Modern

TAL NET PAID CIRCULATION OF THIS ISSUE EXCEEDS 23,000
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Modern
Theatre
Presents
LUMINOUS DISPLAY
COVER STORY ON PAGE 16

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WAS IT JUST
A SUMMER
ROMANrp ?

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7Wbon't worry, Miss Box-Office! Your sugar daddy Leo
ihas just had a new shot of Vitamin M-G-M and
Ihe's rarin' to go. You haven't seen anything yet!
Look
what's cominp- from vour all-vear-'round Santa Claus:
'iOpER GARSON
«|ITER PIDGEON in
j'.UA MISBEHAVES"
PIER LAWFORD, ELIZABETH TAYLOR
b,AR ROMERO, Lucils Watson, Nigel
biica, Mary Boland, Reginald Owen
T Enterprise Studios present
XU ANDREWS, LILLI PALMER
m LOUIS JOURDAN in
"10 MINOR VICES"
Wii Jane Wyatt
"IE SECRET LAND" (Tec/imWor)
Sring
»•* AND SHIPS
CTho U. S. NAVY
Nration By
Ciidr. ROBERT MONTGOMERY, U.S.N.R.
mOBERT TAYLOR, U.S.N.R.
ll/AN HEFLIN, A.A.F. (Ret.)
"LLS OF HOME" (Tecdnico/or)
Sring
EAUND GWENN
|)NALD CRISP, TOM DRAKE
/

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first
theatre to show it,
is playing to the greatest
attendance ever seei^
here at any time! This
record in the face of
record
t^i:
^i.'P*,'

il
I
THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
PDBLISHEO IN NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS
BEN SHLYEN
Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
JAMES M. JERAULD..— Editor
NATHAN COHEN Associate Editor
JESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
IVAN SPEAR _ Western Editor
FLOYD M. MIX. Equipment Editor
RAYMOND LEVY General Manager
Published Every Saturday by
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS
D
OXOFFICE
LET'S KEEP IT
GLOWING
ip\
jgiigpiitl
Editorial Ollicos: 9 Rocketeller Plaza, New York 2Q,
N. Y Raymond Levy, General Manager; M. James
lerauld, Editor; Chester Friedman, Editor Showmandiser
Section; A. Stoclcer, Eastern Representative.
Telephone Columbus 5-6370, 5-6371, 5-6372. Cable
J.
address: ^'BOXOFFICE, New York."
Central Offices: 1327 South Wabash Ave., Chicago
5 Jonas Perlberg, Manager; Donald Maggart,
111
Central Representative. Telephone WEBster 4745.
Western Offices: B404 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
28 Calif. Spear, Ivan Manager. Telephone GLadslone
1186.
Washington Offices: 302-303 International Bldg., 1319
F St., N. W. Lee L. Garling, Manager. Telephone
NAtional 3482. Filmrow: 932 New Jersey, N. W. Sara
Young.
London Offices: 136 Wardour St., John Sulhvan, Manager.
Telephone Gerrard 3934-5-6.
Publication Offices: 825 Von Brunt Blvd., Kansas City
Mo. Nathan Cohen, Associate Editor; Jesse Shlyen,
1,
Managing Editor; Morris Schlozmon, Business Manager.
Herbert Roush, Manager Advertising Sales
J,
and Service. Telephone CHestnut 7777-78.
Other Publications: BOXOFFICE BAROMETER,
published in November as a section of BOXOFFICE,
THE MODERN THEATRE, pubUshed monthly as a
section ol BOXOFFICE.
ALBANY—21-23 Waher Ave., M. Berrigan.
AILANTA— 163 Walton, N. W., P. H. Savin.
BIRMINGHAM—The News, Eddie Badger.
BOSTON—Frances W. Harding, Lib. 9814.
BUFFALO— 157 Audubon Drive, Snyder, Iim Schroder.
CllAKLOTTE—216 W. 4th, Pauline Griffith.
CINCINNATI— 1634 Central Parkway, Lillian Seltzer.
CLhVELAND-Elsie Loeb, Fairmount 0046.
DALLAS^!525 Holland, V. W. Crisp, J8-9780.
DENVER— 1645 Lolayelte, Jack Rose, TA 8517.
DES MOINES—Register & Tribune Bldg., Russ Schoch.
DETROIT— 1009 Fox Theatre Bldg., H. F. Reves.
Telephones: RA 1100; Night, UN-4-0219.
HARTFORD- 109 Westborne, Allen Widem.
HARRISBURG, PA—Mechanicsburg, Lois Fegan.
INDIANAPOLIS—Rt. S, Box 770, Howard M. Rudeaux.
MIAMI—66 S. Hibiscus Island, Mrs. Manton E. Harwood.
2952 Merrick Rd., Elizabeth Sudlow
MEMPHIS—707 Spring St., Null Ad«ms, Tel. 48-5462.
MILWAUKEE—529 N. 13th, J. R. Gahagan, MA-0297.
MINNEAPOLIS—29 Washington Ave. So., Les Rees.
NEW HAVEN—42 Church St., Gertrude Lander.
NEWARK, N. J.—207 Sumner, Sara Carleton.
NEW ORLEANS—Frances Jackson, 218 So. Liberty
OKLAHOMA CITY—216 Terminal Bldg., Polly Trindle.
OMAHA—Omaha World-Herald Bldg., Lou Gerdes.
PHILADELPHIA—4901 Spruce St., J. M. Makler
PITTSBURGH-86 Van Braam St., R, F. Klingensmith
PORTLAND, ORE.—David Kahn, 7722 N. Interstate.
RICHMOND—Grand Theatre, Sam Pulliam
ST, LOUIS-5I49 Rosa, David Barrett, FL-3727.
SALT LAKE CITY—Deseret News, Howard Pearson
SAN ANTONIO—309 Blum St., San Antonio 2, L. I. B.
Ketner.
SAN FRANCISCO—25 Taylor St., Gail Lipman "pman.
ORdway 3-4812.
SEATTLE—928 N. 84th St., Willard Elsey.
TOLEDO—4330 Willys Pkwy., Anna Kline.
IN CANADA
CALGARY—The Alberlan, Wm. Campbell.
MONTREAL—4330 Wilson Ave., N. D. G., Roy Carmichael,
Walnut 5519.
ST. JOHN— 116 Prince Edward St., Wm. J. McNulty.
TORONTO—R. R. No. I, York Mills, Milton Galbraith.
VANCOUVER—411 Lyric Theaire Bldg., Jack Droy.
VICTORIA—938 Island Highway, Alec Merriman.
WINNIPEG—The Tribune, Ben Lepkin.
Member Audit Bureau op Circulations
*^ T FREQUENTLY has been said that, like th.
weather, everybody talks about "a return to showmanship,
but nobody does anything about it. Of course, that's ai
exaggeration. For there have been many good evidences c
something being done to restore the brand ol showmanshi)
that developed this business from the folding-chair nickel
odeon to the multi-comfort palatial edifices of today. Perhap;
what is meant is that the lack has been in consistency onr
continuity of the effort.
The lush war period had more than a little effect in mak
ing showmanship effort spotty, to say the least. It wasn't mucl •
needed. But it's quite a different story now in the postwa ole-f
period. So, in addition to the individual exhibitor efforts tho
will be made. National Screen Service is going "to do some
thing about it" in an attempt to stimulate an over-all industry ttilmsbei
effort to start and keep the ball rolling.
skly torn
'
The
Back to
their wares
keynote of its drive
Showmanship."
and try to
to honor
Naturally,
impress upon
George Dembow is "Ge
NSS salesmen will shov
exhibitors the value ii
Hi
^
aJealolF
,
greater use of newspaper space, one-sheets, three-sheets, win ^
^^|
dow cards and even 24-sheets, as well as other lobby an(
picture-seUing materials. And, of course, not overlooking the
job that the screen itself can do to sell the public on what tht
theatre has to offer in entertainment, comfort and all else tha
it means to the community.
Few, indeed, are the pictures that sell themselves. Ne
exhibitor needs to be reminded that the bigger the picture
the bigger the campaign called for. But therein may lie the "'»
fallacy that has somewhat contributed to the failure of so mam 5'
of the smaller or in-between pictures. They need rr.OTe sell
ing than the bigger ones; yet they seem to be given the brusl
off, not alone by exhibitors, but also by the producers anc
distributors. There's many a so-called little picture with fair;
to-good entertainment qualities and even middling star-appeal
which, given a bit more than the "usual" promotion, will draw
and please substantial patronage.
Every picture can't be great. But too many people in thit
industry have let themselves get unsold on just what is gooc
entertainment. And too much of the public—for too longhas
been permitted to think the same way. A distributor can'
enthuse exhibitors and exhibitors can't enthuse patrons b^
passiveness and headshaking that keeps good average picture
entertainment a secret. Many a little "B" has saved the hide
of many a so-called big "A." But the "A" got the selling
Great pictures are essentials to this business. They are the
magnets and the prestige builders—and not without profit
But it is the "just good" picture that is the regular stock-in
trade that must be depended upon for the regular Hne of pa
tronage that keeps this business going.
The industry has learned that business doesn't come automatically—as
it did in the war years. It knows that in il£
shown
lei-and
Jomuc
I
JOBS,
hi
We hope
liisilwill
kUspai:
^jjjjj
th
eiH^ cily
tSB,
opi
synt
m ol tl
Here
i
liJtwilh
Entered as Second Class matter at Post Office, Kansas City, M«.
SictioMl Edition, $3.00 per year; National Edition, $7.50
SEPTEMBER 11, 1948
Vol. 53 No. 19

eal growth in the 50-odd years of its existence showmanship
as played a most important part. It is going to take that
ame showmanship, though perhaps more of it, to revitalize
lagging public interest and to meet newer and stronger cometitive
factors.
Starting at the point-of-sale, which is ai, the theatre, that
ihai 1> s 1
Uelj;,;
raansU jare of showmanship which gives color and life, from screen
street—and beyond through other means of public contact
, .ijjjjjj j_will do much to build better business. Enthusiasm is consvuuiusiii
jigious. ^^'^ once it catches on it should be kept going.
We hope National Screen's campaign is a huge success,
)r thus it will be providing the industry with what it takes to
lency m ght that spark—and to keep it glowing.
Mlniiii
leposta
sill
riple-Front Job
!
J,
«i
Companion to picture selling is public relations, a term
has been much used and about which there has been
il induilft'hich
)0 little done by this business. Speaking thereon and, parcularly
from the viewpoint of the poor press which the inustry
'Owis"G
and Hollywood has been receiving, Elmer C. Rhoden,
resident of Fox Midwest Theatres, told a meeting of the mangers
and executives of his circuit that there was "need for a
istincl change of attitude by the public press." As a means
bringing this about, Mr. Rhoden advocated that theatremen
lobby
i
every and town work toward a more
ookiiigl
1
ivorable
iekl
city the building of
opinion of the industry by newspaper editors and
niters.
When the Theatre Owners of America launched its public
elations campaign, much stress was laid on the value of efselves,
>rt of this kind at the local level. By and large this may be
bepicli
rorking well. But where the industry gets its ivorst drubbing
lay lie
oisoui
3 through the wire services, over the air waves and from
mcest
ther sources with which Mr. Mainstreet Exhibitor has no conict.
The syndicates and columnists are principally responsible
ilhelic
31 some of the most vicious attacks that have been made on
luceis
lie motion picture industry. And the commentators pick up
villi
,„ J lost of their -wild flashes from them.
mlilvl
With Hollywood as the principal feedline for much of this
f»ad publicity and with New York next, the job to be done calls
ax action on three fronts—East, West and in-bet^wreen.
fltlSJl
Where newspapers have been most harmful is in the
J lisdain with which many film critics have been vie^wing picures.
They sneer at and ridicule the product the industry has
offer. But we don't see in these same papers such comaents
Jjjjjjj
as, "Brown Bros, shirts are of low quality; despite cut
brice, this merchandise is not as adveriised; save your time
md money, go without a shirt." That sort of thing calls for
special handling."
\-^TA^
Pcd4eSeaU
Ascap Wants Added Time
To Formulate a Decree
Robert P. Patterson, attorney for the music
society, will ask that September 14 deadline
be pushed back; ITOA has prepared decree
based on Judge Leibell's decision.
Johnston's Russian Trip
Stirs Up Speculation
May also visit other Iron Curtain countries;
reported to have some connection with possible
cabinet post if Governor Dewey wins the
presidency.
Internal Revenue Demands
Tickets for the Drive-Ins
Use of cash registers barred by official
order after development of practice in several
areas; permits non-taxable free youngsters
admissions.
Equity Begins First Move
Toward Merger of Unions
-K
Committee named to formulate plans for
joining Equity and Chorus Equity and AFRA:
hope to speed one group for all types of
players.
Nine Film Distributors Insist
Unions Flaunt Communism
Eight firms join United Artists in refusing
to negotiate with CIO, SPG, and SOPEG until
officers sign non-Communist affidavits
under Taft-Hartley law.
MPEA Asks EGA to Assure
Funds From Korea, Japan
American firms already have made similar
request for payment of expenses incurred in
German distribution, but to date no action
has been taken.
*
French Political Crisis
Delays Signing of Pact
Final signature of the FYench-American
film agreement probably will have to wait
until a new French cabinet has taken office,
according to State department officials.
FCC 'Giveaway' Hearing
Now Set for Oct. 19
The time for filing extended from Friday
aoi at the request of the American
Broadcasting Co.; FCC opposed to prizes in a
way suggestive of lot or chance.
Ginecolor Gross Gains,
But Net Profit Drops
Gross sales for the first nine months of
1948 amounted to $2,090,991, as compared to
$1,417,995 for the similar 1947 period; consolidated
net before taxes totaled $130,030,

-
I
TOM CLARK SAYS HE IS WILLING
TO TALK OVER CONSENT DECREE} ^
No Offers Have Been Made,
He Says, and He Doubts
Defendants Can Agree
BULLETIN
New York—The Department of Justice
will serve the defendants with proposed
amendments and additional findings to
the existing antitrust decree on or before
October 1. An attached memorandum will
disclose the government's position on
existing theatre holdings and operations.
This memorandum will be a form of answer
to the questionnaires sent by the
theatre owing defendants to the government,
asking for names of theatres and
corporations regarded by the Department
of Justice as monopolistic. The Department
of Justice acknowledged the receipt
of the questionnaires September 8. They
had been sent out the end of August.
By WALTER WALDMAN
NEW YORK—Hopes for a consent decree
settlement of the Paramount antitrust case
were revived during tlie past week in New
York and Washington.
From the capital came word that Att'y
Gen. Tom Clark was willing to discuss
consent decree proposals submitted by the
defendants. He said this in reply to questions
put to him by a spokesman for one
of the major theatre-owning companies.
NOTHING DEFINITE OFFERED
Clark said no definite proposals have been
made and that he doubted whether the defendants
would submit any satisfactory to
the department because he and the defendants
are miles apart in their approach to the
issues. He said he would consider any consent
decree offers.
In New York attorneys for the the big five
reacted cautiously to Clark's statement. J.
Robert Rubin, vice-president and legal chief
for Loew's, said it was entirely possible the
defendants would submit consent decree proposals,
and the results would depend largely
on the attitude of the government.
A spokesman for RKO said he had maintained
all along that the defendants and the
department of justice could work out a satisfactory
settlement. The only thing that
could block such settlement would be fanaticism
or obstinacy on the part of either side,
he said. The 20th Century-Fox reaction to
consent decree talk also was favorable.
NO WARNER, PARA COMMENT
There was no comment from Warners or
Paramount on a settlement. Louis Phillips,
general counsel for Paramount, said he was
bu.sy preparing for the hearings scheduled to
begin here before the three-judge statutory
couit October 13. The hearings may be postponed
a day or two because Yom Kippur, the
Jewish Day of Atonement, falls on October
13. Phillips plans to ask for a postponement.
Attorneys for the little three—Columbia,
Universal and United Artists—took Clark's
statement calmly. Thomas T. Cooke, U-I
counsel, pointed out that consent decree talks
Ned Depinet Is Elected
RKO's New President
NEW YORK—Ned E. Depinet, executive
vice-president of Radio Keith Orpheum Corp.,
was elected president at a meeting of the
board of directors Septembsr 8. Depinet replaces
N. Peter Rathvon, whose resignation
of July 23 was accepted at the board meeting.
Inasmuch as Depinet was the choice of
all members of the board, it follows that he
will be re-elected at the stockholders' meeting
scheduled for October 18. This meeting
will be for the purpose of electing officers by
a reconstituted RKO board.
Paul Hollister, national publicity director
and eastern studio representative, resigned
September 7 to engage in public relations
work. Neither post will be filled, according
to Depinet. PeiTy Lieber will continue as
studio publicity director in Hollywood and
Rutgers Neilson as New York publicity manager.
Depinet entered the film business more
than 40 years ago as a booker and salesman
with Imported Film & Supply Co. of New
Orleans. In 1910 that company became a part
of General Film Co. with Depinet taking on
marketing duties throughout a large part of
the south. From 1911 to 1924 he was southern
division manager of Universal. In 1926 he
moved over to First National as a top sales
executive in charge of the southern territory
and later he became general sales manager
in charge of all domestic sales. Later, when
Pathe was taken over by RKO, Depinet moved
into an executive position and, in 1932. he
was named a member of the board. In 1934
he was elected president of RKO Distributing
Corp. and moved up to vice-presidency of
RKO Radio Pictures in 1936. In 1937 he was
elected president of Pathe News. Inc. Depinet
also served a.5 vice-chairman of the board
of RKO Theatres, Inc.
Floyd Odium, who is president of Atlas
would revolve around theatres owned and
operated by the Big Five. If, however, the
discussions should affect the little three, these
companies would be interested.
The general attitude of the little three
toward the consent decree talks and the forthcoming
hearings is that of Interested spectators.
Attorneys for these defendants are resigned
to the fact that theatres and charges of
monopoly regarding acquisitions and operations
will dominate the hearings.
The legality of franchises, methods of selling
and arbitration will be subordinated to
the issues revolving around theatre ownership
and operation, they said.
The five majors are now busy answering a
Department of Justice questionnaire covering
joint holdings with independents. Some
NED E.
DEPINET
Corp., which sold its controlling interest ini
RKO to Howard Hughes last June, has been
conferring with Rathvon on plans to formi
an independent producing unit to make the
projected Frank Ross film, "The Robe." Thepicture,
which was originally to be made by:
RKO, might be released by the company, aC'
cording to Doremus & Co., Atlas Corp. rep
resentative here.
Odium will continue as chairman of the'
RKO board until the stockholders meeting.
It is expected that Howard Hughes will be:
elected to the board at that time but whethen
Odium will continue as chairman is a mat
ter of speculation.
replies already have been submitted listing
these holdings and officers of jointly-operated
corporations.
In the meantime the majors have sent
questionnaires of their own to the department
asking for lists of theatres and operations
regarded by the department lawyers as monopolistic.
While both sides are seeking information
to be used in court, numerous shifts are being
made in the Big Five theatre map. Warners
has recently dropped leases in California,
Ohio, Milwaukee. New Jersey and Massachusetts.
Some replacements are being made.
These moves are being made in accordance (
with the provisions of the antitrust decree, 1
according to company officials.
The Dof J would like to freeze all theatre
transactions pending a new decree.
BOXOFFICE :; September 11, 1948
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I
6 \20TH'FOX UPS 1948-49 OUTPUT
m WITH 30 FEATURES IN LINEUP
Zanuck Reveals Season's
Production Plans as
Sales Chiefs Gather
HOLLYWOOD—On the eve of
the company's
annual sales meeting which opens
here September 14 Darryl F. Zanuck, 20th
Century-Fox's production chief, disclosed
the company's 1948-49 schedule will comprise
30 features, six of which will be made
abroad. The slate reflects an increase of
eight over last season's 22-picture output.
Hollywood faces a "grave challenge to deliver
the goods on account of the present
economic situation," Zanuck said. "This is
especially true in the preparation of scripts
and the advance preparation of pictures before
going on the stages. We must produce
economically but never will quality be sacrificed,
and perfection will be the keynote."
1949-50 PLANS UNDER WAY
At the same time Zanuck revealed the studio's
1949-50 production program is well under
way with writers currently assigned to 20
scripts ranging from musicals to mysteries,
romantic comedies and dramas.
The 20th-Fox executive described himself as
"completely optimistic about the future as
far as our company is concerned. We have
never had a richer backlog of story material
to choose from and this will keep us in a
position to deliver to the exhibitor a very
diversified program which always has been
the goal of the 20th-Fox banner."
Awaiting release are: "Apartment for
Peggy," which stars Jeanne Grain and William
Holden; "Cry of the City," a drama;
"When My Babes Smiles at Me," a George
Jessel production with Betty Grable and Dan
Dailey: "That Wonderful Urge." starring
Tyrone Power and Gene Tierney; "Road
House," a Cornel Wilde-Ida Lupino vehicle;
"Unfaithfully Yours," a Preston Sturges production
with Rex Harrison, Linda Darnell
and Rudy Vallee; "The Snake Pit," which
stars Olivia DeHavilland; "Chicken Every
Sunday," with Dan DaUey, Celeste Holm and
Alan Young; "Sand," an outdoor Technicolor
drama with Mark Stevens; "The Fan," with
Jeanne Crain, Madeleine Carroll and George
Sanders; "Yellow Sky," a super western starring
Gregory Peck; and "Letter to Thj-ee
Wives," with Linda Darnell, Jeanne Crain
and Ann Sothern.
SHOOTING GRABLE STARRER
Now shooting are "Mother Is a Freshman."
which is to star Loretta Young, and "Down
to the Sea in Ships," a remake of an old favorite
film story.
The six to be filmed abroad include "The
Affairs of Adelaide," starring Maureen O'Hara
and Dana Andrews; "The Prince of Foxes,"
with Tyrone Power, and "I Was a Male War
Bride," a Cary Grant starring film, and three
others not yet selected.
More than 300 delegates including homeoffice,
exchange and studio personnel, were
on hand for the sales meeting, the first to be
held on the west coast since before World
War II. The conclave opens September 14
end is slated to run through September 17.
EL to Have Film a Week
For Next Seven Months
NEW YORK—Eagle Lion will release 17 A
pictures, ten of them in color, and 18 additional
program films
for the period from
September 1 to May 1,
1949, William J. Heineman,
vice-president in
charge of distribution,
says. This will mean
that EL, which began
production only two
years ago, will have a
weekly release.
An increase in revenue
of at least 50 per
cent for the 1948-49
William J. Heineman selling season over the
past season is predicted, he said, because his
distribution machine has now been reorganized
and is today comparable to any in the
industry. He also emphasized the progress
made by EL studios under Arthur B. Krim,
EL president, saying that facilities have been
improved, employe-management relations are
the most harmonious in Hollywood and the
quality of the product will challenge the top
attractions of any studio.
Heineman went into detail describing the
J. Arthur Rank Technicolor film, "Red
Shoes," saying it is so outstanding that EL
will not permit it to be shown in any but top
Examiner Lists Paramount
Holdings in DuMont
WASHINGTON—Paramount owns all of
the Class B common stock in Allen B. Du-
Mont Laboratories and is the second largest
holder of Class A common stock, according
to a report submitted to the Federal Communications
commission. The report was submitted
to FCC for the hearings to determine
whether the film firm controls DuMont.
Allen B. DuMont ovms 81.800 shares, Clarence
W. Alexander, Paramount nominee,
owns 38,200; Leo Spitz, chairman of the
board of Universal-International, owns 16,-
310 shares and Abe Lastfogel, executive of
the William Morris agency, has 11,885 shares.
Holdings of another Paramount nominee
bring the company holdings to over 42 000
shares, according to Jack Blume, FCC examiner.
Johnston's Mother-in-Law Dies
SPOKANE—Mrs. George Hughes, mother
of Mrs. Eric Johnston, died September 8 at
her home in Spokane, Wash. She was 96.
She had been ill for a long time. Funeral
services were held in Spokane September 9
Mrs. Johnston attended.
theatres for a year and for not less than
$2.40 and $1.20 admission. Arrangements are
almost complete for a New York theatre for
it. It will be released about October 15 and
show first in New York. Boston and Washington,
and open the following week in Philadelphia,
Chicago and on the coast. He also
praised "Tulsa," a Walter Wanger Technicolor
film, saying it would gross along with
the best. "Alice in Wonderland," he also
would be a hit.
felt,
EL A films will get higher rentals, wider
distribution and higher grosses than in the
past, Heineman said. The negative cost for
the 17 is between $18,000,000 and $20,000,000.
Titles of the other 14 follow: "Northwest
Stampede," "Hollow Triumph," "Adventures
of Gallant Bess," "Olympic Games of 1948,"
"He Walked by Night," "Blanche Fur>-." "Let's
Live a Little," "Scott of the Antarctic,"
"Reign of Terror," "The Big Cat," "The
World and Little Willie," "Twelve Against the
Underworld," "Red Stallion in the Rockies"
and "Catch Me Before I Kill."
Heineman stressed that all of these films
either have been completed or are nearing
completion. He saw no danger of any boycott
on British films affecting any really
good pictures. He is holding "Oliver Twist"
for a more suitable later date.
Grad Sears Denies Rumor
He Will Leave UA Post
NEW YORK—Gradwell L. Sears denies
that he has any plans for leaving the presidency
of United Artists. He also states emphatically
that he has not discussed any
change with anyone and has been embarrassed
by the publication in a trads paper of
a rumor that he might go over to RKO.
In a formal statement Sears said: "I wish
to deny with all the vehemence at my command
the completely baseless and whollyconcocted
story wliich appeared in a motion
picture tradepaper that I was considering
leaving United Artists Corp. for another
position. I have had no conversations toward
this end and have no intention of having any
such conversations. I have a firm and binding
contract with United Ai-tists which has
several years to run. It is my desire to serve
the full term of that contract. I can only
decry again the irresponsibility of certain
sections of the tra depress, which continue
to print as fact unfounded stories that can
only prove embarrassing to United Artists, to
me personally and to the other parties
mentioned." Sears met Howard Hugh's several
weeks ago to talk over an RKO-UA
film deal, which may have started ths report.
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948

•
effect
CLEARANCE PICTURE CHANGING
RAPIDLY ACROSS THE NATION
New Systems Introduced
In Milwcmkee, Memphis
And the Twin Cities
By NATHAN COHEN
The country's clearance picture is changing
rapidly. The multiplicity of antitrust
suits, implications in the supreme court
decision, the effort of some distributors to
slice availabilities in order to get increased
rentals and thus offset loss of foreign market
income—all these have apparently had
an effect on the distribution system. From
all sections of the country, BOXOFFICE
correspondents are reporting changes in
clearance.
CLEVELAND PLAN EXTENDED
The clearance idea introduced by Andy
Smith and 20th Century-Fox to make pictures
available to a group of de luxe neighborhoods
in Cleveland on a 21-day second run basis
has been expanded to other cities, and adopted
by other companies. The trend toward
shorter clearances definitely is on. New
clearance plans were revealed this week in
Milwaukee. Memphis made public details of
a new clearance setup, resulting from settlement
of a $3,378,000 antitrust suit. In
Minneapolis independents began accepting an
offer by MGM, 20th-Fox and Warner which
cuts second run availability from 56 days to
28 days.
Several of the clearance plans have now
been in existence for a sufficient number of
months to indicate their effect on both exhibition
and distribution. BOXOFFICE correspondents
have drawn these conclusions
from reports given to them by both theatre
owners and branch executives:
1. If only one company offers to make pictures
available at an earlier date, it is difficult
for an exhibitor to establish a house policy
of "earlier availability." There isn't enough
product. In other words, he can't get his
patrons to identify the theatre as one playing
product earlier than other second run
and neiehborhood competitors. The earlier
availability must be a week-in and week-out
proposition to pay off.
2. A smash picture played at 35 days after
first run will still do bigger business than a
"good" picture at 21 days after first run.
LITTLE EFFECT ON FIRST RUNS
3. Making product available at earlier
dates has, for the most part, had no serious
effect on business at downtown first runs.
This has been the experience in Memphis.
4. Earlier availability has helped business
at neighborhood theatres, generally.
5. Rentals on product have increased with
improved clearance, and distributors are earning
more on pictures played off on earlier
availability schedules.
Substantial cuts in clearance are going into
a number of communities. For example, this
week the distributors put a new schedule into
in Milwaukee. Whereas second runs
in the past played 41 days after downtown,
with an additional 21 days at de luxe neigh-
Availability Comparisons
City
Atlanta
Second
Ron
Third
Run
10

at least some parts of the agreement.
Both agree this is the way clearances are
now handled:
Neighborhood theatres are divided into
groups.
The first group—known as de luxe second
run theatre.s—receive earlier clearances than
ever before. The other groups must wait
longer than this group, according to their
cla.ssification.
The deluxe group consists of Memphian,
Idlewild. Luciann, Rosemary, Linden Circle,
Park. Lamar and Airway theatres.
These eight theatres are divided into two
groups of four:
Group A gets the odd-numbered pictures
(No. 1, 3, 5. etc. I 39 days after the last day
of first run engagements and the even-numbered
pictures, 2, 4, 6, etc.i 46 days after the
last day of the first run engagements.
Group B gets the even-numbered pictures
(2, 4, 6, etc.) 39 days after first run engagements
and the odd-numbered il, 3, 5.
etc.i 46 days afterwards.
Then the groups are swapped—A becoming
B. and B becoming A.
Formerly, the minimum clearance time on
any first run picture was 60 days. (However,
it was charged in the monopoly suit that some
of the theatres had to w'ait 104 days after
first run engagements to get pictures.!
There are three other classifications of
neighborhood theatres who receive clearance
after 53 days. 60 days and 70 days on
first run pictures. These clearance times
have all been shortened, it is claimed, but
film distributors and neighborhood operators
refused to name theatres in these classifications.
How are these classifications arrived at?
"It was part of the settlement of the lawsuit,"
said a branch manager of one of the
film exchanges when asked this question.
"There are 25 or 30 factors that enter into
the classifications."
"It depends on what kind of job the theatre
is equipped to do with the picture," said
one of the de luxe theatre group in answer
to the same question.
MINNEAPOLIS
By LES REES
MINNEAPOLIS—A break came within the
last week in the holdout against the offer
of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and 20th Centurj'-
Fox to cut second run availability from 56
to 28 days to a group of independent theatres.
The move was designed to aUow independents
to meet availability given to the
Uptown Theatre, a Minnesota Amusement
Co. situation.
For some days, there was an apparent
inability of Twin City independents—members
of North Central Allied—to agree between
themselves on the revised schedule.
And even now, it is reported, there is danger
of a split in the membership over the
issue.
However, this week, the Varsity Theatre,
a Nate and Sol Fischer neighborhood operation,
accepted the 28-day availability plan,
and the Homewood Theatre, operated by
Martin Lebedoff, successfully bid for "Easter
Parade" on a 28-day basis. The Fischers also
revealed that they had made deals for "Key
Largo" and "Life With Father," indicating
that Warner Bros, also was offering the earlier
availability.
The new 28-day deals call for percentage
rentals which will boost the cost of product
to exhibitors. The theares will be required
Cleveland Evaluates Benefits
Of the 21-Day Smith Plan
By ELSIE LOEB
CLEVELAND—The 20th Century-Fox
plan which cut clearance from 35 days to
21 days for a selected group of de luxe
neighborhood theatres has now been
adopted here by Warner Bros., Universal-
International and United Artists and accepted
by 15 theatres. After nearly a
full season of operation, il is possible to
estimate the benefits accruing to the exhibitor
who has taken advantage of the
plan.
Here is the consensus of theatremen
who have accepted the 20th-Fox proposals:
"Given two competitive theatres, in one
of which a fairly good picture is shown
21 days after availability and in the other
a smash boxoffice attraction is playing
on the 35th day after first run. the smash
hit will draw the bigger business—regardless
of the fact that the other picture
is newer. But given a smash hit on the
21st day, it will do more business than
the same film would do on the 35th day."
In other words, it still takes a good
picture to do the good business.
"One of the great difficulties with the
plan," one important exhibitor said, "is
also to boost admissions from 40 to 60 cents
and book the pictures five to seven days
instead of their present two and three
changes a week schedule. This is required
in order to meet the policies of the Uptown
Theatre which has held exclusivity.
The exhibitors accepting the deals are all
NCA members, although Benny Berger, the
association's president, has urged members
not to accept the proposals and to fight for
"fairer" clearances without rental increases.
Meanwhile, the trade anticipates a noticeable
patronage swing to neighborhoods where
the earlier availability is accepted. Lebedoff
and the Fischers have a problem in their
juvenile admissions policies. With the prices
now upped to 60 cents, they anticipate intoducing
a junior admission scale for the
12-17 age group so that teen-agers will not
have to take on the 20-cent price rise. They
are considering a compromise at 45 cents.
Minnesota Amusement Co. theatres all operate
on a junior admission basis.
PITTSBURGH
By ROBERT P. KLINGENSMITH
PITTSBURGH—Except for several "sore
spots." which have festered for as long as a
decade in some cases, the clearance situation
in the film territory served from Pittsburgh
has been on an old-established basis
for a score and a half of years. Exhibitors
in the old days were fighters and they worked
out a 25-mile "zone" with a 28-day break.
National release date figures on availability
for theatre situations outside the city zone,
and such key territory areas as Erie. Altoona.
Johnstown. Uniontown, Wheeling. Morgantown.
Clarksburg, etc.. offer "first run" film
attractions, holding clearance over subsequent
run theatres in the respective zones. Such
clearances vary on a more or less uniform
established basis.
There are. however, exceptions to the rule
that there are loo few pictures available
to us on the 21st day. Our policy is confused
and. consequently, the public is
confu.sed. As a result the public Is not
"availability' conscious. But if we had a
steady flow of product so we could establish
a 21-day house policy, it would be
a definite advantage to us."
When Andrew Smith jr., 20th-Fox"s
sales manager, proposed to reduce clearances
last season, there were many skeptics
in the field. For more than 15 years,
first runs had had a 35-day protection
and second runs had 14-day protection
over third runs. Smith made a trip to
Cleveland, inspected a number of new
deluxe neighborhood theatres and decided
to make a group of top product available
on the 21st day. This meant that the selected
houses could play day and date
with the affiliated .second runs, .such as
Loew's Park and Granada and Keith's
East 105th Street Theatre.
At first exhibitors were cautious about
accepting the offer. Gradually, however,
independents one by one accepted until
there are 15 today, and three other distributors
began offering the same availability.
It is now an accepted practice.
(which does not exist on paper or by master
agreement). They are undefined: just "established."
Protection held by prior run theatres
include 21. 14 and 7 days.
A number of ticklish situations have developed
recently and there are ssveral exhibitors
negotiating for earlier availabilities.
That's the catch. With fewer film productions
and with fewer prints in circulation
than in prior years, and with circuits and
booking combines grabbing these on the nose,
many film accounts have to wait long after
availability for playdates. Any number of
exhibitors have complained that regardless of
his film licensing contracts, he is not receiving
what he purchased because of late
and later availability. Some exhibitors report
they do not receive availability notices
from the distributors.
Here are a few typical cases:
1. A city neighborhood theatre was sold
to a new owner. This new account wishes
to present earlier and fresher attractions,
but he is told he cannot break "established"
clearance. He points to other situations and
declares favorites must be played or that
something's wrong. He states he will fight
for an earlier i-un and that he will negotiate
to pay more for the license. He threataes
suit if an agreement is not reached within
a reasonable time.
A subsequent run theatre has a certain
availability following another situation in the
particular zone. The theatre which has the
first run rights is loaded with product and
has been paying off slowly for years, according
to the protesting exhibitor who found
the condition when he purchased his theatre
several years ago. He is asking the legal
departments of the film companies to hurry
up playdates to the theatre holding the first
license by establishing a date whereby the
product must be cleared or else forfeit this
(Continued on page 12")
BOXOFFICE :
: September 11. 1948
II

clearance Reports (Cont'd)
I
Continued from preceding pagei
product to the subsequent-run theatre which
he declares he needs. Product a year old
still is not available to him because the first
run account has not cleared it.
2. An investment was made in construction
of a theatre in a small commimity outside
of the Pittsburgh city zone. In bringing
film entertainment to this political subdivision
for the first time, the investors negotiated
a 14-day clearance with film companies
when the theatre was opened more
than a year ago. Only one company negotiated
a clearance which doubled the 14-day
clearance in favor of the first run theatres
in that zone. Now, according to the investors
and managers, other film companies are
endeavoring to double this clearance which
their representatives negotiated and agreed
to in written contracts.
3. A certain "last rim" is really in that
classification alone. The theatre next in line
holding protection books many months after
availability as a house policy.
4. A city's newest and finest neighborhood
theatre couldn't get open for months for
lack of film availability in keeping with the
new situation and the investment, which the
owners state they were encouraged to make
by representatives of the distributors. Several
large theatre interests stood in the way,
according to investors, who declare there is
no actual competition. The new theatre has
been playing a "bad" run at "gilt-edge" prices
under "temporary" arrangements.
Other established theatres having late
clearances, have to contend with 16mm film
exhibitions of the identical product as competition
in mine halls, fire department rooms,
schools, churches, tap rooms, restaurants, gas
stations, outdoor fields and back yards.
No litigations on clearance have developed
here in recent years although several cases
entered in the courts a number of years ago
remain unsettled. As for arbitration, exhibitors
shimt it, and although the motion picture
AAA office remains open here no case
of any type has been filed in more than
1% years.
DALLAS
By V. W. CRISP
DALLAS—There is no second-run downtown
theatre here, but five de luxe neighborhood
hou.ses are designated by distributors
to have that run. Film is made available
to them 45 days after first run. These
houses are the Village and Lakewood owned
by Interstate circuit, Phil Isley's Granada
Theatre, R. B. McLendon's Casa Linda and
Robb and Rowley's Texas Theatre. When
Isley opened the Granada about a year ago,
he was able to get day-and-date bookings
with the Interstate Village Theatre. The
Texas Theatre had seldom played day and
date with the Interstate houses until the
clearance plan went into effect.
With the trend toward shortening clearances,
RKO in the past few weeks has narrowed
availability for all five theatres from
45 days to 38 days.
12
Third run is available 52 days after first
run at Interstate's Esquire and Inwood theatres,
Hanley & McClain's Arcadia, Isley's
Crest and Major, R&R's Rosewin, the Capitan,
owned by Mitchell, Lewis and Adelman
and Sach's Delman Theatre. The Arcadia and
Capitan, five blocks apart, sometimes bid
against each other for an advanced date and
the Etelman and Esquire, a mile apart, do
likewise. Isley is making a current fight to
get earlier dates for the Crest which is one of
the top houses in the city, and Adelman and
Sachs have gone into the courts to win earlier
play dates.
Fourth run goes to a group of circuit and
independently owned theatres with availability
of 59 days, or more. Pressure for earlier
play dates is becoming stronger in both this
group and the third runs, and distributors
admit privately that the fight has become a
headache to them.
DETROIT
REVES
By H. F.
DETROIT — The position of independent
subsequent run operators in this city has
been little, if any, helped by recent changes
in clearance, it is indicated by a check of
the field here. In striking contrast to the
situation in nearby Chicago and less strongly
in other cities, changes in clearance here
have been negligible of late, and no measure
of their possible effects can be effectively
gauged.
Typically, Samuel Carver, past president
of the Michigan Independent Theatre Owners,
said that "Not only has there been no
reduction in clearances in Detroit, but, in
fact, the situation has become worse. Key
or third run—houses are now playing pictures
up to six months behind first runs.
"Yet we have to pay the same price
whether the picture comes 30 days or six
months later—in the latter case, long after
the value of first run publicity has worn
away." Carver cited specific pictures booked
six months after downtown showing, in support
of his position.
Pointing out that "a shortening of clearance
between first and second runs is necessary,
where there are three, four or five runs
involved in a local situation, is necessary to
be consistent with current trends and legislation,"
Joseph P. Uvlck, a director of Allied
Theatres of Michigan, pointed out that there
has been some improvement in the upstate
situation.
Uvick's own house, the Burton at Flint,
currently involved in an arbitration case, has
been cited by upstate exhibitors as an example
of a house securing reduced clearance,
but the situation is quite confused there.
The house secured a reduction of clearance
from seven days to one, well over a year ago,
and a reduction in the houses involved by
being given clearance over it from four to
one, but Uvlck pointed out that little resultant
increase in business could be attributed
to this reduction, because, in line
with his original contention, the other houses
were not actually competitive anyway.
Some reduction of clearance is reportedly
being given in upstate situations by at least
two exchanges, but no comments from exhibitors
affected was available,
Breakdown of
Clearance System
Detroit's
DETROIT—The Society of Independent
Motion Picture Producers in its antitrust suit
filed two weeks ago against United Detroit
Theatres and Cooperative Theatres, buying
and booking combine, alleged that Detroit's
clearance system was controlled under a system
which automatically listed theatres as
"second rim," "pre-key run," "key run," "second
week" and "third week" theatres.
The SIMPP contended that under the socalled
double feature system the circuit and
combine selected features to be paired and
then would agree to run them in the labeled
theatres on the same days and dates. The
SIMPP, in its press release, presented the
following report on Detroit's clearance setup:
SECOND RUN—This block consists of eight
theatres in the metropolitan area of Detroit.
United Detroit Theatres owns four—Riviera,
Fisher, Cinderella and Madison. A fifth, the
Royal, is owned by a member of the Cooperative
Theatres of Michigan jointly with
the United Detroit Theatres. Two others, the
Roosevelt and the Hollywood, are controlled
by the Cooperative. Pictures are eligible for
second run 28 days after first run if first
run lasted a week, and 42 days if longer.
PRE-KE'V RUN—Into this run pictures are
slotted a day following second run. "Prekeys"
are theatres located in the suburbs.
There are eight in the Detroit area. Six belong
to the Cooperative buying combine.
KEY RUN—The "key runs" are neighborhood
theatres. They are assigned pictures
seven or more daiys after the second run.
They are the largest and best neighborhood
houses in the city. There are 29 key run theatres
in the Detroit area with UDT and Cooperative
controlling all but eight.
SECOND 'WEEK RUN or "Sub-key run"—
There are 18 second week run houses. They
play pictures seven days or more following
the key run opening date. Ten are members
of the Cooperative Theatres.
THIRD WEEK RUN—There are 39 third
week run theatres in the Detroit area. They
are allotted pictures seven days after the
"key run" closing date. Cooperative has 29
of the 38. United Detroit controls three more.
John Balaban Takes Over
Chicaao Video Helm
CHICAGO—A new era in television showmanship
was promised Chicago last week
with an announcement
by the Balaban & Katz
Corp. that John Balaban
will supervise the
operation of Chicago's
pioneer station WBKB.
Balaban will be assisted
by John Mitchell,
veteran of 26 years
in theatre business.
The B&K executive
said: "Television has
become a matter of
organized showmanship.
We intend to
John Balaban
throw all our resources and experience gained
in 31 years behind this new medium. We also
intend to explore every possibility to give
television fans the same high quality of entertainment
they have come to expect in
Balaban & Katz theatres."
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
I&IK

AnSWBr to SIMPP Suit
^"°*^^'' circuit invades Milwaukee:
Due in Two Weeks
5^ cioud Chain Gives
DETROIT—An answer to the SIMPP suit
brought in federal court against United Detroit
Theatres and Cooperative Theatres of
Michigan is expected to be filed in about
two weeks, although formal service of the
complaint has not been completed.
David Newman, legal and public relations
counsel for Cooperative, said his company "In
all its dealings with the plaintiffs always
conducted itself in a legal manner" and expressed
confidence in a complete vindication
of the charges.
He said the SIMPP made "some false
charges with relation to Cooperative," and
cited two examples, indicating the line of
reasoning Cooperative is likely to take:
1. "It is false that Cooperative has an
option to purchase back the theatre of any
member who withdraws." He said that Cooperative
had never had such an agreement
with its members, pointing out, "Cooperative
does not own any theatres and has never
owned any."
2. "They claim that no exhibitor can come
into Cooperative if any one member objects.
Lots of new members get in over the opposition
of other members. A majority of the
board of directors governs in the case of the
admission of new members."
Dual Biller Shutdown
Seen in SIMPP Case
DETROIT—The suit filed here by SIMPP
against United Detroit Theatres and Cooperative
Theatres of Michigan drew marked
editorial interest because of its possible effect
upon theatre programming from the
"Michigan Catholic," organ of the Detroit
archdiocese, which sees it as bringing "some
hope of deliverance from the bane of identical
presentations In chain theatres."
This policy, to which Detroit long has been
accustomed, drew sharp criticism from the
religious organ: "We are afflicted with double
bills in dozens, perhaps scores, of neighborhood
theatres on the same days. The double
bills are an imposition on the public, since
the identical billing practice forces the patron
to see a second-choice program or forego
the evening's diversion."
Referee Named to Study
20th-Fox Suit Terms
NEW YORK—Justice Ferdinand Pecora of
the New York supreme court has appointed
a referee, Jacob S. E>emov, to examine provisions
of the settlement proposed in the
stockholders suit against National Theatres,
20th Century-Fox and officers.
Hearings on the settlement offer were held
here August 3. The settlement provides for
payments of $1,800,000 by Charles P. Skouras;
payments of $198,000 each by Frank H. Rlcketson
jr. and Elmer Rhoden, and $40,000 by
Harold J. Fitzgerald. Skouras also is limited
to future profit-sharing takes of $360,000.
Objections to these provisions were made
by a few stockholders controlling a total of
less than 500 shares.
The plaint'ffs were represented by Milton
Pollack, who had been appointed by the court.
Fox, WB Competition
MILWAUKEE—This town has its first major
competition to the entrenched Fox Wisconsin
and Warner circuits, and it has come
from an eastern theatre chain which has
been adding new properties with considerable
speed in recent months.
are rich dairying country where life is peaceful,
railroad trains are scarce and the Saturday
shoppers like a western.
Nobody paid much attention to the St
Cloud circuit until it began to expand several
months ago. It branched out into Pennsylvania
cities several weeks ago Now it has
Entering the local field is the St. Cloud
Amusement Co., a New Jersey circuit which, 18 theatres. One of the new towns in which
during the week, acquired the 2,880-seat Oriental
Theatre and the 1,580-seat Tower The-
is only across the Delaware river from New-
the circuit has ventured is Easton, Pa., which
atre from the Annenberg estate of Philadelphia.
In effect, however, the St. Cloud than the Jersey situations.
Jersey but is a different type of operation
circuit takes over two Warner Theatres as Now, with the jump half way across the
these two situations were under lease to the country to Milwaukee where the former Warner
theatres were acquired for $1,900,000,
Warner Bros. Circuit Management Co. to
Aug. 31, 1948.
there is considerable conjecture as to the
The Fox and Warner circuits have been nature and extent of the Newins operations.
dominant in this area for many years and Before it was revealed that St. Cloud had
have received little competition other than taken over the Milwaukee houses, reports were
that of the smaller independents. Warners current that Ted Gamble, TOA president, who
operates seven theatres in Milwaukee and 16 is rapidly expanding his circuit, was interested
in the Milwaukee deal.
additional houses outstate while the Fox circuit
operates 60 theatres in Wisconsin with There is interest in the deal because of
half of them in Milwaukee.
Newins' many financial ventures and his past
Not a great deal is known about the St. relationships in financing projects. Newins
Cloud Amusement Co., which in the last .several
months has grown from a minor opera-
he bought the Opera House in New Bruns-
became an exhibitor for the first time when
tion into one which has theatre men asking wick, N. J., a theatre which he operates
questions about the source of its backing and separately from St. Cloud through the SMN
other operational features. It has its headquarters
in a farming village called Washing-
deals with the Skouras brothers over a period
Corp. He has had a number of big financing
ton. N. J. ( Pop. 4,643 1 . Its president is Harvey of years, especially around St. Louis.
B. Newins, who, however, is no Warren The $1,900,000 paid in the Mihvaukee deal
county farmer. He is a financier who knows reportedly came from St. Louis. Robert E
how to dig up money for theatre deals, and Hannegan and Sid Solomon, owners of the
has an office at 1270 Sixth Ave. which is the St. Louis Cardinals, were looking around for
RKO building in New York's Rockefeller an investment and called Newins, according
Center.
to reports. Hannegan is a former postmaster
St. Cloud Amusement Co. was organized in general and former chairman of the Democratic
National committee. When Solomon
1936. In the intervening years it has acquired
theatres in farming communities of bought the Cardinals, it was after newspapers
western New Jersey—Belvidere, Blairstown, had carried reports that Charles Skouras was
Clinton, Flemington, Franklin, Frenchtown, going to acquire the team. Skouras and Hannegan
are well acquainted, but this Is proba-
Hackettstown, High Bridge, Lambertville,
Mllford, Newton and Sussex. All these places bly a mere coincidence.
Action Filed in Los Angeles to Decide
Patent Rights to Drive-ln
Theatres
LOS ANGELES—Long-brewing, an action
to determine patent rights to drive-in theatre
systems was filed in U.S. district court
here by Park-In Theatres, Inc., which claims
ownership of the basic drive-in patent
against Seth D. Perkins, George E. Mitzel,
the LaVere Co, and the Drive-In Theatres of
America, charging patent infringement.
A party to the action is C. A. Caballero.
president of California Drive-In Theatres,
Inc.: Pacific Drive-In Theatres, Inc.. and
United States Drive-In Theatres, Inc. Under
Park-In licenses, Caballero operates eight
houses in this area.
Park-In, headed by W. W. Smith of Camden,
N. J., contends Caballero is the only
person licensed and having the right to build
and operate drive-in theatres in the southland
area. Caballero operates under Hollingshead
Patent No. 1,909,537.
Perkins and other defendants have built
under the Josserand improvement patent,
which Caballero and the other plaintiffs contend
is "definitely an infringement." Perkins
currently operates seven houses in this area.
Commenting on the suit in a statement to
BOXOFFICE. Louis P. Josserand denied his
device is an infringement and claimed he is
the "sole owner of the Louis P. Josserand
Patent No. 2,102,718 and the reissue. No.
the drive-over ramp now in use
22.756 . . .
by most of the drive-in theatres, is my invention
and is covered by Patent Pending No.
301,713. The United States court of customs
and patent appeals has ruled me the prior
inventor of this invention."
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 13

•
harry CAREY, jr. •
There is
nothing
with business
that a "^
cant cure!
Wonterey Productions presents
HOWARD HAWKS' "RED RIVER" sva,.„. joHN wayne- Montgomery clift-walter brennan
JOANNE DRU w,ih harry CAREY, Sr. • COLEEN gray • JOHN Ireland NOAH beery, jr. PAUL
Chisholm Trail", by Borden Chase Screenplay by Borden Chase and Charles Schnee Execui„e Producer, CHARLES K. FELDMAN
•
fix From the Saturday Evening Post story. 'Ttie
•
DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY HOWARD HAWKS

0^^l
^^^vv:^"^
#^S^Xti

NSS Sales Drive Starts
In Tribute to Dembow
NEW YORK—After weeks of preparation
the George Dembow Tribute, sales drive honoring
George F. Dembow. National Screen
Service vice-president in charge of sales,
will start Monday, September 13, with all
salesmen in 31 exchanges participating.
NSS exchanges are elaborately decorated
with pennants carrying the slogan "Do It
For Dembow!" Herman Robbins, NSS president,
says there is plenty of business to be
gotten if greater concentration is placed on
away-from theatre advertising, through
larger newspaper ads, spot announcements
on radio, increased bill posting, greater use
of window cards, heralds, programs and exploitation
stunts.
"Renew the razzle-dazzle that has always
been the lifeblood of our industry," he urges.
In paying tribute to Dembow, his company
is honoring a 35-year veteran in the film
industry. He started in the business in 1913
with the William Pox organization. The company
then was known as Greater New York
Film Attractions. Later it became Boxoffice
Attractions and finally the Pox Films Corp.
He was with Fox for 11 years, then went
to the Goldwyn organization and to Metro-
Goldwyn-Mayer, which he served as eastern
distribution manager. Leaving distribution
for a number of years, he was an exhibitor,
production supervisor for First National, and
then air conditioning engineer for the same
company.
In 1933, he joined National Screen Service
and, in 1940, was named to his present post
as vice-president in charge of sales.
In the final steam-up before the start of
the drive, regional sales meetings were h;ld
in Chicago and Los Angeles on September 7.
Attending the Chicago meeting were William
Bein, eastern drive captain; Harris SUverberg,
Chicago branch manager; Henry
Porter and Irving StacU, Chicago salesmen;
Arthur Manheimer, Cincinnati branch manager,
with William Pilger and Derek Sydney,
salesmen; R. T. Leibtag, Indianapolis branch
manager, and Herman Booth and Abe Madison,
salesmen; John Mednikow, Milwaukee
Metropolitan Discussing
Filming Operas in Color
NEW YORK — The Metropolitan Opera
Ass'n has been conferring with executives of
three major producers "in regard to the possibility
of filming some of our operatic productions
in whole or in part," according to
George A. Sloan, chairman of the board.
Sloan, who refused to divulge the names of
the film firms, said the operas would preferably
be made in Technicolor.
Sloan said that he and Charles M. Spofford,
president of the association; S. Sloan
Colt, treasurer, and Edward Johnson, general
manager, had conferred "both here and
on the Pacific coast."
Doubts about the continuance of the
Metropolitan Opera during the 1948-49 season
because of union's demands were dispelled
when the management came to terms
with the unions early in August. The regular
season will open late in November and the
Saturday afternoon broadcasts will continue.
GEORGE F. DEMBOW
branch manager, and Frank Fisher, salesman;
Herb Washburn, St. Louis branch manager,
and Ben Lass, salesman.
At the Los Angeles meeting, in addition
to Ben Ashe, western drive captain, were:
Bernard Wolfe, Los Angeles branch manager,
and Al Blumberg and Joe Hartman, salesmen;
Jack Marpole, San Francisco branch
manager, and Bernard Brady and Izzy Wolfe,
salesmen; Jack Flannery, Seattle branch manager,
and Herb Cass and Tony Hartford,
salesmen.
ON THE COVER
Ben Ashe, Los Angeles branch manager for National
Screen Service (left), and William Bein. central
division manager, who are captains of the George
Dembow Tribute drive toe the mark in the race
between the two divisions. Standing by with the
starter's gun is Dembow, the company's vice-president
in charge of sales, in whose honor the drive
is being held.
Plan Six 'My Pal' Films
NEW YORK—A minimum of six
in RKO's
"My Pal" series of two-reel dramas will be
released during the current and 1948-49 season.
"Pal's Adventure," second in the series,
has been set for September 24 release, according
to Harry J. Michalson, short subject
sales manager, and again offers the dog
"Flame," with Ted Donaldson and Sharyn
Moffett. Gary Gray will play with "Flame"
in "Return of Pal," set for holiday release,
and also in a fourth, as yet untitled film, due
some time in February.
Bowes Left $3,641,112
NEW YORK—The late Major Edward J.
Bowes left a gross estate of $3,641,112, according
to papers filed in surrogate's court
September 4. After 61 separate charitable
bequests, including $2,874,765 to St. Patrick's
Cathedral in New York City, the estate shrank
to a net of $648,304.
To Hear 'Curley'
Case
In Memphis Sept. 28
MEMPHIS — Chancellor Larry Creson
this week set September 28 as the date
for hearing motions in the United Artists
and Hal Roach fight against the city
board of censors which banned the film
"Curley" from Memphis.
The two motions to be heard are the
censor board's motion to dismiss the petition
for a writ of certiorari (if this motion
was granted, the case would be
thrown out of court), and the petitioners'
motion to require the censors to certify
to the court a transcript or proceedings
during which the picture was banned.
The petitioners asked the court to review
and reverse the decision of the censors.
Await Rank Advice
On 'Oliver Twist'
NEW YORK—Eagle Lion and the J. Arthur
Rank office here are awaiting word from
J. Arthur Rank in London as to the future
of "Oiiver Twist" in this country.
Robert Benjamin, president of the American
Rank organization, has cabled Lonaon
cei,ails of the recent blast againsc the film
by the Anti-Defamation League of tiie B'nai
B'rith. Arnold Foster, dii-ector of the civil
rights division of the league, issued a statement
over the weekend criticizing the picture
on the groimds that it would encourage
anti-semitism through its portrayal of the
character of Fagin. As Dickens originally described
Fagin, he was a Jew. The picture
passes over the Jewish angle, but Fagin's
makeup follows the Cruikshank original illustration
which shows a hooked-nose, longbearded,
shabby character.
According to the league "the movie Fagin
is a stereotype of the Jew which Julius
Streicher and the Nazis tried to impose on
the world. It is our conviction that the picture
may do serious harm."
Foster said that when he heard the J.
Arthm- Rank organization was planning to
produce "Oliver Twist," he pointed out to
Jock Lawrence, Rank's U.S. publicity chief,
the danger of following the original Dickens
version in a film. These talks were held during
August 1947.
Foster saw the film about five weeks ago
in this country at a private screening. After
he and other league officials objected to the
Fagin character, Benjamin is reported to have
promised to hold up the release of the film
pending league approval.
Since then Eagle Lion officials have been
quoted as saying the picture will be shown
here when the time is ripe, and not until
then.
Foster said that if "Oliver Twist" is shown
without changes, the league will not picket
the picture. Picketing is against its policy.
It will, however, publicize its objections
through its agents and newspapers throughout
the U.S.
The film was scheduled to open at the
Odeon Carlton Theatre, Toronto, September
10. Eagle Lion, Ltd., Is the Canadian distributor.
if
16 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948

To that memorable list
of superb romantic comedies
in every exhibitor's
recollection of long runs,
record-smashing
grosses
and huge profits.
Now Add...
JAMES NASSf S
WatWURR^'' .
c^R^o^^
that delv.a iebtiul,
ROGERS
'BUDOr ^^^^^^
CHARIES
r/^i?/ ;?^z^^; ///J-/
r/^^^ thru UA

THe^t €utd S

LOS ANGELES' FOUR MUSIU HALLS UKOSS fftSl
WEEKEND BUSINESS IN THE PAST SIX MOMHS
,\VV4\*^^
4
^HKS*-'
u-„r.ptl type show-
R,„,e.doz.le, o'^'-^;:,,, „,e .he oldmanship?
These b.o ig
rashioned
big type- '°°'
opP°^'>'°"
HOT FROM THE TRADES!
FOR THE FIRST TIME Ihe
cannibal
fish-the terrible piranba-inlesting
evety spot of jungle water-able to
tear a man's flesh from his
in seconds!
bones
FOR THE FIRST TIME the savage
Chauantes Indians never before
photographed by any while man!
The most awful death that stalks
the Matto Grosso at night-the
blood mad black laguar!
Jungle warfare as poison arrows
and venomous darts battle man's
most modern weapons!
The smart money's on "Urubu" thru UA

Let's Quit Economy Talk,
Wanger Advises Industry < <
NEW YORK—Walter Wanger was in top
form as an industry critic last week. While
in town to see about distribution details for
his $4,600,000 production, "Joan of Aic,"
which RKO will release, the veteran producer
got off some emphatic views on public
relations, the majors, the British situation,
international relations and business men.
He said that industry executives who play
up studio economies and less expensive pictures
are selling Hollywood short. Now that
the boxoffice is off from wartime peaks this
is a poor time to tell the public that pictures
are not being as expensively made as formerly.
This sort of talk will keep them away
from the boxoffice, Wanger pointed out.
REASONS FOR CHEAPER FILMS
He said the present trend toward cheaper
pictures has been caused by the following
factors: hysteria over the foreign market;
lack of cooperation among producers, distributors
and exhibitors. In the old days the
three branches of the industry worked more
closely together in planning product, playmg
up stars and talent. He attributed the present
lack of cooperation to the fact that the
talent and creative forces on the coast are
far removed geographically and temperamentally
from the dollar-minded executives In
the east. Wanger said this sharp break came
when the eastern studios were shut down.
The talent went west.
It takes more than a banker, lawyer, statistician,
distributor and exhibitor to make a
Walt Disney or create a fine film, he said.
On the other hand, highly paid directors and
writers on the coast have little concept of
some of the problems that have to be overcome
in getting back the cost of a film and
making a profit.
He suggested that both groups—the businessmen
and the creators get together and
swap ideas. This sort of exchange will help
the industry, and the lawyers and bankers
may stop trying to become showmen.
Wanger then discussed the industry situation
with respect to the foreign market.
MISTAKE IN FILM EMBARGO
As for England he thought that the American
companies made a mistake in shutting
off films to that cotmtry when the 75 per
cent tax crisis broke last year. We should
have continued to send films to England under
protest, meanwhile negotiating with the
British authorities. He attributed the present
quota troubles to our embargo. The British
retaliated. He had no comment on the
SIMPP-MPAA dispute over current talks in
London.
Wanger said American films should be regarded
by the state department as its ambassadors
abroad. Films, more than any other
medium of communication, can sell the
American way of life. Scenes o€ typical
American streets, homes, factories do more to
promote our ideals than any message.
He kiddlngly suggested that the U.S. parachute
16mm films and projectors into countries
that bar our product through regular
channels. Wanger said that General Dono-
\
APARTMENT FOR PEGGY (20th-Fox)—
If this isn't hailed as one of the season's
outstandingly popular celluloid successes,
with grosses in proportion to such acclaim,
that will only be because everyone with a
heart, soul, conscience and ability to laugh
and cry has suddenly gone underground.
The film's assets are numerous—among
them Technicolor photography, a heartwarming,
down-to-earth and honest story,
and skilled direction by a recent Academy
award winner, George Seaton, who also
contributed the script. Jeanne Crain, William
Holden, Edmund Gwenn.
BEHIND LOCKED DOORS (EL)—Herein is
displayed a noteworthy example of how a
comparatively low budget can be stretched
to the point where the finished product
bears the stamp of a big-league effort.
Adroitly written, well cast and directed
with brisk efficiency by Oscar Boetticher,
it's a fast-paced melodrama that should
be a cinch to please. Lucille Bremer, Richard
WALTER WANGER
Carlson, Douglas Fowley.
BLANCHE FURY (EL)—A moody and depressing
van, head of the wartime OSS, had kicked
period piece which benefits by the
this idea around himself.
vivid acting and the splendid Technicolor
Wanger also thought that Washington officials
photography. This J. Arthur Rank produc-
should get a better idea of what films tion is best suited to art houses and a few
are doing and can do toward furthering the selected first runs. The sordid and unhappy
American way of life. He didn't criticize the tale has an illegitimacy angle which makes
MPAA or TOA public relations program, but it strictly adult fare. Stewart Granger,
indicated that much has to be done in selling
Valerie Hobson, Walter Fitzgerald. Marc
the value of films to legislators and local Allegret directed.
officials.
CODE OF SCOTLAND YARD (Rep)—Far
He suggested trips to Hollywood, special
above the average of programmers produced
screenings, brochiu-es similar to those put out
by the well-known English cousins, this import
is amply endowed to give a sterling
by the broadcasting companies and other industries.
support to any program. As the title indicates,
it is a cops-and-robbers yam but it
Then, going back to Hollywood, Wanger
rapped the majors for failure to cooperate
resorts to the more modem story technique
with the independents. He said better product
in which the slayer is known from scratch
by independents would help the majors and
and the suspense hinges upon when and
Hollywood in general.
how he will be captured. Oscar Homolka,
He said the majors could help the independents
by making available their idle
Derek Farr, Muriel Pavlow. Produced and
directed by George King.
writers, actors, directors and studios to the
independents. As it now stands the independents
JOHNNY BELINDA (WB)—Among the in-
have to go into the open market to numerable assets which earmark this as
bid for talent while considerable idle talent one of the season's most distinguished pictures,
is tied up by major contracts.
probably the most noteworthy is the
He wound up his talks with news about his performance of Jane W'yman. Her delineation
of the deaf mute around whom the
own productions. "Joan of Arc." he said, will
be roadshown. Excluding print and ad costs, play is built—a role of extraordinary difficulty—is
so ingratiating that it is almost
the picture totals nearly $5,000,000. He said
he has two other Technicolor pictures, "Tap certain to win her another Academy awards
Roots" and "Tulsa," ready for release.
nomination. Lew Ayres and Charles Bickford
Production plans call for a picture with
also star. Jean Negulesco's direction is
Greta Gaibo to be made in Rome or Paris excellent.
next spring. Others are "Ballad and the
Source," "Blank Wall" and "Reign of Terror."
KIDNAPED (Mono) —Youngsters of all ages
will have nothing but praise for this mas-
RKO
Monogram Names de Silva
NEW YORK—Randolph A. de Silva has
been appointed Trinidad representative for
Monogram by Norton V. Ritchey, president.
His territory also includ'^s British Guiana.
He was until recently United Artists' Trinidad
representative.
terfully concocted version of Robert Louis
Stevenson's classic yarn of swashbuckling
adventure in the days of Bonnie Prince
Charlie. It's a triumphant personal hit for
Roddy McDowall. In support are Sue
England, Dan O'Herlihy, Roland Winters.
Directed by William Beaudine.
These reviews tvill appear in full in
a forthcoming issue of Boxoffice.
20 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948

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IrOPS IN SHORTS!
IW-G.M's 1948.'49 PROGRAM!
16 M-G-M CARTOONS
(In
Technicolor)
Includes those box-office
favorites Tom and Jerry!
•
4 GOLD MEDAL
REPRINT CARTOONS
Proven hits!
•
10 PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
Undisputed leader of
live action shorts!
*
6 PASSING PARADES
From the inimitable
story-teller, John Nesbitt.
4 M-G-M 2-REEL SPECIALS
Accent on action!
*
8 FITZPATRICK TRAVELTALKSI
(In Technicolor)
For the lure of far-off places!
*
104 Issues a year
"NEWS OF THE DAY"
The NEWSreel that tops
'em all!
Honestly, Mr. Exhibitor, aren't we right
in assuming that you want M-G-M to
continue the high standard of our Short
Subjects? We genuinely feel that your audience
resents inferior shorts as an insult to
their intelligence.
Exhibitors put M-G-M
Shorts up on the marquee because they are
top quality, created with all the skill and
studio resources of M-G-M's finest feature
productions. As a result, M-G-M Shorts
on your program bring in extra revenue
in addition to giving extra satisfaaion
to your show. M-G-M Shorts rank high
among Academy Award winners. Ask
your M-G-M Branch to serve you with
our entire line-up of sparkling Shorts.
Youll be glad you did it all year long!

. . Clyde
. . Robert
. . Joan
. . Over
. . Brian
. . Paul
. . Michel
.
.
^oUcfcmod ^e^tont
Story Market Progresses
With Sale of Six Yarns
The story market looked brighter than for
many week past, what with the sale of six
properties, of which Metro acquired a brace.
Leo popped for "Ambush," a Luke Short yarn
about a rugged, heroic frontier scout employed
by the army to capture the last
notorious leader of the Apaches in New Mexico
in the 1880s. It's due to appear serially
in the Saturday Evening Post. Also going to
MGM was an untitled original by Marshall
Neilan jr., son of the famous director, and
himself a film editor. Young Neilan's story
is a comedy concerning the antics of an ama-
. . . Universal-International
.
teur photographer
acquired "Showdown," an original by
Ramona Stewart and Allen Marple, and assigned
it to Leonard Goldstein to produce.
The story about gambling racketeers is being
scripted by Herbert Margolis and Louis Morheim
... To Republic went "Renegades of
Sonora," an original screenplay by M. Coates
Webster. Gordon Kay will produce it as an
Allan "Rocky" Lane sagebrush starrer
Hal Wallis purchased "The File on
. .
Thelma
Jordon," by Marty Holland, as a starring vehicle
for Barbara Stanwyck. She will appear
as a murderess, a small-town gal who becomes
involved with a young assistant district attorney;
during the trial he throws the state's
case in order to save her .
Andrews'
original script, "'Wyoming Mail," went to
Eagle Lion, where the story based on the
founding of the U.S. secret service will be
produced by Aubrey Schenck.
Al Lichtman to Leave
MGM Studio March 1
Second member of MGM's higher executive
echelon to depart the company's ranks within
the past few weeks, Al Lichtman has settled
his contract with Leo and is slated to check
out March 1, 1949. Earlier Sam Katz also
washed up his deal with the studio and also
will check out at that time.
Lichtman had been with MGM since 1935.
Per two years he was executive assistant to
Nicholas M. Schenck, president of Loew's,
Inc., in New York. He came to the coast in
1937. One-time sales manager for Famous
Players and distribution chief for Famous
Players-Lasky, Lichtman held, among other
industry posts, the presidency of United
Artists.
His future plans are indefinite, but Lichtman
indicated there is a possibility he may
go into independent production.
. ,
,
Ne'w 'Red Ryder' Series
To Star Jim Bannon
A new "Red Ryder" is gonna be headin'
thataway in a series of sagebrushers projected
by Producer Jerry Thomas of Equity
Pictures. Set to portray the redoubtable
cowpoke in the film version of the comic
Jimmy
strip character is Jim Barmon .
Stewart will step up to the plate to portray
the title role in MGM's baseball opus, "The
Story of Monty Stratton," to be megged by
Sam 'Wood Beatty and his brood
of wild animals will provide competition
By
IVAN SPEAR
for the Abbott-Costello brand of comedy in
Producer Edward Nassour's "Abbott and Costello
in Africa" .
Evans, 14-year-old
screen newcomer, will co-star with Farley
Granger in Samuel Goldwyn's upcoming
"Roseanna McCoy" . at RKO Radio,
Robert Ryan was booked for a top spot in
"Operation Malaya" Donlevy,
.
Charles Coburn and Helen Walker will costar
in "Impact," United Artists release to
be produced by Harry Popkin . . . Producer
Sig Neufeld set William Lundigan and 'Virginia
Bruce for the top spots in "File 649,
State Department.'' It's for Film Classics
release ... On loan from Universal-International.
Dan Duryea has the lead in "The
Man Who Stole a Dream," to be produced by
the Pine-Thomas unit for Paramount.
MGM Lists 17 Features
To Be in Technicolor
One thing is for sure—there'll be no paucity
of color in MGM releases for the next year or
so. Leo's lair out Culver City way has already
completed eight Technicolor vehicles and has
another trio before the cameras, the heaviest
schedule of tinters in years. Additionally,
six other films in color are slated for early
starts.
Metro decided to step up its tint program
after Technicolor announced that its expansion
program, now more than half completed,
would double the print capacity by the end
of the year from the 1946 volume of 165,000.-
000 feet.
First of the trio of rainbow-hued offerings
to hit the sound stages on the MGM lot
will be "The Secret Garden," to be followed
by "Annie Get Youi' Gun," "Greyfriars
Bobby," "Neptune's Daughter," "The Shop
Around the Corner" and "It's a Date."
Now before Technicolor cameras are "Take
Me Out to the Ball Game," "The Barkleys
of Broadway" and "Little Women." Ali'eady
ill the vaults are "The Three Musketeers,"
"Luxury Liner," "Hills of Home," "The Secret
Land," "The Kissing Bandit," "Sun in the
Morning," "Words and Music" and Argosy's
"The Three Godfathers."
Ten Features, 4 Shorts
Being Edited at RKO
RKO Radio, which hasn't been doing too
much productionwise since Howard Hughes
took over, doesn't have to worry too much
about the flow of product for the next several
months despite the fact that its output
of new footage is, for the time being at least,
somewhat retarded. Currently in various
stages of editing at the Gower street plant
are ten featm-es and four shorts, which certainly
.should be sufficient celluloid to keep
the exchanges humming for a while.
Under editors' shears are "Weep No More,"
"Blood on the Moon," "The Long Denial,"
"Baltimore Escapade," "Mr. Joseph Young of
Africa," "Every Girl Should Be Married,"
"Interference," "Brothers in the Saddle,"
"Rustlers" and "Gun Runners." In the shorts
division are "Pal's Adventure," "The Return
of Pal," "Wrong Party" and "Backstage
Follies."
Betty Hutton to London
For Stage Engagement
NEW YORK—Betty Hutton, Paramount
screen star, arrived here via TWA from Hollywood
with her husi-^^W^^W^^
band, Ted Briskin, en
^^^C'^^Kw^Bau-^* route to England for a
two-week engagement
at the London Palladium.
Accompanied by
her mother, the comedienne
sailed on the
Queen Mary. After her
London engagement,
which starts September
15, Miss Hutton
will fly to Paris and
later visit Scotland. In
London she will headline
and act which
will include the Mello-
Larks quartet who appeared
on her recent
The Ted Briskins
record-breaking theatre engagement in San
Francisco. The balance of the act will be
assembled in London.
After a month's absence Miss Hutton will
return to Hollywood to start preparations for
her next starring picture, "I'll Never Love
You," which Mitchell Leisen will direct and
Richard Maibaum produce.
. . .
.
Henry Koster to Direct
'Come to the Stable'
Set for the directorial assignment on 20th
Century-Fox's "Come to the Stable" was
Henry Koster .
Green, Pulitzer prizewinning
playwright, is developing "Roseanna
Mega
McCoy" for Samuel Goldwyn
phonist on Metro's "Big Harpe" will be Richard
Thorpe . Kraike has been assigned
to produce "Sierra" at Universal-
International. It will be in Technicolor
"Zamba," a jungle story, is next on schedule
for Fortune Films, headed by Bert Stearn,
Maurice Conn and Harry Handel. Nate Watt
will direct for an as-yet unset release.
Matthe-w Rapf to Make
'Silhouette' for FC
After making his initial plunge into production
in partnership with Gerald Briskin—
son of Samuel J. Briskin—young Matthew
Rapf, offspring of MGM's Harry Rapf, is
taking a solo fUght with the organization
of his own production unit. The younger
Rapf's kickoff venture on his owai will be
"Silhouette," a murder mystery from his original
screenplay, which will be released by
Film Classics.
Earlier this year Rapf and Briskin turned
out "The Adventures of Gallant Bess" for
distribution by Eagle Lion.
Screen Guild Signs Trio;
AUied Casts Gale Storm
.
Gale
Set for featured spots in Screen Guild's
"Thunder in the Pines" were Michael Whalen,
Vince Barnett and Lyle Talbot
Storm will have the femme
.
lead
.
opposite
Rod Cameron in "Stampede," upcoming
ChamiDion Productions film for Allied Artists
release. The new casting results in Miss
Storm's withdrawal from a role in "When a
Man's a Man."
22 BOXOFFICE
:: September 11, 1948

RKO Rushes Bookings
On Mitchum Picture
NEW YORK—RKO wiU open "Rachel iind
the Stranger," in which Robert Mitchum is
co-starred with Loretta Young and Wilham
Holden, at the Mayfair in mid-September
ahead of the previously booked "Mom-nins
Becomes Klectra."
The picture has also been booked in the
Hillstreet and Pantages theatres. Los Angeles,
to follow the current "Good Sam," and RKO
is rushing out the "Rachel" trailer to theatres
in other parts of the country.
RKO has another completed Mitchum film.
"Blood on the Moon," in which he is costarred
with Barbara Bel Geddes, tentatively
scheduled for release early in 1949. Republic
has no definite release for a third Mitchum
film. "The Red Pony," a Lewis Milestone
production in Technicolor and co-starring
Myrna Loy. This has been completed for
nearly a year.
Lippert Adds 16th Film
To Screen Guild List
NEW YORK—Lippert Productions will
make "Branding Iron," an original cattle
story, as an addition to the Screen Guild
1948-49 program, according to Robert L. Lip-
Kreisler's Foreign Film
Study Nears Completion
LONDON—Bernard B. Kreisler has returned
to the Savoy hotel after visiting 16
of 17 European countries on his schedule, in
connection with his research assignment for
the Harvard School of Business Administration
into motion picture conditions abroad.
He expects to sail for the U.S. October 6 on
the Nieuw Amsterdam.
During Kreisler's 11-month tour he got behind
the iron ciu-tain at Budapest and Prague
and reports that the experience was "quite
eye-opening."
Ruder and Finn Organize
As Publicity Partners
NEW YORK—WiUiam Ruder, head of exploitation
for Samuel Goldwyn Productions
for the past several years, has resigned to
form his own publicity and exploitation firm
in association with David Finn, formerly with
the American Artists group.
The new organization has opened offices
at the Hotel Lombardy, New York, and plans
to have field representatives in 30 key cities.
Among the Ruder & Finn clients are: Perry
Como, Pioneer Pictures. Pioneer Telefilms
and Telespots. Inc.
THIS
L'affaire Mitchum and comparably sordid
situations of the immediate and more distant
past again make it rather obvious that
Hollywood is the logical starting point for
the efforts of those who are sincerely inter-
will ruin me!"
According to the public prints, so .spoke
ested in bettering the public's opinion of film
folk.
Robert Mitchum when the local constabulary
so rudely terminated his rendezvous
After three days, during which the Los
Angeles dailies—and presumably newspapers
with reefers and a trio of venturesome playmates—one
a .screen glamor
throughout the rest of the country—had
gal.
made the Mitchum narcotics case their page
one piece de resistance, a joint statement
In his evaluation of the outcome of the
.sorry soiree. Blatant Bob was guilty of a
by RKO Radio and the Selznick studio, who
sizable understatement.
share Mitchum's acting contract, raised a
The ruinous ramifications extend far beyond
voice on behalf of the actor. It pleaded:
the actor's own career. They materially
"All the facts about the case are not yet
and disadvantageously affect the producers
who have millions of dollars invested in current
and recent pictures tophning Mitchum. dustry and the public to withhold its judg-
known. We urgently request the press, the in-
Caught in the squeeze also are the exhibitors ment until these facts are known. Both studios
who book those pictures and the entire industry's
feel confident that the American peo-
badly-battered public relations.
ple will not permit Mitchum's prominence
in the motion picture industry to deprive him
of the rights and privileges of every American
Having the nation's newspapers blazon in
stud-horse type "Movie Stars Arrested in
Dope Raid" is bad enough, especially when
such headlines are supported by alleged statements
by Mitchum that he regularly smoked
marijuana. Then the situation was made
doubly disastrous through the ironical inci-
pert, pre.sident.
dental information that the star was scheduled
Of the 15 Lippert productions already announced,
to appear as a speaker at a National
"Return of Wildfire." "Jungle Goddess"
Youth month rally shortly after the time
and "Last of the Wild Horses" are com-
when he was apprehended in the marijuana
pleted. "Thunder ir, the Pines." with George melee.
Reeves, Ralph Byrd and Greg McClure; "Shep
It
Comes Home," a dog story with Robert Lowery,
and "I Shot Jesse James." based on the the motion picture industry with character-
might be recorded, parenthetically, that
istic
American Weekly story by Homer Croy, are
public spirit has been giving all-out cooperation
to Youth month, which celebration
scheduled for September shooting. The others
are: "Grand Canyon," "Gringo." "Emergency
was primarily designed to combat juvenile
Ward." "Rimfire." "Ti-ail's End," "Po-
lice Woman," "Return of the Saint," "Banana
delinquency.
Hollywood always has had, and probably
Fleet," "The Blackmailers" and "Three Alarm always will have, its Mitchums. Periodically
Fire."
their vagaries and their vices fiu'nish field
days for journalistic sensation-seekers. The
fortunate fact that they represent but a minute
percentage of filmdom's executive and
Thespic elite renders their headline-making
shenanigans all the more deplorable. Thousands
of decent, law-abiding toilers in the
celluloid vineyards suffer socially and economically
because the few offenders are not
intelligent enough or appreciative enough to
realize that they owe a great debt to a generous
industry and an equally generous public
who make it possible for them to enjoy
princely fame and fortune.
Just what might be done to improve the
situation is anybody's guess. Currently many
of the trade's best and most conscientious
minds—and they represent all branches of the
motion picture business—are concentrating
on ways and means of improving the industry's
over-all public relations. Their efforts,
naturally enough, are spurred by declining
patronage of motion picture theatres, those
troublesome dwindling grosses that have put
on the unemployment lists thousands of film
colony workers just as deserving as Mitchum
and his ilk: persons who have never subjected
the industry to one iota of scandal
or criticism.
citizen to receive fair play."
Regardless of how the press and public
react to the RKO-DOS keep-an-open-mind
request, much of the harm has been done
beyond repair. Resultantly it is entirely possible
that the Mitchumian "This-will-ruinme"
observation will wind up in the archives
as famous last words.
Apparently Gene Autry has definitely decided
the airplane will never replace the
horse. The title of his latest starrer for Columbia
was switched from "Wings Westward"
to "Ridin" the Old Pine Trail."
From the George Brown-Paramount blurbery,
intelligence that "Margaret Brain of
Prince Rupert, recently selected 'Queen of
British Columbia,' paid her first visit to
Paramount studio yesterday."
If Miss Brain visited the publicity department,
she must have been a lonesome lass.
.And Alex Evelove reveals that Milo Anderson,
Warner Bros, designer, concocted a lightweight
plastic bustle for Alexis Smith to
wear in "Montana."
That's one way of not getting too close to
those horrid, hard saddles.
"Bill and Coo." parakeet stars of the Republic
fUm of the same name which won a
special Academy award, have been given to
the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences by Ken Murray, the film's producer.
The blue and gieen birds, in an elaborate
gilded cage, are now ''at residence" in the
Academy library.
Now the Academicians of the creative
and or Thespic variety can always feel at
home—getting the bird.
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
23

Released thru RKO RADIO PICTURES, INC.
BENNY GOODMAN • TOMMY DORSEY
•
LOUIS ARMSTRONG • LIONElI! '.
.1 "

i
please
W IS «4K/j
Says the TRADE PRESS!
'4k
"Big boxoffice comedy . . . No
question that it will chalk up
hefty grosses in all situations."
—VARIETY
"The greatest jam session of
them all . . . The show stands
solid. . . Swell entertainment."
—FILM DAILY
"Undiluted entertainment,
practically guaranteed not to
provoke a serious thought."
—M. P. DAILY
"Mirth and melody which will
. . . top money in all
bookings." —BOXOFFICE
"Company of musicians probably
beats any other combina-
go with everything, and hepcats
should have a field day."
—M. P. HERALD
"In eye appeal this is up to
the best standards of the producer
who makes the classiest
pictures in the world — Samuel
Goldwyn."
—SHOWMEN'S TRADE
REVIEW
"Brilliant
star-studded tune
film . . . Lavish and spectacular
. . . Mighty appetizing offer
for exhibitor whether deluxe,
neighborhood or main
street."
—HOLLYWOOD
REPORTER
"Another Kaye, another buck
. . . glittering boxoffice bait . .
Enough jazz greats to cause
shutdown of 52nd Street hot
spots." -DAILY VARIETY
"Has more than its share of
modern music . . . hilarious
sequences . . . feature cast and
musicians . . . plenty of merchandising
opportunity."
—THE EXHIBITOR
"Big boxoffice
comedy with
music . . . loaded with names
of sure-fire drawing power . .
A money maker."
-INDEPENDENT
FILM JOURNAL
tion ever on screen. They let
m- CHARLIE BARNET • MEL POWELL • ?H"fGo%^".'^G^AUJ^R^^f.^'u1?r.1HVsT^
THE GOLDEN GATE QUARTET • RUSSO & THE SAMBA KINGS

. .
. . "We
Theatre Collections,
Yes or No?
Here is an argument for a return to the industry's wartime community service
By NICK JOHN MATSOUKAS
eiNCE the war ended we of the motion picture
theatre business are facing a dilemma.
Should we intensify our efforts on
behalf of community service undertakings or
shall we stay put, embracing the "business
as usual" attitude?
Do you like to stage collections in your
theatre? Would you embark again on a
mighty theatre campaign to sell U.S. Security
bonds just like you sold U.S. war bonds?
Do you feel that it is your duty as a theatre
operator to join and stage drives to help
combat cancer, polio, arthritis, heart ailments,
etc.? Then there is the Red Cross, the Salvation
Army, the American Overseas Aid for
Children, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, recruiting
campaigns for the army and other units of
our armed forces. Must we help them all?
A DEMOCRATIC DUTY
I, for one, favor collections in theatres.
I know I am putting myself on a spot when
I say this, but so is the somber minority that
shares this view. Now don't say it . . . you
did something for this or that campaign .
You did it. But how about the theatre industry
as a whole, united in action, repeating
that wonderful job we did during the war
years! Let's admit it ... we did not do it
together. You did alone.
We brag about our war record. We say
we were Uncle Sam's cash register. We did
it then because we convinced ourselves that
if the enemy had won we wouldn't have had
theatres to operate today.
But is that crisis over? From a military
standpoint, yes. From a social point, from
the point of a virile democracy, the danger
is never over. In a democracy it is everybody's
duty to function in a communityminded
manner.
It is at this point that the theatre is needed
most. The church and the theatre are two
community centers that the people recognize
and love. The church offers salvation
to the soul, the theatre entertains the soul.
Being sectarian, a particular church draws
only from its adherents. The theatre, answerable
only to dictates of the boxoffice,
welcomes all. That is why I feel that the
responsibility of the theatre to the community
is in many respects greater than some
other social and spiritual institutions.
GOOD PUBLIC RELATIONS
The institution that serves the community
best is the stronger one. The church as an
institution is doing fine with collections. That
is the reason why many leaders in the industry
have discovered that collections in
theatres, judiciously planned and executed,
are an asset to the theatre. It is good public
relations. And the good public relations check
is cashed in at a later date at the boxoffice
in dollars and cents.
Here is an example of what I mean. Recently,
just a few months ago, one New York
City theatre chain alone collected for the
Heart Campaign some $30,000. The check was
presented at a gala premiere on Broadway
where a report of the city-wide amount of
money collected was announced. The grand
total was $180,000. Of this total the theatre
chain's collection claimed $30,000. It is a good
percentage for one unit to bring in. And it
War Efforts
Matsoukas'
Brought Fame to Him
Nick John Matsoukas became famous
during the war years as director of the
community service department of Skouras
Theatres Corp. He still heads that
department and also is director of advertising
and publicity.
He had weekly radio programs; he
helped produce films to explain rationing;
he induced famous speakers and artists
to lend the aid of their names to
his efforts.
He was in the midst of all the discussion
about theatre collections which developed
in the last year of the war as a
result of the WAC activities.
BOXOFFICE herewith presents his
views on theatre collections as a service
to its readers. It takes no stand on either
side of the discussion.
was noticed by the people. It was a swell
piece of public relations. The theatre chain,
as long as it continues on that policy, will
never go broke. People are funny. They do
not forget those who do good work for the
many, for the community.
But let us suppose that the entire theatre
industry had made collections for the Heart
Campaign. Several millions w-ould have been
collected. The radio industry is going in big
for helping charitable drives. The radio men
are smart. Their tomorrow is not crystalgazed.
It is viewed right in broad daylight.
They see what it is to do community work.
It is their future.
Now what is the matter with us?
We know that we are stronger than any
other institution. We know that we appeal to
some 90,000.000 people a week. Then why
do we forsake our greatest opportunity to he
of community service?
I don't know what to write here. I guess
I am just a small fry and don't know much
about this business. But every day I see the
need for such work, just as you see it. Sure,
I know . are in the show business,
Matsoukas." But this is the biggest show
we can put on for the people. They will love
us for whatever we do for the commimity.
Our reward will come both in our hearts and
at our boxoffices.
This problem of conmiunity work is not
just the problem of one or two theatres in
each town or one or two chains. It's big.
Made to order for everybody to handle it as
a unit. It's the greatest show package that
is left at our front door. But small fry like
you and me cannot solve this problem. Our
leaders—those tycoons, those pioneers who
brought his business up to its present preeminent
position—it is for them to sit down
and thresh this thing out. Then they should
tell us—the not-so-smart ones—as to why
it benefits us as well as them, to have organized
collections, join in national drives for the
common good, and, as an industry, do the job
together and not spasmodically and independently.
Then they might convince us, the
small fry, and we might decide to change our
minds and go along with them and vote 'YES
for collections and a double "YES, YES for
national drives. We might even decide to pui
the theatre back with the community as we
had it during the war years.
Those big boys, those tycoons, are mighty
smart salesmen. They might convince every
one of us small fry.
Then that 90,000,000 Americans will not be
wrong in thanking us from the bottom of
their hearts.
Then we may find out what was the matter
with us.
Skouros House Conducts
Youth Month Ccmipaign
BERGENFIELD, N. J.—Eugene R. Edwards,
manager of the Palace Theatre, a Skouras
Theatres Corp. house, is conducting a campaign
for public support of Youth Month
which has the backing of Bergenfield and
Dumont, the latter a mile and a half away.
The campaign started September 1 when
the mayors of both towns proclaimed Youth
month in the local papers. The tw-on officials
and youth officials held meetings at the Palace
to organize activities in and outside the
theatre. Exhibits showing youth work were
placed in the Palace lobby and will be
changed each week by different organizations
including Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies,
Campfire Girls and others.
The highlight of the month will be a display
of youth on parade September 18 when
nearly 1,000 boys and girls from organized
groups will march from Bergenfield to Dumont
where they will compete in games.
Local bands and two national guard units,
comprised of young men over 17, also will
be in the parade. Because September 18 is
also Air Force day, a bomber group has consented
to fly over the town in recognition of
Youth Month and a local photography shop
will make motion pictures of the event. Tliese
will be shown at the Palace at a future date.
On September 16 the St. Mary's band of
Dumont, which consists of young people, will
participate in a half-hour program on the
stage of the Palace.
26 BOXOFFICE :: September 11. 1948
1

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It's
'ma
rhe Most Famous Short
JWllU;
IS is ,;
leatis
Subject Ever Made!
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iletopi;
Sensational return of the
best loved, biggest-money
short on record! Booked for
pre-release showing in
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
and already set for 200 other
majorfirstruns in its first release
week! . . . Bigger boxoffice today
than ever— with new and old
audiences to attract! .. .Sell it
like a top feature attraction
and CASH IN!
YOUTH MONTH
SALUTING
irOUNG AMERICA
Re-Released by RKO RADIO PICTURES, Inc.

