<br />
away, regardless of<br />
too many<br />
who the<br />
pa-<br />
actors<br />
may be. Fred MacMurray as a rule<br />
draws here but did not in this feature. Played<br />
Sat., Sun. Weather: Fine.—E. P. Amundson,<br />
Colton Theatre, Colton, S. D. Small town and<br />
rural patronage. «<br />
Something in the Wind (U-1)—Deanna Durbin,<br />
Donald O'Connor, John Dall. This is<br />
just a wee bit too much high class for my<br />
rural yokels. It is a mighty good show, though,<br />
with comedy and hilarious situations throughout.<br />
The print and sound are fine. Played<br />
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Hot.— I. Roche, Vernon<br />
Theatre, Vernon, Fla. Rural and small town<br />
patronage. • •<br />
Web, The (U-I)—Ella Raines, Edmond<br />
O'Brien, William Bendix. This is a common<br />
place murder mystery of which we have already<br />
shown too many, doubled vnth Hoppy<br />
in "Dangerous Ventu:e," which is excellent.<br />
Afier seeing Hoppy, some ;clks walked out on<br />
"The Web." Avercpe aitendance. Played Sat.<br />
Weather: Hot.— J. C. Vanhouse, Sun Theatre,<br />
Keiiesaw, Neb. Small town patronage. * * *<br />
When the Daltons Rode (U-P—Reissue. Randolph<br />
Scott, Kay Francis, Brian Donlevy. A<br />
rehash of a story that happened in our own<br />
backyard, just 60 miles from here. A good action<br />
story ior our old timers that knew the<br />
facts. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Rain.<br />
Bill Leonard, Leonard Theatre, Cedarvale,<br />
Kas. Small town and rural patronage. * * *<br />
Wicked Lady, The (U-D—Margaret Lockwood,<br />
James Mason, Patricia Roc. Here is<br />
an oldie that I've put off playing time and<br />
again. It was much better than most English<br />
features but I had walkouts and very few in<br />
the audience. Skip it. Played Tues., Wed.<br />
Weather: Fair.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre,<br />
Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage. * * *<br />
WARNER BROS.<br />
Adventures of Robin Hood, The (WB)—Reissue.<br />
Errol Flynn, Olivia DeHavilland, Claude<br />
Rains. Nine years ago, after seeing this<br />
feature, I had to give a speech in school on<br />
"One of the Best Motion Pictures I've Ever<br />
Seen." If I were to give a speech again on<br />
that same subject, I'd again use Robin Hood.<br />
It is worth anybody's best playing time. It<br />
really is an epic reissue, as the Warner<br />
trailer stated—but it did only average business,<br />
which is good these days. The rental<br />
was much too high to realize any profits during<br />
the showing, but I did give my patrons<br />
a swell treat. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:<br />
Fair.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville,<br />
W. Va. Rural and small town patronage. * * *<br />
April Showers (WB) — Jack Carson, Ann<br />
Sothern, Robert Alda. A Sunday musical that<br />
was well received and attended. The boy that<br />
played Jack Carson's son stole the show. I<br />
hope to see more of him soon. Played Sunday<br />
only.—James C. Balkcom jr.. Gray Theatre,<br />
Gray, Ga. Small town patronage. * * *<br />
Cheyenne (WB)—Dennis Morgan, Jane Wyman,<br />
Janis Paige. This is a good western that<br />
did good business. My folks are nuts about<br />
westerns, which isn't a bad idea, from my<br />
viewpoint.—Frank E. Sabin, Majestic Theatre,<br />
Eureka, Mont. Small town patronage. *<br />
Silver River (WB)—Errol Flynn, Ann Sheridan,<br />
Thomas Mitchell. Doubled with "The<br />
Woman in White" and this program as a double<br />
feature is too long. It seems to me when<br />
a big name western is produced and not in<br />
Technicolor, the public gets wise. At least,<br />
that is the metropolitan view. Business was<br />
fair. Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather:<br />
Warm and clear.—Al Hatoff, Ritz Theatre,<br />
Brooklyn, N.Y. Neighborhood patronage. *<br />
Time, the Place and the Girl, The (WB)—<br />
Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson, Janis Paige.<br />
This is certainly a good musical and comments<br />
on it were very good. Fred L. Murray,<br />
Strand Theatre, Spiritwood, Sask. Small town<br />
and rural patronage. * *<br />
To the Victor (WB)—Dennis Morgan, Viveca<br />
Lindfors, Victor Francen. No business on<br />
this. It has a fair story but skip it if you can.<br />
Played Thurs., Fri.—W. S. Funk, Star Theatre,<br />
St. Stephen, S. C. Small town patronage. *<br />
Treasure of Sierra Madre (WB)—Humphrey<br />
Bogart, Walter Huston, Bruce Bennett. This<br />
didn't take in the film rental here. Informed<br />
Warner Bros., but no answer to the letter<br />
about the low gross on this. Good acting by<br />
Bogart and all the cast, but it is not for the<br />
small houses. Played Mon., Tues. Weather:<br />
Fair.—Frank D. Fowler, Princess Theatre,<br />
Macksville, *<br />
N. C. Rural patronage.<br />
,<br />
In the Newsreels<br />