: September
.doHcU^t ^efront
"PHE JOHNSTON VISIT is now over and
Eric Johnston himself has left for the
continent to discuss the problems of American
fUm producers in European countries,
and the only concrete result of his visit seems
to be a considerable amount of publicity in
the British press. He has obviously not been
able to get the quota lowered, nor to make
any arrangements for a wider showing of
American pictures.
As you will have read by now, the announcement
he made before leaving was
that in future the major American distributors
will not sell one picture at a time to
exhibitors, but will insist on the whole bill
being American. This is to overcome the plan
which Rank is reputed to be following of
buying American films at cheap rates and
booking them into his circuits as second features.
Eric Johnston himself, when receiving
the press before he left, stressed the fact
that there were no instances as far as he
knew of this policy having been followed, but
that the agreement had been entered into
between the distributors in case it should be
followed. Since Rank's distribution deal with
Universal-International and Eagle Lion still
stands it is difficult to see how this new arrangement
materially will affect him. Something
like 70 per cent of his year's program
is made up of his own pictures and those
of the two American firms mentioned, and
he will presumably be prepared to book American
product for the remainder of his program.
In attacking the quota, Johnston pointed
out to us that last year our output was comparatively
small, about 40 first feature films,
and that this year Britain proposed to make
By JOHN SULLIVAN
90 or 96, thereby more than doubling her
total production. He asked how this could be
done without sacrificing quality. The answer
is one that should have been obvious.
Last year we were still in the throes of the
great "prestige at any price" movement and
pictures were taking as long as six or eight
months to make. This year the accent is on
quality at a moderate cost, and there are very
few pictures taking the floor in England
today which are scheduled for more than
13 weeks shooting. Also, a large proportion
of this year's films will be shot on outdoor
locations with perhaps only six or seven
weeks studio work after the location is finished.
We have yet to see whether the program
that British producers have set themselves
will be fulfilled, but from the way
pictures are coming along at the moment
this seems very probable.
One interesting point that Johnston made
was that pictures made in England by American
companies would, under the new arrangements,
be treated as British and would be
booked out to exhibitors with a British second
feature to accompany them. Since British
second feature production has been badly
hit recently it looks as though, with the
Americans buying British second features to
support their own British product, the smaller
producers here may find conditions improving.
TRADESHOWN LAST WEEK was "The
Winslow Boy," which Anatole de Grunwald
has produced for London Films, his first
picture under that banner. The film stars
Robert Donat, Sir Cedrlc Hardwicke and in-
troduces Korda's new star, Margaret Leighton.
It is rare that we make a flat prophecy
of what a picture may or may not do at the
boxoffice, but of the appeal of this one there
can be no doubt at all. It appears to be
made to measure for really big takings
wherever It is shown. The film is based on
the popular stage play by Terence Rattigan
which did standing-room-only business here
and which is at the moment touring America.
The play in turn was freely adapted
from a famous court case of some 30 years
ago when a child of 13 was accused of stealing
a postal order for five shillings and his
father spends thousands of pounds on proving
the boy's innocence. The late Alexander
Woolcott immortalized the story for American
readers in one of his radio broadcasts
which was later reprinted in book form. At
first sight, a story such as that briefly described
above may appear to be unsuitable
for the screen, but the script of "The Winslow
Boy" is so well written that drama has been
substituted for action and the intensity of
some of the sequences had a sophisticated
tradeshow audience sitting on the edge of its
seat. Robert Donat and Sir Cedric Hardwicke
both give performances which will increase
enormously their already very great
standing with audiences, but the sensation
of the picture was the performance of Kathleen
Harrison as the Cockney maid. This
actress first jumped into the public notice
when she was seen in "Holiday Camp" and
"Bond Street." but her acting in "The
Winslow Boy" is even finer than that which
earned her critical applause in those two pictures
mentioned.
In one scene in the film Miss Harrison has
to bring the news of a favorable verdict to
Hardwicke who is waiting at home, and she
has a solo sequence which the tradeshow
audience applauded her for several minutes,
an event which your correspondent has never
before experienced.
Taken on its star value, story value and
production, "The Winslow Boy" seems to be
the first really big winner to come out of the
Korda stables for some time.
BRITISH HONOR SELZNICK-Leaders of British films, stage, arts, journalism
and the government paid tribute to David O. Selznicks "Gone With the Wind"
on the occasion of the film's record 3,000th performance. In the photo above Selziiick
(left) receives a parchment scroll bearing the names of many noted Britons.
Making the presentation are Robert H. Hadow (center). British consul general in
Los Angeles, and Sir Aubrey Smith, veteran actor. Selznick was honored for "the
achievement of his most distinguished film production which, after entertaining
millions of Britons through the blitz years of the war, has now returned to continue
its success as the foremost entertainment of the present age."
THE TRADESCREENING of "The Winslow
Boy" marks the second Anatole de Grunwald
film this year, the first being "Bond Street"
which was distributed by Pathe, and his present
program means that de Grunwald is Britain's
largest independent producer. As explained
before every nominally independent
producer in this country is, in fact, tied to a
circuit for distribution, but de Grunwald
varies this procedure by making pictures
alternately for London Films and for ABPC.
The odd situation arises that although in one
case the films are distributed by British Lion
and in the other by Pathe, they still end
upon the same circuit—ABC. With the two
already shown, another, "The Queen of
Spades" (ABPC) in the cutting stage and
"The Last Days of Dolwyn" (Korda), currently
in production, he has four films to
show so far this year and is slated to do two
more. An output of six films in one year Is
a fairly creditable record for any producer,
but a particularly good one for an independent.
With his two partners, Terence Rattigan,
the playwright, and Anthony Asqulth,
the director, de Grunwald made his name
with the record-breaking picture, "The Way
to the Stars" (titled in the U.S. "Johnny in
the Clouds") which won the first I>aily
Mail film award for the best film made In
Great Britain during the war years.
28
BOXOFFICE :
11, 1948

CHESTER FRIEDMAN
EDITOR
OKOffICi?
HUGH E. FRAZE
Associate Editor
SECTION
]
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN
f[o
f^JLetdiown
Eight Managers Join Bonus Winners
With Exceptional Summer Exploits
Through the summer months, the
continuous flow of mail to this department
gave no indication that
exploitation, particularly the promotional
kind, had slowed down
even a little.
Considering the frequency with
which theatremen wrote and, told us
about rigid economies being practiced,
it is surprising that business
has held up. In many quarters
where circuits usually used a little
sail trimming during the hot weather
months, the order this past year was
changed to a more drastic "get down
to essentials" basis.
That put the burden squarely on
the manager's shoulders and, as
usual, he did a grand job.
It is while working on the job of
indexing and cross-indexing all the
fine campaigns which have appeared
in the Showmandiser section
these past months that one can
fully understand, and appreciate just
how much theatre promotion has increased
and its quality improved.
There is a feeling in the industry
that business is slated for an upward
trend. The beginning of the traditional
new show season is an annual
signal for theatremen to explore
their showmanship experience for
ways and means of getting their
proper share of extra business.
We cannot overlook this opportunity
to point out that filed and bound
copies of the Showmandiser are a
real treasure chest of practical ideas
for selling seats by practical showmen—for
every showman.
An imaginary phone conversation
between a patron and the cashier of
the New York Paramount Theatre.
Cashier: "Good evening."
Patron:
Cashier:
"What's playing?"
"Sorry, Wrong Number."
Patron: "Excuse me." BANG.
CifAia* ^MadmoM
Fred Leavens Glenn Schwartz Olin Evans OUie Bales
During August the names of eight more
theatremen made the growing list of winners
of BOXOFFICE bonuses, awarded for out-
ognition and a bonus for Fred Leavens, manager
of the Circle in Toronto.
In the general tieup classification, Fred
Putnam, Strand, Port Arthur, Tex., scored
top honors for a tiein with a city golden
standing promotions in behalf of the theatre
boxoffice submitted to the Showmandiser
section. Two repeat winners were named. jubilee celebration.
Each will receive a $10 bonus and a citation Others who joined the long list of those who
of honor for their achievements.
have earned bonuses are OUie Bales, Dixie,
Leo Haney, manager of the Lido, Maywood,
111., and Elmer Hecht, manager of the son, Pecos Theatre. Roswell, N. M., lobby dis-
Abbeville, La., window display; Tom Ander-
Park, Tampa, Fla., were the repeaters. Haney play; T. W. Hanlon, State, Bridgeton, Me.,
was cited for a public relations promotion newspaper ad; Glenn Schwartz, Times Theatres,
Waukegan, 111., program; Olin Evans,
in connection with the Maywood Safety Patrol
which he organized earlier this year. He Broadway Theatre, Reidsville, N. C.
staged a picnic for the group which resulted During September, promotions submitted
in special distinction for the theatre among to the Showmandiser in behalf of Youth
the adults and youngsters in Maywood. month, will receive full consideration in the
Hecht's skillful exploitation of the southwest
premiere of "Mr. Peabody and the Mer-
bonuses. An additional $25 bonus wiU be pre-
monthly BOXOFFICE award of $100 in
maid" was considered
sented for the best Youth Month campaign.
the most outstanding
ballyhoo stunt of the
month.
A full-page co-op
ad, developed on a
short subject, won a
$10 bonus for George
Cameron, manager of
the Norwalk Theatre.
Norwalk, Ohio.
A unique marquee
display in which he
used luminous paint
to silhouette cutouts
received special rec-
Elmer Hecht
Tom .\nderson
Co-Ops for 'Dream Girl'
S. Todorov, assistant manager of the State
Theatre, Harrisburg, Pa., tied up for numerous
window and newspaper co-op ads in
conjunction with "Dream Girl." Tiein copy
line used was "The Keynote for Fall Is
Black for That 'Dream Girl' Expression."
—643—
Where? Here? Yes!
Handicapped though he is by an unusually
small marquee. James Tuffy, manager of the
Crown Theatre In Hartford, managed to announce
two Tarzan revivals by using one word
on each of the three letter rows. The result
was, "Leopard Woman" . . . "Tarzan" . . .
"Huntress."
29

.
A Al ^*'
^>

TOApNGEG-lST
'^^^DS «/
COLUMBIA PICTURES presents
/
Louis HAYWARD • Dennis U'KEtht
..K
n^oy by George Bruce
LOUISE ALLBRITTON
CARL ESMOND
An EDWARD SMALL Production 1,
L
^^ Mil
• Directed by CORDON DOUOIAS • deduced by GRANT WHYTOCK i^»

Pepsi-Cola Hi-Ho Fun Show Draws
Big Summer Crowd to Kid Show
M. E. Hammond, owner-manager of the
Shastona Theatre, Mount Shasta, Calif.,
writes in to tip other exhibitors off on a
tieup which has proved highly successful for
him.
Hammond has a Pepsi-Cola Hi-Ho fun
show going as part of his regular Saturday
program. This is a half-hour broadcast from
the stage which precedes the regular screen
show.
The local Pepsi bottler furnishes the radio
time, several cases of pop and other small
Record Sketches Used
In 'Homecoming' Gag
In promoting "Homecoming," Charles
Daniels, manager of the Paramount in Glens
Falls, N. Y., got one of the local radio stations
to use a 15-minute platter of sketches
from some of Clark Gable's old pictures.
He built a contest around this, in which
listeners were asked to send in the titles of
past Gable films, with passes awarded to those
submitting the longest lists. All this air time
cost the theatre nothing.
Tied in with the above, Daniels made up a
40x60 of stills from Gable's old pictures showing
him with Norma Shearer, Garbo, Joan
Crawford and other feminine stars. The sign,
which carried information on the radio contest
as well as plugs for "Homecoming" and
playdates, was planted in a store window in
the center of town, all accomplished through
the judicious use of a few passes.
Merchants Buy Page Ad
Promoting 'Red River'
E. B. Buffington, manager of the Palace
Theatre, Wetherford, Tex., didn't have the
services of a distributor's exploiteer to help
him sell the day-and-date area premiere of
"Red River." Buffington got a number of
local businessmen to sponsor a page ad announcing
the opening. Each merchant received
equal billing in a small one-column
ad. About 85 per cent of the page was given
over to the theatre, picture announcements
and illustrations. Stunt cost nothing.
gifts as prizes. Only cost to the theatre is
the salary of the master of ceremonies and
a piano player, plus a few boxes of candy
which are tossed among the audience.
Three amateurs are presented each week.
The kids in the audience select the winner by
applause. Every fourth week, the winners
compete for a grand prize which merchants
supply. It's lots of fun for the kids, reports
Hammond, and business has been up over
200 per cent throughout the summer at the
Shastona.
Another Co-Op Garnered
By Assistant on 'Union'
Ernest Martin, assistant at the Rivoli in
Winchester, Term., came through with another
full-page co-op newspaper ad recently
to help exploit "State of the Union." Martin
has been instrumental in cementing the
theatre's relationship with merchants
through several such tieups in recent weeks.
For "State of the Union" he promoted 1,000
circulars, which were also paid for by a
cooperating businessman, and distributed 59
window cards throughout the area.
Palms Dress Up Front
For Jungle Reissues
An atmospheric front was part of the exploitation
devised by Norman Lofthus, manager
of the Mission in Santa Barbara, Calif.,
during the presentation of two reissues,
"Africa Speaks" and "Goona Goona." Regular
outdoor display panels were completely
surrounded with huge palm fronds. A large
head of an idol was placed over the boxoffice.
Lofthus reports business was well over
average on the combination.
Store Ad Plugs 'Emperor'
In Cologne and Records
The engagement of "The Emperor Waltz"
at the Malco Theatre was exploited by a
quarter page co-op ad promoted by Elliott
Johnson, publicity director for Malco Theatres,
Memphis. Ad was paid for by a department
store which tied in DuBarry cologne
and recording of song hits from the film.
Every Minute 58 Free Announcements
Is Result of Phone Service Tieup
Jack Frost, manager of the Armview person selected from the phone directory
Theatre, HaUfax, N. S., has established a each day. If the person called can identify
any of the sponsors, they receive a
unique tieup which gets the theatre a
free plug several thousand times daily at letter and two theatre tickets from the
a net outlay of two passes per day.
service company. The pass recipients also
Residents of Halifax have a correct time become eligible to win a radio promoted
service at their disposal by dialing 29 on from one of the sponsors in a drawing
the telephone. From 12 to 14 thousand conducted on the Armview stage once
calls are received daily. Advertising sponsors
receive a plug just prior to the time Over-aU idea was a good Institutional
each month.
announcement by a recorded voice.
promotion for the theatre, getting widespread
comment among the residents of
Frost hooked up with the service for a
contest in which the company calls one the city.
Style Show for Girls
Highlights Buildup
For 'Big City'
Enlisting the cooperation of MGM studio
publicists, Margaret O'Brien, star of "Big
City," and Nau's department store in Green
Bay, Wis., resulted in a topnotch promotion
for Ross Leddy, manager of the Orpheum
Theatre in that city.
Leddy sold the store on a children's style
show which was presented on the Orpheum
stage opening night. All fashions were
modeled by live mannequins. The show was
built around vaudeville acts and an orchestra.
The city observed Margaret O'Brien
week in honor of the young star and that
Hollywood personality forwarded a letter addressed
to all girls in Green Bay. The letter
with attendant publicity was published in
the Press-Gazette.
In addition to providing the talent and
wardrobe for the style show, the store used
large co-op ads in the newspapers to build
up interest and used full window displays
designed around Margaret O'Brien clothes
styles.
Leddy booked a screen circus film to augment
his matinee program. This was well
exploited in and around the theatre and
through special newspaper advertisements.
Visit by Danny Thomas
Is Basis for Campaign
When Danny Thomas returned to his
home town of Toledo for a vacation recently,
the presence of the MGM comedian was made
the basis for some effective publicity campaign
obtained by Abe Ludacer, manager of
Loew's 'Valentine there, in advance of "The
Big City," which features the Ohio comic.
An interview with Thomas by Mich Woodbury,
Toledo Blade columnist, and special art
in the Toledo Times rounded out extensive
newspaper coverage. Thomas also was interviewed
by Woodbury during one of his weekly
broadcasts. Disk jockeys featured tunes from
the film.
Several thousand copies of the RCA-'Victor
consumer house publication, In the Groove,
containing scenes from "Big City" and comments
on music featured in the picture, were
distributed by various Toledo record shops.
Assistant Sells Co-Op
On Reading 'Blandings'
Alton McHan, assistant to Manager Larry
Levy at the Colonial Theatre in Reading,
Pa., sold a full-page cooperative newspaper
ad to nine local merchants in conjunction
with the engagement of "Mr. Blandings Builds
His Dream House." An attractive lobby display
also helped to publicize the picture in
advance of opening.
Napkins for 'Dude'
Napkins imprinted with playdate information
on "The Dude Goes West" were used by
Alca Hopper, manager of the Humota in
Humboldt, Iowa, a week in advance and during
the showing. They were distributed in
drive-ins and restaurants. Hopper also had
two of his usherettes dressed as dudes stroll
around town, cari-ying signs with theatre
credits.
I
32 -646— BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Sept. 11, 1948 1

jJ!!?!en^
First Line
Of
Setiing

Jfmonths in a row
with ^Jerichor
M. P. HERALD BOXOFFICE
CHAMPION FOR AUGUST**
n
THE WALLS
OFJERICHO
CORNEL WILDE, LINDA DARNELL, ANNE BAXTER, KIRK DOUGLAS in "THE WALLS OF JERICHO" with ANN DVORAK
Marjorie Rambeau, Henry Hull, Colleen Townsend, Barton MacLane,-Griff Barnett, Willianrj Tracy, Art Baker • Directed
by JOHN M. STAHL- Produced by LAMAR TROTTI • ScreeiPlay by Lamar Trotti-Bt^ed on thf Npvel by Paul Wellman
TiiP'!^^'
%The record to date in '48! 20th leads the industry in boxoffice
champions... more champions than any other company.
. . the only company to make the list every month!
Boxoffice ehampions cowning up!
THi LUCK OF
THE IRISH
fint tac fint-mii at rcfidar^prices!
FOREVER AMBER
TECHNfCOlOR
APARTMENT
FOR PEGGY
TKMMCOLOt
CRY OF
THE CITY
%.
September Is LUCKY MONTH at L ^^ A ...YOUTH MONTH All Over America!
CENTURY-FOX

The James Boys Were Plain Amateurs!
This One Robs His Competitor Blind
Most exhibitors are familiar with tent
revivals, that old traveling bugaboo which
plays havoc at the theatre boxoffice.
Recently when a revival pulled in at Buford,
Ga., and established business in the
city square, C. O. James, manager of the
Allen Theatre realized he had a problem
on his hands. The opposition had some
pretty good entertainment with singers
and musicians from the WSB Bam Dance.
James was worried about his own business
with "Grand Old Opry," which he
had booked as opposition to the revivaL
He began to wonder where he could dig
up enough extra business to fill the Allen.
He rejected the most obvious place, Buford,
because after counting out his average
theatre patronag:e and the revival attendance,
only the cemetery was left, the
inhabitants of which could hardly be expected
to have the admission price no
matter how anxious they might be to attend.
No doubt the notorious reputation of his
famous namesakes had something to do
with his next decision, for James made
up his mind to steal the thunder—and
business right out from under the opposition.
First he promoted a truck after promising
to pay for the gasoline. Then he
made signs for the truck announcing,
"Grand Old Opry Night at the Allen, etc."
Next he rounded up a gang of youngsters
who owned and performed with musical
instruments, loaded them on the truck
disguised as hillbillies and made wheel
Stores, Clubs Boost
'White Collar Girl'
Ed May, manager of the Lincoln Theatre,
Miami Beach, developed special interest in
"White Collar Girl," March of Time release,
by sending special letters to all members of
local women's professional clubs.
Society editors as well as the reviewers
and editors of the women's pages for the
Miami Herald, Daily News and Miami Beach
Star, used special features and art layouts to
boost the film.
Two department stores cooperated with
window displays and newspaper ads built
around wearing apparel for the "Whi:e Collar
Girl" with fuU theatre credit. Both stores
also distributed small announcement cards
in pay envelopes, and displayed 11x14 cards
in elevators and on counters.
Radio plugs were promoted over WKAT,
WGBS, WINZ, WBAY and WMBM. An advance
trailer, lobby display and marquee copy
helped to exploit the playdates.
Toy Drums to 25 Kids
To help exploit the reissue program of
"Drums" and "Four Feathers," Fred Greenway,
manager of the Palace Theatre in Hartford,
tied up with a local toy store and promoted
toy drums which were given to the
first 25 kids who showed up on opening day.
36
tracks for other parts of the southland.
Places with names like Shake Rag,
Pecker Wood, Sleepy Vale, Suwanee and
Daniel's Town may sound like something
out of an Octavus Roy Cohen novel. To
the determined Allen manager, they are
real rural communities with live potential
patrons. These were his destination.
Right where traffic was heaviest, the
entourag:e stopped while the gang entertained
in real hillbilly style. James, meanwhile,
quietly circulated among the crowds
passing out luuidbills announcing Roy
Acuf f, the Weaver Brothers and Elvira and
the Allen playdates.
The entire stunt set the theatre back
seven passes to the show for the talent, a
dollar for gas and $4 for handbills.
The night "Grand Old Opry" opened, the
citizens of Shake Rag. Pecker Wood,
Sleepy Vale, etc., literally besieged the
boxoffice at the Allen. This so provoked
the curiosity of the Buford townspeople,
that many abandoned the idea of attending
the revival show and joined the Allen
ticket line. The net result was a packed
house for James.
All of which proves once again, that a
resourceful manager even in a town of
3,000 population and against the toughest
kind of opposition can put on a "purty
good" exhibition of showmandising. Even
the operators of the revival show admit
that James came through with a "slick"
piece of ballyhoo.
(Editors of Shake Rag Advocate,
Sleepy Vale Courier-Express and Pecker
Wood Financial Journal, please copy.)
Party for Soapbox Kids
Builds Public Goodwill
Bill Porter, manager of the Avalon Theatre,
Minneapolis, has been having tough
sledding getting publicity through most of
the sununer because he has t)een on three day
advance notice of his bookings.
With the Minneapolis soapbox derby hitting
the news columns regularly, he decided to
cash in with a bit of extra publicity by entering
three contestants under theatre sponsorship
.
The Star Journal came through with
stories. Porter threw a party for all the contenders,
gave them ice cream, popKJorn, a free
show and built up goodwill with the families
which he feels is bound to reflect in future
business.
Streets With No Names
In Contest at Newark
Fred Herkowitz, publicist for Proctor's,
Newark, N. J., promoted a lobby contest which
helped to build advance interest in "The
Street With No Name." Blowups of a map of
the city with the names of several streets
ommitted were placed on display. Patrons
were asked to identify the streets and passes
and cash prizes were offered for the correct
solution. A sidewalk display depicting scenes
from the film production also served as an
effective traffic-stopper.
—650—
Good Tieup for 'Sam'
Is Described for
RKO Managers
Inspired by a manual which Harry Mandel,
national advertising and publicity director
for RKO Theatres, has developed around an
idea for "Good Sam," RKO theatre managers
are preparing to sound out local news editors
on a contest which should prove stimulating
when that film is played.
The idea briefly, is to have the paper
sponsor a contest in which readers will be
asked to baUot on their choice for the citizen
in that city who is popularly recognized as a
"Good Sam."
In Leo McCarey's production, the title role
is filled by Gary Cooper who portrays a man
going through life doing good deeds. A natural
for a newspaper tieup, such a contest
has terrific human interest value and editors
should literally "eat it up." Balloting will also
take place at the theatres with civic and
service clubs expected to lend full cooperation.
Mandel's manual includes a comprehensive
campaign easily adapted to any theatre in
any community.
The chamber of commerce would come in
on the promotion after the mayor had declared
a "Good Sam" day following announcement
of the winner, with the city and merchants
participating in a luncheon, parade,
special round of honor activities and the final
presentation of donated prizes on the theatre
stage, presumably on opening night.
Of course in return for its cooperation, the
newspaper would be properly exploited at the
theatre through a trailer and lobby display.
Daily announcements in the paper and at the
theatre on standings of the various nominees
would help sustain interest. Everyone in the
city above a certain age would be eligible to
vote by means of a ballot printed each iay in
the paper and ballots distributed to theatre
patrons.
The chamber of commerce would help
through the distribution of window cards and
other advertising accessories promoting the
contest.
Window tieups, car bumper strips, taxi
stickers, co-op newspaper ads plus strong
radio promotion would give extra stimulation
to the contest and help to exploit "Good
Sam."
Norwegian and English
For 'I Remember Mama'
Direct mail (one-cent postal cards) helped
focus extra interest on the Majestic engagement
of "I Remember Mama" at Beloit, Wis.
John Falco, manager of the Majestic had the
cards imprinted with copy in English and
Norwegian. These were sent to all residents
of the community and rural sections who are
of Norwegian extraction.
Fire Prevention Short
Gets Half-Page Co-Op
"Going to Blazes," a short featurette dealing
with fire prevention, was the subject of
a half page newspaper co-op ad promoted by
Bob Wade, manager of the Playhouse in Canandaigua,
N. Y. The ad included a photo
of local fire department members who were
guests of Wade on opening night. Six insurance
firms sponsored the advertisement.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :; Sept. 11, 1948
I
^

17
^^.".ut comingr WilJ it help or hurt?
131
If
ililUtI
^r^ we in the courts for life f
Wedilm
'i
Can exhibition live under 20/
^
CAN THEATRES CAPITALIZE ON TELEVISION?
sized asi
e title
What is th e answer to the ASCAP problem?
*, Ama
tonia
iDdeditoii]
i?nlala
ilTiC 11^'
1 CMpeij.
HOW CAN 16 MM. COMPETITION BE MET?
Can ^aAf
'^^ANSI^
What of the drive-in th eatres ?
uoiu-l
'ORTat_ ION ^^Tes BE CUT,
ajiiiilit'
Utiaralil'
MATIONAL # CONVENTION
•lid ilrll
tardiuil
ips, HI
n rreil
Theotr^nmeisofMmriea
m ^^r TED R. GAMBLE W M
•^
Drake
Hotel, Chicago—Sept. 24-25
'Ooi
Every exhibitor, regardless of affiliation—every industry
leader, from whatever branch of our business
—is cordially invited to participate in what prorhises
. . . with nationally known
to be the largest, most important gathering of theatre-men
ever held
speakers expressing their views along with yours.
FOR RESERVATIONS, WIRE OR WRITE
JOHN BALABAN, General Convention Chairman,
Chicago Theatre Bldg., Chicago 1, Illinois.

It
. thf week 1
if
Pen^Patience and
Perseverance
—distinguish the efforts of theatremen who strive for something
new or original in their newspaper advertisements. In
the smaller communities, many showmen, handicapped by the
limitations of their local composing and press rooms, have
learned by experience to make capital of whatever resources
and services are at their disposal. The illustrations which appear
on this page are the result of this technical experience plus
individual creativeness. They reflect the unusual—the attractive—the
type of theatre ad which is a little different in appearance
and more effective in catching the reader's eye.
CENTC'R MAIN ST
ONCE UPON A TINE John Sarrymore worked a show In
Boston . . . while there he received j
wire from his superiors in N. Y. I . . .
Mr. Borrymore was ordered to have
his show back in N. Y. the neit morn-
«-. .-,..._ ..»_-..M.. '"9 '>y "'"C o'clock and was told
TO MOVE HEAVEN and Earth" if necessary to bring the
move about. John wired back to his
FOLKS, WE HAD TO
"HEAVEN
& EARTH"
boss, "Heaven and earth not available
raising cain, we'll have the show there
in the morning."
raise a lot of cain to bring Spencer
Tracy in "Sky Devils/' Don Ameche
and Dana Andrews in "Wing and a
Prayer ' and "G. I. War Brides" back
yi, to the Center, so we hope you'll mov«
to see them. We know you'll enjoy the
show.
Centered in his competitor's larger ads which are
Below, a 15-year old usher at the dH illustrated, this novel type-design was pagead
for stealer for Mike Piccirillo at the Center. Hartford.
Bibb, Macon, Ga., drew this
Manager Leslie Swaebe. It's good.
lylF'^
THE WHOLE TOWN
\i, mm>i$
with ENTERTAINMENT
/
SPUI
MOVIE
VtUTHM
Below, quick booking forced Bob Hynes to develop
this clever layout for the Missouri in St. Joseph. It
was made without benefit of artist or engraver.
^^1
DOORS
OPEN 12:45
1:00— 3:81— S:l ft—7:20—:!#
HERE'S REAL LAUGH NEWS!
IT STARTS TODAY!!
Others Tell
of Strange
Sky Lights
ATLANTA. «-

t
Builds
Latest Design, Films,
Keynote of Campaign
On New Roxy Policy
Last fall when the Roxy Theatre reopened
its doors in Kansas City. Mo., it had all the
refinements and refurbishings of a new.
modern picture house. Everything about the
house had the "new look" with the exception
of product. Both in age and quality, the
caliber of the Roxy screen attractions failed
to match its pretentious appearance.
Recently, th? Roxy was launched on a newpolicy,
with early release pictures which it is
hoped will rectify the uphappy situation of
the past year.
Tom Wolf, manager of the newest and
largest independent first run theatre in Kansas
City, decided something had better be
done to inform local theatre patrons of the
new Roxy policy.
City editor Bud Lewis oi the Los Angeles
The first step of his campagin was to inform
Times receives a press release announcing the
1.400 members of the Chamber of Com-
premiere of "Urubu" at the four Music Hall
merce about the lineup of good product which Theatres in that city. The messenger boy is
was booked. This was done by personal letters
to each of the businessmen.
a ballyhoo dreamed up by publicist Auriel
Macfee of the Music Hall Theatres.
A special newspaper campaign listing the
coming attractions was devised to reach the
general public. A saturation campaign in addition
Banner 'Mickey' Front
to promoted spot annoimcements
reached radio audiences with the good tidings.
Trailers and lobby displays and a 24-
Set Up in Birmingham
shjet on the rear wall of the theatre brought
Although, as a rule, the Empire Theatre in
the announcement to the attention of other Birmingham, Ala., does not go in for special
Kansas
theatre fronts.
Citians.
Manager J. A. Jackson decided
to
A cocktail party for members of the
go all-out
press,
to exploit "Mickey." Banners
city officials and businessmen garnered extra and special displays were placed outside and
space In the newspapers which helped to promulgate
helped to get plenty of extra attention for the
news of the new picture during its current run.
policy.
Wolf tied up several downtown windows
Jackson opened his campaign by screening
with displays featuring posters and art on
"Mickey" for PTA groups, sorority officers,
.some of his coming attractions. In
clergymen,
a reasonably
short time, he had sold everyone in and radio contacts. Following the screening,
school officials and newspaper
the city on the Idea that the Roxy now provides
good entertainment as well as comfort
comments of the guests were broadcast over
the air from the theatre.
and
Radio promotion included the use of the
service.
Father Goose record on disk jockey programs
heard over WSGN and WJLD. Paid spots in
Reissue Bill, Packaged
addition, were used to advertise playdates.
Window displays with music shops, sporting
As Laff Show, Goes Big
equipment stores and local five-and-tens also
helped to exploit the picture.
James Steppello, owner-manager of the
new James Theatre in Utica, N. Y., reports
he had success with a special program booked
recently during a period when business normally
might be expected to be off.
Steppello booked an old Laurel and Hardy
feature with an Eddie Cantor film of early
vintage. He distributed several thousand heralds
playing up the "Laff" angle.
Only complaint offered by the Utica exhibitor
is lack of seating space during the threeday
run of the program.
During the summer months a Komedy
Karnival on Wednesday matinee each week
has proved moderately successful with the
small fry. Steppello books a number of comedies
and cartoons which are run in conjunction
with a serial.
Own Displays
Jack Musclow. manager of the Capitol in
Kitchner, Ont., reports that he has been getting
extra attention for coming screen attractions
by building his own displays. Musclow
uses three-sheet and six-sheet cutouts
set against specially constructed backboards
which can be used several times.
More Ways Than One
To Plant a Contest
Ever}' time Boyd Sparrow, manager
of Loew's, Indianapolis, asked the local
dailies to run a newspaper contest, the
request was answered with a loud "No."
Sparrow finally made the pages with
a contest by getting a local jeweler to
sponsor the stunt in his regular display
ad. Tieup was hooked up with "The
Time of Your Life."
The jeweler displayed a watch in his
window plus an invitation to guess the
number of parts in the timepiece. Entry
blanks were provided at the store and
tiein copy gave picture and theatre
credits. Winner received a Bulova
watch.
Two quarter-page ads in the local
Times and the News on successive days
which incorporated the theatre dates
and a large star cut. boosted the contest.
Saroyan Party Helps
Cancer Fund, Boosts
'Time of Your Life'
Several original lleups by Jack Sidney,
publicity manager for the Century Theatre,
Baltimore, were instrumental in garnering
extra publicity breaks on "Time of Your Life."
Noting that Coast Guard days was to be
observed three days before opening, Sidney
took five attractive models to one of the
coast guard ships open to public inspection.
The crew voted on its choice for "The Time
of Your Life Girl." This netted a two-column
art break in the hard-to-crack Baltimore
Morning Sun.
Sidney located a waterfront saloon similar
to one depicted in the picture. He tied up
with the owner and the Cancer society to
stage a Saroyan cocktail party at the bar
with all proceeds going to the cancer fund.
Baltimore socialites were contacted by mail
and asked to attend in behalf of charity and
having a good time. This stunt also cracked
the papers and radio newscasts.
The pinball machine addict in the film
gave Sidney an idea to spot half-sheet cards
with tiein copy in all stores and penny arcades
which have machines. Willys cars were
promoted to serve as outdoor ballyhoo with
banners reading: "For "The Time of Your
Life' Ride the new Willys and see etc."
Sidney lined up plenty of advance newspaper
and radio publicity through a screening
for reviewers and commentators. Merchant
tieups resulted in extensive window
displays nad radio plugs on sponsored programs.
Station WSID made a recording of
the Saroyan party which received a 15-
minute airing gratis. Contests were promoted
over WSID. WCAO and WBMD getting the
picture profusive plugs with full theatre
Visitors Receive Heralds
On Vancouver Tioliday'
Jack Randall, manager of the Strand In
Vancouver. B. C. tied up with hotels and
operators of local sightseeing tours to reach
out-of-town vacationists with his playdates
on "Summer Holiday."
Randall had attractive cards Imprinted
with a cut and theatre playdates and topped
with the query, "Are You Enjoying Your
•Summer Holiday'?" Arrangements were then
made to have these placed In the mail boxes
of all hotel guests. The company which
operates the tours in Vancouver granted
permission to conductors of the tours to distribute
the cards.
An attractive display was set up at the
Tourists bureau and another full window
was promoted with a firm merchandising outdoor
equipment.
Theatre in River Rouge
Tries Midweek Matinees
Midweek matinees have been adopted as a
summer experiment by Leonard Salsbery.
manager of the Rouge Theatre. River Rouge,
Mich. One feature, a western, plus comedies
and cartoons, are offered at special admission
of 25 cents. Regular admission scale is
higher. While aimed primarily at attracting
juvenile trade. Salsbery is also getting many
adult patrons who enjoy the "horse opry"
type of action pictures.
BOXOFFICE Shovirmandiser :: Sept. 11, 1948 —563— 39

Sweet Ballyhoo and
Army Tieup Exploit
Tap Roots' Date
a talented artist to paint pastel scenes from
the picture during peak hours. This drew
favorable comment and helped to spread news
of the opening via word-of-mouth comment.
The army recruiting service placed posters
on 50 boards located throughout the city with
tiein copy and credit. Whelan drug stores in
the area featured a "Tap Roots" sundae, with
coimter and window posters carrying the
playdates.
Outdoor Exploitation
Corrals Business
For 'Wildfire'
Adapting the world premiere campaign to
local level, Jerry Sager, publicity director
for the Criterion Theatre in New York, employed
all angles to exploit "Tap Roots."
For street ballyhoo, an attractive woman
was dressed in period costume and assigned
to the Times Square area distributing cards
and packages of Charm candy bearing tiein
copy and theatre dates. The woman also
distributed heralds outlining a contest asking
recipients to submit a list of five buildings
which have become identified in history as
"Tap Roots." Passes and copies of the book
were prizes.
As an advance lobby stunt, Sager engaged
Reader Attention Drawn
By Upside-Down Poster
Tom Leonard, manager of the Majestic,
Rhinelander, Wis., uses a steady flow of exploitation
to keep his attractions in the public
eye. For "Date With Judy," Leonard had
cards imprinted with an ad cut, cut a slit in
the circular and inserted a paper match in
each. Copy across the top read: "You Can't
Match, etc." Playdates appeared in bold
type across the bottom.
To promote interest in "Buck Privates
Come Home," Leonard used a headless doorman
ballyhoo with a sign reading:
Laughed My Head Off . . . "; stenciled downtown
"I
cross walks and had the billposter paste
up a house 24-sheet in upside-down position.
'Black Arrow' Cards
Are Right to the Point
Die-cut cards in the shape of an arrow
were used as directional signs to exploit "The
Black Arrow" by Jack O'Rear, manager of
the Colonial in Harrisburg, Pa. Window cards
also were imprinted with black arrows and
spotted to indicate the direction of the theatre.
Window tieups were arranged in which
large painted arrows pointed to special sales
values with theatre imprint included.
IN COOPERATION WITH THE INDUSTRY'S
COMMITTEE FOR NATIONAL YOUTH MONTH
A
BOXOFFICE Will Present
YOUTH NOITII BOIS
$25 plus an Honor Citation
To the theatreman submitting the most outstanding campaign on
Youth month. Window displays, tieups, special promotions and ideas
in all phases of Youth month, as well as general exploitation, are
eligible for the monthly BOXOFFICE Bonuses of $100.
Outdoor exploitation was the major point
of Manager Vince Paskan's campaign for
"Return of Wildfire," at the Pelican Theatre,
Klamath Palls, Ore.
Paskan had a cowboy, appropriately costumed,
carrying signs, ride about town for
five days prior to opening. A motor-scooter
with signs on both sides was another effective
ballyhoo.
Outside the theatre, a hitching post was
erected so that patrons attending on "horseback
could park their nags. The theatre
front was converted to simulate a corral
and blowups helped to carry out the idea.
Cutout letters spelling out the title were
placed across the stage apron a week in advance.
They were illuminated during intermissions
and while the trailer was being
screened.
Paskan made a recording of the trailer
sound track and used this to advertise the
program on radio spot time.
He promoted a special morning kid show
on two successive days, sponsored by local
merchants who paid for the tickets. At each
of these shows a 15-minute radio program
was broadcast from the theatre with the
children being interviewed. "Wildfire" was
plugged continuously through the broadcasts.
Recruiting Services Join
'Tap Roots' Promotion
Army and air force recruiting services in
Asbury Park, N. J., were quick to cooperate
when Manager Bud Heck of the Mayfair
approached them with a suggestion for a tiein
on "Tap Roots." Army trucks were bannered
with cards carrying copy, "Plant your
'Tap Roots' where you have a future. Join,
etc., etc. See 'Tap Roots,' etc." The officer
in charge also dispatched two soldiers with
walkie-talkies around town who delivered a
personal message and picture mention.
Address Entries:
Showmandiser Section
BOXOFFICE
9 Rockefeller Plaza
New York 20. N. Y.
24-Sheet Flash Assists
Seattle Ticture' Date
Clyde Strout, manager of the Coliseum
Theatre, Seattle, erected a 24-sheet board
over the marquee canopy to exploit the first
run showing of "Pituri" in that city. A flash
front also helped to catch the eye of motorists
and pedestrians at one of the busiest corners.
40
—654— BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Sept. 11, 1948

. . the
. . EXTRA
$750,000 Ad Campaign
To Aid 'Song Is Born'
NEW YORK — Samuel Goldwyn's new
Technicolor film, "A Song Is Born," starring
Danny Kaye, will benefit by a $750,000 local
assist newspaper campaign, backed up by
extensive local radio time buying in support
of specific engagements. The plan will cover
74 key city runs, many of which will play of
simultaneously during the national release
November 5.
The local assist campaign will start with
nationally-placed ads in Sunday supplements
breaking one in each newspaper beginning
the first week in October and, after four
Sunday insertions, the local cooperative campaign
will begin. Newspaper advertising will
be augmented by local radio support using
the special material of Benny Goodman,
Tomniy Dorsey, Louis Armstrong, Lionel
Hampton and Charlie Barnet, who star in
the film with Kaye. Five sets of open-end
interviews and 15-minute diskings of the jazz
men acting as their own disk jockeys will be
available.
The merchandise tieups which will supplement
Goldwyn's national ad schedule include:
Sigfrid Lonegren wallpaper designed
around musical motifs of "A Song Is Bom";
Onondaga Silk, which has a jacquard with
musical instruments woven into the pattern;
Signet Ties, with the five jazz men in the
neckwear patterns; Ideal Toy and Novelty
Co., which has a set of five plastic musical
instruments in a package with a photograph
of the entire "Song" cast; Karu Jewelry and
Puritan Knitting Corp., with a "Song Is
Born" polo shirt.
The Monroe Greenthal agency is handling
the national campaign.
United Nations to Show
Two-Reeler at Elysee
NEW YORK — "Searchlight on the Nations"
film to receive general release in the
U.S., win be .shown at the Elysee Theatre
for an indefinite run beginning Monday,
September 6. Later it will be released to other
New York theatres and then throughout the
country by Siritzky International Pictures
Corp. It is already being released In the
United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Australia,
Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
The two-reel film shows the dramatic role
that modern communications play in world
affairs. It will appear at the Elysee along
with "Private Life of an Actor," new Sacha
Guitry film.
Latest British Catalog
Lists 94 IBmni Films
NEW YORK—The latest film catalog Issued
by the British Information Services office
here lists 94 black and white and color
productions for 16mm. exhibition.
They cover health, politics, geography. Industry,
education, child welfare, art and literature,
agriculture, labor and international
relations.
Rental charges range from $2.50 per day
for black and white to $10 for color films.
The films also can be bought outright for
$37.50 to $200. The catalog contains names
and addresses of commercial firms handling
the pictures as well as locations of British
consular and Information Services outlets.
Let Alexanders
Work For
YOU
Films Ready for Showing
On United Nations Day
WASHINGTON—Observance of United
Nations Day October 24 will be aided by the
showing of special motion pictures before
educational groups, according to the MPAA.
Roger Albright, director of the MPAA educational
services department, says 21 subjects
are available. These films are distributed
through several sources, including Teaching
Film Custodians, non-profit affiliate of the
MPAA.
Because October 24 falls on Sunday this
year many schools and community groups
probably will want to show the films dtiring
the preceding week, Albright says.
Some of the films may be obtained through
the United Nations Information Office, 610
Fifth Ave., New York; Films of the Nation,
Inc., 55 West 45th St., or Teaching Film Custodians,
25 West 43rd St. Albright will furnish
further information at the MPAA Washington
office, 1600 Eye St., N. W.
9,000 theatres are profiting by screening Alexander short length
advertising films for their local merchants. A few seconds screen
time will bring you dollars in return . PROFITS for your
theatre.
Alexanders .
world's largest producer-distributor of short
length theatre screen advertising . . . have served more than 250,-
000 advertisers in its 29 years in business. Many leading Independents
and Chains have been screening Alexander service for
15, 20 years and longer. They like Alexander's top quality productions,
excellent color, and those EXTRA PROFITS.
We'd like to tell you how Alexander's Theatre Partner Plan will
benefit you. Write now!
Dudley N. Y. Office Moves
NEW YORK—Carl Dudley, Dudley Pictures
Corp. president. Is here from the coast to
move company offices from Madison avenue
to 18 East 50th St. Part of his trip will be
devoted to promoting "Traveltips," an associate
operation. These are color films on
travel and transportation subjects, shown in
cabinet projectors owned by the firm.
Chicago Oiiice
Wrigley Building
COLORADO SPRINGS,
COLORADO
New York Office
500 Fifth Ave.
BOXOFFICE : : September 11, 1948 41

. . Joseph
. . Texas
Fred Stein to Sell Rank
Product for Eagle Lion
NEW YORK—Fred Stein
has been named
as special Eagle Lion representative to handle
J. Arthur Rank's "Red Shoes" and other
Rank productions by William J. Heineman,
vice-president in charge of distribution. Stein
will work under the supervision of Heineman
and L. Jack Schlaifer.
Stein has had long experience both as an
exhibitor and salesman. From 1922 to 1928
he operated four Brooklyn houses and then
joined Fox Metropolitan Playhouses as assistant
to Sam Rinzler. Later he was head
booker and in 1931 he was transferred to
Milwaukee as head buyer and booker for 60
Fox houses. He founded Peerless Pictures in
1933 and operated exchanges in Milwaukee.
Minneapolis and Chicago. Later he held important
posts with Fox West Coast Theatres.
TOP-POP
POPCORN
Mammoth hi-expansion hybrid,
grown from Purdue University
seed, gives you extra popcorn
profits through extra popping volume.
Satisfaction guaranteed or
your money back.
• Strong attractive boxes
• Popcorn Seasoning
• Complete line supplies
• Popcorn machines
CHUNK-E-NUT
PRODUCTS CO., inc.
231 N. Second Street, Philadelphia 6. Fa.
2908 Smallman Street. Pittsburgh 1. Pa.
1261 E. Sixth street, Los Angeles 21, Calif.
1230 W. Morehead St., Charlotte, N. C.
* Overnight Service On All Orders
FROM THE FILES OF
f^ECIL B. DeMILLE says that home movies
by radio will in no way replace the professional
motion picture. This is because the
psychology of seeing a performance in company
with a large number of persons heightens
the emotional reactions, as well as the
undoubted superiority of a professional presentation
in the theatre . Guinan
will make her debut as a film star in a Vitaphone
all-talking picture. "Queen of the
Night Clubs."
At the signing of the treaty of Paris, outlawing
war, motion picture news agencies, for
the first time in history, were given choice
positions near the signers. Ray Hall, editor
of Pathe News, says, "This seems a high
compliment to the importance of the newsreel
as an impartial observer. Governments of
the world recognize as never before the vast
influence of newsreels as can-iers of information
to the public."
Arrangements are well under way for the
convention of Motion Picture Owners of
America to be held in Toronto, in which practically
evei-y state in the union and all parts
of the Dominion will be represented. John
Eberson, one of the best-known theatre architects
in the world, will address the convention.
George White announcrs that he will
Lionel Barrymore
produce a "talkie" . . .
says that new techniques will be necessary
for picture actors formerly on the
Eve Le Gallienne has signed with
stage . . .
MGM to
John Considine,
appear in talking pictures . . .
head of UA, says television pictui'es
are five years away . M. Schenck
brands "talking" pictures as a short-lived
novelty.
SELL YOUR
POPCORN
^/ (vxKf HOTiyiTH
TAYLOR-HUNT'MELCHER COMPANY
1908 So. Vermont Ave. • Los Angeles 7, Calif.
CLEARING HOUSE
(Continued from Inside back cover)
THEATRE SEATING
Several thousand used upholstered opera chairs
on hand. We are headquarters for the cream of
the used chair crop. We pick the lots that we
think yen will like. We furnish proper slope and
fit sections desired to your theatre. Our many
years experience in the seating husiness is your
guarantee. Write for exact photo and price. We
have parts for all makes of chairs. Also, leatherette
25x25 in. all colors, 55c ea. Good quality.
Chicago Used Chair Mart. 829 So. State St..
Chicago 5, III.
Our chair factory can make 'em new. Here's
qtiality and price. 288 Andrews fully upholstered
back, boxspring cushion, good, as it, $4.95; .^50
.\meric-m panelback, box-spring cushion, rehuiit.
$5 25. Plenty others. Oct Chair Bulletin 15.
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp.. G02 W. 52nd St..
New York 19
Parts for all chairs. Send sample for quotation.
I'Vnsiti Sfatirit; Co.. Chicago 5.
Patch-0-Seat cement. Patching cloth, solvent,
fliv Ft-risin Seating Cn., Chicago 5.
1.600 streamlined spring cushioned full uphol-
Rlered modern theatre chairs, like new. Reasonable
for immediate delivery. Jesse Cole, 25fi5 McCIellan
Ave. Phone Valley 23445. Detroit, Mich.
Chair supplies. Everything for theatre chairs.
Fensin Seating Co., Chicago 5.
Used chairs, guaranteed good. Advise quantity
wanted. Photographs mailed with quotation. Fensin
Seating Co., Chicago 5.
Theatre Chairs. 3.000. $1.50 each up. Used
full spring cushioned part upholstered hack and
part Insert panel back with spring edge and box
clialrs, spring cushions. 1.000 veneer 800 good
backs, 500 spring cushions and hinges. Write
for prices and photographs. Immediate delivery;
advise how many you need. We export chairs
anywhere. .liN^e Coli-. 2565 McCIellan Ave..
Valley 23445. Detroit. Mich.
American and Heyuoud upholstered back, spring
cushions, $3 each. All chairs guaranteed. Special
prices will be offered for lots of 500 chairs.
Convenient terms can be offered. Write, wire or
call .lack McGrath. 1946 Broadway, Albany, N. V.
Theatre chairs, projectors, screens, 16mm
1.000 extra cushions. Trade your veneer;
cushion chairs. Lone Star Film Co., Dallas.
20,000 American chairs, velour back spring
like ea., all cushion seats, new, $3 or part. Now
located in New York City. Boston, Providence,
R.I. A-1 condition guaranteed. Call, write, wire
Albany Theatre Supply Co.. 1046 Broadway.
Aubany, N. Y.
Canadian Exhibitors! Advise us now of your
future chair requirements. Our warehouses near
Canadian border have thousands of choice theatre
chairs at $3 ea. when present restrictions end.
Contact Albany Theatre Supply Co., 1046 Broadway,
Albany. N. Y.
Artificial leather. All colors, 50 in. wide,
at $1.25 yd Samples on request. Commercialeather.
116 Merrimac St., Boston, Mass.
Theatre chairs at prewar prices. Large stock,
write for photos. Bodelson Co., 10-38 Jackson
Ave., Long Island City, N. Y.
800 good veneer seats, complete. .Available immediately.
Southern Tlieatre, 3153 W. 25th St.,
Cleveland. Ohio.
SIGNS
Easy Way to Paint Signs. Use letter patterns.
Avoid sloppy work and wa.sted time. No experience
needed for expert work. Write for free samples.
John Rahn, B-1329, Central Ave., Chicago
51, III.
MORE CLASSIFIED ON
INSIDE BACK COVER
PRODUCERS and OlSIRIBUlOliS ol 'MOM AND DID' • IHS BiSI IS Vfl 10 COMf • CHASM Of SPASMS' • And in Produclion. ONE 100 MANY'
42 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
'

1
Big Parade to Climax
Youth Month Events
PHILADELPHIA— Fifty civic leaders, responding
to telegraphed invitations, met
Tuesday in Mayor Bernard Samuel's reception
room ill the city hall to discuss plans
for Youth Month, which is being celebrated
throughout the nation during September.
"Our hope in the youth movement is that
we may bring a new accent on youthful opportunity
in combating juvenile delinquency."
said Gael Sullivan, executive secretary of
the Theatre Owners Ass'n of America, sponsors
of Youth Month. Sullivan is a former
executive director of the Democratic national
committee.
"Youth must have the feeling that our
democracy exists for them," he added, "that
they belong to it. We must open new opportunities
for them."
Municipal Judge Nochem S. Winnet. chairman
of the mayor's citizens' committee for
Youth Month, said that the liabilities of
Philadelphia have been well published, but
not the assets. "Philadelphia is one year
ahead of the rest of the nation in work for
youth," he declared. It was explained that
there are nine different panels now in operation
handling special phases of juvenile delinquency
problems. These are a counterpart
of the city planning commission, so that the
moral aspects as well as the physical are
being dealt with.
Lewen Pizor, president of the United Motion
Picture Theatre Owners in this area, announced
that the climax of the local celebrations
would be a youth parade September
25, with several famous athletes scheduled
to participate. Mayors and theatre owners
and managers of surrounding communities
have been invited to attend the September
25 festivities, Pizor said.
Skouras in Kearny Deal
Gets Lease on Lincoln
KEARNY. N. J.—Skouras Theatres in partnership
with Murray Stahl has taken a 21-
year lease on the Lincoln Theatre here upon
the expiration of a Warner Bros, lease. The
new management announced that the Lincoln
would undergo major alterations soon,
including installation of air conditioning, new
seats, lounges and a new sound system.
The changes will be made when equipment
is available. The Lincoln will be operated as
a community playhouse and special matinees
for children will be continued, according to
James Mullen of New York, manager of the
Lincoln. Mullen formerly was connected with
theatres in Red Bank, Freehold and Asbury
Park.
The new operators jointly control the
Regent here and the Rivoli and Rex in
Rutherford. Berk and Krumgold, theatre
realty specialists, handled the Lincoln deal.
youth Month' Gets
Grand Sendoff
In New York at Academy of Music
NEW YORK—Youth month got off to a
good start in New York early September 7.
Nearly 4,000 children representing 87 child
welfare and educational agencies took part
in ceremonies held at 9:30 a. m. at the
Skouras Academy of Music on East 14th
street.
The youngsters marched from Cooper
Union square to the theatre. They were led
by Lois Butler, star of "Mickey," the current
feature at the home. See above photo.
An added attraction was "A Friendly
Story." a special short co-produced by the
Skouras Irheatres and the Herald Tribune
and written by Nick John Matsoukas and
Harry A. Fuchs of the Skouras advertising
%'
and publicity department.
The short will run at all Skouras and
Walter Reade houses until Sepember 14.
The children were greeted at the Academy
of Music by license commissioner John M.
Canella and Bud Colyer, who plays the role
of Superman on the radio. Also present
was Lou Little, football coach of Columbia
university.
In the photo below is shown the display
used in the lobby of the Skouras Academy
of Music to compare what the youngsters
do on the streets of New York on hot summer
days, and how they spend their time
in fresh air camps sponsored by the Herald-
Tribune Fresh Air fund.
ksk Sa\ttH *°"\0V|^ MOTiTH* -^^W 4r«ixrMV ^ MUSIC
*IR P\JND
City Investing-Lopert
Negotiationg a Deal
NEW YORK—City Investing Co., operator
of the Astor. Bijou and 'Victoria theatres plus
several Isgitimate houses, may soon be in the
foreign film distribution business.
Negotiations are now underway with Lopert
Films, Inc., distributor of foreign product,
that would give City Investing a substatial
interest in Lopert. Terms of the
deal will be announced soon.
In addition to its distribution activities,
Lopert also has a share in the operation of
the Avenue Playhouse, 55th Street Playhouse
and Fifth Avenue Playhouse in New York
with Sam Baksr. It also has an interest in
theatres in Washington and the midwest.
Among the foreign films recently released
here by Lopert were: "The Room Upstairs."
"Shos-Shine" and "Beauty and the Beast."
"Beauty and the Beast" was shown at City
Investing's Bijou Theatre on West 45th St.
This house will probably continue to be used
as an outlet for foreign films when it is reopened
this fall. It has b:en closed all summer.
Warner Club to Tee Off
NEW YORK—The first annual golf tournament
of the Warner club since the war
will be held Friday, September 17, at the
Vernon Hills Country club, Tuckahoe, N. Y.
BOXOFFICE September 11, 1948 N 43

. . . Louis
. . . Lena
Paul
. . Walter
.
. .
. .
. . . Manning
. . HeUn
. . Paul
. .
. . Kirk
. . David
. . William
BROADy\/Ay
'liriUiam F. Rodgers, MGM vice-president
and general sales manager, is due back
from the coast September 15 after two weeks
of studio conferences .
Wanger has
left New York and is back on the coast . .
J. D. Trop has flown to Hollywood for talks
on "The Double Life of Ezra Jones," first
production of his new company, J. D. Trop
Productions. The film will be shot in the
east . . . Rudy Berger, MGM southern sales
manager, has gone to Dallas from Washington
.. N. Lazarus jr.. United Artists
executive assistant to President Gradwell
L. Sears, is back from Chicago and Milwaukee
. . . Jules Lapidus, Warner Bros, eastern
and Canadian division sales manager, visited
Cleveland and Pittsburgh last week .
Deborah Kerr, MGM star, recently back from
England, leaves September 15 for the coast.
accompanied by her husband, Anthony
Hartley.
Frederick Brisson, executive producer of
Independent Artists' "The Velvet Touch."
arrived for distribution conferences . . .
Frank
Buck is at his home in San Angelo, Tex.,
after making personal apearances in St.
Louis with his film, "Bring 'Em Back Alive."
He will do another African safari film soon
Blumberg, assistant sales manager
of Prestige Pictures, and Fred Meyers,
eastern division sales manager of Universal,
are visiting Albany and Cooperstown, N. Y.
Home is here for MGM personal
apearances in
MGM eastern
John P. Byrne.
the east . . .
sales manager, is moving his
headquarters from the New York exchange
New parents
to the home office building . . .
are John Healy, assistant to George Bowser,
Fox West Coast general manager, and Mrs.
Healy, and Edward Finney, Screen Guild
producer, and Mrs. Finney. Both of the new
arrivals are daughters.
Arthar Greenblatt, Screen Guild eastern
sales manager, is expected this week from
Hollywood conferences with Robert L. Lippert,
president, and Francis A. Bateman,
general sales manager . . . Norton V. Ritchey,
Monogram International Corp. president, is
at the Atheneum Court hotel in London .
Bernard J. Gates, Monogram's Latin America
supervisor, has arrived in Sao Paulo from
Rio de Janeiro. He was accompanied by H.
Alfredo Steinberg, Monogram's Brazilian gen •
eral manager, and they were met by Juan
Bautista Carralcasaz, Sao Paulo manager.
Returning from Europe: on the Queen
Elizabeth September 7—Rita Hayworth, Jack
Buchanan, London stage and screen star, and
Mrs. Alfred Hitchcock, wife of the producer.
Sailing: on the Queen Elizabeth—Mrs. Martin
Arrouge, the former Norma Shearer, and
WINS LOEW'S CONTEST—Finale
of
Loew's city-wide batfiing beauty contest
to select "Miss New York of 1948" were
held on the stage of the Loew's 175th
Street Theatre, with the title going to
blonde, blue-eyed Irma Hansen, 19, of
Brooklyn. Jim Grady, Loew division manager,
pins the ribbon on Miss Hansen,
who was chosen through a series of bathing
beauty contests held at 30 Loew
theatres.
her children. Catherine and Irving Thalberg;
Cornel Wilde, actor, and Stephen Crane,
producer.
B. G. Kranze, Film Classics general sales
manager, has been visiting circuit theatre
heads in Albany and Gloversville, N. Y. . . .
Additional arrivals from Europe during the
week were Joseph Harris. Realart president,
tack from a month's business trip, and Anita
Colby. Paramount studio executive, from a
vacation. Miss Colby is scheduled to leave
September 13 for Hollywood . . . Lois Butler,
Eagle Lion teen-age star, has returned to the
coast after radio and Youth month appearances.
After leaving here she stopped off in
Cincinnati . Tamiris. choreographer,
returned September 6 from a summer vacation
Doris Mishler. secretary to G. E.
. . . Blackford of Warners' home office publicity
department, has become engaged to Jerome
Black.
.
William E. Osborne, Monogram's far eastern
and middle eastern representative, is
making a business visit to Singapore
Maurice Groen, director of Films of the Nations,
is expected back about September 22
from a three-month tour of European capitals
J. Post, Gibraltar vice-president,
has arrived from Beverly Hills and is stopping
at the Waldorf-Astoria . Graetz,
producer, is due this week from France for
talks with William Shelton. in charge of
Graetz's American distribution company,
about the release of "Le Diable Au Corps"
THE IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS
JOE HORNSTEIN has them
. . . Victor Volmar. Monogram International
publicity director, is leaving for two weeks
in Hollywood . Griesdorf, International
Films, Ltd., general manager, has
come from Toronto for conferences with William
J. Heineman and Max E. Youngstein
Gf Eagle Lion. From here he will go to Hollywood
. Douglas, actor, has returned
from a Bermuda vacation and will leave soon
for Hollywood . C. Gehring, 20th
Century -Fox assistant general sales manager,
and Clarence Hill, branch operations
manager, are in Los Angeles.
TOA Officials Wrapping
Up Convention Plans
NEW YORK—TOA convention plans are
just about completed.
Robert W. Coyne, special
consultant and former executive director,
and Stanley Prenosil, publicity contact here,
left for Chicago Thursday, September 9, to
wrap up the program with John Balaban,
convention chairman. They will return to
New York next week.
The convention will be held September 24.
25 at the Drake hotel, Chicago. Approximately
600 TOA members are expected to attend
this second annual session of the organization.
It will be highlighted by a talk on antitrust
legislation by Robert L. Wright, assistant
attorney general who has been prosecuting
the Paramount case, and a discussion of
television problems by Wayne Coy, chairman
tf the FCC.
Taxes, censorship, public relations, 16mm
competition, and the costs of film can shipments
also will be discussed.
First Prize to New York
In PC's Product Drive
NEW YORK—George Waldman and his
local branch has won the first prize of $1,750
in the branch managers' new product drive
conducted by B. G. Kranze. Film Classics
vice-president and general sales manager.
Other winners and their exchanges are: Second.
$1,250, D. J. Edele. St. Louis: third, $850,
Robert P. Abelson, Los Angeles: fourth, $650,
Sam Sobel, San Francisco, and, fifth, $500,
B. A. Slaughter jr., Charlotte.
A new sales drive named for Joseph Bernhard,
FC president, has gotten under way.
There will be eight prizes and the leading
division manager will receive a special award
of $500.
Gotham Holds 'Ruthless'
NEW YORK—The Gotham Tlieatre is
holding over "Ruthless," Eagle Lion film, for
a second week. It stars Zachary Scott and
was directed by Edgar G. Ulmer.
WANTED
First Run Independent House
Experienced and Able to Handle
Publicity, Personnel, etc., for
Pittsiield, Massachusetts.
Write to BOXOFnCE
Hotel Vendome, Boston, Mass.
I
14 BOXOFFICE
:: September 11, 1948

FC)
Xarmen' and 'Sorry'
Lead on Broadway
NEW YORK—Two new films,
"The Loves
of Carmen" at Loew's State, and "Sorry.
Wrong Number" at the Paramount, both with
strong name values, did near-record business
during the Labor day weekend despite the
customary f xodus of New Yorkers to vacation
spots. The films which held up well despite
the heat included "Rope." in its second week
at the Globe: "That Lady in Ermine." in its
third week at the Roxy. and "A Date With
Judy." which continued to attract out-oftowners
to the Radio City Music Hall.
"Sofia" also had a good opening week at
the Rialto but most of the others were just
average or below. "Luxury Liner" at the Capitol
was the week's lone major newcomer.
(Average Is 100)
Ambassador— Gallant Legion (Rep)
50
Astor—The Babe Ruth Story (Mono). 7th wk
Capitol—Pitiall (UA), plus stage show, 3rd wk 1
Criterion-Tap Roots (U-I), 2nd wk 1
Globe—Rope (WB), 2nd wk
J
Gotham—Ruthless (EL) 1
Loew's Slate—The Loves of Carmen (Col) 1
Mayfair—Race Street (RKO), 3rd wk
Paramount-Sorry, Wrong Number (Para), plus
Park — Quiet Weekend (Distinguished).
stage
Avenue
show
3rd wk
Radio City Music Hall—A Date With Judy (MGM),
plus stage show, 5th wk
Rictllo—Sofia (FC)
Rivoh—The Velvet Touch (RKO). 2nd wk
-That Lady in Ermine (20th -Fox), plus stage
sho 3rd
Strand—Twro Guys From Texas (WB), ph:
show. 2nd wk
Winter Garden—Larceny (U-I)
'Tap Roots' Second Run 155 Top
In Philadelphia Grosses
PHILADELPHIA — An unusual event occurred
when the Boyd pulled "Mr. Blandings"
in order to make room for a Sunday afternoon
opening of "Luxury Liner." Although
no figure was available for the weekend
showing of "Luxury Liner," long lines of
standees indicated that it got off to a fine
start over the holiday. William Goldman's
Keith packed them in again, this time with a
second run of "Tap Roots."
Aldine—Melody Time (RKO). 2nd wk 70
Arcadia—Key Largo (WB), 2nd run 120
Boyd Luxury Liner (MGM).
3 days No figure reported
Earle-Pitfall (Col), 2nd wk 80
Fox—That Lady in Ermine (20lh-Fox) 1U5
GoIdman^A Foreign Affair (Para), 3rd wk 75
Karlton Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
(U-I), 3rd wk 85
Keith—Tap Roots (U-I), 2nd run 155
Mastbaum—Two Guys From Texas (WB) 115
Pix—A Date With Judy (MGM), 2nd run 115
Stanley—Good Sam (RKO), 2nd wk 80
Stanton—Canon City (EL), 3rd wk 65
'Judy' and "Roots' Are Buffalo
Leaders; "Ermine' Flops
BUFFALO—"A Date With Judy" at the
Great Lakes and "Tap Roots" at the Lafayette
led in a good week here. "That Lady in
Ermine's" flop has started the Row wondering
about Grable's popularity.
Bulfalo—Beyond Glory (Para) IOC
Great Lakes—A Date With Judy (MGM) 110
Hippodrome—Dream Girl (Para). Return of Wildfire
(SG) 85
Lafayette-Tap Roots (U-1). Campus Sleuth
(Mono) -
110
Teck—That Lady in Ermine (20th-Fox); Fighting
Back (20th-Fox), 2nd d. t, wk.. moveover 80
20th Century—Good Sam (RKO). 2nd d. t, wk 92
"Judy' Has Big Date
In Baltimore
BALTIMORE—The weather finally cooled
off somewhat and downtown business increased.
Although the Labor day weekend
was warm, business showed improvement
over past holiday weekends. "A Date With
HONOR MOKKIS E. LEFKO—A testimonial dinner lo Morris L. Lcfko, neHly
appointed RKO district manager, brought the above KKO executives together for
handshakes. Left to right: Dave Silverman, Pittsburgh manager; Lefko: Nate Levy,
eastern division manager, and Robert Kolliard, eastern district manager.
Judy" was the leader and "One Touch of
Venus" and "Good Sam" knocked at the door
for second honors.
Century—A Date With Judy (MGM) 148
Hippodrome—The Black Arrow (Col), plus stage
show 118
Keiths—One Touch of Venus (U-I) 13P
Maylair—Four Feathers lO:'
(
Town—Good Som (RKO) 137
New—That Lady in Ermine (20th-Fox), 2nd wk... 95
Stanley—Two Guys From Texas (WB) 115
Valencia—The Paradine Case (SRO), 3rd wk 98
English-Dubbed 'Carmen'
Opens at Ambassador
NEW YORK—The English-dubbed
version
of "Carmrn." starring Vivian Romance,
which opened at the Ambassador Theatre
September 10, is the first foreign film to be
presented in this country without subtitles
and the entire dialog in Engl sh. In 1947,
RKO released a French film. "Man About
Town," in which the French sound track was
subdued while the star. Maurice Chevalier,
spoke in running commentary in English.
The French language version of the Vivian
Romance "Carmen" was presented at the
same Ambassador Theatre in 1947 and played
for several weeks. The dubbing techniquH
is the same as that formerly utilized by Hollywood
for making Spanish-dubbed Versions
of Hollywood product for the Latin-American
market.
"Carmen" is playing a double bill with another
French feature, "Lucretia Borgia,"
starring Edwige Feiullere, with English subtitles.
MGM Field Men Will Start
Training Course Sept. 16
NEW YORK—The seven MGM sales
personnel
Selected for the home office training
course, who were originally due to arrive from
the field September 13, will not congregate in
New York until September 15, ths day that
William F. Rodgers. vice-president and general
sales manager, returns from the coast.
The training course will begin September 16.
The men scheduled for the course are:
Michael J. Ford, salesman, Chicago; Louis
Formato, branch manager, Philadelphia;
Philip E. Gravitz, office manager and head
booker. New Haven; H. Russell Gaus, salesman,
Oklahoma City; Louis Marks, salesman,
Cleveland; Ansley B. Padgett, assistant branch
manager, Atlanta, and Louis J. Weber, salesman,
Dallas.
WHN Shifts to WMGM;
Opens New Quarters
NEW YORK—WHN, pioneer radio station
which first went on the air nearly 30 years
ago, will change its name to WMGM when it
inaugurates its new miUion dollar quarters at
711 Fifth Ave,, September 15. The station,
which is affiliated with MGM through common
ownership by Loew's, Inc., has operated
atop Loew's State theatre building, 1540
Broadway, for more than a quarter of a century.
When WHN first went on the air its power
was 250 watts and its broadcasting schedule
was 50 hours weekly. Today, it is a 50,000
watt station operating 139 hours each week.
WHN was origin-illy billed as "Loew's Radiophone
Station."
WMGM will occupy approximately 36.000
square feet of space on the 13th. 14th, 15th
and 16th floors of the Fifth avenue building,
which was formerly occupied by the National
Broadcasting Co. The rent for the new quarters
will be in excess of $1,000,000 for the
ten-year period of the lease. The four floors
will contain six studios specially designed for
AM and FM transmission, artists' quarters,
news rooms, library, audition, recording and
sponsor rooms and other office space.
John McNamara, New York architect, designed
the studios and the Rheinstein Construction
Co. were the builders working under
the supervision of Harry Moskowitz of
the Loew's, Inc., construction department.
Studio and master control room equipment
was custom built by the RCA engineering
products department with Paul Fuelling, chief
engineer, supervising. Frank Marx, vice-president
of ABC. was the consulting engineer.
Prank Roehrenbeck. general manager of the
station, will coordinate the switchover from
Loew's State building to 711 Fifth Ave.
Bell Given Defense Post
WASHINGTON — J. Raymond Bell, local
branch manager of the New York advertising
fnin of Donahue & Coe. has been appointed
chairman of the publicity advisory committee
for the economic mobilization course for reserve
officers, to be conducted here by the
Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
BOXOFFICE September 11. 1948 45

. . . The
. . Lou
. . Alfred
. . Late
. . Jerry
. .
Along New York's Film Row
TRYING DOLLINGER, Wilbur Snaper and
Lou Gold will report to the board of directors
of Allied Theatre Owniers of New Jersey
Tuesday, September 14, on their talks with
two distribution chiefs . . . The first report
will cover their recent meeting with Andy
Smith jr., general sales manager for 20th
Century-Fox, on the prospects of setting up
a conciliation system for New Jersey similar
to the one now in effect between 20th-Fox
and North Central Allied for Minneapolis
second report will tell of the meeting
held with William F. Rodgers, vicepresident
and general sales manager of MGM,
on percentage terms for "Easter Parade."
Members of the New Jersey unit had objected
to terms asked by MGM.
Myron Battler's New York branch is getting
ready to make a big showing in the
36th annual Paramount drive that began
September 5 and will end December 4. Pep
talks were delivered during Paramount week,
September 5-11. It is hoped that the recent
resumption of relations with Skouras Theatres
will help put the drive across locally.
News of the Will Rogers Memorial Hospital
drive: Nat Furst, Monogram branch
manager, who is coordinating the sale of
books in the New York area, reported that
25 000 books are in the hands of salesmen,
bookers, exhibitors and other industry personnel.
At $10 a book, this represents a total
value of $250,000. The sales deadline is December
1; the drawing will be held December
William Murphy, Republic branch
15 . . , manager, and drive captain for the Long
Island and upstate New York area, held a
campaign meeting September 7 in the MGM
screening room. Territory salesmen present
were: Bob Ellsworth and Howard Levy of
MGM, Meyer Solomon of Monogram, Harry
Fellerman and Phil Winnick of Universal-
International, Bob Fannon of Republic and
Dave Burkan of United Artists . . . Meetings
of the New York, Brooklyn and New
Jersey captains were held last week.
Jack Garden and Hamilton Weissman, projectionists
at the 20th-Fox exchange, were
dropped last week when the company closed
down the screening room. All trade screenings
will be at the home office . . . Meanwhile
Local 306 and the companies are negotiating
a new contract to replace the twoyear
pact that expired September 1.
Reunion on 44th street—Moe Kurtz and
Abe Blumstein of 20th-Pox ran into their old
boss Tom Connors the other day. They discussed
the weather, sunburns and the state
Gulistan Wilton Theatre Catpot
JOE HORNSTEIN has it I
^ SX CLASS DISTRffiUTION FOR
* THE ENTIRE SOUTH — thru
JdOHNl O f^ (O. E.)
ENKINS &BOURGEOIS
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HARWOOD & TACKSON 3TS.. DALLAS I, TEX.
By WALTER WALDMAN_
ATTENDING BROADWAY PREMIERE
—Independent Artists' Broadway premiere
of "The Velvet Touch" at the Rivoli
Theatre brought out such notables,
as: left to right, Harold Holt of Foote,
Cone & Belding; S. Barret McCormick,
RKO national director of advertising,
shown talking with Montague Salmon,
managing director of the Rivoli.
of each other's health .
vacation
items: Nat Harris of the Island circuit just
tack from Quebec with an interesting story
as to how he got hotel accommodations after
"all the rooms were taken" . . . Jerry Sager.
press agent for the Criterion, is also home
after a 2,300-mile trip through New York
state, Canada and New England . . . Bessie
Dove, manager of the Criterion and only
woman manager of a first run Broadway
house, will be out of town taking things
easy for the next two weeks . Frankel.
Paramount booker, will wind up the vacation
schedule for the exchange.
.
.
. . . Harry
Dick Seidlitz has resigned as a publicist
for Loew's Rachlin and Milton
Adler have been promoted to publicity apprentices
by Ernie Emerling, Loew's press
chief. They were formerly office boys
Jack Price will soon announce the names of
the new tenants for the second floor of 353
West 44th St. The space was foiTnerly occupied
by Screen Guild, Allied Center Porter
exchange and Reliance Films
Brock has renovated the Tower Theatre, the
Bronx . Goldberg, Staten Island district
manager for Fabian, back at his desk
Tony Ricci, Republic
after a long illness . . .
salesman, has closed his summer home at
Hathorn, N. Y. Tony raises white turkeys
and pheasants commercially.
Shuford Succeeds Bergman
As Head of MPAA Ad Unit
NEW YORK— Stanley Shuford, advertising
manager for Paramount, was elected chairman
of the advertising and publicity directors
committee of the MPAA at a meeting
held Thursday, September 9.
He succeeds Maurice Bergman, eastern advertising
and publicity director of Universal-
International.
Ridge Pike Drive-In
Opened by Wininers
PHILADELPHIA—Tne newest drive-in ill
this area, the Ridge Pike, was opened Friday
night at Ridge Pike above Roxboro. It is
operated by the Wintner brothers of Cleveland,
pioneers in the outdoor theatre business,
who operate both drive-ins and indoor
theatres in their home territory.
The Ridge Pike is considered to be one of
the most beautiful drive-ins in the country.
It covers an area of 40 acres and has a capacity
of 1,000 to 1,100 cars. Among its features
are continuous music until show time,
individual adjustable speakers for each car
and an observation window built into the
modern snack bar so that the patron can
watch the film while getting refreshments.
Each "first nighter" was given a package of
candy.
J. Hickey was brought from his last berth
in Rochester to be the manager.
Reade's First Drive-In
Opened in Woodbridge
WOODBRIDGE, N. J. — The long-delayed
opening of the first Walter Reade Theatres
drive-in took place here September 4. It will
remain open as long as the weather permits.
The 950-car outdoor theatre was originally
scheduled to open last June, but heavy spring
rains and several summer cloudbursts made
the 20-acre site too soggy for final construction
operations.
Due to the recent blistering heat wave, the
theatre was able to open Labor day weekend.
It was filled to capacity 15 minutes before
the start of the first show at 7:30 last Saturday
evening.
Hundreds of cars were turned away.
Patrons who were admitted received free
refreshments during the two complete shows
opening night. The feature attractions were:
"A Prince of Thieves" (U-I) and "Hit Parade"
(Rep I.
Julius Daniels, city manager for the circuit
in nearby Perth Amboy, is general supervisor
of the drive-in and Samuel Shumar is
manager.
Reade plans to build 26 other drive-ins during
the next few years.
Directs 'Great Sinner' Music
Bronislau Kaper has been set as musical
director for the Metro picture, "The Great
Sinner."
Bennie Berger Wins
His Ascap Suit
Washington — A. F. Myers, general
counsel for National Allied, received a
wire Friday (10) that Bennie Berger,
president of North Central Allied, had
won the suit brought against him by a
music publisher member of Ascap for
failure to pay a fee for performance
rights. The suit was heard in federal district
court in Minneapolis.
"While I have not seen the opinion,"
Myers said, "its obvious meaning is that
a copyright owner himself cannot sue for
public performing royalties so long as he
is a member of Ascap. This is the complete
answer to those who have gratultiously
advised exhibitors to pay Ascap."
.
46 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948

I;
. . . The
. . Carter
. . Ralph
. . Emily
. . Hope
. . . Monogram's
. . . Branch
. . Maurice
WASHINGTON
Wariety Club Notes: Tent No. 11 is looking
forward to the Ezzard Charles-Jimmy
Bivins fight on September 13 at Griffith stadium.
It looks as though this will be one of
the most important fights of the year and
the proceeds go to the Variety Club Welfare
fund . T. Barron held a meeting
in the Variety Club on August 31 to go over
planning details for the mid-year conference
and humanitarian award dinner to be held
in Washington. Attending the meeting were
Sam Galanty, Frank Boucher, Arthur Jacobson.
Sol KuUen, Lou Janof and Jack Foxe
tent held a very successful golf
tournament and dinner-dance at the Manor
Country club on September 3. Carter Barron
acted as master of ceremonies and a number
of very valuable and beautiful prizes
were awarded the lucky winners. The ladies
also came in for their share of lovely door
prizes . . . New resident member is Marshall
R. Worcester, television director for the C.
D. Ferguson, Inc. New associate members
include Al Wasserman, Al's Motors; George
N. Jacobson, Larimer's; Seymour Mintz,
Hogan and Hartson; David Silberman, Jandel
Purs; Max Wall, patent attorney; Samuel
Felker, Valley Forge Distributing Co.; Albert
Small, Godden and Small; Oscar Fetterman,
Fetterman How Co.; Moe Marcus, Wales Decorators;
Dr. Jack Alexander; Is A. Hofberg,
merchant; Albert W. Lewitt, public relations;
Dr. Herbert Diamond; Harry Merkin,
insurance; AJ Marine, New England Raw
Bar restaurant; Sol Grossberg, attorney;
Saul Greber and Joseph Zamoiski, Columbia
Wholesalers, Inc.; Samuel Cohen, Mid- Atlantic
Appliances.
.
. . . Evelyn Feinman was guest
.
Twentieth Century-Fox: Branch Manager
Glenn Norris and exploiteer Bill Michalson
left for sales convention in Los Angeles
on Friday Watts was delayed in
returning from her vacation by a death in
the family
of honor at a surprise bridal shower in the
office on Wednesday. Refreshments were
served and Miss Feinman was the recipient
Connie Mahaffey
of many beautiful gifts . . .
is the new booker's clerk LaBonde
has been transferred to the cashier's department
to replace Evelyn Feinman who takes
Connie Freedlander's job as E-50 clerk . . .
Eilleen Olivisr has returned to the office and
will work part-time until she fully recuperates
from her recent operation.
Many exhibitors from Maryland and Virginia
came in to attend the Variety Club
golf tournament, among whom w'ere Vernon
Nolle and Bill Allen from Baltimore: Tom
Pitts and Roy Richardson came from Virginia
Roy Sutherland opened his new
. . . Potomac Drive-In Theatre, located six miles
from Cumberland between Cresaptown, Md.,
and the National highway on Winchester
road, last week. Attending the opening were
N. C. Haefele, National Theatre Supply Co.,
Baltimore; E. B. Barnett, district Altec engineer;
Kenneth Baker, manager. Edgar
Growden, member Local 258, is projectionist.
Ray Bell, formerly head of publicity for the
local Loew's theatres, has returned to Washington
as manager of the office of Donahue
& Coe, Inc., New York advertising agency.
Office will be located in the National Press
Grimes, Apex Theatre, has
returned from a vacation in Nantucket, Mass.
Ed Hinchey, Warners' home office play-
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
Profits on British Films
In the U.S. Go Into Pool
NEW YORK— Earnings from British
films
distributed in this country by companies
which signed the agreement settling the 75
per cent tax dispute are to be shipped to
England, put into a common fund, and
shipped back again after deduction of certain
expenses. Presumably American companies
will take out their distribution fees before
transmitting the receipts to Great Britain.
When Eric Johnston came back from London
last March it was generally understood
that $17,000,000 of American company receipts
in Great Britain would be remittable
and that all receipts of British films in this
country would be retained here.
The control commission in London is still
working out details. None of the $17,000,000
has been remitted and none is expected before
the end of the year. And no film receipts
are being shipped from this country to
England.
Within a few weeks after details of the tax
settlement agreement were announced some
American distributors indicated that if they
bought title to films in England and distributed
them here as their own property they
thought they were entitled to all the receipts.
Some of them still think so.
The division of British film receipts here
will be the same as in Great Britain. It will
date head, paid a visit to the local exchange
branch manager Jack
Safer has returned from New York where he
spent a week visiting the home office. New
clerk at Monogram is Gloria Gearhart.
National Screen Service soon will abandon
Filmrow and move into its new headquarters
THE SIDNEYS IN EAST—George Sidney
(left), producer of MGM's "The
Three Musketeers," and his wife, Lillian
Burns, former actress, on their arrival
for a vacation in New York, are greeted
by Marvin Schenck, vice-president and
eastern studio representative. "The Three
Musketeers" is scheduled to have its world
premiere at Loew's State on Broadway
soon, continuing the long-run policy inaugurated
by "Easter Parade."
be worked out on the basis of billings, each
company getting a percentage.
James M. Mulvey, president of Samuel
Goldwyn Productions, who helped negotiate
the agreement in behalf of the SIMPP, confirms
that the American earnings will be
pooled, shipped to England, added to the
$17,000,000 remittable and divided according
to the billing formula.
Universal-International and Eagle Lion
split most of the J. Arthur Rank product
in this country. They have a pre-selection
plan for the choice of films.
When the details of payments have been
worked out the money may be remitted quarterly.
John Warren, accoimtant of the British
Control committee, says the first quarter
ran from July 14 to September 14, but nothing,
was remitted.
The American companies must furnish
audited accounts of rentals received in this
country from British films. They probably
will do this early next year.
Current releasing schedules on British
films in this country call for 33 during the
1948-49 season. Of these, 20th Century-Fox
will have five, 24 will be split between Eagle
Lion and Universal International, and the
remainder will be released by MGM, Monogram
and Columbia.
at Ninth and L streets, N.W. Part of the personnel
will move with the office and several
of the folks in the office will find positions
elsewhere.
At Universal, Ike Ehrlichman has been
promoted from the booking department to a
salesmanship with assistant shipper George
Trevett moving into the booking department
manager's secretary. Bertha
Durst, is honeymooning . Levin
replaces Milton Lindner in the National
S;re2n Service sales force.
. . . SRO's Elmer
Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Lichtman are taking a
cruise to South America
McKinley's son Stanley, who is a student at
Dartmouth, came to Washington on his vacation
Dorothy Bond is the new booker
. . . at Teddy Shull's Peerless exchange ... In
from Lovingston, Va., came E. McLellan to
This week's Filmrow
do a little booking . . .
visitors included Dan Atkin, Sam Mellits,
Jack Levine, Joe Grant. Louis Cohen. Harry
Vogelstein, Joe Walderman, Harley Davidson
and Harley jr.. Mike Leventhal, Julius Levine,
Harry Gruver. Paul McDaniels, Henry
Hiser. Frank Boucher and Ray Gingell.
"Voice of Theatre Speakers"
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
Features — Westerns
Serials — Comedies
KAY FILM EXCHANGES |
912 Third St.. N W. Washington. D. C. >
47

. . The
. . Ray
lie
:
PHILADELPHIA
n feather in the cap of a very fine guy.
Max Miller. Eagle Lion publicity director
here, has been doing such a fine job in
exploitation of EL films that the local folk
. . .
no longer refer to such and such a film as
being made by Eagle Lion. "You mean that
An
Max Miller production?" they say
out-of-the-ordinary tieup has been arranged
for "One Touch of Venus." which opened
this week at the Goldman. Venus Girdles,
made by the Venus Foundations Co.. is the
kingpin of a contest to find the gal who most
nearly has the proportions of the statue of the
Anatolian Venus, which is on display now at
Gimbel Bros. The winner, who has to meet
specifications set forth in the AA film, gets
a $100 fashion wardrobe plus a year's supply
of girdles. National winner gets a week's
trip to Hollywood.
One of our town's favorite bits of local
color is the pretzel vendor outside the Family
Theatre. The quaint old gentleman, who
is about 70. is not a very good businessman.
He is always set up with two large baskets.
When he feels a nap coming on. he curls up
in the other one and sleeps. If a customer
wakes him to make a purchase, he is very
angry, and chases the offender away. All
this much to the arnusement of Family Theatre
patrons, most of the time.
.
Another food item in the theatre business:
After the city has tried so hard to get rid of
its pigeons, it has found that scores of the
birds are hanging around theatres. Reason—
the popcorn Princess will resume
its foreign policy September 22, after a summer
of Hollywood product, with the Italianmade
"AngeUna"
.
Thompson had a
taste of small-town life in California when
he was in the navy. So now Thompson, who
is manager of the Ogontz Theatre, is moving
with his wife and children to Millville.
N. J., to manage two small theatre there.
Theatre owners are always worrying about
various stars' boxoffice appeal. Well, this
week, the stage show "For Love or Money"
opened at the Locust. Simultaneously, the
Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pa.,
opened the same show as a part of its summer
Little Theatre season. Despite the inconvenient
location, a poorer theatre, and
all the well-known tribulations of a summer
theatre, New Hope is packin' 'em in. Reason?
Ths Little Theatre production feature film
stars John Loder and Joan Caulfield.
The city's probe of thefts in its amusement
tax division was given new life by the appointment
this week of a new assistant. He
is George P. Williams II, who was chosen
for the job by Governor Duff. Since July 3,
he had been assisting in the technical preparation
of material for presentation to the
special grand jury. Williams, who makes his
home in Drexel Hill, takes over the tasks
formerly assigned to Harrington Adams, deputy
attorney general, who has been recalled to
duty in Harrisburg.
Services were held Thursday afternoon for
Mrs. Elizabeth Stiefel, who died in her summer
home in Atlantic City at the age of 74.
She is survived by her husband Michael, retired
owner of one of Philadelphia's first motion
picture theatres, a son and two daughters.
Blandings House in Albany
Nets $1,000 for Tent 9
ALBANY—About $1,000 will be netted from
admission fees to the exhibition house erected
here in connection with the showing of "Mr.
Blandings Builds His Dream House."
Aproximately 5,000 persons paid 25 cents
each to inspect the house, according to Harry
Lamont, chief barker of Variety Tent No. 9.
The John G. Myers department store
donated $500 in merchandise for a drawing
on the Strand Theatre stage following the
six-week inspection period set aside for the
house.
Schuyler Seattle, SRC area representative,
and Charles A. Smakwitz, Warner zone manager,
arranged details of the inspection.
Bingo Charges Dropped
BUFFALO—Charging violations of state
lottery laws in connection with staging of
bingo games, six indictments against 14 individuals
and a corporation have been dismissed
in county com-t on recommendation
of the district attorney's office. Two of the
true bills were reported in 1939 and 1941
against Old Vienna, Inc., operator of a downtown
motion picture theatre of the same
name. The jury disagreed in one of the cases.
Harry Hellman Dies;
Pioneer Exhibitor
ALBANY—Funeral services were held here
for Harry Hellman. pionser motion picture
exhibitor and showman, who died last Tuesday
(7i at the Albany hospital. Burial was in
Mount Hebron cemetery. Long Island.
One of the last connecting links of modern
theatre operation and early Albany nickelodeon
days was broken with the passing of
Hellman. He opened the Fairyland on South
Pearl street in 1908. Several years later, he
opened a small open air theatre one block
east of the Fairyland, a forerunner of the
modern drive-in.
Early experiments is synchi'onization of
sight and sound on film were conducted by
Hellman at the Fairyland. He employed
actors who were stationed behind the screen.
He often commented that he might have
perfected talking pictures if he had only had
more capital at his disposal.
He operated the Orpheum on Clinton avenue
several years, and later with his son Neil
built the Paramount. About 25 years ago, he
erected the Royal near the Fairyland. Later
the Palace at Ti-oy was added to his holdings.
In 1941 he built the Saratoga Drive-In.
A pooling agreement was entered into by
Hellman and his family with the Fabian interests,
covering the Saratoga and three other
houses built in 1946 and 1947.
More recently, Hellman spent winter
months at his home near Miami, Fla. He
returned to New York for an operation last
winter. One week ago he entered Albany
hospital for another operation.
He was a member of Variety Club Tent 9.
Surviving are his wife, his son, a brother,
five sisters and two granddaughters.
Dignitaries Visit Gains
Publicity for Theatre
WINCHESTER, VA.—An observant cashier
paid off in a good publicity break for Herman
Hable's Palace Theatre here.
Mr. and Mrs. George C. Marshall drove 35
miles from their home at Leesburg to see
"The Street With No Name" and Mrs. Lorraine
Donald, the cashier, recognized the secretary
of state when he purchased his tickets.
She signaled doorman Charles Keeler. who
relayed the news to Hable. When the first
showing was over quite a few people had
gathered in front of the theatre, including
newspaper representatives.
Marshall's visit made the first page of the
morning paper and was developed into a
larger story for the afternoon paper. Both
stories mentioned the Palace and the name
of the film.
POWELL IN NEW YORK-Dick Powell, durins a visit to RKOs New York exchanse
for a showing of "Station West." took time out to pose with Phil Hodes. branch
manager (left), and Len S. Gruenberg, metropolitan district manager
Half British Exhibitors
Exempted from Quota
LONDON—More than half of the British
exhibitors have obtained exemptions from
the new quota law which will go into effect
October 1, according to the board of trade.
Under the law. British exhibitors must devote
45 per cent of their top-feature playing
time and 25 per cent of their supporting feature
time to British-made pictures unless
given legal exemption.
The board points out that a large number
of independent exhibitors would not be able
to fulfill the new quota requirements.
48
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948

. . Before
. . Marshall
. . . Ray
. . . Arthur
. . The
. . Ralph
. . Moore
.
BUFFALO
A fter all-time high temperatures for August
and early September, which held business
to a minimum, boxoffices perked up here.
Product is better, too. The sultry spell, however,
proved a bonanza for area drive-ins.
W. E. J. Martin, theatre reviewer for the
Courier-Express, now lists offerings of community
houses in alphabetical order in a new
Sunday feature for theatregoers. In another
column titled Look Ahead, he lists filmfare
on its way to town. The idea has gone over.
If someone wants to see "The Fugitive," for
instance, he looks imder "T" and finds it is
playing Basils Broadway on the 8th and 9th
and at the Marlowe and Senate on the 10th
and 11th.
The regular fall competition has set in
College and professional football is under
way. Buffalo has a team in the Ail-American
football conference. The Buffalo Philharmonic
orchestra has started a new series and
the legitimate season is under way at the
Erlanger . MGM's "The Search"
went into the Teck here, it was given an invitational
showing in the 20th-Fox exchange
at 290 Franklin St.
Mayor Bernard J. Dowd and other city
administrators, representatives of businessmen's
associations and the American Legion
were called on for speeches at recent reopening
ceremonies at the Lafayette Theatre.
The program was held in the flower-decked
lobby. Theatre President Constatine J. Basil
and General Manager George H. Mackenna
were the theatre's representatives. Patrons
were invited to inspect the remodeled house,
which had been closed for the refurbishing
job since July 7.
MGM's "Going to Blazes" was given a special
preview tor members of Buffalo's fire
department before it went into the Great
About $1,500 in bills
Lakes for a w-eek . . .
of small denomination w'ere stolen from a
cash box in the rear of a parked truck in
the plant of the Tri-State Automatic Candy
Corp., 254 Franklin St., according to a report
made to police by Morris Kravitz, manager.
The thief apparently hid in the building and
left by way of a self-locking garage door.
The cash represented collections from automatic
vending machines in Buffalo area
theatres.
A small blaze which started in an electric
motor in the basement of Keith's Theatre
caused about $50 damage. The theatre was
empty at the time . G. Taylor.
former Buffalo newspaperman and once publicity
director for the Great Lakes Theatre,
died last week in Albany after an illness.
He was 59. When he retired two years ago.
he was managing editor of the Watertown
News.
As a contribution to community safety,
the Greater Buffalo Advertising club presented
to the Western New York Safety council
a 16mm sound projector and a film library
valued at more than $700. The projector was
used for the first time to show a new- safety
picture, "Miracle of Paradise 'Valley."
Buffalo girls are competing for the title of
Teen Queen in a contest being sponsored
by Shea's Great Lakes Theatre and E. W.
Edwards & Son, downtown department store
in cooperation with actresses Elizabeth Taylor
and Jane Powell, who are hunting a national
Teen Queen. Contestants must fill out
a questionnaire at either the .store or theatre.
It's all tied up with "A Date From Judy,"
MGM vehicle now at the Great Lakes.
Fifteen film comedies and cartoons comprise
the Carnival of Laughs which opened
this week at Dewey Michael's Mercury Theatre,
downtown. Families First, a film produced
by RKO Pathe for the State Youtli
commission, was previewed at the Great
Lakes for members of the permanent committee
on public decency, the police department
youth bureau, the Erie county probation
office and the Council of Social
Agencies.
In show business 55 years and now 74 years
old, Fred C. Taylor still holds forth at the
Lafayette Theatre, where he is a projectionist.
He helped organize Branch 4 mow local
2331 of the Moving' Picture Machine Operators
union. About 14 years ago a gold life
membership card was presented to him.
EL Flies Olympics Print
To Opening in Chicago
CHICAGO—"The Olympic Games of 1948,"
the J. Arthur Rank feature released in the
U.S. by Eagle Lion, opened at the Apollo
September 10, less than 48 hours after the
first Technicolor print arrived in this country
from England.
The first print, which arrived at La Guardia
Field September 8. was rushed through
the customs and screened for Eagle Lion
executives in New York. It was then put on
an American Airlines plane to Chicago where
it was screened for Chicago area Olympic
officials and the local press.
Italian Actor in 'The Night'
Rossano Brazzi, an Italian actor, has been
cast for a role in SRO's "Tender Is the
Night."
GET 20th-FOX STATUETTE—Marie
Bryant of the Fox Theatre in Philadelphia
is shown presenting "Happy-Go-
Lucky Horace," 20th Century-Fox novel
statuette, to Bill McCahan (left) and Joe
Coleman, Philadelphia Athletic pitchers.
Coleman was at his best on Labor day,
breaking his team's seven-game losing
streak. The presentation was given extensive
coverage by Philadelphia papers,
crediting the opening of the Tj-rone
Power-Anne Baxter feature, "The Luck
of the Irish." at the Fox Theatre on
Wednesday (15). Exploiteer Mike Weiss
cooperated with Publicity Manager Harry
Freeman and Managing Director Harold
Seidenberg of the Fox Theatre in the
stunt.
ALBANY
•Phe .Strand will stage a fall fur fa.shion show
In a tieup with a local furrier for the engagement
of "That Lady in Ermine" .
Herb Jennings, manager of the Madison,
spent .several days of his vacation in New
York City. He said he saw Harry Estes of
the Motion Picture A.ss'n publicity staff while
there . Evangelist, official publication
of the Albany Roman Catholic diocese, announced
that Clare Booth Luce would deliver
the opening lecture in a series it is sponsoring
at the MadLson Theatre October 15.
Other lectures will be given from the auditorium
of St. Ro.se college.
Fred Meyer, eastern division manager for
Universal-International, Dave Miller, district
manager, and Louis Blumenthal. sales manager
for Piestige Pictures, visited with Manager
Gene Vogel, Warner Zone Manager
Charles A. Smakwitz and Max Friedman,
buyer-booker for Warners upstate.
Forest D. "Dinty" Moore, eastern district
manager for Warners, and Ray Smith, local
manager, called at the Schine circuit headquarters
in Gloversville to talk with J. Myer
and Louis W. Schine . reported
while here that business was generally better
all over the country.
The Strand attracted substantial weekend
business with "Two Guys From Texas."
Sunday matinee trade was surpri-singly good,
as was Labor day business.
Summer situations which closed Labor day
included Kellett's Strand, Woodburne;
Strand. Loch Sheldrake: Max Cohen's Academy,
Liberty, and Kallett's Rex. Bolton Landing.
The first three are in the Catskills and
the last on Lake George in the Adirondacks
Smith, general chairman of the
Albany area Will Rogers Memorial hospital
campaign, said that the sale of tickets for a
giant giveaway "is progressing steadily." The
drive will be climaxed by a dance at the Ten
Eyck hotel the first week in November. A
goal of $10,000 is sought for this territory.
The new lessee of the Regent. Cohoes. reportedly
is planning a relighting of the house.
He has installed new sound at the Regent
and is preparing also to reopen the Family
at Watervliet ... "A Date With Judy" played
to strong weekend business at Schine theatres
in Amsterdam and Watertown. It
opened at Fabian's Palace here September 8.
Herman L. Ripps. eastern division manager's
assistant for MGM. visited the New
Filmrow reports said a
York offices . . .
small fire occurred at Hellman's Palace.
Troy . Ripps. MGM salesman, and
his wife were among spectators at the Albany-
Hartford Labor day doubleheader. played before
9.014 patrons, the season's largest crowd
Newman. Republic manager, attended
the final series with Utica. The
Albany ball club has been considered strong
opposition to local theatres at night and on
Sunday.
NEWMIRROPHONIC SOUND
JOE
HORNSTEIN, Inc.
630 Ninth At*., N»w Y*rk air
BOXOFFICE :; September 11. 1948 49

Philippines Leading
16mm Film Market
NEW YORK—The Philippines has developed
into the greatest 16mm market in the
world, according to Bert W. Palmertz, RKO
manager there. The country has 240 theatres
showing 16mm films, not including
homes, and 350 theatres showing 35mm films.
The 16mm industry there, which was pioneered
by RKO and MGM, has increased until
Columbia, Paramount. 20th Century-Fox,
Universal-International and Warner Bros.
are now also in the 16mm business in the
Philippines. All of this product is shown in
English, without subtitles, as most audiences
understand the language, Palmertz said. Between
30 and 40 local films in Tagalog (native)
dialect are produced in the Philippines
yearly, but less than half a dozen French,
Italian or Spanish pictures have been shown
there in the past few years.
While the theatres in Manila and one or
two other cities are modern, the majority of
the lermn houses are little more than cockpits,
with bamboo seats and roofs. These are
not direct competition for the 35mm houses.
Palmertz said. Of the 18,000,000 people in the
Philippines, at least half go to the films.
Business, which is off 35 per cent in 1948
from what it was in 1946, is still far ahead
of the pre war years, according to Palmertz.
While the people like the lavish Technicolor
musicals, they really prefer action pictures
with shooting or fighting. "Back to Bataan,"
the RKO picture about the Philippines, is still
the biggest grosser there. "A Thousand and
One Nights" (Coli, "The Black Swan" 20th-
Fox) and "Spanish Main" iRKOi were the
next most popular films.
Palmertz, who Is Swedish, recently made
his first visit to his native land in 22 years.
He is on his first visit to the United States.
He was scheduled to leave for the west coast
Sunday (12 1 and will fly back to the Philippines
early next week.
NBC Television Newsreel
To Move to RKO-Pathe
NEW YORK—The NBC television
newsreel
department will move into new headquarters
in the RKO-Pathe Studios at 106th St. &
Fifth Avenue about October 1, according to
Sidney N. Strotz, administrative vice-president
in charge of television. This move from
the present quarters at 630 Ninth Avenue has
been timed to coincide with the completion
of the reel's reorganization by Jerry Fairbanks
Productions, according to Strotz.
The entire job of editing, processing and
storing of the fOms will be performed in the
new studios, which were leased from RKO-
Pathe last May. The newsreel will be integrated
within NBC's news operations and
will continue to be supervised by WiUiam
Brooks, vice-president in charge of news and
international relations. Fairbanks cameramen
will continue to shoot the reel, as they
have done since August 1947. NBC now produces
and broadcasts three newsreels weekly
in addition to a weekly ten-minute review of
the news.
Barrymore as Sea Captain
Twentieth-Fox has borrowed! Lionel Barrymore
from Metro for the role of a sea
captain in "Down to the Sea in Ships."
Advertises for Pickets
And Makes Headlines
New York—Two Harvard boys picketed
the Gotham Theatre at the opening of
"Ruthless" and broke into the papers. It
was a gag—probably the first time that
a theatre had advertised for pickets. Fifty
replies were received in response to the
want ad in the New York Times and
Max E. Youngstein of Eagle Lion hired
them.
Their signs read: "Eagle Lion Films
'Ruthless' to Harvard Undergraduates."
The pickets explained to reporters that
Zachary Scott's role as a tycoon ruining
his associates was bad for their institution
of learning and culture.
UOPWA Votes Against
Taft-Hartley Affidavits
NEW YORK—A nationwide
referendum
by the United Office and Professional Workers
of America, CIO, parent union of the
Screen Publicists Guild and the Screen Office
and Professional Employes Guild, has rejected
the non-Communist affidavits called
for under the Taft-Hartley act. The membership
voted 36,297 in favor of continuing
the union's policy of not signing the affidavits
and 6,055 against, according to the UOPWA
administrative committee.
Refusal to sign the affidavits means that
the union will not be able to take advantage
of National Labor Relations Board services
in jitfisdictional disputes. SPG and SPOEG
members also recently voted not to sign the
non-Communist affidavits.
King of Egypt Receives
Griffis in Splendor
CAIRO—Stanton Griffis presented his credentials
to King Farouk of Egypt as U.S. am.-
bassador in a setting that would do credit to
Cecil B. DeMille.
Griffis, who is also a member of the Paramount
board of directors, and 20 of his embassy
aides made the trip to the king's
palace in eight royal Cadillac limousines
painted crimson. The entourage passed
through crowd-lined streets.
At the palace morning coats, striped pants,
gaudy uniforms were the costumes worn by
the local officials and U.S. diplomats. Griffis
and his aides bowed tliree times and shook
hands with the king when the letters of credentials
were presented.
Loev7 Executive to Study
Film Conditions Abroad
NEW YORK—Samuel N. Burger, Loew's
International sales manager, will leave September
10 for a tour of 22 countries on three
continents that will take about four months.
After a first stop at Tokyo he will visit all
MGM offices in the Far East. Edward O'Connor,
far eastern regional director, will accompany
him as far as India. At Istanbul
Burger will be jomed by David Lewis, regional
director of continental Europe, north Africa
and the middle east, for a tour of those areas.
Burger will return here about Christmas time.
To Screenplay 'Roseanna McCoy'
Samuel Goldywn has signed Paul Green to
work on the screenplay of "Roseanna McCoy"
for RKO.
Company Heads Sell
23,200 Film Shares
WASHINGTON—Sales of film stock by
top executives in four companies for the
month prior to August 10 totaled 23,200 shares,
with the sellers retaining 474,087 shares and
warrants for 12.500 shares, according to a
report by the SEC.
Maj. Albert Warner sold 6,500 shares of
Warner Bros. $5 par common, retaining 434,-
500 in his own name and 21,000 in a trust.
Daniel Sheaffer sold 7,500 shares of Universal
common, retaining 5,307. and Preston Davie
200 shares of the same stock, retaining 5,209.
N. Peter Rathvon sold 5,000 shares of RKO
dollar common, retaining 1,500. W. Ray
Johnston and Norton V. Ritchie each sold
2,000 shares of Monogram dollar common,
the former retaining 2,617 shares and warrants
for 12,500 and the latter retaining
3,954 shares.
The SEC said additionally that Loew's, Inc.,
has acquired another 75 shares of Loew's Boston
Theatres $25 par common, bringing its
holdings to 123,179 shares.
The stock holdings of Jay Emanuel, Lee
Shubert, Jacob Starr and Lee and J. J. Shubert
of Trans-Lux dollar common at the time
they became Trans-Lux officials in June,
according to the SEC, were respectively 6,000,
3,500 2,000 and 3,000 shares. Harry Brandt
held 88,665 shares in his own name and
17,100 in other accounts.
Settle Argentine Union
Dispute by Telephone
NEW YORK—Radio telephone conversations
between film executives here and Argentine
film men representing American firms
averted a paralyzing strike of 1,000 employes
on Wednesday. Start of a strike had
been set for Thursday.
While foreign managers of member companies
of the MPAA were in an emergency
session with John G. McCarthy, associate
managing director of the international division
of the MPAA, a similar meeting was
held in Buenos Aires. How to meet the situation
created by demands of the Argentine
ti'm union was discussed at length. Under
the terms of the settlement Argentine film
workers v/ill receive a 28 per cent maximum
increase while the film companies retain
their managerial rights.
Six Warner Features Set
For Release in England
NEW YORK—Warner Bros, will release six
features in England during the balance of
the calendar year. They are: "Silver River."
co-starring Errol Flynn and Ann Sheridan;
"The Unsuspected," a re-release starring Joan
Caulfield and Claude Rains; "Life With
Father," starring Irene Dunne and William
Powell; "The Voice of the Turtle," starring
Ronald Reagan and Eleanor Parker; "My
Wild Irish Rose," starring Dennis Morgan,
and Alfred Hitchcock's "Rope," starring
James Stewart.
Draws Buffalo Patrons
BUFFALO— By placing ads in Buffalo
newspapers and booking big name bands and
other celebrities for stage shows, Batavla"s
Mancuso Theatre, some 35 miles from the
city, is making a considerable draw from
here these days.
fee.
50 BOXOFFICE
:: September 11, 1948

hy
I
NEWS AND VIEWS THE PRODUCTION CEINTER
(Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear, Western Manager j
CSU Charges Xockoul'
In Insurance Suit
HOLLYWOOD—Some 2,000 film technicians,
claiming an estimated $800,000 in unemployment
insm-ance, are key figures in a
hearing before the state employment appeals
board in Sacramento involving the 1946 studio
strike. Attorneys representing the carpenters
Local 946 of the striking Conference of
Studio Unions filed charges that producers
had "locked out" members of that union,
making them eligible for unemployment insurance
payments.
The filmmakers, it was alleged, "conspired"
with the lATSE and thus were branded "lawbreaking
industrial outlaws." Producers' legal
representatives reiterated their stand, however,
that the CSU-IATSE argument "is
clearly a case of a trade dispute ... as to
who should do work on the stages." The
filmmakers claimed they merely followed an
arbitration decision handed down by a threeman
AFL executive committee, which awarded
certain stage work to the lATSE.
John W. Boyle and Charles Rosher have
been named a committee of two by the American
Society of Cinematographers to participate
in the industry-wide public relations
campaign. They will cooperate with Grant
Leenhouts and Wells Root, respective producer
and writer of the projected short subject
in which directors of photography will
be featured.
Preliminary negotiations on which a new
contract between the American Federation
of Musicians and independent producers will
be based got under way as the old AFM
agreement just expired. The new deal when
settled will be retroactive to September 1.
Representing the AFM in the meetings are
C. L. Bagley, Herman Kenin and J. W. Gillette,
while the independent producers are
represente 1
I. E. Chadwick of the Independent
Motion Picture Producers Ass'n, and
Don Blair, Bonar Dyer, Bob Sterling, Ted
Nasser, Ted Cain and Anthony O'Rourke
of the Society of Independent Motion Picture
Producers.
Eastern Air Line Films
HOLLYWOOD—Filming of a color training
picture designed for showings to pilots and
airline employes has been scheduled by Jerry
Fairbanks Pi'oductions. In addition to more
than 20 television spot announcements, the
picture will be the third in recent months to
be turned out by Fairbanks for Eastern Air
Lines.
Ed Rickenbacker Debuts
In 'Air Power' Premiere
HOLLYWOOD— Film indu.stry representatives,
aviation executives and military and
state officials were guests of Capt. Eddie
Rickenbacker, president of Eastern Air Lines,
at a world premiere showing of "Air Power
Is Peace Power," semidocumentary produced
for his aviation company by Jerry Fairbanks
Productions. Rickenbacker makes his screen
bow in the film, portraying himself and
calling for powerful American air forces and
strong commercial air lines capable of forming
a coordinated striking force to repeal
aggressor nations.
The picture will not be shown to the public
through regular exhibition channels but is
being made available without charge to civic
groups, military and veteran organizations,
business and fraternal clubs and schools.
Honor Goldwyn, Selznick
For Work on Charities
HOLLYWOOD—To David O. Selznick's collection
of kudos was added a gold medal presented
by Pi-esident Aleman of Mexico as a
"testimony of gratitude" for Selznick's contributions
to Mexico's national fund in its
fight against tuberculosis. Selznick donated
the proceeds of the Mexico City premiere of
"The Paradine Case" to the campaign.
Samuel Goldwyn, who as president of the
United Jewish Welfare fund of Los Angeles
just concluded a $10,000,000 fund-raising
drive, has been named chairman of the west
coast division of the Urban league, organized
to find jobs and. in general, to better the lot
of the American Negro. It is Goldwyn's second
consecutive year in the post.
Big Construction Job
Starts at U-I Studios
HOLLYWOOD—Taking advantage of a
lengthy production layoff, Universal-International
is completing extensive construction
work imder the supervision of L. J. Ward, the
studio's chief engineer. More than five miles
of studio streets are being excavated to lay
separate pipes for a high-pressure fire system
and a domestic water supply. New fire
hydrants also are being installed. Another
project involves the filling of a four-acre
area washed out in the 1938 flood. This land
will be utilized as a 600-car parking lot and
additional storage space.
Curtiz Slates Romantic Comedy
HOLLYWOOD — Added to the Michael
Curtiz Productions slate for Warner release
was "Scandalous Behavior," romantic comedy
which will be produced by Jerry Wald and
directed by Curtiz.
Charity Nets $175,000
At Benefit Premiere
HOLLYWOOD—More than $175,000, earmarked
for St. John's hospital in Santa
Monica, was raised when several million dollars'
worth of Hollywood talent appeared as
guest stars at a benefit premiere of the
Ringland Bros.-Barnum & Bailey circus. With
John Farrow, Paramount megaphonist, in
the directors' chair the gala show featured
virtually every top Thespic name, including:
Burt Lancaster
Bob Hope
Harry James
Dennis Day
Jeanette MacDonald
Nelson Eddy
Bing Crosby
frank Sinatra
Gene Kelly
Gregory Peck
Mickey Rooney
Van Johnson
Marx brothers
Boris Karloff
Jack Norton
Gary Cooper
Buster Keaton
Elizabeth " Taylor
Miranda
Danny Kaye
Walter Pidgeon
Maureen O'Sullivan
Celeste Holm
Committee in
Lex Barker
Esther WilUams
Ann Miller
Robert Cummings
Claudelte Colbert
Barbara Stanwyck
Virginia Mayo
Lucille Ball
Ray Milland
Gene Raymond
Michael O'Shea
Robert Stack
Irene Dunne
Loretta Young
Dorothy Lamour
Ruth Hussey
Valli
Jenniter Jones
Cathy O'Donnell
Alan Ladd
Barry Fitzgerald
Peter Lawford
Lee Bowman
Rosalind Russell
charge of the event included
Charles P. Skouras, Dick Dickson, John Beck,
David Butler, Leo McCarey, Jerry Wald, Herbert
Coleman and Ernie Byfield jr.
Enterprise Will Fight
To Use 'Racket' Title
HOLLYWOOD—Despite the Motion Picture
Ass'n of America's oft-reiterated allergy to
film titles of such nature. Enterprise has
squared off for a fight to the finish on behalf
of the tag for its upcoming John Garfield
starrer, "The Numbers Racket."
Joseph I. Breen's department in the John-
.ston office banned that handle for the R. B.
Roberts production — because it contains a
verboten word "racket."
The studio contends, however, that use of
that word in connection with playing of numbers
is justified, and has so maintained in
written appeals to editorial writers all over
the U.S.
Screen Guild Negotiates
For Own Studio Space
HOLLYWOOD—Increased production activities
have caused Screen Guild Productions
to bsgin negotiations for the acquisition of
its own studio space. A picture-making program
calling for five films every two months
necessitates studio space in order to avoid
production delays, it was disclosed by Robert
L. Lippert, SG president.
BOXOFFICE September 11, 1948 ^l

: September
Cleifers
STUDIO PERSONNEUTIES
Columbia
Four composers assigned to current productions
included GEORGE ANTHEIL, "Knock °n Any DooQ
GEORGE DUNING, "The Lovers"; ALEXANDER
LASZLO, "Song of India," and ARTHUR MORTON,
"The Walking Hills."
Enterprise
Composer DAVID RAKSIN has begun the recording
of his original score for the John
^--'--i-i
starrer, "The
Metro
musical director
RKO
DON RAYE and GENE DePAUL were commissioned
to write the title song for Samuel Goldwyn's
"Enchantment."
20th-Fox
DR. EDWARD KILENYI will compose and conduct
the musical score of Edward L. Alpersons "Belle
Starr's Daughter."
Loonouts
Paramount
From Universal-International comes DAN DURYEA
to portray the top spot in Pine-Thomas' "The Man
Who Stole a Dream."
Republic
DAN DURYEA was borrowed from Universal-International
to star with Lizabeth Scott and Don DeFore
in the Hunt Stromberg production of "Too Late for
Meggers
Columbia
EDWARD BERNDS was assigned to
"Blondie's Big Deal," which Ted Richmond producing.
The megging assignment on S. Sylvan Simon's
production of "Bonanza" was handed GEORGE
MARSHAa.
Independent
The third picture on Fortune Films' program,
"Zamba," a jungle bcfckground production, will be
directed by NATE WATT. Bert Stearn, Maurice Conn
and Harry Handel head Fortune Films.
20th-Fox
Set to direct "Come to the Stable," an original
story by Clare Booth Luce, was HENRY KOSTER.
Sam Engel is producing and Loretta Young and
Celeste Holm have been signed for top roles.
Universal-International
MICHEL KRAIKE was assigned to produce "Sierra,"
Technicolor top-budget production which will be
filmed in the High Sierras.
Options
Columbia
JEROME COURTLAND was handed the male lead
in "Make Believe Ballroom," which Joseph Santley
directs for Producer Ted Richmond.
The femme lead opposite Johnny WeissrauUer in
"Jungle Jim's Adventure" goes to ELENA VERDUGO.
GLORIA HENRY was assigned the femme lead in
Wallace MacDonald's production, "Air Hostess."
PEDRO ARMENDARIZ will portray a top character
role in the John Garfield-Jennifer Jones starrer,
"Rough Sketch." WALLY CASSELL and DAVID
BOND have also been added to the cast.
Eagle Lion
JIM BANNON was inked by Producer Jerry Thomas
of Equity Pictures for the title role in "Red Ryder,"
based on Steve Slesinger's comic strip character,
Producer-Director Arthur Dreifuss cast PEGGY
RYAN in the top starring role of "Enchanted Hill,"
based on a short story by Arthur Hoerl and
Dreifuss.
Enterprise
Portraying a psychiatrist in a
"Caught" will be ART SMITH.
key sequence of
Film Classics
WILLIAM LUNDIGAN and VIRGINIA BRUCE drew
the starring roles in Sigmund Neufeld Pictures' "File
649, Stcfte Department." which Peter Stewart will
direct.
Metro
FRANIC FERGUSON, GEORGE BOYCE and JOHNNY
ALBRIGHT were added to "The Borkleys of Broadway"
company which features Fred Astaire and
Ginger Rogers.
The top spots in "The Story of Monty Stratton,"
Jack Cummings' production, were set for JAMES
v/AHT and JUNE ALLYSON. Sam Wood will
direct.
FRANK MORGAN, CLINTON SUNDBERG and WILL
WRIGHT joined the cast of "Big Horpe."
Monogram
GALE STORM was set for a starring role opposite
Rod Cameron in "Stampede." The assignment will
necessitate her withdrawing from Windsor Productions'
"When a Man's a Man," due to conflicting
schedules.
Paramount
P\UL STADER, GORDON ARNOLD, ERICA STRONG
and SALLY RAWLINSON were added to the cast
of "A Mask for Lucretia."
RKO
Fourteen-year-old JOAN EVANS was selected to
portray the top femme spot opposite Farley Granger
in Samuel Goldwyn's "Roseanna McCoy."
Republic
BUSTER 'WEST was signed for a specialty dance
number in "The Missourians,"
Screen Guild
ROBERT LOWERY and MARJA DEANE joined the
"Shep Comes Home" company which is under
Ford Beebe's direction.
United Artists
CLYDE BEATTY and his wild animals were signed
by Producer Edward Nassour for the Abbott and
Costello starrer, "Africa Screams."
A veteran of the Foreign Legion, PETER ORTIZ,
was signed by Samuel Bischoif for a supporting
role in "Outpost in Morocco."
Warners
JOAN BLONDELL checked in for the
feminine role opposite Danny Kaye in
leading
"Happy
Times." NESTOR PAIVA was set for a character
role. EDDIE ACUFF, ART DUPOIS and LESTER
SHARPE were signed for roles.
DAVID COTA was cast in a featured role in
"Montana," Technicolor adventure drama starring
Errol Flynn and Alexis Smith.
RALPH LITTLEFIELD was added to the cast of
"Two Guys and a Gal," the Dennis Morgan, Jack
Carson and Doris Day topliner.
A character role in "Somewhere in the City" was
set for IDA MOORE. Handed a featured spot was
PHILO McCULLOUGH.
Scripters
RKO
PAUL GREEN was signed by Samuel Goldwyn
work on the screenplay of the forthcoming production
to
about the Halfield-McCoy mountain feuds,
"Roseanna McCoy." Irving Reis will direct with
Farley Granger and Joan Evans toplined.
Universal-Intemational
CLARENCE GREEN and RUSSELL ROUSE were
pacted by Producer Robert Arthur to develop the
screenplay for "Abbott and Costello and the Invisible
Man."
Story Buys
Eagle Lion
"WYOMING MAIL," semidocumentary based on the
founding ot the U.S. secret service, was purchased
from Author Robert Andrews and placed on Aubrey
Schenck's production slate.
Metro
Marshall Nielan jr., a cutter in the editing department,
sold his original untitled yarn about an
amateur photographer to the studio.
Paramount
Wgllis purchased Producer Hal
'
'The File on
Thelma Jordon," a dramatic original by Marty
Holland, and slated the picture as a Barbara
Stanwyck starrer. Ketti Frings will prepare the
screenplay.
Republic
"Renegades of Sonora," on original screenplay
bv M. Coates Webster, was set as the next Allan
"Rocky" Lane western on Gordon Kay's production
schedule.
Universal-International
"Highway Patrol," an original story by Maiden
Grange Bishop, was purchased for Jerry Bresler's
Droduclion slate. Bishop will collaborate with D.
D, Beauchamp on the screenplay.
Technically
Metro
JAY MARCHANT was set as unit manager
"The Secret Garden." The art directorship was
assigned to URIE McCLEARY.
The art directorship on "The Gamblers" goes
to HANS PETERS.
JOSEPH RUTTENBERG was assigned as cameraman
and SERGEI PETSCHNIKOFF as unit manager
for "Great Sinner."
Art director for "Big Harpe" will be RANDELL
DUELL.
Paramount
Production posts on Pine-Thomas' "El Paso" were
assigned to L. B. 'DOC" MERMAN, production
manager; ELLIS CARTER, cameraman, and HOW-
ARD PINE, assistant director.
ARTHUR ROSSON is the second unit director on
Cecil B. DeMiUe's "Samson and Delilah,'
Staff assignments on "A Mask for Lucretia" went
to MARY GRANT, designer; GEORGE HARRINGTON,
wardrobe; AL MANN, assistant director, and HILDA
GRENIER, technical consultant.
Republic
PEGGY GRAY, head of the studio's hairdressing
department, has had her option lifted for another
20th-Fox
JOSEPH 'WRIGHT has been set as art director for
Sam Engle's production of "Come to the Stable."
Warners
Art Director TEL SMITH was assigned to "Colorado
Story."
FOLMAR BLANGSTED drew the fikn editor assignment
on "Flamingo Road."
Title Changes
Columbia
will be released "Loser Take All" as LEATHER
GLOVES.
"Superstition Mountain" is now called BONANZA.
Eagle Lion
Equity Pictures will release "Parole" under the
title of PAROLE, INC.
Monogram
TROUBLE MAKERS is the release tag on the
Bowery Boys picture filmed as "High Tension."
RKO
The title of the Tim Holt western filmed as "Outlaw
Valley" was switched to RUSTLERS.
United Artists
ABBOTT AND COSTELLO IN AFRICA is the new
,
tag for "Africa Screams."
Premieres Scheduled
For 'Moonrise/ 'Mile'
HOLLYWOOD—'World premiere of Republic's
"Moonrise" was staged September 9 at
the Downtown and Hollywood Paramount
theatres. The Charles K. Feldman Oroup-
IVIarshall Grant production toplines Dane
Clark, Ethel, Barrymore and Gail Russell.
Due for world premiere treatment at the
Orpheum in San Francisco September 16 is
"Walk a Crooked Mile," produced by Edward
Small for Columbia release. Louis Hayward,
Dennis O'Keefe and Art Baker, who appear
therein, will make personal appearances at
the Orpheum opening, which will be followed
by mass day-date openings in more than 100
spots in the Bay area.
William Laughlin Is Dead;
Former 'Our Gang' Actor
LOS ANGELES — Funeral services were
held here recently for 16-year-old 'William
Laughlin, former actor in "Our Gang Comedies."
Services were conducted at the Pierce
Bros. Alhambra mortuary and interment was
at Rosedale Memorial park. Laughlin was
born in San Gabriel and lived with his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Robert 'V. Laughlin, at
Puente.
SPEARHEADS
Appears on Page 22
52
BOXOFFICE
:
11, 1948
[§

i
'I
Studio Employmeni
Lowest Since 1940
HOLLYWOOD—Studio employment during
July dropped to its lowest ebb since 1940,
according to the California labor statistics
bulletin. Index for tlie month slumped to
77.2, a sharp drop from the 86.4 recorded In
June and well under the rating for July,
1947, of 102.6. Weekly average wage for July
was $97.85, compared to $98.24 for June.
Resumption of negotiations for a new contract
was slated to get under way the latter
part of the week between major producers
and the Screen Publicists Guild. The huddles
were recessed soms weeks ago when Charles
Boren, labor liaison executive for the filmmakers,
headed east to sit in on contract
negotiations with the American Federation
of Musicians.
Members of the Screen Writers Guild will
attend a general meeting September 13 at
the Beverly Hills hotel to discuss propcsed
amendments to the organization's constitution
and bylaws, including one proposal to
eliminate the use of proxies in voting.
Two Theatres in Denver
Open After Remodeling
DENVER—Two remodeled neighborhood
theatres, the Civic and New Coronet, owned
by the Civic Theatres circuit, reopened recently
after reconditioning jobs which included
installations of new projection equipment.
Civic Theatres, owned and operated by
A. P. Archer and Joe H. Dodder, improved
the cooling system at the Oriental and redecorated
the interior. At the New Coronet
other improvements included a new screen
and remodeling work.
Over 300 Attend Outing
Of Denver Screen Club
DENVER—More than 300 attended the annual
picnic and golf tournament of the Rocky
Mountain Screen club at Park Hill Country
club. Claude Newell and Walt Ibold finished
first and second in the golf tournament.
The exhibitor-distributor ball game was a
The distributor women beat the exhibitor
tie.
women in their annual ball game 13-3. Fred
Zekman and Tom Robinson won at horseshoes.
The dining room was overcrowded,
and many tables had to be set elsewhere.
Fred Brown won the Chrysler.
Leon Goldberg Replaces
Rathvon on AMPP Board
HOLLYWOOD—Leon Goldberg, RKO studio
manager, has been appointed to the board
of directors of the Ass'n of Motion Picture
Producers. He replaces N. Peter Rathvon.
former RKO president, as that company's
representative on the board.
New Sound at Paris Novelty
PARIS, IDA.—A new Motiograph sound
system has been installed at the Novelty Theatre
here, according to Mrs. M. G. Price
manager of the house.
West: Herbert J. Yates, president of Republic,
and his executive aide William Saal
trained in from New York after a ten-week
tour of England, Ireland, Scotland, Belgium,
Italy and France. They conferred with producers
and exhibitors in each of the countries
visited.
East: Arthur Greenblatt, eastern sales chief
for Screen Guild, planed for Manhattan after
attending west coast sales meetings and home
office conferences.
West: Due in over the weekend for studio
huddles was Spyros Skouras, president of
20th Century-Fox, who was slated to confer
with Darryl F. Zanuck anent the company's
fall production agenda.
East: Frederick Brisson, president of Independent
Artists, headed for Chicago to attend
the opening of lA's "The Velvet Touch," being
released by RKO, thence to New York
for parleys with Robert Mochrie, eastern
RKO executive.
East: Nate J. Blumberg, president of Universal-International,
checked out for Manhattan
for home office huddles. He is due
back here early in October.
West: Producer Ralph Cohn checked in
from Manhattan to begin casting "Kingsblood
Royal," film version of the Sinclair Lewis
novel, which he will produce in New York
for Pioneer Pictures.
West: Gradwell Sears, United Artists president,
arrived from Gotham for huddles with
UA west coast executives and talks with
Howard Hughes concerning the transfer of
three Hughes pictures from UA to RKO
Radio.
East: Henry Ginsberg, Paramount production
chief, planed to New York for home
office conferences, planning to remain east
about a week.
West: Walter Wanger returned to his headquarters
at Eagle Lion after huddles in
Gotham with RKO distribution toppers on
plans for releasing "Joan of Arc," produced
by Wanger in association with Ingrid Bergman
and Victor Fleming.
Partners Ordered to Pay
In Palisade, Colo., Suit
PALISADE, COLO.—Harold J. Johnson and
his wife Eleanor have been ordered to pay
a total of $1,683.71 to the former Johnson-
Waite partnership which operated the Elberta
Theatre here until the recent dissolution of
the partnership.
Judge Paul L. Littler's findings in the
court case further ordered the Johnsons to
pay the U.S. government internal revenue
department the interest and penalties assessed
on delinquent admissions taxes, or to
make a settlement satisfactory to the revenue
department. The court retained jurisdiction
in the case for the purpose of entering the
judgment and enforcing it.
Manager Earl Smith
In Business 41 Years
SUNNYVALE, CALIF.— For a man who has
been in the motion picture bu.siness 41 years,
exhibition still possesses a great thrill. At
iea^t that's what Earl D. Smith, manager of
the Sunnyvale Theatre, contends.
Smith has been in the industry In one capacity
or another for 41 years. He's been
exhici-or, manager, traveling representative,
.supply company representative and has even
retired. But after each vacation from the indu.stry
Smith returns to exhibition.
He has been manager of the local house
since 1907. Smith began his carer in 1907
in Sterling, Colo., operating one of the first
motion picture theatres in that community.
"What a theatre that was," Smith recalls.
"The old store building type, just a regular
bu.lding with double doors in the center. A
rai.sed floor was put in to give a slope to the
ttage and upon this floor were installed regular
kitchen chairs, fastened together with a
piece of wood attached to the bottom of a
section of four chairs each."
"Our prices in those days were five cents
for children and ten cents for adults," Smith
said. Running time for the full show was
rarely more than 30 minutes.
After the Sterling Theatre, Smith for a
time was associated with several theatres in
Trinidad, Loveland and Pueblo and at Sidney,
Neb. Then he went with the traveling
company of "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under
the Sea." From 1917 until 1923 he managed
theatre equipment supply houses and
later went into business for himself. When
a nationwide supply house purchased his company
Smith built the Tower Theatre at Salt
Lake City and operated it from 1928 until
1944 when he sold his interests and "retired"
to California. He rested for more than
two years and then took over the managerial
job at the Sunnyvale.
New Screen Guild Films
Include 30 Features
SAN FRANCISCO—Screen Guild Productions'
forthcoming product includes 30 features
and 18 reissues, 12 of which are Hopalong
Cassidys, their western exchange group
was told at a fifth and final weekend regoinal
sales meeting here August 27-29. Topping
the new season's program will be "Harpoon,"
"The Mozart Story" and "I Shot Jesse
James." The first two have been completed
and the last enters production this month.
Package selling will be stressed. Among
combination programs will be "Return of
Wildfire" and "Jungle Goddess," "Harpoon"
and "SOS Submarine," "Last of the Wild
Horses" and "Shep Comes Home," and "Son
of Billy the Kid" and "Son of Jesse James."
Francis A. Bateman, general sales manager,
and Arthur Greenblatt, eastern sales
manager, presided. Jack Leewood, advertising
and publicity director, also spoke.
Apache Changes Cost $G,000
PORTALES, N. M.—Orin J. Sears, manager
of the Apache Theatre here, said that
remodeling of that house had cost approximately
$6,000. Work done at the Apache included
new projection equipment, new curtain,
installation of a new floor, repainting the
interior, installation of new seats and an air
conditioning unit.
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 53

$200,000 Lancaster, Calif., Antelope
Open; Other Construction News
Motorena Drive-In in Denver." The ozoner
will be located half a mile east of the city
limits, according to General Manager Irving
Gillman of Greeley. Cartwright & Wilson,
Salt Lake City contractors, have the construction
contract.
Illi
LANCASTER, CALIF.—The $200,000, 800-
seat Antelope Theatre was formally opened
here recently by Manager Dave Roach, as
workers completed details of a blacktop offstreet
parking area for patrons of the theatre.
Glen Artiz, local contractor, was in charge
of construction at the Antelope, which was
begun last November but suffered setbacks
because of current building problems. Policy
at the new theatre calls for a two-changeper-week
schedule and showing of only first
run pictures.
Roach said the other local theatre, the
Valley, which he also manages, would be
remodeled soon.
$100,000 Camakis Project
BAKERSFIELD, CALIF.—A theatre will be
erected at California avenue and Haley
street here by the Camakis family, operators
of the downtown Virginia Theatre, it was announced
by Manuel J. Camakis.
The new theatre, to cost approximately
$100,000, will seat 689 persons and will provide
a cry room to accommodate 25 mothers
and their babies. Equipment will include the
latest in air conditioning, projection and
soimd equipment. The building will have a
stran-steel circular roof.
Designed by Peacock and Belongia, architects,
the new structure will be started September
15, and completion is expected in
about fojir months under the direction of
W. A. Croft, contractor.
Corp. Off street parking will be provided
at the new theatre, according to plans approved
by the building department. The
building will be of gunite, frame and stucco
construction.
Van Nuys Plans Completed
VAN NUYS, CALIF.—Plans have been completed
by architect William O. Brock of Sherman
Oaks for construction of a new theatre
building on Ventura boulevard here for P.
Lang. The reinforced concrete block structure
will measure 50x120 feet and will be supported
by concrete columns and beams. No
information as to cost of the project is yet
available.
Remodel White at Fresno
FRESNO, CALIF.—A renovating and remodeling
program is in store for the White
Theatre here. It will include a new entrance,
marquee, boxoffice and lighting system. Cost
of the renovation will be $26,000.
—DRIVE-INS—
$500,000 Plant Nears Finish
EL CERRITO, CALIF.—Spokesmen for the
Fairmount Developing Co. said that the drivein
being built on Fairmount avenue here
was near completion. The ozoner will accommodate
more than 400 cars and will cost
nearly $500,000.
Work Under Way at Yuma
yUMA, ARIZ.—W. P.
Wickersham, Phoenix
contractor, is constructing a new drive-in
here and expects to open it early in November.
The showhouse, to be called the Mesa
Drive-In, is being built on a 15-acre tract on
the Yuma mesa, west of Route 80.
Included in plans for future development
of the site is a children's playground, with
a carousel, miniature train and other amusement
rides.
Construction and equipment costs for the
700-car drive-in are estimated at $130,000.
Building East of Cheyenne
CHEYENNE — Construction work was
scheduled to begin immediately on the new
drive-in to be built just east of the city limits
by the Motor Vu Theatre Co. of Green
River. The drive-in will be located on a
14-acre site and will accommodate about
500 cars.
Plan Fort Morgan Airer
FORT MORGAN, COLO.—John H. Roberts,
manager of the Cover and U.S.A. theatres
here, says that a site has been purchased
and construction will start soon on
a drive-in one and a half miles east of the
city limits.
Bh Ji
ink"
lite
IliiE^
S150,000 Project at Davis
DAVIS, CALIF.—Davis Theatre Inc. has
signed papers purchasing property on Second
street here and has begun plans for
the construction of an 800-seat theatre at
an approximate $150,000 cost. The deal was
consummated by James Stephens of Livermore,
business manager of Davis Theatre
Inc. Plans call for completion of the structure
some time this fall. When the theatre
is completed the Varsity, now operated by
the circuit building the new house, will be
discontinued.
Theatre for Farm Market
COMPTON, CALIF.—Plans have been
drawn up for the construction of a theatre
and farmers' market development here that
will cost an approximate $550,000. The addition
will be known as Eugene Rector's Community
Center and will include 52 shops. The
theatre will have a 999-seat capacity and will
be operated by Rector Theatres, Inc., a concern
operating for the Rector family of Los
Angeles.
Start Sherman Oaks Theatre
LOS ANGELES — The theatre and store
building being erected at 15,052 Venture
boulevard for Philip Lang in the Sherman
Oaks district will measure 50x120 feet and
will cost $50,000.
Permit to Ralph Wilmont
CORONA DEL MAR, CALIF.—A building
permit was issued here recently for the new
$50,000 theatre to be built by Ralph WUmot
and to be operated by the Perkins Theatre.
Start at Tucumcari
TUCUMCARI, N. M.—Construction has
begun here on the County Drive-In, a 400-car
airer being built by J. H. Snow of Hinton,
Okla. The new ozoner is located on highway
66.
Snow, a native of Oklahoma, has been in
the theatre business only three years. He
owns and operates two theatres in Hinton.
Snow said the Tucumcari ozoner would be
opened about October unless construction
work is delayed by material shortages. He
plans to operate the airer nine months out of
the year.
Early Start at Albuquerque
ALBUQLTERQUE—Construction was slated
to start in mid-September on a drive-in to
be built here by Albuquerque Theatres circuit,
according to Manager George Tucker.
The new ozoner will
be located near the airport
road and will accommodate 750 cars
Opening is planned for next spring.
Skylight Open in Idaho
CALDWELL, IDA.—The Boise valley's newest
open air theatre, the Skylight, opened recently
on Highway 30 one mile east of the
College of Idaho. J. F. Knuth of Meridian is
manager of the ozoner, the third of a group
of K&K drive-ins in the area.
Start Work at Boulder
BOULDER, COLO.—Construction got under
way here recently on a $50,000 ozoner to
be operated by the Boulder Drive-In Theatre
Corp., a company understood to be composed
of the "same people who operate the
Remodel at Midway, Wash.
MIDWAY, WASH.—Work was completed
recently on remodeling the Motor-In Theatre,
pioneer ozoner in the northwest area. Improvements
made to the drive-in included a
new boxoffice, new entrance and exit, new
fence and a large neon sign. The boxoffice,
finished in sheet alumium, was constructed by
the National Blower and Sheet Metal Co. of
Tacoma, according to Tom Jones, manager
of the Motor-In.
Nevada Theatre at Reno
Completely Remodeled
RENO—The only
Fox West Coast theatre
in the state, the Nevada, is scheduled for
reopening upon completion of a reconstruction
job which includes enlarging the lobby,
new display cabinets, installation of a refreshment
bar, enlarging the balcony and rebuilding
of the projection room.
Henry Pine, manager of the Nevada, said
that when completed the house would seat
650. Only the walls remain of the original
structure after the complete renovation of
the theatre. All other fixtures were new. Pine
said. Work has been imder way since June
28 when the theatre was closed for the job.
Incorporation Papers
Filed for Star Theatre
STAYTON, ORE.—Aiticles of incorporation
have been filed with the county clerk's
office here for the Star Theatre, Inc., by
Lawrence E. Spraker, Mae Spraker, Marcel
Van Dreische and Ruth Van Dreische.
I
I'm.'
54
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
U

I
'
Holiday Helps Out
Angeleno Grosses
LOS ANGELES—Brisk first run business,
aided by the Labor day weekend and good
weather, kept the turnstiles clicking at an
above-average tempo in most outlets. Sharing
top honors for the week, each carding
150 per cent, were "Good Sam" and "A Date
With Judy," while place money went to
"Tap Roots," which rated 140 per cent in its
opening stanza.
(Average is 100)
BelraonI, Culver, El Rey, Orpheum, Vogue-
Northwest Stampede (EL); Behind Locked
Doors (EL) 125
Chinese, Lovola, State, Uptown, Carthay Circle—
The Luck ol the Irish (ZOth-Fox),- The Shanghai
Chest (Mono) 115
Guild, Ins, Ritz, Studio City, United Artists-
Top Roots (U-I) 140
Downtown, Hollywood Paramounts Beyond
Glory (Para); Eyes ol Texas (Rep), 2iid
Egyptian, Los Angeles, Wilshireludy
(MGM)
Date With
Four "Music Halls—Pitlall (UA), 2nd wk
Panlages, Hillstreel—Good Sam (RKO)
Four Star, Palace—The Pearl (RKO), 3rd wk
Warners, Downtown, Hollywood, Wiltern—Two
Guys From Texas (WB); Embraceable You
(WB), 2nd wk
'Tap Roots' Is Standout
As Grosses in Frisco Drop
SAN FRANCISCO—Grosses at the first run
theatres generally were below recent levels.
After a spectacular opening, "Tap Roots"
registered a husky 150 per cent day-date at
the Esquire and the Orpheum. "Mr. Blandings
Builds His Dream House," with "Who
Killed 'Doc' Robbin?" in a second round at
the Fox, still pulled nicely.
Esquire and Orpheum—Tap Hoots (U-I) 150
Fox—Mr, Blandings Builds His Dreom House
(SRO); Who Killed 'Doc' Robbin? (UA), 2nd wk. 110
Golden Gate— The Velvet Touch (RKO); The
Arizona Ranger (RKO), 2nd wk 90
Paramount—The Crusades (Para); Partners in
"'
Time (RKO), reissues
Francis—A Foreign Affair (Para),
-Tower of London (U-I); The
5th wk
Mon Who 90
St.
Stat.
claimed His Head (U-I)
.100
Artists—Pitfall United (UA), 2nd wk 100
United Nations—The Walls of Jericho (20th-Fox);
Here Comes Trouble (UA), 2nd d. t. wk 100
Warlield-Escape (20th-Fox), Out of the Storm
(Rep) 90
Seattle Trade Is Spotty;
'Jericho' Tops New Films
SEATTLE—Trade at the first run houses
here was spotty. "The Walls of Jericho" at
the Paramount topped the newcomers.
"Easter Parade," in its third week at the
Liberty, continued to lead the holdovers,
while "A Date With Judy" at the Music Hall
and a dualing of "Key Largo" and "Fabulous
Joe" at the Music Box, still were pulling well.
Blue Mouse—That Lady in Ermine (20th-Fox):
Fighting Back (20th-Fox), 2nd d. t. wk 60
Fifth Avenue—Life With Father (WB); Wallflower
(WB), 2nd wk 120
Liberty—Easter Parade (MGM), 3rd wk 175
Music Box—Key Largo (WB); Fabulous Joe (UA),
6th d. wk 135
t
Paramount—The Walls of Jericho (20th-Fox); Lady
at Midnight (EL) 100
Orpheum—For the Love of Mary (U-I); Jassy
65
(U-I)
Music Hall—A Date With Judy (MGM); Shaggy
(Para) 4th wk -150
,
Palomar—The Black Arrow (Col); I, John Doe
(Rep) - - -
Roosevelt—The Search (MGM), 3rd wk
95
80
'Judy' and "Parade' Still Lead
Trade at Portland Theatres
PORTLAND—Rain and cooler weather bolstered
business at the first run theatres here.
"A Date With Judy." paired with "Lightnin'
in the Forest" in a second week at the Broadway,
continued to lead the city. "Easter
Parade," playing a third week at the United
Artists, still pulled well.
Broadway—A Date With Judy (MGM); Lightnin'
SIGNED AND SEALED—Audie Murphy
(right) most decorated American soldier
in World War II, is the interested observer
while Steve Broidy, president of
Monogram and Allied Artists, places his
name on the contract whereby Murphy
will sUr in "Bad Boy." The juvenUe
delinquency drama, sponsored by 'Variety
Clubs International, will be produced by
Paul Short, to whom Murphy is under
personal contract.
in the Forest (Rep), 2nd d. t. wk
United Artists—Easter Porade (MGM),
160
3rd d. I
150
Mayfair—The Se( ch (MGM); The Shanghai Chest
(MOTIO)
Paramounl-Retu. 1 of the — Badmen (RKO); the
Hunted (Mono) • 100
__, ;
Orpheum and Oriental—A Foreign Affair (Para);
(Col):
Key Witness (Col)
Music Box—Sahara Destroyer
-^ --
(Col), 2nd
.130
Playhouse—Life With Father (WB); Wallflower
(WB), 4th d. t. wk
'Beyond Glor'y' Scores 170
To Lead Trade in Denver
DENVER—"A Date With Judy" and "The
week
Arkansas Swing," holdovers after a big
at the Orpheum. "Beyond Glory" appears to
be headed for an indefinite stay at the Denham.
Other business ranged from fine to
poor.
Aladdin—Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House
(SRO), 3rd d. t. wk ,;-,;; '^''
Broadway—Another Part of the Forest (UA),
2nd wk ^
,S
Denham—Beyond Glory (Para) ^;,-;-''0
Denver and Esquire—The Walls ol lerieho (ZOth-
Fox); Train to Alcatraz (Rep) 125
Orpheum—A Date With Judy (MGM), The Arkansas
Swing (Col)
Paramount and Webber — Feudin', Fussin and -J10
a-Fightin' (U-I); Secret Service Investigator
(Rep) 100
Rialto—Ufe With Father (WB); Wallflower (WB),
4th d I. wk. 1'5
Yakima Patronage Booms
At Selah, Wash., Drive-In
SELAH, WASH.—Yakima is enjoying its
sister-city's new theatre, the Selah, located
on the highway just south of the city limits.
With this fast-growing town booming at an
imprecedented rate since the war and necessitating
the location of a modern theatre and
with the giant new cloverleaf highway between
Yakima and Selah shortening the already
short distance between the two municipalities,
Yakimans will enjoy the few minutes
drive to attend the Selah Theatre. Many
Yakimans are making their homes here and
commuting to work in Yakima.
Jefferson Theatre Sold
JEFFERSON, ORE.—Bob Halliday of Albany
has purchased the Jefferson Theatre
from M. E. Weeks and has announced plans
for remodeling the house, including newseats
and screen equipment.
Evergreen Increases
Admission Prices
SEATTLE—A foui- to five-cent increase In
admission prices has been made in five
Washington cities by Evergreen theatres.
National Theatres circuit. In Seattle night
prices were boosted from 80 to 84 cents, the
first increa.se in several years. Prices in the
first run situations went to 50 from 45 cents
1)1 lor to 1 p. m. and from 55 to 59 cents from
1 until 6 p, m.
Second runs were raised from 34 to 40 cents
prior to 1 p. m., 45 to 50 cents from 1 to 6
p. m., and 59 to 65 cents in the evenings. In
Bellingham, Everett, Wenatchee, Spokane
and the Seattle university district a general
five cent increase was made, bringing first
run night prices in most situations up to 70
cents.
Locally, beginning time for night prices was
set back from 5 to 6 p. m. There was no
indication as yet as to whether other circuits
would follow the Evergreen price increase
lead.
New Evergreen Managers
Named at 3 Theatres
SPOKANE—James O'Connell, city manager
for Evergreen circuit theatres, .said recently
that he would manage the Fox Theatre
in addition to his other duties, succeeding
Oscar F. Nyberg, who was transferred
to Portland.
James Leslie, house manager at the Orpheum,
was named house manager at the Fox
in other managerial shifts in the three local
houses. Warren Butz, house manager at the
State, was named manager there and Kenneth
Patterson moved from the Fox to the
State as house manager.
Vernon MacLeod, concessions manager for
Evergreen Theatres, was named house manager
at the Orpheum.
Denver Grand to Feature
Stage Shows and Films
DENVER—The new Grand Theatre, located
on East 26th at Humboldt, was opened
recently by owners Robert Patrick and Larry
Sandler, operators of several other local motion
picture theatres. The Grand has a 560-
seat capacity and will feature occasional
stage revues in addition to its film program.
for
YOUR
I Count on u^ lot Quick .Action!
InCAIKb
THEATRE EXCHANGE CO.
201 Fine Arts Bldfl^ Porttand 5. Oregon
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BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
55

. . Gerry
. . The
. .
SEATTLE
XJ H. Wheeldon has opened his new Rosalia
Theatre in Rosalia, Wash., to replace
the structure razed by fire months ago.
Wheeldon operates three other theatres in
eastern Washington and two in Idaho .
Irving Barry was guest of honor at a cocktail
party and dinner given by the Evergreen
home office on the eve of his leaving as
Seattle booker . Peterson, with the
B. F. Shearer Co., and Mrs. Peterson are the
parents of a baby daughter.
Bin Forman said his huge wooden screen
of the Auto-Vue Drive-In south of Tacoma
was destroyed by fire, believed to have resulted
from defective wiring . . . Chilt Robinette,
branch manager, and Murry Lafayette,
exploitation representative, attended the 20th
Century-Fox sales meeting in Los Angeles
Frank Graham, former
September 14 . . .
exhibitor at Auburn and widely known in film
circles, is recovering from a serious illness
in Tacoma General hosiptal where he has
been the past two months.
All of which are offered by and are immediately at
your service from the four Pacific Coast offices of the
A JT. Shearer Company
ENGINEERING: Starting with the selection
of the site through to screen satisfaction for
your
patrons.
MOTIOGRAPH SOUND EQUIPMENT: Sound
is the most important single item of any
Drive-in Theatre. Let us demonstrate the
Latest and Best.
MOTIOGRAPH IN-CAR SPEAKERS: The newest
improved speakers with concession service
signal
light.
MOTIOGRAPH PROJECTION EQUIPMENT:
Experience proved to properly provide maximum
illumination and picture definition.
HALL-HART ARC LAMPS: Specially designed
to handle high amperage.
ROBIN-IMPERIAL STEDY POWER MOTOR
GENERATORS: Built specifically for Drive-ln
Theatre operation.
CONCESSIONS: Revenue producing merchandising
equipment designed for greater
profits.
CRETORS POPCORN MACHINES—BEVER-
AGE DISPENSING EQUIPMENT and SUP-
PLIES.
Mrs. Ray B. Lehrman, wife of the Sterling
circuit's head booker, is vacationing in Minneapolis
with their two children . following
changes in Hamrick-Evergreen assistant
managers here were made: James
Kendall to succeed Scott Morris at the Fifth
Avenue, who resigned; Robert Turner to replace
Kendall at the Coliseum, and Robert
Tullis to take over the latter's place . . Herbert
.
Kaufman, SRO's western district man-
ager, conferred here with Max Hadfield,
branch head, and with exhibitors on campaigns
for "Duel in the Sun" and "Mr.
Blandings Builds His Dream House."
L. O. Lukan celebrated his birthday and
served coffee and cake the same night the
Green Lake Theatre, which he operates, reopened
after several days of alterations . . .
B. F. "Bud" Shearer jr. was wed September
4 to Jaunita Ekholm of Montevideo, Minn.
Sierra Theatre Is Sold
SAN FRANCISCO—Bruce Prater has sold
the Sierra Theatre. Loyalton, Calif., to Ross
E. Jones of Bieber, Calif., for an undisclosed
sum. J. D. Arakelian, San Francisco, handled
the transaction.
Council Changes Zoning
HOLLYDALE, CALIF.—The south gate city
council and planning commission has recommended
clearing the way for construction
of a 1,000-seat theatre on Garfield avenue.
The petition which was approved will permit
establishment of a parking zone on property
previously used for residential purposes.
Lack of proper parking facilities had delayed
construction of the theatre.
From a carbon to a Complete Theatre Installation
You will find
SERVICE AND SATISFACTION GUARANTEED BY
B. F. SHEARER COMPANY
LOS ANGELES: 1964 South Vtrmont . ROchtster 1145 • PORTLAND: 1947 N. W. Kearney
SAN FRANCISCO: 243 Golden Gate »ve. . UNderhill M816 • SEATTLE: 2318 Second tve.
• ATwater 7543
. Elliott B247
56 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948

. . . John
. . Ralph
. . Earl
. . Also
. . Bill
. .
. .
. .
. . Paul
. . Barbara
. . Roland
. . FWC
. . Don
. . Ken
. . Pat
. . Cy
LOS ANGELES
fusic Hall Theatres has moved its offices
M"
the downtown Orpheum Theatre
Norma Muhhnan, secretary to
Bldg. . . .
Jerry Geissman at Music Hall Theatres, resigned
to move to Tucson, Ariz. . . . Freddy
Stein. Vinnicof circuit film buyer, resigned
to go with Eagle Lion as special representative
. . . Harold
under William Heineman Whitman, head booker at U-I, retui-ned from
a Yosemite vacation.
. . . Dorothy
Evelyn Tourse, U-I booker, was back on
the job following her vacation
Yelland is the new typist at U-I . . . Bleeker
& Jones opened a new showcase at La Mesa,
. . . Foster
Calif., called the Helix Theatre
Blake, U-I district manager, was on a tour
of exchanges . . . Bill Alfred, film buyer, and
Mason Siler of the Newport and Balboa theatres
were on the Row.
Bea Kanter, secretary to G. E. Gailbraith
of Associated Theatre Advertisers, resigned
to return to her home in Duluth, Minn. .
The New Aladdin Theatre in Indio, Calif.,
will open September 14 with RKO's "Good
Sam" heading the bill. Judge LeRoy Pawley
is the owiier of the New Aladdin with Cooperative
Theatres booking and buying for
the house . Carmichael, Republic
manager in San Francisco, was here for talks
with James Grainger, Republic vice-president
and general manager.
George Landers, former manager of the
Huntington Park Theatre, left on a tour of
the entire United States via plane, through
the courtesy of Joe Venable, theatre owner
Healy, aid to General Manager
George Bowser of Pox West Coast, is the
father .of a baby girl. Mrs. Healy is the
former Bette Geisser, one-time secretary to
Charles P. Skouras, FWC president.
.
The Crest Theatre in Reno was opened by
Fox West Coast after a complete remodeling
job. Journeying to Reno for the premiere
were Charles P. Skouras, R. H. McCuUough,
W. H. "Bud" Lollier, Eddie Zabel, Oscar Oldknow
and Seymour Peiser Porter,
head of the Allied Artists-Monogram west
coast contract department, returned from a
two-month tour of the company's midwest
exchanges.
Alex Schreiber, Detroit exhibitor, flew in
for conferences with his architects concerning
his two new valley theatres . . . Morton
Allen, Hygienic Productions representative,
left for Australia and China where he will
negotiate bookings for "Mom and Dad" .
Sid Welder, booker and buyer for the Rogers
circuit in San Diego, was on the Row.
.
Vacationing in southern California, where
he visited his many friends on the local
Row, was Ralph Golbert, Omaha, Neb., theatre
circuit booker Calvert. Lompoc
Theatre in Lompoc, visited along Filmrow
. . . Rusty Lehnert, secretary to Harry Nace
jr. and sr., vacationed at Balboa and Newport
beaches, and was shown the town by
Mason Siler, owner of the Lido and Balboa
theatres.
.
Back from a New York business and vacation
trip was Frank A. Rice, vice-president
of Standard Films back from his
vacation was Don
.
McLaren of the Filbert
Mack Lunt, also of the
supply outfit . . .
Filbert Co., was to vacation in Utah
Dode Samuels, Carlsbad Theatre, Carlsbad,
N. M., was booking on the Row . . . Ralph
Dostal, fomierly a Los Angeles booker and
recently a theatre owner in San Francisco,
visited the Row . Smith is the new
office manager at Ihe Paramount exchange.
He comes from Paramount's Minneapolis office.
Ken Derby, former office manager at
Paramount, was upped to the sales department
. Walsh, Eagle Lion salesman,
resigned to enter the radio business in San
Bernardino.
The Million Dollar Theatre here has booked
the Louis Jordan combo to topline the stageshow
the week of December 31 . . . Bob
O'Donnell, Interstate circuit's operating chief,
and Mrs. O'Donnell returned to Dallas after
winding up their two-week honeymoon in
Arthur Greenblatt,
southern California . . .
Screen Guild's eastern sales manager, planed
in from San Francisco for home office sessions
with Robert L. Lippert, president, and
Francis A. Bateman, general .sales manager.
Greenblatt will spend a week on the coast
before returning to his New York headquarters.
Among the Fox West Coasters: Vernon
Brown was named temporary manager of
the Baywood in San Mateo, replacing Jack
Foley . Stewart, usherette at the
State in Pomona, is now Mrs. Michael padford.
The new bride and groom honeymooned
at Carmel.
Duncan "Cisco Kid" Renaldo, a longtime
resident of Encino, was the emcee when the
Lee Theatres organization broke ground for
its first house in the San Fernando valley.
Renaldo turned the first shovelful of earth
for the Encino Theatre, being constructed by
Jules Seder and Howard Goldenson . . . Allan
"Rocky" Lane and his stallion Black Jack
were guests at ceremonies launching national
Youth month on the steps of the city hall,
with Mayor Fletcher Bowron and Charles
Skouras, head of the southern California
committee, leading off the inaugural ceremony.
In from an eastern business trip was
Charles P. Skouras, president of National
Theatres and Fox West Coast. He was accompanied
by NT executives including John
Bertero, Harry Cox, George Bowser, Dick
Spier and Tom Page . held its annual
golf tournament and dinner dance recently
at the Riviera Country club. The
home office closed down tight at 1 p. m. to
permit employes to participate in the festivities.
Circuit Managers Meet
RATON, N. M.—Five managers of Gibraltar
Theatres in New Mexico and Colorado
joined the managers of the two local circuit
houses in a meeting here recently with Tom
Murphy.
NLRB Orders Producers
Quit Anti-Machinists Acts
Washington—The National Labor Relations
Board in one of the first orders of
its kind Friday (10) ordered the Ass'n of
Motion Picture Producers to stop advising
member producers to "discourage membership
in the American Association of
Machinists." It specifically ordered
Loew's, Universal, RKO and Warners to
stop discouraging membership in the
union.
DENVER
prank H. Walte has bought the Elberta at
Palisade from Harold Johnson . Lee
of Poppers Supply Co. has expanded his Albuquerque
warehou.se . Tibbs, Monogram
manager in Salt Lake City, was here
a few days conferring with Lon T. Fidler,
franchi.se owner, who is recuperating at home
from an illne.ss . . . Walter Mclnto.sh, Paramount
auditor, is here looking over accounts
at the exchange.
. . Al Hoffman, Metro salesman,
Irene Gardner, ca.shier, and Norma Tomlins,
biller at Paramount, spent a weekend
with their relatives in Kan.sas . Reefe
has resigned as clerk at U-I to return to
school . . . T. J.
booker at RKO .
Davey is the new student
has resigned to enter private business.
He is succeeded by Jerry Banta. booker.
H. B. Williams, Krohler seat division salesman,
was here with his family as guests of
Kenneth MacKaig, UA manager, and together
all attended the Rocky Mountain Screen club
picnic ... Ed Urschel, N. Y., Metro auditor,
was at the local exchange . MacKaig
headed a UA sales meeting attended by the
salesmen William Sombar, Howard Metzgar
and Robert Riddle.
James Dugan, 20th-Fox manager, attended
the national sales meeting in Los Angeles . . .
Jack Wodell, manager of the West Drive-In,
has temporarily taken on the management
of the North Motorens Drive-In, just taken
over by Wolfberg Theatres. This gives Wolfberg
three drive-ins in Denver . . . Kenneth
MacKaig has bought a horse, together with
a bridle and saddle for $50. Saddles are worth
more than that. Ken says his family has had
more than $50 worth of fun out of the horse
already, but other horsemen on Filmrow tell
him it's not the initial cost, but the upkeep.
George Smith, western division manager,
Paramomit, and Harold Wirthwein, his assistant,
were here for a sales meeting . . .
Hugh Rennie, Monogram salesman recently
operated on, is recovering at home . . . Robert
Selig, assistant to the president of Fox
Intermountain, vacationed in Honolulu.
A pass racket has been uncovered. Magazine
salesmen have been given cards having
PRESS in large letters. Some of the salesmen
have been using them in an attempt to
Phony $10 bills
get into theatres free . . .
are being noted in this territory. They are
green-seal bills on the Chicago Federal Reserve
bank, with F339 or B388 in small print
in the lower right corner. Plate numbers oi:
the back will be either 1177, 1157 or 1098.
Alexander Hamilton's hair appears unusually
white, red ink lines have been drawn on the
paper to simulate genuine threads, and the
steps on the treasury building are missing.
Virgil Odell, city manager for Fox Intermountain
at Nampa, Ida., is a busy man, and
is constantly being drafted for chairmanships
of important civic committees. Among the
chairmanships now or recently held by him
are those of Idaho Youth Month, Red Cross
campaign. Children's Crusade, advertising and
publicity Snake River Stampede la chamber
of commerce activity which enjoyed the
largest attendance in history^, and campaign
for Community Chest. His activities have
rated him a story in state newspapers an
average of every other day since the first of
the year.
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 57

. . Charlotte
. . Ron
. . Manager
. . The
'
SAN FRANCISCO
Deports around town have it that the Orpheum
Theatre is being sought by other
interests . . . Some say that the remodeling
job at the Golden Gate Theatre is costing
Hedda Hopper,
$200,000 more or less . . .
Hollywood columnist, on September 13 will be
commentator for a fashion show which will
be given for the benefit of guide dogs for the
blind . . . Actress June Lockhart and actor
Bill Bendix were aboard the plane which
flew to Oakland from Los Angeles, initiating
a new fleet of planes ready for service.
The first commercial film in the history of
the resort city of Capitola occurred when the
Oapitola Theatre opened its doors for the
first time. Owners are Arthur Meyer of San
. . . The
Francisco, who has been going to Capitola
during the summertime for the past 20 years,
and Joseph Jacobs of Burlingame
Verdi Theatre here is holding a four-week
contest in which some youngster will win a
bicycle. Local merchants all are cooperating
on the contest.
.
Wesley Rosenthal, salesman for B. F.
Shearer Co.. is getting along nicely following
a serious auto accident Leipzig,
receptionist at Affiliated Theatres (Lippert-Mann
combine!, will take a two-month
leave to visit in Europe.
George Lewis has been named manager of
the Midtown Theatre. He was assistant manager
at the Irving ... In South San Francisco,
Lester Immerman at the State has
been transferred to management of the Daly
City. Ben Stevensen has been transferred
from the Daly City to the Parkside and Art
Kloth. manager of the Parkside, has been
transferred to the Irving. Matt Knighton
moved from the Irving to the State.
The San Francisco division of Golden State
Theatres is holding a special back-to-school
campaign for the local managers. For instance,
one of the campaigns planned by Bud
Sears, manager of the Noe. is to have Frankie
Albert, football star of the Forty Niners and
favorite with the children, come out and autograph
The holiday weekend
footballs . . . took a large toll of business out of San Francisco
and the bright sunshine didn't help.
Many of the exchange personalities were
among the missing for the weekend.
"California's Golden Beginning," the first
Be Glad!
Stay Glad!
Buy
MANLEY
W. H. TDBPIE. Western Diviaion Manager
ISU Sa. Vemonl. RE 7S38 Lee Angeles 7, Calil.
THE MODERN PHOJECTOR
'NEW EAGLE LION OFFICES—Shown
above are the Eagle Lion offices in Salt
Lake City after remodeling. Manager
Arthur M. Jolley is shown in the background
in front of his private office.
official Centennial film produced by the
California Centennials commission, will be
distributed free to schools throughout the
state after October 1, as well as to service
clubs, historical societies and other organizations
for noncommercial showings. Filmed
in Cinecolor. the picture covers the events
in the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill,
January 24, 1848. The commission plans another
picture next year dealing with the gold
rush era and signing of the state constitution
and another film in 1950 on California's admission
to the union.
The Presidential penny poll is part of the
Telenews Theatre service. Votes may be cast
for presidential hopefuls in the lobby of the
Telenews. Each coin di-opped into the container
under the name of each candidate represents
one vote. All monies collected are
given to the Variety Club's Heart fund for
blind babies.
Charlie Wolfe Is Manager
CLOVIS, N. M. — Charlie Wolfe, former
theatre manager at Abilene, Tex., has been
named manager of the Yucca Drive-In on
the Portales highway near Clovis.
Denver Rialto Remodeled
DENVER—The Fox Rialto Theatre here
was to bow for inspection at a gala preopening
night after complete redeooration
which included new draperies and carpeting,
new modern lighting, sound and projection
equipment, a convenient new mezzanine and
new seats in the loges and main floor.
"Bob' Nelson Returns From Vacation
LEADVILLE, COLO.—Robert C. Nelson,
manager of the Fox Theatre here, returned
from a two-week vilsit in Seattle, Wash.,
with his sister, Mrs. Edith Nordeen.
ATTRACTIVE POPCORN BOXES
Printed in Red and White
$7.50 per thousand
Complete Popcorn Supplies
ARTHUR UNGER CO., INC.
105 Golden Gate Ave. San Francisco 2, Cal.
PORTLAND
pen Babb, Selznick field representative, was
here for conferences with Jack Matlack
of the J. J. Parker circuit on "Mr. Blandings
Builds His Dream House," which will open
soon at the Broadway . Newsreel
Thetare was sponsoring a presidential candidate
popularity poll, patrons listing their
choices and making a penny donation, with
proceeds going to the Shrine Hospital for
Crippled Children.
Mrs. J. J. Parker, president of the Parker
circuit, entertained Edward Walton, Republic
assistant general sales manager . . . Herb
Kaufman, SRO western district manager, and
Max Hadfield, Oregon and Washington
branch manager, were visitors. The SRO
production, "The Paradine Case," will open
simultaneously at the Broadway here and at
22 Oregon houses October 15.
June Lockhart, film star, visited here as
Miss Western Airlines aboard a new Convair
plane en route to Seattle and Tacoma , . .
Lowell Pulls of U-I returned to work following
his recent mariage and honeymoon at
Delake . Nelson was a new assistant
booker at the U-I exchange.
Frank H. White Will Buy
His Partner's Interest
PALISADE, COLO.—The Palisade Theatre
case, involving ownership of a local theatre,
has been settled amicably with Frank H.
Waite, one of the owners, taking over compete
control of the Elberta, and buying out
his former partner Harold J. Johnson, who
will retire from exhibition here.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
(Twenty Years Ago)
•THE AUDITORIUM of Limon, Colo., furnishes
a free show every Saturday afternoon
The Rialto at Cheyenne WeUs,
. . . Colo., puts on a free dance for its patrons
after the show each Saturday night . . . "Fhe
Paris Theatre, Santa Fe, N. M., featured a
stage production, singing Spanish songs, in
the production of "Ramona."
Carl A. Porter, manager of the Paramount
Empress in Salt Lake City, fs vacationing in
Los Angeles . George E. Carpenter
of the Capitol Theatre, Salt Lake City,
is on a vacation trip to California . . . Clyde
Blasius has been appointed as manager of
the Tower in Salt Lake City.
Seen on Denver Filmrow: George A. Loveland,
Strand. Colorado Springs; Steve
Roman, Billings, Mont.: Paul Hoppen, Majestic,
Pueblo; Giles Masters, Strand, Gallup,
N. Mex.; Phil Monsky, Liberty Film Exchange,
Omaha.
Seen on Salt Lake City Filmrow; John Miller,
Cameo, American Fork, Utah; S. H. Rich,
Rich, Montpelier, Utah; I. H. Harris, Burley,
Ida., and William Markland Rupert, Ida. . .
T. M. Derrick has taken over the Liberty, Salt
Lake City . . . Manager Clogston of the Playhouse,
Salt Lake City, announces outstanding
reservation sales for the opening.
58 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948

Shopping Center Plan
Includes Big Theatre
INDIANAPOLIS—A variance permit application,
submitted by Joseph Guidone for a
$200,000 motion picture theatre as part of a
half-million dollar shopping center, will come
before the Marion county zoning board on
September 14.
Guidone said the shopping center would
include eight business houses and would be
located at East JOth street and Arlington
avenue. Richard Lochry is associated with
Guidone in the project and will operate the
theatre.
Lochry will purchase land from Guidone
for the motion picture house if the permit is
approved. Theatre plans call for air conditioning
and seating facilities for 1,100 persons.
A parking lot for 500 cars is planned at the
rear of the building. Construction of the
theatre probably will not begin until spring
and it will be a six-month project.
Casper Chouinard Ncaned
UA Milwaukee Manager
MILWAUKEE—Caspar J. Chouinard has
been appointed manager here for United
Artists, it was announced by Fred M. Jack,
western division sales manager. He replaces
Robert Allen, who resigned.
Chouinard, one of the original Golden Circle
winners, symbolic of meritorious sales
achievement, joined UA as booker and office
manager of the Minneapolis branch in 1934.
He was promoted to salesman in 1936, a post
he held until the present except for an interval
last year when he served as buyer
for Associated Theatres of Minneapolis.
Ivan Cooper Transferred
To Kewanee, 111., Castle
KEWANEE, ILL. — Ivan Cooper, former
manager of the Castle Theatre at Bloomington,
has been transferred to the local managerial
job with Publix Great Staes Theatres.
Cooper will be in charge of both the Peerless
and Kee theatres here succeeding B. T. Ely,
who resigned to enter business in Princeton.
Prank Vollbracht will remain as house manager
at the Kee.
At Bloomington Cooper was succeeded by
Albert Tovey, manager of a South Bend theatre.
Guy Bove Will Supervise
Fairmount, Ind., Palace
FAIRMOUNT, IND.—Guy Bove, manager
of the Hi-Way Drive-In, will supervise the
management of the Palace Theatre here for
Ralph and Tom Marcuccilli, owners of the
two theatres. House manager at the Palace
is Jack Allen. The theatre, closed for the
last two months after its purchase by the
Marcuccilli's, reopened recently after a complete
face-lifting. The interior of the theatre
was cleaned and redecorated and new sound
equipment was installed.
Bob Carlson to Galva, 111.
GALVA, ILL.—Robert Carlson of Virginia,
Minn., has assumed new duties as manager
of the Galva Theatre here, replacing acting
manager Will Schneider.
St. Louis Youth Month
Proclaimed by Mayor
LouLs—Mayor .\lo.vs I*. Kaufmann
St.
has proclaimed September as "Youth
Month—Saluting Young America" and
called all citizen.s to St. LouLs to cooperate
with the motion picture ihcatremen
in their effort to arouse the interest of
the young persons of St. Louis in whole-
.some actvities that will appeal to them,
including clean shows that are truly descriptive
of American life at its best.
Eddie Arthur, assistant general manager
for Fanchon & Marco, and Fred
Wehrenberg, president, Motion Picture
Theatre Owners of St. Louis, Eastern
Missouri and Southern Illinois, are the
co-chairmen for Youth Month activities
in this section, with Louis .\nsell, Russell
Bovim, Clarence Kaimann, Arthur
Kalbfell, Tommy James, Henry Halloway,
Fred Joseph and Herb Washburn as
committee members.
Clifford Cowley Buys
Theatre at Washburn
WASHBURN, ILL.—Mr. and Mi's.
Clifford
Cowley of Elmwood have purchased the
Washburn Theatre here from Mr. and Mrs.
Joe Fererro. The Fererro's will leave for
California w^here they will enter business.
They acquired the Washburn in December,
1946 and following a two month's period when
the house was closed for redecoration. operated
the theatre continuously until its
recent sale.
E. E. Baker New Manager
At Onargo, 111., Mode
ONARGO, ILL.—Earle E. Baker of Chicago
has been named manager of the Mode
Baker
Theatre here replacing Cecil Carlock.
formerly was with the Kerasotes Bros, in
Springfield and worked as assistant manager
at the Rantoul Theatre.
Frisina Managers Shifted
EFFINGHAM, ILL.—Joseph Pedrucci of
Decatur, who has been managing the Varsity
Theatre in that city for the Frisina
Amusement Co., has been transferred to this
city to manage the circuit's Effingham and
Heart theatres. Kenneth Rought, formerly
in charge of the two houses here, has gone to
Decatur to manage the Varsity.
S. M. Leseritz Is Manager
DES PLAINES, ILL.—Stanley M. Leseritz
has been named new manager of the Des
Plaines Theatre replacing Warren Keil who
is on an extended leave of absence. Leseritz
lias been with the H&E Balaban Corp. in the
home office and in various midwest theatres
for the last 12 years.
Stepfather of Actor Dies
MILWAUKEE—Charles Dubuque. 67, stepfather
of Donald O'Connor, the actor, a Milwaukee
resident for 25 years, died at St. John's
hospital in Hollywood. He moved to Milwaukee
from Racine in 1879 and was a stage
manager for early local vaudeville theatres.
Sullivan Will Speak
At MPTO Banquel
ST. LOUIS— Oat 1 Sullivan, fcxeculive director
of Theatre Owners of America, wiU be
the principal speaker at a banquet September
27 closing the annual meeting of the Motion
Picture Theatre Owners of St. Louis,
Eastern Missouri and Southern lUinois. Fred
Wehrenberg, president of the regional group,
announced selection of the speaker after a
meeting of the board of directors at the Variety
Club here recently.
Tlisre is a possibility that Ted R. Gamble,
president of TOA, may come here for the
regional gathering, which will witness the retirement
of Wehrenberg from the presidency.
Wehrenberg also is chairman of the executive
committee of OA.
Herman M. Levy, general counsel for TOA,
will be chief speaker at the business session
earlier in the day. He wiU speak on "The
True Facts of Ascap and the Industry Case,"
and it is anticipated that he will answer to
attacks made on TOA by other exhibitor
groups for its position on litigation involving
music copyrights and royalties.
Registration for the meeting will get under
way on the mezzanine of the Jefferson hotel
about 9:30 a. m. the day of the meeting. Between
that time and the luncheon at noon
exhibitors and others in attendance wUl have
a chance to view exhibits at the annual
meeting of TESMA to be held in the same
hotel September 28-30. After the luncheon
the regional TOA group will take up the business
portions of its program and the selection
of a new president and other officers and
du-ectors for 1948-49.
Further details will be announced within
a week or so, Wehrenberg said.
Lacon, 111., Shafer, Leased
To Ralph W. Talfinger
LACON, ILL.—The Shafer Theatre here,
owned and operated by B. F. Shafer. has
been leased for a five-year period to Ralph
W. Talfinger of La Salle. The Shafer was
built in 1939 as the successor to the old
Lyric Theatre which operated for many years
in the American Legion building. The theatre
seats 400 persons.
William Eddy Quits WBKB
CHICAGO—William C. Eddy, who pioneered
television in Chicago, has resigned as
executive director of television station WBKB
to devote his time to Television Associates,
a firm he foimded in Michigan City where
he lived during the war. Eddy built station
WBKB for the Balaban & Katz Corp. in
1941 after serving as chief of video effects
for the National Broadcasting Co. in New
York. During the war he commanded the
radio and electronics school for the navy here,
turning out thousands of technicians a month.
He devised the famed Eddy test to screen
applicants. He is credited with devising hundreds
of gadgets now in wide use in television
and allied electronic fields.
Youth Month Film Shown
ST. LOUIS—Members of the exhibitor-exchange
men's committee who are working for
the success of National Youth month attended
a screening of "Children in Trouble" at
the Fox Theatre screening room on August
25.
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
59

^J
MILWAUKEE
pay Schneider was winner of the first flight
in the lATSE golf finals, and Phil Trampe
was victor in the second flight . . . Johnny
Black, Varsity projectionist, was ill . . . The
Mid-City, formerly the Whitehouse, adopted
a second-run policy following an increase in
its admission scale . . . Offices of the Independent
Theatres of Wisconsin and upper
Michigan have been moved to 1027 West Wells
street . . . Max Roth, Film Classics division
manager, was a visitor.
Bonnie Bruders, former Wisconsin treasurer,
now is Secretary to Sol Gordon, Fox
Wisconsin district manager . . . Earl Perkins,
SOUNDHEADS • AMPLIFIERS
TWO-WAY HORN SYSTEMS
COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEMS
PROJECTION BASES
AVAILABLE
OUT OF STOCK FOR
Immediate
Installation
THEATRE EQUIPMENT
& SUPPLY CO.
G41 North Seventh St.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Minneapolis, has been substituting for Norm
Berringer. Warner salesman, on an extended
Joe Reynolds,
leave because of illness . . ,
Oriental manager, will manage that house
and the Towner for the circuit until Octobsr
1 . . . Casper Chouinardo, former UA salesman,
Minneapolis, succeeded Bob Allen as
local UA branch manager.
Nick Meuren, shipper at MGM, was on a
vacation trip . . . Hoagy Carmichael will bring
his variety show here September 25 . . . Wisconsin
exhibitors seen on Pilmrow included
Joe Malits, Eighth Street, Milwaukee; Barney
and Dave Sherman, Douglas, Racine; Bill
Ainsworth, Fond du Lac; Sid Margoles, Regal,
Milwaukee; Nick Berg, State, Sheboygan, and
Nick Johnson, Strand, Manitowoc.
Alien Property Bureau
Handles German Film
CHICAGO—The U.S.
government, through
the alien property custodian, has gone into
the motion picture business with the German-made
musical, "The Life and Loves of
Tschaikovsky," currently at the World Playhouse.
The fOm features Tschaikovsky's most popular
music, including the sixth symphony.
The alien property custodian confiscated
prints of the picture when the U.S. entered
the war and is distributing it through Classic
Pictures of New York for a percentage of the
profits.
To Pan-American Council
CHICAGO—The Pan-American council has
received educational films relating to other
American republics through the courtesy of
the Pan-American union in Washington.
They are sound films portraying all phases
of Latin American life, history and geography.
The films are available on loan to
established schools, clubs, colleges or churches
without charge, provided users return them
promptly. Some of the films are in color,
but most of them are in black and white,
and run from 28 minutes to 44 minutes.
New Sound in Roxy Theatre
FLORA, ILL.—RCA sound equipment has
seater.
780 SEAT THEATRE
Oklahoma county seat town 8,000.
been installed in the Roxy Theatre, a 400-
Territory
50,000. Century. Western Electric.
Brenkert. Fountain bar. Black light and
mural interior.
Ten-year lease with tenyear
option at $250 per month; $2,200
Loop Business Good
Despite Heat Wave
CHICAGO—Loop theatre business was
pretty good considering the hot weather
which chased people to the beaches, parks
and outdoor amusements. The town was
packed with visitors to the Railroad fair,
county fair, and conventions. Air conditioned
theatres got a good play, especially the Chicago
with "Dream Girl" on the screen and a
third week of a show headed by Toni Harper.
Other new entries, "Tap Roots" at the Palace,
"Hollow Triumph" at UA and "Two Guys
Prom Texas," bowed in to average business.
"Easter Parade still was a strong holdover
at the Woods, and the World Playhouse had
another fine week with "Life and Loves of
Tschaikovsky."
(Average Is 100)
Apollo—Haw Deal (EL), 2nd d. t. wk 95
Chicago—Dream Girl (Para), plus stage show.. ..120
Garnck—Blood and Sand (20th-Fox), reissue;
Tlie Hot Scot (Col) -...
Grand—Man-Eater of Kumaon (U-I). 2nd wk
90
90
La Salle—Return of Kit Carson (Dezel); The
Return of the Mohicans (D), reissues 90
Oriental—That Lady in Ermine (20th-Fox), plus
stage show, 2nd wk 110
Palace—Tap Roots (U-I), plus "Superman"
- serial 100
Rialto Ahbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
(U-I), 3rd d. t wk 100
Roosevelt—Two Guys From Texas (WB),
Chicago the Beautiful (FitzPatrick travelog) 100
State-Lake—The Walls of Jericho (20th-Fox),
2nd wk 90
Studio The Human Monster (Mono): Chamber
of Horrors (Mono), reissues, 2nd wk 95
United Artists—Hollow Triumph (EL) -....105
Woods—Easter Parade (MGM), 3rd wk 125
World Playhouse—Life and Loves of Tschaikovsky
(Classic), 3rd wk 110
Polio Ban Downs Milwaukee Gross
As First Runs Break Even
MILWAUKEE—All houses felt the boxoffice
drop resulting from the polio ban
keeping children under 12 from theatres and
other public gathering places. This ruling,
coupled with heavy shopping for back-toschool
togs kept most grosses down. A mounting
trend in night clubs angling dollars with
name bands snatched a smattering of patronage.
Alhambra—Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House
(RKO); Perilous Waters (Mono), 3rd d. t. wk 100
Palace—Beyond Glory (Para)i Gentleman From
Nowhere (Col) 95
Riverside—Good Sam (RKO); Stage Struck (Mono.. 96
Strand—Invisible Man (U-I); The Invisible Mon
Returns (U-I), reissues 90
Warner—Two Guys From Texas (WB), 2nd wk.;
Train to Alcatraz (Rep) - 100
Towne—A Foreign Affair (Poia) 100
Wisconsin—That Lady in Ermine (20th-Fox);
Fighting Back (20th-Fox) 100
Business Run About Normal
With Cooler Weather
INDIANAPOLIS—Business was about normal
at first runs here although cool nights
kept many patrons at home. "The Paradine
Case" at Loew's was the week's leader with
115 per cent.
Circle—Ruthless (EL); Shed No Tears (EL)
Indiana-The Street With No Name (20th- Fox);
100
The Winner's Circle (20lh-Fox) 100
Keiths—Life With Father (WB), 2nd wk
Loew s—The Paradine Case (SRO); Blondie's
110
Reward (Col) 115
Lyric Tap Roots (U-I); Superman" serial,
2nd d t. wk 95
net per month per owner. Price for
equipment and business is $80,000 cash.
Exclusive w^ith Claude Crockett, 1505
First National Bank, Dallas, Texas.
R-9230.
VmATENcTNEERING
CO. j
• —THEATRE BUILDERS— •
2 10741 Avenue F Chicago 17, HI.
J
• Phone ESSex 2552 •
60 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948

. . Forest
. . . William
. . Margaret
. . Salesmen
. . Harold
. . Abe
. . The
. . The
. . Amusement
. . "The
INDIANAPOLIS
TUTilton Ettingcr, head booker at the U-I exchange,
resigned to join the Eagle Lion
staff. Ettinger has been associated with U-I
for the last nine years. He will cover northern
territory. Jack Benson, who has been
with U-I at the Atlanta, Ga., exchange, returned
here to fill the post vacated by the
resignation of Ettinger. Benson was formerly
on the booking desk here and was transferred
to Atlanta.
H. L. Hancock, salesman at 20th Century-
Fox, has been granted a leave. He has been
James Haney,
with the company 27 years . . .
operator of the Milan Theatre, spent several
days in Cincinnati on business' . . . Roger
Wright, operator of the Madrid in Akron,
Ind., is touring the west . . Clayde South,
.
operator of the Dream here, reports that
renovating and redecorating are in progress
Songer, operator of the Westside
Drive-In, and his family were on a Lake
Erie cruise.
Guy Hancock, who has lived in Florida
several years because of asthma, returned
here to rejoin United Artists as a salesman
McGovern, operator of the Ritz
at Loogootee and the Ritz at Odon, Ind., re--
turned from a fishing trip in the lake regions
of Wisconsin .
Miceli, inspector
at Columbia exchange, was vacationing.
Samuel Perk, Gar-Bar, Inc., reports his
mother Anna died after a heart attack August
23 . . . Arthur Keyes, file clerk at National
Screen Service, was spending a vacation
Tom Dillon, Columbia
in Chicago . . . booker, was spending his vacation improving
his golf game . covering Kentucky
report the tobacco crop in some sections
to be very poor because of too much rain.
Old Trails in Greenup, 111.,
Open Alter Renovation
GREENUP, ILL.—The Old Trails, a 250-
seater owned by Paul Musser, has been playing
to nice business since it was reopened
August 29 after being closed to undergo an
extensive program of renovation, redecorating
and the installation of new equipment.
The improvements include new projection
equipment, high intensity lamps, upholstered
Irwin seats in red leatherette, new Alexander
Smith carpeting, a large plate glass mirror in
the lobby replacing the old mural that originally
was in the center of the wall, a complete
exterior paint job, new drapes and a
beautiful turquoise stage setting, heating
equipment that will provide heat from three
separate automatic gas furnaces and improved
cooling by a giant York system.
Work Near Completion
CUBA, ILL.—Russell McConkey, manager
of the new theatre being built here, said recently
that construction work was progressing
rapidly and he hoped to have the house open
for business sometime in October.
For the Best Buys in Theatre Supplies
Phone Lincoln 1727
GER-BAR INC.
442 N. Illinois St. Indianapolis. Ind.
Airline Is Opened
By Army Veleran
WINCHESTER, IND.—The Airline Auto
Theatre, built here by a group of former army
enlisted men, opened recently to capacity
crowds. The ozoner is located three miles
east of Winchester and has a 500-car capacity.
The Airline was backed by a huge
capital investment made by a group of former
GIs, and will be managed by part owner
Mike Make of Dayton.
Installs In-Car Speakers
VEEDERSBURG, IND.—The Joe Million
drive-in here, the Outdoor, has installed 100
RCA in-car speakers. They were obtained
from the Midwest Theatre Supply Co.
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ENARC-RADARC LAMPS
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1709 W. Ciybourn St., Milwaukee 3, Wis.
Telephone Di. 2-8344 Emergency Sh. 4-6930
Use Our Convenient Adjoining Parking Spoce
CHICAGO
T abor day weekend throngs pushed attendance
at the Railroad fair past the 2,000,000
mark . Cook County fair at Soldier
Field also drew record crowds .
Babe
Ruth Story" at the State-Lake registered
capacity business the opening days of its
Filmrow was closed from Friday
run . . .
night until Tuesday morning, and workers
left for nearby resorts.
The matinee price at the Oriental was
increased to 98 cents after 1 p. m. . . .
John
Dromey, head booker for Great States, together
with Frank Standel and Jack Wohl,
contributed to the Heart Fund of the Variety
Club in memory of Mrs. Edith Mandel, mother
of Irving Mandel, Monogram franchise
holder, who died last week . . . Terry Turner,
RKO exploitation chief, was here from New
York.
Ludwig Sussman Allied director, returned
to his home after illness at the Sacred Heart
sanitarium, Milwaukee rates
.
have been advanced by the Chicago Sun-
Times and the Chicago Daily News . . .
"Miss
Tatlock's Millions" was previewed for the
trade by Paramount at the Esquire Theatre
Perlman, who left Filmack to
handle RKO pubUcity in New Orleans, returned
to the trailer company as advertising
manager.
John Balaban, B&K executive, reported
that the community fund goal of $8,679,000
was near attainment ... A bandit took $150
from Miss Patricia Cotter, cashier at the
Avalon Theatre .
annual installation
of officers and directors of Chicago Cinema
B'nai B'rith Lodge 1619 will take place September
9 in the Congress Hotel. Dr. Preston
Bradley of Peoples church will be the guest
speaker.
The Devon Theatre, which tried out single
feature bills, returned to double feature programs
. . . M. Kreuger, UA booker at Indianapolis,
was a visitor . . . Charles Nesbit, State-
Lake manager, was back from a vacation
The J. Arthur Rank film depicting the
1948 Olympic games had its U. S. premiere
here September 10 at the Apollo Theatre . . .
Lou Lipstone, musical director for Paramount
Pictures, was here en route to California
. . . John Balaban, Elmer Upton and
Arthur Goldberg have incorporated to operate
the Rio Theatre. Chicago Heights.
Rube Levine, theatre builder and architect,
has left Karline-Levine, Inc.. and now
will operate as R. Levine & Co., specializing
in the building of drive-ins and theatres
Brussell. attorney for the plaintiff,
announced that the De Luxe Theatre antitrust
action has been postponed to September
27 before Judge William Campbell.
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BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
61

. . Eddie
. .
ST.
LOUIS
piU Thomas jr. has returned from Louisville
" to join the sales staff of the St. Louis
Theatre Supply Co., Arch Hosier, genera
manager, reported. He is a son of Bill
Thomas, who has been a booker for 20th
Century-Pox for 18 years.
Lester Bona, manager for Warner Bros.,
has been named distributor chairman of the
local committee that is cooperating m the
plans for the annual meetings of TESMA and
the Equipment Deals Protective Ass'n to be
held at Hotel Jsfferson from September
27-30.
James E. Darst has been named manager
of the new local office of Wilding Picture
Productions, Inc., producers of motion pictures
and television commercials for industry.
Its main offices are in Chicago. Darst,
former newspaperman and onetime manager
of the Kiel auditorium, spent several years
in Chicago and New York in the motion picture
field as editor and producer of theatrical
and commercial short subjects, and was an
editor of Fox News.
Russell Mortensen, booker for Fox Midwest
here, has returned from a ten-day vacation
in Chicago, where he visited with his mother.
He was accompanied by Mrs. Mortensen and
their young daughter Christina . . .
Virginia
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Arthur Benjamin Brenton. manager oi
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ST. LOUIS 3, MO.
Lacey, also of the Fox Midwest office staff,
. . . Mrs. Mary A. Riordan,
vacation is on
mother of Mike Riordan of the St. Louis
Amusement Co.'s staff, died recently. Riordan's
brother Bob died about five weeks before
the mother.
Frank Buck made personal appearances
at the St. Louis Theatre in conjunction with
the showing of "Bring Em Back Alive."
John Fiorino, State, Du Quoin; Tommy
Illinois exhibitors on Filmrow: E. Butler,
Toledo; Herman Tanner, Pana; Clarence
Denny, Roodhouse^ Forrest Pirtle, Jerseyville:
Bloomer, Belleville; Joe Katz, Grand, Benld;
Ted Coleman, Mount Carmel; Leon Jarodsky,
Paris; Gus Boemler, North Alton; Rani
Padrucci, Springfield; Lavy Spaulding, Flora;
Ed Clarke, Mattoon; Dale Turvey, Joy; Pawnee;
Charles Beninati, Ritz, Carlyle; also
Val Mercier, Perry ville; "Buck" Lewis, general
manager, Carney Theatres, RoUa, and
Martin Operle, Orris, Ste. Genevieve, all Missouri.
Tommy Bloomer, Belleville, recently returned
from a vacation in the south .
Tilden Dickson, Crystal City, Mo., and St.
Clair, Mo., theare owner, is spending several
weeks with his wife in Phoenix, Ariz. . . ,
Bernie Palmer, head booker for the Columbia
Amusement Co., Paducah, started on
his vacation September 6.
The Municipal Opera which closed its 30th
season recently set thi-ee new records with
160,011 attendance in the final two weeks
of "Up in Central Park," an 80,110 final week
attendance, and a single performance attendance
of 11,935 set June 26 at "Rio Rita."
Boxoffice receipts were up this summer by
8 per cent because of increased admission
scales.
Tex "Kacques" Morris, a member of the
International Ass'n of Showmen, died in
Omaha, Neb., recently and the funeral and
burial were held here Rosecan,
owner of the Rialto at annibal. Mo., on vavation
at Detroit Lake, Minn., hooked a big
mouth bass that weighed 6 pounds 8 ounces,
landing Rosecan the prize for the week and
putting him out in front for the sea.son's
honors.
Matt Sullivan Is Named
FC Milwaukee Manager
NEW YORK — Matt Sullivan has been
named manager of Film Classics' Milwaukee
exchange, replacing Max Mazur, resigned, according
to B. G. Kranze, sales head. Sullivan
has been UA's Buffalo manager for 18 years
and has also been an MGM traveling sales
representative.
Two Theatres Join Allied
CHICAGO—Jack Kirsch, president of Allied
Theatres of Illinois, reports the Elm
Theatre in Elmwood Park., 111., and the Montclare,
Chicago, joined the Allied buying and
booking organization. These two theatres are
owned and operated by Basil Charuhas, who
is an Allied director.
Mrs. Edith Mandel Rites
CHICAGO—Services were held last week
for Mrs. Edith Mandel, 82, who died at her
home after a long illne-ss. She was the
mother of Irving Mandel, Monogram franchise
holder.
Jefferson at Goshen, Ind.
Renamed by Indiana Co.
GOSHEN, IND.—The Indiana Corp., owners
of the Jefferson Theatre here, have announced
that a new marquee would be installed
at the theatre and that the name of
the house would be changed to the Goshen.
The theatre was built in 1905 and named
for Joseph Jefferson, famous actor of the
early 1900's. The corporation which owns
the Jefferson also owns 15 other theatres in
northern Indiana and Illinois.
Improved Melrose Park
Theatre Is Reopened
MELROSE PARK, ILL.—The Melrose Theatre
reopened here recently after a four-day
closure for redecoration and renovation.
Manager J. G. Landfield said improvements
to the house included decoration of the auditorium
and general freshening of equipment
and furnishings.
Harold Marshall Resigns
INDIANAPOLIS—Harold Marshall, MGM
exploition man here for several years, has resigned
because of illness. J. E. Watson, Cincinnati
exploiteer, will absorb his territory.
John Hodiak in 'Big Harpe'
One of the toplines in Metro's "Big Harpe"
has been assigned to John Hodiak.
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62
BOXOFFICE
:: September 11, 1948

\y
Junior Admissions
Rile Competition
MINNEAPOLIS—Martin G. Lebedoff and
Sol Fischer, who now have 28-day availability
deals for their Homewood and Campus theatres
respectively, and who were considering
instituting 45-cent junior admission prices
along with their boosts from 40 to 60 cents,
were warned by fellow neighborhood and suburban
independent exhibitors that an admission
price war would follow if they went
through with the junior admissions plan.
The fellow exhibitors served the warning
on the two at a North Central Allied meeting.
Following the meeting, Lebedoff and
Fischer decided to start their new policy
without the junior admissions and "see what
happens."
A 28-DAY THEATRE
The Minnesota Amusement Co.
ace neighborhood
house, the Uptown, which has had
and will continue to have the 28-day availabiUty
deals, offers the 45-cent junior admissions
along with its adult price of 60 cents,
44-cent matinee and the regular children's
prices.
Junior admissions have been persona non
grata as far as the local independents are
concerned. Unmoved by the establishment of
jimior admission prices for the 12-to-17 year
old group, the independents have refused to
follow the big circuit's lead.
Even though neighborhood and suburban
houses must be losing some business to MAC
situations with junior admissions, the exhibitors
have stood pat. Those independents
who won't have the 28-day availablities are
somewhat miffed and they're fearful that the
Lebedoff and Fischer theatres will grab away
some of their patronage.
SHIFT TO NEIGHBORHOODS
The trade feels sure that a n'oticeable
swing in patronage to the neighborhoods and
suburbans is sure to be given momentum as
a result of the slicing in two of availabilities
from 56 to 28 days for some neighborhood
situations. It means that there'll be less
revenue coming to the distributors from the
downtown houses that have been providing
the bulk of it, and that the neighborhood and
suburban situations will have to come across
increasingly with larger film rental payments
to help offset the Loop decline, in branch
managers' opinion.
There are further clearance revisions impending
to give other neighborhood and suburban
theatres here, in addition to those offered
the 28-day deals, earlier availabilities.
This will increase their ability to pay larger
rentals, the branch managers say.
The higher living costs started the swing
of patronage from the downtown first runs
' to the neighborhood and suburban houses, it
is pointed out. Parking difficulties downtown
and increased costs together with higher
street car fares also are doing their part to
divert trade to neighborhood houses which
offer free parking.
Reopen Villa at Lovilla
LO-VILLA, IOWA—The Villa Theatre here
has resumed operation after being closed for
the summer months. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond
Nichols, owners, say two changes will be made
each week, with one feature Sunday and
Monday, the other Friday and Saturday.
charies Potter to Buiid
Ottumwa, Iowa. Airer
OTTUMWA, IOWA—Ottumwa will have a
drive-in next .spring. Neal Funk of Kansas
City, representing Charles Potter and associates
of that city, has purchased 22 acres of
land north of the city and work on the theatre
will begin this fall. The Potter group is
spending $25,000 for the land, located at an
intersection on highway 63. Funk said $100,-
000 will be invested in improvements and
equipment. Probable opening date will be
May 15.
The drive-in will accommodate 600 cais,
however, FMnk .said, "We have enough property
to enlarge the theatre to 1,000 cars."
The new theatre will operate two shows a
night with three on Saturday. Funk had
been attempting to lease ground for the theatre
at the former naval air station here but
the plan fell through.
Central States Reopens
Palace at Burlington
BURLINGTON, IOWA—The newly remodeled
Palace Theatre reopened here recently
with several Central States Tlieatre Corp. officials
present. The theatre had been closed
since June. Attending the reopening were
A. H. Blank, Central States president: his
son Myron, general manager; L. G. Wedener.
assistant general manager; Harry Winograd.
designer of the new lighting fixtures in the
theatre, and Roland "Tip" Harrison, one of
the architects, and liis wife.
All projection and sound equipment in the
Palace is new and two air conditioning units
have been added. The basement has been
converted into office and storage space, and
three redecorated offices will be for the use of
Jerome Greenebaum, district manager for
Central States; L. A. Miller, Palace manager,
and a secretary.
Sumner Sunset Near Completion
SUMNER, IOWA—A new theatre, the Sunset,
is nearing completion here. Owner is
Harry Pace.
THEATRE MANAGER MEETS STAR
—Shown above are Mr. and, Mrs. Willis
Shafer of Atchison, Kas., visiting with
Brian Donlevy on the set of Amusement
Enterprises' "The Lucky Stiff," a United
Artists' production. The Shafer's stopped
in Hollywood on their way to Honolulu.
Shafer manages the Orpheum at .Atchison.
Grover DeNune Dies;
Dewilt Exhibitor
DEWITT, IOWA—Grover L. DeNune, prominent
DeWitt business man and one of Iowa's
pioneer motion picture theatre operators, died
last week in Jane Lamb hospital, Clinton,
after a six-month illness. DeNune, son of
the late David and Mahala DeNune. was born
September 4, 1888, in Belle Plaine. He entered
the theatre business there and then came to
DeWitt -where in 1916 he began operating a
theatre on the site of the present D.Witt
bakery.
He later purchased and remodeled the old
DeWitt Opera House which became the Majestic
Theatre, of which he was owner and
operator until a few weeks ago when he sold
a half interest to an Iowa syndicate. He was
said to have been one of the oldest theatre
operators, in point of service, in the state,
having managed a theatre continuously for
32 years in this city.
One of his most prized possessions was a
plaque presented him by Adolph Zukor for
the first presentation in the United States of
the picture, "Queen Elizabeth." For many
years he was host to DeWitt children at an
annual Christmas party in his theatre. He
is survived by his wife, a sister and brother.
Thealreman in Kansas
Heads Housing Project
MANHATTAN, KAS.—According to Harry
Wareham, president of the Manhattan Supply
and Development Co., Inc.. College Court,
this city's newest apartment development, will
have its final FHA inspection September 15.
Wareham is the owner of the Wareham Theatre
and partner in Commonwealth Theatres
operations here.
College Court, Wareham said, was built at
the request of Kansas State college officials
and local civic organizations to aid in the
acute housing shortags of college personnel.
It is leported that rents will be in the neighborhood
of $80 a month.
Each apartment will have its own utilities
'
m a "package plant which includes a furnace
and hot water heater. Other furnished equipment
includes a refrigerator and gas range.
The apartments are grouped in units of four,
each unit with its own front and rsar entrances.
lowan Heads Film Section
At UCLA Arts Center
DES MOINES—An lowan, John Ross Winnie,
formerly of Des Moines and Clear Lake,
heads the first university training school in
the motion picture field. Winnie, former
director of the Kendall community playhouse
here, is director of the motion picture division
of U.C.L.A. new arts center. A student interested
in a motion picture career, as a camera
technician or an actor, may obtain a bachelor's
degree from the school in four years,
with a major in his special field. The ichool
produces educational and documentary film.
New Wareham Manager
MANHATTAN. KAS.—M. B. Smith, district
manager, and Dick Orear of the Kansas City
office of Commonwealth, were here to confer
with Jack Stephenson, newly appointed
manager of the Wareham Theatre.
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 MW 63