Movietone News, No. 70: World conference<br />
of churches held in Amsterdam; nation mourns<br />
Justice Hughes death; Communists march on<br />
Berlin city hall; 25-year-oIds register; President<br />
Truman ends vacation; John A. Costello<br />
visits U.S.; Jacob Lomakin leaves U.S.;<br />
Churchill visits France; Darryl F. Zanuck in<br />
Italy; Citation captures $60,000; ice spectacle<br />
in Atlantic City.<br />
News of the Day, No. 200: First world council<br />
of churches, rioting Reds seize Berlin<br />
city hall; Soviet consul sails for home; 25-yearolds<br />
answer first draft call; Olympic champs<br />
come home; ice capades of 1949.<br />
Paramount News, No. 3: Best on the ice;<br />
world churchmen meet in Amsterdam; draft<br />
call induction set for November; Soviet consul<br />
sails from N. Y.; U.S. Olympic stars home after<br />
sweep; red hot football—temperature 99 degrees.<br />
Universal News, No. 174: Draft begins;<br />
Lomakin ousted—Soviet consul packs up and<br />
leaves; Christians meet—44 countries send<br />
leaders to Holland; Olympic team returns: ice<br />
capades; American Derby.<br />
Warner Pathe News, No. S: People in the<br />
news; church conference; Berlin crisis; ice<br />
capades; baby elephant; New York Yankees<br />
vs. Brooklyn Dodgers; Citation—American<br />
Derby.<br />
Movietone News, No. 71: Queen Wilhelmina<br />
abdicates after 50-year reign; chief Communist<br />
in U.S. identified by former Red;<br />
Greece government troops advance in Gramos<br />
mountain; Berlin—U.S. plane crash in<br />
fog; Chicago—Navy flying boat Caroline<br />
Mars ends nonstop flight to Hawaii; France<br />
Over 550 Americans make pilgrimage to the<br />
shrine of Lourdes; football—Navy and Notre<br />
Dame get in shape for 1948 season; fishing<br />
General Eisenhower on Colorado fishing vacation.<br />
News oi the Day, No. 201: Ex-commies put<br />
finger on mystery Red spy chief; Greek rebels<br />
routed in Mt. Gramos; Dutch acclaim Wilhelmina,<br />
50 years their queen; navy's Hawaii-<br />
Chicago flight sets record; tennis; football is<br />
here at South Bend, Annapolis, West Point.<br />
Paramount News, No. 4: Celebrities sail<br />
aboard the Queen Mary; Wilhelmina of Holland<br />
ends 50-year reign; football—Notre<br />
Dame, Army Navy.<br />
Universal News, No. 176: Shanghai fights<br />
inflation; Canadian national exposition; General<br />
Eisenhower dedicates hospital; gala Holland<br />
festival; babies have day in sun; Spanish<br />
woodsmen in ax-chopping contest; 3-yearold<br />
swimmer takes bow.<br />
Warner Pathe News, No. G: Chambers identifies<br />
Red spy boss; latest news from Berlin;<br />
Wilhelmina's golden jubilee; tennis match between<br />
Talbott and MuUoy; coats in the news;<br />
Washington's farewell address in Great<br />
Events.<br />
All American News, VoL 6, No. 306: Sports<br />
fans mourn death of Babe Ruth; Puerto Rico<br />
harvests sugar crop; Singer Toni Harper captures<br />
audiences in theatre tour; annual<br />
Shriners convention brings out big crowd.<br />
Telenews Digest, No. 35: Communist probe<br />
looks for perjurist; Kasenkina case reaches<br />
climax; the draft comes back; Austria-German;<br />
Frankfurt-Berlin; Chungking; New York-<br />
Berlin; Dulles speaks at International church<br />
conference; Israel; Russia; Turkey; England;<br />
Czechoslovakia; U.S. Olympic stars return;<br />
summer football—Yanks beat Dodgers.<br />
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BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Sept. 11, 1948<br />
'i
}pMoas on Currtat Productloas; Exploltlpt for Stiliag to tbo Pobllt<br />
FEATURE REVIEWS<br />
My Dear Secretary<br />
United Artists (- 94 Minutes Rel. Nov. '48<br />
Full of lively laughs and handsomely staged, with a strong<br />
name cast that makes it a sure-iire attraction for "A" playing<br />
time. The story thread is light and sometimes goofy<br />
but the farcical situations pile up so fast that chuckles mingle<br />
with the laughs and both young and old enjoyed it<br />
immensely at a sneak preview before a full-theatre audience<br />
in New York. Laraine Day, as secretary of a book publisher<br />
(Rudy Vallee), who has ambitions to become a short story<br />
writer and transfers her secretarial work to Kirk Douglas,<br />
who is a novelist with no assured income, displays some<br />
fine comedy talents. Keenan Wynn, as an impecunious<br />
song writer, who serves as chief cook and companion to the<br />
novelist, adds to the hilarity. Most of it is staged in a<br />
sumptuous apartment. Leo C. Popkin produced and Charles<br />
Martin was author and director.<br />
Laraine Day, Kirk Douglas, Keenan Wynn, Helen Walker,<br />
Rudy Vallee, Florence Bates, Alan Mowbray.<br />
F<br />
The Saxon Charm<br />
Univ.-Int'l (671) 88 Minutes Rel. Sept '48<br />
Within the limitations set forth by Frederic ("The Hucksters")<br />
Wakeman's recent best-selling novel about an eminently<br />
successful theatrical producer and an unsuspecting<br />