. . Remodeling
. . James
. . Construction
. . Among
. . R.
K A N S A S
ry. A. H. Morton, New York, director of television
for 20th-Fox, was here to speak
at the 17th annual fall convention of Pox
Midwest theatre managers. Climaxing the
gathering, which was attended by more than
100 house managers from 55 cities and towns
in five states, Elmer C. Rhoden, Fox Midwest
Theatres president, entertained the visitors
with a dinner at his Starlane farm in
Johnson County, Kas.
Ralph C. LiBeau. former Paramount manager,
returned from a trip which took him
to Canada, Maine and other eastern states
. O. F. Sullivan, Wichita, president of
. .
the Kansas-Missouri Allied unit, was here
for a meeting of its board of directors .
•
.
Tom Edwards, Eldon, Mo., operator and a
past president of the Kansas-Missouri Theatres
Ass'n, was a visitor on Filmrow.
Don Doherty was appointed student assistant
manager at the Orpheum . . . Joseph
""
Satisfaction — Always
Missouri Theatre Supply Co.
L. I. KIMBHIEL. Managei
Phone GRond 2864
— lis W. 18lh Kansas City 8. Mo. S
CITY
Lopez, at the Dickinson-owned Tampico
neighborhood house since it began showing
Spanish-language features, was promoted to
manager . B. Killian jr., for more
than 14 years with the Exhibitors Supply Co.,
St. Louis, Mo., joined the staff at the National
Theatre Supply Co. branch here.
Gladyce Penrod, Kansas-Missouri Theatres
Ass'n office secretary, returned from a vacation
at International Falls, Minn. .
R.
"Tommy" Thompson, Selznick Releasing Organization
branch manager, was visiting Kansas
territory . . . Lee Dm-land, Film Classics
branch manager, retui-ned from brief visits
in St. Joseph, Mo., and other points in the
northwest part of the state.
J. T. Chosen, operator of the Uptown, Sedalia.
Mo., signed a long-term lease on a
15-acre tract on Route 50 near there as the
site for a 500-car drive-in . . . J. R. Keller,
foi-merly of Junction City, Kas., succeeded
Ted Huntsman as manager of the Chief,
operated by Theatre Enterprises at Hiawatha,
Kas. . of the front of the
Electric, Lamed, Kas., is nearing completion.
.
Construction of the new Shawnee Drive-In
being built by the Dickinson Operating Co.
near Shawnee, Kas., was being rushed to
permit an opening about October 15 . . . The
front of the Gem, operated by J. W. Speilman
at Baldwin City, Kas., was being modernized
of a 250-car drivein
was started by Francis Rodenbeek on a
site one mile south of Scott City, Kas.
Costumes of Film Stars
At Sorority Style Show
KANSAS CITY—Costumes once worn by
several leading film stars and other Hollywood
celebrities will be featured during a
fashion show, "Style Headliners," which
Theta Sigma Phi, journalistic sorority, will
sponsor next Tuesday (14) in the Little Theatre
of the Municipal auditorium here. Among
the costumes will be evening gowns worn by
Jane Powell and Prances Gifford in the MGM
production, "Luxury Liner," which will be
shown at the Midland here late this month.
A sarong contributed by Dorothy Lamour,
and a hat sent by Hedda Hopper, also will be
among the articles to be worn by models from
the Patricia Stevens agency and other Kansas
City girls.
Commonwealth Managers
To Annual Convention
KANSAS CITY — Commonwealth circuit
theatre managers will gather here for an
annual fall meeting next Tuesday and
Wednesday (14, 15 1, and approximately 60
are expected to attend the two-day conclave.
The first day of the gathering will be devoted
to cricuit and theatre business matters,
beginnmg at 9:30 a. m. Sports events will be
featured during the second day, which the
visiting managers will spend at Star Lane
farms.
The out-of-town managers will be quartered
at the Pi'esident hotel during the convention.
Robert Shelton, vice-president and
general manager, will preside.
POPCORN SACKS Printed, very at- Jigg
tractive. 3/4 lb. size, per thousand . I
POPCORN SACKS printed, very at- 503O
tractive. I'/j lb. size, per thousand L
13/4-Oz. BOXES attractively printed,
per thousand
J15Q
I
POPCORN SALT. Eighteen 3 lb. JO20
packages, per case t.
Sk
All
abo FOB
l/tna irt THEATRE SUPPLY
W t?C/cJ • COMPANY •
Missouri theatre owners and operators seen
on Filmrow included Earl Douglas, Uptown,
Carrollton; George Crooks, Electric, Browning:
Francis Meyers, Civic, Brookfield, and
C. L. Fisk, Fisk, Butler . Kansas
exhibitors seen were Jess De Long, Ute,
Mankato: Dan M. Blair, Blair, Smith Center:
Clarence Kirby, Drive-In, Independence,
and Mrs. C. S. Andrews, Andrews, Olathe.
Charles Dayton in 'Lucretia'
A top characterization in Paramount's "A
Mask for Lucretia," will bs portrayed by
Charles Dayton.
They Write Title Song
Don Raye and Gene DePaul have been commissioned
to write the title song for Samuel
Goldwyn's "Enchantment" for RKO.
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY
We Cover the U. S. Market
A diiferent service of long
experience and reputation
ARTHUR LEAK THEATRE SALES
pOPC©
./T'S GI^AVITIZ^ED.'
PROCESSED
bV FLOATING THRPUGH
I
Atchison -
Kansas
64 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948

'Red River' Gross
Tops Kansas City
KANSAS CITY — Trade at the de luxe
houses here generally was at its highest peak
in many months. The pre-Labor day weekend
bolstered grosses at most of the first
runs. "Red River," dualed with "Blonde Ice"
at the Midland, chalked up a pace-setting
total and was assured a holdover. "Good
Sam." paired with "Dragnet" at the Orpheum,
also rang up an impressive take and held for
another round. "Beyond Gloi-y" at the Paramount
was exceptionally strong and earned
another round.
(Average Is 100)
.
Esquire—The Babe Ruth Story (Mono), 2nd d. t
wk. 95
Midland—Red River (UA); Blonde Ice (FC) 220
Orpheum—Good Sam (RKO); Dragnet (SG) 190
Paramount—Beyond Glory (Para) 160
Roxy—Mickey (EL) 80
Tower, Uptown, Fairway That Lady in Ermine
(20lh-Fox) - 110
Strong Product Bolsters Trade
At Theatres in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS—The Labor Day holiday
helped business that has been feeling the
adverse effects of extreme heat. Lineup of
attractions was strong, including "A Foreign
Affair," "Good Sam," So Evil. My Love,"
"Fighting Father Dunne" and "The Babe
Ruth Story." There was only one holdover,
"The Search," at the World.
Ester Secret Service Investigator (Rep);
Hawaii Calls (RKO), reissue 90
Century—So Evil, My Love (Para) 110
Gopher—Wings Over Honolulu (U-I); Corvette
K-225 (U-I), reissues .. 100
Lyric—Rose of Washington Square (20th-Fox),
reissue 100
Radio City—A Foreign AHair (Para) 130
RKO-Orpheum-Good Sam (RKO) 125
RKO-Pan-Fighting Father Dunne (RKO) 100
Stcfte—The Babe Ruth Story (AA-Mono) 115
World—The Search (MGM), 2nd wk 175
'Babe Ruth Story' Tops
Omaha First Run Trade
OMAHA—The heat wave continued and it
helped air conditioned theatres in registering
above average at most spots. The top local
draw was "The Babe Ruth Story," with the
"Winner's Circle" at the Orpheum. "Life
With Father" did nicely in its return to the
Omaha.
Omaha—Life With Pother (WB), Where the North
Begins (WB), reissue 110
Orpheum—The Babe Ruth Story (AA-Mono); The
Winner's Circle (20lh-Fox) 135
Paramoum—The Walls of lericho (20th-Fox) 100
RKO Brandeis—Four Feathers (UA); Drums (UA);
split with Bring 'Em Back Alive (RKO), reissue;
Secret Service Investigator (Rep) 90
State—The Pirate (MGM); The Daring Young Man
Col), reissues, 2nd wk 110
Town—Silent Conflict (UA); Best Man Wins (Col),
2nd run; Little Men (RKO), reissue; split with
A Game of Death (RKO), reissue; Law and
Order (EL), reissue 105
•k
k
k
*

. .
D E S
MOINES
IWrayo Beatty, former Monogram manager,
gave the girls of his office staff a dinner
party at his home shortly before leaving the
. . . Lucille
exchange. Beatty has spent the last week
on a fishing ti'ip in Minnesota
Wesp, A. H. Blank's secretary at Tri-
States, spent the Labor day weekend at her
home in Predricksburg, and Norma Tilden of
the Tri-States publicity department journeyed
to Calona for the three-day holiday.
Zora Fmi, Monogram, and Helen Clark,
Republic, have departed for their vacation
on a dude ranch in Colorado . . . Columbia
held a screening Thursday night at Paramount
of the new Rita Hayworth picture.
Representatives of press and radio were invited
. . . Tri-States held a special showing
of "The Babe Ruth Story" for 46 crippled
children who were brought to the Des Moines
Theatre in taxicabs as the guests of Manager
Harold Lyon. The Wilson Sporting Goods
Co. added further enjoyment by passing out
baseballs to each child.
Final reports of the net proceeds of the
Variety Club dance staged September 3 are
not yet available, but officials reported a
turnout of almost 2,000 persons. Money will
go to Arlington Hall, boys' home here. Several
prizes were awarded. They were won by
Dick Grant, H. C. Wilson, Charles R. Blazek,
LucOle Wesp and L. E. Bartlett, all of Des
Moines. Grant drove off with a bi-and new
Dodge and Wilson's gift was a Philco refrigerator.
The others received radios.
Reports from the golf stag party held at
Hyperion indicate a good time was had by
all. Harris Wolcott, son of Leo Wolcott of
Eldora, won the prize for low score for the
day. In second place was Bob Sandler of
Des Moines. "Ole" Olson, Universal salesman,
and Jean Post, SRO manager, tied for
honors in the handicap tournament. Don
Hicks, Paramount manager, was awarded the
prize for the longest drive. Bob Leonard,
Paramount Theatre manager, won a special
prize and the door prize went to Charles
Johnson, Omaha's manager for Universal.
"Tip" Harrison, Tri-States architect, and M.
E. McLane, Central States district manager
in Nebraska, also were among the prizewinners.
Filmrowcrs learned of the recent death of
C. L. DeNune of Dewitt, la., an exhibitor in
this territory for more than 30 years .
Friends of Jerry Gerbracht, former manager
of the Grand in Estherville, learned of his
fame as a fisherman on the west coast, where
he is credited with landing a 32 V2 -pound
salmon in Elliott bay near Seattle.
Small Business Hearing
In Kansas City Sept. 15
KANSAS CITY—The current bulletin of
the Kansas-Missouri Allied unit informs
members that Congressman Walter C. Ploeser
(Rep., Mo. I, who is chairman of the house of
representatives small business committee, will
be in Kansas City next Wednesday (15 1 at
the Muehlebach hotel to hear complaints
from exhibitors on unfair trade practices.
Ploeser is making a 12-city investigation of
the motion picture industry and the problems
of the small independent exhibitor.
O. F. Sullivan, Allied unit persident, conducted
a board meeting last Wednesday and
discussed plans to send a delegation to the
national Allied convention in New Orleans
November 30.
SIMPP Action Feared
MINNEAPOLIS—Members of several of the
buying-booking combines here are known to
be apprehensive that the Society of Independent
Motion Picture Producers will bring
suits against their groups similar to those
filed in Detroit, asking treble damages and
dissolution. There are four large combines
here in addition to the Minnesota Amusement
Co., Paramount circuit, and the RKO
Theatres that could be targets for SIMPP.
Two of the combines have been thorns in the
sides of the distributors.
Stockholders Get $120
DAVENPORT, IOWA—Stockholders of the
Third and Brady Street Liquidation Trust
will receive about $120 a share as a result of
the recent sale of the Mississippi Hotel-Orpheum
Theatre Bldg. to the Singer-Davenport
Corp. for $1,232,000. Par value of the
units is $100, but it was said many holders
acquired the stock at distress prices years
ago, some paying about $25 a share.
Distributor-Volk Suit
Continued Third Time
MINNEAPOLIS—Another continuance has
been granted to the major distributors in
federal court suits against Bill and Sidney
Volk,, local circuit owners, for alleged failure
to make true returns on percentage pictures.
At the distributors' request, the trial, scheduled
for September 13, has been set forward
to November 8. It marks the third continuance
of the action. Each has been at the
request of David Shearer, counsel for the
plaintiffs.
Ben Deinard, counsel for the Volks, contending
that the contracts involved are rendered
void by clauses dictating admission
prices to be charged for the pictures, is seeking
an injimction to restrain the distributors
from examining the Volks' books.
Minneapolis Situations
Step Up Double Billing
MINNEAPOLIS—Double featuring is becoming
more aggravated and making bigger
inroads among the independent neighborhood
situations. The general policy up to this time
has been to confine the twin bills to a few
nights a week and to combine only lower
bracket pictures or one A film with a low
bracket picture. More houses are using the
twin bills frequently now, however, and tossing
in two A pictures together. The Homewood,
neighborhood house, on Labor day, for
example, double featured what it called "two
smash hits." They were "Lady Prom Shanghai"
and "Another Part of the Forest."
Good Boxofiice Receipts
On Televised Reissues
MINNEAPOLIS — Televising of pictures
over KSTP, Twin City station, apparently
hasn't damaged their boxoffice value for
theatres so far. At least, two televised reissues
have turned in good grosses here.
"Elephant Boy," recently televised over
KSTP, is now playing the downtown Pix at
50 cents admission and doing well.
A few weeks ago "Four Feathers" was
televised by KSTP, which has made a deal
for a large number of Alexander KorJa reissues,
and the RKO Pan Theatre played
it at 70 cents at the same time it was being
televised. It did well at the Pan.
COMPLETELY NEW
HORKY'S CAFE
Bigger and Better Than Ever
— Featuring 'Delish' Steaks
1202 High St. Des Moinea. Iowa
"Where Filmrow Friends Gather"
Open Daily at 4 p. m.
Back From Summer Home
MANHATTAN, KAS.—Harry Wareham,
owner of the Wareham Theatre and partner
in Commonwealth Theatres operations here,
returned from his summer home at Bay Lake,
Minn. Mrs. Wareham and children accompanied
him.
Sister Dies in Los Angeles
MANHATTAN, KAS.—Word was received
here this week of the death in Los Angeles
of Sydney Russell, sister of Mrs. Jane Tomkins,
secretary to TEI City Manager Dave
Dallas.
Theatre Fountain Opens
McGregor. IOWA—The fountainette in
open for
the Strand Theatre building here is
business with ice cream, soft drinks,
popcorn, cigarets and candy being served.
The building housing the fountainette has
been remodeled and redecorated and a new
front is near completion.
Theatre Cashier Is Teacher
HILL CITY, KAS.—Mrs. Betty Jackson,
former cashier at the State in Manhattan,
has just accepted a position with the public
school system here.
66
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
ir

Booth Men in Detroit
Ask Major Changes
DETROIT—Contract negotiations between
lATSE Local 199 and approximately 200 theatres
in the Detroit area have reached a
temporary deadlock although operators continued
working with the understanding that
any contractual change will be made retroactive
to September 1, expiration date of the
old pact.
While avoiding a general demand for wage
scale increases the union made three demands
which it is estimated would amount to a 40
per cent over-all salary increase in houses
where all conditions become effective. They
demanded:
Six-day week, in contrast to the present
seven-day week, with the exhibitor to assume
full salary for the seventh day.
Twenty minutes a day preparatory time
deemed necessary to get the booth in shape.
Equalization betw'een shift house and night
house scales, by raising the scales of houses
which operate only at night as much as 60
to 80 cents an hour in individual instances.
N;gotiations are being directed by Roger
M. Kennedy, lATSE vice-president.
New Owners Take Over
HOLLSOPPLE, PA.—Tlie Rex, formerly the
Knapp, recently transferred from Catherine
Knapp to Joseph and Steve Yantus, owners
of a market in Central City, has been withdrawn
as a member of Cooperative Theatre
Service. The new owners, also operators of
the Co-Op theatre at Schellsburg, will sign
film contracts and transact all other business
for the theatre.
Charles Anderson Expected Home
WELLSBURG, W. VA.—The Alpine is being
modernized with remodeling, decorating
and installation of new fixtures and equipment.
The work will be completed within
a week. Charles Anderson, who heads the
Alpine circuit, is expected home soon from
his vacation in Scotland.
Laura Eve London Dies
DETROIT—Mrs. Laura Eve London, 62,
died recently in Mount Carmel Mercy hospital.
She was the wife of Israel J. London,
former well-known Detroit circuit operator
who converted his Beacon Theatre into a
bowling alley several years ago.
Harold Russell to Speak at Johnstown
JOHNSTOWN, PA.—Harold Russell, who
won two Academy awards for his part in
"The Best Years of Our Lives," will be the
Beth Zion Forum speaker here January 13.
The handless veteran will discuss "The Fears
in Our Lives."
Publicize Local Girl in 'Mary Lou'
McKEESPORT, PA.—Columbia's "Mary
Lou" exploitation at the Liberty was directed
to local actress Mary Ann Bock, featured in
the musical comedy.
Booking Job to Louis Hanna
CHESWICK, PA. — The new Cheswick,
scheduled to open about November 1, will be
booked by Louis E. Hanna, according to Joseph
Mulone, manager.
Allied Leaders to Speak
At Ohio ITO Convention
COLUMBUS—Executives of exhibitor organizations
and producers' representatives
William Ainsworth
Benny Berger
will attend the convention of the Independent
Theatre Owners of Ohio September 14. 15 at
the Deshler-Wallick hotel here.
The list of those who have accepted invitations
to address the convention includes
'Uncle Jim' Will Retire
On His 90th Anniversary
PITTSBURGH—Col. James A. McGowan,
"Uncle Jim of Pilmrow," now is a carnival
barker. He joined Prell's Broadway Shows
recently. Eighty-nine years young, McGowan
is the uncle of James H. Alexander, theatre
supply distributor here. Designated "Grand
Duke of the Open Road" by Jeff Davis, king
of the hoboes. Colonel Jim has appeared with
the tent show in Butler, Carlisle and Uniontown,
and is moving into Indiana and Ebensburg
and then into West Virginia.
Well known for many years on Pittsburgh's
Filmrow, Uncle Jim claims he has traveled
more miles by hitch-hiking than any other
living man. Born at Prospect. Butler county,
in 1859, he was in public office and was an
auctioneer for 45 years.
He said recently that he would retire from
the open road when he celebrates his 90th
birthday at Butler on November 8. Uncle
Jim says he plans to stay home and "be good"
after that date.
Negro Castle at Detroit
Bought by Saul Korman
DETROIT—Saul Korman, circuit operator
specializing in the operation of houses
catering to colored clientele, has taken over
the Castle, east side house, from the Jack
Broder circuit. Joseph O'Donnell has been
put in charge of the house. Korman plans
to remodel the Castle at a cost of $25,000,
and shift to all-night operation in contrast
to the former 3:00 a. m. closing.
Walking Cafeterias Added
WASHINGTON, PA.—Three walking cafeterias
were introduced here at the Route 19
Drive-In. The "Walky-Teria trio" carry
such
stainles steel electric heat units and sell
things as steaming hot dogs.
William Ainsworth, president of National Allied:
A. F. Myers, counsel for National Allied:
Benny Berger, president of North Central
Allied: Trueman Rembsuch, president of
Allied of Indiana; H. M. Ritchey, exhibitor
relations, Loew's; D. H. Palfreyman, of the
Eric Johnston organization: J. W. Spiselman,
vice-president of the Air Purification
Service, Newark, N. J. Other industrj-ites are
expected to be among the speakers.
Gov. Thomas J. Herbert and Dr. Clyde Hissong,
chief Ohio film censor, have accepted
banquet invitations.
P. J. Wood, ITO secretary, is hoping for a
good attendance at the special meeting 'oif
small town exhibitors to be held at 1 p. m.,
Monday, September 13, preceding the opening
of the two-day convention. Business sessions
will be held at 1 p. m. Tuesday and
Wednesday, with the banquet at 7 p. m.
Tuesday. Door prizes and special awards will
be distributed at the banquet. Wood said.
Delay on New Manos Adds
At Least $200,000 to Cost
MONESSEN, PA.—The Monessen Amusement
Co. plans to open the new Manos here
October 15, according to Michael M. Manos,
who heads this organization, Indiana County
Theatres Co., Manos Enterprises, Inc., and
Elkins Theatres Co.
The newest and finest theatre in the Monongahela
Valley, the de luxe modern city
hou.se, seating 1,200, is one of the tristate
area's most beautiful and important theatres.
Delay in construction has added at least $200,-
000 to the cost of the project.
Three to Ohio Service Corp.
CLE'VTJLAND-Tony Stern and Lou Ratener
of Ohio Theatre Service Corp., which
they formed last spring, have acquired the
buying-booking contract for Triangle Theatre
Corp. Triangle was organized recently
for the joint operation of the Yorktown,
Parma and Broadvue theatres. The 1,600-seat
Yorktown was built in the last year by Ted
and Albert Vermes; the 1,200-seat Parma,
about two years old, was built by the late
John D. Kalafat and associates and is operated
by Jinmiy Kalafat, while the 1,800-seat
Broadvue is owned by Frank and Roy Gross.
The deal brings to 30 the number of theatres
in this area serviced by Ohio Theatre Service.
Jail Sentence for John Perry
UNIONTOWN, PA.—John Perry, burgess of
Belle Vernon and proprietor of the Ritz Theatre
there, has been sentenced by Judge H.
Vance Cottom to a term of not less than six
nor more than 12 months in the Allegheny
county workhouse. Perry was convicted of
assault and battery upon George Syabosol,
former bartender. In addition Perry was
fined $250. Perry, who stated he was protecting
himself, was convicted in June of hitting
Syabosol, a former employe, on the head
with a pool cue.
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 ME 67

. . . Local
. . Tom
2nd
COLUMBUS
pemard O'Dea, former manager of several
local neighborhood houses and now living
in Jacksonville, Fla., was here during a
vacation trip . . . Theatre cashiers here have
been warned that counterfeit $10 bills are in
circulation locally, and some merchants were
reported to be refusing to accept bills of that
denomination . . . Bert Charles has been
named program and sports director of
WVKO-FM, which will brgin operating here
in October.
Charles Sugrarman, World manager, reaped
the benefit of special promotion for the
March of Time subject, "White Collar Girl,"
cooperating with the Lazarus department
store which staged style shows and arranged
window displays . . . Tod Raper of the Dispatch
editorial staff has been substituting
for Samuel T. Wilson, drama editor, who has
been ill . . . John Yoimg is temporary theatre
editor of the Journal during the absence of
Mary McGavi-an, who was to be married September
11 in Cadiz, Ohio to Harold Koebel,
also of the Journal staff.
Pat Wilson, Cincinnati, drama student at
Ohio State university, won the James Cagney
award for her reading of a speech from "The
Time of Your Life" over WBNS in a contest
sponsored by United Artists and Loew's Ohio
... In another contest, sponsored by Loew's
Ohio and the Citizen, Pat James. Worthington,
Ohio, was chosen Columbus Teen Queen
support of the drive for funds for
the Will Rogers Memorial hospital was discussed
at a meeting here.
The Gayety, biu-lesque house, opened for
the fall and winter season under new management.
A 5-year lease on the theatre has
been taken by Jack Kane, Youngstown, who
operates the Grand there and the Mayfair
in Dayton. Jay McGee is the new house
manager ... A new blacktop driveway has
been laid at the CCC Auto Theatre, operated
by Prank Yassenoff and Harold
Schwartz.
Tom Paskell, former chief of service at
Loew's Ohio and now with the air corps in
Japan, was here while on furlough . . . An
exhibit of paintings by Frank Tibbits, Ohio
lobby artist, will be displayed at the Southern
Hotel gallery . . . Neil Collins was named
a sales manager and promotion director of
the new local radio station WVKO-FM.
Mary McGavran, theatre editor of the Ohio
State Journal, will be married September 11
to Harold Koebel, a member of the editorial
staff in Cadiz, Ohio . Smiley. MOM
salesman, was ill . . . Harry Sheeran, assistant
MGM branch manager, Cincinnati, was
a visitor . . . Walter Kessler, Ohio manager,
was vacationing with his wife in Florida.
Steal $3 During Crime Short
COLUMBUS—A crime prevention short was
being shown at a local theatre, but it failed
to impress at least one patron. WiUiam P.
Groves reported his wallet containing $3 was
stolen during the showing of the short.
Smiley Burnette in Johnsto'wn
JOHNSTOWN, PA.—Smiley Burnette appeared
at the Park Theatre September 2.
DRIVE-IN and THEATRE
EQUIPMENT
Drawings, specifications, blueprints to fit any expenditure
for the simplest to the most complex theatre.
Sheldon Theatre Supplies has a Complete
Building Service Available
*The NEW "12,000" DeVry Projectors and
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* DeVRY "In-A-Car" Speakers
* ALTEC LANSING Amplifiers and Speakers
* STRONG Rectifiers * NATIONAL Carbons
* NEUMADE Accessories GOLDE Supplies
TIFFIN Draperies and Scenery
* mWIN Seats * STABILARC Generators
GENERAL Register Machines
"Before You Buy, See and Hear DeVry"
Complete Booking Service • Complete Factory Service
SHELDON THEATRE SUPPLIES
Office Phone: ADams 9644 — Nights and Sundays: TAylor 7511
1415 AMBERLY DRIVE DAYTON, OHIO
'Executioner' Has 15Q
In Cleveland Heat
CLEVELAND—A record heat wave kept
many people home and conversely drove others
to the downtown air cooled theatres
where some managers reported patrons stayed
over for a second showing. Best draw of the
week was "Mine Own Executioner" with 50
per cent better than average attendance at
the Lower Mall where it stayed for a second
week. "Mr. Blandings" held to a strong 110
per cent in its second holdover week at the
Palace while "Man-Eater of Kumaon" pleased
the Ohio audiences.
100
(Average Is 100)
Allen—Canon City (EL), 2nd wk 90
Hippodrome—That Lady in Ermine (20th-Fox) 100
Lower Mall—Mine Own Executioner (20th-Fox)....150
Ohio—Man-Eater of Kumaon (U-!) 105
Palace Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House
(SRO), 2nd d. t wk no
State—The Time of Your Life (UA) 100
StiUman—Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
(U-I), 2nd d. t. wk
Improved Weather Brings Gross Up
For Mild Detroit Recovery
DETROIT—The week started off at the
tailend of a heat wave, but a break over the
weekend helped local receipts considerably.
Last-minute matinee attendance by the
youngsters before they headed back to school
was also a factor in a mild recovery.
,
Adams—Easter Parade (MGM), 7th wk 75
Broadway Capitol—Bring 'Em Back Alive (RKO),
reissue; plus Frank Buck in person 100
Cinema Specter oi the Rose (Rep), reissue;
90
Beauty and the
Downtown—The
Beast
Invaders
(Lopert).
(Col);
2nd wk
Commandos
Strilce at Dawn (Col), reissues 85
Fox—The Return oi the Whistler (Col); Canon City
(EL) wk iOO
Michigan—Beyond Glory (Para); Big Town
Scandal (Para) 105
Palms-State—Panhandle (AA-Mono); Smart
Woman (AA-Mono) _ 100
United Artists—The Time of Your Life (UA),
2nd wk 95
Cincinnati Grosses Swing Upward
With All at 100 or More
CINCINNATI—There was a vast improvement
over recent preceding weeks with good
business reported in every one of the downtown
houses. Four pictures remained for additional
engagements: "Luxury Liner," "The
Walls of Jericho" and "Key Largo" in the
same houses, and "The Paradine Case," moving
to Shuberts.
Albee—The Paradine Case (SRO) 140
Capitol-Kev Largo (WB), 2nd wk 120
Grand—Luxury Liner (MGM) 150
Keiths—The Walls oi Jericho (20th-Fox) 110
2nd d, t. Lyric-The Velvet Touch (RKO), wk.;
split with Gung Hoi (U-I): Eagle Squadron
(U-I), reissues 100
Palace—Coroner Creek (Col) 110
Shubert—Tap Roots (U-I), 2nd d I, wk 100
Abbott and Costello Gross 130
For Pittsburgh High
PITTSBURGH—"Abbott and Costello Meet
Frankenstein" was tops at the local boxoffices
with "The Paradine Case" and "The Velvet
Touch" also making good showings. "Easter
Parade," in its fourth week, again scored
and won a fifth session.
Fulton-Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
(U-I) 130
Harris—Texas, Brooklyn and Heaven (UA),
5 days 80
Penn—The Paradine Cose (SRO) 120
Stanley—A Foreign Affair (Para), 2nd wk _.... 80
Senator—The Black Arrow (Col). 2nd d. t. wk 8b
Ritz— Easter Parade (MGM), 4lh d. t. wk 115
Wai-ner—The Velvet Touch (RKO) 110
Mrs. Notarianni Is Owner
KNOX. PA.— Mrs. Angeline Notarianni is
the new proprietor of the Knox.
68 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948

. . . The
. . George
. . Point
TOLEDO
pddie Cantor will confer with local leaders
on Jewish problems n Europe and the
Republic of Isra 1 when he comes to Toledo
September 12 in connecticn with the local
$1,000,000 drive for the United Jewish fund
neighborhood Westwood Theatre was
the scene of a free meat-cutting demonstration
sponsored by the Kroger Co.. food chain,
in connection with the opening of a new supermarket
near the Westwood.
Paramount Theatre changed its time schedule
to usher in tlie fall and winter season,
and did not open the house until 5 p. m. The
theatre had booked Phil Spitalny and his allgirl
orchestra for that week, and plans another
stage show for the week of October 7.
a revue headed by the Ink Spots.
Ralph Edwards and his entourage have
been booked for the Sports arena Saturday
September 11 and his weekly NBC radio show
will be aired from there . Place film
house had this sign on the marquee recently
—"Esther Williams 'On An Island With You'
in Selected Shorts" . J. Yakobian,
public relations man and member of the
Variety Club, and Leila A. Lee recently obtained
a marriage license.
1,2C0, prior to its opening September 8.
Vincent J. Alderd has returned to Pittsburgh,
after substituting for Abe Ludacer,
manager of Loew's Valentine. Ludacer returned
from h^s vacation recently.
New Owners Redecorate
Norwood, Ohio, Theatre
NORWOOD, OHIO—Maurice A. Chase and
Herman H. Hunt held a formal opening of
the redecorated Norwood Theatre here recently.
Many innovations were added, including
a new plastic moimted screen. Symphonic
four-star sound and Electro air conditioning.
Chase and Hunt recently leased
the theatre and booking and buying will be
done by Theatre Owners Corp.
To Dream House in Thecrtre Cars
TOLEDO—Abe Ludacer, manager of Loew's
Valentine, had cars waiting outside the theatre
to take patrons who just viewed "Mr.
Blandings Builds His Dream House" to the
local dream house in suburban Ottawa HUls.
THREE COMPLETELY
I EQUIPPED PLANTS
nn
CHICAGO
1327 S WABASH AVE I
Minor Smoke Scares
In 2 Schwyn Houses
TOLEDO—Two minor smoke scares hit Toledo
theatres recently. Esther Williams in a
bathing suit competed successfully with a
smoking wastepaper basket in the State Theatre,
a neighborhood house, when employes
went down the aisles and told the spectators
what the trouble was. Only a few patrons
left. The film was not interrupted. Manager
Edward Bu.sh said, and it was not nece.ssary
to call the fire department.
A passerby thought there was a real fire at
the bottom of the smoke he saw coming from
the Paramount Theatre downtown. When he
turned in an alarm, firemen found only burnt
popcorn. Deputy Fire Chief Walter Ringger
said employes attending a popcorn machine
in the basement let the corn burn, causing
smoke to pour out of a vent which leads to
the marquee. There was no damage.
Both the State and Paramount are operated
by the Carl Schwyn circuit.
New Educational Films
For Use in Ohio Schools
COLUMBUS—The slides and films exchange
of the Ohio Department of Educa-
Milt Tarloff, operator of the Toledo Sports tion, which supplies films for schools, has
and Home show, annual spring event in the
acquired a large group of new films, according
to Freda Bauer, chief booker for the ex-
Civic Auditorium, also will opsrate the Ti'ianon
ballroom this season, retaining Lou change. However, the normal number of approximately
4,000 titles remains unchanged,
Bruno as manager. Tarloff had managed
the ballroom for six years until going into
since when new films are acquired, old outdated
materials are discarded.
the army in 1942. He spent approximately
$20,000 in refurbishing and remodeling the Among news films acquired are those deal-
ballroom, doubling the seating capacity to
ing with literature, geography, vocational
training, health education, mathematics, and
nearly every other subject of study. There
are 42 new March of Time films, numerous
Encyclopedia Britannica films, mostly for
elementary grades, a Young America series
for home economics classes, a Coronet seri;s
for high school commercial classes, and many
others.
Some of the films are for use by Ohio colleges.
A McGraw-Hill film on di-sciplining of
children, understanding of children, and
teaching methods has been acquired for
teacher training classes. A catalog, listing all
the new films, will be sent to schools early
this faU.
'Mom and Dad' 16mm Bow
Sept. 13inWellsburg
CLEVELAND—A world premiere of "Mom
and Dad" on 16mm film will take place September
13 in Wellsburg, W. Va. The thi'eeday
engagement, complete with lecturer and
nurses, is being presented imder the auspices
of the local chapter of the American Legion.
Present at the opening will be Paul Bonaiuto
and Herman Deutschman, heads of Major
Films of Cleveland, national distributors of
the 16mm edition of this educational feature
produced by Hygienic Productions of Wilmington,
Ohio. An extensive advertising campaign
is preceeding the opening, covering a
radius of 50 miles in all directions.
Let Our Years of Experience Plan
and Build Your Theatre
VOGEL BUILDING CO.
Liberty Theotre BIdg.
Wellsville, 0. — Phone: 74
A K R O N
r^arl Ferrazza, as.sistant manager at Loew's
here for more than two years, has gone
to Cleveland where he will work for the East
Ohio Gas Co. He came here from Cleveland
after starting in the theatre business in
Washington . . . Don Maxwell, assistant manager
at the Strand, has moved to Bryan, Ohio,
where he will manage two theatres for the
Skirball chain, which also operates the Forum
here. He previously worked for Warners for
five years and served in the air corps for
three years.
Ron Gamble, manager of the Palace, recently
returned from the west coast, where
he visited his mother, who was ill . . . Akron
will have a new legitimate theatre group with
the recently organized nonprofit Akron Theatre
Enterprise, Inc. The group will present
"Room Service" as its first play about the end
of October. Most of the persons forming the
unit attend Kent State univeristy in nearby
Kent. A theatre has not yet been .scheduled.
The group will pay actors and technicians,
rather than operate on an amateur basis, according
to Edward Shelton. Akron, president.
The old Spicer Theatre at 450 E. Exchange
St., has been razed, and a modern theatre,
the Vogue, is being built.
nearly $100,000.
The project will co.st
Enlarge Mendon Theatre
MENDON, MICH.—Louis Danley, owner of
the Mendon Theatre, has completed enlargement
of the lobby and installation of a new
boxoffice and popcorn machine.
COMPLETE EQUIPMENT
for THEATRES and DRIVE-INS
Lowest Prices
24-Hour-a-Day Service
FIRST IN THE COUNTRY
IN DRIVE-IN SPEAKERS
• Ideal Choirs
* First witii acirc
u i t arrangement
for minimizing
outages.
»< First with
Fiberglas acoustical
insulation.
« First with theft
r e s istan t
cables.
• Strong Projection Lamps
• Kollmorgen Lens
• Century Projectors and Sound Systems
• Do-Lite Screens
• Neumade Products
Write lor FREE LITERATURE
THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
Al Boudouris. manager
TOLEDO 2, OHIO— 109 Michigan—AD. 8107
CLEVELAND, OHIO—921 Guordian BIdg.
SU. 4680
BOXOFFICE
k
:: September 11, 1948 69

Church and Theatre Live in Harmony
For 8 Years on Censorship Right
DETROIT—History of the amicable relationship
between the Mercury Theatre, operated
by Saul Sloan, and a neighboring church
since the opening of the theatre eight years
ago throws an interesting light upon an exhibitor
in the role of a "good neighbor." It
has given another proof that good community
relations for the exhibitor pay off at the
boxoffice.
In this instance there is a solid foundation
of goodwill in a real estate pact providing for
joint use of property for the theatre parking
lot
Ẇhen the Mercury was built, the neighboring
Precious Blood Catholic church had considerable
property adjacent, located between
the theatre on one side and the church and
school on the other. Sloan wanted some of
the property for a parking lot.
FREE PARKING TO CHURCHMEN
So an arrangement was reached providing
that members of . the church congregation
would have the right to use the lot for all
church services. This was to be maintained
as a free right, even if Sloan should later
decide to charge a fee for parking on the lot.
Another provision gave the church the right
to use underground public utilities running
across the property.
Of outstanding significance from the exhibitor's
standpoint, however, was the inclusion
of a special clause giving the pastor
of the church, Father William L. Hermes,
the right to insist that no offensive pictures
be shown in the theatre. This is probably
the only case on record in which a legal right
to censor films has been granted to a church
or religious organization by an exhibitor
catering to the general public.
The clause has never actually been invoked
because it has not been necessary under the
yifed
Can Now Show You The
NEW 1948 "£NCO/i£" & "AIRFLO"
HEYWOOD-WAKEFIELD THEATRE CHAIRS
Call or Write
A/ed 0

. . . Nat
. . Jack
. . . Laura
. . Harris
. . That
Community Leases
Lake in Cleveland
CLEVELAND—The Lake Theatre. 1630
Euclid Ave., for the past 18 years operated by
Warner Bros, as a first run moveover house,
has been leased to the Community Theatres.
500 Great Lakes BIdg. for ten years. Henry
Greenberger. president announced. The lessor
is the Gund Wynn Realty Co.
Under the lease, a guaranteed total rental
of approximately $225,000 will be paid, it is
said. During a complete remodeling period,
estimated to cost in excess of $50,000 and to
include complete new equipment and a new
marquee, the house will remain closed. Greenberger
said that a change of name for the
theatre is being considered.
The Lake originally was lea.sed to the late
Louis Israel, pioneer Cleveland exhibitor who
relinquished the lease because he had trouble
getting suitable product.
The Community circuit operate a chain of
17 theatres in the greater Cleveland area, including
five downtown subsequent run houses,
not including the Lake. These are the Embassy,
Mall, Lower Mall, Carter and Strand.
The Lower Mall plays a foreign film policy.
Patrons Prefer Comedy,
Perlmon Survey Shows
CLEVELAND—Rube Perlman, representative
for Edward Small Productions, on a
survey tour of the country, stopped here recently
and said the motion picture going
public was demanding "comedies, comedies
and more comedies!"
Perlman is not confining himself to the
large cities or the large theatres. "I stop
wherever I see a theatre, be it large or small,
and ask what kind of pictures the patrons
in that particular location want to see," he
said.
"People want to laugh when they go to the
theatre today." That's what theatremen
have told him from coast to coast. They
have enough problems outside the theatre.
All they want in the theatre is entertainment.
Light entertainment. Comedies with
laughs in them. Society comedies are all
right, too, but most in demand, according to
Perlman's survey, is slapstick stuff, with guffaws,
and even belly laughs.
Another thing the theatre owners are telling
Perlman is that they want short features.
No more of those three-hour affairs.
People are restless, tired and imeasy. They
don't want to sit in one place too long.
Air Races and Baseball
Hurt Cleveland Shows
CLEVELAND—Local exhibitors report they
are having a hard time to stand up imder the
heavy competition of night baseball and the
National Air races. Night baseball, they report,
is keeping their female as well as their
male patrons away from the theatres. Interest
in the closing chapter of the season is
razor keen. When the Indians play in Cleveland,
record crowds amounting to 80,000 attend
the games. When the players are outof-town,
the fans stayed glued to their radio
or television set. Add the National Air Races,
opening September 4, to the baseball fans, and
what's left for the theatres? But being good
sports, they are looking forward to a long
winter, with fairly clement, but not too clemment
weather, to compensate for their siunmer
losses.
CLEVELAND
Tim Scoville, retired member of the Scoville,
E.ssick & Reif circuit, has returned to his
home in Tucson, Ariz., more firmly convinced
than ever that he is allergic to the Cleveland
climate . . . George Stevens, well-known
theatre manager and pilot trainer at the
Cleveland airport during the war, again was
timer for the National Air races which started
September 4. It's his 20th year as timer
Charnes, Toledo circuit owner, and
his wife drove east to enroll their daughter
in the freshman class of Connecticut college.
Edward Salzberg, associated with Al Dezel
as part owner of the Screen Guild exchange
in Cincinnati and who has acquired an interest
in the Cleveland exchange, was conferring
with local Manager Edwin R. Bergman
. Sogg. MGM manager, just
received a Christmas card, 1948 model, from
an exhibitor in Rio de Janeiro, proving that
Argentine-American relations are friendly
in the long run.
Harry Walders, RKO manager, was called
to Chicago last week by the death of his
father-in-law. Leo Grace . . . While most of
the film colony planned a quiet and restful
holiday weekend, several sought a change of
scenery. Jack and Mrs. Gertz of Theatrical
Ei^terprises, took off for Chicago, not retm-ning
until Wednesday, while Alex Scliimel,
U-I salesman, visited liis relatives in New
York.
Mrs. William S. Shartin turned the keys
of her home over to its new owners last Friday
and left to join Bill in Seattle where he
now is Film Classics branch manager. Their
daughter Gerry, in the flooring business, has
taken up residence in the Lake Shore hotel
BROWNI.Nd Till I'lG—President Phil
Chakeres of the Chakeres Theatre, Inc.,
casts a critical eye on this barbecued
porker at the annual managers party held
recently in the gardens of the Chakeres
home at Springfield, Ohio.
Kovach, secretary to U-I District
Manager Peter Dana, and Margaret Macsay,
Republic booker, have broken up their joint
housekeeping partnership. Macsay left to live
with the parents and, for the time being,
Laura will carry on alone.
Ed Wise last week resigned as manager
of the Fairview Theatre, severing a 21-year
relationship with the Associated circuit. He
plans to take a month's vacation before deciding
which of several irons he will pull out
of the fire. Sid Holland, former manager of
the Clinton Theatre, Port Clinton, succeeds
Wise at the Fairview. Holland left the Clinton
a month ago to open a Los Angeles
branch of Theatrical Enterprises in partnership
with Julius Lamm, but severed the partnership
soon after his arrival on the coast.
Union Square Theatre 1,600-seat Associated
circuit house, under the management of
Nester Auth, has been completely remodeled
with new stage curtains, carpets, seats. The
restrooms have been entirely rebuilt and a
new refrigeration plant installed. The work
was done by Henry Hellriegel, local building
contractor . Dudelson, Film Classics
Cincinnati manager, was in town to see Warner
head booker Ted Minsky about dates for
Warner theatres in southern Ohio.
Bob Richardson, former RKO salesman
salesman who now is Eagle Lion manager, has
set aside a two-week period, October 5-18,
in honor of Milt Cohen, former RKO district
manager and now Eagle Lion eastern division
sales manager. Object is a shot in the arm
for the current Bill Heineman sales drive
. . Gilbert Lefton, president of Academy
.
Film Service, Inc., has named WajTie Hartman,
formerly of New York, as sales manager
of the company's industrial department in
charge of equipment and promotion and incentive
films.
Nat Barach, NSS manager, attended a
meeting in Pittsburgh last week called to
map plans for the 13-week George Dembo
drive. Before leaving Barach supervised office
decorations for the event, including banners,
photos and gaily colored placards . . .
J. S. Jossey of Hygienic Pi-oductions, producers
of'Mom and Dad" and the forthcoming
"One Too Many," was in Wilmington to
attend the premiere of the company's monthly
stage shows, "The Best Is Yet to Come."
I. J. Schmertz, 20th-Fox manager, and
Harry Weiss, publicity director, left to attend
the 20th-Fox convention in Los Angeles . . .
Sanford Gottlieb, Film Classics manager,
thinks his company has another "King Kong"
boxoffice success in "Unknown Island," first
drama of prehistoric animals made in color.
It'll be along within a month . swanky
new Chrysler convertible you see in the parking
lot on Filmrow belongs to Gilbert Lefton
of Academy Film Service . . . Bill Fabbri.
who was born with a yen to be in the film
business, has joined Major Films, 16mm film
distributors and national distributors of
"Mom and Dad" on 16mm.
Mrs. Jack Sogg, wife of the MGM manager,
arrived in Santa Pe. N. M., to visit their
son-in-law and daughter. Dr. and Mrs. Fred
Soldow. just in time to exchange greetings
with their son Alan, who was returning to
Cleveland after spending the summer in
Santa Fe .
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 ME 71

'
LOU
I

. . Rodger
Chairmen Appointed
In Will Rogers Drive
CINCINNATI—Allan Morltz. chairman of
the Will Rogers Memorial hospital drive in
this area, has appointed five sub-chairmen
to aid in meeting the $75,000 local goal. Irving
Sochin, U-I manager, was named chairman
of the Huntington area: J. J. Grady,
Paramount manager, chairman of the
Charleston area: Jim Abrose. Warners Dayton;
Joe Rosen, 20th-Fox, Columbus, and
S. C. Jacques, RKO, Lexington, Ky., area.
Exhibitors in the respective areas were
asked to meet with the chairmen on specified
dates. Sochin met with exhibitors in
Huntington Thursday i9\ Grady met with
Charleston area exhibitors Wednesday (S),
Abrose called a meeting in Dajlon Thursday
as did Rosen in Columbus on the same date.
Free Pony Rides for Kids
BEAVER FALLS. PA.—Free pony rides are
part of the regular program at the Spotlight
88 Drive-In every Thursday, Friday, Saturday
and Sunday from 7:15 to 9:15 p. m. Children
under 12 are admitted free and adult
admission is 60 cents, tax included. Ralph M.
Felton is manager.
Ask New Bids at Canton
CANTON—In the hope that the city will
receive some "substantially higher" bids.
Mayor Carl F. Klein has asked the city council
for authority to readvertise the old Auditorium
Bldg. site. The city received a bid
of $226,100 for the property July 30.
Buys Changeable Letters
CLARKSBURG. W. VA.—The Robinson
Grand Theatre, one of the two first run
houses here, has purchased new Wagner
changeable letters from Lovett & Co., local
DeVry distributors. Madge Stout manages
the Grand, owned by Claude Robison, veteran
West Virginia showman who also operates
Moore's Opera House, a local second run.
DETROIT
. . . Roy
. . . Edward
gernard L. Kilbride, Thomas J. Kilbride and
Leland G. Hillier have incorporated as the
Hillier-Kilbride Co., with a capitalization
of $100,000, to operate the Globe
Ruben, secretary of local 199. was back at
work after an illness in Cleveland
Jazdyk, assistant manager and treas-
urer at the Fox, is leaving to study law at
the Detroit Institute of Technology . . . Ruth
Burwell, former ca.shier at the Broadway-
Capitol, now is office manager for local B179,
replacing Arlene Koch, now a UDT assistant.
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS
The Showmen's Drug Store
_ a • Cosmetics * Prescriptioii
Personal Service from T^j^o Showmen
MAX BERNBAUM
JACK GALLAGHER
Ma
CLiiford 1527, CUitord 3694
^^^^^^^^^^^^ki^^^m^k^^^
LONG SIGN CO.
MARQUISE SIGNS
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
840 W. Baltimore, Detroit — TH 1-5477
FLOWERS for
Every Occasion
LORENZEN'S
DETROIT'S THEATRICAL FLORIST
TOwnsend 8-6232
16457 Woodward Ave.. Detroit 3, Mich.
Sam Ackemian was convalescing after a
recent illness . . . Jake Sullivan, general man-
.
. . . Arthur
ager of the Bellnsky circuit, also was convalescing
after an operation Secrest,
night manager at the Loop, sold his
candy concession business in New York . .
.
William M. Clark is launching the Clark Theatre
Service in the Donovan Bldg.
MacCoUis now is manager of the Downager
Norman Meyers, Adams manager,
town . . .
returned with his wife from a vacation at
Wisconsin Dells.
Hazen Funk of the Great Lakes was managing
the state fair . . . Dick Holtz of the
Century was vacationing at Ludington . . .
(Continued on next page)
ERNIE
FORBES
214 W. Montcalm
Detroit 1, Mich.
Phone CAdillac 1122
TheatrpSign and Marquee Maintenance
(fkTr^—.
Our Specialty
^kJHorstman ^ Co.
WOodard 5-4050
2821 BrooklTn
EXfflBITORS — PARK FREE AT
EQUIPMENT
McARTHUR THEATRE
COMPANY
454COLU,MBIA ST. WEST - DETROIT I. MiCH
MOTIOORAPH SERVICE
Phone: CAdillac 5524
Renovate Parkersburg, W. Va., Strand
PARKERSBURG, W. VA.—Warners Strand
has been remodeled and renovated. Features
include new comfortable seats, cement floor,
new carpet, sound and projection, and a hivisibility
screen. Policy and prices remain the
same.
For All
The Better Theatre Equipment
RINGOLD
Theatres Up Prices Nickel
VANDERGRIFT, PA.—First bite of the
new 10 per cent community amusement tax
and coin machine license ordinances were
felt recently. The theatres have upped their
prices five cents for adult admissions and
absorbed the tax for youngsters.
Theatre and Alleys to Open Soon
GLADSTONE, MICH.— Emil DeBacker said
recently that he hoped to have the new local
theatre and bowling alleys opened this month.
Only minor finishing work remained to be
done.
Students View Free Exhibitions
STATE COLLEGE, PA.—College Post-Session
students have been attending free evening
outdoor double features in the campus
amphitheatre.
• Motiograph "AA" Projectors
• Motiograph Sound Systems
• Irwin Chairs
• Strong Projection Lamps
• U. S. Air Conditioning
• Wagner Changeable Letters
• Strong Rectifiers
• Robin Imperial Motor-Generator Sets
• Da-Lite Screens
• KoUmorgen Coated Lenses
Distributors for Michigan
• Altec-Lansing Speakers
• Royal Chrome Furniture
• Star Popcorn Machines
• Super-Service Vacuum Cleaners
• Coinometer Change Makers
• Strong Reflectors
• Curtain Controls and Tracks
• GoldE Automatic Enclosed Rewinds
• Neumade Film Cabinets and Tables
• Notional Projector Carbons
Twenty-four hour projection and sound service
RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT COMPANY
106 Michigan St., N. W. Grand Rapids 2, Mich.
Telephone GLendale 4-8852 Nights and Sundays 3-2413
it
BOXOFFICE :: September U, 1948
73

Dave
. . W.
CINCINNATI
fJTTS. Mary Semelroth installed new RCA
projection equipment in her five houses
in Dayton and in the Ohio Theatre at Franklin
.. .
Litto, salesman for Screen
Guild, resigned to handle film sales for
Eagle Lion . . . Irving Sochin, manager for
U-I, was elated with reaction to the sneak:
preview of "One Touch of Venus" at the
Palace. Invitations were given only to newspaper
critics and radio representatives. Maurice
Bergman, vice-president in charge of
advertising, and his assistant Charles Simonelli,
were here from New York for the occasion.
Bergman plans to attend the ITOO
meeting in Columbus, September 13-15.
The Eden Theatre near Peebles Corner,
Walnut Hills, is being remodeled and when
reopened October 15, will be operated as an
art house. Vance Schwartz of Louisville,
operator of the National Theatre there, is
head of Distinctive Pictures, Inc., which will
operate the Eden . G. Carmichael resigned
as sales manager for Eagle Lion and
assumed the branch manager's job at SRO
here.
. . .
.
Dale Elleman, operator of the theatre in
North Lewisburg, Ohio, expects to open his
new Bellefontaine drive-in in two weeks.
The
Midwest is equipping the ozoner
new drive-in at Bluefield, W. Va., an operation
of Max Matz, Bluefield, and Sam Switow,
Louisville, was opened formally recently.
National Theatre Supply installed equipment
. . Mrs. Catherine Taylor, secretary at
Paramount, celebrated her 25th birthday recently,
Edward Salzberg, former manager for
Screen Guild here, has been named district
BANQUET
BRAND

. . . New
. . Mrs.
. . Perry
. . The
. . Don
. . William
. . The
. . Arthur
. . Burt
. . The
. .
. . . Smiley
. . George
. . Fred
. . . The
. . . Lew
. . Eagle
. . Gerald
PITTSBURGH Showboat Cuts River Town Grosses
. . . Park,
Chea's, Bradford, is treating kiddles to free
Superman comic books in connection with
the exhibition of the Columbia serial based
Meadville,
upon the heroic character
presented souvenirs contributed by three
merchants at last Saturday morning's cartoon
carnival . Como, resting at his
home in Canonsburg, paid a surprise visit to
a teen-agers dance in the Canonsburg Eagles
ledge, held under the auspices of the Youth
Guidance committee. He sang several popular
songs and had a good time. Perry recently
completed work in a super musical at MGM
and he will tiu'n up there again for "Annie
Get Your Gun."
.
The Max Arnold family is home after vacationing
in Atlantic City and New York. He
operates theatres in Verona and Pitcairn . .
.
Mark, son of the David Kimelmans, has enrolled
at Penn State Max i Crown)
Shulgolds spent the Labor day weekend on
a motor tour in Canada Prank
.
Thomas family vacationed in New York and
Canada. Frank is the veteran Filmrow projectionist
The Harris circuit is slugging
. . . display advertising with "September-
Greater Movie Season" markers.
Joe Murdock of the Penstate Amusement
Co., Uniontown, has lined up a number of
radio and bicycle giveaways . Redfoot,
Windber and Central City exhibitor, enjoyed
a visit with his elderly mother on the
west coast . . . Jackie, daughter of the Hymie
Wheelers, has been assisting her papa in recent
weeks at the Film Classics office . . .
F. D. Moore, Warner eastern district manager,
was here over the Labor day weekend.
F. P. "Reel" McCoy, lATSE Local 444 secretary,
vacationed at Myrtle Beach, S. C,
with two of his sons Edward 11 and Junior 9
poster clerk at the Pittsburgh Poster
Exchange is Joseph Golanty . . . Bill Walker
jr., son of the Crafton exhibitors, will resume
law schooling at Pitt September 15 . . . Irwin
Zeltner was here exploiting "The Babe Ruth
Story" . Jay Williams, wife of the
Ligonier exhibitor, is home after being hospitalized
at Somerset . . . Mr. and Mrs. F. E.
Hasley, East Pittsburgh exhibitors, will attend
the Allied convention in New Orleans .
Marty Rothenstein presented "Fighting Father
Dunne" at the Baden, Baden, as a benefit
for St. John's Catholic church building fund.
Spotted at the opening of the Victoria,
Wheeling, were James H. Alexander, Michael
Manos, George Purcell, Tom Anas, William
Demas, Chris Velas, A. G. Constant, Saal
Gottlieb, Irving Jacobs, Milton Brauman,
Frank Hamre, William Jones, Gus Priel,
Welden Waters, Charles Baron, George Zeppos,
James Hendel and others . family
of James Sippey, Screen Guild salesman, is
vacationing in Miami . Zoellner
of the MGM reprints and short subjects office,
was here on business.
Capt. Gerry Algier has returned here after
two and one-half years in Germany. He and
Anita, daughter of the Paul Krumenackers,
have been engaged for some time and a fall
wedding is planned . Schultz, manager
of the Lee, Fairmont, and his wife, who
adopted an infant son several months ago,
have been vacationing . . . Abe Weiner, Monogram
manager, spent last weekend at his
home in Boston as did Howard Crombie,
Monogram salesman here . F. Mor-
GALLIPOLIS, OHIO—A 400-seat showboat
has been causing competition of fairiy
serious proportions to theatremen along the
Ohio and Kanawha rivers this .summer but is
about due to close.
It is the showboat Majestic, operated by
Kent State university with a cast of 24 college
students. They present such classic
melodramas as "Ten Nights in a Barroom,"
"Bertha, the Beautiful Sewing Machine Girl,"
and .such comparatively modern fare as "Arsenic
and Old Lace."
rone of Superior Supply has been resting at
Mercy hospital for two weeks. He suffered
an abdominal illness more than a decade ago
and to a certain extent this condition has
reoccurred.
Russ Zebra's trick shoulder acted up on him
Friday last week and he has been carrying
an arm in sling at the Franklin office . . .
a
Phil Sullivan, billing clerk at the Exhibitors
Service office participated in a football game
and broke his coUar bone . . . Sam Fineberg,
Variety Club's chief barker and partner with
Jim Alexander in the theatre supply business,
is visiting his family in Phoenix, Ariz.,
for several weeks . Zeppos of the
Rex, Wheeling, is back on the job after vacationing
at Chataqua . A. Beedle,
Canonsburg exhibitor, is attending to business
as usual after recuperating from an illness
and an operation . . . Archie Fineman,
city exhibitor, is ailing and is in Presbyterian
hospital.
Charles Kalmenson, son of Abe, eldest of
the Kalmenson brothers, and Shirley Brinn
will be married here September 19 . . Paramount's
.
"Miss Tatlock's Millions" was sneak-
previewed Thursday evening at the Harris
Jack Marks, pioneer
Denis, Mount Lebanon . . .
exhibitor at Clarksbui'g, W. Va., is va-
cationing at the home of his sister in Indianapolis.
New barkers of Variety Club Tent 1 include
Dan Mallinger, James D. Mooney, William
Lloyd Watt jr., C. A. "Gus" Notopoulos, Louis
E. Hanna, Joseph L. Fecheck, James B. Harris,
Joseph Kaliski, Joseph F. Zitelli, Louis
B. Fordan, Ralph H. Freeman, George K.
Moffett, John A. Scarry jr. and Kenny Kenfield.
Among new associate members are
Nicholas J. Kelly, Dr. TTiomas R. Wilson.
John Lyerly and Harry Widom.
Bud Freeman and Irving Yates were in the
territory representing Johnny Mack Brown,
who is here playing one-day stands at Warner
theatres with his All-American Entertainers
Burnette was appearing at local
area theatres with Bill Russell, harmonica
Ray and Irma Jean Woodard of
star . . .
Franklin vacationed recently in Canada.
Two pioneers in the industry took a bow at
the Morris Lefko testimonial dinner last week.
They were Jmes B. Clark and Albert P. Way,
who remain active in exhibition, an industry
Other former local
they helped cradle . . .
film men here to visit were Art Goldsmith of
old Pathe and Jim Sharkey of Columbia, both
Capacity crowds have greeted the Majestic
in its stops at river landings in Ohio, Pennsylvania,
West Virginia and Kentucky towns.
Complete in atmosphere down to shrieking
notes of the calliope and the loud, colorful
parade by the entire cast announcing its arrival,
the Majestic has caught the fancy and
support of a score of towns.
The experiment in river tradition is a
project conceived and carried out by Prof.
G. Harry Wright, recognized as the leading
American authority on showboat history.
The showboat is an all-day routine for its
cast and backstage crew. Besides rehearsing
and performances, the students pitch in on
housekeeping, shifting scenery, ushering, ticket
selling and arranging for the parades.
Then classes are held for the students every
day.
Stops on the schedule for the latter part
of August and early weeks in September include
Gallipolis, Glenwood and Huntington,
W. Va.; Athalia, Ironton, Portsmouth, Buena
Vista, Ripley, New Richmond and Cincinnati,
Ohio.
managers here a score of years ago, and Herb
Greenblatt, RKO, now that company's district
manager at Chicago.
Father Vincent Brennan, one of the Variety
Club chaplains, in addressing the Morris
Lefko testimonial dinner, revealed that his
father opened the fu-st nickelodeon in the
state of Indiana in 1907 . . . Midshipman Carl
C. Jaffurs. son of Mr. and Mrs. James J.
Jaffurs of Wilkinsburg, city area exhibitors,
was his father's guest at the Lefko dinner.
George Prostinak, before closing the Marsh,
Wheeling, exhibited his 16mm color films of
the Wheeling flood. Film credits read: "Produced
by George: directed by George; photographed
by George; presented by George"
Skyway at Butler gives loUypops to
children attending.
Jack Ellstrom, 20th-Fox salesman, was resting
at his home in Dormont because of a
nervous condition . . E. M. Stuve. former
.
local Paramount salesman, visited here from
Florida . . . Leo Wayne resigned sales duties
with the Pittsburgh Poster exchange . . Tire
Pittsburgh Film Salesman's welfare fimd
campaign closed September 11.
Ace Stuckey, former Everett exhibitor, was
married recently. Stuckey operates the Dreamland
Drive-In between Mercersburg and Mc-
Connellsburg . Lion employes staged
a corn roast at Clairton . . . Angeline Notarianni
managed the Knox at Knox while her
husband Pat was on leave of absence . . . Dr.
Harry C. Winslow, Meadville exhibitor and
radio station operator, addressed the Northwestern
Pennsylvania Firemen's Ass'n convention
at Conneaut Lake Park.
Ernest Stem has named Lawrence Crawford
of Kittanning as manager of the newly
opened Community Drive-In at Kittanning
Hepinger planned to enroll his Orpheum.
Clarion, with the Louis E. Hanna
booking agency . Shay will open a
drive-in theatre near Rowlesburg. W. Va. . . .
(Continued on next page^
Pittsburgh Poster Exchange
— Complete Service—
No Contract Necessary
308 Van Braam St. GRant 0114
Pittsburgh 19, Pa.
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 75

. . May
Fortune
. . John
. .
RKO
Harry
PITTSBURGH
(Continued from preceding pagei
Exhibitors attending the tradeshowing of
"Rope" were requested to give a short written
report on the picture Lena Leuch of Acme
. .
Distributing Co. vacationed sneak
.
previewed "Race Street" at the Warner.
Sam Finebergr, Variety Club's chief barker,
and Tom Troy and John McGreevey were
checking the progress of the car giveaway
fund . . Alice Zeigler at the club headquarters
.
listed all returns and the committee
planned an aggressive cleanup campaign . . .
C. L. Sutton, Thomas, W. Va., exhibitor, took
his yoimgest son Don, a polio victim, to Baltimore
for special examinations.
BiU Nesbitt has resigned from his post as
Eagle Lion office manager but has not announced
future plans . . . Leo Isaacs, a Columbia
representative for five years until recently,
has joined Alexander Theatre Supply
as sales representative ... A special Mardi
Gras will be presented at the Melody rink,
Uniontown, September 15, for the George D.
Silver Memorial fund C. Friburg,
Johnsonburg
.
and Union City exhibitor, was
recuperating in the Community hospital,
Kane, where he was taken after a heart
attack.
Julius Navari and his Flamingo Roller Palace,
East Liberty, were hosts to 60 members
of the Amateur Roller Skating Ass'n from 48
states. Julius and brothers Rudy and Sam
own and operate Navari Amusements, including
the de luxe Eastwood in Penn township
and the New Penn, Universal Tony Kalas
has been named manager of the new 'Victoria,
"Ruthless." Other Eagle Lion offerings licensed
for the Steve G Manas house include
"Hollow Triumph," "The Spiritualist" and
"Northwest Stampede "
Recent stase offerings included Ken Griffin,
Columbia, Warren and Latonia, Oil City;
Ken Curtis and Shug Fisher, Baden, Baden;
Johnny Mack Brown, Majestic in Johnstov/n,
Manos in Greensburg, Prince in Ambridge,
Majestic in Butler. Washington in Washington;
Tommy Dorsey, Columbia, Sharon
Welden Waters, 20th-Pox manager, was
in Los Angeles attending a company sales
convention . Films, headed by
Harry Hendel and Bert M Steam of Pittsburgh
and Maurice Conn, Los Angeles, has
announced a production program of four pictures
annually.
Sunday School week will be observed September
19 to 26 . . . Walter J. Little, 59, projectionist
at Altoona, died at his home there
East St. Louis Imposes
Bans on Bank Night
From Central Edition
EAST ST. LOUIS—One of
those pre-election
morals baths for which this metropolis
is noted, has resulted in the suspension of
bank night operations for three local motion
picture theatres. Simultaneously with the
"cease drawing" orders for the theatres. Police
Commissioner John T. English announced
that his investigation had disclosed "there is
no gambling in the city."
Chief of Police Henry C. Bishop said two
officers had appeared at the Publix Great
States 1,800-seat Majestic Theatre the night
of August 19 prior to the regular bank night
drawing for tlu-ee prizes, two for $1,000 each
and the thii'd for $900, and had warned Vincent
O'Leary, the manager, "to cancel the
drawing or else."
However, O'Leary's version was different.
He said, "We decided to cancel the drawing
ourselves." He announced from the stage that
night that "due to circumstances beyond our
control, we find it necessary to cancel the
drawing tonight," and informed the patrons
he didn't know when the cash awards would
be made.
The Majestic had been conducting bank
night drawings regularly for 14 years.
Two other local theatres, the Roxy and Esquire,
both operated by the Frisina Amusement
Co., with Tommy Tobin as their local
Gloria Henr'y to Femme Lead
The femme lead in Columbia's "Air Hostess"
has been assigned to Gloria Hem-y.
Labor da.y weekend must have established
a cartoon playing time record in this area. manager and business associate, also decided
There wasn't a cartoon reel in the film exchange
vaults here Lige Brien. former In the meantime, temporarily at least, the
to call off their joint bank night pool of $300.
manager of the Enright in East Liberty and handbooks and slot machines and dice games
for several years eastern exploitation director are on vacation.
for Eagle Lion, finally has settled into an
apartment in New York and has removed his
furniture from Pittsburgh .
Rees, 'Locked Door' Deaf Short
UA city salesman, was absent from his -desk
for several days due to the death of his uncle Filmed in Pittsburgh
Beegle concert dates of interest at
PITTSBURGH—Meridian Films Corp. of
Syria Mosque include Lauritz Melchior, November
20: Tagliavini. January 22, and Nel-
this city has produced an excellent pictui-e in
"The Locked Door," which accurately pictures
the work being done at the DePaul Inson
Eddy, April 19.
stitute for the Deaf, Castlegate avenue. This
film runs 17 minutes, is comprehensive, well
scored and photographed. The Stanley will
present "The Locked Door," September 16-22,
and the Warner, Harris and other circuits
have booked the reel for early showing. Independent
exhibitors are urged to find playing
time for the subject. Franklin Film Exchange
is handling the subject.
Meridian officers and technicians, including
John Berdan, president; E. P. DeNinno,
vice-president; J. F. Hedding, secretarytreasurer,
and Don Redinger, technician,
screened "The Locked Door" for members of
the industry.
Circuit Returning Leases
PITTSBURGH—Warner circuit executives
are endeavoring to dump local area theatres
to former owners. The circuit's real
estate department hopes to have certain
leases canceled with former owners and
operators resuming exhibition.
Transfers His Booking Chores
CLARION, PA.—Lewis V. Hepinger, pioneer
exlubitor and experienced showman before
the introduction of silent moving pictures,
plans to take it easier in the future. His
Orpheum will be represented by Louis E.
Hanna for film licensing and booking after
September 15.
Ohio Valley Board
Hits Wheeling Tax
'WHEELING, W. VA.—The Ohio Valley
Board of Trade opposing the proposed increase
in the Wheeling gross sales tax rates,
enacted last year, declares that its protests
"may well prove to be the spark needed to
provide momentum to any movement to get
rid of this obnoxious tax as well as to force
a reduction in the state rates. There was
never any valid reason for the enactment of
a business and occuption, or gross sales, tax
for municipalities and a united front by those
subject to it could well bring about its repeal
at the session of the legislature next winter,
at the same time compelling the state to cut
materially the excessive and unnecessary rates
in the state tax."
Franklin School Tax in Force
FRANKLIN. PA.— School board's 10 per
cent amusement tax was effective here September
1. EstabUshed admission prices are:
Kayton, matinee 35 cents; 7 cents federal tax,
3 cents school tax, total 45 cents. Evenings,
47 cents, taxes 9 and 4, total 60c. Orpheum,
evenings, balcony 39 cents, taxes 8 and 3. total
50 cents. Children, 20 cents at all times, including
taxes.
Owners Lack Support on Antitax Drive
CHARLEROI, PA. — Theatregoers were
urged to protest increased amusement taxes
but theatre owners stood alone in their fight
with no response from the public. On September
1 the conmiimity theatre tax will be
increased from 2 per cent of the gross to 5
per cent of the gross.
School Board Levies Tax
CONNELLS'VILLE, PA.—Bullskin township
school board has imposed a 10-cent amusement
tax, a $50 tax on juke boxes and pinball
machines, and a tax of 10-cents per ton
on all coal mined in the township.
Bradford Tax on Bowling, Too
BRADFORD, PA.—The 10 per cent amusement
tax will apply to all bowling alle- s and
pool rooms, city council notified the Bradford
Bowling Ass'n. The ordinance covers all kinds
or any game and all theatre admissions.
Lamberport Tax Soon
LUMBERPORT, W. VA. — Ltmiberport's
two-cent amusement tax will become effective
September 19. Children's admissions will
not be taxed.
McArthur Installs Seats
At Ecorse, Mich., Harbor
DETROIT—McArthur Theatre Equipment
Co. has made the first installation of Ideal
slideback chairs in this territory at the Great
Lakes Theatre for the Fimk family. McArthur
currently is installing seats at the new Harbor
at Ecorse for Andrew and Daniel Bzovi.
Other installations at the Harbor include
new porcelain enamel vertical and marquee
signs from Edward A. Long of the Long Sign
Co. Similar sign equipment was installed
earlier by Long at Art Narlock's new Empire
at Bay City.
,
76
BOXOFFICE
:: September 11, 1948

.1
Ask $1,750,000 From City
For Erie War Memorial
ERIE, PA.—The Veterans Memorial auditorium
committee lias requested that the city
council include in the proposed city bond
issue an item of $1,750,000 to meet the costs
of constructing an all-purpose auditorium.
This amount is a decrease of $1,600,000 from
the original figure and eliminates a 2,000-
seat theatre planned as a feature of the
project. The arena, as now planned, would
have 4,000 permanent seats and 2,000 portable
seats, special lighting, heating, ventilating
units, refrigeration equipment for ice
skating, fully equipped stage, memorial
plaza, 18 bowling alleys, veterans rooms and
offices.
Benjamin Fain Stricken
At Cleveland, Aged 53
CLEVELAND—Benjamin Fain, 53, partner
of Charles Gottlob in the firm of Gottlob &
Fain, operating the Milo and Mount Pleasant
theatres, died Sunday at his home here following
a heart attack. He has been active
in motion picture exhibition here since 1915,
when he came to Cleveland from Mexico City,
where he had lived since he was 15 years of
age. Surviving him are his wife Rose, whom
he married in Mexico City in 1933, and three
daughters, Mrs. Sidney Roberts, Charlotte
and Sandra Lynn.
Crescent Asks Permits
To Build in 8 Cities
NASHVILLE—The Crescent Amusement
Co. has filed a petition in district court here
asking permission to build motion picture
theatres in eight Kentucky and Tennessee
towns. Because of a previous antitrust ruling,
the court must okay the company's plans
to build any theatres outside Nashville.
Drive-ins are planned, according to the petitions,
near Hopkinsville, Ky., Clarksvilie
and Decatur, Ala.
Readies Upstairs Theatre
SHINNSTON, W. VA.—George Rice, who i.s
opening the new second-floor theatre here at
an early date, has purchased Brenkert projectors
and lamps, RCA sound system and
other booth equipments and screen from
Alexander Theatre Supply.
When Texas Exhibitors
Move They
Take Theatre Along on Truck
From Southwest Edition
FOREST HILL, TEX.—When Mr. and Mrs.
J. Clarence Wilson decided to move from
Burleson to Forest Hill this summer, they
took their Dixie Theatre along with them,
lock, stock and projection machines. They
hoisted it atop a truck and had it moved
14 miles to this suburb of Fort Worth, probably
the first time an exhibitor has ever
trucked his theatre from one town to another.
The 250-seat theatre went up on wheels as
i.s—seats, projection and sound, popcorn machine
all set for operation. There was no
'f^liliiMQ
Church Holds Outdoor Shows
MONONGAHELA, PA.—Couples club of
the First Methodist church is sponsoring outdoor
film exhibitions at Valley Inn school
grounds, with admission at 35 cents for adults
and 10 cents for children. Refreshments are
sold on the grounds.
New RCA Sound at^lkton Star
ELKTON. MICH.—Clinton McBride, manager
of the Star here, has installed a new
RCA sound system.
Now Theatre Game Started
NEW CASTLE. PA.—Super Castle inaugurated
a drive-in theatre game August 30
known as Wahoo Quiz.
highway difficulty. Along stretches where
there were no wires, the truck went at a 40-
mile clip. The state highway patrol cooperated
by accompanying the truck over the
14-mile route to direct traffic where required.
The moving job was done by C. A. Snow of
Weatherford, Tex. Four steel beams, each
weighing 7,000 pounds, were u.sed to hold the
building. In Forest Hill the house will be
reseated and redecorated and reopened within
several weeks under the name. Forest Theatre.
Meanwhile, the Wilsons are vacationing in
the west and planning the new theatre they
will build soon in Bui-leson.
The accompanying photos show the Dixie
Theatre as it was, and as it appeared whUe
being moved.
Jim Methner Is Builder
Of Coleman, Mich., House
COLEMAN, MICH.—Jim Methner, Beaverton
businessman, is owner of the new Coleman
Theatre now being constructed here under
the direction of Art Harsh. The theatre
will measure 40x90 feet and will be built
of cinder blocks.
Main Opens September 15
ST. MARYS. W. VA.—The Main Theatre is
scheduled to open September 15. Thomas H.
Piatt and Lester Gault have leased and will
operate the Main, one of two new theatres
being erected here.
Renovate Altoona State
ALTOONA, PA.—Fabian State was closed
for two days for renovation and reopened
September 4 with "A Date With Judy." New
seats, carpets, lighting and stage draperies
were installed.
Memorial Planned at Wheeling
WHEELING, W. VA.—Elm Grove residents
plan a war memorial sports arena and convention
hall which will be constructed at
Wheeling park.
Merchants Give Back-to-School Show
BELLEFONTAINE, OHIO—School children
were guests of Bellefontaine merchants at a
free back-to-school motion picture at the
Hqlland Theatre recently.
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» 1BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
77

. . M.
. . The
are
Total of 45,500 Seats
In 55 Theatres
COLUMBUS—Recent opening of the Old
Trail, 1,200-seat indoor theate of the Academy
circuit, brings the local total to 55 allyear
theatres and points up the fact that the
capital city has more theatre seats per capita
than most others of comparable size. The
55 theatres have a total of more than 45,500
seats.
In his financial colurmi in the Ohio State
Journal, Justin Henley points out that this
figure of total seats is greater than that of
several states and averages one seat for every
nine persons in the metropolitan area. The
total does not include the city's six drive-ins,
with a capacity aggregating 3.000 cars.
By comparison, the entire state of Ohio has
about 1,000 theatres with a total of approximately
630,000 seats, an average of about one
seat for every 11 or 12 persons. Among the
larger cities, Cleveland has about 115 theatres
with 130,000 seats; Cincimiati, 86 with
65,000: Toledo, 32 with 35,000: Aki'on, 31 with
24,000: Dayton, 30 with 21,000 and Youngstown,
17 with 16,000.
Aris in Erie Brightens Up
ERIE, PA.—The Aris Theatre at 16th and
Peach streets, was closed for four days for
complete redecoration and installation of new
fixtures and equipments. Thomas Fahrs is
manager.
Free Bubble Gum to Kids
WILKINSBURG, PA.—The New Pittsburgh
Drive-In on route 22, east of here, gives bubble
gum to the kiddies.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
(Twenty Years Ago)
IJ M. RICHEY, manager of the Michigan
. . . Mr. and Mrs.
Exhibitors Ass'n, attended a conference in
Chicago . Harlan Starr, well known in
Michigan film circles, was named Detroit
manager for Educational
Ezra Dodge, pioneer exhibitors in Michigan,
operate the Montauk at Hudson and act as
hosts to film people at their summer home at
Manitou Beach . Colonial at Detroit
will open with a policy of stock burlesque
under Lew and Ben Cohen. Jack Hubb is in
charge of productions.
Penn Polls Patrons
PITTSBURGH—Loew's Penn lists about ten
coming attractions and is polling patrons
to determine which picture they , most
anxious to see.
Youngstown Theatre Editor Vacations
YOUNGSTOWN—Fred Childress, theatre
editor for the Youngstown Vindicator, was on
his vacation.
Huntington Girl Crowned
MOUNDSVILLE, W. VA.—Jane Ellen Queen
of Huntington, 19-year-old voice student at
West Virginia university, has been crowned
"Miss West Virginia 1948."
Radio Newsreel Plugs Feature
HOLLIDAYYSBURG, PA.—Manos Theatre
exploits attractions Monday, Wednesday and
Friday at 5 p. m., on the WJSW Hollidaysburg
Newsreel program.
Sales of Video Receivers
Doubled in 3 Months
CLEVELAND—Television marched on here
as a survey revealed that the total number
of video receiving sets in operation to date
had more than doubled in three months. Result
of a survey taken on May 1 showed 3,400
sets in operation. A July 1 sui'vey raised this
number to 7,100 while the latest survey
brings the total to 8,500. A breakdown shows
that about 6,100 sets are in homes with the
remaining 2,400 in taverns, hotels and other
public places.
The sudden jump in the sale of television
sets was attributed to baseball since interest
locally is at fever pitch. Attendance at
locally played games is record breaking, hitting
over 73,000 at Sunday and night games.
Admission tickets are sold out weeks in advance.
Theatres locally have done nothing to
incorporate television in their policies and
apparently have no plans for adapting television
Into their entertainment patterns.
Drew E. Kolb to Town Board
MILLHEIM, PA.—Drew E. Kolb, veteran
exliibitor, has been elected president of the
newly organized Millheim recreation board.
Air Cooling Unit at Rex
CURWENSVILLE, PA.—Modern air conditioning
has been installed at the Rex by
Atlas Theatre Supply.
'Outlaw' Breaks Record
PITTSBURGH — Super 30 and Super 71
drive-ins broke records right and left with
"The Outlaw," each outdoor theatre playing
return extended runs.
Is Selling Seats a Problem?
BOXOFFICE
Tells you how!
Every issue has a
wealth of ideas.
Actual experiences in exploitation, regular advertising and keeping
the public sold on the theatre are reported with profuse illustrations
in BOXOFFICE each week. This section on practical
ideas on merchandising the motion picture is alone worth the
price of a year's subscription.
Keep at the head of the procession and make more money. Read and use the numerous
features in BOXOFFICE to improve your showmanship and your earning power.
78 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948

Drive-In Is Firsl Unit
In Big Park Project
PITTSnELD, MASS.—The opening of the
Sunset Park Auto Theatre, Berkshire county's
third drive-in. is only the beginning of a large
recreational park to be developed on the 40-
acre site in Lanesboro in the next few yfars,
according to W. Wendell Budrow, president
of the park association.
A large swimming pool will be built next
spring along with a public pavilion for more
than 500 people, he said. Sunset Park also
will have a large picnic area and playgrounds
for children by next summer.
The development will present outdoor
vaudeville and bring in name dance bands for
evening events. A series of band concerts is
already being launched for Saturday nights,
preceding the movies.
Other members of the recently organized
Sunset Park Auto Theatre, Inc., are Fred P.
Cloutier, treasurer, and Frederick M. Myers.
secretary.
Demonstrations of BX60
At Boston Next Week
BOSTON—Kenneth R. Douglass, head of
Capitol Theatre Supply Co., and his staff will
host a series of demonstrations next Tuesday
and Wednesday (14-15 1 of the new
BX60 Brenkert projector. "Dutch" Benham,
Brenkert factory engineer, will be present.
On Tuesday morning New England exhibitors
are invited to attend the showing to
be followed by a buffet luncheon. At 11:30
p. m. that evening a demonstration will be
given for projectionists of Local 182, lATSE,
followed by a midnight snack party. Wednesday
morning at 11, the Knights of Labor, another
projectionist group will be given a
chance to view the workings of this new
mechanisms, followed by a light luncheon.
Drive-In License Renewal
Depends Upon Speakers
HARTFORD—Edward J. Hickey, state police
commissioner, has granted Vincent Youmatz,
general manager of the Peoples' Forest
Drive-In between Hartford and Winsted. a
license renewal for 1940 provided individual
car receivers are installed.
A number of drive-in area residents, protesting
the noise of loudspeakers as well as
car noises caused by patrons honking horns,
petitioned the commissioner for a hearing, at
which they agreed that the Installation of individual
receivers would eliminate the principal
objections.
Bay State Minimum Pay
Rates Effective Oct, 1
'Buck Privates' Marquee
Faces Drait Board
Fitchburg, Mass.—As draft registrants
left city hall, they were reminded vividly
of what lies ahead, for many of them. The
title on the marquee of the Lyric, across
the street, was "Buck Privates." Manager
George Cote said it was only a
coincidence.
Youth Killed in Uptown
Theatre at Gardner
GARDNER, MASS.—The basement of
the
Uptown here was the scene of a fatal accident
when Robert E. Nowak, 12, received a
skull fracture from a falling pole.
The boy was in a storage room with several
other boys, and had climbed the cement-filled
steel pole when it pulled away from a ceiling
beam, crushing the boy beneath it.
Police said the boys were admitted to the
theatre to see the show, and later went downstairs
without the knowledge of theatre attendants.
Nowak was climbing the pole to
turn on an electric light when the accident
occurred.
At Racebrook Golf
BOSTON — The Massachusetts minimum
wage commission has approved the highest
minimum wage schedule ever set in the commonwealth,
affecting more than 10,000 employes
of amusement and recreational occupations.
Effective October 1 and becoming
mandatory on Jan. 1, 1949, the new wage
.schedule gives regular employes a minimum
of 62'- cents an hour, casual employes 55 cents
an hour, experienced caddies $1.25 a round
and inexperienced caddies $1. The commission
also ruled that tips carmot be considered
as wages.
At a public hearing held on the proposed
schedule August 24, a large group of theatre
owners, spearheaded by Independent Exhibitors,
Inc.. and M&P Theatres, protested the
schedule, maintaining that ushers in motion
picture theatres were a special and transitory
type of worker. The commission ruled that
ushers will be considered casual employes,
and therefore coming under the 55 cents an
The commis-
hour minimum wage bracket.
sion ruled that employes cannot be made to
buy their own uniforms, that deductions cannot
exceed more than 25 cents for breakfast.
40 cents for lunch and dinner and that not
more than $3.25 can be deducted for lodgings
furnished by the employer.
Tournament
Mrs. Parkhurst Dies
GLOUCESTER, MASS.—After an iUness of
several months, Adelia Etta Parkhurst, 57,
died August 27 at Addison Gilbert hospital
here. She was the mother of Pearce Parkhurst,
theatre manager in Norfolk, Cleveland
and New England cities at various times.
Other survivors are a daughter. Mrs. Priscilla
Marshall, and a son Hugh.
Manager Harrison Entertains
SPRINGFIELD, MASS.—Edward Harrison,
manager of the Parkway I>:'ive-In here, is
doubling in brass as an entertainer at the
ozoner. For an hour each evening, before the
films begin. Harrison entertains the customers
by playing the theatre's Hammond
organ.
The sun shone bright on the annual
Connecticut MPTO golf tournament held
at the Racebrook Countrj- club near New
Haven. First honors went to Al Fitter,
Paramount booker, with 39-37 for a total
of 76, followed by I. J. Hoffman, Warner
Theatres zone manager, with 38-40 and a
78 total; Maurice Bailey. 39-41 for 80
Max Salzburg, 38-42 for 81. Top photo,
left to right: Barney Pitkin, RKO manager;
Henry Germaine, Paramount manager;
George Wilkinson, Wallingford exhibitor
and chairman of the tournament,
and Al Pickus, Stratford Theatre. Lower
panel: Hoffman receives his prize from
Ted Jacocks. Brantford Theatre. The
others in the photo are Sam Weber,
Rosen Film, and Herman Levy, MPTO
executive secretary.
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 NE 79

. . Harry
. . Sam
rMOVIE HOUR
W
SEASONING J
NATIONAL MOVIE HOUR
HYBRID POPCORN
•
POPCORN MACHINES
BOXES •SALT 'BAGS* SCOOPS
NATIONAL
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BOSTON • NEW HAVEN • ALBANY
BOSTON
•pjominic Turturro, Elms, Millbury. was on
Filmi'ow telling how well his infant
daughter Cheryl Pamela stood the five-day
heat wave. Dominic treated the outside of
his house to a daily thorough hosing to help
cool the inside . . . When word spread around
the district of Monogram salesman Nate
Levin's good fortune in hitting the jackpot
everyone said it couldn't happen to a nicer
guy . Smith, RKO booker, retm-ned
from his vacation in time to greet the heat
wave but dashed off again to his summer
place at New Gloucester, Me., for the weekend.
Joe Sehmuck, New England agent for Hygienic
Pi-oductions, Inc., producer of "Mom
and Dad," wants BOXOFFFICE readers to
know that he can be reached at his permanent
address at the Irvington hotel, 8 Irvington
St., or at his business address, 38 Church
St., at the office of Harry Germaine . . .
Robert Wheeler of Richmond, Me., who has
been operating the Riverside Theatre, has
started construction on a new theatre to replace
the one by the river's edge. It will be
an attractive Colonial structure seating 350
and should be ready for a Christmas opening.
The inside is to be finished in knotty pine.
Joe Mansfield, EL publicist, got a nice
break by screening "Canon City" for the national
convention of prison wardens here. Roy
Best, who plays himself in the picture, was
host to 35 other wardens from all over the
country at the screening . Horenstein,
New England district manager for Manley,
underwent a minor operation at the Waltham
hospital. He has recovered from a virus pneumonia
attack which laid him low for a month
this spring.
Many industryites attended t h; funeral of
Harnett Daytz of Brookline, father of Al
Daytz of Affiliated and Mickey Daytz of Warner
Bros. . . . Ai'thur Howard of Affiliated
chose the hottest week of several years to
take his vacation, which was spent at his summer
place in Ridge, N. H. . . . Visitors at 20th-
Fox included Howard Minsky, assistant eastern
sales manager, and Seymour Florin,
branch manager at New York, who presided
at sales drive meetings with the local staff.
E. X. Callahan, local manager, will attend
the Los Angeles sales convention, accompanied
by Al Fowler, publicist.
Bob Warner, vice-president of Manley, Inc.,
and Roy Guettler, general manager, visited
San Horenstein, New England district manager
. . . Phil Engel, UA publicist, arranged
a screening of "Pitfall" for a group of prominent
jurists, sociologists and psychologists
... Ed Pollard, Mexico Theatre, Mexico, Me.,
made one of his infrequent visits to the Row.
To Post at Loew's Poll
HARTFORD—Pied Greenway, manager of
Loew's Poll Palace, reports the appointment
of Larry Gendron of Meriden, as student assistant
manager. Gendron, a marine corps
veteran of World War II, replaces Joe Gittelman,
who is now relieving in various Loew
houses for vacationing men.
BANKNIGHT GOODWILL
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Many theatres are using these advertising plans again with the same large
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22 Church Street Liberty 2-9305 Boston, Massachusetts
80 BOXOFTICE September 11, 1948

. . William
. . Lloyd
. .
...
Grosses Hit Boltom
In New Haven Heat
NEW HAVEN— All business was knocked
Into a cocked hat by a stifling New England
heat wave, which closed many stores halfdays
and sent droves to the beaches. "Anna
Karenina." opening feature of the new downtown
450-seat Crown Theatre, was the only
picture to schedule a possible holdover of
three days, although the heat wave kept
this house under capacity at most shows.
' -
(Average Is 100)
Bijou—The Invaders (Col), The Commandos Strike
Dawn (Col), reissues 65
at
College—The Pirate (MGM); A Night at the Opera
(MGM), 2nd d. i wk
Loew Poll-Melody Time (RKO), Fighting Back
fiS
'3
(20th-Fox)
Paramount—Tap Roots (U-I), 2nd wk 80
Roger Sherman—Embraceable You (WB); Ruthless
(EL) '0
Terrific Heat Wave Dints
Grosses at Boston
BOSTON—A terrific five-day heat wave
here was a killing blow to downtown business
with "A Date With Judy" at Loew's State
and Orpheum and "Hamlet" at the Astor
the only pictures to do better than average.
Both were held. Attendance at "Hamlet"
continued strong in the air conditioned Astor
with the draw coming largely from the "longhaired"
legitimate set. "Henry V" at the
Old South also held although the heat wave
definitely hit business.
Aslor—Hamlet (U-1), 2nd wk 170
Boston—Feudin', Fussin' and A-Fightin' (U-I);
I Wouldn't Be in Your Shoes (Mono) 80
Memorial—The Babe Ruth Story (Mono), Devil's
Cargo (FC), 3rd, Imal week, 6 days 85
Metropolitan—Life With Father (WB); Daredevils
of the Clouds (Rep) 80
Old South—Henry V (UA), 3rd wk 8b
Paramount and Fenway The Walls of Jericho
{20th-Fox); Michael O'Halloran (Mono),
State and Orpheum—A Date With Judy (MGM);
Closeup (EL)
12b
NEW HAMPSHIRE
pjue to a change in his band's itinerary Guy
Lombardo will be unable to bring his
famous Tempo V to Lake Winnipesaukee to
compete in the big motorboat races there in
September. In a letter to the Weirs Chamber
of Commerce, the orchestra leader said:
"However. I am reserving two days for next
year and will make every effort to be there
then" .
Bunton White, 75, who
established the Chase Barn summer theatre
in Whitefield after his retirement in 1935 as
music editor of the New York Times, died
August 25 in Morrison hospital.
New Hampshire's motion picture and summer
stock theatres are on the map ... A
vacation guide to the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee
region, issued by the Dartmouth-Lake
Sunapee Region Ass'n, includes a large map
showing roads, lakes and other physical features
of the section, together with a list of
recreational spots, including the homes of
stage and screen attractions.
Raffling: of automobiles and various items of
merchandise, which has been quite prevalent
in Nashua this summer, appears to be doomed.
There have been reports that the licensing
committee plans to stop issuing licenses for
these ticket sales on Main street.
"Life With Father" drew large audiences
when shown at regular prices, both matinee
and evenings, at the Scenic in Rochester .
David Mack, director of personnel for RKO,
has accepted an invitation to speak at the
New Hampshire industrial supervisors conference
at the University of New Hampshire
in Durham September 11, 12. The conference
theme will be "Human Relations. Today's
Challenge to the Foreman."
Frances Eldridge, an employe of the candy
bar at the Scenic in Rochester, was injured
when her bicycle collided with an automobile
on the Meaderboro road. She was treated at
Frisbie Memorial hospital for shock, contu.sions
and abrasions . . . Fire destroyed the
Grange Hall in Middlebury, Vt., location of
the Green Mountain Playhouse, forcing cancellation
of its final production, "January
"
Thaw A series of motion picture shows
is being held in New Boston by the New Boston
Playground Ass'n to raise funds for a
projector which the group has purchased tc
aid vi.sual education in the local schools.
An earlier generation which remembers
Billy B. Van when he was a top comedian on
Broadway imdoubtedly would have been
pleased to see his recent performance in a
musical revue, "Startime," at Lake Sunapee.
His daughter Mary Ann also appeared in the
production . . . Actress Bette Davis and her
husband WilUam Sherry, who have been vacationing
at the star's .summer home at
Sugar Hill in the White Mountains, attended
the performance of "An Inspector Calls" at
the Chase Barn in Whitefield.
Dr. Bryce D. Smith and his wife, Helen, a
member of the University of Denver Civic
Theatre, have moved from Denver to Manchester,
where Mrs. Smith was at one time a
teacher.
POPCORN
MACHINES
Tops for all showmen!
Ask the theatre that has one!
'Foreign Affair' Is Leader
As Heat Strikes Hartford
HARTFORD—Heat continued to affect
grosses at the first run houses. "A Foreign
Affair" at the Allyn chalked up a hefty 140
per cent to pace the city.
Allvn—A Foreign Affair (Para); Shaggy (Para). .140
Center-The Spoilers (Realart); Son of Frankenstein
(Realart), reissues 70
E. M Loews—The Black Arrow (Col): Thunderhoof
(Col), 2nd wk 90
Poll—A Date With Judy (MGM); The Goy
Intruders (20th-FQx) 85
Palace—Deep Waters (20th-Fox); Fury at
Furnace Creek {20th-Fox) 7b
Regal—Embraceable You (WB); Silent Conflict
(UA) 60
State—The Babe Ruth Story (Mono); Music
Man (Mono), 2nd wk 80
Strand-Two Guys From Texas (WB); Mystery
in Mexico (RKO) 70
Ralph E. Morris, manager of the Colonial.
Laconia, was one of the judges who selected
Marian Johnson of Dorchester, Mass., as
"Lady of the Lakes Region" at the Winnipesaukee
Gardens. The Weirs . Br.dgham,
proprietor of the Broadway, Dover, was
one of several residents mentioned for a vacancy
on the Dover school committee . . .
Vmcent Ferninando's orchestra, which occupies
the pit at the Palace in Manchester,
was featured in the stage program at Pittsfield
Fair.
SAM
HORENSTEIN
New England Repr^smntativ
Genuine Manley Supplies
Office and Showroom . . 45 Church St.
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BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 SI