playwright who becomes ensnarled in his egocentricities,<br />
Hollywood has come up with a sleek, sophisticated but<br />
uneven photoplay in which the predominant among few<br />
virtues is Robert Montgomery's masterful portrayal of the<br />
title role. V/hether or not the average moviegoer will accept<br />
his film fare dished up with a minimum of action and a<br />
maximum of static dialog is problematical. Indeed, the<br />
offering seems to suffer from job a scripting which mokes<br />
it all too easy for the audience to anticipate each move<br />
of the mummers involved. John Payne and Susan Hayword<br />
are the playwright and his wife whose marriage is threatened<br />
by the eccentric and overbearing attentions of the<br />
charming Matt Saxon. Claude Binyon directed.<br />
Robert Montgomery, Susan Hayword, John Payne, Audrey<br />
Totter, Henry Morgan, Harry Von Zell, Cora Williams.<br />
F<br />
Sealed Verdict F<br />
Walk a Crooked Mile F<br />
Desperadoes of Dodge City F ""'"" Sofia<br />
F<br />
Columbia (128) 89 Minutes Rel. Sept. '48<br />
Hotter than a G-man's pistol, particularly in view of current<br />
spy-scare headlines blazing around the nation, is Producer<br />
Edward Small's fast-paced, thrill-packed story of how<br />
government agents trailed and trapped traitors within one<br />
of Uncle Sam's top-secret atomic projects. It's fictional, but<br />
handled in crisp semidocumentary style, and undoubtedly is<br />
headed for smash grosses wherever film patrons relish their<br />
entertainment without the detracting addition of phony romance<br />
and unbelievable melodramatics. An intriguing plot<br />
twist has Scotland Yard, in the person of Louis Hayward,<br />
pitching in to cooperate with the FBL as represented by<br />
Dennis O'Keefe, to uncover evidence whereby agents of an<br />
undesignated "foreign power" are out to steal new developments<br />
in the field of nuclear fission and atomic energy. In<br />
all respects the finished product looks like a resoundingly<br />
profitable hit. Gordon Douglas directed.<br />
Louis Hayword, Dennis O'Keefe, Louise AUbrition, Carl<br />
Esmond, Onslow Stevens, Raymond Burr, Art Baker.<br />
Republic (757) 60 Minutes Rel. Sept. 15. '48<br />
If Allan "Rocky" Lane with his brand of square-jawed,<br />
two-fisted, hard-ridin' heroics isn't already a topflight favorite<br />
among those patrons who place sagebrush fare on<br />
their "must" list, this one is a cinch to install him as such.<br />
Into the standard western formula has been interlarded a<br />
whodunit plot permitting the injection of considerably more<br />
dramatic suspense than is common to boots-and-saddles<br />
sagas, but never at any time is the mystery element allowed<br />
to stand in the way of an abundant array of chases, gunfights<br />
and fisticuffs. Showmen booking this for their Saturday<br />
matinee trade had best be prepared for an overhaul job<br />
on the theatre seats—because when "Rocky" and his faithful<br />
stallion Black Jack hit the trail the kids will be ridin'<br />
right with him. ScenBry and supporting cast are tops.<br />
Directed by Philip Ford.<br />
Allan "Rocky" Lane, Eddy Waller, Mildred Coles, Roy Barcroft,<br />
Tristram Coiiin, William Phipps, James Croven.<br />
Night Wind<br />
20th-Fox (843)<br />
68 Minutes<br />
Mystery<br />
Drama<br />
Rel. Oct., '48<br />
Slanted for the lower half of a double bill, this story of a<br />
boy and his dog has added drama of espionage activities<br />
which the djg hero avenges. It will hold the audience interest<br />
from ssvsral angles, for the dog is well trained and the<br />
boy, Gary G'-ay, seems natural and typically boyish, with<br />
a reassuring family life background. That the plot is based<br />
on a foimer war dog which, though retrained for civilian living,<br />
turns killer again, may date it, as that theme has already<br />
been oveiv/orked. However, this time, although the<br />
dog is guilty, it is because he has obeyed instincts to kill<br />
men whom he knew to be enemies since they wounded him<br />
during the war and killed his former master. Flame's resemblance<br />
to the dog in Columbia's Rusty series is unfortunate.<br />
No star value, ijor outstanding in any way, but not<br />
a walkout picture. James Tinling directed.<br />
Charles Russell, Virginia Christine, Gary Gray, John Ridgely.<br />
James Burke, Konstantin Shoyne, William Stelling.<br />
irt w)<br />
BOYOFFinF Seotember 11. 1948<br />
Paramount (4804) 83 Minutes Rel. Nov. 5. '48<br />
Considering the topical and provocative nature of the subject<br />
matter—the Nazi war criminal trials which have been<br />
one of the aftermaths of the recent conflict—this generates<br />
only a faint spark of the kind of suspense, excitement and<br />
genuine emotion that could and should have been incorporated<br />
therein. It's a peculiarly muddled and over-dialogued<br />
attempt to establish that only by amending international<br />
law can future world peace be assured. This<br />
entirely laudable motive is pretty well obscured, however,<br />
and despite a battery of excellent performances and some<br />
authentic European backgrounds the picture emerges as<br />
rather static fare. The marquee lure of Ray Milland, who<br />
portrays an American lawyer conducting one of the trials,<br />
and the American debut of a talented European actress,<br />
Florence Marly, are among the feature's strongest assets.<br />
Directed by Lewis Allen.<br />
Ray Millond, Florence Morly, Broderick Crawiord, John Hoyt,<br />
John Ridgely, Ludwig Donoth, Norbert Schiller.<br />
Drama<br />
(Cinuolor)<br />
Film Classics 83 Minutes ReL July '48<br />
An exciting and colorful cloak-and-dagger melodrama laid<br />
in the Balkans which substitutes Russians for the now outmoded<br />
Nazi villains. A good cast, headed by Gene Raymond,<br />
and the lavish settings and outdoor locations, photographed<br />
in Cinecolor at the Churubusco Studios in Mexico,<br />
make this the most important Film Classics production to<br />
date. It should do good business, especially in the action<br />
and neighborhood houses. The formula espionage plot<br />
jumps from Istanbul to Sofia by way of Athens with a flashback<br />
to the Swiss Alps, but Director John Reinhardt keeps<br />
the action moving at a fast pace. The suspenseful climax<br />
sees the scientist-heroine rescued from torture by Russians<br />
anxious to obtain her atom bomb research information. Raymond<br />
gives a matured, two-fisted portrayal of the American<br />
hero. Patricia Morison, as a Romanian temptress, sings several<br />
songs effectively.<br />
Gene Raymond, Patricia Morison, Mischo Auer, Sigrid Gurie,<br />
John Wengroi, George Baxter, Luz Alba, Fernando Wogner.<br />
Olympic Cavalcade<br />
F<br />
°''"'"""'"'<br />
United Artists (586) 57 Minutes Rel. Aug. 14, '48<br />
This is an edited reissue of the Westport International<br />
film of the 1936 Olympic games at Berlin in which 51 nations<br />
participated, and is good for a supporting spot on almost<br />
any program. Many of the Olympic heroes of yesteryear<br />
are shown in action, with Jesse Owens, winner of four events,<br />
and Glenn Morris, winner of the decathlon, featured. The<br />
cameras did an excellent job in recording a majority of the<br />
events, including the marathon, bicycle racing, horsemanship,<br />
swimming and diving, gymnastics and track and field<br />
events. To one who has a love for sports in his blood it is<br />
impressive. Especially striking from a pictorial angle is the<br />
grace of the gymnasts and high divers. Close-ups of Glenn<br />
Morris dramatically illustrate the terrific tension under which<br />
he competed. Side shots of the spectators are also impressive.<br />
Bill Stern handles the narration.
. . . Who<br />
. . .<br />
America<br />
. . Who<br />
. . The<br />
. . You'll<br />
. . The<br />
. . The<br />
. . But<br />
. . Are<br />
. . Who<br />
. . Goofy,<br />
. . Fast-Punching<br />
EXPLOITIPS Suggestioas for Selling; Adliaes for Newspapor aad Prograt<br />
SELLING ANGLES:<br />
"The Saxon Charm"<br />
The novel upon which the picture is based was a bestseller<br />
of not many months ago. Arrange for book store and<br />
library tieups on this book and also on Frederic Wakeman's<br />
famous satire of the advertising business, "The Hucksters."<br />
Distribute book-mark throwaways in both rental and public<br />
libraries with the picture's playdotes at your theatre prominently<br />
displayed. Use the' title for merchandise tieups with<br />
women's apparel stores, beauty salons, and with men's<br />
wear shops.<br />
CATCHLINES:<br />
The Engrossing, Human Story ... Of a Man Who Played<br />
With People's Emotions . . . But Was Made to Suffer . . .<br />
You Won't Soon Forget . . . The Problem That Faced One<br />
Woman . Was Too Much in Love ... To Give Up<br />
Her Man ... To Another Man's Ego . . . You'll Call It Daring,<br />
Different.<br />
Behind the Scenes ... In the Most Glamorous Profession<br />
in the World . Gripping Tale of a Broadway Producer<br />
Wanted to Own Men's Souls . Was Tormented<br />
With a Past . . . That Conquered Him.<br />
SELLING ANGLES:<br />
"Sealed Verdict"<br />
Stir up an editorial or radio debate on the question of<br />
whether the policy of giving suspected Nazi war criminals<br />
a fair and impartial trial is well-advised. The picture's legal<br />
aspects suggest you hold a special showing for local attorneys.<br />
It was adapted from a novel by the same title by<br />
Lionel Shapiro, war correspondent. Secure bookstore and<br />
library tieups on the tome and arrange for special displays<br />
of books which are similar in theme.<br />
CATCHLINES:<br />
On the Screen for the First Time . . . With All Its Stunning<br />
Impact . True, Terrific Story of the Incredible Criminals<br />
Whose Dreams of Glory . . . Wrecked an Entire Continent<br />
. Find Every Moment a Thrill . . . And Every<br />