Heart Award to Tent 23
In Boston September 20
BOSTON—R. J. ODonnell of Dallas, chief
barker of Variety Clubs International, will
formally present to Tent 23 of New England
the Variety heart award at a banquet in Hotel
Statler here September 20. The award was
voted to the local tent at the Variety International
convention in Miami last spring for
Tent 23's inaugui-ation of a children's cancer
research foundation in 1947 was an initial
contribution of $47,000. The tent has pledged
$100,000 for the foundation this year.
The presfntation banquet, which is being
arranged by the local club, also will mark the
kickoff of Tent 23's annual charity drive,
which is being combined with the campaign
for funds for the 'Will Rogers Memorial hospital
in Saranac Lake, N. Y. Because the
capacity of the Imperial room in the hotel is
limited, the committee in charge is asking
that reservations be made well in advance.
Tickets are $15 a couple.
Distributor co-chairmen for the drive are
Benn Rosenwald, MGM, and Harry Rogovin,
Columbia, while Louis Gordon, Lockwood &
Gordon circuit, and E. Harold Stoneman, Interstate
Theatres, are exhibitor co-chairmen.
Springfield Poli Changes Opening
SPRINGFIELD, MASS. — Loew's Poli has
switched its opening date from Tuesday to
Monday, according to Manager George E.
Freeman.
'Miss Bishop' Screening
Slated for lEI Meeting
BOSTON—The first fall meeting of Independent
Exhibitors, Inc., of New England
September 14 will have an added social touch
along with its business discussions. Ray Feeley,
business manager, has planned a screening
for members at the MGM screening room
at 11 a. m. that morning of the Astor reissue,
"Cheers for Miss Bishop," a UA original release
for which Eddie Klein of Bay State
Films has the New England sales rights. Following
the screening, the group will be the
guests of Kenneth R. Douglass of Capitol
Theatre Supply at a buffet luncheon and
demonstration of the new Brenkert model
BX60 projector by "Dutch" Benham of the
Brenkert company.
The business meeting will open at 2:15 at
the rooms of the organization with Daniel
Murphy presiding.
Footings for New Theatre
Ready at Meriden, Conn.
HARTFORD—The foundation of a 1,000-
seat theatre in nearby Meriden has been completed,
according to Paul Pm-dy, manager of
the Newington Theatre. The house is being
constructed for the Nick Kounaris-Paul Tolls-
George Ulyssis interests of Newington and
Other awards will be presented at the dinner.
Individuals who contributed to the success
of the "Jimmy" drive for the cancer research
foundation will receive tokens of appreciation.
Awards will be presented to the
Boston Braves Baseball club, Jjm Britt, radio
announcer, Joe Cifre, John Dervin, Ralph New Britain.
Edwards, William Sullivan and Georg; Purdy said that a contest will be conducted
Swartz.
to determine a name for the new house. The
At a recent meeting held at the MGM exchange,
Rosenwald, Gordon and Bill Koster, for some 500 cars.
theatre grounds will provide parking facilities
business manager for Tent 23, discussed plans
for the drive with publicists from the distributors
and exhibitors. Said Koster, "The
entire industry is well aware of the importance
of this drive and we must all work
together to make the 1948 drive the greatest
of all our efforts. Tickets are now being
printed and 50 prizes are to be offered. Topmost
among them are a Cadillac sedan, a Ford
sedan and a $4,000 I. J. Fox mink coat. Prizes
will be given to individuals selling winning
tickets and there will be special prizes
awarded to sellers of tickets. The enthusiasm
already shown leaves little doubt that this
drive will be the greatest in the history of
the Variety Club."
Palace at Middletown,
Dark 10 Years, Opened
MIDDLETOWN, CONN.— Salvatore Adorno
September 4 reopened the Palace Theatre
here, which was leased and kept dark by
Pouzzner Enterprises of Boston for the past
ten years. Reopening attractions were "The
Babe Ruth Story" and "Music Man." The
house was taken over last month and renovated
for Adorno.
Natick Hearing October 5
NATICK, MASS.—An application for a zoning
alteration to permit construction of a
drive-in on the Worcester turnpike near
North Main street will be heard at a special
town meeting October 5. In the meantime a
hearing will be held by the planning board on
the proposed zoning change. It is understood
that four GIs have requested the permit to
build and operate the ozoner.
WILLIAM RISEMAN ASSOCIATES
162 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNERS
Many Pay Tributes
To DiPesa Memory
BOSTON—'The St. Ignatius chapel of Boston
college was filled with city and state dignitaries
and prominent industryites for the
funeral services of Joseph A. DiPesa, beloved
dean of Boston publicists who died August 30.
Mayor Curley, city officials, newspaper executives
and critics and citizens in all walks
of life paid tribute to DiPesa's memory. He
had been with Loew's, Inc., for 37 years and
was well known in this city for his many
charitable efforts. From Loew's in New York
Oscar Doob and Gus Emmerling attended
the services. Jim Shanahan succeeds DiPesa
as publicity director for Loew's.
Barnum at Bridgeport
Enlarged to 900 Seats
BRIDGEPORT—The renovated and enlarged
Barnum Theatre were reopened by Lou
Anger last Saturday (4) with Republic's
"Springtime in the Sierras," and Warner's
"The Big Ptnich," after a dark period of a few
weeks, and several months of intermittent
repair work. The capacity has been increased
from 600 to 900 seats, and new booth equipment,
and carpets have been installed by
National Theatre Supply of New Haven, with
Bill Hutchins in charge.
Refuses to Issue License
SPRINGFIELD—Until such time as he is
convinced that public opinion favors the establishment
of a drive-in on Page boulevard,
Mayor B. Brunton will decline to issue a
license for the drive-in sought by Edward and
B. J. Wiatrowski, World War II veterans.
The mayor based his refusal on a formal
recommendation from Fi-ancis M. Gallagher,
deputy police chief, that the application be
denied. The deputy said the entire community
in the vicinity of the proposed site was
canvas.sed, adding it was determined that
"twice as many of the neighbors were opposed
as compared with those who approved" the
estabhshment of the drive-tn.
To Hold Public Hearing
NORTH ADAMS. MASS.—Northern Berkshire
county may have its first drive-in if
Clarksburg's selectmen act favorably on a
petition from Earl Sweeney of Pittsfield for
a license to operate an auto theatre on River
road.
Chairman William H. Anderson of the
Clarksburg board of selectmen has disclosed
that the application has been filed, but that
the selectmen have decided to ask residents
to express their opinions at a public hearing,
to be held shortly.
Incorporations
— HARTFORD —
New England Theatrical Agency: 949 Whalley
Ave.. New Haven: amount paid in cash,
$3,200: president, Morris Wasserman; vicepresident,
Hannah Wasserman: treasurer,
William F. Booth: secretary, Tlielma V. Birdsail.
Group 20 Players, 263 Beaver St., New
Britain; $2,900: president, Betty Ann Metz;
vice-president, Elbert R. Smith: treasurer,
Mary Ryducha : secretary, Stephen A. Wilson.
82 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948

Film Education Group
To Convene Sept. 25
NEW HAVEN—Dr. Mark A. May, chairman
of the commission on motion pictures of the
American Council on Education, has called
the final meeting of the commission for September
25 at New York.
The commission was established in 1914
under a grant made by the Motion Picture
Ass'n of America, of which Eric Johnson is
now president, for the purpose of developing
plans and specifications for films needed to
meet postwar challenges to American education.
Headquarters of the commission have
been at Yale university, where Dr. May is
director of the Institute of Human Relations.
The final meeting will see the release of
research materials and educational specifications
to be used in developing films in the
fields of democracy, music, art and high
school mathematics, with 10 to 15 topics
proposed in each of the fields. These materials
are to be made available to film producers
without charge.
Each specification to be released for classroom
film production contains a statement
of the educational problem to be dealt with,
the audience for whom the film is intended.
the objectives to be attained, and the subject
matter to be covered. The commission itself
does not engage in film production.
Members of the commission are Mark A.
May. chairman, director of the Institute of
Human Relations, Yale university: Wallace
W. Atwood, president emeritus, Clark university:
Mary D. Barnes, principal, William
Livingston school, Elizabeth, N. J.: George
S. Counts, director, division of the Foundations
of Education, Teachers college, Columbia
university; Frank N. Freeman, dean,
School of Education, University of California:
Willard E. Givens, executive secretary. National
Education Ass'n: George N. Shuster,
president. Hunter college: A. L. Threlkeld,
superintendent, Mont

. . Howie
. . Warren
. . Harry
. . Elihu
. . Joe
. .
. .
. .
. . . Jean
. . Congratulations
. . Jim
. . The
. . Michael
. . Bids
. .
d,
HARTFORD
Tommy Grasso of the New Colony, Sound
View, was a visitor . . . Bob Martlneau,
formerly with WTHT. Hartford, and WKNB,
New Britain, radio stations, was here .
Patsy Silverio, formerly with Glackin & Le-
Witt theatres in Connecticut, was reported to
te managing a theatre in the midwest. His
last G&L spot was at the Strand in Sound
View.
.
Lou Franciose, manager of the State, Jewett
City, was back at work after a vacation in
Massachusetts . Richardson, partner
at the State, New Britain, left for Cape Cod
with his family on a vacation . Matarese
and Pete Banfield of the State, Hartford,
returned from a fishing trip . . . Johnnie
Polka, projectionist at the Chesire. Chesire,
was vacationing in Sound View . . Charlie
.
Atamian, chief of staff at the Strand, will
be married soon Hill, formerly
with the Allyn, will leave soon for Miami.
. . . Phil
Elaine Baehand is the new cashier at the
State in Jewett City . . . Marge Sullivan is
the new cashier at the Palace, succeeding
Irene Moquin, who is recovering from injuries
sustained in a riding accident . Glass
of the Majestic, West Springfield, and Herb
Brown of the Victoria, Greenfield, were
among western Massachusetts exhibitors 'n
Boston on business the other day
Engel, regional exploiteer for UA, was married
to Miss Marian Herbert.
Al Schuman and Ernie Grecula of the Hartford
Theatre Circuit were in New Haven on
booking and buying duties . . . Jim Tuffy has
redecorated the marquee at the Crown .
Pete and Sperie Perakos of Perakos Theatres
visited circuit installations in East Hartford,
Thompsonville, and Jewett City . . . Harry
Shaw of the Poll circuit was in Hartford.
Vic Morrelli, manager of the Warner Bristol,
Bristol, is building a new home, according
to Estelle OToole, executive secretary to District
Manager Henry L, Needles . Borenstein
of the Strand and Joe Miklos of the
Embassy, New Britain; Vic Morrelli, Bristol,
and Denny Rich. Cameo, Bristol, were among
New Britain area Warnerites attending the
regional managers' meeting last week at Racebrook
Country club, Orange.
Paul Purdy of the Newington was in New
Haven on Kournaris-Tolis circuit business . . .
John D'Amato of the Perakos Palace has
been using extensive newspaper and lobby
advertising to plug its cooling system .
Jack Sanson is supervising the Circle, Manchester,
during the vacation of Fred Raismo.
Fred has been visiting northeastern Massachusetts,
his former territory with the Warner
circuit.
Deny Drive-In Permit
EASTHAMPTON, MASS.—The board of
selectmen has unanimously denied the request
of Ralph Leveille of Northampton for
a permit to construct a drive-in theatre on
Northampton street here.
The board had previously
received a petition signed by residents
of the area objecting to the open-air movies.
Keye Luke to Former Role
Keye Luke, original "number one son" of
the Charlie Chan films, has returned to his
former role under a new long-term contract
for Monogram.
Arrow Street Markers
Plug Regent Feature
SPRINGFIELX) — John Huffman, Regent
Theatre manager, came through with a real
opening day business booster for "The Street
With No Name."
Black arrows with white lettering were
tacked on poles and spaced around the downtown
business area the day before the opening.
All the arrows pionted to the Regent
and said only "Street With No Name."
FALL RIVER
Uerman Duquette will become the new assistant
manager at the remodeled Strand
Theatre and will serve with Manager Norman
Zalkind. Duquette was replaced as assistant
at the Capitol, under James Mc-
Namara, by James Knight, formerly of the
Strand.
The Yamins theatres, through General
Manager Canning, were co-sponsors of the
Kiddie circus held here recently with 800
children from various playgrounds participating
in a program viewed by over 20,000
persons. The children presented a typical
circus parade with caged "animals" horses,
freaks and other attractions. The substantial
proceeds which the event netted went to the
Jimmy cancer fund being raised by Variety
Club.
Crown to Get Glass Front
And Other Improvements
HARTFORD—Renovations on the Crown
Theatre here started recently with the installation
of new blue glass fronts on the
retail stores in the building. A local glass
theatre, put in a new lobby and boxoffice.
New advertising display frames will also be
installed. James Tuffy is manager for Crown
Management Corp.
To Holyoke Theatre Post
HOLYOKE, MASS.—W. Richard Martin
has joined Western Massachus'tts Theatres,
Inc., as assistant manager of the Bijou here.
He formerly was associated with the Holyoke
National bank.
'Superman' to Loew First Runs
HARTFORD—The E. M. Loew's circuit
has
booked the Columbia serial, "Superman,"
into two area first run houses, Loew's in
Hartford, and the Court Square in Springfield.
The serial is being shown at both theatres
during matinees only.
A Bloomiield, Conn., Ozoner
HARTFORD—Philip W. Mahe~ of .'uhrr.
ban Bloomfield will build an open air theatre
there. He has made application for a permit
with the office of state police commissioner
at the state capitol here.
Sam Shouboui Fills in at Norwich
NORWICH, CONN.—Sam Shoubouf, manager
of Loew's Poll Lyric at Bridgeport, which
was closed during the summer, managed the
Broadway here during the vacation of Joe
Boyle in Syracuse.
NEW HAVEN
Duy your tickets for the Will Rogers memorial
fund drive and the Variety Club dance
jamboree. You'll be the winner all around.
There was big doing on 'The Babe Ruth
Story" as Mayor Celentano received an autographed
copy of the story and an autographed
baseball from Han-y Goldstein, Allied Artists
exploiteer; John Pavone, Monogram manager;
John Hesse. Warner Theatres district manager,
and Edgar Lynch, manager of the Roger
Sherman, where the show opened Sept. 8. The
mayor proclaimed "Babe Ruth" week, and the
Register took a picture in the mayor's office,
while the sports columns gave the announcement
that local home run winners would receive
passes to the picture a real splash.
John Pavone's grandson, Jackie, age 7, is
proud of being the first kid to see "The Babe
Ruth Story" in Connecticut, where he was
wideeyed at the screening, while John himself
proudly displays his Babe Ruth desk set
... At the new Crovra, "Anna Karenina"
finished a ten-day run, and gave way to Allied
Ai'tists "The Dude Goes West" and
"Climbing the Matterhorn" . are out
tor complete rebuilding of the West End,
Bridgeport "from the rail out to the street."
Work will start as soon as contracts are
signed.
The sales meeting at the 20th-Fox office
August 30 featured talks by Howard Minsky,
assistant eastern sales division manager, and
Seymour Florin, New York exchange manager,
on the quarterly drive in honor of Spyros
Skouras . to Tom Donaldson,
who has been promoted to the district
managership supervising Buffalo and Albany,
in addition to the Boston-New Haven territory
. . . Sidney Lax, Minneapolis Columbia
salesman, was here on a vacation visiting his
parents.
Mark Silver, assistant to Ed Schnitzer of
United Artists, visited Frank Meadow .
Both Ben Simon, manager, and Bob Kautmann.
exploiteer, will attend the 20th-Fox
sa'es meeting in Los Angeles September 12-
18 . . . Carl Goe. Warner manager, spent the
Labor day weekend motoring to Maine and
New Hampshire . Langero of Metro
and Charles Doll of 20th-Fox returned from
two weeks of maneuvers with the national
guard at Camp Edwards.
irike Daly, who sold his interest in Hartford
and Plainfield theatres as of September
1, was around the film district . . . Mary
O'Brien of UA vacationed at Atlantic City
Wallace of the same office, rushed
to her Wisconsin home because of illness in
her family . Mem-ry, Loew-Poli artist,
was back from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Bill Heineman drive . . .
Max Salzburg, back from a day in Boston,
reported his staff was in second place in the
Grace Bruenelli,
lithesome Columbia booker, was off duty for
two weeks . lowdown on West End,
Bridgeport, doings has it that cashier Doris
Chapman eloped with Harry Costes of Bridgeport
September 11 . . . First theatres lined up
by Sam Farber for Encyclopedia night include
the Crown, Hartford: Empire, New London;
Liberty, Bridgeport; Adams, Quincy;
Central, LawTcnce; Rialto, Lowell; Grand,
Taunton; Keith's Fairhaven, New Bedford;
Laurier, Woonsocket; Arcadia, Portsmouth.
84 BOXOFFICE September 11, 1948

.
Miles,
. . . The
. . Pauline
. . Johnny
. .
. . . Charles
. . Peggy
. . Raymond
Camera Hobby Adds
To Thealre Profits
From Mideast Edition
EMINENCE. KY.—An exhibitor who has
turnsd an enjoyable hobby into a profitable
business is A. N. Miles, owner of the Eminence
Theatre, Eminence, Ky.
Many years ago Miles, who travels rather
extensively, purchased a motion picture outfit
A. N. Miles is shown narrating one of
his 16mni films over the sound system of
his Eminence Theatre, Eminence, Ky.
strictly for his own personal use. After taking
many films at home and during his travels
and showing them to members of his
family and a few close friends, he concluded
that other people in the community would be
interested in seeing the pictures.
As a result a special show was held in the
Eminence Theatre, advertised as a local newsreel
together with a travelog. Attendance was
so far beyond expectations that Miles continued
to develop the project. The local newsreel
and travelogs now are just as much a
part of the show in Eminence as the feature
pictures themselves.
Included in the local newsreel events are
school activities, picnics, fairs, beauty pageants,
baby shows and local places of interest
and personalities. The local events are taken
stricty as a newsreel and shown in conjunction
with the regular feature programs. Then
about four times a year, usually after an extensive
tour, a travelog with all the newsreel
films are grouped together for a special show.
A regular library of film is maintained by
and now and then a program is compiled
from the older highlights. In fact, only
recently a program was advertised as a review
of the old family album, and highlights
were taken from films dating back to the
origin of the local newsreel. This was extremely
interesting to the townspeople because
some of those shown in the films had
died or moved away.
While the Eminence is a regular 35mm
theatre, local films and travelogs are shot
on 16mm film. The theatre is equipped with
a 16mm projector, complete with turntable
and microphone, so that Miles may explain
the happenings in the films or supply a musical
background. The projector is set at the
front end of the balcony to cut down the
length of the throw.
When photographing a travelog, Miles endeavors
to make the pictures as much of local
interest as possible. In most cases either he
or Mrs. Miles is included in the scene photographed.
Some of the films shot by Miles have had
such an appeal that they have been borrowed
by clubs and civic organizations to be shown
to their memberships.
WORCESTER
Qeorge Gravel, projectionist at the Warner,
has returned from a vacation on Cape
Cod . Burns, cashier at the Park,
went to Buffalo for a vacation . . . Johnny
Murphy of Loew's Poll was stricken ill shortly
after returning from his vacation and was
hospitalized.
John Matthews, manager of the Warner,
attended a district meeting in New Haven
Plymouth in Leominster conducted
an amateur talent show for children ... A
columnist in the Sunday Telegram points out
there's nothing permanent about the names
of Worcester theatres. The Warner used to
be the Strand, the Poll was the Palace, the
Elm Street was the Poll, the Regent was the
Steinberg and the Family was the Palace.
Nate Goldberg, manager of the Plymouth,
was sorry to hear of the death in Rye, N. H.,
of Kay Byrne, famous golfer, as she had appeared
in vaudeville at the Plymouth a couple
of seasons ago as a singer. She was in vaudeville
before she ever became famous on the
Tom McGauley, operator at the
links . . .
Park, went to Indiana for his vacation.
George Flynn of the Warner backstage
staff went to New Hampshire on vacation
... A television crew from New York came
up to the Westboro Red Barn for two days,
shooting scenes of "the typical summer theatre"
for a short to be televised later. Ann
Sorg, film starlet, accompanied them and appeared
in many of the scenes.
When Jane Russell was here for personal
appearances, the crowds harassed her so that
she moved from her hotel to suburban
Framington, then to Waltham, outside Boston,
and finally back to Grafton, nearby . . .
Edmund Lowe of the films was in town .
Edward Murphy, chief operator, is back at
the Greendale after a vacation.
. .
A visitor was Edward T. Estabrook, a native
of Worcester, who has charge of all portrait
and still pictures in Hollywood for U-I.
It was his first trip here in 28 years
Dion Allen of the Playhouse staff left for
New York, where he will join Margaret
Webster's touring Shakespearean company.
Right in the midst of the year's most terrific
heat wave, the Plymouth brought in
"Sahara"! . Cummins of the Warner
left with his wife for Hampton Beach,
HANDY
N. H., where they observed their 40th wedding
anniversary. They were united in Newton.
Johnny, who plays the cymbals in the
state guard band, is one of the city's indefatigable
paraders, having been marching for
30 years.
A group of Loew's, Inc., officials, including
John Murphy of New York and Harry
Shaw and Lou Brown of New Haven, were
in town to look over the Loew Poll houses
here . . . Richard Barrett and Kenneth Bassett
of the Park have returned from Hampton
Beach. N. H. . A. Mangaudis,
manager of the Champ in Spencer, and formerly
with the Warner in Worcester, was
married in Spencer to Lorraine B. St. Denis,
a nurse, the ceremony taking place in St.
Mary's church.
Mary Thomas, cashier at the Greendale,
went to Cleveland for a visit . . Renovations
.
in the Park's lobby have been completed . . .
The vacation season is closing at the Warner,
but Mary Rafferty. assistant manager, is
looking ahead to that week off in October
Bang joined the Playhouse
temporarUy.
Mrs. Arthur Kinder, assistant manager of
the Marlboro in Marlboro, has returned from
a vacation . Villnave subbed as assistant
manager of the Poll during vacation
time.
Bank Figures Explain
Upturn of Boxoffice
MINNEAPOLIS—Minneapolis Federal Reserve
bank figures, showing mounting bank
debits reflecting increased business activity,
may help to explain the apparent arrest of
the downward boxoffice trend and its upward
climb again, as attested by gains in internal
revenue department admission tax collections
over the corresponding 1947 period.
The Federal Reserve figures, covering July,
reveal an 18 per cent jump. Bank debits for
the most part check against the accounts of
individuals, firms, corporations and all government
levels. Thus they represent payments
for goods, services and debts during
the period. In this instance they also reflect
higher prices.

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86
BOXOFFICE
:: September 11, 1948

Oscar Ray, Ex-Mgr.
At Dallas, Stricken
DALLAS—Oscar Ray, 57, former manager
of the new Capitan Theatre here and a resident
of the city for 51 years, died recently
in a local hospital after illness of more than
a year.
Ray formerly was in the jewelry business
before becoming associated with amusements
and the theatre industry. He was interested
in and manager of the Capitan until his illness.
Ray was a 32nd degTee Mason, a Shriner
and a member of Variety Club.
He is survived by his widow, two daughters,
Mrs. George Roth and Gloria Ray, and
a son Gayle, all of Dallas. Pallbearers were
Julius and George Schepps, Herman Waldman,
Clarence Linz, Albert Susman and Ike
Sandler.
Jim Donohue Becomes a Real Texan
In Kickoff of Paramount Week
Russell Birdwell Visits
Dallas, Analyzes Films
DALLAS—Russell Birdwell, former publicist
for major film companies who later
handled such films as "Gone With the Wind"
and "The Outlaw," was back home for a
brief visit after an absence of 27 years. Birdwell
was born in Coleman, Tex., and attended
the old Bryan Street high school. His home
now is in Beverly Hills, Calif., and his offices
are in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles,
although he said he might open a local
branch.
Birdwell was interviewed by several newspapers
during his visit here and was quoted
as saying: "The motion picture industry is in
financial difficulties because it has not been
supplying the kind of pictures people want to
see. People are tiring of motion pictures that
plead causes. You cannot put a preacher in
vaudeville nor vaudeville in the pulpit. The
only purpose of films is to entertain. If the
industry continues to plead causes it will
fail."
September 14 Meeting Set
OKLAHOMA CITY—About 90 per cent of
the trade in the metropolitan Oklahoma City
area now is represented in the reorganized
association for managers and theatre owners.
The group held its second organizational session
recently and decided to meet the second
Tuesday in each month at the Variety Club.
The first regular session will be held September
14.
NTS Salesman Resigns
OKLAHOMA CITY—Howard Wortham,
National Theatre Supply salesman for the last
six years, has resigned effective September
15 but has not announced future plans.
Wortham, in show business for about 40 years,
formerly worked for the Warner Bros. Theatre
circuit as projectionist for the Midwest
Theatre here.
r~

. . . Frank
. . Jack
. . Actors
. . The
(JOHN)
D

HSttE
Mutes s
- -UllOE
itorimiDi
tot slisi
Tes.
itei
by Iitti
Cnhon
' Jesiis," 1
amiav
div-at-
OS
ill
Fred Putman of Strand,
Port Arthur. Wins Bonus
Fred Putman. manager of the Strand Theatre
in Port Ai-thur. Tex., wa.s one of the
ten .showmen chosen to
receive a BOXOFFICE
Bonus of $10 for
meritorious exploitation
submitted to the
Showmandiser section
during August. The
accompanying photo of
Managn- Putman arrived
too late for inclu.sion
among the
photos of other Bonus
winners appearing on
the first oage of the
Fred Putman Showmandiser.
Putman tied in with the Port Arthur
Golden Jubilee cel;bration to obtain outstanding
publicity for the Strand and its
current attraction.
BUSINESS
Then Book
Red River Dave
and
BAD?
His Western Show Gang
In Person
Katharine Reeve Signs
MENARD. TEX. -Katharine Reeve, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Reeve, has signed
a contract to appear in a new musical comedy
this fall on Broadway. The comedy Is
entitled "Where's Charley" and is based on
"Charley's Aunt."
Miss Reeve graduated in 1947 from Texas
Write, Phone or Wire
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RED RIVER DAVE
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the Mi.ssion Theatre here and is president of
Texas Theatre Owners, Inc.
Art Smith as Psychiatrist
Art Smith will portray a psychiatrist in a
key sequence of Enterprise's "Caught."
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BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 89

. . . Ben
. . . Ernest
. . Buddy
DALLAS
f^arl Johnson, owner and operator of the
Arcadia Theatre in Floresville, wrote in
for more fillers for his BOXOFFICE Picture
Guide, which he has used diligently for the
last few years . . . Dan Hulse, his wife and
Dan jr. cut short their west Texas vacation
by one week. The McDonald Observatory
near Fort Knox and the Big Bend was closed
and the Hulse's couldn't see it. They plan
to try again later.
Mrs. C. W. Matson of Rockdale was happy
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Phones C-7357 and R-3998
over increased business in her four theatres
with early showings of "Red River," and was
combing the market for another film which
might do a comparable amoimt of business
Ferguson was here on a regular trip
from his Campus Theatre at College Station
Rockett of the new Tower Theatre
at Itasca, was doing his booking and
some figuring on the "Red River" deal.
Albert Seawall jr., representative of Griggs
Equipment Co., has become a reader of the
National Executive Edition of BOXOFFICE.
He maintains a Filmrow office and travels
over Texas and adjoining states . . . L. W.
Watts of the K&W circuit in western Louisiana
and eastern Texas planned to open his
new Bowie Theatre in New Boston about the
middle of the month. He has operated the
Strand there for some time.
Claude Ezell and his wife were vacationing
in California . . . Phil Isley and his wife spent
a few days in Hot Springs . Harris
of his circuit and C. V. Jones, R&R Theatres
official, were up Celina way for the
opening of the dove season. Buddy winged
the first one that came over and had no
more shots. He said birds have left this
country and that two years protection by law
might get them back.
The Harley Sadler tent show was destroyed
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT
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by fire as it opened a three-night stand in
Littlefield where Bill Chesher has operated
three theatres for many years and now a
drive-in. Sadler had a reputation for having
a first class traveling show and got along
well with motion picture houses. He recently
was elected to the state legislatm'e and is a
member of Variety. During the war Sadler
was interested with Phil Isley Theatres.
Ringling Bros, will make a long jump from
El Paso for September 25, 26 engagements
here. From here they will go to Wichita
Falls, then up into Oklahoma before returning
to Fort Worth on October 11 . . . W. D.
Cowan, Paramount shipper and booker for
several years who lately has operated his own
auditing service for small business, returned
to the exchange temporarily to help out in
getting prints to theatres for Paramount
week, high spot of Paramount's 36th Paramount
Year di'ive now under way. Cowan, an
agriculture graduate from A&M college, was
a captain in World War II and has just renewed
his subscription to BOXOFFICE.
Eddie Joseph, owner of three drive-ins and
a downtown subsequent run house at Austin,
was up for a two-day business visit . . .
E. L. Harris and his family were vacationing
in the central west and far west ... Ed
Wilson was thinking about repeating his trip
of the past few summers into western Colorado
with his wife and other family members.
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30 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948

. . . The
. .
. . . "Song
HOUSTON
/^klahoma!" the New York Guild's wonder
show which broke records here last year,
will return October 7 for a second run at the
Music Hall under the sponsorship of the Interstate
circuit. Last March, the Rogers-
Hammerstein musical played eight performances,
the longjst engagement for any roadshow
on that stage. Every house was packed
to capacity. This year the show will be presented
for four performances. Mail orders
are already coming into the Interstate office
and the roadshow boxoffice at the Majestic
will open September 27. Interstate circuit
will present a series of Theatre Guild shows
this winter on a subscription basis. "Oklahoma!"
is a seperate offering.
Market Street Drive-In, Houston's newest
ozoner, had a gala opening recently with
capacity attendance. The theatre is owned
and operated by the Mitchamore brothers
Civic Theatre began its season activities
with work on a series of puppet productions
and radio programs, according to
Winnie Mae Crawford, managing director.
The principle interest of the theatre is
dramatic productions for children. The Civic
Theatre is the official city of Houston theatre.
The first giant television set in Houston
was received last week by Pete Lout and F.
W. Spivey, owners of the Town Lounge cocktail
bar. It has the largest self contained
screen manufactured and is of the projector
type. Television broadcasting is expected to
bsgin in Houston after the first of the year,
when radio station KLEE is scheduled to
Vic Kelley, formerly with the Will Horwitz
estate, is new manager of the Stude Theatre
Larry Kent, who has been with
. . . Loew's State, now is manager of the Plaza,
newest addition to the R. Z. Glass chain.
Glass now has three in Houston and although
he has no definite plans for acquiring more,
says he may if the opportunities arise. D. L,
Murray is still general manager of the State,
Stude and the Plaza.
Glenn McCarthy, on his return from Hollywood
to Houston, announced that his initial
film will be released through RKO. The contract
was signed by the two Houston oilmen,
McCarthy and Howard Hughes, at a conference
with other RKO executives. The release
of other McCarthy productions was also said
to have been discussed. While in California,
McCarthy visited company's location in the
Feather River Canyon.
Speeding up of traffic downtown since a
new double alternate traffic light system has
been introduced will probably also have some
effect on downtown theatre business, as will
the many new parking meters recently installed
Conrad Brady, former advertising
. . . man for Interstate in Dallas, has been appointed
publicity director for Interstate Theatres
in Houston, it was announced by Al
Lever, Interstate city manager. A native
Texan, Brady has been with Interstate for
the past six years and prior to this was associated
with the Crazy Water hotel in Mineral
Springs as advertising manager. Brady
succeeds Bill Johnson, who resigned to return
to New York.
Nick Stuart, publicized as "the man with
the band from movleland," now is playing at
the Plantation . . . David Westheimer, former
assistant amusement editor for the Post and
author of the novel, "Summer on the Water,"
is back with the newspaper as columnist .
According to the newspapers. Director Ralph
Mead of the Little Theatre is .so anxious to
get started on the season, that he wired the
papers from St. Louis where he and his wife
are stopping en route home, giving the go
sign for tryouts for the new plays. Scheduled
thus far this season are: "Dream Girl," "I
Remember Mama" and "The Merchant of
Venice."
According to Councilman Pliil Hamburger,
president of the League of Texas Municipalities,
among the bills to be introduced in the
next .state legislature to increa.se sources of
revenue for Texas cities, will be an admission
tax to supplant the federal tax. A number
of state officials expect this repeal next year
0^''^'-
of My Heart" had Its first Houston
showing at the Delman last week . . . "Four
Feathers" was held over at the River Oaks.
Willie, of the "Uncle Willie and Patsy"
team, known to prewar Houstonlans as the
juvenile stars of Abe and Pappy's sepia revue,
will be here next month for a show during
the food exhibit, according to Paul HochuU
. . . Bill Roberts, in his daily column, quoted
Majestic's Eddie Bremer as saying, "When a
girl gets a screen test, she should wear a
filmy dress" .
Lucille Ball Stars in 'Richmond'
Lucille Ball has been set to .star in "Miss
Grant Takes Richmond." w'hich S. Sylvan
Simon will produce for Columbia.
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OKLAHOMA CITY
T Rudolph Smith - of the Royal Theatre m
* Mountain View will drive to the TOA parley
in Chicago September 24, 25 . . .
Also
going to the TOA meet is Johnny Giffin of
Freeman,
Miami and his wife . . . Charles
general manager of C&R Theatres here, also
plans to make the trek to Chicago and other
delegates will include Pat McGee, Denver,
Ralph Ayer and Bob Livingston, both of Lincoln,
Neb., all Cooper Foundation officials.
The Blamdings Dream House, built here by
Steve Pennington, will remain open to the
public four days longer than originally scheduled
with admission prices reduced to half.
All proceeds go to a civic group for the development
of a 42-acre children's playground.
The house had been visited by 18,000 persons
as of September 7 . . . "Tap Roots" was held
for a second week at the Midwest . . . "Key
Largo" opened at the Tower.
Bruce Cabot of Hollywood was here for
several days . Lowenstein, Ardmore,
was here on business . Evil My
Love" opened at the Criterion, "Embraceable
You" showed at the Warner, "Deep Waters"
was at the Home following a two-week showing
of "That Lady in Ermine," "Good Sam"
did good business at the Center and "Red
River" stayed for a second week at the State.
Joe Tonti, publicized as a strong man extraordinary,
made personal appearances at
R. Lewis Barton's 77 Drive-In
Roller and Sam Ridgeway of
. . . R.
Maysville
E.
installed
new Griggs seats in the rebuilt Granada
at Maysville. The Granada was destroyed
by fire earlier this year and Mrs.
W. A. Labarthe of Pond Creek also have installed
new seats in their Pond Creek Theatre,
which has been recently remodeled.
Mrs. Mary Neal, 19-year-old farmer's wife,
won the Mrs. Oklahoma City contest staged
at the Criterion Theatre. Mrs. Neal, mother
of a six-month-old son, will represent the
city in the Mrs. America contest at Asbury,
N. J. She won an all-expense ti-ip and several
additional prizes, including a radio and
some furniture.
From the
BOXOFFICE FILES
• • «
(Twenty Years Ago)
QHARLES A. HENNECKE, formerly of Columbus,
Tex., has bought the Happy Hour,
Weimer, He sold his Columbus Theatre to
Rubin Prels of Victoria . . . Adam Caperton
and J. R. Brown opened a new theatre in
Shamrock with admission price of 10 and 20
cents . . . John Smith, manager, has changed
the name of the Rigg Theatre at Monahans
to Monahans. Smith also shows pictures at
Grand Falls . . . Francisco Alderete, who with
his father conducts several theatres in the
Mexican district of El Paso, made a trip to
Los Angeles.
-low
prices
ONE BAG ..or
ONE CARLOAD..
Best popping golden yellovif South American popcorn^
ever grown. Once you try it, you'll always buy it—for
the famous RB Hybrid brand corn is a quality popcorn
at a bargain price. To start you off on this grand corn
we offer a full line of supplies at these special low
prices.
f.0.»-
RB Golden Yellow Liquid Seasoning
and RB Pure Cocoanut Oil
Market Prices
Popcorn Cartons,
1% ounce $8.05 per M
1,000 to 10,000
10,000 or over 7.95 per M
Vj-lb. Brown Pinch
^Bottom Bag
%-lb. Printed Pinch
Bottom Bag
1.50 per M
1-lb. Plain White Flat
Bottom Bags 1 .60 per M
2-lb. Glassine Bags 2.95 per M
Popcorn Cones
2.25 per M
Popcorn Salt,
1.10 per M 24/2-lb.
2% discount cosh with order or net 10
WRITE. PHONE or WIRE
$2.40 per case
SOLIDATED POPCORN COMPANY
DUCERS AND DISTRIBUTORS
5 South Ervay Street Dallas 1. Texas
Seen on Dallas Filmrow: J. E. Hufford,
Whitesboro and CoUinsville: C. H. Niece,
Hubbard; George L. Holderidge, theatre owner
at Welasco, Donna and Pharr, who attended
the Kiwanis club convention . . . Raphael
Calderon. head of International in El Paso
and Chihuahua, vacationed in Los Angeles
scenery along the Rio Grande is
being taken for "Russ Farrell, Aviator" stories,
according to F. A. Tomes, manager of Educational
and distributor of the pictures.
Seen on Oklahoma City Filmrow: Mrs.
L. T. Rhodes, Art Theatre, Gotebo: William
Redfearn, Dixie, Tulsa: M. E. Woolridge,
Empress. Hollis: Sol S. Shelton, Mecca, Rocky;
Edward G. Kadane, operator of several
theatres at Frederick; E. W. Johnson. Orpheum,
Tulsa, and his brother-in-law, C.
Miller; Sam Fringer, owner of the Empress
and Nusho, Mangum, and Manager Jess Hale
. . . Dr. R. Mitchell has purchased the Rialto
at Seminole from N. A. Dickinson . . . R. B.
Campbell of the Majestic and Wa.vnoka at
Waynoka has recovered from injuries suffered
in an automobile accident . F.
Morris has purchased the New Theatre at
Konowa from Mrs. O. F. Moore . Little
Theatre company in Oklahoma City, which
has created much interest due to its highclass
work, announces it will present more
and better plays this season.
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY
Your Deal Handled Personally
27 years experience
Wo Cover the U. S. Market
Arthur Leak
Theatre Sales Exclusively
3422 Kiiunore Dallas 10. Texas
Phone T3-2026
92 BOXOFFICE September 11. 1948

I
EL
PASO
•The new Valley Theatre, seating 900, opened
Monday evening . , . Latest wrinkle at the
Texas Grand—double features . . . The most
recent theatre through whose halls wafts the
delicate aroma of popcorn is the EUanay.
The lobby has been enlarged to include a confectionery
and popcorn fountain.
Sign of something or other: Two city policemen
were suspended from the force recently,
when they were found "patroling" a
pair of theatre seats instead of the sidewalks.
Birthday card: Manager Oakes of the Del
Norte Drive-In who has done much to win
the goodwill of the members of his community
is doing it again. A joint celebration of the
first anniversary of the theatre and that of a
small neighborhood newspaper was to be held
September 11. The theatre grounds will be
opened at 4 o'clock and a picnic supper will
be served to subscribers. The Sierra Sun,
with the help of advertisers will furnish the
food, the Del Norte will provide a pleasant
"oasis" in the suiTounding desert for the
gathering, and will invite those who attend to
remain for the picture, "The Senator Was Indiscreet."
It is hoped that this get-together
of "northeastenders" will become an annual
event.
When "El Paso" is released, it will have its
premiere at the Plaza here . . . New cashier
at the Del Norte Drive-In is Mrs. Arthur Davis
.. . The annual southwest championship
kids' redeo opened Friday with a colorful parade
through downtown streets.
SEATING
FORMAL OPENING CELEBRATED—Pictured above are exhibitors and theatre
men at a cocktail party which featured the formal opening of the Houston Popcorn
and Equipment Co., recently organized there by Charles E. Darden of Dallas and A. J.
Sehmltt to serve theatres in this area. Seen above, left to right: Dick Bier, manager
of the Boulevard Theatre; Mary Kennely and Wilma Arnett, company employes;
Frank Wilke, owner of the Boulevard; C. C. Porter, concessionaire for the Hall circuit
in south Texas; Mrs. Ernest Forsythe of the Don Garden Theatre; A. J. Schmitt,
manager of the popcorn company; Ernest Forsythe; Charles E. Darden, partner in
the venture, and Billie Vasser of the Springtown Theatre at Springtown.
IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT OUT OF DALLAS STOCK
STRONG LAMPS
EXTRAS
Exit Lights
&
RECTIFIERS
Thumb Taclcs
and
Record Ledgers
COMPLETE WEBER Fire Extinguishers
Film Splicers
SYNCROFBLM
Photo Electric Cells
SOUND EQUIPMENTS Exciter Lamps
and
Admission Signs
Goldberg Reels
WENZEL PROJECTORS Westinghouse Rectifier
Bulbs
and
Film Tables
STAR POPCORN
MACHINES
PROJECTOR PARTS
Simplex and Powera
LAMPHOUSE PARTS
Strong, Peerless,
Mazda
REFLECTORS
Strong, Peerless,
Mazda, Gardner &
Others
CARBONS
For all lamps
PROJECTION LENSES
AH sizes in Coaled
Series I & IL Also
Used Lens
Complete Projection
and
Sound Equipments
and
Screens
BERBER
Rewinds
Perfumes & Deodorants
Ticket Machines
Ticket Boxes
Sand Urns
BROTHERS
"Fair Treatment and Adequate Service for 25 Years"
408 S. HARWOOD DALLAS 1. TEXAS
HANDY
GRIGGS
EQUIPMENT COMPANY
We will see you at the TESMA SHOW in
Si. Louis, September 28. 29 and 30—Booth 14.
Box 630 Belton, Texas

NY TIME is a GOOD TIME
to read and use the busy
BOXOFFICE
CLASSIFIED WANT ADS
•
Use these speedy little
business builders to get
quick results at slight cost
Buyers meet sellers
Employers locate good help
Suppliers find a market
BOXOFFICE Clearing House
More Than 23.000 Subscribers—More Than 100.000 Readers
lOc Per Word Per Issue; 4 Insertions for the Price of 3
94 BOXOFFICE
:: September 11. 1948

New Etowah Theatre
Open in Attalla, Ala.
ATTALLA, ALA.—The 1.077-s-'at Etowah
Theatre, newest in the chain of nine operated
by Amusement Enterprises. Inc.. held
its formal opening here Monday i6i. The
dedication ceremonies, conducted by the Attalla
Civitan and Exchange clubs, followed an
open house on Sunday afternoon.
Jack Brown, who has been manager of
the circuit's Liberty here, will manage the
new house.
Features of the place included a 14-seat
"bawl room," a 100-ton air conditioning unit
and 36-inch spacing between rows.
Col. Thomes E. Orr of Albertsville is president
of Amusement Enterprises.
Fire Damages to $50,000
At Moore Haven Theatre
MOORE HAVEN, FLA.—Fire damage to
the Glades Theatre and the adjoining
Schroeder building here has been estimated
at $50,000, according to civic officials. Both
buildings were owned by Lake Theatres, Inc.
of Clewiston and the theatre was leased to
Jack Burkette. also of Clewiston.
Flames broke out in the projection booth
of the theatre and the fire was not brought
under control for several hours. An explosion,
believed set off by paint fumes, caused
the walls of the theatre buildiiig to collapse.
Two persons were injured in the fire.
New Magnolia Theatre
Opens in Albany, Miss.
MEMPHIS—The Magnolia Theatre, new
Flexer house at New Albany, Miss., was scheduled
to open Thursday night i9i. David
Plexer said the 900-seater was equipped for
television and would be ready to show telecasts
when they are started in Memphis next
month.
FOR GREATER LISTENING PLEASURE
DIXIE THEATRE SERVICE
AND SUPPLY COMPANY
Albany, Georgia "Serving the South"
Phone, Wire, Write
For Details
COMPLETE
DRIVE-IN
and
THEATRE EQUIPMENT
THE QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE,
INC.
I912V2 Moms Avenue Phone 3-8665
BIRMINGHAM. ALABAMA
Preopening Mafinee for
Children
Featured at Coral Gables Trail
Receipts Up in Memphis
With School Opening
MEMPHIS—Memphis first run business is
hitting normal again, a survey of attendance
shows. There has been a late summer slump
which now seems to have disappeared. All
city and county schools are open and families
with children have returned from vacation
resorts.
Better Films Council and the Parent-
Teacher Ass'n have begun to stress kiddy
matinees on Saturday afternoons in suburban
theatres. Peabody. Airway. Rosemary and
Memphian theatres are showing only councilapproved
pictures at these matinees. PTA
ladies are serving as hostesses and help take
care of children while they enjoy the pictures.
All are showing double features.
Fred Curd Named Head
Of RKO Memphis Office
MEMPHIS—Fred Curd, booker at Paramount
for nine years and for the past 18
years active in the film business, is now
the new RKO office manager here. Curd
succeeds another weU-known Filrmow executive,
Glenn Calvert, who has been office
manager at RKO for the last four years. Calvert,
who formerly was on the road as a company
salesman, will return to selling.
Theatre Damage Is Light
GUNTERSVILLE. ALA.—A fire in the projection
booth of the Ritz Theatre last Tuesday
131 1 caused only minor damage. The
blaze occurred only five minutes after the
theatre opened for the day and the few patrons
inside escaped without injury, as did
Charles Burgess, the projectionist. The
flames, which started in a box of film clippings,
were extinguished quickly by the automatic
sprinkler. The projection equipment
was not damaged. That night the picture
scheduled for the Palace on Wednesday and
Thursday was shown. The Ritz did not open
Wednesday because of the damaged film. C.
W. Woodall ow^ns both theatres.
Howard Waugh a Visitor
MEMPHIS—Howard Waugh. former
theatreman
here, returned for a visit. Waugh
for several years was manager of the Warner
Theatre zone with headquarters at the Warned
in Memphis. Later, he was manager of
the Fairgrounds here. Now with United
Artists, with headquarters in Miami. Waugh
was here with "Pitfall." which was scheduled
for opening September 8 at Loew's State.
USED THEATRE CHAIRS
American or Heywood Veneer Baclc
Spring Cushion Type—A-1 Condition Guaranteed
$3.50 Each F.03. Albany. New York
10% discount if buyers pick up chairs.
ALBANY THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
1046 Broadway Phone 5-S0S5
Albany. New York
MIAMI—In a salute to national Youth
month. Claughton theatres preceded the formal
opening of their new Trail Theatre with
a matinee for children. This marked the
first time that Miami youngsters had been
treated to a theatre opening in advance of
adults, officials pointed out.
On opening day. children under 12 years
of age were admitted free and were shown
a revival of Shirley Temple's early film,
•Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm." There were
candy and gifts for all the guests. According
to preceding advertisements, children
were admitted "as long as we have seats for
you." Besides the feature picture, cartoon
and short subjects were shown. Matinee admissions
for adults were 40 cents.
For the formal evening opening, "Green
Grass of Wyoming" was presented in its first
Coral Gables appearance.
Claughton preceded the opening of this
newest house of the circuit, with a gradually
accelerated advertising program, beginning
some time before opening date with a line
or two at the bottom of the regular space
forecasting the coming debut of the Trail.
Additional space was devoted to the announcement
of the opening as the date drew
near, culminating in a splash ad headed:
"Claughton Theatres inaugurate September
as national Youth month. Special preopening
matinee for children."
Besides the new Trail. Claughton interests
operate the Royal, Embassy and Variety here.
Other theatres are being added to the circuit
in various locations in greater Miami.
GIVES
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I
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UJ
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INC.
at
89 Cone Street, N. W. Atlanta 3. Georgia
k^
CENT UR Y
Projectors • Sound Systems
and
Complete Drive-In Theatre
Equipment
Tri-State Theatre Supply
318 S. Second St. Memphis 3. Term.
A
BOXOFFICE September 11, 1948 SE 95

Consistently
. Top
. For
Give
. .
. .
. . . Jimmy
. . William
. . Ray
. . Herman
. . Jim
MIAMI
Chirley Modell wore the mermaid costume
created by Universal-International for
"Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" as a featura
of a swimming pool opening at a downtown
hotel. The outfit was the one used by Ann
Blyth in the film. Technicians made it of
sponge rubber. The picture is due for a mid-
September opening at the Lincoln and Miami
theatres.
Author Philip Wylie, whose wilting commitments
have kept him in Hollywood for
the past few years, is building a home here.
His former home on DiLido island was purchased
by playviTight Larry Schwab . . . Wometco's
Center Theatre was the scene of a
Miss Edison Center beauty contest in which
the winner received a trip to Cuba. A stage
show and a fashion show were added attractions
to the theatre's regular performance
and there was no increase in admission.
Paramount Enterprises has been running
a series of original headings for their newspaper
advertising, including: "Sunday guests?
Family, too? They'll enjoy a Paramount hit
show . fine entertainment
carefully chosen for your taste . a safe,
stay-in-town weekend here's your choice of
fine shows . off 'back-to-work' day
with an entertaining Paramount hit show .
Entertainment you'll enjoy, in cool, refreshing
comfort"
Guy Kibbee, popular film actor who recently
filled an engagement at Paramount's Olympia,
vacationed here and was pictured frequently
in the newspapers sampling all of
.
Miami's best known restaurants . . . Wometco
lead off recent ads in newspapers with special
art and the following statement in large
type: "Wometco Theatres Salute Young
America! The Nation's Youth Is the Nation's
Strength Them Better Guidance
by Doing Things as a Family Unit .
Go to Church as a Family ... Go Fishing
as a Family . . . Select the Proper Picture
and Go to the Movies as a Family. The Family
That Plays Together—Stays Together!"
Sidney Meyer and family have been enjoying
the mountain breezes of Colorado .
Herman Reade, Wometco air conditioning
engineer, gave praise to the Miami Theatre
staff members who have been instrumental
in predetecting and avoiding faults in the air
conditioning equipment Alert and interested
house and equipment checking done by the
theatre's Raymond Nye, J. M. Hodges, Zeb
Blanton and Leon Leonard was cited for
commendation.
Phil Masters, manager of the Ilosetta, called
upon Susan Shearer, owner and director of
a riding school here, to furnish a stand-in
for a personal appearance of "Thunderhead,"
when 20th-Fox's "Green Grass of Wyoming"
opened at the neighborhood house. The handsome
gray, "Melody of Love," substituted
nicely thrilling children and adults before
and after the film opened.
Tax $25 Per 100 Seats
ST. PETERSBURG—Tire new ordinance
regarding occupational taxes recently passed
by the city council sets the tax on motion
picture theatres at $25 per 100 seats or fraction
thereof. Drive-inns pay a flat tax of
$100 regardless of size.
ATLANTA
/"•harlie Clark, Jackpot Quiz sales manager,
left for New Orleans . Ziebell has
taken over the Swan at Norcross, Ga., from
Mr. and Mrs. William Aiken ...CD. Spence
is the new Alabama representative for the
Southern Automatic Candy Co. . . . O. C,
Lam of the Lam Amusement Co., Howard
Schuessler and P. L. Taylor were visitors.
Joe Hackel, owner of the Hackel circuit of
Georgia and Florida theatres, visited briefly
on his way to Jacksonville . . . Pete Rosian,
southern division manager, and Jimmy Fi-ew,
U-I branch manager, left for Florida . .
Mr. and Mrs. William Thornhill, Alabama
theatre owner, and Mrs. W. K. Smith visited
here . Richardson, Astor Pictures
president, left with Mrs. Richardson for a
vacation in Dallas.
Jimmy Hobbs, local Monogram manager,
was back from Tennessee . Silverman,
buyer for the Wometco theatres in
Miami, visited on Filmrow . Partlow.
former U-I branch manager here, opened a
drive-in near Orlando, Fla. . . . Robert Howell,
Astor Pictures, returned from a visit with his
mother in Montgomery, Ala. . . . Jim Wilson.
Wilson & Moore Enterprises, left for Florida.
S. T. Maugham, owner of theatres in Patterson
and Fort Screven, Ga., was confined
to his home in Patterson because of illness
Wilson of Wilson and Moore Enterprises
was on a trip to Florida as was
J mmy Hibbs, Monogram manager.
PROJECTORS
SOUND SYSTEMS
Licensed under Western Electric Co. Patents
Now being installed for
SOUTHERN
EXHISITORS
^Ut^iUuied i4i. tlie South Ixtf . . .
Standard Theatre Supply Co.
215 East Washington St.,
Greensboro, N. C.
Tri-State Theatre Supply
318 S. Sacond St.
Memphis 3, Tenn,
Queen Fea'.ure Service, Inc.
19121/2 Morris Ave.
Birmingham, Ala.
Joe Hornstein, Inc.
714 N. E. 1st Ave.
Miami, Fla.
you/? INDEPENDENT SUPPLY DEALERS
SERVING SOUTHERN SHOWMEN WITH SATISFACTION
96
BOXOFFICE ;: September 11. 1948

. . . W.
. . C.
. . Birmingham's
. . Leo
. . Ralph
. . Buying
. . John
. . Charles
. . Keen
. . Henry
. . Milton
Atlanta Grosses Up
As Weather Cools
ATLANTA—Local business picked up with
an influx of cooler weather and a decline in
sports events. Topper of the week was "The
Babe Ruth Story" with 125 on a moveover to
the Roxy from the Fox.
(Average Is 100)
Fox—A Foreign AHair (Para) 110
Loews Grand—A Date With Judy (MGM) 112
Paramount—Dream Girl (Para) 106
Roxy—The Babe Ruth Story (AA-Mono), moveover
125
Tower-Wolfman (FC); The Hairy Ape (SG) IOC
BIRMINGHAM
T A. Jackson, Empire manager, flew to Jacksonville
last Friday (2i for a weekend visit.
He returned Monday . Ted
Saizis, covering the Alabama tour of Henry
A. Wallace for Telenews. was treated to an
egg shower on the outskirts of Guntersville.
Saizis' car was directly behind that of the
Progressive party candidate for president
and was struck by several eggs.
The Woodlawn Theatre, Community Theatres
and Harry M. Curl, general manager
and booker for the neighborhood chain, were
named defendants in a $5,000 damage suit
filed in circuit court here. E. L. Moody, a
patron, claimed he was injured June 5 when
he stepped into a hole in the aisle where
some repair work was being done . A.
Root jr., son of the business agent for MPMO
Local 236, visited his parents here during
the vacation between the summer and fall
terms at Georgia Tech. Root is also a member
of the local.
A. H. Borisky, former Birmingham and
Chattanooga theatre owner, is recovering in
Columbus. Ohio, from an industrial accident
recently at Marion, Ohio, according to word
received by friends here. It was learned that
Borisky has been dismissed from a Columbus
hospital, but is remaining in a hotel there
until treatment is completed on an arm which
was broken.
OIlie Haynes, Lyric manager, entertained
about 100 carriers for the Birmingham Post
as one of his promotions for national Youth
Month. The screen attraction was "Tarzan's
New york Adventure" . Nation, Alabama
projectionist and vice-president of
MPMO Local 236, is vacationing in Ai-kansas
H. Neal, Temple projectionist and
relief operator during the vaudeville off-season,
is recovering after a recent operation in
Atlanta for a jaw ailment ...CM. Trent,
Ritz projectionist, has returned from a vacation
in Florida. His son Jimmy, North Birmingham
operator, is entering Georgia Tech
this month.
.
"Canon City" was the only film to rate a
second week in downtown theatres during
the week of September 2. The EL release
moved to the Capitol after a week at the
Empire L. Gaston, Empire projectionist,
is vacationing in Florida.
NEW ORLEANS
T eonard Duckworth, Manley, Inc., sale,sman,
has assumed the position of office manager
here in conjunction with his sales activities.
Wilson Miramon, former office manager,
has resigned. Lin Barker has been employed
as secretary to Duckworth . . . J. F.
Saunders, Manley district manager for Arkansas,
Mi.ssissippi, Tennessee and Louisiana,
flew here in his private plane. From New
Orleans, he proceeded by air to Manley's
Memphis office and on to the Kansas City
home office, returning to his home in Winnsboro,
Tex.
The theatre at St. Mary of Pines, Chatawa,
Miss, has reopened . Lamantia of
NSS has purchased the TU Theatre at
Jeanerette. La. . Jarvis jr. of Atlanta
has taken charge of the local Kay Films
office, a position which he held until his
transfer to the Atlanta branch a few months
ago . and booking for the Star
Theatre, Crowley, La., will be done by J. G.
Broggi of Broggi Booking Co. . . . Booking
Service Co. is the name of the new Joy Theatres
booking service.
Visitors on the Row included E. Boehringer
of the Monte Sano Theatre, Roy Pfeiffer of
the Tiboli, Avenue and Istrouma: Gordon
Ogden of the Ogden and Chimes, and Joseph
Barcelona, Regina, all of Baton Rouge: Jeff
Rebstock. Rebstock. Golden Meadow, La.; Ira
Phillips. Bordelonville and Moreauville. La.;
Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Randall, Fern, Woodville,
Miss., and Center, Centreville, La., and A. M.
Riley, Castle, Logansport, La.
Gaston Dureau of Paramount Richards
Theatres returned from an extended vacation
trip which included visits to Boston and Bar
Harbor. Me. He was accompanied by his
Herbert Hargroder, who operates
wife . . .
the Beverly Drive-In at Hattiesburg. underwent
an eye operation recently . . . The Rio
Theatre, 316 St. Charles Ave., has a new
The Para-
onyx glass front and marquee . . .
mount building on South Liberty has undergone
a facelifting.
As though combining; their efforts to combat
the prevailing slump in business, downtown
theatres offered a better-than-usual
lineup. The Saenger presented "That Lady
in Ermine." Loew's State did well with "A
Date With Judy." "Lulu Belle" was at the
Joy. The Orpheum showed "Good Sam," and
"Coroner Creek" was moved over to the Liberty
for a second week. The Center's attraction
was "Green Hell," while "Key Largo"
was showing at the Tudor and the Globe
showed "The Emperor Waltz"
J. G. Broggi of the Broggi Booking agency
said that his young son Pal, who underwent
a major operation recently, is out of danger
and well on the road to recovery. A fine
southpaw American Legion pitching prospect.
Pal is anxious to get back to his sophomore
duties at St. Pauls college in nearby Covington
.
disappointment was felt by
Filmrow employes as they began their long
Labor day weekend. The traditional weekend
trips and picnics had to be canceled, or postponed,
due to hurricane weather.
Bobby Blake, the Little Beaver of the Red
Ryder series of westerns, delighted young
audiences here when he appeared at the
Strand Theatre in person. After his appearance,
Blake left for Moss Point and Pascagoula,
Miss., for appearances at the Joy theatres
in those towms . Dureau, Film
Classics manager, flew to Pensacola on business
. . . Willis Houck, Joy Theatres, and
Don Kay of Don Kay Enterprises, flew to
Alexandria Glover, Monogram
.
manager, and his wife are the parents of a
baby boy.
Will Produce 'Sierra'
Michel Kraike will produce "Sierra," to be
filmed in the Sierras for Universal.
FOR FAST, THOROUGH THEATRE CLEANING
G.E. Model 175-A "MASTER-VAC"
HEAVY DUTY CLEANERS
A light weight vi^et or dry pickup
easy to use—economical to operate
—low in cost. The motor unit can be
used as a separate portable cleaner
and blower.
Phillip Turnipseed
CARPET LAYING CONTRACTOR
li you want it dona right, let us sew and lay it light
530 E. Cambridge Ave. COLLEGE PARE. GEORGIA
Phone CAlhoun 3642 (in suburban Atlanta)
CHARLOTTE, N. C.
ATLANTA, GA.
"Everything for the theatre except film
BOXOFFICE September 11, 1948 97

. . M.
. . Leonard
. . Johnny
.
.
MEMPHIS
Vay SUIT of Memphis who has sung hei- way
to the top of the radio, record and night
club world and is now about to launch her
film career, came home to announce her engagement
to Harold Stanley, Los Angeles
businessman. Miss Starr and her fiance later
left for Hollywood where she will be featured
in the Columbia film, "Make Believe
Ballroom" . A. Lightman sr ,
presidnt
of Malco Theatres, tied in the doubles bridge
play of the Tennessee Bridge Ass'n at Memphis.
Lightman will serve on the committee
for the Bear Creek Lake bridge tournament
September 24-26 at Marianna, Ark.
Memphis Federation of Musicians gave the
first of a series of free concerts at the Over-
Ready for October
msry
LUCKY ArtlLLINDER OWU.
BULL M0Q5E JACKSON
f
Tht 'ILove You, Yes I Oo" 3for)
JACKIE AAABEIV
UNA MAE CARLISLE
BERRY BROS.
MARIE COOKE
Direchd b(/Jaek Binnei^flSTOR
PICTURES CO,
OF GA., mc,
163 WALTON ST.
ATLANTA
MAIN 984S
ton Park Shell . . . Malco Theatre Scheduled
"The Babe Ruth Story" for opening September
9. according to Manager Jack Tunstill
Mary Lou Stone, better known here as
Mary Louise Repult, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. F. C. Repult, is scoring a hit as Kitzi
Kranz in "Blossom Time" at the Paper Mill
Playhouse in Millburn, N. J.
C. E. Hilgers, district manager for Eagle
Lion in Dallas, and Tom Guinan, home office
representative, were visitors at the local
exchange Gannon, U-I booker,
.
and his wife are parents of a baby boy, James
W. Gannon, born at St. Joseph's hospital.
Pete Dawson, U-I manager, was on a business
trip to Cleveland, Miss., and Pine Bluff,
Floyd Harvey, office manager for
Ark. . . .
Universal, was vacationing at Virginia Beach,
Va. Andrews, auditor for U-I
for
.
14 years and now owner of a di-ive-in
at Miami, was a Filmi'ow visitor.
. . .
N. B.
. . . S.
L. W. McCUntock, on leave as manager of
Paramount because of illness, visited here
after spending several months in California
and North Dakota ... Mr. and Mrs. Bob
Davis, Griffin Amusements Co., Dallas, visited
the Paramount exchange
Blount, manager for Monarch Theatre Supply
Co., made a business trip to New Orleans
and Blytheville Harry M. Paul,
. . .
southern district manager for RCA, Dallas,
M. Perrin,
was here to see Blount
company salesman at Little Rock, was here
for a few days.
Mississippi exhibitors booking in Memphis
included J. F. Adams, Tate, Coldwater; J. A.
Thornton, Bruce, Bruce: Henry B. Furr, jr.,
Booker T., Cleveland; Bem Jackson, Delta,
Ruleville; W. A. Rush, Houston, Houston;
Mrs. C. H. Collier, Globe, Drew; Mrs. Vallery
Burke. Benoit, Benoit; and C. J. Collier,
Globe, Shaw.
C. A. Gilliland, Cooter at Cooler and Steele
at Steele; Bill Kroeger, Shannon and Maxon
at Portageville; John Mohrstadt, who operates
theatres at Palmer, CampbeU and Hayti,
and Lyle Richmond, Missouri and Richmond
at Senath, were among Missouri exhibitors
seen on Filmrow.
From Arkansas came W. L. Moxley, Turrell,
Turrell: Gordon Hutchins, State and
Dixie, Corning; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Cochran,
Juroy, North Little Rock; Mrs. J. D. Lowrey,
Lowrey, Russellville; Pat Fleming, Gale,
Round Pond; K. H. Kinney, Hays and Beale
Street, Hughes; C. W. Tipton, Tipton circuit,
Manila; F. R. Watson, New, Elaine; E. H.
Snaders, Ken, Marshall; Gene Higginbotham,
Melody. Leachville; Emma Cox, Gem and
Joy, Osceola; J. E. Singleton, Hyro, Tyronza:
and Roy Bolick, Kaiser, Kaiser.
Tennessee exhibitors included Guy B. Amis,
Princess, Lexington; G. H. Goff, Rustic, Parsons;
W. F. Ruff in sr.. Ruff in circuit. Covington;
Amelia Ellis, Mason, Mason; W. H.
Gray, Rutherford, Rutherford; M. E. Rice,
Rice, Brownsville, and R. B. Gooch, Ritz,
Selmer.
MONARCH
THEATRE SUPPLY, Inc.
492 Sc. Second St.
Memphia, Tenn.
CHARlOllE
XT B. Meiselman of the Meiselman circuit returned
from New York where he negotiated
with home office officials for first run
product for his new Center here. Meiselman
will open the Center when the polio ban in
Mecklenburg county is lifted . . . The Dreamland
Drive-In at Lincolnton, N. C burned
recently. The owner is Roy Chapman.
Drum's Drive-In at Hudson, N. C owned
by R. D. Drum, also burned but the loss was
covered by insurance. The Drum will reopen
as soon as equipment can be replaced .
A party was planned in honor of U-I Manager
James V. Frew, who was transferred
to the Atlanta branch. The affair will be
held at the Mecklenburg hotel and Jimmy
Greenleaf, who succeeded Frew here, will be
in charge.
George Roscoe, Atlanta Columbia manager,
and his family spent the Labor day
weekend here . . . J. E. Holston, manager
for 20th Century-Fox, will leave Sunday (12)
for a sales conference in Hollywood . . .
Ed J. Haley of Haley Theatres, Raleigh, has
taken over operation of the Carver in Rock
Hill from Jesse Cox.
Mrs. Charles H. Arrington, Cameo, Rocky
Moimt, was a patient at the hospital there,
where she underwent an operation . . .
It's
a baby girl for Columbia salesman Paul
Hargett and his wife. The baby is their
first
child.
"Skinner" Williamson, Columbia manager,
says he really labored Labor day. He spent
three hours in line to get his car inspected
Visitors on the Row included "Sonny"
Baker and Charley Bergin, Colonial Theatres,
Valdese; Ben L. Strozier, Stevenson, Rock
Hill; W. D. McGowan, Joyce, Spring Hope;
E. J. Haley, Lincoln, Raleigh; E. L. Hearne,
Alameda, Albermarle; W. R. Ai-mstrong,
Warsaw, and John M. Kime, State, Roseboro,
N. C.
Among those planning to attend the Theatre
Owners of America convention at the
Drake hotel in Chicago September 23-25 are
Mr. and Mrs. Ben L. Strozier, Stevenson,
Rock Hill; Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Long, Pastime
Amusement Co., Charleston; Mr. and Mrs.
H. E. Buchanan, Carolina, Hendersonville;
Lyle M. Wilson, Peoples, Roanoke Rapids;
H. F. Kincey, H. H. Everett and H. D. Hearn
of Charlotte, and Mr. and Mrs. George D.
Carpenter, Colonial Theatres, Valdese.
Allec and Wometco Sign
MIAMI—Altec Ssrvice Corp. has renewed
its contract with Wometco Theatres, Florida
chain of 52 houses.
THOS. F.
WALSTON
Architect
THEATRES
AUDITORIUMS
— Phone 57 —
Gunnell BIdg., Catlettsburg, Ky.
MILES S. McDowell, office Manager
i»A
98
BOXOFFICE
:: September 11, 1948

PALATIAL $2.000W0 ODEON
TORONTO THEATRE IS OPENED
British Screen Stars Join
With Public Dignitaries
In Gracing Unveiling
TORO^^^O—Tlie magnificent new $2,000,-
1 9 1 .
000 Odeon Toronto Theatre, construction of
which was started more than two years ago.
was opened last Thursday night .
A capacity
crowd, present by invitation at the
unveiling of the ace unit of the Odeon circuit,
saw "Oliver Twist."
While the public portion of the modernistic
theatre, including the auditorium, stage, foyer.
promenades, lobby, entrance and street
facade were completed for the opening night,
the office suites, to accommodate the Canadian
Odeon head office, were yet to be finished.
The new theatre opened with a blaze
of colorful and unique lighting just in time
because only four days later the power restrictions
for such exterior illumination were
to go into effect throughout Ontario.
OLIVER TWIST PREMIERED
Gracing the formal ceremonies were Patricia
Roc and Trevor Howard, English screen
stars who flew the Atlantic for the occasion,
and many public dignitaries. The opening
performance was the North American premiere
of "Ohver Twist." Following this initial
engagement will be the first regular-priced
showing of "The Best Years of Our Lives,"
which was roadshown at the Odeon Fairlawn
in north Toronto a year ago.
The Odeon Toronto, with its 2,400 seats,
Indiana buff limestone facade, towering pylon
bearing the ten-foot blue letters "Odeon" on
each side, the sweeping marquee around the
entrance corner and the imposing staircase
inside, was the creation of the late Jay I.
English, staff architect, whose work was taken
up a year ago by Leslie H. Kemp from the J.
Arthur Rank Organization in England. The
structure virtually stands as a memorial to
English, who was drowned in August 1947
while on vacation.
While the public had watched the progress
of construction and had learned of various
details of its fabrication, there were interior
features which were breath-taking to the
first-night crowd.
MURAL ADORNS STAIRCASE
One surprise was the grand organ which
pealed ma'e'tically as the fingers of Al Bollington,
im;"0 -ted from England, danced over
the three keyboards. The auditorium lighting,
effected through a Thyraton electronic
mood system, the first of its kind in Canada,
brought ecstacy to the audience as the
changing colors were reflected from the great
curved curtain, the neutral-toned wall panels
and even from the carpeting which covered
all of the flooring including the seat space.
Prom the first sight of the brilliantly illuminated
126-foot pylon and the glass expanse
of front entrance to the eye arresting
mural painting which adorned the great staircase
and the kaleidoscopic color treatment
in the lofty auditorium, the opening night
guests had reason to be both gay and thrilled.
The striking mural, with its film industry
theme, was the design of a youthful Canadian
artist, Bernard McLoughlin of Fort William,
Ont., who had served overseas with the
Canadian air force. The mural, which resulted
from an art competition, was actually
painted by four ex-.service men comprising
McLoughlin, the winner: Fred Armitage, formerly
of Australia and now at the Ontario
College of Art in Toronto; Kenneth Gee of
Montreal and J. D. William.son of Winnipeg.
They were present for the unveiling on the
first night.
For the comfort of the patrons there is the
atmosphere control system with its 31 units
and 86,000-gallon tank in which the water is
kept at 40-degree temperature by a pair of
60 h.p. refrigerating machines and a battery
of Tm-boflow chillers. There will be the restaurant
seating 110 persons on the mezzanine,
with kitchen in the basement. Dunlopillo
chairs are available throughout the auditorium,
with a reserved seat section in the
loge circle of the balcony.
Other features include a special promenade
for art exhibitions, an information desk in
the main lobby, two checkrooms, plenty of
retiring rooms and general facilities and a
complete stage measuring 90 feet to the grid,
an opening of 60 by 40 feet and depth of 26
feet. The projectors are the Gaumont-
Kalee 21 model, and practically all of the
equipment, including the seating, was supplied
through Gaumont-Kalee. The general
contracting firm is Jackson-Lewis Co.. Toronto.
The manager is W. C. Tyers who was
promoted from the Odeon Capitol at Niagara
Falls. Ont.. and has been with Canadian
Odeon since the start of the circuit.
Among the guests was Lord Winterton, a
member of the house of lords and a veteran
British parliamentarian. Lord Winterton.
who has been a guest of J. Earl Lawson.
president of Odeon Theatres of Canada, is a
director of the J. Arthur Rank Organization
in Britain.
Three Toronto Houses
Feature Organists
Toronto—With the opening- September
9 of the magmificent Odeon Toronto, key
house of the Canadian Odeon chain, Toronto
has three theatre organists on a
permanent basis, indicating popularity of
organ recitals at local cinemas. The musician
at the new Odeon Toronto is W
Bollington, who came from J. Arthur
Rank's theatre organization in England
to preside at the console of the three
manual instrument.
For years Famous Players' Shea's was
the only Toronto theatre to feature the
cipe organ as a supplement to film offerings.
Quentin Maclean, who arrived in
Canada just prior to the second world
war, is organist there.
The Odeon Fairlawn in the North End
came forward with John Mack as the artist
at a Wurlitzer organ which has been
installed for a nightly program.
Various other local first run theatres
have Ion8:-silent pipe organs which are
masked by ornate fronts but the trend
has led to a belief that they nil! be dusted
off for regular use as added attractions.
Free Softball Hurts
Theatres in Halifax
HALIFAX- In.stallation of lights at the
city ball parks brought added worries to the
owners and operators of local theatres where
attendance was feeling the brunt of free
night Softball games providfd under the
auspices of the city.
Further worries were brought on by the
fear that once the softball season is over
soccer and Canadian football may replace
the summ;rtime sport in the lighted ballparks.
The current games do not start until dusk
and have been drawing attendance of from
1.500 to 6.000 in this first season in which
the city has given official sponsorship to
night softball. Games are held practically
every night on the city common, and currently
city fathers are discussing plans for
a stadium on the common.
Every theatre in the city and suburban
houses at Dartmouth. Spryfield, Armdale
and Bedford have reported a drop in receipts
since the advent of the night games. Halifax
is the first city in the maritime to establish
a lighting system for baseball or softball and
to promote the game.
Harrison Howe to Manage
New Paramount, St. John
ST. JOHN—Famous Players has appointed
Harrison Howe manager of the new Paramount
Theatre here, expected to be opened
before the end of September.
Former manager of the Capitol, where for
several years he was assistant to the late
Walter Golding, Howe now is assembling the
staff for the new theatre. Jack Mitchell,
assistant for several years to Jack Butler
at the Imperial, Moncton, N. B., has been
named manager of the Capitol.
Bill Gates, who has been assistant manager
at the Capitol about three years, has succeeded
Mitchell as manager of the Imperial.
Whether the Capitol will remain a first
run house or be reduced to a second run
following the new Paramount has not yet
been decided.
FPC Parley in October
At Niagara Falls, Ont.
TORONTO — Famous Players Canadian
Corp. will hold its 1948 convention in October
at the General Brock hotel at Niagara Palls,
Ont., when plans and policies for the coming
year will be discussed.
The circuit is returning to the scene of its
most spectacular meeting, the 25th annual
celebration of the company staged there in
August 1939. a few days before war began
in Europe.
Many things have happened since that
gathering, including the deaths of three
principals, N. L. Nathanson. then president;
Clarence Robson, the general manager, and
T. H. Bragg, who wa3 the secretary-treasurer.
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 99

. . H.
. . Romeo
. . "Hamlet,"
. . Paul
. .
. . . Two
MONTREAL
Ted Atkinson, Montreal manager of Cardinal
Films, reports that his office is ready
to release the first two Screen Guild productions
for the 1948-49 season, "Return of Wildfire"
and "Jungle Goddess." Atkinson visited
John Dufort, owner of the Crystal Palace
here, who is a patient in St. Justine hospital,
and found him well on th3 way to recovery . . .
Empire-Universal held a two-day sales meeting
at the Mount Royal hotel, conducted by
A. W. Perry, president, and M. J. Isman. general
sales manager. Besides the Montreal
staff, L. Michaelson, manager of the St. John
branch, attended the meeting.
Holidays are nearing an end, but there are
still some vacationists from Filmrow. Mrs.
Bertrand, owner of the Princess at Riviere
du Loup, returned from a cruise to the
Saguenay. F. Jansen, stenographer at 20th-
Fox, took a two-week cruise on the Great
Lakes. Arthur Larente, manager of Peerless
Films, was on vacation. Francois Beland.
booker at Peerless, returned from a vacation
at St. Gabriel de Brandon. Ray Pellatt, cashier
at Empire-Universal, spent a week at
Atlantic City. Eugene Venne, assistant booker
to H. Hurteau at Monogram-Eagle Lion, took
a holiday. Maurice Duhamel, supervisor of
the Auclair circuit, returned from a vacation
at Banff . Ginsler, salesman at the
head office of Astral Film, Toronto, visited
Filmrow on business.
The Amos Theatre at Amos, Quebec, was
opened by Maurice Magny with the French
color picture, "Ramuntcko" . . . Marcel Bessette
sold the National, Marieville, to Jacques
Venne of St. Donat . Cardinal
has sold the Canadian Theatre here to A.
Grimaldi, owner of a trans-Canada circuit.
Pierre Madore, Rimouski, has opened his
new Cartier Theatre, replacing the Rimouskois
which burned . with Sir
Lawrence Olivier, will open September 20
. . . His Maje.sty's will reopen September 19
with a color feature of the Olympic Games,
"The Glory of Sport."
H. Cass, MGM manager, was a patient at
the Jewish General hospital . . . Charles
Chaplin, manager of United Artists in Toronto,
was here on business, as was Armand
Champagne, who is constructing a new theatre
m Sherbrooke, Que. ... An addition to
the office staff of International Film is
Lorraine Ratelle, steiiographer . . . Phillis
Hamer, cashier at International, is leaving
and will be replaced by Renee Porlier, at
present a stenographer.
Arthur Bahen, manager of the new Champlain
Theatre, and Mrs. Bahen are parents
of a son ... A birthday gift in the form of a
brown leather wallet with gold initials was
presented by the staff of RKO to Johnny
Bastien, booker
. Goudreau, Paramount
salesman, was on a business trip to
Val d'Or northern Quebec gold mining center
.. . Exhibitors in town: R. A. Baillargeon,
St. Sauveur Theatre, St. Sauveur, Que.: D.
St Jacques, Capitol, Thurso, and Maurice
Simard of the Central, Ste. Julienne .
Jim F. Pearson, 20th-Fox salesman, left for
Gaspe peninsula on business.
To Toronto House Opening
CALGARY — Jack Barron of the Grand
Theatre here, left to attend the official opening
of the new Odeon Carlton Theatre in
Toronto.
Waltz' Leads Trade OTTAWA
At Toronto Houses
TORONTO—The de luxe houses moved into
the new season with strong product but they
faced plenty of competition from the Toronto
fair, which was expected to attract
new record attendance of at least 2,500,000.
The Labor day holiday also pulled trade
away from the boxoffices. In its 14th week
at the Biltmore. "The Mating of Millie" still
was good. "The Emperor Waltz:" topped the
newcomers.
(Average Is 100)
Biltmore—The Mating of Millie (Col
Danforth and Fairlawn—The Dud
(Mono); Smart Womon (Mono)
Eglinton and Tivou—Escape (20th-r.
Imperial—Forever Amber (20th-Foy)
- - With ludy (MGM~
115
Loev/'j
Nortown and Vict Two Guys From Texas
(WB)
Shea's—The Emperor Waltz (Pi
Uptown—Tap Roots (U-I), 2nd vk
Cooler Weather Welcome
To Vancouver Managers
VANCOUVER—First run managers were
more pleased with boxoffice business than a
few weeks ago. A stretch of fairly cool evenings
and rain sent many pleasure seekers
to picture palaces instead of to outdoor
places. "The Best Years of Our Lives," in
its fourth week at the Vogue, was still doing
capacity. "Feudin'. Fussin' and A-Fighttn'
was above average at the Plaza. The Orpheum,
with its first twin bill in a year, was
away off with "Silver River" and "The Big
Punch."
Capitol Beyond Glory (Para) Average
Cinema—To the Ends ol the Earth (Col); I Love
Trouble (Col) Fair
Orpheum—Silver River (WB); The Big
Punch (WB) Moderate
Porc^dise The Loves of Joanna Godden
(EL); The Sign of the Ram (Col) Poor
Plaza—Feudin', Fussin' and A-Fightin' (U-I);
Trapped by Boston Blackie (Col) Good
Strand—Deep Waters (20th-Fox) Average
Vogue—The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO).
'High Seas' Leads Trade
At Calgary First Runs
CALGARY—With the opening of another
school term, downtown shoppers helped to
maintain average business at the first runs.
"Romance on the High Seas" at the Capitol
was very good. There were no holdovers.
Capitol-Romance on the High Seas (WB)....Very good
Grand—Are You With It? (U-I), split with
A Woman's Vengeance (U-I) and Holiday
Camp (U-1) Fair
Palace—Woman in While (WB), split with
Arthur Takes Over (20th-Fox) Good
Theatre in North Country
Closed Because of Polio
CALGARY—With an increase in the number
of polio cases in the north country, theatres
in all towns and hamlets in the Peace
River area have been closed.
More than 20,000 students in Edmonton,
the capitol city, enjoyed an extended holiday
as all schools remained closed.
School openings here and in South Alberta
have been normal, since the southern district
has not been hit by polio.
Double Chance to See 'Superman'
MONCTON, N. B—Something super about
the booking of "The Superman" serial by
Odeon in Moncton is that this chain screens
the chapters in the Capitol on Wednesday
and Thursdays and the Empress on Piidays
and Saturdays. The two Odeon theatres adjoin
each other and use the same entrance.
n pproximately 1,000 civic and police officials
attended a screening in the Capitol of
"Drug Addict," a National Film Board picture
dealing with the narcotics traffic. The
story is told that one of the addicts hired to
appear in the picture was missing when he
was to appear before the camera. He was
found in jail under the name of the NFB
"talent scout" who had secured him for the
film. A stand-in was used.
The Capitol at Smiths Falls is using a popular
stunt in the form of lucky marquee
numbers corresponding to those on advertising
literature. The winners are entitled to
two free tickets when their numbers appear
of the alleged burglars who made
a getaway in a gunfight with police after
robbing the Elmdale late at night have been
captured in the sister city of Hull. Officers
of the two cities surrounded a house with
revolvers drawn to arrest the suspects but
there was no more shooting.
Harry Ginsler, Ontario salesman for Astral
Films, Toronto, spent several days here to
check with exhibitors on new season bookings
The entrance of the Mayfair in
. . . south end has been torn out for the construction
The Nelson
of a modern front . . . and Somerset, neighborhood houses, combined
for a Saturday morning cartoon show,
admission for which consisted of ten coat
hangers in good condition.
Casey Swedlove celebrated the first birthday
of the Linden, in the New Edinburgh
section of the Canadian Capital, with a September
anniversary month of special pictures
... In the next picture for its Canada Carries
On series, the National Film Board has produced
a two-reeler on the Dr. Leslie Bell
Singers, outstanding Canadian women's choir.
The vocal numbers are relieved with comedy
touches.
. . .
Manager Henry Marshall of the Regent
took a September vacation after the return
of Nick Trembley, assistant manager
Manager Gordon Beavis of the Centre was a
visitor at his old home in Peterborough for
a reunion with relatives.
Odeon Building Project
Reported to Start Soon
ST. JOHN—Odeon circuit reportedly has
decided to end the delay in starting two theatre
building projects, one in Charlottetown,
P. E. I., and the other in FYedericton, N. B.
A site at Charlottetown, close to the Famous
Players-Spencer Capitol, was taken
over several years ago and a lot at FYedericton
was acquired in 1947. At Charlottetown,
the Spencer chain, unopposed for 30 years,
had exhibition .sewed up with the Capitol and
Prince Edward and the Empire, currently
under lease from the city.
At Predericton, W. W. O. Fenety, who opperated
the Capitol and Gaiety on his own,
linked with Famous about two years ago. He
had operated the Gaiety about 35 years and
took over the Capitol from Spencer about 12
years ago.
Odeon is said to be convinced that there
is an opening in both towns for new theatres
despite the two and three competition.
100 BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948

. . Ivan
. . Harry
. . Comedy
. . Maynard
n,|
J''\
i
Kiddy Days al Fairs
Tax Free in Ontario
TORONTO—The Ontario government has
granted a sweeping concession on collection
of the new 20 per cent amusement tax for
fall fairs and exhibitions. An order in council
provides for the exemption of the tax on
the admission charges for juveniles on the
midways for designated children's days the
prices reverting to the even amount for the
occasion. The exemption applies to the Canadian
National exhibition here and the fairs
at London. Belleville. Renfrew, Lindsay,
Leamington and Kingston.
Theatre proprietors had asked for a similar
tax exemption for Saturday morning shows
including Movie club performances but their
request was turned down. The theatres may
make a second application for this concession.
Ross McLean to Attend
Edinburgh Film Festival
MONTREAL—Canada is sending Commissioner
Ross McLean, head of the National
Film Board, to the International Film Festical
which forms part of Edinburgh's International
Festival of Music and Drama.
Canadian films at the festival will reflect
the wide range of work done by the National
Film Board. "Hungry 'Winds" is a challenging
report of intellectual starvation in countries
scourged by Nazi occupation, "Tlie Home
Town Paper" shows the relationship between
the weekly newspaper and the community,
and "The Feeling of Hostility" dramatizes
the factors producing resentment and hostility
in personal relationships.
Norman McLaren, the young Scottish artist
whose experimental films aroused enthusiasm
at last year's festival, is to be represented
by a reel of film which includes several
examples of his w^ork. He made this reel
without a camera, drawing and painting with
a brush and pen directly on the film. The
soundtrack is also drawn on the film without
the use of musical instruments, microphone,
or sound recording apparatus.
Union Reaches Agreement
With Drive-In Operators
TORONTO—The projectionist union has
effected an agreement with the operators of
drive-ins in Ontario.
One operator may be employed when the
capacity of an open-air theatre is limited to
500 automobiles, but for a greater number of
cars two operators must be in the booth.
One proprietor of a drive-in has restricted
the capacity to 500 automobiles so that only
one projectionist is employed, it is reported.
Appoint A. H. Newman
OTTAWA—Archibald H. Newman, newly
appointed government film liaison officer,
is expected to help encourage film production
in Canada by Hollywood studios. Newman
is a product of the rubber industry in the
Dominion, having been a promotional representative
with the Polymer synthetic rubber
plant at Sarina, Ont., before his appointment
to the liaison post by the department of trade.
VANCOUVER
T^ouK Redgrave, former Oak Bay manager al
Victoria, is acting as relief manager at
the Marpole. Dorothy Clark from the Rio,
is looking after the Circle while Manager
Jim Adams holidays. Agnes Gray is a.ssisting
Al Mitchell, Hastings manager, until
Odeon appoints an assistant to replace Paul
Lambert, who resigned recently . . . Polack
Bros, circus played seven days at the Pacific
National exposition and enjoyed capacity
business, requiring extra performances.
VacationLsts: Fred Robson and Mai"vin
Thoreau, Gaumont-Kalee: Jim Patter.son and
Ted Ross, 20th-Fox; Jim Adams, Circle;
Frank Marshall, Marpole: Jack Brent, Film
DelivEry; Sydney 'Walker and Pat Patterson.
RKO; Roy McCloud, 'Vogue; Gordon Munroe
and Bette 'Wynee, Odeon district office;
Frank Brown, Odeon, Abbotsford, and Elliott
Brown, Odeon, 'West Vancouver.
Canada's new coordinator of films working
under the Department of Trade and
Commerce was given his first tests in the
location shooting of "Candian Pacific" scenes
in Alberta and British Columbia. His efforts
resulted in a 20 per cent time saving, according
to Lou Rachmil, production manager,
which included handling custom clearance
for the "Canadian Pacific" troupe, arranging
for the use of national parks, and also
provided polic3 protection from the RCMP,
Rachmil said.
Playing: local night clubs here are the King
Cole Trio at Palomar, and Spike Jones at the
Cave Supper club. Both are doing capacity
business even at increased tariffs, while the
film palaces are having tough going even
with ace bills on their screens . Allan
son of Harry Allan, president of Cardinal
jr.,
Pictures, who has been in charge of the
Cardinal British Columbia branch, has left
for Montreal where he will be with the National
Film board.
All downtown theatres held midnight shows
Sunday night prior to Labor day (6i, launching
ace attractions booked to open the fall
season . Ackery, manager of the
Orpheum, received a four-day Hollywood trip
as the escort of Margaret Brain, 17-yearold
Prince Rupert lass who was crowned Miss
PNE. Local papers gave the event front page
space.
Progress on the new downtowTi Studio Theatre
being erected for Toronto interests is
far behind schedule. It was supposed to be
open in July, then put back to Labor day.
It now looks as if it will be the end of the
year before it is operating . . . A. B. Sterling,
who is building a new theatre at Port
THE FINEST IN
Moody, B. C, had tough luck when hard-toget
building supplies were stolen over a recent
weekend. Lumber, etc., were hauled
away in a truck.
Cecil Black, who is in charge of SRO sales
activities in the Vancouver. Calgary and Winnipeg
territories, has returned to his Vancouver
headquarters from a tour of the three
prairie provinces. "Duel in the Sun" is doing
big business in all key towns. Black reported
. and outdoor action films
are ringing the bell at boxoffices in this section.
Heavy dramas, with a few exceptions,
have slipped into a secondary position from
the boxoffice standpoint.
Joan Wiltsher, secretary to Earl Hayter.
Odeon supervisor, has resigned and returned
to her home in Victoria. Violet Hosford,
former school teacher in Saskatchewan, succeeds
her . Joiner, Famous
Players supervisor, was on a two-week holiday
in the Cariboo district, fishing and hunting
. . . Douglas Peacock has resigned from
the National Film Board to go into private
business. He was well known among British
Columbia exhibitors as director in charge of
theatrical distribution for NFB 16mm and
35mm product.
The Oak Bay district of Victoria will have
a second theatre, a 450-seater, which is being
built by A. B. Nixon, who formerly was in
the show business in Alberta and Calgary . . .
Canadian's Thanksgiving will be held this
year on the second Monday in October ill)
. . . Formidable opposition to local theatres
has been the new Digby speedway which
holds automobile racing three nights weekly,
playing to large crowds. It is only a fewmiles
from the city limits. It now is reported
that a move is under way to have dog racing
in this section, which also will cut into theatre
boxoffices.
SUPPLIERS OF
Roy MeLeod, Vogue manager. Is back on
the job after a two-week holiday spent south
of the border. Roy said business in general
in Seattle and other spots is holding up well,
but the show business is not as good as it
was a year ago.
Morning Shows During Fair
TORONTO—To attract the many visitors
here for the Canadian National exhibition.
Manager Tom S. Daley of the big Imperial
ran ads on "Forever Amber" which invited
out-of-town people to attend a morning performance
before going out to the fair. The
shows were started at 9:30 a. m. each day.
PROJECTION AND SOUND EQUIPMENT
New equipped 'with increased space and facilities to provide better than
ever repair and rebuild service for all types of Projectors, Arc Lamps and
Sound Systems.
Perkins Electric Company, Ltd. Perkins Electric Company, Ltd.
2027 Bleury Street 277 Victoria Ave.,
Montreal, Que.
Toronto, Ontario
Consult Us for Complete Theatre Equipment and Service.
BOXOFFICE :: September 11. 1948 101

. . Martin
. . The
. . The
. . Mrs.
TORONTO
TUTrs. James R. Nairn, wife of the advertising
manager of Famous Players Canadian,
spoke at the women's Press day luncheon
of the Canadian National exhibition. She
is national secretary of the Canadian Women's
Mrs. Robert Doyle has
Press club . . . resigned as manager of the Hollywood, top
Toronto unit of Allen's Premier Theatres
The motion picture department of the
Toronto Daily Star, edited by Jack Karr, was
missing for several days while he covered the
annual meeting of the Canadian Bar Ass'n in
Montreal.
Attending the opening of the Odeon here
September 9 were Manager Tom Pacey of the
Winnipeg Odeon and Carmen Gentile of the
Odeon, North Vancouver, both of whom won
trips to Toronto in the Canadian Odeon
showmanship contest last season . . . Former
manager of Toronto units for 20th Century
Theatres, Nat Bresver, proprietor of the Oak
at Brandon, Man., was a visitor on Filmrow
. . . R. C. D. Main, president of the Motion
Picture Theatres Ass'n of Ontario, has purchased
the Roxy at Grimsby from Sam Fingold
of National Theatre Services. This is
Mairis' third rural theatre.
More Than 200 Compete
In Film Golf Tourney
TORONTO—Dark horses ruled the links at
the Rouge Hills Golf and Country cuub in
the fifth annual motion picture championship
golf tournament. More than 200 enthusiasts
crowded the course.
Seeded golfing stars of the industry took
a rear seat as comparative newcomers walked
off with the principal trophies and, for some
reason there was restraint in the matter of
proclaiming the scores generally.
The new champion is Fred Gross, a projectionist
at the neighborhood Vogue in the
east end here, who shot a 73 to capture the
Famous Players trophy held by Dave Rom-
Manager Harry Rosenberg: of the Centre, berg of the Toronto Metro for the past year.
St. Catharines, was credited with preventing Tied for second place with one point higher
a panic among 500 children at a matinee were H. Wren, usher at the Bonita, another
when smoke was noticed in the theatre. He local neighborhood theatre, and J. Jacobs of
told the children it was a fire drill and the B&F Theatres, Ltd.
house was cleared quickly. Firemen could Al Bollington, the new English organist at
find no trace of flames and the kids, plus a the Odeon, Toronto, won the Canadian Film
number of extras, filed back into the Centre Weekly trophy for low net in a draw after
for a resumption of the show . . . Bill Stewart,
former local theatre manager, is booking
being tied with five other shotmakers. Tlie
vaudeville acts for old home weeks and fall
fairs around Ontario.
runnerup was A. E. Cauley, manager of the
Capitol at Peterborough.
For the third straight' year a Famous Players
foursome won the N. L. Nathanson trophy
for team play. The 1948 winning team was
captained by Jack Arthur, district manager,
and the members were George Georgas of
Owen Sound, Larry Bearg, western division
Paul Henreid is scheduled to star in a
screen version of "Jack Hammer Song" for
Canadian Screen Productions. The actor also
will be co-producer Simpson of
.
the Century, Hamilton, has been appointed manager, and Harold Wilson. In the runnerup
spot was the Premier Theatres four, com-
manager of the Downtown, shortly to be
opened by 20th Century Theatres in Toronto. prising Martin Bloom, Raymond Allen, Gurston
Allen and David Axler.
Mel Jolley of the Marks, Oshawa, goes to the
Hamilton Century and Bill WOliams of Sudbury
will go to Oshawa. Twentieth Century nual trophy offered by Toronto lATSE Local
In the B flight for low gross for the an-
Theatres, headed by Nat Taylor, also has 173, another draw was necessary because three
taken over the Rex in suburban Mimico. had tied for first place. F. H. Booth of Odeon
Vancouver Rentals Levy
Reduced to 9 Per Cent
VANCOUVER—The proposed 11 per cent
city tax on rentals, strongly opposed by business
interests here, has been reduced to 9
The reduction will mean a big sav-
per cent.
ing to the Odeon and Famous Players Canadian
circuits, which operate 32 theatres
here.
Hospital Tieup for Film
TORONTO—A special tieup was effected
with the Ontario Hospital Ass'n for the
showing of "The Case of Mrs. Conrad," a
March of Time release, at the Tivoli and
Eglinton, two local first run units of Famous
Players Canadian Corp. The fUm was publicly
endorsed by Dr. F. W. Routley, secretary
of the association, and J. H. W. Bower, chairman
of the board of the Blue Cross plan
for hospital care. Large cooperative newspaper
advertisements were used by Famous
Players.
called the toss for the cup against Harry
Lester and T. White. In the C flight the
winner was A. E. Robinette of Odeon, with
Sam Fine of Bloom & Fine a close second.
There were more than 70 golfing and luckynumber
prizes which were presented at the
big dinner by A. J. Laurie. T. S. Daley, manager
of the Imperial, was tournament manager
and he was highly praised for the success
of the outing.
Big Austrlaian Circulation
For Canadian-Made Films
MONTREAL—Besides extensive theatrical
circulation of Canadian motion pictures in
Australia, nearly a million and a quarter
Australians saw Canadian film during the
past fiscal year outside the theatres, according
to a National Film board report from that
country. In addition, there was a wide distribution
of displays, photomurals, photographs,
oil screens and similar visual media
on Canadian subjects.
The million and a quarter figure, representing
an increase of nearly 81 per cent over the
previous year, included more than 90 shows
in an NFB theatre at the Sydney Royal
Easter exhibition and Canadian film featured
at the Adelaide exhibition and similar events.
Capac Wins $102 Verdict
VANCOUVER — The Canadian Ass'n of
Publishers, Authors and Composers has won
a judgement for $102 against Sam Karby of
the Strand Theatre. Meadow Lake. Sask.
Capac sued Karby for copyright infringement
when he ignored letters from Capac warning
him to take out a license.
ST.
JOHN
fJumphrey Swingler, producer-director, left
for London after having completed filming
of "The Island Story." Shooting of the
film required three weeks longer than the
time estimated at the start. Three of the
technical crew, Paddy Carey. Peter Plaskitt
and George Still, remained to make a short
on local fisheries.
Double bills are being featured at the Regent.
Summerside, P. E. I., with matiness
Fridays and Saturdays, while single biUs are
being run at the Capitol there . . .
Hugh Parker.
Ottawa Stage Society producer, proposed
a revival of the legitimate theatre in Nova
Scotia next summer with outdoor houses for
Halifax and other cities in the province.
Henry Deveau who recently reopened the
Garrick Halifax for Odeon was vacationing at
St. Margaret's Bay "The Fourteenth Olympiad."
in Technicolor, has been booked for
the Casino, Halifax, andi will open about
September 15. It will be the maritime premiere
of the production . . . Although the
Paramount here may be opened about September
15, the Paramount in Halifax may not
be opened until November or December.
WUliam EUiott of Halifax has organized an
all-girl orchestra and will play at theatres
and dance halls in Nova Scotia. Besides playing
dance music, the leader and six girls wUl
present floor shows Cameo at Kensington.
P. E. I., now is changing its bills
.
three times weekly Katherine Bourque
was the winner of $240 in Foto-Nite at
.
the Capitol. Yarmouth, a record to date . . .
Manager Syd Wyman of the Community at
Yarmouth, used a novel ballyhoo for a double
bill showing on "Congorilla" and "Borneo."
A local youth in gorilla costume and makeup
was paraded through the city in a cage.
Paul Muni, film star, was vactioning at
Grand Bay, N. B. He was recognized by Mrs.
Phyllis Mclnnis, who succeeded in getting
his autograph . . . Father Murray of Codroy
Pond, Newfoundland, has been showing sound
films after regular Sunday services . . .
Doug
Borden, driving a soapbox automobile bearing
the name of the Dundas Theatre, Dartmouth,
won third place in a recent competition.
Ivan Haley, manager, and Avard Whitman,
assistant, handled the promotion.
FORT WILLIAM
'Business generally has been good because of
a greater number of tourists in the lakehead
region .
new Odeon Theatre here
probably will be opened about September 15.
according to Don Gauld. district supervisor,
while a date for the opening of the new house
at Port Arthur has not yet been announced.
A new marquee has been installed at the
Royal, operated by Famous Players, and a
new candy bar and boxoffice are nearing
G. Seabrook was temporary
completion . . .
. . .
assistant manager at the Capitol while
Bea
F.
Tickell, manager, was vacationing
Hucker of the Capitol staff was vacationing.
Acquires Rights to 'Uncle Wiggily'
Producer Samuel Goldwyn has acquired
the screen rights to "Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut"
for RKO release.
102
BOXOFFICE
:: September 11, 1948

M
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Weaving luxurious beauty and unmatched durability into an exciting array
of versatile fabrics, saran provides the ultimate in public seating upholstery.
This batically different textile material resists dust, dirt, stains, abrasion
and hard wear— stays everlastingly new with only a little care. And
saron't decorator colors stay bright—they're molded right into the fibre.
For the finest in fabric beauty and performance, it pays to rely on saran!
it Be sura to visit us—Booth 249 Southern Textile Exposition, Greenville, 5. C.—Oct. 4-9.
^aran by National
O D E N T O N .
A K Y L A N 1)
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SARAN BY NATIONAL denoles monofilament, rattan
and tape manufactured by The National Plastic
Products Company from Dow's saran, and supplied
to mills, weavers and other fabricators.

i
A theatre operator's report
on BODIFORM performance
es a letter from Mr. B. Wortli Dittrich of the Stote The
Endicolt, N. Y. It's typkol of many in our files. Rer
ind you'll know why Americon BODIfORM Chairs are II
Id's
most popular theatre seating.
AMERICAN
orm
C eV. r^„ff^f- '"'
-^noico-r
:&"'
Patrons prefer them...
*B«,i=f, 5„S; Stre.t,
Syracuse,
and so do theatre owners!
the "^^SIm"
in ^ concert
:" major
ago "'. "irour
e-csalis-
EnavcoJ^
of tne 1
' .v.. ^5c ^^"...tion ot
""^^
.call raU "l"-" •"" "'^, sevS ll^ff"roMDly «>«
offered ny .. ^
,ere «^*1mq1ji6 ^
"at Ite^ wi— - u\ tlrially "l'"
alsdOOt "_..te cUflJ-^^'
faCl*!^^' --. _. «f-l
,„ »v,* t"*=^ .... four '•"^t liWna»=« „BYivten ^lor. l^'f 4'rs ot «"".
:olorei ..-- ^15
rVTll as fairly ne"- ^^ ^^^ ^^les-a^^f" -
•CiU appear - '
„ yo^V^rBy'tii '""'vOuTk
4
Patrons like them for their easy-chair comfort and eyepleasing
beauty. Theatre owners like them for their
long, trouble-free service, with negligible maintenance
costs. Different reasons, all leading to the same conclusion:
It pays to have American BODIFORM Chairs
in your theatre!
°^>'t r„rtn"»"-c-/S a»uxe. oJ/-u,r in ^^^^^^^
in^rnet io*^__„ f° vou ciav "_ „ore r® . r.v,„r, proi^
„„*. you i^^, „s nore '*:: ,h(m the prop
Ihea
c^mmcanSeaiinff (oniony
uOXOFFICE :; Septembei- 11, 1948

National Carbon Company, Inc.
presents:
CARBONARC
AfMeeting of Theatre E^uipirieiit
and Supply Manufacturers ... and
Theatre Equipment Supply Dealers
"
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X^ ^ moving Technicolor— the first movie ever produced to show the
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Or write for our colorful folder, "Carbon Arc Projection," which
spotlights the high points of the picture and explains how to obtain
35mm and I6mm prints for special showings! See address at right.
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Unit of Union Carbide
and Carbon Corporation
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

HERE'S HOW TO BEAT A FULL HOUSE
lounge
olstered in
. I
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"There will be a short wait for all seats!" may be music to your earsbut
don't turn 'em awav because you have a full house.
Make "sitting room" for standees with attractive lounges and
luxurious divans upholstered in low cost... no upkeep ... Fnestone
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Choose from a wonderful varietv of jewel-bright or pastel-muted
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youngsters. Stains whisk off with a damp, soapy cloth.
See your supplier today. Be sure you ask for Firestone Velon
for better looks and longer wear.
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
SAlffiS

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best of good heating.
Refrigerated Kooler-aire is smart economics
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same duct system channels healthful, comfortable
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Available in 9 sizes ranging from 3 to 40
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Refrigerated Kooler-aire is a pre-engineered
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For cool weather heating a special coil is
Cooperative engineering counsel is always
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Plan to install now. This is 'year-round
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MINNEAPOLIS 14, MINNESOTA
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

'
THE STRONG ftfCTR/C CORPORATION
ANNOUNCES
A NEW,
COMPLETE LINE OF
High Intensity
Reflector
Type Arc
SPOTLAMPS
FOR THE
ENTIRE AMUSEMENT FIELD
A variety of sizes and capacities for every
requirement from the small, low pricecJ portable
"Trouper" model for night clubs to the
large, versatile "Big Top" lamp for stadiums.
These new spotlamps employ as a light source tho
proven high intensity reflector-type lamp used universally for
motion picture projection. This high intensity reflector principle
results in a snow-white light in such tremendous volume
as to make the presentation fairly sparkle.
The use of this highly efficient light
source and an ingenious two-element
variable focus projection lens system results
in uniform lighting efficiency and
clean, sharp edges from a head spot continuously
through to a full flood. Light
weight construction and delicate balance
permit one hand control and make for
easy following of the fastest action. The
spotlamp can be swung through to a full
360-degree horizontal and compressed to
angles of 45 degrees or more.
For complete delails and prices, and
name of your nearest dealer, write
THE STRONG ELECTRIC CORPORATION
34 City Pork Avenue Toledo 2, Ohio
The World'i Largest Manufacturer
of Projectiort Arc Larrtpi
r
These spotlamps are equipped with a
color boomerang, fading iris, ultra violet
filters, and automatic carbon feed. The
masking control has both vertical and
horizontal adjustment blades which can
be angled at 45-degree planes from normal.
The low power requirements reduce
projection room temperatures and make
the use of large motor generators unnecessary,
since only a small rectifier is
required for the arc power.
THE STRONG ELECTRIC CORPORATION
34 City Park Avenue, Toledo 2, Ohio
Please send Iree literature on Strong spotlamps.
Se* our exhibit at the TESMA
lelierson Hotel, St. Louis, Mc
Sept. 28-29-30, Booth No. 5'
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BOXOFFICE :: September 11. 1948

The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
i
Do You Know. .
What 129,700 Architectural Readers Know About Formica for Theaters?
In beautiful full color this Formica
Theater story is being told in current
issues of architectural magazines.*
You'll want the latest information on
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a go-place".
Write for color reprints of this advertisement
together wi,th pictorial
story of Beauty Bonded Formica-"At Home
With People". Formica, 4Bl6 Spring Grove
Ave., Cincinnati 32, Ohio.