Thrill a Moment of Danger.<br />
Here's the True, Unvarnished Picture of War's Aftermath<br />
... Of Killers Caught in the Web of Justice ... Of Honest<br />
Men Who Find You Have to Break the Rules ... To Preserve<br />
the Peace so Bitterly Won.<br />
SELLING ANGLES:<br />
"Sofia"<br />
Play up Gene Raymond, now making a comeback after<br />
several years' absence from the screen, and Patricia Morison<br />
and Sigrid Gurie, the dark-eyed beauties who are rivals<br />
for his affections. Mischa Auer also has some name value.<br />
Make a tieup with a local art or novelty shop for window<br />
displays of costume jewelry and ornaments from the Balkans.<br />
Dress your usher or doorman in typical Balkan costume with<br />
a long beard, etc.<br />
CATCHLINES:<br />
Sofia—Colorful and Mysterious Center of the World's Intrigue<br />
. . . Two Beautiful Women Involved in a Desperate<br />
Game for Possession of a Vital Secret ... A Game of Life and<br />
Death in Istanbul, Sofia and Athens.<br />
The Fascinating Story Behind the Russian Attempt to Gain<br />
Possession of the Atom Bomb . City Where Every<br />
Shadow Hides an Enemy . . . Scientists Battle Spies to Guard<br />
the World's Greatest Secret . . . Intrigue, Excitement and Romance.<br />
SELLING ANGLES:<br />
"Olympic Cavalcade"<br />
Sports fans never tire of seeing the world's top athletes<br />
in action, and a special can be made to them through the<br />
use of lobby sports displays. "Olympic contests" could be<br />
promoted among local boys and the winners given passes<br />
to the show. Jesse Owens' remarkable feat in winning four<br />
events is worthy of special mention in these<br />
Negroes are making their mark in many sports.<br />
days when<br />
own<br />
rural<br />
SELLING ANGLES:<br />
"My Dear Secretary"<br />
It's sophisticated entertainment staged in settings as modern<br />
as tomorrow. Some of the stills might be useful in arranging<br />
window displays for furniture stores and also gown<br />
shops. In the advertising play the laugh angles and the<br />
names, with a suggestion that there might be something<br />
ii risque about a secretary who does her work in the boss's<br />
apartment.<br />
CATCHLINES:<br />
She Had Ambitions to Become a Writer; He Was a Writer<br />
With Ideas . . . It's Eyebrow-Raising, It's Hair-Raising in a<br />
Mirthful Way . Loved Who and How Did They Get<br />
That Way? . Wacky, Wisecracky . . . When an<br />
Author Wants to Dictate a Novel and His Secretary Wants<br />
to Write One, Something Happens—Guess What! . . . She<br />
Learned About Authors from Him.<br />
SELLING ANGLES:<br />
"Walk a Crooked Mile"<br />
Atom bomb spy scares have been in and out of newspaper<br />
headlines for months. Blow up tearsheets of some<br />
of them for use in lobby easels. Stage a special preview<br />
for members of local law enforcement agencies, using their<br />
comments in your publicity and advertising campaign. Stuff<br />
special heralds in detective magazines. Stress that this is<br />
another entry form the producer-star combination (Edward<br />
Small qnd Dennis O'Keefe) which made "T-Men" and "Raw<br />
Deal." Distribute "Junior FBI" and "Junior Scotland Yard"<br />
badges to the juvenile patrons.<br />
CATCHLINES:<br />
Raw, Savage Fury Dynamites the Screen . . . Stark,<br />
Thrilling Drama Ripped From the Nation's Headlines ... As<br />
the FBI Teams Up With Scotland Yard ... To Avenge the<br />
Spy Ring Murder of a G-Man.<br />
True-to-Life . . . On-the-Spot . . . Heart-in-Mouth Realism<br />
... As Foreign Agents Stealing America's Top Atomic<br />
Secrets . Tracked Down Relentlessly . . . With Bare-<br />
Fisted, Hord-Hitting Action.<br />
SELLING ANGLES:<br />
"Desperadoes of Dodge City"<br />
Allan "Rocky" Lane's name on the marquee should be<br />
enough to draw in the tried-and-true western fans. Hold<br />
a junior rodeo for kids at Saturday matinee performances<br />
and start an "Allan_ 'Rocky' Lane Junior Rangers" club for<br />
the juveniles if you have not already done so. Swear in all<br />
the members as "deputy marshalls" and pass out inexpensive<br />
tin stars for membership identification. Erect a giant<br />
map of the west in the lobby with Dodge City as the bull'seye.<br />
Give each "junior ranger" a chance to throw darts at<br />
the target for free candy bars.<br />
.<br />
CATCHLINES:<br />
Here's Fast-Riding . . .<br />
Thrill-a-Minute,<br />
Fast-Shooting<br />
Chill-a-<br />
Entertainment . . . Loaded With<br />
Minute Action . . . Stampeding the Screen With Thrills . . .<br />
The West's Most Fearless Hero ... In a Blaze of Glory . . .<br />
As He Battles the West's Most Dangerous Desperadoes.<br />
The Kind of Sagebrush . . . With<br />
Saga You Love to See<br />
Allan "Rocky" Lane Back<br />
. . Your Western Favorite . . . .<br />
in an Action-Packed Epic ... Of Bursting Guns . . . Hoofs<br />
Pound Out New Thrills ... In Lawless Dodge City.<br />
SELLING ANGLES:<br />