SEPTEMBER II. 1948
Vol. XV No. 10
o n t n I
Where Lighting Is a Boxoffice Asset 10
New Sources for Theatre Lighting W. R. Wilson 12
TESMA Trade Show Offers Much to See
and Hear Floyd Mi 14
Slimline
Fluorescent Lamps — New Lighting
Tool With Varied Theatre Uses R. T. Dorsey 17
Prestige In a Soda Fountain H. F. Reves.
On Cue — A Non-Technical Discussion of
Projector Soundheads
Gray Barker
No Letup in Drive-Ins 36
Spectacular Lighting — a Big Drive-In
Draw
Check and Double Check That Heating
Plant George F. Frantz 42
How Do We Go About Using Color
Scientifically? Hanns R. Teicbert 44
New Ideas and Materials Help Cut
Corners in Building Costs 48
Meeting the Unwelcome Guest 49
With Standby Power the Show Goes On 50
DEPARTMENTS
Lighting
Refreshment Service
Cine
Clinic
21
30
38
.12 Air Conditioning 42
21 Decorating 44
-- New Equipment and
Developments 52
The Quiz Pot 32 Literature 62
Drive-Ins 36 About People and Product 64
Advertising Index 66
ON THE COVER
Our cover photo sJiows the attractive and unusual front of
the Famous Players' new Nortoivn Theatre of Toronto. Ont. A
unique feature is the marcruee and sign which tend to lead the
eye by design and movement of light to the theatre lobby interior.
The smart new theatre which has been a success from opening
day, introduces many features unique in modern theatre designing
ajid lighting. For further details, see pages 10 and 11.
I HIS issue of MODERN THEATRE
spotlights a subject of vital importance
to every exhibitor, "Luminous Display."
In today's theatre, Planned Lighting
(providing illumination of correct
quantity and quality where and when
it is needed) plays an ever-increasing
part in gaining attention and in creating
atmosphere.
Because profits and patronage depend
so much on atmosphere — the
sum total of all the things which determine
the public's reaction, it deserves
careful attention. Many of the
things which help to influence human
reactions such as the general contour
of the building, structural size and
shape of the lobby, auditorium, etc.,
are fixed. Planned Lighting con do
much to subdue the "defects" and enhance
the architectural beauty of a
theatre. It opens up a multitude of
v/ays to attract patrons.
Brilliant and novel external lighting
attracts attention and creates desire. In
the lobby, effective lighting accommodates
traffic; it focuses attention on poster
panels; refreshment service counters,
helps induce more patrons to take
advantage of these facilities; and at the
same time imparts a feeling of interest
and cheerfulness.
In the auditorium, where the patron
spends most of his time, and has an
opportunity to form on impression,
modern lighting can do much to make
that impression a desirable and lasting
impression.
In lounges where people relax and
wait for friends, proper lighting can
be made to add a comfortable atmosphere.
Modernizing with Planned Lighting
offers exhibitors an effective way to
give their houses eye-appeal and atmosphere,
at comparaively small expense,
and without closing while the
work is in progress.
It's a thoroughly tested first-aid treatment
that should be applied to many
ailing houses . . . NOW!
FLOYD M. MUC. Managing Editor
HERBERT ROUSH, Sales Manager
Published 13 times yearly by Associated Publications every fourth Saturday OS a section
of BOXOmCE and included in all Sectional Editions of the AP group. All editorial or
general business correspondence relating to The MODERN THEATRE section should be
addressed to the Publisher, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.

J^^
*«2?

Fig. 3. Front of the auditorium, showing novel treatment of the proscenium
and side walls. At each side of the proscenium opening there is a vertical
blue neon tube concealed in a trough.
cent tube placed on the outside of the supports so there are
no shadows.
The rotunda lighting is repeated in effect, in the main
lighting of the foyer ceiling, FHg. 2. A free-form lighting
trough is so designed that it appears to have a different
contour from every angle producing a scintillating, sophisticated
atmosphere.
The auditorium. Figs, 3 and 4, is illuminated entirely by
indirect neon tube lighting except for sixteen flush-type
fixtures in the ceiling, which are used only for cleaning or
when a high-level lighting is required,
Sidewall lighting consists of four fluorescent tubes on each
side. These are all of soft, golden color, are recessed behind
breaks in the wall at the ceiling line and have been fitted
with longitudinal shields which can be revolved in order to
obtain the exact amount of illumination required.
Above, Fig. 4. Auditorium looking toward the rear. Ceiling consists of five
transverse plaster troughs which conceal neon tubes. Below, Fig. 5. Lounge
area with manager's office at the left, as viewed from the foyer. Note podded
leatherette wall. Main point of interest from lighting angle is free-form
ceiling coffer with floating trough.
The ceiling consists of five transverse plaster troughs. Fig.
4, which serve a dual purpose—concealed air supply and concealed
neon tube lighting. The four rear tubes are blue and
the one nearest the screen is yellow.
At each side of the proscenium opening. Pig, 3. there is
a vertical blue neon tube concealed in a trough. This is used
in conjunction with the curtain lighting. All other curtain
lighting is from the top and consists of sixty 100-watt lamps
with color screens on three circuits—red. blue and amber.
At the rear of the auditorium, below the projection ports
there is a decorative feature consisting of a plant trough
about 25 ft. long. Fig, 6, This is lighted in an unusual manner
by neon tubing in multi-colors.
Off the auditorium are the foyer and lounge areas. Fig. 5.
The lighting here is vei-y subdued with the main point of interest
being the free form ceiling coffer with a floating
trough inside. This is lighted with neon tubes in white and
pink. Directional signs are specially designed plastic letters
with fluorescent paint on the back activated by black light.
Fig. 6. Rear of the auditorium showing the aisle entrances from the
foyer and the interesting use of an illuminated floral display, to camouflage
the projection ports.
The ladies' cosmetic room has all specially designed fixtures,
the most interesting feature being the lighting at the
powder bench. There are three mirrors with opal-glass inserts
between the mirrors and at the ends. Behind the opal
glass are recessed boxes with lamps. The lighting gives a
clean cut and very attractive appearance to the room. Both
men's and women's toilets are equipped with germicidal lamps.
The Nortown Theatre was designed by the office of A, G,
Facey, architect, and built under the supervision of Jules
Wolfe, Famous Players supei'visor of theatre construction.
William Falls is the resident manager.
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948

NEW SOURCES FOR THEATRE
LIGHTING
by W. R.
WILSON
Commercial Engineering Dept.
Westingbouse Electric Corp.
X HE THEATRE, of all
Commercial enterprises,
is among the most progressive in
architecture, design and lighting. But in
these days when everyone is competing for
a share of the dollars which the consumer
will spend for recreational purposes,
it becomes more necessary than ever
for the theatre operator to not only "keep
up with the Joneses," but to stay a little
bit ahead of them.
Competition today is not between theatre
and theatre, but between theatre and night
baseball, between theatre and television,
radio, night harness racing, and a host of
other evening sporting events.
One way in which the theatre operator
can make his house a more pleasant place
for his patrons, is by the use of light in
connection with lobby decorations. Just as
surely as the overture to an opera creates
the mood for the action which follows, so
lighting can create a mood for your patrons
as they enter the theatre. It would be a
wonderful thing if we could change the
whole character of our theatre lobby with
each change of program. For example, if a
roisterous, slapstick comedy were being
shown, we should give the impression of
gaiety and movement in our lobby and theatre
entrance decorations. This could be
done by a series of wavy lines and whorls
of light, and with large splashes of color
a regular Coney Island atmosphere.
LIGHTING IS FLEXIBLE
On the other hand, if our program includes
a psychiatric thriller, a more somber
mood should be created with totally
concealed lights and darker colors.
We cannot of course change our lobby
decorations with each program change, but
we can create a restful and pleasant atmosphere
in accordance with each particular
theatre operator's ideas. Since managerial
conceptions of "atmosphere" differ,
there is no single prescription for creating
mood or atmosphere.
Lighting is perhaps the most flexible tool
available to the owner and architect. Almost
any effect can be achieved by the
judicious use of lighting. Light for advertising
and for attracting potential patrons,
light for seeing, light for safety, light for
decorative purposes—all are readily available
for your use.
FLUORESCENTS IN NEW FORMS
Besides the regular line of incandescent
filament lamps, new longer-lived fluorescent
lamps in many new forms and wattages
can be utilized in an economical manner
to add new beauty and charm to the-
atre interiors.
Among these newer lamp types is included
the 18-watt Circlarc fluorescent
The Circlarc is in the form of a
Fig i ) .
half-circle and two of them may be joined
in simple sockets to form a perfect 13 inch
circle. Or, they may be joined end to end
to form wavy lines of light for decorative
purposes. Circlarcs, which utilize quite inexpensive,
simple choke ballasts may be
used at several places, from the outside
marquee. Fig. 2, on through the lobby and
foyer. In powder rooms, a unique touch can
be achieved by mounting them behind a
circular mirror with a simple trough to direct
the light onto the user's face. Fig. 3.
Fig. 3. A unique method of lighting patron's
face before a mirror. Light from the circular
source leaves mirror in darkness, providing a
startling
effect.
Since no light falls on the mirror itself
and all the light is on the patron's face,
the effect is both startling and pleasing.
A further advantage of the half-circle
shape is that the lamps may be placed
around a pole or beam, which is not possible
with the older Circline type lamp.
Fig. 1. Here's the newest addition to the fluorescent lamp family, the
18-watt Circlarc lamp in a half-circle shape. Two lamps may be joined
to form a circle, or they may be joined end to end to form wavy lines.
Fig. 2. Circlarc lamps in half-circle shape provide an economical means
of securing unusual marquee lighting. These lamps, which utilize quite
inexpensive choke ballasts, find numerous uses in the lobby and foyer.

suntan
Another new lamp is a onc-watl fluorescent
glow Nite Lite. This little fellow,
which has an average useful life of
3,000 hours, can be used to illuminate corners
of dark stairways, and with a simple
shield, they can be utilized to mark the
aisle seats at the end of each row. The
one-watt fluorescent glow Nite Lite requires
no ballast, starter, or other auxiliary
equipment, and operates on either AC or
DC at 105 to 125 volts.
Slimline fluorescents are still another new
and most useful type. Slimlines are long,
Blender fluorescent tubes and are available
in four lengths, ranging from 42-in. to 96-
in. long. They will provide a line of fluorescent
lighting which can be adapted to
streamlined architecural designs, or they
may be used in coves where they will supply
long lines of continuous light of low
brightness without any scalloping shadows.
FIRST IMPRESSION
It is at the ticket window that the patron
receives his first impression of what
your theatre is like on the inside just off
the sidewalk, and learns from your posters
of coming attractions. Special lighting must
be applied at the ticket window, both for
the cashiers and for the patrons because
of the necessity of seeing and counting
money. Here the Circlarc lamp lends itself
to a new installation. Pig. 4, throwing
light directly on the area where money and
tickets are exchanged. The accompanying
sketch will show how this light may be
applied.
The lighting for posters should be considerably
brighter than the general over-
Fig. 6. For lighting lobby mirrors, the Circlarc
may be used in a simple fixture The new
shape lends itseli to a variety of novel effects.
all illumination in order to attract people
to them, .so that they may read quickly
and easily. Fluorescent lamps are perfect
for poster frames, and the new poster
sheets which utilize fluorescent inks may
be brilliantly and colorfully illuminated by
means of ultraviolet light, usually called
"black light."
LOBBY
LIGHTING
Lighting in the lobby is no longer just a
means of making it possible for people to
see. It is also a means of creating beauty,
charm and atmosphere. It is in the lobby
and foyer areas, that patrons are most conscious
of the attractiveness of their surroundings,
due to higher levels of light.
Nearly all interior lighting in lobby areas
in theatres today, is indirect or semi-indirect,
and is supplemented by purely decorative
lighting. Of course, almost all the
lighting in the theatre is essentially decorative,
but the most decorative of all per-
Fig. 5. A simple method of lighting a medallion
of translucent material. Two Circlarcs mounted
back of the panel add a clever touch to lobby.
haps, is the lighting employed to illuminate
medallions and other devices on walls
and ceilings. Figs. 5 and 6. or to add color,
beauty and life to special decorations without
regard to lights supplied for seeing
purposes. Here, again, it is that the new
Circlarc lamp can be used to great advantage.
FUTURE TRENDS
What are future trends in theatre interior
lighting? There will undoubtedly be
increased use of luminous elements, not
merely for lighting but as a part of architectural
and decorative schemes. There
will be an increased use of color and colored
lights in theatres, as our general knowledge
of the proper uses of color is increased.
From a health standpoint also, it may be
possible for future theatre patrons to acquire
a gentle suntan while enjoying their
favorite movie. Ultraviolet in the erythe-
Fig. 4. Outlining the ticket aperture, the Circlarc
lamp puts light where it's needed, and
not in the eyes of the cashier or the patron.
mal
< > band will be applied in a very
unobtrusive manner and new type sunlamps
may be installed over mirrors in powder
rooms.
BLACK LIGHT
One of the most intriguing methods of
achieving decorative distinction, and one
which is also a most subtle means of directing
traffic, has not had the acceptance
in theatre interiors which it deserves. This
unusual combination of lighting and color
involves the use of completely safe ultraviolet
"black light." From concealed blacklight
lamps beautiful murals can be made
to glow with unsurpassed brilliance of
color. Strips of carpet with woven designs
colored with fluorescent dyes may be made
to become beautifully lucent under the
ultraviolet of blacklight. These fluorescent
carpet strips are frequently used in
theatre aisles, but a strip which can be
unrolled and laid over the regular carpet,
may be used to guide patrons from the
lobby to a particular aisle. No carpet ever
unrolled for the feet of royalty can equal
the almost magical radiance of blacklight.
In this article we have discussed primarily,
the usage of the newer light sources.
The accompanying sketches may suggest
some methods of applying them. If you
have a problem in making your theatre
more attractive, pleasant and comfortable,
why not call on your local public utility
for help? Practically every electric utility
company maintains a staff of competent,
trained lighting specialists. You will be
surprised at the amazing unbiased nature
of the help which you will be given.
: SECTIC
BOXOFTICE :: September 11, 1948 13

. . everything
TESMA TRADE SHOW OFFERS
MUCH TO SEE AND HEAR
by
FLOYD MIX
At will soon be show time again!
Manufacturers, supply dealers, theatre owners,
managers, purchasing agents, architects,
builders, projection and maintenance
engineers are planning to attend the big
Theatre Equipment & Supply Manufacturers'
Ass'n Show at the Jefferson Hotel,
St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 28-30.
The show this year will be of particular
interest to theatre owners. There will be
displays of all that is new in drive-in
equipment, theatre television, refreshment
service equipment, in addition to equipment
and supplies for the standard type
of theatre . required frcm the
street to the screen.
The TESMA Show is
important, net only
because it provides a common assembly
9:00 A M.
1:00 P. M.
9:00 A. M.
10:00 A. M.
12:30 P. M.
2:00 P. M.
7:00 P. M.
9:00 A.

Booth
Firms
No.
Ace Electric Mfg. Co - 51
Adler Silhouette Letter Co 75-76
Ashcrolt Mig. Co 69
Autocrat, Inc. * 2
Automatic Devices, Inc. 38
Auto-Vend, Inc 11
Bolder Electric Co 66
Ballantyne Co 70-71
Bausch & Lomt Optical Co 3
Brenkert Light Projection Co 49
Columet Coach Co. , 15
Century Projector Co. 45
Champion Moulding Mig. Co 44
Coinometer Corp 53
C. Cretors & Co., Inc 79
Da-Lite Screen Co., Inc 29
Dozions, Inc. 35
Fi
DeVry Corp.
-In Theatre Mig. Co
Elizabeth Iron Works
Jay Emanuel Publications
Essannay Electric Mig. Co
Forest Electronic Corp.
Forest Mig. Co
General Register Corp.
Globe Ticket Co
GoldE Mig. Co
Gordos Corp.
Griggs Equipment Co.
Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Ideal Industries, Inc.
Ideal Seating Co
International Seat Corp.
Irwin Seoting Co
Kneisle
Knoxville Scenic Studios
EoUmorgen Optical Corp.
Krispy Kist Kom Machine Co
Kroehler Mig. Co.
LaVezzi Machine Works
Lawrence Metal Products. In(
Thos. L. Leedom Co.
Manley, Inc.
Mohavrk Carpet Mills
Motiograph, Inc.
Motion Picture Machine Co.
Murch Electric Corp
National Super Service Co.
Neumade Products Corp.
Poblocki 4 Sons -
Pronto Pop Corn Sales. Inc.
Beotb
Firms
No.
Radiant Lamp Corp. 63
Radiant Mig. Co. 46
Radio Corp. of America 49-50
Raytone Screen Co. 9
Robin Inc. 52
Star Mig. Co. 23
Strong Electric Corp. - 54
Superior Electric Co 19-20-21
Theatrecrait Mig. Corp 80
Theatre Specialties. Inc. - 55-56
Tol-Pak Co 22
Typhoon Air Conditioning Corp 77-78
Universal Corp - 81
Vallen. Inc 57
Wagner Sign Service, Inc. 47-48
Wenzel Projector Co. 1
Edward H. Wolk Co. 32
BOXOFFICE :: September 11. 1948
15

. STREET,
air conditioned
theatres that have
JNENOSrATS
II
raftlels
comfDrt
here's why:
P''") air o?'"*"'"".-;
ic;
;.>»PO»ATION OF AMERICA
NEW YORK 16, N. T.
idjtioning system is better than its air distribution'

SLIMLINE
FLUORESCENT
LAM PS- A New Lighting Tool With Varied Theatre Uses
by R. T. DORSEY
Lamp Department,
General Electric Co.
X HEATRE OPERATORS loiow Well the powcr
of lighting to get attention, to create an
appropriate, distinctive appearance and
mood, and in many other ways to help "sell
the show." They know, too, that integrating
light and architecture to perform specific
functions is more effective than putting
in a few scattered fixtures which may
become obtrusive and cause discomfort.
Today the lighting industry can serve the
theatre operator better than ever before
with new light sources, new equipment,
more complete design data, and competent
lighting engineers.
SLIMLINE

NEW METHOD FOR ILLUMINATING
LUMINESCENT MURALS
Fig. 6. A combination of incandescent lamps
and slimline give attraction panels greater attention
value when incandescent lamps are
flashed or dimmed for color and brightness
changes.
important area such as the candy counter.
It might well be used also as a continuous
element from the marquee through to the
foyer.
In decorative units slimlines operated
at high brightness improve the
effectiveness of edge lighted glass or plastic,
and by virtues of the smaller diameter
make possible lighter-appearing, less bulky
designs.
(A particularly useful lamp for creating
distinctive luminaires is the Circline.
Twelve inches in diameter, it offers innumerable
combinations with slimline
lamps. It also serves to light rhedallions,
signs and other decorative elements, and
can be used around spotlights to reduce
contrast with the ceiling. These uses are
in addition to applications in floor and
table portable lamps.
SLIMLINES ARE A "NATURAL"
Slimline lamps are a "natural" for marquees
and other lighted panels. Their high
efficiency and light output, and their easy
replacement are big advantages. Through
choice of three currents and light outputs,
the same basic design may be used in
downtown districts where 300 milliamperes
can help to meet high competition and in
suburban areas where 200 or 100 milliamperes
may be sufficient for a small
house. Slimline and incandescent lamps
may be combined iFig. 6) for brightness
and color changes to create additional attention
value.
Many other light sources are available
to aid you in "selling the show." For
example, spotlighting of poster panels, features
and decorations; down-lighting under
the marquee, in the foyer and auditorium;
border lighting for the curtain are but
a few of the jobs the PAR-38 and R-40
spot and flood lamps can do effectively
and simply. These lamps have a reflector
sealed inside the accurately formed bulb
so it will never tarnish.
Decorating auditoriums with fluorescent
paints and illuminating these murals with
ultra-violet blacklight, is finding ever increasing
applications in motion picture
houses. The softly glowing luminiscent
colors lend beauty to the decorations, and
combined with the low level illumination
create a pleasing and restful atmosphere.
While various improvements have been
made in fluorescent colors, the illumination
technique left much to be desired.
There was a need for U.V. lighting equipment
which is simple in installation, satisfactory
in operation and economical in
maintenance. The ultra-violet blacklight
units used in the past, did not fulfill these
requirements. They consisted of high intensity
mercury bulbs operating from
rather heavy transformers, which made
their installation cumbersome, and the
high percentage of lamp failures considerably
increased the cost of maintenance.
Very satisfactory lighting units have been
presented in the fluorescent type ultra-blue
lamps. The light source of these units is
a special fluorescent tube, which differs
from the ordinary fluorescent tube, in that
the radiation obtained is very high in ultraviolet.
This special U.V. tube also emits
some visible wliite light, therefore the clear
U.V. tube is placed in a channel housing
equipped on one side with a removable
blue U.V. filter glass, which eliminates
most of the visible white light.
The channel housing contains a reflector,
also the auxiliary for operating the
tube, and the ultra-blue lamp is completely
wired, ready for installation. The tubes
have a life of over 1,000 hours, and burned
out tubes can easily be replaced.
There also are available U.V. black tubes,
which consist of the clear U.V. tube, over
which a tubular purple U.V. glass filter
is sealed. Black tube can be used advantageously
where fluorescent fixtures already
are installed, but on new installations
the ultra blue lamps are preferable.
Mention should be made here of the
various attempts to do away with the U.V.
filter glass, by coating the clear tube with
a deep colored plastic. This has proven
unsatisfactory because, due to its organic
nature, the coloring gradually fades out,
ultimately leaving a clear tube behind.
Standard ultra-blue lamps are available
in 15-watt and 30-watt sizes. They operate
on 110-120-volt. 60-cycle alternating current,
but DC lamps also can be made. The
lamps are concealed in troughs built beneath
the murals. If the mural is less
than 6 ft. high, bottom illumination is
sufficient. For higher murals top and bottom
illumination is recommended, or the
lamps are placed in suitable coves.
Above. Mural in lounge of the State Theatre, Jersey City, N. J., pointed with Stroblite fluorescent
colors by Rau Studios and illuminated by Stroblite ultra-blue lamps. Below. Same mural photographed
in white light. Architect, John Eberson. Photos courtesy of Stroblite Co.
18

. . Ballantyne
VISIT BOOTHS 70 AND 71 AT THE TESMA NATIONAL TRADE SHOW AND SEE
/
SOUND AND
PROJECTION
EQUIPMENT
h
Again . engineering, research, and
experience leads in the development of new, improved
theatre sound and projection equipment.
Among the additions to the famous Royal Soundmaster
line are the new Lightmaster High Intensity
Arc Lamps, Model 8 streamlined Soundheads,
Model "R" Projectors, Model 1800 streamlined
Projection Bases, "Hi-Tilt" Bases for drive-in
theatres, and all-new Two-Way Horn Systems and
Complete Sound Systems. Royal Soundmaster
now offers equipment to meet every need of good
sound and projection . . . yet costs less than any
comparable equipment.
NEW FEATURES—The most advanced principles of
projection and sound reproduction have been incorporated
providing nevi' features . . . exclusive features that
mean better sound and better projection for every
theatre.
NEW QUALITY— Both in workmanship and in reproduction
Royal Soundmaster equipment has reached a
new high in quality. Modern machinery in modern factories,
and the use of advanced engineering techniques
have combined to give Royal Soundmaster an enviable
reputation for outstanding quality.
NEW DESIGN — Modern designing provides unrivaled
beauty, simplicity, and convenience in operation. In
beauty, quality, workmanship, and performance Royal
Soundmaster is outstanding. Before you buy, see and
compare Royal Soundmaster.
. , . AHD
STILL LOW IN COST!
THE BALLANTYNE
COMPANY
1707-11 Davenport St.
Omoho, Nebroska, U. S. A.
Coble Address "Baler'
'ith the T£SMA
of all Bolla ityne Deale
the Unite
Canda.
Export Office
K, STREUBER & LoCHICOTTE
1819 Broodwoy, New York, U.S.A.
Coble Address "KASTREUBER"
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 19

i
FOR THEATRE SEATING THAT INCREASES PATRON ATTENDANCE!
Buy the new
INTERHATIONAL
W}
model 1000
kv^^^
J^(^^
e*" lV*** !**
cCOMFORT CUSHION" is an INTERNATIONAL
CHAIR exclusive. Wide arch-type of band spring
with more resiliency than any other spring
construaion. It lasts longer. It's equipped
with the finest grade of padding and a
"wire-on" cover. Here's a comfortable cushion
seat that your patrons will long remember.
SEE THE NEW INTERNATIONAL CHAIR AT YOUR
INDEPENDENT RCA THEATRE SUPPLY DEALER'S
v-^
Visit the RCA Bool
—49 and 50
TESMA Trade Show
St. Louis, Sept. 28-30
i'fc
THEATRE EQUIPMENT
RADIO CORRORATIOM of AMERICA
EMGIMEEttlMG PRODUCTS DEPARTMENT. CAMDEN. N.J.
In Canada: RCA VICTOR Company Limited, Montreal

.MeMM^
ADDED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROGRESSIVE EXHIBITORS
PRESTIGE IN
A SODA FOUNTAIN
Detroit Exhibitor Finds It a Source of Goodwill and Profits
by HAVILAND F. REVES
MoLost exhibitors today have a candy
concession, either operated directly by the
house or by some outside organization or
individual concessioner, which is normally
a very profitable part cf the operation.
Extending this idea a little further, the
natural next step would seem to be the installation
of a soda fountain right in the
theatre for patrons only—just as the candy
department is usually operated.
There have been a few moves in this
direction in theatre design, but most exhibitors
have stayed away from the idea
because cf the complications that would
be added to theatre management. Perhaps
the most familiar idea, tried out in
some older type theatres incidentally, was
a lobby or foyer section with fountain seats,
accessible to theatre patrons, while another
part of the fountain was open to the general
public. Some type of barrier was
usually necessary to keep the latter from
entering surreptitiously into the theatre.
This type of layout is actually merely an
adaptation of the familiar soda fountain
or earlier "ice cream parlor" found near
almost every theatre, so that patrons had
a chance to come out from the show to the
fountain, and then return. A type of passout
system has also been adopted in cooperation
with the fountain operator in
some instances—a system developed to a
much greater extent by legitimate theatre,
sports, and stadium operators than
by motion picture exhibitors. Where conditions
are suitable, such a system offers
an opportunity to give an added service to
patrons that can be worked into standard
operation without much difficulty.
however, a Detroit suburban theatre has
served as an excellent testing laboratory
for the idea for the past seven years.
The Carmen Theatre in Dearborn. Mich..
was opened June 27. 1941. by Philip Gorelick
and his son Oscar, the latter of whom
is active manager of the house. It is a
1,500-seat typical modern neighborhood
theatre, attractive, spacious, architecturally
interesting, and carefully managed for
a clientele in an upper working class neighborhood.
While it is on a main highway,
it is half a mile from the main shopping
center, where another theatre—on the same
street—is located, so that it primarily is
a neighborhood type house.
The soda fountain is located in marked
isolation on the second floor, reached by
crossing the lobby from the entrance and
ascending a very wide, handsomely carpeted
and trimmed stairway of the type
one would expect to lead to a de luxe house
balcony. It winds in three or four breaks
in the grand staircase manner around two
sides of the balcony, to the restrooms. and
to a sizable open space, then to a circular
foyer about 25 ft. in diameter w'here the
fountain is located. dowTi three steps from
the balcony level. It should be noted that
there are no spectator seats in this balcony,
which houses only the restrooms. fountain,
and service departments.
This circular design is the outstanding
architectural feature of the building. Lx)-
cated on the corner, it has a circular-type
marquee surmounted by this huge castlelike
alcove housing the fountain. The ceiling
is about 30 ft. high from the balcony
Soda fountain at the Carmen Theatre, Detroit, Mich. About /5'^r ol theatre patrons visit the
fountain, which gives the house a distinctive individuality, both for the unusual design and
the unique service.
The idea of installing a fountain right
in the theatre to serve patrons only is a
more radical departure, however. A year
or so ago. when a new theatre in the west
was opened with this feature, it was hailed
as a brand new development. Actually,
BOXOFFICE September 11. 1948

The
f
hiv
floor level, and is emphasized by ten narrow
windows running practically the entire
height, each giving a different outlook
because of the curved wall. This curved
design, incidentally, resembles and was
probably suggested by the famed Ford
Motor Co. Rotunda Bldg., located a mile
and a half down the street.
The fountain itself, about 15 ft. in diameter,
in the center of the alcove foyer,
has 25 stools for patrons, in maroon
leather, trimmed with chrome. The serving
counter is covered in a mottled maroon
linoleum-type surface; the lower part is in
alternate maroon and cream colored marble.
Chrome fixtures are used throughout,
with some black trim. The floor is covered
with a multi-colored carpet repeating
the general lobby pattern.
OPERATED YEAR ROUND
The fountain is operated by the theatre
management, and treated as an integral
part of the house operation. That fact is
important in evaluating the interior soda
fountain, because it has become apparent
that the outstanding value of such a department
is its prestige and advertising
value t3 the house.
It is operated the year around, except
around the Christmas season when it is
closed on weekdays for a few wesks, being
open only on weekends. An important
lesson learned from operation is that the
fountain should be kept open as much as
possible, regardless of business conditions,
for the sake of public convenience and
the attendant publicity value. Hours of
operation are the same as for the theatre,
except that the fountain closes about an
h:ur earlier. In that way. the necessary
cleanup work can be performed during theatre
hours, and there is no extra problem
created by customers who like to linger
over their sodas after the house is ready to
c'.ose. Demand for fountain service is actually
vei-y light during the last hour, experience
has shown.
STANDARD MENU
The menu is a standard cne—sodas, sundaes,
plain ice cream, carbonated drinks,
"malted" and milk shakes, root beer, and
phosphates. Prices are at the same level
as the average soda fountain in the area
no attempt is made to charge extra because
it is an internal concession, nor to charge
less to get extra business.
Purchasing for the fountain is not a difficult
problem—standard brands cf products
are used, and the regular suppliers
make deliveries daily or as required, the
same as to any confectionery or drug store.
With the janitor around the house during
the day, delivei-y is no problem even though
the theatre is technically closed. Deliverymen,
who make a commission on their
routes, are usually ready to give the extra
service required in taking the cases upstairs
to the fountain.
This department is operated as a soda
fountain and not a food counter, strictly.
No sandwiches, no coffee or hot drinks, no
fancy sundaes are served. Even the favorite
banana split has been discontinued
—because of the high price of bananas.
In this way, numerous extra problems are
minimized and operation simplified.
A very important rule is that all drinks
must be consumed right at the bar—patrons
are not allowed to take anything from
the fountain into the theatre or the lobby.
The stairway is an important factor in discouraging
people from carrying anything
downstairs to the house level. All soft
drinks are served in cups or glasses—none
in bottles, to further discourage any such
tendency. The important effect upon neatness
of the house maintenance is obvious.
A total of 4 to 6 girls, depending upon
the amount of business being done, is employed
by the house to run the candy concession,
located at the foot of the stairway
in the lobby, and the soda fountain together.
The girls are shifted between the
two departments as the nightly flow of
business dictates. If the fountain has a
slack period, one or two girls may be
brought downstairs to help out where the
traffic is greatest.
About 15% of theatre patrons go up-
Blevins Popcorn Available
In 50-Pound Bags
Here's Miss Betty Ann Blevins holding
one of the new Blevins 50-lb. bags of popcorn.
According to a company announcement,
this size bag has been brought out
in response to numerous requests from
concession operators. The 50-lb. bags are
available from their Nashville, Tenn. and
Atlanta branch offices now and other
warehouses will be stocked soon.
stairs to the fountain, it is estimated. (No
exact bookkeeping has been kept upon the
fountain as a separate operation, since it
is treated as a general part of the house
I
business. average check during the
war was found to be about ten cents, and
this is still believed to be apprcximately
the average. While sodas cost 22 cents
recently advanced from 20 cents—the more
popular drinks, carbonated types and root
beers, cost only a nickel and bring the
average unit of sale down to a dime.
Peak business comes at the break of the
show—and this 25-seat fountain has been
found about adequate to handle the average
crowd in this 1,500-seat house. The
crowds can be averaged out, and theatregoers
themselves get the idea of "staggering"
their patronage of the fountain so
that they will not be caught in the crowd
if
they are in a hurry.
ADVERTISED BY TRAILER
The fountain is advertised internally
by a trailer mentioning it, run at most
shows, but occasionally taken off the screen
to avoid monotony, and by lobby signs directing
patrons to the fountain. It is not
mentioned in regular theatre advertising,
in newspapers, heralds, or in other advertising
in which the theatre participates.
An important advantage of the balcony
location is that the fountain is quietly at
one side where only those who definitely
want to patronize it are likely to go—there
is no casual loitering problem to face, such
as met by the average neighborhood fountain
today. Patrons are there chiefly to
see the show, and come to the fountain
only secondarily. The upstairs location is
a slight disadvantage, because of the necessity
of climbing stairs, but it assures a
better quality of patronage.
The final important question is. Was it
worth while? To this, Oscar Gorelick answers
a clear affirmative. The fountain has
carried itself from a financial standpoint,
being run by the exhibitor himself, ^t is believed
that operation of such a fountain by
an outside concessioner, whether company
or individual, would not prove too profitable
because of the extra overhead involved;
but carried as an extra department
cf house operation, it fits in very neatly
and performs its function without loss.
HAS PRESTIGE VALUE
In conclusion, Gorelick believes the outstanding
importance of the fountain is not
profit—but the prestige value it gives
the house. People who have ever been inside
are unlikely to forget "the theatre
with the soda fountain." It achieved some
national recognition during the war, when
it was a favorite spot with sailors at tlie
nearby naval barracks, and word of the
unique design was carried by word of mouth
from coast to coast. It has without question
given the house a distinctive individuality
of character, both for the unusual
design and the unique service provided patrons,
which makes it memorable.
jKOWli
He
s«
In
iw
hi.
%
%1
22
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

'
"PAYS FOR ITSELF WHILE IT PAYS YOU"
SHOWING
• -•--«
THE DRINCOLATOR
# Counter height to fit into your candy stand.
Height 42", width 26 1/2", depth 28".
# Small installation cost— just plug into wall
socket and connect to city water
MOTION
HOUSES
OF ALL
PICTURE
Mil LOSING MONEYl
Only 20' < of all Ikjuscs satisfy the public's demand
for carbonated drinks such as Coca Cola and Root
Beer. The 80% who don't serve carbonated drinks
are losing money. This 80S claim handling bottled
beverages is too much trouble. We agree. Other theatres
have automatic dispensers. BUT living clerks do
4 to 5 m.ore business than machines! The DRINCO-
LATOR is the answer to your prayers—the way to
make real money!
# EVERY CHAIN THAT HAS ORDERED THH
DRINCOLATOR HAS AT LEAST TRIPLED
ITS ORIGINAL ORDER!
# MANY CHAINS HAVE RE-ORDERED 10
TIMES OVER!
# DO YOU LIKE MONEY? WHAT ARE YOU
WAITING FOR?
"Correction, please. Approxim.icely 20 'i have already installed
the Drincolator.
# In seconds, the DRINCOLATOR carbonates^,
refrigerates, flavors and dispenses an authentic
drink of Coca Cola, Root Beer or any other
two flavors desired! By simply pulling the
handle, the New High Speed DRINCOLATOR can
dispense 25 to 30 drinks per minute under 40 degrees.
# 500 drink capacity
# Takes less than a minute to refill
DRINCOLATOR'S syrup tanks
MAKE FROM 250% TO 500% PROFIT
;;:
|3f 5c per cup— for each $3.60 you spend on 2 gallons of syrup
and cups, you receive $12.50. Your profit:
$8.90 -approximately 250%
at 10c per cup—your profit $21.40— almost 500%
For full information on obtaining the Drincolator for your theaters,
write to DRINCOLATOR Corporation, 342 Madison Avenue,
New York 17,N.Y.
drincolator

J
Announce Name Change
And New Models
The Taylor-Hunt-Melcher Co. is the new
name of the firm which manufactures Hollywood
Servemaster popcorn warmers, forsupply
business in Seattle until entering
the partnership with Taylor.
The firm also announced the introduction
of advanced models. A principal feature
of the new Hollywood Servemaster is
a motion display in the front which uses
actual popcorn to give a realistic simulation
of the popping process in continuous
operation.
A Romance That Began
At the Candy Bar
"He sold her more than a candy bar"
might well be the caption of this photo
of Billie Warden, former refreshment bar
Victor Hunt Reuben Melcher Harry Taylor
merly Taylor-Hunt Popcorn Equipment Co.
The change of name was announced by
the three principals following the sale of a
full partnership interest to Reuben Melcher,
as reported in Modern Tlieatre last
month. Factory and sales headquarters of
the firm are in Los Angeles. Melcher is
president of Poppers Supply Co., Kansas
City, and a resident of that city. Harry
Taylor and Victor E. Hunt, who founded
the company in 1947, are both residents of
Los Angeles. Taylor has been connected
with motion picture distribution and audience
promotion enterprises most of his
life. Hunt operated his own popcorn and
Inexpensive Soda Fountain
Offered by Hudson
A soda fountain which is only 53 '2 in.
long. 66 in. high and 18 in. deep, has recently
been placed on the market by the
Hudson Soda Fountain & Refrigeration
Co. of Ai-lington, N. J.
The fountain is equipped with 4 syrup
pumps, 3 syrup wells, 2 draft arms and
an electric mixer for milk drinks. Construction
is chrome and stainless steel
throughout.
The new Hudson unit is designed to use
a complete line of Dixie cups for soda,
sundaes and milk drinks. Cabinet dispensers
for fountain Dixies are available
as extra equipment and there is a waste
disposal bin for used paper cups.
The Auditorium Theatre of Roanoke,
Ala., recently made a deal with the Grapico
Sales Co., whereby a free bottle of Grapico
was offered to all persons attending the
theatre between 10 a. m. and noon.
attendant at the Orpheum Theatre, Portland,
Ore., who recently married his pretty
"customer," also a theatre employe, head
usherette at the Paramount. Whatever inducements
Billie used to sell smiling Cora
Jean Reggear the candy he holds in his
hand, or whether or not she accepted the
confection, she is now Mrs. Billie Warden.
After a honeymoon along the beaches of the
Oregon coastline, both have returned to
their respective theatres, the groom having
been promoted to assistant manager of the
Orpheum.
I
IN
COOPERATION
YOUTH MONTH
HENRY HEIDE
INCORPORATED
New York, N. Y.
24 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION h

I
ONLY ^fLLU/LUi^if DELIVERS THE
"COMPLETE PACKAGE"
Success is the sum total of "man/ little things
Manley popcorn macliines, for a (|iiarter of a century. Iiave been the outstanding
choice of profit-wise exhibitors everywhere. DependabiUty, big
capacity, and sturdy construction are all important sales features in a
popcorn machine, but, Manley adds another. .."EYE APPE.AL." Manley's
"Eye .-Vppeal " means extra profits for the operators of Manley machines.
Remember, too. Manley is not only a manufacturer .. .they are suppliers
as well. From Manley youll get the finest popcorn, the type that pops out
bigger, fluffier, more delicious. You'll get better Seasoning — the kind thai
gives the popcorn that freshly buttered look. And don't forget the special
Manley Salt and their famous candy striped Bags and Boxes... together
they mean bigger profits for you, per hundred pounds of corn popped.
And, now, in addition to these "profit pluses," Manley is building tremendous
consumer demand for Mauleys Hi Pop Popcorn with 72.240.437
individual advertising messages in national magazines during 1948 and
1949. Popcorn is a national habit and you can cash in on it. but be sure
to use Manley's "complete package." Mail the coupon below tor our new
booklet, "How to Make Big Profits from Popcorn."
1948 MANLEY INC.
OINERAl orricisi
192 Wyandett* Slrcat. Kpniat City •, MliMurl
ME IN POPCORNI'
Indionopolil, )nd.
Kontai City, Mo.
Los Angttlvi, Co

IT TAKES EFFECTIVE DISPLAY
TO INCREASE CANDY SALES
H,LuGH Campbell, manager of the Central
Theatre, West Hartford, Conn., with 35
years experience in the motion picture industry,
passes along some helpful ideas on
operating theatre candy stands successfully.
Says Campbell: "You've got to keep an eye
continually on more efficient display. I've
found that by studying your trade you're
more certain of having the most soughtafter
candy bars. Now, if you have stock
TheV CH'»'""ti;tt> Theatre Model
OUTSTANDING FEATURES
• NO BOTTLES I
• QUICK SERVICE OF ANY DRINK
COMBINING SYRUP AND CAR-
BONATED WATER.
• HIGHER PROFIT PER SALE.
• EXCLUSIVE FAUCET REGU-
LATES MIXTURE.
• COMPACT, SPACE-SAVING,
SMART APPEARANCE.
• MADE OF HIGH-POLISHED
STAINLESS STEEL.
• ENTIRELY SANITARY.
• ALL PARTS GUARANTEED.
the customers don't want, you're apt to
find that sales will drop. Therefore, it is
to the theatreman's advantage to check
continually with his candy-stand aide as
well as patrons as to their preferred candy."
SOFT DRINKS are
the
The simplified, automatic Carbonelte provides
a welcome and tiigtily profitable service
to theatre patrons. Your regular candy counter
attendant serves cold carbonated drinks in any
flavor with a flip of the handle!
Carbonation, cooling and mixing are entirely
automatic. Patented faucets deliver up to
16 delicious 6-ounce drinks per minute.
It's the fastest, most efficient, most easily
maintained dispenser on the market. And the
moderate cost makes Carbonette practical for
theatres of any size.
Please check the features to the left.
SEND FOR DETAILED, FULLY
ILLUSTRATED LITERATURE
carbonette corporation
317 penn avenue, Pittsburgh 22, pa.
manufacturers of carbonated beverage dispensers
Another trick of the trade Campbell has
noted: "Slow-moving candy bars can be
placed on the candy stand's top display
frames to push sales. It's an amazing
thing, but some people who would otherwise
neglect such items will grab the slowmoving
bars when the latter pieces are on
the top shelf. They seem to feel that they're
getting their money's worth—after all, top
shelf means top goods!"
The Central Theatre is "surrounded," so
to speak, by drug stores, candy stores and
soda shops. According to Campbell, no
comments of "unfair competition" have
been voiced by businessmen who operate
these stores.
Campbell offers this explanation:
"There's plenty of candy trade for both
the theatre and drug stores in this town."
The Central is the only motion picture theatre
operating at present, although other
projects are under way. "Drug stores,"
Campbell adds, "have countless items we
don't carry."
Ohio Popcorn Company
Purchased by Blevins
J. V. Blevins, General
Manager of the
Blevins Popcorn Co.,
Popcorn Village, Nashville,
Tenn., announces
the purchase of the
buildings, plant, equipment
and cribs of the
Ohio Popcorn Co. of
Arcanum, Ohio. The
plant is undergoing
complete renovation
Stallings and all the exclusive
processing principles employed by the
Blevins' Nashville plant have been installed
in the Arcanum, Ohio, operation.
C. A. Stallings has been appointed manager
of the Ohio plant and states that the
company has already moved carloads of
cocoanut oil, popcorn, boxes, bags and other
supplies into Arcanum and that they are
ready to ship these supplies along with the
corn the company processes at the new
plant.
Stallings was formerly an executive of
the Missouri Popcorn Co. and has had
wide experience in processing anu distributing
popcorn and supplies.
The Arcanum, Ohio plant will serve as
a distribution center for the northern and
eastern areas and several additional warehouses
to be operated from this plant will
be announced later.
7U^ ;4wzi(4Me,,^
ALUMINUM
POPCORN
SCOOPS
J0S^

STAND AT DALLAS AIRER IS 'BIG BUSINESS'

'
'EYE CATCHER' AT CALGARY HOUSE
. . . costs less than substitutes
because Seazo
keeps indefinitely . . .
won't go rancid in
the
container . . . and pops
corn that stays fresh
longer.
• For /hose stales where
colored oil is not sold
-use SIMKO brand.
This new candy bar, located at the Capitol Theatre, Calgary, Alto., makes a striking addition
to the furnishings of the mezzanine floor. The confection display is in natural wood finish,
with white metal trim and has plenty of glass mirrors. The candy sales persons shown in
the photo are Grace Northcott (left), Jacqueline Wait.
7^ PERFECT POPCORN SCOOP
Manley Trailer to Boost
Outgoing Popcorn Sales
A new "minute movie" designed to boost
exhibitor's popcorn sales was introduced
recently by Manley, Inc., the Kansas City
manufacturer of popcorn machines and
wholesaler of popcorn supplies. It was the
Manley company's intention that the 70-
second sound trailer should increase outgoing
and "take home" popcorn sales to
the level of the large volume of popcorn
sales made by incoming patrons. A print
of the popcorn film is sent at nominal cost
to requesting exhibitors. It further exemplifies
the increased interest in extra profits
illustrated by recent three minute popcorn
intermissions where vendors hawk popcorn
in the aisles. Information concerning the
"minute movie" can be had by writing
Manley, Inc., 1920 Wyandotte St., Kansas
City, Mo.
NMIONM THEMRE
SUPPLY
Simonin of
Philadelphia
SCASONING SPCCIALISJi TO IHl NA1I0N
OUTDOOK
REFRESHMENT ^
CONCESSIONAIRES
from Coast to Coasti
Now Specializing
in Refreshm»nt
Service for
over y^ Century il
RIVE-IN theatres;
pSPORTSERVICE, Inc. Jacobs bros.
tlHURST 8tPG. BUPFALO, N. Xij
IV10RE
PROFITS
FOR YOU/
AMERICAN POP CORN CO.
SIOUX CUT, IOWA
28 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

vm
Good lighting— a fundamental to good theatre— is
probably one of your major budget items.
Good lamps
are fundamental to good lighting. That's why you
naturally want the best lamps you can buy.
Westinghouse Lamps are a quality product, subjected to
486 tests and inspections from raw material to finished
product. With 10,000 types and sizes to choose from,
you'll find a Westinghouse Lamp designed specifically for
every lighting requirement. So for every theatre lighting
need, specify Westinghovise—the name you know in lamps!
Send for free booklet A-4S75
"Wesf/ng/iouse Lamps for Theatres"
GENERAL SERVICE
^stinmou
PLANTS IN 25 CITIES CES EVERYWHERE
•Reg. I'.S. I>al. or.
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 19*8 29

UN L U t -a non-technical discussion of projector sound headf
by GRAY BARKER
When we unleashed these writings
upon the projectionists of this land the
past month, we promised to investigate the
mechanical components of a motion picture
projector, throwing in a word here and
there about care and adjustments. The
writer waxed so verbose, however, we got
only a little way down the machine, making
this continuation necessary.
Maybe we can all identify a magazine
and base, and can even explain decibels,
acoustical curves and Lana Turner
at the drop of Eddie Dean's sombrero,
but nevertheless let's carry it a little farther
this month.
It seems we got past the intermittent
and shutter with no compound fractures
—so cast a critical eye downward to the
soundhead, take a swipe at that oily spot,
and peer closer,
i Never mind that top reel
you hear clanging. It never more than
breaks the film.)
THE SOUNDHEAD
Although there are dozens of makes and
models of soundheads that allow Johnny
Mack Brown's lightning draw to be heard
as well as witnessed, most of them sworn
by if you start running them down in front
of their operators, the majority of those
now in operation are pretty doggone good
ones.
All consist of an exciter light source,
focused to a narrow slit on the sound track,
and a photo-electric cell to interpret the
pulses of light in form of a weak voltage
fed into the amplifier system.
This P. E. cell voltage may be fed
through pre-amplifiers before entering the
power amplifier bank, or may not, and
Sherlock Holmes would find the path of
this elusive signal, in some large installations,
more tortuous than the tracks of
the Baskerville Hound. But let's get back
to the subject.
All soundheads have some kind of loop
and sprocket arrangement to filter out the
vibrations given the film by the intermittent
and other moving parts.
SOUND DRUMS
It is accepted in the trade that to remove
flutter most efficiently, the film must be
wound around a rotary sound drum, attached
to a flywheel, to impart to it an
even motion as it passes the scanning point.
Since the sound drum turns freely, the
film giving it its motion, it is virtually isolated
from other film-moving mechanisms.
Because it preserves even motion through
inertia, film moves around it, theoretically,
at an exact and uniform speed.
The first heads utilized a stationary
sound drum, around which the film was
Operating side of De Vry 12000 series projector
showing closeup of soundhead. All soundheads
consist of exciter light source, focused to a
slit on sound track and photo-electric cell to
interpret pulses of light.
drawn. Many of these units are yet in
operation, although it is obvious vibration,
or flutter content, is greater than in the
rotary type; for the film is merely pulled
around a curved surface, where it meets
surface resistance and added possibility of
scratches.
When these units were designated, the
low range sound tracks (not exceeding 5.000
cycles) made fine distinctions relatively
unnecessary, especially since amplifiers
and speaker systems were also in a primitive
state of development. Audiences were
less critical too.
Surprising enough, stationary drums are
still being made, with a few improvements,
although it is generally accepted in 35mm
circles that they went out with the dime
novels.
One good point, mechanically, remains
evident, though: the stationary drum had
no moving parts, consequently little to get
out of whack. One 16mm manufacturer
still retains the stationary drum, presumably
because of this mechanical advantage,
utilizing an effective system filtering before
and after.
With the rotary sound drum the flywheel
must be balanced perfectly to assure the
best reproduction. So particular care must
be exercised when for any reason the fly
wheel is removed, necessary, in many cases,
to reach other projector parts. It should
be replaced carefully, with correct degree
of tightness and trueness.
A careful listening check will reveal any
mis-alignment, especially on prolonged musical
notes where any variation in pitch
or "wow," should be a signal to get out
your pliers or your service man.
You will find flywheels of diversified
types, from solid metal scientifically
weighted, to those filled with special fluid
unaffected by temperature changes. All
such flywheels should be handled like eggs,
if their appearances do belie their weaknesses—
for dropping one can easily throw
it off balance and consequently your sound
off keel.
Most modern soundheads meet standard
SMPE allowances for flutter content,
usually reduce it to 0.25 per cent of the
mean operating speed, a level below aural
perception ito Joe Doakes: this means so
little flutter you can't hear iti. Since
soundheads usually are on the plus side of
requirements in regard to flutter, the problem
in purchasing new equipment resolves
to what make can best be coupled to the
existing projection head, requires the least
maintenance, and gives the longest service.
OPTICAL AND ELECTRONIC ELEMENTS
The optical system of the soundhead
needs little adjustment, is best handled,
when such is required, by a sound engineer
who knows his way around in this respect.
An engineer we know was torn from the
arms of Morpheus (Morpheus is the god
of sleep—this series is not off-color) one
night by a phone call from a drive-in theatre,
asking him to come at once to fix
the pre-amplifier, becoming weaker and
weaker on one machine. When he arrived,
replete with meters, spare condensers and
what not, he found the projectionists simply
had been fiddling with the sound lens
and got it out of focus.
So limit your optical adjustments to
sanitation, a bit of lens tissue, incidentally,
being one of the first things to bring out
of the tool chest when the sound becomes
weak.
Exciter lamp types vary in voltage and
amperage, but most of them in use today
have prefocused bases, giving little trouble,
except for becoming microphonic in
rare instances, transmitting the projector
vibrations into an audio voltage, and
broadcasting the noise of your museum
piece in gargantuan exaggeration to your
irate audience. A sagging filament may
cause this effect, is easily remedied by a
new lamp, but if this is not the cause, it
becomes a matter of checking how the vibrations
are being transmitted.
Photo-electric cells are varied also, but
all work on a light value principle, allowing
the voltage applied to them to pass
through in varing degrees, dependent upon
the amount of light transmitted through
the film.
You'll have bad exciter lamps, photoelectric
cells, tubes, resistors, and so on,
(Continued on page 32
30 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

Starxrf the tieater interior
In the theater of today, old fashioned playhouse sales appeal
in the form of gilt angels and ornate candelabra has given way to utility, real
lasting beauty, and clean, cool comfort. TOLEX Plastic Leathercloth, available
for upholstering theater seats, walls, doors, trim and other appointments,
gives the theater-goer the urge to come back again
to live in an atmosphere of luxury few people enjoy at home.
For TOLEX and TOLEX F. R. (fire-resistant) come
in a wide range of luxurious, eye appealing colors and effects that
remain new looking indefinitely!
Both materials
are scuff and stain resistant, vermin-proof, easy to clean
with a damp cloth. Yes, TOLEX is truly the
"star" of the theater interior.
For more details
write Textileather Corporation, Toledo, Ohio.
MORE THAN 35 YEARS OF PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE
TEXTILEATHEr
NOT LEATHER
rOUX' CAN TAKE /T.'
•Rn. IS. Pat.
Off.

Cine Clinic
I Continued from page 30)
THE
Qu iz
POT
as well as lemon prints. Just keep a nice
supply of spares and learn the symptoms
so you'll know just what to replace when
the time comes.
EXCITER SUPPLIES
Most modern sound systems employ a
special exciter lamp voltage of two types:
D. C. supplied a small rectifier, or a high
frequency current above auditory perception,
the latter generated by an oscillator
within the regular amplifier system. The
D.C. rectifier may be installed in the base
of the projector or mounted somewhere
in the booth.
Older systems employ a straight A.C.
supply, with which the sixty cycle "hum" is
audible, and obviously undesirable. With
modern sound tracks, ranging from the
lowest bass notes to 8,000 cycle tones, this
equipment cannot provide adequate reproduction.
It is easy to convert such a system to
utilize a D.C. supply, which involves little
more than adding a proper rectifier, and
should be the subject of that next conversation
with the boss, after he's made a killing
on a Roy Rogers pix, if you're an unproud
possessor of an A.C. supply.
BUILT-IN SOUNDHEADS
A discussion of soundheads would be incomplete
without mention of the new builtin
soundheads now on the market and in
development.
Such a unit is an integral part of the
projector mechanism, in the same threading
chamber, with no conventional coupling
arrangement involved. Due to the
coupling factor, it appears, without reference
to any other make, the integral
soundhead is a great step forward.
Because silent projectors, many in excellent
condition were in operation at the
advent of sound, it was expensive to discard
them: so soundheads were simply
added below the projection mechanisms.
As time went on this practice was adhered
to, and basic features of neither unit needed
much changing.
FILL UP FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Well, the old projector still hasn't been
taken care of completely, but we'll get
back to it from time to time, especially
after we've had time to hear how you boys
are liking this series. Everyone has an
opportunity to get a word in—at least
edgewise.
Better fill up that fire extinguisher, for
next month we plan to slip into your bocth
and drop a match among all that exposed
film lying around. We'll be talking about
booth safety, and promise to spare no
punches, so give us a glance next month
and don't throw too many pliers!
32
A CAULDRON FOR COOKING UP ANSWERS TO OTHER PEOPLES' PROBLEMS
Address The MODERN THEATRE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Conducted by GERALD BOEN
Paul Beck, projectionist of the Heart
Theatre. Effingham, 111., writes: "If the
man in the booth is so near blind that he
can't see standard cues, he shouldn't be
in the booth without aid. If nothing else,
use a telescope. I use one to get a sharper
focus than my eyes could get on a picture.
Whenever standard cues are missing, I
still think my solution is the best. A
twenty-five cent jar of 'opake' obtainable
at any photo supply house, and a ten-cent
pen and point. You put the cue where ycu
want it, applying it to the non-emulsion
side of the film, and remove it when you
are through with it by moistening the
finger and rubbing it off with one swipe."
Sounds good. Paul, and thanks.
J. W. TOLER
Proj. J. W. Toler of the Santa Maria
theatre, San Maria, Calif., has passed
along some ideas, emphasizing that they
are not necessarily his own but are worthy
of distribution to others who may not have
come across them. Mr. Toler comments:
"I'm net lazy, fellows, but stooping gets
me down. Picture 'A' should interest those
using Universal Base Western Electric
still
equipment or other makes where the flywheel
or turn-over knob is in a hard place
to reach. By painting a line at four po-
PICTURE A
sitions on your upper sprockets, as in the
photo, so that each mark points to the
stripper plate mounting stud just as the
intermittent has ceased pulling down, you
can immediately determine if you have to
stoop and reach for the handwheel for
'turn-over' before tlireading up. You can
use fingernail polish to mark the sprockets.
I found that about seven out of ten
times I was able to thread without any
hand-wheel adjustment. Not only that, but
you can determine if it is not going to
stop right and use tlie foot brake on Universal
bases to stop the machine at the
right spot. While I now have Simplex
sound heads with the turn-down knob
within easy reach, I still use the marks instead
of feeling the intermittent sprocket
will soon find that it is possible to thread
as I turn down with the hand knob. You
will soon find that it is possible to thread
with the movement in any position except
on the actual pull-down. This is possible
because the threading leader frame lines
can be—and should be—placed on the
sprocket in relation to the marks on it.
If you practice this, it would be well to
also mark the lower mechanism sprocket
so that you will not have to judge these
loops and take a chance on getting them
wrong. While this idea is not particularly
helpful with modern sound heads and front
drive motors, those with older types of
equipment will find that it saves a lot of
stooping or reaching. Missframes in
threading constitute very poor projection,
and this idea serves as a reminder if you
have forgotten to check on the intermittent
position before threading.
"You can build your own foot dowser
switch using automobile starter switches,
Conduit junction boxes 3 in. or 4 in. with
blank covers are procured, and holes drilled
in the covers to mount the auto starter
switches. Cost is comparatively low. Use
'2 in. Greenfields and '2 in. connectors to
wire boxes to the correct dowser circuit
wires. The boxes can be either fastened to
the projector bases or allowed to stand on
the floor beneath each observation port.
Since the switches are good for 100 amps,
or more, there is no need to worry about
their sticking or burning up. I find them
ideal for change-overs when I run both
lights and curtain."
RAY S. HANSON
Ray S. Hanson of Fertile. Minnesota,
writes: "EInclosed you will find two photographs
of my Simplex projectors where I
have installed Strong rectifiers into the
bases of these projectors. This is quite a
(Continued on page 34)
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
i

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Make certain you have all these profitable advantages
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combining push-back conveniences with Kroehler
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WRITE OR WIRE ONE OF THE KROEHLER PUBLIC
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BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 33

The Quiz Pot
(Continued from page 32)
bit of work but is worth it as we gain a
lot of room in my small projection room."
The accompanying photographs indicate
not only a lot of uwrk but S07ne very fine
workmanship and careful pla7ini7ig. We note
the grill work on the "operating" side and
a triple row of perforations near the top
of the base on the "nonoperating" side,
undoubtedly for the purpose of ventilation
which is very essential. We predict that
equipment manufacturers will take heed
of Ray's idea since it represents a very
practical use for what has long constituted
waste space.
Projector bases are usually designed for
universal purposes, i. e.. for use with any
and all types of current supply and lamp
equipment. Frequently, generator equipment
is used, and when it is, the DC is
broken by the large switch mounted on the
base.
Since relatively heavy amperage at low
voltage is involved, the large Knife type
switch is needed. On the other hand, with
a specialized set-up like Ray's, using a
single-phase 220-volt 9 amp. rectifier ivith
the switch breaking the AC, we tvould be
in favor of a much smaller switch, permitting
a tnore compact installation, although
it should have at least a 30-amp.
rating as the "inductive kick-back" of the
primary winding is a bit rough on contacts.
Or, using the same switch, in the
process of manufacture, provision could be
made for the wiring to run directly from
the inside of the base into the switch,
thereby concealing all switch wiring. One
popular type of base houses the sioitch
which is operated by an external lever.
With the thought of one manufacturer
producing a complete base, rectifier, and
lamp unit, we can go a bit farther and
suggest extension of lamp ventilation into
the base, affording a degree of forced draft
for further tube cooling efficiency.
Congratulations on a very fine streamlining
job, Ray!— G.B.
Here's a space-saving idea for the small projection room— installing rectifiers in the base of
the projector. Submitted by Ray S. Hanson, Fertile, Minn., this indicates not only a lot of work
but some fine workmanship and planning.
different acceptance of almost any weird
effect brought to his attention. Therefore
we offer no apologies for our gullibility as,
mopping our receding hairline, we studiously
explore the possibilities of the described
effect, finally emerging with our version of
an explanation:
Since the advent of theatre sound, it has
teen generally conceded that a direct current
source of excited lamp supply voltage
is preferable to alternating current for the
reason that there are certain disturbances
present in the reproduced sound when 60
cycle AC is used, although in recent years
advances in engineering have largely overcome
the disadvantages. Some equipment
manufacturers have solved the problem
through increasing the frequency of the
current supply, through the use of an oscillator,
to approximately 20 kilocycles, and
this type of exciter is rather widely used in
16mm equipment. Since a 20 KC note is
"super-sonic"—beyond the range of hearing—whatever
disturbances may arise
therefrom may generally be disregarded,
and exciter lamp operation on "raw AC" is
thereby achieved with no detrimental effects.
Moreover, the thermal lag of the
exciter filament tends to eliminate photocell
excitation at this frequency by the light
source.
Nevertheless, tests of such equipment
have indicated that it is entirely possible
for a 20 KC note to be introduced into the
amplifier circuits through induction, and
very strong signals at this frequency have
been found to be present in the output circuit.
It is entirely conceivable that current
of this frequency, sufficiently amplified,
could radiate a considerable distance
under favorable atmospheric conditions
perhaps with the speaker line acting as an
antenna.
With the oscillator and amplifier operating
from a common power supply, we
ponder the possibility of oscillator modulation
resulting under which circumstances
we come up with the thought of a "modulated
carrier," a condition duplicating regular
radio broadcast.
And until someone proves our ex-GI a
prevaricator or fabricates a better solution,
we are doggedly clinging to our version as
we have figured it out. In the meantime,
we'll be looking for mail from our licensed
radio amateurs of whom there are many
among the projectionists.— G.B.
EX-GI OPERATOR
A story passed along by an ex-GI operator
of a South Pacific island locale has
plagued us no end for a possible solution.
In all sincerity, the boy tells of operating
16mm sound equipment in the open air.
and a public-address system several hundred
yards away picked up and reproduced
the sound.
The phenomena of theatre sound equipment
picking up and reproducing sound
from regular radio broadcast stations is
not new. but the idea of a motion picture
sound system broadcasting to a public address
system seems a bit fantastic. However,
a couple of decades of association
with the fantastic science of electronics
would resign even the most dubious to in-
Meeting recently to discuss the peculiar problems of acoustical design and theatre service in
floating theatres, were the officials and engineers of the RCA Service Co. and the Grace Lines,
pictured on the promenade deck of the latter's "Santa Rosa." Left to right are Josh Billings jr.,
RCA Service Co., Inc.; Frank Quinn, marine paint division of DuPont Company; O. B. Hanson,
vice-president and chief engineer, NBC; Godfrey MacDonald, general traffic passenger agent,
Grace Lines; Richard Carnis, RCA Service, and John Sullivan, purchasing agent, Grace Lines.
34 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION i

INVE5V
DON'T INVITE TROUBLE
Be sure the lamps you buy have a proven performance record . . . will stand up without
constant, expensive replacement of parts. Investigate the reputation and integrity of the
maker. Be sure that he will be there to furnish parts and render service when you need
them. Demand a list of users and then ASK the men who own them.
FOR DRIVE-INS & LARGE THEATRES
THE STRONG MOGUL
70-AMPERE - 40-VOLT
PROJECTION ARC LAMP
Projecls 15,000 lumens — the maximuin that fUm will accept
without damage — providing a brilliant picture on 48-foot and
larger screens with all details clearly visible 500 feet or
more from the screen.
It is wasteful, as well as futile to burn more than 70 amperes
in any reflector lamp, or twice the current in condenser lamps.
^ftle^^
STRONG SINGLE PHASE 80-AMPERE TUBE RECTIFIER
FOR SCREENS UP TO 18 FEET IN WIDTH

^
NO LETUP IN
DRIVE-INS;
60 NEW PROJECTS IN TWO WEEKS
Indiana Tops the List With Eight Outdoor Theatres Added
X HE DRIVE-IN boom is moving ahead
with no apparent let up in sight despite
warnings from some exhibitor sources of the
dangers of overbuilding. In the last few
weeks, more announcements of new driveins
were made by prospective operators than
in any previous 2-week period. Altogether,
theatre men in 24 states announced plans
for drive-ins to be constructed within the
next six months or to be ready for operation
this fall.
Included in the announcements were 60
theatres with an estimated capacity of 30,-
000 cars and to be built at a cost of approximately
$3,000,000,
Topping the projects was an $850,000
drive-in to be built as part of a $3,500,000
amusement center adjacent to Chicago.
Edwin Silverman, president of the Essaness
circuit. Chicago, is one of the top executives
associated with the project.
Indiana was the boom state of the week.
Eight drive-ins were included in announcements
coming from Hoosier theatremen
Two of these were scheduled for Hammond
—one to be built by the Manta & Rose circuit
and the other to be constructed by a
corporation headed by Joseph Finerty, a
former mayor of Gary.
Following is a list of the week's drive-in
projects:
ALABAMA
Oxford—Articles of incorporation filed
by Skyway Drive-In Theatre, Inc. for construction
of drive-in by Anniston, Ala., interests.
Decatur—Crescent circuit to build here,
if court approval can be obtained for 600-
car project.
Tuscaloosa—L. W. Worthington, operator
of drive-in at Bessemer, to build new
drive-in at Eutaw highway near here, for
554 cars.
ARIZONA
Phoenix — Garfield "Andy" Anderson
opened this city's second open air theatre
in west Phoenix in late August.
CALIFORNflA
San Bernardino—Highland Theatre Co.
building $40,000 project at Baseline and
Cunningham avenue.
San Francisco—Starlite Drive-in to be
opened in September by Rex Stevenson,
Dave Bolton, Thornton Howell and James
Howell jr., with 650-car capacity,
INGLEWOOD — Pacific Drive-In Co. will
build a $300,000, 900-car open airer to be
ready in five months.
36
COLORADO
Greeley—New 550-car drive-in opens
Hammond Ordinance
Dps Operating Costs
The city council of Hammond, Ind., has
enacted on ordinance which will up the cost
of operating drive-in theatres here considerably.
Under provisions of the ordinance, drivein
operators will be required to hire OS many
off-duty police officers as required to control
traffic,
with the scale set at $10 per week night
and $15 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
The license fees were set at $100 for driveins
of 500 cars or less; $150 for the 500-750
capacity and $200 for the larger theatres.
this week. Built by Motorena Corp., which
also has an ozoner in Denver.
Greeley Drive-In Theatre, Inc., formed
by Emmett Savard and Rudolph Meyer to
build 400-car theatre north of Greeley.
La Junta—Work is nearing completion
for September opening of 350-car theatre
by J. W. Barton and C. M. Alderson.
FLORIDA
Miami—Despite objections from owners
of the Tropical racetrack, county commissions
have approved building of drive-in on
site overlooking track. Project will cost
$150,000.
Coral Gables—^Branscombe circuit is
building the Coral-Way drive-in, to be
ready for November operation.
IDAHO
Lewiston—Naturvue Drive-in, north of
here, is opened by P. S. Daughtery.
ILLINOIS
Chicago—Edwin Silverman, president of
Essaness circuit, is announced as associate
in $850,000 drive-in to be part of $3,500,000
amusement and recreation center to be
known as Starlite Gardens in nearby Worth
township.
East Alton—National Outdoor Corp. of
St. Louis to build a 1,000-car drive-in costing
$150,000. Company now operates driveins
at Lincoln, Neb. and Rockford, 111.
Herrin—Opening this month will be 600-
car Egyptian Theatre owned by Harold
Gear, Wayne L. Smith and Hazen Coleman.
1,000-car capacity.
Tamaroa — Frank J. Glenn announces
opening of 500-car Melody Drive-In, south
of Tamaroa.
Danville—Construction of 800-car drivein
announced by Castle Amusement Corp.
of Bloomington, Ind.. to be ready late September.
Champaign—John Barr, general manager
i
of the Willistin circuit, and Joe Barr are
building a 500-car ozoner here,
Urbana—John Barr opened the Twin City
Drive-In here last week.
INDIANA
Hammond—Manta & Rose circuit to build
Hammond 41 Outdoor Theatre, Route 41,
A company headed by Joseph Finerty,
former Gary mayor, will build a 1,000-
car drive-in at cost of $100,000 on 70-acre
tract of land.
Gary—Manta & Rose reveals construction
started on drive-in here, with completion
scheduled shortly.
CoRYDON—A 700-car Sky Park Drive-In
under construction by local group of businessmen,
to be opened soon.
Michigan City — Local airport recently
sold to Crescent Drive-In Corp. of Chicago
for theatre site.
New Castle—Air Drome Theatres, Inc.,
newly-formed group, has acquired site on
|
new highway No. 3 for $75,000, 600-car theatre
to be opened late in fall.
FouTJTAiNTOWN — East Side Drive-in to
open shortly. Theatre is being erected by
Irving Tamler, former Indianapolis exhibitor.
Goshen—A drive-in for 600 cars is being
built on Highway 33, four miles northwest
of here.
IOWA
Miuord—H. A. Parrott is building a 275-
car drive-in to be ready in September.
Cedar Rapids—J&M Enterprises of Minneapolis
to build $100,000, 800-car drive-in
this fall. Firm recently opened drive-in at
Madison, Wis.
Carroll — Cecil Crouse, local cement
dealer, early this month opened 300-automobile
theatre here.
Ottumwa—J. J. Lewis and F^-ank Miller
of St. Louis announced drive-in here, with
500-car capacity.
KANSAS
Shawnee — Dickinson circuit revealed
plans for 800-car drive-in at Shawnee, near
Kansas City. Mo.
Liberal—Ben Adams, Eldorado exhibitor,
to build 400-car open air theatre, slated
for late fall opening.
KENTUCKY
Elizabethtown — Robert Enoch, presi-
( Continued on page 40)
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION( ioiofj.

WHY
V^J
WAGNER LETTERS and FRAMES
ARE PREFERRED ABOVE ALL OTHERS
DOUBLE
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BILL
ROBT CUMMINGS
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exclusive Patented slotted method of mounting
prevents ireezing to sign, assures complete
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Wide range of sizes, 4", 8", 10", 17", permits
doubling effectiveness of display.
Gorgeous, deep, jewel-like colors . . . red.
green, blue, omJber, black ... go all the
way through.
No maintenance.
WAG N E R
WINDOW-TYPE
FRAMES
Permit openings of any dimensions in ONE
panel, make it unnecessary to join together
a series of small signs.
Most economical maintenance. Lamps, neon
and glass replaced in any section without
disturbing other portions and without removing
frames.
z^-
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MIBT OPEN All
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ERROL FLYNN'ANN ShERIDAN
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More sizes than offered by any other line. 4". 6". 8". 10".
12". 16", 24", 30". Many styles and colors.
WAGNER LOBBY DISPLAY UNITS
24". 36", and 46" sections combine to make any length.
WAGNER LETTER MOUNTING STRIP
Stainless steel.
No wiring required.
WAGNER TRANSPARENCIES AND FRAMES
Full colored photos of all stars, in any size, for marquee
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WAGNER SIGN SERVICE,
218 S. Hoyne Ave.. Chicago 12. 111.
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Sent. 28-29.30
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ase send big free
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BOXOFFICE September 11, 1948 37

1
THEATRE
Progressive operators are making drive-ins attractive and inviting to passing motorists by the use of spectacular electric signs. The Super 30 Drive-In
Theatre on Lincoln Highway near Irwin, Pa., is good example of new technique. Photo courtesy of West Penn Power Co.
SPECTACULAR LIGHTING A BIG
DRIVE-IN DRAW
Brilliantly lighted sign at the Family Drive-ln, New Kensington,
Pa., helps stop the motoring public and pull in the
customers. West Penn Power Co. photo.
It's easy to see what's playing at the Drive-ln Theatre, Daytona Beach, Fla., owned
by Costal Drive-ln Theatres, Inc. The sign is 36 ft. high and 20 ft. long; employs
976 ft. of neon tubing and 1,170 incandescent bulbs. Wagner red and blue plastic
letters are used in the changeable copy board.
38 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
I

Tall, slender tapering, esthetic lines that
"iHOm-li
See the
PREFAB
All-steel
SCREEN TOWER
IN
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TESMA
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PRE- FAB
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SCREEN TOWER*
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I Exclusive—"SEE-LIKiF" \/:.:^„<
Sloped right, for correct sight! Maximum
nght angJe sight Une eliminates •keystone".
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No construction bugaboos. No guesswork.
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3. Dependoble Construction!
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4. Streomlined and ."^turriy i
g reasons
JEFFERSON HOTEL
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harmonize with
tive marquee.
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s^S?rtin^g'
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?o°nl^.;u^«'ol!-°''-"'"'"'^-'^^'''-''°^«

''
JVo Letup in Drive-Ins
(Continued from page 36)
dent, Elizabethtown Amusements, Inc., to
build 500-seat theatre. 3 miles from town,
in spring of 1949.
Bardstown—Firm of Hahn and Burnette
to open a new drive-in here within the next
30 days.
LOUISIANA
BOGALUSA—Chester A. Knight, operator of
drive-in near Biloxi, has new $50,000 drivein
under way here.
MICHIGAN
Detroit — Alex Schreiber of Associated
Theatres circuit announces the circuit's
second drive-in in Detroit area, to have
1,000-car capacity and cost $300,000.
NiLES—Manta& Rose circuit of Chicago
has a drive-in under way here, to be opened
early in fall.
Lansing — Second drive-in for area,
opened by American Education Film Ass'n,
at Milett; with 300-car capacity.
Garden City—New K&M drive-in opened
by Joseph Klein jr. and Don Mento.
MISSISSIPPI
Biloxi—Chester Knight begins construction
of $50,000 theatre near here.
MISSOURI
Columbia — Commonwealth circuit will
start a new drive-in within the next 30 days
in this university town.
Meet your demand for
HIGH INTENSITY PROJECTION and
UNIFORM SCREEN ILLUMINATION
HERTNER Type CPT
^ «
Drive-in and deluxe theatres, large auditoriums and
halls must have plenty of light on the screen with
uniform illumination. That's why the Hertner CP
Transverter is so popular with such operators. This
Transverter gives you these advantages:
1. Range of capacities 3. High intensity
2. Close voltage regulation 4. Uniform screen illumination
Demand equipment that gives you these advantages.
Specify the CP Transverter. For complete information
consult your nearest National Theatre Supply dealer.
-*%!»•
Ditlribuled by
NATIONAL THEATRE
SUPPLY
In Canoda: GtNIRAl THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY
THE HERTNER ELECTRIC COMPANY
12690 ELMWOOD AVE. • CLEVELAND 11, OHIO
A General Precision Equipmenf Corporation Subsidiary
MOTORS • MOTOR-GENERATORS • GENERATOR SETS
NEW JERSEY
WooDBRiDGE — Walter Reade circuit
open drive-in here August 28,
capacity.
to
with 950-car
NEW MEXICO
Lovington — Griffith Theatres to build
600-car drive-in, with opening scheduled in
12 weeks.
Clovis—Yucca Drive-in erected by John
Sands, W. M. Goates and John Blocker at
cost of $60,000, with 600-car capacity.
Roswell — Valley Drive-in theatre
started near city limits at cost of $125,000
for 600 cars by Griffith interests.
NORTH CAROLINA
LiNCOLNTOWN — Albert E. Miller announced
the opening of a drive-in here.
Still under construction is elaborate concession
stand on highway opposite theatre.
Newton-Conover — Announcement has
been made of new drive-in to be built near
here.
PENNSYLVANIA
Baden—The ABC Drive-In opened late
in August, with Gabe Rubin of the Art
Cinema, Pittsburgh, as manager and coowner.
Bridgeville—John Ridila, who recently
opened a drive-in at Lathrobe, announced
a 600-car theatre for this town. Construction
has been started.
Kittaning—Community Drive-In, with
400-car capacity, opened early in the
month; Norbert Stern and Ernest Stern,
are the owners.
OKLAHOMA
Muskogee—O. F. Sullivan, Wichita, Kas.,
president of Kansas-Missouri Allied unit,
announced plans for 600-car drive-in four
miles from Muskogee.
Bartlesville — Griffith circuit starts
work on $100,000 theatre, four miles east
of here.
RHODE ISLAND
Cranston—Columbia Amusement Co. announced
opening of a 700-car project near
this city.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Yankton — Max Slaughter and T. B.
Butler have 400-car drive-in under way.
TENNESSEE
Nashville—Crescent Amusement Co. announced
opening of 750-car drive-in near
here.
Memphis—H. H. Roth to build $125,000
drive-in in Shelby county next spring.
TEXAS
Corpus Christi—C. A. Richter is building
the Texas Drive-In near here to replace an
older outdoor project.
WEST VIRGINIA
Blackville—A 300-car drive-in opened
late in August by Guy Pauley, service station
owner who has operated 16mm theatres.
WISCONSIN
Madison — J&M Enterprises held early
September opening on new theatre. Same
interests recently opened at Rochester,
Minn., and have new drive-in slated for
Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
40 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

Brfgh+en up,
EVERYBODY!
WH-for the first time everyou
can get all the
G-E fluorescent lamps you want
t
HOORAY! Now you Can fill those empty sockets, replace
blackened or burned out lamps, go ahead
with lighting modernization. Because, for the first
time since General Electric introduced the fluorescent
lamp 10 years ago, G-E fluorescent lamps are
available in quantity—everywhere!
Wi'VE BEEN WORKING at top Speed to build new factories,
expand production to catch up with the evergrowing
demand for the world's newest kind of
light.
SO NOW — at last— you can have all
the G-E fluorescent
lamps you need to increase box office receipts
by making your theatre the best lighted, most attractive
place in town. (Only slimline and circline
fluorescent lamps are still in limited supply.)
WHY NOT SEE your G-E lamp supplier today ?
can really greet you with a great
big smile and an armful of those
G-E lamps — the lamps that most
people want most!
ALWAYS INSrST ON
GE LAMPS
GENERAiaELECTRIC
Now he
BOXOFFICE September 11, 1948 41

ii
CHECK, AND DOUBLE CHECK
THAT HEATING PLANT!
6y GEORGE F. FRANTZ*
In last month's article we covered a
broad field in a general way but some of
the factors are so essential that they warrant
special emphasis. Getting the heating
and air-conditioning system in shape to
operate efficiently is especially desirable at
this time, in view of increased fuel and
operating costs.
\J
Have you checked the flues?
X^ Clogged or dirty flues can cause
much grief, such as poor draft, wasted
fuel, and even a hazard by causing gases
to back up and accumulate in the furnace
room. A coating of Va in. of soot on the
flue surfaces can increase your cost of fuel
an appreciable amount. This applies to
any furnace, be it steam, hot water, or
hot air. Many installations using stokers
will find an accumulation of fly-ash in the
flues which also forms an insulation preventing
the best efficiency from the coal
burned. Even in some types of hot air
furnace using gas for fuel, dust will collect
in the flues and reduce the efficiency.
The flue or smoke pipe between the furnace
and the chimney should also be
checked and cleaned thoroughly at the
start of the season, and if you use a stoker,
the checking should continue periodically
during the heating season.
To keep the accumulation of fly-ash
from a stoker to a minimum, adjust the air
supply to just the amount necesary to provide
complete combustion, and keep a fairly
deep bed of fuel over the fire pot or tuyere.
This will tend to keep the fine ash particles
from being blown around and eventually
picked up by the furnace draft and
deposited in the flues and smoke pipe.
And while we are talking about flues, don't
overlook checking the flue from a gasfired
hot water heater. While you would
hardly expect any difficulty from such a
source, they have been known to become
clogged with lint thus preventing the
proper escape of the burned gases.
ODoes
your furnace room have a vent to
the outside?
42
*A To burn any fuel such as coal, gas, or
oil, an ample supply of air is necessary
and a source for this air supply should
be incorporated in every enclosed furnace
room. It may be a window which can be
opened, or a special vent built into the wall
or a duct which leads to the outside. Such
an arrangement will provide the supply of
oxygen so necessary for proper and com-
plete combustion of the
fuel used. Without
such an arrangement
the furnace will have
to depend upon such
air as can leak through
cracks and this is usually
inadequate and
unreliable. In situations
lacking such a
provision it frequently
happens that the use
of exhaust fans causes
George F. Frantz
the fire to burn poorly,
or even smoke and gases to be drawn from
the furnace into the auditorium.
^J Is
the furnace room ready?
x\ Tliis may sound like a silly question
but after you have looked at quite a few
you will realize that the condition of the
furnace room is generally a reflection of
the condition and operation of the heating
system. Regardless of what kind of fuel
you may use, there is no reason why the
furnace room should not be as clean and
orderly as your foyer. If the room is dark,
dingy, dusty, dirty, damp and full of trash
no one will go into it unless he has to
and then only for the shortest possible
time. On the other hand if it is well lighted,
painted and readily accessible it will be
easier to keep it clean and there will be
a natural tendency to keep it that way, and
the rest of the equipment, too.
The furnace room should not be allowed
to become the storage room and graveyard
for those spare seats, old displays and
what not that you think you will use again
some day, but probably never will. It
should be entirely free of all storage, both
for safety's sake and from the damage that
might happen to material stored in case
of an accident to the boUer or water,
steam, or oil lines that are usually present.
Wet floors will cause excessive rusting of
the furnace base, stoker, gas or oil burner
units, causing frequent repair bills and
greatly shortening their life. Whatever the
cause of any water on the floor, have it
corrected. If you have a problem of seepage
which may be difficult to overcome,
install a pit with pump near the source of
the seep so that it will not keep the entire
floor wet.
If your furnace room is one of those
having a maze of steam, water and gas
pipes and valves, and only the plumber
knows what they are and where they go,
you should get busy and place a tag the
size of a shipping tag on each valve and
pipe stating what it controls and where
it leads to. This will save time in future
repairs or changes and may be of inestimable
value in case of an emergency.
1 J How about those safety devices?
£\ Safety devices will provide as much or
more protection to you and your investment
as they will to your patrons so give
them a lot of consideration and attention.
Every steam boiler must have a safety or
pop-off valve that will release the steam
when it reaches a pre-determined pressure,
but have you ever checked yours to see if
it will work? As a rule these valves are
very seldom operated and as a consequence
have a tendency to rust and stick which
cffsets their intended purpose.
To play safe, operate the valve by hand
to free it of any tendency to bind, the first
|
time each season that you get steam up
in the boiler. There is another device for
steam boilers that provides cheap protection
for your investment and that is a lowwater
cutoff. This device will shut off the
burner whenever the water in the boiler
becomes too low and prevent the cracking
of sections or the distortion and loosening
of plates and tubes in steel boilers. Of
course such a device won't be of any benefit
if the boiler is hand fired, but in that
case you should install an automatic filler
which will keep the water up to the proper
level. Where a boiler or furnace is fired
by gas it should be equipped with a safety
control that will positively shut off all
gas in case the pilot light should go out,
even during a time of power failure. Many
of the motor-operated valves now in use
will not function in such an emergency
should it occur during a period of power
failure.
Oil burners can be equally as hazardous
as gas if not properly protected. The most
potential hazard is that of oil continuing
to flow although it has failed to ignite.
There are several devices on the market
that will provide ample protection under
such conditions and it should be a "must"
on your program if your system lacks such
a device. There are many other varieties
of protective devices for various types of
automatic burners but the above described
devices will furnish essential protection In
their relative fields.
•President and general manager of Frantz Service
Company, Denver, Colo.
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

iiij
%mm>N$
No other item of theatre equipment is winning
patron approval that compares with that accorded
IDEAL
CHAIRS
The deep spring cushioned comfort, the convenience
of easy retractability, and the safety features of
this pre-eminent chair are appreciated by everyone.
So far ahead mechanically . . . offering so many
EXCLUSIVE advantages, the Ideal Slide-Back chair
affords more than six inches of smooth, effortless,
horizontal retraction with no humps, jarring or disturbance
to those behind—provides 100% more
passing space, with conventional spacing, 32" back
to back. Eliminates necessity of standing to permit
passing.
There ore no sharp edges to bump shins, no pinching
hazards. Full length die formed steel back
panel entirely covers seat cushions.
The Ideal Slide-Back is the only chair of ANY TYPE
that affords 100% soiety in emergencies. Unoccupied
seats automatically silently slide back, risa
and lock into position; automatically disengaging
when lowered for occupancy.
The Slide-Back is also extremely popular with maintenance people. No adjustments or
lubrication are required and there is no understructure to hamper cleaning.
Easily installed without specialized mechanics, the Slide-Eack is adjustable to all conditions
and inclines.
CONVENTIONAL TYPE SEATING FOR BALCONIES WITH HIGH RISERS SUPPLIED ON
THE SAME ORDER WITH SLIDE-BACK CHAIRS.
See Exhibit at the
TE5HA Show
Jefferson Hotel
St. Louis, Mo.
Sept. 2S-29-30
Booths Nos. 72 and 73
Available in a variety of models, end standards and upholstering.
So/(/
h^ Independent Theatre Supply Dealers
IDEAL SEATING COMPANY of GRAND RAPIDS
SEATING IN THE MODERN MANNER
BOXOFnCE :: September 11, 1948 43