"Night Wind"<br />
Since the title gives no clue to the dog angle of the picture,<br />
stress that in your advertising. If anyone in your locality<br />
belonging to veterans' organizations has had experience<br />
with dogs used in the late war, try to get a story about<br />
this for local papers. Run a contest for the best story where<br />
a dog showed better judgment than humans about people<br />
or events.<br />
CATCHLINES:<br />
A Thrilling Sports Picture of the Days When Jesse Owens<br />
Dominated the Olympics ... A Deathless Picture of the<br />
World's Best Athletes in Olympic Action ... All the Excitement<br />
and the Glory of Olympic Competition Superbly Photographed<br />
... A Remarkable Film Chronicle of the Days When<br />
American Athletes Won the Olympics Under Hitler's Nose<br />
Winsl Great Pictures of Our Olympic Triumph<br />
at<br />
Berlin<br />
/gro,<br />
^ thr<br />
bu<br />
CATCHLINES:<br />
The Moan of the Night Wind, the Howl of a Dog . . . Drama<br />
Fills the Night With Terror—for Spies in an Old War Dog's<br />
Vicinity . . . Death Rides the Night Wind and Springs From<br />
the Darkness.<br />
Ominous Prelude to Death, the Menace Stalking in the<br />
Night . . . ABoy's Love for His Dog and His Faith in Its Integrity<br />
... A Dog's Memory of the Smell of an Old Trench Coat,<br />
and What Happened During the War.<br />
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: Willi<br />
. 602<br />
i<br />
permanent<br />
, Sepiin,<br />
S|rES: lOc per word, minimum Sl.OO, cash with copy. Four insertions lor price oi three.<br />
CJJSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers to<br />
Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE. 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo. •<br />
lENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED<br />
t New York yguii and see S.U.S. Your 22<br />
piiltuii.igi; bdili our Uuildiiit;. Tjpical values<br />
'te ^^Diiim sound iiiid picture eiiulpoient;<br />
icVrj tbl'' 2,UU0 ft. uitli iUilpUfler. speaker,<br />
llulmes, $liU5: DeViy .\liC \illli low In-<br />
Jl.auo; «lili IkW arts, $2,495:<br />
out lieiids, some ^oud Sinipk-x $GU.5U up;<br />
•IS reeliiieis .md uener;ilurs at a sacrifice.<br />
jou «.inl. S.U.S. Cinema Supply<br />
i;(l2 W. 52nd St.. New York I'J.<br />
uible speed pulley for your fans, air der^,<br />
bluuers, air washers. .New and used.<br />
ioliernair. 1'. 0. Box 838. .Ulanla. Ga.<br />
have lor sale: One Durch popcorn maclilne,<br />
?ual in-car speakers with junction box and<br />
ormer, $19.95: new driveway entrance and<br />
signs, illiiminaled, $18.75; Burial cable,<br />
ft.: special four conductor neoprene cable,<br />
.: Super snaplite fl.9 lenses Increase light<br />
in. from $150: 40 weatherproof reflex<br />
cnmplrte, $39.75. S.O S. Cinema Supply<br />
W. 52nd St., New York 19.<br />
a*car speakers. No. 7600, waterproof, cast<br />
niim cases. $16.75 per set. DaWo Co., 145<br />
He St.. Toledo, Ohio.<br />
HELP WANTED<br />
perienced booker for th L.it....c3<br />
. Live wire can — * uH free give-<br />
$150 to $250 weekly.<br />
flee, A-3113.<br />
nted: Projectionists, at once, that know booth<br />
ion,_ located in Norfolk and Portsmouth, Vir-<br />
W'ire, airmail special delivery qiiallficapected,<br />
c/o Bnxoffice, A-3149.<br />
i.iil ...,,,^.,^..v^.^<br />
nted manaoer for town. « Experienced<br />
lerating and maintenance. Good pay" for<br />
Apply<br />
immrdi.iteiy.<br />
Tex.<br />
11. A. Daniels,<br />
nted, .Tssistant manauer and relief projec-<br />
Ideal working conditions, good salary.<br />
eastern tO'n. Please give complete infortajn<br />
incliidin2 experience and references in ap-<br />
Rnxoffioe.<br />
A-3I,51,<br />
POSITIONS WANTED<br />
w.inted managing theatre or chain.<br />
W f7, 30 years experience, .lust sold my own<br />
V e after fifteen .vears successful operation,<br />
ift California or Colorado. Address Boxoffice,<br />
;l lajcr. Thorough knowled'ie booking, exlion,<br />
advertising. Seeks position with growrganization<br />
in New ,lersey or upstate New<br />
Married and the best of references. Box-<br />
A-3'52.<br />
'ectionist. 45 years old and strictly sober,<br />
connection. Tel! all. L J<br />
»". 908 Court St., Portsmouth, Va.<br />
lager, a'-e 36, married, experienced all phases<br />
operation. Skilled projectionist, finest ref-<br />
" a. Salary commensurate with proven ability,<br />
"tt Boxoffice. A-310.3.<br />
H OFFICE :: September 11, 1948<br />
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW<br />
Poster Cases. Siainlciis steel or ei:truded aluminum<br />
poster cases, lliuminaled or nun-liluuilnjled.<br />
Available In all sizes. Prompt delivery. I'oblocki<br />
and Suns, 2159 Souib Kinnickliinlc Ave., Milwaukee<br />
7, Wis.<br />
In-a-Car speakers. No. 7000, waterproof, cast<br />
aluminum casts. $iU.75 per set. UaWo Co., 145<br />
N. Erie St., Toledo, Ohio.<br />
From studio lot to liiial shot. 2.0U0W Kresntl<br />
studio spots, $57.50: .Mil tjpe 2,UUUW on rolling<br />
stand, $99.50; used Auricun recording outfit,<br />
$495; Keumade 35mm flimracks. 76 in.<br />
high. $39.50; Belliovvell Automatic lC/35 hot<br />
splicer, $795; B&il single system recording and<br />
studio camera Willi rackover, m.igazines, tj fu.-l<br />
Astro lenses, 4 position amplifier, 4 mikes,<br />
power supply, etc. reduced. $3,750: Wtsltrn<br />
Electric preview magazines, $395; Bodde process<br />
screens, $2.40 sq. ft., W.E. 35mm sound moviola,<br />
$795: Jliltlleli Plywood Blimp, $149.50; Ncumade<br />
Automatic film cleaners, $159.50. Send for latest<br />
catalog. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W.<br />
52nd St.. New York 19.<br />
Opportunity! 325 new chalrback slip covers,<br />
rust shade. Also brand new Howe candy machine.<br />
Lena Sliliwell, 107 Woodrow St., Bedford, Ollio.<br />
Plilllips safety carbon savers. Ask your theatre<br />
supply dealer, or write Phillips, Box 783, Charleston<br />
23. W, Va.<br />
Three Webster model 80 wire recorders. Ideal<br />
for office, home or sales use. Four portable landing<br />
lights (war surplus), complete with tripod<br />
and carrying cases. E.xcellenl for parking lot flood<br />
lights. One Victor IGmm projector and screen.<br />
Write Hank Adams, c/o Hygienic Productions, Inc.,<br />
Wilmington, Ohio.<br />
THEATRES WANTED<br />
Sell your theatre privately. Confidential correspondence<br />
invited. Leak Theatre Sales. 3422<br />
Kinmore, Dallas. 1109 Orchard Lane, Des<br />
Moines,<br />
Iowa.<br />
Is your theatre for sate? Our cash buyers are<br />
waiting. We get quick results. Will give you a<br />
prompt estimate of your present theatre value.<br />
Write us today. "Joe" Joseph, 3409 Sunset Ave.<br />
Phone Yale 2-7650, Dallas. Texas.<br />
Is your theatre for sale? I have buyers with<br />
cash for established theatres. Claude Crockett,<br />
1505 First National Bank Bldg., Dallas, Tel.<br />
Telephone R-9230.<br />
Responsible exliibitor wishes to lease with purchase<br />
option, small town theatre located New<br />
Mexico or Arizona. Boxoffice. A-3138.<br />
brick building in excellent condition, 350 upholstered<br />
scats, completely carpeted, lounges. Simplex,<br />
Western EHectric mirroplionic. Peerless<br />
magna arc. All latest equipment. $70,000 for<br />
Motion picture llieatre wanted in metropolitan<br />
everything. Exclusive with Claude Crockett, 1505<br />
area of New York City. Preferably within 45 to<br />
First National Bank Bldg.. Dallas. R-9230.<br />
60 minutes of Times Square. All replies giving<br />
details every of<br />
and complete about phase<br />
central Texas<br />
Theatre, 337 all upholstered seals,<br />
full<br />
Town 1,500. Simplex. Strong Hi, RCA sound, rent<br />
operation are guaranteed prompt answer. Write<br />
Bo.xoffice. A-3140.<br />
$35. $350 gross per owner. $15,500. $10,500<br />
down. Claude Crockett, 1505 First National Bank<br />
Bldg.. l!-923a<br />
Lease Texas or Oklahoma small town theatre.<br />
In Cash advance. E.xperienced showman. Boxoffice.<br />
Theatre. Oklahoma county seats 8,000. $80,000,<br />
A-3141.<br />
See photo in other section of this issue. (South-<br />
Wanted by experienced operator active Interest<br />
in motion picture theatre metropolitan area New<br />
Y'ork aiv. Write complete details. Box 211,<br />
Greenville. Ohio<br />
Experienced showman desires llieatre in Florida<br />
or California. Will buy or le;ise. State price,<br />
run, competition, etc. Boxoffice, .\-3155.<br />
to invest in theatre any-<br />
THEATRE TICKETS<br />
Prompt service. Special printed roll tickets,<br />
100,000, $21.70: 10,000, $5.95: 2,000, $9.95<br />
Each change In admission price, including change<br />
in color. $2.75 extra. Double numbering ext<br />
Shipping charges paid to 500 miles. Cash with<br />
9, order. Kansas Citv Ticket Co.. Dept. 1819<br />
Central. Kansas City, Mo.<br />
MISCELLANEOUS<br />
Splendid opportunity to acquire franrhise In<br />
established State Right Field In southern exchange<br />
center. Possibilities unlimited for fi'n<br />
man with sales ability. With sufficient capit.il<br />
terms ran he arranned. Negotiations confidentlil<br />
Itenlv Roynffice. A-S0.52.<br />
For the.Ttre staffs, drive-ins. clubs, etc.. nanand<br />
emb'em design on popular useful "T" shirt;<br />
$11 per dozen. State sizes and color. Remit check<br />
nr specify COD. Sportswear of America, Box<br />
5fi6B, So. Fallsbiirg, N. Y.<br />
THEATRES FOR SALE<br />
Toledo, Ohio, neighbnrhond theatre: 600 cushioned<br />
seats recently installed. Western Electric<br />
sound, new booth equipment. No good for chain<br />
or absentee operation, but excellent opportunity<br />
for energetic couple or partners. Boxoffice, .\-3150,<br />
THEATRES FOR SALE (Cont'd)<br />
Theatres lor sale. Texas and toulhwesl. Licensed<br />
biuki.T Willi lung llitulre batligruuiid. Claude<br />
Uiutktll, 1605 I'lrsl Nallullal Bank Bld^., Dallal,<br />
lex. Ititphune 11-9230^<br />