HOW DO WE GO ABOUT USING
COLOR SCIENTIFICALLY?
by HANNS R. TEICHERT*
VV E HAVE LONG been used to the idea
that the understanding and usage of color
is in the realm of the arts. But is it also
a science?
Many times during the course of our previous
articles, we have had occasion to refer
to such terms as "functional color,"
"color engineering," "color control" or
"colcr conditioning." These may seem like
very abstract terms to the average theatre
owner or manager. He is usually apt to
think of color as possessing only esthetic
qualities, and these in a rather toowide
range causing confused and diverse
personal preferences among his patrons.
Perhaps he has followed some of the many
fine writings on modern color research so
that he sees it reaches into the psychology
of association, and so into emotional reaction.
Perhaps, also, he has read something
of the wonderful new applications of
these scientific color principles to the treatment
of patients in mental or children's
hospitals. But we very much doubt whether
he thinks of these principles as being applicable
in the most
practical way to his
own business conditions.
In case question
marks are arising in
your mind, let us make
the point here that inasmuch
as businesses
as large and unrelated
as the Caterpillar
Ti-actor Co., the Pepperell
Mfg. Co., the Hanns R. Teichert
New York Trade School
and countless others too numerous to mention,
have considered it a necessity to colorcondition
their plant to improve production
and increase employe efficiency, the
question marks may well be discarded.
These established, conservative and successful
enterprises do not indulge in largescale
whimsies, esthetics or artistic personal
preferences.
How much more important this whole
subject is to you, then, as a theatre owner
OFFICE BUILDING-THEATRE FOR NEW YORK
01 mat, iger who wants not only efficiency
in he maintenance and operation of your
"plant," but who also has the public to deal
with in a much more intimate way. With
you it is not a matter of simply pleasing
your employes so that they will work with
more efficiency and ease, although as a
good employer you are interested in that,
too. But it is rather a matter of pleasing
people who will pay to come and spend
their time in your "plant" rather than
your paying them for that purpose. There
is quite a difference
COLOR-USAGE PRINCIPLES
We speak of the scientific status of color
research on which rests the claims of
"functional color," "color engineering,"
"color control" or "color conditioning," and
you do well who investigate the usage of
that word wherever it appears. It is one
of the most abused terms in our modern
vocabulary, being employed as a "come on"
for everything from a "scientific new principle
for hair oil," to a "new scientific
Indian Rheumatic Snake Oil." In most of
these cases, anyway, it's neither new nor
scientific but just "the old oil." For that
reason we want to take a paragraph or
two to explain, as simply as we can, the
principles upon which the truly scientific
usage of color rests.
Perhaps the most direct explanation is
to start at the beginning . . . the human
eye. It is this organ that is the control for
what is perceived, registered, thought
about mentally and reacted to emotionally.
Eye doctors agree that it is remarkably
like a camera. Light, carrying color, enters
the cornea, then, controlled by the
iris as a kind of camera shutter, it goes
through to the pupil and comes to focus
on the retina. This latter is a kind of photographic
plate composed of a mass of optic
nerves which transmit impulses to the
brain which, in turn, interprets them in
terms of form, detail, brightness, motion,
and, of course, color.
New Paris Theatre which occupies first three stories of a sixteen-story office building on 58th
St. just west of Fifth Ave. in New York City. This theatre, believed to be the first of its kind
in New York City, was made possible by a change in the building code which permits offices
above auditoriums seating more than 299 persons. The Paris will seat 571. It will be operated
as a first run foreign showcase by Pathe Cinema of the U.S.A., and is scheduled to open in
September. Architects: James M. Munro and Warner-Leeds.
GOOD
SEEING
That's the scientific physical and organic
start. Now let's see where it goes from
there.
Good seeing requires certain definite
conditions, such as the elimination of glare
from any source (usually bare windows,
(Continued on page 46)
•Theatre Decorating Specialists; Decorative Consultant
to The Modern Theatre Planning Institute.
44 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

I
y
^^^m^eai^.
Go
down any "Main Street" and you'll
find that the theatre that's "all dressed
lip"— that's smart, modern, good looking— is
the one that's "going ])laces." For the appearance
of a theatre is very much like that
of a person—either it catches your eye and
attracts you favorably or you pass it by without
a second glance. And hundreds of operators
have taken advantage of this fact to
build better businesses.
How? By modernizing their theatres— in-
•
side and out — with Pittsburgh Glass and
PitKo Store Front Metal. You, too, can use
these products to achieve greater prosperity
—to bring you more showgoers from a witler
area ... to increase your box office receipts
... to add to your profits.
Consult an architect. This will assure you
a well-planned, economical design—a real
winner. Meanwhile, fill in and return the
coupon below for your free copy of our book
on modernization. It shows scores of "Pittsburgh"
remodeled jobs—proves how Pittsburgh
Products can work magic for you.
(JEKriFIE X?IES GREG3HY TICK JDZ-CdtTEJ
"DUEL 4N THE £UH"-'< •:::::
PITTSBURGH
STORE FRONTS
AND INTERIORS
rittsbiirgli Plate Glass Company
2325-8 Grant BuUding, Pittsburgh 19, P.i.
Name
.\ddress_
IT'S A SAFE BET that this
attractive theatre in Pittsburgh,
Pa., is "going places."
Modernization like this, with
Pittsburgh Products means
more patrons, greater profits.
Dress your theatre for
better business with Pittsburgh
Glass and Pittco Store
Front Metal.
Architect: Wesley Henger,
Pittsburgh,
Pa.
send nie a free copy of
PAINTS GLASS
• CHEMICALS • BRUSHES • PLASTICS
RGH PLATE COMPANY
*««i
:SE^O>
BOXOFFICE ;: September 11, 1948
45

Using Color
Scientifically
(Continued from page 44)
lamps or shining light areas) which causes
the vision to fog. Good seeing also requires
the reduction of extreme contrasts within
the range of vision, inasmuch as the iris
has trouble adjusting for both. And a third
condition of good seeing is that the eyes
shall not be tired by being required to
view both far and near distances constantly,
for the same reason as above, in that
it causes continual adjustment. Lack of
the foregoing three conditions ultimately
produces eyestrain, which brings on body
which will interest you spe-
fatigue . . .
cifically at this point because fatigue in
your theatre patron leads to boredom, lack
of interest, fidgeting and general loss of
enthusiasm for the evening he has spent
in your auditorium. And he is apt to remember
that feeling the next time he is
in the position of deciding whether to go
to your show or remain in his comfortable
home listening to the radio.
FAVORABLE CONDITIONS
Now how do we go about it, scientifically,
to bring about the most favorable conditions
of light and color for any specific
purpose?
Bearing in mind all of the foregoing
physiological processes of seeing, we add
to them the knowledge of the physical
natures of light and color. For these two
are impossible to disassociate. We now have
a body of research to draw upon in this
fairly new field through the pioneering
of such authorities as Albert H. Munsell
and William Ostwald; while Faber Birren,
Louis Cheskin and many others have tested
these theories and principles and reduced
them to practical commercial scope. Without
lengthening this into a whole library
for the body of literature on this subject
is now vast ... let us just enumerate
.
some of the things now proved about color.
To begin with, we know that color is
light, and that light and the various pigments
which are in the earth are related.
We know that color is illumination, in that
darker ones absorb light while lighter ones
reflect it. We know that colors are temperature,
in that they absorb or reflect heat
as they do light. We know, from research
in color blindness, that color is in the eyes
and that red, green, yellow and blue are
the physiological primaries. We also know
that, through association, color is psychological
and affects man's emotions. And
we know that color is symbolic to man,
also through association and tradition.
A RESEARCH BUREAU
The MODERN THREATRE PLANNING INSTITUTE
825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City 1, Mo.
Gentlemen:
for MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION
9-11-48
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU to receive information regularly, as
released, on the following subjects for Theatre Planning:
n Acoustics
D Air Conditioning
D Architectural Service
n "Black" Lighting
n Building Material
D Carpets
D Coin Machines
G Complete Remodeling
Decorating
n Drink Dispensers
n Drive-In Equipment
n Lighting Fixtures
n Plumbing Fixtures
n Projectors
Projection Lamps
n Sealing
n Signs and Marquees
n Sound Equipment
Television
n Theatre Fronts
Vending Equipment
We know, through the latter two facts, that
color shades, tones and tints each have
their own personality and produce their
own measurable and predictable effects.
And we know that these effects vary measurably
and predictably with varying geographical
and cultural groups, races, ages,
climates and other conditions. Last, we
know that color is beauty, and that that
beauty is also understood, like "the universal
language of music" all over the world
by both the individual and the social group
in a universal manner.
It is a temptation to enlarge on the above
general statements to show, for example,
how color affecting the emotions can act
either as stimulant or depressant. Or how
it can and does affect your appetite. And
how purposeful all of the above can be
made when they are harnessed, through
knowledge or experience, to work for you.
(And in passing don't forget that the lack
of knowledge or experience in this field can
cause these principles to work against you
just as quickly and thoroughly) .
But tieing
down each one of them to a particular illustration
would be another article in itself.
Furthermore, we are hoping, as you
read this, that you will see where in all
of our previous articles we have tried to
demonstrate these principles in specific
and individual examples of theatre decorating.
Making this great general body of
color and light knowledge a practical force
working for you in your own theatre is
what we mean as "scientific color control,"
••functional color," "color engineering" or
••color conditioning."
When the above principles are enlarged
through the knowledge and use of the right
type of color for the right place, the right
surface for the specific need, the right application
for the right result, the right colored
lighting to enhance the effect and the
right handling of all co-related factors,
well ... the result may be art but it's first
and foremost a science.
Atlanta Theatres to
Install Sprinklers
Owners of eight neighborhood theatres
in Atlanta, Ga., are taking steps toward
compliance with city and state building and
fire safety laws in receiving bids for
sprinkler installations in their theatres.
Properties of the Community circuit listed
as being involved in the sprinkler installation
project were: The Cascade, Euclid,
Gordon, Little Five Points, Plaza, Sylvan,
Techwood and West End Theatres.
D Other Subiecis
Addrass
City
Seahng Capacity
State..
Fox Safe's Sale
The Fox Theatre of Montrose, Colo., has
a new Diebold three-part safe, installed
in a concrete base. The safe was buried
to a depth of about three feet in 500 pounds
of concrete. It is further protected by
having a combination opening, below that
a door unlocked by a key, and below that
a third door also unlocked by a key.
Signed..
(Ovruw-McnooM)
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

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all can be done the easy way
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Original
THIRD DIMENSION"
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Plaza Theatre, Miami Beach, Fla., with 10" Adler "Third Dime
16" CAST ALUMINUM Letters used interchangeably on Adle
Adler PLASTIC Letters are strongest and toughest—with
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means practicaWy unhreakuble. Come in many fast,
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for All DRIVE-IN ATTRACTION BOARDS
and Standard THEATRE MARQUEES
Adler Changeable Letter Equipment provides the
most modern and effective program display obtainable
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BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 47

, the
NEW IDEAS AND MATERIALS HELP
CUT CORNERS IN BUILDING COSTS
W,HEN Walter L. Morris started out
to plan his new Tower Theatre in Knoxville,
Tenn.. he wanted to build on a modest
budget yet get a theatre which adopted
modern achitectural lines, included enough
innovations to attract added patronage and
make use of new, modern materials which
some exhibitors have neglected.
Morris got his theatre, at a cost of
under $150 a seat for a 1,000-seat house.
But he worked closely with architects, contractors
and designers in planning the
house. He searched through architectural
and construction magazines for ideas, discussed
new ideas and materials with the
planners, and he found out that it paid cff
—both in economical constnjction and
attractiveness of the theatre.
For example, as far as Morris knew,
no theatre had ever used a fibre glass cloth
ceiling, for acoustical treatment and decorative
effect. He was willing to experiment.
The result is "the finest acoustics
in any theatre in the south," as Morris
tells
it.
The fibre glass cloth is suspended on steel
wire, and woven into a diamond shaped
pattern. The ceiling has a tufted effect
which seems to give the theatre its unusually
good acoustics. The tufted effect was
created by the weight fibre glass cloth itself
plus a five-inch layer of blown fibre
glass insulation.
The ceiling was installed in approximately
10 days, and could have been finished
within a week if first-time bugs had
been anticipated. By comparison, points
out Morris, conventional plastering with
metal lath, etc., could not have been
done in a 1,000-seat theatre in less than
three or four weeks. "The ultimate result
couldn't have been as effective nor as reasonable
in cost of workmanship and materials
plus the added saving by being able to
open so much sooner," Morris said. The
ceiling is fireproof and vermin proof.
However, other ideas also went into the
planning and construction of the theatre.
The masonry consists of Super-Rock
Blox, manufactured by the Knox-Blox Co.
These blocks are a modified coping block
with a hollow core, and are laid so the
ribbed face ( interior ) of the block produces
a continuous rib from foundation to ceiling
line. The core likewise is continuously
hollow and is filled with vermiculite insulation.
The exterior walls have a stucco
finish of gunite topped with a white Restocrete.
For the front trim, Morris merely
used a brick red enamel.
Economy in maintenance also was
planned. In the foyer and lounges, floors
were treated with Truscon brick red dye,
thus eliminating the necessity for tile or
carpeting. The walls and ceiling were treated
acoustically with vermiculite plaster to
reduce noise. Use of vermiculite, which has
been the subject of several magazine articles
recently, was extensive. It was used
for lobby insulation. Vermiculite plaster
was used in the booth and other fireproof
chambers, and loose-fill vermiculite was
used in the core of the sidewall blocks for
added insulation.
For lighting effects isee auditorium
I
photo streaks across the sidewall panels
come from concealed spots with motorized
color wheels. These spots operate both
6e/ow, left: Inside of Tower Theatre, showing fibre glass ceiling, and seating arrangement;
also windows to party and cry rooms. Right: View of side wall showing streaks of light crossing.
Lights change color as motorized color wheel turns.
Tower Theatre of Knoxville, Tenn., was built
on modest budget, yet made good use of new
ideas and materials.
from the booth and the first floor, and are
used during trailers and intermissions.
Like a number of theatres recently constructed,
the Tower is not neglecting the
possibility of added income through stage
attractions. Tlie stage in the Tower is 18 i
feet deep, and can easily be adapted to
serve most stage attractions which would i
be offered. The theatre also includes a
cry room and a party room for special
theatre parties.
The office has been situated so that the
manager has easy access to all sections of
the theatre. It is in the rear of the boxoffice
so that it is accessible to the boxoffice,
the candy shop and the sweet shop,)
and a storage room where supplies are
kept for the boxoffice, confections and the
theatre itself.
All in all, the project proves that it pays
to plan ahead in conference with professional
architects, builders and supply people—and
that for the exhibitor who is willing
to try new materials and architectural!
trends, there is much to be looked for in
less expensive construction costs, simpler
maintenance and physical attractiveness of
the house itself in newer materials.
BiK-i
Sitjaa
fflfiOD
M
irfofra
Papci
"Si is
. \V\''V-.

MEETING THE UNWELCOME GUEST
Fire Protection in a Theatre Is a "Must"
' VERY EXHIBITOR PLANS ahead to meet
the customers he wants—and, if he is at
all far-sighted, for those he hopes will
never come—and that goes for the most
undesirable guest that any showman can
meet— the alarm of "Fire." Being ready
in advance will do much to keep the visit
of short duration—and the damage at a
minimum.
Some things can be done in advance to
plan how to meet a catastrophe before it
occurs—and the wise showman has taken
his precautions well in advance. There are
two important phases—fire prevention activity
and the handling of the crowd in
a theatre—which do not come within the
scope of this article, but deserve fullest
study by every exhibitor and manager. Our
attention will be centered upon the availability
and necessity of fire-fighting equipment.
SELECT EQUIPMENT CAREFULLY
Probably every exhibitor has a minimum
of such equipment around his theatre
usually in the form of the various types
of conventional fire extinguishers. These
are of various types according to both the
contents used and the manner in which
they are operated, and there are sound
reasons for choice of one or the other type,
as the salesman of each well know. The
individual exhibitor will make his choice
in accord with what he conceives to be
the need of his house for protection at a
given point, and the ability of his staff to
handle it quickly in an emergency. The
heavy type of extinguishers to be inverted
would be of little use where the average
girl ushers would be the ones to have to
lift them In an emergency, for instance.
Some lighter, more easily-directed type,
would be better.
Exhibitors and the average member of
the general public alike learned a lot about
fire-fighting equipment for a brief period
during the war, when new types were
brought to the attention of the public, notably,
the widespread use of the stirrup
pump, in connection with air raid protection,
which was at one time well developed
throughout the country. Most of this experience
has long since been nearly forgotten,
but some lessons can be learned
from it.
Perhaps the desirability of having easily
portable equipment which can be rushed
to the spot where a fire occurs and used
before damage has spread seriously is one
lesson we can learn from the war experience.
To the professional fire-fighter, mobile
equipment tends to mean the larger units
designed for big installations, used outdoors,
and some of these have a definite
use in the new extension of the theatre
field—in drive-ins. These huge show
"houses" can utilize the same type of equipment,
mounted on trucks, which have
proved valuable to all types of outdoor
show world enterprises, including circuses,
amusement parks and carnivals.
Any good showman will provide an adequate
supply of extinguishers at or near all
points of probable hazard—and see that
the right people are trained in their use,
and that they are kept properly inspected.
A hazard in theatres where there is considerable
juvenile patronage has been found
to be the habit of some youngsters of playing
with the extinguishers, even emptying
them into toilets, and this can only be
checked by systematic inspection of every
unit at frequent intervals.
Routine inspection of all known points
of danger is equally important. Electrical
and mechanical equipment are obvious
sources of special hazard. Little need be
said about projection booths—in any properly
inspected and constructed theatre, this
portion is fairly well protected, considering
the inevitable danger of fire at any
second. Inspection of safety links, enforcement
of safety rules, such as the absolute
ban on any obstructions that would prevent
instant closing of all opening in case
of fire, and the obvious interest which the
projectionist himself has in maintaining
maximum safety conditions, must be relied
upon to assure relative safety here — fewbooth
fires, despite their regrettable frequency,
have spread beyond the booth.
DISPLAY HAS ADVANTAGE
An inconspicuous but definite display of
fire-fighting equipment has an advantage
from the standpoint of consumer reaction
—it is an assurance to the public that
they are properly safeguarded against the
obvious hazards when a crowd is assembled.
The average theatre designer and
operator today works upon the opposite
theory—that the equipment should be kept
out of sight—and so out of mind, as it
may create a reaction against going to the
show on the part of the public, by reminding
them of the possible danger. It
is to be taken for granted that, even where
no such equipment is visible, concealment
has not meant its relegation to some spot
difficult to reach in a sudden emergency.
But it is also doubtful whether this psychology
is 100 per cent sound showmanship,
though the point is clearly debatable.
The presence of visible proof of protection
has a definite favorable influence for the
average theatregoer too.
Improvements in house hygiene should be
made regularly to insure best possible conditions.
Sanitary maintenance must be
carried on continuously.
Aichitectural
Advisory Staii
THE PLANNING INSTITUTE is conducted in
collaboration with the following theatre
architects, structural designers and engineers
who have agreed lo act as technical advisers
to the Institute and editorial text contributors
to The MODERN THEATRE section of BOX-
OmCE from th»ir respective localities.
ATLANTA, GA.
Tucl(er & Howell, Rfiodes-Have-ly Bldn.
BOSTON, MASS.
W. Chester Browne, 184 Boylston St.
CHARLOTTE. N. C.
M. R. Marsh, 509 Builders Bldo, 2
CHICAGO. ILL.
Roy B. Blass, 30 N. La Salle. Chicago 2
Erwiii G. Fredrick, 225 N. Michioaii A»e. 1
Edward Paul Lewin, 134 N. LaSalle St. 2
Raro & Ranp. 230 N. Michigan Ave. 1
CINCINNATI, OHIO
Grunkemeycr & Sulll.an, 3717 E;istern Ave.
CLEVELAND. OHIO
George A. Ebeliiig. Colonial Arcade 15
DALLAS. TEX.
Jack Corgan. 200g Jackson St. 1
DECATUR, ALA.
Albert R. Frahn
DENVER, COLO.
Charles D. Strong, 416 C. A. Johnson BIdg.
OES MOINES, lA.
Wetherell & Harrison. 506 Shops BIdg.
DETROIT, MICH
Charles N. Agree, 1140 Book Tower 26
Bennett & Straight. Schaefer BIdg., Dearborn
HENDERSONVILLE, N. C.
Erie G. Stillwell. Inc.
JACKSONVILLE. FLA.
Kemp, Bunch & Jackson, 402 Fla. Theatre BIdg
KANSAS CITY. MO.
Robert 0. Boiler and Dietz Lusk Jr..
Associated Architects, 7332 Brooklyn Ave.
KNOXVILLE, TENN.
Fred Manley Associates. 216 Twelfth St.
LOS ANGELES, CALIF.
S. Charles Lee, 1648 Wilshire Blvd. 14
Paul R. Williams, 3757 Wilshire Blvd.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.
Liebenberg & Kaplan. 710 McKnight BIdg.
MONTREAL, QUE., CAN.
Henry E. Greenspoon, 1434 St. Catherine W.
NASHVILLE. TENN.
Marr & Holman, 701 Stahlman BIdg. 3
NEW LONDON, CONN.
Arthur Deimel, Mohican Hotel BIdg.
NEW YORK, N. Y.
Michael J. DeAngelis, Paramount BIdg. 18
Wm. I. Hohauscr, Inc., 1841 Broadway 23
OMAHA. NEB.
H. A. Raapke, 1611 Davenport St.
PHILADELPHIA. PA.
David Supowitz. 246 S. 15th St.
PITTSBURGH, PA.
Victor A. Rigaumont. 5471 Coral St.
PORTLAND. ORE.
J. W. DeYoung, 730 S. W. Salmon St.
ROCHESTER N Y
Micnael J. DeAngelis. Cutler BIdg., 42 Cast Ave.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Paul K. Evans. 246 E. First South St.
SAN ANTONIO. TEX.
Spillman & SpiUman. Chandler BIdg.
SAN FRANCISCO. CALIF.
Vincent G. Raney. 233 Post SL
TORONTO. ONT. CAN.
Kaplan t Sprachman, 305 Dundee St., W.
NOTE: The Institute does not undeilok* th>
proiesaional iunctions oi an architect or designer.
Its service is intended m&re>v to
place our readers in touch with reliable local
ouroea of preliminary injormation and advice
on thoatre planning and structural problems.
BOXOFTICE September 11, 1948
49

WITH STANDBY ELECTRIC
THE SHOW GOES ON
POWER
Jt\ LL MODERN THEATRES ai'C dependent
upon electricity. Whether it be for the
purpose of attracting customers to the theatre
via the brilliance of the marquee or
for identifying exits by means of tiny red
lights, the entire function of the theatre
revolves upon the use of electric power.
And when this power is suddenly curtailed,
the show is over. Until power is restored
the theatre manager is responsible,
more than ever, for the lives and safety of
his customers. With no emergency lights
to illuminate aisles, stairways and exits,
the theatre is darkened beyond the point
of safety. If the emergency continued for
any length of time and patrons began leaving,
serious consequences could result from
the lack of illumination.
PROTECTING GOODWILL
The small-town theatre owner is aware
that his theatre is particularly vulnerable
to interruptions of the local electric power
supply. Too many times in the past few
years he has had to experience the humiliation
and helplessness that comes when he
sees his screen suddenly flicker and go
black, when his customers wait wonderingly
and patiently at first, then line up at the
ticket office demanding refunds.
No theatre operator likes to make refunds
to patrons, especially under such
conditions. Not only is the loss of revenue
hard to take, but also the prestige and
community goodwill, built up by many
months of careful showmanship, suffers
irreparably.
Since it is inevitable that a dependable
source of electricity is needed for modern
theatre operation, many owners and operators
of show houses are turning to electric
power-generating units, not only for
standby protection, but also for security
against voltage drops and other power line
inadequacies. The comforting awareness
of complete protection against electric
power failures is but one of the many advantages
of these units.
The initial cost of such emergency equipment
may. at first glance, seem out of
proportion to the theatre operator who
contemplates installing a standby power
plant. However, a careful perusal of the
accompanying survey of electric power requirements
by seating capacity will enlighten
the prospective buyers considerably.
Taking into consideration the fact that an
emergency electric power plant is just that,
he can then estimate the essential requirements
of his particular theatre and purchase
the size and type of unit that fits
his needs.
Normal essential requirements would
consist first of all, of adequate electric
power for all exit and aisle lights. Electricity
for the projection booth is necessary
if uninterrupted showing of the motion
picture is desired. The power for
sound amplification must be considered:
Survey of Theatre Lighting end Electric Power Requirements

Hoff.
SIX ADDITIONS TO BALLANTYNE LINE
TO BE INTRODUCED AT TESMA SHOW
X^ NEW STREAMLINED SOUNDHEAD, neW
45-70 amp. high-intensity lamp, a complete
new line of Lightmaster high-intensity
rectifiers, a new streamlined projector
base, a new projector, and an all
new two-way horn system will be introduced
by the Ballantyne Co. at the TESMA-
TEDPA trade show in the Jefferson hotel
in St. Louis, September 28-30. according
to J. R. (Bob
I sales manager.
All of these items will be making their
debut simultaneously in Ballantyne dealer's
show rcoms in this country and in
Canada. Export distribution is handled by
K. Streuber & La Chicotte of New York
City.
NEW MODEL 8 SOUNDHEAD
Ballantyne has added a Model 8 soundhead,
a streamlined model of the Royal
Soundmaster soundhead. Pi'oduction en
the lower priced standard Model 6 soundhead
will be continued.
The outstanding feature of the new
Model 8 soundhead is a novel gyro-filter
developed by F. C. Largen sr.. design engineer
at the Ballantyne Creighton. Neb.,
plant. Possessing alleged perfect gyroscopic
action the filter is composed of alsteel
units, ball-bearing mounted and permanently
sealed, assuming a life time of
trouble free operation, and smooth film
travel over the rotary scanning drum.
Tests show it to as completely as possible
eliminate all flutter in operation. It is
claimed to be positively foolproof, and
will not get out of balance nor leak oil.
Other features include the following:
The motor is enclosed in a well- ventilated,
streamlined housing that is attached directly
to the main frame casting of the
soundhead.
A large handwheel is located at the front
of the motor housing for convenience in
threading soundhead and projector.
NEW HI-INTENSITY ARC LAMP
The most recent development in Ballantyne
hi-intensity arc lamps is a multipurpose
lamp—a lamp which allows the
operator to use a given amount of amperage
for best light in his theatre and yet
have reserve amperage for outstanding contingencies,
such as color film and film
of greater density.
Every feature in a modern hi-intensity
lamp is claimed for the Lightmaster Model
4570. It has a 14-inch Bausch & Eomb
reflector at a 32-inch working distance,
designed for optically perfect performance
with an f/2.0 lens.
From 45 to 70 amps, and at any light
level between, the Lightmaster Model 4570
projects a steady, brilliant light that is
distributed uniformly over the complete
screen area. The projectionist may select
the amperage needed for any given picture
by setting of rhecstat for the proper positive
carbon feed, and by simple adjustment
of the micrometer drive on the negative
carbon if needed, and obtain the steady
light intensity desired.
Obsolete, troublesome electro-magnets
are replaced by a steel loop, mounted on
the carbon guide, which is magnetized only
when the arc is burning.
LIGHTMASTER RECTIFIERS
Lightmaster rectifiers are an economical
and dependable means of converting alternating
current to direct current for the
operation of hi-intensity lamps.
Enclosed in attractive, 16-gauge steel
cases, finished in gray, baked-on wrinkle
paint, the Lightmaster line is complete for
the entire range of 40 to 80 amperes. Included
are the 4-tube, 40-amp. designed
fcr 1 kilowatt lamps, the 4-tube 60-amp.
single phase and 4-tube 60 amp. three
phase for 45-60 amp. lamps, and the 6-tube
80-amp. single phase and 6-tube 80-amp.
three phase for 45-80 amp. lamps.
Compact and streamlined, the rectifiers
require little floor space and can be placed
either directly under the lamp being served,
or operated from a remote corner. The
housing is fully ventilated with a natural
draft escaping through slotted sides and
top. The top is hinged to provide ready
access to tubes.
Full provision is made in all rectifier
types for wide range voltage adjustment
and connector strips and conduit wiring
holes are standard. These rectifiers are
available in 50 or 60 cycles at the same
basic low cost.
MODEL R PROJECTOR
Recently the Ballantyne Company announced
the purchase of the Gardiner
Super Projector from L. J. Gardiner of
Columbus. Ohio. This projector is now
being manufactured under the Royal
Soundmaster name and is being completely
modernized, both internally and externally.
When offered to the market the
new projector will be known as the RSM
Model R.
Many of the outstanding features of the
projector will be retained such as the direct
drive, barrel-type rear .shutter, the
easily removable film gate for inspection
and cleaning, improved rigid gate mounting,
framing knob on both working-nonworking
side of projector, double bearing
intermittent, cast iron main frame, and
alternate steel and fibre gears which assure
quiet service.
Among the changes now being incorporated
are a complete new streamlined
external design, overall enlarging of projector
to provide spacious internal working
room, shock-proof spiral gears, micrometer
lens focusing, full width doors
to provide adequate working space, and
heavy non-warping aluminum doors and
housing.
MODEL 1800 BASE
As a complement to the new Model R
projector and Model 8 soundhead, a new
Soundmaster base is available for immediate
distribution. Attractively decorated
in chrome, the base is modern-styled and
streamlined with a forward slant that adds
^Continued on page 60
Here's a preview of some of the new Ballantyne equipment which will be introduced at the
TBSMA show in St. Louis. At the right is shown model "R" projector with model "8" Royal
Soundmaster soundhead, Model 1800 base, model 4570 Lightmaster high intensity projection
arc lamp. At the left, above: new model 14 two-way horn system. Below: rear view of model 8
soundhead with gear guard removed to show new gyro-filter.
BOXOFFICE :; September U, 1948 51

EQUIPMENT & DEVELOPMENTS
Steamro Prepares 'Franks'
In a Matter of Seconds
Of considerable interest to drive-in theatres,
concessions operators and the refreshment
service departments of many
indoor theatres is tlie new Steamro electric
frankfurter steamer and bvm warmer.
Steamro prepares frankfurters quickly
and it has a capacity up to 200 hot dogs
and 35 to 50 buns, depending on the size
of the buns. An adjustable humidity control
keeps the buns fresh and a scientific
steaming process keeps the frankfurters
from shriveling up and becoming tough.
The Steamro unit has a heavy-duty
heating element with 3-heat control switch.
be fastened at any desired angle up to 45
deg. It can likewise be recessed in sidewalls
for lighting of fluorescent ceiling
decorations.
Model 88 fits between 16-in. centered
joists or studding and requires an opening
just 14 in. square.
Available also from Switzer is a new 250-
watt black light portable model No. 75,
intended for entertainers, lecturers, display
designers and others who have need
for black light equipment that may be
readily carried from place to place.
Additional information on Glo-Craft
black light equipment may be obtained
from Switzer Brothers, Inc., 1220 Huron
Road. Cleveland 15, Ohio.
It uses 715 watts on "high," 358 watts on
"medium" and 179 watts on "low." It is
compactly designed, being only 17 by 20
in. by 16 in. high, and weighs 30 lbs.
Further details may be obtained fi'om
the Star Mfg. Co., 6300 St. Louis Ave., St.
Louis, Mo.
Alumjnex Being Distributed
By Notional Theatre
Theatre Specialties, Inc., of Los Angeles,
manufacturers of Bevelite plastic marquee
letters, have just announced a new line of
poster cases, known as Aluminex. Distribution
will be handled exclusively by National
Theatre Supply.
The new Aluminex display frames are
constructed of extruded aluminum and incorporate
many advanced features. The
line includes wall-type poster cases for both
recess and surface mounting, easel-type
cases, photo cases and insert frames. The
cases are available both lighted and unlighted
and are designed to carry standard
posters, photographs and cards ranging
from 40 in. by 80 in. poster paper to 3 in.
by 10 in. date strips.
Among the new features of Aluminex
frames claimed by the manufacturer are:
Engineered illumination focuses an evenly
distributed light on posters. Extruded
aluminum poster holders on all four sides
entirely mask edges of poster. Poster liolders
snap open and stay open—snap shut
and stay shut. Positive tumbler locks assure
safe, trouble-free operation. Beveled
light shields protect the eye from glare and
give a pleasing appearance of depth.
In addition to poster cases the Aluminex
line incorporates theatre-front hardware
and accessories including push bars, pull
bars, push plates, kick plates and threshholds.
The new Aluminex line is now offered
for sale at all National Theatre Supply
branches.
Switzer "88" Block Light
Now Available to Trade
Illustrated here is Switzer Bros, new Glo-
Craft model 88 black light, which consists
of a 250-watt lamp and reflector unit
housed in a metal cabinet which is hinged
on one side so it may be swung into position
below the ceiling. The lamp may
High-Intensity Spotlamps
Announced by Strong
The Strong Electric Corp. has just announced
a new and complete line of high
intensity reflector-type arc spotlamps for
the amusement field.
The new line includes sizes and capacities
for every requirement from a
small low-priced portable model known as
the "Trouper" intended for night clubs and
theatres, to a large versatile lamp, the
"Big Top" for ice shows, stadiums, circuses,
arenas and convention halls.
The new spotlamps employ as a light
soured the high intensity reflector-type
lamp used universally for motion picture
projection. This high intensity reflector
principle is said to result in a snow-white
light of tremendous volume.
Light weight construction and a delicate
balance permit one-hand control and make
for easy following of fast action. The spotlamp
can be swung through a full 360 deg.
horizontal and compressed to angles of 45
52
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

deg. or more. The lamps are equipped with
color boomerang, fading iris, ultra-violei
filters, and simplified automatic carbon
feed. The masking control has both vertical
and horizontal adjustment blades
which can be angled at 45 deg. planes from
normal.
Literature on the new Strong spotlamp.s
may be obtained by writing to The Strong
Electric Corp.. 34 City Parle. Toledo 2. Ohio
New Fluorescent Diffuser
Strips Available
A new sheet material for use in illuminated
display signs and in lighting fixture.^
has been developed by Extruders. Inc. It
is a lightweight fluorescent diffuser strip
in widths up to 19 in. and thicknesses
ranging from .050 in. to .093 in. The material
makes an ideal shield for fluorescent
lights, theatre marquee panels, and panel
lighting arrangements.
The strip will reduce the weight of lighting
fixtures now using glass diffuser strips
and thereby increase the safety factor involved.
It will not shatter or break.
The plastic strip is available in various
densities of white and colors, permitting
different percentages of light transmission.
It is extruded in flat, angular, semi-circular
sheets or in any desired cross section.
F^irther details may be obtained from
Extruders. Inc.. 8509 Higuera St.. Culver
City, Calif.
Floorsavers by Ace
Are Brand New
Intended for floor scrubbing, polishing
and waxing, the new Floorsavers illustrated
below, have recently been placed on the
market.
WHY?
No, it isn't double talk. Boltaflex wins theatre owners with its unbelievable
wearability . . . the way it can be washed again and again with
soap and water and still look bright and new.
BOLTAFLEX REDUCES MAINTENANCE COSTS!
Cover your theatre seats with long-wearing Boltaflex and watch the
cost of upholstery maintenance fall!
Speak to Your Theatre Chair Manufacturer or Contractor About
BOLTAFLEX Today.
WASHABLE • PERSPIRATION-PROOF • FIRE-RESISTANT
• WON'T CRACK, CHIP OR PEEL
(Choice of over 5
"blended" and two-tone color;
Features include low over-all height of
11 in., properly balanced motor over brush
for easy handling, oversize heavy-duty mo-
(Continued on following pagei
BOXOFFICE ;: September 11. 1948
BOLTA PRODUCTS SALES, Inc.
Factory and General Offices
LAWRENCE, MASSACHUSETTS
New York Office 45 West 34th Street
WHEN YOU SAY BOLTAFLEX ... YOU'VE COVERED EVERYTHING!
53

New
Equipment
And Developments
(Continued from page 53)
tor for long life and trcuble-free service.
There are two models, "S" and "T" the
difference between the two being that
model "T" is equipped with a solution tank,
the feed of which may be automatically or
manually controlled. Model "S" does not
have a tank.
Additional information on Ploorsavers is
available from the Ace Co., 12-40 N. Orange
St.,
Ocala, Fla.
77-Pound Electric Plant
By Onan & Sons
One of the smallest and lightest 4-cycle,
engine-driven alternating current lighting
-^ Sealuxe Theatre Display Systems, Hardware and Accessories
are now distributed through independent supply houses
in many territories.
If you have not been contacted by the new distributor in your
territory write us direct. We will see that your orders are
taken care of promptly.
There ore a few territories in which distributor appointments
have not been made. Supply houses interested in complete
information regarding the distributor arrangement on Sealuxe
Theatre Products are invited to write us.
Mr. Lou Walters, Theatre Division Monoger, will
be in St. Louis at the Theatre Equipment and
Supply Manufacturers Association, Inc., September
28-30. See our display Booth No. 81.
plant ever developed, is the new Onan
model AAE, which weighs but 77 lbs. It
generates 350 watts.
This little power plant makes it possible
to have an alternating current supply
practically anywhere for purposes such asi
sound recording work, portable P. A. systems,
emergency lighting, summer camps,
trailers and roadside stands.
The new power plant is available in both
115-volt a. c. models and in 6, 12 and 32-
volt d. c. battery chargers. Accessories for
all models include carrying handle, mounted
2-qt. fuel tank, muffler assembly, emergency
starting rope, instruction manual
and plywood mounting board.
Further details are available upon request,
from D. W. Onan & Sons, Inc., Minneapolis
5, Minn.
Roto-Beam Circulator
Achieves Near Silence
Designed to move air by induction, thei
Roto-Beam creates twin air beams, one a
fast-moving "tight" current, the other a
large spirally twisting flow. The differen^
ital in pressure between the twin air cur
rents causes the air in the rcom to move,!j
According to the manufacturer, near si-ij
I
iliis
Sou,
J"''"
54 The MODERN THEATRE SECTIONfl

lence is achieved, througn tne use of a
scientifically designed propeller, molded of
high-impact bakelite.
Further information on thi.s product may
be obtained by writing to Roto-Beam, 1955
N. Keller Ave., Chicago 39. 111.
BEAUTY THAT ENDURES!
New Karmelkorn Dispenser
Permits Bulk Sales
Selling Karmelkorn in paper cups at theatre
refreshment service stands is easy and
profitable with this new dispenser developed
by Supurdisplay. Inc. The dispenser,
which stands atop candy-vending cases,
has a stainless-steel serving drawer, large
front display area, plastic cup rack to fa-
Dcrnnitor s Colors
Won't fade or grow dull
Saijf-Rrsistant
Tough — wear resistant
PUnhlc
Toilors smoothly for
lasting beauty
.tfrr- Resistant
Won't crack, split
or chip
// fislmble
spills wipe off easily
Durable
Strong fobric backing
U. S. Naugahyde—the practical upholstery, is adding its
note of color and cheer in the smartest restaurants, hotels
and theatres. Investigate! Ask your supplier, decorator
or upholsterer. Look for the label "U. S. Naugahyde" on
new furniture.
Nationally advertised— Distributors in principal cities
cilitate filling, false bottom in display area
to give illusion of bulk, stainless steel serving
door and a sliding trap door in the
bottom of the serving drawer for easy
emptying.
Additional information on the Karmelkorn
dispenser is available from Supurdisplay,
Inc., Milwaukee, Wis.
Simplex Sound Projector
Type SP Now Available
The Simplex sound projector. Type SP.
which is intended for the small village
(Continued on following page)
MADE ONLY BT
>^^^^^^-^
,S\'A'^
SV"?-^
UNITED STATES
RUBBER company'
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 55

New
"Equipmeni
And Developments
{Continued from page 55)
%iL'^AA

pictured here. The attractive young lady
shown with the thirst quencher is Peggy
Waggoner.
Tlie Drinkmaster is made of stainless
steel. It has a self-contained carbonator.
Oldest U.S. Theatre
Being Remodeled
The Savannah Theatre of Savannah, Ga..
said to be the oldest theatre in the U.S.
is being remodeled. Fred G. Weis, operator
of the house since 1920, said work would
begin immediately on the project.
Plans from which the Savannah will be
remodeled were prepared by R. E. Collins
and Carl E. Helfrich. architects. The plans
call for a seating capacity of about 1,200,
new projection equipment, provision for
television, air conditioning and general
redecorating. The revised structure will be
a combination of brick, rough quarried
limestone, five colors of terra cotta, burgundy-colored
structural glass and Bedford
limestone. The Savannah has been operated
by members of the Weis family since
1880.
Altec's Chicago Office
Moved on September 1
To keep pace with expanded activities in
the middle west, the Chicago Altec Service
headquarters office moved on September 1,
into new and larger quarters in the Transportation
Building, 608 South Dearborn
St., according to an announcement by
R. Hilton, district manager.
compressor and a chipped-ice compartment
with a capacity of 150 lbs. The machines
are being made in Oklahoma City at present,
but plans are being made to open a
larger factory soon in Dallas.
Further information on the Quick-Serve
Drinkmaster may be obtained by writing to
the Beaty-Dunlap Mfg. Co.. Oklahoma
City, Okla.
New Show Rooms for
James Lees & Sons Co.
The new James Lees & Sons Co. showroom
in the Spreckles Bldg., Los Angeles,
is in keeping with the modernization plan
which marks Lees exhibit spaces in New
York. Chicago and San F^-ancisco.
Carpet is the central theme of the decorative
effort. Lees Hooksett. in a new
green tone-on-tone occupies the main office
of both yarn and carpet displays. This
runs through the contract room, which is
gray with textured rose flower.
Walls reflect the bright tones of the carpet.
They include lime yellow, coffee
beige on the exterior with the bay of the
yarn section in oyster white. The back wall
of the yarn section and the entrance frame
are in mint green. The contract room
walls are in cccoa and olive-gray green.
The main carpet display area is done in
lime, oyster white and cocoa. The yarn
section features the newest ball-yarn books
and a reception area. Raymond Loewy
Associates served as architects.
New upholstery materials are versatile
as well as beautiful. And such materials
have other uses such as deccrative covering
for doors, panels, lounge furniture, etc.
EZY-RUG Rubber Link MATTING
• Traps all dirt, keeps it out of sight, and
prevents tracking into the theatre.
• Reduces frequency of redecorating necessitated
by dirt whirled into the air by the
heating and cooling systems.
• Available with lettering and designs.
• Easily handled.
• Eliminates dangers ol wet, slippery flooring.
-ALSO-
CORRUGATED SPONGE RUBBER MATTING
sles
PERFORATED CORRUGATED I^ATTING
for
lobbies
AMERICAN COUNTER-THED MATTING
jse at candy counters and popcorn macbii
For prices and folder. '"A Mat lor Every Purpose"
for promoting safety and sanitation, write
AMERICAN MAT CORPORATION
'Amaricm'm Largmat Matlii
1719 Adams Street Toledo 2, Ohio
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948 57

THIS EXHIBITOR KEEPS THE XIDS'
TOWARD THE BACK ROW
./^FTER THREE yeai's of intensified planning
and training, the personalized patron
service at the Colonial Theatre, 1,200-seat
flagship of the Hartford Theatre Circuit,
in Hartford, Conn., is paying off, according
to Ernest A. Grecula, assistant to Al Schuman,
general manager of the circuit.
Grecula, joining the circuit staff in 1945
following army service, was assigned to
manage the Colonial, situated on one of
Hartford's residential section's main thoroughfares.
Taking over the house, he realized
from 20 years of previous show business
experience—that a new manager creates
goodwill more rapidly through efficient
managership and the supplementai-y service
of making patrons feel at home.
WEEKLY DRILLS HELD
And so he started holding weekly courtesy
drills for service staffs. He selected Saturday
afternoons, with running time of the
drills from 1 to 1:45 p. m. In choosing Saturday
afternoon, he felt that the training
would still be fresh in the minds of his
staff for use in handling the Saturday
afternoon kiddy trade.
The theatre has six service-staff aides,
including a doorman, two main floor ushers,
one balcony usher and two cashiers.
The Colonial runs on a policy cf one
matinee and one evening show during the
week and continuous performances on Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays. Because
the theatre has more business on weekends,
Grecula believes that the courtesy drills,
held on Saturday afternoons, have more
effect on the service staff, and, resultantly,
on the patron.
During the 45 minutes devoted weekly to
the drills, Grecula talks informally and
has one or two service-staff aides go
through the motion of handling various
circumstances to be confronted on the
main floor and in the balcony.
Ushers are shown the right—and wrong
ways—of how to seat a patron. "Evei-ything
that goes into making everyone feel
at home is important," says Grecula. How
to handle aged and infirm customers, and
page doctors are also discussed.
Adds Grecula: "The house demands
courtesy. I have found in the past three
years that our plan has paid dividends.
Customers have come to wait for such
service. I have received telephone calls and
letters commending the policy."
"It's not hard. Just tell your service
staff: Handle the patron gently, with no
hurry or slowness either—just hit a happy
medium. As for kids, keep the kids toward
the back row. There we can keep an eye
on them, and also have them available for
parents and telephone calls. You can also
control any potential noisemakers among
the children by keeping them in the back
section. They are near candy, etc., and are
more likely to stay quiet when they know
the ushers and doormen are near."
NUMBER CALLING SYSTEM
In connection with courtesy, Grecula has
devised a number calling system for the
paging cf doctors and other professional
men. The system does not disturb patrons,
however, with the calling of names up and
down rows.
Instead, Grecula gives incoming medical
men, etc., a number upon notification from
the cashier. Wlien a doctor is needed, for
example, a number—anywhere from one
to twelve— is flashed on the screen, and
in this way the doctor is paged with no
noise.
So successful has this paging business
worked that on occasions, the theatre may
get as many as half a dozen doctors during
one evening.
Doctors tell Grecula that the system relieves
them of the practice followed in
other theatres, where ushers or managers
roam up .and down the aisles for many
minutes calling out names.
'f^^ For Screen Images '.
. .
As The Camera Took Them
THE
more you close the gap between the
critically precise camera image and the projected
image on your screen, the better your
presentations, and box office receipts, will be.
That is exactly what the Bausch & Lomb Super
Cinephor projection lens is designed and
built to do. You can retain all the original
beauty of fine detail, subtle tone, and brilliant
color of your films by replacing your old
lenses with Bausch & Lomb Super Cinephor
lenses. Bausch & Lomb Optical Co., 720-V St.
Paul St., Rochester 2, N. Y.
BAUSCH & LOMB
< '
OPTICAL COMPANY ROCHESTER 2. N. Y.
58 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

PERSONNEL QUIZ: Some Timely
Tips on Hiring Competent Help
by
MAC McCALL
Mr. Exhibitor, how's your knowledge of
personnel management these days? Or.
put differently, how good are you at hiring,
firing, and handling people? Test yourself
on the questions listed below and see how
you rate.
1. True or false? If an employe is found
breaking one of the company rules, for
best results he should be disciplined on the
spot so he'll be sure and remember not to
break the same rule a second time.
2. True or false? It is gocd personnel
procedure, when interviewing a job applicant,
to check his references on the telephone
while he is in the room with you.
3. True or false? When running an advertisement
for a person to fill a specialized
job, it is a good idea to tell as little as possible
about the job in the ad.
4. True or false? It is sound management
never to let a subordinate knew when
you have taken a suggestion of his.
5. When interviewing a job applicant, it
is generally a good idea to try and frighten
him ... to see how well he "operates" under
pressure. Yes or no?
6. Is it necessarily true that "long work
hours means greater production"?
7. When a new employe first comes on
the job, should he be taken around and introduced
to his fellow workers ... or is it
better to let him arrange such introductions
by himself without interference?
8. Is it a good idea for a business manager
to tiy to treat all employes just alike
in virtually all ways?
ANSWERS TO PERSONNEL QUIZ:
1. False. If an employe is found breaking
a rule, he should not be disciplined on
the spot. Rather, he should be called into
a private office—out of earshot of anyone
else, and then be talked to about his offense.
Public disciplining serves no real
purpose.
2. False. Never check a reference over
the telephone while the applicant is in the
room with you. To do so is unfair to the
person who gave the reference originally.
Par better to hold the reference and make
the telephone call after the applicant has
gone.
3. False. When ninning an advertisement
for a person to fill a specialized job,
tell as much as you can about the job. In
the
this way, your ad will tend to "select"
sort of persons you are seeking.
4. False. Wherever possible it is desirable
to let subordinates know when their
suggestions have been put to use. Moreover,
it is generally a good idea to encourage
suggestions from subordinates.
5. No. In the great majority of instanceu
it is poor personnel policy to attempt to
frighten job applicants. Far better to put
an applicant at ease and attempt to learn
by careful questioning just what sort of
jobs he is fitted for.
6. No, it is not necessarily true that
"long hours mean increased production."
There is an optional length of time that
each individual can work with good efficiency.
After working so long, every person
begins to slow down, make mistakes.
and so forth. For maximum output, the
to find out what the
thing to strive to do is
best work-period for each Individual is.
7. When a new employe comes on the
Job, it's a good plan to see that he Is properly
introduced to his fellow workers. In
this way. he will become more quickly adjusted
to his job and new surrounding . . .
and will thus tend to become an asset to
the ccmpany sooner.
8. No. It is generally poor policy for a
manager to try to treat all employes just
alike under all circumstances. People differ.
Consequently, for maximum harmony
and best human relations within the organization,
all persons should be treated as
individuals with individual problems, likes
and dislikes, and so on.
Destined to Out-value, Out-perform and
Out-save any other lamp on the market
FOREST
Electronic
\U LIIIP
i^ SEE DEMONSTRATION AT TESMA SHOW, FOREST BOOTH NO. 8
^ See
The Forest Electronic Arc Lamp introduces
a new era in the industry, establishing a
higher standard of quality in brilliant white
screen illumination and projection efficiency
than hos ever been achieved heretofore. Not
just another lamp, but basically superior in
every way — offering many newly developed
advantages found in no other lamp. We
invite comparison.
FOREST RECTIFIERS for all size theatres at Tesma Show
FOREST ELECTRONIC COMPANY, INC.
7A4 BROAD STREET, NEWARK 2, NJ.
BOXOFTICE :: September 11, 1948
59

. .
.
i
Six
Additions to
Ballantyne Line
{Continued from page 51)
to an attractive appearance. The Model
1800 is available in the "Hi-tilt" for driveins
as well as standard theatre use. The
Hi-tilt has an unusual reverse angle tilt
as required for use in drive-ins and eliminates
the need for shoring up as in a conventional
base.
Ballantyne has added one entirely new
"Golden Voice of the Silver Screen" twoway
horn system to its line Und replaced all
baffles in its other two-way horn systems
with a new. acoustically reinforced low
frequency baffle.
According to I. M. Brown, chief engineer,
the new Model 14 two-way horn system,
designed for the smaller theatre, is notable
for its simplicity in design and smooth
high and low frequency characteristics.
Royal Soundmaster Models Nos. 14, 20
and 30 all have large, completely metalcased,
acoustically treated, high frequency
multi-cellular horns with a high frequency
driver unit using an Alnico 5 permanent
magnet. Each of these models also have
"XL" Alnico 5 permanent magnet 15-inch
low-frequency speaker units which the company
claims give a 30 per cent higher efficiency
in the conversion of low frequency
response than any other unit on the market
today. These Improved speaker units with
their extra driving force require a special
acoustically reinforced low-frequency horn
baffle. Ballantyne engineers have met this
problem and there is now offered, at no
extra cost, all models of Two-Way Horn
System with these special baffles.
To assure outstanding performance of
"The Golden Voice of the Silver Screen"
Two-Way Horn Systems, a critically tuned
dividing network is provided with each
system, with a crossover point of 500
cycles. Provision is made for five steps
of high frequency attenuation to adapt
the horn system to the acoustical characteristics
of the auditorium. Standard input
impedance of this dividing network
is 500 ohms.
Other new developments within the past
year by Ballantyne include the PD-56 dual
channel amplifier, and BX "DC" exciter
supplies.
T^^t
HEHMETICALLY
Fine theatres . . . fii»e films . . . fine equipment— they just
naturally go together.
You get your money's worth out of your projectors,
arcs, and screen— only when using the finest of
lenses. Try the f/2.0 Snaplite Series Il-or the
incomparable f/1.9 Super-Snaplite-in your
projectors . . . and see the difference!
ONE-PIECE
MOUNT
COATED
OPTICS
In planning a carpet installation you
can probably effect a marked saving by
calling in a trained carpet expert. Let
him survey your building, analyze the traffic
and make recommendations.
Navy Contract Awarded
To DeVry Corp.
Expanded peace time use of the 16mm
film by the U.S. Navy resulted in the issuance
of a contract for sound projection
equipment to the De Vry Corp., Chicago.
The contract, involving nearly a million
dollars worth of newly developed De Vi-y
16mm motion-picture sound projectors, is
believed to be the largest single peacetime
order ever placed for equipment of
this type.
A Dominant Marquee
The Wometco Biscayne Plaza Theatre
of Miami Beach, Pla., is all "dressed up"
with a new marquee changeable program
rKlirKK-KKAPLIIGSGive You . .
• BRILLIANCE . the fastest lenses made: f/1.9
• CONTRAST
.
• SHARPNESS.
VALUE.
with durable coated optics.
.
that only a six-element anastigmat
can achieve.
. one-piece mount, hermetically sealed to
last a lifetime.
Get full details of all Snaplite lenses in Bulletin
204, from your local theater supply house.
60
2 Franklin Avenue i ^ _^# / ^^^
Brooklyn 11, New York \^^^2liCaC COKPOKATIOK
Visit Us at Booth No. 74 — rfSM4 Show
lepi. 28 29-30 — Jefferson Hotel, St. Louis, Mo.
equipment. The letters shown are 10 in.
Adler plastic letters which are interchangeable
with 16 in. Adler cast aluminum
letters on Adler "Remova-Panel" frames.
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
i

|uee
Theatres Redecorated
by Eugenia
Antonio Eugenio of Detroit has completed
redecoration of seven houses: The
Wyandotte, for Associated Theatres; Temple,
Detroit, for Korman & Schultz; Oliver
and Jefferson, Detroit, for Auto City Theatres;
Tuxedo in Highland Park, and Piccadilly.
Detroit, for Wisper & Wetsman
circuit.
Code of Conduct
We have seen the item below reprinted
many times, but until recently we didn't
know that this list of rules originated in an
Amboy, Illinois store, operated by the
founders of what is now Carson, Pirie,
Scott & Co. of Chicago, valued Hardwick
dealers for many years. For the benefit
of those who have never seen it, this is the
Code of Conduct for employees—circa 1880;
1. Store must be open from 6 A. M. to
8 P. M.
2. Store must be swept; counters, shelves
and showcases dusted; lamps trimmed and
chimneys cleaned; pens made; doors and
windows opened; a pail of water and a
bucket of coal brought in before breakfast.
3. The store must not be opened on the
Sabbath unless necessary and then only
for a few minutes.
4. The employe must pay not less than
$5.00 per year to the church, and must
attend Sunday school regularly.
5. The employe who is in the habit of
smoking Spanish cigars, being shaved at
the barber's, going to dances and other
places of amusement will assuredly give
his employer reason to be suspicious of his
integrity and honesty.
6. Men employes are given one evening
a week for courting and' two if they go to
prayer meeting.
After fourteen hours of work in the store,
the leisure hours should be spent mostly
in reading.
— Reprinted from Hardwick
& Magee Co.. •Sales Maker."
Pacific Mills' Theatre
Opens in Ocean Falls
Opening of the new Crown Theatre in
Ocean Falls, B. C. marks completion of
one more step in a comprehensive plan of
expansion and improvement in the townsite
and mill operations of Pacific Mills.
The interior of the theatre is tastefully
decorated in pastel tones and green leath-
eretle. Luxurious sponge-rubber seals, and
a modern air-conditioning system guarantee
the comfort of the patrons.
The auditorium is illuminated by indirect
ceiling light using incandescent troughreflector
fixtures. The projection room
OUICKACIION!
THEATRE CLEANING MADE EASY
\vith
TORNADO
THEATRE BLOWER
Concentrates on the lloor, in aisles, betv/een and under
ssats all the lorce ol a blast ol clean, dry wind moving
a\ 235 miles per hour
Sweeps away instantly all boxes, candy and gum wioppers,
trash and litter, dust and dirt.
Acts quickly—covers entire auditorium in briet space ol
time— leaves your theatre Iresh and clean
Cuts maintenance costs. Reduces time and labor Does
a better job than o'.her methods.
Learn what other theatre owners sa-,
Write lor Litetature or Free Demonstration
BREUER ELECTRIC
equipment consists of two modern Century
projection machines with double rotating
shutters. A Northern Electric Master Sound
System with all the latest devices for efficient
and trouble-free operation has also
been installed.
MFG. CO.
5132 Ravenswood Ave., Chicago HO, III.
YOUR ASSURANCE OF THE BEST!
I STROBLITE \\
ULTRA BLUE LAMPS
Fill a long felt need by architects,
decorators and theatre owners, for
a simple, effective and economical
lighting unit to illuminate luminescent
murals.
STROBLITE FLUORECENT U.V.
COLORS
U.V. BLACKLIGHT LAMPS
STROBLITE
For Every Purpose
COMPANY
Dcpt. BO. 35 W. 52nd St., New York 19
WENZEL
"Smooth-Running"
PROJECTOR
You are assured of "Smooth-Running" perlormance
with the Wenzel time-proven projector.
Use Wenzel's precision replacement parts . . .
and your present equipment will do a smoother
running job.
Write lor folder No. WC-19 on
PRO-i projector mechanism
WENZEL PROJECTOR COMPANY
2509-19 S. Slats SI. Chicago IE. m.
Satisfactx°"
in Theatre
Seating •
nOVELTY
II SCENIC STUDIOS, INC.
32-34 W. 60TH ST., New York 23, N.Y.
DECORATORS DESIGN ARTISTS
BOXOFFICE :: September 11, 1948
61

. . booklet
. . catalog
The
S.O.S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP. ^n'ovMrk 19
1941 N. 12th St. Toledo Z Obio
toilet room installations.
following concerns have recently
filed copies of interesting literature with
the Modern Theatre Information Bureau.
more than 5,000 major
Readers who wish copies may obtain them
promptly by addressing the firms listed:
theatres in the world use
''Voice of the Theatre"
SPEAKER SYSTEMS
To make the most of the prnduct yuu play —
make the most of the sound on the sound track.
"Voice of the Theatre" is a ten year investment
in "boxoffice", enables you to get the benefits of
future sound track improvements, as well as the
utmost quality from today's sound tracks.
W. L. Stensgaard and Assoc, Inc., 346 N.
ti if i! ii -i! -h
Justine St..
There is a "Voice
Chicago 7, 111. . . .
of the Theatre" speaker system
fall and
for every size theatre. Ask Christmas
your supply dealer for
catalog. Included are numerous
information about modernizing your present
display needs and decorative materials:
system
with "Voice of the Theatre". "Voice of the
Theatre" speaker systems are supplied as standard
also such items as directional signs, illuminated
etched plastic signs, wall murals, etc..
equipment by most leading theatre sound
for use in theatres.
system manufacturers.
Goodall Fabrics, 525 Madison Ave.,
New York 22, N. Y. . . booklet entitled,
.
161 Sixth Ave
1161 N. Vine St..
"On the Spot," which is an outline of spot
New York 13, N
Hollywood 38. Calif.
removal methods, giving the correct solvent
to remove various common spots to be
found on upholstery fabrics and how to
renovate a fabric after the spot has been
removed.
Edwin F. Guth & Co., 2615 Washington
Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. . of fluorescent
and incandescent lighting equipment.
This company, founded in 1902 offers a
complete line of luminaires for both fluorescent
and incandescent light sources.
that nothing but the finest sound Is good enough
Manley, Inc., 1920 Wyandotte St., Kansas
that better sound means better boxoffice . . . that
less sound costs over the years when you install
quality
City 8. Mo. . presenting the
See our
TESMA
Hotel.
exhibit
show,
St. Louis,
at the
Jefferson
Mo..
Story of Manley, Inc. It tells and shoffs in
photos how Manley utilizes 25,000 acres of
September 2S - 29 - 30—
Booths 42 and 43.
growing lands in producing Manley Hi Pop
Nos.
Popcorn: gives information on Manley
processing plant, popcorn machines, merchandising
Designed and built by specialists to
assure long, trouble-free
Two basic sound systems—one for
another for theatres of 2,000 seats
service.
tiieatres of
— the output
1,000 and
of wMeb
and advertising helps.
may. by the addition of power amplifiers, be brought up
111. . . . Tylac Co., Monticello, booklet on
to serve theatres up to 6.000 seats.
"Color Charm." This booklet describes the
Your choice of any model Altec-Lansing "Voice of the
new Tylac high-baked plastic enamel surfacewall
Theatre" or Mollograph loudspeaker equipment.
The Motiograpb sound reproducer is based on designs
covering, now available in four
of Electrical Itesearch Products Diuslon of Western Electric
Company.
designs and 18 colors. The four basic patterns
are furnished in sheets which are
eaily sawed to the desired shape and cemented
to the surfaces of either old or new
MOTIOGRAPH, INC.
4431 W. LAKE STREET • CHICAGO 24, ILL.
walls.
Sanymetal Products Co., Inc., 1701 Urbana
Road, Cleveland 12. Ohio . . catalog
.
of Toilet Compartments and Toilet Ftoom
Reserve Your FREE Copy
Environments. The Sanymetal Co.. which
has participated in over 80,000 toilet room,
The new up-to-date S.O.S. Bargain Catalog Is now In production.
cial tools. It cleans everything Including the screen
wash room and locker room installations
offers a specialized technical service to architects
of to and morel New. Used, Rebuilts Pages and pages of startling good buys Savhigs
—
I
25% 40% Many
and the furniture. Write for data. Ask your
supply dealer.
Government Surplus Materials—all fully guaranteed. Reserve
NATIONAL SUPER SERVICE CO., lao.
and engineers on layout of difficult
your FREE copy
nowl
THEATRE CLEANING
• lliousands of theatres are using the Specialized
Super Theatre Cleaner today because, spe-
vrfth its
Sanger-Punnell, Inc., 60 E. 42nd St.,
New York 17, N. Y. . . . new Screen Chart
for finding the proper focal lengths of
Snaplite or Super-Snaplite lens, for various
combinations of picture size and projection
distance. Devised by Kollmorgen Optical
Corp. Known as bulletin 205, it covers focal
lengths from 2 in. through 7 in., projection
distances from 40 ft. to 400 ft. and picture
widths from 9 to 85 ft. The chart will be
distributed at Booth 74 at the TESMA
Show in St. Louis.
62 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

w
. . . brochure
. . brochure
. . catalog
r^/u^
For Sanitary
Washrooms
Theatre
The reputation of any theatre depends
upon the people who enter its doors.
Therefore, when the public selects
Bradley DUOWashfountains as the
most modern and sanitary wash fixtures
available, it is an endorsement
worthy of consideration.
Thousands of men and women are
familiar with Bradley Washfountains
factory and school
through shop, plant,
installations: the automatic foot-control
which keeps hands safe from contagious
faucet and wash basin contacts
the self-flushing bowl that prevents
contaminating dirt collections—and the
clean spray of running water.
Theatre managements, too, prefer
Bradleys because of valuable economies
in water consumption, maintenance
and installation costs. One DUO
serves two persons simultaneously, replaces
two ordinary single-person wash
basins, and the easily-cleaned DUO
sprayhead taies the place of four faucets.
Nationally distributed through
plumbing wholesalers.
BRADLEY
WASHFOUNTAIN
CO,
2363 W. Michigan St.
Milwaukee 1, Wis.
Write for
Illustrated Bulletin
464-D.
Duo£w^Afoim^m
Nu-Nail Products Co.. Chicago 44, 111.
on using Water Impact to
open clogged drains on sinks, toilet bowls,
drinking fountains, urinals, bar and soda
fountains, and all other waste lines from
'2 in, to 6 in. in diameter.
Research Products Corp.. Madison 3.
Wis. . on Research Air Filter
Banks. Features new Research snap-in
grids and self-seal Research air filters. To
service filter banks the Research way. snapin
grid is pulled from filter cell, dirty filter
pad is replaced with clean filter pad and
the snap-in grid is pressed back into the
frame. There are no hooks, screws or
catches to operate or get out of order.
Royal Metal Mfg. Co.. 175 N. Michigati
Ave.. Chicago 1, 111. . . . new Guide to Interior
Design. It tells the layman how to
establish a basis for making decisions regarding
color, materials, harmony and the
arrangement of furniture in his office, store
or plant.
E. I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co., Inc..
Fabrics Div.. 350 Fifth Ave.. New York 1.
N. Y. . . . booklet entitled "Coated Fabrics
Engineered for Upholstery." This booklet
contains information on Du Pont's Fabrikoid.
Fabrilite and Cavalon coated fabricupholstery
products.
Sperzel Co.. 123 S. 14th Ave., Minneapolis
4, Minn. . No. 400 on
Sanitary Toilet Seats. The catalog contains
full information on Sperzel self-raisint;
seats and self-sustaining hinge types.
Carbonette Corp., 317 Penn Ave.. Pittsburgh
22, Pa. . . . brochure on Carbonette
dispensers for carbonated water and flavored
drinks. Three models are available
including one especially designed for theatres,
with quilted sides and back, bulldog
nose and recessed kick plate.
lievf RCA Sound Catalog
Lists Complete Line
The Engineering Products Dept. of RCA
has just released a new 84-page illustrated
catalog listing the company's complete line
of sound equipment.
The new booklet is divided into sections
dealing with such sound products as microphones,
amplifiers, speakers, program control
and distribution facilities and specialty
products.
Concise descriptions of each model include
such information as special features,
uses and specifications, as well as photographs
and diagrams. New items such as
the RCA wire recorder, the model SP-15A
portable sound system. RCA intercom system,
the 250-watt amplifier and the Bantam
velocity microphone are fully described.
Copies of the new catalog may he obtained
by writing to the Sound Products
Section, Engineering Products Dept.. Radio
Corp. of America, Camden. N. J., specifying
Sound Products Catalog 218-P.
with
STUB ROD
CONTROL BOX
Records what happens between
box office and door— every
every hour, every day!
minute,
Pays for itself in very short order!
AUTOIMATICKE^^e^^SYSTEMS
Co«fr»d br U S Poti and Pad f»n4.
For complete information write to:
GENERAL REGISTER CORPORATION
3S-20 IhirtMliiril StreetLoie Islitd Cltn l,N.T.
01 IHI kUTHOIIZID iurn.1 OCAIEI IN rOUl A>l«.
EVANS SPROTT— General Manager,
Bijou Amusement Company,
Nashville, Tenn.— declares:
"To me, RCA Service is a good
business investment. It pays
for itself by keeping my equipment
free from trouble and my
patrons better satisfied."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
FREE CATAIOG
AND TRACKS
VALLENJNC. AKRON, OHIO
BOXOFFICE :: September U, 1948 63

about people/ and PRODUCT
Outstanding Features
• Sturdily Constructed of
20 Gouge Steel
• Cast Aluminum Top Finished
in Block Baked Enamel
(Bottom of Cost Aluminum)
• Steel Ticket Hopper
• Piano Hinge Door
• Cylinder Lock with Two Key!
• Sand Blasted Glass Window
• Chrome Handles
• Scientifically Designed
• Lifetime
Service
Visit us at BOOTH 27
TESMA TRADE SHOW
lefierson Hotel. St. Louis, Mo
September 28-30
GoldE Manufacturing Co.
1220-A W.Madison St., Chicago 7, U.S.A.
HARRY MELCHER — General
Manager, Eskin Theatres, Inc., Milwaukee,
Wis.— writes:
"Patron consideration requires
the finest in sound. RCA Service
insures this quality."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
ENCORE
THIAIRE CHAIRS by m^r°Z
84
Theatre Seating Division
G. L. Carrington. president of Altec Service,
recently visited in Hollywood after attending
the wedding, in Lincoln. 111., of his
eldest son. G. L.. jr.. to Harriett Clare
Perry. Carrington's youngest son. Robert
J., was his brother's best man. The couple
will reside in Encino. California.
Paul P. Reich Co.. manufacturers of
Whiz and Pecan Pete candy bars have
produced a one-minute color film advertising
their Whiz candy bar. The film is
said to be done in a manner that makes it
acceptable to large houses that would ordinarily
not handle any advertising.
Buttons are popping off the chest of
Prank Daut. credit manager of Altec Service's
New York district, like popcorn at
a kiddies' Saturday matinee. Frank's son
Jack. 17. all-scholastic high school tackle
of Nassau County has been awarded a
four-year scholarship at Notre Dame starting
this fall.
Oxford Electric Corp., 3911 S. Michigan
Ave., Chicago 15, is now ready to market
a wide range of specialty speakers.
Hanns R. Teichert Co. of Chicago has
recently completed large mural decorations
with fluorescent paint, for the new Lucchese
Theatre in San Antonio.
Carrier Corp. established a new high of
$55,734,519 in completed contracts and
sales during the twelve months ending July
31, 1948. The comparable figure for the
previous similar period was $46,120,771.
McCarthy Theatre Supply of Fargo. N.
Dak. has announced expansion of quarters
and has moved to its own building at 67
N. 4th St.
George E. Koch, for over 12 years with
U.S. Gypsum Co., Philadelphia, has been
named plant manager of American Acoustics,
Inc., manufacturers of Softone noncombustible
acoustical tile and plaster and
Atoz insulation plaster. The appointment
was announced by J. F. Conroy III, presi-
'
dent.
Claude Kenner, theatre manager of San
Pedro, Calif., was flustered when he returned
to his theatre after his wife Doris
had given birth to an eight-pound daughter.
In foot-high illuminated letters on
the theatre marquee were the words:
"World premiere of Janice Lynn Kenner,
original production of Doris and Claude
Kenner." It was the work of some playful
associates.
Mrs. Ora Redford, owner of the 400-seat
American Theatre of Auburn, 111., is having
Carrier air conditioning installed in
his theatre.
Edward Hill Amet, 87, pioneer inventor
of motion picture equipment, died August
16 in Redondo Beach, Calif. Amet invented
the Geneva control for motion picture
camera shutters which is still in use.
Personnuel Changes Announced
By General Detroit Corp.
The nation's mounting
fire losses—a 24^7^
increase in 1947 alone
—could mean that the
public is still not in
possession of enough
fire fighting equipment,
states R. L.
Braden, President and
Treasurer of The General
Detroit Corp. To
meet the challenge
R. L. Braden this situation presents,
his company, which makes portable fire
extinguishers and motorized fire apparatus,
has announced a number of new appointments
in its sales and manufacturing personnel.
E. A. Warren, formerly vice-president in
charge of sales, now becomes executive
vice-president, and the policies of the fire
extinguisher, fire apparatus, fire hose, and
industrial divisions have been coordinated
under his jurisdiction. A. B. Seigfreid. formerly
sales manager of the fire truck division,
assumes the position of vice-president
in charge of manufacturing. Preston
W. Wolf, formerly assistant to the vicepresident,
succeeds to the post of assistant
general sales manager.
Soap Carvings made by Harold Tinker.
Pittsburgh RKO shipper, are being featured
at the Hobby Theatre in that city.
Tinker carves his art figures wih a single
blade of a pocket knife.
Clarence J. Smale. architect of Los Angeles,
is completing plans for the construction
of a 1,000-seat theatre in Trona, Calif.,
for the American Potash & Chemical Co.
Trona is the home of the famous 40-muleteam
borax hauling saga.
Plans for the organization of an association
of drive-in operators in the Carolinas
are under way. Robert O. Jeffress
of Charlotte, owner of the Fort Rock Driver
In between Rock Hill and Fort Mill, is
backing the movement for the new organization.
DICK Kekker, manager of the Salida
Theatre of Salida. Colo., has installed a
new cooling system at the theatre.
New Kroehler Seats have been installed
in the Geneva Theatre, of Geneva. 111.
Elliott S. Phillips, president of Devoe
& Raynolds Co., Inc.. paint manufacturers
with headquarters in New York, announce
the acquisition of the Bishop-Conklin Paint
Co. of Los Angeles, Calif.
Fred Lakewitz has been appointed district
manager of television service in Boston,
Hartford. Portland and Providence
distributing areas for RCA Service Co.
Lakewitz will make his headquarters at the
Cambridge shop where he has been manager
since its inception.
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

f
Dealer Appointments
By General Register
ROY L. COCHRAN— Owner and
Manager. Juroy Theatre, North
Little Rock, Arkansas— says:
"In three years of operation I
haveused RCA Serviceand have
not lost one minute of time.
Equipment is as good as at
time of installation."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
Looking for the
Modern Curtain Track?
THEN LOOK AT
Besteel
MEDIUM DUTY
CURTAIN TRACK
Fast, smooth and efficient—strong
enough for the majorily of installations.
Look, too, at its many other
advantages.
AUTOMATIC DEVICES CO.
1035 Linden St. Allentown, Pa.
Export Office: 220 W. 42nd St., N. Y. C.
ALERT
Ideal
SHOWMEN
Are Ordering
Slide -Back
Chairs
see
^oe

Millionth Bevelite Letter
OH Production Line
Gordon Thompson, production manager
of Theatre Specialties, manufacturers of
INDEX
OF ADVERTISING IN THE MODERN
THEATRE SECTION
PRECISION MADE
PROJECTOR
PARTS
Once you've used them, you'll agree that the built-in precision
and trouble free perlormance of La Vezzi parts do much to
hasten repair jobs and help you to
deUghts patrons.
the better projection that
Specify U Vezzi SUPER-SERVICE Parte for
all your replacements! Your Theatre Supply Dealer has them
LaVezzi Machine Works ^
J. M. SUTTON— Partner, Galston
and Sutton Theatres, Hollywood,
CaUf.—says:
"Of vital importance to every
theatre owner is the maintenance
of sound equipment. RCA
Sound and Service is the heartbeat
of our business."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, N. J.
Replacement parts for CENTURY
Model K and Simplex type
mechanisms—sold to all service
and supply stores.
CENTURY PROJECTOR CORP.
Bevelite third-dimensional plastic marquee
letters, receives congratulations from William
C. Stahl, sales manager, as the millionth
Bevelite letter comes off the production
line. The 16 oz. injection machine on
which Bevelite letters are made is in the
background.
Introducing Six New
Members of TESMA
The "Tattler," house organ of the Theatre
Equipment Supply Manufacturers
Association, lists new members of the organization
as follows:
Calumet Coach Co., 11575 S. Wabash,
Chicago, 111. Drive-in concession stands on
wheels.
Elizabeth Iron Works, Inc., Green Lane,
Elizabeth, N. J. Pre-fabricated all steel
screen towers for drive-in theatres.
Ideal Industries, Inc., Sycamore, 111.
Electric vacuum cleaning and blowing
equipment.
Theatrecraft Manufacturing Corp., 1878
E. 18th St., Cleveland. Ohio. In-a-car
speaker units for drive-in theatres.
Typhoon Air Conditioning Co., Inc., 794
Union St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Packaged air
conditioning units.
Universal Corporation, 6710 Denton
Drive, Dallas, Tex. Lobby frames, box offices,
marquees, door hardware, etc.
'Babe Ruth' Poblocki
Hits a Homer
The annual picnic for
employes of Poblocki &
Sons and their families
was held at Greenfield
Park. Milwaukee,
August 14. A hot dinner
was served at noon
to approximately 100
people. Of unusual attraction
during the
afternoon was the refreshment
stand where
ice cream, candy, pop and beer were passed
out in substantial quantities. For entertainment
the men played and "talked" a
good game of baseball. Ben Poblocki hit
a home run.
Adler Silhouette Letter Co 47
Altec Lansing Corp 62
American Mat Corp 57
American Popcorn Co 28
American Seating Co — 3
Anemostat Corp. oi America 16
Automatic Devices Co. - 65
Ballantyne Company, The 19
Bausch & Lomb Optical Co 58
Holla Products ...- 53
Bradley Washfountain Co 63
Breuer Electric Mfg. Co 61
Carbonette Corp 65
Century Projector Corp 66
Drincolator Corp - 23
Droll Theatre Supply Co. - 65
Elizabeth Iron Works, The 39
Firestone Industrial Products 5
Forest Electronics Co 59
Formica Insulation Co 8
General Electric Co 41
General Register Corp 63
GoldE Mig, Co. 64
Henry Heide, Inc 24
Hertner Electric Co. *°
Heywood-Waltefield Co 64
Homstein, Inc.. Joe 65
Ideal Seating Co

I!
)XOFFICE BAROMETER • EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
ITUPE CHART • REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHART
lORTS REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS • EXPLOITIPS
Bookin(fuid<
—--li
— ts
BOXOFFICE
FIRST RUN REPORTS
This chart shows the records made by
pictures in five or more oi the 21 key cities
checked. As new runs are reported, ratings
are added and overages revised.
BAROMETER
TOP HIT OF THE WEEK
The Search
Minneapolis 250
Computed in terms of percentage in
relation to normal grosses. With 100
per cent as "normal," the figures
show the percentage above or below
that mark.

EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
Aren't We AU? (Col)—Short. After the iirst
show, we placed it back in the can, where it
may rest in peace. Played Saturday. Weather:
Hot.—Ben Brinck, West Point Theatre, Wes^t
Point, icwa. Rural patronage.
Blondie in Iho Dough (Col)—Penny Singleton
Arihur Lake, Larry Simms. Blondie kind ot
short-changed us as we didn't do so well as
on previous ones of this series. Business was
generally oil for Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cool.
-Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury,
Ont. Small town patronage.
yjolson Story, The (Col)—Larry Parks, Eve^
lyn Keyes, William Demarest. I was afraid of
this one because it did so well the first time,
approximately a year ago, for me. I took a
chance on the theory that I'd rather die with
a good one. It is still great and so was business
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Warm and
clear.—Al Hatofi, Ritz Theatre, Brooklyn, N.Y^
Neighborhood patronage.
Rose oi Santa Rosa (Col)—Hoosier Hot
Shots, Patricia White, Eduardo Noriega. This
IS a fair little musical show which failed
to draw more than average business. It
should be double billed as it will not stand
alone. Played Tuesday. Weather: Good.—
E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey^,
Okla. Small town patronage.
with an Eddie Dean western. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Too good.—Ralph Raspa, State
Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage.
* *
Noose Hangs High, The (EL)—Bud Abbott,
Lou Costello, Cathy Downs. This is the best
Abbott and Costello picture in a long time.
It's a laugh from stdrt to finish. Comments
were very good.—L. Brazil jr.. New Theatre,
Bearden, Ark. Small town patronage. * * *
Red Stallion, The (EL)—Ted Donaldson,
Robert Paige, Noreen Nash. This is made to
order for our patrons and it really drev/ them
in. It has rather a simple plot but enough
action to make it interesting and nice color.
We always do okay on a picture which has
a dog or a horse in the cast. Played Thurs.,
Fri., Sat. Weather: Warm.—R. W. Burgess,
Roxy Theatre, McClusky, N. D. Rural and
small town patronage. * *
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Bride Goes Wild, The (MGM)—Van Johnson,
June Allyson, Butch Jenkins. Leo did it again.
It is tailored for the family trade and did we
get itl Business was very good and everybody
went home smiling. You can stand in
the lobby and be proud to tell your .patrons
ABOUT
PICTURES
Just as the Barometer page shows first run reporU on current pictures, this
department is devoted for the most part to reporU on subsevaent runs, madehv
exhibitors themselves. A one-star contributor is new. two stars mean the ex-
Mm^ has b!Z writing in for six months or longer, and a three-star contributor
isaTeguTarofone year or more, who receives a token of our appreciation. AU
exhibitors welcome.
goodnight after they have enjoyed themselves
COLUMBIA
like mine did. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Good.—C. W. Ritenour, Milford Theatre.^Milford.
111. Rural patronage.
i^Cass Timberlane (MGM)—Spencer Tracy,
Lana Turner, Zachary Scott. This is a well
made story and it pleased all who came.
Spencer Tracy was superb. Played Mon.,
Tues.—W. S. Funk, Star Theatre, St. Stephen,
S. C. Small town patronage.
Fiesta (MGM) — Esther Williams, Akim.
Tamiroff, Ricardo Montalben. This picture let
me down very badly. It had no draw on
Sunday and with a very cool Monday, the
people still stayed away. It pleased those
who came, however. Weather: Warm and
humid first day.—Arthur E. Phifield, Park
Theatre, South Berwick, Me. Small town patronage.
Green Dolphin Street (MGM)—Lana Turner,
Van Heflin, Donna Reed. This is a verygood
story. It is not too deep for small town
and rural people. One thing that helped it go
over here was a fairly large Catholic patronage.
Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Good.—
Jim Mote, Gem Theatre, Sterling, Okla. Small
town patronage.
High Wall (MGM)—Robert Taylor, Audrey
Totter, Herbert Marshall. How, oh how can we
exhibitors tell the producers that our patrons
are all washed up on these iriurder pictures?
No matter how well acted and cleverly unfolded?
They stay away in hordes. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fine.—R. E. Halstead,
Swing the Western Way (Col)—lack Leonard,
Mary Dugan, Thurston Hall. A good musical
western. These are all somewhat the
same, though this one seemed to have a better
story than most. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: small town patronage.
Tri-Town Theatre, Lindstrom, Minn. Rural and
Fair and warm.—Arthur E. Phifield, Park Theatre,
Winter Comes (MGM)—Walter Pidgeon,
South Berwick, Me. Small town patron-
If
Deborah Kerr, Angela Lansbury. This picture
age.
Two Blondes and a Redhead (Col)—Jean
Porter, Jimmy Lloyd, June Preisser. This is High Praise From Raspa
a routine musical show which played to
average business on Tuesday only. Weather: Is Given 'Tycoon
Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, TYCOON (RKO)—John Wayne, Laraine
Day, Sir Cedric Hardwicke. As
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. * * *
BOXOFFICE put it, "hokum but the type
EAGLE LION
that goes over." How right you are. In
Cobra Strikes. The (EL)—Sheila Ryan, Richard
fact, this is an excellent example of a
Eraser, Leslie Brooks. This one flopped.
good, small town picture for theatres
It is a good murder yarn but it was doubled
thriving on family trade. I'm not raving
about this feature because it did
super-duper business for me—it didn't.
It was bucking a carnival, and "Cass
Timberlane" at my competitor's theatre.
"Here's what I'm raving about. It has
an action star, a beautiful lead. Technicolor,
romance action and spectacle. It
shows people going to church; husband
was surprised to see wife smoke and takes
cigs away from her; and it shows being
drunk can be distasteful. If more pictures
were like this and avoided the smoke and
drink fiends, movies wouldn't be condemned
by so many. This small town
alone has three different churches condemning
all movies. It will receive plenty
of raves and you won't even notice it
runs 128 minutes.
"One more good point about the picture
is the fact that the title is but one
word. It is easier for patrons to remember
and it can be printed up big on your
advertisement, especially window cards.
Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville,
W. Va. Rural patronage. * •
This 'Sleeper' Brought
Best Crowds in Months
SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY (20th-
Fox)—(Formerly "Thunder in the Valley"),
ton McCaUister, Peggy Ann Garner,
Edmund Gwenn. This was a sleeper
as we weren't expecting much and it
turned out to be one of our best Sunday
crowds for months. Very fine acting by
Edmimd Gwenn in a colorful story of
sheep dogs in Scotland. It should go over
in any situation. Played Sun., Mon.,
Tues. Weather: Warm.—R. W. Burgess,
Roxy Theatre, McClusky, N. D. Rural and
small town patronage.
is just no good. A wonderful cast but no story.
On top of all this it is one of those showoffdonchaknow
English things that bore the
average Yank to death. Won't these producers
ever get tired of cramming this John Bull
tripe down our neck? I, for one, wouldn't
care if I never saw another picture with English
atmosphere or any other foreign stuff.
Whatever they have over there, we have it
better here—writers, background, production
and the whole works. Let's have good old
American stories and teach our youngsters
there are no pictures like the ones that typify
home and all its surroundings.—Bill Leonard,
Leonard Theatre, Cedarvale, Kas. Small town
patronage.
Little Mr. Jim (MGM)—Jackie "Butch" Jenkins,
James Craig, Frances Gilford. This was
a dandy and drew good crowds in spite of the
fact that the weather was hot, and we do not
have air conditioning. We are always proud
to present features of this type because we
know the patrons will go away pleased.
Played Sat., Sun. Weather: Hot.—E. P. Amundson,
Colton Theatre, Colton, S. D. Small town
and rural patronage.
Tarzan's Secret Treasure (MGM)—Reissue
Johnny WeissmuUer, Maureen O'SuUivan, John
Sheffield. First Tarzan 1 had played, but it
wouldn't have been my last if I hadn't burned
out. It brought out the kiddies and the mothers
and daddies, too. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Good. — Jim Mote, Gem Theatre,
Sterling, Okla. Small town patronage * *
This Time for Keeps (MGM)—Esther Williams,
Jimmy Durante, Lauritz Melchior. This
was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Of
course it helps that all the people in the cast
are well liked here, but this would have gotten
by simply on its merits. It was attended
by a large and appreciative audience. Played
Wednesday. Weather: Clear and warm.— J.
E. Rougeau, Club Theatre, Seven Sisters Falls,
Man. Small town and rural patronage. * * *
MONOGRAM
Angels' Alley (Mono)—Leo' Gorcey, Huntz
Hall, Billy Benedict. This is a B picture but
it did more business than lots of A pictures
and had better than average draw.—L. Brazil
jr.. New Theatre, Bearden, Ark. Small town
patronage.
Panhandle (AA-Mono)—Rod Cameron,
Cathy Downs, Reed Hadley. This is another
small town natural and is in color. I bought
it at a price so that I came out fairly well on
it. Played Mon., Tues.—B. J. Green, Marion
Theatre, Marion, La. Small town patronage.
PARAMOUNT
Albuquerque (Para)—Randolph Scott, Barbara
Britton, George "Gabby" Hayes. This
will draw in any small town. If you have not
played it, get on the band wagon. Played
Wed., Thurs.—B. J. Green, Marion Theatre,
Marion, La. Small town patronage. * * *
Desert Fury (Para)—John Hodiak, Lizabeth
Scott, Burt Lancaster. This is a mighty fine
picture that took very well. Not a complaint
fek
r=Oj:
FMg
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Sept. 11, 1948

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Sept. 11, 1948
L
r
and if will do in any situation on a weekend.
W© have had no better picture in weeks.
Played Sat., Sun. Weather: Warm.—W. H.
Swan, Auditorium Theatre, Roscoe, S. D. Rural
RKO RADIO
Fun and Fancy Free (RKO)—Edgar Bergen,
Dinah Shore, Charlie McCarthy. This is a
cartoon feature and this type of picture never
is appreciated here, and especially when you
advertise Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy,
and they only give a sprinkle of the stars.
Played Wed., Thurs.—Ben Brinck, West Point
Theatre, West Point, Iowa. Rural patronage.
Tarzan and the Huntress (RKO)— Johnny
WeissmuUer, Brenda Joyce, Johnny Sheffield.
I never worry when I have a jungle picture
of any kind for the weekend show, but just
tell one kid in town that Tarzan is coming,
and then sit back and wait for the theatre
fill to up. Everyone likes Tarzan, from the
smallest kid to the oldest grannie. This one
had them standing in the aisles. Played
Fri., Sat. Weather; Rainy.—Mrs. Pat W. Murphy,
Queen Theatre, HoUiday, Tex. Oil field
worker patronage.
Tarzan and the Huntress (RKO)—Johnny
WeissmuUer, Brenda Joyce, Johnny Sheffield.
This is an average Tarzan picture which
played to the best weekend business since
May. Double billed with a musical western
from Columbia. 1 wish there were more Tarzan
pictures. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair
and warm.—Arthur E. Phifield, Park Theatre,
South Berwick, Me. Small town patronage.
* * *
Tycoon (RKO)—John Wayne, Laraine Day,
Sir Cedric Hardwicke. This picture should
take well in the small town. We did above
average business with it. Played Mon., Tues.
Weather: Fair.—Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre,
Ont. Small town patronage. • * *
Tycoon (RKO)—John Wayne, Laraine Day,
Sir Cedric Hardwicke. This is probably the
best received offering from this company since
"The Best Years of Our Lives." A few of
the ladies thought it a little too rough but it
was satisfactory at the boxoffice and all the
men liked it. Played Thurs., Fri., Sat
Weather: Good.—C. W. Ritenour, Milford Theatre,
Milford, III. Rural patronage. • • *
REPUBUC
Fabulous Suzanne, The (Rep) — Barbara
Britton, Rudy Vallee, Otto Krueger. Doubled
this with "The Arnelo Affair" (MGM) to over
average midweek business. This is a cute
story, well done, with a number of hearty
laughs mixed in. Good!—Jack Hammond,
Shaston Theatre, Mount Shasta, Calif. Small
town and lumber patronage.
*
Madonna of the Desert (Rep)—Lynne Roberts,
Donald Barry, Don Castle. This is a
fine little picture for a double program. In
my opinion it has one big flaw. I absolutely
do not think a picture should show a man
slapping or knocking a woman around, even
if he is the villain. It seems to me there are
enough wife-beaters in the world withou;
showing the kids how it is done. Some of the
comments of the young fry when Sheldon
Leonard knocked Lynne down were, "That's
the way to treat 'em. That's the way I'm
gonna treat my wife." Now I ask you, is that
the attitude we want our young boys to have?
Heaven knows it is hard enough to raise children
without exposing them to this kind of
thing. Played Tuesday. — Marcella Smith,
Vinton Theatre, McArthur, Ohio. Small town
patronage. • •
On the Old Spanish Trail (Rep)—Roy Rogers,
Tito Guizar, Jane Frazee. This is just a
fair picture. Doubled with "The Return of
Rin Tin Tin" (EL) and this combination paid
off for the first midweek in six months.
Neither picture will stand alone here. I'd say
double this combination and it might work
to good results. Played Tues., Wed., Thurs.
G. B. White, Almo Theatre, Poulibo, Wash.
*
Small town and rural patronage.
20th
CENTURY-FOX
Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox)—George Montgomery,
Nancy Guild, Conrad Janis. We double
billed this with "The Man From Texas"
(EL) and everyone was well satisfied. Played
to above average weekend crowd on Sat.,
Mon. Weather: Good.—S. N. Holmberg, Regal
Theatre, Sturgis, Sask. Rural patronage. * *
Captain From Castile (20th-Fox) — Tyrone
Power, Jean Peters, Cesar Romero. This is
very good and was enjoyed by almost everyone
who saw it except a few who couldn't
take some of the violent action scenes. Wonderful
color, action and scenery but Fox takes
too much of the profit. Crowds good. Played
Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Fair.—R. W Burgess,
Roxy Theatre, McClusky, N. D. Rural
and small town patronage. * *
Iron Curtain, The (20th-Fox)—Dana Andrews,
Gene Tierney, June Havoc. When it
comes to making true story films, then Fox
leads the list. A very fine performance by
Dana Andrews—great suspense. Played Wed.,
Thurs.—James C. Balkcom jr.. Gray Theatre,
Gray, Ga. Small town patronage. * * *
Meet Mo at Dawn (20th-Fox)—William
Eythe, Stanley HoUoway, Beatrice Campbell.
This is a fairly good English picture. The
comedy content is quite amusing and it
seemed to satisfy average attendance. Played
Saturday. Weather: Clear and warm.— J. E.
Rougeau, Club Theatre, Seven Sisters Falls,
Man. Small town and rural patronage. * * *
Mother Wore Tights (20th-Fox) — Betty
Grable, Dan Dailey, Mono Freeman. Here is
a picture they all loved. It is good, downto-earth
entertainment and with family appeal.
Give it extra playing time. Played
Sat., Sun.—Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre,
Tilbury, Ont. Small town patronage. * * *
Scudda Hool Scudda Hayl (20th-Fox)—June
Haver, Lon McCallister, Walter Brennan. Fox
films are certainly on the up-grade. Playing
this and "Green Grass of Wyoming" is all
that any exhibitor could ask for. This is super
for any situation. Don't turn down these two
Fox hits.—James C. Balkcom jr., Gray Theatre,
Gray, Ga. Small town patronage. * * *
Sitting Pretty (20th-Fox) — Robert Young,
Maureen O'Hara, Clifton Webb. Here is a
show the whole family likes and the folks
from near and far to see it. Now why can't
the film companies make more and more of
these humorous, simple and natural stories?
Maureen O'Hara does a great job as an ordinary
woman—a change from her usual roles.
Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Fine.
R. E. Halslead, Tri-Town Theatre, Lindstrom,
Minn. Rural and small town patronage. * *
Sitting Pretty (20th-Fox) — Robert Young,
Maureen O'Hara, Clifton Webb. This is a
really clever comedy which did better than
Idle Thoughts From
An Idle Exhibitor
THE big towns pay the cost of production;
the profits come from the small
towns . . . The westerns, the reissues and
the sex pictures are all that are keeping
my doors open. Wake up, Hollywood . . .
I* takes a brave exhibitor to play Bette
Davis and Joan Crawford in a small town.
After playing his pictures for two or
three years, if the salesman starts to get
tough, it is time to lay him off for about
12 months . . . The producers often make
the small town exhibitors buy "Klucks"
which they won't even play in their own
houses.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Blames Present Slump
On Wrong Kind of Films
MICHIGAN KID, THE (U-D— Jon
Hall, Victor MacLaglen, Rita Johnson.
Our troubles would be over If we could
play one like this every week. It was a
natural for us, good western drama, nice
color, some humor and everything it
takes to please young and old. I think the
slump is largely due to the wrong kind of
pictures coming out of Hollywood. This
type will always bring them in. Played
Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair.—R. W.
Burgess, Roxy Theatre, McClusky, N. D.
Rural and small town patronage. * *
average business. Clifton Webb stole the
show as a male baby sitter. All who came
were pleased. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. * * *
UNITED ARTISTS
Christmas Eve (UA)—George Raft, George
Brent, Joan Blondell. Here is another picture
rated 6-plus, 6-minus in BOXOFHCE which
turned out surprisingly well on the screen
and at the boxoffice. The story kept them
quiet and interested.—Frank E. Sabin, Ma-
)estic Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Small town patronage.
Dead Don't Dream. The (UA)—William
Boyd, Andy Clyde, Mary Sawdon. This is
a different kind of western with Hopalong
playing a detective looking for men who
robbed the mine and killed the miners. Not
a horse opera, but it pleased here on Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
Ramrod (UA)—Veronica Lake, Joel McCrea,
Donald Crisp. The scenery in this outdoor
action feature was fine, but the action was
just a little too gory—too much blood-letting.
Small town theatre patrons like action, but
frown on too much killing. Played Sat., Sun.
Weather: Fine.—E. P. Amundson, Colton Theatre,
Colfon, S. D. Small town and rural patronage.
Roosevelt Story, The (UA)—Documentary.
This was one of the best biographical films
! have ever seen. It is a film made up of
newsreel shots depicting the 40 years of publie
life of the late President Roosevelt. The
commentary was excellent, both explanatory
and cutting the length of the picture. If your
patrons like newsreels, March of Time, etc.,
this will go over. Average business and
played Saturday only. Weather: Fair and
warm.—"Art" V. Phillips, Haymond Theatre,
Cromona, Ky. Mining and small town patronage.
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Exile, The (U-I) — Douglas Fairbanks jr.,
Paule Croset, Maria Montez. The feature was
on its last reel Monday night as I was reading
"Chips Off the Old Blocks" in the July 31 issue
of BOXOFFICE. If this is what I'm to expect
from Fairbanks jr. (he wrote, acted and produced
this one) it'll be the last one I'll play.
He missed his father's footsteps completely.
My dad said Fairbanks sr. was always tops
bo:h in entertainment and as a money-getter.
This was a bitter disappointment to him, for
it failed to do any business and we had
walkouts by the dozens. I guess they couldn't
stand the whole hour of "nothing" which precedes
the action part. This was one of the
many features I had to buy months before
they were released by the newly formed U-I
and like many of the others, it cost plenty and
flopped. That's the .biggest handicap I've found
in being an independent.—Ralph Raspa, State
Theatre. Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage,
* * *
Exile. The (U-D—Douglas Fairbanks jr.,
(Continued on page U)