Near Tulsa, btuutllul, 330-seal, excellent equipment,<br />
$29,000 handles. Eaal Ukiuliumu, tliteelown<br />
circuit, proptrlies included, u b.irgaln at<br />
$33,000. Texas l'anliand;c, Simplex e-7's, IIIinlensily,<br />
good building, $27,500, Soulliea.sl<br />
Oklahoma., new Ceniury, Peerless and Ballanlyne<br />
building, with $8,500. West Oklahoma, 275 cushion<br />
seats. Simplex with Brenkert lli-lnlenslly<br />
$1(!.000. .Many otliers. Savereides, 701 Lconhardt<br />
Bldg.. Oklahoma City. Okla.<br />
Soutlmest Oklahoma. Population 1,300; 350<br />
lis, luu ieallitr tushiuiis. Simplex machuies,<br />
building 25x142, nice apptarante. CoUuo and<br />
for wheal. All $23,000. Bo.\uflice, A-3136.<br />
Central Ohio, 1,10U populaiiun town. Lease and<br />
equipment for sale. Good lamiiy opponunily.<br />
Coiilacl Boxoffice. A-3137^<br />
Beautiful Lake town Northeast Oklahoma. Inciiidts<br />
tlitaire building, new cottage. Illness.<br />
$6,000 duan. Leak, 3422 Kinmort, Dallas, 'iex.<br />
West Texas, popui.ttiun 2,600. Subslanliat<br />
building included. Only theatre large area. $20,-<br />
000 du.in. Leak, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas.<br />
Sixteen exclusive midwest listings. Selected<br />
from 36<br />
erences—anyone<br />
offered us.<br />
we<br />
From $8,000<br />
have served.<br />
up.<br />
Arthur<br />
Our ref-<br />
Leak,<br />
1109 Orchardlane, Des Moines, Iowa. 4-9087.<br />
Colored theatre. East Oklahoma town. Estimated<br />
tolored population over 4.000, competition<br />
nil. Good Simplex equipment, siiuwing prolit.<br />
Savereide, 701 Leonhardt Bldg., Oklahoma City,<br />
Okla.<br />
800 seat modern, line suburban house in<br />
Houston, the fastest growing city in the nation.<br />
Net earnings $17 to $20 thousand. Can be increased.<br />
business Equipment and $57,000. Rem<br />
$750 monthly. Extras will pay all rent. Strictly<br />
confidential. Bo.xofficc, A-3146.<br />
Ineaues tor sale. Seieciea Usimgs In Oregon<br />
and Washington now avaUable. Write for list.<br />
Theatre Exchange Co., Fine Arts Bldg., Portland,<br />
Ore<br />
For Sale; Theatre, complete with new brick<br />
bui.ding: 400 seats: only theatre in fast growing<br />
oil town southern Arkansas. Require $25,000 cash,<br />
balance of $20,000 over five years. Reply to Post<br />
Office. Box 1191. Texarkana, Tex^<br />
Two theatres. Texas town 2,000 population,<br />
first time offered. One has 50x140 biick and<br />
sieel building, old. two years 596 upholstered<br />
seals. Simplex projectors. Strong Hi lamps, everything<br />
strictly up-to-date. The other has 25x140<br />
west and Central edition only.) Exclusive with<br />
Claude Crockett, 1505 First National Bank Bldg<br />
D.aiias. R-9230.<br />
For Sale; Upper Michigan theatre in small<br />
town. Seats 240, population 1,500. Block building<br />
32x100. Sandwich shop and soda fountain in<br />
connection with theatre, also light housekeeping<br />
rooms. Write Charles Laurlch. Trenary. Mich,<br />
Central .Mississippi. Two theatres in excellent<br />
town of 3.000 population, plus Junior College,<br />
enrollment 1.700. Town has two knitting mills,<br />
large lumber industry and is located near oil<br />
fields. Because of health, owner will sell at ;<br />
bargain. All equipment good and practically new<br />
Price $42,500, not including real est.ite. Long<br />
leases. Southeast Missouri, two theatres in towns<br />
of 1,700 and 2,500 with no competition. Re.il<br />
money makers, cannot be sold separately. Owner<br />
will sell complete with biii'dings or sell equipment<br />
and give ten-year leases on buildings. Gus<br />
J. Hiase, Theatre Brokers, 409 McCall Bldg.,<br />
Memniiis, Tenn.<br />
Two theatres in northeast Mississippi, no competition,<br />
nice buildings, good equipment, price<br />
$25,000 and $30,000. Will show excellent return.<br />
Good money from a small investment. We<br />
in hive three theatres Tennessee, Arkansas and<br />
Mi-sissippl which cm be sold under $10,000. part<br />
cash and terms on balance. Gus J. Haase. Theatre<br />
Brnkers. 409 McCall Bldg.. Memnhls. Tenn.<br />
Both modern theatres central Texas college<br />
town 3 ono Second owner in 33 years. Theatres<br />
liiige dominate area. Verv siihstantial provable<br />
profits and potential. Beautiful town really<br />
booming. Large payroll, housing project now buildins.<br />
Private sale. $56 500. Some terms. Arthur<br />
Leak. 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, T3-2026<br />
Near Fort Worth, Newly rebuilt thriving theatre,<br />
good town 1.700. Dea'h of owner. Substantial<br />
steady profit. $25,500, 513,000 down,<br />
including b'lildinc. Leak, 3422 Kinmore. n.nl'as.<br />
Fiil'v Equinped Theatre — Good Condition —<br />
$5 500 no. See Thom.as Fortino. 3161 West<br />
St., Federal Yoiingstown, Ohio. Phone: 69327<br />
CLfflRinG HOUSf<br />
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES<br />
Excellent inicslmeni, $25,000 advance for Uieyear<br />
cuiicea-