FEATURE CHART
reuiuxo f^juuu(;uuuii, liait^u u-j (.wuipuuy, la uiaer oi release, iiuznoer in square is naqci
release date. Production number is at right. Number in parentheses is running timall
furnished by home oiiice of distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recommencj
R—is review date. PG—is Picture Guide page number. Symbol U indicotes BOXOFFj
Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Symbol ® indicateB color photography.
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Sent. 11. IM
NOVEMBER 8
(80) Comedj 929
HER HUSBAND'S
AFFAIRS
K—July 26—PG-841
[6] (78) Musical 919
TWO BLONDES AND
A REDHEAD
R— Dm. 27—PQ-885
Reissues
|T| (110) Dr«iii« 735
MAN IN THE IRON
MASK
g
(76) Drama 740
GENTLEMAN AFTER
DARK
[8] (66) Drana
KING OF THE
BANDITS
UUbert Uoland
Angela Greene
Chrls-Pln UartiD
NOVEMBER 15 NOVEMBER 22 NOVEMBER 29
^ (66) g (66) Western 964
Mystery £
|u] (68) Mystery 917
LONE WOLF IN
LONDON
Gerald Mobr
Nancy Saunders
S—Jau. 17—PO-882
(88) Drama 805 (62) Drama 807 (68) Western
im
WHISPERING CITY BLONDE SAVAGE SHADOW VALLEY
852
Paul Lukaa
Lief ErlcksoD
R—Not. 22-PG-876 Gale Sberwood
R—Oct. 11—PO-8e4
Eddie Dean
R—Dec. 6—PG-880
(81) Drama 806
[l6J
LOVE FROM A
STRANGER
B—Not.
16—PQ-873
LAST DAYS OF BOOT
HILL
Charles fllarrell
Smiley Burnette
R—Feb. 14—PG-900
808
jH]
©THIS TIME FOR
(141)
H^
GREEN
Drama
DOLPHIN
(104) Uustcal 811
KEEPS
STREET
Wmiams
Lans
Estber
Turner
Jimmy Durante
Hart
Richard
Laurltz Melcblor
Van Ueflln
Jobnnle Jotmstoa
Donna Reed
R—Oct. 4—PO-861 B—«ct. 18—PO-86B
^
TeS) Com-Dr 625
BOWEBY BUCKAROOS
Gorcey-Bowery Boys
Allied
Artists
(86) Drama AA3
THE GANGSTER
Bellta-B. Bullivao
R—Oct. 4—PO-8«2
(75) Comedy 4704
(JWHERE THERE'S
LIFE
Bob Hope
Slgne Hasso
William Bendli
B—Oct. 11—PG-864
CRIME DOCTOR'S
GAMBLE
Warner Baxter
Mlchellne Cbelrel
Roger Dann
Steven Geray
R— Dec. 13—PQ-881
m
DECEMBER 6
(a«) Comedy 931
IT HAD TO BE YOU
liinntr Rogers
Cornel Wilde
I'ercy Waram
R—Oct. 25—PG-867
(103) Drama 809
[U
KILLER McCOY
Mickey RooDey
Brian Donlevy
James Dunn
Ann BIytb
R—Nov. 1—PG-870
(68) Drama 826
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THE CHINESE RING
Roland Winters
Lotitse Currle
R—Dec. 20—PG-884
DECEMBER 13
,ii] (62) Drama 923 ^ (67) Comedy 913
^ (65) Musics
DEVIL SHIP
BLONDIES
ROSE OF SANTA
Uicbard Lane
ANNIVERSARY
Hoosier Hotsbots
Louise Campbell
Penny Singleton
Patricia White
William Bishop
Arthur Lake
Eduardo Noriegs
R— Dec. 6—PG-879 Larry Sims
R—Jan. 3—PO-8
R— Dec. 27—PG-88B
^
(71) Drama 4706
BIG TOWN AFTER
DARK
PbUip Reed
Hillary
B—Nov.
Brooke
22—PG-875
DECEMBER 20
(68) Western 674
GUN TALK
Johnny Mack Brown
Virginia Christine
Raymond Hatton
DECEMBal
(95) Musiei
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©GOOD NEWS
liine Ailyson
Peter Lawford
.loan McCrackea
R— Dec. 6—P(M
Reissue
(66) Drams
BETRAYED
Kim Hunter
Dean Jagger
Robert Mltchum
^ (101) Come*
ROAD TO RIO
BIng Crosby
Bob Hope
Dorothy Laraour
R—Nov. 8— PQ-I
Spicial
Reissue
(89) Comedy 864 (60) Weitera 882
MAN ABOUT TOWN BORDER G-MEN
Maurice Chevalier
George O'Brloi
Kraneols Perler
Marcetle Oerrleo
B—Oct. 25—PO-86i
^
^
Group 2
(97) Drama 807
OUT OF THE PAST
Robert Mltchum
lane (3reer
R—Nov. 22—PG-J78
Reissue
[l|] (60) Western 883
PAINTED DESERT
George O'Brien
Laraine Day
Ray Whitley
Special
m (128) DriU9
QTYCOON
lohn Wayne
Laraine Day
R—Nov.
29—PI
i^
Reissue
t\ (77) Western HC15
FRONTIERSMAN
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WUIlam Boyd
Gabby Hayes
Ruasell Baydeo
[g] (95) Drama 624
THE FABULOUS TEXAN
William Elliott
John Carroll
Cailierlne McLeod
Albert Dekker
II—Nov. 15—Pa-873
1^ (97) Drama 628
THE FLAME
John (^rroU
Vera Ralston
Robert Paige
Broderick Crawford
B—Jan. 17—PG-891
^
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(69) Western HC16
SUNSET TRAIL
WliUam Boyd
Ualjby Hayes
Russell Hayden
[is] (42) Outd'r-Dr 4707
WHERE THE NORTH
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Russell Hayden
lennlfer Holt
(65) Mus-Wcst 652
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©UNDER COLORADO
SKIES
R—Dec. 20—PG-883
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BANDITS OF DARK
CANYON
R— Dec. 13—PQ-881
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ROAD TO THE if
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John Sbeiton II
R—Nov.
1—P«1
^
103) Drama 720 [T] (67) M'drama 734 Reissue
©SHEPHERD OF THE ROSES ARE RED
VALLtY
Don Castle
(84)
TOBACCO
Drama
ROAD
Gene Tlerney
Lon McCalilster
Peggy Knudsen
Edmund Gwenn
Patricia Knight
Dana Andrews
Peggy Ann Garner R—Nov. 8—PG-872
R—June 14—PO-830
Reissue
("8)
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(128) Drama 745 DAISY KENYON
GRAPES OF WRATH Joan Crawford
Henry Fonda
Diina Andrews
Jane Darwell
llrnry Fonda
John Carradlne
Ruth Warrick
R—Nov. 29—POl
(76) Dmara-Docum
THE ROOSEVELT
STORY
Kenneth Lynch
Ed Begley
(^ada Lee
R—July 12—Pa-8»T
(90) Drama
INTRIISUE
Gi'orge Raft
June Havoc
R— Jan. 3—PO-837
Itosamurid John
I'amela Kellluo
Ann Steiihens
K—Not. 1— PO-I
(77V4) Drama 632
©PIRATES OF
MONTEREY
Maria Monlez
Rod Cameron
PbUUp Reed
Gale Sondergaard
R—Nov. 22—PG-876
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LOST MOMENT
Susan Hayward
Robert Cummings
R—Oct. 18—PG-i
(81) Drams I
©BLACK NARCI!|
Deborab Kerr
David Farrar
R—July 12—PO-I
_ (104) Drama 708
ESCAPE ME NEVER
Krrol iriynn
Eleanor Parker
Ida Lupino
lilg Young
B—Nov. 8—PO-871
Reissues
Reissue g
(93) Drams 710
llll
|l3) (116) Drama 709 U©MY (101) DriB
WILD III
JEZEBEL
ANTHONY ADVERSE ROSE
Bette Davis
Krodric March
Dennis .Morgan
Ha] (86) Drama 712 OUrla de HavUlaix) Andrea King
SLIGHT CASE Arlene
OF
Dahl
MURDER
R— Dec. 13—PO
Edward Q. Robinson
(64) Western New Bel
DEADLINE
Sunset CarsoB
Pat Starling
(62) Westero New R«l
FIGHTING MUSTANG
Sunset Carnn
Fat BtirUnc
(70) Comedy HelHui
IT PAYS TO BE FUNNY
Bob Hope
MUUo Betle
(70) Comedy reissue
LI'L ABNER
Martha O'DrtaeoU
Edgar Kennedy
(67) Musical Uei.ssue
ROAD TO HOLLYWOOD
Bing Crosby
B—Mar.
1-PQ.798
(86) Mu8-Dr Reissue
SECOND CHORUS
Pauictte Ooddard
Fred Astslre
(60) Western New
WESTERN TERROR
Dave "Tci" O'Brleg
Buzxy
Henry
Bel
(69) Western Reissue
GHOST TOWN
Harry Carey
(89) Mijs-Com Reissue
JIMMY STEPS OUT
James Stewart
Psuletle
Ooddard
(64) Western Reissue
WILD MUSTANG
Harry Care;
(87) Drama
LITTLE MEN
Kay Francis
Jack Oakle
(183) Drama
THE BETRAYAL
Harris Gaim
It— Aug. 28—PO

CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
ARY 3 JANUARY 10 JANUARY 17 JANUARY 24 JANUARY 31 FEBRUARY 7 FEBRUARY 14 FEBRUARY 21
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\ BE GOOD
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FEATURE CHART
I
FEBRUARY 28
MARCH 6
MARCH 13
(61) Drama 4711 |l2] (94) Drama 4170
[U
CAGED FURY
SAIGON
Buster Crabbe
Alan Ladd
Richard Denning
Veronica
Mary Beth Hugba R—Feb.
Lake
7—PO-897
R—Feb. 14—PG-899
MARCH 20
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
MARCH 27
APRIL 3
APRIL 10
|l|] (63) Drama 920
(108) Drimt 935
j^ (76) Drama 902 __ (84) Drama 936
jj] (67) Drama 914 llH (69) Drani
TO THE ENDS OF THE
RETURN OF THE ADVENTURES IN STGN of THE RAM MY DOG RUSTY PORT SAID
Susan Peters
EARTH
WHISTLER
SILVERADO
Ted Donaldson
Gloria Henry
Alexander
Dick Powell
Michael Duaoe B—Mar. 13—PO-912
Knox
John Lite)
William Bishop
R—Feb. 21—PG-904
Signe Hasfio
Lenore Aubert
Ja]
(66) Western 966
Ann Doran
3teten Geray
|30| (66) Mus-Com 952
R—Jm. 24—PQ-894
Rlcbard Lane
B—May 1—PO-9a6 R—Apr. 24—P6.
WEST OF SONORA
R—Mar. 13—PQ-91J
SONG OF IDAHO
Starrett-Burnett
Hoosler Hotsbots
R—Mar. 27—PO-918 R—Mar. 27—PG-9ie
^ (80) Drama 814 [e] (71) Drama 815 [13] (58) Western 855 It] (77) Drama 617 Rerssua
[3] (102) Drama 816 |w] (54) Westers 856 ]l7| (77) Comed
TAKE MY LIFE MAN FROM TEXAS WESTWARD TRAIL ©ENCHANTED VALLEY It] (93) Drama 849 RUTHLESS
HAWK OF POWDER THE NOOSE Ht
GreU Gyot
James Craig
Eddie Dean
Allan Curtis—Ann Gwenn SUTTER'S GOLD
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Sf^YOFFirr Ttonlnnniiiria Sent. 11. 1948
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CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
MAY 1
(122) nrama 824
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ySTATE OF THE
'i'iii] MI'S SECRET
UNION
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Katharine Hepburn
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Ha
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IH'S NEW YORK R—Mar. 27—Pa-916
|NTURE
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[13]
MATING OF MILLIE
[|]
BEST MAN WINS TRAPPED BY BOSTON
Ford
Edgar Buchaoao
BLACKIE
Keyea
Anna Lee
R—May 8—PG-929
Ulenn
Crelyn
Iton Randell
II—Mar. 2»—P0-ei4
Robert
B—May
Shayne
8—PG-929
|l3] (64) Western
WHIRLWIND
963
RAIDERS
atarrctt-Burnett
B—May 22—Pa-936
^
Myst-CoB 4713 js] (84) Comedy 4714
[l6] (86) Western 4756
Reissui
SLEUTH FRENCH LEAVE
(69) Drama 4711
[U FRONTIER AGENT
Jackie Cooper
SIGN OF THE WOLF Johnny Mack Bro«n
R—May 8—PG-927 Ulcbael Whalen
Raymond Hatton
IS
V 22—PO-93B
(90) Drama AA6
|3o| [e] ( Western
)
SMART WOMAN PARTNERS OF THE
Constance Bennett SUNSET
R—Mar. 13—Pa-918 Jimmy Wakely
|o| (90) Drama 4714
THE 'SAINTED'
SISTERS
Veronica Lake
Joan Caulflcld
Barry Fitzgerald
R—Mar. 6-PO-908
MAY 8
MAY 15
(57) Western 857
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(70) Drama 813
[|]
OPEN SECRET
PRAIRIE OUTLAWS
Eddie Dean
John Ireland
June Randaipb
R—Jan. 24—PO-893
[m] (58) Drama 471S
SPEED TO SPARE
Richard Arlen
Jean Rogers
B—Feb. 28—PO-9«6
MAY 22
MAY 29
(87) Drama 9:
J
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SHANGHAI
Rita Hayworth
Orson Welles
Everett Sluane
Glenn Anders
R—Apr. 17—PO-921
^
|l|] (66) Drama 821 (78) Drama 8;
ASSIGNED TO DANGER RAW DEAL
dene Raymond
Dennis O'Keefe
Noreen Nasb
Claire Trevor
Robert
B—May
Rice
8—PO-9S9
Marsha Hunt
R—May 29—PG-937
FEATURE CHART
JUNE 12
(113) Drama 826 (103) Drama 827 (102) Musical 825
HOMECOMING
BIG CITY
©THE PIRATE
Clark Gable
Margaret O'Brien
Judy Garland-Gene Kelly
Lana Turner
Robert Prtston
Walter Slezak
B—Apr. 10—PG-920 Danny Thomas R—Apr 3—PO-918
R—Mar. 27—PG-91B
15] (72) Drama 4716
I WOULDN'T BE IN
YOUR SHOES
Don Castle
Klyse Knox
Regis Toomcy
R—May 8—PG-927
(95) Drama 4716
|28]
HAZARD
Paulette Goddard
Macdonald
R—Mar.
Carey
20—PG-914
JUNE 5
[J] (67) Comedy 912
BLONDIE'S REWARD
Penny BIngletuo
Arthur Lake
l^rry SImms
B—June 12—PO-941
[7] (76) Drama 823 fil (76) Drama 824
SWORD OF THE CLOSE-UP
AVENGER
Alan Bailer
Ilamoo Del Gado
Virginia GUmore
Slgrld Gurte
Ralph Morgan
Duncan Renaldo
Richard
R— Apr.
Kollmar
17—PO-921
R—May 29—PG-937
[T| (54) Western 4766
RANGE RENEGADES
Jimmy Wakely
'Tannonbal!" Taylor
R—Aug. 14—PO-959
(til (72) Drama 4717
OSHAGGY
Krenda Joyce
Robert Shayne
R—Apr. 17—PO-932
I
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) Outd'r-Dr 708
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IS ANGELES STARS
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ItoroU
^ (60) M'drama 707
r. 17—PO-921
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HEART OF VIRGINIA
Janet Martln-R. Lowery
R—May 8—PG-929
Group 5
m (86) Drama 815
BERLIN EXPRESS
Merle Oberoo
Robert Byan
Paul Lukas
R—Apr. 10—Pa-»19
Reissue
(88) Western HC19
|7]
RANGE WAR
William Boyd
Russell Hiyda
m (80) M'drama 709
KING OF GAMBLERS
Janet Martin
William
R—May
Wright
29—PG-938
(60) Western 755
|j3]
CARSON CITY RAIDERS
Allan "Rocky" Lane
Group 3
nroun 3
K| (68) Drama 813 (63) Western 814
TARZAN AND THE ARIZONA RANGER
MERMAIDS
Tim Holt
Johnny Welssmuller
lack Holt
Linda Christian
B—Apr. 3—PG-917
Nan Leslie
B— Apr. 3—P0-91T
^
(76) Drama 4705
THE PRAIRIE
Lenore Aubert
Alao Baxter
m
^
Reissue
Group 5
[5] (65) Adventure 818
BRING 'EM BACK
ALIVE
Frank
Buck
(85) Drama 710 ISg (66) M'drama 71]
SECRET SERVICE
I. JANE DOE
Ruth Hussey
INVESTIGATOR
John
Lynne Rnberts
Carroll
Vera Ralston
R—May 22—Pa-934
Lloyd Bridges
R—June 6—PO-939
Soecial
[io| (48) Docum 907
DESIGN FOR DEATH
R—Jan. 1—PO-893
Reissue
Herald (Negro)
[4] (79) Western HC20 luj (71) Drama X-3
LAW OF THE PAMPAS Miracle in harlem
WUUam Boyd
Stepin Fetchlt
Russell Baydeo
Sheila Guyse
Sidney Toler
Savannah (^urcblll
R—Aug. 14—PG-959
"'" »' 1|>. 21—PG-903
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lAD SOLDIERS
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(88) Drams 815
FURY AT FURNACE
CREEK
Victor Mature
Coleeo Gray
Glenn Langan
R—Apr. 10—PO-920
(87) Drama 816
(63) Ctomedj 817
THE IRON CURTAIN
ARTHUR TAKES OVER
Lois Collier
Dana Andrews
Richard Crane
Gene Tlemey
Skip Homeler
R—May 15—PG-931
Ann E. Todd
R—Apr. 17—PO-922
(89) Drama 818
UOGREEN GRASS OF
(111) Drama 820
ANNA
Vivien
KARENINA
Lclght
WYOMING
Peggy Chimmlna
Ralph Richardson
R—May 1—PO-925 Charles Cobum
Robert
R—May
Arthur
1—PG-925
(89) Musical 827
©GIVE MY REGARDS
TO BROADWAY
nan Dalley
Charles Wlnnlnger
Nancy Guild
R—May 29—PO-937
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OF TRIUMPH
Bergman
Boyer
SI—PO-904
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(90) Mus-Com 656
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(94) Drama
ARE YOU WITH IT?
(90) Drama 658
ALL MY SONS
Donald O'Connor DEAR MURDERER Edward G. Robinson
Eric Portmao
Martha Burt Lancaster
Stewart
Greta Gynt
Louisa Horton
Olga San
R—Mar.
Juan
20—PO-913
Dennis
R—May
Price
22—Pa-938
B—Feb. 28—PG-908
(87) Drama 659
LETTER FROM AN
UNKNOWN WOMAN
Joan Fontaine
Louis Jourdan
Jlady Christians
B—Apr. 17—PG-922
(78) Drama 6>
©RIVER LADY
Yvonne De Carlo
Rod Cameron
Pan Duryea
R—May 16—PO-93J
Drama 721
i;r meetiig
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r. 10—PO-919
Reissues
m (78) Drams 722
VALLEY OF THE
GIANTS
Wayne Morris
isj (109) Drama 724
THE WOMAN 5N
WHITE
Eleanor Parker
Aleris Smith
(79) Dram* 723 Sydney Greenstreet
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Gig Young
R—Apr.
J. Cagney-P. O'Brien
24—PG-923
|9] (110) D aroa 725
SILVER RIVF.R
Ann Sheridan
Errol FljTin
Thomas Mitchell
;—May 8—PG-928
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(77) Drama 726
WALLFLOWER
Robert Huttoo
Joyce Reynolds
Janls Paige
R—May 22—Pa-9S4
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TIGHT SHOES
Broderlck ftawford
Leo Carrlllo
Not. (77) Comedy 1217
BUTCH MINDS THE
BABY
Virginia Bran
Broderlck Crawford
Dee. (71) Drams 623
THE INVISIBLE MAN
Claude Rains
(Hara Stuart
Dee. (81) Dram* 1029
INVISIBLE MAN
RETURNS
Vincent Price
Sir Cedrlc Hardvleke
Dee. (91) Drams 1270
PITTSBURGH
John Wayne
Marlene Dietrich
Dee. (87) Drama 1017
GREEN HELL
Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
Joan Bennett
Jan. (74) Drama 1266
SIN TOWN
Constance Bennett
Broderlck Cirawford
Jan. (80) Myst-Dr 1295
SON OF DRACULA
Urn Chaney
Louise
Allbrlttoo
Jan. (67) Myst-Dr 1212
GHOST OF
FRANKENSTEIN
Lon Ctaney
Evelyn Ankers
Feb. (78) Drama 924
THE STORM
Charles Blckford
Preston Foster
Feb. (61) Myst-Dr 1246
MUMMY'S TOMB
Dick Foran
Lon
Chaney
Feb. (65) Myjt-Dr 1344
MUMMY'S GHOST
Lon Cbaney
Bamsay Amee
Mar. (83) Drama 917
LITTLE TOUGH GUY
Little Tough Guys
Dead End Kids
Mar. (73) Drama 929
LITTLE TOUGH GUYS
IN SOCIETY
Little Tough Ouyi

I
'
FEATURE CHART
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
JUNE 19
[Tt] (64) Western 858
THE TIOGA KID
Eddie Desn
Koscoe Ates
R—Mar. 20—PO-913
JUNE 26
JULY 3
Is] (93) Comedy 928 [a] (77) Drama 904
FULLER BRUSH MAN THUNDERHOOF
Red Skeiton
Preston Foster
R—May 15—PO-932 -Mary Stuart
William Bishop
[l] (55) Western 968
R—July 10—PG-949
BLAZING ACROSS THE
PECOS
R—July J7—PO-951
(87) Drams 825 |3o] (83) Drama 826
3|
©MICKEY
L^ols Butler
CANON
Scott Brady
CITY
Ooodwln
(Carles Russell
Bill
Sutton
DePorest Kelly
lolin
McDMlel R—June 26—PQ-944
Hsttle
June 26—PQ-944
JULY 10
JULY 17
JULY 24
Hi] (70) Drama 829
SHED NO TEARS
Wallace Ford
June Vincent
Robert Scott
R—Aug. 14—PG-96(
JULY 31
|l] (90) S'Western 939
©CORONER CREEK
Randolph Scott
R—June 5—PG-940
m] (65) Musical 953
ARKANSAS SWING
Hoosler Hotsbots
R—Jnly 24—PG-963
AUGUffll 101
THE SPIRITUA 3 r
Turban Bey i^KBM "^
Lynn Barl *•
Cathy ODonnellj
R—Aug. 7— P(^
(107 Comedy 828
©ON AN ISLAND WITH
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Esther Williams
Jimmy Durante
Peter Lawford
ryd C!harlsse
R—May 1—P(J-926
^
Ij3] (71) Drama 4715 (66) Western 4752
STAGE STRUCK TRIGGERMAN
Kane Richmond
Johnny M;ick Brown
Audrey Long
VU-glnla CarroU
R—May 22—Pa-93B Raymond Hatton
^
(103) Musical 829
OEASTER PARADE
Fred Astaire
Judy Garland
R—May 29—PO-938
(69) Drama 4717
(55) Western 4762
JINX MONEY
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Leo Gorcey
Jimmy Wakely
Huntz Hall
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R—May 22—PG-93B
Taylor
(113) Com-Mus 831
©A DATE WITH JUDY
Jane Powell
EHzabeth Taylor
Wallace Beery
R—June 26—PO-948
Mystery 4718
4757
dl] (66) [l|] (54) Western
THE SHANGHAI CHEST BACK TRAIL
(82) J]
Drama 4801
16 FATHOMS DEEP
RolDiid Winters
Johnny Mack Brown Lon Chaney
Manton Moreland
Lake
Mildred Coles
Arthur
Raymond Hatton
Tanls Chandler
B—June 12—PG-941
(104) Dramill
THE SEARCH
Montgomery CUK
||
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11—liar. 20—PC I
i
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HATTER'S CASTLE
James Maaoo
Deborah Kerr
William
B—Apr. 17—PQ-9a2
(64) Drama 4719
|2||
WATERFRONT AT
MIDNIGHT
Gargan
Mary Beth Hughes
R—May 8—PO-9J7
Group 5
(60) Western 819
HD
ra (93) Drama 816 GUNS OF HATE
FIGHTING FATHER Tim Holt
OUNNE
Nan Leslie
Pat O'Brien R—May 15—PG-931
Darryl Hickman
Myrna Dell
1!—May 15—PG-931
[Fl (106) Musical 4720
©EMPEROR WALTZ,
THE
Blng Crosby
Joan Fontaine
Richard Haydn
Luclle Watson
R—May 8—PG-928
Special
\t\ (172) Com-Dr 904
THE BEST YEARS OF
OUR LIVES
Fredric March
Myrna Loy
Dana Andrews
R—Dec. 7—rO-769
Reissue
(126) Dr R7-3508
\J\
THE CRUSADES
Loretta Young
Henry WUcoion
Group 5
[it] (90) Western 817
RETURN OF THE
BADMEN
Randolph Scott
Robert Ryan
Anne Jeffreys
R—May 22—PG-934
|3] (86) Comedy 4721 (62) Drama 4722 [e] (109) Di
DREAM GIRL
BIG TOWN SCANDAL SO EVIL MY
Betty Hutton
Philip Reed
Ray Milland
M.-Lcdonald
Hilary Brooke
Ann Todd
CJirey
Virginia Flleld
Stanley Clements
Patrlc Knowles
Darryl Hickman
May 8—PO-92T R—May 22—PG-933
Geraldine
Leo G.
R—May
FItzgen
CarroU
22—PO
^
Special
(75) Mu.slcal 991
©MELODY TIME
Andrew Sisters
Roy Rogers
Dennis Day
R—May 22—PG-934
^
(77) Drams
THE PEARL
Pedro Armendarb
•Maria Elena Man
R—Feb. 21—PO
(67) Mus-West 656
H)
THE TIMBER TRAIL
Monte Halt
Lynne Roberts
R—July 3—PG-947
Reissue
(70) Western HC21
5|]
SANTA FE MARSHAL
William Boyd
Hayden
Russell
Bambeao
Mirjorle
l28] (80) M'drama 712
TRAIN TO ALCATRAZ
rion Barry
Janet Martin
R—July 17—PO-952.
jib] (70) Outd'r-Mus 732
©EYES OF TEXAS
Roy Rogers
Lynn Roberta
Ajidy Devlne
R—July 24—PQ-9IW
H
|26] (88) Outd'r-Dr 715
THE GALLANT LEGION
WUUam Elliott
R—May 29—PG-938
g (60) Western 756
MARSHAL OF
AMARILLO
Allan "Rocky" Lani
Reissiit
Reissue
Reissue
ge] (89) Drama S-4 (71 Comedy S-3 (66) Western HC22
KING OF THE TURF RUNAWAY DAUGHTER THE SHOWDOWN
Adolpbe Menjou
Barbart Stanvyek
Dllllam Boyd
Dolores Costello
Robert Yotmi
Russell Hayden
^
Drama 819 Relstoe
(73)
THE COUNTERFEITERS
30
(87) Drant
John
BELLE STARR
Sutton
Merrick
Scott-Tlerney
llorls
Beaumont
Ilugb
(71) Drama 831
FRONTIER
Randolph
MARSHAL Riirbara
R—July
Scott
Nancy Kelly
[J5| (107) Comedj
ON OUR MERRY WAY
(formerly A MIRACLE
CAN HAPPEN)
All-star Cast
li—Feb. 7—Pa-898
Es] (79) Comedy
SO THIS IS NEW YORK
Henry Morgan
Rudy Vallee
Hugh Herbert
R—May IB—PO-93J
(91) Drama 823
STREET WITH NO
NAME. THE
Mark Stpvens
Moyd Nilan
Lawrence
10—PO-95n
Burgess
R—June
Meredith
19—PG-944
jT] (89) Drama
FOUR FACES WEST
Joel McCrea
Frances Dee
rharles Blckford
R—May 22—PG-933
(86) Drama
DEEP WATERS
Dana .^drews
Jean Peters
Cesar Romero
Itean Stockwell
R—July 3—PG-94
(77) Drama
VICIOUS CIRCLE, THE
Conrad Nagel
Fritz Kortner
Lyio Talbot
PhUlp Van Zandt
R—June 6—PG-930
(67) Drama 82F Reissues
THE CHECKERED COAl
Tom Conway
(86) Musical 832
(106)
ROSE OF WASHINGTON
WALLS
Cornel Wilde
OF JEI
Nash
SQUARE
Noreen
Linda Darnell
Hurd Hatfield
Tyrone Power
Baxter
7—PG-967 Alice Faye
R—July 10—P< tot
Aug.
(92) Drama 833
SLAVE SHIP
Wallace Beery
_ (109) Com-Dr
TIME OF YOUR LIFE
James Cagney
William Bendli
Wayne Morris
Jeanne Cagney
R—May 22—PO-933
i
PHIKI
ha Si
(107) Drama 660
ANOTHER PART OF
THE FOREST
Kredrlc March
Ann Blytk
Dan Duryea
R—April 24—P0-Sa4
(1*2) Drama 824
MINE OWN EXECU-
TIONER
(87) Musical 662
6<
(90) Drama 663
(79) Drams
(83)
UP
Comedy
IN CENTRAL PARK
664
BAD SISTER
ABBOTT & COSTELLO
MAN-EATER OF
ripanna Durbln
M.irgaret Lockwood MEET
nick Haymea
FRANKEN- KUMAON
Hunter
Sabu
STEIN
Vincent Price
Dennis Price
Abbott 4 Ctostello
R—June B—Pa-94» R—June 12—PO-94a Lon Chaney
Bel a Lugosl
loanne Pago
Wedell
R—June
Corey
26—PG-94B
R—July 3—PG-947
(78) Mus-Cnm 665
FEUDIN', FUSSIN'
AND A-FIGHTIN'
Donald •'Connor
Percy Kilbride
B—June 19—Pa-943
(109)
©TAP ROOTS
Van Herin
Susan Hayward
Ward Bond
R—July 3—Pfl&l
1
ge] (80) Drama 727 [s] (09) Mualcal 728
THE BIG PURCH ©ROMANCE ON THE
Wayne Morrla
HIGH SEAS
Lnls Maxwell
Jack Carson
Gordon MacRea
Janls Paige
R—May 29—PO-937 Don DePore
«—June 12—Pa-942
^
Reissues
(82) Drtmt 739
FLOWING GOLD
GarfleiaO'Brlen
|17] (Tl) Drama 729
GOD'S COUNTRY AND
THE WOMAN
George Brent
(101) Drama 731
KEY LARGO
Humphrey Bogart
ird G. Robinson
Lauren Bacall
Lionel Barrymore
R—July 10—PG-949
(96) Drama
Inf
Wi'stpcirt
A LOVER'S RETURN
R—Mar. n—Pn-910
(102) Mus-Dr
Foremost
JENNY LAMOUR
I/»uh Jouret
R—M.ir. 0—rG-9in
(96) Opera
Siiperfllm
THIS WINE OF LOVEFANNY
R—Feb. 14—PG-901 R—Mar
(89) Fus-Dr
Continental
LAUGH. PAGLIACCI
R—Miir. 6— PG-910
(126) Drams
SIrltzky-Tnfl
(81) Drama
Distinguished
PASSIONELLE
R—Mar. 6—Pa-909
(90) Mus-Dr (92) Drama
""" SuperfUm
oA^,.....^*''
ROSSINI
HENRY IV
R—Mar. 27—PG-9U R—Apr. 10—PG1919
(84) Opera
Columbia
THE LOST ONE
R—Apr. 24—PG-923
(90) Myst-Dr (114) Drama (96) Mu.slcal
Westport Infl Mayer-BurstSTi Artkino
THE RAVEN PAISAN ©DIE FLEDERMAUS
R—Apr. 6—PG-91T K— Apr. 24—PG-924 R—May 1—PG-926
(80) Com-Dr
Distinguished
CONFESSIONS OF A
ROGUE
R— May 1—PG-926
(9») C!oB-Dr
Presldeot
ANGELINA
R—May 8—PO-930
(95) Comedj
SIritskr
ANTOINE &
ANTOINETTE
R— May 8—PO-
(90) Drams
SIrltitl
FARREBIQUE
R—May 8—P©

ll
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
lUGUST 14
(64) Western 967
,IL TO LAREDO
July
SUrrett
17—Pa-961
01) Drama 831
|AT MIDNIGHT
Denning
24—PG-954
AUGUST 21
(87) Dniraa 9'
LULU BELLE
horothy Latnour
(leorKe Montgomery
Mbort Dekker
Otto Kruger
li—June 19—PG-943
AUGUST 28 SEPTEMBER 4 SEPTEMBER 11 SEPTEMBER 18 SEPTEMBER 25
QT] (60) Drama 916 ^ (76) Western 903 Ill lir..ma
(76) Adi-llrania 914
|27]
THE BLACK ARROW
Louis lluyward
li—July 10—1'0-949
(79) Western 982
©THE STRAWBERRY
ROAN
R—Mar. 6—PG-907
Reissue
Reissue
(79) Western 8;
[l9| (86) Comedy S47 (96) Comedy 850
HOLD
HIRED
THAT GHOST
WIFE
©NORTHWEST
Rosalind
STAI«PEDE
Russell
Bud Abbott
Joan Leslie
1 /Mierne
Lou CosteUo
James Craig
Evelyn Ankers
R—July 10—PG-950
Joan Darls
GENTLEMAN
NOWHERE
Warner Baxter
Fay
Baker
Vau
Rooten
FROM
(62) lira
N THIS CORNER
Scott Brady
Aiinaliei Shaw
Jimmy .Mitlican
H—Sept. 4—PG-966
BLACK EAGLE
William Bishop
Virginia Patton
Gordon Jones
H—Sept.
4—PC lili.';
(. . ) Dociimenlary 902
©OLYMPIC GAMES
UF 1948
Bill Hlern. Common.
Ted Hilsing
WALK A CROOKED
MILE
O'Kcere
iinis
llayuard
Liiiil.i
gi (62) Act-Mu-i 954
SINGIN' SPURS
ler Hiilshi.M
Reissue
(1U2) 734
.Mystery
INTERNATIONAL LADY
George Brent
Basil Kalhliiinc
Reissue
(117) Drama 737
MY SON, MY SON
Abeme
Brian
OCTOBER 2
( . ) K|,ec-.Aet
TRIPLE THREAT
Richard Crane
Gloria Henry
m (98) Musical 901
©LUXURY LINER
Jane Powell
Laurltz Melchlor
George Brent
Frances Glfford
R—Aug. 21—PG-962
''10)
iJU
Ciimedy 902
A SOUTHERN YANKEE
Red Skellon
Arline Dahl
Brian Donievy
K—Aug. 7— PO-95S
(79) Drama 4719
ilAEL 0' HALLO RAN
\f Beckett
lie Boberts
tf Cook
1 Jevell
19—Pa-944
g (53) Western 4763
SILVER TRAILS
Jimmy Wakely
Cbrlstlne Larson
Oub Taylor
^
\b] (66) Musical (68) Drama
4721
4720
THE
THE MUSIC
GOLDEN EYE
MAN
I'hil Brlto
Roland Winters
Freddie Stewart
Claire Trevor
June Preisser
Charles Bickford
Allan Hale jr.
R—July 31—PG-955
R—July 24—PO-953
[12] (65) M'Drama 4802
JOE PALOOKA IN
WINNER TAKE ALL
Joe Kirkwood
FJIyse Knox
W'lIIiam Frawley
R—Aug. 28—PG-9e3
(107) EinK-Fir AAIO
THE BABE RUTH
STORY
William Bendli
|25) (55) Weslern 4754
THE SHERIFF OF
MEDICINE BOW
Johnny .Mack Broun
(87) Comedy AAS
THE DUDE GOES WESi
Eddie Albert
Gale Storm
R—.May 1— PG-926
( . I Western
THE RANGERS RIDE
Jimmy Wakely
|ol (116) Drama 4724
FOREIGN AFFAIR, A
Jean Arthur
Jobn Lund
Marlene Dletrlcb
R—June 12—PG-941
s] (82) Drama 4726
3EY0ND GLORY
Alan Ladd
Donna Reed
R—July 19—PG-944
§4] (89) Drama 4801
SORRY, WRONG
NUMBER
Barbara Stanwyck
Burt Lancaster
Ann Richards
Wendell Corey
R—Jhly 31—PG-956
9T) Drama 96
VELVET TOUCH
'tJJ Ind Russell
Ooin
Trevor
iy Oreenstreet
_ ulj 24—PG-954
ISO) M'drama 716
EDEVILS OF THE
OUDS
Lltlngstoo
't
Clark
ii Cardwel!
ulj 31—PO-955
I 9) Musical
AT LADY
,^
ERMINE
jGrable
Fairbanks
jtomero
]r.
IvAbel
b 17—pa-961
(61) Drama
FIGHTING BACK
Paul Langton
Gary Gray
J.ComedJ S83
(65) Drama
tS, BROOKLYR URUBU
ID HEAVEN
GH'Tfre Breakstone
l^nn
Yntkf Coplen
Jl 24—PO-984 Naihr Past
lH) Drama 587 R—Aue. 21—PG-961
AL fmeU
at 7—PG-967
A) Comcdj 667 !9)
PEABODY AND LARCENY
Drama 6£
MERMAID
Payne
John
IE
IB Powell
Joan Caulfleld
mm
Dan Duryea
"
Harrey
Aug. 14—PG-959
El King
df 10—PG-949
B(llS) Comedy 702 SI| (80) M'drama 732
>FE WITH FATHER
J »m Powell
EMBRACEABLE
Dane Clark
YOU
Dunne
Geraldine Brooks
Iibeth Taylor
S. Z. Sakal!
Vund Gwenn
Wallace Ford
Pitts
R—July 31—PG-955
Hug. 23-PO-850
(87) Fantasy
g, Lopert
Is BEAUTY AND THE
*', BEAST
)»—May 8—PO-929
(80) Comedy
Duke Infl
(100) Drama
Discina Infl
THE DAMNED
R—May 29—PG-938
(90) Drama
Lopert
ROOM UPSTAIRS
Marlene Dietrich
I
VOYAGE
,
R—May
SURPRISE
22—PO-936 R—June 5—PO-9
(79) M'Drama 821
|T8| (114) .Com-Dr .962 Hi] (66) Mystery 822
Musical 902
(59)
VARIETY TIME GOOD SAM
Cooper
Gary
MYSTERY IN MEXICO
RACE
George
STREET
Raft
Leon Errol
Edgar Kennedy
Sheridan
William Bendlx
Pat Rooney
31—PG-956
Marilyn .Maxwell
Ann
R—July
William
R—July
Lundlgan
3—PG-948
(70) Mystery 905
R—July 7—PG-958
Henry Morg.in
BODYGUARD R—July 3—PG-94S
Lawrence
R—Sept.
Tierney
14—PG-965
(61) M'drama 717
Jl |9] (67) Cufdr-Mus 733 [Tj (90) Drama 7"l9
OUT OF THE STORM ©NIGHTIME IN ANGEL IN EXILE
Jimmy Lydon
NEVADA
John Carroll
Lois Collier
Roy Rogers
Adele Mara
(60) M'drama 718
JH ^ (60) M'drama 713 Barton MacLane
SONS OF ADVENTURE CODE OF SCOTLAND
Lynne Roberts
YARD
Russ Hayden
O'^car Horoolks
[T| (81) Drama 4801 Reissue
THE RETURN OF [H
(62) Western HC23
WILDFIRE
Richard Arlen
HIDDEN
William
GOLD
Boyd
R—Aug. 21—PG-962
Hayden
Russell
|T] (61) Outd'r-Dr 4802
JUNGLE GODDESS
George Reetea
(70) Out'dr-Dr. 829
THE WINNER'S CIRCLE
Jean Wllles
Morgan Farley
Johnny Longden
R—Aug. 7—PO-957
|6] (126) Weat-Dr 585
RED RIVER
John Wayne
Montgomery Oltt
Walter Brennan
Joanne Dru
R—July 17—PG-952
Reissues
(82) Drama
WAKE UP
SCREAMING
(82) Comedy 670 (88) Drama
ONE TOUCH OF VENUS THE SAXON CHARM
Robert Montgomery
Ava Gardner
Sussn Hayward
Dick Ha>'mes
Robert Walker
John Payne
Aug. 28—PG-96
(128) Drama
Slrltzky Infl
MARIUS
R—June 19— PG-944
(100) Drama
Best Films
JEALOUSY
B—June 19—PB-943
835
Betty Grable
Victor Mature
(125) Drama 834
BLOOD AND SAND
Tyrone Power
m (86) Mus-Com 801
©TWO GUYS FROM
TEXAS
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Dorothy Malone
R—Aug. 7—PG-958
(130) Drama
Krlt2ky-Infl
THEY ARE NOT
ANGELS
R—June 26—PO-946
(100) Drama
Schaefer
DAY OF WRATH
R—June 26-PO-945
Reissue
[io] (72) Comedy S-5
FLIRTING WITH FATE
Joe E. Brown
Beverly Roberta
Steffi Duna
(99) Drama 837
THE LUCK OF THE
RISH
Tyrone Power
Anne Baxter
R—Sept. 4—PG-965
(901 Comedy 672
FOR THE LOVE OF
MARY
Deanna Durbin
Edmund O'Brien
Don Taylor
R—Sept. 4—rG-96S
(92) Com-Drama
Oxford Films
FRIC-FRAC
R—July 3—Pa-948
(105) Drama
Slrllzky-Infl
NAIS
B—July 3—PO-947
iS) Drama i
ESCAPE
Rex Harrison
Pegt^y Cummins
William Hartnell
Normal Wooland
R—June 5—PG-940
[n] (DO) Comedy
AN INNOCENT AFFAIR
Fred MacMurray
Madeleine Carroll
Buddy Rogers
Rita Johnson
R—Sept. 4—PG-966
(75) Documentary
Mayer-Burstyn
THE ILLEGALS
B—July 17— PG-952
(88) Drama
DIsclna Infl
BLIND DESIRE
E—July 17—PG-952
Reissues
(108) Comedy S-7
|4J
DUKE OF WEST POINT
Louis Hayward
Fontaine
_
(88) Comedy S-8
MISS ANNIE ROONEY
Shirley Temple
(6S) Comedy 8J0
(139) Drama 838
FOREVER AMBER THE GAY INTRUDERS
Emery
John
Linda Darnell
Wilde
Tamara Geva
Cornell
R—Oct. IS—PG-S66 Leif Erickson
Roy Roberts
(64) Mystery 839
R—June
THE CREEPER
12—PG-942
Eduardo (^elli
|25] (80) Dram* 802
©ROPE
James Stewart
John Dall
Farley Granger
Constance Collier
R— .\ug. 28—PG-963
(90) Comedy
Siritzky-lnfl
PORTRAIT OF
INNOCENCE
R—July 24—PG-954
(81) Drama
fteatlve
FRANCOIS VILLON
R—Ang. 14—PG-960
(91) Drama 673
AN ACT OF MURDER
Fredric .March
Florence Eldridge
Edmund O'Brien
R—Sept. 4—PG-965
(96) Drama
Arlkino
MURDERERS AMONG
US
(105) Drama
Azteca Films
LA MORENA DE Ml
COPLA
R—.*ug. 28—PG-963
S/>nt- 11 1P48 9 ,

REVIEW DIGEST and Alphabetical Picture Guide Index- 1
E
1-

I
1 915
'>
An interpretative analysis of opinions deducted Irom the language ol lay
and trade press reviews. The plus and minus signs indicate the degree
of favor or disfavor of the review. This department serves also as on
fALPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title is
^Picture Guide Review page number. In parentheses after title is running
Date following distributor la BOXOFFICE review date. Ustinga cover
time.
current reviews. It is brought up to date regularly. The meaning of the
various signs and their combinations is as follows:
't Very Good; + Good; - Fair; — Poor; = Very Poor.
In the summary H is rated as 2 pluses; — as 2 minuses.
M
Marslial of Amnrillo ( . .
Hep
895 Mary Lou (66) Col 1-31-48 ±
Matins of Millie. 914 The (S7) Col 3-20-48 ±
914 Meet Me at Dawn (89) 20-Fox 3-20-48 -f
934 Melody Time (76) RKO 5-22-48 H
944 Michael O'Halioran (79) Mono 6-19-48 ff
946 Mickey (87) EL 6-26-48 +
944 Mine Own Executioner 6-19-48 ±
(102) 20-Fox
907 Miracle of the Bells, The (120) UA 3- 6-48 +
962 Miraculous Journey (76) FC 2-21-48 -f
917 Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House
(96) SRO 4- 3-48 +
949 Mr, Peabody and the Mermaid
(89) U-l
904 Mr. Reckless (67) Para
7-10-48
2-21-48
-f
—
918 Money Madness (73) FC 4-3-48 ±
879 Mourning Becomes Electra (173)
RKO 12- 6-47 -f
953 Music Man (66) Mono 7-24-48 ±
968 My Dear Secretary (94) UA 9-11-48 ff
925 My Dog Rusty (67) Col 5- 1-48 ±
893 My Girl Tisa (95) WB 1-24-48 -f
in 948 Mystery Mexico (66) RKO 7- 3-48 ±
N
896 Naked City. The (96) U-l 1-31-48 #
B76 Nicholas Nickleby (95) U-l 11-22-47 -|-
951 Night Has a Thousand Eyes
(81) Para 7-17-48 +
874 Night Song (102) RKO 11-15-47
968 Night Wind (68) 20-Fox 9-11-48
+
±
920 Noose Hangs High, The (77) EL 4-10-48 +
950 Northwest Stampede (79) EL 7-10-48 +
O
3-20-48 +
913 October Man, The (85) EL
907 Oklahoma Badlands (59) Rep 3- 6-48 -f
921 Old Los Angeles (87) Rep 4-17-48 +
967 Olympic Cavalcade (57) UA 9-11-48 +
926 On an Island With You (107) MGM 5- 1-48 ++
964 One Touch of Venus (82) U-l S-2S-48 -{-
898 On Our Merry Way (formerly Miracle
Can Happen, A) (107) UA 2- 7-48 -|-
893 Open Secret (70) EL 1-24-48 -f
,'
Out of the Storm (61) Rep
P
'195 Panlitndle (84) Allied Artists 1-31-48 +
888Pvadine Case. The (117) SRO 1-3-48 -H
903 Pearl, The (77) RKO 2-21-48 —
Perilous Waters (64) Mono
Phantom Valley (53) Col 907 3- 6-48 ±
897 Piccadilly Incident (87) MGM 2- 7-48 ±
918 Pirate, The (102) MGM 4-3-48 -f
957 Pitfall (85) UA 8- 7-48 +
923 Port Said (69) Col 4-24-48 ±
879 Prince of Thieves, The (72) Col 12- 6-47 -|-
R
948 Race Street (78) RKO 7-3-48 ±
958 Rachel and the Stranger (92) RKO.. 8- 7-28 -(-
959 Range Renegades (54) Mono) 8-14-48 +
937 Raw Deal (78) EL 5-29-48 +
952 Red River (104) UA 7-17-48 ++
892 Relentless (92) Col 1-17-48 H
934 Return of the Badmen (90) RKO... 5-22-48 -f
962 Return of Wildfire (81) SG 8-21-48 +
962 Return of Wildfire (81) SG 8-21-48 -f
932 River Lady (78) U-l) 5-15-48 ±.
959 Rocky (76) Mono 8-14-48 ±
942 Romance on the High Seas (102 WB 6-12-48 tt
963 Rope (80) WB 8-28-48 ±
Busty Leads the Way C) Col
Ruthless (102) EL 3-27-48 -|-
8
897 Saigon (95) Para 2- 7-48 ±
908 'Sainted' Sisters, The (90) Para. . . 3- 6-48 -f-
967 Saxon Charm, The (88) UA 9-11-4S ±
|908Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hayl (95)
m XK > tZ XQca.aE ZC3
±

SHORTS CHART
title First date is National release, second the date of review in BOXOFFICE.
Symbol between dales is rating from the BOXOFFICE review: H Ve.y Good.
+ Good, ± Fair,
- Poor, = Very Poor. O Indicates color photography.
Columbia
Prod No. Title Rel- Date Rating Re»'d
ASSORTED COMEDIES
9423 Silly Billy (Billie Burke)
(18) 1-29
9424 Two Nuts in a Rut
(Shillmo & Lane) (18) 2-19
9437 Eiglit- Ball Andy (Clyde)
(17!/2) ••• 3-"
9425 Tall, Dark and Gruesome
(H. Herbert) (16). ... 4-15
9438 Jitter Bughouse (J. OeRita)
(IS) "-29
•;
9426Crabhin' in the Cabin (Vernon
& Quillan) (18) 5-13
9439 The Sheepish Wolf
(I71/2) /^.•••- ^
9427 Pardon My Lamb Chop
(17) 6-10
9440 Flat Feat d^'/z) .•• 6-24
194S-49 SEASON
1421 Billie Gets Her Man (17) 9-9
1441 Pest from the West (IS'/s) 9-30
COLOR FAVORITES
(Re-releases)
9604 In My Gondola (71/2) 1-22
9605 Animal Cracker Circus (7) 2-19
9606 Bon Bon Parade (SI/2) . 4- 8
.
9607 House That Jack Built
5- 6 rt
(7)
9608 The Untrained Seal (TVj.) 7-15
1948-49 SEASON
1601 The Stork Takes a Holiday
(8) 9-9
COLOR PHANTASIES
9702 Topsy Turkey (e'/z) 2-5
9703 Short Snorts on Sports
(6I/2) 6- ' *
COLOR RHAPSODIES
9502 Boston Beany (6) 12- * —
9503 Flora (7) 3-18
1948-49 SEASON
1501 Pickled Puss (6I/2) 9- 2
COMMUNITY SINGS
9654 No. 4 When You Were Sweet
Sixteen (Leibert & Baker)
(91/2) 12- * ±
9655 No. 5 Feudin' and Fiihtin
(IO1/2) i-,5 ^
9656N0. 6 Civilization (10)... 2-12 ±
9657 No, 7 I'm Looking Over a
Four-Leaf Clover (91/2). 4-29 -j-
9658 No. 8 Manana (IOI/2) . . ' '
.
9659 No^g'CaliforniaHe'ri I Come
(9) 8-12
1948-49 SEASON
1651 No. 1 Baby Face (9) 9-16
FILM NOVELTIES
9901 Aren't We All? (Stooonagle)
(I01/2) 11-27
9902 The Candid Microphone
(10)
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
9855 Hawaii in Hollywood (10) 1-22
9856 Photoplay's Gold Medal
Awards (91/2) 5-18
9857 Smiles and Styles (91/2) 4- 1
9858 Hollywood Honors Hefsholt
(8) 5-6
M59 Hollywood Party (9) 6-10
9860 Hollywood Friars Honof Geofge
Jcssel (91/2) 7-8
1948-49 SEASON
1851 Hollywood Holiday (..).. 9- 2
SPECIAL
± 3-20
± 4-24
± 5-22
± 6-26
+
-f
7- S
MUSICAL FEATHRETTE
9451 A Voice Is Born (Miklos
H Gafni) (201/2) 1-15 10-25
STOOGE COMEDIES
9404 Shivering Sherlocks (17) 1- 8 -f
9405 Pardon My Clutch (15).. 2-26 +
9406 Squareheads of the Round
Table (18) 3-4
0407 Fiddlers Three (17) 5- 6
9408 The Hot Scots (17) 7-8 +
1948-49 SEASON
1401 Heavenly Daze (I61/2) 9- 2
. . •
THRILLS OF MUSIC
9955 Charlie Barnet li Orch.
(IOI/2) 1-15 +
9956 Ted Weems t Orch. (lOVz) 3-25 9957 Gene Krupa & Orch. (10) 6-10 ±
9958 Tony Pastor & Orch. (10) 7-22 +
1948-49 SEASON
1951 Elliott Lawrence & Orch.
(..) 9-23
WORLD OF SPORTS
9804 Navy Crew Champions
(10) 12-25 +
9805 Rodeo Thrills and Splllt
(91/2)
9806 Net Marvels (9)
1-29
Ml
-I-
9807 Champions in thi Making
+
(S'/2) 5-13
9808 No Holds Barred (9)... 6-17 +f
9806 Aqua Zanies (9) 7-15 +
1948-49 SEASON
1801 Diving Champions (..).. 9-23
SERIALS
9140 Brick Bradford 12-18 -|-
15 Chapters
9160 Tex Granger 4-1 -t-
Chanf.r.
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9180 Superman (Special) .... 7-lS +
15 Chaptert
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Metro-Goldvryn-Mayer
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd
FITZPATRICK
TRAVELTALKS
(Technicolor)
T-911 Visiting Virginia (9)... 11-29 -f 1-3
T-912 Cradle of a Nation (9) 12-13 -f-
1-3
T-913 Cape Breton Island (9) 5- 8 -f 7-10
T-914 Chicago, tha Beautiful
(10) 7-17 -f 8-14
GOLD MEDAL REPRINTS
(Technicolor)
W-921 Goldilocks and the Three
Bears (11) 11-22
W-922The Fishing Bear (8).. 12-20
W-923Thc Milky Way (8) 2-14
W-924 The Midnight Snack (9) 3-27
W-925 Puss 'n Toots (7) 4-24
W-926The Bawling Alley Cat
(8) 6-12
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20th Century-Fox
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Rel. Date Ratine R«'

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ExMbitOT Has His Say
(Contifnued from page 3)
Paule Croset, Maria Monfez. We just didn't
do any good with this. My folks don't care
ior costumes and sword fights. I couldn't
recommend this for small towns. Played
Tues., Wed. Weather: Fair.—Jim Mote, Gem
Theatre, Sterling, Okla. Small town and rural
patronage. * *
Ivy (U-I)—Joan Fontaine, Patric Knowles,
Herbert Marshall. This is an excellent murder
mystery, excellent acting by Joan Fontaine,
good photography and sound, suspense and
a plot that a child could follow and an
English picture that you can understand.
"Mama" doesn't approve of such and she
stayed away and wouldn't let "Willie" go,
but we played it with "Bear Facts," one of
those wild animal pictures that can't be beat.
Played Sat., Sun. Weather: Cool and pleasant.
— J. C. Vanhouse, Sun Theatre, Kenesaw,
Neb. Small town patronage. * * *
Naked City (U-I)—Barry Fitzgerald, Howard
Duff, Dorothy Hart. This may have been
hot stuff in New York City but in the oil
fields, it is just so many shots of skyscrapers
and a cops-and-robbers chase. The first day
was average, but the second night, we played
"Naked City" to practically a naked theatre!
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Hot.—Mrs. Pat
W. Murphy, Queen Theatre, HoUiday, Tex.
*
Oil field worker patronage,
Naked City, The (U-I)—Barry Fitzgerald,
Howard Duff, Dorothy Hart. This is a swell
picture, well done on the spot and interestholding
throughout. In spite of all this, we
did very poor business. Why? Weather too
nice? Softball games? Picnics? A 14-plus
picture usually knocks them over but Sunday
was below average and Monday fell flat on
its face. Weather: Too nice.—Jack Hammond,
Shastona Theatre, Mount Shasta, Calif.
*
Small town and lumber patronage,
Hide the Pink Horse (U-I)—Robert Montgomery,
Wanda Hendrix, Andrea King. This
did not draw too well. I think the Mexican
angle in the preview frightened people away.
It is a good picture, though,
is superb. Played Sun.,
and the acting
Mon. — Marcella
Smith, Vinton Theatre, McArthur, Ohio. Small
town patronage. * * *
Senator Was Indiscreet, The (U-I)—William
Powell, Ella Raines, Peter Lind Hayes. I
can't find the words for a suitable comment
on this waste of film. The first night an average
crowd of unsuspecting people bought
tickets for what they expected to be entertainment,
and I was ashamed to show my face
when they started coming out. Nobody was
fooled the second night, however. We showed
to about 15 people, most of whom left before
it was over. Anyway, we got to bed earlyl
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair.—Mrs. Pat
W. Murphy, Queen Theatre, Holliday, Tex.
Oil field workers and small town patronage. *
Singapore (U-I) — Fred MacMurray, Ava
Gardner, Roland Culver. It seems that when
a feature is given
trons stay
such a title,
away, regardless of
too many
who the
pa-
actors
may be. Fred MacMurray as a rule
draws here but did not in this feature. Played
Sat., Sun. Weather: Fine.—E. P. Amundson,
Colton Theatre, Colton, S. D. Small town and
rural patronage. «
Something in the Wind (U-1)—Deanna Durbin,
Donald O'Connor, John Dall. This is
just a wee bit too much high class for my
rural yokels. It is a mighty good show, though,
with comedy and hilarious situations throughout.
The print and sound are fine. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Hot.— I. Roche, Vernon
Theatre, Vernon, Fla. Rural and small town
patronage. • •
Web, The (U-I)—Ella Raines, Edmond
O'Brien, William Bendix. This is a common
place murder mystery of which we have already
shown too many, doubled vnth Hoppy
in "Dangerous Ventu:e," which is excellent.
Afier seeing Hoppy, some ;clks walked out on
"The Web." Avercpe aitendance. Played Sat.
Weather: Hot.— J. C. Vanhouse, Sun Theatre,
Keiiesaw, Neb. Small town patronage. * * *
When the Daltons Rode (U-P—Reissue. Randolph
Scott, Kay Francis, Brian Donlevy. A
rehash of a story that happened in our own
backyard, just 60 miles from here. A good action
story ior our old timers that knew the
facts. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Rain.
Bill Leonard, Leonard Theatre, Cedarvale,
Kas. Small town and rural patronage. * * *
Wicked Lady, The (U-D—Margaret Lockwood,
James Mason, Patricia Roc. Here is
an oldie that I've put off playing time and
again. It was much better than most English
features but I had walkouts and very few in
the audience. Skip it. Played Tues., Wed.
Weather: Fair.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre,
Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage. * * *
WARNER BROS.
Adventures of Robin Hood, The (WB)—Reissue.
Errol Flynn, Olivia DeHavilland, Claude
Rains. Nine years ago, after seeing this
feature, I had to give a speech in school on
"One of the Best Motion Pictures I've Ever
Seen." If I were to give a speech again on
that same subject, I'd again use Robin Hood.
It is worth anybody's best playing time. It
really is an epic reissue, as the Warner
trailer stated—but it did only average business,
which is good these days. The rental
was much too high to realize any profits during
the showing, but I did give my patrons
a swell treat. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Fair.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville,
W. Va. Rural and small town patronage. * * *
April Showers (WB) — Jack Carson, Ann
Sothern, Robert Alda. A Sunday musical that
was well received and attended. The boy that
played Jack Carson's son stole the show. I
hope to see more of him soon. Played Sunday
only.—James C. Balkcom jr.. Gray Theatre,
Gray, Ga. Small town patronage. * * *
Cheyenne (WB)—Dennis Morgan, Jane Wyman,
Janis Paige. This is a good western that
did good business. My folks are nuts about
westerns, which isn't a bad idea, from my
viewpoint.—Frank E. Sabin, Majestic Theatre,
Eureka, Mont. Small town patronage. *
Silver River (WB)—Errol Flynn, Ann Sheridan,
Thomas Mitchell. Doubled with "The
Woman in White" and this program as a double
feature is too long. It seems to me when
a big name western is produced and not in
Technicolor, the public gets wise. At least,
that is the metropolitan view. Business was
fair. Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather:
Warm and clear.—Al Hatoff, Ritz Theatre,
Brooklyn, N.Y. Neighborhood patronage. *
Time, the Place and the Girl, The (WB)—
Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson, Janis Paige.
This is certainly a good musical and comments
on it were very good. Fred L. Murray,
Strand Theatre, Spiritwood, Sask. Small town
and rural patronage. * *
To the Victor (WB)—Dennis Morgan, Viveca
Lindfors, Victor Francen. No business on
this. It has a fair story but skip it if you can.
Played Thurs., Fri.—W. S. Funk, Star Theatre,
St. Stephen, S. C. Small town patronage. *
Treasure of Sierra Madre (WB)—Humphrey
Bogart, Walter Huston, Bruce Bennett. This
didn't take in the film rental here. Informed
Warner Bros., but no answer to the letter
about the low gross on this. Good acting by
Bogart and all the cast, but it is not for the
small houses. Played Mon., Tues. Weather:
Fair.—Frank D. Fowler, Princess Theatre,
Macksville, *
N. C. Rural patronage.
,
In the Newsreels
Movietone News, No. 70: World conference
of churches held in Amsterdam; nation mourns
Justice Hughes death; Communists march on
Berlin city hall; 25-year-oIds register; President
Truman ends vacation; John A. Costello
visits U.S.; Jacob Lomakin leaves U.S.;
Churchill visits France; Darryl F. Zanuck in
Italy; Citation captures $60,000; ice spectacle
in Atlantic City.
News of the Day, No. 200: First world council
of churches, rioting Reds seize Berlin
city hall; Soviet consul sails for home; 25-yearolds
answer first draft call; Olympic champs
come home; ice capades of 1949.
Paramount News, No. 3: Best on the ice;
world churchmen meet in Amsterdam; draft
call induction set for November; Soviet consul
sails from N. Y.; U.S. Olympic stars home after
sweep; red hot football—temperature 99 degrees.
Universal News, No. 174: Draft begins;
Lomakin ousted—Soviet consul packs up and
leaves; Christians meet—44 countries send
leaders to Holland; Olympic team returns: ice
capades; American Derby.
Warner Pathe News, No. S: People in the
news; church conference; Berlin crisis; ice
capades; baby elephant; New York Yankees
vs. Brooklyn Dodgers; Citation—American
Derby.
Movietone News, No. 71: Queen Wilhelmina
abdicates after 50-year reign; chief Communist
in U.S. identified by former Red;
Greece government troops advance in Gramos
mountain; Berlin—U.S. plane crash in
fog; Chicago—Navy flying boat Caroline
Mars ends nonstop flight to Hawaii; France
Over 550 Americans make pilgrimage to the
shrine of Lourdes; football—Navy and Notre
Dame get in shape for 1948 season; fishing
General Eisenhower on Colorado fishing vacation.
News oi the Day, No. 201: Ex-commies put
finger on mystery Red spy chief; Greek rebels
routed in Mt. Gramos; Dutch acclaim Wilhelmina,
50 years their queen; navy's Hawaii-
Chicago flight sets record; tennis; football is
here at South Bend, Annapolis, West Point.
Paramount News, No. 4: Celebrities sail
aboard the Queen Mary; Wilhelmina of Holland
ends 50-year reign; football—Notre
Dame, Army Navy.
Universal News, No. 176: Shanghai fights
inflation; Canadian national exposition; General
Eisenhower dedicates hospital; gala Holland
festival; babies have day in sun; Spanish
woodsmen in ax-chopping contest; 3-yearold
swimmer takes bow.
Warner Pathe News, No. G: Chambers identifies
Red spy boss; latest news from Berlin;
Wilhelmina's golden jubilee; tennis match between
Talbott and MuUoy; coats in the news;
Washington's farewell address in Great
Events.
All American News, VoL 6, No. 306: Sports
fans mourn death of Babe Ruth; Puerto Rico
harvests sugar crop; Singer Toni Harper captures
audiences in theatre tour; annual
Shriners convention brings out big crowd.
Telenews Digest, No. 35: Communist probe
looks for perjurist; Kasenkina case reaches
climax; the draft comes back; Austria-German;
Frankfurt-Berlin; Chungking; New York-
Berlin; Dulles speaks at International church
conference; Israel; Russia; Turkey; England;
Czechoslovakia; U.S. Olympic stars return;
summer football—Yanks beat Dodgers.
P
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14
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Sept. 11, 1948
'i

}pMoas on Currtat Productloas; Exploltlpt for Stiliag to tbo Pobllt
FEATURE REVIEWS
My Dear Secretary
United Artists (- 94 Minutes Rel. Nov. '48
Full of lively laughs and handsomely staged, with a strong
name cast that makes it a sure-iire attraction for "A" playing
time. The story thread is light and sometimes goofy
but the farcical situations pile up so fast that chuckles mingle
with the laughs and both young and old enjoyed it
immensely at a sneak preview before a full-theatre audience
in New York. Laraine Day, as secretary of a book publisher
(Rudy Vallee), who has ambitions to become a short story
writer and transfers her secretarial work to Kirk Douglas,
who is a novelist with no assured income, displays some
fine comedy talents. Keenan Wynn, as an impecunious
song writer, who serves as chief cook and companion to the
novelist, adds to the hilarity. Most of it is staged in a
sumptuous apartment. Leo C. Popkin produced and Charles
Martin was author and director.
Laraine Day, Kirk Douglas, Keenan Wynn, Helen Walker,
Rudy Vallee, Florence Bates, Alan Mowbray.
F
The Saxon Charm
Univ.-Int'l (671) 88 Minutes Rel. Sept '48
Within the limitations set forth by Frederic ("The Hucksters")
Wakeman's recent best-selling novel about an eminently
successful theatrical producer and an unsuspecting
playwright who becomes ensnarled in his egocentricities,
Hollywood has come up with a sleek, sophisticated but
uneven photoplay in which the predominant among few
virtues is Robert Montgomery's masterful portrayal of the
title role. V/hether or not the average moviegoer will accept
his film fare dished up with a minimum of action and a
maximum of static dialog is problematical. Indeed, the
offering seems to suffer from job a scripting which mokes
it all too easy for the audience to anticipate each move
of the mummers involved. John Payne and Susan Hayword
are the playwright and his wife whose marriage is threatened
by the eccentric and overbearing attentions of the
charming Matt Saxon. Claude Binyon directed.
Robert Montgomery, Susan Hayword, John Payne, Audrey
Totter, Henry Morgan, Harry Von Zell, Cora Williams.
F
Sealed Verdict F
Walk a Crooked Mile F
Desperadoes of Dodge City F ""'"" Sofia
F
Columbia (128) 89 Minutes Rel. Sept. '48
Hotter than a G-man's pistol, particularly in view of current
spy-scare headlines blazing around the nation, is Producer
Edward Small's fast-paced, thrill-packed story of how
government agents trailed and trapped traitors within one
of Uncle Sam's top-secret atomic projects. It's fictional, but
handled in crisp semidocumentary style, and undoubtedly is
headed for smash grosses wherever film patrons relish their
entertainment without the detracting addition of phony romance
and unbelievable melodramatics. An intriguing plot
twist has Scotland Yard, in the person of Louis Hayward,
pitching in to cooperate with the FBL as represented by
Dennis O'Keefe, to uncover evidence whereby agents of an
undesignated "foreign power" are out to steal new developments
in the field of nuclear fission and atomic energy. In
all respects the finished product looks like a resoundingly
profitable hit. Gordon Douglas directed.
Louis Hayword, Dennis O'Keefe, Louise AUbrition, Carl
Esmond, Onslow Stevens, Raymond Burr, Art Baker.
Republic (757) 60 Minutes Rel. Sept. 15. '48
If Allan "Rocky" Lane with his brand of square-jawed,
two-fisted, hard-ridin' heroics isn't already a topflight favorite
among those patrons who place sagebrush fare on
their "must" list, this one is a cinch to install him as such.
Into the standard western formula has been interlarded a
whodunit plot permitting the injection of considerably more
dramatic suspense than is common to boots-and-saddles
sagas, but never at any time is the mystery element allowed
to stand in the way of an abundant array of chases, gunfights
and fisticuffs. Showmen booking this for their Saturday
matinee trade had best be prepared for an overhaul job
on the theatre seats—because when "Rocky" and his faithful
stallion Black Jack hit the trail the kids will be ridin'
right with him. ScenBry and supporting cast are tops.
Directed by Philip Ford.
Allan "Rocky" Lane, Eddy Waller, Mildred Coles, Roy Barcroft,
Tristram Coiiin, William Phipps, James Croven.
Night Wind
20th-Fox (843)
68 Minutes
Mystery
Drama
Rel. Oct., '48
Slanted for the lower half of a double bill, this story of a
boy and his dog has added drama of espionage activities
which the djg hero avenges. It will hold the audience interest
from ssvsral angles, for the dog is well trained and the
boy, Gary G'-ay, seems natural and typically boyish, with
a reassuring family life background. That the plot is based
on a foimer war dog which, though retrained for civilian living,
turns killer again, may date it, as that theme has already
been oveiv/orked. However, this time, although the
dog is guilty, it is because he has obeyed instincts to kill
men whom he knew to be enemies since they wounded him
during the war and killed his former master. Flame's resemblance
to the dog in Columbia's Rusty series is unfortunate.
No star value, ijor outstanding in any way, but not
a walkout picture. James Tinling directed.
Charles Russell, Virginia Christine, Gary Gray, John Ridgely.
James Burke, Konstantin Shoyne, William Stelling.
irt w)
BOYOFFinF Seotember 11. 1948
Paramount (4804) 83 Minutes Rel. Nov. 5. '48
Considering the topical and provocative nature of the subject
matter—the Nazi war criminal trials which have been
one of the aftermaths of the recent conflict—this generates
only a faint spark of the kind of suspense, excitement and
genuine emotion that could and should have been incorporated
therein. It's a peculiarly muddled and over-dialogued
attempt to establish that only by amending international
law can future world peace be assured. This
entirely laudable motive is pretty well obscured, however,
and despite a battery of excellent performances and some
authentic European backgrounds the picture emerges as
rather static fare. The marquee lure of Ray Milland, who
portrays an American lawyer conducting one of the trials,
and the American debut of a talented European actress,
Florence Marly, are among the feature's strongest assets.
Directed by Lewis Allen.
Ray Millond, Florence Morly, Broderick Crawiord, John Hoyt,
John Ridgely, Ludwig Donoth, Norbert Schiller.
Drama
(Cinuolor)
Film Classics 83 Minutes ReL July '48
An exciting and colorful cloak-and-dagger melodrama laid
in the Balkans which substitutes Russians for the now outmoded
Nazi villains. A good cast, headed by Gene Raymond,
and the lavish settings and outdoor locations, photographed
in Cinecolor at the Churubusco Studios in Mexico,
make this the most important Film Classics production to
date. It should do good business, especially in the action
and neighborhood houses. The formula espionage plot
jumps from Istanbul to Sofia by way of Athens with a flashback
to the Swiss Alps, but Director John Reinhardt keeps
the action moving at a fast pace. The suspenseful climax
sees the scientist-heroine rescued from torture by Russians
anxious to obtain her atom bomb research information. Raymond
gives a matured, two-fisted portrayal of the American
hero. Patricia Morison, as a Romanian temptress, sings several
songs effectively.
Gene Raymond, Patricia Morison, Mischo Auer, Sigrid Gurie,
John Wengroi, George Baxter, Luz Alba, Fernando Wogner.
Olympic Cavalcade
F
°''"'"""'"'
United Artists (586) 57 Minutes Rel. Aug. 14, '48
This is an edited reissue of the Westport International
film of the 1936 Olympic games at Berlin in which 51 nations
participated, and is good for a supporting spot on almost
any program. Many of the Olympic heroes of yesteryear
are shown in action, with Jesse Owens, winner of four events,
and Glenn Morris, winner of the decathlon, featured. The
cameras did an excellent job in recording a majority of the
events, including the marathon, bicycle racing, horsemanship,
swimming and diving, gymnastics and track and field
events. To one who has a love for sports in his blood it is
impressive. Especially striking from a pictorial angle is the
grace of the gymnasts and high divers. Close-ups of Glenn
Morris dramatically illustrate the terrific tension under which
he competed. Side shots of the spectators are also impressive.
Bill Stern handles the narration.

. . . Who
. . .
America
. . Who
. . The
. . You'll
. . The
. . The
. . But
. . Are
. . Who
. . Goofy,
. . Fast-Punching
EXPLOITIPS Suggestioas for Selling; Adliaes for Newspapor aad Prograt
SELLING ANGLES:
"The Saxon Charm"
The novel upon which the picture is based was a bestseller
of not many months ago. Arrange for book store and
library tieups on this book and also on Frederic Wakeman's
famous satire of the advertising business, "The Hucksters."
Distribute book-mark throwaways in both rental and public
libraries with the picture's playdotes at your theatre prominently
displayed. Use the' title for merchandise tieups with
women's apparel stores, beauty salons, and with men's
wear shops.
CATCHLINES:
The Engrossing, Human Story ... Of a Man Who Played
With People's Emotions . . . But Was Made to Suffer . . .
You Won't Soon Forget . . . The Problem That Faced One
Woman . Was Too Much in Love ... To Give Up
Her Man ... To Another Man's Ego . . . You'll Call It Daring,
Different.
Behind the Scenes ... In the Most Glamorous Profession
in the World . Gripping Tale of a Broadway Producer
Wanted to Own Men's Souls . Was Tormented
With a Past . . . That Conquered Him.
SELLING ANGLES:
"Sealed Verdict"
Stir up an editorial or radio debate on the question of
whether the policy of giving suspected Nazi war criminals
a fair and impartial trial is well-advised. The picture's legal
aspects suggest you hold a special showing for local attorneys.
It was adapted from a novel by the same title by
Lionel Shapiro, war correspondent. Secure bookstore and
library tieups on the tome and arrange for special displays
of books which are similar in theme.
CATCHLINES:
On the Screen for the First Time . . . With All Its Stunning
Impact . True, Terrific Story of the Incredible Criminals
Whose Dreams of Glory . . . Wrecked an Entire Continent
. Find Every Moment a Thrill . . . And Every
Thrill a Moment of Danger.
Here's the True, Unvarnished Picture of War's Aftermath
... Of Killers Caught in the Web of Justice ... Of Honest
Men Who Find You Have to Break the Rules ... To Preserve
the Peace so Bitterly Won.
SELLING ANGLES:
"Sofia"
Play up Gene Raymond, now making a comeback after
several years' absence from the screen, and Patricia Morison
and Sigrid Gurie, the dark-eyed beauties who are rivals
for his affections. Mischa Auer also has some name value.
Make a tieup with a local art or novelty shop for window
displays of costume jewelry and ornaments from the Balkans.
Dress your usher or doorman in typical Balkan costume with
a long beard, etc.
CATCHLINES:
Sofia—Colorful and Mysterious Center of the World's Intrigue
. . . Two Beautiful Women Involved in a Desperate
Game for Possession of a Vital Secret ... A Game of Life and
Death in Istanbul, Sofia and Athens.
The Fascinating Story Behind the Russian Attempt to Gain
Possession of the Atom Bomb . City Where Every
Shadow Hides an Enemy . . . Scientists Battle Spies to Guard
the World's Greatest Secret . . . Intrigue, Excitement and Romance.
SELLING ANGLES:
"Olympic Cavalcade"
Sports fans never tire of seeing the world's top athletes
in action, and a special can be made to them through the
use of lobby sports displays. "Olympic contests" could be
promoted among local boys and the winners given passes
to the show. Jesse Owens' remarkable feat in winning four
events is worthy of special mention in these
Negroes are making their mark in many sports.
days when
own
rural
SELLING ANGLES:
"My Dear Secretary"
It's sophisticated entertainment staged in settings as modern
as tomorrow. Some of the stills might be useful in arranging
window displays for furniture stores and also gown
shops. In the advertising play the laugh angles and the
names, with a suggestion that there might be something
ii risque about a secretary who does her work in the boss's
apartment.
CATCHLINES:
She Had Ambitions to Become a Writer; He Was a Writer
With Ideas . . . It's Eyebrow-Raising, It's Hair-Raising in a
Mirthful Way . Loved Who and How Did They Get
That Way? . Wacky, Wisecracky . . . When an
Author Wants to Dictate a Novel and His Secretary Wants
to Write One, Something Happens—Guess What! . . . She
Learned About Authors from Him.
SELLING ANGLES:
"Walk a Crooked Mile"
Atom bomb spy scares have been in and out of newspaper
headlines for months. Blow up tearsheets of some
of them for use in lobby easels. Stage a special preview
for members of local law enforcement agencies, using their
comments in your publicity and advertising campaign. Stuff
special heralds in detective magazines. Stress that this is
another entry form the producer-star combination (Edward
Small qnd Dennis O'Keefe) which made "T-Men" and "Raw
Deal." Distribute "Junior FBI" and "Junior Scotland Yard"
badges to the juvenile patrons.
CATCHLINES:
Raw, Savage Fury Dynamites the Screen . . . Stark,
Thrilling Drama Ripped From the Nation's Headlines ... As
the FBI Teams Up With Scotland Yard ... To Avenge the
Spy Ring Murder of a G-Man.
True-to-Life . . . On-the-Spot . . . Heart-in-Mouth Realism
... As Foreign Agents Stealing America's Top Atomic
Secrets . Tracked Down Relentlessly . . . With Bare-
Fisted, Hord-Hitting Action.
SELLING ANGLES:
"Desperadoes of Dodge City"
Allan "Rocky" Lane's name on the marquee should be
enough to draw in the tried-and-true western fans. Hold
a junior rodeo for kids at Saturday matinee performances
and start an "Allan_ 'Rocky' Lane Junior Rangers" club for
the juveniles if you have not already done so. Swear in all
the members as "deputy marshalls" and pass out inexpensive
tin stars for membership identification. Erect a giant
map of the west in the lobby with Dodge City as the bull'seye.
Give each "junior ranger" a chance to throw darts at
the target for free candy bars.
.
CATCHLINES:
Here's Fast-Riding . . .
Thrill-a-Minute,
Fast-Shooting
Chill-a-
Entertainment . . . Loaded With
Minute Action . . . Stampeding the Screen With Thrills . . .
The West's Most Fearless Hero ... In a Blaze of Glory . . .
As He Battles the West's Most Dangerous Desperadoes.
The Kind of Sagebrush . . . With
Saga You Love to See
Allan "Rocky" Lane Back
. . Your Western Favorite . . . .
in an Action-Packed Epic ... Of Bursting Guns . . . Hoofs
Pound Out New Thrills ... In Lawless Dodge City.
SELLING ANGLES:
"Night Wind"
Since the title gives no clue to the dog angle of the picture,
stress that in your advertising. If anyone in your locality
belonging to veterans' organizations has had experience
with dogs used in the late war, try to get a story about
this for local papers. Run a contest for the best story where
a dog showed better judgment than humans about people
or events.
CATCHLINES:
A Thrilling Sports Picture of the Days When Jesse Owens
Dominated the Olympics ... A Deathless Picture of the
World's Best Athletes in Olympic Action ... All the Excitement
and the Glory of Olympic Competition Superbly Photographed
... A Remarkable Film Chronicle of the Days When
American Athletes Won the Olympics Under Hitler's Nose
Winsl Great Pictures of Our Olympic Triumph
at
Berlin
/gro,
^ thr
bu
CATCHLINES:
The Moan of the Night Wind, the Howl of a Dog . . . Drama
Fills the Night With Terror—for Spies in an Old War Dog's
Vicinity . . . Death Rides the Night Wind and Springs From
the Darkness.
Ominous Prelude to Death, the Menace Stalking in the
Night . . . ABoy's Love for His Dog and His Faith in Its Integrity
... A Dog's Memory of the Smell of an Old Trench Coat,
and What Happened During the War.
1;
1

((rim
,
lamps,
ition
I
e
: Willi
. 602
i
permanent
, Sepiin,
S|rES: lOc per word, minimum Sl.OO, cash with copy. Four insertions lor price oi three.
CJJSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers to
Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE. 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo. •
lENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED
t New York yguii and see S.U.S. Your 22
piiltuii.igi; bdili our Uuildiiit;. Tjpical values
'te ^^Diiim sound iiiid picture eiiulpoient;
icVrj tbl'' 2,UU0 ft. uitli iUilpUfler. speaker,
llulmes, $liU5: DeViy .\liC \illli low In-
Jl.auo; «lili IkW arts, $2,495:
out lieiids, some ^oud Sinipk-x $GU.5U up;
•IS reeliiieis .md uener;ilurs at a sacrifice.
jou «.inl. S.U.S. Cinema Supply
i;(l2 W. 52nd St.. New York I'J.
uible speed pulley for your fans, air der^,
bluuers, air washers. .New and used.
ioliernair. 1'. 0. Box 838. .Ulanla. Ga.
have lor sale: One Durch popcorn maclilne,
?ual in-car speakers with junction box and
ormer, $19.95: new driveway entrance and
signs, illiiminaled, $18.75; Burial cable,
ft.: special four conductor neoprene cable,
.: Super snaplite fl.9 lenses Increase light
in. from $150: 40 weatherproof reflex
cnmplrte, $39.75. S.O S. Cinema Supply
W. 52nd St., New York 19.
a*car speakers. No. 7600, waterproof, cast
niim cases. $16.75 per set. DaWo Co., 145
He St.. Toledo, Ohio.
HELP WANTED
perienced booker for th L.it....c3
. Live wire can — * uH free give-
$150 to $250 weekly.
flee, A-3113.
nted: Projectionists, at once, that know booth
ion,_ located in Norfolk and Portsmouth, Vir-
W'ire, airmail special delivery qiiallficapected,
c/o Bnxoffice, A-3149.
i.iil ...,,,^.,^..v^.^
nted manaoer for town. « Experienced
lerating and maintenance. Good pay" for
Apply
immrdi.iteiy.
Tex.
11. A. Daniels,
nted, .Tssistant manauer and relief projec-
Ideal working conditions, good salary.
eastern tO'n. Please give complete infortajn
incliidin2 experience and references in ap-
Rnxoffioe.
A-3I,51,
POSITIONS WANTED
w.inted managing theatre or chain.
W f7, 30 years experience, .lust sold my own
V e after fifteen .vears successful operation,
ift California or Colorado. Address Boxoffice,
;l lajcr. Thorough knowled'ie booking, exlion,
advertising. Seeks position with growrganization
in New ,lersey or upstate New
Married and the best of references. Box-
A-3'52.
'ectionist. 45 years old and strictly sober,
connection. Tel! all. L J
»". 908 Court St., Portsmouth, Va.
lager, a'-e 36, married, experienced all phases
operation. Skilled projectionist, finest ref-
" a. Salary commensurate with proven ability,
"tt Boxoffice. A-310.3.
H OFFICE :: September 11, 1948
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW
Poster Cases. Siainlciis steel or ei:truded aluminum
poster cases, lliuminaled or nun-liluuilnjled.
Available In all sizes. Prompt delivery. I'oblocki
and Suns, 2159 Souib Kinnickliinlc Ave., Milwaukee
7, Wis.
In-a-Car speakers. No. 7000, waterproof, cast
aluminum casts. $iU.75 per set. UaWo Co., 145
N. Erie St., Toledo, Ohio.
From studio lot to liiial shot. 2.0U0W Kresntl
studio spots, $57.50: .Mil tjpe 2,UUUW on rolling
stand, $99.50; used Auricun recording outfit,
$495; Keumade 35mm flimracks. 76 in.
high. $39.50; Belliovvell Automatic lC/35 hot
splicer, $795; B&il single system recording and
studio camera Willi rackover, m.igazines, tj fu.-l
Astro lenses, 4 position amplifier, 4 mikes,
power supply, etc. reduced. $3,750: Wtsltrn
Electric preview magazines, $395; Bodde process
screens, $2.40 sq. ft., W.E. 35mm sound moviola,
$795: Jliltlleli Plywood Blimp, $149.50; Ncumade
Automatic film cleaners, $159.50. Send for latest
catalog. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W.
52nd St.. New York 19.
Opportunity! 325 new chalrback slip covers,
rust shade. Also brand new Howe candy machine.
Lena Sliliwell, 107 Woodrow St., Bedford, Ollio.
Plilllips safety carbon savers. Ask your theatre
supply dealer, or write Phillips, Box 783, Charleston
23. W, Va.
Three Webster model 80 wire recorders. Ideal
for office, home or sales use. Four portable landing
lights (war surplus), complete with tripod
and carrying cases. E.xcellenl for parking lot flood
lights. One Victor IGmm projector and screen.
Write Hank Adams, c/o Hygienic Productions, Inc.,
Wilmington, Ohio.
THEATRES WANTED
Sell your theatre privately. Confidential correspondence
invited. Leak Theatre Sales. 3422
Kinmore, Dallas. 1109 Orchard Lane, Des
Moines,
Iowa.
Is your theatre for sate? Our cash buyers are
waiting. We get quick results. Will give you a
prompt estimate of your present theatre value.
Write us today. "Joe" Joseph, 3409 Sunset Ave.
Phone Yale 2-7650, Dallas. Texas.
Is your theatre for sale? I have buyers with
cash for established theatres. Claude Crockett,
1505 First National Bank Bldg., Dallas, Tel.
Telephone R-9230.
Responsible exliibitor wishes to lease with purchase
option, small town theatre located New
Mexico or Arizona. Boxoffice. A-3138.
brick building in excellent condition, 350 upholstered
scats, completely carpeted, lounges. Simplex,
Western EHectric mirroplionic. Peerless
magna arc. All latest equipment. $70,000 for
Motion picture llieatre wanted in metropolitan
everything. Exclusive with Claude Crockett, 1505
area of New York City. Preferably within 45 to
First National Bank Bldg.. Dallas. R-9230.
60 minutes of Times Square. All replies giving
details every of
and complete about phase
central Texas
Theatre, 337 all upholstered seals,
full
Town 1,500. Simplex. Strong Hi, RCA sound, rent
operation are guaranteed prompt answer. Write
Bo.xoffice. A-3140.
$35. $350 gross per owner. $15,500. $10,500
down. Claude Crockett, 1505 First National Bank
Bldg.. l!-923a
Lease Texas or Oklahoma small town theatre.
In Cash advance. E.xperienced showman. Boxoffice.
Theatre. Oklahoma county seats 8,000. $80,000,
A-3141.
See photo in other section of this issue. (South-
Wanted by experienced operator active Interest
in motion picture theatre metropolitan area New
Y'ork aiv. Write complete details. Box 211,
Greenville. Ohio
Experienced showman desires llieatre in Florida
or California. Will buy or le;ise. State price,
run, competition, etc. Boxoffice, .\-3155.
to invest in theatre any-
THEATRE TICKETS
Prompt service. Special printed roll tickets,
100,000, $21.70: 10,000, $5.95: 2,000, $9.95
Each change In admission price, including change
in color. $2.75 extra. Double numbering ext
Shipping charges paid to 500 miles. Cash with
9, order. Kansas Citv Ticket Co.. Dept. 1819
Central. Kansas City, Mo.
MISCELLANEOUS
Splendid opportunity to acquire franrhise In
established State Right Field In southern exchange
center. Possibilities unlimited for fi'n
man with sales ability. With sufficient capit.il
terms ran he arranned. Negotiations confidentlil
Itenlv Roynffice. A-S0.52.
For the.Ttre staffs, drive-ins. clubs, etc.. nanand
emb'em design on popular useful "T" shirt;
$11 per dozen. State sizes and color. Remit check
nr specify COD. Sportswear of America, Box
5fi6B, So. Fallsbiirg, N. Y.
THEATRES FOR SALE
Toledo, Ohio, neighbnrhond theatre: 600 cushioned
seats recently installed. Western Electric
sound, new booth equipment. No good for chain
or absentee operation, but excellent opportunity
for energetic couple or partners. Boxoffice, .\-3150,
THEATRES FOR SALE (Cont'd)
Theatres lor sale. Texas and toulhwesl. Licensed
biuki.T Willi lung llitulre batligruuiid. Claude
Uiutktll, 1605 I'lrsl Nallullal Bank Bld^., Dallal,
lex. Ititphune 11-9230^
Near Tulsa, btuutllul, 330-seal, excellent equipment,
$29,000 handles. Eaal Ukiuliumu, tliteelown
circuit, proptrlies included, u b.irgaln at
$33,000. Texas l'anliand;c, Simplex e-7's, IIIinlensily,
good building, $27,500, Soulliea.sl
Oklahoma., new Ceniury, Peerless and Ballanlyne
building, with $8,500. West Oklahoma, 275 cushion
seats. Simplex with Brenkert lli-lnlenslly
$1(!.000. .Many otliers. Savereides, 701 Lconhardt
Bldg.. Oklahoma City. Okla.
Soutlmest Oklahoma. Population 1,300; 350
lis, luu ieallitr tushiuiis. Simplex machuies,
building 25x142, nice apptarante. CoUuo and
for wheal. All $23,000. Bo.\uflice, A-3136.
Central Ohio, 1,10U populaiiun town. Lease and
equipment for sale. Good lamiiy opponunily.
Coiilacl Boxoffice. A-3137^
Beautiful Lake town Northeast Oklahoma. Inciiidts
tlitaire building, new cottage. Illness.
$6,000 duan. Leak, 3422 Kinmort, Dallas, 'iex.
West Texas, popui.ttiun 2,600. Subslanliat
building included. Only theatre large area. $20,-
000 du.in. Leak, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas.
Sixteen exclusive midwest listings. Selected
from 36
erences—anyone
offered us.
we
From $8,000
have served.
up.
Arthur
Our ref-
Leak,
1109 Orchardlane, Des Moines, Iowa. 4-9087.
Colored theatre. East Oklahoma town. Estimated
tolored population over 4.000, competition
nil. Good Simplex equipment, siiuwing prolit.
Savereide, 701 Leonhardt Bldg., Oklahoma City,
Okla.
800 seat modern, line suburban house in
Houston, the fastest growing city in the nation.
Net earnings $17 to $20 thousand. Can be increased.
business Equipment and $57,000. Rem
$750 monthly. Extras will pay all rent. Strictly
confidential. Bo.xofficc, A-3146.
Ineaues tor sale. Seieciea Usimgs In Oregon
and Washington now avaUable. Write for list.
Theatre Exchange Co., Fine Arts Bldg., Portland,
Ore
For Sale; Theatre, complete with new brick
bui.ding: 400 seats: only theatre in fast growing
oil town southern Arkansas. Require $25,000 cash,
balance of $20,000 over five years. Reply to Post
Office. Box 1191. Texarkana, Tex^
Two theatres. Texas town 2,000 population,
first time offered. One has 50x140 biick and
sieel building, old. two years 596 upholstered
seals. Simplex projectors. Strong Hi lamps, everything
strictly up-to-date. The other has 25x140
west and Central edition only.) Exclusive with
Claude Crockett, 1505 First National Bank Bldg
D.aiias. R-9230.
For Sale; Upper Michigan theatre in small
town. Seats 240, population 1,500. Block building
32x100. Sandwich shop and soda fountain in
connection with theatre, also light housekeeping
rooms. Write Charles Laurlch. Trenary. Mich,
Central .Mississippi. Two theatres in excellent
town of 3.000 population, plus Junior College,
enrollment 1.700. Town has two knitting mills,
large lumber industry and is located near oil
fields. Because of health, owner will sell at ;
bargain. All equipment good and practically new
Price $42,500, not including real est.ite. Long
leases. Southeast Missouri, two theatres in towns
of 1,700 and 2,500 with no competition. Re.il
money makers, cannot be sold separately. Owner
will sell complete with biii'dings or sell equipment
and give ten-year leases on buildings. Gus
J. Hiase, Theatre Brokers, 409 McCall Bldg.,
Memniiis, Tenn.
Two theatres in northeast Mississippi, no competition,
nice buildings, good equipment, price
$25,000 and $30,000. Will show excellent return.
Good money from a small investment. We
in hive three theatres Tennessee, Arkansas and
Mi-sissippl which cm be sold under $10,000. part
cash and terms on balance. Gus J. Haase. Theatre
Brnkers. 409 McCall Bldg.. Memnhls. Tenn.
Both modern theatres central Texas college
town 3 ono Second owner in 33 years. Theatres
liiige dominate area. Verv siihstantial provable
profits and potential. Beautiful town really
booming. Large payroll, housing project now buildins.
Private sale. $56 500. Some terms. Arthur
Leak. 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, T3-2026
Near Fort Worth, Newly rebuilt thriving theatre,
good town 1.700. Dea'h of owner. Substantial
steady profit. $25,500, 513,000 down,
including b'lildinc. Leak, 3422 Kinmore. n.nl'as.
Fiil'v Equinped Theatre — Good Condition —
$5 500 no. See Thom.as Fortino. 3161 West
St., Federal Yoiingstown, Ohio. Phone: 69327
CLfflRinG HOUSf
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Excellent inicslmeni, $25,000 advance for Uieyear
cuiicea-